The suspected assassin arrived in St. Louis on a Greyhound bus from Oklahoma with a job to do.

Earlier that week, prosecutors say, he'd received a package containing $2,500 from Cornelius Green, the principal at Carr Lane Visual and Performing Arts School just outside downtown St. Louis.

Within hours of Phillip J. Cutler's arrival in St. Louis, prosecutors allege, Green boarded an Amtrak for "an unexpected trip" to Chicago while Cutler remained in Missouri to finish the gruesome job he'd been paid for: Killing Jocelyn Peters, a third-grade teacher who was seven months pregnant with Green's baby girl.

Two days later, Peters was found dead in her home, police said.

Over the next few months, Green's plan was exposed, prosecutors say.

In May, Cutler was arrested in Muskogee, Okla., and charged and indicted on two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action and one count of first-degree burglary, according to charging documents.

His bond was set at $1 million - cash only.

Green, who is facing the same charges, had his cash-only bail set at $3 million.

Green had worked for St. Louis Public Schools since 2002 and became principal of Carr Lane in 2013. Before that, he was principal of Fanning Middle School, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

A district spokesman confirmed that Green was a principal until the end of the 2015-2016 school year; he was reassigned to an information technology job in the district's central office over the summer. The district has since severed ties with him.

"It's a police matter now and he's not a current employee, therefore there's no statement from the district," the spokesman said.

Prosecutors say the 35-year-old middle school principal picked up Cutler, a lifelong friend, from the bus station late in the evening on March 21 and that the two men drove together past an apartment belonging to Green's girlfriend.

The apartment was out of the way, prosecutors say, and not along any route between the bus station and Cutler's accommodations while he was in town.

The next morning, prosecutors say, Green boarded an Amtrak train to Chicago, leaving his car and his keys - including one to Peters's building and apartment - with Cutler.

The two men spoke by phone and communicated via text while Green was out of town, according to the documents.

Those documents don't provide details about what happened over the next two days, but they state that 30-year-old Peters and her unborn child were found dead in her apartment March 24. The mother and child - who were discovered by Green - had been killed by a single gunshot wound, prosecutors say.

Police told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Green found Peters in her bed.

Only two sets of keys existed for the apartment door, the documents add, one in Peters's possession and the other in her boyfriend's possession.

The documents state that video surveillance captured Green's car on his girlfriend's street at approximately 3 a.m. March 24 - "within the range of time of death of the victims."

"Historical Precision Location Information obtained from Cutler's cell phone provider shows that his phone was near the victim's apartment at that time," the documents say.

After Peters's body was discovered, Green left her apartment with police and went to police headquarters, where he asked investigators if he could call his daughter while he was alone in an interview room, the charging documents state.

Instead of calling his daughter, though, Green called his estranged wife and asked her to meet Cutler at a gas station and give him a pair of spare keys to Green's car, which was parked at Peters's apartment, the documents state.

Green wanted Cutler to move his car from the apartment, according to the documents, but the plan was foiled by police and Cutler was brought to police headquarters.

The onetime educator has also been charged with three felony counts of receiving stolen property.

Those charges stem from an incident in which Green stole $2,700 from a student dance group that was being raised for a spring break trip while he was working as a principal.

"He was additionally discovered to have disposed of over $500.00 worth of currency belonging to the school district in several unauthorized transactions," the documents state.

According to the Post-Dispatch, "the theft occurred about three weeks before Peters's death. Authorities were investigating a possible link between the killing of Peters and the thefts."

Green and Peters had a baby registry requesting accessories such as "bibs, butterfly dresses and pink booties," the Post-Dispatch reported.

Family members told the newspaper that Peters had been volunteering since she was 12 and was a high school honors student before attending the University of Missouri. Peters had spent the past five years working as a teacher for St. Louis Public Schools - a job to which she was fully devoted, relatives said.

Lacey Peters, the victim's mother, told the Post-Dispatch that her daughter loved working with children and spent her time outside of work with family. Her daughter liked reading and board games and was a regular at church, she said, noting that she wasn't the type to go to clubs.

"She was a very great schoolteacher," Lacey Peters said. "She was real nice, happy-go-lucky, a big believer in education."

"I'm numb," she added.

Maryanne Dersch, the mother of a student, told the Post-Dispatch that Peters had a special talent for teaching and had spent the past two years tutoring her learning-disabled son.

She called Peters a "wonderful influence on his life."

"She was just so beautiful," Dersch said. "Not just beautiful-looking, but like, this beautiful person. She just had a very decent soul. It's just really tragic, and she was so young."
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Worldwide, as thousands of migrants flee war, violent crime or poverty in their homeland, they increasingly find a hostile reception at their neighbor's door.

In the United States, presidential candidate Donald Trump has made anti-immigrant sentiment a central tenet of his campaign by repeatedly promising to build a wall along the nation's southern border and to make Mexico pay for it.

Construction of border walls has risen dramatically since Sept. 1, 2011, bringing to 63 the number of places where two countries are separated by barriers, according to The Washington Post. More were started last year than at any other time since the end of World War II in 1945, the Post reported.

These 63 fortified borders are scattered across four continents, from the border between the United States and Mexico to the one between Thailand and Malaysia.

In its tally, the Post included "nonmobile barriers designed to seal a border."

READ MORE: UN to help stem flow of migrants over Texas border

Some fit the traditional image of a wall -- tall and solid -- while others diverge from that pattern, perhaps in the interest of economy and construction simplicity. One section of the U.S.-Mexico border in California looks as easy to breach as a bicycle rack.

In Europe the trend grew last year with more than 1 million migrants fleeing countries such as Iraq and Syria. While early arrivals encountered minimal hostility, growing numbers provoked a fear response, the Post reported. Hungary began building a fence in 2015, and other nations followed suit.

Israel, in its continuing conflict with the Palestinians, is close to being completely fenced in, according to the Post.

READ MORE: The latest U.S. immigration wave is (probably) over

Click through the gallery to see what border walls look like around the world.
When "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" first premiered on television on October 27, 1966, half of the United States TV audiences watched. Almost five decades later, in 2015, its viewership is by no means, well, peanuts, with six million still tuning in annually to watch Snoopy and the gang trick or treat.

The special television event, as fans of the classic comic know, features Linus as he sits (and eventually dozes off) in a pumpkin patch waiting and hoping for the appearance of the mythical Great Pumpkin. His friends, costumed and impatient, only poke fun at him for his naivete. Just Sally Brown remains beside him, but even her interest is short-lived. "Just think," Linus says to a doubtful Sally, "when the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch, we'll be here to see him!"

For the special's creators, the show's massive success was humbling. "It blew our minds," Lee Mendelson, the show's producer and longtime Charles Schulz collaborator, tells SFGATE. "We had no idea that was going to happen."

And yet, those behind "The Great Pumpkin" believe the show to be one of their best ever, on par with the famed Peanuts holiday special, 1965's "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

"[Animator] Bill Melendez did very beautiful watercolors emphasizing the fall season," says Mendelson. "The fact that he had Snoopy finally climbing the doghouse as an airplane, the jokes about dropping rocks in poor Charlie Brown's trick-or-treat bag, and Vince Guaraldi's music of course  I think all those are why 'The Great Pumpkin' gets the same high rating as the Christmas show every year."

Jean Schulz, wife to the late Charles Schulz, would say that the success of "The Great Pumpkin" is largely due to the continuity between the classic comic strip illustrations by her husband  whom she calls Sparky  and animator Melendez's depictions of the beloved characters.

"The pictures are fun to look at, even when they're moving across the screen," she says. "They're appealing, they're funny. [It's that] it's a simple story, but it's also the beauty of the actual drawings."

"There is a beauty in what people saw when they saw it on TV," adds Karen Johnson, Director for the Charles M. Schulz Museum in the cartoonist's longtime home of Santa Rosa. "The colors  the bright green, and the orange and black and the yellows  they draw you in."

But for millions of children who watch the program every year, it comes down to more than the pretty pictures; it's also about the timeless storyline, anchored by one simple, age-defying concept: hope. Young Linus' firm belief in the existence and impending appearance of the elusive Great Pumpkin helps him dismiss the doubts of his friends and firmly grasp onto his beliefs. He develops a steadfast, unwavering faithfulness to which people continue to relate, even on the program's 50th anniversary.

"People hold on to that value," Johnson says. "From a philosophical and emotional point of view, people attach to that and the whole sweetness of it. That's about the friendship and the loyalty to each other, and believing in something bigger than yourself. Those are the universal appeals of it."

However, "The Great Pumpkin" was never purposefully intended to deliver such a message  at least, not at the start. The ratings-busting success of the 1965 Christmas special did such high numbers for CBS that for the next year, the network wanted another, as they put it, "block buster."

"It was funny because they didn't know they were writing a 'block buster,'" says Jean Schulz. "But it turned out to be wonderful. That's partly Sparky's attitude: you just keep doing it."

And that dynamic between Schulz, Mendelson and Melendez (and to some extent, composer Vince Guaraldi, who created the special's music) proved both fruitful and, luckily for all involved, fun.

"We had complete freedom from the networks, which is unusual, obviously, to create whatever we wanted," remembers Mendelson. "It was really three friends getting together for 40 years...it was a 40-year friendship that was creative as well. Everybody respected each other's turf."

For "The Great Pumpkin," Mendelson and Jean Schulz both remember that Charles Schulz was at the time amused by the idea that a little boy might mix up the three closely occurring fall and winter holidays  Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas  and that he might earnestly (but humorously) confuse the festive traditions of each. As Jean Schulz says, it started with "Sparky with his kid thinking going on," but evolved into a universally impactful rumination on the nature of hope that continues to resonate with audiences.

"He always felt badly at Christmastime how a lot of little kids don't get anything or are expecting or hoping for more, and he was kind of showing that you don't always get what you want or you dream about, but you endure," says Mendelson. "You keep going and you don't give up, which is the point of Linus saying, 'He'll be here next year.'"

And every year with every replaying, Linus again seeks the Great Pumpkin.

"What I've always interpreted is that Linus' belief drove him and it didn't matter whether other people believed it or whether it was true," Jean Schulz says. "If you don't get what you want, it's alright because you still have faith in whatever is driving this silly world."

Perhaps most importantly to its enduring legacy, "The Great Pumpkin" appeals to the sense of youthfulness in everyone. Johnson, who mentions that the museum's pins of Charlie Brown's famed "I got a rock" line are always popular with guests, says that the special's longevity and cultural impact is the essence of its relatability.

"It's fun, it's innocent and it's silly. Visually, everyone can see their own childhood Halloween in it."

The Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California, will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" with a special limited exhibit, on view now through late November.

Alyssa Pereira is a staff writer for SFGATE. Follow her here on Twitter.
A 39-year-old British conspiracy theorist and UFO phenomenologist who was found dead in Warsaw in June sent his mother a text days before his death telling her, "If anything happens to me, investigate."

Max Spiers, who was in excellent health according to his family, was discovered dead on a couch by a woman he was staying with ahead of a conference he was due to speak at in Poland. Polish authorities attributed the death to natural causes, but no post-mortem was performed at the time.

"I think Max had been digging in some dark places and I fear that somebody wanted him dead," his mother, Vanessa Bates, told the Telegraph.

Scott C. Waring of UFO Sightings Daily told the Metro, "This is really strange. It does seem that UFO researchers are now being targeted, probably to slow the rate of information being leaked to the public."

Adds another UFO blogger, Craig Hewlett "If it wasn't true what he talks about then why would they kill him? Healthy people don't just get sick and die, they get poisoned."

But British UFO expert Nick Pope denied there was any any clandestine campaign by the so-called Men in Black or other government agents to eliminate UFO hunters who get to close to "the truth."

"The death of Max Spiers was a tragedy, but having run the UK government's UFO project I promise we don't go around killing UFO researchers," he said via Twitter.

Bates said her son had made a name for himself among investigators of UFO sightings and alleged cover-ups. She vowed to get to the bottom of her son's death.

After Spiers' body was returned to England, an autopsy was carried out by a pathologist in east Kent, according to the Metro, but Bates said the results will not be known for several months.

The North East Kent coroner's office confirmed the death was at the "very early" stages of investigation.

Spiers, the father of two boys, was buried in a Canterbury cemetery.

Among his beliefs, compiled by the Mirror, include these:

Zionists and Nazis: "I believe because they have the same agenda  they both want to put into place the New World Order."

Extraterrestrials: "We are receiving all kinds of help from masters, ETs and extra dimensional type angelic beings, and learning very quickly to go inward."

Information downloads via sex: "A lot of women were being used to be set up with very important politicians or entertainers - people in high positions - and sleep with them. They would seduce these people in high positions. And when they sleep with them this information would be downloaded through the act of sex, and it would go back to whoever is controlling them."
Jeju Island marked a major milestone on Wednesday as the number of Chinese tourists visiting the southern resort isle crossed 1 million mark.

Jeju officials on Tuesday said that the number of all visitors to the island this year would reach 1.52 million on Wednesday, of which more than 1 million are Chinese.

By Monday, 996,457 Chinese had visited Jeju this year, up 100 percent over the same period last year. Between 3,000 and 4,000 foreign tourists arrive on the island on average every day.

The Jeju autonomous government has set up offices in four Chinese cities to promote tours to the island, with marketing efforts focusing especially on landlocked areas where the lure of the surrounding ocean is particularly strong.

Many Chinese now apparently regard Jeju as an affordable alternative to iconic Hawaii or the Maldives Island. In a 2010 survey by China's Global Times, Jeju was among favorite resort islands along with Hawaii and the Maldives, and this year the country's Travel Weekly magazine chose it as the favorite honeymoon destination.

Jeju Governor Woo Keun-min visited China to meet with travel agents there and offer them incentives. Last year, China's Bao Jian Commodity sent its 11,200 top-performing sales agents to Jeju as a reward and plans to do the same next year.

The biggest booster was visa exemptions for Chinese tourists that began in 2008. The island also offers incentives to Chinese travel agents, including W2-3 million (US$1=W1,090) in support per charter flight of 150 passengers plus W20,000 per tourist if an agency attracts groups to conventions or exhibitions.

At present 30 direct flights link Jeju with 26 Chinese cities, including Hubei, Nanning, Fuzhou and Wenzhou. Also, 104,000 Chinese tourists have stopped off at Jeju on cruise ships.
LONDON  Thomas Harding is doing what other descendants of Holocaust victims would find unimaginable: applying for a German passport.

When Britain voted to leave the European Union in June, the 48-year-old author had to make a decision that was never necessary in a borderless Europe  should he request the restoration of German citizenship stripped from his family by the Third Reich? He needed only a few hours to make up his mind.

This is more than the practical. This is also about something for us, or for me. Its about something spiritual, its about reconciliation, he said. Its about acknowledging the truth of the horrors of the past but also about trying to build a better future together, and as a European, thats what I hope to do.

One of the complicated realities of the United Kingdoms pending divorce from the 28-nation EU is that many Britons whose ancestors came from other parts of Europe are claiming citizenship in other member states so they can retain ties to the continent. Inquiries about passports are up at the German, Austrian and Polish embassies in London.

Some people want to retain their ability to travel easily from country to country or maintain business ties. Others just want to be part of Europe.

But for Jews whose families fled Germany to escape Adolf Hitler, the decision means re-examining long-held beliefs about the country that once persecuted them.

The children and grandchildren of Jewish refugees are taking advantage of a law that allows the descendants of people persecuted by the Nazis to regain the citizenship that was removed from them in the 1930s and 1940s. More than 400 Britons have sought information about the law since the June 23 referendum on the EU, and German authorities have received at least 100 formal applications, compared with about 20 annually in recent years.

Michael Newman, chief executive of the Association of Jewish Refugees, said Brexit  the British exit from the EU  has fueled interest in German citizenship but its hard to know how many people will actually apply. Jews are now able to consider such a step because Germany has made huge strides in addressing the past, he said.

There is an acceptance of guilt, and I think that makes it a different proposition, said Newman.

Many of those seeking restoration of their citizenship dont intend to live in Germany  but want the freedom to travel and work in EU nations.
IRBIL, Iraq  Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of military operations to liberate the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State militants on Monday, launching the country on its toughest battle since American troops left nearly five years ago.

State TV aired a brief statement in the early hours Monday announcing the start of the widely anticipated military offensive to drive the extremists out of Iraqs second-largest city. Broadcasts showed the prime minister, dressed in the uniform of the elite counterterrorism forces, speaking while flanked by senior military officers.

These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity, he told the citys residents, using an alternate name for the militant group. God willing, we shall win.

The thuds of sporadic artillery shelling rumbled across the rolling Nineveh plains in the direction of Mosul, witnesses said.

The push to retake Mosul will be the biggest military operation in Iraq since American troops left in 2011 and, if successful, the strongest blow yet to the Islamic State. A statement on Al-Abadis website pledged the fight for the city marked a new phase that would lead to the liberation of all Iraqi territory from the militants this year.

Iraqi forces have been massing around the city in recent days. They include members of the elite special forces, who are expected to lead the charge into the city itself.

Mosul is home to more than a million civilians. The city fell to Islamic State fighters during a lightning charge in June 2014 that left nearly a third of Iraq in militants hands and plunged the country into its most severe crisis since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

After seizing Mosul, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi visited the city to declare an Islamic caliphate that at one point covered nearly a third of Iraq and Syria.

But since late last year, the militants have suffered battlefield losses in Iraq and their power in the country has largely shrunk to Mosul and small towns in the countrys north and west. Mosul is about 225 miles northwest of the capital, Baghdad.

The operation to retake Mosul is expected to be the most complex yet for Iraqs military, which has been rebuilding from its humiliating 2014 defeat.

Iraqi forces began moving into Nineveh province to surround Mosul in July, when ground troops led by the countrys elite special forces retook Qayara air base south of the city. Thousands of Iraqi troops were deployed there ahead of the planned operation along with large numbers of tanks, armored personnel carriers and heavy artillery. The base is ringed by a series of trenches, sand berms and other fortifications.

Iraqi troops were also positioned east of Mosul in the Khazer area, along with Kurdish Peshmerga forces, and to the north of the city near the Mosul Dam and Bashiqa areas.

Before the prime ministers announcement, Brig. Gen Haider Fadhil said in an interview that more than 25,000 troops, including paramilitary forces made up of Sunni tribal fighters and Shiite militias, will take part in the offensive that will be launched from five directions around the city.

In addition to carrying out air strikes, the U.S.-led international coalition will also offer artillery fire, he added. American troops are providing logistical support to the operation.

Brett McGurk, the U.S. envoy to the coalition against Islamic State, said Abadis order called for major operations to free the city.

Godspeed to the heroic Iraqi forces, Kurdish #Peshmerga, and #Ninewa volunteers. We are proud to stand with you in this historic operation, he tweeted.

According to U.N. estimates, up to 1 million people could be displaced from Mosul during the operation, exacerbating the humanitarian situation in the country. The conflict in Iraq has forced 3.3 million people to flee their homes.
BEIRUT  Russian and Syrian forces will halt hostilities for eight hours in the eastern districts of Aleppo, Russias military announced on Monday, a day on which opposition activists said air strikes killed at least 36 people, including several children, in and around the divided city.

The two militaries will observe a humanitarian pause between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday to allow civilians and militants safe passage out of the city, Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi of Russias general staff said in Moscow. Militants, the wounded and sick would be allowed to evacuate to the neighboring rebel-held province of Idlib.

U.N. humanitarian officials have pleaded with combatants to observe weekly 48-hour cease-fires to allow humanitarian relief into the citys besieged eastern districts, but Russian and Syrian forces have only escalated their aerial and ground assault on the rebel-held areas in recent weeks. The air strikes have claimed hundreds of lives, wounded many, flattened apartment buildings and laid waste to the already crippled medical sector.

But Russian and Syrian leaders are now capitalizing on a proposal made by the U.N.s envoy earlier this month to allow al Qaeda-linked militants to leave in exchange for peace and local administration for the eastern districts.

Rebels in the east, along with many residents, spurned the proposition, citing their distrust of the government side. And Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution mandating an immediate cease-fire.

Mondays announcement did not include any promises of an extended cease-fire or local administration. It followed a bloody day of air strikes on rebel-held districts in and around Aleppo.

At least 23 people were killed in air strikes that also wounded dozens in the village of Oweijel, just west of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Another monitoring group, the Local Coordination Committees, said the air raid was carried out by Russian warplanes and put the death toll at 30.

More than a dozen people were also killed in the Marjeh neighborhood in eastern Aleppo. The Aleppo Media Center, an activist collective, said those killed included 11 people with the same family name of Qabs ranging from a month-and-a-half-old baby girl to a 25-year-old man.

The observatory said at least 50 civilians, including 18 children, were killed in air strikes on the eastern part of the city in the 24 hours before the Russian announcement.
NAZEER AL-KHATIB/AFP/Getty Images

BEIRUT  Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces captured the symbolically-significant town of Dabiq from the Islamic State group on Sunday as government forces reversed recent rebel advances in the center of the country.

Though only a small town of marginal strategic importance in northern Syria, Dabiq has figured centrally in Islamic State propaganda. Citing Islamic lore, the extremist group claims it will be the stage for an apocalyptic battle between Crusaders and an army of the Muslim caliphate that will herald doomsday.
Residents in Arkansas are getting ready to decide whether to legalize cannabis for medicinal use. Before next months vote, a local television station sent one of their reporters to New Mexico to see how the states nearly 10-year-old program is working for patients here.

New Mexico Corrections Secretary Gregg Marcantel will retire , ending a stormy time in which scandals enveloped his department and unionized guards overwhelmingly voted no-confidence in him. Marcantel plans to retire by the end of the month.

at the University of New Mexico on Tuesday.

receiving food stamps via the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, including half of youngsters age 4 and under.

Letters to the Editor

Mail letters to PO Box 4910 Santa Fe, NM 87502 or email them to editor[at]sfreporter.com. Letters (no more than 200 words) should refer to specic articles in the Reporter. Letters will be edited for space and clarity.
The Electricity Authority is to undertake another round of submissions on its politically charged proposals that would raise the price of electricity for Auckland, Northland and the South Island's west coast by changing the way the national grid is paid for.

As a result of the new timetable announced this morning, the EA expects to make a final decision on a new Transmission Pricing Methodology (TPM) by mid-April, ensuring the issue becomes live again in election year.

The EA's latest proposals, released in May, are the latest in almost 20 years of inconclusive attempts at reform. They have drawn widespread criticism, including from the national grid operator, Transpower, which questioned whether they could be made to work and suggested simplifications, and has prompted a campaign led by major electricity users in the upper North Island to overturn them.

The main beneficiaries of the reforms would be South Island electricity generators, particularly Meridian Energy, and the Bluff aluminium smelter, which uses one-seventh of the country's electricity. Both have long argued they are over-charged for their access to the national grid, and that upper North Island consumers should bear more of the cost of recent spending on grid upgrades that will benefit them.

Tauranga-based Trustpower has also sought a judicial review of the process that led to the recommendations, which has yet to begin.

Prime Minister John Key raised doubts about the proposed reforms, which are not due for implementation until 2019.

"We have considered submissions received on the Transmission Pricing Methodology second issues paper and have decided to consult on refinements to the proposal for new TPM guidelines," the EA said in today's statement.

A supplementary consultation paper would be issued on Dec 6 for submissions by Feb 10, along with a response to the points raised on the issues paper that caused such controversy.

"We will consider whether any further process steps are required, for example cross submissions or a hearing, after considering submissions on the supplementary TPM consultation paper" with a view to issue a final decision in mid-April, the EA said.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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OceanaGold's Pac Rim Cayman subsidiary has been ordered to pay US$8 million to El Salvador to cover the country's legal fees and costs in a long-running arbitration after the mining company failed to obtain an exploitation concession.

The World Banks International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) found in favour of the government of El Salvador in the case brought by Pac Rim, which OceanaGold described as an indirect subsidiary. OceanaGold has owned Pac Rim since acquiring Pacific Rim Mining Corp in November 2013 and inherited the dispute.

The company's interest centred on the El Dorado project, where a mine operated between 1948 and 1953. All mining in the country ceased during the civil war between 1980 and 1992 before being reactivated. Pacific Rim, then a Canadian firm, acquired the interest in El Dorado in 2002.

In finding for El Salvador, the arbitration body said the long-running dispute imposed costs on the central American nation, which has a population of 6.1 million with 40 percent living in poverty in 2009 according to a World Bank estimate.

"Over more than five years and throughout the three phases of this arbitration, El Salvador has had to respond to Pac Rim's ever-changing story and legal arguments," the ICSID said, adding that Pac Rim's claims "lack any basis in fact or law". The company had at the start of the arbitration process argued that it had a "perfected right" to a concession because it had met all the requirements except for an environmental permit, "which it claimed El Salvador had unjustifiably failed to grant".

"Yet more than four years after making that promise, (the) claimant has failed to prove that it had a "perfected right" to such a concession," it said. "On the contrary, (the) claimant has been forced to admit that it neither owned nor had the required authorisation for the land in the area requested for the concession. (The) claimant has also been forced to admit that it never completed the required feasibility study."

OceanaGold said it was disappointed with the ruling and will review it in detail before deciding on its next steps.

The company's NZX-listed shares last traded at $4 and have gained about 30 percent this year.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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Hansells Food Group says it has letters of support from two of its biggest shareholders and assumes continued funding from its lender that gives it confidence it can continue as a going concern despite losses widening.

The Auckland-based company owns brands including Hansells cooking ingredients, Thriftee drink concentrate, WeightWatchers foods, Alfa One rice bran oil, Vitafresh and Vitasport drinks.

The food and drink manufacturer reported a loss of $9.4 million for the 12 months ended March 31, up from a loss of $8.6 million a year earlier, according to its financial statements. Revenue fell to $122 million from $125 million, although the cost of sales fell more, to $90.9 million from $97.6 million, which saw gross profit rise 14 percent to $31.5 million.

Higher finance costs and a year-earlier gain from the sale of brands that wasn't repeated in the latest year contributed to the wider loss.

Notes to its 2016 accounts show the company received an advance from Thailand's Kasisuri Co of $1.9 million secured against Hansells' fixed assets, in April after balance date, which is being used for working capital. Kasisuri is its third-largest shareholder with a 5.2 percent stake and is associated with controlling shareholder Varapong Supachok, with a 64 percent holding.

But also subsequent to balance date, Hansells' renegotiated its loan facility with Scottish Pacific, which stood at $10.8 million at balance date and was set to mature this year. The loan was subject to various covenants including an invoice discounting agreement and is secured by first mortgages over the company's assets, validity guarantees from Supachok and Ross MacKenzie, the second-largest shareholder with 21.8 percent of the company, and various cross guarantees from other companies in the group.

In July this year, Hansells entered a deed of surrender of a lease for a warehouse in Sydney used by its Australian subsidiary which includes a surrender amount of $2.2 million payable over five years, the notes show.

The company says that as at March 31 it had negative working capital of $31 million and negative net assets of $1.57 million.

"The directors acknowledge there are material uncertainties" in its assumptions, which cast "significant doubt" on its ability to continue as a going concern. Should those uncertainties transpire, the directors " have a reasonable expectation that the group will receive continued support in the form of extended credit and loan facilities from its cornerstone shareholder Supachok or Kasisuri."

But if Hansells is unable to continue as a going concern, assets may be realised at less than book value, further liabilities may have to be provisioned and certain non-current assets and liabilities may have to be reclassified as current, it said.

Current liabilities stood at $65 million at March 31, including $18 million of interest-bearing debt and $45 million of trade and other payables. Non-current liabilities were finance leases of $3.59 million. Current assets were about $34 million and non-current assets were $33 million.

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Prime Minister John Key will lead a trade delegation to India next week, saying the pursuit of a free trade agreement with the protectionist giant is "the primary reason we're going" but playing down the likelihood of early progress.

In his statement on the Oct. 24 to 28 visit, Key made no mention of New Zealand's five-year ambition to sign an FTA with India, which is reluctant because of its highly protected agricultural, including dairy, sector and lack of appetite to compromise because New Zealand represents a small opportunity for Indian businesses.

Key said in his statement that in meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee that he would be exploring "how New Zealand can be part of Indias growth".

Asked at his post-Cabinet press conference whether that meant New Zealand had abandoned the FTA push, he said: "No, that's the main reason we're going."

However, the objective was "a little bit less about whether there could be an FTA than about what the quality" of any deal, with the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) an alternative route to closer trading ties.

The visit will be Key's first for five years, when the government committed considerable resources to making a trade push with India, making the country the subject of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' first NZInc strategy and put up a challenge to grow merchandise exports to India to $2 billion by last year, grow services trade by 20 percent a year, and attract and retain skilled migrants.

Migration from India has boomed since, with political and bureaucratic tensions building over the large numbers of Indian international students arriving in New Zealand, a proportion of whom are as interested in becoming residents and working here as gaining qualifications. But merchandise exports to India in calendar 2015 totaled just $639 million.

Along with further strengthening New Zealands political, security, and economic connections with India, my meeting with Prime Minister Modi will be an opportunity to discuss his efforts to reform Indias economy and how New Zealand can be part of Indias growth, said Key in his statement.

India's desire to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group, an international grouping seeking to control the proliferation of nuclear weapons, was also likely to be discussed, he said. New Zealand did not support India's inclusion in the group, first established in 1974 in response to a nuclear bomb test in India, but Key said the issue was separate from trade talks.

A former New Zealand international trade negotiator, Crawford Falconer, said New Zealand was probably being realistic in taking a cautious approach to an FTA agreement.

"They won't be abandoning it, but there's no need to create the possibility of a breakthrough if there isn't going to be one."

The government may have more luck pushing India to engage more actively in the negotiations on RCEP, which is being advanced by China and is seen as an alternative to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is also in danger of failing, Falconer suggested. India is a member of RCEP with New Zealand, but not part of TPP.

"The leverage in RCEP is likely to be somewhat greater than in the bi-lateral relationship."

Meanwhile, Trade Minister Todd McClay has announced a review of the six-year-old ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA) agreement.

Despite trade with the region increasing by 25 percent in that time, McClay said he was concerned New Zealand companies were "leaving money on the table" either by failing to exploit the agreement or because of remaining non-tariff barriers that could be preventing export growth to the fast-growing countries of southeast Asia.

"It is not clear that all businesses use the FTA when exporting to South East Asia and this means they could be paying unnecessary tariffs," said McClay. Exporters of both goods and services also face an increasing number of non-tariff barriers in South East Asia, such as import quotas, subsidies, customs delays and technical barriers, which are holding them back."

The local review is occurring ahead of a full review by the 12 signatories to the FTA, which include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam as well as Australia and New Zealand.

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The Shenzhou mission will take off aboard a Long March-2F carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northern China.

The Shenzhou 11 spacecraft will be launched at 7:30 a.m., said Wu Ping, deputy director of China's manned space engineering office, in a televised news conference.

Chinese officials unveiled plans for Monday's launch of the country's latest space mission in which two astronauts will be blasted into space and will dock with an orbiting space lab.

The spacecraft will dock with the Tiangong 2 space station within two days and the astronauts will stay there for 30 days to test the complex's ability to support their life. They will also conduct medical and scientific experiments, Wu said.

An earlier Tiangong 1 experimental space station launched in 2011 went out of service in March after extending its mission for two years and docking with three visiting spacecraft. The Tiangong, or "Heavenly Palace," stations are considered stepping stones to a mission to Mars by the end of the decade.

Wu identified the astronauts flying the mission as 49-year-old Jing Haipeng and 37-year-old Chen Dong. It will be Jing's third flight into space following missions in 2008 and 2012.

"It is any astronaut's dream and pursuit to be able to perform many space missions," Jing said at a separate briefing.

The state-run China Youth Daily newspaper said Jing would celebrate his 50th birthday in space.

China conducted its first crewed space mission in 2003, becoming only the third country after Russia and the U.S. to do so, and has since staged a spacewalk and landed its Yutu rover on the moon. Administrators suggest a manned landing on the moon may also be in the program's future.
Capital & Coast District Health Board has no chance of winning its claims against Fletcher Construction for its work on Wellington Hospital, and the case should not go to trial, Fletcher's lawyer has told the High Court.

Fletcher's lawyer, Kerry Fulton, has sought a summary judgment from associate judge Warwick Smith, saying CCDHB has no case. Fletcher was contracted by CCDHB to build the majority of Wellington's $346 million central hospital, a task it substantially completed in December 2008, Fulton said. The health board says there are defects in the copper pipes used in the hot and cold water system and in the system's design.

The pipes have developed pinhole leaks and the system needs to be replaced. When the health board launched the court action in May this year it said it wasn't appropriate to speculate how much a solution would cost.

The system was designed by Beca, which the district health board had its own contract with, Fulton said, while Fletcher subcontracted out the installation of the systems to specialists who have since been liquidated.

"The design was not a responsibility resting on FCC, and it can have no liability for that," Fulton said. "CCDHB witnesses don't dispute that the defects are primarily design defects, for which FCC can't be responsible."

Fulton rejected the health board's allegations that Fletcher couldn't delegate its duty to ensure the building materials were fit for purpose.

"These pipes all came stamped compliant with the standard. What were we supposed to do? That's it. If a duty like this was said to be owed, the construction industry would come to a standstill because every contractor would think, we have to get everything audited now, and that's just plain nonsense."

The health board has also alleged the pipe manufacturer, Crane Group, breached its duty of care as it says it supplied faulty pipes, Fulton said.

"CCDHB agreed its protection post-construction against material failures was through the two-year guarantee they agreed to accept from the specialist sub-contractor. In any event, the alleged defects are not defects, and there's no prospect of that being established, and there's no prospect of establishing breach."

The hearing continues this afternoon with the health board's lawyers presenting their case.

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North Korea launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Saturday but it exploded in mid-air. The missile is believed to have a range of 3,500 km, which would make capable of striking the U.S. military base on Guam.

The botched launch coincided with the last day of a massive joint naval exercise the South Korean and U.S. navies.

"The North fired a projectile from an air base in North Pyongan Province around 12:33 p.m. on Saturday," the Joint Chiefs of Staff here said Sunday.

A previous launch of the same model in June was successful as it reached an altitude of 1,413.6 km after being fired at a high angle and flew 400 km.

Saturday's was the first attempt to launch the missile from a mobile launcher from an inland area rather than the east coast. The main aim seems to have been to spring a surprise.
"Chinese make up the majority of the cruise ship tourists, and there are more individual tourists than tour groups," the spokesman added. "This program aims to revitalize the tourism industry."

The Justice Ministry will test a visa-free program for foreigners who visit the country from selected cruise ships until March next year, a spokesman said Friday.

The waiver is for passengers on Costa Serena, Sapphire Princess and Quantum of the Seas, which run chiefly between China, Korea, and Japan.

It will cover up to 310,000 tourists, the ministry expects. If 20 or more of any batch stay here illegally, the cruise line will be struck from the list.

Meanwhile, the ministry will stop stamping the passports of outbound travelers, starting Nov. 1 to relieve airport congestion. It estimates that this will cut the processing time by about three seconds.


The U.S. and South Korea are pushing to include the issue of North Korean slave laborers abroad in a human rights resolution for the UN General Assembly in December.

The UN has adopted a resolution on North Korean human rights abuses every year since 2005, but none of them mentioned the North Koreans who labor in inhuman conditions overseas but are robbed of their earnings by the regime.

"We need to publicize the human rights abuses against North Korean laborers overseas so that countries around the world may think twice before hiring them," a diplomatic source here said Sunday. "We're looking into ways with the U.S. to reflect this issue in the resolution."

Although the UN resolution is not binding, it could prompt countries to stop hiring North Korean workers since the money they earn ends up financing North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile programs.

A government official said, "Russia and Middle Eastern countries that hire a lot of North Korean workers are against attempts to stop North Korea's labor exports. If we turn this into an international issue through the resolution, we could at least prevent more North Korean laborers from being sent overseas.

North Koreans sent abroad labor for long hours and are employed without proper contracts, often unaware of how much they are nominally earning as most of their wages are paid straight to their North Korean slave masters.

Between 50,000 and 120,000 North Koreans toil abroad, earning the regime US$500 million to $1 billion a year.


Samsung is knuckling down to find out why its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphones are catching fire in a global disaster for the company.

Samsung has allocated hundreds of staff in the mobile communications division to search for the cause and turned to Swiss quality certification company SGS and other outside experts for help.

Samsung now seems to accept that consumer confidence in the whole Galaxy range of phones rests on finding out what exactly caused the fires.

After the initial reports the company announced a recall based on the hasty conclusion that some Korean-made batteries were at fault, but replacements also caught fire.
A first batch of Taurus air-to-ground missiles is en route from Germany for delivery to the Air Force.

The guided missiles would be capable of targeting and destroying North Korea's nuclear and missile facilities from a long distance.
NEW DELHI: Passenger vehicle exports from India grew 15.38 pct in the first half of the ongoing fiscal with US auto majors Ford and General Motors emerging as surprise packages leading the charge, while their Korean and Japanese peers struggled to maintain momentum.

According to SIAM data, passenger vehicles exports in the April-September period were at 3,67,110 units as against 3,18,188 units in the year-ago period.

In terms of absolute volume, Hyundai Motor India remained the largest exporter with 87,499 units at a growth of 2.01 pct.

The second largest exporter during the period was FordIndia shipping 73,821 units, a growth of 32.25 pct. Interestingly, the company's exports were much more than what it sold in the domestic market  46,422 units.

Maruti Suzuki India saw a decline of 7.87 pct in its overseas shipments during the first six months of 2016-17 at 60,526 units, occupying the third slot.

The fourth largest exporter Nissan Motor India also witnessed a decline of 7.81 pct at 49,611 units during the period.

The most significant gainer was General Motors India which clocked a massive 863.74 pct jump in its passenger vehicle exports at 30,647 units during the period. In comparison, the company sold just 12,059 units in the domestic market, down 28.01 pct.

According to SIAM, German auto major Volkswagen also exported more passenger vehicles from India than it sold in the country during the first half of the fiscal.

Volkswagen India exported 43,114 units in April- September, up 19.28 pct. It sold only 23,329 units in the domestic market during the same period, up 0.45 pct.

"Some of the OEMs are working on a clear, focussed strategy of exporting from India, which has worked out really well for them," Price Waterhouse Partner and auto expert Abdul Majeed told PTI.

He further said these companies are targetting markets in emerging economies such as Latin America, East Europe, and Africa, which are similar to India with the products here.

"They have made those investments for exports and they already have big network in those export markets," Majeed said.

Concurring with him, Ford India Executive Director, Marketing, Sales, and Service Anurag Mehrotra said: "The most recent commencement of exports of Ford Figo as KA+ to Europe, from our state-of-the-art Sanand plant, showcases our continued investment and commitment.

Mehrotra said Ford has been "Making in India, for India and the World" for close to two decades."

"Apart from meeting local demand, the quality vehicles and engines made at Ford's Chennai and Sanand facility are today exported to more than 40 markets across the globe, including parts of ASEAN, Europe, Middle-East and Africa," he added.

Last fiscal, passenger vehicle exports from India grew by 5.24 pct at 6,53,889 units as against 6,21,341 units in 2014-15.

Automobile exports from India were up against headwinds with Europe remaining sluggish and African nations faced a major hurdle in dollar-denominated payout.

Besides Europe, countries like Algeria, Nigeria and Morocco in Africa and Mexico and Chile, Peru and Colombia in Latin America are among the major export markets for domestic automobile industry.

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NEW DELHI: A year after acquiring online maternity and childcare brand BabyOye, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) on Saturday said it will sell its franchise business to competitor FirstCry for Rs 362.1 crore on a slump sale basis and also invest in it.

A business transfer agreement has been executed by and between Mahindra Retail Pvt Ltd (MRPL), a subsidiary of the company, Brainbees Solutions (FirstCry) and founder of FirstCry to transfer the franchise division of MRPL (BabyOye) as a going concern on a slump sale basis to FirstCry, M&M said in a BSE filing. The total lump sum consideration for the transfer of the business is Rs 362.1 crore, it added. The Board of Directors of the two companies have already approved this strategic move.

On the agreement, the company said: In terms of the structure of the transaction, Mahindra Retail and FirstCry have consolidated their operations, with Mahindra Retail selling its franchise business to FirstCry, and operating all company stores under a FirstCry master franchise agreement.

FirstCry additionally raises USD 34 million (approx Rs 226 crore) of new equity capital from the Mahindra Group, PE fund Adveq, Kris Gopalakrishnan and participation from all existing shareholders, it said.

Mahindra Retail has over 120 stores across the country operating under the BabyOye by Mahindra brand.

The merged entity will conduct its business under the brand name FirstCry.com  A FirstCry Mahindra Venture. FirstCry.com will have a parent base of over four million, a footprint of over 300 stores spread across 125 cities, it added.

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PANAJI: In the largest inflow of foreign direct investment, Russia's state-controlled oil giant Rosneft and its partners today took over India's second biggest private oil firm Essar Oil in an all-cash deal valued at about $13 billion.



Rosneft bought a 49 pct stake in Essar Oil's refinery, port and petrol pumps, while Netherlands-based Trafigura Group Pte, one of the world's biggest commodity trading companies, and Russian investment fund United Capital Partners split another 49 pct equity equally.



The remaining 2 per cent will be held by minority shareholders after delisting of Essar Oil.



The deal has an enterprise value of close to $12.9 billion - $10.9 billion being for a 20 million tons a year refinery in Gujarat and over 2,700 petrol pumps and another $2 billion for Vadinar port in Gujarat. The deal factors in Essar Oil's debt of about $4.5 billion and about $2 billion debt with the port company.



Also, the near $3 billion dues to Iran for past oil purchases will continue to be on Essar Oil books.



Trafigura, which has been funded by Russian bank, may sell its stake to Rosneft at a later date.



"We would be utilising significant portion of the deal proceeds in debt reduction. Group debt will reduce by about 50 pct," said Prashant Ruia, Director, Essar Group.



Essar Group, one of India's largest and most indebted conglomerates, would trim its about 88,000 crore (over $13 billion) debt by half and ward off creditor pressure.



The 49 pct stake Trafigura and UCP are picking will be split between the two in 49:49 ratio while Essar Group will hold the remaining 2 pct.



Ruia said the equity value of the deal is "on or about Essar Oil's delisting price of $5.8 billion".



Of the $12.9 billion value, $6.5 billion is for the debt with Essar Oil and port company. Another $0.5 billion is for working capital, leaving $5.9 of equity value which is equal to the delisting price of Essar Oil.



Ruia said as per SEBI order the shareholders of Essar Oil will be paid if the final equity value of the deal with Rosneft is higher than the delisting price.



"We will get to know of that when the deal closes in first quarter of 2017," he said.

The acquisition is the biggest in India and largest



outbound deal for Russia. The all cash deal is expected to close in first quarter of 2017.



The deal was announced as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting here of the leaders of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).



Ruia said Rosneft will continue to use Essar brand for the retail operations. "We have signed a branding agreement under which retail outlets will continue to use Essar brand because it is a very strong brand."



"We are not exiting oil and gas business. We continue to own and operate the Stanlow refinery in UK which is a 12 million tons refinery and has 12-13 pct market share. Also, the upstream exploration and production business is not part of the deal," he said.



He said two agreements were signed today for the sale.



"The first sale and purchase agreement envisages the sale of 49 per cent to Petrol Complex Pte Ltd (a subsidiary of PJSC Rosneft Oil Company); the second envisages the sale of the remaining 49 pct to Kesani Enterprises Company Limited (owned by a consortium led by Trafigura and United Capital Partners) at an enterprise valuation of 72,800 crore ($10.9 billion).



"An additional 13,300 crore ($2 billion) will be paid for the acquisition of Vadinar Port, which has world- class storage and import/export facilities," Ruia said.



As per the deal, Essar Energy Holdings Ltd and Oil Bidco (Mauritius) Ltd -- which control Essar Oil signed separate agreements for the 98 pct stake sale.



Russia's VTB Bank PJSC will lend Essar $3.9 billion to restructure debt, said Andrey Kostin, VTB CEO. Rosneft itself will pay about $3.5 billion for the Essar deal, Ruia said.



"We plan to utilise proceeds from the stake sale to deleverage the Group and pave the way for strategic consolidation and growth in other businesses," Ruia said.



Essar Oil, part of a steel-to-ports conglomerate controlled by the billionaire Ruia brothers, operates a 405,000-barrels-a-day refinery at Vadinar in Gujarat. The refining complex also has a captive power plant as well as a port and terminal facilities.



The deal is the single largest foreign investment in the Indian refining sector and will strengthen the ties between the world's largest oil producer and the world's fastest growing fuel consumer.



"The all-cash deal encompasses Essar Oil's 20 million tonne refinery in Gujarat and its pan-India retail outlets," Ruia said.

(Reopens DEL 60)



The deal includes the refinery as well as the Vadinar port and more than 2,700 retail gas stations. The initial transaction will not include a power plant serving the refinery, which could be transferred later after getting necessary approvals.



"The closing of the transaction is conditional upon receiving requisite regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. We expect to obtain the relevant approvals before the end of this year," Ruia said.



While the refining sector is delicensed with 100 per FDI allowed, the deal will not as such need any major regulatory approval in India. It will only need an approval by the Competition Commission of India.



The 20 million tonne oil refinery in Vadinar accounts for 9 pct of India's total refining output and is supported by a 1,010 MW captive power plant, Ruia said.



"The additional 13,300 crore that the new stakeholders have agreed to pay is for the 58 million tonne deep draft port in Vadinar that helps in importing crude and exporting finished products," he said.



Initially, Ruias wanted to shed only 49 pct in favour of Rosneft but the $3.2 billion they would have got from the Russian company wasn't enough to pay off the $4.5 billion debt on the company's books.



A larger 74 pct stake was offered to Rosneft but that idea was dropped as the Russian company faces US sanctions and by a virtue of its majority stake Essar Oil too would have come on that list.



At this stage, Trafigura was roped in and offered 24 pct stake. Trafigura, which has close ties to Rosneft, was to finance its acquisition by taking loan from Russia's VTB Capital, part of state-controlled bank VTB.



The deal includes the Vadinar refinery as well as the Vadinar port and more than 2,700 petrol pumps. A power plant serving the refinery as well as company's coal-bed methane? (CBM) blocks are not included in the deal.



As part of the deal, Rosneft-Trafigura will also take over the debt of Essar Oil and the port and terminal company.



Ruia said VTB Capital has played a major role in the transaction, which has been structured in such a way that it does not invite US sanctions on Essar Oil.



Last year, US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had issued a Crimea Sanctions Advisory, adding Rosneft and its subsidiaries to its Sectoral Sanctions Identifications List in retaliation for the Russian's invasion of eastern Ukraine.

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BAUNAULIM (GOA): India and China will soon hold a dialogue on New Delhi's bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in which it hopes "differences" will be narrowed down.



President Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that a second round of dialouge on the issue of India's entry into the NSG, over which China has reservations, will be held soon.



"This will be helpful. President Xi told PM," MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters after the meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS summit tomorrow.



The Chinese President's word on the issue came after the Prime Minister told him that India was looking forward to working with China on realising its membership of the NSG.



Replying to questions whether China has softened on its stand on India's membership, Swarup said, "This shows there is dialogue, a good strategic dialogue. Of course this will narrow differences."



Asked whether China reiterated the position that membership of the NSG was by consensus among parties, he replied "no".



Last month, a Chinese delegation led by Director General of Department of Arms Control Wang Qun had visited India for talks on the issue with Indian officials.



In the June Plenary of NSG in Seoul, despite strong American support, China stonewalled India's bid to get entry into the group on the grounds that it was a not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

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NEW DELHI: India today signed an agreement with Russia for cooperation in the implementation of 'smart cities' programme and use of IT solutions of the Russian companies.



The agreement was signed between JSC Rusinformexport and the Urban Development Ministry, Ministry of Home Affairs, National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd and the Haryana government, according to an official statement.



The agreement was signed in Goa where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks covering the entire expanse of bilateral engagement.



India plans to have 100 smart cities by 2022. Out of which 60 have been chosen -- 20 in January, 13 in May and 27 last month. The remaining will be picked by 2018.



Meant to change the way urban India lives, smart cities will enjoy uninterrupted power and water supply, internet connectivity, e-governance, along with quality infrastructure.



Besides this, the two countries also sealed a number of big ticket defence deals including purchase of missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters besides deciding to deepen cooperation in a range of crucial sectors even as the two close allies resolved to fight the menace of terrorism unitedly.

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BENAULIM: India and Russia on Saturday signed 16 agreements across diverse sectors following delegation-level talks co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin here.

"New horizons in the #IndiaRussia partnership. PM & Prez Putin witness exchange of 16 agreements and 3 announcements across fields," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted following the 17th annual bilateral summit between the two countries.

Among the agreements signed were inter-governmental agreements (IGAs) for procurement of the S-400 air defence system and construction of 1135.6 series of frigates through partnership between Russian and Indian shipyards.

Another agreement was signed to set up a joint venture to manufacture the Ka-226T helicopter in India.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed for setting up an investment fund of $1 billion by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and the Russian Direct Investment Fund.

Agreements were also signed for developing smart cities in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, and for developing transport logistics systems for such cities.

Another important agreement was signed between Gazprom and Engineers India Limited (EIL) for the joint study of a gas pipeline to India from Russia and other areas of cooperation.

According to a separate agreement, a Russian consortium comprising energy giant Rosneft Oil Company, commodities trader Trafigura and private investment group United Capital Partners agreed to purchase 98 percent of Essar Oil for $10.9 billion.

Rosneft also signed an agreement with ONGC Videsh for education and training in the oil and gas sector.

Both sides agreed to extend cooperation in railways development and to increase the speed of trains between Nagpur and Secunderabad.

An MoU was signed between India's ISRO and Russia's Roscosmos on mutual allocation of ground measurement gathering stations for Russian space-based navigational system GLONASS and Indian regional navigational system NAVIC.

An agreement was signed on cooperation on international information security.

Another MoU was signed for expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation betweenIndia and Russia.

An MoU was signed between India's Department of Science and Technology and Russia's Federal Agency for Scientific Organisations.

A road map for celebrating 70 years of India-Russia diplomatic ties was also announced.

Another announcement pertained to cooperation between the two countries on international issues.

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Modi Calls For Intra-BRICS Trade Target Of $500 Bn By 2020
BENAULIM (GOA): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sought South Africa's continued support for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) during a bilateral meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma ahead of the BRICS Summit here.

"Met @SAPresident and had comprehensive talks with him on further cementing India's ties with South," Modi stated in a tweet.

In a media briefing later, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that Modi thanked Zuma for South Africa's support for India's bid for NSG membership and "hoped that they continue their support".

South Africa offered its support for India's bid during Modi's visit to that country in July this year.

Zuma described Modi's visit as historic, according to Swarup.

Modi also thanked Zuma for his statement after last month's cross-border attack on an army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers and appreciated the solidarity shown by South Africa.

The two leaders also discussed trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Zuma said bilateral ties should be expanded in all areas and called for simplification of the visa regime between the two countries, the spokesperson said.

Modi said India would make good use of South Africa's expertise in deep mining.

Modi also commended South Africa's contributions to BRICS, according to Swarup.

Earlier on Saturday, Modi held the annual India-Russia bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Eighth BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit will be held here on Sunday.

Read Also:

India, Russia Sign 16 Agreements Across Diverse Sectors

Modi, Putin Launch Second Unit Of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant
BENAULIM (GOA): Ramping up defence ties, India and Russia today announced deals worth about 60,000 crores for purchase of state-of-art Russian air defence systems, collaboration in making four stealth frigates and setting up facility for joint production of Kamov helicopters.



The decisions were taken during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin that covered a wide range of areas including defence.



Amid India's growing defence ties with the US and Europe, Modi asserted that Russia will remain India's major defence and strategic partner.



The most critical deal signed today was the Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, including stealth, besides missiles and drones at ranges of up to 400 km.



India is looking at buying at least 5 such systems, which will give the country a quantum jump in its capability against incoming missiles, including ballistic, besides drone or aircraft from both Pakistan and China.



India plans to deploy three such systems along the border with Pakistan and two along the border with China.



Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostec State Corporation, Russia umbrella organisation encompassing over 700 high-tech companies including all military firms, said that the contract negotiations for the air defence systems will start now and it is hoped that it will be formalised by mid next year.



Speaking to a select group of journalists, Chemezov said that if all goes well the system will start getting delivered to India in 2020.



"S-400 is a state of art system and most modern and advanced air system which is vital for a country that wants to secure itself," he said.



Sources said that each system, having eight launchers, a control centre, radar and 16 missiles as reloads, would cost over USD one billion each.



It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. It can hit targets at a speed of 17,000 km an hour. This is faster than any aircraft in the world.



India will be the second customer of the prized missile system after China which had struck a $3 billion contract last year.

(rpt after correcting figures)



Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich- class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates which is in furtherance to the six Talwar-class frigates that Russia built for the Indian Navy between 2003 and 2013.



Under this deal, valued at about three billions billion American dollar, two vessels will come from Russian and while the other two will be built in India with Russian collaboration.



India and Russia also signed a USD one billion worth agreement for creation of the joint venture to jointly produce Kamov 226T helicopters that will replace the country's aging Cheetah and Chetak choppers.



While 40 of these choppers will be brought to India off the shelf, another 20 will be brought down as knocked down versions. Rest of the helicopters will be made in India.



The joint venture will become a pilot project for the Russian-Indian part of the Make in India programme.



"The joint venture for local production of Ka-226T is a profoundly new and substantial step in the development of cooperation between India and Russia. The fleet of Russian-made helicopters in India is over 400 units.



"But this is the first of such large-scale complex agreements for delivery and production of new helicopters in the amount of 200 units, which is fully in line with the Make in India initiative," Chemezov said.



He added that in addition, over the next five years there will be facilities set up for maintenance and servicing of the produced helicopters.



"Therefore the agreement presents not just production but a full-lifecycle contract," he said.



The combined share of the Russian participants in the joint venture will amount to 49.5 pct, the share of the Indian side - 50.5 pct.



The joint venture is set to create also facilities for the overhaul within 7 years after deliveries of the first batch of helicopters.



The Kamov helicopters are capable of operating at heights of 20,000 feet and once inducted will take over the role of maintaining the forward posts on the Siachen glacier.



The three deals are worth $9 billion or over 60,000 crore.

Read Also: PM To Have Ten Bilaterals On Sidelines Of BRICS Summit

Russia, India To Ink Deal On S-400 Air Defence Systems
LOS ANGELES : The security of Indian Ocean is "inextricably" linked to the stability of global economy, the US has said and underscored the need for maritime cooperation between India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to uphold international norms such as the freedom of navigation.



"Maritime security in the Indian Ocean will depend more and more on the ability of countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh to work with each other, and partners like America, to uphold international norms like the freedom of navigation," said Manpreet Singh Anand, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia.



The "stability inland" also depended on how well the above countries can combat piracy and trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people on the high seas, Anand told the Pacific Council Members here on Friday.



He said South Asia has a tremendous growth potential as the region boasts more working-age people than anywhere in the world with its economies growing at an average of more than 7 pct.



"You can plainly see how the security of the Indian Ocean is inextricably linked to the stability of the global economy," said the Indian-origin diplomat.



As over 250 million South Asians move into cities in the next 15 years, creating strong demands for infrastructure and services, Anand said the World Bank estimates that the region will need about $2.5 trillion in infrastructure investment over the next ten years to reach its full economic potential.



"While the countries of South Asia are increasingly trading more around the globe, the region is still one of the least economically-integrated in the world, with less than six per cent of its total trade and less than one per cent of its investment flows occurring from within the region," he rued.



He said US' efforts to build prosperity and stability in South Asia are not only about improving trade and connectivity but also have strong social and environmental components.



"With India, we have increased bilateral trade to over $100 billion a year, while launching dozens of programmes to promote women's entrepreneurship and equitable access to healthcare, education, finance, and more," he said.



Anand said the regional countries were taking steps to bilaterally reduce barriers to trade. "With Sri Lanka, India is pursuing an Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement. India also has older trade agreements with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan that reduced or eliminated tariffs," he said.



"The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement, or BBIN, has drastically reduced transit times between the four countries and will allow for the faster, cheaper movement of goods and people across borders," Anand said.

Read Also: PM To Have Ten Bilaterals On Sidelines Of BRICS Summit

Russia, India To Ink Deal On S-400 Air Defence Systems
NEW DELHI: Transportation app Uber has signed an agreement with Ministry of Electronics and IT's CSCs (Common Services Centres) for skilling drivers on its platform.

The agreement, part of its UberSHAAN initiative, will help individuals receive driver training, facilitate license procurement and vehicle financing, Uber India President Amit Jain told PTI.

He added that through this agreement, Uber aims to ensure that people who come to these Common Services Centres, especially in the grass roots, gain access to tools, training resources and related information for becoming a driver partner on the Uber platform.

"We are excited to partner with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on taking Digital India to the next level. It is our endeavour to create economic and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities for thousands of individuals in India. CSCs are the pillars of Digital India and we hope to maximise our reach through this partnership," he said.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, CSC CEO Dinesh Tyagi and Prabhjeet Singh, Uber India GM (Delhi).

CSCs are ICT-enabled centres that provide individual access to Internet and computer devices, in particular, to bridge the digital divide in rural areas. The primary objective of the CSCs, currently numbering about 1.70 lakh, is to bring e-governance services within the reach of the citizens.

CSC had earlier said it would launch short duration skill programmes involving basic level, and, in some cases, advanced level courses in areas such as electrical repair, assistant motor mechanic for two-wheeler and four wheeler, welding, mobile repair and even cyber security, among others.

"We have fostered a relationship with Uber and people in villages can now go and register as driver partners at our CSCs. Through this partnership (between CSC and Uber), Uber will create economic opportunities for all," Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

Uber plans to start the initiative with an initial pilot phase in and around Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Read Also:

India, Russia Ink MoU For Cooperation In Smart Cities Scheme

Modi Seeks South Africa's Continued Support For NSG Membership
NWS LONG

Jeanine Long and her mom, 1996 Women of Achievement honoree Donna Long posed for a photo at the 2011 luncheon. Mrs. Long is stepping down in December as executive director of the GRACE Foundation. (Staten Island Advance)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Donna Long, a decades-long advocate for Staten Island individuals and their families living with autism, is stepping down as executive director of the GRACE Foundation at the end of the year, board chairman Michael Assenza announced Monday.

"Donna has played a critical role in the development and success of the GRACE Foundation and while we will miss her and her inspiring leadership and advocacy on behalf of the individuals we serve and their families, we wish her the best of luck and happiness as she moves into semi-retirement," Assenza. said.

Assenza said Long will assist in the search for and transition of a replacement executive director.

Long, 64, a long-time Sunnyside resident, said she is stepping down, with mixed emotions, to spend more time with her family, including her husband, Jeff, and daughters Kristen and Jeanine.

She said she "is grateful to the dedicated board members and especially grateful to the devoted, hardworking staff here at GRACE."

"We may be a small agency, however we have become well respected as a valuable resource, both in our Staten Island community and beyond. I couldn't be prouder of all we have accomplished together," she said.

The GRACE Foundation (Getting Resources for Autistic Children's Equality) is a non-profit organization based on the campus of Sea View Hospital, Rehabilitation Center and Home, that was established to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurological disorder that impacts the development of language and communication skills as well as social interaction and relatedness.

Long's dedicated service has involved many accomplishments, including:

Having the vision to create a multi-use building for the organization's offices, programs and services out of an unused building on the Sea View Hospital campus that required extensive work and renovation.

Enhancing and developing programs and services that include, recreational activities, social skills programs, creative arts programs, in-home respite, teen and young adult social programs and support groups.

Establishing a day program for adults with autism.

Increasing the number of individuals on the ASD spectrum served by the foundation by creating an outreach campaign and growing a presence in the community.

Working with elected city and state elected officials and the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council to lobby for increased funding and support services

A 1996 Advance Woman of Achievement, who currently sits on its panel of judges, Long has been an advocate for families, children and adults with disabilities for more than 36 years.

She began speaking on behalf of children and their families when her then-toddler daughter Jeanine was diagnosed with autism.

Long, who holds a bachelor of science degree in education and psychology from the former Richmond College and initially thought she would follow in the footsteps of her mother and father, both of whom were New York City Police officers, said it was her experiences with trying to gain attention and services for her daughter that took her life in a new direction.

"Jeanine led me on this journey that I didn't think I would be on," she said of her daughter, who is now 38 years old.

Prior to taking the position as executive director of the GRACE Foundation in 2004, Long held positions at On Your Mark and Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health that advanced the programming for people diagnosed with developmental disabilities and autism.

She credited Borough President James Oddo and City Councilman Steve Matteo (R-Mid-Island) for their support in securing capital funding to complete the foundation's facility in Sea View, that opened in February of 2015.

Both elected officials said Long's presence and steady hand will be missed.

"Donna Long is one of the true unsung heroes in this community and someone who has directly and personally helped the lives of so many Staten Islanders. She's compassionate, caring and strong. She's also courageous. The quality of her leadership at the GRACE Foundation is evident -- just look at how the Foundation has grown and what it does today to help families," Oddo said.

"She has been a wonderful steward for the GRACE Foundation and left an indelible mark on the many students and families that walked through her doors," added Matteo. "Her passionate commitment to the developmentally disabled community in our borough is abundantly clear. I know her steady hand will be missed by her colleagues, but I know she will continue to be a powerful voice for the many she helped in her distinguished career."
nws Donovan

Rep. Daniel Donovan speaks inside Piece-A-Cake Bakery in New Dorp Monday morning with owner Maria Carrozza and Geoffrey O'Hara, vice president of regional affairs and advocacy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (Staten Island Advance/Rachel Shapiro)

Rep. Daniel Donovan and Piece-A-Cake Bakery owner Maria Carrozza greet customers in New Dorp Monday morning. (Staten Island Advance/Rachel Shapiro)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - As patrons sat eating breakfast behind him, Rep. Daniel Donovan stood inside Piece-A-Cake Bakery on New Dorp Lane Monday morning while the U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed him in his re-election bid.

Maria Carrozza, owner of Piece-A-Cake Bakery, opened the cafe about four years ago and is celebrating 28 years in business with her original company, The Cake Chef in Westerleigh. She has a third company, The Cookie Jar in West Brighton, which opened in 2007, and is a longtime Chamber of Commerce member.

"It's a real good comfort to know that if there's anything [we need] ... tax-related, insurance-related, that we can reach out to a local congressman," she said.

Piece-A-Cake opened a few months before Hurricane Sandy hit and business was slow for a while. But about a year later, business was "thriving" Carrozza said.

Endorsing Donovan, Geoffrey O'Hara, vice president of regional affairs and advocacy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said, "This is really the perfect place for us to stand with a real champion for small business, Congressman Dan Donovan. It's my pleasure to be here on behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the 3 million small business members that we represent around the country. Our focus at the Chamber during this crazy election season is to help re-establish a governing center of members of Congress that are willing to work across party lines and get things done for the business community, to create jobs and grow the economy. Dan Donovan has proven himself to be one of those types of people."

Donovan (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) is defending his seat against Democratic challenger Richard Reichard.

Donovan told of a glass company moving its 300-employee operation from New York to Scranton, Pa.

"That is what overregulation and overtaxing does to businesses in New York," he said. "The government doesn't create jobs, the private sector creates jobs. Washington's job is to create a pro-growth economy and an environment where businesses can start and businesses that exist can grow."

The congressman called for a "moratorium on regulations" and a review of existing regulations to see if they're still necessary and effective.

He wants to see a "fairer and simpler tax rate" that lowers taxes for small businesses.

"When they thrive, they employ people, when they employ people, they liberate people. The greatest liberator in the world is a job. It allows people to choose which school they want to educate their children in, it allows them to choose the healthcare provider for their family, it allows them the freedoms to make choices themselves, and small businesses like Piece-A-Cake employs people and give them that freedom."
Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump

Factory workers in the Houjie area of Dongguan in China's Pearl River Delta, which recently made more than 130,000 pounds of Ivanka Trump-brand shoes, allege they work long shifts for low wages, Racked.com reported. (Rick T. Wilking/Pool via AP)

(Rick T. Wilking)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Factory workers in the Houjie area of Dongguan in China's Pearl River Delta, which recently made more than 130,000 pounds of Ivanka Trump-brand shoes, allege they work long shifts for low wages, Racked.com reported.

Workers say that the factory, Xuankai Footwear Ltd., required them to work 16 hour shifts and some allege they were paid illegally, the report says.

"I couldn't do it," one 26-year-old worker, who had been previously employed in the factory told Racked.com. "I was too scared.

Custom records show Ivanka Trump produced shoes in the Xuankai factory in 2014 through a licensing agreement with Greenwich, Connecticut-based footwear company Marc Fisher, the report says.

"Although Ivanka Trump's name has been absent from Xuankai shipping records since December 2014, Marc Fisher appears to have recently ordered from the factory," says Racked.com, which conducted interviews with Xuankai workers from six China-based factories that have produced products for Donald and Ivanka Trump.

FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK
Prosecutors allege Francesco (Frank) Baldassarre, seen in this 2010 photo, was slain by his wife, Antoinetta Baldassarre.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The lawyer for the Tompkinsville senior citizen accused of slaying her husband two years ago said Monday he would contest the findings of a recent psychiatric test which deemed her unfit for trial.

Attorney Mario F. Gallucci requested a hearing to ascertain whether Antoinetta Baldassarre is mentally capable of standing trial.

"She knows exactly what's going on. She's fit to proceed," Gallucci told Justice Stephen J. Rooney during a conference in state Supreme Court, St. George. "She knows where she is. She knows my role and was actually very helpful in putting together some defenses."

Rooney granted the defense request and scheduled a mental-competency hearing for Nov. 15.

Trial fitness means a defendant understands the charges against them and can aid in their defense.

Baldassarre, 69, is charged with murder and arson stemming from the Oct. 7, 2014, death of her husband, Francesco (Frank) Baldassarre, 80.

Prosecutors accuse the defendant of fatally clubbing her spouse with a crowbar in their home and then trying to burn herself to death the next morning inside a car in her garage.

In June, Rooney ordered a mental test at the request of Baldassarre's original lawyer, Maria Guastella.

Guastella said there was a "breakdown" in the defendant's understanding of her defense.

In a bizarre soliloquy, Baldassarre had told the court she wanted to arrange a plea deal, but it had to be done "in a very delicate way."

"I am not going to trial because if I go to trial I will say things I don't want to say, and if I do, I will have a very short life left, and you will have to put me somewhere where they won't find me," Baldassarre, an Italian immigrant, said then in heavily accented English.

A prior exam last year found Baldassarre unfit to proceed. She was placed in a secure psychiatric facility for treatment and further evaluation.

However, she was later deemed mentally competent to stand trial after a stint in the facility.

Sources say it is not uncommon for suspects treated at such centers to ultimately be declared fit for trial.

A short woman garbed in tan prison scrubs, Baldassarre's white hair was pulled back in a ponytail at Monday's conference.

She spoke with Gallucci during the proceeding, but did not make a statement to the court.

Assistant District Attorney Tuesday Muller-Mondi is prosecuting the case.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- An NYPD traffic agent was struck by a vehicle Monday morning in Grasmere.

EMS was called to Fingerboard Road and Narrows Road South at 7:54 a.m., according to a spokesman for the FDNY/EMS.

One person was taken via ambulance to Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze, the FDNY/EMS spokesman said. The person's condition wasn't immediately available.

A black pickup truck with New York license plates was pulled over on the Fingerboard Road overpass above the Staten Island Expressway. A male driver was inside the truck, and a vehicle for an NYPD supervisor was also on the scene.

A spokesman for the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information was unable to provide any information about the incident.

-- Advance staffer Anthony DePrimo contributed to this report.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When police in the city of Carrollton, Texas, responded to a recent noise complaint, it didn't quite turn out to be what officers were expecting.

The Carrollton Police Department shared body cam video of the noise complaint call they responded to, that has since gone viral.

"Are y'all having like a party or something?" an officer can be heard asking as he approached a group of men in a parking lot.

The group explained they knew they probably looked suspicious, but they were actually practicing for an upcoming wedding they were performing in.

"We're just having dance practice," a man is heard telling the officer. "Would you like to see some of it?"

"Yeah! I kind of would, actually," the officer replied.

The group then showed off their dance moves synced to "My Girl" by the Temptations and went on to wow the officer.

The police department tweeted the happy moment with the comment "We see a lot of bad. But we see a lot of good too."

The body cam video ends with the words, "Congratulations to the happy couple from C.P.D."

The groom was later identified as David Opegbemi. He said he hoped the video might spark more positive conversation about the relationship between police officers and the black community.

You can see how the wedding dance turned out, in a video that the department also shared on its Facebook page, courtesy of Opegbemi.
Donald Trump.jpg

Donald Trump has vowed to "loosen up" the nation's defamation laws to make it easier for public figures to bring libel actions.

(AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

Donald Trump has threatened to initiate a defamation action against the New York Times over an Oct. 12 article setting forth claims by two women that the Republican presidential candidate improperly touched them years ago. In a letter to Dean Baquet, the newspaper's executive editor, Trump's attorneys assert that The Times inadequately investigated the veracity of "these false and malicious allegations." The timing of the article, and the fact that one woman waited 11 years and the other over three decades to come forward, make it obvious, the letter continues, that the piece was "nothing more than a politically-motivated effort to defeat Mr. Trump's candidacy."

It's the second time this month that Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman, the nationwide law firm representing Trump, has warned The Times of impending legal action over its treatment of the candidate. The first followed an Oct. 1 article in which the newspaper revealed three pages of his 1995 tax returns. The Times acted in defiance of a federal statute making it illegal to disclose a person's tax returns unless authorized by law.

The existence of mainstream media bias against Republican presidential candidates is beyond serious dispute. If one wants to slap a face on it, the New York Times will do very nicely. Examples are endless, but one is particularly relevant here because it landed The Times on the wrong end of a libel suit.

Ravaging John McCain

Firmly committed to the election of Barack Obama in 2008, the newspaper portrayed Republican candidate John McCain, an American war hero, as a bumbling old man who was in bed - literally - with lobbyist Vicki Iseman. After Obama's election, the newspaper settled a libel suit filed against it by Iseman with a published statement that it did not intend to suggest that she and McCain actually had a romantic relationship. Which is patently absurd because that was the precise angle that propelled the story throughout the country.

While the mainstream media amounts to the most reliable and powerful of all super PACS for Democratic presidential candidates, the degree and brazenness of its hostility toward Donald Trump is unprecedented. Even the pretense of fairness has been abandoned. Consider, for example, this startling admission by New York Times media writer Jim Rutenberg in an Aug. 7 column: "If you believe that (Trump) is a demagogue playing to the nation's worst racist and nationalistic tendencies....If you view a Trump presidency as something that's potentially dangerous, then your reporting is going to reflect that. You would move closer than you've ever been to being oppositional." In other words, instead of objectively reporting facts, the media elite feel justified in shaping them to conform with conclusions they've already drawn about Trump.

While such intense, pervasive media bias is deplorable, it's pretty much all protected by the First Amendment. That's why it will be next to impossible for Donald Trump, a legally-denominated "public figure," to even get a trial should he proceed with a libel action against The Times.

Controlling legal precedent

The controlling legal precedent was established in 1964 when the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in a case involving, quite fittingly, The New York Times. At issue was a full-page ad, published by the newspaper, accusing police in Montgomery, Ala. of conducting an "unprecedented wave of terror" against peaceful civil-rights demonstrators. Among numerous factual inaccuracies, it falsely accused police of padlocking a college dining hall in an effort to starve students.

L.B. Sullivan, the Montgomery Public Safety Commissioner, brought a libel action against The Times after it refused his request for a retraction. In unanimously overturning a $500,000 jury verdict in his favor, the Supreme Court cited this country's "profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open." This, the court reasoned, was superior to the right of public officials to be free from unfair, unwarranted, and even flat-out false accusations. Thus, in order for public officials, or other public figures, to recover for defamation, they must prove that the defendant either knew the challenged words were false, or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Establishing these components - "actual malice" - is extremely difficult in any event, and becomes even more so given the courts' inclination to resolve close cases against plaintiffs in the public eye.

Trump's vow

At a meeting with the Editorial Board of the Washington Post in February, Trump vowed to "loosen up" the nation's libel laws to make it easier for aggrieved public figures to sue those who defame them. That's not likely to happen, however, because it would require either a constitutional amendment or a dramatic change in the ideological complexion of the court.

Still, Trump's criticism of current defamation law is well-founded. Fifty plus years of "uninhibited, robust, and wide-open" debate has produced an environment so toxic that seeking public office today entails exposing one's character to ruthless, rampant assassination without viable redress. Discouraging good people from public service hardly serves the common welfare.

Whether the two women's accusations against Trump are valid, in whole or in part, will never really be known. It's safe to assume, however, that The Times, with its blatant anti-Trump bias, was more than happy to publish their claims, and even happier at the damage they did to his campaign. And if Trump is right - if the two women are lying - The Times is fine with that too because the editors know full well that there's nothing he can do about it. Think what you want about Donald Trump, but that's just not fair.

[Daniel Leddy's column appears each Tuesday on the Advance Editorial Page. His e-mail address is column@danielleddylaw.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/LegalHotShots.]
Finance for deep-rooted prosperity is coming

Posted on 17 October 2016 by Guest Author

Joseph Robertson is Global Strategy Director for the nonpartisan nonprofit organization Citizens Climate Lobby.

Macrocritical resilience may be the most mystifying two-word phrase you need to know. Though you may never have heard these two words before, what they describe affects everything you live and strive for. Wonky as it sounds, it is a common sense idea: what generates value is more valuable than what we count in dollars. And yet, it is only in the last few years that we are truly beginning to understand that macrocritical indicatorselements of human experience that shape the health and viability of the overall economyreally do describe how and where value and capability come into being.

On Christmas Eve, 2013, the small island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines experienced the most intense rainfall in its history. 15 percent of gross domestic product was wiped out in just a few hours. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan caused $900 million worth of damage in Grenadamore than twice the nations GDP. One of the executive directors of the International Monetary Fund noted that when so much value can be lost so suddenly, you no longer know what the value of a dollar is.

A team of citizen volunteers provided needed health and recovery support to villages affected by the 2015 earthquake that ravaged Nepal. Climate resilience is partly about ensuring glacial melt and landslides are less of a threat to human populations. Photograph: Nepal chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby.

Climate disruption is generating ever more destructive extreme weather events, putting countries on every continent at risk of macrocritical value lossa disruption of economic progress that can take generations to come back from. The impact is macrocritical, because it affects the overall macroeconomy in critical ways that have long-running repercussions.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from a shock. A tree bends so it will not break in a heavy wind. Systems need to be able to get back in shape after being hit with a major disruption.

Former Mexican President Felipe Calderon addresses launch of the New Climate Economys 2016 report on The Sustainable Infrastructure Imperative, on Thursday, October 6, in Washington, DC. The report is online at: http://newclimateeconomy.report/2016 Photograph: Joseph Robertson

In her address to the Chatham House Climate Change Conference, on October 10, Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, said Climate considerations must be mainstreamed into our global financial architecture. Leaders in business and finance are beginning to see this as well. A sustainable portfolio is not just one that does good for others; it is one that is designed to thrive in a more competitive future.

This is also the view the IMF has taken, as it comes to grips with the many ways in which macrocritical drivers of value affect national budget outlooks. It is known, for instance, that between two countries that have similar resources, similar populations and similar national budgets, if all other things are equal, the one which refuses to educate young girls is far more likely to descend into sectarian conflict; its budget outlook it tainted by the macrocritical impact of under-educating girls and systematically excluding and mistreating women.

We are entering a new age in the life of Earth systems, and in the evolution of human civilization, but also in the way we conceive of financeits purpose, its vulnerabilities, and its power to generate good outcomes. As we see more and more clearly that universal education, gender equality, food and water security, and climate resilience, are macrocritical drivers on which all other value ultimately depends, major financial institutions, both in the public and private sector, are learning how to measure their performance against macrocritical indicators.

Dr. Katharine Hayhoe discusses the role of Citizens Climate Lobby citizen volunteers in building political will for carbon pricing that returns all revenues to households, durign the South by South Lawn featured climate event with Pres. Barack Obama and Leonardo DiCaprio. Photograph: Joseph Robertson

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State GOP executive director Dallas Woodhouse said people sometimes work after hours, and he felt lucky that no one was there at the time. He said the bottle appeared to have landed on or near the couch where volunteers sometimes take naps.
It will go down as one of the great failures of the Harper government that they did not resign Canada's membership in the United Nations when they had the chance.

Furious Israeli politicians accused the UN's cultural arm of anti-Semitism Thursday in the wake of a resolution approved by UNESCO that erases the Jewish connection the Jerusalem holy sites.

Lawmakers from both the right and left of the political spectrum said the decision, which refers to the Temple Mount and Western Wall only by their Muslim names and condemns Israel as "the occupying power" for various actions taken in both places, was ill-befitting of UNESCO.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the decision "absurd," while President Reuven Rivlin called it an "embarrassment" for UNESCO. The Executive Board of UNESCO is next week set to approve the resolution, which passed Thursday at the committee stage.

Culture Minister Miri Regev slammed the resolution as "shameful and anti-Semitic," and Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel called for Israel to increase the Jewish presence on the Temple Mount, a flashpoint site governed by a tense status quo, in response.

"To say that Israel has no link to the Temple Mount is like saying that China has no link to the Great Wall or that Egypt has no connection to the Pyramids," Netanyahu said, adding that "with this absurd decision UNESCO has lost what little legitimacy it still had."
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Senior Liberal figures are warning the party will be stuck in the political wilderness if it makes Alistair Coe leader, arguing a shift to the right would fail to heed the lesson from Saturday's election loss.

The counting continued on Monday, but the final result was still difficult to predict in a number of seats, including Ginninderra and Brindabella.

Canberra Liberals' Jeremy Hanson during his concession speech on Saturday. Credit:Jay Cronan

In Brindabella, the Liberals' Nicole Lawder and Sex Party's Steven Bailey are still tipped as the most likely chances for the last seat, and Ginninderra appeared to be a tight race between two Labor candidates  sitting member Chris Bourke and newcomer Gordon Ramsay.
When Frida Meares' brother heard at assembly that his school, Canberra Grammar, was going co-ed the first thing he did was text his little sister to let her know.

In 2017 she will join him in the first intake of girls into the senior school campus, as one of about 50 girls coming into Year 7. About 20 girls will start in Year 11. This year girls were accepted into Years 3 and 4 on the junior campus

The first female students on Canberra Boys Grammar School campus in preparation for 2017. From left: Charlize King (year 7), Annabelle Lester (year 11), and Frida Meares (year 7). Credit:Karleen Minney

On Monday, all new senior students joined in an experience day, with girls and boys who will be new to the senior school in 2017 attending classes and mixing with current students.

Meares, 11, who is currently at Gundaroo Primary School, says her main challenge will be adjusting to the size of the school.
A former ice addict convicted of a violent carjacking in Canberra's north has been sentenced to more than four years imprisonment.

Kaine Lock, 20, had wept in the ACT Supreme Court as he heard the car's driver feared for his life when two men wielding a knife and replica pistol approached his vehicle in the random attack in December last year.

CCTV footage released by ACT Policing from the incident in December 2015 Credit:ACT Policing

Lock was arrested in April when police identified him as one of two men, armed with a knife and replica pistol, who on the same day tried to hijack a woman's car as they threatened to stab and shoot her in Melba.

The pair had then tried to enter a 7-Eleven store before they fled to a nearby street where they forced the male victim from his Toyota Camry after threatening to stab him, stole the car and later used his credit card.
A Canberra man who helped detain three people as part of a drug dealer's plot to scare a rival cannabis seller has avoided time behind bars.

Bevan Tod Smith, 23, told police he was "only the driver" in a drug deal that went awry in Canberra's northern suburbs on May 25 last year.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of unlawful confinement the day his ACT Supreme Court trial was set to start in June.

A statement of facts tendered in court said Smith was in the car when his co-offender met another drug dealer in a Bonner carpark to pay $3500 for nearly a kilogram of cannabis.

The pair had approached the dealer's car window as Smith's co-offender allegedly brandished a sawn-off shotgun and demanded the dealer get out of the car and lay on the ground.
Celebrated neurologist Oliver Sacks once wrote that music could "pierce the heart directly", that it needed "no mediation".

Sacks' writings might have led the debate in the public mind, but an increasing body of research is demonstrating the potential for music to help the healing process and one Canberra hospital has taken up the idea in an effort to improve clinical outcomes.

Calvary John James Hospital has been looking to music and soothing natural videos to help patients heal. Credit:Rob Homer

Canberra's Calvary John James Hospital last year began providing the CARE television channel for patients as an extra tool to help them find solace and promote healing in the busy wards  the second hospital outside the US to provide the channel.

Director of Mission at the hospital, Frances Brown, said that since introducing the channel there had been an overall "decrease in the level of noise" in the hospital's wards, and she believed the channel was helping staff to look after patient's "emotional and spiritual needs along with their physical care".
DONE DEALS

Tyrone Vickery

Officially a Hawk after getting a great two-year contract that Richmond chose not to match, which means they get pick 27 as compensation. Much maligned, but will be a better player in a better team.

Daniel Wells

This one was agreed to in principle early. More money and an extra year made Collingwood's offer too good to refuse. Adds genuine class.

Daniel Wells in Collingwood colours. Credit:Collingwood Media

Cam McCarthy

A year later, McCarthy finally gets his wish. They could've got two first rounders last year, but after refusing to do a deal 12 months ago, have to settle for pick 3 after giving up picks 7, 35 and 73.
Government raids on Crown Resorts' offices in China have sent the company's share price plummeting nearly 14 per cent on Monday, cutting billionaire James Packer's paper wealth by about half a billion dollars.

At least eighteen Crown employees, including three top Australian executives, have been held since Chinese police executed a series of late-night raids at their homes across several mainland cities on Thursday. The company, consular officials and families have been unable to make contact with the group.

Stock analysts are scrambling to figure out the ramifications of the Chinese crackdown on the Australian casino operator's earnings, with initial estimates suggesting about 5 per cent could be wiped from its profit.

Crown shares closed down 13.9 per cent for the day at $11.15.
Shares in Thai gold mine owner Kingsgate Consolidated collapsed Monday when trading resumed after a five month suspension following a government decision to force it to close its mine by the end of the year. Shares in the miner ended down 32 per cent at 28, which was well clear of the low of 13c, but shredding slashing the worth of the chairman, Ross Smythe-Kirk a well-known former Sydney fund manager who has more than 5 million shares in the company. Kingsgate chairman Ross Smyth-Kirk has railed against the claims made against the miner. Credit:Ryan Stuart Kingsgate operates Thailand's only gold mine, the Chatree mine which is located some 280 kilometres north of Bangkok, employing 1000 locals. Local villagers have long complained of elevated levels of arsenic and manganese in the local environment blaming the miner, with Kingsgate arguing the two elements are occur naturally and not a consequence of its mining.

At the same time, a Thai investor, Northern Gulf Petroleum International has launched a partial takeover bid, offering just 4.2 a share seeking a controlling 50.1 per cent stake in Kingsgate which the miner has rejected. The offer price "is materially lower" than an independent expert's value of 27.9-42 a share, the miner said. For the December quarter, Kingsgate has forecast revenue to rise to $87 million from $61 million in the September quarter, which will result in it having net cash of $18 million by the time the Thai mine is closed. Kingsgate is continuing to pursue all options available to it to maintain control of the Chatree mine, which has reserves of more than 5 years in hand "Getting through this is our priority," Mr Smythe-Kirk said. "Our preoccupation as a board is to generate sufficient cash to satisfy all debt obligations, mine rehabilitation and employee entitlements. And we are confident we will be able to do that."
Police are preparing to charge the 18 Crown Resorts employees arrested across China, including three Australians, with organising gambling activities for mainland nationals overseas, Fairfax Media has learned.

Sources familiar with the investigation told Fairfax Media the line of inquiry has focused on the sales and marketing activities of the 18 staff of James Packer's casino empire, and the inducement and facilitation for Chinese nationals to travel to Australia to gamble.

"Under our country's laws, it is not just gambling and opening casinos in China which fall under gambling crimes," said one source, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of revealing aspects of an ongoing investigation. "If you organise or introduce our country's citizens to go overseas to gamble, if it's more than 10 people then you will face criminal liability."

The revelations are damaging for Crown, and raise serious questions over the risks to which it has subjected its China-based staff by having them operate right on the fringes of what is legal in the country in order to lure lucrative high-rollers from mainland China.
But the 50-year-old's road to redemption has made him something of a legend in a money management industry still struggling to reclaim its glory days almost three decades after the nation's stock bubble deflated. "He's an artist," said Ken Shibusawa, chairman of Commons Asset Management and the great-great grandson of the founder of Tokyo's stock exchange. "Even if others tried to do what he does, they wouldn't be able to." The Hifumi fund has gained an annualised 22 per cent over the past five years, beating 97 per cent of peers tracked by Bloomberg. It's down just 2.5 per cent in 2016, versus an 11 per cent drop for Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Average, and has returned 231 per cent since inception in 2008. While most Japanese equity managers stick to blue-chip companies in the Nikkei 225, Fujino targets smaller firms. He looks for businesses with steady double-digit earnings growth, a reasonable stock price and a switched-on management team. And despite his affinity for trendy gadgets (Fujino wears an Apple Watch on his left arm and a Misfit Ray fitness tracker on his right), the Hifumi fund's tech holdings tend to be low-profile.

Boring stocks "I like plain, dull companies," said Fujino, who's written more than 20 books about investing. "Famous, flashy ones tend to be overpriced." The Hifumi fund's largest position is Ai Holdings Corp, a low-frills seller of office equipment and security cameras. The Tokyo-based company has increased earnings per share by more than 30 per cent in each of the past three years, fuelling an almost six-fold gain in the stock since mid-2012. Ai's chief executive officer owns about a fifth of the company and takes a long-term approach toward investment and acquisition decisions, Fujino said. Ai is an exception in Japan, according to Fujino, who said most of the country's businesses are run by risk-averse managers or rich owners who've lost their edge. He recalled the chief of a karaoke company he met about five years ago: "I asked him what he likes doing lately and he said walking his dog," Fujino said. "Most leaders in Japan are dead."

Ai's shares rose 1.2 per cent in early Tokyo trading on Friday. While about two-thirds of the Hifumi fund's investments are small-capitalisation growth stocks, the rest are tied to macroeconomic themes. Fujino says he's currently shifting from defensive to offensive mode, buying companies like Mitsubishi Corp, a beneficiary of rising commodities, and Komatsu Ltd, a bet on stronger global demand for construction equipment. Fujino graduated from Tokyo's prestigious Waseda University in 1990 before spending about a decade as a small-cap manager for Nomura Asset Management Co and Jardine Fleming Asset Management Ltd. He joined Goldman Sachs Asset in 2000, then left to start Rheos three years later. "I was working for very reputable companies," said Fujino, who inherited his work ethic from a mother who sold bras until she was about 70. "My pay wasn't bad. If I only cared about money, then I should have stayed."

But he had ambitions to create the "gold standard" for Japanese funds, dismayed by what he saw as an overly short-term approach in the industry. While his money-management startup attracted big institutional investors like Norway's sovereign wealth fund, Fujino wasn't prepared for the financial crisis. The firm had just invested much of its own cash in setting up a new mutual fund. And when withdrawal requests flooded in, Rheos couldn't cover them. Fujino and his partners turned to financial group IS Holdings Co for fresh capital, unloading their stakes for a pittance in the process. Crisis risk Fujino admits that even now, Rheos wouldn't be immune to another "dramatic" financial crisis. But he says the firm is better prepared after widening its client base to include Japanese individual investors, some of whom buy on market dips.

During shocks caused by Japan's 2011 tsunami and China's currency devaluation in 2015, the Hifumi fund saw inflows. Rheos, one of the few large independent fund managers in Japan, has adopted a novel approach to expand its reach. On top of marketing its funds directly, the firm has convinced about 20 regional lenders to distribute its products, almost unheard of in a country where banks typically prefer funds from asset managers within their own corporate umbrella. Rheos clients sourced through regional lenders now make up more than 20 per cent of the company's assets under management. Fujino, who wears glasses in the style popularised by John Lennon to help counter Japanese stereotypes of intimidating asset managers, says he hopes to keep expanding his roster of local and foreign clients, including pension funds and endowments in the US. As for the framed cash, it's staying on his desk at home.
Federal Attorney-General George Brandis had some welcome respite last Thursday afternoon. Brandis had experienced a solid week of copping it hardcore about his arbitrary decision to downgrade both the importance and the independence of the solicitor-general.

Now he was receiving visitors who needed him more than he needed them, those who seek help and seek funding to protect Australia's most vulnerable people.

Attorney-General George Brandis's position on funding means thousands of Australians will go without access to justice. Credit:Andrew Meares

There were two groups with the same aim, although their appointments were separate: Amanda Alford and Dan Stubbs, among others, who represented the community legal centres across Australia; and Karly Warner and Cheryl Axelby from ATSILS, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service.

What do these people do? These are the folks who make sure that those who can't afford legal services get legal help when they need it. That's true of women who are escaping family violence. They also work to help those who fall victim to the many tricks of the financial trade in Australia. What they really represent is access to simple free legal assistance. They try to ensure that we have equal justice.
But we know enough to tell his story. In his mid-40s, John had worked as a casual university tutor since finishing his PhD in philosophy 15 years ago. Passed over a few times for tenured jobs, he was a long-term member of the academic reserve army, the members of which perform around half of the undergraduate teaching in Australia's universities.

It was a solitary death: no living relatives, no partner, no will or suicide note. The legal process was complicated and a small group of friends dealt with police, coroner and funeral arrangements. It seems that nobody was very close to him in the last months and that he confided little to anyone about his state of mind.

A bushwalker found his body at the bottom of a cliff in the Blue Mountains in early August. The previous day he'd caught the train from Summer Hill where he lived and travelled to Blackheath. CCTV camera footage showed him with the bicycle and backpack that the police later found locked up at the top of the valley. John - the "unknown scholar" - philosopher, contrarian, a member of the academic precariat had taken his own life.

But this semester no offer of work came through from any of the universities he had worked for over the years. Without income to pay the rent, and deprived of institutional anchorage for his vocation, we can see now that his predicament was dire.

When a full-time worker loses their job their employers must at least give them notice and pay them their entitlements. But for casuals, there is nothing. No acknowledgment of their long-term service, no indication of their future prospects. For John, and other victims of this year's downturn in university enrolments, there was just silence.

As a casual you inhabit the zombie zone beyond the ivory towers  never fully asleep, nor awake  a temporary colleague at best. You have no office and are not invited to staff meetings and rarely to seminars. The university will probably shut down your email account and library borrowing rights at the end of each teaching session. At that point you become the unattached intellectual contriving the appearance of a career without a place to locate it.

The advocates of the neo-liberalism suggest that is how it should be. Their vision is of a world of restless freelancers living off their wits project-to-project. The post-modern career is self-assembled.

Skills and jobs don't last long and so unlike their grandparents, Gen Y can't rely on solid Fordist guarantees. Instead they must dance on hot coals, reinventing themselves towards emerging labour markets, prostituting their ambitions. To fulfil the new economy fantasy they must become the entrepreneurial, "frictionless" workers, mobile and free from the ballast of personal ties.
Brian Green was not expecting drama when he boarded Southwest Airlines flight 994. Green, who was travelling to a business meeting 75 minutes away in Baltimore, powered down his phone at the request of Southwest's flight assistants and put it in his pocket.

Just seconds later, he heard a strange popping sound and to his horror, saw smoke spilling out of his pocket. Instinctively, Green grabbed the phone and dropped it on to the plane's carpeted floor, where it lay burning, filling the cabin with a green-grey fog. The flight was rapidly evacuated and by the time crew returned to the aircraft to survey the damage, the phone had burnt through the carpet and damaged the floor underneath.

Samsung introduced the Note 7 in August and recalled the first batch in September after customers reported they were catching fire. Credit:AP

There had been reports of the device - Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 - spontaneously igniting before. A few weeks earlier the company had been forced into an embarrassing recall of more than 2.5 million devices, blaming faulty batteries, which was why Green had been asked by the flight crew to turn it off before flying.

But Green's device was not one of those recalled: the phone was one of a new replacement batch, made with a different battery supplier, which Samsung had speedily brought to shelves.
Ms Kitching can thank her friend Mr Shorten and the deals in place with backroom heavies for her annual salary of at least $200,000 for six years. Since a 1977 referendum, the former senator's party determines the replacement.

Kimberley Kitching has been given a six-year Senate term without ever having faced voters, purely by virtue of her friendship - and union/factional link - with Bill Shorten.

Labor has exposed its undemocratic, union-faction flaws just as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull argues for a crackdown on union rorts and building site thuggery, while backbencher Tony Abbott pushes for more democracy within the Liberal Party.

Unlike byelections held to replace lower house members, where a candidate has to present themselves to scrutiny by voters, the Senate process in Labor's case invariably parachutes an untested union hack or party apparatchik into Parliament without them having to face an election. They are in effect fake senators.

With Family First Senator Bob Day quitting the Senate amid financial troubles, we can expect his replacement to be an unknown party member as well.

Ms Kitching's rise is particularly embarrassing this week because Labor is holding out against sensible measures to improve union governance and reinstate the Australian Building and Construction Commission to root out graft in building workplaces. Voters gave the Coalition a mandate for the both proposals.

On the ABCC, Labor is struggling to justify its stance given the $2.3 million in donations the party received from the Construction Forestry and Mining Employees Union in the past five years. More than 100 CFMEU officials are before the courts.

Mr Shorten's failure to reform Labor Party rules means union leaders and funding wield disproportionate influence. What's more, they end up determining who gets cosy jobs such as Ms Kitching's. Her elevation also helps Mr Shorten shore up his leadership from the hovering left faction icon Anthony Albanese.
The NSW government will not stop spruiking a big Sydney - as congested as it may be - instead of lobbying the federal government to reduce unnecessary immigration and/or to build completely new, really sustainable cities outside the commuting distance of Sydney, on cheap land. Matt Mushalik Epping Architects returning to terraces? Untold benefits, but unavoidable multiple levels. Please take into account the affect of modern medications on human longevity. Incontinence and staircases are critical drivers of older people out of their homes. Toilets on each level please. Long, low angle staircases with handrails, and wide enough for eventual stair lifts. Dumb waiters, too, to raise or lower groceries, rubbish, and bed linen. It is called "ageing in place". An impossible commission? Are not architects made for this? Go to it students. It is your future. John Dawson Wattle Grove

It is interesting to see that the NSW government wants to re-zone suburban blocks to terraces in the middle ring of Sydney. Of course, in the inner area of Marrickville the same government wishes to tear down our terraces, semi-detached and tiny free-standing houses to build high rise. So who wins with all this change, and who wants to live in the construction site our suburbs will apparently become for the next 30 years? Colin Hesse Marrickville Police officers for hire Norm Neill (Letters, October 15-16) laments the impending sale of the Land Titles Registry, suggesting it would be as foolish as privatising the NSW Police Force. This may come as a shock, but the latter happened years ago.

Neill need only visit the User Pays Policing Services section of the NSW Police website where he will find the full price list for hiring uniformed police for "special events" where they will happily apply their police powers to act in the sole interests of the person hiring them, or as their website more diplomatically suggests "services in turn help our clients meet their business needs". Also available are police cars, helicopters, horses and many other publicly owned resources that are ready to be put to private use for a reasonable fee. In fact, I'm giving serious thought to renting a couple of officers next time I have an all-night house party so they can threaten to arrest my neighbours if they complain about the noise. Daniel Kell Mascot Turmoil ahead for US whether Trump wins or loses Bob Carr's article is depressing. ("Think Trump is bad? Imagine Trump 2.0", October 17). But before we get to the 2020 elections we will have to weather the havoc which, win or lose, Donald Trump will inflict on the American people and, indeed, the world. If the unthinkable happens and the American voters actually give him access to the White House, we will have to endure four years of mad policies and abysmal boorish behaviour but if he loses he will drag the whole country down with legal challenges and destabilising smear campaigns against Clinton.

In the 2000 election George Bush won the presidency over Al Gore in what has been widely viewed as a "rigged election" due to a dubious electoral process in Florida. To his eternal credit, Gore did not contest the decision to save the nation the turmoil that would have resulted. Trump will have no such concern for the nation's welfare. He is already laying the groundwork for a rebellion by his supporters should he lose. In defeat, he will plunge the nation into a mass upheaval which will reveal him to be a most destructive and vindictive sore loser. Richard Keyes Enfield I find it difficult to have any sympathy for American blue-collar workers who are with Donald Trump in wanting to "smash the elites". They have continually sided with the party of the elites, the party of entrenched wealth and privilege; the party that has for the last 30 years cut their working conditions and given tax cuts to the wealthy, has cut off support and educational opportunities for themselves and their children, has sent them out to be killed or disabled in wars in the Middle East only to deny them benefits when they return; the Republican Party. But, of course, Barack Obama's going to take away their guns and teach them communism. I do not regard them as essentially good-hearted people trying to do the best for themselves and their children. Remember what happened to the Dixie Chicks.

Nicholas Triggs Katoomba Packer's pain could be a gain for the needy Well, it looks as if James Packer won't be needing the Barangaroo site after all ("Crown sits uneasy as Chinese government picks fight with Packer", October 17). The Chinese government has apparently decided it does not approve of all that lovely money flowing out of the country and since the Barangaroo complex was mostly intended for Asian high-flyers rather than a motley Sydney mob it might be a good idea for Packer to cut his losses and move on. Just think what Mike Baird could do with that massive complex. It could probably house all of Sydney's homeless for starters and have a bit left over for a new art gallery. Or a school? Or a hospital? I am sure we can think of something. Nola Tucker Kiama

It will be interesting to see whether James Packer goes into bat for the Crown Casino employees arrested in China and if he has the same influence with the Chinese government he has with the NSW government and opposition. Tony Brownlow Cronulla Does this mean swapping Barangaroo's VIP Asian high rollers with Airbnb'ers? Cleveland Rose Dee Why Double blow of cancer

It's a tragedy that many cancer sufferers are hit with bad news twice  the first being the diagnosis, and the second being the non-claimable cost of expensive new drugs ("Young mum's cancer plight puts vagaries of drug access in spotlight", October 17). Why can't part of our compulsory Medicare levies be apportioned to a special treatment insurance scheme so that cancer patients and their families are not forced to make heartbreaking financial decisions when faced with exorbitant bills for experimental drugs? Greg Cantori Kareela Hanson still lacks support So Pauline Hanson's support has surged from a minuscule 1.3 per cent of the population to a meagre 6.0 per cent ("Pauline Hanson's One Nation soars in post-election poll", October 17). Soars? More like creeps. Cory Bernardi et al should keep in mind that 94 per cent of the population still don't support either Hanson or her policies. Lynette Chamas Burradoo

Devil is in the detail for survival What appears at first glance to be a good news story, that Tasmanian devil's milk contains antimicrobial peptides, may well be anything but that. Given our history of excessive and poorly managed use of antibiotics leading to bacterial resistance being developed to all known medications, it is likely that similar resistance will develop to new agents derived from the devil's milk ("Devil's milk could be lethal for superbugs", October 17). That seems to me to lead to a poor prognosis for their survival given, as the article states, the marsupial delivers highly underdeveloped young and that the mother's milk is expected to play a role in the development of the joey's immune system. The short-term gain for humans may well come at the cost of the long-term protection this species has evolved. Robert Wheeler Ermington Contributions fill the gaps So called "voluntary contributions" and fundraising by parents at my kids' northern beaches public school go towards teachers' salaries, lab equipment and computer support staff among other things ("Rich schools pressured to share bonus", October 17). Pity help the schools without an active P&C in less affluent areas.

The fact that some public schools source 25 per cent of their income from private donations is not an indication that they are "rolling in money". Rather it demonstrates the dire state of government funding for these schools. Public education should not be a charity reliant on sausage sizzles, trivia nights and the largesse of wealthy people gaining a tax dodge  however well meant. The federal government should stop the side show and wedge politics over school funding and provide the final two years of Gonski money, which includes a big boost for disadvantaged schools  the majority of them public. Miranda Korzy Clareville Outsiders stoke war

The sadness and madness and misery of the Middle East becomes more sickening every day ("Granted there's no good guys but why is left silent on Syria's tragedy", October 17). If the first world countries pulled their forces out, ceased to supply arms and ammunition and stood back to allow the locals to battle it out that would reduce the death toll and set the scene for the protagonists on the ground to arrive at some solution of their own. Using the Middle East to fight their proxy wars is a disgrace to America and Russia and to arms manufacturers around the world. David Scarlett Killara Paying taxes like anyone else

John Christie (Letters, October 11) seems to want to single out one particular religious group, the Exclusive Brethren, with apparently little understanding of how tax law operates. Any exemption from tax, for a religious institution, is founded on the basis that such an institution would usually qualify as a charity. As a chartered accountant in public practice, who has acted for members of the Exclusive Brethren, for more than 20 years, I can say that the members for whom I act, do not claim charity status, do not operate under any tax-free umbrella and pay their share of taxes no differently to any other business. Bruce Barton Parramatta Trump trumps Reagan in one race In Ronald Reagan's day, it was "win one for the Gipper". Now it's "win one for the Groper".

Les Shearman Darlington Mongolia too good for Brandis Evan Whitton asks, "What's wrong with Outer Mongolia?" as a possible high commissioner posting for George Brandis (Letters, October 17). My husband worked for a couple of years in Mongolia and says that it's cruel and unfair to expect that country's residents to accept him. What about Nauru? That seems far more suitable. Rose Panidis Graceville (Qld) George Brandis has sidelined the Solicitor-General, and the Prime Minister, who now has to go cap-in-hand to Brandis to get permission to seek unbiased advice on legal issues. Effectively this move has made him our head of state. The crown and sceptre cannot be far behind; the bookcases will have to go to make way for the throne.

Annette Kent Hunters Hill Lifters in action, showing us how So a Liberal MP who lost his seat at the last election has been handed a $160,000 a year job that previously didn't exist and wasn't even advertised ("LIberal MP who lost his seat given new job", October 17). Luckily for the rest of us that's the lifters in action, imagine if the leaners were running the show. Bill Gillis Hallidays Point The essence of hypocrisy
A bazaar of ideas

From:chinadaily.com.cn | 2016-10-17 08:47

A menswear design contest is held as part of the China-UK Art & Aesthetics Forum. Designers from both countries showed their creations in a gala after the forum in the Forbidden City in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Mark Dunhill compares Chinese artist Qi Baishi (1864-1957) to French artist Henri Matisse (1869-1954).

"I saw an exhibition of Qi's painting last time when I was in Beijing. I was completely knocked out by his works," says the academic dean at Central Saint Martins, the renowned fashion design school in London.

"They are amazing. I would like to compare him with Matisse. It's interesting to discover the sophistication and simplicity of his works, and they gave me a real insight to understand a little bit more about Chinese traditional art," Dunhill said at a recent Sino-UK fashion and art event held in the Forbidden City in Beijing.

The China-UK Art & Aesthetics Forum was organized by Phoenix Art, part of the Sino-UK culture exchange year. Artists and fashion designers from both countries shared their ideas at the forum.

Before the forum, Phoenix Art launched a menswear design contest featuring 83 designers from both countries.

A jury chaired by Chinese fashion designer Zhang Zhaoda and artist Xu Lei chose 14 finalists, who showed their designs at a gala after the forum.

A menswear design contest is held as part of the China-UK Art & Aesthetics Forum. Designers from both countries showed their creations in a gala after the forum in the Forbidden City in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Their work "combined traditional Chinese elements into modern cutting and styles", says Dunhill.

In recent years, Central Saint Martins has admitted more Asian students, especially from China.

Dunhill says they bring an "approach to contemporary culture that is maybe newer and fresher", adding that they are very braveand very competitiveto leap from their own country to a city like London.

"Some Chinese students are very quick to see the possibilities and potential."

Language is still a problem, for example, writing, but the main difference is that Asian students have to change their attitude toward studying.

Asian students hold professors in high esteem, he says.

"You have to do what they tell you, whereas in the UK it is not that the professors and teachers are not the authority, they just don't behave in the same way," he says.

A menswear design contest is held as part of the China-UK Art & Aesthetics Forum. Designers from both countries showed their creations in a gala after the forum in the Forbidden City in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"It's much more about what the students bring in and how they can develop their talent. It is not better, just a different approach to teaching. It relies more on the students being self-motivated and having their own ideas, not just following what somebody tells you to do.

"So we are very careful about the students we accept. They absolutely understand how the education system works, what's going to be expected from them."

As a sculptor as well as dean of a fashion school, Dunhill believes an artist and a fashion designer should be evaluated in the same way.

"It's the clarity of the idea, the execution of the idea, and the originality that you conceive," he says.

He believes that fashion design has now come of age and gained confidence. It's able to operate on a sophisticated level, besides being very stylish and beautiful.

"Fashion designers are really thoughtful and provocative. They should challenge us to consider how clothing changes our behavior and our understanding of the world," he says.

He also suggests that designers should grasp the context that they work in.

Mark Dunhill, academic dean at Central Saint Martins, at a fashion event in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

He says that Central Saint Martins offers different courses for all aspects of speciality in the fashion industry.

"An artist has to understand how the curator works, how the art market functions, how they are going to measure success, not just in commercial terms but in broad function terms, too."

Dunhill notes that social media makes things more complicated for artists and designers because today, by promoting the idea that everybody is an artist, everybody is a designer.

"It's a massive competition. The world is flooded with ideas and imageshow can you move through that and get your work seen? What I see is an explosion of global creative cultures, all influencing each other," says the 60-something veteran.

"I don't have the answer. But I'm sure the young will find their way through."

Dunhill has been to China a few times, usually helping to develop international partnerships with various institutions and art schools.

In many Asian art schools, he finds a real determination to hold onto traditions, such as calligraphy and Chinese painting, alongside contemporary fine art.

He often travels abroad, meeting people, talking about "what the arts school might be in a new time, how we adapt to developments".

Dunhill also tries to understand the difficulties faced by students, in terms of fees and cost of living.

"London is a very expensive city, like Beijing probably. We don't want art school to be only for rich kids."

Contact the writer at chenjie@chinadaily.com.cn
The plebiscite is dead, so what now? For same-sex marriage, the answer is almost certainly a stalemate. Instead of reform, expect further rounds of politicians blaming each other for not delivering an outcome favoured by most of the community and most of our elected representatives.

But this failure has implications for other debates. The long-running saga has denied the Prime Minister the opportunity to build momentum elsewhere. It has also crowded out talk of another national vote scheduled for 2017, namely the referendum to recognise Aboriginal peoples in the constitution.

The bitterness and division provoked by the plebiscite debate stands in the way of Australia achieving a constitution that acknowledges and celebrates the existence of the nation's first peoples.

Momentum has built over the course of a decade in political circles, the community and business for Indigenous recognition. However, the plebiscite has done significant damage to the campaign. It is not clear that the public will have the appetite for following up the plebiscite debacle with a referendum. Our politicians may also be unenthusiastic. It is hard to see Malcolm Turnbull wanting to spend a good part of 2017 discussing yet another national vote outside the government's core economic agenda.

The plebiscite debate also heralds a further set of problems for the Indigenous referendum. That reform has, for many years, had the benefit of bipartisanship. A succession of Coalition and Labor leaders have spoken powerfully about their desire to see the constitution recognise Australia's first peoples.
Donald Trump is not just a sore loser  he's a corrosive one. With his poll numbers tumbling in the wake of a growing sexual misconduct scandal, he has constructed a grand conspiracy to explain it all. In a speech last week, he blamed a global cabal of "international banks", "the Clinton machine", and "the corporate media" for a sinister plot to steal the election by poisoning the minds of the American people.

It's a stunning charge. By crying fraud, Trump is undermining the legitimacy of the election. Even his surrogates are aware of this, making the rounds on the Sunday news shows to clarify he was talking about the media rigging the election by favouring Clinton.

Illustration: Andrew Dyson

Unwilling to have his conspiracy demoted to the metaphorical, Trump tweeted, "The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary  but also at many polling places  SAD."

This is unprecedented in the American system. A major party candidate has never made the threat of a stolen election and a poisoned electorate a central pillar of his campaign. It's dangerous rhetoric, because American democracy is premised on an informal social contract: that citizens choose their leaders, that power passes peacefully from one party to the other, that the electoral process, even when deeply flawed, must be respected.
Our Parliament's capacity to furiously prevent progress has been nothing short of elegant, but no vital piece of infrastructure has been more of a completely avoidable dog's breakfast than the wildly over budget, horribly overdue and still woefully substandard National Broadband Network.

When the Labor government of Kevin Rudd (part 1) first presented this major piece of infrastructure everyone concurred that the nation's ageing telecommunications network was in desperate need of a spruce up, and everyone also understood the economic benefits of broadband whose speeds ranged from "lousy" to "stationary" depending on whether the user was in a large city or most of the rest of the country.

"Australians deserve sweet bonuses for sick headshots in online multiplayer." Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The difference of opinion was on whether Australia deserved a very expensive new system that worked really well or a slightly less expensive new system that didn't work particularly well, and that's pretty much where things stayed for the next seven years.

That disagreement puts us in the current shemozzle we inhabit, in which the government has quietly abandoned plans to use the money-saving Optus network despite having foolishly paid $800 million for it because it turns out that it's largely held together by sheer force of will and bits of string.
How did Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump get so far before his ethics started to be seriously questioned? Credit:AP Imagine if it were Clinton who had been caught on a hot mic referring in a degrading way to men's genitals and boasting that her prominence gave her licence to grab men's crotches. Imagine if she had bragged about her attempts to commit adultery  and later reportedly sought to have fired from his job the married man who resisted her seduction efforts. Imagine that it were Hillary Clinton who had been accused of assault by her first spouse (later recanted) and later of assault in a lawsuit by a business partner. Imagine if Clinton had defended herself from an accusation of molesting a young man by explaining, "He would not be my first choice, that I can tell you".

Imagine if Clinton had body-shamed Donald Trump, saying that she had observed his rear end and concluded, "I'm not impressed, believe me". Imagine if Hillary Clinton had first drawn national attention not with an idealistic speech at the Wellesley commencement, but by being sued for racial discrimination by President Richard Nixon's administration. Imagine if she had later been quoted by a member of her staff as saying "laziness is a trait in blacks" and had retweeted white supremacists, including one honouring the American Nazi Party. Imagine if it were Clinton who had gone through six bankruptcies and compiled a long record of stiffing contractors, from plumbers to painters to lawyers. Imagine if it were Clinton who had ordered $100,000 worth of pianos from a small music store in Freehold, New Jersey, and then announced months after taking delivery that she would pay only $70,000. And if the owner recalled: "Because of Clinton, my store stagnated for a couple of years. It made me feel really bad, like I'd been taken advantage of. I was embarrassed."

Imagine if it were Hillary Clinton who had denounced international trade while manufacturing shirts in Bangladesh, neck ties in China, suits in Mexico and stemware in Slovenia. Imagine that the Clintons had given an interview to People magazine and, while Bill stepped away to change clothes, Hillary told the male interviewer that she had a room to show him  and then stuck her tongue down his throat. Imagine if Clinton had boasted on Howard Stern's radio show that "in the history of the world, nobody has got more hot men than I have"  and referred to those men she had seduced as her "victims". What if she were called a sex predator on the show, and she nodded proudly? Imagine if PolitiFact had judged 71 per cent of Clinton's statements that it checked "mostly false" or worse. Imagine that, instead of releasing 39 years of tax returns, showing most recently that she had paid 31 per cent of her income in federal income taxes, she had refused to release any returns  and leaked pages from 1995 returns indicated that she had paid no federal income taxes at all for years.

Imagine if Clinton had rampaged for a week against a former beauty queen, and even tweeted encouragement to "check out sex tape" of the woman  even though such a video did not exist. Imagine if Clinton had said, "You know, it doesn't really matter what [the media] write as long as you've got a young and beautiful piece of ass." Imagine if Clinton had been so lecherous that her daughter, at age 17, made her promise not to date any boy younger than 17. And if Clinton then joked publicly that as a result "the field is getting very limited". Imagine if Clinton had seemed completely ignorant of nuclear strategy and NATO, yet said she knew "more about ISIS than the generals". Imagine if the Clinton Foundation had failed to register properly, had made an illegal campaign donation and had expended resources not on saving lives from AIDS but (possibly illegally) on two giant portraits of Hillary Clinton herself.
Not all negativity in the workplace is a bad sign. Common sense says employees who describe their workplace in negative terms are the ones that are more likely to leave it, but new research shows this isnt the case.

The study identified some forms of negativity are benign and can be tolerated, whereas others are loud and clear warning signs in terms of employee retention. Study participants were asked to describe their past experiences with the organisations they had worked for, both good and bad.

Three forms of negativity predicted that employees will have a greater intention to leave an organisation one year later: disappointment, strong negativity (such as anger or ridicule) and indirect negativity (like focusing on the negatives in a positive story). Other forms of negativity, like complaints, entitlement and even despair, did not.

The method used in this study was adapted from a method that successfully predicts divorce. Reports on this method show that it predicts divorce with more than 80 per cent, and sometimes more than 90 per cent accuracy. Anyone who ever tried to systematically predict human behaviour knows this kind of success is very rare.
Attorney-General George Brandis says confidential material has "never, ever" been communicated by cabinet ministers on WhatsApp - but he won't be releasing the proof.

But the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's cyber security adviser, Alastair MacGibbon, said no checks had been made to establish whether classified or sensitive material had ever been sent via WhatsApp or another third-party application by MPs or ministerial staff.

Officials from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet dismissed security experts' concerns about the use of WhatsApp, insisting that the security clearances given to ministers and their staff were sufficient to protect sensitive information.

Fairfax Media reported last week that cabinet ministers, MPs, ministerial chiefs of staff and media advisers are using WhatsApp to hold confidential discussions about government business. That prompted Labor's legal affairs spokesman, Mark Dreyfus, to warn the arrangment was a "national security risk".
Family First senator Bob Day has made the shock announcement that he will resign from the Senate after his building company collapsed into liquidation leaving more than 200 homeowners in the lurch.

Senator Day told his staff on Monday that he would stand down from the Senate to devote himself to paying back his debts, including by selling off his own family home.

Family First senator Bob Day outside Parliament House. Credit:Stefan Postles

Over recent weeks Fairfax Media has reported on a series of problems with Senator Day's company Huxley Homes, the NSW subsidiary of his Home Australia company.

Huxley currently has 56 homes under construction while the Victorian arm of the company, Ashford Homes has 57 in mid-build.
Children playing near the Refugee Processing Centre on Nauru. Credit:Amnesty International "They can't authorise anything, they can't do anything, unless Canberra said 'jump'," one service provision manager told Amnesty. Even the contracted healthcare operator, International Health and Medical Services, was hamstrung when it came to medical evacuations. "IHMS can't do anything unless Canberra authorises it," the manager said. Anna Neistat, Amnesty's senior director of research who travelled to Nauru, said the report provided direct evidence of Australia's responsibility for day-to-day decision-making, and that Australia should be held accountable for breaching the Convention Against Torture - with a remote possibility that individual government officials could be prosecuted under international law. Children play near the detention centre. Credit:Amnesty "It's the intentional nature of it," she told Fairfax Media. "The Australian government is not even hiding the fact that the key purpose of this policy is deterrence. When you set up a system that inflicts deliberate harm as a deterrence, it's really hard to find another name for it other than torture."

Dr Neistat, a 15-year veteran of crisis work in Syria, Yemen and Chechnya, said the Nauruan regime was particularly galling because people's suffering was "absolutely unnecessary" and shrouded in "shocking" secrecy. "I was not prepared for what I saw, and definitely not prepared for what I heard," she said. Tents at the centre. Credit:Amnesty I was not prepared for what I saw, and definitely not prepared for what I heard Among the asylum seekers she interviewed were a Pakistani man who tried to kill himself twice in 10 weeks by dousing himself in petrol and drinking dishwashing liquid, an Iranian man who found his pregnant wife in the bathroom with rope marks on her neck, and a 13-year-old Afghan boy who attempted suicide multiple times using a knife, petrol and by drowning. An IHMS manager who spoke to Amnesty anonymously conceded conditions at the processing centre were "extreme". "There's no denying that the detention environment is a causative factor to mental health distress," they said. "People's bodies and their health is one of the only recourses left to them. This is people's last resort, their only avenue of appeal."

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection responded to the report late on Monday, saying Amnesty had repeated claims that had already been refuted by the Department and its contractors. It accused Amnesty of failing to consult with the Department before publication and said "in many cases the report references unsubstantiated claims made by individuals or advocacy groups as fact in the absence of evidence". Meanwhile, DIBP secretary Michael Pezzullo told a Senate estimates hearing he found the report's claims of deliberate torture "offensive" and "objectively, in our view, not true". "I refute categorically, both on behalf of my own department, and by way of explaining government policy in this regard, that it Is not the Australian government's position ... that we flout any laws, international or otherwise," he said. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he "totally" rejected Amnesty's claim of torture as "absolutely false". "The Australian government's commitment is compassionate and it's strong," he told ABC radio on Tuesday. He recognised there were sad stories on Nauru but said "there are 1200 people  from whom we can never hear because they drowned at sea [under Labor's policy settings]". In further criticism of Nauru, Amnesty concluded that medical problems, including serious heart conditions, improperly healed broken bones and infections "do not appear to have been treated in a timely way" by IHMS, and that a majority of interviewees were denied access to their medical records. IHMS said it "strongly refuted" those claims in a statement sent to Fairfax Media. In a finding that mirrors a damning United Nations report released two weeks ago, Amnesty warned Nauru was structurally incapable of protecting children's human rights. In one chilling example, the Nauruan Police Force hired as a reservist a man who had been convicted of raping a child just four years previously. One service provider said refugee children attending Nauruan schools were being hit by teachers and even threatened with machetes by their peers.

"Over 15 months, I saw these children change to be unrecognisable," a dismayed teacher said. "There was a 12-year-old student on psychotropic medication  she had been one of the brightest, bubbliest students  by the end [she] would just cry silently." Nauru's child protection framework was "virtually non-existent" and the human potential of asylum seeker children was being "senselessly squandered", the report concluded. Further systemic failures included arbitrary arrests and intimidation of refugees and asylum seekers, and a failure to investigate crimes against them. In one case, Iranian refugee and father Sam Nemati was jailed for two weeks after attempting to kill himself. Dr Neistat said the UN Committee Against Torture should investigate Australia's complicity in the treatment of asylum seekers on the island, and "questions should be asked" about Australia's bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council. "We definitely think the Australian government is violating international law," she said. "This needs to be stopped. It's unlawful, it's harmful, it amounts to torture."
The Turnbull government has been accused of creating "jobs for mates" by employing a Liberal MP who lost his seat at the July election in a newly created position in the Senate President's office.

Senate President Stephen Parry confirmed at estimates hearings on Monday that he has employed former colleague Eric Hutchinson to represent him in his home state of Tasmania.

The job was not advertised before being filled and no equivalent position exists for the Senate President's counterpart, the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Senator Parry said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's office had approved the allocation of an extra staff position after the July election.
Labor has an issue with Cabinet ministers using WhatsApp to text each other about non-classified material but the Australian Signals Directorate (one of the spy organisations) says no worries. [ Primrose Riordan/Financial Review ]

Ali Elamine did a victory lap of the Australian media immediately after his custodial win over ex-wife Sally Faulkner after her attempt in April to retrieve their two children from Lebanon went sour, but has kept quiet ever since. Today, he told our contributor on the ground in Beirut, reporter Suzan Haidamous, that there is nothing more that can be aired in the public domain that is in the well being of the two children. [Fairfax]

When I wrote a piece at the end of my week in Beirut covering the case arguing that Elamine may come out of this the biggest loser of all, it provoked a fervent response from my readers. In fact I received more responses to it than any other piece I've ever written - opinion was evenly split but equally passionate. [Catch up]

Listening to the distressing, tearful phone calls Faulkner recorded and aired on Monday night's Australian Story, of her children crying how they wanted to come home, I realised my piece was wrong. It is probably more likely that Lahela and Noah will grow up, venture into Google, read about the bitter fight between their mother and father, listen back to their harrowing phone calls they won't remember making at the time and feel mightily ripped off by both their parents, and who can blame them if they feel the same about the Australian media?

4. UKIP's Steve Woolfe quits 'ungovernable' party
Fresh from being detained by the Israeli Navy and deported from Israel after an attempt to break the Gaza blockade, Madeleine Habib is home on Tasmanian soil, balancing in a pick-up truck while holding a piece of art she plans to recycle.

The ship's captain and humanitarian activist left Hobart in August to skipper the all-female Women's Boat to Gaza, embarking on a 15-metre yacht from Barcelona in mid-September to sail to the 40-kilometre-long Gaza shoreline via Corsica and Sicily.

Madeleine Habib on the Aurora Australis in 2013. Credit:Colin Cosier

Five days after returning home from the fateful trip, the former MSF and Greenpeace captain is, with customary unpredictability, building a compost toilet from recycled artwork when she talks with Daily Life. Speaking about her short time at the helm of yacht Zaytouna-Olivia, Habib is both pleased to be on Australian soil and more aware than ever of the profound complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"Right now, I don't feel like jumping on another flotilla," she says, adding that her mind may change. "The fact that there's been this blockade for 10 years with no lessening, shows that unless there is ongoing [protest], there will never be any freedom for the people of Gaza."
When Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was running as a candidate last year, he counted on his wife to do a lot of the work for him. Twenty-eight years his junior, Aisha Buhari spoke to women and young people at rallies around the country, promising that her husband would end the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria's north and bring back thousands of girls kidnapped by the group.

But on Friday, she voiced disappointment in her husband's time in office, saying she will not support him if he runs for a second term - unless he makes major changes.

"The president does not know 45 out of 50 of the people he appointed and I don't know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years," she told the BBC on Friday. "Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms, only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position."

President Buhari, who is on a state trip to Germany this week, responded to his wife's criticisms by saying, "I don't know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room." That earned him a grimace from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is arguably the most powerful woman in the world. Merkel later laughed.
Body Image Movement founder Taryn Brumfitt was forced to defend herself on Sunday, after she praised Lorna Jane Clarkson, the activewear empress who has refused to stock plus-sized clothes in her stores.

Brumfitt, who is currently in the US promoting her body image documentary Embrace, came under fire on Saturday after sharing a picture of herself with the woman behind Lorna Jane at the film's Los Angeles screening.

The picture, which was posted to Brumfitt's Body Image Movement Facebook page, showed the pair with Emma Isaacs, CEO of Australian women's network, Business Chicks.

"I love dynamic, strong and Unstoppable [sic] women so it should come as no suprise [sic] that I love and adore these two," Brumfitt wrote alongside the picture.
"Having travelled across Africa from Congo to Kenya this project is very important in capturing the resilience of refugees, they have so little but they build their lives back up with such positivity and strength when given the right support and equipment," says Mukoya.

The agency, which estimates around 65 million people worldwide are refugees or displaced, the largest crisis since World War Two, hopes to raise $1 million to provide urgently needed shelter for women and children. Its exhibition poignantly explored what the concepts 'shelter' and 'home' mean for refugees around the world.

Both moments have been captured by Thomas Mukoya on behalf of Australia for UN refugee agency UNHCR, which launched a pop-up exhibition at the weekend for its Christmas appeal 'Nobody Left Outside'.

Three young Sudanese children tightly grasp a photo album filled with family memories as they settle into Kakuma Refugee Settlement, along with thousands of other unaccompanied children. Mariam Kasim, a young refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo shares a moment with her one-day-old baby Sarah at the maternity ward in Kaukuma Refugee settlement.

"Each image holds a special place with me, but in particular capturing a South Sudanese woman preparing mud bricks for her family shelter while holding her young child on her back really imprinted in my mind. I sympathised greatly with her and I want others who see these images and the stories that go along with them to have the same emotional connection. For me it was about capturing the stories behind this issue and the impact these settlements have in rebuilding lives and communities with dignity."

National Director of Australia for UNHCR, Naomi Steer, who has travelled to many refugee and conflict zones to tell stories of the individuals she meets back in Australia, says the exhibition is an important way of conveying a human element to the crisis, with women and children making up 90 per cent of refugees who benefit from education, health and work made possible by crucial funding.

"We have 12.4 million more refugees who have been misplaced in the past year given the current Syrian crisis. Women and children are the most vulnerable group when it comes to disease, violence, pregnancy issues and sexual assault, so providing shelter is the basis of making them feel protected, allowing them to build a community," says Steer.

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"No matter how each individual defines shelter or home, women can be empowered just by having four walls around them, but we need support from the Australian public as many refugees live in substandard shelters. Some women feel empowered by painting the outside of the shelter with traditional symbols or colours, such culture is often one of the possessions they bring with them but it helps them feel at home. Providing shelter makes people around the world feel worthy, giving them hope that they stand on their own two feet. Just something so simple as unaccompanied children receiving blankets and a shelter after walking for weeks on end, which has been captured in one of the images moves me greatly."
The French television regulator has been flooded with complaints after a woman was kissed on the breast without her consent during a live broadcast.

The woman, known only as Soraya, was appearing on a show aiming to break the French record for the longest continuous television program. It was just after midnight on Friday morning when the incident occurred.

Soraya was kissed on the breast on French live television, prompting over 250 complaints. Credit:Facebook/AJ+

Soraya took part in a skit which was based on the robbery of Kim Kardashian West in a Paris hotel room earlier this month.

Soraya was the Kardashian West lookalike tied up in a bathtub in the segment. After she was "saved" by panellist Jean-Michel Maire, who played a locksmith, the host of the show, Cyril Hanouna, suggested she give Maire a kiss.
Fairfax photographer Eddie Jim is a finalist alongside former Fairfax staff photographer Andrew Quilty and Oculi photographer David Maurice Smith for the 2016 Amnesty International Media Awards. Smith's series was commissioned by The Sydney Morning Herald.

"The awards celebrate the excellence in human rights reporting  whose work exposes injustice of abuse," Amnesty International said in describing the competition.

"Standing Tall" documents the journey an 8-year-old Papuan boy, Koko made to Australia to get life-changing surgery on a deformed bone in his leg. Credit:Eddie Jim

Eddie Jim was finalised for his work Standing Tall, which documented the journey an 8-year-old Papuan boy, Koko, who travelled to Australia to get life-changing surgery to straighten a profoundly deformed bone in his leg.

Jim's photos documented not only Koko's journey but also his recovery under the care of Dr Leo Donnan at Melbourne's St Vincent's Private Hospital.
If it could happen to Ms Berry, what about the teenager at the back of the commission flats? ''I was just thinking I'm in Guantanamo Bay. This isn't Ballarat ... it can't be.'' Credit:Joe Armao The two police officers alleged to have assaulted Ms Berry have been cleared to return to work. But Ms Berry's ordeal has led to a rare mea culpa by senior police. A CCTV still of Ms Berry during her time in police custody.

Professional Standards Command superintendent Tony De Ridder says he is "personally mortified" about her treatment in Ballarat's police cells, which he blames partly on "a total lack of leadership" in the police station. "I thought on face value there were clear breaches of human rights and assaults had occurred, and I also thought the behaviour of our members was inconsistent with our training, the way we ask our people to behave. I was very shocked," he says. Ms Berry's ankle was stomped on by an officer. Superintendent De Ridder says the force is "looking to change our culture totally so that human rights ... [are] embedded in everything we do". A POLICEWOMAN'S TRAUMA

Bruising on Ms Berry's wrist. Ms Berry's journey to the Ballarat police cells on January 15, 2015, began many months earlier. In 2014, she took time off from the force after facing mental health issues she attributes partly to working as an internal affairs officer  who she says are still called "rats" by some police  and dealing with the horrific aftermath of the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009. She is one of many officers who still carry the scars of dealing with families whose loved ones perished in the fires. Ms Berry in her earlier days as a police officer. "I can still see the visions of all of that stuff today," she shudders.

Ms Berry is also not alone as an officer who turned to alcohol to self-medicate. On the evening of January 15, she was found drunk and incoherent by a Ballarat resident. The woman invited her into her home and called police, who arrested Ms Berry about 11pm after her clumsy, drunken efforts to run away. Had she been treated in accordance with policy, she should have spent four hours in a cell to sober up and then been released, possibly with an infringement notice. But she remained in police custody for 16 hours. In the early stages of her incarceration, the CCTV recorded her in a police cell attempting to use a broken drinking fountain before gesturing to the camera for water. Desperately thirsty, she then drank from the cell's toilet. About 1am, Ms Berry became agitated, demanding a blanket and asking to speak to police, who didn't initially realise that she was a fellow officer. When the cell door was opened by a policewoman, Ms Berry pushed past, swiping the officer's lanyard. Ms Berry claims she noticed a capsicum spray bottle and reacted because she feared being sprayed. She struggled with two officers before copping a large dose of spray in her face. Until this moment, Ms Berry could have been regarded as a vulnerable, albeit unruly, drunk woman in the care and custody of police. But she soon became a victim of conduct that senior law enforcement sources have described as "indefensible," "shambolic" and "a disgrace".

DRAGGED, STRIPPED, STOMPED ON Ms Berry briefly wandered the station alone in a capsicum spray fog before she was handcuffed. She says the cuffs were ratcheted tight to cause pain; photos of her wrists taken later show deep bruising. She was then dragged on the floor by an officer to a cell. She was face down and still handcuffed when a male officer pulled down her underwear, apparently searching for the missing lanyard. "I'm face down, I'm still handcuffed and I'd been sprayed. I was absolutely helpless," she recalls, still shaken by the memory of lying naked in front of male officers. A policeman then stood on Ms Berry's feet and ankles. She was still naked. Next, he stomped on her ankle. He later told IBAC he was trying to stop Ms Berry kicking other officers. He was also filmed kicking Ms Berry. She says his explanation is ludicrous, as is the claim from a female officer filmed kicking Ms Berry that she did so to "calm her down". "I was basically lying there like a fat jellyfish," says Ms Berry, who has photos of the injuries she says she sustained. They show an ankle crimson from deep bruising and which a doctor later said was fractured, and various bruises, cuts and welts on her body.

After her underwear was pulled back up by police, and wearing only a T-shirt, Ms Berry was taken to a shower, where she says she was scalded by hot water that also exacerbated the effects of the capsicum spray. She says she asked two policemen to turn down the water, a request they ignored. Instead, Ms Berry claims one of the officers said, in an apparent reference to her excess weight: "You're f---ing disgusting." Later, as she lay in the cell, wet and covered with a blanket, Ms Berry had a moment of realisation. As a police officer, she had observed many "crooks" treated inhumanely. Now it was happening to her. "I was absolutely horrified. Stressed, demoralised, and later on when I am in the cell, later on in the incident, I was just thinking I'm in Guantanamo Bay. This isn't Ballarat ... it can't be." 'THE HAMBURGER WITH THE LOT' After Ms Berry was released from the police station, she says she was approached by IBAC to make a statement about what was captured on CCTV. She says the evidence should have prompted the charging of the officers who allegedly assaulted her.

But in February this year, she was notified in writing by police that there was "insufficient evidence to support a criminal prosecution in relation to allegations of assault". Having been suspended, the two police accused of assaulting Ms Berry were reinstated. It is understood this has caused intense friction between IBAC and the force, with each blaming the other for various legal and administrative hurdles that impeded the investigation. What is undeniable is that the only person to face charges has been Ms Berry, who last year left the police force on mental health grounds after 25 years' service. Early this year, she was charged with criminal offences stemming from her night in custody, including resisting arrest and interfering with the good order of a jail. Ms Berry says she was being subjected to an old police tradition. "In the police force, if someone has a set on you, they give you everything they can think of charge wise and it's called a hamburger with the lot. On the 8th of January this year, I got the hamburger."

She was also charged over the theft of a motor car, in connection to a stolen vehicle police found parked outside her home in country Victoria in December 2014, a month before her arrest. A police member with knowledge of Ms Berry's charges says that despite police suspicions that a drunk Ms Berry drove the car, the case was not supported by firm evidence. The multiple charges arising from her 16 hours in custody were also deeply flawed, the source says. "This is a classic case of police charging someone to cover their arses," says one of Ms Berry's supporters in the force. The prospect of facing court left Ms Berry suicidal. But in August, there was a reprieve. On the eve of her appearance at the Sunshine Magistrates Court and after advice from a senior barrister, all charges against her were quietly withdrawn by police.

MAKING CHANGES Senior police expect IBAC's upcoming report into Ms Berry's treatment, along with treatment of other women allegedly manhandled at Ballarat police station, to be highly critical. The report is almost certain to focus on how the force previously dealt with persistent and high levels of complaints against some police at the station. The officer leading efforts to improve the way the force deals with complaints is Assistant Commissioner Brett Guerin, an experienced and well-regarded policeman who says he is "after the same thing as IBAC". Mr Guerin acknowledges police must improve the way they discipline their own and how they communicate with members of the public who complain about mistreatment, and do more to identify and retrain "high risk" officers subject to multiple complaints. He insists "the culture is changing" and the changes are already producing dividends, including police willing to break ranks. An officer who slaps around a suspect is now at far greater risk of a colleague reporting them.

Calls for a new, totally independent police complaints body are misguided, Mr Guerin says, and change can and must be achieved from within. "We need to own the issue of police misconduct, especially [towards] vulnerable people in custody," he says. But leading criminal defence lawyers, such as Robert Stary and Dyson Hore-Lacy, SC, are sceptical about whether police are truly capable of investigating themselves. Tamar Hopkins, a lawyer who has campaigned for years alongside the Flemington and Kensington Community Legal Centre for an independent police complaints body, says "there is more sunlight" creeping into the way police handle complaints. But while she says some senior police are committed to change, this is not enough to improve what is happening out on the street. As for Ms Berry, she is taking matters into her own hands and plans to sue the force.

Her lawyer, Joseph Ridley of Arnold Thomas & Becker, said Ms Berry's case was not only about achieving justice for her, but about holding the police force to account on behalf of the community. "I don't know that I will ever get past it. I dream about it," she says. "I hope that the police force does do what they say they are going to do to look after people in custody  and weed out the ones who think they've got the power because they've got the badge." TIMELINE 2014
For years a group of factory workers in south-western Sydney pooled their money together to buy lotto tickets with the shared dream of achieving a better life.

The syndicate had some small wins and many more losses along the way, but then one night a group of workers scooped the $40 million Powerball jackpot.

As news spread around the cable manufacturing plant the following morning, production supervisor and father-of-five Brendan King received the shocking news that he was the only regular contributor who was not part of the winning syndicate.

When he asked his then-colleague and syndicate organiser Robert Adams why he was not part of the winning group he was allegedly told: "Shit happens. I run a lot of lottos."
Tragedy: Maria Claudia Lutz and her two children, Elisa and Martin, were found dead along with their father Fernando Manrique at their family home in Sydney's north on Monday. Police are keeping "all options" open while they investigate, including whether the family died by poisoning in a case of murder-suicide. "I have specifically spoken with the homicide investigators and our investigators and we have come to a unanimous view that it is far too early to make such a conclusion," Northern Beaches Local Area Command Superintendent Dave Darcy told reporters on Monday afternoon. Police at the crime scene on Sir Thomas Mitchell Drive in Davidson where the family of four were found dead in their home. Credit:Wolter Peeters "There is no one telling us at the moment what has happened.

"There is no one who has witnessed it." Staff at the children's school raised the alarm when the mother did not turn up for canteen duty and the children were absent from class. Credit:Wolter Peeters Police on Monday were trying for hours to contact the couple's relatives in Colombia, where Ms Lutz and Mr Manrique were born and studied before moving to Australia. The deaths have rocked not only residents of their Sydney suburb but devastated St Lucy's, which saw Ms Lutz as a "cornerstone" of their community. Maria Claudia Lutz and her husband Fernando Manrique. Credit:Facebook

"This is an exceptional family who have been at the school here for six years," Acting Principal Warren Hopley said. "Two beautiful children, and their mum was a very active member of the school. Maria Claudia Lutz, with son Martin, was held in very high regard in the community. Credit:Facebook "When all the children leave at the end of the day she would be out there at the exit waiting for her kids and knew the names of every child in the school. "Just an exceptional woman."

Fernando Manrique and his wife were originally from South America. Martin, who was in year four, and Elisa, in year five, had very high complex needs that kept their mother up at all hours of the night, Mr Hopley said. Yet Ms Lutz was at the school gates each morning, dropping off her children and volunteering her time as a much-loved member of the school's parents and friends committee. Mr Hopley said he was not aware of any family issues, nor were the tight-knit group of mothers who shared a coffee with Ms Lutz each Friday afternoon. "Mum was always a very happy person, always greeted the school kids in the most wonderful way.

"I don't think I have ever seen the staff so shocked, ever." Teachers were told about the deaths at 1.30pm on Monday and the school's team of therapists and counsellors were on hand for the rest of the day. Staff said Martin and Elisa were very active students and had fond memories of Elisa grabbing the hands of teachers and taking them on walks. "She had a really pleasant personality, so did their son," Mr Hopley said. "They were wonderful little personalities."

The last time staff saw Ms Lutz was on Friday with friends after school finished. Mr Manrique was an executive director of business logistics company Drake Business Services Asia. Staff were too distraught to comment when contacted on Monday. Meanwhile the two police officers who found the family dead were debriefed by colleagues hours later. Loading "It's extremely confronting," Superintendent Darcy said.
It started when two carloads of men passed each other on a speed hump in a car park in Sydney's north-west.

Sydney father David Campbell, 26, believed the people inside a Nissan Skyline had given him a "death stare".

David Campbell was fatally stabbed during a road rage fight in February 2015.

His friend Scott Wilson tried to calm him down and said, "Let's just go."

Mr Campbell decided to do a U-turn and followed the Skyline back into the Macquarie Park car park, along the Hawkesbury River.
Five greyhounds have been euthanised after being injured racing  including one in deputy premier Troy Grant's hometown of Dubbo  less than a week since he and Premier Mike Baird announced they would repeal legislation to close the industry from July next year.

Mr Baird and Mr Grant made the shock announcement on October 11, following three months of stating closure of the industry was "the right thing to do" on animal welfare grounds.

They have instead announced that a panel chaired by former premier Morris Iemma and including the RSPCA and industry representatives will report back to government on how to reform the sport in NSW.

The government has said the reform plan would include industry guarantees, including "providing the most stringent, safest racing environment to eliminate avoidable injury".
A woman has been found dead after fire tore through a house in Sydney's west overnight, police say.

A man is being questioned over the blaze that broke out at the house on Clement Street in Guildford just after 3.30am on Tuesday.

When police and Fire & Rescue NSW officers arrived at the house, they found a man and two children had escaped.

The man is understood to have phoned emergency services to raise the alarm, saying a woman was still trapped inside.
Gable Tostee will have to wait at least one more day to find out if he will be convicted over the death of New Zealand tourist Warriena Wright.

The jury in the Gold Coast carpet layer's trial began their deliberations on Monday afternoon but were unable to reach a verdict speedily.

Tostee, 30, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Wright in the early hours of August 8, 2014 when she fell to her death from the 14th floor balcony of his apartment in an alleged attempt to escape him.

An audio recording Tostee made on his mobile phone that captured the violent struggle between the pair and Ms Wright's eventual death has been the key piece of evidence in the six-day trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court.
The death of an aboriginal man at a regional hospital has come to the attention of Coroners Court of Queensland.

The man, identified only as "Mr B", presented to a rural hospital's staff on four separate occasions from February 24, 2015 to March 29, 2015.

An Aboriginal man died after presenting to hospital on four separate occasions. Credit:Nicolas Walker

On his fourth arrival he was complaining of headaches and vomiting. He died two days later after a sharp decline in his health.

Had it not been for one self-admitted factor by Mr B, he may have been diagnosed correctly much earlier.
Rough sleepers congregating under south Brisbane bridges could be forcibly removed by the end of the week if they remained in place, Brisbane City Council has decided following complaints by residents.

A council spokesman said it had received 12 complaints since August about the vagrants, who had been camping out underneath the Go Between and Kurilpa bridges.

"(On Monday) morning there were six people observed on the Go Between Bridge site and two near the Kurilpa Bridge, which is a significant reduction during the past week," he said.

"The complaints are about the group's anti-social behaviour."
A woman has been fined $800 for working as an unregistered nanny after twin babies in her care spent time in a coma at a Brisbane hospital.

Daniella Terese Rooney, 41, pleaded guilty to carrying on unregulated business and for not having the required 'blue card' in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.

A nanny was fined after children in her care ended up in a coma. Credit:File

The twins were rushed to Brisbane's Lady Cilento Hospital last month after their mother was unable to wake them for a night feed.

They ended up spending 20 hours in a coma.
London: On the face of it, NatWest's decision to unilaterally close the bank accounts of RT, aka Russia Today, is astonishing.

Imagine if the reverse had happened, if a Western media organisation had its bank accounts shut down, without explanation, in Russia, by a bank part-owned by the government.

Of course, the Kremlin has done far, far worse to domestic media it didn't like, and to journalists who needled or investigated it.

But the point is, we're supposed to be better. We're supposed to tolerate alternative points of view, even the hopelessly biased and often blatantly propagandist views regularly published on RT.
Jakarta: A sign warning cables had snapped on a rickety suspension bridge connecting two islands off Bali was erected four days before it collapsed on Sunday night, killing eight people.

The narrow yellow bridge between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, accessible only by foot or motorcycle, crumbled under the weight of heavy traffic due to a ceremony at a nearby temple.

Three children were among the eight dead as motorbikes hurtled into the water below the bridge at around 6pm local time. Another 34 people were injured. All those killed were locals from the two islands.

Klungkung police chief Arendra Wahyudi told Fairfax Media the water was only about a metre deep below the bridge with no strong currents on the night of the tragedy.
BARBADOS/PHILIPSBURG:--- In the margins of the EU- Caribbean Sustainable Energy Conference in Bridgetown Barbados, Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, The Honorable William Marlin met with the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador Mr. Irwin LaRocque. The primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss the state of affairs of Sint Maartens application for associate membership to CARICOM and secondly to test the potential for regional cooperation between the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) and CARICOM/CARIFORUM.

During the meeting, Ambassador LaRocque updated Prime Minister Marlin on Sint Maartens application. LaRocque informed Prime Minister Marlin that Sint Maartens application, along with that of Curacao and Aruba have the attention of the technical working group specifically established to devise the terms and conditions of associate membership to CARICOM, as they had not been enshrined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas , the Communitys foundation document . Ambassador LaRocque also explained that CARICOM is presently working on an enlargement policy for new members which they intend to present to the Heads of Government for decision making by the end of this year.

Sint Maarten officially sent its letter of interest for associate membership to CARICOM in January 2014. During the intercessional meeting of the Heads of Government in March 2014, the Heads took note of all the applications for associate membership before the Community and endorsed the process of application. Consequently, a technical delegation from the Government of Sint Maarten went to visit the CARICOM headquarters September 2015 in Georgetown, Guyana.

As Regional Authorizing Officer (RAO) for the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) 11th EDF Regional Program, Prime Minister Marlin also discussed the potential for possible partnerships with CARICOM. Prime Minister Marlin informed Ambassador LaRocque, that with CARICOM being a regional organization and successfully completing the so-called pillar assessment, CARICOM has been included in the list of the preselected nine organizations requested to submit an expression of interest to function as a delegated partner to (financially) manage the 11th EDF Caribbean Regional Programme along with the RAO. Ambassador LaRocque responded positively to this, explaining a shared view on wider regional cooperation and ensured that CARICOM would respond to this request. A meeting with CARICOM and St. Maarten on this matter, will follow in the coming period.
GREAT BAY (DCOMM):---The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) based in Trinidad & Tobago, concluded its Executive Board Meeting recently which took place during the 55th Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Directing Council meeting that took place in Washington, DC.

Dr. Virginia Asin, Head of the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Sint Maarten Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, attended the meeting and represented the country on the Executive Board.

We discussed a number of issues such as the minutes of matters arising out of the 14th Executive Board Meeting, the Executive Directors Report: Technical and Managerial highlights and way forward in the context of the Caribbean Coalition of Health IV.

Another business discussed was the research conference report, technical advisory committee report, an update on Zika, 2017 Work Plan, 2016 Financial Update, and the 2017 Budget and 2014 Audit Report.

There was much discussion about the Zika virus in the Region since it has been diagnosed in all Caribbean countries and territories. There needs to be increased attention paid to pregnant women and adherence to prenatal screening. Additional attention must be paid to the elimination of mosquito breeding sites.

Zika poses a significant threat to health and economic security of the Region, but at the same time creates an opportunity to strengthen national and regional public health capacities.

The Region has confronted once again with another mosquito-borne disease which shows that there is a gap in our regional health security which was a general consensus reached the meeting. All agreed that we must redouble our efforts in order to Beat Zika, Dr. Virginia Asin stated.

CARPHA is the new single regional public health agency for the Caribbean. It was legally established in July 2011 by an Inter-Governmental Agreement signed by Caribbean Community Member States and began operation in January 2013. CARPHA is governed by an Executive Board of which Sint Maarten became a member in June 2016.

The Agency rationalizes public health arrangements in the Region by combining the functions of five Caribbean Regional Health Institutes (RHIs) into a single agency. They are he the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI); the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC); the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI); the Caribbean Health Research Council (CHRC); and the Caribbean Regional Drug Testing Laboratory (CRDTL).

The objectives of CARPHA are: to promote the physical and mental health and wellness of people within the Caribbean; to provide strategic direction, in analyzing, defining and responding to public health priorities of the Caribbean Community; to promote and develop measures for the prevention of disease in the Caribbean; to support the Caribbean Community in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies and threats; to support solidarity in health, as one of the principal pillars of functional cooperation in the Caribbean Community; and to support the relevant objectives of the Caribbean Cooperation in Health (CCH).
Claim: Washington, D.C., has no 'J' Street because city designer Pierre L'Enfant bore a grudge against Chief Justice John Jay. Rating: About this rating False

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Our natural tendencies drive us to find order in randomness, to make sense of the nonsensical, to seek an explanation for the inexplicable ... even if we have to make stuff up to achieve that satisfaction. One of the conundrums that has puzzled our orderly American minds for hundreds of years is why the neatly laid out grid of numbered and lettered streets of our nation's capital is lacking a 'J' street. None of the numbered streets appears out of sequence; none of the other letters of the alphabet is passed over. Why, then, the seemingly arbitrary gap between 'I' and 'K' streets? Surely something so simple could not have come about through mere oversight, so it must have a rational explanation. Or does it? Finding the answer requires a review of how Washington, D.C., came to be our national capital in the first place.

After the fledgling United States of America replaced the Articles of Confederation with a new constitution in 1788 to create a stronger federal government and "form a more perfect union," one of the tasks that befell its First Federal Congress and its first President, George Washington, was to create the national capital called for in Article I of that constitution:

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings.

The new nation was to have a new capital, built from the ground up, and the first order of business was deciding where to put it. The final choice in 1790 of a site on the Potomac River (its location between the slave states of Maryland and Virginia a tacit promise that the federal government would accept the institution of slavery) was the product of many years of political wrangling that began well before the adoption of the Constitution and the first in a series of political compromises between the commercial North and the agrarian South. (Seventy years later, unwilling to compromise any further, the two regions would engage in a four-year-long civil war.)

The task of designing, laying out, and building a national capital from scratch was a daunting one, and President Washington's first and only choice for the job was Pierre L'Enfant, a French-born artist, architect, and civil engineer who had served with the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. L'Enfant began surveying land in the new federal district in March 1791 and soon completed plans for a city featuring a system of radial avenues imposed on a grid of streets. That grid, when finally built, would lack a 'J' Street, giving rise to the legend that L'Enfant deliberately left the street off his plans because he bore a grudge against someone whose name began with J; the omission was allegedly L'Enfant's sly way of thumbing his nose at the object of his enmity.

Who could have been this J-named enemy of the French architect? The person most frequently mentioned is John Jay, who was named the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by President Washington in 1791 and was elected Governor of New York in 1795:

It is often stated that there is no J Street in Washington, between I Street and K street, for a reason shrouded in history. When Pierre L'Enfant laid out the capital city in the 1790s, the story goes, he deliberately slighted John Jay, the first chief justice of the Supreme Court, by deleting his name from the map.

This choice seems obvious: Jay was a prominent member of the new federal government, both his first and last names began with the letter 'J', and his surname was J(ay) itself! The claim sounds even more plausible when one considers that from 1801 (when the Supreme Court relocated from Philadelphia to the new capital) until 1819, the United States Supreme Court met in a tiny committee room in the basement of the Capitol building because the original plans for Washington, D.C., failed to include a courthouse  supposedly yet more evidence that slaps directed at the face of John Jay were being engineered by Pierre L'Enfant.

Why would L'Enfant bear such ill will towards John Jay? The reason usually proffered is that L'Enfant was upset with the controversial Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation (more commonly known as the Jay Treaty) that Jay negotiated with Great Britain in 1794 to settle several disputes between the two nations about matters such as British interference with American shipping, the presence of British troops in northwestern North America, and the settlement of Revolutionary War debts. The treaty was unpopular with many Americans who considered its terms far too favorable towards Great Britain, and it was seen as a betrayal of the French who had been the United States' ally during the Revolutionary War and were now engaged in a war of their own with Great Britain. L'Enfant, a French-born American resident who had taken part in the Revolutionary War, presumably was doubly insulted by the Jay Treaty.

Unfortunately, this intriguing theory falls apart when the chronology of events is considered: L'Enfant was removed from the national capital project by President Washington in early 1792 for refusing to submit to the authority of the commission in charge of the project and thus was off the job when the Jay treaty was still two years in the future.

Did L'Enfant perhaps have other reasons for disliking John Jay (such as Jay's alleged disapproval of L'Enfant's design), or could he have borne ill will towards someone else whose name began with the letter 'J' (such as Thomas Jefferson)? Possibly, but L'Enfant's plans were subject to the scrutiny of a board of commissioners who were unlikely to have allowed an architect's personal prejudices to intrude on the orderly and functional layout of the new capital. As well, since L'Enfant was fired by President Washington before he had a chance to turn his plans into an engraving, the task was completed by Andrew Ellicott, a Baltimore surveyor with no known grudge against Jay.

So, what did happen to J Street? Was it merely skipped over by accident?

The disappointingly mundane explanation is that J Street was likely omitted simply because the letters I and J were often indistinguishable from each other (especially when handwritten), and in 18th century English they were still largely interchangeable. (The 1740 "New General English Dictionary" published in London had a single section for I and J, and the standard identification Thomas Jefferson used on his personal possessions was "T.I.") Having both an "I" and a "J" street would have been redundant at best and confusing at worst, so "J" ended up as the odd man out.
TELEHOUSE NYIIX Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

NEW YORK, NY  (Marketwired)  10/17/16  , the global leader for data centers, international Internet exchanges and managed IT services, celebrates the 20th anniversary of its International Peering Exchange in New York.

New York International Internet Exchange (NYIIX) was founded in 1996. It is one of the largest public peering exchange points on the US East Coast. The mission of NYIIX is to provide the Internet community with a neutral and scalable peering infrastructure, and assure reliability and stable Internet connectivity.

Following an upgrade to a new Centillion platform in 2015, NYIIX members have been experiencing an enhanced capacity and a more redundant infrastructure. The NYIIX membership base has been consistently growing from day one, and currently exceeds 150 members.

In line with the overall business growth, the peering traffic through NYIIX has been steadily rising. Reports show the current traffic peaking at over 400 Gigabits per second. The company has seen a growing number of 100G requests from new or the existing members. Exceeding 400 Gigabits per second of traffic is the result of our continuing ability to increase NYIIX members along with their increasing traffic volume, says Akio Sugeno, Vice President, Internet Engineering, Operations and Business Development. Such an accomplishment proves that NYIIX is one of the most important IXPs in the United States.

We congratulate TELEHOUSE on this important milestone and are pleased to have further extended our relationship with them, specifically during this significant year, said Kyle Okamoto, Chief Network Officer for Verizon Digital Media Services. We look forward to continuing to work with them to meet the rising demand for dependable, quick Internet access.

For further information about NYIIX, visit .

A stable and trusted pioneer of carrier-neutral data center services, TELEHOUSE provides secure, power-protected environments, where clients house and operate their telecommunications and network resources. Among the many benefits of collocating with TELEHOUSE is the ability to connect to state-of-the-art peering exchanges in New York (NYIIX) and Los Angeles (LAIIX). Additionally, the global availability of 48 TELEHOUSE-branded data centers in 23 cities throughout Asia, Africa, North America and EMEA, delivers continuous, cost-effective operation of network-dependent, IT infrastructure to businesses around the world. Please visit , or email at to learn more about the Channel Partner program. Connect with TELEHOUSE on and .
Light Readings Upskill University Launches Courses on Cybersecurity

NEW YORK, NY  (Marketwired)  10/17/16  , a free online forum that focuses on delivering must-have education on the overall business transformation occurring in the telecommunications industry, is focusing its next round of lectures on new challenges to cybersecurity. These challenges include the move toward network virtualization, evolving data centers, the rise in DDoS attacks and the growth of open source software. During these courses, lecturers from AT&T, Arbor Networks, Princeton University and Tata Communications examine how service providers can transform their security strategies and stay ahead of new threats to the network.

Upskill U is a unique online community  now with over 6,000 registered students  hosted by Light Reading in association with Cisco Systems. Upskill U enables service provider and enterprise decision-makers to crowdsource the mission-critical intelligence they need to formulate business technology strategies, and gain the know-how required to architect and monetize next-generation, all-IP networks.

In late September the named Upskill U as a finalist in the B-to-B: Online Community category. Other finalists in the Online Community category include AACC, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Real Simple Magazine and Time Inc.

Upskill Us 6,000-plus student body is reflective of the industry-wide need to reskill and keep ahead of the learning curve during this sea change, said Stephen Saunders, Founder and CEO of Light Reading. As the communications industry shifts to virtualized, software-defined networks, Upskill U listeners are gaining the business acumen and technical knowledge required to succeed today and in the future.

Upskill Us is always built around the hottest topics in the industry. Our new four-part series on cybersecurity includes the following lectures:

(Wednesday, Oct. 19, 1:00 p.m. ET): Rita Marty, Executive Director, Mobility & Cloud Security, Chief Security Office, AT&T will take a look at how securing a virtual network differs from securing a traditional network, and examine the fundamental technical and mindset changes service providers need to make as they prepare for virtualized networks.

(Friday, Oct. 21, 1:00 p.m. ET): Rasool Kareem Irfan, Head, Telecom & Infrastructure Security Practice, Tata Communications Transformation Services Ltd., addresses how data center security can evolve alongside network transformation and meet stringent security compliances and audits.

(Wednesday, Oct. 26, 1:00 p.m. ET): Gary Sockrider, Principal Security Technologist, Arbor Networks, examines how businesses can adopt DDoS countermeasures and redesign their network topology to protect their assets.

(Friday, Oct. 28, 1:00 p.m. ET): Nick Feamster, Acting Director, Center for Information Technology Policy, Princeton University, explains both the risks and benefits open source software presents to security measures.

Each Upskill U course is a 45-minute session where students can ask questions, interact with other students with similar business and technological challenges and expertise and download a wealth of additional learning materials. Courses are archived, and online educational discussions take place 24 hours a day.

Weekly Upskill U courses will continue to highlight some of the biggest names in the industry. for our current courses and upskill yourself today.

For the complete Upskill U schedule, visit our website at .

Light Reading () combines its research-led online communities and targeted events portfolio to help those in the global communications industry make informed decisions. is the ultimate source for telecom analysis for more than 400,000 subscribers each month, leading the media sector in terms of traffic, content and reputation. Light Reading produces targeted communications events and focused one-day conferences each year for cable, mobile and wireline executives across five continents.

Amy Averbook

Marketing Consultant

Light Reading

917-743-2693
Who did it best? Vote for the Tribune's high school football player of the week

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A Chinese Long March 2F rocket launches two astronauts into orbit aboard the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Oct. 17, 2016 (Beijing Time), kicking off a 30-day mission to the country's new Tiangong-2 space laboratory module.

WASHINGTON  China successfully launched its first human spaceflight mission in more than three years Oct. 16, placing into orbit a spacecraft carrying two astronauts that will dock with a new space laboratory module.

A Long March 2F spacecraft lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Oct. 16 (7:30 a.m. Beijing time Oct. 17) and placed the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft into orbit. The spacecraft separated from the rocket's upper stage and deployed its solar panels a little more than 10 minutes after liftoff.

"The rocket is flying according to its original plan, and the Shenzhou spacecraft has entered its preliminary orbit," said Gen. Zhang Youxia, chief commander of China's manned space program, in a statement less than a half-hour after launch. "I announce the launch of Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft is a complete success." [China's Tiangong-2 Space Lab Mission in Pictures]

On board Shenzhou-11 are astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong, publicly announced as the crew less than 24 hours before the launch. Jing is a veteran astronaut, having flown on Shenzhou-7 in 2008 and Shenzhou-9 in 2012 . Chen is making his first spaceflight.

Shenzhou-11 is scheduled to dock with the Tiangong-2 module Oct. 18. That module, launched Sept. 15, will host the crew for 30 days, twice as long as the existing Chinese human spaceflight endurance record, set by the Shenzhou-10 mission in June 2013. That mission was also the last Chinese human spaceflight prior to the Shenzhou-11 mission.

During the 30-day mission, Jing and Chen will carry out a number of medical and space science experiments, as well as test various systems on the Tiangong-2 module. They will also engage in public outreach activities, including serving as "special correspondents" for the state-run Xinhua news service.

The mission is part of Chinese efforts to develop a permanent space station. Chinese officials have indicated that they expect this station, consisting of several modules but smaller than the International Space Station, to be completed by the early 2020s.

This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry.
Sometimes, we take space technology for granted. As the deadly Hurricane Matthew made its destructive way through the Caribbean to South Carolina and the U.S. East Coast, we were able to watch its approach very carefully. Weather satellites tracked its movements minute by minute, while astronauts on the International Space Station took photographs as the orbiting outpost passed over the monstrous storm several times a day. This careful monitoring helped us understand the hurricane's impact and aided emergency services since predictions of the storm track allowed for evacuations ahead of time.

On Mars, however, we only have a handful of satellites orbiting the planet and only a few instruments dedicated to observing the atmosphere. So when humans land on the surface  which NASA hopes will happen in the 2030s and SpaceX even sooner  it will be more difficult to predict the weather around them unless more satellites and weather stations are deployed. But as the decades go on, more spacecraft are arriving at Mars and it's possible that we will see a network in place by the time humans walk on the surface.

RELATED: The Martian Winds WON'T Blow You Away

Weather predictions on Mars currently come in weekly from researchers at San Diego's Malin Space Science Systems (MSSS), which manufactured many of the cameras on Martian rovers and orbiters for NASA. They use the Mars Color Imager camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to make the predictions. But to really have a robust weather forecast system, NASA planetary scientist Michael Smith says you will need a large network of orbiters and ground weather stations to see what's going on.

"In our business, the more, the better," said Smith, who works at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. One aspect that is particularly difficult to measure is wind, he told Seeker, because a lidar (a detection system that uses lasers, following the same principles as radar) is required from orbit to track speeds of dust or changes in the atmosphere. Also, ground stations are helpful to feed individual location measurements into the models.

But improvements are coming. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory recently announced the next global dust storm on Mars will likely take place on Oct. 29. It's the first time that such a precise prediction has been available, and it's based on observations of past planet-shrouding storms since 1924. Researchers have detected nine storms in that time, with the most recent five being in the space age when we've had orbiters at Mars: 1977, 1982, 1994, 2001 and 2007.

"The actual number of such events is no doubt higher," NASA said in a statement. "In some of the years when no orbiter was observing Mars up close, Mars was poorly positioned for Earth-based telescopic detection of dust storms during the Martian season when global storms are most likely."

RELATED: Major Dust Storm Could Soon Hit Mars

JPL planetary scientist James Shirley detected a pattern in dust storms, which was published in the journal Icarus last year. His team found that global dust storms are more likely to occur when the motion of other planets affects Mars' momentum in its orbit during the first part of the dust storm season. But more data is always useful to refine the prediction.

There have been a handful of weather stations on the surface of Mars. NASA's Curiosity rover, which has been there since 2012, carries a Rover Environmental Monitoring Station that can send daily and seasonal reports back to Earth. Some of the things that it measures include "atmospheric pressure, humidity, ultraviolet radiation at the Martian surface, wind speed and direction, air temperature, and ground temperature," NASA said on its Curiosity website.

Although weather on Mars is less dramatic as the hurricanes and storms we track on Earth, global dust storms will be a hazard for future Mars explorers, especially if solar-powered equipment is used. Missions such as NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers (particularly Opportunity, pictured above), have been impacted by solar array-clogging dust in the thin Martian atmosphere, reducing the amount of sunlight that can be converted to electricity. At best, this would be a frustrating maintenance issue, at worst, it could starve future habitats of energy should most of their power be drawn from solar resources. Dust storms are also known to generate electrical charge in the atmosphere, potentially disrupting sensitive computers on the surface.

Besides helping with keeping astronauts safe, such weather predictions can also help us learn about the Martian environment generally. For example, in 2015, Curiosity's measurements let NASA announce that conditions at Gale Crater are favorable to form brine, or salty water, in the soil during night.

PHOTO: Dusty Days: India Mission Photographs Stormy Mars Globe

NASA's Phoenix mission (which also carried a weather station) identified the toxic chemical perchlorate in the Martian soil in 2008. Perchlorate, NASA said in a 2015 press release, "has properties of absorbing water vapor from the atmosphere and lowering the freezing temperature of water. This has been proposed for years as a mechanism for possible existence of transient liquid brines at higher latitudes on modern Mars, despite the Red Planet's cold and dry conditions."

It's a big improvement over a couple of decades ago, but Smith said he is eager for more data. If he could build a system without worrying about the budget, he said he would like to see more observations from orbiters and landers, to improve our understanding of the underlying physical processes that drive Martian weather. He adds that as NASA prepares for Mars landings in the 2030s, he expects that computer models would be even more detailed than what we have today, which could help improve predictions.

While the 2030s seem like a long way from now, space missions often take at least a decade to plan. So the future of weather prediction will depend on what orbiters and landers are in the works in the coming years. It's possible, Smith added, that NASA's push to bring CubeSats to Mars could allow these small spacecraft to eventually serve as remote weather stations, since most of the instruments (except the lidar) could be accomplished with simple electronics. This could allow for expanded weather monitoring operations at a relatively low cost.

Originally published on Discovery News.
NASA's Juno Jupiter probe won't be settling into its final orbit around the giant planet this week after all.

Juno was scheduled to fire its main engine for the final time during the probe's close Jupiter flyby on Wednesday (Oct. 19), in a maneuver that would reduce the time it takes the spacecraft to circle the gas giant from 53 Earth days down to 14 days. But the mission team decided to postpone the burn in order to investigate an issue with valves that are part of Juno's fuel-pressurization system, NASA officials said.

"Telemetry indicates that two helium check valves that play an important role in the firing of the spacecraft's main engine did not operate as expected during a command sequence that was initiated yesterday," Juno project manager Rick Nybakken, of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, said in a statement Friday (Oct. 14). [Photos: NASA's Juno Mission to Jupiter]

"The valves should have opened in a few seconds, but it took several minutes," Nybakken added. "We need to better understand this issue before moving forward with a burn of the main engine."

The earliest that the engine burn could now occur is during Juno's next close Jupiter flyby, which will take place on Dec. 11, NASA officials said.

NASA's Juno spacecraft is a 21st century orbiter to study the largest planet in our solar system. See how Juno will study Jupiter here (Image credit: Karl Tate, SPACE.com)

The Juno team had planned to observe Jupiter with a limited number of the probe's nine science instruments during Wednesday's close approach. But, as a result of the valve issue, all of the instruments will be turned on during the upcoming flyby.

Even if Juno never makes it into that 14-day orbit, the spacecraft will still be able to gather good data about Jupiter, mission team members said.

"It is important to note that the orbital period does not affect the quality of the science that takes place during one of Juno's close flybys of Jupiter," Juno principal investigator Scott Bolton, of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, said in the same statement. "The mission is very flexible that way. The data we collected during our first flyby on Aug. 27 was a revelation, and I fully anticipate a similar result from Juno's Oct. 19 flyby."

The $1.1 billion Juno mission launched in August 2011 and arrived in orbit around Jupiter on July 4 of this year. The spacecraft is collecting data about the huge planet's composition, structure, gravity and magnetic fields, in order to help scientists better understand how Jupiter, and the solar system overall, formed and evolved.

The original mission plan called for Juno to shift into the 14-day orbit this month, then circle Jupiter more than 30 times before ending its mission in February 2018.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
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Lome (Togo), October 17, 2016 (SPS) President of the Republic, Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, was bidden farewell by Togolese Prime Minister Komi Selom Klassou, at Lome international airport, after participating at the Extraordinary Summit of the AU heads of state and government devoted to maritime security, safety and development.







The President of Republic told the Togolese civil and military authorities who were present to bid farewell to him, that the Sahrawi Republic seeks to establish diplomatic relations with all African Union states to complete the decolonization of Western Sahara, the last colony in Africa.

The President of the Republic, accompanied by a high-level delegation, participated at the Extraordinary Summit called for by AU Commission to ratify maritime security and safety charter, where article 28 condemned the plunder of natural resources of Western Sahara by Morocco. (SPS)

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Bir-Lehlou (Liberated Zones), October 17, 2016 (SPS) The management of International Film Festival in Western Sahara (Fisahara) organized Sunday a sit-in in front of the Moroccan wall of shame that divides Western Sahara and separates its people.

During the sit-in, held just meters from the Moroccan minefields harvested annually tens of Sahrawi citizens, participants expressed their support for the Sahrawi people and to convey their suffering parts of the world.

In this context, the festival director, Maria Carrion, considered that this visit is an opportunity to let the guests know about the suffering of the Saharawi people forgotten for four decades, and that the mine wall is a living testimony to this tragedy.

International actor Ivan Prado considered the sit-in as a challenge to the Moroccan occupation and condemnation of the separation wall.







The wall of shame, constructed by Morocco in 1982, is one of the longest separation walls in the world, which runs along 2700 km and it has the largest minefield of more than 8 million mines planted randomly. (SPS)

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Celia Diepenbroek and the team from Ashdown Farm, near Seaton are the latest additions to Barenbrugs Grass into Gold programme  a scheme that is helping farmers across the UK boost pasture performance, increase yields and reduce overheads associated with bought-in feeds and supplements.

Over the course of the next year, Celia, Ben, Sam and Doeke Diepenbroek will work closely with Dorset-based Latham Gibbins, who is South West Area Manager at Barenbrug  one of the UKs leading specialist grass seed companies. Together, Latham and the farm team will make improvements to several fields at the familys second property, Bonehayne Farm, located in the Axe Valley, close to Colyton.

Work has already begun with Latham offering the team guidance, information and practical support on the renovation of two fields requiring reseeding. Both fields were suffering because of the presence of docks and previous soil poaching, which can occur when cattle are turned out for an extended period of time. Across both of the farms the Diepenbroek family has 600 cows, which spend most of their time outside grazing under a rotational system. Each cow produces around 6000 litres of milk per annum, which is subsequently sold to one of the countrys biggest dairy cooperatives.

Recognising that the two fields in question needed attention, Latham advised ploughing them up and reseeding with Dairy Grazer and Early Cut and Graze - a move that will pay dividends next spring. Latham recommended reseeding after using Barenbrugs field indexing system to grade the teams grass. This simple means of rating grass quality uses a one to five sliding scale; fields that rate five are considered highly productive while swards that score one are deemed in need of immediate action. With less than 40% of productive grass species and more than 40% weed content or gaps, the fields scored around two.

Commenting Latham Gibbins said:

We are delighted to welcome Celia and her team to our growing group of Grass into Gold farmers. At the Grass into Gold farms that signed up last year weve started to see some good results, which will have a positive effect on the profitability of each farm business taking part. This time next year well hopefully be seeing the same results on Celias fields. The Ashdown farm is now under a very efficient pasture-utilisation, rotational system and grass utilisation across the board is very good. Now its about making sure that the fields across the farm are up to a high standard and producing maximum results. Obviously we want to make the fields a five on our pasture performance scale and then help maintain that level.
It is the home of Stephen and Lisa Williams and their son, Luke, who at 21 is the fifth generation of the family to farm at Llwyn Bedw, Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon. Stephens father, Godfrey, is also heavily involved with the running of the closed flock of 3,500 sheep and the herd of 70 suckler cows.

Godfrey, who established a successful contracting business before returning home to farm in 1981, was born the year that Talybont-on-Usk was flooded to supply Newport with water. His grandfather, John Williams, was allocated what remained of the farms in the valley after losing his own to the reservoir.

The farm, now rented from Dwr Cymru, comprises 1000 acres under fence, and the family enjoy hill rights on 900 hectares (3000 acres) of Buckland Common, stretching from Aber village to Torpantau. The sheep comprise 3000 hefted Talybont type breeding ewes (Welsh x Cheviot) and a downland flock of Charollais x Talybont type ewes.

Stephen says:

We introduced the Charollais to have an earlier selling lamb  we start lambing in the first week of February and finish on 1 May. We lamb them in different batches, beginning with the Charollais lambing indoors. They will have been put to a Texel ram.

Then we lamb the broken mouth ewes, in lamb to a Charollais. We lamb those with twins indoors and the singles out. The 2,000 hill ewes begin on 1 March and all lamb out, but off the hill.

The family are passionate supporters of the livestock trade, with the Charollais x lambs selling at Talybonton-Usk or Brecon Market from the end of July at 30/32 kilos liveweight and the hill lambs following from the end of August until late November. Any slower finishing lambs are sold at Christmas in Penderyn.

The closed flock system involves the family breeding all their own rams, keeping sixty or so each year. The Talybonts are a hefted flock, kept separate and put to a Charollais ram. Their ewe lambs are kept as replacement Charollais x ewes, which then go to a Texel to produce for the early market.

The family are looking forward to Welsh Sheep 2017, although since they dont turn the cattle out until 1 May, it will be a bit of a rush to get sorted. They take pride in keeping the farm tidy and enjoy sharing their experiences with visitors and so any preparatory work can be done beforehand.
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STAMFORD  The wait is over for the popular restaurant chain eyeing a place at the table at Stamford Town Center.

The Cheesecake Factory is set to open Tuesday its 8,170-square-foot establishment in the malls restaurant row, at the corner of Greyrock Place and Tresser Boulevard. It was previosly the site of a P.F. Changs restaurant, which closed in April.

This weeks opening marks the launch of the Calabasas Hills, Calif.-based company's fourth restaurant in Connecticut, joining others at the Danbury Fair mall, the Westfield Trumbull mall and another in West Hartford. There are about 200 Cheesecake Factory establishments around the world.

Connecticut has proven to be a very successful state for us, as has this area, Donald Evans, The Cheesecake Factorys chief marketing officer, said during an interview last week at the Stamford restaurant. Weve been looking for a spot in this mall, and when this opened up we decided it was the right time for us to come.

The Cheesecake Factory describes itself as the creator of the "upscale casual dining" market. It offers more than 250 menu selections and more than 50 cheesecakes and desserts, including its new chocolate hazelnut crunch offering. The menu also includes seafood, pasta, pizzas, hamburgers, salads and steaks,

All of our menu items are pretty much made from scratch, Evans said. If youre getting a salmon dish, its not frozen salmon.

The Stamford Cheesecake Factory will employ 260, and the establishment is still hiring. More than 3,300 have already applied.

Ive seen that it was a (Fortune magazine) top 100 company to work for, so that was definitely eye-opening, said server Bajram Asllani, who is a Stamford native. I just liked their whole family feel. Its a community.

Each year, The Cheesecake Factory opens an average of eight to 12 restaurants, with each new establishment involving extensive preparation. The company brings in 50 to 65 designated trainers to lead staff training before, during and after each locations opening. Staff development started Oct. 1 for the Stamford restaurant.

Stamford employees faced a major test last Thursday and Friday when the restaurant welcomed about 1,000 invited guests for pre-opening lunches and dinners. The Stamford Cheesecake Factory has a seating capacity of about 215.

During those practice meals, the designated trainers shadowed and provided feedback to employees as they served patrons.

We stay side by side to make sure no detail is left untouched, said designated trainer Chris Valverde, a nine-year company veteran, who traveled to Stamford from his base in the Los Angeles area. We make sure they understand what we do reflects the perfect guest experience.

Many patrons who dined during the preview run last week gave high marks to the fare and dining atmosphere. The list of satisfied guests included Kai Connolly-Raub and Lisa Chambers, who both work at the Barnes & Noble store at Stamford Town Center.

Our experience was really great, Connolly-Raub said. I had steak tacos, which were wonderful. And the presentation was great.

Connolly-Raub said that she was also pleased with the large portions, which company officials said are intentionally generous to allow patrons to take them home for second meals.

We had lunch, were full, and I now have dinner, Connolly-Raub said. I really appreciate that when I go out.

The Cheesecake Factory joins a roster of establishments on Stamford Town Centers restaurant row that includes California Pizza Kitchen, Plan B Burger Bar, Kona Grill and The Capital Grille. The dining hub last week lost the fast-casual restaurant Cosi, which closed after the company filed last month for bankruptcy.

A publicly traded company, The Cheesecake Factory is worth about $2 billion.

pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott
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BETHEL  Pardeep Tina Dhaliwal doesnt want poor skin to keep people from going about their daily routine or enjoying a night on the town.

People are sometimes frustrated about their skin and are afraid to go out, she said. I want them to feel good about their skin.

Dhaliwal opened Spa at Grassy Plain at 43 Grassy Plain St. in Bethel last month. The spa offers services such as facials, waxing, threading, manicures and pedicures. She hopes to offer full-body skin treatment and massages in the near future.

Born in India, Dhaliwal moved to the U.S. in 2012 after getting married. She studied nursing in India and wanted to continue serving peoples health when she came to the states.

Moving here presented me with many new and exciting options, she said.

Dhaliwal attended the Institute of Aesthetic Arts and Sciences in Southbury and then worked at a spa in Darien and with a doctor in Greenwich. A resident of Brookfield, Dhaliwal decided to open her own business to serve people closer to her own community.

I love this. I want to guide people about their skin needs, she said. Its nice to have taken this big step and open the spa. It helps people and I offer good services and good products.

Dhaliwal uses Eve Taylor London skin care and aromatherapy products.

Heather Hansen ONeill, president of the Bethel Chamber of Commerce, attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony two weeks ago and walked away impressed with Dhaliwals spa.

Its wonderful to see young business owners coming to Bethel, she said. Tina and (husband) Sunny from Spa at Grassy Plain are lovely. The spa itself is clean and beautiful. And I cant wait to have a facial. I hear Tina has hands of an angel from one of the people at the ribbon-cutting.

Dhaliwal runs the spa with assistant Cynthia Wilcox, a friend she met at the Institute of Aesthetic Arts and Sciences. The space in Bethel, about 1,000 square feet, includes separate rooms for manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing. Relaxing music emanates from the ceiling speakers and the scents of the treatment products add to the comforting environment.

I worked at the top spa in the area so I wanted to do that here, Dhaliwal said. Everything is new and clean and peaceful.

Kathy Shingara, director of the Institute of Aesthetic Arts and Sciences, said Dhaliwal and Wilcox were good students and each went on to gain valuable experience after graduating.

Im very proud of them. They will do very well, Shingara said. They are both excellent aestheticians and like doing treatments, not just facials. They are interested in the clients and what would be beneficial to their skin.

Dhaliwal is offering promotional pricing on many services as she continues to build her business. More information may be found at www.spaatgrassyplain.com

cbosak@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3338
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STAMFORD  The five candidates running for four open seats on the citys Board of Education bring a diverse mix of traits, skills and motivation.

They include a 19-year-old college student who admits hes not in the race to win, candidates from three political parties and only two of them are married and have children.

The youngest candidate  and presumably the only one who will fail to get a seat  is Green Partys Eumir Antonio Abela, a college student who is not campaigning.

Abela, who graduated from Westhill High School in 2015, is a sophomore at Eastern Connecticut State University. A former Democrat and Bernie Sanders supporter until three months ago, he said he entered the race to create a dialogue.

At this point, winning is not on my mind, he said. Im just getting the Green Party narrative out there.

The only Republican candidate is former school board member Nicola Tarzia, who has lost three elections since 2012.

The other presumed newcomer is Democrat Antoine Savage, whos running for a public position for the first time.

The only woman in the race is incumbent Jennienne Burke, the Democrat who won the most votes last year.

More Information BOARD OF EDUCATION RACE Three-year seats (3 open) Eumir Antonio Abela Incumbent - No Political party - Green (for this election) Age - 19 Highest educational level - High school graduate Occupation - College student Employer - Radio MD Marital status and family - Single Campaign website - None What makes you the right choice for this seat? - "Rather than focusing on winning the seat, it is imperative to acknowledge that local elections matter just as much as the presidential election. Each holds true to its responsibility and hopefully it can inspire young voters to reach out to their communities and start a movement." Jennienne Burke Incumbent - Yes Political party - Democrat Age - 52 Highest educational level - Graduate or professional Occupation - College readiness Employer - Self Marital status and family - Married, two children Campaign website - None What makes you the right choice for this seat? - "I am a community advocate that supports the education of students both inside and outside the classroom. From literacy, culture and climate issues to career exploration and health partnerships, I connect students with community resources. I help parents understand educational policies and procedures, while working collectively with teachers, administrators and community to make sure our district functions efficiently. I work very hard to problem solve, focusing on solutions while providing leadership to help our district achieve their educational goals. For me, student success signals a thriving, capable community." Antoine Savage Incumbent - No Political party - Democrat Age - 35 Highest educational level - Graduate or professional Occupation - Recruitment manager Employer - BurkeERC Marital status and family - Single Campaign website - votesavage2016.com What makes you the right choice for this seat? - "I have the best interests of the Stamford public student, the family, and the community as a whole. I believe that integrating our entire community around the Stamford Public School system is the key to excellence. I intend to achieve this with the utmost educational innovation, collaboration and implementation with the Board, School admin, teachers, students, families and the remaining community." Nicola Tarzia Incumbent - No Political party - Republican Age - 53 Highest educational level - Graduate or professional Occupation - General and mechanical contractor Employer - Tarzia Group Marital status and family - Single Campaign website - None What makes you the right choice for this seat? - "Born and raised in Stamford and went through the public school system. I've been an educational advocate and involved in community services over 25 years. Served on the Board of Education from 2000 to 2004. I can be an effective board member and know how the system works. My expertise is in Facilities management and can be instrumental in that capacity. I have proven cost savings programs in energy and health insurance that saves the district money once implemented." One-year seat (1 open) Geoff Alswanger Incumbent - Yes Political party - Democrat Age - 50 Highest educational level - College graduate Occupation - Director Employer - Long Ridge Camp Marital status and family - Married, two children Campaign website - None What makes you the right choice for this seat? - "As a parent of a Stamford Public School student and a committed volunteer for six years, I feel that I can continue to positively contribute to the elected Board of Education." See More Collapse

Abela, Tarzia, Savage and Burke are on the ballot for the three three-year seats up for grabs on Nov. 8.

Board President Geoff Alswanger, a Democrat, is running unopposed for an unexpired one-year seat. Hes been on the board since 2010.

Burke and Alswanger, each of whom has two children, are seeking re-election to build on what they described as major accomplishments in the school district over the past year: the hiring of Superintendent Earl Kim and the opening of the New School at 200 Strawberry Hill, a yet-to-be-named extension of Rogers International magnet school.

Burke, 52, also said she wants to continue to build the reputation of the board back.

The panel recently weathered a tumultuous period that began with the arrest of a Stamford High School teacher for child abuse in 2014. The case led to the arrest and dismissal of a principal and an assistant principal, the resignations of several board members and the early retirement of Superintendent Winifred Hamilton.

The new board will have to oversee the districts aging infrastructure and decide whether to hire a new facilities management contractor, handle the job in-house or come up with a hybrid solution. The department is run by AFB Construction Management and CEO Al Barbarotta  both facing investigations by Stamford police and the FBI for possible extortion.

Tarzia, 53, said his expertise in facilities management will be instrumental to helping guide a transition to changes for the better.

I am sick and tired of reading about the facility issues, he said.

Tarzia is the owner and CEO of Tarzia Group, a real estate development and general and mechanical contracting company.

He served on the school board from 2000 to 2004 and resigned after The Advocate reported he had been arrested in 2002 on cocaine possession charges in Rhode Island. The charges were dismissed and his record was expunged in 2003. Tarzia has denied using drugs and said he was wrongly arrested.

A Stamford High and Wright Tech graduate, he said he knows how the system works.

Education is the foundation of any community, and I love building foundations, Tarzia said.

In 2012, he unsuccessfully challenged Democratic state Rep. William Tong in North Stamfords 147th District. He also failed to get enough votes for a seat on the school board in 2013 and 2015.

Burke, a self-employed career and college readiness consultant, is seeking re-election to continue helping students prepare for college and careers and improve communications with the Stamford community.

I am a community advocate that supports the education of students both inside and outside the classroom, she said. From literacy, culture and climate issues to career exploration and health partnerships, I connect students with community resources.

Savage, the other Democrat seeking a three-year seat, is a recruitment manager at BurkeERC, a Stamford-based executive recruiting firm. He also volunteers with the Stamford Public Education Foundation and is a past member of the Yerwood Centers board of directors.

Savage, 35, promises innovation and said he wants to use his position on the board to make the school district a better place.

I believe that integrating our entire community around the Stamford Public School system is the key to excellence, he said.

The only truly uncontested race is Alswangers bid for an unexpired one-year term.

The 50-year-old board president, who said he told his family and friends three years ago this term would be his last, said he changed his mind when the opportunity arose for the one-year seat.

Given how well its been going with our board members and the new superintendent and the fact that this one-year opportunity became available, it was something I could commit to, said Alswanger, a director at Long Ridge Camp in North Stamford.

The Parent-Teacher Council of Stamford will host a forum with the school board candidates at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, on the fifth floor of the Stamford Government Center.

noliveira@hearstmediact.com, 203-954-2265, @olivnelson
1 . The light touch

If your idea of the perfect foundation is one that makes you look and feel like youre not wearing any at all, youll get on just fine with Topshops new Air Cushion Skin Perfector.

The high-street stores latest ace of base offers a fresh, feather-light formula that still boasts enough concealing clout to disguise imperfections for a flawless finish. Whats more, the spongy compact delivers just the right amount of liquid so its fast and foolproof.

Because effortless isnt the same when it takes an hour to apply.

(16.50, topshop.com)

2. The anti-ager

If you wear foundation every day, it should work as hard as the rest of your skincare regime.

Bolstered by the same age-defying, antioxidant-rich ingredients from its Prevage range, Elizabeth Ardens new Anti-Ageing Foundation leaves skin looking plump, hydrated and youthful while working to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. And if that isnt enough, it also has an SPF 30, so you dont have to worry about future damage either.

(45, elizabetharden.co.uk)

3. The pollution solution

Protection from the capitals ever-expanding smog cloud isnt all funny masks and enforced agoraphobia.

Clarins clever new BB Skin Detox Fluid is packed with pollution-repellent ingredients such as succory dock-cress and white tea extract to act as a barrier against airborne nasties. But thats not to say that its heavy - the sheer formula is also laced with acerola seed to encourage skin oxygenation. In essence, its like a breath of fresh air for your complexion.

(30, clarins.co.uk)

4. The leveller

For those who would best describe their skin type as pain in the arse, seek out a formula that multitasks better than Beyonce. Cliniques new Superbalanced

Silk Make-up is especially formulated for high-maintenance complexions, delivering a hit of hydration to dry patches and oil control where - and when - its needed most. The silk bit comes from the addition of real silk, which allows for a second-skin finish and combines with light polymers to diffuse imperfections. Plus, its available in 20 shades, so you can get on with finding your work/life balance instead.

(23, clinique.co.uk)

5. The pore eraser

French pharmacy brand La Roche-Posay has added a BB cream to its Effaclar range, specifically designed for oily complexions.

Not only does the mattifying mousse soak up any oil slicks throughout the day - without drying out your skin, thanks to the brands signature infusion of thermal spring water - but the blurring pigments also erase enlarged pores before your eyes for a smooth and even complexion.

(16.50, boots.com)

6. The brightener

If your quest for that coveted lit-from-within glow has been fruitless - regardless of how many super- green juices youve knocked back - try Chanels Sublimage Le Teint.

Infused with diamond powder for radiance and vanilla planifolia water for hydration and vitality, it imbues a bright, healthy finish that will leave you looking glowy throughout even the darkest winter days.

(98, chanel.com)
T he banker calls in his traders. Its hit-the-phone-like-it-owes-you-money time, boys. If youve ever done anyone a favour, call it in. Ring your clients day and night until they a) buy, or b) die. This float is priced to go. Lets put some lipstick on this pig.

Perhaps thats not quite how the conversation went in the offices of Citi, JPMorgan, HSBC, Peel Hunt and Rothschild last week as the assorted advisers realised that a mooted float price for Biffa of 270p was fantasy. But that was the gist.

And, in fairness to Biffa, it is no pig, be-lipsticked or otherwise.

As a waste-management firm  dont call them binmen  it ought to do well no matter what the economic weather.

Well all keep producing rubbish at roughly the same rate and are increasingly willing to pay extra to see it disposed of in eco-friendly ways.

What todays much lower float price shows is just how much politicians can influence market sentiment even, perhaps especially, when they dont mean to.

Theresa Mays surprisingly fierce remarks at party conference about the need for a hard Brexit spooked fund managers, who quickly decided the world was an unmeasurable place.

Blue-chip investors told the bankers they still liked Biffa as a business, but that it suddenly looked a lot harder to value.

The bankers perhaps advised the client that they could float now at a much lower price, or wait three years before they could try again.

To Biffas credit, it was realistic rather than greedy and decided to get onto the market while it could and worry about the share price later.

As for the bankers, if they sometimes resemble jumped-up-bookies changing horse-racing odds in light of torrential rain, or estate agents over-promising huge sales prices in order to land business, well thats just an unfortunate coincidence.

In these circumstances you could almost feel sorry for them, almost get the idea that lately they are earning their fees. I did say almost.

Don't count the cost

Cost management is the buzz phrase. Today Pearson said thats how it will hit profit targets despite falling sales.

Premier Foods said the same last week when no one was buying its gravy. Many others will follow.

Trouble is, if everyone is cutting costs, that means no one is spending and we grind to a halt. Profits go down everywhere, no matter how fierce the cost controls.

That leaves a good case for a splurge of government investment to make sure the ball keeps rolling. Mother Theresa knows what to do.
Y ou can probably count on the fingers of one hand the number of successful businesses that have been dreamed up several steins down at Oktoberfest.

Clockjack was still a fledgling concept for a rotisserie-chicken restaurants chain when private-equity veterans Jerry Goldberg and Fraser Duncan made the trip to Munich in 2011.

They and a couple of mates watched as thousands of people got tanked up on Pilsner and then chowed down on chicken whisked out to revellers.

You cant just feed them with all that beer, says Goldberg. They do it with banks and banks of rotisseries  partly because it tastes good, but also because its really efficient.

Goldberg, former chief operating officer of Center Parcs Europe, and Duncan, an ex-managing director at Guy Hands Terra Firma, opened their first restaurant in Soho the following year.

Inspired by the speed of the Oktoberfest operation, they decided to focus on delivery kitchens instead of restaurants to turn their chicken chain into a cash cow.

The plan was to churn out chickens  up to 50 an hour per rotisserie  that they would deliver to homes and offices via services such as Deliveroo.

Putting our private-equity hats on, every bit of the economic model looks more attractive than restaurants, Goldberg says as he struggles to carve the juicy leg of a chicken that has just arrived at our table in their Soho restaurant. (We tossed for that before you arrived and he lost, Duncan chuckles.)

For one, soaring rents are making it increasingly difficult for new, independent restaurants to break even.

Were just going through a rent review now. The first quote from the landlord is astronomically high. We expected it to be big but we fell off our seats when we saw it, Goldberg explains as we tuck into sides of sweet-potato fries, coleslaw and some token healthier options.

The first Clockjack delivery kitchen opened in Monument in June, targeting City firms.

The pair had already tested the model from their Soho restaurant on hedge funds in Mayfair that gave employees an allowance to spend on lunch to keep them tied to their desks. To give them business in the evenings, they deliver further afield to Clerkenwell, Islington and Bethnal Green.

Were also forecasting much higher revenues from the delivery site in the City than we will do a 50-seater restaurant because youre not constrained by capacity, says Goldberg, whose wife makes banana bread and other cakes for Clockjacks dessert menu.

They expect to rake in 50,000 a week from a delivery kitchen, which would equate to 2.6 million a year, and also opened a larger restaurant in Woolwich in July to boost the brand.

Goldberg and Duncan admit they have no restaurant experience. They met while working at Unilever in the Eighties and, after parting ways, both ended up in private equity.

Goldberg worked in marketing for brewer Scottish & Newcastle, the then owner of Center Parcs, which he went to run in Holland. It was sold to Deutsche Bank Capital Partners, which made him an operating partner at MidOcean, Deutsche Banks old buyout arm.

Duncan went into consulting before joining Nomura, which then spun out Terra Firma, run by Hands. Terra Firma was a fantastic experience but it got to a point where our kids were in their mid-teens and I said to Guy I need to step off the gas a bit, he says, his soft Edinburgh tones the perfect foil for the more animated Goldberg.

Duncan, who remains on the board of Odeon cinemas and is still an adviser to Terra Firma, concedes they needed help setting up Clockjack. They managed to convince David Moore, the restaurateur behind Michelin-starred Pied a Terre, to join as a director when the business was a mere pipe dream.

Moore also invested, along with about 30 others rounded up by their financial adviser, as they raised 1 million for their ambitions plans in the belief there was room for another chicken restaurant besides Nandos.

They hope to tap up their private-equity contacts once the business grows some wings.

Learning the trade hasnt exactly been a chore. Youve got to try the roast chicken wherever you go to make sure weve got the right standard here, Duncan says.

With a grin, Goldberg insists its important they eat out as much as possible: Chatting with the kids about food  that counts as work.

Being a restaurant entrepreneur has its perks.
M ore boots may be pounding the ground at the so-called Gatwick gusher after plans were lodged to drill two new wells at the site.

Horse Hill Developments, which owns the majority of the sites licences, has asked Surrey County Council if it can start drilling in new spots to figure out how much more oil is below the surface.

Further work may also be done on four zones at the site, close to Gatwick Airport.

Horse Hill Developments is 48% owned by junior stock market-listed UK Oil & Gas, led by executive chairman Stephen Sanderson.

This planning application... is firmly designed to move these assets into near-term oil production and the monetisation of our core recoverable resources, he said.

The Gatwick Gusher is the brainchild of Aussie entrepreneur David Lenigas, who is the top shareholder of UKOG.

Several other listed oil firms also have an interest in Horse Hill.
A surge in high-profile corporate hacks and banks bolstering their IT defences helped profits jump last year at cyber-security giant Kaspersky Lab.

The business, founded in Moscow by Eugene Kaspersky but whose holding company is registered in London, saw pre-tax profits grow 20% to $104 million (85.5 million) last year, according to Companies House accounts. Underlying revenues rose 13%.

Kasperskys UK chief executive Kirill Slavin said businesses were becoming more aware of the threat of data breaches, which have damaged the reputations of companies including TalkTalk and Yahoo.

With the number of attacks on the increase by the hour, companies are becoming a bit more agile, Slavin said.

Kaspersky, which sponsors the Ferrari Formula One team, is helping banks such as Barclays shore up their cyber defences.

Slavin said being privately owned meant it can spend several years on longer-term projects instead of chasing short-term profits.

We dont have quarterly pressure from the Wall Street titans so we can afford longer research and development cycles.
S hareholders in SSE could be getting a special dividend after the energy giant today sold a slice of Scotia Gas Networks to Abu Dhabi.

The FTSE 100 utility sold part of its stake in the gas distribution firm to Abu Dhabis sovereign wealth fund for 621 million.

The Big Six provider bought its 50% stake in SGN  which supplies gas to almost six million homes and businesses in Scotland and southern England  for 505 million in 2005.

Since then the business has paid SSE approximately 750 million in dividends and other payments.

Todays acquisition sees the Gulf state pay 621 million in cash for only a 16.7% stake.

Shareholders have good cause to expect a bonus payout as a result of this sale: at a trading statement in July, SSE said should a sale [of SGN] be completed, SSE would expect to use the proceeds to return value to its shareholders or to invest to create value for shareholders.

Today, though, the energy firm would only tell shareholders that it will provide an update on what it will do with the proceeds early next month.

Like most of the Big Six, SSEs retail business has been damaged by customers switching to smaller suppliers whose control of the dual-fuel market has risen from 1% four years ago to more than 15% today.

SSEs asset sale follows Centricas sale of wind farms in February and National Grids hoisting a For Sale sign above its majority stake in the 8.5 billion UK gas network.

SSEs chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies said of the SGN deal: The sale confirms SSEs ability to deliver value for shareholders through focused, timely disposals.

But the City wasnt so impressed: shares in the energy giant slipped 9p to 1537p.
H es been sniffing around Vodafone for years  now John Malone, the billionaire boss of telecoms giant Liberty Global, reckons the UK has become a bargain basement ripe for a rummage from American firms.

Malone, who is worth almost $8 billion (6.6 billion), said some UK companies really look cheap to a US dollar investor after sterlings 18% slump in value since Brexit.

I wouldnt be surprised to see a lot of M&A activity by US private equity or corporates when they think that the pound has kind of bottomed, the billionaire told Bloomberg.

Malone has always been interested in British deals: he spent $23.3 billion buying Virgin Media three years ago, and speculation has frequently swirled about either a full-blown 140 billion merger of Liberty and Vodafone or a possible exchange of assets.

The pair agreed a deal to combine their Dutch businesses this summer to create the Netherlands second-largest mobiles and cable operator.

Jefferies analysts said in June that they continue to believe that Vodafone needs a Liberty transaction to secure its long-term prospects.

Despite Malones latest comments hinting at a shopping spree, the City remains unconvinced. Vodafone shares rose just 0.2p to 225.2p.
B ody cameras  or Body-Worn Videos  are transforming modern policing. Now, after pilot studies showed they produced a dramatic reduction in complaints against police  by 93 per cent in one study  they are to be introduced into every London borough. It will cost 10 million all told but it will be worth it.

The interesting feature of the cameras, which give clear indications that they are working, is that they appear to change behaviour, not just of the police but of the people they are dealing with and the suspects they apprehend. So police who are conscious that their conduct is being recorded may be more measured in their behaviour; suspects who know they are being recorded may be far less likely to allege police misconduct when their charges can be disproven. In stop-and-search cases, which cause intense vexation to those being stopped and searched, this may be especially helpful.

Of course, like every technology, body cameras have their limitations. Because they are audible and visible, they cannot easily be used right now in covert operations but the technology is still being developed. It is, however, going to be used in overt firearms operations, which are inevitably contentious. And of course there will be behaviour that the cameras will not catch, and the justice system must be wary of assuming Body-Worn Videos are infallible.

Still, any device that helps protect both police and public has to be welcome. London is in the vanguard of progress here; the rest of the country will soon follow.

IS: beginning of the end?

Just over two years ago, Islamic State forces captured Iraqs second city, Mosul; the Iraqi army simply fled in the face of its advance. Not only did this put the citys US weaponry and oilfields in IS possession but also the countrys central bank. From that strategic gain, the advance of the self-styled caliphate began in Iraq and Syria, with the consequent expulsion and killings of Christians, the genocide of the Yazidis, the execution of captives and the horrific destruction of many of the most prized remains of the ancient world, including Ninevah.

The battle to retake the city will be hideously fraught. The good news is that the Iraqi forces and the US-led coalition supporting the advance appear to be taking the problems and complexities into account, not least the situation of civilians in the city who are effectively human shields for IS, and the sensitivities of Sunni Iraqis, some of whom were sufficiently alienated by their treatment since the Iraq war to back IS at the outset. Usefully, the Kurdish Peshmerga forces, who have led the fight against IS and protected the Yazidis, are an important component of the advance. We should not expect rapid results from this offensive, still less, as Robert Fox points out in his analysis, that the fall of Mosul will amount to the end of IS. But this is still a crucial turning point, and Britain should do everything it can to support this offensive.

Refuge from the Jungle

The first group of child refugees from the Jungle migrant camp arrive in the UK today  the first of around 100 unaccompanied minors from the Calais camp who will be reunited with family already living here. It is absolutely right that their asylum claims should be transferred to Britain and be dealt with swiftly. But as charity workers in the Jungle told the Standard last week, reaching the UK wont in itself heal the psychological scars that beset many young refugees. They deserve a warm welcome but will also need our long-term support.
D ear Theresa,

It was your choice. You could have chosen differently. You could have said this to the party faithful at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham: I will deliver Brexit. I will be faithful to the mandate given to us by the British people. I will heed their anxieties about immigration and I will act so that we have more control about who comes in and out of our country. But, friends, I must tell you candidly that I will not act in a way which will jeopardise the open, dynamic economy upon which our great trading economy relies.

And that means I will also fight to retain our membership of Europes single market, the worlds largest borderless marketplace created by our partys greatest heroine, Margaret Thatcher. Yes, that will require compromise with the other EU member states  it may even mean we will need to pay some money to Europe in return  but in my considered judgment that is the best way to balance our goal of taking back control and our duty to bequeath future generations with a strong and prosperous economy.

Of course some people would have complained if you had said this. John Redwood, Bill Cash and other splenetic old men would have started to snarl. But they will do that anyway. They always savagely turn on anyone who actually has to govern. Theyll do it to you too, one day.

Highlights from Theresa May's Tory conference speech

There would have been some furrowed brows in the Birmingham conference chamber. But you are in a politically unassailable position, riding high in the polls, favourably contrasted both with your predecessor and the hopeless Labour Party. You may have no mandate of your own, your party may have garnered no more than a quarter of the eligible vote in the last election but thats the way our curious political system works  you have nothing to fear from any political rivals right now. And so the party faithful would have given you the benefit of the doubt, and a rousing standing ovation too.

Most important, you would have spoken to the whole nation beyond the conference hall  not just the most ardent Conservatives and the most ardent Brexiteers. You preside over a deeply divided country. Much has been made of the 17.4 million voters who voted for Brexit, the largest single vote in British political history.

But guess what? The 16.1 million voters who voted Remain also represent a larger number of votes than has ever been garnered by any winning political party in modern times. In other words  much though the Brexit press is trying to reinvent history  there were two, massive votes pulling in diametrically opposing directions. There wasnt just one overwhelming vote in favour of exit. Your duty as Prime Minister is to seek to bridge those divides, not widen them.

So what on earth possessed you to brand millions of your fellow citizens who so happen to believe that there are threads of humanity binding people together across time zones, continents and countries as citizens of nowhere? You caused far greater disquiet with those words than I suspect you realise. And the disquiet will be felt most sharply among the entrepreneurs, the inventors, the academics and opinion- formers, the traders and business people for whom our internationalism is a profoundly important component of their British identity. Blithely dismissing many of the most productive and creative people in society with such a gratuitously high-handed insult wasnt smart.

I know what preparing for these speeches is like  you have a thousand and one other things on your mind, so perhaps you just allowed the zeal of a junior speech writer with a clever turn of phrase to put words into your mouth. Perhaps you regret them now. No matter. They are your words, for ever.

Theresa May: "If you're a citizen of the world, you're a citizen of nowhere"

I know youll hate to be reminded of him, but in this instance I think George Osborne is right: the country voted for Brexit; it did not vote for hard Brexit. If you werent aware of the impact of your words in Birmingham at the time  or the absurd, if short-lived, proposal to force all companies to confess how many foreigners they employ  I suspect the shadow they have cast will be more apparent to you now. Your government is looking dangerously rudderless when it comes to implementing Brexit, and sly and shifty in its attempts to evade any meaningful parliamentary scrutiny.

You must also know that  with apologies for mixing metaphors  that Marmite is only the tip of the iceberg. Millions of ordinary voters will soon be asking themselves why their gas and electricity bills are going up, why food is more expensive, and why they cant afford to take their kids on that holiday to Spain. It might be a little unfair  you were a Remainer, just, after all  but they will hold you and a deeply botched approach to Brexit responsible.

So my advice is this: think beyond your party and the grim fury of the Brexit press; do not feel trapped by the lies of the Brexit campaign  you didnt promise a Utopia like Michael Gove, Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson et al, so you can afford to be more honest about the hard choices we face; reach out to those who dont agree with Brexit but know it must be delivered as sensibly as possible; drop all this mealy-mouthed nonsense about the rights of EU citizens already here and just say unequivocally that they are welcome to stay in Britain; treat the voters like grown-ups  many Brexit voters know that the world is complex and wont begrudge you the compromises you must make; remember that the younger generation feel desperately aggrieved that their freedom to travel and study and work across Europe is being removed; above all, govern for the whole nation, not just those parts you feel comfortable with.

Be a big PM, not a small one.

Yours sincerely,

Nick Clegg
I feel old. Exactly six years ago this month, I was on a trade mission to Silicon Valley, trying to convince US tech giants to invest in east London. Id organised the trip ahead of the launch of the Tech City initiative, which Id hoped would turbocharge the growth of the small digital cluster around Old Street. The stakes were high: we needed to secure global investment or the project would be dead on arrival.

The entrepreneurial minister Jeremy Hunt and the former head of the Olympic Park legacy corporation, Andy Altman, also made the journey, and our days were packed with visits to sceptical tech bigwigs who had zero interest in the UK, and no idea there were so many brilliant companies being started in the capital.

It was a tough slog, and things were looking grim when we arrived at Googles sprawling HQ. It was our last meeting before heading home, and we were seeing Eric Schmidt, the companys powerful CEO, so we had to make it count.

As soon as we walked in, we began selling Tech City hard, fighting to persuade Eric that Google should invest there. He didnt know anything about the area, so instinctively rejected the idea, saying: We dont put our people in a business park in the middle of nowhere. Eric was clearly sick of government delegations pitching projects in remote parts of far-flung countries.

Fortunately that wasnt the case with us. We described east Londons art galleries, bars and music venues, and Eric started to be won over. He looked at Andy Altman and said: Youre in charge of the Olympic Park. How much would it cost us to buy the entire thing? The poor Google staffers looked nervous  was their boss being serious? Luckily for them, Andy had no way to answer the question, so the conversation moved on, and well never know for sure.

In the end, we shook hands on a commitment that Google would create an innovation centre in Tech City, which David Cameron announced just a few weeks later. This is how the Google Campus in Bonhill Street came into being: a five-storey building that hosts start-up events every day and provides cheap workspace, mentoring and funding for small businesses.

This investment was hugely important for Tech City and the London economy. For a start, it created a generous community space for techies to come together, sparking valuable new collaborations and businesses, and catalysing the development of our citys digital ecosystem. Policy-makers often overlook the importance of physical hubs where innovation happens, and its vital that the Governments new industrial strategy doesnt make that mistake.

Whats more, other global companies soon followed suit, and Amazon, Microsoft, Intel, Cisco and many others committed to investing millions in east London, helping make Tech City the fastest-growing digital cluster in the world.

These memories came flooding back to me this weekend when Theresa May announced new trade missions to boost international links after the Brexit vote. As our Silicon Valley trip showed, its not easy to win new investment but if you work hard enough, anything is possible. And once the floodgates open, a trickle can quickly become a tsunami. If Britain is going to flourish outside the EU, thats exactly what were going to need.
N ot that long ago, I arranged to meet a friend whod just had her first baby. I live north and she lives south, so we arranged to meet at a bar in Clapham for lunch. I set out in the car from my home in north London, leaving a good hour for the trip. The journey was punctuated by, first, text messages warning her that I was caught in traffic and would be a bit late; then phone calls of abject apology; then insistences that she go ahead and eat; and finally, messages that had regressed to wordless abyssal howls of despair.

It took me more than two hours to make a journey that should have taken 45 minutes. My eventual bean sprout and halloumi wrap was as ashes in my mouth. My eventual soya latte was as bitter gall. There is no rage like it. The Michael Douglas character in Falling Down, youll recall, embarks on a most excellent murderous rampage after abandoning his car in a traffic jam.

London had defeated me. London has defeated all of us. We are suffering from urban atheroma. A new study reports that the average Londoner spends 12 days of his or her only life on Earth, every year, stuck in traffic. In the centre of town, buses travel at 3.8mph  a bit slower than a brisk walk and a lot slower than a horse and cart. In the three-quarters of a millennium since Geoffrey Chaucer was shivering in his one-room apartment above Aldgate, London traffic has actually slowed down.

One of the defining qualities of city life is said to be its pace. People ship out to the country for a slower pace of life; the city is hectic. Actually, the reason people are so stressed out all the time in London is not that they move so fast: its that they move so slowly while wanting to move fast. Never mind the mephitic clouds of pollution from all these stationary vehicles  the complex hydrocarbons, the heavy metals, the migrainous automotive miasma that robes the city.

Think of what it does to the psychic weather of the capital: the churn in the blood, the throb in the temple, the humming voltage of impotent rage on every thoroughfare. Google maps it in real time: a web of roads coloured bile-yellow and emergency red.

It kills cyclists quickly and the rest of us slowly. Whats to be done? We can rage against the 4x4s on the school run; we can howl at the badly planned box-junctions, the out-of-sync traffic lights, the road closures and the no-right-turns and the colonnades of cones; we can deplore the cycle-lane pinch-points, the double-parked Ocado vans, the buses lumbering into stand-offs with other buses in narrow roads but theres simply no workable, top-down solution. Groceries must be delivered, shops supplied with goods, families ferried about. Closing the city to private motor vehicles altogether is an attractive thought  but an unworkably illiberal one.

The best we can hope for is that each of us, each time, borrows a thought from that wartime poster: Is your journey really necessary? For the sake of your mental health  and bearing Michael Douglas in mind  if you can say no, for heavens sake do so.

What if Trump doesnt win?

Most people now seem confident that Donald Trump has succeeded in offending enough voters  women, African-Americans, Latinos, Hispanics, Muslims, war veterans, 9/11 victims pretty much everyone except spineless GOP camp followers and heavily armed, pig-ignorant, angry white men  that hes unlikely to clinch the presidency. Giant sigh of relief?

Well, sort of. Already he is baselessly but consistently suggesting that the election is being rigged. Trump is setting up his own stab-in-the-back myth. All those heavily armed, pig-ignorant, angry white men are being primed to believe the Establishment has cheated them of power.

Its not too soon for the sane world to be thinking about the likelihood that the only thing as bad for America as Donald Trump becoming president is Donald Trump not becoming president. Things are very, very bad indeed, whatever happens in November.

Telling portraits of the unremarkable

To the National Portrait Gallery, to catch its excellent exhibition of portraits by the American photographer William Eggleston.

Its a fine show but the effect of it is a little disconcerting. His effects have become less remarkable, looked at in 2016, than they would have seemed in 1996. Here are many ad hoc snapshots taken in rural and small-town settings in the American South in the 1970s. Ground-breaking they may have been at the time  in his use of colour, in the unposed nature of the shots and his technical excellence.

But our eyes have been conditioned by Instagram filters and selfies and Photoshop. The curse of genius, I suppose, is to live to see what you pioneered becoming so commonplace as to be unremarkable.

Boris gets it wrong again

I imagine Boris Johnson is more than a bit embarrassed by the publication of a column he wrote, but never published, arguing for Britain to remain in the EU.

Not because of its political content: he has always admitted to being uncertain before he committed to Brexit. Rather, for two reasons. One is that nobody in our trade likes to write an article and neither see it published nor be paid for it. The shame! The other is that he wrote, about the ex- PMs dud renegotiation with Europe: He was going to probe the belly of the beast and bring back British sovereignty, like Hercules bringing Eurydice back from the underworld.

Boris prides himself on his classical learning. Here he has muddled Hercules with Orpheus  and, apparently, forgotten that the point of the story is that Orpheus failed to bring Eurydice back. Double shame! Beta-minus question-mark minus, as classics dons say. The least The Sunday Times can do is to salve the wound by paying Boris his customary lineage for the copyright material.
A leading South African artist says she is on a mission to raise awareness of her culture and encourage young people around the world to embrace art.

Esther Mahlangu, 80, was born in a remote area of northern South Africa and is part of the Ndebele tribe. She was taught to paint aged 10 by her grandmother and mother.

To keep with tradition, she only ever paints her designs with chicken feathers or sticks and uses pigments from her surroundings, such as black from river mud. Speaking before her work is shown in a major exhibition of South African art at the British Museum, Mahlangu said that she was proud to help promote her culture and her tribe.

She said: Most people have never experienced Ndebele culture. My lifes work is showing people my culture. [It is] my small gesture of protecting Ndebele from dying out. The artist said she hoped her work would inspire the next generation of artists. I want to give to children so they have the passion about art that I have and the process continues.

Earlier this year, Mahlangu was asked to create a special edition bottle of Belvedere vodka as part of a campaign by Aids organisation RED  with half of all profits to be donated to help tackle HIV/Aids, malaria and TB worldwide.

She added she was very happy to be coming to London for the first time to see the British Museums South Africa: The Art of a Nation exhibit, which opens on October 27.

Visit standard.co.uk/arts for the latest news and reviews from Londons arts scene.

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Review at a glance









E lla Hicksons new play is certainly about the commodity identified in its title, but its also concerned with the relationships of mothers and daughters, the cost of imperialism and definitions of progress. It links the advance of feminism and the dwindling of capitalism, as well as tracing changes in the balance of power between east and west.

The central figure is May, whom we first see in 1889, inspired by the arrival of a kerosene lamp in a remote Cornish community thats previously felt dark and cold. Theres a moment here that stunningly recalls the sense of wonder captured in Joseph Wright of Derbys paintings of eighteenth-century experiments. Yet when the action eventually returns to Cornwall, its to an altogether wonder-free 2051, as a Chinese businesswoman tries to sell a new energy source that runs on helium harvested from the moon.

In between, its 1908 and May is a skivvy in what was then called Persia, witnessing the British hunger for resources. In 1970 shes an unlovable Hampstead hotshot at the helm of an oil company, grappling with Libyas sudden decision to reclaim control of its prize assets  and also battling her daughter Amy, who seems far too enamoured of a drippy boyfriend. Then comes the weakest scene, a politically charged family standoff in 2021 in an independent Kurdistan.

As the story hops between eras, May repeatedly finds her loyalties torn. Searchingly portrayed by Anne-Marie Duff, shes spirited and steely, and theres a palpable tension in her relationship with Amy (the impressive Yolanda Kettle).

The performances around them are uneven, but Patrick Kennedy is superb as a caddish colonial in Persia, and Carrie Cracknells stylish production is finely detailed while also achieving a grand imaginative sweep.

The plays title is the first of many provocations, inviting audiences (and critics) to pun about its being crude and slippery  or indeed refined. Its a gesture typical of this audacious and craftily self-referential piece, which mixes prickly humour with a mischievous intelligence.

Until Nov 26, Almeida Theatre; almeida.co.uk

Visit standard.co.uk/theatre for the latest news and reviews from Londons theatre scene.

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O ur guide to the much-loved shows of the West End that continue to run and run. This week its the outrageously funny savage satire from the creators of South Park, The Book of Mormon.

Whats it about?

When it first arrived on stages, The Book of Mormon was the Hamilton of its day, and the buzz continues with the show playing to packed houses every night. Its about two young Mormon missionaries who are sent to Uganda to find converts to join their religion. What could possibly go wrong?

How was it made?

Trey Parker and Matt Stone were in New York to discuss the script for their film Team America when they went to see Avenue Q. Whilst there, one of the shows writers, Robert Lopez, introduced himself to the duo and said that the South Park film had been a big inspiration when writing Avenue Q. This led to them finding out that the three of them were all interested in writing something about Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. The began to write songs together in 2006, and the show premiered straight on to Broadway in 2011.

Buy tickets for The Book of Mormon with Evening Standard Tickets

How long has it been running for?

The show opened in the West End in 2013 at the Prince of Wales Theatre. It will open in Australia and Sweden in 2017, and continue touring around the US, as well as running on Broadway.

Who has been in it?

One of the most renowned stars of the show is Andrew Rannells, a Broadway A-lister who originated the role of Elder Price and has also appeared in Hamilton and Lena Dunhams Girls.

Which musical numbers will I know?

The show has banger after banger that will make you snort with laughter, but a couple of biggies are Hello, I Believe, and All American Prophet.

Fun fact?

Not quite so fun, but The Book of Mormon holds the title of the most expensive ticket in the West End at 200.

Where can I see it?

The Book of Mormon is at the Prince of Wales Theatre, currently booking until February 4, 2017

Buy tickets for The Book of Mormon with Evening Standard Tickets

Visit standard.co.uk/theatre for the latest news and reviews from Londons theatre scene.

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A violinist stands on a corner, playing a Piazzola tango. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop through narrow streets, with their cargo of courting couples. Locals and tourists begin to fill the bars in front of the Church of Santo Domingo where, in the soft light of dusk, the bronze buttocks of a Botero nude shine golden, burnished by the hands of the faithful.

There is no sign during my visit to Cartagena de Indias that it is only five days until the city hosts the historic signing of a peace treaty between the Colombian government and FARC rebels, intended to end 50 years of civil war. No fanfare, no visible security. And despite Colombians subsequently voting against the deal that earned President Santos the Nobel Peace Prize, both sides continue to negotiate, the ceasefire heralding the safest period in the countrys recent history.

Colombias second-oldest city, founded in 1533, remains serene and confident within its 17th-century walls, overlooked by impressive forts and batteries that saw off the British Navy during the War of Jenkins Ear, in 1741.

As an administrative centre and stronghold for Spains plundered New World treasure, Cartagena teems with historical significance. Churches, convents and monasteries dominate this colonial town, many of them  such as the fabulous Casa San Agustin, my temporary home  converted into plush hotels. Regal manors, meanwhile, sit behind coral-cased, bronze-studded wooden doors. They too have been reborn, since the citys Unesco listing in 1984, as smart restaurants.

Unsurprisingly, given the extent of Spains interests, the Inquisition was present here. The Dominicans set up shop in 1610, building the most beautiful secular structure in the city: the Palace of the Inquisition. Located on one side of Bolivar Square, it displaces the cathedral from its traditional site. Now a museum, the palace displays implements of torture  though, perhaps, none quite as chilling as the Window of Denunciations. This sanctified snitch-hole, set on a side street beneath a crucifix, was a great way of settling scores. An accusation of heresy would quickly seal your adversarys fate.

Cartagenas Church of San Pedro Claver / Getty Images

But Cartagena is one of those cities whose historical interest yields to its sheer sense of place. I walked the city walls, watching pelicans and frigatebirds wheel above the Caribbean. I stumbled across the Teatro Heredia, with its interior of delicately fretted gilt woodwork and chandeliers, redolent of another world. And I marvelled at ancient brass doorknockers, wrought into the shape of geckos, fish, mermaids, lions, octopi  all of which, apparently, once related to the inhabitants status.

Colour is everywhere, from the painted houses with their wooden balconies festooned with flowers, to the fruit vendors dressed in livid reds and purples. I pay an extortionate amount for a loquat  the only way to secure photographic rights to its owner. She smiles suspiciously: Youll make a fortune from that picture, she says.

Tayrona National Park / Alamy Stock Photo

On the streets youll find purveyors of fake Cohiba cigars and watercolour copies of voluptuous Botero figures, wares lining the pavements alongside genuine mochilas  the ubiquitous, colourful bags hand-woven by Wayuu Indians. Panama hats are two-a-penny, made in Colombia from the same paja toquilla that is shipped to Ecuador for their manufacture. The hatters teeter beneath six-foot towers of headgear as they make their way to their patch.

I reach Portal de los Dulces, where eager children clamour around stalls of panela sweetmeats and bitter-sweet confections of tamarind. This was once the slave market but all ghosts have now been exorcised.

Hotel Casa San Agustin

My favourite lunch spot is the Club de Pesca  not only for the best snow crab and tuna I have ever tasted but for its breezy waterfront location. In the distance, launches chug to the beaches of the Rosario Islands, near which the Spanish flagship galleon, the San Jose, was sunk in 1708 with 200 tons of gold, silver and emeralds on board.

A beach, in the searing heat, holds no small appeal. And some of the loveliest on this coast are found in Tayrona National Park, four and a half hours drive along a road flanked by ocean, swamps and migratory birds. Along the way, signs warn of caymans, serpents and anteaters crossing.

I saw a jaguar here last week, says my guide, indicating a hollow and showing me a video taken with a trembling hand, lest I have any doubt. We are walking through the dry and humid forests of Tayrona, which covers 40,000 acres between the ocean and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. But no jaguars today. Instead, we spot titi and howler monkeys high in the canopy, a family of fearless agoutis and toucans, preceded by their exuberantly-painted bills. A choir of birdsong accompanies our eight-hour walk through undergrowth and over smooth granite boulders that are sacred to the local Kogi Indians, accompanied by the sound of ocean waves.

Fine dining at Casa San Agustin

Here and there, inviting beaches hove into view, full of false promise. 100 people drowned here, warns one sign. So when we reach a beach called Piscina, the reward is all the greater. Calm, cerulean waters and white sands, framed by palms and lush vegetation.

Then I see him: a Kogi chief, down from his mountain pueblo, on a mission to somewhere. Diminutive, barefoot, long-haired, dressed all in white, he is a descendant of the famed Tayrona goldsmiths whose glittering creations lured the Conquistadors to this land. He glances at me, cavorting in the water, and continues on his way, unimpressed.

A basket seller with his wares / Getty Images

Details: Colombia

The Ultimate Travel Company (020 3051 8098; theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk) can tailor-make an eight-day trip to Colombia from 2,848pp. Includes accommodation at the Four Seasons Hotel Bogota, Casa San Agustin in Cartagena and Ecohabs, Tayrona National Park. Plus Avianca flights from Heathrow to Bogota, domestic flights, private guiding and some meals.

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H arlem is one of New York Citys most culturally rich districts, with a musical tradition that dates back decades. It has suffered economic hardship over the years but now, nearly 100 years after the Harlem Renaissance, the artistic and social boom of the Twenties and Thirties, this New York neighbourhood is blossoming once again.

A now elegant district with beautiful tree-lined streets, Harlem occupies a large slice of upper Manhattan, running its width from roughly the north end of Central Park at 110th Street to 145th Street. Traditionally Latino East Harlem lies adjacent, complementing the largely African-American community with a strong Cuban and Puerto Rican presence. In recent years West African immigrants have contributed to a broader Pan-African identity.

To get a feel for the area, walk 125th Street from Frederick Douglas to Madison Avenue, a mile-long street bazaar, filled with hair salons where Malian and Senegalese women wait outside ready to weave.

Where to stay

The Harlem Flophouse

Embed yourself in the neighbourhood by staying at The Harlem Flophouse (001 347 632 1960; harlemflophouse.com), a converted Victorian townhouse. Its slightly rustic and youll likely share a bathroom but early 20th-century-style decor, wood floors and a side-street location near legendary jazz club Mintons bring you to the spirit of vintage Harlem. Rooms are $145 (119).

If you prefer a higher-end, more modern alternative, try Aloft (001 212 749 4000; aloftharlem.com), just off 125th Street, which has a stylish cocktail lounge. Rooms start at around $325 (266).

What to eat and drink

Soul food is Harlems traditional cuisine, and Sylvias (001 212 996 0660; sylviasrestaurant.com) is the obvious choice, with dishes such as fried catfish and shrimp and grits channelled straight up from the Carolinas. Recommended are the barbecued ribs and chicken combo ($22/18), while for those more into sampling, an a la carte vegetarian platter includes okra, corn and tomato gumbo, mac and cheese, steamed collard greens and candied yams ($17/14). Bookend the meal with the rich complimentary cornbread, so sweet that it merits holding back half for dessert.

Tuck into soul food at Sylvias / Clayton Cotterell

Harlem is becoming a fertile zone of culinary fusion, with restaurants riffing off the soul-food theme. When local Larry Parker returned from a year in Japan he opened Nabe Harlem (001 646 370 4008; nabeharlem.com), a restaurant where the decor of samurai swords and African-themed paintings parallels the fusion menu. The udon mac and cheese sprinkled with dried nori ($7/6) is a dish thats more Tennessee than Tokyo  and likewise, the barbecue sauce for the baked chicken wings outlasts the wasabi. At the weekend, enjoy brunch accompanied by live jazz.

Another fusion restaurant, Yatenga (001 212 690 0669; yatengabistro.com), bills itself as French West African but factors in southern comfort and Spain, producing an eccentric gambas entree that scrambles shrimp, macaroni, bechamel and ham in garlic sauce ($25/20). Other options include Provencal mussels ($17/14) and roasted duck ($20/16).

After dinner here, go next door to the Shrine (001 212 690 7807; shrinenyc.com), a world music club whose band line-ups are as diverse as the menu at Yatenga. On any given night up to five bands play a range that includes R&B oldies, soul, rock, jazz and world fusion.

On 125th Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, Serengeti (001 212 866 7100; serengetiteasandspices.com) is a Pan-African tea shop whose speciality infusion is ginger-turmeric roobios. It serves more than 150 varieties and offers hot and cold tea tastings ($20/16). The iced hibiscus spiked with agave syrup tastes like delicious spiced tropical juice.

The colourful Spirit of Harlem mural / Alamy Stock Photo

Where to shop

Serengeti is one of a number of new locally owned speciality stores replacing some historic shops that have disappeared amid Harlems economic challenges. Clothing boutiques have survived best; the one higher-end womens source on 125th Street is The Brownstone (001 212 996 7980; thebrownstonewoman.com), a boutique that stocks dresses, shawls and more, with high-contrast fabric combinations  owner Princess Jenkins traces her inspiration back to Diana Ross playing a fashion design icon in the 1975 film Mahogany.

Brownstones contemporary church hats covering one wall illustrate Harlems obsession with headwear. Among the several hat businesses is Flamekeepers (001 212 866 7100; flamekeepershatclub.com), with European and Latin American mens styles, among others. At Harlems Heaven (001 212 491 7706; harlemsheaven.com), owner Evetta Perry hand-makes nearly every piece, including a Twenties-style feathered womens cloche and mens Stetsons, fedoras and pork pies.

What to do and see

Red Rooser bar ( Kate Glicksberg) / Kate Glicksberg

These hats are helpful accessories for a late evening at one of Harlems jazz clubs, which provide the requisite soundtrack for any Harlem jaunt. Mintons (001 212 243 222; mintonsharlem.com) is the classic, the 1940s birthplace of bebop, where Thelonius Monk was the house pianist for years.

Other jazz venues include Bills Place (001 212 281 0777; billsplaceharlem.com) and Red Rooster (001 212 792-2001; redroosterharlem.com). For Latin salsa, try the Puerto Rican Camaradas el Barrio bar (001 212 348 2703; camaradaselbarrio.com) in East Harlem, with its tiny dancefloor.

Apollo Theater / Alamy Stock Photo

The spiritual centrepiece of this musical menagerie is the Apollo Theater (001 212 392 1403; apollotheater.org). The 5,000-seat, steeply sloped interior has hosted New Yorks greatest musical figures for decades, from Billie Holiday to Alicia Keys. Go on a Thursday to participate in the 80-year-old amateur night contest that sends onstage a dozen musical acts hoping to make it big.

When you step out again onto 125th Street at around midnight, or a little beyond, listen for the rhythms that echo around the streets.

Details: Harlem

Airlines serving New York JFK from London include Virgin Atlantic (0844 209 7777; virgin-atlantic.com), British Airways (0344 493 0747; ba.com), United Airlines (0845 607 6760; united.com) and Delta Airlines (0207660 0767; delta.com).

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A man dressed as a clown wielding a machete was hunted by armed police after allegedly threatening two teenage girls.

The teenagers were approached by the knifeman dressed in a clown outfit in Bury St Edmunds on Saturday evening, police said.

He was seen with the weapon in Durham Close at around 6.25pm before telling the girls he was going to hurt them.

The pair ran off towards Severn Road and called police sparking a major search by firearms officers and the dog unit.

Officers scoured the streets, woodland and industrial estate for the offender, but nobody matching the description given was found, Suffolk Police said.

Police said the girls were not injured but were very upset and shaken by the incident.

It is the latest instance of the "killer clown" craze sweeping the UK which has led to a deluge of calls to Childline from youngsters left terrified by the sinister phenomenon.

A 10-year-old boy in Plymouth was threatened by a clown who jumped out of a bush carrying a hammer, while in Workington, Cumbria, a clown brandishing an axe chased an 11-year-old girl.

More sightings as 'killer clown' craze grips UK

Kent Police saw 59 clown-related incidents between October 7 and 10, Thames Valley Police had 14 reports in 24 hours, and on Wednesday South Yorkshire Police said it had received 61 reports since September 21, including two of clowns with knives.

Armed officers from Scotland Yard's aviation unit also arrested a suspect wearing a clown mask and carrying a fake gun in Hillingdon, west London, on Tuesday, about five miles from Heathrow Airport.

Suffolk Police said anyone carrying out activities that may scare members of the public could be committing public order offences and may be subject to arrest.
P olice are hunting a suspect after a man threatened to stab a Tube worker in the neck at a busy station in north London.

The man became aggressive towards a member of staff who challenged him when he passed through the gates at Belsize Park underground station without a ticket.

Just over an hour later, he allegedly pushed through the ticket barriers at Hampstead underground station before threatening another Tube worker with a champagne bottle he was carrying.

Officers said he appeared to be intoxicated during the incident.

British Transport Police officers today released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to in connection with the threats made to Tube staff at 6.20pm and 7.30pm on July 19.

British Transport Police released CCTV of a man they want to speak to in connection with several incidents at Tube station / British Transport Police

Police said the suspect also became abusive to staff when he was challenged after entering Hampstead underground station without a ticket at 5.25pm on August 12.

Investigating officer PC Chris Howe said: Everyone has a right to work without fear of abuse or attack, and railway station staff are no exception.

"This behaviour will not be tolerated.

We are investigating a series of incidents in which members of staff were threatened and I would like to hear from anyone who recognises the man shown in the CCTV images, as he may have information which could help with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call BTP on 0800 405040 or text 61016, quoting reference 158 14/10/16 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
M urder detectives are investigating after a teenager was stabbed to death on a housing estate in Wembley.

The male victim, 18, was stabbed at a property on Buddings Circle.

The London Ambulance service rushed to the scene at around 1.35pm on Saturday and called police.

Officers attended along with the London Air Ambulance but the victim was pronounced dead shortly before 2pm.

Scene of the murder in Wembley

A post-mortem was carried out yesterday and gave the cause of death as stab wounds.

Police know the identity of the victim but formal identification awaits.

The victim's relatives have been informed.

A man, 19, was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of murder and is in custody at a north London police station.
A 46-year-old man has been arrested after a young motorcyclist was killed during an alleged hit-and-run in east London.

The 21-year-old died in hospital after suffering head injuries during a collision in Lea Bridge Road, Waltham Forest, on Friday night.

He has not yet been identified, although his next of kin have been informed.

Police had appealed to find the driver of a black Volkswagen Sirocco which, it was claimed, had been involved in the crash but failed to stop at the scene.

On Sunday, a man handed himself in at an east London police station where he was arrested on suspicion of of causing death by careless driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

He has been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in January.

Detectives from the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit are continuing to appeal for witness to come forward.

Anyone who saw the accident should police on 0208 597 4874 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


A leading charity today said all Londoners should visit Auschwitz as more than 200 London students spent a day at two notorious Nazi death camps.

The Nazi concentration camps at Auschwitz and Birkenau  where more than 1.1 million Jews were murdered in gas chambers and by firing squads  are both Unesco World Heritage sites.

They are Polands most visited museums with more than 1.75 million people passing under the wrought-iron Arbeit Macht Frei gates last year.

The London-based Holocaust Educational Trust has taken more than 30,000 on day-long visits since 1999 to ensure future generations know the full horror of the Nazi extermination programme in the Second World War.

More real: Denait Petros lights a candle / Ben Morgan

The Evening Standard joined 200 pupils from dozens of north London schools and colleges. HET education officer Martin Winstone said: I would encourage all Londoners to experience this remarkable site for themselves.

Sadly theres a vast number of events in history that have led to appalling human suffering and its important these events are marked, he said.

There is something distinctive about the Holocaust that was unprecedented because the aim was to kill every man, woman and child of Jewish heritage.

He added: It is not as simple as saying if young people learn about the Holocaust there will not be more genocide. But if people are given the information hopefully they will be able to understand what happened and take action.

Five A-level history pupils from Finchley Catholic High School were among those who took part in the visit.

Denait Petros, 18, said seeing Auschwitz and Birkenau camps made the Holocaust more real and lifted the lid on the horrors perpetrated against the Jewish people and other victims.

She said: I wasnt expecting the original buildings to still be there  I thought it would be more like a museum. It was so visual it gave me a new perspective. The collection of human hair and peoples personal objects shocked me most. This did not happen centuries ago, it was recent. It was humbling.

Classmate Mollie Wogan, 18, said: It was very sombre. It made me sad but hopeful we can learn from it. If more people saw this, I hope our society would reflect on this.

Charlie DLima, 17, said he was worried lessons about tolerance have not been learned in parts of Europe. He said: It was amazing and interesting to see the scale of what humans could destroy.

Also on the visit was Ealing Central MP Rupa Huq. The conclusion of the day-long visit was a short ceremony by Rabbi Barry Marcus, from the Central Synagogue, who urged the students to light candles in remembrance.
D ame Barbara Windsor is fighting plans to build Britains first proton beam therapy unit in a three-storey basement at a Harley Street clinic near her home.

Residents in the area of Marylebone, which is famous for the street of private surgeries, say the 26 million laboratory is unsuitable for the locality and fear building noise, traffic and the potential dangers of highly radioactive technologies.

The Howard de Walden Estate, the landlord, wants to demolish two mews buildings in a cul-de-sac behind Harley Street to make way for the new centre, which will they believe could revolutionise cancer treatment in Britain.

Dame Barbara, 79, who lives with her husband Scott Mitchell, 53, has put her name to a letter from 19 neighbours calling on Westminster council to block the scheme.

It says: The inclusion of a proton beam therapy unit utilising unproven light technology is not acceptable in this densely built-up area, close to family residences.

Opposition: Dame Barbara Windsor (Getty) / Getty Images

Experts contacted by residents have commented that insufficient information is in the public domain in order to be able to comment on either the viability or safety characteristics of the proposed technology.

A mother of young children who lives nearby added: No one should feel comfortable enough to authorise the installation of such an experimental highly radioactive equipment in the heart of London, close to houses, schools.

A heavily populated city is not a testing ground for new technologies, in particular when these rely on radiation.

The residents also argue that the excavation work runs counter to Westminster councils basement policy which generally limits basement to a single storey.

Another neighbour said: The proposed development will completely change what is now a relatively quiet cul-de-sac into a noisy, dirty and smelly parking lot.

Proton beam therapy is a type of radiotherapy that uses high-energy beams to destroy hard-to-reach cancerous cells.

It is more focused than traditional radiation therapy, which fires beams at the whole body. There are around 40 proton therapy centres in the world, mostly in the US and Japan. The NHS has paid for 500 patients to be sent abroad for treatment since 2009, with courses costing up to 100,000.

It is now building two centres, one in Manchester and one at University College London Hospital, which is due to open in 2019 at a cost of 250 million.

In 2014, brain cancer sufferer Ashya King, now aged six, was at the centre of a legal battle after his parents took him from Southampton General Hospital without medical consent to take him for proton beam therapy in Prague and an international manhunt was launched. He was given the all-clear in March last year. Simon Baynham, property director at Howard de Walden Estates, said: This Harley Street facility will make an important contribution to the advancement of next generation radiotherapy to the UK and carries no noise/radiation exposure/vibration risk to local residents.

We are delighted that a location has been found, and subject to planning, our intention is to start work on providing this bespoke facility as soon as possible.

It is hoped that the proton beam therapy unit will be the first such centre to open in the UK, which can be used in the better treatment of all cancers which would ordinarily be treated with radiotherapy.

A decision will be made by councillors tomorrow.
S cotland Yard today launched the worlds biggest ever roll-out of body worn video cameras to frontline police officers in London.

Around 22,000 cameras are being issued to all neighbourhood and response officers in the capital at a cost of nearly 10 million.

The first of the cameras were deployed in Lewisham today with further boroughs being issued with the equipment each week.

Once completed next summer the Met will have the largest number of officers equipped with body worn video cameras of any force globally.

Police body cam footage captures moment suspect attacks officer

The Met hopes the cameras will help restore trust among communities angered by stop and search and events, such as the police shooting of Mark Duggan in 2011.

Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said: The cameras will support our officers in the many challenging situations they have to deal with, at the same time as building the publics confidence.

What we do every day will be seen by the public - that has to be good.

He was joined at the launch in Lewisham this morning by Mayor Sadiq Khan who said the technology brings the police force into the 21st century.

He added: This will lead to more transparency and accountability. I hope this will lead to the principal of policing by consent being more meaningful. By its nature police need public confidence to move forward.

The more confidence that the police have from the public, the safer our streets will be.

The cigarette pack-sized cameras are being issued to Londons 32 boroughs and a number of frontline specialist roles, including overt firearms officers.

However, the cameras are not yet being deployed to covert firearms or surveillance teams because their size could give them away.

Cameras have also been fitted to the Mets prison vans.

The move follows a trial which saw 550 body cameras used across 10 London boroughs as well as armed response teams.

The Met said the cameras had already proved successful in bringing about speedier justice for victims, and have been particularly successful in domestic abuse cases.

The force said there has been an increase in earlier guilty pleas from offenders who know their actions have been recorded.

A video recording of the arrest of a violent suspect was issued by the Met as part of todays launch.

Body cameras: The cameras were launched today by the Met Comissioner and Mayor of London / Lucy Young

Last month, a study by the University of Cambridge found a 93 per cent decrease in complaints made against officers clearly wearing body cameras.

Sir Bernard added: Our experience of using cameras already shows that people are more likely to plead guilty when they know we have captured the incident on a camera.

TODO: define component type apester

"That then speeds up justice, puts offenders behind bars more quickly and most importantly protects potential victims.

Video captures events in a way that cant be represented on paper in the same detail, a picture paints a thousand words, and it has been shown the mere presence of this type of video can often defuse potentially violent situations without the need for force to be used.

People have pleaded guilty when seeing evidence on film rather than challenging what our officers said happened. Its powerful because it captures the emotional state of everyone at the scene. It will capture the suspect, the victim or how children appear affected.

This is a vital piece in the chain to make sure what we do is transparent. 

The cameras will be attached to the officers uniform and will not be permanently recording.

Police said members of the public will be told as soon as practical that they are being recorded, and when the camera is recording it is highly visible - notable by a flashing red circle in the centre of the camera and a frequent beeping noise when the camera is activated.

Civil liberties groups have raised concerns about the technology, particularly around how it will be kept and how it could be used.

Footage from the Axon cameras will be automatically uploaded to secure servers once the device has been docked, and flagged for use as evidence at court or other proceedings.

Video not retained as evidence or another policing purpose will be automatically deleted within 31 days.

People will be able to apply for any footage of them under freedom of information law.
I mmigration curbs must be balanced by the need to secure economic success, a senior minister said today amid reports of serious in-fighting in the Cabinet.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said a compromise between the competing demands was needed and he acknowledged there was a lively debate inside the Cabinet.

He spoke out after Chancellor Philip Hammond reportedly clashed with pro-Brexit ministers at a Cabinet sub-committee that was considering measures to reduce the immigration of unskilled labour to Britain.

Whitehall sources played down the row this morning, saying it was much less dramatic than reported.

But Mr Hammond found himself accused of negativity towards Brexit by a Tory MP last night, confirming that he has aroused the hostilities of MPs who backed leaving the European Union.

Mr Hunt, speaking on BBC Radio 4, rejected the idea that Mr Hammond was trying to undermine Brexit, saying: This isnt the first time in the history of government where you read reports in the newspapers that may not actually reflect whats happened.

All I would say is that you would expect lively debates to be happening in government because we are going to get the right solution in terms of securing our borders, but also the right solution economically.

His emphasis on finding a balance between borders and the economy appeared to sympathise with the Treasurys warnings that business would be hamstrung by strict controls to stop unskilled labour.

A Whitehall official told the Standard that last weeks cabinet committee meeting had not been tasked with making decisions and that the discussion had been good natured. Weekend reports that Mr Hammond was threatening to resign were strongly denied by the Treasury.

However, Eurosceptic Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg turned the guns on Mr Hammond, accusing Treasury officials of reheating ex-Chancellor George Osbornes warnings about an economic crisis caused by leaving the EU.

He told BBC Radio 4s Westminster Hour: Mr Hammond is a highly competent businessman who I would have thought relished the opportunity of Brexit and the chance that would bring for business to be successful.

But Im a bit surprised by the negativity coming out of the Treasury.

I think the Treasury might be reheating some of George Osbornes briefings and they need to move away from that and give the Chancellor proper information. Proper breakfast and proper Brexit, he needs.

Ukip chairman Paul Oakden this morning revealed that Nigel Farage could remain in charge of the party until 2017. We are going to be taking our time, he said.

There is no need to rush. There isnt any need to panic ourselves into getting a new leader into place quickly. Leader Diane James resigned after just 18 days in the job.
T heresa May is within her right to take Britain out of the EU and enact of the will of the people, the High Court heard today.

Campaigners from many walks of life have mounted a historic High Court challenge to argue that Prime Minister Theresa May lacks power to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to leave the European Union without the prior authorisation of Parliament.

Attorney General Jeremy Wright, the Government's top legal officer, defended Mrs May's decision to use the royal prerogative in her strategy for Brexit, arguing she was fulfilling the will of the people and would not need Parliament's approval.

He told three senior judges resort to Article 50 involved the "proper and well established use of the royal prerogative by the executive".

It had been made available, following the vote in favour of Brexit, "to give effect to the will of the people - wholly within the expectation of Parliament".

The attorney general added that "notification - once given - will not be withdrawn. It is our case that Parliament's consent is not required."

The judicial review application, which is being heard by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas, and two other judges, has been described as one of the most important constitutional cases in generations.

Mrs May announced at the Conservative Party conference that she intends giving an Article 50 notification by the end of March 2017 using the royal prerogative.

Her opponents are arguing she would be pre-empting Parliament and unlawfully removing statutory rights granted to UK citizens under the European Communities Act 1972, which made EU law part of UK law.

Because of the urgency and constitutional importance of the case, any appeal is expected to be heard by the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, before the end of the year.

James Eadie QC, also representing the Government, said there was no written, constitutional formula. He said the claimants in court wanted to use legal principles developed in very different constitutional and legal circumstances to make them fit their argument - "precisely denying the constitutional flexibility that lies at the heart of our constitution".

Denying accusations that Parliamentary sovereignty was being pre-empted, Mr Eadie said it remained supreme and was unaffected by the use of the royal prerogative for Article 50.

This was because Parliament itself had left powers to withdraw from international treaties in the hands of the Crown, to be exercised by ministers through the royal prerogative, even if that affected the rights gained by British citizens through EU membership.

Starting the process of withdrawal from the EU by triggering Article 50 would not of itself change any common law or statutory right enjoyed by citizens.

"Any such changes are a matter for future negotiations, Parliamentary scrutiny, and implementation by legislation," he said.

This morning, Lord Thomas hit out at people who have threatened businesswoman Gina Miller, an investment fund manager and philanthropist who is at the forefront of the Brexit challenge.

Lord Thomas said the court had been informed that Ms Miller had received abusive emails and "other communications".

He declared to the packed courtroom: "It is simply wholly wrong for people to be abusive of those who seek to come to the Queen's courts."

And he warned those responsible that they had to appreciate "the full vigour of the law" would be used against them if the conduct continued.
N ick Clegg today accuses Theresa May of deepening the divide in Britain by adopting a tough stance on Brexit.

In an "open letter" published in todays Evening Standard, the former deputy Prime Minister tells the current leader that she caused great disquiet with her speech at the Conservative Party Conference.

He says: What on earth possessed you to brand millions of your fellow citizens who so happen to believe that there are threads of humanity binding people together across time zones, continents and countries as citizens of nowhere?

It follows the PM's controversial remark that if you believe you are a citizen of the world, you are a citizen of nowhere during an attack on international corporations.

She has also been accused of angling for a "hard Brexit" with very little or no compromise on trade deals, immigration and laws.

Mr Clegg, former leader of the Liberal Democrat party, claims she should instead have made a public pledge to try to keep the UK in the European single market.

He says: You would have spoken to the whole nation beyond the conference hall  not just the most ardent Conservatives and the most ardent Brexiteers.

There were two, massive votes pulling in diametrically opposing directions. There wasnt just one, overwhelming vote in favour of exit. Your duty as Prime Minister is to seek to bridge those divides, not widen them.
T heresa May today vowed to help tackle homelessness in the capital with a 1 million fund for a trailblazing new project in Southwark.

The Prime Minister said too many people sleep rough in London every night, adding that we can no longer ignore the injustices on our doorstep.

Today, Southwark becomes part of a 40 million national pilot scheme that focuses on people who are imminent risk of being forced onto the streets.

Mrs May said: When I stood on the steps of Downing Street, I said I wanted to build a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few, based on the values of fairness and opportunity. London epitomises those values, but I know that even in this city of great opportunity we cannot ignore the injustices right on our doorstep.

Too many people sleep rough on the streets of London every night, or in temporary accommodation without somewhere to call home.

The national scheme provides 20 million for local authorities to pilot new initiatives to tackle homelessness, 10 million to help people at immediate risk of sleeping rough or those new to the streets and 10 million in Social Impact Bonds to help long-term rough sleepers with complex needs.

Southwark council will conduct outreach work with people facing eviction by landlords, parents and friends, and those in need will be given a personal housing plan and other information and advice to secure accommodation. Councillor Stephanie Cryan, cabinet member for housing, said: Southwark is no stranger to the challenges of preventing and addressing homelessness.

The borough has already had 500,000 from the Government through The Homelessness Transition Fund, which has provided paid work for jobseekers who are currently, formerly or at risk of rough sleeping.

Mrs May praised the Evening Standard for championing the work of homelessness charities and for providing a powerful voice for some of the most vulnerable people in London.

She said: I want to build on the vital work being done by charities and outreach workers to stop people ending up on the street, make sure they have a safe place to stay and be there to provide the support they need to turn their lives around.
A Conservative councillor was today suspended after demanding that supporting Britain's EU membership should be made a criminal offence.

Christian Holliday faced a huge backlash after launching a petition which said support for the Remain campaign should be considered treason. People found guilty of the offence in the UK can be sentenced to up to life in prison.

It gained more than 1,000 signatures from people backing a 'hard Brexit', but Cllr Holliday was suspended from Guildford Borough Council's Tory group within hours of the petition emerging online.

The petition states that it should be unlawful to imagine, devise, promote, work, encourage others, or conspire with foreign powers to make the UK, or part of the UK, a member of the EU.

Cllr Holliday has been suspended after setting up the petition / Guildford Council

Cllr Holliday, who represents Burpham in Guildford, said he has set up the petition out of frustration of the number of people who seem to be unwilling to accept the result.

The result was quite definitive, he told the Standard. There are too many people, from all parties, who are making moves to undermine the result.

But his campaign sparked fury online from people calling it undemocratic and fascist nonsense.

Twitter user Paul Thomson wrote: "I've been looking for an opportunity to commit treason for ages, so it's cool just having an opinion is enough."

And Jo Forage wrote: "Not quite grasping this whole democracy thing is he?"

Cllr Holliday defended his petition, saying: "I appreciate feelings are still running high but the time has come for us to resolve the issue. We have got to make Brexit work now."

Leader of Guildford Borough Council, Cllr Paul Spooner, today confirmed Cllr Holliday had been suspended from the Conservative group after the row.

He said: "I suspended him because he used the plight of the Council in his petition without consulting any member of the team.

"Although he was doing it as an individual he used the name of Councillor so I believe he brought the role of the council into disrepute."

Cllr Holliday has been suspended until November 8, when his case will be reviewed by his fellow council members.
A British conspiracy theorist spoke about the apparent rise of a German Fourth Reich in what is believed to be his final interview before his mysterious death in Poland.

Max Spiers, 39, was found dead on a sofa in an apartment in Warsaw where he was staying to attend a conference about conspiracy theories.

Friends claimed the father-of-two died after he vomited a black liquid and his death has sparked calls for an inquiry by his family and supporters amid fears he was killed by government agents.

Mr Spiers, from Canterbury, presented his ideas in a sit-down interview with Polish YouTube channel Porozmawiajmy TV, in what is understood to be his last.

It was uploaded less than two weeks before his death.

Theories he discussed included the Fourth Reich and Dulce  the idea of a subterranean base where alien activity is believed to have taken place.

While discussing the theory of a Fourth Reich, Mr Spiers said Nazis and Zionists are now working in alignment after a war stretching back 50,000 years.

He said: If you look at the word Zion you just change a vowel around and switch the letters around and you have the word Nazi.

I dont believe they were always running with each other but I do believe they were at odds. This war stems back 50,000 years they just werent called Nazi and Zion, thats a modern-day nom.

When asked about Dulce, Mr Spiers said he had himself seen inside a base where he said children were being used for their pure energy.

He said: I have seen a vat of children in disassociated states, some crying, some not and some completely gone.

They also have female breeders down there constantly breeding children, thousands of them."

Nearly 100,000 people have watched the interview since it was posted online.

He was working with science fiction writer Madlen Namro and Monika Duval who he was visiting at the time of his death.

Conspiracy theorist: Max Spiers giving what is believed to be his final interview to a Polish YouTube channel / Porozmawiajmy TV/YouTube

Mr Spiers was ruled to have died from natural causes though his mother claims no post-mortem examination has been carried out on his body.

Teacher Vanessa Bates said she received a text which read: Your boy's in trouble. If anything happens to me, investigate," days before his body was discovered.

She told Taj Investigates, a YouTube channel dedicated to finding the truth behind targeted individuals, that there was something dark surrounding her sons death.

Mysterious death: Max Spiers was found dead in a Warsaw apartment after telling his mother he was in trouble / Facebook

She said: My leanings are he was getting in the way and wasnt wanted and that is kind of euphemistic I know but I think he was deliberately got out of the way. That is what I truly believe.

Im deeply bothered that nobody has come forward to tell me anything.

Last week a fund was set up to pay for a memorial service to him. Well-wishers aim to raise 3,000.

The fund, set up on behalf of Mr Spiers' mother Vanessa Bates is to pay for a memorial and headstone for him at a church in Canterbury.

A statement on the fundraising page read: "Max was loved and will be missed by many.

"Although Max has already been buried they are still in mourning and have no closure at this time as the circumstances of Max's passing is still not clear.
T hree men were injured after being assaulted by a group of up to 10 thugs in a brawl outside a pub in south-east London.

Police said the victim, 18, and two other men of the same age who tried to help him, were injured in the attack in the early hours of Sunday.

The first man is believed to have been set upon after a row erupted outside The Ship pub in West Street, Erith.

Police said the argument "quickly escalated" and the victim was attacked by a group of up to 10 male and female suspects.

The two other victims were injured trying to help the first victim, who was left needing hospital treatment.

Police today appealed for information about the attack just after midnight on Sunday, after which the group of suspects ran off towards Saint Fidelis Road.

Police said there were no arrests and enquiries were ongoing.

Any witnesses or anyone with any informaton can call Bexley Borough CID via 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
T he head of the troubled child sex abuse inquiry today vowed to ensure that victims receive justice as a London MP called for major changes to ensure that the full truth about past paedophile offending is uncovered.

Professor Alexis Jay said she was determined that the probe would deliver results as she gave the first update on its progress since the resignation of its previous chair, Dame Lowell Goddard, in August.

Her promise follows calls by some survivors for Professor Jay to be sacked because they fear her background as a former social worker could give rise to a potential conflict of interest. Others have threatened legal action over the inquirys bungled conduct so far.

The update is intended to reassure critics that the inquiry is on track and to counter negative publicity  including contested claims that Dame Lowell made racist remarks while in post.

But Labour MP Chuka Umunna, who campaigns on behalf of survivors of abuse at childrens homes in Lambeth, said major changes remained necessary and called for the 13 elements of the inquiry to be turned into fully-fledged mini-inquiries with their own independent heads. He said the reform would allow quicker progress and address survivors concerns about Prof Jays independence by leaving her with an oversight role, rather than responsibility for the day-to-day conduct of all elements of the probe.

Labour MP Chuka Umunna campaigns on behalf of abuse survivors / Alex Lentati

They should adopt a federal model, beef up the 13 separate inquiries and turn them into fully-fledged mini-inquiries, each with a named head, and leave Alexis Jay at the top as head of the overall inquiry. It would be much more manageable, he said.

The MP added that any attempt to alter the focus of the inquiry onto future risks, which might divert attention from past wrongdoing, would be wholly unacceptable.

He said victims also wanted reassurance from Professor Jay about the composition of the inquirys staff in response to the fears of some, including the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association from Lambeth, that it includes too many officials from the Home Office and thus lacks independence.

Some victims have called for Professor Jay  the fourth person to head the inquiry since it was set up by Theresa May  to be sacked over the shambolic conduct of the probe and her lack of legal experience.

In a letter to Home Secretary Amber Rudd, lawyer Imran Khan, who represents 47 victims, said they felt Professor Jay did not have the expertise to cross-examine or question witnesses.

Mr Khan also expressed concern that she might show bias and face a conflict of interest because of her previous career as a social worker and said that some of his clients felt the inquiry had been set up to fail and should now be suspended pending a review.

Professor Jay and other senior inquiry staff are due to before the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee tomorrow. It will question them about Dame Lowells resignation and claims that the former New Zealand judge had made racist remarks while in charge of the probe. Dame Lowell has denied the claims but has so far refused demands by MPs to appear before them to explain the reasons for her departure.
T his battle is the most important test for Haider al Abadis regime in Baghdad and Iraqs military to date. In June 2014, Mosul was seized by Islamic State as government forces crumbled and fled.

The countrys prime minister has promised only Iraqi troops will enter the northern city once it is captured. We will bring life back to Mosul after two years of darkness Mr Abadi said, announcing the offensive on television.

Holding on to Mosul, by far the biggest city seized by IS, could prove a major problem. Like Kirkuk, Mosul is strategically important  not least because of its oilfields  and ethnically mixed.

This has been a source of contention and violence here almost since Iraq was established 96 years ago.

Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen and others have all pressed claims for their bit of the region.

The Arabs themselves are divided  and the presence of too many Shia fighters in the Popular Mobilisation Units fighting to reclaim the city could spell trouble.

These elements were hugely resented by local Sunnis in the recapture of Tikrit, some 140 miles south-east.

Mr Abadis Shia-led government must do more to enfranchise the Sunnis of central Iraq, who have felt marginalised since the Anglo-American invasion of 2003.

The Iraqi authorities must also do all they can to help the civilians still trapped in Mosul.

IS thugs have threatened to kill them if they try to escape. The employment of allied air power, including RAF planes and munitions, will have to be extremely judicious.

Even if IS is driven out of the city, and pushed further back in neighbouring Syria, it will fight another day, elsewhere and in different forms.

But today the focus is rightly on Mosul and Aleppo  the twin hubs of what is the defining crisis of the Arab world.
A black man was arrested by an off-duty police officer in Minnesota for allegedly walking in the road.

Footage filmed by onlookers shows the man being detained in a street in the town of Edina. The man appears to be walking in the road while the pavement next to him is undergoing construction.

The man, Larnie Thomas, is filmed by an onlooker being arrested by a police officer.

Thomas can be heard in the footage asking the officer what he has done wrong. The police officer replies: youre walking down the middle of the street.

Thomas responds: Im on the damn white line - which divides pedestrians from traffic.

The footage has sparked public outcry, with people calling for the officer to face disciplinary action. Thomas was arrested, cited for disorderly conduct and a traffic offence. He tested positive for alcohol, according to reports.

Police issued a statement saying the footage did not capture the entire incident.

The footage, filmed by onlooker Janet Rowles, apparently begins after Thomas stepped into the road to avoid the construction work.

Thomas becomes angry when the officer grabs him, shouting: You cant just put your hands on me like that.

When the pair reach the squad car Thomas slams his rucksack onto the bonnet shouting: Youre going to take me to jail for this s**t?

The officer responds that he will not take Thomas to jail. He replies that if he is not being taken to jail the officer should take his hands off him.

The onlooker suggests the police officer could simply tell him a better route to avoid the construction work..

Later another police officer arrives in a second squad car and announces that Thomas is under arrest.

The footage ends with Ms Rowles agreeing to give a witness statement to a third officer who has arrived at the scene while Thomas is put in the back of the police car.

The seven-minute video which was posted to YouTube on Wednesday has been viewed over 280,000 times and has led to calls for the officer to be suspended.

According to the Huffington Post Thomas tested positive for alcohol, was cited for disorderly conduct and failure to obey a traffic signal. The Post reported that he was released after 45 minutes.

Responding to the video the city of Edina confirmed that the pavement had been under construction but said that the video did not capture the entire incident.

The statement described the moments before the recording:

Recognizing the risk to the safety of the public, the officer pulled in behind the man with his lights and an audible signal in an attempt to advise him to get out of the roadway.

The man, who was wearing headphones, turned and looked at the officer and continued walking in the lane of traffic. The officer then drove in front of the man by approximately 15 feet, to block him from continuing in the southbound lane of traffic.

The man deliberately went around the squad car and continued to walk in the lane of traffic. The officer got out of his vehicle and started to follow the man, asking him to get out of the lane of traffic and stop.

The man did not stop and was defiant. It was after that point that the recording began.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People described the officers behavious as dehumanizing and degrading.

In a statement posted under the video on YouTube Ms Rowles wrote: "There was cosntruction and it was obvuous that the sidewalk was not available right there so he was hugging hte right side as far as he could go"

She added: "The officer pulled in front of the pedestiran to cut him off and proceeded to accuse him of walking in the middle of the road."
A boy has been rescued while clinging on for his life from the remains of a bombed building in Aleppo.

Footage shows a rescue worker pull free the boy, who is pinned by rubble on the flattened upper storey of a destroyed building.

The distressing clip was published by the Aleppo Media Centre, an outlet which aims to report on the civil war from the perspective of young Syrians.

The boy is badly injured and in shock but is eventually freed and taken to hospital.

Captured: The incredible moment a Syrian boy dangling from a destroyed building is rescued

The footage is an example of the trauma inflicted on children in the Syrian conflict and particualrly in the rebel held area of Aleppo.

The economic capital of Syria has become the focal point of brutal warfare between opposition forces and Bashar Al-Assads government.

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A post written in Arabic under the YouTube video of the boy attributes the bombing of the childs home to Russian aircraft.

Russia is an ally of the Assad regime and has been accused of bombing civilian targets.
A British conspiracy theorist found dead in Poland had been about to publish claims of a global black magic ring involving politicians and celebrities, his distraught fiancee claims.

UFO expert Max Spiers was found dead on a sofa of the Warsaw flat he was staying, with claims from friends he vomited a black liquid and may have been poisoned.

The 39-year-old, who had two children, was ruled to have died from natural causes though his mother claims no post-mortem examination has been carried out on his body.

Mother Vanessa Bates also said she received a chilling message just before his death saying: Your boy's in trouble. If anything happens to me, investigate."

Extract from Max Spiers' apparently final recorded interview

Today, Mr Spiers fiancee Sarah Adams told the Standard the couple had both received death threats in the weeks before the tragedy.

Miss Adams, 31, said: We were used to getting death threats or stuff like that from people but I think this time it seemed rather real.

Tribute: Sarah Adams with Max Spiers / Sarah Adams

Hed been sent threats saying that him and me were going to die.

He was going to expose black magic, she said. He was going to expose some of the stuff that he was working on involving political leaders and celebrities.

We had both been due to go to a conference to speak about it.

She said: He planned on coming back here seeing his family and I was going to have his child. He had messaged me hours before.

He sounded fine and he wanted to see me and come back here to England.

His message to me said Im going to see you in a bit and I love you.

Max gives a talk in Poland in a clip posted online in September

It definitely couldnt have been anything like suicide or something like that.

She added: Its affected me quite badly. Ive lost the love of my life.

Mrs Bates told the Mail today she had overheard satanic rituals over her deceased sons body as she spoke to his flatmate on the phone.

She said: I could hear all this kerfuffle in the background - ritualistic stuff.

There were strange suggestions of things that should be done like put milk by this side and get garlic and put flowers and put vinegar and very weird goings on.

I could hear it being said. It sounded like rituals going on. Some sort of satanic rituals.

A fund has been set up for a memorial service to Mr Spiers at his hometown of Canterbury, aiming to raise 3,000.

A statement on the fundraising page read: "Max was loved and will be missed by many.

"Although Max has already been buried they are still in mourning and have no closure at this time as the circumstances of Max's passing is still not clear.
D onald Trump has claimed the US presidential election is being rigged and accused animals representing Hillary Clinton of carrying out a firebomb attack on a Republican party campaign office in North Carolina.

The Republican nominee tweeted a series of accusations as polling data showed the Democrat on course for a huge victory in next months election.

Authorities in Hillsborough said the local Republican headquarters had its front window smashed and flammable material thrown inside on Saturday. A swastika and the words Nazi Republicans leave town or else were spray-painted on an adjacent building.

Mr Trump tweeted yesterday: Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning.

Blame game: Donald Trump / REUTERS

Mrs Clinton denounced the attack as horrific, adding: Very grateful that everyone is safe. Earlier, Mr Trump, 70, had tweeted: The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary  but also at many polling places  SAD.

He did not provide evidence to back up the claims, which came hours after his vice-presidential running mate, Mike Pence, said the party would accept the outcome of the November 8 contest.

Early and postal voting has begun in many states. A third and final presidential debate will take place on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

Republican strategists have conceded that Mrs Clinton, 68, has a firm grip on the 270 electoral college votes needed to win the White House.
T he first teenage arrivals into London from the notorious Calais Jungle Camp were today reunited with their families.

The teenage boys arrived in a white coach at Lunar House, the Home Office building in Croydon, at around 12.15pm.

They wore casual clothing and smiled and waved at the waiting photographers and supporters as they began the formal registration process with civil servants.

The boys were led out two at a time and flanked by home office staff.

The children were welcomed as the stepped of the coach / Alex Lentati

More than a dozen supporters came to see the boys get off the bus to applause from the public.

Rev Joyce Forbes, of St Stephens Church Norbury and Thornton Heath, said: "I think it's something you see on the news and you hear the traumas the children are going through and you feel there's nothing you can do to help.

"Today we have children arriving and I could do something and welcome them. That's why I came today

The youngsters have family in Britain and some of their relatives were understood to be waiting for them in churches in south London.

But as their ordeal living in the squalid camp came to an end, former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Williams appealed to the Government to offer a safe haven to hundreds more unaccompanied refugee children.

150 more child refugees are expected to come to the UK / Alex Lentati

He stressed that the clock is ticking very fast as the Jungle camp is set to be demolished before November 1 as French laws bans such evictions as winter is approaching.

More than 40 town halls in the UK had offered up to 3,000 places to provide a home for vulnerable youngsters in the camp and other parts of Europe under the Dubs arrangements.

Thats just a basic moral imperative for us to step up to, said Lord Williams.

We have as a country an extraordinarily good record of welcome for refugees and people in this kind of trouble.

He criticised foot-dragging over bringing unaccompanied migrant children to the UK.

But we have had confirmation that the Home Secretary is eager to see movement on the Dubs amendment children and we want to press that willingness and make sure that it delivers, he added.

Around 100 children are expected to arrive this week after a team of British officials were sent to Calais to help French authorities speed up the transfer of minors ahead of the dismantling of the Jungle.

They are understood to include Afghans, Syrians and stateless Bidun children who originated from Kuwait.

They are coming to the UK under the Dublin system of international rules.

Asylum claims in the EU must be made in the first safe country a person reaches, but children can have their claim transferred to another country if they have family members living there.

An amendment to the Immigration Act 2016, put forward by Lord Dubs, also requires the Government to relocate unaccompanied refugee children from Europe.

Last week Home Secretary Amber Rudd told the Commons that more than 80 unaccompanied children had been accepted for transfer under the Dublin regulation so far this year.

She added that more than 50 children had been taken, largely from Greece, under Lord Dubs amendment.

The Home Office denied any foot-dragging and stressed that the priority was ensuring the security and safety of the children, including that they are not being trafficked across the Channel by criminal gangs.

A Home Office spokewoman added: In addition, children who are eligible to come to the UK under the Dubs Amendment to the Immigration Act 2016 must be looked after in safe facilities where their best interests are properly considered.

Work is continuing on both sides of the Channel to ensure this happens as a matter of urgency.

A second Home Office team is being sent to France in coming weeks to work with the French authorities to identify and prioritise the children who will be brought to the UK under the Dubs system.

The arrival of the group today was welcomed by the charity Citizens UK, which said it has reunited 60 children from Calais with relatives in Britain since March.

Actress Juliet Stevenson said it was a proud moment for Britain.
A Thai woman accused of insulting the countrys late king was forced to kneel before his portrait outside a police station as baying mob demanded she apologise.

The womans arrest and public shaming on Sunday was the latest of several such incidents since King Bhumibol Adulyadej died last week after a reign of 70 years, plunging Thailand into intense mourning.

Two police officers led Umaporn Sarasat, 43, to a picture of the monarch in front of Bophut police station on the tourist island of Samui, where she knelt and prayed, both on the way into the station and the way out.

The crowd, some of who held aloft portraits of the revered monarch, jeered when she first appeared. A line of police officers linked arms to keep them from surging forward.

Ms Sarasat, a small business owner, who is alleged to have posted disrespectful comments online, is expected to face charges of insulting the monarchy.

We are going to proceed with the case as best we can, district police chief Thewes Pleumsud told the crowd. I understand your feelings. You came here out of loyalty to his Majesty. Dont worry, I give you my word.

Authorities have urged calm following criticism of people who are not wearing traditional black and white clothing to mourn the king with some arch-royalists reprimanding people in public. A government spokesman said some Thais can not afford mourning clothes and urged tolerance.

There have been reports of prices surging for mourning clothing since King Bhumibols death on Thursday.

Tens of thousands of Thais have descended on the Grand Palace in Bangkok where the monarchs body is being kept, and a year of mourning has been declared by the government.

Several foreign governments have warned citizens travelling in Thailand to avoid behaviour that could be interpreted as festive, disrespectful or disorderly.

On Friday, police and soldiers on the Thai resort island of Phuket dispersed a mob of several hundred people seeking a confrontation with a man they believed insulted the king.
Twenty20 chief coordinator Sabu M Jacob has said his party is against mixing politics with religion.
P hil Collins today revealed he is coming out of retirement to play live again - but his comeback annoucement was nearly ruined by a fall in his hotel bathroom.

The 65-year-old, who is to play five nights at the Royal Albert Hall next year, suffered severe bruising to his face after the accident.

He told the Standard: I fell in the bathroom. I went to sit down, and in fact instead of sitting down, I went forward. So its one of those things. Im fine, but unfortunately bruising takes a long time to go down.

In a revealing interview, he told how it was his children who convinced him to return to the live stage.

Announcement: Phil Collins in conversation with Jools Holland / Yui Mok/PA Wire

His 15-year-old son Nick will be taking his place behind the drum kit for the London shows and new material could also be on the way.

Former Genesis member Collins is in an elite club, alongside Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson, of selling 100 million records both as a solo artist and as part of a band.

He announced his retirement in 2011 to focus on his family life.

He has also suffered health concerns, including hearing issues and a back problem that has left him unable to play the drums for any significant period without experiencing pain.

Phil Collins - In pictures 1 /42 Phil Collins - In pictures hil Collins performing during the First Live Aid concert at the JFK stadium in Philadelphia, US in 1985 Frank Micelotta/AFP/Getty Images British rock group Genesis, from left to right Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, in the back of a limousine on the way to the LA Forum in 1977 Graham Wood/Evening Standard Phil Collins performs on opening night prior to the evening session on Day One of the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on 29 August 2016 Elsa/Getty Images Britain's rock star Phil Collins and his ex-wife Orianne Collins look on during a press conference for The Little Dreams Foundation gala concert on 30 May 2016 in Lausanne Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images Phil Collins performs at The Little Dreams Foundation Benefit Gala: Dreaming on the Beach at Fillmore Miami Beach on 11 March 2016 Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images Musician Phil Collins (L) and actress Lily Collins arrive at Relativity Media's "Mirror Mirror" Los Angeles premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on 17 March 2012 in Hollywood, California Todd Williamson/Getty Images For Relativity Media hil Collins and Sir Bob Geldof attend the Glenfiddich Mojo Honours List 2011 at The Brewery on 21 July 2011 in London an Gavan/Getty Images Clive Collins (right), poses with his brother musician Phil Collins, after receiving an MBE from Prince Charles, Prince of Wales for services to art during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 29 January 2012 Dominic Lipinski-WPA Pool/Getty Images Inductee Phil Collins of Genesis speaks onstage at the 25th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria on 15 March 2010 in New York City Michael Loccisano/Getty Images Musicians Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins and Tony Banks pose before talking about their band Genesis during a press conference before the dress rehearsal of the 20 city North American leg of their 'Turn It On Again' tour at the Air Canada Centre on 05 September 2007 in Toronto, Canada Darryl James/Getty Images Phil Collins performs with his band Genesis during the dress rehearsal of the 20 city North American leg of their 'Turn It On Again' tour at the Air Canada Centre on 05 September 2007 in Toronto, Canada. Darryl James/Getty Images Singer Phil Collins and his wife Orianne, who is pregnant, arrive at the 58th annual Golden Globes on 21 January 2001 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills Newsmakers/Getty Images British pop singer Phil Collins(R) and awards presenter Cher (L) pose for photographers at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles 26 March 2000. Collins won an Oscar for Best Original Song, for "You'll Be in My Heart" from the film 'Tarzan' in 2000 Hector Mata/AFP/Getty Images Phil Collins performs his song "You'll Be In My Heart," which won the Best Original Song Oscar during the 72nd Academy Awards on 26 March 2000 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The song was heard in the movie "Tarzan." Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Singer Phil Collins hold his Golden Globe award for Best Original Song - Motion Picture for "You'll be in my Heart" from the movie "Tarzan" at the 57th Golden Globes in Beverly Hills on 23 January 2000 Vince Bucci/AFP/Getty Images Pop music singer Phil Collins is kissed by daughters Lily, 12 (left) and Jolie as he poses with his newly unveiled star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 16 June 1999 Rose Prouser British actor and singer Phil Collins with Orianne Cevey in 1997 Michael Stephens/AFP/Getty Images Genesis Pop Group: Mike Rutherland, Tony Banks and Phil Collins outside the Regal Cinema in 1992 Phil Collins at his Surrey home in 1989 Neville Marriner/Daily Mail Phil Collins stars in the 1988 film 'Buster' with Julie Walters Buster Productions Phil Collins and with son Simon in 1987 David Crump/Daily Mail Phil Collins stars in the 1988 film 'Buster' with Michael Attwell, Larry Lamb and Ralph Brown Buster Productions Diana, Princess of Wales is given tiny tour jackets for the royal children Princes William and Harry when she met Phil Collins who gave concert in aid of the Prince of Wales trust in 1985 James Gray/Daily Mail Best drummer, Phil Collins of Genesis, best female singer, Kate Bush, and best bass guitarist, Mike Rutherford of Genesis at the Melody Maker Pop Awards in 1980 Colin Davey/Evening Standard Phil Collins, drummer and singer with British rock band Genesis, takes a break behind his drumkit in 1977 Graham Wood/Getty Images English singer-songwriter and drummer with rock group, Genesis, Phil Collins, with his first wife, Andrea Bertorelli, and her four year-old daughter, Joely, at their home in Epsom, Surrey on 29 July 1976 Graham Wood/Evening Standard British rock group Genesis, (from left) Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford and Steve Hackett at London Airport in 1974 Dennis Stone/Express/Getty Images Sting (right) former lead singer with The Police, takes his call with Phil Collins, after performing at the Live Aid concert for African Famine relief at London's Wembley Stadium in 1985 PA Archive/PA Images British rock group Genesis performs on stage during the Live Earth concert held at Wembley Stadium on July 7, 2007 in London MJ Kim/Getty Images Musician Phil Collins and Actress Lily Collins attend the after party for Relativity Media's "Mirror Mirror" Los Angeles premiere at the Roosevelt Hotel on March 17, 2012 in Hollywood, California Todd Williamson/Getty Images Musician Phil Collins and family attend the 76th Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater on February 29, 2004 in Hollywood, Californi Carlo Allegri/Getty Images Phil Collins poses for a 2016 portrait in New York. Drew Gurian/Invision/AP

He told the Standard: Ive been umming and ahhing the last couple of years about doing something.

We had done a few charity shows and Nick, my 15-year-old, had been playing drums and it felt like, Maybe we could do something? So there you go, were going to do something.

Ive grown to hate the word retirement. I said that at the time and I meant it. I felt like I had to slam on the brakes of an oil tanker to get it to stop. I wanted to be with my kids. And then the kids moved continents to Miami, so my life logistics changed. Instead of driving ten minutes down the road, I had to fly ten hours.

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As I got back with them they were very keen, as are all my older kids too, they are very keen on me getting back to doing something. Nick has become a fantastic drummer. We did these charity shows in March, two in June, then we did the US Open opening ceremony, and he was playing drums. It just all felt good.

So as far as retirement goes, basically I changed my mind and Im coming back  a little bit.

Live shows: Phil Collins will make his big return / Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

Collins has recently reconciled with his third wife Orianne, and moved into a house in Miami with her and their two sons Nick and Matthew.

He has a son, Simon, with first wife Andrea Bertorelli, and actress daughter Lily with second wife Jill Tavelman.

He said: Im with my kids, Im with Orianne, Im in Miami which is where they live. You know, were all doing good. Were all very happy. Miamis not my favourite place, but at the same time Im with Orianne, the kids, therefore Im happy.

Out of retirement: Phil Collins will play 5 dates at the Royal Albert Hall / Yui Mok/PA Wire

Collins revealed he will be fighting through the pain barrier at his London shows.

The hearing is as it was, but the brain has compensated. So thats not an issue. The back only hurts if I stand up for long periods of time, but when youre doing a show, the adrenaline makes you forget about those things, he said.

The one thing the back surgery has done is left my right foot numb, but Im hoping that from six months to a year that I will be back to normal. But in terms of physical fitness, Im fine. I wont be up to my peak, but Ill be playing something.

The star urged fans not to hold their breath over new material, but said it could be further down the line. He said: I make notes. If I think of something  if I think of a rhythm Ill note it down, or lyrical ideas. Im always thinking about it.

As for more shows after the Royal Albert Hall gigs, he added: Well take it as it comes. Weve got another couple of cities in mind. European cities. Well see how it goes. If people say, It sucks, and, F**k off! Why didnt you stay away?, then I might not!

Phil Collins will play at the Royal Albert Hall on 4-9 June 2017. Tickets go on sale from 21 October at 9am from www.philcollins.com
R ussell Crowe was caught up in an extraordinary row with rapper Azealia Banks after she was thrown out of a star-studded Hollywood party.

Azealia, 25, claimed the Oscar-winning actor assaulted her, spat at her and called her a n****r before ejecting her from his hotel suite.

However, witnesses reportedly said Crowe, 52, stepped in when she became abusive and violent to other guests, and that she had repeatedly used the n-word.

It came as she explained in an exclusive interview with the Evening Standard how she is trying to "mellow out" after she became one of the most loathed women in pop.

The singer is thought to have gone to Saturday nights party at the Beverly Hills Hotel as a guest of rapper RZA, who appeared with Crowe in martial arts film The Man With The Iron Fist and recently signed Banks to his record label.

Row: Russell Crowe threw Azealia Banks out of his party / Daniel Boczarski/Getty

In a post on Facebook that she later deleted, the rapper said: To recap my night, I went to a party at Russell Crowes suite, at which he called me a n****r, choked me, threw me out and spat at me. The men in the room allowed it to happen. I feel terrible today.

Banks, who also said she felt mishandled after the incident, appealed for someone to beat him up for me in another since-deleted Facebook post.

A spokesman for Banks today said the singer was shell-shocked and would speak out on the incident.

A different version of events emerged from witnesses who claimed the trouble started when Azealia laughed at Crowes music selection and called him and at least one other guest boring white men.

Azealia Banks defends skin bleaching

She was then alleged to have threatened to cut fellow guests with a glass, repeatedly using the n-word in an angry diatribe.

Crowe has not commented but sources say the actor picked her up and ejected her from the hotel suite.

The US star is no stranger to controversy and earlier this year was dropped from a festival in east London after making racial insults at former One Direction singer Zayn Malik on social media. In an interview in todays Evening Standard, Banks says she realised it was time to stop being a crazy girl.

Speaking about the row with Malik, she said: You know sometimes you get carried away when youre joking. Theres this crude, ignorant, mixed-up New York City humour where people call each other all kinds of f***ed-up shit.

"I use the n-word all the time. I was being stupid, not trying to be hurtful.

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In 2002 Crowe was spoken to by police after an alleged brawl in Knightbridges Zuma restaurant.

He also apologised after a heated argument with a TV executive at that years Bafta film awards after his planned appearance was cut from the broadcast of the show.
S ienna Miller has hinted that she might move back to the UK if Donald Trump wins the presidential election.

The British actress, who relocated to New York earlier this year, has said that she could well leave the US if Hillary Clinton doesnt become president.

I dont know if I can stay if it goes the wrong way, she told Variety. So Im really hoping that Hillary comes through.

The 34-year-old went on to say that she was horrified that the Republican candidate was even in the running.

'Horrifying': Sienna Miller could leave the US if Donald Trump wins over Hillary Clinton / Scott Olson/Getty Images

It was really funny initially until I realized it wasnt a joke, said Miller.

Im really horrified. Ive never been here for an election. Ive never felt as invested in the outcome as I do now.

Miller decided to leave London and move to the US as she finds the Big Apple more inspiring.

London feels cliquey and sometimes a little bit like swimming through mud, she told the Daily Mail back in August.

Sienna Miller style file 1 /40 Sienna Miller style file July 6, 2004 Leaving David Frost's summer party with Jude Law Steve Finn/Getty November 13, 2005 At the Casanova Closing Night Gala Frazer Harrison/Getty January 11, 2007 With Lindsay Lohan at an intimate dinner hosted by Chanel Frazer Harrison/Getty January 20, 2007 Seen on Main Street during the 2007 Sundance Film Festival Scott Halleran/Getty February 10, 2008 At the Orange British Academy Film Awards Jorge Herrera/Getty February 20, 2009 At the 'Montblanc Signature for Good' Charity Initiative Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty April 2, 2009 Receiving the Supporting Actress of the Year Award at the ShoWest awards ceremony Ethan Miller/Getty July 20, 2009 Arriving by boat with co-stars for a press conference in Sydney to promote 'G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra' Greg Wood/AFP/Getty August 19, 2009 At the New York special screening of 'The September Issue' Andrew H. Walker/Getty October 8, 2010 At the screening of the Bernard Rose film 'Mr Nice' during the 21st British Film Festival Pascal Le Segretain/Getty October 30, 2010 At the UNESCO Charity-Gala 2010 Andreas Rentz/Getty November 24, 2011 At the Lancel celebration of '135 Years Of French Legerete' Pascal Le Segretain/Getty December 2, 2013 At the British Fashion Awards 2013 Stuart C. Wilson/Getty November 30, 2014 At the 60th London Evening Standard Theatre Awards Tim P. Whitby/Getty December 15, 2014 At the 'American Sniper' New York Premiere Rob Kim/Getty January 11, 2015 At the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards Frazer Harrison/Getty January 13, 2015 On 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' Theo Wargo/NBC/Getty February 19, 2015 At the Calvin Klein Collection show during New York Fashion Week Mike Coppola/Getty February 22, 2015 At the 87th Annual Academy Awards Frazer Harrison/Getty May 4, 2015 At the 'China: Through The Looking Glass' Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Met Museum Larry Busacca/Getty May 12, 2015 In Nice, France Alex Huckle/Getty May 13, 2015 At the Jury photocall during the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival Andreas Rentz/Getty May 16, 2015 At the premiere of 'The Sea Of Trees' during the Cannes Film Festival Pascal Le Segretain/Getty May 23, 2015 At the premiere of 'Macbeth' during the Cannes Film Festival Pascal Le Segretain/Getty May 24, 2015 At the closing ceremony and 'Le Glace Et Le Ciel' premiere during the Cannes Film Festival Pascal Le Segretain/Getty September 21, 2015 At the Burberry Womenswear show during London Fashion Week Stuart C. Wilson/Getty September 21, 2015 Arriving at the Maria Cristina Hotel during the San Sebastian International Film Festival Carlos Alvarez/Getty September 22, 2015 At the 'High-Rise' photocall during San Sebastian Film Festival Juan Naharro Gimenez/Getty October 9, 2015 At the High-Rise Screening during the London Film Festival at Leicester Square John Phillips/Getty October 20, 2015 At the New York premiere of 'Burnt' Andrew Toth/Getty

I feel like people come to New York to do something. I kind of dine out on that energy.

Everyone is here because theyre like: I have something to say, something to do and Im going to do it'.

I find New York, at the moment, a little bit more inspiring.

Miller moved to New York with her four-year-old daughter Marlowe after calling off her engagement with British actor Tom Sturridge in July last year.
I ts been a while since Catherine Tates sketch show has been on the BBC  but that didnt make things any less awkward when an interviewer confused one of her catchphrases on live TV.

The actress and comedian appeared on BBC Breakfast on October 17 to talk about her upcoming first ever live tour.

However, things took a turn for the cringeworthy when presenter Charlie Stayt got Tates most famous comedy phrase wrong.

Asking about the Comic Relief sketch she once performed with Tony Blair, Stayt referred to the yes-but-no-but  from Matt Lucas and David Walliams Little Britain.

London's best comedy clubs and nights 1 /20 London's best comedy clubs and nights The Soho Theatre Sara Pascoes favourite comedy venue, and with good reason: the Soho Theatre is arguably Londons finest place to see both up-and-coming and established acts. Being a theatre, rather than a comedy club per se, expect to see full sets from individuals rather than bills with a few comics. Its three rooms host all sorts of things, from the latest Edinburgh winners to big names road-testing their latest bits. The standard is reliably excellent: even if youve never heard of a comedian, chances are, if theyre playing here, theyll be worth watching. The Comedy Store Another old favourite, the Comedy Store benefits from being built for purpose: no other venue in London suits stand-up quite so well (and the beer isnt too ridiculously priced, either). After starting out above a strip club in Soho, this place made its name throughout the eighties by breaking the pioneers in alternative comedy. Its happy to host mainstream stars these days, and never struggles to draw top acts, but if you can only make one thing, try The Comedy Store Players, old pros whose improvised shows on Wednesdays and Sundays all but guarantee hilarity. Tuesdays The Cutting Edge is best for those who like topical humour. Old Rope at The Phoenix Old Rope is popular with circuit veterans and newbies alike, so the weekly show usually has a mix of big names, comedy veterans and ones-to-watch. Host Tiff Stevenson leads an evening of new material  yes, lots of jokes given their test run  and its given its name for the noose that hangs over the stage. Ironically, this noose is a bit of a life-saver: if the new act is going badly, comics can grab the rope and fall back on old material. Knock2bag Always top value, the Knock2bag nights offer the chance to indulge in the odder end of the comedy spectrum: expect serious helpings of whimsy, eccentricity and surrealism. If you're looking for something different, this is your place to go. Monkey Business Comedy Club A first-rate comedy club and well worth travelling for. Wed pick the Thursday night over Saturday, but youll get a decent show on either day. Theres a mix of big names and up-and-comers, and host Martin Besserman is a pro wholl keep you laughing in between acts. Of which, theres often as many as twelve a night, so youll get your moneys worth. If one isnt to your taste, another promises a laugh. Banana Cabaret Club The Banana Cabaret Club hosts a lot of top drawer comics, and is well loved in comedy circles  in part, because theyve been going a good thirty years and in part because of the man running things, David Vickers, whose had everyone from Eddie Izzard to Stephen K Amos performing. Stars pop-in, and comedy circuit regulars play often, but its also on the finest spots to see new talent . No wonder Marcus Brigstocke name-checked it as his favourite London comedy club. Besides, once the two-hour show is done (typically wrapping up around 11pm), DJs strike up and everyone dances till 2am. Splendid. http://vivivi.co.uk/ Piccadilly Comedy Club Hats off to the Piccadilly for keeping comedy cheap: their shows cost 10 at the most, and they do a meal deal, where you can eat at Tiger Tiger and see the show for 20 all-in. A bargain. Expect a mix of well-known TV regulars alongside the best newcomers on the scene. Line-ups are particularly well thought out here: they dont just sling together anyone, so the nights tend to be uniformly excellent. Leicester Square Theatre The Leicester Square Theatre draws the big names, so expect to see top flight acts: Richard Herring hosts a weekly podcast here on Wednesdays, and the likes of Bridget Christie, Micky Flanagan and Frankie Boyle all make it a stopping point on their tours. That said, check the website for whats upcoming  there are chance to see some under-the-radar sets too. Live at Zedel The excellent Brasserie Zedel  whose Bar Americain is one of the finest drinking spots in the capital  relaunched Crazy Coqs as Live At Zedel last year and following a successful first run, are launching their second season. Besides comedy  the standard is usually very decent  they also host musical theatre and drag acts. The cocktails are terrific and there's at-table service. Eat in the restaurant beforehand (or after), too: we swung by recently and the food is as good as its ever been. Cheap, too. Happy Mondays This fortnightly show boasts the best new up-and-coming acts in the capital, combined with big name hosts  expect the likes of Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe and Holly Walsh  who keep the standard up to scratch. Definitely up to par, somewhere to find your new favourite comedian. Angel Comedy Just how a comedy club should be: small, crowded and above a pub. Best of all, its free, and each night offers something different, from open-mic nights to well-known names giving their latest sets an airing. Check the website for details, but you wont be let down  just get down early, as it fills up quickly. Ginglik Comedy Club Following a decade of success in Shepherd's Bush, this comedy club has found a new home at the ever-popular Roof Gardens. Known as 'Jimmy Carr's favourite comedy club', the Ginglik has had everyone from Al Murray to Robin Williams play, and is set for more success. Laugh Out London The likes of Stewart Lee, Reginald D Hunter and Tony Law play these nights, which gives an idea of just how decent they are. Laugh Out London always do a good job of bringing the highlights from Edinburgh festival to town, so take the chance to see who everyones been tweeting about. The 99 Club This Leicester Square club is much, much better than you might expect for a place that continually flyers. A big favourite with the Chortle Awards, it always attracts big names  it runs a little like Live At The Apollo but on a smaller scale. There are three acts a night, and shows are fairly priced: some are as cheap as a fiver, though most will cost around 10 - 15. Theyve also got venues in Soho and Covent Garden. Live At The Chapel Bit of a shame that shows here are so few and far between  usually about once a month  but theres no place more beautiful than the Union Chapel to see comedy in London. The upside is that, with so few performances, they always get the big names headlining, with unfailingly impressive support. Plus theres usually a live band, who are fab. The atmosphere is everything. Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

Yes-but-no-but is not-me-but, Tate retorted. Yes-but-no-but, that-was-Little-Britain-but.

Stayt apologised saying Im so sorry as co-presenter Naga Munchetty hid behind her hands at the toe-curling exchange.

However, Tate handled the incident well and segued into her actual catchphrase to diffuse the tension: Am I bovvered? Am I bovvered though? Am I bovvered that you got it wrong?

Look at my face, is my face bovvered that you got my catchphrase wrong? No. Look, face, Charlie, face, bovvered, I aint bovvered.

Tate will be embarking across the UK for her tour, with a date at the Eventim Apollo in London on November 14.
T o say that the US election campaign between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton has been a fraught and messy race is an almighty understatement.

Whether its the recent sexual allegations and tape leaks about Trump or Hillarys deleted emails, theres controversy on both sides.

Who better, then, to wade in and sort the truth, lies, wheat and chaff than the BBCs formidable Jeremy Paxman.

Hes not taking it easy on either candidate.

Hillary Clinton v Donald Trump: US Presidential Election 1 /93 Hillary Clinton v Donald Trump: US Presidential Election Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump votes at PS 59 in New York Carlo Allegri/Reuters U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton fills out her ballot at the Douglas Grafflin Elementary School in Chappaqua, New York Brian Snyder/Reuters Topless protestors cause commotion at the site where Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is scheduled to work at PS 59 located at 233 East 56th Street in Manhattan NY Daily News via Getty Images Republician presidential nominee Donald Trump arrives at a polling station in New York to cast his ballot in the presidential election Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton arrives to vote in the U.S. presidential election at Grafflin Elementary School in Chappaqua, New York Mike Segar/Reuters A voter looks at a sample ballot as he waits in line at a polling location in Kansas City, Missouri. Whitney Curtis/Getty Images Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton cookies are on sale at the Oakmont Bakery in Oakmont, Pennsylvania Jeff Swensen/Getty Images Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and her husband former President Bill Clinton, leave their polling place in Chappaqua Seth Wenig/AP lay Smith is the first voter to cast the ballot in the US presidential election, in the small village of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire Herb Swanson/EPA Poll workers look on as US President Barack Obama gestures towards the press as he votes early at the Cook County Office Building in Chicago, Illinois Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the University of New Hampshire in Durham Elise Amendola/AP Donald Trump takes a break from speaking to compare his face to a mask during a rally at the Sarasota Fairgrounds in Sarasota, Florida Loren Elliott/The Tampa Bay Times via AP Lady Gaga speaks during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Raleigh Gerry Broome/AP Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and husband, former President Bill Clinton take the stage during a campaign rally in Raleigh Gerry Broome/AP Madonna sings a song as she campaigns for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton during a surprise performance at Washington Square Park in New York Matt Rourke/AP Musician Bruce Springsteen performs at an election eve rally for Democratic presidential nominee former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Spencer Platt/Getty Images Supporters hold signs and a copy of the Bible during a rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Manchester Charles Krupa/AP Republican vice presidential candidate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, speaks to a campaign rally before the arrival of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Manchester Bill Sikes/AP Jon Bon Jovi and Lady Gaga perform during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Raleigh Gerry Broome/AP Musician Jon Bon Jovi performs at an election eve rally for Democratic presidential nominee former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on November in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Spencer Platt/Getty Images Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton boards her plane at Philadelphia International Airport Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images Part of a Nov. 6, 2016, letter from FBI director James Comey to Congress is photographed in Washington. Comey tells Congress that a review of new Hillary Clinton emails has "not changed our conclusions" from earlier this year that she should not face charges Jon Elswick/AP Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump cheer during a campaign rally in Leesburg Evan Vucci/AP Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump attends a campaign rally in Detroit, Michigan Carlo Allegri/Reuters NBA basketball player Lebron James introduces U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during a campaign rally in Cleveland, Ohio Carlo Allegri/Reuters A member of the audience holds a sign during a campaign rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Sterling Heights, , Michigan Paul Sancya/AP President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Kissimmee. Florida John Raoux/AP Secret Service agents rush Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump off the stage during a campaign rally in Reno John Locher/AP Hillary Clinton smiles holding a mask onboard her campaign plane on Halloween Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images Supporters of Donald Trump pose with a Hillary Clinton character during a campaign rally at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas John Gurzinski/AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump holds a rainbow flag given to him by supporter Max Nowak during a campaign rally at the Bank of Colorado Arena on the campus of University of Northern Colorado Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Hillary Clinton speaks during a campaign event at The Manor Complex in Wilton Manors, Florida Getty Images A Donald Trump supporter's pet bulldog is decked out in campaign stickers Jason Connoll/ AFP/Getty Images Hillary Clinton joins Jennifer Lopez at a campaign concert in Miami, Florida Brian Snyder/Reuters A Donald Trump mural covering a building in Miami, Florida Rhona WiseAFP/Getty Images Hillary Clinton, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, greet supporters during a campaign rally in Winston-Salem Chuck Burton/AP A crowd gathers to watch as Donald Trump's vandalised star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is cleaned up Frederic J Brown/AFP/Getty Images Hillary Clinton delivers birthday cake to reporters on her campaign plane Justin Sullivan/Getty Images A Donald Trump look-a-like walks with bikini-clad women in Times Square. The stunt was organized by artist Alison Jackson Drew Angerer/Getty Images Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump hugs a the American flag as he arrives to speak to a campaign rally in Tampa Evan Vucci/AP Katy Perry speaks at a rally in support of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in Las Vegas AP Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Hillary Clinton waves to a member of the audience as she walks off the debate stage as Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump remains at his podium after the conclusion of their third and final 2016 presidential campaign debate at UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada Mike Blake/Reuters NFL fans wear Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton masks during a game between the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals Norm Hall/Getty Images Donald Trump holds a child onstage during a campaign rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin Jonathan Ernst/Reuters Hillary Clinton (Kate McKinnon) and Donald Trump (Alec Baldwin) take on the 'Town Hall Debate Cold Open' on SNL Saturday Night Live Hillary Clinton chats to Ellen DeGeneres during a commercial break during the filming of the Ellen Show Brenan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images A Donald Trump themed fortune telling machine stands on the street in Columbus Circle in New YorK Lucas Jackson/Reuters Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump kisses a "Women for Trump" placard during a rally at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump during the town hall debate at Washington University Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Kevin Lake of Jefferson, Iowa, wears a wall outfit in honour of Donald Trump's pledge to build a wall along the Mexico border Scott Morgan/Reuters Donald Trump holds two-year-old Hunter Tirpak, who is dressed as Trump, during a rally at Mohegan Sun Arena Christopher Dolan/The Citizensi Voice via AP Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump during the town hall debate at Washington University Saul Loeb-Pool/Getty Images Ken Bone found himself going viral after his attention-grabbing question during the town hall debate at Washington University Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Donald Trump's daughters-in-law Lara Trump and Vanessa Trump and daughter Tiffany Trump Scott Olson/Getty Images Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump leave the stage after the first presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Melania (L) and Ivanka (C) Trump sit next to Republican vice presidential nominee Governor Mike Pence ahead of the first debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Joe Raedle/Pool/Reuters Hillary Clinton shakes hands with husband and former U.S. President Bill Clinton after the first Presidential Debate Joe Raedle/Getty Images Donald Trump with wife Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump Jr.'s wife Vanessa Trump, Eric Trumps wife Lara Yunaska, and Eric Trump Paul J. Richards/AFP US actresses Lena Dunham and America Ferrera speak at the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia Peter Foley/EPA Alec Baldwin as Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live Saturday Night Live Hillary Clinton attempts to open a pickle jar on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Andy Holmes/ABC Donald Trump greets supporters at a rally at Ladd-Peebles Stadium Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images Denis Leary and James Corden on The Late Late Show CBS Donald Trump reacts to the cries of three-month-old Kellen Campbell, of Denver, right, while holding six-month-old Evelyn Keane, of Castel Rock, Colorado Joe Mahoney/Getty Images Bill Clintonon on the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Mike Segar/Reuters Alicia Keys performs at he Democratic National Convention Shawn Thew/EPA Meryl Streep at the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center Alex Wong/Getty Images Donald Trump hugs his daughter Ivanka Trump at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images Sarah Palin endorses Donald Trump's run for the Republican presidential nomination Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images Donald Trump during a campaign stop on the campus of the University of Central Florida Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Where are the heroes now? he laments, after recapping the popularity of Abraham Lincoln back in the 1800s.

Whatever happens in Novembers presidential election, the winner will be one of the two least popular candidates of all time.

What on earth has happened to a truly great democracy that the choice is so awful?

Travelling to Washington, Paxman reports on the situation he calls this whole mess, reflecting on the rise of each partys leader, and why  more than ever  the two sides are so vehemently opposed to each other.

Donald Trump gets the date of the US election wrong, urging supporters to vote on November 28

With the all-important vote just a matter of weeks away, Paxmans investigations are an ideal catch-up for anyone struggling to keep up on this side of the pond.

It also asks an important question: with two polar opposite candidates, will the election leave the USA irrevocably divided, no matter who the winner is?

And here we were thinking that Brexit would be the biggest political split of the year.

BBC One, 9pm
B rendan Cole has denied he has been arguing with his Strictly Come Dancing partner Anastacia.

Cole has spoken out after becoming frustrated at rumours of bust-ups with his strong-minded celebrity partner, insisting that they get along very, very well.

Writing in his column for Digital Spy, Cole said: We've definitely had some conversations, I won't lie about that.

I think we're both two very strong-minded individuals in a process, but we get along very, very well.

Strictly Come Dancing 2016 1 /58 Strictly Come Dancing 2016 Ed Balls with his dance partner Katya Jones during Saturday's live edition of the BBC1 show, Strictly Come Dancing. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Saturday October 8, 2016 Guy Levy/BBC host Tess Daly with Tameka Empson and her dance partner Gorka Marquez after she was voted off Strictly Come Dancing Guy Levy/BBC Judge Robert Rinder with his dance partner Oksana Platero during Saturday's live edition of the BBC1 show, Strictly Come Dancing Guy Levy/BBC Claudia Fragapane with her dance partner AJ Pritchard during Saturday's live edition of the BBC1 show, Strictly Come Dancing Guy Levy/BBC Ed Balls with his dance partner Katya Jones during Saturday's live edition of the BBC1 show, Strictly Come Dancing Guy Levy/BBC Will Young with his dance partner Karen Clifton during a dress rehearsal Guy Levy/BBC Tameka Empson with her dance partner Gorka Marquez Guy Levy/BBC Danny Mac with his dance partner Oti Mabuse during a dress rehearsal Guy Levy/BBC Ed Balls Guy Levy/BBC Claudia Fragapane with her dance partner AJ Pritchard Guy Levy/BBC Lesley Joseph with her dance partner Anton Du Beke Guy Levy/BBC Naga Munchetty with her dance partner Pasha Kovalev Guy Levy/BBC Danny Mac with his dance partner Oti Mabuse Guy Levy/BBC Daisy Lowe with her dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec Guy Levy/BBC Will Young with his dance partner Karen Clifton Guy Levy/BBC Louise Redknapp Guy Levy/BBC Laura Whitmore with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice Guy Levy/BBC Ed Balls with dance partner Katya Jones Guy Levy/BBC Melvin Odoom and Janette Manrara leaving the competition, during the results show Guy Levy/BBC Anastacia with her dance partner Brendan Cole Guy Levy/BBC Laura Whitmore with her dance partner Giovanni Pernice Guy Levy/BBC Ore Oduba with his dance partner Joanne Clifton Guy Levy/BBC Daisy Lowe with dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec Guy Levy/BBC Ore Oduba with his dance partner Joanne Clifton Guy Levy/BBC Naga Munchetty with her dance partner Pasha Kovalev during a dress rehearsa Guy Levy/BBC Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly Guy Levy/BBC Louise Redknapp with her dance partner Kevin Clifton Guy Levy/BBC Naga Munchetty with her dance partner Pasha Kovalev Guy Levy/BBC Will Young with his dance partner Karen Clifton Guy Levy/BBC Lesley Joseph with her dance partner Anton Du Beke Guy Levy/BBC Judge Robert Rinder with his dance partner Oksana Platero Guy Levy/BBC Pasha Kovalev (right) and Naga Munchetty Guy Levy/BBC Lesley Joseph (left) and Anton Du Beke Guy Levy/BBC Natalie Lowe (left) and Greg Rutherford Guy Levy/BBC Ed Balls with his dance partner Katya Jones Guy Levy/BBC Ore Oduba with his dance partner Joanne Clifton Guy Levy/BBC Greg Rutherford with his dance partner Natalie Lowe Guy Levy/BBC Anastacia with her dance partner Brendan Cole Guy Levy/BBC Robert Rinder Robert Rinder and Oksana Platero dance the cha cha Guy Levy/BBC Greg Rutherford Natalie Lowe and Greg Rutherford dance the jive Guy Levy/BBC Ore Oduba Joanne Clifton and Ore Oduba dance the tango Guy Levy/BBC Naga Munchetty Pasha Kovalev and Naga Munchetty dance the waltz Guy Levy/BBC Laura Whitmore Laura Whitmore and Giovanni Pernice dance the Cha Cha Guy Levy/BBC Lesley Joseph Lesley Joseph and Anton Du Beke dance the waltz Guy Levy/BBC

Cole said that their discussions about their dances arent as heated as have been made out.

You always have discussions about how you want to do it, he explains.

Anastacia's a very strong-minded woman  she wants to do things a certain way. And I'm a pretty strong-minded fellow! It's ultimately my decision as to what we do, so we just have discussions about things, which is what has been misconstrued and then turned into something that's completely wrong. It's very disappointing.

Twitter reacts as Will Young leaves Strictly for 'personal reasons'

The duo once again found themselves in the dance off this week, facing off against Naga Munchetty  who was sent home by the judges.

Anastacia suffered an injury in the first week of the live shows, meaning she could not perform in the dance off against Melvin Odoom when placed in the bottom two. As a result, Odoom was sent home as the contestant with the lowest number of public votes.

BBC One, Saturday, 6.30pm
A finance boss who sexually assaulted two women during Wolf Of Wall Street-style drunken parties at his City headquarters is facing jail.

Anthony Constantinou, 34, kissed one of his victims after plying her with alcohol at an event to celebrate making 1 million profit on the trading floor.

He force-fed another woman wasabi during a volatile boardroom meeting, before pinning her against a wall like a piece of meat and kissing her.

After the attack he boasted: You cant say no to a Greek man.

The victim likened Constantinous behaviour at the meeting to Leonardo DiCaprios outrageous trader character in Martin Scorseses hit 2013 movie The Wolf Of Wall Street.

Constantinou  at the helm of financial group Capital World Markets, which is based on the 21st floor of the Citys Heron Tower  denied attacking both women.

Anthony Constantinou meeting Princess Anne at the height of his success

He claimed one of them had made up the allegations to seek a six-figure payout from him.

But an Old Bailey jury found him guilty of two counts of sexual assault after deliberating for almost 14 hours.

Constantinou, who was cleared of one sexual assault, with the jury failing to reach verdicts on three further charges, wiped his eyes as the guilty verdicts were delivered, bending over and letting out a deep sigh.

His barrister Miranda Moore QC said effectively they are two kisses, but Judge Nicholas Cooke QC shot back: Its more serious than that  it is sexual assault on two different women in circumstances where theres significant aggravation.

Drunken: parties at Constantinous City offices were likened to those in hit Leonardo DiCaprio film The Wolf Of Wall Street

Constantinou, of Hampstead, is free on bail but faces jail when he is sentenced on November 11.

At the height of his success, he was pictured meeting Princess Anne, signing sponsorship deals with Chelsea FC and backing a team in the MotoGP.

His Greek Cypriot father Aristos arrived in the UK in the Sixties, building a fashion empire in the capital and moving the family to a seven-bedroom mansion in The Bishops Avenue, dubbed Billionaires Row.

In 1985, however, Aristos was shot dead there in the notorious Silver Bullet murder, so called due to the use of nickel-jacketed bullets in the killing. The case remains unsolved.

Constantinou followed his fathers path as an entrepreneur, building the CWM brand, which made significant sums in foreign exchange trading. His sex attacks have now left him with a crumbling business empire.

One victim told the Old Bailey she was plied with vodka and orange drinks at a party in Constantinous office, while music blared out because the dealers made a 1 million profit.

Constantinou pulled her out of the office when she was quite drunk, pinned her against a frosted glass partition, kissed her and grabbed her breasts despite her protestations that he had recently married.

The victim told the court she complained to Constantinous business partner but he shrugged.

She said she felt she could not turn down Constantinous offers of more drinks, adding: If he gives you a drink and you dont drink it, its offensive.

The trial heard Constantinou held weekly alcohol-fuelled parties in his office, which his staff felt pressured into attending, and had a habit of firing people who made minor errors.

The other victim, who did not work for CWM, was attacked at a meeting with Constantinou, when he told her she had great arse and tits and said I can say whatever the f*** I like.

He insisted she share a bottle of wine with him and at one point shoved a lump of wasabi into her mouth.

She fled the office but Constantinou followed her, grabbed her by the shoulder, pinned her against the glass partition and in a disgusting and derogatory manner as if she was a piece of meat he stuck his tongue down her throat, said prosecutor Eloise Marshall.

As she left his offices, Constantinou shouted dont ever f*** with me. Ms Marshall told the court: She described the atmosphere that day as very Wolf Of Wall Street.
Last night, the Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) closed with a lavish, energetic and fun party at Cavallo Point, just North of San Francisco. Despite the rain, you couldnt help but feel this was one of the best years yet  there was no slowing the party on this evening. Earlier, crowds flocked to the closing night film, Loving, with cast and crew in attendance, including Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga, and Jeff Nichols.

What an incredible Closing Night  @lovingthefilm received a standing ovation, @CavalloPoint Closing Night Party was booming! #MVFF39 pic.twitter.com/AJ6Y3f1G8Q  Mill Valley Film Festival (@MVFilmFest) October 17, 2016

Now in its 39th year, founder and executive director Mark Fishkin and programming director Zoe Elton have proven that thoughtful content, in combination with interactive panels, with a dollop of star power, in relaxed, engaging venues can provide for a rewarding and comprehensive film-going experience.

Once again, Stark Insider was on the ground for MVFF, and covered several events, panels, and films. Below is the round-up of the MVFF videos published to date (more to come).

One of my annual favorites once again delivered. I wrote-up my experience at the State of the Industry panel. It was particularly interesting this year given the disruption were seeing in distribution, particularly with Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Opening night did not disappoint. La La Land and Arrival anchored an impressive evening of film, with stars Emma Stone and Amy Adams in attendance. In addition to those stellar performances by Stone and Adams, I suspect Damien Chazelle is also a name to watch. Hes making beautiful, intelligent, visually stunning films. I first took notice of Chazelle with the astonishing Whiplash (2014), where a perfectionist attempts to mentor a jazz drummer. La La Land is every bit its contemporary, modernizing the musical for the big screen. Expect to hear about it throughout awards season. I hope he snags best director at the Oscars. Thumbs up too for composer Justin Hurwitzs delightful score.

As youd expect, other stars also graced this years Mill Valley Film Festival including Nicole Kidman, James Franco, Aaron Eckhart, Ewan McGregor among so many others.

Aside from the biggies, there were plenty of small gems to be discovered too.

My Love Affair with the Brain documents Marian Diamond. The Berkley-based neuroscientist has left an indelible mark on the field thanks to her research on the brain, and, in particular, the impact our individual living environment has on its growth. Use it or lose it. Charming. Informative. Inspiring. What more could you want from a documentary? (Filmmaker Q&A with Stark Insider)

Neruda is a sly cat-and-mouse mystery out of Chile. The period piece is based on true events, and tracks a detective in search of a famous, communist poet. Gael Garcia Bernal stars alongside Luis Gnecco in a gripping, entertaining ride. Bernal attended MVFF for the screening. One of my regrets this year is that Stark Insider could not make it due to scheduling. My wife Loni and I dont binge watch much. But Mozart in the Jungle?! You bet.

Then there was Zoology. Quirky to be sure. And awash in whimsical metaphors and symbolism. Russian director Ivan Tverdovsky has a keen eye for editing and motivations of the heart and soul. In him I even see a hint of Lars von Trier.

At The Rendezvous world premiere, audience members were treated to a wonderful talkback Q&A. About a dozen cast and crew fielded questions, and talked about the rough conditions endured while shooting in Jordan. It was evident this was a labor of love, and that to all involved it was a special moment to see their hard work screened in public for the first time. Leads Stana Katic and Raza Jeffrey charmed earlier on the red carpet with enthusiasm for the project. And director Amin Matalqa talked energetically, lovingly about the filmmaking process. Wonderful. This is the stuff of film fests.

State of the Film Industry: Amazon/Netflix, piracy and technology-led disruption https://t.co/3fi2dnt7lD pic.twitter.com/CwtkPnnAxq  Stark Insider (@StarkInsider) October 10, 2016

There was so much more. For example: running into filmmakers and fans of film and people in the industry in and around San Rafael and Mill Valley is always a thrill. Its a joy to watch those working tirelessly to pursue their dreams help each other so fervently.

So, its a wrap!

With that, weve rolled-up below the Stark Insider videos weve published to date from and about the Mill Valley Film Festival. Thanks for the memories.

Random side note: How cool wouldve it had been if The Neon Demon screened along with an appearance by controversial auteur Nicolas Winding Refn?! More. Eyeball.

Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) Video Recap

James Franco and Lola Sultan Interview  IN DUBIOUS BATTLE

Shot at CineArts Sequoia, Mill Valley, California.

James Franco talks to Loni Stark about adapting John Steinbecks IN DUBIOUS BATTLE for the big screen. When I re-read it, he says. I realized there was this great, dramatic arc. Plus: 9 year-old Lola Sultan proves she might have what it takes to be the next big Hollywood actress.

Nicole Kidman Interview & Reception  LION

Shot at the Maple Lawn, Elks Grove, San Rafael, California.

Nicole Kidman talks with Loni Stark about the need for humans to be connected, the roles of a mother, and her new film LION. Watch her arrival as shes greeted by Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) founder and executive director Mark Fishkin and director of programming Zoe Elton. Later Kidman mingles with fans and patrons, charming all in her path.

Amy Adams Interview MVFF Opening Night  ARRIVAL

Shot on MVFF opening night at the Outdoor Art Club, Mill Valley, California.

Amy Adams talks with Loni Stark about sci-fi thriller ARRIVAL, the meaning and power of language, and being a new mother. Plus: Amy does her impression of French Canadian director Denis Villeneuve.

Emma Stone  Interview MVFF Opening Night  LA LA LAND

Shot on MVFF opening night at the Outdoor Art Club, Mill Valley, California.

Actress Emma Stone talks with Loni Stark about handling rejection, working through stage fright as a child, and tap dancing with Ryan Gosling in new throwback musical LA LA LAND. Emma is joined by director Damien Chazelle and composer Justin Hurwitz on the red carpet for the premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF).

MOVIE STAR  A Celebration of Film

A short compilation of some of our favorite movie moments with Loni Stark (and Cary Grant of course!). A celebration of film and the Mill Valley Film Festival.

THE FILMS: El Mariachi, Persona, Fitzcarraldo, Santa Sangre, Only God Forgives, North by Northwest, Psycho,The Sound of Music, Taxi Driver, Spartacus, Black Swan, Suspiria, Kill Bill Vol. 1, The Neon Demon, Under the Skin, Videodrome, Mulholland Drive, Carrie, The Shining, Ex Machina, Lawrence of Arabia.
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As many as 35 houses of the southeastern Galati County are shown to have been seriously affected by flood water after the water was drained out, according to a first-hand assessment completed by the local authorities, reads a press release sent to agerpres by the Emergency Situations Inspectorate (ISU).

Very gravely affected are 13 dwellings at Cuza Voda, 20 at Pechea and two at Slobozia Conachi.

Over 300 ISU workers, soldiers, gendarmes, police staff using 100 technical means continue to intervene in Galati County to clean after the floods in the communes of Pechea, Slobozia Conachi and Cuza Voda.

According to ISU Galati, as of Monday 30 more firefighters will be added to the intervention teams as well as with three trailer and ten portable pumps in the counties of Vaslui, Vrancea and Braila to unclog wells in the three seriously flood-stricken localities.

Activities are continued to secure drinking water with the help of four pieces of drinking water equipment dispatched to Pechea, Cuza Voda and Slobozia Conachi.

In support of the population, as many as 900 sleeping bags were sent by the Red Cross and distributed with the help of the rescuing firefighters.
The European Commission has recently approved the allotment of 226.6 million euro from the cohesion fund for the retrospective project "The rehabilitation of the Bucharest - Constanta railway, the Bucharest North - Bucharest Baneasa and Fetesti - Constanta sectors," according to an EC release sent to agerpres on Monday.

"The project is part of the Transport Operational Programme for the period 2007-2013, priority axis 'Modernisation and development of the basic TEN-T network aimed at developing a sustainable transport system and integrating it in the EU transport networks.' The rehabilitation works of the over 80 km of railway between Bucharest and Constanta, on the two sectors Bucharest North - Bucharest Baneasa, respectively Fetesti - Constanta, were initially funded by the Romanian state, the total value of the project amounting to almost 475 million euro," the document reads.

According to European Commissioner Corina Cretu, the EC takes over a part of the initial spending which the Romanian state made for the rehabilitation works on the railway between the Capital and Constanta.

"This decision keeps within the line assumed by the European Commission in respect to co-funding retrospective projects, aimed at increasing the absorption of European funds in Romania. Thus, the European Commission takes over part of the initial spending which the Romanian state made on the rehabilitation works on the railway between the Capital and Constanta. Following the joint work of the DG REGIO experts and the national authorities under the working group for a better implementing, retrospective projects in the transport infrastructure in Romania worth approximately 450 million euro were approved from the cohesion fund and the European fund for regional development," Cretu said.

The Bucharest - Constanta railway rehabilitation project was aimed at reducing the travel time between the two cities, as well as turning from a mainly road transport between the Capital and the seaside to a safe and modern transport by train, and reducing the air pollution.

At present the absorption rate under the Transport Operational Programme in the 2007-2013 programming period exceeds 81 percent.

In the 2014-2020 programming period, Romania has allotted approximately 9.4 billion euro for the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme (LIOP), both under the European Fund for Regional Development and through the Cohesion Fund. More that half of the total funding (national co-funding included) for the LIOP - 6.8 billion euro - is provided for the transport infrastructure, 37 percent for the environmental sector development, and 5 percent for the energy sector.
Interior Minister Dragos Tudorache on Monday said the usage of the motorcades provided by the Police has to change amidst the controversial death of agent Bogdan Gigina, killed on an official mission.

"Police agents are normally used in motorcades. There are procedures all around the world and escorting is done by motorcyclists. But, what has to change, and at least under the current government has changed, is the usage of the motorcades for other situations than those requiring escorting. Escorting will continue, but it should not be abused," Tudorache told a news conference at the main offices of the Interior Ministry.

He said organisationally speaking the management of escorting has changed since the death of Gigina at the level of the Highway Police brigade to be used exclusively for official visits of heads of state or government, because the presence of motorcycle-riding agents is required under state protocol.

agepres.
LOUISVILLE, Ky.  Striking Jim Beam workers kept picketing the world's largest bourbon producer on Monday, ahead of another round of talks that a union leader hopes will resolve their complaints about being overworked.

The dispute has splashed some disharmony on the whiskey sector's good times. The workers say the company has refused to hire more full-time workers, and that demand for Beam whiskey has them putting in 60 to 80 hours a week to keep up.

"It is really booming right now," United Food and Commercial Workers local president Janelle Mudd said by phone Monday. "Maybe they didn't take into account growing the work force as the demand grew. But we have been talking to them about this issue for a long time."

Contract talks are scheduled to resume Tuesday after workers voiced grievances at a management listening session on Sunday, Mudd said. Their main complaint is not money, but time  the union wants to see more full-time workers hired, rather than temporary employees.

A company spokesman said Monday that the session helped to "clarify points of disagreement."

"We expect to meet again soon with the assistance of the federal mediator," said company spokesman Clarkson Hine. "We remain committed to doing what we can to promote a timely resolution that is in the interest of our union employees and our business."

About 250 workers walked off their jobs Saturday at Beam distilleries in Clermont and Boston in Kentucky after voting down the company's latest contract offer Friday. Those striking workers help fill virtually every step of bourbon making at the plants, Mudd said.

Beam said unspecified contingency plans would keep operations running to keep whiskey flowing to distributors and consumers. The walkout comes as the crucial holiday season looms for whiskey producers.

The classic American whiskey brand is owned by Suntory Holdings Ltd., a Japanese beverage company.

Kentucky is home to about 95 percent of the world's bourbon production, and both the bourbon and whiskey industries are enjoying growing sales worldwide, in part driven by higher demand for premium spirits and cocktails.
One of St. Louis's best-known early stage venture capital firms has led a $3.5 million investment in a Nashville, Tenn., company that has developed a fundraising platform for nonprofits.

Cultivation Capital announced the investment in the nonprofit-focused Kindful on Monday. Kindful's platform lets donors easily contribute to nonprofits and analyzes giving patterns for the organization.

This significant round of funding shows that major innovation in Nashville is alive and well in the FinTech sector, said Joe Maxwell, a Cultivation Capital managing partner based in Nashville.

Cultivation Capital, co-founded by several entrepreneurs and investors with St. Louis roots, has invested in 36 companies that have exceeded $500 million in total capital raised. The firm also has offices in Nashville and Hoboken, N.J.
BJC HealthCare announced Monday a new scholarship fund in response to the 2015 Ferguson Commission report calling for greater college access and affordability for youth living in disenfranchised communities.

The program will be administered by The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, which will award up to 14 need-based scholarships annually to college-bound students residing in communities served by BJC hospitals. They include St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Columbia, Farmington/Bonne Terre and Sullivan and the Metro East region of Illinois.

The fund will sponsor individual scholarships of up to $10,000 per academic year at a public 2- or 4-year Missouri or Illinois state college. The scholarships are renewable through the student's graduation or a maximum of 10 semesters. When fully implemented, the fund could potentially support 50 to 60 students annually.

"We want to take meaningful action, beyond our role as a health care provider, in helping move forward in the wake of events that shook our community," said BJC CEO Steve Lipstein in a press release.

Applications through The Scholarship Foundation will open Jan. 1 with a submission deadline of April 15. Recipients will be announced in July for the 2017-18 academic year.
ST. LOUIS  Services Saturday morning honored the life and legacy of Donald McCullin, a retired circuit and municipal court judge who died Oct. 8, 2016, of lung disease.

A native St. Louisan, Judge McCullin, 75, was appointed by then-Gov. Mel Carnahan as a St. Louis circuit judge in 1999, overseeing civil and criminal trials until he retired in 2011. More recently, he served as a municipal judge in Ferguson.

In a Post-Dispatch profile on Judge McCullin after he was appointed circuit judge, he talked about his unusual path to that post.

He taught math and Lincoln High School in East St. Louis before going to law school at St. Louis University. He joked with a Post-Dispatch reporter about a colleague at Lincoln who told him he wouldnt be able to pass a test required for law school, and how he used the taunting as motivation.

He then practiced law with a high school friend and later was the managing attorney for several years for the United Auto Workers union in St. Louis. He also was director of compliance at Anheuser-Busch, ensuring that the company followed anti-discrimination laws.

Judge McCullin recounted during the 1999 interview that he applied for a judgeship nine times before he heard from Carnahan. Ive always been cautiously optimistic, he said then.

Being a judge was pretty much his dream job, his daughter, Cheryl McCullin-Montgomery, said Saturday.

I can remember when he was in law school and how he studied so hard. He would eat, sleep and breathe law material. We listened to it in the car on our cassette tapes.

During the summer of 2015, Judge McCullin was picked by the Ferguson City Council as a municipal judge. He was chosen during a rocky time after a Department of Justice report highlighted the courts function as a revenue generator for the city, an issue that led to the resignation of Judge McCullins predecessor.

Missouri law limits municipal judges to serve until age 75, so Judge McCullin had less than a year on the job before he stepped down this year. Helping out in Ferguson was something McCullin-Montgomery said her father was happy to do.

Outside of his career, Judge McCullins daughter said he was an avid racquetball player who never let the grandkids beat him. He also loved bowling, going to see movies and his city, St. Louis.

He loved the city, she said. We tried to get him to move to the county with us after he retired, but he wouldnt have that. Thats where he lived and worked most of his life.

Judge McCullin was a member of the Mound City Bar Association, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Lawyers Association of St. Louis, Women Lawyers Association, National Bar Association and American Bar Association. He was also a mediator for Aequitas, a firm that specializes in mediation and arbitration.

Services for Judge McCullin were at the S.M. Cunningham Funeral Home. Burial was in St. Peters Cemetery.

Among the survivors, in addition to his daughter, are two other daughters, Laurie McCullin and Renee McCullin-Russo of St. Louis County; a son, Donald McCullin Jr., of Los Angeles; two sisters, Delphine McCullin-Wilson and Denise Sanders; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
UPDATED at 7 p.m. with one death believed to be a suicide.

ST. LOUIS  Homicide detectives were busy overnight investigating several apparently unrelated shootings Saturday night and early Sunday morning. The identities of the victims were not yet released.

In the first case, police were called at 10:26 p.m. Saturday to the 6000 block of Cates Avenue, where they found a man who had been shot multiple times in an apartment. He died at the scene. No other details were released.

At 12:50 a.m. Sunday, a call came from the 4400 block of Farlin Avenue, where a male said to be in his late teens was found shot in the head. He also was pronounced dead on the scene.

About three hours later, at 3:47 a.m., officers responded to calls to the 2900 block of Samuel Shepard Drive, where a man, 31, was shot in the face and was dead at the scene. Police now believe that shooting to be a suicide.

A non-fatal shooting was reported about 12:34 a.m. Sunday in the 3600 block of Louisiana Avenue. The wounded man was taken to a hospital where his condition was listed as critical and unstable. Homicide detectives were working his case because of the severity of the wounds.

Anyone with information on any of the cases is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.
During the lean years of the recession, Parents as Teachers of Missouri went through an unprecedented challenge when state funding for the home-visiting group was cut by millions.

Lawmakers redirected the organization to use its remaining funding to reach more vulnerable parents and children. Many middle-class families lost free access to home visits from parent-educators.

Though painful, it was a wake-up call for Parents as Teachers, said Cheryle Dyle-Palmer, chief operating officer.

It nudged the international organization to improve how it engages the poor and, often, people of color and to examine better ways to partner with parents dealing with the trauma and the stresses of poverty, neighborhood violence and inequity.

That mission solidified when protests and violence erupted in Ferguson after an unarmed Michael Brown was fatally shot by a Ferguson police officer, Dyle-Palmer said. The events and the ensuing Ferguson Commission report further highlighted the prevalence of trauma experienced by many African-American families. That report called for more trauma-informed approaches to help disenfranchised communities.

On Monday, Parents as Teachers will recognize the lessons of Ferguson and the programs own transformation into one that aims to best understand and serve parents dealing with trauma and inequity. Mondays forum will take place at the Ferguson Community Center, not far from where the protesting took place. The event is part of the programs national conference in downtown St. Louis Monday through Wednesday.

The forum will host 75 Parents as Teachers educators from around the country. They come from places as different as the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, where gun violence is common and similar civil unrest has taken place, to rural Macomb, Ill. That region copes with poverty, an influx of crime from outsiders and illegal meth production so prevalent that farmers put locks on their fertilizer tanks to stave off theft.

The intent, said Dyle-Palmer, is to create a national blueprint on how home-visiting programs for parents and young children can best address the impact and challenges of trauma, not only in the families they serve but also among their own educators who frequently live or make visits in the same neighborhoods.

Angela Gardner, for example, is a Parents as Teachers educator with Normandy schools who visited homes within earshot of the rioting and protesting. Parents were deeply upset, and asking how to talk to their young children about every aspect of it  from racism, to policing, to the trauma of tear gas and looting, she said.

There were also safety concerns, she said. Parents were afraid to let their kids walk to the bus stop by themselves.

Gardner, who is African-American, said she also experienced extreme stress as her older teenage boys often visited their father who lived in Ferguson and feared interactions with police. She said her sons joined the protests after Brown was killed, and she feared for their safety.

In the past year, she said, Normandy parent educators have taken to Google, mapping houses to develop safety plans for neighborhoods with high crime. She also stays informed about crime and other neighborhood news to make sure she recognizes those stresses with parents during Parents as Teachers visits.

Dyle-Palmer said Parents as Teachers needs to become a national leader on dealing with trauma for other home-visiting groups to replicate. She said home-visiting groups reached children at their youngest and most vulnerable stages of development when trauma and stress in the household can severely hamper development. Partnering with parents to effectively address these challenges can build resilience in families and protect children, she said.

In February the Post-Dispatch published a special report that followed several Ferguson children, parents and grandparents to chronicle the toxic stress and trauma experienced in their lives. It included research indicating that toxic stress and trauma in childhood can lead to adverse health and behavioral outcomes in adulthood, including depression, heart and kidney disease and other chronic illnesses.

During the forum, participants will get a bus tour of Ferguson and St. Louis to understand the regions recent racial tension and historic challenges regarding inequity. Community leaders from such groups as Forward Through Ferguson and For the Sake of All, a Washington University initiative to combat health inequity in the region, will lead talks.

Participants will share their own experiences as educators dealing with trauma to come up with ideas and solutions.

Kate McGruder, a parent educator out of Macomb, home of Western Illinois University, said surrounding rural poverty coupled with the affluence of living in a college town brought a lot of diversity issues to the fore. Shes participating because she wants to better understand what happened in Ferguson and ways to prevent such tension from arising in her town.

Ivette Morales, a program supervisor from Los Angeles El Nido Family Centers, said her agencys clients were poor, African-American and Hispanic and dealing with extreme neighborhood violence.

We have a lot of trauma, and right now we have a lot of gangs. Theres shootings and everyone knows someone who has been a victim, she said. Some of these moms, and even these little babies, theyre going to funerals.

She said she wanted to learn better ways to empower parents not only in their child-rearing, but in their ability to create positive change in their own neighborhoods.

We can so relate to Ferguson, she said, recalling the Watts Riots of 1965 and later the riots after a jury in 1992 acquitted police officers in the brutal beating arrest of Rodney King. Were trying to get these families to come out to the bigger community and really take back their community.
So my question is, if the department is defunded, and low pay continues, what will happen the next time the police are desperately needed and only a handful of them are available?
On Friday, the Obama administration lifted restrictions barring Americans traveling abroad from bringing back Cuban cigars and rumanother step towards further normalizing relations between Washington and Havana.

Since December 2014, American citizens who were officially licensed to visit Cuba (for reasons including religion, journalism, education, visiting family, etc.) were granted the ability to bring back $100 worth of Cuban cigars and/or Cuban rum into the U.S., as part of a $400 total import allowance. This changewhich coincided with a prisoner exchange that was brokered with Cuban President Raul Castrowas a shift from the previous policy, which didnt allow any Cuban cigars, or other Cuban goods for that matter, to be imported.

Now, travelers to Europe, Canada, Mexico, or other places where Cuban cigars are legally sold (including Cuba) can legally import Cuban cigars and rum without limitation, as long as the importation is for personal consumption only.

While this is a rather significant shift in policy, its important to remember the longstanding Cuban embargo is still in effect. Obama cant reverse the embargo in its entirety; that would take an act of Congress. So dont expect to suddenly find Cuban smokes at your local tobacconist, or a way to order them online from U.S. sellers. (Whether or not cigars can now be legally purchased by consumers from online retailers in other countries is not clear.)

Still, this is a major win for cigar enthusiasts who enjoy Cuban cigars and regularly travel abroad. Its also a step in the right direction. The Cuban embargo has been a massive failure when you consider the objective was (and still is?) to cripple the Castro regime. The islands totalitarian communist regime has been unbelievably stable for decades, and its economic policies have only recently begun to take small steps towards liberalization. Furthermore, America hypocritically has no qualms trading with many other countries that regularly suppress human rights and political freedoms.

So while its appropriate for cigar enthusiasts to cautiously applaud Fridays announcement, our adulation for the administration should be, at best, very tempered. Recall that, thanks to President Obama and the anti-tobacco policymakers he relies upon to craft and carry out policy, cigars commercially solid in the U.S. at retail shops and online are subject to highly draconian regulationsregulations that will force businesses to close and eliminate an estimated 30,000 jobs in the U.S. and 300,000 jobs abroad.

Setting aside the ban on samples, new warning labels, and the ridiculously arbitrary nature of the February 15, 2007 cutoff date, the lack of clarity about the FDA approval process is the biggest reason why industry experts predict the rule will devastate the industry. What will qualify as substantially equivalent? How will the FDA build and maintain the capacity to process approval applications in a timely manner? How will small, family-owned boutique cigar operations pay the outrageously high costs needed to successfully gain FDA approval (estimates for the cost of obtaining FDA permission to sell a cigar vary widely from $20,000 to $100,000 or more for each size and each packaging option within each blend)?

One can see how the elimination of restrictions on importing Cuban cigars for personal consumptionwhich are not subject to FDA regulations, by the waycoupled with outlandish FDA rules on all other cigars could jeopardize U.S. retailers and manufacturers of non-Cuban cigars in places like Nicaragua, Miami, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. Whats the message here? Commercial cigar sales in the U.S. have to abide ungodly stringent rules, while Cubans get to flow more freely? Is it not hard to envision a future state where Cuban cigars are exchanged on the black market once they have been legally imported? Wont these cigar sales cut into the profits of non-Cuban manufacturers and retailers who must comply with the terrible new rules?

Whether or not this was Obamas intention makes no matter. Good intentions do not always result in good outcomes, especially in matters of public policy. So while we aficionados tip our hats to Fridays announcement, lets remember the cigar industry is entering extremely perilous waters thanks to a reckless course set by Obama and misguided, misinformed members of Congress who agreed to grant FDA oversight over premium handmade cigars.

It should go without saying that Obama is no friend of cigars. But you certainly wouldnt know that from reading the outpouring of support on social media, or the laughably off-target reporting from the mainstream media.

Patrick A



photo credit: Flickr
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe.

WARWICKSHIRE Police and Crime Commissioner has backed calls for the drink driving limit to be lowered in England and Wales.

Philip Seccombe has added his voice to the campaign by the Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS), which is asking MPs to bring drink-drive limits in line with other parts of the UK  a move that could reduce road deaths by as much as 10 per cent.

Currently, the law permits drivers in England and Wales up to 80 milligrams of alcohol for every 100 millilitres of blood in your body  a limit which has been in place since 1965 but is now among the most tolerant in the world. It is higher than in the rest of Europe (with the exception only of Malta, which recently announced plans to lower the drink drive limit ), as well as Commonwealth countries such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

It is estimated that lowering our drink drive limit to 50 milligrams of alcohol for every 100 millilitres of blood would reduce drink driving deaths by at least 10%. Scotland lowered its limit to 50 milligrams in December 2014, and police figures showed a 12.5% decrease in drink-drive offences in the first nine months.Northern Ireland is set to lower its drink driving limit before the end of 2016.

There is also strong public support for lowering the limit, with the British Social Attitude Survey recently finding that three quarters of the public (77 per cent) support lowering the drink driving limit.

There has been no reduction in the number of drink driving deaths in England and Wales since 2010, despite continued public information campaigns. Every year drink driving causes 240 deaths and more than 8,000 casualties in the UK. This costs 800 million a year. 60% of those who are killed or injured are people other than the driver, such as passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.

Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: Evidence from elsewhere in the UK and from across Europe demonstrates that lowering the drink drive limits would lead to significant improvements in road safety and has the potential to save lives. It would also help to reinforce the overall message that drinking and driving is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

While it is still the case that the best advice is to never drink before getting behind the wheel, the drink-drive limit at present is among the highest in Europe and I think it is time that a law that was set in the 1960s - when public attitudes were very different - should be reviewed by the Government and brought in line with other countries and the rest of the UK.
Federal Signal Corporation's Safety and Security Systems Group (SSG), a world leader in public safety solutions, today announced its strategic partnership with Edesix Ltd, a leading manufacturer of body-worn camera systems. This partnership will offer the jointly-developed IndiCue family of law enforcement video offerings, a comprehensive suite of products that provide law enforcement professionals the ability to collect, distribute, and manage video evidence. With streamlined use and predictable costs, IndiCue makes it easy for police agencies to implement body-worn video programs without risking the hidden fees and hardware management headaches that have plagued body-worn video programs in the past. Federal Signal and Edesix will debut IndiCue at Booth 4327 of the 2016 International Association of Chiefs of Police trade show in San Diego, CA.

"Edesix designs and manufactures the highest-performance, easiest-to-use body worn camera solutions on the market, and Federal Signal has an extensive channel reach and deep expertise in designing and integrating law enforcement equipment into vehicles. The overlap between our companies' strengths could not be better," said Richie McBride, CEO of Edesix.

The CueCamTM is a rugged, wearable camera designed to capture incidents from the officer's point of view. It comes equipped with advanced features like standard or high-definition resolution, built-in GPS for camera location tracking and video geolocation, seamless RFID-based dynamic camera allocation, on-camera encryption, built-in Wi-Fi, and an IP65 enclosure rating. CueCamTM is available in models with 8 to 14 hours continuous recording with configurable pre-record, and can live-stream video and audio while simultaneously storing high quality footage.

CueClassifyTM is the IndiCueTM family's comprehensive back-office management software suite, able to import and manage evidence collected by the CueCamTM, CueCarTM, or 3rd party cameras. It delivers a streamlined user interface for managing body worn cameras and collected footage, and provides a suite of functions including automatic footage download and simple, intuitive redaction. CueClassifyTM is exceptionally scalable, allowing customers to manage one camera or tens of thousands of cameras with equal ease. Furthermore, CueClassifyTM can be deployed in the cloud, on-premises, or a hybrid of the two, with straightforward storage and equipment pricing regardless of configuration.

Due for full rollout in early 2017, CueCarTM is an in-car video solution based on the CueCamTM architecture. Designed to capture multi-perspective footage from any police vehicle, CueCarTM is equipped with the same security and footage protection features as the CueCamTM. The CueCarTM is robust, secure, and capable of recording and streaming high quality video and audio for evidential purposes. Unlike other in-car systems, the CueCarTM is fully web-based and Wi-Fi enabled, allowing footage and associated notes to be accessed, updated, and shared from a tablet PC or an existing mobile data terminal via Federal Signal's CueClassifyTM. The CueCarTM unique system controller enables initiation of recording by external cues and our multi-camera installation can provide dash, rear, and light bar-mounted views.

"Body-worn video saves life, property, and speeds the resolution of investigations, but traditionally has come with unpredictable costs and difficulty managing evidence," said Matthew Brady, SVP of Federal Signal's SSG group. "IndiCue solves those problems, making the benefits of bodycams available to agencies and communities of all sizes."

The IndiCueTM system has been deployed with a law enforcement agency in North Carolina for several months, with strong praise for its functionality and budget impact.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., (NYSE: TEVA) announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion recommending an indication extension of Trisenox (arsenic trioxide). The indication extension is for use in newly diagnosed low to intermediate risk Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) in combination with retinoic acid. Trisenox, in combination with retinoic acid, has shown a very high overall survival rate with almost no relapses after more than four years (50 months) of median follow-up. If the European Commission approves this label extension, it would mark the first time that a form of acute leukemia can be effectively treated with a regimen that is entirely chemotherapy-free.

APL is a life-threatening type of leukemia as it can cause uncontrollable bleeding and can kill within hours or days if left untreated. In Europe, approximately 1,500 to 2,000 people are diagnosed with APL each year. In light of its rarity, and because most cases present with low blood cell count and low leukemic cells in the blood, diagnosis can be difficult. However, the rapid progression of APL leading to early mortality is a substantial problem, affecting up to 30% of patients. Rapid diagnosis and commencement of treatment is essential to avoid early mortality. Trisenox is currently indicated for second line treatment of patients, who have not responded to treatment with retinoids and chemotherapy, or when their disease has returned after this type of treatment.

Commenting on the announcement, Francesco Lo-Coco, Professor of Haematology and Head of the Laboratory of Integrated Diagnosis of Oncohematologic Diseases, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy said, This CHMP opinion is very encouraging. Considering it was based on existing published academic data only, this opinion points to a recognition by the EMA that treating low to intermediate risk APL with a chemo-free regimen of Trisenox plus retinoic acid can increase survival rates and dramatically reduce the risk of relapse and chemotherapy-related side effects in patients suffering from this rare and aggressive form of leukemia. In particular, avoiding the risk of life-threatening infection and that of developing secondary leukemias due to chemotherapy is a great gain for patients. The success of this regimen represents a major breakthrough and a paradigm of targeted therapy in oncology and medicine. This is therefore good news, not only for APL patients, but also for the whole medical community.

The CHMP positive opinion is a formal recommendation to grant marketing authorization for an extended indication for first line treatment for Trisenox. The recommendation will now be reviewed by the European Commission, which has authority to approve medicines for use in the 28 countries of the European Union along with Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. A final decision by the European Commission is expected by the end of the year.

In commenting on the CHMP positive opinion, Rob Koremans, President & CEO, Teva Global Specialty Medicines said, As a company committed to providing medicines and solutions that really make a difference in patients lives, were pleased to reach this important milestone, and hope soon to be able to offer a chemotherapy-free treatment regimen for APL patients at the point of diagnosis. Recognizing the high unmet patient need in this orphan disease, weve put everything in place to obtain the label extension for this life-saving treatment. We look forward to receiving an approval from the European Commission for Trisenox as a first line treatment.

About Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia is a form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a cancer of the blood-forming tissue (bone marrow). Approximately 10% to 15% of patients initially diagnosed with AML present with the aggressive sub-type of the condition, APL.

In normal bone marrow, hematopoietic stem cells produce red blood cells (erythrocytes) that carry oxygen, white blood cells (leukocytes) that protect the body from infection, and platelets (thrombocytes) that are involved in blood clotting. In APL, immature white blood cells called promyelocytes accumulate in the bone marrow. The overgrowth of promyelocytes leads to a shortage of normal white and red blood cells and platelets in the body, which causes many of the signs and symptoms of the condition.

People with APL are especially susceptible to developing bruises, small red dots under the skin (petechiae), nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, blood in the urine (hematuria), or excessive menstrual bleeding. The abnormal bleeding and bruising occur because substances are released that cause excessive blood clotting, and as a consequence lead to a low number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia). The low number of red blood cells (anemia) can cause people with acute promyelocytic leukemia to have pale skin (pallor) or excessive tiredness (fatigue). In addition, affected individuals may heal slowly from injuries or have frequent infections due to the decrease of normal white blood cells that fight infection. Furthermore, the leukemic cells can expand into the bones and joints, which may cause pain in those areas. Other general signs and symptoms may occur as well, such as fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

APL is generally diagnosed in much younger patients than in AML (the median age is approximately 40 for APL patients and 70 for AML patients), and can be diagnosed in patients of any age.
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Air Traffic Control Association has named Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) the winner of its 2016 Industrial Award for modernizing key air traffic systems that control the most complex and congested airspaces in the nation.

The annual award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in advancing the science of air traffic control, was presented at ATCA's 61st Annual Conference and Exposition in National Harbor, Maryland.

Raytheon modernized the FAA's 11 largest Terminal Radar Approach Control facilities, which control 80 percent of U.S. air traffic. The company installed its state-of-the-art Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, or STARS, consolidating multiple, legacy, capacity-constrained systems into a single, terminal-area operational system that is the backbone of national air traffic control.

"Think of this transition as changing an engine on a plane when it's inflight. Rolling out STARS in our nation's busiest airspaces, without disrupting air traffic operations or compromising public safety, is a tremendous accomplishment." said Robert Delorge, vice president of transportation and support services at Raytheon's Intelligence, Information and Services business. "We delivered a modern system that provides long-term cost savings for the FAA and enhances the safety and efficiency of our nation's airspace."

Raytheon worked in partnership with the FAA, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and Professional Airways Systems to implement STARS over an 18-month period at TRACONs in New York, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, northern and southern California, St. Louis, Louisville, Minneapolis, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. The activity was completed on time and under budget when New York became operational in May.

STARS, a standard system used by both the FAA and the Department of Defense, provides guidance for departing and arriving aircraft in the airport terminal area. The Raytheon-developed system replaces several generations of existing terminal automation systems, providing savings in life-cycle costs. The system brings additional safety and capacity management to terminal automation and is a cornerstone of NextGen, the FAA's airspace modernization initiative. By 2019, STARS will be installed in every FAA radar facility.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2015 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 94 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5ITM products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.

Media ContactRaytheonMelanie Plunkett+1.571.250.1102[email protected]

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/air-traffic-controllers-recognize-raytheon-for-modernizing-systems-that-manage-the-nations-most-challenging-airports-300345296.html

SOURCE Raytheon Company
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Information Technology Applications Architect, Rob Elkins and Global Data Manager, Stan Nickle of Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE: AXTA), a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, presented Axaltas innovations in areas concerning global environment, health and safety (EHS) and quality data management at the 20th Annual EtQ User Conference held October 10-14 in Nashville, Tennessee. The EtQ User Conference draws EHS and quality professionals from numerous industries worldwide to share experiences and learnings using the EtQ Reliance Software Platform for managing EHS and quality processes and data.

The EtQ Reliance platform provides a globally consistent view of our EHS and quality data which helps manage global policy and programs in EHS and quality systems, noted Mr. Elkins in describing the advantages of the platform. Thorough and accurate quality data helps the company improve processes providing benefits to its customers. His presentation focused on integrating external business intelligence tools with the EtQ Reliance database to produce powerful visualizations of business data. Mr. Elkins described how to build tableau data sources based on identifying desired reporting fields on EtQ Reliance forms with a detailed understanding of the Reliance database scheme. A demonstration and real examples were included in the presentation.

Dr. Nickles presentation discussed the inherit problems and risks associated with manual data collection processes for sustainability reporting. Dr. Nickle then described how the Axalta EHS team was able to leverage out-of-box capabilities from EtQ Reliance and incorporate new ideas and enhancements to extend the capabilities of Axaltas new sustainability module. In addition, Dr. Nickle shared, We were able to design, configure, and launch ten EHS and quality data systems within 20 months by leveraging the EtQ Reliance platform. The Axalta team also shared ideas for additional enhancements to the data collection and reporting process for sustainability. The sustainability module is the most recent EtQ introduction following a series of successful module implementations.

About Axalta Coating Systems  Celebrating 150 Years in the Coatings Industry

Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, buildings and pipelines, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enable the materials we coat to last longer. With 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the approximately 12,800 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axaltacoatingsystems.com and follow us @axalta on Twitter and on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017006438/en/

Axalta Coating Systems

Stan Nickle, D +1 215-255-4363

[email protected]

axaltacoatingsystems.com

Source: Axalta Coating Systems
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bank of America today reported its third-quarter 2016 financial results. The news release, supplemental filing and investor presentation can be accessed in the following ways:

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005576/en/

Bank of America newsroom at http://newsroom.bankofamerica.com.

Bank of America Investor Relations website at http://investor.bankofamerica.com.

Business Wires news web page at http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/news.

For a listen-only connection to the conference call, dial 1.877.200.4456 (U.S.) or 1.785.424.1732 (international), and the conference ID is: 79795. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A replay will also be available beginning at noon ET on October 17 through 11:59 p.m. ET on October 24 by telephone at 1.800.934.4850 (U.S.) or 1.402.220.1178 (international).

Bank of AmericaBank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 47 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 4,600 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs, and award-winning online banking with approximately 34 million active accounts and more than 21 million mobile active users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Visit the Bank of America newsroom for more Bank of America news, and click here to register for news email alerts.

www.bankofamerica.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005576/en/

Bank of America

Investors May Contact:

Lee McEntire, Bank of America, 1.980.388.6780

Jonathan Blum, Bank of America (Fixed Income), 1.212.449.3112

Reporters May Contact:

Jerry Dubrowski, Bank of America, 1.980.388.2840

[email protected]

Source: Bank of America
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/17/16 -- (TSX: BBO)(TSX: BBO.PR.A) -

BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK) and manager of Big Bank Big Oil Split Corp. (the "Corporation"), today announces details concerning the delisting and mandatory redemption of the Class A Capital Shares (the "Capital Shares") and Class A Preferred Shares ("Preferred Shares") of the Corporation on December 30, 2016 (the "Redemption Date"). The Capital Shares and Preferred Shares are currently listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") under the symbols" "BBO" and "BBO.PR.A", respectively.

As disclosed in the Corporation's disclosure documents, pursuant to the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation, as amended, the Capital Shares and Preferred Shares will be automatically redeemed on the Redemption Date. The redemption price payable by the Corporation for a Capital Share on the Redemption Date will be equal to the greater of: (i) the net asset value per Unit (a "Unit" consists of one Preferred Share and one Capital Share) on that date minus $10.00 and any accrued and unpaid distributions on a Preferred Share; and (ii) nil. Any monthly distribution declared on the Capital Shares for December 2016 will be paid with the redemption proceeds for the Capital Shares. The redemption price payable by the Corporation for a Preferred Share on the Redemption Date will be equal to the lesser of: (i) $10.00 plus any accrued and unpaid distributions thereon; and (ii) the net asset value of the Corporation on that date divided by the total number of Preferred Shares then outstanding. The quarterly distribution expected to be declared on the Preferred Shares for December 2016 will be paid with the redemption proceeds for the Preferred Shares.

In connection with the redemption, BlackRock Canada expects that the Capital Shares and Preferred Shares will cease trading on the TSX and be delisted from the TSX on or about December 23, 2016. It is expected that, as soon as practicable following the Redemption Date, the affairs of the Corporation will be wound up and the Corporation will be dissolved. To facilitate a timely and orderly redemption, the Corporation may liquidate certain assets in order to move to a larger cash position as the Redemption Date approaches.

For more information, investors should consult with their investment advisor or visit our website at www.blackrock.com/ca.

About BlackRock

BlackRock is a global leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients. At June 30, 2016, BlackRock's AUM was US$4.890 trillion. BlackRock helps clients around the world meet their goals and overcome challenges with a range of products that include separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares (exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions. As of June 30, 2016, the firm had approximately 12,700 employees in more than 30 countries and a major presence in global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.blackrock.com/ca / Twitter: @BlackRockCA / Blog: www.blackrockblog.com/can

Big Bank Big Oil Split Corp. is managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in Big Bank Big Oil Split Corp. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The fund is not guaranteed, its value changes frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

Contacts: Contact for Media: Maeve Hannigan T - 416-643-4058 [email protected]

Source: BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (iShares)
BLUE LAKE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On Tuesday, October 11, 2016 the Federal District Court in San Francisco issued an order allowing the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe to intervene in the Clean Air Act enforcement case currently pending against the Blue Lake Power biomass facility in Blue Lake, California. The Tribe has been opposed to any restart of the facility because of significant air pollution impacts on the Tribes members and the surrounding area.

Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe Energy Director, Jana Ganion, explained the impact the Blue Lake Power plant has had on the Tribe, When the facility is operating our air quality suffers, and the community is directly and immediately affected. This area has not attained healthful air quality standards in general and we now know exposure to this type of air pollution causes acute and chronic health problems and premature deaths. And the toxic emissions from this plant not only affects humans, we are also very concerned about Mad River water quality, fisheries, endangered species, and other environmental impacts.

The legal action arises out of Blue Lake Powers violations of the federal Clean Air Act according to the complaints filed by the U.S. EPA, the North Coast Air Quality Unified Management District, and the Tribe. The complaints detail how the Blue Lake Power facility has violated the Clean Air Act by failing to obtain the proper permits, and failing to apply the appropriate air pollution control technology to control CO, NOx, and particulate matter emissions.

The Courts intervention ruling allows the Tribe to participate in the enforcement action against Blue Lake Power and to pursue its State law claims in State Court.

The Court recognized the Tribes Clean Air Act claims are timely. In particular, the Court determined preconstruction permitting violations cited in the complaints are continuing violations under the Clean Air Act, based on the structure of the applicable regulations. This ruling was obtained as a direct result of the Tribes intervention and is now a significant legal precedent for similar cases in California that will help State and Federal enforcement efforts.

The recent decision of the Court was praised by Blue Lake Rancheria Vice Chairperson, Arla Ramsey, who said, The Tribe appreciates the Courts recognition of the Tribes substantial interest in this matter. The emissions from this facility have had adverse impacts on the Tribes lands and our members, seventy-five percent of which are children and elders, who are particularly at risk from the pollution released by the Blue Lake Power facility. We generally support biomass power, but this is a specific case of chronic violations by one bad actor and the very serious health and environmental impacts they have created. The Tribe has also petitioned the U.S. EPA to revoke Blue Lake Powers operating permit based on the facts of this case and other violations. The Ecological Rights Foundation has also recently brought suit against Blue Lake Power for Clean Water Act violations.

The Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe has been recognized by the White House as a 2015-2016 Climate Action Champion and has long advocated for clean power generation.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017006555/en/

Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe

Jana Ganion, 707-668-5101 x1044

[email protected]

Source: Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe
What:

The inaugural Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow, the West Coasts only beachfront airshow, takes to the skies Oct. 21  23 over one of Southern Californias most popular beaches. Jaw-dropping jet stunts by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Breitling Jet Team and other performers can be viewed on the 2-mile stretch of beach from the Huntington Beach Pier to Magnolia Street. This free community event features interactive exhibits from NASA, Boeing and Ford with more than a mile of souvenir and specialty item shopping, including an official airshow shirt. Dozens of premium food options will provide an enjoyable culinary experience for attendees. Proceeds from the Airshow will benefit the newly formed Aerospace Education Foundation that will empower youth to achieve career goals in aviation and aerospace.
LYNCHBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) (NYSE: BWXT) expects to webcast a discussion of its third quarter 2016 results on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Executive Chairman John A. Fees, President & CEO P. Sandy Baker and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer David S. Black will discuss the Companys third quarter results. A news release detailing the results is expected to be issued after the market closes on Monday, October 31, 2016.

The listen-only audio of the conference call will be broadcast live via the Internet at www.bwxt.com under the investor relations tab. The dial-in number for participants in the U.S. is 888-317-6016; the dial-in number for participants outside the U.S. is 412-317-6016. All participants should ask to be joined into the BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) call. A replay of this conference call will remain accessible in the investor relations section of the Companys website for a limited time.

About BWXT

Headquartered in Lynchburg, Va., BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) is a leading supplier of nuclear components and fuel to the U.S. government; provides technical, management and site services to support governments in the operation of complex facilities and environmental remediation activities; and supplies precision manufactured components and services for the commercial nuclear power industry. BWXT has approximately 5,500 employees and significant operations in Lynchburg, Va.; Erwin, Tenn.; Mount Vernon, Ind.; Euclid, Ohio; Barberton, Ohio; and Cambridge, Ontario, as well as more than a dozen U.S. Department of Energy sites around the country. Follow us on Twitter @BWXTech and learn more at www.bwxt.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005138/en/

BWX Technologies, Inc.

Media Contact

Jud Simmons

Director, Communications

434-522-6462

[email protected]

or

Investor Contact

Alan Nethery

Vice President, Investor Relations

980-365-4300

[email protected]

Source: BWX Technologies, Inc.
GE Capitals Completed Deals to Date Total Approximately US$175 Billion (ENI)

GE continues transformation to more focused Digital Industrial Company

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GE (NYSE: GE) announced that today it has completed the sale of its remaining 20% stake in the Hyundai Capital Services (HCS) joint venture through a structured asset-backed security, representing aggregate ending net investment (ENI) of approximately $0.8 billion as at the end of the third quarter of 2016.

As we continue to sell most of the assets of GE Capital, we are working with our joint venture partners such as Hyundai Capital to find solutions that work best for all parties, said Rich Laxer, GE Capital Chairman and CEO. Hyundai has been a strong partner for us over the last 12 years with the joint venture providing tremendous value for customers, he added.

As previously announced, GE has embarked on a strategy to create a simpler, more valuable company by reducing the size of its financial businesses and by focusing on continued investment and growth in its world-class industrial businesses. GE will retain the financing businesses that relate directly to GEs industrial businesses.

Since the April 2015 announcement, GE Capital has signed agreements for the sale of approximately $193 billion of businesses and has closed approximately $175 billion of those transactions. GE Capital plans to have largely completed the process of selling approximately $200 billion of businesses by the end of 2016 and believes it is on track to deliver approximately $35 billion of dividends to GE under this plan.

About Hyundai Capital Services

Hyundai Capital Services is Koreas No. 1 provider of consumer financing products, including auto financing, auto leasing services, personal loans and home mortgages. Established in 1993, the company is a financial service unit of Hyundai Motor Group.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) is the worlds Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com

GEs Investor Relations website at www.ge.com/investor and our corporate blog at www.gereports.com, as well as GEs Facebook page and Twitter accounts, including @GE_Reports, contain a significant amount of information about GE, including financial and other information for investors. GE encourages investors to visit these websites from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:

This document contains "forward-looking statements"  that is, statements related to future events that by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For details on the uncertainties that may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements, see http://www.ge.com/investor-relations/disclaimer-caution-concerning-forward-looking-statements as well as our annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements. This document also includes certain forward-looking projected financial information that is based on current estimates and forecasts. Actual results could differ materially.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005477/en/

Investors:

GE

Matt Cribbins, +1 203-373-2424

[email protected]

or

Media:

GE Korea:

Byung Ryul (Bill) Joh, +822-6201-3010

[email protected]

or

GE Capital:

Chris Mohrmann, +44 7825 113 195

[email protected]

Source: GE
DALLAS, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Gradalis, Inc. today announced that the company will participate in the 2nd Annual iC3 Life Science Summit being hosted by BioNorthTX on October 26, 2016. Mr. Sunil Joshi, President & Chief Executive Officer of Gradalis, will be participating in a panel discussion titled, "Strategies for Success in the Emerging Personalized Medicine Era and a Look into the Future of Cancer Therapeutics and Diagnostics."

"Gradalis is at the forefront of the development of a highly personalized cellular immunotherapy with our focus on development of Vigil engineered autologous tumor cell (EATC) technology," said Mr. Joshi. "I am pleased to participate in this important panel discussion to share our ideas on the best way to develop and commercialize personalized cancer therapeutics."

Mr. Joshi will be available to answer any questions regarding Vigil EATC or Gradalis technology after the panel discussion.

The 2nd Annual iC3 Life Science Summit will be held on October 26, 2016 at the College Park Center, University of Texas at Arlington, 600 S. Center Street, Arlington, TX 76019. For additional information about the summit, please visit www.bionorthtx.org/life-science-summit/.

About Vigil EATC: Vigil is an investigational cellular immunotherapy technology that combines the concepts of genetic engineering with the science of immuno-oncology, to enable an immune response to cancer cells. A patient's tumor cells are engineered with a plasmid carrying the gene vector for shRNA Furin and GMCSF to elicit a systemic T-cell directed immune response when administered to the patient through intradermal injections. By utilizing the patient's own tumor as the antigen source, Vigil EATC is designed to elicit an immune response that is specifically targeted and broadly relevant to each patient's unique tumor antigens. Vigil EATC is being studied in Ewing's sarcoma and ovarian cancer as a single agent, and in breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. More information about these studies can be found on www.vigilclinicaltrials.com.

About Gradalis: Gradalis is a fully integrated biotechnology company based in Dallas, Texas that focuses on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of novel proprietary personalized cellular immunotherapies to treat cancer. Gradalis operates a cGMP manufacturing facility in Carrolton, Texas. For more information about Gradalis, Inc. please visit www.gradalisinc.com.

Gradalis and Vigil are registered trademarks of Gradalis, Inc.

Gradalis Contact: Beth KriegelChief Financial Officer(214) 307-8203

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gradalis-to-participate-in-2nd-annual-ic3-life-science-summit-hosted-by-bionorthtx-300345837.html

SOURCE Gradalis, Inc.
A visitor looks at Airbus's A380 flight model during Japan Aerospace 2016 air show in Tokyo, Japan, October 12, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - European aircraft maker Airbus (NYSE: AIR) aims to overtake arch rival Boeing (NYSE: BA) in terms of annual plane deliveries by 2020, having fallen behind in recent years, Chief Executive Fabrice Bregier said in a German newspaper interview published on Monday.

"In 2020 we will deliver more planes than Boeing again," Fabrice told the Welt daily newspaper.

While Airbus has been leading in terms of new orders for years, its American rival has been ahead since 2012 in terms of deliveries.

Bregier said Airbus would particularly focus on its A320 neo narrowbody and A350 widebody planes.

He said that Airbus was hopeful it would deliver 50 A350 aircraft this year, although deliveries by the end of September stood at only 26.

(Reporting by Vera Eckert; Editing by Greg Mahlich)
Tibet's exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama gestures as he gives a public religious lecture to the faithful in Zurich, Switzerland, October 14, 2016. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday it would retaliate after the president of Slovakia, Andrej Kiska, met visiting exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, a man accused by Beijing of promoting independence for the Himalayan region.

China regards the 80-year-old, Nobel Peace Prize-winning monk as a separatist, though he says he merely seeks genuine autonomy for Tibet, which Communist Chinese troops "peacefully liberated" in 1950.

The Dalai Lama, who is on a trip to Europe, met President Kiska on Sunday over lunch in Bratislava, the Slovak capital, according to the Dalai Lama's official website. The site showed a picture of the two men chatting.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Kiska had ignored China's "strong opposition" to the meeting, which was contrary to the "one China" policy the Slovak government has promised to uphold.

"China is resolutely opposed to this and will make a corresponding response," Hua told a daily news briefing in Beijing, without giving details.

A posting on the Slovak president's Facebook page on Oct. 16 carried pictures of the meeting with the Dalai Lama, and a note from President Kiska describing it as "a privilege".

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua said the Dalai Lama has long tried to separate Tibet from China and the government opposes any foreign official having any form of contact with him. The meeting has "broken the political basis of China-Slovak relations", Hua said.

"We demand the Slovak side clearly recognize the anti-Chinese separatist nature of the Dalai Lama clique and earnestly respect China's core interests and major concerns."

Slovakia should take steps to eliminate the negative impact of this meeting, she added.

China also expressed anger last month and threatened countermeasures after the Dalai Lama spoke at the European Parliament in the French city of Strasbourg and met its president, Martin Schulz.

Few foreign leaders are willing to meet the Dalai Lama these days, fearful of provoking a strong reaction from China, the world's second-largest economy.

The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against the Chinese.

Rights groups and exiles accuse China of trampling on the religious and cultural rights of the Tibetan people, charges strongly denied by Beijing, which says its rule has brought prosperity to a once backward region.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
By Temesghen Debesai

LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) plans to make all of its large-scale agricultural contracts public, in an effort to increase transparency over land deals and improve management of natural resources, officials and researchers said on Wednesday.

DRC will provide summaries of the deals including social, environmental and fiscal provisions, as well as tools for comparing contracts in an online database, which will be linked to global land database OpenLandContracts.org.

Africa's second largest country by geographical area is rich in land, minerals and other natural resources but conflict and corruption have kept many of its 81 million people in poverty, analysts say.

Investment in the country's fertile farmland could help boost development but large-scale land deals must take into account the land rights of local populations and subsistence farmers, campaigners say.

DRC aims to disclose an estimated 20 agricultural contracts by early 2017, according to the New York-based Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, which is behind OpenLandContracts.org.

The site has already published details relating to a few contracts covering hundreds of thousands of hectares in DRC.

Kaitlin Cordes, head of land and agriculture at Columbia's Center on Sustainable Investment, welcomed the Congolese government's move.

"Despite the strong consensus at this point on the importance of transparency, too few governments and investors have been willing to make their agricultural and forestry contracts publicly available," she said in a statement.

Launched a year ago, OpenLandContracts.org lists details of deals involving palm oil plantations, sugar cane, biofuels, soybeans, tea and other crops in 13 countries.

(Editing by Katie Nguyen. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org to see more stories)
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

October 17, 2016

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES COMPANY LIMITED

(Translation of registrant's name into English)

Unit 301, 3/F, Office Tower

Guanhao Science Park Phase I

12 Yuyan Street, Luogang District

Guangzhou, PRC 510530

Peoples Republic of China

(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F  Form 40-F 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes  No 

(If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-________.)

China Southern Airlines Company Limited (the Company) published the following announcement on October 17, 2016 on the Hong Kong Stock Exchanges website at:

http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/SEHK/2016/1017/LTN20161017363.pdf , in relation to the date of the Companys board meeting.

The aforementioned announcement in English are included as exhibits to this Form 6-K.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES COMPANY LIMITED

By: /s/ Xie Bing

Name: Xie Bing

Title: Company Secretary

Date: October 17, 2016

Exhibit 99.1

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited take no responsibility for the contents of this announcement, make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this announcement.

DATE OF BOARD MEETING

The board (the Board) of directors of China Southern Airlines Company Limited (the Company) hereby announces that a Board meeting will be held on Friday, 28 October 2015 for the purpose of considering and approving, inter alia, the third quarterly results of the Company for nine months ended 30 September 2016.

By Order of the Board of

China Southern Airlines Company Limited

Xie Bing

Company Secretary

Guangzhou, the Peoples Republic of China

17 October 2016

As at the date of this announcement, the Directors include Wang Chang Shun, Yuan Xin An and Yang Li Hua as non-executive Directors, Tan Wan Geng, Zhang Zi Fang and Li Shao Bin as executive Directors; and Ning Xiang Dong, Liu Chang Le, Tan Jin Song, Guo Wei and Jiao Shu Ge as independent non-executive Directors.
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 7, 2016

ADVANCED MEDICAL ISOTOPE CORP.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

Delaware 00-53497 80-0138937 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File No.) (IRS Employer Identification No.)

1021 N. Kellogg Street, Kennewick, WA 99336

(Address of principal executive offices)

(509) 736-4000

(Registrants Telephone Number)

Not Applicable

(Former name or address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

Effective October 7, 2016, Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation (the Company) filed a certificate of amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 (the Amendment), with the Delaware Division of Corporations to effect a 1-for-100 reverse split of its authorized shares of Common Stock (the Reverse Split). The Reverse Split will not impact the Companys authorized shares of common stock, which currently remains at 2.0 billion shares.

The Reverse Split was approved by written consent of a majority of the Companys shareholders on October 14, 2015. More information on the Reverse Split can be found in the Companys definitive information statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2015, and mailed to each of the Companys shareholders on or about the same date.

The Reverse Split was announced by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) on October 7, 2016, and became effective on the OTC Pink Marketplace at the opening of trading on October 11, 2016 under the symbol ADMDD. The D will appear on the Companys ticker symbol for the next 20 business days. After 20 business days, the Companys common stock will resume trading under the symbol ADMD. The Companys new CUSIP number is 00765X 201.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

See Exhibit Index.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

ADVANCED MEDICAL ISOTOPE CORP. Date: October 17, 2016 By: /s/ James C. Katzaroff James C. Katzaroff Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number Description 3.1 Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation, effective October 7, 2016

STATE OF DELAWARE

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation, organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, does hereby certify:

FIRST: That the Board of Directors of Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation adopted a proposed amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of said corporation to effectuate a reverse stock split, declaring said amendment to be advisable.

The proposed amendment reads as follows:

Article IV is hereby amended by striking the first paragraph in its entirety and replacing it with the following:

1. Authorized Shares. The Corporation is authorized to issue a total of 2,020,000,000 shares in two classes designated, respectively, Common Stock and Preferred Stock. The total number of shares of Common Stock authorized to be issued is 2,000,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value per share. The total number of shares of Preferred Stock authorized to be issued is 20,000,000 shares, $0.001 par value per share.

and by adding the following paragraph immediately after the new first paragraph of Article IV:

Upon effectiveness (the Effective Time) of this Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, each one hundred (100) shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, automatically and without any action on the part of the respective holders thereof, be combined and converted into one (1) share of Common Stock (the Consolidation). No fractional shares shall be issued in connection with the Consolidation. Each certificate that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented shares of Common Stock (Old Certificates), shall thereafter represent that number of shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Common Stock represented by the Old Certificate shall have been combined.

SECOND: That, pursuant to a resolution of its Board of Directors, and in accordance with Section 228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, consents, in writing, executed by stockholders owning in excess of 50% of the Corporations voting securities have been delivered to the Corporation, voting in favor of the amendment to the Corporations Certificate of Incorporation to provide for a reverse stock split.

THIRD: That said amendment was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

FOURTH: That said amendment will have an Effective Time of 5:00 pm, Eastern Time, on October 7, 2016.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said corporation has caused this certificate to be signed this 23rd day of September, 2016.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, on behalf of the legal entity created by the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement, by and among Telstra Corporation Limited, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as depositary, and all Holders from time to time of American Depositary Shares evidenced by American Depositary Receipts issued thereunder, certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that all the requirements for filing on Form F-6 are met and has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form F-6 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on October 17, 2016.

If the amounts of fees charged are not disclosed in the prospectus, the Depositary undertakes to prepare a separate document stating the amount of any fee charged and describing the service for which it is charged and to deliver promptly a copy of such fee schedule without charge to anyone upon request. The Depositary undertakes to notify each registered holder of an American Depositary Receipt 30 days before any change in the fee schedule.

The Depositary hereby undertakes to make available at the principal office of the Depositary in the United States, for inspection by holders of the American Depositary Receipts, any reports and communications received from the issuer of the deposited securities which are both (1) received by the Depositary as the holder of the deposited securities; and (2) made generally available to the holders of the underlying securities by the issuer.

As set forth in Article (12) of the Form of Receipt constituting the prospectus included herein, Telstra Corporation Limited publishes information in English required to maintain the exemption from registration under Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) on its Internet Web site (https://www.telstra.com.au) or through an electronic information delivery system generally available to the public in its primary trading market.

The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

Know all persons by these presents that each person whose signature appears below in this form constitutes and appoints Andrew Penn and Warwick Bray, jointly and severally, his or her true lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full and several power of substitution and resubstitution for and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments and supplements to this Registration Statement and any registration statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as they or he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Telstra Corporation Limited certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that all the requirements for filing on Form F-6 are met and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Australia Capital Territory, Australia on October 17, 2016.

AMENDED AND RESTATED DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

by and among

TELSTRA CORPORATION LIMITED (A.C.N. 051 775 556)

AND

DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS

as Depositary,

AND

THE HOLDERS AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS

OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES EVIDENCED BY

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ISSUED HEREUNDER





Dated as of [date] , 2016

AMENDED AND RESTATED DEPOSIT AGREEMENT

AMENDED AND RESTATED DEPOSIT AGREEMENT , dated as of , 2016, by and among (i) Telstra Corporation Limited (A.C.N. 051 775 556), a company incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia (" Australia" ), and its successors (the "Company"), (ii) Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank A.G., acting in its capacity as depositary, and any successor depositary hereunder (the "Depositary"), and (iii) all Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares evidenced by American Depositary Receipts issued hereunder (all such capitalized terms as hereinafter defined).





W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS , the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon entered into a Deposit Agreement dated as of November 25, 1997, as amended and restated as of August 23, 1999, as further amended and restated as of October 15, 1999, as further amended and restated as of September 4, 2007 (the "Old Deposit Agreement") to provide for the deposit of Shares (as hereinafter defined) of the Company from time to time with The Bank of New York Mellon or with the custodian as agent of The Bank of New York Mellon for the purposes set forth in such Old Deposit Agreement, for the creation of American Depositary Shares representing the Shares so deposited and for the execution and delivery of American Depositary Receipts ("Old Receipts") evidencing the American Depositary Shares;

WHEREAS , pursuant to the terms of Section 5.04 of the Old Deposit Agreement, the Company has removed The Bank of New York Mellon as depositary and has appointed Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas as successor depositary thereunder; and

WHEREAS , the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, in its capacity as successor depositary under the Old Deposit Agreement, now wish to amend and restate the Old Deposit Agreement and the Old Receipts;

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises (and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the parties hereto hereby amend and restate the Old Deposit Agreement and the Old Receipts in their entirety as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

All capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, herein shall have the meanings set forth below, unless otherwise clearly indicated:





SECTION 1.1 " ADS Record Date " shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 4.7.

1

SECTION 1.2 " Affiliate " shall have the meaning assigned to such term by the Commission under Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act.

SECTION 1.3 " Agent " shall mean such entity or entities as the Depositary may appoint under Section 7.10, including the Custodian or any successor or addition thereto.





SECTION 1.4 " American Depositary Share(s)" and "ADS(s )" shall mean the securities represented by the rights and interests in the Deposited Securities granted to the Holders and Beneficial Owners pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and evidenced by the American Depositary Receipts issued hereunder. Each American Depositary Share shall represent the right to receive five Shares, until there shall occur a distribution upon Deposited Securities referred to in Section 4.2 or a change in Deposited Securities referred to in Section 4.9 with respect to which additional American Depositary Receipts are not executed and delivered, and thereafter each American Depositary Share shall represent the Shares or Deposited Securities specified in such Sections.

SECTION 1.5 " Beneficial Owner " shall mean as to any ADS, any person or entity having a beneficial interest in any ADSs. A Beneficial Owner need not be the Holder of the ADR evidencing such ADSs. A Beneficial Owner may exercise any rights or receive any benefits hereunder solely through the Holder of the ADR(s) evidencing the ADSs in which such Beneficial Owner has an interest.

SECTION 1.6 " Business Day " shall mean each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not (a) a day on which banking institutions in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close and (b) a day on which the market(s) in which Receipts are traded are closed.





SECTION 1.7 " Commission " shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States or any successor governmental agency in the United States.

SECTION 1.8 " Company " shall mean Telstra Corporation Limited, a company incorporated and existing under the laws of Australia, and its successors.





SECTION 1.9 " Custodian " shall mean, as of the date hereof, National Nominees Limited, having its principal office at Level 12, 500 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia, as the custodian for the purposes of this Deposit Agreement, and any other firm or corporation which may hereinafter be appointed by the Depositary pursuant to the terms of Section 5.5 as a successor or an additional custodian or custodians hereunder, as the context shall require. The term "Custodian" shall mean all custodians, collectively.

SECTION 1.10 " Deliver" and "Delivery " shall mean, when used in respect of American Depositary Shares, Receipts, Deposited Securities and Shares, the physical delivery of the certificate representing such security, or the electronic delivery of such security by means of book-entry transfer, as appropriate, including, without limitation, through DRS/Profile. With respect to DRS/Profile ADRs, the terms " execute ", " issue ", " register ", " surrender ", " transfer " or " cancel " refer to applicable entries or movements to or within DRS/Profile.

2

SECTION 1.11 " Deposit Agreement" shall mean this Deposit Agreement and all exhibits hereto, as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented in accordance with the terms hereof.





SECTION 1.12 " Depositary " shall mean Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank A.G., in its capacity as depositary under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, and any successor depositary hereunder.





SECTION 1.13 " Deposited Securities " as of any time shall mean Shares at such time deposited or deemed to be deposited under this Deposit Agreement and any and all other securities, property and cash received or deemed to be received by the Depositary or the Custodian in respect thereof and held hereunder, subject, in the case of cash, to the provisions of Section 4.6.





SECTION 1.14 " Dollars" and "$" shall mean the lawful currency of the United States.

SECTION 1.15 " DRS/Profile " shall mean the system for the uncertificated registration of ownership of securities pursuant to which ownership of ADSs is maintained on the books of the Depositary without the issuance of a physical certificate and transfer instructions may be given to allow for the automated transfer of ownership between the books of DTC and the Depositary. Ownership of ADSs held in DRS/Profile is evidenced by periodic statements issued by the Depositary to the Holders entitled thereto.

SECTION 1.16 " DTC" shall mean The Depository Trust Company, the central book-entry clearinghouse and settlement system for securities traded in the United States, and any successor thereto. Participants within DTC are hereinafter referred to as " DTC Participants ".

SECTION 1.17 " Exchange Act " shall mean the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as from time to time amended.

SECTION 1.18 " Foreign Currency " shall mean any currency other than Dollars.

SECTION 1.19 " Foreign Registrar " shall mean the entity, if any, that carries out the duties of registrar for the Shares or any successor as registrar for the Shares and any other appointed agent of the Company for the transfer and registration of Shares.





SECTION 1.20 " Holder " shall mean the person in whose name a Receipt is registered on the books of the Depositary (or the Registrar, if any) maintained for such purpose. A Holder may or may not be a Beneficial Owner. A Holder shall be deemed to have all requisite authority to act on behalf of those Beneficial Owners of the ADRs registered in such Holder's name.

3

SECTION 1.21 " Indemnified Person " and " Indemnifying Person " shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.8. hereof.

SECTION 1.22 " Principal Office " when used with respect to the Depositary, shall mean the principal office of the Depositary at which at any particular time its depositary receipts business shall be administered, which, at the date of this Deposit Agreement, is located at 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, United States.





SECTION 1.23 " Receipt(s)"; "American Depositary Receipt(s)" and "ADR(s )" shall mean the certificate(s) or DRS/Profile statements issued by the Depositary evidencing the American Depositary Shares issued under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, as such Receipts may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement. References to Receipts shall include physical certificated Receipts as well as ADSs issued through DRS/Profile, unless the context otherwise requires.

SECTION 1.24 " Registrar " shall mean the Depositary or any bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, which shall be appointed

by the Depositary to register ownership of Receipts and transfer of Receipts as herein provided, shall include any co-registrar appointed by the Depositary for such purposes. Registrars (other than the Depositary) may be removed and substitutes appointed by the Depositary.





SECTION 1.25 " Restricted Securities " shall mean Shares, or American Depositary Shares representing such Shares, which (i) have been acquired directly or indirectly from the Company or any of its Affiliates in a transaction or chain of transactions not involving any public offering and subject to resale limitations under the Securities Act or the rules issued thereunder, or (ii) are held by an officer or director (or persons performing similar functions) or other Affiliate of the Company, or (iii) are subject to other restrictions on sale or deposit under the laws of the United States, Australia, or under a shareholders' agreement or the Company's constituent documents or under the regulations of an applicable securities exchange unless, in each case, such Shares are being sold to persons other than an Affiliate of the Company in a transaction (x) covered by an effective resale registration statement or (y) exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (as hereinafter defined), and the Shares are not, when held by such person, Restricted Securities.





SECTION 1.26 " Securities Act " shall mean the United States Securities Act of 1933, as from time to time amended.

SECTION 1.27 " Shares " shall mean ordinary shares in registered form of the Company, heretofore validly issued and outstanding and fully paid or hereafter validly issued and outstanding and fully paid. References to Shares shall include evidence of rights to receive Shares, whether or not stated in the particular instance; provided , however , that in no event shall Shares include evidence of rights to receive Shares with respect to which the full purchase price has not been paid or Shares as to which pre-emptive rights have theretofore not been validly waived or exercised; provided further , however , that, if there shall occur any change in par value, split-up, consolidation, exchange, reclassification, conversion or any other event described in Section 4.9, in respect of the Shares of the Company, the term "Shares" shall thereafter, to the extent permitted by law, represent the successor securities resulting from such change in par value, split-up, consolidation, exchange, conversion, reclassification or event.

4

SECTION 1.28 " United States " or " U.S. " shall mean the United States of America.

ARTICLE II

APPOINTMENT OF DEPOSITARY; FORM OF RECEIPT;

DEPOSIT OF SHARES; EXECUTION

AND DELIVERY, TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF RECEIPTS

SECTION 2.1 Appointment of Depositary . The Company hereby appoints the Depositary as exclusive depositary for the Deposited Securities and hereby authorizes and directs the Depositary to act in accordance with the terms set forth in this Deposit Agreement. Each Holder and each Beneficial Owner, upon acceptance of any ADSs (or any interest therein) issued in accordance with the terms of this Deposit Agreement, shall be deemed for all purposes to (a) be a party to and bound by the terms of this Deposit Agreement and (b) appoint the Depositary its attorney-in-fact, with full power to delegate, to act on its behalf and to take any and all actions contemplated in this Deposit Agreement, to adopt any and all procedures necessary to comply with applicable law and to take such action as the Depositary in its sole discretion may deem necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Deposit Agreement (the taking of such actions to be the conclusive determinant of the necessity and appropriateness thereof).

SECTION 2.2 Form and Transferability of Receipts .





(a) Receipts in certificated form shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A annexed to this Deposit Agreement, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided. Receipts may be issued in denominations of any number of American Depositary Shares. No Receipt in certificated form shall be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless such Receipt shall have been executed by the Depositary by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary. The Depositary shall maintain books on which each Receipt so executed and Delivered, in the case of Receipts in certificated form, and each Receipt issued through any book-entry system, including, without limitation, DRS/Profile, in either case as hereinafter provided and the transfer of each such Receipt shall be registered. Receipts in certificated form bearing the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary who was at any time a proper signatory of the Depositary shall bind the Depositary, notwithstanding that such signatory has ceased to hold such office prior to the execution and Delivery of such Receipts by the Registrar or did not hold such office on the date of issuance of such Receipts.

5

Each Receipt shall, unless the Company determines otherwise, have a legend substantially in the form of the following:





"THE HOLDING OF INTERESTS OF VARIOUS TYPES IN SHARES IN TELSTRA CORPORATION LIMITED (INCLUDING INTEREST WHICH MAY ARISE FROM OWNERSHIP OF OR DEALINGS WITH AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES REPRESENTED BY SUCH SHARES) BY NON-AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS WHO ARE RESIDENT OUTSIDE AUSTRALIA (AS WELL AS COMPANIES OR TRUSTEES WHICH ARE DEEMED TO BE NON-AUSTRALIAN IN A VARIETY OF CIRCUMSTANCES) IS RESTRICTED BY THE TELSTRA CORPORATION ACT 1991 OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA, AND TELSTRA CORPORATION LIMITED'S CONSTITUTION. THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT CONTAINS PROVISIONS DESIGNED TO ASSIST IN ENFORCING COMPLIANCE WITH THOSE LIMITS. IN PARTICULAR, AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES IN WHICH NON-AUSTRALIANS HAVE INTERESTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION (WITH THE UNDERLYING SHARES SUBJECT TO COMPULSORY DIVESTMENT) WHERE SUCH NON-AUSTRALIANS, TOGETHER WITH THEIR ASSOCIATES, HAVE INTERESTS IN MORE THAN 5% OF TELSTRA CORPORATION LIMITED SHARES NOT OWNED BY THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA."





In addition to the foregoing, the Receipts may, and upon the reasonable request, and at the expense, of the Company shall, be endorsed with or have incorporated in the text thereof such legends or recitals or modifications not inconsistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement as may be reasonably required by the Depositary or the Company (as the case may be) in order to comply with any applicable law or regulations thereunder or with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or market upon which American Depositary Shares may be listed, traded or quoted or conform with any usage with respect thereto, or to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to which any particular Receipts are subject by reason of the date of issuance of the underlying Deposited Securities or otherwise.





Notwithstanding anything in this Deposit Agreement or in the Receipt to the contrary, to the extent available by the Depositary, American Depositary Shares shall be evidenced by Receipts issued through DRS/Profile unless certificated Receipts are specifically requested by the Holder. Holders and Beneficial Owners shall be bound by the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and of the form of Receipt, regardless of whether their Receipts are certificated or issued through DRS/Profile.





(b) Subject to the limitations contained herein and in the form of Receipt, title to a Receipt (and to the American Depositary Shares evidenced thereby), when properly endorsed (in the case of certificated Receipts) or upon delivery to the Depositary of proper instruments of transfer, shall be transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a negotiable instrument under the laws of the State of New York; provided, however, that the Depositary, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, may treat the Holder thereof as the absolute owner thereof for the purpose of determining the person entitled to distribution of dividends or other distributions or to any notice provided for in this Deposit Agreement and for all other purposes and neither the Depositary nor the Company will have any obligation or be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement to any holder of a Receipt (including, without limitation, any Beneficial Owner), unless such holder is the Holder thereof.

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SECTION 2.3 Deposits . (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and applicable law, Shares or evidence of rights to receive Shares (other than Restricted Securities) may be deposited by any person (including the Depositary in its individual capacity but subject, however, in the case of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, to Section 5.7 hereof) at any time, whether or not the transfer books of the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if any, are closed, by Delivery of the Shares to the Custodian. Every deposit of Shares shall be accompanied by the following: (A)(i) in the case of Shares issued in registered form, appropriate instruments of transfer or endorsement, in a form satisfactory to the Custodian, (ii) in the case of Shares issued in bearer form, such Shares or the certificates representing such Shares, and (iii) in the case of Shares Delivered by book-entry transfer, confirmation of such book-entry transfer to the Custodian or that irrevocable instructions have been given to cause such Shares to be so transferred, (B) such certifications and payments (including, without limitation, the Depositary's fees and related charges) and evidence of such payments (including, without limitation, stamping or otherwise marking such Shares by way of receipt) as may be required by the Depositary or the Custodian in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, (C) if the Depositary so requires, a written order directing the Depositary to execute and Deliver to, or upon the written order of, the person or persons stated in such order a Receipt or Receipts for the number of American Depositary Shares representing the Shares so deposited, (D) evidence satisfactory to the Depositary (which may include an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary provided at the cost of the person seeking to deposit Shares) that all conditions to such deposit have been met and all necessary approvals have been granted by, and there has been compliance with the rules and regulations of, any applicable governmental agency, and (E) if the Depositary so requires, (i) an agreement, assignment or instrument satisfactory to the Depositary or the Custodian which provides for the prompt transfer by any person in whose name the Shares are or have been recorded to the Custodian of any distribution, or right to subscribe for additional Shares or to receive other property in respect of any such deposited Shares or, in lieu thereof, such indemnity or other agreement as shall be satisfactory to the Depositary or the Custodian and (ii) if the Shares are registered in the name of the person on whose behalf they are presented for deposit, a proxy or proxies entitling the Custodian to exercise voting rights in respect of the Shares for any and all purposes until the Shares so deposited are registered in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or any nominee. No Share shall be accepted for deposit unless accompanied by confirmation or such additional evidence, if any is required by the Depositary, that is reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary or the Custodian that all conditions to such deposit have been satisfied by the person depositing such Shares under the laws and regulations of Australia and any necessary approval has been granted by any governmental body in Australia, if any, which is then performing the function of the regulator of currency exchange. The Depositary may issue Receipts against evidence of rights to receive Shares from the Company, any agent of the Company or any custodian, registrar, transfer agent, clearing agency or other entity involved in ownership or transaction records in respect of the Shares. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Depositary shall not knowingly accept for deposit under this Deposit Agreement any Shares required to be registered under the provisions of the Securities Act, unless a registration statement is in effect as to such Shares. The Depositary will use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with reasonable written instructions of the Company that the Depositary shall not accept for deposit hereunder any Shares specifically identified in such instructions at such times and under such circumstances as may reasonably be specified in such instructions in order to facilitate the Company's compliance with the requirements of law or of any government or governmental body or commission, including those referred to in Section 3.4 and the securities laws of the United States and other jurisdictions.

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(b) As soon as practicable after receipt of any permitted deposit hereunder and compliance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, the Custodian shall present the Shares so deposited, together with the appropriate instrument or instruments of transfer or endorsement, duly stamped, to the Foreign Registrar for transfer and registration of the Shares (as soon as transfer and registration can be accomplished and at the expense of the person for whom the deposit is made) in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or a nominee of either. Deposited Securities shall be held by the Depositary or by a Custodian for the account and to the order of the Depositary or a nominee, in each case for the account of the Holders and Beneficial Owners, at such place or places as the Depositary or the Custodian shall determine.

(c) In the event any Shares are deposited which entitle the holders thereof to receive a per-share distribution or other entitlement in an amount different from the Shares then on deposit, the Depositary is authorized to take any and all actions as may be necessary (including, without limitation, making the necessary notations on Receipts) to give effect to the issuance of such ADSs and to ensure that such ADSs are not fungible with other ADSs issued hereunder until such time as the entitlement of the Shares represented by such non-fungible ADSs equals that of the Shares represented by ADSs prior to such deposit. The Company agrees to give timely written notice to the Depositary if any Shares issued or to be issued contain rights different from those of any other Shares theretofore issued and shall assist the Depositary with the establishment of procedures enabling the identification of such non-fungible Shares upon Delivery to the Custodian.

(d) The Depositary may issue ADSs against evidence of rights to receive Shares from the Company, any agent of the Company or any custodian, registrar, transfer agent, clearing agency or other entity involved in ownership or transaction records in respect of the Shares.

SECTION 2.4 Execution and Delivery of Receipts . After the deposit of any Shares pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof, the Custodian shall notify the Depositary of such deposit and the person or persons to whom or upon whose written order a Receipt or Receipts are Deliverable in respect thereof and the number of American Depositary Shares to be evidenced thereby. Such notification shall be made by letter, first class airmail postage prepaid, or, at the request, risk and expense of the person making the deposit, by cable, telex, SWIFT, facsimile or electronic transmission. After receiving such notice from the Custodian, the Depositary, subject to this Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation, the payment of the fees, expenses, taxes and/or other charges owing hereunder), shall issue the ADSs representing the Shares so deposited to or upon the order of the person or persons named in the notice Delivered to the Depositary and shall execute and Deliver a Receipt registered in the name or names requested by such person or persons evidencing in the aggregate the number of American Depositary Shares to which such person or persons are entitled.

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SECTION 2.5 Transfer of Receipts; Combination and Split-up of Receipts .





(a) Transfer . The Depositary, or, if a Registrar (other than the Depositary) for the Receipts shall have been appointed, the Registrar, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall register transfers of Receipts on its books, upon surrender at the Principal Office of the Depositary of a Receipt by the Holder thereof in person or by duly authorized attorney, properly endorsed in the case of a certificated Receipt or accompanied by, or in the case of DRS/Profile Receipts receipt by the Depositary of, proper instruments of transfer (including signature guarantees in accordance with standard industry practice) and duly stamped as may be required by the laws of the State of New York and of the United States and any other applicable jurisdiction. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, including payment of the applicable fees and charges of the Depositary set forth in Section 5.9 hereof and Article (9) of the Receipt, the Depositary shall execute a new Receipt or Receipts and Deliver the same to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto evidencing the same aggregate number of American Depositary Shares as those evidenced by the Receipts surrendered.





(b) Combination & Split Up . The Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement shall, upon surrender of a Receipt or Receipts for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination of such Receipt or Receipts and upon payment to the Depositary of the applicable fees and charges set forth in Section 5.9 hereof and Article (9) of the Receipt, execute and Deliver a new Receipt or Receipts for any authorized number of American Depositary Shares requested, evidencing the same aggregate number of American Depositary Shares as the Receipt or Receipts surrendered.





(c) At the request of a Holder, the Depositary shall, for the purpose of substituting a certificated Receipt with a Receipt issued through DRS/Profile, or vice versa, execute and Deliver a certificated Receipt or DRS/Profile statement, as the case may be, for any authorized number of American Depositary Shares requested, evidencing the same aggregate number of American Depositary Shares as those evidenced by the certificated Receipt or DRS/Profile statement, as the case may be, substituted.

SECTION 2.6 Surrender of Receipts and Withdrawal of Deposited Securities . Upon surrender, at the Principal Office of the Depositary, of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented thereby, and upon payment of (i) the fees and charges of the Depositary for the making of withdrawals of Deposited Securities and cancellation of Receipts (as set forth in Section 5.9 hereof and Article (9) of the Receipt) and (ii) all applicable taxes and/or governmental charges payable in connection with such surrender and withdrawal, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Company's constituent documents, Section 7.8 hereof and any other provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities and other applicable laws, the Holder shall be entitled to Delivery, to him or upon his order, of the Deposited Securities at the time represented by the American Depositary Shares so surrendered. American Depositary Shares may be surrendered for the purpose of withdrawing Deposited Securities by Delivery of a Receipt evidencing such American Depositary Shares (if held in certificated form) or by book-entry Delivery of such American Depositary Shares to the Depositary.

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A Receipt surrendered for such purposes shall, if so required by the Depositary, be properly endorsed in blank or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer in blank, and if the Depositary so requires, the Holder thereof shall execute and deliver to the Depositary a written order directing the Depositary to cause the Deposited Securities being withdrawn to be Delivered to or upon the written order of a person or persons designated in such order. Thereupon, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to Deliver (without unreasonable delay) at the designated office of the Custodian or through a book entry Delivery of the Shares (in either case, subject to Sections 2.7, 3.1, 3.2, 5.9, and to the other terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, to the Company's constituent documents, to the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities and to applicable laws, now or hereafter in effect), to or upon the written order of the person or persons designated in the order delivered to the Depositary as provided above, the Deposited Securities represented by such American Depositary Shares, together with any certificate or other proper documents of or relating to title of the Deposited Securities as may be legally required, as the case may be, to or for the account of such person.





The Depositary may, in its discretion, refuse to accept for surrender a number of American Depositary Shares representing a number other than a whole number of Shares. In the case of surrender of a Receipt evidencing a number of American Depositary Shares representing other than a whole number of Shares, the Depositary shall cause ownership of the appropriate whole number of Shares to be Delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, and shall, at the discretion of the Depositary, either (i) issue and Deliver to the person surrendering such Receipt a new Receipt evidencing American Depositary Shares representing any remaining fractional Share, or (ii) sell or cause to be sold the fractional Shares represented by the Receipt surrendered and remit the proceeds of such sale (net of (a) applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes and governmental charges) to the person surrendering the Receipt.





At the request, risk and expense of any Holder so surrendering a Receipt, and for the account of such Holder, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to forward (to the extent permitted by law) any cash or other property (other than securities) held in respect of, and any certificate or certificates and other proper documents of or relating to title to, the Deposited Securities represented by such Receipt to the Depositary for Delivery at the Principal Office of the Depositary, and for further Delivery to such Holder. Such direction shall be given by letter or, at the request, risk and expense of such Holder, by cable, telex, electronic or facsimile transmission. Upon receipt by the Depositary, the Depositary may make delivery to such person or persons entitled thereto at the Principal Office of the Depositary of any dividends or cash distributions with respect to the Deposited Securities represented by such American Depositary Shares, or of any proceeds of sale of any dividends, distributions or rights, which may at the time be held by the Depositary.

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SECTION 2.7 Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer, etc. of Receipts; Suspension of Delivery, Transfer, etc.





(a) As a condition precedent to the execution and Delivery, registration, registration of transfer, split-up, subdivision, combination or surrender of any Receipt, the delivery of any distribution thereon or withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Depositary or the Custodian may, and upon a written request from the Company in the case of (iii)(A) below shall, require (i) payment from the depositor of Shares or presenter of the Receipt of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Shares being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees and charges of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9 hereof and Article (9) of the Receipt, (ii) the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature or any other matter contemplated by Section 3.1 hereof and (iii) compliance with (A) any laws or governmental regulations relating to the execution and Delivery of Receipts or American Depositary Shares or to the withdrawal or Delivery of Deposited Securities and (B) such reasonable regulations and procedures as the Depositary may establish consistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and applicable law.





(b) The issuance of ADSs against deposits of Shares generally or against deposits of particular Shares may be suspended, or the issuance of ADSs against the deposit of particular Shares may be withheld, or the registration of transfer of Receipts in particular instances may be refused, or the registration of transfers of Receipts generally may be suspended, during any period when the transfer books of the Depositary or the Company are closed or if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary or the Company, in good faith, at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law, any government or governmental body or commission or any securities exchange on which the Receipts or Shares are listed, or under any provision of this Deposit Agreement or provisions of, or governing, the Deposited Securities, or any meeting of shareholders of the Company or for any other reason, subject, in all cases, to Section 7.8 hereof.

SECTION 2.8 Lost Receipts, etc . In case any Receipt shall be mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen, unless the Depositary has notice that such ADR has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, subject to Section 5.9 hereof, the Depositary shall execute and Deliver a new Receipt (which, in the discretion of the Depositary may be issued through DRS/Profile unless specifically requested otherwise) in exchange and substitution for such mutilated Receipt upon cancellation thereof, or in lieu of and in substitution for such destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt. Before the Depositary shall execute and Deliver a new Receipt in substitution for a destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt, the Holder thereof shall have (a) filed with the Depositary (i) a request for such execution and delivery before the Depositary has notice that the Receipt has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser and (ii) a sufficient indemnity bond in form and amount acceptable to the Depositary and (b) satisfied any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Depositary.

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SECTION 2.9 Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts . All Receipts surrendered to the Depositary shall be cancelled by the Depositary. The Depositary is authorized to destroy Receipts so cancelled in accordance with its customary practices. Cancelled Receipts shall not be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

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ARTICLE III



CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF HOLDERS

AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF RECEIPTS

SECTION 3.1 Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information . Any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder and any Beneficial Owner may be required, and every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees, from time to time to provide to the Depositary or the Custodian such proof of citizenship or residence, taxpayer status, payment of all applicable taxes or other governmental charges, evidence of the number of Shares beneficially owned or any other matters necessary or appropriate to evidence compliance with the Companys Constitution, any relevant laws of the Commonwealth of Australia (including the Telstra Corporation Act 1991, as amended (the " Telstra Act ") exchange control approval, legal or beneficial ownership of ADSs and Deposited Securities, compliance with applicable laws and the terms of this Deposit Agreement and the provisions of, or governing, the Deposited Securities or other information; to execute such certifications and to make such representations and warranties, and to provide such other information and documentation, in all cases as the Depositary may deem necessary or proper or as the Company may reasonably require by written request to the Depositary consistent with its obligations hereunder. The Depositary and the Registrar, as applicable, may, and shall if reasonably requested by the Company and compliance with such request would not violate the transfer agency rules applicable to the Depositary and/or the Registrar, withhold the execution or Delivery or registration of transfer of any Receipt or the distribution or sale of any dividend or distribution of rights or of the proceeds thereof, or to the extent not limited by the terms of Section 7.8 hereof, the Delivery of any Deposited Securities, until such proof or other information is filed or such certifications are executed, or such representations and warranties are made, or such other documentation or information provided, in each case to the Depositary's and the Company's satisfaction. The Depositary shall from time to time on the Company's written request advise the Company of the availability of any such proofs, certificates or other information and shall, at the Company's sole expense and at the Company's written request, provide or otherwise make available copies thereof to the Company, unless such disclosure is prohibited by law. Each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to provide any information requested by the Company or the Depositary pursuant to this paragraph within the timeframes requested by the Company or the Depositary. Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to (i) obtain any information for the Company if not provided by the Holders or Beneficial Owners or (ii) verify or vouch for the accuracy of the information so provided by the Holders or Beneficial Owners.

SECTION 3.2 Liability for Taxes and Other Charges . If any present or future tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by the Depositary or the Custodian with respect to any Shares, Deposited Securities, Receipts or ADSs, such tax or other governmental charge shall be payable by the Holders and Beneficial Owners to the Depositary and such Holders and Beneficial Owners shall be deemed liable therefor. The Company, the Custodian and/or the Depositary may withhold or deduct from any distributions made in respect of Deposited Securities and may sell for the account of a Holder and/or Beneficial Owner any or all of the Deposited Securities and apply such distributions and sale proceeds in payment of such taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) or charges, with the Holder and the Beneficial Owner remaining fully liable for any deficiency. In addition to any other remedies available to it, the Depositary and the Custodian may refuse the deposit of Shares, and the Depositary may refuse to issue ADSs, to Deliver ADRs, register the transfer, split-up or combination of ADRs and (subject to Section 7.8) the withdrawal of Deposited Securities, until payment in full of such tax, charge, penalty or interest is received. Every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to, and shall, indemnify the Depositary, the Company, the Custodian and each and every of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents (including, without limitation, Agents) and Affiliates against, and hold each of them harmless from, any claims with respect to taxes, additions to tax (including applicable interest and penalties thereon) arising out of any refund of taxes, reduced rate of withholding at source or other tax benefit obtained for or by such Holder and/or Beneficial Owner. The obligations of Holders and Beneficial Owners of Receipts under this Section 3.2 shall survive any transfer of Receipts, any surrender of Receipts and withdrawal of Deposited Securities, or the termination of this Deposit Agreement.

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SECTION 3.3 Representations and Warranties on Deposit of Shares . Each person depositing Shares under the Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent, warrant and agree that (i) such Shares and the certificates therefor are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and were legally obtained by such person, (ii) all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such Shares have been validly waived or exercised, (iii) the person making such deposit is duly authorized so to do, (iv) the Shares presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and are not, and the American Depositary Shares issuable upon such deposit will not be, Restricted Securities, (v) the Shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements and (vi) it is in compliance, and shall at all times comply, with the Telstra Act and the constitution of the Company (the " Constitution ") with respect to all Shares, American Depositary Shares, Receipts and Deposited Securities. Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit and withdrawal of Shares, the issuance and cancellation of American Depositary Shares in respect thereof and the transfer of such American Depositary Shares. If any such representations or warranties are false in any way, the Company and the Depositary shall be authorized, at the cost and expense of the person depositing Shares, to take any and all actions necessary to correct the consequences thereof. By becoming a Holder or Beneficial Owner on the deposit of Shares, every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees that the Depositary and the Company shall be relying on such representations and warranties and every such Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to, and shall, indemnify the Depositary, the Company, the Custodian and each and every of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and Affiliates against, and hold each of them harmless from, any Losses (as hereinafter defined) which any of them may incur or which may be made against any of them as a result of or in connection with any such representations or warranties being false or misleading in any way.





SECTION 3.4 Ownership Restrictions . Holders and Beneficial Owners shall comply with any limitations on ownership of Shares under the constituent documents of the Company or applicable Australian law as if they held the number of Shares their ADSs represent. Holders and Beneficial Owners will be required to determine the requirements of the laws of Australia with respect to any limitations on ownership of Shares from time to time. Neither the Depositary nor any of its agents shall have any responsibilities with respect to any such limitations or determinations set forth in this Section 3.4.

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Holders and Beneficial Owners are advised that the Company may restrict transfers of the Shares where such transfer might result in a breach of the Companys Constitution or applicable law (including the Telstra Act). The Company may also restrict (or require that the Depositary restrict), in such manner as it deems appropriate, transfers of the American Depositary Shares (other than transfers settled or cleared within or through the facilities of DTC) where such transfer may result in a breach of the American Depositary Shares beneficially owned by a single Holder (other than Cede & Co. or another nominee of DTC) exceeding the limits set forth in the Companys Constitution or under any applicable law, including, without limitation, the provisions of the Telstra Act and the Companys Constitution restricting the number of Shares, among other interests, in which any foreign person and its associates (each as defined in the Telstra Act) can hold in the Company. The Company may, in its sole discretion, instruct the Depositary to take action, including selling Shares, with respect to the ownership interest of any Holder (other than Cede & Co. or another nominee of DTC) with respect to the limitation set forth in the preceding sentence, including but not limited to, a mandatory cancellation of American Depositary Shares registered in the name of such Holder (other than Cede & Co. or another nominee of DTC) that represent the number of Deposited Securities that have been disposed of or transferred by the Company in accordance with the Companys Constitution. The Depositary shall use its reasonable commercial efforts to effectuate such instructions from the Company.





In particular, and notwithstanding anything in this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts to the contrary, (a) if the Company provides written instructions to the Depositary that the percentage of its Shares held by foreign persons and their associates (each as defined in the Telstra Act) is equal to or greater than 32.0% of its total issued and outstanding Shares, as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving such written instructions the Depositary shall limit the daily issuance of new American Depositary Shares in connection with any deposit of Shares to 0.1% of the Companys total issued and outstanding Shares (which specific number of Shares shall be advised by the Company in such instructions), (b) if the Company provides written instructions to the Depositary that the percentage of the sum of (x) its Shares held by foreign persons and their associates (each as defined in the Telstra Act) and (y) the number of Shares that constitute Deposited Securities under this Deposit Agreement is equal to or greater than 34.0% of the Companys total issued and outstanding Shares, as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of such written instructions the Depositary shall not thereafter issue any American Depositary Shares in connection with any new deposit of Shares, or accept any further Shares for deposit under this Deposit Agreement, and (c) if the Company provides written instructions to the Depositary that the percentage of its Shares held directly or beneficially by a single foreign person and its associates (each as defined in the Telstra Act)other than (i) Cede & Co. or another nominee of DTC or (ii) a broker holding such Shares for the account of another personis equal to or greater than 4.0% of the Companys total issued and outstanding Shares, as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving such written instructions the Depositary shall not issue any further American Depositary Shares to such foreign person and its associates (each as defined in the Telstra Act) specifically identified in such instructions (or knowingly accept for deposit under this Deposit Agreement any Shares from such foreign person and its associates), in each case until such time as the Company provides written notice to the Depositary that such restrictions no longer apply. The Depositary may rely on any written instructions provided in accordance with this paragraph as conclusive evidence of the applicable facts without further investigation. The Depositary and the Custodian shall have no liability to any Holder or Beneficial Owner with respect to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by the Depositary or the Custodian in good faith in accordance with any instructions given by the Company under this Section 3.4.

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SECTION 3.5 Compliance with Information Requests . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Deposit Agreement, the constituent documents of the Company and applicable law, each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to (a) provide such information as the Company or the Depositary may request pursuant to law (including, without limitation, relevant Australian law, any applicable law of the United States, the constituent documents of the Company, any resolutions of the Company's Board of Directors (or any authorized committee thereof) adopted pursuant to such constituent documents, the requirements of any markets or exchanges upon which the Shares, ADSs or Receipts are listed or traded, or to any requirements of any electronic book-entry system by which the ADSs or Receipts may be transferred), regarding the capacity in which they own or owned Receipts, the identity of any other persons then or previously interested in such Receipts and the nature of such interest, and any other applicable matters, and (b) be bound by and subject to applicable provisions of the laws of Australia, the constituent documents of the Company and the requirements of any markets or exchanges upon which the ADSs, Receipts or Shares are listed or traded, or pursuant to any requirements of any electronic book-entry system by which the ADSs, Receipts or Shares may be transferred, to the same extent as if such Holder and Beneficial Owner held Shares directly, in each case irrespective of whether or not they are Holders or Beneficial Owners at the time such request is made and (c) without limiting the generality of the foregoing, comply with all applicable provisions of Australian law, the rules and requirements of any stock exchange on which the Shares are, or will be registered, traded or listed and the Company's constituent documents regarding any such Holder or Beneficial Owner's interest in Shares (including the aggregate of ADSs and Shares held by each such Holder or Beneficial Owner) and/or the disclosure of interests therein, whether or not the same may be enforceable against such Holder or Beneficial Owner. Each Holder and Beneficial Owner of ADSs further agrees to furnish the Company and the Depositary with any such notification made in accordance with this Section 3.5 and to comply with requests for information from the Company or the Depositary pursuant to the laws of Australia, the rules and requirements of any stock exchange on which the Shares are, or will be registered, traded or listed, and the Company's constituent documents within the timeframes reasonably requested by the Company or the Depositary, whether or not they are Holders and/or Beneficial Owners at the time of such request. The Depositary agrees to use its reasonable efforts to forward upon the request of the Company, and at the Company's expense, any such request from the Company to the Holders and to forward to the Company any such responses to such requests received by the Depositary.





The Company reserves the right to instruct Holders to deliver their American Depositary Shares for cancellation and withdrawal of the Deposited Securities so as to permit the Company to deal directly with the Holder thereof as a holder of Shares and Holders agree to comply with such instructions. The Depositary agrees to cooperate with the Company in its efforts to inform Holders of the Company's exercise of its rights under this paragraph and agrees to consult with, and provide reasonable assistance without risk, liability or expense on the part of the Depositary, to the Company on the manner or manners in which it may enforce such rights with respect to any Holder.

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ARTICLE IV

THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES

SECTION 4.1 Cash Distributions . Whenever the Depositary receives confirmation from the Custodian of receipt of any cash dividend or other cash distribution on any Deposited Securities, or receives proceeds from the sale of any Shares, rights, securities or other entitlements under the terms hereof, the Depositary will, if at the time of receipt thereof any amounts received in a Foreign Currency can in the judgment of the Depositary (pursuant to Section 4.6 hereof) be converted on a practicable basis into Dollars transferable to the United States, promptly convert or cause to be converted such cash dividend, distribution or proceeds into Dollars (on the terms described in Section 4.6) and will distribute promptly the amount thus received (net of (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes and governmental charges) to the Holders of record as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by such Holders respectively as of the ADS Record Date. The Depositary shall distribute only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any Holder a fraction of one cent. Any such fractional amounts shall be rounded down to the nearest whole cent and so distributed to Holders entitled thereto. Holders and Beneficial Owners understand that in converting Foreign Currency, amounts received on conversion are calculated at a rate which may exceed the number of decimal places used by the Depositary to report distribution rates (which in any case will not be less than two decimal places). The excess amount may be retained by the Depositary as an additional cost of conversion, irrespective of any other fees and expenses payable or owing hereunder and shall not be subject to escheatment. If the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary is required to withhold and does withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities an amount on account of taxes, duties or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to Holders of the American Depositary Shares representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. Such withheld amounts shall be forwarded by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary to the relevant governmental authority. Evidence of payment thereof by the Company shall be forwarded by the Company to the Depositary upon request. The Depositary will forward to the Company or its agent such information from its records as the Company may reasonably request to enable the Company or its agent to file necessary reports with governmental agencies, such reports necessary to obtain benefits under the applicable tax treaties for the Holders and Beneficial Owners of Receipts.

SECTION 4.2 Distribution in Shares . If any distribution upon any Deposited Securities consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Shares, the Company shall cause such Shares to be deposited with the Custodian and registered, as the case may be, in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or any of their nominees. Upon receipt of confirmation of such deposit from the Custodian, the Depositary shall establish the ADS Record Date upon the terms described in Section 4.7 and shall, subject to Section 5.9 hereof, either (i) distribute to the Holders as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held as of the ADS Record Date, additional American Depositary Shares, which represent in the aggregate the number of Shares received as such dividend, or free distribution, subject to the other terms of this Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation, (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes and/or governmental charges), or (ii) if additional American Depositary Shares are not so distributed, each American Depositary Share issued and outstanding after the ADS Record Date shall, to the extent permissible by law, thenceforth also represent rights and interests in the additional Shares distributed upon the Deposited Securities represented thereby (net of (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes and governmental charges). In lieu of Delivering fractional American Depositary Shares, the Depositary shall sell the number of Shares represented by the aggregate of such fractions and distribute the proceeds upon the terms described in Section 4.1. The Depositary may withhold any such distribution of Receipts if it has not received satisfactory assurances from the Company (including an opinion of counsel to the Company furnished at the expense of the Company) that such distribution does not require registration under the Securities Act or is exempt from registration under the provisions of the Securities Act. To the extent such distribution may be withheld, the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such distribution in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable, and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale (after deduction of applicable (a) taxes and/or governmental charges and (b) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary) to Holders entitled thereto upon the terms described in Section 4.1.

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SECTION 4.3 Elective Distributions in Cash or Shares . Whenever the Company intends to distribute a dividend payable at the election of the holders of Shares in cash or in additional Shares, the Company shall give notice thereof to the Depositary at least 30 days prior to the proposed distribution stating whether or not it wishes such elective distribution to be made available to Holders. Upon receipt of notice indicating that the Company wishes such elective distribution to be made available to Holders, the Depositary shall consult with the Company to determine, and the Company shall assist the Depositary in its determination, whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make such elective distribution available to the Holders. The Depositary shall make such elective distribution available to Holders only if (i) the Company shall have timely requested that the elective distribution is available to Holders of ADRs, (ii) the Depositary shall have determined that such distribution is reasonably practicable and (iii) the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7 including, without limitation, any legal opinions of counsel in any applicable jurisdiction that the Depositary in its reasonable discretion may request, at the expense of the Company. If the above conditions are not satisfied, the Depositary shall, to the extent permitted by law, distribute to the Holders, on the basis of the same determination as is made in the local market in respect of the Shares for which no election is made, either (x) cash upon the terms described in Section 4.1 or (y) additional ADSs representing such additional Shares upon the terms described in Section 4.2. If the above conditions are satisfied, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record Date (on the terms described in Section 4.7) and establish procedures to enable Holders to elect the receipt of the proposed dividend in cash or in additional ADSs. The Company shall assist the Depositary in establishing such procedures to the extent necessary. Subject to Section 5.9 hereof, if a Holder elects to receive the proposed dividend (x) in cash, the dividend shall be distributed upon the terms described in Section 4.1, or (y) in ADSs, the dividend shall be distributed upon the terms described in Section 4.2. Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to make available to Holders a method to receive the elective dividend in Shares (rather than ADSs). There can be no assurance that Holders generally, or any Holder in particular, will be given the opportunity to receive elective distributions on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Shares.

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SECTION 4.4 Distribution of Rights to Purchase Shares .





(a) Distribution to ADS Holders . Whenever the Company intends to distribute to the holders of the Deposited Securities rights to subscribe for additional Shares, the Company shall give notice thereof to the Depositary at least 60 days prior to the proposed distribution stating whether or not it wishes such rights to be made available to Holders. Upon receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes such rights to be made available to Holders, the Depositary shall consult with the Company to determine, and the Company shall determine, whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make such rights available to the Holders. The Depositary shall make such rights available to Holders only if (i) the Company shall have timely requested that such rights be made available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7, and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined that such distribution of rights is lawful and reasonably practicable. In the event any of the conditions set forth above are not satisfied, the Depositary shall proceed with the sale of the rights as contemplated in Section 4.4(b) below or, if timing or market conditions may not permit, do nothing thereby allowing such rights to lapse. In the event all conditions set forth above are satisfied, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record Date (upon the terms described in Section 4.7) and establish procedures (x) to distribute such rights (by means of warrants or otherwise) and (y) to enable the Holders to exercise the rights (upon payment of applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes and/or other governmental charges). Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to make available to the Holders a method to exercise such rights to subscribe for Shares (rather than ADSs). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Deposit Agreement, neither the Depositary nor the Company shall under any circumstances be required to ensure that Holders are given the opportunity to participate in any distribution, offering or sale of rights to subscribe for Shares or in any other distribution, offering or sale of Shares.





(b) Sale of Rights . If (i) the Company does not timely request the Depositary to make the rights available to Holders or requests that the rights not be made available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary fails to receive satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7 or determines it is not lawful or reasonably practicable to make the rights available to Holders, or (iii) any rights made available are not exercised and appear to be about to lapse, the Depositary shall determine whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to sell such rights, and if it so determines that it is lawful and reasonably practicable, endeavor to sell such rights in a riskless principal capacity or otherwise, at such place and upon such terms (including public or private sale) as it may deem proper. The Company shall assist the Depositary to the extent necessary to determine such legality and practicability. The Depositary shall, upon such sale, convert and distribute proceeds of such sale (net of applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes and governmental charges) upon the terms set forth in Section 4.1.

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(c) Lapse of Rights . If the Depositary is unable to make any rights available to Holders upon the terms described in Section 4.4(a) or to arrange for the sale of the rights upon the terms described in Section 4.4(b), the Depositary shall allow such rights to lapse.





The Depositary shall not be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or practicable to make such rights available to Holders in general or any Holders in particular, (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale, or exercise, or (iii) the content of any materials forwarded to the Holders on behalf of the Company in connection with the rights distribution. The Company shall not be responsible to Holders or Beneficial Owners for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or practicable to make such rights available to Holders in general or any Holders in particular, or (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale, or exercise.





Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.4, if registration (under the Securities Act and/or any other applicable law) of the rights or the securities to which any rights relate may be required in order for the Company to offer such rights or such securities to Holders and to sell the securities represented by such rights, the Depositary will not distribute such rights to the Holders (i) unless and until a registration statement under the Securities Act (and/or such other applicable law) covering such offering is in effect or (ii) unless the Company furnishes to the Depositary at the Company's own expense opinion(s) of counsel to the Company in the United States and counsel to the Company in any other applicable country in which rights would be distributed, in each case reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary, to the effect that the offering and sale of such securities to Holders and Beneficial Owners are exempt from, or do not require registration under, the provisions of the Securities Act or any other applicable laws. In the event that the Company, the Depositary or the Custodian shall be required to withhold and does withhold from any distribution of property (including rights) an amount on account of taxes or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to the Holders shall be reduced accordingly. In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay any such taxes and charges.





There can be no assurance that Holders generally, or any Holder in particular, will be given the opportunity to exercise rights on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Shares or be able to exercise such rights. Nothing herein shall obligate the Company to file any registration statement (under the Securities Act and/or any other applicable law) in respect of any rights or Shares or other securities to be acquired upon the exercise of such rights.

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SECTION 4.5 Distributions Other Than Cash, Shares or Rights to Purchase Shares .





(a) Whenever the Company intends to distribute to the holders of Deposited Securities property other than cash, Shares or rights to purchase additional Shares, the Company shall give notice thereof to the Depositary at least 30 days prior to the proposed distribution and shall indicate whether or not it wishes such distribution to be made to Holders. Upon receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes such distribution be made to Holders, the Depositary shall determine whether such distribution to Holders is lawful and practicable. The Depositary shall not make such distribution unless (i) the Company shall have timely requested the Depositary to make such distribution to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7, and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined that such distribution is reasonably practicable.





(b) Upon receipt of satisfactory documentation and the request of the Company to distribute property to Holders and after making the requisite determinations set forth in (a) above, the Depositary may distribute the property so received to the Holders of record as of the ADS Record Date, in proportion to the number of ADSs held by such Holders respectively and in such manner as the Depositary may deem practicable for accomplishing such distribution (i) upon receipt of payment or net of the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and (ii) net of any taxes and/or other governmental charges withheld. The Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of the property so distributed and deposited, in such amounts and in such manner (including public or private sale) as the Depositary may deem practicable or necessary to satisfy any taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) or other governmental charges applicable to the distribution.





(c) If (i) the Company does not request the Depositary to make such distribution to Holders or requests not to make such distribution to Holders, (ii) the Depositary does not receive satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7, or (iii) the Depositary determines that all or a portion of such distribution is not reasonably practicable or feasible, the Depositary shall endeavor to sell or cause such property to be sold in a public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper and shall distribute the net proceeds, if any, of such sale received by the Depositary (net of applicable (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes and governmental charges) to the Holders as of the ADS Record Date upon the terms of Section 4.1. If the Depositary is unable to sell such property, the Depositary may dispose of such property in any way it deems reasonably practicable under the circumstances for nominal or no consideration and Holders and Beneficial Owners shall have no rights thereto or arising therefrom.

SECTION 4.6 Conversion of Foreign Currency . Whenever the Depositary or the Custodian shall receive Foreign Currency, by way of dividends or other distributions or the net proceeds from the sale of securities, property or rights, and in the judgment of the Depositary such Foreign Currency can at such time be converted on a practicable basis (by sale or in any other manner that it may determine in accordance with applicable law) into Dollars transferable to the United States and distributable to the Holders entitled thereto, the Depositary shall convert or cause to be converted, by sale or in any other manner that it may determine, such Foreign Currency into Dollars, and shall distribute such Dollars (net of any fees, expenses, taxes and/or other governmental charges incurred in the process of such conversion) in accordance with the terms of the applicable sections of this Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary shall have distributed warrants or other instruments that entitle the holders thereof to such Dollars, the Depositary shall distribute such Dollars to the holders of such warrants and/or instruments upon surrender thereof for cancellation, in either case without liability for interest thereon. Such distribution may be made upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among Holders on account of exchange restrictions, the date of delivery of any Receipt or otherwise.

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Holders and Beneficial Owners understand that in converting Foreign Currency, amounts received on conversion are calculated at a rate which may exceed the number of decimal places used by the Depositary to report distribution rates (which in any case will not be less than two decimal places). Any excess amount may be retained by the Depositary as an additional cost of conversion, irrespective of any other fees and expenses payable or owing hereunder and shall not be subject to escheatment.





If such conversion or distribution can be effected only with the approval or license of any government or agency thereof, the Depositary may, in its discretion, file such application for approval or license, if any, as it may deem necessary, practicable and at nominal cost and expense; provided , however, that neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be responsible for, nor obligated to make, any such filings. Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to file or cause to be filed, or to seek effectiveness of any such application or license.





If at any time the Depositary shall determine that in its judgment the conversion of any Foreign Currency and the transfer and distribution of proceeds of such conversion received by the Depositary is not practical or lawful, or if any approval or license of any governmental authority or agency thereof that is required for such conversion, transfer and distribution is denied, or not obtainable at a reasonable cost, within a reasonable period or otherwise sought, the Depositary shall, in its sole discretion but subject to applicable laws and regulations, either (i) distribute the Foreign Currency (or an appropriate document evidencing the right to receive such Foreign Currency) received by the Depositary to the Holders entitled to receive such Foreign Currency, or (ii) hold such Foreign Currency without liability for interest thereon for the respective accounts of the Holders entitled to receive the same.

Except for the Depositary's rights, and the Company's obligations, under Section 5.8 hereof, which rights and obligations shall continue in force, neither the Depositary nor the Company shall incur any liability for any consequences of Foreign Currency conversion that may be incurred by Holders and/or Beneficial Owners on account of their ownership of American Depositary Shares or otherwise.





SECTION 4.7 Fixing of Record Date . Whenever necessary in connection with any distribution (whether in cash, Shares, rights, or other distribution), or whenever for any reason the Depositary causes a change in the number of Shares that are represented by each American Depositary Share, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting of or solicitation of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall find it necessary or convenient, the Depositary shall fix a record date (the "ADS Record Date"), as close as practicable to the record date fixed by the Company with respect to the Shares (if applicable), for the determination of the Holders who shall be entitled to receive such distribution, to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting, or to give or withhold such consent, or to receive such notice or solicitation or to otherwise take action, or to exercise the rights of Holders with respect to such changed number of Shares represented by each American Depositary Share, or for any other reason. Subject to applicable law and the provisions of Section 4.1 through 4.6 and to the other terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, only the Holders of record at the close of business in New York on such ADS Record Date shall be so obligated or otherwise entitled to receive such distribution, to give such voting instructions, to receive such notice or solicitation, or otherwise take action.

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SECTION 4.8 Voting of Deposited Securities . Subject to the next sentence, as soon as practicable after receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of Shares are entitled to vote, or of solicitation of consents or proxies from holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall fix the ADS Record Date in respect of such meeting or solicitation of consent or proxy. The Depositary shall, if requested by the Company in writing in a timely manner (the Depositary having no obligation to take any further action if the request shall not have been received by the Depositary at least 30 days prior to the date of such vote or meeting) and at the Company's expense and provided no U.S. legal prohibitions exist, mail by regular, ordinary mail delivery (or by electronic mail or as otherwise may be agreed between the Company and the Depositary in writing from time to time) or otherwise distribute to Holders as of the ADS Record Date: (a) such notice of meeting or solicitation of consent or proxy; (b) a statement that the Holders at the close of business on the ADS Record Date will be entitled, subject to any applicable law, the Company's constituent documents and the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities (which provisions, if any, shall be summarized in pertinent part by the Company), to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by such Holder's American Depositary Shares; and (c) a brief statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given. Voting instructions may be given only in respect of a number of American Depositary Shares representing an integral number of Shares or other Deposited Securities. Upon the timely receipt of instructions of a Holder on the ADS Record Date of voting instructions in the manner specified by the Depositary, the Depositary shall endeavor, insofar as practicable and permitted under applicable law, the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, the Company's constituent documents and the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities, to vote or cause the Custodian to vote the Shares and/or other Deposited Securities (in person or by proxy) represented by American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt in accordance with such voting instructions.





Neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall, under any circumstances exercise any discretion as to voting, and neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall vote, attempt to exercise the right to vote, or in any way make use of for purposes of establishing a quorum or otherwise, the Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by American Depositary Shares except pursuant to and in accordance with such written instructions from Holders. Shares or other Deposited Securities represented by ADSs for which no specific voting instructions are received by the Depositary from the Holder shall not be voted.

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Notwithstanding the above, save for applicable provisions of Australian law, and in accordance with the terms of Section 5.3, the Depositary shall not be liable for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities or the manner in which such vote is cast or the effect of any such vote .





There can be no assurance that Holders or Beneficial Owners generally or any Holder or Beneficial Owner in particular will receive the notice described above with sufficient time to enable the Holder to return voting instructions to the Depositary in a timely manner.

The Company shall be under no obligation to verify instructions received from Holders and voted upon by the Depositary and the Depositary shall be under no obligation to verify if any Holder or Beneficial Owner holding American Depositary Shares through any such Holder is entitled to provide voting instructions with respect to the Shares represented by such Holders American Depositary Shares; provided, the Depositary shall be required to verify that the Holder was a Holder on the ADS Record Date for such meeting.





SECTION 4.9 Changes Affecting Deposited Securities . Upon any change in par value, split-up, subdivision cancellation, consolidation or any other reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, amalgamation or consolidation or sale of assets affecting the Company or to which it is otherwise a party, any securities which shall be received by the Depositary or the Custodian in exchange for, or in conversion of or replacement or otherwise in respect of, such Deposited Securities shall, to the extent permitted by law, be treated as new Deposited Securities under this Deposit Agreement, and the Receipts shall, subject to the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and applicable law, evidence American Depositary Shares representing the right to receive such additional securities. Alternatively, the Depositary may, with the Company's approval, and shall, if the Company shall so request, subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement and receipt of an opinion of counsel to the Company, furnished at the expense of the Company, reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary that such distributions are not in violation of any applicable laws or regulations, execute and Deliver additional Receipts as in the case of a stock dividend on the Shares, or call for the surrender of outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts, in either case, as well as in the event of newly deposited Shares, with necessary modifications to the form of Receipt contained in Exhibit A hereto, specifically describing such new Deposited Securities and/or corporate change. The Company agrees to, jointly with the Depositary, amend the Registration Statement on Form F-6 as filed with the Commission to permit the issuance of such new form of Receipt. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any security so received may not be lawfully distributed to some or all Holders, the Depositary may, with the Company's approval, and shall, if the Company requests, subject to receipt of an opinion of counsel to the Company, furnished at the expense of the Company, reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary that such action is not in violation of any applicable laws or regulations, sell such securities at public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper and may allocate the net proceeds of such sales (net of (a) fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes and/or governmental charges) for the account of the Holders otherwise entitled to such securities upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among such Holders and distribute the net proceeds so allocated to the extent practicable as in the case of a distribution received in cash pursuant to Section 4.1. Except for the Depositary's rights, and the Company's obligations, under Section 5.8 hereof, which rights and obligations shall continue in force, neither the Depositary nor the Company shall be responsible for, (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make such securities available to Holders in general or to any Holder in particular, (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale, or (iii) any liability to the purchaser of such securities.

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SECTION 4.10 Available Information . As of the date of the Deposit Agreement, the Company publishes information in English required to maintain the exemption from registration under Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Exchange Act on its Internet website (https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus) or through an electronic information delivery system generally available to the public in its primary trading market. Should the Company become subject to the periodic reporting or other informational requirements under the Exchange Act, it will be required in accordance therewith to file reports and other information with the Commission. The Depositary does not assume any duty to determine if the Company is complying with the current requirements of Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Exchange Act or to take any action if the Company is not complying with those requirements.

The Company represents that as of the date of this Deposit Agreement, the statements in this Section 4.10 and in Article (12) of the Receipts with respect to the exemption from registration under Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Exchange Act are true and correct. The Company agrees to promptly notify the Depositary and all Holders in the event of any change in the truth of any such statements.

SECTION 4.11 Reports . The Depositary shall make available during normal business hours on any Business Day for inspection by Holders at its Principal Office any reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting materials, received from the Company which are both (a) received by the Depositary, the Custodian, or the nominee of either of them as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the holders of such Deposited Securities by the Company. The Company agrees to provide to the Depositary, at the Company's expense, all documents that it provides to the Custodian. The Depositary shall, at the expense of the Company and in accordance with Section 5.6, also mail by regular, ordinary mail delivery or by electronic transmission (if agreed by the Company and the Depositary) and unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Company and the Depositary, to Holders copies of such reports when furnished by the Company pursuant to Section 5.6.





SECTION 4.12 List of Holders . Promptly upon written request by the Company, the Depositary shall, at the expense of the Company, furnish to it a list, as of a recent date, of the names, addresses and holdings of American Depositary Shares by all persons in whose names Receipts are registered on the books of the Depositary. Each Holder and Beneficial Owner acknowledges and agrees that the Company may rely, without further investigation, upon the accuracy and authenticity of any such lists.

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SECTION 4.13 Taxation ;Withholding . The Depositary will, and will instruct the Custodian to, forward to the Company or its agents such information from its records as the Company may reasonably request to enable the Company or its agents to file necessary tax reports with governmental authorities or agencies. The Depositary, the Custodian or the Company and its agents may, but shall not be obligated to, file such reports as are necessary to reduce or eliminate applicable taxes on dividends and on other distributions in respect of Deposited Securities under applicable tax treaties or laws for the Holders and Beneficial Owners. Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares may be required from time to time, and in a timely manner, to file such proof of taxpayer status, residence and beneficial ownership (as applicable), to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties, or to provide any other information or documents, as the Depositary or the Custodian may deem necessary or proper to fulfill the Depositary's or the Custodian's obligations under applicable law.





The Company shall remit to the appropriate governmental authority or agency any amounts required to be withheld by the Company and owing to such governmental authority or agency. Upon any such withholding, the Company shall remit to the Depositary information about such taxes and/or governmental charges withheld or paid, and, if so requested, the tax receipt (or other proof of payment to the applicable governmental authority) therefor, in each case, in a form satisfactory to the Depositary. The Depositary shall, to the extent required by U.S. law, report to Holders: (i) any taxes withheld by it; (ii) any taxes withheld by the Custodian, subject to information being provided to the Depositary by the Custodian; and (iii) any taxes withheld by the Company, subject to information being provided to the Depositary by the Company. The Depositary and the Custodian shall not be required to provide the Holders with any evidence of the remittance by the Company (or its agents) of any taxes withheld, or of the payment of taxes by the Company, except to the extent the evidence is provided by the Company to the Depositary. Neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall be liable for the failure by any Holder or Beneficial Owner to obtain the benefits of credits on the basis of non-U.S. tax paid against such Holder's or Beneficial Owner's income tax liability.





In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charge which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary shall withhold the amount required to be withheld and may by public or private sale dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay such taxes and charges and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale after deduction of such taxes and charges to the Holders entitled thereto in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by them respectively.





Neither the Company nor the Depositary is under any obligation to provide the Holders and Beneficial Owners with any information about the tax status of the Company. Except for the Depositary's rights, and the Company's obligations, under Section 5.8 hereof, which rights and obligations shall continue in force, neither the Depositary nor the Company shall incur any liability for any tax consequences that may be incurred by Holders and Beneficial Owners on account of their ownership of the American Depositary Shares, including without limitation, tax consequences resulting from the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) being treated as a "Passive Foreign Investment Company" (as defined in the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ((the "Internal Revenue Code")) and the regulations issued thereunder) or otherwise.

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ARTICLE V

THE DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIAN AND THE COMPANY

SECTION 5.1 Maintenance of Office and Transfer Books by the Registrar . Until termination of this Deposit Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Depositary or if a Registrar for the Receipts shall have been appointed, the Registrar shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, an office and facilities for the execution and delivery, registration, registration of transfers, combination and split-up of Receipts, the surrender of Receipts and the delivery and withdrawal of Deposited Securities in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.





The Depositary or the Registrar, as applicable, shall keep books for the registration of Receipts and transfers of Receipts which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Company and by the Holders of such Receipts, provided that such inspection shall not be, to the Depositary's or the Registrar's knowledge, for the purpose of communicating with Holders of such Receipts in the interest of a business or object other than the business of the Company or other than a matter related to this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts. The Company shall have the right to inspect transfer records of the Depositary and its agents, as applicable, maintained in connection herewith and the register maintained for the registration, registration of transfer, combination and split-up of Receipts, take copies thereof and require the Depositary to supply copies, at the Company's expense, of such portions of such records as the Company may reasonably request. Each Holder and Beneficial Owner acknowledges and agrees that, in determining the obligations of Holders and Beneficial Owners of Receipts pursuant to this Deposit Agreement, the Company may rely, without further investigation, on the books for the registration of Receipts and transfers of Receipts.





The Depositary or the Registrar, as applicable, may close the transfer books with respect to the Receipts, at any time or from time to time, when deemed necessary or advisable by it in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder or, with respect to the American Depositary Share issuance book portion of the transfer books, at the reasonable written request of the Company made in order to enable the Company to comply with, and to the limited extent necessary to prevent breach of, applicable law. The Depositary will endeavor to notify the Company if it should close the transfer books for a prolonged period of time outside of the ordinary course of business.





SECTION 5.2 Exoneration . Neither the Depositary, the Custodian or the Company shall be obligated to do or perform any act which is inconsistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement or shall incur any liability to Holders, Beneficial Owners or any third parties (i) if the Depositary, the Custodian or the Company or their respective controlling persons or agents (including, without limitation, Agents, in the case of the Depositary) shall be prevented or forbidden from, or subjected to any civil or criminal penalty or restraint on account of, or delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing required by the terms of the Deposit Agreement and any Receipt, by reason of any provision of any present or future law, rule, regulation, fiat, order or decree of the United States or any state thereof, Australia or any other country or jurisdiction, or of any other governmental authority or regulatory authority or stock exchange, or on account of the possible criminal or civil penalties or restraint, or by reason of any provision, present or future, of the Company's constituent documents or any provision of or governing any Deposited Securities, or by reason of any act of God, war, terrorism, nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, work stoppage, strikes, civil unrest, revolutions, rebellions, explosions, cyberattacks, computer failure or circumstance beyond its control, (ii) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in this Deposit Agreement or in the Company's constituent documents or provisions of or governing Deposited Securities, (iii) for any action or inaction of the Depositary, the Custodian or the Company or their respective controlling persons or agents (including, without limitation, Agents) in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder, any Beneficial Owner or authorized representative thereof, or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information, including, without limitation, in determining if a proposed distribution, action or transaction under Article IV of the Deposit Agreement is lawful, (iv) for the inability by a Holder or Beneficial Owner to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, made available to Holders of American Depositary Shares or (v) for any special, consequential, indirect or punitive damages ("Special Damages") for any breach of the terms of this Deposit Agreement or otherwise.

27

The Depositary, its controlling persons, its agents (including, without limitation, Agents), the Custodian and the Company, its controlling persons and its agents may rely and shall be protected in acting upon any written notice, request, opinion or other document believed by it to be genuine an
*** SUPERVALU INC. (NYSE: SVU) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement whereby an affiliate of Onex Corporation will acquire SUPERVALUs Save-A-Lot business for $1.365 billion in cash, subject to customary closing adjustments. In connection with the sale, SUPERVALU and Save-A-Lot will enter into a five-year professional services agreement. The sale of Save-A-Lot is expected to be completed by January 31, 2017, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Todays announcement is the result of a thorough process to maximize the value of the Save-A-Lot business and best position SUPERVALU for future success, said SUPERVALU Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, Jerry Storch. SUPERVALU is successfully executing on its long term strategic vision and positioning the Company for continued growth and value creation. We are confident that this transaction will create exciting opportunities for both SUPERVALU and Save-A-Lot.

The sale of Save-A-Lot is another important step in SUPERVALUs transformation. It provides us with a stronger balance sheet that will allow us to further build on our core strengths and growth opportunities, said SUPERVALU President and CEO, Mark Gross. It has been a pleasure to work with the Save-A-Lot team, and, once this transaction is completed, I look forward to continuing to work with them as one of our largest professional services customers.

Under the terms of the professional services agreement, SUPERVALU will provide Save-A-Lot with certain services and support functions for its day-to-day operations, including cloud services, merchandising technology, payroll, finance, and other technology and hosting services.

SUPERVALU expects to use the net proceeds from the sale to prepay at least $750 million against its outstanding term loan balance. The Company intends to use the remaining net sale proceeds to further reduce debt and improve its capital structure, as well as to fund corporate and growth initiatives.

Advisors

Barclays Capital Inc. and Greenhill & Co., LLC acted as financial advisors to SUPERVALU, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as its legal advisor.

*** Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ) announced an agreement with Charles Smith Wines LLC to acquire the Charles Smith Wines collection of five super and ultra premium wines for approximately $120 million. The transaction, expected to close in October, includes Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Velvet Devil Merlot, Boom Boom! Syrah, Eve Chardonnay and Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon. With this acquisition, Constellation Brands will solidify its position as the second leading supplier of Washington State wines, gaining a collection of high quality wines that have strong consumer affinity and demand, and have shown double-digit volume growth over the last three years.

Charles Smith started the core collection of Charles Smith Wines in 2006 with the goal to create high quality, varietal specific wines true to the place of origin at a price point for everyone to enjoy. These Washington State wines are full of flavor, balanced and approachable, and have consistently garnered 90+ scores by leading industry critics. The largest wine, Kung Fu Girl, is the #2 super premium Riesling growing retail sales at 45 percent over the last year. The wine has scored 90+ points for the past seven vintages and has been twice named a Wine Spectator Top 100 wine. Boom Boom! Syrah is the #1 ultra premium Syrah with IRI dollar sales growth of more than 50 percent while Velvet Devil Merlot is the #2 super premium Washington State Merlot and is outpacing sales growth of the leading brand in this category.*

Smith will assist Constellation Brands under a consulting agreement as winemaker to maintain the high quality and consistency of the wines and will work with Constellation Brands to help drive further innovation across its wine portfolio. Wine Enthusiast named Smith, a former rock band manager, Winemaker of the Year in 2014 and Food & Wine bestowed the same honor in 2009.

"Charles Smith is a visionary in the wine business and we are excited to welcome him to Constellation Brands and bring these wines to a larger audience," said Bill Newlands, president, wine and spirits division, Constellation Brands. "With the addition of this collection, we strengthen our core wine portfolio and augment our innovation capabilities to stay ahead of consumer trends. I am looking forward to working with Charles and tapping into his creative genius to fuel our wine innovation."

"I created Charles Smith Wines so that everyone could experience a great tasting, quality wine, at an affordable price," said founder Charles Smith. "The quality of grapes in Washington State is incredible, and I have been able to put the best wines I can in a bottle for people to enjoy. Constellation Brands has a proven track record of acquiring and working with brands and companies to help them reach the next level. With Constellation Brands, we now have the opportunity to share these wines with the world."

The wines are sourced from prime vineyards across Columbia Valley and are produced in several custom crush facilities in Washington. Sustainable practices are utilized in both the vineyards and in the winemaking process for all of these wines. The following wines are not included in this deal and will continue to be nurtured and developed by Charles Smith's company: K Vintners, Wines of Substance, ViNO, Casa Smith, SIXTO, B. Leighton and Charles & Charles.

* IRI, Total US Multi-Outlet and Convenience, 52 weeks ending 9/4/16

*** Coty Inc. (NYSE: COTY) announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire ghd (www.ghdhair.com), a premium brand in high-end hairstyling appliances from Lion Capital LLP for approximately 420 million (ca.USD$510 million) in cash. The transaction will be funded with a combination of cash on hand and available debt facilities. Upon closing, the acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Cotys earnings.

The addition of ghds market-leading and high-performance lines of hair straighteners, hairdryers, curlers and other hairstyling appliances is expected to further strengthen Cotys worldwide leading position in the professional hair category. ghd products represent the top of the range in its category, attracting strong loyalty with both professionals and consumers. ghds products are known for unsurpassed quality, beautiful design and excellent performance, and will enable Coty to offer salon partners and their clients an enhanced and more premium range of hair solutions. Coty also aims to accelerate ghds strong track record of growth through its channel and category capabilities combined with ghds strong innovation pipeline, superior technology and robust technical expertise.

ghd, which stands for Good Hair Day, generated 178 million in revenues in fiscal year 2016. ghd is headquartered in London and has commercial operations in the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and several other markets. The company has been expanding from its core salon channel into premium retail and e-commerce. ghd will become part of the Coty Professional Beauty division, where it will be managed as a standalone business led by its current CEO Anthony Davey and management team. Anthony Davey will report to Sylvie Moreau, President of Coty Professional Beauty.

Commenting on the news, Camillo Pane, Coty Chief Executive Officer, said: We are pleased to bring ghds highly skilled management team and its employees into Coty as we continue to strengthen our core business through the addition of innovative market-leading brands and products. ghd has beautifully designed and superior performing products, and is the preferred choice for discerning professionals and consumers alike. Not only do we expect ghd to strengthen our professional hair portfolio and enable Coty to provide even better hair solutions, but we also believe there is strong growth potential for ghd across several markets.

Lyndon Lea, Partner of Lion Capital, said: Over the three years of our ownership, ghd grew worldwide sales by 30% through a strong pipeline of innovative new products, which deepened the brands leadership in its core markets and supported its successful entry into new hairstyling categories. Anthony Davey and his management team have also done an excellent job of expanding the brand internationally whilst meaningfully strengthening ghds multichannel distribution capabilities. We are pleased to be selling ghd to Coty, a global leader in the beauty category, where it can take its rightful place among Cotys unique family of beauty brands.

The transaction is subject to regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close by the end of calendar year 2016.

Lion Capital and ghd were advised by Rothschild & Co. and Proskauer Rose LLP. Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP acted as legal counsel for Coty Inc.

*** Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE: SNA) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Car-O-Liner Holding AB for approximately $155 million in cash. Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Car-O-Liner, with trailing 12 month sales of approximately $95 million, is a leading global provider of collision repair equipment and information and truck alignment systems. Subject to certain closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close within 30 days.

Car-O-Liners product offering and special expertise are important additions to our Repair Systems & Information Group, bringing greater capabilities in collision repair and strengthening Snap-ons position in the heavy duty segment, said Nick Pinchuk, Snap-on chairman and chief executive officer. Given trends in the collision space, including the need for greater precision, the requirement to accommodate new materials and the higher emphasis on shop efficiency, we believe this acquisition will further Snap-ons progress along its strategic and coherent growth runway of expanding with repair shop owners and managers. We look forward to welcoming Car-O-Liner associates to the Snap-on family.

To keep up on all the Mergers & Acquisitions data in real-time, go to our M&A Insider page.
Russia does not seek confrontation with the United States (US) and is not trying to influence the upcoming presidential election, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in Goa on Sunday.

Putin said he would work with any US leader willing to work with Russia.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said all participants in talks in Lausanne had agreed Syrians should decide their own future through inclusive dialogue and that the country should remain whole and secular, after the meeting ended without a breakthrough.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that in order for a US-Russian ceasefire agreement to succeed and to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries, Syria's moderate opposition must separate from Jabhat Fatah al Sham, previously known as the Nusra Front, and other "terrorist groups" affiliated with it.

"At the same time, it should be understood that operations against terrorists of Islamic State and the Nusra Front will be continued," the ministry said.

Saturday's talks, convened by US Secretary of State John Kerry in the Swiss city, failed to agree on a common strategy with Russia to end the conflict in Syria, now in its sixth year.

Kerry hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and seven foreign ministers from the region  from Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt - weeks after the collapse of a painstakingly crafted U.S.-Russian ceasefire plan that many saw as the last hope for peace this year.

Western powers have accused Russia and Syria of committing atrocities by bombing hospitals, killing civilians and preventing medical evacuations in Syria's largest city Aleppo, as well as targeting an aid convoy with the loss of around 20 lives. Syria and Russia say they are only targeting militants.

Europe was not represented at the Lausanne meeting. But France's Foreign Ministry confirmed that Kerry and foreign ministers of like-minded nations planned to meet in London on Sunday to discuss Syria.
The United States, Britain and the UN special envoy for Yemen have urged the warring sides in the conflict in Yemen to declare an immediate ceasefire.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said after high-level diplomatic talks in London on Sunday that if Yemen's opposing sides accepted the ceasefire, the UN special envoy, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, would work out some sort of a deal.

"This is the time to implement a ceasefire unconditionally and then move to the negotiating table," Kerry said after meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and other officials in London, adding, "We cannot emphasize enough today the urgency of ending the violence in Yemen."

Kerry also said there was an urgency to implement a ceasefire "as rapidly as possible, meaning Monday, Tuesday."

The top US diplomat also stated that the conflict in Yemen had generated a humanitarian and health crisis.

"It is a crisis now of enormous proportions with an increasing economic, increasing humanitarian and health crisis, and obviously the military components are troubling to everybody," Kerry stated.

Read more: Saudi-led air strikes on funeral in Yemen dead over 160

"We have over the last days been in touch with the parties. I have talked with the foreign minister of Oman, as well as with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and UAE, and everybody agrees the moment calls for moving forward with efforts to try and deescalate and find a way forward."

Meanwhile, the British foreign secretary said the conflict in Yemen was "causing increasing international concern; the fatalities that we're seeing there are unacceptable."

"There should be a ceasefire and the UN should lead the way in calling for that ceasefire," Johnson stated.

There have already been several attempts to halt the deadly Saudi aggression against Yemen, but such efforts have been stymied.

The Saudi campaign has come under heavy criticism since an airstrike last week on a funeral in the Yemeni capital Sana'a killed at least 140 people.

The US military provides aerial refueling to Saudi bombers conducting airstrikes on Yemen. Washington has also been providing logistic and surveillance support to the kingdom in the bloody campaign.

Saudi Arabia has admitted that it carried out the airstrike in Sana'a based on what it called bad information.

Also read: US military launches strikes in Yemen, citing retaliation

On October 13, Human Rights Watch said the Saudi airstrike on the funeral was an apparent war crime, adding that Riyadh had used its position in the UN Human Rights Council to obstruct efforts to establish an international inquiry into ongoing violations in Yemen.

The Sanaa bombing was not the first attack on civilians by Saudi warplanes, which have targeted busy markets, schools, weddings and hospitals over the past year, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.

The United Nations Security Council has so far failed to agree on a statement condemning the October 8 Saudi airstrike.

More than 10,000 Yemenis have been killed since the regime in Riyadh launched its campaign in March 2015.

The offensive was meant to undermine the Houthi Ansarullah movement and restore power to the former Yemeni president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, who is a staunch ally of Riyadh.
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Tauranga-based NZ First MP Clayton Mitchell approves of changes to the governments immigration policy, saying its about time it took action.

Hes commenting on Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouses announced changes to the Governments New Zealand Residence Programme (NZRP) for the next two years.

They include raising the number of points required for residence from 140 to 160 under the Skilled Migrant Category, and halving the number of places for the capped family category.

Migrants make a valuable contribution to New Zealand both culturally and economically, and the Government periodically reviews all our immigration settings to make sure they are working as intended, says Michael.

While we are confident our immigration settings are working well, the NZRP is reviewed every couple of years to ensure we have the right number and skill mix of people gaining residence.

The planning range for residence approvals will reduce by around 10 percent, while changes to the Family Category, including temporarily closing the Parent Category to new applications, will also reduce the total number of migrants being granted residence. English language skills of prospective residents are also being tested more thoroughly.

Increasing the points required to gain residence from 140 to 160 will moderate the growth in applications in the Skilled Migrant Category and enable us to lower the overall number of migrants gaining residence, he says.

Raising the points will also prioritise access for higher-skilled SMC migrants, ensuring we strike the right balance between attracting skilled workers that allow companies to grow and managing demand in a period of strong growth.

Clayton Mitchell calls the move a step in the right direction, but says more needs to be done.

It is a 180 degree turn, which I think is a result of public pressure on the government in recent months to address the issue, says Clayton.

There have been clear cases where parent reunification visas have been abused, leading to parents of migrants being left high and to become burdens on the state. So its about time the government moved on that.

In terms of affecting the Bays economy, the new changes are unlikely to amount to much.

Nikki Johnson, Chief Executive of NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, says the kiwifruit industry will not be directly affected by the changes.

The majority of our permanent skilled workforce are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, says Nikki.

As the industry experiences significant growth, there are and will be skills shortages now and in the future. Our programmes are focused on attracting and training New Zealanders to meet these requirements.

Nikki says sourcing workers from outside New Zealand for temporary employment during seasonal activities such as harvesting is important for the industry during labour shortages, but believes the immigration policy changes are unlikely to have any impact on their seasonal workforce.
UPDATED: 345pm.The Te Puke highway between Welcome Bay Road and Bell Road is expected to remain closed until about 4pm says Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Ian Campion.



The vehicle involved in the earlier crash on Parton Road has been cleared and Te Puke Highway traffic will be diverted through Papamoa.

A car crashed into a power pole and lines were down. One person has been taken to Tauranga Hopsital but the severitry of their injury is not known.

Te Puke Highway traffic is to be diverted at Domain Road down Tara Road, and traffic from Te Puke will be turned at Bell road. There is a considerable backlog

Earlier: Travellers to and from Te Puke face delays this afternooon as emergency services deal with a fire and an accident on both main routes.

The fire is beside the Te Puke highway between Welcome Bay Road and and Bell road. the accident is near the intersection of Parton Road and Bell Road.

A reporter at the scene reports traffic is stopped at the Tara road/Parton road roundabout.

The Te Puke highway is blocked by fire fighters, dealing with a blaze in the toi toi.

A caller to Sunlive says he struggled to get past the fire because of poor visibility in smoke.

"The winds just smashing it across there," he says.

Earliers: Powerlines are believed to have been thrown across the road after a car collided with a pole at the intersection of Parton road and Bell Road, shortly after 2pm. At the accident scene in Bell Road powerlines are believed to be across the road.

More details as they come to hand.
The elite of New Zealand off-road racers will be competing in the inaugural Husqvarna Hard Enduro near Tokoroa this Labour Weekend.

The three day ordeal of off-road motorcycle riding is loosely modelled on the famous Red Bull Romaniacs Hard Enduro, held annually in the rugged Carpathian Mountains of Romania.

The Kiwi version of Romaniacs is set for the three days of Labour Weekend  Saturday, Sunday and Monday, October 22-24.

The treacherous forestry course near Tokoroa should be a near perfect match for what riders might expect if they ever travel to race the notorious Romanian event.

"Each days tracks will be different, up to 150 kilometres in length, and will feature different levels of difficulty  set as gold, silver and bronze grades," says event organiser Sean Clarke.

"This event will not be a typical New Zealand hard enduro, were only a few manage to finish. It is an adventure enduro and each grade will be set to give riders a real sense of adventure, as well as testing their ability to complete the grade that they have entered.

"Riders will tackle different terrain each day  all in forestry around the Taupo, Tokoroa and Putaruru areas  riding on courses that we will have uploaded to their GPS devices."

The three-day event begins with a "prologue" in Tokoroa on Saturday, to qualify riders and to determine their start order for the main race on the two days that follow.

The prologue will be staged at the SatCo logging equipment yard in Tokoroa and if riders do not complete at least one lap of the prologue course they will receive a 30-minute penalty and will start at the rear of the field the following day.

The event is restricted to 100 entrants and riders will start one at a time, 30 seconds apart.

If ever there was a test to prove a riders international potential, then next weekends is probably it, and if the saying is true that "youre only as good as your last race", then Howicks Liam Draper should be one of the key riders to watch out for.

Draper took his Husqvarna FE250 to a convincing win at the final round of the Dirt Guide Cross-country Series just over a week ago, riding on very similar terrain, also in the Tokoroa area.

He was chased all the way that day by eventual series winner Sam Greenslade (KTM), of Coatesville, with former Kiwi international Callan May (Yamaha), from Titirangi, not too far behind him.

Riders of this calibre can also be expected to feature near the front of this weekends Husqvarna Hard Enduro, a talented starting line-up that will also include Kiwi former Romaniacs winner Chris Birch, of Glen Eden, and three visiting riders from Australia.

Gold grade riders can expect two hard days riding that will push them to their limits, says Sean.

"Although not as hard as the Romaniacs event, it will still be a good work-out with a lot of trail riding between the hard bits. There will be between 6-8 hard sections each day.

Riding time for the fastest in this grade is expected to be between five to six hours with the last rider expected to arrive at the base after about eight hours.

All motorcycles must have a working headlight, tail light, spark arrestor and a fire extinguisher fitted.

Although a paramedic and ambulance will be based at the main fuel stop, riders must also carry their own survival kits that include a cell phone, first aid kit, survival blanket, water, spare batteries and a tool kit.
Tickets for the highly anticipated Royal New Zealand Air Forces 80th Anniversary Air Tattoo go on sale tomorrow at midday.

The 2017 event, on February 25-26 at RNZAF Base Ohakea, will showcase the RNZAFs latest air capability, alongside long-serving favourites and guest aircraft from international militaries.

The newly formed Black Falcons aerobatics team will also take to the skies to thrill the crowd.

Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Commodore Mark Brunton, says this is a rare opportunity for the public to get up close to its Air Force and he hopes people will take the opportunity to come and see it in action.

We want this to be a great day out for everyone and we are excited to be able to show off our Air Force to the public during our 80th anniversary year, so people can see the valuable job we do and meet the highly trained people who do it.

With the 75th anniversary air show in 2012 drawing such a large crowd, it has been decided to offer a two-day event to cater for the large number of people expected.

RNZAF Base Ohakea Commander Group Captain Nick Olney says to address some of the traffic-management issues from the previous event tickets would be limited, there would be no gate sales, and park-and-ride options would be available.

Were looking forward to hosting a huge crowd here and a lot of planning is going in to the event to help everyone who attends have a great time.

Tickets are available from Ticketek: Adults $35, Children 5-16 $10, younger than 5 free.
Many Eastern Bay of Plenty locals who sold their rural homes in September would have been left smiling all the way to the bank.

New REINZ Residential Property Data shows last months median house price for rural Eastern Bay was $364,000  up 36.5 per cent ($97,250) on August and 42.7 per cent ($109,000) on September 2015.

The number of houses sold in the Eastern Bay was also up 4.4 per cent on August (68 to 71) and also 4.4 per cent on September 2015 (68 to 71).

Elsewhere in the Bay, Taurangas September median house price was $553,000 (up 17 per cent on September 2015), Rotoruas was $300,000 (up 13.4 per cent) and Mount Maunganui/Papamoas was $657,500 (up 13 per cent).

When compared to August, Mount Maunganui/Papamoas median price was up 2.7 per cent (from $640,000), up 1.6 per cent in Tauranga (from $544,500), but down 7.7 per cent in Rotorua (from $325,000).

Across most of the region median prices continued to rise in September, but aside from rural Eastern Bay, the number of houses sold was down when compared to the same month last year.

Investor activity has continued to decline since the announcement of new Loan-To-Value restrictions, although underlying first home buyer demand remains solid across the region, says REINZ Regional Director, Philip Searle.

Sales volumes appear to have peakedsection sales are also rising, indicating an increasing preference for new builds in the face of the new LVR restrictions.

Compared to September of last year, the number of houses sold in Mount Maunganui/Papamoa was down 30.5 per cent (141 to 98), down 6.8 per cent in Tauranga (161 to 150), and down 10.2 per cent in Rotorua (128 to 115).

Compared to August, house sales were also down 19 per cent in Mount Maunganui/Papamoa (121 to 98), and down 17.3 per cent in Rotorua (139 to 115), but up 10.3 per cent in Tauranga (136 to 151).

To see the latest REINZ Residential Property Data visit: www.reinz.co.nz
Junior doctors at Tauranga and Whakatane hospitals walked off the job this morning as part of a national 48 hour strike organised by the New Zealand Resident Doctors Union.

About 145 Bay of Plenty doctors have withdrawn their services as part of the two-day strike which started at 7am today and will run through until 7am on Thursday, October 20.

Bay doctors are among more than 3000 junior doctors who are members of the NZRDA. Each of New Zealands 20 district health boards will be affected by the strike, which has come about after negotiations with DHBs over junior doctors working conditions proved unsuccessful.

In the lead up to the strike, Medical Director Dr Hugh Lees says the Bay of Plenty District Health Board had engaged in contingency planning for more than a week prior to the strike.

If patients have surgery or an Outpatient Department appointment booked on October 18-19, in either Tauranga or Whakatane Hospital, they will be contacted by hospital staff to inform them of the status of their appointment or surgery.

If patients are unsure about whether their appointment or surgery has been postponed they should phone 0800 333 477 between 8am and 4.30pm, to check their details.

Hugh also wants to reminded people that EDs are for emergencies, so visit your GP or an afterhours clinics for all non-emergency events. Medical advice is also available from HealthLine by calling 0800 611 116.

If people need after hours medical care, they can also call their GP 24/7. When your GP clinic is closed a registered nurse will answer your call and give you the free professional advice you need.

We also encourage people to ensure theyre up-to-date with their prescriptions and other requirements, and if they get into difficulty, make their GP their first call.
The Ministry for Primary Industries has denied a vessel carrying 23,000 tonnes of palm kernel to discharge its cargo in New Zealand.

The bulk carrier Molat has been at anchor off Mount Maunganui for more than a month after it was discovered the importer could not confirm the $6 million cargo, which originated from an unregistered PKE facility in Malaysia, was pasteurised.

Todays decision comes after the MPI considered an application from the importer to have the PKE treated in New Zealand.

We spent a lot of time assessing whether there was a solution that would meet biosecurity requirements, but unfortunately nothing ticks all the boxes in terms of mitigating the risk of pests and diseases entering New Zealand, says MPI Border Clearance Services Director Steve Gilbert.

MPI considered the amount of product involved, the availability of heat treatment facilities in the region, transport and storage.

My decision ensures that potentially contaminated PKE will not enter New Zealand, says Steve.

MPI has strict biosecurity requirements for importing PKE. They include heat processing to least 85 degrees and that foreign facilities be approved and regularly audited by the exporting country.

MPI has a lead role in protecting New Zealand from biosecurity risk. Its a job we take very seriously.

Palm kernel extract is a byproduct of the palm oil industry and is New Zealand is fed to dairy cows. It is produced at high temperatures, which reduces the biosecurity risk. The main biosecurity risk is contamination from insects or pests after production.

The Import Health Standard for PKE requires that for each consignment, certification and assurances are provided to state that:

The PKE has been heat processed to at least 85 degrees Celsius.

The PKE is stored in factories dedicated to the processing of the palm fruits and kernels, and kept clean and free of potential contamination following production.

Official documentation with specific statements from the exporting country attesting to handling, storage and inspection of the product post production and inspection of the product prior to export are required.

An inspection of the product has been carried out prior to export, and

Fumigation is undertaken prior to or during shipment for all consignments.

In addition, PKE can only be imported from facilities approved and regularly audited in the exporting countries.

An earlier report stated the Molat was in North Sumatra on April 5 before making port in Malaysia. That could link the cargo to "highly controversial" palm oil plantations in North Sumatra that are linked to orangutan habitat destruction.

Statistics NZ figures show PKE imports peaked in the year to June 2015 at 1.94 million tonnes before falling to 1.86m/t in the year to June 2016.
20218475-mmmain.jpg

A Golden Corral restaurant.

(Neal Krakow)

SYRACUSE, NY - After its only Central New York location closed in 2005, Golden Corral proposed a return to the region in April.

The North Carolina-based, all-you-can-eat buffet chain presented plans to open an 11,000-square-foot restaurant at 115 Simon Drive in Syracuse with seating for 400. The new restaurant was slated for a vacant three-acre lot just west of Lowe's and north of SEFCU, facing Midler Avenue and Interstate 690.

Since then, there's been no sign of any activity on the site and numerous readers have asked Syracuse.com for an update.

Syracuse zoning officials said they believe the plans were approved by the city, but there's been no sign of any construction on the site or signs pointing to future development as a Golden Corral.

The vacant site earmarked for a Golden Corral restaurant. There are no signs of any construction on the site.

Golden Corral franchising officials said the Syracuse site was still on the list for upcoming projects, but isn't one of those planned for the immediate future.

Bob McDevitt, senior vice president for franchise development, did not return calls.

On a company-provided list of available markets in New York, Syracuse is not listed - an indicator the chain still plans to come here. Cortland, Ithaca and New Hartford were the closest markets listed as available.

Golden Corral last operated on Fourth Street in Fulton in Oswego County, but that location closed in 2005.

Hall Ladd, owner of the Golden Corral restaurant in Fulton, in 2001.

The chain has 488 all-you-can-eat buffet locations in 43 states, including five in New York. They are in Colonie, Albany, Saratoga Springs, Rochester and Middletown.

The first Golden Corral opened in 1973.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Syracuse Police Department was busy Sunday evening responding to a stabbing and two shootings in less than five hours.

Officers responded at 5:30 p.m. to the 700 block of Oak Street in regards to a stabbing complaint. A 41-year-old male was suffering from a stab wound to the left side of his abdomen, police said.

The victim was transported to Upstate University Hospital by AMR Ambulance for treatment of a non-life threatening injury. There is no suspect information available, police said.

Officers were called to a shooting complaint at the 200 block of Delray Avenue about 3 hours later at 8:35 p.m. A 16-year-old was shot in his left foot, police said.

The victim told police that the incident occurred in the 100 block of Niven Street, and the suspect was in a black or dark colored car, last seen headed westbound on Niven Street. The victim's injury is not considered to be life threatening, police said.

At about 10:09 p.m., officers responded to Upstate University Hospital after a shooting victim arrived there in a private vehicle. A 25-year-old female was shot in her shoulder.

The victim told police that she was sitting in her car in the 500 block of Garfield Avenue when a grey 4-door sedan drove past, and began to fire shots at her car, striking her in the shoulder. The victim's injury does not appear to be life threatening, police said.

Police are continuing to investigate all three incidents and ask anyone with information to call (315) 442-5222. All calls will remain confidential. Anonymous tips may also be submitted using the "SPD Tips" app.
Boston Beer 2016 Longshot

Duane Wilson of Horseheads, NY (center), at the Great American Beer Fest in Denver with Jim Koch (right), founder of Samuel Adams brewery and Graham Johnson of Marblehead, Mass. Wilson and Johnson are two of the three homebrewers who won the 2016 Sam Adam LongShot contest. and wil lhave their beers brewed at the Boston Beer Co.

(Jack Dempsey)

A retired electrical engineer from Horseheads, near Elmira, has won the right to have one of his homebrew beer recipes brewed and marketed by craft beer giant Samuel Adams.

Duane Wilson is one of three winners of the 2016 LongShot national homebrew competition. For more than 20 years, Sam Adams has run the contest, offering amateur beer-makers the chance to see their beer brewed and bottled by Sam Adams (Boston Beer Co.)

Wilson, who homebrews in Horseheads with his friend, Mike Edwards, won with his recipe for "American Wild Ale." It uses a "mixed fementation," meaning it has both standard brewer's yeasts and "wild" strains that lend a sour or tart flavor to the beer. The LongShot contests describes it like this: "Duane's mixed-fermentation American wild ale brew leads with an aroma of apricots. Kumquats impart a dry, fruity flavor and the brew finishes with a pleasant, lingering tartness."

Wilson's American Wild will be released nationally in the spring of 2017 in a mixed variety pack along with beers developed from two other LongShot winners: David Cousino, of Avon, Ohio, whose recipe is for a Saison (a Belgian style), and Graham Johnson, a Sam Adams employee from Marblehead, Mass., whose recipe is an Imperial Stout. (Each year, the contest names two amateur winners and one who is a non-brewing employee of Sam Adams).

Wilson said he's been homebrewing "on and off" for 20 years, and his been brewing with Edwards for about eight years. They have made many different styles over the years.

"My drinking preference is English pale ales and amber lagers," Wilson said via email. "As far as brewing I especially enjoy brewing unique beers with unusual grains, fruits etc."

Wilson began homebrewing before his hometown, Horseheads, became something of a beer mecca. This small town just outside Elmira boasts three craft breweries: Horseheads Brewing Co., Upstate Brewing Co., and Birdland Brewing Co.

"When I began brewing there were no craft breweries in my area," Wilson wrote in an email. "Now there are three in Horseheads, NY and a 'craft brew trail' around the Finger Lakes. I am pleased to see the industry grow and enjoy visiting the breweries to taste and compare their styles.

Don Cazentre writes about food, beverages, restaurants and bars for syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Contact him by email, on Twitter, at Google+ or via Facebook.
Donovan.jpg

Dr. Laura Martin examines the site on Kevin Donovan's arm where she inserted a Probuphine implant.

(James T. Mulder)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Recovering heroin addict Kevin Donovan, 37, of Syracuse, used to take medication every day to control his cravings until he had four match-sized rods implanted in his upper left arm Sept. 1.

The rods deliver a constant low dose of medication called Probuphine.

The implant, which lasts six months, is helping Donovan break the habit of putting medicine in his mouth every day and moving him closer to his goal of weaning off addiction treatment medication.

Donovan is one of the first patients in the state to get the new treatment, which one federal official has called a "game changer" in the fight against the heroin and painkiller epidemic which kills an estimated 78 Americans every day.

A Probuphine implant

Dr. Laura Martin, an addiction specialist with a practice in North Syracuse, inserted the rods just under the skin of Donovan's arm in her office. She is the first doctor in Central New York to do Probuphine implants. She learned how to do the procedure on a pork loin during FDA-required training in Rochester. She has done seven implants so far.

Martin said the implant is not appropriate for addicts just beginning treatment, but for people on daily doses of 8 milligrams or less of Suboxone who are stable in their recovery. Suboxone is a medication used to treat addiction to opioid drugs such as heroin and painkillers. It contains buprenorphine, an opioid that reduces physical and psychological cravings.

Probuphine also contains buprenorphine.

The implant lets patients "learn to live as if they are not taking medicine," Martin said.

After six months, patients can choose to get another implant or go back to taking Suboxone daily. While the goal is to eventually get off medication, some patients need to remain on it for several years because addiction is a chronic disease, Martin said.

Dr. Laura Martin is the first doctor in Central New York to implant Probuphine.

Patients who receive implants must get regular counseling.

"The medicine is the background," Martin said. "The real work is done with the therapy."

The new treatment from Braeburn Pharmceuticals is expensive. A Probuphine kit costs about $5,000. Most insurers are covering it.

Martin said the cost is not much more than a six-month supply of Suboxone. It may prove to be less expensive if it reduces the amount of Suboxone that is sometimes diverted and sold illegally, she said. Some addicts who consider themselves weekend recreational heroin users buy Suboxone on the street and take it during the week so they don't get withdrawal sickness, she said.

A Probuphine implant can't be abused, stolen or accidentally ingested by a child in a patient's house. It also eliminates the possibility a patient will forget to take medication, lessening the risk of relapse.

"I expect and hope that Probuphine will be a game-changer in how we fight opioid use disorder," Dr. Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, wrote in a blog post after the FDA approved Probuphine May 26.

Donovan's addiction problem began with alcohol in his early teens. At SUNY Cortland he graduated to Ecstasy, a mood-altering synthetic drug, and marijuana. He flunked out his senior year and returned to Syracuse where he started taking prescription painkillers purchased on the street and eventually heroin.

He decided to kick drugs 11 years ago. He was in Crouse Hospital's methadone program for 2 1/2 years, then started using Suboxone. He's had a few relapses since, but has been clean for more than three years. Donovan said he's been in nearly every drug rehab program in the Syracuse area. "It's been a long road," he said.

Donovan was Martin's third implant patient.

Donovan often forgets about the implant in his arm.

"I just go about my business and don't even think about it," he said. "I feel even more stable now than I did before I got it."

Contact James T. Mulder anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-470-2245
Stephen Townsend

Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend is shown in this file photo from March 20, 2015 when he was the Fort Drum Commanding General. In this photo, Townsend, right, takes his seat next to Deputy Director for Force Management John P. McLaurin III during the Fort Drum Community Listening Session after a rally at Jefferson Community College in Watertown.

(Kevin Rivoli (2015))

The former 10th Mountain Division commander at Fort Drum is now leading the U.S. and allied effort to liberate Mosul.

Army Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, who led 10th Mountain Division from December 2012 to March 2015, took command of Operation Inherent Resolve in August. He replaced Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland as commander of U.S. and allied military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

After he left Fort Drum, Townsend served as commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps based in Ft. Bragg, N.C. until the Pentagon chose him for his new role.

As commander of Operation Inherent Resolve, Townsend is now leading the fight for the city of Mosul. The Washington Post earlier this summer called the effort as a "pivotal battle against the militant group."

On Monday, Operation Inherent Resolve announced "Iraqi security forces began the offensive to retake Mosul ... with support from the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command - Operation Inherent Resolve."

"Earlier today, Iraqi Security Forces launched their counter-attack to liberate Mosul from ISIL, also known as Da'esh," Townsend, leader of the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, said in a news release Monday.

"This operation to regain control of Iraq's second-largest city will likely continue for weeks, possibly longer," Townsend said in the release. "Iraq is supported by a wide range of coalition capabilities, including air support, artillery, intelligence, advisors and forward air controllers. But to be clear, the thousands of ground combat forces who will liberate Mosul are all Iraqis."

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi also announced the start of the Iraqi forces' assault on the northern city, which has been under Islamic State control since 2014. U.S. and Iraqi officials hope the major operation will liberate Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

"This may prove to be a long and tough battle, but the Iraqis have prepared for it and we will stand by them," Townsend said in the release. "The Iraqi Security Forces and the Coalition are not only fighting for the future of Iraq, we are fighting to ensure the security of all of our nations. We salute the bravery and commitment of the Iraqi Security Forces to this mission and wish them good luck and God's blessings in this battle."
Cuomo Federal Investigation

Todd Howe, shown in a June 2009 file photo, said he does not have to repay $85,000 to Cor Development because the money was a bribe, not a loan.

(Will Waldron via AP)

Updated at 12:40 p.m. with response from Cor Development

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Former lobbyist Todd Howe says he does not have to repay $85,000 to client Cor Development Co., because the money was a bribe, not a loan.

The money was actually "part of an illegal conspiracy'' to bribe a state official, lawyers for Howe allege. Cor officials said Howe is lying and that the debt is legitimate.

Attorneys for Howe, who is fighting a lawsuit filed by Cor to collect the money, filed legal papers Friday suggesting that the purported loan from Cor was part of a scheme to bribe either Howe or Joseph Percoco, a top aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The "purported loan was illegal, as it was part of an illegal conspiracy to deprive the public of its intangible right to honest services of an employee of the State of New York by soliciting and giving bribes and gratuities,'' the lawyers wrote.

Two Cor executives, Steven Aiello and Joseph Gerardi, have been charged with bribing Howe and Percoco, among other crimes, in a criminal case separate from the loan lawsuit. Aiello and Gerardi have proclaimed their innocence, and Percoco's attorney has said he will plead not guilty.

Howe has pleaded guilty and is cooperating with prosecutors.

Cor's lawyer has said the case against Aiello and Gerardi is based on lies from Howe.

"It is perversely laughable to compare Todd Howe's character and dishonesty to Steven Aiello's and Joseph Gerardi's longstanding reputations of integrity and honesty,'' lawyer Steve Coffey said last month.

Cor's lawyer signed a lawsuit against Howe Aug. 8, the day a newspaper reported that Howe was cooperating with federal prosecutors in a wide-ranging probe of state development projects. According to Cor's lawsuit, Howe borrowed $85,000 from the company in August 2015, and later sought an extension on repayment from December 2015 to June 2016.

Howe failed to repay the money, Cor alleged.

Howe's legal team, led by the Morvillo law firm of New York City, filed their answer to Cor's complaint Friday. The tersely worded document offers few details, and does not specify what public official was allegedly bribed with the $85,000.

The allegation of bribery was among several defenses Howe offered to support his contention that he does not owe a debt to Cor.

In a criminal complaint filed Sept. 22, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara accused eight men, including Aiello and Gerardi, of paying bribes and/or rigging bids in connection with state-controlled development projects.

Aiello and Gerardi are accused of paying $35,000 in bribes to Percoco in return for several favors. They also are accused of bribing Howe, who was employed by Cor as a consultant, allegedly to gain his help securing a contract with SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Howe also was a paid representative of SUNY Poly.

According to documents supplied to Syracuse.com by Cor, Howe wrote a check for $85,000 to repay the loan in December 2015, but asked Cor to hold off cashing it for six months. When Cor attempted to deposit the check June 28, it bounced.

Howe's attorneys said their legal papers that Cor officials should have known the check was no good.



"COR's attempt in June 2016 to negotiate a check purportedly issued by the defendant, dated December 28, 2015, was knowingly and legally a vacant, illegal and ineffective act, purporting to demand payment for a non-existent debt,'' the lawyers wrote.

Howe sought another extension on the loan in August, following a demand for payment sent July 8, Cor officials say. According to copies of correspondence supplied to Syracuse.com, Howe emailed the company on Aug. 9, one day after Cor's attorney drew up the lawsuit, to ask for another extension on the loan.

"Angela - good morning," the lobbyist wrote in an email Aug. 9 to Angela Hughes, Cor's controller. "I am writing to ask if it would be possible to get a 45 day extension on the note that is due tomorrow."

Howe went on to say that he could pay the $85,000, plus interest, in full "on or before September 30, 2016."

Cor officials said Howe's claims of bribery now are "blatant'' lies.

"It's evident that Todd Howe, a convicted felon, is capable of making up anything and will go to great lengths to do so at the expense of innocent people,'' said Maggie Truax, speaking for the company. "When you consider the date of the promissory note, the date of the bounced check and the emails that were sent just two months ago admitting he owes the money and will pay it back with interest, it validates the fact the he is a blatant liar."

Howe's attorneys declined to comment for this report.

Contact reporter Tim Knauss anytime | email | Twitter | 315-470-3023

Howe answer to lawsuit by Anonymous 9azu40 on Scribd
China Smog

A woman uses a scarf to cover her face from pollutants as she walks out of an underpass tunnel on a polluted day in Beijing. As Chinese switched from bicycles to automobiles, cities have become drenched in smog.

(AP Photo / Andy Wong)

Adam Minter is based in Asia, where he covers politics, culture and business.

By Adam Minter | Bloomberg View

It wasn't so long ago that rivers of bicycle commuters coursed through Chinese cities. As a means of navigating urban roads, two wheels couldn't be beat. They were cheap (and China was poor), and Chinese cities were compact enough to allow for conveyance by pedal power alone. As recently as 1986, 63 percent of Beijingers used a bike as their primary mode of transportation.

By 2013, however, those numbers had plummeted to 14 percent. Nationwide, bicycle usage declined between 2 and 5 percent annually between 1990 and 2010.

The reason for the drop-off is no secret. Car ownership has surged in China over the last 30 years as Chinese enjoy their new prosperity and look for more efficient and comfortable ways to navigate their ever-more-sprawling cities. Unfortunately, over the last decade that surge has clogged Chinese metropolises with traffic and choking clouds of smog. With roads becoming less navigable by the day, citizens, entrepreneurs and the Chinese government are looking for alternatives.

Bicycles -- and in particular, bike-sharing programs, a utopian concept first tried (unsuccessfully) in Amsterdam in 1965 -- have resurfaced as one of the most promising options. According to Bloomberg, in just the last few weeks China's two biggest bicycle-sharing services landed $200 million in funding, giving one of them -- two-year-old, Beijing-based ofo -- a $500 million valuation. Didi, China's biggest ride-sharing company, has invested $100 million in ofo and is exploring whether to fold the service's 70,000 bikes and 500,000 daily rides into its industry-leading app.

Humble bicycles would seem an unlikely target for China's tech investors. Not only are two-wheelers unlikely to incorporate much in the way of new technology, but they continue to have a reputation as a backward form of transportation that upwardly mobile consumers have outgrown. In 2004, in an ill-advised stab at modernization, Shanghai banned bicycles from downtown to make the city more comfortable for cars. The attitude behind the move was concisely expressed in 2010 when a contestant on a Chinese dating show told her blue-collar suitor: "I'd rather cry in a BMW than smile on a bicycle." The statement went viral.

But as China's traffic and pollution have worsened, the car's status has started to take a hit and transportation planners have redoubled their admirable commitment to public transit. At the same time, they're faced with a problem common to their peers around the world: The farther a commuter lives from a bus or metro stop, the less likely that commuter is to use public transport. (Generally, commuters will walk farther for trains than buses.) This distance is known as the "first-mile/last-mile problem" and solving it has become a priority worldwide.

In China, bike-sharing is an immediate fix. The Dutch originators of the program started with an idealistic concept: to leave bikes around Amsterdam that anyone could use, for any purpose. Unsurprisingly, many of those bikes were stolen, and the program ended.

The next generation of bike-sharing programs didn't arrive until the mid-1990s, when systems were developed that required identifying magnetic-stripe cards to rent a bike. Variations on those systems now operate in hundreds of cities around the world.

They've taken off with remarkable speed in China, where the total number of shared bikes outnumbered the world fleet of share bikes outside of China in 2015. The cities of Hangzhou, Taiyuan, and Shanghai operate the world's first, second, and fourth biggest bike-share programs, respectively. The scale is astounding: Hangzhou Public Bicycle, which was established in partnership with the local government in 2008, now operates as many as 78,000 bikes at more than 2,000 stations, with plans to expand to 175,000 bikes by 2020. On average, users make 240,000 trips per day.

Preliminary data indicates that China's beleaguered commuters are willing to give the bikes -- and public transit -- a try. A 2010 study of Hangzhou's system showed that members had a higher rate of auto ownership than non-members, while 30 percent had incorporated the service into their commute. In other words, many of China's car owners are willing to opt for a more environmentally friendly mode of transport if it's readily available to them.

China's well-capitalized bike-sharing companies are betting that many more commuters will make the same choice. To help them along, ofo equips bikes with a QR code that users scan to pay and ride (ofo rentals run $0.15 per hour, after a $15 deposit). Shanghai's Mobike is outfitting bikes with GPS units so they don't have to be returned to a station, but can be left anywhere and are easy to find. Electric and pedal-assist bicycles, already popular in China, will soon be a part of the fleets.

For three decades, modernization in China has meant emulating car-centric countries such as the U.S. Bike sharing won't be the final word on China's urban modernization, once driverless cars become a more viable option for solving the last-mile problem. But it does put the country at the leading edge of a form of transportation it was on the verge of abandoning. With luck, it'll show other cities and countries that the past can be a way forward, too.
Capitol

The U.S. Capitol Building.

(AP 2011 file photo / Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

By Albert R. Hunt | Bloomberg View

If, as polls are indicating, Hillary Clinton is the next U.S. president -- the election forecaster Nate Silver says there's an 86 percent chance -- her initial years in office will depend less on the size and shape of her victory than on which party controls the Senate.

Although the battle for control of the chamber, where Republicans currently have an advantage of 54 seats to 46, is pitched and close, some skeptics play down its significance: It takes 60 votes to pass substantive stuff in the Senate and neither party will be near that level. Moreover, Republicans likely will still control the House.

But Senate control is crucial, especially for a Clinton presidency: The majority sets the agenda, decides which issues are taken up and which inquires or investigations are begun. Also, scores of executive branch and judicial appointments are at stake, as well as the leverage for a Democratic president dealing with a Republican-run House.

A contemporary example: the stalled nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. The court needs a ninth member and Garland, who was nominated by President Barack Obama seven months ago, is eminently qualified. Yet Republicans, by refusing to even hold a hearing, have made filling court vacancies a non-issue in the current campaign.

The majority can decide what comes up and what doesn't. Under Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican majority's aim would be to thwart the president. Issues such as an increase in the minimum wage, paid parental leave and more student aid would not see the light of day.

These agenda items would encounter resistance in the House, but action in the Senate, or even consideration, brings pressure on the other chamber.

The president and a Senate majority leader such as Chuck Schumer of New York, along with Democratic chairs, would bring up all those measures. Committee chairmen, not minority members, usually decide what hearings to hold and the inquiries to begin.

The fate of many appointments will be affected. In 2013, despite vehement Republican objections, the Democratic majority enacted the so-called "nuclear option," which allows judicial (other than the Supreme Court) and most executive nominees to be approved by a simple majority, rather than the 60-vote filibuster standard. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen and a number of judges have been confirmed since then with fewer than 60 votes. There are 93 federal district and appellate court vacancies today.

On money bills -- spending and to an extent taxes -- a President Clinton would have more leverage in dealing with a House Speaker Paul Ryan if she had a Senate majority on her side.

These stakes demonstrate why the Senate outcome may be the best drama of these final three weeks. The numbers are simple: there are 24 Republican-held seats in play, of which 16 seem safe, unless there is a bigger-than-expected Democratic wave that endangers incumbents such as Senator John McCain of Arizona. Two of the Republican seats are very likely to switch. There are only 10 Democratic seats in contention and only that of Minority Leader Harry Reid in Nevada (who is retiring) isn't safe.

Thus the battle is for seven seats: Nevada for Democrats, and for Republican incumbents, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, Missouri and a Republican-held open seat in Indiana.

Republicans are counting on localizing the contests with several strong incumbents, including Florida's Marco Rubio, who made the surprising decision to run for his old seat after his failed presidential run during which he expressed disdain for the Senate. More than $1 billion of outside money will pour into these races by Election Day, the majority of it for Republicans.

Democrats are banking on these races, which tend to break late with the national vote and where ticket splitting is less common.

And there's the Donald Trump factor. In New Hampshire, the incumbent Republican senator, Kelly Ayotte, suggested in a debate that Trump might be a good role model for children. That was just a few days before the disclosure of the infamous video showing him making vulgar remarks about women and boasting about sexual assault.

Last weekend, Joe Heck, a Republican congressman in Nevada running for the Senate, pulled his endorsement of his party's presidential nominee after the video surfaced. He's being hammered by Trump loyalists in the state.

Democrats realize they need to win more than a mere majority. In 2018, the tables will be reversed and the Democrats will have 25 seats at risk, compared with only eight Republicans, most of them safe. Even a short Senate honeymoon is essential for Democrats now.
Campaign 2016 Trump

New York Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox, center, talks with Lara Trump, left, daughter-in-law of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, left, and Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate Wendy Long on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in Albany, N.Y. Cox has directed some of the party's resources to help Trump in swing states. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

(Mike Groll)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The New York Republican State Committee has boosted its support for GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, taking the campaign for the Queens native to voters beyond the Empire State.

The New York GOP last week began paying to send campaign mail for Trump to voters in the key swing states of Ohio, Iowa, Colorado and Pennsylvania ahead of the Nov. 8 election, according to the Albany Times Union.

A joint fundraising account held by the state party, Republican National Committee and Trump campaign paid for the mailers, the paper reported.

The out-of-state effort comes as Trump continues to trail Democrat Hillary Clinton in New York by 21 percentage points, according to a Siena College poll in late September.

Jessica Proud, speaking for the New York Republican Committee, said the swing-state focus is part of a larger effort by the state party to help elect Trump.

"We are pleased to play a role to help elect the Trump/Pence ticket," Proud said. "New York being the home state of our presidential nominee and Chairman Cox's stature as one of the senior chairs in the country created an ideal scenario for us to engage in a national collaborative effort with our Republican counterparts in other states through a joint fundraising agreement."

Among those targeted by the New York GOP mail are Democratic voters in Pennsylvania, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Democrats who received the pro-Trump mail included Dave Scholnick, a South Philadelphia activist who supports Clinton.

"My area of Philadelphia is home to African-Americans, Hispanics -- a lot of immigrants," Schonick told the Post-Gazette. "It's absolutely not a hotbed of Trump support."

Contact Mark Weiner anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
Ken Kutaragi

Owners of the original PlayStation 3 may be eligible for a $55 refund as a result of a class-action lawsuit. In this file photo Ken Kutaragi, known as the "father of the PlayStation," holds up a package of PlaysSation 3 video game console as he kicks off the first sale of Sony's PS3 in Japan on Nov. 11, 2006.

(AP)

Good news for those of you who purchased an original PlayStation 3: Sony may owe you $55 as part of a 6-year-old class-action lawsuit.

Those who purchased the original launch PS3 console between Nov. 1, 2006 and April 1, 2010 from an authorized US retailer can now submit claims to receive a cash payment, according to a settlement notice issued this week. The lawsuit involved a console firmware update that disabled the "Other OS" function, ending support for Linux.

Those who wanted to maintain the "Other OS" feature to continue running Linux on their console could opt not to upgrade to 3.21, but that would disable access to the PlayStation Network. Sony said it was a security-related move and permissable under its terms of service, but detractors said it was just an anti-piracy play.

Sony was sued, and while a California judge threw out the case in 2011, it was revived on appeal in 2014. Sony and the plaintiffs finally reached a settlement earlier this year; the tech giant has agreed to pay PS3 users while maintaining that it didn't do anything wrong.

Note that if you want that $55, you'll need to provide proof of purchase for the console and proof that you used the Other OS feature. Acceptable proof of PS3 purchase includes a receipt, credit card statement, or other documentation showing the date and location of your purchase or the serial number of your console plus the PlayStation Network sign-in ID that you used with it. To verify that you used the Other OS functionality, you'll need to dig up your Linux proof of purchase, a screenshot showing Linux on your PS3, or some other documented proof.

Those who submit a claim and don't have proof they used the feature, but say they intended to use it will get $9.

For more information and to submit a claim, head here. All claims must be submitted by Dec. 7.
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One of the problems facing the technology industry right now is the critical lack of strategic thinking. Hedge fund managers and activist investors increasingly are directing companies, forcing tactical decisions that raise stock prices over the short term, largely by destroying the firms long-term viability. What makes this trend particularly problematic is that most top executives dont seem to understand they are destroying their companies until its too late.

This also speaks to Joe Tuccis and Michael Dells recent partnership as a massive effort to remove that threat from both of their companies. Rather than once again picking on a firm like HPE, which is a showcase for this horrid foundation for decision making, I thought it would be interesting to explore the Trump and Clinton campaigns. My contention is that had either candidate thought strategically, neither would have run for the office of president.

Ill close with my product of the week: an interesting Samsung smart refrigerator that may define the future of the smart home  and fortunately is without any exploding battery risk.

Thinking Strategically vs. Tactically

We often define tactical and strategic thinking by time. A tactical decision tends to be more reactive and implemented with a 12-month window, while a strategic decision tends to be proactive and implemented over a far longer period.

Deciding to date someone would be tactical, while marriage should be strategic. Id argue that marriages often fail because they often are entered for tactical reasons. The parties are thinking more about how much they like to date than about how well their goals and ideals will align in the long term.

In the case of this years election, both candidates want to be president  likely for different reasons. Both started with powerful brands that were leveraged successfully into building businesses or getting stratospheric speaking fees and funding global and very lucrative charities.

This reflects a downside that I doubt either fully assessed. Unlike a typical politician who isnt as well compensated, both Clinton and Trump have huge assets tied to their names, as well as reputations that are at risk, regardless of whether they win or lose. Neither can exit this process without incurring most of the damage now.

They are both effectively locked into a path that will leave them badly damaged with respect to personal wealth and influence once this process concludes, regardless of the outcome. That is likely because neither really thought through the risks and rewards strategically.

Donald Trumps Brand

Trump entered the election process with a very powerful personal brand and a reputation for being both very successful and very rich. His brand is placed on all of his properties  not an insignificant portion of which are casinos, where patrons  particularly Asian patrons  connect his brand with winning.

However, much of this is a false front. He is neither as rich nor as successful as people believe him to be, and he actually seems to be operating very close to collapse. He isnt alone. Others, like Elon Musk, also operate on a razors edge between impressive success and catastrophic failure.

The perception that Trump is a success is likely his most valuable asset and is most responsible for keeping him in private jets and penthouse suites, as opposed to a nice house in the country and a neverending issue of paying the rent.

If Trump loses, he will have lost to Hillary Clinton, who isnt seen as a strong politician because she basically was anointed by her party. Thanks largely to Colin Powell, she also is viewed both as incompetent and unsuccessful, particularly by Trumps base.

This doesnt just make Trump a loser but a super loser, having lost to Clinton, who lost to Obama and is seen as unelectable. This means he not only will have virtually eliminated the perception that he cant lose, but also will be seen as a person who cant win. The impact on his income should be not only dramatic but also significant enough to shift him from profit to loss. The resulting loss as people avoid his casinos and brand in general could be catastrophic.

If he were to win, things wouldnt get much better. Hed enter not only with the Democrats but also a critical mass of Republicans against him, and no real political experience. That suggests his presidency would be catastrophically bad, and with his personal brand seriously damaged by the election process, he could face financial collapse while in office. The result would be the absolute destruction of his brand and further deterioration of his image from that of a successful billionaire to that of a punchline.

Youd think, given the risk, that exiting the process might allow him to recover his brand, but that seems doubtful. As president, hed at least have access to resources that would help him recover it, but his unwillingness to learn from his mistakes suggests that outcome is exceedingly remote. He is kind of screwed.

Hillary Clintons Reputation

Clinton entered the campaign as one of the most powerful women in the world. Largely seen as successful as a senator and particularly as secretary of state, she could have enjoyed a long successful career as a very highly paid speaker, power broker and charity manager. The election process so far has reduced her perceived power as a power broker. Her positions against Wall Street have devalued her considerably as a speaker, and her charity is at risk of being positioned as a liability to many current contributors.

So, even before the election process is complete, the perceptions that formerly surrounded her will have been badly, if not critically, damaged  destroying much of the financial engine under her relatively high income. Recall that the Clintons complained that his term in office effectively broke them financially.

If Clinton should lose, thing would get worse. Already increasingly seen as unable to do what is necessary to accomplish key goals, she will have lost to Trump, who is positioned by his party as unelectable. This suggests that anything he does in office that damages the country likely will be blamed on her inability to execute.

Trump is known to be vindictive, and that behavior, backed with the power of his office and access to still-confidential information on both Hillary and Bill, could result in a level of brand damage and potential criminal charges and litigation that would be unprecedented in their lives, if not the history of the nation.

There is an unacceptably high chance this not only could result in her being broke again, but also facing a high risk of a jail sentence. I expect that Trump would pull no punches in seeking to get even with her for the damage he would perceive she had done. (Trump doesnt accept that he makes mistakes, and hell likely blame his own financial problems on Clinton.)

If she wins, things also get worse  though likely not as much as in Trumps case, because Trump effectively would be neutralized as a threat. Still, she would face a Republican majority that hates her more than they hate the current sitting president, as well as a not-inconsequential number of Sanders supporters who think she cheated to get the job.

The effort to neutralize her will be unprecedented, both from within and without her party, and her now-historic inability to execute likely would define her term. There is a very high probability that she would be forced out of the office early (the same is true of Trump) and a near certainty that she would be tarnished further by her aging husbands increasing inability to make prudent decisions (also highlighted by Colin Powells leaked email).

Exiting the White House, she could be in even worse financial shape than the last time but lacking the vitality, due to age, to recover. Granted, as in Trumps case, things would be marginally better if she were to win rather than lose  but strategically, this looks like a lose/lose outcome for both candidates.

Wrapping Up

The strategic decision at this point would be for both candidates to meet and agree to withdraw, focusing on brand recovery and partnering for mutual brand recovery, given that both have the same problem. There is zero probability of that happening, not only because both candidates are unable to think strategically, but both also because both are likely at the point where they are more likely to shoot each other than to partner.

Plan B would be to work far harder  not only to ensure a win, but also to ensure the ability to execute the office of president successfully. That means aggressively reducing the conflict in their own parties  not through rhetoric alone, but by embracing proactively critical aspects of the elements positioned against them, and turning them from liabilities to assets.

In addition, both candidates would need to address their own core behaviors more aggressively. Clinton has to focus more on sharp execution and Trump on doing his homework instead of skating. Both need to be ready to enter the office running and be fully capable of avoiding the mistakes that have crippled both candidates careers and campaigns. At the heart of this is the willingness to accept mistakes and faults, and prioritize addressing them.

Since neither candidate seems willing to do that either, I expect that regardless of who it is, the winner eventually will have deep regrets about running  if theyre not harbored already. Had they thought this through strategically  like the computer in the movie War Games eventually did  both candidates would have concluded that the only truly good decision would have been not to play in the first place.

One other point: More people, particularly politicians, should practice thinking strategically. It would lead to a lot more good decisions and far fewer catastrophic ones.

At our house, Im typically the person who falls in love with a new high-tech appliance and then deals with what often is an unexpected bad outcome. However, this Samsung smart refrigerator was my wifes idea  and so far, it is a good one.

Samsung 4-Door Flex RefrigeratorWith Family Hub

The idea of a smart refrigerator has been around for some time. Over the years, Samsung has introduced a number of them, both with built-in PCs and built-in tablets, that for the most part have truly sucked.

Part of the problem has been that Samsung service typically sucks, and this class of product has tended to be complex and unreliable. However, the company has improved over time with regard to reliability, and there is an increasing number of third parties that can service the product (though I would always buy an extended warranty).

What makes the difference is that this new offering not only is stunning to look at, but also has significant value, thanks to the integration with other Samsung products, as a smart hub for IoT devices.

While still young, this product can be used to sync in real time with Samsung TVs (playing the same program in the kitchen that the family is watching in the living room); program compliant Samsung stoves and appliances; and control compatible IoT devices.

Running about US$1,500 more than the same refrigerator without a display and with a price of just under $4K this isnt a cheap date, but it is more impressive in place than comparably priced Sub Zero and Viking appliances.

In short, if you want to impress people, this thing does it in spades. This is finally a good representation of what is coming, and it is a fascinating way to move from paper sticky notes into a digital messaging future.

Because this is a great early showcase for IoT, but mostly because this is one of the most impressive devices in a home that is nearly wall-to-wall tech, the Samsung RF8K9580SG Smart Refrigerator is my product of the week.
Samsung has stopped production of its problematic Galaxy Note7 smartphones, according to multiple press reports Monday.

The company had been offering replacements of the phone after issuing a recall due to defective batteries, but all four major carriers have stopped doing so, presumably because several of the replacements exhibited similar problems, including smoking and catching fire.

Two replacements have malfunctioned, according to widely publicized accounts. One began crackling and smoking on board a Southwest Airlines plane,leading to the evacuation of the flight. The other emitted thick smoke, sending its owner to the hospital.

Samsung has been working diligently with authorities and third-party experts to address the problems, the company said, noting that the number of reported incidents is small.

Fallout From the Fires

The fact no one has died is just lucky, said Paige Arnof-Fenn, CEO of Mavens and Moguls.

The replacements arent working, she told the E-Commerce Times. Samsung cant risk things getting worse and people hurt. Customers have great options in this category, and Samsungs not the only game in town. They need a clean slate  a fresh start to begin winning back trust.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is looking into the issue, as is the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

Meanwhile, the replacement program appears to have been aborted.

While the investigations under way, Verizon is suspending the exchange of replacement Note7 smartphones, said Verizon Wireless spokesperson Kelly Crummey.

We are also not selling Note7 smartphones at this time, she told the E-Commerce Times.

Verizon will refund the difference to customers who exchange the Note7 for a less expensive device, or ask them to pay the difference if the new device costs more than the Note7, Crummey said.

They have to bring the device back to the original point of purchase  a box store such as Best Buy if they got it there, Crummey noted. Verizons online customers may exchange their Note7s at Verizon stores.

Sprint is halting sales of replacement Note7 devices pending the conclusion of the investigation by the [CPSC], said company spokesperson Michelle Mermelstein.

If a Sprint customer with a replacement Note7 has any concerns, we will exchange it for any other device, she told the E-Commerce Times.

T-Mobile has suspended all sales of new Note7 phones and exchanges for replacement Note7 devices. Customers who purchased a Note7 from T-Mobile can return their recalled or replaced phones, along with all accessories, to one of the companys stores. They will get a full refund and can choose another device from any in its inventory.

In addition, T-Mobile will give customers who return recalled Note7s a one-time US$25 credit on their T-Mobile bill. T-Mobile customers who purchased Note7s through pre-orders can keep the free Netflix subscription and Gear Fit or SD card they received, T-Mobile said.

AT&T did not respond to our request to comment for this story.

Samsungs Next Move

Samsung should come clean, recommended Mavens and Moguls Arnof-Fenn. Do not spin this or try to minimize for damage control. They cannot slow down the news cycle.

The Note7 problem is reminiscent of the Johnson & Johnson Tylenol crisis, Arnof-Fenn said.

However, that was a case of multiple murders committed through deliberate tampering. Seven people died after someone laced Tylenol capsules with potassium cyanide.

J&J is a trusted brand today, Arnof-Fenn pointed out.

Martha Stewart is back too, she added, referring to Stewarts conviction in a stock trading case. Consumers love a good comeback story.

Samsung need to come back with a great new product that works as promised, [or] their market cap is gone and their name is worth nothing, Arnof-Fenn remarked. Brands stumble and people make mistakes. It happens. Its not the screw-up that will kill you  its the cover-up.
Leaks about Googles expected family of Pixel smartphones, reportedly manufactured by HTC, on Monday reached a crescendo ahead of the companys Tuesday press event.

Google is poised to announce two smartphones, the Pixel and Pixel XL, according to specs published by UK retailer Carphone Warehouse.

The Pixel XL has a 5.5-inch 2,560 x 1,440 pixel AMOLED display and a 3,450 mAh battery; the Pixel has a 5-inch 1,920 x 1,080 AMOLED display and a 2,770 mAh battery.

Both have a Gorilla Glass 4 screen, a 12-MP rear camera with 1.55-micron pixels and an f/2.0 aperture, an 8-MP front-facing camera, a one-touch fingerprint sensor and 4 GB of RAM. They will be offered with 32-GB or 128-GB storage options.

Both use a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor.

Google Assistant reportedly is a major feature of the devices.

This is a major disruption, said Werner Goertz, research director for personal technologies at Gartner.

Google realize the Nexus concept worked up to a certain point, but now they have to take tighter ownership of the end point, which is the smartphone  not the PC or tablets, he told TechNewsWorld.

Butting Heads With Apple

With the Pixel, Google is approaching the capabilities of the iPhone high-end devices, said Michael Jude, a program manager at Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan.

Think of it as the iPhone for the masses, he told TechNewsWorld.

Both the iPhone 7 and the Pixel line max out at 128 GB of storage, for example.

Of course, the iPhone 7 Plus can go up to 256 GB, but I bet the Google price point is much lower, Jude said.

Pricing tags currently being tossed around peg the Pixel at about US$350 and the Pixel XL at $650, according to David McQueen, a research director at ABI Research.

If true, thats substantially cheaper than an iPhone, and I think it puts the XL on a par with Samsungs S7, he told TechNewsWorld.

The bang-for-your buck argument is very important in the Android ecosystem, as its becoming so much more difficult to differentiate on hardware, McQueen pointed out. With brands like Samsung, LG and Huawei all very much vying for shelf space in the market, Google needs to come out with something different.

Pure Android

Speculation is rife over whether the Pixel family of devices has an SD card.

There is some contention over the SD slot, McQueen told TechNewsWorld. When Samsung took it out of their higher-end devices, there was an uproar, and now, its put back in the S7.

However, most smartphones can now back up to the cloud or email or text any file to another machine, Frosts Jude pointed out. Except for additional storage, [SD cards] make no sense.

Pixel will let Google showcase all the new features and functionalities that are included in [Android Nougat], and how the tightly integrated hardware helps create an improved user experience, McQueen suggested.

The Pixel family will run Android Nougat at its purest, said Ramon Llamas, a research manager at IDC.

This is just a flagship for Google, and a way to show what Android Nougat is supposed to look and feel like, he told TechNewsWorld.

Pixels Target

The Pixel will appeal to a limited number of people, because the marketplace as a whole doesnt understand or appreciate what its all about, Llamas predicted. It will appeal to developers the most.

Google hasnt been very successful with smartphones in terms of volume sold, ABIs McQueen noted. On the other hand, its chief aim with the Nexus line was to showcase the device for the Android ecosystem.

The change in Googles branding of its smartphones may signal Googles attempt to make Android a more unified experience on its own products, McQueen speculated. Androids a highly fragmented platform and some consistency would be welcomed.
The tech industry has expressed its disdain for Donald Trump on numerous occasions, but PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel is one of the few within the sector to support the Republican. Now, the Facebook investor is throwing his considerable financial backing behind Trump by donating $1.25 million to his campaign.

As Trump comes under more fire for his past comments and behavior toward women, Thiel has been uncharacteristically quiet when it comes to defending the property magnate. There were even suggestions that he may have decided to end his support for Trump, but a New York Times report suggests otherwise. Citing "a person close to the investor," the publication states the money will be donated "through a combination of super PAC donations and funds given directly to [Trump's] campaign."

Despite endorsing Trump when he was a speaker at the Republican National Convention earlier this year, Thiel said he had no plans to donate any of his $2.7 billion net worth to the presidential candidate's campaign. But it appears that the recent scandal has encouraged him to show his support by reaching for the chequebook.

Many in the tech world have reacted angrily to the news of the donation. There have been calls for start-up incubator Y Combinator, where Thiel is a part-time partner, to cut ties with the billionaire. Company president Sam Altman said he is "not going to fire someone for supporting a major party nominee," and that doing so would be a "dangerous road to start down."

3) Thiel is a high profile supporter of Trump. I disagree with this. YC is not going to fire someone for supporting a major party nominee. --- Sam Altman (@sama) October 17, 2016

As noted by Re/Code, Crowdpac says that the tech industry has donated almost $8 million to Hillary Clinton's campaign, the largest amount - $335,000 - coming from Google, while Trump had received just $300,000 before Thiel's gift.

While not giving to the Clinton campaign directly, Facebook and Asana co-founder Dustin Moskovitz and his wife, Cari Tuna, pledged $20 million to several organizations supporting the Democratic candidate last month, including the Hillary Victory Fund.
The Great Barrier Reef is in serious trouble. Despite being under severe stress like most other coral structures around the world, however, the coral ecosystem spanning 1,400 miles off Australia's coast is not yet dead.

In response to reports that the vast ecosystem is dead, scientists said that the world's largest coral reef system may be dying but it is not yet dead.

Last week, food and travel writer Rowan Jacobsen wrote a tongue-in-cheek obituary for Australia's famed network of reefs on Outside Magazine that generated responses from news outlets and social media users, many of whom mourned for the supposed passing of what is considered as the largest living thing on Earth.

"The Great Barrier Reef of Australia passed away in 2016 after a long illness. It was 25 million years old," Jacobsen wrote.

It is undeniable that the Great Barrier Reef is on life support. A comprehensive reef survey has showed that 93 percent of the reef network is affected by bleaching putting it at risk of extinction. Bleaching happens when corals are subjected to extreme stress such as changes in conditions like light, nutrients and temperature, which cause the corals to expel symbiotic algae from their tissue and in turn cause them to turn white.

Rising water systems primarily driven by climate change is widely attributed for the damages on the Great Barrier Reef.

Scientists, however, are worried that the over-exaggeration of the state of the reef may promote the idea that it is already past the point of recovery. Although most parts of the Great Barrier Reef have been affected by bleaching, not all have died and scientists hope that large areas of the ecosystem will recover.

"This is a fatalistic, doomsday approach to climate change that isn't going to engage anyone and misinforms the public," said coral reef expert Kim Cobb, from Georgia Tech. "There will be reefs in 2050, including portions of the Great Barrier Reef, I'm pretty confident of that. I'm put off by pieces that say we are doomed."

Scientists are conducting studies that can help save the ecosystem. Researchers, for instance, have found that some adult corals swap their algal partners later in life, which could assist them in getting more heat-tolerant microalgae that could eventually help corals better adapt to global warming.

ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies director Terry Hughes said that there is still hope for the coral ecosystem.

"Large sections of it (the southern half) escaped from the 2016 bleaching, and are in reasonable shape," Hughes said. "The message should be that it isn't too late for Australia to lift its game and better protect the GBR, not we should all give up because the GBR is supposedly dead."

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Even after getting discontinued, the Galaxy Note 7 still gets tied to all the recent negative PR that Samsung is receiving.

A dissatisfied Samsung customer took to Reddit after the South Korean electronics manufacturer denied his/her request to return a Gear VR headset that was bought in conjunction with a purchase of the Galaxy Note 7.

Reddit user "agolightly" previously had an older model of the virtual reality headset, which was used together with a Galaxy S6. The Galaxy S6 was traded in for a Galaxy Note 7 through AT&T. Having the Note 7 instead of the S6 meant an upgrade to a newer model of the Gear VR.

The Reddit user purchased a newer Gear VR unit from Samsung right after the trade in for a Note 7 was back in August. However, the Note 7 was later returned to AT&T after Samsung issued a recall. The Redditor was issued a replacement Note 7 unit, which also turned out to be defective.

On Oct. 13, the Redditor called Samsung and informed them of the intent to return the Gear VR headset since he/she was no longer interested in purchasing a Samsung phone.

In response, Samsung gave the customer a callback ticket and was told that a representative would contact him regarding the issue.

"A service rep named Melissa just called me back  and explained that they will NOT be accepting my return of the Gear VR  as 'it is supported by other Samsung phones  and I am outside of the 30 day return window,'" details the Reddit post.

According to "agolightly" the headset was only used twice. Moreover, the customer also takes issue with Samsung's reasoning that the Gear VR works with other Samsung devices. According to the Redditor Samsung is functioning under the assumption that he/she has another flagship Samsung device.

Note that the Gear VR uses a micro USB connector that is backward compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+, Note 5, S7 and S7 edge.

"Samsung, I don't want another Samsung phone ... I want you to give me my $100 back for an accessory that effectively strapped a bomb to my face," the Reddit post said.

The Redditor says that all he/she asks for is an extension of the 30-day window for returning the headset, and argues that the 30-day window would have been met had the company just recalled the Note 7 unit instead of issuing a defective replacement.

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The Schiaparelli lander, which was designed to land on the surface of planet Mars, is now headed for its historic landing on the Red Planet.

After traveling for seven months from Earth, the Mars lander has separated from its mothership, the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), at about 10:42 a.m. EDT (14:42 GMT) on Sunday, Oct. 16, to head toward the surface of the Red Planet.

The Trace Gas Orbiter, an orbiting satellite, and the Schiaparelli lander make up the ExoMars 2016 mission, a collaboration of the European Space Agency (ESA) and Russia's Roscosmos.

Using a heat shield, a parachute and thrusters, the lander is set to land on Meridiani Planum region of planet Mars to test technologies for future rover mission that aims to find signs of past and present alien life on the Red Planet. The Schiaparelli module, in particular, is designed to test the entry, descent and landing technology required for Mars landing.

"Today, three days before gravity will ensure the arrival of ExoMars 2016 at Mars, the Schiaparelli Entry, Descent & landing demonstrator Module separated from the TGO orbiter and is now en route on a ballistic trajectory to reach the Red Planet, enter its atmosphere and land softly in an area close to the equator known as Meridiani Planum," ESA said.

ESA officials said that the probe is powered by internal batteries. Since it is not solar powered like other probes sent for space missions, Schiaparelli is expected to operate only for a few days on the Martian surface.

If everything goes well, both probes will arrive at the Red Planet on Oct. 19 with the lander dropping down to the planet's surface as its mothership enters orbit around Mars.

Schiaparelli marks the second European attempt to land a probe on the Martian surface after a futile mission by the Beagle 2, a British landing spacecraft that formed part of ESA's 2003 Mars Express mission. The probe lost contact during its final descent to planet Mars. A successful landing this week would make Schiaparelli the first European lander to land on Mars.

Although NASA already has two rovers operating on the Red Planet, namely Curiosity and Opportunity, landing a probe on Mars is considered a very difficult task. It has been elusive to Russian efforts and posed trouble even for the U.S. space agency.

Interests on the Red Planet have been mounting over recent years. Besides NASA, Rocosmos and ESA, private companies such as SpaceX and Boeing have already expressed their intentions to reach planet Mars.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Samsung tested the Galaxy Note 7 batteries in its own lab, making it stand out among the other brands such as Apple, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a good thing.

Internally testing its batteries for smartphones, the South Korean company acquires approval from the Cellular Telephone Industries Association through its own labs, which are certified by the group, and it has been doing so since 2009.

In the United States, phone manufacturers have to get their batteries tested at one of the 28 facilities of the CTIA to start sales of their products via the major carriers in the country such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint, to name a few. That is to make sure that they comply with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' standards and more or less guarantee they are safe for consumers to use.

According to The Wall Street Journal, a Samsung spokesperson said that the internal tests for the batteries of both the first and replacement Galaxy Note 7 units didn't yield any issues.

For the uninitiated, production of the phablet was put to a halt when one smartphone after another kept exploding across the globe even after the recall. Moving forward, Samsung says that it's going to apply "significant changes" in the testing process to avoid such an incident from happening again, but it did not mention anything about using a third party to test batteries in the future.

Before then, the South Korean company is focusing on figuring out the root of the Galaxy Note 7 explosions, "working around the clock" to settle the matters at hand first and noting that it's too early to speculate about the results of the inspection.

IEEE member Eddie Forouzan wants Samsung to conclude the investigation into the Galaxy Note 7 units catching fire and disclose its findings as soon as possible so that the committee can know whether or not improvements are needed for the safety tests.

"They have to tell us what happened so we can fix it," he says.

It's also worth mentioning that Apple tests batteries through third-party CTIA-approved facilities. Meanwhile, Lenovo-owned Motorola internally tests batteries too, but it relies on third-party groups for CTIA certification.

Long story short, Samsung is going all out to get to the bottom of the exploding Galaxy Note 7 and to make sure it won't happen again, but it's still unclear how far the company will go.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have an opinion on the South Korean manufacturer's practices.

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China has launched the Shenzhou 11 spacecraft on Monday, Oct. 17, for its longest manned mission on space.

Shenzhou 11 blasted off on a Long March 2F launch rocket from the the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi desert at 7:30 a.m. (07:30 p.m. EDT) carrying two astronauts into orbit. The taikonauts, as Chinese astronauts are called, will spend 30 days aboard the experimental Tiangong 2 space laboratory, in what to date would be the longest stay in space by Chinese astronauts.

The mission and earlier launches are considered parts of a broader plan by China to set up a permanent manned station in space around the year 2022 as well as provide pointers for possible manned mission to the Moon or even planet Mars.

The Tiangong 2 space laboratory, or "Heavenly Palace 2" that will serve as home for the two astronauts for the next month, was launched into space just last month. It could be the only operational space station in the world once the International Space Station retires by 2024.

"You are going to travel in space to pursue the space dream of the Chinese nation," Fan Changlong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, told taikonauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong during a meeting early on Monday. "We wish you success and look forward to your triumphant return."

The mission would mark the third spaceflight for mission commander Jing Haipeng, who will also celebrate his 50th birthday in orbit. It is first the space mission for flight engineer Chen Dong.

China's human space program chief commander Zhang Youxia called the launch of the spacecraft successful.

"The rocket is flying according to its original plan and the Shenzhou spacecraft has entered into its preliminary orbit," Zhang Youxia said. "The solar panel has been unfolded and the crew is in great condition. Hereby I announce the launch of Shenzhou-11 is a complete success."

Shenzhou 11, which means "Divine Vessel", also carries three experiments that were designed by middle school students in Hong Kong. The experiments, which include one that involves taking silk worms into space, were selected in a science competition.

China is the third country in the world after Russia and the U.S. to conduct a crewed space mission. In 2013, the country successfully landed the Jade Rabbit rover on the moon albeit the probe later suffered severe technical difficulties. China has lately been working on its space program for commercial, military and scientific purposes.

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American psychological states have changed in recent decades, leading to less focus on others and more on the individual, but researchers have found that the United States is still an empathetic nation.

In a study published in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, researchers from Michigan State University, University of Chicago and Indiana University ranked the U.S. as the seventh most empathetic country in the world, coming in ahead of Taiwan, Costa Rica and Kuwait.

According to the results of the study, Ecuador is at the top of the list as the most empathetic country, while Saudi Arabia, Peru, Denmark, the United Arab Emirates and Korea rounded out the top six.

Assessing Empathy

Over 104,000 people from across the globe participated in the study by filling out online surveys about empathy, which measured how much compassion people have and their likelihood for putting themselves in the shoes of others. Underrepresented countries, most of which are from Africa, were excluded, which left the researchers with 63 countries to rank.

William Chopik and colleagues Ed O'Brien and Sara Konrath were surprised when their results yielded three Middle Eastern countries in the top 10, citing the long histories of war and aggression Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait have with other nations in their region. They said the results possibly turned out this way because the study didn't distinguish between empathy felt by the respondents toward people from their own country versus empathy directed at people from other countries.

Out of the 63 countries ranked based on empathy, Lithuania has the distinction of being the least empathetic nation. In fact, Eastern Europe is home to seven of the top 10 least empathetic countries included in the study.

Factors Affecting Empathy

In a study O'Brien and Konrath released in 2011 that suggested college students in America have grown less empathetic over a 20-year period, they identified possible factors that could affect empathy levels in people. These factors include: increasing expectations of success, changing family and parenting practices, increased incidents of bullying and violence and the prevalence of social media.

The current study only offers a "snapshot" of the state of empathy around the world at the moment, but it is the first to assess empathy at the country level. The researchers pointed out, however, that cultures are always changing, which is particularly true for the U.S.

"People may portray the United States as this empathetic and generous giant, but that might be changing," said Chopik.

Meanwhile, another study released in May looked at empathy from a non-cultural point of view. According to its findings, how empathetic a person is may be influenced by whether or not they were taking painkillers, and those who took acetaminophen were less likely to think another person was in pain.

Photo: Stewart Black | Flickr

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After The US, Japan's Aviation Authorities Ban The Galaxy Note 7 | TechTree.com

Looks, specifications utility is generally considered to be the stronger points of Samsung phablets and smartphones, but only until the Note 7 arrived on the scene. The phablet has been reported to be exploding, setting afire houses, vehicles, and also causing grievous injuries to those who bought. No surprises, the United States issued a ban against travelling with the device on all flights in the country, and now it is being mirrored in Japan. Japans transport ministry, which had earlier asked the passengers not to charge or turn-on the device, now issued a complete ban against the Galaxy Note 7.



Looking at the series of pitfalls of the product, the South Korean major has stopped making the device altogether, and worldwide recalls of the device have been organized as well. The United States authorities issued a strict ban on Friday last week, penalising anyone who may be travelling with the device, and now it is the turn of the Japanese. JAL spokesman Takuya Shimoguchi said customers could choose to board planes without their Galaxy Note 7 phone or the airline would confiscate it. However, they have yet not issued a concrete plan of punitive measures. JAL has said in their statement, "We'll act on a case-by-case basis."







Some of the other countries following an anti-Note 7 diktat are as follows:



- Korean Air allows passengers to carry in the main baggage, but in a switched-off. South Koreas Asiana has also put in a ban from Monday itself, and so have Australia and New Zealand.



- Cathay Pacific and budget airliner Dragonair have also issued a statement that passengers are no longer allowed to carry the Note 7 on flights. They were then joined by Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express in the directive.



- Malaysia based AirAsia has also said they will not be allowing the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on any of its flights, and Phillipines based Cebu Pacific will be issuing their ban coming this Tuesday.

TAGS: Samsung, Samsung Galaxy Note 7
More Than 1 Million Users Are Still Using Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Devices After Recall

Samsung had to officially recall Galaxy Note 7 smartphones twice after multiple incidents of the device exploding due to defective batteries were reported. Galaxy Note 7 owners were also asked by Samsung Electronics to stop using the smartphone and were encouraged to get a refund or change the device with other models. Even many airlines worldwide have starting applying ban to devices being carried onto the aircraft, in carry-on baggage as well as check-in luggage over fire risk.

However, a new data from mobile analytics firm Apteligent shows that there are more Galaxy Note 7 devices in use now than when initial reports of device malfunctions first began doing the rounds at the start of September. Thats after Samsung issued a recall on September 15 and offered replacement phonesand 23 devices have overheated since then.

Shortly after the device returned on sale from all four major US carriers and in some places around the world, there was an increased usage of the device last Monday. However, the usage of the smartphone dropped last Tuesday when Samsung made the announcement that it had shut down production of the Galaxy Note 7 line and asked all owners to power down the devices. As of last Wednesday, the worldwide usage of the device was still 7% higher than the first recall.

Samsung has received 96 reports of batteries in Galaxy Note 7 phones overheating in the US, including 23 new reports since the September 15 recall announcement, reads a recall notice that was posted last Thursday. Samsung has received 13 reports of burns and 47 reports of property damage associated with Note 7 phones.

Check the graph below where you can see how Note 7 usage has trended over the past two months. Apteligent said over a million Note 7 smartphones were still in use worldwide as of last Wednesday night.

In other words, about 40% of all Note 7 users havent followed Samsungs plea to immediately power down the smartphone. It appears that ardent fans of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 are consciously making an effort not to pay any attention to the notice of recall.

While it is good to be loyal to the brand that you use, it is also advisable to pay heed to Samsungs recall announcement of Galaxy Note 7 to avoid any further problems. For those who still have the Note 7 handset, Samsung is offering up to $100 in credit to return your smartphone.
10 Inventors Killed By Their Inventions

The difference between humans and machines is that we think and take risks. But sometimes risk are too great and can cause fatalities. If you look at history, you will find those great inventions succeeded because the inventors dared to take a risk and challenge the society, religion and sometimes history.

However, some inventors were not so lucky and were killed by the very inventions they invented! Heres a look at the top ten inventors who were killed by their own inventions.

#1 Marie Curie  Radium

Marie Curie was a French-Polish physicist and chemist who is famous for discovering a host of new elements, including radium and polonium, as well as the theory of radioactivity and the isolation of radioactive isotopes.

She was the joint winner of the Nobel Prize in 1903 along with her husband Pierre. She tragically died on July 4, 1934, from aplastic anaemia, almost certainly contracted from exposure to radiation. How exactly they affected Madam Curie is still not known but much of her work was carried out without radiation protection. She had carried test tubes containing radioactive isotopes in her pocket and stored them in her desk drawer, remarking on the pretty blue-green light that the substances gave off in the dark.

#2 Franz Reichelt  Coat Parachute

If there was one risk-taking inventor, it was Franz Reichelt. He is known as The Flying Tailor and is credited with inventing the coat parachute. To prove that his coat parachute worked, he conned the keepers of the Eifel Tower to let him demonstrate.

On February 04, 1912, Franz held a major press venue so they could witness his inaugural jump. He leaped from the first deck and gravity took over. The tragic inventors death was captured on video and still lives on.
The CIA Reportedly Planning An Unprecedented Cyberattack Against Russia

The White House is in the planning stages of a potential cyber strike on the Russian government in retaliation for Russian interfering in the U.S. presidential race, intelligence officials told NBC News. The hacks have mainly targeted individuals and entities associated with Democrats.

According to several news outlets citing current and former U.S. government officials say the CIA has been asked to deliver options to the White House for a wide-ranging clandestine cyber operation. The goal of such an attack is to harass and embarrass the Russian government in retaliation for alleged Russian meddling in the American presidential election.

The sources did not elaborate on the exact measures the CIA was considering, but said the agency had already begun opening cyber doors, selecting targets and making other preparations for an operation, the report states.

A former CIA officer speaking to NBC said, Weve always hesitated to use a lot of stuff weve had, but thats a political decision. If someone has decided, `Weve had enough of the Russians, there is a lot we can do.

Vice President Joe Biden told the NBC news program Meet the Press that the U.S. is sending a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin and it will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact, Biden said on the show. It has reported that the government is looking to weaken internal censorship powers in Russia, and also uncover financial dealings of Vladimir Putin in order to compromise his trustworthiness with the Russian people and potentially give his political foes more power.

However, Russia vehemently condemned the NBC report and Bidens remarks, which it called unprecedented threats from the U.S.

The Russian government has been officially accused by the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for organizing a hack on the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in an effort to influence the presidential election in November.

We believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russias senior-most officials could have authorized these activities, the statement said. However, Russia has denied any involvement in the DNC email hacks.

The campaign of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton also alleges that the Russian government is responsible for the recent hack of campaign chairman John Podestas e-mails. She has claimed that the theft of the records proves that Russian intelligence is attempting to help her opponent, Republican Donald Trump, defeat her in next months election.

Last Friday, Top House Democrats called on the FBI to inspect the presidential campaign of GOP nominee Donald Trump for possible involvement in the breach.

Hysteria started over the [allegation] that this is in the interests of Russia, Putin added, according to the Interfax news agency. But nothing in it is in the interests of Russia, while the hysteria is merely caused by the fact that somebody needs to divert the attention of the American people from the essence of what was exposed by the hackers.

Also, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the claims of Russia trying to interfere in the U.S. presidential election as ridiculous.

Its flattering, of course, to get this kind of attention  for a regional power, as President Obama called us some time ago,Lavrov said in an interview with CNN. Now everybody in the United States is saying that it is Russia which is running the [US] presidential debate, he said, adding, we have not seen a single fact, a single proof.

Source: NBC News
Environment Minister Eide described Lula's electoral triumph as something good for both Brazil and the whole world. | Read More
The Government continues its administration with no disruption during the national mourning, while preparing royal funeral ceremonies and memorial rites with the highest honor accorded to the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Government Spokesman Lieutenant General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said that although the whole country was grief-stricken, the national administration, as well as trade and investment, still operated normally, as the Government did not want to see a vacuum in its work.

The Government Spokesman stated that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha thanked all Thais for joining hands in performing good deeds as a tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol.

He dismissed as groundless a social media rumor that the Government had ordered that all portraits of the late King Bhumibol be removed from government offices, private organizations, public places, or the peoples houses.

He said that, during this period, in particular, the portraits of His Majesty King Bhumibol should be displayed for all people to pay respects to. However, flags with royal ceremonial emblems for celebrations when the late King was still alive should be brought down in order to pay respects to him.
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Downtown Baton Rouge now has 10 electric car charging stations as part of another push to make the city more progressive and to lure green businesses to the Capital City.

Mayor-President Kip Holden announced the installation of the charging stations Monday, as Nissan Leaf electric vehicles and a Tesla flanked the public officials who pointed out the benefits of electric vehicles. Drivers who want to use the stations will have to pay regular parking meter fees, but can then charge their cars for up to four hours.

"Red Stick is going green," Holden said.

Two charging stations are on Lafayette Street near the IBM building, two more are on Lafayette Street near the Shaw Center for the Arts, two stations are on Main Street between North 5th and North 6th Street, two are on Louisiana Avenue between St. Ferdinand Street and St. Louis Street and two are in the 3rd Street Parking Garage.

Two months ago, none of Baton Rouge's electric car charging stations were downtown. They were near LSU and spread throughout south Baton Rouge. City-parish leaders said they hope to have 50 charging stations soon.

Entergy has been the lead sponsor of the downtown stations, giving a $75,000 grant for the purchase and installation of the program also being pushed by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.

BRAF Chief Executive Officer John Davies said that while people can speculate about the causes of climate change, people cannot argue that climate change has occurred. He referenced Baton Rouge's devastating floods in August, and said electric cars could cut down on fuel emissions that are thought to spur climate change.

"We're saying we want to do something about protecting future generations from the same fate we suffered a few weeks ago," Davies said.

+2 City Council backs several changes to promote electric cars in New Orleans The New Orleans City Council took several steps last week to promote the use of electric car

Ann Shaneyfelt, the executive director of Louisiana Clean Fuels, talked up the benefits of electric vehicles. She asked attendees at the Monday news conference to imagine never needing an oil change again.

Others said some of the benefits of electric cars are simpler. As noisy cars whirred by during the news conference, officials said that the noise would not be as much of a problem with electric cars.
If Jarret McCasland hopes to get relief from his second-degree murder conviction and life prison sentence in the 2013 heroin overdose in Baton
A Baton Rouge man who admitted injecting one of his best friends with heroin pleaded guilty Friday to drug charges stemming from the 42-year-o
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A 34-year-old Baton Rouge man begged Guy Koontz Jr.'s parents for forgiveness Monday before a state judge sentenced him to five years in prison in the 2014 heroin-related overdose death of their only child.

"We were a family. We were a threesome. Now we're just alone," Barbara Koontz told District Judge Bonnie Jackson as Marc Roussel and his attorney sat nearby.

Guy Koontz Jr.'s father, Guy Koontz, noted that he saw social media pictures of Roussel and his family spending time together last Christmas.

"Our son wasn't home for Christmas last year. He won't be home for Christmas ever again," the elder Koontz said in his victim impact statement.

When it was Roussel's time to speak, he turned and faced Koontz's parents and apologized for his role in the death of his 42-year-old friend and said he is not the same person he was back in February 2014.

"Today I'm asking for your forgiveness. It is my single biggest regret," he said of Koontz's death. "Mr. and Mrs. Koontz I'm begging you to please forgive me."

Jackson said it "boggles my mind" that anyone uses heroin.

"Heroin addiction kills a lot of people. Heroin is a terrible, terrible drug," she said. "I wish heroin wasn't the problem it is in this community and this country. Everybody who uses heroin knows somebody who has died from heroin."

The judge asked Koontz's parents to turn the tragedy of their son's death into a benefit for other families by speaking out about heroin and its deadly consequences.

Roussel, initially booked on a second-degree murder count in Koontz's death, was indicted later on charges of heroin possession and possession with intent to distribute heroin. He pleaded guilty to those charges in July.

Baton Rouge man pleads guilty to charges stemming from friend's heroin overdose A Baton Rouge man who admitted injecting one of his best friends with heroin pleaded guilty 

Jackson sentenced him to concurrent terms of five years in prison on the possession with intent to distribute count and four years on the possession charge.

Roussel's attorney, Jim Boren, asked the judge to give Roussel credit for the more than 18 months he spent in drug rehabilitation, but she said she was statutorily barred from doing so.

Roussel told police Koontz gave him money to buy heroin, and that he injected Koontz with the drug. Koontz was found dead in his home Feb. 27, 2014. He died with multiple drugs in his system. Police also discovered heroin in Roussel's home.

Jackson sentenced another Baton Rouge man, Brandon Eirick, to six years in prison last year in the 2013 heroin overdose death of his girlfriend, Leah Hutchinson, 31. Eirick, 32, who also was booked on a murder count but pleaded guilty to negligent homicide and heroin distribution charges, told police he bought heroin for Hutchinson but did not inject her. He and his girlfriend injected themselves, he told police.

Baton Rouge man sentenced for giving heroin to girlfriend, who died of an overdose A state judge likened heroin use to the deadly game of Russian roulette in sentencing a Bato

Earlier this year, state District Judge Don Johnson sentenced 27-year-old Jarret McCasland, of Denham Springs, to life in prison in the 2013 heroin overdose death of his girlfriend, Flavia Cardenas, 19. A pathologist testified at McCasland's trial that heroin directly caused her death, even though multiple drugs were found in her system.

Under a seldom used provision of Louisiana's second-degree murder statute, the ingestion of a controlled dangerous substance, such as heroin, must be the direct cause of death for a violation of the statute to occur.

McCasland is appealing his conviction and sentence.
A Baton Rouge man who admitted injecting one of his best friends with heroin pleaded guilty Friday to drug charges stemming from the 42-year-old mans 2014 overdose death.

Marc Roussel, was initially booked on second-degree murder but later indicted on charges of heroin possession and possession with intent to distribute heroin. He pleaded guilty to both drug counts in front of state District Judge Bonnie Jackson.

A pathologist found that Guy Koontz Jr. died with multiple drugs in his system. Under a rarely used provision of the states second-degree murder statute, the ingestion of some controlled dangerous substances, including heroin, must be the direct cause of death for a violation of the statute to occur.

Jackson will sentence Roussel on Oct. 17. He faces up to 50 years in prison on the possession with intent to distribute charge and up to 10 years behind bars on the possession count.

But Roussels attorney, Jim Boren, said a plea agreement calls for Roussel to be sentenced to five years with credit for any jail time previously served in the case. He is currently free on bail.

Boren said he will argue at the sentencing that Roussel also should be given credit for the considerable amount of time he has spent in drug treatment since his arrest in the death of Koontz.

East Baton Rouge Parish prosecutors contend Roussels time in drug treatment should not reduce his prison sentence.

Marc has struggled with drug addiction, Boren said afterward. He has been through a vigorous in-patient treatment program for more than 18 months.

Boren called Koontz one of Roussels best friends.

He has never felt anything but great remorse and sorrow because of that, Boren said outside Jacksons courtroom.

Prosecutor Robert Savage said in court that Roussel told police Koontz gave him money to buy heroin, and that Roussel injected him with the drug. Koontz was found dead Feb. 27, 2014, in his own home. Police found heroin at Roussels residence, Savage added.

Last year, Jackson sentenced Brandon Eirick, 32, to six years in prison in the 2013 heroin overdose death of his 31-year-old girlfriend. Eirick, of Baton Rouge, told police he bought heroin for Leah Hutchinson but did not inject her with the deadly drug. He and Hutchinson injected themselves, Eirick told authorities.

Baton Rouge man sentenced for giving heroin to girlfriend, who died of an overdose A state judge likened heroin use to the deadly game of Russian roulette in sentencing a Bato

Like Roussel, Eirick was booked on a second-degree murder count. But he was indicted on counts of manslaughter and heroin possession and later pleaded guilty to negligent homicide and heroin distribution.

Earlier this year, state District Judge Don Johnson sentenced Jarret McCasland, a 27-year-old Denham Springs man, to a mandatory term of life in prison in the 2013 heroin overdose death of his girlfriend, Flavia Cardenas, 19.

An East Baton Rouge Parish jury convicted McCasland last fall of second-degree murder after a pathologist testified heroin directly caused her death. McCaslands attorneys argue multiple drugs were found in Cardenas system, including cocaine, and that heroin was not the direct cause of her death.

McCasland is appealing his conviction and sentence.
Clyde Holloway, chairman of the Louisiana Public Service Commission and a former congressman, died at his home in Forest Hill Sunday night.

He was 72 and suffered from complications with pneumonia, said Karen Haymon, his longtime aide. Holloway is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cathie, his four children, nine grandchildren and six siblings.

Visitation will be held 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Elwood Baptist Church, 213 Elwood Road, Forest Hill. A funeral service will be held at the Forest Hill festival grounds in the center of town on Saturday at 11 a.m., followed by a private burial and public reception at Forest Hill Town Hall, 138 Blue Lake Road.

Holloway had been in ill health for several months, including a two-month stint in a Houston hospital over the summer, forcing him to miss meetings of the five-member board elected to regulate utilities, phone companies and intrastate trucking.

A true public servant, Clyde spent his life advocating on behalf of the state and people he loved, Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a statement. From the time that he began his career in his beloved hometown of Forest Hill, to representing Louisianas 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, and then ultimately serving as chairman of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, he always remained accessible and a powerful voice for his constituents.

His election to the PSC in 2009 made the Commission the first elected body in Louisiana with a Republican majority since Reconstruction. He chose not to run for reelection this fall, citing his failing health as the reason.

Mike Francis, of Lafayette, and Reldon Owens, of Alexandria, both Republicans, and Mary Werner, a Lake Charles Democrat, are vying to replace Holloway in the Nov. 8 election.

Holloway was at the vanguard of the states shift to conservative Republicanism when elected to the U.S. Congress in 1986.

I became a Republican because of Barry Goldwater, and Ronald Reagan inspired me to run for Congress, Holloway was fond of saying.

He was one of the forerunners of the Republican Party in Louisiana, PSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta said. He was an exceptionally gifted man.

Skrmetta, a Metairie Republican, noted determining how much a government board can oversee the business decisions of private companies, which the PSC does, often leads to intense debate. But Holloway kept the inevitable passion from turning into personal feuds and attacks.

We were always honest in our disagreements. But we always understood where we could agree and worked from that point, he said.

Commissioner Foster Campbell, of Bossier Parish, agreed. Clyde and I certainly had our differences, but I respected his devotion to his job and his family.

In the early 1980s, Holloway rose to prominence when he and others challenged a federal judge's order to close the public school in his hometown of Forest Hill. Holloway contended that a small community had a right to their own school. The efforts failed at the federal level.

The public school, which was eventually reopened as elementary school, named its mascot, a bulldog, Clyde.

A Lecompte native, Holloway owned and operated Holloway's Nursery, a business he started with his wife in the early 1970s.

He was elected in 1986 to represent Louisianas 8th Congressional District. In Congress, Holloway focused on agricultural issues and was considered very conservative, pushing for prayer in public schools and against free trade policies. He was in Washington until 1993, when the district was disbanded and its constituency merged with other districts because of the states loss of population. (Louisiana now has only six instead of eight congressmen.)

Holloway made five unsuccessful attempts to return to Congress as well as bids for governor and lieutenant governor.

Before being elected to the PSC, Holloway was the Louisiana State Director of Rural Development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture under President George W. Bush.

His PSC district includes much of central Louisiana and Acadiana, west of Lafayette Parish to the Texas border.

He pressed to allow utility companies to pay a premium for using clean renewable energy to make electricity.

We spent hours in the office working on that, Haymon recalled.

The idea was to support a burgeoning industry while providing cleaner processes. At the same time, Holloway pressed for an end of tax breaks for solar energy, arguing that it amounted to all customers subsidizing those rich enough to buy the panels for the homes.

He remained accessible to those he served and did his best by them. His voice and spirit will be missed, said Casey DeMoss, head of Alliance for Affordable Energy in New Orleans. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him. His service was inspiring.

"Louisiana lost a good man today, said Commissioner Scott Angelle.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holloway Hometown Legacy Fund at Red River Bank, P.O. Box 31, Forest Hill, to fund community benefit projects in and around the town.
Round one in the court fight between Louisiana's chief executive officer and the state's chief legal officer went Monday to the latter  Attorney General Jeff Landry.

In a setback for Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Baton Rouge judge refused to order Landry, a Republican, to approve state contracts that protect gays and lesbians from workplace discrimination.

Neither Edwards nor Landry were in the courtroom.

The attorney general issued a written statement later applauding state District Judge Don Johnson's "learned decision and judgment."

"All along, I have stated my intention to put Louisiana's best interests forward as I serve as the State's chief legal officer," Landry said. "I will not cower to executive overreach; rather, I will continue to defend our Constitution and the will of the people."

Edwards' spokesman, Richard Carbo, said in a statement that the judge's decision was not a ruling on the merits of the governor's executive order banning firms contracting with the state from discriminating against any employee based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

"The governor is reviewing his options, but he will not let this issue distract from the important issues facing our state today, nor will he allow state operations to be crippled by the injection of politics into the process of approving legal counsel," Carbo said.

The governor's executive counsel, Matthew Block, told Johnson he will ask the state 1st Circuit Court of Appeal to review the judge's decision.

Landry considers the executive order's language as outside of state law.

John Bel Edwards support continues for LGBT executive order Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards plans to issue an executive order that aims to protect gay, lesb

In what Johnson called an unprecedented move, Edwards sued Landry late last month over the attorney general's refusal to approve several dozen state contracts that protect gays and lesbians from workplace discrimination.

Edwards asked the judge in the lawsuit to order Landry to approve the contracts. Johnson denied that request and dismissed the suit.

+3 Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry rejects contracts that include workplace protections Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry rejected 31 state contracts because they included lan

In his ruling following arguments from both sides, the judge could not help but comment on the governor's and attorney general's "inability to agree" and said the matter "could have been resolved between themselves."

Chester Cedars, a lawyer for Landry, argued earlier Monday that the attorney general has "a great deal of discretion" when it comes to approving the hiring of private attorneys for numerous state agencies.

"We believe the exclusive authority to appoint attorneys  rests with the attorney general," Cedars told Johnson.

Donald Price, one of the governor's attorneys, referred to Landry's "alleged discretion" and told the judge that the attorney general has "acted outside the realm" of the performance of his public duties.

Liz Murrill, director of the Attorney General's civil division, argued Edwards is not a party to the state contracts in question and has no authority to challenge Landry's power to appoint private lawyers.

"The governor isn't the boss of everyone and everything," she said bluntly.

Landry has noted that state lawmakers have repeatedly declined to carve out special protections for gay people.

Edwards has said Landry is "on the wrong side of the law and the wrong side of history on this issue."

Landry is considered a possible challenger to Edwards in the 2019 gubernatorial race.
In Louisiana, if a public college or university wants to raise its tuition, two-thirds of the members of the Legislature have to sign off on the increase. It's a standard that LSU President F. King Alexander has called "the death knell" of such legislation.

It's the highest threshold for any state in the nation. Most states leave it up to higher education leaders to set tuition. Florida is the only other state that requires legislative approval, but with a simple majority.

This November, voters will be asked whether to change the rules and let Louisiana's higher education boards and institutions make those decisions for themselves.

Higher education officials say the ability to control their own tuition rates is critical, as the state-funded portion of their budgets has been dramatically slashed over the past nine years. Since 2008, higher education has lost 55 percent of its state funding, largely supplanting those lost dollars with higher tuition and fees for students.

Opponents of the change say legislative oversight ensures that tuition, which already has doubled over the same period of time for many schools, doesn't continue to skyrocket, pricing many students out of attending college.

The measure will appear on ballots this Nov. 8 as Constitutional Amendment No. 2.

Alexander noted that tuition and state funds are the two primary sources of revenue for any public higher education institution, and that Louisiana higher education leaders don't have control of either one.

"We have to have control of our own destiny," he said.

LSU has among the lowest per-student funding of all 50 flagship state schools in the country. Alexander said that's because the school has both low tuition and low state funding.

Louisiana divested state dollars from higher education at a faster rate than any other state in the country during the administration of former Gov. Bobby Jindal.

Alexander said if the state is not going to restore state revenue for public education, then schools like LSU need tuition flexibility to stay competitive.

He said university leaders will base tuition decisions on market rates to ensure they don't lose students, whereas legislators may vote for what's politically expedient. "We know our markets better than politicians do, and we know our breaking points," he said.

But state Sen. Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge, said she wants the Legislature to retain its oversight over tuition.

"This is not a move in the right direction," she said. "While I've heard the argument several times that the universities will not outprice themselves, I do believe they could raise tuition (to the point) where, in fact, some young people can't afford to go to college."

She acknowledged that universities are being squeezed financially on both ends, but she said revenue increases should not come "on the backs of students."

Joseph Rallo, the state higher education commissioner for the Board of Regents, said that realistically, most schools besides LSU and Louisiana Tech are unlikely to see continued increases in tuition.

"Your institution attracts a certain type of student, and if you're at the top of tuition and fees, it's counterproductive and you're going to lose students," he said. But he added that Louisiana schools are still paying below the average rate compared to other schools around the country.

While typically Louisiana public universities needed a two-thirds legislative vote to increase tuition, they have been operating since 2010 under the Louisiana GRAD Act, which allowed for some tuition increases.

Under that law, schools that met annual academic benchmarks for graduation rates and retention were allowed to raise their tuition by 10 percent a year, to offset cuts in state funding.

For the past two years, the Legislature also granted schools freedom to raise student fees  which also typically require legislative approval.

TOPS bills to lock in current amounts, isolate awards from tuition increases move forward Louisiana lawmakers signed off on a variety of changes to the popular TOPS scholarships and 

However, both the fee autonomy and the GRAD Act increases have ended. So if voters reject the constitutional amendment, schools will lose the limited autonomy they've enjoyed in recent years.
In a year when being a political outsider is touted as a badge of honor for many candidates seeking elected offices, Foster Campbell embraces criticism from opponents that he's a "career politician."

Campbell has held elected office for 41 years. He had seven consecutive terms as a state senator before term limits. And since 2003, he has been on the Public Service Commission, the body that regulates utilities, phone companies and intrastate trucking.

Campbell, who is running against 23 others for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by David Vitter, said his longevity in office is nothing to shy away from because his positions have given him the ability over the years to help people and enact changes he otherwise wouldn't have been able to accomplish.

"She would tell me, 'Don't use the word "politician." ' She would say, 'public servant,'  the 69-year-old Campbell said in an interview, gesturing to a member of his campaign staff. "But I'm not afraid of the word 'politician' because I've been in politics, and I'm proud of what I've done. I'm damn proud of it."

Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, whose election last fall surprised many in this Republican-dominated state, has endorsed Campbell, a Bossier Parish Democrat in the populist tradition.

Political roles

Often combative, sometimes profane, Campbell touts his record of fighting for "the little guy" even when it pits him against powerful business interests and other influential lobbying groups.

A graduate of Bossier High School and Northwestern State University, Campbell was a schoolteacher in Plain Dealing in the early 1970s. He says that work, before he began his political career, helped shape his views on public education.

When he was a state senator, he helped pass a law that created an endowment fund for the Bossier Parish school system with money from gaming revenues. The school fund has about $43 million today.

He later re-created the success of that program with all schools in the state. After Louisiana sued cigarette companies in the late 1990s, Campbell sponsored legislation to use $1 billion of the state's tobacco settlement to create another endowment, which allocates interest earnings to schools in every parish and also helps fund the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, the college tuition scholarship better known as TOPS.

As an elected member of the Public Service Commission, Campbell challenged powerful sheriffs to eliminate many of the fees tacked onto phone calls inmates make from parish jails.

PSC probing rates for inmate phone calls Every time a Louisiana prison inmate picks up a telephone and places a call, its money in t

Sheriffs receive a cut of those fees, and some of their offices have come to rely on that revenue. The lawmen and their lawyers showed up in force every time Campbell brought up the issue before his often reluctant colleagues on the commission. Aside from ministers and bishops, few were willing to champion the convicts' families, who are usually lower-income.

Commissioner concerned about jail phones rate reduction The Public Service Commission debated internally whether to reconsider a controversial decis

"If a person in jail wants to talk to his wife or kids or grandkids, I think he ought to be able to do it," Campbell said. "I believe in rehabilitation, and I believe communication helps."

Ultimately, the commission limited some of the costs.

Although Campbell represents northern Louisiana on the commission, he said he also has a record of fighting for the interests of residents in the southern part of the state. After Hurricane Katrina, he used a sensational photograph of a room filled with snakes to help lobby the Federal Communications Commission, which directly regulates cellphones (the state commission regulates landlines), into sending $39 million in phones, free minutes and communications improvements.

And after the floods in south Louisiana this summer, Campbell wrote the FCC to push the cause of people who had cellphone overage charges during the emergency. Verizon provided free service for a week, and AT&T waived overage charges for a week.

Campbell said he's deeply worried about global warming and Louisiana's eroding coastline. He wants to hold industries accountable for helping protect the state's natural resources, he said.

+2 Foster Campbell endorsed by environmentalists in US Senate bid Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Foster Campbell on Thursday picked up the endorsements of t

In 2007, when he ran as a long-shot candidate for governor, the centerpiece of his campaign was his support for a $5.5 billion tax on oil and natural gas that comes from outside of the state but is processed in Louisiana.

"I'm not one to worry about big business," he said. "Im worried about working people and how to make the state better for them."

Campbell said big businesses and industry lobbyists with deep pockets have too much influence over state legislators and politicians.

"Politicians are scared of them," he said. "I like oil companies. I like the jobs they produce, but they have gotten away with a lot down here that they shouldn't have gotten away with, and they need to be made to pay their fair share. And friendly politicians have helped them bend the rules."

Donations from industry

But Campbell, as a member of the Public Service Commission, accepts many donations from the utility companies he regulates, says his chief Democratic rival, Caroline Fayard, a New Orleans lawyer.

Campbell has said there should be laws to prevent people from taking money from the groups they regulate, but that without donations, only the wealthy who could self-finance their campaigns could run for office.

The Public Service Commission is a five-member elected board that oversees what customers pay for electricity. But the commission generates little interest from the public, aside from the 200 or so high-priced lawyers and lobbyists with a stake in the outcome of complex debates where engineering and high finance intersect.

Campbell's campaign also says that despite the donations he has received from companies like Entergy and telecommunications companies, he has opposed measures the companies sponsored and pushed measures the corporations opposed.

In 2013, New Orleans-based Entergy Corp., which sells electricity to about half the states customers, asked for a rate increase. Campbell pushed for the company to instead lower its guaranteed profit margin, which reduced utility bills for many, he said.

Fayard has pointed out that Campbell has received money from Tommy Sparks, the CEO of the Greater Ouachita Water Co. Some customers are suing the company because of concern that the disturbing brown water that comes from their faucets is not safe.

Campbell's team noted that although Sparks donated $7,000 to him, the company, which is regulated by the commission, still has been pressured to spend more than $17 million in sewer upgrades to address the water problems by replacing wastewater pumps, and improving sewer infrastructure and carbon filters.

Priorities for the Senate

Campbell said that if he wins the Senate seat, he intends to fight for a minimum wage increase. He said in Louisiana, the minimum wage should start at $10 per hour but be scaled up to $12 per hour within the next few years.

He said he will fight for paid maternity leave and for more funding for K-12 education in states like Louisiana, where he believes the needs are greater because of deeper poverty. He also wants to increase industry regulations to combat global warming and encourage more clean-energy options, such as solar and wind power.

Campbell is an avid hunter with a collection of guns. He said he strictly opposes additional regulations on gun owners.

He said that during his years in office, he often has been on the losing side of battles but that he's never been on the wrong side. And he said he intends to continue to fight for the little guy in Washington, D.C.

"I've been criticized and I've been laughed at, but I'm right," Campbell said.

Early voting for the Nov. 8 election begins Oct. 25 and continues through Nov. 1. Should no candidate win a majority on Nov. 8, the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, will face off in a Dec. 10 runoff.
New Orleans police investigate a body found in an Audubon Park lagoon Monday, Oct. 10, 2016 near the Perrier Street entrance off Calhoun Street in New Orleans.
The ACT has likely elected a record proportion of women to the Legislative Assembly, a result that has been hailed as a remarkable breakthrough in the territory's political diversity.

Although the result is still far from final, trends in the current count suggest a likely total of 13 women in the 25-member ninth Legislative Assembly.

Liberal candidate Elizabeth Lee is one of a likely record proportion of women in the new ACT Legislative Assembly. Credit:Karleen Minney

That could present the ACT's parliament with its first ever female majority.
Yerrabi voters have largely welcomed the re-election of a Labor-Green coalition and the resultant construction of a tram line to the city.

"Yes, because of the traffic congestion between the city and Gungahlin. I don't think I would use the tram, but [it will mean] less people travel in their cars." David Song, Crace. Credit:Jay Cronan

Returned Chief Minister Andrew Barr described Saturday's result as a vote for trams and has signalled that a contract for the second stage of the project will be signed in the next term of government.

Labor's success was particularly marked in Yerrabi, with Gungahlin to benefit from the first stage of light rail.
Margaret Matthews' proudest achievement is that her children haven't slipped through the cracks. She talks about a university degree that one of them started, how another worked at a fast food outlet in her teens to help support herself, how another, even though he dropped out of school at 14, went on to finish year 12. She's always done it tough. When her first husband died in 1978 she had three young children under eight; her family expanded during another relationship in the 1980s, welcoming four more children. By 1990, when that relationship ended, Ms Matthews had seven children under 19. In 1992 she had another son. The former public servant has not worked since 1978. Margaret Matthews, who accessed emergency aid through St John's Care, with St John's Care director Stuart Davis-Meehan. Credit:Elesa Kurtz "When my youngest daughter was 16 I thought I could get back into the workforce, but I didn't have the computer skills, I wasn't familiar with technology, so much had changed," she said. "And I was 54, I didn't have youth on my side, if I went for a job as a housemaid or a kitchen hand, my age would have affected my ability to do the job as well."

She was also suffering from anxiety and stress, and went on a disability pension. Now 66, she is on the aged pension and living in public housing. Her eldest son died earlier this year and another of her sons, now in his 40s and who lost his partner in 2011, has lived with his mother on and off for the past five years. One thing Ms Matthews has learnt is that you should never be too proud to ask for help. She turned to Anglicare about 10 years ago for help with things such as food and toiletries, the occasional bill. Anti-Poverty Week runs until October 22, highlighting the plight of Canberra's poor. St John's Care Director, Stuart Davis-Meehan, said he was shocked by the level of homelessness in Canberra when he moved here about 12 months ago. "There's somewhere between 1700 and 2000 people in the ACT who have been homeless in the past month, and there are so many people living week to week. It doesn't take much for the wheels to fall off." He said housing affordability and domestic violence were crucial problems for the community to consider when addressing homelessness.
The local sharemarket looks set to open flat to slightly weaker after US and European markets drifted down overnight.

Wall Street: There's not a huge amount to inspire this morning, with the S&P 500 drifting modestly lower on light volumes (18 per cent below the 30-day average), although price is still holding above the key 2116 level. Small losses seen in the discretionary, telco and financial space, despite Bank of America trying it best to keep the space in positive territory after reporting above-consensus numbers in both top and bottom line earnings and reporting strong client activity. On Wall Street, the Dow fell 0.3%, S&P 500 -0.3%, Nasdaq -0.3%. US earnings: US equity futures have done very little in after-hours trade, with numbers from IBM (a 5.8 per cent weighting on Dow futures) failing to drive the broader futures market. IBM is now trading slightly lower in the after-hours as I write, despite reporting its biggest third-quarter earnings beat in five years. Netflix on the other hand has absolutely blown expectations for domestic net subscriber (Q3 and Q4) out of the park, with price up a lazy 20 per cent in after-hours trading. Local market moves: Locally, we see the the Asian equity markets opening on a flat to slightly negative note, with the Nikkei the likely underperformer due to the pullback below 104 in the US dollar/yen. The bears were in control of the move yesterday in the ASX 200, so it will be interesting to see if sellers emerge after the unwinding of the pre-market auction at 10.10am AEDT. SPI futures up 3 points, or 0.1 per cent, to 5372. Momentum is favoured to the downside in the Aussie index though and an interesting catalyst today should be seen in the Chinese yuan (CNY) fixing at 12.15pm AEDT and moves in the Australian 10-year government bond as well. Also keep an eye on RBA governor Philip Lowe's comments at 8.10am AEDT on a speech titled Inflation and Monetary Policy. Aussie fixed income: While the ASX materials and financials sector show little in the way of focus on the Australian bond market, it's interesting to see the utility, REITS and telco sectors are moving inversely to yield almost tick-for-tick. One suspects then if we see buyers in Aussie fixed-income today, in line with moves in the US bond market, then we may see some buying in these yield sensitive sectors too. London: Staying in the index space and as a trade, I'd be keeping an eye on the FTSE 100, with price failing last week to break the 2015 highs on a weekly basis and clear divergence seen with the oscillators, suggesting the highs have been seen for now and a pullback could be on the cards. The British pound/US dollar cross has held firm, although to be fair we haven't really seen much in the way of volatility in foreign exchange markets, with a tight range in the Aussie/US dollar ($US0.7581 to $US0.7633) and US dollar/Japanese yen (103.79 to 104.40), with the US dollar ultimately flat on the session. For the FTSE to push through the 7130 level we are going to need to see a new leg down in GBP/USD, but while the trend suggests this is a possibility, I think there are risks to the upside given the whole world is short to the hilt. For index traders, I would very cautious on the FTSE for now. In Europe, Stoxx 50 -0.5%, FTSE -0.9%, CAC -0.5%, DAX -0.7%. Commodities: The low intra-ranges have also extended into commodity markets, which won't surprise, although good buying has been seen again in the spot iron ore market, with price gaining 1.9 per cent to $US58.30. Iron ore (Dalian) futures are probably the leading light though and they fell 1.9 per cent, so the chances are spot iron ore will settle lower later today. Iron ore inventories are building though and threatening to test the year's highest levels, so one should expect prices to stay in this price range for some time. Oil prices have moved a touch lower, with focus on Libya and Iran output quota, while the Baker Hughes US rig count also increased a further four rigs to 432 (up 36 per cent since May). However, I wouldn't read too much into this overnight news flow, but it does seems that oil is in need of a fresh catalyst to push it through the June highs. Local data: RBA October meeting minutes, ABS new motor vehicle sales (Sept.), NZ Q3 CPI. Overseas data: Hong Kong unemployment (Sept.); European Central Bank bank lending survey; UK inflation (Sept.); US consumer prices (Sept.), US NAHB homebuilder confidence (Oct.) and Treasury net international capital flows (Aug.)

What happened yesterday

A cautious start to the week for the Australian sharemarket quickly turned sour after a Chinese raid on Crown Resorts sent shares in casino operators around the region sharply lower.

At close of trade, the ASX 200 was 45 points, or 0.8 per cent, lower at 5388.7, closing below 5400 for the first time in almost a month.

The ASX is set to break through 5900 today. Credit:Peter Braig

This column was produced in commercial partnership

between Fairfax Media and IG
A jury has been discharged in the trial of a former technology company director who is accused of defrauding his company of $9 million and then transferring substantial sums to high profile bookmaker Tom Waterhouse.

Andrew Sigalla, a former director of Sydney-based listed technology company TZ Ltd, was due to stand trial in the NSW Supreme Court on Monday on 24 charges of fraud.

Andrew Sigalla leaves the Supreme Court during his trial last year. Credit:Michaela Whitbourn

"Absolutely not guilty," he said loudly in the dock after the charges against him were read out.

But just before the trial was about to begin, the jury was discharged.
Fairfax Media has learnt that police are preparing to charge the 18 Crown employees arrested across China with organising gambling activities for mainland nationals overseas. Crown's Shanghai-based administration assistant Jiang "Jenny" Ling and her husband, American expatriate Jeff Sikkema. Sources familiar with the investigation told Fairfax Media the line of inquiry has focused on the sales and marketing activities of the 18 staff of James Packer's casino empire, and the inducement and facilitation for Chinese nationals to travel to Australia to gamble. "Under our country's laws, it is not just gambling and opening casinos in China which fall under gambling crimes," said one source, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of revealing aspects of an ongoing investigation. "If you organise or introduce our country's citizens to go overseas to gamble, if it's more than 10 people then you will face criminal liability." The head of Crown's international VIP program, Jason O'Connor.

The revelations are damaging for Crown, and raise serious questions over the risks to which it has subjected its China-based staff by having them operate right on the fringes of what is legal in the country in order to lure lucrative high-rollers from mainland China. Foreign casinos have often skirted the law by promoting the resorts and cities where their gaming venues are located. But police have seized the mobile phones and computers of all 18 staff. Crown Resorts employee David Dai Bin has been detained by Chinese authorities. On any given week, Crown assists as many as 20 individuals with applying for Australian visas in Shanghai alone. The sources said it is more likely than not that Crown's China staff, who are aggressively incentivised through a commission-based system to land Chinese 'whales' at their casino's baccarat tables, would have openly discussed casino facilities and arranged seven-figure lines of credit for their customers. The seriousness of potential charges will vary according to the case of each employee, and was subject to further investigation, one of the sources said. Lawyers for Crown Resorts were scheduled to hold their first meeting with the families of employees detained in mainland China on Monday afternoon, amid suggestions at least one employee, Shanghai-based administration assistant Jiang Ling, has been coerced into a sleep-deprived "confession" that she had accompanied Chinese nationals to Crown's casinos in Australia.

The employee's husband, American expatriate Jeff Sikkema, has been at pains to emphasise to Chinese authorities that the nature of her job was purely administrative and distinguishable from the marketing activities of others. She had never travelled to Australia, he said. Most of the arrests have centred in Shanghai, including the most senior executive caught up in the arrests, head of International VIP Jason O'Connor. Also detained are Alfread Gomez, Carol Wu and "David" Dai Bin, among others scattered across Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Zhejiang. All were rounded up at their homes in late night police raids on Thursday. Market hammering James Packer was, until last week, one of Australia's loudest advocates for Australian political and business ties, having criticised previous governments for not doing enough to smooth Chinese relations and court Chinese business. But on Monday, news of the crisis resulting in Crown's share price plunging 14 per cent, slicing half a billion dollars from Packer's wealth and at the same time placing a question mark over billions of dollars of capital he has earmarked to expand his empire.

Speculation doing the rounds with industry insiders is that the crisis was triggered after Crown attempted to collect $15 million in gambling debts from one of its Chinese high-rollers in Melbourne. It also comes amid broader of context of China's anti-corruption campaign and a desire to stem illicit capital outflows coursing through underground banks and casinos. As the 72-hour deadline under the consular services charter neared, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said China had notified the Australian government of the detention of three Australian citizens in Shanghai. Loading "Consular officials in Shanghai are making arrangements to visit the Australians to offer appropriate assistance, all of who have legal representation provided by their employer," she said in a statement on Monday.
The Australian dollar has risen against the greenback on stronger oil and commodity prices. At noon on Monday, the local unit was trading at 75.97 US cents, up from 75.77 cents on Friday.

OANDA Australia and Asia Pacific senior trader Stephen Innes says the Aussie is remarkably strong and rebounding, despite US dollar gaining against most major currencies.

The dollar is strong.

He said the Aussie was being supported by stable oil and commodity prices, along with diminished market hopes of another Reserve Bank rate cut this year.

"I guess the big question for the commodity basket of currencies which are trading on the heels of risk sensitivity is: will the current risk rally continue, especially with last week's horrible China trade data still lingering," Mr Innes said in a note.
The sludge from the collapsed dam took three weeks to travel 280 miles down the River Doce and into the Atlantic Ocean. In the days following the dam burst, the sharpest questions were directed at Samarco's owners, FTSE 100 company BHP Billiton, and Brazilian mining giant Vale, which each hold a 50 per cent stake in the company. "It was very interesting seeing the first statements: Vale denying ownership and responsibility, while BHP did the opposite," says Richard Knights, a mining analyst at Liberum. BHP CEO Andrew MacKenzie flew to Brazil and later spoke of his "deep sorrow". Credit:Philip Gostelow BHP's chief executive, Scottish-born Andrew Mackenzie, called a press conference at the Anglo Australian company's headquarters in Melbourne, before flying to Brazil to visit the scene. He later spoke of his "deep sorrow" over the "heartbreaking" disaster: "We are doing the best we can to right these wrongs."

Mackenzie's opposite number at Vale, Murilo Ferreira, took a more taciturn approach. Vale told the press that, as it did not manage Samarco, it should not take the lead in cleaning up the mess. Vale is one of Brazil's biggest companies, and the world's largest producer of iron ore, but like BHP and others in the industry, its profits have been pummelled by falling commodity prices. At least one group is planning to demonstrate outside BHP's London AGM this week. Credit:Eddie Jim We lost the fillet of our land, the gem of the earth - what was good is gone. Brazilian dairy farmer Clodoardo Carneiro Protesters quickly descended on Vale's offices in Rio de Janeiro, smearing its walls in mud and daubing the slogan: "Vale kills." The sludge from the collapsed dam took three weeks to travel 280 miles down the River Doce and into the Atlantic Ocean. The deluge could have been much worse, but for the presence of another dam 50 miles downstream, which caught much of the spill.

The dam collapse killed 19 people and is considered to be Brazil's worst environmental disaster. Credit:AP Almost 8000 fishermen have sued Samarco for loss of livelihood, claiming at least 25,000 reais ($10,277) each along with aid and benefits."The River Doce used to produce a lot of fish. As well as being contaminated now, it has hit our livelihoods," says Luis Henrique Santa Cruz, 48. The miners are quick to point out that the spill from Fundao was non-toxic. Fish were killed by the density of the deluge, rather than its composition. But while studies suggest the fish population is returning, fishermen say no amount of money will make up for what was lost. Around 700 people were made homeless; roads and bridges were swept away; and 2000 hectares (4900 acres) of farmland was swamped. Credit:AP Some of those involved in the claim against Samarco are from the downstream town of Barra Longa, where more than 100 homes were flooded.

Samarco, backed by BHP and Vale, has been on site since the accident and has restored the homes as well as regenerating a public square near the river. The town will be handed back on the day of the anniversary of the accident, in three weeks. The company has also been working with farmers to plant fast-growing crops and provide them with silage until their land recovers. For all the anguish that Samarco has caused, in Mariana many people are desperate for the mine to restart. Credit:AP However, three communities were so badly destroyed that they will be rebuilt on another plot of land. Within weeks of the disaster, BHP and Vale commissioned a report into the cause of the dam's failure by New York law firm Cleary Gottlieb. The study, released in August, found that tweaks to the design resulted in water seeping into the infrastructure and "liquefying" the dam's defences. A number of small earthquakes on the day exacerbated its collapse. The report stopped short of assigning blame for the accident. Dean Dalla Valle, the BHP executive charged with overseeing its response in Brazil, insists the company has the scale of the tragedy foremost in its mind as it negotiates compensation.

"We never let that get too far from our thinking," he says. "We treat people how we would want to be treated ourselves." It is now working to shore up the dam before the next rainy season. In March, before Cleary Gottlieb's report, BHP, Vale and Samarco struck a deal with the Brazilian government to pay at least 5 billion ($8 billion) to fund the Renova Foundation, which will restore the environment. But the deal has been suspended by the courts while they consider a separate, 39 billion civil suit lodged by the Federal Public Prosecution Service, based on the damages paid out by BP following Deepwater Horizon. BHP has set aside 1.7 billion so far to pay for Samarco, but admits that cost could spiral. "BHP is very confident that its initial settlement will prevail," says Knights. "But the Brazilian legal system is a minefield."

Many expect the 39 billion number will be bartered down. For all the anguish that Samarco has caused, in Mariana many people are desperate for the mine to restart. Israel Quirino, chief of staff to the mayor, says the town has seen a 40 per cent fall in tax revenue since Samarco's suspension. "The greatest impact is social, caused by unemployment that leads to an increase in urban violence and demands for education and health from a population that has lost its source of income," he adds. Sergio Alvarenga de Moura, of mining union Metabase, says its 5000 workers in Mariana - many of whom have been laid off - are "as much the victims as the most affected". "But the treatment is different. It's not as adequate," he adds. While his group is locked in a battle over redundancies, his members believe the business must go on. "They have to fix the river and build houses and they will only be able to do this if they restart operations," de Moura says. "The city isn't structured for another economic activity."

Not everyone is keen for Samarco to be restarted. MAB, a group that campaigns against dams in Brazil, opposes the rebuilding of Fundao and plans to demonstrate outside BHP's London AGM this week. But the restart of Samarco, saddled with $3.8 billion of debt, is "not assured", Dalla Valle warns. "Technically, it can happen quite quickly but a number of approvals are needed. We'd need to look at what the costs would be. We can't sign blank cheques." The mining industry was reeling even before Samarco sent shock waves around the world. Commodity prices plunged in 2015 as demand in China cooled, pushing companies to massive losses. This year has seen a steady improvement in prices, yet the appetite for building new mines has all but evaporated. Miners are reluctant to make multibillion-dollar investments in a fragile market; one senior executive argues that public hostility to mines in most parts of the world would, in any case, make such projects very difficult. Where they are expanding, companies are adding capacity at mines they already own. BHP has shared the findings of Cleary Gottlieb with the wider industry, hoping it will improve practices worldwide.

"This will advance the science of tailings dams - it will make them safer globally," says Dalla Valle. For Brazil, battling a long recession and political upheaval, Samarco poses questions about oversight, safety and its relationship with mining. Yet while the government has been swift to impose penalties, and civil cases against Samarco employees are pending, critics have argued that reforms will be ineffective while regulators are understaffed. An overhaul of the mining code has sparked fears that Brazil will ditch a requirement for projects to seek environmental licences. "Making environmental permits discretionary will just make disasters like Samarco more likely to happen," says Fabiana Alves, of Greenpeace. Meanwhile, Vale plans to build more dams in Minas Gerais, including one in Itabirito that will have a capacity of 100 million cubic metres, and stand just a few hundred metres from a complex of 65 homes. Residents are afraid they would have less than a minute to get to safety if the dam were to break. Vale says all its dams meet legal requirements. "We design, deploy and operate our dams according to advanced engineering techniques and best international practices," says a spokesman.
Property spruiker Jamie McIntyre has been banned from corporate life and offering financial services for a decade as part of corporate regulator ASIC crackdown on land banking.

In the Federal Court on Monday Justice Bromwich banned McIntyre and his brother Dennis from company directorships over their involvement in a string of land banking schemes across Victoria and in Townsville into which mum and dad investors had tipped millions of dollars.

Decade ban: 21st Century Group chief executive Jamie McIntyre. Credit:Wayne Taylor

He said liquidators had failed to locate more than $7 million outlaid on controversial options on five schemes earmarked for sites on the outskirts of Melbourne, Bendigo and Townsville.

Justice Bromwich found that the land banking projects were unregistered managed investment schemes, and that McIntyre and his brother Dennis, and their companies, had unlawfully conducted an unlicensed financial services business.
Australia's biggest business organisation has distanced itself from claims the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership will create hundreds of thousands of jobs and be a "gigantic foundation stone" for Australia's future.

The claims, made by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Washington and in Canberra in an attempt to win support for the 12-nation deal, were dismissed by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in evidence to a Parliamentary inquiry on Monday.

ACCI argued the agreement did not mandate free trade and had not been assessed by an independent authority such as the Productivity Commission.

ACCI's director of trade Bryan Clark told the hearing the deal with Australia, the United States and 10 other nations was a "preferential" rather than a "free" trade agreement, and would add to rather than remove the complex web of rules that distorted international trade.
Soul-searching is never easy. For the Canberra Liberals, whose vote shrank by 2.6 per cent in an election most analysts thought would favour them more than their Labor opponents, the introspection will be particularly painful.

Jeremy Hanson put a brave face on the outcome on Sunday, declaring that "there's [not] much more that we could have done ... we had great candidates  we took great policies to the election, and the campaign was fantastic". However, in a clear nod towards the fact that carping had begun, Mr Hanson said that he'd be prepared to stand down as leader if he thought it in the party's best interest.

Any official post-mortem will start from the premise that 2016 represented perhaps the party's best chance in 15 years to escape the political wilderness. Labor was burdened by perceptions that it had been in power too long (both for its own and the public's good), that its management of Territory finances, public schools and hospitals had been ordinary at best, and that it has overseen excessive increases in government fees, charges and services.

The Liberals put opposition to light rail at the heart of their campaign, along with a promise to rein in rates increases. It had little alternative in retrospect, having declared its intention to tear up existing contracts if it won office. Bread and butter issues, however, were given equal if not greater prominence in a strategy designed to exploit perceptions of Labor's arrogance while reassuring voters of the Liberals' commitment to better public transport, healthcare and schools.
Yet the decision to move away from hormonal birth control is a controversial one. When I did so, I found myself being labelled as ignorant, naive, uninformed, stupid and overly sensitive.

Teenage girls taking combination birth control pills (oestrogen and progestin) were 80 per cent more likely to be prescribed an antidepressant, while those taking progestin-only pills were 120 per cent more likely to be prescribed antidepressants. Author and clinical professor Ojvind Lidegaard told Time that "women who develop depression after starting on oral contraceptives should consider this use as a contributing factor".

The science to back this up is just starting to come out. Earlier this month Time published findings from a study conducted by the University of Copenhagen on 1 million women and found the rate of antidepressants being prescribed for those taking hormonal birth control increased by 40 per cent when compared with those not taking the drug.

A woman's relationship with her body can have the power to define her. The choice to take hormonal birth control is frequently associated with sexual liberation, yet every energetic function a woman has is altered by it in ways that she was unaware of, and never consented to.

I started on the pill as a form of contraception when I was 17, and although I experienced an eating disorder, IBS, anxiety and depression, I didn't think to stop taking it until I was 27. Nor did any doctor suggest I do so. Coming off the drug was like waking from a nightmare I didn't know I was having until it ended. During the process of "withdrawal" I was forced to work through a fever, which induced fainting, congested skin, headaches and acute period pain.

Now that I'm pill-free I see that the daily tension, confusion, anxiety and lingering rage that I experienced while taking the drug wasn't mine. When I went to the GP, all pill-related problems led to pill-related solutions and, seemingly, there was no way out.

Meanwhile, others were paving the way to less-invasive alternatives. The Fifth Vital Sign introduced me to the Fertility Awareness Method, which keeps a woman attuned to her body's natural cycles. Using this, I came to understand that I'm fertile for up to five days a month, an egg lives for 24 hours and sperm survive for three to five days. This alerts me to when I can have sex without the possibility of becoming pregnant, and when I can't. A period-tracker app helps me keep tabs on this, as does keeping an eye on my cervical fluid and body temperature.

A book called The Optimised Woman by Miranda Gray elaborates on what to expect physically, mentally and emotionally during each phase of the hormonal cycle and how best to harness the different qualities. I now know the best time for socialising and networking is when I'm ovulating, and the best time for a bath and switching on Swoon is when I'm menstruating. Some may laugh, but it's empowering information to have when the biological reality you've been given is this one.

Perhaps the social and political weight of a woman's body can be turned into something positive. If the choices she's making about what goes inside her have such extensive repercussions, she holds a lot of power. She can not only change how others define her, but how she chooses to define herself.
An electric bus system in our outer suburbs Those who oppose the building of a light rail in Canberra are right to do so. The population would be better served by an extensive electric bus system that takes advantage of recent advances in battery technology. This would allow these buses to run silently, without the need for the ugly infrastructure that accompanies trams and light rails. Melbourne, too, would be better served to follow suit in its outer regions. Electric buses may consume a little more energy than trams and light rail (due to the friction between the rubber tyres and bitumen), but this is offset by other advantages. Electric buses are quieter and less rigid than their fixed-rail counterparts, and able to negotiate vehicles blocking their path. Phillip Schemnitz, architect, St Kilda More trains and trams Improving trams speeds at busy intersections will not improve their carrying capacity or reduce the wait between trams. This can be up to 20minutes at off-peak times on some lines. Building more apartments near tram and train lines in the hope of reducing road congestion and avoiding building new infrastructure is madness if it is not matched by more public transport. Given that the Andrews government is reaping extra money from the building of apartments (The Age, 14/10), it should double its meagre order of newtrams and trains.

Olivia Manor, Coburg Is anyone listening? Another article denigrating cyclists (Comment, 17/10). These only serve to promote a spurious us-and-them mentality ("See, even cyclists hate cyclists"), while ignoring the vulnerability of those who ride. Well, I am a motorist  and a cyclist  and I hate drivers who tailgate, fail to indicate, overtake when it is unsafe to do so, try to squeeze through spaces too small for their cars, ignore traffic signals and generally behave like drongos. I particularly hate it when I see them drive their cars at vulnerable road users. Does my saying this help change anything? I doubt it. Mark Minchinton, West Footscray Double standards

Cabinet Secretary Arthur Sinodinos has attacked Labor's choice of former union official Kimberley Kitching to replace Stephen Conroy in the Senate (The Age, 17/10). Is this the same Arthur Sinodinos who lost his memory  and broke the world record for saying "I don't recall"  under questioning at the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry? Glass houses. Ian Maddison, Parkdale Inbuilt disadvantage We sympathise with Tony O'Connor's concerns about the Victorian government's abrupt changes to University High School's enrolment boundaries. However, we cannot agree entirely that entry to the school's gifted student program is "meritocratic" (Letters, 15/10). Like magnet schools in the United States or grammar schools in Britain, the cohort in selective programs is not reflective of broader society and only serves to entrench disadvantage. Children who are unfortunate enough to be born into poorer families, yet who possess genuine giftedness and talent, are much less likely to be represented in these schools, as shown by numerous data. For a start, they do not have the means to afford expensive tutoring to prepare for the entry tests.

David Perry and Silvia Furfori, Eltham Right to an education One week we witness public grumbling about the performance of Australian students and schools in international comparisons such as PISA. The next, the Australian Council of Social Service (Sunday Age, 16/10) reports deepening poverty in our society. Given the direct and enduring relationship between socioeconomic division and educational achievement, I wonder when our political leaders will take notice of the bleeding obvious. Tony Kruger, Fitzroy Look after the children

In the city I meet homeless people with their pitiful pavement camps of mattresses, sleeping bags, "Claytons wardrobes", luggage and dogs. They are tidy and resourceful. Our state government is keen on infrastructure: roads, public transport, hospitals, schools. Victoria works because of the other "infrastructure": people who are educated, work and are socially involved. I am at a loss to imagine how the government will keep our "people infrastructure" safe while kids are getting poorer. In the short term, it can find adequate funds for agencies to work on the homelessness epidemic. Journalists, citizens and politicians must keep up the pressure to ensure children will not grow up in poverty and graduate to a homeless future. Look after the children now, their problems are our future. Liz Gallois, St Kilda Food for thought The cost of renting a house in bayside suburbs is approximately $1000 to $1200 a week (The Age, 17/10). The Newstart Allowance is approximately $275 per week. I'm just saying.

Moira Burke, St Kilda Yeah, yeah, yeah No, Garry Linnell, the Beatles are not "the most overrated product of the past half century" (Age Online, 15/10). Grandchildren and their grandparents are still enjoying their songs and music. It is not a Baby Boomer thing. Symphony orchestras play their work and there is at least one ballet with their tunes. If you do not enjoy the Beatles, fine, but ask yourself this: Will people still be reading, and loving, your work in 50years' time? Sue Bursztynski, Elwood The white fraudsters

Remember ABC Childcare, the pink batts scheme and shonky vocational training schemes? Now another government-funded scheme has been ripped off by unscrupulous and clever people ("Childcare fraud team overwhelmed", 15/10). Where there is easy money to be made, people will go for it. I suggest we sufficiently resource departments to do their job properly. We should also employ "white hackers"  or, more precisely, "white fraudsters"  to examine funding projects in their planning stages and work out how they can be exploited. Those holes then can be plugged. Like white hackers in the computer security sector, reformed fraudsters who are paid appropriately would save those billions of dollars of our taxes. Allan Havelock, Surrey Hills The right to privacy Like Wendy Squires (Comment, 17/10), I am not crazy about Michelle Bridges. Like her, I am not into unworkable exercise routines or humiliating people with weight problems (The Biggest Loser). However, I believe Ms Bridges has the right to privacy and freedom from harassment.

Yes, she is a public figure and yes, she uses her profile to make money, like most public figures. Squires seems to find this outrageous, which makes me wonder where she has been living. She also seems to think that being the wrong kind of celebrity means Ms Bridges has signed a waiver form on human rights. Floyd Kermode, Preston Danger in the far right Nick O'Malley's excellent article ("Donald Trump's true believers ride the conspiracy train", 16/10) describes how the Republican Party's strategy of pandering to the far right and opposing every initiative put forward by the Democrat administration has led to a breakdown in trust of politicians and opened the way for Mr Trump to take the stage. There is a lesson in this for our governments. If the Coalition continues to pander to its far right (which represents a very small proportion of Australians), it runs the risk of opening the gates to more extremist, populist politicians. We also run the risk of greater division within society, less tolerance, less sense of "a fair go", and poorer economic and social outcomes on all measures. It will then indeed be "poor fellow, my country".

Catherine Rossiter, Royalla, NSW Sexist and outdated It was disappointing to read Linda Pearce's description of the non-effort of Nick Kyrgios in his Shanghai Masters loss as "patting a serve over the net in best midweek ladies' style" (Sport, 15/10). This only perpetuates sexist views regarding female sport and does a disservice to efforts to eradicate such outdated ideas. Peter Younger, Sandringham Warped priorities

Surely it is time Malcolm Turnbull split Josh Frydenberg's portfolio and gave the environment portion to someone who is interested in it. Since Mr Frydenberg became Environment and Energy Minister, he seems to have only talked about coal and resources, rather than what he will do to save forests or near-extinct animals. Lorraine Bates, Surrey Hills Great council scam It is time to end preferential voting for council elections as too many stooges are put in by candidates to pass on their preferences. This has scam written all over it. Margaret Abernethy, Diggers Rest

Independent review Once again the Saudis are implicated in deadly bombings in Yemen (World, 17/10). Since March 2016, Saudi-led airstrikes have injured and killed many civilians. As with the attacks on hospitals, there will be much blaming of wrong intelligence and no independent investigation. The US says it will conduct a review of its support for the Saudi led-coalition. However, a genuine outcome seems unlikely given that the US sold $US33billion worth of weapons to its Gulf allies last year. Our government should push at the UN for an independent investigation of this latest "apparent war crime". Margaret Beavis,Medical Association for Prevention of War, Carlton Sorry, you've lost me I like Dylan, but two years ago we saw him at the Palais Theatre. All he did was new stuff, not one old classic. Never again, Bob.

Stephen Bickell, Mount Evelyn AND ANOTHER THING Politics Peter Martin (13/10), not a word about the effect on climate change all that coal will produce.

Mike Puleston, Brunswick How ironic that Arthur Sinodinos passes judgment on Kimberley Kitching's Senate nomination. Peter McNamara, Canterbury Will the new assets test apply to MPs? If not, why not? If it does, will they vote themselves recompense? Keith Beman, Woodend

It appears that MP Steve Iron's electorate has no boundaries. Les Anderson, Woodend Red cards should be issued to senators who act like bullies during an inquiry. Kaye Jones, Nagambie US election

I agree with Trump. There should be a drugs test before the next debate  and an intelligence test. James Young, Mount Eliza The US has a choice between an "all talk" or a Teflon president. Thank heavens for Turnbull and Shorten. James Hearne, Eaglemont If Barry Humphries reprised Les Patterson now, Americans would understand his humour.

Ken O'Brien, Parkdale Furthermore Megan Aumair is what violent criminals hope for: a magistrate who grants them bail (17/10). Leonard King, Bundoora Bob Dylan's Nobel Prize has dragged all the squares out of the woodwork. He is the greatest poet in the English language since Yeats.
At least four Liberal MPs thrown out by voters at the July federal election have picked up plum jobs as taxpayer-funded advisers to their former colleagues.

Senate President Stephen Parry revealed in Senate estimates hearings on Monday that he had hired his former Tasmanian colleague, Eric Hutchinson, for a newly-created role in his office.

Mr Hutchinson could be paid up to $160,000 a year including superannuation, depending on his grading.

Fairfax Media can also reveal that Matt Williams and Karen McNamara, who were both defeated at the July poll, have been employed as advisers by their former colleagues.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has accused Labor of putting national security at risk as it steps up its attack on Attorney-General George Brandis over his public brawl with the government's chief legal adviser.

Shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus wrote to Mr Turnbull late on Sunday seeking his urgent assurance that Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson, SC, had advised on a controversial bill allowing convicted terrorists to be held in jail beyond their sentence.

Mr Gleeson and Attorney-General George Brandis are at loggerheads over a legally binding direction Senator Brandis issued before the July 2 election preventing ministers, including Mr Turnbull, from seeking Mr Gleeson's advice without the Attorney-General's written permission.

Mr Dreyfus has led the opposition's attack on Senator Brandis over the direction, which has been criticised by legal experts as posing a risk to the independence of the Solicitor-General.
Former Coalition MP Wyatt Roy has been cleared of any wrongdoing after his trip to conflict-ridden Iraq, with the Australian Federal Police declining to investigate beyond a preliminary examination of publicly available information.

Mr Roy's trip  which earned him rebukes from Prime Minister Malcolm and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop  triggered concerns that he may have entered the declared conflict zone around besieged Mosul, an action prohibited under Australia's national security laws.

"We're very conscious that it was high-profile matter and we did our own due diligence to satisfy ourselves but, no, we do not have a current, open investigation in relation to that," AFP commissioner Andrew Colvin said.

"Based on the public reporting, we did form a conclusion that we didn't believe any offences had been committed."
The Supreme Court jury in the murder trial of Gold Coast man Gable Tostee has retired to deliberate their verdict.

Mr Tostee, 30, could be found guilty of either the murder or manslaughter of New Zealand tourist Warriena Wright, who fell to her death climbing over his 14th floor Surfers Paradise balcony in the early hours of August 8, 2014.

A jury of six men and six women who sat through his six-day trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court retired at 12.35pm on Monday to decide whether to acquit or convict Mr Tostee for the 26-year-old's death.

A judge earlier told the jury they could not find him guilty of murder just because he called a lawyer and left via the basement after Ms Wright died.
South-east Queensland weather: Severe thunderstorm hits Brisbane

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More than 1500 Victorian households are still without power after damaging winds tore branches off trees and slammed them on to power lines.

According to the AusNet Services website, 1051 customers are still without power, mainly near Jamieson in the state's north-east.

On the United Energy website, 586 customers remain without power.

An SES spokeswoman said there were 68 calls for help after Sunday's wild winds and rain, mostly due to fallen trees and building damage.
A young boy has been struck by a car and seriously injured in Brookfield, west of Melbourne.

The boy was in a stable condition with injuries to his face and abdomen on Monday afternoon, an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.

The primary-school-aged boy was hit about 3.35pm on Black Dog Drive in Brookfield.

He is being flown to the Royal Children's Hospital.

Police have spoken to the driver, but no charges have been laid.
If you think you're having a bad day, spare a thought for this driver who had a very costly prang in Perth's southern suburbs while cruising in a group of four luxury cars.

According to witness, Mitchell Reardon, the Ferrari driver had just taken off from traffic lights near Rivervale, when his car spun out of control around 2pm on Monday.

"I didn't actually see the crash, I was probably 30 seconds behind it, but I heard all four of them rev past me," he said.

"There were three other cars with him, other Ferraris, or maybe Lamborghinis.
Alarming footage has emerged of a 19-year-old man allegedly being assaulted by a security guard outside Claremont Hotel on Sunday.

The vision was reportedly filmed around 9:30pm on Sunday night, and shows a patron approaching the guard.

The man accuses the guard of "pushing his head into a pole for no reason", and the guard proceeds to push him hard in the chest.

A violent fight breaks out, and a woman is seen asking the pair to stop.
The diver who found himself face to face with a great white shark after it broke through a diving cage said he survived the horrifying encounter by slipping out of the cage into shark-infested waters.

Incredible footage emerged on Friday of a great white smashing through a 'shark-proof' diving cage and leaping out the top.

After the apex predator had thrashed and wiggled its way out of the cage the panicked crew are filmed pulling up Mr Ming Chan, who had been diving in the metal structure during the terrifying incident.

"I didn't have time to get frightened, but found myself outside the cage," Mr Chan told 9 News.
Most windows were smashed, the wiring ripped from the ceiling and "not a classroom was left untouched" after a group of children trashed the just renovated Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School, Education Minister Peter Collier says.

Mr Collier had travelled to the Goldfields school on Friday to unveil the first stage of a $45 million redevelopment, just hours before police claim three 13-year-old boys and one 10-year-old boy broke into the building, leaving a trail of destruction.

"We are not talking about chewing gum under the desk, the school had been trashed, and it's just devastating," he told Radio 6PR.

"They were on a mission. I cannot understand how anyone can get gratification out of causing such comprehensive damage.
Iraqi special forces soldiers - flying a sectarian Shiite flag from their vehicles - move out to join the Mosul offensive from a camp near Khazer, Iraq, on Friday. Credit:AP Early this month, 58 people were executed for their role in a plot against IS that was led by an aide of the group's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. When fewer than 1000 IS fighters forced about 60,000 Iraqi army and police defenders to abandon Mosul in June 2014, many among its Sunni population cheered their arrival. They saw the militants as fellow Sunnis who would end corruption and abuse at the hands of the Shiite-dominated Iraqi government and security services. Iraqi Major-General Najim al-Jabbouri, left, talks to an officer on a temporary pontoon bridge near Qayara Air Base, northern Iraq, ahead of the Mosul offensive. Credit:AP But much of that local good will has dissipated after more than two years of harsh rule by the militants, a mix of Iraqis and Syrians with a grab bag of foreign fighters.

Mosul residents have chafed under social codes banning smoking and calling for splashing acid on body tattoos, summary executions of perceived opponents, whippings of those who missed prayers or trimmed their beards, and destroying "un-Islamic" historical monuments. Iraqi soldiers take down an IS flag outside the city of Ramadi last week. Credit:AP "Anyone who has accepted Daesh before? They've changed their minds now," said Azhar Mahmoud, a former Education Ministry official who recently fled his home village near Mosul, and who initially accepted rule by IS, also known as ISIS, ISIL or Daesh. In addition, there have been recent reports of at least some underground resistance within the city, if mostly symbolic. Photos and oral accounts abound of the Arabic letter M scrawled on walls - standing for muqawama, or resistance. IS beheaded two men in front of one such slogan, and posted a video of the killings. A column of Iraqi counterterrorism forces. Credit:AP

Another execution video identified the victims, punished for internet use, as members of the resistance group Suraya Rimah, according to the group's leader, Omar Fadil al-Alaf, who is based in Erbil. "People are just waiting for liberation so they can fulfil their promises to take revenge on Daesh and kill them," Alaf said. Iraqi special forces soldiers near Khazer, Iraq. Credit:AP Compounding the militants' problems with the population has been a growing economic crisis, according to US officials. In recent months, IS has lost control of oil fields near Raqqa in Syria and Qaiyara in Iraq, and trade with IS-held parts of Syria has been choked off because of the group's military reversals. Electricity, once plentiful before Kurdish forces took back the Mosul Dam from militant control, is now typically available in the city for only a couple of hours a day, residents say. Some areas lack running water, with residents forced to use personal generators to pump water from wells.

Schools have not opened at all this year, absent funding and teachers willing to work for nothing. The local economic crisis has hit the militants as well, with reports that they have cut the pay for their fighters to less than $US100 a month, from $US400 in 2014, said Abu Bakr Kanan, a former leader of the Sunni religious affairs office in Mosul, who said he was in regular touch with residents there. Many of the residents contacted describe the militants as conducting a high-profile recruiting drive among males aged 14 to 40, depicting enlistment as a religious duty, but with apparently decreasing success. A car mechanic who left the city just over two weeks ago, and asked not to be identified because he still had relatives there, said that on his final Friday in Mosul he attended prayers at which a prominent IS imam harangued the worshippers about volunteering but seemingly won no one over. The militants' security preparations have been directed not only at the city's borders - particularly toward the south and east where Iraqi forces, allied militias and Kurdish fighters are arrayed - but also internally. Traffic on secondary roads in the city has been banned, and house-to-house searches - for weapons and any signs of organized resistance - have been carried out in many neighbourhoods.

There have also been a notable number of desertions from IS. Kurdish officials say they have found 300 suspected IS deserters, or potential infiltrators, in recent months. Most were caught among the refugees escaping from S-held territory who have arrived at the Kurdish-run Dibaga Camp, the main site for refugees, south of Erbil, said Ardalan Mohiadin, who is in charge of the camp's reception centre. Dibaga Camp now has 43,000 refugees from Mosul and other IS strongholds, with about 11,000 arriving in September alone, Mohiadin said. Despite months of preparation for a much larger wave of refugees from the city, aid officials warn that it is unlikely to be nearly enough once the fighting intensifies. "The United Nations is deeply concerned that in a worst-case scenario, the operation in Mosul could be the most complex and largest in the world in 2016, and we fear as many as 1 million civilians may be forced to flee their homes," said Lise Grande, the UN's humanitarian coordinator for Iraq. A woman who arrived at Dibaga Camp recently said her family had been forced to take in a Chechen IS fighter, and shortly afterward an air strike hit the home, killing the militant but also two members of the family. The woman's nine-year-old daughter was trapped under a collapsed wall.
Moscow: State-funded Russian broadcaster RT complained on Monday that NatWest had withdrawn its banking services in Britain without explanation, questioning how the move squared with the right to freedom of speech.

The bank later clarified that the services remained in place and its decision to rescind them was being reviewed.

RT published NatWest's letter on its web site, saying that the bank, which is part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, had reached the decision after "careful consideration" and that the determination was final.
Moscow: He bragged about being a cold-blooded killer, and videotaped battles with his helmet cam.

And along the way, this former car wash worker became an unlikely, pro-Kremlin media star in rebel-held Ukraine - where he met his end late Sunday in a mysterious explosion that roared up the elevator shaft in his apartment building.

The death of Arsen Pavlov, 33, better known by his nom de guerre "Motorola," triggered accusations on both sides of the conflict between Ukraine's Western-allied government and rebel factions with ties to Russia.

Pavlov first became known for strapping a GoPro camera to his helmet and then passing the footage to pro-Kremlin media outlets including LifeNews and Komsomolskaya Pravda. He granted generous access to friendly journalists, producing some of the best-known, and most infamous, videotaped scenes from the war.
Bali: A "nervous" Sara Connor told Bali prosecutors she was innocent before being transferred to the infamous Kerobokan jail to await the murder trial of police officer Wayan Sudarsa.

The 45-year-old Byron Bay woman and her British DJ boyfriend, David Taylor, were asked by prosecutors if they understood that they faced charges of unpremeditated murder, group attack or assault leading to death. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years.

Connor said she understood the charges. Asked by the prosecutor what she thought of the case, she replied: "I am innocent."

Mr Sudarsa, a father of two, was found dead on Kuta beach on August 17 with 42 wounds on his body, including grisly head injuries.
#nuclear power plant S. Korea, Poland sign MOU on nuclear power plant project South Korea and Poland signed an agreement Monday to jointly push for a plan to build a nuclear power plant in the European nation, raising hopes for Seoul's first nuclear power pl...

#KBO Battle of homegrown aces set in Korean Series opener Two of the best homegrown pitchers in South Korean baseball this season will go head-to-head to open the championship series Tuesday. The SSG Landers will host the Kiwoom Heroes...
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OPKO Health, Inc., a healthcare company, engages in the diagnostics and pharmaceuticals businesses in the United States, Ireland, Chile, Spain, Israel, Mexico, and internationally. The company's Diagnostics segment operates BioReference Laboratories that offers laboratory testing services for the detection, diagnosis, evaluation, monitoring, and treatment of diseases, including esoteric testing, molecular diagnostics, anatomical pathology, genetics, women's health, and correctional healthcare to physician offices, clinics, hospitals, employers and governmental units; and a novel diagnostic instrument system to provide blood test results in the point-of-care setting, as well as 4Kscore prostate cancer testing services. Its Pharmaceutical segment offers Rayaldee to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in adults with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease, and vitamin D insufficiency; OPK88004, an orally administered selective androgen receptor modulator; OPK88003, a once-weekly administered peptide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and associated obesity that is in Phase IIb trials; and hGH-CTP, a once-weekly human growth hormone injection that completed Phase III clinical trial in partnership with Pfizer, Inc. This segment develops and commercializes longer-acting proprietary versions of already approved therapeutic proteins. The company also offers specialty APIs; develops, manufactures, markets, and sells pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, veterinary, and ophthalmic products; commercializes food supplements and over the counter products; manufactures and sells products primarily in the generics market; and imports, markets, distributes, and sells pharmaceutical products in a range of indications, including cardiovascular products, vaccines, antibiotics, gastro-intestinal products, hormones, and others. In addition, it operates pharmaceutical platforms in Ireland, Chile, Spain, and Mexico. The company was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.
By Linda Qiu and Lauren Carroll

Mike Pence, emphatically denying allegations of sexual assault against Donald Trump, protested Sunday that the media hasnt applied the same scrutiny to Hillary Clinton.

On NBCs Meet the Press, Pence said the media has paid more attention to the unsubstantiated charges against Trump than the real revelations about Clintons wrongdoings at the State Department.

The national media is ignoring an avalanche of real, hard evidence of corruption during the years of the Clinton administration, Pence told NBCs Chuck Todd. The New York Times just a few minutes ago posted a story aboutin exchange for five minutes with Bill Clinton, the government of Qatar was going to give $1 million to the Clinton Foundation.

We know that more than half of Hillary Clintons meetings while she was secretary of state were given to major contributors to the Clinton Foundation.

PunditFact decided to fact-check both those claims. One is more accurate than the other.

$1 million donation from Qatar

Pence said the government of Qatar was going to give $1 million to the Clinton Foundation in exchange for five minutes with Bill Clinton.

Pence is largely accurate in his description of the New York Times account. His claim rates Mostly True.

The New York Times article, published Oct. 15, details an email obtained by WikiLeaks to Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. (The Clinton camp has yet to confirm or deny the leaks authenticity.)

Amitabh Desai, the Clinton Foundations foreign policy director, emailed three Clinton Foundation employees and Doug Band, Bill Clintons personal aide, on April 16, 2012, about his meetings with ambassadors from Qatar and a few other foreign countries. Hillary Clinton served as secretary of state from 2009 to 2013.

QatarWould like to see WJC (William Jefferson Clinton) for five minutes in NYC, to present $1 million check that Qatar promises from WJCs birthday in 2011, Desai wrote. Qatar would welcome our suggestions for investments in Haitiparticularly on education and health. They have allocated most of their $20 million but are happy to consider projects we suggest. Im collecting input from CF Haiti team.

So the government of Qatar was going to give the Clinton Foundation $1 million as part of a five-minute meeting, according to this email.

But Pence could have been more accurate in his description.

Pence said Qatar was going to make a $1 million donation in exchange for a five-minute meeting. But according to Desais email, Qatar had promised the check for Bill Clintons birthday the previous year. The meeting was to present the check.

Second, its not clear if the Qatari ambassador ever got his five minutes with the former president.

HIllary Clintons meetings with foundation donors

Pences claim comes from an Associated Press story published in August, headlined Many donors to Clinton Foundation met with her at State.

But many does not mean more than half of all her meetings. Not even close.

Pences claim rates Mostly False.

Clinton served as secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. The Associated Press analyzed 154 of her State Department meetings and found that 85 of those were with Clinton Foundation donors. Those 85 gave as much as $156 million to the foundation, combined.

This is a tiny subset of Clintons meetings.

The analysis excluded meetings with people who work for the U.S. government or foreign governments. And it does not include many meetings Clinton took in the second half of her term because the Associated Press only had access to detailed schedules from the first half.

ABC reported back in 2013 that Clinton met with 1,700 foreign leaders and had 755 meetings at the White House while secretary of state. So thats at least 2,455 meetings the Associated Press did not include in its analysis

The Associated Press mischaracterized its own reporting in a post on Twitter claiming that More than half those who met Clinton as Cabinet secretary gave money to Clinton Foundation. The AP later deleted the tweet.

Read the full fact-checks at PunditFact.com.
Even Peter Griffin knows that wasnt locker room talk.

Seth MacFarlanes Family Guy thrust itself into the presidential race on Sunday when one of the shows rare live-action cutaway moments found Peter Griffin riding the Access Hollywood bus with Donald Trump and Billy Bush.

In this version, it was Peter who suggested some locker room talk, but when Trump starts talking about moving on women, he responds, Whoa, whoa, whoa, thats not locker room talk. I meant like good play, good pass, like that kinda thing.

Well, as long as you didnt try to fuck her and she was single, Peter adds, to which Trumps voice replies, I did try and fuck her. She was married.

Peter goes on to make fun of Trump for popping Tic Tacs, the cheapest breath mint, and pitches the idea for Twitter: a place where crazy people can bash ladies and minorities at 3 a.m. When Trump for some reason knocks on the glass of the bus door instead of reaching down and pulling the handle, he laughs and says, He cant open it because of his tiny hands.

MacFarlane, who tweeted out an uncensored version of the clip Sunday night, goes back a long way with Trump, acting as roast master for his Comedy Central roast in 2011. The Family Guy creator, who previously supported Bernie Sanders, hosted a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton at his Beverly Hills home last month.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced Sunday night that the Iraqi operation to liberate his nations second largest city, Mosul, from the self-proclaimed Islamic State had begun.

We started fighting ISIS in the outskirts of Baghdad, and thank God we are now fighting them in the outskirts of Mosul, he said on Iraq television.

The widely anticipated fight to reclaim the city, the capital of the ISIS caliphate in Iraq, is considered a decisive battle against the increasingly flailing terror group. If ISIS loses control of Mosul, its grip in Iraq could effectively end, having already lost control of the Iraqi cities of Fallujah, Ramadi, Tikrit, Hit, among others.

It was in a mosque in Mosul two years ago that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announced the creation of his self-proclaimed caliphate.

ISIS would return the Islamic world to dignity, might, rights, and leadership, he said then.

Mosuls importance in the so-called caliphate makes the battle to reclaim the city unlike any other battle between the Iraqi forces, backed by the U.S.-led coalition on one side and the terror group on the other. ISIS has been moving fighters into the city, building trenches, and planting explosives for Iraqi forces entering in anticipation of the battle. The terror group has promised to throw every resource it has to keep Mosul under its control.

United Nations officials have warned the fight to retake Mosul could lead to a humanitarian crisis as it anticipates as many as 1.2 million civilians could be uprooted by a battle that by anyones measure will be among the fiercest seen in the two-year war against ISIS.

ISIS can ill afford another major loss. Earlier Sunday, ISIS lost the Syrian city of Dabiq to Syrian opposition forces, backed by Turkey.

ISIS once declared it would fight to the death for that northern city. According to ISIS, citing an ancient prophecy, Dabiq would one day become the site of an apocalyptic battle between Christians and Muslims.

The group named its English-language magazine, a keystone to its propaganda war, after the city. So while the city, which had been under ISIS control since August 2014, was not a major strategic loss, it arguably was the biggest defeat to ISISs propaganda war.

Such losses have arguably made Mosul, an already important city, critical to ISISs future. Perhaps because of that, U.S. officials put the timeline for the battle to retake it at anywhere from weeks to months.

There are several hundred U.S. forces supporting Iraqi forces in the Mosul campaign, many stationed 30 miles south of the city. In addition, the U.S.-led coalition will conduct airstrikes on behalf of the Iraqi campaign. But U.S. officials insist its coalition is only in a support role, saying the Iraqis are leading the timing and ground force maneuvers.

Tonight, PM Abadi issued orders to initiate major operations to liberate #Mosul after two years of darkness under #ISIL terrorists, the State Departments special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, Brett McGurk, tweeted.

Godspeed to the heroic Iraqi forces, Kurdish #Peshmerga, and #Ninewa volunteers. We are proud to stand with you in this historic operation.

Mosul fell under ISIS control in June 2014, after Iraqi forces fled the city as ISIS fighters began attacking.

The military battle is just the beginning of the challenge confronting Abadi. Should the city fall, how will Iraq ensure that a group like ISIS cannot return? What role will Sunnis have in the city, given Iraqs Shiite-led government? The Iraqis are deploying Shiite militia forces to take part in the battle, which could stoke already frail sectarian relations.

And what role will the Kurds play in the post-ISIS Mosul? They are a significant part of the citys population and will be key to its fall out of ISIS hands.

Many of those answers will come in the weeks ahead. But even now, as Iraqi forces appear to be firing the opening salvo in the most important battle so far against ISIS, U.S. officials have said how Mosul falls will be as important to its futureand the ability of groups like ISIS to return thereas the timing of its fall.
If youre not paying attention, it looks like a smoking guna leaked expense report tying Hillary Clinton to the medias most powerful groups.

The numbers from the supposedly leaked documentprinted out and marked up with a highlighter, for good measureare damning: $75,000 directly from the Clinton Foundation to polling firm Public Policy Polling. Over $333,000 sent, somehow, to the Black Panthers. Then the kicker: $30,000 to the Sharia Law Center.

Of course, the whole thing is totally fake. The header for the page, Voter Suppression, probably shouldve given it right away. But for Trump supporters on Twitter and Facebook, a Fox News contributor, and even radio hosts like Hal Turner, it is still very much real to them.

Chris from Massachusetts (who declined to give his last name) got em again. Hes spent all week trying to assuage anyone responding to his tweet with doubts about the papers veracity that it is the truest WikiLeak of all.

Since the release of Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podestas emails by WikiLeaks and Donald Trumps lewd Access Hollywood conversation, Chris is one of many useful trolls creating intentional, immediately obvious disinformationthat will still dupe a too-large subset of devotees.

Independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin, who is now polling above 20 percent in Utah, had to put out a statement Saturday denying that he took $12,000 from the Clinton Foundation. I have no relationship to the Clinton Foundation. I oppose both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, he said.

McMullins campaign even had to put up a section on his official website to denounce the printout, on which McMullin called The Dumbest Meme on the Internet. Glenn Beck, who earned a cool hundred-grand in this fictional land, even had to block out time in his podcast this weekend to mock it. Still, the web raged on.

Sharia Law? Glenn Beck? Bill Ayers? Black Lives Matter? ACORN? Public Polling? asked Trump supporter @DebbGV on Twitter. What exactly is this money being paid out for???

Chris, who goes by MassRafTer on Twitter, has been duping Trump supporters with intentionally impossible-to-believe fake leaked documents for a few months now.

The wonderful thing is this is the third time 55 dipshits per minute have fallen for my Photoshop and MSPaint work, Chris told The Daily Beast.

His most high-profile escapade was a fake internal memo by Public Policy Polling that showed the Clinton campaign reprimanding the survey company over how poor it is at collusion.

Your latest poll is unacceptable. We arent paying you $760,000 per month to show a FIVE POINT LEAD. Are you trying to make Trump win? it reads. We will be ending our contract with your company unless results improve quickly.

The stunt landed the fake memo on far-right message boards and merited a mocking two-minute segment on MSNBCs All In With Chris Hayes. Even Donald Trump Jr. retweeted itbefore later deleting it.

Turns out Chris was a pioneer.

The first one was made to be as fake looking as possible just to see if people would buy it. Now 90 percent unbelievable would be a good number, Chris said. So I made the new one a greatest hits of Obama and Clinton conspiracies with stuff like Larry Sinclair to make it extra obvious.

Sinclair is, according to a fabricated right-wing conspiracy theory, Barack Obamas gay lover and drug peddler from the 90s. Still, thousands of peopleand countingbought Chriss fake posts.

Take self-professed Trump supporter @OMFG_America, who went by @Anthony_VVeiner until Wednesday afternoon, and whose bio says his hobbies include shitposting, tweeting fake news, and romantic walks on the beach.

Weeks ago, he posted what he alleged was Hillary Clintons vice-presidential nominee Tim Kaine yelling at his 11-year-old daughter in a leaked voicemail. By Wednesday, when the post picked up steam, the leak had over 2,000 retweets.

The audio, however, was Alec Baldwins infamous freakout from 2007, which made national news in April of that same year. Even Paul Joseph Watson of pro-Trump conspiracy website Infowars, where articles regularly appear declaring the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks an inside job, took to Twitter to refute it.

Stop circulating that Tim Kaine voicemail. Its not him, its Alec Baldwin, he wrote. Why are some resorting to hoaxes when we have real WikiLeaks?

@OMFG_America later deleted the tweet, plus all of his tweets insisting it was real, and retweeted Watson. The user didnt respond to requests for comment from The Daily Beast.

Chris, in the meantime, thinks hes doing a minor public serviceto get people be a little more discerning with random leaks and pieces of paper floating around the Internet.

Conspiracy-theory nonsense drives me crazy, as do the random Facebook political hoaxes you see every day, he said. Id like to think people who arent in a true-believer camp feel embarrassed when they fall for something obviously fake, and then think twice the next time.

If Trump sought to blur reality in an effort to give legitimacy to illegitimate conspiracy theories, Chris is doing the opposite. Hes trying to hold a mirror up to those who immediately accept any information that conforms to precisely what they want to believeno matter how unbelievable it may be.

Maybe, just maybe the true believers who retweet this stuff gleefully look a little less credible every time, he said.

His own bullshit has even served to reinforce more bullshit in the far-right message boards that thrive on leaks and anonymous posts with no attribution. Trump supporters use these for their own, or cite my previous hoaxes to prove new ones are real, he added.

In the meantime, all Chris asks is for you to do the absolute bare minimum: Make one extra click before you retweet.

I dont know whats funnier, the people who believe its real, or the people who dont take 10 seconds to see if I think its real, and debunk it to me, he said.

Otherwise, disinformation can get out of hand, fastjust the way some people want it.
With Donald Trump facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and openly battling the leaders of his own political party, the most surreal and disturbing week in modern American politics may have drawn to a close. But more disturbing still is that we are likely to see in the post-trauma polling that an astonishing percentage of the electorate still supports Donald Trump for president. In an election with third-party candidates taking over 10 percent of the vote and the Clinton campaign vulnerable to hacked emails, anything can happenincluding a Trump victory with 45 percent of the popular vote.

Theres still a real chance that Donald Trump could win the November election. But that doesnt mean he will be our next president.

Keeping Trump out of the White House would still be constitutionally possible. And its something our Founders would have wanted.

Thanks to them, there would still be one last vote he must win.

The November contest is not a direct election of the next president. Rather, its the election of a slate of electors in each state, equal to that states combined number of representatives and senators, who presumably will support the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state. These electors, plus three from the District of Columbia, comprise the 538 members of the Electoral College who cast ballots in December. The candidate who wins 270 or more or their votes will be the next president.

The Electoral College was devised by the Founders for the purpose of avoiding a popular vote and preventing what they feared could be mob rule. It was a check on the whims of an unruly electorate or, as de Tocqueville put it, tyranny of the majority, and, much like the Senate, a guard against the larger states rolling over the smaller ones in selecting a president. Alexander Hamilton, for one, sought to ensure that the office of president will never fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications.

This unique constitutional provision has rarely been a matter of practical consequence. Only four times in 57 elections has the candidate who received the most votes in the November contest not been chosen by the state electors as president. Before the aberration of 2000, the last time a candidate won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College was Grover Cleveland in 1888.

For example, when Barack Obama won the popular vote in Illinois in 2012, all of that states 20 electors cast their votes for him. Similarly, when Mitt Romney won Georgia that year, all of Georgias 16 electors voted for Romney. Ultimately President Obama was re-elected with an Electoral College majority of 332 votes.

One of those votes was mine. I was a Democratic elector for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which Obama won by more than 5 percentage points. I had pledged to support Obama and I (and all of my fellow Pennsylvania electors) did.

Electors are selected in different ways by different states, but typically Repbulicans and Democrats each pick a slate of trusted party loyalists and one slate or the other becomes the state electoral college, depending on the election results. The electors are expected to vote the party line in December, but they dont swear any oath to do so.

Indeed, though some states penalize electors who dont vote the way they are expected to and some states invalidate a faithless vote, 21 states have no penalty at all. Moreover, there is nothing in the Constitution or federal law to stop any elector from voting in December for whomever she chooses, regardless of the outcome of the popular vote in that electors state in November.

The Clinton campaign has lined up pledged electors in every state and the District. These individuals have been vetted and will become the slate of electors in those states that she wins on Nov. 8. Never say never, but it is unlikely that any Clinton elector would flip her vote in December to a different candidate, let alone to Trump.

However, if Trump wins the popular vote on Nov. 8, then the December electoral vote may not be so automatic. The Trump campaign was often fighting the GOP establishment in the primaries and the slated electors in various states likely include Republican leaders who did not support Trump to begin with. For example, in Texas, a state Trump should win, a GOP senator and much of the establishment publicly opposed Trump in the primary (although Sen. Cruz recently and bizarrely endorsed him). The slate of Republican electors presumably includes party loyalists who fought and defeated Trump in April. No law binds them to the popular vote winner in November.

Might one or more of these dissident electors consider discarding the will of the people in his or her state to cast an electoral vote for the other side? If so, they would be acting in a way that our Founders would recognize. Electors were intended to be men of rank and wisdom whose judgment would guard against a runaway election, and if there were a kind of candidate whom the Founders intended to stop from assuming the presidency of this country, it is personified by Donald Trump. This is a man who has repeatedly demonstrated contempt for the Constitution, and an eagerness to pursue tyrannical powers, such as his pledge to rewrite libel laws to make it easier to punish those who criticize hima practice that the Founders suffered under during colonial rule and expressly forbade in the First Amendment.

Were a conscientious member of the Electoral College to refuse to cast a vote for Trump, he or she would be undertaking a duty that was debated and discussed at the creation of the American Republic.

How exactly could this happen? If Trump eked out a bare 270-268 electoral vote win, it would take only two electors willing to vote against their states popular will to put him below, and Clinton at, the magic number. (In the event no candidate hits 270, the House of Representatives, which will almost surely be controlled by the GOP, would then elect the next president, presumably picking Trump.)

Until he stepped down last fall, one Republican elector in Georgia said he would consider not voting for Trump even if Trump won his state. Undoubtedly there are other electors, still serving, who are considering doing the same. There are precedents for electors going rogue. In 1988, a West Virginia elector cast a vote for Democrat Lloyd Bentsen as president instead of the partys chosen nomineeand the state winnerMichael Dukakis. In 1976, a Washington state elector cast his vote for Ronald Reagan over Republican Gerald Ford. In 1972, a Virginia elector cast a vote for the Libertarian candidate over the statewide winner, Richard Nixon.

None of those electors went to jail or, as far as I know, suffered any serious consequences. They voted their conscience. And if one can do it, would two be such a stretch?

Depriving Donald Trump of an Electoral College victory would be an unprecedented and audacious act, especially for longtime Republican loyalists. No one would undertake it lightly. I neither invite nor indict the possibility.

But in contemplating their vote, any wavering electors might want to keep in mind some wisdom from Hamilton: If we must have an enemy at the head of Government, let it be one whom we can oppose, and for whom we are not responsible, who will not involve our party in the disgrace of his foolish and bad measures.
As Donald Trump pulverized his own Republican Party on Twitter Tuesday afternoon, Congressional Democrats were having a conference call about how the election is shaping up in their states. A recent Wall Street Journal poll not only showed Trump cratering, it also revealed that congressional Democrats had widened their advantage over congressional Republicans to seven points.

But the good vibes stopped when talk turned to Democrats get-out-the-vote efforts. Somebodys got to talk to the Clinton campaign and get them to do better with it, one congressman said

Several high-level Democrats who spoke to the Daily Beast are specifically concerned about Democrats ground game, which they worry may not be enough to ensure a victory for Clinton and down ballot Democrats in such a tumultuous election year.

The Clinton campaign has vastly outspent the Trump campaign on the air by five to one and boasts a ground game far superior to Trumps. But in the field especially, Clinton has never measured up to the operation put in place by Barack Obama in 2008 or 2012. Some Democrats worry that just being better than Trump may not be enough for down-ticket Democrats in close races in November.

I am hearing from people that they are concerned about whether or not were properly or adequately funding our GOTV efforts, Rep. Jim Clyburn, the third ranking Democrat in the House, said in an interview with the Daily Beast. Ive seen some good GOTV plans. On paper theyre great. The question is what about implementation? Its one thing to see what you need to do, its something else to execute.

Clyburn said he has been traveling extensively for Democratic candidates the country and heard worries about the Democratic ground game in multiple battleground states, including Colorado, where a breakfast with faith leaders turned into conversation about worries over the Democrats GOTV effort there.

Im really concerned about Florida, Colorado, and Ohio, Clyburn said. I just dont want us to spend all of our money on television, where people are now tuning out commercials, and not do whats necessary to turn people out.

Rep. G.K. Butterfield, the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said he has heard similar concerns and is specifically worried about the Clinton campaigns investment in African American communities. Butterfield noted they could make the difference in a state like his home of North Carolina, which President Obama lost by 14,000 votes in 2012.

I dont know why we have been unsuccessful in being able to make the case for a significant investment in grassroots get out the vote, Butterfield said. On the Clinton side and on the DSCC side, Ive been trying to get them to increase their commitment. They have made some investments, but its not enough. 

So far, the Clinton campaign has spent about $21 million on television ads in the state, but far less than the $300,000 Butterfield says could turnout 50,000 African American voters there.

I just want my friends who run national campaigns to know that it is the local communities that get the job done, he said. I think theres an opinion that its not a good investment and that opinion is flawed.

The good news for Democrats is that the Clinton ground game is vastly superior to Donald Trumps. A FiveThirtyEight analysis shows that in terms of field offices, the Clinton operation is far outpacing Trumps. Clinton has 489 field offices nationwide, compared to 207 offices for Trump.

Clintons numbers dont come close to replicating the Obama operation, which had 789 field offices in 2012. The pattern holds for battleground states. In Florida, Clinton has 68 offices, compared to for 29 Trump, but 103 for Obama. In Virginia, Obama had 61 offices, compared to Clintons 27 and Trumps 11. In Ohio, she has 75, while Trump has 22. Obama had 131 Ohio field office.

Barack Obama had an army of volunteers in 2012. You could flip a switch and knock on one million doors in Florida in a weekend, said a Democratic operative involved in GOTV efforts for the party in 2008, 20012, and 2016. There is no Hillary army. Not even close. In tight races, that matters.

Democrats outside of the Clinton campaign are putting major cash into efforts to supplement GOTV in must-win states. Democratic mega-donor Tom Steyer gave an additional $15 million, on top of $5 million hed already sent, to For Our Future, a super PAC focused on expand Democrats field operations in Florida, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Amanda Brown, the campaign director, said it is designed to turn out the Obama coalition that voted in 2008 and 2012, but skipped the mid-terms. Voters who many feared wouldnt show up this timeunless we met them at the door and talked to them about the issues they were most concerned about.

A Democrat familiar with the Clinton campaign acknowledged the differences between 2012 and this year, but said some of the changes are designed to help downballot races. In 2012, there was no coordinated campaign, between the top of the ticket and the bottom, the source said. In 2016, theyre on all the literature. When Clinton does an event, theyre all invited and included. Its a priority.

As for House Democrats, Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi told the ones on the Tuesday call that she understood the concern about down-ballot races and has shared it with the Clinton campaign. We have had that conversation with them to say, dont take anything for granted.
Just when you thought 2016 couldnt get any stupider, a Twitter user who describes himself as the cool and chill guy of online inadvertently punked two of the most powerful figures in conservative media.

And it shows just how easy it is to goad credulous Trump-loving media figures into distributing absurdly bad information to their massive audiences.

A little after 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, Twitter user @randygdubwhose previous two tweets made fun of Breitbart and Trump acolyte Bill Mitchelltweeted:

You dont have to be a great intellect to get that this is obviously a joke. For starters, @randygdubs Twitter bio says hes from California. And it takes about 60 seconds to go through his timeline and see that many of the tweets there are, well, not meant to be taken literally.

But Jim Hoft, the sage political mind behind the GatewayPundit blog, didnt do that. Instead, at 9:17 a.m. on Monday morning, he wrote a blog post about RandyGDubs tweet with this headline: POSTAL WORKER Brags Online About Destroying Trump Ballots

Reached for comment Monday afternoonwhen it was obvious he had fallen for a jokeHoft told The Daily Beast he didn't find the situation amusing. And he suggested Twitter might consider banning @randyGDub.

"I find it concerning that far left buffoons think voter fraud is a joke, Hoft said. Raandy may think destroying votes is funny but many Americans still believe in the sanctity of the ballot box even after eight years of Obama. To joke about rigging an election is not a laughing matter. I've seen others get banned from Twitter for far less than this.

Hoft's original post (which he has since updated) was both completely incorrect and extremely funny, but that didnt stop the Drudge Report from linking to it.

Postal Worker Brags About Destroying Trump Ballots, read the Drudge headline linking to Hofts blog post, which stayed on the top of the site for several hours.

Drudge is one of the most-trafficked websites in the U.S., out ranking all but 107 other websites, according to Alexa, a company that tracks internet traffic. SimilarWeb, which also tracks online publishers, found that Drudge got more than 1 billion page-views in May of this year.

And Drudge readers werent the only ones to whom this joke was credulously regurgitated. Rush Limbaugh also thought it sounded legit, referred to RandyGDubs workplace as the Post Orifice, and posited that the story wasnt getting more traction because of liberal media bias.

Let me ask you this, Limbaugh said. If a postal worker went on social mediaI dont care what it was, Facebook Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, you name itand was bragging about destroying Hillary absentee ballots, do you think theyd be trying to hunt this guy down and put him in jail with the guy who made the video about the started Benghazi. They wouldnt be stopping. Theyd find this guy, theyd hunt him down, theyd give him to Marilyn Mosby and say Have at it.

Limbaugh then mulled over the complexity of RandyGDubs nefarious activity. What would happen, Limbaugh wondered, if RandyGDub opened an absentee ballot marked for Clinton?

What happens when he opens one for Hillary? Limbaugh queried. Hes gotta reseal it, make itI guess they dont care, it doesnt matter, as long as it says Hillary on it, the Democrats dont care. Could be postmarked from Mars, theyll take it.

Then Limbaugh sighed heavily.

Talkers magazine, a talk radio trade publication, estimates Limbaugh has 13.25 million weekly listeners.

The story got so much traction that the U.S. Postal Services Twitter handle, @USPSHelp, had to push back against it. It tweeted out this statement to a host of angry Trump supporters questioning it about the story:

The Postal Service has completed an initial investigation of the mentioned tweets and does not believe these tweets were made by a postal employee. However, the Postal Service will continue to monitor this situation and if it is determined that the individual making the tweets is a postal employee and there is substantiated evidence of mail being tampered with or destroyed, then the Postal Service will take appropriate corrective action to address the situation.

For goodness sake.

And for what its worth, to cover our bases, The Daily Beast asked @randygdubs via DM whether or not he actually works at an Ohio post office.

lol no he replied.

Andrew Kirell contributed to this report.

Updated 3:30pm to add comment from Hoft.
After he robbed her at gunpoint, Larissas attacker texted her to say that no one would care about what happened to a black transgender woman in Alabama.

Yea yea they aint gone come for a tranny, the man texted her, according to messages shown to The Daily Beast. U a back page prostitute who really gone give AF.

Larissa had invited the man, who she identified to The Daily Beast as Denzell Thomas, into Room 230 at Americas Best Inn in Homewood, Alabama, on Sept. 20. He had answered her ad on Backpage.com for sex. Usually, she makes clients pay up front and pats them down for protection, Larissa said, but this was their fourth time together so she let her guard down.

Hed seemed nice, Larissa said, like he was just getting off work.

After they were done together, he went to the bathroom to clean up and she asked him to pay.

Once he came out, it seemed like he was about to pull the money out of his pocket, but what he pulled out was a gun, Larissa said. He pointed at me and said, Bitch, shut up, where is the money?"

Larissa told him she had no money and tried to think of a way to signal her friend Jessica Mays in the room next door, but Thomas already ordered her to the floor. She considered trying to use her legs to kick the gun from his hands, but decided the risk was too great.

You say anything before Im out of this door, Im pulling the trigger, Larissa quoted him as saying before he ran off with her purse that contained $20, her gun, identification, and a bracelet her grandmother gave her before she died.

He fled and she followed, naked. When Larissa got downstairs, she saw him pulling away in a car with another person.

Larissa didnt skip a beat. She said she called the police in Homewood, near Birmingham, to report her gun stolen. And Larissa said she gave officers the number she was texting, so they could try to identify the man.

But she pursued her own leads.

Bitch the police already got yo tag hoe, she texted the man after their encounter, according to text transcripts Larissa provided to The Daily Beast. You [think] you cant be touched but Ima show you.

Larissa now saved him as Robber Bottom in her phonefor his preferred position and what he did to her, she said. She told Robber Bottom, falsely, that she had his face on camera in an attempt to make him return her property, Larissa said.

Robber Bottom texted Larissa that he had her address and license plates, and that he would send someone to rob her if she showed up on Backpage again. And she told him she had his name.

Lol yea yes what my name is then, he texted.

Man I aint got to tell you shit, she said. The police do this for a living.

At 11:24 p.m. on Sept. 20, according to the timestamps on the texts provided by Larissa, she dropped his name on the man shed called Robber Bottom: Thomas Denzell.

He replied 20 minutes later.

Lol not me. Good try tho.

***

Three days later, Jazz Alford was at Kings Inn motel, an eight-minute drive from where Larissa worked. Alford, also a transgender woman, was passing through town from North Carolina en route to Atlanta and had posted an ad on Backpage earlier that day.

Just a quick video to let you know that this is my last night here, she said in a video posted to the site. So come check me out before I leave.

She blew a kiss at the camera before signing off. Jazz couldnt have predicted the irony of that meaning.

A motel maid found her body later that day, according to her family. She had been shot to death.

She was loving and giving, and she would give you whatever she had if you needed it, Deedee Vaughn, a friend from North Carolina, told The Daily Beast.

Vaughn said that Alford was ambitious and friendly, but also introverted.

She liked church a lot, Vaughn added. We would be going out to like nightclubs, and she would come pick us up and be playing gospel music and stuff.

Toya Milan, a close friend, told AL.com that Jazz was a college graduate who worked as a call-center representative for an airline company and also advertised for sex. Jazz lived in North Carolina, but friends say she was passing through Alabama on her way to visit Milan in Atlanta when her car broke down. She placed an ad on Backpage.com while stranded in Birmingham. (Milan and Mary Alford, Jazzs mom, told The Daily Beast they werent up to talking.)

Police and news reports initially referred to Alford by the name she was given at birth, a practice transgender advocates term dead-naming. Trans women told The Daily Beast that because Jazz wasnt from the area and was initially identified by that name, it took them several days to realize one of their sisters had been killed.

She was buried in North Carolina on Oct. 1, Milan told AL.com.

***

Jessica, whod been in the room next door when Larissa was attacked, was shot two days after the funeral.

I cant talk, she told The Daily Beast via Facebook Messenger. My mouth is wired shut.

A 9 mm bullet shattered her jawbone and pierced her throat.

Darius Foster, her boyfriend, told AL.com he found Jessica in her home on Oct. 3. Local news media reported the attack as a home invasion and said Foster arrived shortly after the attack and tried to chase down the suspects white van.

She came out on the porch screaming Help me, Foster told AL.com It was bad. There was nothing pretty about it.

They'd known each other and, after he left, [Thomas] called and told her that hed forgotten something, Larissa said Jessica texted her in the days after the attack. She said he came in, he hit her with the gun, and he shot her in the neck. Then he waved bye-bye.

Sinseriti Banks, who calls herself Jessicas trans mother, told The Daily Beast that Jessica had just moved into her new housethe one she was attacked inthe week before. Jessica was set to start a new job the day after the attack, Banks said.

She was just about to get her name legally changed, she added. And now all this stuff has occurred, and now its put her at a really bad standstill.

Now Jessica has a feeding tube in her stomach, Banks told The Daily Beast, adding that she only communicates through writing.

Shes lucky to be alive, Banks said. Theyre not sure if her esophagus is damaged. Theyre not sure if shes going to be able to talk.

It hurts a person to know that he wasnt there at that moment, to protect her, she said of Foster.

Jessicas injuries are so severe that Banks said she will require reconstructive surgery, but her family is by her side. They just want answers, and they want justice, Banks said. She set up a GoFundMe to help with Jessicas expenses.

Jessicas mother, Delvina, told The Daily Beast that there are still surgeries ahead, in particular to fix her jawbone.

Its just horrible how people try to take other peoples life, she said. It baffles me.

***

Larissa said she was called into talk to Birmingham police after Jessicas boyfriend gave them her call history. When police showed Larissa one number from the phone, she instantly recognized it as Thomas, a.k.a. Robber Bottom, and identified him to police.

Thomas was arrested and charged him with attempted murder and robbery for his attack on Jessica on Oct. 5. A judge set his bond at $200,000, and AL.com reported that he was awaiting trial on unrelated weapons and drug charges from the summer. (Sean Edwards, the Birmingham police spokesperson, told The Daily Beast that the department does not release prior criminal histories and would not comment on how Thomas was identified.)

Birmingham police say they also connected him to Jazzs murder. He was charged with it two days later, and this time, a judge issued a no-bond order in the case.

Im still mourning of course, but I am so filled with joy right now because this monster is off of the streets and he cant harm anybody else, Milan, Jazzs friend, told AL.com.

The Daily Beast reached out to an attorney the court said was assigned to Thomas, but he said he was unaware of the assignment.

Larissas attacker told her that no one would care that someone robbed transgender sex workers of color. Unfortunately, too often, he would have been right.

Jazz was, by one count, the 22nd transgender person murdered in 2016. Many of those murders remain unsolved. The count makes 2016 a deadlier year for transgender people than 2015, but its not clear whether that is because of an uptick in violence, or the result of more victims being accurately reported as transgender. The majority of them are women of color.

Likewise, sex workers have historically been easy prey for serial attackers. The murders of eight sex workers from a poor area in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, between 2005 and 2009 remain unsolved, as do the murders of more than a dozen women on Long Islands Gilgo Beach over the last 20 years.

But in Birmingham, Larissa might have made all the difference. She lived to ring the alarm bells, and was unafraid.

My mom always told me that even if someone comes at you like that, they always target the ones who are very afraid, she said. When they come in, [most men are] more afraid of us. They think were the police.

Larissa had alerted her sisters about the robbery after the attack and even posted the number on Facebook, hoping that awareness would mean they wouldnt be caught in the same situation. Jazz, however, had no way of knowing. She wasnt from the area. She was from North Carolina, just passing through.

When she was killed, police identified her as a man. Larissa and her sisters had no way of linking the attacks, just three days apart.

The police in Homewood still havent charged Thomas with Larissas robbery. Multiple messages to their spokesman, Sgt. Doug Finch, went unanswered. With the murder and attempted-murder charges, this count probably wont make a difference with his sentence if he is found guilty, but it would acknowledge the harm done to her.

They told me that they couldnt because at the time they didnt have really any proof, she texted this reporter after our interview. I think its mostly because they probably knew we were on backpage.

Larissa stopped posting on Backpage after the incident. She didnt do it often, anyway, and wants to focus on her dream of being a surgical technician. She recently graduated from a college program that prepared her for that path.

The girls who took the certification with me, I was the only one who passed, she told The Daily Beast.

Im really excited because its really breaking the mold of trans people as sex workers and sex objects, she added. Im not going to say I never did it in the past, but thats just the reality.

Larissa said she and her boyfriend of four years talk about having kids all the time and plan to adopt. And she wants to use her voice to make movies, like a documentary about transgender women in Birmingham. (Shes looking for partners who can help make that dream happen.)

When this reporter told Larissa that her actions to help arrest the suspect in these crimes were heroic, she shrugged.

Anything for my sister and for girls like me, she texted.
On Friday, Oct. 14, Japan grew by one city.

Less than 24 hours later, it was already gone.

Hermes, the French luxury house, hosted an exclusive show and party for over 1,000 VIP guests at a 30,000 square-foot pop-up event at Tokyos Haneda International Airport.

The Nature of Men, a so-called immersive event, kicked off with a fashion show staged on an actual runway. Models showed off the Fall 2016 mens ready to wear collection, currently in stores. Fashionable attendees, including loyal customers, arrived decked out in in-season Hermes looks.

The current collection features lush sweaters and outerwear in shades like raspberry and turquoise as well as slim suits in varying black tones, and reflects how the contemporary man lives, according to Veronique Nichanian, Hermes mens artistic director. I always wanted to talk about men in movement, the men who travel, who do a lot of things, Nichanian said of the impetus for her collections. In this venue, we are in the best place to talk about movement.

After the runway show, guests entered the Nature of Men pop-up, which played on themes of architecture, technology, and culture.

Modeled after a micro-city, artist installations of varying scale featured interactive experiences, such as a mirrored hall with neon rainbow lights that was instant social media bait, a luxe craft bar, and a Hermes-themed record shop.

The record shop, created in collaboration with veteran music executive Thierry Planelle, was decorated with spots of neon and turntables, and came fully stocked with LP album covers featuring 72 silk scarf patterns from the past 12 years. Vinyl discs played songs from that seasons runway show. Guests were able to pick up an album, take it over over to a record player and listen.

When you see a scarf, very often it does look like an LP record cover, said Christophe Goineau, Hermes artistic director, mens silk. The idea was to take one track from the show and to print the disc. That makes the pattern alive in a way.

When I see colors or patterns, sometimes I can hear music, Goineau adds.

The mini-city concept was based off an illustration by visual artist and longtime Hermes collaborator Nigel Peake. Peake, an architect by training, drew an abstract cityscape of jutting angles and stripes that was blown up into a life-size immersive experience. (The illustration appears on the Nature of Men capsule collection, which includes a scarf, shoes and apparel.)

Peakes design, an artful medley of colors, angles, and shapes, is not unlike Tokyo itself, where LED-streaked gleaming high rises sit next to jumbles of stacked micro-bars, cramped ramen joints and winding labyrinthine streets, and where men in black suits and power ties share sidewalks with girls who match their hair to their pastel neo-Victorian doll dresses.

That contrast and tension, inherent in the cityscape of Tokyo, is referenced in Peakes design. Look to the circles, he notes.

I very much enjoy a circle in the design of the fabric of the city, Peake said. Architecture is often generated from a line. So to introduce a curve, it causes a little bit of rupture. It makes it sing a little bit more than just straight line, straight line, straight line.

One of the artist installations combined architecture and technology in a playful way: by creating live digital graffiti.

Guests took a moving photo of themselves, chose a Hermes background pattern and then walked over to a blank wall. Using an enhanced paint roller, users painted the wall with a moving image.

Infrared LEDs are embedded inside the paint roller, artist Bruno Levy said. The computer sees the position of the paint roller, and outputs a stroke of video back onto the wall. It allows us to project onto any surface and collage video into real time.

Levy, along with Blake Shaw, is the co-founder of Sweatshoppe, an interactive multimedia collective.

Its the same technology that goes into artificial intelligence robots or drones or the face detection on your camera, Shaw said. But weve appropriated it for doing this kind of art installation.

Once the party ended, everything was gone for good. Even those ultra-covetable collectible records. (A small version of the project lives on in the window of the Hermes Ginza flagship.)

The event was planned from the start to be a one-night spectacle.

Its true that we worked since last March, so its a long road to a 12-minute show and a night for the party, Nichanian said. The short things are very intense. Its important.

Hermes is a time house, she added. We slow down the time and we express a different time.

Its a story that we play with our friends all over the world.

Video by David Allen.
Lets dispel with this fiction that Gary Johnson and Jill Stein know what theyre doing. They have no idea what theyre doing.

The main story of Sundays Last Week Tonight concerned the aforementioned third-party candidates who, national TV gaffes aside, are commanding a sizable amount of the vote in the upcoming U.S. electionthanks to the terribly low likability ratings of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trumpeven though they havent been properly vetted.

So, host John Oliver did just that.

Americans are so disillusioned by the major-party candidates it seems many would prefer to vote for Kevin Klines character from the movie Dave or the ghost of Martin Luther King, Jr.assuming he only said the three quotes that white people like, joked Oliver.He added, This disenchantment may explain the high interest in Americas third parties, because when your two main options are depressing, any third choice seems good. If youre in a KFC/Taco Bell and you see a bunch of pigeons eating something in the parking lot, you might well think, Hang onwhat have they got over there? [Editors Note: Taco Bell is delicious.]

Which brings us to the best-known of the lesser-known candidates: Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson and Green Party nominee Jill Stein. In a poll last month, over a third of young voters ages 18-29 said theyre considering voting for a third-party candidate. And sure, while Ralph Naders Florida votes probably tipped the 2000 presidential election in favor of George W. Bush, as Oliver said, Just dismissing third-party candidates as spoilers shuts down debate, which is bad for democracy.First came Jill Stein, whos polling at around 2 percent nationally and whose flagship proposalher Trump wall, so to speakis to cancel the $1.3 trillion in student debt. She plans to do this through quantitative easing, which shes described as a magic trick that will allow for up to $4 trillion in free money.No it isnt, though! exclaimed Oliver. It is a very complicated monetary policy tool, and while it might not be important for most people to understand it, you certainly have to. And I dont think you do.In case you missed it, Stein claimed in a Reddit Ask Me Anything that, The president then has the authority to cancel the student debt using quantitative easing, but as Oliver noted, That is absolutely wrong! The president does not have that authority, only the Federal Reserve doesand it does not take marching orders from the White House because that would be extremely dangerous. You dont want to give presidents the power to just create new money whenever they want it.And when it comes to Stein, for a candidate who seems to be running on principle, it can be hard to pin her down on what those principles are.Stein declared the Brexit referendum vote a victory online before stating the opposite. She also sought to correct her past anti-vaccine stance by tweeting, Theres no evidence that autism is caused by vaccines, before changing her message to, Im not aware of evidence linking autism with vaccines. This strategic vagueness, as Oliver put it, even applied to a question she fielded during the Green Party town-hall from a 9/11 truther. Instead of rejecting the mans insane theory that it was a controlled demolition, Stein replied, Its time to get the full story!

You cant just hear a conspiracy theory, fan the flames, and walk away, said Oliver. Oh, and she was also in a truly godawful alternative music group called Somebodys Sister.

As for Gary Johnson: He has been polling around 6 percent nationallywhich is pretty remarkable, given that his race has been largely notable for moments like not knowing what Aleppo is, not being able to name a world leader he admires, and whatever it is hes doing here, said Oliver, before cutting to the notorious clip of Johnson speaking with his tongue in his mouth to an MSNBC reporter.

Of course, if you dig a little deeper on Johnsons actual policy positions, youll learn that he not only opposes minimum wage and combating climate change, but also wants to eliminate the Department of Education, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Housing and Urban Developmentall of which do a heck of a lot of work for lower-class Americans, in particularwhile offering no substitutes.

Oh, and he also wishes to eliminate the federal income tax and the IRS, and then impose a federal consumption tax of 28 percent on everything. Tax-policy analysts have already debunked this plan as completely ludicrousand one that would not only weigh heavily on lower- and middle-class American families, but also likely increase income inequality.

The more you look at Gary Johnson and Jill Stein, the more you realize the lack of coverage they complain about so much might have genuinely benefitted them, said Oliver, because their key proposals crumble under the slightest amount of scrutiny.
John Olivers wife may be a Republicanand a decorated Iraq War veteranbut the comedian and host of HBOs Emmy-winning Last Week Tonight is no fan of Donald Trump. In the past, Oliver has compared the former reality-TV show host turned Republican presidential candidate to a dictator and recently dragged the entire GOP for enabling the self-described sexual predator.

On Sundays edition of his program, Oliver did his best to recap Donald Grab Them by the Pussy Trumps truly unhinged behavior (even by his standards) of late in the wake of a series of sexual-assault allegations that have all but transformed him into the new Bill Cosby.

This has frankly been a week of upsetting allegations regarding Trump. And Im not going to make you sit through all of them again, because all you really need to know about the man is that this was his response to one of his accusers, said Oliver.

The satirist then threw to a clip of Trump at a recent rally talking about Jessica Leeds, a woman who claimed to The New York Times that Trump had molested her while the two were seated next to each other in first class during a flight in the 1970s.Believe me: She would not be my first choice, announced Trump. That I can tell you. You dont know. That would not be my first choice.

Revoltingor as Oliver put it, we are in a coffin and we are buried alive in the horror that is this election. Of course, Trumps ugly remarks dont come as much of a surprise given this recent boast:

Yes, the shackles are offwhich is actually an apt metaphor, as it calls to mind Frankensteins monster and a rabid dog, Oliver quipped. Here is what he has said as of now: First, he burned bridges with his own party, calling Paul Ryan weak and ineffective, and then at campaign rallies dialed the knob up to full-on conspiracy theorist.

Yep. At a rally in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump whined, Hillary Clinton meets in secret with international banks to plot the destruction of U.S. sovereignty.

Holy shit! That is not the kind of thing that a presidential candidate says! exclaimed Oliver. Its the kind of thing that a man in a tinfoil hat screams inside his concrete bunker because he thinks his soup cans have been bugged by the lizard people in the White House.But perhaps most ominously of all, Oliver later added, Trump took a theme that has been dancing around all this campaign and made it explicitly and frighteningly directthat is, that the election is rigged (its not) despite his terrible poll numbers, numerous sexual-assault allegations against him, and record unlikability rating for a POTUS candidate.

OK. Telling your supporters the election is being rigged is legitimately dangerous because faith in fair elections and in peaceful transfer of power are essential foundations for a democracy, and undermining them is like asking why one of those giant eagles didnt just fly Frodo all the way to Mordor in The Lord of the Rings: If enough people start thinking that way, the whole thing kind of falls apart, shouted a fired-up Oliver.He continued: So just to recap: This week, Trump has declared war on his political opponents, the media, his own party, his own campaign, and the concept of democracy itself. It all paints a picture of a man whos increasingly positioning himself as the only source of truth and goodness in America.

Cut to Trump who, at a recent rally, proclaimed: I never knew it would be this vile, that it would be this bad, that it would be this vicious. Nevertheless, I take all of these slings and arrows gladlyfor you And many political experts warned me that this campaign would be a journey to hell. They said that. But theyre wrong. It will be a journey to heaven.You heard right. He sees himself as a lone, persecuted savior who started out in construction, is suffering on behalf of his followers, and will one day take them to heaven, said Oliver. We have known for a while that Donald Trump thinks he is the second coming of Christ, but it turns out he might mean that literally. The only real difference being, with Christ we think, What would Jesus do? and with Trump its more, Jesus, what the fuck did you just do!?
Liberal broadcast journalist Amy Goodman escaped criminal charges on Mondayand the citizens of North Dakota dodged temporary embarrassment over the ludicrous behavior of their public officialswhen a state judge refused to sign a criminal complaint against the Democracy Now anchor arising from her coverage of an anti-pipeline protest by residents of the Standing Rock Sioux reservation.

I feel vindicated. Most importantly, journalism is vindicated, that we have a right to report, Goodman, 59, who launched her daily public television program 20 years ago, told a gaggle of fellow reporters gathered outside the Morton County Courthouse in Mandan, North Dakota.

Moments before, Judge John Grinsteiner had dismissed a misdemeanor charge of riot that States Attorney Ladd Erickson had attempted to pin on her, and a scheduled arraignment hearing was cancelled; Erickson, who normally plies his trade in nearby McLean County but volunteered his services for this case, had even taken the highly unusual step of issuing an arrest warrant for the award-winning journalist.

The defeated prosecutorwho was elected unopposed in the energy-producing, Donald Trump-supporting statedeclined an interview request from The Daily Beast, although he argued in an email that a lengthy affidavit by North Dakota special agent Lindsay Wolddescribing Goodmans actions in the Democracy Now video as well as security footagewas a sufficient basis for the rioting charge.

When challenged that the video simply showed her performing journalistic functionsdescribing the actions of protesters and security personnel, including a dog that had blood on its nose and mouth after apparently biting into human fleshErickson said: I didnt think her video had much evidence value frankly some of the other videos that havent been edited or published gave a better understanding of the incident when we were reviewing the evidence

It was apparent, however, that Erickson and his employees have been taking heat in recent weeks over his prosecution of Goodman. An unnamed receptionist who answered the phone in Ericksons office Monday morning told this reporter: I want to thank you for not cussing at me and not shaming me for working here.

Goodman, for her part, declared: Today the judge sided with freedomwith freedom of the press and the First Amendmentand thats a very, very sacred and important principlethis, after delivering a rousing speech to largely Native American pipeline protesters, who voiced their approval with cheers and war whoops.

Erickson initially charged Goodman with criminal trespassinga misdemeanor carrying a fine and 30 days in jailafter she documented a Sept. 3 protest of Native Americans trying to stop construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline across what they identified as sacred burial grounds. More than hundred protestersmen, women and childrenconfronted bulldozers, security personnel in hardhats and growling dogs in order to voice their concerns over the pipelines potential contamination of their ground water.

On Friday, as Goodman flew from to New York to North Dakota to face the music and turn herself in to law enforcement authorities, Erickson abruptly withdrew the trespassing complaint for what he termed technical reasons, and replaced it with the rioting charge.

In the weeks leading up to Mondays dismissal, the prosecutor gave a variety of reasons for his publicity-generating prosecution of Goodman.

He told the Grand Forks Herald that he didnt even consider Goodman a journalist, notwithstanding that over a long and distinguished career, she has received a prestigious George Polk award among many other prizes.

Shes a protester, basically, Erickson opined. Everything she reported on was from the position of justifying the protest actions.

To the Bismarck Tribune, he insisted: I think she put together a piece to influence the world on her agenda, basically. Thats fine, but it doesnt immunize her from the laws of her state.

Goodmans reportwhich showed peaceful protesters being pepper-sprayed by private security personnel and set upon by attack dogs that sunk their fangs into arms, legs, and faces, while Goodman interviewed both protesters and pipeline officialsgenerated international attention, 14 million views on Democracy Nows Facebook page, while Goodmans disturbing footage ended up on the major U.S. broadcast and cable networks.

Shortly afterward, three federal agencies of the Obama administrationthe Army Corps of Engineers, the Justice Department, and the Interior Departmentintervened to slow down the progress of the pipeline construction, including a plan to route it under the Missouri River, for which the Texas-based pipeline company, Energy Transfer Partners, has yet to receive the required permit.

This was an attempt to intimidate her and any of the reporters that are covering the protests, and its ridiculous, said Carlos Lauria of the Committee to Protect Journalists, one of a number of organizations and reporters who have vocally supported Goodman in recent weeks. Its a clear attack on press freedom. The authorities should stop embarrassing themselves.

Public interest lawyer Reed Brody, a friend of Goodmans who accompanied her to North Dakota to aid her defense, said it was prudent for her to answer the arrest warrantshe travels a lot, and once youre in the system another law enforcement agency could cause trouble. She wanted to come back and face these chargesShes happily doing this, and obviously we feel that theyre shooting themselves in the foot by pressing these charges and calling attention to the pipeline issue.

Brody said that even if Goodman had lost todays legal round or ended up doing jail time, This is a win-win situation for Amy with no downside.

He added: They fucked with the wrong person.

Still, Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeierresponding to Judge Grinsteiners dismissal of charges against Goodman and five protestersleft open the possibility that she could still be in legal jeopardy, though for what he didnt specify.

The Morton County Sheriffs Department continues to investigate the events of September 3rd, said Kirchmeiers press release. 

Additional charges are under further review by the Morton County States Attorneys Office.

The pipeline remains a subject of litigation between the Standing Rock Sioux and Energy Transfer Partners; coincidentally or not, the financial disclosure form that candidate Trump filed with the Federal Election Commission reveals that he has between $500,000 and $1 million invested in the Texas pipeline builder, along with an additional $50,000 to $100,000 invested in Phillips 66, the 25-percent owner of the completed Dakota Access Pipelinethis, according to a report by the Greenpeace environmental organization.

Trump, of course, regularly demonizes the Fourth Estate, calling out journalists who cover his troubled campaignfrequently by name, as they work in the press area at the back of his rallies, where diehard Trump supporters curse at and threaten themas dishonest and disgusting.
CHARLOTTE, North CarolinaTheyre young, theyre old, blond and brunette. Theyre rich and poor and everything in between. But the women at Donald Trumps rallies have one defining trait in common, other than being overwhelmingly white. They cant quit, wont quit, the Donald.

More than a week after Trump was caught on a decade-old tape bragging to Billy Bush that he groped women, and days into a drumbeat of accusers coming forward to say the billionaire had grabbed, touched, harassed, and assaulted them, a dedicated group of female supporters say theyre sticking with Trump no matter what.

Id be honored if Donald Trump would touch me inappropriately! I sure would! Do it again! Trina Hudson laughed as she walked out of Trumps Friday night rally in Charlotte, the second one shes been to so far.

Hudson was wearing a T-shirt she had gotten at her first Trump rally in Greensboro (Finally, a candidate with balls!) and said that neither the accusations against Trump nor his response to them would change her mind. It. Does. Not. Matter, she said. I would still vote for him.

Hudson had come to Charlotte with a friend from Gastonia, where she is a manager at a manufacturing company. What does she like about Trump?

Everything, Hudson said. I think hed be good for this country. I like his morals and his judgment. Hell get ISIS out of here and Hillarys just going to bring more over.

Hours before the event in Charlotte, Trump had been in Greensboro, where he laughed off one of the accusers who he suggested wasnt even attractive enough to assault.

Believe me, she would not be my first choice, that I can tell you, he said to the roar of the crowd.

Another woman whose looks he could do without? Hillary Clinton.

When she walked in front of me at my podium, believe me, I wasnt impressed, he said, as he described his view at their second presidential debate.

Altogether, Trump said the parade of women who have come forward to accuse him were doing it probably for a little bit of fame, dismissing their multiple, varying accounts as fiction.

Its exactly that kind of attack on his accusers, Clinton, and women in general that is destroying Trumps chances among female voters. While Mitt Romney lost women to President Obama by 11 points, a series of polls in October show Clinton opening up an almost insurmountable lead among female voters, between 15 and 33 percentage points.

But even as most women declare Trump and his White House aspirations dead to them, another group, numbering in the tens of millions, is steadfastly refusing to leave his side.

At Trumps Charlotte rally, Susan Brewer and her daughter carried matching Women for Trump signs, pink placards the Trump campaign offered to females on their way in.

Brewer spoke quietly, her face framed by soft, white curls, as she listed the reasons shell vote for him in November.

I believe hes truly a patriot, she said of Trump. She liked his focus on defeating ISIS and helping veterans and said she didnt believe the latest stories about Trump and women.

I think its part of the big lies of Hillary, she said. Of course I dont think hes a saint.

Brewers daughter, Meg Prokopenko, moved to the Charlotte area two years ago for her husbands job as a software developer. She said she also liked Trumps focus on ISIS and protecting our country, and added, The big thing is the threat of Hillary.

When I asked Prokopenko about the accusations against Trump about assaulting women, she, like every woman I spoke with, said they wont change her vote.

Obviously it doesnt make his character look great, she said. But if you look at Bill and Hillary paying hundreds of thousands to cover up a rape that Bill did, I dont see her as being a champion for womens rights.

Standing outside of the convention center where the rally let out, two sisters originally from Canada were wearing Canadian Deplorables for Trump T-shirts that they had designed themselves. One sister, Pam Byrd, lives in nearby Albemarle. The other, Tina Stevens, lives in Canada, but holds U.S. citizenship. Both women are professional, college-educated, and say theyre pro-Trump whether or not hes a dog with women.

Hillary is corrupt, said Byrd. In anything shes ever done, shes just selling us out. She is frustrated that the press hasnt covered WikiLeaks with the same ferocity as Trumps lady problems, but said shes supporting Trump even so.

He may be disgusting and maybe hes done the things that they said hes done, she said. But hes still got common sense and hes saying smart things.

Her sister also stopped short of defending Trump from the women accusing him, but said the issues in the election matter more.

I dont think its a personality contest, Stevens said. In my job, Ive had to work with people I didnt like. But they did a really, really good job. And thats what I see as far as Trump goes.

The sisters agreed that immigration in America is a mess and said they trust Trump far more than Clinton to solve the problems in the country. Theyre in the minority of women who will support Trump, but among the majority who dont trust Hillary Clinton, so much so that Byrd said she is already doubting the results of the election if Trump loses.

You just dont know. Maybe the elections rigged, she said. Look what happened to Bernie Sanders.
Retired Marine Gen. James Cartwright, once considered one of President Obamas favorite generals, pleaded guilty Monday to lying to federal investigators about revealing classified information to two journalists, including a New York Times reporter who wrote about a highly-classified U.S. cyberattack against Irans nuclear program.

The charges werent exactly a surprise. Cartwright has known for more than three years that he was the target of an investigation into who leaked details about the so-called Stuxnet computer virus, which the United States used to destroy centrifuges inside an Iranian nuclear enrichment facility in 2008 and 2009.

But notably, Cartwright who previously served as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is the only person to have been charged in the leak investigation about the highly classified program, even though its clear from various books and articles that he wasnt the only source of information about it. Times reporter David Sanger revealed the operation and wrote about it extensively in his book, Confront and Conceal.

That raises questions about why Cartwright is being charged now and if he was somehow singled out for speaking to Sanger and another journalist, Newsweeks Daniel Klaidman.

In a statement, Cartwright acknowledged that he had talked to the journalists but said he was not the source of the leak about Stuxnet. Rather, he portrayed himself as trying to mitigate the fallout from the revelation of a secret program.

It was wrong for me to mislead the FBI on November 2, 2012, [during an interview] and I accept full responsibility for this, Cartwright said. I knew I was not the source of the story and I didnt want to be blamed for the leak. My only goal in talking to the reporters was to protect American interests and lives; I love my country and continue to this day to do everything I can to defend it.

Gregory Craig, Cartwrights attorney, said his client had engaged in a well-known and understood practice of attempting to save national secrets, not disclosing classified information. Craig said that by the time Cartwright talked to the journalists, they had already written their stories.

His effort to prevent publication of information that might harm American lives or national security does not constitute a violation of any law, Craig added. Neither he nor Cartwright specified what information, if any, the retired general may have prevented the journalists from publishing.

The charges state that investigators showed Cartwright a list of quotes and statements from Sangers book, a number of which contained classified information.

Cartwright falsely told investigators that he was not the source of any of the quotes and statements, the charges continue. Cartwright also falsely told investigators that he did not provide or confirm classified information to David Sanger.

The Obama administration has prosecuted more cases against government and military personnel for leaking than all other administrations combined. But there has long been an air of politics and intrigue surrounding Cartwrights case.

A controversial figure within the senior military ranks, Cartwright had taken positions that put him at odds with other officers on major policy decisions, including when he broke with many generals and opposed a 2010 surge of U.S. combat forces in Afghanistan. That put him in the good graces of Obama, but it put him in the opposite camp of his peers, including Gen. David Petraeus and Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

Of course, Cartwright now has something in common with Petraeus, who pleaded guilty in April 2015 to mishandling classified information, after he disclosed secrets to his biographer and mistress, Paula Broadwell. But unlike that case, its not clear that Cartwright was alone in providing classified information to someone who wasnt authorized to have it.

Reading Sangers book, its clear that the journalist had other sources besides Cartwright, both within the Obama administration and outside of government.

Did Cartwright overstep his bounds and reveal too much? That wasnt clear from his plea agreement.

But reportedly the Justice Department had difficulty bringing charges against anyone for leaking the classified information about Stuxnet. When Cartwright was found to have lied to investigators, though, prosecutors had a charge to bring against him.

Cartwright was also charged with lying to investigators about whether he discussed a particular country to Newsweeks Klaidman, who at the time was employed by The Daily Beast when the publications were merged. The charges say that Cartwright had confirmed certain classified information relating to Country 1 in an email to Klaidman. Country 1 presumably is Iran.

Cartwright will be sentenced on Jan. 17. He could receive a prison sentence from zero to six months, per the terms of an agreement with federal prosecutors.
KHAZIR, IraqAfter months of preparation, the long-awaited battle for Mosul began in the early hours of Monday when Iraqi army and Kurdish Peshmerga troops surged across the plains of northern Iraq toward the stronghold of the so-called Islamic State.

The timing of the offensive, determined by the Iraqi government based on logistical, tactical, and domestic political imperatives, could have an explosive effect on the U.S. elections. Combat is likely to drag on well beyond Nov. 8, when the Americans vote, so the potential for a victory that might benefit the candidacy of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is low, while the potential for military setbacks, humanitarian disasters, and terrorist counterstrikes that could be exploited by the campaign of businessman Donald Trump is high. But in any case the die is cast.

Supported by American and other coalition airstrikes, the Iraqi and Kurdish soldiers made use of the first light of day to advance in a multipronged attack on the thinly stretched ISIS defenses. American advisers and special-operations forces are also known to be in close contact with the advancing troops, although they are not supposed to take a direct role in combat.

Iraqi army units headed for Mosul from Qayyarah, the key staging post where some U.S. personnel are deployed south of the Tigris River. The Iraqi army is also advancing from Gwer (or Kuwayr) a small town on the north bank of a Tigris tributary. A little further north still, Kurdish Peshmerga fighters began their assault on the villages along the road to Mosul at the Khazir front line.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi took to the airwaves to announce the start of the campaign.

The hour of victory has come, the operation to liberate Mosul has started, Abadi said in a televised address, flanked by officers and wearing the black uniform of Iraqs special forces that are expected to spearhead the thrust into the city.

God willing we will meet in Mosul to celebrate the liberation and your salvation from Daesh so we can live together once again, all religions united and together. We shall defeat Daesh to rebuild this dear city of Mosul, he added, using the Arabic acronym for ISIS.

The campaign is intended to put an end to the terror group as an occupying force in Iraq. Hemmed into Mosul and the pocket of Hawija to the southeast, the militants have been losing ground for over a year now, and are a far cry from the seemingly invincible fighters that took Mosul, Iraqs second-largest metropolis, with fewer than a thousand men in June 2014.

Early indications are that the offensive got off to a good start.

By 9 a.m. local time, the Peshmerga had taken Kabarli, one of three villages they had attacked at dawn. After a brief fight in which ISIS sent a truck bomb toward the advancing Peshmerga, which was duly dispatched by the Kurds before reaching its target, the ISIS fighters withdrew.

According to commanders on the ground, the Peshmerga are looking to move toward Qaraqosh (also called Bakhdida), an abandoned Christian town about 15 kilometers from Mosuls outskirts.

Prior to the ground assault, relentless attacks from the air had ground down the defenders. Directed by Western special-operations forces on the ground, jet aircraft and helicopters pounded ISIS positions remorselessly, launching rockets, dropping bombs, and spraying cannon fire at ISIS positions.

In the coming days, further lines of attack will be opened, aimed at collapsing ISISs entire northern front, while the Iraqi army continues its advance from Qayyarah south of the river.

The fighting is the culmination of a heavy troop buildup around Mosul in the preceding weeks. Unit after unit had rolled in from Baghdad and Tikrit, complementing the Peshmerga forces that had been holding the front against ISIS over the past two years.

Even on the eve of battle, tanks and armored vehicles were still being ferried to the front at Khazir. Strapped on the back of heavy trucks, the war machines where greeted by cheering civilians lining the road as they drove through the town of Kalak. A little further up the road, a long convoy of ambulances made their way to the front line.

A few days earlier, The Daily Beast witnessed a heavily armed Iraq special-operations forces unit pulling into the town of Makhmour on the way to Khazir. Known as the Golden Division, these black-clad fighters are the pride of Iraqs military after scoring a series of decisive victories againt ISIS.

After two years of fighting the insurgents in cities such as Ramadi, Hit, and Fallujah, these men are experts at urban warfare, and are itching to finish off the job in Mosul.

We have been fighting everywhere, said Samar, a Golden Division soldier whose unit had last seen action in Fallujah. We like it.

With their trademark black Humvees, MRAPs (mine resistant ambush protected vehicles), and state-of-the-art U.S. assault rifles, the American-trained soldiers moved toward their staging posts with menace and swagger, unperturbed by the fanatical defense ISIS is expected to put up in the city.

According to reports from inside Mosul, the insurgents have dug an extensive network of tunnels, allowing them to channel men and material out of sight of the coalition aircraft preying above. They have filled deep trenches with crude oil they can torch, and littered houses and roads with explosive traps.

Several thousand jihadis are expected to remain in the city, together with over a million civilians. Aid agencies fear that the local population will be used as human shields by ISIS, but are also acutely aware that they lack the means to deal with a mass exodus from the city.

I am extremely concerned for the safety of up to 1.5 million people living in Mosul who may be impacted by military operations to retake the city from ISIL [ISIS], Stephen OBrien, the United Nations undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs, said in a statement released Oct. 17. Funding has been insufficient to prepare fully for the worst-case scenario.

The military has been instructed to persuade civilians to stay in their houses during the fighting. If that fails, the army will establish safe routes out of the city, a tough task while the battle rages.

People fleeing in greater numbers will quickly lead to a humanitarian crisis, aid agencies warn. Only about 60,000 people can be sheltered in emergency sites and existing camps before additional capacity is added, while up to 200,000 civilians may try to escape in the first few days, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council.

We fear the humanitarian consequences of this operation will be massive, said Wolfgang Gressmann, the NRCs Iraq country director.

With additional reporting by Christopher Dickey.
It must have been a bit like that YouTube video in which an alligator fights a python.

As celebrity showdowns go, putting the mercurial, hoverboard-loving actor Russell Crowe and the fiery rapper and social-media loose cannon Azealia Banks in a room together is hard to beat.

Azealias previous form, you may remember, includes putting a curse on Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, launching a racist, homophobic rant against One Directions Zayn Malik, and calling a Delta flight attendant a fucking faggot.

In the red corner, meanwhile, Russell Crowes history of hot-temper flashes includes allegedly threatening to kill the producer of Gladiator for lowballing his assistants on their per diem, throwing a cellphone at a New York hotel concierge, and threatening a BBC executive who cut short his BAFTA Best Actor acceptance speech. (The unlucky London fellow was allegedly pinned to a wall by Crowe, who jabbed him in the chest and shouted: You ***** piece of ****. Ill make sure youll never work in Hollywood.)

Indeed, Crowes reputation for rugged confrontation is so celebrated that there is an entire South Park episode dedicated to the notion that he simply travels the world starting fights with random people.

So, it is perhaps not entirely surprising that when Azealia and Russell somehow found themselves sharing space in an L.A. hotel suite occupied by Crowe (she was reportedly the RZAs plus one) on Saturday night, a big, big fight ensued.

While everyone agrees the evening didnt end with air kisses and return invitations to dinner, there are two competing versions of how matters played out.

TMZ reports that, the trouble started when Azealia laughed out loud at Russells music selection, and then called him and at least one other guest boring white men. A female guest jumped to Russells defense and suggested Banks pipe down.

TMZ claims Banks then threatened Crowe and the woman, You would love it if I broke my glass, stabbed you guys in the throat, and blood would squirt everywhere like some real Tarantino s***.

According to TMZ, witnesses say she dropped a few n-bombs, but when she reached for her glass, cocked it back the Cinderella Man star grabbed her in a bear hug and carried her out of the suite, before calling hotel security.

Azealia posted a very different version of events on her Facebook page, claiming Crowe called her the n-word, choked her, and spit on her.

To recap my night, I went to a party at Russell Crowes suite, at which he called me a n****r, choked me, threw me out and spat at me, Banks wrote in a post, which has since been deleted.

Last night was one of the hardest nights of sleep Ive had in a long time, she said. The men in the room allowed it to happen. I feel terrible today.

In another message, Banks said she wished she had someone to beat [Crowe] up for her.

Just feel so low and mishandled and alone and f***ing depressed right now, she said. I want to f***ing die.

Who was in the wrong we may never know.

But an intriguing possibility is that Russell was inflicting his own music on the guests.

He is keen amateur recording artisthis style once was described as the colourless strums of a subway busker glazed with the deodorized slick of Christian rock, and has a reputation for being exceptionally thin-skinned when it comes to criticism of his oeuvre.

Indeed, it was after Trey Parker and Matt Stone were subjected to Russells musicthey were invited to Crowes place to listen to the demo tape for his album and unwisely gave their thoughts on it to the Gladiator starthat they wrote their now-legendary South Park episode.

Parker described the music as Bon Jovi meets hepatitis B (but not to his face, that would be silly).
I never expected this thing to go the way its been going so far, marvels filmmaker Barry Jenkins, whose lyrical drama Moonlight has captivated critics and entered the awards race with real buzzand, perhaps, a real shot at upending the usual Oscar bait fare.

So many people are seeing the film. Theyre watching it. Theyre feeling the characters. He grins, a smile lighting up his face. Its fucking amazing.

Jenkins, 36, is approaching the tail end of a whirlwind festival tour with his tremendously wrought Moonlight, adapted from Tarell Alvin McCraneys semi-autobiographical play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. It began at Telluride last month before picking up momentum at an emotional Toronto Film Festival premiere, and has since inspired rapturous praise at festivals in New York, London, and Rome ahead of this weeks October 21 release.

As we talk in Beverly Hills, Jenkins is days away from taking Moonlight to perhaps an even more meaningful play date a world, or maybe even a lifetime, awayin Miami, where hes from, the city that witnessed his own childhood joys and pain. Exactly a year ago this week he returned home a semi-stranger to film on location in Liberty City, in the housing projects he and McCraney both grew up in, living parallel lives going to the same schools decades before theyd actually meet.

When a friend passed Jenkins the play McCraney had written, a time-jumping search for the expression of an identity and sexuality not readily fostered when the playwright was growing up gay and black in Miami, Jenkins recognized a time and a place he knew because hed lived it, too. As a young man hed left Florida for San Francisco where he launched his film career with his acclaimed 2008 first feature Medicine for Melancholy. Now he lives in Los Angeles, two thousand miles away from his hometown.

Once the trailer came out I think people started to perk up and realize, oh, these guys actually made a moviea real movie, he says, mulling the reaction hell get in Miami from the folks who knew that world and still live there. People were pointing out different projects and stuff like that, just from the trailer. I think its going to be like a waking dreamnot just for me but for some of the people who lived through some of these things, to get to see it on a big screen.

It took Jenkins eight years to make his sophomore feature, the kind of factoid filmmakers loathe being reminded of. In the interim he stayed busy developing studio films and writing screenplays, including a time-traveling Stevie Wonder pic and a Bill Clegg memoir, but everything he was working on, he says, felt like other peoples projects.

I cared about them, but they werent personal, he admits. Maybe I tricked myself because when I read this piece, it wasnt my story. It was definitely Tarells storybut it was close enough that I could maybe still have one foot in emotionally, but at least that one foot would be hella personal.

Of course, he adds, there was no way to not put both feet in.

Moonlight tracks the tumultuous emotional life of Chiron, son of a single crack-addicted mother, through three crucial periods. Alex Hibbert plays Chiron as an intensely quiet young boy nicknamed Little; Ashton Sanders plays him as a teen, wrestling with the first pangs of love, lust, and his burgeoning homosexuality; and Trevante Rhodes portrays him as an adult, still hiding his true self under layers of protection, paralyzed by the feelings that roil inside him.

Along the way, Chiron is guided and shaped by the adults in his life. House of Cards and Luke Cages Mahershala Ali turns in a powerful performance as Juan, a Cuban drug dealer whose kindness and trap lifestyle leave an indelible mark on the young Little. Janelle Monae offers a tender, no-nonsense maternal surrogate as Juans girlfriend Teresa, who offers Chiron the safe haven of acceptance he doesnt have at home or in the rough hallways at school. And Naomie Harris is exceptionally heartbreaking as Paula, the addict mother succumbing to her own personal demons whose inability to nurture Chiron leaves the young boy unprotected from the world just when he needs her most.

As a straight man, Jenkins says he wrestled with giving himself permission to tell McCraneys tale. And financing a quietly ferocious queer coming-of-age story told in three acts with no stars to carry the central thread was, on paper, a risky second film to attempt. But there were two things. One, I thought what Tarell had written was beautiful, he says. There was legit honesty in it. There was some really dark shit in the play and to read it on the page and kind of have an idea of what it would look like 30 feet high, it was like, This is potent. There were also some things from my childhood that I hadnt really dealt with, that Tarell is very clearly dealing with in the piece.

I see myself in Chiron, he nods. I do. And I think it was really important for me to do that, because Im straight, the character is gay, Tarell is gay. And yet thats one aspect of this characters identity. And I feel like just because we have a different sexual orientation shouldnt keep me from being able to identify with that character. When I say I wanted to be an ally, that I saw a means to be an active ally in adapting the piece, it was in preserving Tarells voice and translating that voice to the screen. The idea was: if you could change your fucking Facebook profile to this rainbow thing, then you could go out and tell these characters story. From that point on it was just, How do I get this right? And then: Dont fuck it up.

The most difficult scenes for Jenkins to shoot were the ones with Harris, whose transformation into the volatile Paula hit bracingly close to home. Because of scheduling issues they shot all of her scenes, in three timelines opposite all three Chirons, in just three days while Harris was off-duty from promoting her James Bond movie Spectre.

Undoubtedly the hardest part was working with Naomie, Jenkins says, because she is portraying my mom. She is a composite of my mom and Tarells momand shes really fucking good. I direct an actor putting a pot on a stove the same way I do two kids making out. Its the same thing. But when you have this amazingly well-trained thespian performing so well that she starts to look like your mom at that point it became this different thing. We were living out this therapy session that I did not want to have.

He describes Moonlight as a cinematic fever dream, a notion reflected in the heightened realism and impressionistic texture of the film, shot by cinematographer James Laxton in the rich, evocative hues of decayed neon dreams. I felt like, OhTarell went through this too, so its his biography and Ill just slide on the side. But Tarells not the one on set working with this actor. Theres no distance between the two of us. Theres no distance between these memories and myself.

Critics have fervently embraced Moonlight, which sits at a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes consensus and leads the class of black stories expected to show up in force in the current Oscars race. Recently, Jenkins next scripting project, a biopic of Olympian boxer Claressa T-Rex Shields, was announced in the trades to great interest from Moonlight-watchers. He considers what that really means given the outcry over the Academys lack of diversity just a year ago.

The really cool thing about #OscarsSoWhite and the diversity push is that its not a reaction at all, he offers. Movies take a long time. This movie took three and a half years. Its great that they can all be framed in the way that youre seeing it now because of #OscarsSoWhite, but really what youre seeing is all these filmmakers who felt voiceless, or felt this lack of presence amongst different kinds of storytellers and different kinds of story modes. Those people took it upon themselves to create these stories, and now weve arrived at this moment because everybody else got fed up and created this uproarand now the films exist to fulfill them, but theyre not a response to the uproar.

Now, if we get to next year and we dont have the same sort of diverse array of diverse voices, then well have to once again start a fucking uproar, he smiles. Because we should consistently be having this wide potpourri, this cornucopia, of different stories. People talk about Moonlight and the black experience. It does reflect the black experience, but its my experience and Tarells experience. Both of us grew up with a mom addicted to drugs in a very particular neighborhood at a very particular time.

Its just one slice, he says, cheering the other slices of African or African-American life represented this year in movies with serious awards buzz. I love that youve got Hidden Figuresthats another slice. Youve got Fencesthats another slice. Youve got Birth of a Nation, Queen of Katwe all these slices. And I like being a part of that pie. Its a good damn feeling.
September was supposed to be a triumphant month for the Zumwalt, the U.S. Navys high-tech new destroyer. The 600-foot-long, missile-armed stealth warshipits hull and superstructure sharply sloped to help it avoid radar-detectionwas in Norfolk, Virginia, undergoing last-minute tests before its planned official commissioning on Oct. 15.

Once in service, the Zumwalt will be the Navys most sophisticated destroyer. But only if it actually works.

On Sept. 19, the Zumwalt suffered what the Navy calls an engineering casualty. In plain language, that means the $4 billion ship broke down. And it wasnt alone. Across the worlds leading navy, new warships are breaking down at alarming rates.

Americans should worry. The Navy is busier than ever fighting ISIS, deterring Russian aggression in the Black Sea, and patrolling the western Pacific to blunt Chinese land-grabs. A fleet cant fight, deter, and patrol if its ships cant sail.

Zumwalts problem began with a trickle of saltwater. The crew discovered the casualty after detecting a seawater leak in the propulsion motor drive lube oil auxiliary system for one of the ships shafts, a Navy spokesperson told the news website of the U.S. Naval Institute.

The Navy insisted the Zumwalt could still safely sail, owing to the built-in redundancy of the ships propulsion plant. The new destroyer is, in essence, a seagoing version of a hybrid car, with gas-fueled turbine engines for routine operations and batteries for back-up power. Shut down one propulsion system, and you can still get underway on the other.

But with commissioning just weeks away, the sailing branch isnt taking any chances. It was determined that the repairs should be completed in port prior to the ship transiting to sea, the spokesperson told USNI News.

Zumwalts breakdown was just the latest in a long chain of mechanical problems afflicting the Navys newest shipsin particular, the roughly 400-foot-long Littoral Combat Ships that are on track to become one the fleets most numerous vessel types.

New Littoral Combat Ships, each of which cost around $500 million to build, have broken down no fewer than fives times in 2016 and late 2015. Most recently, on Sept. 13, the USS Montgomery suffered two unrelated engineering casualties while sailing from Mayport, Florida, to its new home port of San Diego via the Panama Canal. The Montgomery had officially been in service for less than a week when the breakdowns occurred.

The first problem was a leak like the one that would sideline Zumwalt just a few days later. Later the same day, one of the Montgomerys two gas turbines broke down. The Navy issued a statement that would match, almost word-for-word, its later explanation for Zumwalts engineering casualty.

The built-in redundancy of the ships propulsion plant allows these ships to operate with multiple engine configurations, the Navy explained. However it was determined that the best course of action would be to send the ship to Mayport to conduct both repairs.

Montgomerys sister ships have spent a lot of time in port lately. In late August, the Hawaii-based Coronado developed engine problems that forced the Navy to cancel a planned deployment to the western Pacific. Freedom limped home to San Diego in early July after springing a leak that wrecked its backup diesel engine.

In January, the Fort Worths crew accidentally stripped her gears in Singapore. The Navy fired the ships captain. A few months earlier, the Milwaukee suffered similar damage to its own gearsonly this time, a software glitch was to blame.

To be fair, all shipsespecially new onesexperience mechanical problems. In most cases, the crew or workers ashore quickly repair the damage and, over time, resolve any underlying issues, thus making future breakdowns less frequent and less severe. But there are reasons to be especially worried about the recent spate of engineering casualties.

Both the Littoral Combat Ships and the Zumwalt-class vessels are, more than most warships, designed around their enginesalbeit for different reasons. The Navy wanted the LCS to be fastand to use that extra speed to respond more quickly to threats. Where most warships top out at speeds just over 30 knotsaround 35 miles per hourthe LCSs can easily make 40 knots.

Achieving that speed meant wrapping a lightweight vessel around a powerful propulsion system. When this reporter toured the Freedom in 2009, operations officer Tony Hyde proudly showed off diesel engines, gas turbines, gears, shafts, and other components that together ran nearly the whole length of the ship. These are the largest marine gas turbines in the worldessentially the engines of a 777 jetliner, Hyde said. The diesels we have [are] locomotive engines.

The LCSs gas turbines produce 100,000 horsepower. But all that power and speed comes at a cost. Overall costs of the LCS are largely driven by the speed requirement, Adm. James Lyon, former commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, wrote in The Washington Times. It can be safely assumed that between 30 percent and 40 percent of the current hull, mechanical, and electrical costs are directly attributed to the speed requirement.

Eager to keep down the LCSs price tag, the Navy stripped the design of armor and heavy weaponry and cut the crew to the smallest possible sizeinitially just 75 sailors, fewer than half as many as crewed the older guided-missile frigates the LCSs replaced.

It didnt take long for the Navy to decide that 75 people couldnt keep an LCS in working order. Data from LCS operations, particularly from Freedoms early operational deployment and performance during major fleet exercises, suggested the need to increase the core crew complement to accommodate more maintenance and watch requirements, the Navy reported following a 2013 study.

Two years later, the studys assertion apparently proved true as LCSs started breaking down at sea. In the midst of the crisis in August, Vice Adm. Tom Rowdencommander of all Navy surface shipsordered LCS crews to temporarily stand down while the Navy reviewed its procedures.

A few weeks later, Adm. John Richardsonthe Navys top officerannounced that LCS crews would grow to 93 sailors.

Its not clear yet whether a bigger crew will mean fewer breakdowns. But the Navy is counting on it. The sailing branch has eight LCSs and plans to buy an additional 32 of the speedy warships. By the mid-2020s, LCSs could make up nearly 15 percent of the U.S. fleet.

To help the Navy keep up with a rising China, an increasingly aggressive Russia, and the U.S.-led campaigns targeting Islamist militants, the Navy wants LCSs to spend as much as half their time in combat, compared to other ship types that are forward-deployed just 20 percent of the time. To spend that much time at sea, the LCSs will need to be more reliable than other ships. At present, theyre proving to be less reliable.

By contrast, the Navy is only buying three Zumwalt-class ships. The stealthy destroyers wont ever comprise a significant proportion of the fleet.

But theyre not supposed to. The Navy considers the Zumwalts to be science experiments as much as they are operational warships. The types most important feature is its built-in, 78-megawatt electrical grid supporting an advanced, ship-wide computer network that Zumwalts first skipper, Capt. James Kirkyes, you read that righthas compared to a human brain.

The catch is that the on-board electrical grid draws power directly from the ships engines. When the engines dont work, the grid fails. As with the LCS, Zumwalt routinely sails with just half as many sailors as the older ships its replacing140 people in Zumwalts case.

The Navy told USNI News that Zumwalts engineering casualty wont delay its October commissioning. If the sailing branch is worried that Zumwalt, too, might ultimately need a bigger crew in order to prevent its mechanical problems from recurring, it hasnt admitted it yet.

One things for certain. To deploy a bigger and better fleet, the Navy first needs to be confident that its new ships can actually sail without breaking down.
By Aaron Parsons, Associate Professor of Astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley.

When our universe first blasted into existence with a Big Bang almost 14 billion years ago, it looked much different than it does today. Instead of planets, stars and galaxies, there was an inflating ball of hot plasma.

The universe cooled as it expanded, and over time the different ingredients of our universe froze out as temperatures plummeted. Quarks froze out first, then protons and neutrons, followed by electrons. Finally, after about 380,000 years, hydrogen  the first atoms  started to form. Some of these atoms were pulled together into stars, where they fused into carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, iron and all of the other elements from which planets and life are built.

However, when our universe was about one billion years old, it appears that nine out of every 10 of those original hydrogen atoms were destroyed before they ever found their way into galaxies. Exactly when and how were those first atoms in the universe destroyed? Astronomers have puzzled over these questions for decades. Im leading a new experiment  known as the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA)  that we hope will help answer what happened.

With the formation of those first hydrogen atoms  each made of one negatively charged electron and one positively charged proton  the universe entered a period cosmologists call the Dark Ages. During this time, the universe quietly waited for clouds of hydrogen to obey the influence of gravity and collapse into the very first stars and galaxies. The ignition of the first stars marks the end of the Dark Ages and the beginning of our Cosmic Dawn, some 100 million years after the Big Bang. For the first time, our universe began shining with a light other than the afterglow of the Big Bang.

Leading up to our Cosmic Dawn, the entire universe was filled with hydrogen. However, starlight consists of photons with enough energy to split hydrogen apart, reionizing it back into protons and electrons. As more and more stars lit up, larger and larger holes of ionization got carved out of the primordial hydrogen clouds.

Other, more exotic objects also began forming inside galaxies. As stars exhausted their hydrogen fuel, theyd explode in spectacular supernovae. Some stars left behind black holesthat devoured nearby stars and generated powerful x-ray jets. In the centers of galaxies, supermassive black holes were growing, with the masses of millions of suns.

These events injected huge amounts of energy into the surrounding hydrogen clouds, heating and ionizing them, until, as we look out today, we see that all of the intergalactic hydrogen has been destroyed  reionized into its component particles, protons and electrons.

We astronomers are still struggling to disentangle all of the complex processes that led to the formation of stars and galaxies and the simultaneous destruction of the universes hydrogen.

Using our most powerful optical telescopes, we are finding galaxies so far away that their light, emitted when the universe was only one billion years old, is just now getting to us. The glimpse we get of these galaxies in the final throes of reionization is as the last remnants of intergalactic hydrogen are being burned away. Yet as we try to look deeper, the hydrogen itself confounds us. It absorbs the very starlight that we use to observe distant galaxies, acting as a blanketing fog that conceals the chaos behind it.

To solve this problem, my colleagues and I designed a new kind of telescope: an array of radio dishes that, instead of searching for distant galaxies, maps the intergalactic hydrogen itself throughout the process of being heated and reionized. Our Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array combines cutting-edge supercomputing hardware with low-cost antenna construction in a unique design that gives it both the sensitivity and precision to create what will be the largest maps in the universe.

HERA is sensitive to a specific kind of radio wave produced when the magnetic fields of the proton and electron inside of hydrogen switch their north-south polarity with respect to each other. Just as two oppositely aligned bar magnets attract each other and release energy in the process, the switching polarity of the electron and proton causes hydrogen to release a small amount of energy. This hyperfine transition produces radio waves with a characteristic wavelength of 21 centimeters.

As a result of the continuing expansion of the universe since the Big Bang, 21-cm radio waves from intergalactic hydrogen have been stretched by different amounts, depending on how old the universe was when they were originally emitted. For example, when the universe was 770 million years old, it was eight times smaller than it is today. A 21-cm radio wave emitted by hydrogen at this time in the history of our universe would be stretched by a factor of eight on its way to us; we would see it with a wavelength of 168 cm. On the other hand, the same radio wave emitted when the universe was 940 million years old would be be stretched only by a factor of seven, appearing to us with a wavelength of 147 cm. By measuring the wavelength of the light, we can know exactly when and where in the universe it was emitted.

By mapping the sky at many wavelengths between 150 and 350 cm, HERA can produce a series of images from the early childhood of our universe. We will be able to watch step by step as the light of the first stars and galaxies destroys the clouds out of which they formed. We expect to see large clouds of hydrogen glowing with 21-cm emission, with dark pinpricks of ionization sprinkled in. As we move to parts of the universe that are closer to us and where more time has elapsed, we should see larger and larger voids where 21-cm emission is missing, until finally, these voids swallow everything and the 21-cm signal that signifies the presence of hydrogen is gone.

Our HERA team was recently awarded US$9.5 million from the National Science Foundation. Well use the funds to construct a hexagonal array of 240 14-meter radio dishes in Karoo Radio Reserve of South Africa over the next three years. Our collaborators hail from 16 institutions from around the world. The plan is to work in parallel to conduct the observations that will be used to produce HERAs groundbreaking results.

Observations with the new facilities in the next several years are poised to transform our understanding of the first stars, galaxies and black holes, and their role in driving reionization at the end of cosmic dawn. HERAs observations of neutral hydrogen will provide unique insights into this formative period in our universe. Indeed, in the early universe, 21-cm emission provides the only direct way to probe the complex interplay between the first luminous structures and their surroundings. To trace the story of the first atoms in the universe, stay tuned as HERA begins observing over the next few years.

Aaron Parsons is an Associate Professor of Astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley.

This piece was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original story here.
Victims Pal Blames Korean Authorities for Agonizing Crush

NOBODY WAS WILLING TO HELP

In a since-deleted TikTok, 23-year-old Nathan Taverniti described the chaos behind one of the Seouls worst tragedies.
In Texas, about 7 percent of adults cast ballots in the Democratic primary and 14 percent of adults cast ballots in the Republican primary, according to records compiled by the United States Election Project, barely topping Arizona for eighth-to-last in voter turnout.



Not all states hold primaries for both major parties, but of the 35 that do, Louisianas 17 percent turnout (8 percent Republican and 9 percent Democratic) was the worst. In New Hampshire, the top state in these rankings and the home of the most famous primary of all, 51 percent of the voting age population turned out.

Republican turnout, on average, was slightly higher than Democratic turnout in the primary states. It was highest in New Hampshire (27 percent), followed by Wisconsin (25 percent) and Alabama (23 percent).

Democratic turnout was highest in Vermont (27 percent), the home state to Sen. Bernie Sanders, who contended for the nomination, and in nearby New Hampshire (24 percent).

Republican turnout in Texas was pretty close to the national average, but Democratic turnout here was the lowest of all 35 states studied and only about half the average achieved in other states.

In the Texas primary, held on March 1, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz led the Republican presidential race with 44 percent of the vote, followed by Donald Trump at 27 percent. Hillary Clinton easily won the Democratic side with 65 percent support, followed by Sanders with 33 percent.
Because of its abortion services  which are separate from the health programs and receive no public funds  the organization is hardly an uncommon target of Republican rhetorical assaults. But Abbott's 2015 pledge was oddly timed. It came the same day a federal district court in Louisiana told that state it could not legally kick Planned Parenthood out of its Medicaid program.

Although the same legal reasoning appeared to apply to Texas, Abbott quickly used the defunding pledge as fodder to solicit donations for his hefty campaign war chest. How much money the first-term governor raised off the issue is unclear.

What is clear one year later, however, is that roughly 12,000 low-income women in Texas are still obtaining services from Planned Parenthood through the Medicaid program, which is mostly federally funded. And state leaders who spearheaded the charge to cut off funding have little to say about their failure to do so.

A spokeswoman for the governor said Abbott was disappointed and troubled by the lack of progress in defunding the womens health organization but that he still expects the issue to move forward.

As Gov. Abbott has previously stated, the gruesome harvesting of baby body parts by Planned Parenthood will not be allowed in Texas, Ciara Matthews, the spokeswoman, said in an email. There is no evidence that Planned Parenthood harvests fetal tissue in Texas, as claimed by anti-abortion activists.

The flare-up began last year with the release of undercover videos filmed by the anti-abortion group Center for Medical Progress, which showed Planned Parenthood officials discussing the use of fetal tissue for research. Anti-abortion advocates claimed the footage proved the womens health organization had improperly collected aborted fetal tissue.

Planned Parenthood vehemently denied those claims, and there's been no evidence so far to prove any wrongdoing on the organization's part. But Texas Republicans used outrage provoked by the videos  and unspecified allegations of billing fraud  to begin the process of cutting off the $3.1 million in Medicaid funding Planned Parenthood receives for its Texas health care programs.

That funding, about 90 percent of which comes from the federal government, pays for family planning and well-woman services for low-income women. Medicaid is the public insurance program for the poor and disabled.





 Spokeswoman Ciara Matthews

Gov. Greg Abbott is disappointed and troubled by the lack of progress.

But after an initial feint at cutting off the money, the state has little to show for it. Abbott, who generated national media attention and launched fundraising emails over the issue, still expects the appropriate authorities to move forward in eliminating taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood, his spokeswoman said.

Meanwhile, Texas Health and Human Services Inspector General Stuart Bowen, an Abbott appointee and the state official who led the move to defund the womens health organization, faces an uncertain future as the states top fraud investigator, as his appointment expired in February. A spokesman for the governor declined to say this week if Bowen would be reappointed.

Planned Parenthood is by and large keeping its head down, continuing to provide services as the initial political hullabaloo has faded.

We remain committed to ensuring that every person has access to the health care they need, despite every obstacle in our path and sustained attacks on women's health, Sarah Wheat, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, said in an email.

Though the governor appears to have given up drawing attention to the Medicaid fight, his administration has pursued other avenues of targeting the provider. Last year, health commission officials adopted guidelines to prohibit entities even loosely affiliated with abortion providers, namely Planned Parenthood, from applying for contracts under the states Abstinence Education Services program.

The state also declined to renew a Houston-based Planned Parenthood affiliates long-standing HIV prevention services contract, under which the womens health organization served individuals with HIV in five counties in the Houston area.

More recently, Texas health officials quietly proposed rules to require the cremation or burial of fetal remains. While the proposal affects abortion providers, it could also regulate hospitals and doctors offices where women might miscarry.

In the Medicaid fight, the governors public relations campaign began the same day last year that state inspectors delivered a notice of intent to boot Planned Parenthood from the public insurance program. A press release that day from the governors office boasted the headline: Texas Eliminates Taxpayer Funding To Planned Parenthood Providers. The next day, Abbott was interviewed about it on Fox News.

Texas gave Planned Parenthood 30 days to respond its notice and request an informal resolution meeting with health commission attorneys. If the organization did not act, the state said it would issue a final notice of termination, formally ending Planned Parenthoods participation in Medicaid. That order would have gone into effect 15 days after the organization received it.

But the state has never issued the final notice.

Abbott called the inspector general's move consistent with the governor's anti-abortion initiatives. Three days later, Abbott's campaign sent a fundraising email to supporters, proclaiming that Planned Parenthood will be completely cut off from Medicaid funds in light of recent undercover videos showing dangerous changes in abortion procedures to turn baby body parts into cash.

Bowen, the inspector general, has made few public comments on the issue since. In a brief interview this week with The Texas Tribune, he suggested the decision to defund Planned Parenthood was temporarily out of his hands while a Medicaid fraud unit at the attorney generals office pursues a separate investigation into the womens health organization.

The case is with the attorney generals office, he said, adding that it was "not unreasonable" for such investigations to take up to 12 months.

A spokeswoman for Attorney General Ken Paxton declined to say if the fraud control unit had ever received a referral of the case from Bowens office, but she said state and federal regulations require the inspector general to refer all cases of suspected fraud.

Still, spokeswoman Kayleigh Lovvorn said it was not up to the attorney generals office to decide whether Planned Parenthood continues to receive Medicaid funding.

Any decision to remove a provider from Medicaid, regardless of the reason, is at the discretion of the Health and Human Services Commission, she said.

It appears the inspector generals delay in issuing the final termination of Planned Parenthoods Medicaid contract is out of line with the agencys previous practices, according to a Tribune analysis of similar notices sent to other Medicaid providers.

A request to the health commission for similar notices of termination in recent years turned up two similar cases in which Medicaid providers were kicked out of Medicaid roughly four to six weeks after the state initially threatened the action. That stands in stark contrast to how Planned Parenthoods termination has been handled by the state over the course of a year.

It remains unclear why Planned Parenthood has yet to receive the final notice, and the Office of Inspector General has declined to provide any details about its investigation.

Meanwhile, a lawsuit Planned Parenthood filed to protect its Medicaid funding could soon see activity after idling for nine months.



The organization last November filed suit in federal court seeking to block Texas efforts. At the time, it was thought that Planned Parenthood affiliates would be cut from the Medicaid program as early as Dec. 8, 2015.

But because Texas has not actually defunded the womens health program, the lawsuit had virtually no reason to move forward. When U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks considered the organizations request for a restraining order, the case was left unresolved as they waited for the state to deliver its the final legal notice to defund the organization.

On Wednesday, Sparks ordered a conference hearing between the state and Planned Parenthood for Oct. 26.

Disclosure: Planned Parenthood has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.
Thanks to StageCenter, KBTX for signing 'Driving Miss Daisy'

On Oct. 8, my sister and I had the great good fortune to attend StageCenter's stellar performance of Driving Miss Daisy, a cultural treat we both enjoyed immensely.

For most people, this would be a rather mundane event; however, it was a big deal for us because my sister is deaf. StageCenter's board president, Cindy Burr-Roberts, went out of her way to locate a sponsor to underwrite the cost of providing professional American Sign Language interpreting services for the play. When approached, KBTX Channel 3 generously said "yes" to underwriting this expense.

I wish to thank everyone involved: Burr-Roberts, KBTX, and Robert C. Borden of The Eagle (for his shout-out in the "Arts Watch" column) for helping to make the arts in Bryan-College Station more accessible to our disabled residents.

The famous artist Marc Chagall said, "Art must be an expression of love, or it is nothing." All of our wonderful cultural resources express love for our community through their performances and exhibitions.

I hope they will consider expanding that love to the disabled residents of Bryan-College Station by including more diverse accessibility options in their offerings on a regular basis.

PATRICIA HENSCHEN

Bryan

Thanks to Aggie fans for their compassion, help on Oct. 8

Our family wants to thank all of the wonderful Aggie fans who went out of their way to help us on Oct. 8. We were walking to our vehicle after tailgating on the Texas A&M campus when a young person knocked my 82-year-old husband to the sidewalk.

The young man kept running. My Aggie granddaughter chased after him, screaming for him to stop. About six men caught him and brought him back to us. He never attempted to say I'm sorry, is he OK? -- nothing. He showed no compassion for any of us. We told the nice men holding him to let him go.

EMS on bikes came quickly and assisted us. In hindsight, we should have asked them to notify the traffic personnel, to let our grandchildren -- who ran to get our vehicle -- out of the tremendous line of cars so we could take my husband home. Our son-in-law was waiting for the grandchildren and went over to talk to the traffic person to ask if the grandchildren could get out of line so they could transport their grandfather home. The traffic person said no.

As it turned out, we had to walk, injured husband and all, about a mile, until we could reach our grandchildren. When we got home, I decided to take my husband to the emergency room at St. Joseph's Hospital, just to make sure there were no broken bones. I was concerned because he had triple bypass surgery May 9. The emergency room doctor confirmed he received a concussion.

We just want to thank everyone who showed so much compassion -- offering chairs and water, they continued to check on us, while we waited for a vehicle that could not get out of line.

I hope the young man, who didn't do anything finds compassion some day!

PAT HARRISON

Bryan

Who would do more damage to the country?

In Sunday's Eagle, the Editorial Board argued against voting for Trump because of his alleged past sexual misconduct. Referring to the sexual misconduct of Bill Clinton, the board said, "Why would America want to put another sexual predator in the Oval Office?"

Excuse me, Hillary already has said she would have Bill help her run the country. So with Hillary, you get a twofer: his documented depravity and her obvious dishonesty.

Voters should ask themselves who would do more damage to the country? A man who is accused of sexual misconduct in the past or a woman who wants open borders and more taxes and regulation, who can't be trusted with government secrets, and who sells government influence even to foreigners?

BILL KLEMM

Bryan

There's a better option to the top three presidential candidates

I'm sorry my clamor not to vote for either major presidential aspirant has turned into desire to vote for other prominent tickets, especially the Libertarian one. Each has foibles, to be sure, but serious gaffes by Libertarian Gary Johnson cannot be accepted.

I believe the time is urgent to sever connections with the established political parties as they have been, or would be when in office, prone to tremendous influence by the moneyed lobbyists against serving of the population, as elected.

I read Archie Archambault's letter (Eagle, Sept. 16) wherein, partially, he writes, "a third party in the white house might actually get things done." Yes, I agree with him, but for me, "party" means "individual." I believe he touched on the sense of many of the discouraged voters.

A list of several individuals who might serve as write-in candidates without such a "formal" third-party designation is on the Texas ballot. His name is Laurence Kotlikoff. His running-mate's name is Edward Leamer.

Kotlikoff's philosophy is uniquely impressive. He has campaigned for many months on the internet. His resume is superb; his credentials and those of Leamer, being independents and moderates, are breathtaking. When starting campaigning on line, he used a simple phrase "write us in." All he requested was for those accessing his webpage, www.kotlikoff2016.com, to read his short e-book. Then, if they agreed with his philosophy, they were to spread news of his campaign aggressively via social media. When done, his campaign would expand as rumors and California fires do at times.

My opinion is that they would make a tremendous presidential team. I ask you to read that 120+ page e-book. You are sure to be richly rewarded when you do.

RICHARD WOLFE

Bryan

Candidate has the experience to be an effective Bryan council member

The candidacy of Prentiss Madison for the Single Member District 2 Bryan City Council seat has moved me to do something I rarely do: write a public letter of endorsement.

The experiences that Prentiss and I have shared in more than eight years of public service, first at the Zoning Board of Adjustments, and for the past six years at the Planning and Zoning Commission are a testament to the fact that no other candidate in this race comes close to approaching his clearly demonstrated level of competence, unquestioned integrity and deep understanding of the city of Bryan's needs.

Please join me in supporting this exceptional young leader by voting for Prentiss Madison.

SCOTT HICKLE

Bryan

The background and vision to be a good mayor

I urge a vote for Mary Kaye Moore for mayor of Bryan. As others have noted, she has 22 years of dedicated experience in municipal government and has served as Bryan city manager. She knows Bryan, she knows many of the city staff, she knows Bryan issues, she knows the members of our city council.

Mary Kaye will have no learning curve  she will be ready to serve on Day 1.

Mary Kaye has several issues she is emphasizing in her campaign. She would solicit, accept and promote input from all areas of Bryan. She would take an inclusive approach to city government that honors diversity of ideas and neighborhoods. She also would promote new development and upgrading of existing neighborhoods. She is committed to working with developers to expand the availability of housing to meet the needs of residents at all income levels.

In addition, Mary Kaye would promote further development and enhancement of Bryan's parks to make city parks a viable resource in the lives of our residents. She would promote upgrades, enhancements and maintenance of existing parks, and work with developers to insure green spaces are available in new housing areas.

Finally, Mary Kaye would work to further enhance the crown jewel that is Downtown Bryan (a project she was deeply involved in as city manager), while also promoting beautification and development along Texas Avenue and other city gateways.

Mary Kaye Moore has the time, energy and focus to dedicate herself to the job of being Bryan's mayor. She doesn't own a business on the side; she doesn't have an international travel schedule, she won't miss committee meetings, and she would be available at the end of the phone when residents call.

Please vote for Mary Kaye Moore.

PETER WITT

Bryan

As city manager, mayor hopeful gutted Bryan parks

Over the past few weeks I have read glowing letters of recommendation for Mary Kay Moore. This begs the question of why anyone would want to vote for a person to be mayor of the town which fired her twice. As for her purported devotion to parks, one of the first actions as city manager was to gut the parks department. When I was on the Bryan City Council, she told me as we were walking across a city park that they were just maintenance.

As further proof of her vision, she wished to do the second phase of Downtown the cheapest way presented to the council. This would have resulted in no buried power lines and only minimal repair to sidewalks and the street. The council wisely declined.

A shortage of positive vision and leadership.

RUSSELL BRADLEY

Bryan

An accomplished effective leader for College Station

John Nichols, candidate for College Station mayor, has experience, leadership and proven service to our community and as a faculty member and department head at Texas A&M. He is, and has been, an accomplished and effective leader as a member of College Station City Council, numerous city committees, and service groups.

As a faculty member at A&M and a local Realtor, we strongly endorse our friend, John Nichols, for mayor of College Station.

FRED and JUDY SMEINS

College Station

Clinton is anti-God, anti-life and anti-Constitution

I believe the Democratic ideology espoused by President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton is anti-God, anti-life, anti-Constitution and anti-traditional America.

After Lyndon Johnson's Great Society took African-American fathers out of the family and entrenched poverty by welfare entitlements and Johnson's dismal foreign policy, I became a Republican.

Donald Trump is a sinner. God uses sinners to lead his people. Saul/Paul persecuted Christians before conversion and giving his life to serving God. I pray God will use Trump to lead a revival of America's greatness, built on Bible principles and traditional American values.

If that is not your vision for the future, then vote for Hillary. Her agenda includes restricting God-given rights and giving U.S. sovereignty to the United Nations. The U.N.'s Agenda 21 would eliminate private property. The U.N.is anti-God, anti-life's Rights of the Child would restrict parental influence.

The list goes on.

Imagine Barack Hussein Obama as U.N. Secretary-General and Hillary Clinton as U.S. president. Imagine tyranny! Wake up America!

MARY SUE RIBARDO

Bryan
He moves to another patient, gently murmuring as he pushes down on her stomach and she starts to cry. A 14-month old with the wild, red-tinted hair that is a marker for malnourishment, she came in with pneumonia but has also been treated for her low weight. The next patient, another baby girl with tiny yellow socks, weighs at eight months what a normal six-week old should.

"All my life children in La Guajira have died from malnutrition," says Dr Dasuki. "As a human being, as a father, it hurts. Not just as a medical professional."

In the corner of the room of miracles', Reinaldo Anaya sits by the bedside of his son Javier Jose, who wears pale blue pajamas and lies quietly exhausted in his cot. He is three years and 10 months old but is so small he could be two. In his hand the boy clutches a rubber glove blown into a balloon but he is so weak when he squeezes it his fingers make little indent.

"The last three years have been so cruel here," says his father. "There's a shortage of work, food is expensive; you can't buy enough for the family. We have malnutrition, we have drought. We never had anything but now we have nothing at all."

He told me the family could only afford to give their three children grains once a week. Everything they have to buy - rice, oil, sugar - had become more expensive at the same time as his work as a labourer had become more precarious. "Before people had their smallholdings, their plots. Now it all seems like a desert from here to the Magdalena," he said.

Stevenson Marulanda, the regional health secretary, has said that the government is sending more resources, but that children recover only to go back to the "same precarious situation they were in before."

"Children keep dying, in spite of the food and medical assistance that is arriving, and that is worrying. But the problem is big, and we need to get to the root of the problem, which is the drought, the poverty and the lack of public services," he told the El Tiempo newspaper in September.

Carlos Valdivieso, from the ICBF, a state body which looks after the welfare of children, says that as many as 60 per cent of the children in the area are underweight, but they are most concerned about those suffering from chronic malnutrition. After these children reach 18 months of age, they can intervene to save their lives, but their prospects of making a full recovery are much more bleak.

He says the drought has made the situation worse but that the humanitarian crisis in the region "has been happening for many years".

"It is a structural problem, between here [Riohacha] and there [some of the rancherias] you will not find a single road or hospital, there are a few schools but really there is no state presence," he said. "Yes phenomenon like El Nino have made things worse, but the complex thing about La Guajira is that this is an area that for a long time has been abandoned by the State."

Less than a mile away from the city's main drag, Juliana Mercedes Epiayo, a mother of six, rocks back and forth on one of the hammocks outside a centre for underweight babies, her 14-month old son David Jose resting on her stomach. She rubs his back, her fingers trailing over his rib cage. "He had bones down here he was so thin. He was missing vitamins, and the other things that I could not give him as well."

"We don't buy food we grow it, but all the animals are dying. My grandma had sheep, goats, chickens, but what are we going to give them?" she asks. "You can't buy the food for them and you don't have enough for what you need to put in the ground for growing."

WITNESS WITNESS is our new Blog series, which invites contributors to explore the ecological and social impact of issues currently on their radar

Laura Dixon was a 2016 Adelante Latin America Reporting Fellow with the International Women's Media Foundation
To whom it may concern,

I am Almir Narayamoga Surui, Chief of the Paiter Surui indigenous people. Our population lives on the 'Sete de Setembro indigenous territory' in the state of Rondonia, Brazil.

This is my cry of alarm, please listen to me!

Since the beginning of this year 2016, we are undergoing a total invasion of deforesters and miners of diamonds and gold. Every day, 300 trucks leave our territory filled with wood, which represents 600 hectares of deforested forests. And it continues to increase, whilst according to the Constitution of Brazil, it is illegal to deforest an indigenous reservation.

On the ground, the illegal loggers have heavy means, with Caterpillar machines. We have found mercury and cyanide in three rivers of Surui territory because of the miners!

The implications are terrible. In addition to environmental damage (and the challenge to our way of life), these invasions directly endanger our families and our children. Indeed, we are under the threat of weapons of loggers and miners! Either one collaborates, or they put a gun to our heads!

In addition, they try to bribe some of my people with money. For lack of alternatives, some of my people accept, against their first resolve to protect the forest. The situation is terrible!

We, the Surui indigenous people are the first to have set up a REDD+ project to save the Amazon forest, lungs of our planet. But these invasions undermine the Agreement of REDD and go against the spirit of the agreement of the COP21!

Despite our appeals for help against this mafia, the new government did not react. By their silence, they are silent accomplices of this destruction of the forest and our people!

We do not know what to do, Help!

As citizens, NGOs or institutions, you can help us in four ways:

1. We ask you to write to the Brazilian embassies in your own countries to express your outrage and ask the new Brazilian government to intervene quickly.

2. We also ask you to boycott all Brazilian products, as the Brazilian government does not react.

3. We ask the different political bodies to establish an international observer mission on deforestation.

4. Finally, on behalf of the Surui people and of all indigenous people who are trying to protect the Amazon rainforest, in the name of our struggle to preserve a future for all children of this planet at the price of our lives, in the name hope for the future, we ask you to distribute this letter to all your contacts in the world and on social networks, because today we are all connected in a common destiny.

Thanking you,

Almir Narayamoga Surui, Leader of the Paiter Surui Indigenous People.
Bryan Hochstein, a resident of Greensboro, North Carolina, and owner of Bootleggers Cafe, announced Friday that he plans to suspend operations at the Rocky Mount eatery.

Hochstein said the restaurants operations will end Saturday, Oct. 23. Until that time, we will remain open and offering fantastic specials, he added. More than 20 people will lose their jobs when the restaurant closes.

Ive always felt we had a good product but could not live up to our market potential, Hochstein said while announcing the closing. The restaurant is housed in the old Rocky Mount Coca-Cola bottling plant on Franklin Street.

We therefore will take a break from the cafe, and focus our energies on catering and events at the Early Inn at The Grove, added Hochstein.

Hochstein and a partner purchased The Grove, an old plantation home, and about 10 acres that surround it.

Since Hochstein owns the Franklin Street building, it may be used for some catered events in the future.

I dont know what the future holds at the corner of Franklin and Floyd, but for now Im going to dial it back a little, refocus and re-energize, Hochstein said.
Domestic violence cases increase in Des Moines County this year

Advocates say there was a spike in domestic abuse cases in Des Moines County this past year. But not all incidents are being reported to police.
STAMFORD  A local rabbi with a passion for broadcast media will achieve a lifelong dream Monday when his Jewish television network is shown nationwide.

Rabbi Mark Golub launched the Jewish Broadcasting Service nearly two years ago on a regional Optimum channel. Modeled after PBS, Golubs JBS is a cultural and educational Jewish programming and a viewer-supported, nonprofit network.

JBS will also be carried nationwide by DirecTV starting Monday, expanding the channels reach to millions of satellite subscribers.

Its very hard to explain what makes somebody fall in love with something, but I have been in love with radio and television since I was a child, said Golub, 71. What I wanted to do with JBS was inform and educate and inspire American Jews through the power of electronic media ... thats why it is so exciting to go nationwide.

Golub has been in Stamford for more than 40 years, leading a local Chavurah that operates out of the Stamford Jewish Community Center.

JBS is a reflection of what I have been able to experience with theses extraordinary families that I have come to know in my Chavurah here in Stamford, said Golub, considered Stamfords senior rabbi because of his long tenure. When we were on Optimum that was fabulous because not only were we broadcast in my home community, but we were on the air in one of the most populated Jewish communities in America  the greater New York City metropolitan area  bringing my experience here to so many other people.

G olub has a history in the broadcasting business dating back to the early 1970s when he worked for WMCA radio. This inspired him to start his longest-running program: LChayim. It began as a radio talk show in the late 1970s, but now its telecast on JBS as an hour-long interview and discussion of some of the most complex issues facing the Jewish community.

More Information JBS high holiday broadcasts (All times EST) Rosh Hashanah Sunday, Oct. 2 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3 Morning Service: 9:30 a.m. Afternoon Service: 3:15 p.m. Evening Service: 6 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Tuesday, Oct 4 9:30am Yom Kippur Tuesday, Oct. 11 6 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12 Morning Service: 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Afternoon Service: 3:30 p.m. See More Collapse

We have never missed a Sunday since 1979, Golub said. LChayim is a great tool for education, but JBS on the whole deals with a lot of complex sensitive issues  like the Israel-Palestine conflict. We represent the gamut of Jewish opinions, but every single discussion is respectful and civil and enlightening.

In addition to the JBS educational and cultural programming, Golub also broadcasts live services every Friday and on Jewish high holidays. Golub looks forward to having the national audience with the upcoming holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

There are many people who, for different reasons, whether it be age or health or physical ability, are unable to get to a synagogue for services in person, Golub said. Our live telecasts allow these people to participate in a huge part of Jewish life that they are otherwise shut out of.

He hopes the larger audience will also mean more funding for the network.

The channel is already very broad and diverse, so our programming is OK as it is right now, he said. What I am hoping is that a larger audience will mean more people will be supporting JBS, and if more people donate to our cause, our programming will definitely expand. There are many things we still want to do, but just dont have the funding right now.

JBS can be seen on DirecTV channel 388 and streamed live at jbstv.org or through the channels Roku app.

nora.naughton@scni.com; twitter.com/noranaughton
Something remarkable is happening in the Nebraska Legislature. Registered Democrats, Republicans, and Libertarians are all finding they can agree that Nebraskas system of occupational licensing is getting in the way of creating better-paying jobs, and is in need of reform.

Our state could use such a nonpartisan breakthrough right now, especially in the face of our challenges with corn, cattle, ConAgra and Cabelas. Over the last decade, Nebraska ranked below the national average in job creation and population growth. Fewer new businesses are starting in Nebraska than in rival states gaining income and population at our expense, and a workforce shortage holds us back from our full potential.

Burdensome occupational licensing requirements make all these problems worse.

Of course, some careers  like Emergency Medical Technicians who work in life or death situations every day  will always require licensing. But many jobs that assume far less risk are encumbered by much more red tape.

In the 2016 legislative session, lawmakers began to approach this issue by voting 42-0 for Sen. Nicole Foxs Legislative Bill 898, enabling Nebraskans to provide natural hair braiding services without acquiring a cosmetology license.

But nearly 200 different jobs in Nebraska still require a government license. Oftentimes, licensing for these professions provide no benefits for public safety and only reduce opportunities for Nebraskans to work and start businesses.

Some of Nebraskas expensive and lengthy requirements for licensing are also among the countrys worst.

For example, Nebraska is one of only six states requiring a license for title examiners.

According to the Institute for Justice, for some reason, Nebraska is the only state that requires two years of experience to be licensed to start a bill collector agency.

In most states, licensed cosmetologists or barbers need about 1,500 classroom hours of training. But in Nebraska, 2,100 hours are required.

Massage therapists in Nebraska need 1,000 hours, while most states require 500-700.

Were actually keeping people out of massage therapy in Nebraska, even though the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports its a quickly-growing profession that can pay a solid, middle class wage.

These red tape regulations are creating barriers to growing the states population and workforce, too.

A qualified professional may find their training from another state is considered incomplete here, discouraging relocation, or pulling them out of the workforce. Many Nebraskans who have the ability to work in these fields may also be unable to because they cannot afford the cost of licensing.

Having fewer entrepreneurs means less competition, fewer new jobs, and higher prices for the services we buy.

To remove these barriers to the Good Life and to help reward hard work in our state, the Platte Institute will share the stories of Nebraskans facing these obstacles in our new Strong Jobs Nebraska campaign.

With policymakers of every stripe recognizing the need for reform, now is a great time to put forward a plan to bolster economic growth in a way nearly everyone in Nebraska can get behind.

Here are the highlights of what well be proposing with Strong Jobs Nebraska:

1. Lets make Nebraskas job licensing requirements consistent with at least our most reasonable neighboring states. And if we can do better, we should.

2. Lets recognize more licensing and work experience from out-of-state. Nebraska should be the best place to start a career or a business, and we cant make that claim when people are turned away from work opportunities.

3. Lets cut the red tape by finding alternatives to licensing when possible, and have more regular review and sunsets on regulations that are costing us jobs.

Rather than putting people out of work, we should use the least restrictive approach that balances the essential needs of health and safety with protecting competition and entrepreneurship. It is also important that people know occupational licensing is not the only tool available to protect the public.

Business registration may be an appropriate alternative in many cases, while in others, insurance requirements or inspections may be sufficient.

By sharing the stories of Nebraskans experiencing barriers to work and entrepreneurship, we can engage professionals, their customers, and their communities to build a statewide coalition to make Occupational Licensing Reform a reality in Nebraska.
October is American Pharmacists Month. Every day across Nebraska and the U.S., pharmacists make an impact by assisting patients in improving their health with the proper use of medications. Often the unsung heroes, pharmacists are the medication experts who review the medications that are ordered in the hospital or long-term care facility, or sent home from the pharmacy to ensure they are the correct and most effective therapy for patients. Pharmacists help manage diseases and medications, provide immunizations, and advise prescribers on appropriate therapies to improve health outcomes for patients.

The theme for American Pharmacists Month is Know your Pharmacist  Know your Medicine. Pharmacists are the most accessible health care provider and provide meaningful and valuable care to patients who interact with them. Do you know your pharmacist? Patients who talk to their pharmacist, whether it is in a community pharmacy, hospital, a long-term care facility, or elsewhere, understand the importance of their medications, and are more likely to take the medications as prescribed.

Medications will not improve our lives if we do not take them properly, so ask your pharmacist questions when you pick up your prescription. Ask to speak to a pharmacist if you or a loved one are in the hospital. Why not consult a medication expert about your medications? Pharmacists know about medications and can help you learn about them, too. As a trusted health care provider, pharmacists make a difference in the health of patients.

We also celebrate National Pharmacy Technician Day on Oct. 18. Pharmacy technicians provide support to pharmacists as valuable members of the pharmacy team. Join me in thanking the Nebraska licensed pharmacists and registered pharmacy technicians who provide exceptional health care to all of us.
Montgomery County woman gets prison sentence in Bensalem drug death

Corrine Smith will spend up to 10 years in prison for providing the drugs that killed a man in Bensalem in 2020.
The Democrats have made a number of concrete promises regarding higher education if they win the presidential elections. They promise concerted actions against sexual assaults on campuses that include comprehensive support for survivors, fair judicial processes that prevent the use of cultural biases against females as inciters, and increased prevention efforts through education programs.

The Clinton campaign also promises support for net neutrality, the idea that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source without favoring or blocking particular products or websites. The Democratic plan also proposes expanding availability of fiber-optic broadband Internet to all academic and research libraries.

Democrats also promise reform of the immigration system, including awarding green cards (permanent residency status) to students with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees and creating a start-up visa program for foreign entrepreneurs.

They also endorse updating the copyright system, opening licensing of research funded by the federal government. This will open access to all publications in very expensive scholarly journal articles that were funded, even in part, by the federal government. This proposal will help to reduce the spiraling cost of academic libraries.

Her running mate, Sen. Tim Kaine from Virginia, pushed measures to reduce the cost of attending college while governor of his state. He supported major construction initiatives for public colleges, sided with the very popular president of the University of Virginia, Teresa Sullivan, when some of the schools board members tried to oust her without cause and pushed forward a number of initiatives to fund higher education in his state though the use of bonds. He also showed great sensitivity after the Virginia Tech massacre of 2007, which resulted in 33 deaths (including the perpetrator) as a result of gun violence. He signed legislation that allows public and private colleges to request information about students past behavior that could indicate mental illness issues.

Clinton has also promised to take executive action to offer a three-month moratorium on federal student-loan payments. Under the proposal, borrowers would be given resources to help them save money on their loans and to sign up for the correct income-based repayment plans during the moratorium. According to her campaign, This proposal, when implemented, will revolutionize the funding of higher education in America, improve the economic future of our country, and make life immediately better for tens of millions of people stuck with high levels of student debt. Clinton has also said she would allow graduates who enter public-service fields to refinance their student loans.

The Clinton initiative that might have the most impact on colleges is one to eliminate public college tuition for families with incomes under $125,000. According to a study by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, this initiative will spur enrollment of thousands of students who are now deterred by the price of college. On the other hand, this will impact many private colleges enrollments, leading to the potential reduction in ethnic and socioeconomic diversity among private institutions. This proposal is important because price and geography are much more important than other factors - including rankings - that influence decisions by students and their families about where to enroll. Projections are that this plan would boost higher enrollment at state universities of between nine and 22 percent, meaning an average of 2.5 million new enrollees. This increase at state universities would mean that enrollment in private colleges would drop by as much as 31 percent. However, the most selective of the private ones may not be affected that much because they tend to attract well-to-do students and have very generous financial assistance programs.

The idea of making public higher education free or almost free was not Clintons original idea, but one that was adopted from the Bernie Sanders campaign. This proposal would place the U.S. on par with many other developed and even developing countries where higher education tuition is free, or is adjusted to students ability to pay. While this plan may sound like good news, especially given that the current combined college debt is more than a trillion dollars, we should be careful of what we wish.

Public institutions of higher education in this country have seen their funding deteriorate for many years. As a consequence, they lack the ability to suddenly absorb a large influx of students because of lack of facilities or because of facilities that are in desperate need of repair.

Also because of that lack of funding they have relied more and more on adjuncts and part-time faculty that generally cannot provide the same level of quality education, who are less engaged in campus matters and who do not contribute to graduate education.

They also bring in no money through grants since they are not expected to conduct research and other scholarly or service activities.

Furthermore, what is not clear is what is going to happen to tuition at many public institutions because state budget cuts have forced them to rely more and more on tuition money. How the federal government will compensate them for this lack of revenue is unclear. In fact, some predict that these schools will have to increase tuition and fees on more well-to-do students to compensate for the overall loss of revenue.

In any case these plans rely on the states taking action on their financial responsibility toward public education. Given the past history of similar programs, such as Obamacare, many state legislatures and governorships controlled by Republicans may block those efforts for purely partisan reasons.

Dr. Aldemaro Romero Jr. is a writer and college professor with leadership experience in higher education. He can be contacted through his website at: http://www.aromerojr.net.
Glen Carbon Police Officer James Sarge Jones was honored for his 40 years of service at the last regular meeting of the Glen Carbon Board of Trustees.

With the board chambers packed with family, friends and past and present members of the Glen Carbon Police Department, GCPD Chief Todd Link recapped Jones career.

"Anytime someone puts 40 years into a profession, it is a tremendous accomplishment, Link said. But to do 40 years in law enforcement is a herculean feat.

Link said Jones started his career with the GCPD as an auxiliary officer in 1972. In 1976, Jones became a full-time police officer and in 1977 was promoted to the rank of Patrol Sergeant.

In 2009, Sarge was assigned to the motorcycle patrol which everyone knows, he loves that motorcycle, Link said.

Over the past year Jones has served as the departments administrative sergeant.

In his current position he assists the Chief of Police and Lt. Wayne White with the maintenance of police vehicles and assisting with traffic complaints.

More importantly, he helps in addressing neighborhood complaints throughout the community, Link said. He does a great job and is an asset to the community.

Jones said he has enjoyed his service to the community.

I really appreciate this and want to say that Ive enjoyed my whole 40 years, he said. No I wont get 40 more, maybe five - I want to thank everyone for this.

Prior to his service to Glen Carbon, Jones served in the United States Marine Corps and in 1975 was assigned to Saigon, Vietnam, and participated in Operation Frequent Wind.

Operation Frequent Wind was the final phase in the evacuation of American civilians and at risk Vietnamese from Saigon. It was carried out in April of 1975, and more than 7,000 people were evacuated by helicopter from various points in Saigon.
A cadre of local business minds will offer practical expertise to small business owners at Optimize the Madness, a one-day conference aimed at arming companies with tools and operational resources they need to be successful.

An insurance specialist, an employment attorney, a payment solutions specialist and a social media expert are included in the slate of professionals who are presenting. The symposium will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Southern Illinois University Edwardsvilles Morris University Center. Parking is available on campus Lots B and C.

The Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center at SIUE and the Universitys Office of Educational Outreach are uniting to offer the program to entrepreneurs and existing small business owners across the region. SBDC Interim Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May said the goal of the one-day session is to offer business owners practical strategies and maintainable tactics to run their day-to-day operations and grow their businesses.

Participants may choose from two instructional tracks. Track one includes sessions on maintaining digital strategies, multitasking, photography and digital media. Track two includes cyber security and commercial insurance insights for small businesses, employment law basics, human resources hiring practices and more.

Were looking forward to partnering with the SIUE Office of Educational Outreach with this program that is targeted toward small business owners, said DiMaggio May. Chambers of Commerce are encouraged to invite their members, as well as other business-building and networking organizations.

Tim Engelman, director of SIUEs Office of Educational Outreach, said the customized content proves how any business with any budget can thrive in the digital world today. This symposium is designed specifically for the entrepreneur, nonprofit organizer and small business owner, Engelman said. Optimize the Madness makes sense of the absurd and brings clarity to the clutter.

The cost to attend the symposium is $249, which includes lunch. For details, go to optimizethemadness.com. To register, call SIUEs Office of Educational Outreach at (618) 482-8330 or the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929. Registration will also take place at 9:30 a.m. the day of the event.

The Metro East SBDC assists existing companies as well as new businesses headquartered in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is a no-cost service to the community supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

By aiding entrepreneurs and companies in defining their path to success, the SBDC network positively impacts the Metro East by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining jobs and encouraging capital investment. It enhances the regions economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large. To learn how the SBDC can help your small business, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.
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Linkedin Noel P. Quinn (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

Installing new power lines for homes in Egypt, renovating a port in Greece, building motorways in Pakistan  these are just a few examples of recent infrastructure developments to be built, financed or inspired by China.



These projects, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, are substantial in themselves. They also represent a growing trend which could generate opportunities for businesses all over the world.



In 2013 President Xi Jinping set out far-reaching plans to improve Chinas trading links to Asia, Africa and Europe. Chinas plans focus on two routes. The first is a so-called Belt over land through central Asia to Europe; the second, a Road over the sea through Southeast Asia to India and the Middle East.



The Belt and Road routes span more than 65 countries, which, taken together, account for 29 percent of global GDP and 63 percent of the worlds population.



China expects cross-border commerce along these routes to exceed US$2.5 trillion per year, up from $1 trillion in 2015. Over the long term, a closer level of cooperation is anticipated in areas including finance and policy. But the initial focus is creating or improving infrastructure such as road and rail, power networks, telecommunications and ports.



All the nations involved stand to benefit. Improved links would make it easier for China to do business with the rest of the world, as well as stimulating demand for the countrys goods and services overseas.



Investment in developing economies along the routes could support urbanization and create high-quality jobs. And building new infrastructure to high environmental standards would accelerate the global shift to a low-carbon economy.



But these benefits come with a high price tag. To take a sample of just six countries along the route, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam need $2.1 trillion in infrastructure spending by 2030  far more than the public expenditure currently envisaged, according to HSBC Global Research.



So great is the demand for capital that China has spearheaded the creation of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, a new organization backed by 57 countries with $100 billion of capital. It has already joined existing public development banks and private commercial banks in providing capital and guarantees for new infrastructure.



Planned investment presents immediate opportunities for international companies that can develop ports, highways, hydropower and telecommunications. This could include everything from raw materials to design, engineering and legal advice. Over the longer term, boosting connectivity has the potential to catalyze trade and growth across developing countries with young and growing populations. For any company seeking new customers, that is an exciting proposition to explore.



Some businesses are already well aware of Chinas plans and have factored them into their long-term decisions. But a recent poll of HSBCs business customers suggests that as many as three in five are unaware of the potential opportunities  and have no strategy to make the most of them.



As the initiatives progress they are likely to boost international use of the RMB, and in fact the same poll revealed that 24 percent of decision makers said their firm is using RMB, up from 17 percent in 2015.



Though Chinas pace of expansion has slowed from the double-digit rates seen in the first decade of the century, its global influence  as the worlds second-largest economy and a trading powerhouse  are far greater than 10 or even five years ago.



The countrys overseas investments are only likely to increase, further underlining its pivotal role. For many international companies, understanding Chinas ambitions is still a key that could unlock future growth.

***

The writer is CEO, Global Commercial Banking, HSBC Group.

---------------

We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com. For more information click here.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Lury Sofyan (The Jakarta Post) Nottingham. UK  Mon, October 17, 2016

The tax amnesty has passed its critical period. At the end of its first phase on Sept. 30, the program has put into the governments pocket about Rp 97.2 trillion in fresh money and seen assets worth Rp 3.620 trillion declared.

About Rp 137 trillion of those assets were poured into Indonesias economy through asset repatriation. It is hailed as one of the most successful tax amnesty programs in the world.

As a result, macroeconomic indicators show positive movement. Foreign exchange reserves reached US$113.5 billion, and the rupiah has achieved a stronger exchange rate. At the same time, the stock market index is soaring and has broken the record in terms of trading frequency.

Looking back at the early days of its imposition and taking into account the complexity of interests involved, this achievement is remarkable.

Political, legal and social pressure on the tax amnesty is enormous, and it is consuming huge administrative resources nationwide.

More importantly, the tax amnesty is a live contest of rationality in choosing what is better for Indonesia, pitting the logical decision to follow the system against the alternative option to obstruct the system.

Statistic shows that Indonesian tax compliance is still below average and far from its potential rate. The tax amnesty aims to put on the table again the rationality of paying taxes by forgiving past violations and starting a new period of a fair tax system.

For the time being, the option of following the tax system has gained significant support, and this situation must be retained and promoted consistently.

Maintaining this sense of rationality, in my opinion, is of utmost importance not only during the tax amnesty period but also afterward.

Rationality is a big word in economic science. It is used constantly within neoclassical economics to explain how an individual reacts to a given choice, always assuming the individual will maximize his or her benefits  the utility theory. To act rationally, the individual must have all the information he or she needs to pick the best option. This is an ideal assumption that does not describe a real-world setting.

Even if the individual had full information at hand, there would be time and resource constraints to determining the best option; thus, the individual often acts as a utility satisfier rather than utility optimizer (bounded rationality).

More recently, behavioral economists have offered a new concept of physiological drivers of behavior to replace the terms of rational behavior; highlighting that the central issue is the act of decision-making itself rather than focusing on the process of decision-making within the individual.

There are at least two important discussions in this area that are the two systems of thinking and common heuristics (thinking shortcuts) and common decision traps (cognitive biases and group biases).

Nobel Memorial Prize winner Daniel Kahneman in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow provides two modes of decision-making; a fast one that relies heavily on intuition and emotions, and a slow one that relies much on logic and deliberation.

He also offers a so-called prospect theory, according to which the individual makes decisions based on potential value rather than real outcome. To assess the positive or negative potential value, the individual relies heavily on heuristics, which is the process of using only a particular aspect related to an issue and neglecting other aspects.

In normal conditions, heuristics can be effective; nevertheless, they expose the individual to error through cognitive biases.

In short, those concepts of rationality and behavior offer an explanation to what is happening with the tax amnesty recently.

Basically, it is difficult to build common understanding that drives positive rationality and behavior toward the tax amnesty. It is a real challenge, taking into account the distortion of information and limited time for the government to convince all parties.

In general, taxpayers do not have the luxury of resource sufficiency to calculate the real benefit of joining the amnesty program, giving the variety of cases and the limited time they have.

The success of the first period is owed in particular to the government delivering a clear message that those who join the program will get benefits and those who do not will be somehow caught and punished. This will help taxpayers make a positive heuristic decision on the tax amnesty and minimize biases.

Tax amnesty is entering the next period and will finish at the end of March 2017. Positive rationality and behavior must be maintained, increased and promoted among taxpayers and citizens as a whole. To do that, a consistent stick and carrot approach is needed.

This is in line with what Kahneman emphasizes in his prospect theory, that the individual assigns greater weight to losses than to gains.

Thus, to re-emphasize, this is what the government must do during the second and third phase of the tax amnesty and the period that follows.

The tax office, with full support of the President and recently appointed Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, for example, must highlight measures to address financial secrecy and implement an automatic exchange of information (AEoI) and ensure that all this will turn into reality in 2018.

All those efforts must be seen clearly by taxpayers. This will boost tax amnesty achievement, but failing to do so will ruin public trust and put the tax system in jeopardy in the longer run.

Addressing financial secrecy and performing AEoI is a huge challenge in terms of political, legal, social and even operational aspects.

From the political and legal perspectives, it requires a willingness from the political elite and openness of financial institutions.

In pursuing an AEoI, the government must take into account the reciprocal aspect, by which the tax office will not only act as a data collector but also a data provider.

It will require substantial effort to empower the tax office to acquire taxpayer data.

Implementing the automatic and online generation of tax invoices (efaktur) for value added tax (VAT) is one of the best examples of ringing in the AEoI era. This strategy must be applied soon to the income tax system as well, by introducing e-withholding slips to acquire even more data.

Exercising those two mechanisms will give tax authorities access to big data that will become the backbone of the tax system.

Those real actions to fix the tax system will provide arguments for taxpayers to stay on the track of rationality an join the tax amnesty program.

_____

The writer is a PhD candidate in Industrial Economics at the University of Nottingham. The views expressed are his own.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, October 15 2016

The Supreme Court must be cautious in selecting the next ad hoc judges for corruption courts, as most applicants were mediocre or unqualified, antigraft watchdogs said.

Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) researcher Aradila Caesar said recently the team recommended three candidates to the court, out of 62 evaluated. There are 23 more candidates that the team has not yet evaluated.

Only three of them are qualified to be judges for a corruption court. They are from Padang, Medan and Jakarta, he said, adding that the other 49 candidates were ineligible and 10 were mediocre.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

Seven men and six women were publicly caned in the front yard of the Al Ikhlas Mosque in Gampong Keuramat, Kuta Alam subdistrict of Banda Aceh on Monday for violating Aceh's Islamic bylaws.

Banda Aceh deputy mayor Zainal Arifin and hundreds of residents witnessed the public punishment, which was conducted at 11 a.m. despite the rain, albeit an hour later than scheduled.

The Antara news agency reported that the convicts were guilty of inappropriate acts, including khalwat (affectionate contact by an unmarried couple) and ikhtilat (intimacy or mixing) in violation of Islamic bylaws.

The 13 people received nine to 25 strikes each, depending on the severity of their misdeeds.

The caning of a 14th convict was delayed due to her pregnancy and is set to be carried out after she has given birth.

Deputy mayor Zainal asserted that the punishment was meant to teach people a lesson so that they would not violate Islamic law.

"Caning sentences have been enforced many times in the city of Banda Aceh. This proves that the government and the people of Banda Aceh are committed to implementing and enforcing the sharia," he said as reported by Antara.

Zainal called on the public to fully obey the sharia, saying that no one should violate Islamic law.

Aceh, which enjoys a special autonomy status, is the only province in Indonesia to adopt Islamic law. (liz/rin)
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Linkedin Hans Nicholas Jong (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17 2016

With Indonesia facing land and forest fires every year that are mostly man-made disasters that have degraded the health of its citizens as well as that of its neighbors, the government has vowed to improve the sustainability of its agroforestry sector, particularly the palm oil industry.

The government plans to impose a moratorium on the issuance of new permits for oil palm plantations and to ban oil palm expansion through land clearing, one of the main causes of land and forest fires.

According to data from the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), from 439 companies involved in the 2015 forest fires, 308 of them were palm oil companies.

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Linkedin Rod McGuirk (Associated Press) Canberra  Mon, October 17, 2016

Authorities failed to adequately investigate complaints of violent crimes committed against asylum seekers held at Australia's expense on the Pacific atoll nation of Nauru, Amnesty International said Monday.

The London-based human rights group found in an investigation that it appeared that no Nauruan had been held to account despite allegations of dozens of sexual assaults and physical attacks from 1,159 asylum seekers and refugees who live among 10,000 local residents on the tiny island.

"According to confidential information provided to Amnesty International in September 2016, in the preceding two years there had not been a single prosecution involving refugees or asylum seekers as complainants in cases of assault, rape and theft," the report said.

Australia's Department of Immigration and Border Protection said the report repeated claims that had already been refuted. It said Amnesty International had failed to approach the Australian government to verify its allegations.

Australia attempts to deter asylum seekers from Africa, the Middle East and Asia from trying to reach Australian shores by boat from Indonesian ports by sending them to immigration camps at Nauru or Papua New Guinea. Genuine refugees among them are told they will never be resettled in Australia.

The Guardian newspaper in August published more than 2,000 leaked incident reports from Nauru that included allegations of sexual abuse, assaults and self-harm among asylum seekers. The incidents were logged by the Save the Children charity between May 2013 and October last year.

Australian Federal Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Justine Saunders told a routine Senate inquiry on Monday that 14 of those incidents had been referred to Nauru police for investigation and one Nauruan had been charged with assault.

Nine investigations were closed due to insufficient evidence, one complaint was withdrawn and two investigations remained open, she said.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin told the same Senate committee he was confident Nauru police had the capability and intent to properly investigate such incidents.

Immigration Department Secretary Michael Pezzullo visited Nauru last week and told the committee that three charges involving asylum-seeker victims were before the court. He did not detail those allegations.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said Australia is asking other countries to consider resettling asylum seekers from Nauru and Papua New Guinea, even if they are found not to be genuine refugees.

Amnesty International's report is based on research by senior director for research Anna Neistat, who traveled to Nauru in July for five days and met 58 refugees, asylum seekers and service providers.

The report criticized Australia's offshore processing system, saying it fit the definition of torture under international law.
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

State-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura (AP) I is eyeing Rp 3 trillion in proceeds from conventional and Islamic bonds that will be offered publicly in November.

AP I president director Sulistyo Wimbo Hardjito said the company expected to raise Rp 2.5 trillion from the issuance of conventional bonds and another Rp 500 billion from the Islamic bonds, or sukuk.

About 75 percent of the total funds will be used to develop five airportsin Yogyakarta, Semarang, Banjarmasin, Surabaya and Makassar. The remaining 25 percent is set to be used as working capital.

"We will use the proceeds to increase terminal capacity in those airports, build new runways and upgrade our services such as the speed of Wi-Fi," Sulistyo said at a press conference in Jakarta on Monday.

The conventional bonds of Series A, maturing in five years, carry a coupon rate of 7.45 percent per annum, while the seven-year tenor Series B and the 10-year tenor Series C offer coupon rates of 7.95 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively.

The sukuks are also divided into three series. The five-year Series A offer a 8.2 percent yield per annum, while Series B and Series C provide 8.7 percent and 8.85 percent returns, respectively.

The bonds will be offered from Nov. 14-15 and the coupon payment will be made every three months. (ags)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Malaysia  Mon, October 17 2016

More than 20 puppeteers and musicians from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Japan are joining Malaysias artists for the 9th ASEAN Puppet Exchange (APEX) held from Oct. 16 to 21 in Penang, Malaysia.

They are producing a show entitled APEX-Live, which focuses on the ASEAN economic community, which will be performed on Oct. 22.

APEX aims to develop the work of ASEANs puppet artists and foster a long-term relationship of collaboration and understanding among artists within and outside of ASEAN.

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Linkedin Andi Hajramurni (The Jakarta Post) Makassar, South Sulawesi  Mon, October 17, 2016

The South Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) confiscated 64 preserved lesser birds-of-paradise and 83 bunches of cassowary feathers during a recent operation, highlighting the rampant illegal trade of wildlife in Indonesia.

BBKSDA South Sulawesi head Dody Wahyu Karyanto said the traders were trying to send the rare animal parts via an air shipping service to Jayapura, Papua, the countrys easternmost province, which was actually the natural habitat of the two protected bird species.

The smuggling attempt was uncovered when the shipping services officers asked PS, a courier assigned to send the stuffed animals, which were packed in a cardboard box, to attach an animal delivery permit letter from the BBKSDA South Sulawesi, he further said.

PS later came to our office to ask for a permit to deliver the animals to Jayapura. He brought those animal parts here. We immediately confiscated them all, said Dody, Wednesday.

He said both lesser birds-of-paradise and cassowaries were protected species as stipulated by Law No.5/1990 on the conservation of natural resources and their ecosystem and Government Regulation No.7/1999 on plant and animal preservation.

PS told investigators that the protected birds were being sent from Papua to Maros, South Sulawesi, to be preserved before they were sent back to Papua.

We have handed over this case to South Sulawesi Environment and Forestry Law Enforcement and Security Agency investigators, he said.

The agencys regional office 1 head Muhammad Amin said his institution was still investigating the case to reveal who the animal parts belonged to.

It was suspected the preserved lesser birds-of-paradise and cassowary feathers were to be used for traditional ceremonies in Papua. (ebf)
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Linkedin Stevie Emilia (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17 2016

(Courtesy of Ari Bayuaji)

Visual artist Ari Bayuaji is persistent in his artistic exploration arriving back in Indonesia from Montreal, his other home, to take part in the artist-in-residency program in Yogyakarta.



Since September this year, the full-time artist has been busy preparing his artwork for the program, initiated by the Redbase Foundation Yogyakarta. His new pieces will be exhibited in the foundations space mid-November.



Ari said he often read while in a cab or at night after work. He also takes books with him on his travels.



I still prefer reading paper books over digital ones. Buying book at a bookstore is kind of fun. It always reminds me of my childhood, said the 41-year-old, who has exhibited his works at home and abroad, including recently at the Esplanade Singapore.



After reading a book, I can exchange it with a friend, or just give it away so it can be useful for someone else.

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Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17 2016

Residents of Bukit Duri in South Jakarta are slowly leaving behind their cloudy memories of the evictions that drove them away from their houses last month. While some of them took the rusunawa (low-cost apartment), the rest are building their lives from scratch in nearby neighborhoods.

Sitting beside her beverage stall near the debris of the place that she used to call home, Hartini said her husband had rented a small house a few hundred meters away from the site for them and their four children.

It is not big, she said, but compared to the rusunawa provided by the city administration in Rawa Bebek, East Jakarta, her current rented house is much closer to her childrens school and husbands workplace.

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Linkedin Jusuf Wanandi Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

The idea of a tax amnesty policy had been conceived in 2015 and was well-received and supported by President Joko Jokowi Widodo amid doubts and criticism from the public. The first phase of its implementation in the July-September 2016 period showed real success, which really heartened the President. What are the factors that made it a success and what is to be expected further from its implementation?

First, it was the acceptance and support of the President himself who was to face the fact that tax income as the main source of the state budget would not be adequate this year as a result of the slow global economic growth, thus special policies and measures were needed. The Finance Ministry was originally lukewarm to the idea, because two of its last efforts were not very successful due to the less encompassing tax amnesty policy introduced then.

However, this time the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), under the direction of Sofjan Wanandi, Hariyadi Sukamdani and Surjadi, strongly believed in the tax amnesty, fully supported the policy and campaigned vigorously for its success, together with the President himself. The House of Representatives was an early supporter of the tax amnesty, to their credit, and had the law passed within three months, keeping it confidential before its official implementation.

The international rule for transparency of taxation called the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI), supported by the G-20 in Hangzhou, accepted by over 100 countries and assisted by OECD in its implementation, made it possible that putting funds in places like Panama, the Cayman Islands, Delaware and Luxemburg no longer guaranteed secrecy, essentially making the funds transparent and usable. The tax amnesty can be its instrument.

For the first time, President Jokowi as well the leadership of Apindo felt that the tax amnesty effort had created a certain trust in each other, between the government and business. This should lead to a new era, a game-changer, for Indonesias future economic development. A certain optimism and trust has been built between the government and the private sector, which had never happened before.

This is important for further implementation of the tax amnesty and to make it a real success. That means there is a need to improve the tax authority, its laws as well as its numbers, as it has to create credibility and capability in the future. Additionally, the tax system should pay more attention to social justice.

For that to happen, the period of the next six months (phase two and phase three) should also pay more attention not only to the big companies but also to the SMEs that have not fully participated in this tax amnesty program. The problem of the moral hazard should also be paid attention to, especially in the next phase when the amnesty program ends.

In the meantime, the immediate results of the tax amnesty have managed to reduce the deficit of the state budget, strengthen the exchange rate of the rupiah and increase funds that go into the stock exchange. With this new optimism, more things can be done like using the newly gained capital to invest in infrastructure development, which gives greater support to the SMEs development. It should be possible to create higher growth, a possible 5.5-5.6 percent for 2017 on top of the 4.5 percent in 2016.

That is what President Jokowi called a new era of development  having more optimism, more attention paid to small companies and more trust and partnership between government and the private sector, a true period of national solidarity.

The first phase of the tax amnesty, which ended on Sept. 30, was a real success after a slow start on July 18. The amount of declared assets reached Rp 3.59 quadrillion (US$276.12 billion), almost 90 percent of the Rp 4 quadrillion target; redemption payments stood at Rp 88.5 trillion, more than half of the Rp 165 trillion target expected to cover this years state budget deficit.

A not so rosy outcome seemingly showed in the amount of repatriated assets, which hovered at only Rp 136 trillion, a far cry from the Rp 1 quadrillion targeted. But businesspeople recognized that it could be in fact Rp 500 trillion instead, because the rest has already been repatriated by businesses that have their capital moving in and out as a daily transition, and had repatriated before the start of phase one of the amnesty.

After all the experiences in the first phase of the tax amnesty, we should congratulate President Jokowi and his government, who believed in it and did their best in getting people, and especially businesses, to trust him in this program. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati in particular with her steady and credible hand on the helm through the Finance Ministry had helped the implementation immensely.

Congratulations should also go to Sofjan, Hariyadi and Surjadi of Apindo, who positively responded to the program from the outset, and made it possible to be well-received by the private sector, a determining factor in the success of the program.

Hopefully the lessons learned from this national effort can serve as a model of trust and cooperation among the government, the private sector and the Indonesian people.

___________________________

The writer is vice chair of the board of the trustees CSIS Foundation, Jakarta.
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Linkedin Desy Nurhayati (The Jakarta Post) Bali  Mon, October 17, 2016

A couple suspected of killing a police officer in Bali, Briton David James Taylor and his Australian girlfriend Sara Connor, are now waiting for their trial as the Denpasar Police have handed over their case dossiers to the Denpasar Prosecutors Office.

Denpasar Police chief Sr. Comr. Hadi Purnomo told reporters on Monday that the police had finally completed the documents after a short delay caused by the two-week long wait for the results of blood tests by their forensic laboratory.

All of the dossiers have been completed and we handed them over to the prosecutors today, along with the two suspects and all evidence, he said.

Accompanied by their lawyers, Taylor and Connor were taken from police custody to the prosecutors office to complete administrative matters. They will be detained in Kerobokan prison before their trial begins next month.

The evidence includes the motorcycle rode by the suspects during the incident, their blood-stained clothes, a broken bottle they allegedly used to attack the victim and the victim's cellular phone and ID card.

Connor and Taylor were arrested two days after the severely wounded body of local policeman Adj. Second Insp. Wayan Sudarsa was found on Kuta Beach in the early hours of Aug. 17.

They will both be charged with murder, which carries a maximum 15-year jail term, violence causing death which carries a 12-year maximum term and assault causing death with a seven-year maximum. (ebf)

Ready for trial  Briton David James Taylor (center) departs for the Denpasar Prosecutor's Office under a tight escort of police officers on Oct.17. Together with his girlfriend, Australian Sara Connor, Taylor is accused of killing local policeman Adj. Second Insp. Wayan Sudarsa on Kuta Beach, Bali, on Aug.17. (JP/Zul Trio Anggono)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

The Jakarta Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) is collaborating with the Jakarta Police's cyber crime division to monitor social media platforms to prevent smear campaigns during the campaign period for next year's Jakarta gubernatorial election.

Bawaslu can only monitor social media accounts registered with the Jakarta General Elections Commission (KPUD) as stipulated in the Regional Elections Law, Jakarta Bawaslu chairwoman Mimah Susanti said on Monday. Bawaslu will monitor candidates' campaign teams and look out for sectarian remarks related to tribal affiliation, religion, race and societal groups (SARA) issues.

"Bawaslu will focus on monitoring registered accounts. Should any unregistered accounts use SARA issues during the campaign period, we will coordinate with the Jakarta Police to investigate," Mimah told The Jakarta Post.

The campaign period for regional elections runs from Oct. 28 to Feb. 11. Three tickets are contesting the Jakarta gubernatorial race: incumbents Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama and Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat; former education and culture minister Anies Baswedan and businessman Sandiaga Uno; and Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, the eldest son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and seasoned city bureaucrat Sylviana Murni.

Meanwhile, information technology expert Ruby Alamsyah said there were sufficient regulations to prevent smear campaign, such as the Criminal Code and the Electronic Information and Transactions (UU ITE) Law. The Jakarta Police have also been monitoring social media.

"To maximize the monitoring of social media platforms during the campaign, strong collaboration between Bawaslu and the police is needed. Public reports would also help the city fight smear campaign on social media," he said. (rin)
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Linkedin Djemi Amnifu (The Jakarta Post) Soe, South Central Timor  Mon, October 17, 2016

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Indonesia is piloting the development of conservation agriculture in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), two eastern Indonesian provinces known for low rainfall.

The agricultural method initiative aims to reduce disaster risks caused by climate change in the two provinces.

Activities to reduce risks of climate-related harvest failures through a conservation agriculture method have been conducted in NTB and NTT since October 2013, FAO Indonesias conservation agriculture project manager for NTB and NTT, Ujang Suparman, told journalists during a recent field trip.

Accompanied by FAO Indonesia communication specialist, Siska Widyawati, Ujang visited Soe, the capital of South Central Timor regency to monitor the implementation of a conservation agriculture training program for students of state vocational school SMK Negeri 1 Soe.

Ujang explained that conservation agriculture was based on three main pillars: light soil preparation, continuous land surface covering and rotating legume and non-legume planting.

In a long term, conservation agriculture can maintain and improve land fertility both physically and chemically. It can also prevent land erosion and increase the soil's water catchment capacity and humidity, he said.

Ujang further said that conservation agriculture could increase harvest yields and strengthen the capacity of plants to adapt to climate change, especially given uncertain rainfall.

Climate mitigation  Students from state vocational school SMK Negeri 1 Soe dig holes to plant corn seeds using a conservation agriculture system introduced by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Indonesia in Soe, South Central Timor, East Nusa Tenggara, on Oct.11. (JP/Djemi Amnifu)

Working with its partners in North Central Timor and Sumba in NTT and Lombok in NTB, FAO Indonesia has created 264 farming groups with a total membership of 5,597 farmers, 1,956 of whom are female farmers. They tested the conservation agricultures climate adaptation level via field schools.

Each farming group has developed a conservation agriculture plot as a joint learning facility, said Ujang.

He said conservation agriculture activities had been conducted in nine regencies, 27 districts and 65 villages in NTB and NTT. As many as 4,732 farming group members had implemented conservation agriculture techniques in their own fields to follow up on training they had received.

Using a conservation agriculture approach, throughout four planting periods in 2014-2016, their corn yields amounted to 3.9 tons per hectare per harvest, up by 77 percent from 2.2 ton per hectare when they still used tradition corn planting methods, said Ujang. (ebf)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17 2016

A massive demonstration against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama on Friday cost the agency around Rp 60 million (US$4,620) to restore a pocket park in front of City Hall accidentally destroyed by demonstrators, an official has said.

Djafar Muchlisin, the Jakarta Parks and Cemeteries Agency head, announced on Saturday that a pocket park on the median strip of Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta, had been damaged by demonstrators conducting rally in front of City Hall.

However, he claimed that the demonstrators didnt intend to step on and damage plants on the median strip.

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Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

The government will likely need to review its strategy in promoting its priority tourist destinations, as data shows that recent tourism investment mainly headed to just two popular regions.



During the first six months of this year, the country has seen investment worth US$858.7 million coming into the tourist sector. The tourism Ministrys deputy for destination and tourism industry development Dadang Rizki Ratman, however, said most of the investment only went to Jakarta and Bali, the countrys two main international gateways.



This is our challenge  to encourage investors to invest outside those two places, he said recently.



Dadang highlighted the importance of infrastructure development and upgrades in many other tourist destinations as it would become a key factor to attract investors to put their money to the industry.



The government is targeting the arrival of 20 million foreign tourists in 2019. This year, 12 million foreign tourist arrivals has been targeted, with almost half achieved in the first semester.



To level out the popularity of other places with that of Bali, the countrys most popular resort island, the government has selected 10 destinations to develop to 2019.



They include Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Mount Bromo in East Java, Mandalika resort area in West Nusa Tenggara, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, Wakatobi in Southeast Sulawesi, Cape Kelayang in Bangka Belitung, Cape Lesung in Banten and Morotai in Maluku.



Dadang said infrastructure, such as roads, airports and power plants were in the works to support tourism activities and attract more investors. The Kualanamu-Tebing Tinggi toll road, for example, was in progress and scheduled for completion next year. The road would give more access to Lake Toba, the worlds largest volcanic lake.



Besides accessibility, intensive promotion was also necessary, said Babar Suharso, the head of regional Investment Coordinating Board (BKPMD) of Banten province.



People can access Cape Lesung wthin only three hours but we still havent got any investors so weve asked Kadin [Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry] to introduce us to their network, he said.



BKPMD Banten said a number of South Korean investors had expressed their interests to invest in the location, but none have further approached the regional administration. Investors from Kuwait will visit the cape in November for a potential deal, Babar said.



Meanwhile, Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies Association (Asita) chairman Asnawi Bahar emphasized accessibility as an important point to attract more investors.



It is understandable that investment is still concentrated in Bali and Jakarta because the two have international airports with many international routes. One thing for sure to attract more investors is accessibility, Asnawi told The Jakarta Post over the phone.



Recently, the government announced a $300 million loan from the World Bank to expedite infrastructure development in and around Borobudur Temple, Mandalika and Lake Toba.



Nevertheless, the natural beauty of sites in Indonesia has inevitably swayed a group of businesspeople in Perth, Australia to invest in Manado, North Sulawesi, whose Bunaken island is famous for its diving spots.



[The investment plan in] Manado is a very large ambition. It is a big tourism area so this group of companies running different businesses plan to turn it into a new destination, said Debnath Guharoy, president of Australian Indonesian Business Council (AIBC) said via phone.



The group will present its detailed plan to North Sulawesi administration in the next few weeks. They are planning to build hotels, power plants and a waste management system, as well as a conservation area for Bunaken underwater park.



Indonesia boasts 17,000 islands blessed with beautiful coastline and inland potential, plus a big market of more than 259 million people. To propel its tourism industry, the country has also offered free visas to 169 countries and simplified yacht and cruise arrival rules.

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Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17 2016

The government will likely need to review its strategy in promoting its priority tourist destinations, as data shows that recent tourism investment mainly headed to just two popular regions.



During the first six months of this year, the country has seen investment worth US$858.7 million coming into the tourist sector. The tourism Ministrys deputy for destination and tourism industry development Dadang Rizki Ratman, however, said most of the investment only went to Jakarta and Bali, the countrys two main international gateways.



This is our challenge  to encourage investors to invest outside those two places, he said recently.



Dadang highlighted the importance of infrastructure development and upgrades in many other tourist destinations as it would become a key factor to attract investors to put their money to the industry.



The government is targeting the arrival of 20 million foreign tourists in 2019. This year, 12 million foreign tourist arrivals has been targeted, with almost half achieved in the first semester.



To level out the popularity of other places with that of Bali, the countrys most popular resort island, the government has selected 10 destinations to develop to 2019.



They include Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Mount Bromo in East Java, Mandalika resort area in West Nusa Tenggara, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, Wakatobi in Southeast Sulawesi, Cape Kelayang in Bangka Belitung, Cape Lesung in Banten and Morotai in Maluku.



Dadang said infrastructure, such as roads, airports and power plants were in the works to support tourism activities and attract more investors. The Kualanamu-Tebing Tinggi toll road, for example, was in progress and scheduled for completion next year. The road would give more access to Lake Toba, the worlds largest volcanic lake.



Besides accessibility, intensive promotion was also necessary, said Babar Suharso, the head of regional Investment Coordinating Board (BKPMD) of Banten province.



People can access Cape Lesung wthin only three hours but we still havent got any investors so weve asked Kadin [Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry] to introduce us to their network, he said.



BKPMD Banten said a number of South Korean investors had expressed their interests to invest in the location, but none have further approached the regional administration. Investors from Kuwait will visit the cape in November for a potential deal, Babar said.



Meanwhile, Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies Association (Asita) chairman Asnawi Bahar emphasized accessibility as an important point to attract more investors.



It is understandable that investment is still concentrated in Bali and Jakarta because the two have international airports with many international routes. One thing for sure to attract more investors is accessibility, Asnawi told The Jakarta Post over the phone.



Recently, the government announced a $300 million loan from the World Bank to expedite infrastructure development in and around Borobudur Temple, Mandalika and Lake Toba.



Nevertheless, the natural beauty of sites in Indonesia has inevitably swayed a group of businesspeople in Perth, Australia to invest in Manado, North Sulawesi, whose Bunaken island is famous for its diving spots.



[The investment plan in] Manado is a very large ambition. It is a big tourism area so this group of companies running different businesses plan to turn it into a new destination, said Debnath Guharoy, president of Australian Indonesian Business Council (AIBC) said via phone.



The group will present its detailed plan to North Sulawesi administration in the next few weeks. They are planning to build hotels, power plants and a waste management system, as well as a conservation area for Bunaken underwater park.



Indonesia boasts 17,000 islands blessed with beautiful coastline and inland potential, plus a big market of more than 259 million people. To propel its tourism industry, the country has also offered free visas to 169 countries and simplified yacht and cruise arrival rules.

----------------

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Linkedin Fedina S. Sundaryani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17 2016

The Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry aims to cut down the vast number of cooperatives in order to reach the governments vision of establishing modern, well managed cooperatives ready to face global competition.



The ministry has announced that it will disband at least 32,427 cooperatives across the nation. Furthermore, the ministry has already disbanded as many as 6,213 cooperatives found to be inactive.



These are all part of around 62,000 cooperatives that we have found to be inactive and have already been erased from our database. We will conduct further cooperation with regional agencies to disband even more cooperatives, the ministrys deputy for institutional fields, Meliadi Sembiring, told reporters during a press conference on Friday.



A cooperative refers to a business entity that is owned and run jointly by its members, who share the profits or benefits.



Cooperatives, whose existence can be traced back to the early years of the countrys independence, usually run operations in a specific sector, including lending services, agriculture and fisheries.



The government hopes to cut down on the large number of inactive cooperatives and have the remainder recorded for future rehabilitation and reorientation. From ministry records, 150,223 out of 212,135 cooperatives nationwide were still active by the end of 2015. The number of cooperative members reached 37.78 million at the end of last year, up 3.67 percent from the previous year.



The governments Mid-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) for 2015 to 2019 targets capital participation from cooperatives to reach 55 percent.



Furthermore, the government hopes that the number of cooperative members can increase by 7.5 to 10 percent per annum, and the volume of business for cooperatives to also grow by 15.5 to 18 percent each year.



In order to achieve this goal, the government has set several objectives, including disbanding inactive cooperatives, making end-of-year meetings compulsory and establishing cooperatives that cover various parts or businesesses in the real sector.



A majority of cooperatives currently operate in the savings and loans business.



Meliadi said disbanding cooperatives posed several bureaucratic challenges as the process must also go through the provincial administration and cooperatives agency. Furthermore, the ministry had established a committee in charge of resolving any debt issues that may occur when cooperatives were disbanded.



We have to make sure that the disbandment of a cooperative does not pass on responsibility to its members. This is why we have to continue coordinating with the regions, he said.



Meanwhile, the Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry secretary, Agus Muharram, added that the ministry had made an agreement with the Indonesian Notary Association (INI) in order to allow cooperatives to obtain notary deeds free of charge.



Furthermore, the ministry was working together with the Communications and Information Ministry, which will enable cooperatives to access free web domains to conduct e-commerce.



President Joko Jokowi Widodo has already called on for massive deregulation in order to develop e-commerce in the country, which has been slow to develop.



Indonesias e-commerce market was estimated to be worth Rp 18 trillion (US$1.4 billion) in 2015, with 37 million consumers from a total population of 255 million, according to World Economic Outlook data compiled by the Internet Service Providers Association.



The association also predicted that the e-commerce market would reach Rp 25 trillion by year-end, with 49 million consumers.



By going mainly digital, the country would be able to unleash a new level of economic growth to the tune of $150 billion in terms of impact by the year 2025 if it is able to address the most pressing and basic issues adequately, said management consulting firm McKinsey & Company in a report released recently.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17 2016

Indonesias efforts to handle global security matters including counterterrorism, deradicalization, migration and people smuggling was recognized during a recent inter-regional meeting.

The ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) in Bangkok on Thursday and Friday discussed current issues in Europe and Southeast Asia, regional security and counterterrorism efforts.

During the meeting, Indonesia emphasized strengthening cooperation on counterterrorism; strengthening the capabilities of anti-terror units and countering cyber terrorism; the mainstreaming of soft power through education, increasing the role of women, civil society and community and religious organizations.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

Indonesia and Iran discussed the importance of international cooperation in addressing the problem of terrorism during a meeting between top officials in Jakarta on Monday.

"Overall, both sides exchanged opinions on how to fight against terrorism and violent groups," Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia Valiollah Mohammadi said following a meeting with Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto as quoted by Antara news agency.

Mohammadi said the problem of terrorism, which poses a threat to the region and the world, should be handled jointly between countries.

"We strongly believe that the fight against terrorism needs cooperation and assistance between various countries," he said.

If anyone, from any country, joins a violent group, whether intentionally or not, it is a cause for concern, Mohammadi added.

"Of course the Islamic Republic of Iran's policy is to fight terrorism and violent groups, and of course we do not favor anyone who assists and supports terrorism," Mohammadi said.

The ambassador said the meeting with Wiranto did not include any specific plans about how to combat terrorism. (liz/evi)
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Linkedin Adam Schreck (Associated Press) Irbil, Iraq  Mon, October 17, 2016

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of military operations to liberate the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State militants on Monday, launching the country on its toughest battle since American troops left nearly five years ago.

State TV aired a brief statement in the early hours Monday announcing the start of the widely anticipated military offensive to drive IS out of Iraq's second-largest city.

Broadcasts showed the prime minister, dressed in the uniform of the elite counterterrorism forces, speaking while flanked by senior military officers.

"These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity. They are there for your sake," he told the city's residents, using an alternate name for the militant group. "God willing, we shall win."

The thuds of sporadic artillery shelling rumbled across the rolling Nineveh plains in the direction of Mosul, witnesses said. State TV broadcast patriotic music within minutes of the announcement.

The push to retake Mosul will be the biggest military operation in Iraq since American troops left in 2011 and, if successful, the strongest blow yet to the Islamic State. A statement on Al-Abadi's website pledged the fight for the city marked a new phase that would lead to the liberation of all Iraqi territory from the militants this year.

In Washington, Defense Secretary Ash Carter called the start of Iraqi operations to liberate Mosul "a decisive moment in the campaign" to deliver a lasting defeat to the Islamic State group.

Carter said the United States and other members of the international coalition "stand ready to support the Iraqi Security Forces, Peshmerga fighters and the people of Iraq in the difficult fight ahead."

Iraqi forces have been massing around the city in recent days. They include members of the elite special forces, who are expected to lead the charge into the city itself.

Mosul is home to more than a million civilians. The city fell to IS fighters during a lightning charge in June 2014 that left nearly a third of Iraq in militants' hands and plunged the country into its most severe crisis since the US-led invasion in 2003.

After seizing Mosul, IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi visited the city to declare an Islamic caliphate that at one point covered nearly a third of Iraq and Syria.

But since late last year, the militants have suffered battlefield losses in Iraq and their power in the country has largely shrunk to Mosul and small towns in the country's north and west. Mosul is about 360 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of the capital, Baghdad.

The operation to retake Mosul is expected to be the most complex yet for Iraq's military, which has been rebuilding from its humiliating 2014 defeat.

Iraqi forces began moving into Nineveh province to surround Mosul in July, when ground troops led by the country's elite special forces retook Qayara air base south of the city. Thousands of Iraqi troops were deployed there ahead of the planned operation along with large numbers of tanks, armored personnel carriers and heavy artillery.

The base is ringed by a series of trenches, sand berms and other fortifications.

Iraqi troops were also positioned east of Mosul in the Khazer area, along with Kurdish Peshmerga forces, and to the north of the city near the Mosul Dam and Bashiqa areas.

Before the prime minister's announcement, Brig. Gen Haider Fadhil told The Associated Press in an interview that more than 25,000 troops, including paramilitary forces made up of Sunni tribal fighters and Shiite militias, will take part in the offensive that will be launched from five directions around the city.

In addition to carrying out airstrikes, the US-led international coalition will also offer artillery fire, he added. American troops are providing logistical support to the operation.

Brett McGurk, the US envoy to the coalition against IS, said Abadi's order called for "major operations" to free the city.

"Godspeed to the heroic Iraqi forces, Kurdish #Peshmerga, and #Ninewa volunteers. We are proud to stand with you in this historic operation," he tweeted.

The role of the Shiite militias has been particularly sensitive, as Nineveh is a majority Sunni province and Shiite militia forces have been accused of carrying out abuses against civilians in other operations in majority Sunni parts of Iraq.

According to UN estimates, up to 1 million people could be displaced from Mosul during the operation, exacerbating the humanitarian situation in the country. The conflict in Iraq has forced 3.3 million people to flee their homes, with most of them living in camps or informal settlements.

Fadhil voiced concern about potential action from Turkish troops based in the region of Bashiqa, northeast of Mosul. Turkey sent troops to the area late last year to train anti-IS fighters there.

But Baghdad has seen the Turkish presence as a "blatant violation" of Iraqi sovereignty and has demanded the Turkish troops withdraw, a call Ankara has ignored.

___

Associated Press journalists Ahmed Sami in Baghdad, Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Khazer, Iraq, and Vivian Salama in Washington contributed reporting.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

Jessica Kumala Wongso, who stands accused of killing her friend Wayan Mirna Salihin, frequently made false statements during the trial, prosecutors have claimed.

Prosecutor Maylany told the judges during a hearing at the Central Jakarta District Court on Monday that, for example, Jessica had complained about conditions at the Jakarta Police detention center, which she had said was dirty and inhuman.

In fact, she said, Jessica had demanded a special detention center. It is the most luxurious room for a detainee, said Maylany in response to the defense statement stated by Jessica and her lawyers at a hearing last week, as reported by kompas.com.

Maylany also claimed that in one session Jessica had made statements contradicting those she had made earlier, during a reconstruction of events at the crime scene. The investigators have allowed Jessica to show her own version during the reconstruction, but she denied her own version of the reconstruction during the trial, for unclear reasons, said Maylany.

Maylany also criticized Jessicas lawyers, saying that of 4,000 pages of defense documents read last week, only 282 pages touched on the substance of the case, while the rest was only transcripts of the trial.

The lawyers look like laymen, not lawyers who know about law. It took the lawyers two days to read their defense, Maylany added.

Jessica has been accused of putting a deadly dose of cyanide into a coffee consumed by Mirna when they shared a table at Olivier cafe in Central Jakarta on Jan. 6.

Prosecutors have demanded a 20-year prison sentence for Jessica. (bbn)
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Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

President Joko Jokowi Widodo is slated to visit Papua today to inaugurate a new airport in the impoverished Yahukimo regency, deep in the mountains of the countrys easternmost region, which comprises the provinces of Papua and West Papua.

The visit is the latest of his many trips to the region since he took office two years ago, all part of his outreach to Papuans, 70 percent of whom voted for him during the presidential election.

The new airport has extended the list of infrastructure programs that his administration has initiated in the region. The government is also finalizing a plan to set up a special body that will be given authority to integrate infrastructure and development programs in Papua.

But questions remain as to whether Papuans have been entirely won over by his efforts. The region continues to face security challenges with frequent shootings conducted by armed civilian groups or members of the security forces.

A recent study by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) found that Jokowis infrastructure programs have failed to garner support from Papuans because of their lingering and deep-rooted distrust of the central government.

Violations of freedom of expression for Papuans, human rights activists say, have continued to occur in recent years. Indeed, Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Paulus Waterpaw has issued a non-legally binding maklumat (announcement), to remind protesters of the consequences of exercising their freedom to voice their opinions if they involve calls for independence.

Students who join such protests will receive a criminal record on their police clearance letters (SKCK), which will hamper them in getting jobs in the future. I am well aware that all people have rights. But keep in mind that they also have obligations. One of them is to maintain the unity [of Indonesia], Paulus said.

Paulus admitted that human rights violations, some of which have been considered gross abuses, had occurred in the resource-rich land. He claimed that his headquarters had investigated 11 cases of alleged human rights violations since 1996 but found only three that met the criteria of rights abuses.

These include a 1996 military operation to rescue 12 foreign and Indonesian scientists abducted by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) in Papuas hinterland of Mapenduma; the killings of civilians by military and police personnel in Wasior in 2001 and the unresolved shooting of five civilians in Paniai in 2014.

Maj. Gen. Yoedhi Swastono, the deputy for domestic political coordination at the Office of the Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister, believed that the number of human rights abuses could be higher. Therefore, to properly identify the cases, the office has set up a joint team to work on the resolution of abuse cases.

Yoedhi told The Jakarta Post that the team was headed by law professor Indriyanto Seno Aji, who has been working closely with team members comprising representatives from the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and law enforcement bodies as well as Papuas customary councils and rights watchdogs.

The joint team is tasked with listing all incidents that have occurred in Papua and identifying which are rights abuses and which are not, Yoedhi said. Follow-up actions will depend on the results.

The team, which was established on April 25 is scheduled to complete its task by Oct. 25.

LIPI coordinator of Papua studies Adriana Elizabeth has said that acknowledging the abuses and making efforts to resolve them are essential for the government to achieve its development goals in Papua.
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Linkedin Nethy Dharma Somba (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura, Papua  Mon, October 17, 2016

President Joko Jokowi Widodo inaugurated several infrastructure projects, including six electricity power plants, in Papua and West Papua during his second visit to the region on Monday.

The President said he was fully aware of the geographical challenges in Papua but believed they should not be an obstacle for the government and relevant stakeholders to complete infrastructure projects in a timely manner.

Ive talked with the state electricity firm PLN president director [Sofyan Basri] and he told me it is hoped the program to provide electricity to all areas across Papua and West Papua could be completed by 2020. I said: Dont take too long. If possible, it should be finished by 2019, Jokowi said.

I know Papuas geographical conditions are very tough but our target must be completed. Its not only for the electricity projects but all infrastructure projects in Papua."

The six electricity facilities, worth Rp 988 billion (US$75.64 million), comprise the Orya hydropower plant (PLTA) in Genyem with a capacity of 2 x 10 Megawatts (MW); a micro-hydropower plant with a capacity of 2 x 1.25 MW in Prafi, Manokwari, West Papua; a 70 kilovolt (kV) high voltage line (SUTT), which stretches 174.6 kilometers and connects Genyem-Waena-Jayapura; a 70 kV SUTT stretching for 43.4 km from Holtekamp to Jayapura; the Waena-Sentani electrical relay station with a 20 Megavolt ampere (MVA) capacity; and the Jayapura electrical relay station with a 20 MVA capacity.

The two SUTT and two electrical relay stations will be the first ones in Papua. Their operations will help us save Rp 161 billion worth of fuel every year, said Sofyan. (ebf)
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Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is scheduled to inaugurate two power plants and electricity infrastructure in Papua and West Papua on Monday in a bid to solve the electricity shortage in Indonesia's eastern-most regions.

The President is leaving for Papua on board the Presidential aircraft from Adi Soemarmo Air Force Base in Boyolali, Central Java, on Monday morning, where he was on a work visit.

Jokowi is scheduled to visit several areas in Papua and West Papua to help boost development in the two regions, according to a statement from the Presidential Press Bureau.

He will inaugurate the Orya Genyem hydro power plant, which has a 2x10 megawatt (MW) capacity, in Papua and the Prafi mini hydro power plant, which has a 2 x 1.25 MW capacity, in West Papua.

In addition, Jokowi will also inaugurate a 70 kilo volt (kV) high voltage line (SUTT) connecting Genyem - Waena - Jayapura, stretching for 174.6 kilometers ; a 70 kV SUTT linking Holtekamp - Jayapura running for 43.4 kms, as well as the Waena - Sentani substation, which has a 30 Mega Volt ampere (MVA) capacity and the Jayapura substation with a 20 MVA capacity.

Power plants projects are part of government's efforts to answer the power crisis due to delays in power plant infrastructure development. Jokowi's administration has vowed to address electricity issues by building power plants in many regions across Indonesia. (rin)
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Linkedin Ganug Nugroho Adi (The Jakarta Post) Surakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

President Joko Jokowi Widodo handed over 3,515 land certificates to people living in 15 regencies and municipalities in Central Java over the weekend in Surakarta, Central Java as part of the 2016 national strategic program.

Jokowi said on the sidelines of the ceremony on Sunday that the thousands of certificates he handed over was a symbolic gesture to encourage better certification for residents.

He said the national program for certification had been running since long before he became president. But up until now, only 44 percent of land in Indonesia had certificates, meaning that the government had a backlog of about 60 million certificates.

Next year, I want 5 million more, the next year, 7 million, and the next, 9 million. I want the government to give certificates to people every day. I will monitor it closely, and remember, no illegal fees asked, he said.

He said the illegal fees were not about the amount of money but about good habit, good and efficient working culture. He said when he was the mayor of Surakarta, he received many complaints from the people about red tape in the certification process and the practice of illegal fees collection.

The President said he had formed a team called Tim Saber Pungli (Eradication of Illegal Fees Team), which had a mandate to deal with corruption and illegal fees.

Its probably only Rp 10,000 [76 US cents]. But if it is prolonged it will become trillions of rupiah, he said. Let the Corruption Eradication Commission deal with big fish, but petty corruption, let me handle them, Jokowi said. (evi)
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Linkedin Sebastian Partogi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17 2016

Youngsters from the digital generation wishing to gain instant fame through writing might not be aware that breaking into the world of literature is a tricky thing.

Persistence along with extensive and intensive work are the keys to making it in the world of literature.



This meant it took 20 years for veteran poet Joko Jokpin Pinurbo to publish his first volume of poetry, after he started writing at the age of 17.



His first poetry collection, Celana (Pants), was published in 1999. When he broke into the Indonesian literary world, the local scene was dominated by giants like Sapardi Djoko Damono and Goenawan Mohamad, who had set their feet firmly on the ground.



In the mid-1990s, I started to reread my poems again critically. Then I realized my works were no different to those of senior Indonesian poets. During the period, I also studied the works of all Indonesian poets, from Amir Hamzah and Chairil Anwar to Sapardi. I analyzed the imagery that they used, he said in an interview at a Jakarta cafe.



I was aware that none of them used domestic imagery like pants or bathrooms in their poems; we could use different imagery to convey recurrent themes like alienation. I also realized most Indonesian poets were very stiff in writing their work, although Remy Sylado came up with his mbeling [naughty] style, but I wanted to write poems that were relaxed, with humorous elements in them.



Around the same time, he witnessed the blue jeans fever that invaded Indonesia in the mid to late 1990s, throughout the countrys rural areas, where somebody was deemed uncool if he or she chose to wear cotton pants, which were previously the norm.



I started to think about a Biblical passage [from Luke 12:23] and consider whether clothes are more important than the body. That, coupled with the sense of humor of Yogyakartan folks, who like to trade jokes even when misfortune befalls them, led me to brew my own style and imagery with poems about pants, said Jokpin.



Jokpin was born in Pelabuhan Ratu, West Java, and completed junior high school and university in Yogyakarta. He currently resides in the city, which is also where his first anthology was produced.



He received a literary award for the Celana anthology from the Lontar Foundation in 2001, followed by other awards for his later collections.



He won a literary award from the national education departments Linguistics Center in 2002 for Di Bawah Kibaran Sarung (Under the folds of the sarong, 2001), while Kekasihku (My Lover, 2004) took out the Khatulistiwa Literary Award. He was also named Tempo magazines literary figure of the year in 2001 and was invited to the Winternachten literary festival in the Netherlands in 2002.

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Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

Former energy and mineral resources minister Sudirman Said says he hopes newly appointed minister of the same portfolio, Ignasius Jonan, and his deputy, Arcandra Tahar, can maintain stability within the countrys energy sector.

Stability in the energy sector is important because almost every decision that is made has a long-term effect, so it is crucial for the government to bring certainty to investors, he adds.

Hopefully, the appointment of pak Jonan as minister can create an impression of stability to the [energy] industry so there will be certainty, in which investment that has been delayed can be implemented," Sudirman told reporters after a handover ceremony from interim minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan to Jonan in Jakarta on Monday.

Sudirman was sacked from his position after President Joko Jokowi Widodos second Cabinet shake-up in July, after a string of tussles last year with other Cabinet ministers and Golkar Party senior politician Setya Novanto.

He was replaced by Arcandra, who was also removed from his post after only 20 days in office following revelation of his dual citizenship, which has now been sorted. (ebf)
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Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam  Mon, October 17, 2016

Batam, Rempang and Galang Police have released two Chinese nationals suspected of stealing on a Garuda flight from Jakarta to Batam.

The police investigation into the case found no evidence of theft and no one had come forward reporting any loss of belongings.

Crime unit chief Comr. Memo Ardian said Monday they had found no evidence. The people who caught these two [for alleged theft] were the flight attendants. But [] we have not found any evidence and we havent received any complaints, he said.

Memo said the two Chinese men said they only wanted to put their jackets in the overhead compartment. Because we could not find enough evidence, we are coordinating with immigration, Memo said.

Read also: Chinese passengers caught stealing on board Garuda flight

Memo said Saturday the two men had been sent to the immigration office in Batam, which previously had withheld their passports.

On Oct. 12, a Garuda flight attendant suspected the two men were unloading baggage from the overhead compartment that was not theirs. Reportedly, the bag belonged to another passenger, identified as Hendra. The flight attendant notified the pilot when the plane landed in Hang Nadim Airport in Batam, where then the police were called. (evi)
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Linkedin Francine Pickup (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17 2016

In spite of its infamous environmental track record, palm oil has brought considerable prosperity to rural Indonesia.

However, as market demands for sustainable palm oil rise, the future remains uncertain for many small-scale oil palm farmers who are dependent on the cash crop. Often unable to afford the capital required to invest in better agronomic practices, which limit the need for further plantation expansion, some small-scale farmers are at risk of being cut out of the market with little alternatives to turn to.

The majority of small-scale oil palm farmers who use unsustainable farming practices tend to be exposed to shocks, such as price fluctuations, and lack opportunities to diversify their incomes. They tend not to have access to financial resources such as credit, loans, technology, formal land titles or skills to engage in agriculture in more sustainable ways.

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Linkedin Jusuf Wanandi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17 2016

The idea of a tax amnesty policy had been conceived in 2015 and was well-received and supported by President Joko Jokowi Widodo amid doubts and criticism from the public. The first phase of its implementation in the July-September 2016 period showed real success, which really heartened the President. What are the factors that made it a success and what is to be expected further from its implementation?

First, it was the acceptance and support of the President himself who was to face the fact that tax income as the main source of the state budget would not be adequate this year as a result of the slow global economic growth, thus special policies and measures were needed. The Finance Ministry was originally lukewarm to the idea, because two of its last efforts were not very successful due to the less encompassing tax amnesty policy introduced then.

However, this time the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), under the direction of Sofjan Wanandi, Hariyadi Sukamdani and Surjadi, strongly believed in the tax amnesty, fully supported the policy and campaigned vigorously for its success, together with the President himself. The House of Representatives was an early supporter of the tax amnesty, to their credit, and had the law passed within three months, keeping it confidential before its official implementation.

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Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17 2016

Despite its relatively insignificant financial impact, the recent decision by the countrys antimonopoly agency to fine major poultry industry players found guilty of cartel practices should be applauded, as it will help educate the public about the importance of promoting fair competition in the sector, experts and analysts suggest.



On Thursday, the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) ordered 12 companies to pay a total of Rp 119.67 billion (US$9.16 million) in fines for the premature culling of 2 million parent stock chickens following an oversupply of day-old chicks (DOC) in September last year.



The KPPU stated that the instruction from the Agriculture Ministrys livestock and animal health directorate general to perform the mass cull, which was the first of three stages in the cull of a total of 6 million parent stock chickens, was actually an order from the 12 companies in an effort to control market prices.



Among the 12 companies are publicly listed poultry giants Charoen Pokphand Indonesia and Japfa Comfeed Indonesia, each fined Rp 25 billion, and Malindo Feedmill, which was fined Rp 10.83 billion.



Those fines, however, wont have a significant impact on their businesses because the figure is small compared to their profits, Bahana Securities analyst Michael W. Setjoadi told The Jakarta Post.



In the first half of this year, Charoen booked net profits of Rp 1.74 trillion, while Japfa recorded profits of Rp 1 trillion and Malindo Rp 167.8 billion.



At the end of trading on Friday, the stock prices of Charoen, Japfa and Malindo declined by 0.27 percent, 1.73 percent and 2.27 percent, respectively.



Its true that we can still survive, but the KPPUs punishments will lead to brutal competition, in which companies with stronger liquidity will rule the market, Japfas lawyer Rikrik Rizkiyana said.



The KPPU stated the businesses had no valid supporting data to claim an oversupply situation even though the selling price for chickens had plunged 40 percent at that time.



We are certain, even if cartel practices truly existed, they occurred based on the governments instruction. Hence, it was not what the 12 companies wanted, Charoen director Jemmy Wijaya said recently, as quoted by kompas.com.



Meanwhile, Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) economist Iman Sugema said poultry industry players must comply with the KPPUs decision, because they dominated both upstream and downstream operations within the industry.



Currently Charoen and Japfa are the largest firms operating in the country with activities ranging from breeding to feed and vaccine production, as well as making chicken nuggets.



Big players have to show the spirit of healthy competition so it can pave the way for small farmers to grow, Iman said.



To put an end to the alleged monopoly in the poultry industry, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in March with various stakeholders, including the KPPU, the Indonesian Poultry Farmers Association and Information Center (Pinsar Indonesia) and the Indonesian Breeders Association (GPPU).



Under to the MoU, big poultry farmers need to build new slaughterhouses away from residential areas. They are also required to support the governments efforts to strengthen the downstream industry and boost exports by involving small players in the process.

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Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

Despite its relatively insignificant financial impact, the recent decision by the countrys antimonopoly agency to fine major poultry industry players found guilty of cartel practices should be applauded, as it will help educate the public about the importance of promoting fair competition in the sector, experts and analysts suggest.

On Thursday, the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) ordered 12 companies to pay a total of Rp 119.67 billion (US$9.16 million) in fines for the premature culling of 2 million parent stock chickens following an oversupply of day-old chicks (DOC) in September last year.

The KPPU stated that the instruction from the Agriculture Ministrys livestock and animal health directorate general to perform the mass cull, which was the first of three stages in the cull of a total of 6 million parent stock chickens, was actually an order from the 12 companies in an effort to control market prices.

Among the 12 companies are publicly listed poultry giants Charoen Pokphand Indonesia and Japfa Comfeed Indonesia, each fined Rp 25 billion, and Malindo Feedmill, which was fined Rp 10.83 billion.

Those fines, however, wont have a significant impact on their businesses because the figure is small compared to their profits, Bahana Securities analyst Michael W. Setjoadi told The Jakarta Post.

In the first half of this year, Charoen booked net profits of Rp 1.74 trillion, while Japfa recorded profits of Rp 1 trillion and Malindo Rp 167.8 billion.

At the end of trading on Friday, the stock prices of Charoen, Japfa and Malindo declined by 0.27 percent, 1.73 percent and 2.27 percent, respectively.

Its true that we can still survive, but the KPPUs punishments will lead to brutal competition, in which companies with stronger liquidity will rule the market, Japfas lawyer Rikrik Rizkiyana said.

The KPPU stated the businesses had no valid supporting data to claim an oversupply situation even though the selling price for chickens had plunged 40 percent at that time.

We are certain, even if cartel practices truly existed, they occurred based on the governments instruction. Hence, it was not what the 12 companies wanted, Charoen director Jemmy Wijaya said recently, as quoted by kompas.com.

Meanwhile, Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) economist Iman Sugema said poultry industry players must comply with the KPPUs decision, because they dominated both upstream and downstream operations within the industry.

Currently Charoen and Japfa are the largest firms operating in the country with activities ranging from breeding to feed and vaccine production, as well as making chicken nuggets.

Big players have to show the spirit of healthy competition so it can pave the way for small farmers to grow, Iman said.

To put an end to the alleged monopoly in the poultry industry, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in March with various stakeholders, including the KPPU, the Indonesian Poultry Farmers Association and Information Center (Pinsar Indonesia) and the Indonesian Breeders Association (GPPU).

Under to the MoU, big poultry farmers need to build new slaughterhouses away from residential areas. They are also required to support the governments efforts to strengthen the downstream industry and boost exports by involving small players in the process.
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Linkedin Desy Nurhayati (The Jakarta Post) Bali  Mon, October 17, 2016

As many as 144 paragliding athletes jumped off the Gunung Payung cliff top in Nusa Dua, Bali, and flew over the Indian Ocean in a record breaking event organized by the Indonesian Aerosport Federation (FASI) on Sunday.

As the gliders enjoyed the birds-eye view of the breathtaking Bali skyline, scores of spectators and supporters lined the steep cliff under the blistering sun, watching the colorful parachutes fly above the blue ocean of the island's most southern tip.

Held in conjunction with the 110th General Conference of the International Aerosport Federation (FAI), the event also featured an attempt to break the Indonesian record of most simultaneous hang gliders with 25 participants on Timbis Hill and paramotors with 30 participants on Mertasari Beach.

The event has been recognized by the Indonesian Record Museum MURI as having the largest number of paragliders, defeating the previous record in 2009 that involved 99 participants.

"We record this as the 7,445th record in MURI. In the previous year, FASI has also recorded some achievements, including 77 paragliders flying together on July 7, 2007, followed by 88 paragliders flying together on August 8, 2008, and a similar event involving 99 participants in September 9, 2009. All of the events were held in Bali," said MURI executive manager Sri Widayati

Gunung Payung and Timbis Hill are prime spots for paragliding on the island, attracting many tourists who seek to experience tandem flights while enjoying scenic views of the green hills and the blue ocean from above.

Record-breaking -- As many as 144 paragliders take off from Gunung Payung cliff in Nusa Dua, Bali, and fly above the Indian Ocean, during an event organized by the Indonesian Aerosport Federation on Oct.16. (JP/Stanny Angga)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

Religious figures have made a joint statement to call for peace and tolerance for the regional elections.

The statement was made following a mass demonstration against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama because of his statement on a verse from the Quran.

The Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) general secretary Gomar Gultom, who read the statement, said that the religious figures had been concerned by the antagonistic discourse from the public.

"This situation has potential to disturb the harmony among people of different religions. This could further disturb the state's unity," he said at the Center for Dialogue and Cooperation among Civilizations (CDCC) in Central Jakarta on Monday.

Therefore, religious figures from PGI, Inter-Religious Council (IRC), Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Indonesian Buddhists Association (Walubi), Confucian Supreme Council of Indonesia (Matakin), Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI) and Indonesian Hindu Religious Councils (PHDI) urged the public to avoid violence and to uphold moral and religious values.

"We hope for peace and harmony. To achieve it, we should be ready to live together in peace without excluding other parties. Harmony will be built through tolerance and respect among the people," the IRC president Din Syamsudin said.

The leaders suggest that the government should mitigate conflict to prevent this from occurring again in the future and to implement the election properly according to the law. (bbn)
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Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung  Mon, October 17 2016

The last day: Lawang Buku owner Deni Rahman (right) has decided to close down his bookshop at Balubur Town Square due to the declining number of sales. He plans to continue selling second-hand books online.

During the good old days, second-hand books enjoyed a place in the heart of many bookworms. Today, alternative bookshops in Bandung are struggling to survive.

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Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam, Riau Islands  Mon, October 17, 2016

A Navy patrol boat has arrested a Singaporean-flagged vessel for allegedly shipping used goods from Singapore into Batam, Riau Islands, without a permit.

The patrol personnel from the Western Fleet Quick Response (WFQR) team, which operates under the control of the Tanjungpinang Navy headquarters, intercepted the landing craft tank (LCT) Emperor in an operation early Sunday.

The commander of the Navys Tanjungpinang naval base IV, Commodore S. Irawan, told The Jakarta Post on Monday that the WFQR team arrested the Emperor after extended surveillance.

The WFQR team saw several small boats approaching the Emperor at sea, after which crew members of the vessel were seen moving its cargo to the boats. The LCT then docked at Sekupang Port in Batam, said Iriawan.

He further said the WFQR personnel searched the Emperor and investigated its crew members. We then detained them for allegedly shipping used goods into Indonesia without a permit, he added.

Iriawan said his personnel were still investigating where the vessels crew members came from and what their nationalities were.

We have reported this arrest to Singaporean authorities, he said.

Departing from Jurong Port, Singapore, on Oct.15, the Emperor captained by Adrian Esra had 12 crew members on board. The arrest occurred in Tanjung Pinggir waters, Sekupang, Batam.

Iriawan said the patrol team found the vessel not having the proper shipping permits and on its customs manifest, it did not mention the goods being carried. (ebf)
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Linkedin Zeynep Bilginsoy (Associated Press) Istanbul  Mon, October 17, 2016

A suicide bomber blew himself up Sunday during a Turkish police raid against suspected Islamic State members near the Syrian border, killing three police officers and wounding nine other people, an official said.

In a separate explosion, a man suspected of being responsible for an IS suicide bomber cell in Gaziantep blew himself about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away in another district of the city, provincial governor Ali Yerlikaya said in a televised statement. No one else was killed or wounded in the second blast.

Earlier, police received a tip about a group of IS militants hiding in a house in the city's Sahinbey district and launched an operation to apprehend them. A militant blew himself up when he realized he couldn't escape. Three police officers were killed, while five police officers and four civilians were wounded, Yerlikaya said.

News reports initially said that more than one suicide bomber was involved in the first explosion.

The governor said the police raid followed intelligence that the group could be planning an attack on an Alevi cultural association in the city. The Alevis are an offshoot of Shia Islam and are the largest religious group in Turkey after Sunnis. IS regards Alevis as heretics.

Hours later, a man suspected of organizing IS activities in Gaziantep blew himself up in an apartment as Turkish police were about to "neutralize" him, Yerlikaya said. The man was identified by the governor as Mehmet Kadir Cebael. The man's wife and two children were apprehended alive. TV footage showed the fifth floor of the building in which part of the wall was blown away.

The governor said Cebael was the "brain" behind the plan to attack the Alevi cultural association.

Turkey has been rocked by a series of deadly attacks over the past year, carried out by IS or Kurdish militants linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.

In August, 54 people were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up during an outdoor wedding celebration in Gaziantep. Authorities said the attack was the work of the IS group.

Following the deadly attack in August, Turkish tanks entered the Syrian town of Jarablus and began its Euphrates Shield operation with Turkey-backed Syrian opposition forces to clear its shared border with Syria from IS. The symbolic town of Dabiq in northern Syria was captured Sunday where IS fighters put up "minimal" resistance.

Suzan Fraser contributed to this report from Ankara.
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

An activist group is calling on the government to not ratify the ASEAN Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) clause on International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) 1991, saying that it will increase global corporations monopolistic control over small farmers.

According to Indonesian Farmers Alliance Chairman Muhammad Nurdin, the UPOV 91 obliges a seed patent to be protected for 20 to 25 years. He is worried that the trade partners were pushing ASEAN members to ratify UPOV 91 in the RCEP forum.

"UPOV 91 may prohibit farmers from developing their own seeds in the name of [preventing] intellectual rights infringement," Nurdin said in a discussion in Jakarta on Sunday, adding that the UPOV 91 ratification would worsen corporate domination as five multinational companies currently dominated 90 percent of the world's seed trade.

ASEAN countries and their six main trade partners (Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand) are holding the 14th round of RCEP discussions in Tianjin, China from Oct. 17 to Oct. 22.

Agricultural NGO Bina Desa spokesperson Achmad Yakub said the Constitutional Court had given protection to small farmers, indigenous communities and farmers organizations to develop their own seeds in 2013

"But if the government ratifies UPOV 91, our law and rules will be revised, including the Constitutional Courts decision," he said. (ags)
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Linkedin (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) Taipei  Mon, October 17, 2016

The Duterte administration wants the Philippines to formally join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in time for the presidents trip to Beijing this week to erase the massive public works gap that has hobbled the local economy.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said membership in the China-led multilateral lending agency, an international treaty that requires the ratification of the senate, would unlock financing potential for the long pipeline of infrastructure projects that President Duterte is optimistic of building during his term.

We have a lot of projects, Dominguez said in an interview last week.

In the six years [Duterte] will be in office, we think we will be spending around 8 trillion Philippine pesos for infrastructure development, Dominguez said.

The AIIB is an international financing agency launched by China in 2014 and is headquartered in Beijing.

Largely viewed as Chinas political and economic counterweight to the US-led World Bank and the Japan-led Asian Development Bank, the AIIB was founded by 57 member nations. Philippine participation came a day before the deadline on the Christmas Day of 2015.

The countrys formal membership in the AIIB, however, must first be approved by the senate.

Thats why I am trying to get the AIIB through the senate already, Dominguez said, expressing hope that lawmakers can tackle and approve the treaty this week.

I was speaking with Senator [Alan Peter] Cayetano and he is hopeful of being able to do it. The documents are already with them since, I think, [Wednesday] afternoon. That for me [already] signals [an] achievement, Dominguez said.

The finance chief, the de facto head of the Duterte administrations economic team, said membership in the AIIB would unlock funding for all other projects that the government would want to undertakewhether there will be a new rail project, an expansion of the countrys aging road network or new airports.

At the same time, Dominguez revealed that the administration was in the process of implementing a major rethink of the public-private partnership (PPP) programthe economic centrepiece of the previous administration that was criticised for its turtle-paced implementation of critical infrastructure projects.

We are changing the way we are looking at PPPs, he said.

The past administration earlier used PPPs to raise money by charging [an upfront fee from prospective private sector partners]. Frankly, I dont think thats fair because thats like taxation without representation, he added.

This scheme, in which the party that pays the government the highest up-front fee for the right to build and operate a project, is to the detriment of the public, which will ultimately shoulder the cost, Dominguez explained.

Who else will pay for it? he said.

It looks good [on the governments] balance sheet, but someone will have to pay for it, he pointed out.

Dominguez added that the previous administration also used incorrect borrowing cost scenarios for evaluating PPP projects, including the assumption that private sector firms would be able to fund infrastructure project more cheaply due to efficiency considerations.

They were always assuming that the private sector will be 15 per cent cheaper than the government, he said.

Why should that be? he questioned.

The finance chief cited the instance of a 28-kilometre-long road that the previous administration wanted to widen through the PPP scheme, with the rationale that a private proponent would implement it more efficiently.

He pointed out, however, that the project could have been built more cheaply if it was funded by the national government, whose funding costs are lower than any other Philippine private firm.
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Linkedin Elaine Kurtenbach (Associated Press) Yangon, Myanmar  Mon, October 17, 2016

KFC's grinning Colonel Sanders and his goatee are among the few prominent signs of US brands or business in Myanmar's biggest city, Yangon.

That will likely change after President Barack Obama ended most remaining US sanctions against this fledgling democracy on Oct. 7. But much hinges on how the government led by former political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi revamps the country's outdated laws and other policies.

The US had earlier broad prohibitions on investment and trade imposed on this Southeast Asian country of about 60 million over the past two decades. The more targeted restrictions that ended earlier this month were mostly on dealings with army-owned companies and officials and associates of the former ruling junta. A ban on imports of jadeite and rubies from Myanmar also ended.

Up to now, the rush to invest in Myanmar has been dominated by Asian countries, especially China, its main investor and trading partner during its years of isolation. Most US businesses and many other Western ones stayed away, mindful of fines potentially in the millions of dollars and jail terms of up to 20 years.

Foreign investment slowed earlier this year, as companies awaited changes in the investment law, company law and other regulations.

"Genuinely a lot of American business was extraordinarily wary of the sanctions, especially for financial services because of the massive fines," said Sean Turnell, a Myanmar expert and adviser to Suu Kyi's government.

For many Western, not just US firms, restrictions on financial transactions in US dollars, which are processed by banks doing business in the US, were the biggest constraint.

"It was too hard, the market is too small and profits were pretty small beer compared to the fines they could get," said Turnell. "You had great difficulty just moving money in and out of the country."

The garment industry could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the end to sanctions. The United States stopped giving Myanmar special market access under the Generalized System of Preferences in 1989 due to worker rights concerns. When those benefits are restored on Nov. 13 it will regain the right to export about 5,000 products to the United States duty-free.

Nay Aung, whose travel services company, Oway, has launched a car-booking app that is providing about 500-600 rides a day in Yangon, is hoping that will help drive an export boom.

"If multinationals come in, we will benefit," he said. "For us, if the country grows, we are the beneficiary of those investments."

Myanmar was governed by a military junta for more than a half-century. Nearly five years since it began its shift toward a civilian government and a year since Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won a landslide election, the country is still just beginning to develop a modern financial sector and rebuild its crumbling roads, ports and buildings, many of which date to Britain's colonial rule.

The new leadership is grappling with extreme poverty, civil war with several ethnic minorities, rampant corruption and narcotics and human trafficking. Massive illegal trade in goods like jade and timber continues.

The sanctions were just part of the problems laid out in a report by the American Chamber of Commerce in July. Chief complaints included a decision by the city government in Yangon, the country's commercial capital, to stop issuing the licenses for new parking spaces that are required to buy new vehicles. That was a blow to big foreign automakers like Chevy and Toyota that want to sell new cars there, but a boon for the already thriving trade in used vehicles from Japan, left-hand cars and trucks widely used on Myanmar's right-hand drive roads.

Still, the country's young, inexpensive workforce and low living standards offer huge potential for growth. GE, on its website, describes Myanmar as a "new sweet spot" for growth in Southeast Asia.

Japanese and other Asian investors have been piling in.

Aeon, Japan's equivalent of Walmart, opened an office in Yangon in 2014 and has a thriving microfinance business. Its first supermarket in Myanmar, a joint venture with a local retailer, opened in the city's Okalapa township in late September, offering thousands of products, most of them imported from Thailand.

Even the KFC, which opened across the street from Yangon's Bogyoke Market in 2015, is a franchise set up by Singapore-listed Myanmar conglomerate Yoma Strategic Holdings.

Some other major US brands got a head start, including Coca-Cola, which has a factory producing for the local market. Ball Corp. has a factory in Yangon's Thilawa Special Economic Zone making cans for Coca-Cola. MasterCard is expanding in the area of ATM cards.

GE is active in energy and other sectors and leases Boeing 737-800s to the country's national airlines. ConocoPhillips and Chevron have stakes in oil and gas exploration and development. Some US businesses, like Caterpillar, have distribution tie-ups in Myanmar with local or other foreign companies.

But the total US$248 million US companies have committed since 1988 amounts to less than 1 percent of total foreign investment of about $60 billion. China has invested more than $25 billion, according to Chinese figures.

Trade with the US has also been modest.

Myanmar's imports from the US totaled $227 million in 2015, while exports from Myanmar to the US amounted to $142 million, mostly dried peas, rattan and wood products and travel goods like backpacks, according to the US Trade Representatives website.

The lifting of sanctions is bound to benefit big players no longer on the sanctions lists, like the ex-junta chief, Than Shwe, and Stephen Law, founder of one of the nation's largest conglomerates, whose late father was once described by Treasury as one of the world's key heroin traffickers.

But at the other end of the spectrum, there likely will be little immediate impact, said Jes Kaliebe Petersen of Phandeeyar, a local non-profit devoted to helping start-ups and entrepreneurship.

Ending sanctions has a "signal value," suggesting lower risks of doing business in Myanmar, says Petersen, who is Danish. What remains, though, are problems typical of a frontier economy, such as a dysfunctional financial system, bad roads, and a legal system that has yet to catch up with the country's political evolution.

"It took three months to get money wired into Yangon just to pay my rent," Petersen said when asked about the challenges of doing business in Myanmar. "But on a micro-level, I've never had a single conversation about the sanctions."
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Linkedin Myanmar Eleven (Myanmar Eleven/ANN) Naypyidaw  Mon, October 17, 2016

Before armed groups join the national-level political talks they should sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement, said Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during a ceremony to mark a year since eight rebel armies signed the accord.

The Kachin and Wa were among the rebel armies that did not sign the ceasefire agreement.

The military chief said in Nay Pyi Taw that the ceasefire was designed around the needs of the rebel armies.

History will show what we did, what our attitude was and who helped to implement the peace process. I am urging all groups to participate to implement the ceasefire for the inspiration of future generations, he said.

The ceremony came as the ceasefire process became even more fragile when about 10 policemen were killed in Rakhine State last week.

The government was implementing the peace process as its top priority and if it took too long, development would be delayed, Min Aung Hlaing said. So all ethnic armed groups needed to sign the peace deal to prevent any more time being wasted, he said.

"Ethnic-minority areas where armed groups are based are peaceful and have seen no more fighting since the groups signed the ceasefire. Mutual trust proves that. So I am urging other armed groups to learn from the example," Min Aung Hlaing said.

We walk towards the democracy which people want and we need to do so in line with democratic standards. We need to find answers by discussing and negotiating. We are open to every possible way to negotiate. Ignoring the opportunities while demanding rights using armed force is the opposite of democracy. It can damage the peace process and I am warning all groups to consider that what they do will affect the country negatively, said the commander-in-chief.

He said the 2008 Constitution was based on a federal system, allowing for the government to release power through step by step legislative means. The use of violence was counterproductive, Min Aung Hlaing added.
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Linkedin R.S.N. Murali and Sardi Mahorm (The Star) Malacca, Malaysia  Mon, October 17, 2016

They are cripples, with their faces disfigured. They beg for money from the many Malaysian and foreign tourists who throng this historic city. And they are also part of a huge organized gang run by two brothers from China.

The gang consisting of a number of local accomplices is said to have its tentacles in many places in China, especially in Dongguan and Zhengzhou districts.

The gang brings these crippled individuals to Malaysia on tourist visas and makes them beg in holiday hotspots throughout the country.

At the end of the day, they are put up in hotel rooms or homeshare units  like any other tourist  but much of the money they get is handed over to the gangs leaders here.

The Stars team trailed two beggars from the iconic Jonker Walk here for two days from Friday night and the trail ended in Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

From observations made in Kuala Lumpur, some 30 physically disabled and disfigured individuals were seen converging at a budget hotel in busy Petaling Street.

Hours later, a burly looking man, believed to be one of the brothers, was seen collecting the cash from the individuals before leaving the hotel. The beggars returned to their rooms.

Our team tried to take pictures at the hotel but gang members were seen lingering around and keeping watch for outsiders.

However, we managed to talk to two beggars with the help of a local restaurant worker who could converse in fluent Mandarin.

The first beggar identified himself as Xiu Yuan, 33, and claimed he was born a healthy child but was crippled by the organized crime gang in China.

Its a large and powerful gang with connections in Malaysia that keeps watch on us, he said while looking around to make sure we were not being observed.

Xiu Yuan claimed he was crippled by the gang when he was a child and kept captive for many years before being allowed to travel abroad.

The gang leader, known to them as Tahkeh is in China, and only allowed senior beggars to travel abroad after they have earned his trust.

Back in China, there are many beggars who are suffering in the clutches of this gang, he said.

Xiu Yuan also revealed that the gang in Malaysia was controlled by the younger brother who brings in new faces into the country each month while sending earlier ones home.

After two months, we come back here and continue begging. We have been doing this for many years, he said.

Xin Yuan was joined by a friend who identified himself as Do Feng, 30 from Zhengzhou.

Both said the leader would hire taxis and send them to various tourist hotspots in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Baru and Penang.

We travel in taxis and the fare is taken care of by our leader. Our job is to collect a minimum of RM1,200 [US$284] a day after going out of our base in Petaling Street, he said.

From the amount, the leader takes 50 percent of the days collection and 10 percent for the taxi fares if the minimal amount is achieved. The beggars get to keep the rest.

Do Feng said one beggar could make up to RM3,000 during weekends depending on the number of tourists. Then, the leaders would take RM1,500 plus the taxi fare.

However, Do Feng said how much they could get often depended on the degree of their disabilities that could elicit sympathy from passers-by.

Do Feng said that at the beginning of each week, the leader would hold a meeting with them and assign them to various destinations.

Sometimes, if we are assigned to Malacca, we stay for two days at a house in Kota Laksamana that is rented by the leader. We come back to Petaling Street after we have collected what is expected of us, he said.

On weekdays, he said most of them are concentrated in big cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Malaysia is our second home. We come here frequently and stay for a month before returning, he said.

Both Xin Yuan and Dong Feng admitted that after each begging session here, they would unwind at massage parlors in Petaling Street.

Because we are crippled, masseuses would never want to get close to us. We need to pay more for their services, he said.
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Linkedin Christopher Bodeen (Associated Press) Beijing  Mon, October 17, 2016

A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves:

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT SAYS NO BARGAINING WITH TERRITORIAL CLAIMS ON VISIT TO CHINA

Ahead of a visit to China, the Philippine president acknowledged that he can be impeached if he concedes his country's territorial claims in the South China Sea in talks with President Xi Jinping and other leaders.

President Rodrigo Duterte said in a speech before leaving for Brunei and China that while he will not bargain over the Philippines' territorial claims, "there will be no hard impositions" as he tries to improve his nation's strained friendship with China and boost trade and investment.

Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who has done extensive studies of the territorial conflict, warned earlier this month that conceding the Philippines' sovereign rights in the disputed waters is a ground for the president's impeachment.

Carpio said that China may ask the Duterte administration to acknowledge Chinese sovereignty in contested South China Sea territories before agreeing to any business deals or joint exploration of potential sea resources.

Asked to react to Carpio's warning, Duterte said he agreed with him.

"He is correct. I would be impeached," the president said at a news conference at the airport in the southern city of Davao before embarking on his two-nation trip.

MALAYSIA'S PRIME MINISTER SAYS NO COMPROMISING ON SOUTH CHINA SEA CLAIMS

Malaysia's prime minister said the country will not compromise on its South China Sea claims but wants them to be hashed out through dialogue and peaceful negotiations.

Najib Razak was quoted by Malaysian media as telling the Southeast Asian nation's parliament that countries in the region should avoid provocative acts that could create tension, anxiety and suspicion. He said peace and stability were of primary importance.

Razak also stressed the importance of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea between China and the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations that seeks to moderate behavior by committing all parties to "exploring ways for building trust and confidence" on the basis of equality and mutual respect. He said that cause would be furthered by the adoption of a code of conduct that is now being negotiated.

However, Razak stressed that neither document is a basis for resolving sovereignty disputes.

Malaysia claims a swath of the South China Sea north of Borneo, along with islands and reefs, but has been relatively understated amid the feuding among fellow claimants China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

SINGAPORE'S PRIME MINISTER TALKS TRADE, MILITARY TRAINING ON VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

Singapore's prime minister visited Australia to upgrade a free-trade agreement and finalize a deal that will double the capacity of Singaporean military training facilities in the Australian tropics.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told the Australian Parliament that China was the biggest trading partner of both nations, which were also allies of the United States.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the countries share a common strategic outlook. He made an apparent criticism of China's increasingly assertive territorial claims in the South China Sea and its refusal to abide by international law to resolve competing claims.

"Singapore and Australia are at one in defending the rule of law and rejecting the proposition that might is right," Turnbull told Parliament.

Singapore isn't a party to the South China Sea dispute, but is heavily invested in ensuring the crucial waterbody remain stable and open to trade. China considers that to be meddling and has told the city state to remain neutral.

Australia announced in May that Singapore will spend up to 2.25 billion Australian dollars (US$1.7 billion) to double the capacity of its facilities in military training areas in Queensland state. That would allow up to 14,000 Singaporean troops to train in Australia for up to 18 weeks a year.

"Our decision to grant Singapore the special level of access underlies the enormous trust and respect that exists between our respective armed forces," Turnbull said. "It also reflects our commitment to do more as security partners, especially as our strategic circumstances change."

Australia and the United States struck a cost-sharing deal last week to pay for more than $1.5 billion in infrastructure needed to be built near the northern city of Darwin to accommodate up to 2,500 US Marines.

The number of Marines rotating through the Darwin training hub has grown since the first contingent of 200 visited for six months in 2012.

___

Associated Press writers Rod McGuirk in Canberra, Australia, and Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this report.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, October 17, 2016

AirAsia has banned Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on board on all its flights, including in Indonesia, starting Monday due to safety concerns.

Passengers are not permitted to bring the device on board, through carry-on baggage, check-in luggage or cargo, as stated in a press release on Monday. Any passenger found to carry the device will be denied boarding.

(Read also: Samsung urges consumers globally to stop using Galaxy Note 7)

This ban applies to all flights operated by the AirAsia Group, including AirAsia Indonesia for short-haul flights and the long-haul Indonesia AirAsia X flights.

At least eight international airlines have placed similar ban, including Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Malaysia Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Air New Zealand.

Samsung Electronics have discontinued the smartphone's production permanently since last week following reports that the replacements, which were equipped with a safer battery, were also catching fire. (mra/kes)
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Linkedin Karamjit Kaur (The Straits Times/Asia News Network) Singapore  Mon, October 17, 2016

Every passenger has experienced it: trapped in a plane while it circles for what seems an interminable period above the airport where it is supposed to land.

Now, airports and airlines in the region have reached agreement that while delays may be mostly inevitable, it is better to have travelers wait on the ground than in the air.

With this in mind, a Singapore push to work on sharing information and planning flights - the first of its kind in this region - is gaining steam.

The idea is that planes should just stay on the ground instead of taking off, if there is a foreseen delay for any reason - for instance, overcrowded runways or bad weather - at the arriving airport. The goal is to avoid aircraft circling in the air.

So far, 26 airports and close to 20 airlines in six Asian territories - Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia - are on board.

Trials have been conducted successfully. The system is expected to be fully operational in a few years.

The air traffic flow management initiative is supported by global airline body International Air Transport Association (Iata) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

The benefits are immense, they tell The Straits Times. Flight times will be trimmed, allowing for reduction of fuel burn. Airports will be able to handle flights more efficiently, in turn increasing total capacity.

And delayed passengers can wait in the airport terminals instead of being stuck in the aircraft.

All this is critical for a region that continues to attract more air travellers and flights, say experts.

For instance, said a CAAS spokesman, "having flights held on the ground at the departure airport rather than in the air around the arrival airport helps to reduce the aircraft's fuel burn and carbon emissions".

(Read also: Airlines add 'fire containment bags' for overheating phones)

Better flight management also provides airlines with more predictability. This then allows for better planning and more efficient deployment of ground resources at airports as well, she said.

Recent trials bore this out.

During the three rehearsal days prior to and on National Day itself, a total of 112 flights flying to Singapore were involved. With better planning, there was a reduction in airborne holding time by about six minutes for each flight, which translated into fuel savings of approximately $100,000, the spokesman said.

Mr Nicholas Ionides, the spokesman for SIA, said: "The value for our customers is better predictability of landing time."

The initiative came despite the challenges of forging a cross-border partnership. Iata's regional director in Asia for safety and flight operations Blair Cowles said "many complex issues need to be resolved". Harmonising processes between jurisdictions, for instance, will take time.

"The positive thing is the region has started on this journey," he said.

China, Japan and South Korea are also working on a similar initiative.

Elsewhere, such planning happens mainly for domestic flights, for example within the US.

The main exception is in Europe where a single authority controls all flights within the European Union.

With air traffic in the Asia-Pacific projected to triple by 2030, steps must be taken now to manage air traffic flows in future, say the experts. Apart from cooperating in flight planning, work is also under way within the 10-member Asean group to analyse air traffic flows, predict future air traffic demand and assess airspace capacity.

In a world where "airlines operate without borders", the same approach should apply to air traffic management, Mr Cowles said.

This article appeared on The Straits Times newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
A big crowd turned out yesterday on Broome Street to celebrate the citys designation of Hy Genee Way. The block between Allen Street and Eldridge Street is now co-named for the beloved former spiritual leader of Kehila Kedosha Janina, the only Greek Jewish synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.

Marcia Haddad Ikonomopoulos, director of the synagogues museum, recalled the lean years on the Lower East Side, in which Genee was determined to keep the congregation going. The ceiling tiles were falling down, the plaster was falling off the walls, she said, but Genee refused to give up on the historic building. Without him, we would not have been here, said Ikonomopoulos.

Kehila Kedosha Janinas president, Marvin Marcus, said the co-naming ceremony was an opportunity to take notice of what a single person did to preserve his community. A tailor by trade (his shop was located on Delancey Street), Genee was, a simple man with a sincere love for his heritage, said Marcus.

Members of Genees family, including his children (Lois Genee Ledner and Marty Genee), were in attendance yesterday afternoon. City Council member Margaret Chin and members of Community Board 3, who supported the designation, were also on hand. There was praise all around for a young board member, Andrew Marcus, who spearheaded a petition drive in support of the co-naming.

Genee died in 2006. The synagogue has been completed restored and is a New York City landmark.
When I first read Percival Everetts Erasure, it was assigned to me by Gregory Pardlo. Years removed from his Pulitzer Prize, Pardlo was a professor in Hunter College teaching Multicultural Literature, a course as challenging and thought-provoking as the man himself. For an entire semester, Pardlo (lovingly) demanded that we see the error of labeling creative works as Asian or Black; he told us that ascribing a culture with homogeneous traits does not empower the people lashed to said traits, that the authors who peddle this work are reinforcing, unconsciously or not, the foundations of institutional racism. Shuffled between Gary Shteyngarts Super Sad True Love Story and Chang-Rae Lees Native Speaker, I opened up the pages of Erasure and was immediately annotating line after line, scribbling in the margins, folding pages for future reference. Everett posed a question that remains unanswered 15 years later, although the argument is louder, or more visible, than ever: Who is qualified to write about underrepresented communities? What is the authentic black voice?

In Erasure, we follow the absurd life of Thelonious Ellison, or Monk, as hes known: a protagonist whose biggest, fiercest antagonists are his own intelligence and boredom. A writer, Monk is told throughout his life  by black and white constituents  that he is not black enough:

I have heard this mainly about my novels, from editors who have rejected me and reviewers whom I have apparently confused and, on a couple of occasions, on a basketball court when upon missing a shot I muttered Egads.

Though he shares his name with two African-American artists, Monk tries to distance himself from what passes as African-American art in the present day. Existing in a world of his own, Monk is constantly reminded that he is different, even within his own family; his writing hinges so close to his own interests and intrinsic intellect that it comes across as alien. Monks own father tells him when hes young:

You have a special mind. The way you see things. If I had the patience to figure out what you were saying sometimes, I know youd make me a smarter man.

While Monks intelligence and overall awkwardness seems to barely keep him afloat both in his writing career and academia, he begins to notice that another writer is benefiting from public ignorance. Throughout the story, Monk is forced to confront the success of We Lives in the Ghetto, a fictional book written by Juanita Mae Jenkins, which is lauded by critics and owes its success through its inclusion of prostitution, underage pregnancy, and violence. This has earned the book the reputation of epitomizing what one review calls the experience which is and can only be Black America. Monk sees Juanita  an allusion to Sapphire, the author of Push, and others of her ilk  as the embodiment of everything that he feels is wrong with cultural classification in the literary world.

Everett lays out the two major pitfalls of navigating author authenticity. The first deals with the stress writers of color deal when navigating their own narratives. Pushed to the brink, Monk pens My Pafology, a book triple stuffed with every stereotype imaginable (its chapters are titled Won, Too, Free, Fo) and ships it off to the publisher. He aims for the manuscript to be so emphatically rejected, for it to completely insult every person who turns its pages that Monk can then point to it as proof that the black experience in America is not universal. He banks on these people in power, the Gatekeepers of the publishing world, being able to identify his obvious dishonesty. He wants to be found a liar.

But of course, My Pafology become regarded as an opus of the African-American experience. As his own personal narrative unravels, Monk accepts the book deal as the offer price soars, and even dresses up to pose as the walking stereotype and author of My Pafology, Stagg R. Lee. By becoming the writer he hates, Monk becomes an extension of the industry bigotry he was intending to fight. By this time, Thelonious Monk Ellison, the man whose name calls back to icons of African American art and culture, vanishes, erasing himself while attempting to fit the model he is forced into. Everett paints the people in the publishing world and academic circles, who aid Monk in his self-immolation, as completely out of touch with reality. They are imbecilic, cartoonishly naive.

In the current literary world, there are failsafes built into the process of publication to manage author authenticity, although they are not absolute. We can plan parades for the new emerging voices, but a James Frey or, more recently, a Michael Derrick Hudson will come around to disrupt the common order. Hudson found himself sitting on a poem which had been rejected (on his count) 40 times by publishers. So he changed the name  not of the poem, but his own. Michael Derrick Hudson became Yi-Fen Chou and now Chous poem, The Bees, the Followers, Jesus, Ancient Tigers, Poseidon, Adam and Eve, quickly found itself published and honored in the Best American Poetry Anthology of 2015. The editor of that years poetry selection was none other than Sherman Alexie who, in an explanation for his selection of Chous (or Hudsons) work, laid out the credentials for his process. While these included specifics such as not selecting work from friends and not factoring in a poets larger body of work, there were two rules that helped Hudson become our real-life Monk. Alexie made the decision to pay special attention to underrepresented demographics, namely women and people of color.

There is nothing wrong with an editors choice to strictly follow these rules, and its commendable to hear that a person in Alexies position is being especially sensitive to the disenfranchised. But as David Orr points out in his New York Times coverage of the scandal, Alexies selection process reveals inherent holes in gauging authenticity. No matter what his intent was, he admitted to using a standard with very poor checks in place for success, which was exactly the fallacy practiced by the editors and publishers who greenlighted Stagg R. Lee. It is in these moments in which those who prepare to combat bias begin by performing a bias of their own, and this is the trap Alexie set his bed on. As Orr explains:

The problem, as the Yi-Fen Chou case demonstrates, is that this accommodation can be a tricky business when our ideas about excellence in poems collide with our ideas about the worthiness of poets.

This exposes a major flaw in artistic perception in publishing. In Erasure, everyone is fooled by Stagg R. Lee. And while Monk wrote My Pafology (whose title he later shortens just to Fuck) to fly in the face of convention  standing as a big fiery middle finger towards an establishment that he feels seeks to earn a profit by deciding which voices are heard and which are silenced  this plan backfires when the established Gatekeepers in publishing failed to get the joke. If anything, the Hudson/Chou debacle proves that even though we are now more intensely sensitive to issues of race and class, if a man is able to take the place of a more deserving writer with a simple Word document name change, this system is as flawed as what was already in place.

So what is different from the world Erasure shows us and our world now? If we cant depend on the morals of the writer or the objectivity of the editors and publishers, how do we navigate the shoals of the authenticity debate? When Erasure was published, the power and reach of the Internet were vastly different from today. Reddit and Twitter have become socially acceptable places to air grievances and watch them either garner support or get ripped apart. The comments section of articles are modern-day gladiator arenas wherein combatants thrash their opponents, helmets of anonymity firmly fastened. It is in these arenas, ones which were basically absent in the world Monk inhabited, that a parallel set of Gatekeepers has grown in voice and influence. Now everyone can afford a soapbox. And while, the result is not always productive, there has been no greater time than now for social injustices to come to light with relative immediacy.

A perfect recent example is the publication of the book Underground Airlines by Ben H. Winters, which has garnered attention primarily because of the glowing write-up it received in The New York Times. The story follows the journey of Victor (at some points also known as Jim): a freed slave who becomes a bounty hunter of other slaves against the backdrop of a United States that never abolished slavery. Winters is not a stranger to retooling history for his narratives (his Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters was popular amongst some critics for its conceit in the mashup genre), and novels involving slavery are not uncommon  many have surfaced in the last year. But critics took issue with the fact that Winters, a white author, is not only writing about slavery but also choosing to carry the voice and perspective of a black man. In the Times write-up (by Alexandra Alter), Lev Grossman is quoted as praising Winters for being fearless. Meanwhile, the book, ahead of its release, has already landed a television deal.

The backlash on social media was instantaneous. The primary question was why a white man writing about slavery in the skin of a black man constituted as a fearless act. Winters explained that his goal was to make literal the idea that slavery is still with us (which prompted the follow-up question, With whom, exactly?). But what also has people troubled is the fact that a white author felt himself prepared to write about the volatile subject matter of slavery by studying black pieces of literature. While you can be sure that Winters did read and reread literary classics by Ralph Ellison, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, and Zora Neale Hurston, to help place himself in context, many people cited this as a perfect example of how white privilege pervades publishing.

Yet this immediate public reaction is the beauty of our current culture. This is what Everett was missing in Erasure. And yes, while I tell my classes that if everyone is shouting, stomping their feet, and clapping their hands, the actual amount of progress during a debate is limited  there is still something valuable in the opportunity for a variety of voices to weigh in.

While working on the first draft of this essay, my first contribution to The Millions was published. My wife tapped me later that night and asked, Have you read whats happening in the comments section? Reluctantly, I scrolled through what had become a fairly complicated discussion. While the posts began with a severe thrashing of Paul Beattys work, the topic of author authenticity immediately came up. By the time I read the last comment, the discussion had covered opinions on Beattys intended audience and relative merits, misunderstandings that were quickly clarified, and recommendations for authors and music that handled the topic better. What excited me the most was that the comments even delved into my current fascination with author authenticity. With a quick scroll of the page, questions arose regarding the standards of gatekeepers within the African-American literary community. One even went as far to state that, much like Monk himself, Beatty was both the self-aware victim having to cater to a low-set bar, and a willing manifestation of the irony: a black man preaching about the limitations of his culture while shoveling a story that fails to advance the discussion in a relevant way. Sure, they werent able to solve the issue in 21 comments, but in having the discussion alongside the article that sparked the discussion, there was a reasonably clear exchange of ideas and ideals. It would be in this platform that My Pafology, even after clearing the first two hurdles of the authors ethics and publishers close-mindedness, would have been eviscerated by avid and watchful readers.

In giving us the fall of Thelonious Monk Ellison, Percival Everett was forcing us to question whether it was possible to clearly define the African-American experience in our country. The intervening 15 years have seen further missteps as we try to determine the answer. But the conversation is moved forward, however discordantly, by the new guard of people thinking about art and equality. Our world is not like Monks, and yes, we have the Internet to thank.
They left after Schumer called Trump, amongst other things, an "orange, sexual-assaulting, fake-college-starting monster."

Amy Schumer was in Tampa Bay, Florida, as she continues her 'Amy Schumer LIVE' tour and offended/upset up to 200 people in the Amalie Arena last night after lambasting Donald Trump.

According to the Tampa Bay Times:

She made it clear she doesnt understand how people can support Trump. At one point she asked for a Trump supporter  preferably one with sleeves, she she told security personnel  to join her up on stage to explain their enthusiasm for Trump. One fellow did, but he said he was voted for Trump mainly because doesnt trust Clinton. When some audience members booed, the actor and comedian invited them to leave and also asked security to remove anyone booing.

The capacity of the arena is about 20,000, so a walkout rate of 1% is actually that bad considering the arena was also the site of the 2012 Republican National Convention. It's not clear if all the walkouts were Trump fans or merely unimpressed with Schumer making the show so political, with many taking to Twitter to air their grievances with the comedian.

Hey @amyschumer leave the political stuff out of your comedy shows. We came to laugh not talk politics. We can turn On CNN and NBC for thatYS  Luisa Metallo (@LuiGucci) October 17, 2016

@sammylove0708 @amyschumer the people who left didn't leave because we don't share her political views. I went to hear jokes. #trump  matt waz (@waz1921) October 17, 2016

Love @amyschumer so much more after show tonight. Embarrassed by "neighbors " who walked out over political ignorance  Ashley Wilson (@luckylemur) October 17, 2016

Schumer also spent yesterday rallying potential voters to register in Florida, literally bending over and letting them use her back to sign up. If that's not dedication, we don't know what is.

.@amyschumer is making sure these Floridians are registered to vote. #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/A7fEoWsbqU  Hillary for Florida (@HillaryforFL) October 16, 2016





With my brother registering voters in Florida. Registration was extended to the 18th iwillvote.com #strongertogether A video posted by @amyschumer on Oct 16, 2016 at 4:25pm PDT

But this being Amy Schumer, there was also a joke hidden in there as she was wearing a "Make America Ferrera Again" t-shirt, and a very appropriate "feminist for Hillary" badge.

Reppin my girl @americaferrera in my new t! #strongertogether A photo posted by @amyschumer on Oct 16, 2016 at 12:44pm PDT

A photo posted by @amyschumer on Oct 16, 2016 at 4:25pm PDT

Via NY Mag


Culturally forbidden relationships between Hindu and Muslim people particularly are a common theme in Indian media, but to tell the story from the perspective of the child is certainly unique and innovative. The film also does not chronicle the struggle of Haris parents getting together, but rather the challenges that face them later in life. A film about filmmakers, it perhaps gets a little too caught up in its own artistic self-awareness. This story of a billion colours is told in black and white, leaving the audience to discern between shades of grey as the characters discuss the significance of the Hindu-saffron and Muslim-green of the Indian flag. Haris parents, Imran and Parvati, met film school in Australia, and so speak a mixture of Hindi, Urdu, and English throughout. In a black and white film, the billion colours come through in the nuances of each characters unique experience and perspective on life in India, and how it has shaped them.Sadly, the film takes a while to pick up. The first half is slow and stilted, with subpar acting and unnaturally elevated dialogue. Haris burgeoning relationship with girl-next-door Sofia is uncomfortable to watch, but thankfully soon becomes irrelevant as the film his parents are making hits financial problems. Moving from house to house and facing discrimination and heartlessness from Hindu and Muslim districts alike, the film hits its stride as not so much a critique as a lament of the increasing racial tensions in India. The cultural discrimination the Aziz family faces hinders them on their journey to make a film which encapsulate the importance of unity and acceptance in India, and so it is the irony which cuts the deepest. As they face more and more shocking acts of racism, Azizs idealism fades, but Haris bright curiosity does not. The kid is without a doubt the most compelling part of the film, constantly questioning and challenging beliefs that have been prevalent in India for centuries. The progressive nature of the younger generation is overtly presented via Haris slightly passe voiceovers, and his natural instinct to google everything his parents wont explain to him. A clever child, but a child nonetheless, so the audience gets childlike perspective on the events - hopes and fears sometimes irrational, but real nonetheless. Gaurav Sharma settles into the role of Aziz as the characters optimism fades, jaded by the onslaught of hatred for his family. Events trigger a turning point in the film, and in the lives of the Aziz family, which are changed irreversibly. The note of dread weaving through the film comes to fruition in an emotionally packed climax which manages to be both tragic and poignantly hopeful. There is a moment where colour starts to leach in to the visuals, and in context that is possibly the most powerful statement of all. Although it started weak, and meanders with varying levels of success through its story, the sheer weight of the ending of A Billion Colour Story means its a film Ill be talking about for a long time. A lament and a love song to everything that India is, and once was, and could be, told through the dreamy eyes of idealists. A noble attempt.
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Expert warns of Irukandji in Phuket

PHUKET: A leading Australian marine biologist and jellyfish expert has raised serious concerns that the recent salp bloom that saw thousands of specimens wash ashore Phukets west coast weeks ago could indicate the presence of deadly Irukandji box jellyfish.

marineanimalshealthtourism

By Chris Husted

Monday 17 October 2016, 09:00AM

Salp are small and harmless, though contact with them may cause skin irritation. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

A staffer at a local hotel raised the alarm when thousands of salp washed up on Phuket beaches last month. Eakkapop Thongtub

A family walks along a beach in Phuket, oblivious to the dangers that salp may bring with them. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Tourists wonder at the irritating salp that washed up on Phukets shores in the thousands last month. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Lifeguards found Portuguese man o war and other jellyfish at Nai Yang Beach last week, but have never found the tiny Irukandji. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Irukandji stingers, a form of box jellyfish, leave no mark on the body and no chemical traces to be found by autopsy. Photo: GondwanaGirl

The alarm was raised when thousands of tiny, translucent jellies  now identified as salp  were found washed up along a 10-kilometre stretch of Phukets west coast on Sept 18, with reports that contact with the jellies resulted in a rash. (See story here.)

Yet it is now believed that the arrival of salp in such great numbers may indicate the arrival of much more harmful, possibly deadly, jellyfish: Irukandji.

Although Phuket has never suffered a box jellyfish fatality on record, what makes the Irukandji so different is that its victims are often wrongly diagnosed as suffering from food poisoning, a severe allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock, explains Dr Lisa-ann Gershwin, a globally recognised leading researcher who has spent 18 years studying jellyfish, with a focus on Irukandji species.

The salps are not as harmless as they may seem, Dr Gershwin told The Phuket News. The salps themselves are not able to sting, but they co-occur and indicate the presence of small, transparent jellyfish called Irukandji that are highly dangerous.

Salps very often co-occur with Irukandjis in tropical waters, and salps are the most visible indicator that Irukandjis are infesting, she said.

We know of incidents in the past at Phuket beaches where large numbers of salps are present in the water and on the beaches, and swimmers get an itchy irritation feeling, and large numbers of swimmers and bathers have become very sick, requiring hospitalisation  these are highly likely to be Irukandji syndrome, which is often wrongly diagnosed as food poisoning or allergy or anaphylactic shock  these are all common misunderstandings of what Irukandji syndrome is, she added.

Irukandjis are translucent and tiny. Their size is roughly one cubic centimetre and they measure from 5mm to 25mm across. Their tentacles are long. At just 5mm across their tentacles can grow up to one metre in length.

Also, Irukandji syndrome leaves no mark on the body, and no chemical or physical signature in the body that can be tested post-mortem, Dr Gershwin notes.

Based on data from decades of research, Dr Gershwin and her team created a model for predicting Irukandji blooms, with their findings published in the respected Journal of the Royal Society.

In Australia where Irukandji syndrome was first described, the most common pattern is that when salps are present and winds are calm is when these stings occur, and the days when the salps are washing up on the beach are the periods of highest risk, Dr Gershwin explained.

These patterns are based on decades of data and form the basis for an early warning system currently in development, she said.

Irukandji were at one time thought to be in the northern waters of Australia only, but according to a National Geographic documentary they have since been found in waters as far north as the British Isles, Japan and the Florida coast of the United States.

There have been sightings and recorded injuries in the waters of Malaysia, and in 2012 a small and venomous Irukandji jellyfish found in the Philippines was first described to science and is now known as Malo filipina.

Dr Gershwin is also aware of the deadly effect on tourism that deaths by Irukandji stings can bring. For example, the costs of cancelled tourism bookings following two fatalities on the Great Barrier Reef (in Queensland, Australia) in 2002 have been estimated to be in excess of US$65 million (B2.32bn), she noted in one published paper.

However, Dr Gershwin is adamant that the awareness allows beach-goers to have fun in the water  but without being stung. The trick is just to cover up when entering the water during bloom time.

Regardless, she urges, The public should not become complacent about the presence of Irukandjis, as they are life threatening. The safest advice on days when salps are present is to either wear protective clothing or stay out of the water entirely.

Also, on days when these salps are present, it is very important that anyone stung by these seemingly minor irritations should douse them with vinegar to inhibit further stinging, and they should not under any circumstances apply freshwater or any type of alcohol.

Phuket Lifeguard Chief Prathaiyut Chuayuan told The Phuket News that he was not aware of Ms Gershwins assertion specifically for Phuket, but said that he knew of her work and respected her opinion. She is probably right about the possibility of the presence of Irukandji. We will look out for them, he said.

We see salps every rainy season. They come and go, but we have never spotted an Irukandji. Here salps come with Portuguese man o war, and if we find a lot of these we may have to close the beach.

Mr Prathaiyut reiterated that Phuket had yet to suffer a box jellyfish fatality. I have been working in Phuket a long time and we have never had box jellyfish. We never find them here in Phuket, but in Samui they find them every other week, he said.

In October last year, 20-year-old German tourist Thies Saskia died after being stung by a box jellyfish at Lamai Beach, Samui. Her death followed that of Chayanan Surin, 30, from Bangkok, who was stung by a box jellyfish while swimming at night during a full moon party on Koh Pha-ngan six weeks earlier.
Man, 25, high on ya bah arrested for lese majeste

PHUKET: A 25-year-old man was arrested at his home in Mai Khao yesterday morning (Oct 16) after he was alleged to have posted a message on Facebook deemed to be disrespectful to the Royal Family. Police said the man was high on methamphetamine pills (ya bah) when arrested.

crimedrugspolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Monday 17 October 2016, 05:04PM

Police look inside a house where 25-year-old Manorusadeen Samuthban was arrested. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Tha Chatchai Police led by Lt Col Prawit Sutthiroungarun arrested Manorusadeen Samuthban, 25, at his house in Moo 2 Mai Khao after coordinating with the Mai Khao Moo 2 village headman.

Lt Col Prawit said,We coordinated with the Mai Khao Moo 2 village headman after we were notified of a possible lese majeste message on Facebook. We arrived at the suspects home and found him high on meth.

Mr Santi Samuthban, 50, the father of Manorusadeen, supported us in the arrest of his son, he said.

He added, Mr Santi and officers called Manorusadeen to open his door but he would not open it. According to Mr Santi he had a knife in his hand.

Mr Santi decided to open the room with his key to find Manorusadeen in the corner of the room talking to himself.

We also found one ya bah pill in his room, he added

Manorusadeen currently faces being charged with possession of Category 1 drug, however, police will investigate further the lese majeste allegation.
Phuket Governor has mind set on 100 per cent virgin beaches

PHUKET: The new governor of Phuket has stated that it is in his plans to remove all 10 per cent zones from Phukets beaches, thus leaving them all as virgin beaches.

crimetourism

By The Phuket News

Monday 17 October 2016, 01:14PM

Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan said he will gradually remove the 10 per cent zones from Phukets beaches. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

The statement was made during Governor Chockchai Dejamornthans first Governor Meets Press meeting held on Thursday (Oct 13) together with Vice Governors Theera Anantaseriwidhya, Siwaporn Chuasawad and Snith Sriwihok.

During the meeting a reporter from The Phuket News asked Gov Chockchai, Do you have any plans to increase or change the 10 per cent beach rules?

Gov Chockchai replied, I have thought a lot about what to do about this, as there are actually no laws which allows 10 per cent zones on beaches.

Also, it appears that we still have issues with the umbrella and beach chair mafias. There will be no more mafias. It is my duty to work out who will manage Phukets beaches, but I can assure you it will not be mafias and they will be run in accordance with the law.

As it is illegal to have these 10 per cent zones they will gradually be removed leaving virgin beaches.

I will not allow people to break the rules, he said.

At present the rules will remain the same. However, when I have the time I will educate myself on the beach situation in Phuket and gradually the 10% will be removed . The current situation is certainly inconvenient.

If vendors want to press me regarding this issue then my decision will be made, I will make all Phukets beaches virgin beaches immediately.

Saying that you are poor is not an excuse to go out and break the law, he added.
Phuket mourns passing of His Majesty

PHUKET: The governor of Phuket together with other government officials led more than 1,000 mourners to pay respect to His Majesty the King at Provincial Hall yesterday (Oct 16) following his passing last Thursday (Oct 13).



By Suthicha Sirirat

Monday 17 October 2016, 10:12AM

More than 1,000 people went to Phuket Provincial Hall to pay their respect to His Majesty the King who passed away last week. Photo: Suthicha Sirirat

Governor Chokchai Dejamornthan presided over the condolence ceremony which was organised by the Ministry of Interior and Government Public Relations Department and held in 12 provinces which have regional stations of the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) television station.

Those provinces are; Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Mai, Phisanuklok,Surat Thani, Songkla, Chanthaburi, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Trang, Yala and Phuket.

Speaking before the start of the ceremony, Gov Chokchai said, At 10am we will have a ceremony for our beloved King Bhumibol. This ceremony, along with ceremonies being held in 11 other provinces today, will be recorded and broadcast on the NBT television station.

Each of the countrys 77 provinces will hold its own ceremony, he said.

Following the ceremony, people are also invited to sign a remembrance book which is located on the second floor of the building and placed in front of a portrait of HM the King. Residents can come to provincial hall and pay their respects for the next 30 days, he added.

Meanwhile, 250 Phuket Christians belonging to the Phuket Christian Committee and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association were led by Reverend Yotsanan Kornkumpanat at a memorial service held yesterday at 7:21pm at the Zion of God Chruch to mourn to passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol.
Prayut, Prem granted audience with Crown Prince

BANGKOK: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, in his capacity as the Regent, were granted an audience with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Dusit Palace at about 7pm on Saturday night (Oct 14).

Monday 17 October 2016, 10:38AM

Mourners light candles and put flowers to pay respect to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej at a wall of the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Saturday (Oct 14) Photo: Patipat Janthong

Addressing the nation via the Television Pool of Thailand network at 11:30pm, Gen Prayut said that the Crown Prince expressed concern for the Thai people as some are still suffering from flooding while the country is overwhelmed with grief over the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

According to Gen Prayut, the Crown Prince wanted the people not to be confused or feel concerned over the succession to the Throne because this matter is clearly stated in the constitution, the Palace Law and traditions.

The Crown Prince reiterated that he wanted to join the Thai people in mourning the passing of his father before he accepted the invitation to become the new king.

According to Gen Prayut, the Crown Prince wanted all people to take this time to keep to themselves in their fine memories of the past 70 years and said that the coronation could take place some time after the royal cremation.

In this television address, the prime minister thanked all military and police personnel, as well as civilians, for having performed their duties strenuously to provide convenience for the people taking part in the royal events.

The images of the cortege of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej to the Grand Palace on Oct 14 impressed people throughout the world. The views of a large number of people lining up on both sides of the road for kilometres clearly showed their loyalty to and intentions of upholding the royal institution.

Since the Royal Household Bureau had issued an announcement for the people to be able to pay homage to His Majesty the King from Oct 28, I hope to see all officials continue to provide them with convenience, safety, health care and food, Gen Prayut said.

He added, The government and the National Council for Peace and Order, on seeing the peoples show of heart-felt tributes, would like to promise that we will perform our duties with honesty and loyalty in responding to the Crown Princes intentions.

Read original story here.
Volunteers show spirit, lend a hand

BANGKOK: Volunteers from all walks of life flocked to Sanam Luang yesterday (Oct 16) to serve food items and other necessities to the growing number of mourners who were standing in long queues to say farewell to their beloved His Majesty the King.

culturereligionpolicemilitary

By Bangkok Post

Monday 17 October 2016, 09:05AM

Soaked to the skin by the heavy rain at Sanam Luang yesterday (Oct 16), students distribute meal boxes to mourners who were lining up to sign a book of condolences for the late King at the Grand Palace. Many volunteers showed up to provide free motorcycle rides and food. Photo: Tanaphon Ongarttrakul

My company hardly offers any volunteer activities. So, I took this opportunity to do something useful for the Thai people, said Boonteing Pawatta, 42, the owner of a company called T Prophon Charoenyont which supplies auto spare parts.

As the rain was falling, Mr Boonteing, his colleagues and their young children, who travelled together from Samut Prakan province, were spotted on Ratchadamnoen Nai Rd handing out bottles of water, yoghurt, soft custard bread and crispy pa tong ko, or deep-fried Chinese doughnuts.

Mr Boonteing, who collected B70,000 from his friends and colleagues to buy food, said he was planning to return to do the same thing at Sanam Luang next weekend until the money is spent.

I had no words to say. This was just the least we could do, he said.

Black-clad mourners, braving the heavy rains yesterday afternoon, lined up to pay their respects before a portrait of His Majesty the King at the Sala Sahathai Samakhom pavilion inside the Grand Palace.

His Majesty is lying in state at the Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall inside the Grand Palace.

The length of the queue formed by grief-stricken Thais extended to Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit which is 450 metres from the Grand Palace.

Many mourners were seen holding portraits of His Majesty the King and Queen close to their hearts while standing.

Despite yesterdays gloomy weather and constant rainfall, the roads were crowded with public buses, cars and people travelling from different provinces to bid farewell to their beloved King.

A large group of volunteers from different non-profit organisations offered all kinds of items from packages of tissue paper, umbrellas and energy drinks to paracetamol pills and peeled watermelon to the crowd.

Police on duty near the Grand Palace also received drinking water and food from volunteers.

My friends and I uploaded the photos we took after arriving at Sanam Luang at 8am. Friends asked us to buy more things for the mourners who had been here for several hours, recalled one mourner, 24-year-old company worker Pongpon Chanroen.

Meanwhile, Ms Phaphasson Naiam and her friend, Mr Chonthichai Thaiprasert, both 28, were cleaning the streets and collecting garbage from mourners in another voluntary gesture. They said they were also company employees.

We received thank you messages from everyone. Elderly people we meet wished us good health and a long life. We feel blessed, said the pair, who also joined celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the late Kings accession to the throne in June this year.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was the ninth King of the Chakri Dynasty, ascending the throne in 1946. Despite their sadness over the passing of His Majesty the King, the work by the volunteers keeps their mind off their grief.

We were sad, but happy that we had done something useful for society, Ms Phaphassorn said with a smile.

We hope our father acknowledges our goodwill, Ms Phaphassorn said before she picked up some rubbish at Sanam Luang.

A taxi motorcycle rider who provided free-of-charge pick-up and drop-off services for mourners, Nitthichai Kotchain, 38, said help can always be found in the kingdom.

This is the Kings teaching, Thai people should help each other, especially during difficult times, said Mr Nitthichai, adding the King also told Thais to love each other, not to love him.

Various groups of students in uniform were distributing drinking water and soft drinks for people waiting to enter the Grand Palace.

About 200 volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation also distributed Thai food items, including stir-fried chicken with chilli and basil.

Celebrities were also seen among the crowds. Among them, AF1 champion, Pacharapon Vit Jantieng, said helping as a volunteer brought him happiness.

Honestly, it was great fun and I was happy doing this with a group of my close friends, he said while offering an omelette with rice to an elderly woman in a black dress. At the next booth, Preeti Bank Barameeanant, from the popular rock band Clash, helped volunteers who had also built the booths, give out bottles of water to the crowd.

The government has set a mourning period of one year for the passing of his Majesty the King.

Members of the public will be allowed to pay their respects in front of his royal urn inside the Grand Palaces Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall from Oct 28 onwards, the Royal Household Bureau announced on Saturday (Oct 15).

Read original story here.
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11AAA semis will be awesome and more from HS football quarterfinals
Agri firms reap fruits of crowdfunding Updated: 2016-10-17 13:27 By QIU QUANLIN(China Daily)

A CreditEase Corp's financial planner prepares promotional materials for her customers. [Photo by An Xin/For China Daily]

Crowdfunding has helped boost the business of agricultural companies in the southern island province of Hainan, thanks to a financing firm's cooperation with local authorities.

CreditEase Corp, a leading Chinese peer-to-peer or P2P lending and wealth management company, has worked closely with the Hainan Equity Exchange Center, to provide crowdfunding services to local agricultural companies since last year.

As of September, six crowdfunding projects have been launched. High-worth transactions were clinched online, said Ban Miaoqi, general manager of the HEEC.

"We have seen a growing number of local agri-companies use crowdfunding to boost sales of their products," said Ban.

According to him, more than a dozen such projects are on the drawing board. At least five are likely to be launched in the last quarter of this year.

Agri-products of the tropical Hainan are usually low-priced and promoted in a low-key way nationwide, according to Ban.

"Now, using big data and access to a large number of high networth individuals on CreditEase's various online financing platforms, Hainan's agri-products will be better promoted," said Ban.

Currently, crowdfunding schemes related to agri-product projects are on Zhiwang Wealth Mangement, a comprehensive online financing platform of CreditEase.

Li Xiaogang, chairman of the HEEC, said crowdfunding has helped boost the presence of Hainan's agri produce in the domestic market.

"CreditEase's online financing platform serves more than 120,000 HNIs. They are potential buyers who value organic produce and are willing to pay more for such high-quality products," said Li.

For instance, crowdfunding has made available honey pomelos of a local company in Chengmai county of Haikou, capital of Hainan, to a larger market outside the island. This, in turn, has fetched higher prices.

Now, Hainan's honey pomelo is sold online at more than 100 yuan ($14.8). The company concerned netted 62,112 yuan within a week in sales financed by crowdfunding.

Xing Jun, general manager of Sanya Nanlu Industry Co, a leading organic wax apple company founded in 2009, said internet-based financing services, especially crowdfounding, have helped promote Hainan's agri-products.

"In the past, agri-products of Hainan were sold at lower prices due to lack of branding and promotion," said Xing.

"We are trying out a new way of selling our products. We didn't realize that financing companies could help us sell wax apples," said Xing.

The company's annual sales reached more than 10 million yuan last year. "We'll launch more such internet-based funding projects in future to better promote our products," he said.
China's Sichuan Airlines launches Hangzhou-LA flights Updated: 2016-10-17 17:39 (Xinhua)

HANGZHOU - China's Sichuan Airlines on Monday started a new flight route, linking the tourist city of Hangzhou with Los Angeles.

Flights will depart Hangzhou for Los Angeles around noon on Mondays and Thursdays. Flight time will range from 12.5 hours to 14.5 hours, sources with Hangzhou airport said.

It is the second American destination, after San Francisco, for Hangzhou airport, which handles nearly 90 international flights a day. In July this year, United Airlines launched its San Francisco-Hangzhou service three times a week.

Hangzhou is one China's best known tourist destinations. The municipal government aims to attract 4.35 million foreign visitors a year by 2020, generating $4 billion in tourism revenue. The city received a publicity boost this September by hosting the G20 Hangzhou summit. The Hangzhou airport authority said it plans to launch Hangzhou-Sydney flights in November, the city's first ever direct air link to Oceania.
A bazaar of ideas Updated: 2016-10-17 07:47 By Chen Jie(China Daily)

A menswear design contest is held as part of the China-UK Art & Aesthetics Forum. Designers from both countries showed their creations in a gala after the forum in the Forbidden City in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Mark Dunhill compares Chinese artist Qi Baishi (1864-1957) to French artist Henri Matisse (1869-1954).

"I saw an exhibition of Qi's painting last time when I was in Beijing. I was completely knocked out by his works," says the academic dean at Central Saint Martins, the renowned fashion design school in London.

"They are amazing. I would like to compare him with Matisse. It's interesting to discover the sophistication and simplicity of his works, and they gave me a real insight to understand a little bit more about Chinese traditional art," Dunhill said at a recent Sino-UK fashion and art event held in the Forbidden City in Beijing.

The China-UK Art & Aesthetics Forum was organized by Phoenix Art, part of the Sino-UK culture exchange year. Artists and fashion designers from both countries shared their ideas at the forum.

Before the forum, Phoenix Art launched a menswear design contest featuring 83 designers from both countries.

A jury chaired by Chinese fashion designer Zhang Zhaoda and artist Xu Lei chose 14 finalists, who showed their designs at a gala after the forum.
FILE- In this Jan. 15, 2015 file photo shows students participate in rush pass by the Phi Kappa Psi house at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. The house was depicted in a debunked Rolling Stone story as the site of a rape in September of 2012. A defamation trial against the magazine is set to begin on Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, over its article about "Jackie" and her harrowing account of being gang raped in a fraternity initiation. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
India has emerged a key supplier of generic and affordable medicine for the world market. But India should be worried about the fact that it depends overwhelmingly on China for crucial raw material, known as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. In fact 65 per cent of the key raw material comes from China.

This is disconcerting, according to an Assocham-RNCOS joint paper, given the larger narrative of reducing trade gap with China, which is well over $51 billion.

"Over-dependence on China for APIs is likely to affect the bulk drug manufacturing sector, and subsequently have an impact on our population in plausible scenarios of drug shortages brought down by interrupted imports from single source country," ASSOCHAM Secretary General Mr D.S.Rawat said, adding over-dependence on such a crucial raw material on a single country is also not advisable from India's overall strategic interests as well.

Though the government has taken steps like withdrawal of exemption in customs duties, imports worth Rs 13,853 crore in 2015-16 or 65.29 per cent of the total imports of Rs 21,216 crore, is not sustainable.

One of the main reasons for huge API imports from China is the low cost of its manufacture and subsidy in China, while India levies negligible import fee. "The import fees should be increased in line with other counterparts," the paper said.

The chamber suggested that the Centre focus on development of mega parks for APIs across the country. These parks should be provided with common facilities such as effluent treatment plants, testing, power plants, IPR management and designing. These facilities should be maintained by special purpose vehicles.

Several other countries, like China, provide incentives and subsidies for promoting the manufacture of essential pharmaceutical raw material. This significantly reduces their cost of production and ability to supply API to the world market at a huge discount to the global prices. This discourages new domestic investment in the sector.
Opposition parties including the DMK, on Monday, joined a state-wide rail blockade protest announced by a farmer's federation over the Cauvery issue, urging the Centre to set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB).

DMK Treasurer and Opposition Leader in Tamil Nadu Assembly, MK Stalin, was among those who participated in the protests held in different parts of the state including Chennai and the Cauvery delta districts.

Stalin led a procession at Perambur, even as scores of political workers belonging to DMK, the left parties and MDMK among others staged a rail roko at Thanjavur and Cuddalore, and were detained.

A farmers' federation had called for the two-day rail blockade starting Monday, urging the Centre to immediately constitute the CMB.

The protests come days after a high-level technical team, set up by the Supreme Court, completed its inspection of Cauvery basin region in Tamil Nadu to assess the situation in the state.

The team, which also inspected the Cauvery basin in Karnataka, will submit its report in the apex court on Monday.

The apex court had set up the team while hearing a petition by Tamil Nadu government seeking release of Cauvery water by Karnataka
This is a very interesting tale of a goon's journey to the doorsteps of the Bharatiya Janata Party via the Nationalist Congress Party. The men at the centre of controversy are Kamlakar alias Baba Bodke from Pune, and by being seen with Bodke, Maharashtra Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The controversy started after a photograph in which Bodke, a notorious goon facing various charges including murder, was seen with Fadnavis went viral a couple of days ago.

Former deputy chief minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Monday lashed out at Fadnavis and asked how Bodke managed to get so close to the chief minister. BJP is no longer the party of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani, he said. They are now entertaining people who have been charged with dreaded MCOCA Act and under section 302 of Indian Penal Code, Pawar was reported to have said.

Interestingly, Baba Bodke had joined the NCP in 2009. Pawar himself had welcomed the gangster to the NCP and famously stated that his party would transform Bodke. However, the party was soon forced to expel him as it faced huge criticism from people in Pune.

Now, the same Bodke has arrived at the doorsteps of the BJP. It is reliably learnt that Bodke wanted to contest assembly elections in 2014 and was keen to secure a ticket from Shiv Sena. He wanted to contest against Congress legislator Sangram Thopte from Bhor constituency. After his efforts to secure a ticket failed, he moved away from Shiv Sena. When Fadnavis government came to power, Bodke moved closer to the BJP.

According to reports in the regional media, Bodke has 12 cases registered against him. Charges against him range from threatening and extortion to murder.

After the photograph raised many eyebrows, Fadnavis' office issued a statement that the chief minister did not know anything about the background of Bodke and wasn't aware as to how he managed to get himself photographed with the CM.
At a time when concerns are being expressed about the safety and rights of the minorities in the country, Vice President Hamid Ansari on Monday said that Indias democracy was anchored in the existential reality of a plural society.

Delivering a lecture at the Corvinus University in Budapest on 'Indian Democracy: Achievements and Challenges, Ansari emphasised the diversity in the Indian society, saying the population of 1.27 billion comprised of over 4,635 communities, 78 per cent of whom are not only linguistic and cultural but social categories. Religious minorities constitute 19.4 per cent of the population, he noted

Ansari, whose lecture at the university was the last engagement before he left for Algeria, said Indian culture was syncretic in character. It is a veritable human laboratory where the cross breeding of ideas, beliefs and cultural traditions have been in progress for a few thousand years, he said.

The national movement, he said, had recognised this cultural plurality and sought to base a national identity on it.

In other words, the superstructure of a democratic polity and a secular state structure, put in place in modern India, is anchored in the existential reality of a plural society, Ansari said.

Referring to the rise in political clout of the backward classes, he said, The democratic process has brought about a shift of political power from the middle and higher castes and classes of urban society to backward classes who are now the politically most influential ones in the country.

Ansari noted that they had won reservations for themselves in legislatures and government services as were accorded to the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. There are a few examples in recent history of such a conspicuous shift of political power, involving such a huge mass of population, taking place in such a short period of time almost without any violence and in a democratic way, he said, and described it as one more example of the miracles that democracy can create.

The vice president stressed on the need to remove 'inequality traps' in the society through inclusive development. He said the government accorded it high priority in its socio-economic policies, but the pace of its realisation remained a matter of debate.

In the lecture, the vice president also touched upon the issue of electoral reforms, saying there were questions to be addressed on whether the First-Past-The-Post system in our elections was indeed representative in nature. He said that in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, only 117 of the 539 winning candidates in the House of the People secured 50 per cent or more of the votes cast.

The debate on this, as on other matters listed in the Law Commissions report, continues. Different segments of political opinion view the proposed changes differently and are unlikely to develop a consensus at an early date, Ansari noted.

The vice president also cautioned that it was necessary to ensure that public dissatisfaction was addressed. While voter participation has increased, so has voter dissatisfaction with their elected representatives.

Ansari is on a five-day visit to Hungary and Algeria.
It has been a week since the Apollo hospital in Chennai, where Jayalalithaa is undergoing treatment, released a medical bulletin over the health condition of the chief minister, even as special poojas and prayers continued across the state for her speedy recovery.

The 68-year-old chief minister was hospitalised on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration. The doctors later said she needed a longer stay at the hospital as she was suffering from infection and put her on respiratory support.

In the last bulletin issued on Monday, the hospital had said she continued to be under treatment and was being constantly monitored by intensivists and other consultants in the expert panel, while respiratory support, antibiotics, nutrition, supportive therapy and passive physiotherapy were being given to her.

The Tamil Nadu police have been strictly monitoring the social networking sites to check spreading of rumours and speculations about the chief minister. Over 50 cases have been filed and eight people arrested for allegedly spreading false information about her health condition.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the hospital to enquire about the health condition of the chief minister.

"The prime minister is keen to know about the health condition of Jayalalithaa and get updates on it and will soon visit Chennai," Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan was quoted as saying by reports. Despite political differences, both Jayalalithaa and Modi have enjoyed a good personal rapport.

A galaxy of leaders, including Union minister Arun Jaitley, BJP chief Amit Shah and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, have already visited the hospital. Tamil superstar Rajinikanth also visited the hospital on Sunday.
Prohibitory orders were clamped across four police station limits in Bengaluru on Monday (6 am to midnight), after RSS worker R.Rudresh(35) was hacked to death by two unidentified bike-borne assailants in Shivajinagar on Sunday noon.

The RSS and the BJP have called for a bandh in Shivajinagar and threatened to picket the police commissioner's office, demanding swift action in nabbing the culprits.

Rudresh, a resident of Kamaraja street, had been recently appointed the mandal president of RSS shakha in Shivajinagar. On Sunday, he took part in the RSS path sanchalan and returned home to drop his kids. The attack occurred when he ventured out again, still dressed in his party attire. He was attacked with a machete while chatting with friends. He breathed his last on the way to Bowring hospital. He leaves behind a wife, two daughters and eight siblings.

Tension prevailed in the area as BJP and RSS workers turned up in huge numbers and took out a protest rally. Former home minister R Ashok alleged that it was a conspiracy hatched by the killers to punish Rudresh for his affiliation with the BJP and the RSS. "The police should not attribute motives like personal rivalry or business dispute before the investigation. Rudresh had organized 'Ganesh Utsav' in Shivaji circle for the first time, which some people resisted," said Ashok. BJP state president BS Yeddyurappa condemned the killing and alleged that RSS workers were being targeted. He recalled the recent attacks on right-wing workers in the state.

In a strange coincidence, MP Meenakshi Lekhi, who was in town to take part in a seminar organised by Manthan, a thinkers' forum, was condemning the communist violence against right-wing workers in Kerala and expressed concern over the spread of such ideology of hatred in Karnataka too.

Meanwhile, the police imposed prohibitory orders in Shivajinagar, Commercial Street, Bharathinagar and Pulakeshinagar police station limits on Monday and deployed over 1,000 policemen to avert untoward incidents. Six special teams were formed to track down the culprits.

Despite the prohibitory orders, BJP launched a massive protest in Shivajinagar. "If the police is incapable of providing protection to BJP and RSS workers, give us the license to possess arms. We will defend ourselves. We are tired of our party workers being targeted. We cannot allow any more families to suffer. Karnataka should not be another Kerala," said former law minister S Suresh Kumar.

"Stop politically motivated and government sponsored violence against right-wing workers. What is stopping the police from arresting the killers of Kuttappa in Madikeri, Raju in Mysuru and Rudresh in Bengaluru? Ban KFD and other terror outfits," said MP Shobha Karandlaje.
At least 17 patients died and around 12 others injured in a fire that broke out at the Sum Hospital in Bhubaneswar on Monday evening, in one of the worst such incidents involving a medical facility.

The blaze is suspected to have been triggered by an electric short circuit in the dialysis ward on the first floor of the private hospital which spread to the nearby Intensive Care Unit.

#WATCH: Fire broke out in ICU ward of Institute of Medical Sciences & Sum Hospital, Bhubaneswar.5 fire tenders at the spot. Fire fighting on pic.twitter.com/3iCMVSsQQz  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

"So far we have received some 'brought dead' people at the Capital Hospital. However, I cannot exactly say the number of persons who have died in the incident," Health Secretary Arati Ahuja said.

However, the Capital Hospital Superintendent Binod Kumar Mishra said, "We have received nine dead bodies, while five others are in very critical condition. The toll may increase."

Meanwhile, Amri Hospital (Bhubaneswar) unit head Dr Salil Kumar Mohanty said, "A total of 37 patients were received at our casualty ward. Our doctors have declared eight persons as brought dead."

"Most of the victims were in the first floor ICU of the ill-fated Sum Hospital," said a doctor at the Capital Hospital.

The fire, which started from the dialysis ward on the first floor, quickly spread to other areas including the ICU on the same floor of the four-storeyed hospital building.

The commissionerate of police and fire brigade personnel along with volunteers and hospital staff launched a massive rescue operation as more than 500 indoor patients were trapped in the building, hospital officials said.

At least seven fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze and over a dozen ambulances deployed to shift the critical patients to other hospitals.

Many patients were rescued by breaking window panes, an eyewitness said.

In 2011, a major blaze had engulfed AMRI Hospital in Kolkata, killing 89 people, including 85 patients.

Modi, Nadda condole

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the death of people in the fire.

"Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families," he tweeted.

He said he spoke to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and asked him to facilitate transfer of all the injured to All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Bhubaneswar. "Hope the injured recover quickly," Modi said.

Nadda tweeted: "Deeply saddened by the fire incident in Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar. My condolences rest with the bereaved families."
Balatonfured, a small town by the lake just outside the Hungarian capital of Budapest, was the place that Rabindranath Tagore chose to stay when he was recovering from a heart-related ailment in 1926.

Ninety years later, Vice President Hamid Ansari's visit to Hungary became an occasion to recall Tagore's connection with the place and the Central European country. Ansari visted the town to pay homage to Tagore.

During the visit that coincided with the 90th anniversary of Tagore's stay in Balatonfured, Ansari said the legendary poet's stay in Hungary led to an enrichment of cultural relations between India and Hungary. "Tagore became a representative of India in Hungary and offered a window to understanding India," he said.

He noted that many of Tagore's works have been translated into Hungarian and a number of prominent Hungarian personalities had visited him at Santiniketan in West Bengal.

Tagore had planted a tree in the town in 1926, which still exists. The lane where it is situated, just by the lake, is called Tagore Street.

Ansari paid floral tributes to Tagore's statue and planted a sapling to mark the occasion.

Mayor of Balatonfured Istvan Boka, who was present on the occasion, recalled Tagore's connection with the town and with Hungary.
On Sukkos, we perform the mitzvah of living in the Sukkah, to remember the miracle of the Clouds of Glory that surrounded the Jews when they left Egypt, and protected them during the forty years during which they wandered in the Midbar (desert).

Why does the holiday of Sukkos need to be seven days long?

There is a story told about the Rambam (Maimonides), who was the personal physician of the Sultan of Egypt, and was renowned for his secular wisdom in addition to his Torah greatness.

An Egyptian philosopher once asked the Rambam how it is possible that such a great scientist believes so positively in the existence of God, without God proving His existence to the world? The Rambam answered by showing him a page, of a medical journal, that he wrote. He told him, Do you know where this came from? The inkwell spilled on this paper and these words just came out. The philosopher exclaimed, Thats impossible. The Rambam said you believe that such a small event cannot take place by accident, yet you can imagine that the whole world happened by accident? Does that make sense?

This story proves how simple it is to accept that there must be a Higher Power Who created the World out of nothing. Even non-Jews realize this, and throughout the generations they have always pondered the purpose of life. The answer to this was given to us by Hashem in His Holy Torah. This is the reason why the Yetzer Hara tries to bring new theories of heresy, atheism, and agnosticism to every generation, trying to endorse and spread these ideas as Scientific Reality. People are ready to accept these ideas with blind faith, as ridiculous and unscientific as this is. The Satan also seeks to elicit general hatred toward religion by publicizing isolated negative stories about some religious people, and this has succeeded in leading that many places over the world have a lot of anti-religious sentiment.

The way to improve this problematic issue is to constantly talk about pure faith in Hashem. The more we speak about this, the more this faith becomes rooted in our minds and hearts, because talking with our voice makes our kavanah stronger, and helps us concentrate on Hashem. This is the meaning of the passuk I believe, because I speak (Tehillim/Psalms 116:10), that the more one speaks about faith, the more one believes. The opposite is also true. If someone stops talking about emunah, he loses his faith, as the passuk says faith is lost, it is removed from their mouths (Yirmiah/Jeremiah 7:28), that by failing to talk about faith, faith is lost.

The Yetzer HaRa focuses on the children, to get them to hear and learn words of heresy. Most Jewish children who are currently in heretical schools, are a direct result from this. Heresy is slowly finding its way into religious Jewish schools as well, since the Sitra Achara seeks to snatch up the children, in order that they should not grow up to keep Torah, since if there are no kids, there are no grown goats. This all the more so behooves parents and teachers to speak as much as possible about Emunahto children, at every opportunity, all the time.

There are some who think it is sufficient to talk about faith matters on Shabbos only, since Shabbos is the day to remember the Creation, because Hashem made the world in six days and rested on the Seventh. Since people have the day off from work they have time to speak about Emunah to their children. However, to think that this is enough is a big mistake, because children mainly learn about faith by seeing their parents live with faith in day-to-day life. It is not enough to believe that Hashem created the world as a mere article of faith, but we also must believe that Hashem runs the world and our lives, even in difficult times. Therefore, we have to talk about faith specifically during the work week, when we are surrounded with material issues. Parents need to make sure to avoid saying words that make it seem that our material success is based on our own physical work or on other people. Rather, we must always mention that Hashem is in control, and thank only Him for the past and beseech Him for the future. Children should frequently hear the words Baruch Hashem (Thank God), Im Yirtze Hashem (God willing), Hashem Yaazor (God will help), Gam Zu LTovah (This is also for the good), etc. They will learn to speak this way, and grow strong in their faith in Hashem.

This is a tremendous fundament in protecting our children, and ensuring that they will stay on the Torah Path, not only when they are at home with their parents, but also when they go out into the real world of business. Many people begin to abandon mitzvah observance because they think they will lose money on account of keeping mitzvos, either because they spend their money on expensive mitzvos such as Tefillin, Mezuzos, Lulav and Esrog, Tzedakah, and the like, or that it is more expensive to live in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood near synagogues and yeshivos. They might think that modest clothing is more expensive, or they feel that taking time off from work for Torah study, davening, Shabbos, Holidays, and the like, will affect their income. However, if someone was raised by their parents and teachers to understand that everything is hashgachah pratis (Divine Providence), and knows that Hashem is in control of how much money each person makes, then he believes that it is impossible to lose money by following the mitzvos that Hashem commanded. Although it may sometimes seem that one has monetary gain from a sin such as breaking Shabbos, this gain is only temporary, because in the end he will lose the money someplace else.

It is well known that from all the Jewish families who came to America in the pre-war era, only those who kept Shabbos with joy were able to keep their children on the Torah path, saying that you never lose by keeping mitzvos, and their children stayed Shomrei Torah uMitzvos. However, those who kept Shabbos while constantly complaining about how hard it is to be Jewish, saw their children abandon Judaism.

This faith was learned when the Jews left Egypt. When Hashem said that He is bringing the Jews out of Egypt in order to give them the Torah, they knew they were going into a desolate wilderness, a barren desert filled with snakes and scorpions, strong winds, hot days and cold night. Despite all this, they went into the desert without hesitation and with mesirus nefesh, because they believed in the hashgachah of the Creator, and they knew that one never loses out by following Hashems commands. This is why Hashem told us live in Sukkahs, which were the Clouds of Glory where every family lived separately, and all of their other needs were supplied by Hashem through the clouds, like laundering their clothes and the like, in a miraculous and supernatural way.

This is the primary reason why Hashem commanded us to commemorate this every year by dwelling in sukkahs outside of our homes, so the children should learn from this tremendous change that we do by leaving our homes and living in temporary dwellings. The parents then teach that the reason for the mitzvah of living in the Sukkah memorializes the miracle of the Clouds of Glory, and then we continue to speak about Emunah, the existence of Hashem and His Providence which is revealed through nature for the sake of those who keep His Mitzvos. The children should know that one never loses by keeping Hashems Commands, but rather only gains, and they will then continue the family tradition of keeping mitzvos in future generations.

The Torah tells this to us clearly, when we received the mitzvah of Sukkah it says You shall live in Sukkahs for seven days, so that your future generations should know that I made the Children of Israel dwell in Sukkahs when I brought them out of the Land of Egypt, I am Hashem your God (Vayikra/Leviticus 23:43). so that your future generations should know is Lmaan Yeidu Doroseichem , which stands for YeLeD (child), to hint that the main reason for this mitzvah is for the children to learn and pass this faith on to the future generations. The foundations of faith are learned from Sukkos, and they should know that Hashem is God, the Creator and Maker of all of Creation.

Perhaps this is why we live in Sukkahs for seven days, just like there are seven days of the week, to teach that we need to speak about the concept of the mitzvah of Sukkah, which is Faith, to us and our children all week long, every week of the year, and not only on Shabbos and Holidays. In the merit of parents planting this faith into the hearts and minds of their children, both during the coming holiday and every day of the year, may we be blessed with upright and blessed generations with joy and nachas.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
How do we decide how much tax the richest and poorest people should pay?

Youd think this would be a straight-forward question; surely people just want a system that is fair.

Not so. On this episode of The Big Money Questions, professor of politics at New York University David Stasavage explains the three different systems that are considered by some to be fair.

The prevailing view can lead to top tax rate as high as 90 per cent, as seen in Britain after World War II, to a government trying to lift the inheritance tax burden for most people today.
Frankfurt, we are told, is the new London. Thousands of bankers are about to turn their backs on Canary Wharf, bid farewell to the bright lights and hot-foot it to Germany.

In a post-Brexit world, the City is over. Or so we are warned.

But are bankers  and equally important, their wives and girlfriends  really going to trade their chi-chi London lifestyles for a provincial German city?

First, a confession. I have been in love with London ever since I first visited as a ten-year-old girl and vowed that, one day, I would become a Fleet Street journalist. Frankfurt will have to work hard to win me over.

But the minute my plane lands, the Germans are out in front. I whizz through the gleaming terminal and on to a train costing just 4.68 that has me in the Hauptbahnhof in the city centre in just over ten minutes.

It takes well over an hour to get from central London to Heathrow by tube, or you can take the Heathrow Express, which takes 15 minutes but costs 22.

Frankfurt airport is huge, gleaming and has four runways compared with Heathrow's two. While we have been wrangling for years about whether to put a new one at Heathrow or Gatwick, they have just got on with it and put shovels in the ground.

En route to a morning meeting with Herr Hubertus Vaeth, managing director of Frankfurt Main Finance, which promotes the city as a financial centre, I stop at a cafe called Unser Taeglich Brot.

A gigantic, and delicious, strudel and a coffee leave me plenty of change from 10, whereas I rarely escape with a bill of under a tenner in London. Another score for the Germans.

Frankfurt, as a number of locals tell me, is known as 'Mainhattan'  after the river Main that runs through it  but in truth, there aren't very many skyscrapers. In contrast with the City, which is humming with activity at any time during the week, the financial district is quiet, with a lone lady on a bicycle wheeling serenely down the street.

The reality is that about the same number of people work in financial services in London as live in the whole of Frankfurt.

'The City employs around 750,000 people but only around 75,000 work in financial services here. One to ten,' says Herr Vaeth.

He admits: 'We would be swamped if thousands of people moved here, but in London you would barely notice they had gone.'

So how many people does he think will come to Frankfurt as a result of Brexit? Until the terms of leaving the EU have been worked out, no one really has a clue  but Herr Vaeth has come up with a figure of 10,000 over five years.

'If you ask me how do you derive that, I will tell you I have a very detailed spreadsheet with a lot of parameters going in, and it exactly works out at 10,000,' he says.

Are you maybe having a little German joke here, I ask?

He laughs: 'People are trying to say you could see figures of 20,000 or 70,000 or 100,000 coming, but we don't think it's helpful to come out with such ballistic numbers.'

He is not trying to increase the numbers coming from London to Frankfurt, he says, but would rather reduce them to 8,000.

'We would be happier to have only 8,000 and to have London maintain its role as the world's foremost financial centre for the simple reason we believe it is good for Europe.'

Capital of snooze? A tram passes the euro sculpture in Willy Brandt Platz in Frankfurt

Far better that than to risk London losing out to New York, in his view. He adds: 'It is good for German industry and German finance for London to keep its status. Brexit is fair enough  voters must be respected. We just want to be constructive. We are not advocating that everybody move here.'

That may be a relief to both cities.

Frankfurt is the headquarters of major institutions such as the European Central Bank and the Deutsche Boerse stock market. It is also the home turf of Deutsche Bank, Germany's biggest, but given its current woes perhaps the less said about it the better.

But if London is the epicentre of cool and culture, Frankfurt is  rightly or wrongly  seen as the capital of snooze.

'Everybody seems to believe that Frankfurt is somewhere between a cemetery and a country beauty spot.

'This is not a cemetery and it is not the countryside, it is the smallest global financial centre, vibrant yet pleasant' says Herr Vaeth. Hmm  but what about the banking WAGs?

I quiz Sabine Alexander, a guide for bespoke sightseeing company Touriocity. She is also a blogger and has a sideline as a fashion guide to female executives who want to go clothes shopping during business trips to Frankfurt.

She points me to Goethe Strasse, home to designer boutiques including a large Chanel shop. She then takes me to the top floor of the shopping mall My Zeil, which has a lovely view across the city.

It's fair to say, though, that the mall isn't a patch on Westfield and the vista would not bowl over anyone who has been up the Shard.

For nightlife, she says, there is the 22 Lounge. 'It is a very nice and sophisticated bar on the 22nd floor of the main towers. Sometimes they have smooth jazz.'

There's also an English theatre, and the magnificent opera house, which looks old but was rebuilt in the 1970s after being bombed in 1944.

Even so, you might have to pay London-based bankers extra to move, says Mark Boleat, head of the City of London's Policy and Resources Committee. He says: 'Frankfurt has a charm offensive going on and some people will go, just as they go to Dubai or Singapore  the question is, are you prepared to trade theatre and Arsenal for money.'

Michael Mellinghoff is the managing director of TechFluence, a company based in Frankfurt and London that matches fintech entrepreneurs with investors.

Brought up in Hamburg, he moved to London a year ago from Frankfurt. He says: 'In Frankfurt you can have a very nice life. London is a different story, you can't really compare the two.'

The two big plus points for Frankfurt are house prices and ease of travelling around. One senior banker, who has lived in London, says: 'If you live in Hampstead or Richmond and you are selling a 3million house, then you would live in an area like the Taunus, outside Frankfurt, and you would get a palace for that.

I live in the city centre and I can walk to work. In 15 minutes I can be at the airport. In London it can take you an hour to drive down the street.'

The banker is also sceptical about a mass exodus from the City, saying that the international banks want to minimise any movement of their staff because of the expense.

So where have all the scare stories about a huge diaspora to Frankfurt come from? Suspicion must fall on the banks themselves, as a way of seeking leverage over the Government as Brexit negotiations unfold.

They have form: they have threatened to quit London over the banking levy, regulation, protests against bonuses and other gripes, though each time they have cried wolf.

Frankfurt is utterly charming, but it won't put the City out of business any time soon. It may be the case, as Michael Mellinghoff suggests, that London's position as 'unquestioned leader' among the financial centres might change and that 'in the very long term' Frankfurt could eat our lunch.

But it's time for some realism amid the hysteria. And, as Mark Boleat says: 'We hope that in five years time any loss of business will be barely noticed and that we have made up for it by being innovative.'

Some in the Square Mile may fear Brexit fallout but the City has survived several wars and numerous economic downturns. It will be a long time before Frankfurt has a chance of seizing its supremacy.
SUPERVALU INC., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a grocery wholesaler and retailer in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Wholesale and Retail. The Wholesale segment engages in the wholesale distribution of various food and non-food products to independent retail customers, such as single and multiple grocery store operators, regional chains, and the military. It also provides professional services, such as pass-through programs; and various services comprising retail store support, advertising, couponing, e-commerce, network and data hosting, training and certifications classes, and administrative back-office solutions. The Retail segment operates retail stores that provide groceries and various additional products that include general merchandise, home, health and beauty care, and pharmacy products. It provides its products under the Cub Foods, Shoppers Food & Pharmacy, and Hornbacher's names, as well as 1 Rainbow stores. The company's stores offer a range of branded and private-label products comprising perishable and nonperishable grocery products. As of February 24, 2018, it operated a network of 3,437 stores, including 3,323 wholesale primary stores; and 114 retail grocery stores. The company was founded in 1871 and is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
Badger Meter, Inc. manufactures and markets flow measurement, quality, control, and communication solutions in the United States, Asia, Canada, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, and internationally. It offers mechanical or static water meters, and related radio and software technologies and services to municipal water utilities. The company also provides flow instrumentation products, including meters, valves, and other sensing instruments to measure and control fluids going through a pipe or pipeline, including water, air, steam, oil, and other liquids and gases to original equipment manufacturers as the primary flow measurement device within a product or system, as well as through manufacturers' representatives. Its flow instrumentation products are used in water/wastewater, heating, ventilating and air conditioning, and corporate sustainability markets. In addition, the company offers ORION Migratable for automatic meter reading; ORION (SE) for traditional fixed network applications; and ORION Cellular for infrastructure-free fixed network meter reading solution, as well as BEACON advanced metering analytics, a secure cloud-hosted software suite that establishes alerts for specific conditions and allows consumer engagement tools that permit end water customers to view and manage their water usage activity. It also serves water utilities, industrial, and other industries. The company sells its products directly, as well as through resellers and representatives. Badger Meter, Inc. was incorporated in 1905 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Schneider Electric S.E. provides energy and automation digital solutions worldwide. It operates through two segments, Energy Management and Industrial Automation. The company offers busway and cable support products, circuit breakers and switches, contactors and protection relays, electrical protection and control products, energy management software solutions, transfer switches, surge protection and power conditioning products, power monitoring and control products, power quality and power factor correction products, pushbuttons, switches, pilot lights and joysticks, software products, and switchboards and enclosures. It also provides access control, building management, fire detection, sensors and room units, valve and valve actuator, and variable and frequency speed drive. In addition, the company offers feeder automation, grid automation and SCADA software products, medium voltage switchgears and transformers, outdoor equipment, substation automation products, and switchgear components. Further, it provides critical power and cooling services, data center software, IT power distribution products, prefabricated data center modules, racks and accessories, and security and environmental monitoring products; home automation and security, installation materials and systems, light switches and electrical sockets, and uninterruptible power supply products; and human machine interface, industrial automation software, industrial communication, measurement and instrumentation, motion control and robotics, signaling units, programmable logic and automation controllers, power supply and protection, process control and safety, RFID systems, signaling devices, and other industrial automation and control products, as well as solar and energy storage. The company was founded in 1836 and is headquartered in Rueil-Malmaison, France.
This is a current list of the top 250 companies by market capitalization on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Learn more .

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is one of the largest, and most recognizable, stock exchanges in the world. The NYSE is in New York City, New York at 11 Wall Street. The NYSE has been in existence since the earliest days of the United States becoming a nation, in 1792 and is primarily made up of blue-chip companies with large market capitalizations. In fact, many of the stocks that make up the Dow Jones Composite Index (i.e. The Dow) are listed on the NYSE.

This article gives a brief history of the New York Stock Exchange. In addition, it covers topics such as what kind of stocks trade on the exchange, what are the listing requirements, how trading is performed, and what the daily price movement of the NYSE tells investors about investor sentiment.

What Were the Origins of the NYSE?

Today, the New York Stock Exchange is known as the center of the financial universe. However, the exchanges origin is far more humble. On May 17, 1792, 24 stockbrokers signed the Buttonwood Agreement creating a centralized exchange to help provide order to the securities market in what was still a young nation. The "Buttonwood Agreement comes from the tree of the same name under which the founders signed the agreement.

An initial benefit of the exchange was how it removed the need for auctioneers when trading commodities like wheat and tobacco and to set a commission rate. The exchange initially focused on government bonds.

However, the exchange had no formal home. Business was usually conducted informally in the local coffeehouses. In 1817, the exchange changed its name to the New York Stock & Exchange Board which later became the New York Stock Exchange. At this time, the exchange adopted a constitution that set the rules for trading. A group of stockbrokers met twice a day at 40 Wall Street to trade 30 stocks and bonds.

Over time, the exchange moved became the financial hub of the country and moved to its current location in 1865.

What Kind of Stocks Trade on the NYSE?

As of June 2022, the NYSE includes approximately 2,400 companies with a market capitalization of over $28.2 trillion. Although the NYSE trades stocks of all market capitalizations, its best known for trading the stocks of large cap companies. These have the benefit of being mature companies in mature industries. And many of these companies reward shareholders with dividends.

However, that also means that many of these companies are better suited for value investors as opposed to growth investors. In bear markets this stability can be a benefit for investors as these stocks tend to perform less bad than more volatile stocks. But in a bull market, these stocks are not likely to provide investors with the growth that they look for.

An interesting fact about how the NYSE and NASDAQ operate is that the companies with the five largest market caps on the NYSE are also listed on the NASDAQ exchange.

What Are the Listing Requirements For the NYSE?

The NYSE has strict guidelines that govern the types of companies that can list on the exchange. Here are the major requirements that all companies must meet:

The company must have at least 2,200 shareholders

The company must trade over 100,000 shares per month

The company must have a market valuation of over $100 million

The company must generate more than $75 million in annual revenue

However, there is at least one advantage of having such stringent requirements. That is the companies that meet the requirements generally find it easier to get more investors funds when they hold their initial public offering (IPO).

Once a company begins trading on the NYSE, it must continue to meet these requirements. If it doesnt it can be delisted. In addition to these requirements, the stock must continue to trade above $1. If the price of a stock drops below $1 for more than 29 consecutive trading days, the stock receives an Initial Price Violation Notice.

At that point, the company has 10 days to provide the exchange with a plan for bringing their shares above $1.

How are Trades Executed on the NYSE?

For over a century, the floor of the NYSE was the place for investors to be. This meant trades were conducted by traders who ran buy and sell orders across the trading floor looking to broker a deal for their clients. But with the birth of the NASDAQ exchange in 1971, the New York Stock Exchange began conducting electronic trading.

However, the NYSE continues to conduct trades in an auction style. Brokers purchase stocks on behalf of their clients or firms. Every order features a broker who will enter the order electronically and a specialist who serves as the market maker for that stock. The specialist posts bid and ask prices and manages the actual execution of the trades. And there are still a handful of stockbrokers who still traffic buy and sell orders physically on the floor of the exchange.

How Does the NYSE Signal Investor Sentiment?

Like its counterpart, the NASDAQ, the NYSE measures the risk appetite of investors. When the NYSE is moving higher over a length of time, it signals that a risk on environment. Conversely when the NYSE moves lower over a significant period, it signals that investors are moving to a risk off position.

Some Final Thoughts on the NYSE

Financial news networks plan their programming schedule around the opening and closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange. Its still considered a distinguished honor when individuals or groups are invited to ring the opening bell. In fact, Warren Buffett is attributed with saying that in the short term, the stock market acts like a voting machine. A fact that many U.S. presidents will attest to.

The NYSE is the oldest and most recognizable of all the stock exchanges. It also has the most stringent requirements for inclusion. And those requirements must be maintained even after a stock begins publicly trading on the exchange.

Although the NYSE still has a small in-person Trading Floor, much of the trading is done electronically to provide traders with the speed to execute trades.
This is a current list of the top 250 companies by market capitalization on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Learn more .

Many investors understand the reasons for having a diversified portfolio. One way to accomplish this is to diversify within an asset class. For equity investors in the United States this can mean investing in both growth and value stocks.

It can also mean investing in international stocks. And when investors want to do this, they need look no further than our neighbor to the north. Canada has a range of stocks for investors to consider. This article will focus on strategies that investors can use when looking to invest in Canadian stocks.

Why Buy Canadian Stocks?

There are a few reasons for investors to consider Canadian stocks as part of their diversification strategy:

A Large Natural Resources Sector  The sheer size of the country and its location lets investors know that it is an area rich in natural resources. This also means that the country has a source of current and future wealth.

An Advanced Skills-Based Economy  In this regard, Canada is similar to other western nations. The difference is that it is not as common to find these skill-based professions in a country with so many natural resources.

Stability  Canada is not exempt from any problems that impact the global economy. However, the country is known for stable financial and business policies that have kept the economy relatively stable. This Goldilocks economy has meant that many Canadian stocks havent enjoyed the outsized growth of some U.S. equities. However, it also comes with a bit of protection against downside risk.

How Have Canadian Stocks Performed?

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, there was a time when U.S. stocks and Canadian stocks performed nearly identically. Heres a graph that shows the performance of the S&P 500 Index vs. the TSX Index



Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence

You can see that with a couple of exceptions, the two indexes performed remarkably similar. That all changed around 2012 and Canadian stocks became less attractive.

Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence

This disparity is widely due to one sector, technology. However, Canadian technology stocks have been on the rise. And in 2022, the country is benefiting from renewed interest in materials stocks as well as a spike in commodity prices.

What Are the Best Sectors of Canadian Stocks?

For different reasons finance, materials, and energy stocks are among the best performing stocks as of September 2022. Heres a brief overview of each sector and some of the top names for investors to consider.

Financial  Similar to the United States, Canada has a strong banking industry. Many Canadian banks have a track record of solid performance that can provide long-term value to a portfolio. And several of these stocks pay dividends with attractive yields for investors.

This sector makes up the largest percentage of the TSX at roughly 30%. And the Royal Bank of Canada (NYSE:RY)is the top-weighted constituent in the TSX. Beyond the Royal Bank of Canada some of the other top-performing Canadian financial stocks include:

Materials and Mining  Canadian stocks can be an ideal choice for investors looking to diversify into gold and precious metals without owning the physical metal. Canada has a large natural resources sector. So, its not surprising that there are a number of gold mining companies with Canadian origins. This sector also gives investors exposure to other components in the mining and agriculture sectors. This sector makes up approximately 11.5% of the TSX. Some of the top Canadian materials and mining stocks include:

Energy  Canadian stocks offer both traditional fossil fuel-based energy stocks as well as some renewable energy stocks. This sector makes up approximately 18.5% of the TSX. Some of the top Canadian energy stocks include:

Technology  As mentioned earlier, technology stocks have largely been the domain of the United States. As evidence of this, information technology stocks make up only about 5.5% of the TSX. However, there are a few Canadian companies that have become stars in the new economy being created. Some of the more popular names include:

What Are the Risks of Investing in Canadian Stocks?

One concern about investing in Canadian stocks is that they can be heavily weighted towards cyclical industries. For example, as of February 2022 financials (33.5%), energy (14.8%) and industrials (11.7%) made up nearly 60% of the index. That may be too much for some investors particularly because those sectors all tend to correlate roughly the same way as the economic cycle. But as a long-term play, Canadian stocks are worth considering with a small part of your portfolio.

How to Buy Canadian Stocks

Buy Individual Stocks on a Stock Exchange

Hundreds of Canadian stocks have dual listings on either the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or the NASDAQ. This is the most convenient way to get exposure to Canadian stocks because there are no barriers to stock ownership. These shares can be purchased in U.S. dollars directly from the exchange just like purchasing a U.S. stock.

However, for a full list of the best Canadian stocks, investors should look at the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). The TSX is one of the oldest stock exchanges having been founded in 1852. Its also the third largest stock exchange in North America in terms of market capitalization.

The Toronto Stock Exchange includes approximately 1,500 companies. It allows investors to trade stocks, investment trusts, exchange-traded products, bonds, commodities, futures, options, and other derivative products. All transactions on the TSX are executed in Canadian dollars.

Invest in a Mutual Fund or ETF

There are many mutual funds and exchange-traded funds that supply exposure to Canadian stocks. Some funds supply exposure to both U.S. and Canadian stocks. Other funds hold just Canadian stocks. Some examples of those include:

BMO S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF

Horizons S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF

Vanguard FTSE Canada All Cap ETF

As with investing in any asset class, investors need to consider their investment objective, time horizon and risk tolerance before choosing a fund that fits their needs. Investors will also want to pay attention to the funds fee structure to ensure youre making the most efficient use of your capital.

The Final Word on Investing in Canadian Stocks

Investing in Canadian stocks is one way for investors to add diversification to their portfolio. MarketBeat provides a list of the top Canadian stocks that trade on the TSX. This is Canadas version of the NYSE or NASDAQ in the United States and includes many of the same stocks.

Thats one advantage of investing in Canadian stocks is that many have a dual listing which removes many of the obstacles that can come with investing in international stocks.

However, investors should be aware that many of the best Canadian stocks are in highly cyclical industries which can lead to underperformance when those sectors are out of favor. Still, due to their relative stability and in some cases an impressive dividend, Canadian stocks may have a place in an investors portfolio.
GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the creation, discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related consumer products in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. The company offers pharmaceutical products comprising medicines in the therapeutic areas, such as respiratory, HIV, immuno-inflammation, oncology, anti-viral, central nervous system, cardiovascular and urogenital, metabolic, anti-bacterial, and dermatology. It also provides consumer healthcare products in wellness, oral health, nutrition, and skin health categories. The company offers its consumer healthcare products in the form of nasal sprays, tablets, syrups, lozenges, gum and trans-dermal patches, caplets, infant syrup drops, liquid filled suspension, wipes, gels, effervescents, toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, denture adhesives and cleansers, topical creams and non-medicated patches, lip balm, gummies, and soft chews. It has collaboration agreements with 23andMe; Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.; Novartis; Sanofi SA; Surface Oncology; Progentec Diagnostics, Inc.; Alector, Inc.; and CureVac AG., as well as strategic partnership with IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. and Vir Biotechnology, Inc. The company was formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline plc and changed its name to GSK plc in May 2022. GSK plc was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom.
Great-West Lifeco Inc., a financial services holding company, engages in the life and health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management, and reinsurance businesses in Canada, the United States, and Europe. The company offers a portfolio of financial and benefit plan solutions for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations; life, disability, critical illness, accidental death, dismemberment, health and dental protection, and creditor insurance products; and retirement savings and income, annuity, and other specialty products. It also provides employer-sponsored retirement savings plans, individual retirement and taxable brokerage accounts, enrollment services, communication materials, investment options, and education services; and fund management, investment, and advisory services. In addition, the company offers private-label recordkeeping and administrative services; and investment products, including equity, fixed income, absolute return, and alternative strategies. Further, it provides protection and wealth management products, including payout annuity products; pension products; and life, annuity/longevity, mortgage surety, and property catastrophe reinsurance products. The company offers its products under the Canada Life, Irish Life, Empower, Putnam Investments, and PanAgora brand names. It distributes its products through a network of advisors, dealers, brokers, managing general agencies, financial institutions, consultants, third-party administrators, sales force, financial planners, employee benefit consultants, banks, and multi-tied agents. The company was founded in 1891 and is based in Winnipeg, Canada. Great-West Lifeco Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Power Financial Corporation.
Deckers Outdoor Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs, markets, and distributes footwear, apparel, and accessories for casual lifestyle use and high-performance activities. The company offers premium footwear, apparel, and accessories under the UGG brand name; sandals, shoes, and boots under the Teva brand name; and relaxed casual shoes and sandals under the Sanuk brand name. It also provides footwear and apparel for ultra-runners and athletes under the Hoka brand name; and fashion casual footwear using other plush materials under the Koolaburra brand. The company sells its products through department stores, domestic independent action sports and outdoor specialty footwear retailers, and larger national retail chains, as well as online retailers. It also sells its products directly to consumers through its retail stores and e-commerce websites, as well as distributes its products through distributors and retailers in the United States, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, Latin America, and internationally. As of March 31, 2022, it had 149 retail stores, including 75 concept stores and 74 outlet stores worldwide. The company was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Goleta, California.
GameStop Corp. is a specialty retailer founded in 1999 and headquartered in Grapevine, Texas. The company was originally known as GSC Holdings Corp. but later changed its name following its IPO. Originally a brand of then dominant Babbages, Gamestop altered the way video games were distributed and it is now the world's largest retailer of video games and video game accessories. The company went public in 2004 and operated 4,573 stores at the start of 2022. Brands under the company umbrella include Gamestop, EB Games, and Micromania as well as 50 pop-culture-themed Zing Pop locations.

Gamestop Corp. provides video games and entertainment products through its global network of e-commerce properties and stores. The company sells new and pre-owned gaming platforms and accessories like controllers, headsets, memory cards, and gaming software as well as in-game products like digital currency, downloadable content, and games. The company also sells new and used memorabilia and collectibles. Genres include TV, movie, comic book, and game characters as well as many other items from pop culture. GameStop Corp. also operates Game Informer, a magazine and website dedicated to the gaming industry including reviews, updates, and new developments in technologies.

Game enthusiasts enjoy two primary benefits of using Gamestop. The first is access to the full range of games and gaming accessories. The second is the ability to sell or trade their old equipment and games for fair prices. All old equipment is refurbished to a like-new state before resale.

In 2021 Gamestop announced it was entering the world of cryptocurrency. The company revealed plans to build an NFT (non-fungible token) platform for listing, selling, and holding digital or digitized artwork and collectibles. The beta version launched in 2022 and has so far seen great success with an average daily volume exceeding $1 million. The NFT marketplace also featured Web3.0 games in which characters and in-game items are held forever on the blockchain. As of September 2022, the most successful retailer on the NFT marketplace was Gamestop Presents, a collaboration of cover art from Game Informer Magazine. Sales at the time were just under 168 ETH or about $221,500.00.

GameStop began a slide in 2016 following a series of bad investments that included a foray into the world of mobile phones. The slide came to an end in late 2021 when shareholders using the Reddit thread Wallstreet Bets orchestrated a short-squeeze and brought on the age of meme stocks.
The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen France SAS, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Suzhou Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel Ireland Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Brooks Instrument Shanghai Co. Ltd, Buell Industries Inc., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS Australia Pty Limited, CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures Australasia S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Coeur Shanghai Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Denison Mayes Group Limited, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., E2M Production B.V.., E2M Technologies B.V.., E2M Technologies Inc.., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO Holding AG, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, Exhibit 21, FEG Investments L.L.C., Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Filtertek SAS, GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech Taicang Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Belgium B.V., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart International Singapore Pte. Ltd., Hobart Japan K.K., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components Chongqing Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components Langfang Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium B.V., ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS UK Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW China Investment Company Limited, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Construction Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Services Manila Inc., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Contamination Control Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Deutschland GmbH, ITW Diagraph GmbH, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EAE B.V., ITW EAE Mexico S de RL de CV, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW EU Holdings Ltd., ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.L., ITW European Finance Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance III Co. Ltd., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Thailand Ltd., ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France Luxembourg S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Holdings X Limited, ITW Holdings XI Limited, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW Materials Technology Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Administration BV, ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Ningbo Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Packaging Technology China Co. Ltd., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion Shenzhen Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK Finance Zeta Ltd., ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Illinois Tool Works Chile Limitada, Illinois Tool Works ITW Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, Instron Shanghai Ltd., Instron Thailand Limited, International Leasing Company LLC, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., Itw Spraytec, KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems Canada Inc., Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MTS 2 LLC., MTS 3 LLC., MTS China Holdings LLC, MTS Europe Holdings LLC, MTS Holdings France S.a.r.l., MTS Japan Ltd.., MTS Korea Inc.., MTS Systems China Co. Ltd., MTS Systems Corporation, MTS Systems Danmark ApS., MTS Systems Europe B.V., MTS Systems Finance C.V.., MTS Systems Germany GmbH, MTS Systems Holding B.V.., MTS Systems Hong Kong Incorporated, MTS Systems Limited, MTS Systems Norden Aktiebolag, MTS Systems S.r.l, MTS Systems., MTS Systems.., MTS Sytems Do Brazil, MTS Testing Solutions India Private Limited., MTS Testing Systems Canada Ltd., Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology Suzhou Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited Enping, Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners Shanghai Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., R&D Engineering A/S., R&D Prague s.r.o., R&D Steel ApS., R&D Test Systems A/S., R&D Tools and Structures A/S., RDGDK Engineering Private Limited, Ramset Fasteners Hong Kong Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco Japan Inc., Simco Nederland B.V., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques  SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes B.V., Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Hong Kong Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Shanghai Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stokvis Tapes Taiwan Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Tianjin Co. Ltd., Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Subsidiaries, Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek China Limited, Teknek Japan Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Kunshan Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta Global Limited, Vesta Guangzhou Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil South Africa Pty Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, and Zip-Pak International B.V..

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AptarGroup, Inc. provides a range of dispensing, sealing, and material science solutions primarily for the beauty, personal care, home care, prescription drug, consumer health care, injectable, and food and beverage markets. The company operates through three segments: Pharma, Beauty + Home, and Food + Beverage. The Pharma segment provides pumps for nasal allergy treatments; and metered dose inhaler valves for respiratory ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in pharmaceutical market; elastomer for injectable primary packaging components; and active material science solutions. The Beauty + Home segment primarily sells pumps, closures, aerosol valves, accessories, and sealing solutions to the personal care and home care markets; and pumps and decorative components to the beauty market. The Food + Beverage segment offers dispensing and non-dispensing closures, elastomeric flow control components, spray pumps, and aerosol valves to the food and beverage markets. It sells its products through own sales force, as well as independent representatives and distributors in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America. The company has a strategic partnership with PureCycle Technologies LLC to develop ultra-pure recycled polypropylene into dispensing applications; and a collaboration with Sonmol for developing a digital therapies and services platform targeting respiratory and other diseases. AptarGroup, Inc. was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
KBR, Inc. provides scientific, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and commercial customers worldwide. The company operates through Government Solutions and Sustainable Technology Solutions segments. The Government Solutions segment offers life-cycle support solutions to defense, intelligence, space, aviation, and other programs and missions for military and other government agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Its services cover research and development, advanced prototyping, acquisition support, systems engineering, cyber analytics, space domain awareness, test and evaluation, systems integration and program management, global supply chain management, and operations readiness and support, as well as command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services. This segment also provides various professional advisory services to deliver high-end systems engineering, systems assurance, and technology to customers across the defense, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors. The Sustainable Technology Solutions segment holds a portfolio of approximately 70 proprietary process technologies for ammonia/syngas/fertilizers, chemical/petrochemicals, clean refining, and circular process/circular economy solutions. This segment also includes advisory and consulting practices that focuses on energy transition and net-zero carbon emission consulting; and provides engineering, design, and professional services, as well as industrial solutions through KBR INSITE, a proprietary, digital, and cloud-based operations and maintenance platform that identifies opportunities for clients to achieve sustainable improvements in production, reliability, environment impact, energy efficiency, and profitability. KBR, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
The following companies are subsidiares of InterContinental Hotels Group: 2250 Blake Street Hotel LLC, 24th Street Operator Sub LLC, 36th Street IHG Sub LLC, 426 Main Ave LLC, 46 Nevins Street Associates LLC, Allegro Management LLC, Alpha Kimball Hotel LLC, American Commonwealth Assurance Co. Ltd., Asia Pacific Holdings Limited, BHMC Canada Inc., BHR Holdings B.V., BHR Luxembourg SARL, BHR Pacific Holdings Inc., BHTC Canada Inc., BOC Barclay Sub LLC, Barclay Operating Corp., Bristol Oakbrook Tenant Company, Cafe Biarritz, Cambridge Lodging LLC, Capital Lodging LLC, Compania Inter-Continental De Hoteles El Salvador SA, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam (Management) B.V., Crowne Plaza LLC, Cumberland Akers Hotel LLC, Dunwoody Operations Inc., EVEN Real Estate Holding LLC, Edinburgh IC Limited, General Innkeeping Acceptance Corporation, Guangzhou SC Hotels Services Ltd., H.I. (Ireland) Limited, H.I. Soaltee Management Company Ltd, HC International Holdings Inc., HH France Holdings SAS, HH Hotels (EMEA) B.V., HH Hotels (Romania) SRL, HI Sugarloaf LLC, HIM (Aruba) NV, Hale International Ltd., Hoft Properties LLC, Holiday Hospitality Franchising LLC, Holiday Inn Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Holiday Inns (China) Ltd, Holiday Inns (Chongqing) Inc., Holiday Inns (Courtalin) Holdings SAS, Holiday Inns (Courtalin) SAS, Holiday Inns (England) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Germany) LLC, Holiday Inns (Guangzhou) Inc., Holiday Inns (Jamaica) Inc., Holiday Inns (Malaysia) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Middle East) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Philippines) Inc., Holiday Inns (Saudi Arabia) Inc., Holiday Inns (South East Asia) Inc., Holiday Inns (Thailand) Ltd., Holiday Inns (UK) Inc., Holiday Inns Crowne Plaza (Hong Kong) Inc., Holiday Inns Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, Holiday Inns Inc., Holiday Inns Investment (Nepal) Ltd., Holiday Inns of America (UK) Ltd., Holiday Inns of Belgium N.V., Holiday Pacific Equity Corporation, Holiday Pacific LLC, Holiday Pacific Partners LP, Hotel Inter-Continental London Limited, Hotel InterContinental London (Holdings) Limited, Hoteles Y Turismo HIH SRL, IC Hotelbetriebsfuhrungs GmbH, IC Hotels Management (Portugal) Unipessoal Lda, IC International Hotels Limited Liability Company, IHC (Thailand) Limited, IHC Buckhead LLC, IHC Edinburgh (Holdings), IHC Hopkins (Holdings) Corp., IHC Hotel Limited, IHC Inter-Continental (Holdings) Corp., IHC London (Holdings), IHC M-H (Holdings) Corp., IHC May Fair (Holdings) Limited, IHC May Fair Hotel Limited, IHC Overseas (U.K.) Limited, IHC UK (Holdings) Limited, IHC United States (Holdings) Corp., IHC Willard (Holdings) Corp., IHG (Australasia) Limited, IHG (Marseille) SAS, IHG (Thailand) Limited, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan LLC, IHG ANA Hotels Holdings Co. Ltd., IHG Bangkok Ltd, IHG Brasil Administracao de Hoteis e Servicos Ltda, IHG Commission Services SRL, IHG Community Development LLC, IHG Cyprus Limited, IHG ECS (Barbados) SRL, IHG Franchising Brasil Ltda, IHG Franchising DR Corporation, IHG Franchising LLC, IHG Hotels (New Zealand) Limited, IHG Hotels Limited, IHG Hotels Management (Australia) Pty Limited, IHG Hotels Nigeria Limited, IHG Hotels South Africa (Pty) Ltd, IHG International Partnership, IHG Istanbul Otel Yonetim Limited Sirketi, IHG Japan (Management) LLC, IHG Japan (Osaka) LLC, IHG Management (Maryland) LLC, IHG Management (Netherlands) B.V., IHG Management MD Barclay Sub LLC, IHG Management SL d.o.o, IHG Management d.o.o. Beograd, IHG Orchard Street Member LLC, IHG PS Nominees Limited, IHG Systems Pty Ltd, IHG Szalloda Budapest Szolgaltato Kft., IHG de Argentina SA, IND East Village SD Holdings LLC, Inter-Continental D.C. Operating Corp., Inter-Continental Florida Investment Corp., Inter-Continental Florida Partner Corp., Inter-Continental Hospitality Corporation, Inter-Continental Hoteleira Limitada, Inter-Continental Hotels (Montreal) Operating Corp., Inter-Continental Hotels (Montreal) Owning Corp., Inter-Continental Hotels (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation, Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation de Venezuela C.A., Inter-Continental Hotels of San Francisco Inc., Inter-Continental IOHC (Mauritius) Limited, Inter-Continental Management (Australia) Pty Limited, InterContinental (Branston) 1 Limited, InterContinental (PB) 1, InterContinental (PB) 2, InterContinental (PB) 3 Limited, InterContinental Berlin Service Company GmbH, InterContinental Brasil Administracao de Hoteis Ltda, InterContinental Gestion Hotelera S.L., InterContinental Hotel Berlin GmbH, InterContinental Hotel Dusseldorf GmbH (Germany), InterContinental Hotels (Puerto Rico) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group (Australia) Pty Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (Canada) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (Espana) SA, InterContinental Hotels Group (Greater China) Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (India) Pvt. Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group (Japan) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (New Zealand) Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (Shanghai) Ltd., InterContinental Hotels Group Customer Services Ltd., InterContinental Hotels Group Healthcare Trustee Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group Operating Corp., InterContinental Hotels Group Resources Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group Services Company, InterContinental Hotels Group do Brasil Limitada, InterContinental Hotels Italia S.r.L., InterContinental Hotels Limited, InterContinental Hotels Management GmbH, InterContinental Hotels Nevada Corporation, InterContinental Management AM LLC, InterContinental Management Bulgaria EOOD, InterContinental Management France SAS, InterContinental Management Poland sp. z.o.o, InterContinental Overseas Holding Corporation, Intercontinental Hotels Corporation Limited, KG Benefits LLC, KG Gift Card Inc., KG Liability LLC, KG Technology LLC, KHP Washington Operator LLC, KHRG 11th Avenue Hotel LLC, KHRG 851 LLC, KHRG Aertson LLC, KHRG Alexandria LLC, KHRG Alexis LLC, KHRG Allegro LLC, KHRG Argyle LLC, KHRG Austin Beverage Company LLC, KHRG Baltimore LLC, KHRG Born LLC, KHRG Boston Hotel LLC, KHRG Canary LLC, KHRG Cayman Employer Ltd., KHRG Cayman LLC, KHRG DC 1731 LLC, KHRG DC 2505 LLC, KHRG Donovan LLC, KHRG Employer LLC, KHRG Goleta LLC, KHRG Gray LLC, KHRG Gray U2 LLC, KHRG Hillcrest LLC, KHRG Huntington Beach LLC, KHRG King Street LLC, KHRG La Peer LLC, KHRG Miami Beach LLC, KHRG Muse LLC, KHRG NPC LLC, KHRG Onyx LLC, KHRG Palladian LLC, KHRG Palomar Phoenix LLC, KHRG Philly Monaco LLC, KHRG Pittsburgh LLC, KHRG Reynolds LLC, KHRG Riverplace LLC, KHRG SFD LLC, KHRG Sacramento LLC, KHRG Savannah LLC, KHRG Schofield LLC, KHRG Sedona LLC, KHRG State Street LLC, KHRG Sutter LLC, KHRG Sutter Union LLC, KHRG Taconic LLC, KHRG Tariff LLC, KHRG Texas Hospitality LLC, KHRG Texas Operations LLC, KHRG Tryon LLC, KHRG VZ Austin LLC, KHRG Vero Beach LLC, KHRG Vintage Park LLC, KHRG WPB LLC, KHRG Wabash LLC, KHRG Westwood LLC, KHRG Wilshire LLC, KHRG Zamora LLC, Kimpton Hollywood Licenses LLC, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group LLC, Kimpton Phoenix Licenses Holdings LLC, Kimpton Sedona Licenses LLC, Louisiana Acquisitions Corp., MH Lodging LLC, Mercer Fairview Holdings LLC, PML Services LLC, PT SC Hotels & Resorts Indonesia, Pollstrong Limited, Powell Pine Inc., Priscilla Holiday of Texas Inc., RM Lodging LLC, Regent Hotels and Resorts, Resort Services International (Cayo Largo) L.P., SBS Maryland Beverage Company LLC, SC Cellars Limited, SC Hotels International Services Inc., SC Leisure Group Limited, SC NAS 2 Limited, SC Quest Limited, SC Reservations (Philippines) Inc., SCH Insurance Company, SCIH Branston 3, SF MH Acquisition LLC, SPHC Group Pty Ltd., SPHC Management Ltd., Semiramis for training of Hotel Personnel and Hotel Management SAE, Six Continents Corporate Services, Six Continents Holdings Limited, Six Continents Hotels Inc., Six Continents Hotels International Limited, Six Continents Hotels de Colombia SA, Six Continents International Holdings B.V., Six Continents Investments Limited, Six Continents Limited, Six Continents Overseas Holdings Limited, Six Continents Restaurants Limited, SixCo North America Inc., Solamar Lodging LLC, Southern Pacific Hotel Corporation (BVI) Ltd., Southern Pacific Hotels Properties Limited, Universal de Hoteles SA, White Shield Insurance Company Limited, and World Trade Centre Montreal Hotel Corporation.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Dover: APM Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, Accelerated Production Systems, Acme Cryo Intermediate Inc., Acme Cryogenics, Acme Cryogenics Inc., Acme Elevator, Advansor A/S, Advansor Dover International (Poland) sp. z o.o., Advansor Germany GmbH, Alfred Fueling Systems Holdco Ltd., Alfred Fueling Systems Inc., Alfred Fueling Systems Intermediate Holdco Ltd., All-Flo Pump Company, Anman LLC, Anthony Equity Holdings Inc., Anthony Holdings Inc., Anthony Inc., Anthony International, Anthony International Foreign Sales Corp., Anthony International Holding Company, Anthony Mexico Holdings LLC, Anthony North Holdco Inc., Anthony Specialty Glass LLC, Anthony TemperBent GP LLC, Audax ECII Blocker Inc., Auto Glanz Solutions LLC, AvaLAN Wireless Systems Incorporated, BELVAC CR spol s r.o., BSC Filters Limited, Belanger, Belanger Inc., Belvac Middle East FZE, Belvac Production Machinery Inc., Blackmer, BlitzRotary GmbH, Blue Bite LLC, Blue Bite LLC, Butler Engineering and Marketing S.P.A., CDS Visual, CDS Visual Inc., CEP Liquidation LLC, CP Formation LLC, CPC Europe Inc., CPI Products Inc., Caldera, Canada Organization & Development LLC, Chief Automotive Technologies (Shanghai) Trading Company Ltd., Chippewa Square Captive Insurance Company, Colder Products Company, Colder Products Company GmbH, Colder Products Company LTD, Cook Compression LLC, Cook Compression Limited, Cook-MFS Inc., Cryogenic Experts LLC, DD1 Inc., DDI Properties Inc., DE-STA-CO Benelux B.V., DE-STA-CO FRANCE, DE-STA-CO Shanghai Co. Ltd., DESTACO UK Limited, DFH Corporation, DFS Netherlands B.V., Datamax International Corp, De Sta Co (Asia) Company Limited, De-Sta-Co Cylinders Inc., DeStaCo Europe GmbH, Delaware Capital Formation Inc., Delaware Capital Holdings Inc., Dositec Sistemas SL, Dosmatic U.S.A. Inc., Dover (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Dover (Schweiz) Holding GmbH, Dover (Shanghai) Industrial Co. Ltd., Dover (Shenzhen) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover (Suzhou) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover Asia Trading Private Ltd., Dover Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Dover Business Services EMEA Limited, Dover Business Services Europe S.R.L., Dover Business Services LLC, Dover Business Services Philippines Corporation, Dover CLP Formation Limited Partnership, Dover Canada Holdings ULC, Dover Canada Operations ULC, Dover Corporation Regional Headquarters, Dover DEI Services Inc., Dover Denmark Holdings ApS, Dover EMEA FZCO, Dover Energy UK Ltd, Dover Engineered Products Segment Inc., Dover Europe Inc., Dover Europe Sarl, Dover Fluids UK Ltd, Dover France Holdings, Dover France Participations, Dover France Technologies, Dover Fueling Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Fueling Solutions UK Limited, Dover Germany GmbH, Dover Global Holdings LLC, Dover Holdings de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Dover Imaging & Identification Segment Inc., Dover India Pvt. Ltd., Dover Intercompany Services UK Limited, Dover International B.V., Dover International Operations Inc., Dover International Ventures Inc., Dover International ithalat ihracat ve Pazarlama Limited Sirketi, Dover Italy Holdings S.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Finance Sarl, Dover Luxembourg Participations Sarl, Dover Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Services Sarl, Dover Operations South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Dover Overseas Ventures Inc., Dover Pumps & Process Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment UK Ltd, Dover Resources International de Mexico S. de R.L. C.V., Dover Solutions Colombia SAS, Dover Southeast Asia (Thailand) Ltd., Dover Spain Holdings S.L., Dover Switzerland Participations GmbH, Dover UK Pensions Limited, Dover WSCR Holding LLC, Dover WSCR LLC, Dover do Brasil Ltda., Dow-Key Microwave Corporation, Dresser Wayne Data Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Dresser Wayne Fuel Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ECI - IGT Holdings LLC, ECI Holding Company LLC, ECI RegO S. de R.L. de C.V, ECI RegO Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., ECII (Mexico) LLC, EOA Systems Inc., Ebs-Ray Holdings Pty Ltd, Ebs-Ray Industries Pty Ltd, Ebs-Ray Pumps Pty Ltd, Em-Tec, Engineered Controls International LLC, Espy, Ettlinger, Ettlinger Kunststoffmaschinen GmbH, Fairbanks Environmental Limited, Fibrelite Composites Limited, Fibresec Holdings Limited, Fibresec Limited, Finder, GAL LLC, GIIER LLC, Gala Industries, Guangdong Tokheim LIYUAN Oil Industry Technology Limited Company, Highland Park Insurance Company, Hill PHOENIX Inc., Hill PHOENIX WIC LLC, Hill Phoenix Costa Rica Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, Hill Phoenix El Salvador Limitada de Capital Variable, Hill Phoenix Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Honduras Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Hiltap Fittings Ltd., Hydro Systems Company, Hydro Systems Europe Ltd., Industrial Motion Control LLC, Innovative Control Systems, Innovative Control Systems Inc., Inpro/Seal LLC, JK Group, JK Group S.P.A., JK Group USA Inc., K S Boca Inc., K&L Microwave DR Inc., K&L Microwave Inc., KPS (Beijing) Petroleum Equipment Trading Co Ltd., KPS Fueling Solutions Sdn. Bhd., KPS Hong Kong Holding Limited, KPS UK Limited, KS Formation Inc., KS Liquidation Inc., KSLP Liquidation L.P., Kiian Digital (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Knappco LLC, Knowles Electronics, LIQAL, LIQAL B.V., Liquip, Liquip, Liquip International Pty Limited, MAAG, MARKEM FZ SA, MARKEM-IMAJE Corporation, MIP Holdings Inc., MS Printing Solutions, MS Printing Solutions S.R.L., Maag, Maag Automatik Plastics Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Maag Gala Inc., Maag Germany GmbH, Maag Italy S.R.L., Maag Pump Systems, Maag Pump Systems (US) Inc., Maag Pump Systems AG, Maag Reduction Inc., Maag Service (Malaysia) Sdn. Bdn., Maag Service (Taiwan) Ltd., Maag Systems (Thailand) Limited, Macro Technologies LLC, Malema, Marathon Equipment Company (Delaware), Markem Imaje Center of Competencies Spain S.L.U., Markem-Imaje, Markem-Imaje (China) Co. Limited, Markem-Imaje - Unipessoal Lda, Markem-Imaje A/S, Markem-Imaje AB, Markem-Imaje AG, Markem-Imaje AS, Markem-Imaje B.V., Markem-Imaje CSAT GmbH, Markem-Imaje Co. Ltd., Markem-Imaje GmbH, Markem-Imaje Holding, Markem-Imaje Identificacao de Produtos Ltda., Markem-Imaje Inc., Markem-Imaje India Private Limited, Markem-Imaje Industries, Markem-Imaje Industries Limited, Markem-Imaje KK, Markem-Imaje LLC, Markem-Imaje Limited, Markem-Imaje Ltd., Markem-Imaje N.V., Markem-Imaje Oy, Markem-Imaje Philippines Corporation, Markem-Imaje Pty. Ltd., Markem-Imaje S.A., Markem-Imaje S.A. de C.V., Markem-Imaje S.r.l., Markem-Imaje SAS, Markem-Imaje Sdn. Bhd., Markem-Imaje Singapore Pte. Ltd., Markem-Imaje Spain S.A., Markpoint Holding AB, Midland Manufacturing LLC, Midwest Cryogenics Inc., Mouvex, Northeast Services Inc., Northern Lights (Nevada) Inc., Northern Lights Funding LP, Northern Lights Investments LLC, Nova Controls Inc., OK International, OK International Holdings Inc., OK International Inc., OK International Ltd., OPW Engineered Systems LLC, OPW Fluid Transfer Group Europe B.V., OPW Fluid Transfer Solutions (Jiang Su) Co. Ltd., OPW Fluids Group Inc., OPW Fuel Management Systems Inc., OPW Fueling Components (SuZhou) Co. Ltd., OPW Fueling Components LLC, OPW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., OPW Slovakia s.r.o., OPW Sweden AB, Officine Meccaniche Sirio S.R.L., PDQ Manufacturing, PDQ Manufacturing Inc., PISCES by OPW Inc., PSD Codax Holdings Limited, PSD Codax Limited, PSG (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PSG (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., PSG California LLC, PSG Germany GmbH, Petro Vend Sp. z o.o., Pike Machine Products Inc., Pole/Zero Acquisition Inc., Precision Brasil Equipamentos E Servicos Para Postos De Combustiveis Ltda., Precision Service - Servicos De Manutencao E Instalacao De Postos De Abastecimento De Combustivel Ltda., Production Control Services, Pump Management Services Co. LLC, Quantex Arc Limited, Quantex Patents Limited, RAV France, Ravaglioli S.P.A., Reduction Engineering GmbH, RegO (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., RegO Holding GmbH, RegO Products, RegO Valve (Shanghai) Company Ltd., Rego GmbH, Revod Corporation, Revod Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Revod Sweden AB, Robohand Inc., Rosario, Rosario Handel B.V., Rotary Lift Consolidated (Haimen) Co. Ltd., SE Liquidation LLC, SWEP France, SWEP Germany GmbH, SWEP Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., SWEP North America Inc., SWEP Slovakia s.r.o., SWEP Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Seabiscuit Motorsports Inc., Shanghai RegO Flow Technology Company Ltd., Shine Bloom - ECI A Blocker Corp., Shine Bloom - ECI Blocker Corp., Shine Bloom - ECI S Blocker Corp., Simmons Sirvey Corporation, So. Cal. Soft-Pak, So. Cal. Soft-Pak Incorporated, Soft-Pak, Solaris Laser, Solaris Laser S.A., Somero Enterprises, Sound Solutions, Sound Solutions, Space S.R.L., Spirit, Start Italiana S.R.L., Superior Holding LLC, Superior Products LLC, Swep Energy Oy, Swep International A.B., Swep Japan K.K., Sys-Tech Solutions, Sys-Tech Solutions Inc., Systech, TQC Quantium Quality S.A. de C.V., TTSI III Inc., TWG Canada Consolidated Inc., TXHI LLC, Tartan Textile Services Inc., The Espy Corporation, The Heil Co., Tokheim, Tokheim Belgium, Tokheim China Company Limited, Tokheim GmbH, Tokheim Group, Tokheim Hengshan Technologies (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Tokheim Holding B.V., Tokheim India Private Limited, Tokheim Sofitam Applications, Triton Systems, Tulsa Winch Inc., UPCO Inc., US Synthetic, Unattended Payment Solutions LLC, Unified Brands, Val TemperBent Glass L.P., Vectron Frequency Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Vehicle Service Group LLC, Vehicle Service Group UK Limited, Vos Food Store Equipment Ltd., WSCR Corp., Warn Automotive LLC, Warn Industries, Waukesha Bearings, Waukesha Bearings Corporation, Waukesha Bearings Limited, Waukesha Bearings Russia LLC, Wayne Fueling Systems, Wayne Fueling Systems (Rus) Limited Liability Company, Wayne Fueling Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Wayne Fueling Systems Canada ULC, Wayne Fueling Systems Italia S.R.L., Wayne Fueling Systems LLC, Wayne Fueling Systems Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB, Wayne Fueling Systems UK Holdco Ltd., Wayne Industria e Comercio Ltda., WellMark, WellMark, and em-tec GmbH.

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The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. operates as a diversified financial services company in the United States. The company's Retail Banking segment offers checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, credit cards, education loans, and personal and small business loans and lines of credit; and brokerage, insurance, and investment and cash management services. This segment serves consumer and small business customers through a network of branches, ATMs, call centers, and online and mobile banking channels. Its Corporate & Institutional Banking segment provides secured and unsecured loans, letters of credit, and equipment leases; cash and investment management services, receivables and disbursement management services, funds transfer services, international payment services, and access to online/mobile information management and reporting; foreign exchange, derivatives, fixed income, securities underwriting, loan syndications, and mergers and acquisitions and equity capital markets advisory related services; and commercial loan servicing and technology solutions. It serves mid-sized and large corporations, and government and not-for-profit entities. The company's Asset Management Group segment offers investment and retirement planning, customized investment management, credit and cash management solutions, and trust management and administration services for high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals, and their families; and multi-generational family planning services for ultra high net worth individuals and their families. It also provides outsourced chief investment officer, custody, private real estate, cash and fixed income client solutions, and fiduciary retirement advisory services for institutional clients. The company has 2,591 branches and 9,502 ATMs. The company was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
By Prem Calvin Prashad

Contrary to hostile election year rhetoric, illegal border crossings from Mexico are at their lowest levels in over ten years. Supplanted by immigration from Central America and Asia, the decline appears indicative of successful efforts by the Bush and Obama administration to militarize the southern border. The impact however, is difficult to discern. Enforcement has put an end to over a century of migrant worker crossings in favor of an underclass of undocumented persons who are essentially stuck in the United States.

Data from the Pew Research Center indicates that more people are leaving the United States for Mexico than coming from Mexico and that the decline began in 2007. Overall, an estimated million individuals have left since then, with the overwhelming majority (61%) citing family reunification as their reason for returning to Mexico. In addition, deportations have grown dramatically as well as the consequences for being caught.

Dating back to the end of slavery, there is a storied use of migrant labor in the United States, from plantation and railroad workers from various Asian countries to Mexican migrants working on American farms, across a largely open border, for much of this countrys history. In fact, border enforcement, starting in earnest around the mid-20th century, was as much an effort to expel migrant workers from the United States as it was efforts by the Mexican government to keep its workers in Mexico. The controversial Bracero contracted labor program (1942-1964), which at its peak, brought in nearly a half-million migrant workers a year and the infamous 1954 Operation Wetback were examples of this cooperation. Failing to provide comparable wages, the Mexican government looked to manage its flow of people across the border through these agreements.

The phenomenon of Mexican migration to the United States is example of circular migration. Present in most developed nations, circular migrants tend to spend part of their year working in a wealthier country and return home during off-peak months. This is especially true for agricultural workers who would have little reason to remain after growing season ends. However, increased red tape, enforcement and criminalization of entry have forced many migrants to make the choice to remain in the United States as undocumented immigrants. The demand for their labor remains because Americans have shown little interest in agricultural work and farms have continued to rely on the undocumented. Consequently, as more migrant workers find themselves forced to remain, rhetoric against them has shifted, now accusing them of remaining for welfare and other social benefits.

It is possible that the current Republican intransigence and escalation on this issue is because the current administration has occupied a traditionally conservative position. The Obama administration has insisted on providing a path to citizenship while also deporting and returning undocumented persons at a rate higher than any other administration at levels unseen since the mass roundups of migrants (and some American citizens, too) of the 50s. Conversely, the Republicans may feel pressure to push narratives that they would manage policy differently, hence the newfound emphasis on the wall. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has pledged to keep the paths to citizenship (DACA and DAPA) open, but has said less on the matter of deportation. She also pledges to create an Office of Immigrant Affairs, to promote integration.

Of course, should the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump persist in the delusion of an expensive border wall (currently estimated at $5 billion), its worth noting that an estimated 70 percent of undocumented persons arrived in the United States by plane and overstayed visas. To prevent this would involve a blanket ban on all foreign visitors, which would have massive economic consequences across the country.

Sound immigration policy must acknowledge the critical role that circular migration plays for developed nations. In addition, should bipartisan consensus remain for stricter laws and robust deportations, the pathway to citizenship must remain open, so that those trapped by policy have a viable means to legalize their status. Until then, U.S. immigration policy will have the counterintuitive effect of drawing in more undocumented persons, most of whom cannot afford to leave.
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By Bill Parry

The citys jail system will no longer subject inmates 21 years old and younger to solitary confinement, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Department of Correction Commissioner Joseph Ponte announced Tuesday. The DOC has created alternative, more humane approaches for managing young inmates behavior that have paved the way for ending a practice that can be counterproductive to the development of young adults.

Todays announcement shows that New York City is leading the nation down a path toward rehabilitation and safety, de Blasio said. Commissioner Ponte has established viable options for managing and disciplining young inmates that can bring about better outcomes while reducing violence  and has done so years ahead of other jurisdictions.

Ponte embarked on a 14-point anti-violence reform agenda in March 2015, including alternative housing models for managing the behavior of young inmates. Prisoners ages 18 to 21 comprise less than 12 percent of the jail population but commit nearly a third of the violence in the citys jails.

During the last two years, the department created and tested a number of models for safely managing our youngest inmates, Ponte said. Each step of the way, we assessed our progress and setbacks with safety for staff and inmates foremost in mind. Our ending of punitive segregation today is founded upon thoughtful evaluation, flexibility and adjustments with the needs and safety concerns of staff and young adults front and center.

New York City becomes the first in the nation to end solitary confinement of young adults. Correction Officers Benevolent Association President Elias Husamudeen blasted the initiative.

Ending punitive segregation is another way of saying its open season on correction officers and an invitation for inmates to increase their terrorist attacks on correction officers, civilians, and other inmates, he said. This administration continues to put their desire to be first in the nation instead of being the smartest in the nation, when it comes to ensuring the safety of staff and inmates alike.

Glenn Martin, founder and president of JustLeadershipUSA, which organized a march through Astoria and rally calling for the closing of Rikers Island last month, hailed the reform. Martin was sent to Rikers on a shoplifting charge when he was 16.

Prolonged segregation for anyone, but especially young people, is counter-productive as well as cruel, he said. This form of confinement makes people suffer without making Rikers safe for detainees or correction officers. While we continue to demand the closure of Rikers Island, JLUSA thanks the mayor for his leadership in moving New York Citys jail system towards being more fair, humane and just.
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By Patrick Donachie

Police arrested and charged a Long Island woman Saturday with shooting a plainclothes NYPD officer with a pellet gun in downtown Jamaica, authorities said.

Tiara Ferebee, 24, of Riverhead, was charged with the attempted murder of an officer, as well as assault on an officer with a deadly weapon, criminal possession of a loaded firearm and reckless endangerment, according to NYPD.

At about 5:11 p.m. Oct. 12, two plainclothes police officers were driving an unmarked police car westbound on Jamaica Avenue, at the corner of 168th Street. A passenger in a brown 2015 Nissan Altima that was traveling eastbound on Jamaica Avenue shot at the officers with a pellet gun, striking one of the officers in his forehead, the police said.

The officer suffered a small laceration and was taken to Jamaica Hospital, according to the NYPD. The other officer was unharmed in the incident, police said. There were no additional arrests at this time, according to the NYPD, and the investigation was ongoing.
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By Bill Parry

While members of the Maspeth-Middle Village Task Force protested in solidarity with civic groups in Sunset Park, Brooklyn Saturday, where several homeless shelters have opened, anger spread to the Rockaway Peninsula where the city is now renting rooms at the Playland Motel to house homeless families.

More than 100 angry Rockaway residents gathered Sunday at a Knights of Columbus Hall to hear City Councilman Eric Ulrich (D-Ozone Park), who denounced the citys move.

Instead of fulfilling his pledge to end the use of hotels to shelter people who have fallen on hard times, Mayor de Blasio quietly signed a deal to use Playland Motel in Rockaway Beach as a homeless facility. I am outraged. My constituents  and all New Yorkers  deserve better, Ulrich said. Mayor de Blasios so-called progressive agenda has caused the homeless population to skyrocket. The time has come for this administration to put forth real and meaningful solutions that will actually help people find permanent housing and rebuild their lives. The Playland Motel is not the right answer.

The boutique motel, located just a block from the surf on Rockaway Beach Boulevard, is closing Nov. 1. The city Department of Homeless Services said it has rented rooms for homeless families.

There are no plans to convert this location into a shelter, DHS spokeswoman Lauren Gray said. We are currently renting rooms at this location to help meet our legal and moral obligation to shelter homeless families with children.

On Monday, Ulrich announced he was organizing a public demonstration on the steps of City Hall to protest Mayor de Blasios failed homeless policies. The protest will take place Friday at 10 a.m. Community leaders and other elected officials are invited to attend.

Since Mayor de Blasio took office, the homeless population in our city has skyrocketed to record levels, Ulrich said. Now more than ever, New Yorkers want real solutions that actually help people who have fallen on hard times. We demand a better plan.

In Maspeth, where nightly protests have tripled since DHS moved 30 homeless men into the Holiday Inn Express Oct. 10, a civic leader who spearheaded the protests said the Maspeth-Middle Village Task Force will be at the City Hall rally Friday.

Weve been talking with Ulrich about this since August, Juniper Park Civic Association President Bob Holder said. But I guess the Playland Motel moved him to go ahead and reserve the steps. We said we were going to go to City Hall and were going to bring our coalition of civic organizations with us with our message that putting homeless in hotels is bad policy.

After Saturdays protest in Sunset Park, the two rented buses took the Maspeth protesters to Windsor Park, where they protested outside the home of Human Resources Commissioner Steven Banks for the second time. It is not known if the man who oversees DHS was home, according to Holden.

On Monday morning there was word of another possible conversion of a hotel into a homeless shelter, this time in East Elmhurst.

U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights), state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) and state Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-East Elmhurst) said the Courtyard by Marriott, located at 90-10 Ditmars Blvd., has been earmarked by DHS to potentially house a population of up to 60 homeless single men.

Last month, the same three lawmakers learned that DHS had been renting rooms at the Holiday Inn Express at 113-10 Horace Harding Expressway. In both cases, DHS had failed to inform both elected officials and community members of their plans.

While our communities remain very sympathetic to the ongoing issue of homelessness in New York, it is true that we have already carried our fair share of this problem by hosting no less that five shelters in our neighborhoods, they said in a joint statement. We will fiercely continue in our opposition to additional shelter facilities within the area. Simply put, DHS must work to solve the pervasive issues of homelessness through ongoing dialogue with affected communities and their elected officials. Continued unilateral action by DHS fails to provide any measure of a meaningful framework for a long-term solution to these problems.
Q&A with PA-16 candidates Robert Matzie and Rico Elmore

Both Beaver County natives, Matzie and Elmore have expressed their interest in making Beaver County a better place in their own unique ways.
Rain lifts lake levels, ends burn ban

Generous rain over the past few days bolstered area lake levels slightly and prompted Wichita County Commissioners to end an outdoor burn ban.
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By Barbara Green, The Bowie News

A Bowie business owner, fed up with what he calls "outrageous" utility bills, has initiated a public petition seeking "competitive" rates for his community.

Terry Frazier, owner of Say Anything Designs, a custom T-shirt design company in Bowie, has been gathering signatures for this petition and plans to present it to the City Council by mid-November.

The petition states, "We the people ask for competitive rates based on current market trends of utility service in the city limits of Bowie."

Frazier has been in Bowie since January 2015. He said he simply "got fed up with the outrageous bills we pay in town," so he wanted to do something.

"My wife and I talked about it for months, talked to neighbors and friends. It just seemed like someone needed to take control of it, so I jumped on it,"

He would like to obtain at least 2,500 names before he submits it to the council.

"There has been a good response  of course, everyone wants a rate reduction. Getting the support will show the community is behind it," Frazier said.

Frazier talked with City Manager Ricky Tow and Mayor Larry Slack for two hours gathering information, and he calls the bulk power contract with Bryan Texas Utilities "ridiculous."

"I did learn it is a ridiculous contract all based on a coal-fire power plant. I would like to see competitive rates. It is 4 to 8 cents a kilowatt hour outside the city, and we pay 15 cents. I know it won't be overnight due to the 30-year contract, but you have to start somewhere," he said.

Based on the most recent utility rates, residential customers in Bowie pay a $10 customer charge, a distribution and wires charge of .0595 per kilowatt hour, and a wholesale power and transmission charge of .0922/kWh for a total of .1517/kWh.

The changes were made earlier this year after a rate study. The new rate was actually a small decrease from the previous .15504 /kWh rate.

That rate study showed Bowie was second highest of eight area municipal power providers in electricity at .1507/kWh compared with Seymour at .1505/kWh; Bridgeport, .1409; and Sanger at .1381.

That study was prepared by Schneider Engineering in October 2015. It also showed Bowie had the third lowest wastewater rate of the cities surveyed, third highest water rate and fifth highest property tax.
CHRISTOPHER WALKER/TIMES RECORD NEWS Texas Department of Transportation contractors will begin work Monday to replace highway striping, install center lane rumble strips and make other highway upgrades in four North Texas counties.

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By Times Record News

More than 100 miles of North Texas roads will get new striping, reflective markers or centerline rumble strips over the next six weeks.

The Texas Department of Transportation has hired a contractor to do the work for more than $500,000. The project is scheduled to start Monday.

The improvements will be performed at various locations in all four counties. Highways included on the list are U.S. Highway 81, U.S. Highway 82, Texas Highway 59, Texas Highway 16, U.S. Highway 380, U.S. Highway 287, Texas Highway 240 and Texas Highway 25. Roads in various locations will get different types of upgrades.

The work is part of a safety contract to improve visibility and add rumble strips to the center of roadways.

Centerline rumble strips are being installed as a relatively new feature in the area.

Shoulder rumble strips have been around for year

Centerline rumble strips work the same way to keep drivers from crossing over into traffic coming the other direction.

Crews will move into Young County first to work on U.S. 380 and Texas 16.
USA Today Network Archive Far more Wichita County residents will be eligible to vote in the Nov. 8 election after a final-day surge in registrations that have left the County Clerk's office with piles of applications to process.

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Gerald Boren, Wichita Falls

I have heard the crude remarks caught on tape spoken by Donald Trump in 2005 and was troubled by them. However, before you demand Trump's removal from the race, consider this: They were only words, spoken by a private citizen 11 years ago.

Do you think JFK didn't speak similar words to the staff members who procured women for sex with him? There were no live microphones nearby when those conversations took place. But his record as a womanizer and an adulterer is well documented and is part of recorded history. And he was no private citizen. He was president of the United States.

And then there is William Jefferson Clinton. Also, no private citizen. The list of women he victimized as Arkansas governor and as POTUS is legendary. Does the name Monica Lewinsky ring a bell? And then his wife Hillary, the champion of women's rights, made every effort to smear and destroy them all.

For all the flaws of both candidates, the reality is that Trump's policies are better for the country than Hillary's. Consider the issues: border security, war on terrorism, military preparation, court appointments, law and order, veterans' care, gun rights and the economy.

The economy. Hillary's approach to that one is more government, higher taxes, increased spending and redistribution of wealth. This formula has never worked.

On Nov. 8, vote your conscience. I'll vote mine.
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EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY

Mila Gasco joined the Center for Technology in Government as associate research director. Gasco also serves as an associate research professor at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy.

FINANCIAL

FENIMORE ASSET MANAGEMENT

Debra A. Pollard was promoted to president and chief operating officer. Pollard joined in 1992 and serves as a firm principal.

BALLSTON SPA NATIONAL BANK

Kathleen Fialkowski was promoted to assistant vice president and business development officer II. Fialkowski joined in 2014 as a branch manager and was quickly promoted to business development officer I.

Thomas Ratsep was named vice president and commercial banking manager. Ratsep has more than 22 years of banking and commercial lending experience.

Deborah O'Connor was named vice president and cash management adviser. O'Connor has more than 35 years of experience in the banking industry and previously served as a government relationship manager for First Niagara Bank.

KINDERHOOK BANK CORP.

Monofer Usman joined as assistant vice president and branch manager in Latham. Usman previously served as branch manager at Citizens Bank in Albany.

HEALTH CARE

SARATOGA HOSPITAL

Amanda Dow joined as a neurologist in the Medical Group-Neurology. Dow completed an internship and residency in neurology at Albany Medical College.

ALBANY MEDICAL CENTER

Loay Salman, who recently joined Albany Medical Center as chief of nephrology and hypertension, was named the Thomas Ordway, M.D., Distinguished Chair in Medicine. Salman previously served as professor of clinical medicine in the division of nephrology, hypertension and chief of interventional nephrology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

MANUFACTURING

PROTECTIVE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS

Rick Hellar joined as chief information officer. Hellar previously served as head of IT at Proximo Spirits, a subsidiary of Jose Cuervo International.

NONPROFITS

CATHOLIC CHARITIES DISABILITIES SERVICES

Peggy Maliski was promoted to director of community supports. Maliski has served in various roles since joining in 2006.

Rowena Smith was promoted to director of quality assurance. Smith joined in 2011 and has worked to develop the agency's Quality Assurance department.

Mark Keegan was named director of quality initiatives. Keegan previously served as associate executive director.

Colleen Welch joined the Community Supports department as an administrative assistant.

Elizabeth Smith and Brooke Creech joined as community support professionals.

Michelle Brandow and Samantha Coluccio joined as service coordinators.

Natahja Epps-Cooper, Albert Oppong and Deedra Vargo joined as direct support professionals in the Residential department.

NEW YORK STATE SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

Jennifer Kearney joined as a meeting and event coordinator. Kearney previously served as the catering sales manager at Embassy Suites in Saratoga Springs.

CAPITAL DISTRICT YMCA

Melissa Bellew was promoted to district executive director for the Schenectady and Duanesburg branches. Bellew previously served as executive director of the Schenectady branch.

REAL ESTATE

REALTYUSA

Laura DeStefano joined as a licensed sales associate in the Clifton Park office.

THE ROSENBLUM COMPANIES

Christine Jaworski joined as a marketing associate. Jaworski previously served as assistant director at the Sorelle Gallery.

 Jennifer Patterson
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Saratoga Springs

Democratic Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner has accused New Yorkers for Independent Action, an outside super PAC, of trying to interfere in the113th district election.

The PAC, which is focused on pushing the education tax credit, is airing $500,000 worth of attack ads against her, linking her with Sheldon Silver, the disgraced Speaker of the Assembly, who was convicted of corruption.

"This is a group of hedge fund millionaires and billionaires who want the education tax credit, something I have been fighting against since I got in office," said Woerner. "What they want is a big tax break for making charitable contributions to charter schools, something I strongly oppose. Now they are coming after me."

The out-of district money is set to boost the campaign of her opponent Republican Chris Boyark, a 38-year-old business owner from Mechanicville.

"The content in the television ads against my opponent is indisputable," said Boyark. "If she's unhappy about what the ads say about her than maybe she should have made more thoughtful decisions as our assemblywoman." Boyark said that she has received $592,000 in campaign cash from New York City special interests.

The fight for the district, which is split between Republicans, Independents and Democrats, has grown ugly in recent days. Woerner points to Boyark's ethical violations: receiving campaign contributions before he registered his campaign with the Board of Elections and being late filing his financial disclosure papers to JCOPE.

Boyark counters that Woerner clung close to Silver in her first few days in office, not condemning him until after he was indicted.

"That's not leadership," said Boyark. "That's downright shameful."

Woerner called for Silver to step down four days after his indictment.

"I was the first upstate woman to do so," she said adding she believes in accountability and transparency. "Considering the (Republican) Leader of the Senate was also indicted, neither house nor party has much to be proud of."

wliberatore@timesunion.com  518-454-5445  @wendyliberatore
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Schenectady

Using an insanity defense, amateur mixed martial arts fighter James Hilton admitted Monday he beat a Schenectady police officer into unconsciousness last year during an "out-of-body experience."

"I wasn't at all in a good place at that point," Hilton, 33, of Lake George testified under questioning from his lawyer, Lincy Jacob.

"I was in a heightened state of fear. I didn't know what (the officer) was planning."

Hilton, a Marine who served in Iraq, is facing charges of felony assault on a police officer for the attack on Patrolman Mark Weekes, who suffered a fractured skull and 28 blows to the head.

The defendant testified he was compliant on Aug. 1, 2015, when Weekes stopped him near State Street and Broadway, where a drunk Hilton was dancing with a traffic cone. Hilton was joined by two friends, but both took off.

Hilton testified that Weekes grabbed his wrists and tried to wrench his arm behind his back, which led him to fight the officer because he was in a state of fear.

"I didn't get mad. I reacted out of fear," Hilton testified. "All I was thinking was, 'Eliminate the threat.'"

The officer and his girlfriend watched in the gallery Monday as Hilton testified. At one point, when asked, Hilton said that had he inflicted more damage on the officer, Weekes "would be dead."

Hilton said he ran away from the scene because he feared what the officer might do when he awoke. The defendant said he encountered his friends, who suggested he hide. He hid in a trash bin but Schenectady police later arrested him. Hilton told a detective: "Nobody puts their hands on me. I don't care who they are, even an officer of police," according to a video played at the trial Friday.

Hilton's attorney is trying to prove her client is not guilty by mental disease or defect due to post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder. The defense is required to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that Hilton lacked the mental capacity to appreciate his actions and know they were wrong. The defendant testified Monday that while in Iraq, he witnessed a soldier accidentally blow himself up. He said he also was once attacked by dogs. Hilton said he was a vegan and that, "I have a lot of value for life."

Hilton admitted that, during his first marriage, he told his mother-in-law he would rather hurt himself than his wife. When she suggested he lacked the guts to hurt himself, Hilton cut his arm with a steak knife, he said.

The defendant also admitted that while living with his current wife, he turned on all four gas burners on his stove, burned a roll of paper and stomped it out on the floor.

Earlier, psychologist Lawrence Avery, testifying for the defense, said he examined Hilton and diagnosed him as being bipolar and suffering from PTSD as well as having brief episodes of psychosis.

He said Hilton was "probably psychotic" at the time he fought Weekes.

Prosecutors are expected to present a mental health expert witness to rebut Avery's testimony.

The case could go to the jury as soon as Tuesday afternoon.

rgavin@timesunion.com  518-434-2403
Members of Team Tinker were joined by mission support partners Oct. 7 to honor an Air Force icon.

The KC-135 Stratotankers 60 years of service were recognized during a ceremony at Dock 5  in Bldg. 3001. The KC-135s actual anniversary coincides with the first flight on Aug. 31, 1956, so the fall celebration at the home of all organic depot workload was perfectly suited.

Guest speakers from the Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Rockwell Collins and Boeing credited the longevity of the KC-135 fleet in large part to the skilled workforce at Tinker Air Force Base, which was instrumental in putting a record 75 KC-135 aircraft through programmed depot maintenance in fiscal 2016.

As we celebrate the birthday of a national treasure today, we do so realizing that the 60 years of success of the KC-135 is due to generations that preceded us, this generation and the generations to come that have invested their lives in the tanker fleet  contractor, civilian and military personnel, said Col. Mark Mocio, Legacy Tanker Division commander and program manager for the KC-135. Because of your efforts, the KC-135 has served as the backbone of military aerial refueling for 60 years and will continue for decades to come.

The Legacy Tanker program office at Tinker is responsible for life cycle management of the KC-135 fleet, while the maintenance, repair and overhaul is performed by the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, including the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group.

They have separate organizational chains and separate responsibilities, but the two groups work together to provide combat power to the Airmen. Cooperation is the key to getting the job done, Colonel Mocio said.

Col. Kenyon Bell, 76th AMXG commander, agrees.

Our strength really lies in our people, he said. We cant do anything without our talented and dedicated workforce. Our collective team is laser focused daily on providing safe, quality aircraft back to the operational forces.

Donald Thompson, deputy program executive officer for Tankers with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, said those flying the first KC-135 in 1956 probably never imagined that the same aircraft would be flying 60 years later, much less continue until the 2040s.

None of that would be possible without you, the men and women of the Air Force and those working for our mission partners, he said. For 60 years you have been the unsung heroes on the KC-135.

Addressing the maintainers in attendance, Mr. Thompson urged them to never forget the importance of their role.

Each of the KC-135 crew members and passengers put their lives in your hands every day, he said. You see, each of you is just as critical to the KC-135 mission execution chain as the pilot and boom operator. Without you, they will never offload another gallon of gas, they will never save another life and they will never transport another short ton. Thank you for taking this responsibility so seriously and thank you, Tanker family, for all you do.

Air Force Sustainment Center Commander Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II said there are many more chapters to be written in the history of the KC-135 and hes looking forward to seeing what the next chapter will be.

I dont know what it will say, but I can tell you it will be impressive, the general said. I know it will help the United States Air Force, the worlds most respected and powerful aerospace and cyber force, remain on top in its preeminent role. And whatever it is that the KC-135 is called on to do next, it will be because of everyone in this room and everybody that you represent. Its an amazing legacy.
Human rights groups have long complained about the deplorable conditions in Brazilian prisons, where fights and riots are frequent (AFP Photo/Justin Tallis) (AFP/File)

Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Rioting inmates beheaded their rivals and bodies were burned in an explosion of violence in two Brazilian jails that left at least 18 people dead on Monday, authorities said.

Prisoners also took women visitors hostage, a regional official told Brazilian television.

It was the latest eruption of gruesome violence to hit the country's underfunded and overcrowded prison system.

The clash between two rival factions in a prison in the far northern state of Roraima killed 10 on Sunday, regional government media spokeswoman Jessica Laurie told AFP.

"The inmates were armed with stones and pieces of wood that they ripped from the walls. They used those bits of wood to decapitate their rivals. It was very brutal," she said.

"At first, the police thought there were more dead," she said. "Seven bodies were found burned and three others beheaded. Three inmates were lightly wounded and were treated."

On Monday a fresh riot, thought to be linked to the Roraima carnage, broke out at a jail in the northwestern state of Rondonia on the Bolivian border, a local police spokesman said.

"There are thought to be eight people dead but the bodies are burnt and the medical authorities will have to confirm" the toll, he told AFP.

Human rights groups have long complained about the deplorable conditions in Brazilian prisons, where fights and riots are frequent.

- Knives, clubs, hostages -

In the first riot in the Roraima state capital Boa Vista, the bloodshed began when inmates of one wing of the Agricola de Monte Cristo prison broke into another wing.

Prisoners were armed with knives and wooden clubs, an inmate's wife who was in the prison when the riot broke out told news channel G1.

Roraima state Secretary of Justice Uziel Castro said that the fight erupted during visiting hours, and some 100 relatives of inmates were briefly held hostage.

The rioters demanded that a judge come to hear their demands. Instead, special operations police stormed the prison, freed the hostages and regained control of the site by sundown.

Story continues

"All the hostages were released," Castro said, adding that most of them were women.

The prison, some 3,400 kilometers (2,100 miles) northwest of Rio de Janeiro, is in a state that borders Venezuela and Guyana.

- Violent, overcrowded prisons -

Joana Moura, head of the union of Roraima penal workers, told the Folha de Boa Vista newspaper that the incident "is a reflection of the lack of interest from the state government" towards the prison system.

According to Moura, "there is no security equipment, there are not enough personnel for the tasks, and the prison officers are working beyond their capacity."

As of the end of 2014, there were 622,000 people imprisoned in Brazil, according to a Ministry of Justice report, which added that most of the prisoners are black males.

Brazil has the world's fourth largest prison population, the report said, after the United States, China and Russia.

Human rights groups have long complained about the deplorable conditions in Brazilian prisons.

In late May, 14 inmates died in prisons in the northeastern state of Ceara. That led the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to issue a statement urging structural reforms.

In a separate incident in September, some 200 inmates rioted and escaped the overpopulated Jardinopolis prison in Sao Paulo state.
Nenagh parish priest Fr. Des Hillery has been appointed Vicar General by the Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan.

Bishop Monahan said he was happy to call upon the experience of Fr Hillery in assisting with the administration of the diocese.

I am very grateful that he has accepted to take on the role at this time along with his work as parish priest of Nenagh. His gentle and effective leadership during his time as Administrator of the Diocese was a great source of encouragement to the clergy and people before my appointment as Bishop, he said.

Bishop Monahan is currently working on the renewal of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and the Council of Priests.

Fr Hillery said he was privileged and humbled by the trust that Bishop Fintan had placed in him.

I look forward to working closely with him in continuing to serve the people of this diocese and in building up a Christian community where Gospel values can flourish, he said.
Pupils of St. Cronans National School Rosemount are pictured (below) with Ms. Amanda Dunne (member of Parents Association Committee) at the launch of the up coming Cookery Demonstration which will take place on Wednesday 30th November at 8 pm in Rackett Hall hosted by Ms. Ailish Hennessy of Fiachri House.

This promises to be a fantastic night with plenty of tips and treats to enhance our Christmas menus. There will also be stalls and mini-shops providing lots of inspiration for our shopping list and items to purchases on the night.

Doors will open at 7.30pm to give people an opportunity to view produce and products on all stalls.

A Tipperary Jersey signed by the victorious All Ireland Hurling Champions of 2016 will be raffled on the night as well as other brilliant prizes and a number of spot prizes.

Ticket will go on sale in Supervalu on 25th November, or can be purchased in the Ugly Duckling Restaurant at any time.

Tickets are also available from any member of the Parents Association or from the school office 0505 21636. We appreciate all support from Supervalu and the Ugly Duckling in facilitating the sale of tickets.

Funds raised will go towards St. Cronans National School Rosemount and a donation will be made to the Lions Club Christmas Food Appeal.
[October 17, 2016] Littler Combines With 170-Lawyer Firm in France

Littler, the world's largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has combined with Fromont Briens, one of the largest labor and employment law firms in Europe. With offices in Paris and Lyon, France, the Fromont Briens team consists of 170 lawyers that focus on all areas of labor and employment law. The combination follows Littler's expansion into Germany and Canada last year, and its development of a labor and employment practice of unparalleled scope across Latin America. "We are excited to welcome Fromont Briens to Littler Global and to connect our extensive global platform with a firm highly regarded for counseling multinational and French companies on complex labor and employment matters," said Tom Bender and Jeremy Roth, co-managing directors of Littler, in a joint statement. "Alongside our team of nearly 30 lawyers across four offices in Germany, adding a major presence in France will significantly expand our footprint in Continental Europe and further enhance our ability to provide comprehensive counsel on the myriad employment law issues facing global employers." Fromont Briens represents multinational companies based in the United States, France and throughout Europe in a wide variety of industries, including energy, technology, retail, manufacturing, financial services, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The firm's attorneys counsel and defend employers in a range of areas, including individual and collective labor relations, business restructurings, employee benefits and compensation policies, employee retirement and savings plans, and social security and pension matters. Fromont Briens also conducts compliance audits, due diligence reviews and training seminars to help clients mitigate risk. "With numerous Fortune Global 500 companies maintaining their headquarters in France, and Germany and the U.S. serving as major trading partners to the country, establishing a French presence was an ideal next step in our continued global expansion," said Peter Susser, Littler's Global Practice Leader and chair of the firm's International Employment Law practice. "All Littler Global members have been very impressed with the top-notch services Fromont Briens provides to clients," added Stephan Swinkels, who served as executive director of L&E Global, an international alliance of labor and employment law firms, prior to joining Littler as a shareholder last June. "The firm also shares our commitment to innovation and using technology to drive greater efficiency in the delivery of legal srvices."



Fromont Briens' international team is led by Guillaume Desmoulin and Sophie Pelicier-Loevenbruck, who counsel national and multinational companies on such matters as labor relations, social security law and business restructurings. Gregory Chastagnol, a member of Fromont Briens' management committee, has been involved in discussions with Littler from the outset. Additional members of the Fromont Briens management committee include Cedric Guillon, Gilles Briens, David Calvayrac and Philippe Clement. "Littler Global offers an unparalleled ability to help companies navigate the challenges and considerations that come with managing employees in various global markets," Guillaume Desmoulin said. "We have developed strong working relationships with Littler attorneys, particularly those in Germany, and feel the firm's strategy for global expansion and client service model is a perfect fit for our practice."

"We are thrilled to join forces with Littler and look forward to collaborating with our new colleagues across the globe," added Gregory Chastagnol. "Considering our complex legal environment and major evolutions over the past few years, operating in France presents unique issues for employers. Fromont Briens' extensive knowledge of labor and employment law in France and Littler's position as the world's leading employment law firm is a powerful combination to service multinational companies." Littler's international operations span three continents - North America, South America and Europe - and include Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. The firm's global capabilities also include U.S.-based lawyers with exceptional international experience, who are dually licensed practitioners in Australia, Brazil, China, the United Kingdom and South Africa, among other countries. "Fromont Briens has developed a well-deserved reputation in France and throughout Europe for providing counseling, litigation, auditing and training to employers based on the deep subject matter knowledge of its attorneys," said Dr. Thomas Griebe, one of the founding partners of Littler Global member firm vangard. "Having worked with Guillaume and his colleagues over the years, we are excited to add a strong neighboring partner that will bring significant value to our global clients." As part of the firm's commitment to keeping global companies informed of labor and employment developments impacting their operations, Littler will host its inaugural Europe Conference on November 10, 2016 in Berlin. For more information and to register for the event, please visit http://www.littler.com/events/inaugural-europe-conference-germany. About Fromont Briens Founded in 1993, Fromont Briens has grown to 170 lawyers practicing in Paris and Lyon and representing French and multinational companies in all areas of labor and employment law. The firm and its attorneys have been recognized as leaders in labor and employment law in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, and has received ISO 9001 certification from the International Organization of Standardization for developing a strong quality management system. About Littler Littler is the largest global employment and labor law practice, with more than 1,000 attorneys in over 70 offices worldwide. Littler represents management in all aspects of employment and labor law and serves as a single-source solution provider to the global employer community. Consistently recognized in the industry as a leading and innovative law practice, Littler has been litigating, mediating and negotiating some of the most influential employment law cases and labor contracts on record for over 70 years. Littler Global is the collective trade name for an international legal practice, the practicing entities of which are separate and distinct professional firms. For more information visit: www.littler.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005375/en/

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[October 16, 2016] LexisNexis Risk Solutions Launches Crime Alerts Mobile Application for Apple Watch and iPhone

SAN DIEGO and WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- There is little more important to the individual than his or her personal safety unless it is knowing their loved ones are safe. People want to know about the crime in their neighborhoods, near their schools or workplaces and where they travel. While law enforcement is charged with protecting the public's safety, it also is responsible for keeping the public informed about how it serves its citizens, including where and how crime is occurring. LexisNexis Risk Solutions today announced that it is launching a new solution that helps to bridge the data gap between law enforcement and citizens: the LexisNexis Crime Alerts Mobile  a free consumer-facing mobile application that encompasses crime-alerting capability on Apple mobile devices. The LexisNexis Crime Alerts Mobile app is available now. By downloading the LexisNexis Crime Alerts Mobile app on an iPhone orApple Watch, individuals are notified of criminal events around a designated address or geolocation, new crime events that have occurred in the last 24 hours and criminal events that occur while the individual is on the move.



"LexisNexis Risk Solutions has created this app as a public service to citizens, so they may access this critical information and as a service to law enforcement, so they may more effectively share data with their communities," said Haywood Talcove, CEO, LexisNexis Risk Solutions. "This new app is an exciting innovation which we believe will make a real difference in public safety and can play a role in helping law enforcement agencies across the country to help foster public trust within their communities." iPhone and Apple Watch users may download the app from the App Store by searching for "LexisNexis Crime Alerts." Desktop users may download the app via the iTunes Store.

See LexisNexis Risk Solutions at Booth 2125 at the IACP 2016 Annual Conference. About LexisNexis Risk Solutions

LexisNexis Risk Solutions is a leader in providing essential information that helps customers across industries and government predict, assess and manage risk. Combining cutting-edge technology, unique data and advanced analytics, LexisNexis Risk Solutions provides products and services that address evolving client needs in the risk sector while upholding the highest standards of security and privacy. LexisNexis Risk Solutions is part of RELX Group plc, a world-leading provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries. http://www.lexisnexis.com/risk/ Media Contact

Mary Alice Johnson

LexisNexis Risk Solutions

Phone: (202) 394-7325

[email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161016/429110

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160120/324390LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lexisnexis-risk-solutions-launches-crime-alerts-mobile-application-for-apple-watch-and-iphone-300345504.html SOURCE LexisNexis Risk Solutions

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[October 16, 2016] Rising Media and 3DR Holdings Announce New Speakers, Including Thompson Reuters and Samsung Electronics for Inside Fintech Seoul, in Association with KINTEX

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rising Media, Inc. and 3DR Holdings announced new speakers and exhibitors for the Inside Fintech Conference & Expo launch event in Seoul, South Korea, in association with the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX). Inside Fintech is a new global conference series dedicated to accelerating innovation in the global financial ecosystem. The conference program will feature 30+ speakers from major financial institutions and fintech startups, including confirmed speakers from Thomson Reuters, Samsung Electronics, and more. Avril Parkin, Director, Client Technology North Asia, Thomson Reuters will be sharing her insights on distributed ledgers and how companies can harness their private data. Joonwoo Kim, Deputy Director, Samsung Electronics will discuss the future of Samsung Pay and its role in the mobile payment and digital wallet space. In addition to Thomson Reuters, the confirmed speaker lineup includes Roger Ver, EO of Bitcoin.com, and individuals from Genesis Mining, LC Company, Coinplug, Korea University, Bluepan Inc., and more.



Confirmed Session Topics for Inside Fintech Seoul include: Alipay, WeChat, and UnionPay Overseas

Where Does the Blockchain Fit into the Future of Finance

China Disrupted: Lessons from the World's Largest Fintech Market

The Future of Samsung

Innovation vs. Regulation: Fintech's Evolving Global Regulatory Landscape Prices for Inside Fintech Seoul increase on-site, so register in advance to save. For more information and to register, visit insidefintechconference.com/seoul.

Rising Media and 3DR Holdings also announced the first five sponsors and exhibitors confirmed for the event, including Diamond Sponsor LC COMPANY; Silver Sponsors Bluepan and Genesis Mining; and Exhibitors Australian Embassy (Austrade) and Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK). If your company is interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at Inside Fintech Seoul or an upcoming event, please contact [email protected]. For inquiries in Asia, contact [email protected]. Inside Fintech Seoul is produced by Rising Media, KINTEX, and 3DR Holdings. The event is sponsored by and co-produced by Bitcoin.com. Inside Fintech Seoul is also supported by Korea Fintech Industry Association (KORFIN) and Global Fintech Research Institute (GFIN). About Rising Media Rising Media is a global events and media producer excelling in Internet and technology-related events and content. Events include Inside 3D Printing, RoboUniverse, Virtual Reality Summit, Inside Fintech, Data Driven Business, Building Business Capability, Predictive Analytics World, Text Analytics World, eMetrics Summit, Conversion Conference, Email Innovations Summit, AllFacebook Marketing Conference, Search Marketing Expo, Affiliate Management Days, Influencer Marketing Days and Web Effectiveness Conference in the USA, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, India, China, Korea, Singapore, Australia. For more information, please visit www.risingmedia.com. For press inquiries, please contact [email protected] or Christoph Rowen at +852 9190 4412 and [email protected]. Logo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20160912/8521605768LOGO

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RepRisk and GEC Risk Release Joint Special Report on Samsung Group

RepRisk, the leading provider of dynamic business intelligence on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks, and GEC Risk, a global governance, risk, integrity, reputation, and crisis advisory firm, have released a Joint Special Report on Samsung (News - Alert) Group.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161016005008/en/

The report outlines recent events related to ESG issues and analyzes the company's current position. Based on these developments, the report recommends several short- and long-term steps to address stakeholder interests.

To read the full report click here.

About RepRisk:

RepRisk is a leading business intelligence provider, specializing in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risk analytics and metrics.

Harnessing a proprietary, systematic framework that leverages cutting-edge technology and hands-on human intelligence in 15 languages, RepRisk curates and delivers dynamic risk information for an unlimited universe of companies.

Since 2006, RepRisk has built and contnues to grow the world's most comprehensive ESG risk database, which serves as a due diligence, research, and monitoring tool in risk management, compliance, investment management, corporate benchmarking, and supplier risk. The database currently includes risk profiles for over 75,000 listed and non-listed companies, 19,000 projects, as well as for every sector and country in the world.







Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, RepRisk serves clients worldwide including global banks, insurance providers, investment managers, and corporates, helping them to manage ESG and reputational risks in day-to-day business.

RepRisk provides the transparency needed to enable better, more informed decisions.

For more information, please visit www.reprisk.com or follow us on Twitter.

About GEC Risk Advisory:

GEC Risk Advisory is a global governance, risk, integrity, reputation and crisis advisory firm providing strategic counsel and consulting services to boards, executives, investors and advisors, in multiple sectors including financial, utility, technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, think tank, higher learning and professional services. Specialties include strategic and enterprise risk management; risk-based crisis scenario planning, workshops and advice; architecture and alignment of governance, risk and reputation with business strategy; creating, evaluating and structuring global risk, ethics, corporate responsibility and compliance programs including global anti-corruption and supply chain; and Transforming Risk into Value workshops.

GEC Risk provides clients a constructive, multi-cultural and strategic approach aimed ultimately at improving stakeholder trust and enterprise value.

For more information, please visit: www.gecrisk.com.

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[October 17, 2016] Huawei Hosts Safe City Summit in Africa: Leading New ICT, Making Cities Safer

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Huawei hosted its Safe City Africa Summit & Kenya Showcase 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya from October 14-15, 2016, attracting more than 200 global customers, partners, experts, and industry analysts in the public safety sector. Entitled "Leading New ICT, Making Cities Safer", the Summit showcased Safe City best practices in cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, and gave attendees the latest insights on industry trends and opportunities in the new ICT era. As part of its strategy of industry collaboration to drive innovative Safe City solutions, Huawei also demonstrated its new 4G and cloud-based smart Safe City solution, co-developed with partners, and shared other partner innovations successfully deployed in Africa. Recognized as the heart of Africa, Kenya is the continent's economic and tourism hub and the government of Kenya has embraced Safe City solutions as a national strategy to maintain this position. Huawei teamed up with Safaricom to implement the first phase of Kenya's Safe City project with new ICT, covering the most densely populated cities of Nairobi and Mombasa. Following the completion of the project, these cities have improved their local security and, according to the Kenya Police annual report, crime rates from 2014 to 2015 decreased by 46% in areas covered by the Safe City project. Ms. Diana Yuan, President of Marketing & Solution Sales Dept. of Huawei Enterprise Business Group (BG), said in her speech at the Summit, "Public safety is gradually becoming a necessity to raise living standards for everyone. The Summit today is of special significance. You can personally experience practical applications of Safe City solutions. Adhering to the principle of customer centricity, Huawei cooperates with partners and customers to build smarter, safer, and better connected Safe Cities with our new ICT infrastructure featuring Cloud-Pipe-Device integration. Huawei's Safe City solutions will comprehensively improve city management and contribute to city safety and prosperity in African countries." Safe City in the New ICT Era Mr. Kamal Naim, Head of ICT, UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlement Programme), stated in his keynote speech that a safer city is grounded on three main pillars of prevention -- law enforcement and CJS reform, social prevention and urban design -- that embrace a holistic, integrated and multi-sectorial approach to improving the liveability of cities and quality of life for all urban residents, predicated on the confidence that good urban governance, planning and management can improve neighborhoods' safety.



In his keynote speech titled "Safe Cities: Driven by a Technology Revolution", Mr. Thomas Lynch, Director of Critical Communications for IHS Markit, shared insights into how public safety is a comprehensive system where traditional video surveillance, voice dispatching, Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Geographic Information System (GIS), and call-taking and dispatching systems are closely integrated to enable threat awareness, early warning, and incident management throughout the whole process. According to the latest research from IHS Markit, the market scale of public safety equipment is estimated to increase from US$13 billion in 2015 to US$20 billion in 2020. Mr. Hong-Eng Koh, Huawei's Global Chief Public Safety Expert, said in his keynote speech that while intelligent video surveillance, broadband trunked radio and computer-aided dispatch are crucial, they are not enough to create a Safe City. There is a need for a policing cloud to link up the silos of different public safety agencies for better information sharing and user experience. With the exponential growth of data from traditional policing records, video surveillance, social networks and the Internet of Things, Big Data analytics are important too. Together these technologies can help in threat prevention, and if not preventable, early detection for faster response and recovery; with the aim of reducing loss of life and property, and bringing justice and normalcy to society.

Huawei Cooperates with Partners to Build a New Ecosystem At the Summit, Huawei displayed its new smart Safe City solution, co-developed by Huawei and its partners. The solution consists of the world's first visualized and converged command system, the industry's first 4G professional trunking system, world-leading cross-region and cross-agency video cloud, and business-driven Safe City ICT infrastructure. Additionally, Safaricom, the largest comprehensive telecommunications service provider of Kenya, shared its cooperation with Huawei in the development of the Kenya Safe City project. According to a speech from Shaka Kwach, who is the Head of Special Projects department form Safaricom Limited, the deployments of Huawei's Safe City solution in Nairobi and Mombasa has drastically improved criminal investigation, cross-agency collaboration, and emergency response efficiency for the National Police Service. This has resulted in tangible benefits to both the citizens of Kenya, as well as the officers using the solution. In his speech, Mr. Lei Ting, Chief Engineer of Shanghai DS Communication Equipment Co., Ltd., introduced architectural features of the next-generation Converged Emergency Command System jointly innovated by Huawei and DS. This system has also been successfully deployed in Nairobi, Kenya. Today, Huawei has worked with more than 100 partners, over 550 certified service partners, and beyond 120 authorized service partners in the ICT field all over the globe, forming the framework of a new Safe City ecosystem. The new Safe City ecosystem consists of consulting firms (BGS and Accenture), system integrators (Safaricom and Tyco), and software vendors (Hexagon, Milestone, SAP, iOmniscient, Promad, and AgentVi). In the Safe City industry, Huawei has launched end-to-end Safe City solutions with its partners, serving 400 million people across more than 100 cities in over 30 countries. Moving forward, Huawei will continue to cooperate with its partners to develop open, combined and smart Safe City solutions tailored to customer needs. About Huawei Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider with the vision to enrich life through communication. Driven by customer-centric innovation and open partnerships, Huawei has established an end-to-end ICT solutions portfolio that gives our customers competitive advantages in telecom and enterprise networks, devices and cloud computing. For more information, please visit: www.huawei.com



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[October 17, 2016] Trapets AB Selected by Otkritie Capital to Provide Hosted Market Abuse Surveillance and Anti-Money Laundering Solution.

Trapets AB, one of Europe's leading independent providers of Trade Surveillance solutions and associated technologies, today announced that Otkritie Capital has selected Trapets AB to provide a Hosted Market Abuse Surveillance and Anti-Money Laundering system. Otkritie Capital will rely on Trapets AB's cloud-based technology for its trading practices compliance program to detect and report potential market abuse and money laundering activities across its European business. An expert team based in London and Stockholm will coordinate delivery of Trapets InstantWatch Market Abuse Surveillance and Anti-Money Laundering solutions. InstantWatch incorporates flexible and powerful analytics tools incorporating advanced pattern recognition designed to assist financial institutions in detecting and preventing market abuse, minimising trading risk whilst ensuring compliance. InstantWatch works by intelligently collecting and analysing trading and market data using a state-of-the-art detection engine to uncover and present hidden patterns. Taking direct feeds from trading systems and market venues, the application incorporates intelligent transaction monitoring, a fully featured alert engine and provides case management for automated reporting and audit trail capture. "Otkritie Capital conducted a rigorous search with stringent criteria before choosing Trapets AB for the automation of our regulatory compliance initiatives in trading" said David Moss, Head of Complance at Otkritie Capital. "We were impressed with Trapets AB's ability to provide a holistic view of both Market Abuse Surveillance and Anti Money Laundering using the InstantWatch system"



Gunnar Wexell, Chairman at Trapets AB commented "The ability to rapidly facilitate detection of potential market abuse or money laundering is a critical concern for financial institutions. Built around this principle, InstantWatch is already used by a number of leading securities firms and trading floors interested in enhancing their own internal surveillance measures as well as meeting ever changing external regulatory requirements." About Trapets AB

Trapets AB is Sweden's leading provider of market leading Trading Surveillance, AML and KYC solutions and associated technologies. Uniquely Trapets can provide Outsourced Trading Surveillance (OTS) where a team of experts within Trapets perform the operational surveillance tasks on behalf of the client including detection, investigation, documentation and reporting of suspicious transactions. The company also offers exemplary advice on the 'best fit' compliance solutions for the capital markets accompanied by fully project managed implementation, consultancy and maintenance services. www.trapets.com About Otkritie Capital Otkritie Capital International Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"). Otkritie Capital offers financial institutions and corporate clients a full range of services on the global and Russian markets, including equity and debt securities, DMA trading, as well as structured products and derivatives. www.capital.otkritie.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161016005076/en/

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[October 17, 2016] Qrio, Inc., Joint Venture between WiL and Sony, Introduces Its "Qrio Smart Lock" to U.S. Market

TOKYO, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- - Crowdfunding for Qrio Smart Lock, Starts on Indiegogo - Starting on October 17, Qrio, Inc. is seeking funding for Qrio Smart Lock through Indiegogo, a crowdfunding website (https://igg.me/at/qriosmartlock). On this opportunity, we will also debut Qrio Smart Lock in the U.S. (Photo: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/opn/release/201610135282/) Qrio started out as a joint venture between WiL, LLC., a venture capital based in Silicon Valley, and Sony Corporation, Japan's leading electronics manufacturer. Our first product, Qrio Smart Lock, was designed, developed and manufactured by Sony and has been sold by Qrio. Although smart locks are not new to the U.S. market, Qrio Smart Lock's unique design allows easy installation by anybody, with no need to remove the existing door lock. It is already available in Japan, increasingly used and trusted, as the most popular smart ock in the country. Specifically for the smart lock, Sony's know-how was generously poured into its mechanical design and electronic security.



We are seeking crowdfunding through Indiegogo to make Qrio Smart Lock ready for its U.S. debut in the following aspects: Additional attachments that make it work with locks commonly used in the U.S.

Attaining official endorsement from the U.S. government

Enabling remote access through the Internet by introducing a dedicated peripheral device (Qrio Hub) About Qrio, Inc.

Qrio is a manufacturer of smart home appliances launched in December 2014 as a joint venture between WiL and Sony. In Japan, we released Qrio Smart Lock in August 2015 and Qrio Smart Tag in October 2016. Both products gained top-class support from crowdfunding in Japan. By providing services along with the products, we have won an increasing number of customers in various usage scenarios, including numerous major Japanese corporations using our products for their customers. Website: http://qrioinc.com Qrio Smart Lock is a smart lock that uses a smartphone as a key. Unlike other smart locks on the market, it can be installed without removing the existing door lock. It was designed, developed and manufactured by Sony. Auto-Lock Function: It automatically locks the door after a certain amount of time. Key-Sharing: You can give your friend a key with a time limit. Security Function: It can communicate with your smartphone every time it is locked or unlocked. Qrio Smart Lock stands far above competitors. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qrio-inc-joint-venture-between-wil-and-sony-introduces-its-qrio-smart-lock-to-us-market-300345612.html SOURCE Qrio, Inc.

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[October 17, 2016] Avast Announces Final Extension of the Offer for AVG

Avast Software B.V. today announced that it has extended the subsequent offering period of its previously announced tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding ordinary shares of AVG Technologies (News - Alert) N.V. (NYSE: AVG) for $25.00 in cash. As extended, the subsequent offering period will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on October 28, 2016, unless earlier terminated. All other terms and conditions of the subsequent offering period of the tender offer remain unchanged. There will be no further extension of the subsequent offering period of the tender offer. The depositary for the tender offer has advised Avast that as of 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on October 14, 2016, 49,241,015 AVG ordinary shares, representing approximately 96.5% of the outstanding AVG ordinary shares, have been validly tendered pursuant to the tender offer, including shares tendered during the initial offering period. All shares validly tendered during the subsequent offering period will be immediately accepted for payment, and tendering holders will thereafter promptly be paid the same form and amount of offer consideration as in the initial offering period. The procedures for tendering shares during the subsequent offering period are the same as those applicable to the initial offering period, except that (i) the guaranteed delivery procedures may not be used during the subsequent offering period and (ii) no withdrawal rights will apply to shares tendered during the subsequent offering period. Following completion of the subsequent offering period, Avast expects to acquire the ordinary shares of AVG that were not tendered into the tender offer through the compulsory share acquisition process under Section 2:92a/2:201a of the Dutch Civil Code. Avast is offering AVG shareholders the opportunity to tender their shares in this final extension of the subsequent offering period to avoid any adverse consequences of failing to tender AVG shares pursuant to the tender offer. As more fully described in the offer to purchase, such adverse consequences may include, among others: reduced liquidity and marketability of any AVG shares that have not been tendered pursuant to the tender offer as a result of the delisting of AVG shares from the New York Stock Exchange, which is expected to occur as soon as practicable following this final extension of the subsequent offering period;

reduced consideration for any AVG shares that have not been tendered pursuant to the offer if Avast and AVG pursue a compulsory share acquisition process and the Dutch court determines a price for AVG shares that is less than $25.00; and

delayed payment for any AVG shares that have not been tendered pursuant to the tender offer due to the length of time required to complete the compulsory share acquisition process.



About Avast Avast Software (www.avast.com), the global leader in digital security products for businesses and consumers, protects over 400 million people online. Avast offers products under the Avast and AVG brands, that protect people from threats on the internet with one of the most advanced threat detection network in the world. Avast digital security products for Mobile, PC or Mac are top-ranked and certified by VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, OPSWAT, ICSA Labs, West Coast Labs and others. Avast is backed by leading global private equity firms CVC Capital Partners and Summit Partners.

Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "continue," "could," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "should," "will," "expect," "are confident that," "objective," "projection," "forecast," "goal," "guidance," "outlook," "effort," "target," "would" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terms. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. These factors include risks and uncertainties related to, among other things: general economic conditions and conditions affecting the industries in which Avast and AVG operate; the uncertainty of regulatory approvals; AVG's delisting from the New York Stock Exchange and suspension of AVG's reporting obligations under the Exchange Act and to consummate the transactions and their plans described in this press release; and AVG's performance and maintenance of important business relationships. Additional information regarding the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements is available in AVG's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including AVG's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and neither Avast nor AVG assumes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law. Additional Information and Where to Find It This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of AVG. The solicitation and offer to purchase ordinary shares of AVG is being made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an Offer to Purchase, a related letter of transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, filed by Avast with the SEC (News - Alert) on July 29, 2016 (as subsequently amended, the "Tender Offer Statement"). AVG filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer with the SEC on July 29, 2016 (as subsequently amended, the "Solicitation/Recommendation Statement"). AVG shareholders are urged to read the Tender Offer Statement and Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, as they may be amended from time to time, as well as any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety because they will contain important information that AVG shareholders should consider before making any decision regarding tendering their securities. The Tender Offer Statement and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement are available for free at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by AVG will be available free of charge on AVG's website at investors.avg.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005534/en/

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[October 17, 2016] Tenneco Supports Michigan State University's CoRe Experience Engineering Program

Tenneco (NYSE:TEN), a global supplier of Clean Air and Ride Performance technologies, is partnering with Michigan State University College of Engineering's CoRe Experience program, designed to engage first-year engineering students in experiential learning opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005341/en/ Brian Kesseler, Chief Operating Officer, Tenneco, and Dr. Lou Anna K. Simon, President, Michigan State University, dedicated a renovated residential workspace for first year students in the university's College of Engineering. (Photo: Business Wire) A ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication took place on October 14 at MSU's Wilson Hall, where Tenneco sponsored the renovation of the 5th floor lobby as a workspace for students to gather and collaborate on projects, activities and networking. MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon, Tenneco's chief operating officer Brian Kesseler, College of Engineering Dean Leo Kempel, and other College of Engineering and Tenneco team members gathered to dedicate the new 5th floor lobby. "We are pleased to support MSU's CoRe Experience program. Our support of this initiative is driven by Tenneco's commitment to engage and develop future talent and prepare them for cros-disciplinary functions within an organization like ours," said Brian Kesseler, chief operating officer, Tenneco. "We look forward to growing our partnership with MSU to ensure that students have the resources and opportunities that will give them a strong foundation for an engineering career."



Leo Kempel, Dean of the College of Engineering, thanked Tenneco for the nearly $300,000 gift and the support it will provide CoRe students. "As a global leader in automotive technology, Tenneco's interest in and support of our students will help them become the professionals we need to tackle the world's transportation challenges. Tenneco and MSU are a good match to guide future Spartan Engineers into creative solutions that reflect their passion for performance and efficiency," said Kempel.

Tenneco's support of MSU's College of Engineering encompasses several key areas. In the past year, the company has sponsored first-year design courses and led four senior capstone mechanical engineering projects. Additionally, Tenneco is collaborating with the University and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on an advanced combustion research program for undergraduate and graduate engineering students from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designed to seek solutions to reduce fuel consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) and criteria pollutant emissions. CoRe Experience The MSU College of Engineering CoRe Program integrates first-year engineering academics with an engineering living-learning community to support the academic, professional, and personal growth of first-year engineering students. Tenneco's nearly $300,000 contribution will support CoRe as it engages more than 1,700 students in hands-on design projects to discover how to function in a collaborative, team-based, diverse setting and show the importance of engineering as well as the positive impact engineers have on a society. Tenneco is an $8.2 billion global manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 30,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world's largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of clean air and ride performance products and systems for automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment markets and the aftermarket. Tenneco's principal brand names are Monroe, Walker, XNOx and CleviteElastomer. The Michigan State University College of Engineering has nine academic programs serving more than 5,400 undergraduate and 800 graduate students. The college's research focus is on innovation in automotive, composite materials, energy, health care technologies, pavement preservation, and security. The college is the home of two new academic departments -- the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering and a partner in MSU's new Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering. A new $60 million Bio Engineering Facility will open in autumn 2016 for interdisciplinary basic and applied research at the interface of life and physical sciences, engineering, information science, and math. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005341/en/

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[October 17, 2016] Reprogenetics, Recombine, and Genesis Genetics Unite As Part of the CooperSurgical Family at ASRM 2016 Scientific Congress

Reprogenetics, Recombine, and Genesis Genetics are pleased to announce their joint presence as part of the CooperSurgical family at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Scientific Congress and Expo, in Salt Lake City, Utah from October 15 to 19. The companies are hosting a joint exhibit at booth 1607 in the Expo Hall, showcasing their technology and test offerings for pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and screening (PGD, PGS), expanded carrier screening (ECS), and non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS). In addition, the companies are holding their inaugural speaker series at their satellite booth, 805. The series will include six brief presentations by experts and practicing physicians in the field of reproductive genetics, with opportunity for attendees to engage in active discussion. Speakers will address some of the latest topics, such as access to fertility care and the impact of mosaicism. A schedule of talks and titles is available to view at the booth. As leaders in the field of reproductive genetic testing, scientists from Reprogenetics, Recombine, and Genesis Genetics - along with their clinical partners - are presenting thirty-six accepted abstracts at the Scientific Congress, sixteen as oral and twenty as poster presentations. Included in their presentations are two award-winning abstracts. The paper "Transfer Fresh or Vitrify After Blastocyst Biopsy? Results of an RCT" was selected as the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) Prize Paper. First author Alison Coates of Oregon Reproductive Medicine will give the presentation on Tuesday, October 18 at 11:15 AM MDT. Selected as a Scientific Prize Paper, "Low Level Mosaicism: Incidence and Implications on Clinical Pregnancies", will be presented by first author Dawn Kelk of Yale Fertility Center on Tuesday, October 18 at 12:30 PM MDT.



"We are excited to hear the latest advances from the innovative scientists across all three companies," said Robert Auerbach, MD, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Medical Officer at CooperSurgical. "Reprogenetics, Recombine, and Genesis Genetics have driven the field of reproductive genetic testing, and we look forward to using the power of this wealth of expertise to bring even more advances to our clinical partners." About CooperVision

CooperVision, a unit of The Cooper Companies, Inc. (NYSE:COO), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses. The Company produces a full array of monthly, two-week and daily disposable contact lenses, all featuring advanced materials and optics. CooperVision has a strong heritage of solving the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism and presbyopia; and offers the most complete collection of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com. About The Cooper Companies The Cooper Companies, Inc. ("Cooper") is a global medical device company publicly traded on the NYSE (NYSE:COO). Cooper is dedicated to being A Quality of Life Company with a focus on delivering shareholder value. Cooper operates through two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical. CooperVision brings a refreshing perspective on vision care with a commitment to developing a wide range of high-quality products for contact lens wearers and providing focused practitioner support. CooperSurgical is committed to advancing the health of families with its diversified portfolio of products and services focusing on women's health, fertility and diagnostics. Headquartered in Pleasanton, CA (News - Alert), Cooper has approximately 10,000 employees with products sold in over 100 countries. For more information, please visit www.coopercos.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005307/en/

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[October 17, 2016] Wolters Kluwer Presents at Lucene/Solr Revolution Conference

Wolters Kluwer, a leading global provider of information and point of care solutions for the healthcare industry, announced today that Dion Olsthoorn, Senior Software Engineer, Wolters Kluwer Global Platform Office, shared with Lucene/Solr Revolution Conference 2016 attendees how virtualization, cloud elasticity and an innovative queuing system enabled millions of documents to be loaded and indexed in SolrCloud in a matter of hours. The inventive approach taken by the Wolters Kluwer technology team sets the stage for same-day access to huge volumes of new medical full text and bibliographic resources, as well as more powerful searching and higher relevance results. The technology initiative is part of a broader search platform that will enable the company to redefine the way its customers perform searches. The Lucene/Solr Revolution (News - Alert) Conference 2016, which took place October 11-14 in Boston, is the largest conference dedicated to Solr, an open source enterprise search platform built on Apache Lucene that powers the search and navigation features of many of the world's largest internet sites. Olsthoorn's presentation, "Loading 350M Documents into a Large Solr Cluster in 8 Hours or Less," demonstrated how a large set of Extensible Markup Langage (XML) documents can be rapidly and efficiently loaded into SolrCloud, a cluster of Solr servers that combines fault tolerance and high availability.



"The challenge with high demand medical research is ensuring the continuous and significant volume of new content is made quickly and reliably available to end users, which requires loading and painstakingly indexing complex synonym-ladened terminology to highly accessible search engines," said Olsthoorn. "Once complete, Solr searches are extremely fast and accurate." Faced with loading 350 million XML documents to SolrCloud, the Wolters Kluwer team set out to identify an approach that would allow them to complete the task faster (hours vs. days) to improve the overall search experience. Working with Solr ZooKeeper, they set up a series of virtual servers to manage the content upload. Once the project was complete, the servers were simply deleted. By eliminating the capital investment into physical servers, this approach lowered costs and provided on-demand access to extra processing power when it was needed.

"We are constantly seeking ways to leverage the latest technology advancements to improve upon the status quo to ensure that medical researchers and other medical professionals have immediate access to the most current, relevant and trusted clinical content," said Sahil Gupta, Chief Technology Officer, Health Learning, Research & Practice, Wolters Kluwer. "This innovative approach to rapidly populating SolrCloud represents the future of medical content searches, benefiting the clinician end user and, ultimately, the patient. We are honored to have had this opportunity to share our expertise with other thought-leaders who share our interest in building and deploying Solr open source search technology." About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer N.V. (AEX:WKL) is a global leader in information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2015 annual revenues of 4.2 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,000 people worldwide. Wolters Kluwer shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices. Wolters Kluwer has a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt program. The ADRs are traded on the over-the-counter market in the U.S. (WTKWY). Wolters Kluwer Health is a leading global provider of information and point of care solutions for the healthcare industry. For more information about our products and organization, visit http://www.wolterskluwer.com/, follow @WKHealth or @Wolters_Kluwer on Twitter (News - Alert), like us on Facebook, follow us on LinkedIn, or follow WoltersKluwerComms on YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005775/en/

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[October 17, 2016] South Africa-Based Clear Asset Joins the Proxibid Marketplace

Proxibid, the world's most trusted online Marketplace for connecting buyers and sellers of highly valued items, has been selected by Clear Asset, a South Africa-based independent online auction platform for the disposal of moveable assets, to provide online selling solutions for mining, construction, agriculture and maritime equipment. Clear Asset will sell equipment in the Proxibid Marketplace using its timed auction solution as well as its new Buy Now and Make Offer capabilities, which enable buyers to purchase instantly or to negotiate the price of an item. More than 200 pieces of equipment from Clear Asset are currently available for purchase via Proxibid. Headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, with a regional office in Johannesburg and satellite offices across Africa, Clear Asset is the leading choice for the disposal of heavy construction equipment and industrial machinery across the continent. The company sells an average of 50 percent of plant equipment internationally, having shipped more than $50 million of assets to global buyers in the last year alone. Clear Asset works with leading transport and shipping companies in the region and provides expert buyer assistance when purchasing equipment from Africa. "Clear Asset is a trusted marketplace providing a complete managed solution for buyers and sellers in Sub-Saharan Africa. We have partnered with Proxibid because we believe our sellers demand a world-class platform to reach North American buyers," said Warren Schewitz CEO of Clear Asset. "Proxibid's trusted Marketplace and robust technology solution offer the highest lvel of security and support, meaning buyers will have a Clear Asset experience whether purchasing direct through us or via Proxibid.com."



In addition to the more than 200 pieces of equipment available using Proxibid's Buy Now and Make Offer tools, Clear Asset will also host an upcoming clearance sale for leading South African mining contractor Hetricon. The sale features a wide arrange of quality equipment including Caterpillar Front End Loaders, Hitachi (News - Alert) and Liebherr Rock Trucks and Shovels and Komatsu Graders and Dozers. Unsold inventory from this sale will be available for purchase in the Proxibid Marketplace. Proxibid works with more than 3,300 sellers and buyers from more than 190 countries to connect buyers and sellers of highly valued items across 15 categories including heavy construction equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles and more. The company offers the most sophisticated risk management system in the industry with a 0.15 percent non-pay rate no other provider can match. That, combined with Proxibid's robust online platform, which ensures 99.9+ percent uptime, is why it is the most trusted way to transact online.

Proxibid Social

Visit us online at www.proxibid.com

Like us on Facebook (News - Alert) www.facebook.com/proxibid

Follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) www.twitter.com/proxibid

Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/proxibid About Proxibid

Proxibid provides auction companies and asset owners with access to the most trusted way to buy and sell highly valued items online. More than $4 billion in inventory passes through Proxibid's Marketplace annually via live and timed auctions, and Buy Now and Make Offer capabilities, across 15 categories that include heavy equipment; industrial machinery; real estate; fine art; antiques and collectibles, and more. Founded in 2001, Proxibid is headquartered in Omaha, NE with offices in South Sioux City, NE and London. For more information about Proxibid, please visit www.proxibid.com. About Clear Asset

Founded in 2012, Clear Asset provides a trusted, impartial marketplace for buyers and sellers of used plant and equipment. The company works with most major mining houses and leading financial institutions in Africa in disposing of their assets. Clear Asset offers a fully managed, turnkey solution including inspection, cataloguing, online auction, settlement, collection and post-sale logistics. Visit us online at www.clearasset.co.za View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005925/en/

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[October 17, 2016] CTA Announces CES Unveiled Prague Speakers and Exhibitor Lineup

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM today announced that Jan Mladek, Czech Minister of Trade and Industry, and Kelly Adams-Smith, Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy in Prague, will deliver welcome remarks during CES Unveiled Prague. Scheduled for Thursday, October 20, the regional, industry-only event is a celebration of tech and will highlight the latest innovations from nine global tech companies. Pre-registration numbers indicate that CES (News - Alert) Unveiled Prague will host nearly 200 attendees, nearly half of those being media, from more than 15 countries. See a preview of the excitement and innovation to come here. "Prague has been at the heart of technological advancements in Central Europe for centuries," said Gary Shapiro (News - Alert), president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association. "With a thriving startup scene, the Czech capital is now globally recognized as a technology hotbed. We look forward to hearing from government and Embassy leaders on the vision for this region and plans for the future." The CES Unveiled Prague networking reception & tabletop exhibition will feature these tech companies, including: BigClown Labs

CzechInvest

CZ.NIC

ESET Softare

Logitech

Notia

Prusa Research

Takeplace

Zoner Software



CzechInvest, an agency of the Ministry of Industry and Trade that strengthens the competitiveness of the Czech economy and supports Czech startups through a variety of programs. As an official partner, CzechInvest (News - Alert) will bring a group of local startups to CES Unveiled Prague. "The number of Czech startups is growing year by year," said Karel Kucera, CEO of CzechInvest. "The Czech Republic is home to the second largest number of newly established startups in Central Europe. Globally, the Czech start-up ecosystem is still developing and has very interesting global potential, mainly in the area of ICT, as is evident by merger of AVASR and AVG."

CES Unveiled Prague will run from 11:30 AM-3 PM on Thursday, October 20 at the Boscolo Prague Hotel in Prague, Czech Republic. A full list of exhibitors can be found here. Note to Editors: The official name of the global technology event is "CES." Please do not use "Consumer Electronics Show" or "International CES" to refer to the event. About CES: CES is the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years-the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. As the largest hands-on event of its kind, CES features all aspects of the industry. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM, it attracts the world's business leaders and pioneering thinkers. Check out CES video highlights. Follow CES online at CES.tech and on social. About Consumer Technology Association: Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM, is the trade association representing the $287 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies - 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world's best known brands - enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. The Consumer Technology Association also owns and produces CES - the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA's industry services. UPCOMING EVENTS CES Unveiled Prague - Register

October 20, Prague, Czech Republic

October 20, Prague, Czech Republic CES Unveiled Paris - Register

October 25, Paris, France

October 25, Paris, France CT Hall of Fame Dinner

November 9, New York, NY

November 9, New York, NY CES Unveiled New York

November 10, New York, NY

November 10, New York, NY CES Unveiled Las Vegas

January 3, Las Vegas, NV

January 3, Las Vegas, NV CES 2017 - Register

January 5-8, Las Vegas, NV

January 5-8, Las Vegas, NV CES Asia 2017

June 7-9, Shanghai, China View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005947/en/

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[October 17, 2016] The Optical Society Celebrates a Century of Innovation

Optics has changed everything. Barcodes make shopping a breeze. MRIs detect injury and disease. Cameras capture life on Facebook (News - Alert) and Instagram, as well as speeding cars. Telescopes found that Pluto is a dwarf planet. Laser technology confirmed the presence of gravitational waves, removes winkles from our skin and restores our vision. Sensors adjust the headlights on a car or the lighting in a room. LIDAR systems guide autonomous vehicles. For the last century, The Optical Society (OSA) and its more than 19,275 global members have been at the forefront of these innovations. Today in Rochester, New York, USA, The Optical Society, the leading global association in optics and photonics, proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary in its hometown. Many other innovators also claim this year as their birthday - BMW, Boeing (News - Alert), Thermador, Lincoln Logs, the Trans-Siberian Railway, the Pulitzer Prize and the US National Park Service were all founded in 1916. What those founders shared with OSA was an increasingly interconnected geo-political world and economy. "Amid the backdrop of World War I, the United States lacked its own optical glass and optical manufacturing infrastructure and scientific collaboration was a challenge," explains OSA President Alan Willner. The Optical Society's founder, Perley G. Nutting - a scientist at the U.S. Bureau of Standards - had recently joined Eastman Kodak (News - Alert) and by 1916 was inspired to improve collaboration among industry, government and academia to address these changing market conditions. Along with 30 charter members including Adolph Lomb, who served as OSA's treasurer until his death in 1932, Nutting created a professional society to focus on advancing applied optics organized around the themes of photography, vision, optical materials and optical instruments.



"Today, The Optical Society serves as a global catalyst for the science of light," said Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of The Optical Society. "We are proud of our members; the scientists, engineers and corporate leaders, including 34 Nobel (News - Alert) Laureates, whose work has inspired the next generation of scientific discovery. To honor these achievements, we created our centennial exhibit, which captures 100 iconic moments in the history of optics including: the first neon sign invented by our founder in 1904; the 1947 demonstration of the first 'selfie' by Edwin Land who invented the Polaroid; the commercialization of bar codes in 1974; and confirmation of Einstein's prediction of the existence of gravitational waves in 2016. Our members are at the forefront of discovery." The OSA celebrations coincide with its 100th annual meeting at the Frontiers in Optics Conference and Exhibition, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center with innovations from more than 600 scientific, technical and educational presentations and 50 industry exhibits.

Several events are open to the public with free registration: HoloLens Virtual Reality Headset Demonstration Featuring Bernard Kress of Microsoft (News - Alert): Wednesday, 12:00 - 14: 00 (Media preview available upon request)

Wednesday, 12:00 - 14: 00 (Media preview available upon request) OSA 100 Year BASH: Wednesday, 18:30 - 21:30, Sibley Building. Tickets ($100) are available for exhibit attendees who are non-OSA members. (Media preview of history gallery and virtual reality pods available prior 18:00)

Wednesday, 18:30 - 21:30, Sibley Building. Tickets ($100) are available for exhibit attendees who are non-OSA members. (Media preview of history gallery and virtual reality pods available prior 18:00) Light the Future with Michio Kaku and 7 Nobel Laureates: Thursday, 11:00 - 12:30. Program is free and open to the public. "To celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Optical Society is to provide excitement and a vision for propelling us to even more expansion and impact on a global basis in the future. An organization like OSA is vital to continuing to promote the importance of optics and photonics and their increasingly large role in our society," said Willner. Chris Dainty, 2011 OSA President and Chair of the Centennial Advisory Panel, added, "The Optical Society's celebration is really about the future. The key to ensuring our successful future is to understand and build on the past. The Centennial celebration has been an amazing opportunity to see where optics has been and looking at where optics can go." About The Optical Society Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and entrepreneurs who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit osa.org/100. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005974/en/

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[October 17, 2016] Addison Group Expands Operations to the Twin Cities

Addison Group, a leading provider of professional staffing services, today announced that the company is expanding its geographic footprint by entering the Twin (News - Alert) Cities market, a move that further strengthens Addison Group's national presence, allowing them to provide contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire services to clients and candidates in growing markets across the U.S. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota's unemployment levels are two points lower than the national average, with wages steadily rising. Continued growth in these markets creates a greater need for skilled talent across the state. To help with increased demand for talented candidates, many local businesses are turning to hiring and staffing services firms like Addison Group. "The Twin Cities' job market is healthy and thriving, and we are excited to see sustained growth as the economy continues to improe," said Tom Moran, CEO of Addison Group. "We see this as a huge opportunity to expand our presence in the Midwest and beyond as we open new branches. With the opening of an office in Minneapolis and the addition of new lines of business in cities across the country, Addison Group is poised to help address the growing demand for skilled talent."



Addison Group is eyeing additional growth opportunities in the Twin Cities market, and plans to continue its expansion across the U.S. The Minneapolis office is located at 901 Marquette Avenue South Suite 1500 Minneapolis, MN 55402. For more information, visit www.addisongroup.com. About Addison Group

Addison Group is a leading provider of professional staffing and search services. Bringing the best to the best, Addison combines a national network and localized service for broad reach with a personal touch. Specialized practices deliver the right candidate at the right time in Information Technology, Finance & Accounting, Healthcare, HR & Administrative, and Engineering. Addison has received Inavero's Best of Staffing award for the past six years. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017006039/en/

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[October 17, 2016] Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Joins White House Cancer Moonshot

Today the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation joins the White House Cancer Moonshot initiative through its commitment to addressing health disparities in cancer care. In response to the Cancer Moonshot, the Foundation is committing $25 million in new funding to grantee partners to expand the current scope of community-based resources and survivorship support programs to underserved populations in the U.S. The Cancer Moonshot is led by Vice President Joe Biden with a goal of making a decade worth of advances in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, in five years. "The Vice President's Moonshot Initiative is vitally important for patients living with cancer and their families," said Giovanni Caforio, Bristol-Myers Squibb Chief Executive Officer and chairman of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation board of directors. "We are dedicated to fighting cancer and are excited to join this collective effort to defeat this deadly disease, once and for all." At the White House event, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation announced five partnership grants under this new commitment at the White House Cancer Moonshot event: Project ECHO, American Cancer Society, University of South Carolina College of Nursing, West Virginia University Cancer Institute and the Mississippi Public Health Institute. The remaining funding will be awarded over the next two years. As part of the Cancer Moonshot commitment, the Foundation awarded a $10 million grant to Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), a multiyear initiative, to bring top-quality care to cancer patients living in rural and underserved areas where cancer specialists are not readily available and to improve cancer health outcomes through pairing doctors at National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and academic medical centers with those in community hospitals and health centers. The Foundation will also fund the American Cancer Society, University of South Carolina Collge of Nursing, West Virginia University Cancer Institute and the Mississippi Public Health Institute to develop, deliver and evaluate innovative models of comprehensive, coordinated care that meet the needs of survivors of lung cancer, their family members and caregivers. Each partner was awarded $750,000 over two years to develop interdisciplinary, patient-centered survivorship care services.



"Our mission to address health disparities strongly complements the Moonshot goal of accelerating breakthroughs in cancer prevention, treatment options and care," says John Damonti, president of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation. "The projects we support specifically focus on populations that are both underserved and at high risk for cancer. Our aim is to develop best practices for strengthening clinic and community cancer services and support systems so that breakthroughs can benefit everyone." In addition to the funding commitment announced today, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation has since 2014, committed more than $27 million to 15 grantee partners to address disparities in access to cancer services and health outcomes for vulnerable, low-income and medically underserved people. Many of these grants were made under the Foundation's Bridging Cancer Care program that seeks to reduce the burden of lung cancer through innovative models of prevention, detection and education, and by helping people living with lung cancer access and navigate cancer care and community-based supportive services. Known as the Tobacco belt, the region of focus is the southeastern states with the highest lung cancer and mortality rates in the U.S. - Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi.

In 2015, the Foundation launched a new initiative to address inequities in access to specialty care services including cancer by vulnerable populations in the U.S. The goal of this national initiative is to catalyze sustainable improvement and expansion of specialty care service delivery by safety net providers to achieve more optimal and equitable outcomes for the people they serve with lung and skin cancer, as well as other diseases. About the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation The mission of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation is to promote health equity and improve the health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases and conditions, by strengthening community-based health care worker capacity, integrating medical care and community-based supportive services, and mobilizing communities in the fight against disease. For more information about the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, please visit www.bms.com/foundation or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017006093/en/

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[October 17, 2016] Intelex Technologies Announces Industry-Changing Mobile Platform at National Safety Council Congress and Expo

TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intelex Technologies, a leading global provider of cloud-based Environmental, Health, Safety and Quality (EHSQ) management software, debuts its new mobile platform today at the National Safety Council Conference and Expo (NSC). With Intelex Mobile, companies can put safety into the hands of their frontline workers, including those who are most at-risk.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 3 million workers suffer occupational injuries and illnesses each year in the US alone. With its new mobile offering, Intelex plans to change that. Intelexs innovative, advanced technology combines the latest capabilities in social interactions and gamification with prescriptive, data-driven insights. Optimized for mobile use, the new application is designed for front-line workers, thereby reducing, predicting and preventing workplace accidents. Intelex Mobile addresses an important flaw in the current state of workplace safety and methods of reporting incidences. Many companies today are still using paper or spreadsheet reporting, making it difficult to capture timely safety data and identify trends, let alone make breakthrough improvements in safety. With Intelex Mobile, workers can easily spot safety or non-compliance issues, quickly take a snapshot directly on their mobile device and report it within seconds, sending real-time data directly to their organizations EHSQ managers. Our goal has always been to make safety a top priority for frontline workers as well as an integral part of company culture, Robin Hopper, SVP of Product Management at Intelex said. This enhanced mobile capability will bring ease-of-use and convenience to a space that is in desperat need of a major facelift. These types of applications can no longer be viewed as a luxury but instead a must-have for safety-conscious companies.



Intelex Mobile is specifically designed to drive both predictive and proactive safety campaigns. The platform allows organizations to engage their workforces to capture critical and timely safety data, enabling real-time risk assessment leading to fewer incidents. The more often employees use Intelex Mobile, the more data their organizations can collect on their unique safety needs. With Intelex, safety management professionals are immediately alerted to potential threats and dangerous situations, making it easy to implement controls and avoid potential issues. For years, EHSQ technology has been lagging behind the vision that innovative safety professionals have been trying to execute, said Vijay Gudivaka, CEO of E2 ManageTech, the largest specialist sustainability and EHSQ Strategy and Technology services firm. "Intelex has taken tremendous strides in closing that gap by providing a technology vision that takes this industry well into the future. As a leading Intelex implementation partner, we are excited by the possibilities that mobile and predictive analytics present in improving the culture, usage, employee engagement, and business value of the transformational programs we implement.

Among the features that make this technology perfect for the mobile workforce: Access to phone camera directly from the app

User experience built for the specific needs of users in the field

Speech to text for those unable to type during a job

Real time alerts & notifications of a dangerous situation

Reporting gamification to encourage and increase engagement Most frontline employees are desk-less with limited online access to a computer, meaning they dont have easy access to safety procedures, training information or incident data, Hopper added. Unfortunately, these people are also at the most risk. We designed Intelex Mobile to put safety back in frontline workers hands, giving them more power to control the environment they work in and providing executives with the information they need to implement necessary change rather than react after an incident has occurred. About Intelex Technologies

With more than 1,000 clients and 1 million users, Intelex Technologies Inc. is a global leader in environmental, health, safety and quality (EHSQ) management software. Since 1992 its scalable, web-based platform and applications have helped clients across all industries improve business performance, mitigate organization-wide risk, and ensure sustained compliance with internationally accepted standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and OHSAS 18001) and regulatory requirements. Intelex is one of North Americas fastest-growing tech companies, the recipient of Waterstones Most Admired Corporate Cultures, Deloittes Best Managed Companies, and Aon Hewitts best employer awards. For more information, visit www.intelex.com. Media Contact: Kaitlin Mansour Walker Sands Communications [email protected] 312-648-6004

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[October 17, 2016]

Patriot Scientific Corporation Files Quarterly Report

Carlsbad, CA, Oct. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Patriot Scientific Corporation (OTC PINK: PTSC) today announced it has filed its Report on Form 10-Q with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarterly period ended August 31, 2016. The Report can be found on the SECs website at SEC Company Search-Patriot Scientific.



About Patriot Scientific Corporation







Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Patriot Scientific Corporation is the co-owner of the Moore Microprocessor Patent Portfolio. For more information on PTSC, visit www.ptsc.com.

About the MMP Portfolio

The MMP Portfolio includes US patents as well as their European and Japanese counterparts, which cover techniques that enable higher performance and lower cost designs essential to consumer and commercial digital systems ranging from PCs, cell phones and portable music players to communications infrastructure, medical equipment and automobiles.

Contact: Patriot Scientific Corp 760-795-8517
[October 17, 2016] Fitch Affirms Berkshire Health System, MA at 'A-'; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings has affirmed the following Berkshire Health System, MA (BHS) outstanding debt at 'A-': --$83,676,575 Massachusetts Development Finance Agency revenue bonds (Berkshire Health System), series 2012G; --$23,459,764 Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority revenue bonds (Berkshire Health System), series 2005F. The Rating Outlook is Stable. SECURITY Debt payments are secured by a pledge of the gross revenues of the obligated group and a mortgage pledge on the core Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) campus The legal covenants include a liquidity covenant of 65 days cash on hand (DCOH). The Obligated Group accounted for 96% of fiscal 2015 consolidated system assets and 91% of revenues. KEY RATING DRIVERS CONTINUED SOLID OPERATING PERFORMANCE: The 'A-' rating is based on BHS' continued solid operating performance, aided by the benefit of the CMS rural floor wage index reimbursement adjustment (wage index adjustment), leading to a good coverage of maximum annual debt service (MADS) and solid balance sheet metrics, consistent with Fitch 'A' rating category medians. DOMINANT MARKET SHARE: BHS maintains a dominant presence as the only provider in its primary service area, which includes most of Berkshire County and portions of eastern New York State and southern Vermont. The most recent market share is reported at 77.3% (2014 data) but is likely to increase based on more recent data that will include added market share from the acquisition of North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH). SOLID LIQUIDITY: The additional revenues from the wage index adjustment have had a favorable impact on cash flow, and BHS' cash and unrestricted investments at June 30, 2016 of $246 million translate to 171.9 days cash on hand (DCOH), 21.9x cushion ratio and cash equal to 247.9% of debt. BHS was able to maintain strong liquidity levels despite internally funding the entire $45 million cost of completing the renovating of portions of the Hillcrest campus to house a new cancer center. NARH ACQUISITION ACCRETIVE: Fitch views the acquisition of NARH, which closed on Sept. 4, 2014, as positive. The $4 million acquisition price did not involve assumption of any of NARH's liabilities. BHS currently provides outpatient and emergency services at the former NARH site while meeting the inpatient needs at its main campus. CONSERVATIVE DEBT STRUCTURE AND STRONG COVERAGE: BHS has an all fixed-rate debt structure and a moderate debt burden with MADS coverage by EBITDA of 6.2x in fiscal 2015 (4.7x when excluding the wage index adjustment) and 5.6x through the nine months interim period (3.3x excluding the wage index), and MADS equal to a moderate 2% of revenues. RATING SENSITIVITIES MAINTAINING BALANCE SHEET STRENGTH AND SOLID COVERAGE: Fitch expects Berkshire Health System to maintain a solid balance sheet and coverage of debt consistent with the 'A' rating category even with the expected reduction in the level of the rural floor index. CREDIT PROFILE Berkshire Health System (BHS) operates two acute care hospitals: Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA (40 miles east of Albany) with 228 acute care beds, and Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington (MA), 20 miles south of Pittsfield, a critical access hospital with 24 available acute care beds. Following its acquisition of NARH I n 2014, BHS operates a freestanding emergency department and a wide array of outpatient services at the former NARH site. BHS had $533.4 million in total operating revenues in fiscal 2015 (year-end Sept. 30). CONTINUED SOLID OPERATING PERFORMANCE Fiscal 2014 and 2015 ended with solid operating income, partially benefiting from the rural floor index, which was $11.7 million in fiscal 2014 and increased to $14 million in 2016. However, going forward management expects the level to stabilize around $6-$7 million, as an adjustment is made to the wage index correcting a math error by a rural hospital in the state. Operating income, including the rural wage index, was reported at $14.3 million in fiscal 2014 and $18.2 million in 2015. The 2015 operating margin was 3.4% and operating EBITDA margin was 9.8%, both consistent with Fitch's 'A' category medians of 3.8% and 10.3%. Operating results for the nine-month interim period ending June 30, 2016 show operating income of $10.1 million, including the rural wage index benefit of $10 million, equal to operating and operating EBITDA margins of 2.4% and 8.6%. Management expects to finish the 2016 fiscal year with operating income of approximately $18 million, close to the $19 million budget. Management conservatively budgets for operating income without the rural floor adjustment to reimbursement and has conservatively budgeted operating income of $3 million for fiscal 2017 before the projected $7.4 million of the rural floor boost to revenues. The lower profitability is partially the results of the lower wage index, as well as an anticipated reduction of several millions in revenue from the decision of an orthopedic surgery group to perform surgeries using a Vermont facility. BHS management is actively recruiting to backfill the orthopedic volume loss and expects the negative impact to be temporary in nature. Additionally, BHS historically budgets conservatively and can potentially exceed the budget. Responding to the North Adams community needs, starting on May 19, 2014, BHS opened a free standing ED at the North Adams campus and has gradually been adding other outpatient services at the site, including outpatient surgery. BHS is not planning to operate Inpatient beds at NARH. DOMINANT MARKET SHARE BHS's market share, as the only provider of acute care in the service area, is slightly increasing and reported at 77.3% in 2014, up from 74.7% in the prior year. BHS' service area, which includes Berkshire County and parts of Rensselaer and Columbia Counties in New York, is viewed by Fitch as a credit weakness. Berkshire County is characterized as having stable but aging demographics and a difficult payor mix with combined Medicare and Medicaid at over 68% of gross revenues. BHS completed the last phase of renovations of part of their Pittsfield Hillcrest campus into a state of the art cancer center in the spring of 2016, adding radiation oncology to the comprehensive array of services. The $45 million cost of the project was entirely funded from internal cash flow over the last several years. In Septembe 2015 BMC became the first member of the new Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Care Collaborative (Dana Farber), which will allow BHC to provide cancer services locally for patients that would have had to previously travel to Boston for cancer care. The affiliation will enable BMC to have access to Dana Farber clinical protocols, participate in educational programs, offer Dana Farber second opinions to BMC patients and give local patients access to Dana Farber clinical trials. Over time, BHS expects 20,000 patient encounters annually from the expanded cancer program.



STRONG LIQUIDITY Liquidity has shown slow but consistent growth over the last four years. With robust cash flow boosted by rural wage index funds, cash and unrestricted investments increased to $246 million at June 30, 2016. This translates to 172 DCOH, a 21.9x cushion ratio and cash equal to 248% of debt, all in line with Fitch's 'A' category medians of 215 DCOH, 19.4x cushion and 148.6% cash to debt.

CONSERVATIVE DEBT STRUCTURE AND SOLID DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE Coverage of MADS by EBITDA was a strong 6.2x in fiscal 2015 and 4.7x even when excluding the rural wage index benefit, and continues to be adequate through the 2016 interim period with coverage of 5.6x (3.3x without the rural wage index adjustment). The coverage levels are better than or consistent with the 'A' rating category median of 3.8x when excluding the rural wage index. BHS has a conservative all fixed rate debt structure with a relatively short 2033 final maturity and declining debt service. BHS is planning to refinance the series 2005F with a fixed rate private bank placement later this fall, keeping the current final October 2020 final maturity. As part of the transaction, the 2005F debt service reserve fund in the amount of $5.1 million will be released. The organization has a $35 million capital budget for fiscal 2017, slightly more than 100% of depreciation, which includes $15 million for IT, and approximately $10 million each for various facility improvements and clinical investment including equipment. BHS is holding off with a master facility plan at the main campus that would have potentially replaced and older patient tower and instead opted to renovate all inpatient units, with the last underway, which will leave the facility with 75% private patient rooms. Similarly, a project to expand outpatient services at the Fairview facility will not be undertaken unless the net costs to BHS, including philanthropy, can come closer to $25 million. DISCLOSURE BHS covenants to provide annual and quarterly financial disclosure through the MSRB's EMMA system. Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. Applicable Criteria Revenue-Supported Rating Criteria (pub. 16 Jun 2014) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/750012 U.S. Nonprofit Hospitals and Health Systems Rating Criteria (pub. 09 Jun 2015) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/866807 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1013255 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1013255 Endorsement Policy https://www.fitchratings.com/regulatory ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTPS://WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON (News - Alert) THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEB SITE AT WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM. 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As a result, despite any verification of current facts, ratings and forecasts can be affected by future events or conditions that were not anticipated at the time a rating or forecast was issued or affirmed. The information in this report is provided "as is" without any representation or warranty of any kind, and Fitch does not represent or warrant that the report or any of its contents will meet any of the requirements of a recipient of the report. A Fitch rating is an opinion as to the creditworthiness of a security. This opinion and reports made by Fitch are based on established criteria and methodologies that Fitch is continuously evaluating and updating. Therefore, ratings and reports are the collective work product of Fitch and no individual, or group of individuals, is solely responsible for a rating or a report. The rating does not address the risk of loss due to risks other than credit risk, unless such risk is specifically mentioned. Fitch is not engaged in the offer or sale of any security. All Fitch reports have shared authorship. Individuals identified in a Fitch report were involved in, but are not solely responsible for, the opinions stated therein. The individuals are named for contact purposes only. A report providing a Fitch rating is neither a prospectus nor a substitute for the information assembled, verified and presented to investors by the issuer and its agents in connection with the sale of the securities. Ratings may be changed or withdrawn at any time for any reason in the sole discretion of Fitch. Fitch does not provide investment advice of any sort. Ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the suitability of any security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature or taxability of payments made in respect to any security. Fitch receives fees from issuers, insurers, guarantors, other obligors, and underwriters for rating securities. Such fees generally vary from US$1,000 to US$750,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent) per issue. In certain cases, Fitch will rate all or a number of issues issued by a particular issuer, or insured or guaranteed by a particular insurer or guarantor, for a single annual fee. Such fees are expected to vary from US$10,000 to US$1,500,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent). The assignment, publication, or dissemination of a rating by Fitch shall not constitute a consent by Fitch to use its name as an expert in connection with any registration statement filed under the United States securities laws, the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000 of the United Kingdom, or the securities laws of any particular jurisdiction. Due to the relative efficiency of electronic publishing and distribution, Fitch research may be available to electronic subscribers up to three days earlier than to print subscribers. For Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and South Korea only: Fitch Australia Pty Ltd holds an Australian financial services license (AFS license no. 337123) which authorizes it to provide credit ratings to wholesale clients only. Credit ratings information published by Fitch is not intended to be used by persons who are retail clients within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017006442/en/

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[October 17, 2016] Over 400,000 Tech Jobs Affirm Toronto As A Key Global Innovation Centre

New report identifies that 15% of all jobs in the city were tech related in 2016, and growing fast. TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - While technology companies are often hailed as the future of the economy, that future may have already arrived in Toronto. A new report from TechToronto, an organization supporting the city's technology community, produced in collaboration with PwC Canada, the Innovation Policy Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs, and CareerBuilder identifies that over 400,000 jobs in 2016 were related to technology. The report, How Technology is Changing Toronto Employment, found that: The Toronto tech ecosystem has a total of 401,000 jobs, making up 15% of all Toronto employment

tech ecosystem has a total of 401,000 jobs, making up 15% of all employment Over the last 5 years, Toronto has grown tech-related jobs by 14.6%, which is 2x faster than the rest of the country

has grown tech-related jobs by 14.6%, which is 2x faster than the rest of the country Tech-related jobs earned $24 billion in salaries in 2015, making it one of the highest hourly wage sectors in the city

in salaries in 2015, making it one of the highest hourly wage sectors in the city Toronto's tech ecosystem is projected to add an additional 20,000 jobs by 2020 "I believe that Toronto is in an exciting transition from a startup hub to a globally competitive centre of innovation, where companies are born and can scale effectively," said Toronto Mayor John Tory. "We are the keystone of Canada's knowledge economy, and have the right ingredients for success including exceptional talent, access to capital, and support services." Ben Zifkin, CEO of Hubba, a B2B product information network for retailers, is confident in Toronto's innovative capacity. "This report corroborates what we already know and what the rest of the world is learning  that Toronto excels in technology and that we can develop globally disruptive companies." said Zifkin. "What we can work on is developing an even more supportive innovation community, so that technology companies and jobs can flourish." Technology growth demonstrates clear benefits to the city. As companies grow, they pay more taxes and attract highly skilled global talent. Technology companies also yield benefits for urban development, as evident through trends such as 'smart cities' that improve infrastructure efficiency and value. The report also identified that, while Toronto and Canada are effective places for the growth of technology comanies, different levels of government can take action to improve their success.



Mike Katchen, founder and CEO of Wealthsimple, a fast-growing automated investment service, believes that government can take steps to improve how startups can scale. "Regulators wanting to further support innovation should set industry-specific standards that facilitate experimentation as well as open opportunities for Canadian companies to pilot in other countries," says Katchen. The report made public policy recommendations including the following:

Make the Toronto - Waterloo corridor world-renowned for fintech and machine learning.

- corridor world-renowned for fintech and machine learning. Introduce fast track immigration visa for tech talents.

Increase enrollment and diversity in post secondary STEM programs.

Re-distribute government funds from incumbents to scale-ups and start-ups.

Solve civic problems and strengthen local tech companies via procurement. Andy Yang, Founder and CEO at 500px, a photography community and photography on-demand platform, believes that the region's talent is a clear indicator of its unique value. "The talent coming out of Toronto and Waterloo is second to none around the world today," says Yang. "There are incredibly strong startups coming out of Canada and a high demand for our talent from the rest of the world." Download the full report, How Technology is Changing Toronto Employment. About TechToronto

TechToronto helps Toronto's technology ecosystem thrive. TechToronto is part of an emerging national infrastructure to grow the Canadian technology ecosystem through awareness, talent and connectivity. Find out more by visiting us at techtoronto.org. Follow TechToronto on Twitter twitter.com/techtorontoorg and on Facebook at fb.com/techtorontoorg. About PwC

At PwC Canada, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. More than 6,500 partners and staff in offices across the country are committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax, consulting and deals services. PwC Canada is a member of the PwC network of firms with more than 208,000 people in 157 countries. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com/ca.  2016 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the Canadian member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details. About the Innovation Policy Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs

The Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto unites people who are passionate to address the problems of a fast-changing world. Our aspiration is to create a unique, world-leading research, teaching and public engagement site that builds the new field of global affairs from Canada. The Innovation Policy Lab is a hub within the Munk School whose mission is to study, teach, and apply novel methods and disciplines to the study of innovation and its impact on society. For more information, please visit: munkschool.utoronto.ca. About CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder is the only end-to-end human capital management company covering the entire candidate lifecycle and employee lifecycle for businesses. As the global leader in its industry, CareerBuilder specializes in cutting-edge HR software as a service to help companies with every step of talent acquisition and management. CareerBuilder works with top employers across industries, providing solutions for talent and labor market analytics, job distribution, candidate sourcing, tracking, onboarding, HRIS, benefits administration and compliance. It also operates leading job sites around the world. Owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE:TGNA), Tribune Media (NYSE:TRCO) and McClatchy (NYSE:MNI), CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the United States, Europe, South America, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com. SOURCE TechToronto

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[October 17, 2016] India Classified Market Outlook to 2020 - Rising Adoption of Online Channels and Growing Number of MSME's to Foster Growth

NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Executive Summary The report titled "India Classified Market Outlook to 2020 - Rising Adoption of Online Channels and Growing Number of MSME's to Foster Growth" provides a comprehensive analysis of the online and offline classifieds in India. The report covers various aspects such as market size of India Classified Market, segmentation on the basis of online and offline modes. The report provides segment-wise information of India online B2B, B2C, C2C classifieds, online recruitment, online real estate, online matrimony and online automobile classified market. This report also offers prevalent trends and developments in industry, SWOT analysis and challenges in the industry. The report also covers the competitive landscape of the industry, in which the information related to the players operating in this industry has been comprehensively presented. Moreover, the report also offers information regarding the business models operating in the market along with the major macroeconomic indicators affecting the market. The report is useful for MSMEs, existing classified players, and new players venturing in the online classified market.

India Online Classifieds Market The India online classifieds market is going through a promising stage and was estimated at INR ~ million in the FY'2015. The market has soared at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of ~% from FY'2010-FY'2015. In FY'2015, online B2C market accounted for the highest proportionate share in the overall revenues of the online classifieds market. The share of online B2C classifieds has been registered as ~% in FY'2015. Additionally, online recruitment portals accounted for the second largest share in the overall revenues of the market during FY'2015. Online matrimonial classifieds registered a contribution of ~% to the overall revenues of the classifieds market during FY'2015.

India Online B2B Classifieds Market



The online B2B classified market has enlarged enormously during the period FY'2010-FY'2015, witnessing an astounding CAGR of ~%. The market generates ~% of revenues from subscription, ~% from lead generation and ~% from advertisements. Additionally, Industrial equipment & machinery and electronics & electrical goods occupied the largest share of ~% on the basis of total product listings. The share of Mumbai and Delhi in the number of total suppliers was noted at 21.0% in the year FY'2015. Additionally, manufacturers held a share of ~% in terms of total customers registered on online B2B portals during FY'2015.

IndiaMART leads the online classifieds market with a share of nearly ~% in the overall revenue of online B2B classified market. TradeIndia emerged as the second leading player in the online B2B market with contribution of ~% to the overall revenues of the market in FY'2015.



Furthermore, it is projected that the online B2B classified market in India will enlarge at a CAGR of ~% during FY'2016-FY'2020 to reach a figure of INR ~ million by FY'2020. Players in the market will continue to invest in upgrading their platforms and approach entrepreneurs to list their businesses online to grow at a faster rate.

India Online B2C Classifieds Market



The number of registered customers on B2B portals in India has progressed at a rapid pace, observing a CAGR of nearly ~% during FY'2010-FY'2015. The online B2C classifieds market revenues were registered as INR ~ million in FY'2015. It has been estimated that during FY'2015, online B2C market generated nearly ~% of their revenue from listings of businesses on the platform. Most of the small businesses find it viable to pay for non-premium listings since they cost much less than premium listings Furthermore, Internet has contributed to a share of nearly ~% of overall number of searches in FY'2015. In addition to this, tier I cities contributed to a significant ~% of the share, while their share in the number of paid listings has been noted at ~% in FY'2015. Even though tier II and tier III cities collectively contributed to a fair ~% share in the total number of listings online, their contribution in the number of paid listings was noted as ~% in FY'2015



During the year FY'2015, JustDial contributed to nearly ~% of the revenue of India B2C market. Sulekha.com has been the second largest players in the market with a revenue share of ~% share. Askme has been expanding its network of businesses at the same time investing in marketing activities to grow its brand. The company has been able to generate a share of ~% in the online B2C classified market as of FY'2015. The online B2C classified market in India holds a great potential owing to the rising number of MSMEs in the country. The revenues of the market are projected to incline at a CAGR of ~% during FY'2016-FY'2020.

India Online C2C Classifieds Market



India Online Classifieds market size in FY'2015 was estimated at INR ~ million and is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~ to reach INR ~ million by FY'2020. Electronics and Automobile are the two most dominating segments as far as classifieds listings are concerned. Bangalore and Mumbai account for the majority of the listings As far as revenues are concerned, around ~% of the revenues are generated through advertisements. The companies in this sector have not been monetizing to their full capacity as a sizeable proportion of their listings are free. The consumer bracketing in this sector leads to the inference that most of the traffic is generated through mobile. The majority of the traffic on these portals come from the age bracket of 25-30, is male and belongs to the A1, A2 and A3 SEC classification.









India Online Real Estate

The online real estate market has witnessed a speedy growth and enlarged at a CAGR of ~% during the period FY'2010-FY'2015. The number of listings in the online real estate market reached ~ thousand by the end of FY'2015.

As of FY'2015, residential property contributed to the maximum share of ~% in the total number of listings on online portals. Commercial real estate listings added to a share of ~% in the total listings. Additionally, ~% of the subscription revenue was sourced from residential rent which was followed by residential sale with a contribution share of ~%. Further, properties for commercial sale contributed to revenue share of ~% in FY'2015.





The market is dominated by players including 99Acres.com, MagicBricks.com, and Commonfloor.com. 99Acres.com has been the market leader with a revenue contribution ~% share in the online real estate market in FY'2015. CommonFloor.com has emerged as another leading player in the market generating nearly INR ~ million revenues during the year FY'2015.

The online real estate market in India is anticipated to scale new heights with the entry of new players with innovative business models. The revenue of online real estate market is projected to grow at a rate of ~% during FY'2016-FY'2020.



India Online Recruitment Market

The online recruitment market which has grown at a remarkable CAGR of ~% in terms of revenue during FY'2010-FY'2015 is anticipated to drive the attention of new players and investors in the near future. The number of resumes uploaded online to ~ million by FY'2015. The number of customers listed on online platforms has been registered at ~ by the end of FY'2015.

The share of companies was registered as ~% of the customers registered on online platforms during FY'2015 while the share of consultants was ~%. Furthermore, Bangalore accounted for ~% of the overall revenues generated by online recruitment companies, followed by Delhi /NCR and Mumbai with share of ~% and ~% respectively.



Naukri.com registered a market share of ~% in terms of overall market revenues. The second leading player was noted as Monster India with revenue contribution of ~% in FY'2015. Shine.com and Times jobs have contributed to a modest ~% and ~% share respectively in the online recruitment market of India as of FY'2015.



It is expected that the adaptation of innovative tools such as video interviewing, asynchronous interviewing and online assessments will increase the efficiency of the hiring process, at the same time help in improving the quality of the hire. Therefore, the online recruitment market is anticipated to witness a growth of ~% during the period FY'2016-FY'2020 in terms of revenue

India Online Matrimonial Market The market size of India online matrimonial market inclined at a CAGR of ~% during the period FY'2010-FY'2015 and reached INR 4,139.3 million in FY'2015. The number of registrations in online matrimonial market was noted as 38.0 million in FY'2015.



Majority of people who take membership of various matchmaking portals opted for monthly plans which accounted for ~% of the total subscriptions in the market during FY'2015. Matchmaking has been more popular among the male section of the society. In FY'2015, significant proportion of profiles, approximately 70% was posted by prospective grooms (males) and remaining ~% profiles were registered by prospective brides during FY'2015.Owing to such growth several startups such as Truly Madly are also entering the market.



Bharat Matrimony emerged as the leading player in the India online matrimonial market, registering a market share of ~% in terms and revenues and~% in terms of total registration. Shaadi.com contributed a significant ~% share to the total registrations of India Online Matchmaking Services in India during FY'2015.

The growth of online matchmaking market is expected to accelerate over the forecasted period FY'2016-FY'2020 owing to increasing reliability on online matchmaking services. It is projected to generate the revenue of INR ~ million with the surging future growth of ~% over the coming five years.



India Online Automobile Market

The size of online automobile market in India was estimated at INR ~ million in FY'2015 with approximate listing size of ~. Maruti and Hyundai hatchbacks and sedans have been the most popularly listed car models on these portals. As far as major players are concerned, there have been heavy consolidations in the recent past and the competition has boiled to 4 major players with CarWale and CarDekho leading the pack. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of ~% to register revenues amounting to INR ~ million by FY'2020.



Key Topics Covered in the Report:

- The market size of the Classifieds market in India, FY'2010-FY'2015

- Market segmentation of the Classifieds market on the basis of Online and Offline Mode.

- The market size of the Online Classifieds market in India, FY'2010-FY'2015

- Market Segmentation of Online Classifieds market by Online B2B, B2C, C2C, Real Estate, Matrimony, Recruitment and Matrimonial

- Future outlook and projections of the basis of revenue in India online classifieds market, FY'2016-FY'2020.

- The market size of the Online B2B Classifieds market in India, FY'2010-FY'2015

- Market Segmentation of Online B2B Classifieds by product categories, by major states, by source of revenues, type of customer and others

- Market Share of Major Players in India Online B2B Classifieds Market

- Competitive Landscape of Major Players in India Online B2B Classifieds Market

- Future outlook and projections of the basis of revenue, number of registrations in India online B2B classifieds market, FY'2016-FY'2020

- The market size of the Online B2C Classifieds market in India, FY'2010-FY'2015

- Market Segmentation of Online B2C Classifieds by product categories, by major states, by source of revenues, type of customer and others

- Market Share of Major Players in India Online B2C Classifieds Market

- Competitive Landscape of Major Players in India Online B2C Classifieds Market

- Future outlook and projections of the basis of revenue, number of registrations in India online B2C classifieds market, FY'2016-FY'2020

- The market size of the Online Real Estate market in India, FY'2010-FY'2015

- Market Segmentation of Online Real Estate Classifieds by product categories, by major states, by source of revenues, type of customer and others

- Market Share of Major Players in India Online Real Estate Classifieds Market

- Competitive Landscape of Major Players in India Online Real Estate Classifieds Market

- Future outlook and projections of the basis of revenue, number of registrations in India online Real Estate classifieds market, FY'2016-FY'2020

- The market size of the Online Recruitment market in India, FY'2010-FY'2015

- Market Segmentation of Online Recruitment Classifieds by product categories, by major states, by source of revenues, type of customer and others

- Market Share of Major Players in India Online Recruitment Classifieds Market

- Competitive Landscape of Major Players in India Online Recruitment Classifieds Market

- Future outlook and projections of the basis of revenue, number of registrations in India online Recruitment classifieds market, FY'2016-FY'2020

- The market size of the Online Matrimonial market in India, FY'2010-FY'2015

- Market Segmentation of Online Matrimonial Classifieds by product categories, by major states, by source of revenues, type of customer and others

- Market Share of Major Players in India Online Matrimonial Classifieds Market

- Competitive Landscape of Major Players in India Online Matrimonial Classifieds Market

-Future outlook and projections of the basis of revenue, number of registrations in India online Matrimonial classifieds market, FY'2016-FY'2020

- Macro Economic factors affecting India classified market.

- Business Models

- Analyst Recommendations

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04138998-summary/view-report.html



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[October 17, 2016] Standex Acquires Horizon Scientific, Inc.

Standex International Corporation (NYSE:SXI) today announced that it has acquired South Carolina-based Horizon Scientific, Inc., a supplier of laboratory refrigerators and freezers, as well as cryogenic equipment for the scientific, bio-medical and pharmaceutical markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Horizon Scientific recorded revenue of approximately $28 million for the trailing 12 months ended September 2016. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings per share by $0.01-$0.02 in fiscal 2017 and $0.07-$0.09 in fiscal 2018, net of purchase accounting and acquisition costs. "Horizon Scientific enhances Standex's penetration of the higher margin refrigeration markets represented by the growing scientific sector," said Standex Chief Executive Officer David Dunbar. "We look forward to offering Horizon Scientific's well respected products, and working with its customer base and channel partners to expand sales of Standex's NorLake Scientific brand into these markets. Horizon Scientific brings us an experienced management team and we welcome the opportunity to build a stronger position in these key markets together." "Becoming part of Standex will enable us to achieve Horizon Scientific's strategic growth objectives faster than we could as an independent company," said Horizon Scientific Founder and Chief Executive Officer Greg Deutschmann. "We now have access to much broader engineering and manufacturing capabilities, which will enable us to deliver product ideas and customer solutions more quickly. Our longstanding relationships in the pharma, biotech, hospital, medical school and government industries make Horizon Scientific and Standex a great strategic fit." "Horizon Scientific has a deep understanding of its key markets, excellent insght into its sales channels and an ability to develop custom solutions very quickly for customers," said Standex Food Service Equipment Group President Anne De Greef-Safft. "We welcome the entire Horizon Scientific team to Standex and look forward to working together to expand our product portfolio and customer base."



About Horizon Scientific

Headquartered in Summerville, South Carolina, Horizon Scientific, Inc. is a respected supplier of laboratory refrigerators and freezers as well as cryogenic equipment for the scientific, bio-medical and pharmaceutical markets. The company provides these solutions under the American BioTech Supply, Lab Research Products and CryoSafe brand names, and also as private labeled products. About Standex

Standex International Corporation is a multi-industry manufacturer in five broad business segments: Food Service Equipment, Engineering Technologies, Engraving, Electronics, and Hydraulics with operations in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Turkey, South Africa, India and China. For additional information, visit the Company's website at http://standex.com/.

Safe Harbor Language

Statements in this news release include, or may be based upon, management's current expectations, estimates and/or projections about Standex's markets and industries. These statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may materially differ from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ are the impact of implementation of government regulations and programs affecting our businesses, unforeseen legal judgments, fines or settlements, uncertainty in conditions in the financial and banking markets, general domestic and international economy including more specifically economic conditions in the oil and gas market, the impact of foreign exchange, increases in raw material costs, the ability to substitute less expensive alternative raw materials, the heavy construction vehicle market, the ability to continue to successfully implement productivity improvements, increase market share, access new markets, introduce new products, enhance our presence in strategic channels, the successful expansion and automation of manufacturing capabilities and diversification efforts in emerging markets, the ability to continue to achieve cost savings through lean manufacturing, cost reduction activities, and low cost sourcing, effective completion of plant consolidations, successful completion and integration of acquisitions and the other factors discussed in the Annual Report of Standex on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and any subsequent periodic reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent management's estimates only as of the day made and should not be relied upon as representing management's estimates as of any subsequent date. While the Company may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company and management specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if management's estimates change. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017006502/en/

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[October 17, 2016] Sealed Air Announces Plan to Pursue Spin-Off of Diversey Care and Related Hygiene Business

Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE:SEE) announced today a plan to pursue the spin-off of its Diversey Care division and the food hygiene and cleaning business within its Food Care division (together "New Diversey"), while the remaining Sealed Air business ("New Sealed Air") will continue as an independent public company. Under the plan, if effectuated, Sealed Air's shareholders would own 100% of the common stock of New Diversey following completion of the spin-off. The plan is intended to allow each of New Sealed Air and New Diversey to focus on a distinct set of strategic objectives, creating enhanced shareholder value. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2017 and is intended to qualify as a tax-free distribution to Sealed Air shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Upon completion of the spin-off: New Sealed Air will continue to be a leading provider of food, product and medical packaging solutions, with a high-margin and technologically advanced business focused on profitable growth and strong cash flow globally. New Sealed Air will continue delivering leading knowledge-based solutions for waste reduction, resource conservation and product security, all of which deliver unique and measurable value to customers and the planet. On a pro forma basis for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, New Sealed Air (excluding New Diversey) generated $4.2 billion in sales and had Adjusted EBITDA of $826 million.

New Diversey, to be led by Dr. Ilham Kadri, President of Diversey Care, will be a pure-play, high-growth hygiene and cleaning solutions company. With an integrated product offering comprised of floor care machines, tools, chemicals and services, New Diversey is a pioneer in the hygiene industry through digital innovation and is well-positioned to profitably gain share on a global basis. On a pro forma basis for the twelve months ended June 30, 2016, New Diversey generated $2.6 billion in sales and had Adjusted EBITDA of $305 million. "Sealed Air has created significant shareholder value by delivering leading innovations to our global customers, improving our quality of earnings and executing a disciplined capital allocation strategy," said Jerome A. Peribere, Sealed Air's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our Board and management team continually evaluate options to enhance shareholder value and we believe this spin-off will allow both New Sealed Air and New Diversey to realize their full potential. Following the spin-off, each company will be well-positioned for profitable growth through a proven business model and enhanced strategic focus, improved operating efficiencies and optimized capital allocation to enable investments in new disruptive technologies." "Diversey Care is a market leader thanks to its pioneering approach in the development of innovative solutions that create value for customers, including the Internet of Clean, Intellibot robotics, unmatched plant-based biodegradable chemistries and AHP disinfection technologies," Peribere continued. "Ilham and her management team have been instrumental in transforming and positioning Diversey Care for sustainable and profitable growth." Transaction Benefits Enhances Strategic Focus. The spin-off creates two strong, focused operating companies with distinct business models and growth profiles. As independent companies, New Sealed Air and New Diversey will be better able to efficiently allocate capital and optimize investments in disruptive technologies to serve their unique customer bases and enhance their competitive positions. New Sealed Air will continue to execute on its "Change the Game" initiatives to penetrate new markets, introduce new business models and deliver disruptive innovation to drive value for customers and partners. New Diversey will continue to focus on its strategy as an innovator and strong collaborative partner differentiated by its industry leading expertise in dosing, dispensing and concentrated formulas, as well as a global footprint that reaches a diverse customer base.

The spin-off creates two strong, focused operating companies with distinct business models and growth profiles. As independent companies, New Sealed Air and New Diversey will be better able to efficiently allocate capital and optimize investments in disruptive technologies to serve their unique customer bases and enhance their competitive positions. New Sealed Air will continue to execute on its "Change the Game" initiatives to penetrate new markets, introduce new business models and deliver disruptive innovation to drive value for customers and partners. New Diversey will continue to focus on its strategy as an innovator and strong collaborative partner differentiated by its industry leading expertise in dosing, dispensing and concentrated formulas, as well as a global footprint that reaches a diverse customer base. Simplifies Operating Structures. Following the completion of the spin, New Sealed Air and New Diversey will each benefit from leaner, more streamlined operating structures to enable more efficient management decision-making.

Following the completion of the spin, New Sealed Air and New Diversey will each benefit from leaner, more streamlined operating structures to enable more efficient management decision-making. Creates Distinct Investment Identities. The spin-off enables investors to evaluate each business based on its respective financial profile, performance and value creation opportunities.

The spin-off enables investors to evaluate each business based on its respective financial profile, performance and value creation opportunities. New Sealed Air and New Diversey will Maintain Strong Financial Positions. Each company will be well-capitalized and well-positioned to pursue future growth opportunities. New Sealed Air and New Diversey will have disciplined returns-based approaches to capital allocation and are targeting similar leverage ratios and credit ratings as existing Sealed Air. Leadership Dr. Ilham Kadri, President of Diversey Care, joined Sealed Air in 2013 from Dow Chemical. She brings more than 20 years of experience through a variety of global roles in Business Leadership, Strategic Planning, Sales, Marketing, Product Management, M&A and Research & Development in public and private companies such as Shell Chemicals-Basell, UCB-Cytec, Huntsman, and Rohm Haas-Dow. Additional members of New Diversey's management team and Board of Directors will be named in the months leading up to the completion of the spin-off. New Sealed Air will continue to be led by its existing management team under Jerome A. Peribere, President and Chief Executive Officer. Transaction Conditions and Terms The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2017, subject to final approval by Sealed Air's Board of Directors, as well as satisfaction of customary conditions, including the effectiveness of appropriate filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board has made no final decision regarding a spin-off of New Diversey, and there can be no assurance that the Board's plan will result in the commencement or consummation of any such spin-off. Sealed Air anticipates filing a Form 10 relating to the transaction with the Securities and Exchange Commission as early as the first quarter of 2017. The Company intends the spin-off to be tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In anticipation of and to facilitate the spin-off, the Company is planning the internal separation of the New Diversey business lines from the remaining Sealed Air business in a series of transactions that are intended to be tax efficient from both a United States and foreign perspective. Such separation is currently expected to include internal distributions intended to be tax-free under Section 355 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. In particular, the companies (which shall also include any of their successors and transferees) that are anticipated to be distributing corporations in connection with the internal separation transactions include Ciras C.V., Cryovac, Inc., Cryovac International Holdings Inc., Diversey Brasil Industria Quimica Ltda., Diversey Canada, Inc., Diversey Eastern and Central Africa Limited, Diversey Egypt Limited, Diversey Egypt One, Limited, Diversey Egypt Trading Company, S.A.E., Diversey Egypt Two, Limited, Diversey Europe Holdings C.V., Diversey Europe Investments B.V., Diversey Global Holdings C.V., Diversey Gulf FZE, Diversey Hygiene (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Diversey, Inc., Diversey Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Diversey Maroc S.A., Diversey Peru, S.A.C., Diversey Sverige AB, Diversey West Africa Limited, JWP Investments Offshore, Inc., PT Diversey Indonesia, Sealed Air Africa (Proprietary) Limited, Sealed Air (Asia) Holdings B.V., Sealed Air (Barbados) S.R.L., Sealed Air Central America, S.A., Sealed Air (China) Co., Ltd., Sealed Air Colombia Ltda., Sealed Air Corporation (US), Sealed Air Europe Holdings LP, Sealed Air Holdings (Pty) Ltd., Sealed Air Holdings South Africa Proprietary Limited, Sealed Air Hong Kong Trading Limited, Sealed Air (India) Private Limited, Sealed Air Luxembourg (I) S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Luxembourg (II) S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Saudi Arabia Limited, Sealed Air (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Sealed Air Solutions Holdings, Inc., Sealed Air (Thailand) Limited, and Sealed Air Uruguay S.A. Advisors The Company has retained Citi as its financial advisor and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as its legal advisor. SC Johnson & Son Brand License Separately, Sealed Air announced today that its Diversey Care division has reached a mutual agreement with SC Johnson & Son ("SCJ") to end the existing business relating to Sealed Air's distribution of SCJ-branded products to the professional market under the existing Brand License Agreement ("BLA"). The companies agreed that the BLA will expire on May 2, 2017, with the exception of Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Czech Republic and Poland, where the BLA expires on January 1, 2017. Both companies are committed to maintaining a continuous supply of SCJ-branded products to customers under the BLA. New Diversey will be well-positioned to expand its relationships with existing partners, develop new partnerships and grow its own brands into new channels in the U.S. and globally. Third Quarter Conference Call Sealed Air has scheduled a conference call and webcast to discuss its third quarter results and the spin-off at 11:00 a.m. (ET) on Thursday, October 27, 2016. The conference call will be webcast live on the Investor Relations home page at www.sealedair.com/investors. Listeners should go to the web site prior to the call to register and to download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the webcast will also be available thereafter. Investors who cannot access the webcast may listen to the conference call live via telephone by dialing (888) 680-0878 (domestic) or (617) 213-4855 (international) and use the participant code 72265248. To avoid registration wait times, teleconference participants may pre-register on the Investor Relations home page for a personalized PIN number to access the conference call. Telephonic replay of the webcast will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, October 27, 2016 and end on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 2:59 p.m. (ET). To listen to the replay, please dial (888) 286-8010 (domestic) or (617) 801-6888 (international) and use the confirmation code 19315392. Business Sealed Air Corporation creates a world that feels, tastes and works better. In 2015, the Company generated revenue of approximately $7.0 billion by helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals in the face of today's biggest social and environmental challenges. Our portfolio of widely recognized brands, including Cryovac brand food packaging solutions, Bubble Wrap brand cushioning and Diversey cleaning and hygiene solutions, enables a safer and less wasteful food supply chain, protects valuable goods shipped around the world, and improves health through clean environments. Sealed Air has approximately 23,000 employees who serve customers in 169 countries. To learn more, visit www.sealedair.com. Website Information We routinely post important information for investors on our website, www.sealedair.com, in the "Investor Relations" section. We use this website as a means of disclosing material, non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor the Investor Relations section of our website, in addition to following our press releases, SEC (News - Alert) filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document. Non-U.S. GAAP Information In this press release, we have referenced the non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, Adjusted EBITDA. We present results adjusted to exclude the effects of certain specified items ("special items") that would otherwise be included under U.S. GAAP. Non-U.S. GAAP measures are used by management to review and analyze our operating performance and, along with other data, as internal measures for setting annual budgets and forecasts, assessing financial performance, providing guidance and comparing our financial performance with our peers and may also be used for purposes of determining incentive compensation. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP information. It does not purport to represent any similarly titled U.S. GAAP information and is not an indicator of our performance under U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA as determined by us may not be comparable with similarly titled measures used by others. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on these non-U.S. GAAP measures. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Profit, see the attached supplementary schedule entitled "Summary Financial Data." Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning our business, consolidated financial condition and results of operations. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by such words as "anticipates," "believes," "plan," "assumes," "could," "should," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "potential," "seek," "predict," "may," "will" and similar references to future periods. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding expected future operating results, expectations regarding the results of restructuring and other programs, anticipated levels of capital expenditures and expectations of the effect on our financial condition of claims, litigation, environmental costs, contingent liabilities and governmental and regulatory investigations and proceedings. The following are important factors that we believe could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements: the tax benefits associated with the Settlement agreement (as defined in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K), global economic and political conditions, changes in our credit ratings, changes in raw material pricing and availability, changes in energy costs, competitive conditions, success of our restructuring activities, currency translation and devaluation effects, the success of our financial growth, profitability, cash generation and manufacturing strategies and our cost reduction and productivity efforts, the success of new product offerings, the effects of animal and food-related health issues, pandemics, consumer preferences, environmental matters, regulatory actions and legal matters, and the other information referenced in the "Risk Factors" section appearing in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as revised and updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statement made by us is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.







Sealed Air Corporation Spin-off of Diversey Care and Related Hygiene Business Summary Financial Data Sealed Air New Diversey New Sealed Air Twelve Months Twelve Months Twelve Months Ended Ended Ended (In millions) June 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 Selected Financial Data Net sales $ 6,818 $ 2,576 $ 4,242 Operating profit $ 763 $ 189 $ 574 Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) $ 1,131 $ 305 $ 826 Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Profit Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,131 (1) $ 305 (2) $ 826 (1) Depreciation and amortization (269 ) (117 ) (152 ) Other income, net (12 ) 1 (13 ) Special items: - Restructuring expense (50 ) - (50 ) Other restructuring associated costs (35 ) - (35 ) Other special items (2 ) - (2 ) Operating profit $ 763 $ 189 $ 574

(1) Adjusted EBITDA represents LTM 6/31/16 results as reported, including Other expenses. (2) Adjusted EBITDA represents LTM 6/31/16 results as reported, excluding an allocation of Other expenses. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017006416/en/

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[October 17, 2016] Axtel Announces Results for Third Quarter 2016

Axtel (News - Alert), S.A.B. de C.V. ("Axtel" or "the Company"), a Mexican information and communications technology company, announced today its unaudited third quarter results ended September 30, 2016(1). Axtel is a subsidiary of Alfa S.A.B. de C.V. ("ALFA"). Highlights: The Company's operating performance continued improving as reflected in an 11% EBITDA sequential growth driven by the positive revenue trend from enterprise and FTTx mass-market segments. Revenue from government, which has been underperforming this year, started to recover as contracts signed in the first semester are now contributing to the Company's results.

As of the end of the third quarter, Axtel has captured run-rate EBITDA synergies representing 65% of the run-rate target, resulting in a cumulative benefit of approximately Ps. 300 million.

The Company continues to experience a stronger demand for its IT and Telecom managed solutions from enterprise customers, as the new expanded portfolio of services and more robust network have become a competitive strength of the combined Company.

Consistent with Axtel's IT strategy, we recently launched the "Alestra (News - Alert) Cloud Collaboration" service with Cisco technology, a solution that enhances communication while improving productivity for our customers.

Felipe Canales added "Third quarter results show a considerable growth of 11% in EBITDA compared to the previous quarter. This is explained by the positive performance of the enterprise business, in particular the IT segment, and the FTTx Mass Market segment. Merger synergies in expenses have also contributed to the improvement of the results. It should be noted that the growth in the enterprise segment has been influenced by the higher level of interest in our managed services by corporate clients. The expanded portfolio of services and a more robust network and data center platform represents a competitive advantage for Axtel. We are confident that this positive trend in our results will continue the rest of the year and in the long run." Note: Figures shown throughout the document include Alestra S. de R.L. de C.V. and its subsidiaries ("Alestra") as of February 15, 2016. However, in order to explain variations, reference is also made to pro forma figures, as if the merger had occurred at the beginning of each period. Sources of Revenues Mass Market: Quarterly revenues decreased 5%: FTTH. FTTH revenues totaled Ps. 499 million in the third quarter of 2016, compared to Ps. 427 million for same period in 2015, representing a 17% increase in line with a 20% increase in customers. Voice revenues increased 11% due to a 24% increase in monthly rent revenues mitigated by a 66% decline in mobile revenues due to lower billed fix-to-mobile minutes and prices. Internet and video revenues increased 15% and 31% respectively, mainly due to increases in internet and video subscribers. Wireless. Revenues amounted to Ps. 279 million in the third quarter of 2016, compared to Ps. 394 million in the same period in 2015, a 29% decrease explained by a 31% decline in customers. Voice revenues decreased 32% mainly explained by a 27% decline in monthly rents and a 64% decline in mobile revenues due to less billed fix-to-mobile minutes. Internet revenues decreased 20% due to a decline in internet subscribers. Telecom: Quarterly revenues totaled Ps. 2,491 million, compared to Ps. 1,337 million in the same period in 2015, an 86% increase. On a pro forma basis, revenues decreased 5%, mainly due to declines in voice revenues. Voice revenues decreased 20% due to declines fix-to-mobile revenues, toll-free (800s) revenues and a 77% decline in international traffic revenues explained by declines in volume. Data and Internet revenues increased 9% strong demand for dedicated internet services from enterprise customers. Managed networks revenues decreased 2%. IT: IT revenues amounted to Ps. 568 million in the third quarter of 2016, compared to Ps. 201 million in the same period in 2015, a 182% increase. On a pro forma basis, revenues increased 5% due to strong increases in cloud services and hosting revenues due to better performance in hosting, cloud and system integration services related to government segment projects.

Mass Market Operating Data Customers. As of September 30, 2016, customers totaled 467 thousand, a reduction of 70 thousand from the same date in 2015 due to the continued decline in Wireless customers. Total customers declined 9 thousand on a sequential basis. ARPU for FTTH and wireless customers is Ps. 811 and Ps. 415, respectively. RGUs(9). As of September 30, 2016, RGUs (Revenue Generating Units) totaled 1,059 thousand. During the third quarter of 2016, there were less than 1 thousand net disconnections, compared to 29 thousand net disconnections in the third quarter of 2015 due to stronger FTTH additions in 2016. Voice RGUs (lines in service). As of September 30, 2016, lines in service totaled 529 thousand, composed of 266 thousand for FTTH segment and 263 thousand for wireless segment. Lines in service in the third quarter of 2016 decreased 3 thousand, compared to a decrease of 20 thousand in the same period of 2015, due to continued decline in wireless customers. Internet RGUs (internet subscribers). Broadband subscribers decreased 9% year-over-year totaling 406 thousand as of September 30, 2016. During the third quarter of 2016, broadband subscribers' net disconnections totaled 2 thousand compared to 12 thousand in the same period of 2015, due to continued disconnections of wireless subscribers and an increase in FTTH net additions this quarter. As of September 30, 2016, wireless broadband subscribers reached 182 thousand, compared to 258 thousand a year ago, while AXTEL X-tremo, or FTTH customers, totaled 225 thousand compared to 186 thousand a year ago. Broadband penetration has increased from 75% in September 2015 to 77% in September 2016. Video subscribers. As of September 30, 2016, video subscribers reached 123 thousand compared to 103 thousand a year ago, a 20% increase. Video penetration within the FTTH broadband subscriber remained flat at 55% compared to September 2015.

Cost of Revenues and Operating Expenses Cost of Revenues. For the three month period ended September 30, 2016, the cost of revenues represented Ps. 869 million, an increase of 96% or Ps. 424 million, compared to the same period of year 2015. On a pro forma basis, costs decreased 2% mainly due to Telecom segment costs. Mass market costs increased 17% due to increases in FTTH segment video costs, which was compensated by a decrease of 37% in voice costs. Telecom costs declined 11% mainly due to a strong decline in Data an Internet associated to lower revenues. IT segment costs increased 6%. Gross Profit. Gross profit is defined as revenues minus cost of revenues, excluding depreciation costs. For the third quarter of 2016, the gross profit accounted for Ps. 2,968 million, 55% higher than the same period in year 2015. On a pro forma basis, gross profit decreased 4% due to the decline in Telecom revenues. The gross profit margin remained flat at 77% year-over-year. Operating expenses. In the third quarter of year 2016, operating expenses totaled Ps. 1,703 million, 54% higher than the operating expenses recorded in the same period in 2015. On a pro forma basis, operating expenses amounted Ps. 1,697 million in the third quarter of 2015, very similar to third quarter 2016. The declines in personnel, outsourcing, and marketing mitigated the increase in non-recurring merger expenses and maintenance expense which resulted from a larger number of customer-related maintenance contracts and the impact of the peso devaluation on the Company's IT and network maintenance contracts.

Other income / (expense), EBITDA, Operating income (loss) Merger and Integration Expense. For the three month period ended September 30, 2016, expenses related to the Axtel-Alestra merger totaled Ps. 59 million pesos. In the previous quarter, merger-related expenses totaled Ps. 28 million. For the twelve month period ended September 30, 2016, pro forma merger expenses totaled Ps. 863 million the most relevant being merger-related expenses categories are severance payments, a one-time non-cash pension relate charge and consulting fees. EBITDA(6). For the third quarter of 2016, EBITDA reached Ps. 1,265 million, a 57% increase from the same period in 2015. Pro forma EBITDA in the third-quarter of 2015 was Ps. 1,399 million, a decline of 10%, summarized as the result of a 4% decline in revenues and a 32 bps decline in margin of contribution. EBITDA margin decreased from 35.1% to 33.0%. Operating income (loss). In the third quarter of 2016, operating income totaled Ps. 339 million, compared to an operating income of Ps. 132 million. On a pro forma basis, operating income was Ps. 466 million in the second quarter of 2015, representing a decrease of Ps. 127 million for 2016 period mainly due to a higher level of depreciation.

Comprehensive Financing Result, Debt, Cash and Capital Investments Comprehensive financing result. The comprehensive financing cost reached Ps. 829 million in the third quarter of 2016, compared to a cost of Ps. 1,184 million in the same period of 2015, or Ps. 1,598 million on a pro forma basis. The reduction in pro forma comprehensive financing result is explained by lower interest and FX losses during the third quarter of 2016 compared to the third quarter of 2015. Debt. At the end of the third quarter 2016, total debt increased Ps. 7,178 million in comparison with third quarter 2015, mostly explained by (i) the new a Ps. 16,010 14,763 million increase related to the new Syndicated Credit Facility which refinanced Ps. 11,996 million of 2017, 2019 and 2020 Notes, (ii) an increase of Ps. 3,601 3,210 million related to Alestra's debt and (iii) a Ps. 1,751 million non-cash increase caused by the 13 15% depreciation of the Mexican peso. Cash. As of the end of the third quarter of 2016, the cash balance totaled Ps. 906 million, compared to Ps. 3,194 million pro forma a year ago, and Ps. 1,279 million at the beginning of the quarter. The cash balance at the end of the quarter includes restricted cash of Ps. 152 million. Capital Investments. In the third quarter of 2016, capital investments totaled Ps. 942 million, or $50 million, compared to pro forma Ps. 865 million, or $44 million, in the year-earlier quarter.

Financial Statements Information as of September 30, 2016 (including Alestra) compared with information as of September 30, 2015 Assets As of September 30, 2016, total assets summed Ps. 32,381 million compared to Ps. 22,695 million as of September 30, 2015, an increase of Ps. 9,686 million, or 43%. Cash and equivalents. As of September 30, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of Ps. 754,412 compared to Ps. 2,491 million in the same date of year 2015, a 69% decline. Accounts Receivable. As of September 30, 2016, the accounts receivable were Ps. 6,795 million compared with Ps. 5,597 million in the same date of 2015, an increase of Ps. 1,198 million or 21%. Property, plant and equipment, net. As of September 30, 2016, the net of depreciation value of property, plant and equipment was Ps. 19,769 million compared with Ps. 13,357 million as of September 30, 2015, an increase of Ps. 6,412 million or 48%. The property, plant and equipment without adjusting for the accumulated depreciation, was Ps. 63,224 million and Ps. 43,174 million as of September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively. Liabilities Total liabilities were Ps. 27,396 million as of September 30, 2016 compared to Ps. 18,047 million as of September 30, 2015, an increase of Ps. 9,350 million or 52% mainly driven by the inclusion of Alestra's debt and a non-cash increase in debt related to the 15% peso depreciation against the US dollar. Accounts payable & accrued expenses. On September 30, 2016, the accounts payable and accrued expenses were Ps. 3,592 million compared with Ps. 2,780 million on September 30, 2015, an increase of Ps. 812 million or 29%. Stockholders' Equity On September 30, 2016, the stockholders equity of the Company was Ps. 4,985 million compared with Ps. 4,649 million as of September 30, 2015, an increase of Ps. 336,342, or 7%. The capital stock was Ps. 10,362 million as of September 30, 2016 compared to Ps. 6,800 million as of September 30, 2015, this increase is due to the merger between Axtel and Alestra in February 15, 2016. Liquidity and Capital Resources Historically we have relied primarily on vendor financing, the proceeds of the sale of securities, internal cash from operations and the proceeds from bank debt to fund our operations, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Although we believe that we will be able to meet our debt service obligations and fund our operating requirements in the future with cash flow from operations, we may seek additional financing with commercial banks or in the capital markets from time to time depending on market conditions and our financial requirements. We will continue to focus on investments in property, systems and infrastructure and working capital management, including the collection of accounts receivable and management of accounts payable. Cash Flow Statement For the three month period ended September 30, 2016 (including Alestra since February 15, 2016) compared with the three month period ended September 30, 2015 Net resources used by operating activities were Ps. 907 million for the three month period ended on September 30, 2016 compared to resources provided by operating activities of Ps. 783 million recorded in the same period of year 2015. Net resources (used in) provided by investing activities were Ps. (911) million for the three month period ended on September 30, 2016 compared to Ps. (527) million recorded in the same period of year 2015. These flows primarily reflect investments in fixed assets of Ps. 901 million and Ps. 515 million, respectively. Net resources (used in) provided by financing activities were Ps. (381) million for the three month periods ended on September 30, 2016 and Ps. (689) million for 2015. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, the ratios of net debt to proforma EBITDA of the company were 4.2x and 1.7, respectively.







Q3 Q2 Q3 (%) 3Q16 vs. LTM LTM Million Pesos 2016 2016 2015 2Q16 3Q15 sep-16 sep-15 Revenues(2) 3,836 3,478 2,360 10% 63% 12,986 9,701 EBITDA(6) 1,265 1,139 807 11% 57% 3,199 3,556 EBITDA Margin 33.0% 32.8% 34.2% + 0 bps -4% 24.6% 36.7% Net (loss) Income -451 -952 -768 53% 41% -3,134 -2,157 Capital Expenditures 942 794 515 19% 83% 3,652 2,963 Net Debt 19,693 19,039 10,929 3% 80% Nebt Debt / EBITDA(7) 4.2x 1.7x

Source (News - Alert) of Revenues (%) 3Q16 vs. Million Pesos Q3 2016 Q2 2016 Q3 2015 Q2 2016 Q3 2015 MASS MARKET 778 806 822 -4% -5% FTTH 499 494 427 1% 17% Wireless 279 313 394 -11% -29% TELECOM 2,491 2,201 1,337 13% 86% Voice 717 707 519 1% 38% Data and Internet 858 849 232 1% 270% Managed Networks 916 645 586 42% 56% IT 568 471 201 21% 182% TOTAL 3,836 3,478 2,360 10% 63% Other important information 1) We are presenting financial information based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in nominal pesos for the following periods: Consolidated income statement information for the three month periods ending on September 30, 2016 and 2015, and June 30, 2016; and twelve month period ending on September 30, 2016 and 2015, and

Balance sheet information as of September 30, 2016 and 2015; and June 30, 2015. 2) 2015 and 1Q16 revenues (include Alestra as of February 15, 2016) under the new segmentation: Million Pesos Q1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2015 Q1 2016 MASS MARKET 856 834 822 804 771 FTTH 391 415 427 437 447 Wireless 465 419 394 367 324 TELECOM 1,430 1,497 1,337 1,603 1,756 Voice 526 465 519 470 579 Data and Internet 214 231 232 234 549 Managed Networks 689 801 586 899 628 IT 130 211 201 425 313 TOTAL 2,416 2,542 2,360 2,832 2,840 3) Pro forma 2015 and 1Q16 revenues (include Alestra as of the beginning of each period) under the new segmentation: Million Pesos Q1 2015 Q2 2015 Q3 2015 Q4 2015 Q1 2016 MASS MARKET 856 834 822 804 771 FTTH 391 415 427 437 447 Wireless 465 419 394 367 324 TELECOM 2,654 2,729 2,624 2,863 2,402 Voice 920 850 895 778 755 Data and Internet 741 760 791 812 831 Managed Networks 993 1,118 939 1,273 815 IT 296 452 540 822 447 TOTAL 3,805 4,015 3,986 4,489 3,620 4) Costs of revenues include expenses related to the termination of our customers' cellular and long distance calls in other carriers' networks, as well as expenses related to billing, payment processing, operator services and our leasing of private circuit links. 5) Operating expenses include costs incurred in connection with general and administrative matters which incorporate compensation and benefits, the costs of leasing land and towers related to our operations and costs associated with sales and marketing and the maintenance of our network. 6) Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization, plus impairment of assets and further adjusted for extraordinary or non-recurring income and expenses. 7) EBITDA is defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization, plus impairment of assets. 8) Net Debt to EBITDA and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA: Ratio of net debt converted to dollars at the end of the period divided by the respective LTM EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA converted to dollars. For the ratio, pro forma LTM EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is used. 9) Revenue Generating Unit, or RGU, represents individual service subscriptions who generates recurring revenue for the Company. Total RGUs include the sum of all lines in service, broadband service and video subscriptions. 10) Total debt includes accrued interests as of the end of each period. Net debt is calculated as total debt minus cash and cash equivalents, which include non-current restricted cash. Analyst Coverage: The analysts mentioned below currently cover Axtel S.A.B. de C.V. Bank of America-Merrill Lynch

BBVA Bancomer

BTG Pactual

Casa de Bolsa Banorte Ixe, Grupo Financiero Banorte

Credit Suisse Securities

GBM Grupo Bursatil Mexicano

Itau BBA

Scotiabank Inverlat About AXTEL Axtel is a Mexican Information and Communication Technology Company that serves the enterprise, government, and residential markets with a robust portfolio of offers through its brands Alestra (Enterprise and government services) and Axtel (residential and small businesses). With a network infrastructure of over 39 thousand kilometers and more than 6 thousand square meters of data center, Axtel enables organizations to be more productive and bring people together to improve their quality of life. As of February 15, 2016, Axtel is a subsidiary of ALFA, which owns 51% of its equity. Axtel shares, represented by Ordinary Participation Certificates, or CPOs, trade on the Mexican Stock Market under the symbol "AXTELCPO" since 2005. Visit AXTEL's Investor Relations Center at axtelcorp.mx Enterprise and Government services website: alestra.mx Mass Market services website: axtel.mx View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017006533/en/

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[October 17, 2016] Orthocell Receives Approval for Human Nerve Regeneration Study Using CelGro

Regenerative medicine company Orthocell has been granted ethics approval for a human study examining the effectiveness of its CelGro collagen medical device, to guide and promote nerve regeneration in severed peripheral nerves of the hand and upper limb. The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of CelGro when used as a conduit in the surgical repair of peripheral nerve injuries. The study will involve 20 patients who have suffered injury to one or more peripheral nerves and will be undertaken at St John of God Hospital beginning in the fourth quarter of calendar 2016. Peripheral nerve injury is most commonly caused by accidents or other trauma and in the US alone, over 20 million people are affected each year, at a cost of approximately $150 billion in annual health care dollars. Principal investigator, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Alex O'Beirne said: "This is an exciting development that has the potential to improve patient outcomes by allowing for a suture-less repair to the damaged nerve, to guide nerve regeneratin and accelerate the healing process."



CelGro is a biological medical device used as a scaffold for a variety of orthopaedic and general reconstructive surgical applications. Orthocell is also undertaking clinical studies using CelGro to augment repair of the rotator cuff tendon within the shoulder, as an augment to guide and promote bone regeneration, as well as an augment to cartilage repair within the hip joint. Orthocell Managing Director Paul Anderson said, "This is an exciting new phase in the development of CelGro and its use as an augment to improve nerve repair. It further validates CelGro as a unique platform technology for soft tissue repair."

Orthocell has submitted CelGro for first regulatory approval in Europe and expects to receive notice of approval of its CE Mark application in 2016. Receipt of this approval will enable sales of CelGro to commence in Europe, and trigger applications for other regulatory approvals in the United States, Australia and Japan in 2017. About Orthocell Limited Orthocell is a commercial-stage, regenerative medicine company focused on regenerating mobility for patients and our ageing population by developing products for a variety of tendon, cartilage and soft tissue injuries. Orthocell's portfolio of products include TGA-approved stem cell therapies Autologous Tenocyte Implantation (Ortho-ATI) and Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (Ortho-ACI), which aim to regenerate damaged tendon and cartilage tissue. The Company's other major product is CelGro, a collagen medical device which facilitates tissue repair and healing in a variety of orthopaedic, reconstructive and surgical applications and is being readied for first regulatory approvals. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017006569/en/

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Delphi man arrested in killings of Libby German, Abby Williams

Richard Allen of Delphi, Indiana, was charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of two teen girls who had been hiking.
Sony finally launched the PlayStation VR, which rounds out the three big releases of The Year of VR with the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. Sonys kit is the most affordable of the three, and the company has an install base of over 40 million VR-ready consoles worldwide. That number is both a massive opportunity for Sony to dominate the VR market, and a massive responsibility to do it well. The PSVR holds the key to the early success of this new medium because it holds the key to millions of gamers' hearts worldwide.

The launch of the PSVR is a major milestone for Sony, but it's also poised to be either a massive blow or a major boon to the VR industry as a whole. Everyone involved in VR right now is relying on people sharing virtual reality with others. You simply cant understand what VR is like until youve tried it, which is a major hurdle preventing mass adoption. In a way, the PSVR is a linchpin for the industry. If the PSVR fails to impress and turns off a large chunk of the potential VR market, other platforms will have a much harder time succeeding. On the other hand, if Sony knocks peoples socks off, they could be more likely to consider a higher end option in the future.

Valve and HTC came out swinging with an incredible Vive package, which set the bar high for high-end VR experiences. Oculus is an equal in terms of hardware design and material quality and is second to none in dollars invested to ensure that research and development in VR continues. HTC and Oculus can only dream of having the reach that Sony has during the incubation stages of this burgeoning industry, though. Given Sonys history of launching consoles, the company could conceivably sell hundreds of thousands, if not millions of PSVR units before the end of the year.

So far, Sony appears to have hit it out of the park. Were not ready to release our full review at this time, but our initial experience showed great promise. The PSVR is the most affordable premium VR experience that you can buy for home use, and its the only option available for the massive console gaming market. The hardware isnt as robust as the Vive or the Rift, but it's nevertheless good enough to provide a great experience.

Sony nailed the details that count. The headset is comfortable to wear for long periods of time and doesnt produce eye strain. The first time I put it on, I spent over 3 hours inside the HMD without even realizing it. The setup is also fairly straight forward; if you're capable of connecting your PS4 to your TV, you shouldnt have any trouble setting up the PSVR. Best of all, you dont have to walk through an elaborate setup process. Your PS4 will detect the PSVR HMD when you turn it on and automatically change the microphone input to the PSVR and enable the HMD's displays.

Sony also took steps to ensure that PSVR can be a social activity for you and your friends. There are games that offer asymmetric play, which allows one player to be in VR while others play on the TV, and when asymmetric play isnt available, the TV is used to show everyone else what the VR player can see.

And were not the only people that are happy with the product Sony delivered. The PSVR subreddit is filled with accounts of how amazed people are with VR and the PSVR HMD. People are showing their friends and families, and they're genuinely excited about the hardware. And people with debilitating disabilities, such as one young man with cerebral palsy and an older gentleman who survived a stroke, are finding new joy from the PSVR experience.

We believe Sony did right by the VR industry with the PSVR. The hardware is affordable enough to be interesting to many, and good enough to be worth considering as high-end VR option.
Stetsons and cowboy boots were out in force (but not compulsory) at Out on the Weekend festival in its third consecutive year.

The day-long festival in windy Williamstown was conceived and curated by promoter, music fan and all-round good guy Brian BT Taranto. A well-respected character both locally and overseas, BT takes his relationships with musicians seriously and personally, introducing each act (and their back-story) to the audience during the day.

OOTW serves as an anchor event for lesser-known country and Americana acts to tour Australia, at the same time developing camaraderie between artists with repeat appearances from acts such as Robert Ellis and Joshua Hedley over the years. All this in one of Melbournes more unique music venues  Seaworks, Australias oldest shipyard with sizeable sheds and home to a Pirate Tavern all year round.

The festival may have featured key international drawcards, but like a visiting show in a small country town, both established and emerging acts shared the stage. Nowhere was this more obvious than during the special live broadcast of 3RRRs Grand Ole Twang with presenter Denise Hylands. The audience was treated to a preview of performances for the day from acts including Joe Pug and The Cactus Blossoms, but also to a taste of some artists to keep an eye out for in future such as Matt Joe Gow and songbird Freya Josephine Hollicks with her sweet yodelling skills.

Country and Americana can be vague descriptors of genre, but BTs fine curatorship proved there is more to these genres than Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. A more traditional hoe-down was in order for acts like Stetson Family and Bakersfield Glee Club; soulful reflection for the charismatic Joe Pug; sparkles and stadium sounds for acts like Robert Ellis and Tracy McNeil.

Wearing rhinestone-covered nudie suits that they murdered The Wiggles For, All Our Exes Live In Texas dazzled with their performance on the outdoor stage. More than just those different-to-your-usual-country-act Sydney girls who covered Tame Impalas Eventually recently, the audience was treated to Exes delightful sisterly energy and impeccable folk harmonies. With a debut album set for release early 2017, Australia will be seeing a lot more of these girls in the future.

In his charming laid-back manner, Joshua Hedley performed an acoustic set accompanied by the talented Will Van Horn on the pedal steel. Hedley captivated the audience with his sad country songs in this, his first solo show at OOTW.

Fresh-faced and straight out of the 50s, it was difficult to not fall in love with The Cactus Blossoms. Their perfectly harmonised crooning and simple lyrics transported the audience to America in a different time  add in the sea breeze and smell of barbecue brisket cooking on the deck, and you were basically there.

Its been a big few years for Marlon Williams with his relocation from Lyttleton, New Zealand to Melbourne in 2013, followed by extensive touring and critical acclaim for his debut self-titled solo album in 2015. Its no surprise then that a throng of eager fans gathered in anticipation for his headline set well in advance despite Cash Savage and the Last Drinks powerful performance around the corner.

With his otherworldly and perfectly-controlled vocals, Williams alone is talent enough. But adding the soaring instrumentals and smooth harmonies from his band The Yarra Benders added next-level colour and cause for celebration.

Williams performed a tidy mix of songs from his 2015 release including Strange Things, Hello Miss Lonesome and Dark Child, all filled with the clever storytelling and solid instrumentalism that epitomises his songwriting. The audience was treated to a relatively new tune Come To Me  an evocative love song no doubt destined for airplay over the coming months, as well as Arahura, his tribute to the river of the same name in New Zealands South Island.

No performance of Marlon Williams seems complete without his goosebump-inducing interpretation of Nina Simones When I Was A Young Girl. Near silence enveloped the old shed, the spotlight fixed on Williams and his guitar. In a fitting tribute to Neil Young, Williams invited Robert Ellis to the stage for a cover of Out On The Weekend. Joshua Hedley also performed on the fiddle in one final showdown to close the night.

OOTW presented a strong case for quality over quantity. With two stages with alternating set times and a crowd of a couple of thousand, both young families and diehard veterans could enjoy the day comfortably and in its entirety. BT well and truly succeeds in his mission to bring new sounds to the local music scene, and its likely most fans left on the day having discovered something new  and even more reason to return for next years instalment.

Photography by Kane Hibberd
























Elite's David Johnson calls activist Clay Chastain's light rail plan a 'Fantasy." Is it?

After, Kansas City's longtime light rail activist fires back at the champion of the streetcar in a contest betwixt to completely different but competing KCMO rail transit initiatives. Here's the word . . .Last Friday David Johnson, RTA honcho, elitist, and streetcar advocate,Establishment player and non-engineer Johnson said the proposed 40-mile citywide light rail system would cost $100 million per mile, not the $45 million per mile I claim.Now we are all ignorant, just on different subjects. Johnson proved transit design is one of his.Fact check: There are light rail systems around the country that are costing even more than $100 million per mile due to extreme design requirements like having to... tunnel, tear down buildings, construct new bridges to cross rivers, elevate large sections of track, tear up and then have to reconstruct too many miles of city streets and underground utilities, and designing in too many expensive and unnecessary rail stations.Light Rail Question # 3 avoids all of those money pits. The light rail route's innovative design takes advantage of Kansas City's inherent assets...existing right-of ways, park land, and the grassy medians of city boulevards...to enable the construction cost per mile to be kept within reason. What's more, this cost-cutting design saves tons more by limiting the number of expensive rail stations required.And there is proof it can be done: (1) Charlotte's 2008 Light Rail Blue Line was constructed for $47 million per mile. (2) Norfolk's 2012 light rail system, called "The Tide," came in at $43 million per mile!Kansas City's elite, who have opposed every light rail measure that has ever been on the ballot, are trying to scare and mislead the public by citing to the worst case light rail systems.And by the way, the only "Fantasy" going on in Kansas City is the elite's notion that their downtown streetcar line for tourists is improving Kansas City's pathetic public transportation system and helping the working man get to a job!Please support a more green, prosperous and transit-oriented future for Kansas City by voting'Yes' for Light Rail Ballot Question #3 November 8.Kansas City Community Activist Clay Chastain...Degree electrical engineer, designer and leader of the people's light rail ballot initiative, and the only leader to ever win a citywide light rail election.#############You decide . . .
It is not by chance that in some capitals they call us tough, said Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias in an interview

It is not by chance that in some capitals they call us tough, said Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias in an interview with the Sunday edition of Ethnos newspaper.

In his interview Kotzias referred to all the pending issues concerning the Greek diplomacy from the Turkish demands in the Aegean, the Tsam issue as well as the Cyprus issue.

The Aegean will not be anyone's award, he said noting that the course of nationalism bidding wherever it comes from should end" because the Greek diplomacy will not allow "the policy of peace to be misunderstood as policy of retreat and appeasement" said the Greek Foreign Minister adding that the Greek diplomacy deals with the rise of specific revisionism in the Turkish political stage after the return of elements of nationalism from many sides with calmness and self confidence and with a long-term look. We do not underestimate it but we do not overestimate it either" he noted.

Asked on the possibility of a hot incident in the Aegean he said that "efforts deriving from some circles of the Turkish elite to set into question the international law and Greece's sovereignty rights still exist" however he said that "these plans have no luck with us, we have an excellent defence and diplomacy" said Kotzias adding that "Greece knows what it wants and how to prevent these kind of incidents".

On the abolition of visa for Turkish citizens, he reiterated that Greece supports the implementation of the agreement.

Voices of realism and cooperation

On the so-called Tsam issue, he said that Greece did not accept Albania's request to discuss this nonexistent problem adding that voices of realism and cooperation exist in Albania and that the objective interests of both countries demand good relations.

Kotzias said that the foreign policy is not for exercising public relations. It is for responsible, reasonable patriots that take care of the country's interests. "We become again a country with foreign policy that is respected. With a serious policy with a series of initiatives. We have established five new regional and international institutions in the last year".

Asked it Greece is the recipient of pressure from abroad to step back in issues related with Albania or Fyrom, Kotzias said "it is not by chance that in some capitals they call us tough" noting that "a week ago we vetoed" and reminded to all that EU should follow the rules of justice and this is that makes it different from other regional cooperations and unions. Last year in June 2015 a day before my first visit to Fyrom I vetoed against this country. This year I vetoed against sanctions on Fyrom".

Referring to Cyprus issue, Kotzias reiterated that 'fundamental in the Cyprus issue is the foreign occupation in the name of a guarantees system" adding that the compromises must be good and not rotten. "The mandatory in order a solution to be found is the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops from the island" and called needless and dangerous an agreement on the gradual withdrawal with and open deadline because" an open date means legalisation and perpetuation of the presence of the occupation troops which is direct admission of the non-solution of Cyprus issue".

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Greek PM Alexis Tsipras was re-elected president of the SYRIZA party during the second convention that ended Sunday. Tsipras received 2,548 votes (93.54%) of the votes of the total 2,926 delegates that voted. There were 176 blank ballots and 34 spoilt votes found after the count. Tsipras tweeted on his twitter feed: The renewal of trust in me, is a renewal of responsibility for a more collective, effective and larger SYRIZA in the wake of the difficult battle that lie ahead for a Greece of justice and decency.

The results of the partys central committee, comprising 151 members, are expected to be announced late on Sunday night. Speaking his partys delegates on Saturday, the Greek PM reiterated the Greek governments request for an immediate debt restructuring, while he alleged a media-backed coup was under unfolding to topple his government, but was adamants that the new laws regarding the TV licenses would be imposed. During Saturdays speech Tsipras predicted that by the end of the year the Greek economy would start to show signs of growth. Tsipras claimed that Greece had honoured its part of the bargain with its creditors, and it was time the lenders uphold their side by offering immediate dent relief.

They wonder, in a well-intentioned manner, maybe we have placed the bar too high, asking us to wait for the German elections. Our hastiness has nothing to do with the domestic cuisine, but because time is a crucial matter, Tsipras said.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio was urged Friday to step down from his climate change position with the United Nations or renounce connections to a group that allegedly embezzled millions to gain favor with the White House

Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio was urged Friday to step down from his climate change position with the United Nations or renounce connections to a group that allegedly embezzled millions to gain favor with the White House.

The Bruno Manser Funds wants the actor to forfeit his special designation as U.N. Messenger of Peace after revelations the Oscar-award winning actor was tied to the Malaysian Fund 1MDB scandal. A foreign businessman used money from the Malaysian Fund to secure a White House visit for relatives of the Malaysian prime minister, according to public officials.

The nearly $3 billion scandal is being called the worlds biggest white-collar crime.

If DiCaprio is unwilling to come clean, we ask him to step down as UN Messenger for Peace for climate change, because he simply lacks the credibility for such an important role, Lukas Straumann, director of the Switzerland-based charity, told reporters at a press conference Thursday in London. The Bruno Manser Fund has a particular interest in protecting Malaysian rain forests.

Federal investigators believe more than $10 million was allegedly embezzled from 1Malaysia Development Bhd., also known as 1MDB, and directed to businessman Frank White Jr., according to people connected to the probe. White, an entrepreneur who helped start an investment firm called DuSable Capital Management LLC, raised funds for both President Barack Obama and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
La savonnerie du Fer a Cheval has been bought by two brothers, Raphael et Yannick Seghin, who worked hard on a complete reorganization of the soap factory and who aim to revitalize it for its 160th anniversary.



Beacause La Savonnerie du Fer a Cheval is part of Marseilles living heritage and because the Savon de Marseille is such a popular and timeless product, good prospects are soon to come. For a start, the growth in production and the development of the company has doubled since 2015.



Raphael Seghin, President of NCDSM ( Nouvelle Compagnie des Detergents et du Savon de Marseille , a company to which belongs the brand Fer a Cheval) announces :  We reviewed the marketing, production, and work organization and we will be able to offer new lines of products for 2017 with new ambitions for distribution. We will also work on a fundraising campaign to modernize our manufacture .



Besides the release of a special 160th anniversary box of soap, two new lines of products has been introduced in the market to respond new aspirations to consume smarter : the Authentique Savon de Marseille line and the Maison line (with savon de Marseille). A cosmetic line will be produced before the end of the year with, for a start, a body milk and a nourishing hand cream with shea butter.



A total of 70 products will be launched onto the market in 2017, which doubles the 2013 product portofolio.


Emirates NBD, the UAEs largest lender, has delivered a solid set of financial results with its net profit growing 8 per cent to Dh5.4 billion ($1.47 billion) for the first nine months of 2016.



The operating performance was helped by higher recoveries and a modest increase in total income, driven by higher core fee income and asset growth which offset a contraction in margins, the bank said.



Other financial highlights for the 9-month period included:



* Total income of Dh11.3 billion, up 1 per cent y-o-y as net interest income grew 1 per cent on the back of asset growth whilst core fee income grew 2 per cent due to growth in credit card and foreign exchange volumes;

* Cost of risk continued to normalise as impairment charge of Dh2,184 billion is 22 per cent lower than in Q3-15 YTD, helped by over Dh2 billion of writebacks and recoveries;

* Enhanced asset quality as impaired loan ratio improved to 6.4 per cent whilst the impaired loan coverage ratio strengthened to 120.8 per cent;

* Advances to deposit ratio at 92.8 per cent remains comfortably within the managements target range;

* The bank prudently raised over Dh19 billion of term debt at competitive pricing, through private placements, a sukuk issue and a club loan which further boosted structural liquidity;

* Tier 1 capital ratio, at a healthy 18 per cenet, grew on the back of strong retained profit.



Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, vice chairman and managing director, Emirates NBD, said: Emirates NBD continues to deliver a solid performance, with 8 per cent growth in net profit to Dh5.4 billion for the first nine months of the year. I am particularly pleased that, despite a challenging operating environment, the group has achieved improved profitability whilst further enhancing asset quality, liquidity and capital ratios. Emirates NBD is a regional leader in digital banking.

"We continue to invest in our next generation of online and mobile banking services. We recently launched a pilot blockchain network for international remittances and trade finance, a first for the banking sector in the UAE. We were also honoured to showcase Emirates NBDs futuristic branch to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince. This prototype for the Bank of the Future was part of the official opening of the Dubai Future Foundations prestigious Museum of the Future and marked a significant milestone as Dubai strengthens its credentials as a global innovation hub. Going forward, the Group is well positioned to utilise our strong franchise, capital and liquidity base to take advantage of growth opportunities within the region.



Group chief executive officer Shayne Nelson said: We have delivered another positive set of financial results. Income grew modestly driven by higher core fee income and asset growth which offset a contraction in margins. We continue to drive digital innovation. We are proud to take the lead in piloting the UAEs first blockchain network for banking services and to open a Bank of the Future branch at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. Whilst we have seen increased delinquencies in the micro SME segment, which has prompted Emirates Islamic to take additional provisions, the groups overall credit quality continues to improve. Both Dubai and Emirates NBD are well placed to deal with the regional challenges stemming from a lower oil price environment. The Banks strong balance sheet will enable us to benefit from Expo2020 and other regional opportunities for growth.



Group chief financial officer Surya Subramanian said: The operating performance improved for the first nine months of 2016, thanks largely to lower impairment allowances backed by higher recoveries. The groups liquidity position improved further, bolstered by a stable and highly diversified deposit base and our ability to raise over Dh19 billion of term funding in the first nine months of 2016. Given the challenging environment ahead, we have taken measures to contain costs even as we improved asset quality and capital ratios. - TradeArabia News Service


University of Sharjah (UoS) said it has signed a co-operation agreement with Instituto Superior Tecnico, the largest school of architecture, engineering, science and technology, in Portugal.



The deal covers joint co-operation in graduate and post graduate programmes, curricula development, exchange of scientific researches and publications and participation in conferences, reported the state news agency Wam.



The agreement was signed by Prof Hamid MK Al Naimiy, the chancellor of UoS, and Prof Arlindo Oliveira, the president of Tecnico, in presence of HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and the president of the university.



The Tecnico has been involved in some of Portugal's most prestigious research and development and innovation and technology transfer institutions.



The top Portuguese institution offers a vast number of courses in cutting-edge engineering areas, at undergraduate, master and doctoral levels.



Sheikh Sultan and Professor Oliveira later explored ways of boosting academic co-operation between the UoS and Tecnico.
Red Hat, a leading provider of open source solutions, has announced that the University of Dammam has been signed as the first Red Hat Academy in Saudi Arabia.



The university will offer Red Hat courses and exams to up to 200 students per year, who will receive hands-on instruction, curriculum and labs, performance-based testing, and educator support, said a statement from the company.



University of Dammam has chosen Red Hat to support its IT infrastructure and encourages students to learn in new and exciting ways. As a pre-eminent research-based institution, the University of Dammam has grown and developed through continually assessing and aiming to improve its curriculum and expand its academic capabilities across disciplines, it said.



As the first Red Hat Academy partner in Saudi Arabia, University of Dammam can offer Red Hats curriculum across many of Red Hats most popular platforms, including Linux, middleware and cloud technologies, it added.



Additionally, students can also improve their skills by enrolling in some of Red Hats most popular certification exams, such as Red Hat Certified System Administration (RHCSA), Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), Red Hat Certified System Administrator in Red Hat Openstack, Red Hat Certified JBoss Administrator (RHCJA) and Red Hat Certified JBoss Developer (RHCJD), it stated.



Lee Miles, general manager, Red Hat Middle East, Turkey and Africa, said: I am delighted to have University of Dammam as the first Red Hat Academy in Saudi Arabia.



The agreement provides free training to 200 university students on our latest open source technologies. The computer science field is rapidly changing and our companys open source technologies are at the forefront of these changes, he said.



Having the right skills is key to supporting the kingdoms growth and its 2030 vision. Our company is a perfect fit to achieve this, because it is designed to offer university students web-based training curriculum and hands-on labs covering most of our popular platforms. We look forward to a fruitful cooperation with University of Dammam, he concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
An elite assembly of global maritime industry leaders, decision makers, policy makers, senior government officials, and regional and international maritime pioneers have confirmed their participation and will discusses the present and future of the global maritime navigation industry at the Dubai Maritime Summit 2016, to be held next month, in Dubai, UAE.



The event, being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, will take place on November 2.



The summit will be held under the umbrella of the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), the government authority charged with regulating, coordinating and supervising all aspects of Dubais maritime sector, said a statement.



The event will facilitate the creation of new ideas for advancing the development of the global maritime sector with a particular focus on encouraging innovation in maritime technology, enhancing maritime arbitration, and investing in human resources of the sector, it said.



The summit will be the centre of discussions during the latest edition of Dubai Maritime Week, the regions prominent maritime event scheduled for October 30 to November 3. The best international practices and innovative solutions will be touched on with the aim of enhancing the competitive advantages of the global maritime clustering.



The group attending the summit includes Kitack Lim, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO); Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority - Land and Maritime; Sultan Bin Sulayam, chairman of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and the chairman of DMCA; and Admiral Mohab Mamish, chairman, Suez Canal Authority.



The summits distinguished agenda includes several in-depth discussions that will be held on the sidelines of the opening session and moderated by renowned international economic expert and journalist Todd Benjamin.



There will be five interactive sessions on The State of the Global Industry, The Global Shipping Markets, Launch of the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (EMAC), Innovation in Shipping Technology and Maritime Regulation.



Industry pioneers will discuss The State of the Global Industry during the first session with a focus on three main points: The New Suez Canal, Chinas One Belt One Road strategy and what it means for the region, Maritime and Trade Links with Europe.



The second session will revolve around an assessment of the global maritime shipping markets to be done by international speakers who will highlight key prospects in the crude oil and product tanker markets, dry bulk, container and offshore markets.



Among the experts, government officials, and local and regional ship owners participating are Ahmed Al Falahi, chief executive officer of Gulf Energy Maritime Company; Abdulkareem Al Masabi, executive vice president - Ports, Abu Dhabi Ports; Stavroula Betsakou, head of Tanker Research at Howe Robinson Partners; and Rene Kofod- Olsen, chief executive officer of Topaz Energy and Marine Company.



The third session on Launch of the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (EMAC) will serve as an important platform for discussing progress in the maritime arbitration field as led by Dubai and at the regional and international levels.



Among the distinguished speakers are Majid Obaid Bin Bashir, vice chairman of EMAC; Mark Beer OBE, chief executive and registrar of Dubai International Financial Centre Courts; Richard Briggs, executive partner at Hadef and Partners; Captain Jitendra Misra, managing director, Emarat Maritime; and Edward Newitt, partner, Holman Fenwick Willan.



The impact of innovative technologies on the maritime sector will be the topic of the fourth session. Among the international personalities sharing their insights on the subject are Ali Shehab Ahmed, deputy chief executive of Kuwait Oil Tanker Company; Captain Gamal Fekry, CEO of Red Sea Marine Management DMCC; Oskar Levander, vice president of the Innovation Department at Rolls Royce; and Ronald Spithout, president of Inmarsat Maritime.



The fifth and final session will delve on maritime legislation and will be participated in by Essam Al Tamimi, senior partner, Al Tamimi & Co; Jasmin Fichte, managing partner, Fichte & Co Legal Consultancy; Ashok Mahapatra, director of the Maritime Safety Division at the IMO; and Katharina Stanzel, managing director, Intertanko. The participants will talk about progress on a well-developed legislative structure that can best complement the rapid growth being witnessed by the maritime sector locally and internationally.



Amer Ali, CEO of the Dubai Maritime City Authority, explained that the high-level participation in the Dubai Maritime Summit 2016 sessions reflects the high confidence of the international Maritime Community in the Emirate of Dubai as a first-class and leading maritime centre and a perfect destination for hosting major events that affect the current realities and future of the global maritime Sector.



Ali said: We are honoured to host a group of prominent international personalities in the maritime sector to our leading forum, which will have a central role in restructuring the global maritime navigation markets.



We look forward to exciting and productive discussions on technological innovation and the opening up of new horizons for improving the growth of the maritime sector especially through maritime arbitration and legislations in order to keep pace with rapid 21st Century developments, he concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
GE marked a new milestone in its operational presence in Kuwait with the opening of the GE Kuwait Technology Center (GEKTC), a flagship facility that will foster localised research, provide hands-on training and build an innovation ecosystem specifically for the power sector.



Approved by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) for a foreign investment license last year, the 6,000 sq m GEKTC, based at Agility in Sulaibiya, is the first facility of its kind outside of the US by GE, underlining the companys long-term commitment to Kuwait, its people and the wider region, said a statement from the company.



As part of a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Kuwait University (KU), the centre will drive localised training and research and development (R&D) in power generation in Kuwait, supporting the goals of Kuwait Vision 2035 to nurture youth talent and create high quality jobs in the technical sector, it said.



An integrated training, tooling and engineering facility, the centre has three core components: A training centre supporting over 900 students and technical professionals each year, tooling centre to offer repair and maintenance services, and engineering centre for cutting-edge research and development, it added.



The engineering centre will also house a monitoring and diagnostics centre and a controls simulation laboratory providing local capability to monitor GEs connected turbine and generator fleet across the region and supporting GEs digital industrial applications including Predix, the worlds first and only cloud-based operating system for the industry, said a statement.



Highlighting GEs focus on digital industrial transformation by integrating big data with heavy machinery to achieve unprecedented levels of operational efficiency and productivity, the GEKTC team will also work with Kuwaiti researchers, industry and software developers to co-create digital industrial solutions for the power industry, it said.



Ahmed Al Jassar, Minister of Electricity and Water, said: This technology centre reflects the commitment that both the ministry and GE have to promote, develop and sustain future Kuwaiti and international talents to serve the power industry in the Middle East region with future prospects to serve the world.



Meshaal Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, director general of the KDIPA, said: The centre is a strong investment by one of the worlds leading companies highlighting the strong competitiveness of the Kuwaiti economy.



Apart from serving as a key pillar in supporting the countrys energy sector, the centre is also placing emphasis on localised innovation and Kuwaiti talent development. This complements the goals of KDIPA in promoting inward investments to ensure transfer of technology and with a strong focus on talent and skill development of Kuwaitis, as well as meeting the countrys national vision and development priorities, he added.



Manaf Alhajeri, CEO of Markaz, said: Our company is proud to be working with GE and KDIPA as a financial advisor and a partner in this project, which plays a pivotal role in importing power generation technology to the State of Kuwait.



We are confident that the centre will have a strong regional significance and result in considerable value-add to the local economy. This is an early indication that KDIPAs single-window framework will have a huge positive impact on bringing important projects, like this one, to the State of Kuwait in the future, he added.



Steve Bolze, president and CEO of GE Power, said: GEKTC is a landmark initiative that underlines our deep commitment to foster Kuwaiti technical talent in the energy sector.



A co-creation ecosystem that is defined by close collaboration between industry and academia, the centre will not only be an innovation hub but also enable us to service our customers better and support them in strengthening the competencies of their professionals in advanced digital industrial technology, he said.



The path-breaking R&D at the centre is aimed at driving the productivity and operational efficiency of our customers, especially through co-creation initiatives on GEs digital industrial technologies, thus helping meet the goals of Kuwait Vision 2035 to achieve the countrys transformational growth, he concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
Iraqi pro-government forces have made gains at the start of a large-scale operation to retake Mosul, the last major stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) in the country, a report said.



Iraqi government troops and Kurdish fighters launched their push towards the city in the early hours of Monday, said the BBC report.



IS seized Mosul, then Iraq's second-largest city, in June 2014.



The BBC's Orla Guerin, who is with Kurdish tank units advancing from the east, said they are now within 300m of IS positions.



The Kurds seized several villages in the first few hours of the operation.



An Iraqi military source told the BBC that combat units had inflicted heavy losses on IS forces as they moved in on the Hamdaniya district, east of Mosul.



Pro-government forces have also made gains as they move on Mosul from the south, security sources say.



Meanwhile IS claimed that a number of suicide attacks targeting pro-government forces on the outskirts of the city had suppressed the advance.
Commvault, a leader in data protection and information management, today announced an agreement with Saudi Telecom Company (STC), to deliver a backup-as-a-service solution, utilising the STC cloud environment.



A memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreement was signed at the Gitex in Dubai to collaborate on solutions targeting public sector and small to medium sized enterprises in Saudi Arabia with the new cloud offering.



STC is a leading service provider within Saudi Arabia, with more than 32 million customers in that market. STC has a long history of industry leadership in embracing the latest technology for innovative services. This solution continues this tradition, helping customers to realise the true value of their data, while minimising complexity and cost, said a statement.



The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing tremendous growth, with huge potential for cloud adoption and backup as a service implementations. Through this cooperation with Commvault, we will be able to offer the best data management solutions available in the market to our customers. said Dr Tarig M Enaya, senior vice president of STC Enterprise Business Unit.



Commvault is recognised as an industry leader by STC and was named a leader  for the sixth straight year  in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data Center Backup and Recovery Software.



This agreement, with an internationally recognised solutions leader like STC, represents a huge milestone for Commvault. We see big opportunities for better data management as-a-service for hybrid, public and private cloud environments across the region, and we believe that agreements like this will help further promote the implementation of these secure and effective solutions, said Bassam Hemdan, area vice president, Middle East, South Africa and Turkey, Commvault. - TradeArabia News Service
Batelco, Bahrains leading digital solutions provider, in collaboration with Ericsson, a world leading telecoms technology provider and Net4Things, a leading company enabling end-to-end IoT solutions, is demonstrating a range of Smart solutions at the Batelco stand which is part of the Bahrain Pavilion, at the Gitex Technology Week in Dubai.



The five-day event is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 16 to 20.



The three leading companies are partnering to demonstrate a variety of Cloud and sustainability solutions in line with the topic of the event: 'Re-imagining Realities'.



The range of advanced technologies, designed to enable the development of the networked societys smart cities, will showcase how life experiences in a smart city are enhanced through more connectivity, with a particular focus on working life, city life and home life, allowing citizens to live and work in more sustainable societies.



Among the solutions being showcased is Connected Print along with smart solutions for homes and hospitals.



Batelco Bahrain CEO Eng Muna Al Hashemi said the company is very pleased to be working alongside Ericsson and Net4Things to demonstrate Batelcos and Bahrains capabilities in front of ICT experts attending the prestigious Gitex event.



Batelcos strategy is aligned with the Kingdom of Bahrains vision for a networked society and accordingly is focused on the growth of digitisation and its crucial place in the development of smart city living, Al Hashemi noted.



Ericsson Middle East and East Africa president Rafiah Ibrahim said: We are proud to collaborate with our partner Batelco to promote smart living and demonstrate the power of connectivity. Smart and connected products provide us with information and data that can be analyzed to make better decisions and improve the customer experience. Together with Batelco we will showcase the power of Internet of Things IoT and smart living.



Net4Things CEO Joaquin Garcia-Baquero said: We at Net4Things are really excited by this opportunity. The fact that a renowned world class leader and a top worldwide telecommunications company have chosen us confirms that our products, our technology and our team can meet the highest expectations.



We acknowledge that the business potential of this alliance is exceptional, but what we are really proud of is to contribute to the well-being of our customers through technology that makes their lives simpler and better, added Garcia-Baquero. - TradeArabia News Service






The offensive to liberate Mosul from the control of Islamic State (IS or ISIS) has begun, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi said in a televised statement early Monday.



"Our dearest people in Nineveh province, the victory bell has rung, and the operations to liberate Mosul have begun," he said. "I am announcing today the beginning of these heroic operations to liberate you from the brutality and terrorism of ISIS. God willing, we will meet soon on the ground of Mosul where we will all celebrate the liberation and your freedom."



Only forces with the Iraqi army and National Police will enter the city "and no others," Al-Abadi was quoted as saying by CNN.



The assault from Kurdish Peshmerga, Iraqi government and allied forces is backed by the US-led coalition fighting IS in Iraq.



Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, has been under IS control since June 2014. The UN has warned that the humanitarian impact could be "enormous", and affect up to 1.2 million people, reported BBC.



Mosul is the group's last major stronghold in Iraq. The loss of the city, officials say, would mark the effective defeat of IS in the country.



Sporadic artillery was heard in areas around the city after the announcement, AP news agency reported.
Motorcity, the exclusive distributor of SAIC vehicles in Bahrain, today launched new Maxus multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) models, aimed at meeting the rigorous demands of business.

The launch, held at Motorcity showroom Nuwaidrat, was attended by Ebrahim K Kanoo CEO Michael Brightmore; Motorcity senior general manager Bijan Majidi; and Motorcity commercial division assistant general manager Arun Kumar.

The new Maxus G10 uses SAICs self-developed 2.0 litre turbo engine with 221 HP, and features a ZF six-speed transmission to provide dynamic acceleration. Its intelligent interior layout provides optimal storage and passenger space.

The Maxus V80 has spacious interiors and is available as a panel van and a 15-seater commuter. Powering the V80 is a Euro IV emission standard 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 136bhp and 330Nm of torque. Fuel consumption will vary according to the model but SAIC estimates a comprehensive fuel consumption figure of around 9.2 litres per 100 km. The vehicle has undergone extensive collision testing. It has four disc brakes and is also equipped with advanced safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), and LED daytime running lights, it said.

The Maxus V80 Minibus is a light commercial van with a long-wheelbase chassis and dropside cab. It is fitted with alloy wheels, reverse parking sensors, dual sliding side doors, rear barn doors on cargo models and electric entry step for passenger models, and dual-zone air-conditioning as standard equipment across the range. A reverse-view camera and tyre pressure monitoring system are available on the higher-spec models.

Motorcity commercial, marketing executive Renzo D Cunha said: SAIC Motor is Chinas foremost automotive manufacturer and its MPVs have earned a reputation for their durability, safety, and quality. Coupled with Motorcitys reliable after-sales service, and special service packages, these vehicles represent a sound investment for businesses of any size.  TradeArabia News Service


Oman National Engineering Investment Company (Oneic) said it has won contracts worth RO856,108 ($2.2 million) from Mazoon Electricity Company for construction of incoming feeders and 11 outgoing feeders for the new Samad primary sub-station in Al Shaqiya North Governorate.

Oneic is a leading utility and engineering services provider and an investment company in Oman.



Mazoon is a closed Omani joint stock company primarily undertaking regulated distribution and supply of electricity in Dhakliya, Sharqiya and South Al Batinah regions of the sultanate under a licence issued by the Authority for Electricity Regulation, Oman.



The construction of the new feeders will be completed in seven months, stated Oneic.-TradeArabia News Service












The inaugural Egyptair Cargo freighter touched down at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport at 3:45pm yesterday, carrying about 60 million honey bees from Cairo, destined for farms across the UAE.



As well as being a very traditional industry, honey production in the country has seen huge growth over the past five years. Over 1,800 tonnes of honey is now being exported on an annual basis to those with a taste for the worlds original and natural sweetener.



The inaugural flight was welcomed by Eng. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the chairman of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Department of Civil Aviation. He said: RAK Airport is ideally positioned to handle this precious cargo and we are grateful to Egyptair Cargo and Al Najeh Honey & Bees Trading to give us the opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities in this regard. We also appreciate all the support provided by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, RAK Customs and other authorities.



His Excellency expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for his continued support to RAK Airport.



The bees themselves were part of a re-stocking exercise that takes place regularly, and have to be handled with great care. Mohammed Al Najeh, who runs the operation and heads Najeh Honey and Bees Trading explained that the exercise of getting the bees from Egypt is one that has to run like clockwork to avoid disaster. The flight timing is chosen so that the bees arrive after the fierce midday heat and are met immediately by the 30 customers who pick them up and head back to the farms. Inside the aircraft the temperature is set to -15 degrees Celsius in order to offset the high temperatures that the mass of bees create.



Najehs operations are so cutting edge within the industry that last week Philip McCabe, president of Apimondia, the world beekeeping federation, visited the UAE in order to learn about the process. McCabe also met with Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, minister of Climate Change and Environment, whose ministry has given strong support to the UAEs honey industry.



Egyptair Cargo country manager Sherif Sabry said: Egyptair Cargo is a specialist and one of the leading airlines in the transportation of live bees and we are happy to fly them to RAK Airport as a new route on our network from Cairo.



RAK Airport chief executive officer Mohammed Qazi added: We have been planning this operation for many months and our goal is simply to become the leader in the industry to deliver complete operational excellence for handling live bees. Our infrastructure is best suited for such operations and we will ensure we continue to improve and surpass our already established high standards. We believe what Al Najeh is doing for the industry is quite revolutionary, and we are pleased to be part of his high ambitions. UAE could become a regional leader in bee farming and organic honey production, and we believe RAK Airport could play a crucial part in that process.



RAK Airports recent announcements included the early start of its winter charters from various countries in Europe, CIS and Russia, and the management has continued to deliver RAK Airports growth trajectory amid a challenging economic climate. - TradeArabia News Service
Donald Trump

Notice anything unusual about the following Donald Trump quotes?

"People don't know how well we're doing with the Hispanics, the Latinos."

"I have a great relationship with the blacks. I've always had a great relationship with the blacks."

"I love the Muslims. I think they're great people."

"Ask the gays what they think and what they do."

"I will be phenomenal to the women."

The blacks. The Muslims. The gays.

In each sentence, Trump precedes the name of a demographic subgroup with the definite article "the."

It's a rhetorical habit that has drawn the attention  and scorn  of voters around the country. Some social-media users are convinced the quotes are evidence of Trump's prejudice toward various groups.

His phrasing of "ask the gays" was mocked endlessly on Twitter, achieving meme status.

But what is it about "the gays" that sounds off to some people? Why does "the blacks" sound racist to some while "blacks" doesn't?

Using the word "the" in front of a group is a way of highlighting the group's otherness from the speaker and his or her audience, according to Eastern Michigan University linguist Eric Acton.

"There's this distancing effect, like they're over there," Acton told Business Insider. "They're signaling they're not part of it  they're distancing themselves from it."

It's the same distancing we see when a man jokingly refers to his spouse as "the wife" instead of "my wife," Acton said. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont actually used the same wording in this year's Democratic primary when he railed against "the millionaires and billionaires."

Story continues

But there's a key difference  billionaires typically don't face discrimination, Acton said. The same isn't true for Muslims, or women, or any of the other groups Trump name checks. And that's what may be rubbing people the wrong way.

"If you're going to use a distancing expression to a group that already has a history of being oppressed and marginalized, then you're really running a risk of coming across as 'othering,'" Acton said.

Bernie Sanders

In addition to distancing the speaker from the group in question, pegging a group with the article "the" suggests that members of that group act and think homogeneously, Acton said. It's a sentiment shared by University of Toronto linguist Sali Tagliamonte.

"It's drawing a circle around a certain group of people. It's a very straight-jacketing kind of expression," Tagliamonte told Business Insider. "It's a very delineating thing that could make members of that group think they're being pigeonholed."

Trump's speech pattern isn't limited to groups facing discrimination, however. As linguist Mark Liberman noted in a post on Language Log, Trump once complained that "the whites" don't receive BET Award nominations.

Trump also certainly isn't the only person to speak this way. Tagliamonte found that the phrase "the blacks" has been in use for more than two centuries, with spikes in the phrase's popularity coinciding with critical periods of African-American history.

Tagliamonte also found that older speakers tended to use the phrase more than younger speakers, based on a review of her previous linguistic data.

Of course, most people are not running for president.

NOW WATCH: This animated map shows how religion spread across the world





More From Business Insider


Catcalling should never be a norm, nor should be an accepted fact in the society. And, that's what Alaska Airlines did for their flight attendant.

While safety demonstration, a male passenger catcalled one of the flight attendants and he was booted out of the Alaska Airlines plane before takeoff, as published on News.com.au.

Amber Nelson, another passenger on the flight, took to Facebook to share her recent experience with a man who left lewd comments regarding a female flight attendant during an in-flight safety demonstration.

"I had an experience that drove home so powerfully the way it feels to be a woman in the world today," she posted on Facebook. "Before take off from SeaTac the flight attendants ran through their safety rules as they always do. Not all of us were paying very close attention. But a man in the row behind me changed all that by calling out 'ooh, sexy!' in response to a female flight attendant demonstrating how to use the life vest."

"The flight attendant removed her vest, purposely walked up to him and said, 'You need to be respectful,' and started to walk back to her task. He said, 'C'mon, I'm just playing with you!'. As she walked to the front of the plane, the safety instruction was abandoned and she convened a conversation with her colleagues. Tense moments passed and we saw an affable-looking man board the plane and walk our way. The offensive man behind me started saying 'I didn't do anything wrong! I didn't do anything wrong!' The airline employee asked the man to gather his belongings and exit the plane," as published on News.com.au.

Adding, "It was everything we could do to keep from applauding as he was led away," Ms. Nelson wrote. "I felt honoured as a patron of the airline - and as a woman - because Alaska Airlines supported their staff and those of us on board who were demeaned by another passenger's juvenile and exceedingly disrespectful behaviour."

The incident was confirmed by Alaska Airlines and that "We stand behind the actions taken by our employees," an airline representative said.

Disrespecting another individual solely due to their gender and sexuality should be obsolete from everybody's mindset. Alaska Airline, standing-up by their employees, should be commended for embracing equality and valuing respect of their staff.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Sarah Schmalbruch of Insider lived in Zurich, Switzerland for five years with much traveling involved with her family. Her travels exposed her to new cultures and left impression and memories that will stay with her for the rest of her life.

From the beaches of southern Portugal to the canals of Amsterdam, Schmalbruch made a list of the must-see places you should visit in Europe. Likewise, with the help of Travel and Leisure, the places were narrowed into five:

1. Morcote

It is located on the shores of Lake Lugano, in the Italian part of Switzerland. Morcote has the best of both worlds: Italian charm and Swiss cleanliness.

2. Amsterdam

Aside from Amsterdam's obvious tourist draw which are legal marijuana and the Red Light District, its canals are incredibly picturesque and a great way to see the city.

3. Church of Peace

Located in Swidnica, Poland, the Church of Peace is one of the three 17th century wooden Evangelical churches built in Southwestern Poland. Its magnificent interior is absolutely stunning.

4. Carcassone

The medieval town of Carcassone in France consists of a castle and Gothic Cathedral. It is also still fortified which means that it is completely surrounded by two lines of walls.

5. Prague

The 600-year-old astronomical clock located in the old town square in Prague features a procession of apostles, a skeleton ringing a bell, and a golden rooster among the other characters in a performance that occurs every hour on the hour.

The other places include Switzerland's Appenzell, Czech Republic's Cesky Krumlov, Vienna's Demel, Russia's colorful Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, Italy's Cinque Terre, Spain's Alhambra in Granada, Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, France's luxurious Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes, Germany's 19th-century castle of Neuschwanstein in Bavarian Alps, and also Portugal's Praia Dona Ana.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Following the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, reigning monarch of Thailand, many of the Thai people have been in a state of mourning, suspending closing their business and cancelling important events and festivals. The loss of their king is something they take seriously, and something tourists need to respect and understand, despite the inconvenience of missing out on much of what Thailand has to offer during the mourning season.



The Sun reports that the state of mourning is expected to last for at least one year, with limitations on alcohol sales, and the shutting down of some businesses, including clubs and bars those in Bangkok's red light district.



In addition, Yahoo! Lifestyle has released some important details on what events are cancelled, and what tourist attractions are open. The following are open for business, and tourists should stick to these attractions for the time being. Please take note that some of the bars that are open do not serve alcohol at this time.



1. Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

2. Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)

3. National Museum Bangkok

4. The Alcazar Cabaret, Pattaya

5. Tiffany's Show, Pattaya

6. Siam Niramit

7. Phuket Simon Cabaret

8. Calypso at Asiatique The Riverfront



Most events have been cancelled at the wake of the country's morning, but here are a few events that are pushing through, despite some scaling back on the production value. It is also expected that these events will use some of their time to talk about the beloved King or to take a moment of silence in his remembrance.



1. Rap Bua Festival at Bangphli, Samut Prakan: 12-15 October 2016

2. Poi Lynn Sib Et Festival, Mae Hong Son: 14-16 October 2016



The King, 88 years old, has been on Thailand's throne for 70 years, and has earned the respect of the people of Thailand, with all locals wearing black or white as a sign of mourning. It is advised that tourists also wear dark-colored clothing, and to be respectful in public area. Besides being culturally sensitive, there is a law stating that anyone who insults the late monarch could be punished with up to 15 years in prison.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Vacation Agent Magazine

A version of this article appears in print in the October 2016 issue of Vacation Agent Magazine. Subscribe


Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : JADE MOUNTAIN GETS GOLD FOR BEING GREEN Industry: Hotels

The U.S. Green Building Council monitors the way buildings are designed, constructed and operated through LEED



(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - October 17th, 2016 For Immediate Release

Source: Jade Mountain Contact: Bevan Springer, Marketplace Excellence + 1 201 861-2056 bevan@marketplaceexcellence.com The award-winning Jade Mountain JADE MOUNTAIN GETS GOLD FOR BEING GREEN WASHINGTON DC (October 15, 2016) - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced that St. Lucia's Jade Mountain resort has become the first hotel in the Caribbean to receive the coveted LEED GOLD certification status. "Achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold, as Jade Mountain has done, demonstrates an exceptional level of leadership in the industry. I congratulate both the owners (Nick and Karolin Troubetzkoy) and the project team for this significant achievement," said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and Founding Chairman of the USGBC. "LEED certification is a tremendous tool for the hospitality industry, not only as a path to achieving operating efficiencies for property owners, but also as a way to let guests know that their accommodations have been designed to provide the most comfort and the least impact on the planet," added Fedrizzi. Owner and designer of Jade Mountain Nick Troubetzkoy Nick Troubetzkoy, who designed and built the multiple award winning resort which overlooks the Piton Mountains rising from the Caribbean Sea in front of Jade Mountain, said: "The beauty of St. Lucia's landscapes, the warmth and character of its people and the unlimited potential to create something very special here captured my imagination. " Troubetzkoy described Jade Mountain, artfully sculpted into the mountainside, as "a response to almost every hotel I've ever visited ... where I found myself disappointed by what I encountered." So he set about redesigning the basic concept of a holiday related hotel experience. "I wanted to create individualized spatial environments that would enable guests to forget the fact they're in a hotel room - and in essence to forget every preconception and to experience the psychology of a dynamic and monumental space on an intuitive and primal emotional level." Eliminating the fourth wall in all rooms, or sanctuaries as they are known on property, gave Jade Mountain another clear distinction: "We aimed to give our guests the feeling of entering a private space fully integrated into the island's ecology, where they could simply relax, breathe in the air while basking in the surroundings and enjoying a wonderful sense of calm and peace - versus being boxed into a traditional hotel room breathing recirculated, machine-processed air," said the visionary. Troubetzkoy's devotion to sustainable design means the resort has its own rainwater fed water purification plant system and recycles treated sewage water which irrigates a nursery which in turn propagates thousands of tropical plants for landscaping. The design, which merges the free flow of air and the free flow of water through the infinity pools and waterfalls of the sanctuaries, according to Troubetzkoy, is a direct reflection of the natural attributes of the land of St. Lucia itself: "When you combine water with air and the earth itself in this way, you unlock a profound potential for an almost magical level of enjoyment and celebration - a magic that may very well be the ultimate achievement of Jade Mountain and St. Lucia." The Green Building Council adjudicators certainly felt Troubetzkoy had succeeded and noted: "This is a very impressive accomplishment for such a unique project, and we congratulate you and your team on implementing some pioneering, non-traditional approaches to the LEED prerequisites and credits." The U.S. Green Building Council ( www.usgbc.org ) monitors the way buildings are designed, constructed and operated through LEED, a leading third-party verification system for sustainable structures around the world. For further information about Jade Mountain, call 1 800 223-1108 or visit www.jademountain.com

ENDS ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release :



CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Bevan Springer Company: Marketplace Excellence Corporation Phone: + 1 201 861-2056 Email: bevan@marketplaceexcellence.com Web: www.jademountain.com PRESS RELEASE TAGS MEDIA GALLERY Visit Our Site
For its first holiday season, The Clement Palo Alto, which opened in March, will not only decorate the hotel in holiday finery, but participate in the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford Wishing Tree, which will help families with critically ill children staying at the House.



(TRAVPR.COM) USA - October 17th, 2016 - Palo Alto, CA, October 17, 2016  For its first holiday season, The Clement Palo Alto, which opened in March, will not only decorate the hotel in holiday finery, but participate in the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford Wishing Tree, which will help families with critically ill children staying at the House.

Each fall, the house creates hundreds of paper ornaments, each one listing a needed household item or toy for the house or our families. The Wishing Tree in the lobby of The Clement will be decorated with these ornaments and help provide comfort and support to families who must spend their holidays far from home.



Ronald McDonald House at Stanford creates a home-away-from-home and supportive community for families of children with life-threatening illnesses receiving specialized treatment at local hospitals.



In addition to the Wishing Tree, The Clement is also participating in Meals for Munchkins, a program of Ronald McDonald House in which families, co-workers, local restaurants, civic organizations, and many other groups provide meals to the children and their families three to five days out of any given week.



The Clement is providing a team of volunteers who will provide for and prepare meals in November and again in January as part of the program.



The volunteers choose a menu, shop for groceries and cook dinner for 85 family members and kids receiving treatment at Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital in Palo Alto. In the past, menus have included spaghetti and meatballs, tacos, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, and chicken and fresh vegetables.



And, in addition to the Wishing Tree and the beautifully decorated lobby, the hotel will be serving hot cider and fresh-baked cookies during the holiday season.



The Clement Palo Alto opened its doors March 2016 and is one of the most innovative, personalized and unique luxury hotels in the country.



With 23 spacious and richly appointed one-bedroom suites, The Clement Palo Alto sets a new standard for personalized luxury accommodations in a contemporary residential-style atmosphere.



While unparalleled service is key to any great luxury hotel, The Clement Palo Alto takes its impeccable service to another level with an all-inclusive concept, including personalized concierge services, breakfast, lunch and dinner in an on-premise location of the guest's choice. All wine, beer and cocktails, in-room mini-refrigerator (stocked with the guest's favorites), and fully-stocked Guest Pantry available around the clock, are just a few of the amenities included in this all-inclusive experience.



In fact, The Clement Palo Alto is more than all-inclusive, it is all-exclusive, catering exclusively to the guest's personal tastes and desires.



The Clement Palo Alto is ideally located across from Stanford University and next to downtown Palo Alto, with its award-winning restaurants, world-class shopping and upscale spas. It is just 45 minutes south of San Francisco and only 30 minutes north of San Jose, not only making it convenient, but easily accessible to the world-famous sights and myriad activities of both cities.



Overall, The Clement Palo Alto offers a unique, one-of-a-kind 6-star experience in the heart of Silicon Valley with unparalleled personal service, all-inclusive luxury and privacy in a warm, inviting and luxurious residential environment.



The Clement Hotel

711 El Camino Real

Palo Alto, California 94301

650.322.7111

www.theclementpaloalto.com



About The Wishing Tree

For families with critically ill children staying at Ronald McDonald House? at Stanford, the holidays can be a particularly stressful time of year. Since 1979; the House has benefited from the generous support of individuals, businesses, and organizations within the community to help provide a home-like holiday experience for House families, many of whom are far away from home.



Participating in The Wishing Tree program is a wonderful way to support families residing at Ronald McDonald House at Stanford and a meaningful holiday activity for families, schools, businesses, Scout troops, and office parties.



New, unused, and unwrapped gifts are greatly appreciated. All donations to Ronald McDonald House at Stanford are tax-deductible. For more information please visit: www.RMHStanford.org/WishingTree



About Ronald McDonald House at Stanford

When severe illness strikes a family, it isnt just the patient who is affected. Families ?nd themselves facing a deluge of medical terms, mounting hospital bills, and anxiety over their childs health.



Instead of focusing on their ill child, parents and caregivers often have to scramble to ?nd a place to stay near the hospital, plan where to get their next meal, and wonder how they can manage all the little things.



Ronald McDonald House at Stanford accommodates 47 families per night and provides a community of support which ensures families far from home will have the resources they need to allow them to focus on their number one priority: the health and well-being of their sick child.

In addition to programs and services that help promote a sense of normalcy, the House features a communal kitchen and dining room, childrens activity room, teen lounge, computer center, family library, and ?tness center. Learn more about House programs and services at: www.RMHStanford.org.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.RMHStanford.org

###


Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : SKYPARKSECURE CELEBRATE OVER 1.5 MILLION AIRPORT PARKING CUSTOMERS Industry: Airport Parking

Online travel specialist SkyParkSecure surpassed the 1.5 million customer mark in September 2016. The uncertainty of the post Brexit travel landscape has seen many challenges for the sector but SkyParkSecure have continued to deliver remarkable growth.



(TRAVPR.COM) UK - October 17th, 2016 - MD David Brown commented In challenging times it is those companies that adapt the most to customers requirements that flourish. We use highly sophisticated CRM tools to ensure that our customers receive the best level of service and appropriate communications



The company has grown from offering 1 single product in 2003, to servicing the whole of the UKs 32 airports in 2016 with thousands of products including Airport Parking, Hotels, Lounges and Car Hire.



As well as an extensive product range the company are keen to offer a premium service at affordable rates. Nearly 5 million worth of savings have been applied to customer bookings as of October 2016.



SkyParkSecure also retain customers. Independent review site Reevoo report that 95% of customers would recommend SkyParkSecure.



Innovative Technology provides the bedrock for the SkyParkSecure e-commerce platform. They have developed their own SkyPanel Engine software with cutting edge features and reporting. This enables them to be pro-active and highly responsive to the changing needs of their customers in the digital age.



For further information please contact ken@skyparksecure.com - Business account enquiries to: tara@skyparksecure.com

www.skyparksecure.com ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release :



CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Tara Fisher Company: Skyparksecure Ltd Phone: 01253 307655 Email: b2b@skyparksecure.com Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS
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Amritsar, October 16

Cases related to seizure of mobiles from inside the high security Amritsar Central Jail continue with each passing day. During the search operation inside jail premises yesterday, the staff confiscated as many as 11 mobile phones from inmates.

Out of this four were recovered from prisoners while seven were found unclaimed.

In the recent seizure, the police have booked four prisoners. They were identified as Harminder Singh of Jandiala Guru, Rashpal Singh of Dhotian village in Tarn Taran, Mandeep Singh of Cheema Khurd village in Tarn Taran and Bakshish Singh of Bhan ke village in Tarn Taran.

A fresh case under Section 420 of the IPC and Sections 52 and 42 of the Prisoners Act has been registered against them. It brings to fore the fact that notorious elements languishing inside the jail, including gangsters and smugglers, are operating their network from inside.

Mobiles inside jail premises have become a big headache for the police and various security agencies. The Punjab government has failed to install mobile jammers even in the new jail complex. The sprawling campus of new jail was opened recently. Thousands of inmates were shifted from old jail premises on Airport Road to new prison at Fatahpur. However, the story remains the same. So far, the authorities have failed to curb smuggling of mobiles and SIMs inside the jail. It is a big challenge for them to stop the menace. Earlier, on September 10, a search operation carried out by the jail authorities led to recovery of 16 mobile phones. Besides mobiles, the police confiscated five chargers, four head phones, a battery, three iron rods, four iron sheets, a broken tea kettle and two bundles of cigarettes. SP (jail) Ashish Kapoor said sneaking of mobiles and other prohibited material would be dealt with strictly. He said during past one month the jail authorities seized 48 mobiles phones and every possible step was being taken to stop the menace.  TNS
Vijay C Roy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 17

After televisions, Sony Corporation is exploring options to assemble more products in India. It said talks were in progress for the proposed facility. India is the fourth largest market after the US, China and Japan for the company.

Sony currently assembles LED televisions in Chennai through the contract manufacturing route.

We are evaluating options to assemble more products in India. The modalities are yet to be worked out, said Kenichiro Hibi, Managing Director, Sony India, while talking to The Tribune here today.

Having achieved a 25% increase in sales in the first six months of the current fiscal, the company is expecting a 25-30% jump in sales in the forthcoming festive season. LED television leads the sales followed by its audio portfolio and cameras. The company has allocated Rs 150 crore for advertising spend during the current festival season.

The company is widening its product portfolio in all categories like BRAVIA TV, Xperia Smartphones, Alpha cameras, Professional Business solutions, memory cards, car audio etc. to have bigger share of the market.

Punjab, Chandigarh, J&K and Himachal Pradesh contribute 5-10% to Sonys overall revenue.
Girja Shankar Kaura

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 17

The war over points of interconnection between the new entrant, Reliance Jio and the incumbent telecom players like Vodafone and Idea continues with the former again accusing them of flouting regulations on providing the interconnection points.

Despite the assurances from the incumbent telecom players, Jio has again written to them pointing out the large number of call drops reported by its customers, especially on the Vodafone and Idea networks.

This, the new operator has said, is the result of the inadequate PoIs being provided to it. Reliance Jio has said it would hold them responsible for all consequences.

In two separate letters to Vodafone and Idea, the company has pointed out that the average call failure rate on Vodafones network was more than 63% while on Idea network it was 44% as on October 8.

It has also written to Airtel, but has pointed out that the level of failure was much lower at just about 29%.

However, Jio has asked all telcos to adhere to the TRAI directions to comply with its quality of services (QoS) rules which permitted the call failure rate in the country at 0.5%.

It sought interconnection for its estimated 22 million subscribers by June this year, 50 million by September, 75 million by December and 100 million subscribers by March 2017.
Tribune News service

Amritsar, October 17

During his visit to Canada, Global Institutes chairman, Dr BS Chandi, met Navdeep Singh Bains, Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and discussed farming practices based on technology that India could use as one of the largest agro-based economies of the world.

Dr Chandi took up with Canadian minister the matter of innovative role of science and technology in agriculture in order to transform farming in India into a viable economic sector model, especially for farmers of Punjab, who are reeling under debt.

Advanced technological researches in the agro field for India, which urgently require optimal resource management, including water economy in farming, crop rotation and diversification, were also discussed. Chandi is on an education exchange trip to Canada.

The minister said governments of both the countries need a relook at management to support converting diversified crops into cash crops by fixing prices referred to as minimum support price (MSP) in India. Apart from this, better management of existing cash crops with methods to economise natural resources needs to be worked upon, he added.

Dr Chandi urged Navdeep to take meaningful initiatives at the Canadian government level in order to develop a mechanism so that economic benefits could reach the grass root level, including the poorest of the poor of developing countries.

The solution to majority of problems gripping society in India is in the mindset that resists change. This applies to a wide variety of segments of society. Turning the tide and making agriculture sector technologically sound will definitely improve lives of our farmers and generate jobs for youth, said Dr Chandi.

He also visited of University of Toronto (UoT), University of Pennsylvania (UoP) and the famed Wharton Business School (WBS) to learn about new trends in higher education.

Speaking after the visit, Dr Chandi said he was in Canada to learn about best practices in institutions of higher education so that they could be put into use at local Global Institutes to achieve excellence. He said the work culture and sense of social responsibility in Canada had deeply impressed him. He added that the local institute would try to have more links with industry for research and development projects.

He said, Our own research centres will be developed to cater to local industrial and agro-industry needs.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 17

The United Arab Emirates today opened a new consular services and visa centre where it will process the visa applications and related services, including collection of bio-metric data for visitors to the country from India.

Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung was the Chief Guest at the event held at the centre that will operate from Ambience Tower, Pocket-2, Sector-A, Local Shopping Centre, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

After his brief welcome address, Mohammed Meer AlRaeesi, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE and the country's Ambassador to India, Ahmed AlBanna showed the facilities to the visiting dignitaries, who included senior officers of the Ministry of External Affairs and members of the diplomatic corps from the Gulf region.

Last month after reviewing the work of the new consular office, Ambassador Ahmed said, "We are proud to present the new innovative and advanced technology for improving the efficiency process of visa application centre and attestation of the documents by streamlining the process that will save a lot of time and will help manage the whole process at faster pace."

With the opening of this office, Indians desirous of travelling to the UAE, including its most-preferred destination of Dubai, can seek visa here. Till now, the UAE Embassy used to process travel papers only for diplomats and official passport holders. There are about 1.5 million Indians working in the UAE and every year tourists travel to the country, either to spend vacations or take part in shopping festivals.
Vishal Joshi

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, October 16

Raj Kumar Saini, the first-time Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Kurukshetra who has been a vocal critic of reservation for Jats, was allegedly roughed up by four youths in the city this afternoon.

The assailants also threw black ink on the MP, who had come to attend a community function at a dharamshala. Though the MP did not sustain any serious injury, the youths were thrashed by those present before they were handed over to the police.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Saini was attacked while leaving the venue. He said the security arrangements were inadequate and felt a grave threat for speaking out in favour of members of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The attackers emerged out of the crowd and moved closer to Saini with a plea to have a photograph clicked with him. They claimed themselves to the residents of Hisar and activists of Azad Kisan Mission. The police recovered pamphlets condemning unnamed individuals for being abusive towards a community.

Speaking to the media, the accused charged Saini with fanning communal tension.

The MP, meanwhile, termed it a calculated attack on the weaker sections. Previously state Congress president Ashok Tanwar was brutally attacked in Delhi. A section of the society has a revengeful attitude towards the socially marginalised communities.

Saini said he would continue his battle to protect the rights of the marginalised. I have never uttered a filthy word against any community. But I will contest any attempt to scuttle the rights of reservation of OBCs, said the MP.

Supporters of the MP briefly blocked traffic near Birla Mandir Chowk to register their protest.
Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, October 17

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday inaugurated police assistance booths on National Highway-1 and e-challaning and postal challaning system for the state.

As many as 20 police assistance booths have been constructed by Honda company from Kundli border to Ambala on NH-1.

Under this project, CCTV cameras are being installed on NH-1. As many as 100 constables have been trained to run these booths. One ambulance and 10 constables would be at each booth.

The CM flagged off 20 bikes, given by Honda, for these 20 police assistance booths.

Four booths have been constructed in Sonepat, three in Panipat, six in Karnal, four in Kurukshetra and three in Ambala.

DGP KP Singh said that in the second phase they would construct the booths on the Jaipur and Agra national highways with the help of Honda.

The CM condemned the ink attack on Kurukshetra MP Raj Kumar Saini.

The CM announced to allocate 50 per cent of the money collected from challans to the road safety fund; currently it is 15 per cent.
Washington, October 17

The 2016 US Presidential election is a significant source of stress for over half the Americans, with those using social media more likely to be affected, according to a new survey ahead of one of the most adversarial contests in recent history.

Daily coverage of the US presidential election dominates every form of mass media.

The survey was conducted online among 3,511 adults aged over 18 living in the US by the American Psychological Association (APA).

About 52 per cent of American adults reported that the 2016 election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress.

"We're seeing that it doesn't matter whether you're registered as a Democrat or Republican - US adults say they are experiencing significant stress from the current election," said Lynn Bufka, APA's associate executive director for practice research and policy.

Across party lines, those registered as Democrats (55 per cent) and Republicans (59 per cent) are statistically equally likely to say the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress.

"Election stress becomes exacerbated by arguments, stories, images and video on social media that can heighten concern and frustration, particularly with thousands of comments that can range from factual to hostile or even inflammatory," said Bufka.

In fact, the survey showed that social media appears to affect Americans' stress levels when it comes to the election and related topics.

Nearly 4 in 10 adults (38 per cent) said that political and cultural discussions on social media cause them stress.

In addition, adults who use social media are more likely than adults who do not to say the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress (54 per cent vs 45 per cent, respectively).

While men and women are equally likely (51 pe rcent vs 52 per cent) to say the 2016 US presidential election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress, election stress differs among generations of Americans.

Millennials and "matures" are the most likely to say the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress (56 per cent vs 59 per cent) - significantly more than Generation Xers (45 per cent) but not boomers (50 per cent).

Survey findings show that election-related stress does not confine itself to one racial or ethnic group. Rather, it appears to manifest across groups - more so in some than others.

Hispanics, in particular, are most likely to say that the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress (56 per cent), followed by Whites and Native Americans at 52 per cent each.  PTI
Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, October 17

State BJP leadership is brimming with confidence on the eve of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi here tomorrow. Enthusiastic about the visit, they are almost certain that the party will oust Congress from power in the Assembly elections due in the state next year.

The BJP has given a clear signal of power change in the state naming the show as Parivartan Rally (change of power). The venue is dotted with posters Kender Sarkar Hamari hai ab Himachal Ki bari hai (BJP is in power at the Centre and now it will be the turn of Himachal Pradesh) giving clear indication that the party had begun preparation for the upcoming Assembly elections.

BJP state president Satpal Singh Satti said the party was ready to oust the Congress from the state, saying that there was complete failure of state government machinery.

He said the PMs rally would mark the beginning of change in the state as was observed during the Lok Sabha election when people had given a clear mandate to the BJP. This would be a historical rally at Paddal Ground, where the BJP has set up the target of one lakh people for the rally.

The BJP leaders have been constantly targeting the Virbhadra-led state government by accusing it of failure to use the funds released by the Centre for developments works in the state.Satti said that due to apathy of the state government, there was no progress in preparation of the Development Project Reports (DPRs) of National Highway (NH) and four-lane projects approved by the Central Government. Union minister Nitin Gadkari had approved 61 NHs and four four-lane projects for the state.

The BJP leadership has been targeting Virbhadra Singh over corruption issue saying that the state government was wasting time in defending the Chief Minister, who is facing money laundering cases which were slapped on him during the regime of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre, when the latter was a Central minister.

The BJP was hopeful that Modis visit will work miracle for them and would dent Congress chances in the state. The BJP chorus this time is that the BJP will triumph over the Congress by winning 50 out of a total of 68 seats in Himachal Pradesh.

However, it will be interesting to see whether the Prime Minister will announce more development projects to woo the people of the state as he is conversant with problems of the hill state, when he was state in charge of the BJP from 1996 to 2000.

Despite bickering among BJP leadership, the party will try to show a united face, where all MPs, MLAs and top brass leadership of the BJP across the state is likely to attend the rally for its success.
Arun Joshi

Tribune News Service

The September 18 terror attack on an Army base in Uri continues to rattle and rankle the nation despite the high value surgical strikes at the terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 29. A month later India and Pakistan hurt by the terror attack and surgical strikes, respectively, have heightened their campaign against each other within and internationally, pushing Kashmir into a tight spot.

An immediate effect of the Uri attack and the subsequent favourite rhetoric of Delhi and Islamabad - prepared to give a befitting reply to any aggression  has flagged off so many issues all at once. The military movements, temporary migration from borders and swaggers of Army generals along the LoC from both sides have relegated the matters of dealing with the Kashmir address to the background.

Two disturbing trends have been noticed. Pakistan and local elements have become quite active in the hinterland while the Line of Control is witnessing almost regular cross-border fire, displacing thousands of people. The unrest issue that was largely confined to the need for internal dialogue has now escalated to the calls for an urgent India-Pakistan dialogue to resolve all issues, including Jammu and Kashmir. These calls have come from the international community, be it the United States, China or for that matter the United Nations.

A month later what is clear is that this terrorism first versus Kashmir first debate is going to consume more time between India and Pakistan. Pakistan Prime Ministers adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Azizs most undiplomatic and immature statement that as long as Narendra Modi is there, there can be no breakthrough has reflected the hardening of attitudes by the civilian leadership in its game of one-upmanship with the Pakistani military, which controls the state in real terms.

Pakistan knows where its weaknesses lie, but it is never short on bluster that has negated the Prime Ministers own thesis that poverty cannot be fought with tanks on the farmlands. There are war cries. And, India is not short on that either. The Uri attack was avenged by surgical strikes in the PoK, despite Pakistans vehement denial. That is one part. Diplomatically, India succeeded in neutralising Pakistan vis-a-vis the SAARC summit that now stands cancelled. Pakistan says postponed. It is now consistently carrying on a diplomatic campaign to isolate Pakistan internationally by describing it as a mothership of terrorism.

The first fallout has been that Kashmir is worried as it is seeing the gradual but firm signs of the gun ruling again. This time, these are not going to be hit-and-run cases, as has been proved by the attacks on the Army camps, Entrepreneurship Development Institute building near summer capital Srinagar. In the 1990s, this was an immature generation, which romanticised the gun as a tool to deliver azadi or freedom to them.

When sweets and flower petals were showered on them, they developed a sense of false heroism among themselves. There were nights in Srinagar when hundreds of bullets would be fired for hours, and the next morning there was not a single injury. The current generation has seen all  guns, grenades and graves. It is not afraid of anything.

The Uri attack gave them a sense that if (Pakistani militants) can do it, why not we. That explains the rise in attacks and weapon-snatching incidents.

Quite often local policemen hide their faces with their hands while they arrest or prevent separatist leaders from leading a march. It speaks of their vulnerability. It cannot be a coincidence all the time that militants snatch their weapons and rarely do they offer resistance. This is a trend which is having potential of setting up a new and dangerous nature of the conflict.

This new generation of stone and petrol bomb throwers and weapon-snatching has an exaggerated confidence that comes with the sights of police vehicles swooshing past the stone-throwing zones. They bare chests to face bullets. It was a growing phenomenon, but now it has assumed a sense of reality. Apart from the spurious support by Pakistan, they really believe that they can achieve what their previous generations failed to do. This can escalate the situation at any time. The indoctrination that they have nothing to lose except shackles of Indian domination is closely linked to their religious radicalism.

The Kashmir first concept has been lost to the Muslim first assertion. It is now more of a religious movement than political.

Politically, there is a strong belief in some sections that the Uri attack, which they cheered on the September 18 morning while the rest of the nation was outraged, has done more harm than good to their cause. This stole the attention from the Kashmir unrest in which the narrative of death, blinding and injuring of the stone-throwing protesters was drawing international attention. India was facing pressure. But after the attack, the dynamics changed because the international community felt that this cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan could destabilise the nuclear-armed region.

The doomsayers found evidence of that in the anti-terror strike by India in PoK on September 29.

At the moment not only have the relations between Delhi and Islamabad touched the nadir, but the atmosphere between Delhi and Srinagar is also getting polluted. When Delhis Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra recently asked Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti at a conference in Delhi that who shelters terrorists, she rightly responded that girls in her state were the safest and didnt get raped in moving cars.

A month is a long time in politics, but in a conflict situation it can change the dynamics once and for all, and thats what Uri attack has done to Kashmir.

Valley after 18/9

September 18: Four fidayeen militants storm an Army base at Uri close to the LoC, killing 19 soldiers and wounding 23 others. The four militants were killed in the fierce gunfight.

September 19: Militants snatch four rifles from policemen guarding the house of a ruling Peoples Democratic Party leader in Dialgam, Anantnag.

September 20: An Army man killed as an infiltration bid foiled in Nowgam.

September 22: A militant gunned down in north Kashmir's Bandipora.

September 28: A service rifle of the personal security officer of a former lawmaker snatched in Kellar, Shopian.

October 2: A BSF man killed and another injured as militants' attack on Army battalion headquarters in Baramulla foiled

October 3: Militants decamp with five weapons from a minority picket after taking hostage two minority members in Kulgam.

October 6: Three militants killed as the Army foils a fidayeen attack in Langate, Handwara.

October 6: Four militants killed as the Army foils an infiltration bid in Nowgam, first after surgical strikes.

October 7: A police constable was killed and another injured when militants made an abortive bid in Shopian district to snatch rifles from the policemen guarding a minority community picket.

October 10: Militants snatch two rifles from policemen guarding minority community in Pulwama district.

October 10: Two militants barricade themselves in EDI building at Pampore, triggering a gunfight. Both killed after the 56-hour encounter.

October 11: 10 injured in a grenade attack in Shopian.

October 12: A worker of Peoples Conference, headed by Sajad Lone, shot dead in Kupwara.

October 15: An SSB jawan killed and nine others were injured in a militant attack in Srinagar outskirts at Zakoora.

October 16: Militants snatch five rifles in Anantnag.

(Compiled by Majid Jahangir)
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 17

Militants snatched five rifles from the security men deployed at a Doordarshan television tower at Dalvash Dooru village in Anantnag district on Sunday night.

Sources said a group of militants arrived in the village and snatched the weapons from the security guards before fleeing. Security forces have started searching the area.

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Another weapon-snatching bid was foiled in neighbouring Pulwama where policemen opened fire when militants appeared at a picket meant to guard the minority community members.

Sources said militants fired at the guard, which was retaliated. Militants opened fire and tried to loot weapons on Sunday night, but as the police retaliated they fled. No loss of life has been reported, they said.

The incidents of rifle-snatching have increased in the last month and almost all incidents have been reported from the four districts of south Kashmir. Majority of the incidents have been reported from Kulgam district.
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 17

Miscreants set two passenger vehicles ablaze on the outskirts of Srinagar today for violating the protest calendar of separatists even as the Valley had been witnessing increased movement on roads.

Two Sumos were on their way from north Kashmir to Srinagar when the vehicles were intercepted by some masked men at Parimpora early this morning for violating the shutdown call.

The passengers were asked to alight and petrol bombs thrown on the vehicles, causing extensive damage, the police said. In an attempt to disrupt traffic, some miscreants set two vehicles on fire near the fruit mandi, said a police spokesman. Six miscreants involved in the incident were identified and a manhunt launched, he added.

There was normal movement of traffic with shops remaining open and vendors dotting roads, lanes and bylanes across Kashmir, the spokesman said this evening.

Over the past more than a week, the Kashmir valley had witnessed increased movement on roads in the summer capital, major towns and highways. Separatists had been jointly issuing weekly protest calendars. Though restricted to a few hours in the evening, traffic on roads and movemnet in markets had brought about a change in the overall situation.
Gurvinder Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 17

A war widow returned her husbands medal in protest against the governments failure to provide facilities promised to the kin of jawans who laid down their lives in Sri Lanka in 1987. Surinder Kaur, wife of Army Havildar Kashmir Singh of Gurdaspur, who attained martyrdom as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, submitted her husbands Sena Medal and a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to an official to be handed over to Modi during his visit to the city tomorrow.

She said her son was only eight years old and her daughter six years old when her husband attained martyrdom. She couldnt see the body of her husband as it never reached India, she lamented.

Twenty jawans of 13 Sikh Light Regiment, in addition to commandos, were killed when they were para-dropped at Jaffna University in an attempt to take control of Jaffna from the LTTE.

She said her husband was conferred Sena Medal posthumously in 1991. It was announced by the government that kin of the Indian Army jawans, who were gunned down in Sri Lanka, would be given 10 acres of land, a petrol station or an agency apart from a government job to one member of the each family, she claimed. I received official letters and made to do the rounds of offices in Gurdaspur and Amritsar. The officials concerned said the matter concerned the other district, she said, with tears rolling down her eyes. She said if the government couldnt look after the family of the martyr who laid down his life for the country, there was no point keeping the medal.

Satnam Singh Dhaliwal, president of the Universal Human Rights Organisation, said the government had given facilities to the family of Indian spy Sarabjeet, who died in Pakistan jail, but had been indifferent to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the Army operation in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Swati Tiwana, Assistant Commissioner, said she asked the family to reconsider the decision to return the medal. She said they would check out with the Gurdaspur administration and look into the matter.
Ruchika Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 17

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said owing to Indias growing economic clout at the international level, there were efforts to destabilise the country and its march towards development.

Addressing a regional editors conference here, Singh said it was important that India, which shared its borders with six countries in south Asia, should have effective border management.

He said India is among the fastest growing economies and should be among the top three in a few years; as a result, there were efforts to destabilise her.

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The Home Minister said, We have taken steps to have peaceful borders with Myanmar and Nepal. Bangladesh and Myanmar are active borders. The border along China and Pakistan are strategic and sensitive.

He said, The Sino-Indian relations are smooth and there has been reduction in transgressions along the India-China border. It has dropped by 40 per cent in the past one year, and 70 per cent since 2014. The dispute over the India-China border is secondary, but trade is of prime concern.

Pakistan on the other hand, he said, is obsessed with certain areas and is isolating itself because of that.

He said even in the BRICS summit, all countries, including China, had condemned Pakistani support for terrorism. Pakistan did not know the difference between freedom fighters and terrorists in Kashmir, he said.

The state actors in Pakistan are actively involved in this. Thus we are ready with our action plan on border management after the Madhukar committee report. By 2018, our border with Pakistan--3,323 km--will be made secure, he said.

Both physical and non-physical barriers were being erected, Rajnath said. A pilot project in Jammu, Gujarat and Punjab is being implemented on the use of non-physical barriers, he added.

Denouncing Pakistan for terrorism, he said Pakistan should understand that they are rearing snakes which could bite them. Surgical strikes were the counter-terror operation. It was an anti-terror strike. We had intelligence that terrorists were to be pushed inside India, so we conducted the strikes, he justified the action.

We hate Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and not Pakistan or its people. Pakistan should stop its terror factories which will lead to peace in South Asia, he said.

Talking about the north-east, Rajnath said, Insurgency along Myanmar had led to surgical strikes there too in the past. We will take definite steps against terror groups in the north-east. We have also done framework agreement with some groups. Its because of our efforts that there is relative peace in the north-east. Incidents of violence are at an all-time low. Diplomatic engagement, too, is part of our strategy.

He said that on the issues of fake Indian currency and drugs, Myanmar and Bangladesh are cooperating with India. He said the preparedness of security agencies is good. Coastal security arrangements are also good; efforts are on to improve these further.

Rajnath said left-wing extremism is a major challenge in some states, of which Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar were an area of concern. We have deployed more security and are engaging people by initiating development works. As many as 140 such extremists were killed this year. Citizen-casualty is much less this year, he said.
Chennai, October 17

Opposition parties, including the DMK, on Monday joined a state-wide rail blockade protest announced by a farmers federation over the Cauvery issue, urging the Centre to set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB).

DMK Treasurer and Opposition Leader in Tamil Nadu Assembly MK Stalin was among those who participated in the protests held in different parts of the state, including Chennai and the Cauvery delta districts.

Stalin led a procession at Perambur here, even as scores of political workers belonging to the DMK, Left parties and MDMK among others staged a rail roko at Thanjavur and Cuddalore, and were detained.

A farmers federation had called for the two-day rail blockade starting today, urging the Centre to immediately constitute the CMB.

The protests come days after a high-level technical team, set up by the Supreme Court, completed its inspection of the Cauvery basin region in Tamil Nadu to assess the situation in the state.

The team, which also inspected the Cauvery basin in Karnataka, is set to submit its report in the apex court today.

The apex court had set up the team while hearing a petition by the Tamil Nadu government seeking release of Cauvery water by Karnataka.

Meanwhile, reports from Madurai said, train services in Madurai and Tiruchirappalli divisions were affected as hundreds of farmers and members of various political parties blocked or attempted to block the rail traffic at various places, demanding constitution of the Cauvery Management Board.

Officials said trains were delayed by 10 minutes to half an hour.

Madurai City Police resorted to lathicharge to disperse a strong crowd belonging to various Opposition parties, when they insisted on staging a rail roko and attempted to enter the railway junction here, they said.

Around five persons suffered simple injuries in the lathi charge.

Leader of South Indian River Linking Movement, Ayyakannu was arrested at Kudamurutti Kudisai while he blocked the rail tracks on Tiruchi-Karur section.

Party members and farmers put up a hut on the track to block the train near Kudamurutti.

Hundreds of DMK cadres blocked the train traffic in Pudukottai.

In Cuddalore, over 700 farmers and cadres of political parties tried to enter the railway station for staging a rail roko agitation. The police had to resort to mild lathicharge to disperse the crowd.

Nearly 300 persons were arrested, the police said.

In Erode district, several farmers and Opposition party workers who attempted to enter the Erode Railway Station were arrested by the police.

Meanwhile, more than 2,500 workers of various political parties and farmers were arrested at different railway stations in Coimbatore, Tirupur and Nilgiris districts, while attempting to stage rail roko in protest against the Centre for refusing to constitute the Cauvery Management Board, as directed by the Supreme Court.

Over 600 workers, belonging to MDMK, CPI, CPIM, VCK, Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhakam and some other organisations assembled near city railway station.

As they were proceeding to the station, the police prevented them, leading to push and pull, they said.

However, all the workers were arrested, the police said.

More arrests were made at Pollachi, Mettupalayam and Sulur railway stations in Coimbatore district.  PTI
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 17

Barely a day after the BRICS Summit concluded with India using the opportunity to raise the menace of cross-border terrorism from across the border, China stoutly defended Pakistan, making it clear it was opposed to a specific country or religion being linked with terrorism. To rub it in, China pointed to the great sacrifice made by its all-weather friend Islamabad in combating terrorism.

For India, that was much enthused over the hosting of a successful BRICS Summit followed by a BRICS-Bimstec outreach summit with the primary agenda of isolating Pakistan, todays strong defence of Pakistan by China is likely to inject a dose of realism back into the Indian policy.

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Spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Hua Chunying briefed the media at Beijing today. Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modis comments at BRICS, referring to Pakistan as the mothership of terrorism, she said Chinas stand on counter-terrorism remained consistent. In the same way we oppose linking terrorism with any specific country or religion, she said.

To another question, she said India and Pakistan were all victims of terrorism and that Islamabad had made a great sacrifice to combat terrorism and this needs to be recognised by the international community.

The Goa Declaration issued at the end of the BRICS Summit had made only a general reference to terrorism without any mention of specific terrorist groups like the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) or Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) that are based in Pakistan.
Jitendra K Shrivastava

Tribune News Service

Rajgir (Bihar), October 17

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said he is committed to imposing prohibition in the state.

The new Janata Dal-United president said he would spare time for other states as the party had urged him to do so.

In his presidential address at the JD-Us two-day National Council Conclave, Kumar said, The BJP lacks strength and depends on advertisements. No BJP leader in Bihar took the responsibility of its embarrassing defeat in the Bihar Assembly election. They invited Narendra Modi to Bihar and organised a number of meetings for him.

Kumar claimed that he is a follower of Ram Manohar Lohiya, Jaiprakash Narayan and Karpuri Thakur. I was taught not to speak but to act, he said.

Kumar said Bihar is the first state where the Bihar Public Grievance Redressal Act was enforced on June 5 this year. He said the state government had set up venture capital fund with Rs 500 crore. He claimed that he had kept all his promises and he even imposed ban on liquor.

He claimed that 1.19 crore people had given the declaration that they would not drink. He invited peoples views on if any of the provisions was harsh.

China came out of opium addiction and developed. If we want to compete with China, should we plunge ourselves in liquor, Nitish said.

He said, We support Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the Centre takes steps to root out terrorism; we should respond to Pakistan in its language and not write love letters.

The fight against terrorism is the national resolve. The entire nation stands with you as you are the PM, Kumar told Modi.

He also slammed the Centre as employment is not being generated even though the growth rate is soaring. There is agrarian crisis as some farmers are raising voice in favour of reservation, he said, adding that unemployment and farmer issues should be addressed.

Kumar said he was against the introduction of GM seeds and had already registered his protest by writing to the PM.
Islamabad, October 17

Adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, has alleged that India has no moral ground to talk about counter-terrorism efforts and point fingers.

In a statement released by Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aziz said, Modi is misleading his BRICS and BIMSTEC colleagues, after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Pakistan is the mothership of terrorism.

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Aziz alleged that the Indian leadership is desperately trying to hide what he termed as brutalities in Kashmir.

The United Nations and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have rejected Indian attempts to equate Kashmiris movement for self-determination with terrorism, the adviser remarked, adding that the UN had repeatedly emphasised that people fighting for their self-determination could not be categorised as terrorists by the occupying state.

Aziz said Pakistan joined all members of BRICS and BIMSTEC in condemning terrorism and reaffirmed its full commitment to fighting the menace of terrorism without discrimination.

He alleged that Pakistan is a victim of Indian interference and subversive activities, which are aimed at destabilising the country.

Modi, while addressing the BRICS Summit on Sunday, had launched a veiled attack at Pakistan saying, Tragically, the mothership of terrorism is a country in Indias neighbourhood.

Terrorism has become its favourite child and the child in turn has come to define the essential character and nature of its parents. The time for condemning the state-sponsored terrorism is long gone, he said. ANI
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 17

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today asked Pakistan to shut its factory of terrorism, while adding India will help out its neighbour if the task is too difficult for it to handle.

Addressing a conference here, the minister reiterated India would secure its entire 3,323 km-long border with its neighbour by December 2018 using both physical and non-physical barriers. A pilot project to seal the border through the non-physical barrier was under way in the Jammu region, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

As part of a pilot project, we are using technology such as cameras, sensors, radars and lasers on a 182-km stretch that involves riverine tracts, low-lying creeks and marshy land, he said. Once the installation is successful, it would be extended all along the border.

Accusing state actors in Pakistan of supporting and harbouring terrorists, the minister said: The surgical strikes conducted by our forces were a move to pre-empt a pre-meditated terror strike on India.

The minister said efforts were being made to destabilise India given its growing economic clout at the international level.

We share peaceful borders with Bhutan and Nepal. Bangladesh and Myanmar are active borders, while the border along China and Pakistan are strategic and sensitive. There has been a reduction in transgressions along the India-China border. Pakistan, on the other hand, is obsessed with certain areas and is isolating itself because of that. Even in the BRICS summit, all countries, including China, had condemned Pakistan support for terrorism, the Home Minister said.
Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, October 17

Congress leader Sajjan Kumar on Monday pleaded for the recusal of Delhi High Court Judge Parkash Singh Teji from hearing CBIs appeal against his acquittal in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case in the Delhi Cantonment area in which five persons were killed.

Appearing for Kumar, senior counsel Salman Khurshid contended that Justice Teji had refused to grant bail to his client in February 2010 when he was Additional Sessions Judge in the Karkardooma Court.

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While Kumar was acquitted by the trial court on April 30, 2013, five other accused, including former Congress MLA Mahender Yadav and a counselor, were convicted. Three were awarded life imprisonment while the other two were sentenced to three years.

CBI and the victims filed appeals against the acquittal of Sajjan Kumar which came up for hearing before a bench comprising Justices Gitta Mittal and Teji today.

Appearing for Yadav, senior counsel Vikas Singh pleaded that Justice Teji was showing keen interest in the matter. Senior advocate HS Phoolka who appeared for the victims opposed the plea contending that this kind of allegations should not be entertained.
New Delhi, October 17

It will be unique if parties decide which judge will hear their matter, the Delhi High Court observed today while hearing the plea of Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and others for transferring their case regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, alleging bias by one of the members of a Division Bench.

It will be a unique day in history when the parties involved in a matter will decide which judge will hear their case, the Bench of Justice Gita Mittal and Justice PS Teji remarked. The Judges said they were struggling to get cases older than the 1984 riots listed so that people waiting for justice did not have to wait long.

This kind of application is filed in every difficult case nowadays. But the applicant does not understand that due to such attempts, how much judicial time is wasted, the court said, adding that this Bench is also hearing the case of the 1987 Hashimpura massacre.

The arguments will continue tomorrow.

Sajjan Kumar, who was acquitted by a trial court in 2013 in a case related to the killing of five Sikhs by a mob in Delhi Cantonment's Raj Nagar area, had sought in his plea that the case be transferred to another Bench as Justice Teji had heard anticipatory bail pleas in the case as a trial court judge.

Former MLA Mahender Yadav, who was handed a three-year jail term and is on bail, had also pleaded that Justice Teji should recuse himself from hearing the appeals.

This was objected to by senior advocate HS Phoolka, who appeared for the victims. He said the court should not entertain such pleas.

Earlier, the CBI, in its reply to the application, had said the three convicts, who had filed such "frivolous" application, were "intimidating" the court by allegedly casting aspersions on a judge hearing an appeal against their acquittal.

The CBI had said it was an attempt to cause obstruction, delay the proceedings and frustrate the course of justice.

Besides Sajjan Kumar and Yadav, convict Kishan Khokkar, who was sentenced to three-year jail and is on bail, has also filed a similar application.

While acquitting the Congress leader, the trial court had held five of them guilty and awarded varying jail terms to them for being part of the mob that killed the Sikhs.

The CBI has moved the High Court challenging Sajjan Kumars acquittal in a case relating to the killing of five Sikhs  Kehar Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Raghuvender Singh, Narender Pal Singh and Kuldeep Singh, all belonging to the same family  by a mob during the riots.  PTI
Chandigarh, October 17

Congress workers today took to the streets across Punjab to burn 'Chitta Ravan' effigies of Akali leaders, including Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and state Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia.

Despite reports of "likely police attempts" to thwart their plans, Congress leaders and workers set the effigies on fire with the party's state unit chief, Amarinder Singh, being personally present to witness the act at Baghapurana.

Congress leaders Rana Gurjit Singh, Kewal Singh and Laal Singh were among those who led the workers in setting the effigies ablaze in their respective Assembly segments.

Amarinder, who was in Moga district to take part in his party's 'Kisan Yatra' roadshow, which was launched from here today, was at Baghapurana to witness the burning of the effigies of Badal and Majithia.

Reports of similar burning of effigies of the Badals and other Akali leaders also poured in from other parts of the state at the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) office throughout the day, the party said in a statement.

Amarinder had earlier announced that 'Chitta Ravan' effigies will be burnt in all the Assembly segments of the state.

He had also announced to burn one such effigy in Ludhiana tomorrow which will coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.

For tomorrow's effigy-burning, the Punjab Congress chief has chosen the same spot where Congress workers were allegedly attacked by Akali activists in the presence of the police on Dussehra eve when they tried to burn a 'Chitta' (heroin) effigy.

Scaling the pitch of the party's anti-drugs war, Amarinder had yesterday called upon Congress workers to plaster Chitta Ravans with the faces of the Badals and other Akali leaders, in defiance of the reported "diktat" of the state government that effigies with faces will not be allowed to be burnt.

"Let them (the police) try and stop us. We will fight them every inch of the way. They cannot stop us from venting our anger at the sufferings being meted out to the people by the Badal government," he had vowed, assuring the party workers that he was with them in every step.  PTI
Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News service

Chandigarh, October 17

Targeting the families of victims of farmer suicides, the Punjab Congress on Monday launched a three-day kisan rath yatra from the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee office here.

With Capt Amarinder Singh on board, the bus will move through the Malwa region while visiting mandis to allow the state Congress chief to interact with farmers.

The widows of the farmer suicide victims flagged off the bus.

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Speaking on the occasion, Amarinder said the party would roll out the roadmap for waiver of farmer loans. He said he would wipe the tears of farmers in the state and punish the Badals for pushing the farmers to suicide.

He assured the widows that he would waive all farm debts once his party was in power. He reiterated his commitment to resolving the problems of the farmer families who, he described, as Punjabs engine of growth and progress through the years.

Among the widows who met Capt Amarinder before the yatra was flagged off was Rajomajras Harbans Kaur, whose husband Sohan Singh committed suicide three weeks ago over a debt of Rs 4 lakh. What has aggravated her woes is the fact that the government, instead of helping her out, has erected an electric tower in the middle of her three bighas of land, rendering it useless.

The over 500-km yatra will also cover the districts of Faridkot, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Muktsar and Ferozepur.
Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 17

Facing the onslaught of AAPs latest poster campaign on his alleged understanding with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh today tried to come out clean by claiming that an adverse verdict in the Amritsar Improvement Trust case could have benefited the Congress.

Just because I have been exonerated as investigations were done on the directions of the Supreme Court, people are talking about my collusion with the Badals, he said.

Talking to The Tribune on board a refurbished mini-bus meant to be used in the 2007 elections, Amarinder said it his statement regarding putting the Badals behind the bars was not election rhetoric.

Asked why the Badals were let off in the disproportionate assets case that fuelled public perception about their tactic understanding, the former CM said 31 witnesses in the case turned hostile as the Badals on coming to power forced them to resile. Otherwise, if you have a strong case, law will prevail. If you have a concocted case, the law will still prevail, he said.

On public perception over the alleged common interests of certain Akali and Congress leaders in the liquor and sand businesses, the PPCC chief said business and politics should not be mixed. The government should be concerned about revenue not those who are part of the consortium bidding for the mining or liquor contract, irrespective of their political affiliation.
The 160 files related to the Lahore Conspiracy Case of 1929, in which Bhagat Singh and his 15 comrades faced trial, have been lying in oblivion at the Punjab State Archives in Lahores Anarkali Bazaar despite numerous efforts by researchers and martyrs relatives to gain access.

The Tribune, in a four-part series, throws light on these unknown pages of history

Sarika Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 16

What did they eat? How did they travel? Where did they stay, or study? Almost every aspect of the revolutionaries life mattered to the police in the British Raj.

More than eight decades after his martyrdom, the 160 files related to Bhagat Singh and his comrades trial may finally see the light of day. A historian has finally managed to access the files in Lahore.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Though a large part of these files  titled the Lahore Conspiracy Case 1929  like the proceedings of the special tribunal, the exhibits produced in court and the verdict are already in public domain, several unknown aspects of the revolutionary struggle and the lives of the martyrs have come to light.

Dr Aparna Vaidik, an associate professor of history at a private university in Haryana, accessed the files sometime back over two trips to Lahore and is working on a book.

According to the information she shared with Harish Jain, a Chandigarh-based publisher and researcher on Bhagat Singh, some of the files have more than 1,000 pages while a good number are limited to one or a few pages.

Not a single page has been lost and a large portion of the files is laminated as well, which seems like a recent attempt to preserve them.

Some of these files carry day-to-day records of any individual or establishment that had any bearing on or dealing with the revolutionaries. Be it schools, colleges, hostels, libraries, even dhobis, dhabas, milk sellers, halwais, building landlords, railways, post offices or transport companies.

These were seized from Punjab, Delhi, UP, Bihar, Bengal and Maharashtra and were used as evidence in court. These may look like banal details, personal histories of the frugal life they lived and comprise travel and living spaces details, but the files can help paint the martyrs lives and times afresh, says Jain.

Among the files are records like DAV College, Lahores admission register to the cash book and book issuing register of Dwarka Das Library. Going by the index, file number 38 has the cash book of Dwarka Das Library from 1927-29. Then located in Lahore, Bhagat Singh and his comrades would frequent it to get books issued. After Partition, the library was relocated to Sector 15 in Chandigarh.

When the police found that accused Kishori Lal and Prem Dutt had been students of DAV College, they confiscated a large chunk of college records, which form part of files 14 and 39. File 14 contains the record of first-year admissions, file 39 has the lecture register of second-year class of DAV College, 1929. Like Dwarka Das Library, DAV College was relocated to Chandigarh after Partition. Similarly, file 44 has the register of meal, etc, produced by Baboo Ramaish Chander Ch, proprietor of Eastern Home Hotel, Calcutta. Calcutta was one of their major centres of activities.

File 52 has the attendance register of Bombay Cycle and Motor Agency Ltd. Lahore, where they were learning driving. The police were also extensively investigating the places where the revolutionaries stayed. Files 111 to 115, for instance, contain records of hotels in Lahore and Ferozepur. It included Hindu Hotel, Lahore; Sharma Hind Hotel, Ferozepur; Eastern Home Hotel, Lahore, etc. These records can help us locate their secret shelters. It can be a real heritage of Indias revolutionary movement, feels Jain.

When the police found out that the revolutionaries were commonly travelling through train, they confiscated the registers of relevant stations of Eastern Indian Railway (Cawnpur, now Kanpur). That is part of file 53.

The files also give a peak into the frugal lives of the revolutionaries. One evidence of that is that they didnt have even money to buy rice in cash. They were taking rice on credit from one Abdul Jabbar shopkeeper in Lahore. His bahi (ledger), which was produced in court as evidence, is still lying in file 146.

Around 10 files, numbers 146 to 155, contain information from where they purchased chemicals.

An important file (number 154) contains rent receipts of one Master Kanhaya Lal, whose house they had taken on rent. Similarly, rent receipts issued by another house owner Hussain Baksh are also part of the Lahore files.

File 149 contains the laundry book of Kaumi Washing Factory, Gwaal Mandi, Lahore, where revolutionaries were getting their clothes washed. A slip of the laundry company is known to have been found from Kishori Lals pocket. Even the record of a shop from where they were getting milk on credit was presented as an important court evidence. Bahi of Ram Swaroop halwai, Lahore, is part of the record.

Letters to court, police

An important part of the 160 files are the letters written by Bhagat Singh and comrades. One file has almost 150 pages. These letters were written to the court and special tribunal, police, etc. According to historical accounts, the revolutionaries were submitting a letter, application or petition to the court almost every other day; this was besides the communication they were sending to the outside world through the court, which needed to pass orders on each.

Lahore Conspiracy Case 1929

It involved Bhagat Singh and 27 others, who were tried for the murder of police officer John P Saunders, conspiracy to kill the police chief and waging a war against the King. A special tribunal was set up against 18 accused from May 5, 1930 to speed up the trial. The tribunal proved the participation of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru in Saunders murder. Ajoy Ghosh, Jatindra Nath Sanyal and Des Raj were acquitted. Kundan Lal and Prem Dutt received seven and five years imprisonment. Kishori Lal, Mahabir Singh, Bijoy Kumar Sinha, Shiv Verma, Gaya Prashad, Jai Dev and Kamalnath Tewari were awarded life imprisonment. The names of three people, Agya Ram, BK Dutt and Surendra Nath Pandey, were dropped during the trial.
Sao Paulo, October 17

At least 25 inmates died in clashes between two rival factions in a prison in far northern Brazil, local media reported citing the police.

Seven of the dead were beheaded and six burned to death in fighting at a prison in Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima state, the news site G1 reported, citing local police.

The bloodshed began when inmates of one wing of the Agricola de Monte Cristo prison broke into another wing yesterday.

Inmates were armed with knives and wooden clubs, an inmates wife who was in the prison when the riot broke out told G1.

Roraima state Secretary of Justice Uziel Castro said that the fight erupted during visiting hours, and some 100 relatives of inmates were briefly held hostage.

The rioters demanded that a judge come to hear their demands. Instead Special Operations Police stormed the prison, released the hostages and regained control of the site by sundown.

All the hostages were released, Castro said, adding that most of them were women.

The prison, some 3,400 kilometres northwest of Rio de Janeiro, is in a state that borders Venezuela.

Police and state officials did not immediately respond to phone calls from AFP.  AFP
Lahore, October 17

At least 30 people were killed and over 55 others injured today when two speeding passenger buses collided head-on in Pakistans southern Punjab province, rescue officials said. The accident took place in Khanpur area of Rahim Yar Khan, some 600 km from here.

One of the buses was en route to Bahawalpur from Faisalabad while the other was heading from Karachi to Rahim Yar Khan, rescue services spokesperson Deeba Shahnaz said. The incident occurred due to overspeeding and claimed the lives of at least 30 people besides leaving over 55 people injured.

The accident was so serious that the bodies and the injured could only be recovered after cutting through the vehicles, Zafar Iqbal, district coordination officer of Rahim Yar Khan said. Those injured have been shifted to hospitals in Khanpur and Rahim Yar Khan hospitals. Condition of some injured persons is stated to be serious.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the accident and directed the authorities concerned to provide best medical treatment to the injured, it said.  PTI
Oilfield services company Core Laboratories N.V. CLB is set to release third-quarter 2016 results after the closing bell on Wednesday, Oct 19.

In the preceding three-month period, this Amsterdam, Netherlands-based firm reported earnings in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. In fact, in each of the last four quarters, Core Laboratories has posted earnings in line with estimates.

Lets see how things are shaping up for this announcement.

Factors to Consider This Quarter

Core Laboratories is an oilfield services company that provides reservoir management and production enhancement services to the global oil and gas industry. The company, like its peers, has been affected by the sharp fall in commodity prices.

WTI crude oil is presently trading around $50 per barrel, much lower than the $90$100 per barrel mark touched just a few years ago. Weak commodity prices have prompted upstream firms to lower capital spending, which has resulted in lesser work for the likes of Core Laboratories.

CORE LABS NV Price and EPS Surprise

CORE LABS NV Price and EPS Surprise | CORE LABS NV Quote

Additionally, Core Laboratories' third-quarter earnings and revenues are likely to deteriorate year over year. For the third quarter, the company expects earnings per share in the 3941 cents range, much lower than the prior-year quarter figure of 83 cents. Moreover, revenues for the third quarter are expected between $148 million and $151 million, again well below the year-ago sales figure of $197.3 million.

Lastly, Core Laboratories banks on its ability to develop and acquire essential products and technologies that drive its operational performance and growth. If its technologies and/or products become obsolete or cannot be brought to market in a timely and competitive manner, the company may face severe operational and financial dilemmas.

Earnings Whispers

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Core Laboratories will beat estimates this quarter. That is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESPand a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. But that is not the case here as you will see below.

Story continues

Zacks ESP:The Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is 0.00%. This is because both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at 39 cents.

Zacks Rank:Core Laboratories Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) when combined with a 0.00% ESP makes an earnings beat prediction uncertain. In addition, the Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or #5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.

Stocks to Consider

Although an earnings beat looks uncertain for Core Laboratories, here are some firms that you may want to consider on the basis of our model, which shows that they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.

CONE Midstream Partners LP CNNX is expected to release earnings results on Nov 4. The partnership has an Earnings ESP of +2.70% and a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

CSI Compressco LP CCLP has an Earnings ESP of +40.00% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is anticipated to release earnings on Nov 4.

Antero Midstream Partners LP AM has an Earnings ESP of +2.94% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is likely to release earnings on Oct 26.

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Luxembourg, October 17

Britain and France sought to persuade the European Union on Monday to condemn Russias devastating air campaign in Syria and pave the way for imposing more sanctions on President Bashar al-Assads government.

After a weekend of US-led diplomacy that failed to find a breakthrough, EU foreign ministers met in Luxembourg to call for an end to the bombing of rebel-held east Aleppo, where 275,000 people are trapped, and to rush humanitarian aid into the city.

The pressure (on Russia) must be strong, Frances Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said. The more the European Union shows unity and determination, the more we can move forward in what is a moral obligation: to stop the massacre of the population of Aleppo, he told reporters.

But the bloc is split over strategy towards Russia, its biggest energy supplier, with divisions about how harsh any criticism of Moscow should be and whether there was ground for also putting Russians under sanctions.

Britain and France want to put another 20 Syrians under travel bans and asset freezes, suspecting them of directing attacks on civilians in Aleppo, in addition to the EUs existing sanctions list and its oil and arms embargo.

Paris and London have also raised the prospect of sanctions on 12 Russians involved in the Syrian conflict, adding them to the EUs list of some 200 people that also includes three Iranians, diplomats told Reuters.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who held talks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday in London, said Russias Aleppo bombing shames humanity and called Russia the Syrian governments puppeteers.

On Sunday in London, Britain and the United States said they were considering imposing additional sanctions on Assad and his supporters, without naming Russia.

Chairing the Luxembourg meeting, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said there was a chance that ministers would agree to put more Syrians on the EUs list of people blocked from travelling to Europe or accessing money there.

European Union leaders are expected to discuss Russia and possible new sanctions at a summit in Brussels on Thursday but Russias closest EU allies such as Greece, Cyprus and Hungary are against. Austria also voiced its opposition on Monday.

The idea to have additional sanctions against Russia would be wrong, Austrias Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz told reporters. We do not need a further escalation, he said.

Germany also appeared cautious, with Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier rejecting adding punitive measures against Russia, although a German newspaper has cited sources saying that Chancellor Angela Merkel was in favour.

The West imposed broad economic sanctions on Moscow over its 2014 annexation of Crimea and its support for rebels in Ukraine.

EU aid blocked

In another sign of divisions over Russia, diplomats were still grappling with the wording of the diplomatic statement to be delivered on Monday by foreign ministers, split over whether to name Russia at all.

According to one draft seen by Reuters, EU ministers will condemn the catastrophic escalation of the Syrian government offensive to capture eastern Aleppo, where 8,000 rebels are holding out against Syrian, Russian and Iranian-backed forces.

They will say that air strikes on hospitals and civilians may amount to war crimes, calling on Syria and its allies to go to the International Criminal Court

Diplomats say the European Union will also call for a ceasefire with an observation mission, a renewed push for peace talks to include Mogherini and immediate access for an EU aid package announced on October 2.

The bloc, the biggest aid donor in the Syrian conflict, is in almost daily contact with charities to move in, but diplomats say the trucks cannot get through checkpoints to eastern Aleppo.

There is no point-blank refusal, but drivers are asked for things they dont have, like special driving licenses, said one EU official. We need a facilitation letter from the Syrian authorities.  Reuters
Beijing, October 17

China on Monday successfully launched a spacecraft carrying two astronauts, in its longest-ever manned space mission, who would later join its experimental space lab orbiting the Earth as the country moved a step closer to establish its permanent space station by 2022.

Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng, 50, and Chen Dong, 37, were blasted off into space by Shenzhou-11 (heavenly vessel) spacecraft at 7:30 am local time (5 am IST) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre near the Gobi Desert in northwest China.

The Shenzhou-11 was put into orbit by a Long March-2F carrier rocket after the launch, telecast live by the state-run China Central Television (CCTV).

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The spacecraft will dock with orbiting space lab Tiangong-2 in two days and the astronauts will stay in the lab for 30 days, Wu Ping, Deputy Director of Chinas manned space engineering office said.

While Jing is on his third spaceflight, this is Chens first space mission, which is the longest stay so far by Chinese astronauts, during which they will conduct tests on spacecraft-related technologies and scientific and engineering experiments.

The mission was declared a success by Zhang Youxia, commander-in-chief of Chinas manned space programme, about 19 minutes after the blast-off, state-run Xinhua reported.

President Xi Jinping, who is currently in Goa to attend the BRICS Summit, congratulated everyone engaged in the mission for the successful launch, saying it is a milestone in Chinas space programme.

The mission of the orbiting space lab Tiangong-2 and the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft marks the first time that Chinese astronauts will stay in orbit for medium term, Xi, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said.

In his message, he encouraged staff of the mission to constantly break new ground for the manned space programme, so that Chinese people will take bigger steps and march further in space probe, to make new contribution to the building of China into a space power.

Premier Li Keqiang and Liu Yunshan, both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, watched the live broadcast of the launch at the command centre of Chinas manned space programme in Beijing.

The space lab was launched last month as part of Chinas efforts to set up its own manned space station by 2022, which will make it the only the country to have such a facility in service as the current in-service International Space Station (ISS) retires by 2024.

China is putting billions of dollars into its space programme in a bid to catch up with the US and Europe. It also plans to launch its maiden Mars mission in 2020 to match India and others.

Hours before the lift-off, the two astronauts appeared in good spirits and answered several questions.

Although the job is challenging, risky and dangerous, there is nothing more I would rather do, Jing, commander of this mission, said on Sunday.  PTI
Manila, October 17

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he is open to joint military exercises with China and Russia, and reiterated he will no longer allow war games with the US.

Duterte made the remarks in an interview broadcast today with Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television ahead of a four-day visit to Beijing, which begins tomorrow and is aimed at improving ties that soured over competing claims in the resource-rich South China Sea.

Asked if he would consider joint military exercises with China or Russia, Duterte said: Yes, I will. I have given enough time for the Americans to play with the Filipino soldiers. Duterte also repeated he would no longer allow joint exercises with the United States, the Philippines main defence ally and supplier of military hardware.

This will be the last. It has been programmed. I do not want my soldiers to be humiliated, Duterte said, in reference to one set of war games in the Philippines that ended last week. Duterte has sought to dramatically reshape his nations foreign relations since taking office on June 30, by pivoting towards China and Russia while moving away from the US.

He has been angered by US criticism of his war on crime, which has claimed more than 3,700 lives, and praised China and Russia for showing him respect.  AFP
Baghdad, October 17

A suicide car bomb explosion targeting an Iraqi army checkpoint south of Baghdad on Monday killed at least 10 people, security and medical sources said.

The blast in Yusufiya, a frequently targeted area just south of the capital, also left at least 17 people wounded, an interior ministry official said.

A medic at the nearby Mahmudiyah hospital said at least four soldiers were among those killed in the blast.

It came just hours after Iraqi forces launched an offensive to retake second city Mosul, in the north of the country, from the Islamic State group.

Observers had warned that Islamic State might seek to attack civilians in Baghdad and elsewhere as Iraqi forces launch their bid to wrest back the jihadists' last major stronghold in the country.

The Islamic State has not yet claimed responsibility for the Yusufiya bombing but has perpetrated nearly all such attacks recently.

An attack on a funeral tent in Baghdad on Saturday killed at least 36 people. Another two people were killed in a blast in the capital yesterday.  AFP
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Protectionist policies prevent global growth, Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said Friday.

Speaking at the 21st World Investment Conference in Istanbul Friday, Simsek said all countries should make more investments because the global economy was far from being strong and sustainable.

"We should be optimistic about the future, and avoid protectionist policies which prevents global economic growth. There is a need for at least 6 or 7 percent advance in global trade," he said.

He said short-term fluctuations were not important. "We say to investors, 'do not let short-term or daily fluctuations frighten you.' They should look at the fundamentals, demographic structure, reform process," Simsek said.

"We can manage the daily issues. Beyond these temporary issues, emerging markets will await investment opportunities," he added.

About the period following the July 15 defeated coup in Turkey, the deputy premier said the Turkish government had prepared an enormous reform package to increase civilian control and prevent such attacks against the countrys democracy. "Turkey is on its way towards the light. Despite such incidents, Turkey keeps going ahead with the EU membership process, no matter how long it takes. Of course, the Turkish people and European citizens will give their final decision [about it]," Simsek added.

Collaboration is key to economy

Meanwhile, Arda Ermut, president of the Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey (ISPAT) and head of World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), highlighted the importance of collaboration to prevent the decline of global economy.

"WAIPA is supporting the capital investments needed in the developing countries. We want to establish an investment market, which should also be open to developing countries," Ermut said.

He said WAIPA was working with international institutions and investors. Our target is to direct foreign investment flows into the developing countries," he said.

Turkey, an indispensable country

Celestin Monga, vice president at the African Development Bank (AfDB), said: "Turkey is an indispensable country in today's world.

"We are observing Turkey and the issues in this part of the world. As a Cameroonian citizen, I hail the great honor, power, and elegance of this great nation," Monga said.

He said the world economy had adapted to slow growth following the 2008 global financial crisis, adding the situation was a misfortune.

"The reason why it is a misfortune is that the vulnerability of the world economy is sourced from poor policies followed globally, and insufficient economic and political courage in some parts of the world," he said.

James Zhan, an investment and enterprise director at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, noted that global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was 10 percent lower compared to the pre-2008 global financial crisis period.

Zhan said the low level of foreign direct investment was not only a problem of investment but also a drawback in terms of employment and trade. "Even the 2018 expectations of $1.8 trillion FDI will be lower than the amount in 2007."

About the requirement to increase the aggregate demand globally, Zhan said: "Societies have expectations for high-class investments. Without investment support, sustainable development targets cannot be achieved."

Anadolu Agency
The Minister of Local Government.. says when the local government legislation comes into effect.. regional corporations can better service their communities. He made the remark.. during the San Juan Laventille Corporation's interfaith service and military parade.. as the corporation turns 30 years.
On Tuesday SBS 2 screens a documentary The Hidden Side of Google, which delves into the inner workings of the US online giant.

With 66 billion euros in revenue by the end of 2014, Google is the richest search engine company in the world and has become ubiquitous to the point of being used as a verb.

Searching the net, sending messages via Gmail, getting around with Google maps, watching videos on YouTube; by being ever present in our lives, Google has got to know a lot about us.

But how much do we really know about Google? How did the big teenager become a giant octopus, a data swallower who took the opportunity to sneak itself into so many practical and free services that have become a vital part of our lives?

Search engine dominance, data privacy violations, tax avoidance, stressed out employees Gain an exclusive insight into the dark side of Google.

Tuesday, 18 October at 10.30pm on SBS 2.
Five men linked to an anti-establishment bookstore in Hong Kong disappeared last year, with many suspecting Chinese involvement.

This week Dateline investigates their case and talks to the daughter of one of the disappeared men, who is speaking out for truth and justice.

I am afraid that I wont get to see my father again.

Its something that I think about every now and then, but I try not to.

Angela Guis father, Gui Minhai, is a China-born Swedish scholar and book publisher. On October 17, 2015 he disappeared, and his whereabouts has been unknown ever since.

At the time of his disappearance, he had been last seen in the Thai resort town of Pattaya, leaving his apartment building with an unidentified man who had been waiting and watching the building.

It was among a string of disappearances, all linked to a bookstore in downtown Hong Kong.

Causeway Bay Books is now empty and unattended, but for years it published books on Chinas leaders, and other material considered transgressive by Chinese authorities and banned in the mainland.

Around the same time that Gui disappeared, two other men associated with Causeway Bay Books  Lui Por and Cheung Chi Ping  also vanished after crossing into mainland China.

A few days later, the general manager of the bookstore Lam Wing Kee, disappeared while on a trip in the Chinese city of Shenzhen.

It wasnt until the disappearance of a fifth bookseller that it gained international attention. Lee Bo, a British citizen, was taken on December 30. His abduction triggered a campaign and series of protests within Hong Kong, with people demanding to know where the men were.

9.30pm Tuesday, on SBS.
Good news for Seven and Australian based writer Mike Bullen, with Cold Feets revival renewed for another season.

After a thirteen-year absence Cold Feet returned in the UK in September to critical praise. The series has been ITVs most successful drama launch of the year with a consolidated opening episode ratings of 8.4 million UK viewers.

ITVs Director of Television, Kevin Lygo said: Its with some trepidation that you return to much loved shows, but Mike Bullens contemporary take on the five friends and their lives has been a wonderful thing, with every bit of the warmth, humour, emotion and chemistry that makes Cold Feet such a special, and hugely enjoyable drama.

We were obviously delighted that the audience agreed, and were pleased to be able to confirm that Cold Feet will return again for a further series.

Mike Bullen added, We all said we only wanted to bring Cold Feet back if we could maintain the standard previously set. Ive been blown away by the shows reception among viewers and critics alike. It has exceeded even my hopes. This recommission confirms that we didnt screw it up. I shall take a moment to bask in the warm glow Okay, done that. Now the hard graft resumes.

The series starring James Nesbitt, Hermione Norris, Robert Bathurst, John Thomson and Fay Ripley, is airing 8:30pm Tuesdays on Seven.
Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it.





I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends.





More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it.





The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity.





About me:

I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS.

Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line).

Age: 42

Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed.





I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it).
One of the Donbas militant leaders, Russian citizen Arseniy "Motorola" Pavlov was blown up in an elevator in Donetsk.

The Security Service of Ukraine confirmed the reports late Sunday.

Ukrainian Army General Mykola Malomuzh outlined possible versions of the murder of Motorola: internal confrontation, sanctioned by curators from Moscow, and possible involvement of the Ukrainian patriots.

Meanwhile, self-proclaimed leader of the Donetsk Peoples Republic Oleksandr Zakharchenko accused official Kyiv in murdering Arseniy Pavlov, calling it a "declaration of war", Russias RIA Novosti news agency reports.

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One Ukrainian soldier was killed and seven soldiers were wounded in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in eastern Ukraine over the past day.

Ukrainian Defense Ministrys Spokesman for ATO issues Andriy Lysenko said this at a press briefing in Kyiv on Monday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

One Ukrainian serviceman was killed, seven were wounded as a result of combat actions in last day, Lysenko said.

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Three potential investors are ready to invest money in the development of Kherson International Airport, Kherson Regional State Administration Chairman Andriy Hordeyev has said.

Our airport has been included in the airport development program [in Ukraine]. It is our [airport] that is the most prepared and that already has a project of reconstruction. As of today, there are three potential investors that want to come and develop the airport, Hordeyev said, when speaking at Kherson Airport at solemn events dedicated to the second anniversary of Kherson-Istanbul-Kherson rout launched by Turkish Airlines, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

At the same time, the chairman of Kherson administration didnt disclose names of these investors.

Hordeyev noted that apart of Kherson residents, residents of other regions of Ukraine use the service of Kherson International Airport. These are residents of Mykolaiv, Kropyvnytskyi, even residents of Odesa and Zaporizhzhia come here, the governor added.

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According to estimates by international experts, Ukraine is viewed as one of the main producers and exporters of the food products required to feed the world in near future.

Ukrainian Agrarian Policy and Food Deputy Minister for European Integration Olga Trofimtseva has stated this at the 'Ukraine's Agriculture Development - Aiming at UN Sustainable Development Goals' round table meeting.

It is considered that not so many countries in the world can make products to feed the growing population of our planet in the near future. According to estimates by many international organizations, including FAO, Ukraine is one of such countries. Therefore, it will be an important aspect of our agriculture development, Trofimtseva said.

According to her, Ukraine's agricultural production and exports will increase by means of technology development and production intensification.

Currently, the agrarian policy is building in Ukraine, providing for agricultural sector integrity and the interrelationship of production, rural development, environmental impact of agriculture and the agricultural sector's adaptedness for climate changes.

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Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko will take part in the Habitat III, the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development. The conference will be held in the capital of Ecuador, Quito on October 17-20.

This is reported by the press service of the Kyiv City State Administration.

In particular, Vitali Klitschko will take part in the event "Transformations in Eastern European Cities", organized by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety of Germany.

Kyiv and Berlin will hold joint presentations on the development of post-socialist cities in Europe.

Vitali Klitschko will also hold a series of bilateral meetings with mayors, politicians and experts in the field of urban development.

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rban Development. The conference will be held in the capital of Ecuador, Quito on October 17-20.
The Government of Ukraine has not yet responded to the reform package proposed by Ivan Miklos and Leszek Balcerowicz.

Balcerowicz said this, speaking about the governments attitude towards the proposed initiatives with journalists, 112 Ukraine TV channel reports.

"It is not just about the Government. There is the President, the leader of the Verkhovna Rada, leader of important faction Yatsenyuk. They are the political leaders. They bear the moral and political responsibility for implementation of the reforms. We will help, but we cannot make decisions instead of the political leaders of Ukraine. We have not yet received a response from the Government. We are ready for discussion. We rely on the extensive experience of other countries," Balcerowicz said.

As reported, the Strategic Advisory Group to support reforms in Ukraine under the leadership of Leszek Balcerowicz and Ivan Miklos prepared the package of key reforms. It is based on the government's action plan and other policy documents of the Ukrainian authorities and is made up of the most important steps to be taken to strengthen fiscal and financial stability in Ukraine, reduce corruption, accelerate development of the medium-sized businesses, and improve the structure and activities of the state apparatus.

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The European Union intends to allocate EUR 104 million to support Ukraine's state management reform for 2016-2020, and Ukraine will receive the first tranche totaling EUR 10 million in early 2017.

This was stated at a presentation of the renewed structure to support reforms, which is held in the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine with the participation of Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to the report, EUR 90 million will be transferred for budget support, and another EUR 14 million will be allocated as extra technical assistance.

A reminder that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the state management reforming strategy for 2016-2020 and its action plan during the last meeting.

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On Monday, October 17, Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman will attend the presentation of a renewed structure to support reforms in Ukraine, the governments official website reports.

On October 17, the presentation of a renewed structure to support reforms will take place, in particular the creation of special teams to support reforms implementation and strategy of reforming the state management in Ukraine for 2016-2020, reads the report.

The presentation will be attended by Ukrainian prime minister, representatives of the Presidential Administration, ministries, departments, experts, foreign representatives.

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President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko held phone talks in the trilateral format with President of France Francois Hollande and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, the presidents press service reported on Sunday.

The parties discussed consequences of recent consultations at the level of diplomatic advisors in the Normandy format (Ukraine, Germany, France and Russia). They noted efficient German-French-Ukrainian interaction in the elaboration of the road map on the implementation of the Minsk agreements, reads the report.

President Poroshenko noted the importance of further coordinated efforts aimed at ensuring the fulfillment of security conditions of the Minsk peace deal by Russia its marionettes, which is a precondition for any progress in political direction.

They agreed to conduct a phone conversation in trilateral format at the beginning of the next week to determine prospects of holding the summit in the Normandy format.

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Canadas Foreign Minister Stephane Dion in an interview with Diplomat & International Canada has said that Canada will never recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea and dialogue with Russia can lead to improvements for Ukraine and global security.

Canada will never recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea. Canada has been explicit in its condemnation of Russias past acts of aggression, but also on areas where we think dialogue can lead to improvements for us, for Ukraine and for global security, he said.

According to the Canadian foreign minister, the fact of talks with the Russian president doesnt meen they agree with him. Its not because I agree with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, or the prime minister agrees with him. Its precisely because we disagree that we need to have strong dialogue.

He added that Canadas approach in relations with Russia will be a dialog of deterrence.

"Deterrence and dialogue is our approach as one of the four framework nations, and it is our bilateral approach as well. It is important that allies remain united against Russian aggression towards Ukraine. When we are at the table, we can hold individuals to account, push for action and press for change. Engagement takes many forms and we are going to pursue every avenue in the cause of peace and stability," he said.

According to Stephane Dion, international society should remain united against Russian aggression in Ukraine.

It is important that allies remain united against Russian aggression towards Ukraine. When we are at the table, we can hold individuals to account, push for action and press for change. Engagement takes many forms and we are going to pursue every avenue in the cause of peace and stability, he said.

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(Adds comment from New York State)

By Terry Wade

HOUSTON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp asked a federal court on Monday to throw out a subpoena from New York State that would force the oil company to hand over decades of documents as part of a wide-ranging inquiry into whether it misled investors about climate change risks.

The filing means Exxon has now requested the U.S. District Court in Fort Worth, Texas for injunctions against two major climate subpoenas: one issued by New York and another from Massachusetts that the company challenged in June.

Exxon, which for more than a decade has acknowledged the risks of climate change, has criticized the prosecutors' inquiries as politically motivated.

A group of state attorneys general, led by New York, said in March they would go after the world's largest publicly traded oil company for allegedly violating securities laws by soft-pedaling the dangers of climate change and efforts to fight it.

Judge Ed Kinkeade has yet to rule on Exxon's requests in the high-profile case.

But in a statement to the court last week, Kinkeade said he would be concerned if there was "bias or prejudgement about what the investigation of Exxon would discover" when Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey issued her subpoena.

Her office was not immediately available for comment on Monday.

Eric Soufer, spokesman for New York State's attorney general, accused Exxon of forum-shopping.

"Exxon will do everything in its power to distract, delay, and avoid any investigation into its actions, which may have violated state securities and consumer fraud laws. Exxon's latest claims in its stunt litigation in Texas are meritless," he said.

On Friday, New York filed in a New York court to derail Exxon's latest request.

In its filing, Exxon said New York's inquiry has periodically shifted focus, first by looking for misleading comments about climate change, then moving onto the value of its reserves and how they might be "stranded" in the ground by carbon regulation in the future.

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Exxon said in September the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission is the right agency to vet how it books reserves and that it complies with accounting and securities laws.

Some legal experts have said that, regardless of Exxon's past comments on climate change, it could not have violated securities laws because investors gather their information from a variety of entities with disparate views.

The case is 4:16-cv-00469 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth division.

(Reporting By Terry Wade; Editing by Alan Crosby)
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin began his official visit to Luxemburg with a meeting with Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministrys press service reports.

The Ukrainian foreign minister thanked the Swedish colleague for assistance in organizing the meeting of "Ukraine +Group of Friends of Ukraine in the EU" at the level of the EU foreign ministers, scheduled for 17 October.

In particular, the foreign ministers discussed key issues of Ukraine-EU agenda, including the completion of the ratification of the Association Agreement, as well as the acceleration of the implementation of internal procedures by the EU for the abolition of visas for Ukrainian citizens.

Margot Wallstrom stressed the clear and consistent position of Sweden in supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the continuation of political and diplomatic pressure on Russia. The sides noted the need to intensify cooperation within the Eastern Partnership.

In addition, special attention during the conversation was paid to preparations for the upcoming visit of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko to Sweden, the visit of Foreign Minister of Sweden Margot Wallstrom to Ukraine in November, and also the cooperation between the two countries within the UN Security Council in the context of the election of Sweden as non-permanent member for 2017-2019.

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President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko will make a working visit to the EU institutions on October 19-20.

This is reported by the press service of the Head of State.

"President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko will make a working visit to the EU institutions on October 19-20," the statement reads.

October 19, the EU-Ukraine high-level political consultations with the participation of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, President of the European Council Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, and the members of the European Commission will be held in Brussels. The leaders of Ukraine and the EU institutions will discuss the situation in Donbas and Crimea, the progress of implementation of the Minsk agreements and prospects for imposing sanctions on Russia in response to its aggression against Ukraine. The meeting participants will also touch upon the progress in implementing reforms and ways to strengthen the EU support and will coordinate further steps for ratifying the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and granting visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens.

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The Verkhovna Rada and the Cabinet of Ministers have managed to establish close cooperation that is a key to effective implementation of reforms in Ukraine.

Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andriy Parubiy stated this when speaking at a panel discussion Parliaments and comprehensive democratic reform, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The fact that this year's draft budget was submitted within the time allowed by the law, that the prime minister held meetings with all factions, explained principles and logic of developing a budget for the next year =all these clearly show that the cooperation of the Verkhovna Rada and the Cabinet of Ministers today is at a very high level, Parubiy said.

"The Verkhovna Rada, as supreme legislative body of the state, not only works efficiently, but also becomes a legislator of reforms in various areas of development of the state, the speaker stressed.

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The European Union views Ukraine as its priority partner and wants to help Ukraine preserve its independence and territorial integrity.

EU Ambassador to Ukraine Hugues Mingarelli stated this during the presentation of the renewed structure to support reforms, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Ukraine is a priority partner for the EU and we have a lot of goals with regard to Ukraine. The first one is to help Ukraine to preserve its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," he said.

The Ambassador stressed that "it is a big challenge now."

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YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES--(Marketwired - Oct 17, 2016) - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Starting and running a business just became easier for entrepreneurs in communities across the Northwest Territories.

The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, and the Honourable Wally Schumann, Northwest Territories Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, are pleased to announce the launch of BizPaL in the city of Yellowknife. This free online application is a directory of the permits and licences required to start or run a business.

BizPaL saves time for business people searching for information. Entrepreneurs simply select the business activities they plan to undertake, and BizPaL then automatically generates a list of required permits and licences from all levels of government, along with basic information on each. The list also includes links to the various government websites where entrepreneurs can learn more and, in some cases, apply online.

Quotes

"BizPaL will make a real difference in how business is done in the Northwest Territories. This great service cuts red tape for entrepreneurs, letting them spend less time researching rules and permits and more time on their business. BizPaL means it will be easier for companies in Yellowknife to get started. I am proud that the Government of Canada, together with local governments, supports entrepreneurs and small businesses that grow the middle class, benefit the economy and create jobs."

- The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

"Permitting and licensing can be daunting for entrepreneurs trying to get their ideas off the ground. The Government of the Northwest Territories is proud to work with our municipal and federal partners to break down barriers for business with initiatives like BizPaL. It is part of our commitment to streamline the process for starting a business in the Northwest Territories."

Story continues

- The Honourable Wally Schumann, Northwest Territories Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment

"One of City Council's goals is to actively promote economic development in the city of Yellowknife. We are invested in supporting emerging and established businesses to fuel a flourishing local economy. By providing easy access to licensing documentation from all levels of government, BizPaL will be a useful tool for entrepreneurs to streamline the application process. We would like to acknowledge the partnership with the territorial and federal governments in the establishment of this national project."

- Mark Heyck, Mayor of the City of Yellowknife

Quick facts

Yellowknife signing on to BizPaL brings the number of local governments in the Northwest Territories involved in this program to 16.

All provinces and territories are participating in BizPaL, with over 850 municipalities and one First Nation offering the service, making it available to over 70 percent of the Canadian population.

BizPaL is a unique partnership between federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments.

The launch of BizPaL coincides with the Business Development Bank of Canada's Small Business Week, which runs from October 16 to 22, 2016. During this week, Canadian entrepreneurs can attend conferences, workshops, luncheons and trade fairs across the country to learn, network, share ideas and socialize with their peers.

Related products

Associated links

Follow Minister Chagger on social media.

Twitter: @MinofSBT

Instagram: minofsbt
South Korean tech giant company Samsung urge owners of the Galaxy Note 7 to turn off their devices. There will be an ongoing investigation, wherein the cause of Samsung Galaxy Note 7's explosion will be unveiled soon.

In a recent report, Samsung releases a statement telling the public that the company has permanently stopped producing Galaxy Note 7, adding that the company prioritizes the safety of the users, The Guardian reported.

Before this announcement, the company said it was "adjusting production," referring to the Galaxy Note 7. On Monday, Oct. 10, a spokeswoman said that the new model is safe; however, later on, the final decision to end production and sales of the Galaxy Note 7 were announced.

In September, Samsung recalled about 2.5 million phones after a series of complaints which involves exploding batteries.

One of the reports that prove that the phone has a major issue is a man from Kentucky, who woke up to a bedroom full of smoke. The smoke came from a replaced Note 7, according to BBC. This proves that even the replaced units have the same technical issues.

Meanwhile, Samsung engineers have started to look into the cause of these explosions, and according to the Samsung spokesperson, the investigation is underway. It seems Samsung engineers are scrambling to find an answer and conclusion, as they can't find the cause of the fire, according to NDTV.

In a previous report, the team were unable to make the Galaxy Note 7 catch fire even after running several tests, thus, it makes difficult for them to discover the source of the problem. Since the root of the exploding batteries problem remains unknown, several theories are circulating online.

One theory suggests that the flaw of the phone was in the size of the batteries made by Amperex Technology. Another theory suggests that SoC is the main issue.
It's been years that the President of the United States of America Barack Obama says that US must send human to Mars, permanently.

On his 2010 speech, he said that by the mid-2030s, US can send humans to orbit Mars and return them safely to Earth. He added that the landing on Mars will follow and he expect to be around to see it.

There was also a time in 2012 when he said the Curiosity rover was inspiring kids to tell their moms and dads they want to be part of a Mars mission - maybe even the first person to walk on Mars. And there were those times he told the kids visiting the White House that they might go to Mars.

Lately, in his 2015 State of the Union address, he told the U.S. to push out into the solar system not just to visit but to stay.

Today, President Obama said it again in an op-ed published by CNN that we have set a clear goal vital to the next chapter of America's story in space: sending humans to Mars by the 2030s and returning them safely to Earth, with the ultimate ambition to one day remain there for an extended time.

Some commercial spaceflight companies have also announced plans to aim for Mars in the upcoming decades.

A Dutch venture called Mars One hopes to colonize Mars by 2025, and has been taking applications from would-be travelers for years, though it acknowledges that it will rely on "major aerospace companies" for transportation.

Musk predicted any Mars mission would require "a huge public-private partnership."

"Pronouncements by multiple presidents of bold new ventures by Americans to the Moon, to Mars, and to an asteroid in its native orbit, have not been matched by the same commitment that accompanied President Kennedy's now fabled 1961 speech," a 2014 report by the National Research Council.

This coming week, Obama will host the White House Frontiers Conference in Pittsburgh, where the White House says the five "frontiers of innovation" up for discussion are personal, local, national, global and interplanetary.
Architecture and design is alive and well in Chicago, especially in the education sector as some of the most innovative designs can be found in the universities around the city.

In 2013, De Paul University made waves in the city's architectural scene when it introduced is Pelli Clark Pelli-designed theater school with its full-height glass panels that allows curious passers-by a peek of what's happening inside the theater. In the morning, the theater looks like a giant white cube bathed with translucent glass but in the evening, it casts a soft glow adding beauty to the streetscape.

Not wanting to be behind the competition, the Northeastern Illinois University also made its architectural statement when it opened its El Centro campus a couple of years ago. Designed by JGMA, this three-story sci-fi-themed building is very striking because it looks different from every angle.

Recently, the University of Chicago and Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management opened their newly-built centers which are no less than striking than the others. The University of Chicago's Studio Gang-designed dormitory complex is considered the most expensive university building project to date. The 400,000-square foot dorm complex has a total cost of $148 million and can accommodate 800 students. The dorm complex includes two elevated landscape terraces, a new public outdoor plaza, retail outlets, a dining hall, and a communal space for studying.

Meanwhile, the Kellog School of Management in Evanston is also celebrating its new KPMB-designed business facility. Its two-story campus conservatory faces overlooking the pristine lake near the campus has a total of 410,000 square feet of classrooms and administrative space. It also has an atrium defined with zigzagging walkways and a central courtyard.

With these innovatively designed buildings, universities are helping the Chicago scene become more dynamic and cement the city's reputations as one of the most important capitals in the United States.
Despite the lack of an official statement, latest rumors in the industry indicate that the long awaited Microsoft Surface Phone will finally be unveiled this month.

Although the Redmond-based tech firm neither confirmed nor denied the future phone, rampant rumors suggest that the company is gearing up to unveil the device before the month ends. A major Windows 10 event is slated to take place on Oct. 26, and if rumors proved to be true, Microsoft will provide more details about the upcoming device then.

One of the most exciting features the Windows Surface Phone is likely to come with is the Continuum mode, NeuroGadget reported.

The Surface Phone has long been trotted out as a handset oriented for professionals. It was also deemed as a productivity hub, and the only thing delaying a Microsoft Surface Phone release date is the fact that the upcoming update to the latest OS (Operating System) codenamed Windows 10 Redstone 2 is scheduled to hit the store shelves next spring.

This stirred speculations among tech buffs regarding what other features the Surface Phone will bring to its users.

Windows Surface Phone Release Date & Price

Rumors are rife that the Windows Surface Phone will be up for grabs for a price between $699 - $1,100. The base model will be priced at $699. The variant with the highest specs will carry a price tag of around $1,099. As far as Windows Surface Phone release date is concerned, some optimistic fans speculate that it will arrive next month, while other claim it will be unveiled in March 2017.

In other news, Apple has officially decided to start selling unlocked versions of the recently launched iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in the U.S., according to Nerd's Magazine.

The unlocked versions of the much lauded smartphone will come without a SIM card and will work with every US network. Moreover, the devices will be available in all the new iPhone 7 capacities and colors.

The iPhone 7 is available for $649 and the larger variant starts at $769. Prices will depend on the storage capacity.
The Middle East has always been a center of topic for international journalists. And Robin Wright wants to share her experience as a female journalist to 400 people in the Michigan Union Ballroom.

Aside from being a renowned journalist, she is also an author. Her success in her career has led her to several ventures and issues around the world. Now she focuses on the Middle East during one of her lectures with the Margaret Waterman Alumnae Group's Town Hall Lecture Series. The Series raises scholarship for the University of Michigan students.

Carolyn Tyson, president of the Grooup says taht they chose her as a speaker not only because of her successful career and being an alumnus of the U of M, but also because she has so much information to share.

This year, Wright discusses her career in journalism as well as her history as a University of Michigan alumnus, states Michigan Daily. She starts by saying that she has published works in The New York Times Magazine and Time Magazine, too. She has traveled to more than 140 countries to report on issues that matter.

But it is her experience in the Middle East that stands out. The international conflicts that the Middle East faces include international conflicts in countries like Libya, Iraq and Syria. "I'm very interested in wars and conflict," she said. She wants it to resolve into peace one day. She explains that it is conflict that gets you closer to understand how to make peace.

In addition to her career, she emphasizes that there is a lack of women in journalism today. Using her experience in Africa, she was the only female journalist present. However, she noted that success in journalism is not linked to gender so much as a willingness to tell the stories of other people.

"I think women tend to be better at this (telling stories)," says Wright. She ends her talk by saying that diplomacy is becoming more important today than ever to address instability and conflict.
World's Last Chance

Many say they wont vote because choosing the lesser of two evils is still choosing evil. But this is sophistry. Neither candidate is pure evil. They are human beings. We cannot escape the uncomfortable obligation to soberly choose between them. Not votingor voting for a third candidate who cannot winis a rationalization designed more than anything to assuage our consciences. Yet people in America and abroad depend on voters to make this very difficult choice.



Children in the Middle East are forced to watch their fathers drowned in cages by ISIS. Kids in inner-city America are condemned to lives of poverty, hopelessness and increasing violence. Shall we sit on our hands and simply trust the least of these to God, as though that were our only option? Dont we have an obligation to them?



Two heroes about whom Ive written faced similar difficulties. William Wilberforce, who ended the slave trade in the British Empire, often worked with other parliamentarians he knew to be vile and immoral in their personal lives.



Why did he? First, because as a sincere Christian he knew he must extend grace and forgiveness to others, since he desperately needed them himself. Second, because he knew the main issue was not his moral purity, nor the moral impurity of his colleagues, but rather the injustices and horrors suffered by the African slaves whose cause he championed. He knew that before God his first obligation was to them, and he must do what he could to help them.

The following is just my own surmising in regards to the importance of the United States election on November 8th and what might happen depending on who wins.I firmly believe that 2015's Obergefell v. Hodges was a major moral turning point in the United States. Some commentators, such as J.D. Farag, even thought that there could be no turning back or revival at this point. The country has been on a downward spiral for a half-century, but up until 2015 Christians were still largely protected and individual states could support righteousness in a variety of ways. The SCOTUS ruling in 2015 effectively made it so that the U.S. government could federally mandate whatever is evil and contrary to nature and nature's God (see Romans 1:18-32). The rest of 2015, and 2016 especially, saw for the first time in U.S. history outright government persecution of Christians for holding to their faith (Kim Davis, Roy Moore, Lakewood bakery, Oregon bakery, religious freedom laws attacked in Indiana and North Carolina, etc). My home church has even come under attack just this past weekend....And despite the desperate need our country has for a last-minute revival, there are not yet any signs that people are flocking back to churches as they did in the immediate aftermath of September 11th.Now we come to November 8th, 2016. It is my personal belief that God has given the U.S.and here is why I think that:For decades the Supreme Court had a delicate balance with usually about four conservatives, four liberals, and one moderate who leaned socially liberal. It was never enough for the conservatives to roll back cases such as Roe v. Wade, but it was just enough that if the country repented, a single Christian president could sway the court -. With the death of Scalia and the appointments of Sotomayor and Kagan, the court now has a younger, liberal majority and will soon have an even larger majority if Clinton wins and appoints Scalia's replacement. Clarence Thomas has even suggested he may soon retire. In other words, if Clinton wins on November 8th,Hillary Clinton has publicly supported the World Federalist Association, an organization that wants to finally do away with the nation-state in favor of true world government (see here and here ).Hillary Clinton has publicly stated that Christian beliefs must be changed through force of law The alternative is a die-hard nationalist who day after day seems more and more opposed to global government and liberalism and in favor of the rule of law. He appears to be God's offering of an antidote to the growing lawlessness. Will the country take it?Many Christians want to sit this election out because they see two immoral options, but I would remind them that all are immoral except God alone. We have all fallen short. Trump's sins were out in front for all to see, but Clinton's and Bush's were hidden and buried deep. Are we electing a president or a pastor?Consider wise words from Eric Metaxas Franklin Graham and Ravi Zacharias are both supporting Trump still.Considering the last four presidents have been huge proponents of global governance and globalism generally, the fact that the country has, for the first time in decades, an alternative choice in the form of Trump is almost like God is offering even greater blessing and reward if our country turns back. The spoils have never been greater. If the country chooses Hillary Clinton then there will be nothing but judgment in front of us, but if the country abandons its lawlessness and self-proclaimed Christians abandon their self-righteousness and vote for Trump then maybe just maybe God will stop the leaks in this sinking ship. Will prophecy be paused or slowed down if Trump is elected? I don't necessarily think so, but perhaps there could be a national revival of sorts here and perhaps the United States could join a handful of nations that resist the antichrist and in turn, protect some of those who will be left behind.Here is a scenario I thinkplay out this next year fulfilling certain biblical prophecies if the world's most powerful country elects the avowed globalist, Hillary Clinton:Russia will presume Clinton is as weak or weaker than Obama militarily and in response to either the United States' planned cyber attack or U.S. covert ops in Syria, Russia will end up downing U.S. and/or British jets over Syria. Russia and Iran are far better positioned in Syria and so as the military situation escalates the U.S. will be forced out of the Middle East for good.Russia and Iran will target Israeli jets and/or bases in the north of the country, viewing them as enemy combatants in collusion with U.S. forces.During an attack by Russia and Iran, Israel will consider itself in mortal danger and will destroy Damascus with a tactical nuclear weapon thus eliminating Assad, most of his forces, and Russian and Iranian theatre command. This would fulfill Isaiah 17:1.The stage will be immediately set for the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38. With a major Muslim city destroyed, Turkey, Libya, and Sudan will join with Russia and Iran to attack Israel from the north.
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October 17 2016

Elder & Cannon Architects have drafter plans for a 12 storey student tower constituting 308 bed spaces at New City Road, Glasgow, on behalf of Bankell Developments.Situated over the road from Glasgow School of Arts soon to be delivered School of Fine Art the brick build will punctuate a key sightline along the Great Western Road corridor as it is bisected by an elevated section of the M8 motorway through Cowcaddens.Adopting a triangular floorplate the scheme will incorporate a security controlled lane and courtyard between Phoenix Road and New City Road which doubles as a principal entrance space with ground floor devoted to amenity and social spaces.Outlining their proposal the architects wrote: The ground floor of the building is given over entirely to the active social spaces and management facilities and is enhanced by the generous provision of a double height common hall along the majority of the North elevation, overlooked by gallery desks and mezzanine spaces, providing complexity and richness of spatial organisation. This grand hall, related social spaces and double height entrance reception afford an open and democratic transparency to the full length of the New City Road elevation, with full height glazed curtain walling set back behind a high quality cast stone colonnade.In an effort to tame the hostile local environment the building will be afforded a sense of scale in a bid to anchor it within a fragmented landscape of scrappy green space, disjointed housing and chaotic road network, with a top floor roof terrace also on offer to students.
Is sexual dysfunction associated with severity of semen quality impairment in men with couple infertility?

In males of infertile couples the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases as a function of semen quality impairment severity.

Infertile men are at a higher risk for sexual dysfunction, psychopathological and general health disorders. However, it has never been systematically investigated if these problems are associated with severity of semen quality impairment.

Cross-sectional analysis of a first-time evaluation of 448 males of infertile couples attending an outpatient clinic from September 2010 to November 2015. In addition, 74 age-matched healthy, fertile men from an ultrasound study on male fertility were studied for comparison.

All subjects underwent a complete physical, biochemical, scrotal and flaccid penile colour-Doppler ultrasound evaluation and semen analysis. Patients had already undergone at least one semen analysis; therefore, the majority were aware of their sperm quality before taking part in the study. Validated tools, such as the International Index of Sexual Function-15 (IIEF-15), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ), National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), International Prostate Symptom Score and Chronic Disease Score (CDS), were used to evaluate, respectively, sexual dysfunction, premature ejaculation (PE), psychopathological traits, prostatitis-like symptoms, lower urinary tract symptoms and general health status.

Among men with couple infertility, 96 showed azoospermia (Group #1), 245 at least one sperm abnormality (Group #2) and 107 normozoospermia (Group #3). Fertile men were considered as a control group (Group #4). After adjusting for age, we observed a higher prevalence of ED (IIEF-15-erectile function domain score <26) (18.3% versus 0%; P = 0.006) and PE (PEDT score >8) (12.9% versus 4.1%; P = 0.036) in males of infertile couples compared with fertile men. The ED prevalence increases as a function of semen quality impairment severity (P < 0.0001), even after adjusting for confounders (age, CDS, MHQ and NIH-CPSI total score), despite similar hormonal, glyco-metabolic and penile vascular status. Compared to fertile men, all three groups of males with couple infertility showed a poorer erectile function, associated with an overall psychopathological burden (MHQ total score), particularly with somatized anxiety (MHQ-S). Azoospermic men showed the worst erectile function and general health: in this group, erectile function was negatively associated not only with psychopathological disturbances (MHQ total and MHQ-S scores; P < 0.0001) but also with a less healthy phenotype (higher CDS; P = 0.015). In addition, azoospermic men reported higher PE prevalence and lower sexual desire and orgasmic function when compared to fertile men (all P < 0.05), all of which were related to psychopathological symptoms.

The cross-sectional nature of the study represents its main limitation. A possible selection bias concerning the control group of healthy, fertile men recruited into an ultrasound study might have occurred. Finally, causality cannot be inferred in this type of study design and hence there should be some caution in interpreting the results.

Investigation of male sexual function, general health and psychological status in infertile couples, especially if azoospermic, is advisable, in order to improve not only reproductive but also general and sexual health.

Grants were received from the Ministry of University and Scientific Research (SIR project to F.L., protocol number: RBSI14LFMQ). There are no conflicts of interest.

None.

Human reproduction (Oxford, England). 2016 Oct 12 [Epub ahead of print]

F Lotti, G Corona, G Castellini, E Maseroli, M G Fino, M Cozzolino, M Maggi

Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy., Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy Endocrinology Unit, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy., Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy., Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy I.N.B.B. - Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, 00136 Rome, Italy .

PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27733531
Published: October 17, 2016

Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certification Program to be Held at UT

The DiversityFIRST Certification Program, which prepares business professionals to create and implement highly successful diversity and inclusion strategies, will be held at The University of Tampa on Dec. 59.



The program, sponsored by the National Diversity Council in partnership with The University of Tampa and Sodexo, is currently open for registration.



With a highly qualified team of facilitators, the DiversityFIRST Certification Program blends theory and practice during the five-day intensive program teaching the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Topics such as measurement and accountability, inclusive leadership and cultural competence equip participants with the knowledge required to implement effective diversity initiatives within their own organizations.



After successfully completing the course, group project and exam, participants are recognized as National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professionals (NDCCDP).



Registration for the DiversityFIRST Certification Program in Florida is ongoing and can be completed at http://floridadiversitycouncil.org/what-we-do/events-programs/certification-program/2016-florida-diversityfirst-certification-program/.



I look forward to partnering with the National Diversity Council to host the DiversityFIRST Certification Program at The University of Tampa, said Stephanie Russell Krebs, UT dean of students, and also a guest speaker. Hosting this program is congruent with our institutional values and, as a university, we are committed to fostering diverse and inclusive learning environments so our students can thrive.



Dennis Kennedy, founder and chairman of the National Diversity Council, said the launch of the certification program last year was an overwhelming success, bringing various business professionals and academics together to share diversity best practices, collaborate in group projects and discuss the importance of inclusive leadership in the 21st century. This year, we are thrilled to partner with The University of Tampa and Sodexo to build on this success and offer our program in Florida, he said.



For more information, contact Cecilia Orellana-Rojas at cecilia.orellana-rojas@nationaldiversitycouncil.org or Dejoron C. Thorpe at dejoron.thorpe@nationaldiversitycouncil.org.
Mosul

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced late Sunday night the start of the operation to liberate Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul, from the Islamic State more than two years after it fell to the terrorist group.

"The hour has come and the moment of great victory is near," al-Abadi said in a speech on state TV, surrounded by the Iraqi armed forces' top commanders. "I announce today the start of the operation to liberate the province of Nineveh."

The operation is the largest deployment of Iraqi soldiers since the US invasion in 2003, and it is being bolstered by airpower from a 60-country coalition opposed to the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, ISIL, or Daesh.

The liberation of Mosul has been the linchpin of the Obama administration's plan to defeat ISIS in Iraq, though Washington has expressed concern over Baghdad's plans to move forward with the Mosul operation this year.

More than 80,000 troops are involved, Maj. Salam Jassim, a commander with Iraq's elite special forces, told The Washington Post. The Iraqi army dropped thousands of leaflets on the city over the weekend warning its residents to stay away from known ISIS enclaves and to tell their children that the sound of airstrikes and bombs were "a game or thunder before the rain."

Still reeling from the humiliating loss of Mosul in summer 2014  when US-trained Iraqi forces dropped their American weapons and fled as ISIS advanced on the city  the Iraqi government spent the better part of the past year preparing for the offensive. Sunday's start is most likely only the beginning of a very long battle to retake the large city.

"The United Nations is deeply concerned that in a worst-case scenario, the operation in Mosul could be the most complex and largest in the world in 2016, and we fear as many as one million civilians may be forced to flee their homes," Lise Grande, the United Nations' humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, told The New York Times last week.

Story continues

Mosul

Conflicting reports have emerged over how fiercely ISIS is preparing to fight the coming offensive. CNN reported on Sunday that members of ISIS were fleeing the city as Iraqi soldiers approached, but many experts have speculated that ISIS is unlikely to go quietly. Mosul is the terrorist group's last stronghold in Iraq, where its territory has shrunk from 40% of the country at its peak to roughly 10% now.

Mosul is the human and moral reservoir for ISIS, and the strategic link between Syria and Iraq, and they depend on Mosul, a former ISIS commander who defected to southern Turkey told Buzzfeed's Mike Giglio. It has a great significance in the hearts of the fighters. They will fight fiercely.

Giglio, who is on the frontlines, tweeted late Sunday that there was a "rumor among soldiers at this Kurdish base that ISIS just brought 400 fighters to the villages they plan to try and take tomorrow."

The New York Times reported that the 3,500 to 4,000 ISIS fighters who remain in the city were "frantically making military preparations," though many of them have been fleeing to underground tunnels in anticipation of airstrikes.

The Iraqi army evidently expects many to try to escape. According to The Washington Post, the army plans to leave an escape route for the jihadists on the west side of Mosul in the hopes of lessening the struggle inside the city, where 700,000 to one million civilians still live.

"If ISIS does take an escape path later on, big risk of them using human shields," Giglio said on Twitter. "Especially after their convoy was decimated fleeing Fallujah."

ISIS Fallujah

The Iraqi army has taken back Tikrit, Ramadi, and Fallujah from the terrorist group over the past year with the help of US-led coalition airstrikes.

Iraqi commanders inside Fallujah  which fell to ISIS in 2013 and was liberated by Iraqi forces in June  were optimistic about the offensive's success in driving the militants out of the city for good. And most analysts agree that the gains made by Iraq's security forces against ISIS since last year have been significant.

But many are also cautiously optimistic at best because of what ISIS' quick retreat might indicate about the group's shifting priorities and tactics and the role Shiite militias have played in liberating the overwhelmingly Sunni city.

Mosul

Indeed, the Mosul operation's complexity also stems from the number of actors participating in the city's liberation. Up to 12 Iraqi army brigades, elite Iraqi counterterrorism units, Sunni tribal fighters, Kurdish peshmerga forces, at least seven different Iran-backed Shiite militias, and possibly some Turkish forces are expected to play a role in driving out the militants.

The role that will be played by Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, or Hashid Shaabi  a group of predominantly Shiite militias that have contributed to the kind of sectarian tensions that made Mosul susceptible to an ISIS takeover in the first place  is still a wild card that could undermine any short-term success against the terror group.

"The difficulties in liberating Mosul have as much to do with politics as with military strategy," Warzer Jaff, a photojournalist from Sulaymaniyah in Iraqi Kurdistan who has been embedded with the Iraqi army and, most recently, with Iraq's special forces, told Business Insider over the summer.

If the Shiite militias have any part in retaking the city itself, he said then, "it will be a bloodbath."

That's why a predominantly Sunni unit within Iraq's much more capable special forces will need to drive the offensive, Jaff said, with the peshmerga and Shiite militias remaining well in the background.

Ultimately, that seems to be the plan  though for the first 48 hours, roughly 4,000 peshmerga forces will lead the offensive on Mosul's eastern front, according to The Washington Post. Iraqi army units will push from the south.

After that, Iraq's special forces will take the lead. But many expect the battle to be long and difficult.

"We're expecting up to six months of house-to-house fighting," a Kurdish official told BuzzFeed's Giglio.

In any case, "the bigger issue has always been what happens after ISIS leaves the stage," Stephen Biddle, who has worked in groups under Gens. Stanley McChrystal and David Petraeus forming US counterinsurgency policy, told Business Insider in June.

That is why, in a piece published earlier this month, The Washington Institute's Michael Knights  an expert on Iraqi politics and security  argued that the US-led anti-ISIS coalition should be prepared to extend its support to Iraqi security forces well past the liberation of Mosul.

"In other words," Knights wrote, "don't try to postpone Mosul, but do stay engaged in stabilizing Mosul for longer."

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It was announced at Thursdays NXT tapings that Mickie James would be returning to the company to face Asuka the upcoming NXT Takeover: Toronto event on November 19th, 2016.

Was this always the the planned match?

Apparently this was not the original plan. The company wanted to have Trish Stratus return for that event, as she is from Canada. With Trish recently announcing that she is pregnant, she is no longer able to do the match, so the WWE being on the fly thinkers, hit the ground running when they decided to go with Mickie instead. Trish originally planned to work Takeover and a couple other dates into the next year. This role has now been handed off to Mickie.

Photo: Comicbook.com

What good can come from this?

This is a really good thing for the NXT brand. In many ways, this can help the brand more than hurt it, because with all the excitement that's happening with NXT, people have lashed out at this saying this isn't a good thing. Mickie isn't a developmental talent and the question that makes the fans go quiet is: what about Samoa Joe or Shinsuke Nakamura, Finn Balor, Neville and Sami Zayn and going back further and saying Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose all of these men there is a long list of names that are in NXT.

At this very moment that shuts up the smarks quick and easy. But this leads into the next point which is that no woman on the roster is ready to face Asuka for the title let alone a one-on-one standard match. Going one step further, no woman is established as a full character or a threat to the NXT womans champ, so with this match, Mickie will give the NXT womans brand time to build a strong foundation that will lead it futher into the future.

Asukas NXT's days must be numbered by now as she is fully ready to move on to the next stage of her career. She is ready forthe bright lights of RAW and Smackdown; but she could also stay for another year as a reining champion.

Are you excited for Mickie James return to the WWE this year? Let us know on our Twitter page: @VAVEL_Wrestling.
Some of the 21 freed Chibok girls are received at the Nigerian Vice President office in Abuja. (AFP/Philip Ojisua)

During a Christian ceremony held for them in the capital Abuja, a schoolgirl named Gloria Dame said they had survived for 40 days without food and narrowly escaped death at least once.

"I was ... (in) the woods when the plane dropped a bomb near me but I wasn't hurt," Dame told the congregation. "We had no food for one month and 10 days but we did not die. We thank God," she said, speaking in the local Hausa language.

The ceremony was organised by Nigeria's security services which negotiated their release. Most of the kidnapped students were Christian but had been forcibly converted to Islam during captivity.

The Chibok girls were abducted in April 2014, drawing global attention to the Boko Haram insurgency engulfing the area when US First Lady Michelle Obama joined the #BringBackOurGirls online movement.

Of the 276 girls initially seized, scores escaped in the hours after the kidnapping, while another 19-year-old was found with her four-month-old baby earlier this year.

The ceremony was interrupted when the girls' relatives arrived and were reunited with them. Tears flowed as they hugged their children.

"We can all see the joy and emotions of the parents," Information Minister Lai Mohamed said.

He said talks with the Islamists would continue "until all the girls have been released". "Very soon, another batch, bigger than this would be released," Mohammed said.

Garba Shehu, a spokesman for the Nigerian presidency, told AFP that "the Mamman Nur faction of the Boko Haram has indicated its willingness to negotiate the release of more Chibok girls in their custody.

"The group claims that it has 83 more girls to release on negotiation," he said, without elaborating.

Despite winning back swathes of territory from the extremists, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has faced intense criticism for failing to recover the young captives, who became the defining symbol of Boko Haram's brutal campaign to establish a fundamentalist Islamic state in the country.

The insurgency has claimed more than 20,000 lives and displaced 2.6 million people since Boko Haram took up arms against the Nigerian government in 2009.
According to newswire Tienphong, the Hanoi Pepeoples Committee has decided to reconsider the Red River project and directed the relevant departments as well as Tay Ho and Ba Dinh districts to implement their parts in the project.

Previously, the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment requested the capitals leaders to direct the Department of Planning and Architecture to notice the investor the capitals planning criteria to resume the project. In case the project does not suit the general planning on the capitals construction approved by the prime minister, the department should propose another site to the citys leaders for appraisal.

In 1994, CDC expressed interest in developing a commercial project outside the dyke of An Duong area in Ba Dinh district. The investor established a joint venture company to develop the project. Accordingly, the investor planned to construct a commercial complex, including an office building, hotels, as well as a housing and an amusement area.

The Red River project was granted the investment certificate in 1994, however, the project remains in limbo because of its perilous location between the dyke and the Red River . Meanwhile, according to the current Law on Dykes, no high-rise constructions can be built in this area because it could badly damage the dyke system itself.

During the last 22 years, the investor has been pursuing the project to no avail. Recently, the investors usually required Hanoi authorities to give a final answer and decide the projects fate once and for all. In case the project is not authorised to develop on the existing area, the investor requested for alternative locations.

A decade ago, a South Korean firm sought Hanoi authorities approval to construct high-rise buildings and parks in the area between the Red River and its dyke with the total investment capital of $7 billion. However, the project was not licensed.
The Gioi Di Dong directly imports Apple products from Apple Singapore.

On October 15, a video was uploaded on Youtube, showing the inside of a The Gioi Di Dong store.

Apparently a customer, after buying an iPhone 6s Plus at a The Gioi Di Dong store in the northern province of Yen Bai, opened the sealed box to find that there was no phone but only stones inside.

The customer then brought the box of stones to the store, which exchanged it for another iPhone 6s Plus but inside this box is also stones and accessories. They opened another two boxes to find the same thing. The staff and the customers sounded very surprised in the video. Then they wondered if the whole batch of products imported on the same day were also stones.

The Gioi Di Dong told local media that the company is going to issue an official statement in three days after verifying the information.

In August 2015, Apple Inc. chose FPT Shop and The Gioi Di Dong as its two main retailers to directly import its hi-tech products from Apple Singapore. At the moment, four Vietnamese electronics retailer namely FPT Shop, The Gioi Di Dong, FPT Trading and Digiworld have this function.
Operation Smile Vietnam will receive $30,000 in support of its mission to providing medical evaluation and treatments for children born with facial deformities, and VinaCapital Foundation will receive $50,000, which will support efforts to equip grassroots healthcare centres with modern equipment and provide training for staff to better serve the coastal communities in the the central provinces of Quang Nam and Quang Ngai.

About 120 children who are born with a cleft lip and/or palate will benefit from ExxonMobils contribution to Operation Smile Vietnam. All health care services  including consultations, treatments and medication  will be provided free of charge to these children from the northern provinces of Lai Chau, Bac Ninh, Vinh Phuc, Hung Yen, Thanh Hoa and Hanoi.

Throughout our three-decade journey, Operation Smile Vietnam has shared the same dream as thousands of patients and families, medical volunteers and generous donors. That dream is not only to increase the number of cleft correcting surgeries we perform each year, but also to create a world where no child will grow up suffering from cleft conditions, said Viet Nguyen, country representative of Operation Smile Vietnam and vice president of Operation Smile Asia Pacific. We are fortunate to have support from ExxonMobil and believe that we can make this dream a reality in Vietnam.

ExxonMobil is also continuing the support of the VinaCapital Foundations Critical Response and Survive to Thrive programmes. Under these programmes, six hospitals in Quang Nam and four hospitals in Quang Ngai will receive medical equipment for improved pediatric care.

The VinaCapital Foundation is grateful for ExxonMobils continued and generous support for pediatric emergency care in central Vietnam, said Robin King Austin, chief executive officer of VinaCapital Foundation. ExxonMobil has led the way in Vietnam by supporting this lifesaving programme regionally in the central provinces. The Critical Response and Survive to Thrive programmes have also been adopted by the Ministry of Health  in partnership with VinaCapital Foundation  as a national priority. ExxonMobils contributions help save the lives of hundreds of children and adults every day.

Since 2014, ExxonMobil has contributed $155,000 to enable Operation Smile Vietnam to provide screenings and operations for more than 900 children born with facial deformities and helped change lives of more than 500 underprivileged children and families in Vietnam. ExxonMobil has also contributed a total of $450,000 to VinaCapital Foundation since 2011. More than a million children in Danang, Quang Nam and Quang Ngai have benefited from the Critical Response and Survive to Thrive programmes.

One of the key priorities in our community development programmes is to improve the healthcare standards for Vietnamese children as they are the pillars of the future, said Greg Smith, president and lead country manager of ExxonMobil in Vietnam. ExxonMobil has operated in Vietnam for more than 100 years, and we are proud to continue our support for local communities in Vietnam.



ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Vietnam Limited, an affiliate of ExxonMobil Corporation, is contributing to energy supplies by exploring for oil and gas resources in Vietnam. The company is currently in ongoing discussions with PetroVietnam and Vietnam government agencies and businesses to evaluate the feasibility of developing central Vietnams Ca Voi Xanh natural gas resources offshore the coast of Danang.
Step it up: Ha Nois young people sang and danced on inh Tien Hoang walking street on Sunday to raise awareness of the passers-by about the gender equality and freedom of choice. VNS Photo Bach Lien

Six teams of Vietnamese youth danced and sang on inh Tien Hoang walking street, informing passers-by about gender equality and freedom of choice. Attracted by the joyful dance and songs, many local inhabitants and tourists joined the teams by singing and dancing with them.

Vietnamese Womens Day on October 20 or the International Women Day on March 8 shouldnt be only the occasion to honour women. But I think that they are an occasion to honour love, respect and mutual support between family members, friends and lovers. Lets make this day meaningful for both women and men, said Vu Phuong Thao, deputy director of the Institute for Studies of Society, Economics and Environment (iSEE), the organising committee.

"This event was organised to raise awareness about the true meaning of love. Love someone doesnt mean that we put pressure on someone and expect him/her do what we want, but it means that we respect and support his/her choice, so that both women and men are free to develop their personal ability and live happily with their choice, she added.

A newly released report by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the Viet Nams Institute for Family and Gender Studies, warns of the possibility of a rise in gender inequality in Viet Nam.

This inequality is caused by inflexible community opinions (preconceived ideas) about the role of men and women at home and in the society.

Dance for Love was the newly founded WEQUALs first event. The organisation works on gender equality, with the support of iSEE and Oxfam in Viet Nam, as well as of Ha Nois authorities.
In a report of the 11th Party Central Committee presented to the 12th Party Congress, the private sector has been determined as a key driver of the economy.

A measure of growth

The growth of Vietnams business community has come along with the gradual refinement of the socialist-oriented market mechanism, which includes the introduction of and improvements made on a wide range of laws such as those on enterprises, investment, land and bankruptcy to facilitate enterprises to do business.

Other laws on ownership, tax and the environment have also been updated on the basis of the 2013 Constitution to gradually phase out monopolisation and attract all resources for development.

From the one subject to regulation, the business community has become a participant in the process of law making as evidenced by the attendance of representatives from the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Central Institute of Economic Management in a recent law-making government meeting, something which had never happened before.

Also never before have the business communitys contributions to law formulation been extended through to the final round, equal with those contributed by government ministries and agencies.

These examples illustrate the governments determination to realise its commitment to act for the sake of enterprises.

The formation of the relationship between the state, enterprises and employees, in which the states role as a referee who determines the rules is both clearer and achieving greater consensus.

Trade associations have also participated in policy consultation and strategy formulation in a more effective manner.

At the same time, the army of enterprises has also seen significant growth to meet the demand of international economic integration. National pride has become a major factor in the running of businesses.

Continued reform efforts

In recent years Vietnam has secured free trade agreements with numerous countries and economic unions under which the tariffs will be reduced to 0% on transactions with 80% of the world market, opening up greater opportunities for Vietnam to participate in global value and supply chains.

Advantages aside, deeper integration means tougher competition and stricter technical and environmental standards, which pose great challenges to Vietnamese enterprises.

How should businesspeople - the captains of their companies - steer their ships in the face of giant waves?

Along with the rapid advances of science and technology, which has sharply reduced the time from research to application, Vietnams once highly valued advantages such as cheap labour and non-renewable energy are being eroded.

The country now has to compete with its peers within ASEAN in terms of cheap labour and advanced economies in attracting high-end manufacturing companies.

Therefore, in order to prepare for successful integration, enterprises, particularly their leaders must attach importance to enhancing corporate management.

Moreover, entrepreneurs should be proactive in learning about international economic integration issues including free trade agreements and technical requirements so that Vietnamese products can penetrate new markets.

The government, for its part, should establish trade promotion centres in promising markets and operate them with state funds for two to three years, after which such centres will be run with funding from enterprises.

Entrepreneurs should carry out their social responsibilities by complying with the laws, protecting the environment, ensuring food safety and improving the living standards of their direct employees.

They should also uphold national pride to support one another and form value chains that benefit the Vietnamese business community.

This is a way that can help them to foster sustainable development and increase their value.

On the path of development, the business community also needs support from government agencies in removing difficulties in capital, technology and market access.

The governments commitments should be realised by refining relevant laws designed to provide maximum support for small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up 97% of Vietnams total enterprises, and which are also the factors that help to create flexibility and diversity in the business community.

For the private sector to be an important driver of the economy, Vietnam needs not only political determination, but more importantly the involvement of all players: the state, enterprises and employees.
A Haitian policeman pushes back Hurricane Matthew victims waiting for the delivery of food from the UN's World Food Programme in Tobeck, in Les Cayes, in the south west of Haiti. (AFP/Hector Retamal)

Food, medicine and other essential aid has been slow to reach many hard-hit areas. Some desperate Haitians have taken to blocking parts of the road crossing the southern peninsula to intercept humanitarian convoys, in some cases looting them.

"It's obviously a concern for the coordination and delivery of aid," said Mourad Wahba, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Haiti. "But the response must focus on more than security. People are hungry and we must successfully unblock the roads to help them."

On Saturday, a World Food Programme truck with relief supplies was looted at the entrance to the UN base in the port city Les Cayes, one of the worst affected by Hurricane Matthew which crashed ashore on Oct 4 with winds of 230 kilometres per hour.

In one violent scene - which occurred shortly before UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived at the base via helicopter - Senegalese UN peacekeepers used tear gas to disperse the crowd, which responded by throwing rocks, Wahba said.

"Any attack on a humanitarian convoy is an attack on those who are suffering, on those who are most in need," said Ban on his return to Port-au-Prince.

"When trucks with medicine are attacked and looted, when food and water are looted, this only increases the distress and discourages international aid," he said.

The UN estimates at least 1.4 million people of the impoverished nation's more than 10 million residents need urgent assistance, after towns and villages were almost wiped off the map.

At least 546 people were killed, and more than 175,000 people have lost their homes.

The international body has launched a flash appeal for US$120 million to help Haiti - the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere - cope with its worst humanitarian crisis since a devastating 2010 earthquake.

So far, only about 13 per cent of the needed funds has been raised to help stave off famine and serious health crises, including cholera.
Viet Nam suspends to import cotton from Ghana due to beetle infection. - Photo doanhnghiepvn.vn

The decision was made after a large volume of raw cotton was found infected with living Trogoderma granarium Everts.

The decision comes into effect 60 days from the issuance date on October 11.

The Plantation Protection Departments representative said from July 2 to September 26, relevant authorities detected 58 containers of raw cotton weighing more than 1,384 tonnes imported from Ghana via Hai Phong Port infected with the Trogoderma granarium Everts, a very dangerous beetle not found in Viet Nam.

The beetle can damage various kinds of agricultural products, such as cereals, vegetables and rubber. It is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species in the world.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanh said the MARD had urged its Plantation Protection Department to tighten quarantine control of imported cotton from Ghana without any delay until the decision comes into effect.

Viet Nams Plantation Protection Department has reported the case to Ghanas authorities looking in to quarantine to find solutions and also requested Ghana to inspect and resolve this pest issue.

If farming products infected by this pest have entered Viet Nam, it could directly damage farming products in the country and also lead to a loss of export market.
As the Netherlands phases out animal experimentation, will other countries follow?
Photo by LOS ANGELES TIMES

Walter Velasquez volunteers to sign up voters at the University of Central Florida. Velasquez said he disagrees with Donald Trumps showman style of campaigning. He said most of his friends are turned off by this election.


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Xi Jinping, Chinas president, on Thursday signed 31 agreements with Cambodia, pledging an additional $237 million in aid and erasing almost $90 million in national debt.

The visit was Xis first to Cambodia as head of state and came amid heightened political tensions in Phnom Penh following a months-long boycott of parliament by the opposition and the targeting of its members by the courts in cases widely seen as politically motivated.

In addition to the aid and debt relief, Xi signed a military aid agreement worth almost $15 million and a number of economic accords.

Eang Sophalleth, a spokesman for Prime Minister Hun Sen, told the Cambodia Daily Xi had described the Cambodian premier as an ironclad friend of China in their meeting.

Other agreements signed by the two countries included about $178 million in grant funding and $59 million in loans. The two countries also agreed on an intelligence sharing memoranda, the details of which were not made public.

Phay Siphan, government spokesman, said the aid and loans were vital for building essential infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and reservoirs.

An agreement that was expected to be signed during Xis visit  a $300 million plan to build a rice storage and drying facility  was stalled, Sok Puthyvuth, president of the Cambodian Rice Federation, told VOA Khmer.

However, he added, China had agreed to import 20,000 tons of Cambodian rice annually.

Meas Ny, a Phnom Penh-based analyst, said it was important that the government used the money for the right purpose.

If the use of this money becomes a curse on its own people, I think that it could be a reason that the government will lose its popularity in the future, he said.

In a joint statement following Xis visit, the two countries said of the contentious South China Sea dispute: Both countries are of the view that the South China Sea issue is not a problem between China and ASEAN. It should be resolved through friendly consultation and peaceful negotiation by directly concerned sovereign nations.
Australias treatment of asylum seekers amounts to torture under international law, according to a new report by the human rights group, Amnesty International. About 1,200 asylum seekers have been forcibly transferred to what Australia calls an offshore processing center on the Pacific island of Nauru. As Henry Ridgwell reports from London, Amnesty interviewed refugees and whistleblowers from companies contracted to run the asylum centers.
Australias treatment of asylum seekers amounts to torture under international law, according to a new report by the human rights group, Amnesty International. About 1,200 asylum seekers have been forcibly transferred to what Australia calls an offshore processing center on the Pacific island of Nauru. Amnesty interviewed refugees and whistleblowers from companies contracted to run the asylum centers.

In strikingly direct terms, Amnesty International accuses Australia of deliberately inflicting suffering on refugees.





Essentially they have chosen to treat women, men and children with unspeakable cruelty on Nauru as a way to implement a policy designed to prevent boats arriving in Australia, said Audrey Gaughran, head of global issues at Amnesty International.



'An open prison'

The group says many refugees have mental health problems, adding it has documented cases of self-harm and suicide.



It is an open prison and they can not leave. We have documented cases of physical assault, cases of sexual assault, cases of people who are ill but cannot appear to get the right kinds of treatment. Very harrowing cases where you see parents watching their children suffer and they cannot do anything about it, said Gaughran.



Even refugees who have successfully applied for asylum in Australia are being forced to stay on Nauru. Among them is Eli, an Iranian human rights activist who says via Skype she has been given refugee status.



After three years that my case got a positive result [for my asylum application], and I am a refugee now, but I am still in Nauru. No third country, no Australia, no way, no way... I am still in the jail, she said.



PM defends immigration policies

Australia says its tough policies are vital to halt people smuggling. Speaking last month at the U.N. General Assembly, Australias Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called his country the ultimate "immigration nation."



Porous borders drain away public support for multiculturalism, for immigration, for aid to refugees," he said. "Most importantly, the only way to stop the scourge of people smuggling is to deprive the people smugglers of their product, and secure borders do just that.

Amnesty describes that position as untenable  and is calling on Australia to shut down its offshore processing centers and allow legitimate refugees to enter Australia.




The editor-in-chief of Kremlin-funded television network RT claimed Monday that all channels bank accounts in Britain have been closed.

Margarita Simonyan said via Twitter that RT had received a ruling that cannot be appealed, sarcastically adding: "Long live freedom of speech."

"Our accounts have been blocked in Britain. All of our accounts. 'The decision cannot be appealed'. Long live freedom of speech!" Simonyan wrote.

RT, formerly known as Russia Today, broadcasts round the clock in English, Arabic and Spanish. It was set up to present news from the perspective of the Kremlin.

The channel's target audiences are primarily in Europe and in the United States, and it has a British outlet called RT UK that broadcasts from London.

Simonyan did not say why the accounts had been blocked. However, there is an ongoing case involving claims against Moscow from shareholders of the now defunct oil firm Yukos, founded by Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a Kremlins opponent and a former prisoner. That case has led to freezes of Russian assets abroad including those of state media.
John McCain

Sen. John McCain of Arizona pledged on Monday that Republicans would stand "united against any" Supreme Court nomination made by Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, should she be elected president in November.

"I promise you that we will be united against any Supreme Court nominee that Hillary Clinton, if she were president, would put up," McCain told 1210 WPHT radio in Philadelphia, first reported by CNN. "I promise you."

He added that the Republicans need to retain control of the Senate for that exact reason, and that reelecting Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania was key in doing so.

"This is where we need the majority, and Pat Toomey is probably as articulate and effective on the floor of the Senate as anyone I have encountered," he said.

McCain recently unendorsed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump after a leaked 2005 tape of the Manhattan billionaire making crude sexual remarks about women was made public earlier this month. The Arizona Republican likened Trump's comments to "boasts about sexual assault."

In his WPHT interview, McCain said that when solely looking at the Supreme Court possibilities, he wasn't sure if Trump would be a better president. Trump released a list last month of 21 potential justices he'd nominate, extending a shorter list he released earlier this year.

Senate Republicans have blocked President Barack Obama's nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the court. Obama nominated Garland in March to fill the seat of Justice Antonin Scalia, who died in February.

NOW WATCH: 'He never said that': New Clinton ad shows Trump contradicting Pence's VP debate denials





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The International Court of Justice is holding hearings on demands by Equatorial Guinea that France halt a corruption case against Teodorin Obiang, the vice president of the West African country and son of its longtime president.

Obiang, 47, is accused of using public funds to pay for his lavish lifestyle. He has also faced embezzlement charges in the United States.

The son of Equatorial Guineas hardline president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, has long been known for his jet-set lifestyle and extravagant purchases, including jets and Michael Jackson memorabilia.

Among the assets French authorities seized four years ago as they pursued a corruption case against Obiang were luxury cars, famous paintings, cartons of wine and a six-story mansion in a chic neighborhood of Paris.

But on Monday, his lawyers argued before the International Court of Justice that French authorities, not Obiang, had violated the law.

Lawyer Maurice Kamto told the Hague-based court that Obiang, as vice president, and the Paris mansion, ostensibly part of Equatorial Guineas embassy, benefited from diplomatic immunity.

Lawyers for France will be making their arguments Tuesday.

The case against Obiang was initially spearheaded by anti-corruption NGOs in France, as part of broader charges against several African leaders. Last month, French judges ordered the seizure of properties belonging to the family of Republic of Congos president, Denis Sassou Nguesso.

Florent Geel, Africa director of the International Federation for Human Rights, hopes the legal proceedings send a message that France is no longer a haven for corrupt leaders.

That means that we can not just say that the French government, for instance, supports the people and their claiming ... including for more democracy and the respect human rights, and the same time welcoming the perpetrators and even the people stealing [from] their own people. It is a question of credibility and rationality, he said.

Equatorial Guinea is rich in oil and gas, but the majority of its citizens live in poverty.
European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini says the EU is not considering sanctioning Russia over its actions in Syria.

"This has not been proposed by any member state," she told reporters Monday in Luxembourg.

Mogherini said there are discussions about sanctions against members of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, and stressed the need for those who have an influence on the various players in the conflict to find a way to talk and seek solutions.

Her comments came a day after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry warned of possible sanctions related to the situation in Syria and harshly criticized Russia's military actions there.

Syria was a focus during his talks Sunday with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Saturday meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other diplomats.

Kerry said Sunday the officials are disturbed and outraged by the devastation that has hit the northern city of Aleppo.

"This is the largest humanitarian disaster since World War II. And it could stop tomorrow morning, tonight, if Russia and the Assad regime would behave according to any norm or any standard of decency. But theyve chosen not to," he said.

Kerry said he and other ministers have to exhaust every possibility to find a way to halt the fighting. Multiple previous cease-fires have broken down throughout the more than five years of war in Syria, including one last month focused on Aleppo.

"Were going to continue to work at this because no one has a right to just walk away and allow Aleppo to continue to be bombed without making every effort possible in order to stop it," he said.
Iraqi and Kurdish forces say they have retaken a number of villages outside the northern city of Mosul, as they press an offensive to reclaim control of the area from Islamic State militants.

The operation, backed by airstrikes from a U.S.-led coalition and involving Sunni tribal forces and Shi'ite militias, went on for its second day Tuesday with the fighting still located outside of Mosul itself.

Kurdish President Masoud Barzani said the first day of fighting freed 200 square kilometers. He declared "Mosul will be liberated," and added that his fighters are doing their best to keep the city from becoming like war-battered Aleppo, Syria.





This is the largest military operation in Iraq since U.S. combat forces left five years ago, but it is raising concerns about the safety of hundreds of thousands of civilians in the area.

WATCH: Video footage from the battle front

A spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition said Tuesday the operation is "on or ahead of schedule" and that the militants are not able to stop the Iraqi and Kurdish forces with small arms and improvised explosives.

Meanwhile, France announced it will host an international meeting on Thursday to discuss the stabilization of Mosul "after the military battle."

Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said Monday U.S. troops are on the outskirts of Mosul in a support role, but that "Iraqis are in the lead."

"Americans are in harm's way as part of this fight," he said, but most are "far away" from the front lines.

U.S. officials have described the mission as a "decisive moment" in the campaign against Islamic State, which has suffered a series of defeats and is largely confined to the Mosul area in Iraq. But they stress that the operation could last weeks or even longer.

"Mosul will be a hard fight, but the Iraqi security forces are ready," said U.S. Army Maj. General Gary J. Volesky, the top coalition general in Iraq. "The coalition is proud to support the Iraqis in the liberation of Mosul."

Iraq plans celebration

In a televised address, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared Monday his nation will "celebrate victory as one."

"Today I declare the start of these victorious operations to free you from the violence and terrorism of Daesh," he said, using an alternative name for Islamic State.

In Istanbul, an opposition member of the Turkish parliament, Ozturk Yilmaz, the former Turkish consul general in Mosul, told VOA (Turkish reporter Tan Cetin) that Turkey also would like to play a role on the aftermath in Mosul, not only because of historical and cultural bonds to the region but to prevent another possible crisis.

Iraq is our neighbor. In case of instability, we do not want to face a flow of refugees on our borders as was the case in relation to Syria, he said.

Iraqi forces have for weeks been converging on Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, and greatly outnumber Islamic State fighters there. But suicide bombings, sniper attacks, and other guerrilla tactics used by IS may complicate the offensive.

IS suicide operations

On Monday, Islamic State claimed multiple suicide operations through its 'Amaq news agency, targeting Iraqi troops and Peshmerga fighters, according to the SITE Intel Group. The number of fatalities, if any, is unclear.

Kurdish military officials said they are combing outskirts of Mosul before allowing Iraqi military units to move into the city from the eastern side.



We will continue moving forward until we reach a point where the Iraqi military can take it from there, said Peshmerga commander Omar Rahim told VOA.

In the hours before the announced start of the offensive, the Iraqi air force dropped thousands of leaflets on Mosul to warn residents.

Humanitarian workers, though, say it is unclear what Mosul civilians are meant to do. They have criticized war planners for failing to mark out clear escape routes for civilians.

U.N. humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien said there is space for 60,000 people at camps for those displaced by the fighting, and soon those facilities will be able to accommodate 250,000 people. But he said in the worst case scenario as many as 1 million people may flee their homes.

"I renew my call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and ensure they have access to the assistance they are entitled to and deserve. Nothing is more important," he said.

The Norwegian Refugee Council highlighted similar concerns, saying it feared the humanitarian consequences of the fight for Mosul "will be massive." The group said the most important priority is making sure civilians have access to safe routes out of the city.



In Photos: The Battle for Mosul

Roads, bridges blocked

Mosul residents contacted by phone and Skype say IS fighters - many veterans from battles in neighboring Anbar province - have blocked major roads and bridges in and out of Mosul.

The jihadists have fanned out throughout the city and planted mines and explosives and warned civilians not to attempt to leave.

Weeks of planning



For weeks, the assault on Mosul has been expected, but disagreements have flared between coalition allies over how Mosul, and the Nineveh region in which it lies, will be governed after IS is expelled and who should be involved in the fight.

Kurdish claims earlier this month that any territory the Kurdish Peshmerga captures will be part of Kurdistan have infuriated the Shiite-dominated government in Baghdad.
Tensions reached a boiling point in the Libyan capital Monday, as rival militia groups waged a low-level turf war in a political battle between the U.N.-backed "national unity" government of Fayez al-Sarraj and the unrecognized, Islamist-supported government of Khalifa Ghweil.

Militia forces loyal to Ghweil , who call themselves the Presidential Guard, seized some government buildings over the weekend, although Ghweil claimed in an interview with Arab televison that he was not trying to stop the "unity" government from having access to them. The Rixos Hotel, which the country's former legislative body, the General National Council considers to be its home, is under the control of Ghweil-forces, and they appear to be preventing the "unity" government from using it.

Libyan TV broadcast a statement by members of the guard, saying they support Ghweil and the GNC and asserting the unity government is an attempt to place Libya under a new military dictatorship.

Ghweil, who is supported by the hardline Islamist mufti of Tripoli, seized control of the old governmental palace, called the "guest palace," and several other government ministries, but insisted that "he did not want to spill any Libyan blood."

Ghweil told Arab media that he had not retaken the government buildings by force, but by "popular will." He also claimed that he had contacted rival Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni in Tobruk in order to form a new government "together."

Ghweil argued the Sarraj "unity" government was a failure, and his actions were necessary to reassert control in order to keep the country financially stable. Presidential Guard militiamen who seized government buildings in Ghweil's name have reportedly not been paid in six months.

The U.N. special envoy for Libya, Martin Kobler, tweeted Monday he was "saddened by civilian casualties in Tripoli" and at a government airbase. He went on to call for unity in the country.

Libyan political analyst Khaled Sharaf told state TV the situation in the country had "returned to square one."

He says the unity government has not done anything for the country and it has not even visited most towns and cities. He stressed that the situation in the capital Tripoli is "confused" and it is possible rival militias might resort to arms and ignite a new civil war.

Libya has been in turmoil since the NATO-backed overthrow of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.
Malawi President Peter Mutharika has returned home after an extended stay in the United States following the United Nations General Assembly. Mutharikas prolonged absence was shrouded in secrecy, prompting rumors he was hospitalized and perhaps even had died. The government issued a statement that anyone spreading false rumors about the presidents health would be arrested. However, his arrival Sunday did not end that speculation.

Mutharika was received with songs by thousands of Malawians who welcomed him Sunday afternoon at Kamuzu International airport in the capital, Lilongwe.

The crowd, mostly supporters of the ruling Democratic Peoples Party, sang songs proclaiming that the president was fit and well.

However, Mutharika, who has long used both of his hands to gesture, came out of the aircraft and waived to the crowd using his left hand only.

Mutharika continued using his left hand when he was greeting government officials, including the countrys vice president, Saulos Chilima.

The president ignited more speculation when he did not to speak to journalists at the airport.

Mwai Mtumodzi, with the privately owned FM radio station MIJ, said it was unusual for the president to leave the airport without briefing reporters on crucial issues that surrounded his long stay in the U.S.

I am sorry this might mean that the president is not okay, or it's either he is paralyzed on one side, said Mtumodzi.

Rumors also were rife that Mutharikas long stay in the U.S. was because he was undergoing surgery.

Billy Mayaya is a civil rights activist who wondered why Mutharika remained in the U.S. after the U.N. General Assembly.

He told VOA the president's arrival did not address the ongoing speculation about his state of health.

Why is he using his left hand? Was an operation carried out on him? We will continue to speculate until we get proper explanation from the government, said Mayaya.

Social media is now awash with speculation that Mutharika suffered a stroke that paralyzed part of his right side.

Government spokesperson Malison Ndau told VOA Sunday evening that he could not comment on the matter.

Presidential spokesperson Mgeme Kalirani told local radio Mutharikas use of only his left hand is not a concern.

There is nothing serious about it. And what is important is that the president is in the country. Malawians wanted the president to come. And some people expressed anxiety about where the president was and about his state of health, said Kalirani.

Kalirani said Mutharika will soon hold a news conference about his return from the United States.
The South Sudan army says it killed more than 50 rebels and members of militia groups and wounded several others during clashes Sunday west of the town of Malakal.

Over the weekend, army spokesman Brigadier General Lul Ruai Koang escorted a group of journalists to the scene of the clashes in the Upper Nile region, where he said government forces inflicted heavy causalities on forces loyal to former first vice president Riek Machar.

Over 56 rebels were killed. We captured over 200 different types of weapons and the two places they attacked, Alelo and Warjwok, remain up to now under our control. They are nowhere to be seen, Koang said.

Koang says the death toll among the SPLA In Opposition forces could rise.

He says SPLA forces lost four fighters and at least 20 others were wounded in clashes that began Friday evening.

He says the fighting began when rebels, whom he called terrorists, attacked SPLA positions at Warjwok and Alelo villages, about 15 kilometers south of Malakal near strategic oil fields in the Upper Nile region.

Koang said rebels also ambushed commercial vehicles transporting civilians in Equatoria State.

So it is intensification of operations against government positions by terrorists of Riek Machar after he had declared war in Khartoum, the general said.

South Sudan In Focus could not independently verify Koangs claims.

SPLA-IO deputy military spokesman Dickson Gatluak said it was his forces that came under attack from government troops in Upper Nile. Gatluak said his forces will continue to defend themselves against attacks by government forces.

We have realized that there is no political settlement in Juba, there is not any political space in Juba, so we have to organize ourselves because the government has failed, Gatluak said.

The weekend clashes are the latest violation of the cessation of hostilities signed by the two warring parties in the August 2015 peace agreement.

Machar proclaimed the 2015 peace deal dead during an exclusive interview with South Sudan in Focus late last week.

Malakal has changed hands several times between the government and rebel forces since fighting began in December 2013. Residents of the town have witnessed atrocities, including the killing of scores of civilians by both government and SPLA-IO forces.
Myanmar has fired the police official charged with guarding its troubled border with Bangladesh, officials said on Monday, after deadly attacks that sparked fighting with insurgents allegedly inspired by Islamist militants.

Nine police officers were killed when three police posts in northern Rakhine State were overrun on Oct. 9 by attackers wielding automatic weapons, sticks and knives, and believed to belong to the mostly stateless Rohingya Muslim group.

"Necessary action will be taken against the responsible police officials for their negligence, which led to the loss of the lives of police personnel and the loss of weapons," said Major General Aung Soe, deputy minister for home affairs.

Aung Soe did not give specifics, but Police Brigadier General Maung Maung Khin, the border chief in Maungdaw township, the site of the attack, has been fired, said an official at police headquarters and an official of the Rakhine State government.

A replacement, Thura San Lwin, has already been named, said the two officials, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

The government has said the assault was orchestrated by the little-known "Aqa Mul Mujahidin", alleged to have links to Islamists in Pakistan and elsewhere, and also blamed it for later attacks on security forces in the Muslim-majority region.

Since the attacks, several videos have circulated online, showing armed men declaring jihad in the language of the Rohingya. Reuters has not been able to verify their authenticity, but government officials say they believe they show members of an insurgent group with about 400 fighters.

The army has designated the region an "operation zone" and troops have fanned out to track down attackers who made off with dozens of weapons and more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition in the October 9 assault.

In a statement on Monday, the government said 30 people have been killed and 12 suspects detained in the operation, in which five soldiers were killed.

In the latest reported killings of alleged attackers, two women and a man were shot dead on Saturday after they ambushed police officers conducting a "clearance operation," the military-run Myawady newspaper said.

International human rights groups and advocates for the Rohingya have raised concerns that extrajudicial killings may be taking place.

About 1.1 million Rohingya live in Rakhine State, where they face restrictions on their movements and access to services.

They constitute most of the 125,000 residents of displacement, camps since communal clashes with ethnic Buddhists in 2012.
Russia says its forces and those of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have stopped bombing the northern Syrian city of Aleppo ahead of a "humanitarian pause" planned there on Thursday.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made the announcement in televised comments Tuesday, saying the halt in airstrikes went into effect at 10 a.m. local time.

Thursday's halt in fighting is designed to allow civilians to leave the battered city, along with people who are sick or wounded and rebels who want to get out. Russian Lieutenant-General Sergei Rudskoi said there will be two corridors by which people can leave Aleppo and that the pause will be in effect from 08:00 to 16:00.

The United States and some European states have accused Moscow and Syria of committing atrocities in Aleppo, but Russian officials deny that.

U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Monday the city has been subjected to a campaign of bombardment and airstrikes that can only be seen as an effort to drive out the opposition and civilians living there.

"If there is actually an eight-hour pause in the unremitting suffering of the people of Aleppo, that would be a good thing," Toner said. "But frankly, it's a bit too little too late."

Meanwhile, a new aerial bombardment Monday in Syria flattened residential buildings in a rebel-controlled village in the northern province of Aleppo, killing at least 23 people.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the hardest-hit area was in Qaterji, where rescuers were working to pull survivors from the rubble. The new deaths brought the 24-hour toll to 45.

Both Syrian and Russian forces have been bombing rebel-held positions in Aleppo for weeks, as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attempts to regain control of the once-thriving city in the sixth year of the uprising against his government.

One ambulance driver said that in the latest attack Russian aircraft targeted a five- or six-story building. He said dozens of people were pulled from the debris and that hospitals "are full of casualties."



Syria talks



The bombardment came as world diplomats remain stymied in their efforts to end the Syrian fighting, which has claimed more than 300,000 lives.



Several cease-fires in Syria have collapsed, including a recent Russian-U.S. truce plan. Moscow said Monday that peace talks could resume in Lausanne, Switzerland, modeled after Saturday talks between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, and foreign ministers from Iran, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and Jordan.

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini says the EU is not considering sanctioning Russia over its actions in Syria.

"This has not been proposed by any member state," she told reporters Monday in Luxembourg.

Mogherini said there are discussions about sanctions against members of the Assad government, and stressed the need for those who have an influence on the various players in the conflict to find a way to talk and seek solutions.

Her comments came a day after Kerry warned of possible sanctions related to the situation in Syria and harshly criticized Russia's military actions there.

Syria was a focus during his talks Sunday with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and the Saturday meeting with Lavrov and the other diplomats.

US outraged by devastation

Kerry said Sunday the officials are disturbed and outraged by the devastation that has hit the northern city of Aleppo.

"This is the largest humanitarian disaster since World War II," he said. "And it could stop tomorrow morning, tonight, if Russia and the Assad regime would behave according to any norm or any standard of decency. But theyve chosen not to."

Kerry said he and other diplomats have to exhaust every possibility to find a way to halt the fighting.

"Were going to continue to work at this because no one has a right to just walk away and allow Aleppo to continue to be bombed without making every effort possible in order to stop it," he said.

WATCH: Syrians Tell of IS Horrors After Fleeing Militant-held Town
Dr. Allen Manasseh describes the moment when one of his cousins first saw him on Sunday at the official reunion ceremony for Chibok families in Abuja.

"When she saw me, she could not say anything. She was just crying," he recalls. "And she was saying it was just like a dream, as if it was something they had given up on [returning home safely to their loved ones]."

The doctor reunited Sunday with two of his cousins - Gloria Dame and Maryamu Lawan - who were kidnapped by Boko Haram in April 2014 from their secondary school in Chibok.

"They never thought they would make it through," he says, "but lo and behold they are out and that smell of freedom was something else."

Suffering, food deprivation



Manasseh's says he was overwhelmed when he first saw them because they looked like they had suffered.

"It is difficult to describe the feeling," he says, searching for the words to convey his emotions, adding "they look leaner than [before] they were abducted."

Manasseh is grateful that none of his cousins came back with any children, and says they told him they were not forced to marry any Boko Haram members.

But their lean bodies are a testament to the food deprivation they suffered while in captivity - Manasseh's cousin Gloria said some of the girls had no food to eat for 40 days.

Doubt surrounds effort to find other captives



Meanwhile, the Nigerian government says talks are continuing to bring back another 83 of the nearly 200 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram.

Whether or not a ransom was paid for the 21 released last week remains unclear. The Nigerian government denied a report from the Associated Press that millions of dollars were paid by the Swiss government on behalf of Nigeria. The Nigerian government also says no imprisoned Boko Haram members were exchanged for the girls.



But Emman Shehu, one of the leaders of the Bring Back Our Girls movement that has advocated for the kidnapped girls' release, doubts the government's story.



"We think that something happened. Even when the government said officially nothing happened, it turns out that something did happen," Shehu says."That has always been the history of negotiating for hostages in the hands of terrorists."

Won't give up



Shehu says the group will watch for the rest of the month to see if other girls are rescued. If not, Bring Back Our Girls will continue to pressure the government.



For now, Chibok families are relishing the memory of what it felt like to hold their daughters for the first time in two years.
Following North Koreas failed missile test over the weekend, South Korea has ruled out seeking compromise with the Kim Jong Un government.

And a potential candidate for U.S. secretary of defense if Hillary Clinton wins the presidential election said negotiations with Pyongyang at this time would be a waste of time.

These hard-line positions seem to negate arguments by some that the current sanctions are not working and that Washington and its allies must offer Pyongyang incentives to bring a peaceful end to the increasingly tense situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Failed test

The U.S. military reported Saturday that North Korea tried to launch an intermediate-range ballistic missile. South Korea reported the missile exploded seconds after it was launched.

Analysts speculate a new rocket engine or type of fuel was being tested and could have caused the explosion.

The North Korean missile was presumed to be a Musadan rocket that has the range to reach the U.S. military installation in Guam.

It was launched from the city of Kusong, near the Chinese border, which is a different site than had been used in past missile tests.

"There is a high possibility that North Korea chose a third place other than previous missile launch sites because it needed to show that it can strike its target at anytime and anywhere it wants, even if (its enemy) deploys THAAD and utilize fighter bombers and carriers," said Chung Sung-yoon, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification.

North Korea has test fired at least 21 ballistic missiles and conducted two nuclear tests so far this year.

Saturdays launch was North Koreas seventh test of a Musadan intermediate-range missile. The first test on April 15 was fired from the east coast city of Wonsan.

The only successful launch, which occurred on June 22, reached an altitude of 1,000 km before falling into the sea near Japan.

President Park

South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Sunday denounced the Kim Jong Un government for pursuing nuclear weapons in defiance of international sanctions while neglecting the needs of the North Korean people.

"Although its people are suffering from a flood and economic trouble, North Korea is threatening the peace and future of Koreans by concentrating on nuclear weapons and missiles," said Park while speaking to North Korean defectors in a video message at a sporting event.

Severe flooding in North Korea this summer has left nearly 600,000 people in need of urgent assistance.

The South Korean president said her government will not surrender to or compromise with them and would work with the international community to increase the pressure on the Kim government to give up its nuclear arsenal in return for assistance, normalized relations and security guarantees.

Following North Koreas fifth nuclear test in September, the U.N. Security Council agreed to consider imposing further economic sanctions on Pyongyang.

Clinton hard line

Michele Flournoy, who some media outlets have reported as being considered for U.S. defense secretary in Hillary Clintons administration if she wins the November presidential election, has also taken a hard line against North Korea.

Flournoy is co-founder of the national security and defense policy think tank in Washington: the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). She was also an undersecretary of defense during President Barack Obamas first term.

In a recent interview with the South Korean Yonhap News Agency, she said, without a commitment from North Korea to work toward denuclearization, negotiations would be "a waste of time."

A group of former U.S. officials and regional analysts recently recommended that Washington offer Pyongyang incentives like immediate food aid and a possible reduction in U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises in return for a moratorium on nuclear and missile tests.

Their recommendations are conditioned on North Korea demonstrating a commitment to address the denuclearization issue, and offer the possibility of further concessions in the future, including a formal peace treaty and the normalization of relations, if real progress is achieved.

Flournoy, however, emphasized during her interview support for increased military deterrence like the deployment of the U.S. THAAD anti-missile shield in South Korea, and said that the focus of our policy should be to try to put through sanctions and other pressure, get the leadership to come back to the negotiating table and make good on their earlier promises of denuclearization."

Her views could indicate that under Clinton the U.S. would continue to support strong sanctions and deterrence against North Korea and maintain a close American military alliance with South Korea.

In contrast, the Republican candidate for president, Donald Trump, has said he may radically change Washingtons security relationship with Seoul and Tokyo by pulling out the more than 75,000 U.S. troops in the region unless those nations agree to pay more for the U.S. military bases in their countries, and instead permit allies to develop their own nuclear deterrence.
Pakistan has connected its new, largely Chinese-built nuclear reactor to the national grid as part of broader plans to overcome long-running crippling power shortages.

The facility is located at Chashma, a town in the central province of Punjab, where China has constructed two other nuclear reactors, known as Chashma-1 and Chashma-2. They went into operation in 2000 and 2011 respectively, supplying 600 megawatts of electricity to the grid.

The so-called Chashma-3 project, with an installed capacity of 340 megawatts, was inaugurated on trial basis this past Saturday, according to a spokesman for the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).

After performing various safety and functional tests, the plant will attain full power in first fortnight of December 2016, Shahid Riaz, told VOA Monday.

Canada helped Pakistan build its first nuclear power plant 44 years ago in the southern port city of Karachi, which Riaz said is currently generating around 80 megawatts of electricity.

Other projects



Pakistan is also constructing another two plants in Karachi with Chinas help at a cost of around $10 billion scheduled to be completed by 2021, with a combined capacity of around 2,200 megawatts. Under the agreement, Beijing will also provide enriched uranium for fuel.

Islamabads so-called Energy Security Plan envisages a nuclear power production of around 8,800 megawatts by 2030 and 40,000 megawatts by the year 2050.

The deepening nuclear cooperation between the traditionally close allies comes amid reservations that Pakistan is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which binds member nations to ensure fissile materials are not used for making weapons.

Islamabad dismisses any such concerns.

Pakistan tested nuclear devices in 1998 in response to similar tests by arch-rival India. New Delhi also refuses to sign NPT.

IAEA safeguards

Pakistani authorities maintain that all of their civilian nuclear facilities are under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards and the country voluntarily observes a moratorium on nuclear testing.

Analysts see growing nuclear cooperation between the two countries as a response to the 2005 commercial deal between the United States and India.

Islamabad has since been unhappy about what it and criticizes it as a discriminatory U.S. approach and has been seeking a similar deal with Washington. Beijing sees the growing U.S.-India nuclear axis as a geopolitical challenge.

Beijing is also investing billions of dollars to build an economic corridor to link Western China and Pakistans southern deep-water port of Gwadar in the Arabian Sea. The $46 billion so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will see construction of road and rail networks as well as power projects producing thousands of megawatts of electricity to help Pakistan overcome its energy crisis.
A visit by the Philippines recently elected, and feisty, President Rodrigo Duterte to China this week is being watched closely for signs of a shift in ties between the two countries, which have been battered for years over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Until recently, China was the Philippines biggest security threat. Relations hit rock bottom, following an international tribunal ruling in July in Manilas favor, rejecting Beijings claim to almost all of the disputed waters.

But now, just months after pledging on the campaign trail to sail a jet ski into the South China Sea to defend Manilas territorial sea claims, (something Duterte now tells Al Jazeera was just election hyperbole) the Philippines leader has threatened to cut relations with the United States.

He has also suggested that he might start courting China and Russia instead.

No small task

But getting Beijing and Manila on track after years of tensions is no small task, analysts say.

Duterte is traveling to China with a group of more than 200 businessmen and boosting economic ties between the two countries is a key priority of the visit, says Aileen Baviera, a professor at the University of the Philippines Asian Center.

As far as the new Philippine government is concerned there is strong interest in placing emphasis on economic relations to get more trade, investment and participate in Chinas infrastructure development programs, Baviera says, adding that is something the two have not done in a long while.

Japan is the Philippines biggest trade partner, but Hong Kong is not far behind Tokyo in the lineup. Manila is looking for Chinas help to build up its railway system and guarantees for its workers overseas.

Fishermen in the Philippines who have been kept from trolling parts of the South China Sea because of territorial disputes hope the visit will help them regain access to fish, while the two sides talk.

Baviera says that while it is unlikely theyll be able to reset that issue during the visit, talking could help pave the way to new approaches and new initiatives.

President Duterte says he will not give any ground when it comes to the Philippines' sovereignty in the South China Sea, but also notes he will not be inflexible.

"We will stick to our claim, we do not bargain anything there. We continue to insist that that's ours and that the tribunal, the international decision will be taken up, he says. But there will be no hard impositions. We will talk and maybe paraphrase everything in the judgment and set the limits of our territories."

China as savior

While the two countries still remain divided over that issue, they are finding other areas of common ground.

Duterte has lashed out at the United States and the European Union over their criticism of his controversial war on drugs. Beijing has offered to help in the effort and has invested in the construction of a drug rehab center.

Chinas Foreign Ministry says that during Dutertes visit this week, he will participate in anti-narcotics activities and both countries' anti-narcotics departments have begun to explore cooperation.

From the economy to the war on drugs Beijing is portraying itself as the Philippines savior. Duterte has not been shy about how much he apparently needs China as well.

The headline for an interview between Duterte and Chinas state-run Xinhua News agency quotes him as saying, Only China can help us. In the interview, he says that in addition to loans and Beijings help in building up its railways and economic cooperation is more important that talking about disputes.

War is not an option, he was quoted as saying.

Beijing too is expecting some deliverables.

An opinion piece published Monday in the party-backed Global Times was cautiously optimistic about the visit, noting that differences were too great to be resolved in just one visit.

The significance of Dutertes visit will depend on whether any specific deals will be inked in the days to come, the article says. As long as there are agreements between the two sides, big or small, they might bring about a turning point in Sino-Philippine relations.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has promised only regular Iraqi forces will enter Sunni-dominated Mosul in the battle to oust jihadists who have controlled the city for two years. However, in the runup to the assault, leaders of Shiite militias say they will be part of the liberation of the Islamic State terror groups last major Iraqi stronghold.

And some have threatened to attack U.S. special forces and military advisers assisting in the offensive to retake Iraqs second-largest city.

The threats are prompting alarm that Shiite militias wont abide by the Iraqi governments orders to stay out of the urban center and to restrict their operations to villages on the outskirts of Mosul, home to more than 1 million people.

Qais al-Khazali, the secretary-general of the Shiite Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, one of the 40 Iran-influenced militias making up the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), issued heavily sectarian threats. He insisted his fighters will help to liberate Mosul in vengeance against the slayers of Hussein, a reference to Sunni Muslims.

The comments were made in an Iraq television interview recorded by a monitoring group, the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). In the interview, the cleric said Shiite fighters are fighting out of love for [Imam] Hussein. When they fight, they are killing the enemies of Hussein. The enemies of Hussein are the enemies of the Messenger of Allah.

He added: Dear brothers, the Popular Mobilization Units must participate in the liberation of Mosul. But this is old news. The Popular Mobilization Units will participate in it. We are not asking for anyones permission.

WATCH: Civilians Flee as Battle for Mosul Begins

Shiite, Kurdish fighters

In his televised address Monday announcing the start of the Mosul campaign, al-Abadi labored the point that only Iraqi armed forces would liberate the city.

These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity. They are there for your sake, he told the citys residents, using an Arab acronym for the extremist group.

But before the prime ministers speech, military officials acknowledged that more than 25,000 troops, including paramilitary forces made up of Sunni tribal fighters and Shiite militiamen, will take part in the offensive being launched from all around the city.

Under the plan, say Iraqi military officials, Kurdish peshmerga forces from the east will act as a vanguard and then stop on the citys edge, allowing Iraqi regulars to advance on the citys urban center.

Likewise, Shiite militiamen are meant to stop short in the south and west, where they are focused on Tal Afar, on the citys outskirts, leaving elite Iraqi units such as the 1st Battalion of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces, to lead the charge.

Several PMU militia leaders have expressed anger in the runup to the offensive over the presence of U.S. military advisers and special forces, and have threatened to attack them. Some have been quoted in regional media as saying the U.S. military is an occupation force and that they will fight the Americans.

Threats to U.S. troops

Khazali also has made public threats against U.S. troops, along with PMU leader Rayan al-Kaldani, who said this month, The PMU will be dealing with any illegitimate and foreign forces in Mosul the way it deals with the gangs of the Islamic State.

PMU militias, which have had support from the Iranian revolutionary guards Quds Force, are meant to fall under the command of Iraqs security services but often shrug off orders from Baghdad. They have been credited as being crucial in the fight against IS and were seen as the key tactical factor in ousting IS fighters from the town of Tikrit 18 months ago.

Sunni Muslims and rights groups such as Amnesty International also have accused some of the militias of sectarian-motivated war crimes, including summary executions, torture and abductions. In the wake of claims of egregious behavior by the Shiite militias in Tikrit, Iraqi authorities declared perpetrators of war crimes would be punished. Top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani urged militias to avoid war crimes.

Militia leaders insist abuses are isolated incidents.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter called the start of Iraqi operations to liberate Mosul a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver a lasting blow to the jihadists. Carter said the U.S. and other members of the international coalition stand ready to support the Iraqi Security Forces, peshmerga fighters and the people of Iraq in the difficult fight ahead, but he made no mention of Shiite militias.

U.S. officials have warned Shiite militia leaders that if they fail to coordinate their operations with the Iraqi security forces, they will risk being hit accidentally during the U.S.-led coalition raids.
Editor's note: This article was originally published in 2014 as Muslim fundamentalist religious teacher Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was recorded unveiling the Islamic State "Caliphate" in Mosul, Iraq.

Since then, with the help of U.S. special forces, IS has lost ground in both Iraq and Syria. A joint U.S.- supported military offensive began Monday on Mosul, where Baghdadi made his famed announcement over two years ago and could be, some reports suggest, in hiding.

Reports too of Baghdadi's death have come and gone without verification. The most recent report was that he is seriously ill, having been poisoned during a meal earlier this month in Iraq.

This is an edited and updated version of the original VOA article by Cecily Hilleary.

To the United States, 45-year-old Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is the leader of the jihadist Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also commonly referred to as ISIS or IS) and a specially designated global terrorist with a $10 million bounty on his head.

To his followers, he is Caliph Ibrahim, the new leader of a global Muslim empire, the Islamic State.

In an unannounced statement released to the media in early July 2014, Baghdadi widely condemned the West and summoned all Muslims, especially those with military, medical, administrative and public service experience, to emigrate to the caliphate to take up arms  and fight, fight!

Baghdadi left no doubt that he has big plans beyond Iraq and Syria: For your brothers all over the world are waiting for your rescue, and are anticipating your brigades, the statement reads.

The masked sheikh

He is said to be so protective of his identity that when he consults with his commanders, he wears a mask, though its not clear whether this is fact or folklore.

Only a few analysts have studied Baghdadis life.

When he announced the caliphate, almost nothing was known about him outside of what jihadists post on the Internet (and those claims were difficult at best to verify) In announcing the new caliphate in an audio message, IS spokesman Abu Mohamed Al-Adnani revealed what he claimed is Baghdadis real name: Ibrahim bin Awad bin Ibrahim al-Badri Al-Radawi Al-Husseini Al-Samarra.

But names and titles can be made up or added on, said Iraqi political analyst and commentator Omar Al-Nidawi.

People can have tribal names, nicknames or other aliases that are even related to the town they live in, the town they come from or a former profession. So one person can have more than one name.

Baghdadi may or may not have been arrested and jailed by the U.S. in 2005.

There have been at least two accounts, said Nidawi. One suggests he was in U.S. military custody and then transferred to Iraq authorities and released in 2009. But there is also another account that says there is no record that he was ever captured.

The former commanding officer at Camp Bucca, the former U.S. detention facility near Umm Qasr, Iraq, told The Daily Beast that he recognized Baghdadi as the man in a photo released earlier this week by the Iraq government.

Power grab

In April 2010, the U.S. military killed the leaders of al-Qaida in Iraq, Abu Ayyub al-Masri and Abu Omar al-Baghdadi. The group named Abu Bakr as its new leader.

In an online speech two years later, Baghdadi launched what he called a Breaking the Walls campaign in Iraq, according to the Institute for the Study of War, aimed at freeing al-Qaida members imprisoned by U.S. forces and and expanding his territory in Iraq.

True to his word, over the next year, he orchestrated a series of well-coordinated military operations, including the deadly attack on Iraqs Abu Ghraib prison in July 2013 that freed hundreds of prisoners.

After civil war in Syria erupted, Al Jazeera reports, Baghdadi sent a lieutenant over the border to form the extremist Jabhat al-Nusra Front to help topple President Bashar Al-Assad. In 2013, Baghdadi created ISIL, which al-Qaida has since disavowed.

A perfect' leader

To his followers, Baghdadi is perfect for the office of caliphate.

Sunni tradition holds that a caliph must be an adult male Muslim, knowledgeable in military strategy and brave in conflict. Ideally, he should also be educated in Islamic theology and Shariah, or Islamic law.

Baghdadis internet biography says he was born into a religious family in the city of Samarra and holds a Ph.D. from the Islamic University in Baghdad. A former religious teacher, he is well-versed in Islamic theology, history, culture, science, genealogy, law and jurisprudence.

Biographers say he is a prominent Salafist looking to cleanse Islam of Shiites and convert all Muslims to the Sunni interpretation of Islam.

They credit him with military acumen, eloquent speech and strong language, according to his biographers, as well as the calm, cleverness and courage of his predecessors, Abu Omar and Abu Ayyub.

Perhaps most significantly, Baghdadi claims to be descended from the Arabian desert tribe of Quraysh, says Tawfik Hamid, senior fellow and chair for the Study of Islamic Radicalism at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies.

Quraysh is the tribe of the Prophet Mohamed, Hamid said, and there is a custom that says that the Caliph must be a Qurayshi. This gives him not just political but religious legitimacy.

His appeal

The language Baghdadi uses draws on classical Islamic literary memes, invoking what Nidawi calls an internal cleansing and an external fight.

Its a style that resonates, especially to devout or disenfranchised youths, says Hamid, and he should know: as a student in Egypt, he was attracted to jihad and briefly joined the radical group Jamaat al-Islamiyya.

Even if you have one percent  or one in a thousand Muslims in the world -- who is willing to see the return of the Islamic Caliphate, then you are saying that a million people could join him, Hamid said.

The most vulnerable are the young Muslims who have no access to modern communication or the internet. They see the world only through the eyes of religion.

Hamid believes Baghdadi poses a significant strategic threat to neighboring countries because of its military capabilities, an ideological following thats attracting fighters from Europe and elsewhere, and cash looted during the campaign through Iraq.

In short, Hamid says IS could cause big trouble for Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and other neighbors.

The threat is real, but not necessarily immediate, says Michael Eisenstadt, senior fellow and director of the military security studies program at Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Eisenstadt said he suspects the militants made faster progress than they expected, and as a result, its quite possible that they are overstretched. And keep in mind as well that they have a base of operations that spans two countries  eastern Syria and northern and western Iraq.

He believes that ISs ultimate goal includes expanding into Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and the first target may be Lebanon.

The name of ISIL refers to the Levant, and that is traditionally Greater Syria, which includes Lebanon, which was part of the caliphate of old, he said.

IS regards Hezbollah as a major enemy because it actively supports the Assad regime in Syria and is backed by Iran.

It makes sense for ISIL to try to attack Hezbollah in Lebanon, in order to lead to a security deterioration there and make it much more difficult for Hezbollah, if they were so inclined, to send fighters into Syria to backfill for the Iraqi Shiite militia whove been sent back to Iraqor to Iraq, Eisenstadt said.

Watch related VOA report: Top American officials declare IS severely weakened
The wife of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is defending her husband from condemnation generated by his bragging to a television host about forcing himself on women without their consent.

In an interview broadcast Monday night on CNN, Melania Trump alleged that her husband was egged on by the TV personality, then Access Hollywood anchorman Bill Bush, to say dirty and bad stuff on tape recorded in 2005. She added about her husband, This is not the man that I know. Hes a gentleman. Hes kind. And I know he respects women.

In the recording, Donald Trump brags in lewd terms about grabbing and kissing women and trying to seduce a married woman. He has apologized publicly for the comments, while referring to them simply as locker room talk.

Melania Trump told CNN her husband apologized to her for his remarks on the tape, and that she accepted his apology. She also accused the left wing media of making an issue of the tape to damage her husbands reputation. She said she supports her husbands claims that the November presidential election is being rigged in Hillary Clintons favor, arguing that the media is biased and dishonest.

For his part, Donald Trump on Monday ramped up his contention that the election is rigged against him.

Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before Election Day, Trump said in one of a flurry of Twitter comments. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!

Trump continues to trail in the polls, three weeks ahead of the November 8 election. He has produced no evidence of voter fraud or other claims he has made, such as alleging that Hillary Clinton was on drugs during their last presidential debate, or that she got the debate questions ahead of time.

Still, a new survey by the political website Politico and the polling company Morning Consult shows many Americans are skeptical about the integrity of the national election, with 41 percent of voters believing that the election could be stolen from Trump. There was a wide partisan split in the poll results, with 73 percent of Republicans, but only 17 percent of Democrats, agreeing that there could be massive vote fraud.

In another Trump claim Monday, he said hacked emails from Clintons campaign chief John Podesta being released by the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks proves even the Clinton campaign knew that she mishandled classified info on the private, unsecured email server she used while serving as U.S. secretary of state from 2009 to 2013.

But no one gets charged? RIGGED! he said.

U.S. investigators have concluded that Clintons handling of the national security material was extremely careless, but that criminal charges were not warranted.

The latest national polls Monday showed Clinton with a growing lead over Trump. Several polls released Monday show Clinton with leads of between 2 and 12 percentage points over Trump.


Donald Trump keeps peddling the notion the vote may be rigged. It's not clear if he does not understand the potential damage of his words - or he simply does not care.



Trump's claim - made without evidence - undercuts the essence of American democracy, the idea that U.S. elections are both free and fair, with the vanquished peacefully stepping aside for the victor. His repeated assertions are sowing suspicion among his most ardent supporters, raising the possibility that millions of people may not accept the results on November 8 if Trump does not win.



The responsibilities for the New York billionaire in such a scenario are minimal. Trump holds no public office and has said he'll simply go back to his very good way of life if he loses.



Instead, it would be Democrat Hillary Clinton and congressional Republicans, should they win, who would be left trying to govern in a country divided not just by ideology, but also the legitimacy of the presidency.



As Trump's campaign careens from crisis to crisis, he's broadened his unfounded allegations that Clinton, her backers and the media are conspiring to steal the election. He's accused Clinton of meeting with global financial powers to plot the destruction of U.S. sovereignty and argued his opponent shouldn't have even been allowed to seek the White House.



Hillary Clinton should have been prosecuted and should be in jail, Trump wrote Saturday morning on Twitter. Instead she is running for president in what looks like a rigged election.

Trump is referring to Clinton's use of a private email system while serving as secretary of state. Republicans (and some Democrats) have harshly criticized her decision to do so, but the FBI did not recommend anyone face criminal charges for her use of a private email address run on a personal server.



Trump has offered only broad assertions about the potential for voter fraud and the complaints that the several women who have recently alleged he sexually accosted them are part of an effort to smear his campaign.



It's one big ugly lie, it's one big fix, Trump said at a Friday rally in North Carolina, adding later: And the only thing I say is hopefully, hopefully, our patriotic movement will overcome this terrible deception.



Trump's supporters appear to be taking his grievances seriously. Only about a third of Republicans said they have a great deal or quite a bit of confidence that votes on election day will be counted fairly, according to recent poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

During a campaign event Tuesday with Trump running mate Mike Pence, a voter said she was deeply concerned about voter fraud and vowed to be ready for a revolution if Clinton wins.



Don't say that, Pence said, waving away the woman's rallying cry.



There is no evidence voter fraud is a widespread problem in the United States. A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that out of 1 billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud.



Trump's motivations for stoking these sentiments seem clear.



One of his last hopes of winning the election is to suppress turnout by making these final weeks so repulsive to voters that some simply stay home. Trump advisers privately say they hope to turn off young people in particular. They lean Democratic but don't have a long history of voting and are already skeptical of Clinton.



Trump is also likely considering how he would spin a loss to Clinton, given that he's spent decades cultivating a brand that's based on success and winning. His years in public life offer few examples where he's owned up to his own failings and plenty where he's tried to pass the blame on to others, as he's now suggesting he would do if he's defeated.



Clinton appears increasingly aware that if she wins, she'd arrive at the White House facing more than the usual political divides. Damage is being done that we're going to have to repair, she said during a recent campaign stop.



But that task wouldn't be Clinton's alone.



The majority of Trump's supporters are Republicans. If he loses, party leaders will have to reckon with how much credence they give to claims the election was rigged and how closely they can work with a president who at least some of their backers will likely view as illegitimate.



Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office wouldn't say Saturday whether he agreed with Trump's assertions the election is being rigged. A spokeswoman for House Speaker Paul Ryan said the Wisconsin lawmaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity.



Republicans have already experienced the paralyzing effect of Trump stirring up questions about a president's legitimacy. He spent years challenging President Barack Obama's citizenship, deepening some GOP voters' insistence that the party block the Democrat at every turn.



Jim Manley, a former adviser to Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, recalled the skepticism some Republicans had about Obama. I'm afraid a President Clinton is going to start off with far too many people raising similar questions, he said.
With Iraqi-led forces starting their operation to recapture the city of Mosul from Islamic State militants, diplomatic tensions have erupted again between Baghdad and Ankara over the operation.

Warning about dangers of ethnic cleansing, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched a verbal salvo against Baghdad, demanding a role in the offensive.

Why should Turkey not enter Mosul, Erdogan asked, arguing that his country has a 350-kilometer border with Iraq, and pointing to the fact that others who have nothing to do with the region are entering the city.

Ankara has a force of around 700 soldiers supported by dozens of tanks at the Bashiqa base close to Mosul. The force was set up ostensibly for training Sunni militia to fight IS.

Baghdad has ruled out any Turkish role and called for the removal of the Turkish forces from Bashiqa, warning they could be targeted.

Sinan Ulgen, a visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe in Brussels, says the dispute is about the nature of the forces involved in the Mosul offensive.

"I do not think it is realistic the Turkish military will intervene in Mosul. It is more a matter whether the different ethnic groups backed by Turkey will be the main force driving towards Mosul and capturing the city, rather than the Baghdad-backed and Iran-backed Shia militia," Ulgen said.



Local media reports a Turkish Foreign Ministry delegation is to hold talks in Baghdad. Turkeys military chief, Hulusi Akar, met on Sunday with his U.S. counterparts in Washington to discuss the Mosul operation and other issues.



The sectarian factor

Ankara is already claiming success, saying 1,500 members of the Sunni forces it trained in Bashiqa will be in the forefront of efforts to liberate Mosul.

The deputy head of the Ankara based Turkish Asian Center for Strategic Studies, Murat Bilhan, says Turkey's chief concern is the risk of sectarian tensions.

"The Shi'ite regime in Baghdad wants to cooperate with the Iranians to take over Mosul and to turn it into a Shi'ite stronghold. It is unacceptable for the original residents of Mosul, which will be just evicted and pushed towards the north, again another flow of refugees to Turkey and so forth. This is unacceptable," Bilhan said.

Aid agencies and the United Nations have warned efforts to retake Mosul could result in hundreds of thousands of refugees. Turkey is already hosting nearly three million refugees from Iraq and Syria.

Turkish government spokesman Numan Kurtulmus says Ankara will make sure ethnic politics do not dominate Mosul.

Ulgen says the prospect of an IS defeat is opening a growing power struggle.

"Who gets to control the territories that are going to be freed by the Islamic State, and... there is definitely a game of influence between Iran-backed members of the IS opposition as opposed to Turkey-backed members of the opposition, the Kurdish peshmerga, some of the Sunni Arab factions and the Turkmen," Ulgen said.

Turkish media report Iraqi Turkmen in the Mosul region are calling for autonomy. Observers warn as regional ethnic and sectarian rivalries grow, similar calls are also likely to grow.

Erdogan has done little to allay Iraqi concerns, ruling out any withdrawal of Turkish forces from Iraq and declaring his country will play a role in any negotiation over Mosul's future.
The United Nations is bracing for what could be its biggest humanitarian challenge. As Iraqi and Kurdish forces move to liberate Iraq's second-largest city from Islamic State fighters, the U.N. said Monday as many as 1 million civilians could try to flee the fighting.

"Of the million, upward of 700,000 people would need some kind of shelter," U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande told reporters on a video link from Baghdad.

"In a worst-case scenario, we would also expect of the 700,000 people, if there was lots of destruction in the city, they could be displaced for months on end," she added. She warned that if the U.N. and its partners had to care for that many people for an extended period, "then it would test us to the breaking point."

WATCH: Citizen of Mosul Fear Battle for City

The U.N. already is grossly underfunded for its Iraq humanitarian operation overall  and that was before Mosul.

Grande warned that civilians inside Mosul are at risk from various dangers.

"Our concern is that civilians are at extreme risk from crossfire, from possible artillery barrage. We understand that ISIL has booby trapped large parts of the city," she said, using an acronym for Islamic State.

Grande said they also are worried about snipers, civilians being used as human shields or IS forcibly expelling people from the city. She added that the possibility of a chemical weapons attack cannot be ruled out.

Safety of refugees

When Fallujah was liberated from IS in June, Grande said the Iraqi government established safe corridors through which to evacuate residents. It publicly announced where those corridors were, and IS attacked some of the routes.

She said this time there will be safe corridors, but their locations will quietly be made known to humanitarian supporters and others inside the city, to more safely evacuate residents.

Fear of violent reprisals by IS militants for daring to leave did not stop Ali Hussein, who described his 14-hour ordeal in an interview with VOA.

"We walked for hours in the minefields with no food or water," said Hussein, who is now at Garmawa refugee camp in northern Mosul.

Some families are so desperate to flee ahead of the military offensive that the price they are paying smugglers has skyrocketed. Reportedly, the cost a month ago for a family to flee was $1,500; it costs as much as $10,000 per person now.

"Anyone living under IS territory will try to escape at any price," Hussein added.

The U.N. hopes families will be able to remain in Mosul  but only as long as it is safe.

"If civilians feel that they need to go, they need to go safely across the front line into emergency areas where they can get assistance," Grande emphasized.

Assisting the displaced

Grande said there are six emergency sites operating that can accommodate 60,000 people. In the coming weeks, they hope to expand that to 22 sites that can shelter more than 400,000 people.

There are ready-to-eat food rations for 238,000 people, and 270,000 family food parcels that contain dry food rations. The Iraqi Red Crescent also is ready with more than 100,000 food parcels.

"We have a lot of confidence in the food pipeline; that's in very good shape," Grande said.

She urged people who do decide to leave Mosul not to move westward toward Tal Afar or Syria.

"The U.N. will not have access to those areas," she said.
Rhetoric on the U.S. presidential campaign trail has left many in the Asia-Pacific region wondering whether Americas commitment to economic growth and security in the region will survive into another presidency, regardless of who wins.

In a campaign marked by caustic, tawdry and highly personal remarks, one candidate has threatened to withdraw the U.S. nuclear umbrella that protects countries like South Korea and Japan, while both have opposed a landmark trade deal seen as the linchpin of the regions future prosperity.

The campaign has really undermined the faith and the convictions that many regional actors have about the viability of American commitments [and] the stability of our own democracy, said Jonathan Pollack of the Brookings Institutions Center for East Asia Policy Studies.

US must 'tap into' Asia-Pacific

American leaders are necessarily preoccupied by the high-profile conflicts in the Middle East and the threat to the homeland posed by Islamist terrorists. But analysts point to looming threats in the Asia-Pacific, a region that accounts for almost 40 percent of world output, according to the International Monetary Fund.

North Korea has ramped up nuclear and missile tests in the Korean Peninsula, tensions have mounted over Chinas territorial claims and aggressive actions in the South China Sea, and the new president of longtime ally the Philippines has vowed to break up with America and turn to China and Russia.

Both former president George W. Bush and President Barack Obama worked to open diplomatic, security and economic channels in a bid to cement America as a leader in the Asia-Pacific, where China is rapidly amassing power and influence. U.S. military assets in the region have been growing since Obama promised a pivot to Asia early in his presidency.

However, statements by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton have left many in the region wondering whether that commitment will continue.

Trump, in particular, has alarmed long-time allies by suggesting that he would no longer guarantee the defense of South Korea and Japan unless those countries contributed more to the cost. He has also vowed to kill off the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, a ground-breaking trade treaty designed to open markets around the Pacific Rim.

There is fear and loathing in the Asia Pacific about a potential Trump presidency, said Robert Manning of the Atlantic Council's Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security. This feeling, Manning added, comes even though there is not enough coherence to Trumps comments to be certain what he might do once in office.



Clinton, Trump both oppose TPP

Clinton would be expected to continue the Obama administrations strategic rebalance, but she has been emphatic in her rejection of the TPP, which is opposed by unions and blue-collar workers whose support she needs. Without an economic commitment in the region like TPP, U.S. credibility is lost, experts say.

During an economic address two months ago in Warren, Michigan, Clinton said of TPP: I oppose it now. Ill oppose it after the election, and Ill oppose it as president. She had previously expressed support for the trade partnership.

Pollack, the Brookings Institution analyst, said Clinton has softened her language in some recent statements, and seems to be trying to create a bit more space, a bit more flexibility.

An adviser on Asian issues who worked with Clinton at the State Department gave a similarly nuanced description of her position during a discussion at the Korea Economic Institute in Washington.

"She cannot accept the trade agreement, TPP, as it's currently being negotiated, said Kurt Campbell, a former assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs under Clinton. At the same time, she also recognizes that some form of commercial engagement will be necessary going forward.

However it is Trumps comments on regional security that are causing the greatest anxiety.

Trump is cynical about alliances

During an August rally in Des Moines, Iowa, he expressed frustration about Japan, one of Americas closest allies. He told supporters Japan cannot help if the U.S. is attacked because its constitution bars overseas military action.

If were attacked, Japan doesnt have to do nothing," Trump said. "They can stay at home, watching Sony television, right?

The Pacific nations in fact contribute significantly to regional defense, particularly against the threat posed by North Korea. Japan pays $1.6 billion a year in host-nation support for U.S. military operations in Japan, and South Korea pays almost $1 billion for the same reason.

Manning argued that Trumps approach betrays a lack of understanding of the whole post-Cold War, rules-based order that U.S. leadership has been essential in enforcing.

But Trump adviser Peter Hoekstra, a former U.S. congressman, says the candidate recognizes the United States must invest in its role as a global leader, but there are responsibilities to American taxpayers and American workers.

"It's time to go back and start from ground zero and do a full assessment of what our strategy needs to be to confront the challenges that are out there, Hoekstra said during the discussion at the Korea Economic Institute. It doesn't mean to ... challenge the relationships or the friendships that we have in Asia."

Pollack says the economic, security and diplomatic importance of the region is too great for any president to ignore. Its inconceivable to me," the Brookings Institution analyst said, "that any American president will, in fact, try to detach the United States from the region.
A Virginia man has pleaded guilty to trying to help Islamic State militants, and he faces up to 20 years in prison.

The U.S. Justice Department said Haris Qamar, 26, tried to help Islamic State militants encourage lone wolf attacks in Washington, D.C.

Qamar told a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, Monday that he used social media to connect with people to promote Islamic State.

Prosecutors say Qamar worked with a government informant to photograph and film landmarks in the Washington region, including the Pentagon.

"This case demonstrates the reach terrorist organizations have through social media and the threat that they pose to our national security," said Assistant Director in Charge Paul Abbate. "When Qamar could not travel overseas, he attempted to assist ISIL's propaganda campaign for the purpose of inspiring lone wolf attacks in the Washington, D.C., area."

ISIL is one of several acronyms for Islamic State.

The Justice Department said Qamar wanted to travel overseas to join Islamic State, but his parents prevented him by taking away his passport. It said Qamar told the informant that if his parents gave him back his passport, "I'm done, I leave."

Also Monday, a federal grand jury charged a Bangladeshi man living in the state of Maryland with trying to provide support to Islamic State.

According to court documents, Nelash Mohamed Das, 24, allegedly planned to kill a U.S. military member in support of Islamic State militants. The documents say that Islamic State members and supporters have posted identifying information about U.S. military personnel in the hopes that those inspired by the group would carry out attacks.

If convicted, Das faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Zimbabwe is in flux. There are regular protests, especially in the capital, over currency and food shortages, unemployment, and alleged government corruption and mismanagement.

Observers say an effective political solution may not be soon in coming.

President Robert Mugabe, 92, and his ruling ZANU-PF party have been in power for 36 years. But the party is breaking into factions, and at least one former member, onetime Vice President Joyce Mujuru, has formed her own party, Zimbabwe People First.

The longtime opposition Movement for Democratic Change has new competitors, including more than a dozen new parties and youth-driven protest movements inspired by social media. All are preparing for national elections in 2018.

Participants in a recent symposium at the Washington-based U.S. Institute of Peace looked at some of the challenges facing Zimbabwe, and they agreed that its citizens and the international community alike would favor a "soft landing" in a post-Mugabe future.

Military is 'really central'

Symposium participant Alex Vines, head of the Africa Program at the London-based policy institute Chatham House, said the West has become complacent and has lost contact with the military and with different factions within the ruling party.

"If we get into a really uncertain and unpredictable security situation in Zimbabwe," he said, "it will be the military that will have a role in managing that process. ... I believe the military will play a key role ... in whatever happens, as a kingmaker in whatever coalition or inclusive political entity that might come up [between] the opposition and parts that have split from ZANU-PF. The military is really central here."

Symposium delegates also urged the U.S. and its allies to revisit sanctions on Zimbabwe targeting more than 80 people and 50 groups linked to human rights violations, corruption and mismanagement. They said the sanctions list was outdated and included government critics like Mujuru.

Vines said many Zimbabweans blame the sanctions for their suffering, rather than the government.

"I do believe that ... ZANU-PF and Robert Mugabe won the propaganda battle about sanctions, and I'm surprised at how many well-educated Zimbabweans from civil society and others blame sanctions partly for economic woes and not economic policies," he said. "It has been used as a fig leaf to hide financial mismanagement and other problems. That was one of the drivers for the European Union and Australia to significantly reduce their targeted measures on Zimbabwe to Mugabe, the first lady and Zimbabwe Defense Industries, and I do believe the U.S. and Canada ... need to [revise their outdated sanctions] lists very carefully."

Role of sanctions

Also taking part in the seminar was Johnnie Carson, former U.S. assistant for secretary of state for African affairs under the Obama administration. He said the U.S. government had considered lifting sanctions in order to encourage democratic reforms. But he suggested that the U.S. maintain them as a way to encourage democratization and good governance in Zimbabwe although those efforts have not succeeded so far.

"In 2010 and 2011," he said, "we worked very closely with the South Africans looking for solutions ... and said ... that we, and I, would have been willing to do everything possible to pull down the sanctions if the Zimbabweans were willing to do one or two significant things in the runup to [the 2013] elections, [such as] invite the Carter Center, the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute and the Commonwealth to be monitors for the elections. ... We must continue to probe and look for opportunities, but recognize there are times we don't have partners, and times when the environment does not permit."

Carson said U.S. ambassadors to Africa should continue to reach out to Zimbabwe's business community  an idea also backed by Whitney Schneidman, former deputy assistant secretary of state for African affairs and current senior associate at the Washington-based law firm of Covington and Berling. He noted the efforts of former U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bruce Wharton to strengthen ties with the country's private sector last year.

The Corporate Council on Africa was invited to send a trade mission to Zimbabwe and a reverse trade mission from Zimbabwe came to the U.S.," Schneidman said. "This activity should be continued. A delegation from the President's Advisory Committee on Doing Business in Africa could conduct a fact-finding visit to the country."

Strive for more stability

Schneidman said the Mugabe government should take action to enhance stability in the runup to elections and a new administration. He said the government had proposed a land compensation fund for both black and white farmers who have been displaced as owners by administration supporters. It is also considering long-term leases that would allow farmers to invest in fallow land.

Schneidman also urged continued efforts by Harare to improve relations with the World Bank and other international financial institutions.

Participants in the Washington panel said Zimbabwe had lost the interest of some policymakers in the West. But they said the country remained an important player in southern Africa politics and trade, and that state collapse and a worsening refugee crisis could destabilize the whole region.
One of president Robert Mugabes fierce critics, former cabinet minister and governor of the Midlands province Cephas Msika, who died in Harare on Monday, has been declared a national hero by the ruling Zanu PF party, which does not normally grant such a status to opponents.

According to the independent NewsDay newspaper, President Mugabe instructed the presidium to announce the hero status granted to Msipa before the 92-year-old Zimbabwean leader left for Madagascar for a summit of the Common Market for East and Southern Africa.

Zanu PFs Midlands province had written a letter to the ruling partys Politburo requesting that Msipa be declared a hero for the selfless service he rendered to the nation before, during and after the liberation struggle for the country.

The newspaper quoted acting president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as saying the decision to grant Msipa the hero status is final as President Mugabe made the recommendation for the late politician to be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre where his mentor, former vice president Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, was buried.

Indications are that he will be buried at the Midlands Provincial Heroes Acre where his wife, Charlotte Sithabile, was laid to rest in 2013.

The late former PF Zapu stalwart, who played a key role in uniting his party and President Mugabes Zanu following Gukurahundi or Five Brigade atrocities in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces targeting the late Joshua Nkomos supporters, succumbed to a chest infection at a Harare hospital.

Former chief Zimbabwe Revolutionary People's Army (ZIPRA) political commissar, Vunguza Roma Nyathi, described Msipa in a live VOA Studio 7 Livetalk show as a staunch promoter of human rights and peace.

He said Msipa would have liked to see a Zimbabwe with less poverty than the country is today.

Meanwhile, the late Msipa's grandson, Lloyd Msipa (Jnr) also died Monday at the University of Zimbabwe. Police have not yet provided details of his death.
Considering the imminent risk of a Third World War, the Kremlin has ordered its diplomats and personnel on post in the West to repatriate their families without delay.

Russian representations and institutions in the West are now reduced to a minimum.

On Wednesday 12 October 2016, the Russian Minister of Defence proceeded with the firing of three intercontinental missiles in order to adjust their launching system.
The United States, Turkey and Israel are fanning the flames  all three states are encouraging new lines of separation, unnoticed so far, which might participate in the dismantling of Iraq and Syria.

In the space of a few days, the Yezidis, the Christians and the Turkmen (photo) of Iraq have each demanded an autonomous region of their own, like that of the Kurds.

Yezidism is a religion derived from ancient Mithraism, which is also practised by some of the Iraqi Kurds.

The Turkmen form the third ethnic group of Iraq (after the Arabs and the Kurds). They count for more than 3 million of the 34 million Iraqis. Their claim is obviously linked to a part of the plan designed to push Daesh from Mosul towards Syria, and especially to end the illegal presence of Turkish soldiers in Iraq. The Iraqi government has multiplied its initiatives to obtain the withdrawal of the Turkish military from its country, but has so far not succeed.

However, the majority of Iraqi Turkmen are wary of Turkey. In August 2014, one of their cities, Amerli (12,000 inhabitants) was besieged by Daesh, without any help being offered either by the government in Baghdad or the government in Ankara. On the contrary, Turkey supplied Daesh with weapons to use against the Turkmen.

Besides this, a strong minority of the Turkmen is of the Shia confession. It is therefore worried about the latest declarations of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who intends to maintain the Sunnisation of Mosul, which was implemented by Daesh. It observes with anxiety the ongoing repression of all forms of opposition, and that of the minorities in Turkey.

At the same time, in Syria, the Israeli Mossad is attempting to create a Druze independentist group affiliated with Lebanese leader Walid Joumblatt [1]. So far, it has not managed to do so.
In a letter addressed to President Barack Obama, 22 members of Congress, all of them Democrats, urge him to write into law the engagement not to be the first use nuclear weapons.

Two weeks ago, the Secretary for Defense, Ashton Carter, had declared that Washington would not hesitate to start a nuclear war if necessary.

Since the collapse of the cessation of hostilities in Syria, the tension has been mounting between Washington and Moscow. The risk of a third World War has never been as severe since the Korean War.
Not a cheerful week over at The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Joe Giudice leaves for prison and Siggy takes her kids to a Holocaust memorial. There are some nice moments of family togetherness, though.

Siggy starts the episode getting served a bit of her own medicine by her mother. At a family gathering where Sig goes off on her usual tirade about her son being too focused on his phone and not spending enough time with her (only the dog pays enough attention to her  ), Siggys mom  Safta to you and me and the grandchildren  pipes up with her own disappointment. Siggy and her sister (Ziggy? Twiggy? Im done) get a good old-fashioned guilt trip for neglecting her. Just when you think Saftas tears are as intense as it gets, Siggys father (Saba to the kinder) goes for the jugular: He plays the H card, as in the Holocaust. He survived it and considers himself lucky to enjoy the blessing of being together with his family. As always, credit is due to Siggy for taking the criticism, apologizing, and hugging and kissing her mom.

With Sabas message in mind, she organizes a field trip to a Holocaust memorial park, setting the scene for moving interactions between the three generations of Flickers (or whatever Siggys maiden name is). Most compellingly, this leads to storytelling time with Saba, whos lived quite a life going back to his extensive trek across Europe as a refugee fleeing the Nazis during World War II. Siggys son cops to being nurtured and Jappy (as in Jewish American Prince), which is like the double crown for Sig in that hes acknowledging how loving shes been and how able to recognize his own privilege he is. Fade out on the Flicker clan singing Hava Nagila. Balls in your court, Kyle Richards. Time to make the most of that red-string Kabbalah bracelet or lose the title of Most Jewish Real Housewife to the kooky rookie from New Jersey.

Of course, the weeks lead story is Joe leaving for prison. The producers do an excellent job of presenting Teresa and company in as favorable a light as possible. If you dont feel empathy for them this time, you never will. They come across as a sweet, loving family clinging to each other on the eve of separation. The closest they come to any kind of internal conflict is Milania riding around on an ATV (Hide the keys!) and then Joe joking with Gia that she shouldnt date while hes gone (No promises!). Thats some serious sitcom shit, like old-school Growing Pains. You know, like Kirk Cameron coming home with some contraband. Alan Thicke asks, Whats under your arm, Mike? Hair, Dad! LOL.

Everybodys feeling for Teresa and Joe. Naturally, that includes Melissa and Joe, who are closer with them than ever and committed to being there for each other as a family. It includes Siggy, who calls Teresa in a non-intrusive way that some other cast members could learn from. And it even includes Jacqueline, who pulls that same old crocodile-tears routine. When I look at those little girls losing their dad. PUH-LEASE.

I can believe that Jacqueline feels for them, but the waterworks are just too much. Where does she get off behaving like a psychopath in Vermont only to turn around and suddenly start playing Miss Concerned Friend? Does she have zero self-awareness? And whats up with hanging out so much with Kathy and Rosie? Were they ever really such good friends? It seems very suspect to me, although Im always happy to have Rosie on the show and glad to see shes dating someone nice. But, oh God, Richie. RICHIE! I cant take it. I was never a big Richie hater, but this stuff about wanting a foursome with his wife and her sister and the sisters girlfriend  are you kidding me? I think he actually is kidding. I mean, I have to believe that. Otherwise, its just too repulsive. But still. Hes that hideous combination of repulsive and not funny at all. Its so obnoxious. Poor Kathy  she knows it. Shes horrified by Richies comments. At lunch with Teresa a few weeks ago, the first thing she asked about her pulling away was, Is it because of Richie? At the very least its not not because of Richie.

But back to Jack, shes driving me crazy. Im looking back on years of this show and I dont think shes ever been likable. Shes always been involved in murky crossed loyalties and cant seem to be at peace in her relationships with anyone, except maybe Chris, who  lets face it  seems pretty easy to get along with. Like, seriously, what is he doing with her?

The only person worse than Jacqueline is Ashlee, who starts making judgmental comments about Teresa again. Does anyone really want to know what Ashlee thinks about anything? I truly do not. Can we please just cut all her screen time and give it to Antonia instead? That little Gorga firecracker is delightfully sassy. How about a kids morning talk show hosted by Milania and Antonia, sort of Kathie Lee and Hoda Junior? Or for Gods sake, how about a little focus on Victoria Wakile? Weve watched her grow up and we are invested in her story. I really want her to be okay. Jacqueline keeps saying that she doesnt have a relationship with Melissa, that she doesnt have a relationship with Teresa. Honestly, that seems a little hasty for people who only broke up within the last month. What is this, fourth grade? Youre not my best friend anymore. Give it a minute. Or better yet, dont. Take your phony feelings and your stupid daughter and go be tertiary characters on Manzod With Children so we can enjoy RHONJ open to close once again.
Ready your baking puns, Richard. Photo: Mike Marsland/WireImage/Getty Images

Has Channel 4 tried turning GBBO off and on again? According to a report from The Sun, comedian, director, and IT Crowd star Richard Ayoade is a front-runner to fill in for hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins in Channel 4s new version of The Great British Bake Off. Its still early days, a source tells The Sun about Ayoades potential involvement. But he is definitely up there and now the leading candidate. To recap the latest GBBO drama: Mel and Sue left the show when it moved from BBC to Channel 4 earlier this year. On Channel 4, Ayoade would team up with stern judge Paul Hollywood, and probably make jokes about Dostoyevsky while contestants finish their bakes. Ayoade is not without some whipped-cream-stiff competition for the gig, however: According to other reports, comedians Jo Brand, Dawn French, and Jennifer Saunders are also being considered to fill Mel and Sues role. Were just Americans, but we say the host should be chosen via a soggy bottom pun competition.

Meanwhile, Mary Berry, the other half of the GBBOs judging team, has decided to stay at the BBC, which is rumored to be developing a rival baking show of its own, possibly with the help of Mel and Sue. Could they get Chris ODowd to guest host? Just for the sake of symmetry?
Photo: Joan Marcus

Part of what keeps great plays great, age after age, is that they have so much in them: so much psychology, amusement, conflict, philosophy, politics, emotion, and linguistic pleasure. What keeps them alive is a related phenomenon: No amount of unpacking ever unpacks them. The greater they are the more they outstrip the ability of any one production to demonstrate that greatness; they are always tantalizing, rarely definitive. That has certainly been the case with The Cherry Orchard, Chekhovs final play, from 1904, which in terms of dramatic technique  keeping all those balls, and 12 major characters, in the air at once  is not only a masterpiece but a paragon and a trap. It feels so complete and fully imagined in precis that youd think it would just walk itself onstage and say Here I am. But as the ambitious and tentative Roundabout revival that opens tonight demonstrates, its vastness can just as well leave the drama seeming staticky and intermittent, a weak signal from a brilliant, distant source.

No one, of course, sets out to under-serve Chekhov. The problem, even with serious interpretive artists at the helm, is that all hands must be seeking to serve in the same way. Here that does not appear to be the case. The adaptation, by Stephen Karam, author of The Humans and other terrific plays, is clean and mostly neutral, with an occasional bit of contemporary vernacular deliberately jarring the ear. (One character says Get out! where fustier translations offer something like Think of that!) I say deliberately because the staging by Simon Godwin, an associate director at Londons National Theatre now making his New York debut, also underlines the modernity of Chekhovs themes, even if it does so more academically and importunately. The play is performed, for instance, on an awkward platform (designed by Scott Pask) that resembles a cross-sectional stump of a cherry tree; a spinney of Calder-like mobiles suspended in midair suggests the canopy of blossoms. Michael Krasss costumes, of period design in Act I, look almost flappery in Act II and are contemporary by Act IV. Also contemporary is the music by Nico Muhly, even when presented diegetically as the accompaniment to the masked dance in Act III.

Nothing wrong with any of these choices individually  and Muhlys music, especially, is lovely. Together, though, these reminders of modernity are not only pushy but a distraction from the crucial social context of the story, in which a family of faded Russian aristocracy loses its estate due to little more than fecklessness. Diane Lane, as the forlorn landowner Ranevskaya, looks gorgeous in her formfitting maroon knit dress in Act IV, but a woman who can dress that way is living a different life than Ranevskayas. The changing relationship of the serving class to the gentry is similarly garbled. Im all for colorblind casting, but Godwins choice to have many of the servants and poorer characters played by black actors is not so much colorblind as confusingly symbolic. When, in one of the plays trademark ironies, the Ranevskys orchard is sold at auction to a man whose father and grandfather were serfs on the estate, the fact that its Harold Perrineau, a black actor, exulting over the twist of fate is undoubtedly powerful, yet this suggests a comparison that doesnt actually scan. Likewise, in bucolic Act II, where Chekhov has a drunken tramp declaim from old Russian poetry as he crosses the property, Karam and Godwin instead have him utter a few lines of something from across the ocean: Emma Lazaruss The New Colossus. (Give me your tired, your poor  ) This is startling theatrically but suggests a kind of sentimentality that Chekhov went out of his way to undercut. He called The Cherry Orchard a comedy.

And so, among many other things, it is. But just because a play is great enough to contain contrasting ideas doesnt mean its made of Velcro. You cant just throw anything at it and have it stick. That includes performance styles; the large Roundabout cast often does well enough giving sharp physical life to individual characters: Joel Greys ancient servant, Firs, muttering and tottering; Susannah Floods dizzy, self-conscious delicacy as the maid Dunyasha; Tina Benkos eccentric chaperone, Charlotta, with her sideways gait as if shuffling off to Buffalo. But, lacking a coherent group style, the ensemble nature of the play feels ragged, as if drastically under-rehearsed. (The Moscow Art Theatre premiere, directed by Stanislavsky, rehearsed for months, and still Chekhov hated it.) The actors, who also include Tavi Gevinson, John Glover, Kyle Beltran, Chuck Cooper, and Celia Keenan-Bolger, are in twelve different vaudevilles instead of one basically naturalistic play. The result feels more like an engaging gloss of The Cherry Orchard than the thing itself.

Often enough, Chekhov comes through anyway. There is no missing his portrait of the wasting of the idle class, nor its source in the curse of slaveholding, conceived as a kind of moral hemophilia. Though some set pieces (the party scene, the magic tricks) work only fitfully, others, such as the fizzle of a long awaited marriage proposal, still pack their fully tragic punch. No one gets off the hook here, not even the poor, who either aspire to the same wasteful lives they observe among the rich or are deluded (Chekhov seems to believe) about the possibility of radical change in human nature. Finally thats whats most modern about The Cherry Orchard, and why a production need not waste so much time modernizing it: that happiness and unhappiness are shown to feed on each other, forever insatiably. Chekhov was, after all, a diagnostician. As he has the plays most foolish character say wisely at one point: When a lot of remedies are suggested for a disease, that means it cannot be cured.

The Cherry Orchard is at the American Airlines Theatre through December 4.
BI Graphics_Clinton vs Trump Polling

The headline from a Monmouth University poll out Monday is this: Half of likely voters support Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in a four-way race:

The strong result follows an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released a day earlier showing Clinton with an 11-point lead over Republican nominee Donald Trump in a national four-way race among likely voters. A Washington Post/ABC News poll also released Sunday suggests a much tighter race, however, with Clinton leading Trump by just 47% to 43% among likely voters.

The Monmouth poll has a margin of error of 3.6 percentage points after talking to 805 registered voters. The margin of error is 3.3 points in the NBC News/Wall Street Journal result, which interviewed 905 people. At the same time, the margin of error in the Washington Post/ABC News survey is 4 points, which happens to be exactly the margin separating the two major-party candidates.

As we'll see, it's better for a candidate to be ahead even within the margin of error. And it's possible this poll is way off and support in reality is outside that margin.

So what does this mean for Trump and Clinton? Answering that requires a clear sense of how polls work, and looking closer tells you everything about what we can and cannot trust.

It depends on whom you ask

In 1936, a magazine called The Literary Digest ran one of the biggest opinion polls of all time. It asked 2.4 million people whether they planned to vote for the incumbent Democratic, Franklin D. Roosevelt, or his Republican challenger, Alfred Landon.

BI Graphics Lit Dig covers

It trumpeted this prediction:

Landon: 57%

Roosevelt: 43%

The poll must have had one of the smallest margins of error in polling. But it was dead wrong.

Error margins apply only to the population a pollster is sampling.

This is what actually happened in the election:

Roosevelt: 62%

Landon: 38%

The Literary Digest fell prey to selection bias. That massive sample was made up of its subscribers and members of groups and organizations that tended to skew wealthier than the average American.

Story continues

Today's pollsters are savvier, but there are still many ways that bias seeps in. For instance, a poll that calls only landlines may leave out a whole demographic of younger, cellphone-only households. Some polls are opt-in, where users of a specific website answer questions. That's less reliable than a random sampling.

"Far more important than dialing down the margin of error is making sure that whatever you're aiming at is unbiased and that you do have a representative sample," says Andrew Bray, an assistant professor of statistics at Reed College.

Some polls have well-known biases. Rasmussen, for instance, is known to skew Republican.

Lee Miringoff, the director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion  which produces polls for NBC News, The Wall Street Journal, and McClatchy  says polls are as much art as science.

"Scientifically, we should get the same result," he says.

Modern polls are not immune to these issues. Some potential voters are harder to reach, and some polls skew more educated. And polls with a high percentage of potential voters who are undecided can lead to more uncertainty.

So how much can we trust today's results?

Margin of error

BI Graphics_Spearfishing vs throwing a net_transparent

Pollsters and journalists tend to highlight the headline numbers in a poll. In July, before the Democratic convention, a Rasmussen survey showed Trump leading Clinton, 43-42.

Rasmussen didn't help matters by describing Trump as "statistically ahead."

It's actually not that simple.

First, you have to consider the margin of error. Rasmussen pollsters interviewed 1,000 people to represent the views of 320 million Americans. Naturally, the poll results might not perfectly match what the whole population thinks.

That Rasmussen poll has a 3-point margin of error. Here's what that actually means.

Let's take that Trump number: 43% is something called a point estimate. This is basically the polling firm's best educated guess of what the number would be if it had asked the whole population. But it's not guaranteed to be right.

The margin of error accounts for this:

Because the margin of error is 3 points, the pollsters are confident that support for Trump in the total population is between 40% and 46%  or 43% plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Support for Clinton is between 39% and 45%.

confidence intervals

The point estimate (the dots in the chart above) is like fishing with a spear; you're stabbing for the right answer. The margin of error is like fishing with a net; somewhere in your catch is the true figure.

But this is not the whole story, either.

Feeling confident

Before the 2016 Michigan primary, it looked as if Clinton had it made. FiveThirtyEight aggregated several polls and predicted that she had a 99% chance of winning the primary. Many polls had Clinton ahead of challenger Bernie Sanders by double digits.

The polls were wrong.

Sanders eked out a narrow victory. Of the many reasons pollsters might have been off, this may be one of them: There's more to polling than the margin of error.

"The margin of error is a guidepost but not a foolproof" one, Miringoff says.

Here's what the margin of error really means.

Pollsters typically ask roughly 1,000 people a question like: Whom do you plan to vote for? Their goal is to be 95% sure that the real level of support in the whole population is captured in the sample's range, from the low end of the margin of error to the high end.

That range is called a "confidence interval."

Let's say a pollster like Miringoff were to run that same poll 100 times. Each time, he would randomly select different groups of 1,000 people. Miringoff would expect that the true proportion  the candidate's actual support  would be found within the margin of error of 95 out of the 100 polls. That's why he'd say that he's 95% confident in the results.

Those five outliers are one reason elections don't always turn out the way pollsters predict.

Remember that Rasmussen poll in July showing Trump with 43% support? That 43% is thought to be the most likely reflection of reality. But the pollster is still only 95% confident that Trump's true amount of support is found between 40% and 46%.

The further you get from that point estimate, the less likely it is that you are seeing the true number. So it's more likely to be 42% than 41%  and 40% is even less likely.

normal curve annotated 2

The chance that what's happening in reality is captured by a number outside the 95% confidence interval is, as you might expect, quite unlikely. The more outside it is, the more minuscule the likelihood. But it's still possible for a poll to be way off.

"If you really want to be 100% confident in your estimate, you're either going to have to ask every American or be satisfied with a huge margin of error," Bray, the Reed College statistics professor, says.

The whole point of polling is to extrapolate what a large group believes by asking a randomly selected subset of that group.

In the era of modern polling, most pollsters agree that being 95% confident in the margin of error is "good enough."

"It's a reasonably high number," Bray says. "That means we're going to be wrong one in 20 times, but for most people that's acceptable."

Many polls, such as those from the Pew Research Center, bury the margin of error in the fine print. Far fewer highlight the confidence interval. But anytime you see a poll, remember: There's a 5% chance that the poll is far different from the headline number.

Keeping it 1,000

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Look closely, and you'll notice that most polls question roughly 1,000 people. That holds true whether pollsters are trying to approximate voter opinion in Rhode Island (about 1 million residents) or the entire US (nearly 320 million residents).

Why 1,000?

It's a big enough number to be reasonably confident in the result  within the margin of error 19 out of 20 times. There's a lot of variety in a group of 1,000 people, so it captures many of the elements in the larger group.

Asking more people than 1,000 leads to diminishing returns of accuracy.

For instance, sampling 2,000 people is not twice as precise as sampling 1,000. It might bring the margin of error from roughly 3 points to about 2.2 points.

moe vs sample size 3

In modern polling, most statisticians see sampling 1,000 people as a good compromise between a manageable sample size and acceptable confidence.

What and when

Results differ among pollsters for many reasons.

There are simple explanations, like when the polls were conducted. It can take days or weeks to conduct and analyze a poll. A lot of news can happen between the dates on which the questions were asked and the date of the results' release.

BI Graphics_Polling Days vs Election Day transparent

This is especially a problem with polls close to Election Day. They're generally a snapshot in the week before the election. If something happens in the final days of campaigning, those final polls may not be as predictive.

It also matters how a pollster phrases and orders questions, and whether it's a phone interview, in-person interview, or online survey. Even the interviewer's tone of voice can matter.

Then, pollsters have to decide how to analyze and weight the data, and those methodologies can vary.

But it's not just pollsters analyzing data, and that's where we get another big problem.

Drilling down

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When Miringoff releases his Marist polls into the wild, they are quickly consumed by journalists, commentators, and a public looking for trends that create headlines. This drives him crazy.

"It's too often to throw up your arms," Miringoff says.

Here's the problem. Let's say his team interviews 1,000 people to represent the general population. In that 1,000 there are subgroups: men, women, minorities, immigrants, young people, old people.

It's tempting to pull out those subgroups and draw conclusions about, say, support for a candidate among Latinos or women.

But each of those subgroups is, in effect, its own sample, and those samples can be very small. That means the margin of error for each subset can be huge.

Take this poll from Pew: In the sample, there were only 146 black respondents. The margin of error for that subgroup is more than 9 points!

redo screenshot

You can't learn much by looking at a group with a 9-point error margin.

Why aggregating is good

If you combine results from multiple polls taken at the same time, you can think of it as one huge poll. That drives down the overall margin of error and can make you more confident in the predictive power of the polls.

In the real world, different polls are conducted in different ways, so you can't think of an aggregated poll as truly one big sample. But this is also a virtue because it reduces the effect of pollster biases and errors. FiveThirtyEight, The New York Times, and RealClearPolitics all run averages with different weightings and methodologies.

Ahead or tied?

OK, so now that you know a lot more about polls, what should you think when a race is tight? The answer is not straightforward.

Let's say that a poll comes out showing Clinton with 51% support and Trump with 49%. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 points. Are the two candidates statistically tied, or is Clinton slightly ahead?

In purely statistical terms, most would consider this example a "statistical dead heat." Either candidate could be ahead.

"It's pretty significant editorially," Miringoff says. "It's not significant statistically."

That said, that doesn't mean Clinton's lead in this hypothetical example is completely insignificant. "If I was running for office, I'd rather have 51 than 49," Miringoff says.

Remember point estimates? In this scenario, 51% is still the pollster's best guess at Clinton's true level of support. That's higher than Trump's. If a series of polls shows Clinton with a slight edge  even within the margin of error  then it can suggest an advantage. A series of polls is more convincing than any single poll.

Feedback loop

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Finally, for as much as we want to believe that polls are a scientific reflection of reality, polls can also affect reality.

Here's one example: Polls that show candidates falling behind can galvanize their supporters to get out to vote.

The media may also focus on polling trends, leading to changes in public opinion about which candidates are viable or worth supporting.

Polls don't happen in a vacuum.

NOW WATCH: The largest presidential poll ever got the results dead wrong





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The trial of a dispute between the city of Waco and an environmental consulting firm over soil cleanup at a site near McLane Stadium kicked off Monday in Wacos federal court.

Attorneys for the city and Kleinfelder Central selected a jury of six women and one man to hear the case Monday morning, then gave opening statements before the city opened its case.

Kleinfelder filed a counterclaim against the city, asking for a declaration that it has no liability in the contested matter. However, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman dismissed the counterclaim shortly before trial.

The citys suit claims that Kleinfelder failed to properly identify toxic soil from the old Southwest Chemical site and that failure added $1.1 million to the remediation project. The city is seeking to recoup that amount, plus attorneys fees.

Mike Goldman, a Dallas attorney who represents Kleinfelder along with David Sibley, a former state senator and former Waco mayor, told jurors in opening statements that the city caused its own problems by failing to heed Kleinfelders advice because it was more interested in saving money.

Jerry Campbell, a Waco attorney who represents the city with attorney Neal Pirkle, told the jury that the city hired Kleinfelder to oversee the cleanup of the site, which attorneys simply are calling the blue building site because of its color. The building formerly was a chemical company that manufactured pesticides in the 1950s and 1960s, Campbell said.

By viewing and smelling the soil, city officials knew chemicals had seeped into the soil and hired the environmental experts to oversee the cleanup project, Campbell said.

Kleinfelder officials failed to perform their job properly, Campbell said, adding that as a result of shoddy on-site screening, almost 30 truckloads of soil from the site was dumped at the Waco Regional Landfill.

The landfill is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Qualify and it later was determined that the dirt piles contained high levels of an insecticide used by cotton farmers in the 1960s.

The city was required by state officials to move most of the dirt to other landfills permitted to accept hazardous waste and that cost the city an additional $1.1 million, the subject of the lawsuit, Campbell said.

This lawsuit involves hiring an expert to do something that the expert did not do, Campbell said. They said they were going to do something. Thats what they were supposed to do. They didnt do it.

Goldman used a power-point presentation during his opening which he titled, The Blue Building, a Recipe for Disaster.

Mr. Campbell says we are experts, Goldman said. We are. We are experts in remediation. When you do not listen to your experts, it is a recipe for disaster.

Goldman said Kleinfelder was hired as a consultant on the blue building site, not at the city landfill. However, the citys damage claims, he said, relate solely to the landfill.

The citys problems started when they decided to get into the real estate business, Goldman said. The city acquired the prime 5-acre site at Interstate 35 and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in a tax foreclosure in 2006. It spent years cleaning it up at a cost of $2.8 million.

The city got a $200,000 federal grant to help clean up the property. City officials feared they would lose their federal grant because the project was taking too long and changed Kleinfelders initial disposal plan to save $61,000, Goldman said.

The city decided it could save the money by taking some of the materials to the citys landfill, but Kleinfelder warned them to pump the brakes, Goldman said.

We warned them twice, Goldman said. They ignored our warnings. You are going to hear testimony that the city was saying, Let out landfill manager work his magic.

Kleinfelder prepared a sampling analysis plan to have the soil tested, but the city didnt wait for the analysis to be returned before deciding to take the loads to the city landfill, he said.

The city changed the plan to save money and time, Goldman told jurors.

Goldman said the soil was not properly separated at the landfill and rain soaked the piles. There was no lining beneath and costs were increased to clean up the mess, he said.

Court officials expect the trial to last about five days.
Lorena resident Crystal Radke said she and lifelong friend Jessica Holman couldnt stand idly by and do nothing after they learned more than 40 percent of new teachers leave the field in their first five years.

The pair will host the first-ever Teachers of Faith Conference Dec. 17-18 at the Waco Convention Center, with the goal of encouraging educators to stay in the field, especially when times are tough. The conference is about loving and strengthening todays educators, the Teachers of Faith website states.

Until this year, Radke had served as an educator for 10 years, she said. Shes been a teaching assistant, a paraprofessional and a teacher in both public and private schools and she taught kindergarten in Temple the last six years. Radke, the mother of three adopted children, decided to stop teaching because she and her husband are trying to have a baby. Yet, leaving the classroom left a hole in her heart, she said, and Radke realized how much her faith pulled her through and wants other educators to experience a similar strength.

The turnover rates for schools in all districts are just increasing every single year, and the expectations from the state level are very large. The expectations from teachers are very large, and its very large for parents. The homework, the pushing of the kids and the reteaching, and all of these things, it just pulls at your heart strings, Radke said. Youre seeing more and more kids with acronyms attached to their names  ADD, ADHD ... Youre seeing more families struggle. Its not just going to school and thinking, Oh, what am I going to teach the children today? Its understanding the whole wellbeing of the child. Have they eaten? Are they properly clothed? Is there support we can help provide the family? Is anyone reading with them at night? I dont know, so how can I give them additional support at school to make sure theyre staying on level? All of that encompasses what an educator does now.

About a half-million teachers leave the profession each year, costing the United States up to $2.2 billion annually, according to a 2014 study by the Alliance for Excellent Education, which reported on the number of new teachers leaving as well. The organization is dedicated to ensuring all students graduate high school ready for success, the groups website states. The study also states high-poverty schools experience a turnover rate of 20 percent per calendar year, 50 percent higher than affluent schools. McLennan County has a poverty rate of more than 20 percent.

With numbers like that in mind, Radke said sometimes the general public may not understand the daily sacrifices teachers make, adding that hosting an event that shifts focus from considering the whole child to considering the whole teacher is essential to keeping educators strong through to the next year.

The conference theme is Enough, meant to show educators theyre more than enough and that teaching is a calling, Radke said. The event features a worship band and six motivational guest speakers who are all local educators. It focuses on giving teachers tools to reclaim their joy and strengthen a faith-based foundation, the website states.

My daughter graduated from high school last year, and it was a real eye-opener to me to how much I missed, Radke said. Ive missed everything. I missed parties and I missed field trips, and I missed first days of school because I cant be there to walk my kids because I have to be there for my students. I cant be there for their Christmas party because its the same day as my class party. Theres an expectation for all of this professional development, and you want to get ahead because otherwise you kind of sink.

Holman, who helped Radke handle the business side of the convention, isnt a teacher. But as parent to a 1-year-old and 5-year-old, she wants educators to be at their best for her children, she said. To have this kind of convention is an opportunity to help Radke shine, and shes excited the events already generating interest outside of the Waco area, with teachers registering from as far away as Chicago, she said.

I think it would be wonderful to kind of come and feel renewed midway through the semester, Holman said. We all need to feel renewed with whatever were doing. Just to be an encouragement to others, and if we can encourage teachers  one of the most important jobs there is  I cant think of a better way to spend my time.

Eventually, Radke would like to see the event grow to being held once a year and held in different states to reach more educators, she said. For now, though, shes focusing on whats in front of her and will continue to volunteer at her old school to better understand issues facing teachers today to prepare for the next conference, she said.

We really want this to be a huge blessing, and we thought about putting it off and waiting, but I felt a sense of urgency. You know, maybe the people who are coming to this, if they dont come to this, maybe they will walk away in June, Radke said. No, we needed to have this now. The timing may be inconvienent because youre going into holiday, but oh my goodness, come to this conference with everything thats weighed you down in this first semester, and you leave it there. You will get so filled up and so excited, and know youre exactly where youre supposed to be.

To register for the conference or for more information, visit www.teachersoffaithconference.com by Nov. 15. Registration is $175 and includes a Bible study guide, swag bag, lunch on Sunday and a conference T-shirt.

Our mission isnt to come here and look at your test scores. Our mission is not to come and pick apart things youre struggling with as an educator. It doesnt matter to me how you teach, Radke said. This is completely about encouraging educators to know theyre important, theyre necessary and they are loved. Thats the heart of this conference.
A 29-year-old man was arrested Monday on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he allegedly rear-ended another vehicle while he was texting and driving this summer, an arrest affidavit states.

Darwin Issac Lazo-Lopez was arrested after police responded to a two-vehicle crash in the 900 block of West Lake Shore Drive on July 5. Police reported that Lazo-Lopez was driving west in a 1997 Ford F150 when he drove into a 1998 Honda Civic, seriously injuring an occupant of the Honda, the arrest affidavit states.

Police reported that the Honda was traveling slower than other traffic before the wreck because of mechanical difficulties. The arrest affidavit says Lazo-Lopez could not give a reason why he did not see the slower-moving vehicle, but denied being on his cellphone at the time of the crash.

A search warrant obtained for Lazo-Lopezs phone allegedly showed that Lazo-Lopez had received two text messages at the time of the crash, the arrest affidavit states. Search warrant records showed that Lazo-Lopez had allegedly attempted to delete the text messages from his cellphone.

Police reportedly determined that Lazo-Lopez was driving the truck in a reckless manner by texting or reading a text, which prevented him from keeping a proper lookout, causing him to run into the rear of the Honda, causing injury to an occupant of the Honda, the affidavit states.

Police said the occupant suffered a brain injury, skull fracture and broken hips in the accident.

Lazo-Lopez was arrested and taken to the McLennan County Jail on a $10,000 surety bond. Jail records also stated that he was being held on an immigration detainer.
Nathan Brown will play for St Kilda next year, after Collingwood chose not to make a free agency offer for the key defender.

Brown's departure has placed the Magpies' defensive stocks under pressure, with less than five days remaining in the trade period.

Jack Frost has requested a trade to Brisbane, while Jonathon Marsh has returned to his home state of Western Australia.

The Frost trade may be difficult given the Lions do not currently hold a draft pick between 21 and 78, though one may come in for defender Pearce Hanley should be be traded as expected to Gold Coast.
At the start of the year, Australia's No. 2 supermarket Coles slashed the price of a roast chicken to $8, from $11. Its bigger rival Woolworths quickly followed suit, cutting prices to $7.90.

Investment bank Morgan Stanley said the roast chook blitz was designed to attack German discounter Aldi, and has been good news for Ingham's, Australia's biggest chicken producer which is soon to deliver the year's biggest sharemarket float.

"Fresh categories, such as fruit and vegetables, meat, bakery and deli, are a key differentiator for Woolworths and Coles versus [German discounter] Aldi, and a large driver of foot traffic," Morgan Stanley said in its report on Ingham's.

"Aldi's chicken range is far more limited than that of both the majors at present; its focus on a narrow range and very low costs preclude it, for example, from offering customers ready-to-eat BBQ chickens. It does not operate a deli in store, given the high associated cost.
Pauline Hanson's One Nation party has quadrupled its primary vote since the July election, a new poll suggests, with their support in Queensland reaching 10 per cent.

According to the Newspoll, One Nation's support as Senator Hanson establishes her voice in Parliament is now at 6 per cent nationwide, up from 1.3 per cent four months ago.

In New South Wales, the poll shows a boost from 0.6 per cent at the election to 6 per cent.

As the right-wing party has increased in popularity, votes have bled from the Coalition and other minor parties and independents.
It's been nearly 20 years since the engagement between Kate Fischer and James Packer came to a spectacular end and we all watched  glued to the 6pm news  as reporters interviewed the pretty model and aspiring actor via her Bondi Beach intercom.

Well Tziporah Malkah wishes the media would forget Kate Fischer and leave Tziporah Malkah well and truly alone and, quite frankly, she has a point.

By any measure it was a pretty rough week for the Sydney socialite formerly known as Kate Fischer.

The Woman's Day article that launched renewed media appearances by Kate Fischer, now known as T'Ziporah Malkah. Credit:Bauer Media Pty Limited

Admittedly Fischer had pursued a life in the spotlight, regularly posing in the social pages, modelling for big-name designers such as Alex Perry and carving out a career as an actor by starring in Sirens opposite Hugh Grant and Elle Macpherson.

But the end of her engagement in 1998 to Packer would inevitably sound the death knell of her life in the public gaze. Eventually she left Sydney and moved to Los Angeles while the cameras followed James, who tied the knot with his first wife, Jodhi Meares, in a star-studded extravaganza.

Apart from a couple of mentions in columns such as PS, which revealed years ago that she had changed her name to Tziporah Malkah and embraced the Jewish faith of her ancestors, Malkah has not been a name on the local media radar for many years.

Well, that was until last Monday, when Woman's Day paid an undisclosed sum (understood to be about $10,000) to a paparazzo for a set of unflattering photos of Malkah, wearing a bed sheet, collecting her mail outside her Toorak apartment building. These days she is a carer for the elderly and just another woman in her 40s getting on with life.
At this moment, while writing this article, I'm watching a writer that I respect being attacked on Twitter by a horde of abusive trolls about an article she'd written. This is not a rare occurrence by any means. I've watched people (almost entirely and predominantly women) get attacked for making jokes, for writing articles and even for taking selfies. For some people, especially prominent feminists like Clementine Ford, Van Badham or Roxane Gay, I don't think the trolling ever truly stops on their accounts.

And it's not simply a "healthy debate" or a conflict of positions  if it doesn't start off as a deeply personal attack, it will usually end up with the threat of rape within two or three tweets.

. Credit:Stocksy

It's because of this incredibly common occurrence that people are calling for Twitter to protect their users from abuse, a subject that they as a company have provided very few answers to. The standard advice from Twitter is to block and report the offending user  however, considering a large proportion of Twitter abusers simply go and immediately create a new fake account, blocking and reporting each one ends up being like the world's worst game of whack-a-mole, where the only prize is another torrent of liquid poo.

I can't understand what it's like to have to suffer through this  the few times I've managed to draw the attention of Twitter's dark side, I've found even that level of un-gendered attack to be confronting and overwhelmingly distracting  I was unable to think about anything other than the people publicly yelling at me on the internet. And nobody was even threatening me or my family.
When seniors need to move to aged care, most families want their wellbeing to be the main driver for decision-making. Yet decisions made now can have major financial and legal implications, so it's good to have some ideas about the options in advance.

One common scenario, if the parents' funds are limited, is for children to scrape together extra money to make up the aged care facility's full refundable accommodation deposit (RAD). This seems like a great idea, as it saves the 6.01 per cent that would be charged by the aged care operator on any outstanding balance.

Most families want the wellbeing of their loved one to be paramount when choosing an aged care facility. Credit:Dean Mitchell

Rachel Lane, from Aged Care Gurus, explains: "From a pension perspective, there is no harm in such a strategy  the RAD is an exempt asset for the purposes of calculating the pension. Unfortunately, it is a completely different story from an aged care point of view. The amount someone pays as an RAD is included in the assets test for calculation of the means-tested care fee." This fee is a government charge to offset some (or all) of their funding to the aged care facility.

In calculating the means-tested care fee, the government will levy 50 a $1 of income above $25,711 a year (single) or $25,243 a year for a member of a couple, plus 1 per cent on your assets between $159,423 and $385,270 and 2 per cent on the assets above $385,270. So the unexpected consequence of the children helping their parents is that it increases their means-tested care fee, since the amount lent by the kids is treated as an asset.
Devil's milk has proved to be an unlikely weapon in the increasingly desperate global fight against superbugs. Australian researchers have discovered that peptides contained in the milk of Tasmanian devils can kill some of the most deadly bacterial and fungal infections, including golden staph.

Having scanned the devil's genome and discovered the six naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides, researchers from Sydney University set about replicating them artificially. They then tested the peptide's effectiveness at killing some of the most harmful bacteria known to humans.

"It was really exciting," said PhD candidate Emma Peel.

Given the marsupial delivers highly under-developed young after just 21 days gestation, there was some expectation that mother's milk would play a role in the development of the joeys' immune system after birth. However Ms Peel, a biologist, said they weren't expecting to find what they did.
Crown Resorts employees including three top Australian executives have been held incommunicado since Chinese police executed a series of late-night raids at their homes across several mainland cities on Thursday.

The company, consular officials and distraught families have been unable to establish contact with the group.

Shanghai-based Crown employee Jiang Ling answered her door at midnight on Thursday to find five plain-clothed police officers outside her apartment.

"I kept saying ... 'Why are you here?'. They kept repeating 'Oh, your wife knows' and she didn't obviously they finally said 'gambling'," Ms Jiang's husband, American expatriate Jeff Sikkema told Fairfax Media.
A Hilton resident says he is "disgusted and furious" after finding a large amount of rubbish illegally dumped on a popular Perth trailbike track.

Kaya Rubin found the mess while walking on the Thomas Road trail in Kwinana on Sunday and and had a simple message for those responsible for it.

Some of the rubbish found at the Thomas Road site. Credit:Facebook

"People like you are the reason why places like this are getting shut down all around Australia," he said.

Among the debris was carpets, broken furniture, cords, old tyres and household rubbish.
Washington: The battle to retake Mosul from the Islamic State is only a couple of days old but already chilling stories of civilian suffering are emerging.

Dispatches from humanitarian aid workers on the ground tell of children dying of thirst or being killed by land mines as they try to flee the battle, which began Sunday. Staff at a Save the Children station in the area said a severely dehydrated baby arrive there on the brink of death.

Other children showed up barefoot after a 36-hour trek along a route dotted with homemade bombs planted by the extremists. A family that lost two children to hidden explosives told aid workers they couldn't retrieve the bodies for fear of another blast.

This misery, humanitarian agencies warn, is likely only the beginning of what's expected to be a protracted fight with a dire toll on civilians who either can't escape or who manage to flee but find no sanctuary in overcrowded camps.
The 134m superyacht Serene is pictured berthed at Auckland's Wynyard Wharf in 2015. Soon after it was purchased by Prince Mohammed in an impulse buy for $720 million. Credit:Getty Images/Phil Walter This has left officials in Washington hedging their bets by building relationships with both men, unsure who will end up on top. The White House got an early sign of the ascent of the young prince in late 2015, when - breaking protocol - Mohammed bin Salman delivered a soliloquy about the failures of US foreign policy during a meeting between his father, King Salman, and US President Barack Obama. Many young Saudis admire him as an energetic representative of their generation who has addressed some of the country's problems with uncommon bluntness. The kingdom's media have built his image as a hardworking, businesslike leader less concerned than his predecessors with the trappings of royalty. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, left, hold a bilateral meeting before the start of the G20 summit in Hangzhou, China. Credit:AP Others see him as a power-hungry upstart who is risking instability by changing too much, too fast.

Months of interviews with Saudi and US officials, members of the royal family and their associates, and diplomats focused on Saudi affairs reveal a portrait of a prince in a hurry to prove that he can transform Saudi Arabia. Mohammed bin Salman declined multiple interview requests for this article. Among the powerful: Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) shakes hands with Saudi Arabian Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Credit:Getty But the question many raise - and cannot yet answer - is whether the energetic leader will succeed in charting a new path for the kingdom, or whether his impulsiveness and inexperience will destabilise the Arab world's largest economy at a time of turbulence in the Middle East. Tension at the top Saudi Arabian Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends the opening ceremony of the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China. Credit:Getty

Early this year, Mohammed bin Nayef left the kingdom for his family's villa in Algeria, a sprawling compound an hour's drive north of Algiers. Although he has long taken annual hunting vacations there, many who know him said this year was different. He stayed away for weeks, largely incommunicado and often refusing to respond to messages from Saudi officials and close associates in Washington. Even John Brennan, the CIA director, whom he has known for decades, had difficulty reaching him. The crown prince has diabetes, and suffers from the lingering effects of an assassination attempt in 2009 by a jihadist who detonated a bomb he had hidden in his rectum. Mohammed bin Nayef. Credit:AP But his lengthy absence at a time of low oil prices, turmoil in the Middle East and a foundering Saudi-led war in Yemen led several US officials to conclude that the crown prince was fleeing frictions with his younger cousin and that the prince was worried his chance to ascend to the throne was in jeopardy. Since King Salman ascended to the throne in January 2015, new powers had been flowing to his son, some of them undermining the authority of the crown prince. King Salman collapsed the crown prince's court into his own, giving Mohammed bin Salman control over access to the king. Mohammed bin Salman also hastily announced the formation of a military alliance of Islamic countries to fight terrorism. Counterterrorism had long been the domain of Mohammed bin Nayef, but the new plan gave no role to him or his powerful Interior Ministry.

He gets around. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Credit:Getty The exact personal relationship between the two men is unclear, fuelling discussion in Saudi Arabia and foreign capitals about who is ascendant. Obscuring the picture are the stark differences in the men's public profiles. Mohammed bin Nayef has largely stayed in the shadows, although he did visit New York last month to address the UN General Assembly before heading to Turkey for a state visit. His younger cousin, meanwhile, has worked to remain in the spotlight, touring world capitals, speaking with foreign journalists, being photographed with Facebook chairman Mark Zuckerberg and presenting himself as a face of a new Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia's Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Hangzhou, China, for the G20 summit. Credit:Getty "There is no topic that is more important than succession matters, especially now," said Joseph Kechichian, a senior fellow at the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, who has extensive contacts in the Saudi royal family. "This matters for monarchy, for the regional allies and for the kingdom's international partners."

Among the most concrete initiatives of Mohammed bin Salman, who is defence minister, is the Saudi-led war in Yemen, which since it was begun last year has failed to dislodge the Shiite Houthi rebels and their allies from the Yemeni capital. The war has driven much of Yemen toward famine and killed thousands of civilians while costing the Saudi government tens of billions of dollars. The prosecution of the war by a prince with no military experience has exacerbated tensions between him and his older cousins, according to US officials and members of the royal family. Three of Saudi Arabia's main security services are run by princes. Although all agreed that the kingdom had to respond when the Houthis seized the Yemeni capital and forced the government into exile, Mohammed bin Salman took the lead, launching the war in March 2015 without full coordination across the security services. The head of the national guard, Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah, had not been informed and was out of the country when the first strikes were carried out, according to a senior national guard officer. The national guard is now holding much of the Yemeni border. US officials, too, were put off when, just as the Yemen campaign was escalating, Mohammed bin Salman took a vacation in the Maldives, the island archipelago off the coast of India. Several US officials said Defence Secretary Ash Carter had trouble reaching him for days during one part of the trip.

The prolonged war has also heightened tensions between Mohammed bin Salman and Mohammed bin Nayef, who won the respect of Saudis and US officials for dismantling al-Qaeda in the kingdom nearly a decade ago and now sees it taking advantage of chaos in Yemen, according to several US officials and analysts. "If Mohammed bin Nayef wanted to be seen as a big supporter of this war, he's had a year and a half to do it," said Bruce Riedel, a former Middle East analyst at the CIA and a fellow at the Brookings Institution. Near the start of the war, Mohammed bin Salman was a forceful public advocate for the campaign and was often photographed visiting troops and meeting with military leaders. But as the campaign has stalemated, such appearances have grown rare. The war underlines the plans of Mohammed bin Salman for a brawny foreign policy for the kingdom, one less reliant on Western powers like the United States for its security. He has criticised the thawing of America's relations with Iran and comments by Obama during an interview this year that Saudi Arabia must "share the neighbourhood" with Iran. This is part of what analysts say is Mohammed bin Salman's attempt to foster a sense of Saudi national identity that has not existed since the kingdom's founding in 1932.

"There has been a surge of Saudi nationalism since the campaign in Yemen began, with the sense that Saudi Arabia is taking independent collective action," said Andrew Bowen, a Saudi expert at the Wilson Centre in Washington. Still, Bowen said support among younger Saudis could diminish the longer the conflict dragged on. Diplomats say the death toll for Saudi troops is higher than the government has publicly acknowledged, and a recent deadly airstrike on a funeral in the Yemeni capital has renewed calls by human rights groups and some US lawmakers to block or delay weapons sales to the kingdom. People who have met Mohammed bin Salman said he insisted that Saudi Arabia must be more assertive in shaping events in the Middle East and confronting Iran's influence in the region - whether in Yemen, Syria, Iraq or Lebanon. Brian Katulis, a Middle East expert at the Centre for American Progress in Washington, who met the deputy crown prince this year in Riyadh, said his agenda was clear. Loading
Four people attending a motorcycle festival were crushed to death and nine were injured after a pick-up truck plummeted 18 metres from a bridge in San Diego, California.

The truck was driven by Richard Anthony Sepolio, 25, a US Navy member who police suspect was drunk.

The four people killed ranged in age from 49 to 62 and have not been identified.

The crash shattered the festival at Chicano Park, where hundreds had gathered on a clear, sunny day on Saturday.
On Friday 14 October 2016, the Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) concluded its 4-day discussions on many topical themes of relevance for trade facilitation and procedures. Around 140 delegates engaged in discussions focusing on Digital Customs, Future of Customs and the Economic Competitiveness Package.

For the first time, the PTC held a Joint Meeting with the Working Group on the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFAWG) on 11 October, when the number of delegates reached 180. Cross-cutting issues such as Border Agency Cooperation, the update of the Time Release Study Guide, accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention and the WCO Cargo Targeting System in the context of Risk Management, were discussed. More information on the Joint Meeting can be found here.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Ana Hinojosa, Director of Compliance and Facilitation (WCO) underlined that the PTC seeks to explore the many Members innovative initiatives and practices which are out there and how they could be of benefit to the WCO Membership. She reiterated the importance of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), but recognized that many Members were reaching out and implementing trade facilitation measures beyond the TFA.

The PTC re-elected with great support both Mr. Rob Van Kuik (The Netherlands) and Mr. Matome Mathole (South Africa) to the roles of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson respectively, for another one-year term.

Under Digital Customs, which is the theme of the WCO for this year, the PTC provided guidance for the work being undertaken under the Working Group on E-Commerce and for a number of topics which were relevant for the ICT side of Customs work, such as exchange of information between Customs and Tax Administrations, Integrated Supply Chain Management and Data Quality. The PTC also followed up on the Digital Customs Work Plan which was adopted by the Policy Commission in July 2016.

In his role as Moderator of the Virtual Working Group on the Future of Customs (VWG FC), the PTC Vice-Chairperson Mr. Mathole invited interested delegates, which have not yet done so, to join the VWG FC. Under Global Value Chains (GVCs), Members discussed how best to support better connectedness to GVCs especially through improved procedures, such as inward/outward processing procedures, and provided wide support and engagement for further work in this area. The PTC also learnt about Smart Steaming, the related Synchro-Net project and the potential applicability to Customs.

The PTC endorsed the Action Plan for Phase 3 of the Economic Competitiveness Package (E CP) which will be submitted to the Policy Commission in December this year. Under the ECP theme, the Meeting further received an update on the development of new Transit Guidelines which will be submitted to the PTC for endorsement in April 2017. The PTC also generated a lot of input to the Customs Brokers topic, especially in the context of sanction/reward policies, which will help progress the work further in this field.

Performance Measurement was also addressed and an example of a Members experience in using the Achieving Excellence in Customs model presented. The PTC also endorsed its Work Programme for the next three financial years, subject to amendments and improvements submitted by the delegates.

The PTC generated robust discussions, active engagement and high level of commitment from the delegates. The Secretariat would like to thank the many presenters who shared their experiences and lessons learnt: Georgia, Hungary, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Russian Federation, South Korea, the United States, Association of Professional Customs Brokers of the Americas (ASAPRA), International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), MJC2 and World Bank Group.
Nearly every time a large public company makes a major misstep that hurts it share price badly, ambulance-chasing law firms file class action suits to get the companies to pay out money to compensate shareholders. Twitter Inc. (TWTR) is no exception.

Firms Kahn Swick & Foti and Pomerantz set the stage for their actions, which have a modest chance to get a settlement with Twitter.

Kahn Swick & Foti attorneys wrote:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, the former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until November 15, 2016 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Twitter, Inc. (TWTR), if they purchased the Company's securities between February 6, 2015 and July 28, 2015, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

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Also:

Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Twitter, Inc. ("Twitter" or the "Company") (TWTR) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Northern District of California, and docketed under 16-cv-05439, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Twitter securities between February 6, 2015 and July 28, 2015 both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").

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The actions have nothing to do with recent potential buyouts by companies such as Saleforce.com. Rather they have to do with recent earnings statements, and Twitter's earnings forecasts:

On April 28, 2015, Twitter released its first quarter 2015 financial results. The Company reported non-GAAP income of $47 million, or $0.07 non-GAAP EPS, and revenue of $436 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015. Additionally, the Company provided its outlook for the second quarter of 2015, projecting second quarter revenue of $470 million to $485 million. Twitter also lowered its full year 2015 revenue forecast to between $2.17 billion and $2.27 billion from prior guidance of $2.30 billion to $2.35 billion. Furthermore, the Company reported that Twitter's MAUs only increased 5% over the prior quarter.

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As a result of this news, the price of Twitter stock dropped $9.39 per share to close at $42.27 per share on April 28, 2015, a decline of 18% on volume of over 77 million shares. On the following day, April 29, 2015, the price of Twitter stock dropped again, falling $3.78 per share to close at $38.49 per share, a one-day decline of nearly 9% on volume of over 120 million shares. However, the stock continued to trade at artificially inflated levels as Defendants assured investors that new initiatives to drive user growth and engagement were still in the early stages.

Then, on July 28, 2015, after the market closed, Twitter issued a press release announcing its second quarter 2015 financial results. The Company reported non-GAAP income of $49 million, or $0.07 non-GAAP EPS, and revenue of $502 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2015. Additionally, the Company provided its outlook for the third quarter of 2015, projecting third quarter revenue of $545 million to $560 million. Twitter also provided its outlook for the 2015 full year, projecting revenue in the range of $2.20 billion to $2.27 billion.

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As a result of this news, the price of Twitter stock plummeted $5.30 per share to close at $31.24 per share on July 29, 2015, a one-day decline of nearly 15% on volume of nearly 93 million shares.

So the share price went down, but it was artificially high? Or something like that. Maybe guidance has become risky.

Related Articles
The WCO Harmonized System Committee (HSC) held its 58th Session from 28 September to 7 October 2016 at the WCO headquarters in Brussels. More than 120 participants representing 65 Contracting Parties to the HS Convention, two WCO Member administration and four international organizations attended.

The HSC took some 50 decisions on the tariff classification of products covered by the whole range of the HS Nomenclature. Where applicable, the products were classified in the 2012 Edition of the Nomenclature as well as in the 2017 Edition. The HSC adopted 11 sets of amendments to the Explanatory Notes and approved 14 new Classification Opinions. Anticipating the 2017 Edition of the Compendium of Classification Opinions, the HSC revised 6 existing Classification Opinions and deleted 2 Classification Opinions. When deemed approved by the WCO Council at the end of December 2016, these classification decisions (except for those in respect of which requests for re-examination will be entered) and amendments to the Explanatory Notes and Compendium of Classification Opinions will be made available on the WCO website.

In the framework of the HS Nomenclature 2017 Edition that will enter into force on 1 January 2017, the HSC approved three minor corrigendum amendments of some technical/editorial errors.

The Committee accepted the single Russian language version of the HS 2017 Nomenclature presented by the Customs Administration of the Russian Federation as well as the single Spanish language version of the HS 2017 Nomenclature (VUESA (Version Unica en Espanol del Sistema. Armonizado) 2017) submitted by COMALEP (the Secretariat of the Multilateral Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between Customs National Directors of Latin America, Spain and Portugal).

Some of the decisions concerning the classification of goods gave rise to ask the HS Review Sub-Committee to examine a possible amendment of the Nomenclature (HS 2022) to facilitate the future classification of products, for example, the classification of meat preparations of Chapter 16 containing cocoa.

In addition, the HSC examined a series of general questions, including the status and challenges in relation to implementation of the HS Nomenclature 2017 Edition.
At the invitation of Mr. Marian Banas, Undersecretary of State, Head of the Poland Customs Service, WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the Customs 2020 High Level Seminar e-Commerce: Opportunity or Challenge for EU Customs, held in Krakow, Poland, on 10 and 11 October 2016.

The high-level seminar was attended by over 90 Directors General and Senior Managers from Customs administrations of the European Union, as well as by key stakeholders from the private sector and the academia. The objective of the seminar was to provide an EU-wide Customs policy forum to enable discussions on a common, coordinated and practical Customs approach to the various challenges and threats posed by the e-commerce increasing scale, before the Union Customs Code (UCC) legal changes take effect.

In his keynote address, WCO Deputy Secretary General Sergio Mujica thanked the Polish Government for their warm hospitality, and presented the WCO strategy to address the challenges and opportunities that e-commerce brings to the international Customs community, including the key initiatives the WCO is taking to support its Members in this field. Mr. Mujica also presented the outcomes of the first meeting of the WCO Working Group on e-Commerce, which has been recently established to address key Customs-related issues such as trade facilitation, security and revenue collection.

The EU approach to e-commerce was presented by Mr. Philip Kermode, Director at the Directorate-General Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD), European Commission, and by Mr. Tomas Prochocky, Director General for Customs Offices under the Slovak Presidency at the Council of the European Union. It was highlighted that the full implementation of the UCC, supported by the appropriate IT infrastructure will create the adequate legal and operational mechanisms to be able to deal with this e-commerce growth. However, as immediate actions were required before the entering into force of the new legal framework, this high-level seminar was necessary to create a platform to focus on urgent issues such as revenue collection, and security and safety.
The vasectomy rate in the United States is half that of Canada and the U.K., but the male birth control method could become more popular if health insurance companies were required to cover them.

According to the Brookings Institution, sterilization is the second-most common form of birth control in the U.S. Still, despite male sterilization being a cheaper, safer and more effective option than female sterilization, its still an unpopular option in the U.S.

Among American couples, females go under the knife to be sterilized at twice the rate of men. Brookings says just 1 percent of black women, 3 percent of Hispanic women and 8 percent of white women rely on their partners vasectomy for contraception.

Thats the exact opposite of whats happening in other countries. For example, vasectomy is twice as common as female sterilization in Canada and the UK. The male sterilization rates in those countries are actually double that of the U.S. According to Brookings:

If the U.S. rates were the same as Canadas there would be about 4 million more couples relying on a vasectomy for contraception rather than female sterilization.

So why arent more American men getting snipped? At least part of it has to do with money.

According to Brookings, the Affordable Care Act mandates coverage for 18 forms of female contraception, including sterilization, but it does not mandate coverage for a vasectomy.

Its safe to assume that some people are reluctant to schedule an elective surgery like a vasectomy knowing theyll have to pay the entire bill.

But that could change. Adam Sonfield of the Guttmacher Institute tells Brookings that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force can include vasectomy on a list of approved preventive services, which would eventually lead to coverage under the ACA.

Still, there is no guarantee that such a move would increase the number of vasectomies, Brookings says.

Clearly this is an area where culture counts for at least as much as policy, Brookings notes.



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What do you think of the low number of vasectomies in the U.S.? Sound off below or on our Facebook page.

This article was originally published on MoneyTalksNews.com as 'Vasectomy Rate in U.S. Half That of Canada and the UK'.

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AbbVie Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals in the worldwide. The company offers HUMIRA, a therapy administered as an injection for autoimmune and intestinal Behcet's diseases; SKYRIZI to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults; RINVOQ, a JAK inhibitor for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients; IMBRUVICA to treat adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), and VENCLEXTA, a BCL-2 inhibitor used to treat adults with CLL or SLL; and MAVYRET to treat patients with chronic HCV genotype 1-6 infection. It also provides CREON, a pancreatic enzyme therapy for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; Synthroid used in the treatment of hypothyroidism; Linzess/Constella to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation; Lupron for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis and central precocious puberty, and patients with anemia caused by uterine fibroids; and Botox therapeutic. In addition, the company offers ORILISSA, a nonpeptide small molecule gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist for women with moderate to severe endometriosis pain; Duopa and Duodopa, a levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel to treat Parkinson's disease; Lumigan/Ganfort, a bimatoprost ophthalmic solution for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension; Ubrelvy to treat migraine with or without aura in adults; Alphagan/ Combigan, an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist for the reduction of IOP in patients with OAG; and Restasis, a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant to increase tear production, as well as other eye care products. AbbVie Inc. has a research collaboration with Dragonfly Therapeutics, Inc. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is headquartered in North Chicago, Illinois.
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and Other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, prime brokerage, and data analytics. This segment also provides trustee, paying agency, fiduciary, escrow and other financial, issuer, and support services for brokers and investors. The Market and Wealth Services segment offers clearing and custody, investment, wealth and retirement solutions, technology and enterprise data management, trading, and prime brokerage services; and clearance and collateral management services. This segment also provides integrated cash management solutions, including payments, foreign exchange, liquidity management, receivables processing and payables management, and trade finance and processing services. The Investment and Wealth Management segment offers investment management strategies and distribution of investment products, investment management, custody, wealth and estate planning, private banking, investment, and information management services. The Other segment engages in the provision of leasing, corporate treasury, derivative and other trading, corporate and bank-owned life insurance, renewable energy investment, and business exit services. It serves central banks and sovereigns, financial institutions, asset managers, insurance companies, corporations, local authorities and high net-worth individuals, and family offices. The company was founded in 1784 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Regions Financial Corporation, a financial holding company, provides banking and bank-related services to individual and corporate customers. It operates through three segments: Corporate Bank, Consumer Bank, and Wealth Management. The Corporate Bank segment offers commercial banking services, such as commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, and investor real estate lending; equipment lease financing; deposit products; and securities underwriting and placement, loan syndication and placement, foreign exchange, derivatives, merger and acquisition, and other advisory services. It serves corporate, middle market, and commercial real estate developers and investors. The Consumer Bank segment provides consumer banking products and services related to residential first mortgages, home equity lines and loans, consumer credit cards, and other consumer loans, as well as deposits. The Wealth Management segment offers credit related products, and retirement and savings solutions; and trust and investment management, asset management, and estate planning services to individuals, businesses, governmental institutions, and non-profit entities. The company also provides investment and insurance products; low-income housing tax credit corporate fund syndication services; and other specialty financing services. As of March 01, 2022, it operated through a network of 1,300 banking offices and 2,000 automated teller machines across the South, Midwest, and Texas. Regions Financial Corporation was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.
State Street Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of financial products and services to institutional investors worldwide. The company offers investment servicing products and services, including custody; product accounting; daily pricing and administration; master trust and master custody; depotbank services; record-keeping; cash management; foreign exchange, brokerage and other trading services; securities finance and enhanced custody products; deposit and short-term investment facilities; loans and lease financing; investment manager and alternative investment manager operations outsourcing; performance, risk, and compliance analytics; and financial data management to support institutional investors. It also engages in the provision of portfolio management and risk analytics, as well as trading and post-trade settlement services with integrated compliance and managed data. In addition, the company offers investment management strategies and products, such as core and enhanced indexing, multi-asset strategies, active quantitative and fundamental active capabilities, and alternative investment strategies. Further, it provides services and solutions, including environmental, social, and governance investing; defined benefit and defined contribution; and global fiduciary solutions, as well as exchange-traded fund under the SPDR ETF brand. The company provides its products and services to mutual funds, collective investment funds and other investment pools, corporate and public retirement plans, insurance companies, foundations, endowments, and investment managers. State Street Corporation was founded in 1792 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
Why is our government so bad? And what can we do to fix it?

Both candidates in this years presidential race have views on how to make Washington more effective. Republican Donald Trump has lambasted a rigged system and pledged to basically dismantle it. Democrat Hillary Clinton is more nuanced, with a series of better-government proposals that would basically amount to incremental reforms within the existing system.

Voters wonder, of course, what Clinton really thinks, and she herself has said that politicians need both a public and a private position. So whats her real view on gridlock and how to fix it?

She may have given it in a paid speech delivered at a Goldman Sachs conference in Arizona on October 29, 2013. In a transcript of the speech, published by Wikileaks, Clinton refers several times to obstructionists who prevent legislation from passing in Congress. She doesnt identify such people, but one can reasonably assume shes thinking of legislators such as Republican Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the senate majority leader who has blocked many of President Barack Obamas initiatives, including the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland for the Supreme Court. (Many Republicans would contend that Democratic Senator Harry Reid of Nevada was just as much of an obstructionist when he was majority leader during the last two years of the George W. Bush presidency).

[Related: Hillary Clintons speeches to Goldman Sachs will bore you to death.]

In the passage below, Clinton addresses the issue of gridlock. We trimmed the first part of the question and the first part of her answer, which was less forthcoming, but anybody who wants to see the full transcript can click here. We did not edit the portion of Clintons remarks included here:

Question: How do we reframe what we talk about in terms of the good that America does in the world and bringing about the message of hope? Even in this discussion what we talked about, we talk mostly about fear and threat. Can you speak to us about the hope and the good that we bring to the world?

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Hillary Clinton: What I really resent most about the obstructionists is they have such a narrow view of America. They see America in a way that is no longer reflective of the reality of who we are. Theyre against immigration for reasons that have to do with the past, not the future. They cant figure out how to invest in the future, so they cut everything. You know, laying off, you know, young researchers, closing labs instead of saying, were better at this than anybody in the world, thats where our money should go. They just have a backward-looking view of America. And they play on peoples fears, not on peoples hopes, and they have to be rejected. I dont care what they call themselves. I dont care where theyre from. They have to be rejected because they are fundamentally unAmerican. And every effort they make to undermine and obstruct the functioning of the government is meant to send a signal that we cant do anything collectively. You know, that we arent a community, a nation that shares values.

[Related: What Hillary Clinton really thinks about Wall Street.]

I mean, American was an invention. It was an intellectual invention, and we have done pretty well for all these years. And these people want to just undermine that very profound sense of who we are. And we cant let them do that.

So its not just about politics or partisanship. It really goes to the heart of what it means to be American. And Ill just say that Ive been reading a lot of de Tocqueville lately because he was a pretty smart guy, and he traveled around and looked at this country and came up with some profound observations about us. But he talked about how unique early Americans were because they mixed a rugged individualism with a sense of, you know, community well being. So the individual farmer would quit farming for a day to go somewhere to help raise a barn, for example. People understood that the individual had to be embedded in a community in order to maximizeif you were a merchant, you needed people to sell to. If you were a farmer, you needed people to buy your products. And he talked about the habits of the heart. And he said, thats what set us apart from anybody else. And, you know, I think theres a lot of truth to that. We are a unique breed, and people come here from all over and kind of sign on to the social compact of what it means to be an American.

And we cant afford to let people, for their own personal reasons, whether they be political, commercial, or whatever, undermine that. So, yeah, theres a lot of to be said. And we need to say it more, and it doesnt just need to come from, you know, people on platforms. It needs to come from everybody.

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman.
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White House press secretary Josh Earnest had "a little fun" on Monday with Donald Trump's recent call for both candidates to take a drug test before the final presidential debate, incredulously asking reporters why "the candidate who snorted his way through the first two debates is accusing the other candidate of taking drugs?"

Earnest said later that he wasn't accusing Trump of using drugs, but was simply "trying to have a little fun."

The press secretary was referring to Trump's repeated apparent sniffling through the first two presidential debates, which set social media ablaze as viewers wondered if it was a nervous tic, a cold, or something else.

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, a 2004 Democratic presidential candidate, tweeted during the first debate that Trump was "sniffing all the time. Coke user?"

Dean later doubled down on the theory in an interview with MSNBC.

"Well, you can't make a diagnosis over the television. I would never do that. But that is actually is a signature of people who use cocaine," Dean said of the sniffling. "I'm suggesting that we think about it. It's an interesting consolation. He sniffed during the presentation, which is something that users do. He also has grandiosity, which is something that accompanies that problem."

Trump called for the pre-debate drug test at a rally in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on Saturday, suggesting without evidence that Clinton may have been on drugs during the second debate.

"We're like athletes," Trump said. "But athletes, they make them take a drug test, right? I think we should take a drug test prior to the debate."

"We should take a drug test because I don't know what's going on with her," Trump continued as the audience cheered. "Anyway, I'm willing to do it."

Trump said that at the beginning of the latest debate, at Washington University in St. Louis, Clinton was "all pumped up," and that by the end she could "barely reach her car."

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Gretchen S. Yeninas, a breast cancer survivor, shares her story and advice for early detection. As a breast cancer survivor, what advice do you have for others in monitoring their own health? I was 41 and just had my second mammogram when my cancer was found. And despite it being
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/10/2016 (2205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A local company is putting a 21st-century spin on an ancient craft that dates back more than 100,000 years  jewelry-making.

In the last six years, the owners of Sutton Smithworks  the husband-and-wife team of Tom and Peggy Sutton  have spent more than $100,000 on new, computerized equipment and technology for their downtown custom-jewelry shop.

If youre not changing and advancing, youre not growing as a company, Peggy Sutton explained.

Tom (centre) and Peggy Sutton with Toms son James Sutton at Sutton Smithworks, a 23-year-old jewelry shop that has been investing in a lot of new technology.

Their equipment purchases include two mills, some computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software, a laser welder, a 3D jewelry printer and a new casting machine that allows them to make jewelry castings in platinum, palladium and stainless steel  metals that are tougher to work with than the traditional gold or silver.

She noted that before getting the new casting machine, their shop  like all of the other jewelry shops they know of in the city  had to send that work to Toronto. Being able to do it in-house not only saves time and money, it gives them greater control over the jewelry-making process.

The 3D jewelry printer enables them to cast models in one piece rather than in two or three. Not only does that cut down on production time, it allows them to create hollow and intricate jewelry models they couldnt produce before.

Sutton noted their workshop is now equipped with eight computers that perform a variety of functions.

You wouldnt think that a goldsmith shop has a lot of computers, but we do, she added.

Stuart Henrickson, head of entrepreneurship at the University of Manitobas I.H. Asper School of Business, said on the face of it, it sounds as if Sutton Smithworks is doing all of the right things.

An imprint of a babys footprint with the name.

He said its never easy for businesses to determine if or when it should be investing in new technologies or how much it should invest. Especially if its in an old-world industry.

But jewelry-making is now getting into laser technology and 3D printing, etc., he added. It really is the way of the future, and it is important for them to stay ahead.

He said two bigger issues for entrepreneurs is making sure they can afford to make an investment and making sure theyre likely to see a big enough bump in revenue and profit to make their investment worthwhile.

You have to make sure you have enough capital because a great idea with great intentions may end up harming a company if they end up putting themselves too much in debt. Then if there is a market pullback, theres not enough income gain from it, he said.

So you always have to have a good feel for your industry and never take on too much debt that you cant handle, he added. There is never a perfect answer, but its the struggle of an entrepreneur.

Its not just new technology that Sutton Smithworks has been investing in over the last six years. Its also tripled the size of its staff: to nine, including the two of them, from three staffers.

Photos by RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A custom impression made for a customer with an image of a couple.

Some of the newer hires have included an apprentice goldsmith to help Tom, who is also a goldsmith; an accredited jewelry professional; another employee who is in the process of obtaining her accreditation; a technician; and a gemologist. The latter hire allows the company to offer jewelry appraisals.

You have to stand out as being different than most places, Sutton said. So were expanding the scope of everything we can do. It just allows us to be a little more of a one-stop shop.

With all of the recent investments in people and equipment, Sutton said the company has seen its yearly revenue grow by about 75 per cent since 2010.

During that time, the nature of their business has dramatically changed. Before, about 70 per cent of its revenue came from custom work it did for other jewelry shops and the rest from work it did for its own customers. Now its the other way around, with 80 per cent of its revenue coming from sales or work it does for its own customers and 20 per cent from work it does for other shops.

With all of the growth in business volume, staffing and equipment, the company outgrew the 1,400-square-foot premises it had been leasing since 1993, when Tom struck out on his own after the jewelry store he worked for went into receivership.

Last August, Sutton Smithworks moved into a new 2,000-square-foot space on the ground floor of a heritage building at 250 McDermot Ave., where it has room to continue growing.

An example of a custom-designed ring.

Were trying to build a future for our staff because eventually we want to retire. And our hopes are that our staff will purchase the business from us, Peggy Sutton added.

murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/10/2016 (2205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Emergency-response-trained Winnipeggers could soon be able to download an app to alert them if someone nearby is having a heart attack.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is requesting a $12,600 a year investment from the city for a phone app called PulsePoint.

Individuals who download the app would be sent a notification if they are in proximity to a cardiac arrest event that occurs in a public place.

Colin Corneau / Brandon Sun files The PulsePoint app would inform people trained in emergency response of the location of nearby automated external defibrillators.

This notification results in connecting patients in need of CPR with bystanders who are trained and ready to help save lives from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), says the written request by the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

PulsePoint will be connected with the citys 911 dispatch centre and those who sign up would receive a notification followed by a map display showing the dispatched location of the emergency. The map display also shows the exact location of the nearest automated external defibrillator (AED).

Last week, the Free Press reported staff from the Pembina Village Medical Clinic raced into a neighbouring Applebees restaurant on Pembina Highway in search of a defibrillator after a patient collapsed. The restaurant also did not have one and an ambulance had to be called.

In many cases, nearby AEDs have not been used when they may have made a big difference in a cardiac arrest situation, states the request.

The application aims to address this type of failure by informing citizen rescuers where the nearest AED is located  in real time and in context of their current location.

The request comes after the service was granted a research grant from the Canadian Institute for Health Research to participate in a research study related to crowd-sourcing for CPR and AED skills through the use of this app. The grant will chip in $16,500 annually for the next five years, with the service requesting the city chip in $12,600 annually in ongoing costs.

The request is one of two items from paramedics heading to Tuesdays committee on innovation meeting. The committee meets monthly to explore innovative ways to deliver civic services.

The service is also requesting almost $500,000 to outfit its fleet of ambulances with an automated CPR machine, called an AutoPulse.

Paramedics are asking for $430,000 to install the machines in each of their 24 ambulances to give consistent, timely and accurate CPR during emergency situations. The machines are expected to have a five-year lifespan.

During egress to the ambulance, meeting the standards set for CPR is an often arduous task. The patient must be carried around corners, up and down staircases, into elevators and down narrow hallways, states the request. Outside, paramedics and firefighters contend with snow banks, ice, mud, riverbanks and uneven terrain.

The automated, battery-powered AutoPulse machine fits onto a patient and squeezes the patients entire chest to improve blood flow to the heart and brain.

The service is in the midst of a six-month trial with the machines that began in August. The request notes it will provide data on the trial once it is available.

The AutoPulse is a device that provides consistent chest compressions in all circumstances encountered within the pre-hospital environment while maintaining compliance with the current standards of care, states the conclusion.

The AutoPulse will provide the consistency that the citizens need, and will contribute to improved patient survivability while reducing the potential for and actual lost-time injuries sustained by paramedics and firefighters during the provision of chest compressions.

kristin.annable@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/10/2016 (2205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Progressive Conservative government has hired a consultant to smooth the process for allowing provincial fishers to market their catch outside the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corp.

Signature Mediation, a Manitoba company specializing in dispute resolution, will consult with commercial fishers, indigenous groups and businesses to identify important issues and opportunities, according to a government news release.

It will identify any new regulations that will be needed to establish a new marketing system, establish a process for effective management of fish supplies and contact businesses that may want to develop local fish-processing facilities or marketing co-ops.

KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The province has hired a consultant to help commercial fisheries as the government withdraws from the fish marketing corporation.

The PCs, making good on an election promise, announced in August the province would withdraw from the fish marketing corporation.

We made a commitment to allow fishers to market their own catch and get out from under the monopoly of the FFMC, but we need a specialized team to help with the transition, Sustainable Development Minister Cathy Cox said.

Signature Mediation is a Manitoba company with years of experience helping people with different ideas reach mutually beneficial conclusions and we look forward to building a new era for Manitoba fishers, she said. This candidate (Signature) appealed specifically to the position of fisheries envoy because of its experience working with Manitoba Pork Marketing Co-op, playing an integral role in helping the hog industry in Manitoba transition into a flexible marketing system.

The consultant will submit its final report to government next spring, the minister said.

Meanwhile, the province has said the Crown corporation will continue to exist as a marketing option for fishers who choose to use its services.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/10/2016 (2205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Ive had a rare opportunity these last several weeks to be in Germany as a Fellow of the Bosch Academy working on the reform of refugee agreements and institutions.

Since summer 2015, the massive influx of refugees from the Middle East and parts of Africa has challenged long-held conventions and policies on immigration in Europe. A political backlash threatens the governing systems of the European Union and many of its members. In response, several governments are taking actions that contradict the spirit and the legal framework that have defined for decades the rights of those seeking asylum.

Germany has been at the epicentre of these developments. Since Chancellor Angela Merkels historic announcement last September of the opening Germanys borders to an estimated million refugees, citizens and governments at the national, regional and local level have been wrestling with tough questions on what this surge of newcomers from outside of Europe means for their accepted notions of governance and identity.

MARKUS SCHREIBER / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Cooperation between various levels of government and many volunteers has helped Syrian refugees arriving in the country.

The choreography of change, especially in an open democracy like Germany, is an intricate play of forces fascinating and admirable to observe firsthand  but, for those involved, difficult to manage with various competing outcomes.

It was providential that my last days on this phase of the project were in Munich. A year ago, this was where thousands of refugees first arrived at the central railroad station, looking for sanctuary after being buffeted about by unsympathetic Eastern European governments.

I had dinner with the young woman thrust into the daunting role of coordinating the refugees reception.

She described the reaction of the refugees who, after days and weeks of danger, risk and hostile treatment during their odyssey escaping the conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq or the state oppression in other countries like Ethiopia, was first disbelief, then gratitude, at arriving somewhere people cared and treated them with respect.

They initially feared being sealed away in camps. But that changed when they understood their destinations were to be reception centres for processing towards legal status.

It was an extraordinary organizational achievement to manage such large numbers of dislocated people in a humane, respectful way. At the core were 4,000 volunteers who brought food, bedding and tents, along with a personal outpouring of welcome. That made the difference.

But it couldnt have happened without the cooperation of the local police, emergency health personnel and the volunteer firemen who provided security services. She described a positive example of community and city government partnership to meet emerging problems, reminiscent of what happens in Winnipeg when floods threaten.

I wanted to know what had happened to the refugees since those dramatic days a year ago and how the volunteer power is being mobilized for the long haul.

There are growing grievances that a hierarchy of refugees from different national groups was being implemented by officialdom and the criteria for being accepted was becoming narrowly defined into the strict terms of fear of political persecution.

If youre a woman escaping harassment in Somalia or a gay person facing potential beating and cultural attacks in Pakistan, then chances were you would be sent back  even though the Refugee Convention clearly accommodates sexual risk.

The question of what is a refugee  and the compelling need for a different category definition  is one of the core issues in refugee reform. And increasingly, the volunteers who were the valiant first responders find themselves closed out of the more formalized state system.

But never underestimate the ingenuity of good-hearted people with an abundance of energy and skill. I met a group of young Germans who are an alliance of members of the youth wings of the various political parties, who work together in a non-partisan way on refugee interests. They jointly pursue three objectives: affordable housing, accessible education and participation by refugees in the decisions that affect them.

Lets hope that spirit is transmitted to their party elders.

The refugee crisis is not just a German issue. It is worldwide in scope and impact. Look over the horizon. You may already be able to see the growing numbers of desperate men, women and children being pushed out of their homelands by starvation, environmental degradation, rising coastal waters, destructive storms and shortages of water. Alexander Betts of Oxford Universitys Refugee Studies Centre calls this survival migration.

This is not like climate change, which erodes the ecosystem in a steady, often silent, way. The plight of millions of people pulling up stakes, surging across borders and drowning in rough seas has the shock-and-awe impact of an electric storm.

Germany has the capacity for leadership in this emerging global problem. Next year, it chairs the Global Forum on Migration and the G-20.

I believe Canadians should be working with German counterparts in government, community and business to fix public policy on refugees at the international, national and local level. That is where the Canadian experience needs to be brought to bear. Our model has relevance in trying to establish a true reset of global migration policies.

Otherwise, the broken system of international norms and practices carries with it enormous risk to the entire globe because the increasing pressure of mobility will be stymied, creating mounting pools of grievance and extremism.

Charles Taylor captures it best with these words: Our age makes higher demands of solidarity and benevolence on people today than ever before. Never before have people been asked to stretch out so far, and so consistently, so systematically, so as a matter of course to the stranger outside the gates.

Lloyd Axworthy is a former federal Liberal cabinet minister and is currently chairman of the CUSO board.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/10/2016 (2205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has just changed his mind again on climate change. After admitting at the recent G20 meetings in China that Canada is not ready to ratify the Paris Agreement, Trudeau has now decided to ratify it before reaching any agreement on carbon pricing with the provinces.

Worse, the minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, has said Canada would continue to use the same unambitious mitigation targets for Paris originated by the Harper Conservatives and previously criticized by the Liberals.

Faced with resistance to carbon pricing from Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, the federal government appears ready to go it alone on this issue, imposing a federal carbon tax which, in their view, will act as a floor price for carbon.

In short, the government is adopting a Meech Lake-type strategy, dragging the provinces kicking and screaming into a one-size-fits-all agreement. A bad idea historically, and not the consensus-based approach the Liberals promised during their election campaign.

So why choose this fractious route? There is really no pressure to ratify the Paris Agreement. The Liberals probably want to be part of the Big Party when the magic minimum of ratifiers is reached (as it soon will be), but ratification will go ahead with or without Canada. Its far more important in the long run to achieve a consensus on the means used to meet our Paris commitments than to use ratification as a blunt tool to force agreement.

Whats the best way to achieve a genuine national consensus? Here are a few ideas:

One, work with the provinces and territories to develop a more practical and ambitious set of Nationally Determined Contributions. The NDC submitted by the Conservatives in 2015 has been widely criticized as inadequate, and Canada has the right to revise it under the Paris Agreement. They should do this forthwith, using revision as a means of getting the provinces back to the table and allowing them to set their own emission targets. The revised NDC should include a formula stipulating proportionality in the provincial and territorial contributions  in short, guaranteeing that they contribute to the goals on a fair and equitable basis, using whatever method is most suitable.

Then, negotiate a phased and flexible approach to carbon pricing using a mixture of methods including regulations, cap-and-trade and taxes. Allow provinces that have already committed to carbon pricing  B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Quebec  to institute their current programs without federal interference and with no top up tax.

The other provinces (and territories) would commit to mitigation goals consistent with the federal goal, but would be allowed to use different methods and a realistic schedule to achieve them. A national accounting system would be set up, monitoring the annual contributions of the provinces in meeting the federal goals, with provisions for voluntary adjustments as needed. To ensure that there is a realistic chance of meeting the national targets, these adjustments could include penalties, but could also use offsets.

Third, offer the carrot of carbon offsets as an alternative means of achieving both the national and provincial goals. Offsets are the surplus credits (measured in tonnes of CO2 or the equivalent) earned by participants in a regulatory or market-based system of carbon mitigation. The surplus results from the fact that some participants will emit less than the targets or caps imposed by the central authority.

The EU allowed participants in its cap-and-trade system to purchase offsets to satisfy a set percentage of their reduction commitments. These offset credits could be obtained from other European companies or from external sources such as the Clean Development Mechanism. In Canada, Alberta used limited trading of offsets among participants in its Specified Gas Emitters Regulation programme; both Ontario and Quebec plan to do likewise as part of the Western Climate Initiative (WCI).

How would this work? Lets say Saskatchewan agrees to meet the NDC targets, but prefers to do so with its current system of targeted regulation. To ensure this happens, the agreement would stipulate that if Saskatchewan did not meet its proportional commitment to the NDC targets, it would have to use credits purchased from other provincial programmes, or from the Clean Development Mechanism and other credible international programmes, or indeed from the WCI.

As long as these offsets meet the standard set out in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement  that offsets must be additional to business-as-usual and have real, measurable, and long-term benefits  they would allow Saskatchewan to meet the NDC commitments without being forced to accept an imposed carbon tax.

In the long run, the feds may be able to wrestle the provinces into a broad consensus on carbon pricing, but at what cost in economic and political terms? Clearly, a go-slow approach in which the provinces work together to set targets and are permitted to adopt a hybrid and varied approach to meeting these targets is more likely to produce a stable and uniquely Canadian solution to the climate-change conundrum.

Geoff Stiles lives in Ottawa, consulting on climate change and renewable energy internationally, including work on the Clean Development Mechanism and carbon pricing.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/10/2016 (2205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As his political opponents are fond of saying, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was a drama teacher. Now hes running the country. Its hard to imagine the same thing happening in the United States.

In politics, money is power, but there are clear differences in the U.S. compared with Canada on just how much money is necessary to run a political campaign.

The 2015 federal election in Canada was more than twice as long as the one in 2011, lasting 78 days compared with the previous 36 days. Even though expenses are eligible to be partially rebated, parties and their candidates need to have funds in place beforehand to run a campaign. In a longer election period, parties with the most money can outspend and possibly outlast their opponents.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

The assumption in 2015 was the Conservatives had more in the bank, and it was to their advantage to call for a long campaign. But as Prime Minister Trudeaus principal secretary Gerald Butts revealed in June, the Liberals actually outspent the Conservatives by $1.2 million for a total tally of $43 million.

Thats nothing compared with our neighbours to the south, especially given the role played by political action committees, or PACs.

In the U.S., by Sept. 20, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton had raised US$373.3 million, with super-PACs raising an additional US$152.7 million.

Republican candidate Donald Trumps campaign had raised US$165.9 million, with super-PACs raising an additional US$16.2 million. And thats for the presidential campaign alone.

Between her campaign and super-PACs, Clinton had yet to spend US$131.8 million of that; in Trumps case, he had US$56.1 million left. Not exactly chump change.

How does a candidate raise that kind of cash? In 2008, U.S. President Barack Obama capitalized on the power of a multitude of small donations to carry his campaign, pulling off an upset victory in becoming the Democratic nominee.

The norm in U.S. politics is PACs often determine who has the ability to become the front-runner.

There has been some concern PACs would become increasingly common in Canada, but despite concern over groups such as left-leaning Engage Canada or the short-lived conservative HarperPAC, it seems the overt third-party campaigning isnt on the same level.

Which is not to say a teacher gets to the PMO without a lot of help, either. Having a former PM for a father doesnt hurt, and the federal Liberals did a lot of fundraising while in the political wilderness.

As well, Conservative MP Tony Clement ended his bid to become leader of the federal party this week, citing a lack of financial support.

So we shouldnt be too blase about the political circus to the south. Power and privilege  and money  talk plenty loud in Canada, too. And thats hardly democratic.
The rogues gallery from the Millville Rod and Gun Shop burglary keeps on growing.

On Monday, a complaint was filed in Winona County District Court against Dominic Joseph Stanley, 18, of Winona, charging him with receiving stolen property.

According to the complaint, an unnamed individual visited Stanley a few days after the Sept. 2 burglary of the southeast Minnesota store, bringing with him a .22-caliber handgun and telling Stanley Dude, we just robbed a gun shop, according to a criminal complaint.

The individual told Stanley he wanted $200 for the gun and left it with him.

In time, Stanley thought better of the deal, and returned the gun to the person who provided it.

Stanley made his first appearance in Winona County District Court Monday. Bond was set at $30,000.

Stanley is the latest of several individuals facing charges in Winona and Wabasha counties related to the early morning break-in at the Millville Rod and Gun Shop. The burglary netted thieves nearly 80 handguns, plus a large amount of ammunition.

Trinity James Wicka, 19, of Winona, faces burglary charges in Wabasha County, accused of working with two accomplices to force open the front door of the shop. He was arrested Sept. 10 in Austin, Minn.

Sam Derek Emery, 40, of Stockton, and Sasha Marie Erdner, 29, of Peterson, Minn., have been charged in Wabasha County District Court with one count each of aiding an offender after the fact.

Two Winona men  Cody Charles Dickenson, 19, and Jeremy Wayne Polus, 41  have been arrested and charged in Winona County District Court for possessing firearms stolen from the shop.

Guns taken in the burglary were also been linked to Sept. 2 armed robberies in Winona.
A tire-squealing takeoff ended in gross-misdemeanor charges against a Rollingstone man.

Jonathan Richard Rose, 24, is charged with two counts of criminal vehicular operation (causing bodily harm and leaving the scene of the crash), and one count of failing to report a personal injury crash to police.

According to the complaint filed against Rose in Winona County District Court, about 10:41 p.m. on Sept. 9 a pickup truck driven by Rose crashed head-on into a power pole on the 100 block of Main Street in Rollingstone. The truck sustained disabling damage to the front end, the air bags deployed, and the vehicle was leaking anti-freeze. The power pole suffered moderate damage, and a transformer was knocked off into the street and destroyed.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they found the truck abandoned, with doors unlocked and ajar and keys in the ignition.

Witnesses told law enforcement that the driver and two passengers left the scene in a silver Dodge pickup. Witnesses identified Rose as the driver, and the passengers as a 25-year-old Utica man and a 22-year-old man from Oakdale, Minn.

The passengers were later located by deputies, and found to have been injured in the crash, one with injuries severe enough to be transported by ambulance for treatment.

Two days later, Rose came to the Winona County Law Enforcement Center Sunday to claim his truck, which had been towed. He admitted he had been driving and that he intended to break em loose a little bit, but lost control and hit the power pole. He said he left the scene because he was afraid he would lose wages if his employer found he was involved in a crash.
Upon graduation from law school, Carmaine Sturino began her legal career in Caledonia as a law clerk for the Honorable James A. Fabian. Her practice of law was exclusive to the 3rd Judicial District.

In Houston County, the honorable James A. Fabian was required, like all other judges, to retire at age 70, which was about one and a half years before the next general election. Judge Sturino was appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton in September 2015, and, therefore, she must file as a candidate for the upcoming November 2016 general election. Because she has been appointed she will appear on the ballot as the incumbent.

Houston County is only one county within the 3rd Judicial District  there are 11 in the state. The counties are: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca and Winona counties. This means that all voters of the 3rd District will be voting to determine who is seated in Houston County.

Judge Sturino took the Minnesota state bar in 2001 and lived in La Crescent and Winona. She has only practiced law in Minnesota. You must be a resident of the state for at least 30 days prior to applying for a judicial vacancy.

Sturino's opponent has lived and practiced mostly in Wisconsin. This is why we believe you should cast your vote Nov. 8 for Judge Sturino. Be sure to turn your ballot over to vote for the judges!

Lawrence and Loretta Knutson, Brent and Nikki Kimmerle,

Caledonia, Winona
Please join us in voting for Tim Guth as our new 3rd Judicial District judge for seat 16 in Houston County.

As a Caledonia native and resident, Guth is the only truly local person on the ballot. He understands and has a solution on how to save taxpayer money by avoiding the unnecessary costs that occur in the court system when time is spent by court administrators, jurors, witnesses and police officers waiting for cases that are eventually settled out of court.

Guth has 28 years of legal experience, including 68 jury trials. With his work as both a prosecuting and defense attorney, he has gained insight into the problems that drugs are causing in our communities. Lets let him introduce a drug court to our county.

With Guths background as a veteran serving our country as a Green Beret, he is the best candidate to help our veterans in need. He will introduce a veterans court to assist war veterans dealing with PTSD, drug and alcohol issues.

Vote for Tim Guth on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Paul and Rose Weichert,

Caledonia
The Sauk County Board is scheduled to vote Tuesday on the distribution of nearly $1 million to local projects that have conservation and environmental protection goals.

The resolution up for consideration includes funds for nine projects. But one board member says he hopes to persuade fellow supervisors to restore funding for one project that was removed from the list: Solar panels on county buildings.

What exactly this project is going to look like, thats up in the air right now, said Supervisor Scott Von Asten, who chairs the boards Property and Insurance Committee.

In 2015, that committee tried to partner with a Viroqua company, E3 Coalition, to enter whats known as a third party solar agreement. Such agreements allow local governments to capitalize on federal incentives available to private firms related to the installation of solar panels. However, the deal fell through.

Nevertheless, Von Asten said the committees push to get solar panels on county buildings remains alive.

In August, the committee recommended the county use a portion of money it was slated to receive due to the construction of a high-power electricity line to fund the solar project.

ATC funds come through

Earlier this year, the county was notified it will receive $908,645 in environmental impact fees due to the construction of the American Transmission Companys 345,000-volt transmission line from La Crosse to Madison.

State law says the funds must be used only for park, conservancy, wetland or other similar environmental programs, unless the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin grants special approval for an alternative use.

In July, the county asked local government agencies and organizations with projects that might qualify for funding to submit requests.

Following months of deliberations, the boards Finance Committee voted in September to fund nine of the 18 proposals it received. Requests totaled $3.2 million, meaning more than $2.2 million in projects were denied funds.

Among the list of rejected projects was the Property and Insurance Committees request for an injection of $300,000 into the solar panel initiative.

During an August meeting, Sauk County Board Chair Marty Krueger said the solar panel project had been in limbo for too long, and was not near enough to completion to qualify for funding.

He moved to nix the Property and Insurance Committees proposal from the list, and suggested the county instead spend $225,000 of the ATC funds to build energy efficient systems into the construction of a government building at White Mound Park.

During an interview Monday, Von Asten said he believes the county would get a better bang for its buck by funding the solar panel project, which he said is still in the works. The Property and Insurance Committee recently received proposals from two firms that would partner on the solar project.

Von Asten said he plans to offer an amendment to the resolution that will be considered Tuesday that would put $150,000 back into the solar project, leave $50,000 for energy efficient systems on the White Mound building, and put $25,000 toward a study that would measure the impact of the ATC line on migratory birds.

River corridor project to benefit

Under the resolution that will be considered Tuesday, the biggest beneficiary of ATC funds would be a multi-governmental initiative to improve the Baraboo River corridor from Union Center to Portage.

The first phase of the Baraboo River Corridor plan would receive $250,000 of the nearly $1 million that is available. That would include $100,000 for the city of Baraboo, $100,000 for the village of West Baraboo, and $50,000 for the village of North Freedom.

North Freedom Village Board President Rick Hehenberger said the money will help fund improvements to the villages boat launching area.

If not for that money, we probably would have had to delay construction of our boat landing because we wouldnt have had enough funds, Hehenberger said.

Also Tuesday, the board will hear a summary of the 2017 budget proposal that the board is slated to consider for final approval in November.
A tray of cookies and apple cider greeted visitors as they walked into John Youngs art studio along Second Avenue in Baraboo.

Inside, he showed off his moody paintings and serigraphs of serene landscapes. He even gave a brief tutorial on his process, which includes layering separate color pieces one by one to create a scene.

Most of these are of local scenes, he said as he pointed to a representation of the train depot near the corner of Walnut and Lynn streets.

This weekend was the 23rd Fall Art Tour, which highlights artists in Baraboo, Spring Green, Dodgeville and Mineral Point. It is Wisconsins oldest rural art tour, and attracts visitors from other communities.

Two of those visitors were Tom and Tammy Koenigs of Fond du Lac, who found out about the tour on the website for Discover Wisconsin, a television show that highlights the states best tourist destinations. In celebration of their 21st anniversary, the Koenigs hopped in their car and headed for Baraboo on Saturday.

We plan to head to Spring Green and Dodgeville after this, Tammy Koenig said as they left Youngs studio Saturday afternoon.

Tom Koenigs said he was impressed by Char terBeest Kudlas blown glass and jewelry. Her studio was the second stop on the Baraboo tour, at 700 Second St.

Downtown Baraboo was buzzing Saturday afternoon, as art enthusiasts shuffled in and out of the Cornerstone Gallery at the corner of Fourth and Oak streets. The downtown shop served as headquarters for the Baraboo portion of the three-day tour.
Ruth Buelke

Ruth E. Buelke went to her heavenly home Oct. 15, 2016. She was the last survivor of 10 children, born Nov. 9, 1916, to Robert and Lydia Zastrow of Juneau. In 1936 she married Lester Buelke and they farmed near Juneau for the next half century. Ruth was a hard worker, with a do-what-you-gotta-do attitude, being a mother and housewife and farm wife, and later worked at various jobs to help support their three children through higher education and eventually their own retirement.

Ruth and Lester enjoyed traveling, especially to visit their children who scattered around the country, to visit friends, and to just enjoy the scenery of our great land. They ventured overseas several times to Europe, Israel and Thailand, and made friends there with whom they still kept in contact.

She was the glue that held the family together, helping to care for her mother and sisters in their declining years, nurturing and guiding her children, and nursing Lester as his health failed prior to his passing in 1999. Her son-in-law, Dean Phay also preceded her in death in 1996. She is survived by all three of her children, Robert of Juneau, Donald (Teckla) of Victor, Montana, and Rhoda Phay of Steilacoom, Washington; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

With age and health issues developing, she decided to leave her home of 74 years in 2000 and move to an assisted living facility in Horicon. In 2001 she chose to move west to be closer to Donald and Rhoda who alternately kept her in their homes until 2012. At that point she moved into Remington Assisted Living Center in Hamilton, Montana, near Don. Mom was a blessing to all those around her, and especially to her children in teaching them the way to salvation on her lap and at her feet.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m. at St. Johns Ev. Lutheran Church in Juneau. The Rev. Paul Schupmann will officiate. Visitation is Thursday from 10 a.m. to the time of the service at the church. Interment will be at Juneau City Cemetery.

Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home-Juneau is serving the family. Visit www.berndt-ledesma.com.
Columbus Community Hospital hosted the annual Walk in the Park at Firemans Park in Columbus on Sept. 28 with all proceeds benefiting the Columbus Fire Department.

More than 50 area community members attended in support of the Columbus Fire Department, who will use the funds to purchase lifesaving equipment such as the new drone the department purchased in 2016. Columbus Fire Department Chief Randy Koehn and members of the Columbus Fire Department provided a demonstration of the drone for participants before, during and after the walk.

Columbus Community Hospital organizes the Walk in the Park each year to benefit a local cause. Past donations have been given to the Columbus Police Department Medication Disposal Box, Columbus Area Senior Center Equipment Loan Closet, Horsing Around playground equipment, the Columbus Firemans Park Pavilion Elevator Fund, the Columbus and Fall River Food Pantry, Columbia County Project Lifesaver, the CCH Wellness Walkway, the American Diabetes Association and more.

For more information regarding the Walk in the Park, call 920-623-1280.
JUNEAU  A 20-year-old Randolph man accused of assaulting Randolph Police Chief Michael Klavekoske while being observed at Beaver Dam Community Hospital made his initial appearance in court on Monday.

Brandon M. Washburn faces a felony charge of battery to a law enforcement officer, and misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. If he is found guilty he faces up to six years and seven months in jail and $11,500 in fines.

Washburn appeared before Dodge County Circuit Court Commissioner Steven Seim who set a $1,000 signature bond. As a condition of his bond, Washburn may have no violent or abusive contact with anyone and may not use or possess any controlled substances or drug paraphernalia.

According to the criminal complaint, one of Washburns family members contacted Randolph police on May 16 because of concerns over his mental health. The woman said that Washburn had told her that he had walked with his dog to a house seven miles away on May 13  after his dog had told him to break into the house to save a girl.

Randolph police located a home near Cambria that had a break in similar to what the woman described. The woman said Washburn became upset with the dog because there was no girl to be found at the home.

Officers had previous contact with Washburn. Officers were called to Randolph High School on May 12 because of a disturbance Washburn was causing at the school. According to the criminal complaint, Washburn told officers that he was at the school to get his transcripts.

Randolph Police contacted Dodge County officials and they agreed to do an emergency detention on May 16. When police went to Washburns house, he admitted to possessing marijuana.

Washburn was taken into custody and was taken to Beaver Dam Community Hospital. Washburn was calm initially, but became irritated and told officers that there was sinning going on and he wanted to leave the hospital. Washburn got out of his handcuffs several times.

According to the criminal complaint, one of the times Washburn got out of the handcuffs he swung and punched Klavekoske. A struggle began and Washburn tried to grab Klavekoskes gun. Klavekoske gained control of the situation and a Dodge County Deputy drew his Taser in order to resolve the situation. Washburn was taken to Winnebago Mental Health Facility.

He will appear in court again for a review hearing on Nov. 9 at 8:15 a.m. and again on Dec. 8 at 8:30 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.
Three Sauk County men face charges related to the severe beating of a man outside a Reedsburg restaurant last month.

The Sauk County District Attorneys Office has charged the men with substantial battery and disorderly conduct. Two of the men also face charges of obstructing an officer.

According to the criminal complaint, an officer was called to the Reedsburg Pizza Hut on Sept. 22 for a report that someone had been beat up. A man at the scene had cuts to his face and was bleeding from the face.

The alleged victim told an officer that he had gone to the Motel Reedsburg to pick up his girlfriend. As he walked with her to the Pizza Hut, he was jumped by the men, who then fled the scene in a white truck and a white convertible with a black top.

An officer located a convertible similar to the one described by the injured man at the Motel Reedsburg, according to the complaint. He then interviewed its owner, 19-year-old Eric. W. Ziebell of Reedsburg, who denied being in the fight.

But his friend, 30-year-old Andrew J. Turner of Baraboo, allegedly told the officer that the group followed the alleged victim to Pizza Hut and beat him up before returning to the hotel.

The complaint says a pizza delivery driver corroborated the story, telling police that he pulled into the restaurants parking lot to see a group of men kicking and hitting another man who was on the ground. He contradicted Ziebells story, saying the Reedsburg man indeed did participate in the beating.

Authorities say another man who was charged in the beating, 51-year-old Daniel S. Hall, was extremely intoxicated when interviewed by the police, and denied taking part in the beating. A preliminary breath test suggested that his blood alcohol level was .339, which is more than four times the legal limit.

Each of the three men face charges of misdemeanor disorderly conduct and felony battery, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 3 1/2 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Hall and Ziebell also face charges of obstructing an officer.

Turner was convicted misdemeanor battery and resisting an officer in a 2007 case, according to court records. The three men are due to appear in Sauk County Circuit Court on Wednesday afternoon.
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke Jr. and U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble don't agree on much in this election, especially when it comes to the candidacy of Donald Trump.

But they agree on one thing  the tone of this presidential campaign is not one to be proud of.

Were in such a lewd place now with this campaign, said Clarke, a supporter and surrogate for Trump, on UpFront With Mike Gousha Sunday on WKOW Ch. 27. It sickens the American people.

I dont think morality is relative, said Ribble, a Republican retiring from Congress who announced over a year ago that he would not support Trump, in a separate interview. Its absolutely static. Theres a right and a wrong to things. When you look at some of the language thats been used by presidential candidates, its a bridge too far for my Baptist roots.

Gousha pressed Clarke on whether the notorious 2005 tape in which Trump bragged that he could kiss and grope women and get away with it because of his celebrity status has hurt the campaign. Just the opposite, Clarke said.

Its rallied his base, including women who support Trump. (They) came out swinging, came out with pitchforks and torches to support their candidate, Clarke said. Some of the stuff he said was inappropriate. But it was 11 years ago. Why are they using that now? You mentioned Bill Clinton who did not just talk lewd and make off-color comments, but acted it out in the Oval Office in real time.

The pretaped interview did not mention allegations by nine women that claim Trump did kiss and grope them against their will, so it may have been taped before that news broke. Clarke said it was shameful that some elected Republicans rescinded endorsements of Trump last weekend after the tape leaked.

Its shameful for some of these GOP people who jumped ship over the weekend without standing and fighting, Clarke said.

Ribble was off the Trump Train long before last weekends developments, and said he will likely figure out who he will vote for when enters the voting booth on Nov. 8. It won't be Clinton, though.

Im exactly in the same place I was a year ago. I cant get there, but I certainly dont condemn anyone who does.

Whoever wins on Election Day, it seemed clear that the populist movement within the Republican party will still be there. Clarke said the movement backing Trump is the result of GOP politicians who didnt follow the will of the Republican base when they got control of the U.S. Senate after the 2014 midterms.

The reason why were where were at today is because the establishment, the big donors, the party elites, they tuned out on the base, on the voters, Clarke said.

Ribble said it's hard to predict what their impact on the Republican Party is going to be.

The populist movement within the party is relatively large, Ribble said. The anti-trade, anti-immigrant movement in the country has gelled. Its there holding up Donald Trumps candidacy. It may have some broader implications post-election. I think Republicans are going to have to figure that out after the election once they see the results.
Staff members at The Rainbow Project held their eyes closed as they were led into their office Sunday at 831 E. Washington Ave. When they opened their eyes, they were met by interior designers and a redesigned workplace.

I didnt know that angels came in the form of interior designers, Sharyl Kato said.

Kato is the executive director of The Rainbow Project, a nonprofit where children and families can come for counseling after experiencing abuse or trauma. The organization has been in the same building for decades, and its age was showing.

Motivated by the work and community outreach of The Rainbow Project, as well as the stained carpet and torn furniture, Design for a Difference came in to give the organization a more hospitable environment.

Design for a Difference is a philanthropic project started three years ago by the International Design Guild with local projects happening around the country. The Madison branch is run by showroom FLOOR360 and its president, Bob Tobe. Tobe and Design for a Difference gathered Madison showrooms and designers together to redesign a nonprofits space for the second year.

In 2015, the Respite Center received a facility redesign, and this year, The Rainbow Project was chosen for its 36 years of work in the Madison community and its need for building redevelopment funds.

They spend all their money on services and salaries, said Tobe, who helped select The Rainbow Project. They didnt spend their money even to buy a new couch.

In the 36 years since The Rainbow Project opened, Kato said there has always been a waiting list. Instead of redecorating, the group allocated its funding and donations toward helping more people.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars were donated in the form of furniture, paint and new technology, and 32 designers  more than twice as many as last year  volunteered their time and expertise to redesign each counseling room and office within the building. An interior design class at UW-Madison also assisted Design for a Difference by taking control of the hallways as a class project.

Our challenge was making (the space) cohesive between 27 people, student Devon Liermann said.

The students and their instructor, Lesley Sager, created and placed brown cutouts of animals and children playing on the pale, blueish-gray walls. Their motivation was to create a welcoming area for visitors whether they enter the facility through the front or back entrance.

Design for a Difference spokesman and HGTV presenter Mark Brunetz led the staff from the sidewalk into the new waiting room. As people entered the room and opened their eyes, their expressions revealed pure joy.

It finally feels like a space that reflects how deeply we care about what we do, clinician Christen Brockner said, after seeing the new couches and wall hangings that staff members said looked professional but fun.

The process to redesign The Rainbow Project started when the nonprofit was selected from around 25 candidates in March. Then designers began to talk with counselors at The Rainbow Project and develop ideas. The final stage started 10 days ago, when designers took over the building and began their work.

Design for a Difference has three goals, according to Tobe: redesign the nonprofits space to be more functional, provide more exposure to the nonprofit and give designers an opportunity to help their community in a meaningful way.

Its using the power of design to give back to the community, Tobe said.

A few members of the staff as well as some designers had tears in their eyes when the unveiling took place in the waiting room. Both sides said it was a rewarding experience, as designers were able to help people in their city and the staff now has a brighter and welcoming environment to work with children.

Kato said having the community come together to recognize their efforts to help traumatized children and families validates the groups importance.

Its really important just to have the awareness that we matter, and then that means the population we serve matters, Kato said.

More importantly, Kato said, the work of the designers and contributors of Design for a Difference will change the lives of the people who come to The Rainbow Project  people who come from backgrounds where they are forced to become distrusting and pessimistic. Now, they have a space to see that people around them care.

When people do things out of kindness, the clients know that, Kato said. They know that these folks didnt have to do what they did and they voluntarily did it. That fundamentally changes their world view.
Patrick Kraemer was declared mentally competent Monday to face trial in January for the April 2013 death of Traci Rataczak, his then live-in girlfriend.

Kraemer, 48, appeared in Columbia County Circuit Court following transfer from the Columbia County Jail to Mendota Mental Health Institute for treatment and for competency recommendation.

Judge W. Andrew Voigt ordered Kramer to be transferred to Mendota in a competency hearing on March 14 in which Kraemer argued for representing himself through his upcoming trial. Throughout proceedings, Kraemer told the court that given the opportunity, he would present facts that would speak for themselves.

In 2013 the Columbia County Sheriffs Office responded to a call from a man  a neighbor who had stopped by  who, on the evening of April 8, told officers he went into the basement of the house and halfway down the stairs, saw the 43-year-old Rataczak hanging by an extension cord from one of the floor joists.

On Sept. 11, 2014, a warrant was issued for Kraemers arrest and four days later he was charged with first-degree homicide and jailed on a $450,000 cash bond.

Complicating the April hearing was Kraemers disorganized delivery and occasional cryptic comments referring to Rataczak and other members of the family. The hearing also came after a request by Kraemer to have a speedy trial within 60 days of request, shifting the timeline by months, a request that was later dropped as Kraemer also dismissed defense attorneys Steven Sarbacker and Gerald Boyle.

On Monday the prosecution side of the court was filled with friends and family of Rataczak, with family of Kraemer sitting behind the defense table.

I went out to Mendota with the report and we discussed it, said defense attorney Mark Frank, and he and I are both in agreement with the recommendations made within the report.

Before an official decision was made, Frank asked that Kraemer be directly addressed.

Mr. Kraemer, my recollection is that you claimed to be competent at all times during this proceeding and it was really only after some exploration that we went down the road that we went, said Voigt. What is your position today, do you believe that you are competent or not?

Yes, I do judge, Kraemer said.

Then, I have heard from everybody I could hear from about the topic and will find that Mr. Kraemer is competent to proceed at this time, said Voigt.

Before moving on, Frank pointed out that in the competency report, the doctor diagnosed Kraemer with a severe bi-polar condition in partial remission. I think Mr. Kraemers ability to focus and stay on topic has a lot to do with medications he has been receiving in Mendota, said Frank. So, just to indicate for the record, I agree with the doctor, he needs to continue with those medications and if there is a failure at the jail, he could become incompetent.

Voigt agreed with Frank in being hopeful of continued treatment, but that he would not make any orders of the jail or Columbia County Sheriffs Office before any indication of an imminent issue.

Moving on to the trial, scheduled for Jan. 17 to Jan. 27, Voigt asked Frank, Do you think that first, the nine days will be enough time?

Yes.

Is it too much time?

I think you would have to talk to the prosecutor on that, said Frank.

Its not too much time, judge, said Wisconsin Assistant Attorney General Robert Kaiser, going on to suggest a lengthening of the court day by an hour. We would think we can do it in that amount of time. We would hope if we start at 8:30 a.m. we can go until 5:30 p.m. That would help.

So youre concerned that nine days isnt enough, asked Voigt.

No, I think we can do it assuming we can put in that size of day.
Chad Lewis has a motto: If you arent getting scared, you arent looking hard enough.

The Eau Claire resident and paranormalist will deliver a presentation on the paranormal at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Ruth Culver Library in Prairie Du Sac, just in time for Halloween. His presentation will focus on local and regional haunts.

Lewis said participants will take a visual road trip to the most haunted places in the state. Ill have photos of places, drawings, the equipment we use in our investigations and more.

Lewis, who has a background in psychology, said the people he most often deals with are those who are normal, rational and down-to-earth who have had something happen they just cant explain. They want to make sure they arent going crazy  have someone to believe them.

Lewis got involved in the paranormal at a young age. I blame it on my home state, he said. Not only does Wisconsin claim to be the UFO capital of the world I grew up close to one of those sites. I was interested in what people said they were seeing.

In college, Lewis studied psychology, which helped him understand why some people believe in the supernatural and others do not.

I think having that background plays a big part because you are looking at the folklore side of human perceptions and learning not to ask leading questions, Lewis said. I am looking for signs someone is being deceitful.

In college, Lewis had to do a lot of research, experience he says helps him collect evidence surrounding unusual episodes as he searches through historical papers and talks to people.

By far 98 percent of the people I talk to are in category of they had something happen they cant explain, he said. Very rarely do I get someone trying to hoax it on purpose.

Lewis encourages believes and non-believers alike to attend and determine for themselves.

Lewis will talk about a local house that he came across in his research, which has all the traditional signs of haunting: knocking and rapping, but also some spookier events like seeing an indentation on the side of the bed at night.

Those are my favorite ones; the ones that happen right in our own backyard. Lewis will add some Madison and Baraboo haunts during his presentation. In some cases, these are places people have gone to and not even known (they could be haunted).

Ruth Culver Community Library Assistant Director Meagan Spatz said the presentation is out of the ordinary for the library, but generating interest.

We are already getting calls. He goes to a lot of libraries; our friends group recommended him. And its a good time of year with Halloween coming up, she said. Lewis is something different than speakers and programs we have had in the past.

Why do people enjoy the unexplained?

Its the adventure of it, Lewis said. Thats the interesting part. This time of year I get a lot of skeptics, those who are not sure if they believe but they are curious."

Lewis said the presentations draw a wide range of age groups.

"Its not visually gruesome, so kids over 8 might find it fun," he said. I think its the parents who are more afraid because of the psychological aspect of it.
Update on incidents and restrictions on campus

Senior Executive Team update on incidents on Wits campus.

Dear Colleagues and Students

Academic programme

The academic programme continues today, Monday, 17 October 2016.

Incidents

Several fires were started in dustbins across the Braamfontein campuses on Friday evening and were extinguished by Protection Services. Several buildings were stoned and windows were smashed at the Matrix Building. Several roads were barricaded both on and off campus and they were cleared.

A security guard was assaulted outside the Men's Residence and his vehicles windows were broken. On two occasions, stun grenades and rubber bullets were used to disperse students.

This morning, students started two fires on public roads and at an intersection and a bus stop in Parktown. The police have controlled the situation and traffic is now flowing freely. We have reports of students trying to blockade the entrances to residences and in three cases tried to lock students into residences. All these issues have been resolved.

The University was alerted last night that a student who allegedly went missing yesterday. He was apparently located in the early hours of this morning. This matter is being investigated by Protection Services. The Office of the Dean of Students is working on bringing the student back to campus today.

Evening restrictions on campus

There have been multiple legitimate requests from students who need to access University facilities for study purposes after 10pm. The University will publish a list of learning areas and computer laboratories later today which will remain open after 10pm. Students will have to be in these venues before 10pm and will be escorted back to their residences by Protection Services thereafter. For all other areas, the restrictions will remain in place from 10pm until 6am.

All other special requests for students to be out of residences and walking on campus after 10pm must be channeled via the Registrar, Ms Carol Crosley via Carol.Crosley@wits.ac.za

All emergencies should be reported to (011) 717-4444.

Arrests

Three students will appear in court today. Two were arrested in Braamfontein on Friday night, while the third student was arrested in the early hours of Saturday morning. The students case has been postponed until tomorrow and he is to remain in custody.

Police entering residences

Please note that police are not allowed to enter residences unless it is to apprehend individuals involved in criminal activity. Going forward, all police officers are to be accompanied by Protection Services officials when entering any residence. All video footage is being regularly watched to monitor incidents in residences. Anyone who has any complaints about the excessive use of force by private security or Protection Services or the should report it to Mokgawa.Kobe@wits.ac.za or in the case of the police to the Independent Police Investigations Department (IPID).

Please report all incidents of violence and/or injuries to Protection Services as well. All emergencies should be reported via (011) 717-4444  it is manned 24 hours.

Misinformation

There is much misinformation spreading on social media and we ask students and staff to be circumspect about information that is circulated without evidence. Please follow @Wits_News and @WitsUniveristy and www.facebook.com/witsuniversity or visit www.wits.ac.za for updates from Wits.

Thank you

SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM

17 OCTOBER 2016 (12:00)
China Mobile Limited provides mobile telecommunications and related services in Mainland China and Hong Kong. The company offers local calls; domestic and international long distance calls and roaming services; and value-added services, such as caller identity display, call waiting, conference calls, and others. It also provides wireless Internet service, as well as digital applications comprising music, video, reading, gaming, and animation; wireline broadband services; and wireline voice services. In addition, it offers dedicated line and IDC services to corporate customers in a range of industry sectors; and basic corporate communication products comprising corporate VPMN and SMS, and tailor made solutions. Further, the company provides international telecommunications services, which includes IDD, roaming, Internet, MNC, and value added business services. Additionally, it offers telecommunications network planning, design, and consulting services; roaming clearance, IT system operation, and technology support services; value-added platform development and maintenance services; mobile data, and system integration and development services; network construction and maintenance, network planning and optimizing, and training services; electronic communication products design and sale of related products; and non-banking financial services. It also provides mobile cloud research and development services; call center services; e-payment, e-commerce, and Internet finance services; and mobile Internet digital content services, as well as operates a network and business coordination center. The company serves 950 million mobile customers and 187 million wireline broadband customers. The company was formerly known as China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited and changed its name to China Mobile Limited in May 2006. The company was incorporated in 1997 and is based in Central, Hong Kong. China Mobile Limited is a subsidiary of China Mobile Hong Kong (BVI) Limited.
The Boeing Company is the worlds largest manufacturer of airplanes and commands more than 50% of the market in some channels and categories. The company and its family of subsidiaries design, develops, manufacture, sell, service, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight, and related services worldwide. The company operates through four segments including Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital providing products and services to end-users in 150 countries.

Boeing got its start in 1910 when William E. Boeing developed a love for aircraft. Soon after he takes his first plane ride which leads him to build a hangar and begin construction of his first plane. The onset of WWI helped spur the companys growth but business was cut drastically in its wake. The start of WWII was another milestone for the company and one that led to its current position of dominance. The company was incorporated in 1916 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. Boeing employs over 140,000 people in 65 countries making it one of the most diverse employers on the planet.

The Commercial Airplanes segment is built around the iconic 7-series which includes the 737, 747, and 787. The segment provides commercial jet aircraft for passenger and cargo requirements, as well as fleet support services for regional, national, and international air carriers and logistics and freight companies. In terms of global volume, the company estimates about 90% of all air freight is carried aboard one of its jets. This segment also includes the Dreamliner family of planes. The Dreamliner is a game-changing airplane for many carriers as it opens up the potential for new one-stop destinations because of its capacity and range.

The Defense, Space & Security segment develops and manufactures a range of systems including manned and unmanned aircraft, missiles, missile defense systems, satellites, communications equipment, and intelligence systems for governments. Among the many iconic brands within this segment are the AH-64 Apache, Air Force One, B-52, C-17 Globemaster, Chinook, F/A-18, and the V-22 Osprey VTOL aircraft used by the Marines.

The Global Services segment offers a range of products and services that include supply chain and logistics management, engineering, maintenance, upgrades, conversions, spare parts, pilot and maintenance training, technical and maintenance documents, and data analytics to its commercial and defense customers.

Boeing is also a leader in innovation, leveraging its many decades and avenues of experience to further aerospace and defense technology. Among the many innovations is the MQ-25 Stingray which will be the worlds first autonomous aircraft. The Stingray is only one of many areas of research that also include drones and undersea vehicles.
Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, Gas Utilities and Infrastructure, and Commercial Renewables. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest; and uses coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, renewable generation, and nuclear fuel to generate electricity. It also engages in the wholesale of electricity to municipalities, electric cooperative utilities, and load-serving entities. This segment serves approximately 8.2 million customers in 6 states in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States covering a service territory of approximately 91,000 square miles; and owns approximately 50,259 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure segment distributes natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and power generation natural gas customers; and owns, operates, and invests in pipeline transmission and natural gas storage facilities. It has approximately 1.6 million customers, including 1.1 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as 550,000 customers in southwestern Ohio and northern Kentucky. The Commercial Renewables segment acquires, owns, develops, builds, and operates wind and solar renewable generation projects, including nonregulated renewable energy and energy storage services to utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and corporate customers. It has 23 wind, 178 solar, and 2 battery storage facilities, as well as 71 fuel cell locations with a capacity of 3,554 MW across 22 states. The company was formerly known as Duke Energy Holding Corp. and changed its name to Duke Energy Corporation in April 2005. The company was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The following companies are subsidiares of Novartis: 1 A Pharma GmbH, Abadia Retuerta S.A, Admune Therapeutics, Advanced Accelerator Applications, Advanced Accelerator Applications, Advanced Accelerator Applications International SA, Advanced Accelerator Applications S.A., Advanced Accelerator Applications S.r.l., Advanced Accelerator Applications USA Inc., Aeropharm GmbH, Alcon, Alcon  Couvreur NV, Amblyotech, Amblyotech Inc., Arctos Medical, Arctos Medical AG, Australia Pty Ltd, Beijing Novartis Pharma Co. Ltd., BioMedical Research Co. Ltd., CELLforCURE, Cadent Therapeutics, Cadent Therapeutics Cambridge, Cellerys, Cellerys AG, CellforCure, Chiron Corporation, Ciba-Geigy Japan Limited, Co. Ltd, CoStim Pharmaceuticals, CoStim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Coalesce Product Development Limited, Corthera, Development Co. Ltd., EBEWE Pharma Ges.m.b.H Nfg. KG, Encore Vision, Endocyte, Endocyte Inc., Eon Labs Inc., Farmanova Saglik Hizmetleri Ltd, Fougera Pharmaceuticals, Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc, Gyroscope Therapeutics, HEXAL AG, Hexal, IDB Holland BV, Iberica S.L.U., Ilaclari Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S, JSC Sandoz, Japat AG, Kedalion Therapeutics Inc., Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d., Lek S.A., Manufacturing Pte Ltd , Navigate BioPharma Services Inc, Neutec Pharma Limited, Novartis (Hellas) S.A.C.I., Novartis (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Novartis (Taiwan) Co. Ltd, Novartis (Thailand) Limited, Novartis Argentina S.A., Novartis Australia Pty Ltd, Novartis Austria GmbH, Novartis Biociencias S.A., Novartis Biosciences Peru S.A., Novartis Bioventures AG, Novartis Business Services GmbH, Novartis Capital Corporation, Novartis Chile S.A., Novartis Corporation, Novartis Corporation Sdn. Bhd., Novartis Deutschland GmbH, Novartis Ecuador S.A., Novartis Farma S.p.A., Novartis Farma  Produtos Farmaceuticos S.A., Novartis Farmaceutica S.A, Novartis Farmaceutica S.A. de C.V., Novartis Finance Corporation, Novartis Finance S.A., Novartis Finance Services Ltd, Novartis Finland Oy Espoo, Novartis Gene Therapies, Novartis Gene Therapies EU Limited, Novartis Gene Therapies Inc., Novartis Grimsby Limited, Novartis Groupe France S.A., Novartis Healthcare A/S, Novartis Healthcare Philippines Inc., Novartis Healthcare Private Limited, Novartis Holding AG, Novartis Hungary Healthcare Limited Liability Company, Novartis India Limited, Novartis Inflammasome Research, Novartis Integrated Services Limited, Novartis International AG, Novartis International Pharmaceutical Investment AG, Novartis Investment Ltd, Novartis Investments S.a r.l., Novartis Ireland Limited, Novartis Israel Ltd, Novartis Korea Ltd., Novartis Middle East FZE, Novartis Netherlands B.V., Novartis Neva LLC, Novartis New Zealand Ltd, Novartis Norge AS, Novartis Ophthalmics AG, Novartis Optogenetics Research Inc., Novartis Overseas Investments AG, Novartis Pharma (Logistics) Inc., Novartis Pharma (Pakistan) Limited, Novartis Pharma AG, Novartis Pharma B.V. , Novartis Pharma GmbH, Novartis Pharma GmbH, Novartis Pharma K.K., Novartis Pharma LLC, Novartis Pharma Maroc SA, Novartis Pharma NV, Novartis Pharma Produktions GmbH, Novartis Pharma S.A.E., Novartis Pharma S.A.S., Novartis Pharma Schweiz AG, Novartis Pharma Schweizerhalle AG, Novartis Pharma Services AG, Novartis Pharma Services Romania S.R.L., Novartis Pharma Stein AG, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Limited, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, Novartis Poland Sp. z o.o., Novartis Portugal S.G.P.S. Lda., Novartis Ringaskiddy Limited, Novartis Saglik Gida ve Tarim Urunleri Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S, Novartis Saudi Ltd., Novartis Securities Investment Ltd, Novartis Services Inc., Novartis Slovakia s.r.o., Novartis South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Novartis Sverige AB, Novartis UK Limited, Novartis US Foundation, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Inc, Novartis Vietnam Company Limited, Novartis de Colombia S.A., Novartis de Venezuela S.A., Novartis s.r.o., Oriel Therapeutics Inc., PT. Novartis Indonesia, Protez Pharmaceuticals, Pte Ltd, Research Inc, Salutas Pharma GmbH, Sandoz A/S, Sandoz AG, Sandoz B.V., Sandoz Canada Inc., Sandoz Egypt Pharma S.A.E., Sandoz Farmaceutica S.A., Sandoz Farmaceutica Lda., Sandoz GmbH, Sandoz Hungary Limited Liability Company, Sandoz Ilac Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Sandoz Inc, Sandoz Industrial Products S.A, Sandoz International GmbH, Sandoz K.K., Sandoz Limited, Sandoz Manufacturing Inc., Sandoz NV, Sandoz Pharma K.K, Sandoz Pharmaceuticals AG, Sandoz Pharmaceuticals d.d., Sandoz Philippines Corporation, Sandoz Polska Sp. z o.o. , Sandoz Private Limited, Sandoz Pty Ltd, Sandoz S.A. de C.V, Sandoz S.A.S., Sandoz S.R.L., Sandoz S.p.A., Sandoz South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Sandoz Ukraine LLC, Sandoz d.o.o. farmaceutska industrija, Sandoz do Brasil Industria Farmaceutica Ltda, Sandoz s.r.o., Selexys Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Shanghai Novartis Trading Ltd., Societe par actions SANDOZ, Spinifex Pharmaceuticals, The Medicines Company, The Medicines Company, Triangle International Reinsurance Limited, Trinity River Insurance Co Ltd, Vedere Bio, Vedere Bio ll, Xiidra, Ziarco, and Ziarco Group Limited.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Mohawk Industries: A&S Energie NV, A&U Energie NV, Aladdin Manufacturing Corporation, Aladdin Manufacturing Of New York LLC, Aladdin Manufacturing of Alabama LLC, Alsace Logistique S.A., Avelgem Green Power CVBA, Avon Pacific Holdings Ltd, B&M NV, BGE Mexico S. de R. L. de C.V., Berghoef GmbH, Berghoef-Hout B.V., Bienes Raices y Materiales del Centro S. de R.L. de C.V., C.F. Marazzi S.A., Canterbury Spinners Ltd, Carpet Foundation Ltd, Cevotrans BV, Ceramus Bahia S/A  Produtos Ceramicos, DT Mex Holdings LLC, DTM/CM Holdings LLC, Dal Italia LLC, Dal-Elit LLC, Dal-Tile Chile Comercial Limitada, Dal-Tile Colombia S.A.S., Dal-Tile Distribution Inc., Dal-Tile Group Inc., Dal-Tile I LLC, Dal-Tile Industrias S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile International Inc., Dal-Tile Mexico Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Operaciones Mexico S. De R.L. De C.V., Dal-Tile Peru SRL, Dal-Tile Puerto Rico Inc., Dal-Tile Services Inc., Dal-Tile Shared Services Inc., Dal-Tile Tennessee LLC, Dal-Tile of Canada ULC, Daltile, Daltile, Dekaply NV, Durkan, Dynea NV, Eliane Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Eliane S/A - Revestimentos Ceramicos, Emilceramica India Pvt Ltd., Emilceramica S.r.l, Emilgermany GmbH, Emilgroup Asia Ltd, Explorer S.r.l., F.I.L.S. Investments Unlimited Company, Feltex Carpets Ltd, Feltex Carpets Pty Ltd, Feltex New Zealand Ltd, Fibremakers Australia Pty Ltd, Flooring Foundation Ltd, Flooring Industries Limited S.a r.l., Flooring XL B.V., Floorscape Limited, Godfrey Hirst & Co Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Group, Godfrey Hirst NZ Ltd, Hytherm (Ireland) Limited, IVC BVBA, IVC Far-East Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., IVC France S.a r.l., IVC GROUP LIMITED, IVC Green Power NV, IVC Group, IVC Group GmbH, IVC Luxembourg S.a r.l., IVC Rus OOO, IVC US Inc., International Flooring Systems S.a r.l., International Vinyl Company - Vostok OOO, KAI Group, KAI Keramica Ltd, KAI Mining EOOD, KERAMA CENTER OOO, Kerama Baltics OOO, Kerama Export OOO, Kerama Marazzi OOO, Kerampromservis (LLC), Khan Asparuh - Transport EOOD, Khan Asparuh AD, Khan Omurtag AD, Koninklijke Peitsman B.V., Kraj Kerama OOO, MG China Trading Ltd., MI Finance SRL, MUD (Holding) Brazil Ltda., Management Co EAD, Marazzi Acquisition S.r.l., Marazzi Deutschland G.m.b.H., Marazzi France Trading S.A.S., Marazzi Group, Marazzi Group F.Z.E., Marazzi Group S.r.l., Marazzi Group Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Marazzi Iberia S.L.U., Marazzi Japan Co. Ltd., Marazzi Middle East FZ LLC, Marazzi Schweiz S.A.G.L., Marazzi UK Ltd., Mohawk Assurance Services Inc., Mohawk Australia Pty Ltd, Mohawk Canada Corporation, Mohawk Capital Finance S.A., Mohawk Capital Luxembourg SA, Mohawk Carpet Distribution Inc., Mohawk Carpet Foundation Inc., Mohawk Carpet LLC, Mohawk Carpet Transportation Of Georgia LLC, Mohawk Commercial Inc., Mohawk ESV Inc., Mohawk Europe BVBA, Mohawk Factoring II Inc., Mohawk Factoring LLC, Mohawk Finance S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Acquisitions S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Funding S.a.r.l, Mohawk Foreign Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Investments Inc., Mohawk Global Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Holdings International B.V., Mohawk Industries Inc., Mohawk International (Europe) S.a r.l., Mohawk International (Hong Kong) Limited, Mohawk International Capital N.V., Mohawk International Financing S.a.r.l, Mohawk International Holdings (DE) LLC, Mohawk International Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk International Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk International Netherlands B.V., Mohawk International Services BVBA, Mohawk KAI Luxembourg Holding S.a r.l., Mohawk KAI Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Capital S.A., Mohawk Luxembourg Financing S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Pacific S.a r.l., Mohawk Marazzi International BV, Mohawk Marazzi Russia BV, Mohawk New Zealand Limited, Mohawk Operaciones Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Mohawk Operations Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Pacific Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Resources LLC, Mohawk Servicing LLC, Mohawk Singapore Private Limited, Mohawk Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mohawk Unilin Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk United Finance B.V., Mohawk United International B.V., Mohawk Vinyl Financing S.a r.l., Molber Beheer B.V., Monarch Ceramic Tile Inc., P.F. Onroerend Goed B.V., PF Beheer B.V., Pergo, Pergo (Europe) AB, Pergo Holding BV, Pergo India Pvt Ltd, Polcolorit S.A., Premium Floors Australia Pty Limited, RR Apex LLC, Rata International Pty Ltd, Recubrimientos Interceramica S. de R.L. de C.V., Riverside Textiles Pty Ltd, S.C. KAI Ceramics SRL, Sibir Kerama OOO, SimpleSolutions USA LLC, Soft Step (Australia) Pty Ltd, Spano Group, Spano Invest BVBA, Spano NV, Stroyagromekhzapchast ChaO, Stroytrans OAO Orelstroy, Summit Wool Spinners Ltd, The Flooring Federation Ltd, Tiles Co OOD, Unilin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Unilin ApS, Unilin Arauco Pisos Ltda., Unilin BVBA, Unilin Beheer BV, Unilin Distribution Ltd., Unilin Distribution Ukraine LLC, Unilin Finland OY, Unilin Flooring India Private Limited, Unilin Flooring SAS, Unilin GmbH, Unilin Holding BVBA, Unilin Insulation BV, Unilin Insulation SAS, Unilin Insulation Sury SAS, Unilin Italia S.R.L., Unilin North America LLC, Unilin Norway AS, Unilin OOO, Unilin Panels SAS, Unilin Poland Sp.Z.o.o., Unilin SAS, Unilin Spain SL, Unilin Swiss GmbH, Unilin s.r.o., World International Inc., Xtratherm, Xtratherm Limited, Xtratherm S.A., and Xtratherm UK Limited.

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AmerisourceBergen Corporation sources and distributes pharmaceutical products in the United States and internationally. Its Pharmaceutical Distribution segment distributes brand-name and generic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter healthcare products, home healthcare supplies and equipment, and related services to various healthcare providers, including acute care hospitals and health systems, independent and chain retail pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, medical clinics, long-term care and alternate site pharmacies, and other customers. It also provides pharmacy management, staffing, and other consulting services; supply management software to retail and institutional healthcare providers; and packaging solutions to various institutional and retail healthcare providers. In addition, this segment distributes plasma and other blood products, injectable pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other specialty products; provides other services primarily to physicians who specialize in various disease states, primarily oncology, as well as to other healthcare providers, including hospitals and dialysis clinics; and offers data analytics, outcomes research, and additional services for biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The company's Other segment provides integrated manufacturer services, such as clinical trial support, product post-approval, and commercialization support; specialty transportation and logistics services for the biopharmaceutical industry; and sells pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, micro feed ingredients, and various other products to customers in the companion animal and production animal markets, as well as demand-creating sales force services to manufacturers. AmerisourceBergen Corporation was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 13125882 Canada Inc., 211 E. Russell Road LLC, 4458664 Canada Inc., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES ASIA PTE. LTD., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES BORROWER S.C.A., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES LLC, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES MIDDLE EAST FZE, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES SERVICES LIMITED, ASTRUM IT GmbH, Accudyne Industries Acquisition S.A r.l, Accudyne Industries Canada Inc., Accudyne Industries S.A r.l., Air Dimensions, Air Dimensions Inc., Albin Pump SAS, BOC Edwards Global Low pressure Air business, CISA S.p.A., Cameron-Centrifugal Compression, Comercial Ingersoll-Rand (Chile) Limitada, Comingersoll-Comercio E Industria De Equipamentos S.A., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Dosatron International SAS, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Proprietary Limited, FlexEnergy Holdings LLC, Frigoblock Grosskopf Gmbh, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First (UK) Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings II Inc., GD Global Holdings Inc., GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., GPS Industries, Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp (Canada), Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Limited, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica SL, Gardner Denver Inc., Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver International Inc., Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Investments Inc., Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan Ltd., Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte. Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia s.r.o., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH (f/k/a ILMVAC GmbH), Gardner Denver Thomas Inc., Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Ghh-Rand Schraubenkompressoren Gmbh, HASKEL EUROPE LTD., HASKEL HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, HASKEL INTERNATIONAL LLC, Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, Haskel France SAS, Haskel Sistemas de Fluidos Espana S.R.L., Hibon Inc., Highspeed Newco LLC, Hingerose Limited, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, INGERSOLL RAND ITS JAPAN LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHANG ZHOU) TOOLS CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHINA) INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND CHINA LLC, INGERSOLL-RAND COMERCIO E SERVICOS DE MAQUINAS E EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS LTDA., INGERSOLL-RAND DE PUERTO RICO INC., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL COMPANY B.V., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL SP. Z O.O., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S. INC., INGERSOLL-RAND PHILIPPINES INC., INGERSOLL-RAND SPAIN S.A., INGERSOLL-RAND U.S. HOLDCO INC., IR HPS Holdco. Inc., ITO Emniyet, Ingersoll Rand Cyprus Investments Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Finance LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Investments LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Ventures LLC, Ingersoll Rand Hong Kong Investments Limited, Ingersoll Rand Inc., Ingersoll Rand Investments (SG) Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Investments B.V., Ingersoll Rand Schweiz Investments Gmbh, Ingersoll Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (Australia) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (China) Investment Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Guilin) Tools Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Hong Kong) Holding Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Ab, Ingersoll-Rand Air Solutions Hibon Sarl, Ingersoll-Rand Beteiligungs Und Grundstucksverwaltungs Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Colombia S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (Uk), Ingersoll-Rand Company South Africa (Pty) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Cz S.R.O., Ingersoll-Rand De Mexico S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Equipements De Production S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Industrial Ireland Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International (India) Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Italia S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Italiana Manufacturing S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Korea Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Korea Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments II S.A R.I., Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Industrial Company S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Machinery (Shanghai) Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Malaysia Co. Sdn. Bhd., Ingersoll-Rand S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Services And Trading Limited Liability Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Singapore Enterprises Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand South East Asia (Pte.) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Superay Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technical And Services S.A.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Technologies And Services Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Tool Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Trading Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Vietnam Company Limited, Instrum Rand JSC, Interflex Datensysteme, Ir Canada Holdings Ulc, Ir Canada Sales & Service Ulc, Ir France Sas, Kryptonite corp, Lawrence Factor Inc., LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MILTON ROY (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MILTON ROY (UK) LIMITED, MILTON ROY EUROPA B.V., MILTON ROY EUROPE SAS, MILTON ROY INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., MILTON ROY LLC, MILTON ROY US PURCHASER INC., MP Pumps Inc., Maximum AG Technologies Inc., Maximus Solutions, Mb Air Systems Limited, Nash Elmo, Officina Meccaniche Industriali Srl, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Plurifilter D.O.O., Pt Ingersoll-Rand Indonesia, Robuschi, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, SEEPEX, Seepex (M) SDN, Seepex Australia Pty Ltd, Seepex Beteiligungs-Gesellschaft mit Beschrankter Haftung, Seepex France S.a.r.l., Seepex GmbH, Seepex Inc., Seepex India Private Ltd., Seepex Italia SRL, Seepex Japan Co. Ltd., Seepex Nordic A/S, Seepex OOO, Seepex Pumps (Shanghia) Co. Ltd., Seepex UK Ltd., Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Shanghai Ingersoll-Rand Compressor Limited, Shenzhen Bocom System Engineering Co., Superay, Syltone, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, Tamrotor Marine Comp AS Norway, Tecno Matic Europe s.r.o., Thomas Industries Inc., Trane Technologies, Tri-Continent Scientific Inc., Vacuum and Blower Systems division, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zaxe Technologies Inc., Zeks Compressed Air Solutions Llc, Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, Zinsser NA Inc., and crayon interface.

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Veeva Systems Inc. provides cloud-based software for the life sciences industry in North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The company offers Veeva Commercial Cloud, a suite of software, data, and analytics solutions, which include Veeva customer relationship management (CRM) and Veeva Medical CRM, Veeva CLM, Veeva CRM MyInsights, Veeva CLM, Veeva CRM Approved Email, Veeva CRM Engage, Veeva Align, Veeva CRM Events Management, Veeva Nitro, Veeva OpenData, Veeva Link, Veeva Network, Veeva Crossix, Veeva Data Cloud, and MyVeeva for Patients; and Veeva Vault, a cloud-based enterprise content and data management applications for managing commercial functions, including sales and marketing, and medical content and communications, as well as research and development functions, such as clinical, regulatory, quality, and safety. It also provides professional and support services in the areas of implementation and deployment planning and project management; requirements analysis, solution design, and configuration; systems environment management and deployment services; services focused on advancing or transforming business and operating processes related to Veeva solutions; technical consulting services related to data migration and systems integrations; training on its solutions; and ongoing managed services that include outsourced systems administration. The company was formerly known as Verticals onDemand, Inc. and changed its name to Veeva Systems Inc. in April 2009. Veeva Systems Inc. was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Pleasanton, California.




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Grid connection for Pakistan's fourth reactor

17 October 2016

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Pakistan's Chashma unit 3 was connected to the country's power grid on 15 October at a ceremony attended by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). The unit reached first criticality on 2 October.

Celebrating Chashma 3's grid connection (Image: CNNC)

Construction began on the Chinese-designed CNP-300 pressurised water reactor (PWR) in March 2011, and the unit is expected to enter commercial operation before the end of this year.

Chashma 3 is one of two CNP-300 units being built at the site, in Punjab province. Unit 4, which began construction nine months after unit 3, is currently undergoing commissioning and is expected to enter commercial operation in 2017.

The Chashma site - also referred to as Chasnupp - is already home to two Chinese-supplied 300 MWe PWRs: unit 1, in commercial operation since 2000, and unit 2, in commercial operation since 2011. Pakistan also has a 125 MWe Canadian-supplied pressurized heavy water reactor, Karachi unit 1, which has been in commercial operation since 1972.

Two 1161 MWe Chinese-supplied Hualong One plants are also planned at the Karachi site. A ground-breaking ceremony for Karachi 2 was held in August 2015, and the units are scheduled to enter service in 2021 and 2022.

Pakistan is not a party to the international nuclear non-proliferation treaty, but its civil power reactors and its two research reactors all operate under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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Kudankulam II project launched

17 October 2016

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India and Russia have officially launched the second phase of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant under construction in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu by Rosatom as part of an intergovernmental agreement signed between Moscow and New Delhi in 1998.

Putin and Modi at the BRICS summit in Goa (Image: Indian government)

During the summit, the two countries also announced they had finalized the general framework agreement and credit protocol on construction of units 5 and 6, with their signing to take place before the end of the year.

The inauguration ceremony was held during the BRICS summit held in Goa last week, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin also laid the foundation stones for the third and fourth blocks of the Kudankulam plant via a video conference. The conference included Putin and Modi in Goa and the President of Rosatom subsidiary ASE Group, Valery Limarenko, at the Kudankulam construction site.

Limarenko said in a Rosatom statement on 15 October: "Today we are handing over the second power unit of Kudankulam NPP for operation. We have undertaken great obligations and fulfilled them. This is an exclusive result of our joint efforts with Indian partners. Our unified Russian-Indian team did an excellent job. We continue our work guided by unconditional principles of safety and efficiency. I do hope we always stay one step ahead!"

India has completed the required preparatory works in order to start construction of units 3 and 4, Rosatom said, adding that all the necessary infrastructure and design documentation have been established. ASE Group's customer - Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited - has also obtained regulatory approval to carry out excavation works and has already started them, Rosatom said.

"We have started a new large-scale project on construction of the third and fourth power units," Limarenko said. "The current start of the second stage of Kudankulam NPP from the first concrete pouring for the foundation stone of units 3 and 4 is a next important step of our time-proven Russian-Indian partnership. We have intensely hard work ahead, but we are sure that only jointly with Indian partners can we achieve success in our joint activities in the interests of our countries."

The Kudankulam plant is of the Atomenergoproekt design with VVER-1000 MW power units, which fully meet the requirements of Russian regulatory authorities and the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rosatom said.

In a separate statement from the India government on 15 October, Modi said: "Just minutes ago, with dedication of Kudankulum 2 and laying of foundation concrete of Kundankulum 3 and 4, we saw the tangible results of India-Russia cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy. And, with proposed construction of another eight reactors, our wide ranging cooperation in nuclear energy is set to bring rich dividends for both of us. It also fits in with our needs of energy security, access to high technology and greater localization and manufacturing in India."

In August, Modi and Putin inaugurated unit 1 of the Kudankulam plant, which is already in service, having started commercial operation on 31 December 2014. Output from Kudankulam 1 is being supplied to India's southern grid and divided between five states: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry. At the end of the same month, unit 2 of the plant was connected to the electricity grid, becoming India's 22nd operating power reactor.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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IAEA praises Sweden's progress in nuclear security

17 October 2016

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Sweden has made good progress over the past five years in its legislative and regulatory framework for physical protection and computer security at nuclear power facilities and in the transport of nuclear materials, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

An IAEA International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) team completed a two-week follow-up mission on 14 October to review the legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear security in Sweden. The previous IPPAS mission to the country was conducted in May 2011. The latest mission was the 74th such mission conducted by the IAEA since the IPPAS program began in 1995.

IPPAS missions are intended to help IAEA member states strengthen their national nuclear security regime through peer review advice and IAEA guidance. A team of international experts assesses a nation's physical protection systems, compares it with international best practices and recommends improvements. IPPAS missions are conducted both on a nationwide and facility-specific basis.

"Sweden's example in applying IAEA Nuclear Security Guidance and using IAEA advisory services demonstrates the value of agency assistance in helping states to adhere to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its Amendment."



Raja Adnan,

IAEA

The latest IPPAS mission to Sweden was led by Joseph Sandoval of Sandia National Laboratories in the USA and included nine experts from seven states and the IAEA. The team met with officials from the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM), the Ministry of Environment and Energy, the National Police Authority and the Forsmark nuclear power plant.

In addition to reviewing Sweden's nuclear security practices, the team also discussed the country's implementation of the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, which provides a strengthened framework for combatting nuclear terrorism and protecting nuclear material and nuclear facilities. Sweden ratified the amendment in 2012. The amendment entered into force in May 2015. The team also visited the Ringhals plant to review physical protection measures.

The IPPAS team concluded that Sweden has made good progress in implementing the recommendations of the previous mission. It identified a number of good practices in the national nuclear security regime and at the Ringhals plant, while also making recommendations and suggestions for continuous improvement.

In April 2013, as a result of recommendations from the earlier IPPAS review, established a formal coordination group that includes the SSM, the National Police Authority, the Swedish Security Service, the Civil Contingencies Agency and the National Grid Authority. This group coordinates various measures to ensure the effective protection of nuclear facilities, as well as nuclear material during transport, including by carrying out threat assessments.

Raja Adnan, director of the IAEA's nuclear security division, said: "For any state that uses nuclear power, a strong commitment to security is a must. Sweden's example in applying IAEA Nuclear Security Guidance and using IAEA advisory services demonstrates the value of agency assistance in helping states to adhere to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its Amendment."

SSM director general Mats Persson said, "The results from the IPPAS mission provide useful support in our work to continuously improve Sweden's nuclear security regime. Many of the recommendations made in 2011 have led to substantial improvements, for example in terms of better liaison between public authorities, more clearly defined requirements and security measures taken at the nuclear power plants."

The IAEA said it will submit the IPPAS review team's report to the Swedish government in a couple of months.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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In one question-and-answer session on October 24, 2013 at Goldman Sachs, with CEO Lloyd Blankfein in attendance, an audience member asked the current Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton the following question: And Mike Bloomberg had 30 billion other reasons than to take office. Do we need a wholesale change in Washington that has more to do with people that dont need the job than have the job?

Clintons answer was revealing. Thats a really interesting question, she said. You know, I would like to see more successful business people run for office. I really would like to see that because I do think, you know, you dont have to have 30 billion, but you have a certain level of freedom. And theres that memorable phrase from a former member of the Senate: You can be maybe rented, but never bought. And I think its important to have people with those experiences.

Clintons response is an open defense of the aristocratic principle: the rich should rule. By virtue of being very wealthy, the rich have the leisure time to pursue a political career. Moreover, they supposedly have immunity from being bribed, since they are already so wealthy. Finally, they have the experience in business necessary to preside over a social system that benefits the social layer which appropriates all the profits from business and finance. These are sentiments that any 18th or 19th century aristocrat would recognize and embrace.

Clinton merely echoes, in a more crude form, the patrician arrogance of Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury (1830-1903), whose views were summed up by historian Barbara Tuchman:

He did not believe in political equality. There was the multitude, he said, and there were the natural leaders. Always wealth, in some countries birth, and in all countries intellectual power and culture mark out the man to whom, in a healthy state of feeling, a community looks to undertake its government. These men had the leisure for it and the fortune, so that the struggles for ambition are not defiled by the taint of sordid greed They are the aristocracy of a country in the original and best sense of the word The important point is that the rulers of a country should be taken from among them, and as a class they should retain that political preponderance to which they have every right that superior fitness can confer.

Clintons argument that her own wealth entitles her to govern America is an argument also made repeatedly by Donald Trump, who touts his own billions as a reason he will remain immune to special interests.

The former member of the Senate to whom Clinton was apparently referring was John Breaux, a Louisiana Democrat who held office from 1987 to 2005. Considered one of the most conservative Democrats ever to take office, Clintons role model went on to pursue a lucrative lobbying career at the firm Squire Patton Boggs. His name is synonymous with Washingtons corrupt revolving door.

On Saturday, WikiLeaks published the transcripts of three lavishly paid speeches given by Clinton at gatherings held by Goldman Sachs, dating from June 4, October 24 and October 29, 2013. All three feature a mix of groveling before the financial malefactors who hired her to speak and gloating over her own wealth.

In one of her secret Wall Street speeches, Clinton frankly admitted that she has a public position and a private position. The private position is expressed in backroom discussions, while the public position consists of the lies she tells to the rest of the population.

The fact that Clinton addressed the notorious investment bank in the first place highlights the extent to which the American corporate, financial and political establishment is drenched in corruption and criminality. In April 2011, the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations released a report entitled Wall Street and the Financial Crisis: Anatomy of a Financial Collapse. This report exhaustively documented that the financial crash of 2008 and the recession that followed were the product of fraud and illegality on the part of mortgage lenders and banks such as Goldman Sachs, with government regulatory bodies as well as credit rating agencies serving as accessories.

Forty percent of the 639-page report, or some 240 pages, were devoted to the fraudulent and deceptive practices of Goldman Sachs. The report presented documents, emails, internal communications and other evidence showing that the largest US investment bank had sold billions of dollars in subprime mortgage-backed securities to investors, vouching for their value, even as it was betting that the investments would fail. Goldman made billions and CEO Blankfein and other top executives pocketed millions in bonuses by accelerating the collapse of the financial system.

Michigan Senator Carl Levin, the chairman of the Senate subcommittee, famously described how the investigation had uncovered a financial snake pit rife with greed, conflicts of interest and wrongdoing.

Using their own words in documents subpoenaed by the subcommittee, Levin said, the report discloses how financial firms deliberately took advantage of their clients and investors, how credit rating agencies assigned AAA ratings to high-risk securities, and how regulators sat on their hands instead of reining in the unsafe and unsound practices all around them. Rampant conflicts of interest are the threads that run through every chapter of this sordid story.

So when Clinton was hobnobbing with Goldman Sachs CEO Blankfein in 2013, while investigations of wrongdoing by Goldman and the other Wall Street banks were still ongoing, she was consorting with a man who belonged in prison. In 2011, Levin had recommended that the Justice Department criminally prosecute Blankfein for his fraudulent and deceptive conduct, and the Senate subcommittee charged that he had perjured himself in testimony in 2010 regarding his banks role in the financial crash. Nevertheless, no charges were brought, and in 2013 Clinton was accepting upwards of $225,000 per speech from Blankfeins firm.

Hillary and Bill Clinton have accumulated a total of $153 million in speaking fees since Bill Clinton left the White House. Only the very naive could believe that these vast sums were paid for the speeches themselves. They were payment for services rendered to the American financial aristocracy over a protracted period.

Clintons Wall Street speeches deserve to be widely read. They provide an invaluable first-hand education in the sheer cynicism of the American ruling class. While the Obama administration publicly insisted that the Dodd-Frank reforms of 2010 were strict regulations that would ensure that the 2008 crash would never happen again, Clinton privately told her Goldman audience not to worry, that these cosmetic reforms had to be passed for political reasons, to provide the appearance that the government did not sit idly by and do nothing as people lost their jobs, homes and life savings.

When Blankfein snidely asked Clinton how, should he decide to run for president, he should conduct his campaign, Clinton responded with her own cynical joke. I think you would leave Goldman Sachs and start running a soup kitchen somewhere, Clinton replied, to the merriment of the assembled guests.

The response to the publication of these speeches by so-called socialist Bernie Sanders exposes the utterly fraudulent character of his entire presidential bid. While he postured during the Democratic Party primaries as a proponent of a political revolution against the billionaire class, Sanders now functions shamelessly as a sideshow for the Clinton campaign, browbeating his (now much smaller) audiences with admonitions to vote for the preferred candidate of the billionaire class he claimed to oppose.

During his run for the Democratic nomination, Sanders repeatedly called on Clinton to release the transcripts of her Wall Street speeches, which she refused to do. He charged that the speeches would show her subservience to the bankers. Now, transcripts have been leaked to the public, completely substantiating his accusations. His silence only underscores the depth of his political treachery and dishonesty.

Meanwhile, emails published by WikiLeaks to and from Clintons campaign chairman, John Podesta, reveal the consummate cynicism with which Hillary Clinton sought to portray herself as a champion of everyday Americans, small businesses, unionized workers, minorities and women. Having no connection whatsoever to any popular movement or any policies that have benefited the bottom 90 percent of American society, Clinton relies on a network of community leaders, union bureaucrats, academics, celebrities and media surrogates, who use empty demagogy and identity politics to market her brand to voters.

In one particularly Machiavellian email, one of Clintons aides discussed adding a riff of demagogic statements against Wall Street in a speech to Deutsche Bank in 2015, precisely for the purpose of having something we could show people if ever asked what she was saying behind closed doors for two years to all those fat cats.

I wrote her a long riff about economic fairness and how the financial industry has lost its way, the aide wrote. Perhaps at some point there will be value in sharing this with a reporter and getting a story written. Upside would be that when people say shes too close to Wall Street and has taken too much money from bankers, we can point to evidence that she wasnt afraid to speak truth to power.

In another email, Podesta frankly noted that Clinton hated the phrase everyday Americans, but Podesta urged her to use it anyway. I know she has begun to hate everyday Americans, but I think we should use it once the first time she says Im running for president because you and everyday Americans need a champion, Podesta wrote.

The cynicism of Clintons campaign knows no bounds. Her staff actually worked to help Donald Trump secure the Republican nomination, believing that Clinton would have a better chance of defeating Trump in the election than a more conventional Republican candidate. The media was encouraged to take him seriously, and Clinton was urged to single Trump out for criticism in order to help him cement his front runner status among the Republican primary candidates.

Around 11,000 out of 50,000 emails obtained by WikiLeaks have been published. The Clinton campaigns response to these exposures has been to blame Russia, in line with the Obama administrations campaign of saber-rattling against the Putin administration. In an interview last weekend on Fox News, Podesta suggested that the emails were not authentic, while simultaneously (and inconsistently) arguing that the emails were acquired by the Russians, who are supposedly attempting to deliver the election to Donald Trump.

On Friday, Podesta taunted WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange with a picture of a number of uniformed chefs preparing a luxurious private dinner for the Hillary Victory Fund. I bet the lobster risotto is better than the food at the Ecuadorian Embassy, Podesta wrote as the caption to the photograph on Twitter, referring to the fact that Assange has been a de facto prisoner at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London since he sought asylum there in June 2012. Assange immediately replied, Yes, we get it. The elite eat better than the peasants they abuse.
Last Thursday, an elevator malfunction in a high-rise apartment building in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn led to the death of a baby girl and serious injury to her mother. The accident happened when the mother, Aber Al-Rahabi, 21, with her baby, 6-week-old Areej Ali, were waiting for the elevator on the 23rd floor of 3415 Neptune Avenue.

The doors opened and they entered, not realizing that the elevator car was not in position, but stuck between the 22nd and 23rd floors. Both mother and baby fell 6 to 8 feet onto the roof of the car, which then dropped precipitously to the 15th floor. The infant died at the scene and her mother was hospitalized. The two had moved to the US only a few months ago to be with the babys father.

The 24-story building in which the incident occurred, known as Sea Rise II, is part of the Bay Park II housing complex, composed of three buildings, with a total of 338 apartments. It is privately owned by the Starrett Corporation, a major New York landlord. The complex was built in the 1970s as a state-assisted affordable housing development and receives federal Section 8 housing subsidies. It was severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy, and is notorious for the abysmal conditions under which working class tenants are forced to live while the owners reap massive benefits from government programs.

New York Citys mayor, Democrat Bill de Blasio, characterized the cause of the accident as a painful mystery. It is nothing of the sort.

The Daily News quotes one relative of the victims as stating, The elevators (were) never working properly. (The building owners) dont even care. To them, theres not human beings inside the elevators.

This building alone has been cited by the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) for 45 elevator-related violations since 2000, demonstrating a chronic and criminal failure on the part of the owner to undertake proper maintenance. The complex as a whole has had 159 elevator-related violations since 1994, 31 still unresolved, not to mention numerous other problems, including at least 50 building code violations, according to the DOB.

The ineffectiveness of the citys inspection program is exemplified by the fact that, according to de Blasio, This particular elevator had been tested twice this year and had passed, and there is nothing we found so far that tells us why this happened in such an aberrant way. However, there was a still active (i.e., unresolved) complaint pertaining to this specific elevator dating back as recently as September 30, less than two weeks before the accident. Another complaint, made in March of 2015, stated that the elevator was constantly getting out of service and, at the time, had not been working for two and a half weeks.

This type of accident has a long history in the Bay Park complex. A tenant told the New York Times that a friend of his was killed in a similar incident in the same building in 1991.

The only rational conclusion that can be drawn from this pattern is that the citys inspections are pro forma, leading to temporary, cosmetic repairs at best, while allowing the landlord to continue reaping substantial profits by undertaking minimal maintenance.

The Starrett Corporation is a major New York real estate firm. According to its web site, The Starrett portfolio is comprised of both market as well as government-assisted multifamily properties containing in excess of 7000 apartment units. The current strategy of Starrett is to create additional value by implementing a strategy to: (i) increase profitability through intensive management and capital improvement programs; and (ii) where possible, reconfigure and expand certain properties or construct additional buildings, by utilizing unused but available land and development rights.

In other words, Starrett seeks to extract as much profit as it can out of existing properties, many with low-income tenants and that receive government subsidies, by spending as little as possible on maintenance, characterized as intensive management, while doing nothing with respect to capital improvement programs. But, as the real estate market tightens, it redevelops such properties into market rate residences, thus making even more profit.

This process of gentrification is a citywide phenomenon that has greatly intensified in recent years, with the active support of both Republican and Democratic administrations, via tax breaks and other giveaways. As a result, rents have skyrocketed and working class residents have been put under ever-increasing economic stress, being driven into ever more peripheral areas or onto the streets.

Mayor de Blasio was elected promising to fight economic inequality, the so-called Tale of Two Cities. However, under his administration the housing crisis has only worsened. Symptomatic of the extreme lack of affordable housing was the recent achievement of a historic milestone in homelessness. The official tally of people spending the night in the citys horrific homeless shelters reached a new all-time record of over 60,000, not including thousands more living in the rough. De Blasios supposed efforts to address the housing crisis, such as mandatory inclusionary housing, amount to no more than a continuation and expansion of programs that provide major benefits to the real estate industry, but result in continually worsening conditions for the working class.

The death of young Areej Ali is one result of these policies.
Relations between France and Poland have worsened substantially after the Polish government pulled out of an arms deal with European company Airbus that had been planned for years. Poland had originally intended to buy 50 helicopters from Airbus at a cost of over 3 billion as part of its rearming programme. The Polish government now intends to buy the helicopters from an American arms concern instead.

Airbus is a German-French-Spanish company with its headquarters in Toulouse. The French government owns an 11 percent share in the firm.

The negotiations over the major arms deal were initiated by the Citizens Platform (PO) government in 2015. The government responded to the Ukraine crisis with a massive programme of military rearmament directed at Russia. Unlike the current governing Law and Justice Party (PiS), it based itself on closer collaboration with Brussels and the leading European powers, France and Germany.

The PiS had declared its opposition to the talks at the time. When the PiS assumed power last autumn, negotiations became increasingly tense. In February, it was announced that the Polish government was considering breaking off talks with Airbus and purchasing the helicopters from a US firm.

The Polish defence ministry then announced a halt to the talks on October 5, with the explanation that the proposed deal did not correspond to Polands national interests. The main concern was to protect jobs in the Polish arms industry. Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz accused France of being responsible for the breakdown in talks. A few days later it was revealed that Poland would buy Black Hawk helicopters from the US firm Lockheed Martin.

The French government and Airbus both expressed deep frustration at the collapse of the deal. Airbus published an open letter to the Polish government. In it, Airbus pointed out that the Polish government was responsible for breaking off talks: We feel as though we have been led around by the nose by the current Polish government for months. The firm concluded with the warning, Of course we will adopt appropriate measures. A company spokesman angrily declared, We have never been treated like this by a government as customer.

The French government, which gave its backing to the concern from the outset, joined in the blame game. French President Francois Hollande cancelled a planned visit to Warsaw on October 13. An October 10 planned visit by French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian was also cancelled. Alain Juppe, the potential presidential candidate for the right-wing Republicans, stated that Poland was not yet mature enough for the European Union.

France also cancelled the invitation of the Polish delegation to the next Euronaval Congress. The congress is the largest meeting of leading European concerns in the area of naval arms and is organised by the French defence ministry. The Reuters news agency reported, based on government sources, that Polands actions would have wide-ranging consequences for the relations of both countries.

Reuters cited a French source close to the matter as stating, The Franco-Polish bilateral relationship will undeniably be extremely affected by this decision.

The contracts cancellation will force us to review all the defence cooperation that we have with Poland and see what can be maintained and sadly what cant in the current context, according to the source. Cooperation in the arms sector is an important component of French-Polish economic relations, which were substantially expanded under the PO government from 2010 to 2014.

Diplomatic tensions escalated further on Wednesday when Polish deputy defence minister Bartosz Kownacki declared on television in a chauvinist outburst, The French side invited us a long time ago and are now showing us the door. And yet these are the people who we taught to eat with a fork a couple of centuries ago, which may explain their behaviour today. A spokesman for the governing party, Beata Mazurek, desperately sought to distance herself from Kownackis comments, describing them as unfortunate and not very diplomatic.

The failed deal will be a heavy economic blow for Airbus, which faces financial difficulties, and could be used as a pretext to cut thousands of jobs in France.

But behind the rapidly deteriorating relations between France and Poland are the deepening national conflicts in the wake of the Brexit vote and sharpening tensions between leading European powers, above all France and Germany, and the US.

This background was clear from an angry statement by Hollande. In an explicit reference to Poland and the Baltic states on 6 October, he said, There are European states that think the US will always be there to protect them and go as far as only buying weapons from the United States and not from Europeans.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls stated that the main thing concerning him about the failed deal was the consequences for the concept of European defence. He said, It is a bad decision which underscores the political contradictions in Poland.

The right-wing PiS government has declared itself against a union represented by Berlin and Paris, and rejects the founding of a European army. The PiS speaks on behalf of a section of the Polish bourgeoisie that fears the predominance of France and especially Germany within the EU and is therefore orienting towards a stronger alliance with the US.

This fear was increased by Brexit. Within the EU, Britain blocked German and French attempts to form a European army and, as a close supporter of the US, it backed the military build-up against Russia. The Polish government considers the European army to be an effort by France and Germany to create an army in competition with NATO that is not under the control of the US government.

This fear is shared by significant sections of the US ruling elite. As a report from the US Atlantic Council think tank from last summer, authored by a leading British NATO general and the former representative of the Polish defence ministry responsible for arms purchases, said, Poland should undertake firm opposition to any EU plans (such as may be

contemplated in the new Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy) envisaging an EU military force. Any weakening of NATO cannot be countenanced, especially at this political juncture, and particularly with a putative British exit from the EU weakening the Unions collective military posture outside of NATO.

However, there are deep divisions within the Polish bourgeoisie about its foreign policy orientation. A report in the opposition-aligned Gazeta Wyborcza on the helicopter deal warned that Poland could not afford to irritate important partners like France under conditions of Brexit and talks over reorganising the EU.

The newspaper cited Maksymilian Dura from the Defence24.pl portal, who said, The moment chosen to break of the talks was fatal, directly prior to the planned visit of President Francois Hollande on October 13. The world will get the impression that we are not reliable.

Former defence minister in the previous PO government, Tomasz Siemoniak, criticised the PiS for the failed deal as amateurs who had completely underestimated the consequences of the decision for Polish-French relations.
The long-planned, US-directed offensive to recapture the northern Iraqi city of Mosul from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has begun. On Monday morning, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared on national television: Today, I declare the start of these victorious operations.

The assault on Mosul starkly raises the boundless hypocrisy of US and European resolutions in the United Nations, and incessant media coverage, accusing Russian-backed Syrian forces of war crimes against civilians as they attempt to retake the eastern sectors of Aleppo from Islamist militias. In Iraq, the US, its allies and its puppet government in Baghdad have begun a savage onslaught against a far larger city, in which as many 1.5 million civilians, including 600,000 children, are trapped.

Lise Grande, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, told the New York Times on the weekend: The United Nations is deeply concerned that in a worst-case scenario, the operation in Mosul could be the most complex and largest in the world in 2016, and we fear as many as one million civilians may be forced to flee their homes.

The New York Times nevertheless welcomed The Coming Battle for Mosul in its October 14 editorial. It declared that the city must be liberated from terrorists ruleregardless of the human cost. Barely two weeks ago, its editorial page labelled Russia an outlaw state because it was supporting an assault in Aleppo that threatens the lives of 250,000 more people.

The difference between the two battles, as far as the imperialist hypocrites are concerned, is that the Islamist extremist groups under attack in Aleppo are being supported and used by Washington and the European powers to attempt to overthrow the Russian-backed Syrian government. Civilian casualties are therefore war crimes.

ISIS, by contrast, is considered an obstacle in Washington because it used the weapons and recruits it gained as a result of US intrigues in Syria to seize large parts of western and northern Iraq in 2014, threatening the pro-US puppet regimes in Baghdad and the Kurdish region. Any civilians killed in the process of recapturing Mosul will therefore be brushed aside as collateral damage.

In both Syria and Iraq, US objectives are the same: asserting its dominance over the key oil-producing region of the world.

Mosul is being attacked by up to 20,000 Iraqi Army personnel and 10,000 Kurdish Peshmerga troops, reinforced by some 6,000 Iraqi police, thousands of anti-ISIS Christian, Turkmen and Sunni militia fighters and thousands more militia members loyal to the Shiite-based political parties that control the Baghdad regime.

Behind the scenes, the US military is monitoring and effectively commanding the onslaught. American, British, French, Australian and Jordanian jet fighters and helicopters are providing air support to the disparate government forces. US Marine and French Army units are giving artillery fire support. Hundreds of American, British, Australian, German and Italian special forces and trainers are involved in the battle, advising Iraqi and Kurdish units and directing air and artillery attacks.

Every atrocity for which the Russian regime and its Syrian client state are responsible in Aleppo will be matched, and most likely exceeded, by the US-backed forces in Iraq. Past experience, including the assault earlier this year on the western Iraqi city of Fallujah, leave little doubt as to the outcome of the attack on Mosul. Entire suburbs will be reduced to rubble from both the air and the ground, regardless of how many desperate civilians are hiding in their homes. The citys electricity, water and sewerage systems will be destroyed. Medical services and transport networks will be rendered dysfunctional.

The destruction of Mosul and enormous toll in civilian casualties are being justified in advance as unavoidable, due to fanatical ISIS resistance. The estimates of the number of ISIS militants still in the city range from just a few thousand to over 10,000. Lurid accounts have appeared of extensive preparations by ISIS for protracted, street-to-street fighting. US and Iraqi officials, citing Mosul residents, have told media that buildings and cars have been rigged with explosives, minefields laid and roadblocks erected on the main thoroughfares. A tunnel network has allegedly been constructed linking various areas of the city.

Mosul, to recall the reported 1968 US military statement in regard to the Vietnamese town of Ben Tre, must be destroyed to save it.

The indifference toward the lives and well-being of the citys population is revealed in the leaflets that were dropped, in the tens of thousands, over the city on Saturday night. According to a Reuters report, one leaflet advised: Keep calm and tell your children that it [the bombardment] is only a game or thunder before the rain Women should not scream or shout, to preserve the childrens spirit. Another ominously warned: If you see an army unit, stay at least 25 metres away and avoid any sudden movements.

The Iraqis who survive their liberation from ISIS by US-led forces will be forced to flee the unliveable ruins of the city for overcrowded and inadequate refugee camps. No serious preparations, such as pre-built tent cities with hospitals, food and water supplies, have been made to cope with such a situation. Aid agencies fear that tens of thousands will die from injury, exposure, disease, dehydration or starvation.

The assault on Mosul will join the long list of horrors and crimes that have been inflicted on the Iraqi people by US imperialism and its military machine over a period of more than 25 years, in Washington's quest for hegemony over one of the most resource-rich and strategically significant regions of the world.

The thousands who die will join those who lost their lives as a result of the 1991 Gulf War, the subsequent sanctions imposed on Iraq, the legacy of depleted uranium weapons contamination, the 2003 invasion, the murderous Sunni-Shiite sectarian warfare that was deliberately provoked by the US occupation forces, and the predations of the US-backed Iraqi government after most American troops were withdrawn in 2010-2011.

Credible estimates place the cumulative death toll over a 25-year period at well over 1.5 million and as high as two million. Since 2003 alone, at least four million Iraqis have been internally displaced or forced to flee the country as refugees.

The defence of the masses of Iraq and the Middle East against imperialist oppression must be at the very forefront of the struggle for an international anti-war movement of the working class, based on a revolutionary and socialist perspective.
Over half (55 percent) of Londons self-employed earn low monthly pay, according to research by the Social Market Foundation. Seventy-seven percent of these workers have no income besides their employment earnings and, in 2011, 67 percent earned less than a full-time employee on the London Living Wage at the timethat is, less than 15,000 a year.

Though London has the highest proportion of its working population in self-employment (roughly 18 percent) of any area in the UK, this dire picture is by no means uncommon. The self-employed make up an increasingly large proportion of the British labour force15 percent. That is roughly 4.7 million peoplea figure up by a quarter from 2000.

The growth of this employment sector accelerated in the aftermath of the 2008 recession, with self-employment being responsible for a substantial section of the apparent jobs recovery. A myth has been built up by the ruling elite that this phenomenon is expressive of a desire among large numbers of people to be their own boss and indicative of the wealth of opportunity available to enterprising new businessmen and women. Studies proves this to be false.

As opposed to being small businessmen, only 17 percent of Britains self-employed employ anyone themselves. Moreover, a substantial number live in very precarious financial situations. Research from the Social Market Foundation (SMF), published in March, found that almost half of the UKs self-employed workers (49 percent) were on low pay on an hourly basis, rising to over half (55 percent) when considered on a monthly basis. This compares to 22 percent and 29 percent for employees. Self-employed workers are more likely to live in low-income households, with 28 percentroughly 600,000 peoplein that position, compared to 19 percent of other employees.

Low rates of pay are not made up for by pensions, savings or investments, with 64 percent of low-paid self-employed workers having none compared to 36 percent of low-paid employees.

These statistics translate into the damning fact, revealed by HM Revenues and Customs data, that 80 percent of the UKs self-employed workforce was living in poverty in the year 2012-2013. Further investigation by Tax Research UK found that this percentage only fell to 77 percent when income from additional sourcespensions for exampleis taken into account. According to a report by Royal London, less than a quarter of self-employed individuals are members of a pension scheme.

These figures paint a devastating picture of an escalating social crisis affecting millions of people. But they take on a greater significance in light of recent employment trends and of the Thatcherite origins of the drive towards a large self-employed sector. In the short-term, the turn to self-employment is bound up with the collapse in available jobs following the 2008 global financial crash and resulting recession.

According to the Office for National Statistics, of the 1.1 million increase in the total number of workers in the UK between the first quarter of 2008 and the second quarter of 2014, around two-thirds were self-employed. The proportion of self-employed workers of the total labour force rose 2 percentage points (from 13 percent to 15 percent) over the same period.

Proof that this increase is indicative not of some harmless restructuring of the labour market, but of a general decline in living standards across Britain, can be found in the falling earnings for the self-employed. Since 2008-2009, their incomes have fallen an average of 22 percent. Self-employed individuals were working two hours a week longer than employees in 2014. More than one in 10 work 60 hours a week or more, compared to less than one in 20 for regular employees.

The situation since 2008 is only the latest stage in a process stretching back through much of the post-war period. Over the past 40 years, the proportion of the labour force classified as self-employed has risen substantially, from 8.7 percent in 1975. The decades since have witnessed a succession of economic crises and assaults on the working class, as the development of globalisation forced the bourgeoisie internationally to restructure economies and enhance the exploitation of labour. It became necessary for the capitalist class to break down previously accepted standards of pay and protection for workers, and to develop less secure forms of employment such as zero-hours contracts and self-employment.

Officially, 900,000 are employed on zero-hours contracts, with the real figure estimated to be much higher, and another 1.7 million are in temporary work. All told, a fifth of all British workers are now employed under what are described as non-standard work arrangements. It is estimated that by 2018, there will be more self-employed in the UK than public sector workers.

The interests of big business in this transformation were articulated in the Daily Telegraph newspaper earlier this year in an article, The self-employed will overtake the public sector with the gig economy, written by financial journalist Matthew Lynn.

Nominally an analysis piece on the rising importance of the self-employed sector, the articles main purpose was a denunciation of public sector employment. Writing with naked disdain, Lynn decried, An army of public sector workers, heavily unionised, with generous pay, lots of time off, and lavish pensions. Councils stuffed with bureaucrats doing non-jobs, and quangos recruiting a growing army of diversity workers. An over-manned and feather-bedded public sector that is intent on voting itself ever more generous pay and conditions.

It is not just public sector employmentand the required government spendingwhich so irks the Telegraph, but the very idea of decent pay, adequate time off and the right to pensions. As the ruling class seeks to impose a globally competitive economy, self-employment, much like zero hours contracts, temporary and part-time work, which tend to be poorer paid and lack basic protection, are seen as a much more suitable forms of employment.

Prime Minister Theresa Mays recent promises to protect the self-employed with new legislation should be treated with as much disdain as her more general claim to be putting forward a progressive programme for working people. Former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose government created levels of social inequality last seen in Victorian England, made similar promises in 2001. May has even recruited Matthew Taylor, a former Blair adviser, to work on the Tories self-employment policies. To quote Taylor, New forms of employment have many advantages for workers and consumers but there are challenges and risks. We need to approach this issue with an open mind, recognising that within our flexible system of employment the same type of contract can have a diverse range of impacts on the people who use them.

Speaking of Taylors appointment, Seamus Nevin, head of employment and skills policy at the Institute of Directors, said, It is important that the government works to ensure our employment regulations and definitions are flexible so that we protect workers and give them access to training and development, while still enabling innovation and enterprise to prosper.
Talks over Syria were held in London Sunday between United States Secretary of State John Kerry and European Union (EU) foreign ministers.

The US is arming Islamist militias seeking to remove President Bashar al-Assad, while Russia is backing the Syrian government, its key ally in the Middle East.

The London talks were nominally convened by UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, but representatives of 10 countries gathered to hear Kerrys report from his previous days talks in Lausanne, Switzerland with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Present in London were Johnsons counterparts from France, Germany and ItalyJean-Marc Ayrault, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Paolo Gentiloni. In addition, there were representatives from a number of Gulf States that play a key role in backing the militias fighting to remove Assad.

Present at the Lausanne meeting, which lasted four-and-a-half hours without reaching any agreement, were representatives from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq. EU representatives did not attend at the insistence of Russia. Lavrov stated that the only basis for a ceasefire in Syria was the separation of the so-called moderate Syrian rebels from the Islamist Jabhat Fatah al Sham, previously known as the al-Nusra Front.

In the runup to the weekend talks, Johnson, of the ruling Conservative Party, had led calls, with the backing of the British Labour Party right wing, for Moscow to be indicted for war crimes in Syria, and had described Russia as a pariah state. He told parliament it was not realistic for the opposition fighters in eastern Aleppo, who are seeking to overthrow Assad, to disentangle themselves from al-Nusra in advance of a ceasefire. The London talks would include discussions on further military options, he said.

On Sunday, ahead of the talks, the Guardian reported that Johnson had formed an axis with the French government and the US secretary of state to consider the longer-term viability of imposing a no-bombing zone in Syria. It asserted, A no-bombing zone would cover the whole of Syria and would prohibit bombing from all aircraft. Monitoring would be conducted by existing western assets in the region, with any breach of the ceasefire leading to a reprisal on Syrian, not Russian, targets, such as air runways or regime installations.

In the press conference after the foreign ministers' meeting, following a few cursory remarks by Johnson, only Kerry spoke. Johnson described events in Syria as an appalling slaughter perpetrated by the Assad regime and its puppeteers in the form of the Russians and the Iranians.

Kerry described the situation in Syria as the largest of humanitarian disasters since World War Two, and said, We are considering additional sanctions [against Assad] and we are also making clear that President [Barack] Obama has not taken any options off the table. He warned that the Syria conflict risked not only lighting a fire under a larger Middle Eastern war, but also a confrontation between superpowers.

Kerry pledged that the US would continue to oppose Assad and Russia, even in the event of Aleppo falling to government forces, resulting in the Assad regime's control over the second largest city as well as the capital, Damascus. The Russians should understand, and Assad needs to understand, that that does not end the war, he said.

Kerrys bellicose comments underscore the White Houses strategy of demonising Russia in an attempt to create a climate in which it can justify a confrontation with Moscow. Speaking on Meet the Press on Sunday, US Vice President Joseph Biden said the US could retaliate against Russia, which he accused of a series of cyberattacks targeting the Democratic National Committee and other political institutions.

NBC had reported on Friday that the US was preparing a CIA-led cyberattack on Russia. On Sunday, Biden said, Were sending a message. We have the capacity to do it... It will be at the time of our choosingand under the circumstances that have the greatest impact.

Obama met with his foreign policy advisers at the National Security Council Friday to discuss the US stepping up its military efforts in Syria. According to a Reuters report, One set of options includes direct US military action such as air strikes on Syrian military bases, munitions depots or radar and anti-aircraft bases, said one official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

While US officials said they consider it unlikely that Obama will order US air strikes on Syrian government targets, an alternative was to allow US allies to provide US-vetted rebels with more sophisticated weapons...

The London talks were in anticipation of further discussions over the Syrian conflict between EU foreign ministers being held today in Luxembourg. Later this week, a two-day summit in Brussels is to centre on the EUs broader relationship with Russia.

The Obama administration is doing everything possible to build support for stepped-up military action against Assad that would likely mean a direct confrontation with Russia. Central to this aim is securing a common position among the European powers, which are not all in agreement with US policy over Syria or Russia.

Ahead of todays meeting of EU foreign ministers, Foreign Policy magazine revealed that under the pressure of the US and its main allies, EU foreign ministers are planning to formally and explicitly admonish Russia for supporting the Syrian governments deadly assault on Aleppo, an attack that may amount to war crimes. The article reveals, An earlier draft of the EU statement did not include a direct reference to Russia, but has been added at the insistence of the French, British and German governments.

The article notes that the ministers are also expected to support the imposition of sanctions on as many as 20 Syrian government officials who have had a role in the bombardment.

The article cites Jeff Rathke, a former State Department official who is now employed in the development of US strategies on Europe at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He said, As the US appears to be reviewing its options, its important to send a message that Russia could face costs for its actions. So the more clear Europe is about a hardening line, the better.

Another dilemma facing US imperialism is the deep opposition within the world population, especially in Europe, to its war drive. Asked by a journalist from Sky News when he would say enough is enough and not be beholden to Russia, Kerry acknowledged this opposition, stating, I havent seen a big appetite in Europe of people to go to war. I dont see the parliaments of European countries ready to declare war. I dont see a lot of countries deciding that thats the better solution here."

Notwithstanding Kerrys comments, the goal of the US is to assert its control over the entire Eurasian land mass. It is determined to press ahead with confronting and defeating Russia militarily in order to achieve this, presenting humanity with the prospect of a devastating war between two nuclear-armed powers. No matter the outcome of this weeks talks, the US will respond even more aggressively in order to secure its goals.
In a sign that the Thai military is further tightening its grip on power, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and heir apparent has been effectively sidelined following the death of his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej last Thursday. In his place, the junta announced on Saturday that 96-year-old Prem Tinsulanonda, a former head of the army and prime minister, would act as regent for an indeterminate length of time.

Just hours after the kings death was announced, the military-appointed National Legislative Assembly was convened in a special session in order to approve Virijalongkorns ascension to the throne. However, following a meeting between the crown prince and General Prayuth Chan-ocha, the prime minister and head of the junta, the succession was called off. The assembly members held a silent tribute to Bhumibol and went home.

Virijalongkorn is yet to make a public statement. Instead, his comments have been relayed by Prayuth, who declared on Thursday night that the crown prince had asked for time to mourn his father before being proclaimed as king. On Friday evening, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam insisted there must be a regent for the time being in order not to create a gap.

Under the countrys constitution, Prem, as head of the Privy Council or kings advisory body, automatically assumed the role of regent, exercising all the constitutional powers of the monarch. Prem and Prayuth held a private meeting with Virijalongkorn on Saturday. Prayuth then declared in a televised message that his highnesss only wish is to not let the people experience confusion or worry about the countrys administration.

According to Prayuth, the crown prince indicated that his succession to the throne would take place only after elaborate religious rites and the cremation of his fathers body. No date has been set for the cremation, which could be months or years away. Government officials have indicated to the media that it could be a yearthe time announced by Prayuth as the period of national mourning.

The extraordinary lengths to which the junta has gone to manage the succession is an indication, firstly, of the crucial role played by Bhumipol as a linchpin in the Thai state apparatus, and secondly, the extent of the countrys protracted political crisis. The military mounted two coups, in 2006 and 2014, to oust telecom billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Yingluck Shinawatra respectively as prime minister.

Thaksin, who won office in 2001, initially had the backing of the countrys traditional elitesthe monarchy, military and state bureaucracy including the courtsbut lost their support as his pro-market policies cut across their privileges, patronage and business networks. As the economy deteriorated, these elites were increasingly hostile to the limited social concessions made by Thaksin and Yingluck to the urban and rural poor.

Prems appointment as regent ensures that the military retains full control of all the levers of state power. Prem is an arch-royalist who had a long career in the military before being appointed army commander in 1978 over more senior candidates for the post. The support of the palace was crucial in his appointment as prime minister in 1980, heading a military-backed government.

The kings backing also aided Prem to fend off coup attempts by dissident factions of the military in 1981 and 1985. When he stepped aside in 1988, he was immediately installed in the Privy Council and functioned as the kings closest adviser and functionary. He is widely believed to have helped orchestrate the 2006 coup that ousted Thaksin, accompanied by sustained protests and agitation by royalist yellow shirt supporters.

The military junta is clearly concerned about Virijalongkorns installation on the throne. Not only is his extravagant jet set lifestyle widely known but he is suspected in Bangkok ruling circles of having been courted by Thaksin. While Thailand is nominally a constitutional monarchy, the king has indirectly wielded considerable power through the military and state apparatus.

By delaying the succession, the junta has ensured that Prem, as regent, can sign off on the new constitution drawn up by the military to ensure that it retains extensive political powers and to sideline parties associated with the Shinawatras. The constitution was formally approved in a contrived August 7 referendum, after all opposition or criticism was banned and hundreds of people were arrested.

By installing Prem as regent, the military has also bought time, either to groom Virijalongkorn as the next king or install a replacement. Prem is known to be close to Bhumibols daughter, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who is more favourably regarded in ruling circles.

More broadly, however, the military is fearful of social and political unrest as the economy continues to be hit by global economic stagnation. The death of the king provoked immediate falls on the share market and in the Thai currency. Moreover, the enormous social gulf between rich and poor is continuing to generate hostility and opposition to the junta as it implements austerity measures on behalf of the wealthy elites at the expense of working people.

The junta is using Thailands notorious lese-majeste law to clamp down on any criticism or opposition to the monarchy, an institution on which the military has relied heavily for decades. The number of arrests and prosecutions for insults, no matter how slight, to the king escalated sharply following the 2014 coup. Information related to the kings death has to be formally authorised. The countrys three main mobile service providers have been told to ask customers to report inappropriate content on the royal institution on social media.
Australian Social Services Minister Christian Porter last month announced a far-reaching assault on the countrys welfare recipients. Legislation will be introduced next year, essentially seeking to push impoverished beneficiaries off welfare into low-wage and insecure jobs. Porter singled out students, young carers and parents as the initial targets, but the government has made clear that this is only the beginning.

The attacks are part of a broader austerity agenda supported by both the ruling Liberal-National Coalition and the opposition Labor Party. Since the July 2 election, the major parties have already worked together to cut spending on welfare, pensions and tertiary education and remove tax concessions for working families. The entire political establishment agrees on making the working class pay for the deepening economic crisis, while protecting the fortunes of the super-rich.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbulls government, assisted by the corporate media, is engaged in a cynical propaganda campaign to present its welfare cuts as a means to help people trapped in welfare dependency find work and improve their lives.

The brutal reality of what is being prepared can be seen in New Zealands welfare system, which Canberra has touted as its model. Australian Human Services Minister Alan Tudge visited New Zealand this month to consult Prime Minister John Keys government.

Tudge wrote in the Australian on October 5 that Key and Finance Minister Bill Englishs so-called reforms had made most ground in two cohorts that have particularly high future costs: single parents and under-18s who enter the welfare system. I was told that there are 40 percent fewer sole parents under 20 on welfare than seven years ago. He claimed that New Zealands approach was about changing lives for the better and not driven by cost savings.

The truth is that New Zealands welfare system is extremely punitive. Over the past six years tens of thousands of people pushed off benefits, forced into insecure work or simply left to fend for themselves. The National Party government has overseen the destruction of the tens of thousands of jobs since the 2008 financial crisis, including mass layoffs in the public sector and state-owned companies.

Poverty and inequality have increased sharply as a result of austerity measures, accompanied by an increase in the sales tax in 2010, and the encouragement of rampant financial speculation in the housing market, driving up the cost of living.

During 2010, then-Social Development Minister Paula Bennett launched a raft of attacks on sole parents, sickness beneficiaries and young people. Seeking to demonise the poor, she provocatively declared, without any evidence, that too many people view welfare not as a last option but as a way of life and were trying to milk the system.

From September 2010, sole parents with children aged 6 and over were forced to look for part-time work or have their benefits cut by Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ). In April this year, the work obligation was extended to parents of children aged over three.

In 2011, the government announced intrusive monitoring of benefits for 16- and 17-year-olds not employed or studying, and single parents aged 18 and under. Payments were largely replaced with payment cards that must be used at a limited number of stores. The delivery of welfare to these young people was outsourced to community and other organisations, which were offered financial incentives to reduce the number of 18-year-olds going onto a benefit.

Data released in October 2013 showed that in the first two years of the new sole parents regime, benefits were suspended or cancelled for nearly 13,000 people. In October 2015, Radio NZ reported that on a given day there were roughly 2,000 children living in households where already miserably-low benefit payments had been cut, mostly because a parent had missed an appointment.

Following decades of welfare cuts by successive National and Labour Party governments, child poverty has soared. According to Unicef, about 28 percent of New Zealand children, or 305,000, are living in poverty after housing costs are taken into account, up from 24 percent in 2013 and 15 percent in 1984. In August, Otago University reported that out of 41,000 homeless people in New Zealand, 53 percent were families with children, compared with 42 percent in 2001.

Support has also been stripped away from thousands of disabled children. In March 2015, figures showed that the number of people receiving child disability allowances, a payment of $46.25 a week, had fallen by more than 11,000 since 2009, from 45,800 to 34,500 in 2014. According to the New Zealand Herald, the cut was achieved both by tightening criteria and by simply not publicising the allowance.

The governments offensive escalated in 2013, despite numerous reports of people in need being systematically denied welfare. Over the previous two years, unemployment rose from 144,500 to 170,000 people or 7.3 percent of the population, but those on the unemployment benefit dropped by almost a quarter from 65,281 to 50,390.

The government declared it was determined to save $1.6 billion by 201617 through further cuts. In mid-2013, nine existing benefits were replaced with three new benefit categories: Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support and Supported Living (previously the Invalids Benefit).

The Sickness Benefit was scrapped and those receiving it, 58,000 people, forced to look for work. Last year, the Cancer Society condemned the government for placing hundreds of cancer patients on the Jobseeker payment and threatening them with cuts.

Harsh new sanctions were introduced. Newshub reported in May that since the 2013 changes a total of 165,177 benefits had been reduced or cancelled, mostly for failing to attend an appointment. A small number were also punished for failing a drugs test or refusing to accept a job offer.

As a result of poverty-level benefits, combined with increasingly draconian sanctions, tens of thousands of welfare recipients are in debt to the government. Many homeless families in Auckland and other centres have borrowed heavily, in some cases tens of thousands of dollars, to stay in hotels and motels due to the lack of affordable housing. Figures released in August showed that 60 percent of beneficiaries nationwide owe WINZ an average debt of $2,584 per person, compared with 49 percent in 2008 who owed an average of $2,021.

Like its Australian counterpart, the New Zealand Labour Party has no fundamental disagreement with the governments attacks. The 19992008 Labour government presided over growing poverty and inequality, and refused to reverse the 1990s National governments savage cuts to unemployment, sole parent and sickness benefit levels. In its 2014 election campaign, Labour accepted the policy of pushing tens of thousands of single parents off welfare and praised the governments austerity policies.
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TALLAHASSEE, FL. (WTXL)-- Police are investigating after an armed robbery on FAMU's Campus at Palmetto and South Adams street.

According to an alert sent out by the university, the first suspect is described as a black male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, with twisted hair.

The other was described as a short heavy set black male.

No word yet on the exact time of the incident. TPD is asking an with information to call (850)559-3256.
Part of a fallen tree near the Golden Gardens off-leash area, and a downed line, are part of the minimal damage left Sunday after Saturdays storm in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times)
The Israel Police's special fraud investigation unit is these days in the midst of examining complaints received against Director of the Government Companies Authority Uri Yogev (the Government Companies Authority, or GCA, is a government body within the Ministry of Finance whose purpose is to manage the Israeli government's activities in relation to companies in which it holds an ownership stake. These include large and important companies such as the Israel Electric Corporation and Israel Military Industries. -ed).

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The investigation has not been made public by the authorities, but police officials tell newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth (Ynet's official newspaper partner. -ed) that an internal discussion within the police force will be held after the Sukkot holiday concludes, in which they will make a decision on whether to officially state that these proceedings are happenning.

GCA Director Uri Yogev. Denies all accusations of wrongdoing. (Photo: Kobi Gideon/GPO)

On Friday Yadioth Ahronoth revealed that Mekorot (the Israeli national water services company) CEO Shimon Ben Hamo had presented the state comptroller and attorney general with a very severe report against Yogev. In addition, he told personnel at the SC and AG offices that Yogev had threatened him, and that, "Yogev asked for assistance from Mekorot in selling the Whitewater company, which he owned, and which had fallen into debt."

The SC recommended that the AG open an investigation into the matter a few months ago. The Ministry of Justice denied on Saturday that there was any dragging of feet on the matter, saying, "The comptroller's inquiries were sent to the State Attorney's Office and are being examined by the police."

When he started his role as GCA director, Yogev specifically signed an agreement according to which he would not interfere with Mekorot, due to the fact that he owned Whitewater Holdings.

However, Ben Hamo claims Yogev attempted to convince Mekorot officials to recommend the purchase of Whitewater to an American firm. In the end, the sale fell through.

Yogev also allegedly spoke with Ben Hamo about Tzinorot, a pipe-making company on whose board of directors the former had previously served. This supposedly occurred during Yogev's professional cool-down period (a period separating one's leaving of one position and filling another, mandated so that one will not be able to move quickly from one influential job to the next and use this position-hopping to peddle influence. -ed).

The Israel Police will convene and decide whether to make the investigation public after Sukkot. (Photo: Avi Moalem)

According to Mekorot officials, "Yogev asked us to sign a long-term contract with the company, which would guarantee it millions of shekels, a moment before they moved their factories to the south of Israel." They claimed that Yogev threatened to publish smears about them if they did not meet his demands.

According to the report, things reached a boiling point when Yogev asked Ben Hamo to resign his position so that another CEO could be appointed. "He threatened that if I didn't, he's disseminate the critical reports about the company," Ben Hamo told the State Comptroller's Office.

Uri Yogev's representatives say that he intends to file a defamation lawsuit against Ben Hamo, calling his claims, "A series of lies and insults." They say Yogev denies all accusations of wrongdoing.
Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces captured the symbolically-significant town of Dabiq from the Islamic State group on Sunday as government forces reversed recent rebel advances in the center of the country.

Though only a small town of marginal strategic importance in northern Syria, Dabiq has figured centrally in IS propaganda. Citing Islamic lore, the extremist group claims it will be the stage for an apocalyptic battle between Crusaders and an army of the Muslim caliphate that will herald doomsday.

Meanwhile, southwest of Dabiq, Syrian government forces pounded rebel-held districts in the contested city of Aleppo, culminating in a devastating airstrike on a residential building in the Qaterji neighborhood late in the evening that killed at least 25 people, according to the Civil Defense search-and-rescue outfit. Spokesman Ibrahim Alhaj said some families remain trapped under the rubble.
Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Monday launched a battle to liberate the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State in its most ambitious campaign since US forces left five years ago, and the United States predicted the militant group would suffer "a lasting defeat."

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"I announce today the start of the heroic operations to free you from the terror and the oppression of Daesh," Abadi said in a speech on state TV, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

"We will meet soon on the ground of Mosul to celebrate liberation and your salvation," he said, surrounded by the armed forces' top commanders.





Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi and top military officers. "I announce today the start of the heroic operations to free you from the terror and the oppression of Daesh" (Photo: AFP)

Qatar-based al-Jazeera television aired video of what it said was a bombardment of Mosul that started after Abadi's speech, showing rockets and bursts of tracer bullets across the night sky and loud sounds of gunfire.

The assault on Mosul, with a population of 1.5 million, is backed by the US-led coalition, which is providing air and ground support.

The offensive could be one of the biggest military operations in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein and the biggest mounted by the Iraqi government since US military forces withdrew in 2011.

About 30,000 troops were expected to take part from the Iraqi army, Kurdish Peshmerga militia and Sunni tribal fighters, while estimates of Islamic State forces in the city range from 4,000 to 8,000.

"This is a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver ISIL a lasting defeat," US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement, using an acronym for Islamic State.

Kurdish forces on their way to Mosul. (Photo: EPA)

"We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISIL's hatred and brutality."

Mosul is the largest city that Islamic State has controlled and its last major stronghold in Iraq. In 2014, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed from Mosul's Grand Mosque a "caliphate" in Iraq and neighboring Syria, meaning an Islamic state with himself its absolute ruler.

The group has been retreating since the end of last year in Iraq, where it is confronting US-backed government and Kurdish forces as well as Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi'ite militias.
Syrian rebels said they captured the village of Dabiq from Islamic State on Sunday, forcing the jihadist group from a stronghold where it had promised to fight a final, apocalyptic battle with the West.

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Its defeat at Dabiq, long a mainstay of Islamic State's propaganda, underscores the group's declining fortunes this year as it suffered battlefield defeats in Syria and Iraq and lost a string of senior leaders in targeted air strikes.

The group, whose lightning advance through swathes of the two countries and declaration that it had established a new caliphate stunned world leaders in 2014, is now girding for an offensive against Iraq's Mosul, its most prized possession.

Free Syrian Army (FSA) fighters in Dabiq. (Photo: AFP)

The rebels, backed by Turkish tanks and warplanes, took Dabiq and neighboring Soran after clashes on Sunday morning, said Ahmed Osman, head of the Sultan Murad group, one of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions involved in the fighting.

"The Daesh myth of their great battle in Dabiq is finished," he told Reuters, using a pejorative name for Islamic State.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman said that Dabiq's liberation was a "strategic and symbolic victory" against Islamic State.

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter also welcomed the retaking of Dabiq as both a military and symbolic blow to the Islamic State and thanked Turkey for the role it played. "Its liberation gives the campaign to deliver ISIL a lasting defeat new momentum in Syria," Carter said, using an alternative name for the group.

The Free Syrian Army is an umbrella group for rebels seeking to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad in a civil war that has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions, dragging in regional and global powers and creating space for jihadists.

An Islamic prophecy names Dabiq as the site of a battle between Muslims and infidels that will presage doomsday, a message Islamic State used extensively in its propaganda, going so far as to name its main publication after the village.

It also chose Dabiq as the location for its killing in 2014 of Peter Kassig, an American aid worker held hostage by the group, by Mohammed al-Emwazi, better known as Jihadi John.

However, it has appeared to back away from Dabiq's symbolism since advances by the FSA groups backed by Turkey had put it at risk of capture, saying in a more recent statement that this battle was not the one described in the prophecy.

The village, at the foot of a small hill in the fertile plains of Syria's northwest about 14 km (9 miles) from the Turkish border and 33 km north of Aleppo, has little strategic significance in its own right.

But Dabiq and its surroundings, where the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Islamic State had brought 1,200 fighters in recent weeks, occupied a salient into territory captured by the Turkey-backed rebels.
Donald Trump's top supporters are racing to explain that what Trump said or tweeted isn't what he meant - especially on his claim without evidence that the Nov. 8 presidential election is "rigged" in Democrat Hillary Clinton's favor.

"We will absolutely accept the results of the election," Trump's vice presidential candidate, Mike Pence said on the Sunday shows. Trump's remarks reflect his frustration with "the obvious bias in the national media" reporting in the last month of the election allegations that Trump sexually assaulted several women. Trump says all of the allegations are "lies."

"When he talks about a rigged election, he's not talking about the fact that it's going to be rigged at the polls," former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani said. "What he's talking about is that 80 percent to 85 percent of the media is against him."

In fact, Trump did warn, without evidence, about vote fraud in a tweet sent after his surrogates tried to reframe his remarks.
Russian broadcaster RT says Britain's NatWest bank has shut down its accounts without explanation.

The editor of the government-funded television channel, Margarita Simonyan, tweeted Monday: "They've closed our accounts in Britain. All our accounts. 'The decision is not subject to review.' Praise be to freedom of speech!"

RT, formerly known as Russia Today, published what appears to be a letter from NatWest informing the broadcaster that "we have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities."
Hundreds of thousands of Israelis spent the first day of Sukkot on Monday at tourist destinations throughout the country. Even larger numbers are expected to do so from Tuesday and throughout the festival's intermediate days when the religious public will join the secular in taking vacations.

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Some 70,000 visited sites of the Nature and Parks Authority. Guides from the NPA were prepared for a record high of visitors to open areas, with 70 public information stands set up in conjunction with the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Special activities for the holiday were set up in many of the national parks.

(Photo: Avihu Shapira)

Kadima Forest Park (Photo: Raanan Ben Zur)

Jordan River (Photo: Avi Moalem)

Catching a fish in the Upper Galilee (Photo: Avihu Shapira)

Actors at the Caesarea National Park (Photo: Avivit Arel)

The Kineret Authority reported high occupancy on the beaches of the Sea of Galilee. According to the authority, 43,000 persons enjoyed the beaches in the afternoon with the accommodating weather. Starting from Tuesday, the authority will provide guides for free tours on paths around the Sea of Galilee.

The Jewish National Fund forests were also popular destinations, along with the various parks of the north, including the Biria Forest, where crocuses have begun to bloom. The south's parks were also in full tourist swing.





Crocus blossoms in Biria Forest (Photo: Eli Haputa)

Ein Gedi (Photo: Harel Ben-Shahar)

Trash hikers left behind in Wadi Ara

(Photo: Avihu Shapira)

Jordan River (Photo: Avi Moalem)

The Sharon Plain, however, despite its preparations for thousands of tourists, was barely visited for unknown reasons. The Kadima Forest Park's picnic tables remained empty, and most of the playgrounds were devoid of children.

The Ilanot Park was in a similar state, with mere dozens visiting and the sukkah that had been set up remained empty. Said one of the few visitors with a smile, "We're already underneath the trees, so we don't need a sukkah."
While Jews around the world are celebrating Sukkot, the Samaritan community in Holon are also taking part in the harvest holiday, albeit with unique traditions different from traditional Jews.

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"Our traditional harvest holiday was observed by the entire family going out to pick fruit," explained Shahar Yehoshua. "We look for the prettiest and strongest fruit we can find so we can decorate our Sukkah inside the house. This is a very complicated job. Every family has their own design and it requires a lot of patience to build."

Inside of a Samaritan Sukkah (Photo: Asaf Kemer)

Unlike the descendants of the tribe of Judah, the Samaritans define themselves as the descendants of the sons of Joseph, believe only in the Torah and have never left the borders of Israel. Unlike the Jewish-Talmudic interpretation of the Four Species which dictates using only an etrog, Samaritans use what is prescribed in the Torah as any citrus fruit.

Another major difference between the two is the sukkah itself. Whereas traditional Jews erect their sukkah outside the house, Samaritans construct theirs within the home.

Photo: Asaf Kemer

Samaritan community elder Tzadok Yehoshua explains, "Many years ago when we would live in Arab communities and build our sukkot in our yards, they would harass us and throw dog corpses and other vermin into our Sukkot. We love our sukkot and invest a lot of time and work in their design. As such, we decided to move them into the home to protect them. Today we are protected, but the ancient custom remains."

The elegant sukkot of the Samaritans is designed in accordance with the ancient tradition of using dozens of kilograms of fruit picked by family members. Many Samaritans use red and yellow grapefruit, green apples, lemons, pomegranates and purple eggplants.

Following the end of the holiday, many Samaritans donate the fruit to families in need.
MOSCOW -- Russian and Syrian armed forces will pause attacks on the Syrian city of Aleppo for eight hours on Thursday so that civilians and rebels can leave the city, the Russian defence ministry said on Monday.

"On Oct. 20 from 0800 (0500 GMT) until 1600, a humanitarian pause will be implemented in the area of Aleppo. For that period, Russia's air force and Syrian government forces will halt air strikes and firing from other weapons," said Russian defence ministry official Sergei Rudskoy.
Innovation has become a tradition in the Khoury family from the West Bank town of Taybeh.

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After opening the first microbrewery in the Middle East in 1994 and launching a local version of the well-known German Oktoberfest in 2005, the Khoury family now counts an inspiring young businesswoman among them.

(Photo: Eloise Bollack)

Madees Khoury, 31, the eldest daughter of Nadim, one of the founders of the Taybeh Brewing Company, is considered to be the first Palestinian female brewer in the Middle East.

I want to pursue my fathers dream. Since I was 10 years-old, I had been running around the brewery, watching my father and uncle working hard to establish this company. Growing up, I became more involved in the business every year, even when I was abroad, Khoury told The Media Line.

Khoury graduated with masters degree in business administration in Boston, where she also interned at a local brewery. At 21, she bought a one-way ticket back home and she has been working in the family business ever since.

As general manager of the Taybeh Brewing Company, the energetic woman is in charge of most of the day-to-day operations. You will find Khoury on the brewery floor actively brewing, controlling quality, giving tours, dealing with customers or supervising exports, as well as organizing events.

I enjoy every part of the job; it is interesting, enriching, and actually a lot of fun. Of course, brewing is exhausting, but there is great satisfaction when I go out and see people enjoying our beers. I feel really proud to tell them that I made the beers they are drinking, she said.

Khoury revealed that Taybehs Amber flavor is her personal touch to the company. When I came back in 2007, my father was producing only the Golden and the Dark versions. I wanted to produce a very different product; so we worked on it together. It took us a long time experimenting, to get the exact flavor I had in mind. But eventually we made it, and it seems the customers are happy with the result, she added.

(Photo: Taybeh Beer)

When asked what challenges she faces, Khoury explained that the challenging part is less the brewing process, but more customer service.

Because I am a woman and young, it happens that some clients, usually the older generation, dont take me seriously, or they just dont want to negotiate with me, but rather with my father or uncle. We are still in a male-dominated society, even if things are moving forward slowly, she said.  However, members of the younger generation, who are opening fancy bars and restaurants in cities around the West Bank, actually prefer to do business with me.

To succeed in a male-dominated business in a male-dominated society, Khoury has found support in the Pink Boots Society, a US-based organization aiming to assist, inspire and encourage women beer industry professionals.

In the past years, groups and events dedicated to support women in the craft brewing movement have popped up whole over the world, from the US and the UK to the Philippines and Rwanda.

And this actually appears to be a return to ancient times when beer brewing was a domestic activity. From ancient civilizations like Sumer and Egypt, through the Dark Ages, and well into the 16th century, historical evidence has shown that beer was made and sold almost entirely by women. But as societies shifted from an agricultural-based to an industrial-based economy, beer brewing left the privacy of the home and became another large-scale product run almost entirely by men.

But Khoury has already conquered the hearts of the visitors to the Taybeh brewery.

Madeess experience is remarkable. It is a wonderful success story that encourages our youth entrepreneurs, girls in particular, to develop creative ideas and to pursue their dreams, said Renad Hamed, a participant at the latest Oktoberfest, which took place in late September.

I am Muslim but I have a stall in a beer festival organized by Christians. I believe that we have to be open-minded and accept others. The Taybeh brewery produces a beer with zero alcohol for the Muslim population, she added.

With a two-day eclectic selection of live music concerts and activities, this 12th edition of the Taybeh Oktoberfest again attracted thousands of visitors from whole over the world.

I randomly heard in the hostel where I stay that there was a beer festival this weekend. I was eventually expecting to find a winery in the West Bank as I know they grow grapes; but I would have never expected to find a brewery. And it is even more surprising that a woman is running the business, Myriam, a French tourist, told The Media Line.

This is exactly what I want: to surprise people. We want to show a different Palestinian face, that we are normal people too, we want to celebrate life and we want to do the same things as other people in the world, concluded Khoury.

With production of 600,000 liters a year, the Taybeh Brewery takes pride in being the first to put the West Bank on the global beer map. The adventure has inspired other homemade brewers. Since Taybeh Brewery opened, craft breweries have popped up across the region in Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and recently in the Palestinian Authority.

Article written by Eloise Bollack
Kurdish forces captured a number of small, largely unpopulated villages to the east. But their progress was slowed by roadside bombs left behind by the militants, and IS unleashed a series of suicide car and truck bomb attacks, one of which struck a Kurdish tank. It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties from that incident or fighting elsewhere.
Marine Le Pen, the leader of the French right-wing political party National Front (FN) and candidate for president in the 2017 national elections, clarified in a radio interview with BFMTV on Friday that her plan to ban "conspicuous" religious symbols in public would include the Jewish kippah.

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Speaking in a live interview with host Jean-Jacques Bourdin on his morning radio program Bourdin Direct, the MEP and Regional Councilor for Nord-Pas-de-Calais expressed her desire to expand the 2004 law on religious symbols in public schools that banned conspicuous religious symbols in French schools.

Le Pen's proposition is intended to prevent Muslim women from publicly wearing religious head coverings, but she made it clear that it would also cover the kippah in the name of equality.

Marine Le Pen (Photo: EPA)

The FN leader stated that she would like all conspicuous religious symbols from all public spaces to "confront the rise in power and extremely strong pressure of political Islam that uses women and the veil to advance their propositions."

Bourdin sought to clearly define what constitutes a "conspicuous" symbol, and asked if the Muslim head scarf would be included. His guest, a lawyer by profession, replied that the 2004 law and accompanying jurisprudence would merely need to be applied to the public space.

The host listed the same examples repeatedly employed in 2004 by politicians and journalists leading up to the law's passage: Muslim head scarves, Jewish kippot and large Christian crosses. Le Pen corrected Bourdin on the latter, practically pointing out, "The Catholic religion doesn't have conspicuous symbols" worn by its adherents. She continued that it was perhaps because Catholicism that "invented secularism," a cherished ideal of the French Republic.

Bourdin asked if a religious police would be established to enforce such a law, but Le Pen replied that the same national police force that requires motorists to wear seatbelts could enforce such a law, along with all other normal legislation.

A Jewish teacher in Marseille was attacked by a machete-wielding 15 year old in January. At the time, Zvi Ammar, head of the Israelite Consistory of Marseille, asked Jews to go without a kippa "until better days." An Odoxa poll published in Parish Match that month found that 70% of the French public thought that Jews should continue to wear kippot.

In that same poll, 71% of respondents believed that anti-Semitism in France was increasing.
WASHINGTON  Republican candidate Donald Trump said on Monday he expected widespread voter fraud in the November 8 US presidential election, ramping up his warning of a rigged election without providing any evidence and despite numerous studies that show the electoral system is sound.

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Trump has tried to whip up fears of a flawed election as he has fallen back in opinion polls against Democrat Hillary Clinton. He is also strongly denying allegations from multiple women that he has sexually assaulted or otherwise behaved inappropriately with them.

"Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!" Trump said on Twitter on Monday.





Trump in New Hampshire (Photo: AFP)

While Trump's vice presidential running mate, Mike Pence, and his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, have tried to reshape the candidate's comments as being aimed at an unfair news media, Trump's own words have targeted the legitimacy of the election system.

Even after Pence said in a televised interview on Sunday that Trump would accept the results of next month's election, Trump tweeted that the "election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD."

Trump has tried to portray Clinton, a former US senator and secretary of state, as a corrupt lifelong politician who is vested in preserving the status quo.

His campaign pounced on the release Monday of FBI documents that cited an FBI official as saying a senior State Department official sought to pressure the bureau in 2015 to drop its insistence that an email from Clinton's private server contained classified information. Clinton's decision to use a private server while secretary of state from 2009-13 has drawn criticism that she was careless with national security.

Republicans balk at Trump fraud charges

The country's top elected Republican, House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, has tried to counter Trump's message about election fraud. Spokeswoman AshLee Strong said on Monday that Ryan "is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity."

Ryan last week distanced himself from Trump, saying he was going to focus his election campaign efforts on trying to preserve the Republican majorities in Congress.

In the traditionally closely fought state of Ohio, the top elections official, a Republican, said concerns about widespread voter fraud were simply not justified.

"I can reassure Donald Trump: I am in charge of elections in Ohio, and they're not going to be rigged, I'll make sure of that," Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted told CNN.

Numerous studies have shown that voter fraud in US elections is very rare, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law. In a report titled "The Truth About Voter Fraud," the center cited voter fraud incident rates between 0.00004 percent and 0.0009 percent.

An August study by The Washington Post found 31 credible cases of impersonation fraud out of more than 1 billion votes cast in elections from 2000 to 2014. Arizona State University studies in 2012 and 2016 found similarly low rates.

"Despite this overwhelming evidence, claims that voter fraud is rampant consistently garner media attention, because perceived threats to electoral integrity  even those with no basis in fact  frighten voters by striking at the core of our democracy," Brennan Center counsel Jennifer Clark wrote in a blog last month.

Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook told reporters that Trump's assault on the voting system was an act of desperation.
The Heritage Sites project, started by the Prime Minister's Office, has partnered with the Tel Aviv Burial Society to establish a new monument commemorating the 16 Irgun fighters who were killed in June 1948 in an exchange of fire with the IDF following the arrival of the ship known as the Altalena, which was full of immigrants and military equipment.

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The monument is currently being built in the Nahalat Yitzhak cemetery in Tel Aviv, where the 16 Irgun members are buried. The unveiling ceremony will take place on October 27th in the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Heritage Ze'ev Elkin, various MKs and former members of the Irgun, several of which are survivors of the Altalena.

The current Altalena memorial

Prime Minister Netanyahu, having a degree in architecture himself, personally examined and approved the model of the monument, which will depict a concrete ship coated in metal that is partially submerged in the sea. On the side of the monument will be a quote by Menachem Begin, who was onboard at the time of the shooting, saying, "There will never be a civil war."

Avraham Menala, director of the Tel Aviv Burial Society, said "The Tel Aviv Burial Society has made it a goal to rebuild the old Tel Aviv cemeteries and turn them into a place to visit. The redesigning of the Altalena memorial is the first step in realizing that goal."
CAIRO -- Syria's national security chief met a senior Egyptian intelligence official in Cairo, Syria's state news agency said on Monday, in the latest sign of a rift between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which backs Syrian rebels.

Ali Mamlouk met the deputy chief of the national security department in Egyptian General Intelligence, Khaled Fawzi, on a one-day visit following an invitation from Cairo, SANA reported.

"The two sides agreed to coordinate politically and on fighting the terrorism both countries now face," SANA said.

Egyptian security sources told Reuters this was Mamlouk's third such visit this year but the first to be made public as a message to Saudi Arabia that Egypt would pursue an independent foreign policy.
WASHINGTON  More is riding on the battle for Mosul than the recapture of ISIS's main stronghold in northern Iraq. Also on the line is the Obama administration's theory that the extremists can be defeated in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere without American ground troops doing the fighting.

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For more than two years, the administration has stuck to its argument that the only path to a sustained victory over ISIS is for locals, not Americans or other outsiders, to bear the main responsibility for the fighting and for governing after the extremists are removed.

US President Barack Obama has taken a lot of political heat for that approach, which critics say has allowed ISUS to expand its international reach and influence.

The viability of Obama's strategy has been widely doubted. In May 2015, after months of US bombings in Iraq and while in the midst of Americans training and advising Iraqi ground troops, the Iraqis lost the city of Ramadi. Defense Secretary Ash Carter publicly said he doubted the Iraqis' will to fight. Since then, the US support role has grown and the Iraqi security forces have managed to retake key parts of western and northern Iraq, including Ramadi.

Mosul is different, not least because it is the place where ISIS leaders in 2014 announced their intent to create an Islamic-run state after taking a large swath of Iraq and Syria in a lightning surge.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest on Monday called Mosul a new measure of Obama's strategy.

"And I think the president would be the first to acknowledge that this is a significant test," he said, given the size of the city and its importance to ISIS. "Dislodging them from the city would be a significant strategic gain," Earnest said.

US airpower played a key role in the run-up to the fight for Mosul by taking out ISIS defenses, cash resources, supply routes and some of the group's leaders. The US is now providing air cover as Iraqi security forces and members of the Kurdish militia begin their attempt to retake the city over the next several weeks. American advisers are working with Iraqi troops, but the outcome will be determined largely by the Iraqis.

Mosul may answer the question: If ISIS loses a crown jewel of its so-called caliphate, will that be a decisive and sustainable victory for Iraq? Or will Baghdad once again falter, allowing sectarian and political divisions to destabilize the country and permit a return of extremists?

That likely won't be known before Obama's successor takes office. The next president also will inherit the broader problem of Syrianot just the IS presence there, including in its self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa, but also the civil war with its complications involving Russia, Iran and Turkey.

Iraq remains deeply divided, and the grievances among the country's Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish populations that allowed ISIS to rise to power in the first place have not been resolved. Even if the Mosul campaign is successful militarily, there is a risk of violence erupting again in the form of revenge killings or clashes between groups once allied against a common enemy.

Seth Jones, a defense and security expert at the RAND Corp., says the combat phase of the battle for Mosul, while difficult, will be "much easier" than the aftermath.

"I think there's a strong possibility that a lot of the political grievances actually get accentuated," he said in an interview Friday.

David Petraeus, the former Army general who commanded US and coalition forces in Iraq in 2007-2008, calls the Obama approach in Iraq and Syria "a new way of fighting."

"It's much more sustainable in terms of blood and treasure than obviously having our forces have to do it," Petraeus, who also served as Obama's CIA director, said Sunday on ABC's This Week.

Obama began sending small numbers of US military advisers to Iraq in the summer of 2014, after ISIS had swept into Mosul and also captured much of western Iraq, including cities like Ramadi and Fallujah where American ground troops had spilled much blood before all US troops left Iraq in 2011. The rise of ISIS in Iraq was a stinging blow to Obama, whom critics accused of giving up hard-fought gains.

He initially insisted there would be no US "boots on the ground," but he authorized a gradual expansion of the US training and advising effort to complement a US-led coalition air campaign. He was supported in his cautious, go-slow approach by his top military adviser at the time, Gen. Martin Dempsey, who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff when ISIS moved into Iraq and when Obama began returning US advisers to Baghdad.

Dempsey counseled patience. Give the Iraqis time to heal their internal divisions and fight their own battles, he argued. Resist the temptation to grab control of the contest against ISIS. Dempsey believed an enduring victory would require a unified Iraq supported by neighbors.

"If we were to take control of this campaign, I mean literally seize control of the campaign, then there's no doubt in my mind we would probably defeat ISIL on, let's say, a faster timeline," but it would not last, he said in June 2015. "Maybe ISIL goes away, maybe they're defeated militarily, and two years from now another group with another name and another ideologywill just be back," he said.

In the Obama view, Iraq is more likely to regain, and retain, control of its territory if it is not relying on US troops to do the fighting. Mosul is the biggest test of that theory.
This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company.

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O-96 displays installed at Mitchell Hall

The Association of Graduates, in cooperation with the USAFA Commandant of Cadets, has helped preserve a piece of Academy heritage that was at risk of fading away.

Two wall displays, installed this week at the entrances to Mitchell Hall, recount the history behind Form O-96 that cadets have been filling out since the early days of the Academy.

According to Bob McAllister, senior vice president for communications at the AOG, the O-96 was originally designed to allow cadets to evaluate the food quality, service and cleanliness of the Mitchell Hall dining experience.

But as the form evolved, a standard answer code was informally established that allowed cadets to fill out the form quickly, giving the fourth class cadets who usually were tasked with completing the assessment more time to eat.

"Fast, Neat, Average, Friendly, Good, Good, None, None" became the appropriate responses for the eight-question survey.

Later, "Fast, Neat, Average" became an Academy secret code prompt that was shared among fellow graduates. Graduates at the other end of the prompt would respond "Friendly, Good, Good," establishing an immediate connection with their fellow grad.

On one occasion during the Vietnam War, according to Air Force lore, a downed pilot was identified by approaching rescuers with the prompt and correct response.

"The O-96 is more than just a form," McAllister says. "It's become a tradition at the Air Force Academy, and it's a piece of heritage that should be preserved."

AOG President and CEO William "T" Thompson '73 worked together with Brig. Gen. Stephen Williams '89, Commandant of the Cadets, to develop the wall displays explaining the history behind the O-96 lore. The AOG paid for the displays and their installation.

"It's important that current cadets and graduates understand the significance of the O-96 and it's place in Academy history," McAllister notes.
Washington: A longtime Guantanamo Bay prisoner, who wrote a best-selling book about his experiences in the controversial military prison, has been released to his home country of Mauritania, the Pentagon said on Monday.

The release of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, believed to be the last inmate from Mauritania held at the facility in Cuba, brings the prison's remaining population down to 60.

His case became a cause celebre after the publication last year of "Guantanamo Diary," in which he outlines his treatment at the notorious US naval base in Cuba and says he was subjected to torture.

"The United States is grateful to the government of Mauritania for its humanitarian gesture and willingness to support ongoing US efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility," the US Defense Department said in a statement.

Slahi, 45, was detained in his home country of Mauritania following the September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001, on suspicion of involvement in an unsuccessful plot to bomb Los Angeles in 1999, and was taken to Guantanamo in August 2002 following interrogation in Jordan and Afghanistan.

In his book, Slahi described the toll of life inside the jail, saying: "I started to hallucinate and hear voices as clear as crystal. I heard my family in a casual familial conversation ... I heard Koran readings in a heavenly voice."

"I was on the edge of losing my mind," he added.

President Barack Obama wants to close the Guantanamo jail before he leaves office, but his efforts have faced stiff Republican opposition and time to shutter the prison is running out fast.

Still, the United States has in recent months accelerated the rate at which detainees who have been approved for transfer are released from the facility.

When Obama took office, there were 242 detainees at Guantanamo.
Washington: Donald Trump`s campaign on Monday accused Hillary Clinton of colluding with US authorities to "cover up criminal activity" related to her use of a private e-mail system while serving as secretary of state, but the State Department denied any wrongdoing.

The Republican presidential hopeful`s team seized on newly released FBI documents as proof the State Department pressured the agency to alter its findings in a probe of Clinton`s use of private servers.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation documents released Monday showed a senior State Department official had asked the FBI to declassify or lower the classification of one Clinton e-mail that had been rated "secret."

Patrick Kennedy, an undersecretary of state, had asked that the e-mail be rated to a less-sensitive category.

In exchange, according to an FBI agent, Kennedy had said the State Department would accept an FBI request for additional agents at foreign diplomatic posts.

"These FBI documents provide undeniable proof that Hillary Clinton colluded with the FBI, DOJ (Department of Justice) and State Department to cover up criminal activity at the highest levels," said Michael Flynn, a retired general and close Trump adviser.

Two key Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives called for President Barack Obama to immediately remove Kennedy pending an investigation, saying his actions were "extremely disturbing."

"Those who receive classified intelligence should not barter in it -- that is reckless behavior with our nation`s secrets," said Jason Chaffetz, chair of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Devin Nunes, chair of the Intelligence Committee.

In the end, the email was not declassified.

The FBI, in a statement Monday, said the request for job posts was not linked to discussions about the email classification.

"The allegation of any kind of quid pro quo is inaccurate and does not align with the facts. So there was no quid pro quo," said Mark Toner, deputy spokesman at the State Department.

In July, the FBI wrapped up its investigation of Clinton`s use of her personal email system and concluded that no criminal charges would be appropriate. FBI Director James Comey said the former top US diplomat had been "extremely careless" in her handling of classified information.

With the US election just three weeks away on November 8, Clinton`s Democratic campaign sought to downplay the new FBI documents.

"It`s very well-known that there were disputes between the State Department and other agencies about classification," her campaign manager, Robby Mook, told reporters. "It`s not uncommon for officials within a department to fight over classification."
Washington: Anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks said on Monday that its founder Julian Assange`s internet was shut down by the government of Ecuador, deflecting blame from the US or British governments who have sparred with Assange for releasing sensitive material.

"We can confirm Ecuador cut off Assange`s Internet access Saturday, 5 pm GMT, shortly after publication of (Hillary) Clinton`s Goldman Sachs speechs (sic)," the statement from WikiLeaks said.

Assange has lived and worked in Ecuador`s London embassy since June 2012, having been granted asylum there after a British court ordered him extradited to Sweden to face questioning in a sexual molestation case involving two female WikiLeaks supporters.

WikiLeaks said Assange lost Internet connectivity on Sunday night.

"We have activated the appropriate contingency plans," added the Twitter message on Monday. People close to WikiLeaks say that Assange himself is the principal operator of the website`s Twitter feed.

Over the last two weeks, Democratic Party officials and U.S. government agencies have accused the Russian government, including the country`s "senior-most officials," of pursuing a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organizations ahead of the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election.

WikiLeaks has been one of the most prominent Internet outlets to post and promote hacked Democratic Party materials. While denying any connection with a Russian hacking campaign, Assange has refused to disclose WikiLeaks` sources for hacked Democratic Party messages.

Sources close to both the Democratic Party and WikiLeaks say they believe WikiLeaks has acquired as many as 40,000-50,000 emails hacked from the personal accounts of John Podesta, the former White House advisor who now chairs of Hillary Clinton`s presidential campaign.

Despite Assange`s complaint that his internet connection was cut, WikiLeaks posted on Monday afternoon what it said was a fresh batch of Podesta`s emails.

According to a summary of the latest e-mails posted on Russia Today, a media outlet with close links to the Russian government, highlights include campaign staff discussions about "galvanizing Latino support" and about how to handle media queries about Clinton`s "flip-flopping" on gay marriage.
Washington: A Republican Party office in North Carolina was firebombed in an attack that presidential candidate Donald Trump blamed on "animals representing Hillary Clinton", despite the Democratic candidate also condemning the incident.

The firebomb was thrown on Saturday night through a window of the office in the predominantly Democratic Orange county, charring furniture and campaign posters, but caused no injuries, the police said.

A swastika and the phrase "Nazi Republicans get out of town or else" were also spray painted on the facade of a nearby building, EFE news reported.

Trump blamed the incident on "animals representing Hillary Clinton and Democrats in North Carolina" in a message on Sunday on his official Twitter account, and said he would never forget the attack.

The Republican candidate added that the attack was launched "because we are winning" given the tight contest in North Carolina, key swing state in the November 8 presidential elections and where Clinton was leading the polls by a narrow margin.

The Democratic candidate also condemned the incident in a tweet, calling it "horrific and unacceptable" and added she was "very grateful that everyone is safe".

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, a Republican, called the firebombing "an attack on our democracy".

"Violence has no place in our society - but especially in our elections. Fortunately no one was injured; however, I will use every resource as governor to assist local authorities in this investigation," he said in a statement.

Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of the Republican Party in North Carolina, called the attack an "act of political terrorism".

"This is a horrific, horrific act of political terrorism, one that we will not succumb to and one that we will answer. When people try to stifle freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, you must come back with more speech and aggressively defend your rights," Woodhouse said.
Islamabad: At least 16 persons were killed and over 30 other injured on Monday when two buses collided in Pakistan's Punjab province, police said.

The accident took place Rahim Yar Khan district, The News International reported.

According to the police, one of the buses was on its way from Karachi to Bahawalpur and the other was heading to Sadiqabad from Faisalabad.

Health officials said the toll might increase as the injured included many in critical condition.
Islamabad: At least 27 people were killed and 50 others were wounded early Monday after a head-on collision between two passenger buses in central Pakistan, officials said.

The two buses, carrying around 100 passengers, collided in the town of Khanpur, some 800 kilometres (497 miles) south of the capital Islamabad.

"At least 27 people have been killed in the accident and 50 others were wounded," local government official Zafar Iqbal told AFP.

Rescue workers were attempting to pull people out of the wreckage, with fears that the death toll could rise, Iqbal said.

Local police chief Mehar Arsal said the buses slammed into trees after colliding with each other.

Pakistan has one of the world`s worst records for fatal traffic accidents, blamed on poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.
Manama: A top court in Bahrain on Monday overturned a nine-year jail term against Shiite opposition chief cleric Ali Salman, convicted of inciting hatred and calling for forceful regime change.

The court of the cassation ordered a retrial of the head of Al-Wefaq political formation before the appeals court, said a judicial source in the Sunni-ruled Gulf kingdom.
Baghdad: Iraqi forces have launched a campaign to retake Mosul, the self-declared capital of the Islamic State, the prime minister said today in what the US hailed as a "decisive moment" in the battle to crush the jihadist group.

Up to 1.5 million civilians remain in the city, the United Nations said, voicing fears the vastly outnumbered Islamists could use them as human shields as they seek to repel the assault on its last major stronghold in the country.

"Today I declare the start of these victorious operations to free you from the violence and terrorism of Daesh," Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in a televised address, using an alternative name for the IS group.

Mosul fell to IS fighters two years ago as they marched through Iraq and Syria, where the civil war left a power vacuum that they easily exploited.

Its recapture would shatter the group's claim to be running a "caliphate" and would all but end its presence in Iraq as a land-holding force.

That claim received another body blow yesterday when Syrian rebels retook the town of Dabiq from the group.

The anti-IS alliance - including the US-led coalition, Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi government forces - has recently been tightening the noose around Mosul, and the assault has long been predicted.

But they will have to fight their way through IS defences to reach the city. Some groups are still dozens of kilometres from Mosul.

When they get there, the fighting is expected to be fierce.

UN deputy Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Stephen O'Brien said civilians in the city were in real danger.

"I am extremely concerned for the safety of up to 1.5 million people living in Mosul who may be impacted by military operations to retake the city from ISIL," he said.

"Depending on the intensity and scope of the fighting, as many as one million people may be forced to flee their homes in a worst-case scenario," O'Brien said in a statement.

Children and elderly are among those at greatest risk.

"Tens of thousands of Iraqi girls, boys, women and men may be under siege or held as human shields. Thousands may be forcibly expelled or trapped between the fighting lines," O'Brien added.

In the two years since IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed a "caliphate" straddling Iraq and Syria, Iraqi forces, with the support of Iran and a US-led coalition, have battled to win back lost territory.

Prime Minister Abadi today vowed that only government forces will enter Mosul, a Sunni-majority city that IS seized with relative ease partly due to local resentment towards the Shiite-dominated security forces.

Shiite militia groups have been accused of serious abuses against Sunni civilians in the course of operations to reconquer territory from IS.
Moscow: An unidentified man on Monday blew himself up at the state-owned TV centre in Abkhazia, a tiny Moscow-backed breakaway region of Georgia, a local official said.

"A man blew himself up on the territory of the TV centre. It was obviously clear that he had a bomb," Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Abkhaz interior minister Aslan Kobakhiya as saying.
Monywa: Searchers have recovered 25 bodies from a ferry that sank in central Myanmar and expect to find scores more corpses as workers begin raising the boat from the riverbed, officials said Monday.

A total of 154 people have been rescued since the boat sank early Saturday on the Chindwin River about 72 kilometres (45 miles) north of the city of Monywa.

Search teams scouring the river, who are now securing the boat with ropes so it can be hauled out by a crane, fear the death toll could go as high as 100.

"Now we have found 25 dead bodies but we are still trying to lift the boat out," said Sa Willy Frient, the director of the local relief and resettlement department who is overseeing the operation.

Earlier he told AFP the ferry had been filled with "mainly university students and schoolteachers" when it sank at around 5:00 am on Saturday.

"I think around 70 or 80 university students and about 30 schoolteachers, and also doctors," he added.

The boat was carrying an estimated 240-250 people -- around 100 more than its capacity -- along with heavy cargo, including several motorbikes.

Four of the boat`s staff have been arrested and will face legal action, said Sa Willy Frient. Authorities are still hunting for one crew member and the ferry`s owner.

Survivor Hnin Lei Yee, a 27-year-old schoolteacher, was travelling with her husband and one-year-old daughter to celebrate the Buddhist Thadingyut festival with her family.

Her baby was killed in the disaster. She still does not know her husband`s fate.

"It happened very fast," she told AFP. "The window was open so I had a chance to get out of the boat."

"I cannot swim so I had to hold on to a plastic float and finally the rescue boat came to save my life."

"In the morning, I heard there was a dead child in the hospital and I went there. I saw my daughter dead," she said, weeping.

Boat accidents are common in Myanmar, where people living along the nation`s long coastline and flood-prone river systems rely heavily on often overcrowded ferries for transport.

At least 21 people, including nine children, died in April after a boat capsized off the coast of Myanmar`s western state of Rakhine.

In March last year 33 people lost their lives off the west coast when an overloaded ferry sank in rough waters.

Sai Khaing Myo Tun, vice president of Myanmar`s teachers` federation, said more than 30 school staff were thought to have been aboard the ferry that sank on Saturday.

"I am really so sorry," he said. "This incident has terrified us very much.

"The teachers often have to use such unsafe transportation, especially when they (come to) get their monthly salary."

Monywa is about 100 kilometres west of Mandalay.
Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is willing to hold military exercises with China but not long-time ally the United States, Chinese media quoted him Monday as saying on the eve of a state visit.

Duterte heads to Beijing on Tuesday for a four-day trip that appears set to cement his dramatic foreign policy tilt away from United States, which he has railed against for criticising his deadly war on crime.

"It`s only China (that) can help us," China`s state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Duterte as saying in an interview ahead of his visit.

Duterte also told Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television he was willing to hold joint military exercises with China and Russia.

"Yes, I will. I have given enough time for the Americans to play with the Filipino soldiers," Duterte said when asked if he was open to war games with those two nations, as he reiterated he would no longer hold any more with the United States.

"This will be the last. It has been programmed. I do not want my soldiers to be humiliated," Duterte said, in reference to one set of war games in the Philippines that ended last week.

Duterte has sought to reshape his nation`s foreign relations since taking office on June 30 by pivoting towards China and Russia while moving away from the United States, the Philippines` former colonial ruler and mutual defence ally.

Duterte has repeatedly expressed anger over American criticism of his war on crime, which has claimed more than 3,700 lives and raised fears of mass extra-judicial killings.

He has branded US President Barack Obama a "son of a whore" and told him to "go to hell".

But, signalling his shift to China is also for pragmatic reasons, Duterte has repeatedly ridiculed the United States for what he sees as its weakening economic and military influence around the world.

In the Xinhua interview Duterte again thanked China for not criticising the crime crackdown as he held out the Philippines` hand for soft loans and other forms of financial help."China never criticises. They help us quietly," Duterte said, according to Xinhua.

Duterte is bringing an entourage of hundreds of businessmen with him to Beijing, and Philippine media have said deals worth billions of dollars are expected to be announced during the trip.

Asked if he would seek to buy military equipment from China during his visit, Duterte told Phoenix Television: "Yes, but not really in (large) numbers."

Duterte said he would also need small, fast attack boats from China to fight "terrorism".

"If China does not help us in this endeavour, we will have a hard time fighting terrorism," he said without elaborating, according to Phoenix Television.

Bilateral relations worsened under Duterte`s predecessor, Benigno Aquino, who tried to challenge China`s expansionism in the South China Sea.

China claims nearly all of the strategically vital sea, even waters approaching the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, and has in recent years built artificial islands in the disputed areas that are capable of hosting military bases.

To counter China, Aquino allowed a much greater American military presence in the Philippines and started joint patrols in the sea with US forces.

He also filed a legal case at a UN-backed tribunal, which ruled in July that China`s claims to most of the sea had no legal basis. Beijing refused to accept the ruling.

Duterte has said he does not want to use the verdict to pressure China. In recent weeks he has also cancelled the joint sea patrols with the United States and said he may cancel a pact that allows a greater US military presence in the Philippines.
Moscow: A prominent Russian separatist commander was assassinated in eastern Ukraine on Sunday evening, his allies said on Monday, accusing Ukrainian government forces of murdering him to try to destabilise an already fragile ceasefire.

Arseny Pavlov, a Russian national who went by the nom de guerre "Motorola", was blown up in the lift of his apartment building in Donetsk together with his bodyguard, according to Eduard Basurin, deputy defence minister in the government of the self-styled Donetsk People`s Republic.

Donetsk is the biggest city in the Ukrainian region of Donbass, which pro-Russian militants seized in 2014 and where daily skirmishes and shellings test a shaky 2015 ceasefire deal.

"The bomb was placed above the lift`s cabin. The blast was concentrated inside the cabin," Basurin told Reuters.

"We had intelligence from our agent networks that diversionary groups were being sent our way to kill prominent military and political leaders."

Four armed masked men claimed responsibility for the killing in a video uploaded to the Internet. The men, who appeared alongside a flag belonging to a pro-Ukrainian neo-Nazi group, said they would next target Igor Plotnitsky, leader of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People`s Republic, together with Alexander Zakharchenko, prime minister of the Donetsk People`s Republic.

Zakharchenko said the murder amounted to a declaration of war by Ukraine and promised revenge.

Pavlov, 33, was born in Russia, and commanded the separatist "Sparta" battalion which fought Ukrainian government forces in several key battles, including the struggle for Donetsk airport.

Short and sporting a ginger beard, pro-Kremlin media and his fellow separatists cast him as a hero, but in Ukraine, many regarded him as a hate figure and a symbol of Russian expansionism.

In a 2015 telephone interview with the Kyiv Post newspaper, a man who identified himself as Pavlov was recorded as saying he had murdered 15 Ukrainian prisoners of war.

The Donetsk News Agency, an official separatist news outlet, cited Denis Pushilin, a senior pro-Russian separatist leader, as saying Pavlov`s killing was a Ukrainian attempt "to rock the situation."

A spokeswoman for Ukraine`s SBU security service declined to comment, but some Ukrainian officials suggested the separatist commander had been killed in rebel infighting.

"It looks like he was eliminated by his cousins in crime of this anti-human terrorist gang," Ukrainian Interior Ministry spokesman Artyom Shevchenko said on social media. "This is a sad but just end."
Patna: RJD leader Lalu Prasad and former JD-U President Sharad Yadav's refusal to comment on the projection of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as Prime Ministerial material ahead of the 2019 general election has fueled speculations about their unhappiness over the matter.

Lalu's Rashtriya Janata Dal is part of Bihar's ruling Grand Alliance along with Janata Dal-United and the Congress. Sharad Yadav is known as the only heavyweight leader of the JD-U at the national level.

While Lalu is a former Railway Minister and former Bihar Chief Minister, Sharad Yadav is a former union Minister and currently the JD-U's Rajya Sabha member from Bihar.

Soon after senior JD-U leaders formally began to campaign for Nitish Kumar as the prime ministerial material during the two-day JD-U National Council meeting at Rajgir in Nalanda district on Sunday, it was expected that Lalu and Sharad Yadav will extend their support.

Contrary to these expectations, Sharad Yadav preferred to remain silent despite repeated attempt by the media to get his comments on the issue.

Lalu said: "If Nitish Kumar is being projected as a Prime Ministerial candidate by his party, it is their (internal) matter. Let them do it. I do not speak on all issues."

Last month, Lalu and his younger son Tejaswi Prasad Yadav, who is also Bihar Deputy Chief Minister, had backed Nitish Kumar for the Prime Minister's post and dubbed him "more capable than Modi".

JD-U spokesman K.C. Tayagi, considered close to Nitish Kumar, said: "The Chief Minister is capable for the Prime Minister's post; he posssess all qualities to be the Prime Minister and the country's people are looking up to him to provide dynamic leadership."

However, Tayagi admitted that the JD-U National Council meeing has so far not passed a resolution to project Nitish Kumar as the party candidate for the top political post in the country.

Nitish Kumar formally took over as the JD-U President after the National Council ratified his election at Rajgir. Nitish was elected party President in April, replacing Sharad Yadav.

After joining hands with Lalu Prasad to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2015 Bihar assembly polls, Nitish Kumar has been trying to form a non-BJP alliance of regional parties at the national level to counter the BJP and Narendra Modi.

He even visited Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana and Kerala as part of this endeavour. Even his decision to impose total prohibition in Bihar and repeated appeals to other state governments to follow suit are seen as attempts to play a role in te national politics.


Patna: Signaling a break with the past, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a former BJP ally, openly heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his handling of the Pakistan crisis and said that the whole nation is behind him.

This open sweetener from Nitish Kumar to PM Modi is definitely going to create some ripples in the political circles.

He said that PM Modi has his "full support in each and every step taken against Pakistan".

"Take whatever action's required against Pakistan. Stop writing love letters (to Islamabad), we as a nation are behind you," NDTV quoted the Bihar CM as saying in a speech in Rajgir.

"Please remember you are the Prime Minister and act as the leader of the nation, not just the BJP," he said.

He lauded the Army and the government for the surgical strikes carried out against terrorists on September 29 in PoK, following the deadly attack in Uri in which 19 soldiers were martyred.
Chennai: As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalaithaa continues to be in Apollo Hospital where is currently undergoing treatment, her party AIADMK's 45th foundation day celebrations turned out to be a low-key affair. on Monday

According to reports, AIADMK presidium chairman E Madhusoodanan garlanded AIADMK founder MGR's statue and hoisted the flag at the headquarters in Royapettah in Chennai.

A souvenir was also released on the occasion.

Must Read: AIADMK founding day today; suspense on Jayalalithaa's health condition continues

However, the celebrations were entirely a low-key affair. In the morning, the worried cadre and functionaries thronged the party headquarters along with ministers including O Panneerselvam, Dindigul K Srinivasan, Edappadi K Palaniswami and Sellur K Raju.

There were no banners on the arterial roads and no decorations.

The fans also did not burst fire crackers, which usually accompanied the visit of the party chief in the past. Also, there was no distribution of sweets.

Many AIADMK functionaries said they would not celebrate Diwali this year.

Also Read: No medical bulletin about Jayalalithaa's condition for sixth day

Meanwhile, Jayalalithaa's fans continued to search for latest information regarding Chief Minister's health on social media sites as there was no update regarding the same this week.

Though neither Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's party nor doctors have shared updates on her health, state police has warned that it will tolerate no loose talk..

It is believed that a team of cyber experts is tracking, identifying and punishing those posting rumours or misinformation regarding Jayalalithaa's health on social media.

At least 50 criminal cases have been filed in the last few weeks and eight people have been arrested, including two men who worked at a bank in Coimbatore for spreading rumours regarding Jayalalithaa's condition.

Jayalalithaa, 68, was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai on September 22 when her party said she had fever and was dehydrated. But doctors later confirmed that she's on respiratory support with a lung infection. A UK specialist has flown down three times to supervise her treatment. A trio of doctors from Delhi's AIIMS hospital also travelled to Chennai to check on the Chief Minister.
Raipur: A police jawan, who was critically injured in a blast triggered by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district last month, died at a private hospital here, police said today.

The 'gopniya sainik' (secret troop), identified as Abahiyya Jabba (23), belonging to state police, succumbed last evening at Ramkrishna Care Hospital in Raipur, a police official told PTI.

The wreath-laying ceremony of the jawan was held at the police battalion camp at Mana on the outskirts of the capital today following which the body was sent to his native place in Bijapur, he said.

State Home Minister Ramsewak Paikra, Director General of Police A N Upadhyay and other senior police and CRPF officials paid tributes to the martyred jawan.

Abahiyya and another jawan had sustained injuries in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast detonated by ultras while a joint team of security forces was out on an anti-Maoist operation in the forest of Madded police station area on September 22.

Soon after the incident, he was airlifted to Raipur for treatment.

I
New Delhi: A Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student and AISA activist has gone missing under mysterious circumstances, police said on Sunday.

Najeeb Ahmad, pursuing MSc in Biotechnology and resident of room 106 of Mahi/Mandavi hostel, has been missing since yesterday allegedly after an altercation with a few students on Saturday night, they added.

A case under Section 365 (kidnapping with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person) of IPC has been registered at the Vasant Kunj North police station on the basis of a complaint by his parents, police said.

An AISA activist said Najeeb, who joined the hostel a fortnight ago, had an altercation with some ABVP activists on Saturday night when they were holding a door-to-door campaign at the hostel for the mess committee election.

Najeeb allegedly slapped a student following which residents of the hostel asked him to vacate his room.

However, the activist alleged, "It all started with a scuffle between two groups of students, but then an entire group of ABVP activists came to avenge it and beat him up," the activist said.

All those who tried to save him, including the warden, JNUSU president and hostel residents were also beaten up.

There was a protest organised by JNUSU at the university demanding the JNU administration to immediately take up the matter with the police from the university's side, said a student.
New Delhi: Tihar jail authorities on Monday told a special court that sacked Delhi minister Sandeep Kumar, who was arrested on rape charges, was being provided with separate armed guard (SAG) as he apprehended threat to his life.

The jail authorities made the submission before Special Judge Poonam Chaudhry in response to Kumars application that he be provided with special separate van or SAG for attending the court proceedings on the given dates.

Meanwhile, for the first time, Kumar was produced before the court through video conferencing as his judicial custody was extended till October 28.

The court had on October 4 allowed Kumars plea moved through advocate Pradeep Rana that he be produced in court via video conferencing from jail for the time being following his apprehension of threat to life from his political opponents and other miscreants during transportation.

The court had said the AAP MLA be produced before the court through video conferencing till the filing of charge sheet in the case, as the police had not objected to it.

The police had earlier said the remand proceedings could be done through video conferencing as significant force was being deployed to produce the AAP MLA before the court.

Kumar was arrested on September 3 after a woman lodged a complaint at the Sultanpuri police station in North Delhi alleging sexual harassment by the former Social Welfare and Women and Child Development minister, following which a case was filed.

The woman had allegedly figured in an objectionable video with him.

The MLA from Sultanpur Majra was removed from AAP government and the party on August 31 after the CD surfaced. He had defended himself saying he had been targeted.
New Delhi: In further trouble for Arvind Kejriwal's party, suspended legislator of Aam Aadmi Party Devinder Sehrawat on Monday accused Delhi's ruling party of 'embezzling' public donations.

At the same time, he urged Chief Minister to 'clarify the fraud within 48 hours'.



Addressing a press conference, Sehrawat alleged that large-scale misappropriation of money was going on in AAP.



"Arvind Kejriwal's AAP is deeply mired in corruption, which is evident from vanishing of more than Rs 16 crore from the donations received from the common man," he said.



He said that such a large-scale misappropriation is not possible without the involvement of the top leadership, including the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the party.



"When notices were served by the Income Tax Department, AAP, a party which had advocated transparency in political funding, removed the list of donors from the party website which earlier showed realtime data," Sehrawat added, alleging that this was done to hide 'embezzlement' of donations, as per IANS.



He urged Kejriwal to "clarify this fraud within 48 hours".

Press Release on the Misappropriation of Donations Received By The Aam Aadmi Party over Sixteeen Crore, 16000 Entries missing. October 17, 2016



Sehrawat, a retired colonel, represents Bijwasan.

He was suspended from AAP for anti-party activities in September.

Meanwhile, AAP refused to comment on Sehrawat's allegations, saying that his allegations were not worthy of any reaction.



On the other hand, BJP's Delhi unit chief Satish Upadhyay said, "Sudden deletion of AAP's donation list from its website and revelation of financial irregularities in the party shows that financial scams were going on in Kejriwal's party."

(With IANS inputs)
New Delhi: In further trouble for Arvind Kejriwal's party, suspended legislator of Aam Aadmi Party Devinder Sehrawat on Monday accused Delhi's ruling party of 'embezzling' public donations.

At the same time, he urged Chief Minister to 'clarify the fraud within 48 hours'.

Addressing a press conference, Sehrawat alleged that large-scale misappropriation of money was going on in AAP.

"Arvind Kejriwal's AAP is deeply mired in corruption, which is evident from vanishing of more than Rs 16 crore from the donations received from the common man," he said.

He said that such a large-scale misappropriation is not possible without the involvement of the top leadership, including the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the party.

"When notices were served by the Income Tax Department, AAP, a party which had advocated transparency in political funding, removed the list of donors from the party website which earlier showed realtime data," Sehrawat added, alleging that this was done to hide 'embezzlement' of donations, as per IANS.

He urged Kejriwal to "clarify this fraud within 48 hours".

Press Release on the Misappropriation of Donations Received By The Aam Aadmi Party over Sixteeen Crore, 16000 Entries missing.  Col DevinderSehrawat (@ColSehrawat) October 17, 2016

Sehrawat, a retired colonel, represents Bijwasan.

He was suspended from AAP for anti-party activities in September.

Meanwhile, AAP refused to comment on Sehrawat's allegations, saying that his allegations were not worthy of any reaction.

On the other hand, BJP's Delhi unit chief Satish Upadhyay said, "Sudden deletion of AAP's donation list from its website and revelation of financial irregularities in the party shows that financial scams were going on in Kejriwal's party."

(With IANS inputs)
Aleppo: Air strikes killed at least 12 civilians in Syria`s Aleppo on Monday, a monitor said, bringing to 45 the death toll from 24 hours of raids on the battleground city.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said five children were among the dead in the rebel-held Marjeh district of east Aleppo.

Dozens more people were wounded or still trapped under the rubble.
Berlin: At least 11 schools in eastern Germany received threatening emails on Monday prompting police to deploy officers, but there was no indication of actual danger.

"We found out from some schools in Leipzig this morning that they had received an email with threatening content. They were threatened with violence," a Leipzig police spokeswoman said.

At least nine schools in Leipzig and two in the city of Magdeburg received the emails.

"It became clear very quickly that there was not a serious threat," said a police spokeswoman in Magdeburg.
Vienna: The Austrian house where Nazi leader Adolf Hitler was born is scheduled for demolition, Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka announced on Monday.

Deliberations in Austria about what to do with the building, located in Braunau am Inn in the state of Upper Austria, have been long-standing, Xinhua news agency reported.



An expert team including jurists, historians, interior ministry staff, and local officials put together for the specific purpose of reaching a decision, have now concluded that the best course of action would be to bring the building down, which they passed on to Sobotka.



The cabinet is to pass a bill on Tuesday for the dispossession of the house from the current owner as well as for relevant financial compensation. This will pave the way for the demolition to begin, expected to occur in early 2017.



In its place, an entirely new building is to be constructed that will be used for either administrative or charitable purposes.



In response to questions over whether the house would not have served as a historical reminder of the era, Sobotka said other sites for this purpose already existed, such as the Mauthausen concentration camp memorial site, also in the state of Upper Austria.



Moreover, he additionally said he did not want the building to be a "pilgrimage and memorial site" for Neo-Nazis.
Ankara: Turkey is ready for hundreds of thousands of refugees from the Iraqi city of Mosul if a U.S.-backed operation to drive out Islamic State fuels sectarian violence, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Monday.

Iraqi government forces, with air and ground support from the U.S.-led coalition, launched the long-anticipated offensive early on Monday to push the jihadist group out of Mosul, its last major stronghold in Iraq.

Turkey has repeatedly said that letting Shi`ite militias, which the Iraqi army has relied on in the past, take part in the assault on the mainly Sunni Arab city could spark sectarian violence.

"If the Mosul operation is handled correctly, there won`t be a refugee wave into Turkey," Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told a news conference in Ankara.

"(But) if something goes wrong in Mosul, hundreds of thousands will put their migrant bags on their backs, they will be miserable and worn out, and come with their belongings to the only place they can go to, which is Turkey," he said.

The United Nations refugee agency said up to 100,000 Iraqis may flee to Syria and Turkey to escape the assault on Mosul, a city of 1.5 million people where in 2014 Islamic State proclaimed a "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria.

An official from Turkey`s disaster management agency AFAD said the country`s experience of dealing with migrants from Syria`s civil war, who now number more than 3 million in Turkey, meant it was well enough prepared.

"For us, building a tent camp is a very easy task. We can swiftly establish camps to host hundreds or thousands of refugees," the official told Reuters.

"The procedure is standardised, and it will work like a clock. The army will take away people`s weapons, the police will run checks on the refugees, the immigration authority will register them, and the Red Crescent will provide them with water, food and shelter," he said.

Witnesses said Turkish military vehicles, including tanks, armoured vehicles and trucks carrying munitions were deployed to an army facility in the Turkish district of Silopi on the Iraqi border overnight.

Turkey has repeatedly warned the operation in Mosul could unleash sectarian strife.

Ankara has been locked in a row with Baghdad about the presence of Turkish troops at a camp in northern Iraq and over who should take part in the assault on Iraq`s second-biggest city.

Some 30,000 Iraqi soldiers, Kurdish Peshmerga militia and Sunni tribal fighters are expected to take part in the offensive. Kurtulmus said some 3,000 Iraqi fighters trained by Turkish soldiers at the Bashiqa military camp in northern Iraq were involved.
Frankfurt: Several people were missing and others were injured after an explosion today at a chemical plant at BASF's headquarters in western Germany, the firm said, advising local people to stay indoors.

"There was an explosion with several people injured for as-yet undetermined reasons at around 11:30 (local time) at BASF Ludwigshafen," it said in a press release.

"Emergency services from the whole region are on the scene to prevent the fire spreading to other parts of the plant," Ludwigshafen city authorities said in a statement.

The company said local residents should remain inside and shut doors and windows.

"We are still investigating the precise cause. The relevant authorities have been informed," BASF said.

Ludwigshafen is located around 80 kilometres (50 miles) southwest of Frankfurt.
Ankara: Around half of some 3,000 Iraqi forces trained by Turkey at the Bashiqa camp in northern Iraq are taking part in the operation to drive Islamic State from the city of Mosul, Turkish military sources said on Monday.

Turkey has been locked in a row with Iraq`s central government over the presence of Turkish troops at Bashiqa and over who should take part in the U.S.-backed assault on Mosul.

"Around half of the 3,000 are currently taking part in the operation. The other half are being kept in reserve," one of the sources said.
Copenhagen: A spate of bomb threats in Denmark forced the evacuation of two provincial airports and two shopping malls on Monday and briefly closed a university campus in Copenhagen, police said.

It was unclear who was behind the threats.

Additional threats were sent to other locations in the capital area, including Copenhagen Airport, but were deemed hoaxes partly because they were all from the same sender, the police told Danish broadcaster TV2.

"There have been a number of bomb threats in a short period over the whole country," Danish police said on Twitter. The Copenhagen Business School was briefly evacuated but allowed students back after checks, according to the newspaper Ekstra Bladet.

An airport outside Roskilde, a province about 35 km (22 miles) from Copenhagen, was evacuated at midday as well as RO`s Torv, a shopping mall in central Roskilde, police said. A shopping mall in Slagelse, near Roskilde, was evacuated along with a domestic airport in north-east Denmark.

"It wasn`t chaotic or hectic, but there was this feeling of apprehension," Anton Bestle, an eyewitness who was evacuated from RO`s Torv, told Reuters.
Benaulim: Bimstec leaders have slammed attempts made to glorify terrorists and described terrorism as the single-most significant threat to peace and stability in the region, in a joint statement issued here on Monday.

A day after the conclusion of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) Leaders' Retreat in the beach village of Benaulim in South Goa, an Outcome Document released jointly by the visiting leaders also called for greater cooperation between Bimstec and BRICS blocs in areas of mutual interest and on regional and global issues.

Bimstec, which comprises Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal, also noted that the grouping has considerable potential for economic and social development through mutually beneficial cooperation in the identified priority areas. The leaders also pledged to work collectively towards making the bloc stronger, more effective and result oriented.

"Recognizing that terrorism continues to remain the single most significant threat to peace and stability in our region, we reiterate our strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stress that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever. We condemn in the strongest terms the recent barbaric terror attacks in the region," the Bimstec Leaders' Retreat 2016 Outcome Document said.

"We strongly believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but should also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against States who encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues.

"There should be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs. We recognize the need for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization," the joint statement also said, while calling for greater cooperation and coordination among law enforcement, intelligence and security organizations for the purpose.

"We wish to express our appreciation for the opportunity of a summit between BRICS and Bimstec leaders to discuss matters of mutual interest and exchange views on important global and regional issues including the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development. We believe this joint summit will lead to greater trust and understanding among countries of the two groupings, and will promote further cooperation for their mutual benefit," the statement said.

While both the BRICS and the Bimstec summits concluded late on Sunday evening, leaders of both blocs also met as part of an outreach summit on the same day.

Following the September 18 Uri terror attack, India, as host of this year's BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit, chose to invite countries belonging to the Bimstec grouping over those of Saarc.

As New Delhi has launched a diplomatic blitz to isolate Islamabad in the international community, the invitation to Bimstec countries instead of the Saarc countries is being seen as another step in this direction.

In the Outreach Document, the leaders also committed to expedite signing of the Bimstec Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters and early ratification of the Bimstec Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking, while also working towards making the region safer from natural disasters and climate change through sustainable development and joint disaster management mechanisms.

The leaders also called for effective tapping of energy sources better connectivity within the region and reiterated their commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security through joint efforts, while also sustainable development of fisheries in the region, which accounts for over 30 per cent of the world's fishermen.

"We renew our commitment to the early conclusion of Bimstec Free Trade Area negotiations, and direct the Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) and Working Groups to expedite the finalization of its constituent agreements... We also agree to offer special and differential treatment for Least Developed Countries for their integration into the regional economy," the Outreach Document also said.

The fourth Bimstec summit will be held in Nepal in 2017.


Panaji: The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) will on Tuesday hear a complaint on alleged inhuman treatment meted out to the policemen on duty during the just-concluded BRICS Summit in Goa.

Social activist Aires Rodrigues had filed the complaint with GHRC on the first day of the BRICS Summit, claiming the police personnel deployed at the event were "being made to work very long hours in pathetic and appalling working conditions".

The commission, comprising retired District Judge A D Salkar and J A Keny, will take up the case for hear the complaint tomorrow.

Based on the complaint, GHRC has already issued notices to the State Chief Secretary and Director General of Police and sought an urgent detailed report from them on the issue.

The GHRC also directed the Commission's Secretary Siddhivinayak Naik and Deputy Superintendent of Police Kiran Poduval, attached to the panel, to visit the sites and submit a detailed report about the working conditions of the police personnel posted on the BRICS Summit duty.

In his complaint, Rodrigues claimed the police staff was "made to work for very long hours, which has taken a toll on their personal?lives, with even a 25-year-old constable, Jeevan Gaonkar, suffering a heart attack."

"Despite the GHRC having more than once reminded the government that police personnel are human beings and should be treated so, the authorities have failed to make all proper arrangements, including food, water and toilet facilities for the police personnel," he alleged.

The complainant alleged that the government had "conveniently neglected" to cater to the basic fundamental and human rights of its own police personnel.
Mathura: To bring down the level of pollution in Yamuna and ensure unfettered flow in the river, adequate water will "soon" be released in it from Haryana's Hathni Kund barrage, Union Minister Uma Bharati has said as she sought to address concerns raised by local religious leaders here.

The Water Resources Minister also said she has already spoken to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal and Uttar Pradesh Minister Shivpal Singh Yadav in this regard and a plan has been worked out to release water.

"Sewage is flowing into Yamuna from Delhi, which is very sad. It was a difficult task to see water is discharged from the barrage in Yamuna.

"However, we have spoken to the Chief Ministers of Delhi and Haryana and also to Yadav and worked out a plan for releasing around 30 per cent water in the river," Bharati said during an event at Shrikrishna Kripadham here.

The government will soon put into service "special machines" to rid Yamuna of waste, she added.

This work is expected to keep the river flowing throughout the year, but the religious leaders need "to give some time" for the government to see things start rolling.

The Union Water Resources Ministry has already started the work of setting up sewage treatment plant along the river in Mathura as part of the Centre's ambitious 'Namami Gange' programme.
Dharamsala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Tuesday attend two rallies at Mandi and Nahan in Himachal Pradesh amid elaborate security arrangements.

This is Modi's maiden visit to Himachal Pradesh after assuming power.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Monday took stock of the security arrangements.

"We do not want to leave any stone unturned to give a warm welcome to the Prime Minister," Singh told reporters yesterday.

On asked about the 2017 Assembly Elections, he had said Congress would repeat its success and form the next government in the state.

The Chief Minister had on Sunday said that Modi's rally would have no impact on the poll prospects of BJP in the state.

The state Assembly elections are slated for 2017.

During the visit, the PM will dedicate three hydropower projects, namely 800 MW Koldam project executed by National Thermal Power Corporation, 530 MW Parvati Stage II project of National Hydropower Corporation and 412 MW Rampur hydropower project of Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam, to the people.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Union Power Minister Piyush Goel.

The BJP has put in major efforts to make the rally a success with top leaders including, Union Health Minister JP Nadda, former chief ministers Shanta Kumar and PK Dhumal, state BJP chief Satpal Singh Satti, BJYM president Anurag Thakur, among others expected to attend the programme.

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted India's tough stand on terrorism and called Pakistan 'mothership of terrorism', the Congress on Monday hit back at BJP, calling it the mothership of communal strife.

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal tweeted: Pakistan 'mothership' of terror. BJP 'mothership' of communal 'fasad'. love jihad, beef politics , conversions...to polarize UP politics.

Reacting to Sibal's attempt to link PM Modi's tough talk on Pakistan with politics in the run up to the crucial Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said, Every time Pakistan is cornered, the Congress party comes to its rescue.

When the Prime Minister referred to Balochistan in his Independence Day speech, it was Congress leader Salman Khurshid who cirticised it first, Rao told a news channel.

The BJP leader added that it is for the people of the country to judge whether the Congress' acts are anti-national or not.

Rao also mentioned the controversial statements by other Congress leaders like Sanjay Nirupam and Digvijaya Singh.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed Pakistan as "mothership" of global terrorism and said the menace has become its "favourite child" against which decisive action should be taken as the time for condemning state-sponsored terrorism is "long gone".

Addressing the BRICS and BIMSTEC Summits in Goa, he said Pakistan "embraces and radiates" the darkness of terrorism and pressed for "comprehensive" and "collective" action against the menace and its supporters, warning that any selective approach will be "counter-productive".
New Delhi: It seems PM Narendra Modi's 'mothership of terror' statement has hit the bull's-eye as Pakistani media has warned its government of global isolation!

An editorial titled 'International isolation looms as Pakistan continues to differentiate between good and bad non-state actors' has been published in Pakistan's The Nation newspaper.

The article starts with PM Modi's 'mothership of terror' statement.

The editorial says, "Now we all know that the very mothership of terrorism being referred was Pakistan."

Pak media lauds PM Modi's commitment

Pakistan's own media has accepted the PM Modi's commitment about isolating Pakistan globally.

The article says,"Whatever the reason might be, Modis statement shows just how committed New Delhi is when it comes to isolating Pakistan globally. From cancelling the Saarc summit to boycotting Pakistani artistes, the Modi regime is hell-bent on weakening Pakistan at every international forum."

Also, the editorial accepts that Pakistan still isnt 100 per cent sure which non-state actor is good or bad.

"Pakistan's national interest lies in the complete elimination of nefarious elements, without any discrimination; the civil and military brass should at least have the decency to admit that Pakistan still isnt 100 per cent sure which non-state actor is good or bad," says the editorial.

Pak media fears isolation

Fearing isolation, editorial ends with the statement,"When and if isolated, the impact would be drastic, and Pakistan would never want that."

Here is full text of the article:-

In an address to the leaders of Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa that collectively make up BRICS, including India, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "Tragically the mothership of terrorism is a country in India's neighbourhood."

Now we all know that the very mothership of terrorism being referred was Pakistan. I wonder why Modi avoided mentioning Pakistans name; perhaps a possible fear of China, the president of whom was sitting right next to the Indian prime minister.

Whatever the reason might be, Modis statement shows just how committed New Delhi is when it comes to isolating Pakistan globally. From cancelling the Saarc summit to boycotting Pakistani artistes, the Modi regime is hell-bent on weakening Pakistan at every international forum.

Now let us reflect on the ever-changing political landscape of Pakistan.

Pakistan is trying its best to convince foreign diplomats, especially those in the United States, that it has adopted a non-discriminatory approach towards nefarious elements, which aim to destabilise the country.

But Islamabads attempts to convince its allies have met with sharp criticism, both at home and abroad.

Days ago, a lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) took a jibe at the government and demanded action against non-state actors; the very non-state actors New Delhi alleges Islamabad of sponsoring.

The lawmaker, Rana Muhammad Afzal, recalled a trip to France where, he said, foreign delegates brought up the name of Hafiz Saeed time and again. He also questioned whether Hafiz Saeed was good or bad for the Kashmir cause.

A recent report by an English daily staffer has also revealed the confusion that persists among the civil and military quarters over how to deal with non-state actors. According to the report, the civilian government claims the army interferes whenever the former takes action against certain groups.

Instead of clarifying its stance on non-state actors, however, the federal government placed the name of the reporter of the story, Cyril Almeida, on Exit Control List.

Pakistans civil and military brass claims the story was a threat to national security. Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar even defended the ban on the Dawn staffer and branded the report the narrative of our enemies.Chaudhry Nisar even defended the ban on the Dawn staffer and branded the report the narrative of our enemies.

The point of discussion is not Almeidas reporting of the story, whose name has since been removed from ECL. The decision to ban him reflects the immaturity on part of the federal government, and Almeidas story was never, as both the civil and military brass claim, a threat to national security.

The current political scenario calls for Pakistan to clearly define its policies to its allies; not just define but act on them as well. Pakistan has to realise that what really is in its national interest is the complete elimination of nefarious elements, without any discrimination; the civil and military brass should at least have the decency to admit that Pakistan still isnt 100 per cent sure which non-state actor is good or bad.

The United States is time and again asking Islamabad to do more against terrorism. China, although claims to be a strategic ally of Pakistan, yet it has expressed its concerns over the course the latter has taken.

Their demands are simple: take indiscriminate action against nefarious elements or face isolation; the latter appears to looming over the country as it walks a line between appeasing the civilian and the security establishment.

When and if isolated, the impact would be drastic, and Pakistan would never want that.
Benaulim (Goa): Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina`s comprehensive crackdown on terrorism is a template for other countries on how to tackle terror, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

He made the comments during bilateral talks with his Bangladesh counterpart late on Sunday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said on Monday.

Swarup told reporters here that Modi also spoke in favour of meeting leaders in the South Asian region more regularly and with minimal protocol.

"He (Modi) commended Shaikh Hasina for the very strong action that she was taking to counter terrorism in Bangladesh.

"In fact, he said that `your battle against terrorism was yielding very positive results. You have shown us all a new template on how to fight terrorism so successfully`," Swarup said.

Modi and Hasina met at the beach village of Benaulim in south Goa.

Swarup said Hasina made a detailed presentation on the various steps her government had taken in the wake of the Holey Artisan (Bakery cafe) terror attack in Dhaka in July 2016.

Hasina told Modi how her administration contacted all the districts of Bangladesh to get everybody on the same page to unite against terror and took on board all the imams to raise their voice against terror.

"She said that now public awareness is very high in Bangladesh against terrorism. (Modi) totally agreed and said terrorism can only be contained with strong public support," Swarup said.

"(Modi) said he wants (leaders of) countries of our region should be able to visit each other at very short notice without protocol considerations coming in the way.

"That is a message the Prime Minister has also been raising in the Saarc context, just as leaders in Europe and leaders in East Asia for instance are able to meet regularly at a fairly short notice," Swarup said.

Modi said the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation countries was significant as they represent the blue economy zone.

"In times to come, this would become a very important aspect of economic partnership and co-operation and hence the BRICS-BIMSTEC meeting was already yielding very substantive outcomes."
Karachi: Calling him a "butcher" of Gujarat and Kashmir, Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was blaming Pakistan only to divert attention from "atrocities" being committed in the Valley.

Speaking at a rally in Karsaz here yesterday, Bhutto said Modi is an "extremist". "I have said that Modi is an extremist and there should be no hopes attached to him," Bhutto said.

He said Modi was blaming Pakistan only to divert attention from "atrocities" being committed in Kashmir.

He called Modi the "butcher of Gujarat and Kashmir", 'Geo news' reported. Highlighting the "plight" of Kashmiris, Bhutto, 28, said the people of the Valley were struggling for their "right to self-determination."

Must Read: After PM Modi dubs Pakistan as 'mothership of terror, Pak media warns Nawaz Sharif government of global isolation

Bhutto also put forth four demands, threatening that he would announce a long march on December 27 that if they were not fulfilled.

The demands include formation of a parliamentary committee on national security, passage of his party's bill on Panama Papers, implementation on former President Asif Zardari's resolution on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the immediate appointment of a foreign minister.

Bhutto also took a dig at Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's policies, saying they were the reason Pakistan had been weakened.

"Mian sahib you have failed in implementing the National Action Plan...We will change Pakistan if the public supports us," he said.

In his address at the BRICS summit yesterday, Modi called Pakistan a "mothership" of terrorism world-wide which shelters not just terrorists but nurtures a mindset that proclaimed that terrorism was justified for political gains.

"In our own region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development. Tragically its mothership is a country in India's neighbourhood. Terror modules around the world are linked to this mothership," he had said, attacking Pakistan for supporting cross-border terrorism.
New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that despite differences with Beijing, relations between India and China have strengthened adding that Chinese incursions have also come down under NDA regime.

Rajnath was speaking at a PIB event in Chandigarh, when he said, "Chinese incursions have come during our rule. In recent times, the Indo-China relations have strengthened in spite of differences between two nations; however, Pakistan is still obsessed with certain issues."

Taking a dig at Pakistan for sponsoring terror-related activities against India and nurturing terrorists for political gain, Rajnath said, "If Pakistan is serious about fighting terror, our government is ready to help them eradicate terror. However, their intention is not that. Pakistan has isolated itself completely among the global community by adopting terrorism as its state policy."

The Home Minister also lauded the Indian Army for carrying out surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) against terrorist launch pads.

"Our troops crossed Line of Control and conducted surgical strikes as a pre-emptive measure. We have increased the pace of Border Area Development program and have also increased deployment of security forces in Left Wing Extremism areas. The attitude of lethargy is over and the country is now feeling proud," he said.

"India is one of the top 10 economies and the fastest growing economy in the world. If this trend continues. India will be among top three economies of the world," he said.

Reiterating Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement that there are certain forces in the world that do not want India to see progress, Rajnath remarked, "India's development depends on its core strength and competence but certain forces do not want to see India progressing."

"Cyber terrorism and radicalisation are also major issues and we working towards eradicating them," he concluded as saying.
Delhi: The Congress on Monday slammed Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for 'crediting RSS for operations along the LoC'.

Addressing the press, Congress leader Manish Tiwari said, "Why is the Defence Minister of India always so over the top. Today he has credited the RSS for operations along LoC. Earlier he had said, like Hanuman, Army did not know their process until I pointed out to them their strength and capacity. He even said, such an action has never been done before and it was the first surgical strike by the Army."

"Then they blame others for politicising the operations along the LoC. We would like to ask BJP and Defence Minister, did PM Lal Bahadur Shastri go to an RSS shakha? Did defence minister Yashwantrao Chavan go to an RSS shakha? Did PM Mrs Indira Gandhi go to a shakha? Did defence minister Jagjivan Ram go to a shakha? Did Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw go to a shakha? Did General JS Arora go to a shakha? What kind of a Defence Minister do we have?" he asked.

Tiwari added, "For all the chest thumping of the BJP, the strategic restraint of the UPA, where we conducted operations but kept our lips zipped, actually yielded results. In J&K, in 2004 281 security personnel, 700 civilians & 976 terrorists were killed by 2009, incidents down 1/5th. Security personnel deaths were down to 78, civilians were 71 and terrorists 239. Because infiltration was stopped. In 2014, incidents were down to 222, forces killed down to 47, civilians 28 & terrorists 110. Therefore, policy of strategic restraint and carrying out operations to change the behaviour of the deep state in Pakistan showed results."

Congress' reaction came after Parrikar was quoted as saying, "Mahatma ke goan se aane wale PM, Goa se Defence Minister aur surgical strike, equation was different, maybe RSS teaching was basic core."

Hear what he said (courtesy ANI):
Delhi: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Monday said that people were questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi just to be in the news.

He tweeted, "A new fashion has developed in India. A student or a film person can put a question or speak against PM without any logic to get into news."

A new fashion has developed in India. A student or a film person can put a question or speak against PM without any logic to get into news.  Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) October 17, 2016

Rijiju's reaction comes a day after filmmaker Anurag Kashyap had courted controversy by attacking PM Modi while extending his support to Karan Johar.

However, later talking to the media the minister said when asked about Kashyap, "Don't want to comment and give undue imp to such undesirable tweets which are no good to the country."

Marking the PM, Kashyap had posted the following on Twitter - "Sir you haven't yet said sorry for your trip to meet the Pakistani PM. It was December 25th. Same time KJo was shooting ADHM? Why? Why is it that we have to face it while you can be silent?"

Further he had tweeted to PM Modi - "You actually diverted your trip on our tax money, while the film shot then was on money on which someone here pays interest. I am just trying to understand the situation because I am actually dumb and I don't get it. Sorry if you feel offended. By the way Bharat Mata ki Jai sir."

The World must learn from us.. We solve all our problems by blaming it on movies and banning it.. #ADHM . With you on this @karanjohar  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 15, 2016

@narendramodi Sir you haven't yet said sorry for your trip to meet the Pakistani PM.. It was dec 25th. Same time KJo was shooting ADHM? Why?  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

@narendramodi why is it that we have to face it while you can be silent??  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

@narendramodi and you actually diverted your trip on our tax money,while the film shot then was on money on which someone here pays interest  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

Btw Bharat Mata ki Jai Sir @narendramodi  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

Johar's film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has run into rough weather for featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.

Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) has announced that no films with Pakistani actors will be screened in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Karnataka in the aftermath of Uri attack on an Indian Army camp.

The film also stars Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai andAnushka Sharma

Facing flak for his remarks, Kashyap later tweeted that he was complaining because he had the right to question the PM and seek protection for the 'vulnerable' film industry even as he lashed out at 'fanatics' who stop others from having a conversation with the PM.

"Just to make it clear, I complain because I expect my government to protect us, I question the PM because I have every right to.. I am not going to address a party that has become redundant and irrelevant and is trying to find relevance again by using the film industry," the director had written, apparently taking a dig at the MNS, which has been campaigning against Pakistani artistes.

Just to make it clear, I complain because I expect my government to protect us, I question the PM because I have every right to..  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

I am not going to address a party that has become redundant and irrelevant and is trying to find relevance again by using the film industry  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

We have been vulnerable for long, and have been paying the price by being used by every one to find any kind of standing..  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

And the real trade between the two countries across the border has not faced any kind of opposition, but we must pay the price for it  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

And anyone who questions my love for the country by shouting , must prove there love by representing the country either on the border ..  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

Or prove your love by representing the country in a honourable way.. Not by shouting here..  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

I would rather ask my questions directly to the PM than trying to impress him by fake nationalism of banning "what puts you in news"  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

And yes sir @narendramodi we need protection.. It's really high time..  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: An apex body of NGOs has petitioned the Union Home Ministry, urging it to extend the date of FCRA renewal to December 31, fearing that otherwise many organisations awaiting renewed licenses will have to cease operations.

Terming it as an "existential crisis" of the NGO sector, Voluntary Action Network India (VANI) said non-disbursement of renewals may halt major development projects as many voluntary organisations are involved in various flagship programs of the Centre.

Several high profile NGOs have come under the scanner in the recent past for allegedly violating the provisions of FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) that regulates the flow of foreign funds to them.

The Home Ministry's FCRA wing had set June 31 as the deadline for renewal of application. Pending renewal, their licenses will stand terminated after October 31.

"VANI drafted a petition to the MHA appealing for extension of the date for validity to 31st December 2016 or to expedite the process of dispatching renewals so as to allay the fears of organisations and allow them to continue their operations," it said in a statement.
London: The British government will on Tuesday extradite a 40-year-old man, wanted in India in connection with the 2002 post-Godhra riots in Gujarat, to stand trial.

Scotland Yard had arrested Samir Vinubhai Patel in west London in August on a Red Corner Notice issued by the Indian authorities.

His extradition order was signed by UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd on September 22 and now the "surrender arrangements" have been finalised.

It marks the first extradition from the UK since the signing of the India-UK Extradition Treaty in 1992.

Patel was arrested in India but released on bail. He jumped bail and escaped to the UK.

"Following Government of India's request for extradition, Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, an Indian national, is being extradited on 18th October 2016 to face trial in India," the Indian High Commission said in a statement on Monday.

"Patel is facing trial in connection with post-Godhra riots in India in 2002. He is charged with the offence under Section 302 of the IPC, along with 43 other accused. The offences include being member of an unlawful assembly; rioting and murder. The accused was arrested in India and was on bail and after jumping bail had escaped to the UK," the statement added.

According to the Gujarat Police, Patel is wanted in connection with riots in Ode village of Anand district.

A team of officials from India will take him into their custody to fly back to India today.

"On September 22, the Secretary of State (Amber Rudd), having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel's extradition to India.

"He is accused, whilst being part of a rioting mob, of three counts of murder, two counts of using unlawful violence with others for a common purpose and one count of arson," a UK Home Office spokesperson had confirmed last week.

On March 1, 2002, 23 people from the Muslim community were burnt alive in a house in Pirwali Bhagol area of Ode village.

Patel along with two others, who are still at large, is accused of being part of the riot mob at that time.

Patel's whereabouts were traced to a home in Hounslow, west London, after which Scotland Yard arrested him on August 9.

"On August 9, officers from the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) extradition unit attended an address in Beavers Lane, Hounslow and arrested Samir Vinubhai Patel, aged 40, on a warrant issued under section 71 Extradition Act 2003. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on August 10, 2016," a Scotland Yard statement said.

"We can confirm that Patel has consented to his extradition to India. However, we are unable to comment on any surrender arrangements as this is an operational matter for the police," a UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) statement added.

(With Agency inputs)
Delhi: The Opposition is up in arms regarding the plans of Narendra Modi-led government at Centre to set up a Ramayana Museum in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh where Assembly elections are due next year.

A 25 acre plot has been identified for it some 15 km away from the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex.

Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma will visit Ayodhya on October 18 to inspect the proposed site.

"We want it to be a museum where people from around the world come, and get an insight into Lord Ram's life and the Ramayana," Sharma said.

"This is our faith. Faith and politics are two different things," he added, as per ANI.

He said his Ayodhya visit was planned two months back and had nothing to do with the UP Assembly elections, which were 'planned five years ago'.

Sharma, while insisting that the project had nothing to do with politics, said the museum will be a part of the Ramayana Circuit for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the circuit.

The minister emphasised, "The visit is part of developmental agenda. This is part of government's effort to improve tourism in Ayodhya and all over the country. Ram is in the heart of millions of people. As the Tourism Minister, I have to see how Ayodhya can be developed, how Ramayana circuit can be developed from tourism point of view."

He said the government has identified three circuits - Ramayana Circuit, Krishna Circuit and Buddhist Circuit - to boost religious tourism.

When asked if the museum will be inaugurated ahead of the UP polls, Sharma said, "It is a continuous process. It will involve development of ghats, infrastructure etc."

The minister will also hold a meeting with Ramayana Circuit Advisory Board during the visit. The meeting would discuss routes for connecting Ramayana-related sites in Nepal and Sri Lanka with the proposed museum.

Meanwhile, talking to Times Now, news channel Congress' CM candidate for UP polls Sheila Dikshit said, "Why is it happening at a time like this when elections are a few months away. We are not against it, everybody worships Lord Ram but the timing is crucial. It gives it a communal touch. The venue is Ayodhya. It will impact UP."

Another Congress leader and former union minister RPN Singh accused the Modi government and BJP of invoking Ram months ahead of the Assembly polls for deriving political mileage out of it.

He said, "We shouldn't be surprised. Every five years we see the same drama unfolding. Whenever polls are in the state, they talk of Ram, Ram temple, Ram sangrahalaya. They repeatedly raise these issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks of development but what about action... When there is election, he goes to Lucknow to participate in Dussehra festivities and chants 'Jai Shri Ram'. Did he say 'Jai Shri Ram' during Dussehra events last year wherever he went?"

On the other hand, BSP chief Mayawati said in a release today, "Developing tourism in Ayodhya is good but, how come the Narendra Modi government thought of developing the Ramayana Sangrahalay (museum) and the state government of Ramleela theme park just before the Assembly polls."

Also Read: Ayodhya land only belongs to Lord Ram, no doubt about it, says Uma Bharti

The former UP CM further said, "Linking religion with politics and electoral gains by these governments is condemnable...Had they really been so concerned about these issues, they would have thought about them long ago."

DMK chief M Karunanidhi also deprecated attempts to rake up the Ram temple issue ahead of UP Assembly polls.

"There are reports that BJP is trying to rake up the Ram janmabhoomi issue to garner Hindu votes in Uttar Pradesh," he said in a statement in Chennai.

The DMK patriarch took exception to PM Modi chanting 'Jai Sri Ram' at the Ram Leela event last week.

Karunanidhi, who had earlier triggered a row with his critical comments about Lord Ram made at the height of the Ramasethu controversy, also criticised the move to set up a Ramayana museum.

BJP leaders pitch for construction of Ram temple

The proposed museum has revived the demand for construction of Ram temple, with BJP 'hardliners' like Union Minister Uma Bharti and Vinay Katiyar pitching for it.

Katiyar went on to demand tabling of a legislation in the Lok Sabha where the BJP-led NDA has a 'massive majority'.

"Every devotee of Ram wants the temple to be constructed soon. Until that happens we cannot live in peace. Be it through a bill in Parliament, through dialogue or a court verdict, the government has to find a solution. Of course, we don't have a majority in the Rajya Sabha, but a bill for construction of the temple can be brought in the Lok Sabha where we have a massive majority. The Ram temple was also a part of BJP's election manifesto," he said, adding "no deadline can be set for the government on this issue," as per PTI.

Bharti pointed out, "The issue is what we, the agitators, were claiming as the place where Lord Ram was born was indeed that place or not. A three-judge bench (of Allahabad High Court) agreed with our contention. What is under challenge is the dispute over land between the Waqf Board and Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, not that whether Ram was born there or not."

(With Agency inputs)
Kozhikode: A Salafi preacher has stirred up a controversy by urging Muslims not to send their kids to the mainstream schools.

In a speech uploaded in edawa.net on Sunday, Abdul Mohsin Aydeed, an extreme Salafi in the group of Shamsudeen Fareed, is seen convincing the community to set up home schools where children can be taught in the Islamic way, reported The Times of India.

"Our children should be taught what Allah's messenger has dictated us. We don't need anyone's help to do it. No government or police have the right to tell us how to bring up our children," Aydeed said.

"Our scriptures direct us to respect Allah, his prophet and his religion. Are such things there in your text books? If standing by Islamic teachings is extremism, then we are the spokespersons of extremism," Aydeed added.

"Not just the country, but the entire world may turn against you. But they cannot do any harm to you unless Allah wishes so," he further said.

It is not yet clear when did Aydeed make the speech.
Islamabad: Adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz has alleged that India has no moral ground to talk about counter-terrorism efforts and pointing fingers.

In a statement released by Pakistan`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aziz said, "Modi is misleading his BRICS and BIMSTEC colleagues", after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Pakistan is the 'mothership of terrorism'.

Aziz alleged that the Indian leadership was desperately trying to hide what he termed as 'brutalities' in Kashmir.

"The UN and OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) have rejected Indian attempts to equate Kashmiris' movement for self-determination with terrorism," the adviser remarked, adding that the United Nations has repeatedly emphasised that people fighting for their self-determination cannot be categorised as terrorists by the occupying state.

Aziz further said that Pakistan joins all the members of BRICS and BIMSTEC in condemning terrorism and reaffirms its full commitment to fight the menace of terrorism without discrimination.

He alleged that Pakistan is a victim of "Indian interference and subversive activities", which are aimed at destabilising the country.

Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the BRICS Summit yesterday, launched a veiled attack at Pakistan saying, "Tragically, the mother-ship of terrorism is a country in India's neighbourhood."

"Terrorism has become its favourite child and the child, in turn, has come to define the essential character and nature of its parents. The time for condemning the state-sponsored terrorism is long gone," he said.
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep anguish at the loss of lives due to major fire that broke out in an Odisha hospital.

"Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families," he tweeted.

The PM added, "Spoke to Jagat Prakash Nadda (Health Minister) and asked him to facilitate transfer of all those injured to AIIMS. Hope the injured recover quickly."

In another tweet he wrote, "Also spoken to Dharmendra Pradhan (Oil Minister) and asked him to ensure all possible help to the injured and affected."

Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2016

Spoke to Minister @JPNadda & asked him to facilitate transfer of all those injured to AIIMS. Hope the injured recover quickly.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2016

Also spoken to Minister @dpradhanbjp and asked him to ensure all possible help to the injured and affected.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2016

Spoke to CM @Naveen_Odisha about the distressing hospital fire tragedy. Assured all possible support from the Centre.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2016

More than 15 patients are reported to have died in the fire at Sum Hospital in Bhubaneswar this evening, in one of the worst such incidents involving a medical facility.

The blaze was suspected to have been triggered by an electric short circuit in the dialysis ward on the first floor of the private hospital which spread to the nearby Intensive Care Unit.

The fire, which was said to have started from the dialysis ward on the first floor, quickly spread to other areas including the ICU on the same floor of the four-storeyed hospital building, as per PTI.

Many patients were rescued by breaking window panes, an eyewitness said.

In 2011, a major blaze had engulfed AMRI Hospital in Kolkata, killing 89 people, including 85 patients.

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday thanked his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina for the support given by the country after last month's terror attack in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup, who was speaking on the sidelines of BRICS-BIMSTEC Summit at Cavelosim said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for showing solidarity with India after the Uri attack."

On Sunday, PM Modi had praised Bangladesh for its stance against terrorism and had asked Hasina on how she succeeded in battling terrorism and militancy.

The Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said Hasina credited public awareness against terrorism for the success her government achieved so far. "She said the awareness against terrorism is being created at the family level. Even imams are speaking against terrorism at mosques," Karim said.

"The Prime Minister also said the people were also responding to government call against terrorism," Karim added.
Goa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Brazilian President Michel Temer in Goa.

PM Modi said, "Honoured to welcome President Temer to India; delighted that Goa with its distinct Portuguese heritage is part of his maiden visit here."

Also, PM Modi paid thanks to him for support of Brazil in fighting terror.

"We deeply appreciate Brazil's support for Indias actions in combating terrorism," PM Modi said.

We deeply appreciate Brazil's support for Indias actions in combating terrorism: PM @narendramodi  PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 17, 2016

"We (India-Brazil) agreed that world must come together to fight this menace (terror) without distinction or discrimination," said PM Modi.

"Both bilaterally and multilaterally, the partnership between India and Brazil is filled with possibilities that we are keen to harvest," PM Modi said issuing a statement.

"We have made progress in opening new areas of cooperation during this visit in drug regulation, agricultural research and cyber security. Happy to note that India and Brazil are close to finalizing the text of a bilateral investment agreement," PM Modi added.

We have made progress in opening new areas of cooperation during this visit in drug regulation, agricultural research & cyber security: PM  PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 17, 2016

Happy to note that India and Brazil are close to finalizing the text of a bilateral investment agreement: PM @narendramodi  PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 17, 2016

Also, PM Narendra Modi thanked Brazil for understanding India's aspiration for membership of the NSG Group.
Ahmedabad: In comments that may stoke a controversy, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said the teaching imparted by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was at the core of the agreement between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to carry out surgical strikes in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Speaking at a function here, Parrikar said, Prime Minister from the land of Mahatma Gandhi, Defence Minister from Goa, where there is no martial race, and surgical strike; equation was different, maybe RSS teaching was the basic core...but this was quite a different type of combination.

The Congress was quick to slam Parrikar for the comment and alleged that the Defence Minister is demeaning the valour of soldiers by giving the credit for the surgical strikes to the RSS.

Earlier in the day, Parrikar said the Indian Army was giving a befitting reply to such ceasefire violations.

"Ceasefire violations have taken place in hundreds for the last five-six years...Check out the figures. The only difference is that if they do it now, we give a befitting reply," he said.

An Indian Army jawan was on Sunday killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire twice along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Parrikar had earlier equated the Indian Army to 'Hanuman' and made a reference to the Ramayana in which the Ram's disciple crossed an ocean in a single stride after he was reminded about his extraordinary powers by Jamwant.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Siwan Sessions Judge to submit a report whether the alleged criminals photographed with Bihar Minister Tej Pratap Singh were proclaimed offenders on the day the pictures were taken.

The apex court was referring to the photographs of Mohammad Kaif and Mohammad Javed seen along with Bihar Health Minister and Lalu Prasad's son.

The bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Amitava Roy sought a report on the status of the two accused.

Tej Pratap Singh and the Bihar government had told the court that on the day the two were seen with the Bihar lawmaker, they were not proclaimed offenders and his meeting them was a matter of chance.

The court said that the report should reach it before November 28 -- the next date of hearing.

Of the two accused, Kaif has surrendered and Javed is still absconding.

While seeking report from the Sessions Judge, the court also asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a report on the status of its investigation into the murder of journalist Rajdev Ranjan, in which both the accused were allegedly involved.

The court's order came on a petition by the victim's widow Asha Ranjan alleging proximity between Kaif, Javed, Tej Pratap Singh and Rashtriya Janata Dal strongman Mohammad Shahabuddin -- who is now in jail.

She also sought transfer of the trial outside Bihar.

The court had given CBI three months to complete the investigation.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court will today hear the bail petition of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu.

A medical board of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) had on October 3 told the apex court that the health condition of Asaram Bapu was stable.

Asaram, accused of rape, had refused to undergo several tests, the seven-member board also said in its report filed before the bench of Justices AK Sikri and NV Ramana.

On August 11, the top court had denied interim bail to Asaram in a rape case and directed AIIMS to set up a medical board to ascertain his health condition before taking up his regular bail plea.

The Rajasthan High Court had earlier rejected Asaram`s bail plea citing that the case had reached its "fag end" and thus it was not "appropriate" to grant him bail.

This was his ninth regular bail application to be rejected.

In 2013, a minor girl had alleged that Asaram had sexually assaulted her at his ashram in Jodhpur.

The self-styled godman was subsequently arrested on August 31, 2013, and has been in jail since then.

Asaram`s counsel had sought bail citing that the accused has been suffering several ailments.
Anantnag: Some terrorists on Sunday night snatched five guns from policemen who were guarding TV tower in Anantnag.

The terrorists have decamped with the guns snatched from the policemen.

These policemen were guarding a TV tower in South Kashmir's Anantnag district.

What happened actually?

Reportedly, the militants attacked the guards posted at a Low Power Transmitter station of public service broadcaster Doordarshan in Dalvash village late Sunday night.

They took away five service rifles.
Srinagar: Masked youths torched two public transport vehicles on the outskirts of Srinagar on Monday.

The attackers forced the passengers of the two Tata Sumo taxis to de-board in Parimpora area after which they set the vehicles ablaze, a police officer said.
Mumbai: The Mumbai Police on Monday arrested two people in connection with the murder case of 72-year-old Right to Information (RTI) activist Bhupendra Vira.

Vira was shot dead at his residence in Kalina, Santa Cruz East, late on Saturday while he was watching television. The shooter is suspected to have used a silencer as Vira's wife, who was reportedly in the house, didn't hear anything.

Vira had led a campaign against land grabbing and illegal constructions in his colony. He had even persuaded civil officials to issue notices to a land mafia for illegal construction.

The RTI activist was attached to the 'Voice of Kalina', a citizen's group. He is survived by three children, a daughter and two sons and his wife. One of the sons had allegedly been stabbed four years ago.

The police is suspecting the involvement of land mafia behind the Vira's murder, according to a Zee News report.
New Delhi: Union Health Minister JP Nadda said that the Central Government was ready to extend any help required to tackle the fire incident that killed at least 22 persons at a private hospital in Bhubaneshwar.

"We have told the State Government that whatever help is required, will be extended by the Central Government. If there is any situation where the patients need our help we are ready for that too," said Nadda speaking to CNN News 18.

"Let us first of all take stock of the situation. We are deeply anguished with whatever has happened," added Nadda.

Earlier Nadda had tweeted : "Deeply saddened by the fire incident in Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar. My condolences rest with the bereaved families."

Though the official figures were not confirmed, at least 22 persons were killed and several injured after a major fire broke out in the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital in Bhubaneswar on Monday evening.

While the government-run Capital Hospital`s officials confirmed receiving 14 bodies, eight bodies were received by the AMRI Hospital in Bhubaneswar.

Over 50 patients were rescued from the dialysis ward and the adjoining Intensive Care Unit, the officials said.

Speaking over the issue Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha said: "Due to a short circuit in a private hospital an unfortunate incident has happened today. "

Pradhan, who is the face of Odisha in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s government, also said that the primary focus of the state government was to evacuate and rescue the people from the place of the incident.

"I spoke to the health minister and they are ready to extend their help to the state government," he said speaking to CNN News 18.

The government has set up a helpline number: 9439991226.
Bhubaneswar: At least 22 people were killed and nearly a dozen others injured in a massive fire that broke out in one of the largest private hospitals here on Monday night, media reports said.

The fire reportedly broke out around 7 pm in the dialysis ward on the first floor of Sum Hospital and quickly spread to other areas, including the ICU on the same floor.

The police and fire brigade personnel along with volunteers and hospital staff launched a massive rescue operation to shift the patients to safety.

Also Read: Odisha hospital fire: Deeply anguished by the loss of lives, says PM Modi

Seven fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the inferno which broke out in the four-storey hospital building.

Many patients were reportedly rescued by breaking the window panes.

"We launched the fire fighting as well as rescue operation in a big way. The personnel of three fire stations of Bhubaneswar were engaged in the operation," Director General, Fire Service, B Behera said.

Though the fire was suspected to have erupted due to an electric short-circuit, the exact reason would be ascertained after a thorough probe, he said.

The fire was contained later.

The victims were shifted to different hospitals in the city.

The patients were shifted to nearby Capital Hospital, Amri Hospital, Apollo Hospital, Kalinga Hospital, SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack and some other hospitals in the state capital region.

Also Read: Video - Patients being evacuated after fire broke out in Bhubaneswar hospital

"So far we have received some 'brought dead' people at the Capital Hospital. However, I cannot exactly say the number of persons who have died in the incident," Health Secretary Arati Ahuja said.

However, the Capital Hospital Superintendent Binod Kumar Mishra said, "We have received nine dead bodies, while five others are in very critical condition. The toll may increase."

Meanwhile, Amri Hospital (Bhubaneswar) unit head Dr Salil Kumar Mohanty said, "A total of 37 patients were received at our casualty ward. Our doctors have declared eight persons as brought dead."

"Most of the victims were in the first floor ICU of the ill-fated Sum Hospital," said a doctor at the Capital Hospital.

CM Naveen Patnaik said that a high-level enquiry has been ordered into the accident.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was informed about the tragedy, have asked the authorities to help the injured and the affected.

PM Modi said that he was deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families, he tweeted.

Also Read: Bhubaneswar hospital fire: Helpline number - 9439991226

He said that he has spoken to Union Health Minister JP Nadda and asked him to facilitate transfer of all those injured to AIIMS.

"Very unfortunate that massive fire in Som Hospital has taken several innocent lives; my heartfelt condolences for the bereaved families," Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.

"It is important that all hospitals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack rise to the occasion and care the victims," he added.

Hon'ble PM called me & Health Minister @JPNadda;expressing his shock & disbelief he instructed @JPNadda ji to proactively extend all support  Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) October 17, 2016

Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2016

I have spoken to Director, AIIMS Bhubaneswar to provide all necessary support and help the patients in the best way possible. @narendramodi  Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) October 17, 2016

(With PTI inputs)
Pune: In a shocking incident, a 38-year-old BJP leader was shot and hacked to death in broad daylight in Talegaon Dabhade, 35 km from Pune, on Sunday.

Sachin Shelke, former mayor of Talegaon municipal council, was allegedly murdered by a group of persons.

What happened actually?

He was travelling in his car when assailants waylaid him near a petrol pump at around 11 AM on Sunday.

"The assailants asked Shelke to get down from the car and fired a round at him and then attacked him with sharp-edged weapons before fleeing," Superintendent of Police Jai Jadhav said.

"An old enmity could be the reason behind the murder," he said.

People who were around him, rushed him to a private hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

The police have registered a case against 10 people, believed to be associates of Shyam Dabhade, who has criminal record and is absconding, the SP said.

Four suspects also have been detained.

Police also recovered CCTV footage from the spot and a manhunt has been launched to trace the remaining assailants.

In 2013, Shelke was attacked but survived. His brother and father too had survived similar attacks.

Situation in and around Talegaon was tense and heavy police force have been deployed there.

The town was in news for similar incident in 2010 when Satish Shetty, an RTI activist, was murdered while on morning walk
Chandigarh: Ahead of Assembly Elections in Punjab, state Congress chief Amarinder Singh's three-day 'Kisan Bus Yatra', which will cover over 500 km in seven districts, will be flagged off on Monday by widows of debt-ridden farmers, who committed suicide.

The yatra will be launched at the Congress Bhawan, where these widows have been invited to join the party's efforts to alleviate the sufferings of farmers in the state.

The move is more than a symbolic gesture, said a statement of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC). It added that the move underlined the party's unwavering commitment to safeguard the interests of the farming community.

The statement further said that Amarinder's bus yatra and roadshow comes at a time when Punjab is "reeling under a spate of farmer suicides", adding the yatra underscores the trust of the community in the Congress leader.

The PPCC president has repeatedly promised that once his party comes in power, it would take immediate steps to alleviate the sufferings of the farmers.

He already promised to waive off the debts of farmers and assured them of all possible support in their fight against the anti-farmer policies of the Parkash Singh Badal government.

The PPCC president will travel in a specially designed bus, equipped with basic facilities for his stay.

The bus has a hydraulic platform from where Amarinder will address farmer meetings. A microphone and speaker system has been fitted inside to enable the bus to double up as a mobile public address platform for impromptu meetings.

The yatra will cover the districts of Moga, Faridkot, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Muktsar, Jalalabad and Ferozpur.

Amarinder is expected to be joined by several senior party leaders along the route which will be dotted by kisan sabhs and mandi meetings, in addition to the roadshow.

Branded with the campaign message of 'Karza-Kurki Khatam, Fasal Di Poori Rakam', the hi-tech bus has been designed to connect with the deepest aspirations of the debt-ridden farmers of the state.

(With PTI inputs)
Copenhagen: Rich countries said on Monday they were on track to keep a promise to provide developing nations with $100 billion a year to tackle climate change by 2020, up from an estimated $62 billion in 2014.

The pledge of fast-rising funds, first made in 2009 to help the poor rein in greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to rising temperatures, was a key to ensuring all governments signed up for the 2015 Paris Agreement to combat global warming.

"We are confident we will meet the $100 billion goal from a variety of sources, and reaffirm our commitment to doing so," developed nations said in a report compiled by Australia and Britain.

The funds, from both the public and private sector, would be up from an estimated $62 billion in 2014 and $52 billion in 2013, it said.

The Paris Agreement will enter into force on Nov. 4 after winning backing from major emitters led by China and the United States.

At a 2009 summit in Copenhagen, governments promised to mobilise $100 billion a year by 2020 to help developed nations limit their emissions and adapt to heat waves, floods, more powerful storms and rising sea levels.

Then U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, now the Democratic candidate for the presidency against Republican Donald Trump who doubts climate change is man-made, announced Washington`s backing for the pledge at the summit.

Monday`s report said that new estimates by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) indicated that finance from public sources alone would rise to $67 billion in 2020 from $44 billion in 2014.

More than 30 governments, including the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Canada and Australia had pledged new funds in 2015, it said.

The rising public sector finance could help mobilise $33 billion in private sector finance by 2020 to reach the $100 billion goal, it said.

Several development organisations welcomed Monday`s "Roadmap" as another piece of good news after an agreement in Rwanda on Saturday to phase out greenhouse gases from refrigerants and air conditioning.

Alison Doig of Christian Aid said showed developed nations were taking the pledge seriously, but added: "We need to start seeing concrete examples of this impact, not just numbers on spread sheets."

Almost 200 nations will meet in Morocco next month to start writing detailed rules for the Paris Agreement.
Remington1 said: These poor British are getting poorer everyday; Click to expand...

energy, food etc, is picking up sharply, Click to expand...

while the pound is getting weaker. Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure exports will suffer as well, buyers might be more scarce. Click to expand...

Brexit trade to ROCKET as businesses given export tax break to STEAL foreign markets



Can you provide us with the relevant statistics on that?Bollocks.There are arguments being muted that claim when Britain comes out of the single market, prices could in fact go DOWN.Food prices may well rise if the supermarkets continue to source items from the EU with its protectionist customs union. However, leaving the EU will allow food to be sourced from other places without tariffs such as New Zealand for lamb and Africa for beef and vegetables.This nonsense talk of price rises is just Project Fear II from Remainers who are in denial about the referendum result!Good.By CAMILLA TOMINEY AND CAROLINE WHEELERSun, Oct 16, 2016Sunday ExpressFirms which boost the countrys overseas trade would be given an export tax credit. Rebates could be given against corporation tax bills to reduce the costs of seeking new business abroad, according to Whitehall insiders.One of the ideas being considered is the introduction of an export tax credit to cover the cost of translation or advice or anything that adds to the cost of exporting, the source said.That could then be offset against corporation tax.We have got the next two-and-a-half-years to get our market share up before leaving the European Union. We can be exporting everywhere.The pound dropping actually gives us a competitive advantage.Some of our European trading partners  the clever ones  can see that. One even said that Brexit would damage their economy because we will go in and steal their markets."Last week Brexit Secretary David Davis said that he could see advantages to the British pound falling to a three-decade low, arguing the decline would help exporters.The simple truth is that those talking about the competitiveness of their own industries are not paying attention to the level of the pound, he said.While it has some downsides, it certainly has a very large number of upsides, too.
Chennai: The DMK on Monday joined the 48-hour state-wide 'rail roko' protest called by a farmer's federation demanding centre government's intervention in setting up of the Cauvery Management Board to settle the ongoing water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

DMK party treasurer and leader of Opposition MK Stalin, who led a procession at Perambur was detained and later released by the Chennai police.

Scores of political workers belonging to DMK, the Left parties and MDMK among others staged a 'rail roko' at Thanjavur and Cuddalore, and were detained. DMK has asked its functionaries and cadres to participate in the protest.

Protests were also seen near or outside several government establishments including railway station in Chennai.

"The quantity of water cleared by the Supreme Court for Tamil Nadu is inadequate. Also, BJP is playing politics on Cauvery water over upcoming Karnataka Assembly polls," a DMK leader told 'News18'.

The protestors raised slogans against the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of 'betraying the interests of Tamil Nadu'. Furthermore, they condemned the Centre for not taking interest in setting up the Cauvery Management Board immediately on the grounds that the matter falls into the domain of the Parliament.

#CauveryIssue : Different Opposition parties stage 'Rail Roko' protest in Thanjavur (TN). pic.twitter.com/YhuSJmCkV1  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

A farmer's federation who called the two-day 'Rail Roko' agitation, urged the Centre to take a stand to constitute the Cauvery Management Board immediately.

The protests come days after a high-level technical team, set up by the Supreme Court, completed its inspection of Cauvery basin region in Tamil Nadu to assess the situation in the state.

The GS Jha-led team had interacted with the PWD officials and delta farmers in Thanjavur Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur.

Farmers in Tiruchirapalli and delta regions told the team that samba crops will be damaged if water is not released into Cauvery by Karnataka.

The team, which also inspected the Cauvery basin in Karnataka, is set to submit its report in the apex court today.

The apex court had set up the team while hearing a petition by Tamil Nadu government seeking release of Cauvery water by Karnataka.

The case filed by Tamil Nadu regarding Cauvery river water sharing will come up for hearing before the top court on Tuesday.
Lucknow: In yet another sign of rapprochement between different camps in the Samajwadi Party, senior party leader Kiranmoy Nanda has endorsed Akhilesh Yadav as party's chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming assembly elections.

The confusion is in media, not within party or people; Samajwadi Party will win and Akhilesh Yadav will become chief minister, Nanda said.

Nanda, who is the national vice president of the Samajwadi party, is a close aide of party boss Mulayam Singh Yadav.

His support for Akhilesh as CM came a day after senior party leader Ramgopal Yadav suggested Akhilesh Yadav be made the chief ministerial candidate.

The Samajwadi Party state president said he will himself propose Akhilesh's name for the post of chief minister if the party is voted to power again.

Earlier, another of Akhilesh's uncle, Ramgopal Yadav, in a letter to Mulayam, said he would be held responsible if the party's fortunes plunged in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

"Akhilesh is undoubtedly the most popular leader of the state and under him Uttar Pradesh has seen unprecedented development works. If SP has to win the elections, Akhilesh must be made its CM face," the letter said.

"You can take any decision, but if SP's tally fell below 100, you alone would be held responsible. The same people who worship you for raising Samajwadi Party and would hold you responsible for its decline also.

"History is ruthless. It spares no one," Ramgopal said in the letter while taking pot shots on his "advisors" stating that "they had no value in the eyes of people".

Responding to Ramgopal's letter, Shivpal said, Ramgopal is party's national general secretary. He can write to party national president and give him advice. There is nothing wrong in it. I will myself propose Akhilesh's name as CM, if party is voted to power in 2017."

A controversy had erupted after Mulayam Singh Yadav said the party's Chief Ministerial candidate will be decided by elected party legislatures after the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

"The Chief ministerial candidate will be decided by the elected party legislatures and parliamentary board. This is our job. This is not your (media) work," he told reporters here when asked whether his son Akhilesh Yadav was still the SP's Chief Ministerial candidate for the upcoming elections.

The remarks come as another setback to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who was recently removed from party's state president post owing to an apparent feud in the first family of the state.

They also contest the 'undisputed' position of Akhilesh as the Chief Ministerial candidate of Uttar Pradesh.

Mulayam, however, parried questions regarding Akhilesh making Janeshwar Mishra Trust office as "war room" ahead of the state polls and his departure before the SP chief's arrival during Lohia death anniversary programme.

"There is no dispute in the family. Shivpal had met him (Akhilesh) this morning. In the last elections, votes were sought in my name but I made him (Akhilesh) the state's CM," he said.

"Kise kahan baithana hai, hum khud tai karenge (I will decide whom to place where)," he said.

The family feud in the party had came to the fore after the merger of Quami Ekta Dal was cancelled at the behest of Akhilesh.

Akhilesh's supporters, including some MLCs and presidents of party frontal organisations, led protests against his removal but had to backtrack after Mulayam's intervention. The supporters were later expelled by newly appointed state party chief Shivpal from the party.

With agency inputs
New Delhi: Raising the political ante ahead of the crucial Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Union Water Minister Uma Bharti on Monday said that the land in Ayodhya "belongs to Lord Ram only and there is no doubt about it".

The stakes are high in Uttar Pradesh as the Akhilesh government is facing a resurgent BJP on the one hand and BSP and other parties on the other.

The land in Ayodhya has been an emotive issue for the Hindus as it is the birthplace of Lord Ram and hence has a strong potential to polarise votes.

Uma Bharati's statement comes after another Central minister announced his visit to Ayodhya earlier in the day.

Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on Tuesday, which is being seen as the ruling BJP trying to politicise the Ayodhya issue ahead of the polls.

Sharma will visit a proposed site in Ayodhya where his government is planning to build a Ramayana Museum.

The Centre has already granted a 25-acre plot for the project, which is some 15 km from the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex.

Also Read: BJP to raise Ram temple pitch ahead of UP polls? Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma to visit Ayodhya tomorrow
Badaun: The BJP will not project a chief ministerial candidate for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections which are a few months away, party's state unit chief Keshav Prasad Maurya said on Monday.

"All political parties are waiting for the chief ministerial candidate of the BJP ... It is clear policy of our party that we will contest the assembly elections without projecting anyone as our CM candidate," he told news persons in Bareilly.

"BJP had projected CM faces in Assam and Delhi Assembly polls ... While we succeeded in the former, we lost the latter ... We fought Haryana and Jharkhand without projecting any CM candidate and won," Maurya said.

He said the BJP will win over 300 of the 403 seats in UP and the party's central parliamentary board will decide who will be the chief minister.

Earlier in Badaun, Maurya accused BSP chief Mayawati of degrading religious leaders for which, he said, the electorate will teach her a lesson in the coming polls.

Reacting to Mayawati's charges that the RSS and BJP workers were presented as Buddhist monks in the 'Dhamma Chetna Yatra' in Kanpur last week, Maurya said, "Her mental balance appears a little disturbed as a large number of her party men have deserted her.

"By making this statement, she has degraded religious leaders and Lord Buddha as well and she will see its result through the EVMs," he said.

To a question as to whether BJP will accept Akhilesh Yadav in its fold if he quits SP, Maurya said no member of the Saifai family has any place in his party. Saifai is the native place of SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.

When his attention was drawn to controversial SP leader Azam Khan facing sediton charges in a Badaun court, Maurya said only BJP government can arrest him in connection with various cases and charges.

Maurya also warned Pakistan to desist from anti-India stance or "else Indian forces will unfurl the tri-colour in Islamabad soon"
New Delhi: Union Minister Mahesh Sharma will be visiting Ayodhya on Tuesday to inspect the proposed site where the government is planning to construct a Ramayana Museum.

The Narendra Modi-led government at Centre plans to set up a Ramayana Museum in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh where Assembly elections are due next year. As per a report, the Centre has granted a 25-acre plot for the project which is some 15 km away from the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex.

Sharma, who will be reaching Ayodhya on Tuesday, is also expected to visit the disputed temple site and will be meeting members of Ramayana Circuit Advisory Board.

The Union Minister would also deliberate on plans for an International Ramayana Conclave, which would be held either in Ayodhya or Chitrakoot district. The conference is likely to be attended by delegates from about 12 countries, sources said.

However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has insisted that the Ram Temple will not be an electoral plank in the Uttar Pradesh election due early next year.

"My visit to Ayodhya has nothing to do with UP Assembly elections. I want tourism to improve in Ayodhya. The government has even sanctioned Rs 225 crore for it out of which Rs 151 crore will be spent exclusively on Ayodhya," Mahesh Sharma said.

"We want it to be a museum where people from around the world come, and get an insight into Lord Ram's life and the Ramayana," Sharma added.

BJP MP from Gonda Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh told News18, "At present, Uttar Pradesh is facing severe issues and our party will make sure to uproot corruption and law and order problem from the state, which has prevailed during Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) regime. Ram temple issue will not be raised during state assembly elections."

Meanwhile, after veteran party leader Subramanian Swamy, Bajrang Dal president Vinay Katihar has also raised his pitch urging the government to take steps for the construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya site.

"Government must introduce a bill in Lok Sabha for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya," Katihar said.
Lucknow: BSP supremo Mayawati on Monday accused the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government of "linking religion with politics" with an eye on "electoral benefits" ahead of the state Assembly polls.

"Developing tourism in Ayodhya is good but, how come the Narendra Modi government thought of developing the Ramayana Sangrahalay (museum) and the state government of Ramleela theme park just before the Assembly polls," she said in a release here.

"Linking religion with politics and electoral gains by these governments is condemnable...Had they really been so concerned about these issues, they would have thought about them long ago," said the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister.

She warned the two governments that while developing these projects, they should exercise utmost caution in ensuring that the disputed area was not affected.

Mayawati was particularly critical of the Samajwadi Party (SP) government in the state which today decided to increase the honorarium of madarsa teachers and provide houses at cheap rates to the poor in a cabinet meeting.

The BSP chief took a jibe at the SP saying these will remain "mere announcements" in the absence of proper budgetary allocation.

Mayawati also alleged that there was a race going on between the BJP and the SP "for cheap publicity".
New Delhi: In a move seen as an attempt to woo pro-Hindutva elements ahead of Assembly Election in Uttar Pradesh, Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma will on Tuesday visit Ayodhya to inspect the proposed site for setting up a Ramayana Museum.

In a bid to douse a controversy, Sharma had on Monday said that the construction of Ram Mandir has nothing to do with the forthcoming state elections.

He added that it is a part of the tourism development plans of the Modi government.

"My visit to Ayodhya has nothing to do with UP Assembly Elections. I am visiting there as a Tourism Minister. It should not be linked to politics but is part of government's effort to improve tourism in Ayodhya and all over the country. The visit is part of developmental agenda," he had said on Monday.

Sharma had added that the museum will be a part of the Ramayana Circuit for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the circuit.

"Ram is in the heart of millions of people. As the Tourism Minister, I have to see how Ayodhya can be developed, how Ramayana circuit can be developed from tourism point of view," the minister had said.

He said the government has identified three circuits-- Ramayana Circuit, Krishna Circuit and Buddhist Circuit-- to boost religious tourism.

The state government has identified a 25-acre plot for the museum which is some 15 km away from the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex, a source said.

Sharma will also hold a meeting with Ramayana Circuit Advisory Board during the visit. The meeting would discuss routes for connecting Ramayana-related sites in Nepal and Sri Lanka with the proposed museum.

The Union Minister would also deliberate on plans for an International Ramayana Conclave, which would be held either in Ayodhya or Chitrakoot district. The conference is likely to be attended by delegates from about 12 countries, sources said.

Sharma is likely to hold meetings with religious leaders on building the museum which would portray the epic journey of Lord Rama.

Though the BJP has been insisting that Ram temple will not be an electoral plank in the UP elections to be held early next year, the proposed Ramayana museum and related activities are being seen as an attempt to keep pro-Hindutva elements in good humour.

On Dusshera, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in a departure from tradition, participated in the festivities in Lucknow where he started and concluded his speech with chants of "Jai Shri Ram, Jai Jai Shri Ram".

(With Agency inputs)
Howrah/Kolkata: Brother-in-law of Mita Mondal was on Monday night arrested in connection with her unnatural death, taking the number of total arrests to three in the case after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered a CID probe into the death of the Jadavpur University student.

While West Bengal Police earlier arrested Mita's husband Rana Mondal and father-in-law Dijendra Mondal in connection with her death, her absconding brother-in-law Rahul Mondal was picked up by the CID sleuths later this evening, a senior police officer said.

The Chief Minister announced CID probe at state secretariat Nabanna earlier in the day after meeting Mita's father Sahadeb Das and family members and promised job for one member of the family and taking care of all the debts the family took to get Mita married.

Banerjee also promised to clear a debt of Rs 70,000, which Sahadeb had taken for Mita's marriage, from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund and payment of his medical expenses.

Mita, a first-class in MA in Bengali from the Jadavpur University in 2015, allegedly committed suicide on October 11 at her in-law's residence at Kushberia in Uluberia after a spat with her husband Rana Mondal.

After Mita's family alleged that she was tortured and murdered, the police arrested Rana and father-in-law Bijendra, while the mother-in-law and brother-in-law were absconding at that time.

"I know I will not get back my daughter... She has gone forever... We have sought justice from the Chief Minister," Sahadeb, a mason, who lives in Garia, told reporters after meeting Banerjee.

The third arrest was made after the CID team visited the residence of family of Mita's husband and inquired about the incident from the neighbours.

The team also inspected the room where the body was found.

Mita's uncle Ranajit, elder brother Khokan, her JU Bengali Department batchmate Jasodhara Gupta and some others also submitted a written deputation to Uluberia police station demanding fair probe into the incident and arrest of all those allegedly involved including her mother-in-law Kalpana Mondal.
Kolkata: The process of giving physical possession of land to farmers in Singur will begin on October 20, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said.

Talking to reporters at the state secretariat after chairing a high-level meet on Singur, she said, "The process of giving physical possession of land in Singur will begin on October 20. I will be present personally."

This process would be completed in 20-22 days, she said.

According to Banerjee, 80 per cent land in Singur had been made ready for farming.

A division bench of justices Arun Mishra and V Gopala Gowda of Supreme Court on August 31 ruled that the land acquisition process in Singur for the car project was faulty and was not for public purpose.

The court had directed that land be returned to the farmers within 12 weeks' time.

Banerjee had dubbed the Supreme Court verdict as a "landmark victory" and said her government would implement it in letter and spirit.
Yangon: Searchers have recovered 32 bodies after an overloaded ferry sank in central Myanmar and expect to find dozens more dead, officials said today, as workers began raising the boat from the riverbed.

A total of 154 people were rescued alive after the ferry sank early Saturday on the Chindwin River, about 72 kilometres (45 miles) north of the city of Monywa.

But rescuers have found only bloated corpses floating in the water since then, and fear the toll could reach 100 once they raise the craft.

"So far we have recovered 32 dead bodies," said Sa Willy Frient, director of the local relief and resettlement department who is overseeing the operation.

"We are trying to raise the boat using a crane after tying it with strong ropes. After we lift it out, the death toll will be higher."

Sa Willy Frient estimated 240-250 people -- around 100 more than its capacity -- were on the boat, along with heavy cargo.

Survivor Hnin Lei Yee, a 27-year-old schoolteacher, was travelling with her husband and one-year-old daughter to celebrate the Buddhist Thadingyut festival with her family.

Her baby was killed in the disaster. She still does not know her husband's fate.

"I cannot swim so I had to hold on to a plastic float and finally the rescue boat came to save my life."

"In the morning, I heard there was a dead child in the hospital and I went there. I saw my daughter dead," she said, weeping.

Some 30 teachers were thought to be among the passengers, along with dozens of students from Monywa university and workers heading home for Thadingyut.

Four of the boat's staff have been arrested and will face legal action. Authorities are still hunting for one crew member and the ferry's owner.

Local lawmaker Shwin Htay said people were devastated by the scale of the disaster as he called for the boat operators to face justice.

"I have never known of a boat sinking where so many people have died in this area," he told AFP.

Boat accidents are common in Myanmar. People living along the nation's long coastline and flood-prone river systems rely heavily on often overcrowded ferries for transport.

At least 21 people, including nine children, died in April after a boat capsized off the coast of Myanmar's western state of Rakhine.

In March last year at least 52 people lost their lives off the west coast when an overloaded ferry sank in rough waters.
Jia Jia, worlds oldest-ever panda in captivity, dies at 38The Associated PressFirst posted: Sunday, October 16, 2016 12:46 PM EDT | Updated: Sunday, October 16, 2016 01:01 PM EDTHONG KONG  The worlds oldest-ever panda in captivity was euthanized Sunday at the Hong Kong theme park where she lived because her health had deteriorated.Ocean Park said in a statement that a veterinarian euthanized 38-year-old Jia Jia to prevent further suffering and for ethical reasons.Guinness World Records recognized Jia Jia as the oldest giant panda to live in captivity. The average lifespan for a panda in the wild is 18 to 20 years, while in captivity its 30 years, according to Guinness.Born in the wild, Jia Jia was taken to live at a wildlife reserves breeding centre in central Chinas Sichuan province in 1980, when she was around 2 years old.She and another panda, An An, were given to Hong Kong as a gift from Beijing in 1999, on the second anniversary of the citys handover from Britain to China.Pandas, a beloved symbol of China, were long considered one of the worlds most endangered animals, although last month a leading international group lowered its classification to vulnerable.The International Union for the Conservation of Nature cited conservation efforts that helped the wild panda population jump to 1,864 in 2014 from 1,596 in 2004. However, the Chinese government rejected the groups decision, saying the pandas status was no less serious because its natural habitats have been splintered by human and natural causes.Jia Jia, who celebrated her birthday in August, had shown signs of poor health in her old age, including high blood pressure and arthritis, which required regular medication. Over the past two weeks, her condition had worsened significantly, with her weight falling as she stopped eating.This is a day we knew would eventually come, but it is nevertheless a sad day for everyone at the park, especially for the parks keepers who took care of her over the years, Ocean Parks chairman, Leo Kung, said in the statement.Three other pandas still live at Ocean Park  30-year-old An An, and Ying Ying and Le Le, both 11.In this 2015 file photo, giant panda Jia Jia eats bamboo next to her birthday cake made with ice and vegetables at Ocean Park in Hong Kong, as she celebrates her 37th birthday. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)
Kabul: Afghan Vice-President Abdul Rashim Dostum escaped unhurt from an ambush by Taliban insurgents as his convoy returned from overseeing fighting at a northern battlefield, Afghan officials said on Monday.

In their effort to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul, Taliban fighters have battled their way into the outskirts of Lashkar Gah, the capital of the southern province of Helmand, in recent weeks.

Sunday`s ambush took place during a frontline visit to Faryab province by Dostum, who has recently been spending more time on his northern home turf than in the capital, Kabul, officials said.

"General Dostum was on the way back from overseeing the fighting when his convoy came under ambush," in the Ghormach district of the province, said Bashir Ahmad Tayanj, a spokesman for Dostum.

"Both sides received casualties, but General Dostum was not hurt," he added.

There was no immediate comment from the Taliban.

Taliban militants have spread their insurgency from the southern strongholds to the once peaceful northern parts of the country in recent years.

Afghan troops launched an operation in Faryab at the weekend as the Taliban fighters have gained ground in remote areas from where they frequently stage attacks on government forces.

Dostum, a war-hardened ethnic Uzbek, was in an armoured vehicle, accompanied by well-armed security forces, when dozens of insurgents attacked the convoy, another official said.

Five men on Dostum`s side and several insurgents have been killed, said a security official who did not want to be identified, because he is not authorised to talk to the media.

It is not the first such attack in the same area on Dostum, whose convoy was also targeted last year, when about 20 insurgents opened fire on it.

Dostum, who has close protection from hundreds of bodyguards and leads personal militias, is accused of war crimes by human rights groups.

He joined the political mainstream as President Ashraf Ghani`s running mate in bitterly contested presidential elections in 2014.

Since then he has swapped his suit for a military uniform to accompany Afghan security forces and militiamen against the Taliban fighting in his northern heartland.

Afghanistan`s government has been investigating alleged abuses by militiamen loyal to Dostum and Atta Mohammad Noor, the acting governor of the northern province of Balkh, following repeated clashes between both sides in recent months.

Areas of the north have descended into chaos and lawlessness, according to a confidential report drafted by the investigators and seen by Reuters in July.
Dhaka: Bangladesh police have arrested the main suspect in the murders of a gay magazine editor and a secular blogger who were brutally killed by militants for writing against radical Islamists in the Muslim majority country.

A joint team of Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit and Detective Branch of Police arrested Rashidun Nabi from a bus station in Sayedabad area in the capital last night, a police spokesman said today.

Nabi is the main suspect in the murder case of Julhash Mannan, the editor of 'Roopban' - the only magazine in Bangladesh advocating gay rights, and blogger Nazimuddin Samad who were killed in April, the spokesman said.

Police claimed that Nabi is an operative of Ansaral al Islam or Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), which is said to be ideologically inclined to al-Qaeda.

Nabi was today sent on three-day remand by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Maruf Hossain after police produced him in court with a 10-day remand prayer.

Mannan, 35, a cousin of former foreign minister Dipu Moni and ex-protocol officer of the US embassy, was killed by armed assailants who entered his flat impersonating as courier company officials on April 25.

Nazimuddin, 28, who was a masters student of the state-run Jagannath University's law department, was hacked by machete-wielding militants before being shot dead on April 6.

A day before the murder, he had expressed concerns over the country's law and order in a Facebook post.

He was known to have been critical of state religion in the Bangladeshi constitution.

He had been on a hit list of 84 atheist bloggers that a group of radical Islamists prepared and sent to Bangladesh's interior ministry.

Bangladesh has seen a spate of gruesome attacks on secular activists, religious minorities, bloggers and foreigners, many of whom have been hacked to death with machetes.

Meanwhile, a special tribunal today sentenced three Jamaatul Mujaheedin Bangladesh (JMB) militants to 10 years imprisonment, seven years after their arrest from a hideout in rugged southeastern Khagrachhari hill district.

"They are members of outlawed JMB who faced the trial in person under Explosive Act," a police officer said.

The developments came as officials said efforts were underway to expedite the process to hold the trial of militants as part of the government's policy alongside the intensified anti-terrorism clampdown.

"The government wants to try the militants in speedy trial courts or fast track tribunals," Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said.

Bangladesh has launched a massive crackdown on militants after the July 1 Dhaka terror attack in which 22 people, mostly foreigners, were killed.
Dhaka: Bangladesh is set to send a group of investigators to India to quiz several detained militants who fled the country, including members of banned neo-JMB outfit responsible for carrying out the deadly cafe attack here.

"Several of the Bangladeshi militants fled the country to take refuge there (India) and we have been informed that some of them were arrested by the Indian law enforcement agencies," a senior official at the Bangladesh police headquarters told PTI.

He added: "We will interrogate them (in India) in line with the anti-militant security cooperation between the two countries."

The official preferring anonymity, however, did not specify when the investigators would visit India.

He said taking advantage of the long and porous borders between the two countries, militants as well as other criminals cross the border.

The Bangladeshi team will also question militants from neo-JMB, a group responsible for terror attack on an upscale cafe in Dhaka that killed 22 people, including an Indian girl.

"According to our knowledge six of the JMB men are in their (Indian) custody while some more could have been hiding in India," the official said.

Bangladesh launched a massive crackdown after the July 1 terrorist attack on the Holey Artisan restaurant.

Bangladesh earlier witnessed a spate of gruesome attacks on secular activists, religious minorities, bloggers and foreigners with militants hacking them to death with machetes.

Over 30 militants belonging to Neo-JMB or ABT were, however, killed in encounters since cafe attack.
Brasilia: At least 25 inmates were killed in a fight between rival gangs in a prison in Brazil, according to police sources.

Seven of the dead were beheaded and another six were set on fire in the riot at the Prison Farm of Monte Cristo, the police said on Sunday.

The riot occurred during visiting hours and about 100 relatives of prisoners were detained for several hours before being released by police, EFE news reported.
London: Britain and the United States said on Sunday they were considering imposing additional sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his supporters for their actions in Syria`s war.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, speaking after briefing allies in London on a new diplomatic initiative on Syria, also called on Russia and Iran to agree to a new ceasefire.

The threat of more sanctions on Syria came before a European Union summit on Thursday and Friday to discuss sanctions against Russia.

"There`s a lot of measures we`re proposing to do with extra sanctions on the Syrian regime and their supporters, measures to bring those responsible for war crimes to the International Criminal Court," Johnson told reporters after talks he convened with his U.S counterpart and allies on Syria.

"These things will eventually come to bite the perpetrators of these crimes and they should think about it now," said Johnson, adding there was no appetite in Europe for going to war in Syria.

He said it was "highly dubious" that Syrian government forces backed by Russia were capable of retaking the city of Aleppo or winning the war, and called on Russia and Iran to show leadership by agreeing to a ceasefire.

"It is up to them to show mercy, show mercy to those people in that city and get the ceasefire going," he added.

He spoke alongside Kerry, who briefed European and other allies on a new diplomatic initiative involving Russia and a group of Middle Eastern nations aimed at ending the fighting in Syria. The first round of talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne failed to agree on a strategy for ending the violence soon.

Kerry confirmed the U.S. was considering additional sanctions over Syria, but did not name Russia as a target.

Western powers have accused Russia and Syria of committing atrocities by bombing hospitals, killing civilians and preventing medical evacuations, as well as targeting an aid convoy with the loss of around 20 lives.

Syria and Russia say they are only targeting militants in Aleppo and accuse the United States of breaking the ceasefire by bombing scores of Syrian troops fighting Islamic State insurgents, over which the United States has expressed regret.

"We are considering additional sanctions and we are also making clear that President (Barack) Obama has not taken any options off the table at this point in time," Kerry said.

Washington suspended bilateral discussions with Moscow over Syria following two attempts at implementing a ceasefire and growing tensions in their relationship.

With the U.S. presidential election less than a month away and Obama unwilling to assume a deeper role in the Syrian war, Kerry is trying to build a broader dialogue involving key regional players in the Syrian conflict.

The U.S. and its allies have urged Moscow to use its influence with the Syrian government to end the bombardment of Aleppo.

"There is some work to be done over the course of the next couple of days which might, or one might hope, open the door of possibility to an actual cessation," Kerry said.

"It`s hard, and it`s hard because there are still deep beliefs in a lot of people that Russia is simply pursuing a Grozny solution in Aleppo and is not prepared to truly engage in any way."

Moscow all but destroyed Grozny, the capital of Russia`s Chechnya region, during its 1999-2000 war against Islamist separatists there.

The United States first imposed sanctions against Syrian government officials in March 2011 shortly after the uprising that led to the civil war.

In 2013, Washington eased some of the restrictions to allow for reconstruction in opposition-held areas.

Both the EU and the United States have already imposed economic and other sanctions on Russia for its seizure of the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, and for its support for pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.
Luxembourg: The European Union on Monday strongly condemned Russia for the bombardment of the Syrian city of Aleppo, saying devastating air strikes by Moscow and Damascus could amount to war crimes.

EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg also warned that the 28-nation bloc could impose additional sanctions against Damascus but decided against targeting Russia despite US and British calls to punish Moscow as well.

As if on cue to steal the diplomatic headlines, Moscow announced it would call an eight-hour halt to hostilities on Thursday -- the very day that EU leaders are due to discuss Russia at a summit in Brussels.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said the ceasefire -- announced as the ministers were meeting -- was a "positive step", but might not be long enough to allow aid to reach besieged Aleppo.

The ministers took a harsher tone, issuing a statement condemning Moscow by name for the first time for its role in aiding longtime ally President Bashar al-Assad to pound eastern Aleppo.

"Since the beginning of the offensive by the regime and its allies, notably Russia, the intensity and scale of the aerial bombardment of eastern Aleppo is clearly disproportionate," the statement said.

"The deliberate targeting of hospitals, medical personnel, schools and essential infrastructure, as well as the use of barrel bombs, cluster bombs, and chemical weapons, constitute a catastrophic escalation of the conflict ... and may amount to war crimes."The reference to war crimes is potentially significant since, if pressed, a case could be taken to the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

EU diplomatic sources said the reference to Russia by name in the statement was significant, signalling a much harder line compared with earlier phrasing which referred only to Assad`s "allies" on the ground.

They said there had been some hard talking to get such wording given opposition from some member states who fear worsening relations with Russia, on which the EU has already imposed sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.

Such reservations effectively prevented any discussion of possible sanctions against Russia over Syria, they said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said going into the talks that the aim was to "examine all the options to put much stronger pressure on the regime of Bashar al-Assad and his allies."

As the EU statement was coming through, Moscow announced a ceasefire from 0500 GMT to 1300 GMT on Thursday -- coinciding with the opening of an EU leaders summit in Brussels at which ties with Russia are top of the agenda.

The EU ministers said the bloc "firmly believes that there can be no military solution to the conflict" and called directly on Russia to agree a ceasefire to open the way to peace talks.Mogherini insisted that while the EU had no military role to play, it would do everything possible to support peace efforts to end a conflict which has cost some 300,000 lives and displaced half the population.

This would include talking to regional powers, including Iran, which backs Assad and Turkey, opposed, and all interested parties who could help plan a "post-conflict future" for the country.

Mogherini said it might seem "surreal" to do this now, with the war raging, but doing so would support peace efforts and ensure the EU played a major role in resolving the conflict.

Fresh "brainstorming" talks held Saturday in Lausanne, Switzerland with the main players in Syria`s conflict failed to produce any breakthrough.

The EU already has extensive sanctions in place against Syria, including oil and arms embargoes, plus restrictions on more than 200 individuals and 70 entities.
East of Mosul: Iraqi government forces launched a U.S.-backed offensive on Monday to drive Islamic State from the northern city of Mosul, a high-stakes battle to retake the militants` last major stronghold in the country.

Two years after the jihadists seized the city of 1.5 million people and declared a caliphate from there encompassing tracts of Iraq and Syria, a force of some 30,000 Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces and Sunni tribal fighters began to advance.

Helicopters released flares and explosions could be heard on the city`s eastern front, where Reuters watched Kurdish fighters move forward to take outlying villages.

A U.S.-led air campaign has helped push Islamic State from much of the territory it held but 4,000 to 8,000 fighters are thought to remain in Mosul.

Residents contacted by phone dismissed reports on Arabic television channels of an exodus by the jihadists, who have a history of using human shields and have threatened to unleash chemical weapons.

"Daesh are using motorcycles for their patrols to evade air detection, with pillion passengers using binoculars to check out buildings and streets," said Abu Maher, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

He and others contacted were preparing makeshift defences and had been stockpiling food in anticipation of the assault, which officials say could take weeks or even months. The residents withheld their full names for security reasons and Reuters was not able to verify their accounts independently.

The United States predicted Islamic State would suffer "a lasting defeat" as Iraqi forces mounted their biggest operation in Iraq since the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

But the offensive, which has assumed considerable importance for U.S. President Barack Obama as his term draws to a close, is fraught with risks.

These include sectarian conflict between Mosul`s mainly Sunni population and advancing Shi`ite forces, and the potential for up to a million people to flee Mosul, multiplying a refugee crisis in the region and across Europe.

"We set up a fortified room in the house by putting sandbags to block the only window and we removed everything dangerous or flammable," Abu Maher said. "I spent almost all my money on buying food, baby milk and anything we might need."

The United Nations` humanitarian coordinator for Iraq said the military had told the U.N. it expected the first significant population movement to begin in five to six days, suggesting that is when the assault would move to the city itself.

Lise Grande said Iraqi security forces would transport fleeing civilians, who would be vetted to ensure Islamic State fighters could not hide among them, following residents` reports that militants had shaved off their beards to escape detection.

Video showing rockets and bursts of tracer bullets across the night sky and loud bursts of gunfire was shown on Qatar-based al-Jazeera television after Prime Minister Haider Abadi announced what he called "the heroic operations to free you from the terror and oppression of Daesh".

"We will meet soon on the ground in Mosul to celebrate liberation and your salvation," Abadi said in a speech on state television in the middle of the night, surrounded by commanders of the armed forces.

The commander of the coalition, U.S. Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, said the operation to take Iraq`s second largest city would likely continue for weeks, "possibly longer".

If Mosul falls, Raqqa in Syria will be Islamic State`s last city stronghold.

"This is a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver ISIL a lasting defeat," U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement, using another acronym for Islamic State.

"We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISIL`s hatred and brutality."

Islamic State has been retreating since the end of last year in Iraq, where it is battling U.S-backed government and Kurdish forces as well as Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi`ite militias.

But in a blow to the anti-IS campaign, last week the jihadists crushed a planned rebellion in Mosul intended to ease the recapture of the city.

The Iraqi Kurdish military command said 4,000 Peshmerga were taking part in an operation to clear villages held by Islamic State to the east of Mosul, in an attack coordinated with a push by Iraqi army units from the southern front.

Massoud Barzani, president of Iraq`s Kurdistan region, said the operation was the first time the two forces had fought against Islamic State together and had taken about 200 square km of farm land and villages east of Mosul from the militants.

The IS-linked Amaq news agency said the group had launched 10 suicide attacks on advancing forces near Mosul and that Peshmerga forces had encircled five villages but failed to take them. None of the reports could be independently verified.

A column of black smoke was rising from one IS position on the eastern front, a Reuters correspondent said, apparently from burning oil being used to block the path of the Kurds and obscure the jets` view.

"We are the real Muslims, Daesh are not Muslims, no religion does what they did," said a young Kurdish fighter in battle dress as he scanned the plain east of Mosul from his position on the heights of Mount Zertik.

As he spoke a Humvee drove by with the word Rojava, or Syria`s Kurdistan, painted on the machine gun turret.

"This is all Kurdistan," Major Shiban Saleh, one of the fighters onboard, said. "When were done here, we will chase them to Raqqa or wherever they go," he said.

He said about 450 Syrian Peshmerga fighters were involved in the offensive, which aimed to take back nine villages on Monday.

Abdul Rahman Waggaa, a member of the exiled Provincial Council of Nineveh of which Mosul is the capital, told Reuters the advancing forces had yet to enter the city: "Activities are still outside of Mosul and the operation is not at full strength yet."

Early on Monday, Abadi sought to allay fears that the operation would provoke sectarian bloodletting, saying that only the Iraqi army and police would be allowed to enter the mainly Sunni city. He asked Mosul`s residents to cooperate with them.

Local Sunni politicians and regional Sunni-majority states including Turkey and Saudi Arabia warned that if Shi`ite militias take part in the assault they could spark sectarian violence.

The Iraqi army dropped tens of thousands of leaflets on Mosul before dawn on Sunday, warning residents the offensive was imminent, assuring them it "will not target civilians" and telling them to avoid known locations of Islamic State fighters.

Reflecting authorities` concerns over a mass exodus that would complicate the offensive and worsen the humanitarian situation, the leaflets told residents "to stay at home and not to believe rumours spread by Daesh" that could cause panic.

Resident Abu Abdullah said he had wanted to witness the beginning of the offensive.

"We heard repeated explosions at a distance, so I went to the rooftop to see fireballs, even if it was dangerous. I was happy that the operation to liberate Mosul started," he said.

In 2014, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed a "caliphate" in Iraq and neighbouring Syria from Mosul`s Grand Mosque. The group faced little resistance but has employed brutal methods to maintain control. On Monday, it circulated photographs showing children executing alleged spies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticised over the level of civilian casualties during Syrian government operations backed by Moscow in and around the city of Aleppo, said on Sunday he hoped the United States and its allies would do their best to avoid hitting civilians in the attack on Mosul.

The United Nations has said the battle would require the world`s biggest and most complex humanitarian effort, which could leave up to 1 million people homeless and see civilians used as human shields or even gassed.

There are already more than three million people displaced in Iraq as a result of conflicts involving Islamic State and up to 100,000 Iraqis may flee Mosul to Syria and Turkey. Medicine is in short supply in Mosul and food prices have risen sharply.

"Families in Mosul started stockpiling food yesterday in case the fighting reaches our streets and we can no longer go out," said Saeed, a resident.

"Daesh are still in Mosul and it`s not true that they left. They are continuing to erect blast walls in the streets to obstruct any advance."
Baghdad: Iraqi government forces, with air and ground support from the U.S.-led coalition, launched an offensive on Monday to drive Islamic State from the city of Mosul, the militants` last major stronghold in the country.

The assault on the northern city was the biggest operation mounted by the Iraqi military since U.S. forces withdrew in 2011, and the United States predicted Islamic State would suffer "a lasting defeat."

As the assault got underway, a Reuters correspondent saw helicopters overhead releasing flares and heard explosions on the city`s eastern front, where Kurdish fighters moved forward to take outlying villages.

Some 30,000 troops from the Iraqi army, Kurdish Peshmerga militia and Sunni tribal fighters were expected to take part in the offensive to drive an estimated 4,000 to 8,000 Islamic State militants from Mosul.

"I announce today the start of the heroic operations to free you from the terror and the oppression of Daesh," Prime Minister Haider Abadi said in a speech on state TV, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

"We will meet soon on the ground of Mosul to celebrate liberation and your salvation," he said, surrounded by the armed forces` top commanders.

Qatar-based al-Jazeera television aired video of what it said was a bombardment of Mosul that started after Abadi`s speech, showing rockets and bursts of tracer bullets across the night sky and loud sounds of gunfire.

The assault on Mosul, a city of 1.5 million people, is the biggest undertaken by the Iraqi military since 2011 and could be one of the biggest military operations in Iraq since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

"This operation to regain control of Iraq`s second-largest city will likely continue for weeks, possibly longer," said the commander of the coalition, U.S. Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, in a statement.

Mosul is the largest city that Islamic State controls and its last major stronghold in Iraq.

"This is a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver ISIL a lasting defeat," U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement, using an acronym for Islamic State.

"We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISIL`s hatred and brutality."

In 2014, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed from Mosul`s Grand Mosque a "caliphate" in Iraq and neighboring Syria, meaning an Islamic state with himself its absolute ruler.

Islamic State has been retreating since the end of last year in Iraq, where it is confronting U.S-backed government and Kurdish forces as well as Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi`ite militias.

The Iraqi Kurdish military command said 4,000 Peshmerga were taking part in an operation to clear several villages held by Islamic State on the eastern front, in an attack coordinated with a push by Iraqi army units from the southern front.

`"We are the real Muslims, Daesh are not Muslims, no religion does what they did," said a young Kurdish fighter in battle dress as he scanned the plain east if Mosul from his position on the heights of Mount Zerlik.

As he spoke a Humvee drove by with the word Rojava, or Syria`s Kurdistan, painted on the protection plate of the machine gun turret.

"This is all Kurdistan,`` said Major Shiban Saleh, one of the fighters onboard. "When were done here, we will chase them to Raqqa or wherever they go," he added referring to the largest city under control of the militants in Syria.

He said about 450 Syrian Peshermga fighters were involved in the offensive east of Mosul, which aims to take back nine villages during the day.

Speaking in the early hours of Monday, Abadi sought to allay fears that the operation would turn into sectarian bloodletting, saying that only the Iraqi army and police would be allowed to enter the mainly Sunni city.

Local Sunni politicians and regional Sunni-majority states including Turkey and Saudi Arabia cautioned that letting Shi`ite militias take part in assault could spark sectarian violence.

"The forces that lead the liberation operation are the brave Iraqi army with the police forces," Abadi said. "They will enter the city and no one else," he added, asking the population to cooperate with the government`s forces.

The Iraqi army dropped tens of thousands of leaflets over Mosul before dawn on Sunday, warning residents that the offensive was imminent. The leaflets carried several messages, one of them assuring the population that advancing army units and air strikes "will not target civilians" and another telling them to avoid known locations of Islamic State militants.

Reflecting authorities` concerns over a mass exodus that would complicate the offensive and worsen the humanitarian situation in the area, the leaflets told residents "to stay at home and not to believe rumours spread by Daesh" that could cause panic.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday he hoped the United States and its allies would do their best to avoid civilian casualties in an attack on Mosul.

The United Nations last week said it was bracing for the world`s biggest and most complex humanitarian effort in the battle for the city, which could make up to 1 million people homeless and see civilians used as human shields or even gassed.

There are already more than 3 million people displaced in Iraq as a result of conflicts involving Islamic State. Medicine is in short supply in Mosul, and food prices have risen sharply.

U.N. Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O' Brien in a statement called for protection of Mosul's civilians, urging all parties to "ensure they have access to the assistance they are entitled to and deserve."
London: Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced on Monday that a military offensive has begun to seize back the Iraqi city of Mosul after two years of ISIS control.

"We have been battling ISIS for more than two years. We started fighting Isis in the outskirts of Baghdad, and thank God we are now fighting them in the outskirts of Mosul, and God willing the decisive battle will be soon," the CNN quoted Abadi as saying.

"These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity. They are there for your sake," he said.Iraqi forces moved into their final positions on Friday, joining Kurdish peshmerga soldiers before an expected advance from the south. Also on the ground are US, British and French Special Forces, which have been advising the peshmerga and will play a prominent role in calling in airstrikes against ISIS targets inside the city.

Ahmed al-Assadi, a lawmaker and spokesman for the militias, said: "We promise you that it will be a great victory fitting with the greatness of Iraq and its history and its people."But the fight is expected to last weeks, if not months, and if the battles to wrest Falluja and Ramadi from the grip of ISIS are any indication, Mosul is predicted to be a protracted and difficult affair.

The assault on the northern Iraqi city is the most critical challenge yet to ISIS`s two-year-old caliphate, which has shredded state authority in the region`s heartland, caused a mass exodus of refugees and attempted a genocide of minorities.ISIS is thought to have about 6,000 fighters ready to defend Mosul, hidden among an estimated civilian population of approximately 600,000, most of whom are expected to flee as the battle intensifies.

Before its occupation by Isis, the city was home to more than two million people.Militants have banned civilians from leaving the cityWhile leaving can mean trekking through minefields and the risk of punishment by ISIS, those who stay know they face airstrikes, street battles, a potential siege by the Iraqi security forces and the grim possibility of being used as human shields by ISIS.

The US has recently deployed an additional 600 troops to aid in the city`s capture, bringing the total number of US personnel to more than 5,200, according to the Pentagon.

Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said: "This is the last big holdout in Iraq for ISIL."The US said on Sunday night that it was proud to stand with its allies in the offensive to retake Mosul.

In a statement, defense secretary Ash Carter said: "This is a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver ISIL a lasting defeat."
Lahore; At least 22 people were today killed and 40 others injured in a road accident, when two passenger buses collided in Pakistan's Punjab province, officials said.

The accident took place in Khanpur area of Rahim Yar Khan, some 600 kms from here. One of the buses was on its way from Karachi to Lahore while the other was heading to Sadiqabad from Faisalabad, Zafar Iqbal, district coordination officer of Rahim Yar Khan said.

The accident was so serious that the bodies and the injured could only be recovered after cutting through the vehicles, Iqbal told Dawn News.

At least 22 people have been reported dead, he said, adding that the death toll may rise.

Rahim Yar Khan police spokesperson Arshad Nawaz said at least 40 other passengers were injured.

The casualties were shifted to hospitals.
Locutus said: one of the obvious comments was obvious but spot-on:





No one watches CNN anymore. It's like the punchline to a bad joke at this point.



I want Trump to be counted out by the media and their polls. I want the liberal scum to feel complaicent and assured...



I think you'll see a big surprise on November 8th. Click to expand...

Even as it continued to post

new batches of emails from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta

, Wikileaks on Friday also published

new draft chapters

of the

Trade in Services Agreement (TISA)

which shed new light on the pending deal that critics say puts global economies at further risk from powerful banks, financial institutions, and corporate greed



Along with the TPP and the TTIP, TISA is actually the largest of the "Three Big T's" of pending international agreements that seek to further shape the global economic and legal systems in favor of major corporations and elite interests. TISA is the largest of the three deals, and according to World Bank figures cited by Wikileaks, services that would be covered by the massive agreement comprise around 75% of the EU economy, 80% of the US economy and the majority of economies of most countries.



However, notes Wikileaks, "despite its importance both the US Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have thus far given no position on the TISA Agreement."



oh yes, there's more...



Posting New Secret Trade Docs, Wikileaks Further Exposes Corporate Plot | Common Dreams | Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community oh yes, there's more...

I haven't watched CNN since their Dr Gupta was caught re-handed as a shill for big pharma.Nov 8 won't be a big surprise. America and the world is screwed no matter which one wins.I oppose Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton for some of the same reasons:I am a socialist and they are both part of the financial elite; they support the neo-liberal economic agenda; they have both supported radically pro-corporate trade policies (Trump acts as though he hasn't but he has for years), they both defend a capitalist, racist, imperialist nation that has, for generations supported dictators and undermined democracy and socialist efforts worldwide.I think these are pretty good reasons to resist the US and its politicians. You don't have to be that radical to say politics in the US is demoralizing at best with few alternatives from the capitalist agenda that has been helping to destroy the environment, suppressed democracy, and enshrined poverty in the very system itself.But even as a socialist, you don't have to be wildly pragmatic to make an important distinction between Trump and Clinton. They both have records of corruption.Electing either Trump or Clinton as president will more or less continue the neo-liberal economic agenda, neither will do much for democracy, for poverty (at home or abroad), nor will they make the radical changes to environmental policy that are necessary. But as president, Trump will legitimize racism and misogyny through his beliefs and behavior.While they will both continue the same kinds of capitalist agendas, Trump threatens to open up a floodgate of violence and hate against women and racialized people aka Roy Cohn.But there is another factor here that should be talked about. Clinton may have a dubious record concerning certain aspects of corruption during her time as a public figure, but if you compare that record to, say, the last Republican presidency, she's a paragon of purity. George W. Bush and Dick Cheney orchestrated illegal wars that killed hundreds of thousands of people. Hundreds of millions of dollars (if not billions) went totally unaccounted for as wads of cash were reportedly given out to terrorist group as bribes to stop them from undertaking violence. And Bush and Cheney benefited personally from all this through their oil interests, and through corporations such as Halliburton and Blackwater.To compare any contemporary US political corruption to what Bush and Cheney have been responsible for, de facto robs the very notion of corruption meaningless. If Trump supporters were interested in sending anyone to jail, they would never stop calling for the incarceration of Bush and Cheney, two men who destabilized the whole globe, made fortunes doing it, and, arguably, permanently undermined the status and legitimacy of the US as a democracy.As a socialist with little or no faith in the political/economic system, it is understandable to be dubious about Clinton and Trump for the simple reason that they are both corrupt in various ways and they both represent the capitalist status quo. But if you believe in American capitalism and its supposed democracy, if you believe that, despite its blemishes, the US basically represents what is good in economics and human rights, then to portray Hillary Clinton as some kind of outlier of corruption is just hypocritical because as corruption and dubious behavior goes, is disingenuous.I continue to believe that the angry, vociferous opposition to Clinton by many Americans is little more than simple sexism. A majority of Americans arte easily directed at the shiny thing and seem not interested in the issues which most affect them so to have candidates, or at least one starting the mudslinging make it's easy for them to not debate hard subjects as the infantile media is concentrating on the titillating drivel.She is not an atypical Democratic nominee in policy matters or in her dubious record. But she is atypical in her qualifications, in as much as she is unquestionably along with Trump the most deplorable candidates to run for president in living memory.But the distractions caused by Trump may not be by accident as neither candidate is talking about the issues and their resolutions, and the MSM is played right into their hands.........
Seoul: An explosion almost immediately after launch was behind the failure of North Korea's latest test- firing of a powerful medium-range missile, the South Korean military confirmed today.

North Korea tested a Musudan missile - capable of hitting US bases as far away as Guam - shortly after midday Saturday near an air base in the northwestern city of Kusong.

Such launches are usually reported within a few hours or even minutes by South Korean and US military monitors, but the news of Saturday's test only came out around 16 hours after the event.

"North Korea's missile launch failed shortly after lift- off so a considerable amount of time was needed to analyse it," a South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff official told reporters today.

A defence ministry spokesman confirmed the missile exploded soon after lift-off, in the very initial stage of the launch.

First unveiled as an indigenous missile at a military parade in Pyongyang in October 2010, the Musudan has a theoretical range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometres.

The lower estimate covers the whole of South Korea and Japan, while the upper range would include US military bases on Guam.

After a string of five failed launches, North Korea test fired a Musudan in June that flew 400 kilometres into the Sea of Japan (East Sea). Saturday's test weas the first since then.

The June flight had been hailed by leader Kim Jong-Un as proof of the North's ability to strike US bases across "the Pacific operation theatre".

US weapons analysts say successful Musudan testing could help the nuclear-armed North develop an operational intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of striking the US mainland by 2020.
Aleppo: Russia on Monday announced an eight-hour "humanitarian" ceasefire in Aleppo later this week, as the EU warned that the Syrian regime`s Moscow-backed assault on the city could amount to war crimes.

The United Nations and European Union welcomed the announcement, but said Thursday`s planned pause in fighting needed to be longer to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Meanwhile, dozens of civilians including 12 members of the same family were killed in heavy bombardment of rebel-held eastern sectors of the embattled city Monday, a monitoring group said.

"We have taken a decision not to waste time and to introduce `humanitarian pauses`, mainly for the free passage of civilians, evacuation of the sick and wounded and withdrawal of fighters," senior Russian military officer Sergei Rudskoi said in Moscow.

The truce would run from 0800 to 1600 local time (0500 GMT to 1300 GMT) "in the area of Aleppo", Rudskoi said.

"During this period the Russian air force and Syrian government troops will halt air strikes and firing from any other types of weapons."

The announcement came as EU foreign ministers condemned the ferocious air war waged on Aleppo over the past three weeks.

"Since the beginning of the offensive by the regime and its allies, notably Russia, the intensity and scale of the aerial bombardment of eastern Aleppo is clearly disproportionate," a statement said.

"The deliberate targeting of hospitals, medical personnel, schools and essential infrastructure, as well as the use of barrel bombs, cluster bombs, and chemical weapons, constitute a catastrophic escalation of the conflict... and may amount to war crimes," they added.The EU ministers said they would press ahead with extending sanctions against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad`s regime, but stopped short of threatening measures against Russia.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini called Moscow`s announcement "positive" but not long enough to allow humanitarian aid to reach the besieged city.

"It can be a start... for sure it is a positive step," she told reporters at the close of the ministerial meeting in Luxembourg.

"The latest assessment from the aid agencies (however) is that 12 hours is needed so work is needed to find common ground," she added.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric also welcomed the truce announcement but stressed the "need for a longer pause in order to get the aid in".

Once Syria`s thriving commercial hub, Aleppo has been ravaged by air raids and intensifying clashes as regime forces fight to capture the rebel-held east.

Russian air support for the onslaught -- which has destroyed hospitals and other civilian infrastructure -- has spurred the accusations of potential war crimes.

Monday`s air strikes killed 13 civilians in Aleppo`s rebel-held district of Marjeh, including 12 members of the same family, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"Nine of the family members were minors, including a 17-year-old girl and her newborn," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based group.

Unverified online video footage showed the bodies of eight children said to have been killed in Marjeh, wrapped in white cloth and lined up before their burial.

At least 47 people have been killed since Sunday morning in east Aleppo, the Observatory said.

The deadliest raids were overnight on a residential block in Qaterji, where the Observatory said Russian strikes killed 18 civilians."There are still families under the ruins. We pulled out seven or eight bodies and dozens of wounded," said ambulance driver Abu Mohamed.

"The hospitals are full of casualties. It`s a disaster."

More than 430 people have been killed in bombardment on the eastern half since the assault on Aleppo was announced on September 22, the Observatory said.

Another 82 people have died in rebel fire on government-held neighbourhoods in the west.

Further west in Aleppo province, Russian raids killed 23 people in the village of Uwaijal on Monday, said the Observatory.

US Secretary of State John Kerry met his counterparts from Russia, Iran and Syria`s neighbours in Switzerland on Saturday, before flying to London for talks with the British and other European foreign ministers.

Kerry said the Lausanne meeting produced new ideas on reviving a truce, after a ceasefire jointly brokered by Moscow and Washington collapsed last month, but said high-level contacts to flesh them out would continue Monday.

Syria`s war has devolved from a widespread protest movement against Assad`s rule to a multi-front war between rebels, jihadists, Kurds and regime forces.

Turkish-backed rebels dealt a major symbolic blow to the Islamic State jihadist group on Sunday by overrunning the northern Syrian town of Dabiq.

Across the border in Iraq, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the launch Monday of a long-awaited operation to recapture Mosul -- IS`s last major stronghold in the country.

In June 2014, IS declared a self-styled Islamic "caliphate" in territory straddling Syria and Iraq.
Panaji: Russia has neither inked any contract nor has plans for any military-related deals with Pakistan, said CEO of Russia's ROSTEC Corp, Sergey Chemezov.

"We are not delivering any modern aircraft and any military aircraft to Pakistan. We have made deliveries of helicopters, but those are specialised in transport and that contract has been completed," said news agency ANI quoted Chemezov as saying.

"No contracts or plans for any other military-related equipment to be delivered to Pakistan," he added.

On Russia-Pakistan joint military exercises in September this year, Chemezov said they were directly related with modernising counter-terror operations in Pakistan.

He further emphasised on the significance of the joint military exercises in the wake of threat from organisations like the ISIS.

"ISIS is a global terrorist organisation, it is something that is the global danger and doesn't just involve terrorists in the Middle East but also in Russia, terrorism in India as well as Pakistan," he said.

"Therefore, joint military exercises are important but it must be noted that (they) were not in any way targeted at India or at any other conflict in the region," he added.

He further underlined that Russia's relationship with India has always remained very strong and fruitful.

India and Russia on Saturday signed 16 agreements and three announcements in a number of fields including infrastructure, defence, ship building, science and technology and railways.

The agreements were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Goa.

In a joint statement with Putin, Prime Minister Modi said the agreements on manufacturing of Kamov-226T helicopters, construction of frigates, and acquisition and building of other defence platforms are in synergy with India's technology and security priorities.

(With ANI inputs)
Islamabad; Six terrorists, including the alleged kidnapper of the son of assassinated Pakistani Governor Salman Taseer, were killed in an encounter in Punjab province, officials said on Monday.

Militant Haji Mohammad, who was killed on Saturday, was involved in the kidnapping of Shahbaz Taseer, son of slain Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, Geo news reported citing Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials on Monday.

A CTD official told Dawn online that they had received information that nine to 10 members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group were present in Sheikhupura town of Punjab province, planning an attack on the offices of law enforcement agencies.

Around 12.30 a.m., the CTD team raided a house near the Sheikhupura Bypass. "Noticing their presence, the terrorists ... tried to flee by a car and two motorcycles," an official said.

Arms and ammunition, including three Kalashnikov rifles, three pistols, two kg of explosives, primer cords and a cache of live ammunition were seized from the militants.

Shahbaz Taseer was kidnapped from Lahore on August 26, 2011, near his company`s head office, a few months after the assassination of his father at the hands of his bodyguard Mumtaz Qadri.

Shahbaz was recovered from Balochistan earlier this year
Cairo: Syria`s national security chief met a senior Egyptian intelligence official in Cairo, Syria`s state news agency said on Monday, in the latest sign of a rift between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which backs Syrian rebels.

Ali Mamlouk met the deputy chief of the national security department in Egyptian General Intelligence, Khaled Fawzi, on a one-day visit following an invitation from Cairo, SANA reported.

"The two sides agreed to coordinate politically and on fighting the terrorism both countries now face," SANA said.

Egyptian security sources told Reuters this was Mamlouk`s third such visit this year but the first to be made public as a message to Saudi Arabia that Egypt would pursue an independent foreign policy.

Egypt this month voted in favour of a Russian-backed U.N. resolution on Syria that excluded calls to stop bombing Aleppo, which Saudi Arabia strongly opposed.

The move was the latest indication of a rift between the two allies and came a week after a halt to shipments of Saudi fuel to Egypt under a $23 billion aid deal.

Russian aircraft and Syrian forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have been bombarding rebel-controlled districts of Aleppo since the collapse of an internationally-brokered ceasefire last month.

The United States and some European states have accused Moscow and Syria of committing atrocities, but Russian officials deny that and accuse the West of abetting terrorists.

Egypt has been courting warmer ties with Russia, Saudi Arabia`s foe in the Syrian conflict, and supports Moscow`s decision to bomb the country in support of Assad.

Saudi Arabia, which has showered Egypt with billions of dollars of aid since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took power in mid-2013, is a leading backer of rebels fighting against Assad.

Security sources said Mamlouk`s visit was made public to show Egypt would not bow to outside pressures.

Egypt also asked Mamlouk for Syrian intelligence on fighters coming to Egypt from Syria, the sources said, and for an update on behind the scenes talks between Russian and Syrian officials.

Syria talks convened by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in the Swiss city of Lausanne on Saturday evening failed to agree on a common strategy with Russia to end the conflict, now in its sixth year.

Kerry hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and seven foreign ministers from the region - from Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt - weeks after the collapse of a painstakingly crafted U.S.-Russian ceasefire plan that many saw as the last hope for peace this year.
New York: Facing sinking poll numbers and accusations of sexual assault, Donald Trump doubled down Monday on charges that the presidential campaign is being rigged, warning of "large scale voter fraud" in the US election.

With just three weeks to go in the rollercoaster presidential race, the brash billionaire Trump sharpened his message that the election system is plagued with deep problems, despite vehement denials by members of his own party.

The Republican nominee takes the stage Wednesday with his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in their final debate.

But neither candidate has focused much on policy in recent weeks, as Trump intensifies criticism of the election system, raising concerns about possible post-election unrest should he lose.

"Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day," Trump wrote on Twitter, without backing up his charge.

"Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!"

In a series of tweets the previous day, Trump also railed against the media, as tensions mount ahead of the November 8 election.

"Polls close, but can you believe I lost large numbers of women voters based on made up events THAT NEVER HAPPENED. Media rigging election!" Trump wrote.

After the first debate, Trump said he would respect the election result. But he backtracked in an interview with The New York Times last month, saying, "We`re going to see what happens."

Trump`s running mate Mike Pence sought to ease tensions, insisting his camp would accept defeat if voters reject the Republican ticket at the polls.

"We will absolutely accept the results of the election," he told CBS Sunday.

One official who oversees election operations in his state, Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, a Republican, insisted Monday that Trump was being "irresponsible" for warning of voter fraud.

"If there is a systemic problem, please identify it. Don`t just make an allegation on Twitter. Tell me," Husted said on CNN.

"They`re not going to be rigged," he said of the election. "I`ll make sure of that."

Clinton`s campaign manager Robby Mook told reporters that Trump`s warnings about election rigging are meant to divert the public`s gaze from the candidate`s own shortcomings.

"He`s desperately trying to shift attention from his own disastrous campaign," Mook said during a press call on Monday.

"He knows he`s losing and he`s trying to blame that on the system. This is what losers do."

But Trump`s warnings may be having an impact.

A new poll by Politico and Morning Consult reveals that some 41 percent of voters believe the election could be "stolen" from Trump through massive voter fraud.

More than seven in 10 Republicans believe the election could be taken from them, while 17 percent of Democrats agree with the potential for serious ballot box fraud.

The poll of 1,999 registered voters was conducted October 13 through 15.

The nation`s top elected Republican, House Speaker Paul Ryan, who has declared that he would no longer "defend" the party`s nominee, rebuked Trump over his comments questioning the validity of the election process.

Ryan was "fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity," his spokeswoman AshLee Strong said.Underscoring how divisive this election campaign has been, a Republican Party office in North Carolina was firebombed overnight Sunday, with the message "Nazi Republicans leave town or else" sprayed on an adjacent building.

No one was hurt in the attack, swiftly condemned by both candidates.

Two polls released Sunday -- taken after a slew of sexual misconduct allegations against Trump emerged last week -- put Clinton ahead.

The RealClearPolitics average of recent polls gave her a 6.3 percent advantage over Trump in a four-way race including third-party candidates Gary Johnson and Jill Stein.

Clinton is lying low ahead of the final debate, apparently relying on Trump self-destructing.

"She is trying to avoid issues for the next 22 days in the hopes that this will just end up being about Mr. Trump," his campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told CNN Monday outside of Trump Tower in New York.

Conway also added fuel to her boss`s contention that the election could be stolen.

"If there`s compelling evidence of voter fraud, obviously as early voting goes on... certainly we would take action," she said.

Trump who is heading to Wisconsin later Monday for a rally, is scheduled to hold two events Tuesday in Colorado.
Sirte: US aircraft hit Islamic State targets with more 30 strikes over the last three days on the Libyan city of Sirte as pro-government forces push into its last militant-held districts, the U.S. military said on Monday.

Libyan forces are close to ending a six-month campaign to liberate Sirte from Islamic State, which took over the city more than a year after taking advantage of factional infighting that emerged after the fall of strongman Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Forces mostly from nearby Misrata city are pushing ahead street by street, facing snipers and suicide bombers. They are helped by U.S. air strikes since August and coordination with small teams of Western special forces on the ground.

On Sunday, Libyan forces recaptured the city`s Cambo area, and swept out tunnels used by militants to hide and prepare ambushes, and seized a field hospital. They found charred bodies of militants hit by air strikes.

A Reuters reporter at the scene said they also came across booby traps using grenades and rocket shells.

"At the moment, the forces are preparing to enter Ghiza Bahriya district," Rida Essa, media official with the pro-government forces, said.

U.S. aircraft carried out 36 strikes from Friday to Saturday mostly on enemy fighting positions but also on a car bomb, according to a U.S. Africa Command statement on Monday.

The loss of Sirte would close down Islamic State`s main stronghold in North Africa and its only base outside Iraq and Syria, just as the militant group comes under pressure in the Iraqi city of Mosul.

Islamic State steadily imposed control on Sirte a year ago, and used the city as a base to launch attacks on oilfields and ports as well as to target checkpoints in nearby Misrata.

Since Gaddafi`s fall in a war in 2011, Libya has slipped steadily in the fractional fighting among brigades of former rebels who first battled the strongman and then turned against each another. Islamic State profited from the security vacuum.

The Misrata forces leading the Sirte campaign back a U.N.-supported government in Tripoli that is trying to bring the rival factions together. But the Sirte campaign has also prompted moves by eastern commander Khalifa Haftar, who rejects the Tripoli government, to extend his influence.
Washington: The US on Monday questioned Russia and China's commitment to the war against terrorism and expressed its frustration against their being selective when it comes to terrorism.

"I guess I would characterise it as simply that Russia has often made a strong case -- what they believe to be a strong case to the United States -- about our shared interest in confronting extremists, not just in Syria and Iraq, but around the world," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference.

"There are things that they've done in the past that would indicate that they're not as committed to that shared priority as they claim to be. In part, because they devote so much time to shoring up the Assad regime in a way that makes it harder to resolve the conflict that ends up fueling extremism," he said.

"It is no secret that we've been frustrated about Russia's inability to live up to the commitments that they claim they're willing to make in the context of shared priorities and the fact that they have not followed through on those commitments raises questions about whether or not they actually share those priorities," Earnest said.

He was responding to questions on the just concluded BRICS Summit wherein China and Russia resisted against naming Lashkar-e-Toiba in the joint statement.

"I can't speak to the specific statement that was signed at the BRICS conference but the United States does believe that there are countries around the world with whom we should be able to coordinate to counter extremism, that the forces of extremism only threaten the interests of countries around the world and there should be an opportunity for the international community to coordinate our response and to counter those threats, but sometimes the Russians haven't been as willing of partners as we'd like them to be," he said.

Earnest said China's an example of a country with whom the US has been able to work very effectively in pursuit of some common interests.

"But there are some interests where...Where apparently our interests don't align. So, again, I can't speak to the specific decision because obviously the United States wasn't a party to the BRICS conference but, you know, the United States does have an aspiration to work more effectively in the international community to counter extremist threats," he said.
Aden: Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire that could be extended, the war-torn country`s foreign minister said Monday, a day after international calls for a truce.

"The President agreed to a 72 hrs ceasefire to be extended if the other party adheres to it", activates a truce observing committee and ends the siege of third-city city Taez, Abdulmalek al-Mekhlafi wrote on Twitter.

The announcement comes after the United States, Britain and the UN peace envoy to Yemen on Sunday urged the warring parties in the country`s civil war to declare a ceasefire they said could start within days.

"We are here to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which will be declared in the next few hours," said UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed.

The envoy said he had been in contact with the rebel Huthi militia`s lead negotiator and with Hadi`s government.

But he warned that he hoped for "clearer plans" for a ceasefire in coming days.

"We reiterate our support for the efforts of UN Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed," Mekhlafi tweeted, adding that his government will deal "positively" with international calls for peace.

The conflict in Yemen has killed almost 6,900 people, wounded more than 35,000 and displaced at least three million since March last year, according to the United Nations.
FRFEE McDonalds Chicken Muffin Burger Giveaway

McDonalds Malaysia is giving away 1,000 FREE Chicken Muffins celebrating upcoming National Breakfast Day 2016. This giveaway is only valid on 24 October 2016, at ALL McDonalds outlets. Terms and conditions apply. Limited 1,000 Chicken Muffins giveaway, while stock last.



Promotion Details

Date : 24 October 2016

Time : 7am  10am

Venue : All McDonalds restaurants in Malaysia.

Terms and conditions

FREE chicken Muffin limited to the first 1,000 customers per restaurant and only from 7AM till 10AM, whichever comes first.

Redemption hours vary by restaurants only valid at restaurants that serve breakfast.

Only one FREE chicken muffin per customer.

Valid through Drive Thru, only one FREE chicken muffin ala carte per car allowed.

Not valid through McDelivery.

No purchase needed.

Other Ongoing FREE Samples Giveaway
MELILEA Organic Soymilk Powder Giveaway

MELILEA Malaysia is giving away FREE Organic Soymilk Powder worth RM21. This giveaway is available on 22 October 2016, at Gelanggang Bola Keranjang Daerah Bentong, Jalan Chui Yin Bentong. Simply collect China Press Daily Newspaper header (any 4 pcs from 16  21 October 2016) to redeem this freebies. Terms and conditions apply. Limited quantity available, while stock last.



Redemption Details

Date: 22 October 2016

Time: 9am  10am, while stock last (700 packs available)

Venue: Gelanggang Bola Keranjang Daerah Bentong, Jalan Chui Yin Bentong

Terms and conditions

Readers must collect any 4 newspaper header to redeem 1 pack of MELISSA Organic Soymilk Powder worth RM21

One redemption per person. First come first serve, while stock last.



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THE WALL OF SHAME

"The only thing [Trump's] mouth is good for is being Vladimir Putin's c--k holster."

--STEPHEN COLBERT

"[Ivanka Trump] Your father is a racist birther. Steve Bannon an anti-Semitic opportunist. You and your husband are enabling hatred. F--- your shoes."

--BRADLEY WHITFORD

"Melania [Trump] is a hooker."

--JACOB BERNSTEIN

"And my job is to shut other white people down when they want to interrupt."

"We have to, at the DNC, provide training. We have to teach them how to communicate, how to be sensitive, and how to shut their mouths if they're white."

--SALLY BOYNTON BROWN

"And to our detractors that insist that this march will never add up to anything: F--- you! F---you!

"Yes, I have thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House."

--MADONNA

"Barron Trump looks like a very handsome date-rapist-to-be."

--STEPHEN SPINOLA

"Barron [Trump] will be this country's first homeschool shooter."

--KATIE RICH

"Hollywood is crawling with outsiders and foreigners, and if we kick 'em all out, you'll have nothing to watch but football and mixed martial arts, which are not the arts."

--MERYL STREEP

"There's a billion to one chance we're living in base reality."

[That means we're almost positively living in a simulation, like a video game.]

--ELON MUSK

"When I would deny that there was a significant racist component in some of the politics on our side, it was because the people I hung out with were certainly not. When suddenly, this rock is turned over, there is this'Oh shit, did I not see that?'"

----------------------------

"In any other scenario, Hillary Clinton's lying about her emails, and her pay-for-play relationship with the Clinton Foundation would be disqualifying issues. The only reason they're not disqualifying is because Donald Trump is a fundamentally more repellent, dishonest figure."

--CHARLIE SYKES

"I made a mistake in recalling the events of twelve years ago... I said I was traveling in an aircraft that was hit by RPG fire. I was instead in a following aircraft."

--BRIAN WILLIAMS

"I'm here to tell you if you elect me governor of this state, I will end the civil war."

--TOM BARRETT

"I would not look to the U.S. Constitution, if I were drafting a constitution in the year 2012. I might look at the constitution of South Africa. That was a deliberate attempt to have a fundamental instrument of government that embraced basic human rights, had an independent judiciary. It really is, I think, a great piece of work that was done."

--RUTH BADER GINSBURG

"Callista Gingrich. Karen Santorum. Ann Romney. Now, do you really think our country is ready for a white first lady?"

--ROBERT DE NIRO

"The death of Andrew Breitbart disproves the adage that only the good die young."

--JULIAN BOND

"The National Institute of Health has said that it is a danger to women's health and safety of their families that for 30 years to be exposed to the prospects of pregnancy."

--GWEN MOORE

"[Tea Party Republicans] have acted like terrorists."

--JOE BIDEN

"Why did- Couldn't the President have said at that moment, way back in December of last year, 'no game playing. No hostage-taking. No terrorizing this country with the debt ceiling. I'm not going to negotiate with you guys. You can't play it that way.' Could he have done that?"

--CHRIS MATTHEWS

"[T]he tea-party Hobbits could return to Middle Earth having defeated Mordor."

--WALL STREET JOURNAL EDITORIAL

"I remember distinctly an image of--we were sitting on his couches, and I was looking at [Obama's] pant leg and his perfectly creased pant, and I'm thinking, a) he's going to be president and b) he'll be a very good president."

--DAVID BROOKS

"I feel like calling her back and smackin' her around."

--FRED CLARK, DEMOCRAT

"The picture was of me, and I sent it."

--ANTHONY WEINER

"[I]f you go back to the year 2000, when we had an obvious disaster and - and saw that our voting process needed refinement, and we did that in the America Votes Act and made sure that we could iron out those kinks, now you have the Republicans, who want to literally drag us all the way back to Jim Crow laws and literally - and very transparently - block access to the polls to voters who are more likely to vote Democratic candidates than Republican candidates. And it's nothing short of that blatant."

--DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

"This is probably one of the worst times we've seen because the numbers of people elected to Congress. I went through this as co-chair of the arts caucus. In '94 people were elected simply to come here to kill the National Endowment for the Arts. Now theyre here to kill women."

--LOUISE SLAUGHTER

"The protesters have proven today that theyre not going away. It was a pretty rough night last night. You can imagine if people said, well, we just cant fight the power. Instead, this morning, they came by tens, by hundreds, by thousands. By midday today, it was easily more than 10,000, perhaps as many as 15,000 people on the square here in Madison. Not organized by anyone, just grassroots citizens who came out just like the Minutemen in 1776."

--JOHN NICHOLS

"They're sitting on the money, they're using it for their own -- they're putting it someplace else with no interest in helping you with your life, with that money. We've allowed them to take that. That's not theirs, that's a national resource, that's ours. We all have this -- we all benefit from this or we all suffer as a result of not having it. I think we need to go back to taxing these people at the proper rates."

--MICHAEL MOORE

"Why don't we just raise the taxes and let these folks have their collective bargaining, have their union representation and go back to their jobs? Raise the taxes on the wealthy."

--DAVID LETTERMAN

"In 1933, [Hitler] abolished unions and that's what our Governor [Scott Walker] is doing today."

--LENA TAYLOR, Democrat State Senator

"So I would urge my Republican colleagues, no matter how strongly they feel -- you know, we have three branches of government. We have a House. We have a Senate. We have a president. And all three of us are going to have to come together and give some, but it is playing with fire to risk the shutting down of the government."

--CHUCK SCHUMER

"Well, when you start off with the Preamble of the Constitution, you talk about the pursuit of happiness."

--JOHN LEWIS

"I'm Rebecca Kleefisch. I performed fellatio on all the talk show hosts in Milwaukee. And they endorsed me and that's how I became lieutenant governor."

--SLY SYLVESTER

"Do you think this Constitution-loving is getting out of hand? I mean, is it a nod to the Tea Party?"

--JOY BEHAR

"We cant just leave it up to the parents."

"[Military leaders] tell us that childhood obesity isnt just a public health issue; they tell us that it is not just an economic threat -- it is a national security threat as well."

--MICHELLE OBAMA

"Actually, I did not take part in [the assassination of Sarah Palin]. I led it."

--KATHLEEN PARKER

"[The repeal of ObamaCare is] a kind of creeping genocide."

--JESSE JACKSON

"[Obama] has to realize that Mitch McConnell has virtually said so that politically he wants to cut out his heart and throw his liver to the dogs."

--DAN RATHER

"And the instructions are not to improvise a comedy sketch, but to elect a group of unqualified, unstable individuals who will do what they are told, in exchange for money and power, and march this nation as far backward as they can get, backward to Jim Crow, or backward to the breadlines of the '30s, or backward to hanging union organizers, or backward to the trusts and the robber barons.

"Result: the Tea Party. Vote backward, vote Tea Party. And if you are somehow indifferent to what is planned for next Tuesday, it is nothing short of an attempted use of democracy to end this democracy."

--KEITH "Reagan's dead and he was a lousy President" OLBERMANN

"I gotta wonder when people are gonna start wearing uniforms. I mean they've got an army out there in Alaska of militia people. You've got these guys going around acting like street thugs. I mean it isn't far from what we saw in the thirties, where all of a sudden, political parties started showing up in uniform."

--CHRIS MATTHEWS

"[Sharron Angle] is a moron on top of being evil... I'd like to see her do this ad in the South Bronx. Come here, bitch. Come to New York and do it. I'm not praying for her. She's going to hell. She's going to hell, this bitch."

--JOY BEHAR

"So people have been hurting and I understand that. And it doesn't give them comfort or solace for me to tell them, you know, but for me, we'd be in a worldwide depression."

--HARRY REID

"And to play Dick Cheney, all I had to do was find my Dick Cheney. And you can find all the villainy in the world in your own heart, and that's what an actor's job is. I always say to kids, inside you is Hitler and Jesus. And you got to find the appropriate person and bring them out."

--RICHARD DREYFUSS

"Because I live in the District of Columbia which is so predominantly Democratic, I am a registered Democrat. But I am an avowed neutral. And to put that into practice, I take my young daughter into the voting booth and she votes for me. She's now 14. We've been doing this since she was about age 4. She's now quite informed."

--BOB WOODWARD

"Sarah Palin's an idiot. Come on. This is a remarkably, stunningly, jaw-droppingly incompetent and mean woman."

"The Democrats may have moved into the center, but the Republicans have moved into a mental institution."

--AARON SORKIN

"Perhaps the greatest threat of all is the undermining of our Constitution and the systematic attack against the inalienable rights of the citizens of this nation, rights that are guaranteed by our Constitution. At the vanguard of this insidious attack is the Tea Party. This band of misguided citizens is moving perilously close to achieving villainous ends."

--HARRY BELAFONTE

"[Christine O'Donnell is] a witch who doesn't masturbate."

--JOY BEHAR

"Ah, the Tea Party, the nativist bed-wetters who somehow control our national dialogue. Yes, I call them the Pee Party, Jay, because they're always peeing in their pants about something. They're just, they're afraid of a mosque being built in New York. They're afraid of guns. You know, they think Obama, who like every other pussy Democrat has never said a single word about gun control, but they are very sure that he and his Negro army are coming after their guns. You know what? If you think that he's coming after your guns, you need to get out of your chat room and have your house tested for lead. He's not coming after your guns or your Bible or your fishing pole or your chewing tobacco."

--BILL MAHER

"That's a trade-off society is making because of very, very high medical costs, and a lack of willingness to say, you know, is spending a million dollars on that last three months of life for that patient, would it be better not to lay off those ten teachers and to make that trade-off in medical costs. But that;s called the 'Death Panel' and you're not supposed to have that discussion."

--BILL GATES

"NOT the 'whiteman's bitch'"

--IESHUH GRIFFIN

"[If Rush Limbaugh suffered a heart attack in my presence, I would] laugh loudly like a maniac and watch his eyes bug out. I never knew I had this much hate in me. But he deserves it."

--SARAH SPITZ

"You want freedom, you going to have to kill some crackers. You going to have to kill some of their babies."

--KING SAMIR SHABAZZ

"If this was Texas, which is the state that, that is directly on the border with Mexico, and they were calling for a measure like this, saying that they had a major issue with, you know, with undocumented people flooding their borders, I would say I would have to look twice at this. "But this is a state that is a ways removed from the border. And, um, it just, it doesn't make sense to me that when you google this subject, if you put in 'Arizona S.B. 1070,' that you see a picture of the governor of Arizona meeting with President Obama in May of 2010. If you have direct linkage to the president, there are already National Guard troops on the border in Arizona."

--PEGGY WEST

"Tell [the Jews] to get the hell out of Palestine. Remember, these people are occupied and it's their land. It's not German. It's not Poland. [The Jews] can go home. Poland. Germany."

--HELEN THOMAS

"After the last eight years, it's good to have a president that knows what a library is."

--PAUL McCARTNEY

"By the way, I just want to point out I'm wearing my splash shield because I was told I was going to be in the splash zone (during Harry Smith's colonoscopy on live TV)."

--KATIE COURIC

"And that Word is, we have to give voice to what that means in terms of public policy that would be in keeping with the values of the Word."

----------------------------

"Think of an economy where people could be an artist or a photographer or a writer without worrying about keeping their day job in order to have health insurance or that people could start a business and be entrepreneurial and take risk, but not job loss because of a child with asthma or someone in the family is bipolaryou name it, any condition  is job-locking."

--NANCY PELOSI

"Back in World War II, we viewed the Japanese as 'yellow, slant-eyed dogs' that believed in different gods. They were out to kill us because our way of living was different. We, in turn, wanted to annihilate them because they were different. Does that sound familiar, by any chance, to what's going on today?"

--TOM HANKS

"The 'White Right' is trying to set Barack up to be assassinated.... Here are Christians praying for God to kill Barack Obama."

--LOUIS FARRAKHAN

"I refuse to accept the notion that the United States of America is not going to lead the world economically throughout the 20th Century."

--JOE BIDEN

"Obama's critics keep blasting him for Chicago-style politics. So, fine. Channel your inner Al Capone and go gangsta against your foes. Let 'em know that if they aren't with you, they are against you, and will pay the price."

--ROLAND MARTIN

"Martha Coakley is running to fill the rest of Ted Kennedy's term, and her opponent is a far-right tea-bagger Republican."

--CHUCK SCHUMER

"I tell you what, if I lived in Massachusetts, I'd try to vote ten times. I don't know if they'd let me or not, but I'd try to. Yeah, that's right, I'd cheat to keep these bastards out. I would. 'Cause that's exactly what they are."

--ED SCHULTZ

"We also see how revved up the tea baggers are at the thought of hijacking health care reform and every chance we have at making progress in Washington."

--JOHN KERRY

"A few years ago, this guy (Obama) would have been getting us coffee."

--BILL CLINTON

"I didn't realize I had written a column defending Roman Polanski and minimized his crime - are you sure it was me? I mean, I? There is, apparently, more to this crime than it would seem, and it may sound like a hollow defense, but in Hollywood I am not sure a 13-year-old is really a 13-year-old."

--TOM SHALES

"Joe Wilson yelled 'You lie!' at a president who didn't. But, fair or not, what I heard was an unspoken word in the air: You lie, boy!"

--MAUREEN DOWD

"One awkward moment for Sarah Palin at the Yankee game... During the 7th inning, her daughter was knocked up by Alex Rodriguez."

--DAVID LETTERMAN

"I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasnt lived that life."

--SONIA SOTOMAYOR

"We all considered sexual abuse of minors as a moral evil, but had no understanding of its criminal nature."

--REMBERT WEAKLAND, Archbishop of Milwaukee 1977- 2002

"You know, you might want to look into this, [President Obama], because I think maybe Rush Limbaugh was the 20th hijacker, but he was so strung out on Oxycontin he missed his flight."

"Rush Limbaugh -- 'I hope the country fails.' I hope his kidneys fail."

----------------------------

"[Obama] told me I did a great job. The first lady said the same thing. I got a 'well done' from the president, I'm on cloud nine."

--WANDA SYKES

"Americans are looking for more government in their life, not less."

--COLIN POWELL

"[Tea Party goers are] just a bunch of wimpy, whiny, weasels who don't love their country."

--PAUL BEGALA

"I wouldn't want [gay marriage] to go to the United States Supreme Court now because that homophobe Antonin Scalia has too many votes on this current court."

--BARNEY FRANK

"Going forward, my mind will be open to every solution -- except one. We should not -- we must not -- and I will not -- raise taxes."

--JIM DOYLE, Liar

"He's a terrorist. Rush Limbaugh is a terrorist."

--JOY BEHAR

"You know, I just want to say to her (Sarah Palin), just very quickly...F--- you."

--JON STEWART

"Should I be worried about being a slave and being returned to slavery?"

--WHOOPI GOLDBERG

"I also believe that America is the greatest sin against God."

--FR. MICHAEL PFLEGER

"Those who think they can revive the stinking corpse of the usurping and fake Israeli regime by throwing a birthday party are seriously mistaken. Today the reason for the Zionist regime's existence is questioned, and this regime is on its way to annihilation."

--MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD

"We'll be eight degrees hotter in ten, not ten but 30 or 40 years and basically none of the crops will grow. Most of the people will have died and the rest of us will be cannibals."

--TED TURNER

"Look, [Mitt] Romney comes from a religion founded by a criminal who was anti-American, pro-slavery, and a rapist. And he comes from that lineage and says, 'I respect this religion fully.'"

--LAWRENCE O'DONNELL

"Mexico does not end at its borders... Where there is a Mexican, there is Mexico."

--FELIPE CALDERON

"The planet has a fever. If your baby has a fever, you go to the doctor. If the doctor says you need to intervene here, you don't say, 'Well, I read a science fiction novel that told me it's not a problem.' If the crib's on fire, you don't speculate that the baby is flame retardant."

--AL GORE

"Don't fear the terrorists. They're mothers and fathers."

--ROSIE O'DONNELL

"Is America ready for a black president? Well, I say we just had a retarded one. When did being black become a bigger deterrent than being retarded?"

--CHRIS ROCK

"Shut the f--- up! Shut up if you can't take a joke [about President Bush]!"

--BARBRA STREISAND

"Right, oh, yeah, Happy 9/11! Celebrate the day, right?"

--JAMES BROLIN, Mr. Barbra Streisand

"I think President Bush very well may have signed an authorization for the 9/11 attacks."

--KEVIN BARRETT, UW-MADISON Lecturer

"I said what I said. I am not guilty."

--SADDAM HUSSEIN

"Terri will not be starved to death. Her nutrition and hydration will be taken away."

--MICHAEL SCHIAVO

"On the eve of the election last month my wife Judith and I were driving home late in the afternoon and turned on the radio for the traffic and weather. What we instantly got was a freak show of political pornography: lies, distortions, and half-truths -- half-truths being perhaps the blackest of all lies. "

--BILL MOYERS

"I hate the Republicans and everything they stand for."

--HOWARD DEAN

"The Iraqis who have risen up against the occupation are not 'insurgents' or 'terrorists' or 'The Enemy.' They are the REVOLUTION, the Minutemen, and their numbers will grow -- and they will win."

--MICHAEL MOORE

"And there is no reason, Bob, that young American soldiers need to be going into the homes of Iraqis in the dead of night, terrorizing kids and children, you know, women, breaking sort of the customs of the--of--the historical customs, religious customs."

--JOHN KERRY

"F---ing retarded."

"[Republicans] can go f--- themselves!"

--RAHM EMANUEL

"I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president."

--HILLARY CLINTON

"It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is."

--BILL CLINTON

"And let me tell you something -- for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. And I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction and just not feeling so alone in my frustration and disappointment."

--MICHELLE OBAMA

"If asking a billionaire to pay the same tax rate as a Jew, uh, as a janitor, makes me a warrior for the working class, I wear that with a badge of honor."

----------------------------

"If you love me, you got to help me pass this bill."

----------------------------

"[F]or most of my lifetime, the United States was such a dominant economic power, we were such a large market, our industry, our technology, our manufacturing was so significant that we always met the rest of the world economically on our terms. And now, because of the incredible rise of India and China and Brazil and other countries, the United States remains the largest economic and the largest market but theres real competition out there. And that's potentially healthy. It makes -- Michelle was saying earlier I like tough questions because it keeps me on my toes. Well, this will keep America on its toes."

----------------------------

"If Latinos sit out the election instead of saying, 'We're gonna PUNISH OUR ENEMIES and we're gonna reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important to us,' if they don't see that kind of upsurge in voting in this election, then I think it's gonna be harder and that's why I think it's so important that people focus on voting on November 2."

----------------------------

"We don't mind the Republicans joining us. They can come for the ride, but THEY GOTTA SIT IN BACK."

----------------------------

"We can absorb a terrorist attack. We'll do everything we can to prevent it, but even a 9/11, even the biggest attack ever... we absorbed it and we are stronger."

----------------------------

"We're buying shrimp, guys."

----------------------------

"We are the ones we've been waiting for."

----------------------------

"We talk to these folks because they potentially have the best answers so I know whose ass to kick."

----------------------------

"We're not trying to push financial reform because we begrudge success that's fairly earned. I mean, I do think at a certain point you've made enough money. But, you know, part of the American way is, you know, you can just keep on making it if youre providing a good product or you're providing good service. We don't want people to stop fulfilling the core responsibilities of the financial system to help grow the economy."

----------------------------

"If you've got a business, you didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen."

----------------------------

"It is a vital national security interest of the United States to reduce these conflicts because whether we like it or not, we remain a dominant military superpower, and when conflicts break out, one way or another we get pulled into them. And that ends up costing us significantly in terms of both blood and treasure."

----------------------------

"But I -- I think that the most important thing for the public to understand is, we're not handling any of these cases any different than the Bush administration handled them all through 9/11."

----------------------------

"One such translator was an American of Haitian descent, representative of the extraordinary work that our men and women in uniform do all around the world -- Navy CORPSE-MAN Christian [sic] Brossard. And lying on a gurney aboard the USNS Comfort, a woman asked Christopher: 'Where do you come from? What country? After my operation,' she said, 'I will pray for that country.' And in Creole, CORPSE-MAN Brossard responded, 'Etazini.' The United States of America."

----------------------------

"I hear that Dr. Joe Medicine Crow was around, and so I want to give a shout-out to that Congressional Medal of Honor winner. It's good to see you."

----------------------------

"We are God's partners in matters of life and death."

----------------------------

"[T]he Cambridge police acted stupidly."

----------------------------

"I am going to teach [my daughters] first about values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby."

----------------------------

"The reforms we seek would bring greater competition, choice, savings, and INEFFICIENCIES to our health care system."

----------------------------

"Over the last 15 months, weve traveled to every corner of the United States. Ive now been in 57 states? I think one left to go. Alaska and Hawaii, I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit, but my staff would not justify it."

--BARACK OBAMA
Smoke rises from a chemical plant at BASF's headquarters in western Germany on October 17, 2016

One person was killed in a blast at a BASF chemical plant in western Germany Monday, the company said, adding that six others were missing and six more were injured.

The explosion, which triggered a huge fire at the firm's vast Ludwigshafen complex, happened during work on a pipeline that transports raw materials.

"We have not been able to establish any danger to the population," BASF executive Uwe Liebelt said at a press conference, after residents were ordered to stay inside and shut their windows and doors.
RT, formerly known as Russia Today, has the slogan "Question more" and was set up to present news from the perspective of the Kremlin

Britain on Monday denied being involved in the reported closure of the NatWest bank accounts of Kremlin-funded RT television network, a decision that Moscow decried as politically motivated.

"They have closed our accounts in Britain. All the accounts," wrote RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan on Twitter.

She later said that NatWest has not blocked RT's access to the accounts and it can still withdraw its funds.

Simonyan told TASS state news agency that "we consider this decision to be absolutely political."

The Russian foreign ministry said in a statement that it would "demand the British authorities explain the situation."

It suggested this could be "an act agreed with official London to eliminate a news resource inconvenient for British officialdom."

This would be a "gross breach of the basic principles of freedom of speech," it warned.

The British government, however, denied being involved in NatWest's affairs.

?It's a matter for the bank and it's for them to decide who they offer services to based on their own risk appetite," a spokesperson for Prime Minister Theresa May told AFP.

No new sanctions or obligations relating to Russia have been put on UK banks by the British government since February 2015.

RT published on its website a letter from NatWest dated October 12 saying it has reviewed its banking arrangements with RT and "reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities."

The letter from NatWest, owned by Royal Bank of Scotland, does not give any reason for this decision, which it says is "final" and not open to discussion.

The bank says it will close RT's accounts by December 12.

NatWest responded to RT's announcement without confirming the details of the letter published by the television network.

?These decisions are not taken lightly. We are reviewing the situation and are contacting the customer to discuss this further.

"The bank accounts remain open and are still operative,? a bank spokesman said in a statement.

Story continues

In a statement sent to AFP, RT called the move "incomprehensible and without warning," adding it followed "countless measures" from Britain and Europe to "ostracise, shout down, or downright impede the work of RT."

Simonyan told the RBK business news site that she had "no idea" of the reason for the closure of the accounts, but suggested it could be linked to the fact that "we are expecting new British and US sanctions against Russia."

"Possibly it's linked to this," Simonyan said.

The RT editor-in-chief told Rossiya-24 state television that the decision included some personal accounts of senior staff working in Britain.

Senator Igor Morozov told RIA Novosti state news agency: "We must answer in kind and freeze the accounts of the BBC in Russia."

- Kremlin view -

RT, formerly known as Russia Today, has the slogan "Question more" and was set up to present news from the perspective of the Kremlin. It has been criticised as a slavish propaganda tool for President Vladimir Putin.

Ties between Russia and the UK are at their lowest since the Cold War over the crisis in Ukraine and Moscow's bombing campaign in Syria.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on October 1 that there was evidence that Russia's bombing of Aleppo qualified as a war crime.

The foreign-language network that is primarily aimed at audiences in Europe and the United States broadcasts 24-hours a day in English, Arabic and Spanish.

It has a British outlet called RT UK that broadcasts from London.

Simonyan on Saturday said that RT journalists working abroad were under "monstrous pressure".

"They are summoned to embassies, questioned, threatened and pressured," she said on a Russian television talk show.

RT has previously had problems with British television watchdog Ofcom, which ruled in November 2014 that it "failed to preserve due impartiality" in covering war-torn Ukraine.

The bank decision came as ongoing legal action involving claims against Moscow from shareholders of defunct oil firm Yukos founded by Mikhail Khodorkovsky has led to freezes of Russian assets abroad including those of state media.
Late yesterday, the @wikileaks account tweeted "Julian Assange's internet link has been intentionally severed by a state party. We have activated the appropriate contingency plans."

The tweet followed some apparent "dead man's switch" with what looked like cryptographic fingerprints or keys, which could be used to decrypt "insurance files" of leaks that had been posted in encrypted form to a server somewhere, or to verify future documents as having originated with Wikileaks.

The "state party" could be the UK government, which exercises an extraordinary level of fine-grained control over the six major ISPs that serve the UK market (Assange is stuck in the Ecuadoran embassy in London), or it could be another government.

Wikileaks has intervened in the US election debate with a series of leaks from the Democratic Party machine, including the full texts of Clinton's high-ticket speeches to the finance industry (these proved to be remarkably anodyne, leaving many wondering why she didn't just release them when they were at issue during the primary). The US press has widely reported these leaks as originating with "Russian hackers" and the US intelligence apparatus has warned that Russia is using cyberattacks to destabilize the US elections (many have taken this as confirmation that Russian hackers were behind the Wikileaks docs).

Russia denies that it is the source of the Wikileaks docs. Glenn Greenwald makes a convincing case that it doesn't matter if Russia is behind the leaks, because they are newsworthy in their own right. The fact that Clinton is running against a psychopath doesn't mean that the press should help her hide her own dirty laundry. As the Sanders campaign demonstrated, the way that we drive Clinton to substantive, progressive policies is by calling her to account for her misdeeds, including support for racialized "crime bills" and "welfare reform"; support for military intervention; support for the finance industry; opposition to single-payer healthcare, and so on.

WikiLeaks' tweet came after the organisation posted on Sunday night what were rumored to be the "dead man keys" to documents; encryption keys that would allow for the publication of leaked documents. Users on Twitter and Reddit suggested that these tweets indicated Assange had been killed, and that these documents should be revealed in the wake of his death. But these rumors were shut down by WikiLeaks' Kelly Kolisnik. "Julian Assange is alive and well," Kolisnik tweeted. "Rumors circulating that he tweeted out a 'Dead Mans' switch are completely false and baseless."

WikiLeaks Claims 'State Actor' Has Cut Off Assange's Internet

[Ben Sullivan/Motherboard]
Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers on Friday called out a fellow member of the Legislature for posting a racist image on Facebook.

Sen. David Schnoor of Scribner on July 14 shared a photo that had been posted by another person of Black Angus cows blocking a roadway.

The caption under the photo read Road blocked due to a black lives matter protest in the sandhills.

Black Lives Matter is a movement that decries violence and racism against black people.

Chambers decried the Facebook post during a Agriculture Committee hearing on Friday about the Nebraska Brand Committee, which records cattle brands, inspects cattle and investigates theft.

Its racist, said Chambers, who promised to follow up on the issue with Schnoor.

Its insulting, degrading. And he knows it, Chambers added in an interview after the hearing.

What Schnoor did is not funny to me. But it let me know what he is.

Schnoor, who is up for re-election on Nov. 8, declined when asked for comment.

Lynne Walz of Fremont, who is challenging Schnoor in District 15, couldn't be reached for comment.
[An Icelandic volcano (Flickr/Victor Montal)]

Maybe its the hot springs, or perhaps its the breathtaking landscapes. Or maybe its just the ever-growing popularity of Viking history. Whatever the magic formula currently out there in the zeitgeist, one thing is for sure: Iceland is becoming a must-see destination. Tourism in the country has more than doubled in the past six years, with the number of foreign visitors increasing an average of 21 per cent each year over the last five years. Despite the countrys name its one hot destination and it doesnt look as though that trend is stopping anytime soon.

Main Icelandic airline Icelandair is well aware of the countrys growing popularity and now its looking to target another type of traveller: the stopover guest. In order to lure even more visitors into the country the airline is offering passengers flying across the Atlantic a chance to stopover in Iceland for up to seven days at no additional airfare. Whats more, the company has brought back its popular Stopover Buddy program, where passengers can request their own personal host from the airline for up to one day.

Think about it: no more mad scrambling to learn the local transportation system, frantically searching through Anthony Bourdains Parts Unknown episode guide to find the perfect restaurant, or investing in another Lonely Planet book in order to maximize your 24-hour stopover.

Stopover Buddy was first introduced last February with the simple concept of matching employees (ranging from pilots to flight attendants and everyone in between) with guests as a way of helping tourists save time and money while experiencing once-in-lifetime adventures and moments. As of Oct. 11 the program is back for a second round, only this time the program is even bigger thanks an added celebration component. For the entire winter duration the airline is soliciting guests with something big to commemorate  think engagements, promotions or more general bucket-list items.

Story continues

To qualify, Icelandair passengers need to apply on the official website and theyll find out within three business days if theyve been approved. The best part is that its free  or at least access to the actual Buddy and the Buddys car is. Passengers are still responsible for any food, attractions or accommodations that they may use during their stopover. It almost sounds too good to be true, which is why the airline is recommending travellers request their Buddies sooner rather than later. For those whose requests cant be accommodated the airline is offering personal celebration tips and discount vouchers from some of the staffs favourite local haunts.

So whats in it for the Buddies? According to Icelandair brand manager Jon Skafti Kristjansson the employees offer their services in exchange for a day off work. So far some of the adventures theyve helped planned for this winter session include a meet-and-greet at an Elf School, a lavish proposal and a 20th anniversary celebration. To date the team hasnt come across any situations that they havent been able to make happen for its creative passengers, at least not yet.

Our Buddies are up for a challenge; they not only know the lay of the land but they also know other interesting locals. That means they are just the right people to help you turn your Icelandair Stopover into a memorable celebration, Kristjansson says. In Iceland we have many connections and if our Buddies dont know the right person to help, theyll know someone who will.

If only all airlines offered that kind of service.
Donald Trump

During this election cycle, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that Syrian President Bashar Assad and his allies are fighting terrorism in Syria.

"I don't like Assad at all, but Assad is killing ISIS," Trump said during the second presidential debate.

It's exactly what Assad wants everyone to think  but experts say it's not true.

"The Assad government strategy has long been to present the world a binary choice: either the Assad government, which is in some ways secular, or the extremist Islamists and force the world to choose between them," Robert Ford, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute who was the US ambassador to Syria from 2011 to 2014, told Business Insider.

He added: "The Russians have already made their choice."

Russia is one of Assad's main allies in the Syrian civil war that has dragged on for more than five years. President Vladimir Putin has authorized Russian military strikes in Syria in support of Assad's government. And while Putin claims to be fighting terrorism in Syria, his military has targeted mostly more moderate opposition forces that oppose Assad's regime.

There are multiple fronts in the Syrian conflict  terrorist groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda-linked factions are fighting for territory, as are moderate rebel groups. But Assad's primary goal so far has been to wipe out the moderate opposition to make his regime look more legitimate in comparison.

"That's why these groups are not their main target," Ford said. "So they have spent almost all their time trying to eliminate the moderate opposition because they want to boil it down to a choice between the extremists and Assad."

Analysis of Russian airstrikes from September 2015, when Russian involvement in Syria started, and September 2016 showed that "Russia's claims of striking 'terrorists' were clearly not accurate as they repeatedly attacked mainstream opposition groups, particularly those working with the West," according to the Washington-based think tank the Institute for the Study of War.

Weiterlesen

While Russia has struck some terrorist targets, they have not been its main focus.

ISW Syria map

"Since it intervened militarily in Syria over a year ago to save Assad, Russia has concentrated its firepower almost exclusively against Syrian civilians and Syrian nationalist opponents of Assad: people who are on ISIS' bullseye as well," Fred Hof, a former special adviser for transition in Syria under then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who is now the director of the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East at the Atlantic Council, told Business Insider in an email.

"ISIS, Assad, Russia, and Iran each share the same objective: to have ISIS and Assad be the last parties left standing in Syria."

But Hof said he didn't think Trump was purposely boosting Assad's narrative of being the last bulwark against a terrorist takeover of Syria.

"I'm willing to assume that Mr. Trump is not consciously pushing the Moscow-Tehran-Assad line," Hof said. "Unlike his running mate, who has called for the defense of Aleppo against unmerciful regime and Russian attacks, he seems not to have studied the issue in any depth. This he can correct if he wishes."

Ford made a similar assessment.

"With all due respect to Mr. Trump, he doesn't know what he's talking about," he said, adding that he didn't "think Donald Trump understands that the problem of the Islamic State is essentially a political problem, not a military problem and that it cannot be resolved be a purely military approach."

Experts contend that terrorism in Syria is a political problem because as long Assad continues to hold power and relentlessly attack civilians with barrel bombs and chemical weapons, using air power that the rebels don't have, people will be persuaded to join terrorist groups that are better equipped than the rebels to fight his regime.

Assad's forces have killed far more civilians in Syria than any terrorist group, so he's the main enemy of most people who remain in the war-torn country.

"Including Bashar al-Assad as part of the solution when Bashar al-Assad's government is the origin of the political problem makes no sense," Ford said. "It just makes no sense to me. And if anything, it might make the problem worse rather than better in terms of aiding jihadi recruitment."

NOW WATCH: Here's how Paul Ryan can become the next president





More From Business Insider


Construction Begins on New Solar Farm in Massachusetts

ENGIE and Holyoke Gas & Electric Announce Construction of a 5.76 MW Mt. Tom Solar Farm in Western Massachusetts. Holyoke residents will benefit from the purchase agreement.

Mt. Tom Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of ENGIE North America, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a 5.76 megawatt solar farm on the property of the former coal-fired Mt. Tom Power Station in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Beginning in January 2017, Mt. Tom Solar, LLC will sell renewable energy from the facility to Holyoke Gas & Electric pursuant to a Power Purchase Agreement, which will benefit Holyoke residents.

The solar installation will be one of the largest in the state, and include more than 17,000 solar panels on about 22 acres. The solar farm represents the beneficial utilization of the property of the coal-fired Mt. Tom Power Station, which was operated by an affiliate of Mt. Tom Solar, LLC and retired in 2014.

HG&E is pleased to work with ENGIE on this project which, through the Power Purchase Agreement, expands our portfolio of low-cost renewable energy, and helps us maintain some of the lowest electric rates in the region, said James M. Lavelle, Manager of Holyoke Gas & Electric.

My administration appreciates the efforts of all parties in bringing what will be the largest Community Solar Project in Massachusetts to completion by the end of this year, said Mayor of Holyoke Alex Morse. This is an excellent step towards redevelopment of the former Mt. Tom Coal Plant property in a manner consistent with recommendations of the recent site re-use study that was based on significant community input.

Massachusetts continues to be a national leader in solar installations as we build a clean energy future that reduces costs to ratepayers, said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to promoting public-private partnerships, like the ones that made the Mt. Tom solar project a reality, that maximize the benefits to all stakeholders.

For ENGIE, this project brings the concept of Reduce, Recycle, Reuse to life, said ENGIE North America President and CEO Frank Demaille. Its a unique opportunity to transform this property from a coal plant to a solar farm to serve the local community, and were grateful to Holyoke Gas & Electric, the citizens and City of Holyoke, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for their support as we create a new era for this property.
DALLAS, Oct. 17, 2016 -- A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association provides guidance on how to manage the drug interactions of cholesterol-lowering medications called statins with other select heart disease medications.

"Healthcare providers and their patients who take statins need to be aware that these medications could interact with their other heart disease medications, such as medications to control blood pressure, treat abnormal heart rhythms, and others," said Barbara S. Wiggins, Pharm.D., chair of the writing committee of the new scientific statement published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation.

"While many of these drug combinations are safe, every patient is different and will tolerate medications differently. Patients need to be aware that interactions can occur and should speak to their healthcare providers about any unusual side effects or concerns," said Wiggins, who is a clinical pharmacy specialist in cardiology at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston.

Drug interactions occur when medications are combined and their interaction alters the effect of one or both drugs, either by enhancing or decreasing the effect of the drug. An estimated 2.8 percent of all hospital admissions are attributed to drug interactions, but that number could be higher because medication-related issues are often reported as adverse drug reactions and underlying conditions (e.g., thyroid disease, rheumatologic disease) may disguise drug interactions.

Statins are prescribed to patients with hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, and those at high risk for developing atherosclerosis, making it likely that statins will be prescribed in combination with other heart disease medications. The writing committee of the new scientific statement examined combinations of these drugs for potential interactions, and also highlighted changes needed in the labeling of some statin drugs with respect to drug interactions since they were initially placed on the market.

The types of cardiovascular medications the writing committee examined included:

antiarrhythmic drugs, used to treat abnormal heart rhythms;

medications used in treating congestive heart failure;

antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants that are used to thin the blood;

immunosuppressive agents, for patients who have undergone a heart transplantation;

non-statin cholesterol lowering agents; and

calcium channel blockers, commonly used to treat high blood pressure.

The statement identifies specific doses at which certain heart disease medications can be used safely with statins as well as the combinations of statins and certain cardiac medications that may be potentially harmful.

According to the statement, healthcare providers should be knowledgeable about the dose limits and adverse effects associated with these drug interactions to minimize the risk of adverse effects. Patients and healthcare providers need to identify and review all medications that statin-treated patients are taking at each visit and during transitions of care so that drug interactions can be identified early, evaluated and managed appropriately by implementing dosage adjustments, changing to a safer statin medication or discontinuing the interacting medication if needed.

###

Co-authors are Joseph J. Saseen, Pharm.D.; Robert Lee Page II, Pharm.D., M.S.P.H.; Brent N. Reed, Pharm.D.; Kevin Sneed, Pharm.D.; John B. Kostis, M.D.; David Lanfear, M.D.; Salim Virani, M.D.; and Pamela B. Morris, M.D. Author disclosures are on the manuscript.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association receives funding mostly from individuals. Foundations and corporations donate as well, and fund specific programs and events. Strict policies are enforced to prevent these relationships from influencing the association's science content. Financial information for the American Heart Association, including a list of contributions from pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers, is available at http://www.heart.org/corporatefunding.
Fremont Police are investigating two reports of criminal mischief that happened during the weekend, Lt. Kurt Bottorff said.

officers were dispatched Saturday to Washington Heights in regard to an unknown person or persons spray painting a building and a parked vehicle.

Because both incidents occurred in the same geographical area, it's believed the two are related, Bottorff said.

Anybody with information regarding this crime is being asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 402-727-4002.
- By Shuda Xia





Largest Insider buys for Monsanto (MON), Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALNY), Synergy Resources Corp. (SYRG) and Ferrellgas Partners LP (FGP).

Monsanto Co-Director Charles S. McMillan Bought 3,500 Shares

Director of Monsanto Co. Charles S. McMillan bought 3,500 shares on Oct. 10 at a price of $102.11.





Monsanto is a leading American multinational agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation that specializes in producing genetically engineered seeds. The company has a market cap of $44.68 billion. As of Oct. 14, it traded at $102.11.

On Sep. 14, 2016, the German chemical company Bayer announced that it would take over Monsanto as one of the world's largest agricultural conglomerates. In the month since this merger was announced, both Bayer and Monsanto stocks fell around 4%. As of Oct. 14, Monsanto was trading at $102.11, around 20% below Bayer's acquisition price.

Director Charles S. McMillan bought 3,500 shares of Monsanto stock on Oct. 10 at the average price of $103.23. The price of the stock has decreased by 1.08% since.

Chief HR Officer Steven Mizell sold 310 shares of Monsanto stock on Oct. 10 at the average price of $103.09. The price of the stock has decreased by 0.95% since.

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALNY): Director David E. I. Pyott Bought 27,900 Shares

Director of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. David E. I. Pyott bought 27,900 shares on Oct. 13 at an average price of $35.32. The price of the stock has decreased by 4.54% since.

Alynlam Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in developing therapeutics based on RNA interference. The company has a market cap of $3.03 billion and has had an annual average earnings growth of 11% over the past 10 years. As of Oct. 14, the company traded at $35.32

On Oct. 12, ALNY announced that the Data Monitoring Committee has recommended the continuation of the phase III APOLLO study on patisiran without any modification.

Story continues

Synergy Resources Corp. (SYRG): Director Daniel E. Kelly Bought 15,000 Shares

Director of Synergy Resources Corp. (SYRG) Daniel E. Kelly bought 15,000 shares on Oct. 5 at an average price of $7.03.

Synergy Resources Corp. is a domestic oil and natural gas exploration and production company and operates in the area of the Denver-Julesburg Basin, which encompasses Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and Nebraska. Synergy Resources Corp. has a market cap of $1.41 billion

SYRG has risen about 0.7% in the last three months. The small gain in the stock coincides with a 78.4% rise in its short interest-to-equity float ratio. Its cash and cash equivalents totaled $133.9 million. As of Oct. 14, it traded at $7.03.

CEO Lynn A. Peterson bought 49,071 shares of SYRG stock on Oct. 6 at the average price of $6. The price of the stock has increased by 17.17% since.

CFO James P. Henderson bought 50,000 shares of SYRG stock on Sept. 20 at the average price of $5.95. The price of the stock has increased by 18.15% since.

Director Daniel E. Kelly bought 15,000 shares of SYRG stock on Oct. 5 at the average price of $6.49. The price of the stock has increased by 8.32% since.

COO-Operations Michael Eberhard bought 15,000 shares of SYRG stock on Sept. 20 at the average price of $6.11. The price of the stock has increased by 15.06% since.

Vice President Cathleen M. Osborn bought 2,000 shares of SYRG stock on Sept. 20 at the average price of $6.01. The price of the stock has increased by 16.97% since.

Ferrellgas Partners LP (FGP): Director Stephen M. Clifford Bought 4,000 Shares

Director of Ferrellgas Partners LP (FGP) Stephen M. Clifford bought 4,000 shares on Oct. 6 at an average price of $10.48.

Ferrellgas Partners LP is an American supplier of propane, with corporate operations in the Kansas City suburbs of Liberty, Missouri and Overland Park, Kansas. Ferrellgas Partners LP has a market cap of $1.02 billion

On Oct. 14, Lundin Law PC announced a securities class action lawsuit against Ferrellgas Partners LP and encouraged investors with losses to contact the firm. As of Oct. 14, it traded at $10.48

Director Stephen M. Clifford bought 4,000 shares of FGP stock on Oct. 6 at the average price of $10.84. The price of the stock has decreased by 3.32% since.

Director David L. Starling bought 10,300 shares of FGP stock on Oct. 4 at the average price of $9.50. The price of the stock has increased by 10.32% since.

For the complete list of stocks bought by company CEOs, go to: CEO Buys.

Disclosure: I do not own stock in any of the companies mentioned in the article.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.






BOZEMAN, Mont., Oct. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - The newly updated white paper, Rethinking Retirement: Sustainable Withdrawal Rates for New Retirees in 2016 (download here) , is a must-read for financial professionals in the field of retirement income planning. It includes:

Estimates of 'safe' withdrawal rates for new retirees in 2016

A survey of actual and predicted sustainable spending rates since 1871

Context around today's unprecedented stock and bond market valuations

Offer comprehensive research into sustainable withdrawal rates after fees have been deducted,

Evaluate the consequences of sequence of returns risk in the current low-yield environment, and

Factor in longevity risk, since 30 years may no longer be a conservative planning horizon.

William P. Bengen, whose research was the inspiration for the 4% Rule, commented in the June 2016 issue of FA Magazine, "Wade Pfau and Wade Dokken have convincingly made the case in recent years that there is nothing sacred about 4.5%."

Rethinking Retirement explores the probability of success (or failure) for various withdrawal rates in diverse retirement circumstances, and offers valuable insights about sustainable rates for new retirees. You can get a copy of the paper (download here).

Wade D. Pfau

Wade D. Pfau, Ph.D., CFA, is a Professor of Retirement Income at The American College for Financial Services in Bryn Mawr, PA. He also serves as the Director of Retirement Research for McLean Asset Management and inStream Solutions. He is a past selectee for the InvestmentNews "Power 20" in 2013 and "40 Under 40" in 2014, the Investment Advisor 25 list for 2014, and Financial Planning magazine's Influencer Awards.

Pfau is a two-time winner of the Journal of Financial Planning Montgomery-Warschauer Editor's Award, a two-time winner of the Academic Thought Leadership Award from the Retirement Income Industry Association, and a best paper award winner in the Retirement category from the Academy of Financial Services. He is also a contributor to the curriculum of the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) designation. He is a co-editor of the Journal of Personal Finance. He has spoken at the national conferences of organizations such as the CFA Institute, FPA, NAPFA, AICPA-PFP, and AFS.

Pfau earned a doctorate in economics from Princeton University and publishes frequently in a wide variety of academic and practitioner research journals. He hosts the Retirement Researcher website, and is a monthly columnist for Advisor Perspectives, a RetireMentor for MarketWatch, a contributor to Forbes, and an Expert Panelist for the Wall Street Journal. His research has been discussed in outlets including the print editions of The Economist, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Money Magazine.

Wade Dokken

Wade Dokken has 25 years of experience as an annuity marketing innovator and senior life company executive manager. Wade was the face of American Skandia, leading its sales and marketing from their launch in 1988.

Moving from National Sales Manager to Chief Marketing Officer at American Skandia, Wade led the development of one of the industry's highest performing sales teams, reaching 125 field wholesalers in the wirehouse, bank, and financial planner channels, and selling variable annuity, 401(k), mutual fund, and variable life. American Skandia was perennially the VA leader in the financial planner channel, and its wholesaling and marketing teams routinely received the highest scores from Market Metrics in key quality measures. Wade was named CEO in 2000, and led the sale of the company through Goldman Sachs to Prudential Financial for $1.2 billion in 2003. Dokken is the author of "New Century, New Deal," a public policy analysis of the challenges facing Social Security in the coming decades.

After the sale of American Skandia, Wade, his wife, and three boys traveled the world for a year, at one point living in Italy as part of an international education experience for the children. Now living in Bozeman, Montana, Wade and his family are avid skiers, hikers, and participants in all the outdoor pursuits of Southwestern Montana.

WealthVest Marketing

WealthVest Marketing is a financial services distribution firm specializing in high-quality fixed and indexed insurance and retirement savings products from top carriers. WealthVest designs, markets, and distributes these essential products throughout the nation. WealthVest's focus is on creating product with the highest consumer value  which is attractive to the best financial professionals and brokerage firms.

The company possesses two sales teams: a field wholesaling team dedicated to banks and broker-dealers, which together form the fastest-growing subset of the index annuity marketplace, and a team dedicated to independent professionals. WealthVest has relationships with over 130 banks and broker-dealers around the United States.

This article was originally distributed on PRWeb. For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/10/prweb13767921.htm
Latvian English

Olaine, 2016-10-17 15:00 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

September 2016, consolidated sales Sales, thsnd. EUR Changes to September 2015 Share in total sales Latvia 2 418 15% 29% Russia 2 043 -10% 25% Ukraine 661 -44% 8% The Netherlands 549 37% 7% Belarus 544 15% 7% Kazakhstan 456 281% 6% UK 302 NA 4% Spain 129 102% 2% Denmark 119 NA 1% Tajikistan 114 188% 1% Other 879 -36% 11% Total 8 214 2% 100%

Sales of pharmacy chain of SIA Latvijas aptieka in September 2016 were 1.6 million euros, which represents an increase by 12% compared to September 2015. Sixty-two pharmacies were operating during this period. Sales of SIA Silvanols in September 2016 were .63 million euros, which is an increase by 17% compared to its sales in September of last year. SIA Silvanols sold its products to four European countries and with the help of AS Olainfarm also to Russia, Lithuania and Kazakhstan. Sales of Tonus Elast in September were 0.53 million euros, and the company sold its products to 16 countries in three continents.

According to preliminary consolidated numbers for nine months of 2016, sales of AS Olainfarm have reached 78.51 million euros, which represents an increase by 8% compared to nine months period of 2015. The biggest sales increase in nine months was achieved in Uzbekistan, where sales grew by 112%. Sales to Poland grew by 75%, sales to Ukraine grew by 51%. Major sales markets during this period were Russia, Latvia, Ukraine and Belarus.

9 months of 2016, consolidated sales Sales, thsnd. EUR Changes to 9 months of 2015 Share in total sales Russia 22 989 -7% 29% Latvia 19 200 15% 24% Ukraine 12 149 38% 15% Belarus 6 316 22% 8% Kazakhstan 2 024 16% 3% UK 1 891 24% 2% Uzbekistan 1 780 72% 2% The Netherlands 1 639 -67% 2% Turkmenistan 1 067 38% 1% Lithuania 956 16% 1% Other 8 496 10% 11% Total 78 507 8% 100%

Sales of pharmacy chain of SIA Latvijas aptieka in nine months were 13.9 million euros, which is an increase by 14% compared to same period of 2015. Sales of SIA Silvanols in nine months of 2016 were 3.68 million euros, which represents an increase by 27% compared to nine months of last year, when Silvanols sales were 2.9 million euros. Products of SIA Silvanols were sold to eleven European countries and with the help of AS Olainfarm, also to Albania, Kosovo, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia. Sales of SIA Tonus Elast in four months was 2.66 million euros, its products were sold to 30 countries in four continents.

According to unconsolidated preliminary results, sales of AS Olainfarm in September 2016 were 6.47 million euro, which represents a reduction by 3% compared to the same period of 2015. The biggest sales increase was achieved in Kazakhstan, where sales grew by 227%. Sales to Tajikistan grew by 188%, but sales to Spain grew by 102%. Significant shipments during this period were also made to the UK and Denmark. Major sales markets of AS Olainfarm during this period were Russia, Latvia, Ukraine, The Netherlands and Belarus. During September 2016 AS Olainfarm sold its products in 26 countries in two continents.

September 2016, unconsolidated sales Sales, thsnd. EUR Changes to September 2015 Share in total sales Russia 2 043 -10% 32% Latvia 1 228 7% 19% Ukraine 628 -47% 10% The Netherlands 549 37% 8% Belarus 544 11% 8% Kazakhstan 391 227% 6% UK 274 NA 4% Spain 129 102% 2% Denmark 119 NA 2% Tajikistan 114 188% 2% Other 451 -61% 7% Total 6 470 -6% 100%

According to unconsolidated preliminary results, sales of AS Olainfarm in nine months of 2016 were 66.07 million euros, which represents an increase by 3% compared to nine months of 2015. The biggest sales increase during this period was achieved in Uzbekistan, where sales grew by 72%. Sales to Turkmenistan grew by 38%, while sales to Ukraine grew by 37%. Majors sales markets in nine months of this year were Russia, Ukraine, Latvia and Belarus. In total during this period AS Olainfarm sold its products to 39 countries in four continents.

9 months of 2016, unconsolidated sales Sales, thsnd. EUR Changes to 9 months of 2015 Share in total sales Russia 22 587 -8% 34% Ukraine 12 032 37% 18% Latvia 9 916 8% 15% Belarus 6 293 22% 10% UK 1 815 19% 3% Uzbekistan 1 780 72% 3% Kazakhstan 1 727 -1% 3% The Netherlands 1 639 -67% 2% Turkmenistan 1 067 38% 2% Lithuania 817 28% 1% Other 6 401 10% 10% Total 66 074 3% 100%

AGM of AS Olainfarm held on June 7, this year approved operating plan of the Company and the Group, providing that Companys sales in 2016 will reach 86 million euros, while Groups sales will reach 100 million euros. According to these preliminary sales numbers, in nine months of 2016 seventy-seven percent of planned annual Companys sales and 79% percent of planned annual Groups sales have been attained.

JSC Olainfarm is one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in Latvia with more than 40 years of experience in production of medication and chemical and pharmaceutical products. A basic principle of company's operations is to produce reliable and effective top quality products for Latvia and the rest of the world. Products made by the Group are being exported to more than 35 countries of the world, including the Baltics, Russia, other CIS, Europe, Asia, North America and Australia.
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There will be ghouls, ghosts, princesses and pirates.

In fact, its nearly impossible to predict the assortment of creative, spooky costumes that will be worn by nearly 2,000 children as they make their way around Historic Downtown Fremont Thursday evening during Halloween Hysteria, the annual event hosted by MainStreet of Fremont.

MainStreet of Fremonts core principle is to improve the quality of life in Fremont by strengthening the Historic Downtown as the center of the community. Shannon Mullen, executive director of MainStreet of Fremont, said during a Monday interview that Halloween Hysteria provides a safe outlet for children to trick-or-treat while simultaneously showcasing the downtown area.

Its a family-fun event that provides safe trick-or-treating, she said. Its an event thats been going on for many, many years. Its something that downtown merchants love to provide in terms of having activities, events  things to really just get these kids downtown. There are so many people that we hear from who just dont come to the downtown area. So its a good opportunity for us to expose all the things there are to do and see in the downtown area.

Participation in Halloween Hysteria is optional, however, the majority of businesses participate. Mullen said that this year, a few churches have asked if they can participate in Halloween Hysteria, too.

Halloween Hysteria is typically held at least one week prior to Halloween, Mullen said, because the closer it gets to the holiday, the more obligations people have making it more difficult to get as many people downtown.

Its also held on a Thursday, because several businesses have extended hours that evening.

Several favorites are returning for this years event, Mullen said.

Thursdays lineup includes:

Downtown Trick-or-Treating from 5-7 p.m. at all participating businesses.

The Childrens Costume Contest begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Fremont Creative Collective, 105 E. Sixth St. Judging begins at 5:45 p.m. This year there are four categories: infant to one year, years 2-3, years 4-6, years 7-10. One girl and one boy will be selected as contest winners from each category, released information says.

Face Painting and Halloween Story Time is being held from 5-7 p.m. inside of Gallery 92 West, 94 W. Sixth St. The event is sponsored by Gallery 92 West and Keene Memorial Library.

Free Spooky Photos provided by VW Photo, 250 N. Main St. In addition to the photos, VW Photo is collecting non-perishable food items for Care Corps, released information says.

The Haunted Bank for Kids is being held from 5-7 p.m. at First National Bank Fremont, Sixth and Main Street.

A Day of the Dead Art Reception is showcasing the work of fifth and sixth-grade students learning from Geoff Semrad. The art reception, held from 5:30-7:30 p.m., is being held at Ideal Gallery, 445 N. Broad St.

Mullen said that she is excited to see all of the great costumes Thursday and to see all the kids faces light up as they trick-or-treat. Halloween Hysteria takes a great deal of work to coordinate and prepare for, but for Mullen, its always worthwhile.

It shows people all the different kinds of businesses that we have downtown, and really just how important the downtown area is to Fremont as a whole, Mullen said. Its a very thriving business district, its a very positive environment, the buildings are unique and historic; so we would just love to have people come down and see what we are all about downtown.
After launching in Europe in September, the ZTE Axon 7 mini goes up for pre-order in the United States today.

As the name suggests, the phone looks just like a smaller version of the 5.5 inch ZTE Axon 7. But this 5.2 inch phone has a less powerful processor, less memory, and a lower resolution display.

It also has a lower price tag, though. The ZTE Axon 7 mini sells for $300.

The phone features a 5.2 inch, 1920 x 1080 pixel display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 octa-core processor with Adreno 405 graphics, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage.

It has a 2,705 mAh battery and support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0. The Axon 7 mini also has a USB Type-C port.

The smartphone has a 16MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, and support for 4G LTE and GSM networks.

ZTEs smaller phone measures about 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.3 and weighs 5.4 ounces.

By comparison, the 5.5 inch Axon 7 is a $400 smartphone that measures 6 x 2.9 x 0.3. That model has a 2560 x 1440 pixel display, a Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, as well as a 3,250 mAh battery and Quick Charge 3.0 support. It also has higher-quality cameras.

All told, you get a lot more phone if you spend the extra $100 on the Axon 7. I just wish it was possible to get those specs in a 5.2 inch package.
Chemical Safety Board Meeting This Week

The board will discuss open investigations, the status of audits from the Office of the Inspector General, financial and organizational updates, and a review of the agency's action plan.

The members of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board will be meeting Oct. 20, starting at 1 p.m. Eastern in Washington, D.C., at the CSB offices (1750 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 910). The meeting is open to the public, and an opportunity for public comments will be provided.

The board will discuss open investigations, the status of audits from the Office of the Inspector General, financial and organizational updates, and a review of the agency's action plan, according to the meeting announcement.

CSB's most recent major action was release in late September of its final report on the 2014 release of chemicals from Freedom Industries' tanks in Charleston, W.Va., a release that contaminated the drinking water supply for hundreds of thousands of West Virginia residents.
WHO Calls for Increased TB Funding

"We face an uphill battle to reach the global targets for tuberculosis," said Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO's outgoing director general. "There must be a massive scale-up of efforts or countries will continue to run behind this deadly epidemic and these ambitious goals will be missed."

The World Health Organization published new data in its 2016 "Global Tuberculosis Report" indicating countries need to move faster to prevent, detect, and treat TB if they are to meet global targets. Governments agreed on targets to end the TB epidemic both at the World Health Assembly and at the United Nations General Assembly within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals, and they included a 90 percent reduction in TB deaths and an 80 percent reduction in TB cases by 2030 compared with 2015 as goals.

"We face an uphill battle to reach the global targets for tuberculosis," said Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO's outgoing director general. "There must be a massive scale-up of efforts or countries will continue to run behind this deadly epidemic and these ambitious goals will be missed."

The report highlights inequalities among countries in enabling people with TB to access cost-effective diagnosis and treatment, and it calls for political commitment and more funding.

During 2015, there were an estimated 10.4 million new TB cases worldwide, with siix countries accounting for 60 percent of the total burden -- India bearing the brunt, followed by Indonesia, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, and South Africa. According to WHO, an estimated 1.8 million people died from TB in 2015. Although global TB deaths fell by 22 percent between 2000 and 2015, the disease was one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide in 2015.

"The resources deployed against TB, the leading infectious killer in the world, are falling short," said Dr. Ariel Pablos-Mendez, assistant administrator for Global Health at the U.S. Agency for International Development. "Everyone has a part to play in closing the gap. As the report shows, we need universal health coverage, social protection mechanisms, and public health financing in high burden countries. The development aid community needs to step up more investments now, or we will simply not end one of the world's oldest and deadliest diseases."
Arrests, protests and legal challenges continue across the world, and Panama has now officially engaged a public relations firm to manage the countrys reputation amid ongoing global fallout from Panama Papers revelations.

The Panamanian government has contracted communications and consulting firm Bellwether Strategies to promote Panama's commercial and diplomatic objectives and to provide centralized crisis communication strategies for the governments response to the Panama Papers.

The $50,000-a-month contract is detailed in filings with the United States Foreign Agents Registration Unit, which lists Panamas president Juan Carlos Varela and ambassador to the U.S. Emanuel Gonzalez-Revilla as the officials overseeing Bellwethers work.

Meanwhile in Israel, two investment and foreign exchange executives were arrested on suspicion of not declaring hundreds of thousands of dollars held offshore. The arrests are the first from the tax authoritys investigations of the Panama Papers, and more arrests are expected, according to reports.

In Ireland, Finance Minister Michael Noonan cited the Panama Papers as he handed down a budget that promised to boost tax enforcement powers and criminalize the facilitation of offshore tax evasion.

The release of the so-called Panama Papers earlier this year showed how defaulters use offshore structures and accounts to avoid paying tax, Noonan told the parliament last week.

In Malta, a former senior minister, Dr. Konrad Mizzi, faces continued calls for his resignation after revelations of an offshore trust in New Zealand. Mizzi, who lost his ministerial portfolios following the Panama Papers revelations but who remains a member of cabinet, refused to answer a journalists question on Thursday about why, according to emails contained within Panama Papers, he wanted to avoid alerting banks in Malta to his offshore company in New Zealand. Mizzi has asked the Maltese tax authorities to audit his financial affairs.

Pakistani members of the opposition continue to accuse Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of obstructing investigations set up in the wake of Panama Papers. Sharifs children, including his daughter who has been touted as a potential successor, were linked to at least three offshore companies. Sharifs government pledged to establish a commission to look into allegations of wrongdoing but the process has been hampered by a lack of agreement on the terms of the commissions investigation. Separately, a three-member bench of Pakistans Supreme Court will hear pleas this week from opposition parties asking the court to bar the Prime Minister from carrying on with official duties amid allegations he lied to the countrys national assembly about the value of his assets.

In Nigeria, protestors rallied in the capital, Abuja, on Wednesday, waving placards that called on President Muhammadu Buhari to probe Nigerians mentioned within Panama Papers.

In Spain, ICIJs media partner El Confidencial announced last week that the publisher of its chief competitor planned to sue the newspaper for $9 million. Lawyers representing Grupo Prisa, the parent company of rival newspaper El Pais, reportedly admitted El Confidencials reporting was accurate, but claimed that the Panama Papers revelations relating to Grupo Prisas owner, Juan Luis Cebrian, amounted to unfair competition. Both newspapers are fighting for top-spot in the Spanish news market. Grupo Prisa claims it has lost readers and suffered economic loss because of El Confidencials report on Panama Papers.

Editor of El Confidencial, Nacho Cardero, told ICIJ that if the court challenge is successful, this suit would mean that journalists can't write or investigate about other editors or journalistic companies no matter the level of public interest.
Case Study: Delancey Street and Posiflex Position Residents for Success

Mike Boris was like most of the inhabitants of San Franciscos Delancey Street Foundation when he entered the program there in 1973. He had been in and out of incarceration and battled a drug addiction that started when he was 14 years old.

Boris has now been a part of the Delancey Street Foundation for 30 years, first as a resident and now as the organizations accountant and IT manager. Part of his responsibilities includes finding and running the best hardware and software systems for the organizations many businesses, specifically its restaurant, cafe and retail store. And, this is where Boris was introduced to the Posiflex line of hardware POS terminals.

Posiflex donated nine POS touch screen terminal stations to the Delancey Street Foundation in 2006 so the group could better run their two restaurant training facilities, the Delancey Street Restaurant and the Crossroads Cafe. This gave residents the ability to learn marketable restaurant skills as the terminals have been used for order taking, payment processing and sales tracking. However, with the terminals now more than nine years old, and with a new set of operational restaurant needs, as well as to comply with new POS security standards, Boris decided it was time for an upgrade.

Positioned for success



A native of New York City, Boris found the Delancey Street Foundation a few years after he moved to California in 1967. It was there that he found a permanent home in San Francisco and decided it was time to get clean.

The Delancey Street Foundation was founded in 1971 as a community where people can go to rebuild their lives. It has been recognized as the countrys leading residential self-help treatment organization for former substance abusers, homeless men and women and former convicts. To date, the organization has grown to six locations throughout the United States with residential and vocational training opportunities at each.

The minimum stay is two years although the average resident remains for nearly four years while they work to become drug, alcohol and crime free.

We get people to bond with other people, to care about other people and to stop worrying just about themselves, Boris said. In doing that, they learn that they can be more selfless instead of selfish.

And while his time spent there is not typical, it is an indicator of the large role the organization has played in his life. Thanks to the organizations support, Boris went back to college, became a CPA and picked up some computer skills along the way.

These are the people that care about me and love me and so this is where I stay, he said.

He enjoys seeing the residents expand outside of their comfort zones and embrace a new way of life. That life can include working in restaurants, thanks to the training and skills both Delancey Street and Posiflex have helped to foster.

Residents in the restaurant training program now have the ability to enhance their skills through the use of 10 new Posiflex POS touch screen terminal stations. The stations include a terminal, MSR, cash drawer and printer. They also are PCI compliant and enable EMV and mobile payments compatibility, and additional upgrades as payment technology changes.

The new terminals are working perfectly, Boris said. Im grateful Delancey Street and partners like Posiflex are willing to pay forward and be part of the community so we can put people to work, and not just back on the street.



Posiflex designs and engineers Point-of-Service terminals that deliver performance at a lower total cost of ownership. Since 1984, awarded with over 30 patents for innovation, Posiflex terminals are overbuilt, to overperform. With global presence and a comprehensive suite of services and peripherals, trust your Point-of-Service to perform at maximum uptime through revolutionary technology, reliable quality, reasonable pricing and recognized service.

www.PosiflexUSA.com
This article was originally on GET.com at: Best 3 Credit Cards That Let You Earn The Most Miles Per $1 Spent In Singapore

Who doesn't like to travel and escape stressful Singapore? Anyhow, if you're someone who likes the idea of earning miles with your credit cards on your local purchases, we at GET.com will show you the best 3 credit cards that let you earn the most miles per dollar spent in Singapore. We'll also state the conversion rates of these miles, and what frequent flyer programmes you can transfer your miles to.

Best 3 Credit Cards That Let You Earn The Most Miles Per $1 Spent In Singapore

1. ANZ Travel Visa Signature Card

ANZ Travel Visa Signature Card is a useful travel card to have if you earn more than $60,000 annually and if you're Singaporean or PR. You'll need a minimum income of $90,000 annually if you're a foreigner.

Branding the card as your ticket to the world', this card treats you to 1.4 air miles per dollar spent locally, 2.8 air miles per dollar on retail spend in Australia and New Zealand (or on direct Qantas and Jetstar flight bookings), plus an additional 10,000 air miles upon the annual card renewal. This card has a $200 annual fee, waived for the first year.

The miles will be awarded in the form of Travel$ at a conversion rate of 1 Travel$ = 1 air mile. ANZ's Mileage Programme consists of Asia Miles and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer; therefore 1 Travel$ = 1 KrisFlyer Mile; and 1 Travel $ = 1 Asia Mile.

You can utilize your ANZ rewards to redeem for KrisFlyer Miles on Singapore Airlines if you're keen to reward yourself with free SQ flights.

You have to redeem in blocks of 5,000 miles if you want to have your Travel$ converted into KrisFlyer miles. If you're redeeming your Travel$ for Asia miles, you can redeem in blocks of 2,000 miles.

Note that there's a limit of 100,000 Travel$ on the number of Travel$ earned per monthly statement and that the Travel$ that you've accumulated will be valid only during the respective 5-year period in which the Travel$ was earned, commencing from the date you participate in the rewards programme.

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Also, you might want to jot down somewhere that a conversion fee of $25 applies for each conversion of Travel$ to miles.

If you're a new customer of ANZ who's applying for ANZ Travel Visa Signature Card, you'll get to enjoy a bonus 2,000 Travel$ when you charge at least $500 to your card within 30 days from the date your card was approved.

Miles earned per $1 spent locally: 1.4

2. UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card

If you make at least $80,000 annually and if you love collecting UNI$ in exchange for air miles or cash rebates, UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card is a good card that you might want to consider. The $80,000 minimum annual income requirement applies no matter whether you're Singaporean, PR or foreigner.

With UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card, you'll get to earn 1.4 miles with each $1 spent locally, and a solid 6 miles on selected airline bookings at UOB Travel - pretty attractive deals, we think!

As awesome as these benefits might sound, note that each time you convert your UNI$ into either KrisFlyer miles or Asia miles at the conversion rate of UNI$1= 2 miles, a conversion fee of $25 applies for each conversion request.

If you're looking to convert your UNI$ into KrisFlyer miles, note that you have to do it in blocks of 10,000 miles. Do read about how you can redeem your UOB UNI$ for KrisFlyer miles on Singapore Airlines if you don't already know how to go about doing it.

Also, the UNI$ earned will expire 2 years from the last day of each periodic quarter in which your UNI$ was earned. UOB PRVI Miles Visa Card has a $256.80 annual fee (waved first year).

Nonetheless, if you're sure that you will charge at least $50,000 to your card within a year of card membership, UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card might be a better choice for you as you'll get to enjoy a bonus UNI$10,000 (equivalent to 20,000 miles). This fantastic perk is only applicable for the American Express version of this card.

Miles earned per $1 spent locally: 1.4

3. Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card

Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card allows cardholders to earn 1.4 miles for every $1 spent locally and 3 miles per $1 spent overseas for those who hit the minimum spend amount of $2000 within a statement cycle. The miles, rewarded in the form of 360 Rewards Points, do not expire so go ahead and accumulate them to offset your travel costs.

Like the other cards mentioned above, you can transfer your 360 Rewards Points to your account with either Asia Miles Programme or Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Programme.

But before you can convert your 360 Rewards Points into Asia miles, you have to be enrolled with the Standard Chartered Bank's Mileage Transfer Asia Miles Programme first. The annual enrolment fee of $20 applies and will be charged to your credit card account upon registration and enrolment. A Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer account can be yours for free, though.

Take note that 5 Rewards Points = 2 miles, and that you have to transfer your 360 Rewards Points in blocks of 2,500 points. Each conversion of your 360 Rewards Points to your specified airline's frequent flyer miles will set you back at $25.

Also, when you apply for Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card from now till 31 December 2016, you will receive either 35,000 miles or 25,000 miles plus $100 worth of Uber credits as a gift from Standard Chartered to you.

Nevertheless, bear in mind that the annual fee of S$588.5 is strictly non-waivable. Also, you'll have to be making at least $30,000 per annum if you're a Singaporean/PR who happen to be their Priority/Private Banking customer. Otherwise, you'll have to earn at least $150,000 per annum in order to get your hands on this card.

Miles earned per $1 spent locally: 1.4 miles if you charge over $2000 to your card within a statement cycle.

Always Up For Travelling?

We at GET.com embrace exploring the world through traveling, so we know how much an overseas holiday can cost. Use a credit card site like GET.com to get handy tips and reviews on how you can maximise your savings regardless of whether you're looking to travel, shop, or dine.

If you have a smaller budget for traveling, be sure to check these 11 tips and tricks to getting cheap flights in Singapore. Also, it'll do you good to consider getting these 2 best credit cards for budget travellers in Singapore.

In addition, you might want to check out these 4 sneaky budget airline fees that have probably left you baffled every time you booked your flights online.

Those who enjoy the finer things in life, including traveling, could surely read about the 5 best credit cards that give you free VIP airport lounge access.

Also, for those who're more astute, it sure doesn't hurt to read more about the 4 credit cards that give you reward points or miles that never ever expire and the other 4 credit cards that reward you with reward points or miles that will expire. Bon voyage in advance?

What do you think? Share your comments with us below!

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Joleen Fleming, senior vice president of retail banking at First Citizens Bank in Mason City, has completed the Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering Institute, a professional certification program sponsored by Community Banker University through Independent Community Bankers of America.

To earn certification, Flemingy completed the requirements of a comprehensive training program and passed two certification examinations.

First Citizens Bank is a community bank with locations in North Iowa and Mora, Minnesota. To learn more, visit www.firstcitizensnb.com or call 641-423-1600.

* * *

Sarah (Sletten) Murray has joined First Security Bank & Trust in Charles City as a senior accountant. Murray will be responsible for assisting management with budgeting, analyzing and reporting financial information.

Before joining First Security, Murray worked for RSM US LLP in Mason City as a certified public accountant. At RSM, she primarily worked with the financial institution industry team while assisting on the manufacturing and small business industry teams. In addition, she and her husband, Devon, have a farm operation west of Charles City. They have a 2-year-old daughter, Marron.

Murray holds three bachelor of science degrees from Iowa State University  in finance, agricultural business and accounting. She also received a master of accounting degree from Iowa State University.

First Security Bank & Trust has over $500 million in assets, with locations across North Central Iowa and headquarters in Charles City. For more information visit www.1stsecuritybank.com.

* * *

Kevin Boyle, of Corvallis, Oregon, director of business development and training for EFI (The Equitable Food Initiative), was awarded an Outstanding Lifetime Contribution Award for his role in helping the Sociotechnical Systems Roundtable achieve international growth and creating humane work environments.

Founded in 1986, Sociotechnical Systems Roundtable is a global not-for-profit network of business leaders, researchers and others who share the values, theory and practice of sociotechnical systems design with a common interest in developing more humane and effective organizations.

The EFI works to bring growers, farm workers, farm worker organizations and retailers together to improve working conditions, food safety practices and pesticide management in the produce industry.

Boyle is a 1971 graduate of Newman High School, Mason City, and the son of Colleen Boyle, Mason City, and the late David Boyle.

* * *

Adam Fichter, Mason City, was one of five Hertz Farm Management employees who recently joined 25 other farm managers, rural appraisers and ag consultants in the Washington, D.C., for a week of leadership training, issues education, legislative networking and policy insights.

The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) Leadership Institute, held Sept. 12-16, also included meetings with congressional staff members and other government officials, including U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

ASFMRAs Leadership Institute is designed to help members gain insights into top legislative and policy issues affecting their businesses and rural assets in their respective states. Attendees also participated in advocacy/leadership training to more effectively hone their communication skills in preparation for networking meetings on Capitol Hill.

Fichter, farm manager for Hertz, said he felt it was important to meet with legislators and other policy makers to show support for the ag topics they are representing.

* * *

CR Holland Crane Service, Forest City, has been commended by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) as having demonstrated its commitment to safety by hiring CCO-certified personnel.

By participating in NCCCOs Committed to Crane Safety programs CR Holland Crane Service demonstrates that it strives for excellence in its hiring and training efforts and works hard to earn, maintain and protect its safety reputation in the industry, according to a news release.

CR Holland Crane Service grew out of a family-owned business with more than 45 years of experience in machinery rigging and structural moving. For more, visit www.crhollandcrane.com.
Tens of thousands of Iraqi forces were making gains from the Islamic State group in Mosul Tuesday in an offensive US President Barack Obama warned would be a "difficult fight". With the crucial battle in its second day, Iraqi commanders said progress was being made as fighters pushed on two main fronts against the jihadists' last stronghold in Iraq. The US military, which is leading a coalition providing air and ground support, said Iraqi forces even looked "ahead of schedule" but senior Western officials warned the battle would take time. "Mosul will be a difficult fight. There will be advances and there will be setbacks," Obama said, as the Pentagon warned IS was barring civilians from fleeing the city and using them as human shields. "This will be, I think, a key milestone in what I committed to doing when ISIL first emerged," Obama said, using an acronym for the jihadist group, adding the Mosul operation was "another step toward their ultimate destruction". Advancing in armoured convoys across the dusty plains surrounding Mosul, forces moved into villages defended by pockets of IS fighters after intensive aerial bombardment. Some families cautiously approached security forces waving white flags while others remained in their homes, in line with the instructions contained in leaflets Iraqi aviation rained on the area in recent days. In one village south of Mosul, part of the Al-Shura district, the men were promptly isolated and herded into a handful of buildings for screening. "Our forces are checking profiles against information we have from local sources because we are trying to find IS members," a federal police major said. Most of the men wore long beards because the IS members who ruled them for more than two years banned trimming them. Abu Abdullah, a villager, asked one of the police fighters for a cigarette, also prohibited by the extremist jihadist organisation. - 'Empty streets' - On the eastern front, Iraqi forces entered Qaraqosh, which jihadists captured in August 2014 and was once the biggest Christian town in Iraq. The town was still to be fully retaken but displaced Christians in the Kurdish capital of Arbil held prayers and then celebrated outside a church late Tuesday. "We have been through a lot of suffering and today we are looking forward to returning to our region as soon as possible," said Hazem Djedjou Cardomi, as a crowd of hundreds around him danced and sang. The long-awaited Mosul offensive was launched on Monday, with some 30,000 federal forces leading Iraq's largest military operation since the 2011 pullout of US troops. Retaking Mosul would deprive IS of its last major Iraqi city, dealing a fatal blow to the "caliphate" the jihadists declared two years ago after seizing large parts of Iraq and neighbouring Syria. Iraqi commanders said the jihadists were hitting back with suicide car bomb attacks but that the offensive was going as planned. - Aid groups braced - Iraqi forces have significant ground to cover before reaching the boundaries of the city, which IS is defending with berms, bombs and burning oil trenches. IS forces are vastly outnumbered, with the US military estimating 3,000 to 4,500 jihadists in and around Mosul. A video released Tuesday by the IS-linked Amaq news agency showed masked fighters in battledress patrolling a deserted, dimly lit thoroughfare in what it said was Mosul. "America will be defeated in Iraq and will leave, God willing, again -- humiliated, wretched, dragging its tail in defeat," one of the fighters said to camera. The US-led coalition said strikes destroyed 52 targets on the first day of the operation. Most of the coalition's support has come in the shape of air strikes and training, but US, British and French special forces are also on the ground to advise Iraqi troops. France will host an international meeting Thursday on the political future of Mosul, while the coalition's defence ministers will meet in Paris next Tuesday to assess progress on the military front. Aid groups are bracing for a humanitarian crisis, with some warning they were preparing for the possible use of chemical weapons by IS. Mosul is Iraq's second-largest city and the UN fears that up to a million people could be forced from their homes by the fighting. "There are real fears that the offensive to retake Mosul could produce a humanitarian catastrophe, resulting in one of the largest man-made displacement crises in recent years," a UN refugee agency spokesman said. - Chemical weapons fears - Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said IS was preventing civilians from leaving Mosul. "We know they are being used as human shields, absolutely," he told reporters. The Red Cross said it was training healthcare workers and providing equipment to facilities around Mosul to deal with potential individuals contaminated with chemical agents. Iraqi troops and police have been joined on the battlefront by an array of sometimes rival forces, including the Kurdish peshmerga, Sunni tribal fighters and Iran-backed Shiite militia. IS once controlled more than a third of Iraq's territory but its self-proclaimed "state" has been shrinking steadily. Experts say the jihadists are likely to increasingly turn to insurgent tactics as they lose ground. IS has claimed a string of deadly suicide bombings in Baghdad in recent days. The extremist group has also organised or inspired a wave of attacks in Western cities and on Tuesday the European Union's security commissioner raised concerns over the potential impact of Mosul's fall.
Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese told an audience in Tokyo Monday his long-awaited film about the persecution of Christians in 17th century Japan will hit the big screen just before Christmas.

The filmmaker, known for hits including Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, and The Wolf of Wall Street, said his latest film "Silence" be released for a limited run in the United States on December 23 -- putting it in possible contention for an Oscar nomination.

The movie's release, originally slated for last year, as been delayed several times, including after an on-set accident killed a construction worker and injured several others.

Scorsese, who picked up an Oscar for The Departed in 2007, made the announcement at a press briefing in Tokyo where he is to receive Japan's biggest arts award, the Praemium Imperiale, at a ceremony later this week.

The film is based on the 1966 novel by famed Japanese novelist Shusaku Endo, which tells the story of a young, idealistic Jesuit priest from Portugal who lands on the shores of Nagasaki in southern Japan -- then the only part of the country open to foreigners.

The novel, titled "Chinmoku" ("Silence"), depicts severe persecution inflicted on converts to Christianity -- many of whom were impoverished villagers forced into hiding.

The Christians came out of the shadows when Japan ended two hundred years of self-imposed isolation in the 1860s.

Before filming, Scorsese -- who said he has wanted to do the film for over a quarter century -- visited the areas mentioned in the book and interviewed descendants of these so-called hidden Christians.

"What came out of that for me was the extraordinary power and sacrifice, the commitment and conviction of their ancestors who were martyrs to the faith," he said Monday.

"For me this was almost like meeting one of the hidden Christians from the 17th century and it changed my perception of how to deal with those scenes and the characters," he added.

The film stars Andrew Garfield, Liam Neeson, Adam Driver and Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano.

Scorsese is one of five recipients of the Praemium Imperiale this year, which also honours American artist Cindy Sherman, French sculptor Annette Messager, Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha and Latvian violinist Gidon Kremer.
Dr Lim Chin Siah with his Filippina colleague Anne Jimenez in Yemen. Photo Anne Jimenez

As a volunteer in war-torn areas such as Afghanistan and Yemen, Doctor Lim Chin Siah was in the wrong places at the right times, and lived to tell the tale of his fallen colleagues.

Less than a year after Lim left the Medecins San Frontieres (MSF) Trauma Centre in Kunduz, Afghanistan, the hospital was hit several times during a bombing by coalition forces.

The final death toll at Lims former workplace from the night of 3 October, 2015: at least 42 dead, including several of Lims colleagues.

That night when it was bombed, I know three of four of them came back to work on their own when they were not on duty, said the 36-year-old bachelor, who has volunteered with MSF, or Doctors Without Borders, for three missions of about six months each.

We have a WhatsApp group, but now its silent. Its a funny feeling, said Lim, who is an Accident & Emergency surgeon with the Singapore General Hospital.

Lim again avoided the fate of being part of a grim statistic in Abs, Yemen  the MSF hospital where he worked was hit by an air strike in August, killing at least 19. It was the fourth attack against an MSF-supported facility in Yemen in 2016, and came just three months after Lim left the country.

Lim told Yahoo Singapore, When I was over there, I felt safe. A direct hit on the hospital was unthinkable, but now, its like the norm.

A desire to help

Lim Chin Siah in SIngapore. Photo: Nicholas Yong

Affable with an easy laugh, Lim is one of just seven active MSF field workers from Singapore. Starting from 2013, he has volunteered in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Yemen. MSF treats all patients who come through its doors, regardless of which side of an armed conflict they may be on.

Drawn by a desire to practise medicine hands on and to use his medical skills in a different way  In Singapore, as you get more senior as a doctor, you do a lot of administrative work and I dont like to do (it)  Lim has found the work at MSF highly fulfilling.

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In Kunduz, the staff treated up to 200 patients per day, who suffered everything from gunshot wounds to bomb blasts to shrapnel injuries. On three occasions, the Singapore permanent resident dealt with mass casualty incidents of more than 30 victims, where instant decisions had to be made about who could be saved.

You cant deal with one person and be upset about one person, you have to deal with the next guy, next guy, next guy. (You have to) concentrate on the guy who can be saved. That I would say is very difficult. Thats quite hard for me. You want to save everyone, said Lim.

The experience with one patient still stays with him: a heavily pregnant woman with a gunshot wound to the stomach, whom the doctors helped to deliver the baby successfully. We asked the relatives for blood because theres no blood bank there. And the husband said, Doctor, thank you, its okay. My wife has given me five sons, you can let her go, Allahs will, recalled Lim, who admitted to being stunned.

He added, There was no blood to give her, so she expired on the operating table. MSF is there to help, to do what we can. We cannot change the culture.

A dangerous situation

Lim with his MSF colleagues in Sadaa, Yemen. Photo: Anne Jimenez

The experience in Abs and Sadaa, where Lim served in Yemen, was unnerving, with audible bombings day and night that made sleeping difficult. He even kept his belongings close at hand, in case he needed to evacuate.

News reports about Afghanistan or Yemen tend to focus on mass casualties, but Lim pointed out that violent incidents were a daily occurrence. The collateral damage on the community and the civilians is a way of life. But they still go on.

Throughout his three missions, Lim has been struck by the commitment of local staff and doctors to their respective communities. Many times, the staff would come back during the busy periods even without being asked to. Everyone from the cleaner to the doctor, said Lim, they just want to help the community. They have a sense of duty.

But did he ever question his purpose, given the amount of suffering he saw on a daily basis? No, said Lim firmly. Good things happen also. People do recover. We saw a lot of children with pneumonia and malnutrition and infections, and they got better after treatment.

And when all is said and done, Lim is aiming to volunteer for another mission after the New Year, perhaps. I would love to go back to Kunduz. I heard they are rebuilding.
Hiring always presents a degree of risk. When the goal is hiring a sales representative, the stakes are especially high. The lifeblood of your company  your sales revenue  is at risk.

Luckily, there are some things you can do to increase the likelihood of hiring a great sales rep.

Whether its your first sales representative, or youre back-filling an existing sales position, here are tips from people whove been there, done that:

Write Out a Job Description

Its a mistake to think that every sales role is the same, says Anita Campbell, CEO of Small Business Trends, who has hired dozens of sales representatives. Thats why you need to write out a job description when you hire your first sales rep. It makes the scope of the role clear for the candidates benefit. It also helps get others in the company on the same page. Dont skip this step.

Write down the activities the sales rep is expected to do, starting with:

generating the lead,

through closing the sale,

through any post-closing follow-up.

Consider such issues as whether the sales rep is required to generate leads, or whether your business has a marketing machine in place to bring in leads. That distinction is important in determining what skills to look for. Some people are good closers if you present them with leads coming in, such as from Google AdWords or an online lead-gen form. Not everyone can go out and prospect to generate their own leads, says Campbell.

Another issue is sales administration and support. Will your sales person have to enter orders into your system? Will he or she be expected to follow up on post-sales details, such as gathering information or delivering status updates to a client? Or do you have other staff to do those activities? Some sales people expect to be able to hand the sale off and not handle post-closing duties, adds Campbell.

Besides, she says, its not wise to load up a sales rep with too much paperwork. It reduces the time available for making new sales.

Determine Compensation Range

Always make the compensation package based in large part on commissions, advises Campbell. Then the sales role more or less pays for itself, she adds.

A good salesperson is motivated by money. But it wont help you retain that sales rep if youre thinking the person can make $75,000 annually in your company, yet the candidate comes in expecting $150,000.

Figure out the target compensation if the sales reps meets stated goals or quotas. If this is a new position, youll need a sharp pencil or calculator:

Estimate the number of sales a motivated rep can comfortably close each week. Calculating by the week helps you gauge sales more realistically than calculating monthly or annually. This number can become the reps quota or goal.

Then calculate the amount the sales rep will make from those deals based on the commission rate.

Dont forget to factor in any base salary.

From this you should get a good idea of the realistic target compensation. During the hiring process, express this as the compensation at quota, advises Campbell. Consider including a high range for added earning potential if the rep meets stretch goals or exceeds quota.

Whats a Good Commission Rate?

Theres no right answer to this question. Start with a commission percentage in line with what is common in your industry, advises Tamar Weinberg, the chief strategy officer for Small Business Trends. It also depends on whether the person gets a base salary.

Real estate agents make six percent commission and no base salary. If you are selling tech products, Ive seen anywhere between three percent and 10 percent, with a generous base pay. If youre not offering base pay, commission could be from 20 percent to 25 percent, Weinberg says.

Weinberg also recommends sweetening the commission to encourage stretch sales goals that exceed quota. For example, for sales you make up to $375,000, you get three percent, and at $375,001 to $500,000 you get six percent, and for amounts over $500,000 you get nine percent.

Keep Guaranteed Payments Temporary

Its customary in many companies to offer new sales reps a guarantee of compensation for the first 90 days, or possibly up to 180 days, says Campbell.

During this ramp-up period, the sales representative is assured of compensation of a certain amount  whether he or she actually makes sales.

Be clear that this is a temporary arrangement. Give it a cut-off date. Call it a temporary nonrecoverable draw against commissions, so as not to set an expectation of an ongoing salary, advises Campbell.

Stoney deGeyter, Pole Position Marketings CEO, offers a cautionary tale about guaranteed entry compensation. A few years ago we hired our first sales person (in a long time). The company didnt have a clue as to what to expect from its salesperson in terms of sales numbers, but decided to make it lucrative for him to work for us, deGeyter said.

So, Pole Position created a high salary with a low commission structure. The idea was to pay the way during the learning process, but once sales started coming in take him off salary and move toward commission.

See Also: How Your Body Language Can Influence Sales

However, to our disappointment we never hit the benchmarks, said deGeyter.

Several re-negotiations followed over the next three years. As you can imagine, thats not something that anyone wants to do and, inevitably, someone feels like they are getting a raw deal. It was literally trial and error for us.

Decide Where to Recruit

Its not easy to find good salespeople, says Weinberg.

Salespeople have to be go-getters who are comfortable going in front of people and pitching something. Not everyone has the moxie to ask for the sale.

She recommends using websites, including LinkedIn, as well as career-minded sites like Monster or Dice, if a tech product is involved.

She also advises attending meetings and observing professionals in action. Seek out people who outshine others socially  those people would make for good sales reps, especially since a sales rep needs to be a good schmoozer.

Diane Helbig, who offers an online sales training program, Clarity of Course Sales Training, recommends leveraging ones network.

Getting a referral to someone can be one of the best ways to gain a salesperson, she said, noting further that LinkedIn is the go-to site for filling important positions. Do a search for salespeople, account executive, business development, and see who comes up. You can research them just like you would a prospect. You can also post the job on LinkedIn, among other job sites, she said.

Dont overlook existing employees as a referral source to hire your first sales rep, added Campbell. Some companies pay a referral bonus to existing employees who refer a new hire. In small businesses this bonus averages from $100 to $500. Make the bonus payable after the new hire has made it through the first 90 days or other probationary period.

Go for Skills or Experience?

Helbig doesnt believe it is mandatory to hire someone with sales experience. She does, however, recommend finding someone with a particular skill set that includes the ability to build relationships quickly.

Also, they should have a good network and be able to expand on it. They should be able to work autonomously as well.

Experts disagree on whether industry experience is necessary. According to Helbig, industry experience isnt important. If they are a good salesperson, they can learn [the industry] and the value of your product or service. If they are new to sales, consider providing sales training to set them up for success.

However, Campbell points out that direct experience may be crucial in certain industries. Some types of sales are complex. Or the industry may be too specialized to learn quickly. Small businesses usually need sales fast. Many of us dont have the luxury to subsidize a nine-month learning curve.

Check Background and Attributes With These Questions

When checking up on a sales-rep candidate, ask about past results. Youd want to know what sales theyve closed, what quotas have been met or surpassed, and how their track record compares to the rest of the track records at previous employers, Weinberg said.

Also assess personal attributes and character. Youd want to know if they were leaders or followers. Your first sales rep is probably someone youd want to be a leader, but who is willing to go out and start small to grow with the business. Theyre going to be taking risks, because really good sales reps command a higher salary than what a company looking for a first sales rep can usually pay.

Ask probing questions to assess the candidates sense of urgency, Campbell advised. Sales deals die from lack of momentum. You want a person who acts fast. Do they return messages within X number of hours? Whats their attitude toward emails? An inbox zero personality is ideal. Whats their daily routine like  do they set daily goals? You want a sales rep who will be hounding you for deal approvals because they operate lickety-split, not one you have to hound just to return a call.

Helbig noted that checking references involves legal pitfalls that may prevent you from gleaning much from a reference check, however.

She said, Legally you arent going to get many answers other than the basics, such as how long they were employed. Companies are taught to not give more information about past employees because it could come back to bite them.

Look for Willingness to Use Reporting Tools

Finally, remember that accountability is crucial. So youll need some kind of reporting and tracking mechanisms.

Hire a person willing and able to use your software programs, or learn them.

Weinberg noted that a CRM tool is useful for tracking sales and performance. She likes Salesforce.

Your salesperson should enter the contact information of prospects into the CRM. That way you can access this data in case the employee departs (or is asked to leave).

As Weinberg noted, You, as owner, should know what opportunities are gaining ground, as well as the ones that arent, and where the salesperson could use support.

All the companies I have worked for have used forecasting spreadsheets to determine what deals in the pipeline are likely to close, at 10 percent levels, 50 percent levels, 90 percent levels, and 100 percent signed. So for example, you may have one client at $50,000 at 10 percent, three clients totaling $275,000 at 90 percent, and 11 closed deals at $1.3 million.

Weinberg recommends that the salesperson report his or her progress on a weekly basis. You dont need to know every call theyve made. The salesperson should provide this report every Friday afternoon and the owner should read and comment on it. If a salesperson doesnt report, thats a red flag.

This, by extension, doesnt mean you should micromanage the salespersons activity, she said. As long as they are acting legally, morally, and ethically the owner shouldnt care how the salesperson spends their time  provided results are being realized.
In a recent Wall Street Journal column, John Greathouse argued that female entrepreneurs might hide their gender when seeking fundraising. This article generated a firestorm of criticism, leading Greathouse to apologize for his comments.

While Greathouses op-ed wasnt a great column and deserved criticism, the negative reaction to it missed an important insight. The source of the problem is not biased men, it is biased investors. Greathouse, in fact, quoted Renee Rottner at the University of California Santa Barbara who rightly explained, studies find that the evaluators gender has little effect  women and men are equally biased in their judgments against women.

Gender Bias in Investment Decisions Crosses Gender Lines

Academic researchers who study gender bias in entrepreneurship are well aware of this problem. In an Entrepreneur column a year ago, I summarized three randomized experiments that tested gender bias in the start-up world. In that column I wrote, Across three sets of researchers, three different aspects of entrepreneurship, and six different experiments, being female was a negative. A female name, picture or voice reduced the odds of getting an investment, lowered the judges assessment of the entrepreneurs competence and the quality of the venture idea, and increased the likelihood that a key stakeholder would dissuade the entrepreneur from starting a business. Because all of these studies were randomized experiments, the cause of these negative assessments can only be the entrepreneurs gender.

Most importantly, my Entrepreneur column highlighted Rottners insight. I wrote, So why did being female result in more negative assessment? It wasnt the biases of men towards women. In none of three studies did the assessments differ for male and female judges, but was present for both male and female assessors.

In a Fortune column criticizing Greathouses piece, my friend Cathy Belk made several valuable points about what was wrong with Greathouses argument. However, her editors at Fortune undermined her message by using the subheader: Silicon Valley bros are seriously misguided.

Efforts to peg the problem on male investors will drive us further away from fixing it. Its not the bros on the left coast that are misguided. Its all start-up investors, male and female.

Moreover, most of the reaction to Greathouses piece didnt offer a solution to the problem. Greathouses answer  having women hide their identity  is flawed. Having only women hide their identity will do nothing. Investors will simply infer that those hiding their identity are female and be biased against identity-hiders.

However, Greathouses article has a kernel of insight in it. If we want to eliminate gender bias, then investors should not be aware of the gender of the founders seeking financing from them. Therefore, I suggest that investors move to a gender-blind investment process as much as possible.

This approach would have two benefits. First, gender bias would be removed from as much of the financing process as possible. Second, it would allow investors to measure the extent of their bias in the parts of the process which cannot be made gender-blind.

For example, if investors required all entrepreneurs seeking investment from them to submit a gender-blind initial application, they would then be making a gender-blind decision about which founders to meet and let pitch. Moreover, those investors would then have a baseline to see if their willingness to allow founders to proceed through their investment funnel shifts once founder gender is revealed.

Admittedly this process would work better for accelerators than for venture capital firms, which rarely take even email pitches from people they dont know. However, progress often occurs in small steps. Removing bias from the beginning of the accelerator funding funnel would be a first step to removing gender bias from the start-up investment process.

We need to start somewhere. History shows us that simply hoping that gender bias will go away isnt very effective at eliminating it.
Corporate sales training teaches representatives to speak to the simple client question, Why should I care? But the conversation is never that simple.

The real challenge is to first discover where the prospective clients interests reside. Once that is known, the next step is to have the person confide the challenges they face every day. Its during this discovery phase where the salesperson gains enough insight to be able to speak directly to why the client should care.

How to Get Customer Attention in Sales

Branding

Social media makes the process more efficient. Assuming you have been in business for a while, and understand the needs and desires of your clientele, then you know what they care most about. The hot topics become the basis for developing desired content and in a variety of formats.

The reason to develop content specifically for a variety of formats is to reach multiple audiences with different learning styles. For example, you might write articles and books. Some of the subject matter will translate well into complementary videos and webinars. It may also be used to obtain interviews. Using a variety of venues becomes your power branding program that attracts a much wider audience.

Communication Style

With all communication styles, you have the choice of providing negative or positive thought. It is curious as to which type of headline is proven to be more effective. However, the most important aspect is to be consistent in how you communicate across all mediums. The style of negative or positive communication becomes associated with who you are, and accordingly will attract similar minded prospects.

Profiles

The platforms on which you choose to participate also provide an opportunity to let your unique story be told in small snippets. One man advised job seeking women to not post their pictures or their full first name. Deception was encouraged to appear as a male in order to be called in for an interview.

Providing such advice goes against the grain of both consistency and integrity. Supposing the person is invited in for an interview, is the woman to dress as a man? The best anyone can do is to be their authentic self and to move forward with integrity. Doing so in all cases is what produces a respected personal brand.

Your Story

Come to terms with the type of audience you prefer. Are you wanting to find opportunity with those who are fearful and afraid of change? Or, is your desire to work with those who are open to unlimited possibility?

Once you have a firm commitment to your audience, you are then ready to develop the conversation, products and services that they desire.

Sales Tips:

Determine your preferred type of prospective clientele Speak to your preferred clients vocabulary Learn the problems your audience faces Speak to issues faced either in negative or positive terms as clients prefer Find starting point to provide help Once starting point is well accepted, expand upon possibilities for growth Be consistent in communication across all platforms Review which headlines receive the most attention Expand upon the more popular headlines Adapt style to all types of communication

Republished by permission. Original here.
DES MOINES | A federal judge has denied a request from Iowa officials to dismiss a churchs lawsuit.

The lawsuit contends a state commission has misconstrued a law regarding sexual orientation and gender identity public accommodations standards as giving it the power to censor and control churches.

However, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Rose also declined a request by attorneys representing the Fort Des Moines Church of Christ that she grant a preliminary injunction against state enforcement action while the lawsuit proceeds through the judicial process.

Steve OBan, a lawyer with Arizona-based Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), said the judges ruling provided much-needed reassurance and clarification to Iowa churches in the wake of two vague brochures produced by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission regarding how the states civil rights act applies to churches.

The church and its advocates are challenging an Iowa Civil Rights Commission position on gender identity protections they regard as intrusive, saying they fear the panels subjective interpretation of states anti-discrimination law could allow it to sift through the churchs religious practices in violation of constitutional protections.

OBan said the commissions interpretation and application of Iowa law could censor church statements on biblical sexuality in certain contexts and force churches to open their restrooms to members of the opposite sex under conditions that the government dictates. The Fort Des Moines Church of Christ also has showers, which the law affects, he added.

However, attorneys from the Iowa Attorney Generals Office and the city of Des Moines argued at an August hearing that the churchs pre-enforcement challenge lawsuit was a case of unreasonable fear over hypothetical state action that has not been contemplated regarding the operation of religious institutions.

They argued that the lawsuit should be dismissed because the federal court had no jurisdiction given that no controversy currently exists over the application or enforcement of Iowas public accommodation law under the states Civil Rights Act, there is no claim on which relief can be granted and the church failed to exhaust its administration remedies by bringing the issue before the commission rather than taking the issue straight to court.

In her 44-page ruling, Rose cited the churchs fear of enforcement consequences poses a potential chilling effect on its religious freedom.

The court concludes the chilling of plaintiffs speech constitutes an injury in fact for the purposes of standing, according to the court document. Plaintiff satisfies the requirement that its injury is fairly traceable to challenged actions of the defendants. The court therefore cannot find support for dismissal of plaintiffs suit based on these arguments.

The law at issue, the Iowa Civil Rights Act, bans places of public accommodation from expressing their views on human sexuality if they would directly or indirectly make persons of any particular  gender identity feel unwelcome.

The speech ban could be used to gag churches from making public comments that could be viewed as unwelcome to persons who do not identify with their biological sex because the commission has stated that the law applies to churches during any activity that the commission deems to not have a bona fide religious purpose.

ADF attorneys representing the Des Moines church argued that all events held at a church on its property have a bona fide religious purpose and that the commission has no authority to violate the First Amendments guarantees of freedom of religion and speech.
- Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko, on Friday, October 14, claimed that he was the third in command after President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto

- Sonko claimed that he was the acting president when both Uhuru and Ruto were out of the country but is it true?

- According to Article 146 of the Constitution of Kenya, this is totally not true

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko caused havoc at the burial of the late Dolamu Henry Oduwole, the Nigerian husband to former Kathiani MP Wavinya Ndeti.

Mike Sonko, on Friday, October 14, claimed that he was the acting president of Kenya as President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto were out of the country.

READ ALSO: Kikuyu elders advice Uhuru after resignation of his top political aide

"President Uhuru is in Togo, DP William Ruto is in France... I am number three in command politically and socially. I am now the acting president of the republic of Kenya," Sonko declared.

Sonko claimed that he was the acting president when both Uhuru and Ruto were out of the country but is it true? Image: The Star

This prompted the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keriako Tobiko direct the Inspector General Joseph Boinnet to arrest and interrogate Sonko over the claims.

Some top lawyers in the country said Mike Sonko's remarks could amount to treason as he was not legally the third in command as he claimed.

READ ALSO: Number of bodyguards protecting Uhuru and other VIPs

So, who is the third in command after Uhuru and Ruto?

Who is the third in command in Kenya after Uhuru and Ruto? Image: PSCU

According to Article 146 of the Constitution, if the office of the president falls vacant, the deputy president takes over.

If the deputy president cannot take over, then the speaker of the National Assembly assumes the role of the president in acting capacity.

"If the office of deputy president is vacant, or the deputy President is unable to assume the office of president, the speaker of the National Assembly shall act as president and an election to the office of president shall be held within 60 days after the vacancy arose in the office of president," the article reads.

READ ALSO: Kenyans brutally mock Mike Sonko after he declared himself president

The third in command, as per the constitution, is Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi. Image: Daily Nation

Therefore, from this, the third person in command after Uhuru and Ruto is not Mike Sonko, neither is it leader of majority in the National Assembly - Aden Duale.

The third in command, as per the constitution, is Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi.

READ ALSO: Why Rift Valley voters are turning against me - DP William Ruto

Source: TUKO.co.ke
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's rand rallied more than one percent on Monday as political pressure on Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan eased and commodity prices steadied, lifting the currency further away from a one-month trough. The bourse was weaker as luxury goods heavyweight Richemont gave up some of the past week's gains. By 1500 GMT, the rand had gained 1.26 percent to 14.1475 per dollar from a close at 14.3275 in New York on Friday, bucking the trend of fellow emerging currencies weighed down by hawkish comments by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen. The rand's rally was sparked by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa throwing his support behind Gordhan, saying on Sunday he was concerned about Gordhan's prosecution and that the minister had his support. Then on Monday business leaders expressed their support for Gordhan, who was ordered by prosecutors last week to appear in court on Nov. 2. "Local politics is creating a lot of uncertainty, more so than usual," investment analyst at Old Mutual Dave Mohr said. While the rand gained in the session, data on Monday showed foreign investors had sold off about 6.5 billion rand in both local stocks and bonds. Government bonds inched lower, with the yield on benchmark paper due in 2026 adding 1.5 basis points to 8.86 percent. On the bourse, Richemont was the biggest loser among the blue chips. The firm, which owns brands such as Cartier and Mont Blanc, had gained more than 12 percent last week after rival LVMH reported better than expected sales. But on Monday Richemont shares shed 3.3 percent to 91.77 rand. "A 12 percent move in 5 days is good by any measure and investors are just taking some profit," said Independent Securities trader Ryan Woods. Banking shares, which fell last week as political uncertainty about the leadership of the finance ministry weighed, closed in the black as more leaders supported Gordhan. FirstRand snapped a two-session losing streak, advancing 1.2 percent to 44.53 rand. The benchmark Top-40 index was 0.9 percent weaker at 44,253 points, while the All-Share index fell 0.7 percent to 50,769 points. Trade was muted with around 179 million shares changing hands, compared with last year's daily average of 290 million, according to preliminary bourse data. (Reporting by Mfuneko Toyana and TJ Strydom; Editing by James Macharia and Mark Potter)
Rio Rancho City Councilor Dawnn Robinson wrote an opinion article a few weeks ago that deserves some extra attention, because her message is important and relevant to citizens wanting to support our fair city but who also dont want to waste money.

She reminded residents of the value to the city of shopping in Rio Rancho and explained how, even though the gross receipts tax rate is slightly lower elsewhere, we dont save enough money traveling out of the city to make it worthwhile. (Rio Ranchos gross receipts tax rate currently is 7.4375 percent and Albuquerques is 7.1875 percent.)

Good job, Councilor Robinson. Our residents need to be reminded of that information, and your article gave an excellent explanation of the facts. Thank you.

Yes, as Councilor Robinson reminded us, the gross receipts tax in Albuquerque is lower than it is in Rio Rancho.

Therefore, if you are planning to spend $100, by spending that money in Albuquerque, you will save 25 cents over what you would have spent in Rio Rancho. Considering the extra time it will take to shop in Albuquerque, we really believe your time is more valuable than that, and we can guarantee you the cost of the extra gasoline will more than make up for any savings.

Even with those facts at hand, people continue to believe they save money shopping in Albuquerque. I guess, literally, they save a few cents, but when it is balanced out, they have probably spent more. We dont get why this attitude remains prevalent; it must be like an urban myth that never goes away.

Also, we need to remember that every time we spend our dollars in Albuquerque or anywhere else, we are taking money away from Rio Rancho.

According to Councilor Robinson, Rio Rancho folks spend $500 million a year elsewhere, mostly in Albuquerque, which means $10 million, including revenues from Rio Ranchos quarter-cent gross receipts higher education tax, went to the government coffers in Albuquerque or elsewhere that could have been in Rio Ranchos coffers. Thats a lot of money. Think about how much better our city would be would be if we had spent an extra $10 million  and if we could have that much more money to spend every year?

The benefits add up quickly. We could have better roads, new parks, a better-paid police force or fire department. We could have a better quality of life, and more money for higher education.

In addition, if we all shopped here, our businesses would do better because of increased sales and that will mean more employment, more money spent in the community, more money for schools, and on and on. As a thriving community, more businesses will come here and well have better opportunities for shopping in town and more money for the city. Everyone wins.

Encouraging people to shop in Rio Rancho or seeing the signs that encourage us to shop at home sometimes seems trite, but its not. Its important to the success of Rio Rancho and to everyone who lives here.

Shopping locally serves everyone. It will result in more employment, a better variety of businesses, more successful businesses, an improved quality of life as the city spends the extra money it receives, better schools, and a more vibrant hometown.

So, lets do it. Lets all vow to shop in Rio Rancho whenever possible. We can be noble and do it for the good of the city, or we can do it selfishly because it probably does save you money to shop here. Either way, just shop in Rio Rancho.

Contact the Ryans at ryan@abqjournal.com.
The opportunities and problems that are characteristic of family businesses will be the topic for the keynote speech at the Anderson School of Managements family-owned business symposium from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at Sandia Report and Casino.

The one-day program, hosted by Andersons Parker Center for Family Business, will feature Sherri Noxel, director of the Austin Family Business Program at Oregon State University. Noxel teaches family business management.

The luncheon speaker will be Steve Maestas, board chair for the Kansas City Federal Reserve and CEO of Maestas Development Group, which develops properties throughout the Southwest. He will speak about the impact of family-owned business on the New Mexico economy.

Steve founded the commercial real estate company Maestas & Ward in 1996.

As part of the luncheon presentation, Sparkle Maintenance Inc. will receive the family-owned Business Recognition Award. Sparkle was founded in 1964 by Ben and Ellie Lucero, and then sold to sons Carlo and Paul in 1991. The brothers expanded the company to more than 400 employees in New Mexico, Texas, Nevada and Colorado, but say the heart of the business remains family.

In the afternoon, three panel presentations featuring New Mexico business leaders and family business owners will look at key issues for family-owned businesses.

The cost to attend the symposium is $200. Registration can be done online at parker.mgt.unm.edu or by contacting Sonja Romero at 505.842.9003 or sonja.romero89@gmail.com. The symposium qualifies for New Mexico Accounting Technical CPE credit.
WASHINGTON  Mike Pence said Sunday he and Donald Trump will abide by the will of the American people on Election Day, and suggested that Trumps claim of a rigged election stems from his belief the media is ganging up on him.

We will absolutely accept the results of the election, Pence said in television interviews. He said Trumps complaint, articulated from the campaign stage and across Twitter but without evidence, reflects fatigue with the obvious bias in the national media. Thats where the sense of a rigged election goes here.

Not long after Pence said that, Trump partly undermined his comments.

The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary  but also at many polling places, Trump tweeted. SAD.

Pences words were the latest attempt by Trumps surrogates to attempt to explain that some things the GOP presidential nominee has said and tweeted are not what he meant.

Much of that cleanup duty has fallen to Pence little more than three weeks before the Nov. 8 vote. Trump is struggling to shift the focus away from mounting accusations that he sexually assaulted women in ways similar to what he is recorded describing on a recently released video. Trump says all of the accusations are fabricated.

Several of Trumps unfounded claims  such as the one Saturday that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton was on drugs at the most recent debate and his call for drug testing before the next  also overshadowed the release over the weekend of more emails hacked from accounts of Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta.

Some showed the campaign worrying whether Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., might endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders in the partys primary, and wrestling with how to respond to revelations about Clintons private email use. The emails also show aides lining up materials to respond to fresh accusations from a woman who accused Bill Clinton of raping her decades ago. The former president denied the accusation, which was never adjudicated by a criminal court.

Amid the intensity, Trump reiterated this weekend that a conspiracy is responsible for the FBI declining to prosecute Clinton for mingling private and official business on a homebrew email server so that she might compete in a fraudulent election.

Hillary Clinton should have been prosecuted and should be in jail. Instead she is running for president in what looks like a rigged election, Trump tweeted to his 12 million followers on Saturday.

Threatening to jail a political opponent and fueling public distrust of a popular election  to explain his loss, should that happen  was a striking breach of faith in American democracy. He has repeatedly claimed, without offering evidence, that election fraud is a serious problem and encouraged his mostly white supporters to go and watch polling places in certain areas to make sure things are on the up and up.

It was left to Pence and another Trump surrogate, former New York City Rudy Giuliani, to explain on national television what their own candidate meant.

When he talks about a rigged election, hes not talking about the fact that its going to be rigged at the polls, Giuliani said. What hes talking about is that 80 percent to 85 percent of the media is against him.

Pence, at a campaign event last Tuesday, waved away a womans call for a revolution if Clinton wins. By Sunday he was saying explicitly: Well accept the will of the American people.

The Indiana governor also distanced himself from Trump on a pair of other issues.

Pence acknowledged that evidence points to Russia being behind the hacking of Democratic emails. I think theres more and more evidence that implicates Russia and there should be serious consequences, he said.

He also refused to join Trumps call for Clinton to be drug tested before Wednesdays third and final presidential debate.

He vice presidential nominee was asked whether he, like Trump, wants Clinton drug tested.

All I know for sure is that Donald Trump is going to be ready for the debate on Wednesday night, Pence replied.

Pence appeared on NBCs Meet the Press and Fox News Sunday. Giuliani was on CNNs State of the Union.

___

Associated Press writer Jill Colvin contributed to this report.
Claudia Infante, Projects coordinator, New Mexico MEP

Sometimes it just takes a fresh perspective  and expertise in lean manufacturing  to help a respected manufacturer streamline productivity and increase profitability.

The owners of Rader Awning & Upholstery Inc. requested that type of feedback when their 70-year-old company, New Mexicos leading supplier of quality custom awnings and shades, faced challenges satisfying growing demand.

The company asked New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership to evaluate its operations and offer ideas for improvement. And the rewards of the collaboration were tangible: Productivity improved by 20 percent per salesperson, production defects decreased by 15 percent and installation corrections dropped by 25 percent.

Rader Awning & Upholstering, Inc. was founded in 1947 by the Rader family of Albuquerque and later expanded to Santa Fe. Dan Mowery and Johanne Kosak took over operations in 1974, and Mowery continues to run the business with his daughter, Jill Mowery Litt.

Over time, the demand for Rader Awnings products and services outgrew the original processes the company followed to fill orders.

Employees didnt have a system for processing the high volume of orders they received each month, especially when demand surged from spring through fall. When the production team received a large batch of orders that werent ranked by priority, it often completed the easier ones first and left the difficult, time-consuming jobs for last. This created a deadline crunch that led to rushed jobs, and occasional mistakes in production and installation.

Furthermore, instructions and specifications were communicated in complex ways to employees who were skilled in assembly, fitting and sewing, but were not fluent in written English. Misunderstandings sometimes caused delays and mistakes.

New Mexico MEP had previously worked with Rader Awning to teach the production team lean techniques, and improve the organization of materials and supplies in the companys different departments. The latest project addressed how information flowed from sales to product installation.

For two days, MEP worked with employees from each department to create an administrative value stream map that identified each step involved in ordering, creating and installing a product, and assessed the purpose of each step to determine if it was essential. By deconstructing and evaluating established procedures, the team developed an action plan to improve efficiency.

Rather than spending 30 minutes with an order adding highlighted notes that were overlooked, misunderstood or misinterpreted, for example, sales employees started conveying information to the production team with pictures and illustrations, and freed their own schedules to process other orders and obtain new business.

Orders now go to the materials department sooner, reducing last-minute shipping costs, and new visual tools help employees determine at a glance how long a job will take and when it is due so projects can be organized accordingly.

Rader Awning is one of dozens of successful New Mexico manufacturers that are hosting public tours of their facilities during this years celebration of Manufacturing Day. For more information about New Mexico MEP and Manufacturing Day events taking place during the entire month of October, visit http://newmexicomep.org/mfgday. To learn more about Rader Awning, visit www.raderawning.com.

Finance New Mexico assists individuals and businesses with obtaining skills and funding resources for their business or idea. To learn more, go to www.FinanceNewMexico.org.
A class-action lawsuit pending in New York alleges that Cinthia Reyes Orellana decided to buy a couple of shirts at Macys flagship store. Youd think Macys would be happy about that, right?

She headed for a register on the next floor down. A security guard intercepted her at the bottom of the escalator, took her purse and escorted her to a cell in the stores basement. After three hours, she was supposedly told she would be released into the custody of the New York Police Department only if she forked over $100 and signed papers admitting her guilt. She was charged with shoplifting, but the charges were quickly dropped.

Thats all according to her lawsuit, which was joined by another woman telling a similar story. Samya Moftah brought some clothes back to Macys for exchange.

When a security guard confronted her, she was unworried since she had the original receipts in the bag. But that was before the guard took her downstairs, confiscated her purse and phone, patted her down and put her in the holding cell.

According to the lawsuit, Macys employees first demanded $100 and, when she refused, raised the price of freedom to $500.

When she continued to refuse, they charged the higher amount to her Macys credit card, anyway. After five hours, police arrived and arrested her for shoplifting, but charges against her were quickly dropped, too.

Allegations in a lawsuit should always be viewed with skepticism.

Maybe it happened that way, maybe it didnt. Anyone can allege anything.

But Reyes Orellana and Moftah presented sufficient evidence to convince a New York judge to issue an injunction barring Macys from demanding and collecting money from customers detained under suspicion of shoplifting. For its part, Macys says it had already voluntarily discontinued the practice of what it euphemistically called in-store civil recovery.

In the ongoing litigation, Macys can point to a New York statute that gives retailers a privilege to detain suspected shoplifters in a reasonable manner while investigating the suspected theft. Thats called the shopkeepers privilege. It means that, in certain circumstances, a merchant can lawfully commit an act that, if committed by anyone else but a cop, would constitute the crime of false imprisonment.

New Mexico has a similar statute on its books. Our law says that, when a merchant has probable cause for believing that a person has willfully taken possession of any merchandise with the intention of converting it without paying for it, the merchant can lawfully take the person into custody and detain him in a reasonable manner for a reasonable time. Thats a long string of legal terms. Each technical term or phrase is another potential booby trap for merchants, providing one more potential ground for litigation.

In the most recent New Mexico case construing the statute, Holguin v. Sally Beauty Supply, a customer took a can of mousse from a store shelf and put it into her reusable canvas bag. A store manager detained her. Eventually, police were called. The woman emphatically denied she was shoplifting. Instead, she said, she was merely using her tote as a shopping basket. She sued the store for false imprisonment (which is a tort, as well as a crime).

The stores defense, naturally enough, was that it had probable cause to believe she was shoplifting, giving it the privilege to detain her for a reasonable time.

But what is probable cause? The phrase comes from the Fourth Amendment of the federal Constitution. In the criminal law, it describes the standard of proof necessary to support an arrest, the issuance of a warrant or the filing of formal charges.

A grand jury indictment is based on probable cause. But the phrases meaning is imprecise. All that can be said with complete confidence is that it means more than suspicion, but less than proof, which is a little like saying room temperature is more than freezing, but less than boiling.

In the shopping tote case, our Court of Appeals ruled that a merchant has probable cause to detain a suspected shoplifter when the facts would warrant a merchant of reasonable caution to believe that the person is willfully concealing merchandise. Like many legal definitions, this merely substitutes a longer vague formulation for a shorter one. The key word believe has many shades of meaning, from the emphatic I firmly believe to the trailing-off of Well, I believe so , which imply almost opposite degrees of conviction.

Another part of the formulation, willfully concealing, might at first seem clearer, but the Court of Appeals took care of that. It held that more is required than deliberately hiding the object from view, such as by putting it into a canvas bag. Rather, the act must reflect that (its) purpose  is adverse to the store owners right to be paid for the merchandise. Translated: the purpose must be to steal. But how is the merchant to divine the customers purpose? The Court of Appeals didnt explain. Rather, it held that questions of belief and purpose are for a jury to decide, making your guess as good as theirs.

As a practical matter, an intent to steal can pretty reliably be inferred if a person slips merchandise into an opaque container, and then walks past the register and out the door. But a merchant who detains a suspected shoplifter before that physical point is taking the chance of being sued. Bottom of the escalator? Thats just asking for it.

As a postscript, it should always be kept in mind that if a store encourages its employees to confront shoplifters, the store can be held responsible if the thief turns around and attacks the employee. There are many good reasons for leaving security to professionals, preferably independent contractors.

Joel Jacobsen is an author and has recently retired from a 29-year legal career. If there are topics you would like to see covered in future columns, please write him at legal.column.tips@gmail.com
MEDICAL CANNABIS: Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday he expects the issue of whether to extend the states limited medical cannabis law beyond its July 1 expiration date will be the subject of legislative discussions during the 2017 session. Branstad told his weekly news he is open to considering some expansion of a 2014 law that parents of sick and suffering children say are needed to provide better access to marijuana-derived medicine. We dont want people to lose something they think will be helpful or that has been helpful to members of their families, the governor said. At the same time, he said he opposes legalizing marijuana for recreational use and does not want to make changes that may bring unintended consequences with them. Steve Lukan, Iowas drug czar, said his office is closely monitoring research developments that may win FDA approval and have implications for possible changes to Iowas medical cannabis law. Were going to have to find out in the next few months how thats going to play out. Were waiting for results like many others, he said. Branstad said he also would be willing to look at medical cannabis production options other states have undertaken but only under a very controlled circumstance. Current Iowa law -- set to expire July 1, 2017 -- allows Iowa residents to possess and use up to 32 ounces of cannabidiol, a derivative of the marijuana plant, for the sole purpose of treating intractable epilepsy and its side effects.
Bessie Romero was sitting in the back of her West Central shop on a recent afternoon when a young man representing Albuquerques bus rapid transit project walked in.

He had come to alert her that route-related construction would begin Oct. 24 in front of her store. It should last about two months, he said.

Romero  positioned among the silk flowers, lace, ribbon and party supplies she sells  was polite to the unexpected visitor. She said shed open her nearby events hall to the construction crew for restroom needs. She was congenial even while describing her feelings about Albuquerque Rapid Transit, or ART.

I dont like it, she said. I will never like it.

Touted by the city as a transformative, light rail-like option, but with a much lower price tag, the $119 million ART system will feature a network of bus-only lanes and stations in the middle of Central Avenue between Louisiana and Coors. The nine-mile route cuts through a diverse commercial corridor with tony boutiques, high-end restaurants and mom-and-pop specialty retailers, plus tire shops, aging motels and fast-food chains. Construction should wrap by late 2017.

Mayor Richard Berry says ART will improve transit through the heart of the city and spur development, calling it a world-class project that will bring opportunity for Central Avenue and the people of Albuquerque.

Some businesses along the route, though, have voiced the fiercest objections to ART. They have argued that construction, and even the finished product, could hurt their business, in part by limiting access.

But despite pending litigation, ART is moving forward. Heavy construction will begin on five different stretches today. New waves of work will begin on Oct. 24 and Nov. 14.

Now, affected businesses are figuring out how to cope.

Romeros plan includes taking her wares out to customers. She already does that on various Native American pueblos, but now she might go more often to overcome slower in-store business. It can be inconvenient, but Romero said shes a fighter who survived construction near her stores old location.

Ill do what I have to do to survive, she said.

Small-business resources

There are about 400 small, independent businesses along the route that rely on walk-in traffic, said Vanessa Roanhorse, one of three consultants with the Small Business Resource Collaborative (SBRC). Created to aid those businesses during construction, the SBRCs navigators are funded by the city.

Major transit projects elsewhere have hurt businesses, Roanhorse said. ART, she added, could potentially double the vacancy rate along the corridor.

The collaborative aims to limit the impact. It offers website creation and marketing strategy support. Consultants can also help businesses hone accounting systems and other financial practices to improve efficiency. They have worked with even some of the areas most established, successful businesses.

Janeice Silva, Nob Hill store manager for local jewelry giant Gertrude Zachary, credited the collaborative for her new social media skills. Now, she can supplement the companys existing marketing efforts with her on-the-ground knowledge of the clientele. Working with SBRCs Kelli Muwumba, Silva has begun posting photos of the stores less expensive items, perhaps enticing a new audience.

SBRCs team also connects businesses to local microlenders and other small-business resources.

Roanhorse said some programs are modeled on the Neighborhood Development Center, a nonprofit financial institution that helped businesses weather light rail construction in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.

But reception to SBRC has been lukewarm.

The collaborative has visited all 400 businesses since February, Roanhorse said. It established contact with almost 300 owners, but is actively working with just 38, perhaps due to the belief  or, in some cases, hope  that ART would never happen, she said.

Gary Oppedahl, the citys Economic Development director, said he expects activity to increase as ART construction ramps up and owners feel the need. We knew it was going to be slow, he said.

The consultants say they dont care where a business stands on the project. They just want to help.

This is it, Roanhorse said of constructions onset. We are here for you; we want to be here for you.

The goal is for that help to include a loan program, perhaps with funds for forgivable loans. In Minneapolis-St. Paul, businesses got a total of about $4 million in forgivable loans.

However, Albuquerques so-called Central Fund remains a work in progress. Roanhorse said the source and amount of funding is still in discussion, but more businesses working with SBRC could help determine the actual need and justification for such funding.

Oppedahl said it takes time to build such a fund, but expects to have it up by years end. Qualifying businesses could tap it for forgivable loans if they can demonstrate a construction-related hit, or other low-interest loans.

The states anti-donation clause prevents the city from giving businesses money, so the fund requires philanthropic and private sector support. The McCune Charitable Foundation has already given some money; it has declined to say how much, only that it was less than $100,000.

Lifelines for businesses

The citys Economic Development Department has spent $105,000 on navigators like the SBRC and expects to add another $150,000. It has also spent $65,000 for ABQ66, a mobile app/website with a directory of businesses along the route; and $25,000 for Central New Mexico Community College coding students to help develop business websites. It will contribute $20,000 to support MainStreet events. The Nob Hill MainStreet organization, for example, will host a series of special events in the area starting this fall, Executive Director Carolyn Chavez said.

More than 100 businesses have signed up for promotional support through the online directory, 66 Reasons to Love Route 66, a program promoted through the citys Transit Department.

ONiells in Nob Hill recently hosted the second in a series of weeknight pop-up events at businesses along the corridor, featuring a Mariachi Nuevo Sonido performance. Called ARTBeat on the Street, the events drive traffic to a business willing to offer some kind of special, with the city promoting and advertising the events on billboards and paying the musicians.

ONiells offered a free chips and salsa bar for the event, and co-owner Robert Munro estimated it drew 75 people. Officials say the previous weeks pop up at Rude Boy Cookies brought in 150.

Munro, who has championed ART and plans to spend thousands improving his venues streetfront in anticipation of the new line and city upgrades, anticipates the associated advertising the city did for the event will have lingering rewards.

But restaurateur Larry Rainosek isnt counting on much assistance with his two affected eateries  Frontier and the Golden Pride on West Central. He is too big to qualify for SBRCs services, since he has five total restaurants with combined annual revenue that top the programs revenue threshold. Even a city-promoted pop-up holds little appeal since he fears it could alienate customers.

If theyre asked to come down to the Frontier and then theyre in traffic for 10-20 minutes to come to an hour or two-hour event, they might say were not very smart, he said.

Ultimately, said Nob Hill MainStreets Chavez, businesses just need customers.

The impact of the project is really dependent on how the community reacts to the traffic, she said. If they want to make sure Nob Hill businesses survive the construction phase, they have it well within their power to help small business thrive in Albuquerque.

ART-related business help

Small Business Resource Collaborative: To schedule a visit from a consultant, go online to sbrcabq.com, email sbrc.abq@gmail.com or call 585-1653.

ARTBeat on the Street: Businesses interested in hosting a pop-up event should email route66promo@cabq.gov or call the ART hotline at 505-398-4278.
On Sept. 24, an op-ed column in the Albuquerque Journal written by Nora Espinoza, Republican candidate for secretary of state, alleged that Progressive Champions New Mexico PAC provided media support to Maggie Toulouse Olivers deputy, Roman Montoya, as well as to Toulouse Oliver. They reportedly did so under the guise of an independent expenditure, while attacking fellow Democratic candidate Linda Stover, who defeated Montoya, Toulouse Olivers candidate, in the primary.

The same article mentioned my opponent in the primary election for county clerk and opened the door for me to point out some ignominious glaring facts regarding the race for county clerk.

I am not familiar with the PAC in the primary. And what Montoya received in PAC money is not known, but for certain what he was trying to point out was the questionable monetary benefits of a politically inspired operation connected to the New Mexico Rural Rehabilitation Corporation and Linda Stover.

Thomas J. Cole wrote three separate articles on the intriguing anomaly, the first article on Dec. 6, 1998, the second, dated Nov. 12, 2008, titled All in the Family, and the third, Nov. 19, 2008, titled Could State Break Family Ties?

The Rural Rehabilitation Corporation is described in one of those articles as the do-little, money losing, taxpayer-funded loan program that has been run by the same Albuquerque family for some 35 years.

Stovers father, former State Rep. Drew Cloud was the man who started this extremely self-serving political largess that benefits only the family. He has since died and the corporation has been run by his daughter, Linda Stover, and her son, Drew Olmsted, for decades.

No other employees exist except the two family members, who get paid hefty salaries and benefits from taxpayers funds. Yet they are not federal government employees or state employees.

The corporation was created with millions of federal dollars granted in the era of the Great Depression and has been in operation for decades without accountability or oversight. This enigmatic entity, according to Coles story, has $3.1 million in assets mostly in outstanding loans. Expenses in its 2007 year totaled $256,000  with about half of that money going to Stover and Olmsted in compensation and benefits.

In an article appearing in the Albuquerque Journal on May 26, 2016, written by Rick Nathanson, Roman Montoya raised the issue of Linda Stover and All in the Family.

If one reads Coles stories in the Albuquerque Journal, it looks like Stover has her own Clinton-style foundation here in New Mexico, operating with taxpayers money.

Meanwhile, those of us campaigning for public office seem determined to offer New Mexico voters integrity, transparency, accountability and trust. Is that meaningless rhetoric? The entire matter of trust, truth and American values must be strengthened by those in public service. 
Careful the things you say, children will listen. Careful the things you do, children will see.

 Stephen Sondheim

The recent fallout over recorded remarks by Donald Trump are far more than unfortunate or embarrassing and should not be dismissed or diminished by anyone who chooses to stand by the Republican nominee. There is a clear and undeniable danger that underlies the kind of language that should never be deemed acceptable and further sends a message to children  young men in particular  but also men in general that it is all right to engage in conversations that encourage disrespect for women and girls.

On the contrary, it is never all right.

Whether Trump actually committed sexual assault or was just running his mouth, as he is known for doing, remains a matter for law enforcement and the courts. But the court of public opinion seems unfortunately divided.

Sadly, those who dismiss this conversation are doing so for political expedience. They also dismiss the conversation at a time when concerns over how we guide our children away from harmful beliefs and behaviors is crucial to our future as a society.

The message and the language take on an extremely dangerous life of its own that signals to our youth that objectifying women and young girls is not only acceptable, but is in fact an expected part of some rite of passage, or shop talk, or just private conversation between the guys. There is no excuse for this kind of language and there should certainly be no exceptions at any time or under any circumstances.

One in four women will experience sexual assault in this country by years end, and an estimated one in six men will be sexually assaulted as well. Regrettably, these numbers represent only reported cases, which suggests that the numbers are significantly higher due to so many women and men who choose not to report for fear of reprisal, or out of a belief that nothing will be done to bring perpetrators to justice.

We can cite the recent decision by a judge in a Stanford athletes case that amounted to a slap on the wrist for an obvious criminal while no thought was given to how a womans life was destroyed by a selfish act of sexual assault. Men watching that outcome may be left with a belief that they have nothing to fear for acting on this misguided perception of entitlement.

Where does such belief come from and why is it a reality in our society?

While we can probably come up with a litany of answers, one that stands out clearly for me is that far too many people in our society will excuse sexual assault for convenience, and out of a sick and distorted fantasy of male privilege.

For those of us who work in the sexual assault prevention arena, we seek to convey a central message that consent must be respected. Expanding that message even further, I would submit that no one should ever consent to being sexually assaulted verbally, and clearly not physically. Therefore any discussions about this scourge should be rejected as disrespectful at the very least, as outright disgusting, and even illegal.

Our youths deserve to grow up in an environment where no excuses are ever made or accepted. That process begins with each of us, regardless of our political alliances, holding one another accountable for what we say and do.
Not since George and Martha in the play Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? or, for older readers, Don Ameche and Frances Langford in the radio comedy The Bickersons, have we seen the kind of verbal pugilism practiced in the last presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

If the business of Trumps lewd language about women caught on tape 11 years ago and Bill Clintons sexual history with Hillary enabling him in the trashing of his conquests could be set aside, only the issues would remain, and wouldnt that be good?

At the debate, Clinton recycled the Democrat playbook that the wealthy arent paying their fair share in taxes, when the real issue is that government already receives record amounts in tax money, but misspends much of it and never seems to have enough.

Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) has closely followed Clintons shifting tax positions.

In the debate, Clinton said she only wants to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans, not the middle class. ATR notes she has said just the opposite on many occasions. It calculates that if all of her tax proposals are enacted, it would cost taxpayers $1 trillion over 10 years and gives the following examples:

She has said she would not veto a payroll tax hike on all Americans should such a bill reach her desk and would set aside her pledge not to boost taxes on middle-income earners.

She wants a tax on sodas that ATR estimates would add $2.16 per 12-pack. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., charged this would violate her pledge to protect the middle class from tax hikes: Frankly, I am very surprised that Secretary Clinton would support this regressive tax after pledging not to raise taxes on anyone making less than $250,000. This proposal violates her pledge.

Other tax increases include a national gun tax of 25 percent, a 65 percent death tax, which ATR notes she wouldnt have to pay because of the way she has arranged her finances.

She wants to raise the current capital gains tax from 23.8 percent to 43.4 percent, which would harm investments and stifle capital creation. She would not lower the corporate tax rate, which Trump has pledged to do, even though the U.S. has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world, which has driven many businesses overseas.

And, like President Obama, she is an enemy of the coal industry, despite her claims to be friendly toward it in Sundays debate. Her campaign chief, John Podesta, has left the door open to a carbon tax, saying if Congress passes such a measure,well take a look at it.

Trump purports to favor school choice, which is an essential tool for escaping poverty and would do more than any federal anti-poverty program to help poor children obtain a good education. Clinton claims to favor school choice, but only as far as publicly funded charter schools.

Since she and many Democrats receive political contributions from teachers unions, its unlikely shell let poor children escape failing schools. In the latest debate she tried to claim credit for all she has done for children, but what she has not done by refusing to support school vouchers, which allow parents to use public funds to pay for some or all of their childs private school tuition, overcomes whatever good she may have accomplished.

Rumors are swirling about opposition researchers offering to pay employees of Trumps NBC program The Apprentice for recordings of other lewd things he might have said to further distract from the issues.

The hypocrisy meter is in hyperdrive when you consider that some of the same Democrats condemning Trump said of Bill Clintons numerous affairs its just about sex and had nothing to do with his performance as president. These are people who still hold John F. Kennedy in high regard, despite his long list of women with whom he had sex, including secreting some into the White House.

This wont be the end of the revelations about Trump, anything to divert attention from Clintons real positions on the real issues that matter most to Americans.

If we must have bickering, how about bickering over something important?
SEOUL, South Korea  When South Korean officials talk about the growing nuclear challenge from the North, they use red-alert phrases like existential threat, imminent danger and dagger at the throat. They want Americans to understand that this long-running story of brinksmanship has entered a new phase.

One senior South Korean official told me starkly: A nuclear missile from the North can land on this office in four to five minutes. We dont have the luxury of thinking twice.  This is no longer a dark cloud on the horizon. Its a threat at our doorstep.

A few miles away at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, where U.S. troops are headquartered, a senior U.S. military officer offered a similar warning. He noted that the base, like most of Seoul, has lived for decades under threat from North Korean artillery across the demilitarized zone, but he said the nuclear menace is different: This is not just a throwback to the Korean War. Its an evolving threat that is becoming dangerous outside the Korean Peninsula.

These conversations illustrate why the North Korean nuclear issue may top the security worries of the next U.S. president.

Theres a sense here, among South Korean and American officials alike, that President Kim Jong-un, the mercurial leader in Pyongyang, is racing through the warning lights to gain a nuclear weapons and missile capability to attack his neighbors, and also the United States. The next American president will have to decide what to do about it.

What North Korea wants is what it cant get, which is acceptance as a nuclear weapons state, argues Christopher Hill, a former U.S. ambassador who headed the unsuccessful Six-Party Talks with North Korea that began in 2005. He was speaking at the World Knowledge Forum conference here.

The frustration voiced by American and South Korean officials is that nothing has succeeded in checking the Norths relentless advance toward nuclear weapons. Diplomatic talks, U.N. economic sanctions and threats of military force have all failed. North Korea is a pitifully backward country, except in its nuclear and missile programs.

Even China seems to have limited leverage.

Many analysts think Beijing could successfully pressure North Korea. But although the Chinese sent a special emissary last year to warn against a fourth nuclear test, the regime went ahead in January. Beijing then supported a U.N. Security Council resolution in March condemning North Korea and imposing sanctions, and Kim responded with a fifth nuclear test last month.

How should the U.S. work with Seoul to combat this intractable problem? Some leading South Korean officials offered useful suggestions.

Tightening sanctions is a first step. U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power was just here discussing a new resolution to do that. South Korea hopes it will close the so-called livelihood exemption that allows North Korea to export coal to China. Coal exports totaled about $1 billion last year and are a major source of foreign exchange to finance the nuclear program. The Chinese have so far balked at squeezing their neighbor harder.

Driving a wedge between Kim and members of his government elite is another South Korean proposal. President Park Geun-hye told her Cabinet this week that a recent increase in high-level defections shows the fragility of Kims regime  and that South Korea should encourage even more defectors.

Deterring the North militarily is what South Korea wants most from America. Park has agreed to installation of the U.S. THAAD missile-defense system, but that wont be ready until December 2017. South Korean officials hope the U.S. can reassure a jittery public about the reliability of its nuclear umbrella.

That could mean more overflights by B-52 and B-1 bombers, more visits by top U.S. officials, and more joint defense talks like those scheduled in Washington next week.

Restarting diplomacy with Pyongyang gets little public support here, but South Korea and the U.S. have left the door open. One face-saving approach would be secret, preliminary U.S. talks with North Korea that would lead later, in concert with China, to public talks about denuclearization. But theres no sign North Korea wants such a dialogue.

What happens if all these efforts fail, and Kim deploys nuclear-tipped missiles that could hit U.S. territory? We should have a euphemism for pre-emption,' commented a former senior U.S. official at the conference here.

But whatever word is used, an unpalatable military choice may confront the next president  for the simple reason that nothing else seems to have worked.
The New Mexico Public Education Department is giving community members a chance to weigh in on the states educational future.

PED will host a public forum Tuesday on the Every Student Succeeds Act, a broad law that covers areas such as teacher evaluations and standardized testing.

The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Central New Mexico Community College Workforce Training Center, Room 101 or 103, 5600 Eagle Rock NE.

I am excited about the engagement, said Education Secretary Hanna Skandera. New Mexico is poised to be in a position to look at how do we best support our teachers and students?

Albuquerque is the fourth stop in the departments statewide Every Student Succeeds Act tour. Skandera has already held forums in Gallup and Farmington, and she will visit Santa Fe on Monday. The tour wraps up in Roswell and Las Cruces.

Skandera said turnout has been strong.

The first two events were filled to capacity with teachers, parents, community leaders, school board members and superintendents.

The folks I have talked to are encouraged that we have a solid foundation Skandera said. Often, we only report on the negative things, and there are some really positive things taking place.

Public policy organization New Mexico First is partnering with PED to host the meetings and compile the feedback into a report.

PED must send the U.S. Department of Education its Every Student Succeeds Act implementation plan by July.

ESSA was signed into law in December 2015, replacing No Child Left Behind.

To register for PEDs community forums, go to www.nmfirst.org/events and click on the details tab.
The candidates for secretary of state clashed Sunday over voter identification and other issues in their only face-to-face debate of this election season, underscoring sharp philosophical differences.

Democrat Maggie Toulouse Oliver, the Bernalillo County clerk, and Republican Nora Espinoza, a member of the state House of Representatives from Roswell, answered questions and took jabs at each other at a forum at Congregation Albert in Albuquerque.

Theyre running in the Nov. 8 general election to fill out the final two years of the term of former Secretary of State Dianna Duran, who resigned last year, pleaded guilty to misusing her campaign funds, and was jailed.

I believe the key issue is to restore integrity, transparency and trust in the Secretary of States Office, Toulouse Oliver said.

Espinoza said requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls  thereby ensuring honest, fair elections  is the most important issue, a theme she returned to repeatedly during the debate.

She said her Democratic opponent does not believe in the integrity of the process, because she opposes voter ID. Voter fraud is happening everywhere and Toulouse Oliver doesnt get it, the GOP nominee said.

Toulouse Oliver countered that there are already too many hurdles to voting, and a voter ID requirement could disenfranchise otherwise eligible voters  perhaps 10 percent or more of them.

My opponent is, sadly, much more interested in keeping people from voting than encouraging people to participate in our democracy, Toulouse Oliver told the crowd.

Election integrity and voter convenience are not mutually exclusive, the clerk also said.

The candidates differed on the issue of straight-party voting  marking the top of the ballot for the candidates of one party or the other.

Duran eliminated it, saying the statute allowing it had been erased from the books. Espinoza said the Legislature would have to reinstate it; Toulouse Oliver said the secretary of state already has that authority and she could reinstate straight-party voting if elected to make voting easier.

Espinoza criticized Toulouse Oliver for replacing precinct-based polling places in Bernalillo County  of which Toulouse Oliver said there had been 172  with 69 voting convenience centers. She said that caused long lines and deterred voters. Toulouse Oliver said the system launched in 2012 was much more convenient, because voters could go to any centers.

A recent pre-election mailing from county Clerks Office to voters caught flak from the Republican candidate.

The mailings have cards that include bar codes the clerk says can be used by election officials to more quickly pull up voters records at the polls. Voters would then have to verify their identities. But Espinoza contended that at least one voter got three different bar-coded mailings, and that a restaurant got 25 of them  paving the way for possible voter fraud.

Toulouse Oliver said after the debate that she was not aware of the allegation about the restaurant and that her office would look into it.

Espinoza deflected a question about whether guns should be banned at polling places, saying it was up to the Legislature; the county clerk said they should be banned except for police officers.
Nearly $95 million a year is at stake for hospital care in Bernalillo County in the Nov. 8 general election, when voters will decide whether to continue an eight-year property tax for University of New Mexico Hospital.

Money raised from the tax helps cover the hospitals operating and maintenance costs.

The tax helps support job growth and economic development in Bernalillo County by providing jobs and clinical resources to the entire state, says a website for Friends of UNM Hospital, which has launched a campaign in favor of the tax extension. And as the states only teaching hospital, UNM provides education and training to future healthcare providers, including physicians, surgeons, pharmacists, nurses and many others.

However, at least one state lawmaker questions the extension, saying the hospital should reduce its tax bite because it is getting more money to cover uncompensated care following the adoption of Obamacare and the expansion of Medicaid several years ago.

A vote in favor of the 6.4-mill tax would not increase current property tax levies. The owner of a home valued at $195,000, for example, would continue to pay $416 a year for the hospital. Defeat of the extension would mean the owner of that home would see property taxes drop by the same amount.

In a separate ballot measure, Sandoval County voters will be asked to approve a 4.2-mill levy for UNMs Sandoval Regional Medical Center and for Presbyterian Rust Medical Center.

Weve been very fortunate to have pretty solid voter support in previous years, hospital CEO Steve McKernan said of the Bernalillo County vote. He said past measures have been approved with over 60 percent of ballots cast.

Medicaid boost

Increased Medicaid reimbursements have resulted in UNMHs uncompensated care bill declining from $84.5 million in fiscal year 2015 to $73.4 million for the fiscal year just ended. Gov. Susana Martinez expanded Medicaid in 2013 so the program would cover more New Mexicans. That has meant more than 800,000 New Mexican adults now have health care coverage, compared with 550,000 people before the Medicaid expansion.

That fact has prompted state Rep. Bill Rehm, R-Albuquerque, a longtime advocate of lower property taxes, to question whether the hospital shouldnt dial back the property tax rate to reflect the reduction in uncompensated care.

Rehm, who unsuccessfully tried to introduce legislation to reduce UNMHs tax subsidy, doesnt want to see the institution operate in the red, but believes the recent infusion of Medicaid revenue could be used to offset the tax to property owners.

However, McKernan said the boost from Medicaid doesnt pay the full freight for what the hospital charges for services for the indigent and the working poor.

He said uncompensated care numbers might be going down, but a related trend bears watching.

Were seeing a rapid increase in bad debt from more and more people who have these high-deductible plans on the exchange, he said. When someone is paying $5,000 per year out-of-pocket, plus their insurance premium at the same time, they are effectively underinsured. He said the hospital works out payment plans to help those individuals.

All revenues from the levy, Medicaid, Medicare and commercial health insurers are treated as operating revenues of the hospital and as such will contribute to any payment shortfall from any patient, including the insured, according to McKernan. If any service through a normal payment mechanism doesnt cover the cost of care, it will be cross subsidized by the total general revenue of the hospital, he added.

Some of those uninsured are likely in the country illegally and dont qualify for Medicaid, insurance exchange subsidies or Medicare, acknowledged McKernan. He said UNMH doesnt track immigrant status so he couldnt provide numbers of those receiving care and what that bill would be.

A real busy place

McKernan has been giving talks outlining the hospitals importance to the citys health and economy.

In 2015, the levy accounted for about 9 percent of UNMH revenues, providing more than $93 million in resources for the hospitals programs. Behavioral, pediatric and surgical specialty programs were among the top recipients. The funding, plus other revenue streams  such as Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance, out-of-pocket payments from patients and philanthropy  helps pay the bills.

Were a real busy place, McKernan said, of the not-for-profit institution, which is the safety net hospital for the region and has been receiving a share of county property taxes since 1954. He said its not unusual for the 308-bed adult medical surgical unit to run out of room.

The hospital, which operates the states only Level One trauma center, treats 90,000 emergency patients and more than 450,000 outpatients annually. It also runs the Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Childrens Hospital, stroke and burn centers and other programs, such as Indian Health Services. As the primary teaching hospital for the UNM School of Medicine, it participates in hundreds of advanced clinical trials annually.

McKernan said the tax bill may seem high to some residents, but the demand for services is tremendous.

While trauma cases represent about 7 percent of total patient volume, it is an extremely expensive level of care. There are enormous standby costs to put these programs together, McKernan said, of the hospitals trauma and emergency medicine departments.

Without the property tax revenue collected by the county, many programs and services would be in jeopardy, he said. Operating expenses for the hospital include items such as employee salaries and benefits, medical services and supplies and equipment. For the 2015 fiscal year, operating expenses totaled $853 million, half of which went to payroll.

The cash balance for UNMH at the end of June was $143 million or about 55 days of cash on hand, McKernan said.

New hospital

UNMHs expansion plans include a 408-bed, $600 million hospital. Construction is expected to begin in late 2017 or early 2018, with completion by early 2021. Property tax money could be used for the general operations and maintenance of the hospital, McKernan said.

Tax money also helps shore up the medical infrastructure the hospital provides for care, McKernan said. Levy funding has gone to hire new clinical staff, open new health centers and clinics, buy new equipment and improve existing facilities to keep up with the volume of patient visits.

To keep pace with the growing demand for services, McKernan said that in the past two years the hospital has hired an additional nine physicians and 70 nurses.
In a different election year, Republican Candace Goulds run for Senate District 10  a district encompassing part of Albuquerques North Valley and West Side that has been in Republican hands for years  might seem like a sure shot.

But this is a presidential election year likely to draw many voters to the polls, and Goulds opponent, David Simon, is an experienced Democrat who ran the State Parks Division under Gov. Bill Richardson, worked at the State Land Office and worked with a national parks conservation group.

That means the race could be close, said longtime political observer Brian Sanderoff, president of Research & Polling Inc.

Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans in New Mexico.

And, Sanderoff said, If you have a tough Democrat in a presidential year  then upsets can happen.

The two candidate are vying for a soon-to-be-vacated seat, as Sen. John Ryan, R-Albuquerque, who was elected to the Senate in 2004, opted earlier this year not to seek re-election.

Both Gould and Simon say they have lived in the district for 13 years, and both have been close to the Legislature for years.

Gould, 58, is hoping her years as an advocate for children involved in foster care and involvement in community and business leadership groups will show voters she has the commitment and ability to work for change in the states economy, and childhood education and safety nets.

If we build our economy, a lot of these issues can be solved, Gould said, citing poor education outcomes, crime and child welfare. Its all tied in.

Simon, 53, said his years of experience in state government, including working on legislation, and perseverance and accomplishments make him the more qualified candidate.

Every assignment Ive ever been on, every job, I have a record of accomplishment, Simon said. I throw myself into it. You have to have the vision with the skill and practical goals to get it done.

Like Gould, Simon says hes concerned about the states economy.

Simon, executive director of the Jewish Community Center, would like to see more state support of a renewable energy economy, as well as health care and the film industry as ways to increase the number of high-paying jobs.

Gould would like the state to focus on education along with economic development incentives to attract companies. With a focus on those areas, she said, the state could have an educated workforce ready to make a good living.

Business owners  want to stay here. They love it here, but a lot of business is coming from out-of-state jobs, she said. We need tax reform, and I wont try to tell you I have all the answers. What I do know is Im talking to our businesses, Im talking to people trying to bring businesses here.

Gould also said the state seems to be failing its children. She is executive director of the Heart Gallery of New Mexico Foundation, which bridges between the community and Children, Youth and Families Department to help foster children and children aging out of foster care.

We cant seem to get a grip on helping our kids, she said. Theres a battle, and everyone gets lost on their side, and for me its about the kids. Its why I considered running.

Meanwhile, Simon said that when Ryan decided not to run, he saw an opportunity to put his skills to work helping people.

I have a very strong commitment to community service, he said. And Im battle-tested. I know our district and our state. Ive been in every corner, and I understand the diversity of our state.

Gould has raised $158,575 and spent $61,131, according to a report filed last week. She had $97,444 cash on hand.

She has reported receiving sizable contributions from business owners; Republican legislators; oil, gas and energy companies; restaurateurs and horse brokers.

Simon reported raising $119,832 and spending $61,297. He had $58,535 cash on hand. His largest donations have come from New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association and Foundation. He has also received significant donations from other PACs, including those headed by Democratic Sens. Peter Wirth of Santa Fe and Gerald Ortiz y Pino of Albuquerque.
A business executive who moved from the Midwest to Albuquerque for a new job four years ago found himself chatting with someone at a party not long after he arrived.

Like most newcomers I know, he was bedazzled by New Mexicos beauty, art, sunshine and lovely people at the same time he was shocked by the states poverty, crime, schools and ineffective government. He was certain things could be done to make our schools and our economy better, he told his new acquaintance.

It depends on what you mean by better,  came the reply.

The executive was shocked. How could less unemployment, higher income, better-educated children and all of the social improvements that go with less poverty not be better by anybodys definition? It was a paradigm changer, he told me earlier this month.

I can find no data or studies showing that some meaningful number of New Mexicans are so skeptical of lifestyles you find in more prosperous states that they prefer our underperforming economy, but anecdotes abound.

Operators of a now-defunct factory in northeastern New Mexico told me that most of their workforce quit every hunting season. The employees made enough money during the first part of the year to satisfy their needs, and they would rather hunt than accumulate some extra cash.

An elementary school teacher in Santa Fe had an especially bright and promising young girl in her class who was eager to learn more than she could during the regular school day, so the teacher gave her some extra work and tutoring after school. The childs parents asked the teacher to stop the additional lessons. They explained that the childs destiny was to stay home and care for younger siblings, then her aging parents, so there was really no point in her getting extra education, and it was giving the child expectations the family would not support.

Heirs to a Taos County land grant tried to claim all of the property within the historic boundaries of the grant in 2010. They said that heirs who had sold their property to outsiders over the course of the past 150 years had done so illegally and that any non-heir who bought property in the grants held an invalid title. At a meeting I attended, land grant activists said their goal was to revive the communal farming that had disappeared as heirs sold their land, some of them presumably so that their kids could go to college. I wondered how many heirs who might now be accountants or physicians would be interested in returning to a life of subsistence farming.

A plant in northwestern New Mexico found it expedient to hire almost twice the staff it needed because, on any given day, half of the staff wouldnt show up for work.

The town of Taos has been struggling to extend the runway at the local airport for years. Supporters say a longer runway would enable bigger jets to land, along with their affluent passengers willing to spend money locally. Opponents say the longer runway would enable bigger jets to land, along with their affluent passengers willing to spend money locally.

Everyone knows people who moved to New Mexico precisely because it has not succumbed to the pace or the values of Texas or California. Indeed, these are often the folks most vehemently opposed to projects like extending the Taos runway, according to a banker I know up north.

I am certain that anyone who has criticized New Mexicos baffling embrace of dysfunction in the service of maintaining lifestyles has received the same sort of hate mail and hate calls that I receive, which boil down to: If you dont like it here, leave.

For lack of a better explanation, this looks like a manifestation of culture.

While other states were developing commercial cultures, New Mexico was developing a culture of insularity and suspicion. Think of California. It was a Spanish colony that had ocean ports. Those ports allowed California to engage in trade. Involvement in trade breeds a culture of trust, engagement with the world and access to capital. Commercial skills as rudimentary as proper bookkeeping are learned by a large portion of the population. Individual initiative is rewarded.

At the same time, New Mexicos economy consisted of subsistence farms jammed into a few narrow river valleys. New Mexico was hundreds of grueling overland miles from any trading partners. New Mexicans learned self-reliance and hard work, but they also learned suspicion of outsiders and new ideas.

Im guessing here, of course, but I think it is safe to say that, when it comes to building a thriving economy, New Mexicans are their own worst enemies.

UpFront is a daily front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Winthrop Quigley at 823-3896 or wquigley@abqjournal.com. Go to www.abqjournal.com/letters/new to submit a letter to the editor.
MASON CITY | The North Iowa Area Community College volleyball team will host its eighth annual Think Pink night Oct. 27.

The Trojans will host the Waldorf junior varsity at 7 p.m. Admission is $5. Cancer survivors are admitted for free.

The NIACC softball team is joining forces with the volleyball team this year and will host an event in the spring.

The Think Pink match is an annual fundraising event to raise money for breast cancer awareness. All of the proceeds will be donated to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa's Breast Health department to provide support, testing and other needed services to their patients.

The community can support this cause by attending the match, donating, purchasing T-shirts and socks and participating in any of the activities during the event.

The NIACC Nursing Department will sponsor the activities at the match to educate people on breast cancer and will sell pink-themed treats, such as cupcakes and cookies.
ALAMOGORDO, N.M.  Holloman Air Force Base officials have released the name of an airman found dead on base.

The Alamogordo Daily News reports (http://bit.ly/2dgMAiN) that the body of 21-year-old Airman 1st Class Nathan Wilson-Ross was discovered in the base dormitories Oct. 11.

Base spokesman Arlan Ponder says no foul play is suspected.

No possible cause of death was given.

Wilson-Ross, of San Angelo, Texas, was an F-16 aircraft maintenance specialist assigned to the 54th Fighter Group.

Ponder says Wilson-Ross was deployed to Holloman from Aviano Air Base in Italy a year ago.

He is survived by his mother and a brother.

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Information from: Alamogordo Daily News, http://www.alamogordonews.com
PHOENIX  Gov. Doug Duceys administration is stepping up the firing of state workers, many of whom can be let go without explanation under a law enacted during his predecessors administration that revamped the states personnel system.

More than 1,500 state employees have been involuntarily terminated since January 2015, when Ducey took office, The Arizona Republic reported (http://bit.ly/2dVRdwE). Under Duceys predecessor, Gov. Jan Brewer, there were 551 terminations in 2013 and 547 in 2014 for a total of 1098 in an equal time period.

The Republic found that 64 percent of those terminated were 40 or older, a protected class of employee under federal labor laws because they are nearing retirement age.

Duceys spokesman Daniel Scarpinato said high turnover at state agencies is expected with a change in governors and that when he took office, Ducey asked directors to make decisions on how to best use available resources.

He said the administration has not targeted any class of employees and that the percentage of workers 40 or older who have been released mirrors the state labor pool.

Other workers who appear to have been let go at a higher rate are at will workers. A 2012 law changed what workers were considered at will, meaning they arent covered and can be fired without cause.

In 2012, 79 percent of the state workforce was covered. That figure has dropped to 25 percent.

Of all the departments affected, the State Department of Economic Security has had the most firings. Nearly one third of the 1,500 state employees terminated since January 2015 have come from DES, 71 percent of them 50 or older.

DES Director Tim Jeffries declined to comment.

Ducey declined to be interviewed for this story.

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Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com
DALLAS  Thousands of DWI convictions in North Texas could be jeopardized after the testimony of a state forensic scientist recently came under scrutiny, according to a newspaper report.

Christopher Youngkin was involved in a 2013 lab error in which two blood samples from separate cases were mixed up. Youngkin erroneously reported to police that a woman had a blood-alcohol level that was nearly twice the legal limit when in fact she had not been drinking, The Dallas Morning News reported (http://bit.ly/2e9QSVF ).

Attorneys now are questioning whether Youngkin in recent cases has given conflicting testimony about the error, which would call into question his credibility as a witness and expert.

Youngkin works for the Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab in the Dallas suburb of Garland. He took the stand Wednesday in a misdemeanor case of driving while intoxicated and ended up invoking his Fifth Amendment right not to testify.

A DPS spokesman on Friday declined to answer the newspapers questions about Youngkin or the issues raised by defense attorneys, saying it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.

Defense attorney Hunter Biederman said a Dallas County jury found a client not guilty of drunken driving last month, in part, he believes, because of cross-examination of Youngkin over his lab error.

Most people havent had the opportunity to know about this and either use it in trial, use it in pre-negotiations or use it in punishment, he said.

Theres no guarantee of getting an acquittal, Beiderman said, but the questions raised about it could lead to conviction of a lesser offense, which means a less severe punishment.

The scrutiny of Youngkin comes after a Harris County toxicologist last month resigned when her academic qualifications were questioned. The toxicologist, Dr. Fessessework Guale, had worked in the county medical examiners office since 2006 and had regularly testified in Houston-area DWI cases.

She earlier had been reassigned after officials learned that she testified to having a masters degree in toxicology but actually earned one in physiological science from Oklahoma States veterinary school.

The district attorneys office has sent letters inviting defense attorneys representing thousands of DWI defendants in Harris County to request reviews of cases involving Guales testimony.

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Information from: The Dallas Morning News, http://www.dallasnews.com
SALT LAKE CITY  San Juan County will not have to open several new polling places for Navajo voters, a federal judge ruled.

U.S. District Judge Jill Parrish struck down a Navajo groups request for a court order requiring the county to quadruple the number of polling places because of a switch to a mail-only voting system.

In her opinion, Parrish said the plaintiffs, the Navajo Human Rights Commission, failed to show why Navajo voters would be at a greater disadvantage if there will still be polling places within reach. She cited the county opening three polling sites on the reservation for the June primary as an example, according to the Salt Lake Tribune (http://bit.ly/2eEn6fc).

The county argued it brought sites closer to Navajos than they were for most white voters.

The court concludes that the issuance of an injunction requiring San Juan County to quadruple their early-voting options at this late stage would be imprudent and ultimately ineffective, Parrish wrote.

Arusha Gordon, the attorney representing the commission, previously argued that county officials have failed to come through before. The county failed to air ads on Navajo radio ahead of the primary about voting procedures, and their translation of ballots and explanation of mail-in voting was haphazard, Gordon added.

The battle has reignited long-festering tensions between tribal members and other residents in a rural county that sits in the Four Corners region of the West and covers the northern tip of the Navajo Nation that is mostly in Arizona and New Mexico.

Similar legal clashes have been waged in Nevada, Montana and the Dakotas over a variety of issues involving the Voting Rights Act, including access to polling places as well as unreliable U.S. mail service on reservations.

San Juan County officials defend the new system, saying it led to higher voter participation in 2014. They accused the Navajo plaintiffs of fabricating the claims in the lawsuit in an attempt to control local politics.

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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com
WICHITA FALLS, Texas  A Texas man has been convicted on charges that he took two-dozen dogs from an animal shelter after the dogs had been seized from him by police investigating whether some had been mistreated.

Fifty-three-year-old Lee Allen Miller pleaded guilty Friday in a Wichita Falls court to a felony count of tampering with evidence. KAUZ-TV reports hes expected to serve about a month in jail.

The dogs were confiscated last year by Iowa Park police and placed at the shelter as they investigated allegations of animal cruelty.

Authorities later learned, in October 2015, that the dogs were missing from the shelter.

Miller denied any involvement but the dogs were later found concealed in brush near a school where Miller worked.
LAS CRUCES  Dona Ana County Treasurer David Gutierrez is scheduled to stand trial before a jury twice next month in two cases stemming from allegations that he made sexual advances toward a woman who worked in his office more than two years ago.

Gutierrez, 61, who is serving the final year of his second term as county treasurer, was indicted in March by a Dona Ana County grand jury in separate criminal and civil cases.

The charges in the indictments are based on allegations that Gutierrez sexually harassed a former female employee in his office on a consistent basis, beginning in early 2014 and leading up to an August 2014 incident in which he offered the woman $2,000 in exchange for sex.

Gutierrezs criminal trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 8 in 3rd Judicial District Court in Las Cruces, according to his attorney, Jose Coronado, and Deputy District Attorney Daniel Sewell, who is prosecuting Gutierrez.

In the criminal case, Gutierrez is charged with one of three possible violations to the states statute on ethical principles of public office. If convicted by a jury, he faces up to 18 months in prison on one of the violations, all fourth-degree felonies.

Gutierrezs civil trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 29.

In the civil case, Gutierrez is accused of committing a corrupt and immoral act while in public office. If convicted by a jury, he will be removed from office. His term ends Dec. 31. He cannot seek re-election due to term limitations.

Twelfth Judicial District Judge Angie K. Schneider will preside over both trials. Schneider was designated last month by the New Mexico Supreme Court to replace 6th Judicial District Judge Daniel Viramontes, who retired from the bench in August and had been selected to handle the cases after all eight 3rd Judicial District Court judges recused themselves in March.

Sewell said Schneider set the trial dates on Friday during a hearing in Alamogordo.The 12th Judicial District includes Otero and Lincoln counties. She also granted Gutierrezs motion to have the criminal trial before the civil trial.

If convicted as charged in the criminal case, Gutierrez would become a convicted felon and would no longer be considered a qualified elector, a person who is eligible to vote. And thus, he would be disqualified from continuing to hold elected office.

Gutierrezs case bears similarities to a case involving Carol Sloan, a member of the Public Regulation Commission who was convicted of two felony offenses in 2010 and was forced out of office by the Supreme Court.

In 2011, the Supreme Court authorized Sloans removal from office after the justices ruled that she was no longer a qualified elector based on her felony convictions.

In the ruling, the court noted that the state constitution requires that a person must be qualified elector in order to hold any elective public office. It further noted that holding public office is an ongoing endeavor, which requires the officeholder to maintain the status of a qualified elector.

In Sloans case, the court ruled that since she is a convicted felon, she is no longer a qualified elector and cannot continue to hold public office.

The court rejected Sloans claims that she should be allowed remain in office on the grounds that she was a qualified elector when she was elected into office. It also rejected Sloans assertion that only the Legislature could remove her from office through the impeachment process.

The court concluded that Sloans eligibility to hold public office ceased when her status as a qualified elector ceased and that the state constitution demanded an automatic forfeiture from office when she was convicted of the two felonies.

Gutierrez has served as county treasurer since 2008. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Carlos Andres Lopez can be reached 575-541-5453, carlopez@lcsun-news.com or @carlopez_los on Twitter.



2016 the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.)

Visit the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) at www.lcsun-news.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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LAS CRUCES  A man charged with selling imitation drugs to an undercover police officer was sentenced Thursday to more than four years in prison, according to the 3rd Judicial District Attorneys Office.

Diego Eguino-Alcala, 23, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit trafficking, distribution of an imitation controlled substance, battery upon a police officer, resisting arrest and unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon.

Eguino-Alcala entered the guilty pleas before Chief District Judge Fernando R. Macias in 3rd Judicial District Court in Las Cruces. He was later sentenced to four years and three months in prison, followed by three years of probation.

The prison sentence should serve as a warning to those who attack our officers that they will be caught and prosecuted, District Attorney Mark DAntonio said in a statement. We will also seek harsh sentences against those who are convicted.

In January 2015, Eguino-Alcala was arrested on suspicion of trying to sell methamphetamine to an undercover police officer in front on New Mexico State Universitys Pan American Center. In reality, he was trying to sell the undercover officer a substance imitating meth, according to prosecutors.

When a uniformed officer tried to take Eguino-Alcala into custody, he tried to flee and hit officer in the chest. The confrontation caused a gun to fall out of the Eguino-Alcalas pants.

The officer was eventually able to take Eguino-Alcala into custody with help from a nearby college student.

Because the incident took place on the NMSU campus, Eguino-Alcala was charged with unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon, a petty misdemeanor.

This case was prosecuted by Tim Nuccio, an assistant trial attorney for the District Attorneys Office.



2016 the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.)

Visit the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) at www.lcsun-news.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.  The mother of an infant boy who drowned in a backyard pool in Grand Junction has been charged with child abuse resulting in death after investigators determined she was likely drunk before the child was found in the water.

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel reports (https://goo.gl/SH29Bb ) 29-year-old Grace Aragon was arrested Tuesday for the death of 9-month-old Rylan Kruckenberg, who was found in the pool June 24.

Prosecutors say Aragon told police she had consumed several glasses of champagne the night before she found the boy. She also said she took numerous pills with alcohol after finding her son in the pool and before calling 911.

Defense attorney Daniel Garcia says Aragon has sought treatment and has submitted to frequent alcohol monitoring tests.

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Information from: The Daily Sentinel, http://www.gjsentinel.com
Visiting South Carolina ahead of the states Democratic primary in February, it seemed as though Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders might have found an effective line of criticism against his rival. Hillary Clintons supporters were already worried the campaign was vulnerable. She had narrow victories in Iowa and Nevada, and Sanders had won handily in New Hampshire.

According to hacked Clinton campaign emails published by the transparency group WikiLeaks, Clintons aides scrambled to respond to Sanders comments about Clintons support for welfare reform her husband enacted in 1996, which opponents say made it too difficult for many poor families to get help from the government.

Heres what we need today, wrote Jake Sullivan, one of Clintons advisers, in an email to senior campaign staffers and Neera Tanden, president of the Center for American Progress. What are the TWO things HRC should embrace on reform that we can challenge Bernie on[?]

The exchange reveals how Clintons senior advisers were thinking about the treacherous politics of poverty. While concerned about Sanders criticism from the left, her aides were wary of ideas that could alienate centrist and conservative voters who are skeptical of welfare.

We need something that works in primary and general, wrote Ann OLeary, a senior adviser. [President] Obama got killed for this in 2012 for making some of these suggestions.

It was not clear exactly what suggestions OLeary meant, but Obamas health-care law and other policies aimed at supporting Americans of modest means were criticized by then-Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and his allies as free stuff.

In the hacked messages, Tanden offered a few ideas, including adjusting the five-year limit on federal cash assistance to account for economic conditions, rewarding states that successfully reduce poverty and making it easier for married people to get help.

Youre pro-family; hard to argue w[ith], Tanden wrote about that final proposal, before adding a caution about cost: Just to be clear that my last one is expensive.

After the primary election in South Carolina, Sanders did not pursue this argument against Clinton. He might have made a similar calculation, as Clintons aides apparently did, that even in a Democratic primary, putting forward ambitious plans for expanding the welfare state was politically risky. Ultimately, both Democratic candidates shied away from such proposals, to the dismay of advocates for the poor and experts on poverty.

Last month, Clinton laid out some ideas in a column in The New York Times under the headline My Plan for Helping Americas Poor.

Every single night, all across America, kids go to sleep hungry or without a place to call home, Clinton wrote.

In the column, however, she avoided the politically sensitive question of helping poor households directly. Instead, she wrote about a proposal to channel aid through private developers for affordable housing, and said that she would direct the federal agencies responsible for projects, such as environmental reclamation and rural broadband, to focus their investments in distressed neighborhoods.

Then, last week  with less than a month until the presidential election  Clinton proposed an expansion of the tax credit for children. The expansion would benefit roughly 14 million families, according to an analysis by the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, including about 5 million people living in deep poverty (that is, whose incomes are less than half of the poverty threshold).

As large as those figures are, they still exclude many desperately poor Americans. There are more than 19 million people living in deep poverty, according to the most recent Census data. Under Clintons plan, benefits for families whose children are more than 5 years old would be limited. Poor adults without children would not benefit.

Helping children and families has been a theme of Clintons campaign. It was also a focus of her aides conversation about Sanders remarks in South Carolina. Staffer Corey Ciorciari suggested a plan that would allow unemployed parents to receive temporary child care, according to the hacked documents. Parents without earnings in the formal labor market would not benefit from Clintons recent proposal.

Policies that focus exclusively on helping the working poor have come in for criticism from advocates in the past, because the data suggests that American poverty is most acute for those who do not work.

Two in five households without workers are in deep poverty, according to research published by the Russell Sage Foundation. This figure increased sharply after the welfare legislation of 1996, which generally required beneficiaries to be working, looking for work or participating in some form of vocational training in order to receive cash benefits.

Advocates argue that the new system reduces poverty overall by rewarding recipients for working and encouraging them to earn more. Critics respond that those who are not working may be physically unable to work, unable to find a vacancy or busy taking care of loved ones.

What welfare reform did, in my view, was to go after some of the weakest and most vulnerable people in this country, Sanders said at the press conference in February.

Clintons staffers confronted not only that criticism, but also the memory of the attacks that former Republican nominee Mitt Romney deployed against Obama in 2012.

If they want more stuff from government tell them to go vote for the other guy  more free stuff, Romney told donors.

clinton-poor
BEIRUT  Airstrikes on rebel-held areas in the northern province of Aleppo Monday killed at least 36 people, including children, opposition activists said, as violence in Syria continued while a major operation began against the Islamic State group in neighboring Iraq.

Most of the deaths were in the village of Oweijel just west of the city of Aleppo, where at least 23 people were killed in an airstrike that also wounded dozens, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Another monitoring group, the Local Coordination Committees, said the air raid was carried out by Russian warplanes and put the death toll at 30.

More than a dozen people were also killed in a besieged eastern rebel-held neighborhood in Aleppo. The eastern parts of the city, Syrias largest, have been subjected in recent weeks to the worst aerial attacks in years. The airstrikes have claimed hundreds of lives, wounded many others and demolished entire buildings. Opposition activists have blamed Russian and Syrian government warplanes for the strikes.

The Observatory said Mondays airstrikes hit in the Marjeh neighborhood. The Aleppo Media Center, an activist collective, said those killed included 11 people with the same family name of Qabs ranging from a month-and-a-half-old baby girl to a 25-year-old man.

Mondays airstrikes coincided with the launch in neighboring Iraq of a major operation by Iraqi and Kurdish forces, backed by the U.S.-led coalition, to retake the city of Mosul from the Islamic State group. There have been concerns the government in Damascus could use the timing of the Mosul offensive to press its onslaught in Aleppo while world attention is diverted to developments in Iraq.

Also Monday, Syrian state media claimed 49 rebels were killed and wounded in fighting in the neighborhoods of Sheikh Saeed and Shurfa on the southern edges of Aleppo.

In the nearby province of Idlib, a U.S.-led coalition drone struck a car in the provincial capital that carries the same name, killing all inside, according to the Observatory and a jihadi official. It was not immediately clear who was in the vehicle, but such attacks have previously targeted officials with al-Qaidas affiliate in Syria, known as Fatah al-Sham Front.

The Observatory said the attack targeted a faction commander. An official with Fatah al-Sham Front, formerly known as Nusra Front, said all those in the car were martyred. The man, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said it was not clear if members of his group were targeted.

Earlier this month, a drone attack killed top al-Qaida official Ahmed Salama Mabrouk.

The United States and Britain on Sunday acknowledged the Western worlds weak support for any military action against Syrias government as they seek ways to pressure Syrian President Bashar Assad and his chief backer, Russia, to halt the deadly Aleppo offensive.

After a meeting of 11 governments opposing Assads rule, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson each insisted that all options were on the table. But their stark explanations about the danger of resorting to military force appeared to rule out such a move.

The government in Damascus, meanwhile, appears to be trying to improve relations with Egypt, the Arab worlds most populous nation, following the first public meeting between Egyptian and Syrian security chiefs.

Maj. Gen. Ali Mamlouk, head of the National Security Bureau and one of Assads top aides, visited Cairo Sunday at the head of a delegation to coordinate with Egypt in the fight against terrorism in the region, Syrias state-run news agency SANA said.

SANA said the Syrians met with top intelligence officials, including deputy chief of Egypts intelligence agency. It said both sides agreed on coordinating political standpoints and strengthening the cooperation in fighting terrorism. Egypts pro-government Sada al-Balad and other news websites reported on Sunday that six Syrians arrived on a private jet from Damascus.

Earlier this month, Egypt voted for rival French and Russian draft resolutions on Syria at the U.N. Security Council, arguing that both called for a truce and for aid for besieged Syrians in the rebel-held areas of the northern city of Aleppo.

The move angered Egypts major financier Saudi Arabia, which supports rebels fighting against Assads Moscow-backed government.

Egypt and Syria are both fighting extremists, including members of the Islamic State group. Both countries also have poor relations with Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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Associated Press writer Albert Aji contributed to this report from Damascus, Syria.
CHARLES CITY | A Charles City man accused of squeezing an infant and twisting its arm behind its back was sentenced Monday to up to 10 years in prison for child endangerment resulting in serious injury.

William Khuns, 21, was arrested March 8 by the Charles City Police Department.

In August 2015 Khuns squeezed the babys ribs until they broke, according to the criminal complaints.

Police also allege that in September 2015 he twisted the infants right arm behind its back until he heard a pop.

The baby had numerous serious injuries, including nine broken bones, according to the police.

He originally as charged with two felony counts of child endangerment resulting in serious injury. He pleaded guilty to one of the counts last month. The second count has been dismissed.

A $1,000 fine was suspended.

-- Mary Pieper
FBI Director James B. Comey told a gathering of police chiefs that despite a wave of protests prompted by fatal police shootings of black men and boys, Americans actually have no idea about how often police use force because nobody has collected enough data.

Comey praised police officers who he said were serving during a uniquely difficult time, but said that the steady stream of videos showing police officers using deadly force  a series of widely seen recordings that have stretched from the death of Eric Garner in New York two years ago to the killing, last month, of Keith Scott in Charlotte  has helped fuel a bleak perception of law enforcement.

It is a narrative that has formed, in the absence of good information and in the absence of actual data, and it is this: Biased police are killing black men at epidemic rates, Comey told the International Association of Chiefs of Police on Sunday at the groups annual conference in San Diego. That is the narrative. It is a narrative driven by video images of real misconduct, possible misconduct, and perceived misconduct.

However, Comey once again decried the lack of information gathered nationally about police encounters with civilians, saying that in the absence of better data, Americans who see such videos over and over and over again take them as further proof of nationwide police brutality. And he again linked these videos and the unrest to the increasing homicide numbers in many major American cities.

In a nation of almost a million law enforcement officers and tens of millions of police encounters each year, a small group of videos serve as proof of an epidemic, he said, according to a transcript of his remarks released by the FBI.

Comeys speech was delivered three days after the Justice Department announced that it would move forward with plans to collect better data about fatal police encounters as well as other times police use force. And his remarks come as a years-long debate over policing has continued to grip the country, surging to the forefront of national headlines again and again following fatal incidents in Ferguson, Cleveland, Chicago, Baltimore, Baton Rouge and Charlotte.

These protests show little sign of abating, flaring up over the summer and again last month with tense, sometimes violent demonstrations in Charlotte. They also tend to be viewed very differently by black and white Americans.

Law enforcement officers, meanwhile, have said they are increasingly anxious amid the demonstrations and feel as though they are facing increasing dangers as well as unfair criticism, a tension that was supercharged over the summer following fatal shootings of and by police in Texas, Minnesota and Louisiana.

Comey said law enforcement officers have told him that they are facing unique challenges and that many in policing have called this the hardest time in their careers. He said that the narrative that policing is biased and violent and unfair threatens the future of American law enforcement, even as he acknowledged that there are officers or agencies who act improperly.

There are bad cops, he said. There are departments with troubled cultures. Unfortunately, people are flawed. In any large group, there will be bad ones. All professions want to find and root out the bad ones.

But he went on to add: Police officers are overwhelmingly good people. They are overwhelmingly people who took exhausting, dangerous jobs because they want to help people. They chose lives of service over self, lives of moral content, because thats who they are.

Comey also said that Americans actually have no idea whether the number of black people or brown people or white people being shot by police has gone up or down, nor if any group is more likely to be shot by police, given the incomplete data available. (He highlighted a recent paper from a Harvard economist on the issue that has sparked some controversy.)

There were 10.7 million arrests in this country last year, and many times that number of encounters between officers and civilians, he said. Out of those tens of millions of encounters, how many people were shot? What did they look like? What were the circumstances? Is deadly force use trending up or down? Where is it worst and where is it best? Nobody knows.

There is some data available on at least a recent, limited set of encounters. The Washington Posts database tracking fatal shootings by police found that black people are being shot at 2.5 times the rate of white people this year, about the same as last year. This database only tracks deadly shootings, and so it does not account for any other deaths or uses of force.

During his speech, Comey also again connected the ongoing protests over police to a recent spike in homicides nationwide. The FBI found that violent crimes and homicides went up last year, fueled by a surge in homicides in a number of major cities, an increase that is continuing in many of these areas this year.

Comey has said multiple times that he is concerned that police officers are acting less aggressively amid the flood of videos and protests, an idea that he has expressed despite pushback from some law enforcement officials, civil rights activists and the White House.

The idea that police are stepping back amid the increased scrutiny is generally known as the Ferguson effect, taking its name from the Missouri city where a white police officer fatally shot a black 18-year-old in 2014. This has also been called the YouTube effect because of video recordings of police actions that can spread online.

Comey has said he resists the term Ferguson effect, during remarks to reporters earlier this year about the surge in homicides. He instead called it a a sort of viral video effect that he believed could well be at the heart of this or could well be an important factor in the increase in killings.

On Sunday, Comey again said he was concerned about whether officers were becoming less likely to make proactive moves like approaching a group of kids on a street corner at midnight.

Or, as you have told me, do they first ask themselves, Could this get me famous or dead?' he said to the police chiefs. And the answer changes policing and changes neighborhoods.

He also questioned whether a lack of public trust in police could make witnesses withhold information that could help officers solve crimes, saying that into the gap of distrust fall more dead young black men. In a report released this summer, criminologist Richard Rosenfeld put forward a similar theory while saying he believes there is a connection between crime levels and criticism of police.

Even as demonstrations against police shootings have recurred from coast to coast, a Washington Post database found that police are on pace to fatally shoot the same number of people this year as last year, showing that the intense focus has done little to affect the overall rate of these incidents. At the same conference where Comey spoke, a new training program aimed at de-escalating incidents and reducing shootings was being rolled out to police chiefs.

The Post launched its database last year to fill a void left by the incomplete federal data, which relied on police departments voluntarily reporting shootings. As a result, the FBI never recorded more than 460 fatal police shootings in a single year over the last four decades; The Posts database found more than double that number last year.

Comey has criticized the lack of data before and called it unacceptable. The FBI plans to launch a pilot program early next year to begin collecting use-of-force statistics nationwide and create the first online national database on both deadly and nonfatal interactions the public has with law enforcement, to try to better track overall uses of force.

However, while Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch can impose financial penalties on law enforcement agencies that fail to report cases where people die in police custody or during interactions with officers, there is no similar penalty for agencies that do not report nonfatal encounters, so the database will again rely on voluntary reporting.

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A new initiative slated for the ballot in Washington state next month would create the first-ever carbon tax to be implemented in the United States. But while the initiative promises to fight climate change by making it more expensive to emit greenhouse gases, its caused an unexpected controversy among environmentalists.

Despite the endorsement of dozens of climate scientists and economists, many environmental groups have refused to support it at all, citing concerns about the proposals revenue projections, its approach to the involvement of disadvantaged communities, and a lack of true investment in clean energy.

Initiative 732 began as a grassroots campaign known as Carbon Washington, founded by environmental economist and stand-up comedian Yoram Bauman. If successful, it would become one of just a few ever to be implemented in North America and the first in the United States.

The idea of a carbon tax is to place a tax on the carbon that people or industries emit or on the fossil fuels they purchase, thus providing an incentive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I-732 proposes a starting fee of $15 per ton of carbon, increasing to $25 in the second year, and then gradually growing over the next few decades to a maximum of $100 per ton.

The scheme is designed to be revenue-neutral, meaning it wont produce any additional income for the state. Instead, the proposal calls for a reduction in other taxes, including the state sales tax, which many activists consider one of the most regressive taxes in the nation. Because Washington has no income tax, the sales tax currently provides a major portion of the states revenue, thereby forcing lower income households to pay a greater percentage of their total income in taxes.

Our approach has been to directly put money back into the pockets of low-income people, Bauman told The Washington Post.

While support from individual politicians has come largely from Democrats in the legislature, the initiative has garnered endorsements from a few key Republican state senators as well. Its also gained substantial support from the scientific community. Last week, more than 50 climate scientists from the University of Washington published an open letter expressing their support for Initiative 732.

Nonetheless, the proposal has caused an unexpected controversy among local social and environmental groups. Many have expressed concerns about the initiatives revenue projections, which they fear may actually end up costing the state money. Washingtons State Department of Revenue has estimated the proposal could reduce state income by about nearly $800 million in its first six years. The initiatives organizers, on the other hand, predict a slightly revenue-positive effect.

An independent analysis by the Sightline Institute, a Northwest think tank focusing on environmental health and social justice issues, suggested the proposal would result in an annual shortfall of about $80 million, but it has also cautioned that this number comes to less than half a percent of the states overall tax revenue. Taking this into consideration, and keeping in mind the uncertainties associated with budget forecasting, the institute concluded that I-732 is revenue neutral, to the best of anyones ability to forecast it and added that as an argument against I-732, therefore, the revenue hole case is a red herring.

Yet the issue remains a concern for some.

Despite the initiatives intent to be revenue neutral, the state Office of Financial Management has analyzed the policy and found that enacting it would create a $797 million hole over the next three biennia in the already insufficient state budget, the Washington Environmental Council said in a statement affirming its decision not to support Initative 732.

The state chapter of the Sierra Club acknowledged the Sightline Institutes projections, but has still decided not to support I-732, noting in a statement, At a time when our state needs additional revenue to fund education, parks, environmental programs, and social services, we are concerned about any projected revenue cuts.

Some groups have also expressed dissatisfaction with what they see as the initiatives failure to adequately consult with disadvantaged communities about how the measure might best serve their needs. Bauman insists the proposal is designed to benefit disadvantaged communities by reforming a regressive state tax system and putting money directly back into the pockets of low-income communities.

We think we have an incredibly strong case to be made that our policy is not only great climate policy, but great tax policy and great social justice policy, he said.

Finally, one of the biggest complaints revolves around claims that the revenue-neutral proposal, by its very nature, doesnt specifically funnel revenue back into investments in clean energy and other climate friendly policies. Because a carbon tax, by definition, uses the market to drive change, some groups have argued that its success at reducing fossil fuel consumption is uncertain unless its combined with additional green investment strategies. But the revenue couldnt be used to offset other taxes if it was instead going to be spent on energy investments.

Bauman, for his part, pointed out that a few environmental groups who have declined to support I-732 are currently involved in an agreement with the TransAlta Corp., which operates a coal-fired power plant in Centralia, Wash. The agreement, signed in 2012 and in force through 2025, calls for the plant to eventually transition away from coal burning and, during that process, for all participants to accept and not oppose the sale of coal transition power from the facility to potential buyers. Signers included Sierra Club, the Washington Environmental Council, Climate Solutions and the NW Energy Coalition.

Sierra Clubs senior campaign representative in Washington, Doug Howell, has said in a statement that there is absolutely no connection between the historic Transalta transition agreement or the Memorandum of Understanding, which put Washington states only coal-fired power plant on a legally enforceable retirement schedule, and our stance on I-732. We took a Do Not Support position because I-732 does not guarantee investments in clean energy, climate resiliency and green jobs creation are made  particularly in communities most vulnerable to climate change.

Initiative 732 has still maintained the support of other environmental groups, notably the National Audubon Societys Washington office. According to Gail Gatton, executive director of Audubon Washington, surveys suggested tabout 70 percent of the states membership supported the initiative.

The message that we heard over and over from people was one of urgency, she said. People felt like they did not have time to wait for another solution. This is the only initiative on our ballot. It does what we need it to do, which is reduce the carbon emissions that are causing climate change.  I think for Audubon, climate policy isnt really about money. It really is about what will reduce the carbon emissions.

Other reports have also suggested that the Sierra Clubs official Do Not Support stance was contested by its Washington membership.

For now, the future of the initiative remains uncertain as the vote approaches. But Bauman is optimistic. A recent poll suggested that 42 percent of voters were in favor, 37 percent opposed and 21 remain undecided. These numbers are slightly up from a separate August poll that suggested 34 percent in favor and 37 percent opposed.

As crunch time nears, a group of millennials from the I-732 campaign have published an open letter to the leaders of some of the national groups that have failed to support the initiative, calling on them to change their stance. Should the initiative pass, Bauman hopes that it will lead to similar measures on a national scale.

We think we have a great shot at winning a policy thats not only going to make a big difference in Washington State, but that can potentially set the stage for bipartisan action nationally, he said.

climate-tax
At 5 1/2 feet tall, its face fixed between a grin and a grimace, the humanoid robot Kengoro is something of a synthetic Arnold Schwarzenegger. That is not to say the machine, created by the University of Tokyos JSK laboratory, is a recursive time-traveling assassin. Rather, Kengoro is a sweaty beefcake among metal bipeds.

The average two-legged machine does not have Kengoros stamina. For a svelte robot, Kengoro is strong, powered by 108 motors. Thanks to this large number of motors plus a unique metal frame, Kengoro can hammer out push-ups for 11 minutes straight.

But Kengoros true superpower, so to speak, is that it can perspire.

Were Kengoro flesh and blood, its feat of upper-body strength would not merit a second glance from the keepers of the Guinness World Records. When American Charles Linster set a then-record for nonstop push-ups, in 1965  6,006 push ups in a row  his groundbreaking exercise lasted more than three hours.

For the average robot, however, 11 minutes of such exertion could spell hot, hot catastrophe.

Like humans, robots generate heat when they perform tasks. Overheating may lead to failure. As engineers from Carnegie Mellon University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute noted in 2015, in a postmortem analyzing the three-year DARPA Robotics Challenge, successful roboticists put a lot of emphasis on heat dissipation and thermal management in their robot and control system designs.

To that end, robots are designed with heat sinks, fins, fans and other cooling systems, although these often require their own power sources or add bulk to a frame. Not Kengoro. The robots passive water-based cooling system is three times more efficient than using air to cool, according to IEEE Spectrum. (A dedicated radiator might still do a better job than either, IEEE noted, but would add weight and expense while decreasing the space reserved for motors.)

The University of Tokyo lab  famous for its humanoid robots, like one that mimics human musculature or the one that does the dishes  presented the machine recently at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers/Robotics Society of Japan International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, under the title Skeletal Structure with Artificial Perspiration for Cooling by Latent Heat for Musculoskeletal Humanoid Kengoro. The artificial perspiration in question is a cup of deionized water, a purified type of water that lacks dissolved minerals and salts. This water bubbles through Kengoros porous frame and must be replaced roughly every 12 hours.

To create Kengoros aluminum skeleton, the roboticists used a laser to bond metal powder into bones of varying density. Some of those support structures had few holes, but others were riddled with tiny gaps. Filling the metal bones with water kept Kengoro chill. (As horses and humans can appreciate, when sweat evaporates as a gas from our skin, the vapor takes heat with it.) Smart layering of the holey structures allowed the water to run through channels within Kengoros frame, pass to an outer level and evaporate, all without a moist robot dribbling on the floor.

Usually the frame of a robot is only used to support forces, University of Tokyos Toyotaka Kozuki said in an interview with IEEE. Our concept was adding more functions to the frame, using it to transfer water, release heat, and at the same time support forces.

Scientists are exploring new methods to keep things chill with tiny holes, and those methods are not just for mechanical bipeds, either. As Stanford University researchers demonstrated in September, a new type of plastic, breathable fabric with nano-sized pores could wick out bodily radiation  the ideal cooling duds for increasingly oppressive summers.


Over the past few years, Haris Qamar became fascinated with the Islamic State. But he found little support.

When he bought a plane ticket to Turkey in 2014, his parents would not give him his passport. When he instead focused on posting pro-Islamic State messages on Twitter, he was befriended not by a fellow true believer but by an undercover informant. His circle of friends had grown tired of debating Middle East politics; in the informant, Qamar found an eager confidant.

That informant helped federal authorities prosecute Qamar, 26, of Fairfax County, Virginia, who on Monday pleaded guilty in Alexandria federal court to attempting to help the Islamic State militant group.

According to court documents, Qamar told the informant that he had an unlimited appetite for violence against nonbelievers and that he watched videos of Islamic State executions many times. On another occasion, the court filing shows, he asked the informant whether he would like to behead someone using a table saw.

The informant encouraged Qamar to take video of landmarks around Washington that the Brooklyn native thought would be used in an Islamic State video.

In court Monday, Qamar said that as far as I understand, it was a propaganda campaign meant to inspire fear, not coordinate actual attacks. But prosecutors say he understood that the video would be used to explicitly encourage lone-wolf attacks in the country.

Qamars father, Qamar Abbas, said in an interview that his son has said since his arrest that he was living in an imaginary world fueled by what he read online.

A friend who asked not to be identified out of concern for his own privacy said Qamar had shown increasing interest in the Islamic State over the past two years. Qamar was motivated initially by a belief that the group was rebuilding homes and defending Muslim women from violence and sexual assault, the friend said, as well as anger over U.S. military involvement overseas. Qamar began reading news sites that painted a skewed picture of what was happening in Iraq and Syria, the friend said. The Islamic State controls territory in both those countries.

The informant exploited Qamars beliefs and desire to be helpful, Abbas said, telling the young man that his family had been killed.

Qamar was a friendly-minded person, Abbas said, a very soft-hearted person who had never before caused any kind of trouble.

The friend said Qamars parents, who are immigrants from Pakistan, were livid when they learned that their son was hoping to join the Islamic State and temporarily kicked him out of the house. Qamar likewise told the informant, according to the court documents, that his father might commit suicide if he succeeded in joining the Islamic State abroad.

Abbas said he has a guilty conscience for not being able to stop his son from going down this path but said the boy is a grown-up.

The friend doubted that Qamar would have lasted long in the Islamic State.

Abbas said that the informant had encouraged Qamar to try to go abroad again and that Qamar declined.

Other friends had no idea that Qamar harbored any terrorist sympathies, describing him as a laid-back and friendly gamer.

His hobbies always changed, and he always had a hard time to decide his career, where he wanted to go, said Yun Li, who went to high school and college with Qamar. Haris was a great guy to be with when it comes to friendship . . . funny, and helpful to others who needed help.

Qamars sentencing is set for Jan. 6. Judge Leonie Brinkema said the guidelines in the case call for a sentence of 151 to 188 months.

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The U.S. Department of Justice and the University of New Mexico have reached an agreement to improve the way the university handles sexual assault and harassment.

The DOJ investigation, launched in December 2014, found that UNM had failed to comply with federal gender anti-discrimination laws.

We are deeply committed to civil rights enforcement, and sexual assault and sexual harassment are civil rights issues, said U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez of the District of New Mexico in a Monday statement. Students have the right to live and learn in a safe educational environment, and this agreement provides the foundation that UNM will build on to ensure that this right is both recognized and respected.

Under the agreement, UNM will be required to provide comprehensive and effective training that would give notice of UNMs policies on sexual misconduct for all on campus. Other requirements include revising policies and adequately investigating all allegations of sexual harassment, including allegations of retaliation for reporting sexual harassment.

The DOJ findings included criticisms of UNMs labyrinthine policies on sexual assault and lengthy investigations. Since then, UNM officials have started to address some of those criticisms. For example, they have streamlined the way they investigate reports of sexual misconduct and hired more investigators. Staff also have begun looking to trim redundant or confusing policies, UNM President Bob Frank said this summer.

Earlier this year, UNM administrators shared the result of a 3,000 person survey that found nearly one in 10 students said they had been sexually assaulted while at UNM, and that nearly one in four reported they had been sexually harassed within the past year.

This is a developing story. Check back for more information as it becomes available.

President of UNM Bob Frank said he was pleased with the quickness with which the agreement was met.

It will benefit UNM to have our commitments going forward clearly stated to ensure that our campus maintains a caring and safe educational environment with fair processes for all, he said in a statement to the Journal.
Hillary Clinton said again last week that she would not add a penny to the national debt, repeating a claim she made during her first debate with her Republican rival.

This claim is, at best, an exaggeration. Under Clintons policies, the national debt held by the public would increase from roughly $14 billion today to more than $23 trillion in a decade, according to an analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Thats an increase of $9 trillion.

Clinton could offer several compelling arguments about the national debt without resorting to hyperbole.

While $9 trillion might sound like a colossal amount of money, it is less significant in the context of Americas already sizable national debt and continually expanding economy. Some economists, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, have even argued that an increase in the national debt could be beneficial.

In any case, as Clinton correctly noted, Donald Trumps plans could increase the national debt above $28 trillion, according to the analysis. He has proposed both ambitious new federal expenditures along with historic reductions in taxes, which would force the government to borrow.

Heres how the candidates policies would affect the national debt.

Measuring the debt

Talking about the size of the national debt in terms of trillions of dollars can be misleading. For a smaller country, $14 trillion in debt could be an overwhelming burden, but the U.S. economy is vast and still expanding.

For these reasons, economists usually talk about the national debt as a percentage of the broader economy. Under Clintons proposals, the debt would increase from about 77 percent of the gross domestic product today to 86 percent in a decade.

Clintons defenders might argue that this increase is not noticeably different from current projections. Clinton has proposed new spending, but she has also proposed new taxes to pay for almost all of her programs. She would not increase the national debt by much more than it is increasing already.

The national debt is indeed increasing, though, and Clintons policies would not mitigate this increase. Since the debt is already at elevated levels relative to the past several decades, some economists would likely argue that her policies are imprudent  and that is her responsibility as a presidential candidate to find ways of keeping the national debt in check.

You wouldnt know that we have an unsustainable fiscal path from the debate were having right now, Rudolph Penner, a former director of the Congressional Budget Office, told the Wall Street Journal last year.

On the other hand, some economists argue for an increase in debt. Markets are sending a clear signal that they want more, not less, government debt, Summers wrote earlier this year.

He argues that by borrowing money to invest in useful projects, the government could make the economy more efficient and productive, while stimulating demand for goods and services by putting more money in the pockets of its employees, contractors and taxpayers.

It is worth debating whether the national debt should increase or decrease, and by how much. Yet Clintons claim she would not increase the debt as president is misleading, however the debt is measured.

Borrowing trillions

Meanwhile, Trump has laid out policies that would increase the national debt to 105 percent of gross domestic product after a decade  a level not seen since the end of the Second World War, when the federal government borrowed heavily to finance the war effort.

Trump has claimed that his policies would be deficit neutral, meaning that they would not require the government to borrow more relative to current projections. Since Trump has called for reducing taxes substantially, he would also have to reduce federal spending in order for the government to avoid borrowing more.

Yet Trump has also said he will not reduce spending on entitlements or the military, which together account for the bulk of the federal budget. Meanwhile, he has also called for major new expenditures on infrastructure and a wall on the Mexican border. Independent analysts are skeptical that Trump will be able to avoid adding trillions to the national debt.

One of Trumps economic advisers conceded this point last month, making the argument that a major increase in the debt would be good for the country.

A majority of Americans believe that Trump would handle the federal budget deficit better than Clinton, according to polling by Gallup. Aside from those professional economists who do want the deficit increased, the public is probably mistaken. The federal government would likely borrow trillions more under Trump than Clinton.

clinton-econ
NEW YORK  If you buy tomatoes from John Banscher at his farmstand in New Jersey, hell recommend keeping them out of the fridge or theyll lose some of their taste.

Now scientists have figured out why: Its because some of their genes chill out, says a study that may help solve that problem.

Cooling tomatoes below 54 degrees stops them from making some of the substances that contribute to their taste, according to researchers who dug into the genetic roots of the problem.

That robs the fruit of flavor, whether it happens in a home refrigerator or in cold storage before the produce reaches the grocery shelf, they said.

With the new detailed knowledge of how that happens, maybe we can breed tomatoes to change that, said researcher Denise Tieman of the University of Florida in Gainesville.

She and colleagues there, in China and at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, report their findings in a paper published Monday by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

They showed that after seven days of storage at 39 degrees, tomatoes lost some of their supply of substances that produce their characteristic aroma, which is a key part of their flavor. Three days of sitting at room temperature didnt remedy that, and a taste test by 76 people confirmed the chilled tomatoes werent as good as fresh fruit.

Tomatoes stored for just one or three days didnt lose their aroma substances.

Further research showed that the prolonged chilling reduced the activity of certain genes that make those compounds, Tieman said.

Her lab is already looking into the possibility of breeding tomatoes that dont lose flavor in the cold, she said.

In the meantime, Just leave them out on the counter, or leave them in a shaded area, something like that, said Banscher, whose farm is in Gloucester County. A tomato has a decent shelf life.

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Online:

Journal: http://www.pnas.org

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Follow Malcolm Ritter at http://twitter.com/malcolmritter His recent work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/malcolm-ritter
Suppose a pollster calls you up and asks you who youd rather vote for: Your member of Congress, or his or her challenger in November? Most people would have trouble answering that question because they dont know who their member of Congress is.

Now suppose a pollster calls you up and asks you this instead: Which party would you rather serve you in Congress, a Democrat or a Republican? Or even this question: Which party do you want to control Congress in November, Republicans or Democrats?

Most people would be able to answer those without any frantic Googling. Its a good gut-check question, and thats why pollsters ask the bland-yet-appropriately named generic ballot question about congressional races. And its why were going to talk about them today.

Generic ballot questions are generally a good indicator of how Americans feel about any given party at any given moment. And because most people vote for their member of Congress based on party, generic ballot questions are also helpful data points to game out which party is going to control the House of Representatives in January.

Theres no one magic number, and generic balloting isnt perfect at predicting wins, but history suggests Democrats need to have a much bigger lead (6 to 7 points) in this question than Republicans (3-ish points) to win a majority in the House. And despite the fact that Donald Trumps wobbling campaign has opened the door a crack for House Democrats, generic balloting from this past weekend suggest Americans arent all that keen about having a Democratic Congress.

In new Washington Post -ABC News and NBC News  Wall Street Journal polls, likely voters say they prefer Democrats in the House over Republicans by 3 percentage points.

Three points for Democrats is a small margin that can basically be read as flat. Democrats tend to have a 2-3 point advantage for the simple reason there are slightly more Democrats than Republicans in the country, says Stu Rothenberg, a political House handicapper and Washington Post columnist. That doesnt mean all of those Democratic voters will cast ballots  and historically, GOP voters are more likely to turn out. As The Fixs Aaron Blake notes, the fact that generic ballot polling is in such a small margin is good news for House Republicans.

Its when Democrats have a six or seven point lead that they can start getting excited/Republicans can start to worry, Rothenberg says.

As recently as a week ago, it seemed there was reason for both: An NBC-Wall Street Journal poll taken in the days after Trumps 2005 tape leaked found Democrats had a 7-point margin in this generic ballot question. Since the tape came out, Republican operatives have tracked an average 4-point drop in support for Republicans in competitive districts.

But things can change quickly. And generic balloting is not the be-all, end-all polling question for which party is going to control the House. (Unfortunately, no such question exists.)

Since were all about trying to game out Nov. 8 before Nov. 8, lets delve into what recent history can tell us.

In 2008, Democrats went into Election Day with a 9-point advantage among likely voters in the generic ballot question, according to the RealClearPolitics average of this question. They netted 21 seats and expanded their majority.

In 2010, Republicans had a 9+-point advantage in the generic ballot question. And the Republican Party won 63 seats and the majority.

In 2012, the generic ballot question was basically tied, and Republicans lost eight House seats while GOP nominee Mitt Romney lost by four points.

In 2014, Republicans had a two-point advantage, and they netted 13 seats.

In 2016, generic ballot polling in recent weeks has shown Democrats with a 10, then 7, now 3 point advantage. If Democrats margin holds at three on Which party do you want to represent you in Congress?, it suggests that even in a world where the Republican GOP nominee is incredibly unpopular, Americans arent necessarily thrilled about the idea of a Democratic Congress.

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Until the upheaval of 2015, Europe was home to the worlds most open frontiers. But within months, a messy effort to halt a mass flow of migrants fleeing wars in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan cascaded into the construction of more border fences than anywhere else on the globe. For the most part, the once-open door to Europe has closed.



At the height of the crisis in 2015, many European nations felt overwhelmed. The sheer number of migrant arrivals  nearly 5,000 a day in southern Europe alone  shocked the continent.

Some Europeans welcomed the refugees, arguing that they had a moral duty to aid people displaced by war. But fears also surfaced and a backlash grew, especially in such countries as Austria and Hungary.

The European Union had no system in place to properly vet the newcomers  at a time when jihadists who fought in Syria with the Islamic State were seeking to reenter Europe. The fact that the influx also included economic migrants passing themselves off as asylum seekers did not help.

Facing an influx of more than 3,000 people a day, Hungary built a 109-mile barrier along its border with Croatia. Ultimately, Hungary, a major transit nation, would construct more new miles of fence than any other E.U. nation.

The fences resulted in a huge drop in arrivals to Hungary, but they did not stop migration. Many migrants simply shifted routes and entered neighboring nations. Soon, other countries began to build fences of their own.

Among the countries facing new pressure was Austria, which had prided itself on welcoming migrants. When fresh crowds of refugees headed from closed-off Hungary toward Austria and Slovenia, Austrias attitude began to change.

As migrants passed through on their way north, Austria built its own fence and a control station in Spielfeld, on the border with Slovenia.

Reinhold Hoflechner, Conservative mayor of the municipality that includes Spielfeld, said, There is not enough space here in Europe. The welcome culture that was customary here at the beginning was an absolute mistake and now we have to handle the effects. All these people that came over the border were not checked and not registered.

No one was asked who they are, what they want, where they want to go, what intentions they have, which is no condition for a constitutional state like Austria. When the military drives around the region with loudspeakers making announcements in Arabic and goes into villages, you have to understand that people get very concerned. The population more or less demanded the fence.

Leo Josefus, an official with the local police on the Austria-Slovenia border, recalls scenes of bedlam at the height of the human flows.

Maybe you still remember the scene of Spielfeld when thousands of people  6,000  stayed in a field at the same time.  We were under a lot of pressure at that time. The situation was this; we built a border fence. On March 6, the last refugee crossed the border here. Then it stopped, Josefus said.

Austrias fence isnt much to look at; it runs just 3.8 miles in length. One purpose is to funnel migrants toward border controls. But it delivers a clear message: The doors to Austria are closed and migrants are no longer welcome.

To some locals, though, especially farmers, the fences arent an intimidating deterrent  frequent gaps allow people or animals to pass through. With migrant entries at a low, scenes at the fences these days are more pastoral than chaotic.



It took more than fences, though, before Europe finally slowed the migrant flow.

Most of the fences were built in the final months of 2015, but it wasnt until February 2016 that the tide of asylum seekers began to ease. The new ingredient was diplomacy, as European countries began to band together instead of simply acting on their own.

Austria again emerged as a key player, as public opinion turned against the still-arriving refugees, swayed by nationalist politicians who portrayed the migrants, most of whom were Muslim, as a cultural invasion.

In early February, with a presidential election looming, Austria sent its foreign minister, Sebastian Kurz, to visit six Balkan countries in six days to build a coalition to limit migration.

Austria used its influence as a major investor in the Balkans, along with pledges to redouble its support for closer ties between those nations and the E.U., to forge a deal aimed at stemming the flow of refugees. During a stop in Macedonia, the Austrian minister offered police, vehicles and other equipment to help secure its borders.

In two days, the daily arrivals to these countries dropped to a few dozen.

In the following weeks, the diplomacy would expand to include a deal between the E.U. and Turkey that required Turkish authorities to step up policing along the Aegean coast, where most migrants were setting out for Europe.

This coordinated effort largely worked  reducing the flood of migrants to a trickle and sending a deterrent message to desperate migrants across the Middle East and beyond.

But the picture is different for those who have been locked out. In Greece, the newly closed border with Macedonia left thousands stranded in miserable camps, stopped by barbed wire and armed guards.

Frustration mounted, erupting in clashes such as one on April 10 between stranded migrants and the Macedonian military. As migrants rushed the border fence, the Macedonians responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, resulting in dozens of injuries, including to children.

Zin Mamo, a Syrian refugee in Idomeni camp, Greece, said We thought about opposing by peaceful protest to open the borders. We did it three or four times, but it didnt work out. We also tried twice by force. We gained nothing  nothing but despair.

I am 19 years old. I used to study. I finished high school and went to the college of sciences. I studied biology for the first year but couldnt continue. I sometimes had to go to Aleppo or Latakia because the situation was terrible with the war.

She added, Our family is divided. There are so many expenses. Weve never lived like this before. Syria among the rubble is better than this situation.



Some in Europe are now asking whether the new walls are enough. To prevent migrants from crossing the English Channel, Britain is funding construction of a wall in Calais, France. Austria is preparing to erect more barriers if migrant numbers again begin to surge.

From the Middle East to the Arctic Circle, barriers are up. Arrivals are down.

There is reason for uneasiness. The E.U. deal with Turkey to halt the flow across the Aegean Sea is in danger of falling apart. European nations are charging Ankara with human rights abuses following a failed July coup attempt. Turkey has threatened to scrap the deal unless the E.U. honors its pledge to grant Turkish citizens visa-free access to the bloc.

The heavy weight of terrorism also hangs over the discussions, after revelations that attackers in Paris and Brussels entered Europe disguised as migrants. A wave of sexual assaults in Germany last New Years Eve has further inflamed anti-immigrant sentiment.

And yet, a continent that prided itself as the global standard-bearer for human rights is also confronting a moral dilemma. A plan to resettle migrants stranded in Greece has broken down as European countries reneged on pledges to accept them, and Greek officials have been slow to process asylum claims. Although the E.U. offered to relocate 66,000 migrants, it has so far absorbed only 4,134.

And those left behind appear willing to take fresh risks despite the new obstacles rising in their paths. Many will employ dangerous smugglers  precisely a pattern the Europeans say they were trying to break.

Charlotte Vestli, founder, Northern Lights Humanitarian Aid said, Every day we have people who said goodbye, Im leaving now and we are going to cross the border today, and they come back one or two days later telling that they had a not-so-very-pleasant meeting with the police in Macedonia.

And we also know families that have crossed or tried to cross by smugglers that they have been picked up here by night.

They get picked up here either by taxis or private cars and driven through the woods and then they have to wait for a while there and someone else comes to pick them up.

I think now they are thinking that this is their only chance. That they have to spend their last money to get smuggled over.

Like many others, Mamo decided to take the risk and leave.

Mamo said, Everyone says Hey, we found a smuggler and stuff like that.  To be honest, we thought about walking for 15 days through the mountains to reach Austria.

We thought we would walk together on our own. We would bring together 30 people we know, and follow the GPS for 15 days without being caught.

Even this thought crossed our minds. We actually gathered and wanted to do it, but they said that the mountains are dangerous, so we didnt go.

She embodies the fears, frustrations and challenges that asylum seekers fleeing war and poverty are still facing. Her journey is a metaphor for what was accomplished, what remains undone, and the limbo that so many have been left in.



It took many tries and nearly two years before Mamo and four of her siblings finally made it all the way from Aleppo, Syria, to Vienna, in the heart of Europe.

On their first five attempts, they were sent back and beaten by Turkish soldiers when they tried to cross the border from Syria. On their next try, they entered Turkey, but their travail was only beginning. They were exploited and conned in Turkey, which oppresses Kurds like them. They lost their money to smugglers, and they had to work for 18 months before they saved enough to continue. From Turkey they tried to cross the Bulgarian border twice, but they were sent back.They split up to cross by sea to Greece. Two of the sisters made it to Austria before the borders closed, but Mamo, another sister and a brother found themselves among those stranded on the Greek-Macedonian border.

It took two more months before they were smuggled across the militarized fence and walked for 15 days through Macedonia and Serbia. They waited 40 more days to be registered at the Hungarian border, and then they were smuggled again to Austria.

Today, Mamo and her siblings are together in Austria  but their parents are still in Syria, with no way to flee.

Turkey, too, has been building a concrete wall  this one on its southern border with Syria. This new barrier, along with so many others, has made it impossible for Mamos parents and hundreds of thousands like them to escape relentless war. Europe, too, is raising more fences  with Norway building one to stop migrants coming via Russia, and Britain and France putting up a barrier in Calais. Their message is clear: Keep out.



Video coding:

Migrants stuck at the Greece Macedonia border



Reinhold Hoflechner



Leo Josefus walking



Leo Josefus Spielfeld, Austria



Zin Mamo Story



Zin Mamo on smuggling



Zin Mamo Clashes



Idomeni Rain



Idomeni Mud



Charlotte Vestli at Hara Hotel



Militarization

barriers-europe
A retired four-star Marine Corps general who served as the nations second-ranking military officer pleaded guilty Monday to making false statements in a probe of a leak of classified information about a covert U.S.-Israeli cyberattack on Irans nuclear program.

James E. Hoss Cartwright, who served as deputy chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff before he retired in 2011, entered his plea in federal court in Washington before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon of D.C.

The plea came hours after the charge against Cartwright was announced by the office of U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein of Maryland.

U.S. officials in June 2013 disclosed that Cartwright was the target of a Justice Department investigation into a leak to New York Times reporter David E. Sanger of details about a highly classified operation to hobble Irans uranium-enrichment capability through cyber-sabotage  an effort not acknowledged by Israel or the United States.

Prosecutors in court documents accused Cartwright of falsely telling investigators he did not provide or confirm classified information to Sanger for his 2012 book, Confront and Conceal, and of falsely denying he did not confirm similar information in an email to Newsweek correspondent Daniel Klaidman.

In a written statement to reporters distributed after his plea, Cartwright said, It was wrong for me to mislead the FBI [in an voluntary interview] on Nov. 2, 2012, and I accept full responsibility.

Cartwright also said in the statement, I knew I was not the source of the story and I didnt want to be blamed for the leak. My only goal in talking to the reporters was to protect American interests and lives. He added, I love my country and continue to this day to do everything I can to defend it.

The false statements charge carries a maximum prison term of five years, but under a plea agreement both sides agreed to a recommendation of zero to six months at sentencing set for Jan. 17. Part of the sentencing proceeding, Leon said Monday, might be held in secret to discuss classified information.

FBI investigators focused on Cartwright in the fall of 2012, officials said. They interviewed him at least twice, according to people who are familiar with the case and who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation.

Part of the challenge of preparing the case was determining to what extent authorities who control the declassification of information  in this case the White House and the intelligence community  were willing to divulge information.

The Obama administration was also sensitive to its ally Israels concerns about revealing any information in a court case about the cyber operation.

Cartwright had White House authorization to speak with reporters, according to people familiar with the matter.

The false statement charge was, practically speaking, the stiffest charge the government was going to be able to bring given the challenges of building a prosecution in a case involving highly classified information, several current and former law enforcement officials said.

In such cases, prosecutors run into resistance from officials and agencies that want to keep the information under wraps. That is what happened here, the officials said. By 2014, it was clear the case was hitting roadblocks. White House officials, for instance, did not want to declassify material that would be important to the case.

But, during his interviews with FBI special agents, Cartwright made false statements, the government alleged. That gave prosecutors the grounds to bring the felony charge.

Clearly lying to the FBI is not that big a deal if you compare it to espionage, said a former federal law enforcement official, who like several others interviewed asked not to be identified because of the matters sensitivity. But sometimes its the only charge you can bring.

Still, the former official said, if you talk and lie, its much worse than not talking.

Cartwrights attorney, Gregory Craig, said in a written statement after the plea that in conversations with Sanger and Klaidman, Cartwright was engaged in a well-known and understood practice of attempting to save national secrets, not disclosing classified information. His effort to prevent publication of information that might harm American lives or national security does not constitute a violation of any law.

Craig added, Cartwrights offense was in statements he made to FBI agents investigating a leak  and that is the entire basis of his plea.

Legal analysts also noted that Cartwright was being charged with making false statements in connection with the leak investigation -and not with the leak itself. Nonetheless, the prosecution shows the Obama administration is seeking to send a message about unauthorized leaks of classified information, said Stephen Vladeck, a law professor at the University of Texas.

The charge against Cartwright, Vladeck said, is probably as much about protecting particular sources and methods as it is about the actual unlawful conduct.

I think the reality is that this trend will not stop leaking, Vladeck said. But I have to think it will at least dissuade this.

Klaidman declined comment Monday.

The long-running investigation was reportedly stalled last year by national security and diplomatic concerns, after Israel opposed confirming details of the operation in court. The United States was in the final stages of negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.

Cartwright helped design the cyber-campaign against Iran under President George W. Bush and was involved in its escalation under President Obama.

Details of the joint program, including its code name, Olympic Games, were revealed by Sanger in a book and article in June 2012. The sabotage of Iranian uranium centrifuges by the computer worm dubbed Stuxnet had emerged two years earlier, and security experts speculated that it was the work of the United States and Israel.

Neither the United States nor Israel has ever formally acknowledged their role in the cyberattack  the first known use of computer code to destroy another countrys critical system.

Disclosures about the operation set off a political controversy, with congressional Republicans charging that the White House had deliberately leaked information to enhance Obamas national security credentials as he sought reelection.

general
SIERRA VISTA, Arizona  This week, surrounded by family and friends, Tommie Waller finally got to celebrate a day that was 40 years in the making, when justice was finally handed down to the former North Iowa man who murdered her daughter.

On Tuesday, standing beside the grave of her daughter, Donna Marie Smith, Waller spoke about how, in many ways, this marked a new chapter in her life.

Theres going to be with more laughter, joy. Its not going to be any more heartaches. Im not going to talk about tears, because you never know when they will come, unexpected sometimes, Waller said.

That fateful day

Waller has shed countless tears since that day in March 1976, when she traveled up to Tucson to take Donna out shopping in celebration of her 20th birthday.

Things were going well for her daughter. She had recently enrolled in school and had a job.

However, Donna had recently moved in with a man she had known for just a few months, Bruce McCullough, a former Algona resident.

In secret phone calls made by Donna just a few weeks before their planned shopping trip, Waller learned that her daughter was eager to leave McCullough, but also fearful to do so.

When she arrived at her daughters home, knocks went unanswered and the feeling of uneasiness began to grow. She waited inside her car until a neighbor approached her and Waller said she had to get inside that house. The neighbor offered to help her through a back window.

I crawled across the bed, I got on the floor and I moved very slowly, because I had an uncomfortable feeling, Waller said from her Sierra Vista kitchen recently. Her other daughters Ruby Ivey and Linda Snow were at her side as she recounted that moment.

I turned to my left, and Donnas legs were protruding out of the bathroom door, Waller said.

Frantic, she called out to her daughter as she rushed to her side.

I bent down and touched her leg and it was cold, she said.

She yelled for help before remembering to unlock the front door. Not wanting to leave her daughters side, she struggled against the neighbor who brought her to his home to sit with his wife until a few moments later when police arrived.

It was lit up like a Christmas tree outside, Waller said, recalling that she was placed in the back of an ambulance.

I told them, you dont have to blow those sirens, Im not hurt. My daughter is hurt, she needs help, but they hauled me off to the hospital at that point, she said.

Remembering Donna

Sitting with their mother in her kitchen on a late September afternoon, Ivey and Snow recalled their younger sister as a caring, outgoing young girl who, before she was even 10 years old, mingled with their little cousins as well as she did the adults.

She was always for the underdog. She was just that kind of kind-hearted person, Snow said.

Some tough times were ahead, however. As she grew into her teens Donna began to struggle with addiction. She moved from place to place across the country and away from family for a number of years.

She was in Florida for a while. She was in California for a while, and when she came back is when she decided to live in Tucson. That was when she was about 18, Snow said.

Back in Arizona, Donna worked on a dude ranch and even planned on going back to school, enrolling in psychology and criminal justice courses at Pima Community College, transcripts show.

Because of her struggles, she felt that she wanted to be able to help others, Ivey said. To my knowledge, thats why she was taking the classes she was taking.

A criminal caught

Donna was robbed of any number of possible futures, however, by a man who later lived for 37 years under a different name in order to avoid arrest for her murder.

In the wake of Donna Wallers killing but before the murder became known to authorities, McCullough attempted suicide.

He was found and brought to the former Pima County Hospital, but not long after being treated he fled the hospital and then the state, said Nicol Green, the Pima County deputy attorney who prosecuted McCullough.

McCullough lived under an assumed identity in southern California for the next 37 years, until, in 2013, cold case detectives with the Tucson Police Department got a break in the case when McCullough used his real name to apply for medical benefits. Not long after, he was in custody.

When news of the arrest reached Waller, the emotions came like a flood.

The night that we got the call from the detectives, that he had been picked up in San Diego, golly I was crying one minute and laughing like a hyena the next, she said.

Though caught, the wheels of the court system moved slowly for McCullough, and he did not stand trial until August this year.

Between the time of his arrest and the start of the trial, the family sat in court proceedings as McCullough demanded new attorneys and filed motions that delayed the process.

For the last three years, hes got everything he wanted, Ivey said.

Swift verdict

The trial itself lasted just five days. In interviews with detectives following his arrest, McCullough admitted to causing the extensive injuries to Donnas head and face, but claimed self-defense, Green said.

However, the evidence left little doubt of his guilt.

It wasnt a cold case in that it wasnt solved, Green said. He just successfully fled and avoided justice for 40 years. Its a little different than the other kinds of cold cases, where you dont know who did it for a period of time or dont have enough to prove it.

I think that the three most powerful pieces of evidence were the photos of her injuries, the medical examiners testimony that described those injuries and how they would have been caused, and Bruce McCulloughs own statements.

On the final day of the trial the jury deliberated for less than an hour, returning a verdict of guilty of first-degree murder.

It was exciting, that we were getting justice, Waller said. I guess I lost it more at that time than any other time, but it was from happiness.

Despite attempts by McCullough to delay the process further, the judge sentenced him to life in prison.

Justice, 40 years on

Finally, justice having been served, Waller, her family and friends gathered at Donnas grave in the old post cemetery on Fort Huachuca to celebrate her memory with a short ceremony, including the release of 40 dove-shaped balloons.

It took the law and the court system 40 years to find a way to send McCullough down the river with no return, Waller said.

I am very thankful to God that it is finally over.

We all have peace now, and Donna has her peace, said Ivey, who asked those in attendance to sign a letter she wrote to her sister. I told her about the trial, that it was finally done. I told her shed be proud of her nephews, of her niece.

The feelings of joy, sadness and relief were on the faces of all those who attended.

Its like that justice was keeping something at bay, and now that weve got the justice, theres nothing to block all of the feelings that you may not even realize that you have, Snow said following the ceremony.

I couldnt talk about it for 37 years, Waller said as the balloons soared into the clear blue sky. I have a jolly heart. I got up this morning feeling that way. I feel no weight. Its just wonderful.
There are numerous proposals floating around Congress for reducing Americas gun violence epidemic, including:

Shutting down online gun sales.

Strengthening background checks.

And banning people on the terrorist watch list from purchasing firearms.

But in its latest PSA, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence has introduced a solution for ending gun-related deaths that youve probably never considered:

Cracking down on Americas toddlers.

Americans are shot by toddlers at least once a week, the one-minute video notes. We need to lock them up. Not the guns  thats just un-American. Round them up. Deport them. Get them out of our country. And keep them away from guns.

The idea of deporting toddlers is clearly satirical, but the organization claims that it highlights an actual problem.

This PSA is satire, Dan Gross, president of the Brady Campaign, said. But the public health crisis it calls attention to is anything but. Whether the trigger is pulled by a toddler, a convicted felon, domestic abuser or terrorist, we have a problem in America with guns too easily falling into the wrong hands. And that translates to hundreds of lives lost or changed forever every single day.

Last week, the Associated Press and USA Today released findings from a 2 -year analysis of minors killed by firearms. The study  which looked at accidental shootings involving children ages 17 and younger from Jan. 1, 2014, to June 30 of this year  analyzed more than 1,000 incidents in total, according to USA Today.

Researchers relied on several sources of information, including news reports, public sources and data collected by the Gun Violence Archive, a nonpartisan research group, the paper reported.

What did researchers discover?

During the first six months of this year, minors died from accidental shootings  at their own hands, or at the hands of other children or adults  at a pace of one every other day, far more than limited federal statistics indicate.

Researchers also concluded that, in at least one year, government statistics failed to capture the full extent of accidental gun deaths involving minors. In 2014, the study reported, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that 74 minors died from accidental discharges of firearms. The AP and USA Today review, however, put that number far higher, at 113, for the same year.

Deaths and injuries spike for children under 5, with 3-year-olds the most common shooters and victims among young children, USA Today reported. Nearly 90 3-year-olds were killed or injured in the shootings, the vast majority of which were self-inflicted.

An analysis of shootings involving toddlers last year by The Washington Posts Christopher Ingraham found that the number of shootings dont necessarily reflect a states population. During his study, for example, California, the most populous state in the nation, didnt have any shootings involving toddlers, but Missouri had five.

According to Ingraham:

Roughly once a week this year, on average, a small child has found a gun, pointed it at himself or someone else, and pulled the trigger. Boys are disproportionately likely to do this: I could find only three cases where a girl under the age of 4 wounded someone with a gun. In 13 of the 43 total incidents, a childs self-inflicted injuries were fatal. In two other cases, another person died after being shot by a toddler: a father in Alabama, and a 1-year-old in Ohio.

In one instance, a 3-year-old managed to wound both of his parents with a single gunshot at an Albuquerque motel.

The AP and USA Today analysis found that states in the Deep South  places like Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia  have some of the highest per capita rates of accidental shootings involving minors.

The extent of the problem is a little bit shocking, Lindsay Nichols, an attorney at the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence in San Francisco, told USA Today. The extent of the undercount is a little bit shocking. A lot of it provides further evidence that this is such a horrible pattern that continues and that more action is needed.

Last week, a 3-year-old boy in a suburb outside Chicago was killed after shooting himself in the head with his fathers gun, according to the Waukegan Police Department.

Investigators believe that Jeremiah Banks woke up just before 3 a.m. and went into his parents bedroom, where he found his fathers handgun on a dresser. The boy went into the living room, police said, and shot himself in the head.

Detectives will meet with the Lake County States Attorneys Office (LCSAO) in the near future and review the case for possible charges, police said. The mother and father are not in police custody.



Video link: Brady Campaign to prevent gun violence: Guns dont kill people, toddlers kill people.

http://wapo.st/2e1glW6

guns-toddlers
WASHINGTON  More is riding on the battle for Mosul than the recapture of the Islamic State groups main stronghold in northern Iraq. Also on the line is the Obama administrations theory that the extremists can be defeated in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere without American ground troops doing the fighting.

For more than two years, the administration has stuck to its argument that the only path to a sustained victory over the Islamic State group is for locals, not Americans or other outsiders, to bear the main responsibility for the fighting and for governing after the extremists are removed.

President Barack Obama has taken a lot of political heat for that approach, which critics say has allowed IS to expand its international reach and influence.

The viability of Obamas strategy has been widely doubted. In May 2015, after months of U.S. bombings in Iraq and while in the midst of Americans training and advising Iraqi ground troops, the Iraqis lost the city of Ramadi. Defense Secretary Ash Carter publicly said he doubted the Iraqis will to fight. Since then, the U.S. support role has grown and the Iraqi security forces have managed to retake key parts of western and northern Iraq, including Ramadi.

Mosul is different, not least because it is the place where Islamic State leaders in 2014 announced their intent to create an Islamic-run state after taking a large swath of Iraq and Syria in a lightning surge.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest on Monday called Mosul a new measure of Obamas strategy.

And I think the president would be the first to acknowledge that this is a significant test, he said, given the size of the city and its importance to IS. Dislodging them from the city would be a significant strategic gain, Earnest said.

U.S. airpower played a key role in the run-up to the fight for Mosul by taking out Islamic State defenses, cash resources, supply routes and some of the groups leaders. The U.S. is now providing air cover as Iraqi security forces and members of the Kurdish militia begin their attempt to retake the city over the next several weeks. American advisers are working with Iraqi troops, but the outcome will be determined largely by the Iraqis.

Mosul may answer the question: If IS loses a crown jewel of its so-called caliphate, will that be a decisive and sustainable victory for Iraq? Or will Baghdad once again falter, allowing sectarian and political divisions to destabilize the country and permit a return of extremists?

That likely wont be known before Obamas successor takes office. The next president also will inherit the broader problem of Syria  not just the IS presence there, including in its self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa, but also the civil war with its complications involving Russia, Iran and Turkey.

Iraq remains deeply divided, and the grievances among the countrys Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish populations that allowed IS to rise to power in the first place have not been resolved. Even if the Mosul campaign is successful militarily, there is a risk of violence erupting again in the form of revenge killings or clashes between groups once allied against a common enemy.

Seth Jones, a defense and security expert at the RAND Corp., says the combat phase of the battle for Mosul, while difficult, will be much easier than the aftermath.

I think theres a strong possibility that a lot of the political grievances actually get accentuated, he said in an interview Friday.

David Petraeus, the former Army general who commanded U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq in 2007-08, calls the Obama approach in Iraq and Syria a new way of fighting.

Its much more sustainable in terms of blood and treasure than obviously having our forces have to do it, Petraeus, who also served as Obamas CIA director, said Sunday on ABCs This Week.

Obama began sending small numbers of U.S. military advisers to Iraq in the summer of 2014, after the Islamic State had swept into Mosul and also captured much of western Iraq, including cities like Ramadi and Fallujah where American ground troops had spilled much blood before all U.S. troops left Iraq in 2011. The rise of IS in Iraq was a stinging blow to Obama, whom critics accused of giving up hard-fought gains.

He initially insisted there would be no U.S. boots on the ground, but he authorized a gradual expansion of the U.S. training and advising effort to complement a U.S.-led coalition air campaign. He was supported in his cautious, go-slow approach by his top military adviser at the time, Gen. Martin Dempsey, who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff when IS moved into Iraq and when Obama began returning U.S. advisers to Baghdad.

Dempsey counselled patience. Give the Iraqis time to heal their internal divisions and fight their own battles, he argued. Resist the temptation to grab control of the contest against the Islamic State. Dempsey believed an enduring victory would require a unified Iraq supported by neighbors.

If we were to take control of this campaign, I mean literally seize control of the campaign, then theres no doubt in my mind we would probably defeat ISIL on, lets say, a faster timeline, but it would not last, he said in June 2015. Maybe ISIL goes away, maybe theyre defeated militarily, and two years from now another group with another name and another ideology  will just be back, he said.

In the Obama view, Iraq is more likely to regain, and retain, control of its territory if it is not relying on U.S. troops to do the fighting. Mosul is the biggest test of that theory.



AP National Security Writer Robert Burns has been reporting and writing about Iraq since 1990. AP Radio correspondent Sagar Meghani contributed to this report.
The Pentagon has sent a Mauritanian prisoner who wrote a best-selling memoir about his captivity at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, home after 14 years at the military prison.

Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a high-profile detainee whose release was approved by a government panel in July, was moved to Mauritania on Monday, said Lt. Col. Valerie Henderson, a U.S. military spokeswoman.

Raha Wala, director for national security advocacy at Human Rights First, said that Slahi, who was never charged with a crime, had become a symbol of the mistreatment and extended detention that has occurred at the prison. Slahis case is the epitome of what went wrong with Guantanamo, Wala said. His case only further underlines the need to take corrective action to close Guantanamo, he said.

A recent stream of transfers like Slahis is an indication of the progress that President Barack Obama has made in whittling down the prisoner population at the facility. There are now 60 prisoners remaining, down from a peak of over 700; twenty of those left are cleared to be resettled like Slahi. The resettlement is also a reminder of how far Obama remains from delivering on his promise of closing the prison, as lawmakers continue to block efforts to bring detainees to U.S. soil for trial or further detention. At least 20 of those remaining at Guantanamo are expected to be held indefinitely without trial.

In a statement released by the American Civil Liberties Union, Slahi said: I feel grateful and indebted to the people who have stood by me.

According to his book, Slahi, the son of a Mauritanian camel dealer, traveled to Afghanistan around 1990 to join the fight against the Soviet-backed government. There, he became an early follower of al-Qaida founder Osama bin Laden. Later, in 1999, Slahi was living in Canada when he was questioned about his ties to an Algerian who was convicted of trying to plot an attack on the Los Angeles airport.

Following his arrest in Mauritania in 2001 and interrogation in Jordan, Slahi was taken to a U.S. detention center in Afghanistan, and then brought to Cuba in 2002. According to a Senate report, then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld approved a special interrogation practices for Slahi at Guantanamo, including the use of dogs and sleep and sensory deprivation. He was also threatened with death. After he agreed to cooperate with U.S. authorities there, providing information on other terrorism suspects, Slahi was placed in a special area of the prison and granted privileges denied to other detainees.

Now in his mid-40s, Slahi was not among the handful of Guantanamo prisoners who were charged with a crime. While he admitted to an association with al-Qaida, his lawyers say the other allegations fell apart over time.

In 2010, a federal judge ruled that Slahi must be released because the government could not prove his association with al-Qaida at the time of his capture, saying he could not be held simply to prevent him from renewing his ties with the group.

In 2005, Slahi began writing a manuscript that would become his book, Guantanamo Diary. The book, which was released last year, addresses his treatment at the hands of his U.S. captors. The book was initially considered classified, but was later approved for release with extensive redactions.

Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLUs national security project and one of Slahis lawyers, said the book showed the toll that torture and abuse took on Mohamedou as well as his bond with at least one of his jailers at the prison. We think that [his release] is a tremendous development and a very, very long time coming, she said.



Julie Tate contributed to this report.

gitmo
Pierre Etaix, a French clown and filmmaker whose stylish acrobatics and melancholy manner made him an Academy Award-winning master of slapstick comedy, died Oct. 14 in Paris. He was 87.

The cause was complications of an intestinal infection, his wife, Odile Etaix, told the Agence France-Presse.

Although Etaix directed and starred in only five feature films and several shorts  including Heureux Anniversaire (Happy Anniversary), which won the Oscar for best live-action short in 1963  he was considered one of the most brilliant physical comedians of the past half-century.

With and without dialogue, he charted simple stories and routines with a practical elegance rarely seen since the silent era, the film critic Nicolas Rapold wrote in 2012 in the New York Times.

A trained clown who performed in circuses and cabarets, Etaix was supporting himself as an illustrator when he met filmmaker Jacques Tati in 1954. The actor-director was so impressed with Etaixs drawings that he offered him an apprenticeship on the set of his 1958 comedy Mon Oncle, for which Etaix drew storyboards, developed gags and designed the films distinctive, brightly colored poster.

He made his directing debut with the 10-minute short Rupture (1961), a nearly wordless comedy about a jilted lover  played by Etaix  who attempts to respond to his girlfriends perfumed breakup letter. The film and its follow-up, Happy Anniversary, about a husbands increasingly frantic preparations for a dinner with his wife, were co-directed by novelist Jean-Claude Carriere, whom Etaix met through Tati.

Carriere later became a favorite collaborator of director Luis Bunuel and co-wrote Etaixs first features: Le Soupirant (The Suitor, 1963), Yoyo (1965), Tant quon a la Sante (As Long as Youve Got Your Health, 1966) and Le Grand Amour (1969).

In Yoyo, one of Etaixs most popular works, he played the dual roles of an unhappy millionaire and the millionaires son, who becomes a popular clown named Yoyo.

Le Grand Amour, about a married factory owner who pines for his new secretary, featured one of Etaixs most memorable gags: a dream scene in which country roads are filled not with cars but with floating beds, with each bed-driver comfortably dressed in nightclothes.

Etaixs film career collapsed after the release of Pays de Cocagne (Land of Milk and Honey, 1971), a satirical documentary about French consumerism following that countrys May 1968 demonstrations. After the film was scorned by critics and audiences, Etaix found it difficult to obtain new producers for his work and returned to the stage.

A restrictive early contract kept his films out of view until 2009, when a petition signed by tens of thousands of fans and filmmakers such as Jerry Lewis, Jean-Luc Godard and Woody Allen helped prompt their rerelease at festivals and in theaters.

The petition included a note from Lewis, who had cast Etaix in his unreleased film The Day the Clown Cried. Twice in my life, Lewis wrote, I understood what genius meant: the first time when I looked up the definition in a dictionary, and the second time when I met Pierre Etaix.

Pierre Etaix (pronounced ay-TEX) was born in Roanne, in Frances Loire region, on Dec. 23, 1928. His father was a merchant and his mother a homemaker.

Captivated by clowns and the films of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, Etaix practiced magic tricks and music, learning to play the concertina, mandolin, saxophone and trumpet. He made his debut as a clown at 16, taking the name Paro, according to a remembrance by Odile Etaix and Richard Mowe, director of French Film Festival U.K.

Mr. Etaix had several small roles outside his own films, beginning with a part as a thiefs accomplice in Robert Bressons Pickpocket (1959).

He married the clown and actress Annie Fratellini after her appearance in Le Grand Amour, and with her founded the National Circus School in France in the early 1970s. She died in 1997.

Survivors include his second wife, the former Odile Crepin; and a son from his first marriage, Marc Etaix.

Etaix made a brief return to film in the 1980s, directing the television film adaptation of his play LAge de Monsieur est Avance (1987) and Jecris dans lEspace (1989), which used an early form of 3D effects, but he focused mainly on his stage shows.

The simplest situations are the funniest, he said in 2010, explaining his comic method during a screening of his films in Montreal. The more you go looking for something exceptional, the more you get sidetracked to nowhere.

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ASQUF, Iraq  A force comprising thousands of Kurdish and Iraqi army soldiers wrested territory from the Islamic State outside the northern city of Mosul on Monday, facing occasionally fierce resistance at the start of a long-promised offensive to dislodge the extremists from their main stronghold in Iraq.

Kurdish forces moved to take a string of villages east of the captive city while Iraqi army and police units made a push from the south, a rare display of coordination and harmony between rival forces that officials hailed as a significant victory in itself. Kurdish officials said Monday evening that their forces had cleared nine villages in an area measuring roughly 75 square miles, although the degree of their control over the territory remained unclear.

Announced before dawn in a televised address by Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, the battle is the most ambitious offensive launched by Iraqs security forces since they were created after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. As the sun rose and warplanes of the U.S.-led coalition circled overhead, giddy Kurdish soldiers known as peshmerga rode armored vehicles, land movers and even motorcycles on dirt roads toward front lines that seemed to advance by the hour.

This is a historic day, Massoud Barzani, president of Iraqs semiautonomous Kurdish region, said at a news conference Monday evening in which he hailed the unity and shared sacrifice of the combined forces in their first major test.

We have achieved a lot of success so far, he said.

The disparate forces pushing to play a role in Mosuls liberation  including peshmerga, Sunni tribal fighters, Iranian-backed Shiite militias and government units supported by the United States  has underscored the collective sense of trauma and anger in Iraq as the city has suffered under the brutal reign of the Islamic State since it stormed Mosul early in the summer of 2014.

Despite often competing agendas, some of the forces have united to take back the militant groups most prized remaining territory in the country.

But there are fears that any alliances will only be temporary because of competing interests in and around Mosul, an area rich with ethnic and religious differences as well as oil. Iraqi and U.S. officials have assiduously sought to build up a sense of momentum around the battle for Mosul, partly out of concern that rivalries will rise to the fore and hamper the military effort.

U.S. officials say that American troops, who number more than 5,000 in Iraq, are helping to coordinate logistics, conduct planning and oversee the air campaign, while a smaller number are expected to move forward with Iraqi forces, including the Iraqi army, elite counterterrorism service troops and peshmerga, as they advance on Mosul.

The repeated delays in mounting an offensive on Mosul have been attributed to the special challenges posed by the city, because of ethnic sensitivities and its sheer size. Iraqi officials estimate that at least 1.2 million residents remain in Mosul, raising fears of civilian casualties as well as a mass exodus. Officials are hastily erecting encampments for fleeing residents around Mosul, with relief workers warning that hundreds of thousands of people could soon become displaced.

Military planners have also puzzled over how fiercely the Islamic State would fight to defend Mosul, the most populous city the transnational militant group controls. Over the past two years, residents have spoken about the harsh strictures imposed by the militants, including executions and public floggings, but also the sophisticated fortifications, including trenches, the Islamic State has built to repel any outside attack.

Mondays battle suggested that the militants would fight to hold their ground  but also that their ability to do so may increasingly be in doubt.

Dozens of peshmerga fighters gathered early Monday in staging areas about 30 miles from Mosul, loading ammunition and supplies into Humvees and other armored vehicles. The soldiers spoke confidently about their mission  to capture a sequence of villages east of Mosul and near the town of Bartala as warplanes with a United States-led coalition carried out airstrikes on Islamic State held territory nearby.

We are feeling great. It wont take more than a day and a half, said Maj. Bahram Bahjat, a peshmerga commander. He was far less confident, though, about the possibility of liberating Mosul itself, predicting it would take months and be a bloody battle.

Armored columns barreled down roads toward villages obscured by smoke from fires set by the militants. Mortar rounds landed near peshmerga engineers building dirt fortifications, but they continued their work, undeterred. A suicide car bomb was struck before it could attack, according to Maj. Shivan Ihsan Saleh, pointing at a towering plume of smoke from a nearby hill.

This is a dangerous enemy. They use booby traps, suicide bombs. Our information is that they have been digging tunnels, he said, adding that our morale is high.

Kurdish officials refused to comment on casualties. Medics near the front lines said Monday morning that at least one soldier was killed and two were injured in the fighting around Bartala.

Separate from the Kurdish gains, the Iraqi military said more than a dozen villages were captured between the area of Gwer and the south of the city, while two others were seized by police and army forces as they advanced from Qayyarah air base, about 35 miles south of Mosul. The base is the main logistical hub for the Iraqi governments operation.

But the military official said the villages were largely empty.

The enemy booby-trapped them and then retreated, he said. The advance is very, very slow because of the booby traps.

Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said that Iraqi forces were doing better than expected on the first day of the Mosul operation.

Early indications are that Iraqi forces have met their objectives so far and that they are ahead of schedule for this first day, Cook told reporters at the Pentagon. He said they had reached their first-day objectives by around midday.

This is going according to the Iraqi plan, but again, its early and the enemy gets a vote here, he said. We will see whether ISIL stands and fights. ISIL is another name for the Islamic State.

Some 3,000 to 5,000 Islamic State fighters were estimated to remain within Mosul, Cook said.



Morris reported from Khazir, Iraq. Missy Ryan in Washington, Mustafa Salim in Khazir and Aaso Ameen Shwan in Asquf contributed to this report.

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Russias completion this month of an integrated air defense system in Syria has made an Obama administration decision to strike Syrian government installations from the air even less likely than it has been for years, and has created a substantial obstacle to the Syrian safe zones both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have advocated.

Deployment of mobile and interchangeable S-400 and S-300 missile batteries, along with other short-range systems, now gives Russia the ability to shoot down planes and cruise missiles over at least 250 miles in all directions from western Syria, covering virtually all of that country as well as significant portions of Turkey, Israel, Jordan and the eastern Mediterranean.

By placing the missiles as a threat against military action by other countries in Syria, Russia has raised the stakes of confrontation, Secretary of State John F. Kerry said Sunday.

While there is some disagreement among military experts as to the capability of the Russian systems, particularly the newly deployed S-300, the reality is, were very concerned anytime those are emplaced, a U.S. Defense official said. Neither its touted ability to counter U.S. stealth technology, or to target low-flying aircraft, has ever been tested by the United States.

Its not like weve had any shoot at an F-35, the official said of the next-generation U.S. fighter jet. Were not sure if any of our aircraft can defeat the S-300.

For more than two years, Syria has tacitly accepted U.S. and coalition airstrikes against the Islamic State, in areas relatively far afield from where the civil war is being fought. An agreement signed by Moscow and Washington last fall, after Russia sent its own air force to join that of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is designed to ensure that U.S. and Russian planes stay well away from each other.

But the ongoing Russian-Syrian siege of Aleppo, and the failure of diplomatic negotiations to stop it, has forced the administration to reconsider its options, including the use of American air power to ground Assads air force.

The possibility of using U.S. air power in the civil war, even to patrol a safe zone for civilians, has never been favored by the Pentagon, which has argued that it would involve pre-emptory strikes on Syrias fixed air defenses. Now, with the installation of a comprehensive, potent Russian air defense system, many military officials see it as risking a great power game of chicken, and possible war, according to senior administration officials.

Several officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss Russian capabilities and recent high-level White House meetings on Syria, Iraq and the Islamic State, including a Friday gathering of the National Security Council chaired by President Barack Obama. The NSC session largely focused on the Mosul offensive begun against the Islamic State this week, and an upcoming operation against the militants in the city of Raqqa, their Syrian headquarters.

Consideration of other alternatives, including the shipment of arms to U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in Syria, and an increase in the quantity and quality of weapons supplied to opposition fighters in Aleppo and elsewhere, were deferred until later, officials said. U.S. military action to stop Syrian and Russian bombing of civilians was even further down the list of possibilities.

Another senior official dismissed what he called Moscows yard sale approach of displaying all available systems to attract potential purchasers, and said last months S-300 deployment did not much change Russian capabilities from where they have been over the past year. Russian arms sellers have repeatedly hailed the performance of their weaponry in Syria and claimed heightened sales abroad.

U.S. strikes in heavily populated western Syria, despite the presence there of al-Qaida-affiliated forces of the Front for the Conquest of Syria, formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, have been few and far between, precisely to avoid the risk of civil war involvement and, more recently, confrontation with Russia.

An attack early this month that eliminated a senior Front official in Idlib province, in northwestern Syria, was carried out by an unmanned U.S. drone, with notice provided to Russia.

Moscow has denied that Russian and Syrian attacks have intentionally struck civilians, saying they are directed toward the Front, some of whose forces are mixed with the rebels in Aleppo and elsewhere. In early September, Kerry said the United States would join with Russia in attacking the al-Qaida forces, in exchange for a Russian and Syrian cease-fire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to besieged civilians.

It was when that agreement fell apart  and the United States suspended contacts with Russia over Syria as hundreds of civilians have been killed in the brutal bombing of Aleppo  that the Russians moved to install S-300 missiles. They formed the final component of an integrated air defense system, along with S-400 and other surface-to-air systems previously deployed in and around Russias Hmeimen air base in Latakia province along the Syrian coast.

Amid widespread talk of U.S. kinetic action to stop the Aleppo slaughter, the Russian Defense Ministry warned of the possible consequences, noting that the range (of the defense systems) may come as a surprise to any unidentified flying objects.

Russian soldiers and officers, it said, were working on the ground throughout territory controlled by the Syrian government and any missile or airstrikes  will create a clear threat to Russian servicemen.

In addition, the ministry said, following the Sept. 17 U.S. airstrike that inadvertently killed dozens of Syrian soldiers in eastern Syria, we have taken all necessary measures to avoid any such mistakes against Russian troops and military installations in Syria.

Neither the administration, nor either of the presidential nominees, has ever favored using U.S. combat forces in Syrias civil war. But the use of air power to create a zone inside the country where civilians could be safe from relentless airstrikes by Syria and Russia has long been advocated by regional allies and domestic critics of what is seen as a weak administration policy.

Both Clinton and Trump have favored such a strategy  in Clintons case, since she was secretary of state. Trump has advocated establishing a safe zone inside Syria as a way to stem the flow of Syrian refugees to Europe and this country.

But while such zones  protected by U.S. air power  were established during years past in Iraq, Libya and Bosnia, all were against relatively weak opponents and conducted under United Nations authorization. Neither presidential nominee has addressed the question of comprehensive Russian air defenses.

Although Kerry has continued to try to revive the cease-fire, U.S. leverage against Russia appears minimal. Following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. European and regional allies last weekend, Kerry said that increased sanctions against both Russia and Syria were under consideration.

Meanwhile, Russia on Monday offered an eight-hour pause to the Aleppo bombing this week to allow Front militants and civilians to leave the city.

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PHOENIX  The head of the Arizona Republican Party says its office received a bomb threat and it likely will hire private security guards.

Arizona Chairman Robert Graham says the office got a call around 3:15 p.m. Monday from an adult who said there was a bomb in the building.

Phoenix police responded and gave an all-clear to the situation about two hours later.

The incident came just after a North Carolina county Republican Party headquarters was set on fire in what local political leaders called political terrorism.

A news release Sunday from the town of Hillsborough said a bottle filled with flammable liquid was thrown through the window of the Orange County Republican Party headquarters overnight.

The flammable substance ignited and damaged the interior before burning out. No one was injured.
An issue that has been mostly absent from this years Senate campaigns  the fate of the Supreme Court  suddenly erupted Monday after Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., indicated during a talk-radio appearance that Republicans would move to block any high-court nominee made by a President Hillary Clinton should the Democratic nominee win.

McCain made his remarks on WPHT-AM radio in Philadelphia, during an interview in support for fellow Sen. Patrick Toomey, R-Pa.: I promise you that we will be united against any Supreme Court nominee that Hillary Clinton, if she were president, would put up, he said. I promise you. This is where we need the majority and Pat Toomey is probably as articulate and effective on the floor of the Senate as anyone I have encountered.

The remark immediately raised hackles of Democrats who have complained about GOP treatment of President Obamas judicial nominees  most prominently, Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, whose nomination has sat in limbo for more than six months after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., resolved to save the pending vacancy for the next president.

McCains comments raised the prospect that the vacancy could extend much longer than that, particularly if Republicans maintain their control of the Senate. Even if Democrats win the majority, they would still need a handful of GOP votes to confirm any Supreme Court nominee  current Senate rules require 60 senators to close debate and move to an up-or-down vote.

If Republican were in fact united against any Supreme Court nominee that Hillary Clinton . . . would put up, that could mean the Supreme Court would remain an eight-member body indefinitely  and perhaps force a change to Senate rules allowing for simple-majority confirmation of Supreme Court nominees.

McCains office issued a statement Monday afternoon backing off his pledge of blanket opposition.

Senator McCain believes you can only judge people by their record and Hillary Clinton has a clear record of supporting liberal judicial nominees, spokeswoman Rachel Dean said. That being said, Senator McCain will, of course, thoroughly examine the record of any Supreme Court nominee put before the Senate and vote for or against that individual based on their qualifications as he has done throughout his career.

Later in the day, during a campaign stop in Chandler, Arizona, McCain avoided the more strident position when responding to a question from local business officials about the court.

But the 30-year incumbent, facing his most difficult election since his first race in 1986, made clear that he hopes the issue of defending the court from a Democratic Senate majority and president is something that should galvanize conservatives.

Theres estimates as many as three vacancies could be coming over the next three years, he said. That can affect us for decades. So its my passionate argument for keeping the United States Senate in Republican hands, as a check and balance to whoever the president of the United States is.

After a second stop Monday, with the leaders of the Arizona Farm Bureau, McCain said in an interview that a Republican Senate would temper the types of justices Clinton could get confirmed as president  not that it would prevent the confirmation of any Clinton nominee.

Hillary Clinton has supported all the liberal nominees that have come before the Senate when she was in the Senate, he said.

During Clintons eight years as senator, President George W. Bush nominated two Supreme Court justices, John Roberts and Samuel Alito, both of whom she opposed. As senator she held sway over which lower-level federal judges from New York were nominated and confirmed.

McCains Democratic opponent, Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, trailing in recent polls, slammed the five-term incumbent for advocating pure, partisan politics at its worst and promising broken government if Trump doesnt win.

After McCain walked his comments back, Kirkpatrick spokesman D.B. Mitchell said the retraction did not ring true: he said what he meant, and meant what he said.

And the retreat did not stop the Democratic National Committee from emailing a fundraising appeal seizing on his original comments.

The GOP has already caused President Obamas nominee to have the longest Supreme Court wait in our nations history. If Sen. McCain is to be believed, theyre willing to keep up their shameful behavior for years, read the email, which asked for a donation of $10 or more.



Kane reported from Chandler, Arizona.

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Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

Bern, 17.10.2016 - To mark the state visit of Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on 17 October 2016

Check against delivery

Mr President,

Minister,

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

It is an honour, Mr President, to welcome you here today. Your visit celebrates the close ties that have long existed between our two countries. This close connection is due in particular to the fact that around 270,000 Portuguese citizens live in Switzerland - forming the third largest foreign community in our country.

In the 1960s and early 1970s it was primarily intellectuals and regime critics here as political refugees who helped to pave the way for the transition in Portugal from their base in Switzerland. Following the Carnation Revolution, those people were able to return home to help build a new, free Portugal.



Later, others came here to work and contributed to our country's prosperity and its cultural diversity. Both countries benefit from this exchange - economically and culturally.

I am delighted, Mr President, that your visit serves as an opportunity to pay tribute to the Portuguese community in Switzerland.

One topic that will certainly be addressed during our discussions is European policy. Portugal is a medium-sized member of the European Union, yet it is associated with a number of significant milestones. I am thinking of the Lisbon Treaty, which was signed in 2007 during Portugal's Council presidency, and the Lisbon Strategy of 2000. That strategy and the follow-up, Europe 2020', aim to make the EU the world's most competitive economic area through innovation-based sustainable growth, and more and better jobs.

Switzerland is not a member of the EU, but it has every interest in helping to ensure that Europe as a whole enjoys peace, stability and economic prosperity. We are currently seeking ways of being better able to control immigration, while consolidating and further developing relations with the EU. And as an independent country we are also making our own contribution to competiveness and innovation in Europe. The things that connect us - our common cultural roots and the common goals we share on many issues for the world of tomorrow - are far stronger than those that divide us.

Cooperation between our two countries at multilateral level at the UN is excellent. It goes without saying that we will give the new UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, our full support in his efforts to work for peace and the protection of human rights.

Mr President,

Minister,

I spoke earlier of Portugal's highly qualified emigrants. Architects, engineers, IT specialists, researchers in medicine, aerospace and environmental sciences are in demand. More and more foreign students are attending Portuguese universities. It is no coincidence that the Web Summit, one of the world's largest and most influential events for start-ups and for technology and innovation, is being held in Lisbon this year, and in the years to come.

Portugal is rightly proud of its universities, researchers and scientists. It also comes as no surprise that the Global Platform for Syrian Students, set up, Mr President, by one of your predecessors to help Syrian students find university places, came into being in Portugal. In Portugal great value is placed on knowledge' as a resource - but as a former university professor yourself, you know that only too well!

Just like Portugal, Switzerland too strives for excellence in university education. Nevertheless, two-thirds of young Swiss opt for the path of vocational education and training; solid training in a host company, supplemented by classroom teaching at a vocational school. This dual-track system, which takes into account the needs of the real economy, not only helps young people to enter the world of work, it also equips them with professional skills at an early stage. That model, combined with lifelong learning, contributes to the innovative capacity of our economy.

Switzerland attaches importance to promoting the exchange between theoretical and practical education. But it is not enough to simply foster this exchange internally. There needs to be cross-border exchange to stimulate competition, scientific and technological advances and innovation.

That is why Switzerland's full association to the Horizon2020 framework research programme is so important to me. The competiveness and the power of the whole continent to innovate will be decisive in determining whether we in Europe will be able to safeguard jobs and research posts, and maintain our prosperity with a view to Industry 4.0.

Mr President, relations between our two countries are excellent. I look forward to discussing with you ways of further strengthening these relations. Given that there are so many people who call both Switzerland and Portugal their home, the conditions could not be more auspicious. Once again, welcome to Switzerland!

Address for enquiries

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Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

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Tech and government investment specialist Veritas Capital has made another deal in the wake of its weighty $10.65bn Fund VIII close from earlier this month with the buyout of analytics provider Verisk's energy business.
LONE ROCK  Area farmers rallied around a friend who lost his father the night before, harvesting 160 acres of soybeans.

Were happy we could do it for him, said Scott Looft. It is just what we do in that area. It is as simple as that  it is just what you do for a neighbor.

Merwyn Mert Hurlburt died Oct. 1 at the Hawkeye Care Center in Bancroft.

Hurlburts nephew, Randy Hurlburt, called Looft on that evening as soon as Mert had died. Merts son, Tony, was a farmer and his soybeans needed to be harvested.

Looft and Randy Hurlburt went over to Tonys place on Oct. 2 to help harvest the soybeans.

They started with two combines. And then another neighbor showed up. And then another. Four combines took to the 160 acres and completed the harvest in three hours.

Mert is a great guy, and Tony needed the help, Looft said. This is just what Lone Rock people do for Lone Rock people. It didnt surprise me.

Looft added the sight of four combines and other machinery moving around the field was neat.

Mert was a super guy, he said. He would have been the first one to be at the neighbors place to help him out.

Looft said he was close to Hurlburt, calling him Uncle Mert, even though he was no relation.

He was that dear to me, he said. The family has been very close to me my entire life.

Looft, Randy Hurlburt, another nephew David Hurlburt and Roy Jensen handled the combining chores.

There were also three grain carts present. Ben Nymen, Jess Hutchinson and Davids son, Zach Hurlburt, handled that part of the harvest operation.

In addition, hauling the soybeans out of the field were Merts son, Tony Hurlburt; Rodney Jensen; Matt Hutchinson; Chevelle Hutchinson; Davids wife, Linda Hurlburt; and Leroy Myer.

After the job was finished the group reminisced about Mert, then went back to their own fields.

We do this because we need our neighbor, Looft said. Neighbors are neighbors. There is nothing wrong with helping people.
MASON CITY | Each year since Allyson Eisentrager lost her twin boys, memorializing them each year has helped her find some peace.

In 2012, while 19 weeks pregnant, her cervix opened too soon. She was forced to deliver her first children, twin sons  Emmett and Elliott.

They lived for about three hours before they were gone, said Eisentrager, now 26.

In a few precious hours, she bounded with her children.

Emmett, actually before he passed away, kinda squeezed my finger, she said. So, it was kinda like he was telling me, It's ok. I'm going to be fine.

For a young mother, the shift from joy to grief moved fast: My mom had to call the funeral homes when I was still in the hospital, she said.

Since then, she and her husband still mark their birthdays. She has given birth to another son.

But she feels a need to attend a memorial service each year held by Mercy-North Iowa staff at the Fullerton Funeral Home on Oct. 15  Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day  to mark their short lives and share their grief with other families.

Its anything to say, yes I do have these kids and Im doing something for them, she said.

My husband and I talk to each other about them, but its hard to talk to people who havent been through that, because they dont understand, she said. It's, 'OK, theyre not here anymore why do you care?

Nearly two dozen people came to the dedication ceremony at Elmwood Cemetery on Saturday, including Mercy Chaplain Ross Erickson who shared how he and his wife, Paula, whose son Bryce James was stillborn 17 years ago.

In a small ceremony held at Fullerton Funeral Home prior to the Lullaby Lane dedication, he walked parents through the stages of some of his own grief.

"I still don't have the answers today," he said, "and I was encouraged not to" look for them.

Well-meaning people saying it was part of God's will was not helpful, Erickson said.

"That's not very comforting and it's not true," he said. "I truly believe God's is the first heart to break."

"You are all at different places in your journey," Erickson said. "There comes a time when you re-invest yourselves in life again."

This year, if they choose, grieving parents have a new way to honor their child at Lullaby Lane.

Parents who lost children to miscarriage under 20 weeks will have the option of having their childs name and date of loss engraved on a paver in a new path called Lullaby Lane.

The Lullaby Lane path was completed last month as part of a Leadership North Iowa service project.

The leadership class  an initiative the Mason City Chamber of Commerce began in 1983  provides leadership training for up-and-coming business people in North Iowa.

Lullaby Lane will lead up to the headstone engraved with an angel and the words We Remember located in the middle of Lullaby Land.

At least a dozen people have requested one, Mercy Foundation Development Specialist Jill Dean said in an email. Each one costs $100.

At the dedication ceremony, attendees who lost a child wrote messages and the names on white balloons and released them in their memory.

Dr. Jonna Quinn of the Mercy Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic  a member of the 2016 Leadership North Iowa class as well as the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa Fetal and Infant Loss Bereavement Committee  suggested the idea for the project.

I think its more beautiful than we ever expected, Quinn said during the Lullaby Lane dedication on Saturday evening. We do want to offer you that little peace. We hope that you can all use it as a part of your journey.

Organizers raised nearly $16,000 for the project, said Allyson Krull, marketing and leadership development director at the Mason City Chamber of Commerce.

Every year theres new people here, which sucks, said Eisentrager. I dont get all sad and mopey. I just find my inner peace.
OSAGE  Chaos erupted in a Mitchell County courtroom Friday evening after a jury found Nicholas Lenz guilty of first-degree kidnapping and willful injury causing serious injury.

After the verdict was read and the jury was being polled, Lenz yelled and swore at the victim, who was also in the courtroom, and at law enforcement.

F--- you! F--- the police! he yelled.

His mother cried and repeatedly screamed, No!

Deputies escorted Lenz, 23, out of the courtroom before the polling of the jury continued.

Lenz will be sentenced at 9 a.m. Dec. 20. First-degree kidnapping carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Mitchell man admits in taped interview to beating, briefly restraining woman OSAGE | Nicholas Lenz told a Mitchell County deputy during a recorded interview that he repe

Woman testifies at Mitchell kidnapping trial that defendant threatened to kill her OSAGE  The woman Nicholas Lenz of Mitchell is accused of confining and beating over two day

Lenz beat a woman cruelly over the course of two days in March and succeeded in his goal of forcing her to stay with him, according to the prosecutor in the case.

The jury got the case at 5 p.m. and reached a verdict about 2 hours later.

The victim, who was romantically involved with the 23-year-old Lenz, told him she wanted him out of her home, said Assistant Iowa Attorney General Coleman McAllister during his closing argument Friday afternoon.

But the defendant had other ideas, he said.

Lenz held the woman captive in her own home, where he hit her and kicked her, threatened her with a gun, threatened to hog-tie her with a rope and confined her to a chair with packing tape, according to McAllister.

When she ran out of the house to escape, Lenz hit and kicked her and dragged her back into the house by her hair, according to McAllister.

Lenz then took her to a cold, unheated camper in the middle of nowhere, tied her up with zip ties and left her there, McAllister said.

When Lenz came back he drove her around and finally brought her back to her house, according to McAllister. He said Lenz then allowed her to go to sleep in her own bed because he had succeeded in beating her into submission.

She knew what would happen if she tried to escape, he said.

Defense attorney Letitia Turner argued that although her client admitted assaulting the woman, that didnt mean he was guilty of kidnapping her.

Turner said the woman claimed she screamed in broad daylight but no one heard a thing, even though she had neighbors right next door.

She also said the womans hands were free while she was in the camper, but she never tried to remove the zip ties.

Lenz said intent to inflict serious injury and actually causing serious injury are both required to prove first-degree kidnapping, and neither was true in this case.

She said under the law a serious injury is defined as one that either creates a risk of death or one that leaves permanent effects.

Although Lenz broke the womans jaw, that was not a serious injury because the surgeon who treated her expected her to heal as long as she followed his instructions, including not to smoke and to contact a doctor if she had any problems, according to Turner.

She said the woman continued to smoke and did not see a doctor at any time after her surgery, even though she claimed her jaw was popping and her teeth were not aligned properly.

Although the woman testified she talks differently since her jaw was broken, Turner said defense witnesses who have known her a long time  including her brother  testified her speech had been slurred since a head injury and broken neck from years ago.

Turner also said the woman said things while testifying that she never brought up to law enforcement or during her deposition, such as Lenz strangling her.

It just does not add up, Turner said.

Turner also suggested a motive for the woman to lie about being kidnapped, saying she knew Lenz was wanted on a warrant and she did not want to appear to have been with him voluntarily.

McAllister denied any major inconsistencies in the womans statements..

He also noted the womans father testified she spoke differently after her jaw was broken than she did before.

He also asked the jury to recall an audio recording of law enforcement interviewing Lenz after being taken into custody.

It was chilling, McAllister said, noting Lenz admitted that he beat her cruelly.

McAllister said nearly all the details in Lenzs confession matched what the victim said on the stand.

On Friday morning the defense asked for a mistrial because Lenz reported one of the jurors saw him being brought into the courthouse from the jail in the street clothes he wears to court but still in shackles.

Turner said this would be prejudicial to her client, who is not shackled in the courtroom. She said a pre-trial motion states the jury is not to see Lenz in shackles.

Although Lenz was able to identify the female juror who saw him once the jury came into the courtroom, Judge Christopher Foy said the most he would probably do is talk to the juror and possibly dismiss her and replace her with one of the alternate jurors, not declare a mistrial.

He ended up allowing the juror to remain.
It was announced today that JLL has launched a new national healthcare business line based out of its ever expanding new Dublin headquarters.

With a focus on the primary, hospital, nursing home and retirement housing sectors, the company aims to combine its respected and comprehensive real estate service offering and brand in tandem with their extensive Irish and UK industry knowledge.

This comes after the success of its acquisition of Guardian Property Asset Management and the creation of the JLL Residential brand.

A new dedicated Healthcare division will be headed up by Gary Watson who is re-locating from JLLs London office, where he spent the last 6 years as Consultant Director in its UK National Healthcare team.

Having spent almost 10 years client side in Ireland, most laterally as managing Director of Barchester Healthcare Ireland, Watson believes the timing is opportune as both domestic and international investors seek to capitalise on factors that are creating a more institutional and mature market in Ireland.

CEO of JLL Ireland, John Moran said, "We are delighted to welcome a respected industry specialist such as Gary into the ranks of JLL Ireland. His knowledge and industry expertise serve to complement JLLs ambitious growth plans to become a full 360 degree service advisor in an area that is of strategic importance to Irelands economy. We look forward to capitalising on the many opportunities across the entire health economy and to delivering innovative and in-depth advice to our clients."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has lost an appeal against a judgment that a single trustee can challenge it in court, following an intervention by the Attorney General for Northern Ireland.

The Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland ruled that the Charity Tribunal had made a mistake when it said that a single trustee could not appeal against a decision of the Charity Commission to hold a statutory inquiry into a charity.

The judgment is the latest in a series of cases in which the Attorney General for Northern Ireland has challenged the CCNI over its handling of inquiries. The CCNI has faced a series of legal challenges from several sources, including a volunteer group called Probity set up expressly to challenge its official decisions.

In this case, the Disabled Police Officers Association of Northern Ireland was the charity involved. William Allen, one of the DPOANIs trustees and a former chairman, appealed against the Commissions decision to conduct an inquiry into the charity, and to suspend him as a trustee, which took place in 2014.

The Charity Tribunal ruled against his application, on the basis that the whole trustee board was required to bring an appeal, not a single trustee.

But the Attorney General for Northern Ireland intervened to challenge this decision of behalf of the trustees, saying that the tribunal had misinterpreted the law.

The decision hinged on the interpretation of the word persons in legislation, and whether that referred to one person, several people, or a group of people acting together. The Court of Appeal held that one person could bring an appeal, and dismissed the Charity Commission appeal.
Low-price alternatives can be good, but the features can be slim pickins

Just like nearly everything else, customer satisfaction with wireless services is trending down. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Wireless Phone Service and Cell Phone Study 2021-2022, that segment retreated 1.4% to a score of 73 (out of 100).

But there is a silver lining to that cloud. Satisfaction with value mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) like Boost Mobile, Consumer Cellular, and Mint, which buy minutes from the mobile big boys like...
When Mark Rosa visited a branch of GESRO Co-operative Credit Union in Ghana a couple years back, he was greeted with a touching tributea flag emblazoned with the logo of his own CU, Jefferson Financial Credit Union, flying overhead.

GESRO Co-operative CU managers had the flag specially made in appreciation for Rosas mentoring and financial support from Jefferson Financial CU, Metairie, La., including a $100,000 long-term loan the $4 million Ghana cooperative uses to extend its micro business lending program.

They understand the importance of cooperatives and the people helping people philosophy, and theyre happy to be doing this work, says Rosa, CEO of the $420 million Jefferson Financial CU serving 43,000 members. They provide seed money for people starting a dress shop or fruit stand, and their loan officers go out every day to collect small loan payments out of their members daily receipts.

Rosa, a CUES member, met the former GESRO Co-operative CU manager when he came to the United States to attend training. That manager accepted Rosas invitation to visit Jefferson Financial CU. Later, Rosa was invited to visit Ghana to see firsthand how the country is making economic gains through GESRO Co-operative CUs efforts.
The former chief executive of a failed credit union was sentenced Friday to 18 years in prison for stealing more than $16 million that was supposed to fund non-profit health clinics for poor families and the homeless.

After testimony from more than 50 witnesses and nearly 700 exhibits during an 18-day trial in May and June in U.S. District Court in Birmingham, Ala., a jury convicted Jonathan Wade Dunning, 53, of 62 counts of wire fraud, 33 counts of money laundering, two counts of bank fraud and one count of conspiracy.

Whats more, court testimony and NCUA confidential documents revealed that the federal agency successfully demanded Dunning to return nearly $4 million in suspicious non-member deposits. That action by NCUA examiners prevented a greater financial loss for the NCUSIF.
Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016, is International Credit Union (ICU) Day. The credit union movement has taken the opportunity to acknowledge credit union history and influence of the movement annually since 1948 on the third Thursday of October.

According to the World Council of Credit Unions, The ultimate goal is to raise awareness about the great work that credit unions are doing around the world and give members the opportunity to get more involved.

This years theme is The Authentic Difference, and credit unions around the globe will celebrate the many ways credit unions differentiate themselves in the financial industry via nine principles: Democratic control, open membership, nondiscrimination, member service, distribution to members, building financial stability, co-op cooperation, social responsibility, and ongoing education.

What are you doing to mark the occasion?

We can get 10 times more results if we let the world know what the CU has and is accomplishing.Edward A. Filene

LBS Financial Credit Union in Westminster, Calif., invites members to celebrate with light snacks in their branch offices. Also, they encourage use of LBS Financial debit and credit cards.
The Problem

The key problem with integration today is best explained in these eight painful truths about the modern credit union industry:

Competition is fiercer than ever. Being competitive means credit unions need to bring members the access, products and services they wantwhich requires help from third-party providers. Each third-party provider requires integration into their core operating system. Almost all core operating systems require the use of a proprietary application program interface (API) that comes with a license fee. Every time integration takes place, credit unions pay significant fees for development and professional services. Vendors and core providers need to share member information back and forth to have a functional relationship. Almost all vendor-to-core integrations access the same fields, yet every integration requires its own development and professional services support. This duplicative cost is driving up operating expense (OPEX) and is overwhelming IT staff to the point where new technologies are put into long queues before they can be implemented.

The New Paradigm

Core providers need to accept that they do not own the member data; the credit union does. The core provider is the transaction machine to process member activity and store balances. In todays industry, where a typical credit union manages 50 or more third-party vendors, it is simply unacceptable that core providers hold member data hostage with proprietary APIs and expensive barriers.

If vendors are going to insist that they not only hold a piece of the 360-degree member view, but also receive data sharing to and from the core system, then this data sharing must become faster and cheaper to enable.

The Solution

To remove expensive, time-consuming proprietary integration APIs from the process, credit unions need to require all vendors, core and otherwise, to use an integration standard. In the healthcare and insurance industries, standardization has saved companies millions of dollars in integration expenses and enabled them to bring innovations that meet their customers needs to market much faster.

This is where the Credit Union Financial Exchange (CUFX) comes in. Spearheaded by CUNA Technology Council, CUFX is an ambitious initiative that seeks to end integration nightmares for credit unions nationwide by creating a single standard for the entire industry.

Five Steps to Become The Solution

Demand your core provider accept CUFX Standard for all integrations. Include the use of CUFX Standard in all contracts that require integration. Choose vendors and core providers that actively accept CUFX as the integration standard. Talk to CUFX Standard (www.cufxstandard.com) before you sign a contract that requires integration. Contribute to this cooperative initiative designed to remove the costly, time-consuming barriers to core and vendor-to-vendor integrations for the entire credit union movement.

When we cooperate as a movement, we stand a chance to break the cycle of expensive integrations and to make credit union member data more accessible and available. Only by working together can we ease this burden and shift the paradigm towards acceptance that ALL member and transaction data is oursand ours alone.
Case of the missing crucifix

Tuesday, October 25, 1:30 p.m., Exhibit Hall, Poster 209

A medical student from National Institute of Medical Science and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran, Mexico, will present a patient who swallowed an usual object that got stuck. A 46-year-old man with a history of multiple substance abuse came seeking attention because of difficulty swallowing. After a chest film revealed a t-shaped foreign object in his esophagus, doctors attempted an endoscopy to remove the metallic foreign body with no success. He underwent surgery to successfully remove the t-shaped object, a small metal crucifix. He was discharged uneventfully.

Remember to take the cap off

Tuesday, October 25, 1:30 p.m., Exhibit Hall, Poster 220

A medical student from University of Texas Health Science center at San Antonio will present an unusual case of foreign body inhalation. A 42-year-old man with a history of asthma came to the ED with shortness of breath and difficult speaking in full sentences, along with decreased breath sounds at his left lung base. Though a chest radiograph came up normal, a CT scan revealed an opaque object lodged in his left mainstem bronchus. The patient then admitted to accidently inhaling the cap of his asthma inhaler while attempting to remove it with his teeth. The cap was retrieved with bronchoscopy, and he recovered uneventfully.

Beware of flying objects

Tuesday, October 25, 1:30 p.m., Exhibit Hall, Poster 232

A medical student from Dr. Sampurnanand Medical College, India, will present a unique case of a penetrating neck injury and foreign body in the lung. A 20-year-old woman presented to the ED after an injury to the front of her neck. While chiseling stone with a hammer a chip broke loose at velocity and penetrated her neck. She was coughing and was short of breath, and only a raw neck wound was visible. A CT scan of the chest showed that the stone had dropped down to the right lower lobe of the lung. The medical team planned to retrieve the stone by bronchoscopy but didn't have the correct equipment. While waiting the patient coughed out the stone the next day.

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CHEST 2016 is the 82nd annual meeting for the American College of Chest Physicians, held October 22-26, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. The American College of Chest Physicians, publisher of the journal CHEST, is the global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research and team-based care. Its mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication and research. It serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 19,000 members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. For more information about CHEST 2016, visit chestmeeting.chestnet.org, or follow CHEST meeting hashtag, #CHEST2016, on social media.
LOS ANGELES (October 17, 2016)- According to the recommendations of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), spirometry should be performed to establish the diagnosis of COPD in any patient who has a history of chronic cough, sputum production, difficulty breathing, or exposure to risk factors. A study conducted at the Corpus Christi Medical Center in South Texas assessed the accuracy of diagnoses and utilization of spirometry in multiple primary care clinics.

Sixty-five patient records were reviewed and only 29 percent of the patients had spirometry testing or had results available. Surprisingly, 31.6 percent of the patients diagnosed with COPD were misclassified because the spirometric measurements did not confirm the disease.

"There is a strong need for education and training on multiple levels related to the diagnosis of COPD, one of the most common conditions treated by primary care clinicians. GOLD guidelines provide clear standards on which patients to evaluate with spirometry and how to perform and interpret the tests. Applying the updated guidelines in primary care will greatly improve the rate and accuracy of diagnosis, the first step toward proper treatment." says Dr. Stephen Eikermann, lead researcher.

Further study results will be shared at CHEST Annual Meeting 2016 in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 26, from 1:30pm - 2:30pm at the Los Angeles Convention Center Exhibit Hall, poster 960. The study abstract can be viewed on the website of the journal CHEST.

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CHEST 2016 is the 82nd annual meeting for the American College of Chest Physicians, held October 22-26, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. The American College of Chest Physicians, publisher of the journal CHEST, is the global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research and team-based care. Its mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication and research. It serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 19,000 members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. For more information about CHEST 2016, visit chestmeeting.chestnet.org, or follow CHEST meeting hashtag, #CHEST2016, on social media.
LOS ANGELES (October 17, 2016)- Two studies will be presented during the CHEST Annual Meeting 2016 in Los Angeles that illustrate how something as simple as a patient's resting heart rate or handgrip strength can predict future pulmonary health problems.

One study from the Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, concluded that patients with COPD and a higher resting heart rate following an exacerbation in the hospital were at higher risk for subsequent exacerbations. Patients who had a resting heart rate > 80/minute 3 months after the first exacerbation had significantly higher rates of recurrent exacerbations for up to 9 months of follow-up.

"Attention to the resting heart rate after an exacerbation in the hospital may allow clinicians to determine if further intervention should be considered for patients at a higher risk of readmission," said Ahmad Ismail, lead researcher.

The second study from the University of Michigan Health System assessed the relationship between the hand grip strength of smokers with measurements of muscle mass, pulmonary function tests, chest CT scan results and the likelihood of COPD exacerbations. Among 441 smokers with and without COPD, grip strength was associated with general muscle mass but not with the severity of airflow obstruction or presence of emphysema. Increased grip strength was also associated with fewer exacerbations.

"Many studies show that hand grip strength is a strong predictor of adverse health events in the elderly, but this has not been studied in patients at risk for COPD," said Carlos Martinez, the lead investigator. "We also know that muscle weakness is associated with exercise limitation and the COPD exacerbations. This study shows that hand grip strength, a simple measure, may be a useful marker of muscle weakness in groups at risk of COPD."

Further results for both studies will be shared at CHEST Annual Meeting 2016. The Universiti Teknologi MARA study will be on display at the Los Angeles Convention Center Exhibit Hall Wednesday, October 26, from 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m., poster 674. University Health System, will present at the Los Angeles Convention Center Room 410, on Sunday, October 23 at 2:45 p.m. The study abstracts can be viewed on the website of the journal CHEST.

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CHEST 2016 is the 82nd annual meeting for the American College of Chest Physicians, held October 22-26, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. The American College of Chest Physicians, publisher of the journal CHEST, is the global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research and team-based care. Its mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication and research. It serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 19,000 members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. For more information about CHEST 2016, visit chestmeeting.chestnet.org, or follow CHEST meeting hashtag, #CHEST2016, on social media.
First US study to link socioeconomic factors and infant mortality may lead to targeted sepsis preventive and treatment strategies

Higher numbers of newborns die from sepsis if their families have low income or no health insurance. These factors may be used to flag pregnant women whose infants may benefit from early intervention to protect against sepsis. Findings from the first nationwide study to evaluate socioeconomic characteristics that influence neonatal mortality from sepsis were reported at the 2016 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

Sepsis in the early days of life is the seventh leading cause of death among infants in the U.S., according to the National Center for Health Statistics.1 Quick treatment is critical for saving the lives of newborns with the bloodstream infection. As many as 50 percent of newborns die and 15 to 30 percent incur damage to the nervous system if the condition is not treated promptly.2

Sepsis is difficult to diagnose in newborns. Signs and symptoms are not specific and standard vital sign measurements, such as temperature and white blood cell count, are not sensitive enough to identify at-risk newborns.3

Previous studies have defined sepsis in the general surgical population, provided screening tools to identify sepsis pre- and postoperatively, and traced the effect of demographic factors, such as race.4 However, few studies have investigated sepsis in newborns, and none have specifically evaluated the relationship between socioeconomics and death in neonates, according to principal study author, Ravi S. Radhakrishnan, MD, FACS, an associate professor of surgery and pediatrics and the John Sealy Distinguished Chair in Clinical Research at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston.

"This nationwide study was done to determine whether sociodemographic factors may help us identify patients who are at high risk for sepsis so that we can intervene and improve outcomes," Dr. Radhakrishnan explained.

The researchers analyzed information from the Kid's Inpatient Database (KID), a nationwide survey of inpatient discharge data on patients younger than 21 years of age. KID includes clinical information about primary and secondary diagnoses, discharge status, demographics, total charges, and length of stay, as well as measures of disease severity and comorbidity. The UTMB investigators analyzed data from 3 million pediatric discharges over the course of the last three years for which data were available--2006, 2009, and 2012.

From that data set, the researchers identified 160,677 infants who developed sepsis within 28 days of birth. Records of these patients were reviewed to determine whether socioeconomic factors, such as the presence and type of health insurance status and income, were associated with mortality.

Investigators also included in their analysis the severity of illness and low birth weight, which have proved to increase the likelihood of mortality from sepsis for newborns in other studies.

The researchers identified specific groups of newborns with sepsis who had a higher rate of death. As expected, those who were severely ill and had a low birth weight were at the highest risk of death. The odds ratio was as high as 36.1 for infants who were extremely ill, and it was 4.8 for infants who weighed less than 1500 g. at the time of their birth.

Unique to this study were the associations between mortality and insurance status and income. Infants whose families were categorized as self-pay patients had almost a three times greater risk of death from sepsis than families who had private insurance. The odds ratio was 3.26 for infants whose families were self-pay patients. These families have no health insurance coverage, not even Medicaid, Dr. Radhakrishnan explained.

Infants from families whose income was in the lower two quartiles had a 20 percent higher risk of death when compared to those who were considered to be affluent. Household income was $46,999 or below for those in the lower two quartiles and $47,000 or more for those in the upper two quartiles.

"Sepsis in general has been a focal point of surgical quality improvement efforts for several years. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP), for example, is always trying to help surgery programs prevent sepsis and improve outcomes. Our study findings indicate that we need to focus on specific groups of patients to reduce mortality for newborns. The lack of health insurance and low socioeconomic status should raise red flags and tell us that we have to be vigilant about the increased risk of sepsis. In addition, early prenatal interventions targeting at-risk populations, could contribute to better neonatal outcomes," Dr. Radhakrishnan concluded.

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Fredrick J. Bohanon, MD; Deepak Adhikari; Hemalkumar B. Mehta, PhD; Omar Nunez Lopez, MD; Jonathan Wang; and Kanika A. Bowen-Jallow, MD, also participated in the study.

"FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons

This research was funded by the National Institutes of Health T32-GM8256 (FJB).

1 Heron M, Deaths: Leading causes for 2014. National vital statistics reports. National Center for Health Statistics. 2016; 65(5):13.

2 Kermorvant-Duchemin E, et al. Outcome and prognostic factors in neonates with septic shock. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2008 Mar;9(2): 186-91.

3 Bohanon FJ, et al. Heart rate variability is more sensitive at identifying neonatal sepsis than conventional vital signs. Am J Surg. 2015 Oct; 210(4): 661-7.

4 Weston EJ, et al. The burden of invasive early-onset neonatal sepsis in the United States, 2005-2008. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2011 Nov; 30(11): 937-41.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 80,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. For more information, visit http://www.facs.org.
Detailed Results of Phase 2 Trial Presented at the American College of Gastroenterology 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting

93.3% of Patients Treated Using the Lead Formulation of Novel Prep Achieved a Colonoscopy Rating of Excellent or Good, Compared to 85.7% of Those Using Standard Prep Products in Colonoscopist-blinded Trial

Phase 3 Study Planned to Initiate in Early 2017

More 'Patient-friendly,' Palatable Prep Could Help Increase Patient Acceptance of Colonoscopies for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Newton, MA (October 17, 2016) - Detailed results from a Phase 2 study of a novel colonoscopy prep (ECP) under development by ColonaryConcepts, LLC show the investigational treatment to be at least as effective and safe as two currently available colonoscopy prep formulations, while offering a much higher level of patient satisfaction and preference than standard preps. The investigational prep is designed to be good-tasting, with no fasting and lower fluid requirements than standard preps. It consists of nutritionally balanced bars and beverages incorporating the standard purgative active ingredient, PEG 3350, which a patient consumes during the 24 hours prior to colonoscopy.

Results from the randomized, single-blind study will be presented today at the American College of Gastroenterology 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting, being held in Las Vegas, NV, by principal investigator, Douglas K. Rex, M.D., Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine.

"Approximately 40% of those who ought to have a colonoscopy avoid the procedure, and the top reason cited for their avoidance is the prep," said Dr. Rex. "Results from this study show that this innovative investigational product performed as well as or better at colon cleansing than two currently available colonoscopy prep formulations. Moreover, the higher levels of patient satisfaction reported by those who used the lead ECP formulation in the trial suggest this new approach to colonoscopy prep may have a positive impact on patient willingness to undergo this potentially life-saving colorectal cancer screening procedure."

The study tested six formulations of ECP, using different doses of the active ingredients integrated within different meal kit menus, randomized against two U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved active comparators. The primary outcome was the proportion of subjects with an endoscopic visibility rating of excellent or good based on the Aronchick scale. Secondary endpoints included segment-by-segment endoscopic visibility based on the Ottawa scale, as well as safety, tolerability and reports of patient experience. Fifty-one patients were treated with ECP and 14 with active comparators.

In the top three most effective formulations of ECP, 90.6% (29 of 32) of patients had a rating of excellent or good. With ColonaryConcepts' lead formulation, 93.3% (14 of 15) of patients had a rating of excellent or good, with 40 of 45 colon segments rated as excellent or good on the Ottawa scale. For the comparator products, 85.7% (12 of 14) had a rating of excellent or good. There were no serious adverse events across any of the treatment groups. The proportion of patients reporting being satisfied or extremely satisfied with the experience of using the lead ECP formulation was nearly double that for those using the standard preps, 64.3% versus 33.3%.

"We are very pleased with the efficacy and safety results of this study, which clearly support advancing this product to a Phase 3 trial," said Corey A. Siegel, M.D., M.S., a co-founder of ColonaryConcepts, and Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Associate Professor of Medicine at The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

"The ECP approach allows patients to eat solid food bars and drink palatable low-volume beverages, a patient-friendly design that participants in the study clearly favored over conventional preps," comments Dr. Siegel. "Patients participating in the study were nearly four times more likely to recommend ECP to their friends and family as compared to the standard colonoscopy prep."

"Colonoscopy is still recognized as the gold standard - the best way to catch this cancer at an early stage. The medical community has called for an increase in colorectal cancer screening overall, both through the recent recommendations of the Cancer Moonshot Blue Ribbon Panel and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable's call for 80% screening by 2018," said Joshua Korzenik, M.D., a co-founder of ColonaryConcepts, and Faculty Member at Harvard Medical School and the Director of the Brigham and Women's Hospital Crohn's and Colitis Center. "By making the preparation for the procedure easier, we believe ECP can lower patient resistance to colonoscopies, and thus can help attain these important public health goals."

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About ColonaryConcepts, LLC

ColonaryConcepts, LLC is headquartered in Newton, MA, and is committed to developing patient-centric innovations that improve gastrointestinal health. The company currently has two product candidates in clinical development: ECP, which is expected to enter Phase 3 clinical trials in early 2017, and the "C-bar", a novel product candidate for chronic constipation, which is currently being studied in a Phase 1b clinical trial. ColonaryConcepts' physician-led product development team includes Board-certified gastroenterologists, food scientists, pharmaceutical development experts, culinary research chefs, and product design strategists. For more information about ColonaryConcepts, LLC, please visit http://www.colonaryconcepts.com

Media Contact:

Joan E. Kureczka

Bioscribe, Inc.

Email: Joan@bioscribe.com

Ph: 415.821.2413

ColonaryConcepts

Michael Allio

401.865.6371

michael.allio@gmail.com

Herb Stern

401.742.4599

info@colonaryconcepts.com
The risk of death after hip fracture is higher for patients in small- and medium-sized hospitals than in teaching hospitals in Canada, found a study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

There are 30,000 hip fractures reported in Canada every year, and about 1 of 10 patients die in hospital. Little is known about how changes to patient care could improve survival. In this study, researchers examined whether the location where patients undergo treatment for hip fractures may influence their chance of survival.

Canadian researchers looked at data on all patients aged 65 years or older who were hospitalized for a first hip fracture (168,340) between January 2004 and December 2012. They used data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) (data did not exclude Quebec) to see whether there were more deaths on discharge codes at different treatment settings. Members of the Association of Canadian Academic Healthcare Organizations were classified as teaching hospitals; all other hospitals were community hospitals grouped by the number of beds. Large hospitals had 200 or more beds; medium, 50 to 199 beds) and small, less than 50 beds.

The researchers found that for every 1000 patients admitted to hospital with hip fracture, 14 more die at medium community hospitals and 43 more at small community hospitals than those admitted to teaching hospitals. For every 1000 patients who undergo surgery to repair their hip fracture, 11 more die at medium community hospitals than at teaching hospitals.

"In the elderly, hip fractures occur as frequently as common cancers but with severely worse outcomes," states Dr. Katie Sheehan, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC. "Even after treatment, 30% die within a year, 25% never walk again and 22% never live independently. These figures have not changed in the past 15 years, and qualify hip fractures as a major health care issue in Canada."

These findings support previous research that found a higher risk of death after hip fracture for patients treated at community hospitals and those with fewer available beds.

Most patients undergo surgery to repair their hip fracture. The risk of death after surgery was higher at medium community hospitals than at teaching hospitals. The higher risk may be a result of less timely care owing to fewer beds or staff or available equipment at medium community hospitals. Whether additional resources for medium community hospitals may improve survival in these vulnerable patients requires further investigation.

A small proportion of patients did not undergo surgery. These patients were also at higher risk of death when admitted to medium and small community hospitals than those admitted to teaching hospitals, perhaps because of a need to transfer them for surgery.

Whether time to surgery, resource availability or organization of care accounts for differences in survival requires further investigation.

The study was conducted by the Canadian Collaborative Study of Hip Fractures (@HFstudy). CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) funded this pan-Canadian team of orthopedic surgeons, clinicians, health services researchers, analysts, decision-makers, and experts in knowledge translation and patient engagement to study access, delivery and outcomes of care after hip fracture. The team is led by UBC's Professor Sobolev (UBC, School of Population and Public Health; Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute) and Associate Professor Pierre Guy (UBC, Department of Orthopaedics; Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute).

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Lisbon, Portugal - 16 October 2016: An avatar-based application improves symptom recognition in heart attack survivors, reveals research presented today at Acute Cardiovascular Care 2016 by Jintana Tongpeth, a PhD student at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.1

"The medical profession has been slow to integrate technology into practice," said senior author Professor Robyn Clark, professor of nursing at Flinders University. "Robots can do surgery but we're still waiting for doctors to catch up with hairdressers who send appointment reminders by text message. The World Health Organization says 85% of the planet has access to Wi-fi so there is huge potential for communicating."

"Every year approximately 92% of persons who experience an out of hospital cardiac arrest event die before they arrive in the emergency department," said Ms Tongpeth.2 "The time patients take to recognise symptoms of a heart attack and decide to seek medical help accounts for the largest portion of pre-hospital delay, which increases the chance of death. Patients who have had a heart attack are at high risk of a second heart attack."

There is little research to show that booklets are effective in teaching patients about health issues. But a systematic review has found emerging evidence that tablets, websites and mobile phones may work.3

The current study evaluated the impact of an avatar-based application (app) to improve heart attack patients' ability to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack and correctly decide what to do. It also assessed how satisfied patients were with the app's usability and ease of navigation.

The study was conducted in two phases. Phase one used "action research" in which feedback on the design of the app was collected in cycles from cardiologists, patients and gaming IT experts.

In eight minutes the avatar, a nurse named Cora, teaches heart attack warning signs and symptoms, and what to do when having heart attack (figure 1). It is interactive with a number of quizzes along the way. The text has come from Australian Heart Foundation literature.

"We have found in patient education that cartoon like characters are less intimidating than a video with a doctor in a white coat giving a lecture on what to do," said Professor Clark. "Cora is engaging, fun, and gives good feedback. Patients of any age can answer her questions by pressing yes/no on the screen."

In phase two the app was tested with ten heart attack patients. The investigators found that participants' ability to recognise symptoms improved by 24% and their knowledge about what to do increased by 15%. More than 87% of patients said they were satisfied with the technology and found it easy to use.

Ms Tongpeth said: "Patients said the app made it easy to learn. They enjoyed using it and said it had helped them to be more confident about recognising and managing heart attack symptom in the future."

The app has the potential to replace traditional booklets, brochures and complex medical language in patient education. The dialogue will also be translated so that Cora speaks 144 languages.

"We want to reach all patients regardless of what language they speak, how old they are, and their level of literacy," said Professor Robyn. "To use the app you don't need to read or speak English, and you can get most of the messages from the pictures. It is also suitable for older patients with one message per screen and large buttons."

The idea is that patients who have suffered a heart attack would be given the app before discharge from hospital. Ultimately it could be used to increase awareness in patients without existing heart disease.

The next stage in the research is to test the app's ability to improve outcomes after a heart attack in a randomised controlled trial.

Ms Tongpeth concluded: "Lack of knowledge on the symptoms of a heart attack is a major obstacle to seeking timely medical treatment and is associated with potentially preventable death and complications. With the app we hope to improve knowledge and response time, which should save heart muscle through faster paramedic support and treatment with stents to clear blocked arteries."

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Figure 1. The avatar Cora quizzes a patient on the warning signs of a heart attack

Authors: ESC Press Office

Tel: +33 (0)4 89 87 24 83

Email: press@escardio.org

Notes to editor

SOURCES OF FUNDING: The study was sponsored by Heart Foundation Future Fellowship and Flinders University Establishment Grant.

DISCLOSURES: None.

References and notes

1Jintana Tongpeth will present the abstract 'Development and acceptability evaluation of an avatar-based education application for improving knowledge of symptom recognition and response for patients with acute coronary syndromes' during the Rapid Fire Session, 16 October 08:30 to 10:00, Coimbra room.

2https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6008a1.htm

3Gysels M, Higginson IJ. Interactive technologies and videotapes for patient education in cancer care: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials. Support Care Cancer. 2007;15(1):7-20.

About the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association

The Acute Cardiovascular Care Association (ACCA) is a registered branch of the ESC. Its mission is to improve the quality of care and outcomes of patients with acute cardiovascular diseases.

About the European Society of Cardiology

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) represents more than 95 000 cardiology professionals across Europe and the Mediterranean. Its mission is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in Europe.

Information for journalists attending Acute Cardiovascular Care 2016

Acute Cardiovascular Care 2016 will be held 15 to 17 October in Lisbon, Portugal at the Centro de Congressos de Lisboa. The full scientific programme is available here
Study suggests changes to current US guidelines could provide greater health benefit at lower harms and costs in women vaccinated against human papillomavirus

Boston, MA - Women may only need cervical cancer screening every 5-10 years--instead of every three years, as currently recommended--and may be able to start the screenings later in life, according to a new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The researchers found that less-intensive screening is needed among women who have been vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cases of cervical cancer, because the risk of these women developing cervical cancer is quite low.

The study will appear October 17, 2016, in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI).

"This analysis enabled us to examine what would happen if we shifted from the current way we screen for cervical cancer--essentially, recommending the same type of screening for all women--to screening that takes into account whether women have been vaccinated against HPV and therefore face a substantially lower risk of cervical cancer," said Jane Kim, professor of health decision science at Harvard Chan School. "We found that continuing intensive screening among HPV-vaccinated women yields excessive costs and harms with little to no health benefit."

Since 2012, major guideline-making organizations have recommended that all women in the U.S. be screened for cervical cancer every three years beginning at age 21 with a Pap test (which checks for abnormal cells in the cervix), with the option of switching to a combination of Pap test and HPV testing (known as "cotesting") every five years beginning at age 30. However, current U.S. guidelines don't differentiate screening recommendations based on a woman's HPV vaccination status.

The Harvard Chan researchers developed a disease simulation model to estimate the risks and benefits of various screening protocols. Their model projected the health and economic effects of three different types of HPV vaccines that are currently approved for use, two of which have been available since 2006. The goal was to pinpoint screening strategies that would provide the biggest health benefit in the most cost-effective way.

According to the model, women with the lowest risk of cervical cancer--those vaccinated with the new "nonavalent" HPV vaccine (HPV-9), which targets seven types of HPV that cause nearly 90% of all cervical cancers--would only need screening four times in their life, every 10 years, starting at age 30 or 35. Women vaccinated with earlier versions of the HPV vaccine--the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines (HPV-2 and HPV-4), which target two HPV types that cause roughly 70% of cervical cancers--would need screening every five years starting at age 25 or 30.

The researchers also found that screening with HPV testing alone would provide similar health benefits and value as a Pap test or cotesting, because the HPV test is highly sensitive and can more efficiently identify women who are likely to develop cervical cancer.

One limitation of the study is that it modeled scenarios in which women are fully vaccinated in pre-adolescence (as recommended) and fully compliant with screening protocols. The researchers noted that future studies should take into account actual vaccination uptake rates in the population and data on screening compliance in vaccinated women as these data become available over time.

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Other Harvard Chan School researchers involved in the study included postdoctoral research fellow Emily Burger, programmer Stephen Sy, and Nicole Campos, research scientist.

The study was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (R01CA160744).

"Optimal cervical cancer screening in women vaccinated against human papillomavirus," Jane J. Kim, Emily A. Burger, Stephen Sy, Nicole G. Campos, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, October 17, 2016, doi: 10.1093/jnci/djw216

Visit the Harvard Chan School website for the latest news, press releases, and multimedia offerings.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health brings together dedicated experts from many disciplines to educate new generations of global health leaders and produce powerful ideas that improve the lives and health of people everywhere. As a community of leading scientists, educators, and students, we work together to take innovative ideas from the laboratory to people's lives--not only making scientific breakthroughs, but also working to change individual behaviors, public policies, and health care practices. Each year, more than 400 faculty members at Harvard Chan School teach 1,000-plus full-time students from around the world and train thousands more through online and executive education courses. Founded in 1913 as the Harvard-MIT School of Health Officers, the School is recognized as America's oldest professional training program in public health.
New research is shedding light on how leukaemia cells can survive cancer treatment, suggesting new possibilities for stopping them in their tracks.

Leukaemia is cancer of the blood and it has one of the highest cancer mortality rates. This is partly because there is a high relapse rate, as some cancer cells can survive the initial treatment. These surviving cells are often resistant to treatment, allowing the cancer to spread and become fatal.

How these treatment-resistant cells survive initial chemotherapy is not well understood. One popular theory has been that they sit hiding in specific niches within the bone marrow that usually harbour blood stem cells - basic cells that can become all other blood cells.

However, new research in mice, and validated with human samples, has revealed that certain leukaemia cells do not sit and hide. The research was led by a team at Imperial College London with colleagues from the Francis Crick Institute in London and the University of Melbourne in Australia, and is published today in Nature.

Instead, to the researchers' surprise, the cells were scattered throughout the mouse bone marrow both before and after treatment, and they were moving around rapidly.

After treatment, the leukaemia cells that survived were seen moving faster than those before treatment. The researchers suggest that the act of moving itself may help the cells to survive, possibly through short-lived interactions with an array of our own cells.

Study leader Dr Cristina Lo Celso from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial said: "We expected the cells that survived treatment to be sat in particular niches, but instead they are very active throughout the bone marrow. We now know that it would be ineffective to target particular niches in the bone marrow to tackle treatment-resistant leukaemia.

"Now that we know that the cells don't hide, we can explore why that is and how their movement helps them to survive. Ultimately we want to find out whether we can stop the movement, and whether this could kill the treatment-resistant cells.

"This research is still in its early stages, but we believe we have already gained valuable insights to open up new avenues in the development of novel, more effective leukaemia treatments."

The team's investigation into leukaemia cells' behaviour also revealed that they actively attack bone cells, which are known to support healthy blood production. The researchers believe this insight could help scientists to develop treatments to safeguard production of healthy blood cells in leukaemia patients.

Study co-author Dr Delfim Duarte, also from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial, said: "Our study supports the idea that, at least in this leukaemia, new therapies should target the cancer cells themselves instead of the surrounding normal stromal cells to better eradicate the disease."

Dr Edwin Hawkins, who worked on the project at Imperial and is now at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Australia, added: "Our work also suggests that protecting normal stromal bone cells from the attack of leukaemia cells can have wide implications in the support of healthy blood cell production. Keeping blood cell levels up would prevent anemia, infection and bleeding."

To investigate the working of leukaemia at the cellular level, the team used a technique called intravital microscopy that allows high-resolution fast imaging of live animals. The team used mice with a particularly deadly type of leukaemia called T cell acute leukaemia and tracked the movement of disease cells before and after treatment.

Moreover, through collaboration with the Francis Crick Institute and the University of Melbourne, they were able to demonstrate that the findings hold true in human samples too.

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The research was funded by the charities Bloodwise and Cancer Research UK, alongside contributions to buy equipment and recruit team members from the European Research Council, the Human Frontier Science Program, and the European Hematology Association.

Dr Alasdair Rankin, Research Director at Bloodwise, said: "Most children and adults with acute leukaemia respond well to chemotherapy initially, but one of the biggest challenges we face is the cancer returning. Although this is early work, these significant findings reveal that stopping cancer cells moving around the bone marrow may be a more targeted way to treat acute leukaemia, and could tackle resistant disease."

Dr Emma Smith, science communications manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "Shedding light on what's happening in the bone marrow could open up new approaches to prevent leukaemia cells becoming resistant to treatment, which makes the disease much harder to treat. This interesting study could also be a starting point for developing new treatments that help leukaemia patients by restoring the normal functions of their bone marrow, such as protecting from infections."
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Previous academic research has found that having greater control over your job can help you manage work-related stress. But it's never suggested that it was a matter of life and death -- until now.

New research from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business finds that those in high-stress jobs with little control over their workflow die younger or are less healthy than those who have more flexibility and discretion in their jobs and are able to set their own goals as part of their employment.

Using a longitudinal sample of 2,363 Wisconsin residents in their 60s over a seven-year period, they found that for individuals in low-control jobs, high job demands are associated with a 15.4 percent increase in the likelihood of death, compared to low job demands. For those in high-control jobs, high job demands are associated with a 34 percent decrease in the likelihood of death compared to low job demands.

"We explored job demands, or the amount of work, time pressure and concentration demands of a job, and job control, or the amount of discretion one has over making decisions at work, as joint predictors of death," said Erik Gonzalez-Mule, assistant professor of organizational behavior and human resources at the Kelley School and the paper's lead author.

"These findings suggest that stressful jobs have clear negative consequences for employee health when paired with low freedom in decision-making, while stressful jobs can actually be beneficial to employee health if also paired with freedom in decision-making."

The paper, "Worked to Death: The Relationships of Job Demands and Job Control With Mortality," has been accepted for publication in the journal Personnel Psychology. His co-author is Bethany Cockburn, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business.

Studies exploring the work factors associated with death are largely absent from the organizational psychology and management literatures. The authors believe theirs is the first study in the management and applied psychology fields to examine the relationship between job characteristics and mortality.

Gonzalez-Mule said the paper's results do not suggest that employers necessarily need to cut back on what is expected from employees. Rather, they demonstrate the value in restructuring some jobs to provide employees with more say about how the work gets done.

"You can avoid the negative health consequences if you allow them to set their own goals, set their own schedules, prioritize their decision-making and the like," he said, also recommending that firms allow "employees to have a voice in the goal-setting process, so when you're telling someone what they're going to do ... it's more of a two-way conversation."

Thus, micro-managing employees can have a public health impact. Among people in the study's sample, the researchers also found that the same set of causal relationships applied to their body mass index. People in high-demand jobs with low control were heavier than those in high-demand jobs with high control.

"When you don't have the necessary resources to deal with a demanding job, you do this other stuff," Gonzalez-Mule said. "You might eat more, you might smoke, you might engage in some of these things to cope with it."

Cancer research studies have found a correlation between eating poorly and developing the disease; at 55 percent, cancer was the leading cause of death of those in the paper's sample. Other leading causes of death were circulatory system ailments, 22 percent; and respiratory system ailments, 8 percent.

The paper provides more reasons for those in stressful, dead-end jobs to refresh their resumes and look for other employment. Twenty-six percent of deaths occurred in people in frontline service jobs, and 32 percent of deaths occurred in people with manufacturing jobs who also reported high job demands and low control.

"What we found is that those people that are in entry-level service jobs and construction jobs have pretty high death rates, more so than people in professional jobs and office positions," he said. "Interestingly, we found a really low rate of death among agricultural workers."

Gonzalez-Mule said the new study highlights the benefits of job crafting, a relatively new process that enables employees to mold and redesign their job to make it more meaningful. Other research suggests that workers who engage in job crafting are happier and are more productive than co-workers who don't.

"In some settings, it will be difficult to do this. For a construction worker, it's going to really hard to allow them autonomy; there's usually just one right way to do things. In jobs like that, it's more about just warning the employee of the risks that are here," he said. "But with some blue-collar jobs, you can. Some people have experimented with this in factory settings, using things like flex-time and paying people based on piece-rate ... showing employees what the outcome is of their work.

"There's a lot research that shows that people who have a social connection with the beneficiaries of their work are much more satisfied and have less stress in their jobs, with no change in the job itself."

Their study also found that people with a higher degree of control over their work tend to find stress to be useful.

"Stressful jobs cause you to find ways to problem-solve and work through ways to get the work done. Having higher control gives you the resources you need to do that," Gonzalez-Mule said. "A stressful job then, instead of being something debilitating, can be something that's energizing. You're able to set your own goals, you're able to prioritize work. You can go about deciding how you're going to get it done. That stress then becomes something you enjoy."

Data in the study was obtained from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, which followed more than 10,000 people who graduated from Wisconsin high schools in 1957. They were interviewed at various time intervals over their lives, through 2011, to provide data on educational, occupational and emotional experiences. All participants in the study were employed but near the end of their careers.

Gonzalez-Mule and Cockburn only included those who were not retired in 2004 and who responded to questions about job demands and job control, and then followed up on their responses to questions in 2011. They employed rigorous controls for factors such as demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status and affect.

Gonzalez-Mule wonders if younger workers are better able to cope with demanding jobs, regardless of the level of control, than workers at the end of their careers. Future research could follow people at an earlier point in their careers to see if the Job Demands-Control Model accurately predicts strain over time.

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ROCHESTER, Minn. -- A pilot study by researchers at Mayo Clinic has found that patients suffering from pain related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may benefit from taking pregabalin, a neuro-pain inhibitor commonly used to treat fibromyalgia. The results of the study were presented today at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in Las Vegas.

"There currently are limited treatment options available to fight the abdominal pain associated with IBS," says Yuri Saito Loftus, M.D., the study's author. "We theorized that pregabalin could potentially be helpful."

Dr. Saito-Loftus and her colleagues followed 85 patients with IBS who reported high levels of abdominal pain. These patients ranged in age from 18 to 70 years. The placebo-controlled study lasted 12 weeks. Patients who received pregabalin reported significant improvement in pain management, compared to those who received a placebo. Preliminary data also showed improvement in other IBS symptoms, including bloating and diarrhea.

Dr. Saito Loftus cautions that, because the study is small, the results are not definitive. "Our study does provide preliminary evidence that pregabalin may be an additional treatment option for patients with IBS who have failed other treatment options, but more research is needed," Dr. Saito Loftus says.

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About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic or newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org.
Researchers from MIPT's Laboratory of 2D Materials' Optoelectronics, Institute of Radioengineering and Electronics, and Tohoku University (Japan) have theoretically demonstrated the possibility of creating compact sources of coherent plasmons, which are the basic building blocks for future optoelectronic circuits. The way in which the device would operate is based on the unique properties of van der Waals heterostructures -- composites of graphene and related layered materials. A paper detailing the study has been published in the Physical Review B journal.

The plasmon is a quasi-particle that is a "mixture" of oscillating electrons and the electromagnetic field coupled with them. Plasmons can be used to generate, transmit, and receive signals in integrated circuits. Plasmons can act as mediators between electrons and light waves in highly efficient photodetectors and sources, particularly in the actively explored terahertz range. It is interesting to note that plasmon energy can be stored at a length scale much smaller than the wavelength of light. This means that plasmonic devices can be far more compact than their photonic counterparts. The most "compressed" plasmons are those that are bound to the conducting planes, and these plasmons can be used to make the most compact optoelectronic devices.

But where can one find a conducting plane that supports ultra-confined plasmons? For more than forty years, such objects have been created by sequential growth on nanometer-thin semiconductors with affine crystal structures. In this process, certain layers are enriched with electrons and obtain good electrical conductivity. These "layer-cakes" are called heterostructures -- Russian physicist Zhores Alferov was awarded the 2000 Nobel Prize in Physics for their development.

However, growing nanoscale layers is not the only way of obtaining flat semiconductors. During the last decade, researchers' attention has been focused on a different, intrinsically two-dimensional material -- graphene. Graphene is a one-atom-thick layer of carbon, and it can be obtained by simply slicing a graphite crystal. The study of the unique electronic properties of graphene (which are radically different from those of classical heterostructures) was marked by another Nobel prize awarded to the MIPT alumni Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov (2010). A great number of graphene-based devices have already been created, including transistors receiving high-frequency signals, ultrafast photodetectors and even the first prototypes of lasers. The properties of graphene can be further enhanced by placing it on another material with a similar crystal structure. Materials similar to graphene can essentially be used to create the "layer-cake" heterostructures mentioned above. In this case, however, the building blocks of the structures are joined by van der Waals forces, which is why they are called van der Waals heterostructures.

In their work, the researchers show that a heterostructure comprising two graphene layers separated by a thin layer of tungsten disulphide not only supports the compact two-dimensional plasmons, but can also generate them upon the application of interlayer voltage.

"The structure we are modeling is essentially the gain medium for plasmons," explains Dmitry Svintsov, the first author of the research. "More common examples of gain media are the neon-helium mixture in a gas laser, or a semiconductor diode in a laser pointer. When passing through such a medium, the light is amplified, and if the medium is placed between two mirrors, the medium will generate the light by itself. The combination 'gain medium plus mirrors' is at the heart of any laser, while the gain medium for plasmons is a necessary element of a plasmonic laser, or spaser. If the gain medium is switched on and off, the plasmonic pulses can be obtained on demand, which could be used for signal transmission in integrated circuits. The plasmons generated in the gain medium can also be uncoupled from the graphene layers and propagate as photons in free space. This allows one to create tunable sources of terahertz and far infrared radiation."

< > Band diagram of the graphene -- tungsten disulphide -- graphene structure explaining the principle of plasmon generation. The application of interlayer voltage V results in the enrichment of one layer by electrons (blue), and the emergence of free states (called holes) in the opposite layer (red). An electron can tunnel from an occupied state to an empty state (dashed line), and its excess energy can be spent to excite a plasmon (red wavy line).

Apparently, the gain medium is not a perpetuum mobile, and the particles created by it -- either photons or plasmons--must get their energy from a certain source. In neon-helium lasers, this energy is taken from an electron thrown onto a high atomic orbital by the electric discharge. In semiconductor lasers, the photon takes its energy from collapsing positive and negative charge carriers -- electrons and holes, which are supplied by the current source. In the proposed double graphene layer structure, the plasmon takes its energy from an electron hopping from a layer with high potential energy to a layer with low potential energy, as shown in the figure. The creation of a plasmon as a result of this jump is similar to the way in which waves form as a diver enters the water.

To be more precise, the electron transition from one layer to another is more like soaking through the barrier rather than jumping over it. This phenomenon is called tunneling, and typically the probability of tunneling is very low already for nanometer-thin barriers. One exception is the case of resonant tunneling, when each electron from one layer has a "well-prepared" place in the opposite layer.

"The principle of plasmon generation studied by our group is similar to the principle of the quantum cascade laser proposed by the Russian scientists Kazarinov and Suris and realized in the USA (Faist and Capasso) more than twenty years afterwards. In this laser, the photons take energy from electrons tunneling between gallium arsenide layers through the AlGaAs barriers. Our calculations show that in this principal scheme, one can profitably replace gallium arsenide with graphene, while tungsten disulphide can act as a barrier material. This structure is able to generate not only photons, but also their compressed counterparts--plasmons. The generation and amplification of plasmons was previously thought to be a very challenging problem, but the structure we have proposed brings us one step closer to the solution," says Dmitry Svintsov.

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The paper written by Dmitry Svintsov, Zhanna Devizorova, Victor Ryzhii, and Taiichi Otsuji received the Alferov's Foundation Young Scientist Award at the 24th International Symposium "Nanostructures: Physics and Technology", which was held in Saint Petersburg in July 2016.
NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone, a real estate lending, investment and advisory company, today announced it has provided $42,572,000 in total Fannie Mae Delegated Underwriting and Servicing (DUS) loans for separate acquisitions of two properties in Phoenix, AZ.

The two Fannie Mae loans carry 10-year terms with 30-year amortization. The acquired properties include:

Canyon Crossroads , garden-style apartment community located in Phoenix, AZ. The property comprises 280 units with amenities including resort-style pool, athletic center, media center, outdoor lounge with entertainment area, and billiards room. The $31,660,000 loan was closed by Tim Thompson of Greystones San Francisco office. The buyer, acquiring its third property in Arizona, is based in Oregon.



, garden-style apartment community located in Phoenix, AZ. The property comprises 280 units with amenities including resort-style pool, athletic center, media center, outdoor lounge with entertainment area, and billiards room. The $31,660,000 loan was closed by Tim Thompson of Greystones San Francisco office. The buyer, acquiring its third property in Arizona, is based in Oregon. Summerhill Place Apartments, located just Northwest of Phoenix in Glendale, AZ. Comprising 232 units, Summerhill Place offers residents a clubhouse, swimming pool, business center, and playground. The $10,912,000 loan was closed by John Tilsch of Greystones San Francisco office. The buyer is based in Seattle, WA. The transaction was brought to Greystone by Jeff Coats of J.S. Coats, LLC.

Not only is Greystone a consistently reliable and trusted lender, but we highly value their input when considering assets in new markets, and how acquisitions will impact our growing portfolio and ability to finance future real estate opportunities, said Al Jiwani of Trimark Property Group, the borrower for Summerhill Place Apartments.

"Multifamily financing continues to show robust demand, and Fannie Mae financing is an ideal solution for property owners seeking to expand their portfolios in markets such as Phoenix," said Joe Mosley, Executive Managing Director and head of Agency lending at Greystone. We are seeing more and more real estate investors seek opportunities inland as they search for yield, and a premier property such as Canyon Crossroads is a prime example of this strategy coming to fruition, he added.

About Greystone

Greystone is a real estate lending, investment and advisory company with an established reputation as a leader in multifamily and healthcare finance, having ranked as a top FHA and Affordable Fannie Mae lender in these sectors. Our range of services includes commercial lending across a variety of platforms such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, CMBS, FHA, USDA, bridge and proprietary loan products. Loans are offered through Greystone Servicing Corporation, Inc., Greystone Funding Corporation and/or other Greystone affiliates. For more information, visit www.greyco.com.
WASHINGTON - The winners of the fourth annual D.C. Public Health Case Challenge were announced at this year's National Academy of Medicine annual meeting. The challenge aims to promote interdisciplinary, problem-based learning around a public health issue of importance to the local Washington, D.C. community.

Universities in the D.C. area formed teams consisting of five to six members from at least three disciplines. Teams were given a case, written by an independent team of students from the participating universities, and given two weeks to devise a comprehensive intervention for a local public health problem. An expert panel judged the teams on the interdisciplinary nature of their response, feasibility of implementation, creativity, and practicality.

The 2016 Case Challenge topic was "The Changing American City and Implications for Health and Well-being of Vulnerable Populations." The student teams were asked to develop a solution to this pressing problem with a hypothetical $2 million budget.

The 2016 Grand Prize winner was George Washington University. Team members Amelia Whitman, Ans Irfan, Jenny Reiner, Mary Bonnell, Puja Sheth, and Taylor Tresatti proposed a solution titled "Communities for Collective Action (C4CA)." Their intervention was intended to empower communities to make their voices heard, to support cross-sector collaboration, and to facilitate greater knowledge of and access to community resources through an app.

Three additional prizes were awarded:

Practicality Prize: Howard University team's solution, Project Renew D.C., was intended to address the scarcity of healthy food, facilitate access to health care services, and provide community health education. (Team members: Keemi Ereme, Amoge Ezike, Deawodi Ladzekpo, Mark Lorthe, Lavern Smith, Tamea Williams.) Practicality Prize: The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences team proposed InSPIRE (Innovative School Program for Resiliency and Engagement), an intervention intended to address the mental health needs of and develop coping skills in D.C. elementary school children affected by homelessness. (Team members: Evan Gregg, Horace Hayes, Alexander Leeds, Emad Madha, and William Valiant.) The USUHS team was also selected to present at the Leadership Across Generations Luncheon at the National Academy of Medicine annual meeting. Harrison C. Spencer Interprofessional Prize: The American University team's Imagine Initiative was designed to tackle the linkages between poverty and obesity through school-based peer mentoring, a mobile farmer's market, and advocacy for policy change. (Team members: Rain Freeman, Rebecca [Morgan] Taylor, Kara Suvada, Liliana Zigo, and Michael DeJesus.)

The 2016 panel of judges were:

C. Anneta Arno, Ph.D., M.P.H, director, Office of Health Equity, D.C. Department of Health

Gary Gunderson, M.Div., D.Min., D.Div., vice president, Faith and Health Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center; member, NASEM Roundtable on Population Health improvement

Sara Hammerschmidt, Ph.D., M.S., senior director, Content, Urban Land Institute

Anna Ricklin, AICP, manager, Planning and Community Health Center, American Planning Association

Shanita D. Williams, Ph.D., M.P.H, APRN, deputy director, Northeast Health Services Division, Office of Northern Health Services, Health Resources and Service Administration; former member, NASEM Forum on Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education

Kamillah Wood, M.D., M.P.H, FAAP, senior vice president of health and housing, Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future

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The D.C. Public Health Case Challenge is co-sponsored by the National Academy of Medicine's Kellogg Health of the Public Fund and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Roundtable on Population Health Improvement, with support from the Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education. Additional information about the D.C. Public Health Case Challenge can be found at https://nam.edu/initiatives/dc-public-health-case-challenge/.

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Scientists at the National Institutes of Health have identified a genetic explanation for a syndrome characterized by multiple frustrating and difficult-to-treat symptoms, including dizziness and lightheadedness, skin flushing and itching, gastrointestinal complaints, chronic pain, and bone and joint problems. Some people who experience these diverse symptoms have elevated levels of tryptase--a protein in the blood often associated with allergic reactions. Multiple copies of the alpha tryptase gene drive these tryptase elevations and may contribute to the symptoms, according to a new study led by investigators at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

Other studies have indicated that four to six percent of the general public has high tryptase levels. While not all of these people experience symptoms, many do, raising the possibility that this mildly prevalent trait in some cases drives the symptoms, although how it does so remains unclear.

"This work suggests that multiple alpha tryptase gene copies might underlie health issues that affect a substantial number of people," said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. "Identifying one genetic cause for high tryptase opens the door for us to develop strategies for diagnosing and treating people carrying this genetic change."

Previously, NIAID researchers had observed that a combination of chronic and sometimes debilitating symptoms, such as hives, irritable bowel syndrome and overly flexible joints, runs in some families and is associated with high tryptase levels. Many affected family members with high tryptase also reported symptoms consistent with disorders of autonomic nervous system function (dysautonomia), including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which is characterized by dizziness, faintness and an elevated heartbeat when standing up.

In the current study, which appears online in Nature Genetics October 17, the scientists describe how they identified a genetic cause of high tryptase by studying these severely affected families. Initial analyses pointed the researchers to the alpha tryptase gene, and they designed a novel laboratory test to detect the number of alpha tryptase gene copies. Analysis of 96 affected and 41 unaffected members from 35 families confirmed that all affected family members had inherited multiple copies of the alpha tryptase gene. Laboratory experiments suggested that the additional copies were leading to increased production and release of alpha tryptase protein from immune cells.

Moreover, the scientists found that additional gene copies were associated with more severe effects. Family members with three copies of the alpha tryptase gene had higher tryptase levels and reported experiencing more symptoms than those who had two copies.

"These families had gone for years without a medical diagnosis, and many had been told that some of their symptoms were 'all in your head.' These results not only provide a genetic explanation for the combination of symptoms that these patients experience, but also point the way to a potential solution," said Joshua Milner, M.D., chief of the Genetics and Pathogenesis of Allergy Section in NIAID's Laboratory of Allergic Diseases and the senior author of the study. "If we can devise a way to block alpha tryptase, we might be able to alleviate some or all of the symptoms related to elevated tryptase levels."

The researchers next investigated this genetic change in a general population. They assessed a group of NIH patients who had their DNA sequenced for reasons unrelated to tryptase, as well as a group of healthy unrelated volunteers from the ClinSeq study--172 people in total. To the scientists' surprise, all those with high blood levels of tryptase also had duplications of the alpha tryptase gene. Many people with the duplicate gene reported experiencing symptoms similar to those seen in the original group of severely affected families, including irritable bowel syndrome, skin flushing and itching.

"The families we originally studied may be among the more severely affected on a spectrum of disease, while some people with alpha tryptase gene duplications experience few or mild symptoms," noted Jonathan Lyons, M.D., an assistant clinical investigator in NIAID's Laboratory of Allergic Diseases and the first author of the paper. "Additionally, it's important to note that many people with normal tryptase levels also suffer from these problems. We hope that our study opens the door for future work to understand the cause of their symptoms as well."

Although more research is needed to understand how elevated tryptase contributes to this constellation of symptoms, this study helps set the stage for future advances in diagnosis and treatment. For example, further development of the laboratory test to detect alpha tryptase gene copies eventually could lead to a diagnostic test that could be used clinically to identify people with this genetic change. The scientists also are planning to develop strategies to block alpha tryptase, which potentially could ease the health problems associated with additional copies of the gene.

Meanwhile, people who suspect they may have this syndrome should work with their doctors to manage their symptoms, noted Dr. Milner.

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The study was supported by NIAID and the National Human Genome Research Institute, both components of NIH. Additional funding came from contract number HHSN261200800001E from NIH's National Cancer Institute; grant number HL024136 from NIH's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; and ARTrust/The Mastocytosis Society.

To see a video of Dr. Milner and Dr. Lyons discussing their findings, visit https://youtu.be/32JNaDu14t4.

NIAID conducts and supports research--at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide--to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.

NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health

Reference: JJ Lyons et al. Elevated basal serum tryptase identifies a multisystem disorder associated with increased TPSAB1 copy number. Nature Genetics DOI: 10.1038/ng.3696 (2016).
Rajesh Dave, distinguished professor of chemical, biological and pharmaceutical engineering, and two of his former graduate students, Maxx Capece and Daniel To, have been tapped to receive the Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award from the Research & Development Council of New Jersey for developing a manufacturing process that masks the bitter tastes of medications while delivering them effectively to their targets in the body.

The team of chemical engineers will be honored for their "enabling technology" at the organization's 37th Edison Patent Awards Ceremony on November 3. They are among 12 winners this year.

Their patent, "Solventless Mixing Process for Coating Pharmaceutical Ingredients" (U.S. 9,107,851), is for a process that combines water insoluble and soluble polymers to form a highly structured particle coating layer, spread as a composite film in a single, high intensity, vibratory process so that the bitter task of the drug is masked, while not impeding its delivery.

The process allows them to coat fine particles less than the diameter of a human hair in width without using water, organic solvents or heat. The technology has been licensed by a global health care company that develops both drugs and their delivery systems. The coating in that instance is a fine layer of wax that will be used to mask bitter tastes.

Capece is a senior scientist at Chicago-based AbbVie, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, and To is senior product development scientist at Colorcon, Inc., a global pharmaceutical product development company. Both worked with Dave at the New Jersey Center for Engineered Particulates while they were Ph.D. students at NJIT.

"This year's individual and patent award winners showcase the breadth and depth of STEM leadership and innovation in New Jersey," said R&D Council President Anthony Cicatiello in a release this week. "New Jersey is STEM strong. Dating back to the beginning with Edison, then Bell Labs and our state's robust pharmaceutical industry, jumping to present day inventions and discoveries like those we are honoring in this year's Edison Awards class, New Jersey continues to be an innovation powerhouse."

The Council's awards this year will go to innovative patent work spanning 11 categories, including agriculture, biotechnology, defense, drug delivery technology, enabling technology, energy, industrial process, industrial product, medical device, medical technology and telecommunications.

Among the other recipients are AdvanSix (Honeywell), ExxonMobil, Immunomedics, Lockheed Martin, Merck, NJIT, Nokia Bell Labs, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Rutgers University Siemens and TE Connectivity.

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About NJIT

One of the nation's leading public technological universities, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a top-tier research university that prepares students to become leaders in the technology-dependent economy of the 21st century. NJIT's multidisciplinary curriculum and computing-intensive approach to education provide technological proficiency, business acumen and leadership skills. With an enrollment of 11,400 graduate and undergraduate students, NJIT offers small-campus intimacy with the resources of a major public research university. NJIT is a global leader in such fields as solar research, nanotechnology, resilient design, tissue engineering, and cybersecurity, in addition to others. NJIT ranks 5th among U.S. polytechnic universities in research expenditures, topping $121 million, and is among the top 1 percent of public colleges and universities in return on educational investment, according to PayScale.com. NJIT has a $1.74 billion annual economic impact on the State of New Jersey.
At the southern end of the Earth, a NASA plane carrying a team of scientists and a sophisticated instrument suite to study ice is returning to surveying Antarctica. For the past eight years, Operation IceBridge has been on a mission to build a record of how polar ice is evolving in a changing environment.

The information IceBridge has gathered in the Antarctic, which includes data on the thickness and shape of snow and ice, as well as the topography of the land and ocean floor beneath the ocean and the ice, has allowed scientists to determine that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet may be in irreversible decline. Researchers have also used IceBridge data to evaluate climate models of Antarctica and map of the bedrock underneath Antarctic ice.

IceBridge completed the first research flight of its 2016 Antarctic campaign on October 14. The campaign will continue through November 19. This year, the mission is based in Punta Arenas, a city at the southern tip of Chile. From there, IceBridge is carrying 12-hour flights back and forth to Antarctica, covering most of the western section of the frozen continent - the region that is experiencing the fastest changes and is Antarctica's biggest contributor to sea level rise.

"We have a total of 46 flight lines to choose from this year," said John Sonntag, IceBridge mission scientist. "If we're lucky -the weather is very tricky in Antarctica- we'll fly around half of them, for a total of 300 flight hours."

IceBridge's flights will be mostly revisits of lines flown in previous years, to monitor how the ice has evolved since the last time the mission measured it. Still, there are some variations and additions to this year's plans. IceBridge intends to carry a new flight in the Bellingshausen Sea that will mimic some of the tracks that an upcoming NASA satellite mission -the Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2, or ICESat-2- will follow in that area. The data collected during this flight will help calibrate ICESat-2's future measurements.

"This year, we'll mostly repeat our usual flight lines for sea ice, which have been proven to give us good coverage of the sea ice cover in the Weddell and Bellingshausen seas," said Nathan Kurtz, IceBridge's project scientist and a sea ice researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

For land ice, IceBridge has adjusted some of its planned flights to allow scientists to better understand rapidly changing areas that are still relatively unexplored, such as the Smith, Pope and Kohler glaciers and the Getz Ice Shelf. For flights elsewhere in Antarctica, the IceBridge team is also coordinating with a group of scientists from the British Antarctic Survey, who will also be conducting aerial surveys of West Antarctica in some of the areas that IceBridge studies.

"We're interested in knowing the differences between our radar and laser systems and theirs and making best use of finite flight time," said Joe MacGregor, IceBridge's deputy project scientist and a land ice researcher at Goddard. "If we fly portions of their flights, we'll be able to compare the data and collaborate in our efforts to understand the future of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. If we fly in between their tracks, then the combination of our datasets and theirs can produce a more complete picture of a changing Antarctica."

Unlike in some previous years, when IceBridge flew on smaller planes with limited loads, this campaign's flights will again be conducted aboard NASA's DC-8 roomy airborne science laboratory, which allows the mission to carry its full instrument suite. The main instrument is a laser altimeter that records minute changes in the height of the ice surface from one year to the next. Accompanying the laser are three radars that analyze the elevation and layer composition of the snow and ice, as well as the shape of the land underneath, and a high-resolution camera system. The DC-8 also carries a gravimeter and magnetometer that measure small variations in gravity and the Earth's magnetic field to map the ocean cavity underneath Antarctica's ice edges, which is essential for improving our understanding of how the ice and ocean interact. For the first time in the Antarctic, IceBridge will also be using an infrared camera to measure the surface temperature of the ice.

A high-school teacher from Colorado, a handful of professors and students from Universidad de Magallanes, Chile, and several media teams, among other visitors, will be flying with IceBridge during the Antarctic campaign.

Operation IceBridge's mission is to collect data on changing polar land and sea ice and maintain continuity of measurements between ICESat missions. The original ICESat mission ended in 2009, and its successor, ICESat-2, is scheduled for launch in 2018. Operation IceBridge is currently funded until 2019. The planned overlap with ICESat-2 will help scientists validate the satellite's measurements. NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia provided the laser altimeter and the infrared camera that are being used during IceBridge's 2016 Antarctic spring campaign. IceBridge's three radar instruments come from the Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets at the University of Kansas, while NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, California, provided the Digital Mapping System, and the gravimeter and magnetometer onboard IceBridge are managed by Columbia University.

For more about Operation IceBridge and to follow this year's campaign, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/icebridge

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NEWPORT, Ore. - Humpback whales can migrate thousands of miles to reach feeding grounds each year, but a new study concludes that their fidelity to certain local habitats - as passed on through the generations - and the protection of these habitats are key to understanding the ultimate recovery of this endangered species.

The study documents the local recruitment of whales in Glacier Bay and Icy Strait in Alaska over a 30-year period. The researchers found that contemporary whales that utilize these rich feeding grounds overwhelmingly are descendants of whales that previously used the area.

In other words, the population recovery of humpback whales in the region depends on cultural knowledge of migratory routes passed on from mothers to their calves; it is not a product of whales from outside the area suddenly "discovering" a rich feeding ground.

Results of the study are being published this week in the journal Endangered Species Research.

"Humpback whales are recovering from exploitation on an ocean-wide basis, but ultimately their individual success is on a much more local scale," said Scott Baker, associate director of the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University and a co-author on the study.

"Humpback whales travel globally, but thrive locally."

The study compares records of individual whales returning to Glacier Bay. The first, referred to as the "founder's population," included whales documented by a local high school teacher, Charles Jurasz, beginning in the 1970s. Jurasz was one of the first researchers to realize that individual whales could be identified by photographs of natural markings - a technique now widely used to study living whales.

Over the years, other researchers - including the authors of this study - continued to record the return of these whales by photo identification and they later collected small genetic samples to confirm the relatedness between individual whales.

Using a large database maintained by Glacier Bay National Park and the University of Alaska Southeast, the records of the founding population were then compared to records of the "contemporary population" returning to Glacier Bay, more than 30 years after Jurasz's initial studies. The results were striking.

Of the 25 "founding females" that were also sampled for genetic analysis, all but one was represented in the contemporary group - either as still living, or by a direct descendant, or in many cases, both. Several of the founding females were even grandmothers of individuals in the contemporary population.

"We looked at three possibilities for population increase over a 33-year period including local recruitment from Glacier Bay/Icy Strait, recruitment from elsewhere in southeastern Alaska, and immigration from outside the region," said Sophie P. Pierszalowski, a master's student in OSU's Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and lead author on the study.

"It is clear that the contemporary generation of whales is based on local recruitment, highlighting the importance of protecting local habitat for recovering species, especially those with culturally inherited migratory destinations."

Humpback whales in the North Pacific were once estimated to number more than 15,000 individuals based on catch data before commercial whaling took a toll, reducing the population to less than a thousand by 1966. Humpback whales were first protected by the International Whaling Commission in 1965, then listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1973.

Since the protection, the oceanic population has increased to an estimated 21,000 individuals based on photo-identification studies and other evidence. The recovery has been slow, in part because humpback whales can live to be 70 years of age and their recovery is driven primarily by local fidelity and recruitment.

"Limiting vessel traffic in important habitats is one way to help protect humpback whales," Pierszalowski said, "along with maintaining legal distances by vessels, reducing the risk of entanglement with fishing gear, and maintaining stranding networks that have the capacity to quickly disentangle whales."

OSU's Marine Mammal Institute is based at the university's Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Ore.

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The emergence, significance and electoral prospects of moderate Islamist political parties in the Middle East is the topic of a new book by A.Kadir Yildirim, research scholar in the Center for Middle East at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.

"Muslim Democratic Parties in the Middle East: Economy and Politics of Islamist Moderation," published by Indiana University Press, hit bookstores in September. The 294-page book draws on extensive field research in Turkey, Egypt and Morocco to examine this phenomenon and assess the interaction of economic and political factors in the development of Muslim democratic parties.

Yildirim and other scholars have used the term "Muslim Democrat" to describe moderate Islamist political parties, suggesting a parallel with Christian democratic parties in Europe. These parties are marked by their adherence to a secular political regime, normative commitment to the rules of a democratic political system and the democratic political representation of a religious identity, he said.

Distinguishing between "competitive (economic) liberalization" and "crony liberalization," Yildirim argues that Muslim democratic parties are more likely to emerge and succeed in the context of the former.

"Competitive liberalization is marked by its openness and encompassing nature," said Yildirim, whose main research interests include democratization, politics and religion, political economy, political Islam, the politics of the Middle East and Turkish politics. "Competitive liberalization allows previously marginalized groups in the society to secure new economic opportunities," he said. "Crony liberalization, by contrast, allows members of the economic and political elite to continue dominating the economic structure; they control which elements of economic liberalization policies will be picked to maintain the basic parameters of the existing political and economic structures."

Yildirim said Muslim democratic parties began emerging in the mid-1990s, first in Egypt, later in Morocco toward the end of the 1990s and then in Turkey in 2001.

Yildirim said Muslim democratic parties have been most successful in the Turkish case. "The reason for this success is the extent of the transformation in the social base of Islamic parties," he said. "The political and economic preferences of these groups change significantly in a more liberal direction to push these parties to adopt compatible ideological positions with their social base. The success of Morocco's Muslim democratic party has been to a more limited degree due to the somewhat restricted reach of economic liberalization policies."

The phenomenon has broader and timely implications in the wake of the Arab Spring, Yildirim said. "While most are focused on eliminating Islamist radicalism and countering violent extremism, the long-term solution to important problems of the region as it relates to the ideological extremism of Islamist parties lies in ushering a change in the societal base of these parties in the first place," he said. "As much as ideological commitments are important for these parties, they are, after all, political parties and respond to the demands of electoral politics. In order to win votes and office, they must respond to the demands of target audiences. In this regard, long-term democratization of Islamists depends on the ability to shift socio-economic dynamics of the regional countries in order to create vested interests in democratic politics. A combination of short-term strategies that focus on violent extremism and long-term strategies such as expanding economic opportunities via economic opening policies that aim to tackle the roots of extremism must be used to address major challenges at this time."

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Brooklyn, NY - Almost all cell types exhibit some sort of polarity, which enables them to carry out specialized functions. Adherens junctions, which consist of the transmembrane protein cadherin and the intracellular components beta-catenin, alpha-catenin, and actin filaments, initiate cell-cell contacts and maintenance of cell polarity. Because all cell membranes that define cell boundaries and polarity contain lipid bi-layer structures, the lipid, including sphingolipid, environment could influence polarity, yet the mechanism underlying this remission is unknown.

Now, research led by SUNY Downstate Medical Center shows that blockage of sphingolipid de novo synthesis pathway (through knockout Serine Palmitoyltransferase, the key enzyme in the pathway) impairs hepatocyte polarity, attenuates liver regeneration after hepatectomy, and promotes tumorigenesis. Importantly, the deficiency significantly reduces sphingomyelin but not other sphingolipids in hepatocyte plasma membrane, and greatly reduces cadherin, the major protein in adherens junctions, on the membrane. The deficiency affects cellular distribution of b-catenin, the central component of the canonical Wnt pathway.

Furthermore, such a defect can be partially corrected by sphingomyelin supplementation in vivo and in vitro. SUNY Downstate's Professor of Cell Biology Xian-Cheng Jiang, PhD, and Assistant Professor of Surgery Chongmin Huan, MD, PhD, are co-corresponding authors of the article detailing the research.

Dr. Jiang explained, "This was a seven-year effort and a breakthrough linking sphingolipid-mediated cell junctions and tumorigenesis. Our results, for the first time, show that plasma membrane sphingomyelin-related b-catenin cellular distribution is one the key factors in regulating hepatocyte polarity and tumorigenesis."

Dr. Jiang concludes, "This study also will provide a guide for the development of serine palmitoyltransferase inhibitors, which have a potential for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes."

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The report, "Liver Serine Palmitoyltransferase (SPT) Activity Deficiency in Early Life Impairs Adherens Junctions and Promotes Tumorigenesis," published by Hepatology, is available online at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27642075 .

The article citation is: Li Z, Kabir I, Jiang H, Zhou H, Libien J, Zeng J, Stanek A, Ou P, Li KR, Zhang S, Bui HH, Kuo MS, Park TS, Kim B, Worgall TS, Huan C, Jiang XC. Liver Serine Palmitoyltransferase (SPT) Activity Deficiency in Early Life Impairs Adherens Junctions and Promotes Tumorigenesis. Hepatology. 2016 Sep 19. doi: 10.1002/hep.28845.

The research leading to the results published by Hepatology was supported by the National Institutes of Health, Award Number R56HL121409 and VA Merit Award Number 000900-01, as well as the Office of the Dean of the College of Medicine at SUNY Downstate. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

SUNY Downstate Medical Center, founded in 1860, was the first medical school in the United States to bring teaching out of the lecture hall and to the patient's bedside. A center of innovation and excellence in research and clinical service delivery, SUNY Downstate Medical Center comprises a College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Health Related Professions, School of Graduate Studies, School of Public Health, University Hospital of Brooklyn, and a multifaceted biotechnology initiative including the Downstate Biotechnology Incubator and BioBAT for early-stage and more mature companies, respectively.

SUNY Downstate ranks twelfth nationally in the number of alumni who are on the faculty of American medical schools. More physicians practicing in New York City have graduated from SUNY Downstate than from any other medical school. For more information, visit http://www.downstate.edu.
European clinicians and research scientists attending UEG Week 2016 have welcomed the publication of new criteria for the diagnosis and classification of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders

(Vienna, October 18, 2016) European clinicians and research scientists attending UEG Week 2016 have welcomed the publication of new criteria for the diagnosis and classification of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, together with the launch of several major initiatives designed to enhance understanding of these disorders and help clinicians in the care of their patients. Delegates attending UEG Week in Vienna embraced the initiatives, which have been inspired by publication of the new Rome IV criteria for functional GI disorders and were showcased today by Dr Douglas A. Drossman, the current President of the Rome Foundation.

Speaking at UEG Week, Dr Drossman outlined the need to update the definitions and conceptual understanding of functional GI disorders, leading to the development of the Rome IV classification and the research and educational initiatives that have followed. "The Rome III criteria were published in 2006 and, in the last 10 years, we have seen unprecedented progress in our understanding of functional GI disorders and now have better treatments available for many of them," he said. "In developing the Rome IV criteria, we wanted to include new diagnoses, emphasize the importance of the gut-brain interaction in the pathophysiology of these conditions, and improve their diagnosis and treatment using new learning tools."

What's new in Rome IV?

The Rome IV criteria contain a number of major changes, which were based on both new evidence and expert consensus. Major changes in Rome IV include:

The redefinition of functional GI disorders as 'disorders of the gut-brain interaction' and the removal of the term, 'functional' when not needed.

The addition of new diagnoses, including opioid-induced constipation, narcotic bowel syndrome, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and reflux hypersensitivity.

Threshold changes for diagnostic criteria to improve their clinical meaningfulness.

Revision of sphincter of Oddi (SOD) disorder criteria

Reconceptualization of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its sub-types, with removal of the term 'discomfort' from its diagnostic criteria.

"These changes reflect our growing understanding of many different aspects of functional GI disorders and they should help support future research and enhance clinical practice," said Dr Drossman. "We now want to help clinicians in Europe and around the world to understand the new criteria, integrate them into their own diagnostic work-ups and optimize their patient management."

To aid in the communication of the Rome IV concepts to clinicians, the educational materials have been published as the Rome IV 2-volume textbook and also supplementary clinically oriented books. These include diagnostic algorithms, multimodal treatment using the Multi-Dimensional Clinical Profile, as well as paediatric and primary care books. "In this manner, the clinician can find the book that is best targeted to his or specific interests" said Dr Drossman.

Rome IV Interactive Clinical Decision Toolkit

As a means to further reach the needs of clinicians, the Rome Foundation has been working with new software to develop a powerful on-line, interactive toolkit that presents a combination of Rome IV diagnostic algorithms and Multidimensional Clinical Profile (MDCP) treatment guidelines. The toolkit guides clinicians through the complex challenges of working with patients with functional GI disorders, with users seeing all relevant decision pathways, and, by inputting their patients' information, activating the pathways that lead to treatment recommendations for optimal outcomes.

"Both the Rome IV diagnostic criteria and the MDCP guidelines are innovative in their learning approaches and we are pleased to have been able to combine these approaches in this interactive on-line toolkit," explained Dr Drossman. "We anticipate that clinicians will be able to develop a more comprehensive knowledge and optimize the care of their patients by accessing the most up-to-date information developed by world experts."

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References

1. Drossman DA, Chang L, Chey WD, Kellow J, Tack J, Whitehead WE (eds). Rome IV functional gastrointestinal disorders: disorders of gut-brain interaction. Raleigh, NC: Rome Foundation, 2016.

2. Drossman DA, Chang L, Chey WD, Kellow J, Tack J, Whitehead WE and the Rome IV Committees (eds). Rome IV Multidimensional Clinical Profile for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (2nd edition). Raleigh, NC: Rome Foundation, 2016.

Notes to Editors

For further information, or to arrange an interview with Dr Douglas Drossman, please contact Luke Paskins on +44 (0)1444 811099 or media@ueg.eu

About Dr Douglas Drossman

Dr Drossman is the current President of the Rome Foundation and his research relates to the clinical, epidemiological, psychosocial and treatment aspect of functional GI disorders. He has served as the Associated Editor of the journal Gastroenterology and has written over 500 articles and book chapters.

About UEG Week

UEG Week is the largest and most prestigious gastroenterology meeting in Europe and has developed into a global congress. It attracts over 14,000 participants each year, from more than 120 countries, and numbers are steadily rising. UEG Week provides a forum for basic and clinical scientists from across the globe to present their latest research in digestive and liver diseases, and also features a two-day postgraduate course that brings together top lecturers in their fields for a weekend of interactive learning.

About UEG

UEG, or United European Gastroenterology, is a professional non-profit organisation combining all the leading European societies concerned with digestive diseases. Together, its member societies represent over 22,000 specialists, working across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, gastrointestinal oncology and endoscopy. This makes UEG the most comprehensive organisation of its kind in the world, and a unique platform for collaboration and the exchange of knowledge.

To advance standards of gastroenterological care and knowledge across Europe and the world, UEG offers numerous activities and initiatives, including:

UEG Week, the biggest congress of its kind in Europe, and one of the two largest in the world.

UEG Education, the universal source of knowledge in gastroenterology, providing online and classroom courses, a huge online library and delivering the latest GI news, fostering debate and discussion

Training Support, funding for innovative training and educational programmes, as well as international scientific and professional co-operations

UEG Journal, published bi-monthly, covering translational and clinical studies from all areas of gastroenterology

EU Affairs, promoting research, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases, and helping develop an effective health policy for Europe

Find out more about UEG's work by visiting http://www.ueg.eu or contact: Luke Paskins on +44 (0)1444 811099 or media@ueg.eu
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)'s proprietary optical fibre sensing technology in monitoring railway has been adopted overseas, for the first time, in metro lines in Singapore. Apart from installing an optical fibre sensing network in tracks to monitor the trains, sensors are also installed in in-service trains to monitor the tracks on which the trains run.

PolyU is the first in the world using fibre optic sensors in in-service trains for continuous monitoring of the tracks. Compared with the prevailing means of regular check-ups for tracks after close of traffic, the new system provides continuous, in-service monitoring of tracks. This enhances service reliability through quick identification and rectification of defects. This new maintenance practice is expected to become a trend in the railway industry globally as it can best meet the ever-rising expectations for service reliability. The use of optical fibre sensing network installed on tracks for monitoring trains, and in the trains for monitoring tracks, is also a most efficient mode of maintenance for two of the most mission-critical components for a railway. This innovative approach won the Third 2014 Berthold Leibinger Innovation Prize in Germany. Through collaboration with various railways on the application of fibre optic sensors, PolyU has become a pioneer and leader in the smart railway condition monitoring technology. A total of 6 groups of sensors will be installed in tracks and trains of the East West Line and North South Line of SMRT which are the two busiest lines in the metro network of Singapore.

Professor Tam Hwa-Yaw, Chair Professor of Photonics and Head of Department of Electrical Engineering, PolyU, said, "PolyU is proud to have exported its optical fibre sensing network to provide unprecedented health monitoring for mission-critical components in metro lines overseas. This PolyU technology will help enhance the performance of metro systems through an advanced predictive monitoring and maintenance regime, which is now the best practice in the railway industry and a global trend. This also shows how an academic institution in Hong Kong can develop leading technology in the world through collaboration with the industry."

Dr Tan Chee Keong, Deputy Director of SMRT, Singapore, commented, "SMRT is most delighted to have PolyU's advanced railway technology installed in our metro lines. With much foresight, SMRT is the first in the world to have adopted this preventive monitoring system, enabled by the cutting-edge railway technologies pioneered by PolyU. I am sure this optical fibre sensing network installed in both the tracks and running trains will enhance the operation of our metro lines."

An agreement was signed with SMRT in February 2016, and a trial run was completed successfully in June. The permanent monitoring system is now being installed in the two lines, to be completed in early 2017. PolyU will provide training to SMRT staff in operating the system, while the data collected during monitoring can also be sent to PolyU real-time for analysis when needed. In addition, PolyU will also provide maintenance and technical support to SMRT for a period of five years after the commissioning of the system.

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The Arnhold Institute for Global Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, software company Dimagi, and Guatemalan NGO TulaSalud announced today that their partnership to locate and assess vulnerable areas in Guatemala to determine their level of risk for a Zika epidemic is being funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The funding is part of the Combating Zika and Future Threats Grand Challenge, a $30 million challenge that called upon the global innovator community to generate cutting-edge approaches to fight the current Zika outbreak and to help strengthen the world's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to future infectious disease outbreaks.

Using predictive algorithms, the partners will develop a platform that pairs Dimagi's technology, CommCare, with DigitalGlobe (NYSE: DGI) satellite imagery over the Arnhold Institute's Health Equity Atlas platform (ATLAS). The goal is to identify areas where data such as health indicators, demographics and other household-level information, commonly referred to as "cold spots," are absent, and protect the most vulnerable communities from becoming disease hot spots. This technology will be first implemented with the Guatemalan NGO TulaSalud (supported by the Tula Foundation), who has built a sophisticated frontline health worker digital service on the CommCare Platform. While the funding was provided specifically for technology used to forecast regions vulnerable to Zika in Guatemala, the hope is that the work will inform similar projects on a global scale.

ATLAS is designed to analyze underreported communities so that health care systems and policy makers can assess the needs of these vulnerable regions and better manage disease outbreaks where and when they occur, or the steady rise in chronic diseases over time and place. ATLAS is a spatial data engine that highlights blind spots in demographic and health information by analyzing inputs from frontline health workers and high-resolution, satellite imagery. The platform is being developed with the Office of the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Health in Agenda 2030 and for Malaria, and satellite imagery company DigitalGlobe, Inc (NYSE:DGI).

"Information gaps exacerbate vulnerabilities to health crises, and we know that when epidemics strike, and health inequities are present, resources are naturally diverted to areas where there is known information about confirmed cases or well-defined infrastructure for intervention," said Prabhjot Singh, MD, PhD, Director, The Arnhold Institute for Global Health and Chair, Department of Health System Design and Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

"The ability to respond to epidemics depends upon having accurate, reliable information that is tied to service delivery capabilities. We have developed a tool that will enable ministries and other key decision makers to find these cold spots and intervene--preventing outbreaks of disease from becoming epidemics and thus averting massive financial costs, as well as significant morbidity and mortality," said Dr. Singh.

A major outbreak of the Zika virus began in Brazil last year and has spread to approximately 60 countries around the world. Zika is transmitted to people through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are found in all countries in the Americas except Canada and continental Chile, and the virus will likely reach all countries and territories of the region where the mosquitoes are found. There is no current treatment for Zika, and a vaccine is not expected to be ready for widespread use for up to three years.

"TulaSalud is thrilled to work with Dimagi and the Arnhold Institute for Global Health on this project," TulaSalud CTO Ray Brunsting said. "As an organization, we are leveraging and scaling CommCare as a frontline mobile service delivery tool, while also creating our own tools and systems to map incoming data. By combining this functionality together, there's potential to further strengthen not only our digital health services systems, but so many other organizations' as well."

The ATLAS platform has three major components: (i) a spatial visualization tool that enables decision makers to view household level information for health-related data; (ii) a suite of machine learning algorithms that continuously extract health-related information and automated population estimates from satellite imagery; and (iii) a disease-specific risk engine that aggregates multiple datasets (such as the density of pregnant women, bodies of standing water, air temperature, and humidity) and produces a disease-specific risk score. James Faghmous, PhD, Chief Technology Officer for The Arnhold Institute, manages the ATLAS platform.

A critical component of the ATLAS approach to identifying potential Zika hot spots is its integration with digital applications that are regularly used by frontline community health workers. CommCare is one of the most widely adopted digital platforms for frontline workers in low-resource settings.

"By pairing CommCare data with DigitalGlobe imagery over the ATLAS platform, cold spots can be quickly identified and checked by appropriate parties to determine the exposure to Zika and deliver an efficient response," said Jonathan Jackson, co-founder and CEO of Dimagi. "This approach is game-changing because it leverages existing data in a novel way; if you are already using CommCare, you don't have to change anything. We have the team and technology to realize the impact and curb future threats."

Dimagi maintains a regional office in Antigua, Guatemala, where field work will be coordinated. Engineering work will be divided between The Arnhold Institute in New York City and Dimagi headquarters in Cambridge, MA.

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About the Arnhold Institute for Global Health

The Arnhold Institute for Global Health at the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Health System, seeks to improve the health of people and the communities they live in, both in the U.S. and abroad. The Arnhold Institute serves as a global arm of the Mount Sinai Health System, leading research on the design of more equitable and effective care models that are disseminated through digital products, training systems and input on policy design.

About the Mount Sinai Health System

The Mount Sinai Health System is an integrated health system committed to providing distinguished care, conducting transformative research, and advancing biomedical education. Structured around seven hospital campuses and a single medical school, the Health System has an extensive ambulatory network and a range of inpatient and outpatient services--from community-based facilities to tertiary and quaternary care.

The System includes approximately 7,100 primary and specialty care physicians; 12 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 140 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the renowned Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the highest in the nation in National Institutes of Health funding per investigator. The Mount Sinai Hospital is on the "Honor Roll" of best hospitals in America, ranked No. 15 nationally in the 2016-2017 "Best Hospitals" issue of U.S. News & World Report. The Mount Sinai Hospital is also ranked as one of the nation's top 20 hospitals in Geriatrics, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology/Neurosurgery, and Ear, Nose & Throat, and is in the top 50 in four other specialties. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked No. 10 nationally for Ophthalmology, while Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's, and Mount Sinai West are ranked regionally. Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital is ranked in seven out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report in "Best Children's Hospitals."

For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org/, or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About Dimagi

Founded in 2002 out of MIT's Media Lab, Dimagi is a software social enterprise that develops software to improve service delivery in underserved communities. Dimagi operates on the belief that enabling high-quality mobile solutions at scale can impact millions of people's lives by transforming frontline programs' ability to deliver high-value services at the last mile. Active in 50+ countries, Dimagi's technology platform CommCare and services have supported 500+ projects and hundreds of diverse partners. Dimagi is a recognized social enterprise and certified Benefit Corporation, reflecting our commitment to making an impact.
MONACO, Oct. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Navios Maritime Midstream Partners L.P. ("Navios Midstream") (NYSE:NAP), announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a cash distribution of $0.4225 per unit for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. This distribution represents an annualized distribution of $1.69 per unit.



The cash distribution will be payable on November 10, 2016 to unit holders of record as of November 8, 2016.

About Navios Maritime Midstream Partners L.P.

Navios Maritime Midstream Partners L.P. is a publicly traded master limited partnership which owns and operates crude oil tankers under long-term employment contracts. For more information, please visit our website at www.navios-midstream.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) concerning future events and expectations, including with respect to Navios Midstreams future dividends and Navios Midstream's growth strategy and measures to implement such strategy; including expected vessel acquisitions and entering into further time charters. Words such as "may", "expects", "intends", "plans", "believes", "anticipates", "hopes", "estimates", and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements include comments regarding expected revenue and time charters. These forward-looking statements are based on the information available to, and the expectations and assumptions deemed reasonable by, Navios Midstream at the time these statements were made. Although Navios Midstream believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of Navios Midstream. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the creditworthiness of our charterers and the ability of our contract counterparties to fulfill their obligations to us, tanker industry trends, including charter rates and vessel values and factors affecting vessel supply and demand, the aging of our vessels and resultant increases in operation and drydocking costs, the loss of any customer or charter or vessel, our ability to repay outstanding indebtedness, to obtain additional financing and to obtain replacement charters for our vessels, in each case, at commercially acceptable rates or at all, increases in costs and expenses, including but not limited to: crew wages, insurance, provisions, port expenses, lube oil, bunkers, repairs, maintenance and general and administrative expenses, the expected cost of, and our ability to comply with, governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization standards, as well as standard regulations imposed by our charterers applicable to our business, potential liability from litigation and our vessel operations, including discharge of pollutants, general domestic and international political conditions, competitive factors in the market in which Navios Midstream operates; risks associated with operations outside the United States; and other factors listed from time to time in the Navios Midstream's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 20-Fs and Form 6-Ks. Navios Midstream expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Navios Midstream's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based. Navios Midstream makes no prediction or statement about the performance of its common units.
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Scientists are pursuing a tiny solution for harnessing one of the world's most abundant sources of clean energy: Water.

By marrying teeny crystals called quantum dots to miniature wires, the researchers are developing new materials that show promise for splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen fuel, which could be used to power cars, buses, boats and other modes of transportation.

"Hydrogen is seen as an important source of green energy because it generates water as the only byproduct when it's burned," says University at Buffalo chemist David Watson, PhD, one of the project's lead researchers. "The hybrid materials we're developing have the potential to support the cheap and efficient production of hydrogen gas."

Watson, professor and chair of chemistry in the UB College of Arts and Sciences, has received a $550,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to pursue the work. UB physics professor Peihong Zhang, PhD, is also a partner on the research, which is part of a larger $1.4 million NSF-funded project that teams UB with Texas A&M University, Binghamton University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to develop the new catalysts for splitting water.

The project is funded through the NSF's Designing Materials to Engineer and Revolutionize our Future program, which supports the White House's Materials Genome Initiative for Global Competitiveness by accelerating the discovery of new materials.

A reaction powered by the sun

The materials under development are catalysts designed to harvest sunlight to drive the chemical reaction that divides water into oxygen and hydrogen.

They are formed from miniscule wires of vanadium oxide that are combined with various metal ions, then glazed with a coating of semiconductor quantum dots.

When they're exposed to the sun, these hybrid materials generate two critical ingredients for splitting water: a free-floating electron and what chemists call an electronic hole (the absence of an electron where there would normally be one). Both the electron and the hole are used in the multi-step chemical reaction that converts water into oxygen and hydrogen gas.

So far, the research team successfully created materials that efficiently produce and separate both a free electron and a hole, though the scientists have yet to demonstrate that their hole can be used successfully in the water-splitting reaction.

From an industry perspective, the nanowire-quantum dot approach has benefits. Both the nanowires and quantum dots can be easily produced in large quantities from materials that are abundant in the crust of the earth, and both are "tunable," Watson says. As he explains, changing the size of the quantum dots alters their electronic properties, as does combining the vanadium oxide nanowires with new materials. This makes it possible to tweak both components to maximize their efficiency at leveraging sunlight to split water.

"It's a very flexible approach -- a versatile platform for converting sunlight and water into fuel," Watson says.

The scientists will use the new NSF funding to support an exploration of the best combinations of quantum dots and nanowires. In concert with synthesizing new materials, they will computationally predict which structures will have the best electronic properties.

"We are trying to put together some fairly complex machinery to mimic photosynthesis performed by plants, which use sunlight to split water and make energy. The machinery will be built from these nanowire and quantum dot blocks, using them almost as Legos," says Sarbajit Banerjee, PhD, professor of chemistry at Texas A&M University. "Calculations performed on supercomputers will guide us on how to rapidly put these blocks together."

The research was seeded by a Scialog grant from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement, an Arizona-based foundation devoted to the advancement of science.

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A new type of atomic force microscope (AFM) uses nanowires as tiny sensors. Unlike standard AFM, the device with a nanowire sensor enables measurements of both the size and direction of forces. Physicists at the University of Basel and at the EPF Lausanne have described these results in the recent issue of Nature Nanotechnology.

Nanowires are extremely tiny filamentary crystals which are built-up molecule by molecule from various materials and which are now being very actively studied by scientists all around the world because of their exceptional properties.

The wires normally have a diameter of 100 nanometers and therefore possess only about one thousandth of a hair thickness. Because of this tiny dimension, they have a very large surface in comparison to their volume. This fact, their small mass and flawless crystal lattice make them very attractive in a variety of nanometer-scale sensing applications, including as sensors of biological and chemical samples, and as pressure or charge sensors.

Measurement of direction and size

The team of Argovia Professor Martino Poggio from the Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI) and the Department of Physics at the University of Basel has now demonstrated that nanowires can also be used as force sensors in atomic force microscopes. Based on their special mechanical properties, nanowires vibrate along two perpendicular axes at nearly the same frequency. When they are integrated into an AFM, the researchers can measure changes in the perpendicular vibrations caused by different forces. Essentially, they use the nanowires like tiny mechanical compasses that point out both the direction and size of the surrounding forces.

Image of the two-dimensional force field

The scientists from Basel describe how they imaged a patterned sample surface using a nanowire sensor. Together with colleagues from the EPF Lausanne, who grew the nanowires, they mapped the two-dimensional force field above the sample surface using their nanowire "compass". As a proof-of-principle, they also mapped out test force fields produced by tiny electrodes.

The most challenging technical aspect of the experiments was the realization of an apparatus that could simultaneously scan a nanowire above a surface and monitor its vibration along two perpendicular directions. With their study, the scientists have demonstrated a new type of AFM that could extend the technique's numerous applications even further.

AFM - today widely used

The development of AFM 30 years ago was honored with the conferment of the Kavli-Prize beginning of September this year. Professor Christoph Gerber of the SNI and Department of Physics at the University of Basel is one of the awardees, who has substantially contributed to the wide use of AFM in different fields, including solid-state physics, materials science, biology, and medicine.

The various different types of AFM are most often carried out using cantilevers made from crystalline Si as the mechanical sensor. "Moving to much smaller nanowire sensors may now allow for even further improvements on an already amazingly successful technique", Martino Poggio comments his approach.

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The study was supported by the European Research Council Starting Grant NWScan, the Swiss Nanoscience Institute, the Canton Aargau, the Swiss National Science Foundation, and the National Center of Competence in Research for Quantum Science and Technology.

Original source

Nicola Rossi, Floris R. Braakman, Davide Cadeddu, Denis Vasyukov, Gozde Tutuncuoglu, Anna Fontcuberta i Morral & Martino Poggio

Vectorial scanning force microcopy using a nanowire sensor

Nature Nanotechnology (2016), doi: 10.1038/nnano.2016.189
UC Santa Barbara chemical engineering professor Samir Mitragotri has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Mitragotri joins 79 new members chosen by the organization in recognition of their professional achievement and commitment to service. The announcement was made today at the academy's annual meeting in Washington, DC.

"We could not be more proud that Professor Mitragotri has been selected to join the distinguished ranks of another of our nation's most prestigious academies," said UCSB Chancellor Henry T. Yang. "This elite honor comes on the heels of Samir's election last year to the National Academy of Engineering, further recognizing his groundbreaking research on the development of novel drug delivery methods. Our campus joins Professor Mitragotri in celebrating this magnificent achievement -- election to NAM as well as dual academy membership."

Mitragotri, who holds the Duncan and Suzanne Mellichamp Chair in Systems Biology at UCSB, has developed a variety of materials and technologies for the diagnoses and treatment of numerous illnesses, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, skin diseases and infectious diseases. Among his contributions are noninvasive methods such as skin and transdermal drug delivery; intestinal and oral alternatives for traditionally injected protein-based treatments such as insulin and calcitonin; and synthetic analogs to blood components that can both carry out the functions of their natural counterparts and deliver medicines. In addition, he has created nanoparticles that can target tumors in the treatment of cancer. Several of his inventions have been translated into clinical products.

"I am thrilled and humbled to receive this honor," said Mitragotri. "This election validates the impactful role of engineering in medicine and health. I am delighted to join the academy and look forward to contributing to its mission of advising the nation on important health and medical issues.

"I am thankful to my students and post-docs whose dedication and hard work are responsible for this honor," he continued. "I am also grateful for UCSB's collaborative environment that nurtures an innovative cross-disciplinary approach, which is essential for addressing challenging problems in health and medicine."

Mitragotri joined the UCSB faculty in 2001 as an assistant professor in the College of Engineering's Department of Chemical Engineering. Since then he has been appointed a director of the college's Translational Medicine Research Laboratories and a professor in the Biomolecular Science and Engineering program. He is a founding director for the Center for Bioengineering and a professor of biology in the College of Creative Studies, as well as in the campus's Technology Management Program.

"It is an honor to count Samir among my colleagues," said Rachel Segalman, chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering. "His work at the interface of chemical and biological engineering with applications in drug delivery is not only ground breaking, but is a phenomenal example of modern chemical engineering in taking molecular understanding of how systems work and applying it to solving real problems with an incredibly broad implications. Samir's simultaneously fundamental and impactful approach to drug delivery is magnificent and it is wonderful to see it recognized by his election to multiple national academies."

Mitragotri also is active with other academic endeavors, including service on the editorial boards of several journals. He is an associate editor for the Journal of Controlled Release and founding editor-in-chief of the journal Bioengineering & Translational Medicine.

Mitragotri has received numerous honors throughout his career, including the Junior Faculty Research Incentive Award, the Outstanding Faculty Award and the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research -- all from UCSB. He also has received awards for his novel technologies, including the Global Indus Technovator Award and the Popular Science Best of New Award. Mitragotri is an elected fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Academy of Inventors, the National Academy of Engineering, the Controlled Release Society, the Biomedical Engineering Society and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.

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Irvine, Calif. -- Children who have been in the U.S. foster care system are at a significantly higher risk of mental and physical health problems - ranging from learning disabilities, developmental delays and depression to behavioral issues, asthma and obesity - than children who haven't been in foster care, according to a University of California, Irvine sociologist.

"No previous research has considered how the mental and physical well-being of children who have spent time in foster care compares to that of children in the general population," said study co-author Kristin Turney, UCI associate professor of sociology. "This work makes an important contribution to the research community by showing for the first time that foster care children are in considerably worse health than other children. Our findings also present serious implications for pediatricians by suggesting that foster care placement is a risk factor for health problems in childhood."

Published online Oct. 17 (Eastern time) ahead of print in Pediatrics, the large-scale study is the first to offer health comparisons based on a nationally representative sample of U.S. children. Turney and co-author Christopher Wildeman, associate professor of policy analysis & management at Cornell University, analyzed data from the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health. Of the more than 900,000 kids included in the survey, 1.3 percent were identified as having been in foster care.

They were compared to children who hadn't spent time in foster care, those who had been adopted from foster care and those living in a variety of family arrangements, including single-mother and economically disadvantaged households. Using logistic regression models, researchers found that kids who'd been in foster care were:

Seven times as likely to experience depression

Six times as likely to exhibit behavioral problems

Five times as likely to feel anxiety

Three times as likely to have attention deficit disorder, hearing impairments and vision issues

Twice as likely to suffer from learning disabilities, developmental delays, asthma, obesity and speech problems

"This is typically a difficult-to-reach population, so having access to descriptive statistics on their living arrangements, physical well-being and behavior provided an excellent opportunity to help identify the health challenges they face," Turney said. "This study expands our understanding of the mental and physical health of these highly vulnerable children, but we must take a closer look if we are to understand how foster care really affects child well-being."

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The study is available online at http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/recent.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 30,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $5 billion annually to the local economy. For more on UCI, visit http://www.uci.edu.

Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus ISDN line to interview UCI faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UCI news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at communications.uci.edu/for-journalists.

Contact: Pat Harriman

949-824-9055

pharrima@uci.edu

Heather Ashbach

949-824-1577

hashbach@uci.edu
LAWRENCE -- Colonial plunder, crime, tribal factions, sectarianism, drug running, piracy, animal poaching, illegal logging and destructive mining practices -- all of which add up to wholesale environmental exploitation. The island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines has seen it all and more.

"Mindanao has about 22 totally separate ethnolinguistic groups, who speak maybe 70 languages -- culturally, it's incredibly complex and diverse," said Rafe Brown, curator-in-charge of herpetology at the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute. "Colliding cultures have butted heads for 500 years or more. Historically there has been tension between the national Catholic government and Muslim regional government, and the cultural interests of numerous indigenous peoples' groups also underlie conflict over natural resources. Mindanao has extensive mineral resources and forests with valuable timber. Tropical rainforest soils are also very fertile, making the lowlands attractive to agribusiness. There's been conflict over those resources for hundreds of years."

If the island seems like a daunting locale to conduct biological research, that's because it is. Brown recently took part in an expedition into the mountains of Mindanao to carry out a biological survey of the area's fauna, bringing KU graduate students along for the challenging fieldwork with scientists from Father Saturnino Urios University, the University of Oklahoma, the National Museum of the Philippines and Silliman University.

Brown, a world-renowned herpetologist who focuses on southeast Asia, said the risks inherent in the work are worthwhile because he values international collaboration so much and because Mindanao is a treasure house of biodiversity.

"The Philippine archipelago is recognized as a globally significant conservation priority -- a biodiversity hotspot," he said. "For example, 95 percent of Mindanao's amphibians don't appear anywhere else in the world. The terrestrial biodiversity of the Philippines is amazing, and this part of Mindanao is the center of the center of that diversity. The biodiversity is so high in this one pocket of northeast Mindanao, largely because the ranges of so many species in the archipelago overlap in this one area. We knew it was really diverse, but we didn't have a sense of this one area being the bull's-eye, the epicenter of this diversity."

As a result of the expedition in Mindanao, the research team has published a new paper in the online open-access journal ZooKeys detailing their findings: a total of 126 species, including 40 frogs, one caecilian, 49 lizards, 35 snakes, a freshwater turtle and a crocodile.

Their discoveries, making up 36 percent of the total known Philippine reptiles and amphibians, were the result of genetic and morphological analysis, international collaboration and, above all, rigorous fieldwork. Much of the expedition was carried out on mountains, as extensive logging has destroyed the lion's share of old-growth forest on Mindanao's lowlands.

"Mindanao is a place where unfortunately the original forest cover was more than 85 percent, but now it's down to 6 percent original forest, and 15 percent is second-growth vegetation," Brown said. "Giant U.S. logging operations made it big under the Marcos administration. They deforested Mindanao in about 40 years. Mindanao formerly supported incredibly diverse forests with trees as big around as your house standing 250 feet tall. I saw a bit of it left in Cotabato in 1991 during my first trip to the Philippines, before it was cut down in the early '90s."

To prepare for the expedition, first Brown and collaborators from local universities met with local authorities, tribal leaders, hunters, police and military for advice and to ensure the safety of the research team, a process he calls "ground proofing." Then, Brown's research team hiked up one of the biggest mountains on Mindanao.

"On Mount Hilong-hilong, we established camps at 300, 900 and 1,200 meters," he said. "We were there for three-and-a-half weeks, then moved to the next mountain range over, where we surveyed Mount Lumot. Once we get up, we set up tents and put our traps along trails created by animals. Every expedition is a training opportunity for the participants, and we're all anxious to learn new skills from each other. The researchers from the U.S. are trained to go out with shovels and potato rakes and machetes, actively searching habitats of target species. We typically dig around tree trunks looking for animals that live underground. We search rivers and streams, turning over rocks, splitting open decaying logs looking for lizards or frogs. We climb trees, looking for tree-dwelling lizards, or place pitfall traps in the ground to catch lizards and small snakes that live in the leaf litter. We also use sticky traps like people use to catch pests in homes."

Brown and his team also rely on indigenous knowledge of each area's biodiversity and techniques for locating elusive animals.

"On these expeditions, we also found that different tribal groups have unique and ingenious means of catching forest animals," he said. "For example, a master hunter taught us how to make a variety of traps and snares from vines and rattan. And with his techniques, we captured species of rodents and lizards that we never caught by any other means."

Aside from passive traps, KU researchers and their Filipino collaborators spent a great deal of their time searching for animals in the dark.

"The longer distances are traversed at night, when we walk in groups through the forest on trails, actively looking for nocturnal animals on the ground, along rivers and up in trees, using powerful head lamps. This is one of the most important pieces of equipment we have, a really strong head lamp. Without the right light, we'd be in trouble."

For Brown, the research work on Mindanao harkens back a century to when KU Professor Edward Harrison Taylor, called the "Father of Philippine herpetology," performed years of fieldwork in the same part of Mindanao, discovering many of the 120 species he described in his career. Indeed, Brown and his Filipino collaborators have spent considerable time and effort, throughout the Philippines, trying to rediscover species first discovered and formally described by Taylor but over the last century pushed toward extinction by the ensuing deforestation.

"We like to think back to Taylor, a century ago, who would go out 'herping' by himself with a kerosene lantern, carrying it above his head with one hand, while grabbing lizards with the other. It's difficult to imagine how he collected as many specimens as he did," Brown said. "But his legacy, the published record and the many well-preserved specimens in museums around the world formed the foundation of Philippine herpetology. That legacy has been an inspiration to three or four generations of Filipino and American students who followed in his footsteps, all the while emphasizing partnership and collaboration between our historically linked countries."

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A study published today in Ecology Letters adds to a growing body of work examining the relationship between harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico and agricultural runoff. The article focuses on water chemistry, specifically the ratio of dissolved silica to dissolved inorganic nitrogen in 130 lakes connected to watersheds influencing nutrient concentrations in the Gulf of Mexico.

The research is particularly timely as algae, agriculture and weather combined to create an above-average size "Dead Zone" in the Gulf in 2016. Starting at the mouth of the Mississippi River, the ratio of silica to inorganic nitrogen has shifted dramatically toward nitrogen in the last century in the Gulf of Mexico. Two possible explanations for the change in ratio are that dams and reservoirs may remove silica and that agriculture supplies so much nitrogen that the ratios are forced downward. This study shows that reservoirs do not remove silica whereas nitrogen increases greatly when landscapes are more than 60 percent agriculture.

Excess dissolved nitrogen, in coastal zones like the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Erie, fuels the growth of algae which in turn precipitates anoxic conditions, or dead zones. Prior to such nutrient loading, the ratio of dissolved silica to dissolved inorganic nitrogen was balanced in a way that allowed diatoms, which supply the oxygen in every fourth breath a person takes, to survive.

"It is easy to change a phytoplankton community just by altering the availability of a few important compounds such as dissolved silica or dissolved inorganic nitrogen," said co-author John Downing, director of the University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program and the study's principal investigator. "In the Gulf we want to see diatoms, a type of phytoplankton that needs about equal amounts of dissolved silica and dissolved inorganic nitrogen. What we've created is a nitrate-rich condition that favors other, harmful types of phytoplankton."

Downing and colleagues from the University of Washington and Boston University found that increased nitrogen loss from agricultural fields sufficiently explains why the northern Gulf of Mexico waters are plagued by blooms of harmful algae. They also identified methods that may lead to better techniques for managing landscapes and the water they influence.

Downing and colleagues suggest that managing landscapes at watershed levels could significantly improve water quality, especially in wet years. They also point to reservoirs and similar water impoundments as areas where heavy nutrient loads could be diminished without affecting silica concentrations before the water reaches the Gulf of Mexico.

"We need to be vigilant about our land use and water quality," said Downing. "Climate change and increased storminess will likely exacerbate the skewed ratios we found and the extent of harmful blooms in coastal areas if we don't manage agricultural runoff more effectively. Harmful algae blooms cost the U.S. seafood, tourism and health industries over $80 million a year according the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and we know we can do better."

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Australian engineers have created a new quantum bit which remains in a stable superposition for 10 times longer than previously achieved, dramatically expanding the time during which calculations could be performed in a future silicon quantum computer.

The new quantum bit, made up of the spin of a single atom in silicon and merged with an electromagnetic field - known as 'dressed qubit' - retains quantum information for much longer that an 'undressed' atom, opening up new avenues to build and operate the superpowerful quantum computers of the future.

The result by a team at Australia's University of New South Wales (UNSW), appears today in the online version of the international journal, Nature Nanotechnology.

"We have created a new quantum bit where the spin of a single electron is merged together with a strong electromagnetic field," said Arne Laucht, a Research Fellow at the School of Electrical Engineering & Telecommunications at UNSW, and lead author of the paper. "This quantum bit is more versatile and more long-lived than the electron alone, and will allow us to build more reliable quantum computers."

Building a quantum computer has been called the 'space race of the 21st century' - a difficult and ambitious challenge with the potential to deliver revolutionary tools for tackling otherwise impossible calculations, such as the design of complex drugs and advanced materials, or the rapid search of massive, unsorted databases.

Its speed and power lie in the fact that quantum systems can host multiple 'superpositions' of different initial states, which in a computer are treated as inputs which, in turn, all get processed at the same time.

"The greatest hurdle in using quantum objects for computing is to preserve their delicate superpositions long enough to allow us to perform useful calculations," said Andrea Morello, leader of the research team and a Program Manager in the Centre for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology (CQC2T) at UNSW.

"Our decade-long research program had already established the most long-lived quantum bit in the solid state, by encoding quantum information in the spin of a single phosphorus atom inside a silicon chip, placed in a static magnetic field," he said.

What Laucht and colleagues did was push this further: "We have now implemented a new way to encode the information: we have subjected the atom to a very strong, continuously oscillating electromagnetic field at microwave frequencies, and thus we have 'redefined' the quantum bit as the orientation of the spin with respect to the microwave field."

The results are striking: since the electromagnetic field steadily oscillates at a very high frequency, any noise or disturbance at a different frequency results in a zero net effect. The researchers achieved an improvement by a factor of 10 in the time span during which a quantum superposition can be preserved.

Specifically, they measured a dephasing time of T2*=2.4 milliseconds - a result that is 10-fold better than the standard qubit, allowing many more operations to be performed within the time span during which the delicate quantum information is safely preserved.

"This new 'dressed qubit' can be controlled in a variety of ways that would be impractical with an 'undressed qubit',", added Morello. "For example, it can be controlled by simply modulating the frequency of the microwave field, just like in an FM radio. The 'undressed qubit' instead requires turning the amplitude of the control fields on and off, like an AM radio.

"In some sense, this is why the dressed qubit is more immune to noise: the quantum information is controlled by the frequency, which is rock-solid, whereas the amplitude can be more easily affected by external noise".

Since the device is built upon standard silicon technology, this result paves the way to the construction of powerful and reliable quantum processors based upon the same fabrication process already used for today's computers.

The UNSW team leads the world in developing quantum computing in silicon, and Morello's team is part of the consortium of UNSW researchers who have struck a A$70 million deal between UNSW, the researchers, business and the Australian government to develop a prototype silicon quantum integrated circuit - the first step in building the world's first quantum computer in silicon.

A functional quantum computer would allow massive increases in speed and efficiency for certain computing tasks - even when compared with today's fastest silicon-based 'classical' computers. In a number of key areas - such as searching large databases, solving complicated sets of equations, and modelling atomic systems such as biological molecules and drugs - they would far surpass today's computers.They would also be enormously useful in the finance and healthcare industries, and for government, security and defence organisations.

Quantum computers could identify and develop new medicines by greatly accelerating the computer-aided design of pharmaceutical compounds (and minimising lengthy trial and error testing), and develop new, lighter and stronger materials spanning consumer electronics to aircraft. They would also make possible new types of computational applications and solutions that are beyond our ability to foresee.

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Other researchers who contributed to the work include members of Morello's CQC2T team at UNSW - Rachpon Kalra, Stephanie Simmons, Juan Dehollain, Juha Muhonen, Fahd Mohiyaddin and Solomon Freer; Andrew Dzurak and Fay Hudson at the Australian National Fabrication Facility, David Jamieson and Jeffrey McCallum from the CQC2T University of Melbourne team, and Kohei Itoh of Japan's Keio University.

BACKGROUND ON UNSW'S FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, AND FUNDING OF THE RESEARCH

UNSW's Faculty of Engineering is the powerhouse of engineering research in Australia, comprising of nine schools, 21 research centres and participating or leading 10 Cooperative Research Centres. It is ranked in the world's top 50 engineering faculties, and home to Australia's largest cohort of engineering undergraduate, postgraduate, domestic and international students.

UNSW itself has 52,000 students from 120 nations; it is ranked #1 in Australia for producing millionaires (#33 globally) and ranked #1 in Australia for graduates who create technology start-ups.

The UNSW team's research is supported by the Australian Research Council, the U.S. Army Research Office, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and UNSW. The devices were built at the Australian National Fabrication Facility, supported by the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.
Cells from an infant's nose are remarkably similar to those found in the lungs, a discovery that could lead to much more precise diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other infant lung diseases, according to new research from the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC).

The study, published in Scientific Reports, provides a potential avenue for diagnosis that has challenged physicians for years, as infants with respiratory disease are usually so fragile that attempting to obtain lung samples is unsafe. Nasal cells, however, can be captured through a simple swab of the nostril, and, their similarity to lung cells on an RNA level would allow physicians to get an accurate representation of how the lung is responding during disease states, without the need for more invasive tests.

"An infant with RSV could potentially have their nasal cells tested to determine if they are among the small group that will develop a severe response that might require hospitalization," said Thomas Mariani, Ph.D., professor of Pediatrics at URMC. "Additionally, we could potentially use this method to examine other at-risk infants, such as those born prematurely who face a greater risk for lung disease throughout life -- and identify which of those children should be treated more aggressively."

The research also carries tremendous promise for future studies. While scientists have made significant progress over the past several decades to better understand adult lung diseases -- such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung fibrosis -- discovery has not been nearly as robust for infant diseases, due to the risks involved in securing lung tissue.

But the relative ease of obtaining nasal cells could accelerate understanding of how infant lungs respond to RSV and other diseases. While this study examined 53 healthy infants as a means of establishing a benchmark for normal cell structure, researchers at URMC have already begun studying the nasal tissue of diseased infants. Early results are promising.

"We're actively working on studies in infants with lung diseases, and we're showing quite clearly that we can identify differences between those with mild disease and those with more severe outcomes," said Mariani, the study's lead author.

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The research is conducted by URMC's Respiratory Pathogens Research Center, which coordinates its work with the national Respiratory Pathogens Research Center established by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The Center, under the direction of David Topham, Ph.D., focuses on research that will lead to a better understanding of the interactions between respiratory pathogens, the immune system, and other genetic and environmental factors.

ChinYi Chu, M.S., Xing Qiu, Ph.D., Lu Wang, M.S., Soumyaroop Bhattacharya, M.S., M.Ed., Gerry Lofthus, Ph.D., Anthony Corbett, M.S., Jeanne Holden-Wiltse, M.S., Alex Grier, M.S., Brenda Tesini, M.D., Steve Gill, Ph.D., Ann Falsey, M.D., Mary Caserta, M.D., and Ed Walsh, M.D., from the University of Rochester, contributed to these studies.
New research published by the University of Surrey in Boston College Law Review says the law has failed to address the issue of computer inventorship

says the law has failed to address the issue of computer inventorship Inventions generated by Artificial Intelligence are rising exponentially without the legal framework to manage the issue of patents, which could result in less innovation and uncertainty about invention ownership

Expert in patent law proposes acknowledging computers as inventors in order to incentivise the development of creative computers - without which, some inventions may never be realised

Computers could overtake humans as the primary source of new inventions in the foreseeable future

New research published by the University of Surrey in Boston College Law Review is calling for inventions by computers to be legally granted patents. The research states that the rapid increase in computer power is posing new challenges when it comes to patenting an invention. Artificial intelligence is playing an ever larger role in innovation - with major players such as IBM, Pfizer and Google investing heavily in creative computing - but current patent law does not recognise computers as inventors.

Without a change in the law, the findings warn that there will be less innovation, caused by uncertainty, which would prevent industry from capitalising on the huge potential of creative computers. We are also likely to see disputes over inventorship, with individuals taking credit for inventions that are not genuinely theirs.

Ryan Abbott, Professor of Law and Health Sciences at the University of Surrey's School of Law proposes that non-humans should be allowed to be named as inventors on patents as this would incentivise the creation of intellectual property by encouraging the development of creative computers. By assigning ownership of a computer's invention to a computer's owner, he argues, it would be possible to reward inventive activity which happens before the invention itself.

Professor Abbott commented, "While some patent prosecutors say the ability of machines to create patentable inventions on their own is well off in the future, artificial intelligence has actually been generating inventive ideas for decades. In just one example, an artificial intelligence system named 'The Creativity Machine' invented the first cross-bristled toothbrush design.

"Soon computers will be routinely inventing, and it may only be a matter of time until computers are responsible for most innovation. To optimise innovation - and the positive impact this will have on our economies - it is critical that we extend the laws around inventorship to include computers."

The article also examines the implications of computer inventorship for other areas of patent law - for example whether computers should replace the 'skilled person' conventionally used to judge a patent's inventiveness, since a computer would have an unlimited knowledge of the particular field in question.

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Interviews conducted in 2015 with eight nurses and one physician who had worked in Ebola care in Sierra Leone revealed two themes: 'Experiencing security by learning to manage risks'; and 'Developing courage and growth by facing personal fears'. The healthcare workers described their reliance on training, organized effort, strict guidelines and equipment. They were respectful of the risk of transmission, made risk assessments, took responsibility, handled risky situations, and were reminded of suffering and death.

"The ongoing globalization implies that such epidemics may not only be isolated to developing countries. Therefore, all health professionals need to be prepared for management of highly contagious deadly diseases," said Dr. Asa Hornsten, lead author of the Journal of Advanced Nursing study.

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Waste Water Systems Implemented at Dextran Products

To be Focus of Session: Cross-Pollinating to Solve Water Challenges

TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Polydex Pharmaceuticals Limited (OTC PINK:POLXF) (the Company) today announced that George Usher, President and CEO of the Company will be co-presenting results of the companys collaboration with Partners in Project Green (PPG) reviewing the implementation of sustainable waste water management systems at Dextran Products Limited, the companys manufacturing facility in Toronto, Canada. Together with Alyssa Cerbu, Project Coordinator at PPG, they will be sharing the story of their partnership to conference delegates including industry, government, municipalities and academia at the Toronto Marriott on October 18, 2016.

Water Innovation in Action is a summit hosted by WaterTap, Technology Acceleration Project.

Alyssa Cerbu, Project Coordinator at PPG describes the collaboration, After Mr. Usher attended our Water Sustainability Skills Lab focused on assessing the feasibility of industrial water reuse technologies, a plan was developed and partners contracted to implement Phase I of technology that will enable the company to save approximately 21,604 m3 of water per year, which equates to $52,767 CAD. She added, We helped develop this business case for implementation and awarded a $12,000.00 grant to Dextran Products for being a participant in our pilot project.

Additional improvement of apparatus is planned to continue the progress in decreasing waste attributed to each individual process, so that water will be reused as best as possible. More automation will increase efficiencies thereby utilizing fewer inputs, such as natural gas. Another benefit will be greater international competitiveness through improved water quality standards. Phase II improvements could include reuse of waste, collection of cooling cycle and pump seal water for storage and reuse, and hopefully elimination of BOD in IPA distillation tower waste.

We are delighted with the investments we have made into streamlining our production process, said George Usher, President and CEO of the Company, and focusing on reducing utility costs related to water consumption, has resulted in significant savings. Im happy to be participating in Water Innovation in Action with Partners in Project Green and hope to continue learning how to improve our systems to reuse waste water and implement even further cost savings.

The Company shares continue to be quoted on the Pink Sheet platform (http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/POLXF/quote).

Polydex Pharmaceuticals Limited, based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is engaged in the manufacture of bulk pharmaceutical intermediates for the worldwide veterinary pharmaceutical industry and also the development, manufacture and marketing of biotechnology-based products for the human pharmaceutical market. Company website: www.Polydex.com

Note: This press release may contain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding Polydex Pharmaceuticals Limited, including, without limitation, statements regarding expectations about future revenues or business opportunities or potential research projects. These statements are typically identified by use of words like may, could, might, expect, anticipate, believe, or similar words. Actual events or results may differ materially from the Companys expectations, which are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties including but not limited to changing market conditions, future actions by the United States Food and Drug Administration or equivalent foreign regulatory authorities as results of pending or future clinical trials. Other risk factors discussed in the Companys financial reports may also affect the actual results achieved by the Company.

Contact:

Polydex Pharmaceuticals Investor Relations: North Arm Capital Services, Linda Hughes, 1-877-945-1621, (Linda@northarm.com)

Alyssa Cerbu, Project Coordinator, Project in Partners Green Project, 416-661-6600 x5943 acerbu@trca.on.ca https://www.partnersinprojectgreen.com/




A recent interview study has uncovered factors that may contribute to the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) at the end of life.

Limited awareness may contribute to physicians' practice of not discussing the discontinuation of PIMs at the end of life. Physicians also mentioned concerns about the reaction of individuals and relatives, although individuals with a limited life expectancy and their relatives might be more willing to discontinue PIMs than their attending physicians believe.

In rare cases in which physicians discuss the discontinuation of PIMs, they tend to focus on the uselessness of their continuation, but emphasizing the positive aspects of stopping PIMs, such as reducing the burden of taking pills, may be a more fruitful approach.

"Although important, reconsideration of the administration of medications in the final stages of life, especially those with a focus on the prevention and treatment of illnesses, happens too little," said Dr. Eric Geijteman, lead author of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society article. "Physicians seem to be a bit scared to discontinue drugs in these stages. Patients and their relatives, however, seem to be open to stop inappropriate drugs."

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Two prominent rural organisations have written jointly to the Agricultural Minister of Northern Ireland Michaelle McIlveen asking her to ensure agri-environment funds are secured.

The Ulster Farmers Union and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds both wrote the letter, hoping the Treasury commits funding to environmental matters.

The Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) is worth over 100m and is an important component for improving the environment in the wider countryside.

Both organisations agree that agri-environment schemes are the best way to protect the countryside

The joint letter comes in the wake of Chancellor Philip Hammonds recent speech which gave fresh hope to farmers hoping to apply to the EFS in February 2017.

However, doubt has been cast over the budget for the new Environmental Farming Scheme, since the vote to leave the European Union on the 23rd of June.

However in his speech to the Conservative Party Conference the Chancellor stated that funding would only be allocated under strict criteria in line with domestic strategic priorities and value for money.

'Worrying trend'

UFU President Barclay Bell, stated that there is a 'worrying trend' as previous agreements continue to expire, from over 13,000 farms and 450,000 ha of land receiving support for maintaining and improving the environment to just a few hundred today 'leaving a vacuum for both the farmer and the environment.'

"We would call for clarity from Treasury on what the criteria is for assessing which projects meet UK priorities and value for money criteria," Mr Bell said.

"We believe the agri-environment schemes have demonstrated positive results for the environment and are also good for farmers."

Both organisations agree that agri-environment schemes are the best way to protect the countryside and provide important funding for land managers in a time of environmental and income pressures.

RSPB Northern Ireland Director Joanne Sherwood said: "The 2016 State of Nature report reveals that 56% of UK species studied have declined in recent decades.

"In Northern Ireland, around 20% of the species studied are at risk of extinction. Agriculture can be the solution to many of these problems, and we believe that farmers are best placed to protect our precious natural heritage."

The organisations have asked the Minister to secure the necessary 100m in EFS funding and to ensure that new agreements are honoured for their 5 year contractual commitment.
Rally Action To Support Amy Goodman and other courageous journalists At Standing RockACTION ALERT: Tues., 10/18, 4PM PT @ KPFA, Support Amy Goodman and other courageous journalistsAs most of you probably know, the State of North Dakota issued an arrest warrant for Amy Goodman covering the Dakota Access Pipeline protest on September 3. By the time you get this she may have turned herself in to the Morton County court in ND today at 1:30pm CT.Amy Goodmans live coverage of the Dakota Access Pipeline has been extraordinary and courageous. Democracy Now! airs on Pacifica stations. See the motion (below) passed by the KPFK Local Station Board today. KPFK is LAs Pacifica sister station of KPFA.Let's support Amy as well as our local KPFA Pacifica station journalists, photo journalists and live streamers and all those around the country and world for their coverage of so many sensitive issues.Join others to voice your support for Amy and all courageous journalists who speak/write the truthDate: Tuesday, October 18, 2016Time: 4:00 PM PTWhere: In front of the KPFA station (1929 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704)For more information, contact: Steve Zeltzer, KPFA Pacifica WorkWeek, workweek [at] kpfa.org 415-282-1908MOTION OPPOSING THE ARREST OF JOURNALISTS COVERING THE PROTESTS TO THE DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINEAmy Goodman, Deia Schlosberg, and Shailene Woodley are among the journalists who have been arrested while covering demonstrations against the Dakota Access Pipeline.The Arrest of Journalists and Filmmakers Covering the Dakota Pipeline Is a violation of the First Amendment, the Constitution, is a threat to the media, Democracyand the Planet.Therefore the KPFK LSB goes on record opposing such arrests and in support of journalists who have been arrested in Dakota and North Dakota, and call on the prosecutors of said cases to immediately drop said charges. Furthermore we call upon the arresting authorities to cease the harrassment and and seizure of materials and film of journalists covering the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.The Arrest of Journalists and Filmmakers Covering the Dakota Pipeline Is a Threat to Democracyand the PlanetDeia Schlosberg, Amy Goodman, and Shailene Woodley are among those who have been arrested while covering demonstrations against the Dakota Access Pipeline.By Josh FoxTwitterYESTERDAY 4:06 PMShailene Woodley was arrested while broadcasting a protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline on October 11, 2016. (Morton County Sheriff's Department)On October 11, Deia Schlosberg, the producer of my new film, How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Cant Change, was arrested in Walhalla, North Dakota, while reporting on a climate-change protest. She was held for 48 hours before being allowed to speak to a lawyer. The authorities confiscated her footage. She is now charged with three counts of felony conspiracy and faces a possible sentence of up to 45 years.For being a journalist.The First Amendment and the Constitution are at stake in this case. If we lose it, we lose America too.Deia isnt alone. The arrest of journalists, filmmakers, and others witnessing and reporting on citizen protests against fossil-fuel infrastructure amid climate change is part of a worrisome and growing pattern. Last month in North Dakota, a warrant was issued to arrest Amy Goodman, award-winning host of Democracy Now!, after she covered Native Americanled protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Her footage of security guards attacking peaceful protesters with bloody-snouted dogs was viewed over 14 million times. She elected to go back to North Dakota this week to face the charges. Actor Shailene Woodley was arrested and jailed this week while leaving a protest at a construction site for the Dakota Access Pipeline. She was singled out, the police told her, because she was well-known and had 40,000 people watching live on her Facebook page. Other filmmakers shooting protest actions along the pipeline have also been arrested.All this should send chills down the spine of every documentary filmmaker and journalist.Although the national media paid little attention to the climate-change protest that Deia and others attempted to report on, it was remarkable. A small group of activists in four states shut down all the pipelines carrying tar-sands oil from Alberta, Canada, into the United States. The protest responded to a call from the Standing Rock Sioux for international prayer and action on the growing climate emergency. Activists shut off emergency valves along the pipeline, their message being, We are in a climate emergency now.If it were up to the mainstream media we wouldnt know about this. I know, because I broke the story of fracking. It had been a crisis for years, but the media were ignoring it, which is why I decided to make my film Gasland.As a relative newcomer to documentary filmmaking I am in awe of the bravery of documentarians. Doc filmmakers often break important stories and risk their lives and safety doing it. Laura Poitrass reporting on Edward Snowden in Citizen Four, Joshua Oppenheimers The Act of Killing, Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetheringtons Restrepo, Alexandria Bombachs Frame by Frame are just a few examples.Deia Schlosberg at the 35th College Television Awards (Danny Moloshok / Invision)Deias brave reporting on oil contamination in the Amazon and on fracking and tar sands falls in that category. But how she and others reporting on these issues have been treated by the media and law enforcement shows that the oil-and-gas industry is contaminating them, too. Our government has also been fracked, and is serving fossil-fuel interests. Asked about the pipeline protests this week, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest sounded an ominous warning: I can tell you that both the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation are investigating these reports and trying to get to the bottom of what exactly happened and what potential steps could be taken to ensure the safety and security of our energy infrastructure.Ive got some news for Barack Obama and his administration. Its our current energy infrastructure and the fossil-fuel interests that profit from it that are threatening the safety and security of our country. They are the ones continuing to develop new sources of tar sands oil, one the most greenhouse gasintensive fossil fuels, in the middle of a climate crisis. The implications are dizzying. If we continue to allow the fossil-fuel industry to ship millions of gallon of tar sands oil across our border, we will rocket past any safe level of global warming. We will plunge our major cities underwater. The American Petroleum Institute is calling activists trying to prevent this extremists. But the extremists, as Bill McKibben likes to say, work at the oil companies.Documentary journalism can show the activists as what they really are: sympathetic human beings who are doing something necessary and vital, real people who are sacrificing real freedom to stop the oil-industry extremists before it is too late. In fact, doc filmmaking may be the only thing that can do that. That is why Ive written a letter calling on members of the media, Governor of North Dakota Jack Dalrymple, United States Attorney for the District of North Dakota Chris Myers, and President Obama to stand up for press freedom and independent journalism on climate change, and call for all charges to be dropped against Deia. This is not only about reporting on the climate-change movement. Journalists have also been arrested reporting on Black Lives Matter, the movement for Native rights, and many other important movements the corporate media fails to cover. The First Amendment and the Constitution are at stake in this case. If we lose it, we lose America too.You can sign on to our letter of support for Deia at our Web site: http://www.howtoletgomovie.com DN Journalist Amy Goodman to Turn Herself in to North Dakota AuthoritiesOCTOBER 13, 2016October 13, 2016  Award-winning journalist Amy Goodman, charged with criminal trespassing for filming an attack on Native American-led pipeline protesters, will turn herself in to North Dakota authorities on October 17.Amy Goodman will surrender to authorities at the Morton CountyMandan Combined Law Enforcement and Corrections Center at 8:15 a.m. local time (CDT)."I will go back to North Dakota to fight this charge. It is a clear violation of the First Amendment," said Goodman. "I was doing my job as a journalist, covering a violent attack on Native American protesters."The charge in State of North Dakota v. Amy Goodman stems from Democracy Now!s coverage of the protests against the Dakota Access pipeline. On Saturday, September 3, Democracy Now! filmed security guards working for the pipeline company attacking protesters. The report showed guards unleashing dogs and using pepper spray and featured people with bite injuries and a dog with blood on its mouth and nose.Democracy Now!s report went viral online, was viewed more than 14 million times on Facebook and was rebroadcast on many outlets, including CBS, NBC, NPR, CNN, MSNBCand the Huffington Post.On September 8, a criminal complaint and warrant was issued for Goodmans arrest.Ironically, in the states criminal complaint, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation Special Agent Lindsey Wohl, referencing the Democracy Now! video report in a sworn affidavit, stated, "Amy Goodman can be seen on the video identifying herself and interviewing protesters about their involvement in the protest." This is precisely the point: Goodman was doing the constitutionally protected work of a reporter.The pipeline project has faced months of resistance from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and members of over 200 other tribes from across the U.S., Canada and Latin America.The Committee to Protect Journalists has said that the warrant is "a transparent attempt to intimidate reporters from covering protests of significant public interest." Steve Andrist, executive director of the North Dakota Newspaper Association, told The Bismarck Tribune, "Its regrettable that authorities chose to charge a reporter who was just doing her job."Goodman is the host and executive producer of Democracy Now!, a national, daily, independent, award-winning public television/radio news program that airs on over 1,400 stations worldwide. Goodman has co-authored six New York Times bestsellers and won many of journalisms highest awards in her more than three decades working as a reporter.Democracy Now!s coverage of the pipeline and the protests is available here.Press Statement:Time: 8:00 a.m. CDT, Monday October 17, 2016Place: 211 2nd Ave NW, Mandan ND 58554Followed by short walk to jail:Time: 8:15 a.m. CDT Monday October 17, 2016Place: 205 1st Ave NW, Mandan, ND 58554For more information, contact Denis Moynihan at +1-646-217-7231 (on-site cell) or media [at] democracynow.org Live camera position/uplink available.To book contact Denis Moynihan.Press availability will follow Amy Goodmans arraignment, expected (but not guaranteed) to be several hours after 8:15 a.m. Goodman will be available for TV interviews via live TV camera position.Live camera positions with satellite uplink connection available onsite to interview Amy Goodman or for use by your correspondent.Broadcast/print quality video and still photos of Amy Goodman entering Morton County Jail will be available at democracynow.org or by emailing request to media [at] democracynow.org Labor Mobilization In Support Of Standing Rock, First Nations, In Opposition To The Dakota Access Pipeline"We at Oceti Sakowin Camp welcome any and all support from our Union brothers and sisters. This camp stands to protect our sacred water and support a new energy paradigm, jobs and work in green energy fields. We welcome your support in any ways you feel appropriate, join us in paving a new road to a sustainable future for many future generations." --Message from Standing Rock Council to Labor for Standing Rock, 10/13/26.In response to calls from Standing Rock, please join a coordinated labor mobilization on the weekend of October 29-30!Further information is below.======The First Nations courageous fight taking place against the Dakota Access Pipeline has ignited a worlds attention. This struggle has become most focused at the water protectors camp located within the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. It contrasts an inherently dangerous project of the fossil fuel industry with the protection of the local and global environment, Native American sovereignty, and the necessity of a sustainable world.For our sisters and brothers within the unions and the entire working class, the conflict becomes one of dangerous, fleeting employment that will inevitably destroy our planet, and the possibility of full employment to build safe energy and prosperity for all.With this is mind we recognize that the recent resolution of the AFL-CIO leadership in support of the Dakota Access pipeline is inherently misguided, and in conflict with First Nations, our common environment, and the interests of people worldwide. In addition, the use of force against the people at Standing Rock mirrors the very attacks we have endured through our own history of building our unions.At the same time, solidarity with Standing Rock has been voiced by growing number of labor bodies, including:Amalgamated Transit UnionAmerican Federation of Teachers Local 2121 -- City College of San Francisco Faculty UnionBorder Agricultural WorkersCalifornia Faculty AssociationCommunications Workers of AmericaIndustrial Workers of the WorldIWW Environmental Unionism CaucusLabor Coalition for Community Action (A. Phillip Randolph Institute, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, and Pride at Work)Labor for PalestineNational Nurses UnitedNew York State Nurses AssociationNational Writers Union/UAW Local 1981Service Employees International UnionUnited Electrical WorkersSEIU 503 OPEUTo escalate this growing solidarity, we call on workers everywhere join us for actions on the weekend of October 29-30, 2016, including the following activities:At Standing Rock: Assemble at Standing Rock camp for a labor procession and entrance Saturday, October 22, 10am Mid-day lunch gathering to share information on the status and location of pipeline work Afternoon actions (picket lines, flyering of pipeline workers etc.) Rally back to Standing Rock camp Saturday night for music, discussion, and cultural exchange Sunday, October 23  Possible morning actions, people depart during the day to make it home for Monday workElsewhere: Post individual or group solidarity selfies of picket signs with labor affiliation, location, and common tagline: #LaborForStandingRock Hold local labor solidarity eventsWith the future of the environment, the rights of First Nations, and the health of the working class at stake, these subsequent actions will help regenerate a labor movement based on the vision of a just, sustainable, and prosperous world for all.Please join us.#LaborForStandingRock#StandWithStandingRock#No DAPL#MniWiconi#SolidarityForever#greenuninonism
SANTIAGO, Chile--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orosur Mining Inc. (Orosur or the Company) (TSX/AIM: OMI), a South American-focused gold producer, developer and explorer is pleased to announce the results for its 2017 first quarter ended August 31, 2016 (Q1 17 or the Quarter).

Highlights of Q1 FY17

Gold production of 9,950 oz, on the higher end of the Companys 35,000  40,000 oz guidance for the full year (Q1 16: 12,471 oz).

Cash operating costs of US$693/oz, significantly beating guidance of between US$800 to US$900/oz (Q1 16: US$954/oz).

All-In-Sustaining costs (AISC) of US$989/oz (Q1 16: US$1,166/oz). The Company has maintained AISC below US$1,000/oz for the last three consecutive quarters now.

Net profit after tax of US$2.8M (Q1 16: loss of US$1.7M).

Cash generated from operations of US$4.8M (Q1 16: US$0.2M).

Total cash balance of US$5.0M (Q1 16: US$4.3M).

Operational & Financial Summary1 Operating Results Quarter ended August 31 2017 2016 Diff Gold produced Ounces 9,950 12,471 (2,521) Operating cash cost3 US$/oz 693 954 (261) AISC US$/oz 989 1,166 (177) Average price received US$/oz 1,324 1,147 177 Financial Results Revenue US$ 000 12,658 14,465 (1,807) Net profit/(loss) after tax US$ 000 2,759 (1,726) 4,485 Cash flow from operations2 US$ 000 4,795 173 4,622 Cash & Debt Summary August 31, 2016 May 31, 2016 Diff Cash balance US$ 000 4,982 4,320 662 Total debt US$ 000 289 352 (63) Cash net of debt US$ 000 4,693 3,968 725

1 Results are based on IFRS and expressed in US dollars 2 Before non-cash working capital movements 3 Operating cash cost is total cost discounting royalties and capital tax on production assets.

Ignacio Salazar, CEO of Orosur, said:

We are very pleased to announce a strong quarter with cash operating costs below US$700/oz, AISC below US$1,000/oz, net profit US$2.8M and cash from operations of US$4.8M. The commitment, additional work load and the tough decisions the team has had to assume during the past year has positioned the Company well to take advantage of gold price improvements this year and we are delighted to be seeing the benefits.

I believe the financial results speak for themselves, and taken together with the exploration and development progress we reported last week, show this is an exciting time for the Company. That said, we remain as pro-active as ever and are committed to making the most of the current position of the Company for the benefit of our shareholders and team. I very much look forward to the work and results ahead.

FY17 Outlook & Guidance

The Company's forecast production guidance for FY17 remains between 35,000 to 40,000 oz of gold at operating cash costs of between US$800 - US$900/oz.

As in the past, variations in production and unit costs are expected to occur, quarter on quarter, as the mine plan draws ore from multiple sources at varying grades, stages of development and stripping factors. The Company expects to have higher unit costs in Q2 as underground staff and equipment are transferred from the Arenal UG operation in its final months of production to the SGW UG development which is expected to commence production by the end of November 2016.

Q1 17 Financial Summary

Cash flow from operations before working capital was US$4.8 million compared to US$0.2 million for Q1 16, mainly as a result of the higher gold prices received in Q1 17 and lower production rates year over year. Net profit after tax was US$2.8 million compared with a loss of US$1.7 million in Q1 16.

The Company invested US$1.9 million in capital expenditures and US$0.6 million in exploration expenditures compared with US$1.0 million and US$1.0 million respectively in Q1 16. During the Quarter, the Company advanced the development of the ramp and access in the San Gregorio underground mine as planned and on budget and commenced the construction of the phase 4A of the tailings dam.

The cash balance at the end of the Quarter was US$5.0 million compared with US$4.3 million at May 31, 2016. The Companys debt balance was US$0.3 million compared to US$0.4 million at May 31, 2016.

Forward Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this news release, including any information as to the future financial or operating performance of the Company, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of certain securities laws, including the "safe harbour" provisions of the Securities Act (Ontario) and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on expectations estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation success of exploration activities; permitting time lines; the failure of plant; equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents; labour disputes; requirements for additional capital title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.

About Orosur Mining Inc.

Orosur Mining Inc. is a fully integrated gold producer, developer and explorer focused on identifying and advancing gold projects in South America. The Company operates the only producing gold mine in Uruguay (San Gregorio), and has assembled an exploration portfolio of high quality assets in Uruguay, Chile and Colombia. The Company is listed in Canada (TSX: OMI) and London (AIM: OMI).

For more information please visit www.orosur.ca

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ('MAR'). Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service ('RIS'), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

Orosur Mining Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Unaudited Statements of Financial Position Thousands of United States Dollars, except where indicated As at August 31, 2016 ($) As at May 31, 2016 ($) Assets Cash 4,982 4,320 Accounts receivable and other assets 1,983 1,770 Inventories 12,794 12,069 Total current assets 19,759 18,159 Accounts receivable and other assets 550 550 Property plant and equipment and development costs 10,209 10,106 Exploration and evaluation costs 17,729 17,250 Deferred income tax assets 2,534 2,534 Restricted cash 229 221 Total non-current assets 31,251 30,661 Total assets 51,010 48,820 Liabilities and Shareholders Equity Trade payables and other accrued liabilities 10,112 10,586 Current portion of long-term debt 237 253 Environmental rehabilitation provisions 360 360 Total current liabilities 10,709 11,199 Long-term debt 52 99 Environmental rehabilitation provisions 5,281 5,327 Total non-current liabilities 5,333 5,426 Total liabilities 16,042 16,625 Capital stock 60,849 60,751 Contributed surplus 5,878 5,925 Deficit (30,738) (33,497) Currency translation reserve (1,021) (984) Total shareholders equity 34,968 32,195 Total liabilities and shareholders equity 51,010 48,820

Orosur Mining Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Unaudited Statements of profit/ (loss) and Comprehensive profit/(loss) Thousands of United States Dollars, except for per share amounts Three months ended August 31, 2016 ($) 2015 ($) Sales 12,658 14,465 Cost of sales (9,243) (15,015) Gross profit/(loss) 3,415 (550) Corporate and administrative expenses (467) (631) 124 (1,114) (9) (18) (88) - 350 554 Net finance cost (45) (61) Derivative loss (420) - Net foreign exchange (loss)/gain (101) 78 (656) (1,192) Profit/(loss) before income tax 2,759 (1,742) Recovery/(Provision) for income taxes - 16 Total profit/(loss) for the period 2,759 (1,726) Other comprehensive loss Cumulative translation adjustment (37) (713) Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the period 2,722 (2,439) Profit/(loss) per common share Basic and fully diluted 0.03 (0.02)

Orosur Mining Inc. Condensed Interim Consolidated Unaudited Statements of Cash Flows Thousands of United States Dollars, except where indicated Three months ended August 31, 2016 ($) 2015 ($) Net inflow/(outflow) of cash related to the following activities Cash flow from operating activities Net profit/(loss) for the period 2,759 (1,726) Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities: Depreciation 1,766 1,814 Exploration and evaluation expenses written off 9 18 Obsolescence provision 88 - Fair value of derivatives 94 - Accretion of asset retirement obligation 19 6 Stock based compensation 28 7 Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment - (20) Other 32 74 Subtotal 4,795 173 Changes in working capital: Accounts receivable and other assets (308) (175) Inventories (812) 1,349 Trade payables and other accrued liabilities (474) 56 Net cash generated from operating activities 3,201 1,403 Cash flow from financing activities Loan payments (63) (355) Proceeds on sale of common shares of Anillo SPA - 714 Net cash used in financing activities (63) 359 Cash flow from investing activities Purchase of property, plant and equipment and development costs (1,862) (913) Environmental tasks (65) (81) Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets - 33 Exploration and evaluation expenditure assets (549) (966) Net cash used in investing activities (2,476) (1,927) Increase/ (decrease) in cash 662 (165) Cash at the beginning of period 4,320 4,787 Cash at the end of period 4,982 4,622
Toronto, ON / TheNewswire / Oct 17, 2016. Chilean Metals Inc. ("Chilean Metals," "CMX" or the "Company") (TSX.V:CMX, OTCQB: CMETF, SSE:CMX, MILA: CMX).

Chilean Metals is proud to announce its New Technical Advisory Committee and new Board of Directors. The Board changes will take effect, subject to shareholder approval, at the company's Annual General Meeting on November 10th in Toronto.

Current Board Chairman, Ian Pirie is stepping down from the Board but we are very excited to announce Ian is joining our highly specialized & experienced Technical Advisory Committee. Chilean Metals is pleased to continue to benefit from Ian's 37 years of experience in the Mining Industry where Ian's responsibilities included General Manager, Latin America for Inmet Mining. During this time Ian was responsible for the acquisition, exploration & development of the Antamina Cu/Zn project in Peru up to the completion of basic engineering. Subsequently, as VP Projects for Inmet, he oversaw development of Cobre Las Cruces in Spain and the feasibility study and basic engineering for the Cobre Panama project in Panama.

Additional Board changes for consideration at our Annual General Meeting will include Current President & Director, Terry Lynch, will resign as President and is nominated for Chairman of the Board. Patrick Cruickshank, current CEO will become President & CEO. Chilean Metals is pleased to also nominate to the Board of Directors;

Thomas R Comfort, B. Sc. Eng., MBA After graduating from University of Texas with BSME, Tom was commissioned in the United States Navy and served 6 years. His specialty was as a Nuclear Propulsion Officer where he finished his career on the USS Carl Vinson. After leaving the Navy, Tom moved back to Austin and completed his MBA @ The University of Texas - Austin. For the past 10+ years Tom has excelled at Dell Computers running the Americas in Environmental Asset Recovery. His main focus now is Private Equity opportunities in alternative assets.

Greg McKenzie, LL.B, MBA Greg is a senior investment banker with 20 years of experience in financing, M&A, financial advisory, valuation, and strategic advice primarily to mid-cap companies. His transactions are valued in excess of $18 billion. Mr. McKenzie has worked in New York and Toronto and has held positions with Morgan Stanley, CIBC World Markets, Haywood Securities and Salman Partners. While at these firms, Greg advised managements and boards of companies in various sectors including: metals & mining, industrials, consumer products, technology and healthcare. Mr. McKenzie was also called to the bar in New York and Ontario and practiced law with a leading Canadian securities and M&A law firm.

Ian Pirie joins the following highly recognized & accredited Technical Advisory Committee members;

Dr Tony Belperio, Ph.D., B.Sc, IMM, F.Aus. Dr Belperio is the Executive Director & Exploration Director of Highly recognized Minotaur Exploration Australia. Dr Belperio served as Minotaur's Chief Geologist from 1996 - 2007 and was instrumental in the discovery of Prominent Hill IOCG, in Southeast Australia. He has received the University of Adelaide's Tate Memorial Medal, The Geological Society of Australia's Stillwell Award and AMEC Prospector of the Year Award. Currently, Dr Belperio & Minotaur recently announced their Cloncurry Cu-Au discovery and JV with Oz Minerals.

Dr Chris Hodgson, Ph.D.,P Eng. Dr. Hodgson has been the Geological Consultant and former VP of Exploration until 2016. Dr Hodgson has had an outstanding career to date, including Amax Exploration, Canamax Resources, Tungsten & Minera Inmet in Chile. Mr Hodgson is credited with the early recognition of the Santo Domingo IOCG deposit in Chile. Ultimately, Farwest developed the project & sold to Capstone for $700M. Dr Hodgson is fluent in Spanish and has been working in mining in Chile for the past 25 years.

Gary Lohman, P. Geo, B. Sc., VP Exploration & Director, Chilean Metals. Committee Chair Gary Lohman has over 30 years experience in both precious metals & base metals exploration within the Americas. He is skilled in most geological, geochemical & geophysical exploration techniques in a wide variety of settings and terrains. Gary's career has taken him on many projects early stages to advanced, in Canada, Mexico, California & Ecuador.

PJ Cruickshank, Chilean Metals CEO, commented "We are very excited & proud to announce the proposed changes to our board and announce our New Technical Advisory Committee. We believe our team is well constructed to lead our company in the exploration of IOCG Style deposits in Chile & Canada. We are honoured to have this group of highly accredited geologists and financiers join our team at Chilean Metals and we look forward to working with them to achieve success in the field."

About Chilean Metals

www.chileanmetals.com/

Chilean Metals Inc. is a Canadian Junior Exploration Company focusing on high potential Copper Gold prospects in Chile & Canada.

Chilean Metals Inc is 100% owner of five properties comprising over 50,000 acres strategically located in the prolific IOCG ("Iron oxide-copper-gold") belt of northern Chile. It also owns a 3% NSR royalty interest on any future production from the Copaquire Cu-Mo deposit, recently sold to a subsidiary of Teck Resources Inc. ("Teck"). Under the terms of the sale agreement, Teck has the right to acquire one third of the 3% NSR for $3 million dollars at any time. The Copaquire property borders Teck's producing Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile's First Region. Chilean Metals Inc is the 100% owner of four Copper Gold exploration properties in Nova Scotia on the western flank of the Cobequid-Chedabucto Fault Zone (CCFZ); Fox River, Parrsboro, Lynn and Bass River North respectively. Initial targeting and geophysics has been conducted on all properties, At Bass River North, airborne geophysics identified a major VTEM cluster on trend with the Pb/Zn/Ag mineralization exposed at surface and in drill holes to the southwest.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

Chilean Metals Inc.

"PJ Cruickshank"

PJ Cruickshank, CEO

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Qualified Person for Chilean Metals Inc., as defined by National Instrument 43-101, is Gary Lohman, P. GEO., Vice President, Exploration.

Forward-looking Statements: This news release may contain certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that CMX expects to occur, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this document include statements regarding current and future exploration programs, activities and results. Although CMX believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration success, continued availability of capital and financing, inability to obtain required regulatory or governmental approvals and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements.
KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 17, 2016) - Fission 3.0 Corp. (TSX VENTURE:FUU) ("Fission 3") is pleased to announce results from the final ten holes of its first-pass drill program at its Macusani property in Southeastern Peru, including MAC16-016, which intersected 8.0m of total composite mineralization with a peak of 7,400 cps within approximately 14.5m from surface. Seven of the ten holes intersected anomalous radioactivity at shallow depth. Six of the mineralized holes were located on the Llama North prospects and one at the Llama South prospect at Macusani, where surface outcrops returned anomalies up to 2.5% Uranium.

Results Highlights

Hole MAC16-016: Near-surface mineralization intersected over a 9.0m interval (14.5m to 23.5m) with a peak of 7,400 cps over 0.5m.

Near-surface mineralization intersected over a 9.0m interval (14.5m to 23.5m) with a peak of 7,400 cps over 0.5m. Shallow mineralization: Seven holes intersected anomalous radioactivity within approximately 46m from surface

Seven holes intersected anomalous radioactivity within approximately 46m from surface Promising Radioactivity Counts Encountered in Multiple Holes: Anomalous radioactivity peak of 7,400 cps in hole MAC16-016, 950 cps in hole MAC16-010 and, as announced in NR dated June 21, 2016, 3,100 cps in hole MAC16-003

Anomalous radioactivity peak of 7,400 cps in hole MAC16-016, 950 cps in hole MAC16-010 and, as announced in NR dated June 21, 2016, 3,100 cps in hole MAC16-003 Both Locations Confirmed Prospective for High Grades: The holes were drilled at Llama South and Llama prospects, where numerous high-grade surface outcrops have been discovered

The holes were drilled at Llama South and Llama prospects, where numerous high-grade surface outcrops have been discovered Large, Shallow Deposits Nearby: Llama South target is on trend with two nearby uranium deposits with recent resource estimates - Plateau Uranium's Corachapi Complex and Corani Complex

Ross McElroy, President, COO, and Chief Geologist for Fission, commented

"We are very pleased with these results. Second phase drilling has intercepted the strongest and widest mineralization to date at Macusani, with hole MAC16-016 returning a peak of 7,400 cps on the Llama South prospect. In total, we encountered mineralization in eleven out of sixteen holes at very shallow depth and confirmed both the Llama South and Llama North prospects as key areas for follow up. With multiple uranium and lithium resources identified in adjacent properties, the presence of high-grade uranium outcrops at our prospect areas and now the completion of a very successful drill program, Macusani is rapidly becoming a key project for Fission 3.0."

Table 1: Llama North Prospect Hole ID Target Collar Hand Scintilometer Radioactivity (>300 Cps) Total Drillhole

Depth (m) Az Dip From (m) To (m) Width (m) CPS Peak Range MAC16-007 Llama North 240 -45 0.0 1.5 1.5 520 - 560 129.4 54.50 63.0 8.5 <400 - 430 MAC16-008 Llama North 120 -65 No anomalous radioactivity 104.8 MAC16-009 Llama North 180 -55 45.50 46.0 0.5 420 88.5 MAC16-010 Llama North 120 -55 33.00 37.0 4.0 <400 - 950 118.6 40.50 41.0 0.5 400 44.50 47.0 2.5 <400 - 450 49.50 51.0 1.5 400 - 425 56.50 57.0 0.5 400 MAC16-011 Llama North 365 -55 24.00 24.5 0.5 400 100.5 94.50 95.0 0.5 540 MAC16-012 Llama North 340 -55 33.50 34.0 0.5 400 106.2 MAC16-013 Llama North 95 -75 29.00 43.0 14.0 <400 - 575 87.8 83.50 84.0 0.5 535

Table 2: Llama South Prospect Hole ID Target Collar Hand Scintilometer Radioactivity (>300 Cps) Total Drillhole

Depth (m) Az Dip From (m) To (m) Width (m) CPS Peak MAC16-014 Llama South 300 -55 No anomalous radioactivity 115.6 MAC16-015 Llama South 210 -55 No anomalous radioactivity 122.1 MAC16-016 Llama South 180 -55 14.50 23.5 9.00 <400 - 7400 65.2

Natural gamma radiation in drill core as stated in this news release is recorded in the field, measured in counts per second (cps) using a hand held GR-110 Scintillometer manufactured by Radiation Solutions. The reader is cautioned that scintillometer readings are not directly or uniformly related to uranium grades of the rock sample measured, and should be used only as a preliminary indication of the presence of radioactive materials. The degree of radioactivity within the mineralized intervals can be highly variable. All intersections and features reported are with respect to down-hole meterage. All depths reported of core interval measurements including radioactivity and mineralization intervals widths are not necessarily representative of true thickness and true thicknesses are yet to be determined.

Samples from the drill core will be split in half sections on site. Where possible, samples will be standardized at 0.5m down-hole intervals. One-half of the split sample will be sent to Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd in Lima Peru for preparation and the pulps will be sent onwards to their lab (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) in Vancouver, BC for analysis which includes U 3 O 8 (wt %) and U ppm, while the other half remains on site for reference. All analysis includes a 40 element ICPES & ICPMS, including gold, silver and all REE's. Uranium analysis will be by ICP-MS and lithium by ICP-ES.

The Macusani Project

The Macusani property is located within southeastern Peru. Fission 3.0 Corp. holds the rights to 9 claim blocks encompassing 51 km. The district is mining-friendly, has a mild climate and has solid infrastructure, including all-weather roads and low-cost power.

Within the area, the stratigraphy is dominated by the sub-horizontal Pliocene Quenamari Formation, which is mainly composed of ignimbrite layers. Uranium anomalies occur on plateaus that are composed of the Upper Yapamayo Member of the Quenamari Formation. Sampling to date has shown that the most significant uranium anomalies appear to be restricted to this assemblage. Mineralization within the area is dominated by very high grade Autinite veins along 'enriched fault planes', with lesser disseminated mineralization. The significant fault planes can vary from up to 2 m thick, while multiple enriched fault planes occur in shear zones up to 150 m across.

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by Ross McElroy, P.Geol., COO and Chief Geologist for Fission 3.0, a qualified person.

About Fission 3.0 Corp.

Fission 3.0 Corp. is a Canadian based resource company specializing in the strategic acquisition, exploration and development of uranium properties and is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia. Common Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "FUU."

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,

Ross McElroy, COO

Fission 3.0 Corp.

Cautionary Statement: Fission 3.0 Corp.

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". Forward looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of Fission 3.0 Corp. which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and Fission 3.0 Corp. disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 17, 2016) - CKR Carbon Corporation. (TSXV: CKR) (FSE: CB81) ("CKR" or the "Company") an anode and value-added graphite development Company and operator of the Aukam vein-graphite project in Namibia is pleased to announce that it has retained First Republic Capital Corporation ("First Republic") to act as its exclusive lead agent in respect of a brokered private placement to raise up to CAD$920,000 (the "Private Placement").

Under the Private Placement, First Republic will act as agent on a commercially reasonable efforts basis to sell up to 10,000,000 units ("Units") of the Company at a price of CAD$0.08 per Unit to raise aggregate proceeds of up to CAD$800,000 and up to 1,333,333 flow through shares ("Flow-Through Shares") at a price of CAD $0.09 to raise aggregate flow-through proceeds of CAD$120,000.

Multiple insiders of the Company have indicated their support for the Private Placement. Any such participation would be a related-party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") but will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair-market value of the subject matter of the transaction nor the consideration paid will exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Private Placement was approved by all of the independent directors of the Company.

The number of Common Shares potentially issuable to insiders of the Company pursuant to the Private Placement (including any Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants) will represent not more than 10% of the Company's currently issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis.

Each Unit is comprised of: (i) one common share of the Company (a "Share"); and (ii) one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company, with each whole common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant") entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of CAD$0.15 for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance of the Units (the "Warrant Expiry Date"). In the event that the closing price of the Company's common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (or such other exchange on which the Company's common shares may become traded) is CAD$0.20 or greater per common share during any 20 consecutive trading day period at any time subsequent to four months and one day after the closing date, the Warrants will expire, at the sole discretion of the Company, at 4:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the 30th day after the date on which the Company provides notice of such accelerated expiry to the holders of the Warrants.

The Company has agreed to pay First Republic cash compensation of: (i) a corporate finance fee equal to 2% of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement, and (ii) a sales commission up to 8% of the gross proceeds of the Private Placement, and to issue broker units (on the same terms as the Units) in respect of the sale of Units ("Broker Units") or warrants to purchase common shares at $0.09 for one year from closing in respect of the sale of Flow-Through Shares (``Broker Warrants``) to First Republic in the following amounts: (i) corporate finance Broker Units or Broker Warrants equal to 2% of the aggregate number of Units or Flow-Through Shares sold in the Private Placement, and (ii) selling compensation Broker Units or Broker Warrants up to 8% of the aggregate number of Units or Flow-Through Shares sold in the Private Placement.

All securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing of the Private Placement. The Private Placement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The net proceeds from the sale of the Units will be used for underground exploration, including drilling and sampling at the Aukam Graphite Mine in Namibia in order to apply for a mining permit and for working capital. The net proceeds from the sale of flow-through shares will be used for exploration of the Company's graphite projects in Quebec.

About the Aukam Project

CKR has, through a binding Farm Out Agreement with Next Graphite Inc., an option to acquire 63% of the Aukam graphite project by meeting certain milestones and making cash payments. It also has the option to buy an incremental 10% of Next's remaining interest in the License subject to agreement by Next. To date, CKR has spent more than US$400,000 on the project and consequently has earned over a 23% interest not including the agreement above.

The Aukam Graphite Project is located on 34,082.15 hectares in southern Namibia close to the port city of Luderitz. The property hosts three underground adits which were mined periodically between 1940 and 1974. Five dumps from the historical mining occur on the property and 73 composite samples taken from the lower three dumps were assayed and averaged 42% Cg. While these composite samples were selected from a much larger screened sample of the dumps, they are not considered representative of the mineralization on the property as a whole.

CKR recently completed a bulk sampling program at Aukam, and has a letter of intent to sell the graphitic material produced during the program. CKR is currently undertaking studies to support an application for a mining license. The company maintains high safety and environmental standards and has a comprehensive strategy of social engagement.

About CKR Carbon Corporation

CKR Carbon Corporation is focused on high quality, natural graphite suitable for use in lithium-ion batteries, graphite foil, graphene and other value-added high growth technology applications. We only select projects requiring low capital and a short time to market. The company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol CKR and has 33.2 million shares outstanding.

For more information: visit the website at www.ckr-carbon.com or contact:

Roger Moss, CEO, +1 416-704-8291 E-mail inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For graphite product enquiries:

Arno Brand, Boswell Projects, +1 416-561-4095 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FIRST REPUBLIC CAPITAL CORPORATION

Anthony Durkacz (416) 720-4360

"Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com).
By Kim Hyo-jin





Song Min-soon

Former Foreign Minister

Former spy agency chief Kim Man-bok denied, Monday, allegations that he floated the idea of asking North Korea's opinion during a Cabinet meeting in 2007 before South Korea abstained from voting on a U.N. resolution condemning Pyongyang's dire human rights situation.

The denial came amid swirling political conflict over a memoir written by then-Foreign Minister Song Min-soon.

In the memoir, published last week, Song claimed that Kim suggested the idea first while Cabinet members were divided over whether South Korea should participate in the U.N. vote. At the time, then presidential chief of staff Moon Jae-in  under the Roh Moo-hyun administration  now a prominent presidential hopeful, backed Kim's idea and the South did ask for North Korea's opinion before making a decision on the vote, according to the memoir.

As the ruling Saenuri Party is going all-out to raise a political offensive against Moon, Kim said in a radio program that Song lied in the memoir.

"What Song claimed is impossible to happen," Kim said. "Song is lying, and he should be held responsible for this."

The Saenuri Party has bashed Moon, questioning if his perspective on North Korea and national security is enough to make him ineligible to become a potential presidential candidate.

Its floor leader Chung Jin-suk vowed to dig into the background of the decision-making process, saying the party would use every possible means including National Assembly hearings, an investigation, or an independent counsel.

The condemnation was echoed by a host of ruling party members. Kim Moon-soo, a former Gyeonggi Province governor and a ruling party presidential hopeful, called Moon, Kim and the late President Roh "traitors," fanning conservative voters' antipathy.

"They all acted as Kim Jong-il's puppets and resources," Kim said during a speech at a regional party office in Daegu. "This presidential election should be an opportunity to clear traitors out."

Cheong Wa Dae joined in the criticism. "If the allegation is true, it is a very grave, serious and shocking issue," presidential spokesman Jung Youn-kuk told reporters.

The ruling party's all-out offensive heralded that it will prolong the controversy in the lead-up to the presidential election next year. The situation could deal a blow to the presidential bid of Moon, the former head of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK), analysts said.

Hwang Tae-soon, a senior political analyst, said the controversy has put a serious dent in the chances of Moon becoming a presidential candidate for the opposition bloc.

"For an opposition candidate, the key to winning the election depends on how well they can lure centrist voters," Hwang said. "Centrist voters are characterized as being conservative in security and liberal in economics; the controversy over the 2007 decision has deprived Moon of the possibility of embracing them."

Lee Jin-gon, a professor at Kyunghee University and a conservative commentator, echoed a similar view, saying, "regardless of political orientation, it's hard for South Koreans not to take it seriously that a top official at the time sought Pyongyang's opinion about a matter of human rights while we were and are in armed confrontation."

He continued, "Moon now has the image of a politician whom the North Korean regime can exert influence on, which will make voters react sensitively in the upcoming poll."

Moon will have a hard time regaining momentum as he did in the lead-up to the 2012 presidential election due to controversy over the Northern Limit Line (NLL), Lee added.

In the previous election campaign, Moon was grilled by ruling party lawmakers who made allegations that the late President Roh Moo-hyun had tried to nullify the inter-Korean sea border in the West Sea, the NLL, during his meeting with the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, also in 2007.

Analysts view that the NLL controversy helped conservative voters tightly flock to then ruling party presidential candidate Park Geun-hye, delivering a heavy political blow to Moon.

Meanwhile, the MPK defended Moon, accusing the ruling party of conducting "another political manipulation" following the false accusations over the NLL.

"Back then, it turned out that Roh did not make such a comment and officials under the Roh administration who had been accused of destroying the transcripts of the 2007 inter-Korean summit, were acquitted later," said Rep. Kim Young-joo, a member of the MPK's Supreme Council. "This is a revival of the Saenuri Party's political maneuvering."
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Panoro Minerals Ltd. (TSX-V:PML) (Lima:PML) (Frankfurt:PZM) (Panoro or the Company) is pleased to provide an update on the Companys activities and plans.



Panoros investment focus over the next 12 months will be aimed at growing the Cotabambas project and enhancing the project economics. The Cotabambas Project Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) technical report contained a number of recommendations to enhance and expand the project, including;

Step-out drilling to expand the oxide copper resource and assessment of the potential to incorporate a heap leach SX/EW process into the project plan,

Exploration drilling at the Maria Jose target to add near surface high grade mineralization to the mill feed, and

Metallurgical testing to test for potential improvement in recoveries from all four mineralogical types in the current resource.

The closing of Panoros $6.6M private placement, announced in a press release on August 29, 2016 together with the completion of the Cotabambas Project Precious Metals Purchase Agreement (PMPA), announced via press release on March 21, 2016, provide Panoro Minerals with between $14.1 million and $23.1 million of working capital for the period July 1, 2016 to September 1, 2018. A summary of Panoros working capital estimate is provided in the table below.

Funding Component

Period Committed

(million CA$) Contingent

(million CA$) Total

(million CA$) Cash Position

July 1, 2016 $ 1.0 n/a 1.0 PMPA Early Deposit

Payments

July 2016 to

Dec 2018 3.9 n/a 3.9 PMPA Year 1

Accelerated Payment

October 2016 2.6 n/a 2.6 Private Placement

August 2016 6.6 n/a 6.6 Financing

Mar 2017 to

Feb 2018 n/a 2.0 2.0 PMPA Year 2

Accelerated Payment

2017 n/a 2.0 2.0 Warrant Exercise

August 2018 n/a 5.0 5.0 Total



14.1 9.0 23.1

Cochapata Target

Panoro is planning 4,000 m of step-out drilling to the north side of the proposed North Pit into the Cochapata Target to test for additional copper oxide mineralization. The project includes approximately 31 million tonnes of oxide copper resource grading 0.53% Cu, 0.10 g/t Au and 1.60 g/t Ag. This resource is not included in the mill feed and is directed to the Wasterock facility in the PEA. The resource is open to the north of the proposed North pit and the proposed drilling will target expansion in this area. Growth in the oxide copper resource will allow the assessment of the addition of a heap leach and SX/EW circuit to the project plan. This addition to the project plan could increase copper production, reduce cash costs and reduce the life of mine strip ratio.

Maria Jose Target

Panoro is planning a geophysical program followed by 10,000 m of exploration drilling to test for high grade, near-surface mineralization at the Maria Jose Target. The Maria Jose target is situated along the same mineralized trend as the Ccalla and Azulccaca deposits, which are incorporated into the proposed North and South Pits, approximately 1 km to the northwest. Details of to the Maria Jose Target were announced via press release on June 23, 2014. Two main prospects, MJ-1 and MJ-2, have been mapped and sampled. Grades of individual chip samples at MJ-1 range from 0.11% Cu to 0.39% Cu, 0.01 to 0.05 Au g/t, and 0.3 to 3.1 g/t Ag. Grades of individual chip samples at MJ-2 range from 0.20% Cu to 0.44 %Cu, 0.01g/t Au to 0.07g/t Au and 0.2g/t Ag to 3.0 g/t Ag. Several trenches were excavated and all showed mineralization and alteration. The best two are situated more or less end to end and exhibit an average of 1.02 per cent copper, 0.21 g/t gold, 4.75 g/t silver and 4.24 parts per million molybdenum over approximately 58 metres.

Metallurgy

Metallurgical testing is planned to test the potential to improve recoveries. Test work will be carried out on all four mineralization types included in the mill feed in the PEA which included recoveries as shown in the table below.

Mineralization Type Recoveries Included in PEA Cu % Au % Ag % Hypogene Sulphide 87.5 62.0 60.4 Supergene Sulphide 87.5 62.0 60.4 Mixed Oxide Cu-Au 60.0 55.0 0 Oxide High Au 0 65.0 0

Previous results suggest that there is potential for improvement in the recoveries from the Hypogene and Supergene sulphide types. In addition, good potential exists to add or improve recovery of Ag and Cu from the Mixed and Oxide types while also improving Au recoveries.

Chaupec Target

Panoro announced on July 25, 2016 via press release the delineation of the Chaupec Target, a new high-grade skarn/porphyry zone of mineralization located 3-4 km west of the currently proposed Cotabambas pits. The Company will be completing environmental baseline work here in order to expand the area covered by the Semi-Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment which will then allow for an expansion of the exploration permit. Additional detailed mapping will be carried out in order to finalize drill targets and drilling is planned to commence in 2017.

Panoro will be investing approximately CA$ 6.0 million into these work programs over a period of 12 months with work commencing in Q3 of 2016.

Antilla Project

In addition to work at the Cotabambas Project, Panoro will also be assessing the potential to re-scope the design of the Antilla Project to permit a staged development plan which should reduce initial capital costs. This work will assess the potential for early mining of a near surface, high grade zone of chalcocite mineralization.

Luquman Shaheen, President & CEO of Panoro states, The PEA for the Cotabambas Project demonstrates the strong economics built around the current resource. However, Panoros focus remains on the significant exploration and growth potential of the project. The proposed drilling at the Cochapata Target could result in a meaningful improvement to the copper production with minimal additional initial capital while reducing cash costs. The proposed drilling at the Maria Jose target could add high grade near surface mineralization to the mill feed resulting in higher grades in the early part of the mine life and an increase to the overall mine life. Improvements to the metallurgical recoveries will increase production from the mine with no additional initial capital. The combined impacts on the Cotabambas Projects economics can be significant. The Chaupec Target is expected to add further upside to the projects scope and potential. There is much upside to be realized yet and our financing success during 2016 has well positioned Panoro to realize this potential.

About Panoro

Panoro Minerals is a uniquely positioned Peru and copper-focused exploration company. The company is advancing a significant project portfolio in the key Andahuaylas-Yauri belt in south central Peru, including its advanced stage Cotabambas Copper-Gold-Silver-Molybdenum and Antilla Copper-Molybdenum Projects.

Since 2007, the company has completed over 70,000 m of exploration drilling at these two key projects leading to substantial increases in the mineral resource base for each, as summarized in the table below.

Summary of Cotabambas and Antilla Project Resources

Project Resource

Classification Million

tonnes Cu (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Mo (%) Cotabambas Cu/Au/Ag Indicated 117.1 0.42 0.23 2.74 0.001 Inferred 605.3 0.31 0.17 2.33 0.002 @ 0.20% CuEq cutoff, effective October 2013, Tetratech Antilla Cu/Mo Indicated 291.8 0.34 - - 0.01 Inferred 90.5 0.26 - - 0.007 @ 0.175% CuEq cutoff, effective May 2016, Tetratech

Preliminary Economic Assessments (PEA) have been completed for both the Cotabambas and Antilla Projects, the key results are summarized below.

Summary of Cotabambas and Antilla Project PEA Results

Key Project Parameters Cotabambas Cu/Au/Ag Project Antilla Cu/Mo Project Mill Feed, life of mine million tonnes 483.1 350.4 Mill Feed, daily tonnes 80,000 40,000 Strip Ratio, life of mine 1.25 : 1 0.85 : 1 Before

Tax1 NPV 7.5% million USD 1,053 491 IRR % 20.4 22.2 Payback years 3.2 3.3 After

Tax1 NPV 7.5% million USD 684 225 IRR % 16.7 15.1 Payback years 3.6 4.1 Annual Average Payable

Metals Cu thousand tonnes 70.5 36.8 Au thousand ounces 95.1 - Ag thousand ounces 1,018.4 - Mo thousand tonnes - 0.9 Initial Capital Cost million USD 1,530 603 Project economics estimated at commodity prices of; Cu = US$3.00/lb, Au = US$1,250/oz, Ag = US$18.50/oz, Mo = US$12/lb

The PEAs are considered preliminary in nature and include Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative to have the economic considerations applied that would enable classification as Mineral Reserves. There is no certainty that the conclusions within the updated PEA will be realized. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

The Company is pleased to announce that it has retained the services of Renmark Financial Communications Inc. to handle its investor relations activities. In consideration of the services to be provided, the Company has agreed to pay a monthly retainer of $5,000 starting October 1st, 2016 to Renmark Financial Communications Inc. Renmark Financial Communications does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in Panoro Minerals Ltd. or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest.

Luis Vela, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.

On behalf of the Board of Panoro Minerals Ltd.

Luquman A. Shaheen, M.B.A., P.Eng., P.E.

President & CEO

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: Information and statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and involve risks and uncertainties. Examples of forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release include information and statements with respect to:



acceleration of payments under PMPA to match third party financing by Panoro targeted for exploration at the Cotabambas Project

Panoro weathering the current depressed equity and commodity markets, minimizing dilution to existing shareholders and making targeted investments into exploration at the Cotabambas Project

mineral resource estimates and assumptions

the PEA, including, but not limited to, base case parameters and assumptions, forecasts of net present value, internal rate of return and payback;

copper concentrate grade from the Cotabambas Project;

Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. In some instances, material assumptions and factors are presented or discussed in this news release in connection with the statements or disclosure containing the forward-looking information and statements. You are cautioned that the following list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. The factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions concerning: metal prices and by-product credits; cut-off grades; short and long term power prices; processing recovery rates; mine plans and production scheduling; process and infrastructure design and implementation; accuracy of the estimation of operating and capital costs; applicable tax and royalty rates; open-pit design; accuracy of mineral reserve and resource estimates and reserve and resource modeling; reliability of sampling and assay data; representativeness of mineralization; accuracy of metallurgical test work; and amenability of upgrading and blending mineralization.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation:

risks relating to metal price fluctuations;

risks relating to estimates of mineral resources, production, capital and operating costs, decommissioning or reclamation expenses, proving to be inaccurate;

the inherent operational risks associated with mining and mineral exploration, development, mine construction and operating activities, many of which are beyond Panoros control;

risks relating to Panoros ability to enforce Panoros legal rights under permits or licenses or risk that Panoros will become subject to litigation or arbitration that has an adverse outcome;

risks relating to Panoros projects being in Peru, including political, economic and regulatory instability;

risks relating to the uncertainty of applications to obtain, extend or renew licenses and permits;

risks relating to potential challenges to Panoros right to explore and/or develop its projects;

risks relating to mineral resource estimates being based on interpretations and assumptions which may result in less mineral production under actual circumstances;

risks relating to Panoros operations being subject to environmental and remediation requirements, which may increase the cost of doing business and restrict Panoros operations;

risks relating to being adversely affected by environmental, safety and regulatory risks, including increased regulatory burdens or delays and changes of law;

risks relating to inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance;

risks relating to the fact that Panoros properties are not yet in commercial production;

risks relating to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and tax rates; and

risks relating to Panoros ability to raise funding to continue its exploration, development and mining activities.

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forwardlooking information. The forwardlooking information contained in this news release is based on beliefs, expectations and opinions as of the date of this news release. For the reasons set forth above, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Panoro does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and statements included herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
The presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said Monday the allegations about South Korea's abstention from a 2007 vote on a U.N. resolution about North Korea's human rights record are "serious and shocking" if they are true.

Former Foreign Minister Song Min-soon made the allegations in his memoir last week that Seoul decided not to participate in a vote to adopt a U.N. resolution that called for improving the dismal human rights situation in the North after hearing Pyongyang's opinion.

"If (the allegations are) true, they are very grave, serious and shocking," presidential spokesman Jung Youn-kuk told reporters during a regular press briefing.

The allegations have dealt an unexpected blow to Rep. Moon Jae-in, former leader of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea and potential presidential contender.

Moon, who served as chief of staff to then-President Roh Moo-hyun, is purported to have proposed asking for the North's opinion ahead of the U.N. vote.

Seizing on the allegations, Lee Jung-hyun, the leader of the ruling Saenuri Party, accused Moon of "staying in league" with the communist state, while Moon's side argues that in consideration of improving ties with the North, the then-Roh government just notified the North of its decision to abstain from the vote.

Meanwhile, the presidential spokesman denied the news reports that President Park Geun-hye is leaning towards firing Woo Byung-woo, her senior secretary for civil affairs, who has been mired in a series of corruption allegations.

"It is not true at all," he said. "The report is wrong, and it is very regrettable (to see such a report)." (Yonhap)
MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AmeriPride Services, a leading textile rental services and supply company in North America, today announced the receipt of the first of 20 compressed natural gas (CNG) step vans at its Vancouver branch. The company will incorporate the additional CNG delivery trucks into its fleet over the upcoming weeks and months as a part of its ongoing effort to reduce its carbon footprint and lead the industry in environmental sustainability.



"AmeriPride is absolutely committed to the environment and expanding our alternative fuels program across the company," said Bill Evans, President and CEO of AmeriPride. "The company has a strong track record of piloting and incorporating new technology into our delivery operations. We are setting a new standard for clean operations in our industry and continue to invest resources to leverage and help advance green technologies."



Compressed natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel that is produced almost completely in North America. It produces less carbon emissions and lowers exposure to fuel price rate increases. The CNG vehicles are expected to result in 24 percent less carbon emissions as compared to comparable diesel vehicles.



The company's new CNG vehicles are manufactured by Freightliner Custom Chassis and Morgan Olson with the conversion completed by Green Alternative Systems. The vehicles are powered by a General Motors 6L engine and the tanks have 52 usable gallons of capacity.



AmeriPride chose the Vancouver market for this initiative based on incentive funding provided by FortisBC that assisted with the costs of CNG conversion for the vehicles. In addition, FortisBC made upgrades to their local CNG fueling infrastructure.



"We are extremely excited to be adding these CNG trucks at our facility," said Kris Groom, General Manager of the Vancouver branch. "I look forward to incorporating the vehicles into our delivery operations and taking advantage of the many financial and environmental benefits of this new technology."



Once the new CNG trucks are incorporated into its fleet operations, AmeriPride will have a total of 36 CNG trucks, 16 propane trucks and 2 electric vehicles in operation across the company, with more to come in the upcoming year. AmeriPride has received recognition for its efforts including TRSA's 'Clean Green' Award, Heavy Duty Trucking's 'Top 50 Green Fleets' Award and Fleet Technology Expo's 'Top Tier Light and Medium Duty Efficient Fleet' Award.



The alternative fuel vehicles program is a part of a larger companywide effort to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Other fleet initiatives the company has implemented include trailer skirting and double-decker semi trailers; fuel efficient sedans for the service team and the installation of telematics technology and route optimization software to reduce mileage and increase efficiency. The company is also piloting solar power and installing heat reclamation systems in its plants. More details on AmeriPride's efforts can be found in the company's Corporate Responsibility Report that outlines key initiatives across the company.



About AmeriPride

Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minn., AmeriPride Services is recognized as one of the largest textile rental and supply companies in North America. Operating more than 115 production facilities and service centers throughout the United States and Canada, the company provides linen and towels, uniforms, floor mats, restroom and cleaning products to nearly 150,000 customers through rental and purchase programs. As a true business partner, AmeriPride helps customers improve their image while keeping facilities clean and employees safe. Innovation, personalized service and a dedication to company values has sustained the private, family-owned company for more than 125 years. AmeriPride's demonstrated commitment to customers, the community, employees and the environment has made them the People You Can Count On. Additional company information can be found at www.ameripride.com.



About FortisBC

FortisBC is a regulated utility focused on providing safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, electricity and propane. FortisBC employs more than 2,200 British Columbians and serves approximately 1.1 million customers in 135 B.C. communities. FortisBC owns and operates two liquefied natural gas storage facilities and four regulated hydroelectric generating plants, approximately 7,200 kilometers of transmission and distribution power lines, and approximately 47,500 kilometers of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. FortisBC Inc. and FortisBC Energy Inc. do business as FortisBC. FortisBC is indirectly, wholly owned by Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American electric and gas utility business. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com.
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- The predictions that the prices of goods in the market would drop before the end of the year may have been wrongly done

- A survey conducted by Legit.ng shows the persistent price increase of some food items like rice, vegetable oil, palm-oil, perishable items and wares in Ojodu Retail market, Berger & Jakande market, Ikosi, Ketu

- Consumers, traders have therefore pleaded for government's intervention

- Legit.ng presents a table showing the prices of the goods before and now

Market men and women have continued to cry out over the unending crisis rocking the citizens following the consistent increase in prices of goods in the market.

The recent drop in the value of the naira and the ban placed on some imported food items have been identified as some of the reasons for the untold hardship Nigerians have been exposed to in recent months as people can no longer afford the goods in the market.

A visit to Ojodu retail market and Jakande market by Legit.ng shows an increase in the price of some goods and food items that are imported and a sharp increase of other local food items that are brought into the market.

According to those who spoke with our correspondent, the present economic crisis the country is experiencing is also a reason for the unprecedented challenges rocking the common man.

Insecurity and foreign exchange rate may have forced the prices of tomatoes, fresh pepper, onion and other food items to rise by about 20 percent.

At Ojodu market, the prices of the various brands of rice, which previously sold at N12, 500 now sells for N16, 000 upwards.

Mrs Chinyere, a trader who sells ingredients like tomato paste, sauce, spices, maggi cubes, said the rise in dollar led to the increase in the price of the items.

"The price of tomato paste has increased lately. A carton of Gino tomato paste before was sold for N2,800 but now sells for N3,200 while a carton of Tastytom that cost N2,650 before now sells for N3,000. A sachet that was sold for N50 has increased to N70.

Also, the materials used in preserving tomato paste and other ingredients imported into the country, are very expensive now. We are managing; buyers no longer buy as usual. We beg them to buy from us because of the hike in the price of the items they demand sometimes," she groaned.

One of the stands at the Ojodu retail market in Lagos where traders lamented badly about the prices of goods. Photo: Esther Odili

Another trader identified as Iya Memunat, who sells jewelry, purse, nail polish, and beauty products laments on low patronage.

She said: "Things are very expensive now. The amount we use to purchase these products has gone so high that we no longer make profits as usual. We record low sales now. And this has restricted us to buying few products, thereby making us loose customers who come and do not get what they demand.

"The higher the price of the product, the lower the profit we make. Presently, we are suffering. Government should do something fast."

The increase in the price of livestock, according to Baba Blessing, a butcher in the market, is down to the insecurity in the north-east and cost of transporting cows from other parts of the country to Lagos state.

"The attack by the terrorist group (Boko Haram), the cost of transporting the cows not only from the northern part of the country, but from neighbouring countries to Nigeria, led to the increase in the purchase of cow (meat/beef).

The stall where groundnut and palm oil are being sold inside the market. Photo: Esther Odili

"There is no fixed price of cow now. But often times we buy it is expensive which makes us record low profit after sales. Sometimes we end up in debt. The price now ranges from N80,000, N100,000 and N150,000 upwards. We just hope things will not continue like this, because we sell to customers at a price that is not favourable to us, so we will not lose completely, he told our correspondent.

A basket of fresh pepper now sells from N4000 - N7,000, N8, 000 and above, a basket of tomato is sold from N8,000, while a bag of dry onion costs N35,000 and new onion costs N24,000 as observed in Jakande Market.

A bag of rice, which sold for N15,000 before now sells for N19,000; 25 litres of vegetable oil and palm-oil, which were sold for 12,000, N12,500, N13,500, now sell for 14,000 or even more as observed in the market.

A trader in Ojodu retail market identified as Anselm also lamented over the increased prices of items in the market.

According to him: People no longer demand as usual. The current economic crisis Nigeria is experiencing, has affected the price of these items. A bag of rice now costs N16,500, N18,500 and N19,000. A small bag of beans (Oloyin) costs N18,000, a small bag of (drum) beans costs 17,500. While a bag of red garri costs N9,000 and a big bag of white garri costs N10,500.

Agnes Njoku, a book retailer, also attributed the rise in the price of books and writing materials to the devaluation of naira and the rise in dollar.

"The buyers are complaining. We open our stalls in the morning, and by the end of the day, we record low sales because some people cannot afford to buy what they demand for.

The rise in dollar has affected the price of books lately. Even though they are manufactured in Nigeria, the materials used to make them are sourced abroad. This then makes it more expensive. The production process is carried out here in Nigeria but the materials are bought abroad.

Other foodstuff being displayed by traders at the Ojodu retail market in Lagos during the market survey. Photo: Esther Odili

For exercise books, a dozen of 40leaves costs N 350 but now costs N700 while 60leaves costs N950. A pack of Pen (Biro) before costs N 700 but now it costs N850 upwards. This depends on the manufacturer, the location of the markets and the brand itself, she explained.

Meanwhile the price of dairy milk, beverages, detergents, cereals, corn-flakes, morning oats, toothpaste and soft drinks have also increased significantly.

According to Innocent, one of those who sell these products, the price of these provisional items have gone high because some are imported into the country, adding that some of the price rose a bit and are affordable.

"A roll of Dano milk costs N160 before but now it costs N200. A 400g Dano milk powder now costs N700. A roll of powder peak milk before was sold for N350 but now costs N450. For liquid milk, a dozen of three crown milk now costs N 1,500 while that of liquid peak milk now costs N1,800 upwards.

2kg of Sunlight costs N750 while 1kg costs N 450. A roll of good mama costs N100 before, but now it costs N140. This is applicable to other brands as well. Close-up toothpaste that was sold for N 180 before now costs N220 upwards. 500g of Golden Morn that sells for at N450 before is now sold at N700.

For soft drinks, the price has increased by 20%. And it fluctuates as well. The amount you buy today might not be the same you get tomorrow. A pack of Amstel Malta now costs N2, 700 while a pack of orijin drink costs N2,200. The price fluctuates. The amount you buy today might not be the same you get tomorrow, he added.

Sunny, who sells wares at the market, says the recent economic situation is not affecting the purchasing power of buyers, adding that people must wear clothes.

He said: People must look good even in the recession period. So sales have been on the rise lately. The price of the wares is affected by the rise in dollar majorly, because some of the wares are bought outside Nigeria.

The wares are not too expensive but the quality of the materials and the brand influence the price. For casual ware, before it costs N2,500 but now it ranges from N2,500- N3,000. Office wares that costs N 3,500 now costs N5,000 upward."

Meanwhile face caps and jeans are expensive because people demand for quality rather than quantity. So face cap without design costs N1,500 now, while caps with design costs N2,000 and above. For jeans and leggings the price ranges from N1,500 upwards. Depending on the style, materials and the size, he concluded.

Table: Before Now

Exercise books:

A dozen of 40leaves N350 N700

A dozen of 60leaves N 450 N950

80leaves (5pieces) N450 N950

Pen (50pieces):

A pack of Leo Smart N700 N850

A pack of Lucky power N700 N800

A pack of Schneider N900 N2000

Envelopes:

Original envelope A4 N300 N450

Local envelope A4 N100 N250

Quotor envelope N70 N150

Detergent/powder milk

2kg of sunlight N600 N750

1kg of sunlight N350 N450

A row of Good mama N100 N140

Morning oats N 350 N500

Good morning flakes N450 N750

500g of golden morn N450 N700

A row of peak milk N350 N450

A row of Dano milk N180 N200

Close- up toothpaste N180 N220

Soft Drinks/ Table water:

A pack of Amstel malta(can) N2500 N2700

A pack of Fanta Orange N1,100 N1,200

A pack of Five alive(40cl) N1,450 N1,500

A pack of Coca-cola (50cl) N1,100 N1,200

A pack of Chapman N1,100 N1,300

A pack of Koowo (water) N350 N500

A pack of Malta Guiness N2,500 N2,650

A pack of Orijin drink N2,100 N2,200

Food Items

Rice:

Special rice N18,000 N19,000

Aroso rice N17,500 N18,500

Agric rice N15,500 N16,500

Beans (Small bag):

Oloyin beans N17,000 N18,000

Drum beans N16,500 N17,500

Garri:

Red garri N7,500 N9,000

White garri N9,000 N10,500

Oil:

25-litre of Groundnut-oil N13,500 N14,000

25-litre of red-oil N12,500 N14,000

A plastic (paint) of Egusi N900 N1,100

A plastic (paint) of Ogbono N4,500 N7,500

Onion:

A bag of dry onion 40,000 N35,000

A bag of new onion 25,000 N24,000

Tomato paste (sachet):

A carton of Gino N2,800 N3,200

A carton of Tasty tom N2,650 N3,000

A carton of power oil N3,400 N3,600

Devon veg-oil(3litres) N13,000 N13,300

Clothes:

Casual wear N2,500 N3,000

Office wear N3,500 N5,000

Jeans (Trouser) N1,500` N2,500

Leggings N1,000 N1,500

Face cap N1,500 N2,000

Source: Legit.ng
SMITHFIELD, Va., Oct. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of WH Group Limited (HKEX:288), announced today that the company has changed the date for its 2016 third quarter results filing, conference call and webcast to Wednesday, October 26, 2016.



The company intends to file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 2, 2016 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. A copy of the Quarterly Report will be available on the company's website at http://smithfieldfoods.com/investor-relations/sec-filings.

The company will host a live conference call and audio webcast on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 8:00 AM ET to discuss the results. Participants can access the call by dialing (800) 398-9402 (United States callers) or (612) 332-0718 (international callers). The call will be webcast at http://www.smithfieldfoods.com/investor-relations/events-presentations and will be archived at this location. A telephone replay will be available at (800) 475-6701 (United States callers) or (320) 365-3844 (international callers) and will be archived for two weeks. The replay access code is 403030.

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $14 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, Farmland, Armour, John Morrell, Cook's, Kretschmar, Gwaltney, Curly's, Margherita, Carando, Healthy Ones, Krakus, Morliny and Berlinki. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.
One of the most extraordinary octogenarians living anywhere in the world today is Alhaji Pa Bello Abubakar Masaba, the man with 97 wives and over 190 children.

Masaba Bello

The man, who is said to preside over a 5,000 strong household in Bida, Nigeria, is an Islamic scholar and faith healer. In 2008, the man was detained for weeks for not following the sharia law of marrying not more than four wives. He was ordered to divorce about 82 of his wives, leaving him with just four (at that time because he later married more), as prescribed by Islam. He refused. The case dragged into an Abuja High Court, where he was released after the testimony of 57 of the wives that they married him willingly.

Nigerian man has 97 wives

In an interview with a foreign newspaper, Masaba disclosed how he continues to write his name into the Guinness Book of Records, as Nigeria's most prolific man, by marrying even more wives every time he sees a new 'Miss Right'. When asked how Masaba satisfies his women sexually, the octogenarian said his sexual power is from God. ''In his wisdom, God has given me the power and strength to give them the sexual portion they need. If I didn't satisfy them, they would leave,'' he said.

PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App

Recently, there were rumours that the 87-year-old 'spectacular' polygamist died after a brief illness. Vanguard contacted him and he dismissed the rumours of his death, saying I am still alive, bubbling in good health.

Masaba Bello and some of his wives

Masaba, who dismissed the rumour on phone yesterday, described the rumour as a deliberate act by his detractors to bury him while still alive. He said:

My dear, I am still alive, hale and hearty. At least, you can hear me speak and certainly, a dead person cannot speak. The rumour is baseless and can best be described as the work of my detractors because they envy what God has done and what He is still doing for me. I am seated outside of my house and I am speaking with you live in Bida without any problem with my health. What I am doing is divine. It is an assignment and I will keep doing it till the end.

Wow!

Source: Legit.ng
CHICAGO, Oct. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Stephen D. Campbell, DDS, MMS, FCAP, has been installed as a board member for the American College of Prosthodontists Council for the American Board of Prosthodontics. Dr. Campbell was sworn in during the 46th Annual Session of the ACP held in San Diego from Oct. 5-8, 2016.

Dr. Campbell is a past president of the College of Prosthodontists, and received a Presidential Citation from the ACP in 2015. He is currently the Professor and Head of Restorative Dentistry, as well as Director and Developer of the Digital Center for Excellence at the University of Illinois at Chicago.



Dr. Campbell has been a long-standing member of the ACP, and during his time has remained a dedicated member. He has been in a variety of Site Visitor roles for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). As a member of CODA's Predoctoral Review Committee, he helped craft a total rewrite of the pre-doctoral accreditation standards from 2008-2012. He currently serves as one of the 30 Commissioners for CODA, and as Chair of the Prosthodontic Review Committee. Previously, he was Chair of American College of Prosthodontists Education Foundation (ACPEF), and he still currently serves on the ACPEF Board of Directors.



Most recently, he has served on the ACP Digital Dentistry Curriculum Task Force, the ACPEF Finance Committee and Development Committee. Dr. Campbell can be seen in this ACP video about digital dentistry.



"Our specialty places each of us in a unique and blessed position within our local and national communities. It is so incredibly inspiring to be part of changing lives each and every day, we simply have to be fully engaged in our specialty," said Dr. Campbell.



In addition to his roles in the ACP, Dr. Campbell has also served on numerous committees for the American Dental Association, is a past-president of the Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics, the Academy of Prosthodontics and the American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics.



Prosthodontists are specialized dentists with advanced training in oral health issues, who are committed to improving patient outcomes. From implants, crowns, veneers and tooth whitening, to full-mouth reconstruction, prosthodontists specialize in digital dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and sleep apnea solutions.



The ACP is the only prosthodontic specialty organization whose membership is based solely on education credentials. ACP members must be in or have completed an ADA-accredited advanced education program in prosthodontics.



####

About the ACP

The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) is the official sponsoring organization for the specialty of Prosthodontics, which is one of only nine recognized specialties of the American Dental Association. Founded in 1970, ACP is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing patient care, advancing the art and science of Prosthodontics, promoting the specialty of Prosthodontics to the public and other dentists and healthcare professionals, ensuring the quality of prosthodontic education and providing professional services to its membership. For more consumer information visit GoToAPro.org, professionals can visit Prosthodontics.org.

Photos accompanying this release are available at:

http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=41686

CONTACT:Carolyn Barth (312) 573-8791 media@prosthodontics.org
Many smartphones will lose their ability to use the popular cross-platform messaging application known as Whatsapp. The app which has become quite useful to Nigerians has decided to stop supporting some smartphones.

Whatsapp

Source: Facebook

Speaking in March 2016 to BBC, the company stated that it was going to end support of the smartphones, stating:

"WhatsApp is to end support for a number of operating systems including Blackberry 10, Nokia Symbian S60 and Windows Phone 7.1.

"The company said it wanted to focus development "on the mobile platforms the vast majority of people use".

Facebook-owned WhatsApp, which is used by a billion people worldwide, will stop working on the named operating systems by December 2016. But it will still work on Blackberry's latest smartphone which runs Android."

Here is a list of operating systems (OS), Whatsapp will stop supporting at the end of 2016:

- Android 2.1 and Android 2.2

- Blackberry OS 7 and earlier

- Blackberry 10

- Nokia S40

- Nokia Symbian S60

- Windows Phone 7.1

Here is a list of phones affected by the coming change.

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com wins best online news platform in Nigeria (photos)

All Blackberry phones, WhatsApp support will end for all Nokia S40 Phones and other Nokia phones including:

Nokia 500

Nokia E6

Nokia 5228

Nokia 5230

Nokia E63

Nokia 5233

Nokia E66

Nokia 5235

Nokia 5250

Nokia E7

Nokia 5320

Nokia E71

Nokia 5530

Nokia E72

Nokia 5630

Nokia E73

Nokia 5700

Nokia 6124

Nokia N82

Nokia 6210

Nokia N85

Nokia 6220

Nokia N86 8 MP

Nokia 6290

Nokia N95

Nokia 6650

Fold Nokia

N95 8 GB

Nokia 6700

Nokia 6710 Navigator

Nokia N96

Nokia 6720

Nokia C5-03 Samsung SGH-G810

READ ALSO: GOOD NEWS! Legit.ng wins best online news platform in Nigeria

Nokia C6 Samsung SGH-iNNN Nokia C7 Samsung SGH-L870

Nokia E5 Sony Ericsson Satio Nokia E51 Sony Ericsson Vivaz

Nokia E52 Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro and Nokia E55

Nokia Asha 201

Nokia Asha 300

Nokia Asha 302 Nokia Asha 303

Nokia Asha 306 Nokia Asha 311

Nokia C3-00

Nokia C3-01 Nokia X2-00

Meanwhile, while Whatsapp is set to lose a large part of its consumer base, Legit.ng is in partnership with airtel to allow you browse free of charge.

This collaboration between Legit.ng, Nigerias number one most visited digital content website, and Airtel, a leading mobile telephone provider, is a proudly Nigerian partnership that is poised to keep you informed.

Source: Legit.ng
NORCROSS, Ga., Oct. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Immucor, Inc., a global leader in transfusion and transplantation diagnostics, today announced that it will hold a conference call with debt investors on Friday, October 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss its fiscal 2017 first quarter results.

Interested debt investors and analysts should contact Immucor Investor Relations at investor-requests@immucor.com or 770-441-2051 for details.



About Immucor

Founded in 1982, Immucor is a global leader in transfusion and transplantation diagnostics that facilitate patient-donor compatibility. Our mission is to ensure that patients in need of blood, organs or stem cells get the right match that is safe, accessible and affordable. With the right match, we can transform a life together. For more information on Immucor, please visit our website at www.immucor.com.
Editors note: Legit.ng Editor-in-Chief, Mr Bayo Olupohunda, shares his views on the recent controversial comment of President Muhammadu Buhari in reaction to the interview of his wife, Aisha Buhari, to the BBC Hausa.

Mrs Buhari says the incumbent government has been hijacked by cabals, while the president says his wife belongs to his kitchen and should look after him.

Before I begin, let me warn that this piece is not in defence of President Buhari nor is it an endorsement of those seeking to score cheap and hypocritical political points of his controversial statement about the First Lady in Germany.

My position is that the president and his handlers should have known better that every of his actions and words would be scrutinised with microscopic thoroughness. The president should also have been better prepared to respond to off the script questions by deflecting with a no comment answer. I foresee how this presidential faux pas would be used by his detractors to promote an argument about a lack of respect for women rights in the future. One can conclude the trip to Germany has now been overshadowed by this needless controversy.

READ ALSO: 9 things Aisha Buhari's said in controversial BBC interview

The issue is trending on social media, sparked outrage among women's rights groups and and has become a weapon among Buhari detractors who have been quick to make a political capital out of it.

President Buharis trip to Germany to shore up support for his fight against the deadly Boko Haram group among other agenda had coincided with an interview with the BBC Hausa-language service broadcast where Aisha Buhari had said her husband did not know many top government appointees. She had accused them of not sharing the vision of his All Progressives Congress party.

The First Lady did not name names. To the interviewer question about Buhari second term plan, Mrs Buhari had responded He is yet to tell me, but I have decided as his wife that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again. The usually calm and reclusive First Ladys public outing of her husband has confounded Nigerians.

The interview has also opened a new twist in the intrigues that have shrouded Presidents Buharis relationship with top party men and shadowy figures said to have 'hijacked' his presidency. If there were doubt about speculation that the President has been working with those he did not personally know or endorse, the Aisha interview has put paid to such speculation. An indication that the interview was going to ruffle feathers had emerged soon after it became known that the she had granted the interview criticising her husband.

There were reports of pressure by the presidents inner circle to stop BBC from airing the 'offending' interview. But it later did. While I am not losing hairs over the insinuation of a hijack, I am, however, concerned by two issues that have emerged from the entire episode. If we look at it, the fear of a government hijack should only worry those core APC and the presidents longtime associates who had remained with him throughout his journey to the presidency.

Indeed, Mrs Buhari has a point in worrying that the initial change movement is being threatened by strangers in the Villa, but isnt that the nature of power in Nigeria? Listening to the First Lady, I had a sense of deja vu. While the former president Olusegun Obasanjo was ruthless in crushing those who sought to hijack his government including his deputy Atiku, Yardua in his dying days had a cabal that was spearheaded by his wife, the former First Lady, Turai Yard'Adua. She fought to the end to ensure that her husband presidency was not 'hijacked' A sort of an irony isn't it?

Muhammadu Buhari with his wife, Aisha, during his inauguration on May 29, 2015.

Maybe Aisha Buhari need to step up her game and learn from Turai and Mrs Jonathan who made sure they protected their husbands from the hawks intent on hijacking the presidency. Traditionally, other than the elected president we have always had a de facto 'alternate 'president'. During the Jonathan era, Okonjo-Iweala was thought to have hijacked power from GEJ. Mama Patience also wielded tremendous influence and power shielding her husband from Villa gatecrashers. Mrs Buhari should learn from history.

While the BBC interview is still generating debate, the spin-off is what has even generated a more intense outrage both in Nigeria and internationally. It does not help that the president spoke in the presence of an international audience. In his response to Aisha scathing criticism, President Buhari had smiled wryly and delivered a punch line that will by no means define his presidency in years to come. President Muhammadu Buhari laughed off, saying, I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room.

His comments to reporters in Germany prompted German Chancellor Angela Merkel, standing at his side, to give him a short glare and then a laugh. Some Nigerians on social media have blasted the presidents comments as misogynistic, comparing him to U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. But I am not in any way surprised at the Presidents mindset about women and their role in a changing world. In spite of the defence put up by the presidency, Buharis Freudian slip is symbolic of the patriarchal mindset of Nigerian men. Before the presidents faux pas, he has faced criticism about lack of gender imbalance in his cabinet.

Gender right is a hot topic globally. Women rights group have been at the forefront of demanding that the rights of women are respected in a male dominated world. While advancement has been made in many areas, the female gender still struggle with discrimination and are subjected to the whims of a male factor both at home and in society in general. Women movements throughout the ages have made the rights of women a center point of their campaign, for example, Feminist movements have long campaigned and continue to campaign for womens rights, including the right to vote, to hold public office, to work, to earn fair wages or equal pay, to own property, to receive education, to enter contracts, to have equal rights within marriage, and to have maternity leave.

READ ALSO: Aisha belongs to my kitchen and my living room - Buhari

Feminists have also worked to promote bodily autonomy and integrity, and to protect women and girls from rape, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. But there is still a long way to go especially for Nigerian women who continue to seek equality of the sexes. But in spite of an effort to guarantee equality for women and provide opportunities, Nigerian women still have to confront the glass ceiling and barriers to their aspirations.

The Presidents faux pas represent the dilemma of the feminist movement in this part of the world. The long-standing patriarchal narrative has cemented the perception of women in the society as being subservient to men. In recent sermons, two popular Nigerian pastors have reinforced the narrative of women as the weaker sex, inferior to men who should be consigned to the kitchen.

The Presidents statement in Germany has drawn criticisms, but he has not said anything new. While it was disappointing that such a portrayal of women is coming from our nations number one citizen the statement largely represents the mindset of Nigerian men who still consider women as inferior to them. And that is why I consider the backlash hypocritical.

These chauvinists justify their treatment of women with the biblical injunction that admonishes women to submit to their husbands. One Yoruba proverb even announced a man as the crown on a womans head. Unfortunate as these stereotypes about women may seem, President Buharis statement offers an opportunity to push the frontier of debate about womens rights.

Bayo Olupohunda, Legit.ng Editor-In-Chief

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily represent the editorial policy of Legit.ng.

Your own opinion articles are welcome at info@naij.com  drop an email telling us what you want to write about and why. More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest contributors.

Were ready to trade your news for our money: submit news and photo reports from your area using our Citizen Journalism App.

Contact us if you have any feedback, suggestions, complaints or compliments. We are also available on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to Legit.ng Opinion page!

Source: Legit.ng
NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Tyson Foods, Inc. (Tyson or the Company) (NYSE:TSN) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and docketed under 16-cv-08108, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Tyson securities between November 23, 2015 and October 6, 2016 inclusive (the Class Period). This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act).



If you are a shareholder who purchased Tyson securities during the Class Period, you have until December 16, 2016 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Tyson, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a food company worldwide. Through its Chicken segment, Tyson raises and processes chickens into fresh, frozen, and value-added chicken products. The Company sells its products through its sales staff to grocery retailers, grocery wholesalers, meat distributors, warehouse club stores, military commissaries, industrial food processing companies, chain restaurants or their distributors, live markets, international export companies, and domestic distributors, as well as through independent brokers and trading companies.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Tyson systematically colluded with several of its industry peers to fix prices in the broiler-chicken market; (ii) the foregoing conduct constituted a violation of federal antitrust laws; (iii) consequently, Tysons Chicken segment revenues during the class period were the result of illegal conduct; and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, Tysons public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On September 2, 2016, the market had its first inkling of Defendants fraud, when food distributor Maplevale Farms, Inc. (Maplevale) filed an antitrust class action complaint in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Tyson and several other poultry producers, including Pilgrims Pride Corporation, Perdue Farms, Inc., and Sanderson Farms, Inc., alleging that Tyson and the other companies named in the complaint had conspired since 2008 to manipulate the prices of broiler chickenschickens raised specifically for meat productionby coordinating and limiting production and exchanging detailed information about prices, capacity, and sales volume, in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act, 15 U.S.C.  1-7 (the Sherman Act).

Between September 7, 2016 and October 7, 2016, eight more class action complaints were filed against Tyson and other poultry companies in the Northern District of Illinois, on behalf of individual consumers and indirect purchasers of broiler chickens, all alleging that Tyson had engaged in the price-manipulation scheme described in Maplevales complaint.

On October 7, 2016, Pivotal Research (Pivotal) downgraded Tyson from Hold to Sell. Explaining the downgrade, analyst Timothy Ramey directed investors attention to the allegations of price manipulation by Tyson and its industry peers and described the Maplevale complaint as powerfully convincing.

On news of the downgrade, Tysons share price fell $6.63, or 8.91%, to close at $67.75 on October 7, 2016. From the filing of the Maplevale action on September 2, 2016 to Pivotals downgrade on October 7, 2016, Tysons share price fell $8.69, or 11.37%.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com
Hotel Excelsior, best in the city, said my driver as we wound along the Adriatic. Im convinced all drivers are required to say that. Oh youre at Motel Rust Pit? Best in the city. Only place you can get a good tetanus around here.

Ten-minute walk from Old Town. On the sea. Best view. Yeah, yeah, yeah, youll enjoy, he continued, You know the Queen stayed here? As did Elizabeth Taylor!

I didnt.

The drive from Dubrovnik Airport to Hotel Excelsior is not only conveniently researched, especially for someone writing about the hotel, but also conveniently beautiful. Toeing the Dinaric Alps and Adriatic Sea, the car passes island after island, each seemingly greener than the last. We pass the ancient city Cavtat 20 minutes outside of the airport. In 228 B.C. it was a Roman port. Today, its where rich yachters party. Ten minutes later, we descend into Dubrovnik, zigzagging along tight, one-way streets, overlooking the citys famous red roofs until we arrive at the only non-red-roofed building on the street, Hotel Excelsior.

Hotel Excelsior doesnt immediately exude the glamour of a hotel that once housed Queen Elizabeth. Architecturally, its tiered, concrete block design looks stereotypically socialist and reminiscent of a Bond villains lair.

Walking in, reception gets more inviting. Its marble floors and spiral staircase contradict the sleek exterior, and the Dalmatian-inspired paintings give a hospitable touch to an area thats, otherwise, surprisingly petite for a hotel with 158 rooms. (Also, in the corner of the room, dozens of suitcases were waiting in very Southern European, well-get-to-it-after-our-four-course-lunch way. And I didnt blame them).

Heading down the spiral stairs for a quick glance at the hotel, you come to two quick realizations. The first, How far down does this go? And, second, How did I get lost already? Because the hotel comprises the original construction from 1913, plus Villa Odak, plus some socialist renovations, plus some socialist-removing renovations, whats left is something of a labyrinth.

The staircase ends at whats essentially the great hall, fit with gift shops, a tourism center and some business that sells novelty wooden shipsnot a joke. Its greenish and cream-colored carpet, wicker-like furniture and bare, white walls make the area look like it could be out of a vintage 1970s basementsome, like me, seek comfort and red wine in such environments.

Adjacent to the hall is a balcony, teaming with couples canoodling in white linen pants or silk dresses sipping Aperol Spritzes. Stepping onto the balcony, though, reveals the majesty of Excelsior. Its the view, seemingly hovering atop the Adriatic, staring into Lokrum island to the south and Dubrovniks Old Town to the west. Calling the scene stunning or breathtaking or any other synonym would be an understatement. Its the view that attracted the Taylors and the Coppolas and royalty, and its the view thatll continue luring people to this hotel.

Much like the rest of the property, the highlight here is the view, with most rooms overlooking the sea or the Old Town or both, and, if your room is one of the 17 suites equipped with a balcony, youll quickly find: You have arguably the best view of Dubrovnik; theres no reason to leave the balcony, ever; and watching amateur kayakers topple is an acceptable way to spend an afternoon.

The rooms itself are rather plain, which, in a way, intensifies the colors of the vistathe red roofs of the old town, the blueness of the Adriatic, the greenness of Lokrum. And, more than likely, thats the intention. Decor is relaxed and unobtrusive, consisting of shades of browns, creams and grays.

My double bed was actually just two twin-size mattresses pushed togetherreminiscent of childhood sleepovers at Jimmy OConnors house.

Rooms also have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, which bring an essential bit of modernity to an otherwise old fashioned experience. It should be noted that later this year the hotel will undergo some luxurious renovations, so youre version of this hotel could be very different.

That said, the same simplicity in the rooms did not appear in the bathrooms. The bathroomsholy sh*tare spectacular. Im talking dark, marble floorsthe same marble in the hotels reception area. Im talking about a bathtub-Jacuzzi overlooking the Adriatic. Im talking bathrobes and slippers and LOccitane toiletrieswhich is a hell of a lot nicer than my quick-dry towel and Dove all-in-one soap. An entire day could be spent bathing, tossing on the bathrobe, lounging fully robed on the beachfront, and then taking yet another bath before dinner. Actually, a lot of people do that.

In the words of our favorite airport shuttler, On the sea. Best view. The entire Excelsior experience, from the fresh fish served at their beachfront restaurant, Prora, to the innumerable balconies overlooking the Adriatic, focuses on the sea. Though dozens of seaside hotels in and around Dubrovnik will argue they have the best view and best sunsets, none are landmarks quite like Excelsior. This is the hotel where Queen Elizabeth II dined along the sea with her husband and daughter. Its where Elizabeth Taylor caught rays on the hotels private beachfront. Its where Sir Roger Moore probably flirted with a callipygous Croatian woman named Ivana Spank. Take this for instance: When youre at the tip of the citys Old Town, at Porporela, the old, Dubrovnik lighthouse, your view East, over the water, embedded in the Dinarides, isnt an ancient vestige. Its Hotel Excelsior.

You could easily spend a week on the hotel property, dining on fresh urchin and tanning (cough, burning) on the limestone waterfront, and many do. Those interested in exploring the UNESCO-awarded Old Town will be happy to know it only takes five to 15 minutes, depending on how many times you stop to take pictures, to walk there from the hotel. Alsoand youd never know it from the near-silence on the propertyExcelsiors neighbor is renowned beach and party spot Banje Beach. There, youll find your general thong-wearing bathers and your assortment of sunburned Germans. Across the street is the citys modern art museum, Umjetnicka Galerija Dubrovnikpro tip: their roof has one of the best views of the city (OK, now I sound like my driver). And just down the street is the citys main alternative club, Lazareti, the type of place to catch a Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band on a Thursday night. Simply put: It wont take more than a 20-minute walk to get almost anywhere downtown.

Address: Ul. Frana Supila 12, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Website: Hotel Excelsior

Room Rates: $148  $615

Tom is a travel writer, part-time hitchhiker, and hes currently trying to imitate Where in the World is Carmen San Diego but with more sunscreen and jorts.
Vietnam not only has some of the best scenery in Southeast Asia, but the most lax motorbike license laws, providing the ingredients for an epic adventure.

Cheap and abundant in the big cities, classics such as the Honda Win are yo-yoed unrelentingly along the spindly country, but many riders overlook unforgettable routes to quickly reach the nations popular destinations.

From the mountainous north to the riparian south, there are breathtaking trips that meander through limestone karsts, pine forests, jungles and beaches.

Of course, the most exciting journeys are rarely without danger: at the bare minimum, bring sun cream, water and a poncho; never ride at night; always wear a helmet; and avoid riding solo if youre inexperienced. When youre ready, here are five short motorbike journeys in Vietnam that might just be the best road trips of your life.

This journey begins at Dong Van Town deep within the dramatic Tolkien landscape of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark in the frontier province of Ha Giang.

Following road QL4C from Ha Giang City, a century old Hmong king palace nestled in a valley signals that the town is near.

Once at the pass, the next 15 miles are full of jutting karst mountains, deep gorges and locals planting crops in every inch of fertile land found below the rock precipices.

Running southeast and then south, away from the border with China, the pass took 11 months to build during the 1960s and cuts precariously into the cliffside. It runs above a deep canyon of boulders colored by the blue ribbon of Nho Que River and eventually comes to the district capital of Meo Vac. Although this relatively short trip has one marked viewing point, the amount of photo opportunities and points for gawping at the beautiful, barren landscape will probably double the time your trip takes.

Often touted as the most spectacular run of the Ho Chi Minh Road, this 147-mile journey begins at Phong Nha in north central Vietnam.

The town, a base for exploring Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, is set amid karst mountains and a cave system that includes the worlds largest, Son Doong.

The Western Ho Chi Minh Road, which runs from the north to the south of the country, climbs out of the town, unfolding in tropical rainforest south to Khe Sanh.

Although the way is straightforwardone winding roadcompleting the journey in one day requires strapping extra water and extra fuel to the bike, as the only gas available comes from locals on the side of the road, say, every 62 miles or so. So, running out would not be fun.

On the other hand, breaks to cool off in clear rivers and admire the scenes of lush, rolling jungles from the middle of empty bridges are a blast.

Despite the lack of traffic, the corners should be taken slowly as the road is often slippery due to regular mist.

The cool retreat of Dalat in southern Vietnams central highlands is firmly on the tourist radar, however, the motorbike ride out of here can often be the highlight of a trip.

Pine forests in Prenn Pass flank the route of the city but after six miles the road becomes hectic (Highway 20). Once it hits Di Linh, a bucolic town about 33 feet above sea level, theres a left turn (Road 28) to the coast. This is the last chance to inhale fresh highlands air, as the road winds through lush pastures, as well as tea and coffee plantations, and then lifts into jungle before descending into wooded valleys. Near the end of the 61-mile stretch, a vast, baked coastal plain appears, emerging from the Di Linh Plateau, part of the Annamese Cordillera mountain range that borders Laos.

At the end of Road 28, the road toward Phu Hai, a right to join the road running parallel to the South China Sea leads the way to the resort town of Mui Ne 10 miles away.

Once the border between the kingdoms of Champa and Dai Viet, this legendary mountain pass has thrilled the likes of author Paul Theroux and Jeremy Clarksons Top Gear team.

Travelers who lack the time or will to conquer all of Vietnam by motorbike can have an unforgettable taste of it by renting a motorbike from Hue and dropping it off the same day south in Danang (or the other way around), while companies deliver baggage separately.

From Hue, one of the ways to the pass is via Highway 1 to Lang Co at its foot.

Steeply twisting up and down for 13 miles, the pass winds through lush jungle and eventually blends clouds, mountains and ocean together, changing climates and revealing fantastic views.

The journey is also a lot safer than a decade or so ago as the Hai Van Tunnel now channels most of the traffic.

Vietnams rice bowlthe Mekong Deltais mostly flat, which can turn off motorcyclists, but a trip through the regions country roads, experiencing the endless rice paddies and canals, is completely worth it.

Tracks around the deltas only hills close to Cambodia in An Giang Province give an authentic taste of life here; colorful fruits, sugar palms, pagodas and Khmer shrines dapple the scenery.

A 37-mile trip encapsulating this is the road from Nui Sap to Tri Ton via Oc Eo, a town of archeological interest due to its links with the kingdom of Funan between the first and seventh centuries.

At a modest 725 feet, a hill called Nui Ba The has views of the Mekong, as do Nui Co To (2014) and Tuc Dup (708 feet) further along the road before you reach the market town of Tri Ton.

Image: Davidlohr Bueso, CC-BY

Lorcan Lovett is a freelance journalist based in Vietnam.
Medellin is no longer run by Pablo Escobar (unless youre still watching Narcos). The city, which is quickly growing and now Colombias second largest, has become one of South Americas most vibrant, inspiring, artistic and innovative cities. Sure, there are still the sad reminders of Escobars reignlike bombed out apartments or his face painted over the facade of the barrio he builtbut theres far more progression to make up for it. From El Poblados hipster restaurants and high-end boutiques to Calle 52s chaotic, vendor filled markets to Medellins iconic cable car, a visit to this misunderstood city will, in itself, showcase just a taste of the entire countrys renaissance.

Photo by Claire Volkman

A testament to the citys revival is the above ground Metrocable a string of gondolas created in 2004 that work as an addition to the public transportationwhich soar above the citys Northwest underdeveloped barrios. Board at Estacion Acevedo and try to get a window seat so you can get a humbling view of how many of the residents live in brick houses with crumbling metal and tin roofs. Hop off and transfer to the Santa Domingo line, which will take you past the sprawling barrios to Parque Arvi, a 4,300-acre nature preserve that sits on the slopes of the Aburra Valley. This local favorite provides much needed refuge from the busy city streets and offers an array of activities, from zip-lining through the lush, pollution-free trees to exploring the 1,500-year-old pre-Hispanic constructions, which sit on the Camino Cizeo de Leon trail.

It may seem counterintuitive to the citys progression to take a tour that dwells on its dark and turbulent past, but the Pablo Escobar tour is actually the best way to see just how much the city had to overcome. Medellin Citys two-hour tour takes you to legendary landmarks in Escobars history while a guide regales you will tales of his fascinating reign and the terrifying aftermath it had on the city. Youll visit the bombed out Monaco building, where assassination attempts were made on him and his family, his gravesite (which might be decorated with a letter from former hit man Popeye, who is known to visit weekly), the small and humble home he died in and the barrios he built, which still bear a painted mural of his face.



Photo by Claire Volkman

Located off Calle 52, a bustling street filled with vendors, food carts, barber shops and other hole-in-the-wall eateries, are two of Medellins most notable landmarks, the Museo de Antioquia and Plaza Botero. Paying homage to Colombias most famous artist, Fernando Botero, the larger than life sculptures are as unique as they are eye-catching. Known for his depiction (and fascination) of plump historians, Boteros coveted collection can be seen inside the Gothic museum that flanks the square. Free to enter, the museum provides a respite from Colombias rainy (or humid) weather, and gives you a rather inspiring look at Botero and many other local artists life works.

Photo by Claire Volkman

For an authentic look at real paisa life, spend a few hours wandering through the overwhelmingly chaotic Plaza Minorista, a large undercover market off Calle 55. Home to over 2,500 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to fish to loaves of fluffy pan blandito (Colombian soft bread), its also a great place to grab a bite of truly local eats. Bring your camera, as the sights and colors will make for some incredible shots. Pro tip: Go with a guide to ensure you dont get peddled or sick from a subpar vendor.

Photo by Claire Volkman

Arguably one of Medellins most hipster neighborhoods, El Poblado feels like a city unto itself thanks to a picturesque creek running through the center, thick clusters of towering oak trees and bamboo, and brightly painted murals decorating the parks and restaurants. Noted as Medellins most wealthy neighborhood, its also one of the most popular, with nightclubs, high-end eateries, outdoor parks, salsa clubs and bars surrounding Parque Lleras. For innovative cocktails, spice-filled empanadas or their gourmet take on bandeja paisa (the blue-collar dish that fuels the working class) head to Park Bistro, which features a trendy upstairs deck and outdoor seating complete with strung lights and flags. More than just food and drink, El Poblado is also a mecca for shopping, with malls like Santa Fe, Oviedo and El Tesoro selling custom-made Colombian jewels, clothing and home goods.

Medellins passion for salsa dancing is seen all throughout the city in the numerous high-energy, music-blaring nightclubs. In Laureles, another young and trendy neighborhood, Son Havana is a Cuban themed club that millennials and salsa fanatics frequent on a nightly basis. Even more lively and eccentric is Cien Fuegos Cabaret, a venue decorated with hundreds of photographs of salsa stars and home to all levels of dancers, from professionals to novice tourists. Last but certainly not least is El Tibiri, a sweaty basement club that beckons the most dedicated of dancers. If the vibe is too intimidating, grab a local brew (Club Colombia), sit and simply enjoy the mural of dancers in front of you.

More than just empanadas, Medellin is a foodie hot spot on its own, with a collection of highly regarded restaurants all throughout the city. Mondongos, which has two locations, serves up hearty portions of genuine cuisinelike crispy fried plantains and arepas (Colombian corn cakes) served with chorizo and cooked over an open flame. For something a little more high-end, visit Carmen, owned by an American/Colombian pair trained at Le Cordon Bleu. The menu has a strong Colombian foundation with a fresh California twist, so expect to find dishes like pig and gnocchi confit and home-cured salmon with mashed chontaduro (native fruit) on the menu. For a taste of France in the middle of Medellin, make a reservation at La Provincia, a casual yet romantic eatery spattered with white tablecloths and freshly plucked flowers. The food is just as beautiful and locals swear by the black risotto and mango-stuffed chicken breast.

Photo by Nothing Major

Built into the sloping mountainsides above Medellin is one of the citys most recognized landmarks: the Biblioteca Espana. This gigantic library sits next to the Santa Domingo metrocable stop and provides sweeping views of the neighboring barrios and the hillsides. Although the structure, which resembles three sloped rocks with artistically layered windows, is a point of contention for some locals, others believe its another positive sign of the citys new era. Regardless of how you feel, you have to stop in, if only for the panoramic views.

Claire Gallam is a seasoned writer and photographer with a passion for food and travel. She has spent time in more than 40 countries and hundreds of cities.
Ahhh politics. It never ceases to amaze.

Political Party registration is one of those things that doesnt really have a deadline attached to it; you can more or less knock up and put your forms in whenever you reach the Australian Electoral Commissions requirements for party registration. Its how Jacqui Lambie was able to get a new acronym after bolting from the Palmer United disaster at warp-speed.

The problem is, is that this means its really not that difficult to get a political party registered. You just need someone with the motivation to be able to do it.

And as such, the Love Australia or Leave party is now officially registered with the AEC, and is now seeking election funding as a result.

The registration, which is official as of October 12th, is now on the AEC political party directory for all to see.

Theres a lot to unpack here, but immediately both the acronym LAOL (which is one letter off where they should be), and the registered logo  a blank map of Australia with the word FULL written in standard Stencil font  leap out at you.

But if the name Kim Vuga isnt instantly recognisable to you, heres a quick little refresher:

Vuga was that were already living among the enemy charming Townsville grandmother who navigated the horrors of SBSs third season of Go Back To Where You Came From and somehow came out of there completely unchanged.

The head of the party, Vuga had an unsuccessful tilt at the Federal Senate at this years Federal Election as an independent. But now her ~wonderful~ party has copped registration, you can expect to see its name appear on future ballot sheets should she choose to run again.

The party already has a website that looks like the final project of a prison education course, and a long list of policies that look, fair play to em, they at least start out okay-ish before everything takes a predictable and terrifying header off a cliff.

For example, theyre really into:

Preservation of democracy in Australia.

Preservation of the rights of the individual and equality of opportunity for all.

Preservation of the freedom of press, radio, television as a means of communication in Australia.

Conservation of Australias natural resources and environment.

See? Not too bad so far.

But then oh, no. Oh no, no, no, no, no, no:

Stop the Islamisation of Australia.

The withdrawal of Australia from the UN.

Revision of the Foreign Aid policy.

Revision of the Immigration policy.

Reintroduction of National Service.

The right to bear arms.

National Profiling scheme for people with anti-social (Jihadist) behaviour.

Hoooo boy.

Course theres also the weirdly hard-lined and contradictory nature of the statement Love Australia or Leave, which suggests that if there are bits about Australias current state that they themselves dont explicitly love (i.e. everything mentioned above) that they too should leave.

But either way, that party is officially registered with the AEC now, which by extension means that it has at least 500 members attached to it.

Enjoy mulling that little bit of info around for the rest of the afternoon.

Source: AEC.
CA Immo has concluded an agreement with Wood & Company to sell the Sestka Shopping Center in Prague, continuing its strategic withdrawal from segments that do not belong to the core business. The center covers more than 27,300 sqm of retail space and had been part of the asset portfolio

Photos: Ca Immo



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The Rosada Fashion Outlet in Roosendaal owned by Resolution Property and operated by Stable International celebrates its 10th anniversary this month. The anniversary follows on the recent success of the major 8,000 sqm Phase II extension which was officially opened in May this year adding to a total of

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The new Jeep Renegade facelift is seen with exterior and interior updates and new technology while prices have also been hiked. The base model with a 945 (Rs 90k) price hike as compared to its earlier counterpart is now priced at 19,200 (Rs 17,06,585) for the base model going up to 30,805 (Rs 27,38,371 for the range topping Trailhawk variant.

2019 Jeep Renegade sports a new front grille, lowered front fascia, new fog lamps and headlamps along with full LED lights. It also receives LED tail lamp clusters with a revised X patter, 16, 17 and 18 wheel options while the Limited trim gets 19 wheels.

Interiors of the 2019 Jeep Renegade also get some changes. These include a new smartphone holder, cup holders and a host of storage spaces. It has an extra USB port on its rear central arm rest and the latest generation UConnect screen in 5, 7 or 8.4 depending on variants.

2019 Jeep Renegade also gets added safety features as compared to those seen in its earlier model among which are lane sense departure warning-plus and intelligent speed assist with traffic sign recognition.

In European markets, 2019 Jeep Renegade, which will be offered in Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk variants, will get a host of engine options. These will include a 1.0 liter, 3 cylinder petrol engine offering 120 hp power, a 1.3 liter, 4 cylinder petrol engine capable of 150 hp or 180 hp and two diesel engine options as well.

As was seen on its earlier model, the Jeep Renegade will get front and all wheel drive options with Jeep Selec-Terrain offering different driving models depending on road surface.

Jeep Renegade is currently on test in India. It is expected to be launched her by next year. Once launched in India, it could take on the likes of Skoda Yeti. Expect prices to be in the range of Rs 20 lakhs.
Launched in India back in October 2015, Maruti Suzuki Baleno has created many new records in the Indian automotive industry in the past 1 year. One of them being sales crossing 1 lakh mark.

With that many Balenos out on the road, it is not easy to maintain exclusivity. But, there is a way you can make your Baleno exclusive. Not only that, you can make it something that is eye-popping for other Baleno owners out there on the road.

One such option is taking your car to folks at MotoTrendz in Bengaluru. Yes. The car you see in the images is a Maruti Baleno which has been customized by MotoTrendz. Talking about highlights of this exclusive Baleno, read on 

 Glossy black wrap on the roof, spoiler, A, B and C Pillars

 New grille

 New Front Splitter

 Smoked Tail lights

 17 inch alloys

 Wider, low profile Goodyear tyres

 Panoramic sunroof

 Dashboard done in soft touch material of black and red

 Racing bucket seats

 New speaker system

 K&N air filter

 FRK exhaust system

 And last, but not the least, scissor doors

Have a look at the images below

Maruti Baleno  The story so far

Exported to several international markets including Europe and Japan, the Baleno is only manufactured in India. The car is based on Suzukis new lightweight global compact car platform which will spawn more models in the future (including new generation Swift).

For India, Maruti has omitted the new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged BoosterJet petrol engine. Instead, the familiar 1.2-litre K-Series petrol and 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine is on offer. The former produces 84 PS and 115 Nm of torque while the latter is good for 75 PS and 190 Nm of torque. The 90 PS version of the diesel engine will not be on offer.

A 5-speed manual unit is a standard transmission option. The petrol variant can also be had with a CVT. In the coming weeks, Maruti Baleno will get the 1.0 liter BoosterJet option. This engine delivers 110 PS power, making Baleno one of the most powerful and frugal hatchbacks in the country.

India-spec Maruti Baleno is available in four variants namely Sigma, Delta, Zeta and Aplha. The top-end variant comes with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, projector headlamps, alloy wheels, touchscreen infotainment system with GPS, reverse parking camera, automatic climate control, electrically foldable and adjustable wing mirrors.

Competition comes from the likes of Hyundai Elite i20, Honda Jazz, VW Polo and Fiat Punto.
Ramar Pillai from a village near Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu shot to fame in 1996 following claims of a herbal fuel that was devoid of any petrochemicals. He began selling this fuel under brand names of Ramar Bio-fuel, Ramar Tamil Devi Mooligai Eriporul, and Ramar Petrol.

At that time, when he had made the demonstration, M Karunanidhi, the then CM of Tamil Nadu, who was present at the venue, was all impressed. He had stated that he would ask Govt of India to help Ramar not only patent the fuel, but also setup a research lab. For this, Karunanidhi had also announced to donate 10 acres of land to Pillai, in the latters native village of Idaiyankulam.

However, twenty years later, the law got the better of Pillai and his claims of 100% herbal fuel has been found to contain petrochemicals leading to his conviction for fraud. Pillai has been found guilty by a CBI Court and convicted by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate of Egmore, R Venudevi, S Chinnasamy, R Rajasegaran and SK Bharat.

Pillai claimed that the herbal petrol contained ingredients such as secret herbs, salt and citric acid which when combined and boiled together for 30 minutes, produced a fuel, good enough to power vehicles. These claims shot Pillai to immediate fame for finding a cheaper and greener alternative to conventional fuel.

IIT Madras and Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun rejected these claims but this did not deter Pillai who went ahead and set up a company called Ramar Biofuel Pvt. Ltd. In 1996, when petrol was being sold at INR 35 per liter, this herbal fuel was selling at INR 10-15 per liter.

Following further inquiries, CBI now claims that the herbal fuel was a mix of petroleum products which violated Motor Spirit Speed Diesel Order. While through the years, Pillai and his associates have earned well over INR 2.27 crores on this so called herbal fuel, he has now been sentenced to 3 years imprisonment for cheating while a fine of INR 30,000 has been levied on him. Who says crime doesnt pay?
At the 2016 Indonesia Motorcycle Show last month, Suzuki Motorcycles revealed the much awaited Gixxer and Gixxer SF facelifts. Christened as Suzuki GSX-R150 and Suzuki GSX-S150, these two motorcycles are powered by a more powerful engine and gets an advanced 6 speeed gearbox.

Power comes from a new 147.3 cc water-cooled fuel-injected single cylinder engine which generates maximum power of 18.2 Bhp at 10,000 rpm and a peak torque of 13.8 Nm at 8,500 rpm. Suzuki claims to offer best in class power-to-weight ratio and mileage figures. Below are the detailed specs of both these bikes.

Suzuki GSX-R 150 Suzuki GSX-S 150 Engine Engine type Water-cooled, 4-stroke Water-cooled, 4-stroke Valve system DOHC 4-valve DOHC 4-valve Number of cylinder 1-cylinder 1-cylinder Engine displacement (cm3) 147.3 147.3 Power (hp) 18.2 Bhp at 10,000 rpm 18.2 Bhp at 10,000 rpm Torque (Nm) 13.8 Nm at 8,500 rpm 13.8 Nm at 8,500 rpm Fuel system FI FI Transmission 6-speed, return 6-speed, return Starter system Electric Electric Dimensions Length (mm) 1,975 1,975 Width (mm) 670 674 Height (mm) 1,070 1,070 Wheelbase (mm) 1,300 1,300 Seat height (mm) 785 785 Ground clearance (mm) 150 150 Riding capacity (people) 2 2 Dry weight (kg) 126 127

Visibly different from the India-spec Suzuki Gixxer and Gixxer SF, the updated versions are inspired by the larger Suzuki bikes. Featuring a sportier stance, it gets a higher stance with a three element headlamp design along with an elevated tank. It also gets a new instrument cluster with digital display in landscape arrangement. Stopping power comes from disc brakes both at the front and rear, same as the current setup in Indian Gixxer twins.

Suzuki GSX-S150 naked bike will follow the same designs as seen on the Gixxer 155, with some design updates inspired from the GSX-S750. It receives split seats positioned higher, adding to height while it also gets a sharp fuel tank and cowl along with a digital instrument console and headlamp extensions. Below is a detailed image gallery of both these bikes.

Suzuki GSX-R150 Photos

Suzuki GSX-S150 Photos

Press Photos

Images  TMC Blog
Conventional medical wisdom has long held that placebo effects depend on patients' belief they are getting pharmacologically active medication. A paper published in the journal Pain is the first to demonstrate that patients who knowingly took a placebo in conjunction with traditional treatment for lower back pain saw more improvement than those given traditional treatment alone.

"These findings turn our understanding of the placebo effect on its head," said joint senior author Ted Kaptchuk, director of the Program for Placebo Studies and the Therapeutic Encounter at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "This new research demonstrates that the placebo effect is not necessarily elicited by patients' conscious expectation that they are getting an active medicine, as long thought. Taking a pill in the context of a patient-clinician relationship -- even if you know it's a placebo -- is a ritual that changes symptoms and probably activates regions of the brain that modulate symptoms."

Kaptchuk, with colleagues at Instituto Superior de Psicologia Aplicada (ISPA) in Lisbon, Portugal, studied 97 patients with chronic lower back pain (cLBP), which causes more disability than any other medical condition worldwide. After all participants were screened and examined by a registered nurse practitioner and board certified pain specialist, the researchers gave all patients a 15-minute explanation of the placebo effect. Only then was the group randomized into one of two groups; the treatment-as-usual (TAU) group or the open-label placebo (OLP) group.

The vast majority of participants in both groups (between 85 and 88 percent) were already taking medications -- mostly non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) -- for their pain. (Patients taking opioid medications were excluded from the trial.) Participants in both the TAU and OLP groups were allowed to continue taking these drugs, but were required not to change dosages or make any other major lifestyle changes, such as starting an exercise plan or new medication, which could impact their pain.

In addition, patients in the OLP group were given a medicine bottle labeled "placebo pills" with directions to take two capsules containing only microcrystalline cellulose and no active medication twice daily.

At the end of their three-week course of pills, the OLP group overall reported 30 percent reductions in both usual pain and maximum pain, compared to 9 percent and 16 percent reductions, respectively, for the TAU group. The group taking placebo pills also saw a 29 percent drop in pain-related disability. Those receiving treatment as usual saw almost no improvement by that measure.

"It's the benefit of being immersed in treatment: interacting with a physician or nurse, taking pills, all the rituals and symbols of our healthcare system," Kaptchuk said. "The body responds to that."

"Our findings demonstrate the placebo effect can be elicited without deception," said lead author, Claudia Carvalho, PhD, of ISPA. "Patients were interested in what would happen and enjoyed this novel approach to their pain. They felt empowered." Kaptchuk speculates that other conditions with symptoms and complaints that are based on self-observation (like other kinds of pain, fatigue, depression, common digestive or urinary symptoms) may also be modulated by open-label treatment.

"You're never going to shrink a tumor or unclog an artery with placebo intervention," he said. "It's not a cure-all, but it makes people feel better, for sure. Our lab is saying you can't throw the placebo into the trash can. It has clinical meaning, it's statically significant, and it relieves patients. It's essential to what medicine means."

"Taking placebo pills to relieve symptoms without a warm and empathic relationship with a health-care provider relationship probably would not work," noted Carvalho.
Of the many elusive grails of agricultural biotechnology, the ability to confer nitrogen fixation into non-leguminous plants such as cereals ranks near the very top.

Doing so is a huge challenge because legumes partner with bacteria called rhizobia in a symbiotic waltz that enables plants to draw sustenance from the air and transcend the need for environmentally harmful chemical fertilizers. The natural process is central to the practice of crop rotation, widely used to prevent exhaustion of soil from crops such as corn, which depend on the application of synthetic fertilizers.

The fact that two distinct and very distantly related organisms -- a plant and a bacterium -- can partner to perform the feat of drawing life-sustaining nitrogen from the atmosphere is just one of the challenges plant engineers face as they seek to confer this quality on other important crops.

The answer to the challenge, however, may be one big step closer with the publication of a massive atlas of plant and bacterial proteins at play as the symbiotic process plays out between plant and microbe.

Writing in the current Nature Biotechnology, a group from the University of Wisconsin-Madison details more than 23,000 plant and bacterial proteins and the molecular controls by which they execute the beneficial relationship. The atlas, possibly the most exhaustive proteomic inventory of any kind to date, shows in minute detail the interplay of proteins as rhizobia colonize root nodules on the model legume Medicago truncatula.

"We can see deeper into the proteome than ever before," explains Joshua Coon, a UW-Madison professor of biomolecular chemistry and chemistry, and a corresponding author of the new atlas. "We're able to use technology to provide an unprecedented view of these proteins."

That new picture, he says, takes our understanding of the mechanics of nitrogen fixation to an unprecedented level of detail. Because proteins are regulated by genes, the new atlas could ultimately help inform a strategy for engineering the nitrogen-fixing ability of legumes into other plants.

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"Linking the protein information with the genetic networks is important," notes Jean-Michel Ane, a UW-Madison professor of bacteriology, also a corresponding author of the new report. "It allows us to see patterns by correlating gene expression with proteins."

The new atlas was compiled using potent new mass spectroscopy technology, says Coon, a leading authority on the technique that permits scientists to parse a sample into its many constituent components and measure them in exquisite detail. "The complexity of measuring the number of proteins in a sample is mind-boggling," Coon says. "Knowing the genes isn't enough. There are millions and billions of ways proteins can be modified to give them a new mission. All of this information at the protein level is novel, and we can look globally at all these molecules and how they are modified and make some predictions about function."

The new study, supported mostly by grants from the National Science Foundation, was led by Harald Marx, a postdoctoral fellow in the UW-Madison Genome Center; and Catherine Minogue, a former graduate student in the UW-Madison Department of Chemistry. Michael Sussman, a UW-Madison professor of biochemistry, and Sushmita Roy, a professor of biostatistics and medical informatics, also contributed to the study.

The Wisconsin researchers stress that while the new protein atlas will be an important cipher for decoding the molecular details of nitrogen fixation symbiosis, the goal of conferring the trait on plants other than legumes remains in the distant future.

The Wisconsin work was conducted using the model legume Medicago truncatula and its rhizobial symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti, a system developed for genetics research about 20 years ago.

"It is a very close relative to alfalfa," says Ane, referencing the legume widely used in agriculture as part of crop rotation systems.
A new study chronicles how central Asia dried out over the last 23 million years into one of the most arid regions on the planet. The findings illustrate the dramatic climatic shifts wrought by the ponderous rise of new mountain ranges over geologic time.

Researchers have long cited the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayan Mountains around 50 million years ago for blocking rain clouds' entry into central Asia from the south, killing off much of the region's plant life.

The new study, published online in the journal Geology, paints a more nuanced picture of Central Asia's desertification. It suggests that the relatively recent rise of lesser-known mountain ranges, such as the Tian Shan and the Altai, further sealed off moisture from the west and north. As a result, great stretches of what we now consider western China, southwestern Mongolia and eastern Tajikistan became barren earth or laced by sand dunes.

"While Central Asia was probably never lush and verdant, it was certainly greener 23 million years ago and probably even greener in the more distant past," said Jeremy Kesner Caves, the lead author of the study and a doctoral student at Stanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences.

"One way to think about this change is that when viewed from space today, Central Asia appears very brown because of its expansive deserts," Caves said. "If viewed from space 23 million years ago, though, Central Asia would have looked somewhat darker, simply due to there being considerably more leaves and vegetation."

Reading carbon

Caves and his co-authors arrived at their conclusions after measuring the carbon isotope values in buried, ancient soil samples. A particular isotope, or version, of carbon found in the samples speaks to the dryness of conditions at the time of the soil's deposition. Wetter, rainier conditions allow for greater numbers of organisms, including plants and soil-dwelling bacteria, to thrive and pull carbon out of their surroundings to fuel their growth and metabolism, leaving telltale carbon isotopes in their environment.

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Previously, scientists had relied on these sorts of soil sample measurements primarily to study plant types and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Caves and colleagues instead looked at samples over extensive geographic and temporal spans in order to draw a fuller portrait of the climatic changes influencing soil composition.

"Our paper is the first-ever attempt to present maps of carbon isotopes over a geologic time frame of more than a million years," Caves said.

He and several co-authors traveled to Mongolia, eastern Kazakhstan and northern China to collect the bulk of 171 new soil samples, while Russian co-authors collected samples near Lake Baikal. The new specimens were considered alongside more than 2,200 previously collected samples. Because most of those existing samples originated from the Tibetan Plateau, the research team plugged a gap in the geographical coverage by going to little-studied northern central Asia.

The samples themselves "are honestly pretty boring," Caves admitted. "Basically, they look and feel like dirt." But the rocky outcrops exposing the old, hardened soil chunks can dazzle. "The outcrops are striped deep purple, red and green, and they often erode in crazy patterns," Caves said. "Imagine Badlands National Park in South Dakota or the Painted Desert in Arizona."

Asia's de-greening

Overall, the samples were well-distributed from 23 million to 2.6 million years ago during a geological period known as the Neogene. Earth's climate cooled off substantially as the Neogene wore on, setting the stage for an Ice Age when glaciers crept from polar regions into lower latitudes.

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Upon analysis, the samples' carbon isotope values revealed an exceptionally arid region deep in Asia's interior going back 23 million years, initially ringed by areas of higher rainfall. Starting about five million years ago, however, that dry region expanded to the north and west, as new mountain ranges reached heights sufficient to block westerly winds from delivering moisture.

The findings will help researchers disentangle how much of Central Asia's de-greening occurred in response to localized geological changes versus global shifts happening during the Neogene.

Investigating North America

With this compelling demonstration of using ancient soil samples as proxies for regional climate in Asia, Caves now plans to extend his investigations elsewhere on the globe. "I hope to be able to apply this method to other continents, such as North America, where there are large datasets of carbon isotopes," Caves said.

Doing so could illuminate impacts on western North America's climate due to the uplift of the Sierra Nevada in eastern California, as well as the Rocky Mountains further east, which reached near their present elevations around 40 million and 50 million years ago, respectively.

"Only by making these continental-scale maps, like Jeremy has done for Central Asia, can you further understand how the uplift of mountain ranges controlled rainfall patterns against this backdrop of global cooling in the Neogene," said Page Chamberlain, co-author of the study and a professor of Earth system science at Stanford. "North America is really ripe for this kind of research."
Over 200 protesters gathered in Sunset Park to rally against the growing number of converted homeless shelters in the city.

Equipped with drums, kitchen strainers, and whistles, the groupwhich included community groups from Sunset Park, Maspeth, and Elmhurst traveled to three different converted shelters in Sunset Park to voice their discontent with the city's handling of its homeless population.

The rally comes on the heels of a number of similar protests in Maspeth, Queens, over the planned the conversion of a Holiday Inn Express into a shelter for homeless families with children. Although the Department of Homeless Services announced last Monday that it would no longer turn the building into a 110-bed shelter due to the backlash, local Maspeth residents decried the city's decision to instead rent out 30 rooms to employed homeless men.

Protesters at Saturday's rally repeatedly stated that they were not against the homeless, but that they were displeased with what they described as city officials allocating funding toward converting hotels into sheltersrather than working to make already existing apartments more affordablewithout notifying the communities they were located in.

Specifically calling out Mayor Bill de Blasio, DHS Commissioner Steven Banks, Sunset Park Councilman Carlos Menchaca, and Harshad Patel, owner of the Maspeth Holiday Inn, protesters said city officials were "lining their pockets" by offering contracts to hotel owners for providing rooms to the homeless.

"The homeless people are not benefitting because they're not getting services that are needed. The people, the families that live near them are getting harassed by the homeless people, so there's no benefit to them," Richard Villar, attorney and co-counsel for Village of Sunset Park, told Gothamist. "The only one that's benefitting are the developers that are building the shelter, and they're getting $5,000 per person."

DHS has said that city spending on emergency shelter in hotel rooms comes to around $5,000 per month per person.

"This administration believes that every community must share responsibility in housing homeless New Yorkers," said Aja Worthy-Davis, a spokesperson for the mayor.

Ramon Acevedo, a retired NYPD sergeant and president of Village of Sunset Park, said the city should be improving existing housing stock, rather than investing in shelters.

"If they had a real interest in taking care of the homeless, then why don't they go ahead, fix up the housing?" he said. "NYCHA has plenty of apartments that need to be fixed for a lot less money than what they're spending on these shelters."

After holding demonstrations outside a shelter located between 24th St. and 4th Ave., a Sleep Inn on 22nd St. between 3rd and 4th Ave., and a Best Western Plus on 26th St. and 4th Ave., the group of protesters then chartered two buses to transport them to a converted men's shelterwhich previously was a Sleep Innon 49th St. between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.

As residents inside the building peered out from windows, members of the rally restated that they were not against the homeless and called out to residents to come out and speak with them.

Amado Cartagena, a 47-year-old on parole who used to work in the Federal Reserve's kitchen, emerged to answer questions from the crowd and express his support.

"I feel very embarrassed," said Cartagena, who claimed he was unable to get a room through the city's LINC 5 program, which connects the working homeless with housing. "I feel like I'm abandoned here."

Cartagena later told Gothamist that he didn't believe the city was doing enough to dismantle the system of homelessness by creating more shelters.

"We have a monetary system and we go out there and make money, right?" Cartagena said. "So how are you going to place me in a shelter system and you're not going to help me get out of the system?"

"They're making us go into welfare and it's just not helping us," he added. "Nobody is really getting the help that they need."

Worthy-Davis said that city programs have enabled 45,000 residents to leave or avoid the shelter system. "Because the most effective tool against homelessness is preventing it in the first place, we've increased the number of tenants who've avoided eviction by 24 percent," she wrote in an email to Gothamist.

Worth-Davis also pointed to the Sunset Park Library project as an example of the city's work to create more affordable housing in the area.

Leaders from the various groups represented at the rally said they planned to continue publicly demonstrating against the shelters, but did not disclose when their next protest would take place.

J. Clara Chan is a journalist based in New York City. She is a student at Barnard College and the Manhattan School of Music and a news editor at the Columbia Daily Spectator


<p><a href="http://www.cffelines.org/#!donate/cfvg" target="_blank">Caring Fields Felines</a><span></span></p>

A tiny orange kitten who was found lying on the side of a road with a broken spine is finally running and jumping and acting like a kitten again. Determined to save his life, a good Samaritan brought the paralyzed kitten to Caring Fields Felines, a sanctuary and rescue organization in Palm City, Florida.

Danica Gingras

"Knowing what we do, this person reached out to us," Pauline Glover, executive director of Caring Fields, told The Dodo at the time. "I just couldn't say no." Because of the extent of Davey's injuries, Glover brought him to Savanna Animal Hospital in Jensen Beach, where he met Danica Gingras, a veterinary technician who fell in love with the little kitten.

Dodo Shows Foster Diaries Scared Pittie Gets So Happy When He Meets This Guy And His Pack Of Dogs

Gingras fostered Davey at home, providing round-the-clock care so that he could have a chance to survive. Davey even met and bonded with Oakley, the Gingras' family dog, who became very protective of his little injured kitten.

Davey spent over two months in a body cast to heal his spine. | Danica Gingras

"He traveled to and from home and work everyday with me during this whole time," Gingras told The Dodo. After having his cast removed he was up and walking in a few days."

The staff at the Savanna Animal Hospital refused to give up on Davey. | Danica Gingras

Now, a month after his cast was removed, and after a lot of physical therapy, Davey is "running around the house like crazy," Gingras said.

Danica Gingras

"He has a lot of kitten time to catch up on," Gingras said.

This browser does not support the video tag. Danica Gingras

Danica Gingras

As if things couldn't get any better, Davey's foster home turned just transformed into a forever home, when the Gingras family realized they just couldn't let him go.

Davey, now called Bean, and Oakley, the family dog | Danica Gingras

"I am very happy to say we have adopted Davey with the new name of Beans," Gingras said. "My stepdaughter named him Beans because while in his cast she thought he looked like a bean burrito."
(Above photo by Katlene Niven) A: Yes, their behavior creates a natural conflict. But that behavior can be changed. Before the shootouts between Hatfields and McCoys, before Capulets started stabbing Montagues, before Seinfeld ever uttered the word 'Newman', the blood-feud between cats and dogs had been brewing for millennia. Yes, everybody knows the troubled tale of humankind's two closest allies, the ancient battle for table scraps and the human lap. The dispute is so old, it has been un-scientifically explained in the folklore of many different cultures, from Romania and China to West Africa, and immortalized in pop culture-perhaps nowhere so succinctly as in "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" when Sassy opines: "Cats rule, and dogs drool." And yet, what do we really know of the row between these species? Is it true that cats and dogs are just hardwired to hate each other?

Dodo Shows Dodo Heroes Woman Devotes Her Life To The Stray Dogs Of Bali

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Well, sort of. Dogs and cats are both mammals of the Order Carnivora, which means they eat meat and will hunt to get it . In the wild, sometimes that means canines eat felids and vice versa - lions tango with African painted dogs, wolves munch on wildcats, tigers pick off neighborhood strays, coyotes abduct alley cats, and on and on. But out there, cats and dogs don't "hate" or "love" each other more or less than any other species. In fact, both would probably rather avoid the other and pick on easier prey. However, cats and dogs are forced to interact when we bring them home and plop them into our living rooms. And that's where the miscommunication begins. Dogs and cats approach the world in very different ways, says Pam Johnson-Bennett, best-selling author of cat behavior guides and host of Animal Planet's "Psycho Kitty." "There's a reason there are no cat parks in the world," she points out. Cats like to hang back and assess the situation. She says it's not that cats are antisocial or mean, just that they take a lot longer to warm up. On the other hand, dogs will typically charge right up to a new person or animal to investigate. Johnson-Bennett says the cat interprets this behavior as a possible threat and instinctively tries to climb or run away. Unfortunately for the cat, running triggers a chase response from the dog, and the whole situation rapidly deteriorates into a cartoon scuffle cloud.

"The cat tries to get away, the dog thinks the cat is inviting it to a game, and so chase ensues with neither party understanding what the motivation of the other one is," says John Bradshaw, an anthrozoologist and author of myriad books about cats and dogs. Looking at the miscue from an evolutionary standpoint, Bradshaw would remind us that dogs are descended from the highly social wolf. On the other paw, domesticated cats descend from the mostly solitary Arabian wildcat. In other words, you can't really blame either species for the kerfuffle. Each animal is just practicing behaviors that have been proven to help it survive through the eons. "Compared to their wild ancestors, cats are actually remarkably good at getting on with other cats and people," says Bradshaw, "but it's clearly a process that's not gone as far perhaps as we'd like it to go." (Indeed.)

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Hasbro Inc.s acquisition of the Disney Princess franchise from Mattel Inc., one of the toy industrys biggest turnabouts in recent years, paid off in the companys latest results.

Sales of Hasbro toys aimed at girls surged 57 per cent to $462 million (U.S.) in the third quarter, the Pawtucket, Rhode Island-based company said on Monday. That compares with a 2 per cent increase for boys products. Much of the sales gain came from Disney Princess and Frozen licenses, which Hasbro snatched away from Mattel in a 2014 deal.

Total revenue rose 14 per cent to $1.68 billion (U.S.), well above analysts calling for growth of about 5 per cent to $1.55 billion. Excluding some items, earnings amounted to $2.03 a share. Analysts had projected $1.74. The results helped send Hasbro shares up as much as 8.3 per cent in New York.

Hasbro began selling the Disney-licensed dolls and other products this year. So far, the company is on pace to generate more revenue from the Disney Princess and Frozen licences in 2016 than Mattel did last year, said Jaime Katz, an analyst at Morningstar Inc.

They are allocating the resources to make the product launch successful, she said.

Gaining the Disney licences ratcheted up Hasbros competition for girls with Mattel. But the latest results are seen as a good sign for the overall industry as it heads into the holiday season. Mattel still has a strong hold on the girls category with its top-selling product, Barbie.

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LOUISVILLE, KY.Striking Jim Beam workers kept picketing the worlds largest bourbon producer on Monday, ahead of another round of talks that a union leader hopes will resolve their complaints about being overworked.

The dispute has splashed some disharmony on the whiskey sectors good times. The workers say the company has refused to hire more full-time workers, and that demand for Beam whiskey has them putting in 60 to 80 hours a week to keep up.

It is really booming right now, United Food and Commercial Workers local president Janelle Mudd said by phone Monday. Maybe they didnt take into account growing the work force as the demand grew. But we have been talking to them about this issue for a long time.

Contract talks are scheduled to resume Tuesday after workers voiced grievances at a management listening session on Sunday, Mudd said. Their main complaint is not money, but time  the union wants to see more full-time workers hired, rather than temporary employees.

A company spokesman said Monday that the session helped to clarify points of disagreement.

We expect to meet again soon with the assistance of the federal mediator, said company spokesman Clarkson Hine. We remain committed to doing what we can to promote a timely resolution that is in the interest of our union employees and our business.

About 250 workers walked off their jobs Saturday at Beam distilleries in Clermont and Boston in Kentucky after voting down the companys latest contract offer Friday. Those striking workers help fill virtually every step of bourbon making at the plants, Mudd said.

Beam said unspecified contingency plans would keep operations running to keep whiskey flowing to distributors and consumers. The walkout comes as the crucial holiday season looms for whiskey producers.

The classic American whiskey brand is owned by Suntory Holdings Ltd., a Japanese beverage company.

Kentucky is home to about 95 per cent of the worlds bourbon production, and both the bourbon and whiskey industries are enjoying growing sales worldwide, in part driven by higher demand for premium spirits and cocktails.

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Ezra Levant is hoping Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will go to bat for his conservative online publication The Rebel, after he says it was barred from a United Nations climate conference.

Levant says The Rebel applied for credentials for three journalists to attend the UN climate conference known as COP 22 in Marrakech, Morocco, in November.

The application was made a month ago and he didnt expect a problem, he says, because thousands of credentials are typically issued.

But when the response came about two weeks ago, it stated that the application was denied because credentials arent issued for advocacy media outlets, he says.

We felt for sure wed be accredited because almost anyone is. They had 3,000 journalists accredited last time, including bloggers, including activists, community organizers, Levant said in an interview Monday.

What we have here is the United Nations, whose own Universal Declaration of (Human) Rights includes freedom of the press, banning the one journalistic group they find offensive.

The Rebel got its lawyer to write a letter explaining that the organization has 21 full-time journalists, and also obtained letters of support from the Canadian Association of Journalists and PEN Canada, Levant said.

But as of Monday  the deadline for accreditation  they said they received no other response.

Levant said he hadnt asked for help from the Canadian government before because he was hoping the issue could be worked out quietly before the deadline. But he said hes now seeking assistance from Trudeau and Environment Minister Catherine McKenna.

I know Justin Trudeau doesnt agree with The Rebel. I know that. But he should stand up for Canadian values like freedom of the press at the UN.

Nicholas Nuttall, a spokesman for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Conference, said the organization tries hard to make sure those who get accreditation are genuine media rather than advocacy groups or non-governmental organizations pretending theyre media.

We had never heard of Rebel Media before but we looked at their website and, to be honest, they seemed to be in the bracket of being something of a one person band espousing an individuals view of the world rather than being a serious media operation, Nuttall said in an email.

Some of the headlines seemed to verge on extremism as well.

Levant said The Rebels three reporters still intend to travel to Morocco to report on the climate conference, and will shout questions at delegates as they enter the meeting if they have to.

Theyll also ask Canadian delegates how they can participate in a conference that violates Canadian values such as free speech, he said.

Finally, theyll ask Canadian journalists what they think.

How do you feel about the fact that you are UN-approved and thats why youre let in? Do you feel independent? Levant said.

Its not the first time The Rebel has been denied accreditation. Attempts by Albertas NDP government to deny a Rebel reporter the ability to ask questions at the legislature earlier this year prompted the province to request a review of who is a journalist and who isnt.

That review, compiled by Heather Boyd, a former Western Canadian bureau chief for The Canadian Press who now works for the governments public affairs bureau, determined reporters should be the ones who make the call. In Albertas case, the review stated it should be the legislatures press gallery.

Nuttall said decisions on accreditation arent easy to make with the explosion of new, online media. He said theres only so much space at the conference.

In the end, its a judgment, Nuttall said.

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The RCMP in Manitoba is trying an unorthodox strategy to solve a 30-year-old cold case: tweeting as the victim.

Kerrie Ann Brown was 15 when she walked out of a party in Thompson, Man., never to be seen again.

Police say she was raped, murdered and dumped by the side of a horseback-riding trail in October 1986.

The RCMP has issued a series of tweets written from Kerries point of view and hashtagged with her name.

The tweets chronicle her last day alive, dropping references to her favourite school subjects, her favourite among her brothers endearing quirks and the last meal she ate with her family.

The tweets call on anyone with information on Kerries death to come forward.

Theres silence, but someone knows. Come forward. Stop being cowards. How are you able to keep what you did to me hidden, asks one of the tweets. What you did to me that night destroyed my family & friends. I didnt do anything wrong. I was a happy 15-year-old girl.

The RCMP did not immediately respond to request for comment on the approach.

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For the lucrative rights to dispense publicly funded drugs to Ontario nursing homes, pharmacies must pay the homes millions of dollars in secret per-resident bed fees, a Star investigation reveals.

Seniors advocates, presented with the Stars findings, say this practice raises serious accountability questions.

What is happening with that money? We have to know. There is no transparency, said Jane Meadus, a lawyer with the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly. Its the dirty little secret of the industry that homes are requiring pharmacies to pay in order to get a contract.

The 77,000 seniors in Ontario nursing homes are a captive market. Pharmacies compete for a share of an annual $370-million pool of public and resident money to supply and dispense drugs to 630 homes  medicines for ill residents, blood-thinners, antidepressants and a host of other drugs. Its big business, and a small number of pharmacies have a monopoly at individual homes.

To secure these dispensing rights, pharmacies are typically asked by nursing homes to pay between $10 and $70 per resident per month, the Star found. Not all homes demand the payments. A conservative estimate by the Star, based on information from sources and documents, puts the total amount paid by pharmacies to secure nursing home contracts in Ontario at more than $20 million a year.

Neither the nursing homes nor the pharmacies would provide the Star with the amount of money that pharmacies pay nursing homes to get the contracts, or a detailed breakdown on how the money is spent. The pharmacies and nursing homes provided general comments on how the money is spent  for instance, on training, nurse leadership sessions and conferences  but little specific information.

Meadus said that, in her opinion, these are kickbacks that are detrimental to the system in Ontario that cares for seniors. Now we have companies getting contracts based on what they can pay instead of what services they provide, she said.

The high cost of providing and dispensing drugs to seniors in nursing homes is mostly paid by the taxpayer-funded Ontario Drug Benefit Plan, along with a co-payment of $2 paid by the resident for each drug dispensed in the first week of every month.

A recent Star investigation found that pharmacies charge more to dispense drugs in nursing homes than to seniors in the community, but provide less service  the drugs are couriered to the homes in blister packs and there is no daily on-site pharmacist to provide counselling on side-effects. Pharmacy executives have countered that argument, telling the Star they put significant resources into high-tech systems that provide quality control.

Industry sources say the terms bed fees or resident fees are used casually to describe the way the payments are structured: total fees are higher when there are more residents in the home. Speaking on the record, executives at both nursing homes and pharmacies prefer to use terms such as patient program funding or rebates.

Neither the nursing homes nor pharmacies would disclose how much money changes hands, saying it is proprietary information. Sources in the industry provided the Star with information on practices and payments related to the bed fees and provided estimates of between $10 and $70 per resident per month.

When the Star asked nursing homes about the practice of charging fees to pharmacies, executives at the homes said money collected is used in the homes.

Extendicare, a chain of 34 homes, uses the pharmacy payments for training and education of staff, technology applications or other similarities, president and CEO Tim Lukenda said in a written statement.

At Chartwell, a chain of 27 homes, chief operating officer Karen Sullivan said the pharmacy that services the chain, MediSystem, pays for many additional valued-added services such as employee education, nurse leadership sessions and conferences for leaders of homes. MediSystem also pays for Wi-Fi systems and therapeutic care equipment at the homes, Sullivan said in an email.

The Star asked pharmacies what they are told the money is used for.

Among the responses from pharmacies were staff education, resident programs and payments toward Wi-Fi systems. Classic Care, a pharmacy, said the money it pays covers monthly rent of an area in the nursing home, staff education, technology and donations and sponsorships for conferences and other training.

Other pharmacies, like Rexall, say their fees have paid for diabetes education, for example, or sponsored a podiatrist to visit a facility to conduct a foot-care clinic.

The largest pharmacies serving long-term-care homes in Ontario include Medical Pharmacies Group, MediSystem (owned by Loblaw), Classic Care (Centric Health) and Rexall.

The fees are not new. Pharmacies have willingly offered money or agreed to demands for years. But theres a growing outrage among some who say homes are more interested in inducements than clinical excellence that pharmacies can provide seniors.

Last year, after the Ontario government cut each dispensing fee by $1.26 (it is now $5.57 per prescription in nursing homes), sources said some pharmacies wanted to stop paying the fees. The problem was, the sources said, that the homes refused to give up the extra cash flow and other drug companies were willing to pay, so nothing changed.

Its usually the larger companies that can afford to pay. One insider said smaller pharmacies now ask the homes, Do you want the money or do you want good service? Because we cant afford to give both.

Sources said the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care knows the money changes hands but does nothing to stop it. Instead, pharmacies are held hostage by the homes, the sources said.

One facility that no longer charges the fees is the John Noble Home in Brantford, a municipally operated 156-bed facility. The Star obtained a 2010 request for proposals that noted only proposals with a minimum rebate of $20,000 annually will be considered for the Project. That works out to a bed fee of just over $10 per bed per month.

A spokesperson for the city said the RFP references a previously approved practice employed by several long-term-care homes. A recent RFP did not ask for a rebate, though some companies offered to pay.

The city spokesperson, Maria Visocchi, said it chose a pharmacy that demonstrated qualifications and experience, project understanding, approach and methodology, medication system processes and quality control. This pharmacy did not offer a rebate.

Not all pharmacists pay. Teresa Pitre runs Hogan Pharmacy Partners in Cambridge and serves long-term-care homes that dont ask for money.

Instead, she signed contracts with several homes in the PeopleCare chain to provide a highly personalized approach. Pitre sends a registered pharmaceutical technician into each home daily to relieve nurses of much of their work regarding medication, confusion over communications and extensive paperwork.

Her company also puts a bookshelf-sized dispensing machine in each home, which holds medication (pain relievers, antibiotics or insulin) that residents need on short notice but, in the traditional system, often cant get for hours.

I really wanted our pharmacy to be a partner with homes instead of servicing them and just meeting the requirements, she said.

Meadus, the seniors advocate, says the added cost of bed fees means pharmacies have no reason to reduce their rates, either by lowering dispensing fees or not charging the $2 co-payment.

A recent Star story revealed that pharmacies serving nursing homes typically charge dispensing fees for drugs once a week, rather than once a month as they typically do in a community pharmacy. Long-term-care pharmacies told the Star they charge the weekly fee because the medication for frail residents can change weekly. That was a claim hotly disputed by some family members the Star spoke to, including Margaret Calver, who has spent years documenting the costs of dispensing fees at the Markhaven Home for Seniors in Markham, where her husband is a resident.

On the issue of the bed fees, Calver said she understands it may be the cost of doing business, but given how lucrative the contracts are, she would like to see government take a hard look at the issue.

This needs oversight and thats the problem, she said. Nobody is doing the checks and balances.

Moira Welsh can be reached at mwelsh@thestar.ca or 416-869-4073.

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As the months following a criminal charge become years, everyone suffers, Supreme Court Justice Michael Moldaver wrote for the majority in a decision slamming complacency towards delay in the court system.

The new rules established by the R v Jordan decision to ensure accused persons get a trial within a reasonable time have left courts across the country scrambling to deal with a new reality.

Instead of trying to figure out whose fault the delay was, the court determined that cases at the provincial court level shouldnt take longer than 18 months and cases at the Superior Court level shouldnt take longer than 30 months from the time charges were laid.

As a result, lawyers say, relatively minor charges may be less likely to be thrown out, but  in a dramatic change  charges as serious as murder are now in jeopardy.

Earlier this month in Alberta, a first-degree murder charge was stayed after the case took more than five years to get to trial.

The Ontario Court of Appeal recently stayed a conviction for assault causing bodily harm in a case that took five-and-a-half years.

Meanwhile, Crowns and defence lawyers say an increasing number of motions claiming delay under the new rules are being filed and have yet to be heard.

(The decision) has created uncertainty, says defence lawyer Daniel Brown, who says lawyers may file unreasonable delay motions out of concern over being negligent later for not doing so  and in the process take up court resources adding temporarily to delays. Everyone is scrambling to find the best way to handle the transitional cases that began before the decision in Jordan.

One example will come in December when a court will hear an unreasonable delay motion in a high-profile sexual assault case involving three Toronto police officers accused of raping a fellow officer in a downtown hotel room in January 2015.

A trial is set for the end of May next year.

Their argument is that the case took longer than 18 months in the provincial courts. A preliminary hearing had been set for July 2016, but was cancelled when the Crown chose on June 30 to proceed directly to trial  a move known as a direct indictment.

A direct indictment requires the consent of the Attorney General and is rarely used  but may become more frequent as Crowns face pressure to keep cases under 30 months.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Attorney General says they are taking several steps to reduce delay, including a review of cases to ensure those in jeopardy of being tossed are dealt with proactively.

The efforts will not only help it complete cases as efficiently and fairly as possible they demonstrate Ontarios commitment to ensuring that everyones right to be tried within a reasonable time is respected and upheld, spokesperson Brendan Crawley said in an emailed statement.

The benefit of the time limits is that people will at least know going into the criminal justice system, how long a case is expected to take, defence lawyer Michael Lacy says.

But the 18 month ceiling for a provincial court case is actually a longer period of time than was typically acceptable under the previous guidelines  leaving defence lawyers concerned that their clients will take longer to reach trial.

There are also a lot of unknowns in terms of people in custody, Lacy adds. Is there going to be any priority given to their cases?

Previously the courts would look at the impact the delay had on an individual  but that is no longer a key factor in determining whether delay is unreasonable.

I remain concerned that there is a risk that people who are in custody will have to wait longer for their trial and will be treated the same as people who are out of custody, which I think is fundamentally unfair.

The Jordan decision loomed large when Dellen Millard asked Friday to postpone his trial for the first-degree murder of Laura Babcock for a year. Justice John McMahon noted that the delay would be unreasonable to both Millards co-accused Mark Smich and the Crown and allowed the February 2017 trial to be moved to September 2017 at the latest.

An area that remains murky is which cases will be allowed to exceed the time limits  described by the Supreme Court of Canada as particularly or exceptionally complex cases.

Whether that will include cases that require lots of technical work such as child pornography cases or cases with a huge amount of documentation and often several accused people, such as wiretap cases, remains to be seen.

Its also unclear how cases involving charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) or the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) will be affected  particularly when corporations are involved.

Previously in the courts view corporations tend not to be impacted by delay in the same way people are  but the impact of the delay is no longer a factor under the new rules, says regulatory lawyer Peter Brady.

And its not unusual for similar quasi-criminal or regulatory cases to take much longer than 18 months, he says.

What you are going to see is a real pressure  you are seeing it already  in the behaviour of regulatory prosecutors to move cases along at an early stage, totally appropriately.

Such a case is before the courts now, a lumbering and multi-faceted trial that stemmed from the death of a British drum technician named Scott Johnson, who was killed when a stage collapsed at Downsview Park hours before a Radiohead concert. That was more than four years ago. In the wake of the Jordan ruling, concert organizer Live Nation and engineer Dominic Cugliari  both charged for the stage collapse under the OHSA  applied to have their charges stayed because the trial is taking too long. At this point, its been more than three years since the charges were laid.

Arguing in a Toronto courtroom on Friday, Live Nations lawyer, Jack Siegel, said the length of the trial is so far beyond the pale it simply cant be justified. David McCaskill, the lawyer for the Crown, countered that the applications are opportunistic and argued that the new decision shouldnt apply to the case because the defence lawyers didnt bring up the issue of an unreasonably delayed trial until after the Jordan ruling.

You cant stand up at the 11th hour and complain that your rights have been violated, McCaskill said. This isnt a traffic ticket. This is something of great consequence.

Johnsons father Ken said he was unhappy to hear that the trial could be cut short.

It is very sad if law in Canada has a time limitation and makes it quite easy for the laws to be abused. Let the judge make a decision on the evidence.

In the criminal courts too, the impact of the Jordan decision is already clearly visible. Brown says Crowns and judges are actively pushing cases forward  sometimes even when the defence does not yet have all the information.

Its not really addressing the issues that lead to delay in the first place like a shortage of judges and Crowns, a lack of court space and delayed disclosure, Brown says.

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David Bird wanted to honour his late 22-year-old son Graeme by donating $400,000 to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in 2012.

Over the course of the three years he made payments, Bird became so disgruntled with the lack of transparency behind his donation that if it had not been made in his sons name, he would have considered halting it partway through his commitment.

Graeme had attended sessions at CAMH to address an online gambling addiction that developed after an ulcerative colitis diagnosis in his late teens, which according to his father, left him quite debilitated. Graeme died in 2010.

Although to this day Bird considers CAMH a valuable organization that does important work in advancing mental health projects and treating patients, he said there was a lack of communication regarding how his donation was spent.

I think at this point Id be a smarter donor, said Bird.

In an effort to centralize its communications with donors, a CAMH spokesperson said in a statement it recently created a three-person donor relations team.

We absolutely value and recognize the essential role that donor funds play in transforming care, research and awareness about mental illness in Canada, the organization stated. Our donors are the essential life blood of this mission. We appreciate the tremendous role that donors play in the transformational work happening at CAMH.

The level of communication may depend on what is outlined in a specific donor agreement, but CAMH said it could communicate with donors through its annual report, end-of-year summary letter, a custom annual stewardship report, monthly electronic newsletter, personal calls and invitations to events.

When he committed the funds, Bird said he was told it would round out the $1 million in donations needed to develop a Youth in Crisis pilot program.

We wanted to do something to acknowledge CAMH, at least for some of the efforts they had made on behalf of our son even though we were not privy to what transpired between our son Graeme and CAMH itself, Bird said. Youth in Crisis seemed to be a reasonably good fit.

By the second year of the commitment, Bird had already given most of the $400,000 he had pledged, with the balance donated to CAMH by 2014.

At the end of the first year, Bird and his wife toured a new facility where some of the Youth in Crisis work would take place, but said there was a lack of detail as to what that work would actually entail.

Throughout the three years, he said he was told nothing as to how the funds had been used. He and his wife were given a second tour at the end of 2013 of a completely unrelated section of the hospital.

We sort of walked away feeling we didnt have really a good taste in our mouth, said Bird. I think if it hadnt been for the fact it was in Graemes name, I would have said to them you people have a significant problem whether you realize it or not. Its that this reporting hasnt been forthcoming. At that point, and even in 2014 . . . I couldnt have told you what the money had been spent for.

CAMH said in a statement that Birds donation helped fund a Youth Urgent Care Clinic, which continues to operate and serve youth 14-20 years old. Since opening in 2014, it has seen more than 350 patients.

The clinic acts as an alternative to emergency rooms for youth seeking immediate help for mental health and addictions issues. Those referred to the clinic are seen within 48-72 hours, according to the organization.

It wasnt until earlier this year when Bird received a generic report not specifically addressed to him that explained how the clinic operates. He said he was disappointed with how late it came.

Earlier this year, philanthropist Andrew Faas halted a $1 million donation to CAMH just one year into his commitment, due to what he said was a lack of accountability demonstrated by the organization. The donation was meant to create psychologically healthy and safe and fair workplaces, but Faas said he had no proof any work had actually gone into the development of such a program.

CAMH said in a statement last month it stood by the progress made in the first year of his donation and that it looked forward to improving workplace mental health initiatives for its own employees through the development of the program Faas sought to help create.

But such goals may be unrealistic, according to Bill Wilkerson, executive chairman of advocacy agency Mental Health International. He said donors looking to create programs applicable to any workplace  such as the one Faas intended  should look elsewhere besides hospitals like CAMH.

Perhaps this idea of a gift to CAMH was misplaced on both sides because hospitals are wholly unique, Wilkerson said. (There are) very unusual kinds of stress that are encountered by nurses, administrative staff, especially the younger clinical staff.

To expect an institution like that to be able to develop a strategy that can be deployed among employers more broadly, I think is kind of stillborn.

In Birds case, it wasnt his intent to micromanage the donation, but he encourages CAMH to be more accountable in the future.

I would just hope that they would be able to learn from it, said Bird, who recently moved to Victoria and in 2015 donated $150,000 to the Victoria Hospital Foundation for the purchase of two interventional angiography machines.

Otherwise people like me drift off and then theres arguably $150,000 a year that theyre not getting and that in this case the Victoria Hospital Foundation is getting, or theyre not getting Mr. Faas money or other potential donors.

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For voters across the country who think politicians might replace an outdated election system in favour of one that might help governments better reflect its citizens, Bramptons example suggests otherwise.

On Wednesday  as a federal debate on the issue draws near and with new Ontario legislation that gives cities the option of ranked balloting  Brampton council voted 11-0 against the idea. Meanwhile, Canadas first-past-the-post electoral method is being used by fewer and fewer democratic nations around the world because its recognized as a system that too often puts people in power despite their having little voter support.

Each city councillor in Brampton has the support, on average, of less than 4 per cent of the citys voters, yet theyre making decisions that affect the entire city, says Pat McGrail, chair of Fair Vote Peel, who made a presentation to council Wednesday, advocating for a proportional ranked-ballot system.

Brampton councillors who responded to the Star said they voted against ranked balloting because voters might find the system too confusing. It works by allowing voters to rank at least three top candidates (cities can opt to allow more candidates to be ranked on each ballot). The candidate who receives the least first place votes is eliminated in each round and their votes are redistributed until one candidate has a majority.

But critics point to research that shows the current first-past-the-post system often leads to municipal councils that do not accurately reflect the ethnic diversity of cities. In Brampton close to 70 per cent of the citys residents are visible minorities. Only one out of eleven members of city council is a visible minority.

Thats not just a Brampton problem, says Dave Meslin, an expert on the subject who is authoring a book on electoral reform and has helped with the federal governments current public consultations on the issue being conducted in every riding across Canada. He says Canada is now alone in its use of first-past-the-post for every level of government. The lack of diverse representation on municipal councils is a glaring problem across Ontario.

He points to U.S. research that shows ranked balloting in cities has significantly improved representation that more accurately reflects the electorate. Vote splitting, where an incumbent can rely on a concentrated base of supporters, while a number of other candidates fight for the remaining voters  often the vast majority  is something that cant happen with ranked balloting, Meslin says.

In the 2014 municipal election, of all winners, Brampton Coun. Martin Medeiros received the least number of votes  4,188, or 22 per cent of the votes cast in his ward. He beat Shan Gill by 100 votes. There were 15 candidates in total who ran for the council seat Medeiros now occupies. With a city-wide turnout of 36 per cent of eligible voters, applying the same rate, Medeiros received the support of about 7 per cent of eligible voters in his ward.

He did not respond when asked to comment on his decision not to support ranked balloting.

The provincial government was asked if its new legislation under Bill 181, which gives cities the option of using ranked balloting for elections, falls short because it leaves the ultimate decision to the very politicians who might get defeated by the new system.

We feel that municipalities are responsible levels of government and are in the best position to make decisions in the best interest of their communities, said Ministry of Municipal Affairs spokesperson Conrad Spezowka.

McGrail says low voter turnout is another problem with first-past-the-post. The central problem of first-past-the-post is divide and conquer while appealing to your base. People become so disenfranchised they dont even bother to vote.

Sukhjot Naroo, a Brampton resident and co-founder of the social network Brampton Beats, which has almost 4,000 members who focus on municipal issues, says he doubts Brampton council will accurately reflect the citys population as long as vote splitting continues. He lists an increasing number of issues accompanying Bramptons rapid demographic shift, from zoning for places of worship to funding for a variety of culturally specific activities, that dont get proper representation on council.

Everyone on council will benefit from vote-splitting. The incumbents dont want change. Theyre just trying to protect the status quo. Out of eleven votes, not one even considered ranked balloting. Not even Gurpreet Dhillon, the only South Asian member of council, because he now has his base of supporters and can grow that through his growing political connections.

Dhillon did not respond to questions emailed to him.

Torontos Katherine Skene says shes dismayed, but not surprised by Bramptons 11-0 vote. I would hope that councils, before voting on the issue, there would be broad public consultation to find out what the voters actually want.

Skene is co-chair of the Ranked Ballot Initiative of Toronto, where councillors last year voted 25-18 against a provincial option to allow for ranked balloting, a reversal of that councils earlier position to bring ranked ballots about. Mayor John Tory supported the idea during his election campaign and maintained his support in last years vote.

For Brampton council to reject ranked balloting so resoundingly, without public input, there might be personal motivations behind that, said Skene. So for a council that does not reflect its constituency its not surprising that they would reject a ranked ballot system.

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A majority of Ontario residents feel our justice system is broken, labelling it an archaic institution that is not accessible to all.

The Action Group on Access to Justice (TAG) asked Ontarians to describe the centuries-old system in a recent survey. In a poll of 1,500 adults by Abacus Data Inc. in August, the verdict the advocacy body received was damning: 78 per cent called Ontarios justice system old-fashioned, 71 per cent said it was intimidating. Confusing, inefficient and broken was how more than 60 per cent of respondents described it.

At a time when sexual assault cases and continued complaints that the black community is being targeted by police are demanding public attention, only half of those surveyed feel there is equal and fair access to the system and few, just 13 per cent, felt strongly that they would be treated fairly in the system.

The justice system is there for the public and  if theyre not onside, then no solution can really reach its full potential in terms of impact, said TAG manager Sabreena Delhon.

Its the first time the group, founded two years ago and supported by the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Law Foundation of Ontario, has polled public opinion on access issues.

This report does confirm what weve heard anecdotally around cost and intimidation and frustration, but I think it also helps us understand or appreciate access to justice affects the most important things in your life  family, where you live, where you work, Delhon said.

Recent headlines, she said, have created a new appreciation that the justice system matters, but few people feel in control of that process.

Published results of the survey also follow a Supreme Court decision on unjust delays that ruled provincial courts should find a way to ensure cases do not take longer than 18 months  a decision that, as the Star reported, could result in even serious charges such as murder and sexual assault being thrown out.

Those surveyed say affording a lawyer or paralegal is the biggest barrier to justice. Whats surprising, Delhon said, is that affordability is an issue across income brackets.

A large majority, 76 per cent, said creating more affordable options for those not qualifying for legal aid is a top priority.

There are many ways in which access to justice is limited, longtime civil rights advocate and lawyer Peter Rosenthal wrote by email. Only wealthy or upper-middle-class people can really afford to hire lawyers  Legal aid is only available to very poor people and only for certain kinds of cases. Therefore many people are denied essential representation in criminal and civil cases.

Daniel Brown, a Toronto criminal lawyer and director for the Criminal Lawyers Association, said the affordability concerns are the most troubling issue.

Access to justice should not be reserved for only the wealthy. Significant cuts to Ontarios legal aid programs have made it almost impossible for the working class to access our justice system, he wrote in an email. Better funding for lawyers who represent our most marginalized citizens is an important first step to ensuring that all Ontarians have equal access to the courts.

Paul Schabas, a partner at Blakes law firm and treasurer of the law society, said access issues have been front and centre in the legal system for many years.

Were trying to take steps, creative steps, to work with all the stakeholders to improve access for justice, he said.

One example is the unbundling of legal services, he said  changing the rules to make it easier for lawyers and paralegals to take on some aspects of a case without being fully retained to represent someone. This could include representing someone at an appeal or helping file certain paperwork.

This is a challenging issue and the law society is not shying away from it. In fact, its really trying to actively engage with all the stakeholders to try to improve access to justice, Schabas said.

For those daunted by the prospect of legal bills, there are services beyond Legal Aid Ontario. The law foundation maintains an Access to Justice Fund that grants thousands of dollars to groups helping marginalized communities, including refugees, navigate the legal system.

As a result of the survey, TAG will host an Access to Justice Week for the first time, beginning Monday. Events include a keynote speech from Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi. The group is also launching a podcast on access issues.

The TAG survey had a margin of error of 2.6 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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The Candidate: Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail chronicles Noah Richlers experience running for the NDP in the 2015 federal election. It was a trial-by-fire introduction to politics for the author and journalist, and he would ultimately lose his bid to unseat Liberal incumbent Carolyn Bennett in the well-heeled Toronto riding of St. Pauls. At the outset of the epic-length campaign, the NDP was riding high in the polls, but by early October, the tide had turned in favour of Justin Trudeaus Liberals, and Richler was facing dwindling crowds at community meet-and-greets.

Some days, the last thing you will want to do is canvass, and then youll go out and canvass because thats what will make you feel better.

It is the beginning of October and I hear Phil say, All our undecideds are Liberals, which is another way of saying there may be no undecided votes left. Maybe thats why the meet-and-greet events are thinning  more like greet-and-be-done-withs, despite my stellar company. The jacket is off and the sleeves are rolled up  this not yet the trademark of a far more successful candidate  and Im practised in the balletic work of making everyone else feel they are not wasting their time. Enjoy the canapes. Be winning. Be the candidate.

Candidate, noun: one aspiring to office (early 17 century: from Latin candidatus white-robed, also denoting a candidate for office who traditionally wore a white toga). Subsequent early senses were pure, innocent, unbiased, and free from malice, hence frank (late 17 cent) and candour: the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness.

So let me be open, honest in expression and frank. Its been a long time since Rathnelly and the meet-and-greets have become events of endurance. Earlier in the week was the last of my September meet-and-greets, and at the penultimate one, in Forest Hill, the lox and bagels, not the NDP, were the attraction to the brunch crowd of predominantly young investors. On Marchmount Rd., there were just four people in the kitchen. I have already cancelled the meet-and-greet slated for Cabbagetown, at which Id hoped to raise some money because Id lived in the district for 17 years (Neighbours for Noah)  that was a drag  and elected not to follow up on invitations for a couple more.

Todays meet-and-greet, on the first night of October, was fixed some time ago. It is in an NDP-inimical part of the riding  among the enormous mansions of Wells Hill Ave.  and being hosted by a couple of generous and committed Jewish NDP activists honourably doing what they can in a part of the riding where their politics can hardly be mainstream. One has already taken me for a canvass along streets adjoining the road where she lives, knocking on doors and introducing me very personably. By the end of the block, she is like an old friend and I want to take her home with me and for us to watch movies and eat popcorn.

It occurs to me, as I talk a calculated mile a minute, that I am becoming teary in moments of fatigue that are more frequent now. I tweet photographs of Torontos gorgeous canopy of turning autumn leaves. I want to talk to people I havent spoken to in ages. I am thinking of dead people. I want my father to have seen me doing this.

You will move through a carousel of moods.

Wells Hill Ave. faces the Loblaws on St. Clair. Separated from the busy central thoroughfare by a small English green, it is, for all intents and purposes, a gated community. In perfect view of all the cars passing and entering the supermarket parking lot, and the steady stream of pedestrians using the TTC entrance right by it, is a great big red Liberal Carolyn Bennett sign mounted at the foot of a house that might as well be a castle. For the duration of the campaign, I have wanted to match it. On my way to the meet-and-greet I think, What the hell? and try the house next door.

The young father who answers is holding a small child and speaks, with an English accent, words I know to be an indication of whats to come: NDP? Yeah, I was hoping youd come round. Then he lets loose with a diatribe about Gaza and the NDPs censoring of Morgan Wheeldon, the Nova Scotia candidate whod accused Israel of a little ethnic cleansing. Im tempted to say, Well, a Nova Scotian would understand. Did you know Englands expulsion of the Acadians, back in 1755, is generally regarded as the first example of ethnic cleansing? But I think better of it; some voters simply need to be let be.

I knock one door further up and find myself having a much easier time, the fantasy of a NOAH RICHLER NDP sign next to Bennetts still alive. My dance partner is a dandyish retiree of the financial world with wire frame spectacles and brightly coloured striped socks. He is amused  his son comes home and is not  and I make a mental note to return with a copy of my first book because hes from out west and a reader. Maybe that will sway him. Yet, like so many things, Ill not get around to it and now its time to move on to the appointed meet-and-greet.

It is the weekend of Sukkot, the Hebrew harvest festival, and inside the house is a nicely laid out table of wine and Jewish foodstuffs. I am prepared for bad attendance, but this time some 15 people arrive. After half an hour of niceties, I am shepherded from the hall into the living room to deliver my case for the NDP, everyone seated but me. Immediately, (party Leader Thomas) Mulcairs plans for a balanced budget arise and I talk about spending corporate taxes, not my childrens money, and, contrary to popular mythology, the partys generally exemplary fiscal record.

I talk about having visited Bay Street and my executive contact, whose annual remuneration is likely that of a small Latin American country (no laughs) and how hed endorsed the NDP plan to cut stock option tax credits  which is when an elderly man with an Eastern European accent starts haranguing me.

Nonsense! How am I going to keep my employees interested in startups if I cant give them stock options?

I put up a fight but he doesnt stop, and finally its the circle that tells him thats enough, and when, later, I make my exit, they are apologizing for him. Thats his nature, my hosts say, which I know to mean that he had the better of me and Ive not won votes here. I cycle by the Carolyn Bennett sign, wonder in passing where she lives and worry Im being shut out.

Excerpted from The Candidate: Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail by Noah Richler. Copyright  Noah Richler 2016. Reprinted by permission of Doubleday Canada.

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With eggs for caviar that can make one fish worth as much as a Ferrari, authorities on both sides of the border are stepping up efforts to eliminate poaching of a threatened Great Lakes species: the sturgeon.

The unfertilized roe is illicitly harvested  often by slicing the prehistoric-looking creature open and leaving the carcass to rot  and sold on the international black market.

One big sturgeon could be worth almost $200,000, said Marc Gaden of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission in Ann Arbor, Mich., an hours drive west of Detroit.

He urges people out hiking along rivers and lakes to alert police if they see anyone acting furtively with fish.

If you see something suspicious, say something. If you see caviar sold in a store and it doesnt seem right, say something.

The commission has partnered with Crime Stoppers in Canada and the United States to seek the publics help in tipping off police and wildlife conservation officials to suspicious activity.

Were one of the primary jurisdictions where this is happening, said Dave Forster, president of the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers, which runs a toll-free line for anonymous tips at 1-800-222-8477.

Its an area of crime thats evolving and its often tied to a much larger picture of global contraband, he added.

By weight, the value of caviar can equal or exceed the equivalent weight in cocaine.

In stores, an ounce of legal caviar can sell for up to $100, or more, depending on the variety, source and quality.

In the wild, conservation officers such as Dave Hamlin of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry spend time in the bush looking for telltale signs of poaching.

They include large pools of blood on the ground, piles of heavy fishing line needed for sturgeon, and, in some cases, sturgeon tied up along a riverbank and kept alive until a buyer can be contacted.

Asked how much poaching is taking place across Ontario  from the north to the Great Lakes, its tributaries and the St. Lawrence River  Hamlin said, Its hard to put a finger on.

Sturgeon are bottom feeders usually caught in shallower water, less than 20 to 30 feet deep, using large treble hooks baited with worms. In Ontario, sport and commercial fishing of sturgeon has been banned since 2008, with the fish listed under the Endangered Species Act.

We use similar investigative techniques as police do for illegal drugs, said Hamlin, who works out of the ministrys offices in Blind River, east of Sault Ste. Marie.

Those methods involve surveillance of likely poaching and fishing spots where sturgeon are mating or feeding, as well as monitoring of people in the area and being visible in uniform as a deterrent.

Officers can also stop and search vehicles, which is how Hamlin has nabbed suspected poachers, including two Richmond Hill men with a big haul probably taken from the Mississagi River in 2014.

If you see people coming out of Blind River with this much roe, youre thinking, How do one or two people eat 27 pounds of sturgeon eggs? he said.

We dont know what the chain is, but it is leaving the north. Its going somewhere.

The two men were pulled over on their way back to Toronto and answers to questions about what they were fishing for  salmon, they said  didnt add up. That prompted Hamlin to inspect their cooler, which contained the roe and four pounds (two kilograms) of sturgeon meat.

The men were each fined $10,000 in court, with one paying an additional penalty of $750 after pleading guilty to making a false statement.

Despite the pocketbook hit, the attraction to criminals is obvious: big profits and easier treatment under the law than in the case of drug crimes, said Forster of Crime Stoppers.

Criminals are looking at areas of lesser risk. The penalties are lower.

Although black market caviar typically sells for less, the 27 pounds (12.25 kilograms) confiscated by Hamlin could be worth $43,000 at legal prices.

Forster calls the sturgeon poaching a shocking crime, particularly when the fish  even males  are indiscriminately sliced open for eggs.

It is a waste, said Gaden, who also lectures at the University of Michigan about water policy issues. He noted that its difficult to tell the difference between male and female sturgeon.

They dont even mature until theyre at least 20 years old, Gaden said.

As well, sturgeon dont spawn every year. Lake sturgeon are Canadas largest freshwater fish, often reaching 180 kilograms and two metres long. They live more than 100 years.

The oldest known lake sturgeon, caught in Lake Huron, was 155 years old and the longest, at 4.6 metres, was found in a Manitoba river.

Authorities say the Internet has made it easier for poachers to find buyers in a black market that has grown substantially since more limitations have been placed on sturgeon fishing around the world to preserve the species.

At the same time, dozens of sturgeon farms have opened in about 20 countries, including Canada, providing the vast majority of legal caviar on the world market, said Med Khandan of the Caviar Centre Inc., a Toronto distributor.

Although it can be tricky to spot illegal caviar, particularly if labels are forged, Khandan said he buys only from suppliers around the globe whose processing facilities he has visited.

I only deal with people I can trust. You just go with a company you know has been in business a long time, he said. Dont buy it from anybody off the street.

Legal caviar is subject to safety tests by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and imported varieties are federally inspected.

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INDIAN LAND, S.C.Jonathan Anderson walked out of the cotton mill and fired up a cigar. His lighter was painted in the red, white and blue of the American flag. Smoke break in patriotic Lancaster County, cotton country, same as it ever was.

Except for another flag just up the hill: the red and gold of China, flying high beside the Stars and Stripes.

Anderson has spent the past three months working for a Chinese company. Since he left an American company located farther away from his Lancaster house, the 28-year-old who hunts, fishes and plays banjo in a bluegrass band has maintained machines at the $218-million yarn production plant opened last year by the Keer Group, a company based in Hangzhou.

South Carolinas textile jobs were once thought gone for good, lost to China and other low-wage nations. Now, to the astonishment of a community that was devastated by the bust, China is bringing some of them back.

Its stunning, said Jamie Gilbert, the countys economic development director. To see that investment come back is very surprising.

Chinese capital still represents a small chunk of the states boom in foreign investment, which has largely come from Europe. But the South Carolina experience offers a handy counterpoint to the simplistic China-bashing protectionism of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Chinese companies are not only investing in cheap textiles. Since 2000, when appliance giant Haier became the first Chinese firm to open a U.S. factory, at least 18 more have built South Carolina plants in industries ranging from plastics to auto parts.

They have hired more than 3,000 people and invested more than $700 million. That does not include a $500-million, 2,000-plus-job car plant being constructed by Sweden-based Volvo, which is owned by a Chinese company.

Trump, who won the South Carolina primary with 33 per cent of the vote, has depicted international trade as a zero-sum game in which one country winning comes at the cost of another country losing. Economists on all sides of the debate say the matter is far more complex.

South Carolina has lost more than 100,000 manufacturing jobs to globalization and automation. But more than 8 per cent of its private sector jobs, more than 128,000, are now provided by the U.S. affiliates of foreign-owned companies, tops in the nation.

John McDermott, professor and chair of economics at the University of South Carolina, said the anti-trade rhetoric of the states politicians has largely vanished.

Its so easy to talk about job losses and jobs being exported. But trade creates jobs, both through exports and through investments, such as the Europeans and Chinese are making in South Carolina, McDermott said. Theres a lot of insourcing of jobs as well as outsourcing of jobs. And I think thats a highly neglected thing in the media.

Trump accuses China, a noun he pronounces with a distinctive bite, of stealing our jobs. In May, he went so far as allege a rape, claiming China is perpetrating the greatest theft in the history of the world.

There is no doubt that Chinese competition has hurt many American workers. But Trumps rhetoric is bewildering to undecided voter John Blackwell, 65, a barber for the last 47 years in the small town of Camden.

His shop is six minutes away from the 100-employee, $40-million Haier refrigerator plant just outside town. Last year, the Qingdao-based company announced a $72-million expansion that will add 410 more jobs.

Theyre not stealing our jobs, Blackwell scoffed. Im just glad that we got a plant here in Camden that is employing our people. Because the ones that are employed here are Americans. Some of them didnt have work. And some of them were able to move back home and get a good job.

Chinese investment in the U.S. hit a record $18 billion in the first half of 2016, according to research firm Rhodium Group, more than the $15-billion total for all of 2015, which was itself a record.

The turn of events in Lancaster, just south of Charlotte, has been especially remarkable. For more than a century, its economy relied on the Springs cotton empire that employed 14,000 South Carolina workers as late as 1992 and then vanished.

The last Springs mill in the state shut down in 2007. In 2008, Forbes magazine identified Lancaster as Americas single most vulnerable town. In 2009, local unemployment hit 19 per cent.

But the county bounced back, luring employers in other industries and reducing unemployment to 8 per cent. And then Keer materialized from thin air. It now employs about 200 people on its way to a promised 500.

One of them is Ashley Kensington, 29, who was shocked when the opportunity arose years after outsourcing cost her a previous textile job.

I was fussing about all of our work going to China, she said. She now has the kind of job that seemed like a thing of the southern past: stuffing machines full of cotton, turning it into yarn to be shipped to textile and apparel companies in Asia.

The influx of Chinese firms has been prompted in large part by rising wages and other costs in China. South Carolina is attractive to foreign investors because of its savvy labour force, Charleston port, proximity to Charlottes airport and U.S. consumers, low unionization rate, and the generous tax breaks its governments have been willing to offer.

Other southern states are now competing fiercely for Chinese investment. Georgia scored its first major Chinese factory in September, when Sentury Tire announced it would spend $530 million on a 1,000-job facility.

The transition for the Chinese companies is not always smooth. Gilbert, who hailed the Keer investment, said the firm is still working through the cultural differences between China and America.

Employees complained on condition of anonymity that several of their supervisors do not speak English. One alleged that the company has pushed out American-born employees to hire recent Asian immigrants, unhappy that the locals expect the right to voice their opinions.

Keer America, which has acknowledged a high turnover rate, did not respond to the Stars questions. After a reporter dropped by the facility, managers distributed a memo that demanded in underlined capital letters that employees refrain from engaging or answering questions or inquiries from unauthorized personnel or a media reporter without permission.

Keer need not have worried about Anderson talking.

He has started at $10 per hour, but he said he will soon qualify for a raise to $12, not bad around there. At his last job, at a U.S. car-seat manufacturer, he made $10.35. He said he has had no problems at Keer.

I feel good, he said. Theyre treating me like anybody else. They dont treat me any different coming from a culturally different background.

Sitting beside Anderson on the smoke break, a colleague from Taiwan could not resist a little joke.

Hes taking our jobs! he shouted.

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BEIRUTThe tiny Syrian village of Dabiq was to have been the site of an apocalyptic showdown between Christian and Muslim armies, an Islamic version of the battle of Armageddon that would herald the end of the world, according to ancient prophecies embraced and trumpeted by Daesh.

Instead of waging an epic battle, however, the last Daesh fighters defending Dabiq fled Sunday without a fight, in the face of an advance by a small force of Free Syrian Army rebels who are backed by Turkey and by U.S. airstrikes.

The loss of Dabiq was of more symbolic than strategic importance to the wider war, a fresh humiliation for Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, which lured volunteer fighters from around the world with promises of building a mighty Islamist empire.

It also offered further evidence of the groups rapidly diminishing capabilities ahead of an offensive targeting the city of Mosul in neighbouring Iraq.

The battle for Mosul, which began early Monday, promises to be the most consequential yet of the two-year-old campaign against Daesh. Mosul is the biggest of the cities controlled by the group, one of the two capitals of its self-proclaimed caliphate, and its supporters are expected to put up a tough fight, said Col. John Dorrian, a spokesman for the U.S. military in Baghdad.

Daesh has been in Mosul for two years, and theyve had the chance to build some pretty elaborate defences, Dorrian said. Weve prepared the Iraqis for a tough fight.

Coming on the eve of the Mosul battle, the defeat at Dabiq serves as a further blow to the militants morale, a reminder that they are continuing to lose ground across their rapidly shrinking territory in Iraq and Syria, he said.

Daesh said there was going to be an apocalyptic battle here. That has not proven to be the case, and now Dabiq is Daesh-free, Dorrian said.

The ease with which the opposition force overran Dabiq surprised even the rebels, who have been steadily advancing through villages controlled by the militant group in the countryside of northern Aleppo province in the weeks since Turkish troops intervened to support them in the fight.

The plan had been to lay siege to the village, where the rebels had expected the militants to put up at least a token defence, given its symbolic value, according to Abu Jalal, a commander with the U.S.-supported al-Hamza Division, one of half a dozen groups affiliated with the Free Syrian Army that took part in the offensive.

But as the rebels moved Sunday to capture the last road leading south out of Dabiq, the remaining 100 or so Daesh fighters there ran away, Abu Jalal said. They were pursued by U.S. warplanes, which struck them in at least two locations, he said.

The villages significance dates to a seventh-century saying, or hadith, of the prophet Muhammad, who had reputedly predicted that Dabiq would be the site of an epic showdown between Muslims and Christians, the equivalent of the biblical battle of Armageddon. The confrontation would herald the advance of Muslim armies toward Constantinople and eventually to Rome, before culminating in the end of the world.

The Islamic State had put this prophecy at the centre of its propaganda, naming its monthly magazine Dabiq and choosing the village as the site of the execution of one of its most prominent American hostages, aid worker Peter Kassig.

Meanwhile, southwest of Dabiq, Syrian government forces pounded rebel-held districts in the contested city of Aleppo on Sunday, culminating in a devastating airstrike on a residential building in the Qaterji neighbourhood late in the evening that killed at least 25 people, according to the Civil Defence search-and-rescue outfit. Spokesman Ibrahim Alhaj said some families remain trapped under the rubble.

The Qaterji attack brought the death toll to 49 from strikes on opposition-run eastern Aleppo on Sunday, according to Alhaj.

An explosion was also reported at a militia checkpoint near a camp for displaced Syrians on the border with Jordan. There were unconfirmed reports of casualties in the Sunday evening blast at the Rukban camp. Jordan has been on edge since a June car bomb attack launched from the Rukban area killed seven members of the Jordanian border guard.

The U.S. and Britain acknowledged Sunday that there is little support in the western world for any military action against Syrias government as they sought ways to pressure President Bashar Assad and his chief backer, Russia, to halt the deadly offensive in Aleppo. They tried to present it as a possibility, nevertheless.

After a meeting of 11 governments opposing Assads rule, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson each insisted all options were on the table. But their stark explanations about the danger of resorting to military force appeared to rule out such a move.

When a great power is involved in a fight like this, as Russia has chosen to be by going there and then putting its missiles in place in order to threaten people against military action, it raises the stakes of confrontation, Kerry said after the meeting in London.

He said no one should be lighting a fire under a larger sectarian war in the Middle East or one drawing in superpowers against one another.

Johnson said Britain wanted to ratchet up pressure on Assad, Russia and Iran. No option is, in principle, off the table, he told reporters.

Quickly expanding his answer, he added: Be in no doubt that these so-called military options are extremely difficult and there is, to put it mildly, a lack of political appetite in most European capitals and certainly in the West for that kind of solution at present.

So weve got to work with the tools we have, he said. The tools we have are diplomatic.

With files from The Associated Press

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HONOLULUTwo wildlife issues have collided in Hawaii, pitting one group of animal defenders against another in an impassioned debate. The point of contention? Deadly cat poop and the feral felines that produce it.

Federal researchers believe feces from the legions of feral cats roaming Hawaii is spreading a disease that is killing Hawaiian monk seals, some of the worlds most endangered marine mammals. Some conservationists advocate euthanizing those cats that no one wants, and thats got cat lovers up in arms.

Its a very difficult, emotional issue, said state Sen. Mike Gabbard, chairman of a committee that earlier this year heard and then abandoned a proposal to ban the feeding of feral cats on state land after an outcry. It struck a nerve in our community.

The problem stems from a parasite common in cats that can cause toxoplasmosis, a disease that killed at least five female Hawaiian monk seals and three males since 2001, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

While eight seals may not sound like a lot of animals, it actually has pretty large ramifications for an endangered population where theres only about 1,300 seals in existence at this point in time, said Michelle Barbieri, veterinary medical officer for NOAAs Hawaiian monk seal research program.

Scientists believe monk seals become exposed to toxoplasmosis by ingesting contaminated water or prey.

Felines are the only animals that can shed Toxoplasma gondii eggs, or oocysts. The parasites enter their digestive tract through infected prey then multiply in the small intestine and produce the eggs. Outdoor cats excrete the eggs in their feces, which researchers say washes into the ocean.

The eggs accumulate in invertebrates that live along the sea floor, where monk seals often feed. They can survive in fresh water, saltwater and soil for up to two years.

Any warm-blooded animal can become infected. California sea otters have died from toxoplasmosis, and its one of the major reasons the Hawaiian crow, alala, is extinct in the wild. Toxoplasmosis is rarely problematic for people with healthy immune systems, but its why doctors advise pregnant women not to handle kitty litter.

Many cities struggle with feral cats, but the problem is particularly acute in Hawaii because of its sensitive ecosystem and at-risk native species, experts say. Only two mammals are native to Hawaii: the hoary bat and the Hawaiian monk seal.

Everything else here  deer, sheep, goats, cats, mongoose  theyre all invasive, theyre all introduced, said Angela Amlin, NOAAs acting Hawaiian monk seal recovery co-ordinator, adding cats have no predators in Hawaii to control their population.

Marketing research commissioned by the Hawaiian Humane Society in 2015 estimated some 300,000 feral cats roam Oahu alone.

Marine debris, climate change, predation and human interaction all threaten the survival of Hawaiian monk seals. But feral cats present their greatest disease concern, Amlin said.

As conservationists, what we really have to look at is this is what Hawaiis native ecosystem includes, and cats are unfortunately not part of that, Amlin said. When it comes to the feral cat population, there should be a program in place to bring in these animals, adopt the ones that are adoptable and humanely euthanize those that are not.

Others take offence to that notion.

Classifying animals with labels such as native and invasive creates a hierarchy in which the protection of certain animals comes at the suffering of others, Hawaiian Humane Society President and CEO Pamela Burns wrote in a letter opposing the state Senate bill that would have banned cat-feeding on state land. She contended the 300,000 figure overstates the problem because the study looked at how many cats people were feeding and might have missed instances where multiple people fed the same outdoor cat.

Those who care for stray cats advocate trapping, neutering and spaying to help control their population.

The University of Hawaiis Manoa campus, in Honolulu, started a feral cat management program  with authorized feeders trained in tasks like trapping and feces disposal  after the stench and mess from hundreds of cats prompted complaints, especially when children at a campus daycare centre got flea bites, said Roxanne Adams, director of buildings and grounds.

The program started in 2011 and appears to have reduced the number of felines, she said.

Euthanizing cats is unacceptable unless theyre extremely sick, said Alicia Maluafiti, board president of animal welfare group Poi Dogs and Popoki.

I totally disagree with the . . . generalization that cat people love cats more than these endangered species, Maluafiti said. What we just dont advocate is the wholesale killing, the extermination, of one species . . . for one.

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NEW DELHIA fire broke out late Monday at a private hospital in a city in eastern India, killing at least 23 people, Indias federal health minister said.

Minister J.P. Nadda disclosed the death toll from the fire at the Sum Hospital in the city of Bhubaneswar in an interview with the Times Now TV news station. Doctors at two local hospitals told the Press Trust of India news agency that 22 people were dead on arrival at their facilities. They said more than 20 people were being treated for injuries. The slight discrepancy in casualty figures could not be resolved.

B.B. Patnak, the director of Capital Hospital, told PTI that most of the victims were patients being treated at Sum Hospitals first-floor intensive care unit who were using ventilators and suffocated after the fire spread to the ICU.

Police and fire fighters broke windows and worked with hospital staff and volunteers in a massive rescue operation to evacuate more than 500 patients from the hospital, an eyewitness and hospital officials told PTI.

Ramesh Manjhi, a senior fire official, told the New Delhi Television news channel that the fire had been brought under control by late Monday night.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the victims in a Tweet and called the tragedy mind numbing.

Authorities in Odisha State directed local hospitals to take in patients from Sum Hospital and ordered an investigation into the fire, PTI said.

Incidents like this arent unheard of in India, where public safety norms are routinely flouted. In 2011, a major blaze engulfed AMRI Hospital in the city of Kolkata, killing 89 people.

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HILLSBOROUGH, N.C.Investigators combed through shards of glass, looked for residue of flammable accelerant and tried to narrow down the overnight hours when someone torched a local Republican Party office by throwing a flammable device through the window.

The mayor said he wasnt aware of any surveillance footage from the immediate vicinity, and the office sits where there wouldnt normally be foot traffic late at night  in a decades-old retail complex that backs up to a wooded area and is set back from a main road.

A bottle filled with flammable liquid was thrown through the window of the Orange County Republican Party headquarters early Sunday, damaging the interior before burning out, according to authorities. Someone also spray-painted Nazi Republicans leave town or else on a nearby wall. The office was empty and no one was injured.

Local party officials reopened a makeshift operation on folding tables outside the office Monday while uniformed police looked on. Plain clothes investigators looked for evidence at the scene as state, local and federal investigators divided up leads.

The graffiti and remnants of the fire were discovered Sunday morning by 68-year-old Bobbie Sparrow, whose Balloons Above Orange shop is next to the GOP headquarters. She came to feed stray cats before church when she noticed the graffiti.

I saw the hate in it. And the only reason they used the side of my building, because it was a blank canvas for a message to the Republican Party people, she said in an interview. I picked up my cellphone and called 911 and told them someone needed to get here immediately.

She said she isnt aware of any surveillance cameras outside the buildings, and Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens said he wasnt aware of any in the immediate vicinity, either.

On Monday afternoon, police released a recording of Sparrows 911 call placed at 8:54 a.m. Sunday.

I dont see any flames, but it has smoked up outside the window and there is a strong smell of smoke, she says on the tape. They obviously threw something flaming through the window at the Republican Party, and Im not sure what kind of damage is inside. Im not about to go look.

County GOP chairman Daniel Ashley arrived Sunday morning to find the area roped off by yellow police tape. He said he believes whoevers responsible intended to burn down the building.

I definitely think the reason they spray-painted that building there was because they thought this one wouldnt be here, he said, standing in front of his office.

Lost in the fire were 2,000 sample ballots for local Republicans, dozens of yard signs that were melted and banners for events that were ruined by soot, he said.

With just three weeks left until Election Day, the attack adds yet another layer of tension to a campaign season that has been marked by bitter fighting and extreme anger on both sides of the aisle. In the days since a video emerged showing Donald Trump bragging about sexual assaulting women, the Republican nominee has ratcheted up claims that the election is rigged against him and called for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton to be jailed over her use of a private email server.

The violent act in the key battleground state has been condemned by public figures across the political spectrum.

A tweet from Clinton on Sunday said the attack is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe. An hour later, Trump tweeted: Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning.

North Carolinas Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and his Democratic challenger, state Attorney General Roy Cooper both described the violence as a threat to democracy.

Democrats started a campaign to raise $10,000 (U.S.) to reopen the GOP office, meeting the goal in less than 40 minutes and showing that Americans are thirsty for civility and decency, wrote the GoFundMe drives creator, David Weinberger, a researcher at Harvard University.

Its a great gesture. We appreciate it a lot, but I dont know how much of that were going to get to use because of the campaign laws, Ashley said Monday.

Republican offices around the state are re-examining their security, state GOP executive director Dallas Woodhouse said, adding that people sometimes worked after-hours in the Hillsborough office.

It is a miracle that nobody was killed, he said in an interview.

The walls of the multi-room office were covered in black char, and a couch against one wall had been burned down to its springs. Shattered glass covered the floor, and melted campaign yard signs showed warped lettering.

Stevens, mayor of the town about 65 kilometres northwest of Raleigh, said the act doesnt represent the character of Orange County, which also includes Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina campus. Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 3-1 in the county.

Blake Halsey, a 21-year-old college student who volunteers at the Orange County GOP office, answered calls Monday at a folding table outside the shattered front window. He grew up in the area and described the town as a melting pot for all political views.

He said the attack made him think about his personal safety because hes worked after-hours recently at the office.

Its sad to see America go this way, he said. The Constitution says we have free speech. But free speech does not mean you can throw a fire bomb in there.

With files from The Washington Post

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The headline in the Lucknow Sentinel said it all.

Conversations begin to explore connections between APM project and community well-being, it read.

Indeed they have. As the full-page ad in the Southwestern Ontario weekly reported this month, such conversations have been going full-tilt in eight small Ontario communities as a federal agency searches for a place willing to store highly radioactive spent-fuel rods from Canadas nuclear power plants.

Four of the eight are on or near Lake Huron, including the township of Huron-Kinloss, which is where Lucknow is situated.

An observer from, say, Mars might think a highly radioactive nuclear dump would be a hard sell.

But such an observer has never been to the Lake Huron coastline where the nuclear industry means jobs and where local councils vie with one another for the privilege of burying radioactive waste.

Nor has our mythical Martian had much experience with the new-age, feel-good materials produced by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, the federal body in charge of this project.

They give no indication that nuclear waste might be dangerous. Quite the reverse. The language is pure corporate bureaucratese  anodyne, euphemistic and soothing.

As the Lucknow Sentinel ad puts it, the real question is whether Canadas plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel can be implemented in a way that fosters well-being in the community and area.

What is this plan? Well, its Adaptive Phased Management. What is Adaptive Phased Management? To answer that question our Martian might have to go to the nuclear waste organizations website, where he would find that Adaptive Phased Management is the federal governments plan.

As best I can figure, it means that all the nuclear waste wont be buried at once (hence phased) and the dump operators may do things differently over time as they figure out what works (hence adaptive).

But I may be wrong.

What I do know is that whatever is going on is being handled in an open, transparent and inclusive manner.

The search for the perfect dump is also holistic. In the Lucknow Sentinel ad, local residents are encouraged to examine the various dimensions of well-being from having nuclear waste buried in their community, including their sense of belonging as well as any spiritual impacts.

The ad quotes an engineer from a large U.S. contractor currently seconded to the waste management organization who put it this way:

We can harness and shape opportunities associated with the project if they align with the communitys expectations and priorities for its future. Lets begin to develop through conversations, an understanding of the potential to foster and enhance community well-being through the implementation of the project, were it to be one day sited in Huron-Kinloss.

Which I think is another way of saying: Dont worry; it wont be all bad.

The waste organization was set up in 2002 to deal with a problem Canadas nuclear operators have never properly addressed: what to do with spent fuel that can remain fatally radioactive for thousands of years. Right now, spent fuel is stored above ground at or near existing nuclear plants.

Previous attempts to find places where such waste could be buried had foundered over local opposition. So the new body was given two tasks.

First, find a place geologically suitable for a nuclear dump; second, find a place that wanted it.

Politically, the second criterion is more important than the first. That became evident in February when the new federal Liberal government announced that its final decision on another radioactive dump plan scheduled for Lake Huron, this one designed to store so-called low and intermediate-level nuclear waste, would be delayed until at least the end of 2016.

That dump, while okayed by local councils, is opposed by many residents.

The proposed spent-fuel dump, when and wherever it is finally chosen, promises to provoke an even greater political fight.

Until then, expect more conversations. The waste management body has already after extensive inputinitiated a broad program tobuild awareness. It will surely build more.

Thomas Walkoms column appears Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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Whats really behind the success of Airbnb? Those stories about TV remotes being the filthiest object in hotel rooms? Squalid residue on hotel bathroom glassware and grimy fabrics where dodgy people once sat naked?

No, thats not it. Face it, you know nothing about the personal hygiene of Airbnb hosts renting out spare rooms. But Airbnb is succeeding for deeper global reasons.

People come in to talk to the Toronto Star editorial board and almost always make a good case for themselves. Airbnb told us it was basically begging cities to set rules for troublesome professional renters. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers said it believed in man-made climate change. And Uber sounded fairly reasonable.

But Airbnbs executives spoke persuasively about their ideal hosts. They pointed out that if you dont have an extra bedroom for visiting family members, lengthy hotel stays are expensive. Airbnb solves that, especially in suburbs where there are fewer hotels. I see Airbnb as risky for lone female travellers but on trips where a corporation isnt picking up the tab, its at least affordable.

I dont think Uber is safe but its cheaper than a taxi. Fast fashion from Zara is increasingly unloved, but its cheaper. People kid themselves that they can make a living selling homemade goods on Etsy, but its a start.

The problem is what citizens are being urged to further accept. Disruption and the sharing economy help us worship the God of Cheap with even greater fervour. They cut costs for people frightened about their economic future. Our worship is no longer voluntary, but mandated. People are feeling poor. They are in fact poorer, and crucially, more isolated than they used to be.

All the services being ubered now  grocery delivery, car shares, task bidding, one-table home restaurants  are disrupting many industries while pushing them to improve. But will they? Industries arent disrupting themselves, theyre being invaded by intermediaries who own nothing and owe nothing to the humans offering the service.

Digitization offers speed and scale, as the theorist Bertrand Duperrin says, but sharing platforms use it to place risk on the provider and the buyer. The digital intermediary risks nothing. This disruption sounds very much like old-tyme outsourcing. It used to be imposed on south Asia but now its local.

Disruption makes things cheaper in the short run, but in the long run life becomes worse. The medications that make the news now dont calm workers down. That was another era. Theyre stimulants like Adderall (for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children) that make adults feel confident and productive but ultimately manic, solitary and machine-like.

In a world of extreme income inequality, inflated housing prices, precarious work and higher education as an entry badge, people are struggling.

The so-called sharing economy is cheaper. What worries me is that people will cut spending in thousands of small ways. Yes, paying a pensionless Airbnb host helps her keep her home and age in place, and an Uber ride helps an underemployed person pay his rent. But what about hotel employees and cabbies?

These are tiny money-saving Band-aids. Do citizens have the time to do what would make their lives better: rally, unionize, join a political party, write to MPs, vote?

Samara Canada works to increase civic engagement and political participation. As Samaras Alison Loat has said, governments are also vulnerable to disruption. The state has changed immensely: it no longer runs airlines and oil companies, and people buy services government used to provide, including private schools and some health care. The demonization of taxation over the decades aided privatization, the first step to disruption.

Is government letting us down every time it outsources services, like the 2011 census using Lockheed Martin software? Yes. I was horrified by that, although I dutifully filled out the form.

What a cheese-paring existence is offered to citizens who become one-person factories briefly renting out their own homes, cars and time for cash wiggle room. Its fine in the short term but a problem in the long term.

I want to be a citizen, not a tiny failing business with income so risible that it doesnt even have to charge HST. I want regular work. I want to pay taxes, the price of life in a safe, prosperous organized nation.

As Canadas prime minister said at the time of the Brexit referendum, we are stronger together. Alone, we await our fate.

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The process for certain prime-ministerial appointments  of judges, say, or the heads of Crown corporations  has too often been opaque and unaccountable, seemingly favouring the loyal over the meritorious. Justin Trudeaus campaign promise to find a better way was undoubtedly welcome. But as his government works toward that goal, the growing number of vacancies is threatening to bring important aspects of the business of governing to a halt.

This is nowhere truer or more dangerous than in the court system. As Trudeau has sought to improve Canadas flawed judicial appointment process, the number of bench vacancies has piled up, contributing to a crisis of timely justice in Canadian courts.

There are now 61 empty seats on federally appointed court benches across the country, more than at any time during the previous administration. The lack of judges has exacerbated access problems and court delays that were already posing a threat to fair process and public safety.

In 2013-2014, the median completion time of a case before superior courts was 514 days. Its not unheard-of for cases to carry on for upwards of five years. Such delays jeopardize the constitutional rights of both victims and the accused to justice within a reasonable period of time.

Many legal experts argue that filling the judicial vacancies is key to tackling the problem. Yet nearly a year into its mandate the government is still delaying appointments while it works on a more transparent process.

The urgency could hardly be greater. In July, the Supreme Court of Canada sought to address the culture of delay and complacency in the justice system by setting a deadline of 30 months for superior courts to decide a case from the time charges are laid. The minority in the decision called the move unwise in practice, predicting that it would cause thousands of criminal cases to be thrown out.

The government should take this warning seriously. This month, an Alberta court stayed a first-degree murder charge that had been on the docket for more than five years. In September, the Ontario Court of Appeal stayed a conviction for assault causing bodily harm on the grounds that the nearly six years it took to resolve the case violated the rights of the accused. If Trudeau does not move quickly to fill the vacancies, we are sure to see more cases like these.

The governments phlegmatic approach to appointments extends beyond the courts. CBC News reports that, as Trudeau et al have worked to revise selection processes, they have accumulated a backlog of more than 300 appointments to be filled, including 105 Senate seats and key positions at Crown corporations and agencies.

The goal of more transparent, representative and merit-based prime-ministerial appointments is laudable. The process, for instance, that yielded the nomination of Malcolm Rowe to the Supreme Court on Monday is no doubt an improvement over the secretive, partisan ones that preceded it.

But many of the government positions still unfilled and the other 60 court vacancies, while less visible, are essential to the operation of government and the administration of justice. There is no reason intelligent appointments cannot be made in an open way while Ottawa works on a more formalized process. Good government, public safety and the rights of those caught up in the justice system depend on it.

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The Trudeau government is edging ever closer to telling Canadians where and how it intends to commit troops in Africa. One thing it should make clear now is that Parliament will get a chance to debate what could be a risky and controversial deployment.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan told the Stars Bruce Campion-Smith this past week that Canada is going into Africa with eyes wide open, fully aware of the dangers involved. Countries under active consideration for a Canadian mission reportedly include Mali, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo, all places with extreme terrain and tricky political landscapes.

So far, the government has hedged on the question of whether it will ask Members of Parliament to debate the mission once it has figured out exactly where it will be. Last month Sajjan ruled out a debate, but later changed his tune, saying cabinet will decide once the details fall into place.

Both opposition parties have used this as a stick to beat the government with, even before the scope of the mission is clear. The Harper government allowed debates on military interventions, they note, so why are the Liberals waffling?

Its hard to see the downside of a debate. Its true that theres no constitutional requirement for one; in our system the executive alone can decide on military action and it doesnt need the approval of the legislature.

But from every other point of view it makes sense. When troops are sent in harms way, our MPs should get a chance to formally record their views. In the end, a majority government will get its way, but its important to hear from all the peoples representatives on such a weighty matter.

There doesnt even have to be a vote. Back in 1994 the Chretien government introduced take note debates into the Commons, precisely in order to let MPs tell the government what they think about big issues without requiring a vote. They have been used to discuss such matters as Canadas deployment to Afghanistan, the Iraq war and ballistic missile defence.

Allowing a vote on the mission, however, would be the best course. Given the Trudeau governments commitment to consulting on all manner of issues, not to fully consult Parliament on such a matter would be difficult to defend.

Thats especially true since the planned deployment to Africa wont much resemble the traditional peacekeeping missions that were such a big part of Canadas self-image back in the 1990s.

Sajjan acknowledges that wherever Canadian troops go, there will likely be no peace to keep. Officials use phrases like peace making and peace support to describe the type of operation they have in mind, which will involve up to 600 soldiers and about 150 police officers under the umbrella of the $450-million peace and stabilization fund the government announced in August.

Regardless of what its called or where it goes, though, MPs of all parties should get a chance to have their say.

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Call it the black hole of health care coverage. Canada is the only country in the world with a national health care plan that does not cover the cost of prescription medicines. And according to a new study, thats creating a health inequity for the poor.

Those who arent covered by private or public health care plans, primarily the working poor, sometimes cant afford the drugs needed to prevent or treat a health condition, the annual report from Health Quality Ontario concludes. That can mean they need more costly care, in the long run, from a family doctor, specialist or hospital.

Its an inequity that provincial and territorial health ministers should address when they meet in Toronto this week with their federal counterpart, Jane Philpott. Their discussions are to lay the groundwork for a first ministers meeting on a new health-care accord that could come as early as mid-December.

The importance of this discussion cannot be underestimated. Study after study shows that a pharmacare program would save billions of dollars while ensuring that people dont get sicker or suffer needlessly because they cannot afford prescriptions.

As Ontarios health minister Eric Hoskins, a proponent of pharmacare, has said: No Canadian should have to choose between putting food on the table or filling their latest prescription.

But as the report from Health Quality Ontario makes clear, thats a choice made by many poor people.

Among those aged 12 to 64 in Ontario, 85.7 per cent of those in the richest neighbourhoods had prescription insurance compared to just 56 per cent of those in the poorest, though they are the ones who can least afford medications.

And while people on welfare or disability insurance have their medications covered, those who are precariously employed or in low-paying jobs do not have employer-provided health plans that cover prescription drugs.

One 2015 study found that 35 per cent of workers do not have employer-provided health plans. That number rises to 85 per cent for those earning less than $10,000 a year and to 70 per cent for those earning between $10,000 and $20,000.

In other words, the working poor cannot afford prescription drugs on which their lives, never mind their health, may depend.

In fact, about one Canadian in 10 lacks money to buy the medicines they need, resulting in needless suffering and aggravated illness. Thats hardly in keeping with the principle of universal access at the heart of our medicare system.

Sadly, even when the working poor do buy drugs, they often skip doses or split pills in an effort to make the medicine last longer. Thats a prescription for poor health.

And cost is no reason for the ministers to shy away from pharmacare. A 2015 study found that a pharmacare plan would not only ensure all Canadians have access to the drugs they need, but would save anywhere from $4 billion to $11 billion a year, depending on how the program is structured.

Theres no question that bringing in national pharmacare will involve difficult negotiations among the provinces, Ottawa and the pharmaceutical industry. Thats why the health ministers meeting on Tuesday should get on it without delay. Indeed, it should be a top priority.

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Re: Case against body cameras for Toronto police officers, Oct. 13

Case against body cameras for Toronto police officers, Oct. 13

I agree 100 per cent that far more needs to be done to curb police violence. Technology is only a Band-Aid solution that does not speak to the systemic racism within Toronto Police Service and other services.

That said, I still think equipping every front-line officer with sound and video recording devices is vital to protecting those less able to defend themselves. This includes visible minorities and those with mental health challenges. And if control of such devices is to be left to the officers wearing them then there has to be dire consequences for not turning them on. Automatic dismissal perhaps.

I dont know if well ever be rid of racist, power-hungry bullies. Sadly, they are exactly the types attracted to police work. I think better psychological pre-screening of cadets and applicants might go a long way to fixing things, too.

Cliff Goldstein, Toronto

Police cameras should not have an on/off switch and the signal should be transmitted straight to a monitor on their superiors desk. In any critical confrontation the commander can advise and share the responsibility.

Hugh Jones, Toronto

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Re: Province proposes new limits to OMB, Oct. 8

Province proposes new limits to OMB, Oct. 8

The Star does the community a favour by highlighting the provinces concerns about the Ontario Municipal Board in an ongoing review. Especially important is the proposal on limiting their power to overturn local decisions.

There are also other fundamental issues with the planning process. For example, no mention is made of levelling the playing field between stakeholders. Members of the public are generally excluded from the process because of time and money and the threat of lawsuits and costs being awarded. It is always intimidating to appear at an OMB hearing, especially when some hearing officers treat the public with thinly disguised contempt.

In the last five years, the planning process has changed out of all recognition. The OMB has destroyed true city planning in Ontario. This is partially because urban design, the third dimension of planning, is not satisfactorily presented to them. Most of Torontos Official Plan, for example, is concerned with urban design, whether it be keeping the visual rhythm of a street, overshadowing, or preservation of trees.

The OMB frequently makes incorrect decisions because it relies heavily on so-called expert planning opinions. The public is only allowed to present facts and feelings. Now the chief criterion for judging applications for both city planners and the Committee of Adjustment in particular is what will the OMB decision be.

If the planning department followed the true intent of the Official Plan, it would be full time at OMB hearings and have to hire extra staff!

The savaging of neighbourhood character can be seen across Toronto. Radical reform of the OMB is needed.

David Godley, Toronto

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Re: TTC transferring us to whole new set of headaches, Oct. 12

TTC transferring us to whole new set of headaches, Oct. 12

Did Edward Keenan never stop in at a busy subway station and observe long lines of people trying to buy tokens or bus tickets, or simply waiting to deposit an already purchased ticket or put exact change in the cash box? Add that congestion to the end-of-the-month crush for people waiting to get passes. To answer his lead question: These are the problems Presto can solve. Card holders will be able to quickly go through the turnstile rather than waiting in line. Nice, no?

As for the card running out of money and leaving the rider in a lurch: a solution is already on offer. You can arrange to have your credit card debited when the balance goes below a certain amount. You can choose how much to put onto Presto. You can even check the Presto balance and add to it at machines in the subway station.

Suffice it to say, I did not understand Mr. Keenans objections. Bring on the cards and the readers!

Janet Stern, Toronto

Mayor Tory, what a mess our system has become and Presto is now just adding to the mess, not helping it.

Judy Midgley, Toronto

I want to thank Edward Keenan for the excellent opinion piece about the failings of the Presto card.

However, there is one more issue to address. Presto cards are discounted for seniors and student. However, to activate the discount, according to the TTC website, you will need to set a concession on your PRESTO card. This can be done at the Customer Service Centre at Davisville Station, 1900 Yonge St. Once the concession is set, you can load your senior/student fare. 

Because many seniors have mobility issues, it is very difficult for them to reach the Customer Service Centre at Davisville. For good reason, many seniors are extremely wary about accessing any TTC office until 100 per cent of stations have working elevators. Does that mean seniors cannot use the Presto card? Or does it mean they are welcome to use it, but have to pay the undiscounted fare?

Kim Ellen Levis, Toronto

Do you know what an exciting, refreshing news story I would love to see on the front page of the Star? Government project completed in time and under budget. Sigh, just a silly dream.

Pat Sherbin, Grafton, Ont.

As the Star reported last week on possibly more delays on the Scarborough subway soap opera as well as new problems with implementing Presto, it seems the litany of woes on the TTC continues unabated.

The question is why? We never seem to get straight answers, just excuses, from TTC brass. As many riders will note the system is not dependable.

Its time for a full public inquiry into the problems afflicting our citys transit system. The province should take charge of running it. The GO system clearly works better than the TTC.

A city transit system that works is vital to Torontos and Ontarios economy and its too important to be controlled by our inept city government.

Andrew van Velzen, Toronto

A simple Google search will quickly reveal the history of the flawed Presto transit payment system in many Canadian cities. There is even a website dedicated to riders experience at www.prestopain.ca . Does paying with Presto feel like getting a root canal? asks the website.

So how is it, despite all the pre-existing damning evidence, that Toronto wisely invested in this doomed-to-fail system? Its like buying a car everyone knows is a lemon, then complaining later that you bought a lemon  the engine wont start, the roof leaks and the wheels fell off.

Surely there must have been another car that you could have bought.

Jeff Green, Toronto

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Re: Reform pardon law, Oct. 12

Reform pardon law, Oct. 12

Hopefully the Liberals will fulfil their election promise and reverse the actions of their predecessor with respect to access to criminal pardon. Unfortunately this promise, along with others made during the campaign, particularly those related to public safety, has resulted in no action despite the passage of almost a year.

You state that released offenders often require a pardon before they can travel. Unfortunately, the United States, the destination of most Canadians travelling out of country, will not recognize a Canadian pardon while recognizing other Canadian legislation for immigration purposes. The result is that a pardoned offender must apply for a waiver to enter the U.S. at a cost of $585 (U.S.) for a waiver of one to five years, the duration of which is at the discretion of the issuer.

The U.S. believes a criminal record is for life and so is the requirement for a waiver.

The issue of the U.S. attitude toward Canadian pardons has been addressed with our new government, including the justice ministry, on numerous occasions with no response. Sadly, one expects no action from them on this issue.

Mark DeWitt, Nepean, Ont.

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Re: Russia, America and the case for a looming war, Oct. 15

Russia, America and the case for a looming war, Oct. 15

Tony Burmans column is a lone call to the public to attend to imminent military threats. Yet he omits critical information.

Most concerning, and perhaps controversial, is the representation of NATO and its member states as responding to Russian sabre-rattling by embarking on their own military buildup, particularly in countries neighbouring Russia. Yet NATO has provocatively encroached ever closer to the Russian border since the end of the Cold War, despite the U.S. promising not to expand one inch.

James Bissett, a former Canadian ambassador to Yugoslavia, Albania and Bulgaria, wrote of this same situation during the Ukraine-Russia crisis: Sadly, the crisis is completely unnecessary and the responsibility lies entirely in the hands of the United States-led NATO powers. The almost virulent propaganda onslaught blaming Russia for the instability and violence in Ukraine simply ignores reality and the facts.

It is the U.S., not the former U.S.S.R. or current Russia, that consistently provokes a nuclear arms race, developing weapons systems long before the Russians, including the atom bomb, ballistic-missile-launching submarines, multiple warheads on missiles, computerized guidance on missiles, ballistic missile defense systems.

In 2003 George W. Bush unilaterally pulled out of the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the cornerstone of nuclear weapons deterrence and international security. Burman does not mention Barack Obamas $1.1 trillion investment in updating nuclear weapons.

Most ominous though is the belief among NATO members, based on confidence in missile defence, that a nuclear war is winnable and that it can be fought like a conventional war.

Canadians especially need to know that the Trudeau government voted against the current UN Open Ended Working Group proposed plan to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Judith Deutsch, Toronto

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Nikola Tesla was a visionary who, in addition to inventing alternating currentthe basis for modern day electricityalso imagined robots, radio, radar, remote control, transmitting messages and images wirelessly and much more. But he died alone at the New Yorker Hotel, in debt after missed opportunities, trying to fund his expensive Long Island laboratory and increasingly outlandish ideas. Tomorrow night, PBS's American Experience is examining Tesla's legacy today with Tesla.

Tesla arrived in NYC from Serbia in 1884, and went to meet his hero, Thomas Edison. As a press release for the one-hour documentary explains:

Tesla was convinced that he had solved the problem that had plagued Edisons plans to electrify the world, not just the tip of lower Manhattan. Edison relied on direct current (DC) to transmit electricity, which was severely limiting. Tesla had found a way to do what had so far stumped everyone: invent a motor that could run on alternating current (AC), making the distribution of electricity across long distances possible. Edison immediately hired Tesla, who abruptly quit just six months later, frustrated by Edisons refusal to adopt his idea. After a grim winter of digging ditches, his luck turned. The wealthy inventor and entrepreneur George Westinghouse knew that the future  and immense profits  would be found in electricity and he quickly bought the young inventors patents, making Tesla a rich man. But when Westinghouse became overextended, he revised Teslas deal, stripping him of a royalty that would have made him one of the wealthiest men in the world. Nevertheless, Westinghouses gamble on Teslas ideas paid off; the company beat Edison for the contracts to wire the Columbian Exposition in Chicago and to harness Niagara Falls to generate AC current, ending once and for all Edisons hopes for his now antiquated DC technology.



Tesla was now a celebrity, the new Edison. He moved into the luxurious Astor House, dined at Delmonicos, and became a friend to the rich and famous, including Mark Twain, John Jacob Astor and J.P. Morgan. But he was plagued with a plethora of odd phobias that had followed him since childhood, when he often suffered from inexplicable visions and a difficulty in separating reality from his imagination. Everything he did had to be divisible by three, he had a manic fear of germs, and couldnt bear the sight of earrings or the touch of human hair.

In an exclusive clip from Tesla, this part of the documentary describes how Tesla moved back to NYC after a stint in Colorado. He was living at the Waldorf-Astoria and working in a Houston Street laboratory as he managed to fund his 200-acre Long Island laboratory, Wardenclyffe, with the help of a famous financier:

"Many people may have heard of Tesla, but have no idea who this fascinating genius was or how influential he continues to be," said Mark Samels, executive producer of Tesla. "While researching a previous American Experience film about Thomas Edison [Tesla's former employer], it was Nikola Tesla who kept drawing our interest. He had an uncanny ability to imagine the world we live in today and his work continues to spur innovation."

American Experience Tesla will air tomorrow, Tuesday, October 18, at 9 p.m. EST. It will be available online at PBS.org on October 19th (you can watch chapter 1 now).
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Alphabet (GOOGL) were increasing in early-morning trading on Friday as the parent company's Google unit partnered with IBM (IBM), Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and six other companies to create a consortium meant to compete against chipmaker Intel (INTC).

The nonprofit OpenCAPI consortium will promote new specifications for servers and other data center hardware that can help corporate and cloud data centers speed up machine learning, analytics and other processes, according to VentureBeat.

Intel has protected its server technology specifications for many years, Reuters reports. The company has also declined to join other consortiums in the past.

OpenCAPI is expected to be publicly available by year's end, the consortium said in a statement. Companies can build products under the specifications by joining the consortium or getting a license from the group, VentureBeat reports.

"It's clear that today's datacenters can no longer rely on one company alone to drive innovation," said Doug Balog, general manager for IBM Power, according to Reuters.

The group said its OpenCAPI specifications can transfer 25 gigabits of data per second, while the current specifications can transfer 16 gigabits per second, VentureBeat added.

(Alphabet is held in Jim Cramer's charitable trust portfolio Action Alerts PLUS. See all of Cramer's holdings with a free trial.)

Separately, TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author.

The team rates Alphabet as a Buy with a ratings score of A. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its compelling growth in net income, robust revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, solid stock price performance and reasonable valuation levels. Although the company may harbor some minor weaknesses, the team feels they are unlikely to have a significant impact on results.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: GOOGL

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NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Microsoft (MSFT) were increasing in early-afternoon trading on Friday as the technology company is seeking EU antitrust approval for its $26.2 billion acquisition of Mountain View, CA-based LinkedIn (LNKD).

The European Commission set a Nov. 22 deadline for the case, Microsoft said, according to Reuters.

The regulatory authority has the option to open an investigation if it's concerned about the deal.

Salesforce.com (CRM) has publicly criticized the deal, urging EU regulators to look into the takeover.

The cloud computing company lost out in a bidding war for the social networking site in June.

Antitrust regulators in the U.S., Canada and Brazil have already authorized the deal, Reuters reports.

Separately, TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author.

The team rates Microsoft as a Buy with a ratings score of B+. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its solid stock price performance, impressive record of earnings per share growth, notable return on equity, reasonable valuation levels and good cash flow from operations. Although the company may harbor some minor weaknesses, the team feels they are unlikely to have a significant impact on results.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: MSFT



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NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Ariad Pharmaceuticals (ARIA) were plummeting 14.46% to $11.18 on heavy trading volume late Friday afternoon after Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) spoke out against the price of the company's leukemia drug.

Sanders tweeted that "drug corporations' greed is unbelievable," and referenced the $199,000 per year cost of Ariad's Iclusig chronic myeloid leukemia treatment.

Last month, Hillary Clinton unveiled a plan to establish a consumer oversight team to monitor drug prices and penalize companies that unfairly raise prices.

About 15.93 million shares of Ariad have been traded so far today, well above the company's average trading volume of roughly 6.31 million shares per day.

Separately, TheStreet Ratings team rates the stock as a "sell" with a ratings score of D+.

Ariad's weaknesses include its weak operating cash flow.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: ARIA

TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this article's author.
As American (AAL) and United (UAL) prepare to report earnings, the airline industry is looking at an improving environment and awaiting higher share prices.

Recent news, including Delta's (DAL) earnings report on Thursday and several September traffic reports, has been positive. United will report Monday after the market closes; American will report on Thursday.

"If September is any indication, things are getting better," Cowen & Co. analyst Helane Becker wrote in a report issued Friday.

"The airlines reported better-than-expected September results, driven by slowing capacity growth and improved close-in yields," Becker said. "The September trends are encouraging, but we believe they need to continue for the stocks to move higher."

In fact, the biggest winner from Delta's earnings report was American. On Thursday, its shares rose 5% from Wednesday's closing price, after Delta reported strong results in Latin America.

"With Delta reporting strong improvement in Latin America, American, which has a strong presence in that region, should also benefit from this trend," said CFRA analyst Jim Corridore, in an interview.

In a report issued Oct. 11, JPMorgan analyst Jamie Baker wrote that even though United and American both boosted guidance for third quarter revenue per available seat mile, their stocks didn't move much.

Rather, the response has been "muted by the perception that RASM upside is being driven more by a September/October calendar shift as opposed to sustainable strength in domestic yields," he said.

"We are hesitant to sound the RASM 'all clear' and suggest investors plow back in to airlines equities with abandon," Baker wrote. "The reason is October, given its anticipated (and hopefully sufficiently telegraphed) calendar noise."

He said October unit revenue outlook "will likely be discussed ad nauseum during upcoming earnings calls" and reiterated that American, Delta and United are his top picks.

On the Delta earnings call, President Glen Hauenstein said a 1.5% improvement in revenue per available seat mile in Latin America marked "the first time the Latin entity has achieved a positive unit revenue in two and a half years.

Brazil unit revenue gained 30% "after 16 consecutive quarters of negative results ... with momentum building through the quarter as {the} strengthening real drove more Brazil point-of-sale demand," Hauenstein said. "We're seeing this positive trend continue as we head into the peak season demand."

Domestically, Delta is also seeing improvement. Third-quarter domestic RASM declined just 2.5% and one-third of Delta's domestic markets saw RASM improvement in September.

That "gives us cautious optimism that we will have a path to positive domestic RASM in the December-January timeframe," Hauenstein said. "November-January domestic RASM should be flattish -- that will be a major push we need to get overall unit revenues back into positive territory."

Corridore said Friday that Delta's third-quarter results show that the airline is mounting an assault on negative unit revenue, which he thinks has been an overhang on airline stocks.

"Unit revenue declines narrowed in September, and have improved in October, we think," Corridore wrote in a note. "We see industry capacity cuts helping pricing. Airlines are trading toward the lower end of their historical EV/EBITDAR, which we find attractive, given profitability and balance sheet improvements."

Corridore has strong buys on Delta, JetBlue and United, and buys on Alaska, American, Spirit and Southwest.

In its traffic report, United said third-quarter RASM "was near the top end of the initial guidance range largely due to better than expected September close-in bookings driven by the timing of certain holidays." Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur both occurred in September 2015 and in October 2016.

The carrier tightened third-quarter RASM guidance to between negative 5.5% and negative 6%, an improvement over between negative 5.5% and negative 7.5%. American, meanwhile, lifted its third-quarter RASM guidance to between minus 2% and minus 3%, up from minus 3% to minus 5%.

This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.
Shares in Italy's Banco Popolare (BPSAY) traded higher Monday as investors got their first chance to react to Saturday's shareholder vote in favor of a planned merger with Banca Popolare di Milano, (BPMLY)

Popolare shares surged more than 4.5% in early trading in Milan before reversing most of those gains as investors quickly recalculated their assumptions for the tie-up. By mid-day they were changing hands at 1.57 per share, up 2.6% from Friday's close. Banca Popolare shares fell 4.3% at the open and remained under pressure throughout the morning session.

The merger of the two mutual banks, which will be called Banco BPM, creates a lender with 171 billion ($186 million) of assets and an 8.2% market share. It will be Italy's third largest bank after UniCredit and Intesa Sanpaolo.

The agreement comes as a boost to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, which has encouraged mergers among Italy's fragmented and troubled banks. Renzi is in need of good news ahead of a referendum on contentious reforms next month on which he has staked his leadership.

But the deal comes after protests by minority investors at the stronger bank, BPM.

Banco Popolare investors voted 99% in favor of the deal, at the bank's Verona headquarters, but at BPM, only 72% of BPM shareholders supported the merger, the largest in Italy since 2007.

Under the terms of a share swap, Banco Popolare leads the deal with 54.6% of the capital and BPM making up 45.4%. But it is Banco Popolare which is burdened with hefty bad loans and which had to raise 1 billion of capital to comply with European Central Bank conditions for approving the deal.

At one point in the morning, Banco Poplare's share rose more than 4% to a high of 2.68, following a delay in trading at the open, but it declined as the morning wore on and was recently up 0.24% at 2.56. BPM shares were down 3.89% at 0.408.
German industrial giant BASFundefined is investigating the cause of an explosion Monday that left some staff injured at one of its chemical plants in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

The blast occurred shortly before mid-day local time and was initially followed by reports that some staff members were missing and that others had been injured. Reports indicate the explosion and subsequent fire took place at a river harbor used to unload flammable liquids and liquid gasses.

City officials in in the central German town, which sits around fifty miles south of Frankfurt, said via social media feeds that emergency services were attending to the scene.

BASF stock was little changed in response to the news, with the shares changing hands around 78.60 euros shortly after news of the accident began to circulate.
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Supervalu (SVU) were spiking 9.78% to $5.50 in pre-market trading on Monday after the company agreed to sell its Save-A-Lot business to Canadian private equity firm Onex for $1.37 billion in cash.

The move comes more than a year after the Eden Prairie, MN-based grocery wholesale distributor announced plans to spin off the discount grocery chain, Reuters reports.

As part of the deal, Supervalu will enter into a five-year agreement with Save-A-Lot to provide certain services and support functions for its day-to-day operations.

The transaction is expected to be completed by January 31 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Supervalu expects to use proceeds from the deal to prepay at least $750 million of its outstanding term loan balance, according to a statement.

Separately, TheStreet Ratings Team has a "Hold" rating with a score of C on the stock.

The primary factors that have impacted the rating are mixed. Among the primary strengths of the company is its generally strong cash flow from operations.

But the team also finds weaknesses including deteriorating net income, a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself and poor profit margins.

Recently, TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: SVU
Iran's reemergence as an oil exporter drove Saudi Arabia's decision to collapse oil prices and now threatens to destroy the Kingdom's efforts to prop them up again.

Iran will increase production to more than four million barrels per day this year, up about 200,000 on its current output, the nation's oil chiefs said Monday. The increase is needed to return Iran's production to pre-sanction levels of more than 4 million barrels per day, Ali Kardor, managing director of the National Iranian Oil Co. told reporters at an energy conference. His comments were later reiterated by Iranian oil ministers.

Increased output from Iranian fields will test OPEC's determination to cut production to between 32.5 million and 33 million barrels per day, in line with a tentative agreement struck last month. OPEC needs to trim at least 100,000 barrels a day from its September production to hit the upper limit of that target, assuming the Iran's oil output remains constant.

The bulk of the burden of those cuts will fall on OPEC's biggest producer Saudi Arabia, which has led the push for the production decrease. Saudi Arabia have previously accelerated output to record levels, leading to more than 50% collapse in oil prices since 2014, partly to hamper Iran's return to the oil export market.

Goldman Sachs analysts identified increased production from Iran, and possibly Libya and Nigeria, as a key threat to OPEC's production cut in a report earlier this month, noting that it could make the "required cut in Saudi production too large."

Oil prices have risen almost 15% since September 28 when OPEC announced an in-principal deal to cut oil output. Details of the deal are due to be finalized at the end of November when OPEC meets in Vienna.

West Texas Intermediate futures for delivery in November traded Monday at $50.54, up 0.38% on their Friday close. Brent crude futures for delivery in December were at $52.28, up 0.64%.

Separately Monday, Iran launched a key plank of its mid- to long-term oil and gas sector growth strategy with an invitation to "global energy giants to a tender for the development of several of its key oil sector projects," according to a statement on the Iranian Oil Co. website.

Companies have until November 19 to signal their interest, with the government promising to publish approved potential partners by December 7. Iran said earlier this month that a first call for partners had attracted attention of 10 companies including France's Total (TOT) , Russia' Lukoil, Anglo-Dutch giant Shellundefined and China's CNPC and Sinopec. U.S. oil majors remain barred from operating in Iran.

National Iranian Oil did not say what projects would be offered to potential partners but noted they "could include South Azadegan, Yadavaran and Yaran" oil fields.
Editors' pick: Originally published Oct. 17.

Hillary Clinton's standing in the polls has solidified in recent days, though her campaign hasn't been smooth sailing. The stocks that stand to do well with her in the White House haven't done particularly well, either.

The former secretary of state has seen her poll numbers surge as of late, thanks in large part to a series of missteps by her Republican rival Donald Trump. According to a RealClearPolitics average of polls, Clinton leads Trump by 5.5% nationally in a two-way match-up. And when including Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein.

Troves of emails apparently hacked from the account of Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta and posted on website WikiLeaks have proven an ongoing headache for the former first lady. The communications, the authenticity of which has not been confirmed by the Clinton camp, provide insights into the inner workings of her campaign and paint her and her staffers in what is not always the most flattering light.

TheStreet's Hillary Clinton Stock Portfolio, a set of 15 stocks that could benefit from a Clinton presidency, declined slightly last week. It dipped 0.17% from market close Friday, October 7 to market close Friday, October 14. TheStreet's Donald Trump Stock Portfolio fell 0.75%.

U.S. Steel (X) plunged 7.13% to $16.42 at market close Friday, with weak export data from China and falling steel prices contributing to the stock's decline.

Clinton is likely to be more aggressive than President Barack Obama in enforcing trade laws and leveling the global playing field, which could help the steel industry, especially against producers from China. The Pittsburgh-based company is the only stock in both the Trump and Clinton portfolios.

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Aecom (ACM) dipped 3.93% to $27.61 at market close Friday. The stock is down about 8% year-to-date, though Monday brought good news as the company announced it has been selected to build a billion-dollar electric car manufacturing plant for Faraday Future in North Las Vegas, Nevada.

A major government contractor, Aecom would benefit from Clinton's plans to boost federal infrastructure investment. The former secretary of state has pledged to increase infrastructure spending by $275 billion over five years.

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HCA Holdings (HCA) was the top performer in the Clinton portfolio last week. Its price surged 8.20% to $80.32 by market close Friday. KeyBanc Capital Markets raised its rating on the stock to "overweight" from "sector weight" last week. It has a $94 price target on the company.

Clinton has said that as president she would work to defend and build on the Affordable Care Act. It is possible that more states would also be inclined to accept the Medicaid expansion offered by the program, which would benefit HCA in states like Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.

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SolarCity (SCTY) rallied 7.07% to $20 per share last week. An impending merger between SolarCity and Tesla (TSLA) has pushed shares upwards in recent days. In a blog post Wednesday, Tesla said shareholders would meet and vote on the deal on November 17.

Clinton's campaign platform includes a number of national goals related to the environment, including installing 500 million solar panels by the end of her first term in office.

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Here's how the entire Clinton portfolio did last week, leading with the top gainers:

HCA Holdings 8.20%

SolarCity 7.07%

Tyson Foods (TSN) 5.65%

American Electric Power Company (AEP) 0.83%

Goldman Sachs (GS) 0.41%

Smith & Wesson undefined -0.08%

Walmart (WMT) -0.36%

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) -0.89%

CACI International (CACI) -1.26%

Level-3 Communications (LLL) -2.02%

Renewable Energy Group (REGI) -2.21%

Netflix (NFLX) -3.20%

Aetna (AET) -3.59%

Aecom -3.93%

U.S. Steel -7.13%
Its been 45 years since Robert Olen Butler returned from Vietnam as an Army translator and 23 since he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for A Good Scent From a Strange Mountain, stories of Vietnamese immigrants in America. Although his work has explored that war a number of times, his new novel, Perfume River, delivers his most reflective view of it.

The story follows two brothers, Robert and Jimmy Quinlan, estranged for nearly five decades by their fathers incurable disappointment.

Everyone circles the Quinlan familys destruction, which began when Robert accepted military service to earn his fathers respect and Jimmy rejected it, protesting the war all the way to exile in Canada. Unrelated to them but braiding himself into their history is Bob, quickly sliding into madness, the homeless son of a long dead Vietnam veteran. They are all being pitched toward intersection. The past is ever in the moment.

The father, haunted by his part in World War II, calls Vietnam the national embarrassment, and their family severs in an era of militant gentleness, judgmental tolerance. Robert remains resentfully dutiful, but Jimmy is gone.

There is great narrative efficiency in the prose, with sentences often spare and matched by constrained dialogue. This is writing harvested from a certain age, the point where people have lived in themselves long enough to stop talking so much, making conversation with little more than body language and breathing.

They fall silent. But they do not immediately hang up. They arent good at ending phone calls. They both hate phones, in fact. They cant read each others body or face, which is crucial to them, to inflect their silences.

Butler explored failing marriages in A Small Hotel (2011), but this novel really captures the fatigue of couples emptied of passion and less bound by vows than by habit. The mother orbits the collapsing father, and has always done so, trying to gather her children. Roberts wife is a self-sufficient fixture first drawn to him by the mystery of the stories he still has not told. And Jimmy has an open marriage with a woman who is growing away from him, their union formed in peace marches and now kept only by familiarity. These characters are often opening their eyes, waking, seeing, thinking and then trying to return to sleep. Their nights are restless. They drink cups of coffee and tea, sort the evidence, weigh their words. They keep saying they understand. And they really try to.

But can these women rescue these men, and why is so much of the burden on their devotion? In her growing fidelity to Robert Quinlan, when he dreams and awakens to his guilt, to his shame, how is she to help him? his wife wonders. He has already done whatever it is he has done.

This is a large line. How will people feel when they learn our secrets? Isnt that why we keep them? The authors gift to us is omniscience. We know what isnt said, and we share the dread of everyones confessions. Vietnam itself plays a very small part, the specter of terror and yearning belittling the rest of Roberts life. His Vietnamese lover drifts into these memories, the magic of his romance with her impossible to re-create since her disappearance. He keeps her a secret, too, her nation becoming dreamscape. Perfume River and its flow of fallen blossoms bring Robert back to the city of Hue as if time has not passed, as if he were still young, and that is the tragedy of this book. He is gray and mortal and aware. Everything seems to be ending, and there is nothing left to begin.

Author Robert Olen Butler (Kelly Butler)

This is such a quiet novel  domestic, nostalgic, built on caution and patience, with wars seeping underneath. At times, the writing is hallucinatory, the narration shifting between three men who are swimming in the present and submerged in the past. There is a section two-thirds through where we go into the mind of the dying father, a single remembrance from combat in Europe, and it breaks into a sentence that is two pages long and so staggeringly good it turns the book bright.

Butler is writing almost as an apparition, exposing our later years, urging us to say what we mean in the few brief opportunities we have. He gets the aftermath of a parents death right, the strange gyre of it, the way we can only complete small tasks, one after the other. His characters wander, they sit, and they miss connections to themselves.

In a sense, this is an augury from an old generation, a warning to their progeny that the space between enchantment and mortality can lose all of its volume. The past is given the most sensory description, memory somehow more beautiful than the present, the traces of youth more fascinating than the wisdom gained by age.

We have to wonder where loyalty makes its demands. What do we owe the dead? What do we owe a nation? Can we leave a family and country, disregard our name, and truly never return? Are we ourselves or always a part of another identity? Its also a discussion about our impulsive sense of what cowardice and bravery really mean.

The story builds its force with great care, though the end is a bit hurried, everyone conveniently arranged for collision. Its power is that we want to keep reading. The entire journey is masterfully rendered, Butler lighting a path back into the cave, completely unafraid.

Benjamin Busch is the author of Dust to Dust.


Different flavors, one easy technique: Onion Rye Crackers, from left, Sesame Oat Crackers, Togarashi Wheat Crackers. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post)

Were heading into the Bring It season, the days and weeks and weekends of celebrations between now and next year. Whether we gather with fellow fans to watch the Redskins, visit around fire pits with out-of-towners or invite the new neighbors to share a pot of chili, a sure-to-please contribution for any get-together is cheese and crackers.

Not just any crackers. When theyre homemade, you can customize their flavors, toppings and glazes. And if your cupboard happens to be a repository for assorted bags of interesting flours, such as oat and rye, your cracker game will be strong.

A simple dough  a flexible ratio of flour, fat and liquid with numerous flavorful possibilities  and an equally direct process  just roll, cut and bake  make the accompanying recipes a breeze. Keep the dough in the refrigerator for up to three days, or, for a long-range plan, stash a dozen dough combinations in the freezer for the weeks ahead.



Sesame Oat Crackers are earthy but delicate. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post)

Onion Rye Crackers are glazed with soy sauce. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post)

[Make the recipes: Sesame Oat Crackers; Onion Rye Crackers]

Homemade crackers deserve a superb cheese. Just about all the advice about composing cheese platters suggests varying the selection to include cows-, sheeps- and goats-milk cheeses, and soft, ripened, sharp, sliceable, crumbly and tangy options. If that seems like altogether too many choices, focus instead on one really spectacular offering.

At Via Umbria in Georgetown, cheesemonger Alice Bergen Phillips says complex cheese platters work for large gatherings. But for a small group, a single cheese  with your snazzy crackers  just makes sense.

Easiest appetizer in the world. You just have to unwrap it, she says.

When youre looking for that one conversation-starting cheese, she points to Jasper Hill Farms Harbison, a bark-wrapped, soft-ripened, cows-milk cheese modeled after Vacherin Mont dOr, a classic French fromage. Made in Vermont, it is wrapped in spruce bark and served by plunging a small serving spoon into its gooey center. It makes for a terrific moment. Try Onion Rye Crackers with Harbisons meaty, mustardy flavors, says Bergen Phillips.

Other bark-wrapped, super-soft cheeses she recommends include Rush Creek Reserve, from Uplands Cheese in Wisconsin, and Italys Domitilla, an organic goats-milk, washed-rind variety for people who dont think they like goat cheese. The latter pairs especially well with my Togarashi Wheat Crackers.



Togarashi Wheat Crackers: Try them with Domitilla cheese from Italy. (Goran Kosanovic/The Washington Post)

[Make the recipe: Togarashi Wheat Crackers]

Sometimes Bergen Phillips suggests a creamy blue, such as local cheesemaker FireFly Farms MountainTop Bleu. It has a stunning pyramid shape and a flavor that is not too intense, its earthy mushroom qualities complemented by my Sesame Oat Crackers. Its good for a party if you dont know the people well. You dont want to go too intensely funky with strangers, she says. For groups of 15 to 20, she advances this idea, admittedly soigne: an entire Brillat Savarin (over a pound), named for the great gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. Its like eating the most decadent butter, she says.

Of course, there are treasures to be found in the grocery store cheese department, too. And, frankly, thats when those homemade crackers come in handiest. Think pimento cheese. Goat cheese. A wedge of blue.

With a basket of your crackers in hand, you need only follow these cheese rules:

 Shop for the cheese a day before, or as early as possible the day of, the party.

 Leave the cheese unwrapped on the platter to come to room temperature.

 Round out the platter with olives, nuts, dried fruit, savory jam, membrillo (quince paste).

 Borrow a page from food stylists, and decorate the platter with herbs, leaves or flowers.

Barrow is a Washington area cookbook author. Shell join Wednesdays Free Range chat at noon: live.washingtonpost.com.
In one of the more compelling, dramatic and disturbing Washington television news reports, what appeared to be gunshots were heard in the background as a community activist was being interviewed Sunday night about violence in his neighborhood.

You hear that? Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Paul Trantham asked a WTTG -TV (channel 5) reporter. Gunfire.

Two or three loud bangs had resounded as Trantham spoke.

He was being interviewed for a story by reporter Marina Marraco about a series of violent incidents in the District since Friday.

It appeared that Trantham was discussing one incident in particular that had occurred on Alabama Avenue SE, near the area he represents.

The police department Twitter feed issued an alert late Saturday for a shooting in the 2400 block of the avenue. On Sunday, police reported two later shootings, one in the 500 block of 45th Street NE, and one in the 1000 block of Bladensburg Road.

A fatal shooting was reported about 2 a.m. Saturday on Kennedy Street NW. In addition to the man who was killed there, a second person was wounded, police said.

On the air Marraco said that the shooting on Alabama had left one victim wounded.She was talking with Trantham about that and similar recent ncidents in that neighborhood.

Then the noise was heard in the background.

It was not clear how close it was, nor could it be determined for certain that the sounds were actually shots. But they sounded like shots.

Gun shots in the middle of our interview, Marraco posted Sunday night on her Twitter feed.


Physician Omega Silva meets with ACLU advocates and members of the D.C. Commission on Aging about the next steps for the legislation that would allow doctor-assisted suicide. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

The D.C. Council is poised to approve legislation making the District the nations sixth jurisdiction to allow doctors to prescribe lethal drugs to terminally ill residents, adding momentum to a practice that had long been controversial but is gaining acceptance among elected leaders, the medical community and the public.

A majority of D.C. Council members say they plan to vote for the bill when it comes before them Tuesday.

But chances for enactment are unclear. The council will have to vote on the bill twice more by the end of the year. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) has not indicated whether she will sign the legislation, although her health director has testified against it, saying it violates the Hippocratic oath. It is not certain that proponents have enough votes for an override. And Congress could also strike down the legislation; a spokeswoman for House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) did not answer requests for comment.

Although the law has been enacted in a handful of states with a mostly white population, it faces particular opposition in the nations capital, home to a large African American community. In national surveys, African Americans have consistently stood against assisted suicide.

Critics say the notion of doctors hastening death for terminally ill patients runs counter to religious teachings about the sanctity of life.

Among them is Pamela Wandix, a 59-year-old African American woman with esophageal cancer who lives east of the Anacostia River. She saw her sister die of bone cancer last year and has buried nine other siblings. Death is often on her mind.



Pamela Wandix of Washington. (Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post)

I watch hundreds of people come and go at the oncologists office, said Wandix, who has undergone chemotherapy. They are not trying to give up. They want to live. We believe in God. Thats not even a question. Im fighting for my life, and my God is going to show me how.

[Terminally ill patient in California had one rule at end-of-life party: No crying]

Many in the black community distrust the health-care system and fear that racism in life will translate into discrimination in death, said Patricia King, a Georgetown Law School professor who has written about the racial dynamics of assisted death.

Historically, African Americans have not had a lot of control over their bodies, and I dont think offering them assisted suicide is going to make them feel more autonomous, King said.

Some worry that blacks, who tend to have less access to treatment and preventive care, may think that ending their lives early is their best option when given a terminal diagnosis.

Rev. Eugene Rivers III, a black minister from Boston with a national reputation for his work against urban violence, is helping a group of opponents called No DC Suicide. Rivers has called the legislation back end eugenics aimed at eliminating poor blacks. No DC Suicide is endorsed by organizations including the Arc, the advocacy group for people with disabilities, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and the D.C. Catholic Conference.

Some African American residents have said the legislation reminds them of the Tuskegee experiments, in which hundreds of black men with syphilis in Alabama unwittingly participated in a 40-year federal study of the diseases long-term effect. The men were told they were being given free health care and were being treated for the disorder, when in fact they were not.

D.C.'s proposed right-to-die legislation Voting is closed on this poll User Poll Results: Should D.C. allow doctors to prescribe lethal drugs to terminally ill residents?

Yes. No. Pardon the interruption! We need to verify that you are an actual person. Yes. No. View Results This is a non-scientific user poll. Results are not statistically valid and cannot be assumed to reflect the views of Washington Post users as a group or the general population.

They are afraid that somebody is going to take advantage of them the way they have been taken advantage of in the past, said Omega Silva, the black D.C. physician working with Compassion and Choices, a national advocacy group trying to pass the legislation. We have to assure them they are in control of everything.

African Americans, who make up nearly half of the population in the District, have been the group most consistently opposed to the practice.

In 2013, the Pew Research Center found 65 percent of African Americans and Latinos nationwide opposed aid-in-dying, compared with 42 percent of whites. Although D.C. polling isnt available, a Washington Post survey last year found that four in 10 black Marylanders supported similar legislation, about 20 percentage points lower than the state overall.

Right-to-die measures were first passed in Oregon, followed by Washington state and Vermont. The practice was authorized by court ruling in Montana and it also was cleared in June in California, despite protests from Latino lawmakers and Catholics. Voters in Colorado will be asked to approve a right-to-die referendum next month, and lawmakers in Michigan are set to discuss it in January. The American Medical Association, which has formally opposed such measures since 1993, has said it will consider taking a neutral position in 2017.

Some in the District are counting on the council to pass the law.

Medical aid-in-dying is not suicide  its the cancer thats killing me, said Mary Klein, a supporter and 68-year old resident of the Crestwood neighborhood whose ovarian cancer has metastasized. I would like the option because I am dying, and Im so close to deaths doors and Ive done everything possible to extend my life. . . . I would like the option of a peaceful and dignified death.



Cancer patient Mary Klein, 68, has urged D.C. Council members to pass legislation allowing doctors to prescribe fatal medication to terminally ill people. (Fenit Nirappil/The Washington Post)

Klein has endured surgery that split open her abdomen, weekly hospital trips and chemotherapy with side effects that left her feeling like she was struck by a hurricane.

I dont believe its compassionate to say to someone who only has a very short time left to live that they need to suffer intolerable pain, she said.

Lawmakers from the Districts most heavily African American wards are split on the bill. Council member LaRuby May (D-Ward 8) supports the measure but Council member Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7) says voters, not the council, should decide the matter through referendum.

[Act of kindness Medical aid-in-dying legislation advances in the District ]

The full council is expected to approve legislation that would allow doctors to prescribe lethal drugs to patients who are mentally sound and have less than six months to live.

[D.C. Council members hear impassioned testimony for and against assisted death ]

That is likely to put the councils relatively young, progressive members at odds with the citys older black residents, said Barbara Morgan, a longtime Ward 7 resident.

I guess Im from the old school. We just dont believe in taking your own life, said Morgan, 83. If you want to go to heaven, you live right. It is a known fact if you commit suicide, you wont.

Activists on both sides of the issue say African Americans are apprehensive about discussing options in the face of terminal illness.

End of life is not a discussion in my community that people want to have. Period, said Donna Smith, an African American organizer for Compassion and Choices. Its almost as if talking about it will hasten it.

Compassion and Choices has been trying to sway black residents in the District by enlisting volunteers in all eight wards to hold house parties to discuss the legislation and by recruiting Silva, a black physician, and James Jones, a bioethicist, to assure that no one would be coerced into an early death.

At one outreach event Monday at the predominantly black Faith United Church of Christ in the Michigan Park neighborhood, only three congregants showed up.



Physician Omega Silva (third from left, top) meets over lunch with ACLU advocates and members of the D.C. Commission on Aging about the next steps for the legislation. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

Across the country, some of the most high-profile representatives of the right-to-die movement have been white, including the terminally ill California woman Brittany Maynard who publicized her decision to end her life on widely viewed YouTube videos and in national media appearances.

Most of the demonstrators at a recent rally outside the D.C. Council building for the Death with Dignity legislation were white.

They are not people who look me, said Leona Redmond, a 64-year-old longtime District community activist who has been organizing other African American seniors against the legislation.

Shes concerned that low-income black senior citizens may be steered to an early death. When she hears politicians discussing end-of-life care, she fears they are mainly concerned with reducing government health-care costs. And she notes that African Americans are less likely to be able to afford expensive treatment when faced with a terminal prognosis.

Because of Jim Crow laws . . . we didnt have the opportunity to have the same jobs to have the same insurance, the same retirement benefits, said Redmond, who lives in senior citizen housing in the Northeast Washington neighborhood of Fort Lincoln. Its really aimed at old black people. It really is.

Aid-in-dying advocates say fears about coercion havent been realized in states that have the laws.

In fact, just one African American has chosen to exercise the provisions of the law in Oregon, which became the first state in the country with such a law in 1997.

Similar legislation has failed in at least 20 other states in recent years  including Maryland, where it encountered opposition from the states large black and Catholic communities.

Right-to-die advocates say passage in the District, especially after their California victory last year, would help break a key racial barrier in their national campaign.

We need to show that this just isnt a white issue, said Smith, the Compassion and Choices organizer. This issue is for everyone whose facing unbearable suffering at the end of life.

Emily Guskin contributed to this report.

Due to an editing error, an earlier version of this story said the American Medical Association, which has formally opposed such measures since 1993, has said it will consider taking a neutral position in 2017. The AMA has no such plans, a spokesman said.
THE DISTRICT

Cleveland Park

robber uses stun gun

A man used a stun gun on a woman he was robbing in Cleveland Park on Friday night, D.C. police said Sunday.

The robbery occurred as the woman was walking alone about 11:30 p.m. in the 3500 block of Macomb Street NW, police said.

They said the woman, whose age was not given, was thrown down during the struggle but still refused to give up her property.

At that point, the assailant used the device on her, police said.

The woman was not seriously injured, but her belongings were taken, police said.

They said the robber got into a car driven by someone else and the vehicle headed toward Connecticut Avenue.

 Martin Weil

MARYLAND

Pair killed on road

may have scuffled

Two pedestrians were struck by a car and killed late Saturday after reportedly fighting in the middle of a Maryland roadway, Howard County police said Sunday.

Police said no charges have been filed against the driver or passenger of a 2002 Honda Civic involved in the crash, which occurred at about 11:14 p.m. on U.S. 1 in Jessup. The incident is under investigation.

The vehicle was southbound on Washington Boulevard (U.S. 1) near Port Capital Drive when it struck two pedestrians who were on the ground in the roadway, police said in a statement. A witness reported the pedestrians were in a physical altercation in the travel portion of the roadway, police said.

Delcy Martinez Hernandez, 18, of Elkridge was pronounced dead after being taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, police said.

Investigators are asking for help in identifying the second victim. Police said the person appears to be a black transgender woman in her early to mid-20s, with shoulder-length black hair and a wrist tattoo that reads Sina. She may be from the Philadelphia area.

The occupants of the car were not injured.

 Spencer Hsu

VIRGINIA

Fairfax man shot

during confrontation

A Fairfax County man found an intruder in his apartment and ended up being shot with his own gun during the confrontation.

The man, a 27-year-old resident of the Baileys Crossroads area, awoke about 1:50 a.m. when he heard someone in his apartment, Fairfax police spokeswoman Tawny Wright said.

He grabbed his gun and confronted the intruder, whom he later described to police as a 6-foot-tall white man with a large nose. The two started fighting and the intruder wrested away the gun.

Wright said neither police nor the victim are sure what happened next. The intruder may have shot the resident intentionally, but the gun also could have fired accidentally during the fight.

The apartment resident was struck twice in the abdomen.

The intruder fled and left the gun behind. The shooting victim tried to summon help from neighbors at the apartment building in the 3500 block of South George Mason Drive, banging on doors and shouting.

No one opened a door, Wright said, but someone called 911 to report the banging. The police found the wounded man in the hallway.

Wright said the mans injuries are not life-threatening, and he is hospitalized in stable condition.

About 20 minutes after the shooting, a man left a restaurant about a block away and fired shots into the air outside. He and two other men then sped off in a car.

At first, Wright said, police wondered whether the gunfire outside the restaurant was connected to the apartment shooting, but detectives concluded that the incidents are unrelated. They are searching for suspects in both incidents.

Detectives are also trying to determine how the intruder gained entry, whether the apartment was picked at random and what the motive might have been.

 Julie Zauzmer
Douglas Owsley views the bones of Anne Calvert, wife of Colonial governor Philip Calvert. In the background on the other exam table are the remains of what is now known to be his son. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

The surviving pieces of the babys skull are paper thin in places. There are holes in the cranium. And the infant has the classic rosary bead rib deformities of the ancient childhood disease rickets.

Some of the bones with the tiny skeleton on the Smithsonian lab table also show evidence of anemia. And the infant probably had scurvy, from a lack of vitamin C.

Much is known about the 6-month-old who died in Maryland 300 years ago and was buried in a small lead-covered coffin. Yet there is no record of the childs death  or birth. No one knew for certain who the infant was. No one knew if the baby was a boy or girl.

Now, almost 26 years after the coffin was unearthed in St. Marys County, experts at the Smithsonians National Museum of Natural History have learned that the baby was a boy  and the offspring of an important colonial governor of Maryland, Philip Calvert.

The development is the latest in the long-running archaeological project at St. Marys City  once the capital of Maryland and now a community of the dead where scientists have been digging on and off since the 1930s.

Owsley, with the bones of Anne Calvert. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

[Jamestown archaeologists unearth four bodies and a mysterious silver box]

The discovery came about through new genetic testing done at Harvard Medical School at the request of the Smithsonian.

We continue to get new insights, said Henry M. Miller, director of research for Historic St. Marys City. Theres still materials that havent been analyzed . . . [and] new methods that come up.

The baby, whose full name still is not known, is one of hundreds of early Marylanders buried in a large field where the old city once stood, according to the Smithsonian and the Historic St. Marys City project.

Who were they? Miller said. What could they tell us . . . about the nature of life in the early colonies of America?

[In Virginia, a family cemetery must make way for a high school football field]

The Maryland colony was established at St. Marys in 1634, and the field was its cemetery almost from the beginning, said Silas Hurry, the projects curator of collections.

The skull of Anne Calvert. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

In this case, DNA from an ear bone of the baby was matched to DNA from a shin bone of Calvert, a political, legal and diplomatic figure in early Maryland.

His remains and those of his first wife, Anne, also in lead-covered coffins, were exhumed amid great fanfare, along with the babys, in the early 1990s from the site of a long-vanished Jesuit chapel.

Recently, Douglas Owsley, a Smithsonian physical anthropologist who has been studying the Chesapeake regions early colonists, asked Harvard geneticist David Reich to examine the DNA of the Calverts and the anonymous baby.

And last year, Owsley flew to Boston, carrying bone specimens from the three individuals.

Reich, who specializes in analyzing ancient DNA, was able to get DNA from the bones of Philip Calvert and the baby, but not from Anne. She was probably not the babys mother anyhow: Indications were that she had died before the infant was born.

Reich said in a telephone interview that, after testing, he was able to tell that the male adult and the child have a father-son relationship.

Owsley said the discovery continues to show how much can be learned from the human skeleton . . . [and] confirm connections that are not recorded in any history book.

[Gathering the Union dead after Gettysburg was monumental task ]

The Calverts were Colonial elite. Philip Calvert owned 3,900 acres of land. In the late 1670s, he built a spectacular house in St. Marys named St. Peters, Miller said.

The house had a wine cellar as well as a large library with books on astronomy, medicine and law.

Now gone, the house was the size of the Governors Palace at Williamsburg, Miller said. At the time, it was the largest private home in Colonial America.

The Calverts were buried in expensive wooden coffins encased in sheets of lead that were shipped from England in the late 1670s.

When the coffins were opened, scientists found the remains of an adult male, an adult female and the baby.

The man, in his 50s, was badly decomposed. He turned out to be Philip Calvert.

The remains of the baby showed that it had been very sick.

I wasnt sure if it was a little boy or a little girl, and suspected it was a little girl, Owsley said in a recent interview. He wondered whether it was Philip Calverts child, but wasnt certain.

Annes bones were well preserved, along with sprigs of the memorial herb rosemary, bits of a silk ribbon that may have been used to bind her wrists for burial  and much of her hair.

She was in her 60s. An examination showed that her right thigh bone had been badly broken at some point in her life. The gruesome break had not healed properly and had become infected, leaving a hole in the bone and shortening her right leg by three inches.

In addition, she had lost all but eight of her teeth, in part from scrubbing them with the 17th centurys version of toothpaste: a mix of vinegar and tobacco ash.

The ash . . . is going to wear away the enamel, Owsley said. The vinegar is an acid, so its destroying the tooth surface.

After Anne died in 1678 or 1679, Philip Calvert married a young local woman named Jane Sewell.

Miller said he thinks that the infant may have been their son.

Evidence suggests that the baby was probably born around November 1682, he said. Two months later, in January 1683, Calvert died, leaving Jane with a big house . . . and a sick child, he said.

After the babys birth, swaddling had probably blocked the infants exposure to sunlight, which led to a vitamin D deficiency and rickets, Owsley said.

Scurvy, from the vitamin C deficiency, often went along with rickets. And the anemia probably came from intentional bloodletting, which was done by physicians of that time to treat disorders, he said.

The baby died about three months after his father, in the spring of 1683, judging by the pine and oak pollen in the coffin.

A year or so later, Sewell, having lost her husband and perhaps her baby son, left Maryland and moved to England with relatives, bidding farewell to the three graves in the small brick chapel.

She never returned and never remarried, said Kari Bruwelheide, a Smithsonian anthropologist who worked on the project.

In 1695, the Maryland capital was moved to Annapolis. St. Marys City was abandoned. The wooden buildings crumbled. And the settlement became a ghost town in the Colonial wilderness.

The chapel was dismantled around 1710, and its site became a farm field with hundreds of unmarked graves of the old capitals citizens.

Some of them actually form lines, as though theres rows in the cemetery, Miller said. We suspect theres maybe [400] to 500 people buried here.

Many of the graves were spotted using ground-penetrating radar.

Historic St. Marys, a Maryland state enterprise, began work at the site in 1988, Miller said, and after much study completed a reproduction of the old chapel in 2009.

Research showed that about 70 people had the honor of being buried under the chapels stone floor, including the three in the lead-shrouded coffins. None of the others has been exhumed, Miller said.

Today, the three empty coffins are back at the chapel where they were buried 300 years ago, and are visible through viewing glass.

The occupants, for the time being, will remain at the Smithsonian, where the experts hope to learn even more about the lives they led so long ago.
A rat scurries along the sidewalk as a homeless person sleeps on a park bench in McPherson Square. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

Oh look! A rat! my son yelled, as the brown loaf of fur sauntered in front of us near the Georgetown waterfront

Yes, sauntered. That rodent might as well have had ear buds and skinny jeans on. A complete sense of entitlement took hold as he strolled that sidewalk on a recent Saturday night. No hurry.

And there are two more! I said.

And another. Then another.

You know, theyre actually kind of cute. Lets take their pictures, the 9-year-old said. And he began trying to capture the urban beauty of Rattus norvegicus at the trash cans, in flagrante delicto with a tossed burger wrapper. City kids.

A rodent looks for a meal in a trash can in the District in October. (Petula Dvorak/The Washington Post)

Five. Six. Seven.

Eww. Seven is dragging a hot dog through the dirt. Take that, New York pizza rat.

I think Im done, Mom. Shudder.

So we moved away from the garbage buffet to those big steps that go all the way into the Potomac River. We sat and looked at the lights of the Kennedy Center, the moon, the napkin floating in the air right behind our heads.

The rats are running with the napkin behind you, Mom! my son squealed. And we both jumped up, double-timing it past another quartet of rats negotiating a tossed chow mein box two steps up.

Eight. Nine . . .

Our final tally was 13 rats in less than 20 minutes.

A YouTube video of a New York City subway rat grappling with a slice of pizza has become an Internet hit. (YouTube/Matt Little)

And as far as we could tell, none of them was running for office.

Think we have a rat problem, D.C.?

The Orkin pest control folks say we do. They released their annual rankings of the rattiest cities in America on Monday, and were No. 3, behind Chicago and New York.

[Does your office have a mouse (or rat) problem? Of course it does]

So see, its not just that whole rats and politics thing. Thats too easy.

Although, really, we should be No. 1, given that Chicago has 2.7 million people, New York has 8.6 million and we have Congress.

The D.C. Department of Health said our city of 672,000 is seeing an increase in rat calls this year, following four years of steady rodent decline.

The city got more than 3,000 rat complaints in fiscal year 2015-2016, and the mayor launched a rat-riddance program in April, said Ivan Torres, spokesman for the health agency.

Rat increase in an election year? Could it be that . . . nah. We were going to stay away from cheap political jokes.

It has something to do with the weather, experts say.

The reason the rats are so bad now, we believe, is because of the warm winters, said Gerard Brown, program manager of the Rodent and Vector Control Division of the D.C. Department of Health  the rat czar, in one of the citys recent rat summits.

But wait! What about Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.)? Didnt he show those eggheads that our globe isnt warming when he brought that snowball into the Senate last year?

Sorry, senator. Nope.

And nope on snow as rat abatement.

Even if theres snow, without the long, deep freeze of the normal winter cycle, rats will continue to thrive, the rodentologists say.

Its not just the nations capital thats having a rat problem. Big cities throughout the country are seeing rat infestations grow this year, according to a data analysis of New York, Boston, Chicago and D.C. done by USA Today.

Orkin said calls for service over the past two years jumped by 61 percent in Chicago; 67 percent in Boston; 174 percent in San Francisco; 129 percent in New York City; and 57 percent in D.C.

These cities are stepping up their abatement programs with increased patrols and innovative treatments, including a popular new trick taken straight from stagecraft. Exterminators slip dry ice into rat burrows, and besides looking like a heavy metal show, the melted carbon dioxide naturally asphyxiates sleeping rats, eliminating the need for other poisons.

Last month, after D.C.s ridiculous rat problem made headlines in the Washingtonian because of the hilarious Yelp reviews for a fake Dupont Circle Rat Sanctuary, the city announced an increase in rat patrols, experiments with dry ice and a partnership with the National Park Service, which runs the hundreds of rat sanctuaries  I mean, pocket parks  throughout the city. Theyre launching tactical strikes on 40 locations.

Brown, the rat czar, has made it a point as he goes from meeting to meeting in D.C. neighborhoods, listening to complaints, to say that rats arent evil incarnate orchestrating a hostile takeover.

Rats are an indicator of something people are doing wrong, Brown told one community group last year.

When people leave open trash for them to feast on; unsealed access to warm, indoor places for them to nest in; and open water, theyre giving rodents opportunities to thrive.

In other words, its not the rats who are bad. Its the people who put them in power who are to blame.

Oops, there I go again.

Twitter: @petulad
BLOOD DONATIONS

Blood drives Friday 1:30-6 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St., Leesburg, 800-733-2767; Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton, 540-316-3588; Oct. 26, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., NALC Health Benefit Plan, 20547 Waverly Ct., Ashburn, 800-733-2767.

Inova Blood Donor Center Mondays noon-8 p.m., Tuesdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fridays 6 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays noon-4 p.m. Dulles Town Center, 45745 Nokes Blvd., Sterling. 866-256-6372 or inova.org/donateblood.

FIRST AID

First aid/adult, infant and child CPR/AED Fauquier Hospital Medical Office Building, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. Call for schedule. 540-316-3588. Registration required.

HEARING

Disability Resource Center Technical assistance through the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and presentations to businesses, civic groups and schools. Third Tuesdays 2-5 p.m., Workplace, 205 Keith St., Warrenton. Call for an appointment, 800-648-6324; TDD, 540-373-5890. Free.

Free hearing tests Age 18 and older. Mondays-Thursdays 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing Center, 19465 Deerfield Ave., Suite 201, Lansdowne. 703-858-7620. Registration required.

Hearing loss, tinnitus and Menieres syndrome support For all ages, including parents of children with hearing loss. First Fridays at 2 p.m., Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling. 703-430-2906.

Northern Virginia Resource Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Age 18 and older, second Tuesdays 10 a.m., Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. 571-258-3400.

Hearing loss outreach Free referrals. Fourth Thursdays 10 a.m.-noon, Loudoun County Workforce Center, 102 Heritage Way, Leesburg; third Thursdays 10 a.m.-noon, Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling. Free appointments: 703-430-2906 or nvrcloudoun@aol.com .

MENTAL HEALTH

Counseling for sexual violence survivors Provided by Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice. 703-771-9020.

Crisislink Suicide and crisis intervention. Community education, a volunteer crisis response team and CareRing, a telephone outreach program for the elderly and disabled. 703-527-6016, volunteer@crisislink.org or crisislink.org.

Piedmont Chapter, National Alliance on Mental Illness Serves Fauquier, Orange, Madison and Rappahannock counties. Support group, education classes and events for people living with mental illness and their family members. First Wednesdays 7-9 p.m. Fauquier Hospital, 500, Hospital Dr., Sycamore Room A, Warrenton. 571-426-8213.

Mental health first-aid A public education program offered by the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services that can help communities understand mental illness s eek intervention and save lives. For information, go to loudoun.gov/mhfirstaid.

Northern Virginia Chapter, National Alliance on Mental Illness A support group, classes and programs for people living with mental illness and their family members. naminorthernvirginia.org.

PREGNANCY, PARENTING

Adoptive family preservation Adoptive families discuss common experiences; registration required. Third Tuesdays 12:30-2 p.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Rd. Call 703-941-9008, Ext. 23, or email jmellario@umfs.org .

Birthright of Loudoun County Free pregnancy tests, baby clothing, transportation and support throughout pregnancy, 823 S. King St., Leesburg. 703-777-7272.

Bond Between Us A nonprofit organization that offers support to birth parents when children have been placed for adoption. Fourth Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. Call for location. 703-771-7844.

Breastfeeding support Mondays 9:30-10:30 a.m., Fauquier Hospital Family Birthing Center, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-316-3588.

Dad support New and expectant fathers share ideas. First Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg. 703-858-6360.

For the Childrens Sake A group for separating or divorcing parents to share advice. Four-hour session weekly. Information: 703-391-8599 or fitsfoundation.org.

La Leche League Mother-to-mother support and breastfeeding information. 10 a.m. second Wednesdays in Warrenton, 540-351-6103. Third Fridays 10:15-11:45 a.m., call for location, 703-444-7386. Second Fridays 10:15 a.m., Ashburn Library, 43316 Hay Rd., 703-829-0349; Thursdays 10 a.m.-noon, Panera Bread, 43670 Greenway Corp. Dr., Ashburn, email lllashburn@gmail.com. Third Fridays 10:15 a.m., Christ the Redeemer Church, 46833 Harry F. Byrd. Hwy., Sterling, 540-338-4637.

Loudoun Fatherhood Program Fathers discuss the joys and challenges of being a parent. Meets every other Saturday for two hours for four months; sponsored by Northern Virginia Family Service. 571-748-2796. Free.

Loudoun Nurturing Parenting Program Positive parenting techniques; children attend with parents. Registration required. Call 703-771-3973, Ext. 27, or email nurturingprogram@lcsj.org. Free.

Mothernet/Healthy Families Loudoun Program links first-time parents with medical, social and educational resources to give children a socially and physically healthy start in life. Family support workers meet with participants in homes. English-Spanish translation provided. 703-444-4477, Ext. 217 , or inmed.org.

New mother support Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. Inova Loudoun Medical Pavilion, 224 Cornwall St., Leesburg. Babies welcome. 703-858-6360.

Young parent services Support for teenage parents. Loudoun County Department of Family Social Services, 52 Sycolin Rd., Leesburg. Call for times. 703-771-5375.

Online childbirth education program Inova Loudoun Hospitals Web-based program uses animation, videos and interactive activities to guide users through the basics of childbirth, breastfeeding and caring for newborns. 703-858-6360 or thebirthinginn.org/classes.

Parenting Alone group For parents of school-age children who have lost a spouse or partner to cancer. Second Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital, Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. Call 703-698-2536 or email jennifer.eckert@inova.org .

Pregnancy and childbirth support Childbirth Solutions Resource Center, 8393 W. Main St., Marshall. 571-344-0438.

SENIORS

Exercise equipment Weights, treadmills, bikes and a cardio-glide. Instruction provided. Age 55 and older. Weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Leesburg Senior Center, 102 North St. NW. 703-737-8039. Free.

Fitness for people 55 and older Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 1-1:45 p.m. Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. 571-258-3400. $36, 12-visit card.

Eye care LensCrafters staff members will clean glasses and make minor repairs. Second Wednesdays 1-2 p.m. Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling. 703-430-2397. Free.

Inova Loudoun mobile van Blood pressure checks. Second and fourth Tuesdays 9:30 a.m.-noon, Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling, 571-258-3280; first Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.-noon, Leesburg Senior Center, 102 North St. NW. 703-737-8039.

Laughing yoga for seniors I mprove flexibility and balance. Thursdays 9:30-10 :30 a.m. Leesburg Senior Center, 102 North St. NW. 703-737-8039. Free.

Loudoun Adult Day Centers For seniors with physical limitations or memory loss, a safe and social environment, therapeutic activities, individualized care and respite for caregivers. Limited transportation. Sliding-scale fees. Weekdays in Leesburg, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 703-771-5334; Purcellville, 571-258-3402; and Ashburn-Sterling, 571-258-3232.

Medicare prescription drug plan counseling Help is available with choosing or changing your prescription drug plan during the enrollment period. Wednesdays through Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. Call for an appointment: 571-258-3400. Free.

Senior Outreach Services Free and confidential assistance from an Area Agency on Aging case manager. Call for an appointment or sign up at the Senior Center at Cascades. First and third Wednesdays 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling. 571-258-3280.

Senior Outreach Services Free and confidential assistance from an Area Agency on Aging Elder case manager. Sign up in the Leesburg Senior Center lobby. Second and fourth Thursdays 11 a.m.-noon and 12:30-4:30 p.m. Leesburg Senior Center, 102 North St. NW. 703-737-8039. Free.

Senior Outreach Services Free and confidential assistance from an Area Agency on Aging Elder case manager. Call for an appointment or sign up at the Carver Center. First and third Mondays, 12:30-5 p.m. Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. 703-737-8741. Free.

Tai chi Stretching and strengthening movements. Mondays 11 a.m. Leesburg Senior Center, 102 North St. NW. 703-737-8039. Free.

Zumba gold class Age 55 and older. Wear rubber-soled shoes and comfortable clothing; bring water and a towel. Tuesdays 11 a.m., Tuesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. Senior Center of Leesburg, 102 North St. NW, Leesburg. 703-737-8039. $24 per month.

Zumba For people 55 and older who are learning Zumba for the first time, or those who prefer a lower-impact version. The fitness program combines Latin and international music with dance.Thursdays 11 a.m. Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling. 571-258-3280. $12.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Al-Anon Service Center of Northern Virginia A volunteer is available 24 hours with information for spouses, family members and friends of problem drinkers. 703-534-4357 or 877-339-8350. Mondays 8 p.m. Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 125 W. Washington St., Middleburg, 540-554-2747; Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. St. James Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St. NW, Leesburg, 877-339-8350; Fridays 8:30 p.m. Grace Episcopal Church, 6507 Main St., The Plains, 800-344-2666; Tuesdays 12:15 p.m. Warrenton Church of Christ, Route 29 N., 540-347-7448; Tuesdays 7 p.m. and Saturdays 8:30 p.m. Warrenton Presbyterian Church, 91 Main St. 800-344-2666.

Alcoholics Anonymous Various meeting times and locations in Loudoun County. 800-208-8649 or 703-876-6166. nvintergroup.org.

Alzheimers caregiver support For those who care for people with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. Fourth Wednesdays 4-5:30 p.m. The Villa at Suffield Meadows, 6735 Suffield Lane, Warrenton. 540-316-3800.

Alzheimers caregivers support For those caring for people with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. Second Mondays 7-8:30 p.m. Galilee United Methodist Church, 45425 Winding Rd., Sterling. 703-430-9229. galileeumc.org.

Alzheimers caregiver support Emotional, educational and social support for family members and friends of people with the disease. Third Saturdays 10 a.m. Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging, 20145 Ashbrook Pl., Ashburn. Call 703-771-5407 or email lesley.katz@loudoun.gov.

Alzheimers caregiver support group Fourth Thursdays 3-4 p.m. Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. 540-903-6831 or alz.org.

Alzheimers support First Tuesdays 10-11 a.m. Spring Arbor Assisted Living, 237 Fairview St. NW, Leesburg. 540-338-6520.

Alzheimers support First Wednesdays 4 p.m. Leesburg Adult Day Center, 16501 Meadowview Ct., Leesburg. 703-771-5334.

Alzheimers support Fourth Thursdays 3-4 p.m. Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. 571-258-3400.

Talk About Curing Autism A nonprofit organization educating and supporting families affected by autism. tacanow.org.

Autoimmune support Last Thursdays 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jackson Building, 209 Gibson St., Leesburg. autoimmunesupport@hotmail.com.

Bereaved parent support One-on-one counseling is available. Spiritual Care Support Ministry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. 540-349-5814. scsm.tv.

Bereavement support For those experiencing loss because of the death of a loved one. Age 18 and older. Third Mondays 1 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Chestnut Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. Sponsored by Capital Caring. 703-957-1800.

Breast cancer support Fourth Tuesdays 7-8 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Tower, Chestnut Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-349-0588.

Breast cancer support For those with new diagnoses or starting treatment. Register if attending for the first time. Fourth Mondays 5-6:30 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. 703-858-8857.

Breast cancer support For those who have finished treatment, have had a recurrence or metastatic breast cancer. Register if attending for the first time. Fourth Mondays 6:30-8 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. 703-858-8857. Free.

Breast Cancer Support Assistance Fund Loudoun County residents who have received a diagnosis or have undergone treatment in the past 12 months are eligible to apply for financial assistance. Areas included are wigs, bras, puffs and prostheses, mammograms and medical bills, food and help with utilities, rent or mortgage, and transportation costs. The Pink Assistance Fund has been established by the Loudoun Breast Health Network. lbhn.org.

Cancer support Oncology nurses, social workers and spiritual care providers offer education and support to patients, families and caregivers. Second Mondays 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-316-2273.

Cancer support Life with Cancer, for patients, family members and friends. Second Thursdays 7 p.m. Ashburn Presbyterian Church, Room 202, 20962 Ashburn Rd. 703-729-2012. ashburnpresbyterian.org.

Caregiver support Provides emotional, educational and social support. Encourages caregivers to maintain their personal, physical and emotional health while caring for people with dementia or other chronic illness. Fourth Thursdays 3-4 p.m. Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. 540-903-6831.

Caregiver support and resource group Wednesdays 10:30 a.m.-noon (no meeting first Wednesdays), Spiritual Care Support Ministry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. 540-349-5814. scsm.tv.

Caring for Aging Parents Support group. Confidential. Fourth Wednesdays 7:30 p.m., Family Focus Counseling Service, 20-B John Marshall St., Warrenton. 540-349-4537.

Chadd parents support For parents of children with ADD/ADHD. Fourth Sundays 3 p.m. KinderCare, 44051 Ashburn Village Shopping Plaza. chadd.nova loudoun@gmail.com .

Chronic illness support Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 a.m. Spiritual Care Support Ministries, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. 540-349-5814 or scsm.tv.

Coffee and Conversation Support for those discouraged because of illness, bereavement, caregiving or a loved one in the military. Thursdays 10 a.m.-noon. Spiritual Care Support Ministry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. 540-349-5814.

Compassionate Friends For parents who have experienced the death of a child. First Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. St. James Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St. NW, Leesburg. 540-882-9707.

Creating and Connecting Two-hour art therapy and relaxation workshop for cancer patients. Every other month, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. Call for dates. 703-858-8850.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Western Loudoun Saturdays 3 p.m. Purcellville Library, 220 E. Main St., Carruthers Room. Call 703-431-7160 or email kathy@dbsanca.org.

Drop-in grief support For those coping with a death. Second and fourth Wednesdays 1-2 p.m. St. Davids Episcopal Church, 43600 Russell Branch Pkwy., Ashburn. Sponsored by Capital Caring. 703-597-1781.

Families Overcoming Drug Addiction Support group. First and third Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. myfodafamily@gmail.com or 540-316-9221.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth and parent support A group in partnership with Metro DC PFLAG. Fourth Sundays 4-6 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church, 22135 Davis Dr., Sterling. 703-328-6518.

Griefshare Open to anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one. Tuesdays through Dec. 6 from 7-8:30 p.m. Purcellville Baptist Church, 601 Yaxley Dr., Purcellville. Call 540-338-0918 or email caring@purbap.org . Workbook, $15.

Griefshare Nondenominational seminar and support group. Tuesdays 7:30-9 p.m., and Wednesdays, 1-2:30 p.m. Spiritual Care Support Ministry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. 540-349-5814. Free.

Grief support Sponsored by Hospice Support of Fauquier County. Individual counseling available. First and third Thursdays 3:30-5 p.m. Hospice Support Office, 42 N. Fifth St., Warrenton. Registration required. Call 540-347-5922 or email hospicesupport@verizon.net.

Grief support Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Spiritual Care Support Ministry Center, 76 W. Shirley Ave., Warrenton. 540-349-5814.

Hospice support Free medical-equipment loan facility for Fauquier County residents. Especially needed are donations of wheelchairs, bedside commodes, rolling walkers, electric hospital beds, shower benches and chairs, adult diapers, lift chairs, Ensure and hospital bed mattresses. 540-347-5922.

Look Good, Feel Better For women undergoing or emerging from cancer treatment. Every other month, 6:45 to 9 p.m. ,Inova Loudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. Call for dates. 703-776-2820. Free.

Loudoun CHADD support Led by Children and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Third Thursdays 7 p.m. Leesburg Town Hall, lower-level conference room, 25 W. Market St. 703-669-2445.

Loudoun Intergroup of Overeaters Anonymous Fellowship and support. For locations and times, call 571-420-2012. oa.org.

Lyme disease support Fourth Sundays 2-4 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Conference Room A and B, Leesburg. Go to natcaplyme.org or email loudounlymeadvocates@gmail.com.

Lyme disease support Third Thursdays at 7 p.m. Warrenton Church of Christ, 6398 Lee Hwy. Access Road, Warrenton. 540-347-7265 or email lymeinfauquier@gmail.com.

Lyme disease support Third Thursdays at 7 p.m. Warrenton Church of Christ, 6398 Lee Hwy. Access Road, Warrenton. 540-347-7265 or email lymeinfauquier@gmail.com.

Lyme disease support Age 18 and older. First Tuesdays 7-8:30 p.m. Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville. Email charphealy@yahoo.com.

MADD Loudoun victim support For those who have been affected by drunken driving. Third Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. 210 Wirt St., Leesburg. 540-338-6491.

Man-to-Man Cancer Support Sponsored by Loudoun Cancer Care Center, for prostate cancer patients and their families. Second Tuesdays 6:30-8 p.m. Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling. Call 703-858-8857 or email karen.archer@inova.org.

Mended Hearts Northern Virginia chapter, for heart surgery patients and families and friends of heart disease patients. Third Saturdays 11 a.m., Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg (Patient Information Lounge). mendedhearts200.org or 703-924-6244.

Menopause support Third Thursdays 6:30-9 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg (second floor, Patient Education Room). 703-858-8060.

Multiple sclerosis support Saturdays 10:30 a.m. Fauquier Hospital Chestnut Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-349-2826.

Multiple sclerosis support Last Sundays 2-4 p.m. Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Pl., Potomac Falls. 703-771-4256.

Nar-anon family support For those affected by loved ones with addiction. Meaningful Mondays, 7-8 p.m., Galilee United Methodist Church, 45425 Winding Rd., Sterling. 703-203-9792; Wisdom Wednesdays 7-8 p.m., St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 37730 St. Francis Ct., Purcellville, 703-606-7125; Serenity Thursdays, 7-8 p.m. Leesburg Presbyterian Church, 207 W. Market St., Leesburg, 703-606-7125.

Parkinsons support Open to those with Parkinson's disease, their family members and caregivers. First Tuesdays 1:30-3 p.m. Call for Ashburn location. 571-442-8851.

Post-partum support Second and fourth Wednesdays 1-2:30 p.m. Inova Loudoun Cornwall Campus, 224 Cornwall St., Leesburg. Call 703-909-9877 or email lamckeough@gmail.com. Registration required.

Reach to Recovery Home visit program for mastectomy and lumpectomy patients. Temporary prostheses, exercise instruction and encouragement. 703-938-5550.

Sexual assault and incest survivors group counseling Services provided by Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice and the Loudoun Abused Womens Shelter are free and confidential. 703-771-9020.

Sexual assault survivors empowerment support Sponsored by Sexual Assault Victims Volunteer Initiative. Child care available with 48-hours notice. Mondays; call for times and locations. 540-349-7720.

Spiritual support group For cancer patients, family members and friends. Third Tuesdays 6:30-8 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. 703-858-8850.

Stroke survivors and caregivers support Second Wednesdays 11 a.m.-noon, Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg, second floor, Patient Education Room. 703-858-6199 or jill.lieb@inova.org.

Suicide counseling Third Wednesdays 7-8:30 p.m. Leesburg Town Office, Conference Room 2, lower level, 25 W. Market St., Leesburg. 703-587-1618 or survivorsofsuicidelossleesburg@gmail.com.

Womens support Sponsored by Services to Abused Families. Tuesdays 6:30-8 p.m. Confidential location. 540-825-8876.

Widows and widowers support Third Mondays 11 a.m. Leesburg Senior Center, 102 North St. NW. 703-737-8039.

Womens cancer support Woman to Woman, first Wednesdays 6:30-8 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital Radiation Oncology Center, 44035 Riverside Pkwy., Suite 100, Leesburg. Registration required. 703-858-8850.

MISCELLANEOUS

Ask the Expert lecture series Breast Health: Genetics, Screening and Self-Care for Prevention. Wednesday 6-7:30 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital, Conference Rooms A and B, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg. 855-694-6682. inova.org/asktheexpert. Free. Register.

Brain trauma survivors brown bag lunch For survivors and caregivers. First Tuesdays, noon-1:30 p.m., Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg, second-floor Patient Education Room. Call 703-737-3150 or email jberg@braininjurysvcs.org. Free.

Breast cancer survivors retreat and open house Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital, Conference Rooms A and B, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg. Educational sessions, giveaways, services including wigs, bras, scarves and hats, drumming demonstrations, chair massages, acupuncture and facials, yoga demonstratons, door prizes and refreshments. Sponsored by Inova Loudoun Hospital Life with Cancer and Loudoun Breast Health Network. 703-698-2526 or lifewithcancer.org. Free; registration required.

Child developmental screenings For ages 2-5. Children may not be kindergarten-age-eligible. Sponsored by the Loudoun County public schools Child Find Center. 571-252- - 2180.

Cholesterol screenings Weekdays from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Fauquier Health LIFE Center, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-316-2640. Registration required. $35.

Complimentary reiki sessions Oct. 26, 6-8 p.m. Fauquier Health Wellness Center, 419 Holiday Dr., Warrenton. 540-316-2640. Appointments required.

Conservation in Ethics: The Physicians Order for Scope of Treatment: Making Your Wishes Known Oct. 26, noon-1:30 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Sycamore Room, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. Pizza will be provided. 540-316-4730. Registration required. Free.

Emergency food supplies Loudoun County residents who are in need can receive a free three-day supply of groceries. Supplies are distributed Mondays through Saturdays by Loudoun Interfaith Relief. 703-777-5911 or interfaithrelief.org.

Fauquier free walk-in medical clinic Patients must call Thursdays from 12:30 to 1 p.m. to register for the clinic, which begins at 5:30 p.m. Patients are also seen by appointment Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Fauquier and Rappahannock residents only. Bring proof of address for the first visit. Patients cannot have Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance. Information: 540-347-0394 Tuesdays or Thursdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fauquier Hospital Bistro Senior Supper Club Nutritious meals and fellowship for people 55 and older. Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30-6:30 p.m. Fauquier Hospital Bistro on the Hill, 500 Hospital Dr., Warrenton. 540-316-3588. $5.49.

HEROES (Hometown Enabling Relationships, Opportunities and Empowerment through Support) is a program for military families. A trained volunteer provides support to military members and their families, from pre-deployment up to two years post-deployment. Assistance includes financial help, job placement, family care and mental health services. Go to heroescare.org or email caring@purbap.org .

Inova Loudoun Hospital Mobile Health Services blood pressure screenings Monday from 9-11 a.m., William Watters House, 22365 Enterprise St., Sterling; Thursday 10 a.m.-noon, Carver Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville; Oct. 25, 9 a.m.-noon, Senior Center at Cascades, 21060 Whitfield Pl., Sterling; Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-noon, Lansdowne Woods, 19400 Leisure World Blvd., Leesburg. For information, call 703-858-8818 or go to inova.org/mobilehealth. Free.

Loudoun Cares information and referral help line Call for help in finding resources for county residents who are dealing with rent eviction, utility cut-offs, needed health care and employment. 703-669-4636.

Motor skill screenings Birth to 21 months. First Thursdays, Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing Center, 19465 Deerfield Ave., Suite 201, Lansdowne. Call for an appointment. 703-858-7620. Free.

Northern Virginia long-term care ombudsman Call for help in resolving complaints related to long-term-care facilities. 703-324-5861.

Road to Recovery For cancer patients who need rides to appointments. 410-781-6909. Email jen.burdette@cancer.org. Free.

Safe sitter classes For girls and boys ages 11-14. First Saturdays except for holiday weekends. 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Pkwy., Leesburg. To receive a Safe Sitter Certificate, students must pass practical and written tests on babysitting concepts and handling an emergency. Take a lunch from home or buy lunch in the cafeteria. $70, includes handbook and snacks during the day. Registration required. Call 703-858-8818 or email charlene.martin@inova.org.

Seven Loaves Food Pantry Individuals and families can receive a three-day supply of food, distributed Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10 a.m.-noon. 540-687-3489, sevenloavesmiddleburg.org.

Tree of Life Food Pantry Serving western Loudoun County. Food is delivered Wednesdays and Saturdays. 703-554-3595.

 Compiled by Sandy Mauck

TO SUBMIT AN ITEM

Email: ldliving@washpost.com

Fax: 703-777-8437

Mail: Health Calendar, The Washington Post, 104 Dry Mill Rd. SW, Suite 101, Leesburg, Va. 20175

 Compiled by Sandy Mauck
Police Appreciation Day in Leesburg

Leesburg officials have announced that Thursday will be the towns second annual Police Appreciation Day. Blue ribbons will be placed on trees in front of town facilities, at parks and throughout downtown.

Residents, schools and businesses are being asked to show their support for the Leesburg police by tying blue ribbons on doors, on mailboxes or around trees in their yards. Residents are also encouraged to wear blue.

Messages of thanks and encouragement can be posted on the Police Appreciation Day Facebook page, at facebook.com/LeesburgPoliceAppreciationDay. The page will be active until Wednesday. On Thursday, the notes will be displayed at the police department.

For information, call 703-771-2734.

Sheriffs station to be dedicated Saturday

Loudoun County residents are invited to the dedication of the Western Loudoun Sheriffs Station, 47 W. Loudoun St., Round Hill, on Saturday at 10 a.m. An open house and self-guided tours of the facility will follow the ceremony.

The new station will provide public safety services to the community and reduce travel time for area residents who previously had to go to the sheriffs office headquarters in Leesburg. For information, call 703-771-5278.

Vacancies on Loudoun County boards, commissions

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is looking for residents to serve on county and regional advisory boards, commissions and committees.

For a list of board and committee vacancies and a link to an application, go to loudoun.gov/advisory-vacancies. For information about specific vacancies, call 703-777-0204 or email coadmin@loudoun.gov.

Fauquier seeks input on new county library

Fauquier County is considering building the first new library in more than a decade and is seeking community input on what resources and services would best serve residents.

Research America will conduct a telephone survey of residents chosen at random, collect information from holders of library cards and conduct a focus group discussion with community leaders.

A $25,000 PATH Foundation grant will fund the research, the first of its kind for the countys public library system.

For a copy of the survey, go to fauquierlibrary.org.

 Compiled by Sandy Mauck
THE DISTRICT

Man shot by officer faces assault charge

A man who was shot by an undercover D.C. police officer after he allegedly brandished a gun late Friday is being charged with assaulting a police officer and possession of an unlicensed firearm, authorities said.

The suspect  identified as Mark Donte James George, 23, of D.C.  remained hospitalized Monday, authorities said.

Police said the incident occurred about 11:10 p.m. when they responded to a 911 call reporting gunshots.

A police report said officers spotted a group and approached.

The report said that George fled and that the officers gave chase.

Police said George brandished a firearm at a plainclothes officer, who fired, police said. The officer, a member of the gun recovery unit, was not identified.

 Peter Hermann

Second man dies

in double shooting

A man who was wounded in a double shooting early Saturday in Washingtons Brightwood Park neighborhood has died, the second fatality stemming from the incident, according to D.C. police.

Ever Cruz, 31, of Northwest Washington died Sunday at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, police said. Saul Flores, 36, was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting in the 600 block of Kennedy Street NW.

 Peter Hermann

Guilty plea in fatalhome invasion

A District man pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder while armed in a January fatal shooting during a home invasion.

Joseph Jennings Jr., 35, pleaded guilty to shooting 37-year-old Matthew Shevlin during a break-in at Shevlins apartment in the 400 block of M Street NW.

Prosecutors said Jennings and two other men conspired to break into Shevlins apartment and steal marijuana.

 Keith L. Alexander

MARYLAND

Bicyclist killed in Bethesda crash

An 81-year-old bicyclist died Monday after being hit by a Mercedes in Bethesda, police said.

At about 11:30 a.m., authorities went to Little Falls Parkway and the Capital Crescent Trail in response to a reported collision, Montgomery County police said.

A preliminary investigation showed that Ned Gaylin of Chevy Chase was riding a three-wheeled recumbent bicycle eastbound on the trail crossing Little Falls Parkway in a marked crosswalk, the statement said.

Gaylin was hit by a 2002 Mercedes E320 traveling southbound on Little Falls Parkway driven by 78-year-old Nils Carl Axel Rudelius of Bethesda, police said.

 Justin Wm. Moyer
The Jefferson Market Library is one of the most iconic structures in Greenwich Village, and it opened its doors (and its rooftop views of the surrounding neighborhood) to the public this weekend as part of Open House New York.

Photographer Sai Mohktari took the tour and snapped some photos of the historic building, which is located at 425 Sixth Avenue near West 10th Street. It was designed as a courthouse by architects Frederick Clark Withers and Calvert Vaux (who also assisted in the design of Central Park) in a Victorian Gothic style. The structure was builtalong with an adjacent prison and marketbetween 1875-1877, cost the city almost $360K, and was immediately voted one of the ten most beautiful buildings in America by a poll of architects in the 1880s. (Back then, it was known as Third Judicial District Courthouse.)

The basement, which has brick arches and low ceilings, was originally used as a holding area for prisoners on their way to jail or trial. The building got substantial use as a courthouse in the early 20th century, popping up in several famous cases, including the trial of Harry K. Thaw for the murder of architect Stanford White; that case later became immortalized in E.L. Doctorow's Ragtime. In the 1920s, it was used mainly for the trails of women; Mae West was locked up there after being arrested on obscenity charges when her Broadway play Sex became a target of the Society for the Suppression of Vice.

After 1945, the building was in danger of being torn down, but a group of local preservationistsincluding E.E. Cummings and Lewis Mumfordwho started the very catchily-named "Committee of Neighbors to Get the Clock on Jefferson Market Courthouse Started." In 1961, the New York Public Library agreed to convert it into a library; it reopened in 1967 after an estimated $1.4 million renovation, with the police court becoming the Children's Reading Room, and the civil court becoming the Adult Reading Room.

Click through to check out photos from around the building, including the gorgeous Village views of the neighborhood (you can see the green rooftop at PS41 from there), the main library, and the balcony, which is where their giant Halloween puppet spider lives year-round (along with some octopus tentacles that were discarded remnants from an old Broadway show). As is tradition, the spider will be hung from one of the turrets on the tower on Halloween, and people can act as puppeteers, moving its limbs.
Whatever the outcome for the term-limits proposal on next months Montgomery County ballot, neither supporters nor opponents are likely to be accused of trying to buy the contest.

The two political committees organized around Question B  Voters for Montgomery County Term Limits and No on B  raised a total of $12,000, according to state campaign finance reports filed late Friday.

A little over $9,000 was collected by No on B, which opposes the charter amendment to limit the county executive and County Council members to three terms. About 70 percent of that amount is from incumbent council members, their family members or staff.

[Montgomery term limits contest heats up]

Council members Roger Berliner (D-Potomac-Bethesda), Marc Elrich (D-At Large), Sidney Katz (D-Gaithersburg-Rockville), George L. Leventhal (D-At Large), Nancy Navarro (D-Mid-County) and Hans Riemer (D-At Large) put up a total of $6,000 from their campaign treasuries. Casa de Maryland, the immigrant advocacy group, donated $1,000. Smaller contributions came from Leventhals father, Carl Leventhal, and staff aides to Riemer, Elrich and Navarro.

The committees major expense, $5,000, was the fee for attorney Jonathan Shurberg, who led an unsuccessful court fight to get the question removed from the ballot. The group had about $4,000 cash on hand through Oct. 9.

This was not going to be a $50,000 or $100,000 campaign, said the committees chairman, Tom Moore. He said most of the push will come on Election Day from other groups opposed to Question B, including the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee and the Montgomery County Education Association, which are expected to recommend a no vote on sample ballots.

I think were in a pretty good position, Moore said.

[Head of anti-immigrant group gathered hundreds of term limits signatures]

Donations to Voters for Montgomery County Term Limits were minimal but suggest that an unusual coalition of real estate interests, neighborhood groups and Republican activists  all with various grievances against council incumbents  may be forming around the issue.

The committee reported donations of $2,890, nearly all of which was still on hand as of Oct. 9. The largest donation, $1,000, is from Charles K. Nulsen III, president of Washington Property, a Bethesda firm that owns apartment and office buildings throughout the county. Despite unhappiness in the real estate community with the councils decision to raise property and recordation taxes, Nulsen appears to be the sole developer presence in the report.

Smaller contributors included Paula Bienenfeld ($20), immediate past president of the Montgomery County Civic Federation, an umbrella group of neighborhood associations that recently endorsed Question B; Dwight Patel ($100), second vice chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party; and Brad Botwin ($75), founder and director of Help Save Maryland, listed as a nativist-extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center for its positions on immigration. Help Save Maryland has been critical of policies that have made the county more hospitable for illegal immigrants.

Another report is due Oct. 28.
A District man pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder while armed in the January fatal shooting of a Northwest man during a home invasion.

Joseph Jennings Jr., 35, pleaded guilty to shooting 37-year-old Matthew Shevlin during a break-in at Shevlins apartment in the 400 block of M Street NW in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood.

[District man fatally shot during robbery of condominium]

Authorities said Shevlin may have been targeted for marijuana he had in his apartment.

Inside the apartment, police found several jars of marijuana-like substances. One was labeled Girl Scout Cookies. Police tested a jar and confirmed it contained marijuana, court documents state. Police said they also found large and small plants and a bin containing what appeared to be marijuana.

Prosecutors say Jennings and two other men conspired to break into Shevlins apartment and steal marijuana. As the men tried to enter, Shevlin, who was home at the time, flew out the door and began screaming for help. Prosecutors say that Jennings chased Shevlin and that the two struggled. Jennings then shot Shevlin.

Jennings is scheduled to be sentenced in D.C. Superior Court on Dec. 16 by Judge Michael Ryan.

Two other suspects also were arrested in the shooting.
An Islamic State fighter on a street in the Iraqi city of Mosul in 2014. (Reuters)

Over the past few years, Haris Qamar became fascinated with the Islamic State. But he found little support.

When he bought a plane ticket to Turkey in 2014, his parents would not give him his passport. His circle of friends had grown tired of debating Middle East politics. And when he posted pro-Islamic State messages on Twitter, he was befriended not by a fellow true believer but by an undercover informant, finally finding an eager confidant.

That informant helped federal authorities prosecute Qamar, 26, of Fairfax County, who on Monday pleaded guilty in Alexandria federal court to attempting to help the Islamic State militant group.

According to court documents, Qamar told the informant that he had an unlimited appetite for violence against nonbelievers and that he watched videos of Islamic State executions many times. On another occasion, the court filing says, he asked the informant whether he would like to behead someone using a table saw.

The informant encouraged Qamar to take video of landmarks around Washington that the Brooklyn native thought would be used in an Islamic State video.

In court Monday, Qamar said that as far as I understand, it was a propaganda campaign meant to inspire fear, not coordinate actual attacks. But prosecutors say he understood that the video would be used to explicitly encourage lone-wolf attacks in the Washington area.

[The Islamic States suspected inroads into America]

At the informants request, Qamar also bought phone gift cards he thought would be used to help recruits make their way to Islamic State territory.

Qamars father, Qamar Abbas, said in an interview that his son has said since his arrest that he was living in an imaginary world fueled by what he read online.

A friend, who asked not to be identified out of concern the affiliation could hurt his business, said Qamar had shown increasing interest in the Islamic State over the past two years. Qamar was motivated initially by a belief that the group was rebuilding homes and defending Muslim women from violence and sexual assault, the friend said, as well as anger over U.S. military involvement overseas. Qamar began reading news sites that painted a skewed picture of what was happening in Iraq and Syria, the friend said. The Islamic State controls territory in both of those countries.

The informant exploited Qamars beliefs and desire to be helpful, Abbas said, telling the young man that his family had been killed.

Qamar was a friendly-minded person, Abbas said, a very soft-hearted person who had never before caused any kind of trouble.

The friend said Qamars parents, who are immigrants from Pakistan, were livid when they learned that their son was hoping to join the Islamic State and temporarily kicked him out of the house. Qamar likewise told the informant, according to the court documents, that his father might commit suicide if he succeeded in joining the Islamic State abroad.

Court papers show that Qamar frequently told the informant of his struggle between loyalty to his family and to the Islamic State, saying it was tearing his heart apart.

Abbas said he has a guilty conscience for not being able to stop his son from going down this path but said the boy is a grown-up.

The friend doubted that Qamar would have lasted long in the Islamic State.

He doesnt know Arabic, he smokes, he cusses, hes overweight, the friend said. He talked a big game, but down to his core, he couldnt do it. . . . He was a follower, he liked working for a bigger purpose.

Abbas said that the informant had encouraged Qamar to try to go abroad again and that Qamar declined.

Other friends had no idea that Qamar harbored any terrorist sympathies, describing him as a laid-back and friendly gamer.

His hobbies always changed, and he always had a hard time to decide his career, where he wanted to go, said Yun Li, who went to high school and college with Qamar. Haris was a great guy to be with when it comes to friendship . . . funny, and helpful to others who needed help.

Qamars sentencing is set for Jan. 6. Judge Leonie Brinkema said the guidelines in the case call for a sentence of 151 to 188 months.
Hudson Ahimbisibwe was 5 months old when his father killed him, police say. (Family Photo)

A 22-year-old Maryland man who was frustrated with his crying 5-month-old son killed the boy by covering his mouth and shaking him, police and prosecutors said Monday.

Austin Ahimbisibwe, of Germantown, was ordered held on $2.5 million bond on charges of second-degree murder and first-degree child abuse resulting in death during a brief hearing in Montgomery County District Court. Also at the hearing was the childs mother, sobbing in the front row as details of the alleged crime were aired.

All I can say is I miss my son terribly, the mother, Lauren Felitti, said in a brief Facebook messaging exchange after court. I ache for him every second of the day. And I love him with all my heart.

Felittis Facebook page is in large part a tribute to her son Hudson, with a Dear Son In Heaven poem atop it.

Ahimbisibwes Facebook page, too, is dominated by images of the child.

Austin Ahimbisibwe has been charged in his sons death. (Montgomery County Police)

The charges against Ahimbisibwe stunned his former college soccer coach. I never had any problems with this kid, said Ike Ofoje, a coach at the University of South Carolina at Aiken. He was a nice kid.

Ofoje said Ahimbisibwe was always polite. This is just beyond . . . the coach said, his voice trailing off for a moment.

Ahimbisibwe was born overseas but had become a U.S. citizen, according to his attorney, John Lavigne, at Mondays hearing. He went to high school in Montgomery County and enrolled at South Carolina at Aiken. But he didnt do well academically and stayed only one year, according to his coach.

After returning to Maryland, Ahimbisibwe held jobs including front-desk agent at a health club, night auditor at a hotel and server at a restaurant, according to Lavigne and to Ahimbisibwes Facebook page. He has no record of criminal convictions, Lavigne said.

Hudson was born Jan. 20.

In June, according to police records filed in the case, Ahimbisibwe and Felitti were not living together but seemed to have worked out arrangements to care for their son. The morning of June 23, Felitti dropped off Hudson at Ahimbisibwes apartment at 6:25 a.m., according to the records, and the mother and father agreed he would take care of Hudson while she was at work.

The baby was fine, Assistant States Attorney Sherri Koch said in court.

I ache for him every second of the day, says Hudsons mother, Lauren Felitti, shown here with the child. (Family Photo)

At 10:40 a.m., Ahimbisibwe called 911, saying the boy was unresponsive. Arriving officers found him performing CPR on his son. The baby was taken to a hospital in Germantown and then transferred to Childrens National Medical Center in the District, where he was pronounced dead, according to police allegations filed in court.

On Oct. 9, the D.C. chief medical examiner determined that Hudson had suffered trauma to his head, neck and trunk  and ruled the death a homicide, according to court filings.

Detectives interviewed the boys father last week.

He told them that his son had become fussy and wouldnt stop crying, and that he became frustrated with the child, detectives asserted in court papers.

Austin Ahimbisibwe stated that he grabbed the victim by the neck and face and covered the victims mouth with his hand in an effort to get the victim to stop crying, detectives wrote.

The defendant in this case became frustrated with the baby and then shook the baby, Koch, the prosecutor, said in court Monday, adding that the injuries were consistent with shaking and abusive head trauma.

Jennifer Jenkins contributed to this report.
An 81-year-old bicyclist died Monday after being hit by a Mercedes in Bethesda, police said.

At about 11:30 a.m., authorities responded to Little Falls Parkway and the Capital Crescent Trail for a reported collision, Montgomery County police said in a statement.

A preliminary investigation showed that Ned Gaylin of Chevy Chase was riding a three-wheeled recumbent bicycle eastbound on the trail crossing Little Falls Parkway in a marked crosswalk, the statement said.

Gaylin was hit by a 2002 Mercedes E320 traveling southbound on Little Falls Parkway driven by 78-year-old Nils Carl Axel Rudelius of Bethesda, according to the statement. Gaylin was taken to a hospital where he died, police said.

Police asked anyone with information about the crash to call them at 240-773-6620.
A man who was shot by an undercover D.C. police officer after authorities said he brandished a gun late Friday has been identified as a 23-year-old man who is now being charged with assaulting a police officer and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

The suspect  Mark Donte James George  remained hospitalized Monday morning. He is expected to make an initial appearance in D.C. Superior Court when he is released from care.

[D.C. police officer shoots man brandishing gun]

Police said the incident occurred about 11:10 p.m. on Friday while they were responding to a 911 call for a sound of gunshots

A police report made public Monday said officers spotted a group and approached. George separated himself from the group and fled on foot, the report says. Members exited their vehicles and gave chase.

The foot pursuit led police to the 900 block of Wahler Place SE, on the grounds of the Achievement Preparatory Academy, a charter school located between Congress Heights and Washington Highlands.

Police said the man brandished a firearm at a plainclothes officer, who fired, police said. Authorities did not identify where on the body George was struck. He was reported in critical condition over the weekend, but police said he was expected to survive. Police said in the report they recovered a loaded handgun.

The officer, a member of the Gun Recovery Unit, was not identified.

D.C. police said because the officer is part of an undercover unit assigned to target illegal firearms, he was not wearing a body camera.

[Questions linger over police shooting of man on motorcycle]

The police-involved shooting is the first in the District since Sept. 11, when a police officer killed a motorcyclist. According to D.C. police, Terrence Sterling, 31, was shot after he deliberately drove his motorcycle into a police cruiser at Third and M streets NW.
A man who was wounded in a double shooting early Saturday in Northwest Washingtons Brightwood Park neighborhood has died, the second fatality stemming from the incident, according to D.C. police.

Ever Cruz, 31, of Northwest Washington died Sunday at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, where he had been in critical condition, police said.

[Man fatally wounded in double shooting in Northwest Washington]

Saul Flores, 36, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 2:15 a.m. shooting in the 600 block of Kennedy Street NW.

Police have released few details of the shootings. Authorities said officers responded to calls about gunshots and found both victims suffering from multiple wounds.
Osman & Joe's Steak 'n Egg Kitchen along Wisconsin Avenue in Northwest D.C. has been robbed twice in the last month. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post)

Two masked men, one armed with a handgun, robbed an all-night diner near the Tenleytown Metro station in the District early Monday and fled with money from a cash register, police said.

One man urged his accomplice to shoot them then, just shoot them when three employees of Osman & Joes Steak n Egg Kitchen said they could not open the safe, a police report said. One of the men slapped a customer who reached for a cellphone.

The robbers  who entered through a back door while deliveries were being made and employees were conducting inventory  took money from the register and a purse, police said.

No serious injuries were reported in the holdup, which occurred about 3 a.m. There were three customers and three employees in the restaurant, a small white house with a white picket fence in the 4700 block of Wisconsin Avenue NW, on the border between Friendship Heights and Tenleytown.

The manager, Justin Anderson, said he will not let the robbery deter him. We will continue to be open, he said in an interview Monday morning. He said the robbers left in a white car with black rims and that he thinks surveillance cameras recorded the men before they donned their masks.

[At Steak n Egg, prime real estate is always paramount]

Mondays robbery was the second at the diner in a month. On Sept. 27, two men stole between $2,000 and $4,000 from a cash register and a safe, as well as a cellphone, police said.

In that case, police said a gunman pushed a customer who resisted giving up his cellphone and fired at him. The shots missed, police said, and the robbers fled in a brown SUV with a gray bumper and Maryland license plates. That robbery occurred about 2:30 a.m.

Police did not say whether they think the holdups are related.

Anderson said that after the September robbery, the restaurant stopped accepting cash at night, and he thinks the robbers on Monday couldnt have gotten more than $200 from the register. He also thinks the robbers might have heard about the September holdup.

I think its related in that its word-of-mouth on the street, Anderson said. The robbers got a big payout the first time, and these two guys probably heard theres a lot of money at Steak n Egg. But we dont do cash anymore at night.

He added: A stupid robbery.
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Voters in Fairfax County line up inside the government center in Fairfax, Va., on Oct. 13 to cast absentee ballots in person, part of a surge in absentee voting in Northern Virginia. (Antonio Olivo/The Washington Post)

Voters in Northern Virginia are casting early absentee ballots at far higher rates than they did in the 2012 presidential election, a reflection of the surge of interest in the 2016 contest that could benefit Democrat Hillary Clinton over Republican Donald Trump.

In Fairfax County, the states largest jurisdiction, officials anticipate that 150,000 people will have cast absentee ballots by Nov. 8, a nearly 75 percent increase over the 87,000 ballots cast four years ago.

In nearby Arlington County, officials are expecting about 43,000 absentee votes, or about 50 percent more than in 2012. Alexandria absentee ballots are also up by nearly 50 percent, to 2,840 so far.

[Hillary Clinton sees 15-point lead over Trump in Virginia]

Were definitely well above 2012, said Linda Lindberg, Arlingtons general registrar. Maybe people just want to vote and get it out of the way.

Virginia localities have been accepting in-person absentee ballots since late September, limiting the option to voters who can prove that they wont be around on Election Day because of travel plans, school, military duty or other reasons. The absentee ballots will be accepted until Nov. 8, election officials say.

Since the process started, absentee ballots have been up by about 22 percent statewide compared with 2012, according to a recent report by the nonprofit Virginia Public Access Project.

In largely Democratic Northern Virginia, the increase has been about 56 percent, the report shows.

The increase in early voting indicates more energy by Clinton voters in the states more densely populated communities, said Quentin Kidd, director of the Judy Ford Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va.

Clinton leads Trump in Virginia by about 15 percentage points, according to a Wason Center poll released Sunday.

The educated voter, the educated female voter; Im basically describing Fairfax County, definitely Arlington, and parts of Loudoun and Prince William counties, Kidd said. Thats where the enthusiasm is for Clinton.

But in Richmond and other areas of Virginia where African American voters are concentrated, the enthusiasm appears to be lukewarm, Kidd said.

Early absentee voting in Richmond has increased by just 14 percent, to a total of about 830 ballots turned in as of last week, according to the VPAP report. In Newport News, absentee ballots have been down by about 38 percent, to a total of 430.

What that means is that the African American turnout is low so far compared to some of these other places like Fairfax, Kidd said. In those areas, the turnout doesnt look as energized or excited.

In rural portions of the state, where Trump has stronger support, the turnout for absentee voters has been minimal, Kidd noted.

[This politico was fired by the Trump team, but it could help him]

Cameron Sasnett, Fairfaxs general registrar, said his countys higher turnout may be a result of expanded operations this year for absentee voting. As of last week, the county had collected 14,220 absentee ballots, compared with 5,801 at the same time in 2012.

Voters who want to turn in a ballot can do so at 10 locations in the county, including the Fairfax government center.

On a recent afternoon, about two dozen voters made their way to the county government center to vote.

Several said they were motivated to come out early by the mostly negative tone of the presidential campaign.

David Britt, 57, said he has several 2016 election bumper stickers on his car, one of which begs for a meteor to crash into Earth and End it, already.

Im so very sick of both sides, said Britt, who wont be available on Election Day because hell be volunteering as an election worker. A Republican, he voted for Trump.

Jim Percival, 70, stood in line while using an oxygen tank to help him breathe.

He is on a waiting list for a lung transplant, and he isnt sure hell be available on Nov. 8.

What has been done to our democracy is an absolute travesty, said Percival, who voted for Clinton.

Jokingly, he added: My vote counts, even if Im dead.
FLORIDA

20-year term for man

who shot at Zimmerman

A Florida man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday for shooting at George Zimmerman, who had shot and killed unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin in 2012 in a case that drew national attention, prosecutors said.

Matthew Apperson, 37, was convicted by a jury last month of second-degree attempted murder for firing at Zimmerman, 33, during a roadside confrontation in Lake Mary, Fla., in May 2015.

A Sanford, Fla., jury had acquitted Zimmerman of murder in the killing of Martin, 17. The case sparked the Black Lives Matter activist movement that campaigns against violence toward African Americans.

Circuit Court Judge Debra Nelson in Seminole County called Apperson a danger to the community as she handed down the mandatory minimum sentence on Monday, ABC affiliate WFTV 9 said.

Apperson also was sentenced to 15 years each for convictions of shooting into an occupied vehicle and aggravated assault with a firearm stemming from the altercation with Zimmerman, who sustained minor injuries from shattered glass, Florida state attorney spokeswoman Lynne Bumpus-Hooper said.

During his trial, Apperson, who is white, testified that the shooting was in self-defense. Zimmerman said it was unprovoked and that he and Apperson had been involved in another roadside altercation in September 2014.

 Reuters

ARKANSAS

Ex-judge indicted

in fraud, bribery case

A former Arkansas judge accused of giving lighter sentences to defendants in exchange for nude photos and sexual acts has been indicted on federal fraud and bribery charges, according to a federal indictment unsealed Monday.

Former Cross County District Court Judge Joseph Boeckmann resigned in May after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual relationships with men accused of crimes dating back decades, to his time as a prosecutor. The 70-year-old Boeckmann allegedly had more than 4,600 photos of nude or semi-nude men.

A grand jury accused Boeckmann of corruptly using his official position as an Arkansas district judge to obtain personal services, sexual contact, and the opportunity to view and to photograph in compromising positions persons who appeared before him in traffic and misdemeanor criminal cases in exchange for dismissing the cases. The indictment is dated Oct. 5.

Boeckmanns attorney, Jeff Rosenzweig, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Monday. Boeckmann has previously denied the allegations through his attorney.

Boeckmann was indicted on eight counts of wire fraud, two counts of witness tampering, one count of federal program bribery and 10 counts of violating the federal Travel Act.

 Associated Press

Man who shot Alaska officer still at large: A man who shot and seriously wounded an Alaska police officer and drove off in the officers patrol car on Sunday is still at large, police said Monday. Sgt. Allen Brandt, an 11-year veteran of the Fairbanks Police Department, was shot multiple times as he patrolled a residential neighborhood east of the citys downtown commercial area. He was flown to Anchorage in serious condition. Police on Monday said Brandts condition is stable. The patrol car was found nearby. Police described the suspect as an Alaska Native man about 20 years old.

 Associated Press
X-rays were the iPhone 7 of the 1890s. Months after X-rays were discovered in 1895, German physicist Walter Koenig put the latest in tech gadgetry to the test by scanning 14 objects, including the mummified remains of an ancient Egyptian child. Koenigs image of the childs knees represented the first radiographic investigation of a mummy.

At the time, details about the mummy were scant. Collected by explorer-naturalist Eduard Rueppell in 1817, the specimen lacked any sort of decoration that might link it to a particular dynasty or time period. Koenigs X-ray image of the mummy served less to fill in any of those blanks and more to demonstrate the technologys potential. Since then, radiographic images have revealed hidden artifacts, elucidated embalming techniques and even pinpointed health issues and diseases in mummies.

Now, biological anthropologist and Egyptologist Stephanie Zesch of the Reiss Engelhorn Museum in Mannheim, Germany, and colleagues have examined the mummy with modern imaging techniques. CT scans show that the child was a boy. His teeth suggest that he was 4 to 5 years old when he died. Radiocarbon dating places him in the Ptolemaic period, between 378 and 235 B.C., the researchers reported in the European Journal of Radiology Open.

The team also diagnosed a slew of health conditions: a common deformity of the chest wall called pectus excavatum, or sunken chest; bone density marks in his leg bones that indicate physiological stress; and an enlarged liver. The team attributes the liver problem to a parasitic infection such as schistosomiasis, which is common in Egypt and sometimes lethal. Without any obvious signs of trauma, however, its impossible to determine cause of death, Zesch says.

Even with the all-seeing power of todays CT scans, the culprit behind the boys demise remains under wraps.

 Science News
Vice President Biden gives a thumbs up in September after giving a speech about the cancer moonshot at Houstons Rice University. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via AP)

Vice President Biden is expected to tell President Obama on Monday that the administrations cancer moonshot effort infused new urgency in the fight against the disease but that formidable challenges remain, including a lack of coordination among researchers, an antiquated funding culture and unacceptably slow dissemination of important information about new treatments.

The final moonshot report, which Biden is scheduled to deliver in an Oval Office meeting, lists an array of promising new government and private actions designed to accelerate progress. It also includes a letter to the president describing in personal terms the impact of the death of Bidens son Beau from brain cancer in May 2015, as well as recommendations on how to score research breakthroughs and improve patient care over the next five years.

During his sons illness, Biden wrote, he and his wife, Jill, had numerous meetings with oncologists and researchers. They came away convinced that even if we couldnt save our own son, the science, medicine and technology are progressing faster than ever to save countless other sons and daughters.

Yet while the field may be at an inflection point  because of increased understanding of cancer biology and new opportunities created by an explosion of genetic and other data  barriers to progress remain, he said.

[Experts urge investment in 10 areas to speed progress against cancer]

As part of the Vice President Biden's "cancer moonshot" initiative, a blue-ribbon panel has made 10 recommendations to speed the discovery of a cure. (National Cancer Institute)

He took aim at incentives that reward scientists for individual successes rather than team efforts that can lead to new answers and new solutions. He complained that problems recruiting and retaining patients for clinical trials can cause costly delays. And he said it takes too long for cutting-edge treatments developed at the nations premier cancer centers to reach the community oncologists who treat most patients.

To overcome those and other obstacles, Biden called for new funding mechanisms for research, especially the work sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, to encourage high risk, high reward research. He also called for improved access to clinical trials, intensified efforts to reduce cancer disparities, and enhanced prevention and screening efforts. Initiatives to address some of the issues are underway, but more needs to be done, he said.

Mondays scheduled meeting between Biden and Obama, to be followed in the afternoon by a Biden address to cancer researchers, advocates and patients, comes almost a year after the vice president announced that he would not run for president. At the time, he called for an absolute national commitment to end cancer, and in January, Obama named him head of the cancer moonshot, with a goal of making a decades worth of progress in just five years.

Now, as the end of the administration approaches, Biden faces a big piece of unfinished business: trying to persuade a lame-duck Congress to approve additional funding for efforts for the current fiscal year, which began Oct. 1.

The administration, researchers and patient groups have been pressing Congress to approve about $700 million for cancer initiatives. With all the momentum in 2016, if you are unable to show something for these new ideas, it will be very difficult to all of a sudden build up from the ground floor next year, said Jon Retzlaff, managing director for science policy and government affairs for the American Association for Cancer Research.

Prospects may be brightening, supporters say. Republican leaders have indicated that passage of 21st Century Cures legislation, which could be a vehicle for the money, is a top priority.

Even if the money is approved, a significant portion of the cancer community will remain skeptical. For one thing, they say much more money is needed for cancer research than what the administration is seeking.

[At moonshot summit, an angry Biden directs researchers to report data]

The moonshot is a lot of rhetoric and a lot of meetings, said Vinay Prasad, an oncologist at the Oregon Health and Sciences University. He said that researchers need much greater understanding of cancers basic biology to make substantial progress  and thats something that he said requires funding of at least $100 billion over 20 years.

But supporters of the moonshot effort say that it has encouraged researchers and the public that cancer might someday be vanquished.

I think the moonshot is a wonderful, visionary effort, said Drew Pardoll, director of the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at Johns Hopkins University.

[Biden prods cancer researchers to collaborate, accelerate efforts]

Bidens efforts have involved encouraging new public-private partnerships in the fight against the disease that will kill an estimated 600,000 people this year. New commitments in the vice presidents report include millions of dollars of donations for research, as well as data-sharing partnerships designed to make it easier for doctors, researchers and patients to access data.

For example, the National Cancer Institute is expected to announce Monday a new partnership with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft to build a model for maintaining cloud-based cancer genomic data, meaning on a network of servers, to aid researcher access. The Defense Department is expected to announce a new study to use 250,000 blood and tissue samples from members of the armed forces to try to identify markers that could point to cancer. And the ride-sharing companies Lyft and Uber said they would take steps to help cancer patients get to their doctor appointments and treatments.

As for the moonshots future with a new administration, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has said that she would like to continue it and would welcome Bidens advice. Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, hasnt commented on the matter. Biden said recently that hed like to remain active, but not from inside the government.
Hurricane Matthew unearthed these cannonballs from the time of the Civil War on a beach near Charleston, S. C. (CHARLESTON COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE VIA EUROPEAN PRESSPHOTO AGENCY)

A pile of Civil War-era cannonballs was uncovered by Hurricane Matthew this month after the storm lashed South Carolina. But rather than preserve the artifacts, authorities destroyed most of the historic weapons for safety reasons.

A day after the hurricane blasted the coastline on Oct. 9, a resident walking along the east end of Folly Island  a coastal region known for its history of pirates and Civil War battles  spotted 16 corroded cannonballs resting on the sand, said Andrew Gilreath, director of public safety for Folly Beach, a small city about 10 miles south of Charleston. The resident contacted authorities, who came to assess the situation, he said.

The hurricanes waves and winds probably eroded parts of the beach to uncover the bowling-ball-size weapons, Gilreath said.

Initially, the city wished to display them, Gilreath said in an email. However, they were inspected and a large number of them were [found to be] explosive cannonballs, and thus contained old and very unstable gunpowder.

Its a common misconception that cannonballs are merely large steel balls, he said. While that is the case sometimes, there are also explosive and incendiary types, which are very unsafe, Gilreath said.

After inspecting the cannonballs, authorities decided to destroy them. According to a tweet from the Charleston County Sherriffs Office, local officials worked with an Air Force explosives team to dispose of the ordnance.

LowCountry CW, a Charleston news network, warned that residents in Charleston, James Island, and on Folly Beach may hear what will sound like an explosion. It also reported that once ocean levels go down, technicians would ensure that the area where the cannonballs were found is safe.

One of Folly Islands historical moments was portrayed in the 1989 movie Glory, which tells the story of a military unit of all-black volunteers fighting for the Union.

The battle portrayed in the movie was fought at Fort Wagner, which is more than likely what this artillery was used to fire upon, Gilreath said of the pile of cannonballs.

The first shots of the Civil War were fired not far away, at Fort Sumter, in 1861.

 Live Science
Twenty-five years ago, a woman with lupus probably would not have considered having kids, because she simply couldnt physically take care of them because of crushing fatigue that often is part of the disease, says Eliza Chakravarty, a rheumatologist at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. But today, for many of these women, its not only feasible to have kids, but desirable.

Earlier diagnosis and medications now enable women with lupus to slow down the progression of their disease and treat many of the symptoms, enabling them to live more fully in their lives, she says. When somebody comes to me now and says, Im thinking about having a baby, I let her know that in the majority of cases, women will have safe and healthy pregnancies. But we need to do a little bit of work before they conceive to maximize the chances of a good outcome.

The most important approach is to ensure that the drugs women are taking are okay to use during pregnancy, and, if they are not, to wean women from them and get them on safer substitutes.

There are many medications for treating lupus, and women often take a combination of them. As with all drugs, they have side effects. Some of the medications for lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause birth defects, but there are many alternatives that dont, Chakravarty says.

Her approach is to switch her patients from teratogenic drugs (which cause birth defects) to safer alternatives.

I usually try for a six-month window [before they conceive] to make sure the teratogens are out of their system and that they are doing well on the new drugs, Chakravarty says. One of the things we have learned is that having active disease while pregnant is dangerous for the mother and also a big risk factor for pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, premature delivery and low-birthweight babies, she says.

She also follows women closely for the first six months after they give birth to ensure their disease is stable, because hormonal changes that occur with delivery, breast-feeding and stopping breast-feeding can exacerbate lupus symptoms.

I worry that their lupus will flare postpartum, and I dont want to see women who are trying to bond with their babies also have to deal with symptoms of the disease, she says. I like to be aggressive in treating the disease because being a new mom is hard enough.

While Chakravarty specializes in lupus and pregnancy, she says many of these approaches also would work with other autoimmune diseases.

Nothing makes her happier than when new mothers visit her to show off their babies. Moreover, many of them come back and want to have another, she says.

Read more:

Why do autoimmune diseases affect women more often than men?

Depression sometimes accompanies autoimmune diseases

Yes, Im disabled. But I still love sex.
Researchers have transplanted embryos originating from the bison herd at Yellowstone National Park into female bison in Minnesota in hopes of increasing the genetic diversity of herds there and helping to restore Americas official mammal to the landscape.

While Yellowstone bison are prized because theyre free of domestic cattle genes, experts say using them in breeding programs is difficult because they carry a contagious disease called brucellosis, which causes spontaneous abortions in pregnant cattle. Other efforts at spreading the genes of Yellowstone bison have focused on using animals descended from the parks herd that have been certified as disease-free. Transplanting embryos uses in vitro fertilization to get around the problem.

Colorado State University animal reproduction professor Jennifer Barfield and other researchers last month implanted embryos in four female bison at the Minnesota Zoo. Veterinarians will conduct ultrasound tests in the coming months to see if the animals became pregnant. If all goes well, theyll give birth to baby bison in the spring.

The four females are part of a larger conservation herd managed by the zoo and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which also includes bison at Minneopa State Park and Blue Mounds State Park that are largely free of cattle genes. The herd would benefit greatly from Yellowstone genetics, officials said, but securing a sexually mature Yellowstone bull to breed conventionally has been impossible because they cant be moved out of the park.

It will also demonstrate that we can use reproductive technologies to move the Yellowstone genetics outside of the park without the threat of spreading the disease brucellosis, which has implications for bison conservation on a broader scale, Barfield said.

Tens of millions of bison once roamed the Great Plains but were hunted to near extinction in the late 1800s. About 30,000 wild bison now roam the country. Yellowstone has the largest population, so its genetics are highly diverse. While commercial bison now number more than 300,000, many of those animals and other wild bison are bison-cattle hybrids to varying degrees. Government, tribal and zoo efforts seek to restore the animals original genetics.

This isnt the first time embryo transfers have been used to improve the genetics of bison herds. Barfield also led transplants that resulted in a calf with pure Yellowstone bloodlines at New Yorks Bronx Zoo in 2012. In both cases, she took eggs from female bison that had been culled from the Yellowstone herd and fertilized them with sperm from males in Colorado States herd. And she has produced several other calves at the university via embryo transfers and artificial insemination. Shes also waiting for ultrasound results to see if other recent transfers worked at Colorado State and the Bronx Zoo.

But the process is still an experimental procedure at best, cautioned Keith Aune, bison program director for the Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the Bronx Zoo. The technique produced only one calf in about 25 tries at the Bronx Zoo, he said, but the field of bison research is young and the approach may become more successful with more development.

Aune, who is not directly involved in the Minnesota project, said Barfields work fits well into the bigger picture of bison conservation. He said the Toronto Zoo is also experimenting with embryo transplants in a northern subspecies called the wood bison. He said the Bronx Zoo plans to import several bison with pure Yellowstone roots from a disease-free herd next month if it gets the necessary permits.
Thrill-seekers stand at the Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint in West Seattle as the remnants of Typhoon Songda hit western Washington on Saturday.

Thrill-seekers stand at the Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint in West Seattle as the remnants of Typhoon Songda hit western Washington on Saturday. Grant Hindsley/AP

Strong winds and heavy rain walloped the Northwest and spilled into parts of Northern California.

Strong winds and heavy rain walloped the Northwest and spilled into parts of Northern California.

Strong winds and heavy rain walloped the Northwest and spilled into parts of Northern California.

Thousands of residents in the Pacific Northwest remained without power Sunday as the remnants of what was billed as a potentially apocalyptic typhoon began to fizzle.

Emergency crews in Oregon and Washington state worked through the night to restore power lines and remove dozens of downed trees to clear roads that the storm had damaged over the past two days.

Meteorologists still expected rain and wind gusts as high as 30 mph throughout Sunday, but conditions were not expected to be as bad as predicted.

The storm was a remnant of Typhoon Songda, which had wreaked havoc in the western Pacific last week. Heavy rains and strong winds were expected when it hit land Saturday.

Officials estimated 80 mph wind gusts in some regions as the storm moved up the Oregon coast early Saturday and eventually into Washington later that day. Residents were warned to keep off the roads, while parks and zoos were closed to help keep people inside.

The 50 mph wind squalls were big enough to down power lines and toss tree branches onto streets and vehicles, particularly closer to the coast, where winds were the strongest.

At one point, tens of thousands of residents were left without electricity. A spokesman for the Portland Bureau of Transportation told the Oregonian/OregonLive that the agency received more than 200 calls Saturday about fallen trees, flooding and other issues.

No injuries have been immediately reported. A tornado brought on by a separate storm Friday hurt a 4-year-old boy and his father in Washington when it dropped a tree branch on them in Seattle.

The storm brought heavy rain and wind as far south as Northern California.

The National Weather Service attributed the weaker-than-predicted winds to the storm ending up with two pressure centers when it approached the Oregon coastline. Meteorologists thought it would only have one. This helped break up the intensity.

However, the subdued nature of the storm still has meteorologists puzzled. In a statement released late Saturday, the weather service said it would be studying the storm over the next few weeks to help better its forecast models.

[When] a forecast does not work out as expected, it is frustrating as a forecaster. Weather science and model forecasts are getting better every day, but this is just another reminder that Mother Nature will always keep a certain level of unpredictability, the weather agency wrote.

But the National Weather Service says that doesnt mean people should stop believing storm warnings.
KUWAIT

Parliament dissolution sets stage for early vote

Kuwaits ruler dissolved parliament by royal decree Sunday over unspecified security concerns as low oil prices squeeze government coffers, setting the stage for early elections.

Parliaments typically do not serve out their full terms in the stalwart U.S. ally, but lawmakers elected in Kuwaits last vote, in 2013, largely sided with the government as they served in the wake of Arab Spring protests.

But the rise of the Islamic State militant group and the drop in global oil prices have caused growing concerns in Kuwait, a key member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

In his decree, Kuwaits emir, Sheik Sabah Ahmed al-Sabah, said regional circumstances and security challenges required parliaments dissolution.

Kuwait has faced the threat of attacks since the rise of the Islamic State. An Islamic State bombing in 2015 targeting a Shiite mosque in Kuwait City killed 27 people. On Oct. 8, an Egyptian driving a truck loaded with explosives and Islamic State papers rammed into a truck carrying five U.S. soldiers in Kuwait, wounding only himself.

Kuwait also faces economic challenges. The price of oil has been halved from heights of over $100 a barrel in summer 2014. Kuwait, a country slightly smaller than New Jersey, has the worlds sixth-largest proven oil reserves.

 Associated Press

LIBYA

Clashes erupt in Tripoli between rival militias

Clashes have erupted in the Libyan capital between militias loyal to a government backed by the United Nations and those supporting a rival Islamist-oriented administration that had ruled Tripoli until March, security officials said Sunday.

The clashes, which began late Saturday and continued into Sunday, followed Friday nights takeover by militiamen loyal to the Islamist administration of the offices of the U.N.-backed unity government.

The U.N.-backed government said the takeover aimed to create parallel institutions.

The rival Islamist government has said it intends to seize all other state facilities in Tripoli, including the central bank and ministries. It also declared it is now the government in charge.

The takeover adds a new layer to the chaos in Libya since the 2011 ouster and death of dictator Moammar Gaddafi in an uprising.

Libya has had two parliaments and two rival governments, effectively dividing the country into eastern and western sections. The parliament and interim government in the east are refusing to endorse the U.N.-backed administration in Tripoli, in the west.

 Associated Press

YEMEN

2 Americans released by Houthis, Kerry says

U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry said Yemens Houthi rebels released two U.S. citizens this weekend, but he did not identify the Americans.

Kerry said they were freed as part of a diplomatic arrangement that included airlifts for Yemenis wounded by an airstrike last week by a Saudi-led coalition.

He said the United States has been working on such efforts for the past few days, alongside a push for a cease-fire that would allow Yemens internationally recognized government and Iran-backed Houthi rebels to return to negotiations.

Omans state-run news agency said two Americans held in Yemen were released and flown to the sultanate after negotiations between Omani officials and Yemeni authorities in the capital, Sanaa, which is controlled by the Houthis.

Yemens war pits the government against the Shiite Houthi rebels and allied army units. The Saudi-led coalition has been intervening on the side of the government since March 2015.

After peace talks broke down two months ago, the Saudi-led and U.S.-backed coalition stepped up airstrikes.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy on Sunday began investigating a possible overnight missile attack from Yemen on U.S. warships in the Red Sea.

The Red Sea and the nearby strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait have been the scene of what the United States describes as at least two missile attacks from rebel-held territory in Yemen.

 Associated Press

Congo delays vote to 2018: Congos ruling coalition and other smaller parties have agreed to delay next months presidential election to April 2018, a move likely to anger opposition groups, which have accused the president of trying to cling to power. The main opposition bloc has already called a general strike for Wednesday to press President Joseph Kabila to leave at the end of his mandate this year.

 From news services
BRITAIN

14 children arrive from Calais migrant camp

Fourteen children left a border refugee camp in northern France on Monday to be settled with relatives in Britain  the first of dozens of children from the Calais encampment expected to enter the country this week.

The youths, ages 14 to 17, were taken by government officials and charity workers to a Home Office immigration facility in London before being reunited with relatives.

Under pressure from charities, religious leaders and French authorities, Britain has agreed to accept scores of children from the slumlike camp in Calais who have relatives in the country, along with 3,000 other vulnerable migrant children.

Because it is an island, Britain has been largely untouched by the massive wave of migrants fleeing war and hardship in countries such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan who have made perilous journeys to Europe in the past couple of years.

But many migrants aspire to get to Britain, because of its English language and a perceived ease of finding work. Thousands have reached Calais in the hope of crossing the English Channel. Calais is right by the entrance to the undersea tunnel linking England and France.

France says it will close the Calais camp by the end of the year. That means 6,000 to 10,000 migrants will need to be relocated, including up to 1,300 minors, according to estimates.

 Associated Press

IRAN

Foreign bids sought for 50 oil, gas fields

Irans national oil company said Monday that it has offered 50 oil and gas fields to international bidders, the first time it has done so since last years landmark nuclear deal with world powers.

Also Monday, the countrys deputy oil minister welcomed a preliminary agreement by OPEC nations to limit output

to 32.5 million to 33 million barrels a day. The deal by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries was reached in late September, with the aim of reducing a global glut that has depressed oil prices.

Iran has been trying to restore its oil industry since emerging from international sanctions over its nuclear program this year.

Irans Oil Ministry announced Sunday that it will invite foreign companies to bid for oil and gas projects for the first time. On Monday, the ministry released details, saying this would include 29 oil fields and 21 gas fields.

Meanwhile, hard-liners in Irans security forces posted a video online showing an Iranian American businessman for the first time since his arrest in the country a year ago.

The minute-long video featuring Siamak Namazi comes as the hard-liners continue to target dual nationals and anyone with Western ties after the nuclear deal negotiated by the moderate administration of President Hassan Rouhani.

 Associated Press

AUSTRIA

House of Hitlers birth to be razed, replaced

The house where Adolf Hitler was born will be torn down and replaced with a building that has no association with the Nazi dictator, Austrias government announced Monday as it moved to eliminate the propertys pull as a neo-Nazi pilgrimage site.

The plan is yet to be formalized in legislation and voted on in parliament, but its passage is expected to be no more than a formality.

Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka said that a thorough architectural remodeling is necessary to permanently prevent the recognition and the symbolism of the building. A ministry spokesman said that except for its foundations, nothing will be left of the house in the western town of Braunau and that a new structure will be erected in its place.

The government this year launched formal legal steps to dispossess the homes owner after she repeatedly refused to sell the building or to allow renovations that would reduce its symbolism.

The Interior Ministry plans to finalize a draft law making the house state property before putting it to a vote in parliament by the end of the year.

 Associated Press

32 reported dead in ferry sinking in Burma: A ferry sank in a river in northwestern Burma, killing at least 32 people and leaving scores missing, a rescue official said. About 150 people were rescued from the Chindwin River in the Sagaing region after the ferry capsized, said Sa Willy Frank, the head of the regional relief department. Thirty-two bodies were recovered, leaving more than 60 people unaccounted for, he said.

 From news services
Iraqi policemen stand at attention with gas masks at the Qayyarah military base on Oct. 16 as they prepare for an offensive to retake Mosul, the last Islamic State-held city in the country. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)

The crucial phase in the war against the Islamic State is imminent; the battle to liberate the Iraqi city Mosul has begun. That has military planners speeding up preparations for the corresponding operation into Raqqa, the Syrian capital of the terror groups self-proclaimed caliphate. But in the rush to rob the Islamic State of territory, scant attention is being paid to what happens the day after the city falls.

Inside the Obama administration, there is concern in some quarters that the military planning for retaking Raqqa is outpacing the planning needed to make sure that the city does not descend into new chaos or follow-on conflict once liberated. Theres no agreed-upon governance plan, no comprehensive humanitarian response and no consensus on who will provide security for the area once the terrorists are ousted, administration officials told me.

No one thinks the mostly Kurdish force, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, preparing to move on Raqqa could occupy the Arab city peacefully. Sunni Arab rebel groups are already stretched thin throughout Syrias vast northeast. Turkish forces inside Syria complicate the picture even more. The battle itself promises to be long and bloody. Unlike in Iraq, theres no host government to cooperate with and the scarce U.S. special forces in Syria cant go near the actual fighting.

Nevertheless, many top officials believe that the need to begin the Raqqa operation outweighs the weaknesses in the plan and the risks inherent in not knowing what happens next. For one thing, some officials argue, the Islamic State may right now be preparing terrorist attacks against the West inside the city.

Theres an imperative to start moving on Raqqa, said one senior administration official, who requested anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. We need to get after these guys, because if we dont they are going to hit us and our partners in a fairly dramatic way.

The operation will be conducted in two parts: an isolation phase of an undetermined length followed by an attack phase. The operation is not imminent, officials said, but ideally it should follow the Mosul operation closely so terrorist leaders cant just escape from Iraq to Syria.

Preparations are already well underway. The U.S. military is arming and training SDF units and recruiting Arab rebels willing to participate. The administration is considering direct arming of the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) militia for the operation, over Turkeys objections. Officials know there are limits to what Kurdish troops should be allowed to do.

Were not going to have the YPG go in and hold Raqqa. We are actively recruiting an Arab force, and well have as many Arabs as possible, the senior administration official said. If you want to build another force to do it, Daesh will be in Raqqa another two years. Youve got to work with what youve got.

Not all administration officials agree that Raqqa should be liberated as soon as possible. Some advocate slowing the preparations and waiting for more pieces to fall into place. Recent victories over the Islamic State in the nearby Manbij pocket in Syria are still fresh and fragile. Tensions are high between the Turkish and Kurdish forces eyeing each other there. Arab rebel groups have inflicted heavy losses but also have taken them.

Inside the administration, there are those who would advocate taking their time, having a more competent stabilization force and developing a plan for the day after, said Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. He said rushing too fast into Raqqa is setting us up for a disaster.

There must be a clear understanding of how long SDF forces will stay inside Raqqa and who will displace them when they leave, he said. And all of the anti-Islamic State forces have to find a way to temporarily set their differences aside.

We need to hold back on Raqqa and make sure this whole Turkish-Kurdish-opposition-SDF conflict finds some kind of detente. More than a halt in fighting, there needs to be some sort of agreement here, said Lister. The implications of getting this wrong could be huge.

The intra-administration debate over the Raqqa operation is part and parcel of the overall split between those who want to prioritize the fight against the Islamic State above all else and those who believe the Islamic State can only be truly defeated as part of a holistic solution for Syria. If history is any guide, the counterterrorism-focused folks will win the day.

Winning the battles against the terrorists is the easy part. Stabilizing places like Raqqa is the real challenge. Sometimes that necessitates taking our time.

Read more from Josh Roginss archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
In the fall of 2004 Vladimir Putin suffered a blow he has never forgotten. The fraudulent election of a pro-Kremlin Ukrainian president, which Putin had directly and brazenly engineered, was overturned by a massive popular uprising. What came to be known as the Orange Revolution created a model for resistance to rigged elections in autocracies across Eurasia  in Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan and, in 2012, Russia itself.

Most of the rebellions didnt succeed. But Putin developed an obsession with color revolutions, which he is convinced are neither spontaneous nor locally organized, but orchestrated by the United States  and in the case of the Moscow protests four years ago, by Hillary Clinton herself.

Thats the context in which Russias intervention in the 2016 U.S. presidential election must be understood. Putin is trying to deliver to the American political elite what he believes is a dose of its own medicine. He is attempting to ignite  with the help, unwitting or otherwise, of Donald Trump  a U.S. color revolution.

Lets look at the way those revolts unfolded. In every case, they pitted an outsider political movement against an entrenched elite willing to employ fraud and force to remain in power. The outsiders mobilized their followers to collect evidence of rigging on election day and, when they could, conducted exit polls and quick counts to obtain vote totals they could contrast with official results. They disseminated their findings through satellite channels and other foreign media. When the inevitable victory of the ruling party was announced, they called their followers to the streets for mass protests they hoped would cause the regime to crumble  or at least discredit its phony election triumph.

Of course, Trumps populist campaign is no more comparable to the pro-democracy insurgencies in formerly Soviet lands such as Ukraine and Belarus than Clintons administration-in-waiting is to the Putin regime. But Putins audacious goal is to create the illusion that they are. Hes trying to establish that our system is just as bad, just as corrupt, as his, says Brian Whitmore, a senior editor of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

The first step of the campaign was to hack the computers of the Democratic National Committee and senior party figures and distribute  sometimes with alterations  material that was purported to show Clintons rigging of the system. The DNC was revealed, unsurprisingly, to lean against socialist-turned-Democrat Bernie Sanders; Clintons campaign team was shown to be making political calculations about her public statements. As if on cue, Trump and his surrogates responded with mock shock and charges of corruption.

Next came the suggestions that the balloting itself might be tampered with. Most likely, that was the point of the hacking probes into the voting systems of more than 20 states, including key battlegrounds such as Pennsylvania and Florida. A joint statement by the Department of Homeland Security and the office of the Director of National Intelligence said it was unlikely voting systems could be tampered with to alter actual ballot counts or election results. But the reports of cyber-intrusions are by themselves enough to damage public confidence  which may be the point.

Trump meanwhile plays his part; he could not be doing more to aid the Kremlins narrative if he were reading from a script. (Which in some cases, he literally is: See his citation last week of a Clinton-related email doctored by the Moscow-run Sputnik news service.) Repeatedly warning that the election may be rigged, Trump has been enlisting his supporters as observers to watch certain areas he is likely to lose, such as Philadelphia. His Stop the Steal movement is planning to conduct its own exit polls outside key precincts. Its inevitable reports of irregularities will provide the predicate for Trump to claim fraud.

That, in turn, will prompt reactions like that already heard from a Trump supporter at a Mike Pence rally last week. After raising the specter of rigging, she said: If Hillary Clinton gets in, I myself, Im ready for a revolution, because we cant have her in. After a thousand cable broadcasts of that moment, Putin surely was still smiling.

And the revolution? Putin understands that Washington is not Kiev; mobs are unlikely to mass in front of the White House or Congress. But rebellions can happen online: Imagine a blizzard of Internet posts, reinforced by the Kremlins paid trolls, its satellite television network and the Trumpian corners of Fox, alleging that what Trump calls the political establishment has stolen the election for Clinton.

That wouldnt stop Clinton from taking office  any more than the Bolotnaya Square protest in Moscow prevented Putins presidential inauguration in May 2012. But Clinton would start her term politically wounded, both domestically and abroad. Putin will have obtained payback. And Trump will have shown himself to be a most useful idiot.

Read more from Jackson Diehls archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Paul J. Wiedefeld, general manager of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, has a clear priority of track safety, but his focus on that, while necessary, is disrupting service and the system is therefore losing riders [SafeTrack wont bring riders back, officials say, Metro, Oct. 14]. Because of this and the lack of a dedicated revenue stream, the system expects a significant budget shortfall, which it might compensate for with fare increases and service cuts, which would likely lead to further reductions in ridership. Metros board needs to figure out how to keep the system solvent during the period of disrupted service produced by the safety improvements.

How about the District, Maryland, Virginia and the federal government find that dedicated funding source? What is it worth to keep Metro solvent and functioning while safety improvements are made, especially because the lack of a dedicated funding source is probably in large part responsible for the current situation? Or do we want to just scrap Metro, the second-busiest subway system in the country, and deal with the resulting traffic?

This really seems like a classic duh moment to me.

Laidler Campbell, Springfield
IT IS standard practice of police departments across the country to honor officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in doing their jobs. But a recent ceremony of the Los Angeles Police Department deserves special attention. For the first time, the department saluted officers who resolved dangerous situations without loss of life  even when their own lives were threatened and use of deadly force would have been justified. At a time of increasing emphasis on the need for successful de-escalation strategies and better training in policing, Los Angeles is right to expand the definition of heroism.

The department awarded its newly minted Preservation of Life medal to 25 officers. Among the recipients were two officers who encountered a man waving an assault rifle at street traffic and managed to get him to drop the gun  later found to be a fake  without firing a shot. Another officer awarded the medal, which is on par with the departments Medal of Valor, participated in an incident in which a man with a gun was subdued with use of a nonlethal bean-bag shotgun.

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck last year announced the creation of the award, saying he had been inspired by an incident in which officers successfully arrested a man wielding a sawed-off shotgun without shooting or killing him. The award engendered some controversy, with the police union calling it a terrible idea that placed a higher value on the lives of suspected criminals than police officers. That stance, the Los Angeles Times reported, seems to have softened with the recounting of these officers actions. Very, very heroic acts, said one union official.

A handful of other cities, including Philadelphia and Camden, have similar awards. They come at time when the shootings of unarmed black men by police have sparked a national conversation about race and policing and the need for reform in police practices and policies. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross explained to the Associated Press: An officer going home is of paramount importance to us, but everybody should have an opportunity to go home if that presents itself. This is an effort to slow down situations for the sake of everybody concerned.

To be sure, medals alone wont change police behavior or build public trust. But by celebrating situations in which life has been preserved, they send a powerful message. And thats a good start.
Maniki Cadet, 67, works in a field removing dead banana trees and shoring up the foundations of others, near Les Cayes, Haiti, after Hurricane Matthew on Oct. 12. (Rebecca Blackwell/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

JEREMIE. LES CAYES. PORT-SALUT. These Haitian towns, blasted and shattered by Hurricane Matthew, are unfamiliar to most Americans. Yet now that the storm has left them desperate for relief, it is to Americans they are turning for the most basic forms of lifesaving help: food, water, shelter, medical supplies.

Americans have stepped up generously in the past to help Haiti, the hemispheres poorest country, notably after a cataclysmic earthquake in 2010 left at least 100,000 dead and hundreds of thousands more without homes. Matthew, which may have killed well over 1,000 people, is the most crippling natural disaster sustained by Haiti, or any other place in the Western Hemisphere, since then.

It is hard to overstate the devastation wreaked by the hurricane, whose 145 mph winds tore across Haitis southwestern Tiburon peninsula. And its difficult to exaggerate the vulnerability of the affected area, a key agricultural region whose flimsy infrastructure  rickety bridges, villages accessible by a single narrow road, ramshackle homes  was ill-equipped to withstand a storm of Matthews might.

Towns, villages and hamlets are pulverized and mud-caked, with tens of thousands of people in need of shelter, their homes badly or irreparably damaged. Fixing a casualty count has been a macabre, drawn-out process as some victims, swallowed in the mud, are unearthed only slowly.

The hurricane left conditions ripe for a new spike in Haitis already deadly epidemic of cholera, which is spread by contaminated food and water. Flood waters washed through sewer systems and wells and sent ocean water surging ashore, leaving virtually no potable, readily available fresh water.

That has contributed to what aid workers and journalists visiting the area describe as a growing sense of desperation, and given rise to reports that looters have targeted international humanitarian stockpiles and built roadblocks in order to ransack aid convoys.

Hundreds of U.S. Marines and sailors are heading toward the affected region; they can help distribute water, food and essential relief equipment as well as help maintain order. Thats a critical function in a remote area where the Haitian government, never a model of efficiency, is barely visible.

Americans should demonstrate generosity to ease Haitis plight, as they did after the earthquake. In addition to the Red Cross, many aid organizations are gearing up: the Salvation Army, World Vision, UNICEF, Mercy Corps, CARE, Save the Children, Catholic Relief Services and others.

The scale of the project is vast. Some 1.4 million people, more than a tenth of Haitis population, need assistance. Cellphone towers are down and communications are a challenge. Farms producing coffee, beans, fruit and rice, among other staples, are badly damaged, raising the specter of food shortages. Roads, bridges, canals and water and sewer systems must be reconstructed quickly.

Not least, the hurricane forced a postponement of an already long-delayed presidential election, leaving the Herculean task of relief and rebuilding in the hands of a caretaker government. To regain its footing, Haiti will need help, and quickly.
I just finished watching Stranger Things, the Netflix series in which government scientists try to spy on Russians by sending a girl with telekinetic powers into a parallel universe.

The plan goes awry when the girl, by opening the gate between universes, allows a faceless, long-clawed monster to escape. The Demogorgon begins kidnapping and eating people in the real world, and the scientists, powerless to stop it, are themselves devoured.

Watching this flesh-eating monster consume the very people who made it possible naturally brought to mind Donald Trump.

Republican leaders tried to harness the power of parallel universes  the tea party, the birthers, the alt-right and others aggrieved by women, immigrants and racial and religious minorities  and their experimentation unleashed Demogorgon Trump, who is now eating defenseless party leaders alive.

Take House Speaker Paul Ryan, who didnt step up to oppose Trump a year ago when he and other leaders, acting in concert, probably could have rallied the GOP to reject Trump. Now Ryan is doing many of the right things  condemning Trumps videotaped remarks about women, announcing he wont defend or campaign with Trump and advising members to do whats best for you in your district regarding Trump. But the monster continues marauding.

[Trump spirals into ideological psychosis]

This weekend, Ryan took issue with Trumps talk about rigged elections and other remarks that could induce violence on and after Election Day. His office released a statement saying he is fully confident in election integrity. Trump swiped at Ryan in a series of tweets: Paul Ryan, always fighting the Republican nominee! . . . Paul Ryan, a man who doesnt know how to win (including failed run four years ago). . . . Paul Ryan does zilch!

And its not just Ryan who lost control. Newt Gingrich, a Trump defender, tried to argue Sunday on ABC that Trumps major complaint about the election being rigged is not at the poll level but with the media. But Trump issued a tweet saying the election is being rigged also at many polling places  SAD.

Even Mike Pence, Trumps running mate, cant bring the monster to heel. We will absolutely accept the results of the election, he said Sunday, only for Trump to tweet Monday that there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before Election Day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!

Between Saturday morning and Monday morning, the Trump monster fired off tweets and retweets with a combined 30 exclamation points: CORRUPTION CONFIRMED . . . voter fraud! . . . RIGGED! . . . another hoax . . . totally phoney (sic) stories . . . corrupt political machine pushing crooked Hillary Clinton . . . SO CORRUPT! . . . Media rigging election! . . . Media rigging election!

Trump in recent days has suggested Clinton is on drugs, talked of a stolen election and called Clinton the Devil. The Anti-Defamation League has protested Trumps use of anti-Semitic tropes when he talks of Clinton meeting in secret with international banks to plot the destruction of U.S. sovereignty and of media enablers controlling the nation through means that are very well known. Trump earlier called international-trade supporters bloodsuckers.

[Trump poses an unprecedented threat to the peaceful transition of power]

1 of 60 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  What Donald Trump is doing on the campaign trail View Photos The GOP presidential nominee is out on the trail ahead of the general election in November. Caption The GOP presidential nominee is pressing his case ahead of Election Day. Nov. 7, 2016 Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at SNHU Arena in Manchester, N.H. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

The prospect of Trump-induced violence on or after Election Day  he has directed his supporters to monitor polling places, a recipe for conflict  seems to be growing. After the Arizona Republic endorsed a Democrat for president for the first time in its 125-year history, the papers management received death threats. After Saturdays firebombing of a county GOP office in North Carolina (Clinton called it horrific and unacceptable and was grateful that everyone is safe), Trump inflamed tensions by saying, Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office.

Trumps depredations have left Ryan, the highest-ranking Republican in the land, in a no-win situation. He could revoke his Trump endorsement, but this would require resigning the speakership, because a majority of GOP caucus members are from heavily conservative districts where Trump is popular. They, like Trump and his legions, are already furious with Ryan, and his criticism of Trump only makes them angrier. Im told Ryan considered resigning, but this would accomplish little beyond generating more chaos in an already ungovernable GOP caucus.

Alternatively, Ryan could have been quiet about Trumps outrages as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has, or he could have become a Trump cheerleader the way Pence has. That might have better preserved Ryans standing with conservatives for a 2020 presidential run. But Pence and McConnell have sacrificed their moral standing. Liberals call Ryan cowardly because he wont formally un-endorse Trump, but he has left no doubt about his contempt for his partys nominee.

More than 15 months ago, I argued that Trump may be a monster, but hes the monster Republicans created. Ryan failed to act, and now its too late. GOP leaders long ago lost their leash on this monster.

Twitter: @Milbank

Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Hillsborough, N.C., police are investigating "arson and graffiti" that destroyed the local GOP headquarters in Orange County overnight on Saturday, Oct. 15. The local chairman streamed a video amid the damage on Oct. 16, which includes charred campaign signs, melted office supplies and graffiti calling them "Nazi Republicans." (Facebook/North Carolina GOP via Storyful)

Hillsborough, N.C., police are investigating "arson and graffiti" that destroyed the local GOP headquarters in Orange County overnight on Saturday, Oct. 15. The local chairman streamed a video amid the damage on Oct. 16, which includes charred campaign signs, melted office supplies and graffiti calling them "Nazi Republicans." (Facebook/North Carolina GOP via Storyful)

Steven Petrow writes the Civilities column for The Post and hosts of The Civilist podcast produced by PRI and WUNC. Reach him on Twitter: @stevenpetrow.

Like just about everyone in my home town, I was first shocked and then saddened to hear that the county GOP headquarters was firebombed Saturday night, with a swastika and the words Nazi Republicans leave town or else spray-painted on a nearby building. Walking through the rubble of the smoked-out office Monday morning, one campaign worker told me: Although Im not glad it happened here, at least it shows everybody how dangerous this campaign has become.

As if we needed more evidence of that. But what interested me more was the reaction of the friends and neighbors who posted over and over on Mayor Tom Stevenss Facebook page: We are not this. And: This is NOT representative of our community. No, this act is not representative of the 6,000 souls who live here, but it is yet another example of the hate and violence that can explode just about anywhere. My home town. Your home town.

Thank God no one was hurt. But make no mistake, the impact of the firebombing is frightening in a completely different way. As Stevens, a registered Democrat who, like everyone who runs in our towns nonpartisan elections, serves without a party affiliation, said: Its hateful message undermines decency, respect and integrity in civic participation. Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of the state GOP, called it an act of political terrorism.

No suspects have been identified by either the town police or the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. But that didnt stop GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump from rushing to judgment Sunday, tweeting without evidence:

Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning.

As it turns out, such animals raised more than $13,000 in a GoFundMe campaign to help reopen the GOP headquarters as soon as possible. The creator of the fund, David Weinberger, a Democrat from Brookline, Mass., posted:

Until an investigation is undertaken, we cannot know who did this or why. No matter the result, this is not how Americans resolve their differences. We talk, we argue, sometimes we march, and most of all we vote. We do not resort to violence by individuals or by mobs. So, lets all pitch in, no matter what your party affiliation, and get that office open again quickly.

The campaign exceeded its $10,000 goal.

As I left the charred offices Monday morning, Republican campaign workers were busy: New phones lines were about to be installed. Glass was set to be replaced. Campaign literature for state GOP candidates was being handed out to passersby. All as it should be three weeks before Election Day. As Stevens told me: If anything, all these efforts reflect who we are in this community. We can and do have differences, but we believe in civil discourse and have faith in our civic processes.

And this, I believe, is how Hillsborough is representative of the best in America.
Hillary Clintons campaign chairman John Podesta speaks to members of the media outside Clinton's home in Washington on Oct. 5. (Andrew Harnik/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

To hear the many howls of protest from conservatives, youd think that a handful of emails released by WikiLeaks demonstrates that Hillary Clintons campaign is a nest of anti-Catholics. Fortunately for her, the emails, which are four to five years old, tell a far more interesting tale about the struggles inside the Catholic Church in the period before the ascendancy of Pope Francis.

All journalism relying on WikiLeaks should note our government has accused Russia of trying to influence the American election (and that the Clinton campaign has not authenticated the emails). Voters need to be wary of Vladimir Putins apparent preference for Donald Trump.

But given the storm the Catholic emails have provoked, readers might want to make up their own minds by consulting the full texts.

In one 2012 exchange between John Podesta, the founding president of the Center for American Progress and now Clintons campaign chairman, and Sandy Newman, president of a group called Voices for Progress, Newman expressed the anger of many liberals at the time that conservative Catholic bishops were making the Affordable Care Acts contraception mandate central to a critique of President Obama.

Among other things, Newman (who is not part of the Clinton campaign) called for a Catholic Spring, in which Catholics themselves demand the end of a middle ages dictatorship and the beginning of a little democracy and respect for gender equality in the Catholic Church.

Of course many Catholics took offense, especially at that middle ages dictatorship line. Podesta didnt comment on it. He referred instead to progressive Catholic organizations formed after the 2004 election, when conservative bishops seemed to side with George W. Bush.

We created Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good to organize for a moment like this, Podesta said, referring to himself and his progressive Catholic allies. But I think it lacks the leadership to do so now. Likewise Catholics United. Like most Spring movements, I think this one will have to be bottom up.

Ironically, a Spring movement did arise in the church  but from the top, with Pope Franciss election in 2013. Also ironically: Many of the conservative Catholics inclined to denounce the Clinton camp have been critical of Francis  it gives new meaning to the term more Catholic than the pope  while more liberal Catholics like Podesta have championed him.

I should say Ive known Podesta for many years and often heard him speak with affection for the church. In response to this controversy, he told me in an email that as a lifelong practicing Catholic, I take very seriously the social and moral teachings of the church. Turning to Trumps assertion that His Holiness, Pope Francis, was disgraceful for standing up for immigrants, he said that Trump may want to apologize for his attacks on Pope Francis before he levels attacks against us.

The other exchange, between John Halpin and Jennifer Palmieri  both were at CAP then, both are Catholic and Palmieri is now Clintons communications director  was spurred by a report that Rupert Murdoch and a top Wall Street Journal editor had decided to raise their young children as Catholics.

Noting how many leading conservatives are Catholic, Halpin wrote: Its an amazing bastardization of the faith. They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy.

Palmieri replied: I imagine they think it is the most socially acceptable politically conservative religion. Their rich friends wouldnt understand if they became evangelicals. Podesta was copied on the exchange, but didnt respond.

This doesnt sound anti-Catholic, unless you see calling the church conservative as a slur. Its a commentary on how wealthy people view evangelicals. For his part, Halpin wrote Thursday that my intention in this private note was not to insult Catholics or people of faith. He added: Im a progressive Catholic who was reacting in a private email to the arguments of leading conservatives who often misuse Catholicism to defend their agenda. Liberals can be just as guilty of this as conservatives. Thats what makes Catholic social teaching powerful.

The factual bottom line is that in private correspondence, two Clinton campaign officials said nothing anti-Catholic, although they did not reproach the critical comments of their friends.

As a progressive Catholic myself, here are the lessons I draw.

Liberals are free to criticize religion in general or particular religions, but they should resist casual put-downs of Catholics and Christians that theyd condemn if they were directed at other faiths.

Conservatives in the Catholic hierarchy need to pay attention to Pope Francis and ponder the high costs of tying a church with a rich tradition of social teaching to the right end of politics.

Finally, this episode is part of an ongoing argument among more liberal and more conservative religious people, and it will long outlast this election.

Read more from E.J. Dionnes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
As we prepare for the final presidential debate of 2016, with its inevitable clashes over Donald Trumps alleged groping of women and the latest WikiLeaks revelations involving Hillary Clinton, lets pretend for a moment that we are in an alternate universe where the American people are choosing a commander in chief who may have to lead our nation through an unprecedented  and unanticipated  national-security crisis.

It has happened before. In 1988, no one asked either Michael Dukakis or George H.W. Bush about Iraq during the presidential debates  yet soon the United States was called on to repel Iraqs invasion of Kuwait in the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Similarly, in 2000 no one asked George W. Bush or Al Gore about the threat from al-Qaeda during the presidential debates  yet less than a year later, al-Qaeda had attacked the U.S. homeland and the war on terrorism dominated Bushs presidency.

Knowing this history, I asked a number of leading national-security experts what question they would ask the candidates  a question that no one is asking today but that could come to dominate the next presidents term in office. Their answers are fascinating  and terrifying.

Several pointed to Pakistan as the epicenter of the next major international crisis. Pakistan is making nuclear weapons faster than any other country on earth as its society becomes more violent, more radicalized, and more anti-American, said former CIA and National Security Agency director Michael Hayden, adding what happens if Pakistan fractures? Former undersecretary of defense for policy Eric Edelman points out that Pakistan has adopted a nuclear doctrine that, like Russias, foresees the battlefield use of low-yield, short range nuclear weapons and that a nuclear confrontation or nuclear war between India and Pakistan . . . would be the most likely route to terrorists getting hold of a functioning nuclear weapon. What would either major-party candidate do to prevent this?

Others point to the vulnerability of our critical infrastructure. Retired Gen. David Petraeus, former CIA director, points out that a sustained cyber-attack on our physical and/or virtual infrastructure . . . could prove especially challenging because of the extensive damage it would do, because there is no agreed concept for Americas response, and because it would likely be difficult to achieve unity in determining the appropriate international response. How would the candidates handle such an attack? My American Enterprise Institute colleague Mackenzie Eaglen suggests an infrastructure attack could come not from cyberspace, but outer space. China, Russia, and others . . . are developing and testing missiles and spacecraft to destroy or manipulate our satellite constellations, which allow for financial markets to trade in milliseconds, enable our cars and phones to help us get from point A to point B, and undergird the entirety of the US military, she said. How will each of you deter or fight back against a Russian or Chinese day-one space salvo?

Others suggest that the next crisis could involve East Asia. How would you respond if there were a collision between Japanese and Chinese military forces in the East China Sea  a disputed area that the two countries patrol in close proximity? asked former CIA deputy director and acting director John McLaughlin. If some sort of military action ensued, Japan, as a U.S. treaty ally, could call on the U.S. for help in combating China. What would you do? And how about this for a terrifying question: What if a North Korean ballistic missile test goes wrong, and a missile lands in Seoul or Tokyo? asks Michael Auslin, AEIs director of Japan studies. Wow.

With missiles having being fired at a U.S. warship off the coast of Yemen, reportedly from territory controlled by Iran-backed rebels, several experts raised frightening scenarios involving Tehran. Former CIA chief legal officer John Rizzo asked what the candidates would do if the Iranian government decides to immediately test the new president and the resolve of Washington in its commitment to the nuclear deal by taking a provocative, high-profile act against the US government in the region, such as the kidnapping of diplomats or American servicemen. Former House Intelligence Committee chairman Peter Hoekstra pointed out that with the infusion of massive new funds from the Obama administrations nuclear deal, Iran will have the means to establish forward operating bases for its intelligence and terror front groups in countries in the United States southern backyard. What, he asks, will the candidates will do to address the very real potential for subversive infiltration by Iranian-linked nefarious operators?

Then there is Russia. McLaughlin asked, What would you do if Vladimir Putin used a version of his Crimea or Ukraine tactics in a NATO country that has a large Russian-speaking population, such as Estonia or Latvia? Imagine that he stops short of moving in Russian forces but manages to foment unrest among that population by covert tactics, creating a measure of protest and instability. And imagine that this leads the affected country to invoke Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, which calls on other NATO countries to come to the defense of the member under threat. How would you handle this?

The questions  and potential crises  are endless. What if Saudi Arabia collapses, plunging the Persian Gulf region into chaos? Thanks to President Obamas defense cuts, the U.S. military now has the resources to handle just one major contingency at a time, so what if we face two? The Islamic State recently attacked a U.S. base in northern Iraq with a chemical agent what if the terrorist group carried out a chemical or biological attack in Europe or the United States?

There is no evidence that either presidential candidate has answers to these questions. Trump is an isolationist who wants to withdraw from the world to focus on building bridges and roads. And Clinton is a corrupt politician whose main achievement as secretary of state was blowing the Russian reset and paving the way for the disastrous Iran deal while possibly selling special State Department access to Clinton Foundation donors.

With three weeks to go before voters choose the next commander in chief, weve yet to have a serious foreign-policy debate. We now return you to the reality show that has become our presidential election.

At an event held by Retired American Warriors PAC Oct. 3, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump offered his plans for protecting the United States against cyber attacks and slammed rival Hillary Clinton for her handling of her emails as secretary of state. (The Washington Post)

Read more from Marc Thiessens archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
The first oral argument of the Supreme Courts new term this month delivered something so rare as to be practically nonexistent: g ender equality.

Debating an obscure question about the constitutional principle of double jeopardy were five men, all justices of the Supreme Court, and five women: the three female justices and the two female lawyers who took turns at the lectern for their respective clients.

[Supreme Court begins term shorthanded and with balance on the line]

If that seems unremarkable, spend some time at the Marble Palace. It is well known, of course, that only four women have ever served on the nations highest court, and that it wasnt until Elena Kagan became the 112th justice in 2010 that the court had three women serving at the same time.

But the percentage of female advocates with resume-making appearances before the justices is surprisingly low, as well. According to SCOTUSblog, less than 20 percent of the lawyers who have appeared before the court in recent years have been women.

That is what made the double-jeopardy case, Bravo-Fernandez v. United States, in which veteran Supreme Court practitioner Lisa S. Blatt squared off against Assistant Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar, so unusual.

[Supreme Court opens with complicated case of double jeopardy]

Gender parity is a possibility because  with Senate Republicans refusing to move on President Obamas nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to fill the seat of the late justice Antonin Scalia  the court has its lowest number of male justices in modern times.

But Adam Feldman, a scholar of the court who created the blog Empirical SCOTUS, can find only one other instance when the presence of two female advocates created the same dynamic, even when one of the male justices recused himself.

This terms opening round of arguments made headlines because so many female lawyers made appearances. In the eight cases the court considered, 11 men and eight women were at the lectern.

Its incredible, isnt it? Its so great, said Blatt, who added in a deadpan joke: I think its an aberration.

It is no surprise to find Blatt among the group. She has made more appearances at the Supreme Court  34  than any other woman. Now a partner at the law firm Arnold & Porter, she formerly worked in the Office of the Solicitor General, the federal governments chief appellate lawyer. Blatt and almost every repeat Supreme Court advocate have argued most of their cases before the justices as government lawyers.

[Lisa Blatt: Meet the Redskins new lawyer]

Blatt noted that only three of the women who argued this month worked for corporate law firms.

One of them was Kathleen M. Sullivan, who represented Samsung in a patent case worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the company. Sullivan is a constitutional expert and a former dean of Stanford Law School, who also holds another surprising distinction.

When her firm in 2010 added Sullivan to rechristen itself Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, she became, as the firms website puts it, the only woman whose name is on the door at one of the 200 largest U.S. law firms.

[Justices lean toward Samsung in battle with Apple]

Sullivan is a familiar player at the Supreme Court, but one of the female lawyers making her first argument at the court this month was Christina A. Swarns, director of litigation at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF). Her organization did some research and believes she is the first African American woman to make an appearance at the court in three years.

Swarns was representing a Texas death-row inmate who says his sentencing was unconstitutionally marred by the racially discriminatory testimony of a psychologist whom his own attorney called to the stand.

Swarns said she had four months to prepare for the argument, had extraordinary and enthusiastic support and was following a tradition: The LDFs former counsel, Constance Baker Motley, argued 10 Supreme Court cases in the 1960s.

Still, I was acutely aware of the fact that I was one of a very small number of women of color who have been standing there, she said in an interview after the argument.

It has been well documented that an elite group of Supreme Court specialists, many of whom have clerked at the court, has emerged to account for a growing number of the arguments made there. In the last terms arguments, for instance, the advocates included 11 former Scalia clerks.

In addition, the court takes fewer cases than in the past, reducing the number of opportunities.

Blatt and Prelogar, adversaries in the Bravo-Fernandez case, are in a way representative. Blatt clerked for Ruth Bader Ginsburg when Ginsburg was on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Prelogar clerked for her at the Supreme Court and then stayed an additional year to work in Kagans chambers in her first year on the bench.

The justices to a person say oral arguments are overrated when it comes to determining the outcome of a case; the briefs filed beforehand are far more influential.

Still, there is something important and symbolic in standing before the justices. I do think women sell themselves too short, Blatt said.

Litigation in general and oral arguments specifically are combative and competitive environments that fewer women than men crave, she said.

Blatt wrote about the Supreme Courts gender gap in a piece for the Green Bag Review in 2010.

Male lawyers generally are more fearless in this type of verbal battle, even though from my experience many of those men are obviously clueless that they have no talent, she wrote.

She added: That anecdotal evidence is consistent with my experience from kindergarten through twelfth grade where, with one exception, I saw only boys getting into fist fights.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Green Bay, Wis. Monday. There, supporters weighed in on recent accusations of voter fraud hampering Election Day results. (Zoeann Murphy/The Washington Post)

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Green Bay, Wis. Monday. There, supporters weighed in on recent accusations of voter fraud hampering Election Day results. (Zoeann Murphy/The Washington Post)

Donald Trumps escalating effort to undermine the presidential election as rigged has alarmed government officials administering the vote as well as Democratic and Republican leaders, who are anxiously preparing for the possibility of unrest or even violence on Election Day and for an extended battle over the integrity of the outcome.

Hillary Clintons advisers are privately worried that Trumps calls for his supporters to stand watch at polling places in cities such as Philadelphia for any hint of fraud will result in intimidation tactics that might threaten her supporters and suppress the votes of African Americans and other minorities.

The Democratic nominees campaign is recruiting and training hundreds of lawyers to fan out across the country, protecting peoples right to vote and documenting any signs of foul play, according to several people with knowledge of the plans.

Im very concerned about this rhetoric, said former Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter (D), a Clinton supporter. All Donald Trump is doing with these outrageous, false scare tactics is to try to diminish voter interest and suppress voter turnout.

Inside Donald Trumps echo chamber of conspiracies, grievances and vitriol

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump says the election is "rigged" against him, but most of his arguments don't hold up to scrutiny. The Fix's Chris Cillizza explains why. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

Election officials, including Republican secretaries of state, were also rushing to repudiate Trumps unsubstantiated claim Monday that fraudulent activity is already underway.

Any time that your comments draw into question the legitimacy of the elections process, they have crossed the line, said Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, a Republican who supports Trump. Particularly if you cant back it up with evidence.

Trumps extraordinary attempt to challenge the integrity of the well-regarded U.S. election system comes amid his steep drop in the polls as allegations that he made unwanted sexual advances against multiple women have piled up. Trump denies the allegations and has cast them as part of a far-reaching global conspiracy by Clinton and the media working in concert to defeat him.

While documented cases of voter fraud are extremely rare, the Republican nominee redoubled his effort to raise doubts about the election Monday, challenging his own party to open its eyes to what he says is going on in plain sight.

Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive! Trump wrote on Twitter.

Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook responded Monday that Trumps campaign is spiraling and that Trump is warning of a rigged or stolen election as a means to distract attention from his problems.

Rigged election talk didnt start with Trump

He knows hes losing and trying to blame that on the system, Mook told reporters. This is what losers do. And were not even going to give it any credit by amplifying it. Its not true. The system is not rigged. This is probably going to be the easiest, most accessible election in our history.

Mook predicted a record turnout because the campaigns analysis of early-voting data shows that voting behavior is exceeding trends from four years ago.

As in every election since 2000, the Clinton campaign and its Democratic allies are organizing a network of volunteer, trained lawyers at key precincts in battleground states. These lawyers can call for immediate help if needed, report intimidation or delays, and move to seek immediate court action or police protection if necessary.

Clinton campaign officials declined to detail their voter protection program. One Democratic lawyer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, explained the reason: If you wind up spending a lot of time talking about election fraud and law enforcement, youre generating a message that can have a very discouraging effect on the electorate. You can wind up lending aid and comfort to the vote-suppression program.

But people familiar with the plans said there would be a larger-than-normal presence of trained lawyers volunteering at polling places in the battleground states.

The Clinton campaign released a video Monday starring actor Josh Charles, who played lawyer Will Gardner on The Good Wife, encouraging lawyers and law students to join the Hillary for America Victory Council, which will staff voter-protection hotlines and send observers to key precincts.

At the White House, press secretary Josh Earnest was asked whether he was concerned about voter fraud and told reporters: Not at all. Neither is Mike Pence, who is the second-highest-ranking person in the Trump campaign. Neither is Paul Ryan. Earnest was referring to recent comments from Trumps running mate and the House speakers spokeswoman that played down worries of voter fraud.

[Donald Trumps voter fraud claims are ridiculous]

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), a former Oklahoma secretary of state, said he is worried about the alarm bells that Trump is ringing.

I just dont believe there is any risk of massive voter fraud in the elections, Cole said. . . . It does concern me, because youve got a national platform running for president, and you delegitimize the process by which presidents are chosen when you raise doubts.

GOP leaders, who are fighting to preserve a fragile Senate majority and hold their wider advantage in the House, worry that Trumps attacks could cast doubt on wins by other Republicans.

Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner, a Republican, declined through a spokeswoman to be interviewed. In a statement, his office said, Security during elections and encouraging 100% voter participation in Florida are Detzners top priorities.

The Department of State takes the issue of elections fraud very seriously and diligently works with independent Supervisors of Elections to protect the rights of voters and ensure voter rolls are accurate, said the statement. We have many safeguards in place and voters should feel confident that their votes will be counted.

For months, the Trump campaign has been collecting contact information from supporters who are interested in being election observers.

Help Me Stop Crooked Hillary From Rigging This Election! reads the website where people can sign up.

[No candidate in recorded history has overcome Trumps poll deficit this late]

At an August campaign event in Altoona, Pa., Trump urged his crowd not just to vote, but also to go to the polls and look out for signs of illegal activity. The comments alarmed Democrats who worried he was nudging his supporters to go further than the law allows.

Were going to watch Pennsylvania. Go down to certain areas and watch and study to make sure other people dont come in and vote five times, said Trump. Many interpreted his certain areas remark to be a reference to Philadelphia, where there are many African Americans who vote heavily Democratic.

At the same event, Trump said: We have to call up law enforcement. And we have to have the sheriffs and the police chiefs and everybody watching.

Roger Stone, a longtime Trump associate, is involved with a group called Stop the Steal, which says it is raising money to recruit poll watchers, conduct exit polling in targeted locations and enlist experts on machine fraud.

Stone wrote an op-ed in the Hill a few days after the Altoona rally spelling out specific concerns: The issue here is both voter fraud, which is limited but does happen, and election theft through the manipulation of the computerized voting machines.

Lawrence M. Noble, general counsel of the Campaign Legal Center, said of Trumps provocations: When he talks about watching the inner cities, hes obviously talking about African American voters. When he talks about stopping people from voting five times, what is he asking his people to do? To physically stop people? Even having his people standing around a voting place threatening people is intimidating.

Benjamin L. Ginsberg, a Republican elections lawyer, said that in most states and jurisdictions, poll watchers need to be credentialed in advance and follow rules, such as remaining a certain distance from polling places.

Vigilantes cant go waltzing into polling places and challenging voters, Ginsberg said. Every state has provisions that allow both parties to go into the polling place to be sure the vote is fair and accurate. I think its important for candidates always to avail themselves of that, both sides. That should certainly be done.

For many, Trumps latest rhetoric is a sign that he is coming to terms with the reality of a contest in which he is falling further and further behind Clinton, with time running out to make up ground.

He wasnt complaining about all of this during the Republican primaries, when he was winning, said Nutter, the former Philadelphia mayor. He thought the system worked perfectly.

Jenna Johnson, Tom Hamburger and Greg Jaffe contributed to this report.
Tucker McClendon, a junior at the University of Chattanooga, distributes ballots to vote for officers for the campus College Republican club. (Robert Samuels/The Washington Post)

Behind the closed door of a private study room in their campus library, three members of the College Republicans broached a subject that had become taboo among many of their friends: whether their club should publicly support Donald Trump.

This could be our last chance if we dont vote for him, said Derek Kukura, 24, a junior at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga who heads the club, arguing that for all of Trumps flaws, the real estate tycoon and GOP presidential nominee would be better than letting another liberal politician cement big-government policies. Maybe we should tell people.

Not me, said Tucker McClendon, 21, shaking his head so furiously that his bowl cut flopped. I dont want to be associated with it.

Nicholas Chapin, 18, said he planned to cast his first presidential vote for Trump  but he was in no hurry for the group to advertise it. Maybe we should wait for another election, he said.

The age of Trump has complicated a rite of passage for many young conservatives. Instead of getting their first taste of canvassing, working phone banks or rallying for a cause, they are grappling with the baggage of a nominee whose words and record are fueling emotional debates about racism, misogyny and sexual assault. The campaign has split college Republican clubs nationwide and turned those willing to stand up for Trump into targets for criticism and ridicule.

GOP clubs at Harvard and Princeton made headlines over the summer when they declined to endorse Trump, citing his proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States and his comments about Mexican immigrants. The head of the National College Republican Party followed suit. And last week, following a Washington Post report about a 2005 video in which Trump bragged about sexually assaulting women, a student group at the overwhelmingly conservative Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., derided him as a man who constantly and proudly speaks evil.

Here at UT-Chattanooga, a picturesque campus in the shadow of the Appalachians of eastern Tennessee just north of the Georgia state line, conservatives have felt unsettled ever since controversy erupted over a public display of support for Trump in April, a political lifetime ago.

A small group of students wrote Trump 2016 on the sidewalk of a busy thoroughfare, part of a national chalking movement designed to show solidarity among young people with the campaign. The pro-Trump chalkers scrawled the campaign slogan Make America Great Again and drew an illustration of the U.S.-Mexico border wall that Trump promised he would build.

A freshman named Hailey Puckett posted a picture of the image online.

Super proud of our art work, but I have a feeling half of UTCs campus is gonna hate it, she tweeted.

Within 26 minutes, Puckett recalled, her Twitter feed was filled with people asking her how she could do such a thing. Some called for her to step down from her position in student government.

Some students interpreted the message as a symbol of segregation between races on campus and in the country. Students were running to the site of the chalk with buckets in hopes of washing it away.

Journalist Richard Morgan traveled to Altoona, PA with a simple goal, get a sense of what drives a Trump supporter firsthand. This is who he met. (Adriana Usero/The Washington Post)

Some conservatives, taken aback by the response, worried that the campus was no longer a safe space for their beliefs.

Trump backers on campus looked to Kukura, who had recently revived the campus chapter of the College Republicans, to take a stand. He declined.

We were a new club and we didnt want to take sides, he said.

Months later, the idea of standing up publicly for Trump has only become more toxic. Kukura said he has stopped checking his Facebook feed as often because he has grown tired of the vitriolic back-and-forth.

This was not how Kukura had originally envisioned his view of the 2016 campaign. He had grown up in a small Minnesota town and was enrolled in a local community college, but was eager to follow his parents when they retired outside Chattanooga. From blue state to red state, he thought, moving to Tennessee would be a fitting start to a budding political career  and heading the College Republicans chapter would be an ideal first step.

Kukura, who describes himself as more of a Jeb Bush Republican, was unsure about Trump until he spent three weeks during the summer in Italy, learning about Machiavelli. In the sandwich shops and on the streets, he said, strangers told him that Trump might be good for the United States, but bad for the world.

They had a perspective that we might not be able to see because were so close to it, Kukura said. Trumps focus on putting America first appealed to him, he said, because he thought politicians werent doing enough to tackle the drug epidemic or to reduce the national debt. The threat of terrorism seemed palpable to him  after all, four Marines were killed in a terrorist attack at a military recruitment center in 2015, a few miles away.

But, Trump was not an easy sell for college students. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton had taken up the call by her former rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.), for tuition-free public college, and surveys have shown Clinton making up ground among the young voters she had been struggling with.

Kukura and his friends didnt like the sound of free college, mostly because they rejected the stereotype that their generation felt too entitled. Nonetheless, it bothered them that they never heard Trump utter a word about how to make college more affordable.

Chapin, one of Kukuras fellow College Republicans, thought about the folks in the state whom Trump had captivated and declared him the candidate for the angry white man. He sighed: Instead of feeling like its my generations first election, it feels like my parents last.

McClendon, who said he plans to vote for independent candidate Evan McMullin, has argued that as young white men in the South, he and his friends have a duty to reject the sort of hateful rhetoric that characterized many of their forebears.

The man is a racist and a bigot, McClendon said of Trump.

Across campus, Trumps candidacy has prompted a larger discussion about whether this generation should even care about electoral politics.

Its kind of become like a big joke, said Fallyn Iles, 20, a nursing major. Earlier that day, she said, her friends were sharing a cartoon on social media of Trump electrocuting Clinton.

It shouldnt be funny, but it kind of is.

Her friend Brittany Lockwood, 20, a political science major from Memphis, chimed in. I did not think, until this past year, I would have ever considered voting Democratic. Now I am.

Lockwood said she wondered why others around her were so easy to dismiss Trumps comments about women and minorities.

This is the South, so there are a lot of times people kind of use other reasons to discriminate against minorities and people of color, Lockwood said. Its one thing to support Trump, but when I find out about a friend supporting him, it raises a lot of questions and concerns with me that they are looking for an excuse to be racist.

Michelle Deardorff, a political science professor, said she understands why tensions amplified so quickly after the April chalking incident. She said the students had not grown up with the idea of friendly political discussions, but were accustomed to mirroring fiery disagreements that devolved in name-calling. She found herself quoting John Stuart Mills On Liberty to students, preaching about the importance of differing views in a democracy.

This is a campus that is not used to talking about race, and this election has provoked the conversation, Deardorff said.

After the chalking, administrators asked Deardorff to convene a town-hall meeting to address students feelings. Puckett, 19, a nursing major, sat in the last row. At the events conclusion, she said she had no idea that the wall would be interpreted as racist. She said she simply believed in tougher immigration laws. The event turned out to be a cleansing moment for Puckett and others at the school.

I listened to many people after the experience telling me why they felt uncomfortable with what I said, but mostly how I said it, she said. I learned more in that one week than I have in my entire life.

Among her lessons: Politics can become too touchy of a subject.

It honestly has changed my willingness to talk about politics in front of certain people, but I do not like that, she said.

At least the College Republicans had one another.

One recent evening, Kukura placed a sign in the student center that read, College Republicans: The Best Party on Campus. Half a dozen students attended their first meeting of the year, amid empty chairs and empty tables.

So, Im just curious, Kukura said to the group. What do you guys think of Trump?

I abstain, McClendon said.

Im not absolute on all his policies, but Im voting for him, one said. She lies too much.

I feel good if hell take advice from Mike Pence, said another.

Even though hes crude, hes a kick-ass, take-names guy, and thats what our country needs.

The Supreme Court is the most important thing, said Brittany Self, 21, a communications major who was wearing a Marco Rubio T-shirt. It just cant be her.

But when Kukura mentioned that the group could make some phone bank calls before the election, Self sounded less eager.

She was happy to work the phones, she said, but only for local candidates  not for Trump.
A Malaysian Health Ministry worker sprays mosquito insecticide fog in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, on Sept. 14, a day after two new cases of Zika virus infection were detected in the country. (Joshua Paul/AP)

Disease experts trying to measure the risk of a mass Zika outbreak in Southeast Asia agree on one thing: Its next to impossible to predict with any accuracy.

Last month, health ministries across the region wrestled with that uncertainty during a teleconference on ways to deal with the threat, a devastating reality in many Latin American countries.

On the face of it, Southeast Asia is vulnerable to Zika, which is spread by a type of mosquito common in the region. Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia have collectively confirmed hundreds of cases, including the births in Thailand of two babies with abnormally small heads  the regions first experience of the Zika-linked microcephaly that has reached crisis proportions in Brazil. Late last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised pregnant women not to travel to Southeast Asian countries affected by the virus.

[CDC issues Zika travel notice for 11 Southeast Asian countries]

At the same time, though, experts have found grounds for hope in the relatively small scale of the regional outbreaks, which suggests that local communities might be resistant to the virus in a way that Latin Americans are not.

A city worker fumigates around a temple in Bangkok last month in a bid to control the spread of mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus. Thailand has moved decisively to curtail the disease. (Chaiwat Subprasom/Reuters)

One of the general pieces of wisdom is there is enough widespread immunity to Zika in Southeast Asia [that] the possibility of rapid spread, as in Brazil, seems much less likely, said Julie Fischer, co-director of the Center for Global Health Science and Security at Georgetown University.

Unlike in Latin America, Zika has been present in parts of Southeast Asia for several decades, although that strain has not been previously associated with brain defects, said Marcia Castro, an associate professor of demography at Harvard Universitys School of Public Health. Academic studies show, for example, that the virus has been causing fevers on the Indonesian island of Java since at least the 1980s, raising the possibility that some of the islands 145 million people might have developed immunity to it.

[For Zika-infected pregnancies, microcephaly risk may be as high as 13 percent]

But little is known about how prevalent Zika is in Indonesia today, which strain is circulating and the degree of immunity the population enjoys, making it hard to gauge the likelihood of a widespread outbreak. Indonesia is home to about 40 percent of Southeast Asias total population but lacks the financial and medical resources of wealthier neighbors such as Singapore and Thailand, which have moved decisively to contain the spread of the virus.

In a bid to learn more about Zikas prevalence in the country, Indonesias National Institute of Health Research is collecting mosquito samples from every region to test for the presence of the virus and whether the strain found here is the same as Brazils. So far, the effort has not netted a single mosquito that carries Zika, said Siswanto, the institutes director general, who uses one name. But he was cautious about interpreting what that meant.

Im not saying theres no problem with Zika, said Siswanto, who took part in last months teleconference. Im saying we havent discovered a problem yet.

One difficulty is that Indonesia has only two centers where patients can be tested for the virus, and at $150 a test, most Indonesians  even those who live near a center  cant afford one. Those who acquire Zika are therefore unlikely to know they have it, since in most cases people infected with the disease experience only flulike symptoms.

Erni Nelwan, a tropical disease specialist at the University of Indonesias medical school, worries that Indonesian health authorities wouldnt be aware of a Zika outbreak unless it caused a significant number of microcephaly cases in densely populated areas, as happened in Brazil.

Surveillance is very weak, she said.

She was less confident than others that Southeast Asians might have developed immunity to Zika. We can easily learn from Singapores situation, she said. New cases were being added every day until there were more than 300. There is the potential it might easily spread here also.

In Singapore, the authorities usually succeed in isolating outbreaks as soon as they are discovered. Even so, on Thursday, a new disease hot spot was declared in Ubi Avenue 1, a part of town that hadnt seen new cases for two weeks and had previously been declared free of Zika. Meanwhile, Thailand, whose 39 confirmed cases of Zika infection in pregnant women are the most in the region, has relaxed its usually stringent restrictions on abortion for women who have acquired the disease.

Given how much remains unknown about Zika, experts involved in the teleconference cautioned that basic tried-and-true approaches to controlling insect-borne diseases should be implemented across the region  including aerial spraying to kill mosquitoes and educating people to empty water containers to prevent breeding, as well as how best to avoid bites. Another major emphasis during the call, Siswanto said, was on ways to improve disease surveillance and coordinate responses regionwide.

Nobody really knows what will happen in SE Asia, Gonzalo Vazquez-Prokopec, a researcher in vector-borne and parasitic diseases at Emory University in Atlanta, said in an email. It will be a wild guess to say that SE Asia will behave as the Americas, given all the unknowns. The best we can do is to keep trying to do good vector control and carefully monitor the situation.

Read more:

Zika virus is spreading and remains global emergency, according to the WHO

What is microcephaly?

The heart of the outbreak: How Brazils hardest-hit city is coping with Zika

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
As Europe reels from a historic rush of migrants, leaders are searching for new ways to reverse the flow by stepping up deportations.

The quest led to a deal with Afghanistan that envisions a whole new terminal at the Kabul airport to take deportees. It sent German Chancellor Angela Merkel last week on a whistle-stop tour of African capitals, where she promised an influx of euros in exchange for willingness to take back migrants. And it resulted in an agreement with Turkey that critics say means European nations are biting their tongues about Ankaras human rights abuses to halt the flow of refugees to Greece.

The efforts come amid a global backlash to immigrant flows, which have been increased by war and poverty. In the United States, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has built his fiery candidacy on an anti-Mexican, anti-Muslim message. In Britain, the government floated a plan to force businesses to declare how many noncitizens they employ following the June vote to sever ties with the European Union. And across Europe, populist anti-migrant parties are surging in the polls.

With the increased cross-border traffic, countries are struggling to deal with the people they have rejected for asylum. Until now, many people who are inside Europe illegally have been able to remain in a limbo that can stretch for years. But that old, lenient model  which has commonalities with that in the United States  is giving way to mounting anti-immigrant pressure.

The risks are significant. If Europe significantly steps up deportations to unstable nations, it could further destabilize those governments, setting off a reaction in which yet more people could flee for safer shores. But E.U. leaders are laying the groundwork to do it despite the fears.

We had to find ways to stop illegal migration, Merkel said during a trip to Ethiopia, where she balanced criticisms of a fresh government crackdown on the opposition with bargaining over doing more to stop migrant flows to Europe. That is why we said, We must speak to Turkey, because many of these people came from there. We also have to speak with African countries to bring about legality.

European countries are increasingly making clear that their aid comes with strings attached. Merkel, who will face voters next year, is under pressure to show toughness against migrants after she threw open Germanys doors last year to a wave of refugees from the Syrian conflict. French President Francois Hollande is also gearing up for a campaign that is expected to turn on terrorism and migration issues.

The shift could blunt European soft power across the developing world; E.U. leaders had long prided themselves in being less transactional and more idealistic in dealing with development aid than their counterparts in the United States.

Among policymakers, the idea is if we are spending all this money, why should we not have them also cooperate on deportations? said Elizabeth Collett, director of Migration Policy Institute Europe, a Brussels-based think tank. Over the last six to 12 months, the idea has gained a lot of ground.

In Africa, E.U. diplomats have been working to strike bargains with Mali, Senegal, Niger and Nigeria, which along with Ethiopia are major sources of economic migrants to Europe. Ethiopia recently declared a national state of emergency, spurring international concerns that the government is engaged in harsh retaliation against its opponents.

In Turkey, a springtime deal that all but halted migrant flows to Greece is imperiled following the governments harsh response to a July coup attempt. E.U. leaders pledged $6.7 billion in aid plus visa liberalization for Turkish citizens in exchange for Turkeys willingness to take back migrants who landed in Greece.

The agreements have sparked criticism from human rights advocates who say that the worlds largest economic bloc is abdicating its responsibility to help other nations in need.

The E.U. is pushing people back, keeping people out, instead of using its power to help legal returns and offer support, said Iverna McGowan, the head of Amnesty Internationals European Institutions Office.

But Afghanistan is the most unstable of the nations with which Europe has pursued migration-related deals, even as leaders have tried to paint a bright picture of the situation.

Its a sense of partnership that provides us space for working together, E.U. foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said last week of the E.U. deal with Afghanistan, which committed the war-torn country to accepting an unlimited number of deportees from Europe. The terms of the deal were announced the same day that the E.U. pledged Afghanistan $1.5 billion of development aid a year through 2020.

Mogherini said there was no connection, but Afghan officials said they had been pressured to make the deportation deal in exchange for financial support, and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said his nations pledge of $470 million a year was indeed connected to migration issues.

Both sides will explore the possibility to build a dedicated terminal for return in Kabul airport, according to the text of the agreement, which lays out tough terms for the Afghan government while offering few obvious benefits in return. Last year, 3,290 Afghans were deported from Europe, according to E.U. figures. Internal E.U. documents leaked in March suggest leaders would like to clear out as many as 80,000 more Afghans.

Defenders of the deals say that Europes asylum system should be equipped to deal with these challenges. Under internationally practiced asylum law, people who would face danger at home should not be sent back. They would be able to make that case in court.

But there are obvious gaps in the system: In 2015, for example, 60 percent of Afghan asylum applicants in the E.U. were granted protection, according to the U.N. refugee agency. This year, that number has dropped to 35 percent, even though the situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated, suggesting that the courts are facing political pressures.

If the bar is being raised and its much harder for Afghans to get protection in Europe, that would be a concern, said William Spindler, a spokesman for the U.N. refugee agency. The agency has declined to issue a blanket warning that anybody leaving Afghanistan should automatically be considered a refugee. People who leave for economic reasons are not considered to have a right to stay in other countries.

On a more basic level, the Afghanistan deal has the potential to cast more Afghans back into a nation that is convulsing in a worsening conflict.

Its not unlawful, but it makes no sense to do so if the E.U. wants to stabilize Afghanistan, said Gerry Simpson, a senior researcher on refugees at Human Rights Watch. By doing this, they are fueling the flames for the situation on the ground and for more Afghan refugees to come.

Read more

Europe wants to deport so many Afghans that Kabul airport might get a new terminal

Donors pledge billions to Afghanistan but seek push for peace

Britain to begin taking in eligible children from Calais refugee camp

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Police escort men to a court session with the state attorney in Podgorica, Montenegro, on Oct. 16. Police said they arrested 20 Serbs suspected of plotting to attack institutions, police and possibly state officials. (Boris Pejovic/European Pressphoto Agency)

Montenegros pro-West ruling party won the most votes in the small Balkan countrys parliamentary election Sunday, according to unofficial results, but without enough support to govern alone and ensure the countrys chartered course into NATO and other Western institutions.

The tense election was marked by the arrest of 20 people suspected of planning politically motivated armed attacks after the polls closed in the vote during which Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic faced the toughest challenge to his quarter-century rule.

The independent CeMI election monitoring group said that with 100 percent of the vote counted, the Democratic Party of Socialists won 41 percent, while two opposition parties, the Democratic Front and the Key Coalition, have 20 percent and 11 percent, respectively. The monitoring group used its own vote count at the polling stations.

Both the ruling party and the opposition said they have enough seats to form the countrys future government. They will have tough time to form post-electoral coalitions with small groups that enter the 81-seat parliament. The outcome of those negotiations will determine whether the state continues on its Western course or turns back to its traditional ally Russia.

Official results are expected to be released partially on Monday and completely on Tuesday.

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic speaks to his supporters after parliamentary elections in Podgorica on Oct. 17. (Savo Prelevic/AFP/Getty Images)

Djukanovic told his supporters that he will soon start negotiations with potential coalition partners.

A big power has moved against the small Montenegro, but we have succeeded, he said, referring to Russia and its open support of the opposition.

Tonight we can safely say that Montenegro is heading toward the European integrations and we will soon ratify the accession agreement with NATO.

The parliamentary vote pitted Djukanovics Democratic Party of Socialists against a cluster of pro-Russian and pro-Serbian opposition groups that staunchly oppose the governments pro-Western policies, especially its bid to join NATO.

Police Director Slavko Stojanovic said those arrested Saturday night came from Serbia and planned to collect automatic weapons to attack state institutions, police and possibly state officials after the vote.

Stojanovic said they were charged with forming a criminal organization and terrorism. He said one Serbian is still on the run.

The prosecutors office said the group planned to attack people who gather in front of the parliament when the vote results are proclaimed, then storm the building in the capital and declare the victory of certain parties in the election. The statement said they also planned to arrest Djukanovic.
1 of 48 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  The battle for Mosul View Photos Iraqi forces launch their most ambitious fight against the Islamic State. Caption Iraqi forces continue their most ambitious fight against the Islamic State. Iraqi Federal police celebrate in West Mosul. Alaa Al-Marjani/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue.

A force comprising thousands of Kurdish and Iraqi army soldiers wrested territory from the Islamic State outside the northern city of Mosul on Monday, facing occasionally fierce resistance at the start of a long-promised offensive to dislodge the extremists from their main stronghold in Iraq.

Kurdish forces moved to take a string of villages east of the captive city while Iraqi army and police units made a push from the south, a rare display of coordination and harmony between rival forces that officials hailed as a significant victory in itself. Kurdish officials said Monday evening that their forces had cleared nine villages in an area measuring roughly 75 square miles, although the degree of their control over the territory remained unclear.

Announced before dawn in a televised address by Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, the battle is the most ambitious offensive launched by Iraqs security forces since they were created after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. As the sun rose and warplanes of the U.S.-led coalition circled overhead, giddy Kurdish soldiers known as peshmerga rode armored vehicles, land movers and even motorcycles on dirt roads toward front lines that seemed to advance by the hour.

This is a historic day, Massoud Barzani, president of Iraqs semiautonomous Kurdish region, said at a news conference Monday evening in which he hailed the unity and shared sacrifice of the combined forces in their first major test.

We have achieved a lot of success so far, he said.

[How U.S. and Western troops will help in the battle for Mosul]

The disparate forces pushing to play a role in Mosuls liberation  including peshmerga, Sunni tribal fighters, Iranian-backed Shiite militias and government units supported by the United States  has underscored the collective sense of trauma and anger in Iraq as the city has suffered under the brutal reign of the Islamic State since it stormed Mosul early in the summer of 2014.

Despite often competing agendas, some of the forces have united to take back the militant groups most prized remaining territory in the country.





But there are fears that any alliances will only be temporary because of competing interests in and around Mosul, an area rich with ethnic and religious differences as well as oil. Iraqi and U.S. officials have assiduously sought to build up a sense of momentum around the battle for Mosul, partly out of concern that rivalries will rise to the fore and hamper the military effort.

U.S. officials say that American troops, who number more than 5,000 in Iraq, are helping to coordinate logistics, conduct planning and oversee the air campaign, while a smaller number are expected to move forward with Iraqi forces, including the Iraqi army, elite counterterrorism service troops and peshmerga, as they advance on Mosul.

The repeated delays in mounting an offensive on Mosul have been attributed to the special challenges posed by the city, because of ethnic sensitivities and its sheer size. Iraqi officials estimate that at least 1.2 million residents remain in Mosul, raising fears of civilian casualties as well as a mass exodus. Officials are hastily erecting encampments for fleeing residents around Mosul, with relief workers warning that hundreds of thousands of people could soon become displaced.

[Battle for Mosul could trigger a new crisis: A million displaced Iraqis]

Military planners have also puzzled over how fiercely the Islamic State would fight to defend Mosul, the most populous city the transnational militant group controls. Over the past two years, residents have spoken about the harsh strictures imposed by the militants, including executions and public floggings, but also the sophisticated fortifications, including trenches, the Islamic State has built to repel any outside attack.

Mondays battle suggested that the militants would fight to hold their ground  but also that their ability to do so may increasingly be in doubt.

Dozens of peshmerga fighters gathered early Monday in staging areas about 30 miles from Mosul, loading ammunition and supplies into Humvees and other armored vehicles. The soldiers spoke confidently about their mission  to capture a sequence of villages east of Mosul and near the town of Bartala as warplanes with a United States-led coalition carried out airstrikes on Islamic State-held territory nearby.

We are feeling great. It wont take more than a day and a half, said Maj. Bahram Bahjat, a peshmerga commander. He was far less confident, though, about the possibility of liberating Mosul itself, predicting it would take months and be a bloody battle.

Armored columns barreled down roads toward villages obscured by smoke from fires set by the militants. Mortar rounds landed near peshmerga engineers building dirt fortifications, but they continued their work, undeterred. A suicide car bomb was struck before it could attack, according to Maj. Shivan Ihsan Saleh, pointing at a towering plume of smoke from a nearby hill.

This is a dangerous enemy. They use booby traps, suicide bombs. Our information is that they have been digging tunnels, he said, adding that our morale is high.

Kurdish officials refused to comment on casualties. Medics near the front lines said Monday morning that at least one soldier was killed and two were injured in the fighting around Bartala.

Separate from the Kurdish gains, the Iraqi military said more than a dozen villages were captured between the area of Gwer and the south of the city, while two others were seized by police and army forces as they advanced from Qayyarah air base, about 35 miles south of Mosul. The base is the main logistical hub for the Iraqi governments operation.

But the military official said the villages were largely empty.

The enemy booby-trapped them and then retreated, he said. The advance is very, very slow because of the booby traps.

Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said that Iraqi forces were doing better than expected on the first day of the Mosul operation.

Early indications are that Iraqi forces have met their objectives so far and that they are ahead of schedule for this first day, Cook told reporters at the Pentagon. He said they had reached their first-day objectives by around midday.

This is going according to the Iraqi plan, but again, its early and the enemy gets a vote here, he said. We will see whether ISIL stands and fights. ISIL is another name for the Islamic State.

Some 3,000 to 5,000 Islamic State fighters were estimated to remain within Mosul, Cook said.

After months of preparation, Iraqi government forces are engaged in a high-stakes battle to retake the northern city of Mosul from the Islamic State. ( Reuters)

Morris reported from Khazir, Iraq. Missy Ryan in Washington, Mustafa Salim in Khazir and Aaso Ameen Shwan in Asquf contributed to this report.

Read more

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
I am offering the solution to a problem most Republicans don't know they have -- that they can be outmaneuvered and thrown on the defensive endlessly, on nearly any issue, because they accept as true Democrat lies about the Republican Party. To correct that misperception and to help the Republican Party get 'back to basics' is why I'm a man on a mission.

A few years ago, after one of my speeches, a man told me "Do you know what your problem is? You're too far ahead of your time!" My efforts to show Republicans how they would benefit from celebrating the heritage of our Grand Old Party have been arduous, but if this were easy someone else would have already done it.

Among my speech topics are Reconciling the Tea Party and the GOP; Barack Obama, the Worst President Ever; Socialism, the new Slavery; Appreciating the Heritage of our Grand Old Party; Returning to the Founding Principles of the United States; The Womens Rights Achievements of our Grand Old Party; Abraham Lincoln, Republican; Frederick Douglass, Republican; Martin Luther King and the Republican Civil Rights Legacy.
Syrians evacuated from Fuaa and Kafraya, two Shiite villages under rebel siege, are welcomed by pro-government forces as they arrive in Jibrin, on the eastern outskirts of Aleppo.

Dec. 19, 2016 Syrians evacuated from Fuaa and Kafraya, two Shiite villages under rebel siege, are welcomed by pro-government forces as they arrive in Jibrin, on the eastern outskirts of Aleppo. George Ourfalian/AFP/Getty Images

The Syrian government has dropped two chlorine bombs in the past month on the besieged, rebel-held city.

The Syrian government has dropped two chlorine bombs in the past month on the besieged, rebel-held city.

Russias completion this month of an integrated air defense system in Syria has made an Obama administration decision to strike Syrian government installations from the air even less likely than it has been for years, and has created a substantial obstacle to the Syrian safe zones both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have advocated.

Deployment of mobile and interchangeable S-400 and S-300 missile batteries, along with other short-range systems, now gives Russia the ability to shoot down planes and cruise missiles over at least 250 miles in all directions from western Syria, covering virtually all of that country as well as significant portions of Turkey, Israel, Jordan and the eastern Mediterranean.

By placing the missiles as a threat against military action by other countries in Syria, Russia has raised the stakes of confrontation, Secretary of State John F. Kerry said Sunday.

While there is some disagreement among military experts as to the capability of the Russian systems, particularly the newly deployed S-300, the reality is, were very concerned anytime those are emplaced, a U.S. Defense official said. Neither its touted ability to counter U.S. stealth technology, or to target low-flying aircraft, has ever been tested by the United States.

Its not like weve had any shoot at an F-35, the official said of the next-generation U.S. fighter jet. Were not sure if any of our aircraft can defeat the S-300.





For more than two years, Syria has tacitly accepted U.S. and coalition airstrikes against the Islamic State, in areas relatively far afield from where the civil war is being fought. An agreement signed by Moscow and Washington last fall, after Russia sent its own air force to join that of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is designed to ensure that U.S. and Russian planes stay well away from each other.

But the ongoing Russian-Syrian siege of Aleppo, and the failure of diplomatic negotiations to stop it, has forced the administration to reconsider its options, including the use of American air power to ground Assads air force.

The possibility of using U.S. air power in the civil war, even to patrol a safe zone for civilians, has never been favored by the Pentagon, which has argued that it would involve preemptory strikes on Syrias fixed air defenses. Now, with the installation of a comprehensive, potent Russian air defense system, many military officials see it as risking a great power game of chicken, and possible war, according to senior administration officials.

Several officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss Russian capabilities and recent high-level White House meetings on Syria, Iraq and the Islamic State, including a Friday gathering of the National Security Council chaired by President Obama. The NSC session largely focused on the Mosul offensive begun against the Islamic State this week, and an upcoming operation against the militants in the city of Raqqa, their Syrian headquarters.

Consideration of other alternatives, including the shipment of arms to U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in Syria, and an increase in the quantity and quality of weapons supplied to opposition fighters in Aleppo and elsewhere, were deferred until later, officials said. U.S. military action to stop Syrian and Russian bombing of civilians was even further down the list of possibilities.

Another senior official dismissed what he called Moscows yard sale approach of displaying all available systems to attract potential purchasers, and said last months S-300 deployment did not much change Russian capabilities from where they have been over the past year. Russian arms sellers have repeatedly hailed the performance of their weaponry in Syria and claimed heightened sales abroad.

U.S. strikes in heavily populated western Syria, despite the presence there of al-Qaeda-affiliated forces of the Front for the Conquest of Syria, formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, have been few and far between, precisely to avoid the risk of civil war involvement and, more recently, confrontation with Russia.

An attack early this month that eliminated a senior Front official in Idlib province, in northwestern Syria, was carried out by an unmanned U.S. drone, with notice provided to Russia.

Moscow has denied that Russian and Syrian attacks have intentionally struck civilians, saying they are directed toward the Front, some of whose forces are mixed with the rebels in Aleppo and elsewhere. In early September, Kerry said the United States would join with Russia in attacking the al-Qaeda forces, in exchange for a Russian and Syrian cease-fire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to besieged civilians.

It was when that agreement fell apart  and the United States suspended contacts with Russia over Syria as hundreds of civilians have been killed in the brutal bombing of Aleppo  that the Russians moved to install S-300 missiles. They formed the final component of an integrated air defense system, along with S-400 and other surface-to-air systems previously deployed in and around Russias Hmeimen air base in Latakia province along the Syrian coast.

Amid widespread talk of U.S. kinetic action to stop the Aleppo slaughter, the Russian Defense Ministry warned of the possible consequences, noting that the range [of the defense systems] may come as a surprise to any unidentified flying objects.

Russian soldiers and officers, it said, were working on the ground throughout territory controlled by the Syrian government and any missile or airstrikes . . . will create a clear threat to Russian servicemen.

In addition, the ministry said, following the Sept. 17 U.S. airstrike that inadvertently killed dozens of Syrian soldiers in eastern Syria, we have taken all necessary measures to avoid any such mistakes against Russian troops and military installations in Syria.

Neither the administration, nor either of the presidential nominees, has ever favored using U.S. combat forces in Syrias civil war. But the use of air power to create a zone inside the country where civilians could be safe from relentless airstrikes by Syria and Russia has long been advocated by regional allies and domestic critics of what is seen as a weak administration policy.

Both Clinton and Trump have favored such a strategy  in Clintons case, since she was secretary of state. Trump has advocated establishing a safe zone inside Syria as a way to stem the flow of Syrian refugees to Europe and this country.

But while such zones  protected by U.S. air power  were established during years past in Iraq, Libya and Bosnia, all were against relatively weak opponents and conducted under United Nations authorization. Neither presidential nominee has addressed the question of comprehensive Russian air defenses.

Although Kerry has continued to try to revive the cease-fire, U.S. leverage against Russia appears minimal. Following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. European and regional allies last weekend, Kerry said that increased sanctions against both Russia and Syria were under consideration.

Meanwhile, Russia on Monday offered an eight-hour pause to the Aleppo bombing this week to allow Front militants and civilians to leave the city.

Read more:

Little consensus within administration on how to stop fall of Aleppo to Assad

Kerry urges war crimes probe into Syrian and Russian bombing of civilians
Adopting the neo-fascist National Fronts (FN) proposal to create a National Guard, which was officially validated by French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday, the ruling Socialist Party (PS) is preparing for large-scale military operations inside France. The large number of reservists in such a National Guard shows that it is not intended to attack small groups of terrorists during terror attacks in France. Rather, it aims to repress social protests and strikes.

The PS proposal would turn the 63,000 men of the existing military reserve into a unit of 84,000 men and women. This would create a force posture allowing it to deploy 9,250 troops across France, instead of the current 5,500. The unit could also participate in foreign wars, like the US National Guard, which participated in the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to a Senate report by Gisele Jourda (PS) and Jean-Marie Bockel (Union of Democrats and Independents), the National Guard would aid the army in large-scale operations inside France: If it becomes stronger, better structured, more numerous, with a territorial spread that anchors it on the entire territory of France, including areas currently deserted by the military, the military reserve could be an effective National Guard. It would give the active army operational assistance on the level required by the new needs of our territory.

The National Guard is to be formed of volunteers with or without previous military experience, as well as former soldiers who have left the army less than five years ago. Its budget will increase from 211 million for the current reserve to 311 million.

Hollande is forming the National Guard after imposing a state of emergency, ostensibly over a series of attacks by members of the Islamist militias being mobilized by the NATO countries, including France, for the war in Syria. This war, which now threatens to escalate into an open conflict between Russia and NATO, as well as Hollandes unpopular austerity measures such as the PS labor law, have brought social tensions in France to unprecedented heights.

Hollande, who has repeatedly invited FN leader Marine Le Pen to the Elysee presidential palace to promote the neo-fascist party, has yet again taken an element of the FNs program to accelerate the construction of a police state. He had already tried this year to inscribe the principle of deprivation of nationality, associated to the Nazi-collaborationist Vichy regime, in Frances constitution.

When she proposed to create a National Guard in 2014, Le Pen had in mind not only external enemies (raising the military budget and restoring universal military service), but also the interior enemy, that is, the working class. She said: We will ensure and prioritize the defense of the national territory  in particular thanks to the creation of a National Guard of 50,000 reservists, men and women, who can be mobilized on short notice, less than 24 hours.

What the French ruling elite fears is not terrorismwhich is in fact an instrument to intensify its exterior military interventions and justify reinforcing its internal repressive powersbut opposition in the working class to its policies of austerity and war.

France is creating its National Guard amid explosive military and social tensions across Europe. In this context, the bourgeoisie is resorting in numerous countries to the construction of paramilitary militias more or less directly tied to far right forces. In Ukraine, in Poland, in the Czech Republic, and beyond, the ruling elites are pressing ahead with the construction of paramilitary units that are nationalist, or even explicitly pro-Nazi.

In Ukraine, the US-backed National Guard, which recruits fascist and neo-Nazi volunteers, emerged from the NATO-backed putsch in Kiev in 2014. The Azov battalion, which has over 1,000 soldiers, was formed and led by neo-Nazi leader Andriy Biletsky. It deploys banners marked with a modified swastika, copied from SS units during World War II, and helped crush opposition to the far-right regime in Kiev in Russian-speaking eastern Ukraine.

The French press has avoided raising the Ukrainian, Polish, or Czech militias while discussing the French National Guard. However, an examination of the other national guards that it cited shows that internal repression is at the heart of the preoccupations of the French ruling class. The National Guard in the United States deploys troops against urban riots and mass protests against police violence.

In the context of the greatest economic and military crisis since the 1930s, the forms of political life more and more resemble those analyzed by Leon Trotsky and the Fourth International (FI) at its foundation in 1938. They warned that, amid extreme class tensions, the police and the army were no longer able to carry out the repression that was necessary to the bourgeoisie. The ruling class therefore turned to the construction of more or less legal paramilitary units.

The Transitional Program that founded the FI explained: The bourgeoisie is nowhere satisfied with the official police and army. In the United States even during peaceful times the bourgeoisie maintains militarized battalions of scabs and privately armed thugs in factories. To this must now be added the various groups of American Nazis. The French bourgeoisie at the first approach of danger mobilized semi-legal and illegal fascist detachments, including such as are in the army. ... The bourgeoisie keeps itself most accurately informed about the fact that in the present epoch the class struggle irresistibly tends to transform itself into civil war. The examples of Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain and other countries taught considerably more to the magnates and lackeys of capital than to the official leaders of the proletariat.

As in the 1930s, the working class is the only social base for democracy in France and worldwide. Deep opposition exists among workers to the building of an authoritarian state. But the only way to prevent the installation of such a regime is the political mobilization of the workers against war and austerity, and for the defense of democratic rights. Today, all the different parties of the bourgeoisie are seeking in one or another way to reinforce state repression.

The indefinitely-extended state of emergency installed by the PS has exposed the limits of the capacity of the existing repressive forces to crush opposition from workers and youth. During this years strikes against the labor law, the FN-linked Alliance police trade union organized protests, backed by the PS and the Stalinist General Confederation of Labor, to express their fatigue, their anger at anti-cop sentiment, and to demand more funding and resources.

The profound instability of the political and social situation and the possibility of civil war are widely discussed inside French intelligence services. French domestic intelligence chief Patrick Calvar said, We are on the verge of civil war. We must therefore anticipate and block any groups that might at one moment or another set off confrontations between communities.

These are the political conditions that are pushing the PS to supplement the forces of the army, the gendarmerie, and the police with the new National Guard.
On October 11, as part of its campaign for an escalation of the US military intervention in Syria, the International Socialist Organization published on its Socialist Worker web site an interview with journalist Anand Gopal under the headline A nightmare in the making for Mosul.

Gopal served as the Afghanistan correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and has contributed to publications such as Foreign Policy, the Atlantic and Harpers. The ISOs relationship with Gopal is indicative of its political proximity to the state and the official institutions of the American political establishment.

Gopal is a fellow with the International Security Program of the New America think tank, previously known as the New America Foundation. New America is led by Anne-Marie Slaughter, a former high-ranking State Department official and close associate of Hillary Clinton.

New Americas Board of Directors includes New York Times columnist David Brooks, CNN commentator Fareed Zakaria, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, auto bailout architect Steven Rattner, private investment CEO Jonathan Soros, other corporate executives, and university presidents. The think tanks political positions are entirely in line with those of the American military and intelligence agencies and the corporate establishment.

By interviewing Gopal and uncritically advancing his pro-war positions, the ISO is seeking to provide a left cover for the imperialist war plans of the American ruling class. The first few questions put by interviewer Eric Ruder relate to Mosul, treating the question entirely from a military-tactical standpoint. Ruder begins by asking whether the US-orchestrated attack will have the potential to deal a decisive blow to ISIS and what the humanitarian consequences will be.

Gopal replies that the taking of Mosul will be the deathblow to ISIS in Iraq. He then acknowledges that there will be a significant humanitarian cost, noting that a lot of civilians have already been killed by US air strikes and the death toll will only increase. He mentions that the US is once again using white phosphorus, and cites the example of the US-backed assault on Ramadi, where the destruction was unimaginable.

In Fallujah, he continues, US-backed Shia militias arrested and executed thousands of Sunni residents, and there have been reports of extremely brutal torture, using power drills and other horrific things.

Ruder has nothing to say about the impending US-led bloodbath in Mosul matter-of-factly described by Gopal, shifting instead to the question of Aleppo. The desperate situation facing civilians in the eastern part of that city in northern Syria, currently held by the Levant Conquest Front, the Al Qaeda-linked organization formerly known as the al-Nusra Front, has become the focus of agitation by Washington and its imperialist allies, fully backed by the ISO and other pseudo-left organizations, for an escalation of their war against the regime in Damascus and its Russian ally.

The ISO is demanding that the Obama administration take military action to halt the brutal Russian-backed offensive by Syrian government forces against Washingtons de facto Islamist militia allies in Aleppo, while giving tacit support to the US offensive in Mosul against ISIS, deemed an obstacle to the American drive for hegemony in the Middle East.

As the discussion shifts to Syria, the real political content of the interview emergesa slanderous attack on all those who oppose the US war in Syria, based on the charge that opposition to the war equals support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. US imperialism, on the other hand, is portrayed as an ally of the Syrian masses.

The ISOs questions are designed to allow Gopal to advance these false and reactionary conceptions. Ruder asks: The Assad regime portrays all opposition to his regime as terrorism and all Syrian military efforts as a contribution to fighting ISIS in the war on terror. But what is the larger context in which the conflict in Syria is unfolding?

Gopal replies: Assad is actually the biggest cause of ISIS in Syria. The devastation that hes wrought on Syrians is the main reason that ISIS even exists in Syria. And whats remarkable about whats happened over the last year is that US policy in Syria is essentially helping Assad.

He criticizes the Obama administration for not doing enough to arm the so-called rebels: Without giving the other rebels resources to enable them to extricate themselves, the rebels have no choice but to stick with Jabhat al-Nusra or be wiped out. Since they arent able to separate themselves from Al Qaeda, Assad uses this as a pretext to bomb these areas, as he has with devastating results in Aleppo.

Gopals assertion that Assad is primarily to blame for the existence of ISIS is a lie used to whitewash the responsibility of American imperialism for the devastation of the entire region. The World Socialist Web Site holds no brief for the capitalist government of Assad, but it is a fundamental principle of Marxism that no support be given to efforts of imperialist powers to remove regimes that have, for one reason or another, fallen afoul of their global intrigues and ambitions. That is the task of the working class in such countries, leading behind it all of the oppressed masses in a struggle against both the native bourgeoisie and imperialism.

And it is an undeniable fact that the United States has carried out one aggressive war and military intervention after another over the past 25 years with catastrophic consequences for the people of a vast region stretching from Central Asia to the Middle East to Northern Africa. Over a million have been killed, many millions more have been injured, tens of millions have been turned into refugees, and trillions of dollars have been squandered in illegal and predatory neo-colonial attacks. Successive US administrations have stoked up sectarian conflicts and armed religious-extremist militias to aid in the US occupation forces repression of entire populations.

Central to the ISOs libel against opposition to the US intervention in Syria is the claim that the civil war in Syria is a democratic revolution. The ISO ducks the question of how such a revolution could be led by forces supported by the United States, the NATO powers and their oil sheik allies.

In promoting this line, Ruder states: Many on the left in Western countries believe that there is no popular resistance to Assad beyond Salafist forces like Jabhat a-Nusra. Whats your opinion?

Ruder asks later in the interview: Setting aside those on the left who actually support Assad, theres another current, probably larger and more influential, that considers Islamic fundamentalist forces to be the chief threat and the Assad regime to be a lesser evil. They focus on the crimes of the US and Islamic fundamentalist forces, which they consider to be one and the same. Whats your take on this outlook?

By denouncing those who focus on the crimes of the US, the ISO is aligning itself with US imperialism, serving as its miserable apologist. The implication of this position is that the United States is a progressive force and its interventions in the Middle East and elsewhere have a humanitarian content. On this basis, the ISO and other pseudo-left groups join with the most rabid and militaristic factions of the ruling class in support of a wider US war, supposedly to advance the democratic revolution in Syria.

Gopal provides grist for the ISOs pro-war mill when he gives the example of a group of civilians in the city of Deraya who opposed Assad and blames the US for failing to sufficiently defend the city against Syrian government attack. He attempts to portray the rebels as revolutionaries, and even socialists: They want to overthrow the state. They want to overthrow the whole oppressive apparatus that has ruled their lives for the past four decades.

Responding to a question from Ruder about the threat posed by Islamist groups, he says: Ultimately, if youre serious about wanting to defeat fundamentalism and Salafism in Syria, the first step has to be to end the regime of Assad, because as long as hes there, these forces are going to continue to be there.

There is, in all of this, not a trace of Marxism or socialism. There is no historical or class analysis of the civil war in Syria. It is discussed entirely from the standpoint of US foreign policy, given a left twist by means of impressionistic phrases about revolution and emotional appeals on the basis of isolated episodes and disconnected facts.

The rebel groups fighting Assad are proclaimed to be revolutionary without any reference to political program or the role of the working class in Syria, Iraq or the United States.

The ISO sees no contradiction in a revolutionary group receiving weapons and military support from US imperialism. Elsewhere in the interview, Ruder asks: So if there are forces that arent Islamic fundamentalist and are opposed to the Assad regime, why wouldnt the US give them the support that they need to stand on their own?

Here in a nutshell is the argument the ISO is making to the Obama administration, the Pentagon and the CIA, through middlemen such as Gopal and the New America think tank.

The pseudo-left is playing an increasingly important role in providing an ideological cover for a war drive that has very little popular support. When the ISO asks about the US elections, Gopal bemoans the fact that Obama is loathe to put boots on the ground.

In Syria, Gopal claims, Obama is being very hesitant to deputize the proxy forces. He criticizes Clinton for not going far enough in pushing for military escalation, complaining that she wants to force Assad to the negotiating table. He continues, She thinks that upping the pressure a little bit is what is needed to force a negotiated effort

The American pseudo-left is politically aligned with sections of the military-intelligence apparatus that openly advocate US war against the Russian-backed Syrian government. Such a war could quickly lead to a military confrontation between the worlds two largest nuclear-armed powers.

The war-mongering interview with Gopal is not a political mistake. It is not an expression of naivete or confusion. It is an expression of the class position and outlook of the ISO.

This organization speaks for privileged sections of the upper-middle class, tied materially to Wall Street and separated by a vast chasm from the working class. It is part of a social layer, once associated with opposition to war and imperialism, but on a middle-class basis, which has over the course of decades moved ever further to the right, landing squarely in the camp of imperialism.
It is a long-known fact that following the Second World War, hardly a single judge or prosecutor from the Nazi regime was held accountable for their vicious verdicts and enforcement of the regimes Race Laws. Almost all of them were able to continue their legal careers in the post-war Federal Republic of Germany.

Now it has become clear why. Until the 1970s, the federal justice ministry (BMJ) was a stronghold of former NSDAP (Nazi Party) members. They exercised a decisive influence on case law, legislation and the appointment of judges and prosecutors. They ensured that tens of thousands of Nazi criminals escaped prosecution and amnestied their former party comrades and placed them in leading positions. And in the struggle for their rehabilitation and compensation, they made sure the surviving victims of their jurisprudence under the Third Reich faced massive obstacles.

On Monday in Berlin, the final report of the Independent Scientific Commission on the Nazi past of the BMJ, The Rosenburg Files, were presented to Federal Justice Minister Heiko Maas.

The commission, headed by historian Manfred Gortemaker and lawyer Christoph Safferling, was launched in 2012 by the then justice minister Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger. For four years, the commission studied a variety of sources and personnel files of the ministry and of the Supreme Court covering 1949-1973, when the ministry had its headquarters in the Rosenburg country villa near Bonn.

Both in terms of personnel and in pertinent facts, the commission concludes that the much vaunted 1945/46 clean break in the field of justice did not take place until the 1970s. The researchers were as surprised at the massive number of former NSDAP members at management level who had held senior posts under the Hitler regime as the former Nazis themselves.

Following the founding of the BMJ in 1949, there were hardly any efforts to appoint judges and prosecutors who had been dismissed or persecuted by the Nazis as Jews or political opponents. Instead, the ministry utilised a network of former Nazi jurists, citing their necessary legal experience.

Of the 170 individuals studied among the management staffheads of department, deputy directors and division heads (known then as speakers)53 percent had belonged to the NSDAP. One in five had even been a member of the Sturm Abteilung (SA) thugs; many had previously worked in the Reich Justice Ministry or other ministries of the Nazi regime. During the 1950s, the percentage rose even higher, in 1957 reaching a climax with 77 percent NSDAP members and 33 percent SA members. These numbers only decreased slightly at the end of the 1960s, according to the recent findings. But here too there was still a large unknown, Manfred Gortemaker said on Monday.

The management level of the BMJ thus included more Nazis than in other ministries and federal bodies for which research has been published in recent yearssuch as the Foreign Ministry (2010), the Federal Criminal Office (2011), the Secret Service (2015) and the Federal Interior Ministry, which a preliminary study presented in 2015 showed comprised 66 percent former Nazi Party members.

The most scandalous cases revealed in the report on the BMJ include:

* Franz Massfeller, responsible for family and race law in the Reich Ministry of Justice before 1945, a participant in subsequent meetings of the Wannsee Conference (which had agreed the extermination of the Jews) and commentator on the Blood Protection Act. From 1945 to 1960, he was undersecretary in the BMJ and Head of Family Law.

* Eduard Dreher, before 1945, First Public Prosecutor at the Special Court in Innsbruck and responsible for numerous death sentences for minor matters. Active in the BMJ from 1951 to 1969, finally as Head of Section; he even wrote the commentary to the Criminal Code.

* Ernst Kanter, before 1945 Judge General in occupied Denmark, where he worked on 103 death sentences. From 1949 to 1958 he was Head of Section in the BMJ.

* Josef Schafheutle, responsible in the Reich Ministry of Justice before 1945 for political crimes and after 1949 undersecretary and Head of Department II (Criminal Law) in the BMJ.

* Walter Roemer, before 1945 First Public Prosecutor at the Munich I State Court, where he was involved in the executions of resistance fighters in Stadelheim prison. After 1949, undersecretary and director responsible for Public Law in the BMJ, which dealt with basic rights and human rights.

* Hans Gawlik, before 1945, public prosecutor at the Breslau (today, Wroclaw) Special Court, participant in numerous death sentences, after 1945 defender of the SS Security Service (SD) and some Einsatzgruppe leaders in the Nuremberg trials and, after 1949, head of the Central Law Enforcement Agency in the BMJ. This body even warned German war criminals about prosecutions abroad and hindered the work of the Ludwigsburg Central Office for the Investigation of Nazi Crimes.

* Max Merten, 1942-1944 at Military Administration deputy commander of the armed forces in Thessaloniki, where he organized the plundering and deportation of more than 50,000 Greek Jews. Although this made him one of the biggest war criminals, he headed the enforcement unit in the BMJ for several months in 1952.

Manfred Gortemaker ascribes the employment of old Nazis in the Federal Ministry of Justice to the incredible communist baiting of the post-war Adenauer government. Anti-communism was the glue between the judiciary of the Federal Republic and the Nazi dictatorship. In recruitment, one could be a Nazi, the main thing was to be anti-communist.

The consequences for the legal system after the war were fatal, according to the two scientists. Christoph Safferling elucidated this with reference to the case of Eduard Dreher. This Nazi prosecutor was a key figure in the statute of limitations debate. In connection with the introduction of an Administrative Offences Law in 1968, he brought about a retrospective shortening of the statute of limitations from 20 to 15 years for so-called aiding and abetting, also known as a cold statute of limitations.

This was a large-scale action, Safferling said, to exonerate Nazis as mere armchair perpetrators. Thousands of Nazi criminals accused of aiding and abetting murder, and whose trials had already begun, were released without punishment because their crimes were now time-elapsed in 1960. These included employees of the Reich Main Security Office, whose trials did not begin until 1968/1969.

The signature of the Nazi justice system was maintained in other areas of legislation, such as in the juvenile justice system, in family law and sexual offences, and in discrimination against minorities such as Roma and Sinti or homosexuals.

Last Monday, Justice Minister Maas and Christoph Safferling directed special attention to a secret War Book with emergency decrees, which the BMJ had drafted at the beginning of the debate on the Emergency Laws. The Notstandsgesetze (Emergency Laws) were ultimately passed by a grand coalition of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Social Democratic Party (SPD) in 1968 against fierce resistance. They contained provisions restricting fundamental rights in the event of a military attack, in disasters and in an internal emergency. The post-war German constitution had excluded these kinds of emergency regulations as a result of the experiences with the Enabling Act (Ermachtigungsgesetz) of the Nazis.

As The Rosenburg Files show in detail, officials at the Federal Ministry of Justice had responded as early as 1959 to a request from the government, and in just a few days had outlined 45 emergency decrees, which initially remained under wraps. The experienced Nazi jurists proposed seriously undermining the court system, which would have paved the way for extraordinary courts and introduced the notorious protective custody from the Nazi period. Among other things, they based their proposals on the war economy regulations of 1942.

Christoph Safferling underlined the Nazi continuity of BMJ regulations: [I]n his plans, Undersecretary Schafheutle even considered occupying areas using German troops. The secret War Book was an outright constitutional breach, he said.

The facts concerning the secret martial law had particularly affected him, Justice Minister Maas said on Monday, and pointed to todays threats to democracy and freedom, even in democratic countries.

However, he was not referring to the recent emergency plans of the Interior Ministry for a future war in Europe; a return to an aggressive German foreign policy and the plans for domestic Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) missions. Instead, he pointed to the United States, where excesses in the fight against terrorism following the attacks of 9/11, which had included torture, had created a veritable enemy criminal law against suspected terrorists.
The Obama administration has covertly deployed hundreds of US troops to Somalia to wage a secret war in the impoverished East African country alongside private contractors and soldiers from African allied states, a New York Times article revealed Sunday.

Under the pretext of protecting US and African troops from terrorists in the al-Shabaab Islamist militia, the Obama administration has authorized the use of air strikes in the country.

As the Times bluntly noted, the mission, which is referred to in military circles as the Somalia campaign, has several hundred troops in the country at any one time and is a blueprint for warfare which President Obama has embraced and will pass along to his successor. It is a model the United States now employs across the Middle East and North Africafrom Syria to Libyadespite the Presidents stated aversion to boots on the ground in the worlds war zones.

The revelation, coming just days after government officials informed the public that the US had launched missile strikes in Yemen, demonstrates that the Obama administration has dragged the American people into yet another war without even a semblance of public debate.

The Somalia operations come on top of large-scale military interventions in Afghanistan, where US military forces have been waging war since 2001; Syria, where Washington is backing Islamist extremists to overthrow the Russian-backed Assad regime; and Libya, where US Special Forces have been deployed and air strikes have been carried out since August under the pretext of targeting the Islamic State.

In total, the Times notes that the US military has carried out air strikes in seven countries this year and special forces operations in many more.

The US is waging war in Somalia in support of the shaky Transitional Federal Government (TFG), which barely controls territory outside of the capital, Mogadishu. The regime was only able to establish itself following a brutal US-backed invasion by neighboring Ethiopia and thanks to ongoing support from African Union (AU) soldiers.

Between 200 and 300 US Special Forces under the control of Africom (African Command) collaborate regularly with Somali National Army units and soldiers from Ethiopia, Uganda, Djibouti and Kenya to plan and conduct ground operations against al-Shabaab.

According to Obamas semi-annual briefing to Congress on foreign military operations, the US forces are not only present to target al-Shabaab, which is aligned with al-Qaida, but also to provide advise and assist support to regional counter-terrorism efforts. This has been one of the favored formulations to justify the deployment of US soldiers to war zones around the world, such as in Iraq, where the alleged advisers frequently operate on the front line in fighting against ISIS.

Africom has repeatedly dismissed reports that its frequent air strikes, including at least 13 this year, have led to civilian casualties. In one of the most recent incidents Africom denied claims by officials in the autonomous region of Galmudug that a US drone strike killed 22 local soldiers and civilians last month in the city of Galkayo.

Even strikes authorized to support offensive operations launched by Somali forces in conjunction with US soldiers are routinely labelled as self-defense actions.

Significantly, the US forces are not only fighting but also engage in joint interrogation sessions with Somali forces. Ominously recalling the methods employed in Afghanistan and Iraq, where US troops worked hand-in-glove with local authorities guilty of torture and abuse of prisoners, the Times merely noted in passing that after such sessions, US forces hand over prisoners to be interned in Somali prisons.

The suggestion that the US war in Somalia is defensive is absurd. Control over the strategically-important country, which lies adjacent to some of the most important sea lanes in the world for the transportation of oil and other commodities, is seen as essential by the US ruling elite if Washington is to retain its global hegemonic position.

The Times attempt to cast the catastrophic conditions in Somalia, which has not had a functioning government for over two decades, as the result of the actions of the al-Shabaab Islamist militia is highly disingenuous. In truth, the US bears chief responsibility for the more than a quarter century of bitter fighting and endemic poverty that has gripped the strategically-located country in the Horn of Africa.

In 1991, Washington withdrew its longstanding support for the regime of Siad Barre, leading to its collapse. It then seized on a famine crisis to legitimize the deployment of 30,000 troops to the country in a bid to establish a US client regime. After the Battle of Mogadishu, in which 18 US soldiers were killed, President Clinton withdrew the troops.

But the US withdrawal did not mean it remained on the sidelines. In the wake of 9/11, the Bush administration established the first permanent US military base in Africa in neighboring Djibouti, from where air strikes and drone operations have been flown.

In 2006, the US played a key role in backing an Ethiopian invasion to topple the moderate Islamic Courts regime, which had ousted the US-backed TFG. The ensuing fighting killed tens of thousands, and the brutality of the Ethiopian occupiers fueled increased support for al-Shabaab. The invasion included more than a week-long shelling campaign against Mogadishu, which reduced large parts of the capital to rubble and turned hundreds of thousands into refugees. US air strikes and naval bombardments were organized to back Ethiopias military operations.

After capturing Mogadishu and reinstating the TFG, the Ethiopian force was supplemented by troops from Uganda, Kenya, Djibouti and Burundi under the auspices of an African Union peacekeeping mission.

US advisers were in Somalia almost without interruption from 2006. It only came to light in 2014 that around 120 US soldiers had been operating there since 2007, first alongside the Ethiopian invasion and later as part of the AU mission.

US operations in Somalia are only part of a vastly expanding array of military deployments organized by Africom across the continent.

In an annual briefing to the Senate Armed Services Committee, it was noted earlier this year that in fiscal year 2015, Africom conducted 75 joint operations, 12 major joint exercises, and 400 security cooperation activities. As well as its permanent military base in Djibouti, the US military has drone bases in Uganda, Seychelles, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Niger.

The dramatic expansion of US military activity in Africa since Africom was established in 2007 reflects Washingtons determination to subjugate the resource-rich continent, consolidate its geostrategic and economic hegemony and block the emergence of its rivals in Africa, above all China but also the European imperialist powers, which are seeking to reestablish domination over their former colonial possessions.

The ever more aggressive character of the operations conducted by Africom was demonstrated earlier this year with the appointment of General Thomas Waldhauser as its new commander. The four-star Marine Corps general has led US operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan.

During an appearance in front of the Armed Services Committee, Waldhauser vowed to expand the war on terror throughout Africa and stated he would request the authority to carry out targeted killings without presidential approval.

One area of major focus for Africom is the Sahel region south of the Sahara. US forces have been deployed to Cameroon and Niger, where they have been engaged in training the countrys armed forces using the pretext of combatting the terrorist group Boko Haram.

The Intercept reported two weeks ago based on secret documents obtained via a Freedom of Information request that the Obama administration is planning to spend an additional $100 million to establish a new drone base which will be capable of hosting MQ-9 Reaper drones, which are larger and considered more lethal than the notorious Predator drones used to rain death and destruction down on thousands throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

Just days before the Times revealed the covert operations in Somalia, the US military newspaper Stars and Stripes confirmed that a fleet of F16 fighters have been deployed in Djibouti since July in preparation for a possible crisis response mission in South Sudan.

The country, which gained its independence from Sudan in 2011 with Washingtons backing, has substantial energy resources and is crucial to the US strategy of preventing expanding Chinese influence. But it has been gripped by civil war almost since its independence.
Dianna Agron just got married in a super romantic destination wedding, and were so happy for her!

Its official! Glee alum Dianna Agron and her longtime love Mumford and Sons banjoist Winston Marshall have tied the knot. The couple set off to Morocco for a super romantic destination wedding, and although pictures from their Saturday nuptuals havent been released, it sounds like it was stunning.

I mean, just look at how beautiful Morocco is in general.

After the Sunset

After dating for about a year, Dianna Agron and Marshall got engaged in December 2015, according to Us Weekly. Neither of them ever publicly confirmed their engagement, but since they just got married, were pretty certain they were also engaged.

And now theyre obviously the most perfect little musical family.

He is the nicest guy and treats her like a princess, a source told Us. .He is also so good to her friends.

Marshall sounds like such a gentleman, and it doesnt hurt that he kills it on the banjo.

Agron seems to have brought her best gals along to Morocco. Six days ago, she posted an adorable picture on Instagram of her and her friends, and they were all wearing matching robes and turquoise rain boots, while riding turquoise beach cruisers.

My GALS, she captioned the photo.

Destination weddings always seem like the best time, but a destination wedding in MOROCCO is probably absolutely incredible. Who wouldnt want to live out their very own magical wedding story in such a gorgeous location?

We cant wait to see photos of the bride and groom, as well as of their fairytale wedding location. Were sure the couple has probably been pretty busy, you know, being in love and married and stuff, but whenever they want to throw up an Instagram pic of the setting  were ready!

The post Dianna Agron just got married in a super romantic destination wedding, and were so happy for her! appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Tehran (AFP) - A group of Iranian lawmakers has written an open letter to the head of the judiciary calling for the release of Narges Mohammadi, an activist sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Mohammadi, 44, has campaigned against the death penalty and was awarded the City of Paris medal earlier this year for her work on women's rights.

Arrested in May last year, the mother-of-two was sentenced in April to a total of 16 years in prison on various charges, including "forming and managing an illegal group".

In the letter published by Iranian media on Sunday, the lawmakers call on Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani, the head of the judiciary, "to apply the clemency and mercy of the Islamic republic" and reunite her with her children.

They also highlight Mohammadi's medical problems including "muscular paralysis".

Among the signatories were parliamentary vice president Ali Motahari and several female MPs.

Mohammadi, who was also spokeswoman for Iran's Centre for Human Rights Defenders, went on hunger strike in June after being denied phone contact with her children, who live with their father in France. The authorities relented after 20 days of the hunger strike.

Under a law passed last year, she should only serve the sentence linked to the most important charge -- in this case 10 years for forming the "illegal group" Legam which pressed for an end to capital punishment.

Amnesty International says Iran executed 977 people last year, mostly on drug trafficking charges.
CANNES, France  Studiocanal, Europes biggest film investor and one of the regions fastest-growing TV drama producers, has sold Midnight Sun, its flagship Mipcom series, to Germanys ZDF, Denmarks DR and Australias SBS.

Produced by Swedens SVT and Frances Canal Plus, Midnight Sun, one of the most anticipated series from continental Europe, has also clinched deals with TV operators in Norway (NRK), Finland (MTV3), Iceland (RUV), Israel (HOT), and Benelux, where rights are split between Belgiums VRT and film-TV production-distribution company Lumiere. SVT will be the first broadcaster to air Midnight Sun, starting Oct. 23. Frances Canal Plus will launch the drama-thriller under its Creation Originale label, later this year.

Studiocanal is in advanced negotiations to close additional sales in the coming months, said Katrina Neylon, Studiocanal EVP, sales and marketing.

The high-end murder mystery series has attracted major attention since its first two episodes bowed at Aprils Series Mania in Paris and shared the festivals Audience Award. It turns on a French police officer, Kahina Zadi (Leila Bekhti, A Prophet), who is dispatched from Paris to Kiruna, a small mining community in Arctic Sweden, to lead the investigation of the gruesome murder of a French citizen. She is aided by a local Swedish DA, Anders Harnesk (Gustaf Hammarsten, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo). As other bloody murders of townsfolk quickly mount up, the duo link them to rituals of the local Sami people.

Midnight Sun is Nordic Noir at its finest. This truly international series offers sweeping scenery, compelling storytelling and stunning performances, said Marshall Heald, SBS director of television and online content.

Produced by Frances Atlantique Productions and Swedens Nice Drama, Midnight Sun is written by The Bridge co-scribes Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein from an idea by Henrik Jansson-Schweizer and Patrick Nebout.

Midnight Suns early sales are to many of the companies which made Nordic Noir an international brand. The Bridge, for example, was produced by SVT and DR, co-produced by Germanys ZDF  which also co-produced Swedish serial killer thriller Modus and the upcoming Springtide. The Bridge was also acquired by Norways NRK.

Of the first buyers confirmed on Midnight Sun, Israels HOT is a cable TV operator, Finlands MTV3 a Viacom-owned commercial TV network. Apart from that, however, the first buyers on the series are state-backed free-to-air broadcasters.

The dialog in Midnight Sun is in English, French, Swedish and Sami. The challenge for foreign-language series is no longer to sell abroad but rather to chalk up significant ratings on mainstream channels outside their country of origin. This is key for Vivendi, the owner of Studiocanal parent company Canal Plus Group, as it seeks to build a contents powerhouse across Europe.

On ZDF, Germanys second-largest state-backed network, Midnight Sun will be able to measure its ratings appeal in Germany against some high-profile past Nordic Noirs. Midnight Sun will be an absolute highlight in our 2017 schedule, said Susanne Mueller, ZDF executive director of feature films and international co-productions.

She called it a perfect fit for ZDFs Sunday late-night crime slot, where we air the finest European crime drama.

Playing off its ownership of, stakes in or backing of eight production companies in Europe, Studiocanals Mipcom slate also takes in three series from its network of Studiocanal companies: eight-part crime thriller Below the Surface, from Denmarks SAM Productions, run by the creators of Borgen and The Killing and the producer of A Royal Affair; procedural Paranoid, from Nicola Shindlers Manchester-based RED Production Company, made for ITV and Netflix; and Crazyhead, from Misfits creator Howard Overman, described as a Buffy-style demon slayer horror comedy, from Londons Urban Myth Films.

In the run-up to Mipcom, Studiocanal announced that Idris Elbas Green Door pictures will partner with Tandem Productions and Save Ferris Ent. on new Africa-set drama Brazza.

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L-R: US Secretary of State John Kerry, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and UN Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed make a joint statement on Yemen at Lancaster House in London on October 16, 2016 (AFP Photo/Justin Tallis)

Yemeni fighters from the separatist Southern Movement, loyal to the government forces, arrive for a rally on October 13, 2016, in the southern city of Aden (AFP Photo/Saleh al-Obeidi)

Aden (AFP) - Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire that could be extended, the war-torn country's foreign minister said Monday, a day after international calls for a truce.

The announcement comes after the United States, Britain and the UN peace envoy to Yemen on Sunday urged the warring parties in the country's civil war to declare a ceasefire they said could start within days.

"The President agreed to a 72 hrs ceasefire to be extended if the other party adheres to it", activates a truce observing committee and ends the siege of third-city Taez, Abdulmalek al-Mekhlafi wrote on Twitter.

Al-Arabiya news channel meanwhile cited Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir as saying that the kingdom is willing to see a ceasefire take effect in Yemen without providing details.

Saudi Arabia's impoverished neighbour has been rocked by a deadly war since pro-Iran rebels overran the capital Sanaa in September 2014.

The conflict, however, escalated after an Arab coalition, led by Riyadh, launched a bombing campaign against the Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies in March 2015.

On Sunday, UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said: "We are here to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which will be declared in the next few hours."

The envoy said he had been in contact with the Huthi militia's lead negotiator and with Hadi's government.

But he warned that he hoped for "clearer plans" for a ceasefire in coming days.

"We reiterate our support for the efforts of UN Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed," Mekhlafi tweeted, adding that his government will deal "positively" with international calls for peace.

The conflict in Yemen has killed almost 6,900 people, wounded more than 35,000 and displaced at least three million since March last year, according to the United Nations.

- New peace plan -

On Sunday US Secretary of State John Kerry met in London with the UN envoy and his opposite numbers from Britain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the Yemen conflict.

"This is the time to implement a ceasefire unconditionally and then move to the negotiating table," US Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters after the talks.

Kerry said that he agreed with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and the UN envoy that the ceasefire should begin "as rapidly as possible, meaning Monday, Tuesday".

Previous attempts to enforce a ceasefire in the country have so far failed with the war intensifying after a round of peace talks in Kuwait ended in August without achieving breakthrough.

The Saudi-led coalition has stepped up its air raids following the breakdown of talks and cross-border attacks from Yemen have also intensified.

A ceasefire that was announced in conjunction with the start of the Kuwait talks was hardly observed on ground, with both sides trading blame for violating the truce.

Earlier this month, the UN envoy had said that a 72-hour ceasefire was expected soon adding that he was hoping to draft a new peace plan for Yemen.

The coalition has carried out hundreds of air strikes and provided ground troops to support Hadi's forces.

But it has failed to dislodge the Huthi rebels, who are allied with forces loyal to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, from key areas including the capital Sanaa.

The rebels still control large parts of the north, their historic stronghold areas, and other regions of western and central Yemen.

Taez, the country's third city, is almost completely surrounded by the Huthis and their allies and loyalist forces have for months tried to break the rebel grip on the southwestern city.

Government forces have recaptured the south and east but failed to make any significant advances.
21 of the #BringBackOurGirls were finally reunited with their families, and were crying happy tears

Its been two and a half years since terrorist group Boko Haram kidnapped 276 girls from their boarding school in Chibok, Nigeria. The event caused a global outcry, sparking the #BringBackOurGirls movement on social media which was supported by both Michelle Obama and Malala Yousafzai, among others. While the campaign helped raise awareness, most of the girls  apart from nearly 60 who were able to escape their captors almost immediately  stayed in captivity. This week, however, 21 were released and were reunited with their loved ones in Abuja, Nigerias capital.

Pictures on social media of families finally reunited, their members clutching each other, are extremely moving.

A photo posted by The Economist (@theeconomist) on Oct 17, 2016 at 8:11am PDT

A photo posted by Jaruma Magazine (@jaruma.magazine) on Oct 17, 2016 at 7:34am PDT

A photo posted by Nazifi Jiiga (@nazifijiiga) on Oct 16, 2016 at 1:51pm PDT

A video posted by Vanguard News (@vanguardnews) on Oct 16, 2016 at 11:16am PDT

CNN shared news of the girls release, as well as a timeline of the events. Despite the two and a half years of captivity, this is the first mass release of Chibok girls  there are still 197 missing.

Goni Mutah, whose daughter Asabe was one of those released, told CNN: I was very happy to see my daughter but Im also praying for the other daughter to be released. I asked Asabe about her sister and if she was alive. But she told me shes alive. Im praying she will come back soon.

While those reunited celebrated the occasion, the event was understandably bittersweet: some of the girls released have sisters or cousins still in captivity, and parents whose daughters are still missing had an emotional day.

Community leader Tsambido Hosea, who spoke for the parents, told CNN: Some of the parents whose daughters did not come back were very upset, but they are hopeful because they know talks are continuing for more girls to be released.

Negotiations to free more girls are ongoing, but currently only about 83 of the girls are being negotiated for  meaning, if the talks are successful, there will still be over 100 still in captivity. While every success in getting them back should be celebrated, the release of the 21 Chibok girls should remind us of the fact that so many are still being held. All of the Chibok girls should be released, so we cant stop demanding #BringBackOurGirls until every single one has been returned.

The post 21 of the #BringBackOurGirls were finally reunited with their families, and were crying happy tears appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Rioting inmates beheaded their rivals and bodies were burned in an explosion of violence in two Brazilian jails that left at least 18 people dead on Monday, authorities said.

Prisoners also took women visitors hostage, a regional official told Brazilian television.

It was the latest eruption of gruesome violence to hit the country's underfunded and overcrowded prison system.

The clash between two rival factions in a prison in the far northern state of Roraima killed 10 on Sunday, regional government media spokeswoman Jessica Laurie told AFP.

"The inmates were armed with stones and pieces of wood that they ripped from the walls. They used those bits of wood to decapitate their rivals. It was very brutal," she said.

"At first, the police thought there were more dead," she said. "Seven bodies were found burned and three others beheaded. Three inmates were lightly wounded and were treated."

On Monday a fresh riot, thought to be linked to the Roraima carnage, broke out at a jail in the northwestern state of Rondonia on the Bolivian border, a local police spokesman said.

"There are thought to be eight people dead but the bodies are burnt and the medical authorities will have to confirm" the toll, he told AFP.

Human rights groups have long complained about the deplorable conditions in Brazilian prisons, where fights and riots are frequent.

- Knives, clubs, hostages -

In the first riot in the Roraima state capital Boa Vista, the bloodshed began when inmates of one wing of the Agricola de Monte Cristo prison broke into another wing.

Prisoners were armed with knives and wooden clubs, an inmate's wife who was in the prison when the riot broke out told news channel G1.

Roraima state Secretary of Justice Uziel Castro said that the fight erupted during visiting hours, and some 100 relatives of inmates were briefly held hostage.

The rioters demanded that a judge come to hear their demands. Instead, special operations police stormed the prison, freed the hostages and regained control of the site by sundown.

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"All the hostages were released," Castro said, adding that most of them were women.

The prison, some 3,400 kilometers (2,100 miles) northwest of Rio de Janeiro, is in a state that borders Venezuela and Guyana.

- Violent, overcrowded prisons -

Joana Moura, head of the union of Roraima penal workers, told the Folha de Boa Vista newspaper that the incident "is a reflection of the lack of interest from the state government" towards the prison system.

According to Moura, "there is no security equipment, there are not enough personnel for the tasks, and the prison officers are working beyond their capacity."

As of the end of 2014, there were 622,000 people imprisoned in Brazil, according to a Ministry of Justice report, which added that most of the prisoners are black males.

Brazil has the world's fourth largest prison population, the report said, after the United States, China and Russia.

Human rights groups have long complained about the deplorable conditions in Brazilian prisons.

In late May, 14 inmates died in prisons in the northeastern state of Ceara. That led the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to issue a statement urging structural reforms.

In a separate incident in September, some 200 inmates rioted and escaped the overpopulated Jardinopolis prison in Sao Paulo state.
Three men have been arrested in connection with the death of Olympic runner Tyson Gays teen daughter Trinity, who was killed in a shootout outside a Kentucky restaurant early Sunday.

Father and son Chazerae Taylor, 38, and DMarkeo Taylor, 19, were charged with wanton endangerment in the shooting. D'Vonta Middlebrooks, 21, was hit with wanton endangerment and weapons charges.

Read: Teen Carrying Gun Falls Off Hoverboard and Fatally Shoots 13-Year-Old Friend

Police said Middlebrooks fired multiple shots during the shootout.

Trinity, 15, was shot in the neck by a stray bullet in the early morning hours at the Cookout restaurant when men in two separate vehicles exchanged gunfire in the parking lot. The suspects then fled the scene, according to police.

Trinity died later in the hospital.

Police reportedly found the two vehicles involved in the incident and are still investigating.

Trinity, like her father, was a track star at her Kentucky high school. She was a state runner-up in the 100-meter dash in middle school. She also was the Region 6AAA champion in the 200-meter last spring.

Gay expressed complete shock in the hours after the tragedy.

She didn't make it. I'm so confused. She was just here last week for fall break. It's so crazy. I have no idea what happened, Tyson told Lex 18.

Her mom, Shoshana Boyd, told the Daily News that her daughter "was so innocent.

"I just want people to stop shooting and realize who theyre hurting. Its just random. They dont understand. They dont understand who theyre hurting." Boyd said.

Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Emmanuel Caulk also released a statement.

Read: Teenager Pleads No Contest to Murdering Classmate After She Declined His Prom Invite

"Our hearts are broken this morning over the loss of Trinity to this tragic and senseless act of violence," Caulk said.

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Other athletes took to Twitter when the news broke to express their sadness and condolences.

Rip Trinity!   CURTIS MITCHELL (@MrMitchell200m) October 17, 2016

Another senseless murder has prevented a princess from becoming a queen.

Prayers up for you & your family @TysonLGay . #RIPTrinity.  Shelvin Mack (@ShelvinMack) October 16, 2016

My prayers & condolences to Tyson Gay & the rest of the Gay family, may God give you strength in this time of need.  Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) October 16, 2016

Watch: Teen Honored As Homecoming King Days After Losing Battle with Leukemia

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Though his support is slipping, Republican nominee Donald Trumps claims that the election could be stolen from him are starting to set in with voters, according to a new poll.

Some 41% of voters surveyed for a new Politico/Morning Consult poll agreed with Trumps statement that the election could be stolen from him as a result of widespread voter fraud. Among Republicans, nearly three-fourths of voters agree the election could be rigged against Trump, while only 17% of Democrats were in agreement.

The majority of Americans, 60%, believe its necessary to raise questions about election results because a foreign government or fraudulent voters could compromise the election.

Both candidates have been pushing the idea that there are agents seeking to interfere with the election. The repeated leaks of hacked emails from Democratic candidates has stoked fears that Russia is seeking to manipulate the election and served as fodder for former Secretary of State Hillary Clintons claim that the Trump campaign is in cahoots with the Kremlin.

Meanwhile Trumps falling poll numbers have encouraged his most fiery rhetoric, including his theory that the Clinton campaign will fix the election in favor of his opponent. The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary  but also at many polling places  SAD, Trump tweeted on Sunday.

Though the poll results show that voters are wary of the process, many voters polled said they still believe their own vote will be counted properly when they head to the ballot this election. According to the Politico/Morning Consult poll, 80% of registered voters are either very confident or somewhat confident their own vote will be counted even though 30% of those voters question whether the same will be true for other voters across the country.

1,737 likely voters were surveyed for the poll, which was taken between Oct. 13 and Oct. 15. It has a margin or error of plus or minus two percentage points.
Investors flock to a business that reports profits on a regular basis. And to gauge the extent of profit there is no better metric than the net profit margin.



Net Profit Margin = Net profit /Sales * 100.



Net profit margin reflects a companys ability to convert revenues into profits after deducting all operating and non-operating expenses as well as income tax payable.



Hence, a healthy net profit margin shows how successfully management has controlled costs. We note that stringent cost control as well as a lean cost structure provides a cushion to the companys profitability during periods of downturn.



Also, higher net profit is indispensable for rewarding stakeholders. Further, the strength in the metric not only attracts new investors but also draws well-skilled employees that eventually add to the value of the business.



Moreover, a higher net profit margin as compared to peers lends a company competitive edge.



Pros and Cons



Net profit margin helps investors gain clarity on a companys business model in terms of pricing policy, cost structure and manufacturing efficiency. Hence, a strong net profit margin is preferred by all classes of investors.



However, net profit margin as an investment criterion has its own share of pitfalls. The metric varies widely from industry to industry. While net income is a key metric for investment measurement in traditional industries, it is not that vital for technology companies.



Moreover, the difference in accounting treatment of various items  especially non-cash expenses like depreciation and stock-based compensation  makes comparison a complex task.



Further, for companies preferring to grow with debt, instead of equity funding, higher interest expenses usually weigh on net profit. In such cases, the measure is rendered ineffective to analyze a companys performance.



The Winning Strategy



A healthy net profit margin and solid EPS growth are two most sought-after elements in a business model.



Apart from these, we have added a few other criteria to ensure maximum returns from this strategy.



Screening Parameters



Net Margin 12 months  Most Recent (%) greater than equal to 0: High net profit margin indicates solid profitability.



Percentage Change in EPS F(0)/(F-1) greater than equal to 0: It indicates earnings growth.



Average Broker Rating (1-5) equal to 1: A rating of #1 indicates brokers extreme bullishness on the prospects of the stock.



Zacks Rank equal to 1: Only Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks are allowed. In good markets or bad, Strong Buy stocks continue to outperform. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



VGM Score of A or B: Our research shows that stocks with a VGM Score of 'A' or 'B' when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 offer the best upside potential.



Here are the five stocks that qualified the screen:



Athens, Greece-based Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. ANW is a marine fuel logistics company that physically supplies and markets refined marine fuel and lubricants to ships in port and at sea. The stock has a VGM score of A. Moreover, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2017 has remained steady at $1.24 over the last 30 days.



Rockville, MD-based Argan Inc. AGX provides inside premise wiring services to the federal government. The company also offers underground and aerial construction services and splicing to major telecommunications and utilities customers. The stock has a VGM score of A. Moreover, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2016 has remained stable at $3.65 over the past 30 days.



Denver, CO-based Hallador Energy Company HNRG is engaged in the production and sale of steam coal used for power generation. The company has a VGM Score of A. Its earnings estimate for the current year has increased by a penny to 60 cents over the last 30 days.



Tokyo -based Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation NTT provides a variety of telecommunications services, including telephone, telegraph, leased circuits, data communication, terminal equipment sales and other services in Japan. The stock has a VGM score of A. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2017 has remained unchanged at $3.81 over the past 30 days.



Munich, Germany-based Bayerische Motoren Werke AG BAMXF is a multi-brand automobile manufacturer that focuses on the premium segments of the worldwide automobile and motorcycle markets. The stock has a VGM score of B. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2016 has increased by 42 cents (4.1%) to $10.73 over the last 30 days.

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The Research Wizard is a great place to begin. It's easy to use. Everything is in plain language. And it's very intuitive. Start your Research Wizard trial today. And the next time you read an economic report, open up the Research Wizard, plug your finds in, and see what gems come out.

Click here to sign up for a free trial to the Research Wizard today.

Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material.

Disclosure: Performance information for Zacks' portfolios and strategies are available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance.

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Zacks Investment Research
stephen hawking theory of everything

If you're going to learn anything, you need two kinds of prior knowledge:

 Knowledge about the subject at hand, like math, history, or programming

 Knowledge about how learning actually works

The bad news: Our education system often skips one of them. This is problematic, given that your ability to learn is such a huge predictor of success in life, from achieving in academics to getting ahead at work. To succeed over the long term, you have to master skill after skill.

"Parents and educators are pretty good at imparting the first kind of knowledge," shares psychology writer Annie Murphy Paul. "We're comfortable talking about concrete information: names, dates, numbers, facts. But the guidance we offer on the act of learning itself  the 'metacognitive' aspects of learning  is more hit-or-miss, and it shows."

To wit, education research shows that low-achieving students have "substantial deficits" in their understanding of the cognitive strategies that allow people to learn well. This, Paul says, suggests that part of the reason students perform poorly is that they don't know a lot about how learning actually works.

It's a cultural issue.

Henry L. Roediger III and Mark A. McDaniel, psychologists at Washington University in St. Louis and coauthors, along with Peter C. Brown, of "Make It Stick: The Science Of Successful Learning," say that "how we teach and study is largely a mix of theory, lore, and intuition."

So let's cut through that lore. Here are learning strategies that really work.

This is an update of an article originally posted by Drake Baer on Tech Insider.

1. Force yourself to recall

The least-fun part of effective learning is that it's hard. In fact, the "Make It Stick" authors contend that when learning is difficult, you're doing your best learning, in the same way that lifting a weight at the limit of your capacity makes you strongest.



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It's simple, though not easy, to take advantage of this: Force yourself to recall a fact.

Psychologists call it the "testing effect": When you keep trying to remember a piece of information, you interrupt the forgetting process and help cement the memory of that information into your brain. Flashcards are a great ally in this endeavor, since they require you to supply answers.

An even better strategy, the "Make it Stick" authors write, is to space out your attempts at recalling the information, instead of cramming them all into the span of a few minutes. That way, you allow some forgetting to happen between tests, meaning that remembering takes more cognitive effort and the memory gets stronger.

Interestingly, however, one survey found that only 11% of college students practice recalling information while studying.

2. Don't go easy on yourself

Again, it comes down to putting in more cognitive effort.

In one study, students who looked at paired words like "foot-shoe" had a harder time remembering the second word later than students who looked at clues like "foot-se." Researchers call this phenomenon the "generation effect."

Other research suggests that, when you're testing yourself, you should mix up the type of problem you solve, a strategy known as "interleaving." One study found that students who worked on math problems in a "shuffled" format, where each set included problems drawn from a variety of lessons, remembered more on their final test than students who'd worked on un-shuffled math problems.

That way, the testing conditions are more similar to real life, where you first have to figure out what kind of problem you have on your hands, and then solve it. The authors note that interleaving can feel inefficient, which might be why it's so infrequently used in schools, but it ultimately leads to greater retention in the long run.

airport

3. Don't fall for fluency

When you're reading something and it feels easy, what you're experiencing is fluency, the "Make It Stick" authors write.

It'll only get you in trouble.

Example: Say, for instance, you're at the airport and you're trying to remember which gate your flight to Chicago is waiting for you at. You look at the terminal monitors  it's B44. You think to yourself, Oh, B44, that's easy. Then you walk away, idly check your phone, and instantly forget where you're going.

The alternative: You read the gate number. Then you turn away from the monitor and ask yourself, What's the gate? If you can recall that it's B44, you're good to go.

4. Connect the new thing to the old things

"The more you can explain about the way your new learning relates to prior knowledge," the "Make It Stick" authors write, "the stronger your grasp of the new learning will be, and the more connections you create that will help you remember it later."

When you're weaving in new threads into your pre-existing web of knowledge, you're elaborating.

One killer technique is to come up with real-life examples of principles you've just uncovered. If you've just learned about slant rhyme, you could read poems that exhibit it. If you've just discovered heat transfer, you could think of the way a warm cup of coffee disperses warmth into your hands on a cold winter's day.

5. Reflect, reflect, reflect

Looking back helps. In a Harvard Business School study, employees who were onboarded to a call center had 22.8% higher performance than the control group when they spent just 15 minutes reflecting on their work at the end of the day.

"When people have the opportunity to reflect, they experience a boost in self-efficacy," HBS professor Francesca Gino told Business Insider. "They feel more confident that they can achieve things. As a result, they put more effort into what they're doing and what they learn."

While reflecting may seem like it leads to working less, it may lead to achieving more.

NOW WATCH: 3 strategies for remembering everything you learn





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J._P._Morgan_beating_a_photographer_with_his_stick

Today, John Pierpont Morgan is remembered as one of the greatest bankers in American history. In his time, he was called the "Jupiter of Wall Street."

He was born into the Morgan banking dynasty in 1837. Throughout the Progressive Era, he dominated the corporate world. Morgan founded the banking institution J.P. Morgan & Co. in 1871, which was acquired by Chase Manhattan Bank to become JPMorgan Chase in 2000. Today, JP Morgan Chase is the largest bank in the US.

Over the course of his career, Morgan helped form or support many companies that still exist today, including General Electric, the U.S. Steel, and AT&T. When he died in 1913 at the age of 75, it was revealed that he was worth around $80 million  according to legend, John D. Rockefeller remarked, "And to think he wasn't even a rich man!" upon reading the figure, according to Jean Strouse's article for the New York Times.

He dominated the financial and industrial world through the 19th century. Morgan consolidated numerous companies and even regulated entire industries, like steel and railroads, as Morgen Witzel writes in "Fifty Key Figures in Management."

A study of his life also reveals a number of interesting lessons to be learned from his example.

Here are six lessons in leadership we can learn from J.P. Morgan:

1. Trust matters

Morgan realized the value of an honest reputation.

As Chris Farrell reported for Bloomberg, one of Morgan's most famous quotes came about toward the end of his life. He was testifying before a Congressional committee in 1912 when he was asked if commercial credit was based on money or property.

"The first thing is character," he responded. "Before money or anything else. Money cannot buy it. A man I do not trust could not get money from me on all the bonds in Christendom. I think that is the fundamental basis of business."

2. Setbacks happen

J.P. Morgan and Company organized numerous different companies, from General Electric to the Erie Railroad.

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However, not all of his ventures worked out.

In fact, Morgan was roundly defeated on certain occasions. One notable incident came about while the banker was trying to break into the London Underground market by Charles Tyson Yerkes, according to "Robber Baron" by John Franch. Yerkes apparently sabotaged Morgan's attempt to secure permission to build lines to compete with his own operation.

3. Things change  and that's not a bad thing

In one famous incident, when asked by a passerby what the stock market was going to do next, Morgan responded simply: "It will fluctuate."

Unfortunately, Morgan probably never quite said that  according to Barry Popik's research, the earliest appearance of the quote dates back to 1934, decades after the man's death.

However, Morgan's ability to both adapt to and facilitate change was clear throughout his career. He was frequently able to seize failing entities and "Morganize" them, as Heather Timmons reported for Bloomberg: "He would take over problem companies, flush out incompetent managers, and appoint people he trusted. Over time, many of the companies would recover and become profitable, keeping capital flowing into other Morgan deals."

4. Having a side passion is a good idea

Don't let anyone talk you out of majoring in a "useless" subject.

J.P. Morgan himself studied the humanities, receiving a degree in art history from the University of Gottingen, according to "J.P. Morgan's Way" by the editors of New World City.

Later on, he was a major player in the establishment of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

5. Keep things in perspective

Morgan dodged a potential deadly situation in 1912, when he canceled his reservation on the disastrous maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic at the very last second.

According to the Smithsonian, in the wake of the tragedy, he told a reporter from the New York Times that, "Monetary losses amount to nothing in life. It is the loss of life that counts. It is that frightful death."

6. Develop strong connections within your industry

Today, Morgan is remembered for bailing out the US government during the Panic of 1907. Failed speculation and the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake triggered a series of runs on banks across America.

In an interview with UVA professor Robert F. Bruner for the Smithsonian, Abigail Tucker finds that Morgan soothed the panic by calling upon his "deep and extensive relations throughout the financial and business communities." He gathered top financiers in his home on 34th street, created working groups, and determined which institutions to save and which ones to allow to die off.

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With the growing threats due to climate change -- rising sea levels, devastating storms and tidal flooding -- it's no mystery why some of the world's most iconic cities and natural wonders are at risk. And while there's no clear-cut answer on the rate at which many cherished places the world over will be underwater, with the impending long-term effects of climate change -- including the melting polar ice cap -- we have a very narrow window before there will be dramatic repercussions, says Costas Christ, Chairman of the National Geographic World Legacy Awards and sustainable travel expert. "We have a window of 10 or 20 years at most before we set in motion the temperatures that we can't turn back," he says.

Happily, the outlook isn't all bleak. Our travel choices and actions make a difference, Christ says. "What can we do as travelers? We can choose those companies that are practicing and embracing sustainability," he explains. By rewarding companies that are substituting plastics, generating less waste, offsetting their carbon footprint, using renewable energy and supporting national parks and fragile ecosystems, among other sustainable practices, we can advance conservation efforts, travel responsibly and have a positive long-term impact. With that in mind, here are six cities starting to submerge, and expert-endorsed tips for limiting your carbon footprint and aiding conservation efforts on your next trip.

[See: 5 Inspiring Places to See Before They Disappear.]

Miami Beach, Florida

With frequent coastal flooding and high tides in vulnerable, low-laying areas, it's no surprise Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale and other areas across southern Florida are at risk of sinking into the ocean at a fast rate. At only about 3 feet above sea level, Miami is particularly susceptible to flooding. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects that sea levels could surpass 3 feet at the turn of the century and some studies suggest daily flooding could lead to a rise as high as 6 feet. And according to a 2015 report from the Risky Business Project, an estimated $15 billion in property across Florida could be threatened by accelerated sea levels. Undoubtedly, increasing sea levels and flooding will impact Florida, but on the upside, hundreds of millions of dollars have been funneled into the city of Miami to raise sea walls and elevate streets, among other forward-thinking preventative measures, to protect Miami Beach.

Venice, Italy

Dubbed the city of water, Venice has long been revered for its enchanting canals. But with increasingly high tides, turbulent winds and flooding in the Venetian lagoon, the Italian mecca is disappearing quickly. While the Mose flood barrier initiative was introduced in the late 1980s to block up to 3 meters of water during high tides, it is not yet completed. Aside from the city being precariously built over water, an ever-growing increase in floating cruise ships is causing significant damage to the city as well, Christ says. So, in short, if you want to experience the city's legendary gondolier rides, awe-inspiring cathedrals and charming palazzos, now is the time to plan a trip -- before it's too late.

Mexico City

Mexico City has sunk nearly 30 feet since the end of the 19th century. Why is one of the world's largest metropolises dropping so rapidly? A growing population of more than 21 million people has led to limited water resources as the city pumps groundwater from aquifers, underground geological formations that absorb and contain water, leading to land subsidence, or gradual sinking. To add fuel to the fire, world-renowned buildings like the Palace of Fine Arts are sinking quickly and clay layered below the city has cracked, leading to many leaning structures. While engineers have implemented measures to help fix subsidence and right buildings on an incline, time may be limited to see cherished monuments.

[See: Going Green: 5 Top Eco-Friendly Trip Ideas.]

New York City

With legendary attractions -- from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty and the Metropolitan Museum of Art -- the Big Apple is a must-see destination. Yet, Manhattan frequently encounters severe storms (such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012) and climatologists forecast such natural disasters to take place more often due to warmer temperatures and higher sea levels that make these storms increasingly hazardous. And if the sea increases by 2.5 feet, which some experts predict could take place as early as 2050, New York City's infrastructure will be impacted drastically. The silver lining: innovative urban planning initiatives like the Big U, a $335 million proposed project that would create a network of barriers to block the city from sea-level increases associated with severe storms.

New Orleans

If you want to experience Mardi Gras and admire architectural gems of the French Quarter, now is the time to plan a trip to the Crescent City. A recent study conducted by NASA and the California Institute of Technology analyzing subsidence in and around New Orleans through NASA airborne radar shows parts of the city are dropping by up to 2 inches annually. While the Big Easy has faced a host of environmental catastrophes, including the Hurricane Katrina levee-system disaster, it's also sinking at a steady rate. More than 50 percent of the city is below sea level today and estimates show three quarters of the city could drop below sea level as early as 2050. "The issue of sinking cities is certainly well-related to climate change," says Jamie Sweeting, vice president for sustainability at G Adventures and president of the Planeterra Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to contributing financial resources to emergency response, conservation and other charitable causes. "Rising sea levels are going to be more acutely linked to big-weather events," he explains, noting that scientists agree that natural disasters will take place more frequently and at a more profound level.

[See: 15 Must-Visit National Park Attractions.]

Bangkok, Thailand

Aside from its low-lying landscape and susceptibility to severe storms, Thailand's capital city is in danger also because of overdevelopment and subsidence caused by too much water getting pumped from the city's aquifers. Catastrophic flooding and severe rain also put a strain on the city, as do its host of soaring skyscrapers and its heavy railway. In fact, some experts say the city could be underwater by 2030 if severe storms persist. That said, Thailand's National Reform Council committee has proposed creating a floodwall to protect the area from rapidly increasing sea levels -- a project estimated to cost more than $14 billion to protect Bangkok and its surrounding areas.

It's no longer a question of whether places around the globe are at risk. The real question is how far we will go to promote sustainable tourism, Christ says. "When will we see a day when hotels are not generating tons and tons of plastic water bottles or carbon dioxide in the area?" Christ asks. In addition to traveling responsibly, tourists can let hotels and tour operators know they care to incentivize them to make a difference and leave a positive impact on the environment, he says.





More From US News & World Report


With the growing threats due to climate change -- rising sea levels, devastating storms and tidal flooding -- it's no mystery why some of the world's most iconic cities and natural wonders are at risk. And while there's no clear-cut answer on the rate at which many cherished places the world over will be underwater, with the impending long-term effects of climate change -- including the melting polar ice cap -- we have a very narrow window before there will be dramatic repercussions, says Costas Christ, Chairman of the National Geographic World Legacy Awards and sustainable travel expert. "We have a window of 10 or 20 years at most before we set in motion the temperatures that we can't turn back," he says.

Happily, the outlook isn't all bleak. Our travel choices and actions make a difference, Christ says. "What can we do as travelers? We can choose those companies that are practicing and embracing sustainability," he explains. By rewarding companies that are substituting plastics, generating less waste, offsetting their carbon footprint, using renewable energy and supporting national parks and fragile ecosystems, among other sustainable practices, we can advance conservation efforts, travel responsibly and have a positive long-term impact. With that in mind, here are six cities starting to submerge, and expert-endorsed tips for limiting your carbon footprint and aiding conservation efforts on your next trip.

[See: 5 Inspiring Places to See Before They Disappear.]

Miami Beach, Florida

With frequent coastal flooding and high tides in vulnerable, low-laying areas, it's no surprise Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale and other areas across southern Florida are at risk of sinking into the ocean at a fast rate. At only about 3 feet above sea level, Miami is particularly susceptible to flooding. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects that sea levels could surpass 3 feet at the turn of the century and some studies suggest daily flooding could lead to a rise as high as 6 feet. And according to a 2015 report from the Risky Business Project, an estimated $15 billion in property across Florida could be threatened by accelerated sea levels. Undoubtedly, increasing sea levels and flooding will impact Florida, but on the upside, hundreds of millions of dollars have been funneled into the city of Miami to raise sea walls and elevate streets, among other forward-thinking preventative measures, to protect Miami Beach.

Venice, Italy

Dubbed the city of water, Venice has long been revered for its enchanting canals. But with increasingly high tides, turbulent winds and flooding in the Venetian lagoon, the Italian mecca is disappearing quickly. While the Mose flood barrier initiative was introduced in the late 1980s to block up to 3 meters of water during high tides, it is not yet completed. Aside from the city being precariously built over water, an ever-growing increase in floating cruise ships is causing significant damage to the city as well, Christ says. So, in short, if you want to experience the city's legendary gondolier rides, awe-inspiring cathedrals and charming palazzos, now is the time to plan a trip -- before it's too late.

Mexico City

Mexico City has sunk nearly 30 feet since the end of the 19th century. Why is one of the world's largest metropolises dropping so rapidly? A growing population of more than 21 million people has led to limited water resources as the city pumps groundwater from aquifers, underground geological formations that absorb and contain water, leading to land subsidence, or gradual sinking. To add fuel to the fire, world-renowned buildings like the Palace of Fine Arts are sinking quickly and clay layered below the city has cracked, leading to many leaning structures. While engineers have implemented measures to help fix subsidence and right buildings on an incline, time may be limited to see cherished monuments.

[See: Going Green: 5 Top Eco-Friendly Trip Ideas.]

New York City

With legendary attractions -- from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty and the Metropolitan Museum of Art -- the Big Apple is a must-see destination. Yet, Manhattan frequently encounters severe storms (such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012) and climatologists forecast such natural disasters to take place more often due to warmer temperatures and higher sea levels that make these storms increasingly hazardous. And if the sea increases by 2.5 feet, which some experts predict could take place as early as 2050, New York City's infrastructure will be impacted drastically. The silver lining: innovative urban planning initiatives like the Big U, a $335 million proposed project that would create a network of barriers to block the city from sea-level increases associated with severe storms.

New Orleans

If you want to experience Mardi Gras and admire architectural gems of the French Quarter, now is the time to plan a trip to the Crescent City. A recent study conducted by NASA and the California Institute of Technology analyzing subsidence in and around New Orleans through NASA airborne radar shows parts of the city are dropping by up to 2 inches annually. While the Big Easy has faced a host of environmental catastrophes, including the Hurricane Katrina levee-system disaster, it's also sinking at a steady rate. More than 50 percent of the city is below sea level today and estimates show three quarters of the city could drop below sea level as early as 2050. "The issue of sinking cities is certainly well-related to climate change," says Jamie Sweeting, vice president for sustainability at G Adventures and president of the Planeterra Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to contributing financial resources to emergency response, conservation and other charitable causes. "Rising sea levels are going to be more acutely linked to big-weather events," he explains, noting that scientists agree that natural disasters will take place more frequently and at a more profound level.

[See: 15 Must-Visit National Park Attractions.]

Bangkok, Thailand

Aside from its low-lying landscape and susceptibility to severe storms, Thailand's capital city is in danger also because of overdevelopment and subsidence caused by too much water getting pumped from the city's aquifers. Catastrophic flooding and severe rain also put a strain on the city, as do its host of soaring skyscrapers and its heavy railway. In fact, some experts say the city could be underwater by 2030 if severe storms persist. That said, Thailand's National Reform Council committee has proposed creating a floodwall to protect the area from rapidly increasing sea levels -- a project estimated to cost more than $14 billion to protect Bangkok and its surrounding areas.

It's no longer a question of whether places around the globe are at risk. The real question is how far we will go to promote sustainable tourism, Christ says. "When will we see a day when hotels are not generating tons and tons of plastic water bottles or carbon dioxide in the area?" Christ asks. In addition to traveling responsibly, tourists can let hotels and tour operators know they care to incentivize them to make a difference and leave a positive impact on the environment, he says.

Liz Weiss is the Travel editor for Consumer Advice at U.S. News & World Report. You can follow her on Twitter, connect with her on LinkedIn, circle her on Google+ or email her at eweiss@usnews.com.
[Photo: Getty]

With its palm tree studded beaches, jaw-dropping temples, elephants and delicious food, Thailand is one of those exotic destinations that practically every one of us dreams of visiting. But there are two problems: Its far away (were talking a 14-hour flight) and mighty expensive. By the time youve booked your flight and hotel, youll probably have dropped nearly a grand on your trip.

But, while theres no getting around the long flight, there is a way to ensure you save a good chunk of cash on your trip  while still having an incredible time.

The trick is to head to Thailand in the rainy season. Dont let the thunderstorm-ridden weather forecasts deter you; the country is spectacular during the autumn months. Downpours are few and far between and the temperature is still a glorious 30C. Trust us, you will come back tanned. Probably burnt.

And because of the threat of rain, both the countys main cities and popular beaches are almost completely devoid of tourists. Therefore, its highly likely that youll have an empty seat beside you on the plane to stretch out on  those 14+ hours will whizz by.

Hotels are also considerably more affordable than during peak season. Youll be able to stay in a four star hotel for the price of a three  or even two  star.

Deciding where to go in Thailand is the tough part. Youve got bustling Bangkok with all its temples and markets, Chiang Mai in the north of the country and the much-talked about island of Phuket in addition to a whole host of smaller islands.

So, if youve only got seven days in Thailand to see as much as possible, heres our tried and tested itinerary:

[Photo: Getty]

[Photo: Getty]

Day one: Bangkok

Youll most likely be jetlagged (jumping forward six hours after a long haul flight is a killer), and the humidity in Thailands capital takes some getting used to, so take your first day easy. Hop aboard the citys easy-to-navigate and wonderfully air conditioned Sky Train and make your way to the former home of US silk merchant Jim Thompson. Surrounded by leafy palms and packed with historical artifacts and lavish furnishings, its a great place to start your cultural initiation. Once the sun sets, jump on the underground train and head to the buzzing night train market for a couple of Chang beers, a spot of shopping and some street food with the citys younger generation.

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Day two: Bangkok

Take a local boat down the citys canals (seeing the city from the water is a must) towards the older part of the city and spend a few hours visiting Wat Pho, the reclining Buddha temple, and the Grand Palace. After, head to Siam Square for a wander around the array of shopping centres and some food. After dinner, soak up the citys remarkable skyline at a sky bar. Hotel Muses Speakeasy rooftop bar, which isnt quite as pricey as some and has a great atmosphere  not to mention a prohibition era theme.

Day three and four: North Phuket

Catch a domestic flight down to Thailands largest island for a couple of days of R+R. Book two nights in the dreamy Maikhao Dream Villa Resort and Spa and escape from it all. Each of the hotels 22 villas comes with its own pool or you can catch some rays on the hotels private beach. You can eat in the hotels restaurant or order to your room for some serious downtime.

[Photo: Getty]

[Photo: Getty]

[Photo: Getty]

Day five and six: South Phuket

Take a taxi down to the south of the island and check into Sri Panwa: a sprawling resort right on the southernmost tip that youll be hard pressed to leave. From here, you can catch a boat over to one of Phukets surrounding islands, pay a visit to the giant Buddha statue or head into town for the afternoon  or you can simply chill out at one of the resorts numerous pools, treat yourself to a spa treatment and watch the sun set from the wow-factor Baba Nest bar.

[Photo: Getty]

Day seven: Bangkok

Head back to Bangkok for one last night before you embark on your journey home. If youre there at the weekend, dont miss the legendary, and sprawling, Chatuchak Market, which you can easily access via the Sky Train. Another must-see is the Wat Aran (the temple of dawn), which you can get to via a picturesque boat trip on the citys main river. If you find yourself with any spare time, try and get to one of Bangkoks infamous floating markets, where locals sell fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and other wares on boats. Make sure you take a tuk tuk at some point to complete your Bangkok experience  but settle the price before you get in.

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Brookstone Dash 4-Wheeled Expandable Carry-On This recommendation might be obvious, given my above story of panic and then redemption, but this little suitcase really does rock. It's only $99, which is pretty unbeatable in today's market, and even though I recently got a new suitcase, my Brookstone Dash is still more than completely functional after four years, and I keep it under my bed as a backup because I love it so much and it is adorable. It is a hard-side bag, so it is made to take a lot of mishandling, and it is also a spinner, which is my preferred form of carry-on. If you're going through security with only a carry-on, it can be a little annoying, as there is no external pocket for personal items, but as someone who carries a purse, I've never minded. Dash 4-Wheeled Expandable Carry-On available at brookstone.com | $100 Courtesy

I never thought that much about luggage until my very first business trip. Growing up, I used whatever suitcases my mom bought at TJ Maxx. She must have chosen well, because when I graduated college, I was still using the same carry-on she had bought for me when I was 16 years old.

When I was told I had to travel for business, I realized that, although my old carry-on was still moderately functional (that may be a generous descriptor), the peeling edges, chipped paint on the zipper, and patched rips on the side were not a good look. After trolling around for an appropriate Gilt sale for a week or so, I finally snagged a small royal blue hard-side spinner carry-on for $75, the brand of which shall remain nameless for reasons that will become apparent shortly.

As I began to travel more frequently for my job, I started to develop specific strategies to travel intelligently. Because I was a real-ass business traveler, I did not travel with my Pillow Pet anymore, but I still liked that my blue bag was pretty cute and looked slightly like R2-D2. I packed effectively, and I invested in products that helped me organize my stuff with minimal stress for my already-too-stressful two night trips across the country and back. My suitcase, however cheap it had been originally, did all right for about 10 months. It wasn't the perfect bag (I always had trouble getting it to close, and there was no internal organization method built into its interior), but it was doing just fine. That is, until a fateful Thanksgiving trip back home one year.

RELATED: 10 of the Most Bizarre Rental Properties

I was walking through the Atlanta airport on my layover when suddenly, without warning, the back wheel broke completely off my trusty blue carry-on. I was immediately flustered and rushed to sit down at a nearby boarding gate to asses the damage. The wheel turned out to be totally detached from my bag, so there was just absolutely no way that I was going to get it to work again in the 15 minutes I had before I needed to board my next flight. I'm not going to lie to you: I started crying. Luckily, Google informed me there were two stores in the airport that carried luggage: Tumi and Brookstone.

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Don't get me wrong, Tumi is an amazing luggage brand, but at that point in my career I didn't (and absolutely still do not) have the cash flow to drop $700 on a suitcase. I ran into Brookstone, verklempt, and asked, without shame, for "the cheapest carry-on they had." Their response was that I should go with the Brookstone Dash 4-Wheeled Expandable Carry-On for $99, so I grabbed a purple one, repacked in a frenzy, and quickly ran to board my plane.

RELATED: InStyle Editors Share Their Fave Spots in Paris

Over the next few years, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my harried Brookstone purchase was actually an awesome game-time decision. That little bag served me very well, always accommodating whatever I needed to stuff into it, and never once breaking suddenly while I was traveling. I've recently upgraded to a new bag (more on that below), but in the process of deciding to upgrade I did a lot of research on the best types of suitcases for all situations. What can I say? I tend to get very into researching bags.
MISSOULA -- A court order to do more work on protecting Canadian lynx in Rocky Mountain forests could become a late-season battleground for congressional action this winter.

Last week, the Supreme Court let stand a U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that the U.S. Forest Service has to take a big-picture look at how it protects critical lynx habitat across 12 million acres touching 11 national forests. While wildlife advocates claimed a major win for the Endangered Species Act, timber industry supporters vowed to rewrite laws to speed up logging projects.

Its now known as the Cottonwood decision, and it affects pretty much the whole Northwest, said Julia Altemus of the Montana Wood Products Association. Im hoping we can find a path forward, either legally or by a congressional path.

Altemus referred to Cottonwood Environmental Law Center, whose Bozeman attorney John Meyer argued the Cottonwood vs. U.S. Forest Service case.

Its our job to ensure the Forest Service is doing its job, Meyer said. Were not looking to stop every timber sale. Were trying to ensure we have communities that can log legally.

The case dredges up the long history of lynx protection over the past 16 years. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared Canada lynx a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 2000. It wrote management guidelines affecting snowmobiling, wildland firefighting, logging and thinning projects and other forest activity.

In 2006, FWS mapped out lynx critical habitat in National Park Service lands, but left out national forests. The next year, FWS consulted with the Forest Service and concluded that its national forest standards and guidelines wouldnt hurt the wild cat. The Endangered Species Act requires any federal agency whose actions might affect a threatened species to consult with FWS to avoid harming the species.

But an investigation into the critical habitat maps found that former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior Julie MacDonald improperly excluded millions of acres of federal, state and private lands. MacDonald resigned and FWS redid its lynx habitat analysis, increasing the cats critical territory from 1,841 square miles to about 39,000 square miles.

However, the Forest Service didnt restart its consultation process with its sister agency on its own lynx standards and guidelines. Cottonwood Law and others sued the Forest Service over that omission and won at both the U.S. District Court and U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Forest Service asked for a rehearing before the full 9th Circuit, but the appeals court declined. The agency then appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Last week, the high court declined to hear the case. That makes the 9th Circuit decision the law of the land.

Im very disappointed that the Supreme Court declined to hear this case, Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, wrote on Tuesday. Allowing the 9th Circuits disastrous ruling to stand will greatly increase needless paperwork on the Forest Service and further delay much needed restorative management work. This development makes it especially critical that Congress act to explicitly remove this crippling regulatory burden, and I will continue to fight toward that end.

In a letter to the congressional conference committee leaders reviewing the Energy Policy Modernization Act, Daines asked for a new law stating that "federal agencies are not required to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service at a programmatic level when new critical habitat is designated or a new species is listed." The energy bill is an expected "must-pass" piece of legislation that may include many changes to forest policy and management when it's voted on this winter.

Altemus said the Forest Service was doing an effective job applying lynx standards on a project-by-project basis. But forcing a regionwide review would kill progress in the woods.

The court said the Forest Service has to do changes at the programmatic level rather than the project level, Altemus said. When the first ruling came out, it shut down the (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest) program for two years. All sales had to be stopped. Nobody can afford to not have any fiber moving for that long. If this stands on the lynx, it could be applied on other species as well. We cant keep fixing the forest plan every time something happens.

However, the 9th Circuit judges noted the Forest Service already lost that argument. While the agency did study the lynx impacts of individual projects, the judges found that overlooks a significant aspect of the consultation process. To analyze lynx impact, the Forest Service looks at the Fish and Wildlife Services 2007 lynx guidelines that were completed before critical habitat was designated on National Forest land, the judges wrote.

Here FWS discovered that its decision on critical habitat had been tainted by an ethical lapse in its own administrative ranks, the judges wrote. Re-evaluation of the data generated a drastically different result that justified vast designation of previously unprotected critical habitat. These new protections triggered new obligations. The Forest Service cannot evade its obligations by relying on an analysis it completed before the protections were put in place.

They added that just because the Forest Service had incorporated the 2007 FWS lynx amendments in its plans, that didnt mean the job was done. As long as the agency had jurisdiction over Canada lynx and its habitat, it was obligated to consider new information that could change management needs.

Meyer said that was particularly important because of the nature of the lynxs threatened status itself.

The Canada lynx wasnt listed because of the effects of any one timber sale, Meyer said. The single reason why they were listed was the forest plans -- they werent protecting Canada lynx. The Fish and Wildlife Service said the Forest Service needs to provide programmatic management direction -- thats why we list them.

And the listing occurred before climate change was a major factor in the debate, Meyer added. Canada lynx almost exclusively eat snowshoe hares, and theyve evolved to hunt the rabbits in deep snow when other predators like bobcats and mountain lions are at a disadvantage. As mountain snowpacks diminish, Canada lynx may find it harder to compete with those other predators if their critical habitat gets degraded by human development.

The judges emphasized the unique nature of the Endangered Species Act in such situations.

Our opinion does nothing to disturb the Supreme Courts holding  that when evaluating a request for injunctive relief to remedy an ESA procedural violation, the equities and public interest factors always tip in favor of the protected species, the judges wrote. As the Court made unmistakably clear: Congress has spoken in the plainest of words, making it abundantly clear that the balance has been struck in favor of affording endangered species the highest of priorities, thereby adopting a policy which it described as institutionalized caution.

That could be where Sen. Daines focuses his efforts in Congress. In his email, Daines noted that the 9th Circuit has 11 pending lawsuits and 26 pending Notices of Intent to Sue over Endangered Species Act consultations regarding lynx or bull trout (another threatened species). Several bills are jockeying for attention in the final months of this congressional session, including a variety of potential amendments to the Endangered Species Act or the National Environmental Policy Act.

On the other hand, Meyer said the problem could be solved if Congress would provide the Forest Service with the funds to do its own lynx homework and follow the existing laws. Part of the current delay, Meyer said, was because of political interference in biological research processes.

If they want to talk about using their old plan, or take the Fish and Wildlife Services advice, thats up to the Forest Service, Meyer said. Whatever they come up with, well look at. We want to partner with the Forest Service. We dont want to put small family operations out of business.
The former Texas 911 operator accused of hanging up on callers may have ended calls with as many as 825 people reporting emergencies, according to court documents.

Crenshanda Williams appeared in court Monday after being charged with two counts of interfering with a 911 phone call, declining to talk to reporters as she left the Houston courthouse, KHOU reported.

An audit flagged the 43-year-old operator after authorities noted she had allegedly taken an abnormally high number of short calls  911 calls that last 20 seconds or lessfrom October through March 2016, officials said.

Read: 911 Operator Arrested After Allegedly Admitting to Hanging Up on Callers: 'Ain't Nobody Got Time For This'

We were able to narrow down, in all, about 825 calls where somebody was actually calling 911 and not the non-emergency line  that she hung up on that person and that they called back within five minutes, prosecutor Claire Moreau said in court, the television station said.

In one case, Williams allegedly received a phone call on March 12 from a man trying to report a robbery in progress and shots fired, according to charging documents.

He was hung up on twice before getting through to report that a man fired multiple times during a robbery and that people may be hurt. By the time police arrived, Zia Siddiqui, 52, the stores owner, had been shot and killed.

Read: Cops Shocked With 911 Call When Woman Discovers Kangaroo on Indiana Property

The next day, she allegedly hung up on a caller trying to report drag racing on a strip of highway that saw a fatal collision under similar circumstances two weeks earlier, charging documents said.

Aint nobody got time for this. For real, Williams allegedly said after hanging up on the caller.

If she is found guilty, Williams could face up to two years behind bars, but additional charges may be filed against her, according to reports.

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Williams is due back in court on November 10.

Watch: Hear The Desperate 911 Call From Woman Being Held by Alleged Serial Killer

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Tupac memorabilia has the potential to bring in big bucks. (Photo: Getty Images)

The enigma surrounding Tupac Shakurs life and death makes his memorabilia highly sought after. The latest item causing a stir is a bullet-dented pendant that belonged to the late rapper, which was recently put up for sale by memorabilia dealer Moments in Time. The pendant is currently listed for $125,000.

The rapper was allegedly wearing the diamond-encrusted gold crown medallion when he was shot in 1994 at Quad Studios in New York City.

Tupac  Bullet-Dented Pendant  Up For Grabs For $125k! (PHOTOS) https://t.co/46TSnI8Wxr pic.twitter.com/BIyW5eGBhM  Los Angeles News Now (@lanewsnow) October 16, 2016

The owner of Moments in Time, Gary Zimet, told TMZ that a family member of Tupacs gave the company the pendant to sell and that person would receive most of the profit. He did not disclose the identity of this person.

However, representatives for Tupacs estate strongly denied that claim to TMZ and are threatening legal action toward anyone who buys or sells the pendant. In an interview with SPIN, Zimet shot down the familys statement: In a nutshell, the lawyers are full of s***. Theyre claiming that anything and everything Tupac on the market  theyre claiming they have the right to everything. It is insanity. Complete insanity. Zimet also revealed that he plans to keep the pendant up for sale on the website.

Earlier this month, Zimet also put the Bible Tupac had while in prison in 1995 up for sale. Allegedly, Tupacs signature and prison inmate number are inscribed within the front cover of the book. The item was listed at $54,000.

Its not uncommon for celebrity memorabilia to fetch as much as the pendant. In 2011, the sale of Elizabeth Taylors jewelry, art and fashion items raked in $115.9 million, according to Artnet. This made it the most valuable jewelry auction in history.

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Elizabeth Taylors jewelry, art and fashion items raked in $115.9 million. (Photo: Getty Images)

Movie memorabilia are often auctioned for incredibly large sums, as collectors and memorabilia aficionados will pay huge amounts to get their hands on famous artifacts.

The Aston Martin DB5 used in both James Bond flicks Goldfinger and Thunderball sold for $4.1 million in 2010. Audrey Hepburns iconic black dress from Breakfast at Tiffanys sold for $923,187 in 2006. Another big sale was the ruby red slippers Dorothy wore in The Wizard of Oz, which went for $660,000.

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 17, 2016 / Abattis Bioceuticals Corp. (ATTBF) (CSE:ATT) (the "Company" or "Abattis"), announces commencement of construction for the Experion secure, production facility.

Experion Biotechnologies Inc. is pleased to announce that it has begun the construction process and prepares to break ground for the six-month build-out for its 8,000 square foot, phase one facility. This first phase will provide the operational infrastructure needed to continue forward through the licensing process.

Experion, a Licensed Producer Applicant, is located one hour east of the heart of downtown Metro Vancouver. Sean MacNeil, of Experion's Communications, says: "Our facility location allows for cost-effective transportation and logistical controls as well as being out of the way from the hustle and bustle of the central business district of the Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond hubs. We are best positioned to take competitive advantage of our location, and serve as the primary provider of product and starting materials for the industry."

Experion has taken the communication from the federal government very seriously; implementing its approved design and proprietary operating systems, while raising all necessary funds to complete construction. A fast-track program is now in place to complete the facility during Q1 of 2017.

Phase Two expansion plans will provide the ability to have a continuous self-supply of product and a fulfillment centre that will be will be second to none. Experion's 10-acres has the capability to have a canopy of approximately 350,000 square feet with access to additional acreage that will allow for perpetual and secure production.

Rene David, CEO of Abattis Bioceuticals says: "The team at Experion have been preparing for this moment and are focussed on being industry leaders. We are very happy for Experion and wish them the best during this next stage of approvals. Experion has recently achieved their 'Pending Readiness Status'. We are fortunate to be associated with Experion and will remain supportive through their approval process." The combination of Experion and Northern Vine Canada Inc., which have a mutual 25% ownership, allows for large cost savings, especially under the new ACMPR regulations. Not only will there be the access to testing for dried or oil-based medical marihuana, there is also the testing of starting materials as part of the potential Experion offering. Having access to an analytical testing lab also allows for the ease of future formulations and the need for best extraction technology.

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About Abattis Bioceuticals Corp.

Abattis is a specialty agricultural technology and biotechnology company which aggregates, integrates, and invests in agricultural technologies and biotechnology services for the legal cannabis industry developing in Canada. The Company has successfully developed and licensed natural health products, medicines, extractions, and ingredients for the biologics, nutraceutical, bioceutical, and cosmetic markets. The Company also is also seeking to acquire exclusive intellectual property rights to agricultural technologies to be employed in extraction and processing of botanical ingredients and compounds. The Company follows strict standard operating protocols, and adheres to the applicable laws of Canada and foreign jurisdictions. For more information, visit the Company's website at: www.abattis.com.

About Northern Vine Canada Inc.

Northern Vine Labs is licensed by Health Canada for the possession of Cannabis and related active ingredients, as well as the production of extracts for the purpose of analysis. Northern Vine Labs product certification and quality assurances programs incorporate global best practices and procedures for application in the Canadian market.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Rene David"

Rene David, CFO, Acting CEO

For further information, contact the Company at (604) 336-0881 or at news@abattis.com.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks various risk factors discussed in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

SOURCE: Abattis Bioceuticals Corp.
By Zainullah Stanekzai LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Afghan government troops say they have fought Taliban forces to a standstill outside the capital of southern Helmand province, but the city remains surrounded after the insurgents launched one of their most brazen offensives. A center of illicit opium production as well as a traditional Taliban stronghold, Helmand has been one of the areas that suffered the most violence in the insurgents' battle to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul. In recent weeks, Taliban fighters battled their way into the outskirts of Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital, in an attack that was only blunted after hundreds of Afghan commandos were airlifted into the area. Now officials on both sides say heavy casualties have forced the Taliban to regroup. "Our forces, backed by foreigners, have killed hundreds of Taliban fighters during night raids in the last 24 hours," said General Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai, commander of the army's 215th Corps in Helmand. Afghan soldiers and police, in some cases aided by American air strikes and special forces advisers, are now working to try to push the Taliban back from the city limits, said senior police official Mohammad Hakim Hangaar. The Taliban does not have a new plan to overrun the city, but intends to "keep it under siege as long as possible," said one Taliban commander, who asked not to be named for his own security. Taliban leaders threw into the attack on the city hundreds of fighters from neighboring provinces, but many of them were killed or injured in weeks of heavy fighting, said another Taliban commander. Afghan forces have also suffered heavy casualties however, leaving Lashkar Gah effectively under siege. Last week up to 100 soldiers and police were killed in a series of ambushes as they tried to escape to the provincial capital from positions encircled by the Taliban for days. The NATO-led military coalition has several hundred troops based in Helmand. The troops, mostly American, are largely confined to an advisory role but U.S. air strikes have been used to help the Afghans. General John Nicholson, the top commander of U.S. and coalition troops in Afghanistan, has vowed to do everything to keep Lashkar Gah from falling to the Taliban. But some Afghan elders have questioned if the efforts are sufficient, as thousands of residents have fled the latest fighting and Taliban control or contest most of the province. (Writing by Josh Smith; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Brings 20+ Years of Experience in the Beverage Industry to the Role in Senior Executive Financial Roles with New Age, Qualcomm, and Pepsico

DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / October 17, 2016 / New Age Beverages Corporation (NBEV) the Colorado-based owner of the XingTea, XingEnergy, Aspen Pure, and the Bucha Live Kombucha brands today announced that Charles "Chuck" Ence has been promoted to the role of Chief Financial Officer for New Age Beverages Corporation.

Mr. Ence brings over 20 years of beverage experience in senior finance roles to the position. For the past 13 years, he served as the Chief Financial Officer and part owner for New Age Beverages, LLC, a private beverage company based in Denver, Colorado, until its acquisition by Bucha, Inc. on June 30, 2016. In this role, he managed all the financial affairs of New Age and their other portfolio companies helping lead the firm into becoming one of the top 100 non-alcoholic beverage companies worldwide. He helped guide the expansion of the business to ultimately penetration of 46 states domestically and 10 countries internationally, with consistent growth and profitability throughout his tenure.

Prior to New Age, Chuck was a senior executive, Planning Manager and Director of Finance for Quantum Corp. Following Quantum he served as a Director of Finance and Investor Relations at On Command Corp. Mr. Ence began his career at PepsiCo. During his 12 years at Pepsi, Mr. Ence served as a financial analyst, planning supervisor, planning and analysis manager and ultimately controller. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting from Southern Utah University in 1984, and obtained a Masters in Business Administration in Finance from Arizona State University School of Business in 1985.

Mr. Ence replaces Robert Miranda, who sadly passed away late last week after a valiant battle with cancer. Bob served as Chief Financial Officer for the Corporation for a brief period of time through the transition and acquisition of New Age that was completed at the end of the second quarter.

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Brent Willis, Chief Executive of New Age Beverages Corporation commented, "We are so pleased to have someone of the quality and experience of Chuck Ence take the financial reins of the Company. He has the depth and experience and history to make a huge difference for the Company going forward. At the same time, we are sad to lose a friend and colleague in Bob Miranda. Bob was a world-class CFO and a very good guy. He will be sorely missed. Although we were prepared for what might happen with Bob from a business standpoint, from a personal standpoint it is nonetheless challenging, and we wish his family the best in this difficult period."

About New Age Beverages Corporation (nBev):

New Age Beverages Corporation is a Colorado-based, healthy functional beverage company originally founded in 2003 and re-created via the combination of XingTea, Aspen Pure Artesian Water, Bucha Live Kombucha, and New Age Beverages in June 2016. The Company trades under the newly issued symbol nBev on the OTC exchange. The Company competes in the fast growing healthy functional beverage segments including Ready to Drink (RTD) Tea, Kombucha, Energy Drinks and Functional Waters with the Brands XingTea, Bucha Live Kombucha, XingEnergy, and Aspen Pure. The brands are sold in 46 states within the US and in more than 10 countries internationally across all channels via direct and store door distribution systems. The company operates the websites www.mybucha.com, www.xingtea.com, www.aspenpure.com.

Safe Harbor Disclosure:

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are any statement reflecting management's current expectations regarding future results of operations, economic performance, financial condition and achievements of the Company including statements regarding New Age Beverage's expectation to see continued growth. The forward-looking statements are based on the assumption that operating performance and results will continue in line with historical results. Management believes these assumptions to be reasonable but there is no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. New Age Beverages competes in a rapidly growing and transforming industry, and other factors disclosed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission might affect the Company's operations. Unless required by applicable law, nBev undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

For investor inquiries about New Age Beverages Corporation please contact:

Chuck Ence

cence@newagebev.us

Websites:

www.mybucha.com

www.xingtea.com

www.aspenpure.com

SOURCE: New Age Beverages Corporation
Moscow (AFP) - Moscow announced Tuesday that Russian and Syrian air forces have stopped bombing Aleppo ahead of a brief truce, a move the Kremlin said showed "goodwill" as it faces mounting criticism for backing a brutal regime offensive.

It came a day after Russia said there would be an eight-hour "humanitarian pause" in the battered city on Thursday, a move welcomed by the United Nations and the European Union which nevertheless said the ceasefire needed to be longer to allow the delivery of aid.

The US State Department voiced scepticism regarding Moscow's latest initiative while welcoming a halt in the bombing.

French and Russian presidents Francois Hollande and Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hold a "working meeting" on the Syrian crisis Wednesday in Berlin, the French leader's office said.

The meeting will be aimed at "giving the same message to Vladimir Putin on Syria: a durable ceasefire in Aleppo and humanitarian access so that the devastation of this city can end," an aide to Hollande said.

The West has expressed increasing alarm at the situation in Aleppo, saying the ferocious Russian-backed onslaught on the rebel-held east could amount to a war crime.

"Strikes in the Aleppo region by the Russian and Syrian air forces are stopping today from 10:00 am," Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said in a televised briefing.

"This guarantees the security of civilians' exit through six corridors and prepares the evacuation of the sick and injured from eastern Aleppo," he said, adding that it would also guarantee safe passage for rebels to leave the area.

The UN said it was waiting for safety assurances from all sides before going in with "critical humanitarian assistance" for Aleppo's desperate population.

- 'Goodwill' -

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hailed the halt as a "manifestation of goodwill by the Russian military" and denied it was meant to assuage Western critics who have accused Moscow of perpetrating potential war crimes in Syria's second city.

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US State Department spokesman John Kirby remained cautious about Moscow's initiative.

"It's a little too soon to tell how genuine this is and how long it's going to last," Kirby told CNN.

"We've seen these kinds of commitments and promises before. And we've seen them broken. We're watching this very carefully."

An AFP photographer in eastern Aleppo said air strikes in the rebel-held area had stopped following the Russian announcement.

People in the city's eastern neighbourhoods were out searching for food on Tuesday, the photographer saw.

After more than five years of bloodshed, Abdel Rahman al-Mawwas of the civil defence White Helmets rescuers told AFP he did not trust the truce plan.

"We tried a ceasefire three times this year... No result," he said.

Air strikes were still being conducted in the broader Aleppo region, the Britain-based monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Over 250,000 people are under government siege in the city that was once Syria's thriving commercial hub.

In the government-held west of Aleppo city, rebel artillery fire killed four people on Tuesday and injured 20 more, the Observatory said.

On Monday, dozens of civilians including 12 members of the same family were killed in strikes in Aleppo, it added.

- Hospitals, schools targeted -

The brutal government offensive against eastern Aleppo -- which has destroyed hospitals and other civilian infrastructure -- has plunged Syria into some of the worst violence of the five-year war that has claimed over 300,000 lives.

The UN Human Rights Council said it would hold a special session on the Aleppo crisis on Friday, at the request of 16 nations including the US and Britain.

The European Union said on Monday that the Russian and Syrian "deliberate targeting of hospitals, medical personnel, schools and essential infrastructure" could amount to war crimes.

EU foreign ministers also warned that the bloc could impose additional sanctions against Damascus, but decided against targeting Russia despite US and British calls to punish Moscow as well.

Shoigu said Tuesday that the halt in bombing could "contribute to the success" of talks in Geneva on Wednesday on efforts to distance Syrian opposition fighters from jihadist group Fateh al-Sham Front, which changed its name from Al-Nusra Front after renouncing its ties to Al-Qaeda.

"The work will commence tomorrow," Moscow's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin confirmed, adding that Russian, US, Saudi, Qatari and Turkish military officials would be taking part.

"They are supposed to get down to the business tomorrow of trying specifically to separate on the map the so-called moderate groups and al Nusra, he added.

Russia has repeatedly demanded that Syrian rebels break all ties with the Fateh al-Sham Front, which the United Nations considers a terrorist group, as a condition for a ceasefire in Aleppo.

A short-lived truce brokered by Moscow and Washington last month could have led the two countries to coordinate strikes against jihadists, but the deal quickly unravelled.
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - European aircraft maker Airbus <AIR.PA> aims to overtake arch rival Boeing <BA.N> in terms of annual plane deliveries by 2020, having fallen behind in recent years, Chief Executive Fabrice Bregier said in a German newspaper interview published on Monday.

"In 2020 we will deliver more planes than Boeing again," Fabrice told the Welt daily newspaper.

While Airbus has been leading in terms of new orders for years, its American rival has been ahead since 2012 in terms of deliveries.

Bregier said Airbus would particularly focus on its A320 neo narrowbody and A350 widebody planes.

He said that Airbus was hopeful it would deliver 50 A350 aircraft this year, although deliveries by the end of September stood at only 26.

(Reporting by Vera Eckert; Editing by Greg Mahlich)
Montanans expect their top law enforcement officer not only to enforce the law, but to follow the law. That's why Gov. Bullocks mishandling of state emails as Attorney General is so disheartening.

Recent reports reveal that, following his election as Governor, every email from Bullocks four years as AG was deleted. All emails of his senior appointed staff were deleted. The email accounts were wiped clean.

State law defines most state emails as public records. Montana Code requires preservation of public records. Many are to be preserved even after the official leaves office. The law requires state employees to pass records, including emails, on to their successors.

These laws fulfill Article II Section 9 of our Montana Constitution. No person shall be deprived of the right to examine documents or to observe the deliberations of all public bodies or agencies of state government and its subdivisions, except in cases in which the demand of individual privacy clearly exceeds the merits of public disclosure.

As lifelong Montanans, we are proud of the "sunshine" provisions in our constitution, designed to keep the inner working of our government open to our citizens.

Unfortunately, Governor Bullock's failure to preserve emails casts a pall over his tenure as AG. His digital "public record" no longer exists.

The Bullock Administration's response, that this is "normal procedure," is technically accurate in describing the Department of Administration's operations. However, the DoA, as the provider of IT services, only provides infrastructure for delivering, storing and sending email. DoA is not responsible for assessing which emails are public records and how those public records should be preserved.

Blaming DoA policy is like blaming Google for deleting valuable information in your Gmail because you canceled your account. You are responsible for saving your information before you cancel. Google doesn't know what is important and what isn't, that is your responsibility.

While it may be normal procedure for DoA to delete email accounts, then-AG Bullock and his staff had a legal obligation to preserve email they sent or received according to State records retention policies and Montana law.

Deleting these emails is more than an abstract political issue. It is a real problem with real consequences, impairing all Montanans ability to exercise our constitutional right to "examine documents or to observe the deliberations of all public bodies or agencies of state government." This right protects our ability to question or appeal state agency actions that affect us or our loved ones.

Bullock and his staff are not the first government employees to ignore the rules for official government email. Montanas Attorney General should maintain a higher ethical standard, however, and respect the obligation to preserve the public record for the public good. The Bullock Administrations false narrative, that deleting emails without preserving public records is "normal procedure," is not only wrong but also encourages similar behavior by other state employees.

The problem needs to be addressed, not dismissed.

Instead of promoting an incorrect interpretation of record retention laws, Governor Bullock should acknowledge his mistake. As Governor, he needs to ensure that each agency fully complies with the statutory obligation to preserve public records, regardless of the medium or some arbitrary storage limitations set by DoA.

Nels Swandal, R-Wilsall, was district judge for the Sixth Judicial District from 1995-2012 and currently represents District 30 in the State Senate. Robin Jackson is a founding partner of Helena-based WT Forensics and a winner of the U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center Forensics Competition.
Alec Baldwin made an appearance at the Woodstock Film Festival on Thursday, Oct. 13, where his latest movie, Blind, had its U.S. premiere. The film has some notable names attached to it - co-star Demi Moore; director Michael Mailer and screenwriter John Buffalo Mailer, both sons of Norman Mailer - but it didn't take long for the conversation to steer toward another of Baldwin's great performances: as Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live.

Speaking to fest attendees following the screening, Baldwin joked, "I just want to say that Donald Trump said he would donate $1 million to the Woodstock Film Festival if you gave me an award that would keep me here on Saturday night this weekend."

No such gift came to pass, and Baldwin did make it back to New York City for his Saturday curtain call. Meanwhile, those who traveled to the Hudson Valley outpost got to see over 120 films from 21 countries from Oct. 13-16 as the 17th annual fest showcased a wide range of narratives, documentaries, shorts, animations, premieres and industry panels.

Read more: Chicago International Film Festival Gets Underway

On a weekend when former Woodstock resident Bob Dylan was being celebrated as a Nobel laureate, filmmakers, actors, producers and writers communed for movies shown in Woodstock as well as the nearby towns of Rhinebeck, Rosendale and Saugerties. The festival's fun-filled Maverick Awards Ceremony & Gala was held in nearby Kingston, and selected director Oliver Schmitz's Shepherds and Butchers as the Best Narrative Feature. Matthew Millan's powerful Stronger Than Bullets won best documentary feature, and the best animation award went to Andy Kennedy for Slow Wave. The World Cinema Award was given to the beautifully impressionistic narrative Neruda, directed by Pablo Larrain.

Some interesting films that did not receive awards included Lorenzo Pisoni's autobiographical documentary Circus Kid, first-time director Dorie Barton's observant narrative Girl Flu, Jen Heck's politically persuasive documentary The Promised Band, Jim Jarmusch's music documentary on Iggy & The Stooges Gimme Danger, and actress Brianne Berkson's comic performance stood out in Bad Vegan and the Teleport Machine.

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Read more: Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize for Literature

In recognition of outstanding achievements, actor Ben Foster presented writer, director and producer Oren Moverman with the Fiercely Independent Award; filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu presented industry stalwart David Linde with the Trailblazer Award, and documentary filmmaker Barbara Kopple presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Woodstock's own Leon Gast - best known for his documentary When We Were Kings and co-directing (with Jerry Garcia) The Grateful Dead Movie. In a humble and inspiring speech that included recollections of being challenged by Muhammad Ali and being dosed with LSD by The Grateful Dead, Gast, who just turned 80, said he hoped to be the first documentary filmmaker to make a film at the age of 100. Gast's new film, Woodstock - A Love Poem, closed out the festival on Sunday night.

In a sweet twist at the industry-oriented awards ceremony, young Adam Blaustein-Rejto - son of festival co-founders Meira Blaustein and Laurent Rejto - addressed the assembled audience. "Stories and relationships, they are necessary for our survival in a global society which has a culture that supports oppression and dehumanization," he said. "Stories are a glue that can keep us together in a world that doesn't seem to want us to love and understand each other."

Honoring the young and the old, endorsing community, advocating inspiration and lauding humanitarian gestures - all sentiments that sum up Woodstock and its "Fiercely Independent" film festival, quite well.
Ireland-based Allergan plc AGN has gained worldwide rights to RTGel delivery system technology for use with neurotoxins from privately held pharma company UroGen Pharma, for an upfront payment of $17.5 million.

RTGel technology was developed by New York based UroGen to promote ease of delivery into and retention of drugs in body cavities, including the bladder while preventing their rapid excretion. RTGel takes a liquid form at lower temperatures and converts into gel when heated. This special technology when formulated with an active drug, may improve efficacy of treatment of patients suffering from Overactive Bladder (OAB).

For patients suffering from OAB, a neurotoxin injection into the bladder is considered as a successful therapeutic option. Botox is a reputed neurotoxin.

ALLERGAN PLC Price

ALLERGAN PLC Price | ALLERGAN PLC Quote

Other than the upfront payment, Allergan will also be entitled to the development and commercial milestones as well as royalties on net sales.

This agreement is going to set milestones for patients suffering from OAB and related conditions. According to the companys press release, over 30 million people in the U.S and over 200 million worldwide suffer from OAB. The unison of Botox and RTGel will deliver innovative and meaningful treatments for the disease.

Currently, Allergan carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Better-ranked stocks in the healthcare sector include Bioblast Pharma Ltd. ORPN, Geron Corporation GERN, Exelixis, Inc. EXEL. All the companies sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Bioblast Pharma recorded positive earnings surprises in each of the last four quarters with an average beat of 51.66%. The loss estimates for 2016 and 2017 have narrowed down over the past 60 days.

Geron has an average positive surprise of 20.78% for the last four quarters.

Exelixis has an average positive surprise of 9.10% for the trailing four quarters. Its share price has jumped more than 100% year to date. The loss estimates for 2016 and 2017 have narrowed down over the past 60 days.

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Though Allison Janney played White House press secretary C.J. Cregg for seven seasons on The West Wing, she was so busy filming that she rarely had time to watch the show during its run. And, like many actors, found herself being overly critical of her own work. When Variety asked her to pick some favorite moments, she recalled many fond memories. And now she says: I think Im at a place where Im going to enjoy watching that show and will not have any problem looking at anything I did.

There are some funny moments I love. Theres a Thanksgiving episode that has a scene where CJs in her office with two turkeys trying to figure out which one is going to get pardoned. I just love that I got to do something like going into the Oval Office. Then convincing the president that he needed to pardon two turkeys is even more hilarious. I also love the episode where Toby comes and drafts C.J. for the team and she falls in the pool. Or the episode where C.J. and Charlie prank each other, thats a fun one.

One of my favorites is where C.J. gets to dress down a four-star general. [Season two, episode five, And Its Surely to Their Credit.] She stands up to him after he calls her kitten and tries to belittle her. I love when she stands up with all her power and all her smarts, and watching it, I get chills. I think, That is a woman I wish I were like. She inspires me to be a better person.

Related stories

Walk of Fame Honoree Allison Janney Leaves Her Mark on Both Film and TV

Walk of Fame Honoree Kevin Hart Is Non-Stop

'The West Wing' Cast to Campaign for Hillary Clinton
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invaded Ukraine and annexed the Crimean peninsula. His cyber cronies have tried to influence the results of the U.S. presidential election. Washington and Moscow are at odds over how to deal with the Syrian civil war, even as Russia is determined to reduce the city of Aleppo to ashes. Putin is harboring Edward Snowden, a man wanted by U.S. authorities for leaking American intelligence secrets. Yet somehow, Putin remains popular with supporters of GOP nominee Donald Trump.

According to a new poll by Politico/Morning Consult released Monday, almost half of Trump supporters believe Russia is an ally, or at least a friendly nation to the United States. Some 19 percent of Democratic nominee Hillary Clintons supporters view Russia favorably, compared to 24 percent of Trump backers.

The results of the poll should not come as a shock. Trump has repeatedly praised the Russian strongman, even calling on Russian hackers to release Clintons emails. For his part, Putin has also shared warm feelings about the Republican nominee, calling him colorful.

Related:

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS.

At the same time, the poll found that only 32 percent of Republicans believe the U.S. intelligence communitys conclusion that Putin is trying to influence the presidential election. Trump himself, despite receiving intelligence briefings about the matter, still deflects blame from Russia. Exactly half of Democrats believe Putin is trying to hack the election in some way.

And that all translates into little appetite for punishment. Only 34 percent of respondents said the United States should slap Russia with new economic sanctions.

Photo credit: SARAH RICE/Getty Images
Actress Amber Tamblyn has made it quite clear that she isn't a fan of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. On the upcoming Lip Sync Battle airing Wednesday (Oct. 19), Trump serves as the basis of Tamblyn's performance as she mocks the GOP candidate, while reuniting with her former Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants castmate America Ferrara.

Clad in a blue suit and a Trump-like wig, Tamblyn performs Color Me Badd's 90s hit "I Wanna Sex You Up" -- which hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 -- in front of two signs that read "I (heart) Hispanics" and "Make (America) Great Again" with the Hispanic actress' picture replacing "America". Tamblyn seduces Ferrara throughout the performance, before a woman dressed in a white walks out, confusion apparent in her demeanor, a la Trump's wife Melania.

On the night of the second town-hall debate, Amber Tamblyn penned a long post on Instagram where she shared her own traumatic experience about an ex-boyfriend of hers who "grabbed me under my skirt by my vagina -- my pussy? -- and lifted me up off the floor, literally, and carried me, like something he owned, like a piece of trash, out of the club." She later continued saying, "That part of my body, which the current Presidential Nominee of the United States Donald Trump recently described as something he'd like to grab a woman by, was bruised from my ex-boyfriend's violence for at least the next week."

Trump's lewd remarks about inappropriately grabbing women have encouraged a slew of women, like Tamblyn, to speak out on their own experiences. She ended, "I needed to tell a story. Enjoy the debates tonight."

Spike's Lip Sync Battle airs Wednesday Oct. 19 at 9pm ET/PT. Watch a clip of Tamblyn-as-Trump below.
America Ferrera and her husband were officially the most adorable couple over the weekend

America Ferrera has been one of our faves since she brought one of the most beloved book characters to life  Carmen from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants  and simultaneously stole our hearts over ten years ago. Then, of course, we fell for her all over again in Ugly Betty (motion to bring that back for a Netflix revival, please and thank you).

And recently, shes been killing it politically. She and Lena Dunham presented a joint speech at the DNC, and were STILL fangirling over it, even months later. Seriously  shes talented, picks great projects we love, is politically aware and active, and obviously shes beautiful on top of being smart and savvy. Whats not to love? What MORE could she possibly do?

Well, turns out, shes also one-half of one of the CUTEST COUPLES EVER.

Not pointing any fingers... #commitment @americaferrera A photo posted by ryanpierswilliams (@ryanpierswilliams) on Oct 16, 2016 at 4:22pm PDT

America Ferrera and husband Ryan Piers Williams, a filmmaker and self-described activist, went to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles over the weekend, and took the above adoooooorable picture together in front of one of the installations. Its kind of too cute to handle. Were sorry if weve overwhelmed you.

squeeee

On top of being too cute to handle, America Ferrera and Ryan Piers Williams are also the Hollywood power couple of our dreams. A year before they were married, Ryan directed America in The Dry Land, a well-received indie film that garnered award nominations for America Ferrera, and the film as a while.

Clearly, they make a good team. And you know what they say  the couple who makes great art together, stays together. We think its totally cool that they arent just aligned when it comes to their vision for their futures, but also for their artistic visions.

Were definitely going to be stalking both of their Instagrams for further proof of their overall perfection. Perfect example:

Ahhhhhh its too much.

The post America Ferrera and her husband were officially the most adorable couple over the weekend appeared first on HelloGiggles.
American Airlines Group Inc. AAL is slated to release third-quarter 2016 results on Oct 20, before the market opens.

In the second quarter, the carrier had delivered a positive earnings surprise of 7.27%. Results were aided by low fuel costs. This is because fuel accounts for a major chunk of an airline's operating expenses. Total operating expenses declined significantly to $8.6 billion on the back of a 24.9% reduction in fuel costs.

We expect the Fort Worth, TX- based carrier to deliver better-than-expected earnings in the third quarter as well driven by its strong fundamentals. The optimism regarding the stock ahead of its third-quarter earnings release can be gauged by the 7.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the last month.

AMER AIRLINES Price and EPS Surprise

AMER AIRLINES Price and EPS Surprise | AMER AIRLINES Quote

Earnings Whispers

Our quantitative model shows that American Airlines is likely to beat earnings because it has the perfect combination of two key ingredients.

Zacks ESP: The Earnings ESP for American Airlines is +3.01% with the Most Accurate estimate exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.66 per share by 5 cents.

Zacks Rank: American Airlines carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Note that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 have a significantly higher chance of beating earnings estimates. Conversely, Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or 5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement.

The combination of American Airlines Zacks Rank #3 and a positive ESP makes us reasonably confident of an earnings beat.

What is Driving the Better-than-Expected Earnings?

The carrier has an impressive track record with respect to earnings per share. American Airlines outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters with an average beat of 4.27%.

The carrier has seen quite a few positive developments in the third quarter. The final approval granted by the U.S. Department of Transportation to eight carriers, including American Airlines, to initiate commercial flights to Havana is a major positive. The carrier has gained approval to operate 35 direct flights a week and has already commenced its Cuban operations.

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We are also encouraged by the bullish presentation of its newly appointed president, Robert Isom, at the 9th Annual Global Transportation Conference. Isom emphasized on the carriers product segmentation strategy for effective branding, selling and pricing. We believe that more segmentation would boost the companys results.

We appreciate the companys efforts to reward shareholders through share buybacks and dividend payments. The carriers efforts to modernize its fleet  introducing new aircraft and removing old ones from its fleet  also impress.

We are also optimistic about the improved view issued by the carrier with respect to total revenue per available seat mile (RASM: a key measure of unit revenue) for the third quarter. American Airlines now expects third-quarter RASM to decline in the band of approximately 23% (the earlier guidance had indicated a decline in the band of 35%) on a year-over-year basis. The company estimates pre-tax margin of 1315% for the third quarter as against the previous guidance of 1214%.

Other Stocks to Consider

Here are a few stocks in the transportation sector that you may want to consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements for an earnings beat this quarter:

Student Transportation Inc. STB has an Earnings ESP of over +11.11% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, is expected to report third-quarter earnings on Nov 3. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. GWR has an Earnings ESP of +4.26% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company, which will release its third-quarter results on Nov 1, has an impressive history with respect to earnings per share, having outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters by an average of 5.71%.

Alaska Air Group ALK has an Earnings ESP of +0.49% and carries a Zacks Rank #3. The carrier, which has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the third quarter increase 3 cents to $2.04 per share over the last month, is scheduled to unveil its quarterly results on Oct 20.

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Since its 1996 inception, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) has grown and evolved into one of the foremost dance music industry conferences and club festivals of the year. In 2016, ADE reaches even further into the future with programs and panels that gather some of the brightest minds from not only the dance and electronic scenes, but hip-hop, technology, and the visual arts as well.

5 Reasons Amsterdam Dance Event Belongs on Your Bucket List

Billboard Dance caught up with ADE general manager Richard Zijlma to discuss the keys to ADE's continued success as well as its plans for a brighter future.

How did you first get involved with ADE?

As I used to work as the producer for several festivals in the Netherlands like Eurosonic Noorderslag, I was asked to join ADE from the very first edition over 21 years ago. By the third edition, I was asked to become the general manager, which I thought was a great idea. It was just my dream to work in this scene.

How do you feel the event has evolved during your time there?

It's been a long time. It was a smaller event in the beginning, niche, totally independent and it was all about pioneering. For example, there was no internet. Your flyer and mouth-to-mouth was your reputation. We always tried to create ADE as the ultimate platform for the dance scene. With the growth of the global scene, ADE also grew in all aspects. We created an ecosystem for the dance scene, providing all of the elements you can imagine, like dedicated programs such as ADE University for students, ADE Next for upcoming DJ's and Producers and ADE Pro for business. It's all there. We have documentaries, photo exhibitions, visual arts, museums with dedicated programs, tech labs and 2,400 artists performing. I'm very proud we are able to present the whole spectrum and evolution of this scene and to be part of it.

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What made you decide to introduce the SLEEP/OVER campsite this year?

The director of Amsterdam North area NDSM contacted me with this idea, which I immediately liked. The SLEEP/OVER site will become a new hub of ADE, including nicely facilitated tents and pods but also access for campers which is something new for ADE. We will also have a great program of talks, workshops and showcases on-site and in surrounding locations, a bit inspired by the Burning Man kind of vibe.

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What else are you excited for this year?

This year we will introduce the ADE Hackathon. Over recent years, we have seen more and more tech-oriented companies and delegates attending ADE, which is natural because it's in this scene's DNA to use technology, of course. This year also sees the launch of ADE Live with Melkweg, Paradiso and SugarFactory, set to host more live electronic music acts during ADE's early afternoons. I'm really looking forward to that. Following last year's pilot edition, ADE Beats will return for the first official edition with a dedicated conference stream on urban, hip-hop and beats music with a fine program including Hudson Mohawke, Kurtis Blow, and Jazzy Jeff speaking. I'm also very excited for Maceo Plex's free concert at Rijksmuseaum, which takes place in the bike tunnel under the historic building, and also for the appearance of Laurie Anderson and Philip Glass.

What are some of the biggest challenges associated with putting on the event?

The same as throwing a party at home really (laughs). Keeping everybody happy. Luckily, we are quite experienced. We have a great team and great partners, plus the city of Amsterdam is really supportive, all focused on making it the best edition ever.

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Are there any interesting memories/stories that stick out from your experiences at ADE?

Now you are asking me to write a book (laughs). There are so many memories. But the thing I like most is that industry delegates, artists, and audiences each have their own stories and ADE experiences. The best moments for me are when some wander over to me to let me know what a great time they are having.

What are your plans for ADE's continued international expansion?

We are working on some plans. We had a great, great ADE Global Sessions last year in Mumbai, a sold out conference. So let's see how we can top this!
Ken Davenport, a Broadway multi-tasker as producer, ticket broker, blogger, event organizer, theater owner and general manager, has joined Andrew Lloyd Webbers Really Useful Group as Executive Producer for North America, effective immediately.

Davenport will report to RUG president Jessica Koravos, overseeing the companys ventures on Broadway and on tour in North America, including three current Broadway runs, The Phantom Of The Opera, School Of Rock  the Musical and Cats. The title is new and represents RUGs resurgent activities on this side of the Atlantic not seen since its heyday in the 1990s, when Edgar Dobie presided over the companys operations here. A major restructuring and downsizing in 1997 brought that era to a close.

When one of the greatest contributors to the art of musical theater asks you to look after his shows here in the States, you dont just say yes, Davenport said in the RUG announcement on Monday. You say, Absolutely-without-a doubt-unquestionably-and-when-do-I-start-yes. 

RUG is Lord Lloyd Webbers theater producing and rights licensing company, controlling theatrical rights for Phantom, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Sunset Boulevard and School Of Rock  The Musical, among others.

With a background in group sales and general management, Davenport has become increasingly involved in Broadway on the producing end since the successful off-Broadway runs of The Awesome 80s Prom and Altar Boyz, with credits including Deaf West Theatres Spring Awakening revival, the smash hit revival of Terrence McNallys comedy Its Only a Play, Alan Cummings solo Macbeth, Godspell revived and Kinky Boots, among others. His blog, A Producers Perspective, is widely read in the industry, and he owns an off-Broadway venue, the Davenport Theatre.

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Ankara (AFP) - The Turkish capital Ankara on Monday banned all public gatherings and demonstrations until the end of November after receiving information about potential terror attacks, the governor's office said.

The Ankara governorate said in a statement that all such meetings had been prohibited until November 30, in line with the state of emergency imposed in the wake of the failed July 15 coup.

It said that the decision was taken "to ensure people's safety and public order".

The governorate, which is responsible for security throughout the capital and the wider province, said it had received intelligence "that banned terror organisations were preparing actions in our province".

Without naming which organisations, it said that the groups were thought to have been planning attacks on meetings and public demonstrations.

The capital has been hit repeatedly over the last 12 months by attacks blamed on jihadists and Kurdish militants.

One hundred and three people were killed on October 10, 2015 when suicide bombers said to be linked to Islamic State (IS) jihadists blew themselves up in a crowd of pro-Kurdish peace activists planning to hold a rally outside Ankara's main train station.

At least 30 were killed on February 17, 2016 and 37 more lost their lives on March 13, 2016 in bombings claimed by a radical Kurdish armed group.

Meanwhile, Ankara was a prime target of the plotters in the July 15 failed coup, which the government blames on the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen.

A suspected Islamic State suicide bomber blew himself up at the weekend in the southeastern city of Gaziantep during an anti-terror raid, killing three police officers, officials said.

A few hours later, a second suicide bomber detonated his explosives, killing himself but without causing any further fatalities.
The city of Helena is preparing to again seek bids for railroad crossing modifications that will no longer require passing trains to use their horns.

Helenas city commissioners have long been interested in creating quiet zones for the six Montana Rail Link crossings in town and in May were advised by city staff that the cost would be $800,000.

However, the only bid the city received was about $940,000 and rejected, said Ryan Leland, the city engineer.

Bids will again be sought later this year and possibly in November, City Manager Ron Alles said.

The project is proposing to install wayside horns at the Roberts Street and National Avenue railroad crossings. These horns focus their sound toward approaching traffic and are less intrusive for a neighborhood than train horns.

Other improvements to control traffic are planned for the crossings at Joslyn Street, Carter Drive and both Benton and Montana avenues.

Timing for the request for bids was an issue for the city because the commission agreed in May to move ahead with the project although contractors were already busy with previously scheduled work.

City staff is prepared to seek bids when contractors begin looking at work schedules for 2017, Leland said.

If bids are sought in late November or early December and one is acceptable to the city, work could begin in March or April, depending on the weather.

A 30-day schedule would have the improvements completed by June and the city would begin a 30-day notice period to comply with federal regulations on railroad crossings.

With completion of the notice period, the quiet zones would become effective in July or August, Leland said.

City residents -- particularly those of the Sixth Ward, which includes the railroad crossings at both Roberts Street and Montana Avenue -- have long said train horns that disrupt sleep.

A majority of the city commission last year allocated $500,000 from the $1.94 million the city received as its share of a statewide telecom tax settlement toward a quiet zone. The cost at that time was estimated to be $579,000.

Even with the installation of the quiet zones, its been noted by Montana Rail Link officials that trains in the railroads yard in the Sixth Ward will still be using their horns during the operation of some railroad equipment such as the backing up of trains.

Train horns could also be used at crossings if train personnel notice safety issues, a June 9, 2015, letter from Montana Rail Link stated.

The commission was previously advised by Alles that if improvements and supplemental safety measures are made to all six crossings, federal review of the quiet zone could be less frequent than if all six crossings arent addressed.
If there were a time and place for Turkey to try to put its recent woes behind it, the splashy opening ceremony of the 53rd Antalya Intl. Film Festival signaled that  for the next week, at least  the show must go on.

Framed by two giant replicas of the festivals golden statuettes, Antalya mayor Menderes Turel took to the stage on Sunday night, paying homage in his opening remarks to what he described as the unifying power of art.

The stars of Turkish and world cinema shine from Antalya this evening, he said.

Organizers are hoping this years fest can overshadow the troubling headlines of recent months in Turkey, which is still reeling from the fallout of a failed coup attempt in July.

With bright red flags flapping across the glittering capital of the Turkish Riviera, the countrys oldest festival promised to give a banner showcase to local filmmakers, with 12 Turkish features in the running for the Golden Orange, including eight by first-time helmers.

As the week unfolds, Turkish bizzers will also be focusing on efforts to turn Antalya into a hub for the growing domestic industry, with local officials courting foreign investors and jumpstarting a host of new initiatives.

The aim is not only showing films during the festival, but supporting the production of Turkish films, said fest director Elif Dagdeviren earlier in the week.

Three initiatives form the backbone of those efforts. The third edition of the Antalya Film Forum, which runs from Oct. 19-22, will offer a production and co-production platform for Turkish films, with 26 projects currently in the development stage expected to take part.

The Film Talent Marketing Rounds is a new initiative which offers Turkish filmmakers a chance to promote their movies to a range of TV and online buyers, distributors, and festival programmers from Turkey and around the world.

Lastly, theres the launch of a new scriptwriting fund, which Dagdeviren says will grow into a residency for five to six scriptwriters whose films are set in Antalya.

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The goal of these combined efforts, says the producer, is to offer a pipeline that will help Turkish filmmakers to develop, produce and market their films from start to finish, with the hopes of ultimately landing them on the red carpet in Antalya as they compete for the Golden Orange, as well as to premieres on the Croisette and beyond.

Were not only supporting films during the film festival, but before and after, says Dagdeviren.

The concerted effort to bolster the gains of an industry whose global profile has risen in recent years comes at a time of profound uncertainty in Turkey, in the wake of a string of deadly terrorist attacks that claimed dozens of lives in Istanbul and the capital, Ankara, earlier this year.

Tensions escalated in July, when members of the armed forces attempted to seize power from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, forcing him to address a panicky nation by calling into a live news program on FaceTime.

When thousands heeded the presidents calls to take to the streets in a show of support for the government, the coup fizzled. In the ensuing crackdown, more than 70,000 people were arrested, with critics accusing Erdogan of using the coup as an excuse to tighten his increasingly authoritarian grip on power. The country has been in a state of emergency ever since.

At the festivals helm, Dagdeviren has tried to steer clear of politics, insisting, I dont allow this to interfere with the festival. Not at all.

Still, she says that recent events have underscored Antalyas mission to promote social responsibility projects using the power of cinema.

With millions of refugees fleeing the ongoing war in neighboring Syria, putting Turkey at the heart of Europes refugee crisis, the festival has programmed a sidebar, People of Nowhere, with a slate of films addressing the humanitarian toll of the crisis. Another sidebar, The Suns Eclipse, features films about life in the aftermath of military coups, offering both a snapshot of dark periods in Turkeys history, and a glimpse of what might have been had the July attempt succeeded, according to Dagdeviren.

The couture hardly had time to settle Sunday night before the festival offered a none too subtle reminder of the changed world lurking past the edges of the red carpet. As a rousing martial score filled the packed auditorium, a video montage paid homage to victims of the violence that erupted after Julys coup attempt.

The pain in our hearts is still alive, said Turel, while a Turkish flag rippled across the massive screen behind him. He later added, Our pain is also our pride.

With a ceremony that paid tribute to departed legends of Turkish cinema, such as iconic leading man Tarik Akan, and handed out a lifetime achievement award to screen doyenne Emel Sayn, the night offered a reminder that for all the countrys woes, Antalya is still a focal point of Turkish cinema past, present and future.

This is what we have to protect, said Dagdeviren. This is the place everybody meets. This is the place we should talk about cinema.

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A boys quixotic quest for a pink scarf lends a whimsical note to a story set in the war-torn borderlands of southeastern Turkey.

But in Rauf, Soner Caner and Bars Kayas arresting debut, that quest transforms a simple shopping trip into a search for something more urgent and elusive: the peace that has been denied an entire generation reared in the shadows of the ongoing Turkish-Kurdish conflict. The film unspools in the Antalya Film Festivals national feature competition.

Arriving in Antalya after its world premiere in Berlins Generation Kplus section, Rauf takes a quietly political stand against a long-simmering crisis that is one of Turkeys most divisive issues.

We created a movie against war, and we dont think anybody objects, says Kaya. The toll of that war, though, is made obliquely clear through the unsettling details of daily life: the carpenter whose work is entirely devoted to making coffins, the failure of 9-year-old Rauf to find any villagers who can describe for him the color pinka color perhaps best associated with joy, innocence and peace.

That failure cuts to the movies heart, and the human cost for those who cant imagine life as it existed before the conflict began almost 30 years ago. Kids need this more than anyone, and I guess Rauf can tell this point very clear, says Kaya, calling the film a harsh story told through the eyes of a child protagonist who is pure in heart.

It is the big, arresting eyes of Alen Huseyin Gursoy that landed the newcomer his first acting role. Supporting roles are also played by village unknowns, giving Rauf its hard-earned authenticity. Kaya says the filmmakers werent looking for performances so much as ways of being and feeling.

Perhaps the movie resonates because it struck a personal chord with Caner, who based his script on a story he wrote about the village where he was born. While working on Rauf, he tried to revisit that place through the eyes of a 9-year-old boy who  at the mercy of parents and teachers, as well as the larger forces of nations and wars  embodies the feeling of being caught in the middle.

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Though Rauf was lensed outside the conflict zone, in the eastern Turkish city of Kars, it still came along when hopes were high that a two-year-long ceasefire would last. But the peace process broke down last year, and in recent months, the violence has escalated, exacerbated by the conflict in neighboring Syria.

The filmmakers, though, are resolute. We still believe in peace, says Kaya.

And for Caner, the films cathartic closing scenes strike a hopeful note about the trust to find what we need to find.

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epa european pressphoto agency b.v. / Alamy Stock Photo

A global pact to limit planet-warming emissions is likely to force manufacturers of air conditioners and refrigerators to consider passing the additional cost of alternative coolants to consumers.

Global envoys agreed on Saturday to phase out hydrofluorocarbons from cooling appliances beginning in 2019. Meeting in Rwanda, major emitters including the United States, China and India agreed to aim for an 80% reduction in their use by 2045.

Alternative coolants exist to power window-unit air conditioners, commercial chillers and household refrigerators, but many are unapproved for use in the U.S. Some are flammable. Manufacturers will have to convince regulators the new compounds are safe before retooling production.

Its not going to be easy, but were committed to doing it, said Stephen Yurek, chief executive of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, a trade group.

Many companies anticipated that so-called HFCs would eventually be banned. They have collectively spent billions of dollars researching alternatives, Mr. Yurek said, adding that his group supported a global framework for coolant regulations.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently set deadlines to phase out HFCs in new appliances such as refrigerators by 2021 and in chillers by 2024. Industry groups have said those targets would hurt business.

Our members are rushing right now to make sure that the alternative refrigerants are going to work, going to be safe, said Joe McGuire, chief executive of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

He said manufacturers want more time to harmonize guidelines related to refrigerants as well as new expected rules mandating greater energy efficiency. Meeting the 2021 refrigerator deadline, instead of the 2024 date the industry proposed, could collectively cost manufacturers an additional $230 million, he added.

We dont want to have to do major redesigns twice within a couple-year period, Mr. McGuire said.

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An EPA spokesman said: While there will be some costs associated with transitioning to alternatives, we do not anticipate that this will pose a significant burden on industryparticularly given the many commitments they have already made to move to climate-friendly alternatives.

Kevin Fay, executive director of the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy, an industry group that represents chemical companies and appliance makers, said retooling a chemical plant for a new coolant could cost more than $200 million. But consumer prices for appliances might eventually rise only as much as about 2%, as has been the case in previous coolant phaseouts, he said.

The phaseout could be a boon for makers of less-polluting HFC alternatives that are already on the market.

Honeywell International Inc. over the past few years has ramped up production of refrigerants that emit less greenhouse gas than HFCs.

A vice president from the companys Performance Materials & Technologies unit, Patrick Hogan, told investors at a conference in June that its Solstice line of refrigerants, aerosols, and solvents would be a $1 billion business in the next year.

Honeywell said it was designing as many offerings as possible in the Solstice line as drop-ins, meaning they can be used by appliance and vehicle manufacturers with minimal design changes, which could help offset the higher cost of the new coolants. Some nine million vehicles are equipped with air conditioners using Honeywells post-HFC refrigerant, the company said in June, and that number should double by the end of this year.

Honeywell has $3.4 billion in long-term agreements to supply Solstice chemicals to major car companies and appliance makers like Whirlpool Corp., Haier Electronics Group Co., and Midea Group Co. The company says government action to limit greenhouse-gas emissions in China and India could drive further growth in sales of these products.

Ingersoll-Rand PLC, the maker of Trane air-conditioning equipment, said it was testing a climate-friendly refrigerant alternative for small air-conditioning systems that would require no additional engineering to use in existing systems.

Johnson Controls International PLC, the Milwaukee-based global manufacturing firm, recently introduced two building-cooling systems that use an alternative coolant made by Chemours Co., a Delaware company that was spun off from DuPont Co. last year. Laura Wand, Johnson Controls vice president of global chillers, said the coolant was chosen because it is nonflammable and significantly less harmful to the environment than other refrigerants.

Carrier Corp., a maker of air conditioners and refrigeration devices, said it has anticipated such an accord for nearly a decade. We will continue to invent and deliver sustainable solutions that meet or exceed this agreement, said a spokeswoman for the Connecticut-based companys parent, United Technologies Corp.

Fomo Products, an Ohio manufacturer of spray-on insulation, said last year it intended to use more hydrofluoroolefin, a less-potent greenhouse gas than what HFCs emit. Fomo Products was acquired by Innovative Chemical Products Group in April.

Doug Mattscheck, chief executive of Innovative Chemical Products, said the new gas would have a material impact on insulation pricing. He wrote in an email that the input materials for the HFO formulations are currently more expensive and the manufacturing process is more challenging. He added that he hoped that as production of HFO increases, costs for HFOs would be pushed down.

Russell Gold and Bob Tita contributed to this article.

The post Appliance Makers Try to Keep Their Cool as Rules Change on Refrigerants appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com.
IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 17, 2016 / Khang & Khang LLP (the "Firm") announces a class action lawsuit against American Renal Associates Holdings, Inc. ("ARA" or the "Company") (ARA). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares 1) pursuant and/or traceable to the Initial Public Offering ("IPO") on or about April 21, 2016; and/or 2) on the open market between April 21, 2016 and August 18, 2016 (the "Class Period"), should contact the Firm before the October 31, 2016 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

If you purchased shares of ARA during the Class Period, please contact Joon M. Khang, Esquire, of Khang & Khang, 18101 Von Karman Avenue, 3rd Floor, Irvine, CA 92612, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

There has been no class certification in this case. Until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. You may choose to take no action and remain a passive class member.

The complaint alleges that during the Class Period, ARA issued false and misleading statements to investors and/or failed to disclose that: ARA was engaged in a fraudulent scheme to steer patients away from Medicare and Medicaid plans they qualified for, into more expensive Affordable Care Act plans to obtain greater reimbursement for its dialysis services; the scheme was in violation of federal and state laws; and as a result of the above, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When this news went public, ARA's stock price declined, causing investors harm.

If you wish to learn more about this lawsuit, or if you have questions concerning this notice or your rights, please contact Joon M. Khang, a prominent litigator for almost two decades, by telephone: (949) 419-3834, or by e-mail at joon@khanglaw.com.

This press release may constitute Attorney Advertising in certain jurisdictions.

Contacts:

Joon M. Khang, Esq.

Telephone: 949-419-3834

Facsimile: 949-225-4474

joon@khanglaw.com

SOURCE: Khang & Khang LLP
Mi-Ai Parrish, an executive at USA Today Network, speaking in Mexico City, July 15, 2016. (Photo: Carlos Tischler/Rex Shutterstock via ZUMA Press)

The Arizona Republic publicly responded to the deluge of threats it received after supporting Hillary Clinton for president, the first Democratic endorsement in its 125-year history.

Mi-Ai Parrish, president of the newspaper, penned a Sunday op-ed explaining what went into the Republics decision to break from tradition and how the papers journalists go about their jobs.

The Republics editorial board had argued in many pieces for over a year that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps principles were not actually conservative, and that they were bad for the GOP, Arizona and the United States, she noted.

We chose patriotism over party. We endorsed the Democrat, she wrote. And then the reaction started pouring in. Threats against our business. Threats against our people. . What is the correct response to any of the vile threats against me? What is the correct response to the more disturbing actions and words directed against so many others?

According to Parrish, the backlash was swift and extreme. One person threatened the lives of the papers journalists by suggesting they might die in a car bomb like Republic reporter Don Bolles had 40 years ago. Others said they wanted the Republic to be shut down or burned down, or that that they wished it would cease operations under a new president. Some critics spit on or bullied young people selling subscriptions door-to-door. Hacks, losers and un-American were other insults hurled at the paper for not endorsing Trump, she said.

Donald Trump speaks to the Republican Hindu Coalition, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, in Edison, N.J. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP)

For each of these threats or insults, she provided an example of a Republic employee who responded with dignity and compassion, such as praying for those attacking the paper with words or actions.

To all the other people who we heard from, who thanked us for our courage and our bravery, or who were bold enough to disagree with us on principle  the people who didnt threaten to bomb our homes or harm our families  I have something for you too, she said. To you, I give my gratitude. Im grateful that you stood up to say that we live in a better world when we exchange ideas freely, fairly, without fear.

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Parrish said that her mother grew up under an occupying dictatorship without free speech and that she does not take the First Amendment for granted.

For his part, Trump has encouraged his supporters to cancel subscriptions to the Republic after the paper endorsed Clinton. He did the same with the Dallas Morning News.

The people are really smart in cancelling subscriptions to the Dallas & Arizona papers & now USA Today will lose readers! The people get it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2016

Many other right-leaning newspapers have wound up breaking with tradition by either endorsing Clinton or Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson. Trump has not received a general-election endorsement from a major U.S. newspaper.

Just last week, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued a statement denouncing Trump as an unprecedented threat to press freedom.
London (United Kingdom) (AFP) - WikiLeaks on Monday claimed Ecuador cut the internet connection of its founder Julian Assange, who is staying at the country's embassy in London, claiming the move was in response to the group's publication of documents related to US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton.

"We can confirm Ecuador cut off Assange's internet access Saturday, 5pm GMT, shortly after publication of Clinton's Goldman Sachs speeches," WikiLeaks said on Twitter.

The anti-security website had previously said the internet connection had been "intentionally severed by a state party" in response to the Clinton leaks.

"We have activated the appropriate contingency plans," WikiLeaks wrote earlier on Monday.

Three paid speeches to Goldman Sachs by US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton were released by WikiLeaks on Saturday, followed by the publication of further documents on Monday.

Clinton's campaign did not contest the authenticity of the remarks, part of a huge trove of documents hacked from the emails of campaign chairman John Podesta by WikiLeaks.

The Clinton camp has blamed the Russian government for the hacks, a view shared by the US government, and accused the anti-secrecy website of seeking to help Clinton's Republican rival for the presidency Donald Trump.

Assange has spent more than four years living in Ecuador's embassy in London, to avoid arrest and extradition to Sweden over an allegation of rape.

The 45-year-old Australian and his supporters believe the allegation is a guise to have Assange extradited from Stockholm to the US where he could be tried for publishing government secrets.

Responding to the internet connectivity claims by WikiLeaks, Ecuador reaffirmed its 2012 decision to grant asylum to Assange.

"The protection of the Ecuadorian State will continue as long as the circumstances that led to the granting of that asylum remain," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Sydney (AFP) - Australia's detention of asylum-seekers on a remote Pacific island "amounts to torture" under international law, Amnesty International said Monday in a report that alleged widespread abuse and an "epidemic of self-harm".

Canberra sends asylum-seekers who try to reach the island continent by boat to the Pacific islands of Nauru and Papua New Guinea's Manus, where they are blocked from being resettled in Australia even if found to be refugees.

The Nauru facility -- which holds just over 400 men, women and children -- has been under scrutiny after allegations of thousands of incidents of abuse and self-harm were leaked to the Guardian Australia in August.

Amnesty's senior director for research Anna Neistat said interviews she conducted with more than 100 people, including asylum-seekers, refugees, and current or former detention centre staff, between July and October "paint a picture of people driven to absolute despair".

The rights group's report said there was an "epidemic of self-harm" among those held on Nauru, with nearly all the asylum-seekers interviewed reporting mental health issues that many said started after being transferred to the camp.

Contributing to their feelings of despair were inadequate medical care, exposure of children to abuse, and attacks and threats by some Nauruans outside the centre, it said.

Asylum-seekers on Nauru have been free to roam around the tiny nation since last year, no longer forced to remain locked up, but the report alleged that some who ventured outside the camp were attacked and raped.

"Australia's offshore processing regime fits the definition of torture under international law," Amnesty said in a statement, pointing to the refugees' "severe mental anguish" and the use of offshore processing as a deterrent.

Amnesty also accused Australia of operating the camp "behind a fortress of secrecy". Only a handful of journalists and refugee advocates, including Neistat, have gained access to Nauru in recent years.

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Some of those interviewed by Amnesty said their time on Nauru was more difficult than the conflicts they had fled in Iraq and Syria.

"I cannot go back. But here I am dying a thousand times," said an Iraqi man, identified only as Edris.

"In Iraq, you get just one bullet or a bomb, and it's over, and here I am slowly dying from the pain."

Another, 19-year-old Ali Kharsa, who was held on Nauru for three years, said: "We fled Syria, but Nauru was the hardest thing I ever had."

The Australian government was not immediately available for comment.

But Canberra has strongly defended its tough policies towards "boatpeople" in the past, saying it has prevented deaths at sea and secured the nation's borders.

Nauru's government in August dismissed the leaked incident reports that asylum-seekers faced violence, abuse and humiliating treatment as "fabricated".

Just over 800 asylum-seeker men are held in the Manus camp, with Australia in August agreeing to close it following a Papua New Guinea Supreme Court ruling declaring that holding people there was unconstitutional and illegal.
Thriller series "The Code" won the Australian Writers Guild's Major Award for a second time, while teenage murder mystery "Jasper Jones," romantic comedy "Ali's Wedding," and a comprehensive, unofficial fan-made storyline to fantasy video game "Skyrim" were among other winners.

Already a critical and global hit following a gripping first season in 2014, "The Code" returned to Australian TV screens at the start of September with a refreshed cast and another plotline's worth of hot-button issues.

Dan Spielman, Ashley Zukerman and Adele Perovic have been retained as the investigative journalist and computer hacker brother pairing with their activist friend; Golden Globe and Emmy award winner Anthony LaPaglia is among the cohort of newcomers.

But it was series creator, writer and producer Shelley Birse who was feted at the 2016 Australian Writers Guild awards this past weekend.

"This year's award makes it the only series in history to have been recognized by two Major Awards for both of its seasons," explained the Australian Writers Guild, while "The Code" also received the AWGIE for original television miniseries.

Also featuring among the 31 award categories at the 49th Annual AWGIE Awards were feature films "Jasper Jones" and "Ali's Wedding."

The writing for "Jasper Jones" won the Feature Film - Adaptation category; a 2017 release is expected for the murder mystery that sees Levi Miller of "Pan" become a teenage detective, trying to put together the pieces in a murder investigation that has Angourie Rice ("The Nice Guys,") Hugo Weaving ("Matrix" and Peter Jackson's Tolkien franchises) and Toni Collette ("United States of Tara") among its cast members.

Original author Craig Silvey has his novel shortlisted for the International IMPAC, while Shaun Grant of "Snowtown" adapts for the screen.

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"Ali's Wedding" uses the romcom rubric to take a look at the life of a young Muslim man whose romantic aspirations play out at the intersection of conflicting cultural expectations: Australian comedian Osamah Sami, who co-created web series "Two Refugees & a Blonde," stars in and co-wrote "Ali's Wedding" with Andrew Knight, and it debuts at the Adelaide Film Festival at the end of October.

And a fan-made add-on for sprawling fantasy video game "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" also made the grade, with Nick Pearce's "The Forgotten City" named best in Interactive Media.

The free download for the PC edition of "Skyrim" -- and soon, the Xbox One version, its creator says -- sinks players into a dwarven city threaded through with a murder-mystery storyline.
VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria plans to convert and possibly tear down the house Hitler was born in to prevent it becoming a pilgrimage site for neo-Nazis, the Interior Ministry said on Monday. Austria had already ordered the compulsory purchase of the building in Braunau am Inn, a town on the border with Germany where Adolf Hitler was born on April 20, 1889. Now a committee of experts including historians, officials and the head of Austria's main Jewish organization has recommended that a "thorough architectural rearrangement" be carried out, and Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka intends to follow their suggestion, a spokesman for the minister said. Austrian newspaper Die Presse, which first reported the decision, said the house would be torn down. "A new building will be erected," Die Presse quoted Sobotka as saying. "The house will then be used by the community either for charitable or official purposes." A spokesman for Sobotka said that might involve tearing the building down. "A demolition is one possibility," the spokesman said, adding that the aim was for the building to "not be recognizable". It should also not include empty spaces, he said. Austria, which was annexed by Hitler's Germany in 1938, has confronted its Nazi past far less directly than its larger neighbor, and its official line for decades was that it was that its people were the first victims of Nazism. Though it has long abandoned that stance, critics are likely to see this as a case of an uncomfortable episode of history being swept away without trace. "We have a functioning culture of memory, for example at the Mauthausen concentration camp," Sobotka told Die Presse when asked if Austria was missing an opportunity to confront its Nazi past. He also cited museums in Vienna and nearby St. Poelten. (Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Alison Williams)
MISSOULA -- In the race for Montanas sole U.S. House seat, incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke leads his challenger, Democrat Denise Juneau, according to a statewide poll commissioned by Lee Newspapers.

Despite record fundraising and polling solid support among Democrats, Juneau, the current state Superintendent of Public Instruction, will need to make big moves in the final weeks of campaigning to close the gap with the freshman Republican, analysts said. Among registered and likely Montana voters polled, 40 percent said theyd cast their ballot for Juneau and 53 percent for Zinke. Only 6 percent reported being undecided in the race, and the poll has a margin-of-error of 3.2 percentage points.

Its hard to see a Juneau win from these numbers, University of Montana political scientist Christopher Muste said upon reviewing the results of the Mason-Dixon poll conducted last week. She would need a major surge in support and that probably includes some new negative information coming out about Zinke that changes voters minds.

If Zinkes apparent lead holds, it would deliver a blow to an ambitious national Democratic effort to gain control of the U.S. House by taking over dozens of seats from Republicans. Juneaus campaign had been highlighted by several Democratic groups and some independent analysts as a race to watch earlier this year. Although incumbents typically have a strong advantage when running for re-election, freshman congressmen like Zinke are the easiest to unseat and some had wondered if his endorsement of Donald Trump -- a candidate other Montana Republicans have distanced themselves from -- could push independent voters to Juneau.

Shes getting killed among Independents, Montana State University political scientist David Parker said, pointing to Zinkes 54-37 lead. No Democrat can overcome the fact 40 percent of the electorate (in Montana) is Independent.

The numbers on Independents parallel those in the presidential race, where Trump leads Hillary Clinton 50-28 among those voters. Another 13 percent said they would vote for Libertarian Gary Johnson.

In the House race, only 2 percent of Independents polled said they support Libertarian Rick Breckenridge, who joined the race earlier this month after Mike Fellows, a well-known party leader, died in a car wreck. Some analysts wonder if voters unfamiliarity with Breckenridge, a surveyor from rural Proctor, has led them to support Zinke.

Analysts also pointed to the top issues named by voters as a possible reason for Zinkes lead. Among those polled, 26 percent named the economy and jobs as the most important issues, closely followed by national security and fighting terrorism at 25 percent.

Juneau has focused much of her campaign on attacking Zinkes votes on public lands and forest management bills, sometimes with misleading suggestions he had supported the sale or transfer of federal public lands. Zinke, a retired Navy SEAL, has been vocal in his first term about military decisions, anti-terrorism tactics and the vetting process for refugees.

If people believe national security is a major issue, this poll suggest people feel safer with Zinke -- even among women, Parker said, noting that 48 percent of female voters said they support the Republican. Even though Juneau is woman.

Juneau Campaign Manager Lauren Caldwell questioned the polls accuracy, noting internal campaign polling has shown the race as much tighter. She dinged the polling company, Mason-Dixon, for incorrectly predicting the outcome in two tight statewide races in 2012.

The group has had a consistently good record of being close to the final results of Montana races since the 1990s. The sample size of the poll four years ago was about half as big as the one conducted last week, which also included a larger list of cell numbers.

The polls have trended in her direction. The last poll we saw has Denise within the margin of error, Caldwell said of the campaign's internal polls. The fact that Congressman Zinke has been running negative attack ads since the beginning of September shows that hes seeing the same numbers, and hes scared.

Zinke Spokeswoman Heather Swift disagreed, saying the Lee Newspapers poll fit their own internal polling that had recently shown him with an 11-point lead.

Were definitely not taking this for granted, she said. Were going to shore up support in other areas, like Butte-Helena where were at 45 percent. You can count on us visiting folks there some more.

Lee Banville, a political researcher and journalism professor at the University of Montana, said it is normal to see candidates release conflicting poll results.

Essentially every campaign will roll out in the last few weeks, especially as people are getting ready to vote, a poll that says they are behind but think they can close the distance. The other campaign will release a poll saying theyre pulling away, he said. I will say I was surprised at how big (the gap) is. I was expecting something in the 8 percent range.

He and other analysts cautioned that polls only provide a snapshot of a moment in a campaign and that as candidates release their strongest ads in the final weeks, numbers can shift. They all, however, agreed that the poll presented a dim outlook for Juneau.

That 40 percent support is about what John Lewis got in 2014, Parker said. John Lewis up to that point had raised more money than any other Democrat in the U.S. House race since 2000. Juneau has raised more money than John Lewis and even though I think shes run a more efficient campaign, that gap is going to be very hard to overcome.

If Democrats turn out in higher numbers than previous years or comparatively more so than Republicans, Banville said the races results might be closer than the poll suggests, although he doubts a strong base turnout alone is enough for Juneau to win.

In a statement, the Juneau campaign argued the poll did not accurately reflect what they expect to be record turnout among American Indian voters, who traditionally have favored Democrats.

Juneau, an enrolled member of the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes who grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation, has spent significant time campaigning in Indian Country and has been involved in efforts to register more voters there. The state and counties also have, for the first year in most places, planned to open voting centers on the states reservations for Election Day rather than forcing residents to drive to sometimes distant polling locations.

Banville said the way the poll is split into five large geographic areas makes it difficult to draw any conclusions about the reservation vote.

If she really is down 13 points, thats too big (to overcome) in my opinion, Banville said. Thats not a question of undecided voters or turnout.
Azealia Banks has claimed Russell Crowe assaulted her and called her the n-word before tossing the Harlem rapper from a party at his place. But her sensational account has been dismissed outright by guests reportedly at the scene.

In a Facebook post shared on the weekend, Banks alleged the Oscar-winning Australian actor verbally and physically her before forcibly ejecting her from a small gathering at his suite.

The alleged attack left her feeling like she "wanted to die" and that "the men in the room let it happen".

"Last night was one of the hardest nights of sleep I've had in a long time," she wrote. "'The men in the room allowed it to happen. I feel terrible today."

A totally different version of events has been reported by TMZ, however, which implies Banks was the one throwing insults and was bounced due to her erratic behavior.

According to TMZ, the hip-hop artist arrived as the "plus one" for the Wu-Tang Clan rapper, filmmaker and label honcho RZA.

TMZ quotes eyewitnesses who claim Banks ridiculed Crowe and his guests before threatening them and turning the air blue.

In a line that sounds as though it came straight from an action film, Banks was paraphrased: "You would love it if I broke my glass, stabbed you guys in the throat, and blood would squirt everywhere like some real Tarantino s---."

Crowe is said to have wrapped her up in a bear hug and removed her from the premises. He is reported to have then called hotel security guards who removed the Harlem artist from the grounds.

Crowe has not responded to the allegations via social media and a spokesperson declined to comment. Banks' post has now been deleted but a screengrab can be seen below.

What's clear is only a handful of people know what really went down at the party. And both parties have a history of letting their tempers run wild. Banks' social media tirades are as fierce as they are frequent, and she found her Twitter account suspended earlier this year after a racist rant against Zayn Malik and an attack on teenage Disney star Skai Jackson. She recently announced a self-imposed social media ban, but that ban is now clearly lifted.

Crowe, who started a pop career under the amusing stage name Russ le Roq and had stints with rock bands 30 Odd Foot of Grunts and The Ordinary Fear of God, was famously snubbed for an Oscar when, after his acceptance speech was cut short at the 2002 BAFTA Awards (where his performance in "A Beautiful Mind" won him the best male actor award), he reportedly assaulted TV executive Malcolm Gerrie.
After accusing actor Russell Crowe of allegedly spitting on her, calling her the N-word and kicking her out of a party she attended with the Wu-Tang Clan's RZA at the Oscar winner's Beverly Hills home, Azealia Banks has reportedly filed a police report.

According to TMZ, the Harlem rapper demanded that Crowe say sorry for the incident then proceeded to the Beverly Hills police department when she did not receive an apology. Sources close to Crowe reportedly told the gossip site that he did not apologize because he claims he did nothing wrong.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, the "212" rapper detailed the events of the party. "To recap my night, I went to a part(y) at Russell crowe's suite, at which he called me a n----r, choked me, threw me out and spat at me," the post read. "Last night was one of the hardest nights of sleep I've had in a long time. The men in the room allowed it to happen." Another since-deleted FB post from Banks read, "I wish I had someone to beat him up for me."

Raymani Zaloumis-Steele, who described Banks as a "friend and client," issued a statement on behalf of Banks on his Twitter account. "Azealia is tremendously distraught and disheartened. She is shell shocked... and will speak out on the incident once she has had time to process the brutality and abuse she was unjustly subjected to." She also wrote on Facebook, "I have receipts. Stay tuned."

A statement has been issued regarding my client Azealia Banks, "Azealia is tremendously distraught and disheartened. She is shell shocked...

- Raymani (@Raymani) October 17, 2016

and will speak out on the incident once she has had time to process the brutality and abuse she was unjustly subjected to."

- Raymani (@Raymani) October 17, 2016

Banks also spoke to the U.K.'s Evening Standard, discussing her mother reprimanding her for her Twitter tirade against Zayn Malik in May. "It finally reconciled these two conflicting thoughts I had about being real and being professional," she said. "I realized you're not keeping it real by being a crazy girl. You don't lose anything by keeping your mouth shut so maybe it's time to stop being a crazy girl."

The Slay-Z MC continued, "You know sometimes you get carried away when you're joking. There's this crude, ignorant, mixed-up New York City humour where people call each other all kinds of f---ed-up shit." She adds, "I use the N-word all the time. I was being stupid, not trying to be hurtful ... But there was a point to be made about being stolen from and then having to be the black person defending your blackness. Sometimes you just lose it."

Banks also discusses her thoughts on the recent presidential debate and why she is not the "black female Donald Trump" in the full interview here.
Dubai (AFP) - A top court in Bahrain on Monday overturned a nine-year jail term against Shiite opposition chief cleric Ali Salman, convicted of inciting hatred and calling for forceful regime change.

The court of the cassation ordered a retrial of the head of the Al-Wefaq political formation before the appeals court, said a judicial source.

The same court overturned three death sentences and seven life imprisonment sentences against a group convicted of killing three police, including an Emirati officer in a bomb attack more than two years ago.

Salman had been sentenced in July 2015 to four years in jail after being convicted of inciting hatred in the Sunni-ruled Gulf kingdom.

But the appeals court in May more than doubled his jail term to nine years after reversing an earlier acquittal on charges of calling for regime change by force.

Salman's arrest in December 2014 sparked protests in Shiite-majority Bahrain.

The cassation court had rejected a request to release the cleric earlier this month.

His jail sentence came during a crackdown on the Gulf nation's largest opposition group, which has been dissolved by a court order over accusations of "harbouring terrorism".

Al-Wefaq had the largest bloc in parliament before lawmakers walked out in February 2011 in protest over a deadly crackdown on Arab Spring-inspired protests.

The crackdown on Wefaq has drawn criticism from UN chief Ban Ki-moon and Bahrain's allies in Washington, as well as rights groups.

Hundreds of Shiites have been arrested and put on trial since security forces backed by Saudi-led troops crushed in March 2011 month-long protests that demanded democratic reforms.

Authorities have also stripped at least 261 people of their citizenship since 2012, according to the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, including the country's Shiite spiritual leader Sheikh Isa Qassim.

In the other ruling, the court of cassation ordered a retrial of the case of 10 defendants found guilty of planting a bomb in March 2014 in Deih Shiite village, which killed an Emirati police officer and two Bahraini policemen.

The Emirati officer was part of the Saudi-led Gulf force.

Appeals court had on May 31 upheld the three death sentences and life terms for the other seven who were also stripped of their citizenships.
LONDON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Banks based in London will begin moving some operations to Frankfurt in the second half of next year to ensure full access to the European Union market, a top Frankfurt official said on Monday.

Hubertus Vaeth, who heads Frankfurt Main Finance, which promotes the German financial centre, said banks have told him they will be moving some operations to Germany next year.

"The precise size is still open. There will be some re-engineering to be done, and there is no pressure to hurry that up," Vaeth told Reuters on the sidelines of a Brexit conference.

"We already see small teams, explorative teams looking into certain aspects. We see options for real estate, and we have very, very clear indications that things will be moved, however, not entire operations," Vaeth said.

Some small operations could begin moving in coming months, but the main relocations will be slightly later.

"We expect them in the second half of next year. The big moves will start in the second half of 2017," Vaeth said.

(Reporting by Huw Jones; Editing by Rachel Armstrong)
The Daily Beast

STRINGER/ReutersVideo footage shows pedestrians attempting to sway an Indian suspension bridge in the moments before it catastrophically collapsed, leaving at least 141 people dead as of Monday.Rescuers expect the death toll to continue to rise after the bridge fell apart in the western state of Gujarat on Sunday. The majority of those killed were women, children, or elderly people, a local official told the BBC. Almost 180 people were successfully rescued, however, in an overnight operation inv
Iraqi forces launched a highly-anticipated operation on Monday to reclaim the city of Mosul from ISIS, marking a critical turning point in the international campaign to roust the jihadist group from its strongholds in Iraq and Syria, but raising fears for the citys population during what could be a long and bloody battle.

Mosul is both a strategic and symbolic center in the fight against ISIS. The city is the largest under the jihadists control, a base for military and propaganda operations as well as the living embodiment of the groups claim that it has established an Islamic State. If Iraqi forces succeed in retaking the city, it would represent a body blow to ISIS larger project of capturing territory and imposing its puritanical vision of government and life on entire populations.

The battle for Mosul also represents an inflection point for Iraq itself. The operation is a critical test of the Iraqi states capacity to recapture, secure, rebuild, and govern its territory. The battle also offers the chance for Iraqi forces to reverse the embarrassing collapse of June 2014, when ISIS swept into the city meeting little resistance, forcing thousands of Iraqi soldiers to flee in an alarming illustration of the failure to fully rebuild a credible fighting force after the Iraqi military was dismantled by occupying American forces in 2003.

Read more: The Next War for Iraq

Prior to the ISIS takeover, Mosul was Iraqs second or third largest city, a microcosm of Iraqs hugely diverse population and a home for Arabs and Kurds, Sunnis, Shiites, and Christians. There are at least 600,000 people still living in the city, although some estimate the population is much higher. Arrayed against the Islamic State is a broad coalition that also reflects the political, regional, and sectarian divisions that have torn Iraq apart since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. The current military coalition includes the Iraqi military and special forces, allied Sunni Arab fighters, Shiite-dominated militias, and Kurdish troops, all backed by the airpower of the U.S.-led international military coalition against ISIS, as well as more than 5,000 U.S. troops on the ground in Iraq.

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Iraqs Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the operation in an early morning televised speech. Sitting behind a large desk and flanked by top military officials, he addressed the people of Mosul. God willing, soon we will meet on the soil of Mosul, to celebrate the liberation and your salvation, and we will live together once again, with all our religions and sects.

The Mosul offensive is expected to last for several weeks, if not longer. It will likely begin with a maneuver to partially or completely encircle the city, followed by an invasion of the city itself. If ISIS forces choose to dig in, the urban terrain of the city could offer favorable ground for them to inflict casualties on the invading forces. The jihadist forces include Iraqis, Syrians, and some expatriate fighters from across the Arab world, Europe, and elsewhere. They are expected to employ the signature tactics that they have used with devastating effects elsewhere in Iraq: tunnels, booby traps, and car and truck bombs.

Aid agencies are warning that the battle could trigger a humanitarian nightmare, as there is insufficient infrastructure to accommodate the huge wave of people who are expected to flee the fighting. Currently, refugee camps in the area can accommodate an additional 60,000 people, with more being built. But according to the United Nations, as many as a million people could be displaced in a worst case scenario, with some agencies predicting that as many as 200,000 could flee in the initial days of the fight.

The current offensive has been months in the planning, with preliminary operations to take villages and towns south of Mosul underway since last March, and more than 150,000 people have already fled those areas. Wolfgang Gressmann, the Iraq director for the Norwegian Refugee Council, said in a statement, We fear the humanitarian consequences of this operation will be massive.

Once Mosul is recaptured, Iraqis will face the generational task of rebuilding and repopulating the city and repairing the social fabric in a country devastated by more than 13 years of conflict. Other Iraqi cities recaptured from ISIS have been left in ruins, with little hope of immediately restoring normal life there. The rival forces now cooperating to take Mosul share little beyond their commitment to fighting ISIS.

The Shiite-led militias that command huge influence in Iraq stand accused of rights violations against Sunni Iraqi civilians. The role of Kurdish militias known as the Peshmerga is critical, but the central government in Baghdad faces a long struggle with the Kurdish regional government based in the city of Erbil over how the land and resources of northern Iraq will be divided and governed. Once the jihadists are routed, many Iraqis fear that a new civil war could follow as the rival factions vie for power.

But for now Iraqs rival armed forces are united, faced with the immediate task of seizing the most important urban area under ISIS control. A defeat in Mosul would represent the most significant setback to date for the Islamic State, which is reeling from a long series of losses in both Iraq and Syria. Iraqi forces have reclaimed territory in Tikrit, Ramadi, and most recently Fallujah from Iraq, leaving Mosul as the only major city under jihadist control. In Syria, the group is also losing ground to Kurdish-led militias and to a new offensive by Turkish-backed Syrian rebel groups. On Sunday, the Turkish-supported groups retook Dabiq, a small town in northern Syria that carries symbolic importance because it is the place where the jihadists theology predicts the apocalypse.

As ISIS empire collapses, it continues to lash out at softer targets far beyond the battlefields. The group claimed responsibility for attacks in Baghdad that killed some 55 people on Saturday. The deadliest of those was a suicide bombing at a Shiite religious gathering that killed at least 41 people and injured another 33, according to Reuters. The killings offered a lethal illustration of Iraqs longer-term challenge of combating militancy, resolving sectarian differences, and repairing a country exhausted from war.
Washington (AFP) - The Mosul offensive is a critical test for the Pentagon's strategy against the Islamic State group, which relies on local forces and keeping as many Americans as possible away from combat.

After IS overran large parts of Iraq and Syria in early 2014, the United States formed a coalition that launched an air campaign to strike the Sunni extremists and to train local, partnered forces to do the fighting.

Here are the basic elements of that coalition:

Coalition numbers

The anti-IS coalition is made up of 65 nations, about a dozen of which have conducted air strikes in Iraq or Syria. The rest provide auxiliary or logistical support, though US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter has faulted some members for not pulling their weight.

In Iraq, the coalition comprises approximately 8,500 troops. Most of them -- about 4,900 -- are American, but other nations including Italy, Britain and France are helping train local Iraqi forces.

Train and equip

The focus of coalition efforts on the ground has been to train, arm and motivate local forces to fight IS.

The Iraqi army largely collapsed in the face of the IS push in 2014, dumping weapons and equipment -- much of it provided by the United States.

US and coalition forces have provided basic combat training to more than 45,000 Iraqi forces at a cost of about $1.6 billion, the Pentagon says.

Training has evolved by incorporating lessons learned from prior offensives against IS, including in Fallujah and Ramadi.

Instruction has shifted from counter-insurgency toward more of a "combined arms maneuver approach," training director Brigadier General Dave Anderson, a Canadian member of the coalition, said this month.

We are "teaching the Iraqis how to integrate infantry, armor, artillery, engineers, aviation and other combat multipliers to achieve an overwhelming advantage on the battlefield," he said.

Air campaign

As of October 11, the coalition had conducted 10,129 air strikes in Iraq, and another 5,505 in Syria.

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Virtually all munitions are guided bombs aimed at striking IS fighting positions, missile launchers and other targets.

The unchallenged air supremacy also has afforded continual surveillance of the jihadists' movements.

For months, the coalition has conducted "shaping operations" around Mosul. On Sunday, coalition planes attacked IS telecommunications towers, tunnels and several other targets.

Pentagon officials have also said they are using cyber experts to tackle IS, which initially ran a sophisticated social media operation.

Special-operations troops

Though the Pentagon stresses it is keeping US forces from the front lines, elite commandos from the US military's Joint Special Operations Command have been deployed near Irbil since the start of the year.

These troops know the terrain well, as some fought in or around Mosul during the Iraq war, and they are trained to extract maximum intelligence from the sites they raid.

Logistical support

The Pentagon last month said it would send about 600 extra troops to Iraq, with most heading to Qayyarah, a strategically vital air base 40 miles (65 kilometers) south of Mosul that will help funnel supplies and troops toward the city.

They are also helping at the joint Iraqi-US Al Asad air base to beef up flight capabilities for night operations and operations in low visibility, such as poor weather.

A difficult fight

Despite coalition efforts, it will fall to the Iraqis to do the actual fighting in Mosul, and many expect a tough and bloody battle against a determined enemy dug into its last Iraqi stronghold.

Iraqi forces need to clear bombs and booby traps from countless buildings, face IS snipers and fight an enemy capable of launching sneak attacks from a network of tunnels.

The fight could last weeks or months. Iraqi forces are equipped with assault and sniper rifles, light and heavy machine guns, mine-clearing charges, armored personnel carriers, tanks, various types of artillery, attack helicopters and aircraft including Su-25 and F-16 jets.
By Philip Blenkinsop LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - European Union trade ministers meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday aiming to approve a free trade agreement with Canada but facing regional opposition in Belgium that threatens to scupper the entire deal. All 28 EU governments now back the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which would be the bloc's first trade accord with a G7 country. But they risk not getting the unanimity they seek because the French-speaking south of Belgium does not support it. Belgium has a center-right coalition firmly in favor of CETA, but its peculiar structure means it cannot sign up without backing from all five sub-federal governments representing its regions and its linguistic communities. EU and Canadian negotiators sealed an accord in 2014 after five years of talks, since revising a particularly contentious section on investment protection and in the past month hatching a binding declaration to show the limits of the trade pact. The latter won over most doubters, including wavering Austria. But Belgium's French speakers continued to say 'Non!'. EU ministers responsible for trade meet from 9 a.m. (0700 GMT). A positive vote would pave the way for CETA to be hailed as a success by EU leaders at a summit in Brussels on Thursday and then to be signed at an EU-Canada summit attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Oct. 27. Assuming the European Parliament then approved the deal, it would likely enter force provisionally next year. This would allow an immediate removal of import tariffs on 98 percent of goods, but would leave out the most contentious aspect of the deal - a court to protect foreign companies' investments. CETA supporters say it will increase bilateral trade by 20 percent and boost the EU economy by 12 billion euros ($13.4 billion) per year and Canada's by C$12 billion ($9.0 billion). The deal would be the first time Canada's states and municipal governments have committed to opening their markets for procurement to EU suppliers and allow Canadian farmers to export much more pork, beef and wheat to Europe. CETA critics say it will start a 'race to the bottom' in labor and environmental standards and give big business the ability to dictate government policy with the threat of legal action in a special investor court if they resist. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
Brussels (AFP) - The head of the small Belgian region of Wallonia on Monday said he still refused to sign off on a massive EU-Canada free trade deal despite intense international pressure to back down.

"Wallonia is under all sorts of pressure and in these last hours, even disguised threats," Paul Magnette, socialist head of the administration in the French-speaking region, told local MPs.

"But we are steadfast. We are telling the European Commission that we cannot accept this document if they do not make an effort in our direction," he said, referring to the EU's executive arm that handles trade talks for the bloc.

The parliament in the French-speaking part of southern Belgium voted on Friday to block the deal, known as CETA -- meaning that Belgium itself cannot sign up to the pact.

The shock vote threatened to derail the deal's long-delayed signing by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Brussels on October 27 and complicate trade talks with the US and a non-EU Britain which will use the deal as a template.

EU and Walloon negotiators held intense talks over the weekend to agree on an document that would satisfy the concerns of the French-speaking Belgians.

"If unfortunately we are not heard, if some think that will give in, then we will have to confirm our 'no' and Belgium will not be able to sign," Magnette said.

EU trade ministers are set to meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday to approve the deal's signature on October 27 with Trudeau, but Magnette said Belgium was still not in a position to do so.

"More time is needed... We will need at least a few extra days," Magnette said.

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said he hoped for a breakthrough at an EU leaders summit on Thursday if there was no luck on Tuesday.

But increasingly nervous EU officials said the stonewalling by Wallonia could prove to be a huge blemish to Europe.

"If we don't manage to conclude the Canada deal, the EU may as well close up shop," a senior EU official said on condition of anonymity.

Spain meanwhile said the troubled trade deal held extra importance as it was the only model for a future pact between the bloc and post-Brexit Britain.

Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said the "only solution" for Britain was "the Canadian one".
By Ehab Farouk and Eric Knecht CAIRO (Reuters) - Trading in shares of Egypt's Beltone Financial was temporarily suspended on Monday amid confusion over an independent valuation of the stock, the latest twist in a months-long standoff between the regulator and company over the stock's value. Beltone's share price spiked after billionaire businessman Naguib Sawiris bought a more than 90 percent stake in the firm last November, rising by more than 550 percent at one point to a market value of 4 billion Egyptian pounds ($450 million) before the exchange began suspending trading almost daily. The exchange has referred to rules allowing such suspensions in cases where the head of the bourse considers trades to be taking place at unjustified prices. Beltone filed a lawsuit in June against the heads of the Cairo stock exchange and the regulator over the suspensions, saying they were an abuse of authority. In August, Egypt's Financial Supervisory Authority asked Beltone to appoint an independent third party to assess the fair value of the stock. The regulator on Sunday posted on the bourse a summary of a valuation conducted by Fincorp, a financial consulting firm, which put the fair value at 10.07 pounds. On Monday, the regulator issued a corrected version of the report with 9.3 pounds listed as the fair value estimate. The confusion resulted in a suspension of trading on Monday morning. The shares later resumed trading, but all deals executed before the suspension were cancelled, the bourse said. Beltone's shares closed at 10.71 pounds. Earlier this year, they hit a high of over 20 pounds. "They have been suspending our shares for almost five months, everyday," CEO Bassem Azab told Reuters on Monday. "You've lost the idea of a stock exchange ... a free market whereby people exchange the value - if you don't agree this is the value, you don't buy it," he said, adding the regulator needed to explain its actions to foreign investors. ($1 = 8.8799 Egyptian pounds) (Additional reporting by Asma Alsharif; Editing by Adrian Croft and Mark Potter)
In poll after poll, voters have expressed qualms over Hillary Clintons trustworthiness.

And a pro-Donald Trump super PAC is highlighting that trust deficit in a smattering of new television spots.

The super PAC, Make America Number 1, is backed by GOP megadonor Robert Mercer, the co-chief executive officer of hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, and his daughter, Rebekah, who currently oversees day-to-day operations. The group reports having roughly $3.2 million in cash on hand, but Robert Mercers pockets go deep  and last month, the super PAC reported its first seven-figure contribution from another donor.

The new ads mark the first time Make America Number 1 has ventured into TV ads since it began supporting Trump in June, according to a Center for Public Integrity analysis of data provided by ad tracking firm Kantar Media/CMAG, which monitors ads on broadcast television and national  but not local  cable.

The ads

An actress stands against a white backdrop, announcing her support for Hillary Clinton before, halfway through declaring her honest and trustworthy, she says, Can we cut?

Whats the problem? a man offscreen asks.

The actress tells the man she just cant say the words. The man, still offscreen, reminds the actress that shes  acting.

Im not that good of an actress, she says. Honest and trustworthy. Give me a break.

At the ads conclusion appear the words: Some people are better liars than others. Stop Hillary.

The group ran a total of eight TV spots in the Philadelphia; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Cleveland markets on October 9.

The ads sponsor

Make America Number 1 was first formed in April 2015 with a different name, Keep the Promise I, and initially supported U.S. Sen. Ted Cruzs presidential bid.

After Cruz withdrew and Republican businessman Donald Trump effectively clinched the Republican presidential nomination, the group changed its name to Make America Number 1 and announced it would focus on anti-Clinton efforts.

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Whos behind it?

New York investor Robert Mercer has given roughly 90 percent of the groups money since it started and his daughter, Rebekah, is now overseeing the groups day-to-day operations.

Both Mercers rarely grant interviews and usually decline to speak publicly about their political giving. They have stood strongly behind Trump through a recent furor after a tape surfaced of crude comments he made about women a decade ago.

America is finally fed up and disgusted with its political elite, the Mercers said in a statement. Trump is channeling this disgust and those among the political elite who quake before the boom-box of media blather do not appreciate the apocalyptic choice that America faces on November 8.

They continued: We have a country to save and there is only one person who can save it. We, and Americans across the country and around the world, stand steadfastly behind Donald J. Trump.

Related video: Make America Number 1 ad: 'Cut'

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Money in

The group has taken in about $17.4 million since its inception. Robert Mercer has personally contributed $15.5 million.

Out of that total, about $3 million has been raised since the super PACs name change and overhaul in June.

Robert Mercer contributed about two-thirds of that $3 million. Philanthropist Cherna Moskowitz, the Miami-based widow of hospital and gaming magnate Irving Moskowitz, gave $1 million in August. Erik Prince, founder of troubled security contracting firm Blackwater, contributed $50,000 in August.

Money out

Make America Number 1 has spent $1.5 million since June on video production and media in association with the presidential race, according to reports with the Federal Election Commission.

Most of the super PACs ads appear online only: its website includes a page with 17 videos about Clinton, featuring titles such as corruption is a family business and corrupt and dangerous. The groups YouTube page has even more.

Why it matters

Many of the super PACs supporting Trump have had trouble raising big money.

Outside groups supporting Trump have run 22,238 TV ads since June 12  about a third of the 65,338 ads run by groups supporting Clinton over the same period, according to a Center for Public Integrity analysis of data provided by ad tracking firm Kantar Media/CMAG.

But Make America Number 1 has Robert Mercers deep pockets to draw on  and the group could potentially provide some serious air cover for Trump.

The Republican presidential nominee continues dropping in national polls after a string of news reports concerning his lewd statements about women and accusations that he groped or sexually harassed several  accusations Trump denies.

This story is part of Source Check. Click here to read more stories in this series.

Related stories

Copyright 2016 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C.
UPDATED with additional details: Billy Bush egged on Donald Trump to make those remarks about being so famous he can kiss and grope women with impunity in that 2005 Access Hollywood tape, Melanie Trump said tonight.

I was surprised, because that is not the man that I know. And as you can see from the tape, the cameras were not on. It was only a mic, she told CNNs Anderson Cooper. And I wonder if they even knew that the mic was on. Because they were kind of  ah  boy talk. And he was lead on. Like egg on from the host, to say, uh, dirty and bad stuff.

You feel the host, Billy Bush, was sort of egging him on? Cooper asked.

Yes. Yes, Melania responded.

Asked whether that was language she had previously heard her husband use (Trump made the remarks on the tape shortly after he and Melania were married), she responded, No, no, thats why I was surprised. Because I said like I dont know that person that would talk that way. And that he would say that kind of stuff in private.

I heard many different stuff, boys talk, she said in the interview. The boys thats the way they talk when they grow up and they want to sometimes show each otherthey say this and that and talking about the girls. I was surprised, of course.

Asked if she agreed with her husbands characterization of the conversation as locker room talk, she agreed. Yes, two teenaged boys. Actually, they should behave better. Cooper noted her husband was 59 at the time of the tape; Billy Bush was 34.

Sometimes I said I have two boys at home; I have my young son and I have my husband. But I know how some men talk.

Melania Trump said she was not surprised that the tape came out.

It was the media, it was NBC, it was Access Hollywood. It was left wing media, she said. You could see that and the way is comes out  everything was organized. Every Friday something comes out.

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She chastised TV news networks for playing the tape hour after hour.

I watch TV, it was hour after hour bashing him because they want to influence the American people how to vote and they are influencing in the wrong way.

[NBC] knew about it a long time ago, she said, suggesting the timing of the tapes release was held back to accomplish maximum damage to his campaign.

NBC News announced this evening it has parted ways with Billy Bush, The former Access Hollywood host had been hired to co-host the 9 AM hour of Today just this past May. NBC News suspended Bush two days after the tape was published.

In his interview, Cooper noted First Lady Michelle Obama recently gave a speech saying Donald Trumps hot-mic conversation with Bush in that Access Hollywood tape was not just a lewd conversation or locker room banter but a powerful individual speaking freely and openly about sexually predatory behavior.

Melania Trump disagreed. No, thats not sexual assault. He didnt say he did it, she insisted. She added that she sees many women coming up to [Trump] and giving the phone numbers and want to work for him, or inappropriate stuff from women. And they know hes married.

It was in front of me, she said.  Im very strong. People think and talk about me like, Oh, Melania, poor Melania.

Dont feel sorry for me. I can handle everything.

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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - U.S. television host Billy Bush is leaving the "Today" show, NBC said in a note to employees on Monday, in the wake of his role in a lewd 2005 conversation with Republican presidential contender Donald Trump about women. Bush, 45, had been suspended from hosting duties on NBC's flagship morning show after the emergence of the tape, in which Bush and then "Apprentice" reality star Trump joked and boasted about groping women. In a statement on Monday, Bush said he was "deeply grateful for the conversations I've had with my daughters, and for all of the support from family, friends and colleagues." NBC's memo said, "While he was a new member of the 'Today' team, he was a valued colleague and longtime member of the broader NBC family. We wish him success as he goes forward." No further details were given regarding a financial settlement. In the 2005 video, Bush was heard laughing and joking with Trump, who bragged about grabbing and kissing women and trying to seduce a married woman. The video was made as part of a segment for "Access Hollywood," a celebrity and entertainment news program that is also part of the NBC group. Bush, a cousin of former U.S. President George W. Bush, became one of the co-hosts of the "Today" show in August. The morning show is one of NBC's most lucrative properties and boasts a large female viewership. He apologized on Oct. 7, saying he was "embarrassed and ashamed" by his behavior, and NBC announced it was suspending him from "Today." Noah Oppenheim, the executive in charge of "Today" had written in a memo to staff that "there is simply no excuse for Billy's language and behavior on that tape." The married woman discussed in the conversation has since been identified as Bush's "Access Hollywood" co-host Nancy O'Dell. Last week, O'Dell said that there is "no room for objectification of women, or anyone for that matter, not even in the locker room." (Reporting by Piya Sinha-Roy and Jill Serjeant; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Billy Bush is out after reaching a settlement with NBC.

"Billy Bush will be leaving the Today show's 9 a.m. hour, effective today," reads a memo from Today senior vp Noah Oppenheim, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. "While he was a new member of the Today team, he was a valued colleague and longtime member of the broader NBC family. We wish him success as he goes forward."

In a statement, Bush says: "I am deeply grateful for the conversations Ive had with my daughters, and for all of the support from family, friends and colleagues. I look forward to what lies ahead."

A source close to the negotiations says NBC did not require a non-compete agreement in Bush's settlement. He is free to take another job immediately.

The Today show host was suspended, pending further review, last Sunday, two days after hot-mic audio emerged from a 2005 Access Hollywood taping in which Donald Trump made vulgar comments about women, including then-Access Hollywood co-host Nancy O'Dell. Bush is heard laughing and egging Trump on in the conversation on the Access Hollywood bus.

Bush, 45, and NBC were negotiating the terms of his exit last week, with Bush hiring prominent L.A. litigator Marshall Grossman to work out his separation from the network.

Grossman, who represented Erin Andrews in her peephole case and Steven Spielberg and Clint Eastwood in other matters, defended his client's role in the Trump tape, arguing that the then-Access Hollywood anchor was interviewing a fellow NBCUniversal star in The Apprentice's Trump, so he wasn't exactly in a position to challenge his interview subject.

"If Billy had been passive or responded 'Shut the f - up' to Trump, Billy would have been out of a job the next day," Grossman, a partner at Orrick in Los Angeles, told THR.

Read more: Billy Bush Lawyers Up, Goes on Attack in NBC Fight (Exclusive)

On Friday, Grossman told THR that he and NBC representatives were close to a deal. "The parties are negotiating a resolution of their differences at their highest level, and I am personally optimistic that the matter will be resolved upon terms satisfactory to both parties," the attorney remarked. Bush is said to make about $3 million a year under his Today deal.

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Late Friday, the New York Post reported Bush is "likely" to receive a $10 million settlement, but Grossman told THR that report was false. "There's no $10 million settlement and that number has not even been discussed," Grossman told THR.

Negotiations with Bush were said to have been amicable, but they hit a snag because his team felt NBC News was pinning blame for the Trump incident on Bush.

Bush had been recruited to join the 9 a.m. hour of NBC's Today show earlier this year, amid faltering ratings for the third hour of NBC's morning news franchise. He supplanted Willie Geist, who now hosts the Sunday edition of Today and also continues to appear on MSNBC's Morning Joe. Sources at NBC News tell THR that Bush had already alienated many staffers at Today during his brief tenure there, including his co-host Tamron Hall.

The scandal has imperiled Trump's candidacy and sent Republicans of all stripes scurrying to distance themselves from the GOP nominee less than a month before the election. But for Bush, the consequences have been more immediate.

Sources at NBC confirmed to THR that Bush was heard bragging about the tape last summer, right around the time of the Rio Summer Olympics. Page Six first reported that Bush boasted about the tape during a party in Rio, when the former Access Hollywood host was making his debut as the newest member of the Today show team. NBC News sources maintain that the first time news management learned of the tape was the week it would become public, when someone inside NBC leaked it to The Washington Post. It's unclear why Bush did not immediately alert NBC News executives to the existence of the tape.

Read more: Donald Trump's Media Threats Are Why a Free Speech Protection Law Is Needed

"NBC News did exactly what you would expect from a great news organization," an NBC spokesperson said in a statement after the tape was released. "As soon as we saw the tape and made the assessment it was undoubtedly newsworthy, we moved quickly and deliberately to get it published and to do so in the most responsible way."

Management knew the tape would have consequences for Bush and began immediately discussing how to handle the situation. On Oct. 7, the day the tape become public, Bush issued an apology: "Obviously I'm embarrassed and ashamed. It's no excuse, but this happened 11 years ago - I was younger, less mature and acted foolishly in playing along. I'm very sorry."

But an initial plan to let him apologize again on the Today show was nixed after the show's staff, which is heavily female, protested to senior vp Noah Oppeheim, say sources. And by the evening of Oct. 9, less than two hours before the second presidential debate, Oppenheim sent an email to Today staffers informing them that Bush was suspended indefinitely.

"Let me be clear -- there is simply no excuse for Billy's language and behavior on that tape," Oppenheim wrote. "NBC has decided to suspend Billy, pending further review of this matter."

NBC News began to look into Bush's behavior to determine whether there were other incidents of unprofessional and inappropriate behavior involving female colleagues. It's unclear what they turned up.

But in the end, the damage was deemed irrevocable for an anchor on a program with a majority female audience. There was also the very real concern that Bush would become a liability for the Today bookers if celebrities, particularly women, balked at being interviewed by him.

Full disclosure: Early in his career, Belloni worked as a lawyer at a law firm run by Grossman.

Read more: Is Donald Trump Libel-Proof?
Its official: There will be no tomorrow at Today for Billy Bush.

NBC confirmed in a statement to employees on Monday that the network has formally parted ways with the embattled co-host for his role in the Donald Trump tape scandal. According to unconfirmed reports, Bush will receive an exit package worth $10 million.

VIDEOSMatt Lauer Confirms Billy Bushs Today Ouster on Air  Watch

Billy Bush will be leaving the Today shows 9 am hour, effective today, the statement read. While he was a new member of the Today team, he was a valued colleague and longtime member of the broader NBC family. We wish him success as he goes forward.

VIDEOSFamily Guys Peter Griffin Joins Donald Trump and Billy Bush on Infamous Access Hollywood Bus

Bush released a statement of his own that said: I am deeply grateful for the conversations Ive had with my daughters, and for all of the support from family, friends and colleagues. I look forward to what lies ahead.

Last Sunday, NBC announced that Bush had been indefinitely suspended from his gig co-hosting Todays 9 am hour after he was heard engaging in a lewd conversation with Trump in an unearthed 2005 tape. I know weve all been deeply troubled by the revelations of the past 48 hours, Todays senior VP Noah Oppenheim wrote in an internal memo to the staff. Let me be clear  there is simply no excuse for Billys language and behavior on that tape. NBC has decided to suspend Billy, pending further review of this matter.

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Immediately following the tapes release earlier this month, Bush released a statement expressing remorse for his conduct. Obviously Im embarrassed and ashamed, he said. Its no excuse, but this happened eleven years ago  I was younger, less mature, and acted foolishly in playing along. Im very sorry.

Bushs stormy departure marks the end of his long relationship with NBC, one that began in 2001 when he joined Access Hollywood as a correspondent. He was promoted to primary anchor three years later, and he remained in that post until this past August, when he joined Today.

Story continues

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BANDMANN FLATS -- Even the grazing horses are gone from the empty field that would be a solar farm.

Its been almost a year since Cypress Creek Renewables reached an agreement to sell the electricity generated from 17,000 solar panels on a 60-acre parcel east of Missoula to NorthWestern Energy.

Still no panels, still no sun power.

In December, the Missoula County Board of Adjustment granted Cypress Creek a special exception to build along Deer Creek Road on land zoned residential.

At the time, the California-based company planned construction of one of the first 3-megawatt solar facilities in the state for the spring.

The pasture lease for the horse keepers ran out in June. Spring turned into August.

Now Cypress Creek says it could be well into 2017 before work begins. The company has at least five other projects around the state in similar stagnant stages.

The projects are fully permitted, approved and are now in detailed engineering design, company spokesman Jeff McKay said. It looks like there have been some delays on the engineering side.

He didnt detail what those delays were.

According to NorthWestern Energy, the Missoula facility is one of nine that were finalized with independent developers before the Montana Public Service Commission issued an emergency order in June to temporarily suspend PURPA rates. The 1978 Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act to promote alternative energy requires NorthWestern to buy up to 3 megawatts from private solar and wind projects at a standard rate based on the avoided cost -- what the utility would have to pay to get the power somewhere else.

That rate, negotiated in 2013, is $66 per megawatt hour. The power company says thats far too high now that the costs of doing business in the solar industry have dropped and projects are being developed at an unprecedented pace around the nation. The expense of the overflow of electricity has to be passed on to customers, said Butch Larcombe of NorthWestern Energy.

The Public Service Commission set a Jan. 18 hearing to consider a new rate structure that better reflects the market, with a target of early March to reach a decision, said PSC communications director Eric Sell.

NorthWestern Energy proposes a rate thats roughly half the current price, and for a term shorter than the current 25 years.

The PSCs suspension of the standard rate doesnt mean companies cant negotiate their own price with NorthWestern Energy, Sell pointed out.

McKay said the suspension also doesnt affect Cypress Creeks Deer Creek project, since its had a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NorthWestern on it and a handful of other Montana projects since last November.

The power company agrees.

Based on our understanding of the PSCs decision regarding the rate suspension, we believe those projects can get the existing PURPA Qualifying Facilities rate for the electricity produced, Larcombe said. The rate suspension affects the dozens and dozens of proposed projects that did not have complete agreements in place at the time of the decision.

Whats not so clear is why the approved plants arent being built. Cypress Creek and other companies that proposed them will receive the current rate of $66 per megawatt hour for 25 years once theyre up and running.

Sell said Cypress Creek has "something like" 14 proposed projects in Montana, six of them approved for the old rate.

They already have spent some resources planning, and they seem very adamant that they want all their projects to move forward," he said. "It really wouldnt make sense to sit back and not do those projects just because the standard rate is suspended for another portion of their projects.

The agreements forged late last year have a deadline for the solar plants to be up and running.

Its my understanding that the valid contracts we have say they are supposed to be completed by the end of this year, Larcombe said. What happens if that isnt reached, I dont know. I think theres still that clause in the contract, but it probably becomes a legal thing.

Last month two environmental groups petitioned the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to intervene to lift the Public Service Commissions suspension of the standard rate. The Montana Environmental Information Center and Washington, D.C.-based Vote Solar argue the suspension violates PURPA and undercuts solar development in Montana.

On Oct. 5, FERC granted the PSC a deadline extension to Nov. 1 for parties to file comments or act as intervenors.

So we wont get a decision from FERC until at least after that, Brian Fadie of MEIC said Thursday. Our attorney at EarthJustice still anticipates getting a ruling before the end of the year, but we dont have a better guess than that at the moment.
By Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani ABUJA (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The Islamic State-allied faction of Boko Haram which last week freed 21 of more than 200 Chibok girls kidnapped in April 2014 in northeast Nigeria is willing to negotiate the release of 83 more of the girls, the president's spokesman said on Sunday. Around 220 girls were taken from their school in 2014 in Chibok in northeastern Borno state, where Boko Haram has waged a seven-year insurgency aimed at creating an Islamic state, killing thousands and displacing more than 2 million people. A faction of the militant group released 21 of the girls on Thursday after the Red Cross and the Swiss government brokered a deal. They were brought from the northeastern city of Maiduguri to the capital Abuja to meet state officials. "These 21 released girls are supposed to be tale bearers to tell the Nigerian government that this faction of Boko Haram has 83 more Chibok girls," Garba Shehu, spokesman for President Muhammadu Buhari, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone. "The faction said it is ready to negotiate if the government is willing to sit down with them," said Shehu, adding that the state is prepared to negotiate with the branch of Boko Haram. The Islamic State-allied splinter group said the rest of the kidnapped Chibok girls were with the part of Boko Haram under the control of figurehead Abubakar Shekau, according to Shehu. Boko Haram has apparently split with a big group moving away from Shekau over his failure to adhere to guidance from the Iraq- and Syria-based Islamic State, which in August named Musab al-Barnawi as its new leader for West Africa. But that appointment was later dismissed in a 10-minute audio clip on social media by a man purporting to be Shekau, exposing divisions within the jihadist group that has plagued Nigeria and neighbors Chad, Niger and Cameroon. Information Minister Lai Mohammed on Thursday denied reports that the state had swapped captured Boko Haram fighters for their release and said he was not aware if any ransom had been paid. He said a Nigerian army operation against Boko Haram would continue. In recent days, the Nigerian army has been carrying out an offensive in the Sambisa forest, a stronghold of Boko Haram. The militants controlled a swathe of land around the size of Belgium at the start of 2015, but Nigeria's army has recaptured most of the territory. The group still stages suicide bombings in the northeast, as well as in neighboring Niger and Cameroon. (Reporting By Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani, Editing by Kieran Guilbert; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit news.trust.org)
Following the release of 21 out of over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped in 2014 from their school in Nigeria, a faction of the militant group Boko Haram may be willing to free more.

Reuters reports that, according to a spokesperson for Nigerias president, the same Boko Haram faction that negotiated the first release last Thursday is holding 83 other kidnapped schoolgirls.

The faction said it is ready to negotiate if the government is willing to sit down with them, Garba Shehu told Reuters, saying that the Nigerian government is ready to negotiate the release of the girls.

Allegations that captured Boko Haram fighters were swapped for the freedom of the 21 girls freed last week were denied by a Nigerian minister, according to the report.

The girls were part of a group of over 200 abducted by Boko Haram in April 2014 from their school in Chibok, Nigeria, when militants attacked their school during the night.

The mass abduction sparked a global outrage and a call to action at that time, centered around the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls.
By Nita Bhalla NEW DELHI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Popular Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra on Monday apologised for a glossy travel magazine cover after it sparked outrage with social media users accusing her of insensitivity towards refugees and migrants. The 34-year-old former Miss World is featured on the cover of the October edition of Conde Nast Traveller India wearing a white t-shirt with the words, "REFUGEE", "IMMIGRANT" and "OUTSIDER" crossed out in red -- leaving only the word "TRAVELLER". Conde Nast Traveller tweeted the cover photo on Oct. 7 with the tagline "Bold and fearless, @priyankachopra makes a statement on our 6th anniversary issue cover. #WhyWeTravel" The message on her t-shirt sparked a flurry of criticism on the microblogging site twitter, with users accusing Chopra of belittling the plight of refugees forced to leave their homes. Chopra - who was named as one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential people and is an ambassador for the U.N. children's agency UNICEF - said the message was aimed at addressing racism and had been misunderstood. "They (Conde Nast) specially got this (t-shirt) made and implored me to wear it. They said they were addressing xenophobia which is a big issue that is happening," Chopra told NDTV in an interview. "So their idea was that. And I bought into it, I guess. And I am really, really apologetic about the fact that sentiments were hurt ... The point the magazine wanted to make was actually something good." Some 1.3 million refugees and migrants fleeing war, poverty and persecution in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere arrived in Europe last year, creating the continent's biggest migrant crisis since World War Two. Without safe routes to seek sanctuary, thousands more have drowned at sea. "Maybe your editors need taste editing. I get what you are trying to say. But you just trivialised a serious refugee issue," said one tweet from @1plur1. "Extremely insensitive in midst of biggest #refugeecrises. All other options listed are forced on people not chosen" said another tweet from @savita_pawnday. Other twitter users took to photoshop, changing the struck out words on the Chopra's t-shirt to "COMPASSION", "EMPATHETIC" and "INCLUSIVE" -- leaving only the word "OFFENSIVE". Conde Nast Traveller said in a statement the message was aimed at challenging stereotypes and how the labelling of people as immigrants, refugees and outsiders is creating a culture of xenophobia. "At Conde Nast Traveller, we believe that the opening up of borders and the breaking down of walls can help us discover the world, and open up our minds and hearts,' said the magazine. "So, when we had actor Priyanka Chopra wear a t-shirt we created on the cover of the 6th anniversary issue, we had a point to make." Chopra is one of the Hindi film industry's biggest stars and one of only a handful of Indian actors who have broken into mainstream Hollywood, starring in the TV series "Quantico" and in the upcoming film based on the "Baywatch" series. (Reporting by Nita Bhalla; Editing by Ros Russell; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit news.trust.org)
By Carolyn Cohn and Sinead Cruise LONDON (Reuters) - Commercial property auctions are proving an unlikely bright spot in Britain's real estate market where a steep drop in sterling has attracted overseas buyers and local investors are as yet unfazed by potential fallout from Brexit. Britain's 900 billion pound commercial real estate market was an early victim of the financial market turmoil that followed Britain's vote in June to leave the European Union. Retail investors quickly pulled money out of commercial property funds just after the vote, causing a temporary freeze on 18 billion pounds ($22.38 billion) in assets. In July, British commercial property values fell by 2.8 percent, according to the IPD real estate index compiled by MSCI , the biggest fall since March 2009, highlighting a sharp drop in investor confidence. Average commercial property values have fallen around 3.5 percent since the June 23 vote and year-to-date returns tracked by the IPD index are hovering below zero. But for commercial property auctioneers who focus on smaller properties rather than trophy assets like London's skyscrapers or regional shopping malls, it is a different story. Allsop, Britain's biggest auctioneer, achieved its biggest sale volume in a decade at a sale on Oct. 10. Rival Acuitus on Oct. 13 recorded its largest-ever auction since spinning out of Jones Lang LaSalle in 2010. Average rental yields at both sales fell sharply compared with July. A fall in yield - the ratio of the annual rent to the purchase price - shows demand is on the rise. Around 500 people attended the Allsop sale at The Berkeley, a luxury hotel near London's Hyde Park, while a further 6,000-odd investors were plugged in by phone or internet, including overseas buyers, the company said. One hundred and fifty-four shops, offices and industrial properties went under the hammer in less than seven hours, and 11 lots sold in the hours after the public event. Some properties in the 231-lot catalogue sold ahead of the auction. The Allsop sale, its second since the referendum, fetched more than 115 million pounds ($143.00 million). The average yield of property sold was 7.1 percent, down from 8.1 percent in July, despite uncertainty over the impact of Brexit on the wider economy in Britain. Allsop has raised 480 million pounds from five sales this year, nearly 25 percent more than over the same period in 2015. Acuitus sold 70.6 million pounds of property at an average yield of 8.75 percent, down from 9.56 percent in July. Its event took place in the heart of London's West End. It has raised more than 310 million pounds so far this year and is on course for a second consecutive record-breaking year. "People have asked whether the market might be approaching a peak, but sales like these show we are only just getting out of the blocks", Auctioneer Richard Auterac said, pointing to a steady shift in private investor interest from buy-to-let to commercial real estate. BUMPER BIDDING George Walker, who has been an auctioneer at Allsop for 19 years, said he was convinced of a bumper sale from the first lot, when more than 90 bidders competed to buy a 518 square foot (48.15 square metre) hair salon let on a lease with just a year to run in London's affluent St. John's Wood neighbourhood. "When there's 94 bidders going for a single lot, that means that there's 93 people in the room who are disappointed. Those people are poised to buy, and more often than not, they bid for something else instead," he said. The salon sold for 545,000 pounds, more than 50 percent above its minimum guide price, representing a yield of 2.48 percent. It was the lowest yield at the auction, and compares with yields on 10-year UK government bonds of 1.1 percent . Most bidders present were UK based "regulars", Walker said, describing the long-established private investors managing portfolios worth scores of millions, who buy and sell at almost every event. "Brexit? It hasn't affected me at all. It's more an issue for the resi[dential] guys," said one veteran investor, who bid for several lots in Allsop's session but was outbid on all. The auctioneers said the pound's slump has attracted more opportunistic overseas buyers, with investors from Hong Kong, China and South Africa taking the place of Greeks and Italians who bought UK real estate during the euro zone crisis four years ago. Some bidders were spurred on by the pound's fall of around 19 percent against the Hong Kong dollar and the rand since the referendum, including 3-4 percent falls in the week running up to the sales. "Given the week sterling has had, we just had to see more international interest," Walker said. But Auterac said he expected domestic buyers to continue to outnumber international bidders as banks increase lending support for UK private investor borrowers. "The same old faces are here, as they have been for years," the auction investor said. "The auctions are as busy as they have ever been." ($1 = 0.8042 pounds) (Editing by Jane Merriman)
Sarajevo (AFP) - A Bosnian Serb has been elected mayor of Srebrenica, triggering alarm among relatives of thousands of Muslim men and boys who were massacred there by Bosnian Serb forces in July 1995.

According to official results released on Monday, Mladen Grujicic will become the first ethnic Serb mayor of the eastern Bosnian town since 1999 after winning 54.4 percent of votes in local elections on October 2.

The news was greeted with outrage by relatives of those killed in Europe's worst atrocity since World War II.

In the slaughter -- deemed genocide by two international courts -- Bosnian Serb forces carried out the executions of some 8,000 Muslim men and boys, despite the enclave being under UN protection.

And outgoing Muslim mayor Camil Durakovic refused to concede defeat, crying foul and pledging to lodge a complaint.

Two decades later, Muslims and Serbs live side-by-side in Srebrenica, but by no means together -- and many Muslims feel uneasy over the prospect of a Serb mayor.

Relatives of those killed in Srebrenica said they felt "betrayed" by the election of a Serb candidate.

"We were betrayed by the international community in 1995 when they left us to the murderers, and they just betrayed us for the second time," said Hatidza Mehmedovic who lost her husband and two sons and heads a survivors' organisation.

She said Grujicic "could not run" the town "because his idols are war criminals such as Radovan Karadzic," the Serbs' political leader during Bosnia's brutal 1992-1995 civil war, who was jailed for 40 years in March by a UN tribunal for his role in the violence, including the Srebrenica genocide.

The late Serb president Slobodan Milosevic played a key role in supporting Serb rebels led by notorious military leader Ratko Mladic, who is currently on trial for genocide and war crimes, including in Srebrenica.

- 'Fear for the young' -

"I do not fear for myself. They killed me a long time ago with my sons," she told AFP.

Story continues

"But I do fear for the young ones who have children and who are trying to rebuild something in Srebrenica, first of all trust."

The defeated candidates now have three days to lodge a complaint, which Durakovic pledged to do.

Speaking to reporters in Sarajevo, he said his legal team would file a complaint by Wednesday, citing "a number of irregularities."

But Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik said the result was done and dusted:

"Our candidate won," he said in Belgrade, adding that Grujicic would lead a politics of "reality in Srebrenica" and would respect everyone, Beta news agency reported.

Grujicic, a 34-year old chemistry professor, has also sought to allay the fears of the Muslim community, stressing that the town hall would continue to help commemorate the events of 1995.

Speaking to AFP before the vote, he admitted that "the crime against the Muslims took place" but like most Serbs refused to recognise it as genocide, saying: "I leave (it to) competent institutions to qualify it."

Bosnia's 1992-1995 war pitted Bosnia's ethnic Serbs, Croats and Muslims against each other, claiming 100,000 lives and displacing two million people.

The conflict ended with the Dayton peace accords, which split the country into two semi-independent entities -- the Serb-run Republika Srpska and a Muslim-Croat federation.

Srebrenica has remained in the Serbs' entity.
By Nate Raymond

Oct 17 (Reuters) - A Boston-based real estate entrepreneur was convicted on Monday of engaging in insider trading with two friends after learning of India-based Apollo Tyres Ltd's planned attempt to buy Cooper Tire & Rubber Co in 2013.

Amit Kanodia, 49, was found guilty by a federal jury in Boston on 11 of the 19 counts he faced, including conspiracy and securities fraud. He was acquitted of the other eight counts of securities fraud, prosecutors said.

The verdict was confirmed by a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Boston. Kanodia, who had pleaded not guilty, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 18.

Kanodia's lawyers did not respond to requests for comment.

Prosecutors said Kanodia, of Brookline, Massachusetts, learned details about the proposed merger between Apollo and Cooper Tire from his then-wife, who was Apollo's chief legal officer, more than two months before the deal was announced.

Prosecutors said Kanodia tipped off two of his friends, including Iftikar Ahmed, a general partner of Greenwich, Connecticut-based Oak Investment Partners.

Prosecutors said Ahmed and the other friend, Steven Watson, traded on the confidential information before the deal was announced and shared about $245,000 of their more than $1.17 million in illegal proceeds with Kanodia.Z

Those payments were made to an account Kanodia opened for a charity, Lincoln Charitable Foundation, ostensibly to raise money for flood victims in India, even though he used much of the money for his own financial investments, prosecutors said.

The merger was abandoned in December 2013 after an acrimonious legal battle between Apollo and Cooper Tire.

Both Kanodia and Ahmed were charged in connection with the insider trading scheme in April 2015, and Watson pleaded guilty that August as part of a cooperation deal with prosecutors.

Ahmed fled the United States for India in May 2015. Prosecutors have since separately accused him of embezzling $54 million from Oak Investment Partners.

The case is U.S. v. Kanodia et al, U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, No. 15-cr-10131.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Richard Chang)
(Adds comments by head of watchdog group, adds background on Oi and Anatel)

By Ana Mano

SAO PAULO, Oct 17 (Reuters) - The head of Brazil's telecom watchdog Anatel said on Monday it was not the government's goal to intervene in Oi SA but that it must "be prepared" to do so should the country's largest fixed-line carrier fail to resolve its debt problems during bankruptcy proceedings.

Anatel plans to let Oi's reorganization run its course before deciding on any possible action, Juarez Quadros said in an interview on the sidelines of a telecoms event in Sao Paulo. The proceedings began on June 20.

"The government wants a market solution," he said, adding the company has six months under Brazilian bankruptcy law to complete its reorganization.

In June, Rio de Janeiro-based Oi filed for Brazil's largest-ever bankruptcy to restructure 65.4 billion reais ($20.30 billion) of loans.

If Anatel deems it necessary to intervene, it would be only the second time the agency has done so, Quadros said.

In 2000, Anatel took over the management of local carrier Companhia Riograndense de Telecomunicacoes (CRT) for six months to resolve a shareholder dispute.

During that period, CRT's parent company, Telefonica , and minority shareholder Brasil Telecom were banned from managing the carrier.

"It was an intervention to make one group of investors leave and to allow another group to take over, after the latter made a winning bid," Quadros said, noting that the process ended when shareholders resolved a financial disagreement.

($1 = 3.2210 reais) (Editing by Daniel Flynn and Matthew Lewis)
SAO PAULO, Oct 17 (Reuters) - The head of Brazil's telecom watchdog Anatel said on Monday it was not the government's goal to intervene in Oi SA but it must 'be prepared' to do so should the country's largest fixed-line carrier fail to resolve debt problems during its bankruptcy proceedings.

Juarez Quadros told Reuters on the sidelines of a telecoms event in Sao Paulo that Anatel would let Oi's bankruptcy proceedings, which started on June 20, run their course before deciding on any possible action.

"The government wants a market solution," he said, adding the company has 6 months under Brazilian bankruptcy law to complete its reorganization.

(Reporting by Ana Mano; Editing by Daniel Flynn)
HAMILTON  A judges ruling in the case of a Florence-Carlton High School student cited for marijuana possession could have major ramifications for how drug searches are done on school property in Montana.

The students case was set to go before a judge this past week. But on Oct. 6 Ravalli County District Court Judge James Haynes issued an order granting requests from his attorney that tossed out the searches that found the drugs leading to his citations and dismissed the court case.

On Dec. 17, 2015, Florence-Carlton High School hired a private canine drug detection company called Interquest Detection Canines, which conducted a sweep of the schools parking lot. After the dog alerted on the student's vehicle, he was brought outside by the principal.

When asked, the student -- then 16 -- allowed a search of his car, which turned up plastic bags of marijuana and two pipes as well as cigarillos and an e-cigarette that were inside a hat underneath his drivers seat, according to court documents. The drugs were turned over to a sheriffs deputy, and the youth was cited.

Prosecutors said the search was allowed in part because of the schools drug-free policy. Deputy County Attorney Meghann Paddock also cited a U.S. Supreme Court case, New Jersey v. T.L.O., that said a school search can be deemed constitutional by "its reasonableness in light of the circumstances."

"Here, the search was initiated by school officials attempting to enforce a weapon and drug-free learning environment, and the scope was justified by the circumstances," Paddock wrote.

However, the case she cited was about a search of the possessions of a student found smoking a cigarette and also stated the school had to have a reasonable suspicion to initiate a search.

In his order, Haynes said the search of the vehicle was unlawful, adding that to conduct such a search, the school would have needed either particular information that the student had drugs, or that there was a significant problem with drugs at the school that needed the search with the dog.

Unfortunately, there exists no evidence in the record in this case before the Court that the school districts formal search policy is anything other than a pro-active good idea, Haynes wrote.

In a motion to have the evidence suppressed, the students attorney, Minot Maser, took issue both with the broad nature of the drug sweep as well as the contention that his clients consent to the vehicle search was voluntary, saying school policy holds that he could have been punished for disobeying an instruction from a staff member.

Maser said the school board had considered the drug sweeps as a preventive measure or deterrence, rather than regularly being successful in finding drugs.

I know we want drug-free school environments, but were going out into the parking lot, some of these cars belong to the parents, he said Friday. You cant just do dragnet searches without an individual cause or a bigger drug issue.

Maser said the Montana Supreme Court hasnt specifically taken up the issue of school searches, and that this would be a case of first impression if the Ravalli County Attorneys Office chooses to appeal Haynes ruling. Ravalli County Attorney Bill Fulbright did not respond to a request for comment.

Maser noted in his court filing that the man who owns the drug dog search company used in Florence is also hired by 106 school districts across the state for similar searches.

Missoula attorney Elizabeth Kaleva, who represents school districts across the state, said she will be keeping tabs on what happens with the students case, and that Florence-Carlton School District might submit an amicus brief if it is appealed.

With only Haynes order, the restrictions on school searches are only binding in Ravalli County, and Kaleva said she has sent a memo out to the school districts there that she works for.

What the court is saying is you need reasonable suspicion to even use the dog, she said. Ive told them I dont believe its right to continue to use them at this time.

Kaleva said she would also be talking to school districts around Montana about the possible ramifications of the case next week during a pair of statewide education conferences.

In his order, Haynes similarly suppressed drug evidence collected just over a week before the search at the school that the student had also been cited for. On Dec. 7, 2015, a sheriffs deputy saw him sitting in his car in a cul-de-sac in Florence late at night, according to documents filed in the case. The deputy, who reported thinking the vehicle looked out of place, parked his patrol car nearby and shone a spotlight on the student, then got out and walked toward the vehicle. The student opened his door, and the deputy smelled marijuana coming from inside, according to the documents.

The officer eventually seized two jars containing the drug and issued a misdemeanor citation.

Maser asserted the marijuana was found during an illegal seizure, where his client was stopped with no reason to believe he had committed a crime.

Prosecutors countered, citing a Montana Supreme Court opinion from another case that held an officer stopping and shining light on a vehicle did not mean the person wasnt free to drive away because it was not an actual police stop. Maser said the situation was different because the deputy got out and walked up to the vehicle.

It would be nuts to fire up your engine and leave, he said Friday.

Haynes' order said the deputy had stopped the student without reasonable suspicion, and that any evidence seized as a result could not be used to convict him.

The student's "person and vehicle, at that point, was effectively stopped from leaving and deemed seized, he wrote. The facts fail to establish any suspicion (the student) had committed, was committing, or was about to commit a crime.
Luxembourg (AFP) - A troubled trade deal between the EU and Canada is the only model for a future pact between the bloc and post-Brexit Britain, Spain's Foreign Minister said Monday.

Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said the Canada agreement was a far closer fit than often-cited deals between the European Union and Norway or Switzerland.

"The deal with Canada is the precedent of the deal between the EU and Britain," Garcia-Margallo told reporters before talks with his EU counterparts in Luxembourg.

"The deal is important in itself and as a model" for a deal with Britain, he added.

Seven years in negotiation, the Canada-EU trade deal has stumbled in the final stretch after the Belgian region of Wallonia blocked it just days before its planned signature on October 27.

But the Spanish minister urged the EU to overcome the hurdle, given the Canada deal's role as a template for relations with London following Britain's shock June referendum vote to leave the bloc.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will start the two-year negotiation process by the end of March, but her government is divided over keeping access to the EU's single market and limiting migration by EU citizens.

"Forget the Norwegian model, forget the Swiss model because of the condition for the freedom of movement of people, and forget a Turkish-style customs union," Garcia-Margallo said.

"If the British insist on having the option to restrain the free movement of European workers to the United Kingdom ... the only solution is the Canadian one," he said.

Except for a few sensitive agricultural products, the EU-Canada deal, known as CETA, abolishes virtually all tariffs between Canada and the EU.

But activists charge that CETA will set a dangerous precedent and open the way for a similar but far more ambitious agreement with the United States, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company BMY announced that the European Medicines Agencys Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended the approval of Opdivo for adults with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and treatment with Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin).

The CHMP opinion was based on the overall response rate demonstrated by two studies  CheckMate -205 (phase II) and CheckMate -039 (phase I).

Although the CHMPs opinion is still subject to a review by the European Commission, we believe that it has increased the odds of Opdivo gaining EU approval for expanded use.

An approval would make Opdivo the first PD-1 inhibitor to treat a hematologic malignancy in the EU.

Per Bristol-Myers press release, cHL is the most common type of Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for 95% of all cases. This represents significant unmet need for patients who relapse or who become refractory to the currently available treatments.

BRISTOL-MYERS Price

BRISTOL-MYERS Price | BRISTOL-MYERS Quote

We note that Opdivo gained accelerated approval in the U.S. in May 2016 for cHL in patients who have relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and post-transplantation Adcetris treatment.

Moreover, the drug is approved in both the U.S. and the EU for several cancer indications. Bristol-Myers is working on expanding its label even further. Opdivo is currently under priority review in the U.S. for previously treated recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. A response from the FDA is expected by Nov 11, 2016. The product is also under review in the EU for the same indication.

We note that Opdivo recorded worldwide sales of $1.5 billion in the first half of 2016. A label expansion in additional indications would give the product access to a higher patient population and increase the commercial potential of the drug significantly.

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Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Bristol-Myers currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include Incyte Corporation INCY, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. BMRN and Geron Corporation GERN. All the three stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Incytes earnings estimates for 2016 and 2017 were up a respective 22.2% and 6.6% over the last 60 days. The company has beaten earnings estimates thrice in the last four quarters with an average surprise of 335.16%.

BioMarins loss estimates narrowed from 28 cents to 25 cents for 2016 and from $1.16 to $1.11 for 2017 over the last 60 days.

Geron has posted a positive earnings surprise in each of the four trailing quarters, bringing the average beat to 20.78%.

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* Triggering Article 50 is irrevocable, attorney general says

* No way back to EU membership after divorce is triggered

* EU leaders have said UK can reverse its decision if it wants

* May to trigger Article 50 by the end of March (Adds EU's Tusk saying withdrawal can be halted, pars 2, 10)

By Michael Holden

LONDON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Once Britain triggers its formal divorce from the European Union by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, there is no going back on the decision, the government's top lawyer told the High Court on Monday.

As Britain moves towards exiting the world's biggest trading bloc after June's vote that shocked financial markets, there is debate over how one of the most complex negotiations in recent history will work. London's view that Article 50 cannot be reversed is also at odds with recent statements from Brussels.

The government is facing a legal challenge by claimants who say that only parliament can decide when, how and whether to trigger the formal divorce by invoking Article 50.

Prime Minister Theresa May's government says that it has the right to decide when to start the divorce and that Article 50 will be invoked by the end of March next year, ushering in a two-year negotiating period to decide Britain's exit terms.

At a hearing, Attorney General Jeremy Wright told the High Court that a notification invoking Article 50 - probably with a letter from May - was irrevocable.

"We do not argue that an Article 50 notice can be revoked, and we invite the court to proceed in this case on the basis that a notification ... is irrevocable."

Asked by Lord Chief Justice John Thomas, Britain's most senior judge, if that meant the notice could not be conditional, Wright said: "We accept that."

His guidance appears to resolve one of the biggest questions of the Brexit negotiations: Whether Britain could at some point decide to revoke its intention to leave after negotiations begin.

Article 50 of the EU's 2009 Lisbon Treaty, which was drafted by a former British ambassador to the EU, has never been used, providing no legal precedent for how it works.

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Donald Tusk, the European Council president who will oversee the Brexit negotiations, said last week that Britain was free to simply withdraw unilaterally its proposal to leave at any point before the two-year notice period ends.

May, who has repeatedly said that "Brexit means Brexit" and that she will make a success of the move, suggested earlier this month that those who say parliament should first approve triggering the divorce were "not standing up for democracy, they're trying to subvert it".

Investment manager Gina Miller, the lead claimant in the case, said she had received death threats, and Justice Thomas warned those responsible they would face the "full vigour of the law".

"It is simply wholly wrong for people to be abusive of those who seek to come to the queen's court," he said.

LEGAL CHALLENGE

The argument for parliamentary approval before invoking Article 50 is based on an analysis of the authority for EU law in the United Kingdom. Under this reasoning, EU law applies in Britain because of the European Communities Act of 1972, and the executive cannot undermine rights given by parliament to the people of Britain by triggering Article 50.

Government lawyers dispute that and say the executive alone has the right to notify the EU of Britain's intention to leave. The government has rejected a petition signed by more than four million people demanding a second referendum.

Wright said there was an established principle that governments had the right to make or withdraw from international treaties using the ancient power known as royal prerogative.

He said the argument from the claimants was not a narrow legal challenge and suggested they were seeking to overturn the referendum result.

"It seeks to invalidate the decision already taken to withdraw from the EU and to require for that decision to be taken by parliament," Wright said.

A verdict in the case is expected by the end of the month. It is likely that the matter will be appealed to the British Supreme Court for a final decision before the end of the year.

If the court challenge is successful, the government could be forced to pass legislation authorizing Article 50 to be triggered, requiring a vote by lawmakers, the majority of whom voted to Britain to remain in the EU.

(Additional reporting by Alastair Macdonald in Brussels; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Larry King and Hugh Lawson)
By Robin Emmott LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - The European Union on Monday condemned Russia's air campaign in Syria, saying it may be guilty of war crimes, and it vowed to impose more sanctions on President Bashar al-Assad's government. Calling for an immediate ceasefire in rebel-held east Aleppo, the European Union's 28 foreign ministers sought to show their anger at the Russian-backed campaign, which has killed several hundred people including dozens of children since the collapse of a truce brokered by Russia and the United States. "Since the beginning of the offensive by the regime and its allies, notably Russia, the intensity and scale of the aerial bombardment of eastern Aleppo is clearly disproportionate," the EU said in a statement. Some 275,000 people are believed to be trapped in the area. The bloc berated Moscow for "the deliberate targeting of hospitals, medical personnel, schools and essential infrastructure," saying that targeting civilians with barrel bombs and chemical weapons "may amount to war crimes". The EU said the atrocities in Syria should be referred to the International Criminal Court, although it was unclear how or when. It called for an immediate end to conflict, so a peace process could start after almost six years of war, seeking a wider role for EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini to talk to regional powers including Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. While the European Union has no military role in the conflict, the statement marked its harshest criticism of Russia's role in Syria and came after days of negotiations and resistance from Russia's allies in Europe. It was Europe's second attempt to isolate Russia diplomatically this month, after France and Spain led a push for a U.N.-backed ceasefire in New York, which Russia vetoed. As food supplies run low in Aleppo, the scale of the destruction unleashed by the Syrian government's Russian- and Iranian-backed offensive has horrified even Moscow's long-time backers in Athens, Budapest and Nicosia, diplomats said. Russia is Europe's biggest energy supplier, and relations have sunk to lows not seen since the Cold War over the crisis in Ukraine. Some countries, including Austria and parts of the German government, worry about worsening ties even further. But France and Britain pushed hard for the support of all the bloc's 28 governments, hoping that a unified chastisement of Russia would help bring an end to the bombing since peace talks between Moscow and Washington broke down earlier this month. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the European Union had a moral obligation to act and "to stop the massacre of the population of Aleppo." A briefing by U.N. Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura at the meeting in Luxembourg appeared to help swing doubters. De Mistura, who has been at the heart of peace efforts in Geneva, warned that Aleppo was at risk of being reduced to rubble. "Between now and December, if we don't find a solution for Aleppo, Aleppo won't be there anymore," De Mistura said. SANCTIONS, BUT NOT ON RUSSIA The European Union also said it was ready to put more Syrians under travel bans and asset freezes, suspecting them of directing attacks on civilians in Aleppo. That is in addition to the EU's existing sanctions list and its oil and arms embargo. The EU has a list of 208 people and 69 companies under sanctions, and that was likely to grow to pressure the Assad government and those benefiting from it, diplomats said. In their statement, EU foreign ministers said the EU will act "swiftly ... with the aim of imposing further restrictive measures against Syria, targeting Syrian individuals and entities supporting the regime as long as the repression continues." Britain has also raised the prospect of sanctions on Russians involved in the Syrian conflict, diplomats told Reuters although that had less support on Monday. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who held talks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday in London, said London was considering imposing additional sanctions on Assad's supporters, without naming Russia. Spain would back Russian sanctions if they helped "bring Russia's position closer to ours" acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said. European Union leaders will discuss Russia and possibly talk about new sanctions at a summit on Thursday. Russia's closest EU allies - Greece, Cyprus and Hungary - oppose such penalties. Austria, a transit point for flows for Russian gas to Europe, also voiced its opposition on Monday. "The idea to have additional sanctions against Russia would be wrong," Austria's Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz told reporters. "We do not need a further escalation," he said. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier rejected imposing more punitive measures on Russia, although a German newspaper cited sources saying that Chancellor Angela Merkel favoured the idea. The West imposed broad economic sanctions on Moscow over its 2014 annexation of Crimea and its support for rebels in Ukraine. (Additional reporting by Alastair Macdonald and Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels; Editing by Dominic Evans and Hugh Lawson)
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain and New Zealand agreed on Monday to set up regular trade policy talks to help push for greater global trade liberalisation and reform as Britain leaves the European Union, trade minister Liam Fox said.

Britain, which voted to leave the bloc in June, is keen to court countries outside the EU on trade, but cannot formally agree any deals until it has left the bloc, a process which will take at least two years from when it starts divorce talks.

"In leaving the EU, we have the opportunity to drive even greater openness and put Britain at the forefront of global trade," Fox said in a statement after meeting New Zealand's minister of trade, Todd McClay.

"This new trade policy dialogue reflects a strong political commitment from New Zealand and the UK to take the lead in pushing for greater global trade liberalisation and reform and I look forward to working closely with them."

Prime Minister Theresa May, appointed leader shortly after the June referendum, has said she will trigger the formal divorce procedure -- Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty -- by the end of March next year.

New Zealand, Canada and other members of the Commonwealth, whose members are mostly former British colonies, have been targeted by British officials as potential areas of growth.

McClay said New Zealand was keen to agree a trade deal.

"The UK is a major trading partner for New Zealand, and we have signalled our interest in a free trade agreement with them when they are in a position to negotiate one independently of the European Union," he said.

"In the meantime, we hope this dialogue will allow us to develop a better understanding of one another's trade interests."

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper and William James, editing by Stephen Addison)
The Collection Consists of 12 Mugs and Espresso Cups Inspired by the Original Color Schemes Outlined by the British Colour Standard

STOKE ON TRENT, UK / ACCESSWIRE / October 17, 2017 / Jackie Piper and Victoria Whitbread, two designers from Designed in Colour, recently announced the launch of their latest project, a collection of 12 mugs and espresso cups that feature the original shades from the British Colour Standard. The shades, which were pulled from the British Colour Council's index of colours for government, academia, and industry purposes, include varying hues of green, blue, red, pink, and yellow.

To learn more about British Colour Standard, please visit goo.gl/Vtbni0





An old and forgotten book of colours that the designers found in a shop inspired the British Colour Standard utensils. The British colour system, which was first introduced in the 1930s, was designed and developed to help decode colour and allow countries all over the world to match their flags, uniforms, bunting, and carpets. After sifting through 600 colours, the designers decided on 12 shades and began designing the glossy and bright cups on bone china.

"We are two designers with a mission, or you could possibly call it a colour calling," said Piper and Whitbread. "Our intention is to update and re-launch a British Colour Standard Colour system from the 1930s and bring it into the 21st Century. Your support will help us help contribute to getting British Colour Standard from being a project to being a product."

At this time, Piper and Whitbread have taken their project to Kickstarter, where they seek the necessary funds to bring the British Colour Standard mugs and espresso cups to life. The money raised will be used to continue full production runs of the utensils. In exchange for the public's support, Piper and Whitbread are offering a wide variety of perks to their donors, including limited edition rosettes, badges, and espresso cups.

Individuals interested in learning more about The British Colour Standard can visit the project's Kickstarter page for additional information.

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About British Colour Standard:

Two designers, Jackie Piper and Victoria Whitbread of Designed In Colour, recently decided to re-invent the "Dictionary of Colour Standards." They decided to reboot the now defunct British Colour Standard system and turn it into a beautiful collection of 12 mugs and 12 espresso cups. The cups will be made with bone china, a strong and lightweight material often touted as being the absolute best for a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The collection will be made in Stoke on Trent, UK. For more information, please visit https://goo.gl/Vtbni0

Contact:

Shelia Walker

admin@rocketfactor.com

(949) 555-2861

SOURCE: British Colour Standard
In Bruce Springsteen's most recent Rolling Stone cover story, he discussed the writing of his bestselling memoir, Born to Run, dove deep into his childhood and songwriting process and made headlines with his denunciation of Donald Trump as a "moron." But there was more to the conversation. Here's the rest of the interview, where Springsteen mourns the loss of Prince, looks back at his debut album and more.

I've seen different moods in your concerts. There are some that are much more more serious and then explode into joy, and there are some that are lighthearted from the start. Do you lean into that?

Lately, we've been playing the stacks of [songs from] Greetings and The Wild, the Innocent. That's pretty happy music, in a funny sort of way. It has the other side, too. But there is a lightness because it was not hard rock music. Which meant it was less physically aggressive, with more swinging, Latin, soul influences. After that, with Born to Run, the band became much more of a rock band and we played those songs much more aggressively. So the early records, you're up there and you're swaying and you're jamming a little bit. People are playing solos, you know. It's a very different state of mind.



Looking back, I wish I might have plumbed that direction more. If you go to some of our outtake records, you can find music like that. There's really no reason it didn't come out at the time  it just didn't. But it's a feeling I like very much and have enjoyed playing, over these past 10 shows. And so perhaps the hard-hitting, more serious side of what we've done takes a little bit of a backseat on some of those shows, though it's still in there.

One of the most striking aspects of Greetings was the lyrics  what Lester Bangs called "a whopping passel of verbiage."

[Laughs] It was! And they've been like new revelations to me and the band.

At the time people were asking about Beat poets, which I think you hadn't actually read yet.

I went and checked them out after people said that my stuff was kind of in that vein.





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Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

There are moments in your career when commercial considerations actually resulted in better music. When Clive Davis asked for something more like a single on Greetings, for instance.

Clive made Greetings From Asbury Park a much better record simply by making that request. Take Greetings without "Blinded by the Light" and "Spirit in the Night," it's a slightly different record. They pointed towards my next record already. And I found Clarence, who had been missing in action. I got him on those two cuts and I got an electric guitar on "Blinded by the Light," which wasn't on the rest of the record. And I wrote this sort of jazzy R&B thing for "Spirit in the Night." So Clive did me a great service at the time by giving me the record back.



And Jon Landau did you a big service by suggesting you write another single for Born in the U.S.A.

Yeah. Very much!

You went in the direction that would lead to Greetings after quitting your hard-rock band Steel Mill. In your book, you talk about rethinking your music entirely after a trip to California.

I learned. I went some place I hadn't been. I went into a bigger environment musically and I learned that we were very good, but not quite as good as I thought we were. I had to think what I was going to do about that.

Your manager, Jon Landau, famously saw some of the same flaws in Cream that you saw in Steel Mill. And Clapton ended up making the same leap that you made into more of an ensemble thing.

Of course looking back, Cream was pretty good. [Laughs] But yeah, I think people do reach these reckoning points where you bump up against the limits of what you've structured at that time and you make other choices.

We were talking about depression in your songs. On "Something in the Night," on Darkness on the Edge of Town, you sing, "You're born with nothing and better off that way." That is a dark mindset.

That was the situation I was in at the time.

On the other hand, it points to what you told yourself on the elevator on your way up to audition for John Hammond, which is, "I got nothing, I've got nothing to lose." That was your preferred state, in some way.

It was my preferred state of mind, if I could convince myself into it.

I guess it also does explain some of the courage you showed as a young man, the adventures that you went on.

Yeah. It was just the way my life was working out. It wasn't a choice. These were just the things that happened to me on my way to where I was going. And, you know, the unusual experience of my parents moving away from me! And I was 19. So that was a little strange. And in those days, there was no contact. You weren't running up big phone bills, and at that time, I don't know if I had met someone who had been on an airplane for any long trip. I couldn't go on an airplane; that wasn't practical. The only way I could go see my parents was by driving across the country to see them. So it didn't happen much. We were very cut off in those days. So we were living by the skin of your teeth there and I was very happy doing so. But that was the kind of life it was.

You say in the book that at the time you signed to Columbia Records, you "wanted to collide with the times and create a voice that had a musical, social and cultural impact." You had all that in your head at that time?

Yeah, when I was 23. But I had a lot of experience before that. From the time I signed my record deal, I made a lot of very specific choices. Just signing it on my own was a great departure and I had a very clear idea of the kind of musician I wanted to be. I was very, very ambitious at a very young age. And I had thought through these things a lot already.

You obviously paid tribute to them onstage, but how much did the deaths of both David Bowie and Prince this year get under your skin?

It was a terrible shame. It was a great loss and a tragedy. I felt a great kinship with Prince. And he was a guy, when I'd go to see him, I'd say, "Oh, man, OK, back to the drawing board." There was a film of him on the Arsenio Hall show, where he plays a series of songs in a row. It's just some of the greatest showmanship I've ever seen. And he knew everything. He knew all about it, and then could put it to work. Just since the Sixties and Seventies and your Sam and Daves and your James Browns, he's one of the greatest showmen to come along. I studied that stuff a lot and put as much of it to use as I can with my talents. But he just took it to another level.

Cory Morton for Rolling Stone

But when these guys go, does it give you a little boot in the ass or a reminder of the finite-ness of all of this?

Well, I think we all sit back and go, "What?" I couldn't believe it when I heard it. Any death gives you renewed sight. It's a part of what the dead pass on to us. A chance to look at our lives and look at the world again. It's just a powerful experience.

You've never starred in or directed a movie, never had an exhibition of your paintings. You don't do the extra stuff that a lot of rock stars do. This book is as far you've gone. Does the other stuff not interest you?

You've got to have a deep feeling as to why you want to do something else and you may not have those particular talents. If I had some deep feeling of, I have to turn this into a film, I'd go ahead and give it a try. But I've never had that. If you go to Ghost of Tom Joad or Devils and Dust, those are my little films. And I have absolutely no ability to paint or draw whatsoever. So that's not a temptation in any way, shape or form. I found that the forms I worked in have been a great outlet for what I've wanted to express. Also, when I was very young and got offered a few different movie roles, I was concerned with diluting my work as a musician and the identity I was building for myself at that time. And so I said, "I'm going to focus everything I have on what I'm doing right here."

The fun thing about Ghost of Tom Joad is it's the one record of yours that audiophiles love  they use it to demonstrate high-end stereos.

That's very funny. That record was never really mastered, and we used the rough mixes we did on the day of the recordings and so it was never fucked with after that. It was this sort of very plain-sounding thing. But that's why the stories ring true on it. I didn't want to dress it at all, similar to Nebraska, you know. These were records that were made at the very moment the music was made.

There's moments on that record where it feels you're pushing beyond the song form, where there's barely any music, almost like recitations.

Yeah.



It made me wonder at the time if you were going to start writing short stories.

No. I'm very happy as a songwriter, and once again, it's a different talent. But I got very close to that style of narrative writing during that record. Also on Devils and Dust. It's a style of writing I get a great, great deal of enjoyment out of.

It's very hard to marry that to a rock song.

Yeah. Rock music. First of all, it's a lot louder and noisier. So narrative writing within the rock form, when I've tried it, it never melded very well. You know, you want that verse, chorus, you want that chorus to come along and take you somewhere. Though that's changed with a lot of modern music. A lot of modern music finds its hooks in so many different places. In the bass, in the rhythm. There's a lot of different ways to create content and narrative at this point that you hear on the radio.

You mentioned in the book that two of the songs on Wrecking Ball came from a gospel film project. What was that?

Um, I don't want to talk about it. It wasn't something that came to fruition and I'm still sitting on the rest of them.

"Rocky Ground" always sounded cinematic to me. It always sounded like it should be in a movie.

Yeah. It was originally written for a film.

I think that's one of your best songs and probably didn't get the traction it deserves.

Yeah. And a guy did a remix of it that's better than the one that's on the record. I'm just very proud of that song. It was just a small thing of beauty.

In the wake of Tom Joad, it seemed that you were contemplating a sort of semi-retirement from the world of big records and big tours.

I did for a while, cause I enjoyed the Tom Joad experience tremendously. I said, I might just continue here, making these kind of records and I made a record right after Tom Joad that was really Devils and Dust. But when I made it, I said, "Two of these in a row? I don't know. Maybe it's not for me, you know." Basically we went back towards the band again. So, you know, you're following your instincts and your impulses and when I got there and was going to make another one, I said, "Well, I would have to ignore a lot of my other abilities to just do this." And I took too much joy and pleasure in the physicality of the other kind of music I made, in the talents that I gathered to make that music, to just limit myself to one particular genre.

How do you see Human Touch and Lucky Town now?

I like those records, myself. There's great songs on those records. Of course, Steve [Van Zandt]'s comment at the time, was you should do these again and cut them with the E Street Band. You know? I just finished the record! The first thing he says to me, "You ought to make it again." That explains our relationship in a nutshell, having that kind of immediate interaction. And then when I played him Lucky Town, he said, "That's more like it." There was something correct about what he was saying, in a lot of ways. I think that while I loved the experience of playing with the musicians that I played with on that record and I learned a great deal from doing so, it might have gotten in the way of people hearing both of those records. And there are still plenty of songs on them that that we play. We played "Better Days" and we played "Living Proof." I love "Living Proof."

Me too.

And "Lucky Town." These are songs that we should play more of.

It feels like the stripped-down rock of "Living Proof" and "Lucky Town" is still a direction you could explore more at some point.

Maybe so.

At least on the song "Real World," you've acknowledged that the production was wrong or the approach was wrong. A certain slickness crept in.

Well, you know looking back on it, I might have cut those songs somewhat differently and with a different sound. That's the reason that immediately upon being finished with Human Touch, I wrote and recorded an entire other record before that record could even come out! You know? I think I was looking for an antidote of some sort or a balance of some sort that I felt, maybe we went a little too far in this direction production-wise on that album. You can make that argument.

You write that your grandmother's overbearing love both broke you and made you. How much of the dysfunction of your early life was truly necessary to make you into the artist you became?

I always say that artists come from the same place, where somebody told you you're the second coming, and somebody told you you're dirt. You believe both of those people and you go about trying to reconcile those two things through a lot of your work life. So on the one hand, you go, where are my apostles? Yet, I'm not really worthy of any of this. So you're always trying to reconcile those two points of view. You get older and you learn how to live with all those things and you realize the ridiculousness of some of it. And you put it aside. But yeah, it was a powerful, powerful, powerful motivation.

Finally, given that you had some rough years emotionally, how are you doing now?

I'm good! I'm good right now, you know [knocks on wood].



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Parts of Vietnam were drenched by flooding on October 14-16, with the effects still evident on Monday, October 17. At least 24 people in central Vietnam were killed as floodwater swamped homes and farms, and blocked road and rail travel from north to south, according to local media. Sections of Ho Chi Minh City were also flooded during high tide, which began on Sunday night.

This video is described as showing the flooding in Ha Tinh.

Buildings and statues can be seen partially submerged by floodwater. Credit: Facebook/Thao Teresa
London (AFP) - Fourteen unaccompanied teenagers who have been living in the Calais "Jungle" were set to be reunited with relatives after being transferred to Britain on Monday, ahead of the demolition of the French migrant camp.

The arrival of the children, who the Home Office interior ministry said were aged between 14 and 17 and from countries including Syria and Sudan, are due to be followed by dozens more in the coming days.

They are entitled to move to Britain under EU asylum law due to their family ties to those already in the UK. But campaigners and faith leaders warned there were many more left behind who also deserved the country's help.

"We know that at least three children have died trying to get into Britain. Three children who actually had a legal right to be with their families," said former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

Speaking to reporters in Croydon in south London, where the teenagers were being processed, he said: "I really hope it will be the beginning of some kind of new life experience with none of the horrors they've endured."

More than 80 unaccompanied children have so far been accepted to Britain under EU asylum law this year, according to the Home Office.

Earlier this year, the government also agreed to accept a limited number of vulnerable refugee children without family ties, but campaigners say that this has yet to be applied.

Charities estimate up to 10,000 migrants from Africa, the Middle East and Asia have settled in the "Jungle" in the hope of reaching Britain, but French authorities are expected to close it down by the end of the year.

"No child must be left behind in the chaos of demolition," said Lord Alf Dubs, who fled the Nazis for Britain in 1939 and helped force the change in the law on child refugees.

A Home Office spokeswoman said Britain had agreed to transfer "as many minors as possible" under EU asylum law before the Calais camp is closed.

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She said that those eligible under British law must be looked after while their cases were assessed, adding: "Work is continuing on both sides of the Channel to ensure this happens as a matter of urgency."

The charity Citizens UK helped identify the children and bring them to Britain.

"At long last the two governments are starting to roll up their sleeves and uphold the rule of law in Calais," spokesman George Gabriel told AFP.

"Before any demolition takes place, we've got to ensure that the children who are eligible for transfer are safely accommodated and the ones who aren't, safely accommodated with France.

"The idea that this is beyond two of the richest countries on Earth is surely ludicrous."
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 17, 2016 / California Gold Mining Inc. ("CGM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of veteran gold mining executive, Larry E. Phillips, as an Advisor to the Board of Directors and Executive Management. In this role, Mr. Phillips will advise the Company's Board and Management in matters related to mergers and acquisitions, strategic business development, and corporate governance.

Mr. Phillips was a co-founder, Executive Vice President  Corporate Affairs, and General Counsel of IAMGOLD Corporation ("IMG"), a leading mid-tier gold producing company. For over 20 years until his retirement in 2011, Mr. Phillips was responsible for directing and managing all international investments, joint ventures and government relationships, helping build IMG into one of the largest gold mining companies in the world. While at IMG, Mr. Phillips served as a Director of the World Gold Council from 2006 to 2011. Prior to joining IMG, Mr. Phillips was the managing partner of a Toronto-based law firm specializing in corporate commercial law. Most recently, Mr. Phillips served as the Chairman of the Board of Klondex Mines Ltd. in 2013. At present, Mr. Phillips is a Director of Gowest Gold Ltd.

CGM's President & CEO, Mr. Vishal Gupta, stated, "Larry's addition to the CGM team comes at a very important inflection point as the Company transitions to the project development stage. His wealth and breadth of experience in the mining industry will provide CGM with invaluable insight in choosing among the numerous options now available to the Company as we develop the Fremont Project. I am delighted to welcome Larry to California Gold, and look forward to working with him as we work to increase shareholder value by building a successful gold mining company."

About California Gold Mining Inc.

California Gold Mining Inc. is focused on developing its flagship Fremont gold project in Mariposa County, California. The project consists of a land package totaling 3,351 acres of historically producing gold mines. The Fremont Property lies within California's prolific Mother Lode Gold Belt that has produced over 50 million oz of gold historically. The Company purchased the property in March 2013.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information contact:

Vishal Gupta

President and Chief Executive Officer

647-977-9267 x333

Website: www.caligold.ca

SOURCE: California Gold Mining Inc.
Montreal (AFP) - Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion said Monday he is very concerned about possible Russian hacking, following US accusations against the Kremlin.

The nation's top diplomat did not comment on the specific US allegations, but said he is "very concerned" about the possibility of Canada becoming the next target of Russian cyber attacks, and called for a "safe and free cyberspace."

Dion, however, offered no evidence of a specific threat.

His comments follow Washington's accusations that the Kremlin had tried to interfere in the 20016 White House race through cyber attacks on American political institutions, which Russia has rejected.

Canadian Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said the government is reviewing its cyber capabilities to protect critical systems, such as banking, noting that "there have been incidents in Canada in the past where systems have been breached."

"Canadians per capita are online more than any other population group in the world," he said. "So this is important to Canadians."

Canada's ties with Russia became strained during the previous administration, with Ottawa criticizing the Kremlin over its support for the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and its annexation of Crimea.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has kept up those criticisms since taking office last year, but is also seeking to re-engage with estranged Russia, including cooperation with Russia in the Arctic.

A Canada-Russia meeting on the Arctic is scheduled for November.
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday made his first appointment to the country's Supreme Court, avoiding a potential political clash by naming a judge from one of the country's four Atlantic provinces. Trudeau said he would appoint Malcolm Rowe from Newfoundland and Labrador to fill the vacancy of a retiring Nova Scotia judge at the top court, which has nine justices. Atlantic Canada - where Trudeau's Liberals won all of the 32 Parliamentary seats in an October 2015 election - has traditionally held one of the nine slots. In August, Trudeau sparked anger in the region with comments that suggested it wouldn't be guaranteed a spot on the court. Trial lawyers from Atlantic Canada announced they would challenge Ottawa in court if the position was filled by someone from another part of the country. The official opposition Conservative Party said on Monday it was pleased to see Trudeau had stuck with tradition and appointed a judge from Atlantic Canada. Rowe is the first top judge to be appointed under new rules which the government says are designed to make the process more accountable and ensure qualified candidates come from across Canada, rather than from one particular part of the country. The selection of Supreme Court judges in Canada has traditionally been less political than in the United States, though there have been controversies. In 2014, the Supreme Court rejected then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper's pick of Marc Nadon in a high-profile clash, saying the nominee was not qualified. U.S. Supreme Court appointments have become highly politicized. The nine-member U.S. high court has had a vacancy since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February because the Republican-led Senate has refused to take any action on Democratic President Barack Obama's nominee to the position. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Alan Crosby)
A chemical recently banned from hand soap by the Food and Drug Administration may still be in your toothpaste.

Last month, the FDA banned the antibacterial chemical triclosan from soaps after findings that suggest long-term exposure could pose health risks, such as bacterial resistance or hormonal effects. But the chemical may still be used in many other products including makeup, furniture, toys, pesticides  and best-selling Colgate Total toothpaste.

Health concerns about triclosan are not new, in 2014 a study released by the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences said it found that long-term exposure led to liver cancer in mice. In fact, many non-profit organizations including the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) have called for a complete ban of triclosan, not just in hands soaps.

A more recent study completed by Superfund Research Program scientists from the University of California (UC) San Diego and UC Davis also found that long-term exposure to triclosan promotes the growth of liver tumors in lab mice, and it was found in 97 percent of breast milk samples from lactating women and in urine of nearly 75 percent of people tested.

Triclosan is also listed as one of the seven most frequently detected compounds in streams across the United States, and approximately 1,500 tons continue to be produced annually worldwide, according the report.

Some entrepreneurs are finding opportunity in studies like these.

We began to see a connection between hazardous chemicals in household items and increasing cancer rates in their young patients, Pooneh Ram, DDS, and CEO of Dr. Brite, LLC tells FOXBusiness.com.

Ram, who has been a dentist for more than twenty years said she had a wake up call one day with her sister, Paris Sabo, M.D., a breast cancer surgeon, to transform the way oral care products are being made. That is when their startup, Dr. Brite, was born. According to Ram, the company is devoted to making organic, non-toxic personal oral care products.

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Tricolsan has been shown to prevent plaque and gingivitis, but so can many other natural ingredients like vitamin C and organic coconut oil, says Sabo.

Thomas DiPiazza, a spokesman for Colgate-Palmolive tells FOXBusiness.com that Colgate Total has been supported by more than 90 clinical studies, involving over 20,000 people, and a broad set of safety evaluations.

Colgate Total was approved by the FDA through its New Drug Application (NDA) process, meeting the agencys requirement that a product provides a meaningful therapeutic benefit and is safe for consumers, says DiPiazza.

Michael Felberbaum, a press officer for the U.S. FDA says the agency is continuing to monitor the medical literature regarding the safety of tricolsan, but at this time, based on the most recent scientific evidence, the balance of benefit and risk has been shown to be favorable for Colgate Total toothpaste.

Colgate Total toothpaste was approved in 1997 under the New Drug Application (NDA) process as an over-the-counter toothpaste containing fluoride, for cavity prevention, and triclosan, which was shown to be effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis, Felberbaum tells FOXBusiness.com.

Colgate-competitor Crest toothpaste, a brand under Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG), tells FOXBusiness.com that they removed triclosan from all its products a few years ago.

We consider stannous fluoride technology to be a great oral care alternative to triclosan, the company said.



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Screen Shot 2016 10 17 at 12.54.57 PM

In an unusual interview with CNBC's Scott Wapner, hedge fund titan Carl Icahn defended Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's comments about women he made in a leaked tape.

Icahn, who has supported Trump since the primaries, said that Trump's comments that he was able to grope and kiss women without their consent because of his fame was "locker room" talk and that he had heard similar comments "at bachelor parties."

Icahn then repeatedly asked Wapner if he had been to bachelor parties and heard language similar to Trump's. Wapner, shaking his head, eventually said, "I have not heard that kind of language."

"Well then you don't go to bachelor parties or you're a hypocrite," Icahn responded.

In defending the comments, Icahn said that if we held all politicians to the same standard, then more than 90% of the people in Congress would not be there.

"He didn't know that was going to be televised or on a radio program or would even be taped," Icahn said. "It's one thing to do it in a locker room. ... You're going to tell me that anybody who said anything bad about a woman  not bad, but joking  about a woman in a locker room ... then I don't think you'd have anybody in Congress."

Icahn also noted that former presidents John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton had extramarital affairs.

"To say that that doesn't happen  and with the highs, the most mighty, it happens  and then make this the reason you don't elect a guy, I think, is hypocritical," said Icahn.

"How about Kennedy? How about Clinton for Christ's sake? How about most of our presidents? Kennedy used to have girlfriends over there. We're being hypocritical."

Wapner wrapped up the line of questioning by asking if Icahn still thought Trump could win. The hedge fund legend said he did, but that Trump's chances were "not as good" as they were before the tape was leaked.

Check out the full exchange below:

Carl Icahn tells @CNBC: I still support Trump amid 2005 leaked audio; he should stick to the issues. pic.twitter.com/4IP6S7Fbtn  CNBC Now (@CNBCnow) October 17, 2016

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Icahn blasts critics of Trump's 2005 leaked comments: "I'm not defending that" but "to say that doesn't happen...is hypocritical" pic.twitter.com/iqc0pbhv6c  CNBC Now (@CNBCnow) October 17, 2016

NOW WATCH: FEMA is tracking Hurricane Matthew using the 'Waffle House Index'





More From Business Insider


New York (AFP) - Caterpillar announced Monday that its chief executive was stepping down as the heavy equipment maker suffers from a prolonged slowdown in the mining sector.

Doug Oberhelman will hand over reins as chief executive to Caterpillar group president Jim Umpleby on January 1.

Oberhelman took over at Caterpillar in 2010 amid a booming commodities market. But he has been criticized for engineering an $8.8 billion 2011 takeover of mining-equipment maker Bucyrus shortly before the downturn. The Wall Street Journal on Monday called the investment "spectacularly mistimed."

Oberhelman will step down as chairman on March 1, to be replaced by David Calhoun, a current board member who will become non-executive chairman.

Caterpillar's results have been ravaged the last couple of years by the depression in the mining sector around the world, due primarily to slower growth in China and the crash of oil prices.

In response, Caterpillar has announced repeat rounds of job cuts and facility closures. In July, Caterpillar said it expected additional job cuts in the second half of 2016 as it reported a 31 percent call in second-quarter earnings to $550 million.

Headcount at the end of the quarter was 100,0000, down about 10 percent from a year ago.

Shares of Caterpillar dipped 0.1 percent to $87.56 in mid-morning trade.
Me & Ro Sterling Silver Double-Sided Paisley Lotus Feather with Smoky Quartz Bead Pendant Necklace, $75, amazon.com

Robin Renzi, designer and founder of jewelry brand Me&Ro, is celebrating her lines 25th anniversary by doing something shes never done before: collaborating with Amazon.com.

Yes, for the first time Me&Ro is launching an exclusive 64-piece jewelry collection in partnership with the world's largest online shopping destination.

Pieces in the collection start as low as $50 and go up to $180. This is a stark contrast to Me&Ro's prior, luxury jewelry offerings, where a necklace can go for upwards of $3,000.

This new partnership gives a broad net of consumers the chance to own a Me&Ro jewelry piece at a much lower price point. But in keeping with the Me&Ro philosophy, all pieces are still designed and made in New York City, to ensure the highest quality.

"It feels like it is the right moment to bring Me&Ro to a wider, more global audience at an accessible price through this new partnership with Amazon," says Renzi, in a press release. "I have always believed in the power jewelry has to bring meaning to our life, and I think the world needs love and courage and all of these words of empowerment now more then ever."

The 64-piece collection boasts myriad sterling silver necklaces featuring emblems from Renzi's past archives, such as lotus-drop earrings inspired by Grace Kelly, and bracelets made of cotton tan cords with sterling silver plates displaying encouraging words like "fearless," "courage," and "compassion." The spirt of Me&Ro is continued in this collection.

Over the years, Me&Ro has developed a stellar following from such celebrities as actress Julia Roberts and Olympic athlete Kerry Walsh Jennings, who both wore Me&Ro jewelry during their respective wins  Roberts at the Oscars in 2001, and Walsh Jennings at the 2004 Olympics, in Athens. Me&Ro prides itself on making jewelry that is spiritual and special in bringing luck to personal lives, akin to a talisman.

Even after 25 years, the spirit of Me&Ro continues to thrive in its latest collection. Click ahead to see our favorites that you can shop straight away.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The chief executive of Oakbay Investments, the holding company for the Gupta family which has been accused of having undue political influence in South Africa, has resigned. The company said on Monday Nazeem Howa will also step down as a director in Oakbay Resources and Energy, a listed division of the wealthy Indian-born family's businesses. "After a period of illness Mr. Howa has stepped down from his duties at Oakbay due to health issues and medical advice," the company said in a statement. His resignation comes days after Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan revealed in a court affidavit that 6.8 billion rand ($491 million) in payments made by Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta and companies they control and other individuals with the same surname have been reported to authorities as suspicious since 2012. President Jacob Zuma has denied granting undue influence to the brothers and they have denied seeking it. Nevertheless, they said in August that they planned to exit all of their South African investments. ($1 = 13.8542 rand) (Reporting by Tiisetso Motsoeneng; Editing by James Macharia, Jane Merriman and Greg Mahlich)
A group of good Samaritans joined together to form a human chain and save a driver whose vehicle dropped over an embankment in Florida.

Read: 'Human Chain' Hero Who Saved Woman From Car Speaks Out: I Was Part of Very Strong Team

The drama happened when an SUV went off the road after a traffic collision outside Melbourne, Florida, Sunday.

Witnesses couldn't believe it as nearly a dozen heroes, including 2 police officers, simply ignored the danger of the smoking vehicle and formed a human chain to help the driver in distress.

As bystanders called 911, many urged the rescuers to get away from the flaming car.

Just as flames really take a hold, the driver was pulled free. The rescuers had trouble getting him up the steep embankment.

The strain in their faces was seen in video of the incident as they inched their way up back to safety.

The driver was sprawled on the grass at the top of the embankment, battered but safe.

Sergeant Steve Shytle, who took part in the rescue, spoke to Inside Edition.

"All the citizens got together and knew what we needed and jumped right in," he said. "They didn't think about it. They didn't think about the peril they were getting their lives in to help us."

Shannon Perez shot the dramatic video of the rescue.

"It was amazing, everybody was just diving right in," she said.

Read: Watch This Woman Get Rescued From Maryland Flooding, Thanks to Human Chain

The driver was taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center for treatment and his condition was unknown.

Authorities said the cops and a few bystanders suffered minor bumps and bruises.

Watch: Meow Do I Get Down? Cat Rescued After It's Stuck on 12th Floor Ledge of Building

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(This October 17 story corrects to remove reference to Aleris as "significant" supplier to U.S. defense industry)

* Chinese firms could target Constellium, Arconic -analysts

* Nanshan Aluminium, Hongqaio Group seen as possible acquirers

* Regulators may be barrier to M&As

By Melanie Burton

MELBOURNE, Oct 17 (Reuters) - China's giant aluminium makers are pushing into the global automotive and aerospace markets, with industry sources expecting their presence to heat up competition and possibly spark a buying spree for Western metals companies.

China's top aluminium companies are venturing into the more lucrative parts of the global value chain, on course to seize market share from the likes of Alcoa and Constellium , as they look to buy into foreign firms to boost their technical know-how and expand their reach.

The chief executive of Novelis Inc, the world's largest maker of rolled aluminium products, said last week he expected competition with Chinese producers to be "very fierce" over the next five to 10 years in the high-value-added sectors of aerospace and engineering - which so far have been dominated by European and U.S. manufacturers.

"Certainly (Chinese aluminium makers) will be able to produce high quality products as well," Steve Fisher told the Reuters Commodity Summit in Seoul.

Zhongwang USA LLC, backed by Chinese aluminium magnate Liu Zhongtian, said in late August it would buy high precision aluminium product maker Aleris Corp in a deal worth $2.3 billion, marking the biggest entry by a Chinese company into the U.S. aluminium industry.

The deal for Aleris, a supplier to the U.S. defence industry, has yet to be approved by U.S. regulators.

"If Aleris is acquired by the Chinese, it would be logical to think that there would be more competition within the higher value-added sectors such as aerospace and automotive. That's where the better margins are," said analyst Robin Bhar of Societe Generale in London.

Shares of Amsterdam-headquartered aluminium product maker Constellium jumped after the announcement, reflecting bets that it could be next. Constellium did not immediately respond to an e-mailed request for comment.

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"There will be more announcements of purchases by Chinese companies of foreign firms in the next 18 months and continued consolidation globally," said Charlie Durant of consultancy CRU in London.

"It will enable Chinese producers to better utilize their equipment in China, as well as obviously getting the access to markets around the world."

Alcoa is spinning out its precision manufacturing business into a company to be named Arconic, which industry sources said could be another potential target.

Arconic expects to grow its automotive sheet revenue around sixfold, to $1.3 billion in 2018 from $229 million in 2013. It has already signed $10 billion with customers including Boeing and Airbus.

An Alcoa spokesperson declined to comment.

"Zhongwang have been openly pursuing a downstream focus for years, but they aren't the only ones with capital, a healthy balance sheet and an appetite to expand downstream," said Paul Adkins, managing director of Beijing-based consultancy AZ China.

Adkins pointed to China's Hongqaio Group and Shandong Nanshan Aluminium as potential bidders.

Hongqaio Group declined to comment. Nanshan's board secretary said the company hasn't received any information about possible mergers from the board.

Shandong Nanshan said in July it aims to tap growth in new energy vehicles to become a top automotive and a major aerospace materials supplier as it strives to meet international certification standards.

(Reporting by Melanie Burton; Additional reporting by Ruby Lian in SHANGHAI, Nick Carey in CHICAGO and Gus Trompiz in PARIS; Editing by Tom Hogue)
By Prak Chan Thul PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - China has agreed to help modernize Cambodia's military, Cambodia's defense minister said on Monday, after the two countries signed new agreements to boost military aid. Cambodia is China's loyal ally in Asia, routinely backing Beijing's position at international forums in a region where China and United States vie for influence. Cambodia has shielded China from criticism by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) over the South China Sea. ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei are in disputes with China over rival claims to the waters. "We signed some protocols with each other in providing supplies in order to modernize our work and as a contribution to strengthen stronger capacity of our national defense," Defence Minister Tea Banh, who returned from an official visit to Beijing over the weekend, told reporters on Monday. His comments follow a visit to Cambodia by Chinese President Xi Jinping last week in which Xi praised the close ties between the two countries. China and Cambodia signed 31 agreements during the visit, including soft loan deals worth around $237 million. The Chinese leader also canceled around $89 million in debt and pledged another $14 million in military aid to Cambodia. Banh said that Cambodia plans to acquire fighter jets from China in the long term but that the military needs to focus now on strengthening its airspace. Cambodia has had border disputes with neighboring Vietnam and Thailand. A border dispute with Thailand has in recent years resulted in sporadic exchanges of fire. (Reporting by Prak Chan Thul; Editing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre)
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China launched its longest manned space mission on Monday, sending two astronauts into orbit to spend a month aboard an space laboratory that is part of a broader plan to have a permanent manned space station in service around 2022. The Shenzhou 11 blasted off on a Long March rocket at 7:30 am (07:30 p.m. EDT) from the remote launch site in Jiuquan, in the Gobi desert, in images carried live on state television. The astronauts will dock with the Tiangong 2 space laboratory, or "Heavenly Palace 2", which was sent into space last month. It will be the longest stay in space by Chinese astronauts, state media reported. Early on Monday, Fan Changlong, a vice chairman of China's powerful Central Military Commission, met astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong and wished them well, state news agency Xinhua reported. "You are going to travel in space to pursue the space dream of the Chinese nation," Fan said. "With all the scientific and rigorous training, discreet preparation, and rich experience accumulated from previous missions, you will accomplish the glorious and tough task... We wish you success and look forward to your triumphant return." Shenzhou 11 is the third space voyage for Jing, who will command the mission and celebrate his 50th birthday in orbit. In a manned space mission in 2013, three Chinese astronauts spent 15 days in orbit and docked with a space laboratory, the Tiangong 1. Advancing China's space program is a priority for Beijing, with President Xi Jinping calling for the country to establish itself as a space power. China insists its space program is for peaceful purposes. Shenzhou 11, whose name translates as "Divine Vessel", will also carry three experiments designed by Hong Kong middle school students and selected in a science competition, including one that will take silk worms into space. The U.S. Defense Department has highlighted China's increasing space capabilities, saying it was pursuing activities aimed at preventing other nations using space-based assets in a crisis. China has been working to develop its space program for military, commercial and scientific purposes, but is still playing catch-up to established space powers the United States and Russia. China's Jade Rabbit moon rover landed on the moon in late 2013 to great national fanfare, but soon suffered severe technical difficulties. The rover and the Chang'e 3 probe that carried it there were the first "soft landing" on the moon since 1976. Both the United States and the Soviet Union had accomplished the feat earlier. China will launch a "core module" for its first space station some time around 2018, a senior official said in April, part of a plan for a permanent manned space station in service around 2022. (Reporting by John Ruwitch and Ben Blanchard in BEIJING; Editing by Michael Perry)
(BEIJING)  China launched a pair of astronauts into space Monday on a mission to dock with an experimental space station and remain aboard for 30 days in preparation for the start of operations by a full-bore facility six years from now.

The Shenzhou 11 mission took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northern China at 7:30 a.m. (2330 GMT) aboard a Long March-2F carrier rocket.

It will dock with the Tiangong 2 space station precursor facility within two days, conduct experiments in medicine and various space-related technologies, and test systems and processes in preparation for the launching of the stations core module in 2018.

Space program commander-in-chief Gen. Zhang Youxia declared the launch a success at 7:46 a.m. (2346 GMT). Defense Minister Fan Changlong then read a congratulatory message from President Xi Jinping calling for Chinas astronauts to explore space more deeply and more broadly.

Premier Li Keqiang and propaganda chief Liu Yunshan visited the Beijing control center to congratulate staff. It is the sixth time China has launched astronauts into space and the duration will be the longest by far.

Following the attachment of two experiment modules, the completed station is set to begin full operations in 2022 and will run for at least a decade.

An earlier Tiangong 1 experimental space station launched in 2011 went out of service in March after docking with three visiting spacecraft and extending its mission for two years. The Tiangong, or Heavenly Palace, stations are considered stepping stones to a mission to Mars by the end of the decade.

The Shenzhou 11 astronauts are Jing Haipeng, who is flying his third mission, and 37-year-old Chen Dong.

It is any astronauts dream and pursuit to be able to perform many space missions, Jing, who turns 50 during his time in space, told a briefing Sunday.

China conducted its first crewed space mission in 2003, becoming only the third country after Russia and the U.S. to do so, and has since staged a spacewalk and landed its Yutu rover on the moon. Administrators suggest a crewed landing on the moon may also be in the programs future.

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China was prevented from participating in the International Space Station, mainly due to U.S. concerns over the Chinese space programs strongly military character. Chinese officials are now looking to internationalize their own program by offering to help finance other countries missions to Tiangong 2.

Chinas space program also opened its massive fourth spacecraft launch site at Wenchang on Chinas southernmost island province of Hainan in June. It was inaugurated with the launch of the newly developed Long March 7 rocket that was hailed as a breakthrough in the use of safer, more environmentally friendly fuels.

China is currently developing the Long March 5 heavy-lift rocket needed to launch the Tiangong 2s additional components and other massive payloads.

China also plans to land a rover on Mars by 2020, attempting to recreate the success of the U.S. Viking 1 mission that landed a rover on the planet four decades ago.

A source of enormous national pride, Chinas space program plans a total of 20 missions this year at a time when the U.S. and other countries programs are seeking new roles.
Shenzhou 11 launch

Two Chinese astronauts are on their way to an orbiting laboratory for a monthlong mission aimed at preparing the way for a full-fledged Chinese space station.

Veteran military pilots Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong lifted off in the Shenzhou 11 spacecraft atop a Long March 2F rocket at Chinas Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert at 7:30 a.m..Beijing time Monday (4:30 p.m. PT Sunday). Jing, a veteran of two earlier space missions, is the commander for whats expected to be the longest-lasting of Chinas six crewed spaceflights to date.

It is any astronauts dream and pursuit to be able to perform many space missions, The Associated Press quoted Jing as saying during a pre-launch briefing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, whos attending an economic summit in India, sent a message congratulating the launch team and calling on the countrys astronauts to explore space more fully.

Jing and Chen are due to link up with Chinas Tiangong 2 space lab two days after launch and spend 30 days conducting experiments and testing technologies for future flights. One of the experiments involves deploying a microsatellite known as Banxing 2 to inspect the space lab from outside.

Tiangong 2 was launched just last month. Its seen as an experimental testbed for a larger space station thats expected to start taking shape with the launch of its core module by as early as 2018. If that schedule holds, two more modules would be launched with the aim of completing construction by 2022. Tiangong 1, Chinas first orbiting lab, went out of service in March after five years of operation and is expected to fall out of orbit late next year.

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China launched its first astronauts into orbit in 2003, and has plans to send crews to the moon during the 2030s. It also aims to send a rover to Mars in 2020. Current U.S. law bans NASA from cooperating with China due to security concerns, but Beijings continued progress in space exploration points either to increased cooperation or heightened competition in the decades ahead.

NASA and the European Space Agency tweeted congratulations to their Chinese counterparts tonight:

More from GeekWire:
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's defense ministry said on Monday it was paying close attention to this week's navy drills between the United States and South Korea, and urged them to exercise restraint and not exacerbate regional tensions. China has been angered by a decision to place an advanced U.S. anti-missile system in South Korea, saying it will threaten China's own security and do nothing to calm things down with nuclear-armed North Korea. Seoul and Washington say the missile system is purely to act as a defense against North Korean missiles, and have denied it is aimed at Beijing. In a brief statement, China's Defence Ministry said it was "paying close attention" to the joint U.S.-South Korean naval drills, which feature the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier. "We hope the relevant sides remain calm and exercise restraint, and not do anything to exacerbate regional tensions," it added, without elaborating. Tension on the Korean peninsula has been high this year, beginning with North Korea's fourth nuclear test in January, which was followed by a satellite launch, a string of tests of various missiles, and its fifth and largest nuclear test last month. China is isolated North Korea's most important economic and diplomatic backer, but Beijing has been infuriated by its nuclear and missile tests and signed up for strong United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang. However, China says the United States and Washington have a responsibility to lower the temperature as well, including not carrying out military drills. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
Beijing (AFP) - China launched two astronauts into space on Monday, official media said, on a mission to its orbiting laboratory as the country works towards setting up its own space station.

The Shenzhou-11 spacecraft blasted off early in the morning from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi desert, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

Astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong will take two days to reach the Tiangong-2 space lab, or "Heavenly Palace-2", which was launched in September.

They will remain on board for 30 days -- the longest stay thus far by Chinese astronauts -- to conduct tests on spacecraft-related technologies and scientific and engineering experiments, Xinhua said.

Jing, the mission commander, was on his third trip into orbit and will celebrate his 50th birthday in space.

"Although the job is challenging, risky and dangerous, there is nothing else I'd rather do," he said, according to the China Daily.

China is pouring billions into its military-run space programme and working to catch up with the US and Europe, with hopes to have a crewed outpost by 2022.

Beijing sees the programme as symbolising the country's progress and a marker of its rising global stature, but so far China has largely replicated activities that the US and Soviet Union pioneered decades ago.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the mission on Monday, urging them to aim at taking great leaps for the Chinese nation, Xinhua said.

The mission should work to ensure "the Chinese people will take bigger steps and march further" in space, and contribute "to the building of China into a space power", Xinhua cited him as saying.

- 'Divine vessel' -

The Tiangong-2 lab is in orbit 393 kilometres (244 miles) above Earth and has two cabins -- an hermetically sealed experiment chamber that doubles as the living quarters, and a resources store holding supplies such as solar panels, engines and batteries.

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Russian space system design expert Aleksandr Zheleznyakov told Xinhua that the lab's structure indicated China's design plans for its future space station, which he expected would have a core cabin with multiple docks for different modules.

The two astronauts on the Shenzhou-11 ("Divine Vessel") mission will test their own health in zero gravity, cultivate rice samples, and conduct research on cold atomic space clocks that use laser cooling technology to improve accuracy, among other projects, China Daily said.

They will be allowed a two-hour break every evening to watch movies, listen to music and make video calls home, it added.

"We prepared more than 100 kinds of food and beverages for them in space," deputy director of China's manned space engineering office Wu Ping told the paper, adding that they had access to a treadmill and exercise bike.

Chen, a 37-year-old from central Henan province with twin sons, idolised his older colleague earlier in his own career.

"I used to watch Jing on television and he always seemed so far away," he said. "But when I met him in person, my worries and anxieties disappeared."
* China markets yuan pricing to foreign exchanges

* Singapore looking to bring London pricing to Asia

By Manolo Serapio Jr and Koustav Samanta

SINGAPORE, Oct 17 (Reuters) - China is marketing its yuan gold price to foreign exchanges and Singapore is looking at bringing London's gold benchmark to users in Asia, in moves meant to boost the region's exposure and influence in the global bullion market.

Home to the world's biggest buyers China and India, Asia's importance has been on the rise as the key source of demand for gold, but the region's bullion traders are often exposed to intraday price volatility and foreign exchange risks with U.S. dollar-based benchmark prices being set out of London.

Shanghai Gold Exchange, the world's biggest physical bullion exchange, will collaborate with foreign exchanges and allow them to use its yuan-denominated gold price in developing derivatives products, Chairman Jiao Jinpu told an industry conference.

The exchange launched a yuan-denominated gold benchmark in April as part of China's bid to exert more control over pricing of the metal and increase its influence in the global market.

The latest move is an aggressive step by China - the world's top consumer, producer and importer of gold - to market its pricing mechanism and aims for a bigger say in an industry long dominated by the London spot price.

"We would collaborate with various exchanges and authorise these external exchanges to start business outside China to use it as a basis for development of derivatives products," Jiao told an industry conference through an interpreter.

Shanghai's first deal will be signed with the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange next week, Jiao told reporters, adding that he expects more cooperation ahead.

"Some of the exchanges are approaching us," he said. "Collaboration is a win-win for all. In Latin America and Africa I wish to offer more collaboration with them."

China has baulked at depending on a dollar price for gold in international transactions and believes its market weight should entitle it to set the price for the precious metal.

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LONDON TO SINGAPORE

Also, the Singapore Bullion Market Association (SBMA) is working with the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and Intercontinental Exchange Benchmark Administration to study the possibility of extending LBMA's gold pricing to Singapore hours.

"We hope to make a reputable gold benchmark mechanism in London available to Asian users," SBMA's chief executive, Albert Cheng, told Reuters.

Cheng said a feasibility study is being carried out, and "if there's enough interest, the IBA will consider launching it early next year."

The renewed pricing push in Asia come as the $5-trillion-a-year London gold market undergoes reforms to boost transparency. The London gold fix, previously set via a teleconference among banks and facing allegations of manipulation, was replaced in 2015 by electronic auctions, which take place twice daily.

The LBMA last week named Cinnober subsidiary Boat as the service provider for its new trade reporting platform.

Intercontinental Exchange on Monday said it would launch a London gold daily futures contract in February 2017, heating up the race to gain a bigger chunk of the market.

In August, the London Metal Exchange said it was planning to launch spot and futures contracts for gold and silver in the first half of 2017.

"It's interesting to me there's so much interest in the London market," said Miguel Vias, head of precious metals at CME Group, the world's biggest exchange operator.

"I think its emblematic of the fact that it's under stress. There's a lot of concern about how it's going to look in the future." (Reporting by Manolo Serapio Jr. and Koustav Samanta; Editing by Tom Hogue)
By Paola Totaro QUITO, Ecuador (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - More than 60 mayors from around the world have joined forces to create an alliance dubbed a 'global parliament' to demand a more powerful role in the management of city growth and urbanisation. Speaking on the eve of the United Nations Habitat III conference in Quito, Ecuador, on Sunday, the mayors outlined a united vision in which local government would lead the global response to rising urbanisation. They said collaboration rather than competition would help them address the most urgent challenges for the world's cities, from affordable housing and transport to climate change, migration and refugees. The mayor of Montreal, Denis Coderre, quoted U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who once said that if "you need to settle a problem, ask a mayor" and urged his colleagues to remember that "united we conquer". "I believe that national governments will have to realise that cities exist and that it is not just in speeches that we make a difference in the quality of life of our people, our citizens," he said. "Today we find ourselves at a crossroads: with migration the world is not defined any longer by countries or continents but by cities. We, local government, are the ones at the frontline to address many of the most pressing issues." More than 35,000 people, from academics and planning specialists to government officials and U.N. leaders have gathered together in the Andean city to discuss the future of the world's cities. Held every 20 years, the conference comes at a point when, for the first time in history, more people live in cities than rural areas. In 2014, 54 percent of the population lived in cities but by 2050 this is expected to rise to 66 percent. The mayoral group met in The Hague last month to launch a Global Parliament of Mayors (GPM). The idea is the brainchild of political scientist Benjamin Barber. In his book "If Mayors Ruled the World", Barber argues that mayors are pragmatic officials driven by the need to problem-solve at local level. Speaking in Quito, the mayors said that working as a united front would allow them to share ideas and best practice on critical issues such as inequality and development pressures which are a problem for all cities in an increasingly globalised world. The mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, delivered a passionate call for cities to be "fair for all", the young and old, able and not, refugees and migrants, straight and gay. She said the feminisation of politics at local government level had already achieved more livable cities and that the group had to work for more women at the helm. Berlin's mayor, Michael Mueller, and his Cologne counterpart, Andreas Wolter, spoke of their pride at their cities' generosity of spirit in embracing and rehousing refugees. "We still have a long way to go but this is just one of the many tasks ... we have thousands of lone women, lone children (refugees); we don't run away when the situation gets critical," Wolter said. The mayors said that local government is the tier closest to city residents and that the role of local government must be key if the New Urban Agenda, to be adopted this week in Quito, is to succeed. The document aims to guide the growth of cities, towns and informal settlements, ensure that they are sustainable, do not destroy the environment and protect the rights of the vulnerable. But with 175 pledges lacking specific goals or timelines to support aspirations such as "people-centred development" and "equally shared opportunities", some analysts have said it is unlikely the summit will deliver concrete improvements on the ground. (Reporting by Paola Totaro, Editing by Emma Batha. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit news.trust.org)
A pile of Civil War-era cannonballs was uncovered by Hurricane Matthew after it lashed South Carolina with strong waves and high winds over the weekend. But rather than preserve the artifacts, authorities have destroyed most of the historic weapons for safety reasons, according to the Folly Beach Police Department.

A day after the hurricane blasted the state's coastline, on Sunday (Oct. 9), a resident walking along the east end of Folly Island  a coastal region about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Charleston that's known for its history of pirates and Civil War battles  spotted a pile of 16 corroded ordnances resting on the sand, said Folly Beach Chief Andrew Gilreath, director of public safety. The resident contacted the authorities, who came to assess the situation, he said.

The hurricane's waves and winds likely eroded parts of the beach to uncover the bowling-ball-size weapons, Gilreath said. One of the cannonballs even had a visible fuse hole in the shape of a cylindrical notch, where a timed fuse would have been placed, he added. [Hurricane Matthew Photos: See How the Monster Storm Evolved]

A pile of the discovered cannonballs. One has a cylindrical borehole where the timed fuse would have been placed. Officer Ben O'Brien Folly Beach Police Department

"Initially, the city wished to display them," Gilreath told Live Science in an email. "However, they were inspected and a large number of them were [found to be] explosive cannonballs, and thus contained old and very unstable gunpowder."

It's a common misconception that cannonballs are merely large steel balls, he said. "While that is the case sometimes, there are also explosive and incendiary types, which are very unsafe," Gilreath said.

After this realization, authorities decided to destroy the cannonballs. According to a tweet from the Charleston County Sherriff's Office (CCSO), local officials worked with the U.S. Air Force Explosive Team to destroy the ordnances.

CCSO Bomb and Air Force Explosive Teams still on scene examining these old civil war ordnance #chsnews pic.twitter.com/al4LHNpnVk  ChasCoSheriff (@ChasCoSheriff) October 9, 2016

They didn't destroy all of the cannonballs, according to a CCSO tweet: "UPDATE: Folly Beach ordnance detonation successfully completed. Small amount will be transported to Navy Base #chsnews."

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UPDATE: US Air Force Explosive Team will be transporting the remaining Folly Beach ordnance to the Navy base for destruction. #chsnews  ChasCoSheriff (@ChasCoSheriff) October 9, 2016

LowCountry CW, a Charleston news network, warned that "Residents in Charleston, James Island, and on Folly Beach may hear what will sound like an explosion, here's why: #chsnews."

Residents in Charleston, James Island, and on Folly Beach may hear what will sound like an explosion, here's why: #chsnews pic.twitter.com/z0oAGFAAH1  Lowcountry CW (@LowcountryCW) October 9, 2016

One of Folly's historical Civil War moments was portrayed in the popular 1989 movie "Glory," which tells the story of a military unit comprised of all-black volunteers fighting for the Union. The battle portrayed in the movie was fought on and around Folly at Fort Wagner, "which is more than likely what this artillery was used to fire upon," Gilreath said of the pile of cannonballs.

Original article on Live Science.

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Hillary Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook responded on Monday to an increasing number of protesters who have appeared at rallies chanting "Bill Clinton is a rapist" and wearing shirts claiming the same.

Mook told reporters on a conference call that the protests are "part of the Trump campaign's scorched earth policy."

"They're trying to make excuses and taper over his lack of real plans," he said, calling the rhetoric "disrespectful" and "divisive."

He then called out Alex Jones, the noted conspiracy theorist and founder of InfoWars, for encouraging the protests by promising cash rewards for people who disrupt events by making the claims.

"Alex Jones will continue to pay people to wear shirts and hold signs," he said.

At recent rallies, the Jones-inspired protesters have made a few high-profile interruptions, earning pushback from President Barack Obama and Bill and Hillary Clinton.

During a rally last week in Detroit, a man wearing a shirt calling Bill Clinton a rapist shouted down Hillary Clinton and was removed from the rally.

"You know, I do hope somebody follows that gentleman out and stages an intervention," Hillary Clinton said. "He clearly has not been following this election very closely."

In Iowa on Wednesday, Bill Clinton said a similar protest was "what's wrong with American politics."

"Give that guy a hand  they've had a very bad week in the Trump campaign, and he feels bad," Bill Clinton said as a protester shouted "You're a rapist!"

"Give him a hand! The problem is, if you only listen to one television station, and nobody ever tells you the truth, you get like that."

Obama was faced with the protests at two rallies last week. In North Carolina, he said the protesters were "some folks who were auditioning for a reality show."

The Clinton campaign pushed back against Jones on Sunday in an ad titled "Conspiracies," which focused on Trump's connection with the conspiracy theorist. The ad ripped Jones for spreading unfounded fringe theories about the Sandy Hook shooting and September 11 terror attacks.

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On Monday morning, Trump retweeted Paul Joseph Watson, Jones' top deputy and one of the most prominent conspiracy theorists on the internet.

"@PrisonPlanet: Trump accuser praised him in an email as recently as April! This is all yet another hoax. https://t.co/tcKzmIKpfS" Terrible  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2016

NOW WATCH: Clinton opens up a massive lead against Trump, with lopsided support from a key voting demographic





More From Business Insider


New York (AFP) - White House hopeful Donald Trump branded Hillary Clinton's operations a "criminal enterprise" as he assailed her for creating conditions for a rigged election, and accused US media of wanting to "poison" voters' minds.

Trailing in national polls and in key battleground states just three weeks before Election Day November 8, Trump came out swinging on the campaign trail, accusing Clinton of colluding with US authorities to cover up misconduct regarding her private email system and denouncing it as "one of the great miscarriages of justice" in US history.

Trump, whose campaign has been reeling in the face of lewd comments about women and accusations of sexual assault, has doubled down on claims of massive voter fraud in 2016, despite denials from within his own party.

And his team has deployed his wife Melania in a media blitz to try to tamp down the furor over the allegations, with interviews airing late Monday on CNN and early Tuesday on Fox News.

"Those words, they were offensive to me and they were inappropriate. And he apologized to me. And I accept his apology. And we are moving on," Trump told Fox, in an excerpt released by the network.

A firestorm erupted earlier this month when a 2005 video was made public and caught Trump saying lewd things about women, in a mostly off-camera conversation with host Billy Bush of the show "Access Hollywood."

Melania Trump told CNN that she felt her husband had been "egged on by the host to say dirty and bad stuff."

The Republican nominee takes the stage Wednesday with his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in their final debate before voters make their choice.

Trump unleashed a litany of complaints recently about the nation's election system, and also blamed the media for his woes, raising concerns about possible unrest should he lose.

- 'Tell the truth!' -

He let loose again Monday at a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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"Voter fraud is very, very common," he told a fired up crowd, who at various times broke into chants of "Lock her up!" "Tell the truth!" and "CNN sucks!"

"This is a rigged election folks," he said. "And the media's trying to rig the election by giving credence... to false stories that have no validity," he added.

"They want to poison the minds of the voters."

Trump also accused Clinton of colluding with US authorities by seeking to pressure the FBI to alter its findings in a probe of Clinton's use of private servers while she was secretary of state.

Federal Bureau of Investigation documents released Monday showed a senior State Department official, undersecretary of state Patrick Kennedy, had asked the FBI to declassify or lower the classification of one Clinton email that had been rated secret."

Trump said the State Department official made the request for altering classification "as part of a 'quid pro quo.'"

"We're witnessing a criminal enterprise" at work, he said of the Clinton campaign.

"This is felony corruption by any standard."

Clinton leads Trump by 12 points, 50 percent to 38 percent, among likely voters nationwide in a four-way contest with third-party candidates, a Monmouth University poll showed.

Meanwhile, a survey from Quinnipiac University had Clinton leading in several key swing states -- Colorado, Florida and Pennsylvania -- and tied with Trump in Ohio.

A CNN poll puts Trump ahead by four points in Ohio, but gives Clinton a slight lead in battlegrounds North Carolina and Nevada.

Her leads in key states correspond to her advantage of 6.4 percentage points in an average of recent national polls given by RealClearPolitics.

- 'Irresponsible' -

The polls indicate that the allegations swirling around Trump have taken their toll. Monmouth found that six in 10 voters believe he made unwanted sexual advances towards women -- claims he vehemently denies.

Trump's running mate Mike Pence sought to ease tensions, insisting his camp would accept defeat if voters reject the Republican ticket at the polls.

"We will absolutely accept the results of the election," he told CBS Sunday.

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, a Republican who oversees election operations in his state, insisted that Trump was being "irresponsible," after the nominee tweeted a warning Monday about "large scale voter fraud" in the US election.

"If there is a systemic problem, please identify it. Don't just make an allegation on Twitter. Tell me," Husted said on CNN.

For Clinton's campaign manager Robby Mook, Trump is "desperately trying to shift attention from his own disastrous campaign."

"He knows he's losing and he's trying to blame that on the system. This is what losers do," Mook said during a press call on Monday.

Clinton was lying low Monday, prepping for the final debate.

"She is trying to avoid issues for the next 22 days in the hopes that this will just end up being about Mr. Trump," his campaign manager Kellyanne Conway told CNN Monday outside of Trump Tower in New York.
CHICAGO, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle contracts began the week with more gains, supported by follow-buying from last Friday's short-covering and chart-related rally that snapped future's six-session losing skid, said traders.

* At 09:30 a.m. CDT (1430 GMT) October was 1.500 cents per pound higher at 97.400 cents, and December 1.450 cents higher at 98.900 cents.

* Investors await prices later this week for slaughter-ready, or cash, cattle while monitoring beef sales midway through October Pork Month.

* Market participants wait to see if beef demand on the East Coast can rebound as residents in the region recover from Hurricane Matthew.

* Last week, the bulk of cash cattle in the U.S. Plains brought $97 to $98 per cwt, down from $101 to $103 the week before.

* There were no new deliveries reported by the CME late on Friday against the October live cattle contract that is set to expire on Oct. 31.

FEEDER CATTLE - October was 1.425 cents per pound higher at 121.800 cents, on residual buying and further live cattle market advances.

LEAN HOGS - December was down 0.425 cent per pound to 41.800 cents, and February 0.200 cent lower at 50.075 cents.

* CME lean hogs began the week at a 12-year in choppy trading, with December the new spot month after the October contract expired last Friday.

* Investors are waiting to see how soon Smithfield Foods' hog plants in the southeastern United States idled by Hurricane Matthew can return to normal operations.

* USDA estimated last week's hog slaughter at 2.304 million head, down 4.9 percent from the week before that yielded 4.7 percent less pork.

* East Coast plants should clean up the backlog of hogs as they resume full production, but that could pump more meat into the pipeline which may hurt wholesale pork prices, a trader said.

* Friday's higher wholesale pork values and futures' discounts to CME's hog index for Oct. 13 at 52.54 cents provided periodic market support.

* Speculative buyers are eying CME lean hogs' relative strength index (RSI) that at the close of business last Friday was 22. An RSI below 30 suggests a market is technically oversold and subject to an upward adjustment soon.

(Reporting by Theopolis Waters in Chicago)
As an online bachelor's student in psychology at Pennsylvania State University--World Campus, Lauren Padgett needed research experience to apply to graduate school. Though she wasn't on an actual campus, Padgett still found opportunities to do just that.

She worked with Brian Redmond, a senior lecturer of psychology who is now the lead faculty member for organizational leadership at Penn State--World Campus, and other student researchers to explore the rise of higher education jobs in online and blended education. Together, they wrote an article that's been submitted for publication. Throughout the process, they communicated via Google Hangout video sessions, as well as phone calls and emails.

The only challenge in doing research as an online student, Padgett says, was getting to know her peers on a personal level; otherwise, it was similar to what she would have expected in person.

Research opportunities are "great for skill building; they're great for increased knowledge around a particular topic -- hopefully a topic that the student is interested in. And it's something they can carry forward if they choose to go on to graduate school. It's great for a resume," says Laura Sullivan, faculty chair of undergraduate psychology at the online, for-profit Capella University.

[Discover how to pursue research opportunities as an online graduate student.]

"It went on my resume -- my CV," says Padgett. And she says that Redmond, who led the project, wrote her a recommendation letter.

"When I went to apply for graduate programs and they asked if I have research experience, I could say 'yes.'" Padgett also had the opportunity to work with Redmond as a volunteer lab manager.

Despite having jobs and possibly family obligations outside of class, online undergrads -- just like many on-campus students -- might be interested in research opportunities, often in conjunction with faculty. Experts say some online bachelor's programs, particularly those in the sciences, have virtual opportunities for students who want to pursue that path, possibly for credit.

Story continues

Penn State's Redmond has led some research projects with online bachelor's students in the past few years and will continue to do so in the future, he says.

One of his students, for example, participated in a meta-analysis, a method for combining data from several studies, he says. While the student's work didn't get published, the student -- who eventually went on to a doctoral program -- gained experience collecting documents and looking for patterns in data. He also earned course credit, though Redmond says some online students participate voluntarily.

[Explore ways to participate in undergraduate research as a prospective medical student.]

Capella's undergraduate psychology department also offers a few different research opportunities to online students, though not for credit, says Kathleen Hughes, a part-time faculty member.

In some cases, for example, students gain insight into the processes of collecting and analyzing data, and in others, through writing proposals, they also learn about the fundamentals of research. Another option gives students a chance to participate in faculty-led research projects.

"In all of these scenarios, there are virtual meetings" and phone calls, Hughes says. "But we also use Adobe Connect, where we're in a conference room, basically, where we can share information -- share a screen and look at things."

While experts say these opportunities are more common in research- and data-driven fields like psychology, students in other disciplines might also have research options. For example, at UF Online, the University of Florida's undergraduate online school, telecommunication media and society majors are required to conduct research or complete a hands-on project under faculty supervision, says David Ostroff, chair of the department of telecommunication at UF's journalism and communications school.

One student, he says, is examining how streaming services are changing the television landscape. Others are interested in social media's evolving role in society and pursuing research projects related to this.

"It's an opportunity to conduct research at a fairly high level," Ostroff says.

Before applying to the online program -- or shortly after starting their studies -- experts say students should ask academic advisers or faculty involved in the student's areas of interest about getting involved with that research.

[Learn to become a self-motivated online student.]

"You have to go and ask questions and seek people out in order to get the information you need," says Padgett, the May 2015 Penn State--World Campus graduate. "Having that mindset from the get-go is critical."

Students also shouldn't hesitate to consider volunteering to do research if they can't get course credit, Redmond says. Some programs have limited capacity for research assistants, for example, and students may need to check out opportunities at other schools.

At the same time, Redmond says there's room for online bachelor's programs in general to expand possibilities for student research. He's says he's working with the Penn State--World Campus faculty development office to create a training course to teach professors at the school about doing that.

Meanwhile, Hughes says that prospective online students should ask faculty about flexibility when it comes to research project deadlines and weekly time commitments.

"The best way that they are able to be successful is time management," Hughes says.

Trying to fund your online education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News Paying for Online Education center.

Jordan Friedman is an online education editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at jfriedman@usnews.com.


There has been a bit of a shake-up in the wine and distilled spirits industry Monday morning. Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ) confirmed a rumored sale of its Canadian wine business to the Ontario Teacher's Pension Plan for about C$1 billion ($784 million).

At the same time, Constellation announced that it has acquired the Charles Smith Wines collection for about $120 million. These include five super- and ultra-premium wines, including Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Velvet Devil Merlot, Boom Boom! Sirah, Eve Chardonnay and Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon.

Separately, Constellation said it has acquired a minority stake in craft distillery Bardstown Bourbon Company. Neither the size of the stake nor the price were disclosed. The company also said that it has closed its acquisition of High West Distillery, another foray into the high-end craft distillery business.

ALSO READ: The Richest Town in Every State

Constellation Brands President and CEO Rob Sands said:

In April, we announced plans to explore an initial public offering for a portion of our Canadian wine business as part of our strategy to focus on premium, high margin and high growth brands. We seized the opportunity to sell the entire business in a value enhancing transaction when it presented itself. The Canadian wine business is the leader in the Canadian wine market and is a long-term growth opportunity. Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan is well-respected with a proven track record for supporting and growing their investments, so we know the business will be in good hands.

ALSO READ: The Most Dangerous Cars in America

Constellation Brands expects to receive cash proceeds, net of repayment of outstanding debt, of approximately C$750 million, subject to closing adjustments, and expects to recognize an after-tax gain for fiscal 2017, which will be excluded from the company's comparable basis diluted earnings per share.

Regarding the Bardstown Bourbon investment, Senior Vice-President Ben Dollard said:

Story continues

This is an exciting and unique investment for Constellation, and different than the venture activity weve explored to date. Investing in a state-of-the-art bourbon facility at Bardstown provides us access to knowledge and production capability to support our emerging premium spirits portfolio over time. At the same time, Bardstown will grow with our investment as well as our experience in the beverage alcohol space, our relationships within the industry and our people.

ALSO READ: iPhone 7 Jet Black Available Nationwide

Investors bid the stock down more than 1% Monday approaching the noon hour to $167.51, in a 52-week range of $130.23 to $173.55. The stock's consensus 12-month price target is $180.25.

Related Articles
A student driver in the U.K. got a crash course on police chases when officers in hot pursuit of a suspect flagged down her driver's ed car.

Read: Student Allegedly Steals Bus to Take Final Exam After Driver Fails to Show Up

Cops from the Kingston Police Station in London spotted a man acting suspiciously Friday evening before approaching him, but the man allegedly fled the scene, a police press release stated.

They called for backup, and officers from the patrol base responded to the call. However, they didn't have access to a police cruiser, and debated running more than a mile to reach where they believed the suspect was hiding out.

They then tried to flag down passing cars, in an attempt to hitch a ride to the location.

Luckily, a learner driver and her instructor stopped for the officers, and offered their assistance.

"Members of the public have helped officers [in the past]," a representative from the Kingston Police Department told InsideEdition.com. "There is no protocol."

According to the police department, "as expected, the learner driver drove safely and along with her instructor remained calm throughout the journey," the Facebook post wrote.

Cops were able to arrest the suspect just in time, with the help of the student driver.

Read: Pro Stunt Driver Pranks Driving Instructors on Their First Day

The 39-year-old suspect has since been charged with resisting arrest. He has been released on bail and will appear in court next month.

Cops told InsideEdition.com they have since identified and officially thanked the student driver and her instructor.

Watch: Deaf and Unlicensed Driver Plows Into 7-Eleven, Narrowly Avoiding Customer

Related Articles:
In Provincetown, Mass., over the weekend, 53 lesbian couples took part in Bride Pride: Worlds Largest All-Girl Wedding and Renewal Ceremony. (Photo: Steve Heaslip/Cape Cod Times)

A mass wedding like no other filled a tiny town with love over the weekend: Bride Pride, held in Provincetown, Mass., was the biggest all-lesbian group wedding in history, as far as anyone knows.

We thank you for filling this space with love, event co-host Alli Baldwin told the sea of 53 couples  25 of which were getting married for the first time, while the rest were renewing their vows for the occasion. The 106 women had gathered on Oct. 15 on the lawn of Roux, a guesthouse owned by Baldwin and her wife, Ilene Mitnick, who had come up with the idea of a massive ceremony when deciding to renew their own vows.

Alli and I wanted a quiet renewal of our vows, but were really passionate about bringing women into town, Mitnick tells Yahoo Style, noting that they had talked about having their own ceremony in the fall  which coincides with a 32-year-long Provincetown tradition, Womens Week, with special events geared toward lesbians happening all over town.

Photo: Steve Heaslip/Cape Cod Times

While envisioning the en masse commitment back in January, Mitnick says, the couple worked tirelessly throughout the year to make it happen  even contacting officials at Guinness World Records to find out how they could make it into the book. She was told the category of Biggest Mass Lesbian Wedding did not exist, but that to make it one, there would need to be 100 couples taking part. And though they didnt reach that, Mitnick says, We believe we did set a record. (It appears to be true, as other past similar events, such as in Ohio in 2012 and earlier this year in Rio de Janeiro, had a mix of gay and lesbian participants.)

A video posted by Provincetown Television (@provincetowntv) on Oct 17, 2016 at 9:39am PDT

But record or not, the organizers were thrilled with how it turned out.

There was such joy and love  it was a beautiful event, Mitnick says, noting that it attracted hundreds of onlookers who spilled into the surrounding street and borrowed milk crates from the nearby deli on which to stand for a better view. Bride Prides participants ranged in age from 25 to 72, Mitnick adds, and traveled from 15 states including Michigan, Florida, Tennessee, and California.

Story continues

The days officiant was comedian Kate Clinton, a long-beloved figure in the lesbian community, who kept everyone laughing with lines like, You are a basket of adorables! and We are only one menstrual cycle away from this election cycle being over! But Clinton inspired tears, too, by declaring, I am here because I believe in the miracle of two women exchanging vows of marriage, and by having participants recite I will to moving vows, including, Will you love and respect her? and Will you promise to trust each other  to be flexible, generous, courageous, and committed to making your relationship flourish together?

They drove 20 hours to get married in the most accepting town in the world. Lets be their witnesses this Saturday at #brideprideptown A photo posted by Womencrafts (@womencrafts) on Oct 10, 2016 at 4:59pm PDT

Upon their arrival in town, brides-to-be checked in at Womencrafts, a 40-year-old feminist book and gift shop in town, to receive a swag bag and a warm welcome from owner Michelle Axelson, who heard many of the womens personal stories and photographed them holding a big Mrs. & Mrs. sign to mark the occasion. There was a clear theme that, for the LGBTQ community, love and marriage is still a political act, she tells Yahoo Style. It was a privilege to show up for people whose families would not, and to surround the brides with love. It was political, personal, tender, and I cried the whole time.

Newlyweds Amanda and Megan were married in June and will renew on Saturday at #brideprideptown A photo posted by Womencrafts (@womencrafts) on Oct 12, 2016 at 6:56pm PDT

Mitnick says she was also moved by hearing the womens stories, which served as a reminder of her luck when it comes to living in Provincetown, often referred to as the gayest ZIP code in America. [Same-sex marriage] is legal everywhere, but its not easy everywhere, she says, making particular note of a couple who made the 20-hour drive from Tennessee because, had they married at home, they would not have been supported by family. We knew it was a reality that people live in places where its difficult to be themselves, says Mitnick. But to be hit with that was very moving.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
Cresty will Offer Shoppers Customizable and Luxury Products that are Unique and High Quality

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 17, 2016 / The founders of Cresty, an international team of business professionals, web designers, creators, brand owners, and manufacturers, are pleased to announce their new online shopping website that will allow people to "Create Style Create Life."

To check out a video that explains how Cresty works, as well as learn more about the professional and talented team behind this innovative project, please visit https://goo.gl/fFq5xC.

"With all of the options in clothing and accessories available on the market, it can be frustrating when you're still not finding that perfect piece," noted a company spokesperson, adding that the founders of Cresty would like to change how people shop by creating a "Create-It-Yourself" culture.

"What if you could take part in the design process every time and create an item customized to fit exactly what you're searching for? Cresty is making that happen."

This revolutionary new business is dedicating itself to providing only customizable luxury products. As the spokesperson explained, the founders of Cresty are teaming up with relatively unknown brands that hold their products to a high level of quality, craftsmanship, and sophistication to introduce affordable made-to-order products to the public.

"To start out, the team is utilizing the talents of Italian artisans renowned for their uncompromising quality. Made-to-order luxury items usually come at a high cost, but with Cresty those items are well within reach," the spokesperson said.

The platform will feature a user-friendly and easy to use interface where patrons can preview their item before ordering. They will also have a storefront in Italy, where locals can enjoy the fun of traditional browsing whilst experiencing a totally unique new way of shopping.

"A variety of fabric options, colors, components, accessories, and other features will be available so your piece will be perfectly 'you.'"

Story continues

To help get the innovative Cresty online mall off the ground, the founders recently launched a fundraiser on Indiegogo. They hope to raise $30,000 through crowdfunding. By backing their Indiegogo campaign, people can help Cresty launch and start enjoying beautiful, customized pieces.

About Cresty:

Cresty is the first mall-type online shopping site that carries only customizable luxurious goods from all around the world. Cresty, which is a combination of the words "create" and "style," will feature unique products that are beautiful and top-quality. For more information, please visit https://goo.gl/fFq5xC.

Contact:

Erika Obrien

admin@rocketfactor.com

(949) 555-2861

SOURCE: Cresty
Sydney (AFP) - Shares in billionaire James Packer's Crown Resorts plunged Monday after 18 sales and marketing staff were detained in China, including an executive in charge of luring high-rollers to Australia.

The gaming company's stock fell 13.9 percent to close in Sydney at Aus$11.15.

It followed news that three Australians were among those hauled in for questioning by Chinese authorities on Thursday and Friday last week, with the company unable to contact them.

"In relation to media reports on the weekend, Crown Resorts Limited believes that Crown's executive vice president VIP International, Jason O'Connor, is one of 18 Crown employees that have been detained by Chinese authorities," the company said in a statement Monday.

"To date, Crown has not been able to speak with its employees and is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to urgently make contact with and ascertain the welfare of its employees.

"Crown is yet to be provided with details of why its employees have been detained."

China's foreign ministry said in a statement to AFP that Australian nationals had been "criminally detained by Chinese authorities for suspected gambling offences".

"The case is under investigation," it added.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation said it understood they were seized over soliciting Chinese high-rollers to gamble in overseas casinos.

The Australian Financial Review reported they may have been targeted as part of "Operation Chain Break", aimed at stopping the illicit flow of funds into foreign casinos.

Gaming companies are not allowed to explicitly advertise gambling in China.

The newspaper said police raided houses in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Chengdu.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the government had been notified of the detention in Shanghai of three Australians among a number of Crown employees held across China.

Story continues

Consular officials were making "arrangements to visit the Australians to offer appropriate assistance, all of whom have legal representation provided by their employer", Bishop said in a statement.

"The Australian Government is also providing consular support and information to the families in Australia, in consultation with Crown."

Crown operates casinos across Australia and the world, including in Macau, where revenues have been hit hard by a Chinese corruption crackdown which has driven away many big-spenders.

Macau gaming companies listed in Hong Kong's stock exchange also tumbled on the news, with Sands Macau and Galaxy Entertainment more than three percent down Monday.

Graft has become endemic in China and President Xi Jinping launched a much-publicised anti-corruption drive after he came to power in 2012.

Packer, who is engaged to pop diva Mariah Carey, owns 53 percent of Crown Resorts but resigned as chairman in 2015.
By David Henry

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Morrie Low, a 27-year-old Seattle cocktail server, has found an unlikely new source of pleasure: credit card companies.

After working off card balances he built up during college, Low started collecting new cards in May specifically to reap the increasingly lucrative travel awards banks are offering to encourage spending on their cards.

In August, Low snagged a new Sapphire Reserve card, from JPMorgan Chase & Co, which has become a magnet for millennials willing to pay the $450 annual fee for a sign-up bonus worth as much as $1,500 (1,205 pounds) in travel, plus $300 in annual spending credits and more freebies.

Now Low is planning a trip to Germany with his girlfriend on JPMorgans dime. "I have never been to Europe, so that is something pretty cool about this hobby," he said.

The Reserve card opens up a new front in the war among banks to build up their lucrative credit card businesses. While it may be fun for customers, investors and analysts worry that battle will eat away the fat profit margins that made the sector so attractive to banks in the first place.

"You have five or six big national players and they are going around killing one another," said Chris Kotowski, an analyst at Oppenheimer & Co.

METAL CARDS RUN OUT

Low illustrates the problem. JPMorgan won't know if he will become a profitable customer for another year because the up-front rewards are so great. He may drop the Reserve card before the next annual fee. He has already acquired two more cards and now is spending on those to meet their requirements for more sign-up bonuses.

And he doesnt intend to borrow on his cards. That could be bad for JPMorgan because credit card companies historically have made about three-fourths of their revenue from interest. The rest has come from fees, which are being whittled away by the rising costs of the givebacks.

Still, JPMorgan executives say they are thrilled that many more young people applied for the Reserve card than they ever expected. That's especially true with millennials - people who reached adulthood around 2000 - who are the next generation of depositors and borrowers.

Story continues

"It has been a huge success," said Kevin Watters, the bank's chief executive for cards. The bank so underestimated the demand that it quickly ran out of its initial stock of metal cards and had to resort to plastic for a while.

To make money from the card, JPMorgan has to have the right mix of customer spending, annual renewals and borrowing with repayments, said John Grund, a partner at card industry consulting firm First Annapolis.

Marianne Lake, JPMorgans chief financial officer, declined to say how much card debt the bank needs customers to take on.

I am not going to give you the details of our business case, but I will tell you that we obviously have a lot of experience in a number of different (card) products, Lake told reporters on Friday after the bank posted results.

Historically, airline travel award cards have been successful, with about 50 percent of customers borrowing, said Grund. High-fee cards used by the wealthy have worked with less borrowing, but with less valuable incentives than the Reserve card.

CARD WAR

Like JPMorgan, Citigroup Inc also has been spending hundreds of millions of dollars to encourage additional spending and borrowing on its cards.

The other two banks among the four biggest in the United States, Bank of America Corp and Wells Fargo & Co, have also been looking for more card business, but less aggressively.

Citigroup intensified the card war last year by giving retailer Costco Wholesale Corp such a sweet deal for running its Costco card that it took the business from American Express Co, which said the winning terms were uneconomical.

Citigroup said on Friday that its Costco deal drove spending on its cards to $73 billion in the latest quarter, 57 percent higher than a year earlier. JPMorgan said spending on its cards rose 10 percent to $139 billion.

The banks do not report clear and mutually comparable figures for actual profits from cards. But executives say cards are among the most profitable of any business, with returns on equity of as much as 25 percent, about twice banks' recent overall return.

Citigroup's Costco deal fuelled a round of concessions by banks to renew contracts with other retailers, hotel and airline companies for co-branded cards. JPMorgans new deals with Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, online retailer Amazon.com and others, for example, will cut revenue by about $900 million annually, the bank said earlier this year.

Now, with the Reserve card, JPMorgan has fundamentally changed the calculus for what makes a premium credit card, said Sean McQuay, who tracks card offers at online personal finance website NerdWallet.com. Citigroup, he said, needs to respond with more givebacks on its Prestige premium card.

Citigroup Chief Financial Officer John Gerspach disagrees. The Prestige card is already a strong offering, he told reporters on Friday. JPMorgan, he said, has a very attractive offer on the table right now. We will see whether or not that is sustainable.

Earlier this month, American Express increased rewards on its Platinum card, the traditional leader among high-fee cards. American Express spokeswoman Charlotte Fuller said the move was not a competitive response, but a coincidental improvement for customers.

PERSONAL REDEMPTION

The intense competition over card rewards has its roots in the financial crisis of 2008. Post-crisis reforms reduced the profitability of other businesses such as mortgages and capital markets trading, encouraging banks to turn to cards for profits. And, within that business, the reforms pushed banks from people with lower credit ratings toward creditworthy customers who respond to incentives.

And lately, the banks have had the means to bid more for customers because loan losses have declined to record lows.

At the same time, cardholders have become more savvy about working the incentives.

Ivan Drucker, a New York City-based consultant to Apple computer users, recently used awards from a strategically managed mix of credit cards to travel in luxury to Finland.

Drucker, 46, said he borrowed on cards at high rates in years past, but he's determined not to do it again.

"For me, there's personal redemption in this," Drucker said. "They got the better of me. Now I hope to turn those tables."

(Reporting by David Henry in New York; Editing by Bill Rigby)
By David Henry

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Morrie Low, a 27-year-old Seattle cocktail server, has found an unlikely new source of pleasure: credit card companies.

After working off card balances he built up during college, Low started collecting new cards in May specifically to reap the increasingly lucrative travel awards banks are offering to encourage spending on their cards.

In August, Low snagged a new Sapphire Reserve card, from JPMorgan Chase & Co, which has become a magnet for millennials willing to pay the $450 annual fee for a sign-up bonus worth as much as $1,500 in travel, plus $300 in annual spending credits and more freebies.

Now Low is planning a trip to Germany with his girlfriend on JPMorgans dime. "I have never been to Europe, so that is something pretty cool about this hobby," he said.

The Reserve card opens up a new front in the war among banks to build up their lucrative credit card businesses. While it may be fun for customers, investors and analysts worry that battle will eat away the fat profit margins that made the sector so attractive to banks in the first place.

"You have five or six big national players and they are going around killing one another," said Chris Kotowski, an analyst at Oppenheimer & Co.

METAL CARDS RUN OUT

Low illustrates the problem. JPMorgan won't know if he will become a profitable customer for another year because the up-front rewards are so great. He may drop the Reserve card before the next annual fee. He has already acquired two more cards and now is spending on those to meet their requirements for more sign-up bonuses.

And he doesnt intend to borrow on his cards. That could be bad for JPMorgan because credit card companies historically have made about three-fourths of their revenue from interest. The rest has come from fees, which are being whittled away by the rising costs of the givebacks.

Still, JPMorgan executives say they are thrilled that many more young people applied for the Reserve card than they ever expected. That's especially true with millennials - people who reached adulthood around 2000 - who are the next generation of depositors and borrowers.

Story continues

"It has been a huge success," said Kevin Watters, the bank's chief executive for cards. The bank so underestimated the demand that it quickly ran out of its initial stock of metal cards and had to resort to plastic for a while.

To make money from the card, JPMorgan has to have the right mix of customer spending, annual renewals and borrowing with repayments, said John Grund, a partner at card industry consulting firm First Annapolis.

Marianne Lake, JPMorgans chief financial officer, declined to say how much card debt the bank needs customers to take on.

I am not going to give you the details of our business case, but I will tell you that we obviously have a lot of experience in a number of different (card) products, Lake told reporters on Friday after the bank posted results.

Historically, airline travel award cards have been successful, with about 50 percent of customers borrowing, said Grund. High-fee cards used by the wealthy have worked with less borrowing, but with less valuable incentives than the Reserve card.

CARD WAR

Like JPMorgan, Citigroup Inc also has been spending hundreds of millions of dollars to encourage additional spending and borrowing on its cards.

The other two banks among the four biggest in the United States, Bank of America Corp and Wells Fargo & Co, have also been looking for more card business, but less aggressively.

Citigroup intensified the card war last year by giving retailer Costco Wholesale Corp such a sweet deal for running its Costco card that it took the business from American Express Co, which said the winning terms were uneconomical.

Citigroup said on Friday that its Costco deal drove spending on its cards to $73 billion in the latest quarter, 57 percent higher than a year earlier. JPMorgan said spending on its cards rose 10 percent to $139 billion.

On Monday, Bank of America said spending on its credit cards was up 8 percent, adjusted for some divestitures late last year. The bank's chief executive, Brian Moynihan, told analysts that "one of the great debates we have in the company" is over giving up too much, or too little, in incentives on cards.

The banks do not report clear and mutually comparable figures for actual profits from cards. But executives say cards are among the most profitable of any business, with returns on equity of as much as 25 percent, about twice banks' recent overall return.

Citigroup's Costco deal fueled a round of concessions by banks to renew contracts with other retailers, hotel and airline companies for co-branded cards. JPMorgans new deals with Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, online retailer Amazon.com and others, for example, will cut revenue by about $900 million annually, the bank said earlier this year.

Now, with the Reserve card, JPMorgan has fundamentally changed the calculus for what makes a premium credit card, said Sean McQuay, who tracks card offers at online personal finance website NerdWallet.com. Citigroup, he said, needs to respond with more givebacks on its Prestige premium card.

Citigroup Chief Financial Officer John Gerspach disagrees. The Prestige card is already a strong offering, he told reporters on Friday. JPMorgan, he said, has a very attractive offer on the table right now. We will see whether or not that is sustainable.

Earlier this month, American Express increased rewards on its Platinum card, the traditional leader among high-fee cards. American Express spokeswoman Charlotte Fuller said the move was not a competitive response, but a coincidental improvement for customers.

PERSONAL REDEMPTION

The intense competition over card rewards has its roots in the financial crisis of 2008. Post-crisis reforms reduced the profitability of other businesses such as mortgages and capital markets trading, encouraging banks to turn to cards for profits. And, within that business, the reforms pushed banks from people with lower credit ratings toward creditworthy customers who respond to incentives.

And lately, the banks have had the means to bid more for customers because loan losses have declined to record lows.

At the same time, cardholders have become more savvy about working the incentives.

Ivan Drucker, a New York City-based consultant to Apple computer users, recently used awards from a strategically managed mix of credit cards to travel in luxury to Finland.

Drucker, 46, said he borrowed on cards at high rates in years past, but he's determined not to do it again.

"For me, there's personal redemption in this," Drucker said. "They got the better of me. Now I hope to turn those tables."

(Reporting by David Henry in New York; Editing by Bill Rigby and Meredith Mazzilli)
(Adds Bank of America spending change and CEO comment in paragraph 19)

By David Henry

NEW YORK, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Morrie Low, a 27-year-old Seattle cocktail server, has found an unlikely new source of pleasure: credit card companies.

After working off card balances he built up during college, Low started collecting new cards in May specifically to reap the increasingly lucrative travel awards banks are offering to encourage spending on their cards.

In August, Low snagged a new Sapphire Reserve card, from JPMorgan Chase & Co, which has become a magnet for millennials willing to pay the $450 annual fee for a sign-up bonus worth as much as $1,500 in travel, plus $300 in annual spending credits and more freebies.

Now Low is planning a trip to Germany with his girlfriend on JPMorgan's dime. "I have never been to Europe, so that is something pretty cool about this hobby," he said.

The Reserve card opens up a new front in the war among banks to build up their lucrative credit card businesses. While it may be fun for customers, investors and analysts worry that battle will eat away the fat profit margins that made the sector so attractive to banks in the first place.

"You have five or six big national players and they are going around killing one another," said Chris Kotowski, an analyst at Oppenheimer & Co.

METAL CARDS RUN OUT

Low illustrates the problem. JPMorgan won't know if he will become a profitable customer for another year because the up-front rewards are so great. He may drop the Reserve card before the next annual fee. He has already acquired two more cards and now is spending on those to meet their requirements for more sign-up bonuses.

And he doesn't intend to borrow on his cards. That could be bad for JPMorgan because credit card companies historically have made about three-fourths of their revenue from interest. The rest has come from fees, which are being whittled away by the rising costs of the givebacks.

Still, JPMorgan executives say they are thrilled that many more young people applied for the Reserve card than they ever expected. That's especially true with millennials - people who reached adulthood around 2000 - who are the next generation of depositors and borrowers.

Story continues

"It has been a huge success," said Kevin Watters, the bank's chief executive for cards. The bank so underestimated the demand that it quickly ran out of its initial stock of metal cards and had to resort to plastic for a while.

To make money from the card, JPMorgan has to have the right mix of customer spending, annual renewals and borrowing with repayments, said John Grund, a partner at card industry consulting firm First Annapolis.

Marianne Lake, JPMorgan's chief financial officer, declined to say how much card debt the bank needs customers to take on.

"I am not going to give you the details of our business case, but I will tell you that we obviously have a lot of experience in a number of different (card) products," Lake told reporters on Friday after the bank posted results.

Historically, airline travel award cards have been successful, with about 50 percent of customers borrowing, said Grund. High-fee cards used by the wealthy have worked with less borrowing, but with less valuable incentives than the Reserve card.

CARD WAR

Like JPMorgan, Citigroup Inc also has been spending hundreds of millions of dollars to encourage additional spending and borrowing on its cards.

The other two banks among the four biggest in the United States, Bank of America Corp and Wells Fargo & Co , have also been looking for more card business, but less aggressively.

Citigroup intensified the card war last year by giving retailer Costco Wholesale Corp such a sweet deal for running its Costco card that it took the business from American Express Co, which said the winning terms were uneconomical.

Citigroup said on Friday that its Costco deal drove spending on its cards to $73 billion in the latest quarter, 57 percent higher than a year earlier. JPMorgan said spending on its cards rose 10 percent to $139 billion.

On Monday, Bank of America said spending on its credit cards was up 8 percent, adjusted for some divestitures late last year. The bank's chief executive, Brian Moynihan, told analysts that "one of the great debates we have in the company" is over giving up too much, or too little, in incentives on cards.

The banks do not report clear and mutually comparable figures for actual profits from cards. But executives say cards are among the most profitable of any business, with returns on equity of as much as 25 percent, about twice banks' recent overall return.

Citigroup's Costco deal fueled a round of concessions by banks to renew contracts with other retailers, hotel and airline companies for co-branded cards. JPMorgan's new deals with Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, online retailer Amazon.com and others, for example, will cut revenue by about $900 million annually, the bank said earlier this year.

Now, with the Reserve card, JPMorgan has "fundamentally changed the calculus for what makes a premium credit card," said Sean McQuay, who tracks card offers at online personal finance website NerdWallet.com. Citigroup, he said, needs to respond with more givebacks on its Prestige premium card.

Citigroup Chief Financial Officer John Gerspach disagrees. The Prestige card is already a "strong offering," he told reporters on Friday. JPMorgan, he said, has "a very attractive offer on the table right now. We will see whether or not that is sustainable."

Earlier this month, American Express increased rewards on its Platinum card, the traditional leader among high-fee cards. American Express spokeswoman Charlotte Fuller said the move was not a competitive response, but a coincidental improvement for customers.

PERSONAL REDEMPTION

The intense competition over card rewards has its roots in the financial crisis of 2008. Post-crisis reforms reduced the profitability of other businesses such as mortgages and capital markets trading, encouraging banks to turn to cards for profits. And, within that business, the reforms pushed banks from people with lower credit ratings toward creditworthy customers who respond to incentives.

And lately, the banks have had the means to bid more for customers because loan losses have declined to record lows.

At the same time, cardholders have become more savvy about working the incentives.

Ivan Drucker, a New York City-based consultant to Apple computer users, recently used awards from a strategically managed mix of credit cards to travel in luxury to Finland.

Drucker, 46, said he borrowed on cards at high rates in years past, but he's determined not to do it again.

"For me, there's personal redemption in this," Drucker said. "They got the better of me. Now I hope to turn those tables."

(Reporting by David Henry in New York; Editing by Bill Rigby and Meredith Mazzilli)
By Emmanuelle Landais DAKAR (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Pulling away a black plastic pot, a forest guard holds up a short, wispy sapling before dozens of people. He shows the crowd how to hold the tree without damaging it, then places it in a hole lining a forest path and covers the roots with soil before pressing them down gently. Soon all of the crowd are busy planting. "If a tree is cut, one needs to be planted in its place. But people who cut trees in Senegal tend not to replace them as they lack the necessary skills," said Maimouna Seck, one young member of the planting crew, as she wiped away beads of sweat forming on her face. A recent university graduate, she said she learned about the need for reforestation in school, and had come out to "fill the void others have created". In Africa's Sahel, planting and protecting trees is crucial to maintaining rainfall patterns, providing cool places for people in a hot environment and helping curb climate change. On the edge of Dakar, Lead Senegal, an environmental NGO, is planting acacia trees to restore the shrinking and degraded Mbao forest, seen as Dakar's "green lung". Last month, 150 volunteers planted 1,000 trees in a day, on the opening day of the initiative. Eight-year-old Katia Elouga was one of those taking part. "It is my first time in the forest," she said, kneeling in the soil. "Today I learned that trees shouldn't be cut and wasted, and that it's important to plant more." Her mother, Christella Elouga, explained that she likes "this sort of initiative because nature belongs to all of us". "Nobody owns it but we all need it and benefit from it  especially Mbao, as the 'lung of Dakar,'" she said. URBAN EXPANSION Planted by the government in 1908 as part of a reforestation project to halt land erosion and replenish the soil, the forest is listed as "classified", a status that gives it some level of protection. Activities such as cutting trees, or removing roots, leaves or fruit, require government permission  although that does not always prevent people entering the forest at night, said Moussa Fall, a consultant for the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. Since being planted, the forested area has shrunk to 700 hectares today, from 815 hectares in 1940, as the government has dedicated some areas of land to new roads and other public works projects, Fall said. Bad roads in the area in the early 2000s meant garbage trucks couldn't access some villages, leading to the forest becoming "an uncontrolled garbage dump" for waste from the area, Fall explained. An 11-kilometre perimeter wall built around the forest in 2004 has reduced dumping and illegal logging. But Malick Geye, a spokesman for Lead Senegal, believes protection of the forest must go further. "This is the only green space the city has left. We are raising the alarm for the population to maintain the forest, and the government to continue to protect it, as we don't want to see more parcels of land disappear," he said. That is particularly important as real estate developers convince farmers and other landowners to sell their land to build apartment towers, turning Dakar into what he termed "a concrete jungle". Urban expansion is a threat to the Mbao forest, he said, and without it being protected the capital faces worsening air quality and other problems. PRESERVING THE FOREST Despite those concerns, the government in 2013 cut 35 hectares of forest to allow a toll road to pass through the forest. Fall, however, believes the highway has "helped create awareness" of the forest. "Now people drive through it so they get a sense of the size of the forest even if they have never been to it," he said. In addition, part of the funding for the highway  from partners including the World Bank  has been used by the government and NGOs to reforest 140 hectares of land in Mbao forest with over 58,000 plants of 20 different species, such as eucalyptus, cashew and acacia. Another of the government's strategies entails allowing local populations to cultivate parcels of land throughout the forest, which makes them accountable for its protection and prevents it from becoming a dumping ground, Fall said. He estimates that about 700 people cultivate 180 hectares of forest land. A three-hectare vegetable plot leased to a 22-member women's collective generated more than 12 million CFA (about $20,000) in 2015 from sales of carrots, turnips, cabbage and tomatoes, Fall said. (Reporting by Emmanuelle Landais; editing by Zoe Tabary and Laurie Goering. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org)
Producer Dallas Sonnier has partnered with publisher Will Evans to create Cinestate, a new venture that marries the worlds of film, television, audio and books.

The company will focus on publishing books, producing and financing screen content, and creating audio programming in the form of podcasting and audio production. It is starting out with several projects on two different mediums.

Sonnier just wrapped production on Brawl in Cell Block 99, a prison thriller written and directed by S. Craig Zahler that stars Vince Vaughn and Don Johnson.

The company is also in negotiations with Larry Clark, the filmmaker behind the infamous Kids, to direct an unnamed dramatic horror film.

It has also optioned Militia, a 2015 Black List script written by Henry Dunham. Dunham will also direct the project, now renamed The Abilene Incident.

Then there is what it hopes will be its groundbreaking calling card that could set it apart from others, an audio work titled The Narrow Caves that features the voice talent of Vincent D'Onofrio, Wyatt Russell, Will Patton and Lili Simmons.

Sonnier has spent the last 10 years as a manager-producer at the bicoastal firm Caliber Media with partner Jack Heller. The two have dissolved the former shingle and now Sonnier has set up shop in his hometown (and namesake) of Dallas, Texas.

Sonnier had been looking for a way to return to Dallas with his wife and their three children after a devastating one-two punch of losing both his mother and father in separate murders, one in 2010, the other in 2012. His friends introduced him to Evans, then the head of a local book publisher named Deep Vellum. After the two met, the realized there was an opportunity to explore a space not much utilized by media companies.

The focus of Cinestate will be exploiting what the duo call a "story universe." The plan is to be selective about the books they put out as every title is intended to be developed into a movie. At the same time, the property will also be further developed in the audio and book space in a way that expands and deepens a story's universe.

Story continues

"We're not going to compete with corporate publishers," says Evans. "We will focus on a niche that we can work with creators and then turn their stories into movies."

"The idea is to create a constant stream of content and keep audiences engaged," says Sonnier.

When long-standing partnerships end, many times bitterness and hurt rise to the surface. Not so in this case, where Sonnier and Heller's interests lay on two separate paths.

"Cinestate is the culmination of everything that Dallas loves and stands for," says Heller, who is also producing Cell Block 99 with Sonnier. "Seeing him move to his hometown and build his dream company gives me a daily smile when my phone rings with a Texas area code. As two best friends who can't go a few hours without speaking to each other, we will continue to work together on many projects well beyond the ones we have on deck, but I also look forward to us being each others biggest fans on the ones we don't."

A key pillar to Cinestate's launch is Zahler, the writer-director of Bone Tomahawk, the well-received 2015 cannibal Western that starred Patrick Wilson, Kurt Russell and Richard Jenkins.

Zahler, who is Sonnier's longtime client, is so prolific that, according to Sonnier, it would be almost impossible to produce all his work as movies. But other mediums provide new avenues to get the work before audiences.

The Narrow Caves, is based on an early Zahler script that he rewrote and refreshed. Zahler also has a story mapped out for a spinoff to Bone Tomahawk but is not interested in directing it right now, so Cinestate, along with Heller, is looking at publishing it as a book or as an audio production (there's even a board game in development). And set to launch later this week at the Frankfurt Book Fair is a novel by Zahler titled Hug Chickenpenny: The Panegyric of an Anomalous Child.

Zahler has seen many A-listers come and go on some of his high-profile scripts over the years, and they've become stuck in development, and he admits it's a frustrating process.

"Almost none of my scripts are being made by the system. People say they like edgy, but then they are afraid of the edge," says Zahler, just two days after wrapping production on Cell Block 99. "But Dallas looks at all these scripts, and not just mine, and sees unrealized potential."

Sonnier would look at the scripts Zahler sold but which did not get made and wondered, "People sell screenplays all the time. Then they sit on the shelf and don't get made. How do you monetize a dormant screenplay?"

The audio aspect is a key component for the company. Cinestate has signed an exclusive deal with Audible.com, the internet audio programmer, and looks to produce works that they call an "ear movie." Armed with a narrator, actors, sound mix and a score, the works are meant to combine the best of an audio book and a classic British radio play.

"Here's a way to have people hear it, and maybe give it a life," Zahler says. "Maybe it'll be a movie, maybe not, but it will have life in some way. That is comforting to a writer."

As the company prepared to officially launch Monday, Sonnier says he used to ask himself the question: "Why haven't a book publisher and a movie producer partnered like this before? It seemed like a natural fit."

The question hangs in the air for a moment before Sonnier answers it: "We're in Dallas, we don't have to play by the rules of New York or LA."
(Updates Supervalu; adds ISS, Constellation Brands, Coty and RTE)

Oct 17 (Reuters) - The following bids, mergers, acquisitions and disposals were reported by 2000 GMT on Monday:

** Food retailer and wholesaler Supervalu Inc will sell its Save-A-Lot business to Canadian private equity firm Onex Corp for $1.37 billion rather than spinning off the discount grocery chain as previously planned, the companies said.

** Investor advisory company Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) has recommended that investors in fertilizer producers Agrium Inc and Potash Corp of Saskatchewan support a merger of the companies.

** Alaska Air Group Inc was making "good progress" in talks with the Justice Department on a planned merger with Virgin America Inc, an Alaska spokeswoman said on Friday.

** Constellation Brands Inc said it would sell its Canadian wine business to Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan for about C$1.03 billion ($775 million).

** Beauty products maker Coty Inc said it would buy ghd, a high-end hairstyling appliances brand, from private equity firm Lion Capital LLP for about 420 million pounds ($522 million).

** Hedge fund manager D.E. Shaw and Co said it may make a non-binding proposal for SunEdison Inc's stake in Terraform Power Inc, according to a regulatory filing on Friday.

** French grid operator RTE, a unit of state-owned utility EDF, says it is considering a bid for Greek grid operator ADMIE and would be ready to play a role in consolidating Europe's power networks if EU regulations allow this.

** India and Russia on Saturday signed a deal to pave the way for a group led by Russian oil major Rosneft to acquire India's Essar Oil.

** Poland's largest insurer, state-run PZU, said on Saturday it has started negotiations with Italy's banking group Unicredit over buying the lender's Polish unit Bank Pekao.

** Czech privately held energy group EPH has agreed to sell a 30 percent stake in its EP Infrastructure (EPIF) unit to an investor group led by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, EPH said.

Story continues

** Banca Popolare di Milano's (BPM) shareholders approved a planned merger with Banco Popolare on Saturday, giving the final green light to the creation of Italy's third-largest bank.

** Tesla Motors Inc said it would collaborate with Panasonic Corp to manufacture solar cells and modules in Buffalo, New York.

** Leading German car industry manufacturer Continental AG on Saturday announced it had bought Hornschuch, a maker of films, foam laminates and artificial leather for cars and other applications, to help it expand into other industry sectors.

** Mentor Graphics Corp, a company that makes software for designing semiconductors, is working with Bank of America Corp to explore strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, according to people familiar with the matter.

** South Africa's Steinhoff International plans to buy Fantastic Holdings for 361 million Australian dollars ($274 million), the Sydney-based retailer said on Friday.

** SSE Plc, Britain's second biggest energy supplier, said it had agreed to sell a 16.7 percent stake in regional gas distribution business Scotia Gas Networks Ltd (SGN) to Abu Dhabi Investment Authority for 621 million pounds ($772 million).

** PSA Group, the maker of Peugeot, Citroen and DS cars, said on Monday it was buying a stake in a French online second-hand car retailer as it expands into new areas of business.

** Financial and commodity markets operator Intercontinental Exchange Inc will have to sell commodities trading software house Trayport to preserve competition, Britain's competition watchdog said.

** Malaysia's second-biggest lender CIMB Group Holdings Bhd said it is in talks with China Galaxy Securities Co Ltd on setting up a joint venture partnership in the stockbroking business. (Compiled by Anya George Tharakan and Aravind K in Bengaluru)
SIA and other airlines implemented a complete ban of the device.

Singapore Airlines (SIA), Quantas and four budget carriers in Singapore simultaneously announced banning all passengers on carrying Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 on board over the weekend.

Previously, passengers are allowed to bring the Note 7 on board, as long as the phone was turned off.

On its Facebook account dated October 15, SIA explained that the decision was made following the US Department of Transportation's public advisory of banning the device on US aircraft under an emergency orders.

Quantas and its budget carrier Jetstart made the announcement on Saturday. The ban was made effective 12.01am the following day.

Other carriers which followed suit are budget carriers AirAsia, Scoot and TigerAir.

On separate statements, the airlines warned of denying passengers boarding and checking-in luggage if found in possession of the device.







More From Singapore Business Review


To keep up with Democracy Lab in real time, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Ian Bateson reports on the hard lessons Mikheil Saakashvili has learned since becoming governor of Ukraines Odessa region.

Tom Ginsburg lays out the advantages of constitutional monarchy as exemplified by Thailands recently deceased king  and points out why hell be so hard to measure up to.

Larry Diamond explains how an alternative voting system under consideration in Maine could reinvigorate American democracy  if it passes on November 8.

Olesya Zakharova answers a puzzling question  if Vladimir Putin wants to suppress Russian civil society, why does he give it so much money?

Munyaradzi Dodo reports from Zimbabwe on how the countrys regime has made its own flag illegal.

And now for this weeks recommended reads:

For the New York Times, Robert Shiller makes the case that the rise of ethnic nationalism around the world is fueled by weak economic growth coupled with inequality.

In the Washington Post, Anne Applebaum points out that a counter-wave to illiberal populism seems to be on the rise in Europe. Also in the Post, Nathaniel Persily and Jon Cohen highlight survey results that seem to indicate that Americans are losing faith in democracy.

In the Boston Globe, Jeffrey Sachs  who supports free trade  blasts the Obama administration for continuing to push for the TPP and TTIP trade deals.

In the Guardian, Pravit Rojanaphruk objects to the increasingly harsh suppression of anti-monarchist sentiment in Thailand as the country mourns the death of King Bhumibol.

For Bloomberg, Arabile Gumede reports that several South African universities have called in the police for help in dealing with student protests that have raged for weeks. The BBC has more background on the protesters demands.

Also in Bloomberg, Raymond Colitt, Samy Adghirni, and Bruce Douglas warn that many Brazilians have given up on democracy in the face of economic crisis and political turmoil.

Story continues

In Politico Europe, Valerie Hopkins reports on the election of a Serb as mayor of Srebrenica, the site of the notorious 1995 massacre of Bosnian Muslims by Serb forces.

The BBC covers the sudden closure of Nepszabadsag, a left-leaning Hungarian newspaper. Suspecting political pressure, thousands protested for press freedom in Budapest yesterday, as reported by Pablo Gorondi for the Washington Post.

In his blog, Marginal Revolution, Tyler Cowen hails Indias biometric smartcard program  initiated to simplify welfare payments to millions of poor people  as under-discussed and underappreciated.

In the photo, riot police line up as students from the University of Witwatersrand wait for detained students to be released outside a court in Johannesburg on Oct. 12.

Photo credit: GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images
A Democrat-run GoFundMe page has raised more than $13,000 to help the GOP office in North Carolina that was firebombed, and it all began with a single tweet.

Zeynep Tufekci, an associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, took to Twitter Sunday night after the bombing to channel her outrage and propose something constructive: she suggested Hillary Clintons campaign lend the Republicans some office space.

"Act of political terrorism", indeed. The Clinton campaign should let the GOP take over one of its offices so no time is lost for them. https://t.co/werFh6FUEI  Zeynep Tufekci (@zeynep) October 16, 2016

Tufekcis idea snowballed from there. Dan Gillmor from Arizona State Universitys journalism school noticed her tweet and sent it David Weinberger at Harvard. Weinberger thought it was a really interesting and right-spirited idea, he told TIME. So he emailed Tufekci and soon a message thread was going between them and some other Democratic friends: Jeff Jarvis from the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, Joe Trippi, Democratic consultant and Fox News contributor, and Clay Shirky from New York University also came on board. They spent a few hours kicking around ideas and brainstorming (We should have used Slack, Weinberger joked), and by the end of the email chain they had set up a GoFundMe page hoping to raise $10,000 to help the office rebuild.

As Democrats, we are starting this campaign to enable the Orange County, North Carolina Republican office to re-open as soon as possible, the page read. This is not how Americans resolve their differences. We talk, we argue, sometimes we march, and most of all we vote. We do not resort to violence by individuals or by mobs. So, lets all pitch in, no matter what your party affiliation, in and get that office open again quickly.

Story continues

Forty minutes later, they had met their $10,000 goal, and by the time they shut down the fundraiser, it had taken in $13,107 from more than 500 donations.

The group behind the effort tweeted their praise and their thanks. There is a hunger for civility in our politics, Trippi tweeted. A blow for civilization and peace, wrote Jarvis. Its possible to help the RNC recover from an unfair attempt to damage them, then try to beat them fairly. Both things are worth protecting, said Shirky.

I think that the enthusiasm with which this proposal was met is evidence that people recognize the growing threat to our basic democratic processes, says Weinberger, who ran the page. This election season seems to be normalizing political violence. Not firebombing, that sort of political violence is still shocking, as it should be. But bullying, name calling, intimidating, threatening lawsuits, threatening the legitimacy of the election process itself, all of these prevent democracy from functioning as it should.

Weinberger and officials in North Carolina are now trying to figure out the best way to transfer the funds. Earl McKee, chair of the Orange County Commissioners, told TIME hes working with the board of elections and the county attorney to figure out how to dispense the funds without running afoul of election and campaign finance law, which is strict about the reporting and usage of funds for political purposes. It is currently in stasis, McKee said of the money. It is simply sitting there waiting for the decision as to how it can be used The party officials on the local level were very appreciative of the effort. I think they, like I and like Mr. Weinberger, are concerned that whatever is done adheres strictly to protocol and law.

While the money gets sorted out, the comments on the GoFundMe page provide a window into members of the electorate who are willing to come together and support each other despite the divisive election season. Sorry about the fire, one donor who gave $75 to the cause commented. Im not Republican but we are all American.

May we be spared Trump, wrote another who gave $10, but not this way.
By David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In spite of the apparent failure of another North Korean missile test at the weekend, the country's aggressive testing schedule could see its Musudan intermediate ballistic missile entering operational service sometime next year - much sooner than expected, a leading U.S. expert said on Monday. The U.S. military said on Saturday it had detected a failed launch of a Musudan, the latest in a series in violation of United Nations resolutions. The U.S. Strategic Command said the missile failed in a launch near North Korea's northwestern city of Kusong. South Korea's military said the missile failed immediately after launch, but neither it nor the Pentagon suggested reasons. The Musudan has range of some 3,000 km (1,860 miles), posing a threat to South Korea and Japan, and possibly the U.S. territory of Guam. Pyongyang claims that it has succeeded in miniaturizing a nuclear warhead that can be mounted on a missile, but this have never been independently verified. John Schilling, an aerospace engineer specializing in rocket propulsion, said it was noteworthy that North Korea had launched the missile from its west coast, rather than from its purpose-built test facility. "Moving to a roadside near Kusong is like taking the training wheels off the bicycle, seeing if you really have mastered something new," he wrote on the 38 North website that monitors North Korea. Schilling said the move showed that in spite of only one successful launch to show for seven attempts this year, North Korea was not simply repeating old failures. "They are continuing with an aggressive test schedule that involves, at least this time, demonstrating new operational capabilities. That increases the probability of individual tests failing, but it means they will learn more with each test," he wrote. "If they continue at this rate, the Musudan intermediate -range ballistic missile could enter operational service sometime next year - much sooner than had previously been expected," Schilling said The latest test comes ahead of a meeting on Wednesday in Washington of U.S., Japanese and South Korean defense and foreign ministers expected to focus on North Korea's missile and nuclear programs. The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said last month Washington would speed up deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system to South Korea given the pace of North Korea's missile tests. Japanese government sources told Reuters Japan may accelerate around $1 billion of planned spending to upgrade its ballistic missile defenses. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Alistair Bell)
By Nate Raymond

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank AG (DBKGn.DE) has agreed to pay $38 million (31.18 million)to settle U.S. litigation over allegations it illegally conspired with other banks to fix silver prices at the expense of investors, according to court papers filed on Monday.

The settlement, disclosed in papers filed in Manhattan federal court, came in one of many recent lawsuits in which investors have accused banks of conspiring to rig rates and prices in financial and commodities markets.

The settlement had been expected since April, though terms had yet to be disclosed. In court papers, lawyers for the investors say the deal will likely be an "ice breaker" that will serve as a catalyst for other banks to settle.

Vincent Briganti, a lawyer for the investors, said the deal provides "substantial monetary compensation plus cooperation from Deutsche Bank in the continued prosecution of this important case against the non-settling defendants."

The settlement is subject to court approval. A spokeswoman for the German bank declined to comment.

In the litigation, investors claimed Deutsche Bank, HSBC Holdings Plc (HSBA.L) and Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO) (ScotiaBank) rigged silver prices through a secret daily meeting called the Silver Fix, and accused UBS AG (UBSG.S) of exploiting that fix.

The alleged conspiracy started by 1999, suppressed prices on roughly $30 billion of silver and silver financial instruments traded each year, and enabled the banks to pocket returns that could top 100 percent annualised, the investors said.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni ruled the investors had sufficiently, "albeit barely," alleged that Deutsche Bank, HSBC and ScotiaBank violated U.S. antitrust law by conspiring to depress the Silver Fix from 2007 to 2013.

But the judge dismissed UBS from the case, saying there was nothing showing it manipulated prices, even if it benefited from distortions.

Caproni at that time said the investors could amend their complaint, including against UBS, and a lawyer for the investors has said they planned to do so.

The case is In re: London Silver Fixing Ltd Antitrust Litigation, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 14-md-02573.

(Editing by Bernard Orr and Matthew Lewis)
By Nate Raymond

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank AG <DBKGn.DE> has agreed to pay $38 million to settle U.S. litigation over allegations it illegally conspired with other banks to fix silver prices at the expense of investors, according to court papers filed on Monday.

The settlement, disclosed in papers filed in Manhattan federal court, came in one of many recent lawsuits in which investors have accused banks of conspiring to rig rates and prices in financial and commodities markets.

The settlement had been expected since April, though terms had yet to be disclosed. In court papers, lawyers for the investors say the deal will likely be an "ice breaker" that will serve as a catalyst for other banks to settle.

Vincent Briganti, a lawyer for the investors, said the deal provides "substantial monetary compensation plus cooperation from Deutsche Bank in the continued prosecution of this important case against the non-settling defendants."

The settlement is subject to court approval. A spokeswoman for the German bank declined to comment.

In the litigation, investors claimed Deutsche Bank, HSBC Holdings Plc <HSBA.L> and Bank of Nova Scotia <BNS.TO> (ScotiaBank) rigged silver prices through a secret daily meeting called the Silver Fix, and accused UBS AG <UBSG.S> of exploiting that fix.

The alleged conspiracy started by 1999, suppressed prices on roughly $30 billion of silver and silver financial instruments traded each year, and enabled the banks to pocket returns that could top 100 percent annualized, the investors said.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni ruled the investors had sufficiently, "albeit barely," alleged that Deutsche Bank, HSBC and ScotiaBank violated U.S. antitrust law by conspiring to depress the Silver Fix from 2007 to 2013.

But the judge dismissed UBS from the case, saying there was nothing showing it manipulated prices, even if it benefited from distortions.

Story continues

Caproni at that time said the investors could amend their complaint, including against UBS, and a lawyer for the investors has said they planned to do so.

The case is In re: London Silver Fixing Ltd Antitrust Litigation, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 14-md-02573.

(Editing by Bernard Orr and Matthew Lewis)
(Adds details on settlement, comments by lawyer for investors, Deutsche Bank spokeswoman declining to comment, background on case)

By Nate Raymond

NEW YORK, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank AG has agreed to pay $38 million to settle U.S. litigation over allegations it illegally conspired with other banks to fix silver prices at the expense of investors, according to court papers filed on Monday.

The settlement, disclosed in papers filed in Manhattan federal court, came in one of many recent lawsuits in which investors have accused banks of conspiring to rig rates and prices in financial and commodities markets.

The settlement had been expected since April, though terms had yet to be disclosed. In court papers, lawyers for the investors say the deal will likely be an "ice breaker" that will serve as a catalyst for other banks to settle.

Vincent Briganti, a lawyer for the investors, said the deal provides "substantial monetary compensation plus cooperation from Deutsche Bank in the continued prosecution of this important case against the non-settling defendants."

The settlement is subject to court approval. A spokeswoman for the German bank declined to comment.

In the litigation, investors claimed Deutsche Bank, HSBC Holdings Plc and Bank of Nova Scotia (ScotiaBank) rigged silver prices through a secret daily meeting called the Silver Fix, and accused UBS AG of exploiting that fix.

The alleged conspiracy started by 1999, suppressed prices on roughly $30 billion of silver and silver financial instruments traded each year, and enabled the banks to pocket returns that could top 100 percent annualized, the investors said.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni ruled the investors had sufficiently, "albeit barely," alleged that Deutsche Bank, HSBC and ScotiaBank violated U.S. antitrust law by conspiring to depress the Silver Fix from 2007 to 2013.

But the judge dismissed UBS from the case, saying there was nothing showing it manipulated prices, even if it benefited from distortions.

Story continues

Caproni at that time said the investors could amend their complaint, including against UBS, and a lawyer for the investors has said they planned to do so.

The case is In re: London Silver Fixing Ltd Antitrust Litigation, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 14-md-02573.

(Editing by Bernard Orr and Matthew Lewis)
On Oct 17, secondary and post-secondary education provider DeVry Education Group, Inc. DV was raised by a notch to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).



DeVry Educations medical schools post strong outcome, with incredibly low cohort-default rates and high job placement. In particular, the medical and health care segment, Chamberlain and Ross, gained on strong demand for jobs in the field of healthcare across the U.S. In fact, the segment reported revenues of $231.2 million, up 8% year over year in the fourth-quarter fiscal 2016, driven by strong enrollment at Chamberlain College of Nursing.



Lately, the company has adopted multiple initiatives to boost the top line in the face of tough competition from schools like Lincoln Educational Services Corporation LINC, TAL Education Group XRS, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. UTI.



DEVRY EDUCATION Price and Consensus

DEVRY EDUCATION Price and Consensus | DEVRY EDUCATION Quote

The company has also taken up transformational initiatives at the DeVry University like improvement of student experience, affordability of programs and strategic marketing. It also announced plans of offering more technology-focused stackable programs at the DeVry University.



Recently, Becker Professional Education, part of DeVry Education, announced a new partnership with the Chicago Medical Training Center, wherein the latter will offer USMLE preparation courses allowing medical students access to efficient, comprehensive training and study options in one centralized location.



Apart from that, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM), also part of DeVry Education, announced the launch of a program under which students will be provided with a custom-designed iPad for a digitally advanced multimedia learning experience.



Also, upward estimate revisions reflect optimism regarding the stocks prospects. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2017 has moved north by 4.1% to $2.54 per share, over the last sixty days. The company has witnessed two upward revisions for fiscal 2017 over the past 60 days, as against one downward revision.



DeVry Education currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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Wellington (AFP) - All Black halfback Aaron Smith has voluntarily stood down from Saturday's Bledisloe Cup tie with Australia in the wake of his toilet tryst scandal, New Zealand Rugby said on Monday.

NZR said Smith offered to sit out the blockbuster tie against the Wallabies in Auckland at a disciplinary hearing into his conduct.

The 54-Test veteran was also issued with a formal warning over the incident last month, when he entered a disabled toilet cubicle with a woman at busy Christchurch Airport the day after the Test against South Africa.

NZR said Smith's action was "serious misconduct" that affected the reputation of the All Blacks and their commercial partners.

"Aaron presented himself as genuine, honest and incredibly remorseful," it said in a statement.

"We have also taken into account the fact that the very public nature of this incident has had a significant impact on him personally."

The Auckland Test will be the second Smith has missed over the scandal after he was suspended from this month's match against South Africa in Durban.

Smith made no comment in the NZR statement but offered a tearful apology earlier this month, saying the liaison with the mystery woman was a "huge mistake".

NZR said the player was "committed to getting the support he needs to deal with personal issues and to work on his relationship with his partner".
CANNES, France  Disneys ABC Studios International looks set to drive significantly more into local production outside the U.S. as it seeks to leverage the distribution muscle of Disney Media Networks, plus ABCs production expertise, to capitalize on new production opportunities around the world.

Producing abroad, ABC Intl. Studios has multiple options, said Keli Lee, managing director, international content and talent, ABC Studios International. These run the gamut of international co-productions; local co-production; re-versioning Disneys huge library of IPs; acquisition and production of original formats, Lee said at a Disney Media Distribution presentation at Mipcom on Monday.

Hopefully in the next months or so we will have some things to announce, Lee said, adding that the projects would represent all four production categories she mentioned. ABCs casting guru for a decade, Lee relocated from the U.S. to London earlier the year to her newly created post, heading up ABC International Studios.

Disney has produced local content in Latin America for 16 years, including iterations of Desperate Housewives, Greys Anatomy and Revenge. It has partnered on production in Turkey and Nigeria. Regarding international co-production, Lee cited TV series Guerrilla, from writer-creator John Ridley, who has a deal at ABC Studios. The show stars Freida Pinto and Babou Ceesay, is produced by ABC Studios, Sky Atlantic and 50 Fathoms, and will air in the U.S. on Showtime.

ABC Studios Intl.s production drive is likely to signal a significant hike overseas in production investment.

We are committed to investing and developing international co-productions and original local productions, Lee said.

She added: ABC Studios Intl.s priority is talent and partnerships. We are looking for the right partners in each territory, such as France, Germany and Spain, where ABC could act as a producer, financier or distributor.

ABC Studios can bring huge expertise to the table and the production financing to produce at a scale which allows content results to stand out from the crowd.

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Also, U.S. and international audiences are not evolving in sync, as Mark Endemano, general manager, Disney Media Distribution, Europe, Middle East and Africa, pointed out.

While network production volumes of procedurals have dropped off in the U.S., there is still a large demand for such shows abroad, he said. When you look at the content imported from the U.S. that works the best, it can be procedurals, he said, citing France as an example. There is a market opportunity for production.

The world is not one country. We have made a commitment to becoming truly local, said Ben Pyne, president, Disney Media Networks.

Fernando Barbosa, SVP, Disney distribution and production, Latin America, talked briefly about the Disney Media Distribution-backed Juan Gabriel bio-series, Hasta que te conoci, which broke ratings records on TNT Latin America and Mexicos TV Azteca and tripled Univision ratings on Telemundo. With our first original, we hit the jackpot. This is just the first of other originals which we have coming, Barbosa said at the Disney presentation.

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Lucasfilm, a subsidiary of Disney, is using the force of its trademarks to cut down an enterprise that purports to teach interested Star Wars fans the ways of the Jedi. On Friday, a lawsuit was filed against Michael Brown, described in the lawsuit as operating businesses including New York Jedi, the Lightsaber Academy and Thrills and Skills.

The defendant's services, including classes and teaching certifications, are pitched at LightsaberAcademy.com, which also describes "core principles" leading to practice in "Academic Form, Stage, and/or Dueling."

The owner of the Star Wars franchise is now in California federal court talking about cybersquatting, trademark infringement and unfair competition.

"Defendants regularly use the Lucasfilm Trademarks without authorization in connection with their businesses," states the complaint. "Among other infringing activities, Defendants use a logo that is nearly identical, and confusingly similar, to Lucasfilm's trademark Jedi Order logo  round in shape, with six wing-like shapes curving upward (three per side), and an eight-pointed star featuring elongated top and bottom points stretched into a vertical line."

Lucasfilm says it has served multiple cease notices, and that Brown has responded by filing a trademark application for "Lightsaber Academy, Inc."

The plaintiff now demands a permanent injunction, actual damages and profits, or alternatively, up to $2 million in statutory damages for each trademark infringed. Lucasfilm is represented by Laura Lin and Kelly Klaus at Munger, Tolles & Olson.

Here's the complaint.

Brown couldn't be reached for comment.
Armenias Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Armen Asatryan told reports today in Yerevan that the government had reduced social risks to the minimum and that its priority would be to offer accessible and quality services to citizens.

The minister said that the government is discussing the matter of possibly lowering utility rates for disadvantaged families.

Asatryan said that the government is also debating whether to give one-time monetary assistance awards to new families and is reviewing its policy regarding social assistance to the disabled.
Distressed properties, such as foreclosed or short-sale residences, have historically been a popular target for home flippers and real estate investment professionals. Where others see peril, they see profit, and in the eight years following the Great Recession many were more right than wrong.

But lately, distressed properties for sale have declined, with the delinquency rate on U.S.-based single-family residential mortgages sliding from 6.15 percent in the first quarter of 2015, to 4.84 percent in the first quarter of 2016, according to CoreLogic.

That trend continued through the second quarter of 2016, CoreLogic reports.

"Foreclosure inventory plunged 25.9 percent in June from the same time last year, while completed foreclosures were down 4.9 percent," the data analysis company says. "The number of completed foreclosures as of this past June (38,000) represents a decline of 67.5 percent from the peak (117,835) in September 2010."

About 1 percent of all U.S. residential properties holding a mortgage were in the foreclosure process in June -- that's the lowest foreclosure inventory rate in nine years, CoreLogic says.

[See: 7 Stocks to Buy When a Recession Hits.]

So with fewer distressed properties available, and an army of seasoned and savvy professional investors still in the market for new foreclosed and short-sale properties, that begs the question: Should average investors even consider dipping their toes into the distressed home market right now?

It all depends upon which real estate industry insider you ask.

"Buying a distressed property can be a great investment if you know what to look for," says Mark Ferguson, founder of Invest Four More in Denver, and a real estate investor who has flipped more than 100 properties. "But just because a property is distressed does not mean it is a good deal. Banks who sell their foreclosures are trying to get as much money as they can for their properties, and do not simply want them off their books."

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Ferguson says the two most important things new property investors need to know when dealing with a distressed sale are what the home will be worth when it is fixed up and how much the repairs (and there are always repairs) will cost.

"It makes no sense to buy a home for $130,000, make $30,000 in repairs and have a home worth $160,000," he adds. "You need a reward or motivation to go through the repair process, plus it will take more cash to buy a house that needs repairs."

Ferguson says he likes to see at least a 20 percent spread between the repaired price minus the repairs and the final price tag on the home.

"I would want to buy that $160,000 house for $104,000 if it needs $30,000 in repairs," he says.

The reason you want such a high reward for buying a distressed property is that it takes more cash to buy them, Ferguson adds.

"Most banks will not lend on houses that need a lot of work," he says. "Those banks that do lend on those houses will almost never lend money for the repairs, just the purchase price."

The mantra for newer distressed property investors might well be, "no pain, no gain."

[See: 20 Awesome Dividend Stocks for Guaranteed Income.]

"For the most part, distressed investment has provided a good return," says Adam Jernow, owner of WayFinderPM, a property management firm based in New York. "However, the lessons are usually learned from the disasters."

"One property flooded and also caught fire," he says. "In both cases it wasn't the flooding that ruined the deal, it was the operator (the person running the deal). Consequently, you have to choose carefully if you're not running the project yourself."

If you're chomping at the bit to get going, aim low, home style-wise, Jernow advises. And always place your bets on good neighborhoods.

"I started with ugly apartments in great areas," he says. "My first was an awkward apartment in New York City's Soho neighborhood. It was priced low and other buyers didn't want the risk. But I wanted the risk and the reward."

Jernow says the apartment did well as a rental and then eventually as a sale.

"To make it work, I found reasonable contractors, worked with the co-op board and neighbors to achieve a better apartment and I read a ton online about renovation mistakes," he says.

Also, if and when you pursue a foreclosed property, avoid bidding on properties at foreclosure auctions, which many new investors try to do.

"The problem is that buyers have to bid sight unseen -- they don't have access to the property," says Brian Davis, a real estate investor who owns 15 properties, and co-founder of SparkRental.com "Unless they have inside knowledge, they're bidding without knowing the condition of the property."

That's one reason why nearly all homes fail to sell at foreclosure auction, and the bank ends up taking the property back themselves, Davis says.

"A more viable option for invest in distressed homes is to contact homeowners in foreclosure and make an offer to buy the property before it goes to auction," he says. "The "We buy ugly houses" crowd has been using this model successfully for years. They come out, inspect the property, and make a lowball offer with the promise of a fast, cash settlement."

Most homeowners in foreclosure don't have any equity, making distressed properties a numbers game, Davis adds.

"Occasionally the lender will accept a short sale, but in most cases investors can only make money on distressed homes with plenty of equity," he says.

[See: 7 Global Goats That Could Bring Market Mayhem.]

It's a tough time to enter the distressed property investment market, with foreclosures on the decline. That said, there's always a recession around the corner, unfortunately, and by studying up now, you'll have a leg up on the competition when, equally unfortunately for the homeowner, the next round of distressed homes hits the market.

Brian O'Connell is a Bucks County, Pennsylvania, business writer and author. A former Wall Street bond trader, O'Connell is the author of two best-selling books, and is a frequent contributor to TheStreet.com, CBS News, Bloomberg and other major media business platforms.
By Timothy Large LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - From life imprisonment for human traffickers to forcing pimps to pay compensation to their victims, Britain has some of the world's toughest sanctions against modern slavery. Passed a little more than a year ago, Britain's Modern Slavery Act has been hailed as a milestone in the anti-slavery fight, combining harsh penalties with progressive measures such as better protections for people at risk of being enslaved. It also requires companies to disclose what they are doing to make sure supply chains are free from slavery, a crime that affects some 46 million people worldwide, with up to 13,000 in Britain. Last week, British Prime Minister Theresa May warned traffickers: "We are coming after you." But does Britain's approach to fighting slavery live up to the hype? Is it a model for other countries to follow? Does it offer the right balance of carrot and stick to ensure meaningful change on the front lines of the anti-trafficking fight? As Britain marks Anti-Slavery Day, a day set by parliament to raise awareness of slavery and trafficking, we asked experts for their views on the effectiveness - or otherwise - of the Modern Slavery Act. Here are their responses. KEVIN HYLAND, UK INDEPENDENT ANTI-SLAVERY COMMISSIONER: When I meet with representatives of different organizations across the world, people do talk about the Modern Slavery Act as being groundbreaking and being world-leading... The legislation is seen as capturing all areas, from looking after the victims, from real rule of law, from prevention, from accountability and then from bringing in the private sector as well. AIDAN MCQUADE, DIRECTOR, ANTI-SLAVERY INTERNATIONAL: Anti-Slavery International has lobbied for a law like the Modern Slavery Act for nearly two decades, so it's a strange feeling now to feel rather unsatisfied. We have argued for years that providing a comprehensive support and protection to all victims of modern slavery should be at the heart of anti-slavery law and practice. Sadly, this is the area that is still lacking the most. Too often victims are still not believed, don't get the support they need, or are treated as immigration offenders and deported rather than protected. ANDREW WALLIS, CEO, UNSEEN: What's needed is a complete overhaul where the focus is on how we help survivors long-term from a position of vulnerability to a place of resilience. Most survivors we work with want to thrive, despite the trauma of modern slavery, but the current system is perfectly designed to deliver the results we have: a safety net temporarily arresting the plunge down the side of a cliff. NICK GRONO, CEO, THE FREEDOM FUND: The UK transparency provisions are light touch - in the sense that companies can comply simply by saying they have no policies in place to deal with forced labor or slavery (assuming that's the case). And the provisions are not backed by any meaningful sanctions. But their power comes from the fact that they require directors and management to turn their mind to issues of forced labor and modern slavery - often for the very first time. GEORGETTE MULHEIR, CEO, LUMOS: Tackling human trafficking is vital in destination countries such as the UK, to identify and support victims and prosecute offenders. The Modern Slavery Act provides the backbone for this work by many statutory agencies and NGOs. But if we fail to address the problem in source countries, then the number of people who go through the trauma of being trafficked will not reduce. PHIL BLOOMER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BUSINESS & HUMAN RIGHTS RESOURCE CENTER: No company wants slavery in its supply chain. The Modern Slavery Act allows us to compare companies' commitments to eliminate this scourge that was supposed to be abolished 150 years ago. Our Modern Slavery Act Registry of over 750 company statements enables investors and consumers to reward the leading companies, and press the laggards to improve. So far, only a handful of companies, such as M&S and SAB Miller, Burberry, Ford and Mothercare, have produced statements to be proud of. GORDON MILLER, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, SUSTAIN WORLDWIDE: The Transparency in Supply Chains clause is genius ... All this doesn't mean some companies will still treat it as a 'tick box exercise'. But, equally, it does, at the very least, compel them to consider how their business impacts on the broader human rights of people working in their entire supply chain and not only those employed in their direct business operations. BRANDEE BUTLER, HEAD OF JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, C&A FOUNDATION: Governments seeking to eradicate slavery should take note of the UK's leadership, and learn from its flaws. The act requires only that companies report on their actions, and imposes few consequences for non-compliance with even this basic requirement. Early reporting shows that few companies have fully complied. There is tremendous opportunity to build upon the UK government's efforts to crack down on slavery in supply chains. In consultation with business and civil society, legislators in other countries should craft policies that demand meaningful action to combat slavery and address the impacts of business practices on the lives and liberty of workers. TJ BIRDI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HELEN BAMBER FOUNDATION: The Modern Slavery Act has been lauded by politicians as a 'world leader in the fight against modern slavery'. However, the only way to fight such a serious and prolific crime is by setting effective standards for the identification, support and sustained recovery of victims ... The experience of the Helen Bamber Foundation over decades has shown that if victims are not recognized and assisted, they remain vulnerable to further slavery and serious harm. HOUTAN HOMAYOUNPOUR, TECHNICAL SPECIALIST, INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION: Globally, there are at least 21 million people in situations of forced labor, and other forms of modern day slavery, generating $150 billion in illicit profits annually. It is in the context of this harsh reality that the UK continues to take a strong stance in the fight against slavery, by passing the Modern Slavery Act at home, as well as ratifying the ILO Protocol on forced labor. These are both giant steps towards the elimination of slavery and helping millions of children, women and men reclaim their freedom and dignity. (Reporting by Timothy Large @timothylarge; editing by Ros Russell; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, which covers humanitarian issues, conflicts, global land and property rights, modern slavery and human trafficking, women's rights, and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org to see more stories)
Glenn Thrush

Glenn Thrush, a top Politico reporter, found himself in hot water for an email he sent in 2015 to Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta.

Thrush, who was working on a story in April 2015 about "Hillary's big-money dilemma," asked Podesta if he could look over a couple of paragraphs that pertained to him.

"Because I have become a hack i will send u the whole section that pertains to u," Thrush wrote.

The Politico reporter added: "Please don't share or tell anyone I did this. Tell me if I f----- anything up."

The exchange was revealed in the latest WikiLeaks dumping of hacked emails from Podesta's account.

Sending paragraphs from a story to ensure accuracy is not uncommon in journalism, and there is no proof that Podesta asked to have anything changed. Later in the email thread, he said "no problems here."

Nevertheless, Thrush found himself under fire online.

Charles Cooke, editor of the National Review Online, a conservative publication, wrote in a tweet that "of course this is who you are, @GlennThrush."

Dan Froomkin, Washington editor at The Intercept, a left-leaning publication, was similarly condemning of the leaked email.

"Prediction: @politico will not fire @GlennThrush because then theyd have to fire MOST OF THEIR STAFF," he wrote on Twitter."

Asked if the ordeal violated editorial standards, Brad Dayspring, Politico's vice president of communications, said in a statement to Business Insider that Thrush's job is not to "appear perfect when someone illegally hacks email."

"Glenn is one of the top political reporters in the country, in no small part because he understands that it is his job is to get inside information, not appear perfect when someone illegally hacks email," Dayspring said. "Cutting through the clutter, what is clear in this case is that Glenn got the chairman of the notoriously secretive Clinton campaign  who is not typically a font of detail  to confirm a bunch of inside information that he culled from other sources."

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"I can speak with firsthand knowledge and experience that Glenn checks the validity of often complex reporting with everybody, on both sides of the aisle," he added.

The Clinton campaign has said Russia is behind the WikiLeaks hacks, attempting to swing the election in favor of Donald Trump.

NOW WATCH: Watch the brutal Hillary Clinton ad that pits Trump against himself





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From Cosmopolitan

One of the women who accused Donald Trump earlier this week says shes fleeing the country out of fear.

Mindy McGillivray, who accused Trump of groping her at Mar-a-Lago 13 years ago, says she no longer feels safe in America.

We feel the backlash of the Trump supporters. It scares us. It intimidates us. We are in fear of our lives, the 36-year-old told The Palm Beach Post in an interview on Friday.

McGillivray has been staying in a hotel ever since initially talking to the paper about her incident with Donald Trump. She says she was helping a photographer out at an event in January of 2003 at Trumps Florida property when Trump grabbed her backside.

"All of a sudden I felt a grab, a little nudge. I think its Kens camera bag, that was my first instinct," she told The Palm Beach Post. "I turn around and theres Donald. He sort of looked away quickly."

Trump denied the accusations and called them total fabrications.

McGillivray says thats simply not true, and that she decided to share her story when Trump denied charges of groping.

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS.

"Im a real person. Im not perfect... I need to expose my ugly side. This isnt for money. This isnt for fame. This is to be honest with her," she told the paper.

Since then, she says shes been scared in the home she shares with her daughter and step-dad.

I look out the window and there are cars just driving around the house and looking, slowing down right at the house, she said. I dont live in a gated community. This is dangerous. There could be people out there who want to hurt us.

Follow Laura on Twitter.

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Donald Trump

Donald Trump is again riling up his voting base with claims that the November election will be rigged against him.

"Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day," Trump tweeted Monday morning. "Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!"

It's a charge that even other Republicans have been quick to refute. Critics have called such talk potentially dangerous and detrimental to trust in the US democratic process.

"States, backed by tens of thousands of GOP and DEM volunteers, ensure integrity of electoral process," Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, who is often sharply critical of Trump, tweeted Sunday. "Elections are not rigged."

Jon Husted, the secretary of state of Ohio and the top election official in the key battleground state, also said Monday that he could assure Trump the election would not be rigged.

Trump's most recent claims coincided with a plunge by him in the polls. Before now, Trump most recently made similar claims when his polls numbers were taking a dive in early August.

"And I'm telling you, November 8, we'd better be careful, because that election is going to be rigged," the New York billionaire told Fox News host Sean Hannity in August. "And I hope the Republicans are watching closely or it's going to be taken away from us."

Multiple Republicans told Business Insider at the time that Trump's assertion was both ludicrous and dangerous, as Trump would be the first US presidential candidate in modern times, possibly ever, to blame an election loss on voter fraud or a rigged election.

Allen Raymond, a former GOP operative who was involved in the 2002 New Hampshire Senate election phone-jamming scandal, called Trump's continued insistence that the election would be rigged "detrimental to the Republic."

"The idea that it's rigged, I don't know what he's talking about," he said in August. "I know someone that rigged elections. I mean, you know, the fact of the matter is Hillary Clinton doesn't need to rig this election. Trump's going to win Alabama and that's it. She doesn't have to do anything. It's painful to watch."

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Raymond wrote "How to Rig an Election: Confessions of a Republican Operative" as a tell-all about the attempt to rig the 2002 New Hampshire Senate election between then-Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat, and Republican US Rep. John E. Sununu. Raymond said that attempted rigging was centered on jamming the phone lines at the New Hampshire Democrats office in Manchester  a task his phone bank was hired to carry out. Sununu went on to win the election by roughly 20,000 votes. Shaheen defeated Sununu in a rematch in 2008.

The operative served a brief prison sentence for his involvement.

Donald Trump

He said any attempts to rig an election would look similar to that  not what Trump's talking about.

The Manhattan billionaire told The Washington Post in August that a lack of voter-identification laws would let people "just keep voting and voting and voting" and suggested fraud occurred in 2012 against Republican nominee Mitt Romney because there were "precincts where there were practically nobody voting for the Republican."

"I don't even know what he's talking about," Raymond said. "But this idea that it's 1950 or 1960 and the party bosses are going to roll into Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and are going to rig the ballot box and rig the machines  that's nonsense. An election rigging these days means something totally different than what he's talking about. Now it's stupid stuff like what I did in New Hampshire."

He said the lack of voter-ID laws Trump was trying to use as proof of fraud this fall was also bogus.

"These voter-ID laws, what's the intention of that? The clear intention is disenfranchisement," he said, echoing a common complaint in liberal circles that voter-ID laws are put in place to prevent minority voting blocks from being able to cast ballots. "You know, there's a reason we don't have a poll tax anymore. Because it's unconstitutional.

"People don't vote 10 times," he continued. "There might be one bad actor every once in a while who tries to vote a couple of times, but he's talking about an institutional effort. It's a total myth."

He said Trump's statements were an attempt to "basically sideline" Hillary Clinton's first four years in office.

The idea of a rigged election came to the forefront after the Democratic National Committee had its emails hacked and leaked, though both Trump and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Clinton's main opponent in the Democratic primary, had claimed the electoral system was rigged earlier in the primary season. The emails showed that the organization, which was supposed to remain neutral throughout the primary, favored Clinton.

Trump said the email leak proved that the primary election was "rigged" against Sanders in his early-August interview with Hannity, in addition to such claims he perpetuated along the campaign trail. He used the leak as further evidence that the fall election would be rigged against him as well.

Barack Obama

His prediction was ripped and mocked by both the Clinton campaign, which called it "dangerous" and "pathetic," and President Barack Obama, who seemed baffled when asked about it in an early-August press conference.

"I don't even know where to start on answering this question," he said. "Of course the elections will not be rigged. What does that mean?"

"My suggestion would be go out there and try to win the election," he continued, proceeding to mock Trump's plummet in the polls. "If Mr. Trump is up 10 or 15 points on Election Day and ends up losing, then he can raise some questions. But that doesn't seem to be the case at the moment."

Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak told Business Insider at the time that Trump's predictions were in line with the entire Trump persona: "Either he wins outright or he was cheated."

"Look, I'm someone who believes voter fraud happens," he said. "I believe voter-ID laws are entirely constitutional and necessary. But outright rigging has, at least since the '60s, certainly has not happened. It's never been proven in the country's history. And the really scary thing about this is, we always have a peaceful transfer of power. And you can imagine with irresponsible statements like that, that a small percentage of his supporters won't accept the election results as legitimate. That's scary."

Should Trump continue to assert that the election will be rigged and he ends up losing, Mackowiak said, it could lead to "some type of revolt."

"Some type of very serious protest that could get out of hand," he said. "It would be very difficult to 'rig' the election. We have 50 individual states that conduct elections."

He called it a "preview of coming attractions for Trump."

"He wants to shift blame for what is clearly a failing campaign and plant the seed now so he can harvest it when he needs it," he said. "I think psychologically, that's even more telling than anything else. He doesn't often predict that he's going to lose. Do I think he's going to harp on this? Probably not."

Mackowiak, the founder and president of the Potomac Strategy Group, repeated one word on a number of occassions to describe Trump's accusations: dangerous.

"And I don't even know if he realizes how dangerous it is," he said. "And, you know, we've got to have a peaceful transfer of power on November 8 no matter what the choice is. And this just raises the possibility that we won't. That's a really, really, really dangerous situation."

NOW WATCH: 'I don't even really know where to start on answering this question': Watch President Obama respond to Trump's claim that the election will be rigged





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Spike TV will counter-program Wednesdays third and final presidential debate with a Donald Trump performance of its own. Amber Tamblyn, as Donald Trump, will perform Color Me Badds I Wanna Sex You Up during her Lip Sync Battle with outspoken Hillary Clinton supporter America Ferrara, Wednesday at 9 PM ET. (Check out the promo clip above.)

The gag may play into Trumps latest talk of election-cycle corruption that extends even to NBCs Saturday Night Live. Lip Sync Battle was introduced on NBCs Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, by John Krasinski, then moved with Fallon to Tonight Show, developed as a series, and sold to Spike.

Trumps campaign spent last week responding to a steady stream of women, now up to 9, who have claimed the GOP candidate made uninvited sexual advances on them, as well as Trumps much-discussed rebuke by First Lady Michelle Obama. Trumps camp has questioned the timing of the womens reports, as part of the candidates rigged-campaign rhetoric. But some of the women have said they were responding to Trumps insistence, at the previous debate, that he never actually engaged in the sex-assault boasts he made to Billy Bush on a leaked Access Hollywood video.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U46WsXyME-w&w=620&h=340]

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As he trails in the polls with just over 20 days before Election Day, Donald Trump has been railing that the balloting is supposedly rigged.

Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive! Trump tweeted Monday morning.

He was pushing back against the GOP leaders and election experts who are expressing dismay over the Republican nominees attacks on the legitimacy of the U.S. democratic system.

Many critics have suggested that Trump is laying the groundwork to contest the election, but these sorts of claims are neither new nor out of character for Trump. The celebrity businessman, who has dabbled in a wide range of conspiracy theories, has contended for years that some elections in the U.S. have been fraudulent.

Just this election cycle, Trump has made a number of claims quickly rejected by fact-checkers. Among other charges, he has said polling places would be rigged this year. He declared that there was dishonest early voting in the Florida GOP primary. He called for an election do-over in the Iowa caucuses. And hes accused the media of being involved in a massive conspiracy against him.

Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP)

Trumps statements were particularly outlandish after Mitt Romney lost the 2012 election to President Obama. Trump, who incorrectly thought Romney would win the popular vote but lose the Electoral College, called for a revolution against the U.S. constitutional system.

We cant let this happen. We should march on Washington and stop this travesty. Our nation is totally divided, Trump wrote in a string of Nov. 6, 2012, tweets, some of which have since been deleted.

The phoney [sic] electoral college made a laughing stock out of our nation. The loser one! [sic] He lost the popular vote by a lot and won the election. We should have a revolution in this country! Well, back to the drawing board! he continued.

The electoral college is a disaster for a democracy.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2012

In the months after that election, Trump accused the Obama administration of having covered up various scandals in order to avoid public backlash before Election Day.

Story continues

Does anyone really believe that President Obama found out about Petraeus immediately after the election?  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2012

I said gas prices would sky rocket after election  Opec payback!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 18, 2013

Obama & his people did a brilliant job of delaying these scandals until after the election. Mitt must be going wild thinking about it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 16, 2013

Throughout 2013, Trump claimed that dead voters helped elect Obama.

The polls have shown that DEAD PEOPLE voted for President Obama overwhelmingly and without hesitation  he must be doing something right!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 18, 2013

Maybe some of the dead voters who helped get President Obama elected can be brought back to life after signing up for ObamaCare.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 18, 2013

More dead people voted in the last election than enrolled in ObamaCare. Congratulations America!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 14, 2013

After he lost the Iowa caucuses to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Trump called for a do-over.

Trump was upset that Cruzs campaign had sent official-looking mailers to voters warning them against sitting out the caucuses. Trump also took issue with Cruzs campaign incorrectly suggesting that another candidate, Ben Carson, had dropped out of the race.

Based on the fraud committed by Senator Ted Cruz during the Iowa Caucus, either a new election should take place or Cruz results nullified.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 3, 2016

The State of Iowa should disqualify Ted Cruz from the most recent election on the basis that he cheated- a total fraud!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 3, 2016

Trump also suggested that there was dishonest early voting in Floridas GOP primary, where the property magnate was facing off against Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. At the time, local officials said they found no evidence for such a claim.

We are asking law enforcement to check for dishonest early voting in Florida- on behalf of little Marco Rubio.

No way to run a country!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 12, 2016

In early August, Trump began suggesting that the November 2016 election would be rigged against him. He claimed later that month that the only way he would lose Pennsylvania, which has reliably backed Democratic presidential candidates, would be if cheating goes on.

Thats the way we can lose the state, and we have to call up law enforcement, and we have to have the sheriffs and the police chiefs and everybody watching, he said then. The only way they can beat [our movement], in my opinion, and I mean this 100 percent, is if in certain sections of the state, they cheat. OK?

And Trump has been escalating his conspiratorial claims about the election as he fights back against a wave of scandals engulfing his campaign. An increasing number of women have recently accused Trump of forcibly kissing or groping them years ago.

Trump denied the allegations while asserting that the media outlets reporting on them were doing so in order to sabotage his campaign and elect Hillary Clinton president.

The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary, Trump tweeted Sunday, adding, but also at many polling places  SAD.
Donald Trump

Donald Trump released a video Monday afternoon in which he called the latest documents released by the FBI on the Hillary Clinton email investigation "proof of corruption at the highest level."

"This is very big and frankly, it's unbelievable," Trump said. "What was just found out is the State Department and the FBI colluded, got together, to make Hillary Clinton look less guilty and look lot better than she looks."

The FBI documents released Monday suggest an undersecretary of state requested that the FBI change a classified email to unclassified for what a bureau official interpreted as a "quid pro quo" exchange with the State Department.

The undersecretary of state, Patrick Kennedy, asked for assistance in changing the classification of an email that the FBI had marked classified, according to an individual whose name was redacted in the fourth batch of notes summarizing the FBI's investigation into Clinton's email conduct. The investigation took place in 2015, after Clinton had left the State Department.

According to the documents, the FBI official then contacted another person and "pressured" the individual to change the classification of the email.

In exchange for marking the email unclassified, the State Department was willing to "reciprocate by allowing the FBI to place more agents in countries where they are presently forbidden," according to the documents.

The deal, which was rejected, was characterized as a "quid pro quo" by the unnamed individual relaying an account of the conversation Kennedy had with the FBI official.

"This is one of the big breaking stories of our time, in my opinion," Trump said. "This shows corruption at the highest level, and we can't let it happen as American citizens."

"So let's see how the press covers it, because the press likes not to cover it," he continued. "The best thing that Hillary Clinton has going is the media, because without the media, she wouldn't even be in this race."

Story continues

The Republican presidential nominee said the documents proved there was "collusion" between the FBI, State Department, and Department of Justice, and that the Democratic presidential nominee is "guilty of very high crimes."

Trump's campaign also called on Kennedy to resign in a statement released Monday afternoon.

"Today's release of the FBI notes on their investigation into Clintons secret email server is deeply disturbing," senior communications adviser Jason Miller said in a statement. "The news that top Clinton aide Patrick Kennedy tried to engage in a blatant quid pro quo for changing the classification level of several of Clinton's emails shows a cavalier attitude towards protecting our nation's secrets. Kennedy must resign from the State Department immediately and Clinton must state he has no place in her administration if she is elected President."

During the second presidential debate, and in subsequent rallies, Trump threatened that Clinton would "be in jail" should he be elected in the fall, as he promised his attorney general would appoint a special prosecutor to look into her email controversy.

"Let's hope that our country gets a fair shake," Trump said in the Monday video. "This is a big mess."

Watch the video below:

Crooked Hillary colluded w/FBI and DOJ and media is covering up to protect her. It's a #RiggedSystem! Our country deserves better! pic.twitter.com/n2NpH3zmcy  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2016

Pamela Engel contributed to this report.

NOW WATCH: Watch the brutal Hillary Clinton ad that pits Trump against himself





More From Business Insider


If you only read one thing: Donald Trump is going further than ever before in trying to undermine voters faith in the American political system, tweeting Sunday that the election is being stolen from him at the ballot box. Its the latest component of the Trump conspiracy in which he claims the media, Republicans, global elites, and the federal government are working to stop him. The reality is its just Trumps way to find a way to make a now-likely loss on Nov. 8 less damaging to his winning brand. But the cost may be exorbitant, breaking with generations of candidates going out of their way to respect the outcome at the ballot box even if they dont agree with it. His comments are the latest to draw a wedge between himself and GOP leadership (and even his own running mate).

Hillary Clintons campaign is getting ready to expand the map with a final push to Election Day, shifting resources and focus to long-shot states like Arizona, where she is hoping to capitalize on Trumps weakness. The effort is less about trying to win those states outrightthough shed like thatthan it is about forcing Trump to play defense in deep-red states and giving down-ballot Democrats a boost.

A North Carolina GOP headquarters is firebombed. Trump makes a TV push. And little dirt in Clintons Goldman speeches.

Here are your must reads:

Must Reads

Paul Ryan Rejects Donald Trumps Claims of Rigged Election System

Latest break with partys nominee [TIME]

Donald Trump Personally Attacked the Women Accusing Him of Sexual Assault

Questioning their looks rather than offering facts [TIME]

North Carolina Republican Headquarters Firebombed

Election takes violent turn as both [Charlotte Observer]

22 Toxic Days for Hillary Clinton

The polls point to the promised land. But shell have to get past Trump and WikiLeaks first [Politico]

As Trump Stumbles, Clinton Weighs a Striking Choice

Expand the map or stick to the plan [Washington Post]

Story continues

Trump Son-in-Law Makes Approach on Post-Election TV Start-Up

Jared Kushner has contacted Aryeh Bourkoff, head of boutique firm known for media deals [Financial Times]

Sound Off

We will absolutely accept the results of the election.  Indiana Gov. Mike Pence on NBC Sunday morning

The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary  but also at many polling places  SAD.  Donald Trump in a Sunday afternoon tweet

Bits and Bites

Donald Trump Claims Election Will Be Rigged at Polling Sites [TIME]

Saturday Night Lives Melania Trump Channels Beyonce in Lemonade Parody [TIME]

Donald Trump Suggests Hillary Clinton Used Drugs in Last Debate [TIME]

Former Apprentice Contestant Says Donald Trump Sexually Harassed Her, Kissed Her on the Mouth [TIME]

Clinton Goldman Speech Transcripts Show Little to Match Fuss [Bloomberg]

Emails show Clintons response to LGBT backlash [Associated Press]
Irvine Welsh and Dougray Scott are teaming up on a television adaptation of the Scottish writer's novel "Crime," reports Deadline.

Scott is set to exec produce and star in the project, which will be the first time that Welsh adapts one of his own books for television.

Welsh says he and longtime screenwriting partner Dean Cavanagh have been wanting to adapt the novel for some time, which he describes as "a classic journey from darkness into light, and despite the troubling subject matter, I think an uplifting one."

The six-part drama will tell the story of Detective Inspector Ray Lennox, to be played by Scott, who becomes caught up in a case involving a ring of pedophiles. Taking place in present-day Miami, the series will also flash back to Lennox's previous case and life back in Edinburgh.

"Crime" is the sequel to Welsh's 1998 novel "Filth," which was adapted for the big screen with a 2013 movie starring James McAvoy.

The sequel to the movie adaptation of Welsh's classic "Trainspotting" is also due to be released shortly, hitting down in theaters on February 3, 2017. The film will reunite original stars Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, Jonny Lee Miller and Ewen Bremner with director Danny Boyle for the project.
Kinshasa (AFP) - Participants in the Democratic Republic of Congo's "national dialogue" agreed Monday, in the absence of the main opposition coalition, to push back to April 2018 the presidential election due to take place before the end of the year.

The accord was announced after the EU threatened sanctions if the country did not hold elections in 2017, and condemned recent deadly violence between opponents and supporters of President Joseph Kabila.

The deal, reached during talks in Kinshasa, envisages Kabila remaining in power until 2018 despite the fact that his mandate is due to end in December.

"The presidential, legislative and local elections (will be held) six months after they are convened on October 30, 2017," former Togolese prime minister and talks facilitator Edem Kodjo said in a statement.

"The presidential election will take place on April 29, 2018 and the transfer of power from the outgoing president to the incumbent will take place on May 9," opposition negotiator Vital Kamerhe told AFP.

The leader of the parliamentary group representing Kabila's People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) confirmed the announcement.

"The election will be held in 2018," Ramazani Shadari said, adding that "all the details" of the deal would be disclosed on Tuesday.

The main opposition coalition -- "Rassemblement" (Gathering) -- has boycotted the talks, however, branding them a ploy by Kabila to stay in power beyond the end of his term.

Even prior to Monday's accord, the coalition had made clear that it would not accept any decisions announced by dialogue representatives.

It has also called for a general strike on Wednesday across the vast central African nation, to give Kabila a "yellow card".

- Threat of sanctions -

Should the agreement hold, a new government would be set up, with the key post of prime minister handed to an opposition figure, chief negotiator Kodjo said.

Story continues

Protests against Kabila have also seen demonstrators chant down Kodjo -- seen as biased towards the president.

Kabila's ex-campaign director Kamerhe, who was expelled from the ruling party in 2008 when he was speaker of parliament, is seen as the favourite for the post.

Political tension has gripped the country since Kabila's disputed re-election in November 2011.

The national dialogue began on September 1 between the ruling majority, representatives of civil society and a minority fringe of the opposition to try to sketch a way forward.

Later that month more than 50 people died in clashes in the capital Kinshasa as the opposition called on Kabila to step down.

- 'Deeply concerned' -

European Union foreign ministers on Monday said the bloc was "deeply concerned by the political situation (and)... strongly condemns the acts of extreme violence."

A "dialogue must lead to the holding of presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible in 2017", a statement said, as the ministers meeting in Luxembourg threatened sanctions.

"The EU will use all the means at its disposal, including individual restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations, those who promote violence and those who would try to obstruct a consensual and peaceful solution to the crisis," the statement added.

EU foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini will now study the issue, it added.

Diplomatic sources told AFP last week the bloc was looking at people close to Kabila as possible sanctions targets.

Shortly after the deadly September violence, Washington put two Kabila allies -- army commander Major General Gabriel Amisi Kumba and former inspector of police General John Numbi -- on its sanctions blacklist for undermining democracy.

Kabila first took office in 2001, and in 2006 a new constitutional provision limited the presidency to a two-term limit which expires in December.

At the beginning of this month, the Democratic Republic of Congo's electoral commission said it would seek to delay a vote until November 2017.
DST Systems Inc. DST is set to report third-quarter 2016 results on Oct 20, 2016. Last quarter, the company posted a positive earnings surprise of 13.6%. Let us see how things are shaping up for this announcement.

Factors at Play

DST reported better-than-expected second-quarter results, wherein both the top and bottom lines surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Also, both revenues and earnings increased on a year-over-year basis.

It is worth mentioning that DST has divested its Customer Communications division to focus on financial services and health care segments. During the second quarter, the company successfully sold its North American Customer Communications division to Broadridge Financial Solutions BR for a cash consideration of $410 million. It also divested its UK Customer Communications Bristol production facilities in exchange for net pretax proceeds of approximately $16 million. The proceeds from the aforementioned divestments will facilitate the acquisition of new businesses. It will enable the company to capitalize on new opportunities in health care and financial services. However, all of this depends on how the company utilizes these funds to drive future growth. Furthermore, loss of revenues due to divestments makes us increasingly cautious about the stocks future performance.

Nonetheless, we are still of the opinion that DST Systems business volume and massive scale of operation in Financial Services will attract new customers. Moreover, we expect steady contributions from acquisitions to support revenue growth. Continued share buybacks and dividend payments are the other encouraging factors.

On the other hand, decreasing organic revenue growth, tough competition from International Business Machines Corporation and Fiserv Inc., and a high debt burden remain concerns.

DST SYSTEMS Price and EPS Surprise

DST SYSTEMS Price and EPS Surprise | DST SYSTEMS Quote

Earnings Whispers?

Our proven model does not conclusively show that DST Systems will beat earnings this quarter. This is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. That is not the case here as you will see below.

Story continues

Zacks ESP: Both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate stand at $1.48 per share. Hence, the difference is 0.00%.

Zacks Rank: DST Systems Zacks Rank #3 when combined with a 0.00% ESP makes surprise prediction difficult.

We caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 and 5 (Sell-rated stocks) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions momentum.

Stocks to Consider

Here are a couple of companies which, as per our model, have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:

Mattel, Inc. MAT with an Earnings ESP of +1.43% and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here

Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN with Earnings ESP of +6.98% and a Zacks Rank #1.

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By Mark Hosenball WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks said on Monday that its founder Julian Assange's internet was shut down by the government of Ecuador, deflecting blame from the U.S. or British governments which have sparred with Assange for releasing sensitive material. "We can confirm Ecuador cut off Assange's internet access Saturday, 5pm GMT, shortly after publication of (Hillary) Clinton's Goldman Sachs speechs (sic)," the statement from WikiLeaks said. Assange has lived and worked in Ecuador's London embassy since June 2012, having been granted asylum there after a British court ordered him extradited to Sweden to face questioning in a sexual molestation case involving two female WikiLeaks supporters. WikiLeaks said Assange lost internet connectivity on Sunday night. "We have activated the appropriate contingency plans," added the Twitter message on Monday. People close to WikiLeaks say that Assange himself is the principal operator of the website's Twitter feed. The Ecuadoran government offered no immediate comment on the question of internet access, but the country's foreign minister, Guillaume Long, said Assange remained under government protection. "The circumstances that led to the granting of asylum remain," Long said in a statement late on Monday. Over the last two weeks, Democratic Party officials and U.S. government agencies have accused the Russian government, including the country's "senior-most officials," of pursuing a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organizations ahead of the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election. WikiLeaks has been one of the most prominent internet outlets to post and promote hacked Democratic Party materials. While denying any connection with a Russian hacking campaign, Assange has refused to disclose WikiLeaks' sources for hacked Democratic Party messages. Sources close to both the Democratic Party and WikiLeaks say they believe WikiLeaks has acquired as many as 40,000-50,000 emails hacked from the personal accounts of John Podesta, the former White House advisor who now chairs of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. Despite Assange's complaint that his internet connection was cut, WikiLeaks posted on Monday afternoon what it said was a fresh batch of Podesta's emails. According to a summary of the latest emails posted on Russia Today, a media outlet with close links to the Russian government, highlights include campaign staff discussions about "galvanizing Latino support" and about how to handle media queries about Clinton's "flip-flopping" on gay marriage. (Reporting by Mark Hosenball; Additional reporting by Alexandra Valencia in Quito, Ecuador; Editing by Julia Edwards and Tom Brown)
By Ola Noureldin CAIRO (Reuters) - Vodafone Egypt and Etisalat Misr signed licensing agreements on Sunday for the operation of 4G mobile broadband networks in Egypt in deals that will allow the country to introduce long-delayed high speed telecoms services. Egypt is selling four 4G licences as part of a long-awaited plan to reform the telecoms sector and raise much-needed dollars for depleted government coffers. Its three existing mobile network operators - Orange, Vodafone and Etisalat - had initially all turned down the 4G licences saying the amount of radio spectrum on offer was inadequate. The Vodafone Egypt and Etisalat Misr agreements come after Orange signed a deal last week, agreeing to pay $484 million after the regulator amended conditions for buying additional spectrum. "The terms and conditions we signed last night are different from three weeks ago, we consider the terms now completely satisfactory to launch top quality 4G services," Stefano Gastaut, CEO of Vodafone Egypt told a news conference announcing the deal. The change in terms was related to the frequencies offered by the telecom regulator, Gastaut said, adding that this new acquisition makes Vodafone Egypt the biggest holder of spectrum in the country. The regulator said previously that it would consider running an international auction for the remaining 4G licences if the country's existing mobile carriers refused to do a deal. Telecom Egypt, the state's fixed-line monopoly, was the only company to take up the state's original offer, buying a 4G licence in August for 7.08 billion Egyptian pounds ($797 million) to enter the mobile market directly for the first time. "Now that the four companies have signed the 4G licence, the telecom sector has raised $1.1 billion, in addition to 10 billion Egyptian pounds ($1.13 billion)for the state budget," Telecom Minister Yasser al-Qadi said. Companies had originally objected to a requirement that half the licence fee be paid in dollars. Orange Egypt agreed last week to the provision. Vodafone Egypt and Etisalat Misr did not disclose what portion they would pay in foreign currency. The regulator announced last week that operators that paid for a licence entirely in U.S. dollars would be given priority in buying additional spectrum. Vodafone Egypt agreed to pay $335 million in a deal signed in the early hours of Sunday morning, the regulator said. Etisalat Misr, the Egyptian unit of Etisalat agreed to pay $535.5 million and plans to purchase 10 megahertz (MHz) of additional spectrum after the deal, a company official said. Telecoms regulator head Mostafa Abdel Wahed said all payments will be made in full, without instalments, and the companies will have one month to complete any foreign currency transfers. Both Etisalat Misr and Vodafone also agreed to buy fixed line phone service licences for $11.26 million each, the regulator said. ($1 = 8.8799 Egyptian pounds) (Additional reporting by Nadine Awadalla; Writing by Asma Alsharif and Ola Noureldin; Editing by Mark Potter, Greg Mahlich)
LONDON (Reuters) - Eight men were found guilty on Monday of waging what prosecutors called an "utterly abhorrent" campaign of sexual violence and intimidation against young girls in the Rotherham area of northern England 13 years ago. The defendants faced charges including rape, sexual assault and false imprisonment relating to three victims aged as young as 13 at the time. A 2014 inquiry headed by Professor Alexis Jay - currently the head of Britain's wider, national inquiry into historical sex abuse - found at least 1,400 children were subjected to sexual exploitation in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. Those convicted at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday were: Sageer Hussain, Mohammed Whied, Ishtiaq Khaliq, Waleed Ali, Asif Ali, Masoued Malik, Basharat Hussain and Naeem Rafiq. They will be sentenced on Nov. 4. "Their victims were targeted, sexualised, and in some cases subjected to degrading and violent acts," said Peter Mann, Head of the Complex Casework Unit of Yorkshire and Humberside Crown Prosecution Service. "Sageer Hussain in particular took a leading role in befriending the young girls, and in the case of one victim, passed her on to his friends and other associates, assisted in various ways by the other defendants," he added in a statement. "These mens actions are utterly abhorrent. They waged a campaign of sexual violence and intimidation against young girls." In February, a gang of six were jailed for a combined 103 years for their parts in the rape and sexual exploitation of girls in the town. (Reporting by Stephen Addison; editing by Costas Pitas)
The deadline to register to vote in Maryland is Tuesday at 9 p.m., but there are a couple of caveats to that deadline. Tuesday at 9 p.m. is a postmark deadline for anyone sending in their registration form by mail. Residents can also register during early voting from Oct. 27 to Nov. 3. Mark Harris, a registered voter in Baltimore City, went in person to the Board of Elections to make sure his change of address is all squared away before Election Day.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 17, 2016 / Endurance Gold Corporation (EDG  TSX.V, "Endurance" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update with respect to the Company's shareholding investment in GFG Resources Inc. ("GFG"). GFG owns, subject to underlying royalties, an undivided 100% interest in the Rattlesnake gold exploration project comprised of unpatented lode mining claims and state fee land leases totaling 33,500 acres in the Rattlesnake Hills District, Natrona County, Wyoming, located approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Casper in central Wyoming, USA.

On October 14, 2016 GFG Resources Inc. and Crest Petroleum Corp. (CTP.H) received the required shareholder approvals for the previously announced plan of arrangement. On closing of the Arrangement, Crest will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding securities of GFG in exchange for like securities of Crest on a one for one basis that will result in a reverse take-over and change of control of Crest by the shareholders of GFG shareholders. The transaction is expected to close on or about October 21, 2016. Once completed, the resulting issuer will change its name to GFG Resources Inc. and begin trading under the new symbol "GFG" on or about October 27, 2016.

In October 2015, GFG acquired Endurance's 100-per-cent interest in the Company's Rattlesnake Hills property. As a result of this sale Endurance will receive a total of 1,400,000 shares in GFG Resources Inc. and a will retain a 2% NSR Royalty on the former Endurance claims.

The Company's Rattlesnake Hills property was sold through the payment of US$150,000 in cash to Endurance, and the issuance of 1,400,000 GFG shares to Endurance (850,000 GFG shares issued on closing and the balance of 550,000 GFG shares subject to issuance in February 2017). Additional bonus share payments totaling 750,000 GFG shares are payable under certain circumstances. Endurance retains a 2% net smelter returns royalty on Endurance's former federal mining claims (6,997 acres). GFG can purchase one half of the Endurance Royalty on or prior to December 31, 2017 for a cash payment of US$750,000, and thereafter, at any time, for a cash payment of US$1,500,000.

ENDURANCE GOLD CORPORATION

Robert T. Boyd

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

(604) 682-2707, info@endurancegold.com

www.endurancegold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release may contain forward looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of factors beyond its control, and actual results may differ materially from the expected results.

SOURCE: Endurance Gold Corporation
(Reuters) - SSE Plc, Britain's second biggest energy supplier, said it had agreed to sell a 16.7 percent stake in regional gas distribution business Scotia Gas Networks Ltd (SGN) to Abu Dhabi Investment Authority for 621 million pounds.

SSE, which expects the deal to close by the end of this month, said it expected to return the proceeds of the sale to shareholders and would provide an update on Nov. 9, along with its half-year results.

Like its biggest rival, Centrica, SSE has lost many customers in its retail business, mainly to smaller and often cheaper suppliers who now control 15.4 percent of the dual gas-electricity fuel market, up from just 1 percent four years ago.

The sale of its interest in SGN by SSE follows a similar move by National Grid, which is seeking to sell a majority stake in its own 8.5-billion-pound UK gas networks business.

SSE said on Monday it would retain a 33.3 percent stake in the business. The company had said in May it was considering selling up to a third of its 50 percent stake in SGN, which it had bought in 2005 for 505 million pounds.

SGN, which has 5.9 million connections, is co-owned by Canadian pension fund investors Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and Borealis.

Upon completion of the sale, SSE said it would continue to hold an interest in five economically-regulated energy networks with an estimated regulated asset value of over 7 billion pounds.

(Reporting by Pranav Kiran and Rahul B in Bengaluru; Editing by Sunil Nair)
Istanbul (AFP) - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday said Turkey would play a role in the US-backed Iraqi offensive to retake the city of Mosul from jihadists, saying it was unthinkable for Ankara to stay on the sidelines.

"We will be in the operation and we will be at the table," Erdogan said in a televised speech. "Our brothers are there and our relatives are there. It is out of the question that we are not involved."

The build-up for the offensive to retake Mosul from Islamic State (IS) jihadists, who have held Iraq's second city since June 2014, was marked by a bitter squabble between Ankara and Baghdad over the planning.

But Erdogan had indicated that the issue was discussed in talks in the United States over the weekend between Turkish chief of staff General Hulusi Akar and US counterpart Joseph Dunford.

Turkey had raised concerns over the possible involvement of Iraqi Shiite and anti-Ankara Kurdish militia in the offensive, while Baghdad had lashed out at the presence of a contingent of Turkish troops in Bashiqa, north of Mosul.

But Erdogan said the Turkish troops -- whose task is ostensibly to train Iraqi fighters to retake the city -- were in Bashiqa to stay.

"No-one should expect us to leave Bashiqa. We are there and have made all kinds of operations against Daesh (IS)."

- 'Serious problems' -

Last week, Erdogan had warned Turkey would consider a "B" and "C" plan if its concerns were not addressed, without elaborating on the nature of the alternatives.

In a sign Ankara was trying to lower the temperature with Baghdad, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said that a top-level Turkish delegation led by foreign ministry undersecretary Umit Yalcin was on its way to the Iraqi capital for talks.

With some three million Syrians and Iraqis already in Turkey, Kurtulmus warned of the risk of a new influx of refugees if the operation hits trouble.

"If Mosul goes wrong, if people are forced to flee, where will they go? Presumably they won't go to Washington. They will flee to Turkey," he said during a press conference in Ankara.

Story continues

"That's why we say the Mosul operation must be done properly," he added.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting, he reaffirmed Turkey's insistence that Mosul must retain its identity as a Sunni Arab majority city once IS is ousted.

"Changing the sectarian demographic balance of Mosul will risk leading to serious problems," he said, saying powers needed to make sure the operation does not turn into a sectarian conflict.

He said 3,000 fighters trained by Turkey were taking part in the operation. Erdogan said on Friday that there were nearly 700 Turkish soldiers in Bashiqa.
The work Esperanza Spalding has put into her latest project, Emily's D+Evolution, makes the Young Artist Award she's getting Monday (Oct. 17) night at the Americans for the Arts' National Arts Awards that much more special.

"I've had my nose down in the tree hollow working this project out," Spalding tells Billboard. "The last two years have been really challenging. To get this project off the ground, figure out what it was, who wants to hear it, how it can work in the live performance context...all of it. So it's helpful to get those little affirmations that you're getting what you're going for. When you realize people are paying attention to your work and appreciating it, it's a big boost, of course, for any creator. So I feel grateful."

She's particularly stoked that Sting will be part of her award presentation. "That's insane, man," Spalding gushes. "I can't believe Sting is coming. That's insane. It doesn't even seem like I'm in the realm that he'd even notice, y'know?"

Spalding will be one of six AFTA National Arts Awards recipients on Monday at Cipriani's in New York City. Tony Bennett will receive the Carolyn Clark Powers Lifetime Achievement Award, while multimedia artist Doug Aitken is getting the Outstanding Contributions to the Arts Award. The Arts Education Award will go to the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, Roselyne Chroman Swig of San Francisco will take home the Philanthropy in the Arts Award, and the Legacy Award will be presented to Susan and David Goode.

Spalding may be receiving the Young Artist Award, but she's racked up creative achievements that would merit an entire lifetime achievement prize for any artist. During the 10 years since her first solo album, Junjo, came out, Spalding has released four others and seven collaborative albums and won four Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist in 2011. But Spalding, of course, says her focus remains moving forward rather than looking back and celebrating the past.

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"Accomplish -- that word doesn't stick with me," she explains. "There's no, 'Oh yeah, we accomplished this. Yah!' You always are generally reaching for ideas far beyond your current ability, so there's this constant kind of reaching and adjusting, reaching and modifying, modifying and reaching. The work is living. The work of art is my life and it's forever a working in progress, and that's what satisfies me and makes me want to do stuff."

What Spalding is doing right now is bringing the cycle for the ambitions Emily's D+Evolution, co-produced by longtime David Bowie cohort Tony Visconti, to a close. She'll be on tour in the U.S. through Oct. 30. And she's been pleased with the way the album has evolved and grown since its release in March.

"Even though the songs are the same songs every night, the improvising spirit is really present here, so the music is very different and what happens in the show is different from night to night," Spalding says. "The songs are there, the lyrics are there, the forms are there, but they change from night to night to accompany and complement the modifications that take place within the show. I'm constantly working with ways the narrative can succinctly be drawn together so it feels inviting and people aren't working too hard to figure out what's going on. It's an evolving process, literally." And Spalding is planning to document that evolution for some sort of release in the not too distant future.

"This is the last tour, so I'm bring out a friend of mine, a great video artist, to capture this last iteration," Spalding says. "I definitely want to have a document 'cause it's come so far in the last two years, evolved and devolved and I think know it's saying what I always hoped it could. And I'm sure by the end of this run we're going to find the staging that is the icing on the cake, that seals the deal. I definitely want to capture that."




Introduction





The year was 1821, during the early dawn of the steamship era. At the time, one of the most famous steamships was the pioneer steamship Robert Fulton. Based in New York Harbor, the approximately 750-ton sidewheel steamer with auxiliary sail was said to be the first steamship built specifically for ocean service. Perhaps more famously, the Robert Fulton became the first steam-powered vessel ever to make the voyage between New York City and New Orleans. That voyage made it a nationally-renowned steamship.





History of the Pioneer Steamship Robert Fulton





Robert Fulton on April 22, 1820 upon embarkation on her maiden voyage to New Orleans. See Frajola, Richard & Baird, James, The Pioneer Steamship Robert Fulton, Chronicle 230, Vol. 63, No. 2, Shipbuilder Henry Eckford constructed the Robert Fulton in 1819. The steamship was first registered as theon April 22, 1820 upon embarkation on her maiden voyage to New Orleans.Frajola, Richard & Baird, James,, Chronicle 230, Vol. 63, No. 2, pp. 9-13 (May 2011). According to Frajola and Baird:





[I]n April 1819, Henry Eckford, Cadwallader Colden, David Dunham and others had incorporated in New York State as the Ocean Steam Ship Company with the stated intent to construct and employ steamships in navigating the ocean. Eckford, a noted ship architect and builder of Navy vessels during the War of 1812, returned to government service as a naval contractor in 1820 following the launch of the Robert Fulton. The operational aspects of the company then devolved to David Dunham who may have bought out one or more of his partners at this time. Advertisements list him, sometimes styled as David Dunham & Co., as owner and operator. Dunham drowned near West Point on March 30, 1822 in a boating accident during a storm, but the ship continued to operate.





Id. at at 9









The Steamship Robert Fulton in 1820 or 1821 with Portions

of Its Auxiliary Sail Unfurled. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.





Robert Fulton had a five-year period of service as a steamship before its conversion into a sailing ship on December 5, 1825. During that time the steamer made approximately 18 trips. . . . In addition to her home port of New York her regular schedule included primary stops at Charleston, Havana and New Orleans, as well as exceptional trips to other coastal ports and to Vera Cruz, Mexico. Id. at Thehad a five-year period of service as a steamship before its conversion into a sailing ship on December 5, 1825. During that time the steamer made approximately 18 trips. . . . In addition to her home port of New York her regular schedule included primary stops at Charleston, Havana and New Orleans, as well as exceptional trips to other coastal ports and to Vera Cruz, Mexico.at 10





According to one brief history of the Robert Fulton: Soon after the Savannah made her successful ocean trip, a fine large steamer, named Robert Fulton, of 750 tons, was constructed in New York by Henry Eckford, for the route from New York to Cuba and New Orleans. She was a stanch vessel, constructed entirely of oak, locust, and cedar, and Georgia pine, copper fastened. She had a square, or cross-head, engine, of the type then in use on inland steamers; there were two boilers and two funnels. She left New York for New Orleans on her first trip April 25, 1820, stopping en route at Charleston and Havana. She was an entire success, and covered the 2225 miles between New York and New Orleans in an average of 10 days. The New York Evening Post of June 15, 1820, contained the following notice of her arrival:





The beautiful steamship Robert Fulton, Capt. John Mott, arrived last evening, 17 days from New Orleans, via Havana and Charleston. At Havana she stopped 2 and at Charleston 4 days. She has aboard between sixty and seventy passengers, and has been at sea only 10 days.





In another notice, on the return of this boat in January, 1821, the Post said:





Steamship Robert Fulton, Capt. Mott, arrived in New York in 8 days from Charleston, having been to New Orleans . . . . 54 days round trip to New Orleans, average 14  either way. . . . The boisterous season, the rough and heavy weather which she has experienced this trip, must convince even the most incredulous of the perfect practicability of navigating the ocean by steam. Capt. Mott gives her a decided preference over every vessel he ever commanded, both for safety and pleasantness during a gale of wind.





The Robert Fulton ran for three years very successfully; she was then sold to the Brazilian government, to be used as a cruiser, her machinery being removed.









The steamship Robert Fulton was designed to carry cargo, mail, and passengers during its trips. Indeed, the ship was designed with enough staterooms to carry up to two hundred passengers, according to one early news reported quoted in full below. This ability to carry passengers is the reason the famous Robert Fulton is the subject of todays posting to the Historic Pelham Blog.





The Robert Fulton Visits City Island and Hart Island in 1821





Among the excursions of the steamship Robert Fulton that have not been documented by maritime historians is a fascinating pleasure cruise from New York City to Newport and Providence, Rhode Island (and back) from Thursday, August 23 to Monday, August 27. There were ninety men and women on board accompanied by an elegant band known as the Governors Guards.

The pleasure cruise was quite important and attracted crowds who wished to see the ship steam by or visit it in port.





The Robert Fulton left New York City on Thursday, August 23, 1821. Within the hour, the ship passed through Hell Gate into Long Island Sound where it passed City Island and the shores of Pelham. An account of the excursion noted that the shores, rocks, and islands were "

lined with the ladies and gentlemen of the vicinity, waving their handkerchiefs and cheering us as we passed through" and

made much of "

superb mansions of this beautiful tract of our country." (See below.)





Over the next several days, the ship stopped at New Haven, Newport, Providence, and Bristol, stopping at various of the same locations on the return trip. At each location, the ship was met by cheering crowds of men and women who jostled and pushed to get aboard the ship and visit the amazing wonder. At the same time, the ninety passengers on the ship maneuvered their way onshore and engaged carriages to take them on tours of the area much like modern cruise ship passengers visiting various ports of call. According to one account, when the steamship docked at Newport, the author beheld "

a scene of tumult as was here witnessed, I never saw before  the wharves were lined with people of all ages and conditions, who pressed forward and immediately on our landing, took complete possession of the ship."





The crowds at each dock who came to see the famous steamship were tumultuous. The band that accompanied the passengers on the ship made each arrival and departure even more festive and exciting. By late Sunday, as the ship neared City Island and Hart Island on its return to New York City, the tide was ebbing. The steamship Robert Fulton anchored between City Island and Hart Island to await the rising tide. According to a published account of the pleasure excursion: "

At 11 P.M. came to anchor between Hart & City Islands, to wait for the morning tide to pass through the Gate. At 6 oclock the next morning, got under way and proceeded to the city  passed round the U. States ships

and

, in the North River, against a very strong wind and tide, and were greeted with 3 cheers from the crews of both vessels. Our arrival at N. Y. was at  past 9, precisely."





The Robert Fulton had completed its pleasure cruise up the coast. Ninety men and women had enjoyed themselves and even slumbered in the midst of the beautiful islands of Pelham known as City Island and Hart Island on that summer evening now nearly two centuries ago.









Watercolor Illustration of the Steamship Robert Fulton.

Source: Frajola, Richard & Baird, James,

The Pioneer Steamship Robert Fulton , Chronicle 230,

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.





* * * * *





Below is the text of two articles relevant to the subject of todays article. Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.





Second Excursion of the Steam ship Robert Fulton.  On the 23d August, at half past 5, P.M. the Robert Fulton left New York, on her voyage of pleasure to Newport and Providence, R. I. accompanied by the elegant band of the Governors Guards, which struck up several national airs as the vessel left the wharf. The party consisted of ladies and gentlemen, to the number of 90. She glided handsomely through the harbor; passed our naval depot in full view of the vessels there, and proceeded on, against a strong wind and tide. The sail to the Scylla and Charybdis of our continent, was delightful, and will probably bear comparison with any in the world  the shores, islands and rocks, as we passed through Hell Gate, (at half past 6, P.M.) were lined with the ladies and gentlemen of the vicinity, waving their handkerchiefs and cheering us as we passed through. We soon left the superb mansions of this beautiful tract of our country. At a  past 8, arrived opposite Sands Point Light House, and then fairly entered the Sound, a body of water of vast importance to the inland commerce of the states; its course is E. N. E. and W. N. W.; the variation is nearly half a point, and there are twelve light houses on it between New York and Rhode Island, a distance of two hundred miles. We took tea at sunset, and found all matters well arranged for the accommodation of the party; at a quarter before three oclock, A. M. of the 24th came to to wait for the tide; at seven A. M. got up to the long dock at New Haven; 2 hours and a half were then allowed to the party to go on shore and visit the city; carriages were immediately in demand, and as the company left the ship the long wharf surrendered its living burden to her cabin and deck. The time prescribed was found sufficient to enable the company to visit the churches, grave yard, college, &c. &c. and they returned from the city highly delighted. New Haven grave yard is considered worthy of a visit; it is very large; the tomb stones of white marble, and the letters on them generally gilt, the epitaphs very long, and tediously minute, not only detailing the characters of the master spirits deposited beneath them, but all the occupations they had ever engaged in  Deacon 37 years; Town Clerk 43 years; Town Treasurer 26 years; Chairman of 53 political meetings, &c. &c. The college, a row of churches, and a large lawn or parade ground in front, attracted much interest and attention. The Episcopal Church is a tasteful piece of architecture, built in the Gothic style, and is reckoned the pride of New Haven. We received here an addition of 15, to our party, most of whom were ladies, and among the rest the Belle of the place. At  before 9 left the wharf amid the cheers of the inhabitants. At about 12 meridian, passed the steam boat Fulton, with the Cadets on board  cheers and music were given and returned. Pass New London at half past 2; the wind springing up from the S.W. threw in a swell and produced a slight but healthful sea-sickness among a few of the ladies; pass Point Judith Light House, at the rate of 13 miles an hour, wind, steam and tide all operating in our favor, soon overhauled and passed a Providence packet. At a quarter before 8 P. M. ranged alongside of the dock at Newport; music playing as we enter the harbor, and pass the fortified island; such a scene of tumult as was here witnessed, I never saw before  the wharves were lined with people of all ages and conditions, who pressed forward and immediately on our landing, took complete possession of the ship. Altho it was dark, the party principally went on shore, and with the Band (to whom too much credit cannot be given for their uniform, correct and obliging deportment throughout the voyage) serenaded His Excellency Governor Gibbs, and many of the principal families in town. After having regaled themselves on shore, the party returned to the ship, when with the utmost difficulty they were enabled to get on board again, the tumult and crowd lasting till one oclock next morning. At half past 5 A.M. the following day, started from Newport, wind and tide ahead. As we approach Providence the scene becomes truly interesting  the inhabitants had anticipated our arrival, and every hill was covered with the admiring assemblage. Indian Point wharf exhibited a spectacle singular and gratifying. The beauty & fashion of this charming town greeted us with cheers and welcoming.  At  before 8, came up to the dock and landed the company; here again numerous parties of ladies and gentlemen crowd the ship; the masts and rigging of the vessels lying in the vicinity were covered with spectators, and nothing could exceed the interest and gratification with which all appeared to greet our arrival; horses, carriages, &c. were in requisition on the occasion, and the time allowed at this place (3 hours,) proved barely sufficient for the gratification of the curiosity of the company. At 3 P.M. she left the wharf amid the shouts of thousands.  Arrived at Bristol, against a strong tide, at half past 5 where we were met with the same spirit of enthusiasm that had characterized our whole route. Mr. DWolls elegant mansion at this place, was thrown open to the visits of the passengers, and was very much admired. Left Bristol at half past 6 P.M. and arrived at Newport at 8. It was unfortunately dark again when we got here, but the interest felt on our second arrival appeared to have increased rather than diminished. I took a station at the gangway with a view to assist the inhabitants, and particularly the ladies, on board the ship; notice being given that none but females could come on board at first. I handed in, in the short space of 20 minutes 337. I found that this number did not appear to have thind the crowd in the least degree, and by 9 oclock there must have been on board upwards of six hundred ladies.  At 10 P.M. left Newport and directed our course out into the sound again. At 10 A.M. on the 26th, came to and landed our passengers at New Haven light  strong wind and tide ahead  by 12 oclock this day, the wind had encreased [sic] almost to a gale, accompanied with a considerable sea. Divine service in the morning and afternoon was performed by the Rev. Mr. Henshaw, who presented us with two excellent sermons from the following texts: Romans, 6th chap. 23d v. and Psalms 10th and 4th verse. It is but justice to say that they were finished pieces of composition and appropriately adapted to the occasion, delivered in a most becoming manner and received by all with the most respectful attention. I have omitted to mention, that our fare was good and abundant, and the whole arrangement of the ship well ordered throughout the excursion. At 11 P.M. came to anchor between Hart & City Islands, to wait for the morning tide to pass through the Gate. At 6 oclock the next morning, got under way and proceeded to the city  passed round the U. States ships Franklin and Hornet, in the North River, against a very strong wind and tide, and were greeted with 3 cheers from the crews of both vessels. Our arrival at N. Y. was at  past 9, precisely.

-----

At a meeting of the passengers on board the steam ship Robert Fulton, it was unanimously resolved, That the gratification which we have experienced from the excursion on board said ship, from New York to Providence and back, deserves the expression of the favourable sentiments of the party, and that the studied manner in which all the arrangements have been made to promote our comfort and convenience, merits and receives our warmest acknowledgements.

JNO. SLIDELL, Chairman,

JNO. PECK, Secry.









The new steam ship Robert Fulton  This ship is intended to ply as a regular packet between New York and New Orleans. She is said to be in every respect, one of the finest vessels ever built in that city. A communication in the Gazette gives the following description of this beautiful vessel:





This ship is a splendid piece of naval architecture  the most perfect model I ever beheld, and does great credit to her builder, Mr. Eckford. She is upwards of 750 tons, of a very great length, rigged with lug sails; has three kelsons, (the centre one large enough for a ship of the line,) together with bilge ways, and the whole secured and bolted in a very extraordinary manner, perhaps the most so of any vessel ever built  her frame timber and plank are of live oak, locust, cedar, and southern pine, copper bolted and coppered.





She will afford accommodation for more than 200 persons, is fitted up with high and airy state rooms, thoroughly ventilated by means of sky lights the whole length of the cabin, which is very extensive. Her after cabin is neatly arranged for the accommodation of ladies, and separated by means of folding doors, in the modern style. She has also a range of [berths] fore and aft, together with a commodious fore cabin. And what adds to the greatest comfort and security of all, her engine and other machinery are completely insulated and unconnected, as it were, with the other part of the ship. In the centre, lengthwise, is a kind of well-hole or square trunk, made both fire and water proof; no possible accident, therefore, by the bursting of the boiler, can reach either of the cabins. This trunk or well-hole being enclosed by very thick plank, caulked and leaded, may be inundated with water at pleasure, without any inconvenience to the passengers.





The furnace is also completely surrounded by the continuation of the boiler, so that no part of the fire can ever come in contact with the wood. There is a space of about 9 or 10 inches filled in with materials, non-conductors of heat, which answer the double purpose of excluding the heat from the cabin, and at the same time deadening the disagreeable noise of the engine. She is also provided with a leather hose, similar to those used by our fire engine companies in this city, which will enable the hot or cold water to be conveyed to any part of the ship, and furnishing at the same time the great conveniency to the passengers of a warm or cold bath, at pleasure. Her engine was constructed by Mr. Allaire, and is supposed to be the most powerful and most exact piece of workmanship ever turned out in this country  and her boiler is said to be the largest ever known to have been made in this or any other country. Take her all in all, she certainly presents a spectacle altogether unique.





Source: The New Steam Ship Robert Fulton, National Intelligencer [Washington, D.C.], Mar. 28, 1820, p. 1, far right column.





Labels: 1821, City Island, Hart Island, Recreation, Steamship, Steamship Robert Fulton, Transportation
By Danilo Masoni

PAVIA, Italy (Reuters) - Pietro Maffi routinely checks his financial statements and has a good understanding of how his savings are being managed. At least he thought he did until he read the small print.

Maffi, a software engineer from the northern town of Pavia, invests in funds managed by Banca Mediolanum <BMED.MI>, an Italian bank. He knew one of those funds was based not in Italy, but in Ireland. What he didn't know until recently was that the fund uses a fee structure that is not allowed in Italy, and is out of line even with Ireland's own investor protection guidelines, which are non-binding.

That structure meant the fund generated 34.7 million euros in performance fees for Mediolanum in 2015, according to company filings, while the value of Maffi's account fell 0.5 percent.

"The problem is there are so many papers to go through and it's difficult to spot all details," Maffi said as he pored over documents looking for performance fees charged to his account.

Massimo Doris, chief executive of Mediolanum, told Reuters that the bank's fee structure was "perfectly legal" and that the Irish central bank had approved its funds. The Central Bank of Ireland declined to comment on specific cases.

Maffi's difficulties illustrate how Europe's 21 trillion euros ($23 trillion) asset management industry can shop around for regulators, creating gaps in investor protection. Managers can choose to have their funds overseen in another European Union (EU) country that allows them to charge fees that wouldn't be permitted at home. It means they can legally circumvent the rules imposed in their own country.

Under EU single-market rules, funds regulated in one member nation can be marketed across all of the bloc's 28 countries despite differences in rules. Ireland and Luxembourg are the two most coveted jurisdictions, with both offering tax advantages.

In addition, Ireland has regulatory guidelines on fees that are not binding; and Luxembourg has no specific regulations on fees of its own, but says it applies the principles from the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

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Mediolanum chief Doris said the Italian firm had decided to set up funds in Ireland because of the Central Bank of Ireland's speedy approval process. He said Mediolanum had not based funds in Ireland in order to exploit looser fee regulation. Doris said fees were a significant issue, but long term performance was more important. "It's much, much, much more important how you guide clients," he said.

However, he said after receiving Reuters questions that the bank was now reviewing its fee structure.

As well as going beyond Italian regulations, Mediolanum's fee structure does not follow the non-binding guidelines in Ireland. Doris said he had not been aware of the Irish guidelines, noting that they had only been published on the central bank's website last year.

He said Mediolanum would take a decision on its fee policy within a few months. The review was triggered by a recent update to "good practice" guidelines on fees from the IOSCO. "If we're going to adjust to the new IOSCO recommendations, it's certain that we would also be in line with the Central Bank of Ireland's guidelines," Doris said.

Katie Philpott, a spokeswoman for the Central Bank of Ireland, said any arrangements on the payment of performance fees should be consistent with its guidelines. "You have raised issues of a specific nature which, where appropriate, the central bank will follow up with entities directly," Philpott wrote in an email.

Under the EU system, any member state can stop funds from being sold in its home market if it believes managers have moved funds abroad in order to bypass its stricter rules. However, the watchdog overseeing Italian financial markets the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa (Consob) - declined to comment when asked if it was concerned about Italian funds being based abroad and charging fees that would not be allowed at home.

LOW HURDLES

Performance fees are levied in addition to standard annual fees for managing funds. Maffi said regulators should require fund managers to spell out fee structures and their impact clearly rather than put them in the lengthy detail of a fund prospectus. His savings vehicle, the Coupon Strategy Collection LH fund, explained the performance fee in the last part of a 270-page prospectus, and in a separate investor document published once a year.

The fund charged a fee of 0.8 percent of the fund's gross asset value if it exceeded a specific investment hurdle each month. But the hurdle was set low: the fund had to make gains of more than the euro interbank lending rate  which has been below 0 percent for 17 months.

One of Mediolanum's worst performing funds last year was its Challenge Emerging Markets Equity Fund SA, which fell 8.3 percent in 2015. It charged a 1.42 percent performance fee, using the same euro interbank lending rate, Euribor 3 <EURIBOR3MD=>, as its benchmark. It was able to charge the performance fee because during certain months of the year its performance was positive.

If based in Italy, Mediolanum's emerging markets fund could not have charged a performance fee in 2015 because Italian investor protection rules require such fees to be calculated on the performance of at least one year.

Luca Enriques, corporate law professor at Oxford University and a former commissioner at Consob, said regulatory disparities at a national level need to be ironed out with EU-wide enforcement.

"The only way to avoid such dysfunction would be to centralize regulation and enforcement of the rules with ESMA (the European Securities and Markets Authority)," he said. He added that the rules would need to offer appropriate investor protection and be effectively enforced.

ESMA declined to comment on whether fragmented regulation had harmed investors. It said its role in "developing a single rulebook for EU financial markets and ensuring the consistent application of those rules across the EU, ensuring common approaches, will contribute to enhancing protection for EU investors."

At present a large number of funds take advantage of the different rules in different jurisdictions. More than 6,000 investment funds have been set up in Ireland's capital, Dublin. More than 14,000 funds are domiciled in Luxembourg.

Reuters looked at funds in Italy because it has a large and relatively unsophisticated market of retail investors. Many Italian savers have been encouraged by local managers or advisers to invest in funds based in Ireland or Luxembourg. Reuters has not studied the fee policies of major fund managers elsewhere in the EU.

Shares of Italy-based managers have been sensitive to issues concerning performance fees. Mediolanum made 326 million euros in performance fees last year, or 0.46 percent of its overall assets under management, a larger proportion than many other big European managers. That sum was nearly one fifth of Mediolanum's total revenues.

Italian fund managers Azimut <AZMT.MI> and Banca Generali <BGN.MI>, which have based many of their funds in Luxembourg, charged performance fees of 0.43 percent and 0.31 percent, respectively, as a proportion of assets under management. Banca Generali said it started to base funds in Luxembourg eight years ago because at the time clients paid higher tax on funds based in Italy. Azimut declined to comment.

For the UK's Henderson Group <HGGH.L>, performance fees were 0.11 percent of assets under management; for France's Amundi <AMUN.PA>, 0.01 percent; and for Switzerland's GAM Holding <GAMH.S>, 0.07 percent.

($1 = 0.8928 euros)

(Additional reporting by Maria Pia Quaglia; Editing by Mark Bendeich, Simon Robinson and Richard Woods)
Luxembourg (AFP) - The EU is not considering sanctions against Russia for its role in Syria but further measures against its ally Damascus are possible, the bloc's foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini said Monday.

"This has not been proposed by any member state," Mogherini said as she arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers dominated by the Syrian crisis when asked about steps against Moscow.

"But we have sanctions on the Syrian regime... and there are discussions on that, for sure, (expanding) that could be possible," the former Italian foreign minister added.

Mogherini's comments came despite a warning by the United States and Britain on Sunday that Western allies were considering imposing sanctions against economic targets in Syria and Russia over the siege of Aleppo.

The EU is already embroiled in an acrimonious stand-off complete with damaging sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis, and many member states are reluctant to make matters worse by adding more.

"I do not think it would be fruitful if we discuss now for hours if and how and when we are going to decide on sanctions against Russia," Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said.

"Fristly, we will not find a consensus and secondly I believe as well, that it is not the right time and it would be counter-productive," he said.

Others said it was imperative to increase the pressure on Russia and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in order to halt the carnage in the country's second city Aleppo.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who met Kerry on Sunday night, said events in Aleppo "should shame humanity" and that Monday's talks should focus on "how to keep the pressure on the Assad regime and its puppeteers, the Russians."

The EU already has extensive sanctions in place against Syria, including oil and arms embargoes, plus restrictions on more than 200 individuals and 70 entities.
Luxembourg (AFP) - The European Union on Monday strongly condemned Russia for the bombardment of the Syrian city of Aleppo, saying devastating air strikes by Moscow and Damascus could amount to war crimes.

EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg also warned that the 28-nation bloc could impose additional sanctions against Damascus but decided against targeting Russia despite US and British calls to punish Moscow as well.

As if on cue to steal the diplomatic headlines, Moscow announced it would call an eight-hour halt to hostilities on Thursday -- the very day that EU leaders are due to discuss Russia at a summit in Brussels.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said the ceasefire -- announced as the ministers were meeting -- was a "positive step", but might not be long enough to allow aid to reach besieged Aleppo.

The ministers took a harsher tone, issuing a statement condemning Moscow by name for the first time for its role in aiding longtime ally President Bashar al-Assad to pound eastern Aleppo.

"Since the beginning of the offensive by the regime and its allies, notably Russia, the intensity and scale of the aerial bombardment of eastern Aleppo is clearly disproportionate," the statement said.

"The deliberate targeting of hospitals, medical personnel, schools and essential infrastructure, as well as the use of barrel bombs, cluster bombs, and chemical weapons, constitute a catastrophic escalation of the conflict ... and may amount to war crimes."

- Harder line -

The reference to war crimes is potentially significant since, if pressed, a case could be taken to the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

EU diplomatic sources said the reference to Russia by name in the statement was significant, signalling a much harder line compared with earlier phrasing which referred only to Assad's "allies" on the ground.

They said there had been some hard talking to get such wording given opposition from some member states who fear worsening relations with Russia, on which the EU has already imposed sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.

Story continues

Such reservations effectively prevented any discussion of possible sanctions against Russia over Syria, they said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said going into the talks that the aim was to "examine all the options to put much stronger pressure on the regime of Bashar al-Assad and his allies."

As the EU statement was coming through, Moscow announced a ceasefire from 0500 GMT to 1300 GMT on Thursday -- coinciding with the opening of an EU leaders summit in Brussels at which ties with Russia are top of the agenda.

The EU ministers said the bloc "firmly believes that there can be no military solution to the conflict" and called directly on Russia to agree a ceasefire to open the way to peace talks.

- 'Surreal' talks -

Mogherini insisted that while the EU had no military role to play, it would do everything possible to support peace efforts to end a conflict which has cost some 300,000 lives and displaced half the population.

This would include talking to regional powers, including Iran, which backs Assad and Turkey, opposed, and all interested parties who could help plan a "post-conflict future" for the country.

Mogherini said it might seem "surreal" to do this now, with the war raging, but doing so would support peace efforts and ensure the EU played a major role in resolving the conflict.

Fresh "brainstorming" talks held Saturday in Lausanne, Switzerland with the main players in Syria's conflict failed to produce any breakthrough.

The EU already has extensive sanctions in place against Syria, including oil and arms embargoes, plus restrictions on more than 200 individuals and 70 entities.
Luxembourg (AFP) - The EU on Monday warned the Democratic Republic of Congo it faced sanctions if it does not hold early elections and condemned recent deadly violence between opponents and supporters of President Joseph Kabila.

More than 50 people died in clashes in the capital Kinshasa in September as the opposition called on Kabila, in power since 2001, to step down amid fears he wanted to stay in office after his term ends in December.

European Union foreign ministers said the bloc was "deeply concerned by the political situation (and)... strongly condemns the acts of extreme violence."

"The EU will use all the means at its disposal, including individual restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations, those who promote violence and those who would try to obstruct a consensual and peaceful solution to the crisis," a statement said as the ministers met in Luxembourg.

EU foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini will now study the issue, it added.

Diplomatic sources told AFP last week the bloc was looking at people close to Kabila as possible sanctions targets.

Shortly after the September killings, Washington put two Kabila allies -- army commander Major General Gabriel Amisi Kumba and former inspector of police General John Numbi -- on its sanctions blacklist for undermining democracy.

Kabila first took office in 2001, and in 2006 a new constitutional provision limited the presidency to a two-term limit which expires in December.

At the beginning of this month, the DRC's electoral commission said it would seek to delay a vote until November 2017.

The foreign ministers said Monday that a political "dialogue must lead to the holding of presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible in 2017."

Their statement did not mention a specific date but said the issue must be resolved by December 19 when Kabila's term official ends.

The EU has previously imposed a series of sanctions -- trade restrictions, asset freezes and travel bans -- on the DRC over rights abuses.
From Cosmopolitan

Early in the morning of August 8, 2014, Warriena Wright, a 26-year-old New Zealander visiting Australia, fell from the balcony of her Tinder date Gable Tostees 14th floor apartment. Tostee, 30, is currently on trial at Brisbanes Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to murder. On Friday, prosecution in the case claim a phone recording proves Tostee strangled Wright before she plunged from his balcony to her death.

In Fridays closing submissions to the Supreme Court and Crown via The Daily Mail, prosecutor Glen Cash alleged Tostee and Wright spent the evening together drinking and having sex, but then Tostee choked Wright after she threw a decorative rock at him. The recording allegedly shows Tostee telling Wright that she doesnt understand anything, as well as guttural sounds and heavy breathing.

"I want to go home. Just let me go home," she is heard saying. "I would, but youve been a bad girl," Tostee responds.

On August 7th, 2014, Wright was in Australia for a friends wedding. She and Tostee first spoke via Tinder seven days before her death and arranged to meet. They met up and went back to his apartment where prosecutors believe they had violent sex (or engaged in some sort of rough physical activity) before Wright ended up on the balcony early on the morning of the 8th. Photos revealed during the trial show Wright looking distressed earlier in the evening with Tostee.

It was originally believed that she was allegedly so scared of Tostee she fell trying to climb down his fourteenth-floor balcony to escape him.

During the trial, jurors heard over three-hours of recordings pulled from Tostees phone from that night.

Youre lucky I havent chucked you off my balcony you God damn psycho bitch, he reportedly can be heard saying. "Youre not going to collect any belongings, youre just going to walk out. If you try to pull anything Ill knock you out. Ill knock you the fuck out - do you understand? According to The Huffington Post Australia, Tostee called his father after Wright fell, asking him Why does this shit keep happening to me?

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Jurors were also shown reenactments of her body falling from the balcony and ricocheting of other floors before landing at the entrance of the building. Apparently, just seconds before she fell, neighbors heard her scream No, no, no, please let me go home.

CCTV footage shows that just five minutes after Wright fell from the balcony, Tostee left his apartment and wandered around the city, eating a slice of Dominos pizza. When he returned home at 3:15am, he noticed "a million police officers" at his apartment so he called his dad to come pick him up.

A Pathologist revealed on Thursday that Wright had suffered 80 separate injuries, including red marks on her neck consistent with strangulation. "Her body was found almost folded over on itself," said prosecution witness, Dr. Little.

Tostee has pled not guilty and his trial is taking place at Brisbanes Supreme Court. Ill update this post when we have word on the verdict.

Follow Laura on Twitter.

Follow Laura on Twitter.

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Update: As of Oct. 17, Frank Iero and the Patience has cancelled the rest of its 2016 tour dates due to the "severity of injuries sustained in Australia." This includes 24 U.S. dates planned for between Oct. 28 and Nov. 27. Full refunds are available through point of purchase. For now, their European tour (starting Feb. 11 in Belfast, Ireland) is still on.

Former My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero and two companions are recovering from an auto accident during the hours prior to a gig on Thursday night (Sept. 13) at Sydney, Australia's Metro Theatre.

Iero's party was arriving at the venue when a bus crashed into the back of their vehicle, according to Australia's 9News, which published photos of the scene. Iero, who is touring with his band Frank Iero and the Patience, described himself as "pretty banged up" and "still in a state of shock" but in "stable condition" following the incident. According to the 9News report, the two other men sustained more serious injuries and had to be taken to Sydney's St. Vincent's Hospital, where they are in stable condition.

Hi friends thanks all for the well wishes. we're pretty banged up but miraculously alive& in stable condition. I'm still in a state of shock

- frnkiero (@FrankIero) October 13, 2016

The bus was not carrying any passengers and its driver was not seriously injured.

Shortly after, Live Nation Australia & New Zealand tweeted that the show had been canceled, with all tickets refunded. This was the last scheduled date on the band's tour in that region; their next scheduled show is Oct. 28 in Sayreville, N.J., the same day they'll release their new studio album, Parachutes.

Iero joined MCR in 2002 and served as a guitarist and backing vocalist through their hiatus in 2013. Below, find well wishes from My Chem frontman Gerard Way following Iero's accident.

Billboard has reached out to Iero's rep for further updates.
If you read the media reports, youd think Wells Fargos outgoing CEO, John Stumpf, robbed the company blind and escaped with a whopping exit package: Disgraced Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf set for $134M exit. Wells Fargo CEO walks with $130 million. Wells Fargo CEO Stumpf retires with $134M.

The Wall Street Journal actually pegs the figure at $120 million, but thats neither here nor there.

To say the headlines are overwrought and the rhetoric has reached lynch mob-like proportions, is putting it mildly. Everyone I talk to is ready to brand this guy a white collar criminal of the Jeff Skilling or Bernie Ebbers variety.

While I hate to put a damper on everyones favorite pastime of piling on the big bad corporate villain, many of the facts are being misrepresented by a click-hungry media that feeds off of executive train wrecks.

Regardless of the actual sum, Stumpfs long-term compensation is neither retirement nor severance pay. It isnt a golden parachute or an exit package. Rather, its the value of Stumpfs stock, pension and 401K accumulated over 34 years with the bank and Northwestern National Bank, where he worked prior to their 1998 merger.

For the vast majority of his tenure, Stumpf was a senior executive and for nine years the CEO of one of the worlds biggest banks. Considering how many CEOs earn more than that in a year (David Zaslav of Discovery Communications made $156 million in 2015 alone), $120 million for 34 years of service is not extraordinary.

Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren, who called for Stumpfs head during his little trip to Capitol Hill, tweeted that he is leaving with all of his ill-gotten millions. While none of us should expect Congress to pass up a golden opportunity to grandstand and gloat over a fallen CEO, it would help if their accusations were true.

In my view, not a penny of the $120 million in question appears to be ill-gotten.

On the contrary, Stumpf has voluntarily forfeited all of his unvested equity awards, valued at $41 million, as well as his 2016 bonus and salary. In addition, the vast majority of his long-term compensation  about $100 million in stock  already includes a drop in share value of about $25 million since the scandal hit.

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Do the math. Stumpf has lost at least one third of the $200 million or so he would have walked away with had none of this happened. And according to a PwC analysis reported by the Journal, roughly 2% of the new accounts issued during the timeframe in question were fake, so their impact on Stumpfs compensation were negligible.

In other words, any ill-gotten gains have since been wiped out, and then some.

Of course Stumpf should hold himself accountable for what occurred on his watch, but contrary to media reports, by voluntarily stepping down and relinquishing at least $45 million, he seems to have done that. Meanwhile the medias mischaracterizations go well beyond the former CEOs compensation.

In For John Stumpf, the Buck Stopped Where It Should Have, New York Times columnist James Stewart calls the Wells Fargo situation an example of corporate governance working the way it should. He says the board moved swiftly and decisively on the $41 million claw back and by securing [Stumpfs] resignation.

While Stewart is usually on the money when it comes to this sort of thing, in this case, I dont believe his conclusions are backed up by facts, at least as we know them today.

I have seen no evidence to support the implication that the board initiated either the claw back or Stumpfs resignation. In testimony before the House, Stumpf said the claw back was his own recommendation, and a Journal report confirmed that. And its been widely reported that Stumpf voluntarily stepped down. Nobody refutes that.

If were going to hold the man accountable for the misconduct and overly aggressive sales culture that he presided over, we should also give him credit when its due.

In a TV interview on Friday, Stewart said Wells Fargos leadership was slow to see this coming and isolated, like an echo chamber. I couldnt agree more, but that goes for the board, as well. From what I can see, both the executive team and the board terribly mishandled this crisis. The latter deserves neither a pass nor accolades.

The facts behind this train wreck are bad enough. Theres no need to embellish.

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Drew Barrymore was honored at the annual Children's Hospital of Los Angeles Once Upon A Time Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night, and ET's Lauren Zima caught up with her on the red carpet, where she opened up about her love of Halloween and the challenges of co-parenting.

So how does Barrymore make it work as a newly single mom-of-two? "Plans," she explains. "Constant plans. We, as a family, have three dates for this Halloween."

WATCH: Drew Barrymore Frolics in a Foam Pit With Daughter Olive

Between all the planning and coordinating with her ex-husband Will Kopelman's family -- the couple's divorce was finalized in August after four years of marriage -- Barrymore says she feels honored for the continued love and acceptance from her children's paternal grandmother. "[It] means the world to me," she says.

Still, the 41-year-old actress and producer is looking forward to the hectic Halloween in front of her. "It's like the best day ever," she gushes. "It's the only day that's acceptable and not totally creepy to wear a mask, so God bless Halloween! I love it. I get to be an anonymous parent that night, so I'm into that!"

Speaking of dressing up, Barrymore looked stunning in a black, off-the-shoulder Elizabeth Kennedy New York dress, with her hair swept back in a loose braid.

Getty Images

But with the busy demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship -- Barrymore has her own makeup line, Flower Beauty, as well as her own production company, Flower Films -- the star says she saves getting made up for special occasions these days.

NEWS: Drew Barrymore Gets Candid About 'Failure' of Divorce on Chelsea Handler's New Talk Show

"I have a motto, 'A smile is better than any lipstick you're ever going to buy,'" she says. "So if I can be just me every day of my life and have the makeup moment feel special or like I'm carving something out of my time, or I'm making an effort to show someone in a meeting or a dinner that I've made the effort -- it feels special. But every day is not like that."

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That explains some of the stellar makeup-free looks the How To Be Single producer has been posting to her Instagram lately!

#labordayvibes #nofilter #onlysunrays #hikes2016 #flowereyewear our new shades The Sheila glasses (that's the character I am playing right now for Netflix) A photo posted by Drew Barrymore (@drewbarrymore) on Sep 5, 2016 at 7:22am PDT

Barrymore was honored at the Children's Hospital gala with the Courage to Care award, given to those who champion children's welfare-related causes. She posted a photo of her award to Instagram on Sunday, writing that the honor "will just make me work harder to earn it!"

About last night! With @masonmhughes proud as a peacock to receive the award of the night! It will just make me work harder to earn it! Continued journeys and humble roads as I work with such incredible places like @childrensla thank you for choosing me and giving me ongoing inspiration to be my best. My best is with you! #allaboutmydaughters A photo posted by Drew Barrymore (@drewbarrymore) on Oct 16, 2016 at 8:43am PDT

But that wasn't all! Barrymore also got to fangirl over fellow Children's Hospital volunteer, Katy Perry, who performed at the gala.

"Oh yeah! And this happened!!!," she wrote on Instagram. "@katyperry my fellow @childrensla representative tonight at the gala!!! #loveher #roar me and my daughters listen to her with such joy!"

Oh yeah! And this happened!!! @katyperry my fellow @childrensla representative tonight at the gala!!! #loveher #roar me and my daughters listen to her with such joy! A photo posted by Drew Barrymore (@drewbarrymore) on Oct 15, 2016 at 8:25pm PDT

Plus, the actress had a very special date for the gala: 13-year-old Madison Elizondo. Barrymore met Elizondo, who has been treated frequently at the hospital, last year, and the two formed a friendship. ET can exclusively reveal that Barrymore gave her pal the full red-carpet treatment Saturday night! Elizondo was styled by Barrymore's personal stylist, and the actress' team also did her nails and makeup.

Rich Polk/Getty Images for Children's Hospital Los Angeles

NEWS: Katy Perry Stuns in Champagne Gown at Star-Studded Children's Hospital L.A. Fundraising Gala

Earlier this month, Drew had an epic adventure with her 4-year-old daughter, Olive. Check out the sweet pics in this video.

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"The HoseMaster is the funniest satirist writing about wine in the world today."



--Karen MacNeil













--Terry Theise









HoseMaster

HoseMaster

HoseMaster



--Robert Parker





"...With sometimes crude analogies and occasional droppings of f-bombs, Washam cleverly uses satire to expose the underbelly of the wine business. It's often hilarious stuff as long as you're not the one being lampooned.



Washam takes no prisoners in skewering all that is silly, stupid, frustrating and pretentious about wine, and his favorite targets are other bloggers and writers. No one is immune."



-- Linda Murphy in "Vineyard and Winery Management"









-- JancisRobinson.com





"

Hosemaster of Wine

First: Im not sure if there is anyone better at cutting through the confidence trick that is often intrinsic to the business of wine.

Second: in a world where offending people appears to border on the illegal, the Hosemaster piles in. No one is safe."

--Joss Fowler "Vinolent.com"







"As serious as the world of wine is, it does allow time for humor. Each Monday and Thursday, Ron Washam customarily posts a commentary on his needling wine blog HoseMaster of Wine . Washam, a former sommelier and comedy writer  he might say they are closely related  is the most opinionated, humorous and ribald observer in the wine world. His body of work is irreverent and remorseless. Its almost always satire and parody, though he occasionally drifts into straight commentary, sometimes even with tasting notes. This past year, one of his posts was named the best of the year in the Wine Blog Awards. His success has spawned several imitations, which in their awkwardness show just how difficult satire is."



--Mike Dunne, Sacramento Bee





Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/01/21/6089630/dunne-on-wine-wine-blogs-and-bloggers.html#storylink=cpy





"Please let this guy write the scripts for Saturday Night Live which has gotten so lame...his newest "wisdom" is worth an Emmy....I wonder if he is the genius behind all those Hitler/Parker,etc. clips? No one else is remotely as funny or as talented.And the wine world sure needs someone to poke fun at all the nonsense and phoney/baloney unsufferable crap out there."



--Robert Parker





"

Washam uses his own blog, HoseMaster of Wine , to skewer the industry in general and wine blogs in particular. If your mouse scoots to your browser's close box while reading a wine blog, Washam may be the blogger for you."



-- San Francisco Chronicle



"Ron Washam, former sommelier, is easily the most bitingly funny blogger/wine writer that we have ever come across. He is an equal opportunity crusader who pillories big wineries and amateur bloggers alike, as well as everything and everyone in between...One needs a sense of humor and a tolerance for earthiness to enjoy reading The Hosemaster . We must have both because this guy deserves a wider audience, in our humble opinion."





--Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine

--Steve Heimoff





"This site should carry a warning label. It's sort of a Dave Barry/George Carlin approach to wine. The Hosemaster (real name Ron Washam) skewers fellow bloggers and industry savants with glee, while offering hilarious wine guides such as his Honest Guide to Grapes...

--Paul Gregutt, Seattle Times

"Washam is a skilled wine judge (I have judged with him) who is willing to judge wine double blind, in public . To my knowledge, Parker does not do this and never has. So Ron's credentials are in place, and so is his sense of the absurd."

--Dan Berger, VintageExperiences





"...I consider Ron a

talented writer and Ive long been an admirer of his scathing wit..."

--1WineDude

"And if any free sites think they can conquer the world, theres always the Hosemaster

to take em down a notch."

--Tyler Colman "Dr. Vino"

--Jo Diaz "Juicy Tales by Jo Diaz"





"I must say you are an idiot. I've never liked you. I have no idea why people find you funny."

--Reign of Terroir

--Will Lyons (WSJ) on Twitter







--Levi Dalton on Twitter

very
Just months after a mysterious health scare, Joe Manganiello talked to ET about his well-being.

The 39-year-old actor said he's doing "great" following his hospitalization in April. While Manganiello didn't elaborate as to what put him in the hospital, he assured fans that they'll be seeing much more of him on the big screen. "[I'm] getting ready to go shoot Batman in the spring, and release the Smurfs in April," he shared while at the Mohegan Sun's 20th anniversary party in Uncasville, Connecticut, over the weekend. "I got a couple other movies up my sleeve before them."

EXCLUSIVE: Sofia Vergara Shares Update on Joe Manganiello's Health

Manganiello is also looking forward to celebrating his one-year wedding anniversary with wife Sofia Vergara next month. "Yes, we have plans," he revealed. "They're secret. Just for us."

Vergara celebrated early by calling out the two-year anniversary of when she first started dating the Magic Mike XXL star. "Two years. Te Amo. Dont ever change," the 44-year-old actress Instagrammed in June.



2yrs. Te Amo. Dont ever change A photo posted by Sofia Vergara (@sofiavergara) on Jun 14, 2016 at 9:26pm PDT

On Nov. 22, 2015, Manganiello and Vergara tied the knot at The Breakers Palm Beach resort in Florida while surrounded by nearly 400 of their close family and friends. Celebrity guests included her Hot Pursuit co-star, Reese Witherspoon, his Magic Mike co-star, Channing Tatum and wife Jenna Dewan, True Blood's Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer and Vergara's Modern Family castmates Eric Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, Ed O'Neill, Ariel Winter, and Sarah Hyland.

PHOTOS: Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello Enjoy Romantic Turks and Caicos Getaway

Here's a look back at the couple's lavish, star-studded nuptials:

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This could be one for the Bachelor Nation books.

On Tuesday night's episode of Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After?, viewers will see former Bachelor Ben Higgins and fiancee Lauren Bushnell on a double date with Ben's ex, Bachelorette JoJo Fletcher, and her fiance Jordan Rodgers. ET has the first photos of the foursome, and, perhaps unsurprisingly  alcohol was involved.

EXCLUSIVE: Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell on Whether They'll Get Married on TV

Freeform

"Whenever you sit down with people that you've dated before, it's going to be a little awkward for at least the start!" Higgins recently told ET. It's a situation few people would find themselves inunless they're on reality TV. But judging by the photos, things ended up OK. The group is seen deep in conversation at Katsuya in Hollywood, sharing both mimosas and laughs. In one picture, Bushnell and Fletcher even take a selfie together.

Freeform

"It was a good thing for us both to do," Higgins said. "To kind of support each other and put all the weirdness aside."

EXCLUSIVE: Ben Higgins and Lauren Bushnell Are Doing Couples Counseling

Of course, Higgins is infamously the only Bachelor in the show's history to say "I love you" to two women, Bushnell and Fletcher. He broke up with Fletcher in the finale, and she brought up the heartbreak several times during her subsequent season of The Bachelorette. On the series premiere of Happily Ever After?, Bushnell and Higgins spoke about Fletcher frequently, especially because they were asked by producers to attend her taping of After the Final Rose, spurring a squabble between the couple.

Bushnell and Fletcher have both maintained that they're friends to ET. "There's so many times where JoJo and myself, we know exactly what the other's going through," Bushnell told us in August.

To see the date go down, tune into Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After? on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 8/7c on Freeform, and check out all of our exclusive photos from their date below!

Story continues

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Vicki Gunvalson is done trying to kill all cancer -- or at least with the organization, Kill All Cancer.

The Real Housewives of Orange County star helped launch the charity, which supposedly benefited the City of Hope National Medical Center, over the summer. But after a series of reports came out saying the charity was not registered as a non-profit and could be a scam, it's been shut down.

"I just shut it down because there was a lot of naysayers out there," Gunvalson told ET at the Mohegan Sun Casino's 20th anniversary celebration in Connecticut on Saturday. "I'm not going to do something that's going to be criticized when I did it from a good place. And it wasn't my charity. I was just a spokesperson for it. So it wasn't mine."

WATCH: Vicki Gunvalson Vows to Seek Revenge Over Daughter Briana's Health Crisis

Housewives fans have watched as Gunvalson signed on to help with the charity, even filming a commercial for it on a recent episode.

Back in June, the 54-year-old gushed to ET about her work with Kill All Cancer. She got involved after her ex-boyfriend, Brooks Ayers, was accused of faking his cancer diagnosis. Ayers has denied faking his illness, but did admit to producing fake medical documents.

WATCH: Vicki Gunvalson on When She'll Leave Real Housewives

"Just to clear the air, I was never in on a scam," Gunvalson told ET. "I have people and relatives that have died of cancer, and it's way too serious for me. I've actually started a charity called Kill All Cancer  I'm giving back to research and to people that are suffering with cancer or suffer with cancer. We have wristbands, and it's a transparent charity, and I'm gonna turn this all around and make good for it. Fifty percent of us are gonna be diagnosed with cancer. It's not funny."

For more from that chat with Gunvalson, watch the video below.

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Healthcare giant, Johnson & Johnson JNJ will be reporting third quarter results tomorrow before the market opens. The company has a pretty good earnings track record having surpassed expectations in each of the last four quarters.



While J&J has three segments  Consumer, Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices  it is the Pharmaceutical segment that has been performing well over the last couple of quarters and will remain a key area of focus this quarter as well.



Will the Pharmaceutical Segment Deliver in Q3?



J&Js Pharmaceutical segment, which accounted for more than 46% of total sales in the first half of 2016, recorded year-over-year growth of 7.4% during this period. The segment comprises Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Neuroscience, Oncology and Cardiovascular/Metabolism/Other.



New as well as core growth products have been driving sales of the Pharmaceutical segment and should continue doing so. Key performers include immunology products Remicade, Stelara, and Simponi, Simponi Aria, oncology products Imbruvica and Darzalex and cardiovascular metabolic products Xarelto and Invokana.



While Simponi Aria and Stelara should benefit from increased penetration; access across managed care and a strong clinical profile should drive type II diabetes treatment, Invokana, which was the number one SGLT2 inhibitor in the U.S. both in new and total scrips in the second quarter, as per the company. Xarelto should continue growing despite the presence of competition in the market.



Imbruvica, which delivered sales of $556 million in the first half of 2016, looks well-positioned for growth thanks to new indications, approvals, increased patient uptake and efficacy data. Recently launched Darzalexs initial uptake looks good with strong underlying demand. Sales should pick up with the product being launched in certain European countries. Approval for additional indications will drive long-term growth for this product.



On the flip side, J&Js hepatitis C virus product sales will continue being impacted by competition while Invega sales will be impacted by generic competition.



Meanwhile, a key area of focus this quarter will be blockbuster drug Remicades performance as well as an update on potential biosimilar competition. The FDA had approved Celltrions Inflectra, a biosimilar version of Remicade, across all eligible indications in Apr 2016.



In August this year, the District of Massachusetts Federal Court had found the 471 Remicade patent to be invalid -- while J&J said that it would appeal the decision, the company could face biosimilar competition any time after Oct 3, 2016, if Celltrion and its U.S. commercialization partner, Pfizer, Inc. PFE decide to go ahead with the launch. Remicade sales were $3.6 billion in the first half of 2016. On the second quarter call, J&J had said that about 70% of the approximately 2.4 million patients on Remicade get a positive response from the therapy and are therefore unlikely to be switched. More color on the biosimilar situation should be available on the third quarter call.



Earnings Beat on the Cards?



Our proven model shows that J&J has the right combination of two key ingredients for an earnings beat in the third quarter -- the company has a positive Earnings ESP of +4.24% and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

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JOHNSON & JOHNS Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

JOHNSON & JOHNS Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | JOHNSON & JOHNS Quote

A couple of other large cap pharma stocks that have the right combination for an earnings beat this quarter are Bristol-Myers Squibb Company BMY and Swiss healthcare giant Novartis AG NVS. While Bristol-Myers has a positive ESP of +4.69%, Novartis has a positive ESP of +0.84% -- both are Zacks Rank #3 stocks. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



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Yahoo! Inc. YHOO is set to report third-quarter fiscal 2016 results on Oct 18. Last quarter, the company posted a negative earnings surprise of 350%. The company has posted an average negative surprise of 50.72% in the preceding four quarters.

Lets see how things are shaping up for this announcement.

Factors to Consider

Yahoo is in the process of selling its core assets to Verizon for $4.8 billion, a move that can be considered as CEO Marissa Mayer's final effort to revive the companys ailing fortunes. But the nightmare doesnt seem to end as it continues to get embroiled in legal issues.

The companys late admission of the massive 2014 cyber-attack is likely to affect the Verizon deal, especially since the disclosure triggered a number of notable incidents. Following the news, Yahoo was not only sued but also faced senators ire for the late confirmation.

The news that Yahoo developed a custom software program to scan all of its users incoming emails for particular information demanded by the FBI caused further uproar and fueled privacy concerns. A bipartisan group of 48 U.S. lawmakers have demanded a detailed explanation of the matter from Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.

Verizon's general counsel Craig Silliman confirmed in a statement that the company has received preliminary briefings but is pressing Yahoo for a demonstration of the full impact. Till that time, Verizon will keep its final decision on hold.

If the deal materializes, it will improve Yahoos cost structure. In the wake of all these troubles, the company has cancelled its conference call.

Yahoo provided limited guidance for the third quarter of 2016. Revenues are expected to be down in line with normal seasonality to $1.275-1.325 billion. The company expects TAC of $440 million, revenue on an ex-TAC basis of $840-880 million, depreciation and amortization of $125 million and SBC of $130 million. Management did not provide guidance for adjusted EBITDA and operating income because of difficulties in predicting certain items.

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YAHOO! INC Price and EPS Surprise

YAHOO! INC Price and EPS Surprise | YAHOO! INC Quote

Earnings Whispers

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Yahoo will beat on earnings this quarter. This is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. That is not the case here as you will see below.

Zacks ESP: Both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate stand at 5 cents. Hence, the difference is 0.00%.

Zacks Rank: Yahoo has a Zacks Rank #3, which increases the predictive power of ESP. However, a 0.00% ESP makes surprise prediction difficult.

We caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Sell-rated) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.

Stocks to Consider

Here are some stocks, which you may want to consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:

NVIDIA Corporation NVDA, with an Earnings ESP of +8.93% and a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Barracuda Networks, Inc. CUDA with an Earnings ESP of +25.00% and Zacks Rank #1.

Veeco Instruments Inc. VECO with an Earnings ESP of +17.86% and Zacks Rank #1.

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By Lizbeth Diaz TIJUANA, Mexico (Reuters) - The havoc wreaked by Hurricane Matthew has strengthened the resolve of thousands of Haitians stuck on the U.S.-Mexico border to make it to the United States even though new rules mean they will likely be deported to their shattered homeland. A surge in the number of Haitians seeking asylum this year prompted the U.S. government to end special protections dating back to Haiti's last major disaster, a 2010 earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people. That means migrants like Naomi Josil, 29, are now far more likely to be deported home if they cross the border from Mexico. But as news filtered in of the death of some 900 people from Hurricane Matthew and the loss of family homes and property, Josil and her friends refused to give up. "We can't go back, we want money to rebuild the houses taken by the hurricane, said Josil, a 29-year-old mother of two. "There is no turning back, my family needs the money more than ever. We have to reach the United States." Despite tighter U.S. controls, dozens of Haitians show up in Tijuana every day, almost all of them arriving after an arduous three-month trip traversing jungles and mountains from Brazil where they sought refuge following the earthquake. This time they are on the move to escape Brazil's economic recession which left them without jobs. Having spent thousands of dollars to get this far with her two children, husband and brother, Josil refuses to entertain any suggestion she will not be allowed into the United States, Indeed, the disaster back in Haiti may provide a ray of hope for her and thousands of others amassing on the border since the tougher rules were introduced, with activists now pressuring the Obama administration to reverse the measures as a humanitarian gesture. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has said it is monitoring the situation and "will assess its impact on current policies as appropriate." The crisis comes at a sensitive time for the U.S. government, wary of fanning Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's accusations that President Barack Obama is soft on immigration, or worse. On Friday, Trump said the Obama government was fast-tracking applications for citizenship for electoral gain. "Theyre letting people pour into the country so they can go and vote," Trump said during a meeting with representatives of the National Border Patrol Council, the union that represents Border Patrol agents, at Trump Tower in New York. He did not present evidence to back his claim. 'EVERYTHING ENDED' Josil made the journey from Brazil to Tijuana mainly by bus and at times on foot, walking through the Darian jungle between Colombia and Panama for five days with her youngest child wrapped across her body in a sling. In Nicaragua, they were robbed of all their money. They arrived two weeks ago. Every day since then, more have turned up, some like Josil's group sleeping in tents on wasteland near the border crossing, others spilling from packed migrant shelters. Mexico's human rights ombudsman last week said 300 Haitians and Africans were now crossing Mexico's southern border every day, and that 13,000 had arrived this year. Some Haitians tell migration authorities they are from Congo or other French-speaking African nations with which Mexico has few diplomatic ties, making deportation from this side more difficult. They are given a 20-day pass to leave the country, which they take to Tijuana with the plan of crossing to San Diego. Costa Rica and Panama on Friday asked for international support to help them cope with the flow of Haitians, saying there were some 8,000 of them between the two countries seeking their way north. The latest news of the hurricane spread quickly through the shelters in poor neighborhoods and the tent villages where messages reach Tijuana's newest arrivals over social media. Nobody wanted to hear of deportations. "Everything ended," when the storm crashed through Normilus Mondesir's hometown of Miragoane on Haiti's north coast this week, he said. "I have no house, nothing," Mondesir said, adding that his mother's livestock had all died. "I feel dreadful, first traveling all this way and then not having any money to help. When my mother arrived home, she had nothing, her hope evaporated." (Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Kieran Murray and Bernard Orr)
State Department officials were so concerned about one email that former secretary of state Hillary Clinton sent over an unsecured personal account that they considered a quid pro quo with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in order to persuade the FBI to retroactively change the emails classification level, documents released Monday show.

It is unclear from the heavily redacted documents whether the suggestion of a tradeoff originated with the State Department or the FBI. However, it arose during the FBIs assessment of emails that were transmitted over the unsecured personal email system that Clinton used during her four years as secretary of state, and involved Undersecretary of State Patrick Kennedy and several FBI agents and supervisors.

Related: A Trump Television Network? It Sure Would Explain a Lot

It appears that Kennedy and FBI personnel were both willing to explore the possibility of swapping the FBIs agreement to change the documents classification for the State Departments support in allowing more FBI agents to be stationed in specific countries where they were not currently allowed.

However, the plan appears to have fallen apart when an FBI agent involved in making the classification decisions declined to play along.

An unnamed agent, in a transcript of an interview, expresses the opinion that State has an agenda which involves minimizing the classified nature of the Clinton emails in order to protect State interests and those of Clinton.

The email in question referred to the possible arrest of suspects in the attacks on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012 -- something Republicans have repeatedly tried to blame on Clinton. While there is no evidence to suggest that Kennedy was working on Clintons behalf when he attempted to convince the FBI to change the classification last summer, it clearly would have been in the interests of the Clinton campaign if she were not found to have transmitted secret information about Benghazi on her personal server.

Story continues

Related: Trumps Rigged Election Poll Watchdogs Could End Up in Jail

Both agencies released statements denying that a discussion of a quid pro quo had taken place.

A senior State Department official requested the FBI re-review that email to determine whether it was in fact classified or whether it might be protected from release under a different FOIA exemption, an FBI statement said. A now-retired FBI official, who was not part of the subsequent Clinton investigation, told the State Department official that they would look into the matter. Having been previously unsuccessful in attempts to speak with the senior State official, during the same conversation, the FBI official asked the State Department official if they would address a pending, unaddressed FBI request for space for additional FBI employees assigned abroad.

A State Department spokesperson likewise said that suggestions that there was a quid pro quo were inaccurate.

He added, We have been committed to releasing as much information to the public as possible, and ensuring that documents are withheld due to classification only when necessary to prevent damage to national security -- as the Executive Order on classification calls for.

Related: Clinton Will Have to Raise Taxes Even More to Not Add a Penny to the Debt

Predictably, the news quickly spilled over into the presidential race, where Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his supporters pounced.

These FBI documents provide undeniable proof that Hillary Clinton colluded with the FBI, DOJ and State Department to cover up criminal activity at the highest levels, said Trump surrogate retired U.S. Army Lt. General Michael Flynn. Hillary Clinton has recklessly put our national security at extreme risk. We have men and women putting their lives on the line for this country. If any person had done a fraction of what she has done with our sensitive information they would be criminally charged and those in our military would be court-martialed. Hillary Clinton acts as though she is above the law and therefore, she is not fit to serve as Commander in Chief.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
The U.S. telecom regulator, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), recently reduced the clearing target price of the ongoing 600 MHz low-band wireless spectrum auction, popularly known as the Incentive Auction. At present, the regulatory body is going through the stage 2 of the second part of the auction.

Stage 1 of the second part of the Incentive Auction witnessed total bids worth $23 billion after the twenty-seventh round of bidding. Notably, the FCCs first Final Stage Rule was that the minimum bid total should reach $15.9 billion for the spectrum auction to continue.

The Incentive Auction, which was initiated by the FCC on Mar 29, 2016, completed its first part in Jul 2016. This part was essentially a reverse auction in which, the airwaves were freed by TV broadcasters who no longer had any productive use of the same. The TV broadcasters had agreed to free substantial spectrum of 126 MHz for a massive $86.4 billion.

Per the Final Stage Rule of the FCC, proceeds from the forward auction (net of bidding credits and impairment discounts) must be sufficient to cover Incentive Auction costs. These costs include the aggregate of broadcaster clearing costs, approximately $226 million to cover the FCCs costs for conducting the auction and $1.75 billion for the TV Broadcaster Repacking Fund. Accordingly, the forward phase of the Incentive Auction must generate $88.4 billion for the whole process to be successful.

In stage 2, the FCC reduced the event clearing spectrum size to 114 MHz instead of 126 MHz fixed earlier. However, 99.6% of the spectrum offered in this stage will be completely unimpaired compared with 97% of that offered in the first stage.

Consequently, the auction clearing target price has also been lowered substantially to $54.6 billion from the initial target price of $86.4 billion. Importantly, during this stage of the bidding process, the FCC is negotiating with TV broadcasters to determine the amount of spectrum they will release to the forward portion of this event and the price of the same.

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The FCC has received as many as 62 applications for the second part of the Incentive Auction. All 62 bidders have made upfront payments. Important bidders include national telecom giants Verizon Communications Inc. VZ, AT&T Inc. T, and T-Mobile US Inc. TMUS and cable MSOs (multi-service operators) Comcast Corp. CMCSA. All these stock currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Additionally, satellite TV operator DISH Network Corp. DISH, which already has a strong portfolio of spectrums, is also taking part in the bidding process. Low-band spectrum is essential for wireless operators as the signals can be transmitted over longer distances and through brick-and-mortar walls in cities. However, several industry experts believe that telecom operators may be unwilling to shell out such a hefty sum for low-band airwaves.

Some industry watchers have also predicted that telecom operators might need around 70 MHz to 80 MHz of spectrums in the 600 MHz bands instead of the total freed up 126 MHz airwaves. In such a scenario, the FCC might have to conduct another round of reverse auction for a reduced volume of spectrum at lower prices.

The FCC was initially hopeful of completing the Incentive Auction process by the end of the third quarter of 2016. However, industry watchers are now anticipating it to be more prolonged and it is likely to continue till early 2017. Notably, the freed spectrums cannot be utilized commercially before 2020.

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(Adds details on safety, background)

By Natalie Grover

Oct 17 (Reuters) - The proposed dosing for a drug being developed by Allergan Plc to treat frequent urination at night has not been adequately studied in trials, a preliminary review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration staff concluded.

The drug, SER120, is a low-dose nasal version of the commonly used treatment, desmopressin, and is designed to treat adults with nocturia, a disorder where a person wakes up to urinate twice or more at night.

There are no FDA-approved drugs to specifically treat nocturia.

Allergan has proposed starting patients with a 0.75 microgram (mcg) dose, and moving up to 1.5 mcg if necessary, but this dosing regimen was not studied in any clinical trials, staff reviewers said on Monday. (http://bit.ly/2dIxcrs)

In addition, late-stage data showed that only the higher dose met the statistical criteria for efficacy. The "clinical meaningfulness" of the drug's benefit was also unclear when compared with a placebo, the reviewers said.

Desmopressin was first approved in the United States in 1978 to treat patients with diabetes insipidus, a rare disorder that causes an imbalance of water in the body.

Since then, the FDA has sanctioned the drug's use in other conditions.

An oral desmopressin pill from privately held Ferring Pharmaceuticals has been rejected twice by the FDA, which said the risk of hyponatremia, or abnormally low sodium levels in the blood, outweighed the drug's benefit.

The FDA had asked Allergan to enroll patients aged at least 50 to better assess the risk of hyponatremia, which is greater in the elderly, in its late-stage trials for SER120.

However, since the company is seeking approval for adults regardless of age, efficacy in patients younger than 50 has not been assessed, the staff said.

Of the five deaths among patients on SER120 during clinical trials, the role of the drug cannot be definitively ruled out in two, the reviewers said.

Four of the five deaths were in patients older than 75.

Story continues

Nocturia is a considered a symptom of one or more underlying conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus and congestive heart failure.

The review comes two days ahead of a meeting of outside experts who will recommend to the FDA whether to approve the drug.

The agency is not obliged to follow its advisory panel's recommendations but typically does so.

Allergan in 2010 acquired from privately held Serenity Pharmaceuticals exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and sell the drug for all potential indications, excluding bedwetting in children.

The company's shares were down 1.3 percent at $224.42 in morning trading.

(Reporting by Natalie Grover in Bengaluru and Toni Clarke in Washington; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
By Babak Dehghanpisheh DAQUQ (Reuters) - Shi'ite irregulars will help storm a smaller city in northern Iraq while government troops launch their upcoming offensive against Islamic State's biggest stronghold Mosul, raising fears among Iraqi officials and aid workers of sectarian retribution. The decision to steer the Popular Mobilisation Forces away from Mosul to Hawija 100 km (60 miles) away is intended to ease sectarian animosity during the fight for Mosul, expected to be the biggest battle in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion of 2003. The PMF units, formed from Shi'ite militia groups who now have official status from Baghdad, have been accused by the United Nations and others of carrying out killings and kidnappings in some other areas freed from Islamic State. Their presence at the frontline is often bitterly resented by Sunni civilians in Sunni-majority areas the government hopes to free from Islamic State control, and authorities want to keep them off the battlefield in Mosul. But they are also battle-hardened fighters with powerful supporters in Baghdad, and keeping them out of the fight altogether would be politically difficult. A senior diplomat who has followed the planning for the assault on Mosul said the compromise to send the PMF to Hawija instead was the result of tough negotiations. I dont think that was an easy agreement, said the senior diplomat, giving details that were not public on condition of anonymity. There was a lot of leaning and a lot of heavy lifting by a lot of people. But the diplomat acknowledged that the compromise had caused concern about abuses being carried out in the smaller city. Were really worried, the diplomat said. The PMF says civilians in Hawija have nothing to fear. Our role will be liberating them from Daesh tyranny, said Ali al-Hussaini, a PMF spokesman, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. We will make sure to save the families from any harm and preserve their dignity. We are their brothers, we are not an enemy. FLEEING UNDER FIRE Mosul, with a pre-war population of around 2 million, is five times bigger than any other city Islamic State militants have held, and the battle for it is seen as an existential fight for the group's self-proclaimed caliphate in Iraq. Hawija, with around 200,000 people, is an important provincial city in its own right. Residents who have managed to flee say the fighters have imposed draconian rule there, growing increasingly violent as the expected battle looms. Everyone is trying to escape, said Um Kamal, a woman in her fifties who swam to safety with her three children across a river in pitch black darkness last Tuesday night as Islamic State fighters fired at them from the shore. A woman nearby was hit by the gunfire but Um Kamal and her family reached territory held by Kurdish security forces. The militants, clearly aware of an impending attack, have become even more brutal in recent weeks, those who flee say: executions take place daily and corpses are hung on light posts as a warning to anyone who challenges the caliphate. Um Yaqoub, another Hawija resident, tried to escape earlier this summer with members of her extended family but they were caught by IS fighters. They executed my cousin in front of us, she said. My kids saw it. She finally made it to Kurdish-controlled territory on her third escape attempt a month ago. In a single night last week, approximately 800 people escaped Hawija. Many of those leaving are transferred to a camp near the town of Daquq, one of several camps in the region which aid agencies are expecting to fill when the military operations in Mosul and Hawija kick off. This is the beginning of a massive emergency we are preparing for, said Maulid Warfa, the head of a United Nations Childrens Funds (UNICEF) field office at the Daquq camp, noting that some 200,000 people are expected to be displaced within the first two weeks of fighting in and near Mosul. Aid workers worry that fear of retaliation by Shi'ite fighters could cause more panic and worsen the situation. The United Nations said in July it had a list of more than 640 Sunni Muslim men and boys reportedly abducted by a government-affiliated Shiite militia during the battle for the Islamic State-held bastion of Falluja. About 50 others were summarily executed or tortured to death. The PMF have said that there have been individual abuse cases but that it was not systematic and the government has promised to punish anyone involved. Hawija residents have already experienced violence from Shiite-led security forces. In 2013, dozens were killed when Iraqi security forces raided an anti-government protest camp in the city, fuelling resentment that residents say eased Islamic States takeover of the town the next year. Iraqi officials, aware of the sensitivities of sending Shiite fighters into a predominantly Sunni town, are trying to temper the role the PMF will play in Hawija, according to former finance and foreign minister Hoshiyar Zebari. The hope is that more disciplined PMF units will be paired with the Iraqi army to create a sectarian balance in the fighting force. No one will condone any atrocities, Zebari said. In past battles, PMF units have not received air support from the U.S.-led coalition that assists the Iraqi army. Some PMF members fought against American troops in Shi'ite militias during the U.S. occupation of Iraq. However, Hussaini, the PMF spokesman, said coalition forces were expected to provide air support and intelligence during the assault on Hawija. Asked about support for PMF units, coalition spokesman Col. John Dorrian said: It would be appropriate to say we help the Iraqi security forces. As far as the specific disposition of whos involved there I probably wouldnt get into that. Um Kamal, now safely out of Hawija with her family, said she is looking forward to the day she can return. I want to go back to my house and my life, she said. But we are waiting. People are waiting to see what happens with the military operation. (Additional reporting by Ahmed Rasheed and Maher Chmaytelli in Baghdad; editing by Peter Graff)
There are so many mysteries swirling around the otherwise open-shut courtroom drama The Whole Truth that the relatively banal question of who murdered Boone Lassiter is undoubtedly the least interesting. The cops already have their man, and the judge wants a swift trial. Meanwhile, audiences might well ask, what was it that turn-of-the-millennium stars Keanu Reeves and Renee Zellweger saw in this material, which plays like a rejected episode of Law & Order: SVU? Or, equally intriguing, why did promising Frozen River helmer Courtney Hunt (who spent some of the eight-year span since her impressive indie debut directing episodes of Law & Order: SVU) choose to go back to the big screen with such a weak legal procedural?

Reeves plays Richard Ramsay, family lawyer and longtime personal friend to the late Boone Lassiter (Jim Belushi), a rich Southern blowhard found stabbed to death in his bedroom. When the cops arrived at the scene, Boones teenage son Mike (Gabriel Basso), by all reports a promising college-bound kid, was kneeling beside the body and said something to the officers that sounded like a confession. Mike hasnt spoken since, but hes on trial for the murder, and its Richards job to get him off, despite what seems like overwhelming evidence to suggest that Mike killed his father.

Already theres something fishy in this arrangement: If Richard was Boones lawyer, and Boone is now dead, should he really be defending the No. 1 suspect? And why, if history has shown that wives are often responsible for such crimes, is no one taking a closer look at Boones widow, Loretta (Zellweger), whom evidence suggests may have been the victim of physical abuse and repeated infidelity? Even the camera seems to be avoiding her, at least at first, as Zellweger appears discreetly over Richards shoulder, fretfully attending her sons trial, but getting suspiciously little screen time for someone who surely knows more than shes letting on. And then theres the ludicrous detail of Mikes silence: The young man refuses to utter a word in his own defense, until the last minute, when he suddenly insists on taking the stand  a decision that makes Richard extremely nervous, as the lawyer has no idea what his client might say.

Viewers whove spent any time watching TV courtroom dramas will probably believe theyve figured out The Whole Truth from practically its opening scene, and despite a few minor twists along the way, chances are, they have. The real mystery is what this script must have contained that didnt make it onto the screen, because at a meager 93 minutes, The Whole Truth feels like a fraction of some larger, more ambitious project, one in which certain roles  such as the doting mother/long-suffering wife played by Zellweger, or the conflicted young legal aide (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) who joins Richards team  surely contributed additional color to this drab-looking drama, whose only energy hails from its agitated piano score. Certainly, the heavy narration by Reeves is a clue to someones attempt to simplify and reshuffle things in the editing room.

Whatever the explanation, the resulting film feels like a missed opportunity, one that volunteers the observation that all witnesses lie and proceeds to cast in doubt everything that anybody says  a formula by which only the accused, who keeps his mouth shut, seems above suspicion. Meanwhile, Richard has his work cut out for him trying to defend Mike with no help from the young man, and yet, he makes swift progress by painting his late friend Boone as an overbearing monster, using cross-examination to present an image of someone who got what was coming to him.

Its kind of cheat that the witnesses testimony triggers cutaway scenes to Boones worst offenses, from picking up loose women on business trips to embarrassing his son in front of neighbors at a family barbecue, considering that those who take the stand offer milder or downright conflicting accounts of the events being depicted. Of course, its not really the jury that Richard is trying to convince here, but the audience, for whom Mbatha-Raws character serves as proxy  the daughter of Richards mentor and a promising young lawyer in her own right. She is perhaps the only truly decent character in this whole mess, though even she has skeletons in her closet. At any rate, much of Richards defense has been crafted just for her benefit, and its sort of a letdown that she doesnt play a bigger part when everything starts to unravel.

Looking back to Frozen River, Hunts long-awaited second feature shares the weaknesses of her debut  namely, a single-minded focus on a somewhat trashy predicament, with little to no room for subplots or other enriching details  while lacking in the earlier films strengths. Missing is the gritty suspense and vivid local color, not to mention a central performance as compelling as Melissa Leos tooth-and-nail turn. Here, it feels as if anyone could have played these roles, and theres something a little sad about watching the ever-wooden Reeves and numb-looking Zellweger (convincing as a rich mans frail, if resourceful wife) settle for such shallow work, considering how much more we know them to be capable of. These two actors were at the top of their game 15 years ago, and though they each comes with certain baggage, truth be told, they deserve better.

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By Jatindra Dash BHUBANESHWAR (Reuters) - At least 14 people died on Monday when a fire broke out at a private hospital in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, officials said. The fire erupted inside the dialysis ward of the SUM hospital's critical-care unit in the state capital Bhubaneswar, public health officials said. Ambulances ferried more than 120 patients to other facilities for treatment, officials said while firemen brought the flames under control. Some patients were still in critical condition. "We are trying our best to save lives," said Arti Ahuja, principal secretary of Odisha's health and family welfare department. He confirmed the death toll of 14 though local news channels said more than 20 people had died. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the tragedy "mind-numbing" and directed the federal health minister to facilitate transfer of those injured to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, a group of government hospitals. "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire," Modi said on Twitter. (Writing by Aditya Kalra; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
LONDON (Reuters) - A first busload of children arrived in Britain on Monday from the "Jungle" camp near the French port of Calais as the British government started to act on its commitment to take in unaccompanied migrant children before the camp is destroyed. The fate of children staying in the Jungle, a squalid camp where up to 10,000 people fleeing war or poverty in the Middle East and Africa have converged seeking ways to cross to Britain, has been a political problem for the British government. Religious leaders, refugee rights campaign groups and opposition parties have accused the government of dragging its heels on helping to move unaccompanied children out of the camp, which France has said it will soon demolish. The French and British interior ministers, Bernard Cazeneuve and Amber Rudd, agreed in talks on Oct. 10 to speed up the process of moving children eligible to go to Britain out of the Jungle. Fourteen children, the first whose cases have been processed, arrived by bus in Croydon, south London, to be reunited with relatives already living in Britain. Faith leaders and aid workers were on hand to welcome and assist them. "The camp at Calais is a desperate, dangerous, horrible place, nowhere any adult should be, let alone any child," said Bishop of Croydon Jonathan Clark. "So this is a really good day to celebrate as some of those children begin to make their journeys to be reunited with their families," he told reporters outside a Croydon church. It is not known exactly how many children will be brought to Britain. The British interior ministry has said 80 children had been accepted for transfer from France so far this year under EU family reunification rules known as the Dublin regulation. The Red Cross estimates that 1,000 unaccompanied children are living in the Jungle, of whom 178 have been identified as having family ties to Britain. It has said some of these children have been held back by bureaucracy. Separately from the Dublin process, Britain has sent out a team to work with the French authorities to identify children who can be brought to Britain under the terms of a change to British immigration law known as the Dubs amendment. It states that Britain will take in "vulnerable unaccompanied child refugees" who arrived in the EU before March 20, even if they do not have relatives in Britain. March 20 was date of an EU-Turkey deal aimed at limiting the flow of migrants into the bloc, which reached crisis levels in 2015. The Dubs amendment is named after the politician who proposed it, Alf Dubs, who came to Britain as a Jewish child refugee fleeing Nazi persecution. (Reporting by Estelle Shirbon; editing by Stephen Addison)
bill gates

Back in the seventies, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates was known as a real speed demon, getting lots of tickets (and one infamous mugshot) for tearing up the roads of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the company was then based.

So it's no surprise that in a new Bloomberg interview, Gates reveals that as a "tiny bit of a splurge," he bought himself a used Porsche 911 supercar as his first big purchase with his Microsoft money.

In fact, Gates says, it was the first car he ever owned  he was mostly driving borrowed cars before that, and once totaled a friend's Porsche.

Gates tells interviewer David Rubenstein that he'd sometimes go out at night and "drive around at high speeds" through the New Mexico desert, just to clear his head and think.

"Fortunately, I didn't kill myself doing that," Gates jokes.

Porsche 911

In 1979, when he's said to have bought the car, Gates would have been preparing to move Microsoft out to Bellevue, Washington, very near Redmond, where it keeps its headquarters to this day.

In 2007, Gates told Gizmodo that he actually got three speeding tickets, two from the same cop, while driving this Porsche 911 up to his new home in Seattle (though Gates also said there that it happened in 1978, so the timeline gets a little fuzzy).

bill gates mugshot

While he's still a big fan of Porsche and luxury cars in general, Gates sold this particular Porsche 911 in the early 1990's. In 2012, one of its new owners sold it at auction for $80,000.

You can watch Gates' full interview here:

NOW WATCH: Heres where Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Steve Jobs started as interns





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Imagine the amount of melted butter it would take to serve this 14-pound lobster for dinner.

Read: Clawdette, the Four-Clawed Lobster, Shows Up in Maine Seafood Wholesaler's Shipment

Fisherman Tristin Loescher from the Sanctuary Marine in Bermuda was fishing for grey snapper one night after Hurricane Nicole lashed the area, and instead, discovered an enormous, 14-pound lobster.

"Never in my life have I seen anything this big," Loescher, who has been lobster diving for about 15 years, told InsideEdition.com. "I think never in my life will I see one this big again."

Loescher said he estimated the lobster to be 30 or 40 years old, due to its size.

Bemused by its gargantuan presence, Loescher took a few photos before contemplating whether to donate the crustacean to a local aquarium.

But since he was fishing at night, aquariums were closed, and did not answer his calls.

"After never seeing something that size before," Loescher said, "I decided it was best for it to go back to the home he came from."

The fisherman said he returned him back to the water, and went swimming with the creature for nearly a half hour before watching the lobster regain strength, and take off.

Read: A Third of Tested Restaurant Lobster Dishes Actually Contain Cheaper Fish Meat, Investigation Shows

Despite questions on Facebook about why Loescher would set the animal free, he said he never intended to keep the lobster to eat because of its size.

Most lobsters for sale weigh between 1 and 3 pounds.

At nearly 14 pounds, some commenters also speculated its flesh may have been tough, and nearly inedible due to its age.

Watch: Instead of White Tuna, Some Sushi Restaurants Secretly Serve Cheap Fish That May Cause Sickness

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(The following statement was released by the rating agency) SINGAPORE, October 17 (Fitch) Fitch Ratings has assigned a final rating of 'A-' to Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad's (MEXIM) USD500m 2.48% senior notes due in 2021, which will be issued under its USD3bn multi-currency medium-term note programme. This follows the receipt of final documents conforming to information previously received. The final rating is the same as the expected rating assigned on 5 October 2016. KEY RATING DRIVERS The notes are rated at the same level as MEXIM's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR). This is because the notes will constitute direct and unsecured obligations of the bank, and hence rank equally with all its other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. RATING SENSITIVITIES Any change in MEXIM's IDR will have a corresponding effect on the rating on the notes. For further information on MEXIM's ratings and credit profile, see the rating action commentary www.fitchratings.com/site/pr/1010555 ">Fitch Affirms Two Malaysian Banks; Upgrades HLBB, dated 19 August 2016 and its credit update www.fitchratings.com/site/re/887929 ">, dated 7 October 2016 at www.fitchratings.com.">www.fitchratings.com. MEXIM was established in 1995 and is 99.9%-owned by Malaysia's Minister of Finance (Incorporated). The Federal Lands Commissioner holds one ordinary share. MEXIM's other ratings are as follows: - Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR 'A-'; Outlook Stable - Support Rating '1' - Support Rating Floor 'A-' Contact: Primary Analyst Elaine Koh Director +65 6796 7239 Fitch Ratings Singapore Pte Ltd 6 Temasek Boulevard #35-05 Suntec Tower Four Singapore 038986 Secondary Analyst Tamma Febrian Associate Director +65 6796 7237 Committee Chairperson Grace Wu Senior Director +852 2263 9919 Date of the Relevant Rating Committee: 18 August 2016 Media Relations: Leslie Tan, Singapore, Tel: +65 67 96 7234, Email: leslie.tan@fitchratings.com. Additional information is available on www.fitchratings.com Applicable Criteria Global Bank Rating Criteria (pub. 15 Jul 2016) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/884135 Additional Disclosures Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1013213 Endorsement Policy https://www.fitchratings.com/regulatory ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. 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(Reuters) - A Florida man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday for shooting at George Zimmerman, who had shot and killed unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin in 2012 in a case that garnered national attention, prosecutors said.

Matthew Apperson, 37, was convicted by a jury last month of second-degree attempted murder for firing at Zimmerman, 33, during a roadside confrontation in Lake Mary, Florida in May 2015.

A Sanford, Florida jury had acquitted Zimmerman, a former neighborhood watchman, of murder in the fatal shooting of the 17-year-old Martin. The case sparked the Black Lives Matter activist movement that campaigns against violence towards black people.

Circuit Court Judge Debra Nelson in Seminole County called Apperson "a danger to the community" as she handed down the mandatory minimum sentence on Monday, ABC-affiliate WFTV 9 said.

Apperson also was sentenced to 15 years each for convictions of shooting into an occupied vehicle and aggravated assault with a firearm stemming from the altercation with Zimmerman, who sustained minor injuries from shattered glass, Florida State Attorney spokeswoman Lynne Bumpus-Hooper said.

The judge ordered the sentences be served concurrently.

"Bottom line, it's a 20-year sentence," Bumpus-Hooper said.

Apperson served about 14 months of his sentence while awaiting and undergoing trial.

His attorney was not immediately available for comment.

During his trial, Apperson testified that the shooting was in self defense. Zimmerman testified it was unprovoked and that he and Apperson had been involved in another roadside altercation in September 2014, in which Apperson, who is white, had accused him of being in the wrong over the shooting death of Martin.

Zimmerman claimed to have acted in self-defense when he shot Martin, a high school student who was walking through the community after stopping at a convenience store.

(Reporting by Laila Kearney; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Alan Crosby)
Baghdad (AFP) - A wide array of Iraqi and international forces are involved in the fight to retake Mosul from the Islamic State jihadist group, which overran the country's second city in 2014.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced early Monday that operations to retake Mosul had started.

These are the main forces that may operate in the Mosul theatre, though not all will play a role in the fighting inside the city:

- Islamic State group -

Heavily-armed jihadists who have had years to prepare their defences in Mosul, which IS seized before sweeping through cities and towns to the south in 2014.

Iraqi forces have since regained significant ground, and Mosul is the last city the jihadists hold in the country.

- Counter-terrorism service -

The most elite forces in the country who have spearheaded most key battles against IS. But constant reliance on these troops over the past two years has taken a toll.

- Army -

The Iraqi army has begun playing a more successful role in operations against the jihadists since it was revitalised by US-led training following several of its divisions collapsing during the IS offensive in the north two years ago.

- Police -

Includes special forces units, paramilitary federal police and local policemen. Many Iraqi police forces have played roles more akin to those of soldiers in the war against IS.

- US-led coalition -

A US-led international alliance is carrying out air strikes against IS in Iraq and Syria, and providing training, arms and equipment to forces opposing the jihadists.

There are more than 7,500 coalition military personnel deployed in Iraq, over half of them from the United States.

Most are in advisory or training roles, but special forces soldiers who have fought the jihadists on the ground have also been deployed and coalition forces near Mosul have also targeted IS with artillery.

- Peshmerga -

Security forces of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region who nominally answer to the federal government but in practice operate independently, battling IS along a long front in the country's north.

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- Hashed al-Shaabi -

An umbrella organisation created in 2014, which includes a dizzying array of paramilitary forces who vary widely in skill and in the degree to which they are actually under government control.

The main groups in the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) are Iranian-backed Shiite militias including Ketaeb Hezbollah, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Badr.

The Hashed has played a major role in stopping IS's advance as well as regaining ground from the jihadists, but forces within it have also carried out abuses including summary executions and kidnappings.

- Iranian advisers -

Iranian forces have provided advice and other assistance including funding for various militias fighting IS in Iraq.

Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards foreign operations wing, has been repeatedly pictured in Iraq during the war.

- Turkish troops -

Deployed at a base near Mosul from which they have carried out artillery strikes against IS, Turkish troops are also present inside Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region.

The federal government has demanded their withdrawal, with the prime minister vowing that they will not take part in the operation to recapture Mosul, but Turkey has declined to do so.
(Adds Ford laying off about 13,000 workers, recent Escape and Fusion U.S. sales declines)

By Bernie Woodall

DETROIT, Oct 17 (Reuters) - In a fresh sign of pressure on U.S. automakers, Ford Motor Co on Monday said it will shut down production of its best-selling F-150 pickup truck for a week at a Kansas City assembly plant, and temporarily idle three other plants over the next several weeks.

About 13,000 Ford hourly workers will be laid off during the temporary shutdowns. There are nearly 14,000 workers at the four plants, the company said. Some of them are salaried managers. Of the layoffs, about 4,000 will be in Mexico and about 9,000 in the United States. The cuts will hit Ford's three highest-volume models in the United States.

The F-150 is the best-selling vehicle model in North America, where Ford in the second quarter derived 90 percent of its profit, and the F-150 is a key profit-maker for Ford. However, sales of the overall F-series pickup model line fell nearly 3 per cent in September. Ford dealers had a heavy 95 days' supply of the pickups on their lots at the end of September, according to data compiled by Automotive News.

F-150 production at the Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan will continue without interruption, Ford said.

Ford is also suspending production of two sport utility vehicles, the Ford Escape and the Lincoln MKC, at its Louisville Assembly Plant for two of the next three weeks. The compact Escape, the company's second best-selling U.S. model, is under increasing pressure from Japanese rivals. Escape U.S. sales were down 12 percent in September.

Ford said it also is shutting two plants in Mexico. One is a plant in Hermosillo that makes the Ford Fusion and the Lincoln MKZ sedans, and the other is in Cuautitlan that makes the Ford Fiesta small car. Fusion is the No. 3 seller in Ford's U.S. lineup, but suffered a 17.5 percent drop in sales last month.

"During our second quarter financial call, we said we expected the overall retail industry to decline in the second half of the year from the same period last year. We also said to expect to see some production adjustments in the second half - this is one of them. We continue matching production to meet demand," said Kelli Felker, Ford spokeswoman.

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Ford warned investors last month that its profits would decline next year, and lowered its 2016 pretax profit forecast to $10.2 billion from at least $10.8 billion because of a charge in the third quarter for an expanded vehicle recall.

The U.S. workers with more than one year of experience will get about 80 percent of their normal paycheck during the shutdowns, combining state unemployment benefits and Ford supplemental pay, Ford said. The company did not immediately have details on compensation for the workers in Mexico.

(Reporting by Bernie Woodall; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Joseph White)
By Jon Herskovitz

(Reuters) - A former Arkansas judge has been indicted on federal bribery, wire fraud and witness tampering charges on suspicion of returning light punishments against defendants who provided him with sexual favors, a court document unsealed on Monday said.

The indictment accused Joseph Boeckmann, a former district court judge, of using his position "to obtain personal services, sexual contact and the opportunity to view and to photograph in compromising positions persons who appeared before him in traffic and misdemeanor criminal cases in exchange for dismissing the cases."

The most serious charges each carry up to 20 years in prison.

Jeff Rosenzweig, an attorney for Boeckmann, was not immediately available for comment.

Boeckmann resigned in May after being accused by a state panel of trading sentence reductions for sexual favors with defendants.

The 21-count federal indictment charges Boeckmann with offering to dismiss the case of two young men in exchange for the defendants being photographed naked or being paddled on their bare buttocks, the indictment said.

Boeckmann, 70, is accused of giving sentences of "community service," where defendants would do work around his home. He is also accused of filing false paperwork to cover up what he did, it said.

The Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission, charged with overseeing judges, said earlier this year investigators had recovered images belonging to Boeckmann, including "numerous photos of naked young men from behind bending over after an apparent paddling."

(Reporting by Jon Herskovitz, editing by G Crosse)
Fox News told a judge on Friday that former host Andrea Tantaros craves the spotlight of a public courtroom in order to hawk some copies of her book, according to documents obtained by TheWrap.

The network asked the judge to send Tantaros sexual harassment claim to arbitration, but her team said her arbitration agreement didnt include unexpected tortious behavior like retaliation or harassment, for which she is suing.

Tantaros lawyers submitted an affidavit from a psychologist who heard Tantaros complain about harassment by former Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes back in 2014. Tantaros lawyer Judd Bernstein gave copies of the affidavit to the media, prompting Fox News charges that Tantaros simply wants attention.

Also Read: Andrea Tantaros Blasts Fox News on 'GMA': 'Ailes Sexually Harassed Me Numerous Times' (Video)

The affidavit is completely irrelevant to this Motion, as demonstrated by the fact that it is not cited even once in the Argument section of her memorandum of law, the network said in court papers.

The document continues: As Plaintiff hoped, however, her ploy generated another firestorm of publicity, including her appearance on Good Morning America, with her counsel at her side, to discuss her claims against Fox News, while she was still employed by Fox News.

The defense concluded, This is a Court of law, not a circus to showcase Plaintiffs publicity stunts. This Court should compel Plaintiff to honor her contractual obligation to arbitrate in confidence all claims arising from or relating to her employment by Fox News.

Also Read: Fox News Fires Back at 'Opportunist' Andrea Tantaros in Court Papers

Back in August, Tantaros filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Fox News, Ailes and current co-president Bill Shine. The lawsuit also mentioned the networks biggest star, Bill OReilly.

Fox News masquerades as a defender of traditional family values, but behind the scenes, it operates like a sex-fueled, Playboy Mansion-like cult, steeped in intimidation, indecency and misogyny, the lawsuit stated.

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Fox News quickly fired back, seeking arbitration and calling Tantaros not a victim but an opportunist.

In her lawsuit, Tantaros called her gig at Fox News her dream job, but alleged that she was the victim of demeaning conduct, such as being instructed to wear clothes that showed off her legs, and being required to annually pick on-air clothing in the middle of a room without the benefit of even a curtain, thereby forcing her to strip down in front of Fox News wardrobe personnel.

Also Read: No, Andrea Tantaros, Fox News Does Not Own TVNewser

Earlier this month, Tantaros discussed her sexual harassment lawsuit on ABCs Good Morning America.

I think a culture change at Fox News is in order, she said. Ailes sexually harassed me numerous times.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Andrea Tantaros Blasts Fox News on 'GMA': 'Ailes Sexually Harassed Me Numerous Times' (Video)

Fox News Fires Back at 'Opportunist' Andrea Tantaros in Court Papers

Geraldo Rivera Dismisses Andrea Tantaros Lawsuit as 'Vindictive Screed Designed to Damage Reputations'
Barcelona (AFP) - The municipality of Barcelona on Monday unveiled a controversial exhibition on the late Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, which was promptly met with a hail of eggs by angry opponents.

The temporary exhibition, called "Franco, Victory, Republic, Impunity and Urban Space", features sculptures placed on Barcelona's streets more than 40 years after the death of the dictator, which began the country's transition to democracy.

One sculpture depicts a headless Franco on horseback, another pays homage to the victory of his troops in the Spanish civil war. Both attracted anger and eggs within minutes of going on display, according to an AFP photographer.

A Franco's victims' group held a silent protest during the presentation of the works, while Catalan separatists chanted "no fascists on our streets".

But Barcelona deputy mayor Gerardo Pisarello said the aim of the exhibition was "to denounce the crimes of Francoism and impunity, even in democracy".

Catalan nationalists argue that the exhibition, scheduled to end in January, trivialises the crimes of Franco's dictatorship, which came down hard on regional separatists.

During its transition to democracy, Spain passed a law granting amnesty for crimes committed by the dictatorship during the 1936-39 Spanish civil war.

The 1977 amnesty law prevents Spain from investigating and trying the crimes of the civil war era and the repressive right-wing dictatorship of General Franco that followed until his death in 1975.

Despite another law requiring the removal of Francoist symbols from public places, some are still present in many municipalities.
Production giant FremantleMedia has long been associated with hit reality franchises such as The X Factor and Got Talent and soaps like Australias Neighbors. But a few years ago, the company made a flying leap onto the high-end drama bandwagon, with CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz pledging to increase revenue from scripted series to 50% from 30% in five years.

Since then, FremantleMedia has seen mixed results from an English-language remake of French hit The Returned (which didnt last) and Cold War spy thriller Deutschland 83 (which has). Two hotly anticipated series  The Young Pope, directed by Paolo Sorrentino and starring Jude Law, and American Gods, based on the novel by Neil Gaiman  are set to premiere within the next several months.

Sarah Doole, FremantleMedias director of global drama and a veteran of the BBC, spoke to Variety about the rewards and pitfalls of high-end drama and the possibility of a glut in the market. (Her comments have been edited for concision and clarity.)

Was it a realistic goal to have scripted programming account for 50% of FremantleMedias company revenue within five years?

We are on track. Its looking really good in terms of the big shows weve got coming through. That ambition coincided with a boom in the marketplace: It is the golden era of high-end drama. The downside is that it is massively competitive. Your show isnt going to cut through now unless its got absolutely top talent, on screen, off screen, so the stakes are high. If you get it right, then its the best time to be telling stories.

Someone recently compared the scramble for high-end drama to the subprime mortgage crisis. Are we seeing a bubble in the high-end drama market?

Thats a little bit extreme, but there is a danger. You have to do a really deep financial calculation on [whether] you will get your money back. But its also about what time period. If you do it over a two-year investment cycle, its probably not looking that good. If you look at a 12- or 15-year cycle, if the product is great quality, with a great cast, and made in a way thats kind of future-proof, you will make your money back, because high-end drama sells over and over. I would hope those high-end dramas, over a 10-year cycle, might be turned over 10 to 15 times.

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Given the ever-increasing budgets, are co-productions the only way to make high-end dramas?

Its very unusual now that a show can be made for the license fee that the anchor territorys paying. That then becomes a very complicated financial jigsaw to put together without compromising what made that story really interesting in the first place. Once you get into trying to manipulate the story just for the finance, we all know that ends up in not-very-compelling television.

If you go into a co-production, it is like a marriage, and because drama takes so long, that relationship might last three years. So youve got to be really sure as a producer that thats a relationship you can sustain.

In the U.S. market what do you have foremost in mind when you consider shows, and is English language imperative?

Traditionally, for anybody in Europe, America has always been the goal in terms of bringing a partner on board. But you might have to compromise more than you might want to, and they might take the lead. At Fremantle, because we have this network around Europe, we can connect Europe together, sometimes without touching American money for co-production.

That doesnt mean you wouldnt sell to America later. We can be the portal that opens up those European stories to American audiences and broadcasters. Half of our catalog is in languages apart from English. The real breakthrough for us was Deutschland 83. That was a personal ambition for me: Could we get a really brilliant piece of German-speaking drama on American telly? At the time, everybody said, Youve got no chance.

FremantleMedias strategy seems to be able to vacuum up smaller production companies around the world. Is that sustainable?

That has been Fremantles growth strategy from the beginning. What Fremantle does rather well is making each of those pieces of talent feel they can tell their own story. We operate under a label structure, a bit like Universal [Music] and Island Records. Theyve each got their story to tell and their own personality, but they have the benefit of the wider corporate structure in terms of finance, legal advice, strategy. We never try to impose a Fremantle creative perspective. Each story is different, and each territory that youre telling a story in has a different cultural and anthropological environment.

How much have you been hampered by the difficulty in nabbing writing talent?

That is the gold dust of high-end drama. It hinges on having the best writing talent, and by best, I mean a writer whos confident enough to tell a huge story, to set that vision right at the beginning. The high-end writers here in the U.K. are probably booked up three years in advance. So they may love your project, but they physically cannot write it for two years. Then you have to make the decision: We love the show so much were going to wait, [or] that story might be so current that Im going to have to go with a different writer. Those are tough creative challenges, which every one of our producers around Europe, in the U.K., and in America is wrestling with.

Related stories

Venice: Sorrentino Jumped at Chance to Make 'High-Level Television'

TV Review: 'The Young Pope'

Amazon Prime Video Takes Neil Gaiman's 'American Gods' in Germany, Austria, U.K., Japan
The US-led coalition has warned that the operation to reclaim Mosul from Islamic State, announced by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on October 17, will likely last for weeks. Both British and French special forces are on the ground near Mosul, where they have been working with Kurdish forces. This video shows French forces bombarding IS positions as part of Operation Chammal.

The United Nations has warned of an impending humanitarian crisis as the new offensive begins. The UN Refugee Agency said that it had stepped up efforts to assist hundreds of thousands of displaced people. Credit: ALMawsleya
Paris (AFP) - Sleazy French MPs beware. With sexual harassment in parliament in the spotlight after recent scandals, a new website launched Monday that encourages female staffers to recount lewd behaviour or unwanted advances.

The women behind the initiative said sexist remarks and conduct were a daily occurrence in the halls of power in Paris, with recent cases documented in the media merely extreme examples of a much wider problem.

In May, one of the deputy speakers of the lower house, Denis Baupin, resigned after being accused of harassment over several decades, while minister Jean-Michel Baylet was accused in parliament last week of hitting on a female colleague.

Both men deny the allegations, but the publicity surrounding the Baupin case created an opening for female MPs and their staff to speak out about the macho culture of parliament and its mostly-male occupants.

Writing in Monday's Le Monde newspaper, the four women behind the website said that "sexist language and behaviour occur on a daily basis for women in politics, whether they are elected or staff."

Their site, Chaircollaboratrice.com, is a French pun which sounds like 'Dear co-worker' but which actually translates as 'flesh of my co-worker'. It already hosts several anonymous testimonies from women reporting mostly unwanted comments about their appearance or sexually charged remarks.

In one case, a woman recounted being in a meeting with an MP who broke away from official business to remark to her, "You know, it's funny, I've never slept with an Arab..."

And her reply?

"You know, it's funny, I've never slapped an MP!"

In 2015, around 40 female journalists signed a joint statement denouncing sexist behaviour by male politicians.
To really improve health care for Americans in the future, people must be given more power over their own health data, President Barack Obama said Thursday (Oct. 13).

Speaking at the White House Frontiers Conference, an event that focuses on how the U.S. can harness science and technology to improve lives, Obama discussed the importance of opening up health data systems. When people have more information, they feel empowered, and they "don't just feel like cogs in [a] system," Obama said.

"We're trying to promote the notion that this data belongs to you, the patient, as opposed to the institution that is treating you," Obama said, speaking on a panel about health information. "Once you understand that it's yours and you have agency [i.e., power], as you consult with doctors, you're able to be a more effective advocate" for your health, he said.

An important step will be to make it easier for health systems to share an individual's health data, Obama said. Currently, many systems use software that makes it difficult for health care providers to share information, so patients end up going from doctor to doctor, filling out forms to give the same health information. [10 'Barbaric' Medical Treatments That Are Still Used Today]

Another panelist, Zoe Keating  a cellist, composer and patient advocate  spoke about her frustrating experience with the health care system when her husband was diagnosed with lung cancer and was treated at multiple institutions. She described a system that felt "fractured, impersonal and cruel."

"During our journey, we never had a sense that there was one person keeping track of all the data," Keating said.

The panel was related to Obama's Precision Medicine Initiative, which aims to usher in an era of medicine that "delivers the right treatment at the right time to the right individual," based on their genes, environment and lifestyle, according to the White House. Obama discussed how the goal of the initiative is not just to develop innovative new treatments, but also to improve people's lives.

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"What we've been calling this Precision Medicine Initiative is really, how do we stitch together systems that can maximize the potential of the research" that scientists are doing "and end up with Zoe's husband getting better treatment?" Obama said. "At the end of the day, they're people, who count."

On the research side, the initiative is working toward creating large databases that scientists can use to share data. This means that, instead of individual institutions studying diseases by themselves, researchers will be able to pool and synthesize large amounts of data from many institutions, which will hopefully accelerate research and innovation, Obama said.

For example, using this data may allow researchers to identify genes that predispose people to specific diseases, and then find ways to intervene before these diseases develop, Obama said.

Still, once researchers have this information, it will be important to figure out how to get it to patients quickly, "to empower them so they can be in charge of their own health," Obama said.

The Frontiers Conference kicked off with an announcement of more than $300 million in federal and private funding for various projects in science and technology. This includes $16 million toward the Precision Medicine Initiative, and $70 million for the BRAIN Initiative (which stands for Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies), which aims to improve scientists' understanding of the human brain, according to the White House.

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
Georges St-Pierre is now a free agent. So says the former UFC welterweight champion.

Right now, Im free agent. My lawyer terminated the contract with the UFC, St-Pierre declared on Monday's edition of The MMA Hour. UFC officials had yet to comment as of the time of publication.

As St-Pierre explained it, his team had been negotiating with the UFC since February, but following numerous starts and stops, his attorney, James Quinn, gave the promotion a deadline, which the UFC apparently did not meet. At that point, St-Pierre said, Quinn notified him that he was a free agent.

Well, what happened is, last February, I told Lorenzo (Fertitta) that I want to fight again. We had a meeting in Las Vegas and I told him I want to fight again, St-Pierre recounted. Since February, my team was in negotiation with Lorenzos. Many names were offered and different events, UFC 200, New York, but the best date was the Toronto date. Thats why I entered USADA testing.

While negotiations are generally a lot of back and forth, and St-Pierre expected that, he didn't anticipate what happened after the UFC was sold mid-negotiation. That, he said, was when communications blew apart.

TRENDING > Conor McGregor Backs Ronda Rousey in UFC Return: Shut Them All Up

I think we were close to an agreement at some point toward the end, until some big news arrived. The news was the UFC got sold to new owners. We were told that everything was put on ice until the new owners take charge, said St-Pierre.

So we waited for weeks without any news. Finally, then news comes, the new owners told us that Lorenzos offer was off the table. It was like a shock for us.

St-Pierre tries not to let the business side of his career get too personal, but at that point, he said that he got angry. He and his team felt that they were close to getting a deal done for his return. They felt it was only a matter of a few final details. To have months of negotiations yanked out from under him, St-Pierre got upset.

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At that point, he hired New York attorney James Quinn to force the UFC's hand.

James Quinn gave them a legal deadline because I already have a contract with UFC. (He) gave them a deadline to give me a fight because I wanted to fight, said St-Pierre.

I didn't have any news until the last day of the deadline, late at night. They were supposed to schedule us a fight, but they sent us a letter saying if I was interested in fighting Robbie Lawler sometime. I knew that Robbie Lawler pulled off of New York's card. The next day, my lawyer James Quinn told me Georges, now you're a free agent, you're free.

While the UFC has yet to comment on the situation, it's unlikely that St-Pierre's word will be the last on the situation. Despite St-Pierre's attorney declaring him a free agent, it's unlikely that the new UFC ownership, WME|IMG, will simply let him walk away if he attempts to fight elsewhere.

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BERLIN, Oct 17 (Reuters) - The birthrate in Germany reached the highest level in 33 years last year, boosted mainly by babies born to migrant women, the Federal Statistics Office said on Monday.

The rate was 1.5 births per woman in 2015, up from 1.47 births a year earlier, and the highest figure since 1982 when it was 1.51. It was also the highest rate recorded since the 1990 reunification of east and west Germany.

Years of economic growth and government support have helped raise the birthrate in Germany. But the figure is still below the 2.0 births per woman that demographers define as the minimum fertility rate needed to ensure a population replaces itself.

Germany and other advanced European economies have some of the world's lowest birthrates. Twenty-eight percent of the German people are aged 60 years or over, leaving Germany with the world's second most aged population, after Japan.

The birthrate among migrant women only was 1.95, up from 1.86 in 2014. Some 70 percent of the almost 900,000 migrants who entered Germany last year seeking asylum were Muslims, who tend to have larger families than widely secular, European-born citizens. The rate rose to 1.43 births per woman from 1.42 among Germans.

(Reporting by Joseph Nasr; editing by Mark Heinrich)
By Andrea Shalal BERLIN (Reuters) - German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that Germany was ready to play a larger military role than in the past in the service of closer European defense cooperation. "Change is necessary. Isolation and self-blockades will not solve the problems we face in the world, in Europe, or here in our country," von der Leyen told a biennial gathering of 200 top military officials, citing Russia's more aggressive actions, the ravages of the Syrian war and brewing challenges in Africa. "Germany is ready to engage ... to take more responsibility," she said. "This is the right path, but it will require an enormous commitment of time and money." Von der Leyen said the Finance Ministry had agreed to boost defense spending by a total of 10 billion euros through 2020 to help procure equipment and increase personnel. The hike still needs the approval of parliament, and is only a step toward von der Leyen's goal of spending 130 billion euros on investment programs by 2030. Germany, Europe's largest economy, and France are pushing to strengthen European defense cooperation after Britain's June vote to leave the European Union. They insist the effort is not aimed at building a European army. Spain and Italy have backed the proposal, but Britain is resistant, worried that greater EU security cooperation could weaken the NATO alliance. After decades of reluctance to engage in major military operations, Germany is now playing a bigger role in the U.S.-led coalition that is fighting the Islamic State militant group in Iraq, including carrying out surveillance flights and supplying weapons to Kurdish Peshmerga forces. "Germany is not making itself out to be bigger than it is, but also not smaller than it is," von der Leyen said. The minister said Europe, with its 500 million citizens, combined annual military budget of over 200 billion euros and 1.5 million troops, was far from reaching its potential in the security realm. She said the push to strengthen European security cooperation was not intended to compete with NATO, which was working hard to strengthen its defenses in eastern Europe and counter Russia's military buildup there. But she said Europe needed new structures, such as a central medical command to better coordinate the response to crises such as the Ebola epidemic in Africa, a joint logistics command modeled on the existing European transportation command, and more joint efforts to develop and build new weapons. "We must be able to react quickly," she said, noting that it now often took months to respond to events. Von der Leyen said Germany would also continue to expand its bilateral security agreements, including joint military forces that it operates with the Netherlands, Poland and France. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
BERLIN (Reuters) - German Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt will travel to Iran with a trade delegation on Friday to meet the transport and industry minister, his spokesman said on Monday, and an industry source said Siemens (SIEGn.DE) would be going too.

Siemens has long been in negotiations with Iran over an order for track technology and ICE 3 trains, a model of intercity train in use in Germany. The deal would be worth more than 2 billion euros ($2.25 billion), industry sources say.

German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel traveled to Iran at the start of the month and during that trip Siemens got an order to build parts for 50 locomotives.

Germany has traditionally had close economic ties with Iran, and after last year's nuclear accord, which paved the way for ending sanctions in place for years, German firms are now seeking business there again.

(Reporting by Markus Wacket; Writing by Michelle Martin; editing by John Stonestreet)
Theres a bit of a nanny state in the city of Hong Kong. The government is quick to issue advice and admonitions about all matter of hazards  high ocean waves, food waste, incense burning during the annual grave-sweeping festival. One night in late 2014, amid a standoff during the massive democracy protest that rocked the city, a police official squawked through a bullhorn: do not swear. The response was a lusty spasm of curses. Still, many residents were surprised when government officials posted a note online on Oct. 11, the day before the new session of the citys Legislative Council, saying lawmakers of the officially (but not always truly) autonomous government were required by constitution to swear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China. China exercises sovereignty over Hong Kong, but agreed to let the former British colony function under a separate system until at least 2047. The notice warned that a lawmaker who failed to state the oath as written, or who altered the wording to make it inconsistent with the written ordinance, shall vacate office or be disqualified from entering. To government opponents, the warning must have sounded like an invitation.

The territorys government, which maintains cozy ties with Beijing, has scrambled to deal with a new breed of political opposition. Weeks before the legislative elections in September, the elections bureau asked every candidate hoping to appear on the ballot to pledge that the territory was an inalienable part of China, an unprecedented requirement that launched an uproar. The city barred several pro-independence candidates from running; two have filed court appeals. If their petitions succeed, a court would likely overturn the election results in those districts, requiring new balloting there.

The men and woman struck from the ballot urged residents to stand up to Beijing, a message that swayed many voters. On election day, Sept. 4, one-fifth of a record 2.2 million people who cast ballots chose candidates who either advocated independence or wanted voters to choose the territorys future government, a right they currently lack. A growing number of city residents say Beijing has whittled down their constitutional rights, despite assurances made in 1997 when Britain handed its former colony to Beijing, that a one-country, two-systems arrangement would preserve Hong Kongs rights for 50 years.

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By law, and before they can start their jobs, all 70 Hong Kong lawmakers must repeat a phrase swearing loyalty to the Peoples Republic. Yet several new members had run on platforms pledging to wrench Hong Kongs independence from China, or to fight for a referendum to let city residents choose such a path. How could they pledge fealty to a government they hoped to divorce?

On Oct. 12, some chose to recite their own vows. Eddie Chu, a land rights activist, gave the required pledge, but added: Democracy and self-determination. Autocracy will die! Secretary-General Kenneth Chen, who administered the oaths, allowed him to take his seat. But Chen scolded newcomer Yau Wai-ching from deviating from the official text, as the 25-year-old member of upstart political party Youngspiration unfurled a large blue banner that declared Hong Kong is not China. I will uphold the Basic Law of the Hong Kong special administrative region of the Peoples Refucking of Shina, she read, hurrying through the lines twice more, as if she expected to be pulled off the floor. (The term Shina is considered derogatory, and was used by Japanese during the occupation, although some scholars have noted earlier uses.) Youngspiration founder Sixtus Leung, known as Baggio, wrapped himself in the anti-China banner and, fingers crossed, changed his pronunciation of China. Later, he told reporters that his accent was to blame.

Secretary-general Chen barred both Yau and Leung from taking their seats, and voting for the bodys new president. That prompted the chambers youngest member, newly elected democracy advocate Nathan Law, to argue that his colleagues should not be censored. Absolute and autocratic powers will not live forever, the 23-year-old said in a nod to Mahatma Gandhi. There should be democratic self-determination and there will be continuous struggle.

Excluding two of the bodys most radical members  both who favor Hong Kongs independence  from their new roles has riled residents and democracy advocates. Their words offended many, and some readers commented online that the young politicians should just pledge as required, then get on with the hard work of governing. Lawyers are debating whether oaths are valid if someone mispronounces certain words or amends the statement, says Wilson Leung, convener of the Progressive Lawyers Group, which includes 90 pro-democracy lawyers.

The dicier question is how the government will work with officials who believe Hong Kong is not part of China. The day before the ceremony, the Beijing government issued a warning in two Hong Kong newspapers friendly to Beijing, Wen Wei Po and Ta Kung Pao. If the disbarred lawmakers appealed in court, and judges could not determine if the oaths met the citys constitutional standard, Chinas legislature, the National Peoples Congress, will weigh in.

Yau and Sixtus Leung will get another chance on Wednesday to affirm their loyalty to Beijing. Newly elected Legco president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen said that if the two Youngspiration party members refused to follow their lines, he would consult with the chambers lawyer. The law mentioned removal, but I dont want to take this step, he said. After days of censure by city residents, Leung indicated the two would consider compromising but insisted they had done nothing wrong. Days earlier, Leung said hed make no promises about concerning his pledge. We will see, he said, what else we have in our arsenal. Whatever happens, its clear that the bodys newest, most cantankerous members will carry on their battle with the mainland, in ways both large and small.

ANTHONY WALLACE/GETTY IMAGES
GOYAs success boils down to three main ingredients  quality products, authenticity, and ties to the companys Latin roots. Nevertheless, as a company facing the evolving food industry, GOYA Foods Executive Vice President, Peter Unanue says it best, We cant rest on our laurels so we continue to innovate.

It all started with the Unanues grandfather, Don Prudencio Unanue, an immigrant from Spain. Missing tastes from home and recognizing that others did as well, he started importing foods from Spain. A shipment of sardines labeled Goya struck him. So, he bought it for a dollar.

Because the first product was in a can, Bob Unanue, GOYA President and CEO, explains, You could not see the quality, you had to depend on the reputation, the last name, our last name, the GOYA name, which represented quality. So, from the very beginning, that was a guarantee  that if you opened a GOYA product, it was going to be good.

GOYA debuted on the shelves of mom and pop stores. However, as the immigrant population grew, so did the acceptance and openness of the community to the GOYA brand. However, the company still experienced resistance from super markets. When these stores finally started to acknowledge the growing Hispanic market, they not only allowed GOYA on their shelves, but also used the brand as a way to attract the Hispanic community to their stores. Bob Unanue captures the importance of the Hispanic community to the companys growth, We were put into a section and most brands or companies would pay to get space in the super market, but our space was driven by the demand from the consumer for our products.

GOYA is tasked with remaining true to its authenticity and keeping up with the trends in the food industry. To ensure that GOYA remained on the cutting edge, GOYA Senior Vice President, Joe Perez attributes the companys investments in its own future, Goya made the conscious decision investing half a billion dollars into its own infrastructure, factories, distribution centers, logistics, IT, to be the best of breed.

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Perhaps most important to the brands success is the group of people that make it all happen. Bob Unanue, Peter Unanue, and Director of Public Relations Rafael Toro all credit the companys employees to creating a family-like atmosphere that has resulted in the creation of exceptional products.

Peter Unanue reflects on the power of the brand, Weve become more than a food company. Were an icon that all Hispanics of all nationalities associate with foods they eat, their heritage, and their culture.

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Holed up in his London flat, Jonathon Green has been toiling among his antique books for years, trying to bring a great work to the masses. That work includes 1,740 terms for sexual intercourse (boozle, bop, bonk, bake the biscuits), 4,589 related to getting drunk (atomized, above par, unable to hit the ground with ones hat) and 521 that allude to murder (do in, eighty-six, O.J.). And now, after years of struggle, that work has finally gone live on the web.

The potential of an online dictionary has to go beyond that of even the greatest print lexicons, says the 68-year-old dictionary maker, who has been studying, collecting and defining slang for decades. Green published one of those great lexicons in 2011, when Greens Dictionary of Slang became the most comprehensive one to ever be parked on a bookshelf. Achievement though it was, however, he realized that his work had limited usefulness in the unsearchable, expensive, fixed form of a hulking three-volume set.

Green suffered through several setbacks (flaky developers, ghosting publishers, frustrations with funding) before finally teaming up with programmer David Kendal and putting what has grown to 132,000 terms online this month. Last fall, toward the end of that struggle, he sounded exhausted but optimistic. I dont want to be an old man sitting in a small room finding another word for masturbation. Theres more to life, he says. But this is what we do. And what Ive created, I dare say, is an unrivaled database.

Imagine if someone took the crowd-sourced Urban Dictionarywhere definitions of slang words are as likely to be up-voted for being funny as having any relation to a words actual meaningand researched every term, boiling the most vulgar or silly slang down to a reliable definition, or perhaps several, and figuring out just how far back in time people had been using that word.

Take da bomb. On Urban Dictionary, the top definition explains that the phrases meaning is A really stupid way of saying somethings awesomeI mean how old is it now?? In Greens database, you not only get a concise definition (the best) but learn that the phrase was popularized by black Americans, associated with students, and that it goes back to at least 1960. You can peruse related terms nearby, like cost a bomb (be expensive) and on the bomb (in fine condition).

Green analyzes every word with the precision and seriousness of a doctor doing an autopsy, giving one of the most vibrant branches of the English language the respect of a scholareven if the subject matter isnt always fit for gentle readers.

The basic functions of the site are available for free: look up a word, get the definition and the etymology. Parents everywhere can now figure out what in the Sam Hill their kids are talking about when they refer to someone or something as ratchet or lit. (Nota bene: Just because you understand it doesnt mean you should use it. Take it from someone who recently attempted to call something slay among her teenage cousins.)

But to really go down the rabbit hole, one has to pay about $50 per year, $12.50 for students. For that fee, you can search by meaning, finding not just the definition of ratchet but every slang word that has ever described extreme, out of control behavior. You could look up all the slang that, to the best of Greens knowledge, cropped up in the year of your birthit appears I came into the world around the same time that brain fart didor find every word Charles Dickens used for thief. His citations, hundreds of thousands of examples of how these words have been used throughout time, are also only available to subscribers.

Since his reference work was published in 2011, Green says that hes augmented about 30% of it, and the improvements will keep coming. Its common, for example, to find evidence that a slang word was used years earlier than anyone had discovered before. In the past several years, with new databases of old books and newspapers constantly coming online, Green has done this literally 10,000 times. He plans to keep seeking the holy grail of first uses and adding new words, with the benefit of now knowing what people are trying to search for on the site. Updates are planned to come every three months.

Green says that in the few hours the site has been live, the usual suspects have emerged: linguists, fellow lexicographers, language lovers. Its likely the material will become a treasured resource of novelists or screenwriters penning the next Mad Men or Downton Abbey. Historians. Journalists. Students. Some of the millions of people learning English as a second language. Anyone who likes their definitions fact checked.

The search engines havent picked us up yet, so the wider world has yet to come on board, Green says. I have always known that whatever else the internet offers  it is the perfect home for reference. As American students apparently said in the early 80s to express enthusiastic agreement: Egg. A. Muffin.
By Alister Doyle COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Greenland's government urged the United States and Denmark on Monday to clean up 30 rusting Cold War-era U.S. military installations there, saying it was losing patience over risks of radioactive and chemical waste. The island, which has wide powers of self-rule within Denmark, said Copenhagen had a responsibility for the abandoned U.S. military locations on its territory. "In Greenland, there are more than 30 abandoned American military installations where the environmental and health implications of abandoned waste have not been established," its government said in a statement. "Having waited in many cases more than 70 years for the polluter to take care of cleaning up or paying for such operations, Greenland is losing patience with changing Danish governments' vague responses," it said. A resolution by Greenland's parliament, due to be adopted next month, would instruct the government to ensure that "the U.S. and Denmark, without further delay, ensure clean-up of the more than 30 different U.S. military installations," it said In August, a scientific study said global warming might in future decades unlock radioactive waste stored at Camp Century, an abandoned military camp built in 1959 deep under Greenland's ice sheet. The study said any clean-up would be extremely expensive now and recommended delaying the work until thawing caused by climate change reached the point where it almost exposed the waste, which includes toxic chemicals, fuel and sewage. Greenland's government said radiation risks at Camp Century, from coolants for a nuclear generator used to produce power, seemed low compared to those from debris left by the far better documented crash in 1968 of a B-52 bomber carrying hydrogen bombs off north Greenland. The United States now operates Thule Air Base in northern Greenland, including an early warning system to detect inter-continental missiles launched against North America. It has sharply scaled back its presence since the Cold War ended in 1990. Asked for comment, the Danish Foreign Ministry reiterated a statement from August that it was taking the problems seriously. "The government will look into the possibility of expanding existing climate monitoring to the area surrounding Camp Century," it said. That could help track how fast the ice is receding and when Camp Century risks becoming exposed. (Reporting by Alister Doyle; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
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A vast pit of toxic waste buried in the Greenland ice sheet is threatening indigenous peoples' rights to a clean and safe environment, Greenlandic officials claim.

The decades-old waste is part of a long-simmering dispute between Denmark, Greenland and the United States over Cold War-era military bases established around the country (some of which are still operating). The waste buried at Camp Century is becoming more of a threat now that the Greenland ice sheet is melting due to global warming.

Greenland, which is home to about 56,500 people, is a semi-autonomous territory within Denmark.

SEE ALSO: Melting Greenland ice sheet will soon unearth waste from long-forgotten Cold War-era military base

Last week, officials with Greenland's government accused the Danish government of violating an agreement to protect indigenous peoples on the world's largest island, saying the Danes have failed to address the legacy of U.S. military pollution.

U.S. soldiers at Camp Century during its time in operation.

Image: PICTORIAL PARADE/ARCHIVE PHOTOS/GETTY IMAGES

Officials cited a recent study that found global warming could eventually unearth millions of liters of sewage, chemicals and nuclear waste stored deep below the Greenland Ice Sheet at Camp Century.

"So far, nobody has been held responsible for their activities in Greenland," Vittus Qujaukitsoq, Greenland's foreign affairs minister, wrote in an Oct. 13 op-ed in the Danish newspaper Berlingske.

Denmark, which had full authority over Greenland until 1979, allowed the U.S. to build at least 30 military installations on Greenland during World War II and the Cold War. Camp Century was one of these facilities, and it was used to test the feasibility of basing nuclear missiles within the ice sheet to help deter the then-Soviet Union.

When the U.S. decommissioned Camp Century in 1967, both Denmark and the U.S. assumed the hazardous waste would remain permanently entombed in the ice.

Men place a truss to the permanent camp at Camp Century, Greenland.

Image: PICTORIAL PARADE/ARCHIVE PHOTOS/GETTY IMAGES

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However, in an Aug. 4 study, climate scientists warned that if nations keep emitting greenhouse gases at today's pace, Greenland's ice sheet would melt to the point where the waste at Camp Century would surface as early as 2090, and potentially spread into the ocean.

More monitoring needed

The Danish government said it takes the issue of potential climate effects in Greenland very seriously, including the possible problems with Camp Century.

However, Denmark's Minister for Foreign Affairs Kristian Jensen told Mashable that the potential effects of climate change "do not pose an urgent environmental problem" for Greenland and its residents.

"Rather, it is a long-term challenge that we have time to examine in cooperation with the relevant Danish authorities and in close dialogue with Greenland," Jensen said in an emailed statement.

Greenland's Minister Qujaukitsoq said in his op-ed that Denmark is directly responsible for cleaning up the Cold War-era waste at Camp Century, an underground dump that spans 136 acres.

The site includes abandoned infrastructure, radioactive coolant water from a portable nuclear reactor, and significant volumes of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, which can built up in plants and animals and potentially cause cancer in humans.

"The people of Greenland have the right to conservation and protection of the environment of our lands, territories and resources," the foreign affairs minister wrote in Berlingske.

Vittus Qujaukitsoq, Greenland's minister for industry, labour, trade and foreign affairs.

Image: Greenland Department of Foreign Affairs

"This right may be put to the test unless the question about the responsibility for clearing up after the American military camps and bases is resolved very soon," he said, adding: "The polluter, or in this case those who have accepted and approved the pollution, must and will have to clean up the pollution."

Denmark's Jensen said his government "will look into the possibility of expanding existing climate monitoring to the area surrounding Camp Century." Denmark will also "examine the possibilities for a subsequent environmental examination of possible contamination. This will happen in close collaboration with Greenland," he said.

The Pentagon says it has not evaluated the study showing the danger of global warming unearthing Camp Century's waste, but that it plans to work with Denmark and Greenland to address the issue if needed.

"The United States continues to appreciate our friendship with the Kingdom of Denmark," the Defense Department said in a statement to Mashable. "We value our close cooperation in Greenland and will continue to work with Danish Authorities and Greenland Home Rule Authorities to address mutual security concerns."

The authors of the Aug. 4 study have similarly called for a watch-and-wait approach at Camp Century, rather than a swift clean-up.

Liam and Jeff Colgan told Mashable that while they respect Greenland's political decisions and push for urgent action, they agreed the pollution doesn't pose an immediate environmental risk to Greenland's residents.

"Likely the pollution will stay buried in the ice for several decades, at least," said Jeff Colgan, a co-author of the study and a political science professor at Brown University's Watson Institute.

"Right now, what's needed is monitoring and research to assess if and when clean-up actions are necessary," he said.

Liam Colgan, the study's lead author and Jeff's cousin, said there is a possibility the pollution will stay trapped in the Greenland Ice Sheet  so long as countries swiftly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature rise.

"Perhaps this is one of the reasons we should get off the business-as-usual [emissions] scenario, and maybe if we do get off it, we can avoid [melting ice sheets]," Liam Colgan, a climate scientist at York University in Toronto, told Mashable.

But he acknowledged that the threat of Camp Century's leaking pollution shows how climate change could eventually undermine diplomatic agreements around the world, including Denmark's 1951 military treaty with the U.S.

"The climate has eroded some of the climate-related assumptions that were implicit in the treaty, like that you can dispose of things in the ice sheet, leaving them to get snowed on forever," Colgan said. "There's now a lot of ambiguity in that original treaty."
ABC's Grey's Anatomy is adding another member of the Shondaland extended family to its ranks.

Actress Marika Dominczyk has been tapped for a mysterious role on the veteran medical drama, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Details about who she will play, how many episodes she'll participate in and when she will make her debut are being kept under wraps.

Dominczyk - who is married to Grey's Anatomy alum and Scandal regular Scott Foley - counts roles on Brothers & Sisters, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Who Do You Love. She's repped by ICM Partners and 3 Arts. Foley played Henry on seasons seven and eight of Grey's before going on to Scandal.

Dominczyk becomes the latest member of the Shondaland extended family to officially join the family. Her casting follows Adam Shapiro, who joined wife Katie Lowes with a role on Scandal. Additionally, casting director Linda Lowy is married to Scandal regular Jeff Perry.

Dominczyk joins a beefed up Grey's guest list in season 13 that includes Tessa Ferrer, who is returning to reprise her role as Leah; and Bridget Regan. It's unclear if Regan, Ferrer or Dominczyk will play Arizona's (Jessica Capshaw) new love interest.

Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
The prisoner who wrote Guantanamo Diary, a memoir recounting his daily life as a detainee, has been released from prison after 14 years.

Mohamedou Ould Slahi, 45, has gone home to his native Mauritania after spending more than a decade at Guantanamo Bay.

I feel grateful and indebted to the people who have stood by me, Slahi said in a statement released by the American Civil Liberties Union. I have come to learn that goodness is transnational, transcultural, and trans-ethnic. Im thrilled to reunite with my family.

The bestselling Guantanamo Diary describes Slahis experiences while imprisoned by the U.S. government.

Slahi was never charged with any crime while in U.S. custody. According to U.S. officials in military and court files, Slahi traveled from Germany, where he was attending college, to Afghanistan to join Islamic rebels in a fight against the communist government supported by the Soviet Union, the Associated Press reported.

Slahi later swore allegiance to al-Qaeda, and had contacts with significant people in the organization, including two men who became hijackers in the 9/11 attacks, according to the AP. He was detained in Mauritania in November 2001 and questioned by FBI agents.

Slahi was then transferred to prisons in Jordan and Afghanistan before being sent to Guantanamo, where he says he was tortured with beatings, sleep deprivation, isolation, frigid rooms, shackling in stress positions and threats against both himself and his mother, according to the ACLU.

The memoir, released in 2015, prompted a wave of global outrage over the treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay.

A June 2 hearing by the periodic review board, a panel that reviews continued detention of Guantanamo detainees, cleared Slahi for release. Now, 60 prisoners remain at the detention center, 19 of whom have been cleared for release.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Mauritanian prisoner who wrote a best-selling memoir about his long ordeal at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay has been returned to his home country, the U.S. Defense Department said on Monday. Mohamedou Ould Slahi, author of "Guantanamo Diary," was released after a review board determined that his continued detention was not necessary to protect against a threat to U.S. security, the department said in a statement. His departure reduced to 60 the number of prisoners held at the facility set up to hold terrorism suspects after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Nineteen of them have been cleared for release. Slahi arrived in Guantanamo in August 2002. He has been held without charge or trial, appearing before a multi-agency government panel that reviews detainees' cases on June 2. His hearing was part of President Barack Obama's stepped-up effort to pare back the Guantanamo detainee population before he leaves office in January. Obama promised to close the controversial detention center in Cuba when he became president in January 2009. That has proven difficult in the face of stiff opposition in the U.S. Congress, mostly from Republicans. Republican White House hopeful Donald Trump has called for expansion of the prison. Slahi became one of Guantanamo's most prominent inmates with the 2015 publication of a prison memoir in which he described years of detention and interrogation, including being subjected to harsh techniques widely considered torture. Slahi was originally suspected of being a senior recruiter for al Qaeda. But his lawyers contended that his links to militants were limited to the early 1990s when he fought in Afghanistan with mujahideen anti-communist insurgents. "I feel grateful and indebted to the people who have stood by me," Slahi said in a statement released by the American Civil Liberties Union. "I have come to learn that goodness is transnational, transcultural and trans-ethnic. I'm thrilled to reunite with my family." (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, Matt Spetalnick and Mohammad Zargham; Editing by Chris Reese and Cynthia Osterman)
By Boureima Balima NIAMEY (Reuters) - Gunmen attacked a high-security prison in Niger early on Monday in an apparent bid to free Islamist militants, but the assault was repulsed and one raider was killed, Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum said. Bazoum gave no details about whether anyone escaped during the attempt to lay siege to Koutoukale prison, about 50km (30 miles) northwest of the capital Niamey. "I can confirm one dead among the attackers. He was wearing a suicide vest," Bazoum told Reuters by telephone. "The situation is now under control and our forces are combing the area to try to catch the attackers still at large. The land-locked West African country is surrounded by unstable states, most of them struggling with Islamist insurgencies. "We heard sustained gunfire coming from the prison just as we were going for (early morning) prayers," the director of the Koutoukale school, Abdoul Razak Ali, said by telephone. Jihadist group Boko Haram - some of whose fighters are held in Koutoukale - has launched raids from Niger's southern neighbour Nigeria. Militants have also crossed over from Mali to its west, and the Libyan war to its north threatens the whole region. Bazoum said the most likely culprits for Monday's attack were the Mali-based Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJWA), one of a number of groups that have long operated in the largely unpoliced Sahara. The attack came days after gunmen raided the house of a United States aid worker in central Niger, killed his guards and drove him across the desert towards Mali. Gunmen also attacked a refugee camp earlier this month in Niger's western Tahoua region bordering Mali, killing 22 soldiers. An Amnesty International official who visited the prison in June said it held around 550 inmates, more than double the prison's capacity, and the overwhelmed court system had too few judges to bring them to justice properly. Most inmates were suspected members of Boko Haram, which has waged a campaign in northeastern Nigeria and also in Niger. A small number were alleged to belong to al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and other militant groups, the official said. (Additional reporting by Emma Farge in Dakar and David Lewis in Nairobi; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Tom Heneghan)
Harley-Davidson, Inc. HOG is set to report third-quarter 2016 results on Oct 18. In the last quarter, it delivered a positive earnings surprise of 1.31%. Further, the company managed to beat earnings in three of the last four quarters with a positive average surprise of 2.95%. Let us see how things are shaping up for this announcement.

Factors Influencing this Quarter

Harley-Davidson commands a large market share that provides scale advantages over most competitors. The company is expanding its product portfolio to increase its customer base. Its large share in the U.S. motorcycle market, consistent capital deployment and favorable shipment guidance are positives. However, Harley-Davidson expects stiff competition to hurt retail sales this year as competitors rely on discounting and product introduction to boost sales. Further, the company anticipates headwinds due to macroeconomic challenges in some regions.

In the third quarter of 2016, Harley-Davidson expects to ship 48,50053,500 motorcycles, compared with 53,472 motorcycles shipped in the year-ago period. The company also reduced its guidance for motorcycle shipments in 2016 to 264,000269,000 units from the prior range of 269,000274,000 units. This implies that the year-over-year change in shipments will vary between a decline of 1% and a rise of 1%. The lower guidance is due to softness in the U.S. market, high competition and global economic uncertainty. Harley-Davidson also expects a small decline in operating income for the Financial Services segment this year due to increased borrowing costs and unfavorable provision for credit losses, partially offset by higher revenues.

Earnings Whispers

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Harley-Davidson is likely to beat earnings this quarter. This is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1, 2 or 3 for this to happen. This is not the case here, as you will see below:

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Zacks ESP: The Earnings ESP for Harley-Davidson is currently pegged at -1.59%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate of 62 cents stands below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 63 cents.

Zacks Rank: Harley-Davidson currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). We caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Sell-rated stocks) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON Price and EPS Surprise

HARLEY-DAVIDSON Price and EPS Surprise | HARLEY-DAVIDSON Quote

Stocks to Consider

Here are some companies you may want to consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company GT, which is expected to report third-quarter 2016 results on Nov 3, has an Earnings ESP of +1.75% and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Fox Factory Holding Corp FOXF has an Earnings ESP of +2.56% and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The company will report third-quarter 2016 financial numbers on Nov 2.

Magna International Inc. MGA has an Earnings ESP of +2.5% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is expected to release third-quarter 2016 results on Nov 3.

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Conditions linked to everyday chemicalsused in cosmetics, plastics and common household items like sofaslead to $340 billion in treatment and lost productivity costs annually in the U.S., according to a new study.

Researchers behind the paper, published in The Lancet, evaluated a set of chemicals that have been shown to disrupt normal functioning of the endocrine system using data on the levels of the chemicals in blood and urine of subjects of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study. Flame retardants like PBDEs, phthalates, which are widely used in cosmetics and scented products, plastic component DEHP and organophosphate pesticides are among the chemicals linked to health issues in the U.S., according to the research.

Read More: That Plastic Container You Microwave In Could Be Super-Toxic

The study contributes to a growing debate about how best to assess and manage the safety of common chemicals. Improved regulation could reduce exposure to some of the most damaging chemicals, the reports authors say. Previous research has shown that Europewhere regulations require manufacturers to prove household chemicals are safe before they hit shelvesloses a significantly smaller share of its GDP as a result of endocrine disrupting diseases than the U.S.

Diseases related to household chemicals cost $217 billion, or 1.28% of GDP, in Europe, compared to $340 billion, or 2.33% of GDP, in the U.S. These chemicals have been linked to obesity, intellectual disabilities, endometriosis, autism and heart disease.

Exposures in the United States are similar in some ways, but they also differ, says study author Leonardo Trasande, a New York University professor who studies environmental health. Thats in large part to differences in regulation between Europe and the U.S.

The U.S. relies on a law known as at the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to regulate household chemicals, a decades-old law that was updated earlier this year, and thousands of chemicals on the market remain untested. Improvements passed this year give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) more authority to test and ban hazardous chemicals, but Trasande and many others say the law does not go far enough. The EPA has announced five chemicals the agency plans to fast track, but tens of thousands more will remain untested for the foreseeable future, including many included in the study. Trasande says Congress should provide additional funding to allow the agency to move faster with review of a broader array of chemicals.

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Read More: You Asked: Can My Couch Give Me Cancer?

The American Chemistry Council, a lobbying group for chemical manufacturers, criticized the paper for using research that shows links between certain household chemicals and endocrine disruption rather than causation. The paper does virtually nothing to advance the protection of public health, the ACC said in a statement.

But while research showing the connection between many chemicals and endocrine disruption remains correlational, many scientists say the burden should still rest on manufacturers to prove a substance is safe before selling it to the public.

What we need here is a reform that tests chemicals proactively before theyre used on the open market, Trasande said last year.
Traders New York Stock Exchange NYSE

Dave Lutz, head of Exchange Traded Funds at JonesTrading, has a short overview of what traders are chatting about on Monday.

In summary:

US stock futures are lower, but getting some support from Bank of America's earnings beat. Stocks are lower in many major markets outside the US amid lower trading volumes.

The pound is lower even after news that the UK plans to pay billions into the European Union budget after it leaves the union.

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll has Hillary Clinton ahead of Donald Trump by 11 percentage points among likely voters.

Here's Lutz:

Good Morning!

US Futures are down 30bp, but well off the AM lows as BAC pops 2% on #s. Sea of red overseas, with Financials the only group that is trading higher in Europe. Volumes pacing very light, with most exchanges 30-40% below normal trends.

Nikkei gained on falling Yen, but all red otherwise - Hong Kong stocks among the biggest decliners on news that Chinese authorities detained employees at casino operator Crown Resorts for suspected gambling crimes  While Chinese B shares were clobbered for 6% in afternoon trade.

Dollar remains just under 7month highs as Euro sees some buying, but Pound under pressure despite headers UK looks at paying billions into EU budget after Brexit - Plan would let finance sector keep single-market access.

US 10YY touched 1.81% in the overnight  U.S. and U.K. leaders on Sunday threatened Russia with sanctions and other measures to pressure it to change course on Syria  and Citi warns on market complacency - Global markets could be only a small trigger away from a big reversal, according to a Monday morning note.

WTI is off small despite US Rig Count up 33% in last 5months and headers Iran to Boost Oil Output to 4 Million Barrels.

With 22 days till Election  A Fresh Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds Clinton led Trump by 11 percentage points among likely voters - A separate Washington Post/ABC poll has the race much tighter w/Clinton up only 4 points, but Reuters puts Clintons odds of securing 270 Electoral College votes at 95%.

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Investors are awaiting a raft of global economic data this week, including U.S. industrial production on Monday; U.S. and UK consumer prices, and UK producer prices on Tuesday; and Chinese third-quarter gross domestic product on Wednesday. The European Central Bank will publish bank lending figures on Tuesday, hold its policy meeting on Thursday and euro zone consumer confidence data for October is due on Friday.

Ahead of us today, we have a active day of headlines: Credit card charge-offs throughout the session - Empire Manufacturing at 8:30 - Industrial Production at 9:15 - ECB Publishes Weekly QE Data at 9:45, just before Bank of England Bond-Buying Operation Results at 9:50. The Lunch Hour includes Fed Vice Chair Fischer Speaking at 12:15, while Icahn, Tepper and Gundlach hit CNBC during Fast Money  At 1:15 we get ECB's Draghi, Bundesbank's Weidmann speaking in Frankfurt. IBM, NFLX and UAL all report after the close.

NOW WATCH: LIZ ANN SONDERS: The most unsettling outcome for the markets would be a surprise Trump win





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If youre sick of your husband not helping out around the house, you may need to get him a pregnancy suit.

Recently, three Japanese politicians donned the suit in a video to encourage a nation of workaholic men to help out more with household chores.

This came after a 2014 OECD survey pronounced Japanese men as the most unhelpful in the world. The study found that for every one hour of unpaid chores a man did in a day, their wives did five!

The video has since gone viral with more than 135,000 views.

Check out the video above to find out more and let us know your thoughts on the campaign by tweeting us @YahooStyleCA.
Getty Image

Throw out all the polls. Forget about the debates. Ignore where both of the candidates stand on every issue. None of this matters anymore, because the result of the 2016 presidential election was decided on Sunday afternoon, and we have news that will make Democrats happy: Hillary Clinton will defeat Donald Trump on Election Day.

Ok, lets back up a little bit. The Washington Redskins beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, 27-20. It wasnt a game youll tell your kids about or anything, but still, it was a solid matchup between two NFC East rivals.

But this game was big because it was Washingtons final home game before Election Day, and if history is any indication, the win means that Clinton will be our next President thanks to The Redskins Rule. This dictates that the result of the teams final home game pre-election determines its outcome  when Washington wins, the incumbent party wins, but when the Redskins lose, the non-incumbent party takes the White House.

This has worked out for 17 of the last 19 presidential elections. The only times this didnt work out were in 2004 and 2012, when the Redskins lost their final games before Election Day but incumbents George Bush and Barack Obama retained the presidency.

So will it work this year? More than the result of Sundays game says yes  according to Sundays NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, Clinton holds an 11-point lead nationally over Trump. That may be a more foolproof way to determine whats going to happen on Nov. 8, but if the former Secretary of State beats the real estate mogul, dont forget that we all learned that we were going to get our first female POTUS back on Oct. 16.
Arizona has been a Republican stronghold for 11 of the last 12 presidential elections. But in light of a tumultuous month for Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton is moving in.

On Monday, the Clinton campaign announced that it would pour $2 million in television, digital, and mail advertising, as well as deploy key surrogate, Michelle Obama. The first lady joins a list of Democratic heavyweights thatll campaign in Arizona this week, including Bernie Sanders and Chelsea Clinton. A future visit by Hillary Clinton might also be in the cards, according to campaign manager Robby Mook. Trumps divisive rhetoric, Mook said, has made the state more competitive.

Its not just Clinton campaign officials who see an opportunity for the former secretary of state in Arizona. GOP operatives in the state told NBC News that Trump was in real peril of losing there. The states junior Republican senator, Jeff Flake, told CNN in September that Trumps behavior had made Arizona competitive.

Trump holds a slight lead against Clinton in Arizona, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average. But Trumps comments about popular figures like Senator John McCain, who is cruising to re-election against his Democratic challenger, has lead the Clinton campaign to believe it can take the state. Last year, Trump said that McCain was not a war hero despite his military service and his time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. McCain, who previously backed Trump, recently withdrew his support in the wake of a leaked 2005 video clip that revealed Trump bragging about being able to grope women because of his star power.

Recommended: What Trump Has Done to American Marriage

McCain joined a number of Republicans who have backed away from Trump this month, some of whom have since reaffirmed their support for the GOP presidential candidate. The Republican nominee has faced numerous allegations of sexual assault in recent weeks, and has seen his poll numbers slide. Trump has responded to his faltering position in the polls by calling the election rigged, a claim that has been rejected by several high-ranking Republican officials, including House Speaker Paul Ryan.

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Clintons campaign now sees an opportunityone that secures a White House win in November, but also places an emphasis on down-ballot candidates.

The campaign is also allocating resources in other battleground states. In Indiana and Missouri, where Clinton is down by an average of five and eight points respectively, the campaign is kicking in a combined $1 million, to be split evenly, Mook said. The campaign also sees an opportunity in North Carolina, though Mook conceded a win would be razor thin. (A Clinton win in North Carolina is far more likely than in Arizona, Indiana, or Missouri, she is ahead in the polls there by an average of three points.) Overall, the campaign said it has more than 400 offices set up in battleground states.

The campaign is also banking on whats expected to be the biggest turnout in electoral history, as Mook put it. All of this is welcome news for Democrats who are seeking to secure a majority in Congressstill a long shot despite Clintons lead in presidential polls. The Washington Post reports that Priorities USA Action is also assisting to accomplish that goal:

Priorities USA Action, the pro-Clinton super PAC, is considering devoting television air time to Senate races in four states: Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, according to a person familiar with the discussions. A decision is expected to be made by the middle of the week.

The Clinton campaign, for its part, is demonstrating renewed confidence as it attempts to make inroads in Arizonaand attempts to reverse a state that has traditionally been carried by Republicans.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
hillary clinton ad

Hillary Clinton's campaign released a new ad on Monday comparing Donald Trump to famous movie bullies.

Set to air in swing states in the final weeks of the campaign, the ad spliced together some of the Republican presidential nominee's most noteworthy insults with similar insults uttered by the bullies.

The ad contrasted a famous scene from "Back to the Future" in which Biff ordered George McFly to leave the diner with Trump's enthusiastic order for protesters to leave one of his campaign rallies, and compared "Mean Girls" bully Regina George's declaration that her friends are stupid with Trump's question about how stupid Iowa voters would be if they didn't support him during the Republican presidential caucus.

Movie villains such as Johnny from "The Karate Kid," Nurse Ratched from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," and one of the bullies from "A Christmas Story" were also depicted side-by-side with Trump.

The ad concluded with Clinton responding to a question from a town hall audience member who lamented being bullied in school.

"That's why it's important to stand up to bullies wherever they are, and why we shouldn't let anyone bully his way into the presidency," Clinton said.

Monday's video came at a moment when both candidates have unleashed brutal ads taking aim at their opponents personally.

Last week, Trump released a TV ad mocking Clinton's recent pneumonia diagnosis, saying the former secretary of state "doesn't have the fortitude, strengths, or stamina" to serve as president.

The Clinton campaign's large cash advantage and its decision to purchase ad space early has forced the notoriously frugal Trump to spend more for the same type of ad space.

Watch the ad below:





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Finally! Everybody in the world can read the shocking revelations contained in paid speeches Hillary Clinton made to Goldman Sachs, for a cool $225,000. The vast conspiracy between the upper echelons of Wall Street and Washington is laid bare once and for all.

Just be sure to pour a strong cup of coffee while you read the speeches, and sit on a rigid stool with a fan blasting frigid air into your face. If you dont, you might doze off before getting to the end.

Clinton typically gave these off the record talks before an audience of hundreds, and there are a few disarming remarks she would undoubtedly prefer to keep private. She made unflattering remarks about former Chinese president Hu Jintao, for instance, and said the Saudi regime is not necessarily the stablest. (Are you scandalized yet?) In one remark thats been taken out of context, she said you are the smartest people to one questioner who claimed to have worked as a fundraiser for Clintons 2008 presidential campaign. Some critics characterized that remark as referring to Wall Street as a whole, when the Q&A makes clear Clinton was jokingly referring only to people who had supported her.

[Related: What Hillary Clinton really thinks about Wall Street.]

Most of Clintons remarks, however, are relatively guarded statements by a seasoned politician who knows theres no such thing as off-the-record, especially when shes on stage in a packed ballroom. And Clinton spends a lot of her time talking about arcane global policy matters that investors might care aboutbecause they risk money in some of the very regions the former Secretary of State knows bestbut that ordinary Americans might find dry and unrelated to their lives or careers.

Since the three Goldman speeches are now public, anybody can read what Clinton said on June 4, 2013, in South Carolina; October 24, 2013 in New York; or October 29, 2013 in Arizona, and read what secrets Clinton imparted to her pals in the financial industry. Heres a sampling of the most relevant and interesting passages:

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The inside scoop on China. Clinton finds president Xi Jinping a more capable leader than his predecessor, Hu Jintao. She recalled one meeting in Russia in 2012 in which Clinton and her contingent were in the same room as Hu and his entourage, and the Chinese leader, usually impassive in public, began screaming at his staff, with American interpreters on hand. We got to hear the whole thing, Clinton said.

[Related: What Hillary Clinton really thinks about gridlock in Washington.]

Concerns about Chinese territorialism. For some time, the Chinese have been making aggressive claims in the South China Sea, which nations such as Vietnam, Japan and the Philippines have disputed. Clinton said that in one meeting, she told a senior Chinese official that if the United States used the same logic as China, the United States could claim all of the Pacific. We liberated it, we defended it. We could call it the American Sea.

Shed be aggressive on Syria. Clinton said the best way to deal with the civil war in Syria would be to intervene as covertly as is possible for Americans to intervene. Assuming President Barack Obama doesnt have such a clandestine program, that would make Clinton more hawkish on Syria than Obama.

Iran. Clinton provided a sophisticated overview of Irans nuclear program and the extent of its support for terrorists. She described an American penetrator weapon capable of going deep enough into the Earth to damage or destroy Irans deeply buried nuclear facilities. On Iranian terrorism, she said, If you had a big map here behind us, literally from North America to Southeast Asia, there are so many thoughts, so many bombs, so many arrests that are all traced back to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

She blames voters for electing bad politicians. Clinton provided a detailed diagnosis of whats wrong with the US political system, including gerrymandering, the outsized influence of interest groups and selfish legislators. She also faulted voters willing to let interest groups manhandle candidates, without electoral accountability. People let that happen. Voters let that happen.

Shes thrilled about energy independence. Clinton favors tougher regulations on fossil-fuel producers, but she also said, The energy revolution in the United States is just a gift.

She thinks US elections last too long. I am of the mind that we cannot have endless campaigns. It is bad for the candidates. Its bad for the country.

Shes dislikes the political press, but not all press. Clinton said that when she was Secretary of State, the reporters covering her were really interested in the issues. I mean, they would drill them. But political reporters, she said, are more interested in scandal and controversy. Our political press has just been captured by trivia, she said.

Clinton gets along with some Republicans. There are a lot of level-headed, smart Republicans, Clinton said. She singled out Rep. Peter King of New York and Sen. Lamar Alexander of Kentucky for special praise. Left-leaning Democrats such as Bernie Sanders worry that Clinton might be too willing to compromise with Republicans. But that might also signal a willingness to make pragmatic deals.

Big banks are [fill in the blank]. Clinton was one of Wall Streets biggest backers when she was as a New York senator, from 2001 to 2009. But she now criticizes the banks and has plans to regulate and tax them more. When asked her views on the banks in one speech, she gave an 813-word answer that managed to say nothing at all.

Shes savvy about global espionage. Clinton said that when her State Department entourage traveled to certain countries, they were so concerned about electronic eavesdropping that they wouldnt even use smartphones and other devices: We would not only take the batteries out, we would leave the batteries and the devices on the plane in special boxes. One wonders why she didnt seem as shrewd when setting up the private email server that ended up causing her so much grief.

She abhors obstructionists in Congress, otherwise known as legislators who prevent legislation from passing for ideological or personal reasons. They play on peoples fears, not on peoples hopes, and they have to be rejected, Clinton said. They have to be rejected because they are fundamentally unAmerican.

The government is severely outdated. She described a State Department so behind the times that it took years to approve the use of mobile devices, even as they were becoming mainstream everywhere else. Neither our Congress nor our executive branch are organized for the 21st century, she said. That may be the least controversial position any candidate has taken during this election.

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman.
Vienna (AFP) - The house in Austria where Adolf Hitler was born is to be torn down to stop it from becoming a neo-Nazi shrine, the government said Monday, after years of bitter legal wrangling with the current owner.

"The Hitler house will be torn down. The foundations can remain but a new building will be erected. It will be used by either a charity or the local authorities," Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka told Austrian newspaper Die Presse.

"In any case, there shall be no further connection with Adolf Hitler because otherwise the myth of the birth house will be upheld."

He said the decision was based on the recommendations of a 13-member expert committee tasked with deciding what to do with the controversial building in the quaint northern town of Braunau am Inn.

The government hopes this will bring to an end a difficult chapter regarding the large yellow corner house where Hitler was born on April 20, 1889.

Although he only spent the first few weeks of his life at Number 15 Salzburger Vorstadt Street, the address has become a pilgrimage site for Nazi sympathisers from around the world who pose in front of the three-storey building with the Hitler salute.

- Stigma 'not deserved' -

The property has been empty since 2011 when the government became embroiled in a dispute with owner and local resident Gerlinde Pommer.

Her family has owned the 800-square-metre (8,600-feet) building for more than a century, except for a brief period during the Nazi regime when Hitler's private secretary Martin Bormann bought the building for four times its value in 1938.

After the war, the house was returned to the Pommers in the 1950s.

In 1972, the Austrian government signed a lease with Gerlinde Pommer in 1972 and turned the premises into a centre for people with disabilities.

But the arrangement came to an abrupt end five years ago when Pommer unexpectedly refused to grant permission for much-needed renovation works.

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The famously elusive owner also rejected a purchase offer made by the increasingly exasperated interior ministry.

In July, the government approved a legislation amendment to seize the house from Pommer who continues to net 4,800 euros (around $5,300) in rent every month.

The interior ministry said Monday that the expropriation bill would be debated in parliament this week and could enter into force by the end of the year.

"There is now a clear perspective regarding the future of the building under the ownership of the Austrian republic," ministry spokesman Karl-Heinz Grundboeck told AFP.

The issue has sparked heated debate among Braunau's 17,000 residents. Some wanted it to become a refugee centre, others a museum dedicated to Austria's liberation from Nazi rule.

A number of cultural organisations previously opposed the building's demolition because it is part of the historic city centre and therefore under heritage protection.

Every year on Hitler's birthday, anti-fascist protesters organise a rally outside the building at 15 Salzburger Vorstadt Street, next to a memorial stone reading: "For Peace, Freedom and Democracy. Never Again Fascism, Millions of Dead Warn."

But locals resent the attention, dismayed that their pastel-coloured town is known for being the cradle of one of the world's most reviled political figures, rather than for its Gothic architecture or pretty river.

"The people here don't deserve this stigma," district commissioner Georg Wojak told AFP in an interview last year. "Braunau's only crime was that Hitler was born here."
Q: What is the proper wait time to give the insurance to answer your rain damage to your home?

 Insured

A: It sounds as though water from a storm has entered and damaged your home and/or property.

Were sorry to hear youve got a mess to clean up. The timing answer isnt simple because it depends on whats happened and where you already are in the process.

Determining if youre covered

The most frequent type of loss reported in the insurance industry is from water damage, said George Kiraly, a certified financial planner with LodeStar Advisory Group in Short Hills, New Jersey, via email.

Whether the damage to your home will be covered depends on if the leak was caused by a covered peril under your policy, Kiraly said. Most standard homeowners policies provide coverage if the cause is sudden and accidental and will deny coverage if the cause is maintenance-related.

If your particular loss is covered, the policy will reimburse you up to the maximum coverage, less your deductible, Kiraly said.

He offered this example: Lets say that during a heavy rainstorm, water leaked through your roof. The roof is damaged, as are some fixtures in your home. Are you covered?

Yes and no, Kiraly said.

Youre probably not going to be reimbursed for roof repairs because thats a house maintenance issue, he said. But the water damage to your home is covered.

He said damage to your fixtures is also probably covered if you have a standard HO-3 home insurance policythe most commonly purchased policy because it is the minimum coverage required by mortgage providers.

Figuring out what to do after damage

Once a water loss has occurred, the single most important thing you need to do is mitigate the damage, Kiraly said.

Do whatever you can safely do to prevent more water from entering the affected area and/or reduce ongoing damage, he said. For example, if you need to patch up or cover a section of damaged roof or have an area of your home pumped out, do so immediately and keep track of the cost so your insurer can reimburse you.

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Kiraly said if the damage is significant and you decide to file a claim, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. After you file the claim, you should hear from your insurance company within a day or two.

The company should tell you about its claims process and any responsibilities you have, he said. Your insurance company will assign a claim adjuster to inspect the damages and determine coverage.

He said you should cooperate with the adjuster and keep written notes about conversations regarding your claim.

The company should provide you with a copy of the damage estimate, he said.

If you need a contractor, your insurance company will probably be able to provide you with one who will do the work at the estimated price, Kiraly said.

You are not required to use the companys recommended contractor, he said. If all or part of the loss is not covered, the company must explain how coverage is excluded under your policy.

You may only want to file a claim if the damage to your home is significant.

There have been cases where some insurers have refused to renew the policies of homeowners whove made multiple water damage claims. These claims can mean high administrative costs for the insurance company, he said. Also, insurers worry that water damage can lead to mold problems, which can be very expensive to remedy.

To avoid having your policy canceled for repetitive small claims, take the highest deductible on your policy that you can afford, Kiraly said. This will lower your premiums and also discourage you from filing small claims.

Even if the damage is slightly above your deductible, its worth handling it yourself to avoid the possibility of it affecting your policy, he said. The question you should ask yourself when considering whether to report an event, would be, Is the damage to my home and property significant? If not, dont report it.

[Editors note: In some states, insurers check homeowners credit standing when determining their premiums. Having a good credit standing can help you avoid paying a higher insurance premium.]



This article was written by Karin Price Mueller and originally published on Credit.com.

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Watch: These U.S. Counties Are Where Disaster Is Most Likely to Strike

The post My Home Was Damaged in a Storm. How Long Will It Take for My Insurance to Pay? appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com.
Jennifer Steck

Halloween is the one time of the year when homeowners are allowedheck, even encouragedto freak out friends and neighbors with a bountiful display of blood, gore, ghouls, and other scary decorations in their front yard. Yet one display in Katy, TX, may have gone a bit too far. In fact, neighbors are complaining that it crosses the line from frightening to downright offensive.

So what is it? A crib full of blood-spattered zombie babies.

Granted, some neighbors love the displaywhich includes a zombie mom lovingly looking over her brood, while severed limbs hanging from ropes dangle behind her. But others say that even in this era of The Walking Dead, its just too much, and should be taken down.

The family behind this spectacle (who remain anonymous) have two kids, aged 10 years and 8 months. The crib in their display is real. The zombie childrendolls dosed with copious amounts of red paintare not.

Im completely fine with it, one neighbor, Greg Pagans, told the Houston Chronicle. Its their yard; they pay their taxes on that yard. Its hard to keep everybody happy.

So whos right? Do homeowners have a right to put up any Halloween decor they want, or is there a point when it becomes so loathsome it should be out of bounds?

This one crosses the line of decency but is likely allowable, says Bruce Ailion, an Atlanta-based Realtor and attorney at RE/MAX Town and Country. But there are limits: Certainly, something that would constitute hate speech or incite violence would be against the law.

One horrible example: In 2014, a Fort Campbell, KY, family was forced to take down a display of what appeared to be an African-American family hanging from a tree.

A less inflammatory potential problem would be a gruesome display that totally freaked out a kid.

Say a neighbors child saw the display and was traumatized, says Ailion. That neighbor could sue the offending neighbor in civil court for tortious conduct, likely the intentional infliction of emotional distress. It would be up to the neighbor to prove to a jury their child was actually harmed; a strong case would be if that neighbors child had been in a bad crash and this brought back bloody images or if a sibling died in that crash.

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And if an overzealous decorators home is part of a homeowners association (HOA), the group may also have a say.

Often private covenants in HOAs regulate what you can and cant do on your property and go far beyond what the law would regulate, says Ailion.

But barring the above scenarios, odds are the lil zombie babies have a right to stay. In fact, in Cabot, AK, a Halloween display of plastic baby dolls cooking in a cauldron erected by Tim Minchue prompted another neighbor to complain to the cops.

While the police did not demand that Minchue take it down, they did notify him that at least one neighbor was ruffled. Minchue dismantled it, but not without taking offense himself.

It was offensive to me that they would call the police officers over here over something as childish as Halloween decorations, Minchue told Arkansasmatters.com. From the time youre a little kid to a grown-up, everybody enjoys Halloween.

The post When a Homes Halloween Decorations Go Too Far appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com.
Bob Dylan, shown in a Jan. 12, 2012, performance in Los Angeles, was named the winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize in literature Thursday in a stunning announcement that for the first time bestowed the prestigious award to someone primarily seen as a musician.
By Lin Taylor LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Iraqi government forces, with air and ground support from the U.S.-led coalition, launched an offensive on Monday to drive Islamic State from the northern city of Mosul, the militants' last major stronghold in the country. The United States predicted Islamic State would suffer"a lasting defeat" as Iraqi forces mounted their biggest operation since U.S. troops withdrew in 2011. The United Nations said last week it was bracing for the world's biggest and most complex humanitarian effort in the battle for the city, which could make up to 1 million people homeless and see civilians used as human shields or even gassed. More than 3 million people are already displaced in Iraq as a result of conflicts involving Islamic State. Medicine is in short supply in Mosul, and food prices have risen sharply. Here are what some aid agencies are anticipating: STEPHEN O'BRIEN, U.N. UNDER SECRETARY GENERAL FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS Families are at extreme risk of being caught in cross-fire or targeted by snipers. Tens of thousands of Iraqi girls, boys, women and men may be under siege or held as human shields. Thousands may be forcibly expelled or trapped between the fighting lines. Children, women, the elderly and disabled will be particularly vulnerable. I renew my call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and ensure they have access to the assistance they are entitled to and deserve. Nothing is more important. KHALIL SLEIMAN, WORLD VISION'S RESPONSE MANAGER FOR NORTHERN IRAQ The violence will have taken a devastating emotional toll on children, many of whom will need years of specialist support to rebuild their lives, come to terms with what happened, and to regain some kind of normality. Children always bear the brunt of conflict and we call for humane treatment at every stage of the process of the Mosul operation  including screening when boys as young as 14 may be separated from their families. ARAM SHAKARAM, SAVE THE CHILDREN'S DEPUTY COUNTRY DIRECTOR IN IRAQ Unless safe routes to escape the fighting are established, many families will have no choice but to stay and risk being killed by crossfire or bombardment, trapped beyond the reach of humanitarian aid with little food or medical care. Those that try to flee will be forced to navigate a city ringed with booby traps, snipers and hidden landmines. Without immediate action to ensure people can flee safely, we are likely to see bloodshed of civilians on a massive scale. Vast sums of money have been spent on military planning, equipment and ordinance  but an investment in the safety of children must be the priority. FILIPPO GRANDI, HEAD OF THE U.N. REFUGEE AGENCY UNHCR As the Mosul offensive begins, protecting civilians must be an essential part of military strategies. This is crucial for the future of Iraq. ANDRES GONZALES, OXFAM'S COUNTRY DIRECTOR IN IRAQ The people of Mosul have already suffered enough. Genuinely safe routes must be provided so they can escape the fighting and get to the shelter and help they need. All armed forces should avoid the use of heavy weapons in built-up and populated areas and do everything possible to protect civilians. WOLFGANG GRESSMANN, NORWEGIAN REFUGEE COUNCIL'S COUNTRY DIRECTOR IN IRAQ We fear the humanitarian consequences of this operation will be massive. Establishing genuinely safe routes out of the city for civilians is now the top priority; nothing is more important. The way this offensive is carried out, as well as the treatment of the fleeing civilians at the hands of the fighting forces, and the effectiveness of the humanitarian response, will determine the future of Iraq and how Iraqis will live side by side with each other. We cannot let Iraqi civilians down again in this moment of truth. (Reporting by Lin Taylor @linnytayls, Editing by Emma Batha; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters that covers humanitarian issues, conflicts, global land and property rights, modern slavery and human trafficking, women's rights, and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org to see more stories)
The Hague (AFP) - The chief prosecutor of the world's only permanent war crimes court said Monday she has sent a team to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to urge restraint after weeks of deadly unrest.

More than 50 people died in clashes in the capital Kinshasa in September as the opposition called on President Joseph Kabila, in power since 2001, to step down.

There have been growing fears that Kabila intends to stay in office after his term ends in December. And the European Union on Monday warned the country could face sanctions if it does not hold early elections.

"For a number of weeks now, I have been deeply concerned by the critical situation and recent incidents of violence" in the country, said the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda.

She said in a statement that she has deployed a delegation to the vast central African nation from October 16 to 20 to meet with "official representatives of the DRC, members of political parties, civil society, and the press."

The aim of the mission was to reiterate a call for "restraint" by all those potentially involved and to ensure they "refrain, at all times and in all locations, from committing any act of criminal violence against individuals and property".

Bensouda repeated that her office was "closely monitoring the situation on the ground" and warned again that anyone committing war crimes or crimes against humanity was "liable to prosecution".

The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes in the DR Congo since 2004, leading to the conviction of two former Congolese warlords, who are both serving jail terms.

The trial of a third Congolese former rebel commander, Bosco Ntaganda, opened in September 2015 and he is facing 18 charges for his role in the northeastern Ituri conflict.

In a fourth case, Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui, the former leader of a militia in the east, was acquitted in December 2012.
By Manolo Serapio Jr and Koustav Samanta

SINGAPORE, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Intercontinental Exchange on Monday said it would launch a London gold daily futures contract in February 2017, heating up the race to gain a bigger chunk and increase transparency of a market that is seen as a key global bullion trading centre.

Earlier this year, the London Metal Exchange (LME) said it was planning to launch spot and futures contracts for gold and silver in the first half of 2017.

ICE, which runs the daily London gold auction, said the new daily futures contract would be physically settled, traded in one cent increments and call for the delivery of 100 troy ounces of the metal.

For the gold auction, ICE announced the introduction of central clearing that is planned to go live in March 2017.

"Central clearing during the auction will allow the number of diverse direct participants to continue to grow," Ruth Crowell, chief executive of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), said in a statement.

The London gold auction, which takes place twice daily and sets the benchmark LBMA gold price, currently has 13 authorized participants, up from four last year.

The LBMA, an industry body whose members are mostly banks, refiners and dealers, is holding its annual gathering in Singapore this week.

LME CEO Garry Jones declined to comment on ICE's move. He said earlier on Monday during a briefing on LME's own move that "no doubt there will be competing ventures".

ICE's plan also comes shortly after the LBMA last week named Cinnober subsidiary Boat as the service provider for its new trade reporting platform, as it moves to boost transparency in the $5-trillion-a-year London gold market.

(Reporting by Manolo Serapio Jr. and Koustav Samanta; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Lead Plaintiff Deadline is December 5, 2016

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 17, 2016 / Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. ("Ferrellgas" or the "Company") (FGP) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The class action is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons or entities who purchased Ferrellgas securities between June 1, 2015 through September 28, 2016, inclusive (the "Class Period").

Investors who have incurred losses in Ferrellgas Partners L.P. are urged to contact the firm immediately at classmember@whafh.com or (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774. You may also review the filed complaint and obtain additional information concerning the action on our website, www.whafh.com.

If you purchased securities of Ferrellgas you may, no later than December 5, 2016, request that the Court appoint you lead plaintiff of the proposed class.

The filed Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company's propane sales were declining; (2) that the Company's midstream logistics business was being negatively impacted by low crude oil prices; (3) that, as such, the Company's Adjusted EBITDA would fall below the Company's projections; (4) that the Company was becoming more and more leveraged; (5) that, in response, the Company would need to obtain an amendment under the secured credit facility and accounts receivable securitization facility to increase the maximum leverage ratio to a range of 5.95x to 6.05x; (6) that, as a result of the foregoing, the Company would likely need to reduce its dividend; and (7) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' statements about Ferrellgas's business, operations, and prospects, were false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

According to the Complaint, on September 28, 2016 Ferrellgas announced that a fiscal year 2016 net loss of approximately $665 million, despite its net profit of $29 million for fiscal year 2015. Ferrellgas also announced the immediate resignation President, CEO and Director Stephen Warnbold. Additionally, Ferrellgas reported that "it is possible that the annual distribution rate may be reduced from $2.05 to approximately $1.00 per common unit" in order to reduce the Company's debt and leverage ratio. Following this news, Ferrellgas stock dropped $3.50 per share, or over 21%, to close on September 28, 2016 at $13.00, on unusually high trading volume. The following day, Ferrellgas stock dropped another $1.23 per share, to close on September 29, 2016 at $11.77.

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Wolf Haldenstein has extensive experience in the prosecution of securities class actions and derivative litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. The firm has attorneys in various practice areas; and offices in New York, Chicago and San Diego. The reputation and expertise of this firm in shareholder and other class litigation has been repeatedly recognized by the courts, which have appointed it to major positions in complex securities multi-district and consolidated litigation.

If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions regarding your rights and interests in this case, please immediately contact Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP by telephone at (800) 575-0735, via e-mail at classmember@whafh.com, or visit our website at www.whafh.com.

## Follow the firm and learn about newly filed cases on Twitter and Facebook. ##

Contact:

Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP

Patrick Donovan, Esq.

Gregory Stone, Director of Case and Financial Analysis

Email: gstone@whafh.com, donovan@whafh.com or classmember@whafh.com

Tel: (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.

SOURCE: Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested that Pakistan is the mothership of terrorism during a summit of BRICS nations in Goa, India, on Sunday.

According to Reuters, the Prime Minister told the summit, Terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security, and development in the region.

Although he did not explicitly name Pakistan, Modi stated, tragically, the mothership of terrorism is a country in Indias neighborhood.

India has long accused its northern neighbor of sponsoring cross-border terrorism, including an attack on Sept. 18 on an Indian army base in Uri, Kashmir, which killed 19 Indian soldiers in the worst such assault in 14 years.

Islamabad denies any role in the terrorist attack on the Uri army base, and in turn accuses New Delhi of misleading its summit partners in order to obfuscate the Indian governments own human-rights violations in Kashmir

Although Modi gained support from the West and Russia after the terrorist attack, his comments will test Indias relationship with its largest neighbor, China, a longtime ally of Pakistan.

The final draft of the summits declaration condemned terrorism in all its forms.
By Athar Parvaiz CHANDIGARH, India (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - It is hailed as India's granary, but the northwestern state of Punjab faces a drastic decline in agricultural output unless it halts the rapid depletion of its groundwater, experts warn. Groundwater irrigates almost three-quarters of Punjabs agricultural land, but groundwater levels are dropping by 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 inches) a year, according to Rajan Aggarwal, head of the soil and water engineering department at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). That has left farmers like Ajmir Singh struggling as their irrigation wells dry up. "We are not able to find water even if we go down to 200 feet (61 m) or more at some places, said Singh, who has farmed for 35 years in Jalandhar, 150km (95 miles) north of Chandigarh, the state capital. His neighbor, Pawanjeet Singh, said lack of irrigation water has forced him to sell part of the land that has been in his family for generations to a large-scale farmer who has the resources to drill for water at much deeper levels. I took this decision with a heavy heart after I realized that drawing water for all my land is beyond my means, Singh said. According to Aggarwal, groundwater has been overexploited in 110 of the states 138 administrative blocks. This is alarming given that more than 73 percent of irrigation is taken care of by groundwater, he said. Experts say dealing with the problem, in the region that led Indias Green Revolution in the 1970s, will require a rapid shift away from crops that require large amounts of water, such as rice and wheat, to less-thirsty pulses, maize, vegetables and sugarcane to safeguard the state's agricultural economy. Rice and wheat make up 81 percent of Punjab's irrigated crops, according to a report by PAU. Although the state accounts for only 1.5 percent of Indias geographical area, over the past two decades it has contributed 35 percent of the nations rice production and 60 cent of its wheat. LOW RAINFALL According to Sunil Jain, regional director of the Central Ground Water Board for northwest India, groundwater started dropping in 1985 in Punjab, and has sunk to alarming levels in recent years. Thirty years ago farmers in most parts of the state could draw water at a depth of 10 meters (32 ft), but by 2015 this was 20 meters, while farmers in some central parts of the state are unable to find water even at 30 meters or deeper, he said. There has been a substantial rise in groundwater utilization, which has mainly happened because of the fact that Punjab gets less rainfall. Since paddy (rice) requires a lot of water, the farmers resort to heavy usage of groundwater for irrigating the paddy fields, he said. Jain added that Punjab gets less than 700mm of rainfall annually. This compares to a national average of 1,083mm, according to the World Bank. Amit Kar, an economist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, attributed the groundwater shortage to government policies such as free electricity for irrigation, credit facilities and subsidies for digging wells and buying pumping equipment, as well as heavily subsidized diesel fuel for pumps. The PAU report said annual demand for irrigation in Punjab is 4.76 million hectare meters (mhm) against a total annual supply of 3.48 mhm from canal and groundwater resources. The deficit is met by overexploitation of deeper groundwater by farmers using nearly 1.4 million tube wells, which exacerbates the loss of more accessible groundwater. According to the PAU report, 3.5 million of Punjabs 9.1 million workers make a living from agriculture or associated activities. Jain said the statistics suggest Punjabs agricultural success may not be sustainable. Punjabs exports of rice and wheat to other regions literally mean the export of its groundwater to those regions, he said. Amitabh Kant, chief executive officer of the government's National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), predicted the present rate of withdrawal will lead to complete exhaustion of groundwater within a decade in the region. Kant said India, already water-stressed, is rapidly moving towards becoming water-scarce. TIME TO SWITCH? Switching to new crops is one way to ease the problem in Punjab, said PAU's Aggarwal. Rice requires about four times as much water as maize, pulses or oilseeds, for instance. Vinod Kumar Singh, a scientist at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, said Punjab must make the shift at any cost. The government has to make some policy decisions like assuring the farmers it will procure their produce other than paddy (rice) and wheat. Only then will they be convinced to switch over to these crops, he said. Under Indias state-sponsored Public Distribution System, the national government buys staple foods like rice, wheat and sugar from farmers and sells them to citizens at fair or cheaper prices. Commodities worth $2.25 billion, including rice and wheat, are sold annually to about 160 million families. Jasbir Singh Bains, Punjab's director of agriculture, said that system makes farmers reluctant to cultivate other crops. We have started making efforts to popularize the cultivation of pulses, maize, vegetables and oilseeds, Bains said. For example, we have appealed to the central government to increase the procurement of pulses and are urging the farmers to grow vegetables, which also have a good market. Farmers like Shamsher Singh, in NokdarJalandhar, said they would switch to less thirsty crops with government help. We are ready for this, but the government should give the guarantee that it will procure our products like it is doing in the case of wheat and rice, he said. (Reporting by Athar Parvaiz; editing by James Baer and Laurie Goering. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org)
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry holds his granddaughter Isabel Dobbs-Higginson as he signs the Paris Agreement on climate change in April 2016 at U.N. headquarters.
By Kanupriya Kapoor and Randy Fabi JAKARTA (Reuters) - Dozens of Indonesians who joined Islamic State in Syria have returned home with combat experience and pose a major threat to the worlds biggest Muslim-majority nation, the police chief said on Monday. Authorities are closely monitoring about 40 returnees and are concerned they could be linking up with existing networks to equip a new generation of radicals with the skills and equipment required to launch a major attack. "We are getting in touch with them but they can evade our detection. We believe they are organizing secretly and building interactions with other (radical) networks, police chief Tito Karnavian told Reuters in an interview. About 10 were in custody for questioning and the rest remained free, Karnavian said, adding there was no evidence of an imminent attack. The vast majority of Indonesias 250 million people practise a moderate form of Islam. Small extremist groups that have periodically mounted attacks against the state and foreigners in the country have been largely disbanded or driven underground. But the country has seen a recent resurgence in militancy, inspired in part by Islamic State. Authorities believe Islamic State has more than 1,200 followers in Indonesia and nearly 400 Indonesians have left to join the group in Syria. Indonesia suffered its first militant attack in years in January, when four pro-Islamic State militants launched a gun and bomb attack in the heart of the capital Jakarta. Eight people were killed, including the attackers themselves. Authorities said the assault was poorly planned and executed. Karnavian also said a worrying new trend was emerging of teens being radicalized online and lured into carrying out small-scale attacks. A 16-year-old in August tried but failed to detonate a homemade bomb in a church in the northern city of Medan. The teen also tried to stab the priest leading the service but was subdued by members of the congregation. Authorities said the teen was obsessed with Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and had researched his ideology online. This is a new trend. Its more difficult (to track them) than existing networks...because they are what are called lone wolves that are being radicalized online, Karnavian said, adding police were aware of at least 10 such cases. Under anti-terrorism laws, police can detain suspects for questioning for up to seven days. The government has called for preventive detention and the stripping of known militants of their citizenship if they fight for extremist groups overseas. Revisions to the anti-terrorism bill are pending parliamentary approval. (Editing by Nick Macfie)
Infosys Ltd. INFY reported second-quarter fiscal 2017 earnings per American Depository Share of 24 cents. Earnings were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate and rose 3.8% on a year-over-year basis.

Infosys shares fell nearly 6% at the close of the regular trading session on Friday. Downcast revenue forecast, on account of macroeconomic uncertainties, disappointed investors. As companies worldwide are curtailing their IT spending and shifting to cloud-based software services, Infosys remains under pressure.

While decent revenue growth drove the year-over-year bottom-line performance, foreign currency volatility proved to be a headwind.

Quarterly Details

Revenues increased 8.2% year over year to $2,587 million, but missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,608 million. Moreover, in terms of constant currency, revenues were up 8.9%.

Top-line growth was largely supported by lucrative contract wins, the Renew-New strategy, growth in delivery services and enhanced operational efficiency. Improvement in client relationships and better employee engagement also contributed to the overall quarterly performance.

Infosys operating profit climbed 5.6% year over year to $644 million. Management believes that strong focus on operational improvement boosted the companys operating profits in the quarter.

Geographical & Industry-wise Performance

The company witnessed growth in all the four regions where it operates. Second-quarter sales in India, Rest of the World, North America and Europe improved about 29.1%, 6.5%, 2.6% and 1.1% sequentially, respectively.

Each of the four reporting segments of the company registered modest growth. The Energy, Utilities, Communications & Services and Banking & Financial Services, Insurance division emerged as the biggest gainers, wherein revenues rose 6.9% and 4.6% on a sequential basis, respectively. While revenues in the Manufacturing & Hi-Tech division grew 2.1% sequentially, they remained relatively flat at the Retail & Life Sciences division on a sequential basis.

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Notable Development during the Quarter

Infosys has been diligently following the Renew New program, which lays the blueprint of its long-term growth. Under the Renew initiative, the company strengthened its relationships with existing core services clients, clinched some notable deals and leveraged on the Infosys Mana & Zero Distance programs, to drive innovation. Companies like AMD, Global Production Services and Cisco Systems, Inc. CSCO have benefitted from the Infosys Mana platform.

Under the New initiative, Infosys is working closely with the U.S.-based conglomerate  General Electric Company GE  to foster co-development of new applications with advanced Artificial Intelligence.

Moreover, most of Infosys businesses, including Panaya, Skava & EdgeVerve software products, delivered robust performance in the quarter. This, in turn, supplemented both the top and bottom lines. The companys three distinguished offerings  Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge-based IT and Design Thinking  are proving to be key profit churners, helping the company expand its market share. These services continued to gain solid traction by way of renewals.

INFOSYS LTD Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

INFOSYS LTD Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | INFOSYS LTD Quote

During the reported quarter, Infosys launched a modular e-commerce platform  Skava Commerce. This platform is expected to aid clients in improving their omni-channel experiences. Currently, Infosys is aiding the IT infrastructure transformation of companies like  California-based shoe seller, Toms Shoes and payment processing and technology provider, Vantiv  by leveraging on the Skava platform.

Also, Infosys Panaya platform has gained a major client  Swiss retail trade and wholesale giant, The COOP Group. Similarly, EdgeVerve delivered a sturdy performance, ending the quarter with 48 wins and 23 go-lives from both the Finacle and Edge suite of solutions across various markets.

Liquidity

As of Sep 30, 2016, Infosys had cash & cash equivalents of $4,763 million, compared with $4,566 million recorded as of Sep 30, 2015.

Guidance Slashed

Infosys, considered as a gauge for the health of the $3-trillion global enterprise spending market, trimmed its guidance for revenue growth this fiscal year to 8%-9%, from the previous expectation of 10%11.5%.

To Conclude

Infosys delivered a commendable financial performance amidst formidable macroeconomic headwinds. The IT industry is in the middle of a transformation where business enterprises are increasingly adopting state-of-the-art software and impeccable Artificial Intelligence. Infosys future prospects largely depend on its ability to align itself with this changing environment. Currently, the company is steadily shifting its focus from cost-based, people-only model to software plus services model, in order to take advantage of the changing market scenario.

Despite Infosys diligent efforts, the downcast outlook signals rough days, at least in the near term. Rapid proliferation of customizable Internet-based software has been hurting Infosys traditional outsourcing business, thus thwarting growth. Management believes that economic conditions in many of its markets remain quite challenging.

For instance, in many European countries, large government deficits, along with downgrading of government debt and credit ratings, have compounded the possibility of sustained weakness. This would adversely affect the companys growth going ahead. Reduced IT spending, in response to the challenging economic environment, has led to increased pricing pressure from clients, marring the Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) companys prospects.

A better-ranked stock in the industry is Barracuda Networks, Inc. CUDA, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The California-based security and storage solutions provider has an excellent earnings surprise history over the trailing four quarters, beating estimates all through. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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A woman who went to the emergency room for chest pain learned that her symptoms had a rather unusual cause: a porcupine quill that she had unknowingly ingested, according to a recent report of the woman's case.

The 49-year-old told the emergency room staff that she felt short of breath and was having chest pain that got worse whenever she lay down, the authors wrote.

She had gone to a different emergency room with the same symptoms a week earlier, but was sent home because the doctors there thought that she was having a panic attack, according to the case report, published in September in the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

On her second visit to the hospital, however, healthcare providers discovered that the woman had fluid in the sac around her heart. They also noticed a "poorly defined defect" on the wall of her aorta, which is a major blood vessel in the body. She was admitted to the hospital so the doctors could run more tests and drain the excess fluid, according to the report. [Here's a Giant List of the Strangest Medical Cases We've Covered]

The healthcare providers performed a procedure to drain the fluid from around the woman's heart; three days later, however, they had to repeat the procedure because more fluid had accumulated, according to the report. Six days later, they performed the procedure again, and this time, found blood in fluid.

Several more scans of the women's chest showed that the defect on the wall of her aorta appeared to have grown in size and was possibly the source of the bleeding.

The healthcare providers decided to operate, and during surgery they put the woman on "total circulatory arrest," meaning that they completely stopped all of the blood from flowing in her body, which allowed them to explore the problem with her aorta. When the healthcare providers cut into the woman's aorta, they noticed a "black, sharp object" that "appeared to be a quill," they wrote.

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The quill was "easily removed" and the healthcare providers removed the damaged section of the woman's aorta. They noted in the report that she recovered from the operation and was sent home three weeks after being admitted to the hospital.

The quill was sent to the hospital's pathology department, which confirmed that it was a porcupine quill.

It wasn't until after the operation that the woman told the healthcare providers that her dog had tangled with a porcupine, and she had needed to de-quill it several weeks before her symptoms started, according to the report. She didn't realize that she had ingested a quill while doing so.

The quill poked a hole in her esophagus and then damaged her aorta, which caused her to bleed into the sac around her heart, the healthcare providers wrote.

Swallowing foreign objects is a common occurrence, but it's rare for such objects poke a hole in the esophagus. Indeed, "perforation" occurs in less than 1 percent of patients who swallow foreign objects, according to the report. Though rare, the authors noted that there have been more than 100 cases of swallowed fish bones poking holes through the esophagus and damaging the aorta.

Originally published on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
When Ashleigh Banfield takes over Nancy Graces coveted 8 p.m. hour on HLN on Monday, the move will not only mark her return to prime-time after more than a decade but also a moment of vindication in a career defined by extreme highs and lows.

There was a pretty painful period in my career when it was hard to understand why there were such prodigious peaks and some cavernous valleys, Banfield told TheWrap. I was mystified at how one moment youre on the cover of Vogue magazine and the next moment no one will return your calls.

The rise was fast; the fall, painful.

They didnt cancel Ashleighs show; they canceled Ashleigh, said one of Banfields producers at the time, who asked not to be named.

Also Read: CNN Anchor Ashleigh Banfield Lands HLN Primetime Gig

Banfield was an up-and-coming anchor at MSNBC when, on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, she became a household name almost overnight.

She was getting ready to head to the networks Secaucus, N.J., studio when the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Amid the chaos, Banfield rushed to downtown Manhattan to report on the scene. She was in the middle of a live interview with a woman holding a newborn when 7 World Trade Center, a 47-floor building, collapsed behind her.

Banfield never lost her cool, even as a plume of smoke and debris came barreling toward her. Something about her reporting that day  a combination of fearlessness and humanity  seemed to strike a chord with viewers.

It didnt take long for MSNBC brass to realize they had a star on their hands. Banfield was quickly promoted and sent around the world as the anchor of a new roving series, A Region in Conflict. She spent much of the next year criss-crossing the Middle East, earning a reputation as a dogged reporter with a knack for war zones.

Each week, Banfield would host the show from a different location, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Saudi Arabia. It was a daring concept but Banfields show soon took off, becoming the networks top-rated show.

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Also Read: CNN's Ashleigh Banfield Reads Rape Victim's Letter on Air: 'The Star Today Was Her Words' (Video)

When I think about that time I remember being struck by how much she was able to do with so few resources, former RIC producer Brian Balthazar told TheWrap. All she had was a yellow pad and a skeleton crew that included one producer and one cameraman. People didnt realize she basically ad-libbed an hour-long show every night. It was nothing short of extraordinary.

The show further cemented Banfield as a force within the industry. Known simply as the girl with the glasses, thanks to her signature Clark Kent-style spectacles, she was hailed as a new kind of journalist, so popular Vogue magazine called her the anchor who is changing the way we watch the news.

But her swift rise to the top of broadcast journalism ruffled a lot of feathers within the industry, including her own colleagues at NBC News. Even as she was drawing nearly a million viewers a night, a coup for the then-fledgling network, some producers and executives questioned whether she was ready for such a plum prime-time gig.

Early in my network career, critics accused me of wearing fake lenses so I could wear glasses to look smarter, she said laughing. On one occasion, my ophthalmologist called in live to a radio show to prove to the host that I, in fact, had a pretty severe prescription.

Roger Ailes, the former Fox News Channel boss who recently stepped down amid sexual misconduct allegations, went as far as calling her a news actress in a 2002 interview with the New York Times.

Before long, Banfield was fielding broadside attacks aimed at her from the executive suites of NBCs 30 Rock.

Also Read: CNN's Ashleigh Banfield Asks Trump Supporter If Jews Should Be Banned Like Muslims (Video)

I remember hearing rumors in a meeting that was held by [Then Nightly News anchor] Tom Brokaw of some of the younger producers griping that I was a joke. Brokaw chastised them saying, Shes in a war zone reporting every single day in a dangerous place and youre having sushi and a cappuccino. And I think the description was [that] the room fell silent.

In October 2002, MSNBC canceled Banfields show (which, by then, had been renamed On Location With Ashleigh Banfield), citing a drop in ratings.

Banfield was taken off the air at the height of the the D.C. sniper attacks, a series of coordinated shootings that took place over three weeks in October 2002 in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. But her team notes that it continued working on the story  essentially producing the exact same show  just with John Seigenthaler as anchor.

With more than a year left on her contract, Banfield pleaded to be released. But then-president of NBC News Neal Shapiro refused. Banfield was instead moved to NBC News where she filed stories for Nightly News and Today.

By the time her contract was up, Banfield had been away from the anchor desk for too long. The networks who had aggressively courted her just months earlier, seemed to have moved on.

Also Read: CNN's Ashleigh Banfield Responds to Death Threats: 'Stop Threatening to Kill People on Twitter' (Video)

Banfield did herself no favors with a speech at Kansas State University a couple of weeks after the fall of Baghdad in April 2003. She argued that TV networks had failed to show all of the Iraq wars horrors and questioned the embed process, in which reporters were assigned to specific units, a system devised by the Bush administration that has since been questioned by others.

NBC quickly released a statement denouncing Banfields comment: Ms. Banfield does not speak for NBC News. We are deeply disappointed and troubled by her remarks, and will review her comments with her.

It was a time when the country was extremely on edge, fearful about other attacks and in many ways blindly trusting in government, one of her former producers, Kim McCabe, told TheWrap. And questions werent asked often times, not only by journalists but people in our own government. It was unfortunate. Whatever your opinion on the war is, I think there were a lot of lessons to be learned about that blind following and trust in government during such important times.

Shapiro, who is now CEO of PBS WNET in New York, did not respond to TheWraps request for comment. But in 2003, he told the New York Times that Banfields reduced visibility was solely because of her new role as an NBC News correspondent.

Also Read: CNN's Ashleigh Banfield Apologizes For Botched Hillary Clinton Edits (Video)

Shapiro then dealt one final blow for good measure. Its one thing to be a rising star in cable, Shapiro said. The broadcast network is a different platform with different skills required.

Banfield says there was no mistaking it, she was being benched.

For 10 months I had to report to work every day and ask where I could sit, Banfield told the New Canaan-Darien Magazine in January 2009. If somebody was away I could use their desk. Eventually, after 10 months of this, I was given an office that was a tape closet. They cleared the tapes out and put a desk and a TV in there, and a computer and phone. It was pretty blatant. The message was crystal clear.

One network correspondent who spoke on the condition of anonymity told The New York Times in 2002 that MSNBC fell in love with a new toy and they played with it and played with it and played with it until the paint came off. The article noted that Banfield had a reputation among some crew members as being too difficult to work with.

Also Read: CNN Launching New Morning Shows Monday, a Week Ahead of CBS

But those who worked with her day in and day out vigorously refute that narrative.

She was an incredible boss, McCabe said. She had high standards, sure. But she worked harder than anyone and never asked anyone for anything she wasnt doing herself.

Others on her staff believe there was an inherent level of sexism in those accusations.

Even the whole girl with the glasses thing was sexist. First, shes not a girl, Balthazar said. And second, you dont see people calling Keith Olbermann the boy with the glasses.'

Also Read: Ashleigh Banfield Headed to ABC News

Balthazar said he was struck by the fact that Banfield would stick around after her live shows to help technicians pack up the cables and equipment even when the show taped in the middle of the night local time.

I never experienced any difficulty working for her, he said.

Banfield went through a tough patch in the first couple of years following her MSNBC stint. She eventually took some legal courses and reinvented herself as a legal analyst for Court TV. Soon she was co-hosting a trial coverage show, Banfield & Ford: Courtside with Jack Ford. In 2009, Banfield took over as host of the truTV series Open Court.

Three years later, Banfield was back on a major cable news network, co-anchoring CNNs morning show, Early Start, along with with Zoraida Sambolin. Six months after that, she was promoted to anchor of CNN Newsroom, replacing host Kyra Phillips. In 2013, CNN re-branded the show as Legal View With Ashleigh Banfield.

Also Read: CNN Shakes Up Daytime Lineup: 'Around the World' Being Pulled, New 11 A.M. Anchors Announced

In June, Banfield reclaimed the spotlight by dedicating almost half of her show  23 minutes of airtime  to reading an emotional letter written by the victim of a sexual assault at the sentencing hearing. The attacker, a Stanford University student, received a light six-month sentence.

It was bold, risky and a very Banfield thing to do.

CNN is often an easy target for punchlines, GQ wrote. What with their lost-plane obsession and extremely loose definition of Breaking News. But its important to give them credit when they do things right, and here they did something right.

Media Matters, a journalism think tank, proclaimed: CNNs Ashleigh Banfield Shows the Media How to Report On Sexual Assault.

When Nancy Grace announced she was leaving her eponymous HLN show after 12 years, the network tapped Banfield to replace her. The symbolism is not lost on her.

Also Read: CNN Launching New Morning Shows Monday, a Week Ahead of CBS

This is a really big deal, moving back to prime time, she said. Its almost surreal.

Ironically, the name of her new show could easily serve as title of her autobiography: Primetime Justice.

But for those who still remember her as the bespectacled blonde reporting from the worlds most dangerous places, there will be at least one thing missing. Turns out, the girl with the glasses couldnt wait to get rid of them.

What people dont know is how much I hated them, she said. Especially the way they pinched the sides of my nose.

She would have gotten rid of them sooner but she wasnt a candidate for lasik surgery. As soon as a fitting procedure became available, she booked the appointment and, well, never looked back.

Asked whether she has any regrets now that life seems to be back on the right track, Banfield said,Millions. If you dont have any regrets youre doing something wrong.

Editors note: The writer of this article, Itay Hod, was an associate producer for both Region in Conflict and Ashleigh Banfield on Location.

Related stories from TheWrap:

CNN Anchor Ashleigh Banfield Lands HLN Primetime Gig

CNN's Ashleigh Banfield Reads Rape Victim's Letter on Air: 'The Star Today Was Her Words' (Video)

CNN's Ashleigh Banfield Asks Trump Supporter If Jews Should Be Banned Like Muslims (Video)
KANSAS CITY, MO / ACCESSWIRE / October 17, 2016 / Kansas City Southern (KSU) will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss the results of the third quarter 2016, to be held Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 8:45 AM Eastern Time.

Live Event Information

To participate, connect approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the beginning of the event.

Date, Time: October 18, 2016 at 8:45 AM ET

Toll Free: 877-407-0782

International: 201-689-8567

Live Webcast: www.investorcalendar.com/IC/CEPage.asp?ID=175310 OR investors.kcsouthern.com

Replay Information

A replay will be available beginning approximately 2 hours after the completion of the live event, ending at midnight eastern on November 1, 2016.

Toll Free: 877-660-6853

International: 201-612-7415

Replay ID#: 13646024

Webcast: www.investorcalendar.com or investors.kcsouthern.com

About Kansas City Southern

Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., Kansas City Southern (KCS) (KSU) is a transportation holding company that has railroad investments in the U.S., Mexico and Panama. Its primary U.S. holding is KCSR, serving the central and south central U.S. Its international holdings include Kansas City Southern de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., serving northeastern and central Mexico and the port cities of Lazaro Cardenas, Tampico and Veracruz, and a 50 percent interest in Panama Canal Railway Company, providing ocean-to-ocean freight and passenger service along the Panama Canal. KCS North American rail holdings and strategic alliances are primary components of a NAFTA Railway system, linking the commercial and industrial centers of the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

SOURCE: Investor Calendar
Though the "Goldberg Variations" by J.S. Bach have been interpreted in countless ways through the centuries, no one has heard the iconic work as it will be performed in Madison on Oct. 28.

That's when the renowned pianist and UW-Madison professor Christopher Taylor will perform the 18th-century composition on his "Hyperpiano"  a 21st century invention that Taylor himself created piece by piece over the past five years.

The electronic-run instrument allows two grand pianos to be played simultaneously by one musician  with the potential to take piano repertoire in new directions. Taylor invented the concept, wrote the software, manufactured the keys, designed the 60-odd circuit boards and is now exploring just how far his newly patented invention can go.

When the Hyperpiano makes its debut on the Mills Hall stage, Taylor will be seated at a two-tiered keyboard, which has the same touch as a standard piano but none of its inner strings. There will also be two concert grand pianos on stage, each with an odd-looking frame and assembly of wires placed where a player's hands usually rest.

As Taylor begins to play the 80-minute "Goldberg Variations," the keyboard he is sitting at will send signals to the devices at the concert grands to push the keys on that instrument  instantaneously. Listeners will hear two voices from the dual pianos.

"That adds a new dimension to the counterpoint, which can be interesting for the people sitting out in the audience," Taylor said. But that's not all: Using the console's 176 keys and five specially designed pedals, Taylor can also command octaves or massive chords from the two pianos sitting many feet away from him.

"It takes a couple of hundred lines of computer code to implement that, so that if I push a single key here, you get multiple keys over there," he demonstrated at the Hyperpiano, which has a temporary home in his office in the UW-Madison Humanities Building.

Taylor, who has taught piano performance at UW-Madison since 2000, earned a degree in mathematics from Harvard University. Before becoming a professional pianist, he was a bronze medal winner in the 1993 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, at which he played the "Goldberg Variations" and other works on a standard single-keyboard Steinway.

The musician is also celebrated for his insatiable intellectual curiosity and mental energy, qualities that have been hailed in his concert performances by effusive music critics.

The idea for the Hyperpiano arose from another complex instrument Taylor has championed, UW-Madison's double-keyboard Steinway known as a Moor Pianoforte.

The Moor Pianoforte was designed by the little-known Hungarian composer Emanuel Moor, using a two-tiered keyboard to give the piano some of the features of the harpsichord (for which Bach wrote the "Goldberg Variations") or the organ. The Moor pianoforte in Madison, built in Germany in 1929, was brought here at the request of Danish pianist Gunnar Johansen, UW-Madison's artist-in-residence in 1939.

The Moor piano went into storage in the 1990s until it was rediscovered by Taylor, who has since performed on the instrument around the country (both Taylor and the double-keyboard Steinway were stars of a 2007 New York Times video).

"The Moor piano, of course I got to know pretty well over the years," he explained. "It's a great instrument, but it's got a few problems. It doesn't feel like playing a normal piano. For one thing, it's very heavy. You have to push very hard to get it to respond.

"So that was one of my goals  to get something that feels more like playing a normal instrument," he said. With the Hyperpiano, "I feel like I've achieved that. I think it feels very similar to a regular piano. And with the set-up now I'm able to do everything I can do on the Moor piano, plus I can do all those extra fancy tricks.

"I won't really be using them to the full advantage when I play the 'Goldberg Variations' on them," he said, "but I'm hoping in the coming years that I'll get some composers to create music to really put it through its paces."

Taylor has talked to UW-Madison professor and contemporary composer Laura Schwendinger, as well as his longtime collaborator Derek Bermel, about composing for the instrument, he said.

But first he had to build the Hyperpiano. Taylor connected with George Petry, a master builder in the fabricating laboratory or "FabLab" at the Morgridge Institute for Research, and Giri Venkataramanan, a professor in the UW-Madison department of electrical and computer engineering.

At first Petry thought Taylor was "crazy, because I knew this was going to be so much work," Petry told the university's Mead Witter School of Music in an interview. "I have a lot of students coming in who have never built anything before who say they want to build a space shuttle. I thought this was Chris's space shuttle."

Indeed, "There were a whole bunch of interesting challenges along the way," Taylor said. "I had to learn to operate these big computer-controlled machines over at the Institute for Discovery. Just learning how manufacturing works  I had no experience with that before. I'd never done any woodworking or anything like that.

"Now, having a lot of experience with computers helped me a lot, and also mathematics, being able to sort of visualize these 3-dimensional structures," he said. "Another challenge definitely was learning to design circuit boards."

The finished Hyperpiano is much more portable than the Moor pianoforte. And it has many more artistic possibilities, Taylor said.

"When I first learned the 'Goldberg Vatiations,' I learned it on a regular single keyboard piano," he said. "There's a certain amount of fudging and negotiating that has to take place. The hands are constantly in danger of colliding with each other, because the individual parts are always intertwined and are crossing each other.

"And that's a little hard to pull off. On the Moor piano, it's a little easier, but it's still challenging because of the technical limitations of that instrument"  such as only one set of strings and hammers.

"And therefore if both hands are trying to play the same note, they jam," Taylor said. "You get a little bit stuck. And that doesn't happen here, because you have two complete instruments at your disposal."

When he performs Bach on the Hyperpiano, "in some ways I'll be doing it more like how it was done on harpsichords, where you had the double keyboards and you also had separate strings for every single key," Taylor said. "So the voices could freely cross each other, and you could also hear more easily the distinction between them."
iOS 10.0.3

If your Verizon iPhone 7 seems to be stuck on 3G, it's not your fault  it's an Apple software issue.

Apple rolled out a new version of iOS, 10.0.3, on Monday, to fix it.

Since the iPhone 7 first came out last month, Verizon customers have complained that their phones seemed to be stuck getting slow internet from their network. Instead of LTE speeds, users complained they were only getting 3G speed.

According to forum posters, representatives have said it's a "known issue," and it even effects GPS accuracy.

Apple has finally addressed the issue, with a patch that "fixes bugs, including an issue where some users could temporarily lose cellular connectivity."

One Apple employee tweeted that yes, the update should solve Verizon LTE connectivity issues.

So if you've got an iPhone on the Verizon network, you should update your device now. To do so, head to Settings > General > Software Update.

NOW WATCH: The story of Lisa Brennan-Jobs, the daughter Steve Jobs claimed wasn't his





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DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian forces launched air defense drills on Monday in the central province of Isfahan, Fars news agency reported, aiming to display its ability to safeguard the country's airspace. The Islamic Republic of Iran's Air Force (IRIAF) is holding the three-day maneuvers in which fighter bombers, reconnaissance aircraft and home-built drones will take part. The exercise "will unveil only parts of its capabilities to safeguard our country's airspace," Brigadier General Massoud Rouzkhosh was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA. "The drill aims to counter any airspace incursion by the enemies," he added. The air force, comprised largely of U.S.-made jets obtained before the 1979 revolution, is particularly weak compared to Iran's Gulf Arab rivals which have spent billions of dollars on Western fighter aircraft this year alone. Iran unveiled a home-built drone this month that it said was capable of carrying bombs, in what appeared to be another copy of a U.S. reconnaissance drone that Iran captured five years ago. (Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin; Editing by Dominic Evans)
Tehran (AFP) - Iran has rejected remarks by US Secretary of State John Kerry that its policies in Syria and Yemen are blocking efforts to encourage banks to do business with it.

In an interview published Friday, Kerry told Foreign Affairs magazine that Iranian support for Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, Lebanon's Hezbollah movement and Yemen's Huthi rebels made it "very difficult" to help Iran improve its banking system and business practices.

"Mr Kerry's comments are totally unacceptable," Iran's deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, told state television on Sunday night.

"We are surprised. During the nuclear negotiations, we clearly said that questions of security, defence, ballistic missiles and our regional policies were not negotiable and are not linked to the nuclear talks," he said.

"It is unacceptable that Mr Kerry is today talking of new conditions."

Iran supports the Assad regime in Syria, supplies Lebanon's Hezbollah with funds and weapons and backs Huthi rebels in Yemen -- all of which place it at odds with American policy in the region.

The historic deal between world powers and Iran, which came into force in January, saw a partial lifting of sanctions in exchange for curbs on Tehran's nuclear programme.

But Iranian officials have said the United States has not done enough to reassure banks they will not be penalised for doing business in Iran.

Araghchi said the United States was not doing enough to help Iran reintegrate into the global economy.

"Mr Kerry and other American officials who say they have met their commitments forget that they were not only meant to lift some sanctions, as they have done, but also guarantee and facilitate Iran's access to financial, banking, energy, technology and commercial markets," he said.

Kerry told Foreign Affairs that the US was meeting its commitments under the deal.

"We've lifted all the sanctions that we agreed to lift. But there are other problems," he said.

"We could help on technology and certain other things. But it's very difficult when Iran is engaged in Yemen and supporting Assad and supporting Hezbollah and firing missiles that people deem to be threatening and so forth. That hugely complicates efforts to move forward rapidly."
By Babak Dehghanpisheh and Ahmed Rasheed EAST OF MOSUL/BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi government forces launched a U.S.-backed offensive on Monday to drive Islamic State from the northern city of Mosul, a high-stakes battle to retake the militants' last major stronghold in the country. Two years after the jihadists seized the city of 1.5 million people and declared a caliphate from there encompassing tracts of Iraq and Syria, a force of some 30,000 Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces and Sunni tribal fighters began to advance. Helicopters released flares and explosions could be heard on the city's eastern front, where Reuters watched Kurdish fighters move forward to take outlying villages. A U.S.-led air campaign has helped push Islamic State from much of the territory it held but 4,000 to 8,000 fighters are thought to remain in Mosul. The Pentagon said that Iraqi forces were meeting objectives and were ahead of schedule on the first day of the offensive. Residents contacted by phone dismissed reports on Arabic television channels of an exodus by the jihadists, who have a history of using human shields and have threatened to unleash chemical weapons. "Daesh are using motorcycles for their patrols to evade air detection, with pillion passengers using binoculars to check out buildings and streets," said Abu Maher, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. He and others contacted were preparing makeshift defenses and had been stockpiling food in anticipation of the assault, which officials say could take weeks or even months. The residents withheld their full names for security reasons and Reuters was not able to verify their accounts independently. The United States predicted Islamic State would suffer "a lasting defeat" as Iraqi forces mounted their biggest operation in Iraq since the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. But the offensive, which has assumed considerable importance for U.S. President Barack Obama as his term draws to a close, is fraught with risks. These include sectarian conflict between Mosul's mainly Sunni population and advancing Shi'ite forces, and the potential for up to a million people to flee Mosul, multiplying a refugee crisis in the region and across Europe. "We set up a fortified room in the house by putting sandbags to block the only window and we removed everything dangerous or flammable," Abu Maher said. "I spent almost all my money on buying food, baby milk and anything we might need." The United Nations' humanitarian coordinator for Iraq said the military had told the U.N. it expected the first significant population movement to begin in five to six days, suggesting that is when the assault would move to the city itself. Lise Grande said Iraqi security forces would transport fleeing civilians, who would be vetted to ensure Islamic State fighters could not hide among them, following residents' reports that militants had shaved off their beards to escape detection. Video showing rockets and bursts of tracer bullets across the night sky and loud bursts of gunfire was shown on Qatar-based al-Jazeera television after Prime Minister Haider Abadi announced what he called "the heroic operations to free you from the terror and oppression of Daesh". "We will meet soon on the ground in Mosul to celebrate liberation and your salvation," Abadi said in a speech on state television in the middle of the night, surrounded by commanders of the armed forces. KURDISH FIGHTERS The commander of the coalition, U.S. Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, said the operation to take Iraq's second largest city would likely continue for weeks, "possibly longer". The Pentagon played down any new role for U.S. forces in the battle saying American personnel were behind the forward line of troops and acting in an advisory role to support Iraqis. "Americans are again playing an advisor role, an enabler role for these Iraqi forces ... Most of the American forces in Iraq are not anywhere close to the front line," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook told a news briefing, saying many U.S. troops were on advisory or logistical support missions. If Mosul falls, Raqqa in Syria will be Islamic State's last city stronghold. "This is a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver ISIL a lasting defeat," U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement, using another acronym for Islamic State. "We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISIL's hatred and brutality." Islamic State has been retreating since the end of last year in Iraq, where it is battling U.S-backed government and Kurdish forces as well as Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi'ite militias. But in a blow to the anti-IS campaign, last week the jihadists crushed a planned rebellion in Mosul intended to ease the recapture of the city. The Iraqi Kurdish military command said 4,000 Peshmerga were taking part in an operation to clear villages held by Islamic State to the east of Mosul, in an attack coordinated with a push by Iraqi army units from the southern front. Massoud Barzani, president of Iraq's Kurdistan region, said the operation was the first time the two forces had fought against Islamic State together and had taken about 200 square km of farm land and villages east of Mosul from the militants. The IS-linked Amaq news agency said the group had launched 10 suicide attacks on advancing forces near Mosul and that Peshmerga forces had encircled five villages but failed to take them. None of the reports could be independently verified. A column of black smoke was rising from one IS position on the eastern front, a Reuters correspondent said, apparently from burning oil being used to block the path of the Kurds and obscure the jets' view. "We are the real Muslims, Daesh are not Muslims, no religion does what they did," said a young Kurdish fighter in battle dress as he scanned the plain east of Mosul from his position on the heights of Mount Zertik. As he spoke a Humvee drove by with the word Rojava, or Syria's Kurdistan, painted on the machine gun turret. "This is all Kurdistan," Major Shiban Saleh, one of the fighters onboard, said. "When were done here, we will chase them to Raqqa or wherever they go," he said. He said about 450 Syrian Peshmerga fighters were involved in the offensive, which aimed to take back nine villages on Monday. Abdul Rahman Waggaa, a member of the exiled Provincial Council of Nineveh of which Mosul is the capital, told Reuters the advancing forces had yet to enter the city: "Activities are still outside of Mosul and the operation is not at full strength yet." HUMANITARIAN CRISIS FEARED Early on Monday, Abadi sought to allay fears that the operation would provoke sectarian bloodletting, saying that only the Iraqi army and police would be allowed to enter the mainly Sunni city. He asked Mosul's residents to cooperate with them. Local Sunni politicians and regional Sunni-majority states including Turkey and Saudi Arabia warned that if Shi'ite militias take part in the assault they could spark sectarian violence. The Iraqi army dropped tens of thousands of leaflets on Mosul before dawn on Sunday, warning residents the offensive was imminent, assuring them it "will not target civilians" and telling them to avoid known locations of Islamic State fighters. Reflecting authorities' concerns over a mass exodus that would complicate the offensive and worsen the humanitarian situation, the leaflets told residents "to stay at home and not to believe rumors spread by Daesh" that could cause panic. Resident Abu Abdullah said he had wanted to witness the beginning of the offensive. "We heard repeated explosions at a distance, so I went to the rooftop to see fireballs, even if it was dangerous. I was happy that the operation to liberate Mosul started," he said. In 2014, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed a "caliphate" in Iraq and neighboring Syria from Mosul's Grand Mosque. The group faced little resistance but has employed brutal methods to maintain control. On Monday, it circulated photographs showing children executing alleged spies. Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticized over the level of civilian casualties during Syrian government operations backed by Moscow in and around the city of Aleppo, said on Sunday he hoped the United States and its allies would do their best to avoid hitting civilians in the attack on Mosul. The United Nations has said the battle would require the world's biggest and most complex humanitarian effort, which could leave up to 1 million people homeless and see civilians used as human shields or even gassed. There are already more than three million people displaced in Iraq as a result of conflicts involving Islamic State and up to 100,000 Iraqis may flee Mosul to Syria and Turkey. Medicine is in short supply in Mosul and food prices have risen sharply. "Families in Mosul started stockpiling food yesterday in case the fighting reaches our streets and we can no longer go out," said Saeed, a resident. "Daesh are still in Mosul and it's not true that they left. They are continuing to erect blast walls in the streets to obstruct any advance." (With additional reporting by Maher Chmaytelli and Stephen Kalin in Baghdad, Michael Georgy in Erbil and Stephanie Nebehay and Tom Miles in Geneva; writing by Philippa Fletcher; editing by Giles Elgood and Gareth Jones)
By Ahmed Rasheed BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The Iraqi army dropped tens of thousands of leaflets over Mosul before dawn on Sunday, warning residents an offensive to recapture the city from Islamic State was in its final stages of preparation, according to a military statement in Baghdad. The leaflets carried several messages, one of them assuring the population that advancing army units and air strikes "will not target civilians" and another telling them to avoid known locations of Islamic State militants. The assault on Mosul, the last city still under control of the ultra-hardline Islamic State in Iraq, could begin this month with the support of a U.S.-led coalition, according to Iraqi government and military officials. Islamic State fighters are dug in and are expected to fight hard. They have forced civilians to stay in harm's way during previous battles to defend territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday he hoped the United States and its allies would do their best to avoid civilian casualties in an attack on Mosul. Reflecting the authorities' concerns over a mass exodus that would complicate the offensive, the leaflets told residents "to stay at home and not to believe rumours spread by Daesh" to cause panic, referring to Islamic State by its Arabic acronym. With a pre-war population of around 2 million, Mosul is around 4-5 times the size of any other city recaptured so far from the militants, who swept through northern Iraq in 2014 and also hold a swathe of Syria. The U.N. last week said it was bracing for the world's biggest and most complex humanitarian effort in the battle for the city, which could make up to 1 million people homeless and see civilians used as human shields or even gassed. "Keep calm and tell your children that it is only a game or thunder before the rain," a leaflet said. "Women should not scream or shout, to preserve the children's spirit." "If you see an army unit, stay at least 25 meters away and avoid any sudden movements," another said. Iraq earlier this month launched a radio station to help Mosul residents stay safe during the offensive. The radio is broadcasting from Qayyara, a town 60 kilometres (about 40 miles) south of Mosul, where the army is massing forces ahead of the offensive. Qayyara has also an airfield that will be used as a hub by the U.S.-led coalition to support the offensive in which Kurdish Peshmerga and Sunni tribal fighters are expected to take part. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has not yet made it clear whether Iranian-backed Shi'ite paramilitary units will participate in the offensive on the mainly Sunni city. Local Sunni politicians and regional Sunni-majority states including Turkey and Saudi Arabia have cautioned that letting Shi'ite militias take part in assault could lead to sectarian bloodletting. (Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
KHAZER, Iraq (AP)  Iraqi and Kurdish forces backed by U.S.-led airstrikes launched coordinated military operations early Monday as the long-awaited fight to wrest the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State fighters got underway. But the battle is likely to be long and it was unclear when the troops would enter the city itself.

The fate of more than a million civilians trapped inside Mosul will also be critical as the battle intensifies in the days and weeks ahead amid concerns that IS could use them as human shields.

Convoys of Iraqi, Kurdish and U.S. forces moved east of Mosul along the front line early Monday as U.S.-led coalition airstrikes sent plumes of smoke into the air and heavy artillery rounds rumbled in the distance.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the operations on state television, launching the countrys toughest battle since American troops left nearly five years ago.

Mosul, Iraqs second largest city, fell to IS in the summer of 2014, and weeks later the head of the extremist group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, announced the formation of a self-styled caliphate from the pulpit of one of its mosques.

These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity, al-Abadi said, addressing the citys residents and using the Arabic acronym for IS. God willing, we shall win.

If successful, the liberation of Mosul would be the biggest blow yet to the Islamic State group. Al-Abadi pledged the fight for the city would lead to the liberation of all Iraqi territory from the militants this year.

In Washington, Defense Secretary Ash Carter called the launch of the Mosul operation a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver a lasting defeat to IS.

Iraqi forces have been massing around Mosul in recent days, including elite special forces that are expected to lead the charge into the city, as well as Kurdish forces, Sunni tribal fighters, federal police and state-sanctioned Shiite militias.

Story continues

South of Mosul, Iraqi military units are based at the sprawling Qayara air base, but to the citys east, men are camped out in abandoned homes.

Kurdish forces are stationed to the north and east of Mosul, a mostly Sunni city that has been a center of insurgent activity and anti-government sentiment since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Iraqi officials have warned that the Mosul operation has been rushed before a political agreement has been set for how the city will be governed after IS.

Lt. Col. Amozhgar Taher with Iraqs Kurdish forces, also known as the peshmerga, said his men would only move to retake a cluster of mostly Christian and Shabak villages east of Mosul and would not enter the city itself due to their concern for sectarian sensitivities. Taher spoke at a makeshift base in an abandoned house along the front line, some 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Mosul.

Later Monday, Turkeys state-run Anadolu news agency said the peshmerga have taken control of seven villages east of Mosul and that they control the main road linking the city with the Iraqi Kurdish regional capital, Irbil, further to the east.

Iraqi special forces Lt. Col. Ali Hussein said the Kurdish forces are leading the first push on Mosuls eastern front. His men were anxious to move out to the front line, though he said he expects they will wait near the town of Khazer for another day or two.

Meanwhile, a suicide car bombing targeted security forces outside Baghdad, killing at least 12 people and wounding more than 30 on Monday, officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to the media. Nobody immediately claimed responsibility for the checkpoint attack in the town of Youssifiyah, 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Baghdad, though it bore the hallmarks of the Islamic State group.

Mosul fell to IS during the militants June 2014 blitz that left nearly a third of Iraq in the extremists hands and plunged the country into its most severe crisis since the U.S.-led invasion. It became part of the IS groups self-styled caliphate, which at that time stretched across a third of both Syria and Iraq.

But over the past year, the militants have suffered a series of major defeats in both Syria and Iraq, where their area of control is now limited to Mosul and some smaller towns. Mosul is about 360 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of the capital, Baghdad.

The operation to retake Mosul is expected to be the most complex yet for Iraqs military, which has been rebuilding from its humiliating 2014 defeat.

U.S. Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of the anti-IS coalition, said in a statement that the operation to regain control of Mosul could take weeks, possibly longer.

Earlier, Iraqi Brig. Gen Haider Fadhil told The Associated Press that more than 25,000 troops, including paramilitary forces made up of Sunni tribal fighters and Shiite militiamen, will take part in the offensive that will be launched from five directions around the city.

The role of the Shiite militias has been particularly sensitive, as Nineveh, where Mosul is located, is a majority Sunni province. Shiite militia forces have been accused of carrying out abuses against civilians in other Sunni areas.

Fadhil voiced concern about potential action from Turkish troops based in the region of Bashiqa, northeast of Mosul. Turkey sent troops to the area late last year to train anti-IS fighters. But Baghdad views the Turkish presence as a blatant violation of Iraqi sovereignty and has demanded the Turkish troops withdraw.

Turkeys deputy prime minister said some 3,000 Turkish-trained Iraqi fighters are taking part in the operation to wrest Mosul from IS. Numan Kurtulmus also told reporters Monday that Turkey has no intention of withdrawing its troops, who he said had trained 4,000 local fighters, three fourths of which had joined the battle alongside the peshmerga.

Military operations are predicted to displace 200,000 to a million people, according to the United Nations. Just a few kilometers from the eastern front line, rows of empty camps for displaced civilians line the road, but aid groups say they only have enough space for some 100,000 people.

In Geneva, a senior U.N. official said hes extremely concerned for the safety of civilians in Mosul. Stephen OBrien, the undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said that as many as 1 million people may be forced to flee their homes in a worst-case scenario.

He warned that families are at extreme risk of being caught in crossfire, and that tens of thousands may end up besieged or held as human shields, and thousands could be forcibly expelled.

In the midst of a deep financial crisis, the Iraqi government says it lacks the funds to adequately prepare for the humanitarian fallout of the Mosul fight. In some cases commanders say they are encouraging civilians to stay in their homes rather than flee.

While we may be celebrating a military victory after Mosul is liberated, said Falah Mustafa, the foreign minister for Iraqs Kurdish region, we dont want to have also created a humanitarian catastrophe.

___

Schreck reported from Irbil. Associated Press journalists Ahmed Sami and Sinan Salaheddin in Baghdad, Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Khazer, Iraq, Geir Moulson in Berlin, Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, and Vivian Salama in Washington contributed to this report.
By Daren Butler ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Victims of an Israeli raid that killed 10 people in 2010 on an aid flotilla fear a Turkish court is set to halt a case brought by them because of a deal to restore ties between Israel and Turkey, a lawyer representing the victims said on Monday. Relations between Israel and what was once one of its Muslim allies crumbled after Israeli marines stormed the Mavi Marmara ship in May 2010 to enforce a naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. The Mavi Marmara was part of a larger aid flotilla and the court case has been brought on behalf of hundreds of people who say they were wounded, assaulted or imprisoned during the raid. An Istanbul high court will hold a hearing in the case, representing 740 victims from 37 countries, on Wednesday, four months after the two nations normalized relations. "Our concern on behalf of the victims, who have all participated in this criminal case, is that it will be stopped by the court as a result of the treaty," human rights lawyer Rodney Dixon, told Reuters in an interview by telephone. Turkish officials on Monday declined to comment on the case. Israel, which had already offered apologies for the raid - one of Ankara's three conditions for a deal - agreed to pay out $20 million to the families of those killed. A senior Turkish official has called the deal a "diplomatic victory". Under the accord, the naval blockade of Hamas-run Gaza, which Ankara wanted lifted, remained in force, but humanitarian aid was to keep going into Gaza via Israeli ports. Dixon said the agreement also specified that there would be no further criminal or civil proceedings over the raid. But he said halting the case would be contrary to international law and the European Convention on Human Rights. "If they end the case then there could be legal avenues pursued both in Turkey, including before the constitutional court, and internationally including before the European Court of Human Rights," he said. (Additional reporting by Orhan Coskun; Editing by Nick Tattersall and Louise Ireland)
Stop what youre doing and start planning your next vacationand dont forget to pack a wine glass.

A vineyard in the Abruzzo region of Central Italy has installed the tourist destination of your dreams, a wine fountain, Mashable reports. This magical destination is exactly what it sounds like, a fountain that flows 24-hours a day with red wine. And the best part is that the wine is completely free.

This so-called fontana di vino is located in the Dora Sarchese vineyard in the small town of Caldari di Ortona, which sits on the Italian pilgrimage route of Cammino di San Tommaso. According to The Local, the fountain is a joint project of the vineyard and a non-profit group that works to protect the pilgrimage route. It was inspired by a similar wine fountain that opened on Spains pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, a few years ago.

The Italian fountain is open to all travelers who find themselves thirsty for a glass of the locally grown, locally made wine, so long as youre not a drunkard or lout, of course. According to the vineyards Facebook page those people are not invited and will have to make due with boring old water fountains instead.

Eccola qui, solo oggi decine di persone sono venute a visitarla :) Ringraziamo Radio 105 che domenica ha parlato a lungo di noi :D www.dorasarchese.it #doraesempre #dorasarchese #nitae #FontanadelVino A photo posted by Dora Sarchese (@dora_sarchese) on Oct 10, 2016 at 11:32pm PDT

(H/T Mashable/The Local)
TOKYO (Reuters) - A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday that Tokyo was not discussing with Moscow the joint administration of disputed islands held by Russia in the hope of unblocking an issue that has bedevilled their relations for 70 years. The Nikkei business daily reported on Monday that Japan was considering joint administration of the islands and that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hoped to convince Russian President Vladimir Putin when they meet on Dec. 15 in Japan to begin negotiations on the proposal. The paper cited unidentified Japanese and Russian government sources. The dispute over the four islands north of Japan's Hokkaido has prevented Tokyo and Moscow signing a peace treaty formally ending the war they fought with each other in World War Two. "We deny the Nikkei report that Japan and Russia are discussing the joint administration of the Northern Territories," Japanese foreign ministry spokesman Yasuhira Kawamura told Reuters in an email, referring to the islands off Hokkaido known in Russia as the Southern Kuriles. "There is no change in Japan's fundamental position that Japan will conclude the peace treaty with Russia by resolving the issue of the possession of the four northern islands." A Japanese ruling party source told Reuters that a proposal such as that reported by Nikkei was not very realistic. Japan has long demanded that the sovereignty of all the territories be resolved before a peace treaty is signed, but some politicians and experts have said Abe may alter course. Last month, Abe told parliament: "I will resolve the territorial issue, end the abnormal situation in which no peace treaty has been concluded even 71 years after the war, and cultivate the major possibility of Japan-Russia cooperation in areas such as the economy and energy." The newspaper said Tokyo hoped to negotiate a return of the two smaller islands while adopting joint control of two larger islands. Japan's position has been to assert its sovereignty over all of the disputed islands, but Russia regularly cites a 1956 joint declaration, never put into effect, that stipulates the return of the two smaller isles to Japan. (Reporting by Linda Sieg and Nobuhiro Kubo; additonal writing by William Mallard; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Michael Perry)
By Nobuhiro Kubo and Tim Kelly TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan may accelerate around $1 billion of planned spending to upgrade its ballistic missile defenses in the wake of rocket tests suggesting North Korea is close to fielding a more potent medium-range missile, three government sources told Reuters. The outlays, currently in a budget request for the year starting April, includes money to assess a new missile defense layer - either Lockheed Martin Corp's Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system or Aegis Ashore, a land-based version of the ballistic missile defense system used by vessels in the Sea of Japan. It also covers money to improve the range and accuracy of PAC-3 Patriot batteries, said the sources familiar with the proposal, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to talk to the media. Any rollout of THAAD or Aegis Ashore could, however, still take years, the sources noted. Accelerated spending on Patriot missile batteries is also unlikely to deliver upgrades much quicker because of the limited capacity of the companies involved - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries <7011.T> and Raytheon Co - to speed up already tight production schedules. "It nonetheless has symbolic value," said one of the sources. As much as 300 billion yen ($2.9 billion) of defense funding will be included in a third supplementary budget, the Sankei newspaper reported earlier. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government has yet to say whether it will ask lawmakers to approve additional outlays before deliberations begin on next year's budget. Officials at Japan's Ministry of Defence were not immediately available to comment. ARMS RACE Pyongyang's apparent technological progress on missiles has been faster than anticipated, exposing Japan to a heightened threat, a senior Japanese military commander told Reuters earlier this month. Tokyo and Pyongyang have been locked in an arms race for two decades after North Korea fired a missile over Japan in 1998. North Korea has test fired at least 21 ballistic missiles and conducted two nuclear tests so far this year. On June 22, a medium range Musudan rocket reached an altitude of 1,000 km (620 miles) on a lofted trajectory, potentially beyond the range of Aegis destroyers the Sea of Japan that are armed with SM-3 missiles designed to hit warheads at the edge of space. That leaves older PAC-3 Patriot missiles protecting major cities including Tokyo as a last line of defense. Their upgrade program will not deliver the first improved batteries until the 2020, in time for the Tokyo Olympics. Warheads from missiles such as Pyongyang's Rodong, with an estimated range of 1,300 km (810 miles), travel at speeds of up to 3 km (2 miles) a second. Payloads on rockets like the Musudan, that can fly as far as 3,000 km (1,860 miles), plunge from space at least twice as fast. Japan next year plans to acquire a more powerful version of the SM-3 it is jointly developing with the United States, dubbed the Block IIA. It has not, however, said when the first will be deployed. (Editing by Lincoln Feast)




On Sundays Last Week Tonight, John Oliver took a look at the alternative candidates. While some have simply dismissed Jill Stein and Gary Johnson, Oliver ripped them apart with the scrutiny that hes applied to Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Oliver described Gary Johnson as the two-term governor of New Mexico and a man who, in most photographs, seems to be about 80 percent sure hes running for president. He eviscerated Johnsons call to dissolve multiple federal agencies without knowledge of the services they provide.

Oliver then shed light on Jill Steins largest promise, eliminating student debt with the use of quantitative easing. He explained that the power to do that rests solely with the Federal Reserve and, Its basically akin to saying, Ill make us energy independent by ordering the Post Office to invade Canada. No, thats impractical, its a terrible idea, and you dont seem to understand anything about it.

Oliver ended his piece by saying that voters have the choice between the lesser of four evils. He added, Anyone who goes into a voting booth on November 8th and comes out saying, I feel 100 percent great about what I just did, is either lying to themselves or did something unspeakable in that booth.

Last Week Tonight airs Sundays at 11 p.m. on HBO.

Watch: John Oliver takes on Billy Bush over his viral video.

Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram  or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Cynthia LuCiette, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
On Sunday's Last Week Tonight, John Oliver took a look at the alternative candidates' campaign. Though some have dismissed Jill Stein and Gary Johnson, Oliver ripped them apart with the scrutiny that he's reserved for Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. He looked at Gary Johnson, who Oliver described as "the two-term governor of New Mexico and a man who, in most photographs, seems to be about 80% sure he's is running for president." He went on to show Johnson do things like call to dissolve multiple federal agencies without knowledge of the services they provide. John Oliver shed light on Jill Stein's largest promise, eliminating student debt with the use of quantitative easing. He explained that power is only enacted by the Federal Reserve and, "It's akin to saying, 'I'll make us energy independent by ordering the Post Office to invade Canada.' No, that's impractical, it's a terrible idea, and you don't seem to understand anything about it." Oliver ended his piece by saying that voters have the choice between the lesser of four evils. He said, "Anyone who goes into voting booth on November 8th and comes out saying, 'I feel 100% great about what I just did,' is either lying to themselves or did something unspeakable in that booth."
A possible threat made against a Sun Prairie school on Sunday was a hoax and was meant to be a prank from one juvenile to another, police said.

The threat, which was not elaborated on, was made against Cardinal Heights Upper Middle School, 220 Kroncke Drive, on the city's South Side.

"The threat was sent by text to one of the students, whose family contacted law enforcement," said Sgt. Brian Luckus. "The text ended up being circulated via social media."

Police were called by numerous people once the text got out on social media.

"Officers were able to track the text to its source," Luckus said. "The juvenile admitted to sending the text only to one person as a prank, and did not intend for it to spread."

School officials were notified of the text and the results of the investigation.
Last Week Tonight focused on an unusual topic for Sundays show: Lice on rats on a horse corpse on fire, 2016  a.k.a. this years U.S. presidential election.

John Oliver noted that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are among the most disliked presidential candidates in history. This has lead some voters to consider voting for a third-party candidate, specifically according to Oliver, Either Kevin Klines character in Dave or the ghost of Martin Luther King Jr., assuming he only said the three quotes that white people like.

Since fictional characters and ghosts arent eligible for the presidency, the two main third-party nominees are Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson (who looks 80% sure he is running for president) and Green Party nominee Jill Stein (The candidate who looks most like she believes that carob is just as good as chocolate.)

According to Oliver, more than one-third of young voters are considering voting for Johnson or Stein, so he decided to focus his gimlet eye on them. Highlights included playing analyzing Steins equivocation on Twitter, playing highlights of her band, Somebodys Sister, and showing a clip of Johnson discussing doing something untoward to Mount Everest, earning him the title of mountain molester from Oliver.

Oliver claims that there are no perfect candidates. Not even lion-loving Oklahoman Joe Exotic.
John Oliver explored the viability of a third party candidate in Sundays episode of Last Week Tonight.

At one point Oliver joked that both Green Party candidate Jill Stein and Libertarian Gary Johnson have likely benefited from the lack of media coverage they both complain of, since their key proposals begin to crumble under the slightest bit of scrutiny.

Starting with Stein, Oliver looked at the central proposal of her campaign, which is to cancel student loan debt. Stein claims that the President has the authority to cancel the debt now by printing more money in a process called quantitative easing.

Also Read: Jimmy Kimmel to Go Live With Ken Bone After Third Presidential Debate

That is absolutely wrong, Oliver said. The president does not have that authority, only the Federal Reserve does. And it does not take marching orders from the White House because that would be extremely dangerous. You dont want to give presidents the power to just create new money whenever they want to.

Oliver also took issue with the way Stein responded to a 9/11 conspiracy question, but was even more offended by the folk rock band she fronted in the 1990s.

Turning his attention to Johnson, Oliver quickly moved past Johnsons several Aleppo moments, and focused instead on his tax policies. Johnson wants to eliminate income and corporate tax, but when pressed in an interview about how the proposed cuts would work, Johnson responded, Youre getting a little too into the weeds.

Also Read: Donald Trump Gets the Dr Seuss Treatment on Twitter in Poetic Rhymes

What do you mean too in the weeds?' Oliver said. The only point of discussing tax policy is getting into the weeds. That and preventing premature ejaculation.

Watch the video

Related stories from TheWrap:

John Oliver Makes Case to Close Guantanamo Bay (Video)

John Oliver Examines Police Shootings: 'I Literally Cannot Mention Them All' (Video)

John Oliver Says America Should Be 'Fing Outraged' Over Donald Trump's Scandals Compared to Hillary Clinton's (Video)
17rita

In what could be a major blow to the Congress party and to Rahul Gandhi just, senior leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi is likely to join the BJP ahead of the UP polls, reports suggest.

However, Rita Bahuguna Joshis brother Vijay on Monday rejected speculations about his sister joining BJP ahead of UP Assembly polls.

Rita Bahuguna Joshi is a Congress MLA from Lucknow Cant. She had led the party in the last Assembly polls in the state in which Congress came a poor fourth.

Uttar Pradesh will go to polls next year and Congress had this time around projected former Delhi CM Sheila Diksht, another brahmin leader as the chief minister candidate.

Bahugunas brother and former Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahuguna had earlier this year defected from the Congress with nine MLAs in the hill state which led to the imposition of President rule in the state.

In May too, there was speculation that she would be joining the Samajwadi Party after she met UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow. She had denied any such move.
Jon Bernthal is set to star in Stingray, a crime thriller to be directed by Anthony Hayes.

Perhaps best known as an Australian actor with movies such as Animal Kindgom under his belt, Hayes also co-wrote the script and is producing with John and Michael Schwarz (Deeper Water).

The script tells of a young man (Bernthal) caught up in organized crime who accidentally kills the brother of a powerful crime figure. He must then kill one of his own family in the next two days to pay off his blood debt.

Stingray is in preproduction and looking at an April start in Canada. The project will be introduced at the American Film Market in November.

Bernthal is coming off the strong opening of The Accountant, the Warner Bros.' thriller in which he co-stars with Ben Affleck. The actor also generated praise for portraying Marvel's anti-hero The Punisher in Netflix's season two of Daredevil. He next will be seen in Baby Driver, Edgar Wright's crime thriller that is set to open March 17.

Bernthal is repped by WME, Burstein Co. and Sloane Offer.
Jon Bernthal has been set to star in the independent crime thriller Stingray, with sales starting at the upcoming American Film Market.

Anthony Hayes is directing from his own script. John and Michael Schwarz of Deeper Water are also producing.

Bernthal will play a man who accidentally kills the brother of a powerful crime figure. Hes then required to kill one of his own family in the next two days.

Producers are aiming to begin shooting Stingray in April in Canada.

Bernthal starred opposite Ben Affleck in The Accountant, portraying the brother of Afflecks character. He also starred as Shane Walsh on the first two seasons of The Walking Dead and as The Punisher in Netflixs season two of Daredevil and will next be seen in Edgar Wrights crime thriller Baby Driver.

Hayes is a prominent Australian actor with credits on Animal Kingdom, Rabbit Proof Fence and The Slap.

Bernthal is repped by WME, Burstein Co., and Sloane Offer.

Related stories

Jon Bernthal, Christopher Abbott to Star in Thriller 'Sweet Virginia'

'Punisher' Spinoff Series Ordered by Netflix

'Daredevil' Season 2: Showrunners Discuss Gun Violence, Ties to 'Jessica Jones'
We had just asked the cast of Keeping Up With the Joneses if theyve ever been suspicious of one of their own neighbors (watch above), when Zach Galifianakis started to tell a story and then hit the breaks. When I lived in New York, I wasnt suspicious of a neighbor, but I kind of lived vi this sounds creepy, never mind.

Oh, go on.

For a few moments, his Joneses costars Isla Fisher, Gal Gadot, and Jon Hamm alternated between playfully taunting him (He doesnt have a publicist, Im scared for him, Fisher said) and/or helping him escape potential self-incrimination (Lets move on, urged Gadot).

Related: Gal Gadot: Wonder Woman Wont Be Bisexual in Movie, But Maybe in the Future



But Galifianakis, who in Joneses plays an Average Suburban Joe who, along with his wife (Fisher), suspect their new neighbors (Hamm and Gadot) are spies, finished the anecdote of his own accord.

I was living vicariously through this family once, because I could see them through this window, said the Between Two Ferns comic, who was raised in North Carolina but got his start performing standup at a Times Square hamburger joint. It was New York, so it was across the narrow street, so I could see. And I really liked their life. I wasnt suspicious of them, I just wanted to be them.

Did he ever introduce himself to the family, though? Oh God, no, Galifianakis said. That wouldve been way too creepy.

Keeping Up With the Joneses opens in theaters Oct. 21.
The Juan Maclean will play the upcoming Crate Diggers free record fair and after party in Los Angeles on Oct. 22 at Lot 613 marking the vinyl exchange's first event since Discogs acquired it earlier this month. Others on the bill include Rick Wade, Harmonie Park, Rush Hour, Moods & Grooves, Zernell and Grimy Edits.

For Discogs, the online vinyl database and exchange, which claims to have the largest online physical music database with a catalog of more than 6.5 million recordings and 4 million artists built by users, the Crate Diggers acquisition provided an opportunity for the 16-year-old company to bring together its global community of fervent record collectors in real time.

"Community involvement is huge for us," says Chad Dahlstrom, Discogs chief operating officer. "We see the Crate Digger events as an opportunity for our online community to see us live, meet us live and to meet each other live. We're sitting in front of our audience and getting a lot of feedback about what they want, we're getting new customers, we're getting new sellers and we're engaging current customers and sellers - there's a long tail to it."

Crate Diggers, which Discogs sponsored before acquiring it for an undisclosed sum, was founded three years ago and has held events in Miami, Portland, Ore. and Berlin. In addition to Juan Maclean (new mix premiere below), past performers at the event have included the likes of Doc Martin and Theo Parrish. Discogs plans to take its new franchise to ten markets next year including Chicago, New York, Tokyo, London, Paris and Barcelona.

Founded in 2000 by Kevin Lewandowski, who initially only wanted to catalog his techno records, Discogs became an open source online community data base similar to Wikipedia with extensive information compiled by users on millions of albums (witness the reported 309 versions of the Beatles' White Album). The site experimented with ad revenue, paid subscription and membership models before 2007 when the site added a market place feature where users could buy and sell vinyl and which led to something of a windfall.

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Today Discogs has a staff of 50 and offices in Beaverton, Ore. and Amsterdam and expects this year to break the $100 million sales threshold. Its business model is similar to eBay or Amazon with the site taking 8 percent of sales which would mean $8 million in revenues for this year. With a database many independent retailers find indispensable, Discog's now claims 3 million users (although not all are active) and nearly 15,000 new users per month. The site gets some 95,000 orders a month or just under 4 million for this year.

Discog's bread and butter and most is vinyl which accounts for more than 80 percent of its sales even while cassettes this year have had a resurgence growing 42 percent to more than 60,000 compared to 40,000 last year. According to the most recent music sales figures for the first half of 2016, vinyl sales on the year have jumped 11.4 percent to 6.2 million.

Discogs also owns Vinyl Hub, a database which catalogs the location and types of music sold at record shops and currently lists 5,668 stores. The company also has plans for a gear exchange which is scheduled to launch at the end of the year.

Meanwhile the free Crate Diggers record fair at Lot 16 in L.A.'s Arts District will go from noon until 6:00 p.m. with the after party headlined by Juan Maclean running from 8:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m.

The Juan Maclean has a new album currently slated for next year and will release a split 12" single with the Savages on DFA in November. The industrious Maclean also has an EP with Peach Melba, his vocal-house project, due out Oct. 28 and an EP with his techno outfit Autofac is out in November.
Amy Schumer learned out the hard way that not everyone is going to agree on politics during a recent performance in Tampa.

Read: Amy Schumer Lashes Out at Glamour Magazine for Including Her in Plus-Size Issue

On Sunday, the comedian saw about 200 people walk out of her show at Amalie Arena after she started talking about Donald Trump.

At one point, she brought a Trump supporter on stage and roasted him, while the crowd booed her.

Schumer, an outspoken Hillary Clinton supporter, called Trump an orange, sexual-assaulting, fake-college-starting monster.

Fans vented their frustration on Twitter, saying they didnt pay to see her talk about politics and wanted to laugh.

Schumer is not alone in seeing an audience leave after poking fun at Trump at a show.

Read: Amy Schumer Sets the Record Straight on the Fate of Her Show: It Is Not Canceled

In September, HBOs John Oliver saw nearly have his audience at New Yorks Jones Beach Amphitheater walk out on him after he poked fun at Trump.

During the end of his set, he joked that he staggered the traffic for those that were left in their seats and stayed to enjoy the show.

Watch: Donald Trump Says 'SNL' Should Be Canceled After Mocking Him: 'Boring and Unfunny'

Related Articles:
UW-Madison students can start getting free vaccinations on Thursday against the rare form of meningitis that sent two students to the hospital earlier this month.

Officials said Monday that five vaccination clinics will be held this week and next at the Southeast Recreational Facility, or SERF, 715 W. Dayton St.:

Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The university officially recommended last week that all UW undergraduates get the vaccine against meningococcal disease serogroup B, a less common strain of the disease that most people arent vaccinated against. Two students contracted that strain of the disease in early October and are now recovering.

University Health Services recommends that people with conditions that compromise their immunity receive the vaccine, Bexsero, as well.

The vaccine will be administered in two doses at no charge to students.

Officials have not yet announced plans for a second round of vaccines, which will be administered a month after the first.

In the meantime, officials warned students not to share utensils or cups, and to know the symptoms of meningococcal disease, which can lead to meningitis.

Those symptoms include a sudden, high fever over 101 degrees, severe headache, neck stiffness and confusion. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should go to an emergency room or contact a health provider immediately, officials warned.

Westboro Baptist Church plans protest

Members of the Westboro Baptist Church will be at UW-Madison on Thursday, after the university was named one of the most friendly campuses in the country for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students.

The Topeka, Kansas, church is known for its extreme stance against homosexuality.

Members will be at the intersection of Park Street and University Avenue from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and will also protest at Monona Terrace on Thursday.

The group said it is protesting UW-Madison for topping the Princeton Reviews annual party school ranking, and for placing No. 4 on a list of schools that are welcoming for LGBT students.

Campus officials said they are proud of the universitys high ranking for LGBT friendliness.
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f248618%2fassange

Sound the cyberwar cannons. It has begun.

On Monday afternoon the WikiLeaks Twitter account sent out an urgent tweet to the masses: "Julian Assange's internet link has been intentionally severed by a state party. We have activated the appropriate contingency plans."

The Australian founder of the activist website, known for releasing leaked and classified documents, was apparently having a connectivity issue.

SEE ALSO: Tom DeLonge, formerly of blink-182, emailed Hillary Clinton's campaign about UFOs

While some immediately recalled seeing Hillary Clinton lurking outside the Ecuadorian embassy in London with a big pair of scissors, there were some alternate, equally valid theories.

Did he reach his bandwidth cap on the Ecuadorean Embassy guest wifi? https://t.co/1hvOFWU6O9  Bad Take Bernie (@bernietb) October 17, 2016

when mum tells you to get off MSN because you've got dialup internet and she needs to make a phone call https://t.co/1d3lQMlBs5  Josh BOOoOoOtler (@JoshButler) October 17, 2016

"appropriate contingency plans" = have a friend pop on down to starbucks https://t.co/1jLa8jlz4B  Christopher Hooks (@cd_hooks) October 17, 2016

WikiLeaks has played a significant role in the current U.S. election. It released troves of documents from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in July, forcing the resignation of Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz after tensions were revealed between the DNC and Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders.

The organisation is currently sharing emails stolen from the account of Hillary Clinton's advisor, John Podesta.

Story continues

Related:

For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS.

WikiLeaks has not disclosed the origins of its documents, although some security officials have pointed to Russian hackers hoping to influence the U.S. election. The link has not been definitively proven.

Assange, for his part, has been living in the Ecuador Embassy since 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden where he faces sexual misconduct charges. A United Nations panel recommended in February he should be allowed to move freely.

Assange has denied the most recent leaks were intended to damage the Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, however WikiLeaks's political sympathies have been called into question.

The group's Twitter account deleted a poll in September speculating about Clinton's health, and has also deleted tweets accused of being anti-Semitic.

Still, never one to hold a grudge, Twitter has some tried and tested suggestions if Julian needs some help.

Have you tried reseting the router... https://t.co/0R4ZWtjuPC  Iain Martin (@_IainMartin) October 17, 2016

"So you've tethered to your iPhone?"

"Yeah, war is hell". https://t.co/ssZnJf7wI8  Glenghoulron (@glengyron) October 17, 2016

Mom is gonna drive them over to Julian's so they can just have the LAN party IRL https://t.co/ZcX1ZPTIwY  annihilation craver (@ChrisCaesar) October 17, 2016

don't worry I'm calling Time Warner right now https://t.co/vlhjPINdFK  John Carpenter's (@MilesKlee) October 17, 2016

Hours earlier, the same Twitter account sent out three cryptic tweets, leading to fevered Reddit speculation Assange had died and the tweets were a "dead man's switch" to be triggered on his demise.

Given the concern about his internet, that is presumably not the case.

pre-commitment 3: UK FCO f33a6de5c627e3270ed3e02f62cd0c857467a780cf6123d2172d80d02a072f74  WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) October 16, 2016

pre-commitment 1: John Kerry 4bb96075acadc3d80b5ac872874c3037a386f4f595fe99e687439aabd0219809  WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) October 16, 2016

pre-commitment 2: Ecuador

eae5c9b064ed649ba468f0800abf8b56ae5cfe355b93b1ce90a1b92a48a9ab72  WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) October 16, 2016

Anyway, if all else fails, Verizon's got you Julian.

Image: mashable

If you were wondering whether WikiLeaks's actions during the U.S. election have made Twitter users (among them vast swathes of the media) take it a tad less seriously, these LOLs may be your answer.
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It's safe to say that when Kanye West revealed his stage at first stop of the Saint Pablo tour this year, he switched up the concert experience completely with a floating platform.

Now, he's accusing rappers of stealing that same stage designand many think he's calling out future album collaborator, Drake.

SEE ALSO: Kanye West was brought to tears by a fan and serenaded her

West called for the music to come to a halt in the middle of performing "Freestyle 4."

"This is the original. Accept no imitations," he exclaimed.

"Niggas be copying my shit, bro. Stealin' our shit, stealin' stages. Copying our shit one-to-one," West continued, captured on video by fans.

Many outlets are drawing conclusions that West, who made the remarks in Canada, is specifically talking about Drake, who has been on tour in support of his album Views. Some of those tour stops have included surprise appearances by West.

Earlier this month, some fans spotted the similarities between their respective stages.

Drake really copied Kanye's stage lighting lmao  Malcolm The Meauli (@Fly_Malcolm_X) October 16, 2016

Drake is straight up copying Kanye's light show. How long before there's a floating stage?  Nash Faulk (@nashfaulk) October 11, 2016

TORONTO A photo posted by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Oct 8, 2016 at 11:39pm PDT

West has had to deal with a lot of copycat behavior when it comes to the Yeezy brandfrom coveted Saint Pablo tour merch to his footwear line with Adidas.

Regardless of who exactly West was referring to, he's never afraid to start pushing the 'Ye button and put people on blast, so the answers will probably reveal themselves shortly.
Jetsetting fashionistas take note: Karl Lagerfeld is officially launching his own hotel brand.

After high fashion, short films and editorial magazine spreads, the creative director of Chanel and Fendi is making a grand but perhaps predictable leap into the hotel industry with an international hospitality brand that will bear his name.

Karl Lagerfeld Hotels & Resorts will include hotels, residential properties, restaurants and private clubs.

The venture into hotels is in partnership with Brandmark Collective BV.

The move comes as little surprise given Lagerfeld's lengthy list of design collaborations with luxury hotels.

One of the most hotly anticipated hotel openings of 2017, for instance, is the Karl Lagerfeld Hotel in Macau, which he has designed in its entirety.

Part of Lisboa Palace, the Karl Lagerfeld Hotel will be comprised of 270 guestrooms and suites.

The palatial resort will also house a wing designed by another iconic fashion label, Versace, with the Palazzo Versace Macau.

All told, the destination resort will house 2,000 hotel rooms, Michelin-starred restaurants, a retail mall, wedding pavilion and multi-purpose theater. The resort will also feature 700 gaming tables and 1,200 slot machines.

Lagerfeld has also been tapped to lend his impeccable taste and vision to design luxury suites and hotel interiors around the world.

At the recently reopened Ritz Paris, Lagerfeld designed the Coco Chanel suite, paying homage to one of the hotel's most famous residents with Asian lacquer, gilded mirrors and the simple pairing of black and white.

Other hotel design collaborations include the Sofitel So Singapore and the Patrick Hellmann Schlosshotel in Berlin.
From ELLE

Kate Middleton didn't just marry into a family with a cool history, she was also born into one. The Duchess of Cambridge just penned a beautiful forward about her grandmother, Valerie Glassborow, who worked as a codebreaker during Word War II.

According to Time, Middleton's news comes as GCHQ, the UK's Signals Intelligence and Cyber Security agency, announced the release of its first-ever puzzle book. The book is inspired by the men and women who have worked to crack codes and is meant to challenge readers' minds.

Middleton's investment in the book is twofold. Not only does she have a personal family connection to codebreakers, but proceeds from the book will benefit Heads Together, the mental health awareness campaign she works on with Prince William and Prince Harry. Yes to all of that.

"I have always been immensely proud of my grandmother, Valerie Glassborow, who worked at Bletchley Park during the Second World War," she wrote in the forward for the puzzle book. "She and her twin sister, Mary, served with thousands of other young women as part of the great Allied effort to break enemy codes. They hardly ever talked about their wartime service, but we now know just how important the men and women of Bletchley Park were, as they tackled some of the hardest problems facing the country."

Just when we thought Kate Middleton couldn't possibly get any cooler, she completely proved us wrong.

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By Duncan Miriri and Humphrey Malalo NAIROBI (Reuters) - Pilots at Kenya Airways have delayed plans to strike, the head of the pilots' union said on Monday, after a court ruled the action illegal and the loss-making carrier said a stoppage would further hurt it. The pilots' union KALPA had called for an indefinite strike to start on Tuesday to protest against the management of the airline, which is part-owned by the government and Air France- KLM. Paul Gichinga, Secretary General of the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KAPA), said the union had held "fruitful discussions" with government officials over the impasse but that talks with company executives would still continue. "We have taken the decision to defer the strike action to accommodate the ongoing negotiations," he said in a statement, adding the decision did not mean the group was withdrawing its strike notice altogether. "We emphasize that we are not retreating from our initial position  change for Kenya Airways can only be achieved with an overhaul in leadership." A Kenyan court issued an order on Friday restraining KAPLA from taking action. The government, seeking to boost the carrier's fortunes and support Kenya's battered tourist industry, had called the action economic sabotage. The airline said last week it had reduced its losses and industrial action would damage the recovery. "Although we agree on many things and actions to be taken, I am sure there will be others where we will not always be in agreement," said the carrier's director Michael Joseph, adding they would discuss to find ways to work together. In a statement, the company said all operations would resume as per schedule on Tuesday. (Writing by Edmund Blair; Editing by Aaron Maasho and Richard Balmforth)
Kiefer Sutherlands Designated Survivor character Tom Kirkman goes through a seemingly unimaginable overnight transformation in the pilot, from low-level cabinet member to President of the United States after a catastrophic attack kills everyone above him in the government. And yet, the star and exec producer says whats happening in the U.S. right now is far stranger than fiction. At the Mipcom TV market in Cannes this afternoon, Sutherland told a packed Palais audience, This is certainly the most bizarre and unfortunate political election cycle Ive ever witnessed in my lifetime  and I still remember Watergate. Its so negative, so polarizing and polarized. You can talk about the candidates all you want, but people are backing these candidates and the rigidity of it is alarming.

Where art veers dramatically from the current state of real life is that in Designated Survivor, We can have elements from left, right and center discussed factually, correctly, calmly, intelligently. Theres a great responsibility in that and we have a great opportunity to maybe add some elastic back to the political discourse in the U.S. If we can accomplish that, I will be very proud of our show.

Sutherland says the hot new ABC series, from The Mark Gordon Company and ABC Studios, has a really fresh point of view. The common sense is the foundation of the character (Kirkman) can approach the countrys issues domestically and abroad with common sense and fairness as opposed to a political agenda that has been dictated by three years of campaigning. Its when Kirkman becomes more political that he starts to make mistakes, Sutherland said, adding, That will be a constant thread throughout the show.

The erstwhile 24 star said he found similarities between that series iconic Jack Bauer character and Kirkman. Both have a desire to serve and both are willing to take on a fight they know they cant possibly win. The through-line is something I really relate to. I would like to aspire to be one of those people.

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In fact, if Sutherland were able to revisit one of the characters from his past, he wouldnt reach too far. It would be Jack Bauer because I played him for so long Ill hold him very close to my heart so if theres another way, one day down the line to visit that But my primary focus is on Designated Survivor and Im hoping we get to do it for a while.

While 24 was the greatest and most rewarding experience for him as an actor and a person, it was a lot of work, Sutherland said. Being aware of the long days and time commitment, he wasnt too keen to get back into series TV. But, he knew if he didnt do Designated Survivor for reasonable reasons, I would really regret it.

He praised veteran producer Gordon as a great editor. With the pilot, we shot an incredible amount of footage and he was so delicate with how he put it together. I can try a lot of different things and feel very confident that in an editorial phase, Mark will handle that in an incredibly smart way.

The series, Sutherland explained, allows for more flexibility than he had on 24 where the real-time aspect was the real star of the show, but also a problem. We would paint ourselves into a corner around episode 14 or 15 and wed have to do something wonky and then make up for it. Designated Survivor is designed to never get caught in that position If at one point the political storyline is having difficulty, then it can shift back to the family drama. The three storylines living inside the show at all times give the writers time to react.

On why he first opted to move into television with 24, Sutherland laughed, The reality is my film career was in real trouble. Today, he said, there are so many film actors working in TV because its the most exciting medium When I started working, there were five studios in the U.S. and all were making 50 movies a year. Now there are barely three making 15. And if youre going to do one of those movies, theres a pretty good chance youre going to be wearing tights and a cape. The movies I grew up loving arent getting made. That kind of storytelling has been absorbed by television.

Sutherland took a stroll through some of his more enduring film roles saying Stand By Me was all down to Rob Reiner. He told a story that was so close to his own heart and the innocence of youth was really important for him to tell.

Of 1987s The Lost Boys, Sutherland said the only thing he regrets is that he was so young when it happened. I wasnt aware that we were making something that was going to last as long as it has and be this iconic pop thing That film will always surprise me. If I do a signing for something, thats the one that someone will show me their calf and theres a Lost Boys tattoo on it. I wish Id been a little more mature and able to understand how cool it was to be a part of it.

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Prosecutors and the parents of Etan Patz are still seeking justice for the 6-year-old New York City boy who disappeared nearly four decades ago. A man who is suspected of killing Etan is being retried for murder and kidnapping, likely this week, after a jury failed to convict him last year.

Heres what to know about the cold case that helped spark a national movement to find missing children:

What happened to Etan Patz?

Etan vanished without a trace while on his way to school on May 25, 1979. The first-grader was walking the two blocks to his bus stopthe first time he was allowed to do so alone, according to the Associated Press. Authorities never found Etans body, and the boy was declared dead in 2001.

Who did it?

A 55-year-old man named Pedro Hernandez confessed to killing Etan, telling authorities in 2012 that he choked the boy after luring him to the basement of a convenience store with soda. Hernandez, of New Jersey, was a teenager at the time and worked as a stock clerk at a nearby corner store, the AP reports. I wanted to let go, but I just couldnt let go. I felt like something just took over me, Hernandez told detectives. He became a suspect in 2012 after his relatives and a neighbor told police that Hernandez admitted to killing a child in New York.

Why is there a retrial?

Hernandez was tried for murder and kidnapping, but a judge declared a mistrial in May 2015 due to a hung jury. Hernandezs lawyers claim their client only imagined that he committed the crime. They say he suffers from delusions that stem from mental issues, including schizotypal personality disorder. The defense was enough to get one single juror to say there wasnt enough non-circumstantial evidence to convict him, according to the AP.

Prosecutors will get another chance to convince a new jury in a retrial, which is expected to being this week. We hope it will be over soon, Etans father, Stanley Patz, said in a statement to the AP last month.

How did his case change the country?

Etans face was one of the first of many missing children to appear on a milk carton. His disappearance sparked fear among many parents, who kept a more watchful eye on their children. Then-President Ronald Reagan in 1983 declared that National Missing Childrens Day would be observed every year on May 25the day Etan went missingto encourage parents to serve as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families.
The battle to liberate the Iraqi city of Mosul from ISIS militants began on Monday, in the biggest military operation since the departure of the U.S. from the country in 2011.

In a broadcast on state television early Monday morning, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the operation. These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity. They are there for your sake, he said in an address to the citys residents, using the Arabic acronym for ISIS. God willing, we shall win.

The operation to drive ISIS out of the city is of key strategic importance to the Iraqi government and its military, which surrendered and abandoned Mosul to the control of ISIS forces in June 2014. The U.S. is backing the coalition effort with air strikes and tactical support, with Secretary of Defense Ash Carter calling the operation a decisive moment in the campaign to defeat ISIS.

Heres what to know about the city of Mosul and the operation to liberate it:

Where is Mosul and why is it an important city?

Mosul is a city in northwestern Iraq that was previously home to around 2 million people before it was captured by ISIS. Once rich in historical buildings and ancient sites, the city is the capital of Nineveh province and is home to the historic Mosul museum. It was a city with a military reputation, which is what made its surrender a shock to Iraqi officials.

Mosul has strategic significance  it is located near the borders with Turkey and Syria, where ISIS rebels have joined the insurgency against the Syrian regime led by President Bashar Assad. The city is also home to the Mosul dam, which was built by Saddam Hussein  an important structure that was reclaimed from ISIS control in 2015.

The citys political situation is complicated by the fact that it is surrounded by the Kurdish-controlled region of Iraq, which does not answer to the central government in Baghdad. This, combined with sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shiite fighters, and the involvement of the U.S., has hindered cooperation in previous coalition efforts to liberate the city.

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How long has it been held by ISIS?

Over two years. It is now the groups last remaining urban stronghold in the region, and has been central to the groups ideology and ambitions since leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the establishment of a caliphate from the city in June 2014 after its capture. ISISs continuing control over the city and its resources act as symbols of prestige and a way for the group to validate its claim that it is building a caliphate.

How many civilians live in the city?

It is estimated that between 600,000 and 1 million people live in Mosul now, a decrease since ISIS took control two years ago. Civilians have lived under strict Islamic laws since then, with recent reports of brutal crackdowns on those trying to escape the city. In the lead up to the operation, the Iraqi government urged civilians to stay in their homes through radio broadcasts and dropping leaflets over the city in an effort to prevent citizens from panic evacuation which could lead to deaths in crossfire. Still, the United Nations has warned of a possible humanitarian catastrophe in the battle over the city.

What forces are part of the coalition that is fighting in the operation?

More than 25,000 troops, including paramilitary forces made up of Sunni tribal fighters and Shiite militias, will take part in the offensive that will be launched from five directions around the city. They will be trying to liberate the city from the estimated 4,000-8,000 ISIS fighters defending Mosul.

According to the BBC, the main assault on the city is being led by Iraqi army troops based south of Mosul, with around 4,000 Kurdish Peshmerga militia charged with clearing villages in the east. Local Sunni tribal fighters will be fighting alongside Shia-led paramilitary forces, despite the ancient and hostile rivalry between the two denominations of Islam. Additional support from the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS is being provided in the form of air support, artillery fire and advisory personnel on the ground.

How long is the operation expected to take?

The multi-phase operation to recapture the city is expected to last weeks, if not months. Operation commander Major General Najm al-Jabouri told Reuters that victory by the end of the year would be likely due to the death of top ISIS leaders in targeted air strikes over recent months, echoing the promises of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

Urban warfighting is not easy and this is a large city that has had at least two years to prepare to defend its position  Its going to be a multi-dimensional fight, said Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart, Director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, at a national security summit in Washington last month, Reuters reported.

Which other cities has the Iraqi army liberated?

Iraqi forces have defeated ISIS in other key cities of Tikrit, Ramadi and Fallujah. The reclaiming of Fallujah, a city 40 miles west of Baghdad, earlier this summer was an important step in the preparations for the Mosul operations. The management of the movement of civilians in the Fallujah operation was seen as chaotic and inadequate, although the city was liberated more quickly than expected after five weeks of fighting and encouraging signs of cooperation amongst the pro-government coalition.

What happens next?

After Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey will be committing troops to the offensive in Mosul, managing the various forces fighting alongside the Iraqi government will be a delicate challenge. The battles humanitarian fallout will also be a significant test. In a statement, Stephen OBrien, the U.N.s under-secretary for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, urged all those involved in the conflict to protect civilians and ensure they have access to the assistance they are entitled to and deserve.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 16, 2016 / Thousands of businesses use trade financing to minimize risk for their international transactions every day. The majority of importing and exporting relies on it: the World Trade Organization estimates that 80 to 90 percent of all commerce currently utilizes the process to secure payments, guard against fluctuating exchange rates and the possibility of shifting political factors. But it is more than a defensive strategy as it offers many beneficial aspects, such as increasing credit flow and productivity in the short term, and raising profitability and job creation for the future. Its importance in the marketplace is undeniable, since this specific type of insurance for firms buying and selling goods or services now accounts for nearly $10 trillion annually. A noted expert in the field of global trade finance, Konstantinos Kazinakis of United Bunkers Investors Corporation assesses its many advantages and the economic development it fosters.

Meeting the distinct needs and policies of exporters and importers conducting long-distance transactions, the main goals of trade finance are protective, according to the expert Konstantinos Kazinakis. The process provides solutions for avoiding refused shipments, delayed payments, keeps cash liquid and postpones tax payments. Trade financing helps firms meet intermediate input purchases, inventories, payroll as well as extra upfront expenditures of export activities. The funds are also allocated for fixed costs such as advertising, capital equipment, and research and development, in situations such as exploring the profitability of new markets and regulatory compliance. The practice is often used to cover variable trade costs, duties, and freight insurance.

With capital infusions made available through the process, small- and medium-sized businesses have the cash flow necessary to expand. Empowered to fulfill more orders, companies are stimulated toward quicker development. By receiving advance payments, companies often see higher profit margins and improved EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), and have better control over daily costs with the added funds. Businesses also have the ability to incorporate other work streams, diversify foreign distribution networks, drive competition throughout supply chains, and subsequently, enlarge workforce numbers. Konstantinos Kazinakis notes that trade finance assists firms by eliminating the problems associated with bankruptcy, excess stock, debts, creditors and late payments by making cash management simple and accessible. United Bunkers Investors Corporation is supported by Financial Technology trade financing platform for a high technology solution to the global trade finance market, which is worth more than $ 4 Trillion US dollars a year, the gap is currently around $1.4 Trillion for the innovation in making trade financing more efficient and to protect against all risk

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Konstantinos Kazinakis has experienced more than two decades of success as an investment professional, with a broad history managing more than $1.5 billion in trade financing and the successful repositioning of $1 billion of non-performance loans. As President and Chief Operating Officer of United Bunkers Investors Corporation, he provides clients with trade financing, debt restructuring, and equity investment strategies that anticipate market trends, pricing, and demands. His firm's inclusive services consist of comprehensive financial and logistic support for the entire oil industry comprised of cargo and bunkering traders, physical suppliers, vessel and terminal owners, refineries, and producers. Matching his industry expertise with current economic and financial insight, his prediction for elevated performance by transportation suppliers embraces essential factors for realizing measurable improvement in the global goods transportation market.

Konstantinos Kazinakis - United Bunkers Investors Corporation: http://konstantinoskazinakisnews.com

Konstantinos Kazinakis of United Bunkers Investors Corporation Examines Investment Security Measures for Todays Markets: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/konstantinos-kazinakis-united-bunkers-investors-032700698.html

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The new owner of KindredHearts in Sun Prairie wants to bring a fresh look to the nearly three-decade-old assisted living community.

SHA Capital Partners in Chicago, which specializes in senior housing acquisitions, purchased KindredHearts on Oct. 4. Since taking over, SHA has renamed the facility at 605 Chase Blvd. Tallgrass Senior Living of Sun Prairie and has brought in new management, Chicago-based Matthews Senior Living, which will have an on-site executive director, Kathy Linden.

SHA is preparing to submit to the city of Sun Prairie plans which call for a $2.5 million renovation.

Planned updates include remodeling the 52 assisted living apartments in the main three-story building and 62 single-story cottage homes, refurbishing the dining room, reception area and community living spaces, adding a new salon and spa, and improving the landscaping.

David Watkins, a partner with SHA Capital Partners, said his company was attracted to the Sun Prairie facility because the buildings on the 10-acre campus were in good condition and because of its proximity to the Colonial Club Senior Activity Center.

The main assisted living building has good bones with an attractive red brick facade and large units, but primarily it needs a cosmetic update, he said.

Carpeting will be replaced and decorations around the community will be updated.

The company hopes to begin renovations in the next four to five weeks and could take up to a year a finish. About 65 people live in the community.

Watkins said vacant units will be remodeled first.

We will be sensitive to our current residents preferences regarding the renovation of occupied apartment homes and cottages, he said.

SHA also expects to hire a sales and marketing director soon to find new residents.

While the short-term plan is to rehabilitate the community, SHA also is looking to the future, which may mean selling the community down the road or keeping it as part of its portfolio.

We see this as at least a five-year hold, with the potential for an even longer hold, Watkins said.
Kristen Bell tells us more about her kids, and we seriously wanna be part of the family

For what feels like ages now, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard have been our #RelationshipGoals. Seriously, how cute are they? Hint: very, very cute. Weve also been *so* curious about their little ones, especially since Bell and Shepard keep their kids lives pretty private. And like, can you blame them? We totally dig their respect for their kids, Delta, 22 months, and Lincoln, 3.

Recently, though, Bell chatted about her flawless family with PEOPLE at the Seventh Annual Veuve Cliquot Polo Classic in Pacific Palisades, California. She offered up the inside scoop on her little ones, saying theyre actually so different. She explained,

One likes rules, likes telling other people the rules, likes staying in the lines, and the other is a cuddly bruiser.

So far, Bell says, they havent done anything too out of the ordinary. Bell joked,

They both walk and talk. They havent memorized the Bill of Rights or anything yet.

A photo posted by kristen bell (@kristenanniebell) on Sep 15, 2016 at 7:53am PDT

The couple is already passing down family treasures to their little ones. Bell explained that reading is huge for the family, saying,

We really love anything Dr. Seuss, and Oh, the Places Youll Go! was a sentimental book for my husband. His mom gave it to him when he graduated high school, and reading it with your kid, as an adult now, its profound. Its really, really profound.

But Bell and Shepard dont let having young kids take away from their relationship with each other. Things are stable all around, she explained. Bell said,

Were very vulnerable with each other, but weve bypassed the discomfort in that vulnerability. We go to counseling when we need it, and we check in with each other in a genuine way.

A photo posted by kristen bell (@kristenanniebell) on Feb 16, 2016 at 9:40pm PST

So maybe love is real, you guys, because this is so, so sweet. Ugh, is #FamilyGoals a thing? If not, we need to make it one, because this is one family we wish we could be a part of.

The post Kristen Bell tells us more about her kids, and we seriously wanna be part of the family appeared first on HelloGiggles.
It looks like Kylie Jenner and Tyga are stilling going strong.

The 19-year-old reality star shared yet another risque pic to Instagram on Sunday, and this time with her 26-year-old rapper beau.

Posing in nothing but a skin-tight white leotard, Kylie stood in front of the "Rack City" rapper as he cozied up behind her and placed one hand around her hip, just above her upper thigh.

 A photo posted by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Oct 16, 2016 at 11:11am PDT

NEWS: Kylie Jenner Hangs Out With Tyga and Blac Chyna's Son King Cairo Ahead of His Birthday

Jenner later threw a checkered windbreaker over the provocative white one-piece as she helped Tyga throw a Ferrari-themed party for his son King Cairo's 4th birthday.

Jenner took to snapchat to share some photos of the fancy festivities, including a few of her cuddling up to her man.

A photo posted by Kylie Jenner Snapchats (@kylizzlesnapchats) on Oct 16, 2016 at 12:21pm PDT

A photo posted by Kylie Jenner Snapchats (@kylizzlesnapchats) on Oct 16, 2016 at 2:12pm PDT

A photo posted by Kylie Jenner Snapchats (@kylizzlesnapchats) on Oct 16, 2016 at 12:01pm PDT

A photo posted by Kylie Jenner Snapchats (@kylizzlesnapchats) on Oct 16, 2016 at 12:27pm PDT

WATCH: Kylie Jenner and Tyga Enjoy 'Halloween Horror' Date Night

Caitlyn and Kendall Jenner also turned out to partake in the fun and pose together for some sweet family photos.

A video posted by Kylie Jenner Snapchats (@kylizzlesnapchats) on Oct 16, 2016 at 12:37pm PDT

A photo posted by Kylie Jenner Snapchats (@kylizzlesnapchats) on Oct 16, 2016 at 1:55pm PDT

Kylie even shared an adorable photo of her cousin, North West, slipping face-down on one of the party's inflatable slides (and absolutely loving it).

A video posted by Kylie Jenner Snapchats (@kylizzlesnapchats) on Oct 16, 2016 at 1:58pm PDT

King is the son of both Tyga and Rob Kardashian's fiancee, Blac Chyna, and this was actually his second Ferrari-themed party of the weekend. On Saturday, his mom threw him a very similar party, albeit hers also included Legos. Kris, Caitlyn and a number of other family members attended both of King's Ferrari parties.

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WATCH: Blac Chyna Celebrates King's 4th Birthday With Epic Lego and Ferrari-Themed Party

On Saturday, Jenner took to Instagram to celebrate the 9th anniversary of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, sharing a special montage of clips and photos from the show's first episode.

 major throwback #9years A video posted by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Oct 15, 2016 at 8:11pm PDT

Check out the video below for a look at Kim Kardashian's first scene from the long-running reality show, which debuted Oct. 14, 2007.

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Fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld announced Monday he planned to launch his own branded hotel chain, with the first property set to open in the Chinese gambling hub of Macao in 2018.

The 83-year-old German-born designer has already collaborated with luxury Parisian address Le Crillon and the Metropole in Monaco, but the new business will see him and his company design entire hotels.

Leading fashion houses from Dior to Diane von Furstenberg have developed a lucrative side-business away from the catwalk by designing suites and other interiors for hotel owners.

Lagerfeld intends to follow the example of rivals such as Armani, Bulgari and Versace which have gone one step further and opened properties under their own names.

His first hotel is being built with a local partner in the luxury Lisboa Palace Complex in Macau, but the Lagerfeld group is "in the process of studying other opportunities to open other properties around the world," it said in a statement.

The current artistic director at Chanel will also lend his talents and trademark to luxury residences, restaurants and private clubs, the group said, as part of a push into the interior design business.

The Lisboa Palace Complex in Macao -- an enclave that is the only place in China where gambling is legal -- will include casinos, restaurants and various hotels, notably the Versace Palace.
Los Angeles (AFP) - Millionaire porn baron Larry Flynt announced on Monday that he is offering up to $1 million for any "scandalous" clips of embattled Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

His "Hustler" adult media and retail empire said the cash would be paid for "verifiable video footage or audio recordings" that it uses before the November 8 election "clearly showing Donald Trump engaging in illegal activity or acting in a sexually demeaning or derogatory manner."

"I have always celebrated women," Flynt said in a statement. "Women in all shapes and sizes. To treat a woman like Mr Trump himself has is both disappointing and unbelievable, especially coming from someone who wants to be our president."

The free-speech campaigner "has made it his mission to call these hypocrites out and provide the public with as much information about their indiscretions as possible," the statement added.

Trump spent last week furiously denying allegations of lewd behaviour as multiple women came forward accusing him of sexual assault and unwanted sexual advances.

The real estate tycoon's candidacy has spiraled downward since he said during a televised debate with opponent Hillary Clinton last Sunday that he had not grabbed women by their genitals without their consent or carried out other actions he bragged about in a 2005 "hot mic" video.

Observers suggest it may have been Trump's denial that motivated the women to come forward.

Hustler said it made similar offers in 2007 and 1998 to root out "hypocritical officials who had engaged in the same behavior they publicly condemned."
Leslie Jones might have just found love on Twitter, and we approve

If youre a fan of Saturday Night Live (or just a fan of extremely talented and funny women) you probably know all about Leslie Jones. While the comedian has had somewhat of a rough 2016  with being hacked and harassed through Twitter  she managed to constantly see the bright side of things, and focus on all of the positive aspects that the social networking tool had to offer.

And by sticking with Twitter she might have just found a love connection with a hot teacher.

Nicholas Ferroni, also known as the winner of the Sexiest Teacher Alive contest, contacted Jones to compliment her on a sketch that went live two weekends ago. In the sketch, Jones plays a teacher who comments once or twice about how the room of teens just reeks of Axe body spray  a true observation for many classrooms.

Finally got to watch @Lin_Manuel's EP of #SNL and I LOVED the teacher segment. And yes, @Lesdoggg, my students think that AXE smells good.  Nicholas A. Ferroni (@NicholasFerroni) October 15, 2016

Jones took one look at his profile picture, and had the courage to ask him a pretty important question.

He responded that he was, and  well  the conversation went on. Its almost like they had a getting to know you OKCupid chat in front of all of their fans.

I don't have a type and don't forget I have 150 kids https://t.co/86iuvGAcX1  Nicholas A. Ferroni (@NicholasFerroni) October 16, 2016

And then? Leslie Jones did something that all women wish they could do without fear: She said that her part of flirting was done with, and its all up to Ferroni to make the next move.

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You're right and I will. https://t.co/T9CJNEfSH7  Nicholas A. Ferroni (@NicholasFerroni) October 16, 2016

So, uh  Ferroni? You better call her. I mean, youre in New Jersey and shes in New York, so this is totally doable. The world is cheering this meet-cute on right now, and we want to hear all the details! (No clue if Lin-Manuel Miranda will also be invited, as he was kinda-sorta the third wheel in all of this.) Just think  this all started due to Axe body spray.

The post Leslie Jones might have just found love on Twitter, and we approve appeared first on HelloGiggles.
By Nate Raymond

NEW YORK, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Lime Energy Co and four former executives have agreed to settle civil charges that they were involved in an accounting fraud at the energy services provider, U.S. regulators said on Monday.

Lime Energy has agreed to pay $1 million to resolve a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Manhattan federal court accusing it of improperly booking $20 million in revenue from 2010 to 2012, the agency said.

"Lime Energy and its then executives engaged in a wide array of wrongdoing, including the improper reporting of a significant amount of fake revenue," Scott Friestad, the SEC's associate director of enforcement, said in a statement.

The SEC also reached deals with Joaquin Alberto Dos Santos Almeida, an ex-vice president of operations; Karan Raina, an ex-director of operations; Julianne Chandler, a former corporate controller; and James Smith, an ex-executive vice president.

Newark, New Jersey-based Lime Energy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Lawyers for the executives either declined comment or had not immediate comment.

According to the SEC, while working in Lime's utilities division, Almeida and Raina began recognizing millions of dollars of revenue on newly signed contracts earlier than appropriate.

Both became even more aggressive in 2011 and 2012 as they further recognized revenue earlier than allowed, eventually directing company accountants to book revenue on non-existent jobs, the SEC said.

The regulator further alleged that Chandler accepted new accounting entries for millions of dollars in additional 2011 revenue after the year-end close.

With the company needing $500,000 more to meet its 2011 revenue target, Smith in February 2012 sent Chandler new entries that provided Lime with even more revenue to improperly recognize, the SEC said.

Under the settlements, Smith and Chandler agreed to a five-year bar on serving as an officer of a publicly-traded company and to pay $50,000 and $25,000, respectively. Chandler also agreed to be suspended from appearing before the SEC as an accountant.

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Almeida agreed to a permanent officer-and-director bar, and Raina agreed to pay $50,000, the SEC said. All four ex-executives neither admitted nor denied the allegations.

The case is U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission v. Lime Energy Co, et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 16-08088.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Frances Kerry)
BEIJINGOn August 20, Chinese state media published a travel dispatch from Sulayman Mountain, a pilgrimage site popular with tourists in Kyrgyzstans Osh region. The piece traced the path of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) policy, an ambitious plan launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013 to invest billions of Chinese renminbi in infrastructure and development along the path from Beijing to Istanbul. Its a corridor that runs through restive states like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq. Kyrgyzstan, though, was filled with friendly locals eager to engage with China, the report (titled China Love on Kyrgyzstans Holy Mountain) boasted, from a 17-year-old street vendor who proudly showed off his shirts Made in China label, to thousands of students learning Mandarin at Kyrgyz universities.

Ten days after the piece published, Kyrgyzstan suffered its first-ever suicide bombing: an IED car attack at the Chinese embassy in Bishkek that killed the attacker and wounded five others, three of them Chinese. The attacker was Zoir Khalilov, a 33-year-old ethnic Uighur man carrying a Tajik passport, according to Kyrgyz authorities. Chinese and Kyrgyz media reported that he was a member of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a Uighur separatist group that China holds responsible for violence against civilians in its Uighur-populated western province of Xinjiang. Within a week of the attack, Kyrgyz authorities had detained four ethnic Uzbeks and one Kyrgyz who were allegedly complicit, and issued warrants for three more suspects said to be in Turkey. Back in Beijing, the China Foreign Ministry promised to strike back against ETIM firmly for its bloody crimes and many terrorist incidents targeting China inside and outside the country.

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The attack in Kyrgyzstan seemed an ominous outgrowth of Chinas shifting stance toward international engagement. OBOR marked a pivot for China, from decades of tao guang yang hui, or lying low and concealing ones capacities, to an outward-looking assertion of its revitalized strength. In recent years, a more confident China has established the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, sent peacekeeping troops to South Sudan, secured railway deals in Central Asia, Africa, and South America, and defied international opinions on the South China Sea. But the pivot has had costs.

As Chinese influence grows, Beijing is presenting itself as an alternative to the imperialist West and interventionist United States: a great power exporting highways instead of values, and fostering stability and peace through economic development, infrastructure, and trade. In adherence to Chinas long-standing policy of non-interference, which centers on unconditional respect for state sovereignty, Beijing will also theoretically do all this without commenting on other states domestic conditions.

Yet Augusts attack in Kyrgyzstan was just one among a spate of violent incidents, including terror attacks, that China has suffered in its pursuit of economic peace. In addition to the hundreds hurt or killed in recent years in Xinjiang, China has also struggled to protect its citizens in Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, and, now, Kyrgyzstan. Apparently, business does not guarantee peacewhich means China may well have to alter its traditional approach and step into the messy realm of other countries domestic affairs.

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Chinas non-interference policy dates back to 1953, when then-premier Zhou Enlai put forth Chinas Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. These principles had grown out of Chinas historical narrative as a developing country shaking off a hundred years of humiliation under imperialism and colonialism. Unlike Washington, with its overt mission of spreading democracy and neoliberal market reforms, Beijing has built its foreign-policy vision on equal suspicion of Western-facilitated reforms and regime changes, and a genuine lack of interest in imposing its own model on anyone else. Despite the central governments rhetorical embrace of Marxism, Leninism, and Communist precepts, Chinas economic growth resulted from a system that constantly adapts ideologies to Chinese characteristics, creating a flexible hybrid of capitalism and state socialism that does not conform to any rigid principles. The China Model is to cross the river by feeling the stones, as Deng Xiaoping famously said when spearheading reforms in the 1980s.

In the meantime, Chinas non-interference policy has justified Beijings choice to conduct trade with sanctioned regimes like those in Iran, Syria, and Sudan, pursuing lucrative export and energy deals despite their partners sponsorship of violent extremism, participation in genocide, or use of chemical weapons on their own civilians. Western media and international human rights groups have condemned China for such decisions, to little avail. Chinese pundits, in response, emphasize non-interference and state sovereignty, or point out Americas double standards in partnering with regimes like Saudi Arabias, torturing terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay and elsewhere, and engineering undemocratic coups. Meanwhile, business first has, to some extent, proved successful for China. Trade between China and Kyrgyzstan, for example, grew 60 percent to a total of $672 million in the first half of 2016, making China the countrys biggest trading partner and number one source of exports, according to Chinas state news outlet Xinhua.

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But trade does not obviate terror. The attack in Kyrgyzstan, Chinas geographical gateway to Central Asia, was linked to growing unrest in Xinjiang, a region rich in natural resources like oil, coal, and natural gas. The Chinese state encourages westward migration from inland China to Xinjiang, providing financial incentives and cheap housing to those wishing to settle there.

All this investment without complementary measures to mitigate social tension has created a combustible situation. As China boosted human and capital investment in Xinjiang, it shifted the regions population balance from 6.7 percent Han in 1949 to more than 40 percent in 2008. Since then, violence has increased. There were ethnic riots in Urumqi in 2009 that injured thousands and killed hundreds. In just the past three years, there have been Uighur-related terror attacks at a coalmine in Aksu, the Id Kah mosque in Kashgar, a market in Urumqi, a train station in Kunming, and in Beijings Tiananmen Square. Police violence is also on the rise, with dozens of Uighur civilians killed in Yarkand in 2014, during riots sparked by harsh restrictions on religious practice.

Traveling through southern Xinjiang in June, I saw Chinas heavy security presence in cities like Hotan, Yarkand, and Kashgar, with armored personnel carriers, cameras, and police present at most street corners, often searching Uighurs while ignoring Han passersby. We have nothing against Han people, a Uighur tour guide told me as we walked through a street market in Hotan. Police at the entrance searched him and checked his identity card and mobile phone, while asking nothing of me with my Han Chinese face. But the government treats us differently. Of course this makes us feel uncomfortable, like we are doing something wrong just being here. And it makes Chinese people afraid of us.

Fear and insecurity have a visible impact on commercial opportunity. Every summer for the last 12 years, Kashgar has hosted a trade expo to foster investment and business deals from Central Asia. Cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai have sponsored new business districts on the outskirts of the city. Yet the area surrounding the expo this summer was filled with empty malls and sprawling, dusty commercial centers, abandoned before they were ever used. One Han Chinese man who migrated to Xinjiang from the southern city of Guangzhou with his family last year was nervous about attending. We shouldnt drive our car. It might get bombed or robbed, he said to his wife and child, adding that tensions between police and the Uighurs ran especially high during Ramadan, which overlapped with the expo.

Terror and religious extremism challenge a state unaccustomed to martyrdom narratives.

Terror and religious extremism are especially challenging for a Chinese state unaccustomed to martyrdom narratives that feed off injustice, making the Communist Party easy to portray as both tyrant and infidel state. The Chinese government doesnt try to counter extremism or mitigate ethnic tensions through dialogue, inclusion, or education. Instead, it prefers to paper over them with security crackdowns and propagandaall of which exacerbate existing hostilities and provide additional fodder for extremist narratives. As China forbids Uighurs from fasting during Ramadan, bans beards and conservative religious clothing, prevents minors from entering mosques, and restricts access to traditional shrines, ETIM is gaining recruits in Syria where it is aligned with former al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat Fatah al-Sham. Ironically, the Chinese crackdown fits perfectly into ETIM propaganda, which includes videos, a Telegram channel, and magazine articles highlighting Crimes of the Communist regime, Gushing wound of East Turkestan, and Crying of silk scarves of Uyghur mothers.

Abroad, Chinese counterterrorism is limited by its elevation of state sovereignty as supreme principle. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a multilateral organization formed in 2001 between China, Russia, and several Central Asian states, is meant to foster cooperation against regional terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and to demonstrate Chinas multilateral, non-interfering approach to solving global problems. Yet the functional security aspects of SCO are chronically underfunded and rarely used, while its member states have more often united in shows of support for one anothers repression of civilian movements.

When Uzbek security forces killed hundreds of unarmed protestors in Andijan in 2005, for example, the SCO justified the massacre as a form of counterterrorism and passed resolutions prohibiting asylum for Uzbek refugees from Andijan in Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile, China has secured extradition agreements and used SCO security organs to deport Uighurs back to China from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. At a time when non-state actors are more critical to global security than ever, China has bound itself to a detrimental principle of exclusively state-state engagement.

As China toes the line between expanding its influence and rejecting interventionism, it must strike a new balance that accounts for non-state actors. But change of this sort isnt easy. As one Chinese Hui Muslim, a 30-year-old wool products trader, told me in Urumqi: Uighurs are not treated equally, but theyre still citizens in the same system. What do you think Chinese citizenship guarantees in the first place?

Reporting for this article was funded by a grant from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

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This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
The newest Dane County Parks property is a hikers dream, with challenging trails that lead to some of the highest points and most breathtaking views in southern Wisconsin.

The hilly, 110-acre Morton County Forest near Mazomanie, which officially opens Monday, also has been described as a paradise for naturalists and anyone who likes to snowshoe or cross-country ski.

Its a nice piece of land, and things like that should be public so all the people can enjoy it, said Steve Morton, 84, of Madison, who gave the property at the junction of Reeve and Fesenfeld roads to the county at the beginning of this year. He also created an endowment that will cover most, if not all, maintenance and operation costs every year.

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, who will open the forest during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:45 p.m. Monday, called the gift a big deal because its just the second county forest and it ranks among the countys most beautiful properties.

This is a generous and selfless act by Mr. Morton to allow the residents of the county to enjoy what he and his family enjoyed, Parisi said. We appreciate him so much. Its a valuable parcel of land both environmentally and monetarily. He could have sold it for a whole bunch of money. Instead, he left it in perpetuity for the residents of the county. That says a lot about who he is.

The land fits the definition of a Dane County forest because, unlike its parks, timber is sustainably managed and only certain passive recreational activities are allowed. The Morton County Forest is strictly for hikers, snowshoers, cross country skiers, birdwatchers and other wildlife observers, according to Morton.

The hills are quite steep, he said. You have to be in good condition to walk very fast to the top of them.

Morton also donated $15,000 to have timber-frame shelters constructed at the top of the two tallest hills. Both shelters contain one well-made bench; a reward for hikers who can sit down, catch their breath and enjoy the views after they reach the summits. There is nothing else made by man at the top of the hills that reach 822 and 1,046 feet. Theyre not intended for picnics, he said.

Hunting also is prohibited except in special circumstances  for permitted bowhunters when the deer population needs to be controlled, Morton said.

Prior to this year, Morton has been maintaining the property for many years. He said after his parents bought it in 1953, it was used strictly as a recreational area for the family; nobody lived there or hunted it with rare exceptions. His father, Walter A. Morton, was a UW-Madison economics professor. His mother, Rosalie Amlie Morton, was the sister of Thomas Amlie, a Progressive who represented Wisconsins 1st Congressional District from 1931 to 1938.

The family would have Sunday dinners there with their good friends, Morton recalled. Wed hike around during the day and then come back for dinner in the evening.

Steve Morton, who grew up in the University Heights neighborhood, got his doctorate in chemistry at UW-Madison shortly after his parents purchased the property. He said he then moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he taught at Otterbein University before he returned to Madison to work with various scientific projects at the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. He stayed there until he retired.

Concerns over how the county budgets for park maintenance led Morton to set up a $230,000 permanent endowment that puts $10,000 in the Morton County Forest budget every year that can only be used for maintenance. Theyll always have the money to maintain things properly, he said.

Mortons favorite spots in the park are the summits of the hills that offer the majestic views of southern Wisconsin. He says he hasnt hiked to the top of the hills in years but thoroughly enjoys hiking around the lower, flatter portions of the property that are beautiful, too.

What he likes best is that he no longer has to drive out there to work on the property. Now I can enjoy it like everybody else, he said.
This past Sunday, Hamilton star Lin-Manuel Miranda held a screening of Mary Poppins at Washington Height's United Palace Theatre. The movie house, built in 1930, is not only a New York City landmark, but holds a special place in Miranda's heart as a native to upper Manhattan.

"This is a jewel box of a theater, especially with the death of the Ziegfeld Theatre," Miranda exclusively told Billboard before stepping on stage to greet 2,500 guests awaiting him in the gilded theater's plush red seats. "This is the last great movie house in Manhattan. We have an opportunity to make this a destination. It's the most incredible theater. Anyone who walks in goes, 'I had no idea this was here.'"

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In the past, Miranda hosted a succession of "movie mashups" at the United Palace, and has even brought his critically acclaimed In the Heights musical to its stage for a five-year anniversary performance.

He has also donated $100K to the theater for a new DCP projection system that will achieve Hollywood-quality images for future showings. Miranda's contribution to the fundraising campaign Reawaken Wonder at a Timeless Movie Palace aims to nurture and revive the venue which also serves as a church and cultural center.

For Miranda, a public figure who uses his platform to highlight issues such as the Pulse Orlando shooting, the generous donation was a no-brainer. "I thought, 'How are we not showing movies here?'"

The screening of the original 1964 Mary Poppins was an apt choice since Miranda will begin shooting Disney's musical Mary Poppins Returns in London later this month. His character, a lamplighter named Jack, will be an interpretation of the classic Dick Van Dyke in the reimagined, 20-years-later Disney sequel directed and produced by Rob Marshall (Pirates of the Caribbean). Slated for a 2018 release, Miranda costars with Emily Blunt in the role made famous by Julie Andrews.

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The United Palace will continue its Reawaken Wonder fundraiser campaign with a series of events and Indiegogo crowd-sourcing effort to reach all avenues of community support. "I put my money where my mouth is - I went halfsies," Miranda explained to Billboard about his donation. "Hopefully people will put their money in and we'll make this a world class place to watch movies. I want the world to discover it."
Shout out to... Zayn Malik?

Perrie Edwards takes the lead on Little Mix's catchy new song, "Shout Out to My Ex," which the girls debuted with a high-energy performance on Sunday on The X-Factor UK.

With her bandmates by her side, Edwards doesn't mince words on her first verse.

"This is a shout out to my ex/Heard he in love with some other chick/Yeah that hurt me, I'll admit/But then that boy I'm over with," she sings, aiming below the belt on her next lyrics.

"I hope she's gettin' better sex/Hope she ain't fakin' like I did," Perry croons -- with an adorable smirk on her face, natch. "Took four long years to call it quits/Forget that boy I'm over it."

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Edwards and Malik met in 2011 during the eighth season of The X Factor UK. At the time, Little Mix was competing on the series, while Malik's One Direction -- which finished in third place one year earlier -- had returned for a performance. Little Mix would go on to become the first and only group to take the show's top prize.

The couple became engaged in 2013, but split in 2015. (For those fact-checking the lyrics: Yes, that's "four long years to call it quits.")

That same year, Malik also called it quits with One Direction, leaving the band to pursue a solo career. He released a debut solo album, Mind of Mine, in 2016.

Today, Malik is in a relationship with model Gigi Hadid. The pair made it official after appearing together in his steamy "Pillowtalk" music video earlier this year.

Edwards reportedly got candid about how Malik called off their engagement in a leaked excerpt from Little Mix's upcoming book, One World.

"It was horrible, the worst time in my life. A four year relationship, two year engagement ended by a simple text message, just like that," Edwards writes.

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It's an allegation that Malik has previously denied, telling The Fader magazine last year that he had too much respect for his former fiancee "than to end anything over text message."

"I love her a lot, and I always will, and I would never end our relationship over four years like that," he said at the time. "She knows that, I know that, and the public should know that as well."

READ: Niall Horan and Zayn Malik Open Up About Life After One Direction

Well, it sounds like Edwards surely is "over it" by now. The chorus of Little Mix's new song -- which was penned by the girl group, alongside Camille Purcell, Iain James and Electric -- is all about empowerment.

"Shout out to my ex/You're really quite the man/You made my heart break and that made me who I am," the girls sing together in unison. "Here's to my ex/Hey look at me now/Well I'm all the way up/I swear you'll never bring me down."

"Shout Out to My Ex" will be featured on Little Mix's fourth studio album, Glory Days, due out on Nov. 18. After that, Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Ann Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall will join Ariana Grande on her Dangerous Woman North American tour, kicking off Feb. 2 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Just last year, Little Mix was busy promoting their "very colorful" Get Weird album and stopped by ET to chat all about it. Watch below!

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LONDON (Reuters) - London's transport bosses said on Monday that all drivers of private hire vehicles must speak, listen to, read and write English to a set level, intensifying a battle with taxi app Uber [UBER.UL] which says the expected standard is too high. Earlier this year, the capital's transport authority said it would introduce the measure as part of a series of stricter rules on apps such as Uber and private hire firms like Addison Lee whilst supporting the city's iconic black cabs. The move prompted San Francisco-based Uber, which allows users to book journeys on their smartphone, to take legal action arguing that the written component was too demanding. But on Monday, regulator Transport for London (TfL) said drivers will have to take either an English proficiency test or provide proof, such as a British school qualification, that they can meet the required level. "Drivers must be able to communicate with passengers to discuss a route, or fare, as well as reading and understanding important regulatory, safety and travel information," TfL said in a statement. A hearing in the case brought by Uber, whose investors include Goldman Sachs and Alphabet Inc unit GV, formerly known as Google Ventures, is due in December. A spokesman said on Monday: "Weve always supported spoken English skills, but passing a written English exam has nothing to do with communicating with passengers or getting them safely from A to B... Transport for London should think again and scrap these unnecessary new rules." (Reporting by Costas Pitas; editing by Stephen Addison)
It's just past midday in New York City, and Lorraine Alterman Boyle answers the phone on the first ring.

Asked about how her October afternoon is going, Boyle, perhaps unknowingly, offers an explanation for why she was so close to the phone. She has just been placing a round of outgoing calls to net top-tier auction items for the upcoming 10th Annual Comedy Celebration presented by the International Myeloma Foundation. So far, her efforts have been successful.

There will be a pair tickets to the Carole King musical Beautiful on Broadway (Boyle is a producer), tickets for the Los Angeles production of Hamilton (Boyle is an investor) and hopefully an item from Bruce Springsteen (he's a longtime friend). Calling in favors is how the charity game works, and Boyle knows that all too well, even if it can sometimes be an uphill battle.

She helped launch the fundraiser, which this year will feature host Ray Romano and scheduled performers Bill Burr, Jeff Garlin, Dom Irrera, Larry Miller, Kevin Nealon, JB Smoove, Fred Willard, Michael McKean and Annette O'Toole onstage at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre on Nov. 5.

Oh, and Boyle herself will take a spin in the spotlight as the night's main honoree. Patting herself on the back doesn't seem like Boyle's specialty, but the night will again benefit the Peter Boyle Research Fund - named after her late husband, the beloved character actor who passed away on Dec. 12, 2006 - in support of the Black Swan Research Initiative, a program that seeks to cure the type of cancer that took his life by detecting it at the earliest time possible.

"I feel a little embarrassed being honored," Boyle tells The Hollywood Reporter. "But if you have a loss in the family, you have to turn it into something positive that can help other people. That's why I started doing this and got so involved. It didn't occur to me that anything like this would happen. It's nice to know when you're appreciated."

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Getty Images

Have you prepared what you will say?

No, it's too far in advance at this point. I am looking forward to the show. There are other comedy shows, but we worked to make this event unique, instead of having a boring sit-down dinner in a hotel with one entertainer to comedy or sing songs, this is much more fun. You are never trapped sitting down all night. You are getting a real comedy show with all the entertainers who are great to donate their time. It's nice to be able to laugh right before the election.

Since the launch, more than $5 million has been raised for the Peter Boyle Research Fund. What does that mean to you?

That makes me really, really happy. You'll have to check the figure, it may be almost $6 million now. It really means the world to me. It's such a tribute to Peter's memory and what he achieved as an actor. He brought a lot of joy to the world - and maybe scared some people, too, with performances like Young Frankenstein and other work. It makes me feel so good to know that people are giving back in a way to honor that.

It's shocking to read that myeloma is one of the fastest-growing blood cancers, and that it remains incurable. What have you learned about the disease since the funds from the Peter Boyle Research Fund have been redirected to the IMF's Black Swan Research Initiative?

When Peter was first diagnosed, we had never heard of multiple myeloma. It's growing so fast. Part of the really distressing thing is that it's probably caused by environmental toxins. First-responders like firefighters have higher rate of the disease. And a few years back, it was shocking to find out that dolphins in San Francisco were getting it from toxins in the bay. It's a serious concern to everybody. [The Black Swan Initiative] is an amazing project and I'm glad to be a part of it in some way.

More than 50 celebrity comedians and performers have taken the stage during these past nine years. Do you have a favorite?

Ray [Romano] has always hosted it, and he is amazing. He just has always been there for us. When he and Peter started doing Everybody Loves Raymond, he and Peter lived in the same apartment complex. Peter used to work with him running lines and they always had a very close bond together from the beginning. It's amazing and wonderful that he keeps supporting us. Fred Willard, who Peter worked with when they both did Second City, is always there for us. I love him and he's one of the funniest people I know. We will miss Doris Roberts this year. She's always been there. But I can mention everybody. Everybody has been very generous with their time. It's a Saturday night when most comedians are booked, but somehow we get people to show up.

You met Peter on the set of Young Frankenstein, which is getting a special presentation now. When was the last time you watched the film? Can you watch Peter's work or is it too painful?

If I turn on the TV and something is on, I may leave it on for awhile. Sometimes I will watch episodes of Raymond. It's painful, but it's also strange to see him so alive in these things. I don't purposely [watch], but I do like to see it. There are pictures of him all around the house.

You would have been married 40 years next year. You already do so much to honor your late husband's memory, but do you pause to commemorate those special dates in any way?

I have two daughters and a son-in-law and we live in Manhattan. After Peter died, I bought two benches with plaques on them in Carl Schurz Park on the East River. On [special days or anniversaries], we go sit on the bench and think about him. If we are out in East Hampton where we have a house, we visit the cemetery. We do things that are fun because he loved to laugh. That 40th will be a hard one. It never gets any easier for any of us. My point in life is there are a lot of women I know who are widows. It's hard especially when someone is a public figure like Peter. You can be flipping channels and there he is. But I'm very proud of him and all the work he did on films and television, and I'm proud of doing this for him to find a cure for this awful disease.

You used to interview people for a living, writing for Rolling Stone and The New York Times among other publications. What do you read today?

I read The New York Times and New York Post every day. I read The Hollywood Reporter online. And I also read New York Magazine and Vanity Fair and travel magazines. It's overwhelming though. Sometimes you get hooked and say, 'Where did the day go?' When I met Peter, I was bored writing about rock 'n' roll and I went back a little bit after my kids got a little older. The year after Peter died, I got into this Broadway co-producing stuff. It hooks you. I did some shows that weren't so successful, and now Beautiful on Broadway is running and it's wonderful. The show I am most proud of Terrence McNally's Mothers and Sons. It's an important show.
I have learned the hard way not to put my personal life on the Internet. But suffice it to say that, God willing, things should be pretty much back to norm...

2 weeks ago
Tripoli (AFP) - A multitude of rival authorities and factions are contesting power amid the anarchy that has gripped Libya since its 2011 revolution which ousted longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Below is list of the main warring forces.

- Misrata dominates west -

Located 200 kilometres (120 miles) east of Tripoli, the city of Misrata bore the brunt of the violence during the revolution and is now home to the country's main armed groups.

The groups, after having inherited much of the arsenal of the fallen Kadhafi regime, are the best organised and armed in Libya.

Some of these groups have sided with the UN-backed and internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) as it struggles to exert its authority beyond Tripoli.

They have since mid-May taken part in an offensive to expel the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group from the coastal city of Sirte that had been its stronghold inside Libya.

Misrata groups make up the core of the Fajr Libya coalition which seized control of Tripoli in the summer of 2014, ousting their rivals from Zintan who have since regrouped in their hometown, 170 kilometres to the southwest.

Fajr Libya controls virtually all coastal cities between Misrata and the Tunisian border as well as southern towns such as Gharyan, Nalut and Jado in the mainly Berber mountain range of Nafusa.

The tribes of Zintan, which have been largely isolated, support the controversial anti-Islamist field marshal Khalifa Haftar.

- Haftar rules the east -

Rival authorities in eastern Libya, which sits on top of most of the nation's oil wealth, do not recognise the GNA and have extended their influence to swathes of territory reaching the south of the country.

They are supported by the armed forces under Haftar's command that in the space of three days in September seized control of Libya's "oil crescent", defeating a force of oil terminal guards which had announced its allegiance to the GNA.

In July 2014, Islamist militias drove Haftar's "Libyan National Army" (LNA) out of second city Benghazi, 1,000 kilometres east of Tripoli, taking refuge in towns such as Tobruk near the Egyptian border.

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It has since recaptured the city but still faces pockets of resistance from the Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries, a coalition of anti-Haftar Islamist militias and radical groups.

The LNA is composed mainly of former army officers from eastern Libya who defected at the outset of the 2011 revolt, including air force units and special forces.

- Contested south -

The Fezzan region with its oil fields is a smuggling hotbed, disputed by a myriad of tribal and ethnic forces.

The factions are allied to Libya's rival authorities but regularly switch allegiances.

Clashes often break out between the Toubou minority allied to Haftar and Tuareg tribes, which largely control the borders with Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan.

Arab tribes such as the Sebha and Koufra are allied with the authorities in western Libya.

A former Kadhafi-era army officer, Ali Kennah, in a video posted on the Internet, has vowed to work to restore security in the south while maintaining neutrality between the two main camps in Libya's power struggle.

But the Haftar camp has accused him of trying to set up a "parallel army".
Paris (AFP) - The brother of Salah Abdeslam, the main suspect in the Paris attacks, called on him on Monday to agree to answer questions about the November 2015 massacre.

"I ask my brother to speak," Mohamed Abdeslam told French radio station RTL.

The plea came after the suspect's two lawyers said last week they would no longer defend him given his uncompromising refusal to answer questions.

Abdeslam is the sole surviving member of the group behind the November 13 carnage at a Paris concert hall, bars and the national stadium that left 130 people dead and scores injured.

"During my visits to Belgium, I really saw a Salah Abdeslam who was ready to talk... A few months later, it feels like I am looking at another person. I can confirm that Salah is more withdrawn, more closed now," the suspect's sibling added.

Abdeslam was transferred to France from Belgium in April, after a long manhunt following the carnage on November 13.

He has refused to answer questions since his transfer, and his lawyer Frank Berton said last week that he believed he would continue to claim the right to remain silent.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Paris atrocity, one of a string of attacks claimed by the jihadists that have put Europe on edge.

"His incarceration, the extremely difficult conditions of his detention, his withdrawal into himself; I sometimes have the impression he is more radicalised now, rather than de-radicalised," said Mohamed Abdeslam, who has visited his brother in prison every three months.

While he was eager for Abdeslam's trial to take place, he said "it would be a disappointment for us all" if the suspect remained silent.

Abdeslam drove the three suicide bombers who blew themselves up outside the Stade de France to the stadium and then roamed the city before fleeing to Belgium the next day.

He had told investigators in Belgium he had also wanted to blow himself up at the Stade de France but then changed his mind.
I am Kerry Burgess. This is what I think.
(HILLSBOROUGH, N.C.)  Investigators combed through shards of glass, looked for residue of flammable accelerant and tried to narrow down the overnight hours when someone torched a local Republican Party office by throwing a flammable device through the window.

The mayor said he wasnt aware of any surveillance footage from the immediate vicinity, and the office sits where there wouldnt normally be foot traffic at night  in a decades-old retail complex set back from a main road that backs up to a wooded area.

A bottle filled with flammable liquid was thrown through the window of the Orange County Republican Party headquarters sometime between 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday morning, damaging the interior before burning out, according to authorities. Someone also spray-painted Nazi Republicans leave town or else on a nearby wall.

The office was empty and no one was injured in what the state GOPs executive director called an act of political terrorism.

Local party officials reopened a makeshift operation on folding tables outside the office Monday while uniformed police looked on. Plainclothes investigators looked for evidence at the scene as state, local and federal investigators divided up leads.

The graffiti and remnants of the fire were discovered Sunday morning by 68-year-old Bobbie Sparrow, whose Balloons Above Orange shop is next to the GOP headquarters. She came to feed stray cats around 8:30 a.m. Sunday when she noticed the graffiti.

I saw the hate in it. And the only reason they used the side of my building, because it was a blank canvas for a message to the Republican Party people, she said. I said this is a hate crime, and I picked up my cell phone and called 911 and told them someone needed to get here immediately.

She said she isnt aware of any surveillance cameras outside the buildings, and Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens said he wasnt aware of any in the immediate vicinity, either.

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County GOP chairman Daniel Ashley arrived Sunday morning to find the area roped off by yellow police tape. He said he believes whoevers responsible intended to burn down the building.

I definitely think the reason they spray-painted that building there was because they thought this one wouldnt be here, he said, standing in front of his office.

Lost in the fire were 2,000 sample ballots for local Republicans, dozens of yard signs that were melted and banners for events that were ruined by soot, he said.

The violent act in the key battleground state has been condemned by public figures across the political spectrum.

A tweet from Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Sunday said the attack is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe. An hour later, Trump tweeted: Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning.

The attack on the Orange County HQ @NCGOP office is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe.  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 16, 2016

Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning @NCGOP  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

North Carolinas Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and his Democratic challenger, state Attorney General Roy Cooper both described the violence as a threat to democracy.

Democrats joined a campaign to raise $10,000 to reopen the GOP office, meeting the goal in less than 40 minutes and showing that Americans are thirsty for civility and decency, wrote the GoFundMe drives creator, David Weinberger, a researcher at Harvard University.

Its a great gesture. We appreciate it a lot, but I dont know how much of that were going to get to use because of the campaign laws, Ashley said Monday.

Republican offices around the state are re-examining their security, state GOP executive director Dallas Woodhouse said, adding that people sometimes worked after-hours in the Hillsborough office.

They are working around the clock. It is a miracle that nobody was killed, he said in an interview.

The walls of the multi-room office were covered in black char, and a couch against one wall had been burned down to its springs. Shattered glass covered the floor, and melted campaign yard signs showed warped lettering.

Stevens, mayor of the town about 40 miles northwest of Raleigh, said the act doesnt represent the character of Orange County, which also includes Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina campus. Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 3-1 in the county.

Blake Halsey, a 21-year-old college student who volunteers at the Orange County GOP office, answered calls Monday at a folding table underneath the window shattered by the flammable device. He grew up in the area and described the town as a melting pot for all political views.

He said the attack made him think about his personal safety because hes worked after-hours recently at the office.

Its sad to see America go this way, he said. The Constitution says we have free speech. But free speech does not mean you can throw a fire bomb in there.
Queenstown, New Zealand and Malaysia emerged the big winners at the World Travel Awards Asia and Australasia over the weekend, after being crowned the leading destinations in their respective regions.

Industry leaders gathered at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Vietnam to recognize the best in Asian travel over the weekend.

Award winners are voted upon by major players in travel and tourism including senior executives, travel buyers, tour operators, agents as well as the general public.

In the category of airlines, Chinese carrier Hainan took the coveted title of Asia's leading airline, while Air New Zealand trumped Qantas and Virgin Australia to take the same title for Australasia.

Malaysia was named Asia's leading destination over Macau, Singapore and Thailand, while the waterfront city and mountain scenery of Queenstown, New Zealand helped it nab the title of leading destination for Australasia.

The winners of the regional awards will go on to qualify for the World Travel Awards grand finale, which takes place December 2 in the Maldives.

Here are a few of the major winners:

Asia

Asia's leading beach destination: Philippines

Leading boutique hotel: The Sarojin, Thailand

Leading city break destination: Hong Kong

Leading hotel brand: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

Leading luxury hotel: The Peninsula Hong Kong

Leading hotel: The Oberoi Udaivilas, India

Leading new resort: Studio City Macau

Leading resort: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Indonesia

Australasia

Leading hotel: The Hotel Windsor, Melbourne, Australia

Leading resort: Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Leading romantic resort: The Remote Resort, Fiji Islands

Leading boutique hotel: Gaia Retreat & Spa, Australia
Bamako (AFP) - The governor of Mali's troubled Kidal made an official visit to his own region for the first time in more than two years Monday, underscoring the state's fragile efforts to reassert itself across vast swathes of northern territory.

Kidal's governor Koina Ag Ahmadou said his presence at a back-to-school event was a "strong symbol" of the state's willingness to reinstate a presence across territory dominated by former rebels and threatened by jihadists.

"I presided over the back to school ceremony myself in a class (flying) the national flag. It's a good sign for the whole of Mali," Ag Ahmadou told AFP.

But the visit required the green light of the former rebels of the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA), the Tuareg group that runs Kidal and whose members rose up against the government in 2012 before signing a peace deal last year.

Kidal has been rocked by deadly fighting for control between armed groups which were party to the peace deal.

The CMA said the decision to allow the visit "showed its willingness to help with the return of an administrative presence in conformity with the peace accord" in a statement last week.

The governor was appointed in March but has since been unable to confirm when he would take up his position full-time in the region.

A UN secretary-general report said as recently as October there was "no government presence in the regions of Kidal and Taoudenni."

State services have been absent since May 2014 when a visit by former prime minister Moussa Mara ended in him being chased from Kidal as several troops were killed in clashes with former rebels, meaning the military also deserted the area.

Last year protests prevented a minister from attending a similar ceremony or any national flags being displayed.

The back-to-school event will likely be largely symbolic for the area's pupils, many of whom cannot attend school for security reasons.

Story continues

In December 2015, one in six schools in northern Mali was closed, according to UNICEF figures, rising to 79 percent in Kidal.

The figures for this year's intake are not yet available but around 380,000 children aged 7-15 missed school last year in northern Mali, some for the second or third year running.

Tuareg-led rebels who have spearheaded insurrections against the government for decades joined forces with jihadists in 2012 to overrun key northern cities.

They were quickly sidelined by the Al-Qaeda-linked groups, who were then routed by an ongoing international military intervention launched in January 2013.

Large tracts of the sub-Saharan country are still not controlled by Malian and foreign troops.
Miami (AFP) - A man who opened fire on George Zimmerman, the ex-Florida neighborhood watchman who killed unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin, was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday, court officials said.

Matthew Apperson was sentenced to the minimum required sentence for using a firearm in the incident, according to Michelle Kennedy, spokeswoman for the 18th Judicial Circuit for Florida's Broward and Seminole counties.

Apperson, 37, was found guilty of attempted second degree murder with a firearm, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and aggravated assault with a firearm, for the May 11 attack.

"The crux here is Mr. Apperson's blatant disregard for my life, any life," Zimmerman told the judge.

The former volunteer watchman, now 33, claims that in the Martin case, he acted in self-defense but the teen's family and friends claimed it was a murder driven by racism.

Zimmerman is the son of a Peruvian mother and American father; his Florida trial and subsequent acquittal exposed deep racial divides in US society, and nationwide protests erupted over the shooting.

While serving as a neighborhood watch volunteer in a gated community in Florida, Zimmerman fatally shot high school student Martin as he was walking home with iced tea and candy in February 2012.

Zimmerman insisted he had been following the teenager on suspicion he was involved in robbery, and that he shot him in self-defense.

He was acquitted of second-degree murder the following year, setting off protests nationwide over Florida's "stand your ground" gun laws.
Moscow (AFP) - An unidentified man on Monday blew himself up at the state-owned TV centre in Abkhazia, a tiny Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia, local officials said.

"A man blew himself up on the territory of the TV centre. It was obviously clear that he had a bomb," Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Abkhaz interior minister Aslan Kobakhiya as saying.

Interfax news wire reported that the blast occurred at the entrance to the TV station's headquarters in the Abkhaz capital Sukhumi.

It cited the separatist region's emergency services ministry as saying the "corpse of a bearded man" was found at the scene.

Investigators were probing the incident and the Abkhaz president Raul Khajimba insisted that it was "too early to talk about an attempted terrorist attack".

"Let's wait for the results of the investigation. We have not even managed to identify the man who blew himself up," Khajimba, a former officer in the Soviet-era KGB spy agency, told Interfax.

As a precautionary measure Khajimba ordered security around public places, including schools and kindergartens, in the Black Sea region of some 250,000 people to be stepped up.

Abkhazia has claimed independence from Georgia since an armed conflict in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Russia recognised the region as independent following a brief conflict with Georgia in 2008 over another breakaway region, South Ossetia, and has thousands of troops stationed there.

Georgia insists that the two regions are under de facto Russian occupation.

Abkhazia has seen a protracted political standoff between the region's self-declared authorities and its opposition since former leader Alexander Ankvab was ousted in 2014.
A Florida man who shot at George Zimmerman from his moving vehicle was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday, but not before his wife gave the judge a piece of her mind.

Prosecutors argued Matthew Apperson, 38, opened fire on Zimmerman while they both drove down a busy street in Seminole County last year.

Read: New Trump Hotel in D.C. Defaced with "Black Lives Matter" Graffiti

Judge Debra S. Nelson handed down the state-mandated minimum 20-year sentence after Apperson was convicted by jury last month of attempted second-degree murder, armed aggravated assault and shooting into a vehicle.

Authorities have "given George Zimmerman a golden ticket to go out and do whatever he wants to do," Apperson's wife, Lisa Apperson, told Nelson.

Zimmerman became a notorious figure in Florida after he was acquitted of second degree murder charges in the killing of unarmed black teen Trayvon Martin in 2012.

Apperson's mother also pleaded for the judge to allow her son to go free, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Apperson reportedly worked as a paralegal in the same business plaza where Zimmerman goes to see his doctor.

Matthew Apperson shot at Zimmerman on May 11, 2015. Apperson claimed Zimmerman brandished a gun at him first, but Zimmerman testified this was a lie.

Read: After North Carolina GOP Office Is Firebombed, Trump Blames Pro-Clinton 'Animals'

"The crux here is Mr. Apperson's blatant disregard for my life, any life  anybody driving up and down Lake Mary Boulevard," Zimmerman said on the stand.

Apperson's defense attorney petitioned the judge to let his client out of jail while he filed an appeal. Calling Apperson a threat to public safety, the judge denied the request.

Watch: Donald Trump Calls for Police Profiling in Wake of Bombings

Related Articles:
A Florida man who shot at George Zimmermans vehicle during a road-rage incident last year was sentenced Monday to 20 years in prison, officials said.

Matthew Apperson was also handed down two 15-year prison terms for aggravated assault and shooting into an occupied vehicle, Seminole County State Attorney spokeswoman Lynne Bumpus-Hooper said in a statement. All of the sentences will be served at the same time.

Apperson was convicted of attempted second-degree murder in September after he fired at Zimmerman in May 2015. Zimmerman suffered minor injuries from glass shards after the bullet shattered his passenger-side window.

Zimmerman fatally shot unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin in 2012. He was acquitted in the death in 2013.

Zimmerman told a judge that Apperson joyfully bragged about killing him after the road-rage encounter, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Appersons family said they were shocked at the sentence and maintained that Apperson was innocent. Im having trouble comprehending all of it. I stand here numb, completely numb, his wife, Lisa Apperson, told the Sentinel. I feel like my feet are just going to give up from under me.

Moments before the sentencing, Lisa Apperson said in court that authorities have given George Zimmerman a golden ticket to go out and do whatever he wants to do.
A late charge from Liverpool proved too little too late to break down a determined Manchester United at Anfield, with the Monday night's game ending in a frustrating scoreless draw.

The match had endured a scrappy first half, but after the break the Reds (5-2-1) were rejuvenated and started to play their quickfire passing game. The chances started to come: first Joel Matip fed Emre Can, who held off two markers to test David de Gea from close range. Phillippe Couninho unleashed a 30-yard howitzer that drew another top stop from the Spaniard.

Inside the final 10 minutes, Roberto Firmino was sent sprinting into the penalty area and looked set to score until Antonio Valencia denied the Brazilian with an inch-perfect slide tackle almost from behind.

United (4-2-2) also had their chances in the far more open second period. Zlatan Ibrahimovic inexplicably headed Paul Pogba's curling ball back across goal at the back post and Marouane Fellaini got his head to a Daley Blind corner but couldn't steer his effort on target.

By the end, the visitors were employing every time-wasting tactic in the book, with Jose Mourinho urging them on from the sidelines. They achieved their mission with a shutout of the usually prolific Reds.
DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 16, 2016 / Prominent and well-respected real estate developer Marcus Hiles has brought luxury living to thousands of Texans with rental apartment homes featuring cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art appliances. In addition to providing residents with affordable yet upscale conveniences, he presents revolutionary amenities that elevate daily life and lower monthly expenses in an eco-friendly way. While there are many simple tips people can follow to reduce their utility bills (such as unplugging idle electrical devices and using less water by turning sink valves half-way off), Hiles offers something even better and more effective: the special, upgraded advances that come standard in the residences built by Western Rim Property Services, which make saving money effortless.

http://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/marcus-hiles-dallas-news-real-estate-expert-urges-dallas-renters-to-enjoy-the-finer-things-in-life-20160927-00779#ixzz4NJHYIoMq

With careful planning, all of Marcus Hiles' exquisite communities throughout the Lone Star state are created in harmony with nature to conserve power consumption and keep monthly costs down. Elegant extra-tall, dual pane windows minimize air conditioning requirements during summer by utilizing a layer of argon gas. Highly effectual weather stripping maintains tight seals to prevent draftsa common culprit of extra energy usage. Programmable thermostats and 16 SEER HVAC systems set the perfect temperatures year-round, allowing for reduced heating or cooling needs during times away from home or during sleeping hours, thereby significantly cutting electric bills while delivering optimal comfort. Other architectural details that help with climate control include attics lined with reflective TechShield radiant barrier sheathing; the process redirects the sun's intense rays and blocks up to 97 percent of its produced warmth. Full depth cellulose insulation in attics and walls is not only exceptional at preventing intrusive noise, but with the professional installation techniques implemented on Hiles' properties, cellulose forms air-tight closures and limits convection, providing yet another method for decreased reliance on central air and heat. Cellulose is especially helpful for keeping expenses low during winter, as a University of Colorado School of Architecture and Planning study proved that it loses 26.4% less heat over time versus traditional fiberglass insulation.

Story continues

Some of the upgraded amenities found within Marcus Hiles' deluxe rental units are the ENERGY STAR stainless steel Whirlpool brand appliances. Manufactured to expertly perform with reduced power consumption, the environmentally sound kitchens boast spacious refrigerators and sleek microwave and oven ranges with contemporary style and flawless efficiency. These products are the highlight of an impeccable space for refined gourmet chef-quality cookingand all while demanding less energy and costing residents less to operate every month. A voluntary program instituted by the Environmental Protection Agency program, ENERGY STAR has successfully reduced power and costs to consumers across the U.S. for two decades, and the trusted standard in green living is found in Hiles homes across Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and San Antonio.

Marcus Hiles, Fort Worth real estate development authority and philanthropist, is the Founder and CEO of Western Rim Property Services who has spent more than three decades satisfying the public need for high-end rentals. A champion of many ecological causes, Hiles has personally contributed to the improvement of public parks and lakes by donating more than 59 acres of parkland. His ongoing campaign to expand the canopy of shade trees is a prominent component of his ecological objectives: 2,500 trees are planted by his company annually, which are expected to remove roughly 75 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year.

Marcus Hiles - Chairman & CEO of Western Rim Property Services: http://www.MarcusHiles-News.com

Western Rim Property Services- Marcus Hiles - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Western-Rim-Property-Services-Marcus-Hiles-1013270532051763/

Marcus Hiles Dallas News Real Estate Expert Urges Dallas Renters to Enjoy the Finer Things in Life: http://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/marcus-hiles-dallas-news-real-estate-expert-urges-dallas-renters-to-enjoy-the-finer-things-in-life-20160927-00779#ixzz4NJHYIoMq

Marcus Hiles - Western Rim Properties - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-0OBq1LCu8

Contact Information:

ICMediaDirect.com

TEL: 1.800.595.0821

pr@icmediadirect.com

SOURCE: Marcus Hiles
You'll never get what you don't ask for, and you never know what you're going to get if you just ask. Chris McPhadden was about ready to give up his tickets to one of Martin Garrix's performances at Amsterdam RAI during Amsterdam Dance Event. He couldn't afford transportation, but he took a wild chance and tweeted Garrix about his conundrum - and it paid off in spades.

"I bought the tickets to his show when they first went on sale because I was afraid they would sell out," McPhadden says, "but I went to Sziget in Budapest in August, and traveled America in September, and the flights had went up 300 euros, and I couldn't afford them anymore, so I chanced my luck with Martin - and well, luck of the Irish he replied."

Martin Garrix Drops First Three of Seven New Tracks: Listen

Garrix contacted the lucky fan by Twitter direct message and actually bought him round-trip tickets from Dublin to Amsterdam in time to make the show. Does this make Martin Garrix the coolest DJ of all time? In McPhadden's eyes, absolutely. Does this mean everyone should start tweeting Garrix for plane tickets? Hey now, don't be a mooch.

But we are very jelly.
Value investing is always a very popular strategy, and for good reason. After all, who doesnt want to find stocks that have low PEs, solid outlooks, and decent dividends?

Fortunately for investors looking for this combination, we have identified a strong candidate which may be an impressive value; New Media Investment Group Inc. NEWM.

New Media Investment in Focus

NEWM may be an interesting play thanks to its forward PE of 13.5, its P/S ratio of 0.5, and its decent dividend yield of 8.98%. These factors suggest that New Media Investment is a pretty good value pick, as investors have to pay a relatively low level for each dollar of earnings, and that NEWM has decent revenue metrics to back up its earnings.

NEW MEDIA INV PE Ratio (TTM)

NEW MEDIA INV PE Ratio (TTM) | NEW MEDIA INV Quote

But before you think that New Media Investment is just a pure value play, it is important to note that it has been seeing solid activity on the earnings estimate front as well. For current year earnings, the consensus has gone up by 3.8% in the past 30 days, thanks to 1 upward revision in the past one month compared to none lower.

This estimate strength is actually enough to push NEWM to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), suggesting it is poised to outperform. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

So really, New Media Investment is looking great from a number of angles thanks to its PE below 20, a P/S ratio below one, and a strong Zacks Rank, meaning that this company could be a great choice for value investors at this time.

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Melania Trump told CNNs Anderson Cooper that Donald Trump was egged on in the notorious 2005 tape in which he made controversial comments about women that she called boy talk.

I said to my husband that, you know, the language was inappropriate. Its not acceptable. And I was surprised, because that is not the man that I know, Melania Trump said in an interview that airs Monday night on CNN.

Mr.s Trump said the incident was boy talk, and [Trump] was led on  like, egged on  from the host to say dirty and bad stuff.

Also Read: Everyone Is Talking About Melania Trump's 'Pussy Bow' Debate Dress

She continued, As you can see from the tape, the cameras were not on  it was only a mic. And I wonder if they even knew that the mic was on.

Earlier this month, The Washington Post published a video tape of Trump on a hot mic boasting to Bush about kissing, groping and having sex with women.

When youre a star, they let you do anything  I dont even wait. And when youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything, Trump said. Grab em by the py.

Also Read: Watch 'SNL' Turn Beyonce's 'Lemonade' Into Melania Trump's 'Melanianade' (Video)

Bush has been suspended by NBC for his role in the conversation and likely wont return to the network. Bushs attorney, Marshall Grossman, told TheWrap on Saturday that a settlement has not yet been agreed upon  and disputed reports of an eight-figure settlement of the TV personalitys contract with NBC and Today.

Despite chalking it up as boy talk, Melania told Cooper she was surprised by the conversation. I dont know that person that would talk that way, and that he would say that kind of stuff in private, she said.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Check Out Latest 'SNL' Melania Moment, with Melania Trump Pondering Switching Places With the Maid (Video)

Watch 'SNL' Turn Beyonce's 'Lemonade' Into Melania Trump's 'Melanianade' (Video)

Everyone Is Talking About Melania Trump's 'Pussy Bow' Debate Dress
CNNs Anderson Cooper interviewed Melania Trump in what the network said was her first sit-down interview since accusers came forward to make groping allegations against her husband.

Fox News Ainsley Earhardt also interviewed her on Monday, and will appear on The Five on Monday night to preview the one-on-one. The full interview on Fox & Friends will air on Tuesday.

The CNN interview will air on Anderson Cooper 360 Monday night.

The choice of CNN is interesting, given that her husband has been openly critical of CNNs coverage, calling it the Clinton News Network. Trump also said of Cooper last month, I dont think he can be fair.

Cooper co-moderated the second presidential debate last month along with ABC News Martha Raddatz.

After the release of an Access Hollywood recording in which Donald Trump is heard making lewd comments to the shows co-host Billy Bush, Melania Trump issued a statement in which she said, The words my husband used are unacceptable and offensive to me. This does not represent the man that I know. He has the heart and mind of a leader. I hope people will accept his apology, as I have, and focus on the important issues facing our nation and the world. 

Her attorney, Charles Harder, also sent a letter to People magazine last week, challenging some of the facts in one of its stories in which writer Natasha Stoynoff claimed that Trump forced himself on her as he was giving her a tour of his Mar-a-Lago estate in 2005.

Melania Trump has generally taken a low profile in the campaign ever since the Republican National Convention. After she delivered a speech on the conventions opening night, it was revealed that passages were nearly identical to a speech that Michelle Obama gave in 2008. An in-house staff writer for the Trump Organization, Meredith McIver, released a statement saying that it was her mistake not to have caught the similarities after Melania Trump read her portions of Obamas speech as examples of what she liked.

Story continues

CNN is expected to release excerpts of the interview later on Monday.

Related stories

Melania Trump Defends Husband's Attacks on Bill Clinton's Past: 'They're Asking for It'

Amber Tamblyn Mocks Donald Trump on 'Lip Sync Battle' [VIDEO]

Talk of 'Trump TV' Gains Steam but Not With LionTree Firm
BOSTON (Reuters) - The organization planning a park to commemorate the death of 100 people in a deadly fire at a Rhode Island nightclub in 2003 said on Monday that it had reached its $2 million fundraising goal, allowing construction of the memorial to move forward.

Hard rock band Great White was performing in West Warwick, Rhode Island's The Station nightclub on Feb. 20, 2003, when a pyrotechnical display ignited the small wooden building's highly flammable foam sound insulation, setting off a blaze that also injured more than 200 people.

The Station Fire Memorial Park is expected to open in spring 2017, organizers of the memorial said on Monday. Earlier, they had hoped to have the park complete by this month.

"We are very grateful to Rhode Island businesses, large and small, who stepped up and contributed in meaningful ways to this memorial park," said Donald Carcieri, the state's governor at the time of the blaze and co-chair of the fundraising committee, in a statement.

In 2009, hundreds of survivors and victims' relatives reached a $176 million settlement with more than 50 defendants in lawsuits filed as a result of the fire. The band's tour manager and two men who owned the nightclub pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter.

(Reporting by Scott Malone; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)
The 2016 CLA Shooting Brake (Photo: Mercedes)

At a glittering affair on Friday (14 Oct) Mercedes unveiled its latest CLA Shooting Brake for the Singapore market.

The idea for a shooting brake came from the aristocracy in early 20th century England who needed a vehicle to take their hunting party out for the day. The term has the connotations of elegance, style and practicality, without looking like a normal estate car, or a more racy hatchback.

Mercedes is hoping to tempt buyers looking for a car with more space in the boot, who dont want to give up on good looks to get it.

Its here that the new Shooting Brake delivers. It has the looks to turn heads, with sweeping lines and creases, and has managed to avoid the trap of becoming more and more boxy as you go further back. Instead, the roofline curves gently down to the rear, making the extra space without bulking up too much.

The 2016 CLA Coupe

The CLA Shooting Brake was unveiled alongside the new CLA Coupe. Externally, its obvious that they share much of the same DNA, but they are sisters rather than twins, with the Coupe having a more aggressive stance and front end.

Internally both cars seem identical. The only difference comes at the rear where the Shooting Brake offers up 595 litres of space, with the rear seats down. Thats an impressive volume for a car that doesnt feel any bigger than its Coupe sister.



Whether Singaporeans will opt for the extra space over the more traditional choice of a saloon or a coupe, remains to be seen. However, while there may not be a lot of hunting in Singapore, Mercedes is betting that drivers are ready to embrace the shooting brake.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 17, 2016 / Mezzi Holdings Inc. ("MEZZI", "MEZZI BRAND GROUP" or the "Company") (TSX-V: MZI, FRA: 0MZ) is pleased to announce that it has granted 1,420,000 incentive stock options under its stock option plan to directors, officers, consultants and employees of the Company. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.09 per share for a period of five years.

About MEZZI BRAND GROUP

MEZZI Brand Group is a Vancouver-based consumer accessory brand management company. We believe that great brands are built one great product and one valued customer at a time. We have gathered a group of young talented experts ranging from accessory design, product development, marketing, branding, e-commerce, digital media and PR to build and scale our millennial-customer focused brands. A well-defined, strategic philosophy and clear mission statement promotes and protects MEZZI Brand Group's most valuable assets  our brands  MEZZI Smart Luxury, Capital Eyewear and MLine Cases.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Keir Reynolds

CEO

Tel: (778) 998-9242

Email: keir@mezzi.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Keir Reynolds

Chief Executive Officer

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

SOURCE: Mezzi Holdings Inc.
From Harper's BAZAAR

We like the way Michelle Obama runs the White House. Like any good hostess, she sets the policy about wearing shoes in her house and she's very understanding when guests need a break from their high heels.

On Friday, at Variety's Power of Women ceremony in Los Angeles, Spanx founder Sara Blakely told Footwear News about the time the First Lady saved her aching feet from heels and let her walk barefoot around the White House.

"I stood in line at an event and they allowed us to get a one-on-one photo with Michelle Obama," Blakely explained. "I waited in the line so long that by the time I finally got up to Michelle Obama, I literally burst out, 'My feet are killing me,' and she goes, 'Girl, my feet are killing me, too.' I asked if I can take my shoes off and she said, 'Yes, and you can tell anyone who tells you to put them back on that Mrs. Obama said you can take them off.'"

This is the very definition of using your power for good. We can only hope, for all future White House guests' sake, that the next First Family carries on the Obamas' comfort-first shoe policy.

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* Saudi's Alinma Bank sinks after Q3 misses estimates

* BUPA Arabia, Najran Cement also hit by earnings

* GFH Financial, Drake & Scull buck Dubai's fall

* QNB makes Qatar the only Gulf market to rise

* Beltone suspended, then resumes trade in Egypt

By Andrew Torchia

DUBAI, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market fell on Monday after another set of disappointing third-quarter earnings, while other markets in the region were also weak, in line with the global trend.

The Saudi index slipped 1.2 percent as Alinma Bank , the most heavily traded stock, dropped 2.9 percent.

Alinma was the latest in a string of Saudi banks to report weak quarterly earnings as the slow economy increases impairment charges on loans; it posted a 16.8 percent fall in third-quarter net profit to 312 million riyals ($83.2 million). Analysts had on average forecast 409.1 million riyals.

Medical insurer BUPA Arabia, which had dropped 4.7 percent on Sunday after posting an 8.9 percent drop in its third-quarter net income, fell a further 2.9 percent. Najran Cement lost 3.1 percent after reporting a 52 percent year-on-year drop in third-quarter net profit.

Petrochemicals generally outperformed, with top producer Saudi Basic Industries, which is expected to report quarterly earnings in the next few days, dropping only 0.6 percent.

Saudi Company for Hardware was one of the few gainers, rising 2.3 percent after reporting a 10.1 percent rise in quarterly net profit.

Dubai's stock index fell 0.9 percent in a broad-based decline, although the two most heavily traded stocks, GFH Financial and builder Drake & Scull , rose 3.9 percent and 1.1 percent.

Abu Dhabi's index sank 2.2 percent because of a steep decline by First Gulf Bank, which lost 4.9 percent. Kuwait's top bank was also weak; National Bank of Kuwait lost 1.7 percent after reporting a 6.4 percent rise in third-quarter net profit that was in line with estimates.

The only Gulf market to gain was Qatar, which rose 0.6 percent on the back of Qatar National Bank's 1.5 percent gain. The bank reported a 10 percent rise in third-quarter profit last week.

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Egypt's index lost 2.2 percent as investment bank EFG Hermes pulled back 2.9 percent.

Shares in Beltone Financial were briefly suspended and then resumed trading after the stock's fair value was mis-stated in a report given to the financial regulator on Sunday. They last traded at 10.71 pounds, level with Sunday's close.

The stock has been dogged by controversy. In August, Egypt's regulator requested that Beltone appoint a third party to assess the fair market value of its stock after it jumped more than 550 percent. In June, Beltone filed a lawsuit against the heads of the Cairo stock exchange and the financial regulator over the repeated cancellation of trades in its stock.

MONDAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

SAUDI ARABIA

* The index dropped 1.2 percent to 5,565 points.

DUBAI

* The index fell 0.9 percent to 3,272 points.

ABU DHABI

* The index sank 2.2 percent to 4,220 points.

QATAR

* The index rose 0.6 percent to 10,426 points.

EGYPT

* The index lost 2.2 percent to 8,243 points.

KUWAIT

* The index fell 0.4 percent to 5,287 points.

OMAN

* The index dropped 1.2 percent to 5,581 points.

BAHRAIN

* The index slipped 0.3 percent to 1,138 points.

(Editing by Larry King)
Sony Pictures Television has sold time-travel drama Timeless, which airs in the U.S. on NBC, to Channel 4 in the U.K., which will air the series on its E4 network.

Timeless debuted on NBC with 11.1 million viewers, becoming the top series premiere of the week for adults 18-44.

Sony is selling the show at MIPCOM in Cannes.The drama also has sold to AXN in Japan, Viacom 18's Colors Infinity in India and Sohu in China. Timeless also has been picked up by OSN across the Middle East, Moviestar in Spain, AXN in Portugal and Fox in Italy.

"Timeless offers viewers a thrilling and boisterous ride through time to revisit some of the most pivotal moments in our collective history," Keith LeGoy, SPT president, distribution, said Monday in a statement. "It's brilliantly written and produced - a show with truly global appeal."

Timeless was created by Eric Kripke (Revolution, Supernatural), Shawn Ryan (The Shield) and the producers of The Blacklist. It follows a group of unlikely heroes thrust into the adventure of their lives. Chasing a mysterious group of criminals through time and encountering some of the most seminal moments in history, the group attempts to thwart a dark conspiracy that is a threat to all of humanity.

Timeless stars Abigail Spencer (Rectify), Matt Lanter (90210), Malcolm Barrett (Hurt Locker), Goran Visnjic (ER), Sakina Jaffrey (The Mindy Project), Paterson Joseph (The Leftovers), Susanna Thompson (Arrow) and Claudia Doumit (Scandal).

Read more: MIPCOM: Drama Production Booming as Reality TV Looks for a Comeback
Disruption is one of those buzz words that infected the television industry. Digital technology, as everyone knows, is "disrupting" the TV business, as it did the print and music industries before it. The future belongs to the "disrupters": Netflix, Amazon and their online-first ilk, who are destined to overthrow "legacy media" - or, as we used to call them, television channels - leaving the networks fighting over an ever-shrinking, ever fragmenting audience.

The only problem is, by pretty most measures, the networks, from the U.S. and around the world, are doing just fine. As the global television industry gathers this week for TV market Mipcom, which runs Oct.17-20 in Cannes, old school broadcasters will arrive as hungry for programming as they have ever been and with with fat acquisition budgets to match.

Read more: MIPCOM: 4 Ready-Made Foreign Stars With Global Appeal

"I'm not entirely sure I'd call what is happening with Netflix and Amazon disruption," says Stuart Baxter, president of eOne Television International, a leading independent production and sales group. "You have a slew of new outlets, but what it's doing is growing the TV pie, it's feeding the growth for more shows. Because the networks are still growing too."

Instead of online platforms cannibalizing the audiences on traditional networks, Baxter points to the huge increase in production - more than 400 fictional TV series will be produced in the U.S. market this year alone - as evidence that increased demand is a rising tide for all boats.

Ahead of MIPCOM, eOne signed a global deal, outside of North America, with Netflix for Designated Survivor, a drama series starring Kiefer Sutherland as a low-level U.S. cabinet minister who suddenly becomes U.S. President following a terrorist attack. But the company also did a number of big territory deals with traditional TV networks - including with TF1 in France and Sky Living in the U.K. - for Conviction, a crime procedural show starring Hayley Atwell.

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Read more: MIPCOM: Hayley Atwell's 'Conviction' Sells Wide

"There's no doubt the free-TV world, the traditional networks worldwide, still have a bias - towards procedurals, with the edgier serial fare being more popular on the pay-TV and online platforms," says Baxter. "The international networks would like more of that high-end talent driven procedural product and they aren't getting enough of it from the U.S. networks, which are moving towards more edgy fare with relatively few new procedurals."

That gap in the market has been quickly filled by independent production companies on both sides of the Atlantic. In addition to Conviction, which is produced by eOne's new subsidiary, the Mark Gordon Company, also on eOne's Mipcom slate is Ransom, a crime procedural about a hostage negotiation team, which German network RTL, Canada's Corus and France's TF1 are financing in collaboration with CBS.

Amazon provided a different model, coming on board to greenlit a second-season of critically-acclaimed German series Deutschland 83, together with German anchor network RTL and an array of international broadcasters, including SundanceTV in the U.S. and Canal Plus in France. Amazon's Prime Service will premiere the series in Germany and Austria, with RTL taking the first-look option for free-TV rights afterwards.

Read more: MIPCOM: Amazon Germany Orders Second Season for 'Deutschland 83'

If anything, the disruption on the international TV market is being seen in financing models. Co-productions, in which several broadcasters, or streaming platforms, throw in to co-finance a show, were once an oddity. Increasingly, they are becoming the rule.

"It used to be you couldn't get the Americas to come to the table," says Rola Bauer, managing director of Studiocanal TV and a pioneer of the co-financing model for TV drama. "Now people are open to it. The climate has changed so tremendously, because budgets are limited, because networks and platforms need original programming, they want to program originals 12 months a year, and budgets are limited."

Read more: 'In Treatment' Creator Returns to HBO With Drama Based on Israeli Kidnappings

HBO's recent deal to team up with Israeli production group Keshet for a new Israeli drama series from In Treatment creator Hagai Levi and Noah Stollman, is an example of this. As is The Young Pope, a big-budget drama starring Jude Law and Diane Keaton, which HBO is bankrolling together with Canal Plus and Sky in the U.K. and which FremantleMedia is selling at Mipcom. NBCUniversal International Television Productions has a deal in place with RTL and TF1 to produce U.S.-style procedural series financed out of Europe, with the first projects expected to be announced in the coming months.

Read more: MIPCOM: Copyright Disputes Cast Shadow Over Reality TV Deals

Drama series are again expected to dominate the conversation, and the deals, at Mipcom this year. But reality and non-fiction TV hasn't gone away and there will be plenty of producers hustling down Cannes' Croisette trying to sell broadcasters on the next big show. Talpa, producers of The Voice, are pushing 5 Gold Rings, the first format they've developed together with ITV Studios since parent group ITV acquired Talpa last year in a deal valued at up to $1.17 billion. FremantleMedia, famous for American Idol and The X Factor, have Get The F*ck Out Of My House, a Dutch format in which complete strangers are packed into an average-sized suburban family home and have to try and outlast the rest to win the jackpot. There'll even be shiny-floor formats from the likes of China and India, which, following the pattern already established in Europe, are increasingly moving from buying U.S. shows to producing - and then exporting - their own.

"Licensing our formats can also be a bigger segment for us," says Sunita Uchil, Chief Business Officer, Global Syndication at India's Zee TV, which last year became the first Indian broadcaster to export a local reality show when it sold its popular Dance India Dance format to Thailand's JKN Global Media.

Legal issues, however, continue to hang over the reality TV business, where copyright disputes are worryingly common. One show that's drawn attention in this regard is Sing!China, an successful singing competition program from Star China, a group entangled in a legal battle with Talpa over alleged misuse of Talpa's The Voice format in China.

Copyright problems aside, as production costs for drama series continue to shoot up, low cost reality could see a rebound. While reality kings like Fremantle are investing heavily in drama - see their upcoming fantasy epic American Gods - fiction-centric eOne is heading the other way.

"The TV industry has always been cyclical," says Baxter of eOne, "and while I don't think we are in a (drama) bubble, other genres, including reality, will become popular again. We need to be in the non-scripted business in the factional, confident they will come back."

Just don't expect it to happen at Mipcom this year.

Read more: The 20 Most Powerful Women in Global Television 2016
CANNES, France  The ghost of Jack Bauer haunted the Palais des Festivals Grand Auditorium in Cannes on Monday evening as Kiefer Sutherland talked in a masterclass Q & A about his new fall series, Designated Survivor.

24 was a constant reference for Sutherland and for the audience, which created him with whoops of applause. But the crowd fell silent when Sutherland reflected on the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

This has been the most bizarre and unfortunate political election cycle that I have ever witnessed in my lifetime, and I still remember Watergate. It is so negative, so polarizing and polarized, Sutherland said.

In contrast, though it is make-believe, Designated Survivor has a point of view from left, center and right, Sutherland said, discussed factually, correctly, calmly, and intelligently  one of the reasons he agreed to do the show.

Bowing solidly on ABC on Sept. 21, then notching up TVs best-ever Live+7 ratings gain, Designated Survivor has Sutherland playing Tom Kirkland, an architect with no political aspirations, who becomes president of the United States as the only member of the cabinet to survive a terrorist catastrophe.

It wasnt until I actually started performing the character that I realized there was a real similarity to Jack Bauer, Sutherland told the audience in Cannes.

He went on: Their skill set is very different. President Tom Kirkland probably doesnt know how to load a gun, let alone shoot it. But both characters have a desire to serve, to take on a fight they know they cant possibly win.

Sutherland said he learned a lot from 24. Joel Surnow, the creator of 24, actually taught me something. The writers had all their offices on the second floor of the stage where we shot it. We never went up there and they never came down, Sutherland recalled. I once asked Joel: Why dont you ever come down and check on what were doing? He said: Because I hired the people I wanted to do what they are doing.

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24s real time aspect was the real star of that show, and also a flaw, Sutherland argued. We would paint ourselves into a corner in the storyline. Almost every year right around episode 14 to 15, wed have to do something wonky to get around that. Then we would make up for it in the last 8 episodes.

In contrast, Designated Survivor unspools on three levels, Sutherland said: the thriller aspect, as a family drama, and the political aspect of the story.

If at one point the political storyline is having difficulty, the show can shift back to being more of a family drama for two episodes and giving a reason for the political thing to take over. Same with the investigation of the bombing, Sutherland said. The fact that the three storylines are living within the show all at the same time gives the writers incredible flexibility also to react to what an audience is enjoying about the show.

Even critics who are negative can be constructive, said Sutherland, who told the story of a writer who penned a negative review of Season 6 of 24. Sutherland telephoned the man, who answered nervously, worried about a confrontation.

I said, Look, I agree with some points, and can we have a discussion about it? The two men did, and Sutherland went back to producer Howard Gordon. It really impacted how we moved forward with the show.

The actor credits 24 with reviving his career. Hes happy to be back on TV with Designated Survivor, which could consume the next 10 years of his life.

TV is the most exciting medium right now, Sutherland said, adding: Godfather, Lawrence of Arabia, Serpico, French Connection, Ordinary People, Terms of Endearment: Those movies arent really getting made the way they were. That drama, that kind of storytelling, has been absorbed by TV. For the writers who want to tell real drama, TV is where its at.

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CANNES, France  Studiocanal, Europes biggest film investor and one of the regions fastest-growing TV drama producers, has sold Midnight Sun, its flagship Mipcom series, to Germanys ZDF, Denmarks DR and Australias SBS.

Produced by Swedens SVT and Frances Canal Plus, Midnight Sun, one of the most anticipated series from continental Europe, has also clinched deals with TV operators in Norway (NRK), Finland (MTV3), Iceland (RUV), Israel (HOT), and Benelux, where rights are split between Belgiums VRT and film-TV production-distribution company Lumiere. SVT will be the first broadcaster to air Midnight Sun, starting Oct. 23. Frances Canal Plus will launch the drama-thriller under its Creation Originale label, later this year.

Studiocanal is in advanced negotiations to close additional sales in the coming months, said Katrina Neylon, Studiocanal EVP, sales and marketing.

The high-end murder mystery series has attracted major attention since its first two episodes bowed at Aprils Series Mania in Paris and shared the festivals Audience Award. It turns on a French police officer, Kahina Zadi (Leila Bekhti, A Prophet), who is dispatched from Paris to Kiruna, a small mining community in Arctic Sweden, to lead the investigation of the gruesome murder of a French citizen. She is aided by a local Swedish DA, Anders Harnesk (Gustaf Hammarsten, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo). As other bloody murders of townsfolk quickly mount up, the duo link them to rituals of the local Sami people.

Midnight Sun is Nordic Noir at its finest. This truly international series offers sweeping scenery, compelling storytelling and stunning performances, said Marshall Heald, SBS director of television and online content.

Produced by Frances Atlantique Productions and Swedens Nice Drama, Midnight Sun is written by The Bridge co-scribes Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein from an idea by Henrik Jansson-Schweizer and Patrick Nebout.

Midnight Suns early sales are to many of the companies which made Nordic Noir an international brand. The Bridge, for example, was produced by SVT and DR, co-produced by Germanys ZDF  which also co-produced Swedish serial killer thriller Modus and the upcoming Springtide. The Bridge was also acquired by Norways NRK.

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Of the first buyers confirmed on Midnight Sun, Israels HOT is a cable TV operator, Finlands MTV3 a Viacom-owned commercial TV network. Apart from that, however, the first buyers on the series are state-backed free-to-air broadcasters.

The dialog in Midnight Sun is in English, French, Swedish and Sami. The challenge for foreign-language series is no longer to sell abroad but rather to chalk up significant ratings on mainstream channels outside their country of origin. This is key for Vivendi, the owner of Studiocanal parent company Canal Plus Group, as it seeks to build a contents powerhouse across Europe.

On ZDF, Germanys second-largest state-backed network, Midnight Sun will be able to measure its ratings appeal in Germany against some high-profile past Nordic Noirs. Midnight Sun will be an absolute highlight in our 2017 schedule, said Susanne Mueller, ZDF executive director of feature films and international co-productions.

She called it a perfect fit for ZDFs Sunday late-night crime slot, where we air the finest European crime drama.

Playing off its ownership of, stakes in or backing of eight production companies in Europe, Studiocanals Mipcom slate also takes in three series from its network of Studiocanal companies: eight-part crime thriller Below the Surface, from Denmarks SAM Productions, run by the creators of Borgen and The Killing and the producer of A Royal Affair; procedural Paranoid, from Nicola Shindlers Manchester-based RED Production Company, made for ITV and Netflix; and Crazyhead, from Misfits creator Howard Overman, described as a Buffy-style demon slayer horror comedy, from Londons Urban Myth Films.

In the run-up to Mipcom, Studiocanal announced that Idris Elbas Green Door pictures will partner with Tandem Productions and Save Ferris Ent. on new Africa-set drama Brazza.

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CANNES, France  Speaking at TV conference Mipcom, Susanne Daniels, global head of original content at YouTube, said Monday that the creators of the platforms original shows were drawn from a far broader spectrum of society than those making content for traditional media companies.

Over the last 11 years we have seen a rich mosaic of creators emerge as diverse as the global community who watch videos on YouTube every month, she said. The website was now enabling some of these creators to make original shows for its subscription service, YouTube Red.

She cited romantic drama Single by 30, which was created by Philip Wang and Wesley Chan and which features a largely Asian American cast, and comedy Broke, which has been praised for its authentic African-American characters.

Early next year, Daniels said, YouTube Red will debut a feature-length documentary about transgender star Gigi Gorgeous, directed by two-time Oscar-winner Barbara Kopple. It will take a raw and revealing look into Gigis transition from male to female, bringing to light a deeper understanding on this important topic, she said.

Im really proud that YouTube Red is already the place where storytellers of all backgrounds have found a home, she said.

Daniels announced three new projects for YouTube Red to be delivered by Doug Liman, Dan Harmons Starburns Industries and Dwayne The Rock Johnson (see separate story).

Daniels was joined onstage for her Mipcom keynote address by Burnie Burns, co-founder and chief creative officer of Rooster Teeth, who has demonstrated just how important it is to build communities and tell stories around their interests, Daniels said. Rooster Teeth company has produced 45 series, three movies and seven podcasts.

Burns said the secret of his companys success was down to community and conversation.

We had to engage our audience not only to watch our content but also to invest in it as well, he said. We learned early on that talking at our audience was not enough. We knew we had to start a conversation, take them from being just viewers to making them fans and friends, and ultimately create an engaged community around which we could create our brand and then our business could succeed.

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I never saw either young man again. The cultural damage done by the current White House has  apparently  made courting Americas bishops unnecessary.

It was an interesting experience. Both men were obvious flacks for the Obama campaign and the Democratic Party  creatures of a political machine, not men of the Church; less concerned with Catholic teaching than with its influence. And presumably (for them), bishops were dumb enough to be used as tools, or at least prevented from helping the other side. Yet these two young men not only equaled but surpassed their Republican cousins in the talents of servile partisan hustling. Thanks to their work, and activists like them, American Catholics helped to elect an administration that has been the most stubbornly unfriendly to religious believers, institutions, concerns and liberty in generations.

Back in 2008, in the weeks leading up to the Obama-McCain presidential election, two young men visited me in Denver. They were from Catholics Unite d, a group describing itself as committed to social-justice issues. They voiced great concern at the manipulative skill of Catholic agents for the Republican Party. And they hoped my brother bishops and I would resist identifying the Church with single-issue and partisan (read: abortion) politics.

But bad can always get worse. Im thinking, of course, of the contemptuously anti-Catholic emails exchanged among members of the Clinton Democratic presidential campaign team and released this week by WikiLeaks. A sample: Sandy Newman, president of Voices for Progress, emailed John Podesta, now the head of Hillary Clintons campaign, to ask about whether the bishops opposing contraceptive coverage could be the tinder for a revolution. There needs to be a Catholic Spring, in which Catholics themselves demand the end of a middle ages [sic] dictatorship, Newman writes.

Of course, Newman added, This idea may just reveal my total lack of understanding of the Catholic Church, the economic power it can bring to bear against nuns and priests who count on it for their maintenance. Still, he wondered, how would one plant the seeds of a revolution? John Podesta replied, We created Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good to organize for a moment like this ... likewise Catholics United (emphasis added).

Another Clinton-related email, from John Halpin of the Center for American Progress, mocks Catholics in the so-called conservative movement, especially converts: They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy. In a follow-up, he adds, They can throw around Thomistic thought and subsidiarity and sound sophisticated because no one knows what ... theyre talking about.

On the evening these WikiLeaks emails were released, I received the following angry email myself, this one from a nationally respected (non-Catholic) attorney experienced in church-state affairs:

I was deeply offended by the [Clinton team] emails, which are some of the worst bigotry by a political machine I have seen. [A] church has an absolute right to protect itself when under attack as a faith and church by civil political forces. That certainly applies here. ...

Over the last eight years, there has been strong evidence that the current administration, with which these people share values, has been very hostile to religious organizations. Now there is clear proof that this approach is deliberate and will accelerate if these actors have any continuing, let alone louder, say in government.

These bigots are actively strategizing how to shape Catholicism not to be Catholic or consistent with Jesus teachings, but to be the religion they want. They are, at the very core, trying to turn religion to their secular view of right and wrong consistent with their politics. This is fundamentally why the Founders left England and demanded that government not have any voice in religion. Look where we are now. We have political actors trying to orchestrate a coup to destroy Catholic values, and they even analogize their takeover to a coup in the Middle East, which amplifies their bigotry and hatred of the Church. I had hoped I would never see this day  a day like so many dark days in Eastern Europe that led to the death of my [Protestant minister] great-grandfather at the hands of communists who also hated and wanted to destroy religion.

Of course it would be wonderful for the Clinton campaign to repudiate the content of these ugly WikiLeaks emails. All of us backward-thinking Catholics who actually believe what Scripture and the Church teach would be so very grateful. [never happen - Clintons dont have to apologize, etc.]

In the meantime, a friend describes the choice facing voters in November this way: a vulgar, boorish lout and disrespecter of women, with a serious impulse-control problem; or a scheming, robotic liar with a lifelong appetite for power and an entourage riddled with anti-Catholic bigots. [and anti-evangelical bigots]

In a nation where choice is now the unofficial state religion, the menu for dinner is remarkably small.

Archbishop Charles Chaput is the archbishop of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. First published on the Philadelphia Archdiocese website.
Athens (AFP) - A UK police team probing the more than two-decade old disappearance of a British toddler on the Greek island of Kos said Monday the boy was likely killed in an accident.

However, investigators have not found the body of Ben Needham -- who was 21 months old when he vanished near a farmhouse where his family was staying in July 1991 -- and they said the investigation is continuing.

"They know he's dead but just can't find him," Needham's mother Kerry told the Daily Mirror at the site, adding that she felt "physically sick" at the news.

"I'd tear up the whole island to find him. I can't say goodbye until I know where he is," she said, clinging to her parents Christine and Eddie for support.

Detective Inspector Jon Cousins of the South Yorkshire Police had earlier told reporters on Kos: "It is my professional belief that Ben Needham died as a result of an accident near to the farmhouse in Iraklis where he was last seen playing."

"My team and I know that machinery, including a large digger, was used to clear an area of land on 24 July 1991, behind the farmhouse that was being renovated by the Needhams," Cousins said.

- 'Please let me say goodbye' -

The British team, supported by Greek police and Red Cross volunteers, last month began a new search outside the Kos farmhouse where Ben, who was from the northern English city of Sheffield, went missing.

"An item found on Saturday, which I have shown personally to some of Ben's family, was found in one of the targeted areas at the second site, very close to a dated item from 1991," Cousins said.

"It is our initial understanding that this item was in Ben's possession around the time he went missing," he said.

"We remain committed to the investigation and it will not simply close," he added.

The search was rekindled earlier this year after an alleged witness said the digger's driver, Constantinos Barkas, may have been responsible for Ben's death.

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Barkas died of cancer last year. His family insist he was not involved in the case, though Kerry Needham insists he knew what happened to her son.

"Of course he knew. I hope he's burning in hell," she said Monday.

In past years there have been suspected sightings of young men believed to resemble Ben in Greece and Cyprus, but DNA tests have come back negative.

"Somebody knows where he is. Somebody else put him there and I can't say goodbye until I know exactly where he is," Kerry Needham said.

"Please let me say goodbye to my son. I can't leave him there on that island. I need to find him."

She added: "I need to take him somewhere he can be at peace and I can be at peace and grieve for him, and somewhere I can remember him."
A community of California moms have come together to donate breast milk to a 4-month-old girl whose police officer mother was killed in the line of duty shortly after returning to the force from maternity leave.

Read: Mother of Stillborn Son Donates 16 Gallons of Breast Milk: 'It Gave Me A Purpose'

Officer Lesley Zerebny, 27, of the Palm Springs Police Department, was killed in the line of duty earlier this month after responding to a domestic disturbance call that resulted in gunfire.

She is survived by her husband, Zachary, and their 4-month-old daughter, Cora.

Zerebny was still breastfeeding her baby at the time of her death.

New mothers in the area immediately responded to support the infant by donating their own breast milk to the grieving family.

Within a day, the family received 500 ounces of breastmilk  approximately enough to last more than a month.

Within a week, the family received enough breastmilk to last them a year.

"A friend sent me these pictures today of coolers filled with donated breast milk and told me about a remarkable effort that has taken place over the last couple days," KTVU reporter Claudine Wong wrote on Facebook.

Read: Lawmaker Addresses Parliament While Breastfeeding: 'You've Got to Do What You've Got to Do'

According to Deputy Mike Vasquez of the Riverside Sheriff's Office, who has since taken over the case, "[The family is] so overwhelmed and so grateful for all the people that considered helping them in that way. They're extremely thankful for the outpouring of support they received."

The Palm Springs Police Department announced on Facebook they have since stopped accepting breast milk donations for baby Cora but instead have asked mothers to donate to local milk banks in Zerebny's name.

A memorial will be held Tuesday for Zerebny and colleague Officer Jose "Gil" Vega, who was killed alongside Zerebny.

Story continues

Read: 10 Cops Escort 7-Year-Old to 'Father-Son Breakfast' After His Dad Was Murdered

Officers Zerebny and Vega were joined by two other officers when they responded to a family disturbance earlier this month, according to a police press statement. Gunfire was exchanged and three officers were injured. Zerebny and Vega succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, while the other officer is recovering from non-life threatening injuries.

A suspect, later identified as John Felix, 25, of Palm Springs has been charged on two counts of murder on a peace officer.

A donation page has since been set up for the surviving family members of Zerebny and Vega.

Watch: Newborn Smiles as She's Placed in Late-Father's Gloves: 'He Will Always Be With Us'

Related Articles:
On Oct 17, 2016, we issued an updated research report on MoneyGram International Inc. MGI.

This internationally renowned payment processor remains focused on remaining digitally updated. It has made substantial investments in digital/self service solutions like moneygram.com, mobile solutions, account deposit and kiosk-based services, which have not only boosted its revenues but also contributed to the diversification of its product lines.

The company has put in efforts to expand its digital footprint across the world.In fact, the company has substantial presence in markets with high growth potential like Latin America, Russia, the Asia Pacific, Africa, Western and Eastern Europe. MoneyGram has also expanded its presence to several unexplored and underdeveloped global markets, such as the Middle East, South America, Vietnam and Myanmar. Business moves like introduction of MGiAlloy, account deposit services in China and M-PESA wallets in Kenya deserve special mention.

The company also engages in strategic mergers, acquisitions, and spin-offs to bolster inorganic growth. The recent merger with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT

is a notable business tactic in this regard. The company boasts a wide agent network as well by virtue of its partnership with several post offices, numerous national banks and stores globally.

However, MoneyGrams operating revenues are exposed to global instability. In addition, increased commission, operating expenses, foreign exchange volatility as well as compliance spending exert pressure on operating margins. Economic and geopolitical issues in Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Angola, which used to strong markets for Moneygram, are now adversely affecting the companys operations. As a result, the company has been incurring significant losses from these regions.

We note that MoneyGram delivered positive earnings surprise in each of the last four quarters with an average beat of 15.31%. Regular implementation of advanced technologies has facilitated the company in positioning its brand well among other industry leaders like Western Union Company WU, Euronet Worldwide, Inc. EEFT, to name a few.

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Moneygram is scheduled to release third-quarter earnings before the market opens on Oct 28 and the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 15 cents. However, our proven model cannot conclusively say if the company will beat or miss earnings. This is because though Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) increases the predictive power of a beat, when combined with ESP of 0.00% makes prediction difficult. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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By Aleksandar Vasovic PODGORICA (Reuters) - Montenegro's Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic emerged weakened on Monday from an election he had cast as a choice between NATO membership or subjugation to Russia. Djukanovic, who has led the small Balkan state for a quarter of a century, faced an uphill task to assemble a coalition after a partial vote count suggested his Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) would win 36 seats, five short of a majority in the 81-seat parliament. Opposition parties appeared determined to form a rival coalition to eject Djukanovic, accusing him of treating the tiny country of 620,000 as a personal fiefdom where corruption and organized crime flourish. The former Yugoslav republic is in the process of joining NATO, to the annoyance of Russia, which wants to retain influence in the Balkans and stop Montenegro and neighboring Serbia from escaping its orbit by joining the European Union. Despite its small size, Montenegro's Adriatic coastline gives it potential strategic importance and is a powerful draw for Russian tourists. Ubiquitous Russian-language billboards advertise new luxury properties for sale. In a midnight address to supporters, Djukanovic said he would seek a coalition with the small Social Democracy party as well as statutory representatives of the Bosniak, Croat and Albanian ethnic minorities, which would give him a slender majority. But opposition parties were reluctant to contemplate entering a deal with the man who had accused many of them of taking Russian funding in order to scupper his plans for NATO membership. "The DPS has been defeated and we will now see whether it will succeed in using its alchemy to deliver a winning result," said Miodrag Lekic, leader of the opposition Kljuc ("The Key") alliance, which was on course for nine seats. Djukanovic portrayed Sunday's vote as a choice between peace, prosperity, deeper European integration and NATO membership under his leadership, and being reduced to a "Russian colony" under opposition parties, even though many also support joining NATO. Many say the choice between NATO and Montenegro's traditional Russian and Serbian allies is artificial for a country whose economy has grown strongly on the back of Russian, Chinese and Italian investment in mining, energy and tourism. "Corruption is like a cancer eating Montenegro inside, and that is why Djukanovic is about to win again," said Andrija Djukic, 23, a student. "This was entirely unrelated to Russia or anything else." The Democratic Front, another opposition alliance, looked set to win 18 seats. Together, the opposition and ethnic minority representatives also looked potentially capable of cobbling together a fragile majority. The election was marred by the threat of violence. Authorities placed in investigative detention 20 Serb citizens who were arrested as they entered the country in the early hours of Sunday morning on suspicion of plotting armed election night attacks. Six were released on Monday morning. (Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic, writing by Thomas Escritt; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Two cities, two battles, one question: Will Aleppo and Mosul be turning points in the vicious war that has consumed Syria and much of western Iraq? Militarily, yes. Politically, no. The fall of these cities would merely mark the transition from one phase of this sorry conflict to another.

In Aleppo, the Bashar al-Assad regime, backed by Russian airpower and Iranian-sponsored ground forces, have relentlessly and indiscriminately pounded the rebel-held eastern districts of Syrias second city.

While some rebel factions in Aleppo are hard-line Islamists, the city is one of the last bases for what remains of the supposedly more moderate rebel factions originally supported by the West. As things stand, the regime looks likely to take the city in due course, having inflicted horrific levels of civilian casualties in the process.

Militarily, the fall of Aleppo could be a turning point. It would allow the Assad regime to move toward closing off a corridor connecting the city with Latakia and Idlib, which would mean the end of the rebellions existence as a movement in control of significant territory in northwest Syria.

That said, even if the Assad regime were to retake the northwest, the bitter grievances that have animated the rebellion by the mostly Sunni elements of the population there wont evaporate overnight. The regime would have to pacify the area in an unforgiving counter-insurgency campaign for years to come.

One variable is whether Hillary Clinton is elected the next U.S. president and carries out her plan to impose a no-fly zone over parts of northern Syria to provide a sanctuary to civilians fleeing the violence, and to pressure the regime to enter a negotiated settlement. But if that sounds attractive, remember that absent the presence of U.S. ground forces to patrol the area, a no-fly zone would in all likelihood provide a sanctuary for the very hard-line jihadi groups that present a terrorist threat to the West. The U.S. public has no appetite for such a long-term ground presence, especially not to shoulder the burden of a humanitarian disaster created by Assad, Moscow, and Tehran.

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One way out of this fix is for the United States to allow Turkey a greater role in northern Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seems to see the fight against the Islamic State as an opportunity to establish a long-term Turkish-patrolled buffer zone inside Syria that would become a demilitarized zone, but could also allow Turkey to fend off the advances of the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), Syrias Kurdish separatists. This would bring its own problems for the United States, not least resentment from the Kurdish forces upon whom the western coalition relies to fight the Islamic State in northeast Syria, but whose territorial ambitions Turkey has always opposed. But a Turkey-administered buffer zone may nonetheless end up emerging as the most realistic option for winding down active hostilities in northern Syria.

Three hundred fifty miles east of Aleppo, Iraqi forces, supported by U.S. airpower and special forces, are massing for their long-awaited offensive on Mosul due to start in the coming days. The Islamic State has held the city since June 2014. Mosul will probably fall  it does not make military sense for the Islamic State to invest major resources in a battle of attrition to hold the city when they can trade space for time, conserve forces, and counter-attack later.

The fall of Mosul, the largest Islamic State stronghold in Iraq, would signal the beginning of the end of the Islamic State as a territory holding force in the country. It is the culmination of a relatively successful phase of coalition military operations in Iraq over the summer, which have gradually pushed the Islamic State farther and farther up the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, back toward Syria.

But as in Aleppo, the fall of Mosul would not signal the end of the conflict in the area, since nobody has yet worked out the politics of pacification.

For a start, while Baghdad has banned Shiite militias from taking part in the offensive in the ethnically diverse city, rightly fearing ethnic cleansing of Sunni and Kurdish residents, there are no guarantees that they wont enter the city after it is cleared of the Islamic State by regular troops, and spark a new round of sectarian conflict.

This is not a problem confined to Mosul. It affects wide swaths of western Iraq, where the mainly Sunni population will fear that with the Islamic State gone, the Shiite-dominated government in Baghdad will resume the predatory behavior toward them that fueled resentment and enabled the Islamic State to take Sunni areas with so little resistance in the first place.

Then there are the Iraqi Kurds. Even while the Islamic State has provided a common enemy for the Kurds and the mainly Shiite Iraqi forces, there have already been frequent skirmishes between Kurdish forces and Shiite militia in areas cleared of Islamic State fighters, and tense standoffs between Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi national forces around Kirkuk.

Finally, theres the Turkish military presence in Iraq around Mosul, which is near the Turkish border. This week, Erdogan ordered those forces to stay in place, in ominous defiance of a demand by the Iraqi government that they vacate Iraqi sovereign territory. As in Syria, Erdogan seems to want to establish a buffer zone to fight Kurdish separatists operating from Iraq, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). (Though it should be noted that Ankara has a relatively good working relationship with the Kurdish Regional Government based in Erbil.)

Where does this leave the state of the conflict that spans Syria and Iraq? One trend is that while the Islamic State, and other Sunni jihadi groups, are gradually losing ground to largely Shiite ground forces in Syria backed by Russian airpower, and largely Shiite ground forces in Iraq backed by U.S. airpower, the grievances of the Sunni populations against their government in both states may well lead to longer-term, but lower-intensity insurgencies. There is also a serious risk of Iran-sponsored Shiite militia engaging in ethnic cleansing in both cases, which will provoke more flows of refuges and fuel further sectarian conflict.

Another trend is the collapse of high-level efforts to reach a peace agreement. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has been nothing if not valiant in his tireless efforts to broker a deal, but his efforts have failed.

This should not surprise us. The nature of the conflict in Syria and Iraq is networked, fragmented, and multiplayer. Its kaleidoscopic dynamics do not fit the conventional paradigm of the two-way peace deal that ends a two-way war. Networked conflicts cannot easily be ended in one diplomatic move, because there is not one polarized relationship at its heart, but several cross-cutting, multilateral relationships between the various players, who each fight for themselves, not as part of one of two sides.

A better way of thinking about the end of such conflicts is in terms of how individual bilateral relationships within the web of conflict can evolve and settle down, whether through political deals, or de facto configurations of power that harden over time into accepted political realities. In the short term, the key players to watch are the various Kurdish factions, and their relationships with the Turkish government on the one hand, and the Iraqi government on the other. The Syrian Kurds already hold a sizable portion of territory in the northeast of the country, and the Iraqi Kurds have pushed into Kirkuk in northern Iraq and will squabble with Baghdad over control of Mosul.

As the Islamic State is pushed back, the basic political question in the next phase of the conflict will be the political fate of the Kurds in Syria and Iraq. If this is mishandled, we could see a new round of fighting between the Syrian Kurds and Ankara, and the Iraqi Kurds and Baghdad. If a deal can be reached in both cases, Kurdish-controlled areas, whether cantons in a federal structure, or new states, could start to stabilize at least one part of the conflict.

This is the complex problem that U.S. diplomats should be focusing on if they want to make a difference in the near term. Peace, if it arrives, will arrive from the bottom up, piece by piece, rather than through ambitious  but ultimately futile  attempts to impose top-down comprehensive peace deals.

Trying to predict the long-term outcome of conflicts of the sort that have engulfed Iraq and Syria is a fools game. While the conflicts in Syria and Iraq have dragged on for years, the complex religious wars in Europe they resemble lasted more than a century. Although the fall of Mosul and Aleppo would mark the boundary between one military phase of the conflict and another, the underlying politics of the conflict are still in a mess. Until theres progress from the bottom up, dont expect this war to end.
Its just over 300 miles from the Iraqi city of Mosul to the Syrian city of Aleppo. Theyre less than an hour apart by F-16 warplane. Yet the distance, if measured in acts by the civilized world to save each towns beleaguered civilians, might as well be measured in light years. The reason, bluntly put, is simple bad luck, leavened with realpolitik.

The Iraqi military, backed by Kurdish and U.S. allies, launched on Monday its long-awaited offensive to take back Mosul from the ISIS militants who have occupied it for more than two years. Alarms quickly sounded about the fate of the 1 million civilians in Iraqs second-largest city. Those who try to flee will be forced to navigate a city covered with booby traps, snipers and hidden landmines, warned Aram Shakaram, an official with the non-profit group Save the Children based in Iraq. Without immediate action to ensure people can flee safely, we are likely to see bloodshed of civilians on a massive scale.

Yet for four years, the residents of Aleppo, Syrias largest city, have also been subject to bloodshed on a massive scale. The air force of Syrian President Bashar Assad, joined in recent months by Russian airpower under the command of Vladimir Putin, have routinely bombed civilian neighborhoods in Aleppo. While the world has protested, and non-governmental groups have struggled to save lives, the worlds militaries have sat on their hands as the slaughter has unfolded. The Syrian civil war has killed 400,000, and driven 8 million from their homes, half of whom have left the country.

Russia announced Monday that it would suspend air strikes in the rebel-held eastern part of the city for eight hours Thursday after such an attack killed 10 children.

It was a bizarre juxtaposition Monday afternoon: the Pentagon explaining how it would try to ease the humanitarian crisis in Mosul while death rained down on innocent kids just to the west. We do have concerns about the humanitarian situation that would follow the military operations, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook told reporters about Mosul. There are plenty of people in the United States government who are tracking this and working very closely with the international community to address the very serious concerns here.

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Some lawmakers didnt think much of Moscows bombing moratorium. Russias announcement of a humanitarian pause to its war crimes in Aleppo gives new meaning to the term Orwellian, Sen. John McCain, the Arizona Republican who chairs the armed services committee. Russian and Syrian aircraft are using every kind of bomb in their arsenalsincendiary bombs, thermobaric bombs, barrel bombs, and moreto kill civilians in Aleppo.

Much of the difference is due to bad fortune. ISISs taking of Mosul in June 2014 was a direct punch to the U.S., which had invaded Iraq in 2003 and spent $25 billion rebuilding a second Iraqi army after it cashiered the first one shortly after occupying the country. Leaving northern Iraq in the hands of jihadists would make clear to the world that the U.S. invasion had been a waste of 4,500 American lives. Even a Democrat like President Obama, who opposed the war launched by his Republican predecessor, George W. Bush, couldnt tolerate such an outcome.

Aleppo, in contrast, is a Syrian problem between Assad and the dozens of rebel groups seeking to topple him. In global affairs, there is always a greater reluctance to intervene in another states internal strife. Its an easier call when outsiderslike ISIS seizing Mosul in 2014, or Saddam Hussein seizing Kuwait in 1990seek to redraw international boundaries by force. Internecine fightsKorea, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, Iraq 2.0 and Afghanistan come to mindare always messy and hard for outsiders to manage, never mind impose an outcome.

In some cases, theres also a greater willingness by organized states to take on non-state actors like the Islamic State. Diplomats and military officers of any nationality thrive in bureaucracies, and tend to be conservative when it comes to upsetting the status quo. Organized states tend to have alliesSyria boasts Russia and Iran, for examplewhich makes taking them on more complicated than attacking a self-declared pop-up caliphate.
Washington (AFP) - The battle for Mosul is a chance for President Barack Obama to claim an election-year victory over the Islamic State group in Iraq and offset failures in Syria.

Ask the White House about the slow motion catastrophe in Syria and, more likely than not, officials will talk about the different -- if related -- problem of the Islamic State group.

With the battle to retake Mosul kicking off Monday, the Obama administration now really has something to talk about.

US efforts to stop the Syrian-Russian bombing of civilians in Aleppo have come to nothing, another black mark against Obama's vexed policies in the Middle East.

Libya is in chaos, Egypt is run by the military, while Yemen offers ever-more bloodshed and embarrassment. And Obama's refusal to intervene in Syria's war, which has already killed 300,000 people, will likely have repercussions for generations to come.

But from Aleppo, head 375 miles (600 kilometers) east across the Syrian-Iraqi border, and there is better news.

After two years and some 5,634 strikes against the Islamic State group, Mosul, the jihadists' last major redoubt in Iraq is in the crosshairs of a ground campaign.

Retaking Iraq's second largest city is unlikely to be quick. But it would be a major victory over the Islamic State group in its own right, and would help Obama greatly.

- Obama's struggle -

The bitter 2016 US presidential election campaign has taken place against a backdrop of jihadist-inspired attacks from Paris to San Bernardino, California.

Polls show Americans are more concerned about terrorism today than at any time since the aftermath of 9/11.

In a TIME/SurveyMonkey poll of 5,478 voters released this month, 58 percent said terrorism and national security should be among the top three priorities for the next president.

Donald Trump, the Republican who wants the job, has gained electoral traction with a simple -- if functionally questionable -- pledge to "bomb the shit out of ISIS."

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He has repeatedly accused Obama and his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton of "founding" the IS group -- of withdrawing US troops from Iraq too quickly and creating a vacuum that allowed the extremists to thrive.

The Islamic State group's rapid retreat from towns like Jarabulus and Raqa is likely to fuel questions about why the jihadists were not confronted with more military strength on the ground sooner.

Meanwhile, Obama has at times struggled to find Trump's levels of clarity.

He has tried to show the myriad of actions his administration has taken to counter IS -- from diplomacy to special ops -- while at the same time trying not to overstate their strength and importance.

Privately, aides argue the group is far from an existential threat to the United States, and can only be successful if Americans respond by weakening their own values and institutions.

- Ending the endless war -

For much of his eight years in office, the 44th president has also tried and failed to fulfill a campaign promise to draw US troops out of Iraq.

The main obstacle has been the inability of leaders in Baghdad to extend their writ to the whole country -- by force or by politics deft enough to bring together rival sectarian and tribal groups.

The White House will be hoping the Mosul offensive can shore up Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, even as opponents oust key ministerial allies from his cabinet.

In the run-up to the long-anticipated Mosul operation, the White House has put the onus firmly on Abadi, refusing to even confirm the offensive until the Iraqi prime minister had done so.

The clear message from Washington has been that -- despite the pivotal role of US intelligence, air support and strategic guidance -- Abadi is in charge.

"The Iraqi central government is the one that's calling the shots. And they should, it's their country. They're a sovereign nation," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

Earnest rejecting accusations that the timing of the offensive was not motivated by the US election: "He's not gonna be distracted by the American political calendar."

Political or not, the White House hopes a victory will give a boost to the Iraqi army after the humiliation of losing Mosul two years ago.

Managing competing interests of Kurds, Turks and Arabs, Sunni and Shia will be a proving ground for the much harder task of taking the Islamic State "capital" at Raqa.

Ultimately, strengthening the Iraqi state could be the key to Obama belatedly keeping his promise to withdraw from Iraq and degrade and destroy groups like the Islamic State.
SAO PAULO, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Morgan Stanley, which recently rose to become Brazil's No. 2 broker by trading volume, has hired Nilton David as a managing director to head trading desk activities in the country, two people with knowledge of the matter said on Monday.

The people, who asked for anonymity because the decision has not been made public, said David's appointment had been announced to employees in an internal memo. David is joining Morgan Stanley from Canvas Capital, a Sao Paulo-based hedge fund where he was a partner.

A public relations executive working for Morgan Stanley's unit in Sao Paulo confirmed the appointment but declined to comment further.

David's hiring comes about a month after Bernardo Zerbini left as the head of Morgan Stanley's trading desk for Latin America, one of the people said. David also previously worked at Citigroup Inc, heading the foreign exchange volatility desk in the bank's global emerging markets division.

Morgan Stanley's Brazilian brokerage was second only to UBS AG in terms of trading volumes in the first nine months of the year, according to brokers, with a market share of about 11 percent.

(Reporting by Guillermo Parra-Bernal; Editing by Tom Brown)
Governing.com reports on an initiative on Colorado's general election ballot that would legalize physician-assisted suicide. Polling in the state indicates 70 percent support the effort, while 22 percent oppose and 8 percent are undecided. In the state legislature, Democrats generally support the effort while Republicans oppose it.

The decades-old "pro-choice" movement appears to be evolving into an organization that not only embraces premeditated death for unborn children, but physician-assisted, self-inflicted death for those who seek it for themselves.

"My life. My decision." How effective they are in conveying that message will be tested on November 8th in Colorado.
The Mumbai Film Festival has scrapped its planned screenings of Day Shall Dawn (aka Jago Hua Savera,) a 1958 Pakistan-made movie that it had previously selected and announced in its retrospectives section.

Given the current situation, the JIO MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star has decided not to programme Jago Hua Savera as part of the Restored Classics Section, the festival said in a brief statement circulated to Indian media and emailed to Variety.

The announcement was not posted on MAMIs festival website, and the website was quickly edited to remove any reference to Jago Hua Savera.

The decision appears to be a reflection of the social and political tensions between India and Pakistan since a border incident a few weeks ago. As a reaction to the military skirmish the powerful Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) called on its members to stop working with Pakistani talent and technicians until the current political tensions ease.

Separately, political party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena called for all Pakistani artistes to leave India and that their films be banned.

On Saturday, a non government organization called the Sangharsh Foundation filed a police complaint against the festival for its proposed screening of Day Shall Dawn.

The release of several current Indian films is now in doubt as a result of the unofficial ban and the growing social tension. One of the highest profile of those, Karan Johars Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, has a censors release but the Cinema Exhibitors Association is trying to block it because one of its stars is Pakistani.

Day Shall Dawn, directed by AJ Kardar, is a black and white drama about the everyday life of fishermen in East Bengal (now Bangladesh), and was considered an early example of experimental film making in Pakistan.

The film was recently digitally restored and screened this year in the Cannes Classics section of the Cannes Film Festival. It has subsequently had screenings in London and Edinburgh.

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U.K. newspaper The Guardian recently wrote: Curated sensitively, screenings of Day Shall Dawn could foster dialogue between pluralist, progressive forces within the [Pakistan and Bangladesh]. In another twist, the films production was a rare example of India-Pakistan collaboration.

Related stories

Viacom18 Takes India Format Rights to 'Rising Star' From Keshet

Mumbai Festival to Honor China's Jia Zhangke, India's Sai Paranjpye

Indian Producers Seek Ban on Pakistani Talent in Political Fallout
Navient Corporation NAVI is scheduled to report third-quarter 2016 results on Oct 18.



The Wilmington, DE-based loan management, servicing and asset recovery companys second-quarter 2016 core earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate and improved year over year as well. Results were aided by lower provision for credit losses and improved delinquencies. On the down side, the quarter recorded reduced net interest income and non-interest income as well as higher expenses.



However, our quantitative model doesnt call for an earnings beat this time around. Here is why:



A stock needs to have the right combination of the two key criteria  a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or at least #2 (Buy) or #3 (Hold)  for increasing chances of an earnings beat. Unfortunately, this is not the case here, as elaborated below.



Zacks ESP: The Earnings ESP for Navient is 0.00%. This is because both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate stand at 47 cents.



Zacks Rank: Navients Zacks Rank #3 increases the predictive power of ESP. However, we also need to have a positive ESP to be confident of an earnings surprise call.

NAVIENT CORP Price and EPS Surprise

NAVIENT CORP Price and EPS Surprise | NAVIENT CORP Quote

Factors to Influence Q3 Results



Benefit from continued new acquisitions of student loans: The student loans market has turned into one of the biggest consumer debt markets of the nation. Though conditions in the financial markets have been challenging lately, Navients consistent efforts to acquire student loan portfolios, both Federally Guaranteed Student Loans (FFELP) as well as Private Education Loans, should lend some support to quarterly results.



Growth in asset recovery revenues: The companys efforts to grow asset recovery revenues, with focus beyond student loan platforms, should support revenues at its business services segment. The company is likely to continue benefiting from its previous acquisitions of asset recovery and business process outsourcing firms.



However, asset recovery revenues continue to be threatened by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. The act, which became effective in Jul 2014, called for lowering the fees payable to guaranty agencies for recovering defaulted FFELP loans.



Cost-control efforts: Overall expenses should remain stable. Further, the companys several ongoing initiatives to improve efficiency should ease expense burden.



Legal and regulatory headwinds persist: The U.S. student loan industry is currently under heightened regulatory scrutiny over alleged anti-consumer practices. Navient, which services over $300 billion in student loans for more than 12 million customers, is under regulatory claims and litigation burden owing to its practices in handling loans. Hence, the quarter might reflect higher related legal reserves.



Navients activities during the quarter were inadequate to win analysts confidence. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter remained stable at 47 cents per share over the last seven days.



Stocks That Warrant a Look



Here are some stocks worth considering, as they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.



BlackRock, Inc. BLK has an Earnings ESP of +0.20% and carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company is slated to release results on Oct 18. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Raymond James Financial, Inc. RJF has an Earnings ESP of +2.04% and carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company is slated to release results on Oct 26.



Lazard Ltd. LAZ has an Earnings ESP of +3.90% and carries a Zacks Rank #2. It is scheduled to report results on Oct 27.



Confidential from Zacks



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The futuristic stealth destroyer that the Navy commissioned last weekend is packed to the gills with firepower.

Related: The Real Captain Kirk Takes Command of the Navys New Billion Destroyer

The USS Zumwalt has a gun system that can unleash 600 projectiles at targets 70 miles away and has the ability to launch cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles and anti-submarine rockets, according to Navy Times.

Built at a cost of at least $4.4 billion, the ship has dramatic, angular lines designed to cut quietly through the seas, making it tougher to detect, track and attack, NavyTimes says.

The warship, at over 600 feet long the largest destroyer ever built, can be operated by about half as many officers and sailors as other destroyers. It generates 78 megawatts of power, enough to keep the lights on in a medium-to-small city, according to the Navy.

The size of the ship allows for a flight deck that can accommodate F-35 fighters and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

Related: The Navys New $362 Million Ship Needs a Tow to Get Home

The Zumwalt is named for Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, a much decorated veteran of the Vietnam War who served as Chief of Naval Operations under President Richard Nixon.

The ship was built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Netflix said that for the time being, it will not seek to launch its streaming subscription service in China, citing a challenging regulatory environment in entering the worlds most populous nation.

The company announced the change of strategy as part of releasing third-quarter 2016 earnings. Instead of operating its own service, Netflix said in the near term it plans to license content to existing online service providers in China; revenue from those licensing deals is expected to be modest.

We still have a long-term desire to serve the Chinese people directly, and hope to launch our service in China eventually, the company said.

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, at the New Yorkers TechFest 2016 event earlier this month, said the chances of its entry into the Chinese market doesnt look good.

Were focused on the rest of the world, Hastings said at the event. He said both Disney and Apple, who have a strong track record in the country, had their movie services shuttered by Chinese authorities.

In August, a top exec for Chinese video and technology group LeEco said it was in talks for a significant deal with Netflix. However, Variety reported citing sources close to LeEco, the deal is likely to see Netflix-owned shows playing on Le Ecos video-streaming platform in the U.S.

Netflix has been eyeing entry into China, but has said that a Chinese service may require it to censor some content in order to comply with local regulations. The company launched in some 130 additional countries earlier this year, to have a presence in about 190 worldwide, but had previously cautioned investors that a Chinese iteration of the service would likely take several years to materialize.

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Relativity Media is struggling to pay its bills and facing a possible liquidation sale, just six months after the company exited bankruptcy. So do the lawyers and other advisers, who made the studios reorganization sound like a sure-fire success, stand to suffer any reduction in the more than $19 million they are still owed in the case?

Not likely, if its up to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York. An expert in compensation for bankruptcy professionals said the Manhattan court gets a huge share of Americas big Chapter 11 cases in large part because judges there do little, if anything, to rein in gigantic legal bills.

If the dozens of lawyers and financial advisers who steered Relativitys reorganization take any hit to their fees it will be for another reason: The special fund set aside by Relativity to pay professionals in the case has shrunk to $8 million, said an individual close to the case. Claims in the case totaled more than $47 million, and $19 million of those fees had not been paid as of the last public accounting, court records show.

Judge Michael Wiles, who presided over the Relativity bankruptcy, signed an order last week giving professionals in the case until this Friday to submit fee applications. To date, no formal objections to the fees have been filed. A hearing on the issue has been set for Nov. 3.

With some partners billing at up to $1,200 an hour, costs in the nine-month-long case mounted quickly. The biggest totals came from the two firms that led representation of Relativity, the multi-media company founded by Ryan Kavanaugh. Jones Day billed more than $11.9 million in fees and expenses, and Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton charged more than $6.1 million. The firm representing Relativity CEO Kavanaugh  Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom  has submitted bills for $4.9 million in fees and expenses.

Richard Wynne, Days lead lawyer in the case, did not return a request for comment. Craig A. Wolfe, of Sheppard Mullin, said he believes the fee issue can be resolved at next months hearing. He declined to comment on the shortage of funds to pay professional claims in the case.

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The quick swoon by Relativity, after an April emergence from Chapter 11, creates a rare situation where a companys reorganization appears to be coming unglued even before the legal bills for the do-over have been paid.

In the U.S. bankruptcy court system, a high percentage of cases are directed toward courts in Delaware and New York. Those jurisdictions are favored because the courts do little to reduce professionals fees, said Lynn LoPucki, a UCLA law professor who conducted a comprehensive review of fee payments.

Judges in Dallas, Philadelphia, and other locations who attempted to control charges suffered a backlash. They lost the professional recommendations from members of the bankruptcy bar that are crucial in winning reappointment to the bench, LoPucki said. Evidence also shows that bankruptcy lawyers pushed to keep cases out of jurisdictions where their fees might be questioned, the UCLA expert said.

If a judge tries to get some control, future cases will just go somewhere else, said LoPucki. Its a market for something that shouldnt be a market.

The bankruptcy system assigns a public bureaucracy  the Office of U.S. Trustee  to oversee some bankruptcy cases. Lawyers from the Office of the U.S. Trustee were appointed in the Relativity case. The lawyers pushing the case through Judge Wiles court also agreed to the appointment of a fee examiner to make sure that professional fees did not spiral out of control.

Even though such a review is not required, attorneys in the case asked for a fee examiner to be sure that all charges are completely vetted, said Wolfe, of Sheppard Mullin.

But neither the U.S. Trustee nor fee examiners typically slash meaningful amounts from bankruptcy charges, according to LoPucki. A review of fee-examiner cases actually showed total charges were higher than in cases where fee examiners were not appointed. The UCLA professor called the fee examiner the man who puts the lipstick on the pig.

A primary goal of Chapter 11 reorganizations is to avoid allowing companies to return to business, only to see them fall into financial insolvency again. Lawyers in the Relativity case persuaded Judge Wiles that the reorganization was not likely to be followed by the liquidation, or the need for further financial reorganization. That imperative appears broken in the Relativity case, with the company now putting itself up for sale.

But the future success of a bankruptcy reorganization plan is not one of the criteria judges use to assess whether lawyers should get the money they demand. There is an incentive for everybody to approve these plans and get them out the door whether they are going to work or not, said LoPucki.

Asked if fees in the case should be reduced because Relativitys reorganization appears to have fallen flat, Sheppard Mullins Wolfe said: I think it would be premature to comment on that.

An unusual aspect of the Relativity case is that a reserve fund designed to pay lawyers and other professionals may not cover all the bills that have been submitted. Informed that the reported shortfall could leave some lawyers bills unpaid, LoPucki said: So perhaps the lack of money is going to impose the kind of limit a judge would not impose.. Its a kind of natural justice.

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Nicki Minaj transformed from superstar to superfan when she met her idol, Lauryn Hill, backstage at the Tidal X show at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on Saturday (Oct. 15).

"Excuse me while I have an outer body experience. Shaking, crying, a MESS!!!!," she typed in the caption of an Instagram video of the special encounter. "-- this lady is the reason. Omg. The QUEEN. Goddess! The epitome! The bar! The *faints*. Ms Lauryn Hill told me to keep "spittin dat fire". Is this real life!???? --------------------"

In the clip, the Queens-bred rap queen bows down at Hill's feet, saying, "I'm in love with you. I'm in love with your spirit, your mind, everything about you." In photos of Hill and Minaj together, the Young Money MC revealed, "I quoted her in my HS YEARBOOK!!!!! Like ----------------." Hill also performed at the Tidal X show.

Minaj commanded the stage for her own set, twerking in front of a chair that may have sent her ex Safaree Samuels into a bit of nostalgia. In a now deleted tweet, the Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood star shared, "you ever see a pic of some1 you use to deal with and wanna send that "wyd bighead" text."

Okay #Safaree who are you trying to text? -- lol

A photo posted by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Oct 15, 2016 at 7:05pm PDT

hey big head ------------

- @IAMSAFAREE (@IAMSAFAREE) October 16, 2016

Minaj's boyfriend, rapper Meek Mill, must have caught wind of the tweet, taking to his Snapchat and posting the message "hey big head."

#MeekMill out here being petty -- #Safaree (view previous post)

A photo posted by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Oct 15, 2016 at 9:41pm PDT

Samuels later claimed he was joking. "i was jus kidding, but its funny to see how much control i have over ppl i dont kmow.. i do this for yall! thx 4 the love #stuntgang."

i was jus kidding, but its funny to see how much control i have over ppl i dont kmow.. i do this for yall! thx 4 the love #stuntgang

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- @IAMSAFAREE (@IAMSAFAREE) October 16, 2016

Minaj kept the peace on her own social account, though, with a snippet of her Tidal X performance and a simple message: "When Swizz, Jay and Bey say this might b their favorite Onika performance of all time -- #PraiseGod loved this crowd -- ~ Can't thank u guys enough! #Brooklyn #NewYork #Tidal u throw --but I --."

When Swizz, Jay and Bey say this might b their favorite Onika performance of all time -- #PraiseGod loved this crowd -- ~ Can't thank u guys enough! #Brooklyn #NewYork #Tidal u throw --but I --

A video posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on Oct 16, 2016 at 5:35pm PDT
Under the dubious guise of a threat from Russian hacking, the Department of Homeland Security is laying the groundwork to interfere with the states' constitutional delegation of control over elections.

We don't have to guess about this. Election integrity has been under siege for many years, particularly the past eight. Under Barack Obama, the Justice Department, the Internal Revenue Service, and even the FBI have been politicized and turned into blunt instruments against efforts to ensure honest elections or to hold miscreants accountable.

A Hillary Clinton presidency would bring many things, but one consequence is assured: a continued assault on our competitive, two-party political system.

The federal judiciary has been filled with radical appointees who legislate from the bench and think constitutional self-government by the people and for the people is for suckers. Increasingly, Congress has relinquished its Article I powers without as much as a whimper.

A Supreme Court remade by Hillary Clinton would seal the demise of the separation of powers and close the door to any defense of lost constitutional liberties. Mrs. Clinton herself recently said, "The Supreme Court is wrong on the Second Amendment," and in accepting her nomination said, "We need to appoint Supreme Court justices who will get money out of politics and expand voting rights, not restrict them. And we'll pass a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United!" Well, so much for the First and Second Amendments.

She also said that, "deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed." Got that?

And if you don't want to change your beliefs, forget about asking elected officials for protection. Progressives are transforming America by changing its electorate. Like-minded judges have struck down efforts to require proof of citizenship to register to vote and common-sense photo voter ID laws, while upholding fraud-enabling mail-in balloting and same-day voter registration.

At the same time, recent investigations have turned up thousands of noncitizens voting in Pennsylvania and Virginia, and dead people voting in California and Colorado.

Hillary Clinton wants automatic voter registration, a steppingstone to mandatory voting, which President Obama has already endorsed. Coercion would be simple; just use the tax code to fine nonvoters the way Obamacare penalizes those who forgo health insurance.

The left has been working overtime to make our elections vulnerable to fraud. After 2010, the IRS kneecapped the tea party movement and persecuted conservative activists. True the Vote founder Catherine Engelbrecht was subjected along with her husband to inquiries and audits by multiple federal agencies.

Imagine what the IRS would do under Hillary Clinton, whose key staff members have been caught by WikiLeaks in emails disparaging Catholics, evangelicals, Southerners and "needy Latinos."

Under former Attorney General Eric Holder and current Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division has functioned as a partisan political machine that brooks no opposition. As former Justice Department attorney J. Christian Adams documents in his book "Injustice," the Voting Section is now a left wing hothouse full of former staff members from the ACLU's Voting Rights Project and other George-Soros-funded groups that advocate illegal immigration.

These include the Advancement Project, the SEIU and the League of United Latin American Citizens. One of the first hires in the Voting Section was a leader of the "Queer Resistance Front" at Harvard University.

Does anyone think that a Clinton-appointed Justice Department will act impartially with regard to religious liberty, racial neutrality, gun ownership or election reforms aimed at protecting the security of the ballot box?

Mrs. Clinton was also caught calling for "a hemispheric common market, with open trade and open borders" in a 2013 speech on behalf of a Brazilian bank. The toxic mix of unlimited immigration and lax election security will make citizenship meaningless. Mrs. Clinton and other progressives are bent on replacing the current American electorate with millions of foreigners who can be bribed into becoming a permanent voting bloc.

Suppose Mrs. Clinton begins to crack down on dissent from her radical agenda? Where could Americans turn to get the truth? Certainly not from a "mainstream" media that has left no doubt about their shameless support of her candidacy.

How about talk radio or the Drudge Report? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has asserted jurisdiction over the Internet without any congressional authorization and despite a federal court ruling to the contrary. The progressives have clearly stated their intent to shut down their ever-widening classification of "hate speech." President Clinton would be able to replace the most outspoken conservative FCC member. Now, imagine Hillary Clinton's FCC out to punish its enemies.

With a full-scale assault on the integrity of our election process, unbridled illegal immigration and the breakdown of constitutional limits on executive power, it does not take a crystal ball to see where America would wind up.

We might still have elections, but then, so did the old Soviet Union. They would be just as meaningful.

* Robert Knight is a senior fellow at the American Civil Rights Union.

First published in the Washington Times.
Koutoukale (Niger) (AFP) - Armed forces in Niger repelled a pre-dawn attack Monday on a top security prison where "terrorists" are being held, the interior minister said.

The attack, which took place around 4:00 am (0300 GMT), saw gunmen attacking a prison in Koutoukale, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of the capital Niamey, Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum said.

But troops guarding the facility "repelled" the attack, prompting an exchange of fire in which one gunman was killed and two guards were injured, he said.

"There are two prison guards wounded and one dead among the enemy," Bazoum said, amending earlier remarks in which he said there were "several dead wearing explosive belts".

Considered to be Niger's most secure prison, the facility holds the country's most dangerous detainees, including jihadists from groups active in the Sahel area and Islamist militants from Nigeria's Boko Haram.

It also holds security prisoners from neighbouring Mali.

The attack took place just hours after officials confirmed that a US aid worker had been kidnapped and taken across the border to Mali, in the first such abduction of an American in this West African country.

Outside the bullet-marked walls of the prison, an AFP correspondent saw the body of one of the attackers, two explosive belts and three charred motorbikes.

"This is proof of the terrorist nature of the operation," an interior ministry statement said.

"An unknown number (of gunmen) who were heavily armed... fled and our forces are searching for them."

Speaking to AFP, a source in the security services said the gunmen had been spotted by troops guarding the facility, prompting an exchange of fire.

"They were unable to get near the jail because a gunfight broke out with soldiers who are guarding it," the source said.

The prison is located in a bushy area which is linked to the country's main highway by a dirt track which runs for several kilometres and has been left deliberately unpaved to make access difficult.

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Initial reports said the attackers arrived on motorbikes but failed to get into the facility.

- On the run -

Outside the prison, the body of the attacker was clothed in a grey robe and a turban. Around his waist was an undetonated explosive belt.

Another explosive belt was visible on one of the motorbikes.

Speaking to AFP, the security source said troops were hunting for several other attackers who had fled the scene, saying the number involved in the attack "remains unknown."

Security was considerably stepped up at checkpoints leading into Niamey, an AFP correspondent said.

Attacks on prisons are common in this arid west African nation, which is one of the world's poorest countries.

In October 2014, gunmen attacked a jail at Ouallam, 100 kilometres north of Niamey, freeing several prisoners.

In June 2013, another armed group stormed a civilian prison in the capital, killing two warders and freeing 22 "terrorist" prisoners, among them Boko Haram fighters.

They also freed a high-profile Malian criminal convicted of killing four Saudi Arabian nationals, and the murder of an American in Niamey in 2000.
By Boureima Balima NIAMEY (Reuters) - Gunmen attacked a high-security prison in Niger early on Monday in an apparent bid to free Islamist militants but the assault was repulsed and no inmates escaped, authorities said. Suspected members of Boko Haram and other groups are held at the prison at Koutoukale, 50 km (30 miles) northwest of the capital Niamey. Boko Haram has carried out raids into Niger from its bases across the border in northeastern Nigeria. "I can confirm one dead among the attackers. He was wearing a suicide vest," Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum told Reuters by telephone. "The situation is now under control and our forces are combing the area to try to catch the attackers still at large," he said. A ministry spokesman said no prisoners escaped. Bazoum said the most likely culprits were the Mali-based Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa (MUJWA), one of a number of armed groups operating in the widely unpoliced Sahara. The landlocked West African country is surrounded by unstable states, most of them struggling with Islamist insurgencies. Militants have also crossed from Mali to its west and Libya's conflict to its north threatens the whole region. "We heard sustained gunfire coming from the prison just as we were going for (early morning) prayers," the director of the Koutoukale school, Abdoul Razak Ali, said by telephone. The attack came days after gunmen raided the house of a United States aid worker in central Niger, killed his guards and drove him across the desert towards Mali. Gunmen also attacked a refugee camp earlier this month in Niger's western Tahoua region bordering Mali, killing 22 soldiers. An Amnesty International official who visited the prison in June said it held around 550 inmates, more than double the prison's capacity, and the overwhelmed court system had too few judges to bring them to justice properly. Most inmates were suspected members of Boko Haram, which has waged an insurgency based in northeastern Nigeria. A small number were suspected of belonging to al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and other militant groups, the official said. (Additional reporting by Emma Farge in Dakar and David Lewis in Nairobi; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg/Mark Heinrich)
By Neha Dasgupta NEW DELHI (Reuters) - OPEC member Nigeria expects its oil production rate to jump by 22 percent by the year-end to 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from current levels, its oil minister said on Monday, adding he hoped a force majeure on all its oil fields would be lifted by December or January. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, on a visit to New Delhi, also said Nigeria was likely to sign a cash-raising oil deal with India for $15 billion by the end of this year. India's oil ministry said that Nigeria, whose economy has been hit hard by low oil prices and militancy, had requested an upfront payment. "Nigeria has a bit of a cash flow problem right now. Our reserves are not as strong as we want them," Kachikwu told reporters on Monday. "The impact of that is the value of the naira (currency) is coming down. So what we are trying is to leverage on the assets we have to receive immediate cash." He said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which has agreed to cut world output to rescue prices, has however allowed a production window of 1.8 million bpd to 2.2 million bpd for recession-hit Nigeria. Apart from the impact of low oil prices, whose sales account for 70 percent of the Nigerian government's revenue, the country's energy facilities have been crippled by attacks by militants calling for a greater share of the country's oil wealth. Relentless attacks have taken out pipelines in Nigeria, normally Africa's largest oil exporter, and Qua Iboe, Nigeria's largest export stream, and Forcados remain under force majeure. Kachikwu, who said oil prices would rise from current levels by December, met Indian oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan to discuss expanding energy ties between the two countries. In the last fiscal year ended March 31 Nigeria accounted for nearly 12 percent of all crude oil imports by India, one of the fastest growing economies and energy markets in the world. "We agreed on significant potential for diversifying (India's) engagement in to E&P (exploration and production), refinery building & marketing in Nigeria," Pradhan said in a tweet. (Reporting by Neha Dasgupta; Writing by Krishna N. Das; Editing by Greg Mahlich)
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP)  Joy, jubilation and dancing erupted Sunday when a group of Nigerian parents were reunited with 21 schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram 2  years ago and freed in the first negotiated release organized by the government and the Islamic extremist group.

The girls were hugged and embraced by their parents when they were presented by the government, according to video obtained by The Associated Press.

I never expected I will see my daughter again and I pray that those girls still left behind, that God will bring them out safely the way our own daughter came out alive, said a mother of one of the released girls, Raha Emmanuel, in the Hausa language.

The girls were released Thursday and flown to Abuja, Nigerias capital, but its taken days for the parents to arrive. Most arrived Sunday after driving hours over potholed roads slowed by military checkpoints and the danger of attack by the insurgents, said community leader Tsambido Hosea Abana.

The parents came from the remote northeastern town of Chibok, where nearly 300 girls were kidnapped on April 2014 in a mass abduction that shocked the world. Dozens of schoolgirls escaped in the first few hours but after last weeks release, 197 remain captive. The government says negotiations are continuing to win their freedom.

Muta Abana, the father of one of the released girls, has been living in Nasarawa state neighboring Abuja, expressed anxiety as many of the girls reportedly have been forced to marry Boko Haram fighters.

Some of them came back with babies, but think about it, are we going to kill the children? Abana said to The Associated Press, speaking in Hausa. We wont be able to kill the children because it would be as if we dont want the girls to come back. God knows why it happened. Its Gods will.

He also said the girls abduction has been politicized, complaining that, Peoples children arent money, peoples children are not clothes you wear to campaign, peoples children are their pride.

Story continues

The girls are getting medical attention and trauma counseling in a hospital, said Tsambido Abana, the Chibok community leader in Abuja. Some are emaciated from hunger, he said.

There are conflicting reports about how the girls were freed, with two military officers telling the AP they were exchanged for four detained Boko Haram commanders, and a Nigerian who negotiated previous failed attempts saying a large ransom was paid by the Swiss government on behalf of Nigerian authorities. The officers and the negotiator, who did not take part in the latest talks, spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss the matter with the press.

___

Associated Press writer Michelle Faul contributed to this report from Johannesburg
Stockholm (AFP) - The Swedish Academy says it has given up trying to reach Bob Dylan, days after it awarded him the Nobel Prize for Literature.

"Right now we are doing nothing. I have called and sent emails to his closest collaborator and received very friendly replies. For now, that is certainly enough," the academy's permanent secretary, Sara Danius, told state radio SR on Monday.

So far the American troubadour has responded with silence since he won the prize on Thursday.

He gave a concert in Las Vegas that very night, but made no mention of the accolade.

So -- as an early Dylan song may have put it -- how does it feel?

"I am not at all worried," said Danius. "I think he will show up."

Every December 10, Nobel prize winners are invited to Stockholm to receive their awards from King Carl XVI Gustaf and to give a speech during a banquet.

The Swedish Academy still does not know if Dylan plans to come to the event.

"If he doesn't want to come, he won't come. It will be a big party in any case and the honour belongs to him," said Danius.

Dylan, 75, whose lyrics have influenced generations of fans, is the first songwriter to win the literature prize.

Other contenders for this year's prize included Salman Rushdie, Adonis and Ngugi wa Thiong'o.
It was Washingtons worst-kept secret that retired Gen. James Cartwright served as a key source for New York Times reporter David Sangers revelations about the Stuxnet computer virus used to attack Irans nuclear program beginning in 2009. The only question was whether he would ever face charges for doing so.

On Monday, a federal prosecutor announced that the former vice-chairman of the joint chiefs of staff was charged with lying to investigators about the information he provided to Sanger and another journalist, Daniel Klaidman. Cartwright pleaded guilty during a Monday afternoon court appearance before a Washington D.C. federal court.

Per the terms of an agreement reached between the prosecution and Cartwrights defense, the two sides will recommend a prison sentence from zero to six months.

It was wrong for me to mislead the FBI, Cartwright said in a statement. I accept full responsibility.

I knew I was not the source of the story and I didnt want to be blamed for the leak. My only goal in talking to the reporters was to protect American interests and lives, he said. I love my country and continue to this day to do everything I can to defend it.

Cartwrights guilty plea marks the end of an extraordinary investigation for a military man once described as Obamas general. The mastermind of the Stuxnet program, which helped hamstring Irans development of nuclear weapons, Cartwright started the project during the George W. Bush administration before escalating the digital attack on Irans nuclear centrifuges after President Obama took office.

Stuxnets existence was first revealed not by official leak, but rather when the virus broke out of the computers controlling Irans centrifuges, which are needed to produce highly-enriched uranium for a bomb. The bug quickly spread into the wild and infected millions of computers around the world. Computer security security researchers discovered the virus and quickly determined that it was likely an American or Israeli cyber weapon.

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Sanger, of the Times, exposed the existence of the operation to sabotage Irans nuclear infrastructure, dubbed Olympic Games, and confirmed American and Israeli authorship of the virus. Sanger cited as his sources participants in the program, and immediately set off a Washington parlor game as to who had leaked the existence of one of the most-highly classified operations in memory. Cartwright emerged as the leading suspect, and the FBI has been investigating the general since 2012.

Cartwright was beloved in the White House for a host of unpopular opinions that cut against the grain of military orthodoxy. He opposed the troop surge to Afghanistan and suggested killing the production of the F-22 fighter jet, to the dismay of defense contractors. Such contrarian opinions won him a favored position in the White House, but rubbed many in the Pentagon the wrong way.

After four years of FBI scrutiny, Cartwright now joins a large group of former Obama administration officials to be charged for the unauthorized disclosure of classified information. Though he entered offices pledging a new era of government transparency, Obama has cracked down on leaks and aggressively prosecuted officials leaking material to the press, among them former NSA contractor Ed Snowden and former State Department official Stephen Jin-Woo Kim.

But when it comes to the prosecution of generals cozying up to the press, the administration has taken a different tack. Gen. David Petraeus, a rock-star general and later director of the CIA, escaped with little more than a slap on the wrist after he provided his lover and biographer, Paula Broadwell, with notebooks containing highly classified information. Petraeus pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and paid a handsome fine  one, however, he had no problem paying in his well-compensated, post-retirement role as an adviser to investment giant KKR.

Cartwright isnt charged with leaking classified information  but for lying to investigators about it. According to a charging document for the retired general, when investigators showed him a list of quotes and statements from David Sangers book, a number of which contained classified information, Cartwright falsely told investigators he was not the source of any of the quotes and statements.

Petraeuss escape from any serious punishment infuriated the FBI, which considered his actions a serious breach of national security and warned that it would make it more difficult to prosecute other leakers.

Cartwrights sentencing  set for Jan. 17  presents a major test for the governments ability to prosecute and meaningfully punish high-level general for disclosing classified information. The recommendation of a zero to six month sentence means the retired Marine general might see jail time but appears to leave some discretion to the judge in the case, District Judge Richard J. Leon.

Cartwrights sentencing may also provide a venue to consider a host of questions about the Obama administrations handling of classified information. While Obama has clamped down on unauthorized disclosures the press, it also regularly leaks ostensibly classified information to the media. Former White House counterterrorism adviser and current CIA Director John Brennan may have revealed in 2012 the existence of an American mole inside al Qaedas affiliate in Yemen when he described how the United States had foiled a bomb plot.

Cartwright was reportedly authorized to speak to the press about Stuxnet but apparently went too far in his conversations with Sanger and Klaidman.

For that reason, Cartwrights guilty plea represents a remarkable fall from grace.

Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Were obsessed with Michelle Obamas relaxed White House dress code

First Lady Michelle Obama had some wise words for a White House guest whose feet were sore from being stuffed all night into high heels: take your shoes off!

Thats right, FLOTUS  herself a famed lover of comfortable kicks  told Spanx founder Sara Blakely that she was more than welcome to kick off her heels when Blakely complained of aching feet at a White House event.

Blakely shared the anecdote in an interview with Footwear News at Varietys Power of Women event in Los Angeles this weekend, saying,

I stood in line at an event, and they allowed us to get a one-on-one photo with Michelle Obama. I waited in the line so long that by the time I finally got up to Michelle Obama, I literally burst out, My feet are killing me, and she goes, Girl, my feet are killing me, too. I asked if I can take my shoes off and she said, Yes, and you can tell anyone who tells you to put them back on that Mrs. Obama said you can take them off.'

Blakely added, The first lady and I bonded over sore feet.

Wed say thats a pretty perfect bonding experience!

FLOTUS has had a hand in relaxing other (somewhat uptight) policies at the White House. Last year, for example, she announced on Twitter that the White Houses ban on photos and social media had been lifted for the first time in 40 years.

Big news! Excited to announce we're lifting the ban on cameras and photos on public tours at the @WhiteHouse!https://t.co/b0v17puClm  The First Lady (@FLOTUS) July 1, 2015

Its safe to say well be missing her presence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue next year, no matter who wins the election!

The post Were obsessed with Michelle Obamas relaxed White House dress code appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Fox confirmed Friday that it would in fact give NASA drama Hidden Figures a limited, Oscar-qualifying release on Christmas Day.

The biographical drama, which was previously set to hit theaters Jan. 13, will instead go wide on Jan. 6.

Hidden Figures, directed by Theodore Melfi, focuses on the untold story of three brilliant African-American women (Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae) working at NASA who served as the brains behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit in 1962. The pic shows how the trio battled stereotypes and defied expectations as they made history.

The cast also includes Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge and Glen Powell.

Allison Schroeder and Melfi adapted Margot Lee Shetterly's book of the same name for the big screen. Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping and Pharrell Williams are among the producers, with Williams also involved with the soundtrack.

Read more: Toronto: Fox Teases Oscar Hopeful 'Hidden Figures' With Clips, Q&A and Pharrell Concert

As part of the reshuffling, the studio's Bryan Cranston- and James Franco-starring comedy Why Him? will now open on Friday, Dec. 23, instead of Christmas Day.

Hidden Figures' Oscar-qualifying run has long been rumored, with The Hollywood Reporter's awards analyst Scott Feinberg writing after the film's Toronto International Film Festival sneak peek in September that he had heard such a plan was in the works. At the TIFF screening of a few clips, Melfi said the movie was still a "work-in-progress."

Feinberg also has included the film in his Oscar predictions forecast.
Oh no, one popular Marvel hero might not make it into Infinity War

Tom Hollands Spider-Man is still brand new, but hes already made his mark for Marvel fans everywhere. His short appearance in the Captain America: Civil War trailer had fans losing their minds. Then, he was adorable, was web-slinging perfection in the movie itself. His first solo film, Spider-Man: Homecoming is presently in the works. Maybe thats why we just assumed hed be appearing in Avengers: Infinity War. After all, that movie is going to feature a startling amount of characters; obviously, Spidey would be one of them, right?

Sadly, that may not be the case. In fact, if  and it seems like a big if  Holland will be appearing in Infinity War or its follow-up, Avengers 4, he doesnt know it yet.

When asked about his potential role in Infinity War on Saturday at the New York Film Festival premiere of The Lost City of Z he said, Its all up in the air.

Thats a little concerning, mostly because work on the film is in full swing, so its unlikely an actor wouldnt know that they were in the film. Though, with the large cast size theres also the chance that some actors will only be included in a small portion of the film, and because Hollands character is so young, he may not be involved in the giant fight against Josh Brolins Thanos.

Holland continued, I believe some sort of deal is in the mix, but Im unclear as to what that deal is. So, thats potentially encouraging  wed love to see Spider-Man appear in the biggest Marvel movie yet, because hes clearly awesome.

spidey

Holland also got real about his Spider-Man costume at the premiere, saying, The suits not the greatest thing, but sometimes when its uncomfortable, you just have to remind yourself of the long list of actors that would love to be in that suit. He said that in those moments, he thinks to himself,

Im the luckiest kid alive. I deserve to be here and Im going to give it my best.

Well just have to wait and see if Tom Holland ends up in Infinity War; if not, wed be sad  but were sure there will be plenty of superheroes in the film, even without our favorite wall-crawler.

The post Oh no, one popular Marvel hero might not make it into Infinity War appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Jon Husted

Ohio's Republican Secretary of State, Jon Husted, told CNN Monday morning that he can "reassure Donald Trump" the elections "are not going to be rigged" in his state.

"I'll make sure of that," said Husted, the top election official in the key battleground state.

Trump has recently started insisting that the November election will be "rigged" against him. The Republican presidential nominee made an identical claim in early August after his poll numbers went into a similar tailspin.

"The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD," he tweeted Sunday.

Trump followed up on Monday by questioning why Republicans "deny" that voter fraud is "happening."

"Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day," he posted on Twitter. "Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!"

But Husted called the US election system "one of the bedrocks of American democracy," and added that "we should not question it or the legitimacy of it."

"It works very well in places like Ohio," he said, which is a crucial state for Trump to pull off a November victory. "We make it easy to vote and hard to cheat. We have a bipartisan system of elections. Frankly, it's the only place you can find Republicans and Democrats working cooperatively together. They work that way in our election system to make sure the integrity of our election system is upheld and that people feel good about the process of voting."

He called Trump's rigged election rhetoric "irresponsible" and called on the Manhattan billionaire to "focus on issues that matter to people."

"Give them some hope," he said. "Don't create hopelessness in our country. Don't make people feel despair, make them feel uplifted and hopeful that there is a better day ahead for all of us. I think that is what we want from all of our candidates."

A number of other Republicans have publicly rebuked Trump's assertion that the election will be rigged.

Story continues

House Speaker Paul Ryan, through his spokesperson, said he is "fully confident" the election will be carried out "with integrity."

Trump has repeatedly chastised Ryan in recent days.

But his own running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, seemed to side closer with Ryan than Trump when asked about the recent claims on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday, saying that the Trump campaign will "absolutely accept the result of the election" and that they will "accept the will of the American people."

Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, a frequent Trump critic, also took to Twitter on Sunday to express his views on Trump's claims.

"States, backed by tens of thousands of GOP and DEM volunteers, ensure integrity of electoral process," he wrote. "Elections are not rigged."

And Trump ally Peter King, a congressman from New York, said on Monday that he didn't think the elections would be "legally rigged."

"Whoever wins, wins," he said in a radio interview that was reported by CNN. "But I do think there's a lot to what he's saying, whether it's conscious or not, of having people in the so-called establishment, whatever that is, the big money people, the media, the political leaders, they are petrified of the thought of Trump being elected. So they consciously and unconsciously just do everything they can."

NOW WATCH: Trump had a great response when he was asked to name one thing he liked about Clinton





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From Cosmopolitan

An Old Dominion University student who reported she was raped in her dorm room is charging that campus police prevented her from getting a medical exam to preserve evidence until after she was interrogated for almost eight hours.

Her complaint to federal education officials about the October 2014 episode also says she was not given written information about her right to seek a protective order against the person she said attacked her, among other things. It accuses school officials of mishandling the case.

The complaint obtained by The Associated Press says the woman, who was not identified, told campus police after she was raped in her dorm room that she had an appointment at a local medical center for a forensic exam. Instead of taking the woman to the appointment, police took her to their department, where they held her for nearly eight hours and denied her food, water and access to the bathroom in between interrogations, the complaint says.

In a personal statement included with the complaint, the woman said the detectives made comments and asked questions that made her feel like she was "being violated again," including "Do you like rough sex?" and "Im just trying to find the crime here." The experience left her with ongoing post-traumatic stress disorder and an anxiety disorder, she said.

"After the entire day of being victimized by your police department, I was left feeling paranoid and scared as if I was the criminal," she wrote.

The complaint accuses the school of violating federal law by failing to give the woman written information about the importance of preserving evidence of her rape through a forensic exam and not letting her know that she could decline to report the crime to law enforcement before getting an exam.

"Had Ms. Doe known about her right to decline to report to law enforcement prior to receiving a forensic examination and medical care, she would have been able to attend her appointment at a local medical center to receive care for her injuries and bleeding after her rape on campus," said the complaint. The womans attorney, Laura Dunn, said it was filed late Wednesday - the two year anniversary of her rape - with the U.S. Department of Education. A spokesman for the education department confirmed it received the complaint but said it does not comment on the status of cases.

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A criminal investigation was launched after the assault, but the alleged attacker was never charged, said Dunn, who is executive director of the Washington-based nonprofit, SurvJustice.

Giovanna Genard, a spokeswoman for Old Dominion, said Thursday that the school has "zero tolerance" for sexual assault.

"The University is committed to following all legal requirements for investigating complaints of sexual assault and to treating victims with care, professionalism and respect," Genard said. She said she could not comment further "due to the legal nature of the complaint."

Old Dominion is a public university in Norfolk with roughly 25,000 students.

The woman accuses the school of violating the Clery Act, which requires schools to inform victims about counseling services, their options to notify law enforcement after an assault and options for changing their living situation, among other things. The education department could fine the school up to $35,000 per violation.

The complaint says the woman was not informed about her right to seek a protective order against her alleged attacker - who wasnt an ODU student - after ODU Police declined to seek one on her behalf. That forced her to "live on campus for months in fear that her attacker could return and harm her at any moment," the complaint said.

The woman also claims she was not allowed to move out of the dorm room where she was attacked until after she received a diagnosis for a psychological condition and that her assault wasnt added to the schools daily crime log until after a reporter inquired about it.

"This validated to me that Old Dominion University never took my sexual assault seriously and does not care for me as one of their students," the woman said in the complaint.

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(Adds background about case and prior related settlements)

By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Omnicare Inc, the largest nursing home pharmacy in the United States, will pay about $28.1 million to resolve civil charges that it sought and received kickbacks from Abbott Laboratories to promote the drug maker's anti-seizure drug Depakote, the U.S. Justice Department said Monday.

Omnicare was acquired by CVS Health Corp in 2015, about six years after Omnicare put a stop to the conduct at the heart of Monday's settlement, the Justice Department added.

A CVS spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday's settlement.

The Justice Department said Omnicare disguised the kickbacks it received from Abbott by claiming they were "grants" and "educational funding."

Those payments, however, were part of a plan by the drug maker to get physicians to prescribe Depakote to elderly nursing home patients. Omnicare solicited the payments via its "Re*View" program, which in internal documents it called its "one extra script per patient" program.

Abbott Laboratories entered into a $1.5 billion global civil and criminal resolution in May 2012 that resolved its liability for violations of the False Claims Act for paying alleged kickbacks to Omnicare as well as PharMerica Corp.

In October 2015, PharMerica agreed to pay $9.25 million to resolve its role in receiving kickbacks from Abbott Labs.

The Justice Department said $20.3 million of its settlement with Omnicare will be paid in restitution to U.S. government health insurance programs, while the remaining $7.8 million will be allocated to cover Medicaid program claims by states.

The settlements with Omnicare, Abbott Labs and PharMerica will resolve allegations in two lawsuits filed by former Abbott Lab employees who blew the whistle on the kickbacks.

One of those whistleblowers, Meredith McCoyd, will receive a $3 million payout for her role in helping uncover the scheme, the Justice Department said.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch, Editing by Franklin Paul)
ERBIL (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has announced the start of an offensive aimed at retaking the city of Mosul from Islamic State militants, who have stamped out its rich mix of ethnic and religious cultures. He spoke on state TV in the early hours of Monday. The fight is expected to be the biggest battle in Iraq since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion which toppled Saddam Hussein. Here are some facts about Mosul, which had a population of about 2 million before the Sunni militants seized it in 2014. Mosul became the largest city to fall to the jihadists. - About 800 militants took it over, facing little resistance from an army widely accused of corruption. Iraq and its Western allies were stunned. Islamic State was so confident at the time that its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, calmly walked into the Great Mosque of al-Nuri in Mosul in broad daylight and declared a caliphate and himself the leader of the world's Muslims. - Mosul is the capital of Nineveh governorate in northwestern Iraq, also home to Iraq's biggest dam. Mosul's original location was on the western bank of the Tigris River. The modern city spread to the eastern side and now surrounds the ruins of the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh. Mosul is located 390 km (240 miles) north of Baghdad. - Iraq's second-largest city, it was once the commercial hub of the Northwest, with thriving cement, textile and sugar industries. - Besides the Sunni Arab majority, Mosul had a large number of Christians, predominantly Assyrians. Kurds, Turkmens, Yazidis and Armenians made up the rest of the population. Earlier Sunni extremists then Islamic State showed no tolerance for diversity. - Mosul was one of the most enlightened cities in the Middle East. It was home to the famous Medical College, one of the largest educational and research centers in Iraq and the region. - It also contained ancient buildings, some dating back to the 13th century. They included the Great Mosque and the Red Mosque, Muslim shrines and several churches, in addition to mausoleums. Islamic State demolished shrines, mosques and churches and posted images of the destruction on internet sites. - Mosul had witnessed an earlier period of Sunni extremism in the last days of Saddam Hussein. Muslim extremists began targeting and killing nuns and other Christians who had roots dating to the 17th century. Over the years there has been a mass exodus of Christians from Mosul and other cities following attacks and threats on the minority. - Mosul was once known as "the city of a million officers," because Saddam Hussein, a secular Sunni Muslim, had stationed so many personnel there. Many of his Sunni generals and other army officers, as well as intelligence agents and police, came from Mosul. - In 2003, Saddam Hussein's once feared sons, Uday and Qusay, who sought refuge in Mosul after the U.S.-led invasion, were killed when American forces attacked their villa hideout. (Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
VW China

In the year since the revelation of Volkswagen's catastrophic emissions cheating scandal last September, the German brand's reputation has been left in shambles.

But as its reputation with many consumers lay in tatters, the brand's sales have not only not cratered  it's actually increased.

In the first nine of months of 2015, the VW brand sold 4,349,600 cars around the world.

Over the same period this year, the brand sold 4,374,900 cars worldwide  an increase of 0.6%.

However, these figures are somewhat misleading. That's because VW's sales figures in almost all markets around the world have fallen so far this year. But none of that really matters because Chinese consumers love their Volkswagens.

This is something the powers-that-be at Volkswagen has noticed.

"Thanks to the strong performance in China, deliveries by Volkswagen in September were noticeably higher than the previous year,"Jurgen Stackmann said in a statement. "Consequently, our deliveries for the period from January to September exceeded the 2015 level."

So far this year, VW has sold 2.13 million cars in the Middle Kingdom which represents 48.8% of the brand's total global sales.

VW sales september 2016

According to VW, much of its 11.4% year-over-year growth can be attributed to the hot sales of its Lavida, Sagitar, Jetta, and Santana sedans. In fact, these represent four of the seven best selling cars in China last month.

VW's strength in the Chinese market can be linked to the company's long standing relationship with the country's car buyers that dates back to the early 1980s with original Santana sedan. Also, Volkswagen and VW Group cars remain popular options as Chinese Government procured runabouts.

In addition, the brand's Chinese offerings are almost exclusively gasoline powered. This means that VW's operations in the country were not really exposed to the 2.o liter, diesel, four-cylinder engine at the heart of the scandal that affected more than 11 million cars worldwide. In fact, only 1,950 cars were affected in China, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Story continues

According to the Journal, Chinese consumers have purchased a whopping 16.75 million new cars over the first nine months of the year  an increase of 15% over the same period in 2015.

Volkswagen VW Lavida Blue Motion

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By Irene Klotz

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Oct 17 (Reuters) - Orbital ATK Inc plans to launch a revamped Antares rocket on a mission to supply the International Space Station on Monday, returning to flight for the first time since an older version of the booster exploded during liftoff two years ago.

The Antares, now outfitted with a pair of Russian-made engines, is scheduled to blast off at 7:40 p.m. EDT (2340 GMT) from a repaired launch pad on Wallops Island, Virginia.

Perched on top of the rocket is a Cygnus cargo ship loaded with 5,290 pounds (2,400 kg) of food, supplies, equipment and science experiments for the space station, a $100 billion laboratory in orbit about 250 miles (400 km) above Earth.

"We've missed these guys," Joel Montalbano, NASA's deputy station manager, told reporters during a prelaunch press conference on Saturday, referring to the Antares team.

The mission became more crucial for the U.S. space agency after a Sept. 1 accident destroyed a Falcon 9 rocket operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX and a $200 million Israeli communications satellite.

The accident, which occurred while the rocket was being fueled for a routine prelaunch test, has temporarily grounded SpaceX, the only company apart from Orbital currently contracted by NASA to fly cargo to the space station.

Private contractors for the cargo runs became necessary following the retirement of the space shuttles in 2011.

With SpaceX sidelined, NASA added extra food, clothing, laptop computers and spacesuit parts to the Cygnus cargo list, Montalbano said.

The last launch of an Antares rocket, on Oct. 28, 2014, ended in disaster a few seconds after liftoff. After the accident, Orbital sped up plans to replace the rocket's Soviet-era engines with the new Russian-made motors.

During the downtime, Orbital bought rides for two Cygnus cargo ships aboard Atlas rockets, built and flown by United Launch Alliance, a partnership of Lockheed Martin Corp and Boeing Co.

Orbital conducted a 30-second engine test firing of the Antares at the Virginia launch pad on May 31.

Story continues

"We're always nervous, but we wouldn't have a rocket out there if we weren't confident we were ready to go," Orbital vice president Mike Pinkston told reporters on Saturday.

Orbital is counting on a smooth Antares launch to help attract other customers for the rocket besides NASA. The booster, designed to put up to about 17,000 pounds (8,000 kg) into orbit close to Earth, flew four times successfully before the 2014 failure.

(Editing by Letitia Stein and Tom Brown)
By Irene Klotz

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Reuters) - Orbital ATK Inc plans to launch a revamped Antares rocket on a mission to supply the International Space Station on Monday, returning to flight for the first time since an older version of the booster exploded during liftoff two years ago.

The Antares, now outfitted with a pair of Russian-made engines, is scheduled to blast off at 7:40 p.m. EDT (2340 GMT) from a repaired launch pad on Wallops Island, Virginia.

Perched on top of the rocket is a Cygnus cargo ship loaded with 5,290 pounds (2,400 kg) of food, supplies, equipment and science experiments for the space station, a $100 billion laboratory in orbit about 250 miles (400 km) above Earth.

Weve missed these guys," Joel Montalbano, NASA's deputy station manager, told reporters during a prelaunch press conference on Saturday, referring to the Antares team.

The mission became more crucial for the U.S. space agency after a Sept. 1 accident destroyed a Falcon 9 rocket operated by Elon Musks SpaceX and a $200 million Israeli communications satellite.

The accident, which occurred while the rocket was being fueled for a routine prelaunch test, has temporarily grounded SpaceX, the only company apart from Orbital currently contracted by NASA to fly cargo to the space station.

Private contractors for the cargo runs became necessary following the retirement of the space shuttles in 2011.

With SpaceX sidelined, NASA added extra food, clothing, laptop computers and spacesuit parts to the Cygnus cargo list, Montalbano said.

The last launch of an Antares rocket, on Oct. 28, 2014, ended in disaster a few seconds after liftoff. After the accident, Orbital sped up plans to replace the rockets Soviet-era engines with the new Russian-made motors.

During the downtime, Orbital bought rides for two Cygnus cargo ships aboard Atlas rockets, built and flown by United Launch Alliance, a partnership of Lockheed Martin Corp and Boeing Co.

Orbital conducted a 30-second engine test firing of the Antares at the Virginia launch pad on May 31.

Story continues

Were always nervous, but we wouldnt have a rocket out there if we werent confident we were ready to go, Orbital vice president Mike Pinkston told reporters on Saturday.

Orbital is counting on a smooth Antares launch to help attract other customers for the rocket besides NASA. The booster, designed to put up to about 17,000 pounds (8,000 kg) into orbit close to Earth, flew four times successfully before the 2014 failure.

(Editing by Letitia Stein and Tom Brown)
narcos glass raise

Netflix will release a whopping 1,000 hours of original shows and movies in 2017, the company announced during its quarterly earnings on Monday.

That means you'd have to spend an insane 41 days binge-watching Netflix to see it all.

Take a moment to let that marinate. 41 days. That's over a month!

It's also a hefty increase from Netflix's 2016 output of around 600 hours, which was already gargantuan.

Netflix has always seemed confident in its decision to pivot toward original content, which it has repeatedly described as a better bet for the company. But Netflix was particularly rosy about originals in a letter to investors on Monday. Netflix overperformed Wall Street expectations for Q3 soundly, and credited its huge beat on subscriber additions to "excitement around Netflix original content." Netflix particularly mentioned cult hit "Stranger Things" and the second season of "Narcos."

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings also sung the praises of upcoming Netflix original series "The Crown." "We have a show coming up, 'The Crown,' which is some of the most impressive television I have ever seen," he said on Netflix's earnings call. The show, which chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II, will be released on November 4.

Netflix CFO David Wells reiterated that eventually Netflix's goal is to have its content have about a 50/50 split between licensed and original work. Wells did not say what the current ratio is, but it's safe to assume that content Netflix licenses from others still accounts for the majority of its catalog.

Here's a chart that shows how Netflix has increased its original programming, measured by hours of content, over the last six years.

NetflixOriginals

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As WikiLeaks continues to publish emails apparently obtained from Hillary Clinton campaign chair John Podesta, the websites founder Julian Assange received an unlikely visitor over the weekend.

Pamela Anderson, the Canadian-American actress best known for her work on the 1990s TV series Baywatch, visited Assange at the Ecuadorean embassy in London.

The Associated Press reports that the 49-year-old actress, who says she supports Assange and has concerns for his family and well-being, came bearing gifts. Among them was a vegan lunch.

It was a nice vegan lunch and some vegan snacks, Anderson  a vocal animal-rights activist and lifelong vegetarian  reportedly told the U.K.s Press Association.

Assange was apparently unimpressed with the meal choice. He said I tortured him with bringing him vegan food, Anderson said.

Assange has been living in the embassy since July 2012, fleeing a possible extradition to Sweden over a rape charge, which he fears could in turn lead to a subsequent extradition to the U.S. for his role in obtaining and publishing classified information.
On this day in 1978, President Jimmy Carter officially restored the full citizenship rights of former Confederate president Jefferson Davis, signing an act from Congress that ended a century-long dispute.

Davis is most remembered today as one of the leaders of the Confederacy, along with General Robert E. Lee. In 1976, Lees citizenship was restored by Congress, also about a century after Lees death after the Civil War. The restoration of Davis citizenship soon followed.

In posthumously restoring the full rights of citizenship to Jefferson Davis, the Congress officially completes the long process of reconciliation that has reunited our people following the tragic conflict between the States, the resolution read on October 17, 1978.

Earlier, he was specifically exempted form resolutions restoring the rights of other officials in the Confederacy. He had served the United States long and honorably as a soldier, Member of the U.S. House and Senate, and as Secretary of War. General Robert E. Lees citizenship was restored in 1976. It is fitting that Jefferson Davis should no longer be singled out for punishment, the resolution said.

Attempts to restore Davis full citizenship were a hot-button issue in 1876, when there was talk about Davis as a potential Senate candidate. Specifically, provisions in the 14th Amendment made that nearly impossible, unless Congress decided otherwise.

Section 3 of the 14th Amendment said that the House and Senate would need to approve Davis as an officeholder because of his association with the Confederacy.

No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any state legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any state, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability, the section reads.

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It wasnt Davis first brush with the 14th Amendment.

He was charged with treason after the Civil War, and his defense team claimed that the 14th Amendment already punished Davis by preventing him from holding public office in the future and that further prosecution and punishment would violate the Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment.

In fact, the 14th Amendment had been passed during the time of Davis indictment in the federal court system, when the case of United States v. Jefferson Davis was being heard.

One of the trial justices in the Davis case in 1868 was Supreme Court Chief Justice Salmon Chase, who was at the district court in his role as a circuit judge. Chase wanted the treason charges dismissed, but a second judge, John C. Underwood, disagreed with him.

With a deadlock in district court, the Davis case would head automatically to the Supreme Court. But President Andrew Johnson issued a general pardon on Christmas Day in December 1868 for all those who fought for the Confederacy, provided that anyone eligible applied for one.

It was actually Johnsons fourth amnesty provision for Confederates, and it restored civil and property rights and provided immunity from treason charges. But it didnt allow former Confederate officials to vote or hold office. In 1872, the Amnesty Act was amended to allow almost all former Confederates, expect for several hundred former high-ranking officials (such as Davis), to hold public office and vote. So while Davis became eligible for a general pardon, he didnt have full citizenship rights if he wanted to hold elected federal office.

In 1876, Davis was specifically excluded from a universal amnesty bill that restored the full citizenship rights of the remaining former Confederates. The amendment to the bill was proposed by James G. Blaine, a candidate in that years presidential election.

When it passed, there was outrage in some Southern states. And Davis had no inclination to ask for any kind of pardon. It has been said that I should apply to the United States for a pardon, but repentance must precede the right of pardon, and I have not repented, Davis said in 1881.

In a book published right after his death, his wife Varina Davis said people in Mississippi had asked her husband to run for the Senate again in the 1870s, but he had no interest, citing his age.

Before his involvement with the Confederate government, Davis was a highly respected U.S. senator from Mississippi and a former secretary of war. And his Senate resignation speech from 1861 was one of the most dramatic moments in the run-up to the Civil War.

Davis explained that Mississippi was leaving the Union because we are about to be deprived in the Union of the rights which our fathers bequeathed to us. There was open weeping in the Senate chamber after the speech.

I hope  for peaceful relations with you, though we must part. They may be mutually beneficial to us in the future, as they have been in the past, if you so will it. The reverse may bring disaster on every portion of the country, Davis said.

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EXCLUSIVE: Toronto-based 108 Media is diving deeper into inspirational storytelling with the acquisition of worldwide rights to Passionate TV. The five-part docuseries tells the stories of a group of successful people who are trying to make the world a better place. Thats an intruiging concept right now, particularly given all the negativity flying around in other real-life stories. Produced by Auroris Media, the series will sit under the 108 Believe banner which was created in 2015 to deliver uplifting tales, and will debut this week at Mipcom. Check out a trailer below.

Among the folks profiled who are making a dent are Nancy Lublin, CEO of Crisis Text Line, the worlds first 24/7, free, text message-based support service; and Adam Braun, a New York Times bestselling author and the co-founder of Pencils of Promise  a global community helping people gain access to quality education. Also included in the first series are actor Scott Harrison, the founder and CEO of Charity Water; cinematographer Shane Hurlbut (Terminator Salvation) who created filmmaker mentoring program HurlbutVisuals; and Shiza Shahid, co-founder of the Malala Fund.

Lublin, who has been on Fortunes list of Worlds 50 Greatest Leaders, says she hopes that people who watch the series might become volunteers for Crisis Text Line. The service currently has about 2000 volunteers across the U.S. who respond to text messages from young people in distress where someone may be harming them, or they may be about to harm themselves. Crisis Text Line contacts EMTs who then turn up on the scene. On the day we spoke, Lublin told me there had been 10 active rescues the previous day. Thats 10 families who would be having a different day today, she said. Growth has been organic with plans to expand around the world.

Braun, a former Wall Street exec, learned about the challenges of obtaining a quality education for kids in the developing world during a Semester at Sea program. When he asked a young boy in India what he would want most and the answer was a pencil, he was inspired to co-found Pencils of Promise. Hes been motivated by a sense of purpose: Why am I here? What am I positioned to do in my life to have a positive impact on the lives of others?

Story continues

Pencils of Promise is now in four different countries and sees Passionate TV as a huge opportunity for the organization to expand our work to new audiences and individuals who would not maybe have heard. Weve always grown by good people introducing us to good people.

Maria Peek co-founder of Auroris Media, created and is exec producer of the series with Stephen Peek.

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By Kate Holton

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Pearson said a drop in demand for higher education textbooks in its biggest market the United States had resulted in a weaker-than-expected third-quarter performance.

The announcement sent shares in the education publisher tumbling 10 percent in early trade on Monday, although the group said cost cutting and a weak pound enabled it to maintain its full-year and mid-term profit forecasts.

Pearson, which sold the Financial Times newspaper and its stake in The Economist magazine last year to concentrate on education, said poor demand for textbooks from college campuses in the United States had compounded pressures on its American and British exam marking businesses.

That led to a 7 percent decline in organic sales in January-September, worse than the 5 percent fall analysts had predicted.

"Some of our markets have been challenging, in particular, sales in our largest business, U.S. higher education, are down due to cautious buying patterns from key retailers," Chief Executive John Fallon told reporters.

"This is an industry-wide issue."

The 172-year-old company is still reeling from profit downgrades in the past few years sparked by pressures on all its major markets, and announced plans in January to cut 4,000 jobs or 10 percent of its workforce.

It has been hit by a recovering U.S. economy as more people entered employment, reducing college enrolment numbers.

Fallon said these changes meant colleges were taking a more cautious approach to ordering textbooks, while many students were also happy to use second-hand books rather than buy new ones.

"We see this as a temporary phenomenon that will flow through the channel over the next six to nine months," Fallon said, adding that the group had already seen signs of improvement in September and October.

Finance director Coram Williams said based on anecdotal evidence, the group expected U.S. higher education enrolments to be flat to down 1 percent for this college year, although they would not have official confirmation until December.

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Cost cutting enabled Pearson to reiterate its target of 2016 adjusted operating profit of between 580 million pounds and 620 million pounds ($720-$771 million) for the year. It said it would also get a 4.5 pence boost to earnings per share if current exchange rates persist until the end of 2016.

It reiterated its medium target of seeing adjusted operating profit at or above 800 million pounds in 2018.

Shares in the group, which had begun to pick up in the past month, were down 10 percent at 0825 GMT, the biggest faller on Britain's FTSE 100 index. They have now shed 36 percent in the last 12 months.

"Overall, the shares may struggle to push much higher in the near term, in our view, following a decent rally into this update," Pearson analyst Jonathan Helliwell said in a note.

($1 = 0.8042 pounds)

(Editing by Paul Sandle and Susan Fenton)
Peshmerga fighters advanced toward Iraqs al-Hamdaniya district, an Islamic State-stronghold southeast of Mosul, on Monday, October 17, just hours after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the launch of a campaign to retake the city, which has been held by the militant group since June 2014. The US-led coalition warned that the operation to reclaim Mosul, Iraqs second largest city, will likely last for weeks.

According to a statement released by the General Command of Peshmerga forces of Kurdistan Region, some 4,000 Peshmerga fighters have been deployed as part of the operation in Khazir  east of Mosul.

Kurdish media group Rudaw reported on Monday morning that Peshmerga forces, backed by US-led air support, had liberated seven villages from IS along the Khazir front.

The United Nations has warned of an impending humanitarian crisis as military action turns towards retaking Mosul. The UN Refugee Agency said that they stepped up efforts to assist hundreds of thousands of displaced people. Credit: Facebook/Rudaw
Phil Collins has announced he will be making a comeback tour next year reports The Guardian, playing shows in London, Cologne and Paris.

Entitled "Not Dead Yet", Collins will kick off the tour with a five-night residency at the Royal Albert Hall in London, before heading to Cologne and then finishing up in Paris.

Commenting on what fans can expect Collins said, "It's going to be a romp through my songs that people love."

"I thought I would retire quietly. But thanks to the fans, my family and support from some extraordinary artists I have rediscovered my passion for music and performing. It's time to do it all again and I'm excited. It just feels right."

The former drummer and then later frontman of Genesis made released his solo debut album, "Face Value" back in 1981. Featuring the hit record "In the Air Tonight" he later went on to enjoy success with a string of hits including "Easy Lover," "You Can't Hurry Love" and "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)."

The full list of "Not Dead Yet" tour dates can be found below:

4-9 June: Royal Albert Hall, London

11-12 June: Lanxess Arena, Cologne

18-19 June: Accor Hotels Arena, Paris

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, October 21.

Collins' memoir of the same name, "Not Dead Yet: the Autobiography" will be published this week.
By Francis Maguire LONDON (Reuters) - British musician Phil Collins is returning to the stage with his first set of live shows in nearly 10 years, saying his children helped him cut his retirement short. Collins, who announced in 2011 he was bowing out of music, will perform for five nights at London's Royal Albert Hall next June before heading to Cologne and Paris where he will play two concerts in each city as part of his "Not Dead Yet: Live" shows. Collins, 65, came to fame as the drummer and later lead vocalist for progressive rock band Genesis and is known for solo hit singles such as "Another Day in Paradise" and "In the Air Tonight". He last toured in 2007. "They all kind of (said) 'You should get out there Dad, you should get out there and keep doing it.' They thought my retirement was a little premature but I also really did want to stop to be with the kids and be a dad. Now I am a dad, I can leave," Collins told Reuters in an interview on Monday. "People were talking to me over the last couple of years and saying 'We miss you, nobody does really what you do and it would be great if you came back and did some shows.' These kind of comments started to weigh up with me." Collins has enjoyed a successful solo career, winning Grammys, Brits as well as an Oscar. "It'll be fun... I've been away long enough for a greatest hits tour not to bore people," Collins said. "I think, fans...(will) be happy listening to the stuff they're familiar with and obviously there'll be some things in there that will be surprises." Collins performed last year at an event for his Little Dreams Foundation and also sang at the U.S. Open in August. In an earlier news conference, Collins, who is also releasing his "Not Dead Yet: The Autobiography" memoirs, touched upon injuries sustained during years of drumming, saying he had back surgery and was undergoing therapy. He also spoke about his battle against alcoholism. "I just felt I should write about this because this is the Phil Collins that people think is kind of invincible and squeaky clean. I just felt better for writing about it and also it may help someone..., maybe give people courage to talk about it." (Reporting by Francis Maguire; writing by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is willing to hold military exercises with China but not longtime ally the United States, Chinese media quoted him Monday as saying on the eve of a state visit.

Duterte heads to Beijing on Tuesday for a four-day trip that appears set to cement his dramatic foreign policy tilt away from United States, which he has railed against for criticising his deadly war on crime.

"It's only China (that) can help us," China's state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Duterte as saying in an interview ahead of his visit.

Duterte also told Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television he was willing to hold joint military exercises with China and Russia.

"Yes, I will. I have given enough time for the Americans to play with the Filipino soldiers," Duterte said when asked if he was open to war games with those two nations, as he reiterated he would no longer hold any more with the United States.

"This will be the last. It has been programmed. I do not want my soldiers to be humiliated," Duterte said, in reference to one set of war games in the Philippines that ended last week.

Duterte has sought to reshape his nation's foreign relations since taking office on June 30 by pivoting towards China and Russia while moving away from the United States, the Philippines' former colonial ruler and mutual defence ally.

Duterte has repeatedly expressed anger over American criticism of his war on crime, which has claimed more than 3,700 lives and raised fears of mass extrajudicial killings.

He has branded US President Barack Obama a "son of a whore" and told him to "go to hell".

But, signalling his shift to China is also for pragmatic reasons, Duterte has repeatedly ridiculed the United States for what he sees as its weakening economic and military influence around the world.

In the Xinhua interview Duterte again thanked China for not criticising the crime crackdown as he held out the Philippines' hand for soft loans and other forms of financial help.

Story continues

- 'China never criticises' -

"China never criticises. They help us quietly," Duterte said, according to Xinhua.

Duterte is bringing an entourage of hundreds of businessmen with him to Beijing, and Philippine media have said deals worth billions of dollars are expected to be announced during the trip.

Asked if he would seek to buy military equipment from China during his visit, Duterte told Phoenix Television: "Yes, but not really in (large) numbers."

Duterte said he would also need small, fast attack boats from China to fight "terrorism".

"If China does not help us in this endeavour, we will have a hard time fighting terrorism," he said without elaborating, according to Phoenix Television.

Bilateral relations worsened under Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino, who tried to challenge China's expansionism in the South China Sea.

China claims nearly all of the strategically vital sea, even waters approaching the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, and has in recent years built artificial islands in the disputed areas that are capable of hosting military bases.

To counter China, Aquino allowed a much greater American military presence in the Philippines and started joint patrols in the sea with US forces.

He also filed a legal case at a UN-backed tribunal, which ruled in July that China's claims to most of the sea had no legal basis. Beijing refused to accept the ruling.

Duterte has said he does not want to use the verdict to pressure China. In recent weeks he has also cancelled the joint sea patrols with the United States and said he may cancel a pact that allows a greater US military presence in the Philippines.
Chivalry isn't dead.

In a post that has quickly gone viral, a Michigan mom posted images of her 6-year-old son doing chores in an effort to emphasize that household work isnt just for women.

In the picture thats been shared nearly 150,000 times, Lyle can be seen cooking, sweeping, and doing laundry.

Read: To the Rescue: 4-Year-Old Awarded for Saving Her Dad's Life

We do it all the time. I think there are a lot of guys who are raised to only do manly things and don't know how to cook and clean, Lyles mom, Nikkole Paulum, of Monroe, told InsideEdition.com. I think it's important because I want my child to be self-efficient and well-rounded.

Paulum said some of the bad relationships with men in her own past also encourage her to teach her son to never be too manly to cook or do chores.

I raise him to be better than them, to respect women and to be able to be independent. Most of my friends have said that they wish guys were good men who respected women and I just realized that it's my job to make him a good man, said Paulum.

Read: Teen With Down Syndrome Celebrates Cancer-Free Diagnosis Months After Becoming Honorary Deputy

Paulum, who is a single mother, surely has plans for little Lyle.

He will be the kind of man who can come inside from changing a tire to check on his pot roast. Who can properly sort his laundry and mow the lawn too, she wrote.

In response, other mothers have left pictures of their own children doing chores on the post.

Watch: 6-Year-Old Boys Offers to Help Put Out Fire Wearing His Firefighter Costume

Related Articles:
Police officer performs Beyonces Formation choreography at pep rally, SLAYS FOR DAYS

Theres a police officer in Virginia who isnt just good at fighting crime and giving out speeding tickets, hes also a good dancer. Like, Beyonce backup dancer good.

Lieutenant Deuntay Diggs showed off his moves when he surprised Virginias North Stafford High School by getting into formation. In front of the entire school at their pep rally on Friday, Diggs danced to Beyonces Formation, and he SLAYED. He even had all of the exact choreography from the music video down, because sometimes life is just good to us.

Naturally, the teenage crowd went absolutely CRAZY when they heard the music start. But when Diggs began performing Beyonces choreography, they completely lost their minds  in the best way, of course.

This county lieutenant in Virginia came to SLAY at a high-school pep rally. (via @christinaconcep, @imxlino) https://t.co/6Pi2R93fhx  NBCSN (@NBCSN) October 15, 2016

And a better angle

Diggs told BuzzFeed that hes the first openly gay deputy to attend the Virginia Military Institute, and also the first openly gay officer to serve at the Stafford County Sheriffs Office  which he is obviously very proud of. As he should be. He performed the dance at a benefit back in August, and said he learned all the moves by watching the video over and over again.

So basically, hes just like every Beyonce fan ever.

This video has entered our lives at the exact right time. Not only is today Monday and super draggy, but its been an intense few weeks (months) in the world. So watching a grown ass man  a cop, no less  rock it to Beyonce is actually healing our souls. Seriously, just watch this man dance without smiling the entire time.

When you're a police officer but a Beyonce Stan too so you have to get in Formation, literally. A video posted by Him Kardashian, Famous Person (@mrldavis) on Aug 15, 2016 at 10:24am PDT

Coming out as a freshman at the institute wasnt easy for him. I didnt really accept myself at the time, Diggs said. But one of the things that they beat into your head [at VMI] is integrity and honesty, so I didnt want to lie to my fellow cadets.

A photo posted by Deuntay Diggs (@diggsdt) on Mar 26, 2016 at 11:26am PDT

Were so happy Diggs is out and proud and willing to show off his moves for the entire world (even if he didnt intend for the entire world to see them).

The post Police officer performs Beyonces Formation choreography at pep rally, SLAYS FOR DAYS appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Oct 17 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Wall Street Journal. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- A diverse coalition of Iraqi forces launched a long-awaited offensive against Islamic State in Mosul, one of the last major cities still controlled by the militant group. http://on.wsj.com/2dZIHjQ

- Hillary Clinton is consolidating a substantial lead over Donald Trump less than a month before Election Day, picking up support from women and swing voters as the Republican navigates growing allegations of unwanted sexual contact, a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds. http://on.wsj.com/2dZIhdb

- The batteries used in Samsung Electronics' troubled Galaxy Note 7 were tested by a lab that belongs to the South Korean electronics giant, a practice that sets it apart from other smartphone manufacturers. http://on.wsj.com/2dZJZLF

- The Republican headquarters in Orange County, N.C., was firebombed and sprayed with graffiti overnight, said local officials in the town of Hillsborough. http://on.wsj.com/2dZJvoG

- More senior executives are slated to say they are leaving McDonald's Corp this week as the burger giant reshapes its leadership team in an apparent effort to revive sales. http://on.wsj.com/2dZLUzA

- Constellation Brands Inc is close to an agreement to sell its Canadian wine business to Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan in a deal valued at about 1 billion Canadian dollars ($760 million. http://on.wsj.com/2dZMldn

- A global pact to limit planet-warming emissions is likely to force manufacturers of air conditioners and refrigerators to consider passing the additional cost of alternative coolants to consumers. http://on.wsj.com/2dZIXiJ (Compiled by Vishal Sridhar in Bengaluru)
Oct 17 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the New York Times business pages. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- Wells Fargo & Co disclosed on Friday that new account openings had taken a nose-dive since the scandal over illegal activity at the bank erupted: Bank executives said customers opened 25 percent fewer checking accounts and applied for 20 percent fewer credit cards in September compared with a year ago. http://nyti.ms/2dXb1k6

- Peter Thiel, the only prominent supporter of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in the high-tech community, is making his first donation in support of Trump's election. He will give $1.25 million through a combination of super PAC donations and funds given directly to the campaign, a person close to the investor said on Saturday. http://nyti.ms/2dZxaB0

- It is going to be expensive to pull America's largest territory out of its death spiral, Puerto Rico's outgoing governor warned on Friday. The island will "need the assistance of the federal government to bring this economic and humanitarian crisis to an end," said governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla, addressing the panel that the Obama administration set up to handle the territory's staggering debt. http://nyti.ms/2dUX597

(Compiled by Rama Venkat Raman in Bengaluru)
Donetsk (Ukraine) (AFP) - Ukraine's pro-Russian rebels announced three days of mourning on Monday after notorious rebel commander Arseny Pavlov, known as "Motorola", was killed in a lift bombing.

The 33-year-old Russian died late on Sunday when a homemade device exploded in the lift at the entrance to his block of flats in the de facto rebel capital Donetsk, separatist authorities said.

It was the latest in a string of assassinations of insurgent commanders, with rebel chief Alexander Zakharchenko blaming it on Kiev, describing it as a declaration of "war" by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

But other separatists told AFP the bombing may have been part of an internal power struggle among the rebels, who Kiev and the West say are directed by Russia.

"Either it's an operation staged by the Ukrainian services or it was one of us," said a fighter in the Sparta battalion which had been led by Pavlov.

A commander with another rebel battalion Akhra Avidzba said he suspected former pro-Kiev volunteer fighters incorporated into the Ukrainian forces of the hit and pledged retaliation.

"We will make an effort to find out who it was and take targeted revenge," he told AFP.

Ukrainian far-right group Pravy Sektor, which has fought alongside the Ukrainian army in the east, denied responsibility.

Another fringe neo-Nazi group rubbished a video that surfaced purporting to show its masked members taking credit for the killing.

Ukrainian military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said Monday that Pavlov's death meant he had escaped "inevitable punishment in the form of life imprisonment".

"He simply got lucky," Lysenko said.

- Flowers, glowing tributes -

An army veteran from Russia's Komi region, Pavlov -- who fought in the second Chechen war -- joined the fighting that broke out in east Ukraine in April 2014 as a volunteer, rising to prominence after appearing on Russian TV broadcasts.

Story continues

In a 2015 interview, he famously boasted of having shot 15 Ukrainian prisoners of war, prompting calls for an investigation by Amnesty International.

And in June this year, he reportedly survived another assassination attempt.

His death was widely reported by Russian state media, which paid glowing tribute to him.

On Monday morning, the crime scene was ringed by armed rebel fighters who refused to let reporters through, saying investigators were at work. Several pensioners came to lay flowers outside the block of flats.

Three people who witnessed the explosion told AFP Pavlov's bodyguard was also killed, although this has not been confirmed by rebel officials.

Fighting in east Ukraine -- which has claimed nearly 10,000 lives -- has dragged on despite a peace plan brokered by Germany and France, which has run around amid acrimony between Russia and Ukraine.

Kiev on Monday said one soldier was killed and seven injured in the latest clashes.

Pavlov is the latest of rebel leader to be killed in the war-torn region controlled by heavily-armed militias.

Earlier attacks have seen pro-Russian warlords blown up by car bombs and anti-tank missiles in spectacular mob-style hits that the rebel leadership blamed on Kiev but which many put down to separatist power struggles.
By Maria Tsvetkova and Pavel Polityuk MOSCOW/KIEV (Reuters) - A prominent Russian separatist commander was assassinated in eastern Ukraine on Sunday evening, his allies said on Monday, accusing Ukrainian government forces of murdering him to try to destabilize an already fragile ceasefire. Arseny Pavlov, a Russian national who went by the nom de guerre "Motorola", was blown up in the lift of his apartment building in Donetsk together with his bodyguard, according to Eduard Basurin, deputy defense minister in the government of the self-styled Donetsk People's Republic. Donetsk is the biggest city in the Ukrainian region of Donbass, which pro-Russian militants seized in 2014 and where daily skirmishes and shellings test a shaky 2015 ceasefire deal. "The bomb was placed above the lift's cabin. The blast was concentrated inside the cabin," Basurin told Reuters. "We had intelligence from our agent networks that diversionary groups were being sent our way to kill prominent military and political leaders." Four armed masked men claimed responsibility for the killing in a video uploaded to the Internet. The men, who appeared alongside a flag belonging to a pro-Ukrainian neo-Nazi group, said they would next target Igor Plotnitsky, leader of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic, together with Alexander Zakharchenko, prime minister of the Donetsk People's Republic. Zakharchenko said the murder amounted to a declaration of war by Ukraine and promised revenge. Pavlov, 33, was born in Russia, and commanded the separatist "Sparta" battalion which fought Ukrainian government forces in several key battles, including the struggle for Donetsk airport. Short and sporting a ginger beard, pro-Kremlin media and his fellow separatists cast him as a hero, but in Ukraine, many regarded him as a hate figure and a symbol of Russian expansionism. In a 2015 telephone interview with the Kyiv Post newspaper, a man who identified himself as Pavlov was recorded as saying he had murdered 15 Ukrainian prisoners of war. The Donetsk News Agency, an official separatist news outlet, cited Denis Pushilin, a senior pro-Russian separatist leader, as saying Pavlov's killing was a Ukrainian attempt "to rock the situation." A spokeswoman for Ukraine's SBU security service declined to comment, but some Ukrainian officials suggested the separatist commander had been killed in rebel infighting. "It looks like he was eliminated by his cousins in crime of this anti-human terrorist gang," Ukrainian Interior Ministry spokesman Artyom Shevchenko said on social media. "This is a sad but just end." (Writing by Dmitry Solovyov/Andrew Osborn; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
First Lady Michelle Obama is the picture of strength and beauty on the cover of Tmagazine. (Photo: T magazine)

First lady Michelle Obama is one of seven cover stars for T, the New York Times style magazines The Greats issue. Obama, photographed in black-and-white portrait style, looks all kinds of gorgeous on the cover, with sleek hair, perfectly shaped brows, and triangle earrings. The 52-year-old looks as radiant as ever. Her skin is smooth and flawless, and her makeup has an air of sultry but authoritative glam, raising the question of how she has managed to not age at all after eight stressful years in the White House. A follow-up piece on her skin care regimen is definitely necessary, please and thank you!

For the accompanying article, T tapped writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, actress Rashida Jones, feminist icon Gloria Steinem, and writer Jon Meacham to reflect on Obamas impact on America during President Obamas tenure.

One particular theme that ran throughout the piece was the gracious way the mother of two handled the intense scrutiny of her  and still proved to people that she wasnt the person the media tried to make her out to be. Because she said what she thought, and because she smiled only when she felt like smiling, and not constantly and vacuously, Americas cheapest caricature was cast on her: the Angry Black Woman, Adichie wrote. Women, in general, are not permitted anger  but from black American women, there is an added expectation of interminable gratitude, the closer to groveling the better, as though their citizenship is a phenomenon that they cannot take for granted.

Adichie also mentioned the backlash Michelle got after admitting that seeing the support for her husband during his campaign and seeing people hungry for change made her proud to be an American for the first time in [her] adult life.

For me, a foreign-raised person who likes America, one of its greatest curiosities is this: that those who have the most reason for dissent are those least allowed dissent, she wrote.

Steinem was impressed with how the first lady redefined what it means to hold the position. She managed to convey dignity and humor at the same time, to be a mother of two daughters and insist on regular family dinners, and to take on health issues and a national food industry addicted to unhealthy profits. She did this despite an undertow of bias in this country that subtly questioned everything she did, Steinem wrote.

Story continues

Meacham was inspired by the way Michelle rose above the difficulties that often come with her job. The important thing is that Mrs. Obama, a clear-eyed lawyer, found a way to withstand the scrutiny of the spotlight. In point of fact, she did more than withstand it. To borrow a phrase from William Faulkner, she not only endured it; she prevailed over it.

Jones points out that one of the most important things Michelle will leave behind is her unique imprint on the White House and her time spent in it  and the fact that the imprint will be hers alone. Michelle Obama will have her own legacy, separate from her husbands. And it will be that she was the first first lady to show women that they dont have to choose. That its OK to be everything.

If anything, the article is a reminder of how much the FLOTUS  whose 64 percent approval rating in August was higher than those of Bill Clinton and Melania Trump  will be missed.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.




Senator Tim Kaine had a surprise guest during the Florida Democrats Block Party on Saturday in Miami. Rapper and G.O.O.D. Music president Pusha T served as co-host of the event alongside Hillary Clinton's running mate.

"The stakes are high, for Miami especially, Florida especially," said Pusha T, urging the crowd of residents and elected officials like Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Miami City Commissioner Keon Hardemon to vote for the Democratic Party at next month's election. "When we do actually get into those polls, we need to think about what's important to us, what's important for the community. And we need to pick Clinton and Kaine."

#PUSHAT introduces @timkaine in Liberty City, Florida ----

A video posted by Our Generation Music (@ourgenerationmusicco) on Oct 15, 2016 at 5:53pm PDT

Pusha T also interviewed Senator Kaine, a fellow Virginia native, addressing key topics surrounding the election, including young people voting, systemic racism, common sense gun laws, criminal justice, education, health care and police brutality.

This wouldn't mark the first political alliance for Pusha T, who recently teamed with Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in July, even releasing the "Delete Your Account" shirts referencing Clinton's message to her opponent, Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Politics as usual...

A photo posted by Pusha T (@kingpush) on Oct 15, 2016 at 4:09pm PDT
Leading mobile chipset manufacturer, QUALCOMM Incorporated QCOM recently leveled charges against smartphone maker, Meizu in the U.S., Germany and France. Qualcomm has filed a complaint with the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) concerning a patent infringement action in Germany with the Mannheim Regional Court. In France, the company initiated an infringement-seizure action to obtain evidence of any possible patent violation action in the future. Notably, Qualcomm had filed a similar lawsuit against Meizu in a Chinese Intellectual Property court earlier this year.

According to Qualcomm, as many as 100 Chinese companies have agreed to pay licensing fees for 3G and 4G LTE technologies, with the exception of Meizu. By using Qualcomms technology without a license, Meizu could dent its competitive position in the country, as licensees will incur higher costs for manufacturing smartphones.

The Bottom Line

Shipping about 20 million smartphone devices in 2015, Meizu is one of the top 12 smartphone makers in the world in terms of sales and shipments. Thus, by filing lawsuits against the company in multiple countries, Qualcomm intends to mount pressure on Meizu and force it to enter into an agreement. Importantly, technology licensing fees comprise a major chunk of revenues for Qualcomm and it fears that the trend of non payment of these fees may spill over to other licensees, which will hurt its top line. Thus, these legal proceedings are likely to help Qualcomm conserve its license-based revenues, especially in the face of competitive pressure from low-cost chip manufacturers like MediaTek as well as established chipset makers like Intel Corporation INTC and NVDIA Corporation NVDA.

QUALCOMM INC Price and Consensus

QUALCOMM INC Price and Consensus | QUALCOMM INC Quote

Qualcomm currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). InterDigital, Inc. IDCC is a better ranked stock in this industry having a Zacks Rank #1 (Buy). It has seen 3 upward revision in estimates for the current quarter in the last 60 days. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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About 3,000 years ago, a fire destroyed the Near East city of Tel Megiddo, leaving ash and burned mud-brick buildings in its wake. And according to a new study, the blaze may have leveled the entire city in a mere 2 to 3 hours.

That's right  Tel Megiddo, located in present-day northern Israel, could have burned in about the time it takes the watch a long movie, for instance, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey."

The findings, based on scientists' own experiments with homemade mud bricks, not only help archaeologists understand the destruction of this ancient city in the Near East, but also serve as a window into how fires affected other settlements, researchers said. [8 Grisly Archaeological Discoveries]

"Mud bricks are important to study, because they account for as much as 90 percent of standing architecture in many ancient settlements," said Robert Homsher, a postdoctoral research fellow at the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research in Jerusalem, who was not involved with the research.

Heating up mud bricks

For their study, the researchers made their own mud bricks, a process that was like "playing with mud," study researcher Ruth Shahack-Gross, an associate professor of geoarchaeology at the University of Haifa in Israel, told Live Science.

A modern mud-brick house under construction in Uzbekistan in 2010. The mud bricks out front are drying in the sun. Ruth Shahack-Gross

Shahack-Gross, worked with postdoctoral fellow Mathilde Forget, while both were employed at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. To make the bricks, the researchers took soil, removed large stones from the soil, and mixed it with straw, also called chaff, and water. Then, they poured the mixture into brick molds and dried the bricks in an oven. This "ancient" method is still used today, especially in rural areas in the Near East, as "it's a very cost-effective method of construction because you use the soil around you," Shahack-Gross said.

Rather than set the bricks on fire, the researchers put them in a hot oven and measured how long it took the bricks' cores to reach 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit (600 degrees Celsius), a temperature reached by the ancient burned bricks at Tel Megiddo, according to previous analyses, Shahack-Gross said. In addition, the researchers tested bricks that had different sizes and shapes, as well as different amounts of chaff.

Story continues

As expected, larger bricks took longer to heat up than smaller bricks, but the amount of chaff didn't significantly affect the time needed to heat the brick, the researchers found. Moreover, items within the dwellings  such as wood-support beams, furniture, matting, stored food and oil, and bedding  could have fueled the fire, helping it spread, she said.

The study provides, "for the first time, a quantitative tool by which archaeologists [can] estimate the duration of destructive conflagration events" within ancient cities, the researchers wrote in the October issue of the journal Antiquity.

Fiery research

Other researchers suggested follow-up studies to account for other factors involved in a burn. For instance, Homsher said a future experiment could look at whether old bricks with holes from decayed chaff would burn more slowly than newly made bricks.

In addition, temperature alone may not give an accurate burn time, said Karl Harrison, a lecturer of forensic archaeology at Cranfield University in England, who was not involved with the study. [Photos of First Fire-Scarred Petrified Wood]

"Fires need to be understood as complex events of dynamic energy release," Harrison told Live Science in an email. "Concentrating on temperature alone, while it can be an important indicator, will tend to give a simple picture of a fire that is erroneous without putting [it] into a wider context."

For instance, during a real fire, the bricks may be heated only from one side, rather than from all sides as they were in the oven, Harrison said.

"By heating a brick all the way around and measuring how long it takes to reach 600 degrees [Celsius] you'll find a minimum (the authors say 2 to 3 hours), but that time will have little if any bearing on a real time of burning in an urban fire," he noted.

Shahack-Gross acknowledged that the study is one of many that may help researchers understand how long it took for fires to burn ancient cities.

"Clearly, there are many limitations," she said. "We are totally aware of the fact that the experiment, [which was done] in controlled conditions in the lab, does not mimic what happened in the past."

Original article on Live Science.

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Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f249146%2fc28a80ce9ef34f239fd143b6c96945b1

Many consumers already know that tomatoes picked fresh off the vine pack far more flavor than the bright red orbs chilling at the grocery store.

But scientists didnt fully understand why putting tomatoes in the fridge could reduce some of their rich flavor.

Now researchers at the University of Florida say they found the answer by studying the tomatoes genes. The new research, published Monday, explains why the loss of flavor happens at the molecular level.

SEE ALSO: New research shows turmeric's potential health benefits

The answer calls into question the entire system of handling tomatoes from when they are picked and shipped to when they are purchased and brought home.

Researchers found that chilling tomatoes at temperatures below 12 degrees Celsius, or 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit, hampers the enzymes in the fruit. The study, published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that chilled tomatoes' enzymes are less effective at combining volatile compounds, which are crucial for imparting the tomatoes' flavor.

This leads to tomatoes that are relatively fresh and physically appealing  yet far less flavorful than their farm-picked peers.

A Chinese shopper buys tomatoes at a supermarket in Qingdao city, Sept. 9, 2016.

Image: Stringer - Imaginechina

"Commercial tomatoes are widely perceived by consumers as lacking flavor. A major part of that problem is a post-harvest handling system that chills fruits," the study's authors, led by Florida horticultural sciences professor Harry Klee, wrote in the study.

"Low-temperature storage is widely used to slow ripening and reduce decay," they wrote, adding that for tomatoes, this results in "reduced flavor quality."

The tomato's taste is determined by the interactions of sugars, acids and a set of 15 to 20 volatile compounds, the study found.

Klee and the other researchers found that cold storage does not significantly affect the tomatoes' sugars and acids. Instead, all the flavor-zapping action happens with the fruits' volatile compounds.

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For their research, the team used tomatoes grown in a greenhouse on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville and divided the full, red ripe fruits into three groups.

Plastic-packed tomatoes.

Image: Arno Burgi/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images

In the first group, tomatoes were stored at 5 degrees Celsius, or 41 degrees Fahrenheit, with 92 percent relative humidity for seven days, then transferred to 20 degrees Celsius, or 68 degrees Fahrenheit, for a one-day recovery. In the second group, tomatoes were held at 5 degrees Celsius for eight days without recovery at ambient temperature.

In the third group, tomatoes were picked and tested one day later, without chilling.

Researchers found that seven days of cold exposure reduced the tomatoes' levels of volatile compounds by up to 65 percent. The brief recovery periods after chilling failed to restore the fruits' volatiles to normal levels, according to the study.

A panel of 76 consumers also ranked their liking of the chilled and unchilled tomatoes. The taste-testers judged fruits that were chilled for seven days, then stored at 20 degrees Celsius, as much less flavorful than fruits that were picked a day earlier.

Klee said the researchers ultimately aim to "produce a better-tasting tomato" by identifying the genes that control the synthesis of flavor-related volatile compounds, according to Klee's research page on the University's website.
By Colin Packham and Jane Wardell SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia on Tuesday rejected claims by rights group Amnesty International that conditions on a tiny Pacific Island where some 400 asylum seekers are being held "amount to torture." In a detailed report titled Island of Despair, Amnesty alleged that many of the asylum seekers on Nauru are being driven to attempt suicide to escape the prison-like conditions they face in indefinite detention. Under Australia's tough immigration policy, asylum seekers intercepted trying to reach the country by boat are sent for processing at a camp in Nauru or to Manus Island in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and are not eligible for resettlement in Australia. "I reject that claim totally. It is absolutely false," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio of the torture claim. "The Australian government's commitment is compassionate and strong." Amnesty, which said its findings were based on both desk research and field work in Nauru between July and October, said the detention was a "systematic regime of neglect and cruelty." "The conditions on Nauru  refugees' severe mental anguish, the intentional nature of the system, and the fact that the goal of offshore processing is to intimidate or coerce people to achieve a specific outcome  amounts to torture," the report said. Almost 60 people, or about 15 percent of the 410 men, women and children on the island, reported they had either attempted suicide or had thoughts about harming themselves, Amnesty said. Aid agencies say those held on Nauru are mainly from Iran and Afghanistan. Despite receiving refugee status, they continue to be confined to poor accommodation with little access to medical care, Amnesty said, adding that children, who make up little more than a tenth of the number of detainees, suffer disproportionately. "I met children as young as nine who had already tried to kill themselves and were talking openly about ending their lives," said Anna Keistat, an Amnesty official. Amnesty joins a chorus of criticism by human rights groups of Australia's immigration policy, and comes just weeks after the United Nations said Nauru was failing to protect children. A Guardian report said that more than 2,000 incidents, including sexual abuse, assault and attempted self-harm, were reported in about two years, more than half involving children. Turnbull's government has been trying to organize resettlement of the asylum seekers in other countries, but has so far only struck a deal with Cambodia that has proved unpopular with refugees. Asked if he was in negotiations with the United States to take some of the detainees, Turnbull declined to comment but stressed that they would not be allowed to enter Australia. "If you seek to come to Australia with a people smuggler or you've sought to come to Australia with a people smuggler, you will not settle in Australia," he said. Australia is also facing pressure over a second detention center in Papua New Guinea after that country's Supreme Court in April ordered its closure. The 823 men held on Manus Island have been given limited freedom, but they remain detained. (Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Sandra Maler)
Paris (AFP) - A complex offensive is taking place to recapture Mosul, the Islamic State group's last major stronghold in Iraq and the country's second city.

Questions of timing

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced Monday that operations to liberate Mosul had begun after already calling an operation to retake Nineveh province, of which Mosul is the capital, in March this year.

The timing of Abadi's announcement is in line with predictions by Western officials, including US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joe Dunford, that an offensive would be launched in October.

A key requirement was the cooperation of peshmerga forces from the autonomous Kurdish region. Their leader Massud Barzani said on Saturday that the time had come to begin operations.

Abadi remains on target to keep his promise that Mosul would be liberated in 2016 but it is still unclear when Iraqi forces will be in a position to move into the city proper.

Paramilitary forces known as the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) will also take part in fighting in the Mosul theatre. While they are ostensibly under Abadi's control, the most powerful groups operate with a great deal of autonomy and with input from Tehran.

Baghdad decided to retake Fallujah, an IS-held city west of the capital, before moving on to the northern city of Mosul, and that operation was the main focus until its completion this summer.

Iraqi forces have since retaken the Qayyarah base, which will serve as a main supply and logistics hub for the Mosul operation, and have also recaptured Sharqat, an IS-held town that was a potential threat to their supply lines.

Many players

The battle for Mosul is expected to be difficult, involving street-to-street fighting with the 3,000-4,500 IS jihadists the coalition has estimated are in the area.

IS is faced with an array of forces: the US-led coalition, Iraqi soldiers, police and mainly Shiite Muslim Hashed al-Shaabi forces -- and Kurdish peshmerga fighters.

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This coalition of myriad and sometimes rival Iraqi forces will have to fight through IS defences -- in some cases over distances of dozens of kilometres (miles) from their current positions -- to reach the city.

The operation will be supported by the US-led coalition, while Iranian forces will work with some Shiite militia groups, and Turkey also has troops at a base near Mosul which it has declined to remove despite Baghdad's demands that it do so.

The issue of the role of the Hashed al-Shaabi militia forces is a contentious one, and Sunni politicians oppose their entry into Sunni Arab Mosul.

Hashed forces may ultimately be diverted to retake the town of Tal Afar west of Mosul, giving them a role in the operation while keeping them out of the city.

There is also the contentious issue of post-Mosul territorial control, with Iraqi Kurdistan wanting to maintain control of areas that are claimed by both it and the federal government in Baghdad.

Humanitarian catastrophe feared

The Mosul offensive could affect more than one million people, according to the United Nations. These displaced people would come on top of some 3.38 million Iraqis who have already left their homes since January 2014.

The UN refugee agency has appealed for $584 million (520 million euros) to help those displaced, and has so far only received a part. Washington in mid-September announced aid of more than $181 million.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A retired U.S. Marine Corps general who last served as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff pleaded guilty on Monday in a federal court to making false statements to the FBI during an investigation into leaks of classified information.

Four-star General James Cartwright was questioned by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2012 over a book written by New York Times reporter David Sanger, which exposed a malicious computer software program known as "Stuxnet" designed to disrupt Iran's nuclear program.

(Reporting by Julia Harte; Writing by Eric Walsh; Editing by Eric Beech)
Washington (AFP) - A retired top US general pleaded guilty Monday to making a false statement during an FBI probe into a classified intelligence leak about a cyberattack against Iran's nuclear program in 2010.

Marine Corps General James Cartwright, 67, formerly the vice chairman to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was accused of lying to investigators when he said he had not confirmed classified information to New York Times journalist David Sanger.

Sanger wrote a book describing a joint US and Israeli operation that deployed a virus called "Stuxnet" that reportedly destroyed or damaged centrifuges being used by Iran to enrich uranium in 2010.

The malicious code reportedly dealt Iran's disputed nuclear program a serious blow.

"After investigators showed Cartwright a list of quotes and statements from David Sanger's book, a number of which contained classified information, Cartwright falsely told investigators that he was not the source," prosecutors said on a charge sheet.

Prosecutors also said Cartwright had spoken with journalist Daniel Klaidman.

"It was wrong for me to mislead the FBI on November 2, 2012, and I accept full responsibility for this," Cartwright said in a statement provided by his lawyer.

"I knew I was not the source of the story and I didn't want to be blamed for the leak. My only goal in talking to the reporters was to protect American interests and lives; I love my country and continue to this day to do everything I can to defend it."

The judge in the case set a sentencing hearing for January 17.

A letter from prosecutors said Cartwright could theoretically face a maximum of five years in prison.

As part of the plea deal, however, the sentence will likely be between zero and six months, and prosecutors will not pursue additional charges.

Cartwright, who retired with four stars in 2011, was considered a close military advisor to President Barack Obama.
By Alister Doyle

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Rich countries said on Monday they were on track to keep a promise to provide developing nations with $100 billion a year to tackle climate change by 2020, up from an estimated $62 billion in 2014.

The pledge of fast-rising funds, first made in 2009 to help the poor rein in greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to rising temperatures, was a key to ensuring all governments signed up for the 2015 Paris Agreement to combat global warming.

"We are confident we will meet the $100 billion goal from a variety of sources, and reaffirm our commitment to doing so," developed nations said in a report compiled by Australia and Britain.

The funds, from both the public and private sector, would be up from an estimated $62 billion in 2014 and $52 billion in 2013, it said.

The Paris Agreement will enter into force on Nov. 4 after winning backing from major emitters led by China and the United States.

At a 2009 summit in Copenhagen, governments promised to mobilise $100 billion a year by 2020 to help developed nations limit their emissions and adapt to heat waves, floods, more powerful storms and rising sea levels.

Then U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, now the Democratic candidate for the presidency against Republican Donald Trump who doubts climate change is man-made, announced Washington's backing for the pledge at the summit.

Monday's report said that new estimates by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) indicated that finance from public sources alone would rise to $67 billion in 2020 from $44 billion in 2014.

More than 30 governments, including the United States, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Canada and Australia had pledged new funds in 2015, it said.

The rising public sector finance could help mobilise $33 billion in private sector finance by 2020 to reach the $100 billion goal, it said.

Several development organisations welcomed Monday's "Roadmap" as another piece of good news after an agreement in Rwanda on Saturday to phase out greenhouse gases from refrigerants and air conditioning.

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Alison Doig of Christian Aid said showed developed nations were taking the pledge seriously, but added: "We need to start seeing concrete examples of this impact, not just numbers on spread sheets."

Almost 200 nations will meet in Morocco next month to start writing detailed rules for the Paris Agreement.

(Reporting by Alister Doyle; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
By Alastair Sharp TORONTO (Reuters) - Rogers Communications Inc Chief Executive Guy Laurence is stepping down effective immediately, the Canadian telecom company said on Monday, an unexpected departure that came as it reported a sharp fall in quarterly profit. Laurence, a former Vodafone UK executive brought in a little less than three years ago, will eventually be replaced by former Telus Corp chief Joe Natale. Alan Horn will serve as interim CEO, the company said. It did not give a specific date when Natale will join the company. Telus said last year Natale would have an 18-month non-compete agreement from the end of 2015. "The timing is never perfect with these things," Horn said on a conference call, focusing on the opportunity to secure Natale's services when asked to explain the CEO transition. Rogers shares, which gained roughly 15 percent over Laurence's tenure, rose 1.8 percent to C$55.30. Laurence was widely viewed as a turnaround expert when he was brought in by the company, controlled by Toronto's Rogers family. The chief executive shied away from discounts to woo subscribers, instead focusing on improved product offerings and better customer service. The rate at which its wireless customers leave has dropped for the last four quarters. "It's a strange situation," said Ryan Bushell, a portfolio manager with Leon Frazer and Associates, which has around 2.5 percent of its C$1 billion ($752 million) portfolio invested in Rogers. "It would be very short-sighted to me if they were impatient with the turnaround he had in progress," he said. But Bushell noted Laurence took steps to reshape the corporate culture that may have rankled some in the organization. Laurence could not immediately be reached for comment. Edward Rogers, the company's deputy chairman, thanked Laurence for "his competitive spirit and many contributions" in a statement. RESULTS HIT BY SHOMI SHUTDOWN In a earnings statement moved up from its scheduled Thursday release, Rogers said its net income fell to C$220 million ($166 million), or 43 Canadian cents per share, in the third quarter, from C$660 million, or 90 Canadian cents per share, a year earlier. It recognized a C$140 million loss on shutting down the streaming television joint venture Shomi. On an adjusted basis it earned 83 Canadian cents a year. Analysts had expected 88 cents per share according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Laurence's severance payment was not included in the third quarter numbers, the company said. ($1 = 1.3290 Canadian dollars) (With additional reporting by Anet Josline Pinto in Bengaluru; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story dominated social media buzz last week, thanks to the release of its full trailer on Oct. 13, with more than 228,000 new conversations, according to media-measurement firm comScore.

The trailer focuses on Felicity Jones Jyn Erso and her father Galen Erso, played by Mads Mikkelsen. Ben Mendelsohn appears as main villain Orson Krennic, who tells Darth Vader about the immeasurable power of the Death Star. Disney and Lucasfilm also released a poster on the previous day.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them generated nearly 68,000 new conversations, after Warner Bros. held a special multi-city live fan event with filmmaker panels on Oct. 13. Harry Potter author and Fantastic Beasts screenwriter J.K. Rowling revealed that the Fantastic Beasts franchise would contain five films.

Ouija: Origin of Evil, which dominated social media buzz in the previous week due to the Oct. 6 release of an interactive clip explaining Ouija rules, showed significant buzz with over 25,000 new conversations. Universals movie, a prequel to the 2014 hit Ouija, is set in 1965 Los Angeles as a widowed mother (played by Elizabeth Reaser) and her two daughters add a new stunt to bolster their at-home seance scam business. It opens Oct. 21.

Sonys Tom Hanks thriller Inferno generated more than 21,000 new conversations last week. The film, which opens Oct. 28 in the U.S., dominated the international market over the weekend with $50 million in 43 territories.

Marvel-Disneys Doctor Strange generated more than 17,000 new conversations, with its Nov. 4 launch date looming. The cast includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt, Scott Adkins, Mads Mikkelsen and Tilda Swinton.

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How it got its Name

Royal Enfield has a long history dating back to the nineteenth century. It all began with a certain businessman named George Townsend setting up a needle making mill in Redditch, Worcestershire (United Kingdom) in 1851. After his demise, his son George Jr. assumed the mantle. George Jr. soon created a crude bicycle, which he upgraded over the years, adding new features. In all the newer models, one thing was a constant  stoutness. The feature is a trademark of all Royal Enfield bikes till date.

The company gradually started manufacturing other products such as bicycle parts. Soon enough, it bagged a contract to supply precision rifle parts to Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield, Middlesex. In celebration of this, its new bicycle was called Enfield. A company was created to market the bicycles called The Enfield Manufacturing Co. Ltd in 1892. The next year, the word Royal (after the Royal Small Arms Factory) was added and thus the name Royal Enfield got minted. Their logo was Made Like A Gun.
The British bank accounts of RT, Russias state-run broadcaster formerly known as Russia Today, have been frozen by NatWest, according to the organizations editor-in-chief.

Theyve closed our accounts in Britain. All our accounts. The decision is not subject to review. Praise be to freedom of speech!, editor Margarita Simonyan tweeted in Russian. The outcome of the day: we closed the account in Britain. The money is not locked, but the bank announced that it will stop serving us, without explanation, she added later.

The broadcaster shared a letter from NatWest  part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group  received by the London office. We have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities, it read. The bank added that the decision was final and no discussions would be entered into, but failed to give a reason why.

    .  . '   '.    !    (@M_Simonyan) October 17, 2016

This decision is incomprehensible, and without warning. It is however, not at odds with the countless measures that have been undertaken in the UK and Europe over the last few years to ostracize, shout down, or downright impede the work of RT, a statement from the broadcaster read. RT UK will continue its operations uninterrupted.

Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, wrote on Facebook that NatWests decision indicated that by leaving the E.U., London left all of its obligations towards freedom of speech in Europe.

The E.U. and the U.S. have imposed economic sanctions on Russian banks and corporations, including the freezing of some overseas accounts, but theres no evidence this is the case here.
The UK bank accounts of state-run multilingual broadcaster Russia Today have been frozen, according to its editor-in-chief- Margarita Simonyan.

She took to Twitter to announce the news on Monday saying: Theyve closed our accounts in Britain. All our accounts. The decision is not subject to review. Praise be to the freedom of speech!

    .  . '   '.    !    (@M_Simonyan) October 17, 2016

RT says that its bank NatWest, which is part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, gave no explanation for its decision. In a letter written to the Kremlin-run news channel, the bank said: We have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities. You will therefore need to make alternative banking arrangements outside of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group.

The letter said all of RTs accounts would be cancelled on December 12. It said it reached the decision after careful consideration and that the decision is final and we are not prepared to enter into any discussion in relation to it.

RT has previously been sanctioned by regulatory body Ofcom for biased reporting, including claims that the BBC staged a chemical weapons attack for a news report on Syria. BBC won the case against the channel and Ofcom ruled that elements of the program were materially misleading.

Julian Assange, the editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks, has contributed frequently to the channel and hosted his own talk show on RT in 2012.

After the UK account closures, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on Facebook: It looks like, as it leaves the EU, London has decided to leave behind all its obligations towards freedom of speech. As they say, best to start a new life without bad habits.

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RT began broadcasting in the UK around 10 years ago and since then, Ofcom has recorded that the channel has breached UK broadcasting rules 14 times.

It is unclear whether the UK government was behind the news.

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As the United States and Britain announced that they are considering new sanctions against Moscow for its support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the brutal aerial bombardment of rebel-held Aleppo, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry worried Sunday that Russian fighter jets were harkening back to a similar strategy used by the Kremlin during its war in Chechnya.

There are still deep beliefs in a lot of people that Russia is simply pursuing a Grozny solution in Aleppo and is not prepared to truly engage in any way, Kerry said at a press briefing with U.K. Foreign Minister Boris Johnson, referring to Moscows vicious scorched earth campaign during the Second Chechen War that decimated the breakaway republics capital city.

The comments were clearly noticed by the Kremlin and soon made their way onto the Twittersphere. On Monday, the social-media-adept Russian embassy in Washington clapped back with a tweet taking aim at Kerry and Johnsons comments.

The tweet, which featured photos of the completely rebuilt downtown core of Grozny, dismissed international outrage over Russias tactics in Aleppo. Instead, it sent the message that the Chechen capital bounced back from destruction just fine.Of course, the embassy didnt see any reason to dwell on the at least 160,000 casualties during the Chechen Wars, a brutal conflict from 1999-2000 that had allegations of atrocities on both sides.

In any case, the reconstruction of Grozny doesnt bode well for those who hope to see Russia out of Syria any time soon. In the years following the war, billions of dollars of investment from Moscow and Gulf countries have flooded into the city, helping support Chechnyas strongman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, to keep a lid on unrest with repressive tactics. Putin may hope to use a similar strategy in Aleppo.

In Syria, Russias support for Assad has led to an even greater level of humanitarian devastation. Every day that Russian-assisted bombing continues in Aleppo, the last stronghold of Syrias opposition rebels, more buildings are flattened and the death toll  already estimated at more than 400,000 in Syria since the start of the war  rises.

Western countries have shown increasing frustration with Russias involvement as multiple ceasefire efforts fell apart in past months. On Oct. 7, Kerry called for initiating a war crimes investigation of Russia and Syria, admonishing the two countries for bombing civilian targets like hospitals and obstructing humanitarian aid relief efforts.



Russias brutal strategy in Chechnya may have won it the war, but at a great human cost. It hardly looks like a promising template for a solution to Aleppos brutal nightmare.

Photo credit: KARAM AL-MASRI/AFP/Getty Images
Russia's embassy in the US trolled US Secretary of State John Kerry and British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson in a tweet Monday, comparing Russia's bombing campaign in the Chechen capital of Grozny 16 years ago to its scorched-earth offensive on Syria's Aleppo today.

Russian Embassy tweet

The embassy's Twitter account is notoriously provocative. But the deliberate comparison of Russia's razing of Grozny to suppress Chechen separatists  which left the city completely decimated by February 2000  to its relentless bombing raids in Aleppo today was surprisingly candid.

"Wow. Russia basically saying: Yes, it's true, we're doing to Aleppo what we did to Grozny  and that's a good thing," Mathiew von Rohr, deputy head of German newspaper Der Speigel's foreign news desk, noted on Twitter.

"Above how many mass graves are these nice buildings erected?" Joseph Bahout, a Middle East analyst and visiting scholar at the Carnegie Endowment, tweeted at the embassy.

Those who have watched the Russia-backed government offensive on Aleppo play out over the past month have made the comparison, too  but not optimistically, like the Russian embassy did Monday.

"The destruction is so complete that it obliterates even a sense of time," Michael Kimmelman wrote in The New York Times last week, in an article on the Aleppo offensive accompanied by drone footage of the devastation caused largely by Russian and Syrian warplanes.

"At a glance, the video shot from a drone could show Berlin in 1945 or Grozny, 2000," he wrote. "Mass death erases all distinctions."

A separate New York Times article entitled "Putin in Syria: Chechnya all over again" made the comparison, too. It noted that the Russian president's message to the world is the same now as it was then: "That he is bombing the Syrians for their own good, just like he bombed the Chechens. That war is peace."

Earlier this month, Natalie Nougayrede argued in The Guardian that Russia's current tactics in Aleppo can be understood by studying what Moscow did to Grozny 16 years ago.

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Grozny "is the operation Russian forces are drawing on as they carry out their air offensive on eastern Aleppo," she wrote. "Like other journalists who covered that war in the Caucasus, I see clear parallels."

She continued:

"Moscows strategy to flush out up to 7,000 Chechen rebels from Grozny, once a city of 250,000 inhabitants, was to pound the whole place into oblivion...The carpet bombing of Grozny was aimed at emptying the city of its people, either by killing them or making them refugees."

Much like Aleppo is today, Grozny was encircled by pro-government forces before being obliterated. In Grozny, though, an estimated 50,000 people were trapped as bombs rained down on them. Four times as many people, roughly 250,000, are under siege in rebel-held eastern Aleppo today, according to reports.

Russia has insisted that it is only targeting terrorists in Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. But both Kerry and his British counterpart, Johnson, are reportedly weighing sanctions on Russia for its role in the offensive.

Kerry has also called for Russia to be investigated for war crimes over reports that its warplanes are targeting hospitals and rescue workers inside the city  reports that the Kremlin continues to deny.

"Russia and Assad want to capture Aleppo using methods that resemble those used on Grozny," Nougayrede wrote.

She added: "Its often been said, in the west, that there is no military solution in Syria. But a military 'solution' is very much what Moscow and the regime in Damascus are aiming for now  massacring civilians, creating a void that they will then call 'pacification.'"

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LONDON  Russias state-run English-language news channel RT has been informed its U.K. bank accounts are to be shut down. National Westminster Bank, known as NatWest, sent the broadcaster, formerly known as Russia Today, a letter dated Oct. 12 to its London office informing RT that the bank had recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities. The letter made clear that the decision was irreversible and that the bank would not discuss it further.

The letter stated that as a result RT would need to make alternative banking arrangements outside of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which owns NatWest. It went on to inform the Russian broadcaster that its card facility would need to be repaid in full before being withdrawn on Nov. 14 and that all its accounts would be closed on Dec. 12 this year.

The decision was made public by RTs editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan in a local-language tweet on Monday morning, saying: Theyve closed our accounts in Britain. All our accounts. The decision is not subject to review. Praise be to freedom of speech!

RT ran the story, including the full letter from NatWest, quoting Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova as saying that the U.K., in leaving the E.U., seemed to have left freedom of speech obligations behind. The U.K.s Guardian newspaper suggested the U.K. foreign office appeared to have been aware of the move and immediately referred the newspapers inquiries to the U.K. Treasury. However the Guardian said it was unclear if the U.K. government had sanctioned the decision.

A statement from RTs press office said that despite the decision RT U.K. would continue to operate uninterrupted. This decision is incomprehensible, and without warning, read the statement from RTs press office. It is however, not at odds with the countless measures that have been undertaken in the U.K. and Europe over the last few years to ostracize, shout down, or downright impede the work of RT.

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The news comes on the heels of Sundays joint press conference of U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in London in which they described the actions of Russia and the Assad regime in Syria and the bombing of civilians in the Syrian city of Aleppo as crimes against humanity taking place on a daily basis.

The U.K.s Independent newspaper reported that Simonyan had told Russias business newspaper RBK the move may hypothetically have something to do with new British and American sanctions against Russia. It may not. She said RTs legal department was now dealing with the issue.

The BBC reported Simonyan as telling local state media: They havent explained the reasons and I think they cant explain them because there cant be any reasons. We have an absolutely transparent operation [in the U.K.], absolutely transparent funding. They have failed to defeat us by simply vilifying us so they decided to try the banking flank.

RT was sanctioned by Ofcom, the U.K.s broadcasting regulator, in September last year for four breaches of the broadcasting code relating to accuracy and impartiality in its coverage of the wars in Ukraine and Syria.

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Moscow (AFP) - Police in bullet-proof vests guard a military court for the terrorism trial of Varvara Karaulova, a slim 20-year-old with braided hair who clutches a page of handwritten notes.

Karaulova was studying philosophy at the renowned Moscow State University when she tried to enter Syria last year after falling in love online with an Islamic State fighter.

Karaulova's trial on terrorist-related charges is the most high-profile yet of a Russian heading to Syria -- where Moscow warplanes are bombing in support of ally President Bashar al-Assad -- and supporters say authorities are using her to send out a warning.

A large number of the foreign fighters with the jihadist IS group in Syria are from Russia, and Moscow claims 2,700 of its nationals and citizens from other ex-Soviet republics have been killed in the anti-IS operation.

But most of those from Russia fighting in Syria come from Muslim communities principally in the volatile North Caucasus region.

- 'I didn't join anything' -

As an ethnic Russian woman from a privileged background, Karaulova is a rarity.

She is charged with preparing to participate in a "terrorist organisation" and if convicted faces up to five years in jail with the verdict expected in a week or two.

She is pleading not guilty, arguing she never intended to fight but simply wanted to be with the man she loved. In court she is known as Alexandra Ivanova after changing her name to try to avoid media attention.

"I didn't join anything, I'm not a terrorist and absolutely never intended to become one," she said at the opening of the trial on October 5, quoted by Interfax news agency.

Her defence lawyer Sergei Badamshin told AFP the justice system is making an example of her, even though "families of terrorists are not punished in our country."

"This is undoubtedly a show trial," he said. "Unfortunately, they chose a victim who has nothing to do with IS's terrorist activities."

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"Why it was her -- I can't say."

- 'Winner in life' -

Karaulova grew up in a middle-class family in a leafy area of Moscow and left school with all A grades, Badamshin said.

"She's a winner in life."

Then Karaulova became interested in Islam and began wearing a headscarf, and on May 27, 2015, she disappeared.

Her father reported her missing and traced her to Turkey, where she and a group of other women were caught by border guards as they attempted to cross into Syria.

After her return to Russia in a blaze of publicity, investigators initially said she had committed no crime. But almost half a year later, she was detained and charged.

She is being held in the notorious Lefortovo jail under tight supervision, her lawyer said.

At the trial held in Moscow District Military Court, Karaulova speaks clearly but briefly, and keeps a copy of the Criminal Code on the seat in her glass cage.

At one point a witness described her as weighing around 75 kilogrammes and she flares up: "Did the witness weigh me?"

She refuses to answer questions about her religious views, but is now bareheaded and wears colourful dresses, her eyes ringed in dark liner.

- First love -

She says she got to know a man through a social networking site, who used various names including Vlad, Artur Sokolov and Adam, but whose real name is reportedly Airat Samatov, a Russian citizen, who investigators say is fighting with IS.

Her lawyer says Karaulova was going through a period of teenage low self-esteem that made her vulnerable to such tactics.

"She's a closed, reserved person... No one knew what was going on inside her, not her parents, not her friends," Badamshin said.

For her, it was first love, he says, while raising the possibility that the messages to her were not even all written by the same person, due to stylistic differences.

The prosecution is using other women who tried to reach Syria along with Karaulova as witnesses -- but they remain at liberty.

Wearing a hijab, one woman, Regina Velimetova, spoke via video link from Dagestan's Supreme Court.

She recalled travelling to the Turkish border with Karaulova.

"She was crying, she was missing her parents," Velimetova said, adding that her companion told her she was going to Syria because she had "fallen in love" with a guy who lived there and he had "invited her to get married".

Such women "all want to get married under sharia rule," said Velimetova, adding she also went "to seek married happiness."

She insisted: "That doesn't mean we went there to take part in military action and to blow ourselves up. Our aim was just to live where the law of Islam is observed."
The last king of Rwanda is dead.

Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, who ruled his tiny country in central Africa for just nine months before fleeing into exile in 1960, passed away on Sunday in the United States. He was 80.

The last in a long-line of monarchs drawn from Rwandas Tutsi minority, Kigeli V was ousted by a Belgian-backed Hutu uprising that began in 1959. Rwandans voted to abolish the monarchy two years later.

Kigeli V spent the next three decades footloose in Africa. He initially sought refuge in Tanganyika, now Tanzania, but later accepted an offer of asylum from Idi Amin in Uganda. When Amin was overthrown in 1979, the exiled king took up residence in Kenya, where in 1990 the New York Times described him living a modest life in the suburbs.

He was granted asylum in the United States in 1992, just as his home country was careening toward what would be the defining moment in its history, the slaughter of more than 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus over the course of 100 days. Kigeli V later established a charity to benefit refugees and orphans of the 1994 genocide.

It is not something that is easy. It was like the feeling of losing ones children, he said of the genocide in 2009. One must have courage, to see ones son or ones mother killed like that and that makes a strong impact. I cant imagine that it is something that everyone can understand.

Much of the kings later life was spent in impoverished obscurity. A 2013 profile in Washingtonian magazine described him surviving on food stamps in low-income housing in a suburb of Washington D.C.

They call me the King of Africa, he said of his neighbors there.

Still, Kigeli V clung to the hope of returning to the throne. In 1996, Paul Kagame, who has ruled the country since his Rwandan Patriotic Front ousted the Hutu government and brought the genocide to a halt in 1994, said he was welcome to return home  but not as a monarch. Kigeli V hoped to let the Rwandan people decide that through a referendum.

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The Rwandese people may or may not want me. But in order to return home, I need to know if they still want me to be their king, he told the BBC.

The exiled king denied links to armed resistance groups bent on restoring him to power. But in 1999, Rwandan authorities detained roughly 200 youths on charges of belonging to the army of the king.

Whoever will come [by the gun] will definitely dieWe are ready, Kagame was quoted as saying at the time.

Kigeli V, who was born Born Jean-Baptiste Ndahindurwa in 1936, passed away early on Sunday morning. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce that His Majesty King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, the last King of Rwanda, died early this morning, read a statement on his website. He was a devout and dedicated believer and the last anointed African Roman Catholic king to reign over a full country.

Photo credit: CHRIS KLEPONIS/AFP/Getty Images
Shareholders of salesforce.com Inc. CRM breathed a sigh of relief last Friday after the companys Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Marc Benioff said that it will not be bidding for social media giant, Twitter Inc. TWTR.

In an interview with The Financial Times, Benioff said "It's not the right fit for us for many different reasons. He further added, "You're going to look at price, you're going to look at culture, you're going to look at everything." He said In this case weve walked away".

It should be noted that shareholders and various activist investors have criticized the companys plans of bidding for Twitter. The over three-week long drama has now finally come to an end.

It all started on Sep 23 when a report indicated that Twitter is in talks with several potential buyers and Salesforce is one of them. Benioff called Twitter an unpolished jewel. Also, the fact that he desperately wanted to compensate for the lost bidding war for LinkedIn Corporation LNKD to Microsoft Corporation MSFT further led investors to believe that Salesforce may go for the acquisition.

However, Salesforce investors werent much happy about the rumors as reflected in the negative movement in its share price on that day. Following the reports, Twitter shares gained over 21% while that of Salesforce dropped nearly 6% on Sep 23.

In our opinion, had Salesforce gone for Twitter, it would have been a risky deal. We believe that the buyout will not have been a strategic fit for the company as Salesforce already has a deal with Twitter to use its vast database for lead generation. So, it makes no sense to acquire assets to which it already has access.

Furthermore, the transaction may have led to either massive dilution of shareholders value or a huge debt burden. At the end of second-quarter fiscal 2017, Salesforce had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of $1.174 billion. Therefore, to complete the acquisition, the company would have to either use stocks or borrow a hefty amount.

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Additionally, financial news provider Bloomberg had earlier pointed out that if Salesforce succeeded in acquiring Twitter, [it] would be buying a consumer-facing service with unique challenges -- such as monitoring hate speech and fighting state censorship -- that a corporate software company rarely handles.

Benioffs recent stand brought some respite to investors last Friday as reflected in over 5% gain in Salesforces shares.

SALESFORCE.COM Price

SALESFORCE.COM Price | SALESFORCE.COM Quote

On the contrary, shares of Twitter plunged over 5% last Friday, as the social media company reportedly has no buyers now. Other contenders like Alphabet Inc. GOOGL and The Walt Disney Company DIS have already pulled out from the bidding race. The company, whose value was over $17 billion after its potential takeover rumor, has now come down to nearly $12 billion on the basis of its closing price as of Oct 14.

TWITTER INC Price

TWITTER INC Price | TWITTER INC Quote

Currently, Salesforce and Twitter both carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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WWE.com/Wikimedia Commons

If anyone has paid attention to WWEs Sami Zayn for any amount of time  or if theyve ever listened to his entrance theme  they know that the dude is a big fan of ska. Just cant get enough of it. Hes even caused guest appearances on talk shows to break out into impromptu skank fests. But it may come as a bit of a shock that two of the most beloved NXT Champions ever nearly based their entire gimmicks around the general ska aesthetic.

In a post for Team Rock, Sami explained his theme music, but he went above and beyond in revealing that he and (nee Adrian) Neville wanted to be a literal Two Tone Army.

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[WWE Superstar] Neville and I are big fans of ska. Hes actually more into original, Jamaican, skinhead, two-tone ska from England, but Im more into punk ska  Operation Ivy and stuff Rancid would do. And while we were in developmental at the Performance Centre, wed have promo class every week with Dusty [Rhodes, WWE Hall Of Famer]. Neville and I pitched this idea  and we played with it for months and months, encouraged by Dusty  where we dressed in two-tone suits to do these ska characters. I think someone eventually showed this to [WWE Executive Vice President] Triple H and I had this generic stock music. At this point, NXT was starting to become a pretty big deal, so it wasnt just stock music being picked any more, WWE were investing time and making music for these guys. Triple H caught wind of this ska thing I was doing with Neville and said Well, if this is more him than the music hes got now, lets do something in this [vein].

THEY WANTED TO BE SKA: THE TAG TEAM. Thats just too glorious to even contemplate for very long without getting lightheaded. Kudos to Triple H for fundamentally not understanding what the hell they were talking about but being willing to at least give Sami the music he wanted for his character.

And now, lo and behold, Zayn and Neville have been teaming together on the main roster. Could we begin seeing a Five Iron Frenzy of ska action in WWE soon? Or will the entire situation prove to be Less Than Jake? If Sami and Neville start once again laying down heavy hints of being a ska-based tag team, Vince McMahon should pickitup pickitup pickitup.
Schlumberger Limited SLB is set to report third-quarter 2016 results on Oct 20, after the closing bell.

Last quarter, Schlumberger posted a positive earnings surprise of 4.55%. Moreover, the company posted an average positive earnings surprise of 1.98% over the last four quarters. Lets see how things are shaping up for this announcement.

Factors to Consider this Quarter

Schlumberger is the world's largest oilfield services company. Despite a difficult operating environment owing to oil price weakness, Schlumbergers financial strength and technological leadership have supported its excellent earnings track record.

Moreover, oil prices have significantly recovered from the mid-February lows. This has enabled exploration and production companies to engage in more upstream operations. This is evidenced by the substantial increase in the U.S. rig count in recent times.

In details, Baker Hughes Inc. BHI  the companys data issued since 1944 is as an important yardstick for energy service providers in gauging the overall business environment of the oil and gas industry  recently declared the rig count for Sep 2016. In the U.S., the total number of rigs increased from the Aug 2016 count owing to a rise in the number of land rigs. This represents the fourth consecutive increase in the U.S. monthly rig count. The increase in drilling operations will translate into more work for oilfield services firms like Schlumberger as it helps exploration and production companies in efficiently setting up the oil and gas wells.

However, Schlumbergers North American business  where the profitability has weakened due to persistently low prices  might hurt the companys quarterly results to some extent.

SCHLUMBERGER LT Price and EPS Surprise

SCHLUMBERGER LT Price and EPS Surprise | SCHLUMBERGER LT Quote

Earnings Whispers

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Schlumberger will beat estimates this quarter. That is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to be able to beat estimates. That is not the case here as you will see below.

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Zacks ESP: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is 0.00%. This is because both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate stand at 22 cents.

Zacks Rank. Schlumberger carries a Zacks Rank #3. Though a favorable Zacks Rank increases the predictive power of ESP, the companys ESP of 0.00% makes surprise prediction difficult.

We caution against stocks with Zacks Rank #4 and 5 (Sell-rated stocks) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions momentum.

Stocks to Consider

Here are some companies that have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:

CONE Midstream Partners LP CNNX has an Earnings ESP of +2.7% and a Zacks Rank #1. The partnership is likely to release earnings on Nov 4. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Antero Midstream Partners LP AM has an Earnings ESP of +2.94% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is likely to release earnings on Oct 26.

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There is more traffic than ever across Americas roads, but Sam Schwartz, a renowned traffic engineer who coined the term gridlock, says there are things drivers can do to reduce their traffic headaches.

We've got to get smart, he told Inside Edition. We're not smart right now."

Read: Watch These 'Super Speeders' Push 200 MPH on the Same Streets You Drive

Inside Edition set up a series of demonstrations to illustrate how traffic jams form and how drivers can avoid them.

In one demonstration, an accident blocked the road, forcing drivers to merge. The result was a chaotic mess as drivers argued over who should go first.

Schwartz said: "Had they all been polite to each other, we would have been moving a lot better."

He says there is a better way to merge lanes  the so-called "zippering" technique.

"The right lane goes and the left lane goes, it means they are cooperating," Schwartz said.

And do you ever wonder why highway circulation sometimes comes to a complete halt for no obvious reason? Its called a Phantom Traffic Jam."

Inside Edition wanted to show how easy it is for a phantom traffic jam to happen, so we teamed up with Zipcar, a leading worldwide car-sharing company committed to reducing traffic.

Zipcar provided a fleet of cars and drivers to simulate how traffic can pop up out of nowhere.

The drivers were told to maintain a steady speed and stay at a safe distance from the car in front while the went around a large traffic circle - but they just couldnt do it. When one car slows down, then the cars behind slow down until eventually one has to stop.

To drive better, Schwartz said that drivers need to use their brakes less, not to tailgate and do not weave in and out of lanes.

And what about people who constantly switch lanes in traffic trying to get ahead? We put the concept to the test.

Story continues

Read: Professional Courtesy: Are Some Cops Getting a 'Get-Out-of-Jail-Free' Card?

Inside Editions Jim Moret and producer Brianna Deutsch tested the theory on Californias notoriously jammed highways.



They started side-by-side in Santa Monica, California, heading to downtown Los Angeles

He aggressively switched lanes every time he spotted an opening, while she drove in a safer and more conservative manner, always sticking to the center lane.

After 35 minutes of driving - with Moret changing lanes constantly and Deutsch staying in one lane - the result was a virtual tie.

Promotional Consideration Provided by Zipcar, Inc.

Watch: Man Allegedly Kills 5 Teens in Wrong-Way Crash Before Stealing Cop Car

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Paris (AFP) - Japanese scientists said Monday they had grown mouse eggs entirely in the lab, then fertilised them to yield fertile offspring, a scientific first cautiously hailed by experts in human reproduction.

The technique -- which involved coaxing stem cells into becoming mature eggs -- was still much too risky and controversial to be reproduced in humans, commentators said.

"This is the first report of anyone being able to develop fully mature and fertilisable eggs in a laboratory setting right through from the earliest stages of oocyte (immature egg) development," commented Richard Anderson of the University of Edinburgh's MRC Centre for Reproductive Health.

While the technique may be useful to treat infertility "one day", the paper also showed "the complexity of the process and how it is a long way from being optimised," he said via the Science Media Centre in London.

Only a small number of embryos which grew from the eggs developed into normal mice.

The lab-grown eggs were more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities.

The authors of the paper -- published in the science journal, Nature -- reported using two types of stem cell, which are neutral, juvenile cells that can become most any type of specialised cell of the body.

The first kind was harvested directly from mouse embryos, the team said, and the other created in the lab by reprogramming cells taken from mouse tail tips back into a juvenile state from which they can re-specialise.

The stem cells were grown into mature eggs, which were fertilised in the lab as well. The resulting embryos were then transferred into surrogate mice.

Of those that survived, both male and female pups were fertile and produced another generation of mice, the authors reported.

- Ethical conundrum -

"The data are primarily of interest to scientists, although potentially of clinical interest to those patients who lack eggs of their own," Martin Johnson, a professor of reproductive sciences at the University of Cambridge, wrote in a comment on the paper.

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Congratulating the Japanese on a "remarkable achievement," he pointed out that there were, however, major limitations.

Not only was there a high risk of abnormalities, but the scientists had to add a type of cell, which can only be obtained from an embryo, to the petri dish during the egg maturation process.

This poses an ethical problem for human reproductive science.

One day these cells may also be grown in the lab, but this may take years, observers said.

Even if we could grow a human egg from stem cells, "the final and ultimate test for fully functional human 'eggs in a dish' would be the fertilisation using IVF, which is also ethically not allowed," said James Adjaye, director of the Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine at Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf.

Commentators said further study is needed into what happened to those mouse embryos that do not develop normally.

Earlier this year, scientists in Spain said they had created precursor sperm cells from human skin cells. And Chinese researchers in February said they had created mice from lab-grown sperm.
[Photo: Finnish Baby Box]

As any new parent will testify, babies need a lot of stuff. From nappies and babygrows, to blankets and a bed to sleep in, and on, and on. Thankfully babies born in Scotland are going to be given a helping hand with the must-need paraphernalia.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that from New Years Day 2017, Scottish parents will be gifted baby boxes.

The policy, first announced back in April, is taking the lead from a similar Scandinavian scheme, which sees new mums and dads being sent home from hospital with baby boxes containing useful items to help kickstart their new journey into parenthood.



In Finland, the boxes, which contain around 80 useful items including baby clothes and nappies as well as an actual space for a baby to sleep in, have been credited with cutting infant mortality. And Scotland is hoping their own scheme will see similar results, as well as being a symbol of a belief in a level playing field for all children.

Nicola Sturgeon announced new details about the baby box policy at the SNP conference in Glasgow [Photo: Getty]

Speaking about the introduction of the new policy, Nicola Sturgeon told the audience at the Scottish National Partys conference in Glasgow: We promised a baby box of all essential items for all newborns. Its a policy borrowed from Finland where its contributed to the lowest rates of child mortality in the world.

Im delighted to give you an update on our plans to introduce it here. Next month well launch a competition in partnership with the V&A in Dundee for the design of the box.

The new announcement about the boxes comes as the First Minister announced further changes to the countrys childcare provisions including a national consultation on flexible childcare giving parents - not councils - the decision on which nursery or childminder to use.

For more information about Finnish Baby Boxes visit their website www.finnishbabybox.com

What do you think of the new policy? Let us know @YahooStyleUK

Are you ever too old to become a mum? The pros and cons of being late to the parenting party

This brilliant babygrow could save your babys life
By Elizabeth Dilts

NEW YORK, Oct 17 (Reuters) - The Securities and Exchange Commission is leaning more heavily on partner regulator the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority to monitor brokerages as it devotes extra staff to oversee the rapid growth of independent financial advisers, a top regulator said Monday.

The move crimps the number of SEC examiners monitoring brokerages, and to make sure FINRA is picking up the slack, the commission formed a group that assesses the Wall Street regulator's efforts at monitoring the sector, said Marc Wyatt, the head of the SEC's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations at a speech in Washington, D.C.

"(The office) is working to enhance our oversight of FINRA because we will be somewhat more dependent on them for broker-dealer exams in the first instance," Wyatt said, speaking to the National Society of Compliance Professionals.

Starting this month, an additional 20 percent of SEC staff are tasked with examining investment advisers, a group that has increased by 2,000 in 2 years.

The group that will assess FINRA's actions is called the FINRA and Securities Industry Oversight group, and will be staffed by about 45 people in offices in Washington, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta.

Wyatt told the crowd the SEC is "not forgetting" about the broker-dealer population, and is keeping regulators focused on this group in New York and Chicago.

But as the only regulator with jurisdiction over registered investment advisers, Wyatt said they needed to focus more examiners on the "key population."

In recent years as many brokerages were bought by banks, new business models offering greater independence and the ability to sell a greater variety of investment products have grown in popularity among financial advisers.

The SEC has been criticized for only examining 10 percent of registered investment advisers each year.

(Reporting By Elizabeth Dilts; Editing by Andrew Hay)
REUTERS - The BSE Sensex closed at its lowest in more than three months on Monday, as investors braced themselves for a tepid quarterly earnings season, amid weakness across global equity markets.

The benchmark index ended down 0.52 percent at 27,529.97, posting its lowest close since July 8.

The broader NSE Nifty ended 0.73 percent down at 8,520.40, its lowest close since July 21.

(Reporting by Aastha Agnihotri in Bengaluru; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri)
Ludwigshafen (Germany) (AFP) - Two people were killed and two others were missing after an explosion Monday at a chemical plant at BASF's headquarters in western Germany, the firm said, advising local residents to stay indoors.

Six other people were seriously injured in the blast, the global chemicals giant said on its Twitter account.

The explosion occurred around 11:30 am (0930 GMT) and triggered a huge fire during work on a pipeline that transports raw materials.

Peter Friedrich, the fire brigade chief in the city of Ludwigshafen where the plant is located, said firefighters hoped to put out the blaze on Monday night despite "uncertainty over the nature of the gases".

A large fire and a huge column of grey smoke rose into the sky from the site, a vast industrial complex with a harbour on the Rhine river.

Hours after the explosion, firefighters including a fireboat crew were still trying to extinguish the flames, an AFP reporter said.

"We have not been able to establish any danger to the population," BASF executive Uwe Liebelt told reporters earlier in the day, after residents in Ludwigshafen and nearby Mannheim were told to remain inside and shut doors and windows until the fire was out.

Local authorities had also asked nurseries and schools to keep children indoors, but no evacuations were ordered.

"Emergency services from the whole region are on the scene to prevent the fire spreading to other parts of the plant," city authorities said.

BASF said it was still investigating the precise cause of the blast.

- 'Respiratory irritations' -

The site's steam cracker units -- used in a chemical procedure to produce lighter hydrocarbons -- have been shut down for safety reasons, the company added.

Ludwigshafen is a city of some 160,000 people located around 80 kilometres (50 miles) southwest of Frankfurt.

On its Twitter account, Ludwigshafen said that some residents had complained of respiratory irritations.

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Both BASF and emergency services have been checking for pollutants in the air around the town and encountered no elevated readings, officials said.

Local authorities set up an emergency hotline for worried residents.

"It's pretty scary when something explodes here," local window cleaner Thomas Storzum told AFP. "Something can just leak out of a pipe and catch fire like that, it's pretty serious."

"BASF is relatively good, they react quickly with their own firefighters," student Stefan Veit said. "Like any big chemical company they know these things can happen and theyre ready for it."

The Landeshafen Nord site where the explosion took place is a harbour used for the transportation of combustible fluids and liquefied gases.

"We don't know exactly what was in the pipe systems" that caught fire, BASF's Liebelt told reporters, but firefighters were assuming it was the most dangerous substance handled on-site, liquified ethylene gas.

- Second incident -

On its website, the company describes the site as a "very important for BASF's supply of raw materials", where more than 2.6 million tonnes are handled each year.

The goods are unloaded from ships into the production plants via a system of pipelines.

The company employs 36,000 people in Ludwigshafen.

BASF also suffered a second, smaller incident at its nearby Lampertheim plant Monday where four people were injured in a gas explosion.

The company said the two incidents were not related.

BASF employs over 110,000 employees worldwide, with sales of more than 70 billion euros ($77 billion) last year.

In its deadliest incident to date, nearly 600 people were killed in 1921 in an explosion at an ammonia plant near Ludwigshafen.

In 1948, 200 people died and more than 3,800 were injured when a rail tanker exploded, also at the Ludwigshafen complex.
The phony-accounts scandal at Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) weighed on the nations third-biggest bank by assets last month. Total branch banker interactions with customers dropped 10% from a year ago, while applications for consumer credit cards plunged 20% from last September, figures released by the bank on Friday showed.

The scandal, which resulted in more than two million unauthorized customer accounts, was largely blamed on overly aggressive use of a tactic called cross selling  pressuring customers to purchase additional financial products or services in order for the banks employees to meet sales goals.

Shelia Bair, former FDIC chair, said on Mornings with Maria Monday that the tactic, if used correctly, isnt necessarily bad.

You should be looking at whether youre providing value-add to your customers, she said on the FOX Business Network morning show. If its something the customer wants, the customer is actually using, thats improving benefits and reducing costs for customers, cross selling isnt necessary a bad thing.

Bair said the steps Wells Fargo has taken in the wake of the scandal have been the correct ones: Firing employees responsible for the bad actions, conducting an internal investigation, and switching up the companys leadership. Still, she said there may be more pain to come.

Everything that can be done, it seems to be, they are doing and theyll just need to ride it out. Theres going to be a lot of pain, I think, before its all over, she said.

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By Tom Bergin LONDON (Reuters) - The widow of a Nigerian activist is planning to sue Royal Dutch Shell in the Dutch courts alleging the oil company was complicit in the execution of her husband by the Nigerian military in 1995, court documents filed in the United States last week show. Esther Kiobel has filed an application in New York to secure documents from Shells U.S. lawyers, which she could use in the Dutch action. The filings with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District Court of New York said she planned to begin that action before the end of the year. Ms. Kiobel will demonstrate that Shell encouraged, facilitated, and conspired with the Nigerian government to commit human rights violations against the Ogoni people, a memorandum in the application filed last week said. A Shell spokesman said on Sunday: Shell remains firmly committed to supporting fundamental human rights in line with the legitimate role of business. We have always denied, in the strongest possible terms, the allegations made by the plaintiffs in this tragic case." Kiobel previously took her lawsuit to the United States but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that the case could not be heard because the alleged activities took place outside the country. In 2009 prior to that ruling Shell had agreed in the United States to pay $15.5 million to settle lawsuits related to other activists executed at the same time as Barinem Kiobel, including author and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. Kiobels lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday. John Donovan, who runs the royaldutchshellplc.com protest website, and who has advised Kiobel on the case said: Shes going after Shell in their home country, the Netherlands. The Nigerian military cracked down heavily on local opposition to oil production by a Shell joint venture in the Niger Delta in the early 1990s. Kiobel alleges that Shell provided support to the military in its crackdown. A Dutch court ruled in December that Shell may be sued in the Netherlands for oil spills at its subsidiary in Nigeria, although it did not say Shell was responsible. (Editing by Greg Mahlich)
(Photo: Getty Images)

Billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel sparked controversy in July when he appeared at the Republic National Convention to endorse Donald Trump. (Photo: Fortune Videos)

Silicon Valley has become more involved in politics than ever before.

Those in the tech industry once limited their political participation to quiet donations. But now, many in Silicon Valley are also weighing in heavily on social media, hosting fundraisers for candidates, and encouraging involvement in their community.

Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz and his wife, for example, are making their first contribution toward Democratic election efforts by giving $20 million. In August, the venture capital firm Charles River Ventures posted a blog entitled simply, F*** Trump, which declared Trumps stance on immigration to be diametrically opposed to the core values of entrepreneurship. Employees at more than 300 companies, including Square (SQ), Twilio (TWLO) and venture capital firm Homebrew all have Election Day off to cast their votes.

High-profile technorati, meanwhile, are voting on issues such as capital punishment with their wallets. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, Steve Jobs widow Laurene Powell Jobs, and Y Combinator CEO Paul Graham are all contributing sizable donations between $500,000 and $1 million toward Prop 62 and working to abolish the death penalty in their home state of California and throughout the U.S.

Silicon Valley has traditionally shied away from the political world because weve wanted to avoid alienating customers, and because the world views presented in any election were at least defensibly rational, explained Matt MacInnis, CEO of the startup Inkling, which creates tools for digital content distribution. But this election isnt presenting two rational worldviews, so those rules seem to have flown out the window. Were terrified of electing a demagogue.

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MacInnis, of course, is referring to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who has polarized the U.S. with his strong rhetoric against Hillary Clinton and his positions on issues such as the economy, immigration and foreign affairs.

The sheer terror of electing Trump as our president has caused many of those donors and activists to be public with their views, regardless of the social or business consequences, added MacInnis.

Its somewhat easy to pinpoint when Silicon Valley became extremely vociferous on subject of politics to this July, when billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel appeared at the Republican National Convention to stump for Trump  a move that dumbfounded many of the technorati, including colleagues at Thiels own venture capital firm, Founders Fund, three sources told Yahoo Finance. Indeed, several of Thiels colleagues have distanced themselves politically from the investor, at least where social media is concerned.

Thiel made more waves this week when reports surfaced that he would donate $1.25 million to Trumps campaign directly and indirectly.

However, its not just the election thats causing this political swell in Silicon Valley, contends Susan Etlinger, an industry analyst at the San Francisco-based Altimeter Group.

Yes, the candidates and the stakes are bringing people out into the open who normally might support candidates or donate (or not) quietly, Etlinger explained. But whats also important is that we are at a real inflection point with regard to technologies such as artificial intelligence. Its going to have massive impact on our lives: the health care we receive, the cars we drive, the homes we live in, how we get our news, how were educated, our financial lives, and so on. Silicon Valley wants and needs a seat at that table.

Matt Mahan, CEO of the civic-focused social network Brigade, which launched in 2015, chalks up part of Silicon Valleys increased involvement in politics as having to do with government regulation, as well as the age-old entrepreneurial desire to make a difference.

Tech companies are running up against government regulation earlier and more frequently than ever, so politics matters more to Silicon Valley than it used to, Mahan told Yahoo Finance. Also, the tech sector is full of ambitious people who want to fundamentally change the world and disrupt the status quo. Politics and government is still the greatest lever we have for influencing society, and the civic space remains one of the last areas of our society nearly untouched by technology.

Translation: This is just the start for a new kind of activist Silicon Valley, an industry emboldened to use its clout, not just to transform the way we engage online or with our devices but also to change how America runs.



JP Mangalindan is a senior correspondent for Yahoo Finance covering the intersection of tech and business. Follow him on Twitter or Facebook.

More from JP Mangalindan:

How Pinterest can justify its $11 billion valuation and set itself up for an IPO

Sean Parkers startup just unveiled a tool to help you be a smarter voter

San Franciscos real estate market has reached peak unaffordability: housing expert

Facebook exec hints at next logical step for Messenger

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Youre not the shooter, are you?!  My night at LAX
(Adds comment from executive, details)

BRASILIA, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Singapore Changi Airport is seeking a potential new partner for its investment in Rio de Janeiro's Galeao international airport, the head of the company running the concession said on Monday.

Luiz Rocha told reporters, after meeting with Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles, that Changi was seeking a possible new investor in case its existing partner, a division of Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht SA, leaves the project.

"Changi has a stake in other airports outside of Singapore and has relationships with top shelf investors. The idea is to bring one of them to Galeao," Rocha told reporters in Brasilia after a meeting with Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles.

Changi partnered with Odebrecht and state airport operator Infraero in 2013 for the rights to expand and operate Galeao.

Rocha, chief executive of RIOGaleao, also voiced confidence that state development bank BNDES would disburse a long-term loan to help finance the company.

Newspaper Valor said in August that BNDES has declined credit to Galeao because of charges against Odebrecht in a sweeping corruption probe that has rocked Brazilian politics and businesses over the past two years.

(Reporting by Leonardo Goy; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Bernard Orr)
Whats a lightsaber duel with Darth Vader when youve already defeated cancer?

For 7-year-old Brady Treu, it was an easy fight.

The Florida boy faced off against Star Wars infamous villain, lightsaber in hand, as a newly knighted Jedi warrior, and promptly dispatched the meanest, baddest Sith Lord in the galaxy.

Read: Veteran Goes fishing One Last Time as Final Wish Before Dying of Cancer

The childs derring-do came during an extravaganza staged by the Make-A-Wish foundation that saw the cancer survivor battling evil while aided by the likes of R2D2, Chewbacca and the West Palm Beach Police Department.

Bradys mission was to rid his town of that pesky Vader, which he did with a heavy mind blast of The Force.

The whole battle played out to an audience of hundreds of friends, community members and family, as well as Bradys teachers and classmates.

He was really believing that this was his mission, that he was saving West Palm Beach, his mother, Danielle, told InsideEdition.com Monday. He did amazing.

For his efforts, Brady got a key to the city from the mayor and an honorary badge from the police department.

Everyone wanted to take a photo with him, his mom said. The whole atmosphere was so supportive. Everyone wanted this to be the best day for him.

Brady, and his younger sister, Charlee, both had bone marrow transplants two years ago to fight a form of leukemia both suffered from, their mom said.

Charlee was a bit luckier than her brother. She didnt have as many complications as he did from the chemo that preceded the transplant, not to mention the recuperation period.

Brady had some life-threatening moments, but now hes great, said his mother. Charlee gets her own Make-A-Wish day next month, when she will meet the Disney princesses at Walt Disney World.

Read: Girl Fulfills Bucket List Wish to See the Pope Before She Goes Blind

The childrens transplant procedures meant staying in isolation and in the hospital for seven months because their immune systems were compromised.

Story continues

It been a really long, hard road, their mom says. Her youngest child, 3-year-old Bentley, has the same affliction but his condition is stabilized and he may not need a bone marrow transplant to save his life, she said.

And though their journey has been difficult the Treu family is better for the sojourn.

So many amazing things have come from that. So much support and love. We just feel blessed for where we are right now, the mom said.

Watch: Teen Fighting Cancer Uses Make A Wish Request to Collect 13,000 Pounds of Food

Related Articles:
The fight for Mosul is on. On Monday, Iraqi and Peshmerga forces began the long-anticipated drive to kick the Islamic State out of Mosul, Iraqs second-largest city and the groups last urban foothold in the country. Thick black clouds of smoke have already appeared over the city, the result of oil and tire fires ISIS fighters have lit to obscure coalition air operations.

Latest reports say that about 4,000 Kurdish Peshmerga forces are fighting their way through villages on the eastern outskirts of the city, as jets from the U.S.-led coalition pound targets on the ground. Overall, about 30,000 Iraqi soldiers, Peshmerga and Sunni tribal fighters are expected to take part in the fighting against an estimated 4,000 to 8,000 Islamic State militants holding the city. And U.S. Special Operations Forces are near the front advising Iraqi forces, as some pictures on social media are beginning to show.

Sectarian headcount. Conspicuously absent from most troop counts are the Shiite militias who played a part in the fighting for Fallujah and Ramadi, but whose presence  and alleged crimes against local Sunnis  only underscores the sectarian rivalries that will confront Baghdad once the fighting in Mosul stops. The forces that lead the liberation operation are the brave Iraqi army with the police forces, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Sunday. They will enter the city and no one else. But the Iranian-backed Shiite fighters are operating near the city, and Sunni villagers near Mosul are increasingly uneasy.

Americans see slow going. Commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq, the U.S. Armys Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, released a statement Monday saying that the operation to retake Iraqs second-largest city will likely continue for weeks, possibly longer.

The Islamic State has had two years to dig in, and Iraqi forces are expected to have to contend with a sophisticated tunnel system the terrorists have built under the city. But first they have to get there. Last week, Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said U.S. intel has seen everything from berms and trenches being prepared, [bombs] being placed in buildings and cars and along roads along the way, charges being placed on bridges, giant pits full of tires and oil being readied to be lit quickly and create these giant obscuration fires that are intended to make coalition pilots unable to pinpoint targets.

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And once the fighting (eventually) stops? It wont, according to the coalition. After the conventional push through the city comes an expected counterinsurgency campaign to beat back a likely a guerrilla war launched by pockets of ISIS fighters. Canadian Army Brig. Gen. Dave Anderson told reporters at the Pentagon earlier this month he expects ISIS fighters to go underground, much as they have done around Ramadi and other cities that the Iraqi army has retaken. Its definitely not over once the city falls, Anderson said. If anything, its gonna be more difficult.

Training after retraining. Once the major fighting is over, Iraqi troops will be pulled out of the city and sent for four weeks of counterinsurgency training, while about 30,000 to 45,000 Iraqi security forces will surge into the city to hold it, including local police, military officials have said.

More on Dabiq. Mosul will dominate the news, but we shouldnt forget about Dabiq, the ISIS-held city that Turkish-backed forces wrested from the group over the weekend. ISIS has been fond of a touting a hadith prophesying an apocalyptic clash in the Syrian city, in which an Islamic army raised from Medina would defeat one from Rome. The battle was supposed to usher in the apocalypse and the Islamic State had touted their control of the city as a sign of divine providence. Wits on social media are now taunting the group with a fake press release from the Amaq news agency, an Islamic State mouthpiece, announcing that due to unforeseen circumstances, the apocalypse at Dabiq will be postponed until further notice.

The E.U. vs. Russia. In an important scoop from FPs John Hudson, he reports that the European Union appears to be getting over some of its traditional reluctance to criticize Moscow. Foreign ministers from the alliance  slated to meet Monday in Luxembourg  are planning to formally and explicitly admonish Russia for supporting the Syrian governments deadly assault on Aleppo, an attack that may amount to war crimes, according to a document Hudson obtained. And that isnt all. The European ministers are also expected to support the imposition of sanctions on as many as 20 Syrian government officials who have had a role in the bombardment. In other news, the U.S. and the U.K. are considering new sanctions on Russia and Syria in response to the continued brutal bombing of Aleppo.

Feels like the very first time. American and Russian diplomats led by Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met yet again in Switzerland over the weekend, the first major face-to-face meeting since the cease-fire they brokered in Syria fell apart last month. Short story shorter: no agreements were reached.

Putin and the nuke balance. Russian President Vladimir Putins nuclear saber-rattling and military brinksmanship have upended the rules that long governed relations between Moscow and Washington, FPs Dan De Luce and Reid Standish write in a great new piece. The moves present the United States with a dangerous dilemma.

U.S. and European officials are increasingly alarmed over Putins willingness to risk military confrontation and threaten to use his countrys nuclear arsenal over issues the West sees as unrelated and separate, the two write. That makes it devilishly difficult for the United States and its European allies to find an effective response to Putins audacious tactics that in recent years range from Russias annexation of Crimea, to its air war in support of the Syrian regime, to Moscows suspected hacking of Americas presidential election.

Good morning and as always, if you have any thoughts, announcements, tips, or national security-related events to share, please pass them along to SitRep HQ. Best way is to send them to: paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or on Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley

China

China is gearing up for its sixth manned space flight, with astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong set to take off from a launchpad in the Gobi desert aboard the Shenzhou-11. The astronauts will spend a month in space, twice the length of Chinas longest manned space mission thus far. Once in space, Jing and Chen will conduct a series of tests and experiments designed to pave the way for future space missions, including the launch of Tianhe-1, a Chinese space station China plans to launch in 2018.

Ukraine

Arseniy Pavlov, a Russian militant who fought alongside Ukrainian separatists in eastern Ukraine, was killed in an apparent assassination after an explosion in his apartment building in Donetsk. Pavlov, nicknamed Motorola, garnered controversy throughout his ascent in the self-proclaimed Donetsk Peoples Republic, with accusations of bigamy and for his admission to killing 15 Ukrainian prisoners of war. Donetsk authorities have accused the Ukrainian government of killing Pavlov. His death comes amidst factional infighting within Ukraines rebel enclaves and the unsolved killings of a number of rebel commanders.

Trouble in the caliphate

There are signs of dissidence within the Islamic States Mosul stronghold as the U.S.-led coalition embarks on an operation to liberate the city. Reuters spoke to locals in the city, who told the wire service that authorities from the jihadist group recently uncovered a plot led by an aide to caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to help Iraqi forces breach Mosuls defenses. The Islamic Slate drowned 58 accused conspirators and burned their bodies after uncovering the plot. Iraqi officials say theyve been in contact with some Islamic State dissidents, who helped them direct airstrikes.

Mali

An American aid worker has been kidnapped in Niger and taken to Mali in what authorities suspect was an operation by a local jihadist group. Niger Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum said Jeffery Woodke was likely taken by the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa, which splintered from al-Qaeda in 2011. Woodke was taken from his home in Abalak, where hed been working for the aid group JEMED.

Think tanked

The Center for Strategic and International Studies Anthony Cordesman takes a look at the changes to Chinas Second Artillery Corps in a new report, The PLA Rocket Force: Evolving Beyond the Second Artillery Corps (SAC) and Nuclear Dimension. The traditional home of Chinas nuclear forces, the Second Artillery has undergone a number of changes as China modernizes its military and Cordesmans report explores the implications for Chinese military doctrine and strategy.

Photo Credit: AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP/Getty Images
The PrimeObserver concept has real people participating in real events while capturing it all discreetly on film

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 17, 2016 / Adam Hawk Jensen and Smock Media are proud to announce their virtual reality filmmaking suits that capture events like never before.

The wearable technology captures first person perspectives in a 360 degree platform. By placing cameras discreetly across the body, "Prime Observers" can not only record events as they happen in real time, but actually become the camera inside those events.

To learn more about the PrimeObserver project, please visit: https://goo.gl/3IzuAL









Jensen and his team boast more than 150 years of combined documentary production experience. They cut their teeth as photojournalists at historical events like the conflict in Northern Ireland, but were always disturbed by the limitation that they could only observe events as they happened, not participate in them.

"I see an opportunity to create a new discipline of a profession," says Jensen. "We can fully rig out individuals who know how to be in the right place at the right time for when things happen."

By inserting Prime Observers into a myriad of possible events, they can participate while recording; all the while preventing journalistic roadblocks such as heavy equipment, restricted access, or even people modifying their behavior to be perceived a certain way on camera.

"Virtual reality is a whole new medium to record history. We know where to place the camera to capture "the moment" but now we ourselves will become that camera inside that moment. Filmmaking will ever be the same," says Jensen.

In order to mitigate the inevitable challenges of brining a new technology to market, Jensen and his team have taken their project to Indiegogo where they hope to raise the funds necessary to expand on the PrimeObserver concept.

As "Point of View" filming gains increasing momentum among videographers, the PrimeObserver project intends to be the next step in the evolution of documentary filmmaking.

Story continues

About Smock Media:

Smock Media is a film studio that specializes in documentaries and videography. After witnessing a number of historical events in person, Adam Hawk Jensen and his team created a new way to insert the filmmaker in the action and capture it from a 360 degree perspective. Naming their videographers "Prime Observers," they will not only record the action, but actually become a part of it. To learn more, please visit: https://goo.gl/3IzuAL

Contact:

Amy Paul

admin@rocketfactor.com

(949) 555-2861

SOURCE: Smock Media
((In Oct. 16 story from Mogadishu, removes quote.)) By Abdi Sheikh MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Somali security forces shut down a newspaper and arrested an editor, the Somali journalists' union said on Sunday, the latest crackdown in what reporters say is a climate of intimidation. Intelligence officers stormed the offices of Xog Ogaal, confiscating computers and cameras, and detained an editor, Abdi Adan Guled, on Saturday night, the National Union of Somali Journalists said. It was unclear why Guled was arrested, but the union said it was the first time the government had acted against the paper, which has been publishing since 1991. Somali authorities did not return calls seeking comment. Security forces and officials frequently detain or threaten journalists whose coverage has offended them. Many media houses are concerned that intimidation will increase when twice-delayed presidential elections are finally held. They are currently scheduled for Nov. 30. Somalia has been convulsed by instability, violence and lawlessness since early 1990s following the toppling of military dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. The Islamist insurgency, al Shabaab, also frequently targets journalists. At least 32 journalists were killed in Somalia from 2010 to 2015, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. (Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by Ros Russell)
sk nk missile

WASHINGTON, D.C.  Despite North Korea's latest unsuccessful missile test, experts argue that several of the Hermit Kingdom's missile programs are closer than ever for deployment.

"This year, Pyongyang successfully conducted two nuclear tests, an intercontinental ballistic missile test, breakthrough successes with its road-mobile intermediate-range missile and submarine-launched ballistic missile, a new solid-fuel rocket engine, and an improved liquid-fuel ICBM engine," Bruce Klingner, senior research fellow of Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation, told Business Insider.

"Based on these successes, as well as North Korean-released information, experts reassessed several missile programs as being more capable and closer to deployment," Klingner added.

musa

On Friday at approximately 10:33 p.m. CDT, the US military detected a unsuccessful North Korean missile test near the northwestern city of Kusong.

The launch of the presumed Musadan intermediate-range ballistic missile failed immediately, according to a statement from the South Korean military.

"Regardless of the discrete results of this particular test, it signals their [North Korea] continued resolve to get this right, meaning intermediate and longer range missiles," Thomas Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Business Insider.

"They will get it right sooner or later, so we'd better be ready," Karako added.

The Musadan is speculated to have a range of approximately 1,500 to 2,400 miles, capable of targeting military installations in South Korea, Japan, and Guam, according to estimates from the Missile Defense Project.

So far this year, Pyongyang has conducted seven Musudan missile tests. All launches except the sixth one on June 22 were considered to be failures.

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north korea

"The main take-away here is not that they are still having problems, the main take-away is that they are absolutely committed to achieving a credible nuclear missile force," Rebeccah Heinrichs, a fellow at the Hudson Institute specializing in nuclear deterrence and missile defense, told Business Insider.

"Not only are they improving the reliability of missiles with a variety of ranges, including long-range missiles, they are also working on ways to ensure their missiles are harder to detect," Heinrichs added.

In August of this year, North Korea successfully launched a missile from a submarine with a range capable of striking parts of Japan and South Korea.

Pyongyang first attempted a submarine-based missile launch last year and again at the end of April 2016.

"A submarine launch poses an especially grave threat since it could catch the United States and allies by surprise," Heinrichs told Business Insider.

nk launch

What's more, Klingner notes that in four years under Kim Jong Un, North Korea has conducted more than twice as many missile tests as his father Kim Jong Il did in 17 years in power.

"We know the path that North Korea is on and it is only a matter of time until they can hold the US at risk, as they already hold our allies South Korea and Japan at nuclear risk," Klingner told Business Insider.

kim

In order to counter North Korean threats, the US agreed to equip South Korea with a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, America's most advanced and highly mobile missile defense system.

And while negotiations to deploy THAAD to the region have been ongoing since South Korean President Park Geun-hye's October 2015 visit to the White House, North Korea's fourth nuclear bomb test on January 6 and long-range rocket launch on February 7 proved to be catalysts for the deployment.

"North Korea can rest assured that it has the undivided attention of its neighbors, who aren't going to take it anymore," Karako told Business Insider.

And while THAAD's deployment has China, North Korea's strongest ally, peeved, Karako says equipping Seoul is "almost certainly the right solution."

"There's no silver bullets, no one system could handle everything most notably, ballistic missile defenses aren't designed against cruise missile threats, however this is an important part of a particular threat set posed by North Korea."

South Korea's military will have the unique air-defense system operational by the end of 2017; however, there have been discussions to expedite THAAD's deployment.

NOW WATCH: Meet THAAD: Americas answer to North Korean threats





More From Business Insider


Sorry, youve probably been eating pizza the wrong way your whole life

We have great news and bad news, in that exact order. First off, pizza remains the undisputed GOAT of foods, so hip hip hooray for that. However, weve been eating pizza all wrong, Cosmo UK reports. At this point, you have two options: Either roll your eyes in disgust and continue shoveling whole slices into your mouth at once, or keep reading because you cant possibly continue going through life without knowing how to eat pizza like a pro.

If youre still with us, heres the deal: According to some very trusted information food writer Daniel Young gleaned from renowned pizza consultant Enzo Coccia (srsly, hes like the king of pizza), our pizza-eating problems begin before we even take the first bite.

The mistake everyone makes is holding the pizza by the crust, Young told Manchester Evening News. Thats not to say you should grab it by the cheese-strings, but if you try to lift Neapolitan pizza by the crust the topping will slide off and youll be left with a soggy, sorry-looking piece of dough.

Hold the phone. We thought the crust was meant for holding!

We really want to do right by you pizza, but this pizza-eating etiquette is for the birds.

BUT WAIT. Theres another rule.

Young goes on to advise the pizza-consuming population that pizza isnt meant to be sliced and adds that we should fold it before biting into it. Why? Because Neapolitan pizza was eaten on the street, folded twice upon itself like a wallet, he said.

OK, fine. We totally respect that theres a cultural aspect to proper pizza eating, but we cant promise that well be patient enough to coddle our slices before we eat them.

The post Sorry, youve probably been eating pizza the wrong way your whole life appeared first on HelloGiggles.
MADRID, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy moved a step closer to breaking Spain's 10-month political deadlock on Monday as a regional powerhouse of the main opposition party backed allowing him to form a new government by abstaining in a confidence vote.

The Socialists' federation in the southern region of Andalusia said it supported abstention to head off a third parliamentary election in a year.

Its head, Susana Diaz, is favourite to replace Pedro Sanchez as national party leader, suggesting Socialist federations in other regions could follow her lead.

"There is unanimity (within the federation) to avoid a third election and abstention is the only way," said the party's deputy leader in Andalusia, Juan Cornejo, after a meeting on Monday.

Rajoy's conservative People Party (PP) finished first in Spain's two most recent elections, in December and in June, but failed each time to win an absolute majority.

The Socialists, who came second both times, have so far refused to vote in favour of a Rajoy-led administration or abstain to allow him to run a minority government, prolonging the political limbo.

Sanchez stepped down as Socialist leader this month amid rising criticism within the party over his response to the impasse.

Its senior members will meet on Oct 23 to decide whether to back Rajoy or abstain in a parliamentary confidence vote that must take place by the end of the month to avert another national election in late December.

If the Socialists continued to oppose Rajoy, they would slip to third place in that election behind the anti-austerity alliance Unidos Podemos, and Rajoy's support would rise enough for him to form a coalition government, a poll showed on Sunday.

Diaz's bid to succeed Sanchez is backed by the heads of the Valencia, Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha regions. Extremadura's federation also said on Monday it supported abstaining to allow Rajoy to serve a second term.

(Reporting by Carlos Ruano; Writing by Angus Berwick; Editing by John Stonestreet)
The union representing Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) employees said Monday (17 October) it was deeply concerned that it was only informed by management of planned job cuts just 30 minutes before SPH was scheduled to announce the move to its staff.

The Creative Media and Publishing Union (CMPU), which represents workers including those from SPH, told Yahoo Singapore that it would be working closely with SPH management to work out fair retrenchment packages for its members.

Responsible managements should consider and explore all alternative ways of managing their manpower where possible before cutting existing manpower, said CMPU president David Teo.

Last Friday (14 October), in response to reports that SPH planned to cut its workforce by 10 per cent, CMPU told Yahoo Singapore that it had been assured by SPH management that it was speculative reporting.

CMPU General Secretary, Mindy Kwok said then, When we (CMPU) saw the online news (about the planned restructuring), we immediately engaged the management to seek clarifications. The management shared that it was speculative reporting and gave assurance that they will work closely with the union if there are indeed such plans.

SPH announcement on job cuts

On Monday, SPH confirmed plans to cut its workforce by up to 10 per cent by 2018 and merge tabloids My Paper (MYP) and The New Paper (TNP).

The two papers will form a revamped TNP that will be distributed free Monday to Saturday from December and will continue to be available online, SPH said in a statement.

To reduce operating costs, SPH will downsize its workforce of 4,182  as of end August - through attrition, retirement, non-renewal of contracts, outplacement and retrenchment.

The measures come after a five-month review of its core media business. On Friday, SPH reported a 17.5 per cent drop in net profit to $265.3 million for its 2016 financial year amid a continued slowdown in the conglomerates core media business.

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The media conglomerate pledged to work with the relevant unions to ensure that fair terms are given to affected staff.

Senior management including SPH CEO Alan Chan and his deputy Patrick Daniel announced the measures to employees during a town hall meeting at a packed SPH News Centre Auditorium on Monday evening. Many staffers stood in the wings, while others crowded around televisions in conference rooms and other venues in the SPH building to catch the live broadcast of the session.

Sources across several departments in SPH said that the mood in the auditorium was pensive during the approximately 90-minute session, where management outlined its plans to staff.

One employee said that a total of 30 staff will be laid off in the initial phase, with the rest of the job cuts coming in the next two years.

Questions asked by employees included the link between profit performance and job cuts in the different business units, and whether the new TNP would cannibalise The Straits Times.

Reactions from SPH employees

SPH staff whom Yahoo Singapore spoke to seemed reconciled to the restructuring plans.

Its clear that the media business in Singapore, especially in print, has been hit in a bad way, even if SPH had been ignoring it for a long time. Reactions (by SPH) now seem knee-jerk in nature, but the only heartening thing to hear is that retrenchments are being kept at a minimum for now. But it doesnt mean all our jobs are safe for long, said one employee.

Another staffer also described the mood in her department as resigned, as many had anticipated the measures.

One employee said, The mood seemed to be one of acceptance, because for one, its no secret that print media is facing a crisis the world over.

While the management did try to inject some positive vibes into the presentation, it seems clear that this move (merger between TNP and MYP) is a bit of a wild stab in the dark - a gamble.
By Daria Sito-Sucic SREBRENICA, Bosnia (Reuters) - Hatidza Mehmedovic was among the first Bosnian Muslims to return to Srebrenica after Bosnia's war, determined to live near the graves of her husband and two sons killed in a 1995 massacre by Serb forces that made the town synonymous with genocide. On Monday, authorities confirmed that Srebrenica, where 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed by Serb nationalist forces seeking to carve an ethnically pure state out of Bosnia, had elected its first Serb mayor since the massacre. For many relatives of the victims, the election of Mladen Grujicic, a Serb nationalist who has denied that the massacre was a genocide despite international court rulings to the contrary, is a sign that the wartime Serb campaign of ethnic cleansing has achieved its objectives. "Everything in Srebrenica is Serb: the land, the meadows, the public companies," Mehmedovic said, highlighting the failure of Western diplomacy to preserve the multi-ethnic demographic that characterized Bosnia before war erupted in 1992. The U.S.-brokered Dayton Accords that ended the war set up an intricate federal structure with a weak central government designed to preserve Bosnia as one multi-ethnic state. But decentralization into autonomous cantons essentially entrenched the status quo achieved by Serb and Croat forces that fought to create ethnic statelets out of Bosnia, critics say. Srebrenica, a Muslim-majority town before the war, fell within the territory of Bosnia's Serb Republic under the peace deal; its 7,500 population is now 55 percent Serb and 45 percent Bosniak (Muslim). Bosnia's other autonomous entity is the Bosniak-Croat Federation. Grujicic said it was time to end discrimination against Srebrenica's Serbs, and denied that the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague (ICTY) had ever proved the massacre was genocide. "When they prove it to be the truth, I'll be the first to accept it." His defeated rival, the Bosniak Camil Durakovic, has pledged to appeal against the result of what he called a "rigged" election. Zulfo Salihovic, a local politician who was one of the last Bosniaks to escape Srebrenica before the massacre, worried for the future of the town's Bosniaks. "We fear that Bosniaks and other citizens who think differently from the leaders of Serb nationalist parties will be humiliated, bullied and discriminated against," he said. When Bosniaks - many of them elderly women wanting to be close to relatives' tombs - began returning to Srebrenica after 2000, the international community, then closely involved in Bosnia's peace process, promised them protection. Now many fear they may be forced to leave their homes again. The massacre, Europe's worst atrocity since World War Two, outraged global opinion, prompting Western air strikes on Serb forces that ended the fighting in 1995. In an attempt to conceal the crime, Serb forces dug up the bodies of Srebrenica's victims and scattered them across much of Bosnia. Over 1,000 remain missing, with more being found and returned to Srebrenica for burial every year. The ICTY has jailed a number of Bosnian Serbs over the massacre. It convicted wartime Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic of genocide earlier this year and sentenced him to 40 years in prison. Bosnian Serb General Ratko Mladic remains on trial for his role in the war, which killed 100,000 people. (Reporting by Daria Sito-Sutic in Srebrenica and Maja Zuvela in Sarajevo; writing by Thomas Escritt; editing by Mark Heinrich)
It includes a five-year agreement with an international airline.

ST Engineerings subsidiary, ST Aerospace, has secured new contracts worth $520m in 3Q for projects ranging from line and airframe maintenance to component repair and overhaul.

The contracts include the passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion of four Airbus A330-300 for DHL Express, announced in July.

For the line and heavy maintenance category, ST Aerospace clinched a five-year agreement with an international airline to provide airframe heavy maintenance support for the airlines Boeing 767 and 777 aircraft fleet. ST Aerospace will also refurbish the cabin interiors of seven of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

It also won an extension contract to further support a long-time airline customer's pilot training needs. Under the contract, the airlines cadets will undergo a 15-month integrated commercial pilot licence programme in Ballarat, Australia.

Other contract wins included several landing gear overhaul contracts from various airlines, as well as multiple contracts for EcoPower engine wash services.





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By Jim Finkle

(Reuters) - Medical-device maker St. Jude Medical Inc said on Monday that it planned to set up a medical advisory board focused on cyber-security issues affecting patient care and safety.

St. Jude said in a statement that the group, known as the Cyber Security Medical Advisory Board, would provide advice on cyber security standards for medical devices.

The St. Paul, Minnesota-based company is establishing the group as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigates claims that St. Jude heart devices are riddled with defects that make them vulnerable to fatal cyber hacks.

The FDA launched that probe in August after short-seller Muddy Waters and cyber research firm MedSec Holdings said they had placed bets that St. Jude shares would fall after they discovered the alleged vulnerabilities.

We take the cyber security of our devices very seriously and creating the Cyber Security Medical Advisory Board is one more demonstration of our ongoing commitment to advancing standards of patient care around the world without comprising safety and security, St. Jude Chief Medical Officer Mark Carlson said in a statement.

The board, whose membership has yet to be finalized, will work with technology experts at St. Jude Medical as well as external researchers to help "maintain and enhance cyber security and patient safety, Carlson said.

Suzanne Schwartz, a senior official in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said the agency supports efforts by medical device manufacturers to prioritize cyber security.

"Doing so in collaboration with other stakeholders such as cyber security researchers, health care providers, patients and government agencies, means cyber security vulnerabilities are more likely to be identified, assessed and fixed in a timely manner before they can cause patient harm," she said in a statement.

St. Jude agreed in April to sell itself for $25 billion to Abbott Laboratories.

The company last week said it would recall some of its 400,000 implanted heart devices due to risk of premature battery depletion, a condition linked to two deaths in Europe.

(Reporting by Jim Finkle in Boston; editing by Bernard Orr and Nick Zieminski)
In this years presidential primaries, more than 57.6 million Americans went to the polls, slightly less than the 2008 all-time record. It remains to be seen if high primary turnout will translate to high general election turnout when Americans vote in less than a month.

In the 2012 presidential election, just 57.5% of eligible U.S. residents went to the polls. In a number of developed nations voter turnout rates exceed 70%.

24/7 Wall St. reviewed average voter turnout rates over the last four presidential election cycles in every U.S. state. Voter participation ranged from approximately three-quarters of eligible Minnesota residents, the highest nationwide, to half of eligible voters in Hawaii, the lowest voter turnout in the country.

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One of the main predictors of voter turnout is whether the election is closely contested. When a candidate appears poised to run away with an election, turnout tends to be much lower. When polls appear to be heavily favoring one candidate, voters may feel they cannot make much of a difference. This election, however, is much more even. While recent general population polls show Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton gaining a slight lead on Republican candidate Donald Trump, the candidates were effectively neck and neck as recently as last month.

On the other hand, turnout may be lower in this election because of the candidates. One recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center showed that about 40% of eligible voters said they had difficulty choosing between the two major party candidates because neither was worthy of the presidency.

A number of factors are likely driving differences in voter turnout at the state level. It appears that in states with high-profile primaries, such as New Hampshire and Iowa, voter turnout tends to be higher during presidential elections. Over the last four general elections, both states were in the top five for voter turnout.

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The level of education of state residents also appears to be a relatively strong predictor of voter turnout. While there are a number of exceptions, states with higher college attainment rates tend to have greater voter participation. Of the 20 states with the lowest voter turnout, 16 have a bachelors attainment rate below the national share of 30.6% of adults.

Other democracies around the world typically hold elections on the weekend or declare election day a national holiday. Presidential elections in the United States, however, are held during the work day. For this reason, individuals living in poverty are far less likely to vote than higher income individuals, at least in part due to lack of flexibility in the workplace. On the state level, however, the share of workers employed hourly did not appear to be the greatest single factor in voter turnout.

To identify the states with the highest and lowest voter turnout rates, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the average percentage in each state of voting-age citizens who cast a ballot in the past four presidential elections, as well as the percentage of votes for the Republican and Democratic nominees in each of these races. All voter turnout data came from the Current Population Survey (CPS), conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau every month. Also from the CPS, we examined the reasons people cited for not voting as well as average weekly wages per state and nationwide. The percentage of adults who have at least a bachelors degree and poverty rates came from the U.S Census Bureaus 2014 American Community Survey (ACS). Unemployment rates came from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The proportion of workers employed on an hourly basis also came from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

These are the states with the highest (and lowest) voter turnout.

1. Minnesota

> Voter turnout: 74.5%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 34.7%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 55.3%

Nearly three-quarters of eligible Minnesota residents cast a ballot on average over the past four general election cycles, the highest voter turnout rate of any state in the nation. By contrast, 62% of eligible Americans voted in presidential elections over that period. Minnesota is one of 13 states with a caucus system. Not only are delegate votes usually determined by the outcome, but also party meetings frequently attract highly influential party members. The fanfare generated by the caucuses each election cycle may contribute to the states high voter turnout.

One potential reason for the states high voter turnout is its decision to allow same-day voter registration. This policy, maintained by Minnesota and 14 other states, has been shown to boost turnout by 7% to 14%. Many states adopted this practice only after the 2012 election -- the North Star State has maintained same-day registration since 1974.

2. Wisconsin

> Voter turnout: 73.0%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 28.4%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 60.3%

For the past quarter of a century, Wisconsin voters favored a Democrat during presidential elections. Wisconsin was one of only a handful of states to prefer Democratic presidential hopeful Michael Dukakis in the 1988 presidential election over George H.W. Bush. States that lean heavily in favor of one party often have lower turnout as a result of low competition. Wisconsin, however, has one of the best participation records in the country. In each of the last four presidential elections, more than 70% of Wisconsins eligible voters went to the polls -- the only state to exceed 70% voter turnout in all four cycles.

3. Maine

> Voter turnout: 70.8%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 30.1%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 55.2%

In both Maine and the nation as a whole, college graduates are more likely to vote. However, despite the fact that Maines educational attainment rate is slightly below average, it still boasts one of the highest voter participation rates in the country. Voter turnout in Maine has been among the highest in the nation in the four most recent presidential elections. Political engagement peaked in Maine in 2004, when 73.1% of eligible voters came to the polls. Historically, Maine is a blue state, opting for the Democratic presidential candidate by at least 5 percentage points in each of the last four presidential elections.

4. New Hampshire

> Voter turnout: 69.8%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 35.7%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 54.4%

In the last four presidential elections, an average of 69.8% of eligible voters in New Hampshire cast a ballot. Historically, New Hampshire has been a swing state, and voter turnout is arguably more decisive in the states elective outcome than in the rest of the country. In the last four presidential elections, no candidate has won New Hampshire by a margin larger than 10 percentage points.

5. Iowa

> Voter turnout: 69.6%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 26.8%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 56.8%

The Iowa caucuses are the first event in the election process for the President of the United States, setting the tone for the election season. The national attention given to the outcomes likely helps stimulate participation among Iowas potential voters. During the most recent caucus held February 1, observers reported crowded venues, extremely long lines, and insufficient numbers of ballots, indicating stronger than average participation. Over the past four general elections, an average of nearly 70% of eligible voters cast their ballot. The best turnout was in 2004, when 71.3% of the electorate cast a ballot. In three of the past four elections -- 2000, 2008, and 2012 -- a larger share of voters supported the Democratic presidential candidate than the Republican one.

6. Oregon

> Voter turnout: 69.1%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 32.2%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 54.7%

Presidential elections tends to yield a significantly higher voter turnout than midterms. Nationally, voter turnout gets a 16 percentage point bump during presidential elections. In Oregon, a higher share of residents vote during midterm elections than the voter turnout in many states during presidential election years. In the 2006 midterm election, nearly 60% of Oregons eligible voters went to the polls, more than eight states' turnouts during the 2004 presidential election. During that election, 74% of Oregons electorate went to the polls, more than all but three other states.

7. North Dakota

> Voter turnout: 68.3%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 29.1%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 55.1%

In the last four presidential elections, political engagement in North Dakota has been relatively high, averaging 68.3% participation among eligible voters. However, since 2004 when voter turnout peaked at 71.4%, participation has declined in each election cycle in North Dakota. In November 2012, only 63.9% of eligible voters made it to the polls.

A solidly conservative state, North Dakota preferred the Republican candidate in each of the last four presidential elections. Most recently, Mitt Romney defeated Barack Obama in North Dakota by nearly 20 percentage points.

8. Massachusetts

> Voter turnout: 68.1%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 41.5%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 48.7%

Highly educated individuals are among the most likely to vote in U.S. elections. The relatively well-educated Massachusetts population may partially explain the high voter turnout in the state. An estimated 41.2% of adults have at least a bachelors degree, well above the national college attainment rate of 30.1%. Massachusetts is also widely considered a Democratic stronghold, supporting the Democratic presidential candidate by a large margin in each of the past four elections.

9. Mississippi

> Voter turnout: 67.2%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 20.8%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 61.0%

Voter turnout in Mississippi has increased in each presidential election since George W. Bush took office roughly a decade and a half ago. In 2000, only 60.6% of eligible voters in Mississippi cast a ballot, a considerably smaller share than the 74.5% that made it to the polls in November 2012.

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As is the case in every other state, voter turnout dips considerably in Mississippi in non-presidential election years. In November 2014, only 42.3% of eligible voters made it to the polls. Of those who did not vote that year, 22.3% said they were too busy, and 13.2% claimed they simply forgot.

10. Louisiana

> Voter turnout: 66.7%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 23.2%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 54.0%

Individuals who live in poverty are far less likely to vote than more affluent individuals. In Louisiana, nearly one in five residents lives in poverty, the third highest poverty rate in the country. Unlike most other states with relatively high poverty rates, however, more than two-thirds of eligible Louisianans vote in presidential elections, one of the higher voter turnout rates compared to other states.

Louisiana had an exceptionally strong turnout among low-income voters in the 2012 presidential election. Some 71.3% of eligible individuals earning between $13,000 and $26,000 annually voted, more than the 61.8% voter turnout nationwide among all income groups. To compare only 52.6% of Americans earning such low incomes voted in 2012.

11. Colorado

> Voter turnout: 66.6%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 39.2%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 45.7%

Voter turnout has increased in every presidential election in Colorado, from 57.2% participation in 2000 to 70.4% participation in the 2012 election. Of the last four elections, an average of 66.6% of eligible voters made it to the polls, a larger share than in the vast majority of states. Voter preferences in Colorado tend to match those of the country as a whole as the state went to Bush in 2000 and 2004 and to Obama in 2008 and 2012.

Last August, after the Republican Party officially ruled that state delegates must support the candidate that wins the caucus vote, Colorado forfeited its role in selecting the GOPs presidential candidate. States that hold caucuses tend to have higher voter turnouts in general elections, and since it opted entirely out of the nomination process, Colorados participation rate may take a hit in 2016.

12. Delaware

> Voter turnout: 66.6%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 30.9%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 53.1%

Since 2000, an increasingly large share of Delaware residents has gone to the polls than the U.S. has as a whole. Delaware also surpasses the nation in other measures typically associated with higher voter turnout. Wealthy, well-educated citizens are more likely to turn up at the polls on election day, and the $59,716 median household income and 30.6% collegiate attainment rate in the state are both higher than their corresponding national figures.

Delaware is a consistently blue state, and a Democrat has won there in the last four presidential elections. Of those elections, a Democrat won by the largest margin in 2008, when Obama beat Romney by 25.0% of the vote.

13. Missouri

> Voter turnout: 66.2%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 27.8%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 53.5%

Averaged over the last four presidential elections, voter turnout in Missouri has been higher than the national voter turnout and among the highest of any state. Since 2004, however, that margin has narrowed. In the 2012 election, 63.9% of eligible state voters cast a ballot, just about 2 percentage points higher than the 61.8% national turnout rate.

Missouri is a traditionally Republican state, and a Republican candidate has won the state in the last four presidential elections. In the two elections where a Democrat won the national election, voter turnout in Missouri was the lowest.

14. Montana

> Voter turnout: 66.2%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 30.6%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 58.7%

A traditionally red state, a Republican candidate has won Montana in the past four presidential elections. The state was won by a large margin in every year with the exception of 2008, when McCain beat Obama by just 2.4% of the vote.

Average voter turnout over the last four presidential elections was 66.2% in Montana, a larger share than most other states. Montana voters are also more likely to vote in midterm elections than most Americans. Voter participation in all non-presidential elections since 1998 exceeded 50% in Montana. Meanwhile, over the same time period, nationwide turnout never exceeded 50% during midterm elections, reaching the lowest point in 2014 when only 41.9% of eligible Americans made it to the polls.

15. Michigan

> Voter turnout: 66.1%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 27.8%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 60.2%

A Democratic candidate has won the majority vote in Michigan in the last four presidential elections. Michigan's voter turnout has consistently been greater than the national overall turnout. Turnout amongst the states black voters peaked in 2008, when Obama won both the state and the national election.

Michigan was one of the states hit hardest by the recession, and in 2010 the unemployment rate had reached an abysmal 12.6%. In the midterm election that year, voter turnout among the states unemployed workers was the lowest it has been for at least 10 years.

16. Washington

> Voter turnout: 65.6%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 34.2%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 53.7%

In Washington, women are more likely to vote than men. In the last four presidential elections, the share of the female electorate going to the polls exceeded that of male eligible voters. In 2008, 63.5% of eligible men voted, compared to 70.0% of their female counterparts. Overall, Washingtonians are more likely to vote than most Americans, with an average turnout rate of 65.6% in presidential elections compared to 62.2% of Americans. Voter participation peaked in Washington in 2004, when 67.6% of eligible voters made it to the polls. Though Bush was elected to a second term that year, the majority of Washington voters supported Democratic candidate John Kerry.

17. Maryland

> Voter turnout: 65.2%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 38.8%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 47.5%

Educational attainment is as primary determinant of voter turnout. In Maryland, the 38.2% collegiate attainment rate is the third highest in the U.S. Not surprisingly, Marylands 65.2% average voter turnout rate over the last four presidential elections was higher than the 62.2% national voter turnout rate. Turnout in the state peaked in 2008, when Obama won Maryland by a 25.2 percentage point margin.

Maryland is typically a Democratic stronghold, and a Democratic candidate has won the state in each of the last four presidential elections. In the most recent gubernatorial election, however, low voter turnout among state Democrats resulted in a surprising victory for Republican candidate Larry Hogan.

18. Virginia

> Voter turnout: 65.0%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 37.0%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 47.4%

Virginia is by many measures a swing state. In 2012, 51.2% of state voters preferred Obama, the presidents third-smallest margin of victory that year. In more politically neutral states, potential voters may be more likely to go to the polls because they feel they have more of a say.

Another factor potentially driving up Virginias voter turnout rate is the states relatively low incidence of poverty. Very low income individuals are less likely to have jobs that allow them the flexibility to take time off to cast a ballot. Just 11.8% of Virginias residents live below the poverty line, compared to 15.5% of the U.S. population.

19. Vermont

> Voter turnout: 64.9%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 36.9%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 52.7%

Over the past four presidential elections, Vermonts voter turnout, at 65%, was slightly higher than the national average turnout. Political systems vary considerably across U.S. regions. As in a number of other New England states, many Vermonters participate in Town Meeting Day each year, which is a state holiday in Vermont. Voters gather and help make decisions for their town or locality. A majority of voters in Vermont supported the Democratic candidate in each of the past four presidential elections.

20. Alaska

> Voter turnout: 64.6%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 29.7%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 61.4%

Wealth is a strong determinant of voter turnout, and the median household income in Alaska of $71,583 a year is the third highest in the country. Not surprisingly, Alaskas 64.6% average voter turnout rate is higher than the 62.2% national turnout rate overall.

Voter turnout dropped significantly in the most recent presidential election, when just 58.4% of eligible Alaskans voted -- the lowest in the last four elections. Turnout amongst younger voters dropped even more, as 32.5% of eligible 18 to 24 year olds voted, more than 20 percentage points lower than the state's youth turnout rate two elections ago. That decline in turnout may have benefitted Democrats, as Romney won the state by the smallest margin in at least the last four Alaska elections.

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21. Rhode Island

> Voter turnout: 64.4%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 32.7%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 59.8%

While an average of 62.2% of eligible Americans voted in the past four presidential elections, 64.4% of eligible Rhode Islanders made it to the polls. A solid blue state, Rhode Islanders strongly preferred the Democratic presidential candidate in each of the past four presidential elections.

As is the case across the country, state residents with higher incomes are more likely to vote than those with lower incomes. In the last presidential election, only 52% of eligible Rhode Island voters earning $250 or less per week made it to the polls. Meanwhile, it is estimated that every eligible voter in the state earning between $1,750 and $2,000 a week participated in the election.

22. South Dakota

> Voter turnout: 64.3%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 27.5%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 59.6%

South Dakota's voter turnout has on the whole mirrored that of the U.S., not exceeding the national rate by more than five percentage points in the last four presidential elections. In 2012, 61.0% of eligible voters in the state went to the polls compared to a nationwide turnout rate of 61.8%.

Those without work appear to be less inclined to go to the national polls, and the minimal political involvement among that group is certainly the case in South Dakota. Nationally, 41.9% of eligible Americans voted in the 2014 midterm election, while just 30.0% of those without jobs went to the polls. In South Dakota, just 14.3% of eligible unemployed residents voted that year.

23. North Carolina done

> Voter turnout: 64.3%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 29.4%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 52.8%

Since the 2000 election, an increasingly large share of eligible North Carolina voters went to the polls, and in 2008 the state's voter turnout rate surpassed the U.S. turnout rate overall. In the most recent election, North Carolinas 68.9% voter turnout was about 7 percentage points higher than the 61.8% national rate.

Even more dynamic is the increased voter turnout of young and black voters in the state during the last two presidential elections. In 2000, when Bush beat Democratic rival Al Gore, 30.6% of eligible 18 to 24 year olds cast a ballot. In the 2008, when Obama defeated John McCain, that figure increased to 52.9%. Similarly, voter turnout among black voters in North Carolina increased from 64.4% in the 2004 Bush Kerry election to 80.2% in the most recent Obama Romney election.

24. Nebraska

> Voter turnout: 63.8%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 30.2%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 56.8%

Voter turnout in Nebraska has somewhat paralleled the national voter turnout rate in the last four elections. Political preferences, however, have not. A Republican candidate has won the state in the last four elections. Bush won by the largest margin of any Republican candidate in that time, beating Kerry in the state in the 2004 election by a margin of 33.2 percentage points. The smallest margin of victory occurred in 2008, when McCain beat Obama by 14.9 percentage points.

25. Ohio

> Voter turnout: 63.6%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 26.8%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 59.4%

A notorious swing state, Ohio was won by the Republican candidate in 2000 and 2004, and the Democratic candidate in 2008 and 2012. In those elections, the victorious candidate never won by a margin greater than 4.6 percentage points. The closest recent presidential race in Ohio was in 2004, when Bush beat Kerry by a slim 2.1 percentage points.

Despite the states importance and the relative significance of each individual vote, voter turnout in Ohio is only slightly higher than it is across the country. An average of 63.6% of eligible voters made it to the polls in the last four presidential elections, a slightly higher share than the 62.2% of American voters who did.

26. New Jersey

> Voter turnout: 63.5%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 37.6%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 42.0%

Compared to the average American, New Jersey residents are more educated and also wealthier. The average weekly wage in the state of more than $1,000 is well above the national average wage. Also, 37.4% of adults have at least a bachelors degree, higher than the national attainment rate of 30.1%. While more educated, more affluent individuals are the most likely to cast a vote in presidential elections, the average voter turnout rate in New Jersey of 63.5% is just in line with the national turnout rate.

Of the eligible voters who did not participate in the most recent midterm election, 28.9% cited work or school schedule conflicts as their reason for not voting, similar to the national share of respondents who said the same.

27. South Carolina

> Voter turnout: 63.5%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 26.8%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 56.1%

South Carolina is a Republican stronghold, and a Republican candidate has won the state in each of the past four presidential elections.

South Carolina was one of the states hit hardest by the Great Recession. In the 2006 midterm election, voter turnout among the states unemployed workers was just 25.4%. By the 2010 election, when unemployment peaked in the state, the unemployed voter turnout rate was 41.2%. A similar increase occurred in the states presidential elections, from a 49.1% unemployed turnout rate in 2008 to 65.5% in 2012.

28. Connecticut

> Voter turnout: 63.3%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 38.3%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 50.7%

Voter turnout in Connecticut is not especially high. An average of only 63.3% of eligible voters turned out to vote in the last four presidential elections, only a slightly larger share than the 62.2% of eligible Americans who did.

Roughly one-quarter of survey respondents who failed to cast a ballot in the 2014 midterm elections claimed that they neglected to vote because they thought their vote would not make a difference. A solidly blue state, a Republican has not won Connecticut since Bush in 1988. Additionally, in each of the last four presidential elections, the Democratic presidential candidate won by at least 10 percentage points in the state.

29. Wyoming

> Voter turnout: 63.2%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 26.2%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 61.0%

Wyoming is one of the most clearly conservative states in the country. In each of the past four presidential elections, a Republican earned at least 64.8% of the votes. In 2012, Romney won 68.6% of the votes, a higher margin of victory for the candidate in every state but Utah.

While Wyomings presidential elections appear to be less competitive than in other states, this does not seem to curb political participation. In a survey distributed to those who did not vote, a lower share of respondents claimed political apathy -- the feeling that their vote wouldnt make a difference -- as the reason for not going to the polls.

30. Kansas

> Voter turnout: 63.1%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 31.7%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 55.3%

Over the last four presidential elections, voter turnout in Kansas peaked in 2004, when 64.2% of the electorate made it to the polls. Over the same four elections, average voter turnout in Kansas has been roughly line with the national average of 62.2%. In a survey distributed to those who did not vote in the most recent election, a bulk of respondents claimed disliking the candidates or being too busy with work or school as reasons for not going to the polls.

31. Illinois

> Voter turnout: 63.0%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 32.9%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 51.5%

Illinois voter participation rate was in line with that of the nation in each of the last two midterm elections and slightly below the national turnout in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections. This might be surprising to some, given President Obamas political history in the state. He served in the Illinois State Senate from 1997 through 2004, and then in the U.S. Congress as an Illinois senator from 2004 until his presidency.

It may actually be the presidents home field advantage -- as well as the states Democratic leaning -- that kept voter turnout so low in Illinois. Nearly 22% of those who did not vote in 2012 said they did not think their vote would matter, compared to 16.2% of U.S. non-voters who said the same.

32. Florida

> Voter turnout: 62.2%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 28.4%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 46.3%

The entire outcome of the presidential election in 2000 came down to Florida, where an incredibly close vote merited a recount that dragged on for weeks. In that year, voter turnout was 59.6%, the lowest of the last four presidential elections. Bush was ultimately declared winner by a Supreme Court decision, securing Floridas 25 electoral votes as well as the presidency.

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Florida is a swing state, and the candidate to win it has gone on to win the general election in the last four elections. In 2004, Bush won by 5 percentage points, the most commanding victory compared to the general elections in 2000, 2008 and 2012. On average, voter turnout in the state is similar to the national voter turnout rate.

33. Alabama

> Voter turnout: 62.0%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 24.2%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 58.7%

A Democratic presidential candidate has not won Alabama since Jimmy Carter beat Gerald Ford in 1976. In each of the last four presidential elections, the Republican candidate won the state by at least 14.9 percentage points. A consistently conservative state, it is perhaps no surprise that one of the most common reasons cited for not voting was that people felt their vote would not make a difference. Average voter turnout in the state in the last four presidential elections was 62.0%, a marginally smaller share than the 62.2% voter turnout across the country.

Higher educational attainment rates typically correlate with higher rates of voter engagement. Just as voter turnout is lower in Alabama than it is across the nation, so is educational attainment. Only 23.5% of adults in Alabama have at least a bachelors degree compared to the 30.1% national college attainment rate.

34. Pennsylvania

> Voter turnout: 61.6%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 29.7%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 57.8%

Higher educational attainment typically leads to increased participation in the the democratic process. In Pennsylvania, 29.0% of adults have at least a bachelors degree, roughly in line with the 30.1% of adults nationwide with similar educational attainment. Voter turnout in the state is also similar to national voter turnout. In the past four presidential elections, an average of 61.6% of eligible Pennsylvanians went to the polls compared to 62.2% of the country-wide electorate. Like in most of the country, younger and poorer voters in Pennsylvania are less likely to vote than the state population overall.

35. New Mexico

> Voter turnout: 61.1%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 26.5%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 59.5%

New Mexicos average voter turnout rate over the last four presidential elections was lower than in the majority of states. Participation bottomed out in the 2000 election when less than 55% of the state electorate went to the polls compared to just under 60% of the U.S. electorate. In the last three cycles, the states turnout rate has been within a percentage point of the national voter turnout rate. New Mexicos turnout may be bolstered by its status as a swing state. Though the largest share of voters preferred Gore, the Democratic candidate, in 2000, the state went to Bush, the Republican candidate, four years later.

New Mexico voters appear to recognize their impact on the election. Only 5.7% of those who did not vote in the state in 2012 said they abstained because they did not think their vote would make a difference, compared to a national share of 16.2%.

36. Kentucky

> Voter turnout: 61.1%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 23.3%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 59.0%

Like in most states, younger Kentuckians are less likely to vote than the voting-age population as a whole. While total eligible voter participation ranged from 56.4% to 65.0% in the last four presidential elections, participation was considerably lower among 18-24 year olds. Only 34.1% to 55.8% of the age group made it to the polls.

Kentucky is a traditionally red state, and a Republican candidate has won there in each of the past four presidential elections. The election in 2000, when Bush won by a 15.1 percentage point margin. While this was a commanding victory, it was actually the closest in the states recent history.

37. Idaho

> Voter turnout: 61.1%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 26.0%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 59.9%

Idahos voter turnout rate over the past four presidential elections has been, on average, lower than that of the nation. In the 2012 presidential elections, however, a higher share of the state electorate actually went to the polls, at 63.9% of eligible Idaho residents compared to 61.8% of eligible Americans.

Those with an advanced education are more likely to participate in the democratic process. In 2012, more than 77% of Americans with a college degree voted. This may partially explain the states below average voter turnout. In Idaho, just 25% of the adult population has a college degree, more than 5 percentage points below the national share.

38. California

> Voter turnout: 60.3%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 32.3%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 54.3%

An average of just over 60% of eligible California voters cast a ballot in the past four presidential elections, lower than the turnout rate in most states. Americans who believe their vote matters are far more likely to participate in elections than others. This explains the higher turnout rates during highly competitive political contests, and it could partially account for the relatively low turnout rate in California.

Despite having the most electoral votes of any state, Californians, along with New Yorkers and Floridians, actually have one of the weakest votes of any state when adjusting the number of electoral votes to the state's population. Also, California almost always votes Democrat. Since the general election outcome in the state could be a forgone conclusion for many Californians, the motivation to vote could be lower as a result.

39. Utah

> Voter turnout: 59.6%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 31.8%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 54.9%

Utah is one of only 11 states where the average voter turnout rate was below 60%. Voter participation in the state, which is right-leaning, peaked in 2004. That year, 67.8% of the electorate made it to the polls, the majority of whom voted Republican. As has been the case across the country, Utah residents with a bachelors degree vote at a higher rate than residents with lower educational attainment. In the 2012 general election, 73.5% of eligible Utah voters with at least a bachelor's degree made it to the polls, versus the statewide turnout rate of 57.0%.

Among eligible voters in Utah who did not vote, 34.7% cited a work or school schedule conflict as their reason for not voting in the most recent election year.

40. Indiana

> Voter turnout: 59.5%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 24.9%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 57.2%

Indianas voting-age population is slightly less likely to vote than eligible Americans nationwide. While an average of only 59.5% of the electorate made it to the polls in Indiana, a higher share of college educated state residents voted than was typical across the nation. In 2012, 80.6% of eligible Indiana voters with a college degree voted compared to 77.1% of voters across the country with similar educational attainment.

Indiana voters tend to prefer conservative candidates. Both in 2000 and in 2004, more than half of all ballots cast in the state went to Bush. The state shifted to the left in 2008 as Obama won by a single percentage point. However, four years later Obama lost to Romney by more than 10 percentage points during the 2012 general election.

41. Georgia

> Voter turnout: 59.3%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 29.9%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 48.4%

An average of only 59.3% of eligible voters in Georgia turned out to vote in the past four presidential elections, and more than half of voters preferred the Republican presidential candidate every time. Georgia has not always gone to the conservative candidate, however. Bill Clinton beat Bush, the incumbent candidate, in the the Peach State in 1992.

While voter turnout in Georgia is relatively low in presidential elections, as in every other state, an even smaller share of eligible voters turnout for midterm elections. The lowest participation rate in the last 18 years was in the 1998 midterms, when only 38.6% of the electorate made it to the polls.

42. New York

> Voter turnout: 59.2%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 35.0%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 43.8%

An average of just 59.2% of eligible New York voters have gone to the polls in the past four presidential elections, one of the lower turnout rates in the country. With the Democratic candidate winning New York State in each of the last four elections by a margin of no less than 18.3 percentage points, New York is reliably a blue state.

In late October 2012, Hurricane Sandy ravaged the East Coast and ultimately became the second costliest storm in U.S. history. In the election that followed a week later, a relatively large share of New Yorkers who did not vote cited bad weather as their reason for not voting. The only state to ever report a larger share of potential voters deterred by bad weather in the last four elections was neighboring New Jersey, also in 2012.

ALSO READ: The Most Dangerous Cities in America

43. Arizona

> Voter turnout: 58.4%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 27.7%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 55.0%

With the exception of Clinton in 1996, a majority of Arizona voters have preferred the Republican candidate in every presidential election since 1952. In the last four presidential elections, voters in the state preferred the Republican nominee over the Democratic candidate by at least 6.3 percentage points.

Voter turnout among younger residents has improved in both Arizona and the country overall since 2000. In the Bush Gore election, just 25.6% of eligible 18 to 24 year olds in Arizona went to the polls. In the most recent election, that figure was 43.0%. Nationally, youth voter turnout in presidential elections has increased from 36.1% in 2000 to 41.2% in 2012.

44. Oklahoma

> Voter turnout: 58.3%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 24.6%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 54.8%

Since a majority vote for Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, Oklahoma has had an uninterrupted history of voting for the Republican presidential candidate. In the last four elections, a Republican won the state with at least 60% of the votes.

Educational attainment is one of the strongest predictors of voter participation. Just 24.2% of Oklahoma adults have at least a bachelors degree, a smaller share than the 30.1% of adults nationwide. Perhaps as a result, Oklahomas voter turnout is only 58.3%, the seventh lowest in the country.

45. Nevada

> Voter turnout: 57.7%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 23.6%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 59.7%

Nevada has one of the lowest voter participation rates in the United States with just 57.7% of voting-age citizens going to the polls on average over the past four presidential elections. As is the case nationwide, participation in the state is even worse during non-presidential elections. During the 2014 midterm election, just 37.3% of eligible Nevadans voted, one of the lower shares that year and among the lowest of any state during a midterm or presidential election in the past 20 years.

Education often leads to higher political involvement, and those with bachelors degrees are significantly more likely to vote than those with less education. Only 23.1% of Nevadas adult population have graduated from college compared to 30.1% of all U.S. adults.

46. Texas

> Voter turnout: 55.3%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 28.4%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 48.6%

An average of just about 55% of the Texas electorate managed to make it to the polls in the last four presidential contests. Voter turnout was even lower in the Lone Star State in the midterm elections. Participation bottomed out in November 2014, when only 34.6% of the state electorate made it to the polls. That year, 31.7% of those who did not vote in Texas cited a conflicting work or school schedule.

A solidly red state, the Republican presidential nominee has won Texas by at least an 11.8 percentage point margin in each of the last four elections. A Democratic candidate has not won the state since Carter beat Ford in 1976.

47. Tennessee

> Voter turnout: 54.9%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 25.7%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 57.1%

In each of the last four presidential elections, Tennessee has never had more than 55.7% of eligible voters go to the polls. During the 2000 presidential election, just 53.7% of the Tennessee electorate voted compared to a national turnout rate of slightly less than 60%. This is particularly surprising given the fact that former Vice President Gore -- who ran that year opposite eventual winner Bush -- had been a legislator in the state for years. Gore was also a U.S. senator representing the state from 1984 until his assumption of the vice presidency after the 1992 election.

Education often leads to greater political involvement, and those with bachelors degrees are significantly more likely to vote than those with less education. Just 25.3% of Tennessee residents 25 and older have graduated from college compared to 30.1% of all U.S. adults, which could partially explain the low voter turnout rate.

48. Arkansas

> Voter turnout: 54.3%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 21.8%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 56.5%

Education is one of the best predictors of voter turnout. In Arkansas, the collegiate attainment rate of 21.4%, which is well below the 30.1% national figure, may partially explain the low voter turnout in the state. Political races in Arkansas are not especially competitive either, as the state has consistently supported the Republican nominee in general elections. In the last four presidential elections, a Republican won the state by an average margin of about 15 percentage points.

Americans tend to vote when they feel their vote will matter, and the strong Republican base in Arkansas may cause residents to feel their votes are less influential. Of the voting-age population who did not vote in the 2012 election, 21.7% said they were too busy with work or school conflicts on voting day.

49. West Virginia

> Voter turnout: 52.9%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Republican

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 19.6%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 59.1%

With the exception of Hawaii, no state in the country has a lower average voter turnout rate than West Virginia. An average of only 52.9% of the electorate managed to make it to the polls in the four most recent presidential elections. As was the case across the country, voter turnout was even lower in midterm elections. Over the course of the last 18 years, participation bottomed out in the state in the 2014 midterm elections, when only 33.6% of eligible voters in the state made it to the polls. That year, a conflicting work or school schedule was the most commonly cited reason for not voting.

Though a majority of voters in West Virginia preferred the Republican presidential candidate in each of the last four races, before that, the state did not always side with the GOP. In 1988, West Virginia went to Dukakis, the Democratic nominee, and in both 1992 and 1996, West Virginia voters preferred Clinton, also a Democrat.

50. Hawaii

> Voter turnout: 50.0%

> 2012 winning candidate's party: Democrat

> Pct. with bachelors degree: 31.4%

> Pct. workers paid hourly: 54.5%

Americans are less likely to vote when they believe their vote will not make a difference in the final outcome. As a result, the least contested states tend to have lower turnout rates, while the most politically polarized states often have higher voter turnout rates. In Hawaii, where Obama beat Romney by nearly 43 percentage points in the most recent election, voter turnout is the lowest in the country. Hawaii has almost always been a strongly Democratic state.

To improve voter turnout, Hawaii lawmakers have recently passed legislation that will allow residents to register to vote on Election Day. Numerous academic studies have claimed such legislation can increase voter turnout by 7 to 14 percentage points.

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Updated with video: President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to Stephen Colberts Late Show tonight, except it was taped last week as we learned from Obamas press pack, who were not too happy to be kept waiting while the comedy bit was being shot.

Colbert is Randy the office manager, in a mustache. Hes helping Obama polish his resume since its about to be out of a job.

Fifty five is a tough time to start over, Randy tells Obama.

Randy wonders why Obama has not received any promotions in the past eight years. Randy also is confused that Obama cant stay in his job, but is not being terminated. Obama explains its required by the 26th Amendment. Randy warns that if he says that to a prospective employer, theyre going to hear you stole office supplies.

Where were you born? Randy asks.

Really? Obama responds.

Who can Randy talk to for reference purposes?

I know several turkeys who owe me a favor, Obama replies, by now looking labout as happy to be participating in this extended gag as are American voters with the two major-party candidates, according to polling.

Randy asks Obama about his choice of snack food because hes not allowed to ask POTUS to endorse one of the presidential candidates on network TV. He instead offers Obama his choice of an extra-fiber nutrient bar which has traveled to 100 countries, or a shriveled tangerine covered in golden retriever hair and filled with bile that should not be left alone with a woman.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRQLU3IwNYs&w=620&h=340]

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Stephen Colberts rumored Election Night special is now as official as those little I Voted! stickers you get at the polls.

The Late Show host will emcee a live broadcast on Showtime  not CBS  on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 11/10c, the premium cabler announced Monday. It will be called Stephen Colberts Live Election Night Democracys Series Finale: Whos Going To Clean Up This Sh-t?.

The idea of the special was floated at this summers Television Critics Association press tour.

From the networks release:

By bringing his unique comedic perspective to the anything-goes nature of premium cable, Colbert will be able to do things hes never been able to do in this campaign, such as directly quote a candidate without being bleeped. The special program will feature the much beloved and totally irreverent Colbert reacting in real-time to the election results as the state by state returns come in, making it the perfect election night destination for people who want to see all the latest news, without actually having to watch the news.

Itll be all the political comedy you love from my CBS show, with all the swearing and nudity you love from SHOWTIME, Colbert added via statement.

The Late Show will not air that evening; Colberts Showtime special will be shot in front of a live audience in his usual studio in New York and will feature interviews with guests as well as, yknow, revealing who won the presidency of the United States.

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A Connecticut teen was fatally struck by a fire department SUV early Sunday and authorities are investigating after the firefighter behind the wheel allegedly continued driving.

State police said Jeffny Pally, 19, was sitting on the ground with her back against a bay door at the UConn campus fire station when the door opened.

An SUV reportedly driven by shift commander Dana Barrow Jr., 60, then emerged, authorities say. Pally fell over as the door opened and was crushed by the Chevy Tahoe.

Read: Heroic 5-Year-Old Pulls His 2-Year-Old Brother From Wreck That Killed Their Father

Now, Barrow has been placed on administrative leave while authorities investigate why he failed to stop.

Pally's mother described her daughter as a caring person who was always helping others.

"She always felt that she needs to do something to help people and actually, very recently, she was thinking of doing nursing," her mother, Shiny Pally told CBS2.

Read: Dog Kills 4-Month-Old Baby and Leaves His Toddler Brother Seriously Injured

Jeffny, who grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, was a sophomore at UConn's Storrs campus.

The school's president addressed the tragedy in a statement.

"Every student is precious to us, and this is a heartbreaking and tragic loss," President Susan Herbst said. "Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. We know that words cannot begin to express their grief."

Watch: Newborn Survives Emergency C-Section After Pregnant Mom Dies in Car Crash

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Baghdad (AFP) - A suicide car bomb attack claimed by the Islamic State group and targeting an Iraqi army checkpoint south of Baghdad Monday killed at least 10 people, security and medical sources said.

The blast in Yusufiya, a frequently targeted area just south of the capital, also left at least 17 people wounded, an interior ministry official said.

A medic at the nearby Mahmudiyah hospital said at least four soldiers were among those killed in the blast.

It came just hours after Iraqi forces launched an offensive to retake second city Mosul, in the north of the country, from IS.

The group claimed the attack on the checkpoint between Yusufiya and the Baghdad district of Dora in a statement posted on social media and named the bomber as Abu Ishaq al-Iraqi.

Observers had warned that IS might seek to attack civilians in Baghdad and elsewhere as Iraqi forces launch their bid to wrest back the jihadists' last major stronghold in the country.

An attack on a funeral tent in Baghdad on Saturday killed at least 36 people. Another two people were killed in a blast in the capital on Sunday.
An officer with the Fairbanks Police Department in Alaska was injured in a shooting in the early hours of Sunday, October 16.

According to a press release issued from the department, the officer was Sergeant Allen Brandt, who had been on the force for 11 years. Brandt was shot by a suspect described as an Alaska Native male in his 20s wearing a dark jacket, dark pants and a knit hat. The man fled the scene in the sergeants patrol car and later abandoned the vehicle.

This dashcam footage from Brandts car shows the suspect walking along the side of the road before running to the other side of a car with a weapon in his hand. It does not show the shooting. The second video shows the suspect leaving the vehicle.

Brandt was transported to the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and later flown to Anchorage for treatment, the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported. Credit: Facebook/Fairbanks Police Department
Turkish-backed rebels captured the strategic town of Dabiq from Islamic State on October 16, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Islamic State withdrew from Dabiq and other surrounding towns after rebels launched a major offensive in the area, the observatory said.

Dabiq is central to an apocalyptic prophecy ingrained in the Islamic State militant groups ideology.

This video was shared by a pro-opposition media group and is described as showing armed opposition capturing Dabiq, in the countryside of north Aleppo. The video also shows Dabiq locals going back to the town. Credit: SMART News
john legere t mobile

In 2011, John Legere sat across from Deutsche Telekom CEO Rene Obermann to discuss the role of leading the company's struggling American branch of T-Mobile.

Legere had just sold the previous company he led, Global Crossing Limited, for $3 billion to Level 3.

He told Business Insider in a recent interview that he met with Obermann more as a favor to his headhunter than as an interested candidate, so he felt he didn't have anything to lose when he told his potential future boss that there was only one way he could keep failing: "Do exactly what you're doing  nothing."

Obermann liked Legere's attitude and eventually offered him the job, which Legere took in 2012. He was tasked with turning around the company that was firmly in fourth place among the United States' four biggest wireless carriers, and he decided that it would require an overhaul of everything about the company, from the product to the corporate culture.

An element of this was transforming T-Mobile's CEO from an inaccessible "suit" into an energetic, Richard-Branson-like leader who spent time with his employees and maintained a loud public persona. He was going to transform T-Mobile into a company customers and its employees could actually be excited about  in the wireless carrier industry, of all things.

His plan's been working. Over the past four years, T-Mobile US has become the fastest-growing carrier in the US, passing Sprint for the number-three spot behind AT&T and Verizon, and has more than doubled customers and significantly expanded its network.

We talked with Legere about why it was so important to reinvent himself along with the company, and how he rebuilt the corporate culture from the ground up.

john legere t mobile

'I snapped'

Legere said that as he was giving interviews to the media on his first day as CEO, he coined the phrase "the Un-carrier," to describe what T-Mobile under his watch would become, to express it would be the opposite of its competition.

Story continues

This would require T-Mobile to behave like a startup disrupting the industry run by giants AT&T and Verizon, who Legere dubbed "dumb and dumber." He may have already been in his mid-50s, but he needed to look the part. He began experimenting with different combination of loud clothing options, eventually settling with long hair, a bright magenta T-Mobile T-shirt and accessories, and usually a black jacket of some kind.

Accompanying this came the penchant for dropping f-bombs and hurling no-holds-barred insults at the competition (which occasionally got out of hand as he pushed the boundaries).

While he had yet to nail the look, Legere said that John Legere 2.0 was unveiled to the world at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2013. In a question and answer session, when asked what he thought of his competitors, he said he "snapped."

"Over the next 24 hours, there was a lot of stuff that was coming out of my mouth that was meant to stay in Vegas, but it hit a chord. It was an action statement for me  I'm sure it sounded a bit arrogant  that I was going to fix this industry. ... From then on, I started to be the brand, more and more. Seven days a week, 24 hours a day, I wear T-Mobile gear."

The social media addiction, where he interacts with customers nearly all day, came soon after.

He said there's two parts to his T-Mobile persona. "Part of my role at T-Mobile is the ability to just be myself, because I'm 58 years old and I've done very well, and I don't need to fight my way up the hierarchy with my suit and hair anymore," he said. "The other thing is, it's a young, consumer-driven business, and the average age of my customer outside of Bellevue [Washington, the home of T-Mobile headquarters] is 27 or 28. They like outspoken, frank discussion. And then my customers skew very young."

Everything's bigger in #Texas, right?! Including @TMobile's #Mission care center!! Thank you to all of the amazing heroes here!! You guys rock!! #tmobile #magenta #tx #care #carecenter #ceo #ceolife A photo posted by John Legere (@johnlegere) on Oct 6, 2016 at 3:08pm PDT on Oct 6, 2016 at 3:08pm PDT

'It's a bit of a love affair'

Legere also had to connect with T-Mobile US's 50,000 employees, in an attempt to get them as passionate about the company as he is. He told us that he needed to make sure he was connecting in a genuine way, not in a way a detached boss "spews the pablum" when he shares meaningless motivational cliches with employees.

"On my very first day at T-Mobile, I demanded that every time I spoke publicly to the company, all employees across the country would be invited to watch," he said. Legere also initiated a stock program with employees, and made sure to not omit any performance details from his speeches to employees. He said he tells them, "Listen, if some of this doesn't make sense to you, what should make sense is the reason I'm telling you  I respect you as an owner and as a partner and I'm going to tell you this all the time. Feel free to tune out."

Legere also has a section in his calendar book that contains a color-coded list of how many times he's visited each of T-Mobile US's 18 major call centers. When we spoke, he was about to finish his fifth round of trips to each of them.

"It's not that complicated," he said. "I go in, they meet me outside, we take selfies as I stand like a piece of furniture, I tell them about how things are going  but most importantly, I say thank you and help them see that their behavior and their work has driven the culture of the company that's changed the industry and the whole world. It's a bit of a love affair."

In a recent trip to a call center in Augusta, Georgia, employees surprised Legere with a batch of personal notes of gratitude to mark his four-year anniversary. It brought him to tears, he said.

Yesterday was a very special day. Thank you, #Augusta & everyone else for making my 4 years at T-Mobile so special. PS - I NEVER CRY!! pic.twitter.com/H3AuuNM4NU  John Legere (@JohnLegere) September 23, 2016

He also makes trips to retail centers. "I jokingly tell the employees that everybody between me and them is the enemy," he said. "In effect, what I mean is that in my paramilitary hierarchy, if I can hear them and they can hear me, everything will be fine. All we need to do is make sure the entire company understands that it's their job to pass information between us. And so far so good."

Summarizing his past four years at the helm, Legere said, "I think this job at T-Mobile has more than anything else helped me really see and understand how to set a strategy, communicate like crazy, and then passionately lead from the front of it."

NOW WATCH: Former Navy SEAL commanders: 'There are no bad teams, only bad leaders'





More From Business Insider


The third-quarter 2016 earnings season has commenced on a better note, with big banks reporting positive results. However, growth trends are still dreary particularly due to the weakness in the energy and technology sector.



As per the latest Earnings Trends report, overall third-quarter earnings for S&P 500 companies are expected to be down 2.2% from the year-ago quarter on revenues that are estimated to increase 1.5%.



Earnings for the Technology sector are anticipated to be down 1.7% based on 1.1% lower revenues. Apples guidance, which projects earnings decline of 20.6% on 9.6% lower revenues, will deal a major blow to earnings. Excluding Apple, earnings are estimated to grow 3%.



The current week (Oct 17-21) will see releases from more than 244 companies, out of which 80 companies are S&P 500 members.



Here is a sneak peek into four technology companies lined up to report earnings on Oct 18.



Linear Technology Corporation LLTC has a well diversified business that caters to industrial, automotive and communications infrastructure. The company will soon be acquired by Analog Devices in a cash and stock deal worth $14.8 billion.



Linear is expected to beat first-quarter 2017 earnings as it has a favorable combination of Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and an Earnings ESP of +1.85%.



This is because, as per our proven model, a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 to beat earnings. Simultaneously, we caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Sell-rated) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.



LINEAR TEC CORP Price and EPS Surprise

LINEAR TEC CORP Price and EPS Surprise | LINEAR TEC CORP Quote

We also note that Linears results compared favorably with the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters, with an average beat of 3.65%.



Intel Corporation INTC is a dominant name in the semiconductor industry. The companys growing focus into areas with better growth prospects, such as the artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) businesses are key catalysts. Moreover, improving PC market trends is a positive for the company



However, our proven model does not conclusively show that Intel is likely to beat third-quarter 2016 earnings, given the combination of a Zacks Rank #1 and Earnings ESP of 0.00%.



Story continues

INTEL CORP Price and EPS Surprise

INTEL CORP Price and EPS Surprise | INTEL CORP Quote

However, we note that Intel results compared favorably with the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters, with an average beat of 11.86%.



Manhattan Associates Inc. MANH is a leading provider of technology-based solutions to improve supply chain effectiveness and efficiencies. We note that the companys results compared favorably with the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters, with an average beat of 9.90%.



MANHATTAN ASOC Price and EPS Surprise

MANHATTAN ASOC Price and EPS Surprise | MANHATTAN ASOC Quote

However, our proven model does not conclusively show that the company is likely to beat third-quarter 2016 earnings, given the combination of a Zacks Rank #3 and Earnings ESP of 0.00%.



Yahoo! Inc. YHOO is unlikely to post a beat in its third-quarter fiscal 2016 results due to the unfavorable combination of a Zacks Rank #3 and Earnings ESP of 0.00%.



Yahoo! is in the process of selling its core assets to Verizon for $4.8 billion, a move that can be considered as CEO Marissa Mayer's final efforts to cure the companys ailing fortunes. But the nightmare doesnt seem to end for Yahoo as it continues to get embroiled in legal issues and its consequences.



Late admission of the massive 2014 cyber-attack is likely to affect the Verizon deal, especially after the disclosure triggered a number of notable incidents. Following the news, Yahoo was not only sued but also faced senators ire for the late confirmation. (Read More: What to Expect from Yahoo! (YHOO) this Earnings Season?)



YAHOO! INC Price and EPS Surprise

YAHOO! INC Price and EPS Surprise | YAHOO! INC Quote

We also note that Yahoo!s results compared unfavorably with the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters, with an average miss of 50.72%.

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YAHOO! INC (YHOO): Free Stock Analysis Report



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By Kentaro Hamada NIIGATA, Japan (Reuters) - Shares in Tokyo Electric Power <9501.T> fell 8 percent on Monday after an anti-nuclear candidate won an upset victory in a Japanese regional election, in a blow to its attempts to restart the world's biggest atomic power station and a challenge to the government's energy policy. The election of Ryuichi Yoneyama, 49, a doctor-lawyer who has never held office, is a setback for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's energy policy, which relies on rebooting reactors that once met about 30 percent of the nation's needs. All but two are shut down in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Reviving the seven-reactor giant, with capacity of 8 gigawatts, is key to saving Tepco, which was brought low by the Fukushima explosions and meltdowns, and then the repeated admissions of cover-ups and safety lapses after the world's worst nuclear disaster since Chernobyl in 1986. Yoneyama won the vote on Sunday after a campaign dominated by concerns over the future of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power station and nuclear safety, beating Tamio Mori, 67, who was backed by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and initially favored for an easy victory. "As I have promised all of you, under current circumstances where we can't protect your lives and your way of life, I declare clearly that I can't approve a restart," Yoneyama told supporters at his campaign headquarters. Tepco shares were down by 7.4 percent at 385 yen at 0100 GMT (09:00 p.m. EDT) after falling further earlier. The Nikkei 225 was up by 0.5 percent and other utilities were mixed. Yoneyama had more than 500,000 votes to about 430,000 for Mori with 93 percent of the vote counted in the region on the Japan Sea coast, public broadcaster NHK said. Mori, a former construction ministry bureaucrat, apologized to his supporters for failing to win the election. Yoneyama, who had run unsuccessfully for office four times, promised to continue the policy of the outgoing governor who had long thwarted the ambitions of Tepco, as the company supplying about a third of Japan's electricity is known, to restart the plant. As the race tightened, the election became a litmus test for nuclear safety and put Abe's energy policy and Tepco's handling of Fukushima back under the spotlight. "The talk was of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, but I think the result will affect nuclear restarts across the country," said Shigeaki Koga, a former trade and industry ministry official turned critic of nuclear restarts and the Abe administration. Koga told Reuters it was important that Yoneyama join forces with another newly elected governor skeptical of nuclear restarts, Satoshi Mitazono of Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Japan. "Without strong support from others, it won't be easy to take on Tepco," he said. TROUBLES Tepco spokesman Tatsuhiro Yamagishi said the company couldn't comment on the choice of Niigata governor but respected the vote and would strive to apply the lessons of the Fukushima disaster to its management of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa. The government wants to restart units that pass safety checks, also promoting renewables and burning more coal and natural gas. Only two of Japan's 42 reactors are running more than five years after Fukushima, but the Niigata plant's troubles go back further. Several reactors at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa have been out of action since an earthquake in 2007 caused radiation leaks and fires in a disaster that prefigured the Fukushima calamity and Tepco's bungled response. Niigata voters opposed restarting the plant by 73 percent to 27 percent, according to an NHK exit poll. Yoneyama, who has worked as a radiological researcher, said on the campaign trail that Tepco didn't have the means to prevent Niigata children from getting thyroid cancer in a nuclear accident, as he said had happened in Fukushima. He said the company didn't have a solid evacuation plan. The LDP's Mori, meanwhile, was forced to tone down his support for restarting the plant as the race tightened, media said, insisting safety was the top priority for Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, while promoting the use of natural gas and solar power in Niigata. (Reporting by Kentaro Hamada; Writing by Aaron Sheldrick; Editing by William Mallard and Ros Russell)
Textron Inc. TXT is set to report third-quarter 2016 results on Oct 20, before the market opens.

Last quarter, the company posted a positive earnings surprise of 4.76%. Moreover, the company surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the past four quarters, with an average beat of 2.78%.

Lets see how things are shaping up prior to this announcement.

TEXTRON INC Price and Consensus

TEXTRON INC Price and Consensus | TEXTRON INC Quote

Factors at Play

Textron is a multi-industry company that is well-known for its brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, E-Z-GO and Greenlee. Apart from manufacturing aircraft, automotive engine components and industrial tools as well as offering associated services; the company operates as a commercial finance corporation in select markets.

For full-year 2016, the company reiterated its guidance. For the third quarter, management expects to record an income tax benefit including the reversal of accrued interest of approximately $315 million, of which approximately $200 million, or 74 cents per share, is attributable to continuing operations. This settlement will result in an immaterial net benefit to consolidated cash during 2016.

Moreover, at its Aviation segment, the increased delivery of jets in the second quarter has raised Textrons hopes of strong end-customer demand in the near term.

Among the notable third-quarter highlights, the approval from the companys management for its business restructuring program hogged the spotlight. Through this, Textron plans to cease production of cluster bomb, which has been witnessing declining demand. The initiative also entails the consolidation of the Jacobsen turf-maintenance brand with the Textron Specialized Vehicle business.

Overall, the restructuring drive will result in layoffs, consolidation of operations and asset impairments. Consequent to the restructuring, Textron expects to incur pre-tax charges in the range of $110$140 million in the third quarter of 2016. Severance and associated costs are projected in the band of $40$55 million.

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The company also anticipates contract termination and other facility closure charges of $25$30 million and asset impairment charges of $45$55 million. Moreover, demand in the companys end markets, particularly in the commercial helicopter business, is expected to remain a potent headwind.

Geographically the companys business in Brazil and the Middle East is expected to be fraught with risks, given the macroeconomic and socio-political issues prevailing in the economies.

Earnings Whispers

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Textron is likely to beat earnings this quarter. That is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESPand a Zacks Rank #1, 2 or 3 for this to happen. That is not the case here as you will see below.

Zacks ESP: Textron has an earnings ESP of 0.00%.That is because both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at 66 cents.

Zacks Rank: Textron has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) which increases the predictive power of ESP. However, a 0.00 % ESP makes surprise prediction difficult.

We caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Sell-rated stocks) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.

Stocks to Consider

Here are some companies you may want to consider as our proven model shows they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat in the upcoming quarter:

L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. LLL has an Earnings ESP of +2.75% and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The company will report quarterly results on Oct 27, 2016.

General Dynamics Corporation GD, slated to report on Oct 26, 2016 has an Earnings ESP of +0.84% and a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Northrop Grumman Corp. NOC has an Earnings ESP of +0.36% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is scheduled to report results on Oct 26, 2016.

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By Patpicha Tanakasempipat BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's main mobile telecoms operators instructed customers on Sunday to report "inappropriate content about the royal institution", as the government steps up scrutiny for material deemed insulting to the monarchy. King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on Thursday after seven decades on the throne. His son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, is due to become the next king after a period of mourning. Thailand has a tough law against lese majeste, or insulting the monarchy. Convictions have become more frequent, and punishments more severe, under a military government that seized power in 2014. Mobile operators Advanced Info Service Pcl (AIS) , Total Access Communication Pcl and True Move, a unit of True Corp, posted instructions on a messaging app and on their Facebook pages, for how to report Facebook posts and Youtube videos. True said it was following a request from the broadcasting regulator, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). "The NBTC has asked all mobile operators to send the instruction to our clients," Pimolpan Siriwongwan-ngam, True's head of public relations, told Reuters. "Were only acting as channels to spread the message." Spokeswomen for AIS and Total Access confirmed they had followed the NBTC guideline. The operators said people should send URLs or screenshots of websites deemed offensive to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and the NBTC. On Friday, the NBTC said it had asked internet service providers to monitor content and block anything inappropriate. Operators must also inform platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and messaging apps, to block such content. The failure of internet providers to block inappropriate content when it is found would be considered a crime, NBCT secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said in a statement. Information ministry spokesman Chatchai Khunpitiluck said some content hurt the feelings of people grieving for the revered king. "Many heartbroken Thais are quite sensitive. When they see illegal content that offends them, they'll be more stressed," he said. "We have to let them know about channels to report content to relieve their sense of helplessness." Chatchai said more people had come across content they deemed inappropriate, partly because more people were going online to read about the king since his death. Police and the MICT declined to say how many complaints they had received. The government had a hotline for reporting content, Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana, minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, told Reuters. Police said they were intensifying monitoring the internet. (Additional reporting by Pracha Hariraksapitak and Aukkarapon Niyomyat; Writing by Robert Birsel; Editing by John Chalmers)
Thailands 64-year-old Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has asked for more time to mourn after his fathers death before taking the throne, with the BBC reporting that his coronation will not be held for at least a year.

In a televised address on Saturday night, junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha conveyed the Crown Princes message to the public, according to Thai newspaper the Nation.

The statement came after General Prayuth and former Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda  who is standing in as regent  met with the Crown Prince at Dusit Palace.

HRH the Crown Prince has mentioned an important thing, saying that people should have no confusion over the administration and succession to the throne since the process is clearly stated in the constitution and the palace law, said Prayuth, according to the Nation. It will happen when all people and he have passed the grieving time.

Prayuth added that preparations for King Bhumibol Adulyadejs funeral would be discussed at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The cremation is not expected until after the yearlong mourning period is over.

Prayuth, who took power after a coup in 2014, has promised elections next year.

King Bhumibol was widely revered in Thailand, with his reign seen as a stabilizing influence amid the countrys turmoil. So far, the Crown Prince has not commanded the same devotion.
A 96-year-old former general has become temporary regent after Thailand's Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, in a surprise move, delayed his own proclamation as king following the death of his beloved father.

So who is the regent, Prem Tinsulanonda?

A 96-year-old regent?

That may raise eyebrows outside Thailand but Prem is astonishingly spry, frequently attending royal engagements, delivering speeches and moving around without help.

His installation as temporary head of the revered and influential monarchy further cements his status as one of the shrewdest and most powerful players in the Machiavellian game of Thai politics.

Born in the southern province of Songkhla in 1920, he stormed up the army ranks during the Cold War and was promoted above his seniors to army chief in 1978.

Two years later, he assumed power in what was widely viewed as a silent coup endorsed by the king and queen.

His 1980-1988 spell as premier was a rare period of political and economic stability, contrasting with the tumultuous years of coups and counter-coups preceding it.

Prem later led the Privy Council of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej -- who died last Thursday after a 70-year reign -- making him the monarch's closest adviser and gatekeeper.

Why is he regent?

Because the law says so.

Past dynastic changes often sparked periods of intense instability as competing princes battled for the throne.

The 1924 succession law, and Thailand's constitution, attempted to end that by mandating that until the next king is proclaimed, the Privy Council's head automatically becomes acting regent until a solution is found.

Senior junta official Wissanu Krea-ngam assured Thais over the weekend that Prem's elevation to regent was temporary and followed Vajiralongkorn's request to be given time to mourn his father and prepare for the trappings of kingship before being formally proclaimed.

Why does this matter?

Bhumibol was the only king most Thais had known and he was revered as a moral anchor in a country riven by political and class divides.

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So his death inevitably causes grief and anxiety among millions of subjects. A delay in proclaiming his designated successor doesn't help.

The elite acknowledged these concerns on Saturday, when military junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha said the crown prince told him Thailand's people should not "be confused or worry about the country's administration or the succession".

How long will this last?

The prince has indicated his desired to be proclaimed king at the "appropriate" time after mourning, but it remains unclear how long that will take.

Prayut has said the proclamation will occur after religious and funeral rites are completed, but he gave no timeframe.

The crown prince, who spends much of his time outside the kingdom, has yet to attain his father's widespread popularity.

What has been Prem's impact on Thailand?

Both as prime minister in the 1980s and later as head of the Privy Council, Prem cemented the military's self-designated role as protector of the monarchy through his remarkable relationship with Bhumibol.

"He was able to make the military into a mechanism for the monarchy but keep the military as a powerful institution in Thai politics," Paul Chambers, an expert on Thailand's military, told AFP.

Since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has seen 12 successful military coups.

Prem has instigated or had a hand in five of them, said Chambers.

The most recent came in 2014, toppling the democratically elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of telecoms billionaire and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who was himself ousted in a 2006 coup.

How are Prem's relations with Thaksin?

They are believed to be bitter foes.

Thaksin was loved by Thailand's rural and urban poor, especially in the long-neglected north and northeast, and won resounding election victories.

But he was loathed by Bangkok's military and aristocratic elite who saw him as a corrupt populist threatening their power base.

Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a Thai politics expert at Kyoto University in Japan, said Thaksin became "the number one threat" to the royalist elite and that "Prem helped remove him" in 2006.

For the next eight years Thailand was battered by political strife -- including deadly violence -- pitting Shinawatra family supporters against the military-royal elite until the 2014 coup brought Prayut to power.

The generals say they acted to restore stability, but critics say the coup was partly a move to ensure the military held control during the royal succession.
You know how bosses stink? Well, not all of them. My bosses, for instance? Love em. Love em! Best bosses in the world. Good save. Anyway, you know how bosses stink? Well, sometimes bosses are actually really good. Theyre decent people who are in their position because theyre capable workers. Its in that spirit that today, National Boss Day, we present the five best movie bosses.

Robert Loggia as MacMillan in Big

We like MacMillan as a leader because he celebrates his odd new employee, Josh, and gives someone with honest and different opinions a position where that person might make an impact.

Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox in The Dark Knight

Fox is a genius and a man of principle. So often people in his position seek more power, but when Fox learns of Bruce Waynes extensive and illegal espionage tech set up, hed rather quit than allow it to continue after the Jokers capture.

Michael Keaton as Walter Robby Robinson in Spotlight

In 1993, Robinson effectively ignores a list of pedophile priests, but in 2001 he leads his team to report on the cover-up by the Boston Archdiocese. Hes a good boss because he acknowledges that he has made a mistake and learns from it.

Ice Cube as Calvin Palmer in Barbershop

Palmer is cranky and perpetually in danger of losing his fathers business in this trilogy, but theres no doubt that hes a good person who cares about the people who work for him. What else could you ask for?

Anne Hathaway as Jules Ostin in The Intern

When provided with a 70-year-old intern, Ostin could have kept him tucked away never to be heard from, but instead she understands that there is wisdom to be gained from the opinions of our elders and benefits both as a person and a businesswoman.

The Best Movies with & in the Title:

Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Khail Anonymous, on Twitter.
LONDON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Thomson Reuters will take the first steps next month to launch a new data feed that gives high-speed computer traders 10 times faster updates on prices on its Matching venue, where banks trade tens of billions in foreign exchange daily.

The new Matching Binary Multicast Feed will increase update frequencies for real-time market data to as little as 25 milliseconds, the company said in a letter to customers.

Clients will be given access to test data next month with the feed planned to go live in the first quarter of next year.

The move mirrors a launch by one of the Thomson Reuters' main rivals as a venue for electronic trading of currencies, ICAP-owned EBS Brokertec, who have just begun providing their EBS Ultra high-speed data feed to clients.

Both come at a time when participants have raised questions over whether new, higher-cost data feeds give an unfair advantage to the biggest of the algorithmic machine-driven traders who play a major role in the $5-trillion-a-day market.

Thomson Reuters is the parent company of Reuters News.

"We have a fair access policy. Whatever market data products are made available are made available to everyone," Thomson Reuters global head of FX, rate and credit, Phil Weisberg, said.

He said the company was concerned when designing services not to skew the market in favour of any one group over another.

Currency market managers say that developments in the data feeds are linked in part to the broader reordering of the market's eco-system over the past five years involving a new generation of high-speed traders who use complex algorithms to churn out orders and arbitrage between platforms.

That, and changes in regulation, has helped squeeze many smaller banks out of the top tier of trading and the sort of market-making activity where they hold currency orders on their own books in aid of making more profit through trading.

(Reporting by Patrick Graham; Editing by Mike Dolan and Toby Chopra)
Screen Shot 2016 10 14 at 3.51.32 PM

The tide is going out on active managers.

Passive funds, which simply track an index, have hoovered up assets over the past decade. The combined assets of the nations exchange-traded funds were $2.4 trillion in August, according to ICI.

The seemingly inexorable rise of these types of funds has everyone on Wall Street talking, with some even describing it as "investor socialism."

And these funds, which are low cost, tax efficient and offer daily liquidity, pose an existential threat to the actively-managed funds industry.

These funds have suffered from poor performance of late, helping speed the shift from actively managed funds to the low cost, tax efficient passive alternatives.

And according to a 240-page study Deutsche Bank released this past week, there really isn't much active funds can do to stem the flow of assets. All they can do is slow the shift.

The note said:

"Since indexing was adopted in the 1970s, the debate on the merits of passive vs. active investing has never been so intense. With secular structural product trends favoring ETFs over mutual funds combined with less visible alpha by active managers across many categories, we think passive investing will gain further share until a better equilibrium is reached."

The equilibrium Deutsche Bank is referring to is the breakdown of assets between active funds and passive funds. Right now, more money is managed in active funds. That could soon change.

Here is a roundup of Deutsche Bank's major points.

Let's assume for the next five years that equity mutual funds improve their performance. In that scenario, equity index funds will grow from managing 38% of assets today to about half of the assets in five years, the report said. So that's in the best case scenario.

But if mutual fund performance worsens, passive will take up as much as 65% of the share of the assets during the time frame, the report said.

Actively-managed equity mutual fund assets could shrink by 20% if performance worsens.

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Hybrid and fixed income strategies face a similar hurdle. Even if active investment performance improves, passive's share will rise from 30% today to about 40% in five years  or 50% if it doesn't, the report said.

Screen Shot 2016 10 14 at 3.51.26 PM

Still, Deutsche Bank isn't worried about an impending death of active management. Nearly 40% of the industry's assets are in active strategies in which managers are providing superior long-term returns compared to their passive cousins, the report said.

Some of the active firms set for higher growth include Fidelity Investments, T. Rowe Price and JPMorgan, according to Deustche.

What's more likely in the long term is that investors will increasingly adopt a mix of active and passive strategies, the report said.

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A group of Chihuahua-size "beardogs" have new names a mere 37 million years after they went extinct.

Beardogs, or amphicynids, were carnivores that ranged in size from just a few pounds to well over 1,000 lbs. (450 kilograms). Texas was home to some of the earliest members of this group, including two species of tiny beardog that have been reclassified with new scientific names.

"We've known about these curious little critters for 30 years, but couldn't tell exactly what kind of carnivores they were," study researcher Susumu Tomiya, a postdoctoral scholar at the Field Museum in Chicago, said in a statement. Tomiya and his colleagues reported their findings today (Oct. 11) in the journal Royal Society Open Science. [6 Extinct Animals That Could Be Brought Back to Life]

Tomiya had just started working at the Field Museum when he noticed that a couple of small carnivore jaws in the mammal collection seemed wrongly categorized. Both were small beardogs that lived about 37 million or 38 million years ago in what is now Texas.

"The genus the specimen had been assigned to didn't seem to fit some of the features on the teeth," Tomiya said.

The two jaw specimens were called Miacis australis and Miacis cognitus, and both had flat surfaces along the upper teeth that would have been used for crushing, rather than just ripping or tearing. These features made Tomiya think that the animals weren't pure carnivores, but also ate things like berries and insects. The teeth also looked similar to those seen in later, larger beardogs, Tomiya thought.

The newly reclassified beardog Angelarctocyon australis (Field Museum specimen no PM 423) had a much smaller jawbone (left) than that of the larger Amphicyon riggsi (right, Field Museum specimen no. P 12029), which lived around 22 million years later. copyright Susumu Tomiya, The Field Museum

He and his colleagues used high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning to digitally reconstruct the jaws and skull fragments of the two animals. The high-definition digital reconstructions allowed them to compare internal anatomical features, like the cavity where the inner ear would have been,with the anatomy of other beardogs.

As a result, the researchers renamed the two beardogs. Miacis cognitus became Gustafsonia cognita, and Miacis australis became Angelacrtocyon australis.

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The name change matters because it helps clarify the early evolutionary history of beardogs. These animals are part of the same group as dogs, wolves, bears, foxes, sea lions and weasels.

"They're equally related to all of the dog relatives alive today," Tomiya said. "They're not the direct ancestors of modern wolves and bears, but more like their cousins."

The two Texas beardogs were among the earliest species of beardog to evolve, Tomiya said, and their rediscovery suggests that the southern part of North America may have been more important to beardog evolution than previously believed. The two species lived during a climate transition from subtropical to cooler and dryer, Tomiya said, and the fossils hint at the kind of animals that thrived in that time of change. The beardogs' change from small to large is also a common pattern in vertebrate evolution, Tomiya said.

"Studying how the diversity of beardogs waxed and waned over time could tell us about larger patterns of carnivore evolution," he said.

Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
A 2-year-old Louisiana girl was killed when she was hit by a vehicle at a Pennsylvania mobile home park, authorities said.

Little Shelbie Folse, of Houma, and her family were living at the Harvest Moon Trailer Court in Woodward Township for her fathers job when a relative driving a pickup truck struck the toddler at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, PennLive.com reported.

The 21-year-old man, also of Houma, was leaving a parking space when the trucks undercarriage struck the little girl, state police told the news website.

Read: A Woman is Killed While Crossing Dark Highway By Driver Who Thought He Had Struck a Deer

Though initial reports noted the child had been carried about 20 feet, Ashley Folse, the little girl's mother, told InsideEdition.com that when the driver realized he had hit something, he stopped the truck immediately.

Due to the height of the truck, the driver  who authorities said is not Shelbys father  was unaware of the childs location, according to reports.

No charges have been filed against the driver, officials said.

Shelbies loved ones were devastated by the tragedy.

She is everything to me, Ashley Folse posted on Facebook. A piece of my soul is missing. RIP my angel princess.

Read: Elderly Woman Incredibly Survives Being Run Over by Her Own Car

A GoFundMe page set up to offset expenses of flying Shelbies body back to Louisiana and to bury her was created by a family friend.

Calling the loss of Shelbie a "tragic accident," family friend Samantha Dufrene wrote the Folses are people who will help anyone in any way they can.

As of Monday, the page had raised $1,550 of is $3,500 goal.

Watch: MMA Fighter Donates 15-Month-Old Son's Organs After He Dies In DUI Hit and Run

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SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Paolo Tornaghi had a clean sheet in his first MLS start and the Vancouver Whitecaps tied the San Jose Earthquakes 0-0 on Sunday in a game with no playoff implications.

Both teams had already seen their postseason hopes vanish. Vancouver (9-15-9) had its winless streak extended to four games and San Jose (8-11-14) has only won once in its last 10 games.

Tornaghi came out of his area to block Simon Dawkins' shot from the corner of the 6-yard box in the seventh minute. Cordell Cato tried to curl a shot inside the far post in the ninth minute but Tornaghi dove to deflect it wide.

Vancouver forward Masato Kudo won a loose ball in the penalty area in the 54th minute but David Bingham deflected the open shot. Bingham blocked Kudo's shot in the 56th and Kudo's rebound attempt hit the crossbar.

It was the sixth straight draw in the series at San Jose - with the last win coming on April 6, 2012.
Tracy Morgan is moving from FX to TBS.

Turner-owned TBS has handed out a straight-to-series order for an untitled comedy starring the 30 Rock grad, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Previously developed at FX, which ordered a pilot and ultimately passed on the project after reviewing the first script and before it was produced, the single-camera comedy created by Jordan Peele and John Carcieri became the subject of a multiple-network bidding war with TBS edging out Comedy Central for the series. Peele and Carcieri (Vice Principals) will rewrite the script. TBS has ordered 10 episodes of the untitled show, which it says will capture Morgan's stand-up persona while also serving as a commentary on race relations, the Gen X/Millennial gap and the American penal system.

Read more: Tracy Morgan Comedy Pilot From Jordan Peele Ordered at FX

Here's the new logline: After being released on good behavior from a 15-year prison stint, Tracy is shocked to see just how much the world has changed in his absence. Returning to his newly gentrified Brooklyn neighborhood, Tracy discovers that his former girlfriend has married an affable, successful white man, who is helping raise his twin sons that he never knew existed. Wanting nothing more than to connect with his kids, but having neither the money to support them nor himself, Tracy falls back on the skills he learned in prison to make ends meet while treading on unfamiliar territory.

Ordered to pilot in January, the FX version was to be produced by FX Productions and start production in the summer. The new series will be produced in-house at Turner's Studio T, with Peele, Carcieri, Morgan as well as Principato Young Joel Zadak and Eric and Kim Tannenbaum on board as executive producers.

Read more: Kevin Reilly on Turner Turnaround, 'Narcos' Envy and Conan's Future (Q&A)

"Tracy and Jordan are two of today's most sought-after and authentically funny comedians, and this show captures all the hilarity you would expect from this brilliant duo," TBS exec vp programming Brett Weitz said Monday in a statement. "TBS is becoming a home for the most creative and diverse comedy creators in the business, and Tracy and Jordan are a perfect fit for this network."

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The Morgan comedy joins a roster of originals at TBS including Angie Tribeca, The Detour, Wrecked, People of Earth, Search Party and The Guest Book as the cabler continues to look for edgier comedies and cut through under network topper Kevin Reilly.

The comedy marks Morgan's re-emergence following the devastating 2014 crash that left the comedian in a coma with several broken bones. Before the 2014 crash, which claimed the life of Morgan's longtime friend, comedian James "Jimmy Mack" McNair, Morgan was readying another FX Networks vehicle that was ultimately scrapped.

Read more: Emmy Surprise: Tracy Morgan Gets Emotional About His Big Hollywood Return (Exclusive Q&A)

Morgan made his first public appearance in a 2015 interview with Today's Matt Lauer, and then surprised Hollywood with an emotional return to the Emmy stage to present the final award of the night. Weeks later, he followed that with a turn hosting Saturday Night Live, the series that birthed his TV career. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in September, Morgan suggested getting back to comedy was of utmost importance to him. Between tears, he insisted it was "going to take more than 18 wheels," adding, "It's going to take more than that to stop me from making you all laugh. I'm going to do that until I die."

Morgan is repped by CAA and Hansen Jacobson. The Tannenbaum Co. is with CAA and Del Shaw. Peele is handled by CAA, Principato-Young and Morris Yorn.
The French Riviera, also known as the Cte dAzur, is a dreamy French region that extends east along the coast from Menton and Monaco to Thoule sur Mer and up into the Southern Alps. The Riviera contains several cities (Nice and Cannes among them), 14 natural parks, Roman ruins, medieval villages and whale watching just off shore. Dont think of the Cte dAzur as just a summer locale, either. Sure, these cities heat up come July as the masses parade down boulevards and beaches, but winter is one of the Rivieras best-kept secrets with snow falling just two hours north of the shore. Heres how to make the most of your stay in the South of France.

When to Go

The Cte dAzur is protected by hills in the west and the Mercantour Alps in the northwest, meaning a mild Mediterranean climate year-round. Expect almost 300 days of sunshine, with stretches of rain around the shoulder months of March and April, as well as October and November. June and September are some of the best months to visit the region, while July and August are the height of season. Tourists cram the beaches in the summer months, making it harder to snag beach beds and dinner reservations.

Winter is far from beach weather, but temperatures rarely hit freezing. Large towns and some of the smaller villages host traditional Christmas markets selling local specialties and mulled wine (or vin chaud). The regions 15 ski resorts open for season in December, with the closest (Auron, Isola 2000, and Valberg) a little over two hours away by bus from the Nice train station or airport (1.50 for a one-way ticket).

In February, Nice hosts one of the Rivieras main winter events, the annual 15-day carnival, with 16 floats parading through Place Massena. In Menton, the city throws the three-week La Fte du Citron, or Lemon Festival, featuring floats filled with over 140 tons of local oranges and lemons.

French Riviera Travel Tips

If you plan on staying in just one spot, like Nice or Cannes, dont worry about renting a car. These towns are pedestrian friendly, so you can walk almost anywhere or easily hop a train or bus to a nearby village. Plus, traffic in and out of Cannes and Monaco is notoriously bad and parking spaces are tough to find (and overnight fares are pricey).

Uber operates throughout most of the Cte dAzur and into Monaco (but not vice-versa) and is a much easier option than calling a taxi or waiting for one at a designated taxi stand.

Major department stores and grocery shops may be open Sundays, but most of the smaller boutiques and markets are closed. The same goes for restaurants, which may also be closed Mondays. Museums in France are typically closed either Mondays or Tuesdays.

Most of the private beaches shut their doors come October or November, packing up for the season. Thirty beaches across the Cte dAzur, however, remain open year-round. This includes Plage Beau Rivage and Blue Beach along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, as well as Lcrin and Plage Goland on the Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes.

Travelers planning on doing a fair amount of sightseeing can visit 180 attractions on the French Riviera with the Cte dAzur Card (45 for a 3-day adult pass; 72 for a 6-day adult pass). The pass includes access to museums like Monacos Oceanographic Museum, as well as kayak rentals in Menton and guided cruise tours around the coast.

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How to Travel to the French Riviera

Getting to the Cte dAzur

By Plane:

The Aroport Nice Cte dAzur is the main hub for the French Riviera and the second busiest international airport in the country after Paris. Delta is the only airline to offer direct flights from the US to Nice, with daily service from New York (JFK). A number of other airlines, such as British Airways and Air France, offer daily connecting flights into Nice with stops in cities like London and Paris.

By Car:

The A8 motorway, or La Provenale, connects Nice to Aix-en-Provence in the west and the Italian border in the east. The 950 km (or 590 mile) drive from Paris to Nice takes about eight hours.

By Train:

The rail system links the French Riviera to other destinations throughout France, as well as major European cities. From Paris, its about a five-and-a-half-hour ride to Nice on the high-speed TGV train.

Getting Around

Buses and trains snake throughout the Cte dAzur, connecting coastal towns to perched medieval villages. With the Ticket Azur (1.50), you can hop on buses that link Nice to nearby towns like Grasse, Saint-Paul de Vence, Eze Village and Monaco. The ride from Nice to Menton on the line 100 bus (which departs from the port) is a scenic trip east along the rugged coastline with stops in beachside towns like Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu, Cap dAil and Monaco.

The Regional Express Train, or TER, connects major coastal cities throughout the Riviera, from Frjus to Ventimiglia, the first town over the Italian border. Trains run about every 30 minutes and most of the stations sit within walking distance of the town center, or offer a bus service from the station. You can purchase tickets from machines at each station, just be sure to stamp your ticket in one of the validation machines before hopping on board.

From June to September, the guided voyage on the Trains des Merveilles (15 round-trip) runs from Nice to Tende in the Valley of the Marvels, with stops in perched villages like Peille. The train climbs nearly 3,280 feet high on the two-hour trip through the lush Mercantour National Park.

How to Travel to the French Riviera

What to Do in Cannes

Start the morning in typical French fashion strolling through the stalls of the Forville market in Le Suquet (the Old Town), which sells vegetables and locally caught fish Tuesdays through Sundays. On Mondays, it transforms into the march brocante, or antiques flea market.

Even if youre not in the market for a new Chanel bag, walking along the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette is an experience in itself. Stretching nearly two miles along the Bay of Cannes, the promenade is lined with designer boutiques like Cartier and Cline, as well as some of the citys landmark hotels like the InterContinental Carlton Cannes.

Beaches in Cannes are situated mostly along the Croisette and Boulevard du Midi and divided into two types: private and public. Sprawl out at the most popular swimming spots like the Plage du Palais des Festivals or book a beach bed at the Grand Hyatt Cannes Htel Martinezs Zplage beach club, the largest private beach on the Croisette.

Sail away from the slew of tourists by hopping on a 15-minute ferry ride to the Lrins Islands just across the bay. The first island youll reach, Sainte-Marguerite, is covered in pines and green oaks with shaded pathways prime for hiking. The islands claim to fame is Fort Royal, a former 17 th century prison where the Man in the Iron Mask was held. You can pause for a picnic anywhere on the island or take a seat for lunch at waterfront restaurant La Gurite, with a lounge that transforms into a bohemian beachfront soire on the sand come sunset.

On the smaller island of Saint Honorat, tour the Lrins Abbey and its seven chapels, which date back to the fifth century. The abbeys monks also lead wine tastings guiding you through the six grape varieties cultivated on the islands 20-acre vineyard.

Where to Eat & Drink in Cannes

Cocktails arent what you seek out on the Riviera, but Le Bar lAmiral at the Grand Hyatt Cannes Htel Martinez has a team of award-winning mixologists (including the 2014 Champion of France) who whip up reinvented classics served in proper stemware. The hotel is also home to Canness only two-star Michelin restaurant, cinema-inspired La Palme dOr, with cuisine served on ceramics handcrafted by the chef.

A spin-off of the original in Nice, La Petite Maison de Nicole in Le Majestic is a celeb favorite. Pop art and billowy white curtains drape the restaurants interiors and the scene heats up come weekends as musicians serenade tables.

The flagship of the Boli group, Boli Cannes is one of the hotspots to hit up during the annual film festival. Set on Port Canto at the far end of the Croisette, the Asian-meets-Mediterranean restaurant transforms at midnight into one of the most vibrant nightclub spots in the city.

Related: How to Enjoy Cannes Like a Celebrity

Where to Stay in Cannes

In Cannes, its all about the right address. The five-star hotels sitting on the Croisette are more than just favorites during the film festival; these luxe lodgings are an integral part of Canness history.

Intercontinental Carlton Cannes: The backdrop to Alfred Hitchcocks 1955 thriller To Catch a Thief, the century-old hotel still pays tribute to the films leading lady, Grace Kelly. Guests can stay in suite 623 where the film was shot, or opt for Kellys sea-view namesake suite, one of the most opulent of the 10 Prestige Suites dedicated to the stars whove stayed there. The 4,000-square-foot Sean Connery suitethe largest of them allis a personal favorite of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and features its own private elevator for VIP entrances.

Htel Majestic Barrire: With its landmark Carrara marble staircase and pool crafted from Murano mosaics, the 350-room Art Deco beauty looks just as glam today as it did when it opened back in 1926. Views look straight across at the steps of the Palais des Festivalswhere the stars walk the red carpetand the seventh floor Majestic Barrier Suite (one of the most luxurious penthouses on the Riviera) shows off vistas of the Lrins Islands. Just one floor below, the Christian Dior Suites dcor is inspired by the brands Parisian headquarters with replicas of the late designers furniture.

Grand Hyatt Cannes Htel Martinez: The seventh-floor penthouse here is one of the largest on the continent and most expensive in the world, with two Jacuzzi tubs and a 2,900-square-foot terrace lined with 200-year-old olive trees. The Art Deco-style sea-view rooms feature pearl-white satin accents; bathrooms with saunas and Turkish bath showers; and chaise lounges on balconies looking out to the Estrel Mountains. Even if you cant swing a room here, try and make time for one of the signature oxygen treatments at the L.RAPHAEL Beauty Spa.

Other top-rated hotels along the Croisette include the JW Marriott Cannes, Le Grand Hotel Cannes, and boutique 3.14 CANNES, one block behind the boulevard. If youre looking for a convenient and more affordable option that teeters on the minimalist side, French-based Okko Hotels recently opened their first spot on the Cte dAzur, a 125-room hotel in the train station with an expansive rooftop terrace.

How to Travel to the French Riviera

Things to Do in Nice

Nice is a city that deserves more credit than travelers give it. Get your bearings by climbing up Castle Hill, home to the former citadel where the town got its start. A maze of paths wind their way up from both Place Garibaldi and the Old Town. Expect to get lost on the 10-minute light hike (theres also an elevator at the edge of the Promenade des Anglais), but all routes lead to the same viewpoints over the port, Baie des Anges and Old Town.

A popular promenade for the society set in the 18th century, the Cours Saleya pedestrian street in the Old Town is now home to the daily markets. Striped awnings open up over rows of vegetable, fruit, and flower stands every day of the week except Mondays, when the antiques market takes over.

A hotbed for artists, the region features over 100 museums, 12 of which are dedicated to a sole artist who lived and worked in the Riviera. In Nice, two museums are worth the trek to the hilly neighborhood of Cimiez: Muse Marc Chagall (8, closed Tuesdays), home to the artists 17 Biblical Message paintings, and Muse Matisse (free entry, closed Tuesdays), set in a 17th-century Genoese building near Matisses former residence, the Hotel Regina, and the cemetery where hes buried.

Travelers who want to get deeper into the history of artists who called this region home can follow the Painters Trail, a route marked by 90 lecterns featuring replicas of artwork placed in the same spot they were painted.

Where to Eat & Drink in and Around Nice

Many of the restaurants are centered around the Old Town, but the congested streets mean plenty of tourist traps. Reserve a table at Olive & Artichaut, a small French bistro with an open kitchen concept and market-inspired fare thats hearty without being too heavy. For a grab-and-go option, swing by gourmet Asian street food spot Banh Me, where youll find matcha-infused pastries and Korean-style burgers.

Evenings in summer are a moveable feast that starts (and ends) with ros. Locals chase the sun from terrace to terrace, stopping for a carafe of local Ctes du Provence ros wine at each spot. You cant go wrong with the house wine, and many bars offer happy hour deals. Take your pick of terraces in the Place Garibaldi square (Campo Caff is a local favorite), settling in for apro, or pre-dinner drinks, and regional specialties like pissaldiere (a caramelized onion tart).

Le Vivier lounge opened last year in one of the citys most scenic spotsa cliff 20 feet above the sea in a former 19 th century eatery that was the place for Nices society set to see-and-be-seen during the Belle poque.

The French Riviera holds more than 50 Michelin stars spanning 38 restaurants. Jan is one of the newest on the list, tucked in a romantic, cave-like setting a few blocks behind the port. South African chef Jan Hendrik plays on his native flavors like biltong, fusing them with Mediterranean market finds like olive oil from Menton and fresh herbs. Martinique-born chef Marcel Ravin is also mixing Mediterranean flavors with touches of the Caribbean at his one-Michelin-star restaurant Blue Bay in Monaco, which shows off sweeping views from the waterfront terrace at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort.

La Chvre dOr in the medieval village of Eze is worth the trek to the top. Located 1,300 feet above the Mediterranean, this seasonal restaurant (open March through November) is a destination in itself with the full French fine-dining experience (cheese trolley included) and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. During the Grand Prix, this perch makes for prime celebrity yacht spotting as boats cruise in and out of the bay below.

Where to Stay in Nice

The pink-and-white domed Negresco is Nices most famous hotel. Over the past century, rooms have welcomed everyone from the Vanderbilts to the Beatles and feature an impressive private collection of original artwork by greats like Salvador Dal and Raymond Moretti. At two-Michelin-starred Chantecler, youll find a setting that looks straight out of the 18 th century, with woodwork dating back to 1751. Rooms also make their way through history with five centuries of themes ranging from Louis XIII to Art Deco style.

When it comes to location and views, the ones from Htel la Prouse cant be beat. The 56-room boutique hotel sits on the edge of the Promenade des Anglais underneath Castle Hill, putting you within walking distance of the Old Town and Nices pebble-strewn beaches. The rooms arent the draw herethe seafront terraces are.

The more relaxed Htel Windsor has 57 rooms that go from traditional fresco to pops of modern art, with Artist Rooms featuring different original designs from artists whove used the hotel as their studio. More urban garden than grand hotel, the Windsor is tucked away from the buzzy Old Town, near boutique-lined Rue Massena.

Cote dAzur Day Trips

From the Cte dAzur, you can wind up deep in Provence or in the heart of the Italian Riviera in just a few hours. Some of Europes most stunning canyons, Les Gorges du Verdon, are less than two hours away with the ride as scenic as the canyons themselves. Dont have a car? You can still get around the region with the streamlined public transportation system. Here are some ideas for easier-to-reach day trips.

Cruise the Capes: Between Monaco and Cannes youll come across a few scenic stretches of coastal paths, such as Cap dAils hour-long walk past the Belle poque villas between the beaches of Mala and Marquet. One of the more popular excursions, the Cap Ferrat peninsula (also known as the millionaires peninsula) shows off views over the French coastline all the way up to Italy throughout nine miles of pedestrian paths.

Visit a Medieval Village: Hike the hour-and-a-half-long Nietzsche path leading from Ezes seaside up to the medieval village. Stroll the narrow streets lined with artisan shops and studios, stopping for a glass of wine on the terrace of 400-year-old Chteau Eza, built into the citys thousand-year-old walls. The fortified village of Saint-Paul de Vence sits between Nice and Antibes, with the line 400 bus (1.50 one-way) running directly from Nices city center on the hour-long journey. The village that once drew artists like Calder and Chagall still features many of their pieces at modern and contemporary art museum Fondation Maeght. Reserve a table well in advance for lunch at nearby La Colombe dOr to dine in the spot these artists and others held court back in the 40s and 50s.

Bask at a Beach Bar: Skip town when it comes to beaches in Nice and Cannes. The ones surrounding these cities are much better (and less crowded) options. Call ahead and reserve a bed (the first row facing the sea goes fast) at the newly opened Deli Bo. beach bar in Villefranche, a seaside outpost of the restaurant thats a lunchtime favorite in Nice (+33 04 93 62 99 50; 20 for the day). In Cap dAil, Eden Plage Mala sits on a smaller bay with pedal boat rentals, massage cabanas and an upscale beach bistro serving fresh catch of the day (+33 04 93 78 17 06; 30 for a full-day beach bed rental during season).

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Donald Trump will claim Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim was part of a cabal dredging up allegations the Republican nominee touched women inappropriately, The Wall Street Journal reported.

According to the report, which cited an unnamed Trump adviser, Trump planned to claim that Slim, a New York Times shareholder and Clinton Foundation donor, was trying to boost Hillary Clinton 's campaign by damaging Trumps. The adviser said Trump could launch the attack as early as Friday, the report said.

A spokesman for Slim denied that the media mogul had interfered in the U.S. election, while New York Times publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr. said Slim had never sought to influence the newspaper's coverage, the WSJ reported.

A Clinton campaign press secretary called Trump's claim a "deranged right-wing conspiracy theory," the report said.

The Slim family owned around 17 percent of The New York Times Co. Class A shares as of March, although the Sulzberger family controls the company, the report noted.

The full WSJ report can be read here.



Since a 2005 video emerged last week of Trump making lewd comments about women and bragging about groping them without consent, several women have alleged the Republican nominee assaulted them.

Trump has denied the accusations in vehement terms and threatened to sue the various media outlets that have run stories. On Thursday, Trump's wife Melania tweeted a letter from her lawyer that asked People magazine to retract parts of story in which a writer on the magazine recounted how Trump allegedly assaulted her.





When Trump launched his campaign for president more than a year ago, he accused Mexican illegal immigrants of being rapists and drug dealers. In response, a TV company controlled by Slim canceled a planned project with Trump, Reuters reported at the time.

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In an email sent Friday, Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., The New York Times publisher and chairman, told CNBC, "Carlos Slim is an excellent shareholder who fully respects boundaries regarding the independence of our journalism. He has never sought to influence what we report."

Slim and the Trump and Clinton campaigns did not respond to requests for comment.

Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook.





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By Alana Wise WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's charitable foundation has stopped fundraising in New York state, the state attorney general's office said on Monday, weeks after the office warned that a failure to do so would constitute a "continuing fraud." The Donald J. Trump Foundation also received an extension to file financial paperwork with the state, a spokesman for the attorney general's office said in a phone interview. The Trump campaign said in a statement: The Trump Foundation is cooperating with the Office of the NY AG in its investigation of the Foundation and, given the scope of the NY AGs requests, is working with the NY AG to respond in a reasonable and timely manner." New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman warned the group last month that it was in violation of a state law requiring charitable organizations that solicit outside donations to register with the office's Charities Bureau. The organization has been under increased scrutiny following reports in the Washington Post suggesting possible improprieties within the small-scale nonprofit organization. Trump's campaign has suggested that the probe launched by Schneiderman, a Democrat, was politically motivated. Trump's Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, in the Nov. 8 election, also has ties to a charitable organization, the Clinton Foundation. Trump has called it a "pay-to-play" operation in which the former secretary of state and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, rewarded big donors to the foundation with political access. There has been no evidence that foreign donors to the foundation obtained favors from the State Department while Clinton headed the agency. While some donors were able to obtain meetings with her or senior State Department officials, Clinton has said the fact that they had donated to the foundation did not play a role in her decision to meet with them. (Reporting by Alana Wise; Editing by Peter Cooney)
By Richard Cowan ORLANDO (Reuters) - Ask John Mica why he sticks by Donald Trump, amid the defections of many fellow Republicans, and the U.S. congressman from central Florida instead touts his own work on easing traffic congestion in this tourism Mecca. Ask again about his support for Trump and the mild-mannered Mica shows subtle signs of becoming annoyed. Mica has become adept at tiptoeing around Trump questions as his support for the controversial presidential candidate complicates his effort to extend a 24-year reign in Congress. The race between Mica and his Democratic challenger, newcomer Stephanie Murphy, 38, could be a bellwether for Republicans who seek to support the party's presidential nominee while maintaining a safe distance from some of Trump's more controversial positions and alleged bad behavior. The course of the campaign could provide clues on whether Republicans maintain control of the House of Representatives in a year in which Trump has shaken his party and the political world with his bombast. Voters in his Orlando district "don't care about all this garbage that's going on" in the presidential race, says Mica, as he steers the conversation to improving healthcare for military veterans, creating jobs and expanding local airports. Mica's re-election bid is also made unusually tough because of a newly-drawn congressional district that gives Democrats hope of a win. Murphy has sought to use Mica's support for Trump against him by saying that just as Mica has stuck with Trump too long, he follows Republican leaders in Congress all too often. She ticks off Mica's support for gun positions pushed by the powerful National Rifle Association, especially after June's massacre in Orlando of 49 people at a gay nightclub. Murphy has said Mica is out of step with the reconfigured district, which she said is "evenly split" and not especially partisan. As Mica campaigns on his ability to deliver goods to his district in the form of job creation and infrastructure investment, Democrats are making sure to remind voters that he is aligned with the man who arguably is one of the most controversial major party presidential candidates in history. Democrats punctuate that with a photo of Trump and Mica side-by-side at a 2014 ceremony celebrating the start of construction of a Trump hotel in Washington. A MIRROR FOR THE COUNTRY Early trends of mail-in ballots in the 7th congressional district point to a competitive race. In Orange County, 10,975 Democrats have cast early votes compared to only 6,732 Republicans and 3,525 independents. Orlando may be famous as the home of the fantasy land that is Disney World. But Mica's district is a real-life mirror of America. Its residents are politically divided, in this case about evenly split between Republicans and Democrats and with a strong dose of independent voters. Furthermore, as in other parts of the country, Latino voters in central Florida are building political muscle. As Mica, 73, wages a ground-war that has him knocking on constituents' doors in Orlando's heat and humidity, he walks a fine line. He is a grandson of immigrants who boasts of being "hard nosed" against "amnesty" for the 11 million immigrants in the United States illegally. But he suggests there could be exceptions to Trump's promise to deport them all. Building a wall on the southern border with Mexico, a linchpin of Trump's campaign, should be done "where it makes sense," Mica said during an interview with Reuters amid a lunchtime crowd of mainly Hispanic customers at the Lechonera El Barrio restaurant. Still, as prominent Republicans offended by the tenor of Trump's campaign, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, distance themselves from Trump, Mica stands firm, saying, "I'm pretty much a party loyalist." Such loyalty can come with a price, though, and Mica acknowledges, "I'm stuck with the Republican (presidential) nominee" whom he said made "vulgar, reprehensible" remarks about sexual advances on women captured in a 2005 videotape that recently became public. But there is an upside to supporting Trump as well. Mica said some supporters want to know that he is sticking with the nominee. "These people are very passionate. They're going to be voting," he said. Miriam Ramirez, a former Republican legislator in Puerto Rico who lives part-time in Florida and has been stumping for Mica, worries Trump could complicate Mica's re-election. Asked whether Mica's appeal to the district's booming Puerto Rican population could suffer because of his association with Trump, Ramirez said, "Yes, especially in lower-income families." Murphy, who came to the United States as a child after she and her family escaped Vietnam and were adrift in the South China Sea before being rescued by the U.S. Navy, said Trump's "hateful and divisive rhetoric" has voters worried that he "will act on the prejudices he has laid out" if elected. "Voters choose political leaders they believe will do the best for them but also represent the best in them," Murphy said, challenging Mica's support of Trump. One thing seems certain in the closing weeks of the campaign: Mica is staying on message as he tiptoes around Trump, instead talking about the "interstate (highway) massive rebuild" and the airport in Seminole County that "had weeds growing up...out of the runway" and now supports thousands of jobs. (Changes to 'grandson' from 'son' in 19th paragraph) (Reporting By Richard Cowan; Additional reporting by Susan Cornwell,; Editing by Julia Edwards and Alistair Bell)
Donald Trump invited the mother of a Benghazi victim to sit in a prominent position at the next debate.

Pat Smith, the mother of a State Department IT consultant who was killed in the 2012 Benghazi terrorist attacks, is planning to accept the Republican nominees invitation to the debate, which will be held Wednesday night in Las Vegas.

During a Monday interview at her home in San Diego, Smith told Yahoo News that the Trump campaign reached out to her earlier that day and invited her to the debate. The Trump campaign confirmed the invitation.

I think Im going to be in the front row. But Im not sure, said Smith.

Smith spoke in July at the Republican National Convention, where she delivered an emotional speech laying blame for her sons death squarely at the feet of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

I blame Hillary Clinton personally for the death of my son, Smith said then. Personally.

Pat Smith, mother of Benghazi victim Sean Smith, speaks at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

In her convention speech, Smith accused Clinton of lying to the families of the four Americans who were killed in the 2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Libya. Smith said Clinton, secretary of state at the time, falsely attributed the attacks to a spontaneous protest over an anti-Islamic video rather than a planned assault. The speech, which left some Republican convention delegates in tears, concluded with Smith saying Clinton should go to prison.

In a statement sent to Yahoo News about Smiths attendance at the debate, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, a top Trump campaign adviser and surrogate, suggested that Smiths presence at the debate might push Clinton to give the families of victims a solid answer as to why the U.S. government did not successfully rescue all of its personnel in Benghazi.

Hillary said What difference does it make  the difference was four lives were lost in Benghazi, and the families have still never had a solid answer from Hillary Clinton as to why we allowed this to happen. Hopefully Wednesday these families will get their answer, Flynn said. (During a 2013 congressional hearing, Clinton had said What difference does it make while discussing the back and forth over whether the attacks were coordinated.)

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Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton following the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Oct. 9, 2016. (Photo: Patrick Semansky/AP)

During a Democratic primary debate in March, Clinton was asked about Smiths accusation of lying and called it absolutely wrong. Clinton and her campaign have repeatedly defended her handling of the attack and dismissed a Republican-led congressional investigation into it as a purely partisan exercise that found no wrongdoing by Clinton.

In her conversation with Yahoo News, Smith said she had one goal for the debate.

I want to look in Hillarys eyes, and have her lie to me again, said Smith.

Both campaigns have tried to use guests in prior debates, but Trump has more aggressively tried to rattle Clinton with the tactic.

The Clinton campaign invited billionaire Mark Cuban, a relentless Trump critic, to the first debate on Sept. 26. At the second debate on Oct. 9, Trump brought three women who accused Clintons husband, former President Bill Clinton, of sexual abuse or harassment. Trump also brought Kathy Shelton, who as a child was the victim in a 1975 case in which Clinton defended a man who was convicted of unlawfully fondling Shelton. The four accusers participated in a press conference, spoke to reporters in the spin room and sat in prominent positions during the debate.

Were not surprised to see Donald Trump continue his destructive race to the bottom, Clintons campaign said at the time in response to Trump bringing the four women to the debate.

In conversations with Yahoo News last week, a high-level Trump campaign source cited Shelton and said they planned to bring out other figures from the Clintons past in the final weeks of the election.

Theyre probably going to be introduced to some people who have met them, the source said, adding, Who knows wholl be introduced to the American public.
Donald Trump invited the mother of a Benghazi victim to sit in a prominent position at the next debate

And Pat Smith, the mother of a State Department IT consultant who was killed in the 2012 Benghazi terrorist attacks, is planning to accept the Republican nominees invitation to the debate, which will be held Wednesday night in Las Vegas.

During a Monday interview at her home in San Diego, Calif., Smith told Yahoo News that the Trump campaign reached out to her earlier that day and invited her to the debate. The Trump campaign confirmed the invitation.

I think Im going to be in the front row. But Im not sure, said Smith.

Smith spoke in July at the Republican National Convention, where she delivered an emotional speech laying blame for her sons death squarely at the feet of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

I blame Hillary Clinton personally for the death of my son, Smith said then. Personally.

Pat Smith, mother of Benghazi victim Sean Smith speaks during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

In her convention speech, Smith accused Clinton of lying to the families of the four Americans, one of whom was her son Sean Smith, who were killed in the 2012 attack on the U.S. diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Libya. Smith said Clinton, secretary of state at the time, falsely attributed the attacks to a spontaneous protest over an anti-Islamic video rather than a planned assault. The speech, which left some Republican convention delegates in tears, concluded with Smith saying Clinton should go to prison.

In a statement sent to Yahoo News about Smiths attendance at the debate, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn,a top Trump campaign adviser and surrogate, suggested that Smiths presence at the debate might push Clinton to give the families of victims a solid answer as to why the U.S. government did not successfully rescue all of its personnel in Benghazi.

Hillary said what difference does it make  the difference was four lives were lost in Benghazi, and the families have still never had a solid answer from Hillary Clinton as to why we allowed this to happen. Hopefully Wednesday these families will get their answer, Flynn said. (During a 2013 congressional hearing, Clinton had said what difference does it make while discussing the back and forth over whether the attacks were coordinated.)

Story continues

During a Democratic primary debate in March, Clinton was asked about Smiths accusation of lying and called it absolutely wrong. Clinton and her campaign have repeatedly defended her handling of the attack and dismissed a Republican-led congressional investigation into it as a purely partisan exercise that found no wrongdoing by Clinton.

In her conversation with Yahoo News, Smith said she had one goal for the debate.

I want to look in Hillarys eyes, and have her lie to me again, said Smith.

Both campaigns tried to use guests to throw off their rivals in prior debates, but Trump has more aggressively tried to rattle Clinton with the tactic.

Clintons campaign invited billionaire Mark Cuban, a relentless Trump critic, to the first debate on Sept. 26. At the second debate on Oct. 9, Trump brought three women who accused Clintons husband, former President Bill Clinton, of sexual abuse or harassment. Trump also brought Kathy Shelton, who as a child, was the victim in 1975 a case in which Clinton defended a man who was convicted of unlawfully fondling Shelton. The four accusers participated in a press conference, spoke to reporters in the spin room and sat in prominent positions during the debate.

Were not surprised to see Donald Trump continue his destructive race to the bottom, Clintons campaign said at the time in response to Trump bringing the four women to the debate.

In conversations with Yahoo News last week, a high level Trump campaign source cited Shelton and said they planned to bring out other figures from the Clintons past in the final weeks of the election.

Theyre probably going to be introduced to some people who have met them, the source said, adding, Who knows wholl be introduced to the American public.
By Alana Wise and Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican lawyers said on Monday it was impossible for the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election to be "rigged" against Donald Trump, despite such allegations by the Republican nominee in recent days. Trump, a New York businessman making his first run for public office, has sought to raise fears of a flawed election as he has fallen in opinion polls against Democrat Hillary Clinton. "Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!" Trump said on Twitter on Monday. Numerous studies have shown that voter fraud in U.S. elections is very rare. Republican campaign lawyer Chris Ashby said Trump's charges, which were not backed by any evidence, could foment unrest and were unfounded and dangerous. "When you say an election is rigged, youre telling voters, your supporters, their votes do not matter, Ashby said in an interview. "I think some of Donald Trumps comments could cause unrest at the polls." Some Republicans have urged Trump to drop the assertions. Early voting and voting by mail have already begun in many states. Mark Braden, partner at Baker and Hostetler and former chief counsel for the Republican National Committee, said that any sort of election rigging at the national level just is impossible, citing the various systems in place that would make such an endeavor complicated and unfeasible. Our system is principally a system based upon each side watching the other side, Braden said in an interview. Our system is dependent on local volunteer participation. Our system has worked very well because we have people who get involved in the process and perform these functions. Trump has tried to portray Clinton, a former U.S. senator and secretary of state, as a corrupt lifelong politician. His campaign pounced on the release on Monday of Federal Bureau of Investigation documents that cited an FBI official as saying a senior State Department official sought to pressure the bureau in 2015 to drop its insistence that an email from Clinton's private server contained classified information.. Clinton's decision to use a private server while secretary of state from 2009 to 2013 has drawn criticism that she was careless with national security. MELANIA TRUMP SPEAKS OUT Trump's vote-rigging accusations come after his campaign was damaged by the release of a tape 10 days ago showing him lewdly bragging about kissing and touching women without their permission. A series of women have come forward with allegations about his behavior, but he has denied those accusations. He has said he did not act on his words, but a series of women have since come forward with allegations about his behavior, which he has denied. The RealClearPolitics average of national opinion polls shows Clinton currently leading Trump by 6.9 percentage points, at 45.9 percent to 39 percent. On Monday, Trump's wife, Melania Trump, who has not played an active role in his campaign, spoke publicly for the first time on Monday about the "Access Hollywood" tape. A former model who has mainly stayed off the campaign trail, Trump told CNN she was surprised by her husband's language and said she thought he had been egged on to "say dirty and bad stuff," calling it "boy talk." She told Fox News Channel that it was hard for Trump, a former reality television star, to run for office because he had been "in so many shows, so many tapes" over the years. "Those words, they were offensive to me and they were inappropriate. And he apologized to me," Melania Trump said in an excerpt released by Fox News Channel. "I accept his apology. And we are moving on," she said. 'NOT GOING TO BE RIGGED' Trump's vice presidential running mate, Mike Pence, and his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, have tried to portray the candidate's comments about vote rigging as being aimed at an unfair news media. But Trump has also pointed to fraud "at many polling places." The country's top elected Republican, House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, has also tried to counter Trump's message about election fraud. Spokeswoman AshLee Strong said Ryan "is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity." In the traditionally hard-fought state of Ohio, the top elections official, a Republican, said concerns about widespread voter fraud were simply not justified. "I can reassure Donald Trump: I am in charge of elections in Ohio and they're not going to be rigged, I'll make sure of that," Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted told CNN. Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook said Trump's assault on the voting system was an act of desperation. "He knows he's losing and is trying to blame that on the system. This is what losers do," Mook told reporters. In a report titled "The Truth About Voter Fraud," the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law cited voter fraud incident rates between 0.00004 percent and 0.0009 percent. An August study by the Washington Post found 31 credible cases of impersonation fraud out of more than 1 billion votes cast in elections from 2000 to 2014. Arizona State University studies in 2012 and 2016 found similarly low rates. A number of Republican-led states, citing the need to prevent voter fraud, have passed laws with stricter ID requirements. But several have been struck down by courts that ruled they were designed to hinder minority voting. Ashby, the Republican campaign lawyer, said Trump seemed to be conflating isolated instances of voter fraud with widespread election rigging. "The election is not rigged and it cannot be rigged," he said. (Additional reporting by Luciana Lopez and Jonathan Allen in New York, and Susan Heavey and Susan Cornwell in Washington; Writing by Doina Chiacu and Roberta Rampton; Editing by Leslie Adler and Peter Cooney)
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has spent much of the last several days cementing in the minds of his supporters the idea that the presidential election on November 8 is on the verge of being stolen from him by a rigged system. Hes encouraged his supporters to turn out at polling sites where they suspect election fraud might take place in order to fight back against the shadowy cabal he insists stands between him and the White House.

In a widely read story published by the Boston Globe on Saturday, one Trump supporter said he planned to do just that.

Related: Donald Trump: A Global Conspiracy Is Out to Get Me

Trump said to watch your precincts. Im going to go, for sure, Steve Webb told reporters Matt Viser and Tracy Jan. Ill look for . . . well, its called racial profiling. Mexicans. Syrians. People who cant speak American.... Im going to go right up behind them. Ill do everything legally. I want to see if they are accountable. Im not going to do anything illegal. Im going to make them a little bit nervous.

The problem is that pretty much everything Webb describes there is completely illegal.

If they show up to do this, his folks are going to be very upset and very disappointed, and frankly I think maybe thats what he wants, said attorney Chris Ashby, who has made a career out of representing Republican candidates in election disputes.

If they hinder, interfere, intimidate, or harass voters in any way they have crossed a line and they are committing a crime, he said in an interview. If they are in any way menacing or threatening they are going to find themselves in a conversation with law enforcement very quickly.

Related: Trump to Add NY Times Backer Carlos Slim to His Conspirators List

And there wont be a whole lot of room for volunteer Trump supporters to argue their case. Local election officials have significant discretion to determine what sort of activity is acceptable at polling stations.

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While there will be certified Democratic and Republican poll watchers at many, if not most, election sites in November, there is literally no place at all for self-appointed representatives of a specific candidate to show up and demand accountability from prospective voters.

They certainly cannot go inside the polling place, Ashby said. State laws vary widely, but most state laws require some qualification to enter the polling place except as a voter.

In general, he said, poll watchers have to be appointed ahead of time, and they have to have a credential. They cant communicate with voters in any way. And they cant get between voters and anything.

Related: Is the Dam Breaking? Multiple Women Come Forward Accusing Trump of Assault

There are a few states that will allow any person to enter a polling place, he said, but they will be railed off into an observation area.

For Ashby, the story in the Globe was the catalyst for a lengthy series of Twitter posts, about the resilience and integrity of the US election system, later consolidated into a Medium post.

Lets dispense with this notion that the election is rigged, shall we? -1  Ashby Law (@ashbylaw) October 15, 2016

Despite tepid pushback from members of his own party, including Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and to an even lesser degree his own vice presidential running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Donald Trump spent most of the weekend raging on Twitter and in public appearances that the presidential election on November 8 will be rigged.

Related: If Trump Loses, Will He Keep the Nation Divided?

On Sunday, even as his own surrogates tried to claim that Trump was referring only to the election being rigged by the media and some vague establishment, the candidate himself clarified on Twitter that he means something different: that he believes the election is going to be stolen from him at individual polling stations.

The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

Ashby dealt with this claim, too in his storm of Tweets on Saturday.

Republican leaders and lawyers should speak out against this fantastical nonsense, he wrote. In addition to undermining public faith & confidence in our electoral system, which is foundational to the legitimacy of our government, it is undermining legitimate efforts to recruit & train watchers to observe this elex to ensure that it is free, open, fair and honest.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Washington (AFP) - Donald Trump's campaign on Monday accused Hillary Clinton of colluding with US authorities to "cover up criminal activity" related to her use of a private email system while serving as secretary of state, but the State Department denied any wrongdoing.

The Republican presidential hopeful's team seized on newly released FBI documents as proof the State Department pressured the agency to alter its findings in a probe of Clinton's use of private servers.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation documents released Monday showed a senior State Department official had asked the FBI to declassify or lower the classification of one Clinton email that had been rated "secret."

Patrick Kennedy, an undersecretary of state, had asked that the email be rated to a less-sensitive category.

In exchange, according to an FBI agent, Kennedy had said the State Department would accept an FBI request for additional agents at foreign diplomatic posts.

"These FBI documents provide undeniable proof that Hillary Clinton colluded with the FBI, DOJ (Department of Justice) and State Department to cover up criminal activity at the highest levels," said Michael Flynn, a retired general and close Trump adviser.

Two key Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives called for President Barack Obama to immediately remove Kennedy pending an investigation, saying his actions were "extremely disturbing."

"Those who receive classified intelligence should not barter in it -- that is reckless behavior with our nation's secrets," said Jason Chaffetz, chair of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Devin Nunes, chair of the Intelligence Committee.

In the end, the email was not declassified.

The FBI, in a statement Monday, said the request for job posts was not linked to discussions about the email classification.

"The allegation of any kind of quid pro quo is inaccurate and does not align with the facts. So there was no quid pro quo," said Mark Toner, deputy spokesman at the State Department.

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In July, the FBI wrapped up its investigation of Clinton's use of her personal email system and concluded that no criminal charges would be appropriate. FBI Director James Comey said the former top US diplomat had been "extremely careless" in her handling of classified information.

With the US election just three weeks away on November 8, Clinton's Democratic campaign sought to downplay the new FBI documents.

"It's very well-known that there were disputes between the State Department and other agencies about classification," her campaign manager, Robby Mook, told reporters. "It's not uncommon for officials within a department to fight over classification."
For months, Donald Trump has denied reports that he is quietly considering the launch of a television network or streaming service should he lose the presidential election.

I have no interest in a media company, Trump told the Washington Post last month. False rumor.

But the Financial Times reported Monday that the Republican nominees son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has had at least an informal discussion with an investment banker about the possibility of Trump TV. Kushner is one of Trumps top campaign advisers.

According to the report, Kushner, who owns the New York Observer newspaper, recently contacted LionTree founder Aryeh Bourkoff, a well-known cable and digital media executive. Bourkoff served as an adviser on Verizons $4.4 billion takeover of AOL in 2015 and Charter Communications $78 billion merger with Time Warner Cable earlier this year.

Their conversation was brief and has not progressed since, the Times reported.

But news of their talk comes as Trump continues to rail against the media, claiming news outlets including CNN and the New York Times are conspiring with his rival, Hillary Clinton. Trump claims those outlets are part of a conspiracy to rig the system against him.

Jared Kushner and Stephen Bannon watch Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Canton, Ohio, in September. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

And Trump has surrounded himself with people who are eager to capitalize on the populist movement that has propelled his rise  and the raucous audiences he attracts to his rallies.

In August, Trump hired Breitbart News chairman Steve Bannon as his campaigns chief executive. And former Fox News chief Roger Ailes, Trumps longtime friend, has been serving as an informal adviser to the candidate since being ousted from the top-rated cable network in July amid multiple allegations of sexual harassment.

And although Ailes would be prevented from working on a Trump startup because of a noncompete clause in his exit agreement, the Financial Times said, Fox News stars Sean Hannity and Bill OReilly would not. Hannity has been a close Trump campaign ally.

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CNNs Brian Stelter wrote in August, After Election Day, if Hillary Clinton wins, Trumps antimedia campaign could naturally turn into a marketing pitch like this: The media rigged the election against us. Thats why we need our own channel.'

But many media observers believe the successful launch of Trump-branded television network or digital streaming service is a long shot, at best.

Both Sarah Palin and Ron Paul tried  and failed  to launch subscription-based Web channels.

In order to start anything remotely resembling a conglomerate, even a miniature one, Trump would need a partner to pay for it, Vanity Fairs Sarah Ellison wrote in June. And he would likely have to purchase a cable channel from an existing player.

According to Ellison, people in Trumps orbit have looked at Oprah Winfreys OWN network as a possible model.

But, as Ellison noted, even Winfrey herself has advised against it.

Had I known that it was this difficult, Winfrey said in 2012, a year after OWNs launch, I might have done something else.
Tunis (AFP) - Tunisia's powerful UGTT labour union on Monday called on workers to mobilise against the government's draft budget for 2017 which stipulates a public sector salary freeze.

The government on Friday approved a draft budget for next year that forecasts 2.5 percent growth and a civil service pay freeze lasting at least a year.

The draft has yet to be approved by parliament.

But the UGTT cried foul on Monday, saying in a statement that it "categorically rejects all the measures it had warned against... including postponing pay rises".

It also called on "all workers from all sectors to mobilise to defend their rights" and urged unions nationwide to "mobilise and prepare to fight for the rights of workers by all legal means".

The UGTT also criticised the new government of Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, which took office at the end of August, for failing to make good on a pledge to tackle corruption.

It said there has been "no real will to fight corruption and contraband and face fiscal evasion", adding that it held the government responsible for any future "social destabilisation".

While Tunisia is considered to be a rare success story of the Arab Spring, the authorities have failed to resolve the poverty, unemployment and corruption that preceded the ouster in 2011 of veteran strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

In a rousing speech to parliament after taking office, the new premier spoke of the dire state of the economy and said "we are all responsible" and "we will have to make sacrifices".

"If nothing changes by 2017 austerity will follow," Chahed warned.

Tunisia's battered economy grew by just 0.8 percent last year compared with 2.3 percent in 2014.

A wave of jihadist attacks, including two last year that killed dozens of foreign tourists, has further exacerbated problems in the economy, which relies heavily on tourism.

In May, the International Monetary Fund approved a $2.9 billion loan to help the North African country implement economic and financial reforms.
By Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey is ready for hundreds of thousands of refugees from the Iraqi city of Mosul if a U.S.-backed operation to drive out Islamic State fuels sectarian violence, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Monday. Iraqi government forces, with air and ground support from the U.S.-led coalition, launched the long-anticipated offensive early on Monday to push the jihadist group out of Mosul, its last major stronghold in Iraq. Turkey has repeatedly said that letting Shi'ite militias, which the Iraqi army has relied on in the past, take part in the assault on the mainly Sunni Arab city could spark sectarian violence. "If the Mosul operation is handled correctly, there won't be a refugee wave into Turkey," Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told a news conference in Ankara. "(But) if something goes wrong in Mosul, hundreds of thousands will put their migrant bags on their backs, they will be miserable and worn out, and come with their belongings to the only place they can go to, which is Turkey," he said. The United Nations refugee agency said up to 100,000 Iraqis may flee to Syria and Turkey to escape the assault on Mosul, a city of 1.5 million people where in 2014 Islamic State proclaimed a "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria. An official from Turkey's disaster management agency AFAD said the country's experience of dealing with migrants from Syria's civil war, who now number more than 3 million in Turkey, meant it was well enough prepared. "For us, building a tent camp is a very easy task. We can swiftly establish camps to host hundreds or thousands of refugees," the official told Reuters. "The procedure is standardized, and it will work like a clock. The army will take away people's weapons, the police will run checks on the refugees, the immigration authority will register them, and the Red Crescent will provide them with water, food and shelter," he said. Witnesses said Turkish military vehicles, including tanks, armored vehicles and trucks carrying munitions were deployed to an army facility in the Turkish district of Silopi on the Iraqi border overnight. Turkey has repeatedly warned the operation in Mosul could unleash sectarian strife. Ankara has been locked in a row with Baghdad about the presence of Turkish troops at a camp in northern Iraq and over who should take part in the assault on Iraq's second-biggest city. Some 30,000 Iraqi soldiers, Kurdish Peshmerga militia and Sunni tribal fighters are expected to take part in the offensive. Kurtulmus said some 3,000 Iraqi fighters trained by Turkish soldiers at the Bashiqa military camp in northern Iraq were involved. (Writing by Ayla Jean Yackley; Editing by Nick Tattersall)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said on Sunday it was proud to stand with its allies after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of an offensive to retake Mosul, the capital of Islamic State's so-called caliphate in Iraq. "PM Abadi issued orders to initiate major operations to liberate Mosul after two years of darkness under ISIL terrorists," Brett McGurk, the U.S. envoy to the coalition against Islamic State, said in a message on Twitter. "Godspeed to the heroic Iraqi forces, Kurdish Peshmerga, and Ninewa volunteers. We are proud to stand with you in this historic operation," McGurk said. (Reporting by Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Peter Cooney)
American officials in Baghdad and Washington confirmed Monday that American troops are on the ground with Iraqi and Kurdish troops pushing toward the city of Mosul, and in some cases may be in forward positions close to the front lines with the Islamic State.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of the U.S.-led coalitions efforts in Iraq and Syria, issued a statement saying that Iraqi troops are being supported by a wide range of coalition capabilities, including intelligence, advisors and forward air controllers.

It was a rare admission that the forward air controllers  also known as Joint Terminal Air Controllers, or JTACS  are on the ground working with local forces to call in airstrikes. JTACS are tasked with identifying targets for aircraft to strike, and normally remain in direct contact with pilots as they walk them into a target.

At the Pentagon, spokesman Peter Cook added some detail, telling reporters that the JTACS would not be on the front lines, but behind the forward line of troops, and would be fed information by the local forces up ahead. That information would then be relayed to a command and control center.

But, Cook said, there will be some American forces close to the fight. Its safe to say there are Americans on the outskirts of Mosul, where theyre embedded with Peshmerga and Iraqi counterterrorism forces, Cook said, adding that they are playing an advisor role, an enabler role for these Iraqi forces, in contrast to the bulk of U.S. forces in Iraq who are nowhere near the front line.

In Mosul, to be sure, there are Americans in harms way in this fight, Cook said.

The U.S. forces are advising the elite counterterrorism forces who played a key role in the battles for Fallujah and Ramadi. Command and control for those forces is found in the front lines, rather than in a headquarters miles away, meaning the U.S. troops are providing advice in a combat environment, Cook said. The headquarters, particularly with the counterterrorism forces and the Peshmerga are in the battlespace itself, theyre not back in a building miles away.

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There are over 5,000 U.S. troops currently on the ground in Iraq, with the majority training local forces and working to analyze intelligence, but Special Operations Forces regularly operate outside of fortified compounds, conducting raids on ISIS positions, and advising Iraqi and Kurdish forces at the brigade and battalion level. Three Americans  a Navy SEAL, an Army Delta Force operator, and a U.S. Marine  have been killed in combat in Iraq over the past year.

Since Sunday, coalition warplanes, artillery, and rocket artillery have hit dozens of targets in and around Mosul including bridges, tunnel entrances, supply caches, and communications infrastructure, according to the U.S. Central Command. Mosul has been in the hands of the Islamic State for more than two years, and its liberation is set to produce some of the heaviest fighting in Iraq since the 2003 U.S. invasion. The fight also stands as the Iraqi armys largest operation since the 2003 American invasion.

Most American forces in northern Iraq are stationed at the Qayara air base about 30 miles south of Mosul, where theyre providing intelligence and logistics support. Just last month, the Pentagon announced it was deploying 600 more troops to the base in the run-up to the fight for Mosul.

After kicking off the Mosul offensive Monday morning, Peshmerga forces are pushing toward the city from the east, and Iraqi troops are moving from the south, taking a series of ISIS-held villages on the outskirts of Mosul. At least a dozen suicide attacks have hit the Kurds and Iraqis, and the roads are laden with buried bombs meant to slow their advance.

Speaking at a base near the front lines Monday, Masoud Barzani, president of Iraqs Kurdistan Region, said we have achieved more than what we had expected in one day, tallying about 200 square kilometers of territory retaken by anti-ISIS forces during the day.

Photo Credit: Yunus Keles/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden will release on Monday a report on the administration's Cancer Moonshot initiative designed to speed the development of new cancer drugs and diagnostics.

The project, led by Biden, aims to double the speed of cancer research over five years by increasing collaboration between government and industry, simplifying clinical trials and fostering greater transparency in research.

The $1 billion project was announced by President Barack Obama during his State of the Union address in January. Since then Biden, whose son Beau died last year at age 46 from brain cancer, has announced multiple investments and collaborations in support of the project.

The report, prepared by a multi-agency task force, summarizes the work completed so far and outlines a path forward over the next five years.

"It's also a report to the American people, sharing the story of the spirit of discovery that defines this country and that gives me every confidence that we can do this," Biden said in a separate statement to the president, made available ahead of its formal delivery on Monday afternoon.

Among other initiatives, the report describes new measures to accelerate development of blood tests to diagnose cancer and identify which patients might benefit from specific treatments.

"Every agency in the task force, from the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense to the patent office is doing something new to move this effort forward," Greg Simon, executive director of the moonshot task force said on a conference call with reporters ahead of the report's delivery.

Among the new measures being taken: The Defense Department will use artificial intelligence to analyze its collection of tissue from tumors to look for patterns that could predict cancer.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has launched a pilot program to cut in half the time to review certain cancer therapy patent applications from an average of about two years to less than 12 months.

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Ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft will help patients get to the doctor and to clinical trials, and Microsoft and Amazon have committed to create cloud storage to the effort.

The Environmental Protection Agency will invigorate a program to reduce radon exposure by working with the Department of Housing and Urban development in an effort that could save 3,200 lives a year starting in 2020, Simon said.

(Reporting by Toni Clarke in Washington; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - Once Britain triggers its formal divorce from the European Union by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, there is no going back on the decision, the government's top lawyer told the High Court on Monday. As Britain moves towards exiting the world's biggest trading bloc after June's vote that shocked financial markets, there is debate over how one of the most complex negotiations in recent history will work. London's view that Article 50 cannot be reversed is also at odds with recent statements from Brussels. The government is facing a legal challenge by claimants who say that only parliament can decide when, how and whether to trigger the formal divorce by invoking Article 50. Prime Minister Theresa May's government says that it has the right to decide when to start the divorce and that Article 50 will be invoked by the end of March next year, ushering in a two-year negotiating period to decide Britain's exit terms. At a hearing, Attorney General Jeremy Wright told the High Court that a notification invoking Article 50 - probably with a letter from May - was irrevocable. "We do not argue that an Article 50 notice can be revoked, and we invite the court to proceed in this case on the basis that a notification ... is irrevocable." Asked by Lord Chief Justice John Thomas, Britain's most senior judge, if that meant the notice could not be conditional, Wright said: "We accept that." His guidance appears to resolve one of the biggest questions of the Brexit negotiations: Whether Britain could at some point decide to revoke its intention to leave after negotiations begin. Article 50 of the EU's 2009 Lisbon Treaty, which was drafted by a former British ambassador to the EU, has never been used, providing no legal precedent for how it works. Donald Tusk, the European Council president who will oversee the Brexit negotiations, said last week that Britain was free to simply withdraw unilaterally its proposal to leave at any point before the two-year notice period ends. May, who has repeatedly said that "Brexit means Brexit" and that she will make a success of the move, suggested earlier this month that those who say parliament should first approve triggering the divorce were "not standing up for democracy, theyre trying to subvert it". Investment manager Gina Miller, the lead claimant in the case, said she had received death threats, and Justice Thomas warned those responsible they would face the "full vigour of the law". "It is simply wholly wrong for people to be abusive of those who seek to come to the queen's court," he said. LEGAL CHALLENGE The argument for parliamentary approval before invoking Article 50 is based on an analysis of the authority for EU law in the United Kingdom. Under this reasoning, EU law applies in Britain because of the European Communities Act of 1972, and the executive cannot undermine rights given by parliament to the people of Britain by triggering Article 50. Government lawyers dispute that and say the executive alone has the right to notify the EU of Britain's intention to leave. The government has rejected a petition signed by more than four million people demanding a second referendum. Wright said there was an established principle that governments had the right to make or withdraw from international treaties using the ancient power known as royal prerogative. He said the argument from the claimants was not a narrow legal challenge and suggested they were seeking to overturn the referendum result. "It seeks to invalidate the decision already taken to withdraw from the EU and to require for that decision to be taken by parliament," Wright said. A verdict in the case is expected by the end of the month. It is likely that the matter will be appealed to the British Supreme Court for a final decision before the end of the year. If the court challenge is successful, the government could be forced to pass legislation authorizing Article 50 to be triggered, requiring a vote by lawmakers, the majority of whom voted to Britain to remain in the EU. (Additional reporting by Alastair Macdonald in Brussels; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Larry King and Hugh Lawson)
By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - Once Britain triggers its formal divorce from the European Union by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, there is no going back on the decision, the government's top lawyer told the High Court on Monday. As Britain moves towards exiting the world's biggest trading bloc after June's vote that shocked financial markets, there is debate over how one of the most complex negotiations in recent history will work. London's view that Article 50 cannot be reversed is also at odds with recent statements from Brussels. The government is facing a legal challenge by claimants who say that only parliament can decide when, how and whether to trigger the formal divorce by invoking Article 50. Prime Minister Theresa May's government says that it has the right to decide when to start the divorce and that Article 50 will be invoked by the end of March next year, ushering in a two-year negotiating period to decide Britain's exit terms. At a hearing, Attorney General Jeremy Wright told the High Court that a notification invoking Article 50 - probably with a letter from May - was irrevocable. "We do not argue that an Article 50 notice can be revoked, and we invite the court to proceed in this case on the basis that a notification ... is irrevocable." Asked by Lord Chief Justice John Thomas, Britain's most senior judge, if that meant the notice could not be conditional, Wright said: "We accept that." His guidance appears to resolve one of the biggest questions of the Brexit negotiations: Whether Britain could at some point decide to revoke its intention to leave after negotiations begin. Article 50 of the EU's 2009 Lisbon Treaty, which was drafted by a former British ambassador to the EU, has never been used, providing no legal precedent for how it works. Donald Tusk, the European Council president who will oversee the Brexit negotiations, said last week that Britain was free to simply withdraw unilaterally its proposal to leave at any point before the two-year notice period ends. May, who has repeatedly said that "Brexit means Brexit" and that she will make a success of the move, suggested earlier this month that those who say parliament should first approve triggering the divorce were "not standing up for democracy, theyre trying to subvert it". Investment manager Gina Miller, the lead claimant in the case, said she had received death threats, and Justice Thomas warned those responsible they would face the "full vigor of the law". "It is simply wholly wrong for people to be abusive of those who seek to come to the queen's court," he said. LEGAL CHALLENGE The argument for parliamentary approval before invoking Article 50 is based on an analysis of the authority for EU law in the United Kingdom. Under this reasoning, EU law applies in Britain because of the European Communities Act of 1972, and the executive cannot undermine rights given by parliament to the people of Britain by triggering Article 50. Government lawyers dispute that and say the executive alone has the right to notify the EU of Britain's intention to leave. The government has rejected a petition signed by more than four million people demanding a second referendum. Wright said there was an established principle that governments had the right to make or withdraw from international treaties using the ancient power known as royal prerogative. He said the argument from the claimants was not a narrow legal challenge and suggested they were seeking to overturn the referendum result. "It seeks to invalidate the decision already taken to withdraw from the EU and to require for that decision to be taken by parliament," Wright said. A verdict in the case is expected by the end of the month. It is likely that the matter will be appealed to the British Supreme Court for a final decision before the end of the year. If the court challenge is successful, the government could be forced to pass legislation authorizing Article 50 to be triggered, requiring a vote by lawmakers, the majority of whom voted to Britain to remain in the EU. (Additional reporting by Alastair Macdonald in Brussels; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Larry King and Hugh Lawson)
London (AFP) - The UK Independence Party was thrown into further turmoil on Monday with the resignation from the party of its favourite for the leadership, Steven Woolfe, who branded the party "ungovernable" without Nigel Farage.

Woolfe's decision to quit UKIP followed him being hospitalised earlier in October after an altercation at the European Parliament in which he claimed he was hit by a fellow party politician.

The 49-year-old on Monday said since the Strasbourg incident he has spent time considering his personal and political future.

"It is with deep sorrow and regret that I am aborting my leadership campaign and announcing my resignation from UKIP with immediate effect.

"I believe that a strong UKIP would hold this government's feet to the fire and make sure it delivers a clean Brexit.

"However, I have come to the conclusion that UKIP is ungovernable without Nigel Farage leading it and the referendum cause to unite it," Woolfe said in a statement published online.

He accused UKIP of being "riddled with infighting, proxy wars between rival camps" and said he intended to sit in the European Parliament as an independent MEP.

Following the announcement Peter Whittle, UKIP's culture spokesman, called for unity and promised the party would begin 2017 "renewed" following a fresh leadership campaign.

"We in @UKIP are not in a 'death spiral.' We are the party of the future and we will be the opposition in time," he asserted on Twitter.

Nominations for the party's new leader opened on Monday with a October 31 deadline for submissions. The winner will be announced on November 28.

Farage is currently serving as UKIP's acting leader and has said he will not seek re-election.

-UKIP in crisis-

The loss of Woolfe marks a significant blow for UKIP, which has lacked direction since achieving its aim of seeing Britain exit the European Union.

Nigel Farage resigned as leader following the June 23 referendum which saw the UK vote to leave the bloc, saying he had achieved his lifelong ambition.

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Woolfe, who had served as UKIP's migration and financial affairs spokesman, was named as Farage's likely successor. But he missed out on the leadership battle after submitting his nomination papers 17 minutes after the deadline, sparking a row within the party.

Fellow MEP Diane James was elected UKIP leader in September, promising to build on the party's success and "outwit our opponents".

But James resigned just 18 days later, saying she did not have sufficient authority or backing of the party.

Woolfe was seen as a key contender to fill the vacuum left by her swift departure and announced he would be throwing his hat in for the imminent leadership campaign.

But his position became uncertain just two days later when he collapsed in the European Parliament, following the altercation after Woolfe reportedly admitted he had considered joining the ruling Conservative Party.

In his resignation letter Woolfe again accused UKIP MEP Mike Hookem of hitting him and said he has made a police complaint. Hookem has denied hitting Woolfe and investigations are underway by UKIP and parliamentary authorities.

Along with James' resignation, the European Parliament incident plunged the party into a crisis which has been confounded by Woolfe quitting.

The anti-EU party won 12.6 percent of the vote in the 2015 election and gained an international platform this year with its role in securing the leave vote in the referendum.

But UKIP has so far failed to capitalise on its Brexit success and outline a clear future for the party.
By Tom Miles

GENEVA (Reuters) - Britain needs to sort out its relationship with the European Union before it can begin to talk to the United States about any post-Brexit trade deal, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said in Geneva on Monday.

"The practicality is that until the UK sorts through with the EU the nature of its relationship ... its impossible to have a serious conversation about knowing what kind of trade agreement you can have with the UK separately," Froman said.

"Is it part of the customs union or not? Is it part of the single market or not? What areas does it have sovereignty over? Does it have sovereignty over tariffs? Does it have sovereignty over regulation?"

Such questions needed to be the priority for Britain, Froman told an audience of academics and trade diplomats at Geneva's Graduate Institute.

"Until those sorts of questions are further clarified, it's hard to have a serious conversation about what the nature of what a future U.S.-UK trade relationship might look like."

He declined to offer any advice for Britain's trade minister, Liam Fox, saying he spoke to Fox and his colleagues periodically and "my sense is they are getting quite enough advice as it is."

He also declined to comment on the possible impact on U.S. trade relationships if Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election next month.

(Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Larry King)
Oct 17 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May is leaning toward approving a plan to build a new runway at London's Heathrow airport, the Financial Times reported on Monday citing Whitehall officials.

May still needs to discuss the proposals with senior colleagues at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday ahead of the expected announcement, it said.

May had said earlier this month that the decision would be made shortly. Her office could not reached for comment.

The decision to expand Britain's and Europe's busiest airport, rather than its smaller rival Gatwick, would end years of battling for government approval to build an extra runway.

May's predecessor David Cameron was due to rule on the expansion in July, but Britain's vote in June to leave the European Union resulted in his resignation and delayed the decision.

Heathrow, which is closer to London, faced greater scrutiny than Gatwick after it breached air quality limits in 2014.

Business leaders preferred Heathrow's expansion as it is also Britain's biggest port by value, handling a third of the country's non-EU exports through established connections with emerging markets.

Gatwick, which is surrounded by countryside 40 miles south of London, had argued that its stronger environmental position bolstered the case to build a new runway there.

Heathrow airport delined to comment and Gatwick airport could not be immediately reached for comment.

Both Heathrow, owned by Spanish infrastructure company Ferrovial, Qatar Holding, China Investment Corp plus others, and Gatwick, owned by investment fund Global Infrastructure Partners, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and others, say that airport expansion can be funded without government money.

(Reporting by Sangameswaran S in Bengaluru; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
The UN Security Council on Monday denounced North Korea's latest test of a powerful missile that one leading US expert warned could be put into operational service as early as next year.

North Korea test-fired the medium-range Musudan -- capable of hitting US bases as far away as Guam -- on Saturday.

Although the exercise was a failure, with the missile exploding soon after lift-off, it still represented a breach of UN resolutions prohibiting the North's use of ballistic missile technology.

In a unanimous statement backed by the North's main ally China, the council "strongly condemned" the test, branding it a "grave violation" of North Korea's international obligations.

Council members agreed to "closely monitor the situation and take further significant measures," the statement said.

First unveiled as an indigenous missile at a military parade in Pyongyang in October 2010, the Musudan has a theoretical range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometers (1,500 and 2,500 miles).

The lower estimate covers the whole of South Korea and Japan, while the upper range would include US military bases on Guam.

The missile has now been tested seven times this year -- but only once successfully.

A Musudan launched in June flew 400 kilometers into the Sea of Japan (East Sea), and was hailed by leader Kim Jong-Un as proof of the North's ability to strike US bases across "the Pacific operation theater".

Despite the string of failures, John Schilling, an aerospace engineer specializing in rocket propulsion, said the missile was moving swiftly towards operational deployment.

The aggressive launch schedule, while multiplying the risk of failure, also increases the information gleaned from each test, Schilling said.

"If they continue at this rate, the Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile could enter operational service sometime next year - much sooner than had previously been expected," he wrote on the 38North website of the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University.

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The latest Musudan test came with the United States and China still thrashing out a new sanctions resolution to punish Pyongyang for its fifth nuclear test carried out last month.

North Korea has been hit by five sets of UN sanctions since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006.

After Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test in January, the Security Council adopted the toughest sanctions resolution to date, targeting North Korea's trade in minerals and tightening banking restrictions.

The ongoing negotiations on the new sanctions measure are focused on closing loopholes and zeroing in on North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile technology industry, according to Security Council diplomats.
Jerusalem (AFP) - UNESCO chief Irina Bokova has received "death threats" after expressing reservations about Arab-backed resolutions on the holy sites in Jerusalem, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations organisation said on Monday.

"The director general has received death threats and her protection has had to be reinforced," Carmel Shama Cohen said on Israeli public radio.

"These threats were made after her criticism" of two resolutions adopted last week at committee stage ahead of a final vote, Cohen said, accusing Arab countries of "appalling conduct" over the drafts.

Bokova distanced herself from the resolutions in a statement, saying "nowhere more than in Jerusalem do Jewish, Christian and Muslim heritage and traditions share space".

The resolutions refer to "Occupied Palestine" and the need to "safeguard the Palestinian cultural heritage and the distinctive character of east Jerusalem".

They refer to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in east Jerusalem's Old City -- Islam's third holiest site -- without any reference to the site also being revered by Jews as the Temple Mount.

Israel suspended cooperation with UNESCO on Friday, a day after its committee adopted the two resolutions, which the Jewish state said ignored "thousands of years of Jewish ties to Jerusalem".

The two resolutions are due to be put to the executive board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on Tuesday, which generally votes with the line taken by committees.

But Michael Worbs, who chairs UNESCO's executive board, told AFP he hoped a final vote would be postponed to allow time for a compromise to be worked out.

The status of Jerusalem is the thorniest issue of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Israel captured east Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East war and later annexed it in a move not recognised by the international community, declaring the entire city to be its indivisible capital.

The Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their promised future state.
By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - Up to 100,000 Iraqis may flee to Syria and Turkey to escape the Iraqi government's assault aimed at ousting Islamic State from the northern city of Mosul, the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said on Monday. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees issued an appeal for an additional $61 million to provide tents, camps, winter items and stoves for displaced inside Iraq and new refugees needing shelter in the two neighbouring countries. That brought UNHCR's overall appeal for the crisis to $196 million. All civilians fleeing their homes "must be protected and provided with safe passage", said the International Committee of the Red Cross, which like the UNHCR is based in Geneva. ICRC teams were near Mosul to help 270,000 people with food and other emergency aid, the agency said in tweets. "UNHCR is concerned that events in Mosul may cause up to 100,000 Iraqis to flee towards Syria and Turkey," the U.N. agency said. "Preparedness plans are underway in Syria to receive up to 90,000 Iraqi refugees." Iraqi government forces, with air and ground support from the U.S.-led coalition, launched an offensive on Monday to drive Islamic State from Mosul, the militants' last major stronghold in the country. Over 3 million people, nearly a tenth of the population, are already internally displaced in Iraq. Aid agencies say up to one million could flee Mosul, a city of 1.5 million where in 2014 Islamic State proclaimed a "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria. U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande said in Erbil last week the U.N. was bracing for the world's biggest and most complex humanitarian effort in the battle for Mosul. She told Reuters civilians risked being used as human shields or even gassed, noting that Islamic State has said it could use chemical weapons to defend the city. UNHCR said that a site in Syria that previously hosted Iraqi refugees is being readied to accommodate another influx. Syria is currently home to some 26,000 Iraqi refugees. Refugees from Mosul were expected to enter Syria at Tel Sefug village, "a crossing point mainly used by smugglers", along the border with Hasaka province, the UNHCR said. The Damascus government has an "open-door policy" towards refugees. There were "no clear safe routes out of Mosul", leaving civilians in danger of getting caught in the cross fire or being victims of booby traps or landmines, the International Rescue Committee said in a statement. The aid agency voiced concerns that oil burning in trenches around the city - a tactic often used by retreating ISIL troops - will be harmful, especially to children and the elderly. (Additional reporting by Tom Miles in Geneva and Stephen Kalin in Baghdad; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - Up to 100,000 Iraqis may flee to Syria and Turkey to escape the Iraqi government's assault aimed at ousting Islamic State from the northern city of Mosul, the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said on Monday. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees issued an appeal for an additional $61 million to provide tents, camps, winter items and stoves for displaced inside Iraq and new refugees needing shelter in the two neighboring countries. That brought UNHCR's overall appeal for the crisis to $196 million. All civilians fleeing their homes "must be protected and provided with safe passage", said the International Committee of the Red Cross, which like the UNHCR is based in Geneva. ICRC teams were near Mosul to help 270,000 people with food and other emergency aid, the agency said in tweets. "UNHCR is concerned that events in Mosul may cause up to 100,000 Iraqis to flee towards Syria and Turkey," the U.N. agency said. "Preparedness plans are underway in Syria to receive up to 90,000 Iraqi refugees." Iraqi government forces, with air and ground support from the U.S.-led coalition, launched an offensive on Monday to drive Islamic State from Mosul, the militants' last major stronghold in the country. Over 3 million people, nearly a tenth of the population, are already internally displaced in Iraq. Aid agencies say up to one million could flee Mosul, a city of 1.5 million where in 2014 Islamic State proclaimed a "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria. U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande said in Erbil last week the U.N. was bracing for the world's biggest and most complex humanitarian effort in the battle for Mosul. She told Reuters civilians risked being used as human shields or even gassed, noting that Islamic State has said it could use chemical weapons to defend the city. UNHCR said that a site in Syria that previously hosted Iraqi refugees is being readied to accommodate another influx. Syria is currently home to some 26,000 Iraqi refugees. Refugees from Mosul were expected to enter Syria at Tel Sefug village, "a crossing point mainly used by smugglers", along the border with Hasaka province, the UNHCR said. The Damascus government has an "open-door policy" towards refugees. There were "no clear safe routes out of Mosul", leaving civilians in danger of getting caught in the cross fire or being victims of booby traps or landmines, the International Rescue Committee said in a statement. The aid agency voiced concerns that oil burning in trenches around the city - a tactic often used by retreating ISIL troops - will be harmful, especially to children and the elderly. (Additional reporting by Tom Miles in Geneva and Stephen Kalin in Baghdad; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
The organization that advocates at the national level for historically black colleges and universities has a somewhat unlikely new communications director.

Last month, Paris Dennard started in that role at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, a nonpartisan nonprofit that represents nearly 50 publicly funded HBCUs. The reason Dennard is an unusual candidate for the job is that the 34-year-old Phoenix native is also a Republican strategist and commentator who has publicly defended Donald Trump, a presidential candidate who is polling, at best, in the single digits among likely black voters.

Its not popular at times, but its really compelling, the organizations president, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., told Politico recently, acknowledging that Dennards political views are not always in line with those of the college leaders and students he will now support.

In an occasionally tense but cordial phone interview, Dennard, who previously handled government affairs for the group, said Taylor and a colleague had approached him about the job. You are a strategic thinker, he said they told him. And he sees the fact that he is openly aligned with the Republican party as an asset, not an issue.

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Im acutely aware of my politics and persuasion, he said, but Im also acutely aware that Im an advocate for HBCUs, and I will use my position to advocate in Republican circles that I know very well.

I think my politics has been an addition to, a positive, to TMCF, he continued. You have to work on both sides of the aisle, and I do. Dennard pointed out that most HBCUs, clustered in the South, are in districts represented by Republican lawmakers, whom hes developed relationships with over the years.

But can he be both an advocate for a nonpartisan cause and a vocal partisan commentator at the same time? Yes, Dennard said. I am an advocate by the nature of where I work. Johnny [Taylor] makes that very clear, he expanded, so I will speak up and talk about HBCUs in the political sphere.

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(In an email after a phone conversation, Dennard disputed the suggestion that he will be a spokesman for the group, writing, No, actually Johnny C. Taylor Jr. serves as our spokesperson as our president and ceo [sic]  I am not the spokesperson, that would be incorrect.)

Does Dennards work become complicated when his roles as a Republican commentator and as a TMCF advocate dont align, though?

Michael Adams, the interim dean of the School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, one of the funds member schools, wrote in an email, This is another example of the beauty of the Right to Free Speech so long as it is not violating any legal workplace policy. As an educator, political scientist, and proponent of tolerance, unless there is a legal violation, I don't support punishing people for political speech. Even President Obama has indicated that we need more tolerance in the academic community, especially on college campuses.

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It might confuse people as to thinking HBCUs are communicating their support for Donald Trump.

Dennards selection, he continued, reflects the political diversity of the African American community and demonstrates the philosophical and ideological strands of the Black community that extends back to W.E.B. Dubois, Booker T. Washington, Marcus Garvey, and Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King. Hence, it reflects the mosaic of the Diaspora that constitutes the African American community and the Black experience that does run through the party of Lincoln. Albeit, Donald Trump is no Lincoln or Teddy Roosevelt.

Still, the possibility of such a conflict concerns people like David DePriest, a 19-year-old sophomore studying politics at the historically black Howard University who has seen some of Dennards CNN appearances. There should be less of an apparent conflict of interest, he said, worrying that people will confuse Dennards dual roles as both a member of the National Diversity Coalition for Trumpcharged in part for making the case that Trump is a good choice for black votersand the director of communications for a large group of HBCUs. To me, it seems like it might confuse people as to thinking HBCUs are communicating their support for Donald Trump, DePriest said, adding that opposing Trump is kind of the unifying factor among the politically active students he knows on campus.

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For instance, that confusion could play out in the conversation around free or tuition-free college. On its website in a section devoted to policy priorities, for instance, TMCF lists an expanded Americas College Promise Program, a proposal by president Obama to make two years of community college free for some students. What if Trump doesnt support tuition-free college? The candidate hasnt released a higher-education plan, but what he has said about college affordability hinges on pushing schools to use their endowments to support students, not on eliminating tuition.

Dennard said he would advocate for anything that is going to help our students, before adding somewhat tersely and after a long pause, Im a GOP commentator. I was a member of the Republican party before Donald Trump. Ill be a member of the Republican party after Donald Trump  and so my allegiance is to the party, if that makes sense. So, I mean, I think Ronald Reagan said as long as you agree with 80 percent, you know, Im not going to toss you out because we disagree on 20. For me, Im always going to be advocating for HBCUs.

In an effort to show that even Democratic policymakers and TMCF have their differences, he pointed to Taylors disagreements with the Obama administration over things like Pell grants, adding, Im going to speak truth to power  but so far, Mr. Trump hasnt put out a higher-education plan to critique.

And in our conversation, Dennard gave Clintons team credit for including HBCUs in her campaign proposals. He said he was encouraged, too, by the fact that TMCF has met with both campaigns, including the Trump adviser Sam Clovismeetings he called very substantive, very positive.

James Douglas, the interim dean and distinguished professor of law at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, called Dennards new role a sticky issue.

As long as he makes it clear that when he speaks, hes speaking as a Trump supporter and not as a representative of the fund, said Douglas, whos also the current head of the Houston chapter of the NAACP. Im a lawyer, and Im a believer in the Constitution. I dont agree with his views, but just because he has a job doesnt mean that he cant have a political position different from mine.

When I pressed Douglas on the nature of the job, specifically on the fact that both the role and Dennards position as a Republican commentator involve taking what could be very different viewpoints, Douglas said, Hes got to make an effort. I think hes got to take some extra steps to make sure people understand hes speaking as an individual.

It's been a very fast ride.

Douglas said he hasnt met Dennard but suspects hes a nice guy. Douglas has socialized, he added, with the conservative African American Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas, who he also described as friendly, yet Douglas still wonders, he said, How could you think that way? He wishes Dennard werent a Trump supporter but as far as politics, as far as his right to try to separate his politics from his work, Douglas continued, I have to support it.

* * *

If Dennard seems like an unlikely person for TMCF to tap, perhaps his background offers some clarity. Raised by a single mother in Phoenix, with good mentors and a grandfather he admires deeply, young Dennard attended Brophy College Preparatory, an all-boys Jesuit high school. A friend there brought him to a convention of young Republicans, and encouraged him to run for a leadership position. Not even sure that he was a Republican, he obliged, won, and was presented with a series of questions, after which he says he was told, Youre a Republican. He didnt know, he said, that it was taboo for a black person to claim such an allegiance.

A 17-year-old Dennard address the convention. (screenshot / CSPAN)

His family wasnt overtly political, but they were civically minded, fairly conservative, and Christian, Dennard said, and he liked the partys ideals. He would go on to deliver, at age 17, a remarkably poised and confident speech at the 2000 Republican National Convention, with vice-presidential candidate Dick Cheney sitting in the audience. We are a group of young people that have been inspired by this party and our Republican leaders to commit ourselves to causes greater than our own self interests, he told the ebullient crowd.

After graduating from Pepperdine University in Malibu, he worked in political affairs at the White House under Karl Rove, and then eventually as head of black outreach for George W. Bush. Its been a very fast ride, he said. When I asked how old he was, he paused for a second before answering. Whos counting? he quipped. I feel like Im 24.

* * *

Dennard is much more upbeat when I ask about what hed like to accomplish as the TMCF approaches its 30th anniversary next year. A lot of his work involves educating people about the importance of HBCUs, he said, noting that the schools produce a disproportionately high share of the nations black college graduates, particularly when it comes to law and engineering, despite issues with accreditation and funding.

Dennard insisted that the outcome of the election doesnt matter as far as his TMCF work is concerned. He reiterated that hed pushed both parties to include HBCUs in their policy platforms and that he plans to advocate on behalf of the schools no matter who ends up in the Oval Office next year. Im just excited to share the message of what TMCF is all about to anyone who will listen.

Ultimately, I take my role seriously, he said. If there is blowback, I think people should just know that I dedicated my professional life to advocating for our community.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Washington (AFP) - The number of unaccompanied children illegally entering the United States across its southern border spiked 49 percent over the past year, officials in Washington said on Monday.

The Department of Homeland Security reported that 56,692 children traveling without adults were intercepted at the US border with Mexico in the fiscal year ending in September, compared with 39,970 the previous year.

Overall, 408,870 adults and children were intercepted at the border, an increase of 23 percent over the previous year, according to the DHS.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said the number of undocumented immigrants, while on the rise, is a fraction of the number entering the United States from the 1980s through 2008.

"The demographics of illegal migration on our southern border has changed significantly over the last 15 years," Johnson said in a statement.

"Far fewer Mexicans and single adults are attempting to cross the border without authorization, but more families and unaccompanied children are fleeing poverty and violence in Central America."

For the second time in three years, more Central Americans were caught at the border than Mexicans, the agency reported. The first time that happened was in 2014.

The increase in undocumented immigrants attempting to enter the country comes as the US boosts efforts with allies in Central America to stem the surge, which often is linked to poverty and gang-related violence in the home countries.

In 2014, the US, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador adopted an ambitious "Alliance for Prosperity" program aimed at curbing migration by improving conditions in Central America.

"Border security alone cannot overcome the powerful push factors of poverty and violence that exist in Central America. Walls alone cannot prevent illegal migration," Johnson said.

"Ultimately, the solution is long-term investment in Central America to address the underlying push factors in the region."

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Johnson said the DHS has tried to enforce the immigration laws "in a fair and humane way."

"But, the reality is the system is broken, and badly in need of comprehensive immigration reform that only Congress can provide," he said.

Johnson also called for the creation of a path for the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants currently in the United States to "get right with the law."

The DHS report comes three weeks ahead of the November 8 presidential election, with the immigration issue looming large -- particularly in the campaign of Republican candidate Donald Trump, who has vowed to build a wall along the southwestern border and make Mexico pay for it.

Democrat Hillary Clinton, by contrast, has called for immigration reforms that could provide a pathway to legal status for many undocumented immigrants.
By Anggy Polanco SAN CRISTOBAL, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuelan authorities are investigating gruesome accusations that two men were murdered, mutilated by a confessed cannibal then fed to fellow prisoners in a riot at a police detention center. Families of the two victims, Anthony Correa and Juan Carlos Herrera, said they died earlier in October toward the end of a month-long disturbance and siege at the overcrowded jail in the western city San Cristobal. "They stabbed my son, hung him to bleed him, then called this man to cut him up. They did the same with the other young man," Herrera's father, also called Juan Carlos, told reporters, saying other prisoners had described it to him. Correa's mother, Luz Sepulveda, said at the end of the siege, she noticed her son was neither in the list of detainees nor in a group being transported away. "A public prosecutor came out and said he had to tell me something very painful: 'Your son was one of those they killed and ate'," she told Reuters from a house where she was in hiding for fear of reprisals for telling the story. Both families said a self-confessed serial killer Dorangel Vargas, known to Venezuelans as "People-Eater" because of reports he cannibalized victims, had been used by a gang at the jail to dismember the bodies of their rivals. The government has confirmed two deaths but not the circumstances. It has also arrested six policemen accused of helping prisoners. Local opposition member of congress Franklyn Duarte said he has a video proving the cannibalism and would hand it to authorities with other evidence. Prisons Minister Iris Varela suggested the cannibalism claims might be exaggerated. "The criminal investigation bodies must say what happened, based on scientific proof," she was quoted as saying in local media. An official investigator in the town, however, told Reuters that interviews with prisoners had given credence to the families' version. "The detainees we spoke to said Dorangel ate some body parts," he told Reuters, asking not to be named. "They (the gang) cooked the (remaining) flesh and gave it to the rest of the inmates with rice. They ate without realizing it was two of their companions," he said, adding the men's intestines were tossed in pipes and bones burned. The gang also force-fed some body parts to captured rival prisoners and cut the fingers off five inmates who refused to eat the flesh. Gang rule is common in Venezuela's jails, where weapons and drugs are rife, often with the connivance of officials. (Writing by Andrew Cawthorne and Corina Pons; Editing by Alistair Bell)
New York (AFP) - The Museum of Modern Art has acquired 102 pieces of Latin American art, thanks to a donation from Venezuelan-born collector Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, the New York museum said Monday.

The artworks include paintings, sculptures and other pieces from Brazil, Venezuela and the Rio de la Plata region of Argentina and Uruguay.

They were made between the 1940s and 1990s by 37 artists, 21 of whom are entering the museum for the first time.

"The breadth of this gift is unprecedented," the museum said in a statement, without disclosing the financial value of the donation.

"We are profoundly grateful to Patty Cisneros, whose longstanding and unwavering dedication to art and artists from Latin America continues to transform and expand our understanding and appreciation of that region's significant role in the history of modern and contemporary art," museum director Glenn Lowry said in a statement.

The new works join 40 pieces previously given to the museum by Cisneros and her husband Gustavo and will be used in establishing a research institute at the museum for Latin American art, which is expected to open within a year.

"This gift and the establishment of a dedicated research institute represents a major milestone in our goal to provide a broader context to the history of art from Latin America," said Cisneros, a longtime museum trustee.

Her husband Gustavo is the head of a business conglomerate and Forbes estimates he and his family have a net worth of $2 billion.
Verizon Communications Inc. VZ plans to close seven call centers across five states that may lead to job loss of 3200 employees. The company deems the decision as a difficult but necessary one. Verizon intends to realign its real estate assets and customer service operations to make the optimum use of its call centers in other locations. The call centers to be closed are located in California, Connecticut, Maine, Nebraska and New York. Interestingly, Verizon is going through an internal restructuring process and has recently made cutbacks in its retail operations.

The affected employees will be offered jobs in Florida, Texas or South Carolina along with reimbursement of relocation costs to the tune of $10000. Workers not opting for a move will be offered severance packages. The job cutting has been criticized by the Communication Workers Association of America (CWA) which has also raised a hue and cry about Verizons methods of increasing outsourcing and off-shoring jobs. Earlier this year, the CWA backed the strike by Verizons wireline workforce. Meanwhile, in the latest call center retrenchment, the employees are mostly non-unionized.

The Bottom Line

The competition in the U.S. wireless market is expected to further intensify in the coming years with the entry of cable players like Comcast Corp. CMCSA and Charter Communications Inc. CHTR. Moreover, AT&T Inc. T is leaving no stone unturned to catch to gain a leading position as a wireless player in the U.S. This is sure to weigh on Verizons margins. Hence, the company is on the lookout for cost-reduction measures.

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Victoria star Jenna Coleman is attending her first Mipcom market in support of the hit Mammoth Screen and Masterpiece co-production for ITV and PBS. The period series debuted in the UK in late August, occupying the coveted 9PM Sunday slot which had been the home of Downton Abbey for six years. A second season was then ordered in late September, before the first full run ended. Coleman told me today that Victoria has the potential to go on for a really long time. Discussions are being had. The problem is theres almost too much story so its about working the pacing. It will be interesting to see how it goes on in the States and what the appetite is.

Victoria, whose first season follows the titular royal from the time she is crowned queen in 1837 at age 18, through to her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert (Tom Hughes), heads to Masterpiece on January 15. Thats a similar UK-to-U.S. delay as Downton had  to the frustration of many viewers  over its full run. Of the Downton slot, Coleman said, There is a lot of expectation but I think Downton was a phenomenon. Its its own. The shows are both period dramas and thats kind of where the similarities end. Its a completely different period of time.

The series has now sold to over 150 countries and Coleman is hopeful that U.S. audiences will embrace it. Whats fantastic is that Downton has been so popular in the U.S. that its carved an audience that hopefully are hungry for investing in the next drama which takes you back to somewhere which isnt now.

Coleman rose to global fame among Doctor Who fans as companion Clara Oswald on the cult BBC series. She says the big difference in doing a serious drama is that Doctor Who is all about throwing caution to the wind and being so spontaneous and living in the moment whereas with Victoria I really enjoyed exploring as much of her as I could. Theres endless research you can do.

The more I uncover about her, the more I read, I have so much more admiration. I like that there are so many unlikable traits in her. Shes very, very flawed but Ive become really fond of her inconsistencies. She wasnt perfect at all and it makes me like her. Shes not the queen that you expect in the portraits.

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Ratings on Season 1 were strong, with an average 7.9M viewers tuning in to ITV. The series went head-to-head with Season 2 of Poldark, on BBC One, and consistently edged it out. In a twist, it too is made by Victoria producer Mammoth Screen. Coleman says theres no behind-the-scenes rivalry with the Poldark folks. Im a big fan. There was a point where none of us were saying we want them to go against each other.

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Outside the L'Universite Paris Descartes on a Thursday evening in October, a line of hiply dressed young women and men stood hundreds deep, hoping to nab a standing spot at Off-White's Paris Fashion Week show. The crowd, and the difficulty of getting through it into the venue, was a testament to just how influential a figure the label's designer and founder, Virgil Abloh -- who also serves as the creative director of Kanye West's think tank, Donda -- has become. So, too, was the presence of most of the fashion establishment, which had given Off-White one of its greatest endorsements (or, more specifically, LVMH had) when it named Off-White a finalist for its annual emerging designers Prize last year.

In three short years, Off-White has carved a space for itself among buzzy labels like Vetements and Y/Project, offering a luxe -- and, as Abloh will argue, more intellectual -- take on streetwear, cutting up and reworking staples like sweatshirts and jeans and loudly emblazoning the words "Off," "White" and the label's signature diagonal lines on fronts and backs. He tends to pair these with dressier items, like blazers and asymmetric, multi-layered skirts, rendered approachable in materials like cotton and frayed denim. Rita Ora, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid are among its high-profile fans.

Hailing from Rockford, Illinois, Abloh began consulting with West at just 22 years old, fresh out of Illinois Institute of Technology with a master's degree in architecture. Fourteen years later, he has a range of impressive projects to his name, from revolutionary concert merch concepts to groundbreaking set design. (His working relationship with West is not something he often talks to the press about, however, and Abloh declined to discuss anything related to the artist in this interview.)

West's and Abloh's interest in creating -- and not just consuming -- luxury fashion has largely coincided. After interning together at Fendi in 2009, West went on to launch his own designer label at Paris Fashion Week in 2011 (which, following a slew of negative reviews, shuttered after two seasons) before taking on creative partnership roles at Nike and now Adidas. Abloh introduced his first clothing brand, Pyrex Vision, at the end of 2012, quickly selling out of a run of designs screen-printed on to dead-stock Ralph Lauren flannels (sold for hundreds a pop). Though it closed in 2013, he was able to establish relationships with a number of influential retailers, including Colette in Paris, paving the way for the launch of Off-White later that year.

Critics of Off-White are quick to point out that Abloh is not introducing anything "new" to clothing design -- but in an age where branding, marketing and speed are better insurers of success than the novel cut of a sleeve, that's hardly the point. And certainly it isn't the point for Abloh. He's not trying to change the way women dress so much as create "a luxury version, a designer version, of what I see in the street," he says.

"For me, I analyze the modern girl, the girl that I'm friends with, and they're empowered, they pay their own bills, they have their own style, they wear clothes, the clothes don't wear them," he said in an interview at Off-White's Paris studio. He gestured to a stranger standing several yards away. "Like look at this woman here, wearing Stan Smiths, a tailored pant and a dress shirt. I feel like it's fashion's job to underline that. And I see women's collections that don't even address that. For me, just as a social recorder of 2016, there's a new girl that emerged that can shop in between Zara and designer and still maintain a sense of her personality and identity."

But for Abloh to describe himself merely as a "social recorder" is to undermine just how novel and boundary-pushing his ideas can be, particularly in the luxury sphere. Take the very first ad Abloh created for Off-White, which ran in the indie style magazines 032c and i-D. It shows hip-hop artist and West collaborator Ian Connor (pre-rape allegations) standing on a box in a Supreme T-shirt, Off-White jeans and an Atlanta Braves hat, his shoelaces wrapped around his knuckles like shackles. A tall white model, in a look straight from Off-White's spring/summer 2016 runway, stands just behind him, gazing at the back of his head. It's an arresting image, and a somewhat uncomfortable one -- Abloh says it was inspired by Grant Wood's seminal painting, "American Gothic," but it is also reminiscent of illustrations of 18th-century slave auctions.

But what is radical about it, from a fashion perspective, is the mix of brands from high (Off-White) to mass (Atlanta Braves) to street (Supreme). It is indeed a reflection of how a certain set of fashion-conscious men and women dress today, mixing their Chanel with their Zara (and indeed, the shirt Connor wears in the ad was the very one he showed up to the studio wearing) -- it's just not one that is ever reflected in fashion advertisements, which almost universally show brand looks head-to-toe.

A new ad, released earlier this month, shows Italian "it" girl Chiara Capitani standing in a red pantsuit and cross-body bag from the brand's most recent collection, her outfit partly obscured by a passerby in an anonymous denim skirt and Margiela handbag. Abloh loves it, he says, because it's an example of an artistic impulse completely trumping conventional commercial logic. "That's thinking about commerce and fashion and luxury from a completely honest, artistic place."

Off-White "binder clip" handbag campaign photographed and art directed by @piotrniepsuj featuring @chiara_grazia_it select runway bags available at these retail partners ANTONIOLI COLETTE FWRD - ELYSE WALKER SELFRIDGES MAXFIELD MY THERESA NET-A-PORTER Off-White Tokyo Off-White Hong Kong Off-White Singapore SSENSE www.off---white.com

A photo posted by Off-White (@off____white) on Oct 1, 2016 at 1:30pm PDT

His approach to social media is also atypical. While other CEOs and designers might delegate those accounts to teams that push out pre-packaged marketing content, Abloh uses his Twitter feed more as a community forum, retweeting fans who take photos of the Off-White emblem of white diagonal lines, frequently found at construction sites but also on many city crosswalks. When he came up with the logo -- which, in the fashion of Apple and Target, has successfully appropriated a common symbol and made it his own -- he didn't foresee such activity taking place. "Art is made in hindsight," Abloh said. When he made the logo, he was crossing out his old Pyrex logo, and from that the pattern emerged. "It was construction. [I was like] wait, there's a pattern that's glaringly in front of everyone's eyes where you don't see it, that's amazing."

Abloh's real ambition is to become the creative director of a big fashion house, like Dior or Saint Laurent. He is a big fan of what Demna Gvaslia has done with Balenciaga, fusing the house's codes with streetwear classics like down puffers and re-worked Levi's, and making them contemporary and desirable for a modern luxury consumer. "In a way, Demna is collaborating with Cristobal Balenciaga from another era, and then putting out a commercially viable product that's ultimately relevant. That's what everything should be like," he says.

"Off-White is just sort of my resume to prove if these things actually work, do these concepts of a new independent brand work."

That's not to say he doesn't have big plans for Off-White. The business is rapidly expanding, with products now available in more than 200 stores, including seven of its own, and a full-time corporate staff of more than a dozen. This spring, he will be making a big push into the handbag category, launching a host of classic styles, like bucket bags and totes, given an Off-White twist -- some feature yellow cross-body straps in the style of construction tape and emblazoned with "Off-White," while others have handles laser-cut with diagonal lines.

"I'm not doing it for my health," he jokes. "All I do all day is think of ideas and implement them, that's an industry, you know. I'm trying to make art on a commercial scale That's what Off-White is, it's rooted in art and architecture but mass, like Canal Street, so people buy it."
CAIRO (Reuters) - Vodafone Egypt will pay half of the fee for its 4G mobile licence in dollars, a company official told Reuters on Wednesday, one day after the company signed a licence agreement with Egypt's telecoms regulator. The company paid 1.5 billion Egyptian pounds ($168.92 million) for the licence on October 15 and will be paying the remaining fee within days in coordination with its parent company, the official, who declined to be identified, said. Vodafone Egypt agreed to pay $335 million for the licence on Sunday. ($1 = 8.8799 Egyptian pounds) (Reporting by Ehab Farouk; Writing by Eric Knecht; Editing by Louise Heavens)
Walmart employees

Walmart is becoming a better place to shop because it started paying employees more.

For many years, the company was plagued by widespread complaints about poor customer service at its stores.

That was until last year when Walmart, under pressure from investors following several quarters of same-store sales declines, decided to invest billions of dollars in wage increases and training for workers.

Specifically, Walmart committed to investing $2.7 billion over two years in higher wages, scheduling improvements, and employee training, following in the footsteps of companies like Costco.

Walmart's efforts so far have translated into a pay raise of about 16% to $13.69 per hour for non-managerial full-time employees, The New York Times reports.

In the meantime, widespread issues in Walmart stores such as empty shelves and cleanliness have significantly improved.

Three out of four Walmart stores now meet the company's own customer service standards, according to the Times. A couple years ago, just 16% of its stores met those goals.

It turns out that paying people more may have made them better employees.

Shoppers look at merchandise at a Walmart store in Secaucus, New Jersey, November 11, 2015. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

"Associates are feeling a little bit more engaged," Walmart US President Greg Foran told reporters earlier this year.

The company is even seeing sales and traffic improvements.

Walmart recently reported its eighth consecutive quarter of same-store sales increases in the US. In the most recent quarter, Walmart's US same-store sales rose 1.6%, driven by a 1.2% increase in traffic.

The changes aren't going unnoticed by customers.

"Our customer satisfaction scores continue to improve," Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said on an earnings call in August.

Walmart has said it's raising wages because "it's the right thing to do," however one recent pay hike appears to be the result of President Obama's new overtime rule, which takes effect December 1.

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The rule requires employers to pay overtime to salaried workers earning less than $47,500 a year. Last week, Walmart announced that it would raise starting salaries from $45,000 to $48,500 annually for full-time employees.

walmart checkout cashier shopping

The strategy of investing more in training and career development has proven to be massively successful for companies like Costco, which gets high ratings from both employees and customers.

Costco's minimum wage is no less than $13 an hour, which is among the highest starting salaries in the retail industry. By comparison, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.

Walmart's investments have brought its starting wages to $10 an hour, according to the company.

At Costco employees also get to advance quickly. It takes about four years for employees to reach the top of Costco's hourly pay scale, according to Bloomberg.

Labor groups argue however that Walmart and others still have a long way to go in improving pay and working conditions for their employees.

The union-backed group Making Change At Walmart has been pushing Walmart to raise its minimum wage to $15 per hour.

The group claims that not all Walmart's workers are making a minimum of $10, as the company claims.

"We continue to hear from Walmart workers who have been making less than $10 for months," Making Change At Walmart spokeswoman Jess Levin said last month.

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Tripoli (AFP) - Five years after an uprising killed Libya's Moamer Kadhafi, residents in the chaos-wracked country's capital joke they have grown to miss the longtime dictator as the frustrations of daily life mount.

Those living in the capital say they are exhausted by power cuts, price hikes and a lack of cash flow as rival authorities and militias battle for control of the fragmented oil-rich country.

"I hate to say it but our life was better under the previous regime," says Fayza al-Naas, a 42-year-old pharmacist, referring to Kadhafi's more than four decades of rule.

Today, "we wait for hours outside banks to beg cashiers to give us some of our own money. Everything is three times more expensive."

A UN-backed unity government has struggled to assert its authority nationwide since arriving in Tripoli in March, with a rival parliament in the country's far east refusing to cede power to it.

On Friday it suffered a new blow when a rival seized key offices in the capital and proclaimed the reinstatement of a third administration previously based in Tripoli.

The turmoil after Kadhafi's 2011 fall has allowed the Islamic State jihadist group to gain a foothold on Europe's doorstep after seizing the strongman's hometown of Sirte in June last year.

Forces loyal to the unity government have for five months been fighting to expel the last jihadists from the former IS stronghold, with support from US air strikes since early August.

With the loyalists weakened by the anti-IS battle, forces led by a controversial field marshal last month seized key oil terminals to its east, allowing the National Oil Company to resume crude exports.

The eastern parliament has thrown its support behind Khalifa Haftar, who presents himself as Libya's saviour in the face of a growing jihadist threat but is a hugely divisive figure.

- 'Chaos or military rule' -

While his army has ousted most jihadists from Benghazi, the birthplace of the 2011 uprising, his detractors accuse him of working towards the single goal of seizing power to establish a new military dictatorship.

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"Libyans are forced to choose between two extremes: either chaos with militias and Islamist extremists as the dominant forces, or military rule," said Libya analyst Mohamed Eljarh.

"No other convincing options are on offer," added Eljarh, of the Rafik Hariri Centre for the Middle East.

Haftar's forces have fought for more than two years to expel jihadists from second city Benghazi, while pro-GNA forces are caught up in fighting IS in Sirte.

According to Libya expert Mattia Toaldo, these rival forces might then want to extend their influence in other areas of the country and be met with tough local resistance.

"It is hard to think that the country will be stabilised any time soon," said Toaldo.

"Libyans seem to have swapped a repressive centralised authoritarianism with a more decentralised and chaotic form of authoritarianism, be it under militias or under the rule of general Haftar."

The persistent chaos has also enabled human traffickers to step up their lucrative trade in the Mediterranean nation, with hundreds of migrants dreaming of Europe drowning off the Libyan coast.

And Libya has been the launchpad of deadly attacks on holidaymakers in neighbouring Tunisia.

While some Libyans mourn an easier life under Kadhafi, others stress that the chaos in Libya springs from decades of mismanagement under the dictator.

"The struggles of Libyans today are the logical consequence of 42 years of systematic destruction and sabotage" by the state, said Abderrahman Abdelaal, 32, an architect unable to find work in his field.
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Not all heroes wear capes, but some do have trunks.

Staff from the Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand have captured a heartwarming display of the bond between human and animal.

A young elephant rushed to save volunteer Darrick Thomson from some swift-moving river rapids, according to YouTube uploaders Elephant News.

The young elephant Kham Lha is seen charging into the river after hearing a semi-submerged Thomson's kicks, splashing and calls and apparently interpreting them as a distress call.

Thomson was in fact not in any great danger, and he swam to the rivers edge. But infant elephant Kham Lha went swam to his side, just in case.

As Elephant News described it, "This video show the bond between Darrick and elephant Kham Lha ...This is can show us that, when we treat animal with love, they always paid love back to us."

Bruno Mars gets down with the 'Saturday Night Live' audience for '24K Magic'

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When Beyonce released the music video for her hit song Formation last February and later gave a politically-charged performance of at the Super Bowl, protests from people who felt she was attacking police officers by symbolizing federal neglect of black communities followed.

But police officer Deuntay Diggs might be one of Queen Beys biggest fans.

Footage of Officer Diggs enthusiastically recreating the exact choreography to Formation at a pep rally at North Stafford High School in Virginia last week has gone viral.

Diggs, who says he is the first openly gay deputy to serve at the Stafford County Sheriffs Office on his personal site, told Buzzfeed that his decision to perform Formation came as a result of both his desire to let students know that they should feel free to express themselves and succeed and also to change the conversation surrounding police work.

The reason Im doing this is to show kids that they can make it, that they can survive, that they can be successful, he said. Ive been very fortunate, at this time when people look negatively upon law enforcement, that Im able to change that narrative and open up some conversations and engage with people.

Diggs actually learned the choreography two months ago for lip-syncing contest to benefit children, citing that hes a huge Beyonce fan, but brought it out again for the pep rally last week.

Watch his renditions of Formation below.

My sister teaches at a high school in Virginia and she just sent me this video of their county lieutenant dancing to formation @ a pep rally pic.twitter.com/2jaXnFgYrC  spooky harry  (@hereforthe1D_) October 14, 2016
By now, the majority of us have seen Beyonce's "Formation" videoand pretty much all of Lemonademore than a couple of times. Similar to the "Single Ladies" craze of 2008, millions of people have tried their hand at learning and copying the dance moves to "Formation" to be able to dance along whenever the song comes on. However not many can actually perfect these moves.

One of the talented few who are really able to get Queen Bey's dance moves down might be an unexpected guess. During the pep rally at North Stafford High School in Virginia this past Friday, a police officer impressed the entire audience with his dance moved. Deuntay Diggs2nd Lieutenant for Stafford County's Sheriff Officestole the spotlight when he stood in the center of the packed gymnasium to perform the choregraphy for Beyonce's hit single.

I basically learned the choreography the night before I performed it for the first time, Diggs told Buzzfeed. That practice showed off because he completely nailed it and brought this high school's pep rally to whole new level.

Watch the footage below.

My sister teaches at a high school in Virginia and she just sent me this video of their county lieutenant dancing to formation @ a pep rally pic.twitter.com/2jaXnFgYrC  spooky harry  (@hereforthe1D_) October 14, 2016









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In days leading up to the start of the assault on Mosul in northern Iraq, coalition airstrikes continued to hit infrastructure, weapons, and personnel belonging to the terrorist group.

In the GIF below, one of seven strikes near Mosul on October 8 hits a vehicle-borne improvised-explosive-device factory. VBIEDs continue to be one of the most common weapons deployed by ISIS forces. Even as the advance on Mosul continues, reports of a suicide car-bombing near Baghdad have emerged.

A little over a week after this strike, Iraqi President Haider al-Abadi announced the beginning of the operation to liberate Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city and the largest Iraqi city still under ISIS control.

The Iraqi forces being deployed against the city, which are bolstered by Kurdish Peshmerga forces and Shiite militias, are supported by a coalition of more than 60 countries.

Peshmerga forces ride on military vehicles on the east of Mosul during preparation to attack Mosul, Iraq, October 15, 2016. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari

In addition to the seven strikes launched on October 8, the combined coalition air forces hit the city with four strikes on October 9, four strikes on October 10, four strikes on October 11, one strike on Octobe 12, five strikes on October 13, and another strike on October 15.

Those raids targeted ISIS buildings, vehicles, weapons emplacements, weapons factories, command centers, anti-aircraft-weapons systems, personnel, remotely piloted aircraft, and media and communications gear.

The outlook for the Mosul operation is mixed. Some reports indicate that ISIS forces in the city are preparing to make a ferocious last stand, while The Wall Street Journal has reported the bulk of the terrorist group's forces in the city have withdrawn, citing a mid-level ISIS commander.

What seems certain is that the fight to secure Mosul from ISIS forces will further immiserate the civilian population in the city, believed to be about a million of the city's pre-ISIS population of 2 million.

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See the full video of the October 8 airstrike on the Operation Inherent Resolve Facebook page.

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Shares of Westar Energy, Inc. WR scaled a new 52-week high of $57.25 in Fridays trading session before finally closing at $57.22. The stock has delivered a one-year return of about 42.4%.

Over the past 52 weeks, Westar Energys shares have ranged from a low of $38.51 on Nov 6, 2015 to a high of $57.25 on Oct 17, 2016. The average volume of shares traded over the last three months is 730,848.

Whats Driving the Stock?

Last week, shareholders of Great Plains Energy Incorporated GXP and Westar Energy approved the pending merger-related proposals, paving the way for the completion of the transaction in the spring of 2017. Post the merger, the combined company will serve more than 1.5 million customers across the states of Kansas and Missouri.

A merger will allow the companies to reduce rate hikes for customers as well as lower costs. Under the merger deal, Westar Energy will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Great Plains Energy, and the merged company will be able to meet 45% of the customer requirement through clean energy.

WESTAR ENERGY Price and Consensus

WESTAR ENERGY Price and Consensus | WESTAR ENERGY Quote

Westar Energy is also making consistent efforts to expand its renewable portfolio. In June, the company issued first mortgage green bonds worth $350 million at a cost of just 2.55% to fund the Western Plains Wind Farm in Kansas, which is presently under construction. Further, the first of 122 Siemens 2.3-megawatt (MW) turbines, with a cumulative capacity 280 MW, have been delivered to Western Plains.

Management believes that the company enjoys local, economic and political support for its clean energy endeavors. Total renewables by the year end is expected to exceed 1,700 MW, producing energy equivalent of one third of the total retail sales.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Westar Energy carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A couple of better-ranked stocks in the same space include DTE Energy Company DTE and Black Hills Corporation BKH.

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DTE Energy has witnessed four upward estimate revisions for the full year over the last 60 days. The company carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Black Hills, another Zacks Rank #2 stock, has seen one upward estimate revision for 2016 over the last 60 days.

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Trumps latest complaint

-The Republican nominee is once again calling into question the efficacy of the U.S. electoral process, claiming that the race is rigged. In a tweet over the weekend, Trump explained that he believes the media is concentrating more on bad news relating to his campaign rather than Hillary Clintons, and he also stated that rigging is occurring at many polling places.

For all the latest on the 2016 race for the White House, including analysis of the most recent polls, watch Cavuto: Coast to Coast, beginning at 12 p.m. ET.

Update on Deutsche Bank

-New reports are surfacing that Deutsche Bank (NYSE: DB) is said to be looking to cut back on its U.S. operations. While this could be a cost-cutting effort, there is also speculation that such a move could be the result of the German banking giants deal with the DOJ over its role in helping precipitate the housing crisis.

The Iraqi military makes gains against ISIS

-Military officials in Iraq say they have inflicted heavy losses on ISIS, as government forces launched an offensive Monday to retake Mosul, Iraqs second largest city. All eyes will be on this battle since reclaiming Mosul is viewed as essential in the war against the Islamic State.

For the latest analysis on the battle against ISIS in Iraq, Lou Dobbs Tonight will have a panel of powerful experts weighing in beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

PepsiCo wants to make you healthier

-On Monday, PepsiCo (NYSE:PEP) will announce a new goal to reduce sugar in more of its soft drinks. By 2025, the company plans to have two-thirds of its offerings contain 100 calories or less added from sugar.

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Mark, a Zimbabwe white rhino, unfortunately got his snout wedged in a stray tire that had been left behind at his watering hole over the weekend.

The makeshift muzzle only became more lodged over Marks mouth as the animal struggled to free himself, making it impossible for him to eat or drink.

Park rangers alerted veterinarians from local wildlife group AWARE Trust Zimbabwe, who tranquilized Mark and successfully removed the obstruction.

With the drought at its zenith, the Lake has receded a lot and pollutants such as nets and tyres are washing up all the time, an AWARE Facebook post describing the incident reads. Mark obviously fancied some vegetation that was growing right in the center of the tyre, and once he stuck his nose to the ground to grasp it, the tyre came up over his horn stub. Credit: Facebook/Aware Trust Zimbabwe
You must grab the opportunity to add Constellation Brands Inc. STZ to your portfolio as the stock seems to be on a roll. Armed with a formidable portfolio of well-known brands, it is the largest wine company in the world. Also, it has a dominant position in the premium wine and beer segment in the U.S. Notably, this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock has jumped over 25% in the past one year. Further, it has a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 17.8%. Lets delve deeper to know more about the stock.



Whats Leading to the Bullish Run for the Stock?



Constellation Brands consistent focus on brand building and its initiatives to include new products in its wine and spirits business are the key revenue drivers for the stock. Recently, the company acquired High West Distillery, which boasts a robust portfolio of unique, award-winning premium American straight whiskeys and other spirits brands.



Alongside, the company is making meaningful leadership changes in an attempt to bring about innovations and improve its operational activities. Also, it is focused on enhancing points of distribution at retail and effectively executing its strategic merchandising initiatives to boost sales.



Moreover, Constellation Brands is on track with its glass plant expansion, which is expected to cater to more than 50% of the glass demand. Further, in an attempt to create value for its shareholders and strengthen the financial position of its Wine and Spirits business, the company is assessing the advantages of executing an initial public offer for a certain portion of its Canadian wine business. Also, it is a leading producer of wine in Canada and New Zealand.



Impressive Q2 Performance



Constellation Brands posted stellar second-quarter fiscal 2017 results, wherein both earnings and sales saw double-digit year-over-year growth, alongside exceeding expectations. This marked the companys eighth and sixth consecutive earnings and sales beat, respectively. (Read: Constellation Brands Tops Q2 Earnings, Sales; Stock Up)



Results were backed by effective integration and growth of the companys recently acquired brands; higher margins and strong consumer demand. Also, strength in Constellation Brands beer business, improving trends at its wine and spirits business, and solid overall depletion trends, which included the Ballast Point, Prisoner and Meiomi brands boosted results.



Consequently, management raised its fiscal 2017 view. It now envisions adjusted earnings in the range of $6.30$6.45 per share, up from $6.05$6.35 projected earlier. Moreover, the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.42 and $7.27 for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018 has increased 8 cents and 7 cents, respectively, over the past 30 days.

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CONSTELLATN BRD Price and Consensus

CONSTELLATN BRD Price and Consensus | CONSTELLATN BRD Quote

From the above analysis, it is quite apparent that Constellation Brands deserves a place in your portfolio.



Stocks to Consider



Other favorably ranked stocks in the same industry include Molson Coors Brewing Company TAP, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV BUD and Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. BREW, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.



Molson Coors, which is currently hovering close to its 52-week high of $112.19, has jumped over 25% in the past 12 months.



Anheuser-Busch has a long-term earnings growth rate of 11.1%. The stock has gained roughly 11.8% in the past one year.



Craft Brew, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 25%, has yielded a substantial return of over 130% in the past six months.

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Investors are always looking for stocks that are poised to beat at earnings season and Canadian Pacific Railway Limited CP may be one such company. The firm has earnings coming up pretty soon, and events are shaping up quite nicely for their report.

That is because Canadian Pacific Railway is seeing favorable earnings estimate revision activity as of late, which is generally a precursor to an earnings beat. After all, analysts raising estimates right before earningswith the most up-to-date information possibleis a pretty good indicator of some favorable trends underneath the surface for CP in this report.

In fact, the Most Accurate Estimate for the current quarter is currently at $2.13 per share for CP, compared to a broader Zacks Consensus Estimate at $2.12 per share. This suggests that analysts have very recently bumped up their estimates for CP, giving the stock a Zacks Earnings ESP of 0.47% heading into earnings season.

CDN PAC RLWY Price and EPS Surprise

CDN PAC RLWY Price and EPS Surprise | CDN PAC RLWY Quote

Why is this Important?

A positive reading for the Zacks Earnings ESP has proven to be very powerful in producing both positive surprises, and outperforming the market. Our recent 10 year backtest shows that stocks that have a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better show a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and have returned over 28% on average in annual returns (see more Top Earnings ESP stocks here).

Given that CP has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and an ESP in positive territory, investors might want to consider this stock ahead of earnings. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Clearly, recent earnings estimate revisions suggest that good things are ahead for Canadian Pacific Railway, and that a beat might be in the cards for the upcoming report.

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Investors are always looking for stocks that are poised to beat at earnings season and Lam Research Corporation LRCX may be one such company. The firm has earnings coming up pretty soon, and events are shaping up quite nicely for their report.

That is because Lam Research is seeing favorable earnings estimate revision activity as of late, which is generally a precursor to an earnings beat. After all, analysts raising estimates right before earningswith the most up-to-date information possibleis a pretty good indicator of some favorable trends underneath the surface for LRCX in this report.

In fact, the Most Accurate Estimate for the current quarter is currently at $1.78 per share for LRCX, compared to a broader Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.77 per share. This suggests that analysts have very recently bumped up their estimates for LRCX, giving the stock a Zacks Earnings ESP of 0.57% heading into earnings season.

Why is this Important?

A positive reading for the Zacks Earnings ESP has proven to be very powerful in producing both positive surprises, and outperforming the market. Our recent 10 year backtest shows that stocks that have a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better show a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and have returned over 28% on average in annual returns (see more Top Earnings ESP stocks here).

LAM RESEARCH Price and EPS Surprise

LAM RESEARCH Price and EPS Surprise | LAM RESEARCH Quote

Given that LRCX has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and an ESP in positive territory, investors might want to consider this stock ahead of earnings. You can the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Clearly, recent earnings estimate revisions suggest that good things are ahead for Hawaiian Holdings, and that a beat might be in the cards for the upcoming report.

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October is Earthquake Preparedness Month, and people in quake-prone zones all over the world will be practicing their best "drop, cover and hold-on" moves as officials arrange events to remind people that the earth under their feet isn't so stable.

Drills like the Great California Shakeout are one of the main weapons to prevent earthquake deaths, along with strict building codes and other preparedness measures. That's because, despite decades of study, researchers can't predict when an earthquake will strike  so there's no way to evacuate people ahead of time, or even give them a few minutes' warning.

That's not to say that researchers aren't still trying. Scientists are actively monitoring faults and searching for signals that they hope will warn them before something ruptures. At times, the goal has seemed tantalizingly close. In 1980, Congress created the National Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Council (NEPEC), an advisory group that was supposed to evaluate the routine predictions scientists thought might soon be rolling in. Those never materialized. [Image Gallery: This Millennium's Destructive Earthquakes]

"We have not been able to make observations of precursory phenomenon that give any sort of reliable indication that an earthquake is going to come," said Michael Blanpied, a member of NEPEC and the associate coordinator of the Earthquake Hazards Program at the U.S. Geological Survey.

So, why not? Unfortunately, the reason may be that the Earth simply doesn't give off any warning signs before it trembles.

Scams versus science

A quick Google search of "earthquake prediction" will lead you to any number of shady sites, where laptop-wielding individuals claim to have cracked the problem. Anyone claiming to pull predictions out of publically available earthquake data is actually pulling your leg, said John Vidale, director of the Pacific NW Seismic Network at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Story continues

"In something like earthquake prediction that scientists have been working on for 100 years, the answer is not going to jump out of nowhere," Vidale told Live Science.

Beware, too, those who claim to have made successful predictions, but hedge with vague generalities about the size of the quake or the area. According to a newly released report by NEPEC, a successful prediction needs to include unambiguous timing (e.g., "between Jan. 18, 00:00 GMT and Jan. 24, 23:59 GMT, 2019," and not "sometime around the full moon on Jan. 21"); a clear specification of the area (not simply "near" this or that fault); and a magnitude scale (earthquakes are measured logarithmically, so there's a big difference between a 5 magnitude and a 6 magnitude quake). Most people who claim to have predicted quakes in advance fudge these details regularly, Vidale said.

But not everyone with an idea for preventing quakes is a tinfoil-hat type. The geoscience community is skeptical that prediction will ever become a reality, but there are serious researchers who are pursuing the problem.

If any place is the geographical center of this effort, it's Parkfield, California, an unincorporated town along the San Andreas fault. The USGS has been intensively monitoring the rocks at Parkfield since 1985 because earthquakes there seemed so shockingly regular. There were magnitude 6 quakes in 1857, 1881, 1901, 1922, 1934 and 1966  about every 22 years. Each quake seemed to rupture the same area of the fault, leading geophysicists to believe that the seismicity was predictable. They predicted that another magnitude 6 earthquake would occur in or before 1993. [Photo Journal: The Gorgeous San Andreas Fault]

No quake of that size happened until 2004.

It was a blow to the field of earthquake prediction. Even with close monitoring and a known pattern of previous quakes, researchers couldn't say when Parkfield would shake.

"Part of the reason that it's hard is that the Earth is very complex," Blanpied said. "There's enormous variation in types of rock, in the stresses. There are faults all over the place." Even a prediction in Parkfield wouldn't necessarily have translated to researchers' ability to predict quakes on another fault.

Hidden precursors?

For quake prediction to work, there must be a detectable early signal before the earth starts shaking. It's not clear that such a signal exists, Vidale said.

Faults break when the stress in the crust overcomes the strength of the rock. And the failure point could be very small. It may just be a meter or even a centimeter-size fragment that fails, Vidale said.

"When it's about to break, it apparently doesn't give us any warning," he said. "The process starts in a tiny volume and just runs away at the speed of sound in the rock."

It's like breaking a sheet of glass versus a piece of plywood, Blanpied said. The wood starts to bend and splinter, indicating that a break is imminent. IIf Earth worked that way, prediction would be possible. But it's also possible that the crust is more like a sheet of glass that snaps suddenly.

"There is a precursory process that starts before the point it goes 'snap,'" Blanpied said. "But it's completely unobservable without an electron microscope."

Observation is a problem for earthquake prediction, too. Seismologists can typically measure areas in the half-mile (100 meters) range  and they're watching complex fault zones that are miles underground and hundreds or thousands of miles long. Measuring the stress and strength of an entire fault zone simply isn't possible, especially if the breakage point is as small as a few meters or less.

What's more, laboratory experiments and natural observations have led seismologists to conclude that all earthquakes start in the same way, Blanpied said.

"They all start small, and then some of them get bigger," he said. "And if this is true, it's not very good news for earthquake prediction."

Unless there's something fundamentally different about how big and little quakes start, he said, it's no good predicting that a temblor is coming: It's most likely to be a magnitude 1 or 2, undetectable without scientific instruments.

Earthquakes in the air?

Still, the search for precursors to earthquakes has led to odd places. Scientists have looked  unsuccessfully  for earthquake "hums," for unusual gas emissions, for trends in seismicity patterns. They've even turned to the ionosphere, or the layer of the atmosphere between about 50 and 600 miles (80 to 1,000 kilometers) above Earth's surface. One provocative line of recent research emerged after the magnitude 9.0 Tohoku earthquake that spawned an enormous tsunami in 2011. Kosuke Heki, a professor at Hokkaido University in Japan who uses satellite and other remote-sensing techniques to study the Earth, found that there was a disturbance in the ionosphere 40 minutes before the quake.

Since then, Heki has found disturbances prior to other large earthquakes, and argues that a pattern of extra electrons in the lower ionosphere plus a decline in electrons in the upper ionosphere may be a predictor of huge quakes in the magnitude 9 range.

"I would not have believed this if this preseismic ionospheric change had been discovered by somebody else," Heki told Live Science.

No one knows why the ionosphere would change in this way before a major quake. One idea, Heki said, is that when rock is stressed, positive charges might be released and gather on the Earth's surface, pulling on the negatively charged electrons in the ionosphere and rearranging them. However, the charges so far don't seem strong enough to cause massive ionospheric change.

"There are difficulties," Heki said.

There is also disagreement about how to statistically analyze the ionospheric changes against the natural background fluctuation of the atmosphere. One 2015 paper, for example, argued that Heki and other researchers studying the ionosphere are measuring nothing more than typical electron fluctuation, and that these changes aren't predictive at all. Heki and his team continue to study the phenomenon, but the burden of proof is heavy.

"There's a very rich connection between things going on in the ionosphere and things going on in the ground, but it certainly has not been established that there is a pre-earthquake process that's observable in the ionosphere," Blanpied said. "There's nothing that is particularly promising at this point."

Follow Stephanie Pappas on Twitterand Google+. Follow us @livescience, Facebook& Google+. Original article on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
Investors are always looking for stocks that are poised to beat at earnings season and Mattel, Inc. MAT may be one such company. The firm has earnings coming up pretty soon, and events are shaping up quite nicely for their report.

That is because Mattel is seeing favorable earnings estimate revision activity as of late, which is generally a precursor to an earnings beat. After all, analysts raising estimates right before earningswith the most up-to-date information possibleis a pretty good indicator of some favorable trends underneath the surface for MAT in this report.

In fact, the Most Accurate Estimate for the current quarter is currently at 71 cents per share for MAT compared to a broader Zacks Consensus Estimate of 70 cents per share. This suggests that analysts have very recently bumped up their estimates for MAT, giving the stock a Zacks Earnings ESP of 1.43% heading into earnings season.

MATTEL INC Price and EPS Surprise

MATTEL INC Price and EPS Surprise | MATTEL INC Quote

Why is this Important?

A positive reading for the Zacks Earnings ESP has proven to be very powerful in producing both positive surprises, and outperforming the market. Our recent 10 year backtest shows that stocks that have a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better show a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and have returned over 28% on average in annual returns (see more Top Earnings ESP stocks here).

Given that MAT has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and an ESP in positive territory, investors might want to consider this stock ahead of earnings. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Clearly, recent earnings estimate revisions suggest that good things are ahead for Mattel, and that a beat might be in the cards for the upcoming report.



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Many college instructors, including some of my former colleagues, rushed to defend the University of Chicagos statement. Their decisions initially puzzled me, as the construction of safe spaces had always been central to my teaching. But it eventually struck me that perhaps their opposition to safe spaces has to do with the nature of their teaching experiences: Whether tormented by the tribulations of being on the tenure-track or underemployed as adjuncts on short-term contracts, these academics have little control of their professional lives. The classroom, where they essentially dictate the content of their syllabi, offers one of the few places for them to exert themselves as intellectuals deserving of respect.

All too often, that respect is absent. As an academic writing for Vox under the pseudonym Edward Schlosser observed last summer, I once saw an adjunct not get his contract renewed after students complained that he exposed them to offensive texts written by Edward Said and Mark Twain. Schlossers piece was intended as a critique of oversensitive students, but many full-time academics have borne witness to the callous discarding of an adjunct who no longer fits the departments plans.
Crazier things have happened in media. So it would be foolish to completely dismiss the possibility that Donald Trump could successfully launch a TV network after the election  an idea that Financial Times reports today his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, recently raised with a prominent investment banker.

That item has people in the media business buzzing today, even though the FT acknowledges that the conversation with LionTrees Aryeh Bourkoff was brief and has not progressed.

Its easy to see why: The odds against Trump TV are steeper than the ones polls currently give the GOP nominees presidential aspirations, industry execs say. It also would be a stretch  although less daunting  to create a subscription online service.

The most promising option would be to create a single program in which hed star.

The hurdle for a TV channel is that, using back-of-the-envelope calculations, it could cost anywhere from $250 million-$500 million to launch  and would require about $300 million in annual revenues to sustain.

Its hard to see how a Trump-led venture could attract enough distribution and advertiser support to justify that investment.

For one thing, distributors led by Comcast and AT&Ts DirecTV want to drop channels, not add them. Theyre losing subscribers, in part because the typical pay TV bundle has become too expensive and bloated. The average subscriber receives more than 200 channels, and the average household only watches about 18.

Its especially hard for independent programmers  those not backed by a giant such as Disney, Time Warner, CBS, Comcasts NBCUniversal, Viacom, Discovery, or Fox  to secure distribution.

Solo players are are left to divide the few pennies that remain in [pay TV] programming budgets while being forced to agree to highly restrictive contract terms simply to reach the customers who demand their content, Glenn Becks TheBlaze  a potential model for a Trump TV  told the FCC in a filing this past March.

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Trump could try to shame operators into carrying his channel, for example by publicly tarring those who resist as members of a vast, establishment-led conspiracy.

But he still might be too radioactive. Just imagine how many subscribers would cut the cord at any cable or satellite service that agreed to give him a post-election platform  or boycott advertisers who buy time on it.

About 61% of the public views the GOP presidential candidate unfavorably, according to the polls that Real Clear Politics tracks. If you doubt the intensity of their feelings about Trump, then you havent been paying attention.

And if you doubt how risk-averse the major distributors are, consider how few carried Al Jazeera America  the news service that Qatar-based Al Jazeera created after it paid $500 million in 2013 for Al Gores Current TV. It closed in April saying that our business model is simply not sustainable in light of the economic challenges in the U.S. media marketplace.

Trumps options would also be limited if he wanted to buy an existing channel and rebrand it for political and issues programming. Carriage contracts typically give operators an out to drop a channel if it changes its format.

On top of the basic business problems, think of the nightmare Trump TV would create in Washington for those who backed it. The idea pre-supposes that Hillary Clinton will be president.

Although Justice Department and FCC officials usually profess to be above politics, lobbyists for TV distributors carrying Trump TV would have to wonder about the reception theyd receive when they approach looking for approvals for a merger deal, or an offer to buy airwave spectrum, or any of the dozens of issues that will concern them over the next four years.

An online subscription service could help Trump avoid the TV gatekeepers.

Becks provided a model of sorts in 2011 when he began to charge $10 a month for his online service TheBlaze, which later picked up some TV distribution on Dish Network, Verizon FiOS, and Suddenlink.

But Beck had a relatively clear field for the audience when he started. Trump would have to compete with Beck  as well as the multitude of SVOD services that major media companies either have launched, or plan to introduce.

On top of that, Trumps favorability numbers are especially low among the millennials who watch online video most.

Its hard to get money out of the consumer, one exec says. And for what? It cant just be [Trump].

Sarah Palin learned that lesson when she pulled the plug on her $10-a-month Sarah Palin Channel in mid-2015, about a year after it launched.

Trump might have more luck if he set the bar low, and simply offered a program to an existing network that would like the audience hed attract. For example, Fox News might find that appealing  especially if it kept Trump away from a competitor.

Even with low-single-digit ratings he could make anywhere from $20 million-$25 million, and wouldnt have to run anything.

That might appeal to a candidate who likes to brag about his savvy in the art of the deal.

Related stories

Michael Moore Working Down To Wire On Surprise 'TrumpLand' Movie

Melania Trump Says She Warned Husband About Howard Stern As Well As Billy Bush

Matt Lauer Says So Long To Billy Bush On 'Today' Show
From Cosmopolitan

Heres a fake kidnapping topped off with some horrifying racism to round out your Saturday afternoon.

The woman who made up a horrifying tale about being kidnapped and raped by four black men for two days will spend a year behind bars for her lie.

M Live reports that Fruitland, Michigan mom, Leiha Ann-Sue Artman, 25, pleaded guilty to making a false report of a felony. Artman told authorities that four black men abducted her from her driveway on March 27 and proceeded to throw her in the trunk of their car and then beat and rape her for days at an unknown location.

The entire time, the woman sent her boyfriend distressing texts describing the situation. She also sent selfies of herself bound, gagged, and bleeding from the head. She said her abductors demanded a ransom for her release.

All of that would be incredibly upsetting, except that it never happened.

On March 29, after two days, she called her boyfriend and said her abductors had dropped her near her home before any ransom was paid. Huh. When her boyfriend picked her up, he took her to the hospital where she spoke to police.

Later, Artman admitted she made the whole thing up, but its still unclear as to why.

On top of the year in jail, shell spend two years on probation and must pay a $1,158 fine.

Follow Laura on Twitter.

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Banda Aceh (Indonesia) (AFP) - A young woman screamed in pain as she was caned Monday in front of a jeering crowd in Indonesia's Aceh, the latest person to be punished for breaking the province's strict Islamic laws.

Aceh is the only province in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country that imposes sharia law. People can face floggings for a range of offences -- from gambling, to drinking alcohol, to gay sex.

The woman was among 13 people -- seven men and six women aged between 21 and 30 -- who were caned Monday at a mosque in the provincial capital Banda Aceh, as a baying crowd cheered the spectacle.

Six couples were found guilty of breaking Islamic laws that ban intimacy, such as touching, hugging and kissing, between unmarried people.

A man was caned for a less serious offence described as spending time with a member of the opposite sex in a hidden location in a fashion that could lead to adultery.

One 22-year-old woman due to be flogged was given a temporary reprieve as she was pregnant -- but Aceh Deputy Mayor Zainal Arifin pledged: "The punishment will be handed down after she gives birth."

The official added that he hoped the canings would serve as a deterrent: "We hope there are no more people in Banda Aceh who break the law in future."

More and more people are being caned in Aceh, with a particular increase in recent times in the number of women being flogged.

Aceh, on Sumatra island, began implementing sharia law after being granted special autonomy in 2001, an attempt by the central government in Jakarta to quell a long-running separatist insurgency.

Islamic laws have been strengthened since the province struck a peace deal with the central government in 2005.

More than 90 percent of Indonesians describe themselves as Muslim, but the vast majority practise a moderate form of the faith.
One imagines that a couple of months ago, Yahoo Inc. (ticker: YHOO) thought its third-quarter earnings report would be a mere formality -- just a procedural hurdle to clear until its buyout by Verizon Communications Inc. ( VZ) was finalized.

So much for that.

In a week stuffed with earnings reports, Yahoo is a must-watch company because it's cutting back on its earnings information. YHOO will release its earnings on Tuesday afternoon, but the conference call/webcast has been nixed amid growing uncertainty over its pending deal with Verizon.

[See: 7 Pharma Stocks and the Prognosis for Profits.]

The biggest culprit: In September, Yahoo confirmed what was rumored in August: that the company suffered a major security breach that put the information from at least 500 million user accounts in hackers' hands. According to Yahoo, that information "may have included names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, hashed passwords (the vast majority with bcrypt) and, in some cases, encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers." Yahoo also suffered a PR hit when the company was accused of scanning user emails at the direction of U.S. intelligence officials.

The Verizon-Yahoo deal still seems likely, just at renegotiated terms. Reports say the telecom is now asking YHOO to accept $1 billion less than the original $4.8 billion offered, which makes all the sense in the world. Yahoo's core assets suddenly look a lot less attractive in the wake of a massive hit to the brand -- but that also should make Yahoo even more desperate to get a deal done than before.

Here are four other stocks investors should be watching this week:

Tesla Motors (TSLA). Tesla would appear to be another must-see stock of the non-reporting variety, though given CEO Elon Musk's history of overtweeting and underdelivering, we might be leading you to disappointment on this one.

Musk on Oct. 9 tweeted that there would be a "Tesla product unveiling on the 17th (unexpected by most), followed by Tesla/SolarCity ( SCTY) on the 28th." That was it, and thus started the rumor mill. So, what all could we see?

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Just remember: Musk has a tendency of teasing a lot of things via Twitter, and it doesn't always work out for the best. The best example of this is "The D" -- Musk's tweet to what many thought would be a brand-new model, but turned out to be just a variant of the Model S. The disappointment knocked Tesla shares to the ground, costing Musk $500 million in a day.

When Monday hit, Musk pushed back the announcement to Wednesday, saying it "needs a few more days of refinement." We'll see.

Intel Corp. (INTC). Intel is up 37 percent year for the year, but is stumbling a little heading into Tuesday afternoon earnings report, signifying a struggle between short-term optimism and long-term headwinds.

Last week, research firms IDC and Gartner provided some ominous cloud cover for the PC industry. The former reported that while PC shipments in the U.S. actually grew 1.7 percent, global sales were off 3.9 percent. The latter said its data showed a 5.7 percent decline worldwide, with analyst Mikako Kitagawa pointing to lethargic adoption in emerging markets, where people "primarily use smartphones or tablets for their computing needs."

[See: 7 Turnaround Stocks and How They're Doing.]

Also last week, Reuters reported that a new consortium of tech firms, including International Business Machines Corp. ( IBM) and Micron Technology ( MU), are teaming up to take on Intel in the data center space. Specifically, this group is launching an open specification -- Open Coherent Accelerator Processor Interface -- that will "help corporate and cloud data centers to speed up big data, machine learning, analytics and other emerging workloads." This flies in the face of Intel, who keeps its technology close to the chest.

INTC still could do some work for the longs, however.

Wells Fargo analyst David Wong last week reiterated Intel as his top pick for a number of reasons, including, ironically enough, improvements in the data center business and better PC demand for client computing. Intel itself telegraphed a strong third quarter in September, when it upgraded its revenue guidance from $14.9 billion to $15.6 billion.

Wall Street adjusted its expectations for Intel appropriately, with analysts now expecting revenue growth of 7.6 percent to $15.56 billion, and a sharp 12.5 percent improvement in earnings to 72 cents per share.

Microsoft Corp. (MSFT). Speaking of troubling PC figures, Microsoft will step up to the earnings plate this week as well.

Microsoft's up-and-down 2016 has finally settled on "up" for a couple of months, and the company will try to keep it that way when it reports fiscal first-quarter earnings Thursday evening.

There's not much of a bar to clear here. Earnings are expected to tick up a penny per share to 68 cents, on revenues up fractionally to $21.71 billion, so it won't take much to provide a pleasant earnings surprise. And if MSFT is going to get that kind of a surprise, it'll likely come from better-than-expected results from either Productivity (Office 365 and other products), or Intelligent Cloud, which combined for about $5.5 billion in operating income last quarter.

However, Microsoft does have a couple things working against it.

While MSFT is up only about 4 percent for the year, that has come courtesy of a massive 20 percent-plus jump since June, so Microsoft could be due for a pullback on any sort of disappointment. Moreover, it won't have the benefit of being able to woo investors with cash -- it already upped its dividend 8 percent and announced a new $40 billion buyback program last month.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): J&J's third-quarter report comes out Tuesday before the open, and analysts expect improvement on both the top and bottom lines, which if met would continue to prop up the stock's strong 2016.

JNJ is up 15 percent year-to-date thanks in large part to earnings beats in the first two quarters of the year, which were heavily driven by strength in the pharmaceutical business. The consumer health/pharma company goes into Tuesday's report with analysts expecting 11 percent earnings growth to $1.65 per share on 3.6 percent revenue growth to $17.71 billion.

RBC Capital Market's Glenn Novarro, who has been bullish on JNJ for some time now, recently expressed optimism ahead of the company's report. He believes concerns about Olysio -- a hepatitis C treatment -- are overdone "and have created a buying opportunity ahead of what we expect will be another strong quarter, driven by the pharmaceutical segment."

[Read: 8 Stocks to Buy for a Cold Winter.]

If that is the case, expect JNJ to finish out 2016 strongly.





More From US News & World Report


Aden (AFP) - Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire that could be extended, the war-torn country's foreign minister said Monday, a day after international calls for a truce.

The announcement comes after the United States, Britain and the UN peace envoy to Yemen on Sunday urged the warring parties in the country's civil war to declare a ceasefire they said could start within days.

"The President agreed to a 72 hrs ceasefire to be extended if the other party adheres to it", activates a truce observing committee and ends the siege of third-city Taez, Abdulmalek al-Mekhlafi wrote on Twitter.

Al-Arabiya news channel meanwhile cited Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir as saying that the kingdom is willing to see a ceasefire take effect in Yemen without providing details.

Saudi Arabia's impoverished neighbour has been rocked by a deadly war since pro-Iran rebels overran the capital Sanaa in September 2014.

The conflict, however, escalated after an Arab coalition, led by Riyadh, launched a bombing campaign against the Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies in March 2015.

On Sunday, UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said: "We are here to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which will be declared in the next few hours."

The envoy said he had been in contact with the Huthi militia's lead negotiator and with Hadi's government.

But he warned that he hoped for "clearer plans" for a ceasefire in coming days.

"We reiterate our support for the efforts of UN Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed," Mekhlafi tweeted, adding that his government will deal "positively" with international calls for peace.

The conflict in Yemen has killed almost 6,900 people, wounded more than 35,000 and displaced at least three million since March last year, according to the United Nations.

- New peace plan -

On Sunday US Secretary of State John Kerry met in London with the UN envoy and his opposite numbers from Britain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the Yemen conflict.

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"This is the time to implement a ceasefire unconditionally and then move to the negotiating table," US Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters after the talks.

Kerry said that he agreed with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and the UN envoy that the ceasefire should begin "as rapidly as possible, meaning Monday, Tuesday".

Previous attempts to enforce a ceasefire in the country have so far failed with the war intensifying after a round of peace talks in Kuwait ended in August without achieving breakthrough.

The Saudi-led coalition has stepped up its air raids following the breakdown of talks and cross-border attacks from Yemen have also intensified.

A ceasefire that was announced in conjunction with the start of the Kuwait talks was hardly observed on ground, with both sides trading blame for violating the truce.

Earlier this month, the UN envoy had said that a 72-hour ceasefire was expected soon adding that he was hoping to draft a new peace plan for Yemen.

The coalition has carried out hundreds of air strikes and provided ground troops to support Hadi's forces.

But it has failed to dislodge the Huthi rebels, who are allied with forces loyal to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, from key areas including the capital Sanaa.

The rebels still control large parts of the north, their historic stronghold areas, and other regions of western and central Yemen.

Taez, the country's third city, is almost completely surrounded by the Huthis and their allies and loyalist forces have for months tried to break the rebel grip on the southwestern city.

Government forces have recaptured the south and east but failed to make any significant advances.
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New Zealand's police department definitely has the moves and they are not afraid to use them. They want to show who they are behind the uniform, what their interests and hobbies are, so that they can earn the trust of their community. It's all part of a campaign called 'Beyond the Blue,' which aims to draw people and police closer to each other.

SEE ALSO: Kiwi police are on the beat in musical 'Elevator Cops' video

The man behind the idea for the viral Kiwi police videos, James Whitaker, who is their Brand and Engagement Manager, told Mashable, "we are hoping that through this campaign, people will get to know us better. That they will be more inclined to work for us, and, most importantly, feeling comfortable about coming forward to us when they are in need."
Rather than leading to the violent downfall of humankind, artificial intelligence is helping people around the world do their jobs, including doctors who diagnose sepsis in patients and scientists who track endangered animals in the wild, experts said Thursday (Oct. 13) at the White House Frontiers Conference in Pittsburgh.

Advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) haven't always been met with enthusiasm. Famed astrophysicist Stephen Hawking warned on several occasions that a fully developed AI could destroy the human race, and Hollywood sci-fi movies are rife with fierce robots battling humans for control. But at yesterday's conference  attended by the country's leading researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and students  scientists explained how newly developed AI is accelerating research and improving lives.

Here is a look at five AI inventions that are already redefining technology. [The 6 Strangest Robots Ever Created]

Wildlife preservation

Many researchers want to know how many animals are out there and where they live, but "scientists do not have the capacity to do this, and there are not enough GPS collars or satellite tracks in the world," Tanya Berger-Wolf, a professor of computer science at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said at the conference, which was jointly hosted by the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University and was also streamed live online.

Instead, Berger-Wolf and her colleagues developed Wildbook.org, a site that houses an AI system and algorithms. The system inspects photos uploaded online by experts and the public. It can recognize each animal's unique markings, track its habitat range by using GPS coordinates provided by each photo, estimate the animal's age and reveal whether it is male or female, Berger-Wolf said.

After a massive 2015 photo campaign, Wildbook determined that lions were killing too many babies of the endangered Grevy's zebra in Kenya, prompting local officials to change the lion management program, she said.

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"The ability to use images with photo identification is democratizing access to conservation in science," Berger-Wolf said. "We now can use photographs to track and count animals."

Diagnosing sepsis

Sepsis is a complication that is treatable if caught early, but patients can experience organ failure, or even death, if it goes undetected for too long. Now, AI algorithms that scour data on electronic medical records can help doctors diagnose sepsis a full 24 hours earlier, on average, said Suchi Saria, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering.

Saria shared a story about a 52-year-old woman who came to the hospital because of a mildly infected foot sore. During her stay, the woman developed sepsis  a condition in which a chemical released by the blood to fight infection triggers inflammation. This inflammation can lead to changes in the body, which can cause organ failure or even death, she said.

The woman died, Saria said. But if the doctors had used the AI system, called Targeted Real-Time Early Warning System (TREWScore), they could have diagnosed her 12 hours earlier, and perhaps saved her life, Saria said.

TREWScore also can be used to monitor other conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, she noted. "[Diagnoses] may already be in your data," Saria added. "We just need ways to decode them." [A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence]

Search and rescue

Victims of floods, earthquakes or other disasters can be stranded anywhere, but new AI technology is helping first responders locate them before it's too late.

Until recently, rescuers would try to find victims by looking at aerial footage of a disaster area. But sifting through photos and video from drones is time-intensive, and it runs the risk of the victim dying before help arrives, said Robin Murphy, a professor of computer science and engineering at Texas A&M University.

AI permits computer programmers to write basic algorithms that can examine extensive footage and find missing people in less than 2 hours, Murphy said. The AI can even find piles of debris in flooded areas that may have trapped victims, she added.

In addition, AI algorithms can sift through social media sites, such as Twitter, to learn about missing people and disasters, Murphy said.

Cybersecurity

Finding flaws and attacks on computer code is a manual process, and it's typically a difficult one.

"Attackers can spend months or years developing [hacks]," said Michael Walker, a program manager with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Information Innovation Office. "Defenders must comprehend that attack and counter it in just minutes."

But AI appears to be up to the challenge. DARPA held its first Cyber Grand Challenge on Aug. 4 in Las Vegas, a competition won by Mayhem, a program created by the Pittsburgh-based startup ForAllSecure.

Walker described how the second-place team Xandra "discovered a new attack in binary code, figured out how it worked, reached out over a network [and] breached the defenses of one of its opponents, a system named Jima. And Jima detected that breach, offered a patch, decided to field it and ended the breach."

The entire episode took 15 minutes. "It all happened before any human being knew that flaw existed," Walker said. The attack happened on a small network, but Walker said he was confident that AI could one day patch bugs and respond to attacks online in the real world.

Restoring touch

In a landmark event announced Thursday, researchers revealed that a paralyzed man's feelings of touch were restored with a mind-controlled robotic arm and brain chip implants. [Bionic Humans: Top 10 Technologies]

A 2004 car accident left the man, Nathan Copeland, with quadriplegia, meaning he couldn't feel or move his legs or lower arms, Live Science reported yesterday. At the Frontiers Conference, Dr. Michael Boninger, a professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, explained how innovations allowed Copeland to feel sensation in his hand again.

Doctors implanted two small electronic chips into Copeland's brain  one in the sensory cortex, which controls touch, and the other in the motor cortex, which controls movement. During one trial, Copeland was able to control the robotic arm with his thoughts. Even more exciting, Boninger said, was that the man reported feeling the sensation of touch when the researchers touched the robotic hand.

Many challenges remain, including developing a system that has a long battery life and enables full sensation and movement for injured people, he said. "All of this will require AI and machine learning," Boninger said.

Original article on Live Science.

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AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Dutch agency that approved electric carmaker Tesla's "Autopilot" driver assistance system for use throughout Europe is concerned the name could be misleading, a spokeswoman said on Monday, after Germany asked the company to stop using the term in advertising. Therese de Vroomen added, however, she was not sure whether the agency - the Dutch Road Traffic Service (RDW) - would take any action to follow up on its concerns. Tesla's "Autopilot" driver assistance system has been the focus of intense scrutiny since a Tesla Model S driver was killed while using the technology in a May 7 collision with a truck in Florida. Over the weekend Germany's transport ministry said it had asked Tesla to stop using the term "Autopilot" in advertising because it might suggest drivers' attention was not needed. Tesla said in response to that request that autopilot had been used in the aerospace industry for decades to describe a system operating in conjunction with a human driver, and the company had always made it clear to customers that the system required drivers to pay attention at all times. In 2015, the RDW approved Tesla's "Autopilot" feature for use throughout Europe. The agency's concerns only relate to the name and not to the system itself. De Vroomen said there had been discussions within the RDW about whether the name was appropriate, but was unsure whether it would, like Germany, ask Tesla to stop using it. The Dutch Advertising Code Authority, which oversees standards in the advertising industry, said it had not received any complaints about Tesla's use of the name "Autopilot". Germany's KBA road transport authority has told Tesla owners that the "Autopilot" function does not mean the vehicle can be operated without the driver's constant attention. German consumer protection agency vzbv said on Monday however that the "Autopilot" system should not be on the roads. "A letter to Tesla drivers urging them not to use the Autopilot is not sufficient. That shifts to consumers the responsibility for a failure that happened in the approval," the vzbv said in an e-mailed statement. (Reporting by Toby Sterling and Georgina Prodhan; Editing by Mark Potter, Greg Mahlich)
It looks like Apples long-rumored self-driving car is headed to an early grave. The iPhone maker, according to Bloomberg, appears to be cutting its losses on the vehicle, codenamed Project Titan, and is instead shifting toward building a self-driving system that automakers can install in their own cars and trucks.

The change of direction from full-scale vehicle development to autonomous system creation appears to have been spearheaded by Apples Bob Mansfield. But that move still might not be the wisest.

The allure of an Apple car

Thats because killing the Apple (AAPL) car and turning it into a piece of software eliminates the most compelling aspect of the project: the fact that it would have been an Apple vehicle. Think about it. Consumers would certainly be far more interested in driving a car built by Apple instead of one built by Honda (HMC) or Ford (F) that happens to use some form of Apple technology.

Whats more, Apple is far from the only company working on an autonomous vehicle system. Every major automaker is currently experimenting with or testing such technologies. So if Apple is going to sell its own self-driving software it will have to prove that its either more cost effective for automakers to purchase a third-party autonomous solution or that Apples is so much further along that its absolutely worth purchasing.

The Bloomberg report points out that hundreds of the estimated 1,000 Apple employees hired to work on the vehicle have either been moved off the project, or left the company entirely. The car was supposed to expand Apples product range outside of the increasingly saturated consumer electronics market.

But it seems that a series of managerial switches and the sheer difficulty of building a manufacturing pipeline for a mass-market vehicle proved far too much for Apple to handle.

Project Titan

Rumors of an Apple car have been circulating for years, with many publications claiming that the vehicle would run on electric propulsion and be smart enough to drive itself. That alone is a difficult undertaking. Just look at Tesla, which has been able to create a small stable of electric vehicles and is actively working on autonomous driving capabilities, but has struggled to bring its business to scale.

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Apples decision to move into the automotive market also seemed to make little sense from a business perspective. Thats because cars and trucks, unlike smartphones and laptops have provided a comparatively low return on investment. Bloomberg pegs the average vehicles profit margin at south of 10%.

According to the report, the new trajectory for Project Titan calls for the autonomous vehicle software team to have something ready for Apple executives to look at by 2017. At that point, the company will evaluate whether to continue moving forward or not.

The Apple car rumor mill

Interestingly, rumors that Apple was still set on building a car continued swirling as recently as September, when a report by the Financial Times indicated that the tech giant was in talks with supercar maker McLaren to join forces in building a vehicle. McLaren, however, denied the report.

Before that, Apple was said to have been testing Project Titan at a massive proving ground facility in California called GoMentum Station. The company was also said to have been constructing the car in a secret lab outside of its Cupertino, Calif., campus, while simultaneously working out of a lab in Berlin, Germany.

All of that is to say, there has been a good amount of speculation and rumor about the vehicle. Its clear that Apple was working on a vehicle, considering it spoke with officials from the California DMV about autonomous vehicle testing and went on a hiring spree for various auto industry experts, engineers and designers, but its unknown how far along Apple actually was in its testing.

As it stands, it seems more likely that Apple will eventually have to cut its losses on its quest to break into the automotive market. Then again, the company is full of surprises. Either way, well find out what the iPhone maker has up its sleeves in the coming months.

via: Bloomberg

More from Dan:

Email Daniel at dhowley@yahoo-inc.com; follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley.
According to a recent report by Bloomberg, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently filed an appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco, to review the previous ruling regarding a data throttling charge issued by the FTC against the U.S. telecom behemoth AT&T Inc. T.

Data throttling basically means data traffic blocking and slowing any data traffic once customers hit certain usage thresholds in a month. In Oct 2014, the FTC disputed that using the data throttling technique the telecom carrier had deceived its unlimited plan customers. In its latest filing, the regulatory agency stated that the Appeal Courts previous ruling would permit any technology company that also offer phone or broadband services (either launching their own service or merging with an existing carrier) to sidestep enforcement of consumer-protection laws.

On Aug 29, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California reversed a lower court's denial of AT&T's motion to dismiss the throttling lawsuit. The appeals court identified AT&T as a common carrier. Due to this, the service provider could not be held liable for the violations of rules that the FTC brought in its case.

Notably, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) slapped a fine of $100 million on AT&T for a similar reason in Jun 2015. The company has filed a response, which is still under review by the FCC. It is worth mentioning here that the FCC had adopted the Net Neutrality rules in Feb 2015. The new laws has classified high-speed broadband (Internet) as a public utility under Title II of the 1934 Communications Act instead of section 706 of the 1996 Telecom Act.

Net neutrality implies an open-Internet atmosphere which will prohibit ISPs (Internet service Providers), especially the telecom and cable TV operators, from discriminating against applications. The enforcement of the new law has banned common ISP practices such as data traffic blocking, slowing any data traffic and paid prioritization. The FCC will closely monitor and put a check on all such deals in the future.

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For the FTC case, AT&T hasnt denied that it had throttled some users. However, the company defended itself citing that an exception is in place for common carriers. In Oct 2014, AT&T was a common carrier for landline phone and mobile voice service, but not for mobile Internet access. The FCC reclassified mobile Internet as a common carrier service only after adopting the Net Neutrality Rules. These arguments by AT&T most likely compelled the federal court to dismiss the FTC case.

The U.S. telecom industry is becoming immensely competitive with cut-throat pricing. Recently, T-Mobile US Inc. TMUS and Sprint Corp. S escalated the pricing war with new unlimited data plans. Verizon Communications Inc. VZ announced that it completed a major upgrade of its 4G LTE networks to LTE-Advanced technology covering 461 cities in the U.S. The LTE-Advanced network will raise the data packet transmission speed by more than 50%.

At this juncture, a favorable court ruling related to the FTC case will be a major relief for AT&T. AT&T currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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Computer security legend John McAfees social accounts have been racking up the retweets, likes and shares in recent days after he posted an image of what appears to be Pornhub running on the display of a smart refrigerator. His tweet accompanying the image was ominous.

The IoT  do you believe me now? reads part of what he wrote about the porn fridge.

https://twitter.com/officialmcafee/status/782724362034118656

It was typical McAfee, but also reflective of the colorful headline-makers reinvention of himself a few times over in recent years. He now leads a public company called MGT Capital Investments. MGTs website says the firm -- which includes Atari founder Nolan Bushnell on its board -- is positioned to address various cyber threats through advanced protection technologies for mobile and personal tech devices, including tablets and smart phones.

McAfee himself -- as his tweet shows -- is also something of a professional Cassandra, especially when it comes to the exploding Internet of Things market. He was in Beijing in August to keynote the China Internet Security Conference to warn about security around IoT devices.

That was before, of course, developments like the DDoS attack powered by a massive IoT botnet that targeted security journalist Brian Krebs website. A few days ago, Krebs himself reported that the European Commission is drafting new rules to improve security around IoT devices.

All of which helps explain why, minutes before the second presidential debate was set to begin on Oct. 9, McAfee was insisting in an interview with BGR that none of us completely understands the implications of what he warns are gaping security holes inherent in IoT products.

Oh, and that he thinks the space is a hackers wet dream.

Were approaching a situation where we wont have the resources to stop, prevent or recover from the potential damage coming down this pike, McAfee said.

If thats true, what will it take to make people think twice about filing their homes with smart thermostats, refrigerators, lightbulbs and the like?

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Basically, a catastrophe, McAfee said. When it was about entering World War II, what did that take? The annihilation of Americas Pacific fleet. Were people. Were lazy. Were indolent. We just think the best is going to happen - and if the worst happens, someone will take care of me. But they wont. Not this time.

Well.

The warnings certainly dont seem to be slowing down the expansion of the space. German software giant SAP said at the end of September it plans to spend the equivalent of $2.2 billion on IoT products by the end of 2020. Same with Samsung, which earlier this year said it would invest $1.2 billion in IoT.

The fundamental problem is that the device manufacturers, whether they be safes or refrigerators or toasters or thermostats or lawn sprinklers or what have you - the vertical space is well-understood by the manufacturer, else they wouldnt be in business, McAfee said. But what do they know about computer security? You have to ask yourself this. Probably nothing. Because with their skill set and employees and departments, what experience do they have in terms of building intelligence into their device to make it secure for us? They have none. What most manufacturers do is buy off the shelf hardware and off the shelf software. Meaning, you buy hardware and software which has had many years of exposure to hacking.

Those warnings, of course, urge caution about a space that's increasingly being recognized for the new degrees of convenience and utility it brings. Its certainly cool to be able to monitor a live camera feed of your home on your phone while youre away. Or to control something like your homes thermostat from a smartphone.

Recent weeks, meanwhile, have also seen something of an uptick in the volume of commentary offering similarly pointed warnings about the proliferation of connected devices and the ubiquity of IoT.

Cory Doctorow, for example, laments the inevitability of a future when ordinary people will interact with hundreds, then thousands, then tens of thousands of computers every day. Most of those interactions will be, he says, in the form of glances and quick moments - fleeting encounters with devices that often lack some sort of user interface similar to that of a PC or smartphone.

The economics of the IoT mean that it will remain insecure unless government steps in to fix the problem, computer security expert Bruce Schneier writes. This is a market failure that can't get fixed on its own.

Our computers and smartphones are as secure as they are because there are teams of security engineers working on the problem  This isn't true of embedded systems like digital video recorders or home routers. Those systems are sold at a much lower margin, and are often built by offshore third parties. The companies involved simply don't have the expertise to make them secure. Even worse, most of these devices don't have any way to be patched.

Schneier says the government needs to step in to set standards and mandate fixes.

McAfee thinks the only answer can come from upstart entrepreneurs untethered to legacy business models.

Coverage of him over the past year or so has certainly turned him into something of a larger-than-life caricature, or character. If he cares, he doesnt show it. But never mind for now about his troubles in Belize; trying unsuccessfully to secure the Libertarian Partys nomination this year; blasting the recent Showtime documentary about him; and a host of other examples.

As the rest of the country watched the nasty showdown between Clinton and Trump, the gruff-voiced McAfee was focused on one thing -- warning of the crisis hes sure will come, eventually. It will be a digital Pearl Harbor, he insists, lamenting that maybe then, everyone will get the message.

Trending right now:

See the original version of this article on BGR.com
"Virtual reality" has become the hot new buzzword. But while Hollywood studios are shelling out tens of millions to explore its promise, most of that money is going into tech research or marketing departments looking to create branded content to support upcoming movies.

If VR is to become a genuine reality, though, what's needed now is a steady stream of revenue-producing content, argues Jim Mainard, executive vp digital strategy and new business development at DreamWorks Animation. He plans to make that case at the Digital Hollywood conference, where he will be one of the studio executives speaking about the future of VR and augmented reality.

In terms of Hollywood-inspired VR content, motion picture IP-based experiences are on the rise, with recent work drawing inspiration from such films as Warner Bros.' Suicide Squad and Disney's The Jungle Book. Suicide Squad VR Experience, available on Samsung VR, features the demolition of a corporate office, with characters including Harley Quinn and Deadshot.

Photofest

Marketing departments "are expecting to create buzz around a film [with a VR experience]. Some are quite good, but they're not moving us toward a business model to reach people on a regular basis," warns Mainard, adding that this current state of VR "feels like what happened with 3D TV. We had event movies, but not content that made us check in every day or every week. There was no Game of Thrones in 3D."

But he predicts that "2019 may be where we turn the corner for revenue." Gaming generally is viewed as the low-hanging fruit - for instance, titles such as EVE: Valkyrie and Batman: Arkham VR are available for PlayStation VR's Oct. 13 launch. And on the narrative side of the equation, soon to come is the first VR content from leading Hollywood directors such as Steven Spielberg and Alejandro G. Inarritu. The Mexican-born helmer is planning an experimental VR short film exploring the experience of immigrants and refugees crossing the border between Mexico and the U.S.

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Read more: Oculus Connect 3: Disney, 'Blade Runner 2049' Virtual Reality Content on the Way

In addition to content, a critical mass of consumers with VR headsets also is needed. To that end, in October Google introduced its Daydream View VR headsets for Android devices, which will ship for $79 in November. Daydream joins other systems for viewing VR using a mobile device, such as Google's earlier Cardboard and Samsung's VR Gear.

At the high end of the emerging tech, Sony begins shipping its PlayStation VR headsets, which require a PlayStation 4, on Oct. 13 for $400. Oculus Rift and HTC Vive are available for $599 and $799, respectively, though both require a supported computer. With roughly 43 million PS4 systems already installed, Sony may have a sizable advantage. "There's a lot of anticipation due to the installed base," says Fox futurist Ted Schilowitz.

Read more: Imax Opening First European Virtual Reality Center in Manchester

Fox has been demonstrating its The Martian VR Experience at industry trade shows all year, but the interactive 20-minute narrative requires hand controllers that haven't been readily available. But The Martian will soon reach consumers on PlayStation VR, for which controllers can be purchased separately, and HTC Vive, which began shipping last spring with controllers included. The Martian also will be available for Oculus Rift headsets once the Rift's Touch controller comes to market Dec. 6.

"Hand control is a big topic," says Schilowitz. Although the first wave of VR devices didn't allow viewers to interact with the environment around them with their hands, that's about to change. And, says Schilowitz, "I think the best experience is full-body immersion, where you're using your hands."

***

DON'T-MISS TOPICS AT DIGITAL HOLLYWOOD

The Hollywood VR-AR State of the Union

Oct. 18, 6:15 p.m.

Dinner speakers include Chris Defaria, Warner Bros. president of animation and technical innovation; Paul Hook, partner/head of motion picture production at ICM Partners; and DWA's Mainard.

The Power of VR-AR: A New Language of Artistry

Oct. 19, 4 p.m.

Skydance's Spencer Hunt and Digital Domain's Aruna Inversin in a conversation about art and business, moderated by THR's Carolyn Giardina.

Ken Burns' "Defying the Nazis VR"

Oct. 19, 6:15 p.m.

Director Elijah Allan-Blitz presents a VR experience that simulates a 1940s escape from Europe.

Evening Keynote

Oct. 19, 6:15 p.m.

Perspectives on VR from the Television Academy's Seth Shapiro.

This story first appeared in the Oct. 21 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
Saturday Night Live over the weekend continued its comedic assault on the 2016 U.S. Presidential election with a hilarious and dead-on spoof of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton's recent Town Hall debate. Per usual, Alec Baldwin was in rare form as Donald Trump as Kate McKinnon similarly reprised her solid Hillary Clinton impersonation.

As anyone who witnessed last week's Town Hall debate can attest, it was nothing short of a trainwreck, albeit an entertaining one, that practically did nothing to illuminate the respective candidate's positions on important issues. Instead, we were treated to child-like bickering and a smattering of colorful and meme-friendly town characters like Ken Bone.

DON'T MISS: One of the most popular Pokemon Go map trackers is being revived this weekend

With so much material to work off of, SNL had no trouble delivering the laughs while skewering the ridiculousness of this year's election. Neither candidate was spared ridicule in this week's clip as Clinton was portrayed as an automaton pathetically striving to bond with the common man while Trump was portrayed as a bumbling buffoon incapable of staying on any given topic.

When confronted with a question about kids for example, Trump responds: Anderson, I love the kids. Okay, I love them so much I marry them. I've been helping kids my whole life. In 1992 I helped a kid named Kevin McCallister find a hotel lobby. You might remember the documentary, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVMW_1aZXRk

At the 4:30 mark, there's also a great scene where Trump creeps up behind Clinton, mirroring one of the more bizarre moments from last week's debate. And last but not least, what debate spoof would be complete without an appearance from the man, the myth, the legend. Of course, I'm talking about Ken Bone, the red-sweatered undecided voter who arguably became famous faster than anyone else in history.

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Interestingly enough, the Ken Bone segment was the only weak part of the entire sketch. Overall though, SNL's cold open this week was an A+ effort and well worth watching. That is, of course, assuming that your name isn't Donald J. Trump.

Up at the crack of dawn, Trump took to Twitter to blast the show and Alec Baldwin's Trump impersonation.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/787612552654155776

Trending right now:

See the original version of this article on BGR.com
By PTI: Pune, Oct 16 (PTI) Paani Foundation, set up by Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, today announced the second edition of Satyamev Jayate Water Cup, with an aim to extend the watershed management programme to 30 tehsils in Maharashtra.

In its first edition, the water conservative initiative under Satyamev Jayate Water Cup had been implemented in three tehsils.

The Cup is a competition between different villages to see who can do the maximum work for watershed management and water conservation in the period of the competition. The competition period of the first edition of the Cup was between April 20 and June 5, 2016.

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According to the foundation, 116 villages took part in the competition to make their villages water-sufficient and total water storage created by the competing villages was 13,68,000 litres of water.

"The first edition of water cup was a pilot project and with its success, we now want to extend the watershed management programme to 30 more talukas in Maharashtra to make the villages water-sufficient with peoples participation," Aamir said.

The actor, along with organisations CEO, Satyajit Bhatkal, was here to present entire plan for the second edition of the Cup and interacted with 700 volunteers of Bhartiya Jain Sanghtana (BJS), a city-based organisation.

BJS has decided to join the water conservative initiative of Paani Foundation.

"Since, we are scaling up our battle against drought in the second edition with an aim to take the initiative to 30 tehsils, it will be a challenge for us as we will have to increase our expertise. We will have to scale up on our training facilities so that the quality of knowledge remains the same," the actor said.

Pitching for public participation to make the state drought free, Aamir said that if society determines and gets united, 100 per cent water will be saved.

On the occasion, he interacted with children of farmers, who have committed suicide over last few years, studying at BJS educational rehabilitation centre here. PTI SPK NSK SHD JMF

--- ENDS ---
There was not a word uttered by the Delhi chief minister on the issue of reservation and this hasn't gone down well with the patidars who were hoping of an assurance of support on the issue.

By Vidya : The Aam Admi Party has been thumping it's chest having managed to pull a sizeable crowd for Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's rally at Yogi Chowk in Surat. During the rally, Kejriwal had spoken about delivering justice and booking those who had ordered the police to fire at protestors last year.



KEJRIWAL'S RALLY

About a dozen people were killed after police had fired at an agitated crowd of protesters from the patidar community who were demanding reservations. Kejrival capitalized on that feeling of injustice and questioned why no inquiry had been ordered and why nobody has been booked for the mishap. However there was not a word uttered by the Delhi chief minister on the issue.

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This has certainly not gone down well with the patidars who were hoping of an assurance of support on the issue of reservation. Hardik Patel, who was a member of Sardar Patel Group (SPG), a Patidar youth body but was ousted in 2015 and started the patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), an apolitical organization that fights for the inclusion of patidars in OBC category, was booked after protests last year and is currently not in Gujarat due to the bail conditions that prohibits him from entering the state.

HARDIK PATEL STAYING NEUTRAL

Patel says that at this point that his group is not supporting any political party, not even AAP. He said, "As both issues of justice and reservation have to be taken up together.However, since Kejriwal had met with the famailies of the victims, we did not oppose him. Otherwise, we would have ousted him from the rally within a minute just the way we ousted Amit Shah."

Patel is referring to the rally in Surat sometime back where protestors made such a huge ruckus that Shah had to leave the rally without delivering his speech. He added that the patidars are hoping that at least Kejriwal would speak about the deaths of protestors on a national platform and will make people across the country aware of the injustices.



NOT ALL ROSY FOR KEJRIWAL

Mukesh Patel a well known patidar from Surat is slightly more blunt about his feelings on the Delhi Chief Minister. He said, "Kejriwal is fraud and that is what we have seen him do in Delhi. He is just trying to use the patidar community for his advantage while we will get nothing." He added, "Kejriwal did not have patidars in his rally. They got people from outside to attend the rally on Sunday. Patidars were not even given entry into the rally."

Tushar Gilani, another local patidar leader says, "Every party needs some community to make them their base for elections and that is the only thing Kejriwal is doing by trying to speak about our problems. But even we know that he will not be able to give us reservations. It can only happen in parliament and in court and AAP is almost a non-existent entity in the parliament."



ALSO READ:

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Kejriwal reaches Ahmedabad today, to meet victims of patidar agitation

Kejriwal raises Patidar bogey at Surat rally; says Gujarat is being remote-controlled

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Former party MLA Sehrawat has alleged that donations worth 16 crore in total have disappeared after the Income Tax Department issued a notice on June 6.

By Ilma Hasan: Troubles are mounting for the Aam Aadmi Party, as Arvind Kejriwal is now embroiled in yet another storm. The party's rebel MLA Devender Sehrawa has accused AAP of embezzling 16 crore rupees donated to the party.

ACCUSATIONS OF CORRUPTION

Ex MLA Sehrawat, former volunteer Neil Haslam and the Secretary of Nyayabhoomi have all come forward to accuse AAP of misappropriation of funds and siphoning off money. The rebel MLA has alleged that 1600 entries amounting to donations worth 16 crore in total have disappeared after the Income Tax Department issued a notice on June 6.

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"AAP's core principles was to engage in corruption-free and transparent politics. But now they have concealed donations from the Election Commission and IT Department. Kejriwal is using his experience as an IRS officer to siphon off money", said Sehrawat.

"Shanti Bhushan had given two crores to the party, out of which only two lakhs figure on the website", noted Neil Haslam.

DONATIONS CONCEALED

The team alleges that top party leadership embezzled money that is required by law to be declared by hiding the actual data. According to Section 29 C of the Representation of Peoples Act, any donation worth over 20,000 rupees has to be declared by politics parties. However, the website now has removed its donor list following the June 6 notice.

The team also listed donations of several companies and other eminent personalities that were concealed. Aam Aadmi Party had promised real time data on all donations that were being made, and is now facing heavy criticism for removing the list.

This is the third notice that has been issued on the matter. Notices were previously also given in June 2014 and 2015.

ALSO READ:

Mumbai: 61-year-old RTI activist, linked to AAP, shot dead

Kejriwal raises Patidar bogey at Surat rally; says Gujarat is being remote-controlled

In latest setback for AAP, 27 party MLAs land in fresh office of profit row

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The DCW today sought a status report from the Department of Health and Family Welfare on measures taken for provisions of jobs to acid attack survivors.

By Roshani Thokne: The Delhi Commission for Women today summoned Rashmi Krishnan, Special Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare of Delhi Government for Thursday to seek the status report on the measures taken to implement the order of timely provision of jobs to acid attack survivors.

The Delhi Commission for Women has been concerned for the welfare of the acid attack survivors and had requested Satyender Jain, Hon'ble Minister of Delhi to consider the CVs of 33 acid attack survivors and provide jobs to these victims.

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The Minister appreciated the efforts of the Commission and issued an order to Special Secretary to facilitate the process of timely provision of jobs to these victims.

The Delhi Commission for Women issued notices to the Special secretary seeking the status of the order. The Commission observed that despite passage of 3 months, the secretary did not respond to it.



Now Delhi Commission for Women has summoned the Special Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare of Delhi Government for Thursday.

Also read:

All things beautiful: Indian girl who survived acid attack will walk the catwalk in New York



Acid attack survivor Reshma Qureshi killed it on the New York Fashion Week runway



Reshma Qureshi's journey: From an acid attack survivor to a New York Fashion Week model



--- ENDS ---
The government has already decided to hand over security of all 93 civilian airports to the CISF.

By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: The question to who will foot the bill for security cover at Indian Airports has finally been answered. According to a highly placed source, the brainstorming which took place during a high-level meeting on airport security chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, has yielded results.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will guard the airports for which MHA would pay, but equipments including scanners, X-ray machines and other gadgets will have to be purchased by the concerned airport itself. This may include advanced perimeter intrusion detection system and cyber security systems at airports.

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'GOVT SHOULD BEAR THE COST OF SECURING AIRPORTS'

According to sources, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had earlier proposed in the meeting that securing airports was a sovereign function and thus, the government should bear the cost. The Ministry of Home Affairs, concurred by only partially but had proposed a part of the cost could be borne by the airport or passengers. But it was strongly disagreed upon.

"It was discussed in the meeting. We agree that airport security is a sovereign function, but we proposed that the airport security expenditure needs to be shared by passengers and airport operators but now it has been decided that airport authority will bear the cost of security equipment, while MHA will pay for the CISF," a minister who was part of the meeting told India Today.

The airport would need to consult the force for such equipment. The source said, "The airport cannot just buy any equipment, it has to buy equipment in consultation with the CISF as it is their manpower which will ultimately handle the equipment. There cannot be a mismatch. The force and airport authority needs to work in tandem."

CISF TO TAKE CHARGE OF ALL AIRPORTS

The government has already decided to hand over security of all 93 civilian airports to the CISF. The force is guarding 59 civilian airports at the moment. The process is being fast-tracked now.

The CISF will take charge of all airports eventually except two airports of Srinagar and Jammu which have CRPF as security cover.

As part of the meeting, a security audit and review of all vulnerable and sensitive airports was done, with special focus on airport in Srinagar and Jammu. While a new airport in Jammu is coming up shortly, teams of Bureau of Civil Aviation made scheduled visits to inspect both airports with discussions with both Jammu Kashmir Police and the CRPF. There have been specific inputs of airports in state under terror radar.

RAJNATH SINGH CHAIRS HIGH-LEVEL MEETING

The other important issues that came up for discussion included handing over security of all civilian airports to the CISF. Another source said, "It may take some time for the CISF to take up security of both Jammu and Kashmir airport."

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Rajnath Singh had chaired a high-level meeting, last week, which was attended by civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju, his deputy Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, Intelligence Bureau director Dineshwar Sharma, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) chief OP Singh and senior officials from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.



ALSO READ:

For CISF, VVIP rage to be blamed for security nightmare at Delhi airport

IGI officials, cops spar over security checks



--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Algiers, Oct 17 (PTI) Vice President Hamid Ansari tonight arrived in Algeria for a two-day visit during which he will interact with the countrys top leadership on various bilateral issues like anti-terror cooperation.

Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sujata Mehta said the issue of cross border terrorism emanating from across Indias border will be raised during the bilateral meetings the Vice-President will have with Algerias President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and other top leadership.

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She said terrorism is not new for Algeria and it has fought a very difficult terror group in the recent past.

"There will be meetings of minds to fight terrorism with all his interlocutors and counterparts," she said.

Algerias President Bouteflika was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in 2001.

Bilateral trade between India and Algeria stood at 1.5 billion per annum, majority of which are related to importing oil and oil products to India. PTI ACB NSA

--- ENDS ---
Including Madhya Pradesh will affect the big rice milling lobbies in Punjab and Haryana. Enlarging the area under basmati cultivation will not only increase output, it will also make it difficult for the big players to dictate prices.

Till 2009, Fatehsingh Meena, 50, a farmer in Gudawal village of Raisen district in Madhya Pradesh, was growing soyabean as his main Kharif crop on the 25 acres he farms. It fetched him Rs 7,000-Rs 8,000 per acre. That year, he shifted to cultivating 'Basmati' rice, and his profits soared to Rs 40,000 an acre. The prosperity showed. Meena moved from a bike to a Bolero, married off two daughters and built a house in state capital Bhopal. "The returns from basmati helped me lease out more land for the next Rabi season too, adding to my income," he says.

But the party may well end for Meena and over one-and-a-half lakh farmers like him in Madhya Pradesh. Millers who have investments worth crores stand to lose too. Between October 18 and October 28, the Chennai-based Registrar of Geographical Indications (GI) will hold hearings in New Delhi to decide whether MP can be added to the list of seven states-Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Western UP, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh-for which the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in Delhi, a statutory body responsible for export promotion and development of certain scheduled products, had sought a GI tag in 2008. Punjab and Haryana are opposing the move, saying that 'basmati' cultivation in MP is a recent trend and including it in basmati-producing states will compromise the quality of the long-grained aromatic rice that the world knows as basmati. MP, for its part, has been in a tussle over the issue for the last eight years , insisting that farmers in the state have traditionally been cultivating basmati rice, marshalling historical evidence to support their claim.

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THE GI JOCKEYING

Like copyright, patent or trademark, GI is an intellectual property right that assigns a particular tag to a product, enhancing both its value as well as its export potential (see box: GI Whiz). A requirement under the 1994 Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)agreement, India, as member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect from 2003. A GI registration prevents others from passing off their products as the genuine article. Any association of persons, organisations or authority can apply for a GI tag with the Registrar of Geographical Indications, after specifying why their product qualifies for the tag. After a preliminary scrutiny, the application is published in the GI journal. If there is no objection, approval is granted for the particular GI tag. Appeals against any decision are referred to the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) in Chennai.

THE CASE FOR MP

In the case of basmati, APEDA sought GI registration for seven states, leaving out MP, where the farmers were growing long-grained rice in large quantities. Perturbed, the MP government, along with the Central Regional Basmati Growers' Association, the Central Region Basmati Exporters' Association and rice milling companies, appealed at the GI registry office in 2010. Three years later, the GI registry upheld the state's claim and asked for it to be included as a basmati-growing area. APEDA appealed against the decision at IPAB, which in February 2016 rejected MP's claims and asked the GI registry to examine the matter afresh. Meanwhile, the MP government moved the Chennai High Court, which asked APEDA not to take any precipitative action against basmati from MP till the dispute was settled, giving MP farmers a temporary reprieve. Now they are awaiting the outcome of the October hearings. Inclusion in basmati-growing states will mean continued prosperity for the state and its farmers. Exclusion, however, would mean a crash in value, as the premium long-grained aromatic rice grown in MP would no longer be recognised in the market as basmati.

LURE OF BASMATI

There are two reasons why farmers in MP took to basmati cultivation. For one, many farmers from North India, especially Punjab, Haryana and Western UP, sold land back home as holdings were getting fragmented and therefore less remunerative and bought much bigger holdings at lower rates in MP. They brought with them their superior agricultural techniques and crops such as basmati rice. Seeing the newcomers' success, local farmers took to cultivating the crop. Secondly, branded rice companies introduced the crop in many areas of MP by holding demonstrations and trials and distributing seeds. The product has immense demand overseas, especially in the Gulf countries, Europe and the Americas. Branded rice companies began procuring paddy in MP and set up several plants in the state to process the rice for export. The export potential of the product ensured that in certain years basmati paddy sold for almost Rs 4,000 per quintal, giving the sort of returns farmers farmers couldn't get from any other regular crop. Prices now are down to about Rs 2,100 per quintal but it's still the best bet in the Kharif season if water is available.

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The area under paddy cultivation in MP increased substantially from 2006-07, from 8,094 hectares to about 5 lakh hectares in 2015-16. Basmati rice accounted for nearly 10 lakh tonnes of MP's total paddy production of 54.38 lakh tonnes in 2014-15, as per industry estimates. Two varieties of basmati, namely PB 1 and P 1121, are mainly grown in MP. The state accounts for 30-40 per cent of total PB 1 exports from India while it accounts for about 10 per cent of the total basmati exports from the country, according to industry estimates. As of now, basmati rice is cultivated in the northern and central parts of the state, mainly in the Bhind, Morena, Gwalior, Sheopur, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna,Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Hoshangabad, Narsinghpur and Jabalpur districts. The crop has been a crucial factor in the over 20 per cent agricultural growth rate recorded by MP in the past five years, leading to a jump in farm incomes and rise in consumption in the rural economy.

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WHY ARE APEDA AND OTHER STATES OPPOSING MP's ENTRY?

The answer lies in simple economics. Including MP will affect the big rice milling lobbies in Punjab and Haryana. Enlarging the area under basmati cultivation will not only increase output, it will also make it difficult for the big players to dictate prices. "Basmati production in MP is not very big compared to other states," says K.K. Tiwari, advisor to LT Foods Ltd, a rice export company that procures basmati from MP farmers for export. "But the state has virgin lands that have a greater potential for delivering added production than the fertiliser-exposed lands in North India. MP's wheat production has increased considerably over the years and if more area in the state is brought under basmati cultivation, there is no reason why production will not increase in this crop too."

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Interestingly, the Basmati Growers' Association in Lahore had filed a petition challenging the issuance of the GI tag to Indian basmati. That appeal, however, was rejected.

MP'S DEFENCE

With days to go before the hearing, the MP government is collecting all possible evidence to show that the state has traditionally been a basmati-growing area. If APEDA has cited Waris Shah's epic 1766 poem Heer Ranjha and affidavits by food critics like Vir Sanghvi and Rashmi Udai Singh to establish that the Indo-Gangetic Plain is the traditional home of basmati cultivation, MP officials are delving into historical records to prove that the state has been cultivating basmati for a long time. These include the annual report of the department of agriculture dating back to 1938-39 from the erstwhile princely state of Gwalior that speaks of basmati seeds being distributed for cultivation, and another from 1944-45 from Gwalior state that talks of basmati seeds being brought for cultivation from Dehradun. Then there is a report from the Directorate of Rice Development, Patna, which points to the cultivation of basmati in Central Provinces (now largely MP) in 1908, as well as documents showing allotment of breeder seeds of the basmati variety to MP and the results of trials at agricultural universities in the state.

These apart, the MP government is also presenting test reports of basmati grown in MP from reputed institutes such as the Centre for Basmati DNA Analysis, Hyderabad; Reliable Analytics Lab, Mumbai; and Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur, affirming that the rice grown in MP conforms to APEDA's norms for basmati. MP has also submitted maps highlighting specific areas within the state that have "agro-climatic, soil and temperature parameters" similar to that of regions in the Indo-Gangetic plains. Yet its claims have been rejected. "We have collected ample evidence of cultivation of basmati rice in MP," says Rajesh Rajora, principal secretary for agriculture with the MP government. "We are confident that MP's claims will be accepted by the GI registry."

WHAT IF MP BASMATI DOES NOT GET THE GI TAG?

Were MP to not get the GI tag, not just the farmers, but several companies that have invested heavily in rice mills, will suffer. Besides LT Foods, Narmada Cereals and SSA International are two other prominent companies that procure and mill paddy them in MP. In addition, there are more than 15 other big and small rice mills that have been set up in the state in the last eight years, totalling an investment of Rs 300 crore, says Tiwari. These mills procure and process the paddy and send it to Kandla port from where it is exported.

"We do not understand the law but are keen that the farmers do better for themselves," says Rajesh Singh of Hersili village in Raisen district who is also president of the Central Region Basmati Growers' Association. "Basmati rice cultivation is our best option as other Kharif crops such as soyabean have been unsuccessful. The outcome of this debate is crucial to us."



--- ENDS ---
By PTI: London, Oct 17 (PTI) Model Bella Hadid has said she feels "judged" for having Lyme disease, after she was honoured at the Global Lyme Alliance gala.

The 20-year-old model suffers with the tick borne illness, and spoke out about her experience as she was being honoured at the Global Lyme Alliance gala in New York on Thursday night (14.10.16).

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Speaking on stage at the gala, she said, "Life isnt always what it looks like from the outside, and the hardest part of this journey is to be judged by the way you look and not the way you feel." PTI PSH SG

--- ENDS ---
Section 144 has been imposed after RSS called for a bandh in Bengaluru against the murder of worker.

By India Today Web Desk: Bengaluru is witnessing protests against the murder of RSS worker on Sunday. The RSS Bengaluru unit is holding protests and have called for a state-wide bandh against the murder of Rudresh. Section 144 has been imposed in the city following the protests.

The RSS is demanding that action be taken against the accused.



A 35-year old RSS worker was attacked and murdered in broad daylight on Sunday afternoon. The brazen attack took place near the Commercial Street area of Shivajinagar in Bengaluru.

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The victim, Rudresh, was on his way home after attending an event organized by the RSS.

Eyewitnesses said that the assailants wearing masks came on a bike and attacked him with a machete.

Watch the video



Based on eyewitnesses, the police have sketched the attack





Rudresh was the RSS mandal president for Shivajinagar was returning after participating in a Patha Sanchalana or route march in Shivajinagar.

Rudresh stopped his bike when he spotted a few friends near Kamaraja road , when two men riding a motorcycle attacked him.

There were two men , the pillion rider had a machete in his hand. As soon as the assailants came close to Rudresh, one of them attacked him on his neck.

Onlookers and passersby tried to stop the assailants, they even threw stones on them, but they managed to escape.

The motorcycle did not have a number plate and the men were wearing masks.

Rudresh was immediately shifted to Bowring hospital in an auto rickshaw, but he as declared 'brought dead.'

Tension prevailed in the area and shops and commercial establishments were asked to down their shutters as RSS and BJP workers took to the streets to protest the killings.

In view of the sensitive situation, a large number of police personnel including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed in the area.

Preliminary information from the police indicate that the murder could have taken place due to some financial dispute.

The Bengaluru city police commissioner said they are aware that Rudresh has been involved in some personal dispute and the police force has been put in place to maintain law and order.Also read:

Kerala: BJP worker hacked to death, his father was killed in 2002

Tamil Nadu: BJP youth wing leader hacked to death in broad daylight

DMK councillor hacked to death inside church, prior to local body elections



--- ENDS ---
BJP leader Sushil Modi blamed the state government of failing to handle the communal tensions in Bihar after festivals.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: The BJP has alleged the Bihar government of failing miserably in controlling the communal tension prevailing in more than two dozen districts following festivals of Dussehra and Muharram.

Raising questions over the preparations undertaken by the state government, the BJP said despite all the tall claims of maintaining communal harmony, the government has failed in handling the communal tension.

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Also read: Lalu Prasad takes a dig at BJP, says after Bihar, it is UP's turn to defeat Modi's party



"Why did the government fail on the ground when they were preparing for the two festivals falling on same day? Why did the law and order situation in so many districts collapse despite all preparations?" questioned senior BJP leader Sushil Modi.



ACTION AGAINST OFFICIALS



The BJP demanded that strict action must be taken against DM and SPs who could not control communal tension which flared up in their areas. Modi demanded that Shahabad Range DIG Mohd Rehman too be transferred after his role came under the scanner for inviting communal tension in Piro area of Bhojpur district.

"It is for the first time that communal tension has erupted in so many places at the same time. The state government had to send experienced officers to affected areas to control the situation," said Modi.

Also read: Man's tongue chopped off over personal dispute in Bihar



Modi demanded Nitish Kumar government to end one-sided action and set up an all-party committee to probe all the incidents of communal tension that have happened in the state in the last one week.



JDU BLAMES BJP



The JDU, on the other hand, accused the BJP of inciting communal tension in all the affected districts.

"BJP is behind all the incidents of communal tension. Leaders like Sushil Modi are creating more tension and terror with their comments," said Sanjay Singh, JDU spokesperson.

Also read: MP Pappu Yadav accuses BJP leaders of inciting communal violence



The state in the last one week has witnessed communal tension in Motihari, Sitamarhi, Gopalganj, Aurangabad, Gaya, Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur, apart from Madhepura and Bhojpur.

--- ENDS ---
Criticising Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's policies, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Modi is an extremist and there should be no hope attached to him.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the butcher of Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir.

"Modi is an extremist and there should be no hope attached to him," Bilawal said while addressing a rally on Sunday.

He said the Indian Prime Minister blames Pakistan so that he could divert attention from atrocities being committed in Kashmir, Geo TV reported.

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BILAWAL HIGHLIGHTS PLIGHT OF KASHMIRIS

The PPP Chairman highlighted the plight of the Kashmiris, saying they were struggling for their right to self-determination. He regretted that some parties had boycotted the joint session of parliament on the Kashmir issue.

PUTS FORWARD FOUR DEMANDS TO PAKISTAN GOVT

In his address, he put forward four demands to the government and said that he would announce a long march on December 27 if they were not fulfiled.

The first demand of the PPP Chairman was the formation of a new parliamentary committee on national security; the second was for the passage of his party's bill on Panama Papers; the third was implementation on former President Asif Zardari's resolution on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC); and the fourth demand was the immediate appointment of a foreign minister, Geo News reported.

ALSO READ | BRICS Summit: PM Modi calls Pakistan mothership of terror



Referring to the show of strength during the rally, Bilawal said this was just the trailer.

"The party has just begun," he added.

Bilawal also criticised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's policies, stating they were the reason Pakistan has been weakened.

ALSO READ:

Amid war clouds, Pakistani comedian's post goes viral: How biryani, Sania, Katrina can keep us together

Kashmir unrest: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari calls separatist leader Mirwaiz, expresses solidarity

--- ENDS ---
By Shalini Lobo: 'Boycotting Chinese goods without any economical reasoning is going to be detrimental to a developing economy like India', this is what the General Secretary of the Confederation of All Indian Traders had to say on the social campaign to boycott Chinese goods ahead of Diwali.

While Sadar Bazaar is bustling with activity, traders in the market selling lights, toys and other gift items complain of a dip in sales. They say that a social media campaign to boycott Chinese products has penetrated to the population and had an adverse effect on their sales.

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'Buyers are less during the Diwali season and traders are the ones suffering. Markets are empty because people are boycotting goods', said Raman, a shopkeeper.

Rising tensions between India and Pakistan and China's move to support Pakistan is what is the reason for this boycott. However, the trade association has now urged the consumers to come forward and make their intent very clear since India's is a consumer driven economy. Traders can then decide if they should import more goods for Christmas and New Year.

ORDERS PLACED MONTHS IN ADVANCE



Shopkeepers start their process of placing orders 3-4 months ahead of the festive season. 'Our process starts 3 to 4 months before Diwali. Payments are made and the goods are in. Now with this boycott, traders will face losses', said Dev Raj Baweja, President of the Sadar Bazaar Traders Association.

Even though public sentiment is on the rise and online campaigns have taken over the internet, customers are still in two minds. 'We will buy whatever is available to us', said one customer. Another customer said, 'We must boycott Chinese goods. But how will we know which is Indian and which is Chinese. The Government should provide us with an alternative'.

Also read: Chinese goods boycott are hitting Diwali sales of Delhi markets



India has a huge market for Chinese goods. They are cheap. They last long and well, they appeal to the eye. Over the years, Chinese products have dominated the Indian market and now suddenly with a boycott of Chinese goods, there seems a void as there are not sufficient Indian goods to replace them with.

'It is up to the Government to develop technology. Indian goods can never come at the cost of Chinese products. Chinese products are way cheaper. We will purchase Indian goods provided they are available'.Also read: Indian social media's call to boycott our goods hasn't hurt us: Chinese media



--- ENDS ---
The proposal came up at a recent security review meeting of top police officers after the terrorist attack on Uri Army base in which 19 soldiers lost their lives.

By Shashank Shekhar: Constantly at high risk of a terrorist attack, the Delhi Police has proposed to set up a strike-proof, underground control room which will keep a parallel data & communication network ready in the event of an emergency. The proposal came up at a recent security review meeting of top police officers after the terrorist attack on Uri Army base in which 19 soldiers lost their lives.

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Top-level sources told Mail Today that the proposed bunker control room will be equipped with flash sensors for detection of any nuclear radiation or biological agents decontamination facility and communication system, an indication of city police's war-time preparedness.

COMMUNICATION NETWORK OF POLICE UNDER BUNKER CONTROL

"The bunker control room will maintain communication network and data of entire police department. The idea is that in case there is a major attack, this underground PCR will maintain coordination with all the security wings," said a senior officer, adding that the proposal is at a "very initial stage" but a detailed project report is in the works for approval.

A police team is in the process of identifying land for the project and has zeroed in two properties where the bunker can be set up. The police will consult other central agencies, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), to set-up the proposed underground control room, the senior officer said.

According to the senior officer, the proposed control room will act as a parallel emergency facility which can immediately shift the central operations in case of a terror, including aerial, strike. Delhi Police headquarters which houses its control room at ITO is on the radar of terrorists and any attack

STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES

The underground facility will also act as an integrated field shelter in case of attacks by weapons of mass destruction like nuclear, chemical and biological besides strengthening the police force in the city.

Police is also planning to create an isolated room which can accommodate over a few dozen people for over a week along with requisite stores, equipment and beds in case of a chemical, biological, radioactive or nuclear (CBRN) warfare. The aim is to build a structure which is completely sealed and has positive air pressure. The shelters have their own source for power, water and sewage disposal.

"It should have automatic CBRN warning system with change over facility, electrification including generator sets and fittings, water supply and water disposal, decontamination facility, communication system," the officer said

SECURED UNDERGROUND NETWORK

The idea to get a secured underground network was discussed during a security review meeting of senior officials after India's surgical strike across PoK. Security agencies have already placed two missile-tracking radars in Delhi as the first part of a planned effort to give the city a missile attack shield.

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INDIA'S FIRST BUNKER CONTROL

If the bunker control room idea gets a green signal from Central authorities, Delhi would be the first city in India to do it. A similar proposal was planned by Chandigarh but the project could not see the light of the day. A similar 24x7 underground Police control room is functional at Singapore.



DATA SECURED, COMMUNICATION NETWORK ACTIVE

Although nobody has yet had a chance to study a low-yield nuclear blast but as the threat of terrorist attack or a nuclear strike grows, it is crucial for cities to have contingency plans in place. In case of any mass attacks or natural disasters, this control room will play a crucial role as it will keep all data secured and communication network active. CBRN-protected mobile shelters are made available during key global events including meetings of top leaders as also sporting events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. In others nations, including the US and some European countries, safe houses are built for the community near hospitals and schools to guard civilian population.



2 FAILED CYBER ATTACKS



Mail Today last week reported that unidentified persons attempted to access the Delhi Police control room recently but could not break into the hightech system. According to police, a similar failed cyber attack on the control room was witnessed before January 26 this year.

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Also Read: Amid fear psychosis, border dwellers want bunkers

Nuclear proliferation linkages have Pakistan fingerprints: India at UN



--- ENDS ---
The technical committee submitted its report to the Supreme Court today acknowledging that both the states and farmers are suffering.

By Anusha Soni: The technical committee, constituted by the Supreme Court, has submitted its report today acknowledging the problems faced by Karnataka in releasing the water

to Tamil Nadu. The high-level committee has said that farmers are suffering in Tamil Nadu as well.

The committee has suggested that there should be joint cooperation and efforts to give some relief to the farmers in both the states. During the field visit, the status of the agricultural areas was collected and reported in a separate volume.

Some of the important findings are as follows: As per the field observations in both the states crops have been affected by water stress. In Karnataka, it is mix of Paddy, maize, sugarcane, Ragi etc whereas in Tamil Nadu it is Samba Paddy, turmeric and sugarcane. `The standing crops in Karnataka have withered in some parts of the cropped area. The direct sown samba has not even germinated and started wilting for want of water. In Karnataka, the survived crops are mid-growth stage, requiring limited period of watering and may require only 3-4 waterings/irrigation to survive the crops which are pre-wilting stage. Some of the tanks have dried up and some have very minimal storages. Alternative low water crops have been sown in some of the areas. Some of the areas, which are good as of now, will wither away if water is not made available. There have been large number of suicides reported in Mandya district of Karnataka. The government of Karnataka has declared 42 out of 48 Talukas under Cauvery basin as drought affected Talukas based on Central governmentguidelines. Both the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu need to appreciate interest of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in protection of their established irrigationand Karnataka's aspirations for development respectively and should educate their people accordingly.

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The committee submitted that in the absence of required water, the labour employment for farming and fishing is also limited creating a scenario of unemployment and financial hardship to them. The report will be a huge breather for Karnataka which has been held in contempt of the Supreme Court for not releasing the water.

The committee was directed by the Supreme Court to study the ground level situation in the Cauvery basin in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Demanding the setting up of a Cauvery Management Board (CMB), farmer's organisations and political parties in Tamil Nadu staged protests on rail tracks today.

A farmers' federation had called for the two-day rail blockade starting today, urging the Centre to immediately constitute the CMB. Opposition parties including the DMK have joined a state-wide rail blockade protest announced by a farmer's federation.



--- ENDS ---
A farmers' federation had called for the two-day rail blockade starting today, urging the Centre to immediately constitute the CMB.

By India Today Web Desk: Demanding the setting up of a Cauvery Management Board (CMB), farmer's organisations and political parties in Tamil Nadu staged protests on rail tracks today.

A farmers' federation had called for the two-day rail blockade starting today, urging the Centre to immediately constitute the CMB.

Opposition parties including the DMK have joined a state-wide rail blockade protest announced by a farmer's federation.

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DMK Treasurer and Opposition Leader in Tamil Nadu Assembly, MK Stalin was among those who participated in the protests held in different parts of the state including Chennai and the Cauvery delta districts.

Stalin led a procession at Perambur even as scores of political workers belonging to DMK, the Left parties and MDMK among others staged a rail roko at Thanjavur and Cuddalore.

In Thanjavur district, the police arrested several farmers who were protesting on the rail tracks.





Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are at war for long over the sharing of Cauvery river waters.

A delegation of DMK leaders on Saturday had met President Pranab Mukherjee and sought his intervention in resolving the Cauvery water sharing issue and submitted a memorandum in this regard.

In its memorandum, the DMK sought a President's directive to the Water Resources Ministry to constitute the Cauvery Management Board.

The protests come days after a high-level technical team, set up by the Supreme Court, completed its inspection of Cauvery basin region in Tamil Nadu to assess the situation in the state.









#CauveryIssue : Different Opposition parties stage 'Rail Roko' protest in Thanjavur (TN). pic.twitter.com/YhuSJmCkV1





Watch the video



Also read:



Cauvery row: DMK leaders hold fast in Thanjavur backing Tamil Nadu farmers' cause

Supreme Court to Karnataka: Release 2000 cusecs of Cauvery water from Oct 7-18

Farmers in Trichy demand formation of Cauvery water management board



--- ENDS ---
China said the international community needs to recognise Pakistan's "great sacrifices" and that it was opposed to "linking terrorism to any one country or religion".

By Ananth Krishnan: China has mounted a strong defence of its all-weather ally Pakistan a day after Prime Minister Modi blasted the country as a "mothership of terrorism".

China said the international community needs to recognise Pakistan's "great sacrifices" and that it was opposed to "linking terrorism to any one country or religion".

Also read: BRICS wasn't a washout: India needn't worry about China supporting Pakistan



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Also read: How China's super sweet ties with Pakistan are eroding India's strategic grounds



"China and Pakistan are 'all-weather' friends. India and Pakistan are both victims of terrorism. In combating terrorism Pakistan has made great sacrifices. This needs to be recognised by the international community," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Monday at a press briefing when asked to respond to the PM's comment at the weekend's BRICS Summit.

Cartoon by Satish Acharya

Also read:

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Asked about Pakistan's support to anti-India terror groups, Hua said "I understand your concern. But as I said on counter terrorism, China's position is consistent. We oppose linking terrorism to any country or religion. Whatever country or organization is involved in terrorism should be seriously tackled by the international community. As for problems between India and Pakistan, both the countries are close neighbours of China. We truly hope they can resolve these differences in peaceful way through dialogue and consultation so that India Pakistan relations can develop. The BRICS Summit Goa Declaration was passed in which counter terrorism issue was touched upon. We have made our position on counter terrorism very clear".

Watch the video



Also read:

Defiant Pakistan says Modi is misleading BRICS, BIMSTEC colleagues

BRICS Summit: PM Modi calls Pakistan a 'mothership of terror' nurturing terrorists



--- ENDS ---
The police in Hyderabad arrested a conman who would dupe women after marrying them.

The Hyderabad police arrested a man accused of duping woman after marrying them. (Photo for representation)

By Ashish Pandey: A smooth talker, K. Venkat Ratna Reddy had several women falling for him. Like Ranveer Singh's character in the movie 'Ladies vs Ricky Bahl', Reddy promised marriage to women, and in this case married them too, and then duped them.

Unlike the character in the movie, Reddy's story ultimately ended in the jail (at least for now).

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THE ARREST

The Central Crime Station (CCS) unit of the Hyderabad Police arrested him for duping women in the name of marriage. He would approach women through a popular matrimonial site.

ALSO READ: Conman wanted in 24 cases of forgery and cheating arrested



Based on the complaint of a US-based family, the police arrested him from Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh. Reddy is wanted in nine cases of fraud in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.



MODUS OPERANDI

Reddy had obtained a passport and a business visa to travel from Visakhapatnam to the US. After reaching the US, a married Reddy put up his profile on a matrimonial site and started approaching prospective brides.

He finally zeroed in on a girl from an NRI family and married her. Within 20 days of their marriage, Reddy had duped them of US$30,000 (Rs 20 lakh approximately).

ALSO READ: Noida techies set up fake call centre, dupe customers in US

Earlier this month, the family approached the CCS police and lodged a complaint of cheating against Reddy. The police tracked him through electronic surveillance and arrested him from his residence.



350 GIRLFRIENDS

On investigation, police found that Reddy was also trying to dupe a Canadian woman in a similar fashion and was planning to leave India soon.

ALSO READ: How a techie spun a web of forex fraud

Reddy, a non-graduate, was fluent in English and had excellent communication skills. According to the police, his profile on a social networking site had 350 'girlfriends'. This number can give even Singh's character in the movie a run for money.



PROBE CONTINUES

Speaking to India Today, ACP, Cyber Crime, Raghuveer said, "We are writing to the Visakhapatanam police on how an offender wanted in several crimes secured a passport. We are also writing to the matrimonial site to provide more information on his profile besides telling them to remove it from the site."

The police are also trying to contact the Canadian national whom Reddy had planned to marry, Raghuveer said.

Reddy was arrested in 2012 by the police after he posed an Indian Revenue Service officer and demanded money from Telugu cine producers C Kalyan and Ramesh Babu.

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Reddy has been remanded in judicial custody. The CCS police is trying to seek his remand to further investigate into the cases he has been involved in.

ALSO READ: Two Nigerians arrested for fraud in joint operation with Goa cyber cell



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Rising crime against women and patriarchal mindset seem to be contributing to the increasing number of school dropout among girls in Uttar Pradesh.

By Arvind Ojha: A toxic cocktail of conservative patriarchal attitudes, rising male intolerance and criminality appears to be contributing heavily towards Uttar Pradesh's female dropout crisis, an India Today investigation has found.

Home to two diverse communities, Bijnor erupted into deadly rioting on September 16 after young men harassed schoolgirls. Three people were killed in the clashes and many others were injured.

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On July 16, paramilitaries were called out after communal tension swept through Aligarh over the alleged harassment of a woman.

An India Today investigation in Uttar Pradesh discovered anti-women attitudes were apparently inflicting heavy collateral damage on the state's female education index.

Official data shows around 6.08 percent of girls drop out of school every year in UP whose Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has launched a special safety helpline and a financial scheme for female residents.

SOCIAL PRESSURES FORCE PARENTS TO MARRY DAUGHTER



Rita Devi (name changed) told an India Today reporter how she had to marry her minor daughter off because of social pressure after the girl had allegedly eloped with a male friend belonging to different community.

"She eloped with him. He practised a different faith," Devi recounted. "Police found her out and the next day we married her off," said the mother, sitting in her fields in Bijnor. "Village elders said the girl had defiled our neighbourhood."

Devi wanted her daughter to complete her education. But communal tensions and pressure from the local village council forced her to marry her teen daughter off.

Also read: Bulandshahr: Robbers gangrape mother, daughter in front of family, two accused identified



"She isn't happy. We had three daughters. Now we accept we have two left," Devi rued.

Three months after Aligarh's Babri Mandi flared up in religious trouble, India Today spoke with several female school and college students.

Many of them complained about rising incidence of male harassment on the streets.

A teenager told India Today she is missing school because she had lost her father. "Earlier, my father would drop me to school," she said.

"I miss my classes now because he's not there to accompany me. I am scared of eve-teasing, but I have exams coming in shortly." Her aunt is worried.

"If she doesn't go to school, her future will become darker. Education is a must," said the woman, sitting on the floor.

SPECIAL SECURITY SOUGHT



Women in Babri Mandi are now seeking special security deployments for female students.

"We had to send our niece to a college outside of Aligarh because of this place is no longer safe for female students," said a local woman.

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India Today also visited the police station under whose jurisdiction the alleged July incident took place.

Unaware they were being filmed, officers on duty were found to be joking about complaints regarding kidnappings of young women in the city.

Also read: Crime against women highest in Uttar Pradesh: NCW



"It's not men who run away with women, but women who take them away," laughed a police official.

At Aligarh's D.S. College, male students blamed women and their dresses to prevent crimes against them.

"They should dress up decently. They don't have control over their outfits," remarked a man. Other students around him echoed his views.

ANTI-WOMEN CRIMES



Political leaders in Aligarh seemed to be leaving no opportunity to communalise anti-women crimes.

"All this is part of a mission. Police in Uttar Pradesh is biased against one group. Men change their name to allure women," claimed Shakuntala Devi, the mayor.

Uttar Pradesh recorded 35,527 criminal acts against women in 2015, which were almost 11 per cent of offences registered across the country under the same categories.

According to the NCRB data, more than 3,020 cases of rape were filed in the state last year.

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Female kidnappings stood at 1,435, the figures show.

Also read: Women most unsafe in Akhilesh's Uttar Pradesh





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Buzz has it that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone have broken up. And in his latest exclusive interview to India Today Television, Ranveer did not admit that he was in a committed relationship either.

By India Today Web Desk: Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have been THE power couple Bollywood fans have loved emulating and admiring for several years now. Ever since news broke that Ranveer and Deepika were dating, back during the shoot of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ram-Leela, people have kept their eyes open for every bit of information about the two coming their way. However, seems like all that is in the past now. Ranveer and Deepika, if reports are to be believed, have broken up.

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TIMELINE: Highpoints of Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh's relationship, in 10 photos



ALSO READ: Lovers Deepika and Ranveer have been together for 4 years. That's all you need to know

ALSO READ: When Deepika Padukone kissed boyfriend Ranveer Singh at Madaari screening

He's Bollywood's wild-child, the outspoken, flashy new-age superstar but does Ranveer Singh's flamboyant demeanour serve as a veil to his vulnerable sensitive side?

In the prime of his career, Ranveer wants to settle down and start a family. In a no-holds-barred interview with India Today Television's Sushant Mehta, Ranveer spoke at length about his wedding plans.

Ranveer: I think about these things (getting married)... you know you think about the future, it's only natural, you think about things like being a family man, and stuff like what do the next five years hold for me, these thoughts... I mean I'm 31 now, it's only natural that these thoughts are occurring to me!

Sushant: So are we gonna see that in the near future?

Ranveer: Kya pata yaar, I'm still contemplating.

Sushant: Have you thought about how you would propose?

Ranveer: I have, yeah, it's true I have very elaborate plans.

While Ranveer is ready to tie the knot, his rumoured girlfriend Deepika has gone on record to state that she does not want to get married any time soon.

Only last month, Deepika said in an interview, "I am not pregnant, I am not engaged, I am not married. I am not planning to get married any time soon."

And in his latest exclusive interview to India Today Television, Ranveer did not admit that he was in a committed relationship either.

Ranveer: Yaar, I've had many girlfriends and back in the day, like a decade ago, I used to be in a lot of insubstantial relationships, so to speak. But of late, I'm a changed man.

Sushant: So you're a changed man, committed guy...?

Ranveer: Well, my outlook on romantic relationships has evolved - let's just put it that way.

Sushant: Is it difficult to maintain your relationship when you are a public figure, is there any trouble in paradise?

Ranveer: Not at all really, if you have the maturity, if you're mature enough to not let external things influence your relationship, then I think you're good.



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A week ago, at the Paris trailer launch of Befikre, Ranveer shared his experience of a romantic holiday in Paris with his 'lover'. When an audience member probed him about his vacation with Deepika, Ranveer said that he was referring to his ex, a Parisian girlfriend, and that the audience was wrong to assume that he was dating anyone at the moment.

Ranveer said, "Sir, you have assumed that I have a girlfriend. I had come many years ago with my girlfriend. I have also had a Parisian girlfriend by the way. A beautiful Moroccan girl."

Meanwhile, the most followed Asian woman on Twitter, Deepika Padukone, has not shared her rumoured boyfriend's film Befikre's trailer on social media and surprisingly Ranveer too, hasn't yet shared Deepika's xXx Return of Xander Cage trailer on social media.

So, is there trouble in Paradise for Deepika and Ranveer? The Tinsel Town grapevine suggests that the honeymoon period in Ranveer-Deepika's relationship is over and these B-Towners are going through a rough patch in their relationship.

Here's the full interview with Ranveer Singh during the trailer launch of Befikre in Paris:

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Bollywood's 'IT' couple will now start shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati. The film has been mired in controversy for quite some time, including reports of a tiff between Ranveer and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali over the actor hiking his fee after the super success of Bajirao Mastani and Shahid Kapoor landing a meatier role in the film. Moreover, sources hint at Deepika being behind Shahid's inclusion in the film.

While we are yet to receive an official confirmation from the horses' mouth, we hope Ranveer and Deepika sort out their differences soon.

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Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti has been granted bail in a defamation case filed by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh against her in 2003.

By Rahul Noronha: A court here today granted bail to Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti in a defamation case filed against her by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.

Judicial Magistrate Ajay Singh Thakur granted her bail on a security of Rs 10,000 in the 13-year-old case.

Bharti, wearing saffron robes, first appeared in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Bhubhaskar Yadav, but as he was on leave, she approached Magistrate Thakur for bail.

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Her lawyer Harish Mehta said the minister could not appear on the last date, September 29, as she had to chair an urgent meeting regarding the Cauvery water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

On September 29, CJM Yadav had issued a non-bailable warrant against Bharti for not appearing before the court since October 2015.

Her lawyer moved the court of Additional District Judge Ramkumar Choubey saying her statement could be recorded through a lawyer and her presence was not necessary.

The district court stayed the warrant on the same day.The Congress leader dragged Bharti to court alleging defamation in 2003 when she, as BJP's chief ministerial candidate during the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, alleged that a multi-crore rupees scam had taken place during Singh's tenure as the chief minister between 1993 and 2003.

Earlier this year, the CJM's court had asked Bharti and Singh to attempt mediation to settle the dispute out of the court, but it did not work out

With inputs from PTI



ALSO READ:

Defamation case: Bhopal court issues warrant against Union Minister Uma Bharti

--- ENDS ---
Trinamool Congress MP's son Dibyendu Adhikari has been elected as candidate for Tamluk parliamentary constituency.

By Manogya Loiwal : Dibyendu Adhikari, Trinamool Congress MP Sisir Kumar Adhikari's son, has been elected as candidate for Tamluk parliamentary constituency.

Parliament seat of Tamluk has been unoccupied after Suvendu Adhikari, a TMC candidate, won with a record margin from Nandigram Assembly Constituency in May 2016. He was sworn in as the Transport Minister of the state.

Dibyendu Adhikari's family has been at the helm of affairs of Nandigram movement with CM Mamata Banerjee.



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Adhikari's family is closely associated with chief minister Mamata Banerjee since the movement began a decade back.



AN ACTIVE POLITICIAN SINCE COLLEGE



Dibyendu is the younger son of former junior union minister Sisir Adhikari, one of the senior TMC leaders affiliated to party and party Supremo Mamata Banerjee since the inception of TMC in 1998.

He has been active in college politics for almost two decades. A three time MLA, Dibyendu is presently a councillor of Contai munipality.



READ| Bengal Govt ink MoU with Burn Standard Co for Kolkata monorail

POLITICAL FAMILY



Elections in Tamluk and Coochbehar parliamentary constituencies in Bengal is scheduled for November 19.

The anti-land acquisition movement of Bengal got its first taste of success in Nandigram against the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government.

Interestingly, if Dibyendu Adhikari is elected as MP next month, theirs will be the only family in Bengal where a father-son duo will be parliamentarians with brother as a cabinet minister in state government.

READ| Returning land of Singur top agenda on Mamata Banerjee's 'to-do list'

Also read: Traditional buffalo fight continues to draw crowd in Purulia, WB govt keeps mum



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Bhupendra Vira had filed several RTI applications and complaints against a local land-grabber and his sons.

By Press Trust of India: Two people have been arrested by the Mumbai Police in RTI activist Bhupendra Vira's murder case.



A 72-year-old RTI activist was shot dead at point-blank range at his residence in suburban Santacruz by an unidentified person. The activist who had been fighting against land mafia, unauthorised structures and encroachments in and around Kalina, was attacked last night.

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"The assailant entered Vira's residence around 9 PM yesterday, put a gun to his temple and fired. The activist died on the spot," a police officer attached with Vakola police station said.

Another senior police officer said the motive behind the murder was not yet clear.



Vira is survived by a daughter and two sons. His body was sent to J J Hospital for post-mortem.

SOCIAL WORKER



Meanwhile, social activist and former AAP leader Anjali Damania, who had worked with Vira, demanded immediate arrest of the accused. She said Vira was attached to Voice of Kalina, an advanced locality management (ALM) body and a citizens group.

Describing him as committed social worker, Damania said, "Vira along with other members of the ALM were fighting against encroachments, illegal structures and land mafia in and around Kalina by filing RTIs. He had written several letters to authorities including, Lokayukta, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and police, seeking action against illegal structures."

THREATS TO ACTIVISTS



According to her, several activists had received threats and many of them, including Vira, had filed several complaints at Vakola Police Station in this regard.

"Yesterday morning, Vira had persuaded the BMC authorities to issue four notices to a local goon living in the same area," Damania said.

Condemning the brutal murder of the "whistle-blower", AAP leader Satish Jain said, "Vira very bravely took on the land mafia in Kalina which was eyeing several properties in that area, including Bhupendras shop.

"The same mafia, led by an ex-Congress corporator, had stabbed Viras son four years ago, when he decided to take them head on," he alleged.

"Vira's untiring efforts had resulted in the BMC ordering demolition of four illegal structures, apparently belonging to the mafia," he said.



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By PTI: Jammu, Oct 17 (PTI) Blaming the alliance between BJP and PDP for the unrest in Kashmir, opposition National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah today asked the Centre to open channels of engagement with various stakeholders in the state besides initiating dialogue with Pakistan.

"Most of the problems in Kashmir stem from the alliance of PDP with the BJP, as the people have not reconciled with this scenario, especially as the former virtually fought elections against the latter making inroads in the Valley," he said while addressing party functionaries here tonight.

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"The fact that the unrest is mostly south Kashmir- specific is testimony to the anger of the people," Abdullah said and asked how a party could make bonhomie with Sangh Parivar after having raised a tirade and anti-BJP pitch across the Valley. The former Chief Minister said the root cause of the present turmoil was "deception" and "duplicity". Without naming anybody, Abdullah asked, "Where have the crocodile tears gone which used to be shed during visits to homes of slain militants and where are the green robes?"

Recalling a meeting of opposition leaders of Jammu and Kashmir with Narendra Modi some weeks back, Abdullah said the Prime Minister had admitted that the problems in the Valley were political in nature.

"Therefore, it is all the more important to have the political dimensions of Kashmir issue resolved," he added.

"New Delhi should open channels of engagement with various stakeholders in the state as PDP-BJP?s Agenda of Alliance is committed for discussions with all segments of people," the NC leader said.

He also stressed the significance of dialogue between India and Pakistan to end hostilities, especially skirmishes on borders, the brunt of which is essentially being faced by people of the state.

The National Conference president recalled the promises made by New Delhi from time to time. "The promise made by the former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao about sky being the limit for autonomy proved a crude joke as New Delhi did not walk the talk," he said. PTI AB AKK AKK

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A fire broke out in the ICU of Bhubaneswar's top hospital and left several patients dead.

By India Today Web Desk: At least 23 people were killed and several others severely injured after fire broke out at a leading private hospital in Bhubaneswar.

According to sources, the fire started at the Intensive Care Unit of the Institute of Medical Sciences and Sum Hospital in Odisha's capital. The fire then spread to the dialysis and medicine wards of the hospital.



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The fire broke out due to an electrical short circuit, fire officials said.



"At 9.41 pm the fire department received a call regarding the fire and 24 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the fire," a officer deployed at the hospital said.



Fire breaks out at 6.46 pm. Helpline: 09439991226 Short-circuit causes fire in ICU, then it spreads to Dialysis and Medicine wards Fire starts on the first floor of the hospital 24 fire engines rush to the spot to douse fire Hospital authorities have evacuated 40 patients to safety Institute of Medical Sciences and Sum Hospital was established in 2005 There are 750 beds and 25 Intensive Care Units in the hospital

Hospital authorities have evacuated patients to safer places and assured that they will be given the best support.

"Now, search operation will go inside the hospital again to rescue trapped people," an eyewitness said. Sources said that casualty count may rise.



PM Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy in Odisha.

Anguished by the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today tweeted "the tragedy is mind-numbing". He also spoke to Union Health Minister JP Nadda and asked him to facilitate transfer of all those injured to AIIMS.

Modi also spoke to Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and asked him to ensure all possible help to the injured and affected.



Rescue operations are underway at SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar.

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By PTI: Peshawar, Oct 17 (PTI) At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed and one sustained injuries in firing from across the Afghan border targetting an outpost in the restive tribal region.

The incident occurred yesterday when firing hit soldiers in Angor Adda area of South Waziristan, one of seven tribal region along Afghan border.

Security sources said the firing from Birmal area in Paktika province of Afghanistan targeted a Pakistani outpost.

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"Two security personnel were killed and another injured," sources said.

They were part of 56-Punjab Regiment stationed in the area to fight militants.

No group claimed responsibility of the attack.

Militants fled across the border to Afghanistan after operations by Pakistani security forces.

Sources said that Pakistan soldiers returned fire, hitting the area from where the firing had come though the losses on the other side were not known so far. PTI SH SAI

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By Tanseem Haider: Delhi Police Special Cell has busted an Inter-State gang indulging in illegal firearm trade. The gang used to procure sophisticated semi-automatic pistols from Sendhwa, Madhya Pradesh and sell them to criminal elements in Delhi and NCR.

Akram Khan resident of Mewat, Haryana aged 24 years was one among the men who were apprehended. A haul of 28 semi-automatic pistols was recovered from his possesion. Some of the recovered pistols have a "MADE IN USA" mark engraved on them.



GROWING USE OF SOPHISTICATED FIREARMS



An in-house study into the growing use of sophisticated firearms in commission of robberies, dacoities, extortions and other heinous crimes in Delhi and NCR over the past few years revealed that, in most of the cases illicit weapons manufactured in Khargone, Sendhwa and Dhar Districts of Madhya Pradesh were being smuggled into Delhi and NCR. Accordingly, a team of Special Cell led by Inspector Shiv Kumar was constituted and entrusted with the task of curbing the activities of these gangs in the Mewat and Mathura region.

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Once entrusted with task, the team traveled across various regions of UP West, UP East, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh region to collect data pertaining to these gangs. Vast data was collected about the Modus Operandi, and area of operation of different gangs. The team prepared a road plan of their movements in rural belts and synchronized the data with details the already existing data. The team also deployed informers in and around Delhi, UP West and Madhya Pradesh.

INVESTIGATION AND INTERROGATION

On 16th of October, information was received that one Akram Khan would come near Ashram Chowk, Sidhartha Extension, Ring Road, New Delhi at about 10:30 PM to deliver a huge cache semi automatic weapons manufactured in Sendhwa. Accordingly, a trap was laid near Ashram Chowk and at about 10:45 PM, one suspicious person holding two bags, one on his shoulder and another on his hand, was tracked near the location and he seemd to be waiting for someone. After some time when no one turned up and he was about to leave, he was apprehended and later identified. A total of 28 sophisticated semi-automatic improvised pistols were recovered from the bags he carried with him.

His interrogation revealed that he had been working for Mufeed of Chhata, Mathura,and Khursheed of Bharatpur, Rajasthan, who were the main contractors of these illegal arms. Mufeed and Khursheed used to supply these illegal weapons to the gangsters/criminals of Delhi and NCR as well as other parts of country. Out of the 28 recovered pistols, 20 pistols were to be given to Mufeed and the remaining 8 pistols were to be given to Khursheed.

ALSO READ:

Inter-state illegal gun trading racket busted in Delhi, 20 pistols recovered

Delhi: Human trafficking gang that lured Nepal youths busted, 4 arrested

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Get ready for the magical visual treat that this gorgeous Harry Potter photoshoot is.

By India Today Web Desk: Every now and then the muggle world is struck with reality checks about actors from the Harry Potter movie franchise turning into beautiful, accomplished adults. Not that we're complaining!

However, this time we aren't talking about Neville Longbottom or Daniel Radcliffe, but about a certain model named Zachary Howell.

Picture courtesy: sarahhesterphotography.com

A recent photoshoot by Oklahoma City photographer Sarah Hester stars Howell as The Boy Who Lived in a never-seen-before avatar. According to Buzzfeed, Hester met Howell at a "meetup" she'd organised for local photographers. While conversing with each other during the meetup, Howell and Hester decided to organise a Harry Potter-themed feature.

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Also Read: This Harry Potter-inspired makeup line will make your muggle heart skip a beat!

Speaking on her collaboration with photographer-model Howell, Hester was quoted as telling Buzzfeed, "He's a photographer and a model. I started calling him Harry because I could NOT remember his name. I jokingly asked if he would be willing to shoot a Harry Potter boudoir session and he was into the idea! We set up the shoot for a week later."

Picture courtesy: sarahhesterphotography.com

The shoot, needless to say turned out to be quite wonderful.

Here's a look at some pictures.

Picture courtesy: sarahhesterphotography.com

Picture courtesy: sarahhesterphotography.com

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By PTI: Islamabad, Oct 17 (PTI) The IMF has warned Pakistan that Chinas growing investments in the country, including the USD 46 billion economic corridor, have the potential to lift the cash-strapped economys potential output, but the repayment obligations that come with it will be serious.

"During the investment phase, as the early harvest projects proceed, Pakistan will experience a surge in FDI and other external funding inflows," says the IMF in a short evaluation of the impact of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CEPC) related investments on Pakistan.

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However, the import requirements of these projects "will likely offset a significant share of these inflows, such that the current account deficit would widen" within manageable levels during these years, the international lender was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper.

The report estimates that CPEC related imports could reach 11 per cent of total projected imports by 2020, equal to just over USD 5.7 billion, while inflows under the corridor will touch 2.2 per cent of projected GDP in that year.

Gross external financing needs of the country will jump almost 60 per cent by then, from a projected USD 11 billion for the current fiscal year, to USD 17.5 billion in 2020.

Pakistan will see USD 27.8 billion in "early harvest" projects under CPEC in the next few years, with the remaining USD 16 billion coming over a longer timeline stretching out to 2030.

"Pakistan will need to manage increasing CPEC-related outflows," warns the IMF, once the Chinese investors begin repatriating profits, adding that the amounts involved "could add up to a significant level given the magnitude of the FDI".

Outflows will also come in the form of repayment obligations on the loans taken from Chinese banks for these projects, which are expected to rise after 2021. Both of these, repayments and profit repatriation, "could reach about 0.4 per cent of GDP per year over the longer run".

The IMF acknowledges that CPEC related growth could cover these payments over the longer term, but warns that this is not guaranteed.

"Reaping the full potential benefits of CPEC will require forceful pro-growth and export-supporting reforms" the report says, citing improved business climate, governance and security as necessary preconditions to enable CPEC investments to generate the resources required to cover their own associated outflows. In addition, "allowing greater downward exchange rate flexibility" will also be necessary.

The 3,000-km-long CEPC, which is part of Chinas Silk Road project, officially called Belt and Road is aimed at connecting the two countries with rail, road, pipelines and optical cable fiber network.

It connects Chinas Xinjiang province with Pakistan Gwadar port, providing access to China to the Arabian Sea.

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The project, when it is completed, would enable China to pump its oil supplies from the Middle East through pipelines to Xinjiang cutting considerable distance for Chinese ships to travel to China.

India has already protested to China over the project as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (More) PTI AKJ AKJ

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Ashish Agashe & Vilas Tokale

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 17 (PTI) Seeking to scale up their economic engagement, India and Brazil today finalised text of a bilateral investment deal and decided to expand overall ties even as the two countries sought united global action without "distinction" or "discrimination" to deal with terrorism.

After holding wide-ranging talks with Brazilian President Michel Temer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India deeply appreciated Brazils support its actions in combating terror, noting both countries will work for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention Against International Terrorism (CCIT) by the UN.

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In the talks, Temer supported New Delhis bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and conveyed to Modi that Brazil will work with other member countries of the elite bloc to facilitate Indias entry into it.

In a statement to the media after the talks, Modi said both countries have finalised the text of the bilateral investment agreement which will provide "much needed momentum" to increased bilateral business and investment linkages.

Modi said he has sought greater market access and investment opportunities for Indian products and companies in Brazil and was "thankful" for Temers "positive consideration".

Temer was here to attend the annual summit of BRICS which took place yesterday. It is his first bilateral visit outside Latin America after assuming charge of the high office in August.

"President Temer and I have reviewed the full range of bilateral cooperation. Noting the potential for much more, we have agreed to scale up our engagement. This is in line with our mutual desire for a reinforced strategic partnership," Modi said in presence of Temer.

On NSG issue, Modi thank Brazil for understanding Indias aspiration for membership of the group.

Referring to the threat of terrorism, Modi said "We deeply appreciate Brazils support for Indias actions in combating terrorism. We agreed that the world must come together to fight this menace without distinction or discrimination."

Talking about Brazils priority to reviving the domestic economy, Modi said India can be a valuable partner in it.

"I welcome Brazilian companies to come and invest in India and to forge long term commercial partnerships," he said.

The two leaders met a group of CEOs of top companies from both countries to explore ways to deepen economic engagement.

"We have also made progress in opening new areas of cooperation during this visit in drug regulation, agricultural research and on cyber security issues.

"President Temer and I also agreed to intensify and strengthen our coordination in important international fora. There is much that is common in our approach and positions. We will work closely at the United Nations, the G-20, G-4, WTO, BRICS, IBSA and other important platforms," Modi said. PTI AA VT MPB ZMN

--- ENDS ---

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India has no ill-will against the people of Pakistan, Union Home Minister said today in a Regional Editors Conference.

Rajnath Singh said that because of harbouring terrorism, Pakistan has been isolated not only in South Asia but also in the world. (Photo: Reuters)

By India Today Web Desk: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has extended assistance to Islamabad to take action against terrorists in Pakistan, even as he urged them to close down the 'factory of terrorism' operating on their land.

Rajnath Singh has also included Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in his statement today.

"India is ready to help Pakistan in taking action against terrorists in Pakistan, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," Rajnath Singh said.

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READ| India doesn't attack but will 'not count bullets' in case of retaliation, says Rajnath Singh

"PAK HAS ADOPTED TERRORISM'"



Clearing the air on India's intention, Rajnath said, "India does not have any ill will against the people of Pakistan. Pakistan has adopted terrorism as its state policy and harbours terrorists."

Rajnath Singh said that because of harbouring terrorism, Pakistan has been isolated not only in South Asia but also in the world.

READ| Let us unite in isolating those who support terror: Rajnath to Sri Lanka



The Union Minister was addressing a Regional Editors Conference.

Watch: Pakistan obsessed about Kashmir issue, says Rajnath Singh

--- ENDS ---
Shalabh 'Shalli' Kumar, a Chicago -based Indian American industrialist, is the founding chairman of the Republican Hindu Coalition and an ardent Trump, Modi supporter.

By India Today Web Desk: Meet Shalabh 'Shalli' Kumar, the Indian-American, rather the Hindu-American industrialist who has emerged as one of Donald Trump's biggest financial backers. The Chicago -based business tycoon is the founding chairman of the Republican Hindu Coalition and has donated 1.1 million dollars to the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's election campaign.

In November 2015, he established the 'Republican Hindu Coalition' that works for strengthening Indian-Americans as a powerful voting bloc in the upcoming US presidential elections and and as a non-profit entity. The official Facebook page of the Republican Hindu Coalition describes its mission as, 'a single unified platform to build a strong, effective & respected Hindu-American voice in Washington and across the country. RHC shall become a unique bridge between the Hindu-American community and Republican and shall make the best and relentless efforts to make the 21st Century to be an Indo-American century through an exponential increase in bilateral trade between India and the US and a strategic alliance between the two countries at all levels.'



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At an event held on Saturday night titled 'Humanity United Against Terror,' hosted by the Republican Hindu Coalition in Edison, New Jersey, Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump addressed thousands of Hindus. The fund raiser comes at the heels of his campaign for the White House. In his speech, he laid focus on the relationship with India saying, 'Indian and Hindu community will have a true friend in the White House.'



Here's all about Shalli Kumar and his support for the Republican party Kumar, born to a freedom fighter family in Ambala, graduated from Punjab University in 1965. He then went to the US to study at Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. He is known for organizing the first exhibition of rare photographs of Indian freedom fighters such as Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad in the US. Kumar is currently the Chairman and CEO of AVG Advanced Technologies an electronics manufacturing company. In the aftermath of Osama Bin Laden's death, Kumar played an important role in supporting Texas Congressman Ted Poe's bill to cut off foreign aid to Pakistan. In July 2016, he publicly voiced his support for Trump. He openly backed Trump's stance on Pakistan and the plan to profile Muslims. He also backed Newt Gingrich's calls for scrutinsing American Muslims. The Punjabi Tycoon is also the biggest supporter of Modi in US. Republican Party dates back to the Reagan administration. Kumar worked with the Reagan small business advisory council in the early eighties. In 2011, his eldest son Vikram Aditya Kumar married England born 2007-Miss Earth India Pooja Chitgopekar in New Zealand. The ceremony was the biggest and most lavish wedding in NZ history. In July, he wired 449,000 dollars to the Trump victory fund and his wife added to a second round of the donation leading up to a maddening total of 8,98,800 dollars.

Also read: Over 5,000 Indian-Americans cheer for Trump at charity event



--- ENDS ---
The decision to steer the Popular Mobilisation Forces away from Mosul to Hawija 100 km (60 miles) away is intended to ease sectarian animosity during the fight for Mosul, expected to be the biggest battle in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion of 2003.

Forces advance in the east of Mosul to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul. Photo: Reuters

By Reuters: Shi'ite irregulars will help storm a smaller city in northern Iraq while government troops launch their upcoming offensive against Islamic State's biggest stronghold Mosul, raising fears among Iraqi officials and aid workers of sectarian retribution.

The decision to steer the Popular Mobilisation Forces away from Mosul to Hawija 100 km (60 miles) away is intended to ease sectarian animosity during the fight for Mosul, expected to be the biggest battle in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion of 2003.

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The PMF units, formed from Shi'ite militia groups who now have official status from Baghdad, have been accused by the United Nations and others of carrying out killings and kidnappings in some other areas freed from Islamic State.

Their presence at the frontline is often bitterly resented by Sunni civilians in Sunni-majority areas the government hopes to free from Islamic State control, and authorities want to keep them off the battlefield in Mosul.

But they are also battle-hardened fighters with powerful supporters in Baghdad, and keeping them out of the fight altogether would be politically difficult.

Also read:

Iraqi PM vows to end ISIS as troops launch operation to take back Mosul



A senior diplomat who has followed the planning for the assault on Mosul said the compromise to send the PMF to Hawija instead was the result of tough negotiations.

"I don't think that was an easy agreement," said the senior diplomat, giving details that were not public on condition of anonymity. "There was a lot of leaning and a lot of heavy lifting by a lot of people."

But the diplomat acknowledged that the compromise had caused concern about abuses being carried out in the smaller city.

"We're really worried," the diplomat said.

The PMF says civilians in Hawija have nothing to fear.

"Our role will be liberating them from Daesh tyranny," said Ali al-Hussaini, a PMF spokesman, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. "We will make sure to save the families from any harm and preserve their dignity. We are their brothers, we are not an enemy."

FLEEING UNDER FIRE

Mosul, with a pre-war population of around 2 million, is five times bigger than any other city Islamic State militants have held, and the battle for it is seen as an existential fight for the group's self-proclaimed caliphate in Iraq.

Hawija, with around 200,000 people, is an important provincial city in its own right. Residents who have managed to flee say the fighters have imposed draconian rule there, growing increasingly violent as the expected battle looms.

"Everyone is trying to escape," said Um Kamal, a woman in her fifties who swam to safety with her three children across a river in pitch black darkness last Tuesday night as Islamic State fighters fired at them from the shore.

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A woman nearby was hit by the gunfire but Um Kamal and her family reached territory held by Kurdish security forces.

The militants, clearly aware of an impending attack, have become even more brutal in recent weeks, those who flee say: executions take place daily and corpses are hung on light posts as a warning to anyone who challenges the caliphate.

Um Yaqoub, another Hawija resident, tried to escape earlier this summer with members of her extended family but they were caught by IS fighters.

"They executed my cousin in front of us," she said. "My kids saw it." She finally made it to Kurdish-controlled territory on her third escape attempt a month ago.

800 PEOPLE ESCAPE HAWIJA

In a single night last week, approximately 800 people escaped Hawija. Many of those leaving are transferred to a camp near the town of Daquq, one of several camps in the region which aid agencies are expecting to fill when the military operations in Mosul and Hawija kick off.

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"This is the beginning of a massive emergency we are preparing for," said Maulid Warfa, the head of a United Nations Children's Fund's (UNICEF) field office at the Daquq camp, noting that some 200,000 people are expected to be displaced within the first two weeks of fighting in and near Mosul.

Aid workers worry that fear of retaliation by Shi'ite fighters could cause more panic and worsen the situation.

The United Nations said in July it had a list of more than 640 Sunni Muslim men and boys reportedly abducted by a government-affiliated Shi'ite militia during the battle for the Islamic State-held bastion of Falluja. About 50 others were summarily executed or tortured to death.

The PMF have said that there have been individual abuse cases but that it was not systematic and the government has promised to punish anyone involved.

Hawija residents have already experienced violence from Shi'ite-led security forces. In 2013, dozens were killed when Iraqi security forces raided an anti-government protest camp in the city, fuelling resentment that residents say eased Islamic State's takeover of the town the next year.

Iraqi officials, aware of the sensitivities of sending Shi'ite fighters into a predominantly Sunni town, are trying to temper the role the PMF will play in Hawija, according to former finance and foreign minister Hoshiyar Zebari. The hope is that more disciplined PMF units will be paired with the Iraqi army to create a sectarian balance in the fighting force.

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"No one will condone any atrocities," Zebari said.

In past battles, PMF units have not received air support from the U.S.-led coalition that assists the Iraqi army. Some PMF members fought against American troops in Shi'ite militias during the U.S. occupation of Iraq.

However, Hussaini, the PMF spokesman, said coalition forces were expected to provide air support and intelligence during the assault on Hawija.

Asked about support for PMF units, coalition spokesman Col. John Dorrian said: "It would be appropriate to say we help the Iraqi security forces. As far as the specific disposition of who's involved there I probably wouldn't get into that."

Um Kamal, now safely out of Hawija with her family, said she is looking forward to the day she can return.

"I want to go back to my house and my life," she said. "But we are waiting. People are waiting to see what happens with the military operation."

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Anisur Rahman

Dhaka, Oct 16 (PTI) A leader of a banned Islamic extremist group was today executed in Bangladesh for his role in a 2005 blast that killed two judges, including one from the Hindu community.

Asadul Islam alias Arif, a leader of the Jamatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), was executed in Khulna jail after the Supreme Court upheld his death sentence in August for the blast.

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"He was hanged to death at 10:30 pm," an official at Khulna jail said.

Arif and six other top JMB leaders including its founder Shayakh Abdur Rahman were sentenced to death on May 29, 2006 for killing judges Jagannath Pare and Sohel Ahmed.

Death sentence of the militants except Arif were executed on March 29, 2007.

Arif, who was absconding was later arrested on July 10, 2007. He filed the petition with the Supreme Court this year seeking review of its judgement.

Bangladesh has blamed the JMB for the July 1 attack on an upmarket Dhaka restaurant in which 22 people, mostly foreign hostages, were killed.

Security forces have since launched a deadly crackdown against extremists linked to the attack.

In August, just weeks after the cafe attack, Bangladesh?s highest court led by the chief justice dismissed Arifs final appeal, clearing the way for his execution.

Founded in the late 1990s, the JMB has sought to impose Sharia law in the Muslim majority but secular nation of 160 million people. PTI AR NSA

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Anisur Rahman

Dhaka, Oct 17 (PTI) A senior Bangladeshi leader of a banned Islamist extremist group has been executed in for his role in a 2005 blast that killed two judges, including one from the Hindu community.

Asadul Islam alias Arif, a leader of the Jamatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), was executed in Khulna jail last night after the Supreme Court upheld his death sentence in August for the blast.

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"He was hanged to death at 10:30 pm," an official at Khulna jail said.

Arif and six other top JMB leaders including its founder Shayakh Abdur Rahman were sentenced to death on May 29, 2006 for killing judges Jagannath Pare and Sohel Ahmed in a 2005 bomb attack on a minibus.

Death sentence of the militants except Arif were executed on March 29, 2007.

Arif, who was absconding was later arrested on July 10, 2007. He filed the petition with the Supreme Court this year seeking review of its judgement.

Bangladesh has blamed the JMB for the July 1 attack on an upmarket Dhaka restaurant in which 22 people, mostly foreign hostages, were killed.

Security forces have since launched a deadly crackdown against extremists linked to the attack.

In August, just weeks after the cafe attack, Bangladeshs highest court led by the chief justice dismissed Arifs final appeal, clearing the way for his execution.

Founded in the late 1990s, the JMB has sought to impose Sharia law in the Muslim majority but secular nation of 160 million people. PTI AR NSA SAI

--- ENDS ---
Justice Markandey Katju as been summoned by Supreme Court for criticising SC verdict on Soumya rape case.

By Revathi Rajeevan: Justice Markandey Katju has been summoned by Supreme Court in connection with his Facebook post criticising the apex court's verdict on rape and murder of Soumya in Kerala in 2011.

This is perhaps the first time in history that the judiciary has taken note of the personal blog of a retired judge.

Katju had called the judgment 'a grave error' in his blog. The SC bench had commuted the death penalty of sole convict Govindaswamy, citing lack of evidence.

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Katju has been summoned for insinuating that SC grievously erred by not imposing death penalty on Govindaswamy in Soumya rape-murder case

The Supreme Court has asked Justice Katju to show on November 11 how and where the SC went wrong in not imposing death sentence on Govindaswamy.

Also read:

Katju's love note for Jayalalithaa: You are a fearless lioness, your opponents are langurs

Justice Markandey Katju tells how Indian justice system is flawed

Justice Katju gets get well soon card from Odia students





--- ENDS ---
The Bombay High Court stayed the BMC order on demolition of an alleged illegal construction at Kapil Sharma's residence in Goregaon till November 23.

By Mustafa Shaikh, Vidya : In a major relief for actor and comedian Kapil Sharma, the Bombay High Court today stayed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) order on the demolition of an alleged illegal construction at his residence in Goregaon till November 23.



Earlier in the day, Sharma had moved the court against the BMC notice.

The civic body had issued a notice to Sharma on April 28, in which it said that a portion of the actor-comedian's residence was constructed illegally and therefore needs to be demolished.

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KAPIL CRIES FOUL



At this, the actor had cried foul and said the notice was issued with "malafide intentions". While challenging the BMC notice, Sharma has pleaded that till the time the court doesn't pass a ruling on his petition, the BMC should not be allowed to act against him.ALSO WATCH:

ALSO READ: FIR against comedian Kapil Sharma for violating Environment Act



Sharma had earlier in a tweet alleged that he was asked to pay a bribe of Rs 5 lakh by the BMC for constructing his office despite paying an income tax of Rs 15 crore. The BMC was not amused. It instead accused the actor of constructing a portion of his office in Versova and a part of his apartment in Goregaon illegally. The alleged illegal construction was carried out at a space earmarked for parking.



I am paying 15 cr income tax from last 5 year n still i have to pay 5 lacs bribe to BMC office for making my office @narendramodi KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) September 9, 2016

Yeh hain aapke achhe din ? @narendramodi KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) September 9, 2016

According to the petition filed by Sharma, "in March and April 2010, the civic body issued commencement certificate to the developer granting permission to construct the 18 floors. On November 6, 2013, the corporation issued Full Occupation Certificate to the building".

The petition also questioned BMCs motive.

"That the impugned Notice appears to have been issued by the Respondents (BMC) at the behest of some interested persons with political motives with a view to gain political mileage and hence also cannot be sustained in eyes of law," the petition read.



However, on November 14, 2014, BMC's assistant engineer from the Building and Factory department issued notice to Sharma claiming that he had made some illegal construction in his flat and sought his reply.

ALSO READ: BMC files case against Kapil Sharma over illegal construction

Sharma, in his reply to the BMC, had said that no unauthorised construction was carried out in his office-cum residential building.

The civic body on December 1, 2014, however, refused to accept the actor's clarification.

Sharma then filed an application in Dindoshi sessions court against the notice. On December 28, 2014, the sessions court granted interim relief and directed the civic body to not initiate any action pending hearing of the application.

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ALSO READ: Mumbai Congress demands probe into Kapil Sharma's corruption allegations against BMC officials

"Despite the sessions court order, the corporation issued another notice on April 28 this year directing razing of the building," Sharma said in his petition.

KAPIL NOT ALONE

Apart from Sharma, the BMC had issued notices to several other flat owners, including actor Irrfan Khan, for allegedly carrying out illegal construction in their flats.

The petition is likely to come up for hearing before a division bench of Justices Ranjit More and Anuja Prabhudessai.

(with inputs from PTI)

ALSO READ: More trouble for Kapil Sharma; probe report recommends FIR for destroying mangroves

ALSO READ: With tweet backfiring, Kapil Sharma now seeks meeting with CM Fadnavis



--- ENDS ---
By Rohini Swamy: It almost seems like the Siddaramaiah government is buckling under public pressure. While the state government has stood steadfast on their decision to build the Rs 1,700 crore steel flyover from Chalukya circle to Hebbal in Bengaluru city, to ease the traffic, the move has been met with stiff resistance.

Siddaramaiah decided to assess the situation himself along with his cabinet ministers on what could be alternate routes to the airport.

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While travelling in a special bus followed by the media in two other buses, Siddaramaiah stopped at 4 places to assess the roads which could be widened to ease the traffic woes of the city.

Sources in the government say that the government is in no mood to scrap the new flyover project, rather they will proceed with the alternate route and steel flyover project simultaneously.

SEVERAL ROADS ASSESSED



"We have assessed many roads, one is from Thanisandra to Byalahalli, we have started improvement of this road, we have begun road widening. The other alternative is from Thanisandra, Nagwara to Myanahalli.

This will de-congest the traffic which is going towards the airport. The public opinions was sought in the month of June, we have received complaints and suggestions from the public, about 73 percent of suggestions made by public are for the construction of the steel flyover, said Siddaramaiah.

Recently activists took to the roads and showed their steely nerves to the government to ensure that 800 trees and heritage buildings are not destroyed to preserve the Bengaluru city.

Also read:

Nerves of steel: Karnataka government firm on constructing steel flyover in Bengaluru



--- ENDS ---
The militants attacked the guards posted at a Low Power Transmitter station of public service broadcaster Doordarshan in Dalvash village late on Sunday night.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Separatist guerrillas snatched weapons from TV tower guards in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, police said today.

The militants attacked the guards posted at a Low Power Transmitter station of public service broadcaster Doordarshan in Dalvash village late on Sunday night. They took away five service rifles.







--- ENDS ---
As per the reports, a group of unidentified men thrashed the drivers and asked the passengers to get off before setting the vehicles on fire.

By Shuja-ul-Haq : Unidentified persons set alight two passenger vehicles in Parimpora area of Srinagar today.

DRIVERS BEATEN



As per the reports, a group of unidentified men thrashed the drivers and asked the passengers to get off before setting the vehicles on fire. In a similar incident, two auto rickshaws were set ablaze in Srinagar earlier this month by unidentified persons for ferrying passengers during strike.

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101 DAYS OF UNREST



The Valley has been going through unrest for last 101 days. 93 people have been killed and more than 15,000 have been injured. Many of the injured have pellet injuries. The unrest began with the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani in an encounter in July this year.

Also read:

Kashmir: Terrorists snatch 5 service rifles from TV tower guards in Anantnag

Kashmir unrest: Protesters wave China and Pakistan flags in Baramulla

Pakistan targets 4 Indian posts in Naushera sector of Kashmir



--- ENDS ---
In a Facebook post, Delhi Chief Minister hits out at the ruling BJP government for using violence during the Patidar agitation.

By Pankaj Jain: Following his visit to Gujarat in the run to the 2017 assembly elections in the state, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has hit out at the ruling BJP government in the state for using violence during the Patidar agitation.

In a Facebook post, the Delhi CM said that the BJP claims to be a party of the Hindus yet it used force against the Patel community (Hindu youths). At least 12 people were killed during the agitation which started in July 2015.

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Kejriwal further said that Dalits too have been targeted under this regime. Referring to the incident of flogging of Dalit youths in Una, the AAP leader said that those youths were Hindus and yet they were beaten up.

ALSO READ: Kejriwal to Unja voters: Vote for corruption-free govt, book those who fired on patidar protesters

Accusing the party of running after power and money, he said that "for power, the BJP will not spare even their own people, forget about Hindus".

ALSO READ: Kejriwal govt misused taxpayers' money to expand AAP's base outside Delhi: Report

ALSO READ: AAP smells trouble ahead of Kejriwal's rally in Surat



--- ENDS ---
Students at Chinmaya Vidyala have been asked to greet their teachers or higher authorities by saying 'Hari Om' with folded hands.

By Revathi Rajeevan: Days after Peace International School came under the Kerala Police scanner for including non-secular syllabus in textbooks, another Kerala school is under fire for its rules.

Students at Chinmaya Vidyala have been asked to greet their teachers or higher authorities by saying 'Hari Om' with folded hands.

Also read:

Grade 2 textbook in Zakir Naik-promoted school under scanner over lessons on conversion



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As per the rule, the students must follow this practice when they greet their teacher in the morning. The rule is listed on the school's website.

When India Today contacted the school, Principal Pratibha confirmed that such practice is in place. "Yes that is on the website. It is part of Chinmaya's culture. We expect our students to follow the same," she said.

The principal said that the school does not compel the same although the website states that the rules must be strictly followed.



--- ENDS ---
In an on-going controversy on casting actors from Pakistan, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has slammed Anurag Kashyap for questioning PM Narendra Modi.

By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju today lashed out at film director Anurag Kashyap.

Kiren Rijiju said that Kashyap has questioned PM Narendra Modi "without any logic."

"KEEP INDIA'S DIGNITY IN MIND"

"Narendra Modi as a Prime Minister is much respected. People should think before making such statements. They should keep the dignity of country in mind," Rijiju said.

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Indirectly hinting at the filmmaker speaking against Prime Minister in his tweet, Kiren Rijiju said that a new fashion has developed in India where students or film person can speak against the PM in an uninformed and illogical way.

A new fashion has developed in India. A student or a film person can put a question or speak against PM without any logic to get into news. Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) October 17, 2016

Rijiju was talking about Kashyap's tweet to PM Modi where he suggested that if Indian directors can be penalized for featuring Pakistani artists in their films, then PM Modi should also apologise for his Lahore trip last year to meet his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif.

WHAT HAS LED TO THE FURORE



Kashyap was expressing his support for Karan Johar's upcoming directorial venture 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'.

The film has received flak for casting Pakistan actor Fawad Khan. To protest the same, Cinema Owners Association has decided to stall the release of the film.

Questioning the outrage behing casting Fawad Khan, Kashyap had asked why should the film be affected, considering Johar shot it way before tension between India and Pakistan escalated following the Uri terror attack.

READ| ADHM ban: Anurag Kashyap backs KJo, says PM Modi hasn't apologised for Pakistan trip

Read| Ban on Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: How much will producers lose if the film does not release?



After he was criticized for his tweets, Kashyap defended himself saying that he complained to the PM because he expects protection from government.

READ| Anurag Kashyap's tweets against PM Modi, supporting Ae Dil Hai Muskil sparks controversy, BJP leader calls him 'filmi khatmal'

ADHM ban: Madhur Bhandarkar slams Anurag Kashyap for attacking PM Modi



--- ENDS ---
By Pankaj Jain: Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday appealed that Lt Governor Najeeb Jung should immediately dissolve the three-member committee set up by him and return the files impounded by the Lt Governor's office to the concerned departments. Failure to do so would "cause unlawful obstruction in discharge of the Constitutional obligations of the Delhi government," he added.

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Post a Cabinet decision on October 14, 2016, Sisodia in a letter to the L-G said that the Delhi Cabinet in its meeting on October 14, 2016, chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, noted that there is no provision in the Constitution, or in any statute or rule, whatsoever, which empowers setting up of an external committee to enquire into the ongoing projects of public welfare, question officers and threaten to recommend criminal and administrative action against them.

'RESPECT THE DIVISION OF POWERS'

The Deputy CM urged the L-G to "observe and respect the division of powers". As per the rules, a minister is not required to refer any matter to the Lt Governor except in certain cases which are categorically specified. The Council recognises the L-G's prerogative to call the minister for discussion with an endeavour to resolve any difference of opinion with any minister in respect of a decision taken by him under Rule 49 of the Transaction of Business Rules. The Council also recognises that in case L-G wishes to refer any matter for consideration of the Council, such recourse is available under Rule 49 of TBR and Section 45 of GNCTD Act, 1991. The Council has dutifully followed the administrative practices and constitutional conventions well established for the past 25 years, Sisodia added.

'DELHI GOVT SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO FUNCTION'



Sisodia pointed out the dangerous precedent being set by the office of L-G by unsettling the decisions taken by the government long after they had been implemented. The recourse to such enquiry committee is also in opposition to extant rules and constitutional conventions, he said.

Sisodia reiterated that the Delhi government should be allowed to function pursuant to public mandate and in consonance with the Constitution and any attempt towards miscarriage of governance should be warded off by all concerned, including the Lt Governor.

It may be recalled that the Delhi government has been continuously making attempts to resolve the issues. The Delhi government had earlier written to the Shunglu Committee, post the Cabinet resolution, written to the LG and now again to the L-G.



ALSO READ:



Ink attack on Manish Sisodia outside L-G Najeeb Jung's house



Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia appears before ACB in DCW recruitment case



--- ENDS ---
"We are in talks with her though nothing has been finalised yet," Assam Finance, Health and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

By Kaushik Deka : World champion boxer and Rajya Sabha MP Mary Kom is likely to become BJP's star campaigner in the Assembly elections to be held in her home state Manipur next year. It's still not clear if the boxer will join the party and contest Assembly polls, but one of her brothers is almost certain to get a BJP ticket.

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"NOTHING FINAL YET"



"We are in talks with her though nothing has been finalised yet," Assam Finance, Health and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also convenor of North East Democratic Alliance, a BJP-led umbrella organization of political parties, told India Today. Sarma met Mary Kom in Imphal on October 16.

Also read:

India Today-Axis Opinion Poll on Manipur: Another north-eastern jewel in BJP's crown after Assam



In last six months, several veteran Congress leaders have also joined BJP. According to sources, the party also reached out to iconic activist Irom Sharmila, who has decided to join electoral politics. But top leadership is divided over accommodating her in the party. Last month, Sharmila had met AAP leader and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking his help to launch her political career.

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Mobor, Oct 16 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held meetings with Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda and Bangladeshi Premier Sheikh Hasina and discussed important bilateral and regional issues with them.

"And capping off a busy day, a final bilateral with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

"PM @narendramodi meets Prime Minister of Nepal for a bilateral," he said.

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Earlier in the day, Prime Minister also met Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgayon the sidelines of the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach summit at Cavelossim, 50 km from Panaji. PTI PYK NSA

--- ENDS ---
The IB will inquire how meat exporter, Moin Qureshi was allowed to fly by the immigration officials to Dubai on Saturday.

By Atir Khan: The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has initiated an inquiry into how meat exporter, Moin Qureshi was allowed to board the Dubai flight from Delhi airport on Saturday. The meat exporter was allowed to fly after being briefly questioned by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office officials.

Qureshi had shown court orders to the immigration officials which said he was allowed to travel. But that order was in connection with the IT probe and not the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

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The ED has issued a separate look-out circular against him. This was ignored by immigration officers and he was allowed to leave the Delhi IGI airport.

Also read: Meat exporter Moin Qureshi shows papers against ED's restraint order, allowed to fly to Dubai from Delhi airport



CASE AGAINST QURESHI

As immigration falls under the IB, it has initiated an inquiry and is likely to take action against the erring officers. The ED suspected that Qureshi had sent Rs 200 crores to foreign companies. Qureshi has also been probed by the Income Tax department in the past.

His BBM exchange trail with former CBI Director Ranjit Sinha was also examined.

--- ENDS ---
Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, has been under the control of the Islamic State since June 2014. Iraqi PM Abadi announced the beginning of Battle for Mosul, a military operation to recapture the city from ISIS, today.

By Sanjana Agnihotri: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the beginning of a military operation to recapture the city of Mosul from the terror outfit Islamic State.

"Our dearest people in Nineveh province, the victory bell has rung, and the operations to liberate Mosul have begun. I am announcing today the beginning of these heroic operations to liberate you from the brutality and terrorism of ISIS. God willing, we will meet soon on the ground of Mosul where we will all celebrate the liberation and your freedom", PM Abadi said.

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Mosul, the country's second largest city, has been under the control of the militant group since June 2014.

Almost 1.5 million people live in the city now and UN refugee agency has said that this would create "one of the largest man-made displacement crises of recent times".

Photo: Reuters

According to officials, losing Mosul would mean ISIS' defeat in Iraq and to materialize this, Iraqi force of 30,000 is all geared up.

Here is how Iraq plans the battle for Mosul:



Only Iraqi forces to fight the battle

PM Abadi has assured that only forces with the Iraqi army and National Police will enter the city.

On the southern front, Popular Mobilisation Units of Shiite paramilitary forces that include Sunnis, Christians and other ethnic and religious groups are fighting with the forces and are targeting ISIS tunnels and trenches using highly destructive thermobaric missiles.

In pictures: Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, is now with jihadists

Peshmerga Forces and Kurdish fighters have launched a coordinated operation on the Eastern front of Mosul in Khazir. This operation involves Iraqi Security Forces from Gwer and Gayyara and nearly 4,000 fighters.

Military vehicles of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces are seen on the southeast of Mosul, Iraq (Photo:Reuters)

Foreign aid

Although Iraqi security forces will be leading the battle on the ground, they will be backed by coalition airstrikes and advisers according to US officials.

The Nineveh Liberation Operations Center was set up to coordinate the offensive to recapture the areas under ISIS control and it has brought in dozens of American and British advisers. A US artillery unit has also provided cover for operations south of Mosul.

Also read: Battle for Mosul, Islamic State's biggest stronghold in Iraq, begins





Victory important for Abadi government

Winning the battle, which is expected to last for weeks, is important for Abadi government for two reasons. First one being putting an end to ISIS' territorial dominance over Iraq's oil-rich north and second to bring a change in the political climate of the country.

Photo: Reuters





Not the first time

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It was the Mosul offensive in 2015 which successfully recaptured parts of the northwest region of Mosul after the city fell in the hands of ISIS in June 2014.

In the past two years, ISIS has been driven out of Tikrit, Ramadi and Falluja. Iraqi security forces recently recaptured the Qayyara oil refinery and seized the Qayyara airbase, Iraq's third-largest.

In pics: See how Iraq forces wrested control of Mosul dam from ISIS



For more than a year, US-led coalition and Iraqi forces have continued with their airstrikes targetting ISIS.

Photo: Reuters

--- ENDS ---
In a joint statement issued after a brainstorming session, Islamic scholars and clerics took umbrage to the Centre's proposals on Triple Talaq and other practices which they said would violate their personal laws.

By Indo-Asian News Service: In a rare display of solidarity, Islamic scholars and clerics of all Muslim sects on Monday attacked the government for trying to introduce a Uniform Civil Code.

The scholars and clerics from Sunni, Shia, Barelvi, Deobandi and Ahlehadi sects registered their protest against what they termed was "the government's interference in personal laws".

In a joint statement issued after a brainstorming session, the leaders took umbrage to the Centre's proposals on Triple Talaq and other practices which they said would violate their personal laws.

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AIUC CONDEMNS MOVE OF BANNING TRIPLE TALAQ AS CONSPIRACY

"Any interference in Muslim Personal Law will not be tolerated. Any efforts to impose a Uniform Civil Code in the name of social reform and gender justice will prove counter-productive," they said.

The President of All India Ulema Council, Maulana Zaherudin Khan, condemned the move of banning Triple Talaq as a conspiracy to impose a Uniform Civil Code which he said was opposed by most Muslims.

ALSO READ | 300 Hindu families unable to perform Durga puja in Bengal's Kanglapahari village after opposition by 25 Muslim families

"We will boycott this questionnaire. No Muslim will respond to it because it is misleading and deceitful. The Uniform Civil Code is divisive and will lead to social unrest," he cautioned.

"The government should respect this position of the Muslims instead of conspiring to forcibly put an end to it," said Darul Uloom Mohamadiya's President Maulana Sayed M K Ashraf.

'GOVT CAN'T FORCE MUSLIMS TO FOLLOW OTHER COMMUNITIES'

"It cannot force Muslims to follow other communities in issues related to personal laws as it tantamount to an infringement on their fundamental rights," Ashraf said.

He said that Muslims clamouring against Triple Talaq and demanding a ban on polygamy "are a miniscule minority who do not represent the sentiments of the majority of Indian Muslims".

All Indian Ulema Association President Maulana Sayed Athar Ali urged the government to refrain from interfering in the beliefs and religions of all citizens.

ALSO READ | Zakir Naik to India Today: I back Modi's quest to improve relations between Hindus, Muslims

"Muslims consider divorce, polygamy and other personal laws as an intrinsic part of their religion and are obliged to follow the Sharia in these matters," Maulana Ali pointed out.

The latest move comes shortly after the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) came out strongly against Triple Talaq.

The meeting in Mumbai was chaired by Maulana Ashraf and attended by AIUC President Maulana Khan; Mushwarat President Naveed Hamid; AIMPLB executive committee member Maulana Sayed Athar Ali; All India Jamiat Islami Vice-President Maulana Nusrat; Imam of Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai, Maulana Mohammed Islam; Shia scholar Maulana Asgar Haideri and Ahlehadis scholar Maulana Asgar Imam Salfi.

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ALSO READ:

Agra Muslims slam Modi government's stand on triple talaq



--- ENDS ---
For those who deal with bosses who spend hours doling out criticisms and unleashing their wrath, 'Boss's day' is the perfect time to turn things around with some 'tender loving jokes.'

By India Today Web Desk: Bosses come in all shapes, sizes and personalities and almost all of them have these questions/orders programmed in them: 'Get this done ASAP', 'Why are you late? 'Leaving so early?'

Whether you get along with your boss or not, you cannot escape these words. No sir.

In the film Horrible Bosses, one of the characters said this about the boss: 'Technically, I think it's immoral not to kill him.' We do not, repeat, do not recommend this strategy. Apparently, they put people in jail for killing bosses.

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But not all bosses rain down terror in your already stormy work life. For those who get lucky and land an upright and fair boss, there are no Monday blues. But for those who aren't that lucky, Boss's Day is the perfect day to impress them with something phenomenal.

WHAT IS BOSS'S DAY?

As if we needed just a day for bosses, huh?

National Boss's day is an American tradition celebrated on October 16 every year. The day is dedicated to improving team rapport with the leader.

It started way back in 1958 when a woman named Patricia Bay Haroski, an employee at State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield, Illinois, registered the special day with United States Chamber of Commerce to show appreciation for her boss and other bosses.

Four years later that National Boss's Day was officially proclaimed as a holiday by then Illinois Governor, Otto Kerner.

For those who deal with bosses who spend hours doling out criticisms and unleashing their wrath, 'Boss Day' is the perfect time to turn things around with some 'tender loving jokes'. Just remember. At the end of the day, the boss is always right. ;)

Check out a few below:

When you send a mushy message for the girlfriend to the boss by mistake. pic.twitter.com/syZ8lVkZv9 Manas (@Spooferman_) January 4, 2016

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) Senior diplomat Navdeep Singh Suri was today appointed Ambassador to United Arab Emirates, a strategically important nation country which is major supplier of oil to India and is home to around 2.6 million-strong Indians.

Suri, a 1983 batch Indian Foreign Service official, is expected to take up the assignment shortly, the External Affairs Ministry said.

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He is currently serving as Indian High Commissioner in Canberra.

Suri had served in Indias diplomatic missions in Cairo, Damascus, Washington, Dar es Salaam and London and as Indias Consul General in Johannesburg.

He has also headed the West Africa and Public Diplomacy divisions at the Ministry of External Affairs. He was Indias Ambassador to Egypt prior to his posting to Canberra.

UAE is a strategically important country for India in the Gulf region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a visit to UAE in August last year during which both sides had decided to significantly expand bilateral ties, particularly in areas of trade and investment. PTI MPB ZMN

--- ENDS ---
Pakistan is working on a new strategy to counter India in the wake of New Delhi's diplomatic offensive after Uri terror attack , in which 19 soldiers lost their lives on September 18.

By India Today Web Desk: From warning its army to sending militants across LoC, too many shades of Pakistan's India policy have already been seen in the aftermath of Modi government's diplomatic offensive and surgical strikes in PoK. But, Islamabad is again churning out a new strategy to counter India.

A 13-member committee of the Senate- equivalent to Rajya Sabha- has made some tactical recommendations for the Nawaz Sharif government to check India's growing stature in diplomatic battle with Pakistan.

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In its 'Policy guidelines in view of the latest situation developing between India and Pakistan', the Senate committee has asked Sharif government to play up caste and religion by talking about Dalits, unhappy Muslims and encourage those opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi besides highlighting the issue of Kashmir.

WATCH:



THE COUNTER-INDIA STRATEGY

Major part of the policy paper is devoted to Pakistan's oft repeated rhetoric about Kashmir. But, the tone and tenor of the guidelines suggest that Pakistan concedes having been isolated by India diplomatic onslaught after Uri terror attack.

"The Government should hire International lobbyists and strategic communication firms and reactivate Pakistani community living abroad to change global narrative," the Senate committee recommended.

Also read: India should send Pakistani Ambassador in India back home, snap all ties



READ: Pakistan isolated due to its own policies, India has no role, says MEA

The calling off of SAARC summit has hurt Pakistan in more than one inter-governmental group. "The need to counter India's initiatives to demoralize/isolate Pakistan particularly amongst neighbours of Pakistan, SAARC members and members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is imperative," the committee said.

The upper house committee of Pakistan asked the Sharif government redouble the "efforts to cultivate Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Iran and the Central Asian republics plus Russia".

READ: Pakistan stands isolated today; it's high time it acted against terror groups: MEA

EXPLOIT INDIA'S FAULT-LINES

In the 22-point policy guidelines the Senate committee advised the Pakistan government to exploit India's societal differences.

"India's own fault-lines in their alienated Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and Dalits as well as the growing Maoist insurgency (should) be highlighted," the policy paper reads. This seems to be a measure to counter PM Modi's reference to Balochistan in recent weeks.

It further said, "Modi and his RSS ideology of Hindutva should be targeted. Comprehensive outreach to those segments of Indian public opinion which are opposed to Modi's extremism and his anti-Pakistan policies including political parties, media, civil society organisations and human rights groups."

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READ: Nawaz Sharif's days are numbered? Military boys set timer device on elected government



WHY WAS COMMITTEE CREATED?

The Committee of the Whole was constituted on September 26- after Uri terror attack but three days before the surgical strikes carried out by India in PoK.

The committee was briefed by Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, its Defence Secretary and Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz on September 29.

READ: Army gives videos of surgical strikes to government, PM Modi to take final call on release



Interestingly, on October 22, i.e. four days before the committee was formed the Senate had passed a unanimous resolution in support of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, who was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8.

The entire report of the Senate committee is available on its website. (http://www.senate.gov.pk/uploads/documents/whole/whole07.pdf )



ALSO READ:

Can Nawaz Sharif order Pakistan Army to act against terrorist groups? Dawn reports he just did

PM Modi won't go to Pakistan for SAARC summit, environment not conducive, says MEA





--- ENDS ---
Recently, NIA had revealed that ISIS operatives in India had approached Naxalite groups to understand their modus operandi for perpetrating terror and to buy firearms from them.

The nine suspected naxals who were arrested from Hindon Vihar in Noida on Saturday night.

By Shashank Shekhar: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is puzzled with the 'big strike plan' of 10 suspected naxalites, who were arrested on Saturday night with a huge cache of arms that points in the direction of a major attack planned in the national Capital.

Cops said naxals have usually restricted themselves to attacking army convoys or villages in the nation's hinterland, but Saturday's arrest so close to Delhi is a sign of their expanding base, which may have been aided by terror outfits.

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The police are investigating possible links with terror organizations, which are already looking for an opportunity to carry out a strike in Delhi, and have sought help of central security agencies to investigate the case.

BIG STRIKE PLAN

In the night-long operation on Saturday, ATS carried out several raids across Uttar Pradesh and arrested total of 10 left-wing extremists, including Ranjit Paswan, a former self-styled area commander of erstwhile People War Group (PWG), who was active in naxal-hit Sasaram district of Bihar.

Cops seized 125 detonators, explosives and automatic weapons. During the raid, cops also found live cartridges of self-loading rifle magazines hinting that they posses AK-47 rifles, but they were not found during the raid. An INSAS assault rifle, pistols and huge quantity of explosives were also seized.

According to police, the suspects were planning a major attack in Delhi-NCR but their specific targets are not known yet. "We have not found their links with any terror organization so far but it cannot be denied, so we have sought the help of specialized central security body to help us in the investigation," said Aseem Arun, Inspector General, UP Anti-Terrorist Squad.

UNCOVERING ISIS TIES

Cops said the raid in Sector 47, Hindon Vihar, was conducted after a tip off about suspected activities by an alert citizen. Six men were arrested from here, following which another raid was conducted in Sadarpur, from where three more men were picked up.

A senior police officer told MAIL TODAY that explosives and detonators were procured by the gang from Sonbhadra and Mirzapur districts in UP. The National Investigation Agency had previously exposed that Indian Mujahideen had also procured explosives from these districts, further pointing to ties with terror outfits.

Recently, the NIA had also revealed that ISIS operatives in India had approached naxalite groups to understand their modus operandi for perpetrating terror and were also planning to buy firearms from them. However, naxals in past have only came to urban center to expand their network and have not carried out any attacks.

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ALSO READ:

Naxal leaders arrested in West Bengal, weapons recovered

Noida: UP ATS arrests 6 Maoists from Sector 49, huge cache of weapons seized



--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Noting that Buddha, Pashupatinath and Janaki connected

Noting that Buddha, Pashupatinath and Janaki connected Nepal, India and China, Prachanda was quoted as saying that Nepal can play a role of a bridge between India and China and help them build good relationship at present also.

He further said Nepal was inching towards the goals of development and wanted to establish a balanced, friendly and strategic relationship with both the neighbours, the report said.

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The Nepalese premier also expressed his hope that the trilateral meeting could play a significant role in setting up an "epochal relationship" between Nepal, India and China, it said.

In response, Chinese President Xi was quoted as saying that the size of the country did not bear much significance and Nepal could become a bridge between India and China.

He also praised Nepals role in keeping an equidistant relationship with China and India while expressing belief that the relations between the three countries would strengthen in the future.

Noting that the three countries shared "geographical, emotional and cultural friendship, Indian Prime Minister Modi said India was positive towards Nepals proposal on trilateral partnership," the report said.

Prachandas spouse Sita Dahal was also present at the meeting. PTI ASK/PYK SAI AKJ SAI

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) The National Green Tribunal today took exception over non-submission of status report by the Delhi government on the steps taken by it to tackle diseases like dengue and chikungunya in the national capital.

"It is very unfortunate and sad that in such a serious matter like this you have failed to file status report despite our direction. The people here are suffering, you should consider this fact at least," a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar observed while expressing displeasure over delay in submission of the report.

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The Delhi government informed the bench that as per the orders of the NGT, it had constituted the High level Committee and would submit status report within two days.

The bench then posted the matter for next hearing on October 19.

The tribunal had earlier hit out at Delhi government, civic bodies and other public authorities for making "unbelievable" claims and "vague statements" regarding steps to tackle diseases like dengue and chikungunya.

It had said the right to clean, decent environment and public health was a fundamental right and financial limitations should not come in the way of providing good health and environment to the people.

While issuing a slew of directions, the bench had constituted a Principal Committee headed by the Chief Secretary of Delhi Government and comprising Commissioners of all corporations, Vice Chairman of DDA, Head of the Cantonment Board, New Delhi Municipal Council, Principal Secretary of Health and Director General of Health Services of Delhi Government as members to deal with the "menace" of these vector-borne diseases.

The bench was hearing a petition by former scientist of Central Pollution Control Board Mahendra Pandey for issuance of directions and setting up of Committees to implement precautionary, preventive and curative actions to ensure that the residents of Delhi are not exposed to serious diseases like Dengue, Chikungunya and other allied diseases.

The plea mentioned through advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal had also sought direction to authorites for not doing outdoor thermal fogging, to control dengue, saying it was allegedly anti-environment and caused air pollution. PTI PKS ARC

--- ENDS ---
Justice Oka came down heavily on the government when he was informed by Government's advocate Abhinandan Vagyani that they are yet to buy 1843 noise meters.

By Mustafa Shaikh: Maharashtra government's failure to procure 1,843 meters to test the decibel level during this festival season invited Bombay High Court's ire on Monday. A division bench of Justices Abhay Oka and AA Sayed was hearing a bundle of petitions and public interest litigations (PILs) tagged together on the rising noise pollution in the city.

INSTALLATION OF NOISE METERS

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The Additional Chief Secretary (Home), K P Bakshi was also present in the court. Justice Oka came down heavily on the government when he was informed by Government's advocate Abhinandan Vagyani that they are yet to buy the noise meters. "Government was not able to implement the noise rules drafted in the year 2000. It's a breach by government," said Justice Oka.

Court also asked the government how much one meter costs. The Lawyer of one of the petitioner said that they had offered to give 200 units of meters for free. The Court finally said to the lawyer representing the government that if the state fails to get new equipment by the 20th of November, the court will direct them to use equipment given by NGOs.

ALSO READ:

Ganesh Mandals may face music for using high-decibel sound systems: Maha govt

Maha govt has failed to implement noise pollution rules: HC





--- ENDS ---
"Another random secondary immigration check upon landing in the US. Thrice in three visits, the randomness is growing tiresome now," Abdullah tweeted.

By Press Trust of India: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was subjected to a "secondary immigration check" upon his arrival in the US due to which he had to spend two hours at the airport.

"Another random secondary immigration check upon landing in the US. Thrice in three visits, the randomness is growing tiresome now," Abdullah tweeted.

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In another tweet he said, "I just spent TWO hours in a holding area & this happens EVERY time. Unlike @iamsrk I dont even catch Pokemon to pass the time," a reference to actor Shahrukh Khan, who was "detained" in August at the Los Angeles airport, third time in seven years that he had been stopped by US immigration officials at the countrys airports.

Khan too had tweeted that while he fully understood and respected security protocols, "to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks".

Also read:

Shah Rukh detained at Los Angeles airport; 'every damn time', he tweets; US administration apologises



Abdullah said he is in the US to speak at an event at New York University "but almost wish stayed at home instead".

"Ah well, thats two hours well & truly wasted!!," he said.

He is scheduled to speak at the event organized by the students of New York University on October 21 which is expected to be attended by former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy.



--- ENDS ---
To derail Free Balochistan Movement and to nip Baloch nationalist voices in the bud, Pakistani forces adopted suppressive measures in Naseerabad.

Mand offensive: A military truck is loaded with the looted valuables and household items of poor Baloch villagers. (Twitter photo)

By Anil Kumar: To derail Free Balochistan Movement and to nip Baloch nationalist voices in the bud, Pakistani forces adopted suppressive measures in Naseerabad.

Pakistani forces killed one person in Kalat, burnt at least two dozen houses and abducted several civilians, including women, during military operations in Dilband and Nagahi areas. Residents of Sherani, Chattar, Hoti and Kunari areas of Naseerabad were brutally assaulted by the Pakistan army.

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DAILY O | No end in sight to Pakistani army atrocities in Balochistan



Baloch Republican Party media cell head Shah Nawaz Bugti strongly condemned the heavy military operation in Balochistan. Shah Nawaz Told to India today on phone, "Pakistan Army intensified their operations after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's I-Day speech..., We will continue our protest against Pakistan army atrocity."

Also Baloch Republican Party spokesperson, Sher Mohammad Bugti in his statement condemned state aggression against Baloch civilians. He said that Pakistani forces conducted a heavy military operation in Goburd area of Mand and abducted several Baloch people who were identified as Waleed s/o Nasir, Dilawar s/o Haji Kareem Bux, Adnan s/o Rasheed, Mujeeb s/o Latif and Zahid Baloch.

Relatives of the victims protested in front of an army camp set up inside a hospital but no one from the media and human rights organisations attended them to hear their plight. Sher Mohammad said, "State aggression has crossed all limits. An innocent Baloch civilian was killed due to indiscriminate firing by Pakistani armed forces."

Military operations are underway in Dilband and Nagahi areas of Kalat for the past three days. Pakistani forces sieged the area and abducted, hanged an innocent Baloch civilian identified as Mubarak Bugti s/o Jana Bugti upside down to a tree for an entire night and then took him along with his family. Two dead bodies were found in Nagahi area but the whereabouts of the abductees, including women and children, still not known.

He urged the human rights groups to take all practical measures to put an end to state atrocities on Balochistan people.

ALSO READ:

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a threat to people of Balochistan: Abdul Bugti

Baloch activist Naela Qadri Baloch in Delhi to form government-in-exile



--- ENDS ---
Vikas Swarup said today that Pakistan has been isolated because of the policies it has followed.

By India Today Web Desk: Pakistan has been isolated because of its own policies and India did not have to play any role in it, official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said today.

Pakistan faced a boycott by SAARC member countries after repeated instances of ceasefire violations and terror attacks post Uri attack.

Also read: India should send Pakistani Ambassador in India back home, snap all ties



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"TERROR-TAINTED ATMOSPHERE"



Vikas Swarup highlighted that Pakistan lacks the requisite conditions for a constructive dialogue, also cited by countries who pulled out of the SAARC summit scheduled for November this year in Islamabad.

READ: PM Modi won't go to Pakistan for SAARC summit, environment not conducive, says MEA



"We do not speak about such issues. If someone is isolated, it is because of the policies followed by that country. India did not have to do anything, because the countries in one voice said there cannot be constructive dialogue in the terror-tainted atmosphere in the context of SAARC," Swarup said.

READ| Army gives videos of surgical strikes to government, PM Modi to take final call on release



READ| US backs surgical strikes, says India has right to respond militarily to cross-border terror

"SAARC COUNTRIES SPOKE IN ONE VOICE"



Responding to a question on whether India has successfully isolated Pakistan after the Uri attacks, Swarup said "... the first letter (on non-participation in SAARC summit) came from Afghanistan, followed by Nepal, then by India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Nepal also said it on its own. So when all SAARC countries express the same opinion in one voice -- that the SAARC summit cannot happen in Islamabad in this atmosphere -- you can draw your own conclusions."

ALSO READ: 'Declare Pakistan terror sponsor' is most popular US petition ever



READ| India's intended message conveyed to Islamabad through surgical strikes: Vikas Swarup

READ| Stop talking: PM Modi gags his ministers on surgical strikes, Pakistan

Watch: All you need to know about the Indian Army's surgical strikes

Pakistan stands isolated today; it's high time it acted against terror groups: MEA



--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Oct 16 (PTI) Pakistans 4th nuclear power plant with the power generation capacity of 340 Megawatt has become functional, state media reported today.

The Chashma Unit-3 (C-3) has been connected to national grid, Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) quoted Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).

"Congratulation to the nation that Pakistan?s 4th nuclear power plant Chashma unit-3(C-3) has been connected to the national grid," the PAEC sources said.

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The said the supply of electricity generated by this unit to the national grid has started on trial basis.

"After performing various safety and functional tests, the plant will attain full power in first fortnight of December 2016 and a formal inauguration ceremony of the full power grid connection will be held in December," said the sources.

Pakistan?s first nuclear power plant KANUPP at Karachi is in operation for the last 44 years.

The other two nuclear power plants C-1 and C-2 at Chashma are already generating electricity.

These nuclear plants are supplying around 600 MW to the grid.

Two larger capacity nuclear power plants K-2 and K-3 near Karachi are also under construction and will be completed in 2020 and 2021 respectively. PTI SH NSA

--- ENDS ---
Dramatic footage shows how Palm Bay police and bystanders worked together to save a man trapped inside a burning car after a crash.

By India Today Web Desk: More than a dozen people helped Palm Bay police officers rescue a man trapped inside a burning SUV after an accident. The SUV ploughed into an embankment by the side of the raod, after crashing into another vehicle, and burst into flames.

Bystanders sprung into action, some running to a hotel across the street to get a fire extinguisher while others formed a human chain from the road to the vehicle, reports Wesh.

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Two Palm Bay police officers rushed to the spot, and tried to pull the trapped driver out of the burning vehicle.

The rescued man was taken to a nearby hospital and is expected to be okay. No one else was reported injued.

"If it weren't for all the bystanders that helped our officers, it could have been a very bad situation, but now it's going to be a great story as soon as he recovers from his injuries," Palm Bay spokeswoman Karyn Barber told Orlando Sentinel.

Watch the video here:





--- ENDS ---
Jaipur station comes second to use internet search, followed by Bengaluru and New Delhi.

By Indo-Asian News Service: The Patna railway station tops the chart in terms of internet search using free Wi-Fi service, but mostly to view porn, an official said on Monday.

More than any other railway station in the country, where free Wi-Fi service was launched, Patna goes for most internet search, particularly for porn, said an official of RailTel, a public sector undertaking.

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Jaipur station comes second to use internet search, followed by Bengaluru and New Delhi.

Patna station is the first station in Bihar to have free Wi-Fi facility. More than 200 trains pass through it daily.

According to RailTel officials, people in Patna station use free Wi-Fi to search Youtube followed by Wikipedia. "More than anything, porn sites have been watched and downloaded at the station."

Some people use free Wi-Fi to download apps and Bollywood and Hollywood films.

At present, RailTel is providing 1 gigabyte Wi-Fi at the Patna station but plans are to increase to 10 gigabytes due to slow speed of internet in view of more use.

Free Wi-Fi service was launched last month at Patna.

To date free Wi-Fi facility has been launched at 23 railway stations in the country.

The government has said the facility will be introduced at all major railway stations over the next three years.

The service has been provided under 'Railwire', the retail broadband distribution model of RailTel.

--- ENDS ---
The tribunal after it shifted to Parliament Street from Jhandewalan for the past two years is functioning without any electricity connection.

By Sneha Agrawal: Erratic power supply has marred the functioning of the Capital's Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT). Situated on the fourth floor of the Jeevan Tara building on Lutyens' Parliament Street, the tribunal is battling access to basic infrastructure.

The tribunal after it shifted to Parliament Street from Jhandewalan for the past two years is functioning without any electricity connection. The Finance ministry has drawn flak from the stakeholders for not investing on the basic infrastructure of DRT.

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13 LAKH ELECTRICITY BILL YET TO BE SETTLED

The advocates practicing in Debt Recovery Tribunal in the Capital have abstained from working since October 6 over the poor infrastructure facility.

"The frequent power trips make the courtrooms hot and suffocating. With no ventilation or provision for natural light, it becomes impossible to stand in the court room and take part in the proceedings. The moment power trips, the court room is completely dark and the documents cannot even be read," said Vivek Kumar Singh, President, DRT Bar Association. "After the power cut, the courtrooms are not in a state to carry out the proceedings because of which the urgent orders and hearings do not take place causing huge loss to banks and financial institutions," he said.

Till now, the tribunal was being supplied electricity through generator sets which has also stopped. The Finance Ministry has not settled the bill of approx Rs 13 lakhs for the month of June to August 2016 to the contractor who was providing the facility through generator sets.

Also Read: Ratings agencies should take note of India's progress in WEF rankings: Finance Ministry



DEBT TRIBUNAL NON-FUNCTIONAL

Despite several attempts, Secretary, Department of Financial Services in Ministry of Finance could not be contacted.

At a time, when the Finance Ministry is aiming at speedy recovery of bad debts, the miserable state of the tribunal is posing hindrance in the government projects. The centre has established 33 debt recovery tribunals keeping in line with the international trends on helping financial institutions and banks recover their bad debts quickly and efficiently.

"Raising concern over the rising number of nonperforming assets and debts is not enough if there is no complete staff and prerequisite infrastructure," said Rajeeve Mehra, senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General.

RISKY ELEVATORS, UNHYGIENIC WASHROOMS

"After the contractor stepped back from providing the services, we are somehow managing with 5 KB of electricity. We can either switch on the lights or the fans. Running air conditioners is out of question. The finance ministry had assured that we would be provided all the facilities by November 2014 but till now, the situation has not changed," said Dhananjay Singh, advocate in Debt Recovery Tribunal. The litigants and the advocates have also complained of risky elevators and unhygienic, stinky washrooms.

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The lifts get stuck now and then. At times, the court proceedings get delayed. The tribunal is visited by senior advocates and clients. It does not send out a good impression at a time when sanitation is on our government's priority list," said a lawyer quoting anonymity.

Also Read: DRT asks bankers to amend prayer in Indigo, GoAir case

--- ENDS ---
The USGS said the quake's epicentre was a shallow 35 km (21 miles) deep in the sea between New Britain island and Papua New Guinea's north coast.

By Reuters: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.9 magnitude struck off the coast of New Britain island in Papua New Guinea on Monday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

There was no tsunami warning issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and there were no immediate reports of damage.

The USGS said the quake's epicentre was a shallow 35 km (21 miles) deep in the sea between New Britain island and Papua New Guinea's north coast.

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"We felt it just a few minutes ago, but from where we are there was no damage," said Claire Jolam, receptionist at Walindi Plantation Resort, at Kimbe on New Britain.

The quake was so powerful that it was felt as far away as the capital Port Moresby, 750 km (460 miles) away on the country's south coast.

Albert Kasokason, who lives in Port Moresby, told Reuters that he felt the earthquake while at his office.

"Nothing fell over. It was just unusual for Port Moresby," he said. "There is no damage but a lot of people felt it throughout Port Moresby."

In July 1998, two undersea quakes measuring 7.0 magnitude created three tsunamis that killed at least 2,100 people near the town of Aitape on Papua New Guinea's north coast.

Papua New Guinea is on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" which has frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

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Priyanka Chopra apologised after being slammed for wearing a T-shirt that was insensitive to refugees and immigrants on a Conde Nast Traveller magazine cover.

By India Today Web Desk: A week ago, Priyanka Chopra was severely criticised on social media for modelling for Conde Nast Traveller India magazine, wearing a T-shirt that is insensitive to refugees and immigrants.

She has now apologised for hurting the sentiments of people and said that she feels horrible.

The T-shirt she wore for the cover suggested that she is a traveller, and not a refugee, immigrant or outsider. This didn't go down well with many who called her out for showing her privilege and for being insensitive to the plight of refugees.

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Priyanka Chopra told NDTV: "I'm really apologetic about sentiments being hurt. I have always been against labels. I am very affected and feel really horrible, but the message has been misconstrued. The magazine was very clear that they wanted to send a message about addressing xenophobia with labels."

The magazine issued an official statement saying that the message was interpreted in a wrong way.

The statement read: "At Conde Nast Traveller, we believe that the opening up of borders and the breaking down of walls can help us discover the world, and open up our minds and hearts. So, when we had actress Priyanka Chopra wear a T-shirt we created on the cover of our sixth anniversary issue, we had a point to make. And it's not about privilege or fashion."





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The total production of Rail Neer plants was 14.40 crore bottles during 2015-16 as against 11.95 crores bottles in the previous year. (Photo: Reuters)

By Siddharatha Tiwari: Rail Neer, a signature product of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), was given the award for 'India's Most Trusted Brand for 2016' in the packaged drinking water segment by IBC Infomedia Privated Limited, a leading business management consultant.

IBC Infomedia Private Limited is an Indian company with its parent organisation International Brand Consulting Corporation (IBCC), a prominent business management consultant, based in the US.

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At present, IRCTC has six operational Rail Neer plants located at Danapur (Bihar), Nangloi (Delhi), Palur (Tamil Nadu), Ambernath (Maharashtra), Amethi (Uttar Pradesh) and Parassala (Kerala). Two of these plants at Amethi and Parassala are under the PPP mode. Two more plants at Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) and Nagpur (Maharashtra) are expected to be commissioned in 2016-17.

HOW WELL IS 'INDIA'S MOST TRUSTED BRAND' DOING?



Rail Neer generated an income of Rs 118.48 crore during 2015-16 as against Rs 81.03 crore in 2014-15, registering a growth of 46.2 percent. Overall, it accounted for eight per cent of the total income of Rs 1,506 crore registered by IRCTC during 2015-16.

The total production of Rail Neer plants was 14.40 crore bottles during 2015-16 as against 11.95 crores bottles in the previous year.

Supreme Court of India in its judgment dated August 11 2016, permitted exclusive sale of "Rail Neer" packaged drinking water in all its mandatory stations. It will enable IRCTC to set up more and more Rail Neer plants across the country.

IRCTC'S CHILD LINE 1098 INITIATIVE

On the request of Ministry of Women and Child Development, IRCTC has started printing advertisement pertaining to "Child Line 1098" to help the distressed children.

On popular demand of Mumbai Suburban passengers, IRCTC will be starting production of 500 ml bottles very shortly at its Rail Neer Plant, Ambernath.

IRCTC has taken initiative to provide pure, chilled and clean water to the railway passengers across the country by installing Water Vending Machines as announced during the budget speech for the year 2014-15 by Minister for Railways. As a result of which approximately 3,500 nos. of machines will be installed spread over A-1, A, B and C category stations. As of now, roughly 700 water vending machiness have been installed over these stations covering almost 60 percent A-1 category railway stations.

IRCTC has also tied up with NABARD and Ministry of Women and Child Development to install huge number of water vending machines over D, E and F category stations by involving Self Help Groups (SHGs).

READ| IRCTC's Maharajas' Express gets Seven Star Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Award

READ| IRCTC to operate swanky restaurant The Rails, at National Rail Museum



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Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma is set to visit Ayodhya tomorrow to inspect the proposed site for the museum.

By India Today Web Desk: With Uttar Pradesh set to go to polls next year, the politics surrounding Ayodhya have gained fresh momentum.

Union tourism minister Mahesh Sharma is scheduled to visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to inspect a proposed site for a Ramayana museum. The Samajwadi Party government has approved the land for a Ram Leela park.

While Sharma insists there is no politics behind the move, the name of the museum and the choice of the site are not lost on political pundits.

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ALSO READ: Congress hits out at PM Narendra Modi for his 'Jai Sri Ram' speech in Lucknow

IN MODI'S FOOTSTEPS

According to sources, a 25-acre plot has been identified for the Ramayana Museum. The spot is not very far from the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex.

Babri demolition. Source: PTI Babri demolition. Source: PTI

The visit incidentally comes just a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a first, celebrated Dussehra not in New Delhi but in Lucknow.

ALSO WATCH:



"My visit to Ayodhya has nothing to do with the UP Assembly elections. I am visiting there as a Tourism Minister," Sharma told PTI.

ALSO READ: Lucknow: At Ramleela function, PM Modi says terror must be defeated just like Ram defeated Ravana



Asking people to not mix politics with development efforts, the minister said, "It should not be linked to politics. It is a part of the government's efforts to improve tourism in Ayodhya and all over the country. The visit is part of developmental agenda".

FROM THE MAGAZINE ARCHIVE: Is there a way out?

FROM THE MAGAZINE ARCHIVE: Games parties play



AYODHYA AS A TOURIST HUB



The museum will be a part of the Ramayana circuit, the minister said, for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya.

Source: PTI

Sharma invoked Lord Rama and said "Rama is in the heart of millions of people. As the Tourism Minister, I have to see how Ayodhya can be developed from a tourism point of view".

He said the government has identified three circuits -- Ramayana Circuit, Krishna Circuit and Buddhist Circuit -- to boost religious tourism.

ALSO READ: Lucknow welcomes Uri avengers, read hoardings on PM Modi's visit for Dussehra Mela today

INTERNATIONAL CONNECTION



During his visit, Sharma will hold a meeting with the Ramayana Circuit Advisory Board to discuss possible routes to connect Ramayana-related sites in Nepal and Sri Lanka with the proposed museum in Ayodhya.

Plans are underway to organise an annual International Ramayana Conclave in the state. According to sources, the venue is likely to be either Ayodhya or Chitrakoot district, and the conference will be attended by delegates from at least 12 countries.

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Sharma is also likely to hold meetings with religious leaders on building the museum which would depict the life of Lord Rama.

(with inputs from PTI)

ALSO READ: India Today survey: Women voters in UP in favour of Akhilesh Yadav as chief minister

ALSO READ: India Today-Axis Opinion Poll: Mayawati most sought after candidate for Uttar Pradesh CM



--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Singh also touched on insurgent groups in northeast.

"India is actively engaging with neighbouring countries that share border with our northeastern states to put a stop to any anti-India activity.

"Talks were held to urge the insurgents groups which are active in northeast to leave the path of violence. We have acted strongly against those were adamant," he said.

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"A framework agreement has been signed with NSCN-IM and there has been a good progress in it," he said.

As a result of steps undertaken by the Narendra Modi government over the last two years, there is peace in large parts of Tripura, Assam, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. Also, there has been a decline in incidents of violence in Manipur and Nagaland, he said.

The violence in northeast is at its lowest level in the last 20 years, he claimed.

The Home Minister said that for effective border management, India is engaging with neighbouring countries at diplomatic level to find solutions to the problems.

"The Bangladesh government has entered an agreement with India to tackle the problem of fake Indian currency notes. Terror outfits get their funding from fake currency notes and narcotics. To end this, our government has taken several steps," the minister said.

"I can say that after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, we have brought changes in the national security structure...our agencies are better prepared. As far as the coastal security is concerned, we have taken several effective steps," he said.

Talking about the Left-wing extremism, he said, "We have deployed more forces in 10 affected states. In 2009, 37 battalions of paramilitary forces were deployed in Naxalism-hit regions. Now 100 battalions are deployed in the affected areas."

"Our security forces do not want to kill anyone, but some times they have to act in self defence. Till September, 140 Naxals were killed. There has been a considerable decline in Left-wing extremism," he said.

"We are also working to deal with the challenges posed by cyber crime and cyber terrorism," Singh said.

Singh said steps are being taken to bolster security at the Indo-Bangladesh border and more forces have been deployed.

Taking potshots at those trying to "politicise" the surgical strikes, he said there should be no debate on issues concerning national security. "It is very unfortunate".

Asked about the evacuation of people living within 10 km of the International Border after Armys action, Singh said, "Sometimes such precautions have to be taken. We thought Pakistan will retaliate, but you must pat the back of our forces, nothing happened." PTI SUN CHS AKA GVS

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Kadian, who trains at his father's akhada in Rohtak, competes in the 97kg freestyle category.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Rio Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik on Sunday got engaged to fellow wrestler Satyawart Kadian at her residence here.

Kadian, who trains at his father's akhada here, competes in the 97kg freestyle category and had bagged a bronze medal at the 2010 Youth Olympics and silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Sakshi became a national hero overnight after she ended India's medal drought at the Rio Olympics by clinching bronze in the women's 58kg category.

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Sonal Holland remembers everything about her first sip of wine. "It was love at first taste," she says, recalling the momentous dinner date she had 17 years ago with her husband Andrew, a Mumbai-based hedge fund manager, who was then courting her. They loved the toasty vanilla, slightly floral and fruity aromas of the Chardonnay (Burgundy, France) so much that they promptly purchased 12 bottles.

That was the beginning of Holland's love affair with wine. A lot has changed since then. As India's first and only master of wine, a title held only by 354 others from 28 countries, she now picks the wine they drink at dinner. It wasn't until 11 years ago that Holland realised her passion for wine could be a useful job skill. That is something she credits UKbased Jancis Robinson for.

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"I read a piece about Robinson, one of the most influential wine critics of the world, and realised there was no one like her in India. There were a handful of producers in India then, but no one locally who could comment on quality, educate, consult or be the spokesperson for wines," points out Holland. Robinson was a Master of Wine, and Holland was determined not to settle for a lesser title. In her early 30s, she gave up her job at a Fortune 500 company. She enrolled in the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) in London and completed the two-year diploma. "Before I knew it I was India's highest qualified wine expert," she reveals. Her first venture came in 2009, when she set up a wine academy in Mumbai and began operating WSET courses in the country.

"Being an educator came easily to me, it really played to my skills," says Holland, who believes her greatest strength is communication. It is probably also the reason why the videos she has been uploading on her award-winning YouTube channel Sonal Holland WineTV, since January 2015, are so enjoyable. Avoiding intimidating jargon, Holland keeps it as simple as possible as she finds no joy in being a wine snob.

As the wine and beverage consultant for the ITC group of hotels, Holland had her hands full-training sommeliers from across specialty restaurants, making selections for their wine cellars, and hosting wine events-but she kept her eyes on the prize, the coveted MW title. This included a gruelling five years filled with travel, research, and a lot of study. "The MW is like a membership club. Entry is granted when you pass the exams, but no one teaches you anything. Just like it is at the Olympics, you train on your own and compete; if you win you get a medal," says Holland.

She was expected to know everything from the science of wine to the business aspects of it and was tested through three stages. Being expected to assess 36 varieties for their origin, quality and commercial appeal with the twirl of a glass, a sniff of the aromas and a sip of the wine, Holland admits that her mind really played tricks on her during the blind tastings. What she refers to as a "horrendous course" culminated with the submission of a final research paper. "It was an emotional journey. The pass rate is less than four percent, but passing became like a mission for me,"

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recalls Holland. Through her latest initiative, Soho Wine Club, she is making it her mission to give Indians easier access to spectacular wines from across the world. And so with the dream of winning the MW title fulfilled, Holland is all set to pursue her next goal: inviting as many people as she can to the wine fold.

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By Javed M. Ansari : Former Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Rita Bahuguna could join the BJP in the next few days. The 67-year-old MLA from Lucknow Cantonment has been chaffing at the bit ever since former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit and her new team took charge of the UPCC.

Though both her brother, Vijay Bahuguana and the BJP have feigned ignorance about the possibility of her joining the party, those in the know claim that negotiations with the BJP top brass are currently underway and it is just a matter of days before she is formally inducted into the party.

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Her position in the Congress party had come under a cloud ever since her brother and former Uttrakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna decided to defect to the BJP, with 9 MLA's including his son, Saket Bhuguna. Ever since, she has found herself sidelined within the Congress. One important reason that appears to have motivated her to think in terms of changing her party is the fact that Mulayam Singh Yadav's daughter-in-law will also contest the 2017 Assembly polls from Lucknow. She was keen on changing her constituency but the party did not accede to her request.



NOT A MAJOR PLAYER



Soucres close to India Today on the condition of anonymity said that she feels hemmed in and the only recourse left, in case she wants to prolong her political career, is to move to the BJP. "She is no longer a major player in the Congress party. The leadership's trust in her appears to have eroded after her brother jumped the ship and those around her feel that if she cannot retain her seat, it could well spell the end of her political career."

Bahuguna has a fair amount of political pedigree. Her father Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna was one of UP's formidable politicians and has been both a chief minister and a Union Cabinet minister for several years. Her brother served as the CM of Utrrakhand before he was replaced by Harish Rawat in the wake of his mishandling of the Uttrakhand landslide.



POLITICAL CAREER



She began her career in the Samajwadi Party, has been mayor of Allahabad and later moved to the Congress. Her father was a staunch secularist and vehemently opposed to the BJP. Though he fell out with the Congress, he is still remebered in UP for his opposition to the Sangh Praivar's ideologoy and its world view.

Bahuguna has been inccomunicado ever since the news of her possible drift towards to the BJP started making the rounds. Members of her extended family and her political associates did suggest that a move cannot be ruled out, but the final word on this will have to come from Bahuguna herself.

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Family members of several police personnel in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh have sought protection from right wing groups following alleged torture of an RSS pracharak in custody.

By Hemender Sharma: After the ugly RSS-police face-off in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh, the dependents of police personnel sought protection from right wing groups. They have written a letter Balaghat SP and state DGP expressing fear of a backlash from the RSS, Bajrang Dal and Gau Rakshaks.

A case of attempt to murder was lodged against ASP Rajesh Sharma and SHO Zia-ul Haque after they summoned RSS Pracharak Suresh Yadav for questioning on September 25.

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THE TWO VERSIONS

There are two versions of police action in the matter. According to Yadav, he was tortured inside the police station. He claimed to have managed to escape once from the police station and hid himself in someone's house.

Yadav said that police came searching and picked up him again. He alleged that the two police officials tortured him while he was in their custody.

But, police has a different story to tell. According to police's version, a large number of Yadav's supporters followed him to the police station and freed him forcefully.

Police agreed that Yadav was again brought back police station but, denied torture. There was nothing warranting an attempt to murder case, the police officials said.

READ: RSS office bearer beaten up by policemen in Madhya Pradesh

NOW, THE LETTER

The family members of the police personnel wrote a damning letter to the higher officials saying they were scared for their lives. The letter is in India Today's possession.

"Goons of RSS Bajrang Dal and Gaurakshaks are more dangerous than naxals, who stay in the Jungles. These people stay in cities and are in power, and can do whatever they want. If they can pressurize the system to get a case registered against an additional SP, tomorrow they will get a case registered against the district SP," the letter reads.

The letter also talks about a 2015-incident, in which Bajrang Dal activists ransacked the Ukwa police post and attacked the house of police constable Rajesh Parte. The constable had brought two Bajrang Dal activists, Jaishankar Yadav and Rahul Giri to the police post.

READ: Punjab RSS leader Jagdish Gagneja, shot at in August, dies in Ludhiana

"They first searched for Parte at the police post and when he was not found, they went to his house and misbehaved with his wife. An FIR was registered by Parte's wife but Bajrang Dal activists tore it in front of everyone," the letter reads.

"Under such circumstances how can the police work fearlessly and independently," the family members asked.

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'DEFINE CODE TO DEAL WITH RSS'

The 16 signatories to the letter have also demanded a clear cut policy on how the police should deal with RSS activists and their associates.

"If the police know that these people are not to be touched at least incidents like this one, in which policemen got attempt to murder cases in return for performing their duties, won't happen," the letter further reads.



READ: RSS killed Gandhi remark: Rahul Gandhi withdraws Supreme Court plea, says ready to face trial

THE BACKGROUND

Yadav had allegedly posted some objectionable content against a particular community online. The police officials called him to inquire about the same.

RSS volunteers and Yadav's supporters later took to the streets and pressured the ruling BJP government to not just suspend Sharma and Haque but also got an attempt to murder case registered against them.



ALSO READ:

RSS the most patriotic organisation in India, says Kiren Rijiju





--- ENDS ---
Senior BJP leaders have condemned the killing and have asked the government to identify the culprits as soon as possible.

By Rohini Swamy: As the BJP and RSS protest to bring justice to Rudresh, the RSS worker who was hacked to death in Bengaluru, Union Minister Sadananda Gowda has changed his Facebook profile picture.

Gowda in his profile picture he said -- "Condemning the brutal murder of the RSS karyakarta Rudresh, I am changing my DP till the culprits are caught. Mr Rudresh, justice will be done.we will not allow Karnataka to become Goondaraj."

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Also read:

Bengaluru bandh over murder of RSS worker, Section 144 imposed

Senior BJP leaders have condemned the killing and have asked the government to identify the culprits as soon as possible.

While protests were seen across the city, Sadananda Gowda's Facebook profile seems to have got major traction.

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The police said that the perpetrator fired one round possibly using a silencer on the pistol thereby not creating a ruckus and enabling the shooter to escape easily.

By Saurabh Vaktania: The Mumbai police on Monday arrested two accused in the RTI activist Bhupendra Veera murder case. The cops also suspect that the accused had hired a private contracted sharp shooter to commit the murder. The cops are now on lookout for the sharp shooter. The cops also said that more arrest is likely to take place in the case.

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The Vakola Police on Monday arrested ex-corporator Razzak Khan, 78 and his son Amjad Khan, 53. Both father son duos have been charged with murder under section 302. They were produced in the local court and remanded to police custody till October 24.



MURDER

61 year old businessman and RTI activist was found murdered at his home in Kalina on Saturday late night. He was shot on his temple and killed instantly. Currently, the crime branch and local police are investigating the case. The police said that the accused possibly fired one round using a silencer in the pistol thereby not creating a ruckus and enabling the shooters to escape easily.

According to police sources, Bhupendra had filed several RTI applications and complaint against Khan and his sons. Khan and his sons are allegedly part of a local land mafia who frequently grab land in the area. Bhupendra had taken the matterto lokayukt and brought orders to seize some of the Khans' land. This apparently irked Razzak Khan badly and therefore the cops believe that he decided to take drastic measures.

The accused have told cops that Bhupendra was demanding money from them and harassing them with RTI and other complaints. The cops however are still in the process of investigating the case thoroughly.

ALSO READ:

Mumbai: 61-year-old RTI activist, linked to AAP, shot dead

Delhi police bust illegal interstate gun trading racket, recover 28 sophisticated pistols





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COLLECTIVE MADNESS



Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people."
Mulayam Singh Yadav has confirmed that Uttar Pradesh's CM Akhilesh Yadav will be Samajwadi Party's face for upcoming elections.

By India Today Web Desk: Days after Mulayam Singh Yadav's refusal to name the Samajwadi Party's chief ministerial candidate was seen as a snub to his son Akhilesh Yadav, the party has now clarified that the incumbent Chief Minister remains its face for the election due early next year.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Kiranmay Nanda told reporters in Lucknow today that Akhilesh remains the face of the party and blamed the media for creating the confusion over Mulayam's remarks.

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"Mulayam Singh Yadav ji only talked about the process of choosing the Chief Minister," Nanda said as he rejected speculation over differences between Mulayam and Akhilesh in the wake of the latter's tussle with uncle Shivpal.

Akhilesh's uncle and Rajya Sabha member Ram Gopal Yadav on Sunday warned Mulayam Singh that history would not forgive him if he did not project Akhilesh as the chief ministerial candidate.

Ram Gopal Yadav also mentioned how the morale of party cadres had hit rock bottom following Malayam's comment and warned that this could seriously affect the Samajwadi Party in the elections.



COVER STORY| UP election: The not-so-happy families of Samajwadi Party

'NETAJI MOST EXPERIENCED LEADER OF THE COUNTRY'



Last week, Mulayam - flanked by state party chief and younger brother Shivpal and state minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, both daggers drawn with Akhilesh - had said the next Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister will be decided by elected party MLAs after the 2017 Assembly election.

READ| Building brand Akhilesh

READ| India Today survey: Women voters in UP in favour of Akhilesh Yadav as chief minister



Akhilesh had played down the statement, saying his father must have said so after due consideration. "Netaji is the most experienced leader of the country and the state. If he has given any statement, he must have said it after giving it due consideration... I had said in the Assembly that I will present the next Budget," he said.

SP'S CRISIS



The crisis in the Samajwadi Party started after Akhilesh was removed as the party's Uttar Pradesh chief and replaced by his uncle Shivpal last month. Akhilesh has also expressed his displeasure at Mulayam making Amar Singh a top party functionary.

FROM THE MAGAZINE| Targeting Akhilesh perfect recipe for disaster for Samajwadi Party?

READ| As Mulayam seeks to shield son, chorus grows for projecting Akhilesh as SP's CM face





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By Hemender Sharma: The Haryana government may have started the construction of a palaeo channel, digging of borewells and carbon-dating for retracing the mythical river Saraswati but now it has been proved that the river did exist.

Union Minister for Water Resources Uma Bharti today said that efforts will be made to recharge the river.

In an exclusive chat with India today in Bhopal, Barthi claimed the expert taskforce headed by former Kumaon University Vice-Chancellor KS Valdiya has submitted its report which confirms that the river did exist. "Now, we don't need a certificate from London or America. No one can challenge our experts as their expertise is known all over the world," Bharti said.

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Also read: Durga idols' immersion adds to pollution in Delhi, waste piled up along Yamuna river



ACUTE WATER CRISIS



"It was not just about the Saraswati river. In fact, the study was about all the rivers that have gone extinct and now they have confirmed about the Saraswati river. Many parts of the country, particularly from the north to the west, are facing an acute water crisis including parts of Haryana, the whole of Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat. Now, we are assessing the recommendations of the expert taskforce and will see how these rivers can be recharged. And this includes the river Tapti as well," Bharti said.

The budget of the ground water board has also been increased from Rs 60 crore to 6000 crores, Bharti claimed.

Also read: Haryana: CBI takes over case of caste-based agitation

Watch the video here

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, Oct 17 (PTI) Six Taliban terrorists, including the alleged kidnapper of the son of slain governor of Punjab Salmaan Taseer, have been killed in an encounter with security personnel in Pakistans Punjab province.

Acting on a tip off, a team

of Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday raided a house near Sheikhupura bypass where nine to ten members of banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were hiding.

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They tried to escape by using a car and two motorcycles and were chased up to a branch road where they opened fire at the cops, forcing the security personnel to retaliate, the CTD spokesperson said.

"When the shootout ended, six of the terrorists were dead and the rest had fled," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by Dawn.

The CTD men seized arms and ammunition, including three Kalashnikov rifles, three pistols, 2 kilogrammes of explosives, prima cords and a cache of bullets, the report said.

The bodies were taken to a hospital to identify the slain terrorists.

Separately, the police launched a combing operation in the area to arrest the escaped suspects.

The CTDs investigation team had identified one of the deceased as Haji Muhammad alias Pathan, who was accused of being involved in the abduction of Shahbaz Taseer, son of the late governor Salmaan Taseer, a senior police official was quoted as saying.

He said Pathan had been declared a proclaimed offender and his name was listed in the Red Book (a list of most wanted militants).

Pathan had rented a house in Valencia Town in Lahore, where Taseers kidnappers had kept him for several days before taking him to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

An FIR against Pathan was registered with the Gulberg police in Lahore.

The official said that Pathan belonged to two banned organisations ? TTP and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.

"Efforts are under way to identify the remaining five terrorists," the official said.

Shahbaz was kidnapped near his companys head office in Gulberg on August 26, 2011. He was released earlier this year.

His father Salmaan Taseer was killed in 2011 for criticising the blasphemy laws. PTI SH MRJ AKJ MRJ

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Shruti Haasan was linked to Ranbir Kapoor as soon as the two met during the shooting of a commercial. Here's what Shruti has to say about the link-up rumours.

By India Today Web Desk: It's been almost 10 months since Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif decided to part ways. And since then, the Tamasha actor has been linked to a handful of Bollywood actors. From Jacqueline Fernandez to Kangana Ranaut, his rumoured relationships have always made headlines. And the newest name in the list is that of Shruti Haasan.

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ALSO READ: Ranbir miffed with rumours of link-up with Kangana Ranaut

ALSO READ: I was heartbroken when Natalie Portman asked me to 'get lost', says Ranbir Kapoor



Ranbir and Shruti met a few months ago on the sets of a commercial. And it was then that the reports of them dating started doing the rounds. Soon the rumours of them getting closer surfaced. But all that seems to be false. Shruti has finally opened up on her relationship with Ranbir and has rubbished the rumours of her link-up with the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil actor.

In an interview to Mid-Day, the Gabbar Is Back actor shot down the rumours, "It's so funny and ridiculous that it doesn't even make any sense."

She further said that there is no truth to all these baseless rumours and that she is currently too busy with her professional commitments.

"I am very busy with my work and have nothing to say because these rumours don't affect me anymore," she added.

It seems the rumours can now be put to rest.

On the work front, Ranbir is currently awaiting the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. The film is set to hit the screens on October 28. While Shruti will next be seen in the Tamil film Singham 3.

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Mamata Banerjee's priority was to have the report on the Singur land so that a decision for it can be taken immediately.

By Romita Datta: After the Durga puja festival, the first thing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wanted to see on her desk was a comprehensive report on Singur. Banerjee wanted to see the status of converting the 997 acres of land into cultivable plots and how far the government was prepared to hand over the land to the farmers.

Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, who was asked to speed up the process of land return, had visited Singur quite a number of times even during the festival time. Chatterjee has yesterday mentioned that 870 out 997 acres are ready to be given away. However, he equivocated when asked if 870 acres were ready to grow paddy, potato and vegetables.

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Meanwhile, the soil experts who visited the site and conducted the survey have concluded that 35 per cent of land has lost the top soil and will take years to regain its fertility. The 35 per cent covers 140 acres of land where Tata Motors has set up its shade, structure and concrete roads had come up for movement of vehicles within the factory site.

Also read: Missed Kolkata's Durga Pujo? Here's what 17 of the best pandals looked like



CULTIVABLE LAND



According to a Trinamool Congress leader, who refused to be quoted, the 870 acres can yield crops and the government will try to accommodate the land losers as much as possible.

"Those having land within the 140 acres of un-arable land could be relocated to adjacent areas, provided they are willing. Moreover, many of the land losers have objected to getting back their original plot, since the land will not fetch good price, if sold," he added.

The chief minister, however, has left it open for the land losers to take a final call on what they should be doing with the land. "She is committed to return the entire land in an arable condition, as per the Supreme Court order and she will do it," said Chatterjee.

Also read: Traditional buffalo fight continues to draw crowd in Purulia, WB govt keeps mum



LIVELIHOOD



However, land sharks in Singur area are waiting to go for a kill once the land losers get their land. Many of the children of the land losers have changed their means of livelihood and are not keen about pursuing agricultural activities. The general mood is to have an industry so that Singur can make use of the opportunity lost with the exit of Tata Motors in October 2008. The locals have also submitted a memorandum to the Trinamool Congress MLAs of Hooghly district requesting for an industry.

Banerjee has also said at a public meeting that people were free to decide on what they want but all said and done, she has to return the land in a cultivable condition.

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By India Today Web Desk: Sridevi has always been quite the Bollywood diva in her times. Right from her 'Balmaaaa...' days she has been looked up to for her style statement. Even when she made her comeback with Gauri Shinde's English Vinglish, she gracefully played the role of a middle-aged woman bringing up a teenage daughter in Sabyasachi saris.



ALSO SEE: Sridevi and daughter Jhanvi Kapoor at the Mirzya screening are a sight to behold

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ALSO SEE: Jhanvi Kapoor seen kissing boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya



No wonder her daughters have turned out to be such divas themselves. Both of Sridevi's daughters Jhanvi and Khushi have owned up a style statement of their own. Both the Kapoor girls are social media celebs with their Instagram accounts becoming one of the most followed accounts among star kids.

Therefore it was no surprise to see the Kapoor ladies burn the road they were walking on, with their sizzling fashion quotient. The other Kapoor khaandaan including Daddy Boney Kapoor, mother Sridevi and daughters Jhanvi and Khushi were seen coming back from vacation. There have been murmurs of a Bollywood debut for both of them soon enough.

Photos by Yogen Shah

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In 1995, the apex court had defined Hindutva as 'a way of life', which gave the BJP and the Shiv Sena considerable legal ground to justify their ultra-nationalist politics.

By Prabhash K Dutta: With Assembly elections in four states round the corner and controversies raging over cow vigilantism, triple talaq and uniform civil code, the Supreme Court is all set to revisit its two-decade old interpretation of the term Hindutva.

In 1995, the apex court had defined Hindutva as 'a way of life', which gave the BJP and the Shiv Sena considerable legal ground to justify their ultra-nationalist politics. Now, as the Supreme Court continues its hearing on triple talaq row, a seven-judge-bench would re-examine what the three-judge bench said 21 years ago.

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HINDUTVA AND COURT JUDGMENTS

Though the 1995 judgment penned by then Chief Justice JS Verma had turned into a milestone, there have been seven court verdicts examining Hindutva or Hinduism. The apex court held that seeking votes in the name of Hinduism was not a "corrupt practice" according to the Representation of People Act (RPA).

In 1990, Manohar Joshi of the Shiv Sena defeated Bhaurao Patil of the Congress in Maharashtra. Patil challenged Joshi's election on the ground of corrupt practice under Section 123 of RPA. The section prohibits attempt to promote feelings of enmity or hatred among communities on the grounds of religion, caste etc for electoral gains.

Also read:

Introducing Surya Namaskar in BMC schools BJP's Hindutva agenda: Samajwadi Party



The Bombay High Court set aside the election of Manohar Joshi and some other candidates of the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance relying on the provision of the RPA. But, the Supreme Court overturned the High Court's verdict giving a different explanation to the words Hindutva and Hinduism, which were not to be necessarily understood within the confines of Hindu religion.

EARLIER JUDGMENTS

While delivering the verdict, the three-judge-bench cited two previous judgments of the apex court. The first judgement was given by a five-judge bench in the Sastri Yagnapurushadji and others vs Muldas Bhudarda Vaishya case in 1966. In this case the court held that Hinduism was no religion but a way of life.

This view of the apex court was reiterated in the Commissioner of Wealth Tax, Madras and Others vs Late R Sridharan case 10 years later in 1976. The Supreme Court's proposition was that Hinduism symbolised culture and not religious practices.

THE 1995 JUDGMENT

Delivering the judgment in the Manohar Joshi case, Justice JS Verma wrote in conclusion, "It is a fallacy and an error of law to proceed on the assumption that any reference to Hindutva or Hinduism in a speech makes it automatically a speech based on Hindu religion as opposed to other religions?"

"...these words (Hindutva and Hinduism) are used in a speech to emphasise the way of life of the Indian people and the Indian cultural ethos," the bench said.

BJP's HINDUTVA

As soon as the Supreme Court defined Hindutva and permitted its use in elections, the BJP found an alibi to justify its Ram temple demand. While the apex court did not indicate that Hindutva includes Islam or other religious beliefs, the BJP tried to project it as an umbrella term for Indian culture and ethos.

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However, the real meaning of Hindutva for the BJP becomes clear by visiting their website, which defines it as "the greatest nationalist ideology".

"Hindutva is here to stay. It is up to the Muslims whether they will be included in the new nationalistic spirit of Bharat. It is up to the government and the Muslim leadership whether they wish to increase Hindu furore or work with the Hindu leadership to show that Muslims and the government will consider Hindu sentiments," reads the official write-up on the BJP's website. (http://www.bjp.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=369:hindutva-the-great-nationalist-ideology&Itemid=501)

POLITICAL HINDUTVA

As a political tool, the basic tenets of the BJP's Hindutva include building Ram temple at Ayodhya, a complete ban on cow slaughter, doing away with personal laws by formulating a uniform civil code, and ending special status of Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution.

When the BJP was in power at the Centre between 1998-2004, these demands were raised but were not on the agenda of the Vajpayee government. Now, when the BJP has a majority of its own in the Lok Sabha, the core agenda is back in business. Hindutva is no longer an unparliametary word in politics, but this may change after Tuesday, when the Supreme Court re-examines the principle set way back in 1966.

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WHY NOW?

A revisit of the Hindutva judgment by the Supreme Court was long overdue. Only four months after Justice Verma's verdict, another three-judge bench of the court found the need to revisit the judgment.

Adjudicating in the Abhiram Singh Vs CD Commachen case in 1995, the second Supreme Court bench suggested that it would be appropriate if a five-judge bench examined the use of Hindutva when allegations of corrupt practices are levelled.

A five-judge bench was constituted and when it was hearing this matter, the court was told about another case under Section 123 of the RPA involving BJP leader Sunderlal Patwa. The bench had then referred the matter to a seven-judge bench, which was constituted recently.

Chief Justice TS Thakur heads the bench, which is scheduled to revisit the 1995 judgment within the ambit of Section 123 of the RPA. Other judges on the bench are Justices DY Chandrachud, L Nageswara Rao, SA Bobde, AK Goel, UU Lalit and MB Lokur.

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By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 17 (PTI) BJP today accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of "unleashing violent attacks" on its workers under the "pretext" of communal clashes as part of her "vote bank politics".

"Under Banerjee, TMC leaders have unleashed violent attacks on BJP workers under the pretext of communal clashes because of Durga immersion and Muharram falling together. The TMCs is to send a strong message to Muslims after its government received flak from the High Court.

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"The HC directly accused the govt of practising vote bank appeasement politics. Scared of loosing her core voters before 2019, Mamata Banerjee craftily engendered a communal situation and silently supported Muslim rioters linked to TMC to unleash attacks on Hindus in over 8 districts of Bengal," BJP National Secretary Sidharth Nath Singh said in a statement.

Singh, who is also BJPs co-incharge of West Bengal, said TMC wants to silence BJP as it is scared of its growth in the state.

"After assembly elections she has bought over leaders of CPM and Congress but have failed with BJP, so has been using violence," he alleged.

BJP has also demanded arrest of a TMC MLA Arjun Singh over the communal clashes. A party worker was killed in Malda by rioters, it said. PTI KR RCJ

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Republican Party's presidential candidate Donald Trump in a tweet blamed "animals representing Hillary Clinton and Democrats" for the attack.

The message spray-painted on the building adjacent to the party office in Orange Country. (Source: @DallasWoodhouse)

By India Today Web Desk: With the battle for the post of the President of the United States getting intense every minute, the Republican Party local office headquarters in Orange County, North Carolina, was firebombed and vandalised on Sunday. No one was injured in the attack

ANIMALS REPRESENTING HILLARY BEHIND ATTACK

While the attack was condemned by both the presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Trump blamed "animals representing Hillary Clinton and Democrats" for the attack.

Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning @NCGOP

Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

ALSO WATCH

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ALSO READ: India, US would be 'best friends' if I am elected President: Trump

Trump's tweet on the incident also said that the attack is possibly because "we (read Republicans" are winning". In a subsequent tweet, Trump said the attack should now prompt the party to win.

ALL SAFE IN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. With you all the way, will never forget. Now we have to win. Proud of you all! @NCGOP Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

Trump's rival and Democrat candidate Clinton, in comparison, had a more subtle response to the attack. She called it "horrific and unacceptable" and said that she was "grateful that everyone is safe".

The attack on the Orange County HQ @NCGOP office is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe. Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 16, 2016

ALSO READ: Donald Trump rakes up H-1B visa again, says 'will protect jobs for Americans'

COMPARING REPUBLICANS TO NAZIS

According to the police, a petrol bomb was thrown through the window of the office. The attackers also allegedly spray-painted a swastika and a "Nazi Republican leave town or else" message on an adjacent building.

Dallas Woodhouse, the executive director of the North Carolina Republican Party said that he has "recommended all offices to close by sundown".

This was painted outside the Orange County GOP office today. We have recommended all offices close by Sundown @NCGOP pic.twitter.com/8JYQPFbya3 Dallas Woodhouse (@DallasWoodhouse) October 16, 2016

The North Carolina Democratic Party also condemned the attack. "Violence has no place in our political system. We hope the perpetrators of this attack are brought to swift justice," the party's official statement read.

NCDP strongly condemns the attack on the Orange County GOP HQ. Violence has no place in our political system. pic.twitter.com/EHBWTab0CO NC Democratic Party (@NCDemParty) October 16, 2016

According to the Charlotte Observer, the incident is being investigated by the Hillsborough Police and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

ALSO READ: Donald Trump's demeaning comments about women have 'shaken me to my core', says Michelle Obama

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ALSO READ: Donald Trump at it again: Will be dating her in 10 years, he says in new video

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By PTI: Mumbai, Oct 17 (PTI) Two persons, including a former corporator, were arrested this morning by Mumbai Police in connection with the murder of a 72-year-old RTI activist.

"Amjad Khan (53) and his father Razzaq Khan (78) were arrested today morning on charges of murder of Bhupendra Vira. Razzak was earlier a corporator in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. It looks like a land dispute led to the Khans killing Vira," Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Dudhe told PTI.

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Razzaq Khan is former corporator of Congress from Santacruz area.

Vira, who had been fighting against land mafia, unauthorized structures and encroachments in and around Kalina, was shot dead at point blank range on Saturday night when he was watching TV at his residence in suburban Santacruz.

The shooter is suspected to have used a silencer, as Viraa wife, who despite being in the house claimed that she did not hear anything, a police official involved in the probe said.

Police had earlier said they were inquiring if Vira had approached them with any complaint - that he faced threat to his life.

The activist is survived by a daughter and two sons.

Social activist and former AAP leader Anjali Damania, who had worked with Vira, yesterday said he was attached to Voice of Kalina, an advanced locality management (ALM) body and a citizens group.

Describing him as committed social worker, Damania had said, "Vira along with other members of the ALM were fighting against encroachments, illegal structures and land mafia in and around Kalina by filing RTIs. He had written several letters to authorities including, Lokayukta, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and police, seeking action against illegal structures."

According to her, several activists had received threats and many of them, including Vira, had filed several complaints at Vakola police station in this regard.

She said that on Saturday morning, Vira had persuaded the BMC authorities to issue four notices to a local goon living in the same area. PTI DC ND GK GVS

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By PTI: From Aditi Khanna

London, Oct 17 (PTI) The UK government today sought to downplay deep divisions within the Cabinet over the form that Britains exit from the European Union would take, saying it is just a "lively debate" rather than a rift.

Some media reports suggested that UK Chancellor Philip Hammond had angered some of his more pro-Brexit Cabinet colleagues with his concerns over plans to immediately restrict immigration from the EU, warning that this could harm the UK economy.

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It came as leading Brexit-backer Boris Johnson was forced to defend himself over an unpublished article which showed him presenting arguments in favour of staying in the EU.

However, UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt today sought to dismiss concerns as a "lively debate" within government circles rather than any deep divisions.

"If we werent having lively debates in cabinet, you would be saying whats happened to Cabinet government, why arent you going through incredibly thoroughly, all the different arguments to make sure we end up with the right decision," Hunt told BBC.

"The British people changed the history of our country on June 23 and the Cabinet is absolutely united that we must respect that decision. But we need to then go through very thoroughly and carefully, all the different options," he said.

At a Cabinet sub-committee meeting last week, Hammond is said to have suggested the government continue to consider other options on immigration control, even after UK home secretary Amber Rudd had brought forward plans for a visa scheme that would close the door to low-skilled migrants.

An unnamed cabinet source told The Daily Telegraph that Hammond was "overly influenced by his Treasury officials who think it is a catastrophe that Britain voted to leave the EU".

Another source told the paper: "He is arguing from a very Treasury point of view. He is arguing like an accountant seeing the risk of everything rather than the opportunity."

The Times newspaper claimed Hammonds intervention angered some more pro-Brexit ministers, and was seen as potential foot-dragging by the Chancellor.

According to the Guardian, differences between ministers are likely to surface most strongly on the Brexit Committee, whose 12 permanent members are split evenly between ministers who supported the leave and remain campaigns before the June 23 referendum.

Yesterday, an unpublished column by Johnson, now UK foreign secretary, created a stir as it argued for continued EU membership.

The senior Cabinet minister, however, made light of the article, saying it was a result of the fact that he was "wrestling" with his stand on Brexit.

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British Prime Minister Theresa May had announced at the Conservative Party conference earlier this month that Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the official trigger for Brexit, will be invoked by the end of March next year.

The debates and divisions over the exact nature of Brexit are expected to intensify in the lead up to the deadline. PTI AK PMS

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Putin made the comments Sunday in Benaulim, India, where he was attending the summit of the BRICS group of emerging economies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to Russian journalists during a news conference after the BRICS summit in Goa on October 16, 2016. Photo: AP

By AP: Russian President Vladimir Putin has told journalists in the Russian press corps that they are possibly being watched by American intelligence agencies.

Putin made the comments Sunday in Benaulim, India, where he was attending the summit of the BRICS group of emerging economies.

Putin told journalists covering his visit that "the United States listens to everything and looks at everything. All of you are objects of exploitation for the special services."

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Putin said that "you are in the presidential pool and you may hear something or see it, talk with somebody, you freely chat on the telephone on open connections," according to the RIA Novosti news agency.

Putin's warning comes as tensions with Washington over Syria and other issues have escalated.

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By PTI: From Achinta Borah

Budapest (Hungary), Oct 17 (PTI) Vice President Hamid Ansari today left for Algeria after concluding his three-day visit to Hungary during which he interacted with the top leadership of the country and signed two bilateral agreements.

During Ansaris discussions with Hungarys President Janos Ader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other top leaders, both the countries favoured elimination of the menace of terrorism and sought a strong global legal framework and sustained global action to deal with the threat.

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Ansari expressed appreciation for the support extended by Hungary to Indias membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime and for entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

He said relations between India and Hungary are friendly, multi-faceted and have a cultural resonance besides both the countries being thriving democracies and dynamic economies.

The one MoU -- in the field of water management -- was signed on Indias behalf by Indian Ambassador to Hungary Rahul Chabra and the other MoU -- between Indian Council for World Affairs and Institute of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary -- was signed by Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sujata Mehta.

The Hungarian Prime Minister said his country has set up a working group on technology to explore the possibilities of bilateral cooperation on various issues, including defence production for mutual benefits.

He recalled contribution of Indias then envoy to Hungary M A Rahman, who played a key role in Hungarys historic 1956 uprising, saying former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru too had supported Hungarian peoples struggle.

The Vice Presidents visit to Hungary came over two decades after then President Shankar Dayal Sharma had visited the central European country in 1993.

Ansari also visited Balatonfureden, a central Hungarian city where Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore had spent some days in 1926 to recuperate from his heart ailments and paid floral tribute to him.

During the two-day visit to Algeria, Ansari is expected to raise the issue of cross-border terrorism affecting India and a host of other bilateral issues.

Mehta said the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from across Indias border will be raised during bilateral meetings the Vice President will have with Algerias President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and other top leadership.

She said terrorism is not new for Algeria and it has fought a very difficult terror group in the recent past.

"There will be meeting of minds to fight terrorism with all his interlocutors and counterparts," she said.

Algerian President Bouteflika was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in 2001.

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Bilateral trade between India and Algeria stood at USD 1.5 billion per annum, majority of which is related to oil and oil products imported by India. PTI ACB NES KUN

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Jia Jia completely lost interest in food and was rapidly losing weight over the past few weeks. Caretakers euthanised her on ethical reasons grounds to end her suffering.

By Reuters: The oldest giant panda living in captivity, 38-year-old Jia Jia, was euthanised in Hong Kong after rapidly deteriorating health over the past two weeks, her owners Ocean Park said on Sunday.

Jia Jia, whose name means "good", had been gifted to Hong Kong in 1999 along with another panda, to mark the second anniversary of the city's handover from former colonial ruler Britain.

Photo:Ocean Park Hong Kong/Facebook

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In recent weeks Jia Jia's food consumption had sharply declined from over 10kg (22 pounds) to less than three kg (six pounds) per day and her average weight dropped from 71kg (156 pounds) to around 67kg (147 pounds).

"Over the past few days, she has been spending less time awake and showing no interest in food or fluids. Her condition became worse this morning. Jia Jia was not able to walk about without difficulties and spent the day laying down," Ocean Park said in a statement posted on its website.

"Her state became so debilitated that based on ethical reasons and in order to prevent suffering, veterinarians...agreed to a humane euthanasia for Jia Jia."

Photo:Ocean Park Hong Kong/Facebook Photo:Ocean Park Hong Kong/Facebook

Pandas are endangered because most of their natural habitat has been destroyed for timber, farming and construction, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

A Chinese government survey in 2014 estimated 1,864 pandas live in the wild, up 17 percent from 2003. They also have an exceptionally short breeding season, with females fertile for just 24 to 36 hours a year, says a nonprofit body, Pandas International.

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xXx Return of Xander Cage's second trailer gives plenty of time for Deepika to flaunt her Indian accent, while kicking some ass.

By India Today Web Desk: It's here! The trailer every Indian with a decent Internet connection was waiting for. The second trailer of xXx Return of Xander Cage gives plenty of screentime to Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone, as she goes about flaunting her Indian accent or like Trump would say 'Hindu accent'.

ALSO READ: Deepika Padukone as Serena Unger in xXx Return of Xander Cage is reckless, fearless and relentless



ALSO SEE: Deepika Padukone at the trailer launch of xXx Return of Xander Cage

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There were complains from the initial teaser of xXx Return of Xander Cage where Deepika appeared in two glimpses, and a major part of her Bollywood fan-base who were looking forward to her Hollywood debut, were left disappointed. Better late than never, the makers have rectified their mistake by centering the trailer aroud Vin Diesel's Xander Cage and Deepika Padukone's Serena Unger who gets recruited as a part of the world's most dangerous task-force.

The film is a third in the xXx franchise after it's first release starring Diesel came out in 2002. It got an unsuccessful sequel called xXx: State of the Union starring Ice Cube, which didn't fly. But after a decade, and cashing in on Diesel's popularity of the Fast n Furious franchise, the makers are back with what looks like a worthy reboot.

The film stars also Samuel L Jackson, Tony Jaa, Nina Dobrev in lead characters. The film is directed by D J Caruso and will be Deepika's big Hollywood debut. xXx Return of Xander Cage is all set to release on January 20 next year. Watch the second trailer here:





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A zoo in China now has a living proof of a love tale between a donkey and a zebra. It's a baby zebra-donkey hybrid.

By India Today Web Desk: We all know what a zebra crossing is. But when a zoo ends up crossing a zebra with an ass you may not get a star in stripes.

A wildlife park in the Chinese city of Suqian has a new member -- a Zebrass, also known as a zonkey.

A video of the baby zebra-donkey hybrid playing with its parents at the wildlife park shows the bizarre animal that looks like it's wearing striped socks.



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READ| Chicken gets arrested for crossing road, police tries to trace owner

THE LOVE STORY WITH SPECULATIONS

Chinese media did report a romance between a zebra and donkey at Suqian Zoo, though it wasn't clear if this offspring was a result of the same affair or even by the same couple.

According to the China Daily, though the two animals fought in the beginning, love eventually overcame everything else. The duo "fell in love" and the zebra ended up pregnant.

Zoo authorities have been monitoring the zonkey's health. And no, it's not named Jon Snow.

READ| World's oldest Panda in captivity dies in Hong Kong







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Native Lives Matter

The grassroots Native Lives Matter (NLM) movement is attempting to bring attention to the deaths, and to the larger social and economic oppression of Native Americans. Started in late 2014, the concept was inspired by Black Lives Matter, says one of the founders, Chase Iron Eyes, a Lakota attorney and Democratic candidate for Congress from North Dakota.

Neighboring South Dakota had been scrutinized by USCCR in a 2000 report, Native Americans in South Dakota: An Erosion of Confidence in the Justice System. In the hearings that led up to the report, commissioners heard testimony about racial profiling during traffic stops, drunk drivers receiving light or suspended sentences for killing Natives, and, just as concerning to Natives, the white communitys denial of the existence of racism toward Native people.

On Dec. 19, 2014, Iron Eyes and other Natives marched in Rapid City, S.D., to draw attention to police brutality against Natives. The next day, Rapid City police fatally shot a Native man, Allen Locke, who had attended the protest.

From the beginning, Iron Eyes says, NLM was intended to encompass numerous issues affecting Natives, from child welfare to incarceration disparities. The Native Lives Matter Facebook page and Twitter feed show the idea has proliferated across Indian country, with grassroots groups adopting the slogan as an umbrella term to advocate for environmental and social causes. We dont own it; everyone has a right to it, says Iron Eyes.

Enter the Puyallup tribe (pronounced p-YAH-lup), an economically powerful, 4,000-member Northwest Indian nation with a successful casino, numerous tribal and individual fishing enterprises, and a real-estate portfolio of commercial and industrial properties. The tribes reservation intersects the city of Tacoma, Wash., and members report the same kind of police harassment documented by USCCR in other border communities, such as being pulled over for driving while Indian.

Now, the Puyallup are seeking to ensure that police are held accountable for their actions, no matter who the victimNative or non-Native.

The Puyallup were catapulted into the issue of police violence on January 28. Shortly before midnight, Tacoma police officers approached a parked car. A convicted felon, Kenneth Wright, 36, who was wanted on drugs and weapons charges, was in the passenger seat; his pregnant girlfriend, 32-year-old tribal member Jacqueline Salyers, was the driver. Minutes later, one of the officers had shot Salyers in the head, and Wright had escaped into the night.

Almost immediately, relatives began to question the police account of the incident. They are now in the process of conducting their own investigation. There is no video record: Tacoma officers used no body or dash cams at the time, a police surveillance camera overlooking the street allegedly malfunctioned during the event, and police apparently destroyed three security cameras on a nearby house during their investigation.

The city of Tacoma, however, freely provided In These Times with hundreds of pages of witness statements, detectives reports, 911 calls, logs of police-vehicle movements, scene photographs and more, assembled for its internal investigation.

According to the official account, Scott Campbell, the officer who shot Salyers, said that while on patrol, he recognized Wright and, behind the wheel, saw a Native American female that appeared to be around 30 years of age. His partner, Aaron Joseph, stopped their cruiser across the street.

The two officers challenged Salyers and Wright to put their hands up. According to Campbell, Salyers then accelerated the car toward him; he says he shot at her to save his life.

Of the eight shots discharged, four hit Salyers. No shots hit Wright, who, when apprehended weeks later, told investigators he had ducked down.

After the gunfire, the officers took cover. Campbell told police investigators that he hid behind the bed of a pickup truck with his pistol pointed toward Salyers vehicle. From this spot, he observed Wright climbing around in the front of the vehicle [and] attempting to retrieve something from the rear of the vehicle, screaming you fucking killed her and other accusations, clambering over the apparently shot female, exiting the car on the drivers side and running away, armed with a rifle.

The police account raises a number of questions. Why did Campbell believe shooting the driver would stop a car that was in gear and underway? Why would an officer duck, pistol in hand, and watch while a dangerous wanted criminal laboriously armed himself and escaped into a residential neighborhood? In what would undoubtedly be a dangerous and quickly changing situation, why didnt the officers call for back-up or first look for a way to get Salyers, a bystander, out of the car?

About half an hour later, two officers removed Salyers from her vehicledragged her, according to a witness from the neighborhoodand put her in a patrol car. According to Tacoma Police Department spokesperson Loretta Cool, The suspect, in the area with a rifle, would dictate moving to a safer location to administer medical aid. Cool declined to comment further, citing the possibility of a lawsuit.

Once in the new location, Salyers was dragged back out of the patrol car and onto the pavement, where Campbell performed chest compressions. Medics arrived and Salyers was pronounced dead. At some point, her right arm was broken, but not by a bullet; her family discovered this while preparing her for burial.

Based on the Tacoma Police Departments internal investigation and the medical examiners report, the county prosecutor found the shooting justified. A review board later affirmed these findings, announcing on August 16 that Campbells use of deadly force was reasonable and within department policy. Salyers family strenuously objects to that conclusion.
Right now it feels like were in an emperor has no clothes moment. A lot of us see something really clearly, but few of usradical and revolutionary organizersare willing to say it out loud.

So were going to say it. Defeating Trump in the presidential election is a top priority for the left. And at a minimum, that means mobilizing voters for Hillary Clinton in swing states even if you vote for another candidate in a safe state. Weve got to beat Trump and Trumpism while building movements that will fight, resist and disrupt a Clinton administration that will be militaristic and pro-corporate.

Most of us on the left feel about the Clintons the way we feel about leftovers that have been sitting in the fridge for too long: repulsed. NAFTA, mass incarceration, Palestine, the 2003 Iraq invasion, legitimizing the coup in Honduras, cozying up to Wall Streettake your pick of crimes that can be laid at the Clintons feet. And judging from the DNC, the Clintons will talk a good game on economic inequality while resorting to jingoism and nationalism throughout the election. But if the Clintons neoliberal politics induces nausea, then Trump's brew of racism and misogyny makes us projectile vomit.

Many of our friends believe that Democratic and Republican parties, and their candidates, are both worthless, and the left should focus in this election on breaking the two party system; or they believe that a Clinton administration will just create more working-class disaffection and strengthen the extreme right. We disagree. And when we talk to peoplewhether community activists or simply our neighborsabout this election, we need to be clear about the stakes. When we hear people say they don't know who to vote for because both candidates are equally bad, we get worried.

At every opportunity, Trump has doubled down on racism, sexism and bigotry, to the delight of David Duke, the American Nazi Party, and others like them. A Trump victorydo we even need to say this?would embolden hard-core racists, Islamophobes, misogynists, and anti-immigrant groups, while promising an assault on workers' rights and intense, perhaps very violent repression of the inspiring social movements that have erupted in the past several years. If you have any doubt about this, listen to his speech at the Republican National Convention.

As many have emphasized, we're not voting for the candidate; we're voting for the terrain our movements operate within. This election will set the stage for our future struggles. In the past eight years, movements from Black Lives Matter to Fight for Fifteen, Occupy Wall Street to Standing Rock and Ni Uno Mashave surged and changed the way we talk about everything from police accountability to student debt to deportations to the minimum wage. And more and more activists have learned that it is not enough to elect good politicians, that social change requires constant struggle. Under a Trump administration, our movements will be back on the defensive: His Supreme Court appointments alone could mean rollbacks on voting rights, reproductive rights, labor rights, and immigrant rights. And we can expect people to revert to blaming social inequality and systemic injustices mainly on Trump and the Republicans.

What kind of left do we want?

Can we leave the business of defeating Trump and electing Hillary Clinton to others liberals or progressiveswhile we concentrate on the genuinely radical work of stoking protest and opposition from Clintons left? Can we bank on Trump's low poll numbers? It depends on the left we want to build. The vast majority of union activists and people of color view this election as a battle against open racism. If we want to build a left that engages and is part of these sectorsif we want a left that contends for leadership among the country as a wholethen we cant afford to leave the basic task of defending democratic rights to others, even as we continue to criticize and protest.

Ideally, we would work to defeat Trump without volunteering or working directly for Clintons campaign. We should be able to send people to kick-ass grassroots organizations in swing states to help with election day turnout, organize phone banks from safe states to support their efforts, or maintain a presence at the polls to ensure voters of color are not intimidated. But whatever we choose to do, sitting out this election is not an option.

As we mentioned at the beginning, defeating Trump is not enough. We need movements strong enough to fight a Clinton administration on several frontswhether Israel/Palestine, free trade agreements, climate change, a $15 minimum wage, or the prison-industrial complex. And neutralizing the appeal of the far right means we need to both strengthen our movements for racial justice and win over white workers to a progressive class politics as an alternative to Trumps racist economic nationalism. Finally, we need to build a left that can help anchor a visionary alternative to corporate Democrats. It wont be easy, but weve come this far. Lets defend what weve got in this election, and keep our eye on collective liberation.

In unity and struggle,
By Tyler Durden on 17 October 2016 for Zero Hedge -

Image above: mashup of Julian Assange in the cross hairs. From ( http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2016/10/breaking-julian-assange-internet-connection-cut-off-midst-podesta-clinton-document-dump/ ).

pre-commitment 1: John Kerry 4bb96075acadc3d80b5ac872874c3037a386f4f595fe99e687439aabd0219809



pre-commitment 2: Ecuador

eae5c9b064ed649ba468f0800abf8b56ae5cfe355b93b1ce90a1b92a48a9ab72



pre-commitment 3: UK FCO f33a6de5c627e3270ed3e02f62cd0c857467a780cf6123d2172d80d02a072f74

"State Party" Internet Interuption

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SUBHEAD: Julian Assange has implemented contingency plans including release of "dead Man Keys".In what may be the first official retaliation against Julian Assange and Wikileaks since the organization started disseminating the hacked Podesta emails, this morning WikiLeaks announced it has "activated contingency" plans after Assange's internet link was intentionally cut off by a state party, WikiLeaks has said in a tweet.There was little actual detail, aside from a subsequent tweet in which WikiLeaks called on the public to support it by donating.Previously on Sunday, there was concern about Assange's well-being when Wikileaks tweeted out what some suggested were the "dead man keys" that are allegedly the encryption codes for highly damaging secret documents to be unveiled in the case of Assange's death.Assange tweeted these keys:These may have been the "contingency plans" referred to in the subsequent Wiki tweet.Even former outspoken Trump advisor Roger Stone got involved tweeting that "John Kerry has threatened the Ecuadorian President with "grave consequences for Equador" if Assange is not silenced" adding that "Reports the Brits storm the Ecuadorian Embassy tonite while Kerry demands the UK revoke their diplomatic status so Assange can be seized."So far this appears to be just wild speculation. The latest news in the Assange saga comes as WikiLeaks continues to release on a daily basis hacked emails from Hillary Clintons campaign manager John Podesta, which could ruin Clintons chances of becoming the next US president.Clintons campaign has suggested that WikiLeaks is working together with the Russian government to help defeat them in favor of Trump.The latest, 9th, batch comes amid revelations of Clintons cozy relationship with the mainstream media, and how they work closely to control the media landscape and set up stories that show her in a favorable light. Earlier this month, it emerged that Hillary Clinton reportedly wanted to drone WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange when she was the US secretary of state.So far there had been no intervention by outside entities to attempt to silence Julian Assange, so the latest intervention "by a state party", if confirmed would be a notable escalation in the status quo, and suggests that Wikileaks may have even more damaging revelations to come.SUBHEAD: WikiLeaks claims 'state party' cut Assange's internet connection.The internet connection of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been cut by a state party, the document-dumping organization announced Monday morning on Twitter.In a post to its Twitter account, WikiLeaks did not announce which state party had cut the internet connection.Assange has lived inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London since 2012, where he has remained in order to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he is wanted in connection with a rape allegation.Assange has said he fears he would be extradited to the United States to face espionage charges if he were to step outside the Ecuadorian Embassy.WikiLeaks has taken on a greater role in the presidential election in recent days, releasing thousands of pages of allegedly hacked emails from the personal account of Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta.Neither the Clinton campaign nor Podesta himself has verified the authenticity of the emails, which detail the inner working of the former secretary of states White House bid.Podesta is far from the only high-level political figure to become the target of online hackers.An attack on the email systems of the Democratic National Committee yielded embarrassing messages that led to the resignation of committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz just days before the start of her partys nominating convention in Philadelphia.And emails belonging to former Secretary of State Colin Powell exposed his criticisms of both Clinton and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.Earlier this month, the U.S. government blamed those attacks and others on Russia, whose thefts and disclosures are intended to interfere with the U.S. election process, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson said.That the emails have been hacked almost exclusively from Democratic sources has led many to assume that the attacks are intended to favor Trump, seen as friendlier candidate to the Russian government.Podesta said it was a reasonable conclusion that Roger Stone, a Trump ally who has spoken to Assange, has been given advance warning of the leaks. Both Stone and Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence have denied any connection to any email hacking.White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said last week that he could not specifically tie Podestas hacked emails to the Russian government since their publication did not begin until after the U.S. had released its intelligence assessment on the other attacks.In its Tweet announcing that Assanges internet connection had been severed, WikiLeaks said that it had activated the appropriate contingency plans.Any impediment to WikiLeaks' posting abilities caused by the cutting of Assange's internet connection appeared remedied by Monday afternoon, when the organization posted another batch of allegedly hacked Podesta emails to its website.WikiLeaks had previously been posting such batches in the morning but waited until the afternoon on Monday to release its latest group of emails.The group claimed on Twitter later on Monday that Ecuador was behind the disruption, without offering any evidence."We can confirm Ecuador cut off Assange's internet access Saturday, 5pm GMT, shortly after publication of Clinton's Goldman Sachs speechs," the group tweeted.
[October 17, 2016] 'No More Ransom' Goes Global: Another 13 Police Forces Join Fight Against Ransomware

Just three months after the successful launch of the No More Ransom project, law enforcement agencies from a further 13 countries have signed up to fight ransomware together with the private sector. The new members are: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Colombia, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Additional law enforcement agencies and private sector organizations are expected to join the program in the coming months. This collaboration will result in more free decryption tools becoming available, help for even more victims to decrypt their devices and unlock their information, and damaging the cybercriminals where it hurts the most: their wallets. No More Ransom was launched on July 25, 2016, by Kaspersky Lab, the Dutch National Police, Europol, and Intel Security, introducing a new level of cooperation between law enforcement and the private sector to fight ransomware1 together. The aim of the online portal (www.nomoreransom.org) is to provide a helpful resource for victims of ransomware. People can find information on what ransomware is, how it works and, most importantly, how to protect themselves. During the first two months, more than 2,500 people have successfully managed to decrypt their data without aving to pay the criminals, using the main decryption tools on the platform (CoinVault, WildFire and Shade). This has deprived cybercriminals of an estimated $1+ million in ransoms.



Currently, five decryption tools are available on the online portal. Since its launch in July, the WildfireDecryptor has been added and two decryption tools updated: RannohDecryptor (updated with a decryptor for the ransomware MarsJoke aka Polyglot) and RakhniDecryptor (updated with Chimera). "The fight against ransomware succeeds best when law enforcement agencies and the private sector join forces," said Jornt van der Wiel, Security Researcher at the Global Research and Analysis Team at Kaspersky Lab (News - Alert). "Information-sharing is the key to effective collaboration between the police and security researchers. The easier and faster it happens - the more effective the partnership becomes. Getting more law enforcement agencies from different countries on board will therefore improve operational information-sharing, so that in the end ransomware will be fought more successfully," he added.

"Europol is fully committed to supporting the enlargement of the No More Ransom project within the EU and internationally to respond to ransomware in an effective and concerted manner," says Steven Wilson, head of the European Cybercrime Centre. "Despite the increasing challenges, the initiative has demonstrated that a coordinated approach by EU law enforcement that includes all relevant partners can result in significant successes in fighting this type of crime, focusing on the important areas of prevention and awareness. I am confident that the online portal will continue to improve in the months to come. All police forces are warmly encouraged to join the fight." In order to broaden the audience and improve results even further, the portal is currently being adapted to support different language versions. As a second step, the project will welcome new companies from the private sector as well, after a very high level of interest and countless requests received. About Kaspersky Lab Kaspersky Lab is a global cybersecurity company founded in 1997. Kaspersky Lab's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and a number of specialized security solutions and services to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky Lab technologies and we help 270,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them.

Learn more at www.kaspersky.com. Securelist | Information about Viruses, Hackers and Spam

Follow @Securelist on Twitter (News - Alert) Threatpost | The First Stop for Security News

Follow @Threatpost on Twitter 1 Ransomware is a type of malware that locks the victims' computer or encrypts their data, demanding them to pay a ransom in order to regain control over the affected device or files. Ransomware is a top threat for EU law enforcement: almost two-thirds of EU Member States are conducting investigations into this form of malware attack. While the target is often individual users' devices, corporate and even government networks are affected as well. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005152/en/

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[October 17, 2016] Indiana's American Legion Department Endorses MyComputerCareer's Tuition Grant Program for Former Students of ITT Technical Institute

The American Legion Department of Indiana and MyComputerCareer.edu today announced that the Legion has endorsed MyComputerCareer's ITT-Tech Graduation Grant program. MyComputerCareer's ITT (News - Alert)-Tech Graduation Grant program was announced in mid-September following the abrupt closure of over 130 ITT Technical Institute campuses nationwide, a shutdown that abandoned over 40,000 students, over 6,000 of whom are American military veterans. Under MyComputerCareer's new grant program, any former ITT-Tech student who enrolls in and completes MyComputerCareer's foundational I.T. Systems Administrator (ITSA) program will receive a post-graduation loan repayment grant of up to 37% of the cost of the ITSA tuition. "Given its long-standing support for veterans and the excellent pathway its I.T. Certification courses provide servicemen and women looking to transition into civilian life, we heartily endorse MyComputerCareer's ITT-Tech Graduation Grant program," said Hugh Dagley, Adjutant of The American Legion, Department of Indiana. "Not only can veterans take the ITSA program online from anywhere in the state, but MyComputerCareer has a campus right here in Indianapolis, which makes i even more attractive to us and American Legion members in the area."



According to MyComputerCareer's Founder and CEO Tony Galati, the ITSA course is an excellent path for any veteran interested in pursuing a career in I.T. Security, Network Administration and/or Helpdesk positions, whether as a manager or administrator. "Since our launch over eight years ago, we have helped countless veterans across the country gain the know-how to earn valuable Information Technology certifications critical for landing high-paying I.T. jobs," Galati said. "Through our sponsorship of the POW-MIA Freedom Car we have developed a close relationship with The American Legion, and we are quite humbled to receive this endorsement."

Operation: Job Ready Vets and MyComputerCareer also Partner in Indiana In addition to the Indiana Legion's endorsement of the ITT-Tech Graduation Grant program, MyComputerCareer will also be working closely with American Legion partner, Operation: Job Ready Vets (OJRV), to conduct an outreach program to military veterans in the Hoosier state and beyond. "We love the quality of training provided by MyComputerCareer, as well as its dedication to serving our former servicemen and women," said Gene Anderson, CEO of Operation: Job Ready Vets. "MyComputerCareer's Lifetime Job Placement services fall right in line with our focus at OJRV, and we look forward to working with them to help provide additional support for Indiana veterans." While completing the rigorous full-time 7-month or part-time 10-month ITSA program, students can earn up to 10 I.T. Certifications, specifically Five Microsoft (News - Alert) Certifications: Windows Operating Systems Fundamentals - Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA); Networking Fundamentals (MTA); Security Fundamentals (MTA); Mobility and Devices (MTA); and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP);

Four CompTIA (News - Alert) Certifications: CompTIA A+, Network+, Mobility+ and Server+ Certifications; and

One Cisco Systems (News - Alert) Certification: Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT).

The next ITSA course will start at the Indianapolis campus on Friday, October 21. Conversely, Tuesday, October 18 is the next start date for MyComputerCareer's live online version of its ITSA course, available throughout the United States. Another online class will start approximately six weeks later. For specific details about enrollment opportunities with MyComputerCareer.edu, former ITT Tech students should call 866-606-6922 or visit MyComputerCareer.edu/ITT-Tech-Students. About MyComputerCareer.edu Based in Holly Springs, North Carolina, MyComputerCareer, Inc. is an innovative adult technical school with courses taught online and at its seven campuses in Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina and Texas. Students who complete MyComputerCareer's rigorous Information Technology courses may earn up to 14 highly valuable I.T. Certifications in areas ranging from Operating Systems to Computer Networks and Cyber Security, certificates often required even for those with four-year college degrees. In addition, these courses form the foundation for students interested in obtaining an Associate's degree from MyComputerCareer. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017006068/en/

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[October 17, 2016] Showpad acquires Taptera's client assets

SAN FRANCISCO and GHENT, Belgium, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Showpad, the world's most powerful content activation and sales enablement platform, today announced the acquisition of the core business assets of Taptera, an enterprise sales management solution. The purchase, which includes Taptera's customer roster and other assets, is the second major acquisition by Showpad in 2016, and further expands the company's reach within the emerging sales enablement technology sector. The acquisition is the first since Showpad completed its $50 million Series C funding round in May 2016, the largest funding round this year in the sales enablement industry. Financial terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed. "Sales enablement software is quickly going from a nice-to-have to a must-have," said Louis Jonckheere, co-CEO of Showpad. "This space is filled with a number of high-quality competitors, all looking to make the job of salespeople in the field a simpler one. Taptera is one I'm thrilled we're partnering with and able to bring into the Showpad fold." The acquired Taptera assets are epected to be transitioned to Showpad by year-end, with much of that process already underway. Through the transition, Showpad will continue to provide the Taptera experience the company's clients have expected with Showpad's integration into Box.



"Taptera is pleased to join forces with Showpad," said Kevin Dew, Taptera's Chief Executive Officer. "Our two companies have always had an excellent relationship and we believe this alliance will result in a win-win for customers who are seeking to measure the impact of content on their business." For more information, please visit our website at Showpad.com.

About Showpad

Showpad delivers the world's most powerful content activation platform - one that makes content incredibly easy to find, present, share and measure. Showpad empowers businesses to deliver their content to the right audience at the right time with the most intuitive and robust content platform. With Showpad, sales and marketing teams work better together to engage with audiences, advance conversations, inspire loyalty and accelerate the business. The Showpad platform can be deployed quickly and scales for any company. Founded in 2011, Showpad activates the content of over 850 companies around the world, including Johnson & Johnson, Fujifilm, Audi, Intel and Kimberly-Clark. Showpad has dual headquarters in Ghent and San Francisco - plus offices in Portland and London. For more information on Showpad, email [email protected], visit www.showpad.com or follow Showpad on Twitter. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/showpad-acquires-tapteras-client-assets-300345997.html SOURCE Showpad

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Henry Brooks Adams

Henry Adams born on February 16, 1838, was an American historian, novelist and diplomat. Both his paternal grandfather, John Quincy Adams, and great-grandfather, John Adams had both been U. S. Presidents. His maternal grandfather, Peter Chardon Brooks, was a millionaire.

Following his graduation from Harvard University in 1858, he had the privilege on traveling throughout Europe. During this time he attended lectures in civil engineering at the University of Berlin.

Upon returning home from Europe he tried his hand at law, taking employment with Judge Horace Gray's Boston firm. This venture was short-lived as Henry did not really enjoy studying law. In order to gain employment he was the Washington correspondent for the Boston Daily Advertiser.

On March 9, 1861, President Lincoln appointed his father Charles Adams, Sr. as ambassador to the United Kingdom. Young Henry accompanied him to London as his private secretary. Henry kept his interest in journalism by becoming the London correspondent for the New York Times in addition to serving as the private secretary to his father.

The experience in London led young Adams to conclude that he could best provide knowledgeable and conscientious leadership by working as a correspondent and journalist rather than as a diplomat or any other profession.

In 1868, Henry Adams returned to the United States and settled down in Washington, D.C., where he started working as a journalist. Adams saw himself as a traditionalist longing for the democratic ideal of the 17th and 18th centuries. Accordingly, he was keen on exposing political corruption in journalism.

Adams was quoted as saying, "I think that General Lee should have been hanged. It was all the worse that he was a good man and a fine character and acted conscientiously. It's always the good men who do the most harm in the world."

In 1870, Adams was appointed Professor of Medieval History at Harvard, a position he held until his early retirement in 1877 at the age of 39. Included among his students were Henry Cabot Lodge.

In Adams' writing was the very intellectual book titled, The History of the United States of America (1801 to 1817). This book has been called "a neglected masterpiece" by many authorities.

In the 1880s, Adams also wrote two novels. He is credited as the author of Democracy, which was published anonymously in 1880 and immediately became popular. His other novel was Esther, whose heroine was believed to be modeled after his wife.

In 1912, Adams suffered a stroke, perhaps brought on by news of the sinking of the Titanic, for which he had return tickets to Europe. After the stroke, his scholarly output diminished, but he continued to travel, write letters, and host dignitaries and friends at his Washington, D.C. home.

Henry Adams died at age 80 in Washington, D.C. on March 27, 1918.
CHARLESTON -- Following along with other areas across the nations, reports of non-threatening clown sightings have surfaced over the past couple of weeks.

A national craze of reported clown-sightings and the inferred potential danger they might pose has made its way down to the local area.

Two weeks ago, a man reported around late Oct. 3 seeing three men dressed as clowns near Fourth Street and Madison Avenue near Hucks General Store, according to Deputy Chief Chad Reed of the Charleston Police Department.

The man reported that three men dressed clown costumes said Hey to him and then all walked west. Reed said the man merely wanted to make the police aware of the situation and was not threatened.

In this case, police did not find any dressed as clowns in the area. Later in the week, late on Oct. 6, a clown was reportedly sighted traveling from Pemberton Hall to Lincoln Avenue, Alex Oakley, Eastern Illinois University detective, said. No one dressed as a clown was found.

The Coles County Sheriff's Office hasn't received any reports of problems with people dressed as clowns, according to Tad Freezeland, the office's chief deputy.

However, he also said people need to be aware that dressing a clown without planning any trouble can still lead to it.

"We just don't have a problem here and I hope it doesn't become a problem," Freezeland said.

He mentioned an incident in Altamont in Effingham County earlier this month when a man working for a tree trimming service was arrested for wearing a clown mask while using a chainsaw.

The man apparently wasn't planning to hurt anyone but could still be suspected of the offense of disorderly conduct, Freezeland explained.

The offense alleges actions that "alarm and disturb" another person, and seeing someone dressed as a clown could do that, especially in light of the national reports, he said.

Reed said while there is nothing criminal about dressing as a clown, criminal charges could come up in very select situations. He said someone could potentially be charged with disturbing the peace should they actively try and scare someone in this type of situation.

In these case, there would have to be a breach of the peace, he said.

There have also been no reports in the city of Mattoon, police department Deputy Chief Jason Taylor said.

"I'm not aware of any issues that have involved clown sightings around the city," Taylor said.

Reed said those wishing to dress as a clown should know that it is scaring people right now and know that trouble could come from it.

Oakley said under the current circumstances, wearing a clown outfit will draw attention, sometimes unwanted attention.

Reed mentioned that should someone feel threatened, it does not hurt to call the police.
Picture use

Unless otherwise stated all photos on this site are copyrighted  Jim Budd. They should not be used without authorisation and due credit. Please contact me on budmac@btinternet.com for all use. There will usually be a charge for use in commercial publications  papers, magazines, websites etc. and for other commercial uses. Photos that are used for commercial use without permission will be charged double  the fee for the use of photo and for breach of copyright. Commercial organisations asking to use photos for no payment may not always receive a polite response.
Good Lord above, I needed that!

He said "Remember Michael that you are a human being, not a human doing".

Good Lord above, I needed that!





I met him at a retreat center called Kirkridge in Pennsylvania back in ?.Was it in 1991, or 1995, I cannot even remember the year.I know that the month was January for every year in that month Kirkridge hosted a retreat for Christian gay men.Bill was from Chicago. He was a delightful man (and of course I had a crush on him).It was a safe crush because he had a boyfriend back in Illinois - a relationship which I respected.But we stayed in touch by 'phone.I remember one call in which I laid out all my frustrations at being an Episcopal Rector in Pittsfield. MA.Bill cut to the quick. He saidAfter this when I had not heard from Bill in a while I called him. The 'phone was answered by an unfamiliar voice.I asked to speak to Bill. The response was silence until the person at the other end asked "and who are you?"I explained who I was. Fortunately Bill had talked to him about me.Then came the bitter blow. This good man Bill had been killed in a car accident on a Christmas Eve, when his car had hit a patch of ice.I wept buckets. His bereaved partner wept too.Dearof Pittsfield MA will remember that I made a late night 'phone call to her and blubbered away on the 'phone, knowing that she had a good and non-judgmental ear. (Thank you Ann).All these years later I am sad that I cannot remember Bill's last name. I am sad that I have lost the only photo' of Bill which I once had. I can see him in my mind's eye.Even as I write I am grateful for Bill's wisdom, and for Ann's listening ear.
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The conservative case against the death penalty is powerful. Thats why so many conservative Republicans in the Legislature voted to repeal it.

Conservative voters who study the issue will come to the same conclusion.

Stated succinctly, the conservative argument is that the death penalty is an extraordinary example of government overreach that costs inordinate amounts of money. Some conservatives see the death penalty as a violation of the sanctity of life. Sometimes the death penalty system delivers erroneous results, and for years on end it delivers no results at all.

Sen. Colby Coash of Lincoln, who led the group of conservative state senators who voted against the death penalty, notes that Nebraska has not executed a murder for nearly 20 years.

In a Journal Star column (Local View: Death penalty no longer good policy, LJS Sept. 22) Allen Curtis, former Lincoln Police Chief, director of the Nebraska Crime Commission and a member of the Nebraska Police Officers Association Hall of Fame, cited the same fact. Theres no certainty with the death penalty today. Weve not had an execution in this state in nearly 20 years. Essentially, it is not deterrence.

A study by the respected Creighton University economist Dr. Ernie Goss, who has done work for the conservative Platte Institute and other organizations, pegged the annual cost of the death penalty at $14.6 million a year. Attorney General Doug Peterson has challenged the figure, but Gosss study is the more authoritative.

As the advocacy group Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty puts it, the vast majority of the death penaltys costs never appear as line items in any budget. Instead they are buried in a thicket of legal proceedings and hours spent by judges, clerks, prosecutors, and other law enforcement agencies.

All this spending siphons away money that could and should be put to use more effectively in protecting public safety. Five hundred police chiefs were asked in 1995 and 2008 to rank the tools they found most effective in fighting violent crime, Curtis wrote. The death penalty came in absolutely last.

Death penalty supporters argue that the problems with the death penalty could be cured by streamlining the process. Thats impossible. Court rulings have set in place requirements to protect the rights of the accused to guard against the possibility that an innocent person could be executed.

And even in Texas, which has the fewest protections and the speediest executions, the costs are still exorbitant, with a death penalty case costing an average of three times more than 40 years in prison at maximum security, according to Conservatives Concerned.

Years ago support for the death penalty was viewed by many as a bedrock conservative principle. No more. Thoughtful conservatives who take the time to research the issue will vote on Nov. 8 to retain the law that eliminates the death penalty and replaces it with life in prison.

This is the second of two editorials on Referendum No. 426 on the Nov. 8 ballot. The first editorial in Sundays paper argued the death penalty carries the very real risk that an innocent person will be executed.
The white steeple of Belmont Baptist Church and shingles patterned into a cross on the north half of the church escaped the wrath of two fires there on Oct. 3.

Orange safety netting and an outer chainlink fence secure the half that didn't, a charred sanctuary open to the elements.

"Our Hope is in the Lord," a letterboard sign on the church read Thursday night.

Investigators and the church's pastor, the Rev. Mike Kidder, hope justice awaits the arsonist who caused about $400,000 damage to the church just north of 14th and Adams streets.

But two weeks later, questions of who set the fires and why remain unanswered.

That someone would desecrate a house of worship is absolutely unnerving, said Bill Moody, Lincoln's chief fire investigator.

And it almost never happens in Nebraska's capital, although the city sees about 26 cases of building arson a year, he said.

"I'm not recalling any," said Moody, who's worked in the city 25 years.

Church arson is a rarity in Nebraska, as well.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which investigates fires at houses of worship, reported only two in the past two years, including the Belmont church. Nationwide, ATF agents probed 261 fires at houses of worship, according to bureau reports.

Of those, 122 were arson cases, the bureau reported. Investigators ruled 53 were accidental, two were caused naturally, and they couldn't determine the cause for 84.

The lone church arson in Nebraska last year occurred in Central City, where a teenager set a fire in the children's wing of the Heartland Evangelical Free Church in February, causing mainly smoke and water damage, according to media reports.

In Lincoln, the Belmont Baptist fire was the second church fire investigated by the feds this year.

In the other, they determined an electrical failure in a stove caused the fire at Zion Church near 27th Street and Old Cheney Road.

"Without a crystal ball, you just dont know the circumstances, Moody said.

In both cases, Lincoln fire officials called the ATF to assist in the investigation right away, Moody said.

"Youre always cognizant of something being a hate crime ... especially a church," he said. "Its a sacred building.

"You want to make sure theres not something lying below the surface."

Generally, arson fires in Lincoln remain on the low end compared to national numbers, Moody said.

Fires started by juveniles or in dumpsters also count in the statistics, he said.

Substantial losses like the $20 million inferno at the Lincoln Public Schools headquarters set by a disgruntled staff member in 2011 are rare, Moody said.

In the Belmont fire, officials estimate damage to the 57-year-old church at 3424 N. 14th St. between $370,000 to $420,000.

The first blaze started about 2 a.m. and destroyed most of the sanctuary. A fire wall saved the fellowship hall.

Then, someone started a second fire in the sanctuary about 10:30 that night.

"This is a perplexing one out there, especially with the second set, Moody said.

Pastor Kidder has said it looked like someone was trying to finish off the church, which typically draws about two dozen people for Sunday services.

On the first Sunday after the fire, parishioners worshiped inside the mostly unscathed fellowship hall, joined by people from Baptist churches in Omaha, Norfolk and Grand Island, Kidder said.

Their prayers focused on the perseverance through persecution, troubles and hardships captured in Romans 8:37.

"In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

The church has turned its attention to returning a sense of normality.

The annual potato bake -- the congregation sells baked potatoes, salads and pie as a fundraiser -- is set for Oct. 28 at 4:30 in the fellowship hall, Kidder said.

And they're planning for a crowd.

"It used to be just a fundraiser for the ladys group," Kidder said, "and now it will be a fundraiser to help rebuild.
A 26-year-old California man was sentenced to prison Monday for trafficking 2 pounds of methamphetamine and 18 pounds of marijuana through the Lincoln area a year ago.

Christerfer Suphasiang of Antelope, California is the second to be sentenced in the case. He and Tang Thi, 39, each will serve five to 10 years for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. Thi, of Sacramento, was sentenced in August for possession of more than 28 grams of meth. Both men pleaded no contest.

On Oct. 13, 2015, a Nebraska State Patrol trooper stopped Thi driving a 2000 Lexus near the U.S. 77 exit on Interstate 80 for going 72 mph in a 55 mph zone, according to probable cause affidavits. The men said they were headed from California to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The trooper asked to search the car, saying the story sounded rehearsed but didn't match -- one said the other was his cousin and the other said he was a friend. Both declined the request to search the car, but a police dog indicated the presence of drugs, and a search turned up the drugs in a suitcase.

Suphasiang, who had no prior record, and Thi both will have to serve five years before being eligible for parole because it is a mandatory minimum sentence.

Thi also is serving a year more for attempted assault by an inmate for a fight at the jail. He pleaded guilty.
A Texas man caught in a Hastings motel room with more than 10 pounds of meth has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for it.

U.S. District Judge John Gerrard sentenced Yulio Cervino-Hernandez, 36, of Houston, Thursday to 11 years and three months of prison, plus five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

He pleaded guilty.

On Sept. 22, 2015, members of the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force went to the Rodeway Inn on a tip that Cervino-Hernandez had tried to get sex for drugs.

A search of his room turned up three baggies of meth, including one under the bed holding about 1 pounds. A car battery later was found under the second bed with nearly 11 pounds of meth hidden inside, Martin Klein of the U.S. Attorney's Office said at a plea hearing in August.

Cervino-Hernandez's co-defendant, Alexander Castellano-Benitez, is awaiting trial.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- If I were to distill a recent public discussion about the state of our nation to one word, it would be "worried."

Not fearful, not angry, but worried -- about the future; about an election season that has made evil-clown sightings seem weirdly apt; but mostly about what will happen after the election. How do we mend the deep divisions that have evolved during this thoroughly nasty -- and, at times, X-rated -- campaign season? How does the country salve its wounds and reunite in common purpose?

Audience members here at the Poynter Institute's "Community Conversation," at which I was invited to speak last Thursday, posed these and other questions. The 150 or so attendees were a cross-spectrum mix of students, professionals, retirees and a few notables -- a diverse group, in other words, with no protesters, rabble-rousers or armed combatants in search of a revolution. The latter may have been occupied in nearby Lakeland, where Donald Trump had pronounced a global conspiracy against him the day before.

Clinton supporters at the Poynter event told me privately that they were afraid to put "Hillary" signs in their yards for fear of retribution, not from roaming vandals but from once-friendly neighbors. My suggestion that this campaign was reminiscent of the run-up to the Iraq War, when politically opposite friends avoided each other, was received with nods of agreement.

Whether for Trump or Clinton, neither side can conceive of what compels the other. In this duplex of horrors, Clinton is a corrupt, lying, hypocritical career politician and Trump is a sleazy, lying, narcissistic, autocratic, (alleged) sexual predator. Ne'er the twain shall meet.

Once the votes are counted, who knows what's next? President Obama's final two months may require his coolest touch yet.

Meanwhile, the questions posed here did not readily present answers. What's needed, I posited half-seriously, is a superhero. Someone to rise from the marshes and cut through the fog of our discontent, someone who can summon our better angels and help restore the country's self-respect.

At least for now, one is optimistic without reason.

We can know with near certainty that a defeated Donald Trump will unleash the armies of Mordor, comprised of a fan base that will embrace his dark conspiracy theory that the election was rigged. To their minds, his loss couldn't possibly be linked to a very long list of objectionable, as well as dishonest, statements he's made, only one of which is the sex-talk video we needn't view again.

Some Trump supporters aspire to loftier goals, such as preventing a liberal Supreme Court or reducing the tax burden with an eye toward economic growth. These are certainly legitimate reasons. But Trump's willingness to pave the way for a "revolution" were Clinton to win should be sufficient evidence that this man isn't fit for the office.

To what extent are Trump sympathizers willing to express their disappointment? Well, who knows? But many will have seen the interview with a woman at a Trump rally last week who said she and her comrades are prepared to take their country back, cheerfully reminding the interviewer that "you're in the South. We're all Second Amendment pros."

This is the mindset Trump has nurtured these past many months. These are the people he will summon at the end. These are the reasons the less-emotionally taut are so worried.

More worrisome still is the opposite result: What if Trump wins? We can presume that Russian President Vladimir Putin will be delighted, his possible WikiLeaks alliance having paid off. North Korea's Kim Jong Un, who has called Trump a "wise politician," will order extra platters of chicken wings to celebrate.

As the Japanese proverb goes: When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.

Remember, too, that Trump has vowed as president to make it easier for people to sue the media, which, constitutionally, he can't. But as all authoritarian figures tend to do, Trump has to blame someone else for his failures. The media are handy bait for the credulous and misinformed.

Don't be afraid, but be worried.
Meantime, back at Guantanamo 

Chances are you havent thought of that American gulag  or, for that matter, of extraordinary renditions, CIA black sites and torture  for a long time.

Not everyone has the luxury of forgetting. In the last few days, some compelling reportage has reminded us of that.

In The Miami Herald, we met 48-year-old Mustafa al Hawsawi, a Gitmo detainee who was scheduled for rectal surgery to repair damage done when, his lawyer says, he was sodomized by his captors 10 years ago. As reporter Carol Rosenberg explains, this sodomy was, in fact, a quasi-medical process of rectal rehydration and rectal re-feeding, i.e., providing nourishment through a tube in the rectum.

The lawyer says this was a means of punishment. It left Hawsawi with whats called a rectal prolapse. He has to manually push tissue back up into his anus every time he defecates. He has bled from the injury for 10 years.

Hawsawi, you should know, faces the death penalty for his alleged part in the Sept. 11 attacks that took nearly 3,000 lives. And maybe you will find that sufficient to insulate you from feeling, well  anything at his plight.

One wonders what you would make, then, of two New York Times reports documenting how torture, both at Gitmo and at CIA black sites around the world, destroyed the mental health of numerous detainees, many of whom turned out to be innocent of terrorism. Reporters James Risen, Matt Apuzzo and Sheri Fink introduce us to men who were slammed into walls and had foreign objects shoved into their rectums, who were beaten, kept awake, housed in never-ending darkness or light, forced into stress positions, subjected to nonstop music at ear-splitting levels, injected with drugs, menaced by dogs, locked in boxes the size of coffins and laid out shackled and nude on tarps as gallons of ice cold water were poured down on them to simulate drowning. One prisoner described being used as a human mop, dragged through his own urine.

Now, former prisoner Suleiman Abdullah Salim struggles with depression and PTSD. He was released five years after he fell into U.S. custody when it was determined he posed no threat.

Majid Mokhtar Sasy al-Maghrebi will fly into a rage at the sound of music from a passing car. It takes him back to the prison where music was used to torture him.

Hussein al-Marfadi has a permanent headache. Lutfi bin Ali has a recurrent nightmare of suffocating at the bottom of a well. Younous Chekkouri hates to go outside because people in the crowd turn into guards from Gitmo.

For at least one prisoner, what made all this worse is that it was America doing it to him. America, the world champion of human rights. America, the nation of laws.

It is very, very scary when you are tortured by someone who doesnt believe in torture, said Ahmed Errachidi. You lose faith in everything. He was released without charges after five years.

Civilization is a word we use for the rules we impose upon ourselves to protect against our most brutish instincts. And America is fond of thinking itself the most civilized of nations, especially as compared with those countries that breathe terror like air.

When the history of this epoch is written, it will tell how our civilization, our righteousness, came under assault by an army of ragtag barbarians one sparkling September morning. It will tell how we swore to defend all that made us what we were.

But these reports remind us how readily we gave it all away.
Like many of the issues surrounding the so-called Beatrice 6 case, the idea that Gage County could ask the state for a loan to pay a $28.1 million federal jury award is without any sort of precedent.

The mechanism for getting the loan and paying it back is simple enough.

Any Nebraska political subdivision ordered to pay a court judgment can apply to the State Treasurer's Office for a loan of sufficient funds to pay any judgment in its entirety, then pay it back at one-half of 1 percent interest.

The idea was broached last week by Jeffry Patterson, one of the attorneys representing six people convicted of murder after a 1989 cold case investigation into the rape and beating death of Helen Wilson in her downtown Beatrice apartment.

Joseph White, Ada JoAnn Taylor, Thomas Winslow, James Dean, Kathleen Gonzalez and Debra Shelden spent a combined 75 years in prison until DNA evidence pointed to a seventh person, and they were exonerated.

The six sued Gage County, Deputy Sheriff Burdette Searcey, Reserve Deputy Wayne Price and others for violating their civil rights, and in July a federal jury awarded them $28.1 million, plus attorneys fees.

Patterson made the suggestion to Gage Countys team of private-practice attorneys in a letter copied to Gov. Pete Ricketts, Sens. John Stinner of Gering and Roy Baker of Lincoln, State Treasurer Don Stenberg and others.

Gage County has not replied to the letter, nor has it applied with the treasurer's office for a loan covering any or all of the judgment, Stenberg said. He did say that he discussed the issue last week with Patrick OBrien, one of the attorneys representing Gage County.

In fact, no application for a loan has ever been made to the treasurer since Gov. Norbert Tiemann signed the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act into law nearly a half century ago.

That leaves attorneys and public officials little in the way of guidance.

Stenberg said he asked Attorney General Doug Peterson for his opinion Friday on how the law may apply to Gage Countys circumstances.

My main question to the attorney general was if this statute applies to a federal judgment, Stenberg said Monday.

Since being signed into law in 1969, the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act has been applied to civil cases brought against cities, counties, school districts and other entities in state court.

It was introduced alongside the State Tort Claims Act by then-Sen. Roland Luedtke of Lincoln and intended to abolish the doctrine of sovereign or governmental immunity by governmental entities in Nebraska.

A Federal Tort Claims Act allowing citizens to pursue some claims against the federal government was enacted in 1946.

During floor debate, Luedtke, a former Lincoln mayor and Nebraska lieutenant governor, said that for more than a century after the state Constitution was ratified, Nebraska and its subdivisions operated on a king can do no wrong position of governmental immunity that limited recourse in the event of injury or other damages.

Claims filed against Nebraska school boards and the city of Omaha, and Nebraska Supreme Court rulings weakened the idea of governmental immunity and brought attention to the issue, which was later the subject of an interim study.

The act established a uniform method for bringing lawsuits against subdivisions and outlined a two-year statute of limitations for a claim to be made.

The final part of the law gave governmental entities in Nebraska the option of applying for low-interest loans from the treasurer's office to pay any claims awarded to citizens by a court if they could not pay the claims through insurance or other remedies described by law.

Because of the constitutional limitations on expenditures and the like, we realize that (governmental entities) could have a very catastrophic loss, a negligence claim, which would result in a judgment which perhaps a local subdivision of government could not even meet, Luedtke told the Judiciary Committee during a 1969 hearing.

But it appears the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act applies to damages awarded in state court and not under federal law, Stenberg said, meaning his office might not have authority to give a loan to Gage County.

He said it's also unclear whether any loan his office could grant to Gage County would be capped at $5 million. The Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act caps payouts for claims at $5 million per occurrence under the law but does not assign a cap to the loan amount.

Given those limits, the Legislatures intent may have been to limit any loan to the maximum amount of recovered allowed under the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, Stenberg wrote.

His final question to Peterson centered on what options Gage County may have with his office if the Political Subdivisions Tort Claim Act does not apply to the case.

(Is) there any other statute that would authorize the State Treasurer to make a loan to Gage County related to the judgments in question? he asked.

Peterson's spokeswoman Suzanne Gage said late Monday that the attorney general will "respond as expeditiously as possible" to Stenberg's request.

In his letter to Gage County, Patterson said his clients would consent to a stay on collecting the nearly $30 million if the county "were able to guarantee prompt payment" if the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals finds in their favor.
A group of people that includes a former Lincoln police captain, deputy county attorneys and retired judges is urging voters to retain the Legislature's repeal of capital punishment.

The group that spoke out Monday at a news conference in LaVista also featured a former detective who was involved with a death penalty case, as well as an Omaha police officer and former Nebraska correctional officer who said they'd rather see the money spent on the death penalty go to prison employees.

Several of the death penalty critics pointed to the case of the so-called Beatrice Six, who were convicted in the 1985 rape and murder of a Beatrice woman but later exonerated.

In response to the anti-death penalty news conference, Nebraskans for the Death Penalty said in a news release it has the support of the Nebraska Sheriff's Association and the Nebraska County Attorneys Association, which have endorsed the effort to overturn the Legislature's law that eliminated the penalty.

In May, the Legislature voted to abolish execution in Nebraska, then overrode a veto of the bill by Gov. Pete Ricketts.

After that, a petition initiative got enough signatures to put a measure on the Nov. 8 ballot that seeks to repeal the law, thus reinstating capital punishment in Nebraska. Ricketts himself has donated $300,000 to the effort.
Michelle Hrbek, a 14-year educator currently in her 10th year teaching art at Lincoln Northeast High School, is the school years first Teacher of the Month honoree recognized by the Lincoln East Rotary Club and U.S. Bank.

At LNE, she focuses on beginning and advanced levels of drawing and painting instruction, and serves as department chair, Sponsor of the GSA, Co-Sponsor of the Art Club and serves on the School Improvement Committee.

Prior to working at LNE she split her time as an itinerant art teacher at both McPhee and Hartley elementary schools. She received her masters degree in Education and Post-Baccalaureate degrees in K-12 Art from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Michelle Hrbek has contributed in many ways to the success and positive climate of Lincoln Northeast High School, Northeast High School Principal Kurt Glathar said in his nomination letter. Ms. Hrbek is considered a gifted teacher by students and staff alike. Her kind, reflective attitude, is contagious with students, and brings out the best from those she works with. She is respected by her peers and has recently moved into a new leadership role for Northeast High School as chair of the Art Department.

She serves on the School Improvement Committee, PBIS, is a staff development instructor for LPS summer workshops, and has voluntarily run the LNE Art Club for the past five years.

Preceding her career in education she was a journalist for KLKN 10/11 News as an assignment editor and producer, a reporter at KHAS-TV in Hastings, and also a researcher for CNNs Investigative Reporting Unit in Atlanta, Georgia. The latter occurred during a semester break from the University of Nebraska-Kearney where she earned her undergraduate degree in 1995.

A native of Omaha, she has lived in Lincoln for more than 20 years with her husband, Philip Morgan and her three children.

Hrbeck received a $100 check from U.S. Bank to purchase classroom materials not covered by the school district, and a framed certificate and $100 from Lincoln East Rotary Club for her personal use.
For many people, dogs are more than pets. They help maintain life.

Thats what Sarah Husted knows after being diagnosed last year with multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis came after she began having incidences of physical problems. For example, she would fall for no apparent reason. Her doctor found some irregular neurological symptoms, and an MRI revealed the diagnosis. She has been on medication to manage her disease.

I would have some days when I feel OK and some days that were difficult, she said. I never know what my days will be like.

Through Domesti-Pups, a Lincoln nonprofit organization that seeks to help improve lives through service dogs, Husted is on her way to a more steady life. She started in September raising $14,000 to get a service dog. Two weeks later, she was nearly halfway to her goal.

Domesti-Pups trains service dogs that provide assistance with mobility as well as seizures. It requires recipients to raise half the money for the $28,000 price for the dogs, and it provides the rest. The money pays for the dog, its training and a 12-day training camp in which she will learn to live and work with the dog. Once her part of the fee is raised, Husted will attend her training camp next June.

Husted, 33, used a crowd-funding website called redbasket.org to raise money. She has promoted her cause primarily through Facebook. Family members in her hometown of Buffalo, New York, are helping as well.

A social services worker with the state who moved to Lincoln six years ago, Husted started the process with an application to Domesti-Pups. An interview followed, and the organization determined she needed a dog to help her with mobility.

Husted doesnt know what type of dog she will receive next spring, but she knows the pup is already being trained to help her. It will be a large-breed dog that will assist with her balance and help her get up when she falls. She knows her new dog will help her maintain her independence.

Due to her disease, she feels pain and numbness in her hands. She once even fell down while shopping at Target.

She is thankful to Domesti-Pups for assistance in getting a service dog. Some agencies require service dog recipients to raise the entire amount. She also appreciates how in depth the organization went to determine her needs.

Its a great organization, she said.

To help donate to Husteds goal, go to www.redbasket.org and search for Husteds name.

Being diagnosed with MS has been extremely difficult for me, because I never know when the next relapse is going to come and what symptoms I will have to deal with, Sarah says on her redbasket page. I have learned to not take anything for granted, and to live in the present as much as possible.
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LYONS  A McHenry, Ill., man was killed Saturday afternoon after two motorcycles collided on a rural road located between Burlington and Lake Geneva.

According to the Walworth County Sheriffs Office, deputies and the Lyons Fire and Rescue Department were dispatched at 3:09 p.m. to a report of a motorcycle crash on South Road approximately 0.3 miles north of Highway 50. The crash scene is about 5 miles southwest of Burlington.

First responders located a red Boss Hoss motorcycle lying on its side. The driver of the motorcycle was identified as Timothy Adkins, 57, of McHenry. He was pronounced dead at the scene by staff from the Walworth County Medical Examiners Office.

According to the Sheriffs Office, a preliminary investigation revealed that Adkins was traveling southbound on South Road. While attempting to negotiate a curve, he lost control of his motorcycle, striking a second southbound motorcycle. The second motorcycle was driven by a 38-year-old man from McHenry. He had a passenger on his bike, a 36-year-old woman from Orlando, Fla. Neither were injured, the Sheriffs Office reported.

As of Sunday afternoon, the crash remained under investigation by the Walworth County Sheriffs Office Crash Investigation Team.
It's illegal to carry a firearm into a Post Office in the US. In Maryland, in Wyoming, wherever. It's just the Post Office, though. It's not like a courthouse where they have a metal detector and real honest to goodness law enforcement checking you are the door. So you could carry if you are discrete about it. So why not?Because it is a federal beef, that's why not. And you aren't high up in the elite political apparatus. The laws actually apply to YOU. You don't get to laugh it off and get a raise. You go to a federal pound-you-in-the-something penitentiary.But why are post offices so special?Well, you know how there is a killer clown craze right now? Mass hysteria. Hallucinations. Then copy cats. Then more copy cats. Then irrational panic. Probably be legislation about clown outfits soon. Collective Obsessional Behavior Well, in the mid 1980s we had Satanic Cults running all the day care centers. And at the same time some people shot up their post office, usually as workplace violence. One person getting driven over the edge pushed another to copy, and so on and so on. They went Postal At the time the finger was pointed all abouts. Cutback pressures meant more work for fewer post office employees, maybe the stress is getting to them? It's all that sumbitz Reagan's fault. The mail just keeps coming and Coming and COMING. Algore had to invent email to help take the load off. Postal employees are less likely to go homicidal compared to other job types, but that's beside the point. It is the most kill-y of gov't jobs. Surprised more folks in the MVA aren't slaughtered, based on how popular they are...But that's not all. Congress couldn't just sit there, they had to do something. Legislation must be passed!"So are you saying Congress passed a law banning firearms at the post office because of these mid-80's homicides, T-Bolt?"Oh no, I'm not saying that. They realized that they had already passed that in the gun control conniptions 15 years before . So they justabout it. ENFORCE THE LAW HARDER! But if there hadn't been a law agin it, you know the law would have been passed then. And now cops were on the look out and newly minted Florida CCW folks , and later other states, were at hazard. The law didn't form because of the hysteria but they law plus the hysteria got people thinking "Hey, maybe we should search all the employee vehicles weekly...So what is the big deal, T-Bolt?Well, the hysteria may have passed after 30 years, when it comes to the post office. You may or may not be able to have a gun in yourin the post office parking lot these days.The clown thing will pass too. In 30 years you will be able to wear a big red nose in public again. After the coming Anti-Clown Acts are done up in Congress, they'll realize before they get too far to take the teeth out of the new clown laws. Because those new regs might logically be applied to Congress as well.Or, if legislation doesn't move fast and hard enough, just rely on existing law and hound and railroad a bunch of innocent people. SOP. Arrest clowns for felony Mopery.Don't CCW into your local Post Office, and definitely don't do it full makeup and clown regalia, even when you are being perfectly innocent about it. That's T-Bolt's safety tip for the month.
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53 dengue patients found in six days in Chitwan

A total of 178 people have been found infected with dengue in two months' period from mid-August in Chitwan district.
A go-ahead in Goa

Connectivity holds the key to trilateral cooperation among Nepal, India and China
Syria conflict: Aleppo bombing 'kills 14 members of one family'

Fourteen members of one family have died in an air strike on rebel-held east Aleppo, volunteer rescuers say.
Buddhist scholar Bajracharya passes away

Buddhist scholar Pandit Badri Ratna Bajracharya passed away on Sunday at the age of 84. His last rites were performed at Shovabhagawati-based Karnadweep today.
China's Shenzhou 11 blasts off on space station mission

China has launched two men into orbit in a project designed to develop its ability to explore space.
Civil, ILFCO to begin joint operation from today

Civil Bank, a Class A financial institution, and International Leasing & Finance Company Limited (ILFCO), a Class C financial institution, have completed their merger process and are all set to commence joint operation on Monday (October 17).
Dahal holds talks with SL prez

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Sunday held talks with Sri Lankan President Maithiripala Sirisena on the sidelines of the Brics-Bimstec Outreach Summit in Goa, India.
EDCD team in Chitwan after dengue outbreak

A team of experts from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) is in Chitwan to assess the dengue situation amid increasing cases of the disease.
Farmers protest free import of bananas from India

Banana farmers of Kanchanpur and Kailali districts on Monday staged demonstrations in front of the main entrance to the Gaddachauki Customs Office, Kanchanpur, to protest free import of bananas from India.
Govt claims neighbours positive on trilateral co-op

Nepals two giant neighbours seem positive on a trilateral strategic partnership, as proposed by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Brics Summit in Goa, India.
Govt lifts ban on Nepalis working in Afghanistan

The government has lifted a travel ban on Nepali security guards going to work in Afghanistan, hardly two months after the Kabul suicide attack that claimed the lives of 13 Nepali guards working for the Canadian embassy.
Informal trilateral meet a pleasant coincidence: PM Dahal

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said his informal meet together with the Chinese President and the Indian Prime Minister in course of the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit was a pleasant happenstance.
Jewellery sales during Dashain down 50pc

Sales of gold jewellery during the just concluded Dashain festival were down 50 percent year on year as high prices put them out of reach of many would-be buyers, traders said.
Khand: China lauds NAs peacekeeping role

China has applauded Nepal Armys role in the United Nations peacekeeping missions and pledged to support Nepal in enhancing its capacity in disaster management.
Nepal, India PMs for implementing pacts

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held delegation level talks with his Indian counterpart on the sidelines of Brics Summit in Goa on Sunday.
PM Dahal returns home

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal returned home on Monday after participating in the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit held in Goa on October 16.
Poll bill proposals give EC more teeth

Political parties failing to hold intra-party elections at central and provincial levels on time could be deprived of participating in two consecutive elections if the current provision in bill on political parties is passed as it is.
SC team yet again fails to paste court summons at Lokman's house

A Supreme Court team that was commissioned to paste the court summons at CIAA Chief Lokman Singh Karki's house yet again failed to do so on Monday.
South Asian tales

The fate of Saarc hangs in the balance as India-Pakistan tensions rise to new highs
US election 2016: Trump says election 'rigged at polling places'

US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has said the election is "absolutely rigged" by the "dishonest media" and "at many polling places".
Xi, Dahal stress connectivity

The meeting between Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday primarily focused on enhancing connectivity between the two countries, officials have said.
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South Sudans former Vice-President Riek Machar says he is broke and struggling to pay rent for the house where his family lives in Kenya

His comments, in an interview with the newspaper, came after Kenyan lawmakers threatened to introduce a parliamentary motion, demanding that his family be kicked out of the country and that his assets be frozen.

Mr Machar, who is currently in South Africa, said he hoped that the MPs would give him a hearing before taking a decision.

He did not own any assets in Kenya and was broke, he added. Mr Machar fled South Sudan after heavy fighting broke out in July between troops loyal to him and President Salva Kiir.

STORY BY BBC NEWS
U.S. relations with Russia and its president, Vladimir V. Putin, have somehow become an issue in the U.S. presidential campaign, as evidenced in Tuesday night's debate between the two vice presidential candidates. What is for the most part lacking in consideration of this question is historical perspective.



It is, for example, important to remember that as early as the mid-19th century, the question of how important a role then imperial Russia would play on the West Coast of what was to become the United States was by no means a foregone conclusion. It was more or less settled by the purchase of Alaska from a hard-up Russian czar by the administration of President Andrew Johnson for $7.2 million.



American administrations since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 have been somewhat adrift in terms of how to deal with post-Soviet Russia. On the one hand, it has been tempting to crow at America's Cold War "victory." At the same time, the "new" Russia has remained a force to reckon with, given its size in population and area, its oil wealth, its still-considerable military strength and thin skins on both sides.



U.S. peaceful co-existence with post-Soviet Russia is showing itself to be almost more difficult than it was with the Soviet Union.



That, of course, should not be. There are far more points of friction between the United States and Russia than there should be if both sides were being reasonable, in frequent high-level contact and acting in full cognizance of historical perspective. Issues include Ukraine, Syria and  easily the most alarming  lack of agreement and coordination on nuclear nonconflict, nonescalation and nonproliferation. Competition in the Arctic is a new area of potential discord.



Reasonable coordination shouldn't be so difficult. Both countries have as perhaps their principal foreign policy objective not being rolled over by Islamic terrorism. There is also the fact that rivalry between the two, sometimes at intense levels, occurred between 1945 and 1990 without armed conflict. War between the United States and Russia should remain unthinkable. In that context, political campaign digs and charges are not useful, by either Democrats or Republicans.



This editorial appeared on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




KIMMELL  Jonny Lee Chambers, 37, hosted a cookout at his home on May 28. Various family members gathered for volleyball and cornhole that day, while Chambers manned the grill.

Its the last time his sister, Amber Stutzman, saw him.

Police and family members continue to search for Chambers, who was last seen the day after the party. He was reported missing by a family member on May 31 at 9:04 a.m. after he had failed to communicate his whereabouts with family.

That evening, the Noble County Sheriffs Department entered his name as an attempt to locate in a countrywide database. If Chambers has any contact with law enforcement, the Sheriffs Department will receive at least a notification of his whereabouts and general well-being.

Stutzman said the family is very concerned about her brother.

He always tells us where hes at, she said.

Its out of character for him to be gone for such an extensive period of time without being in contact with his mother and his children, Sheriff Doug Harp said. Theres reason to be concerned. This is not the norm for him.

The day before Chambers was reported missing by family, his pickup was found abandoned in the 2100 block of Wolf Lake Road. The pickup was off the roadway and had to be towed away.

It just appeared to be a disabled vehicle, Harp said. There was nothing in there to believe there was any foul play.

Chambers had a broken foot, for which he was wearing a walking cast and occassionally a cane. The cane was located in the truck, along with a pack of cigarettes.

Police used a drone from the Noble County Emergency Management Agency to search the area around where the truck was located.

According to Stutzman, family will be meeting at the Wolf Lake Gun Club on Saturday to search that same area.

Harp said Chambers has no history of mental illness or medical conditions that could account for a sudden disappearance.

Chambers disappearance does not meet the criteria for a Silver Alert, which is issued statewide when an elderly person with a history of dementia or Alzheimers goes missing.

Its not against the law for an adult who wants to take off to take off, Harp said.

Chambers has had some run-ins with the law, according to the Indiana Department of Correction website, but he has no active warrants. He last served time in prison in 2005.

Police are taking the case seriously. The investigation has involved multiple officers and more than a dozen sit-down interviews at the Sheriffs Department with people who know him.

They have put an incredible amount of man-hours on this, Harp said.

The investigation has been somewhat hampered, police said, by some of the people they have attempted to interview as they search for clues. Some of the interviewees were described as being uncooperative.

Chambers technically was unemployed at the time of his disappearance, but Stutzman said he had recently secured employment at a company in Syracuse. The only stress he talked about with Stutzman on May 28 was the fact that he had to wait until his broken leg was healed before he could start work.

If he was down to his last dollar, Stutzman said her brother would offer it up to someone in need.

He would give it to you even if he was going to struggle the next week, she said. Thats the kind of person he is.

Anyone with information regarding Chambers can contact the Noble County Sheriffs Department at 636-2182.
ALBION  Northeastern Indianas methamphetamine problem isnt slowing down any.

In a recent eight-day period this spring, the Kendallville Police Department secured four active labs, leading to 12 arrests.

Noble County ended 2014 with 57 meth labs processed by the Indiana State Police, ranking it in a tie for third for highest county total in Indiana. It was at least the sixth straight year the county has ranked in the top 10 for meth lab seizures.

According to the Indiana State Police, Delaware County led the state with 148 meth labs processed in 2014, followed by Kosciusko County with 58, Noble and Vanderburgh (57), Allen County (56) and DeKalb County (49).

Steuben and LaGrange counties reported 18 and 9 labs, respectively.

Those totals are skewed by the number of trash labs that are collected and then counted as one single lab in each county to save paperwork time, according to police.

Indiana State Police trooper Andy Smith, a veteran of the Meth Suppression Section, estimated that police only find five percent of the labs as most are burned, buried or hidden.

According to Noble County Sheriff Doug Harp, finding a meth lab stretches already thin road patrol officers. An active meth lab can eat up anywhere from six to eight hours of an officers shift. With a limited number of road officers, all other calls are put on hold.

Weve shut down law enforcement in Noble County for the day, Harp said.

The same is true in DeKalb County, according to Sheriff Don Lauer. And the time consumption doesnt end once the scene is cleared.

The paperwork afterward is detailed and very time consuming as well, Lauer said. Were understaffed as it is. It creates a shortage of rural patrol which can create a safety issue.

Meth isnt a new problem for Noble County.

Its been entrenched here a long time, Harp said. Weve had meth lab problems since the mid-90s. Now we have generational abuse.

Because methamphetamine can be made using items that can be obtained legally, anyone can make it.

Steuben County Sheriff Tim Troyer and other law enforcement personnel have said that the only solution is making the key ingredient in the process  the ephedrine found in common cold medicines and available over the counter by providing identification  available by prescription only.

If you dont have ephedrine, you dont have meth labs, Harp said. Its a no-brainer. This piece of the puzzle is critical. It needs to be restricted. Were addressing it with legislators.

I know that making ephedrine a prescription drug is controversial, but the meth lab problem does not appear to be going away in northeastern Indiana, Lauer said. If were going to see an improvement, something different will need to be done.

While northeastern Indiana legislators have come on board, its proven to be a tough sell at the Statehouse.

There are no bills active in Indianapolis that would require these cold medicines to be available by prescription only.

Harp said until the problem is more of an urban issue, it may prove difficult to get the representatives of the larger cities to come on board.

Sentencing guidelines passed by the legislature have also watered down crimes involving methamphetamine, meaning more meth cooks on the streets.

Harp said chasing down meth cooks is a never-ending task. When ephedrine has been made available by prescription only, other states have found that local cooks have all but disappeared.

If police officers werent constantly chasing cooks, they could get work on making big busts involving dealers. It would be unrealistic to expect an occasional big bust involving 10 to 20 pounds (4,500-9,000 grams) of methamphetamine in this part of the state under those circumstances, Harp said.

Such a bust could tie up police for two hours, compared to the six to eight hours a single-gram active methamphetamine lab requires.

Its not only officer time that concerns Harp, but morale.

Harp said, Its going to keep getting harder and harder to keep law enforcement motivated when the state Legislature treats it like its no big deal.
High school bands from Angola, DeKalb and East Noble high schools have advanced to Saturdays semi-state marching band competitions.

They qualified with their performances in Indiana State School Music Association regional contests Saturday.

In the Class B regional at Chesterton, DeKalb and East Noble were among nine bands that received gold ratings from the judges and advanced to the semi-state at Pike High School in northwest Indianapolis.

Concord and Decatur Central won awards for visual distinction, and Concord captured and award for general effect distinction.

Other Class B qualifiers with gold ratings from the Chesterton contest are Munster, Northridge, Plymouth, North Side and Pendleton Heights. Wawasee also advanced with a bronze rating.

At the Class B semi-state contest Saturday at 1 p.m., 21 bands will compete, and judges will choose 10 qualifiers for the state finals Oct. 29 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. DeKalb is scheduled to perform in the semi-state at 5:46 p.m., followed immediately by East Noble at 5:59 p.m.

In the Class C regional at Lafayette, Angola was one of 10 bands that earned gold ratings and advanced to this Saturdays semi-state at Decatur Central High School in southwestern suburban Indianapolis.

Twenty bands will compete in the Class C semi-state for 10 berths in the state finals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Angola is scheduled to perform at 5:33 p.m. at Decatur Central.

Also qualifying for the Class C semi-state were Concordia Lutheran, Lewis Cass Western, NorthWood, Norwell, Leo, Twin Lakes, Fairfield and John Glenn. Concordia, Lewis Cass and Western received awards for general effect distinction. Western and Lewis Cass also received awards for visual distinction.

Garrett earned a silver rating in the Class C regional at Lafayette. In the Class D regional, Eastside earned a silver rating at Chesterton.
Taylor Zank will appear at The Venue Angola on The Higher Living Tour, which features T-Zank, Pennsylvania rapper Adlib, and a host of other hiphop artists. Photo by Amy Oberlin

T-Zank is known for his high-energy performances. Photo contributed

T-Zank works in his home studio in Fort Wayne. Photo contributed
The music of Leos Janacek and Antonin Dvorak will be featured in a free concert of Czech masterpieces at the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25. Celebrating 30 years of performances, the Artaria String Quartet  joined on stage by special guest and well known actor Hal Cropp as composer Leos Janacek  will present Antonin Dvoraks beloved String Quartet in F major Op. 96, American and Leos Janaceks thrilling String Quartet No.1 Kreutzer Sonata.

Dvorak composed his American quartet in 1893 while visiting the predominantly Bohemian farming community of Spillville, Iowa. A spirit of relaxation and perhaps joyful homecoming inspired him to swiftly compose the quartet within a few weeks. Flowing, spacious, and bright, the music seems to reflect his disposition, if not, as some claim, the expanse of the American plains. The most particular trace of the quartets rural, American origin is birdsong. The third movement Scherzo features the song of the Scarlet Tanager, a bird that Dvorak heard and transcribed while hiking the countryside.

A close friend of Dvorak, Leos Janacek was deeply inspired by Moravian and other Slavic folk music in developing his original musical style. Based on a novella by Leo Tolstoy his String Quartet No.1 eloquently uses a small but compelling set of motifs, dazzling rhythms with changing tempos and dynamics, and a broad selection of coloring techniques using mutes, tremolo, bowing near the bridge and pizzicato.

The audience is invited to stay after the one hour program to discuss the music with the musicians and Mr. Cropp.
Farmington Town Hall in Mindoro was abuzz Oct. 6 with conversation of private wells and the testing of those wells for toxins.

The well-testing project is run by the Wisconsin Well Compensation Grant Program in conjunction with the La Crosse County Health Department, and uses the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene to test water samples that are gathered. The presenter and sole representative of the lab at the meeting last week was Al Bliss.

The grant allows the lab to reach out to those in Monroe, Vernon, Jackson, La Crosse and Trempealeau counties. It affords private well owners an increased awareness of toxins in their water. Bliss cited the Flint, Mich., water crisis as one of the reasons water  municipal or private  has become a trendy topic when discussing state funding.

According to Bliss, one-quarter of Wisconsin residents drink from a private well; one-in-four of those private wells may have contaminants in the water. The kind of contaminants the grant encourages private well owners to test for are nitrate, arsenic, metals and bacteria.

In the private wells that the lab has tested, 25 percent of those wells exceeded the nitrate standard of 10 parts per million. The standard is the highest acceptable amount of a toxin found in the water.

High levels of nitrate may cause health concerns for the general population, but is of higher concern for infants and pregnant women. Nitrate is a common contaminant in wells because it can be found in fertilizers, manure and septic systems.

From the labs May to August findings, it was discovered that only one arsenic testing, out of 81 tested, exceeded the arsenic standard of 10 parts per billion.

High levels of arsenic increase the risk of skin cancer, bladder cancer, circulatory disorders, tremors, stomach pains and diarrhea. When arsenic is found at double the arsenic standard of 10 ppb, the risk of cancer increases from one in 333 to one in 143 persons.

Arsenic can be found in bed rock, soil, groundwater and surface waters.

One of the bacteria that the lab specifically tests for is coliform, although not of major concern, it can carry E. coli. Potential pathways could be a cracked well head.

The grant program checks the well, can pay for reconstruction of a new well, install a new pump or if the location is suitable, annex the property into municipal water.

The lab does not charge for the testing materials, but does charge for results. The cost to test bacteria and nitrate is $25, while arsenic runs $46 and metals (included arsenic) are $65.

Bliss went over the different ways to test different contaminants. To test bacteria and nitrate, it is important to let the water run for 10 minutes before taking the sample; metals have no time constraint to get to the lab. The labs website goes in more detail over the different ways to test for different toxins.

Following the meeting, most of the private well owners made a point of grabbing some testing materials.

We are taking two bottles to test, said Toni Weske, who has a private well. We are also going to test separately for pH because we live on a farm with a lot of pine trees, and pine needles cause acidic soil.

The overall perception seemed to be that it was time to test the water.

You cant get nervous about it if nothings wrong. Just have to be safe about, said John Card, another attendee.

To learn more about problem regions in the area, go to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point website at http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/watershed/. To learn more about the grant program in general, got to http://www.co.la-crosse.wi.us/health/home.asp.
A Georgia man killed his girlfriend and staged her death as a suicide outside her sisters rural Crawford County house earlier this month, according to court records.

Prosecutors Monday charged Jimmy McDaniel, 49, in Crawford County Circuit Court with first-degree reckless homicide in the death of Linda Kline, 53.

Klines sister called 911 about 12:15 a.m. Oct. 5 after McDaniel said he found her hanging from a bird feeder in the backyard of her house on Velvet Lane in the town of Bridgeport.

Police found McDaniel kneeling near Klines head trying to revive her with chest compressions. Kline was pronounced dead on scene.

Klines body was under a T-shaped bird feeder with one end of an extension cord tied to the feeder, which broke when a sheriffs lieutenant tugged the loose end.

McDaniel told authorities Kline said she was going outside to clear branches about 8:30 p.m. Oct. 4, according to the complaint. He told her they would finish the chore in the morning and walked to the bedroom.

McDaniel said he went looking for his girlfriend about 15 minutes later when she wasnt on the couch and discovered her hanging from the bird feeder, according to the complaint. He said he lifted her body, slipped the cord from her neck and put her on the ground before pounding on the door for her sister to call 911.

McDaniel could not account for the 3-hour gap between when he began searching for Kline and when he found her dead.

Kline died of blunt force trauma to her head and face, according to the complaint. She also had finger marks on her neck and defensive wounds on her hands and forearms.

Police arrested McDaniel Oct. 6 at a Prairie du Chien hotel while he was waiting for a ride to the La Crosse Regional Airport for a flight back to Georgia.
Ewoks, Super Woman and Donald Trump may not have much in common, but come Halloween the trio will be impersonated by canines across the country as the nations dog costumes of choice.

While the classic hot dog and devil suits are sure to be seen again this year, pet costume sales on Amazon.com are trending toward Star Wars, superhero and presidential themes. While the tailored navy suit and side-swept blonde wig (sold separately) would indisputably look better on a bulldog than the presidential candidate, I prefer to spare my dogs, Picasso and Dexter, the debate of a controversial costume.

Luckily, a search for dog costumes yields over 65,000 options on Amazon, great news for the 16 percent of Americans in search of festive canine finery tailored to their tastes.

Of course, fit is also a consideration, as many costumes cater to the sample size dog, with highly unreliable XS-XL categories and few options for pooches on the border. Chunkier chihuahuas may find the forgiving structure of a pumpkin costume most flattering, while a fur-hugging bat-dog suit highlights a Purina Fit n Trim figure.

Dexters long and chesty physique has proven difficult to accommodate over the years, with the Velcro straps of a sailor suit straining to meet in the center and a fleecy elf-eared pullover stopping at crop-top length. Countless costume changes have proven a corduroy banana suit to be his best option, which conveniently highlights his monkey-like appearance. I have yet to find a buttoned red coat and bellhop cap to transform him into a Wizard of Oz flying monkey, his true spirit costume.

Picassos more compact pug-terrier form is a match for many options, much to both my delight and the detriment of my wallet. At $26, his red raptor costume was a splurge, but the superfluous T-Rex arms protruding from the front and the fully stuffed tail extending at the rear have proven invaluable for photos. I like to think he was able to live vicariously through his unauthorized NASA spacesuit and experience a taste of the woodlands in his belted gnome ensemble, complete with pointy hat and luxurious white beard.

Picasso has always had a head for hats, nicely domed at the crown, and the extra adornment draws attention to his expressive eyes. He has mastered the earflap winter hat and pinstriped bonnet, and has a banana cap similar to Dexters but with an ice cream-themed bodice. Decadent scoops of ice cream topped with crimson cherries provide a padded layer of plumpness and extra warmth for the chilly fall weather.

(Lest you think Im subjecting my doggy duo to public humiliation, rest assured the costumes come off after a brief photo shoot and are replaced by less cumbersome sweaters, of which they have many.)

Having also covered cows, ladybugs and hipsters in prior years, I find myself leaning toward a canine couples costume for 2016: Ketchup and mustard? Frog and Toad? Good and Plenty? Really, thats all I want for my dogs on Halloween: good costumes and plenty of options.
The La Crosse Habitat ReStore is not your ordinary home improvement store. While you'll find the usual doors, windows and light fixtures, the prices are always low and the staff mainly volunteers, and every penny of profit goes toward safe, stable and sustainable local housing.

The ReStore, celebrating its 10th birthday on Saturday, was created after Habitat for Humanity-La Crosse Area received an abundance of donations from contractors and businesses, some of which weren't needed for Habitat's home building projects. By reselling the building materials, the organization has been able to keep tons of items out of the landfill each year and brought in $420,000 in 2015 alone.

"It started as a way to make sure we were doing right by the environment. It's a wonderful place to find gently used items at a very discounted price and keeps things with a second life out the landfill," said Kahya Fox, executive director of Habitat for Humanity-La Crosse Area, which has built 41 single-family, owner-occupied homes since its establishment in 1992. "The ReStore is absolutely a great contributor to the work we do here at Habitat."

During the birthday celebration, customers get even lower prices, with a 10 percent discount on everything in the store from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition, cake will be served, activities for kids will be available and raffle prizes will be drawn throughout the event. Fox hopes the celebration will help familiarize people with the ReStore.

"We want people to know the store is open to everyone," Fox said. "We get in a lot of really great new items everyday, and all the profits stay 100 percent local."

The ReStore already has a loyal volunteer following, with 7,000 hours contributed each year.

"Our volunteers understand the work they do here really helps with the mission," Fox said. "Every single day they are doing great things for the community."

And with every ReStore purchase, customer, too, contribute to the cause.
Winona emergency responders continued searching the Mississippi River near downtown Winona throughout the weekend for a man missing more than a week.

On Saturday, two pairs of divers went into the Mississippi near the city dock at Levee Park, as part of whats been described, and understood, as a recovery effort. Rescue crews and the Winona County Sheriffs Department and Dive Rescue Team searched until late in the day and continued their work on Sunday.

The Winona Police Department was also at the scene Sunday helping with the work. Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude said searchers changed their methods, and sent two dogs out on a boat to smell the surface of the water to detect odors. Meanwhile, three boats were doing checks along the shoreline. The investigation continued until the end of the day.

Chukwudi Benjamin Onyeaghala, 19, disappeared a week ago Friday, Oct. 7, first from the view of friends, and then from the few security cameras that glimpsed him. The Winona State University student from White Bear Lake had last been seen in the vicinity of Huff and Sarnia streets around midnight Friday.
ST. PAUL, Minn.  Gov. Mark Daytons declaration that the federal health care overhaul is no longer affordable for more and more Minnesota residents could be the spark that sets off major health care changes.

The Democratic governors remarks this week renewed calls to address rising costs in the individual market, where unexpectedly high medical claims have resulted in double-digit premium increases and has some top state officials worried that it cant survive.

Heres a look at the issues at play and the ideas to fix them.

Who is affected?

Its a major political issue in Minnesota, but the impact on its residents is quite small.

The vast majority of people are covered through employers, so the eye-popping premium increases  50 percent and more  will only hit some of those who are not. Minnesotas offering of a so-called basic health plan, a subsidized public program called MinnesotaCare, reduces the individual market even more.

All told, less than 5 percent of residents purchase health care individually  through the states health insurance exchange, from an agent or directly from insurers. Thats among the smallest individual markets in the country.

I know that it only affects 5 percent of Minnesotans, but it scares every Minnesotan, Republican House Speaker Kurt Daudt said Friday.

Whats the problem?

The small size is a big part of the problem.

Department of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman blamed a small and severely sick pool of insured people for driving up costs  as much as 67 percent for next year. Those high costs can only spread out so far in Minnesotas small individual market.

Were asking a very small group of people to carry the responsibility for the (sickest) people, said Sen. Kathy Sheran, DFL-Mankato.

Unable to sustain the business due to financial losses, insurers are eyeing the exit  and some have left. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesotas departure for 2017 makes it the second major insurer to leave since the Affordable Care Act was implemented in 2013.

And the whole market is on the precipice. State regulators scrambled to stop all seven remaining insurers from following Blue Cross lead. Rothman called on lawmakers to act to ensure an individual market could survive into 2018 and beyond.

Everyone needs to hear the sirens and the red lights, he said earlier this fall.

What can be done?

Theres no shortage of ideas swirling for how to get costs under control and stabilize the health care market. But theres also little agreement on them.

Both parties agree that short-term relief is necessary to offset the 2017 premium increases, particularly for those Minnesota residents who earn too much to qualify for federal subsidies, but its not clear how that would be doled out and paid for. Democrats have suggested using leftover money meant for a tax relief bill that failed this year, while Republicans have proposed tapping into some health care funds.

But the longer-term fixes are more difficult. One option is a state program that would help insurers cover high medical costs, hopefully controlling premiums long-term. But its costly  $590 million to roll back the rate increases slated for 2017, according to estimates from the Department of Commerce  and the funding source is again a question.

And those potential fixes could get bogged down in other, familiar partisan battles. Republicans have renewed calls to abolish MNsure and move to the federal exchange, while Democrats say the state should consider allowing all Minnesota residents to pay for a spot in a public health care program. It could lower rates for those residents who make the switch, but the GOP views the idea as a government takeover and it could further harm the individual market.

Dayton agreed some state-level fixes will help, but he put the onus on Congress to make major changes that could drastically help in Minnesota.

When?

Nor can the two sides agree on when to get to work.

Dayton has repeatedly said he wont consider calling a special session until after Election Day on Nov. 8, when voters will decide whether Republicans maintain control of the House and Democrats keep the Senate. Some Republicans have agreed that the politics make an early fall session impossible.

Nov. 9, quipped Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka. Lets get the politics out of this.

But with uncertainty and big price hikes looming, Daudt said lawmakers cant afford to wait.

We cant let Minnesotans sit and wait for a month while we campaign.
FREEPORT, Iowa  The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office continues its investigation into a double shooting Sunday, but officials say they are not looking for any suspects in the case.

The deceased were identified Monday as Craig Freilinger, 55, and Sarah Szabo, 41, both of Decorah.

The incident began about 6:36 p.m. Sunday, when deputies receieved 911 calls of multiple shots fired in the area of Dogwood Road in Winneshiek County, just outside the Decorah city limits. Deputies found two people died from gunshot wounds inside 2472 Dogwood Road.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation was brought in to help with the investigation. The victims have been transported to the state Medical Examiner's Office in Des Moines where an autopsy will be conducted.

"We are currently not looking for any other suspects at this time," the Sheriff's Office said in a statement. "And we have no reason to believe the public is in any danger."
I am paying for private schools with my taxes? a woman from Pepin asked following my presentation at a recent town hall meeting. Yes, you are, I told her.

Residents at the meeting were surprised at the sharp increase in the state spending on private schools, which has nearly doubled in seven years. At the same time, the Pepin School District lost nearly half of its state support. With less state money, property taxes have made up a larger share of school support.

Wisconsin has funded private schools in Milwaukee for a long time by taking money from local public schools.

With the passage of the last state budget, private and independent charter schools in southeast Wisconsin cost state tax coffers $645 million.

As I explained at the town hall meeting, this is only the beginning of putting a price tag on private school spending buried in the state budget. Much of the cost of private school students bore by public schools is not transparent.

For example, public schools must pay to transport private school students. One Pepin resident asked why her neighbor was paid by the state to take her child to a private school. The cost, bore by the Pepin School District, was less expensive than sending a school bus to transport the child.

Public school districts pick up other private school costs. The costs of special education services come out of the local public school budgets for some private school students.

Over the past few years, payments for private schools directly from local public school districts rose as statewide voucher or private school subsidies grew.

The most recent state budget removed limits on how many students from a school district can go to a private school at the expense of the public school district  and local taxpayers.

Consequently, some districts  like Eau Claire  experienced a quadrupling of students leaving public school and going to private school on taxpayers dimes.

State law sets the amount of money coming from a public school district to a private school at about $7,800 for high school students and about $7,200 for elementary students. Some public school districts may receive much less aid per public student from the state. For example, the Eau Claire district received about $5,100 per student in state aid but paid out about $7,800 per private high school student, leaving local property taxpayers to pick up the difference between those amounts.

Wisconsin property taxpayers already pick up 41 cents of every school dollar spent. In Minnesota, its much lower; property taxpayers there pay 25 cents of every school dollar. These numbers are from a recent United States Census Bureau report using data from the 2014 school year.

Costs of private school subsidies will continue to grow even if more students do not opt for a private school education at the publics expense. Buried in details of the most recent state budget is an automatic increase in the amount sent to private schools for each student regardless of whether or not the public school receives any increase in state support.

One of the Pepin Town Hall attendees reminded me that I made no mention of the tax credit for private school tuition also passed in a recent budget. The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau pegs the cost of this credit at $11.5 million in tax year 2014.

Recent news from Madison described another new scheme for private schools  a type of tax-free private school savings account. Rep. Dale Kooyenga, R-Brookfield, described the proposal as an account that could be used to pay for private school tuition and other costs. Parents either could use a debit card to access the money or be reimbursed for their expenses.

Wisconsin does not need any more plans to siphon public school money away from local schools. In a recent press release, statewide education leader and Eau Claire schoolteacher Ron Martin said it best, Education savings accounts literally take money out of our neighborhood public schools and hand it over to subsidize private tuition, with zero accountability.
Amy Goodman has been a working journalist with Democracy Now! since 1996 and she turned herself into a North Dakota county corrections center on Monday for practicing her job  journalism.

Whats occurring to Goodman is a dark glimpse at the erosion of freedom of speech.

Goodman covered the Dakota Access Pipeline protests last month. During these protests Native Americans and others concerned about pollution due to potential mining accidents gathered in Morton County, North Dakota.

It has been called the largest Native American protest in the last 40 years, yet not a single mainstream media outlet would touch it.

When Goodman arrived on the scene, she covered what she saw  contracted private security personnel wearing large sunglasses to cover their faces were unleashing attack dogs on people and liberally using pepper spray.

Goodman, followed by a sound and video crew, captured a portion of the melee. She described what she saw. And, she aired it.

Thats journalism.

North Dakota public officials didnt consider it journalism. Theyve said since Goodman only captured the physical fracas she was siding with the protestors and acting as one of them. Ladd Ronald Erickson the attorney coming up with the charges said in court documents that Goodman was acting as a protester, not a journalist, because, Everything she reported on was from the position of justifying the protest actions.

Now, to be fair, Goodman often takes sides in some of her journalism. Democracy Now! has opinion pieces, just like the Vernon County Broadcaster has opinion pieces. We have news, opinion, sports, what we like to call miscellaneous family reading. It is what the Broadcaster was created to do in 1856. Our mission has not changed although we certainly focus on strong local news and helping people grow their businesses.

If you didnt know, Democracy Now! is regularly aired on Viroquas WDRT.

North Dakota authorities first charged Goodman with criminal trespass. They settled on charging her with inciting a riot.

(Editors note: As the Broadcaster was going to press, Tuesday, a North Dakota judge had rejected the riot charge that had been filed against Goodman.)

Charging Goodman with inciting a riot is like handing out speeding tickets at the Indianapolis 500. There were scores of thousands of protestors in Morton County. The North Dakota National Guard was called in to direct traffic.

What North Dakota officials are in an uproar over is the fact that Goodman showed up, captured what was happening  which is journalism  and it made them and the causes they are protecting look bad.

Goodman being charged for doing a job she has been doing for 20 years is ridiculous and she deserves the support of all fellow journalists. It is not easy to walk into a hostile environment and report  especially when the truth youre reporting will hurt the powers that be.

Why was Goodman charged? She was very easy for North Dakota officials to identify. Of the throngs of thousands of people there when Goodman was covering the protest, few were charged. Goodman, carrying her microphone with the cube Democracy Now! on it, was an easy target.

North Dakota officials operate in a vacuum. No national coverage. No oversight. Very little police protection. Of what there is, it certainly isnt there to protect protestors. And so few journalists covering it, theres no light on the subject. And Goodman, among the few national journalists who show up, is charged with a crime.

Outrageous.

Goodman should not be charged. The fact that shes facing the possibility of any criminal action is an affront to the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
In France, a man walks on what can only be described as a human-sized hamster wheel.

The wheel moves around and around, as the man keeps walking. What is he doing?

He is lifting a heavy object to the top of a tower the same way workers moved such objects 800 years ago.

In the 13th century, workers did not have the 100-meter tall cranes they now use to build tall buildings. So they had to be creative and come up with simple machines to get their work done.

The man on the large wheel is walking at a reasonable speed. The wheel turns and pulls a rope connected to a pulley at the top of the tower. Another rope tied to the pulley lifts supplies from the ground.

This is just one way skilled craftsmen are building a 13th-century castle without using modern tools. Crews have been working on the castle since 1997. It is being built in the Burgundy area of central France.

Organizers expect the work to last another 10 to 15 years. That means it will take close to 30 years to finish the project.

The crews are making progress at about half the speed of the workers from 800 years ago. That is because many of them are accustomed to using modern tools. When the crews use heavy chisels and hammers to break rock, as they did hundreds of years ago, they are learning as they go.

The goal of the project is to learn more about old building techniques in case they might be of use today.

Clement Guerard, 44, is a stonemason; he cuts and builds with stone. He has been working on the castle for 17 years.

He said one way he is able to work on something like this for so long is by forgetting some of the pace of modern life, to be able to adapt to working by hand.

At a given time, about 40 people are working on the project. One of them is Nick Platt, a retiree from Britain. He wants to improve his building skills.

I don't like using electric tools, except perhaps drills, he said. So when I came here, I found the use of hand tools was natural. But the saws that we use are very, very different and initially quite cumbersome to use. But now I find they are eminently perfect for the job."

Platt is one of hundreds of people who volunteer their time. Many tourists come to watch the crews at work. Tourist donations fund the project so it can continue.

One visitor, Nathalie Bonis, said the workers have made a lot of progress in 10 years.

We now understand the time taken to build a castle, she said. It's extraordinary to see these men from back then who could build such a thing with the strength of their arms and their sweat.

Im Dan Friedell.

Kevin Enochs wrote this story for VOANews.com based on a story by Reuters. Dan Friedell adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

What do you think of the castle-building project? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

hamster  n. a small animal that is kept in some homes

pulley  n. a wheel or set of wheels that is used with a rope or chain, to lift or lower heavy objects

technique  n. a way of doing something by using special knowledge or skill

stonemason  n. a person who cuts, prepares, and builds with stone

heritage  n. traditions or beliefs that are part of the history of a group or nation

pace  n. the speed at which something happens

adapt  v. to change your behavior so that it is easier to live in a particular place or situation

drill  n. a tool used for making holes in hard substances

saw  n. a tool that has a blade with sharp teeth and that is used to cut through wood, metal, and other hard material

cumbersome  adj. hard to deal with because of size or weight

castle  n. a large building usually with high, thick walls and towers that was built in the past to protect against attack
Paper plates full of fruit, a colorful sign and dolls for children were all part of a birthday party recently in the American state of Washington.

The party was for a chimpanzee named Foxie.

Foxie has been living at the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest in Washington since 2008. She was born in a Texas laboratory in 1976, and recently celebrated her 40th birthday.

Foxie is a rescue chimp. The party was a nice change from her painful past.

Used for medical research

For years, Foxie was used for medical research in hepatitis experiments. Hepatitis is the name for several diseases that affect the liver. The virus can be deadly in human beings.

Researchers operated on Foxie as a test animal. They performed biopsies, removing and testing her tissue for signs of the disease.

While at the laboratory, she gave birth to four chimps who were taken from her.

Diana Goodrich works at the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. On a windy day, she spoke about Foxie and the rescue program.

She (Foxie) was really wary when she first came. Really kind of fearful and uncertain.

Her story is similar to hundreds of other chimpanzees who have been used for medical research. Goodrich says the sanctuary has chimps that have signs of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Chimpanzees are the closest relative genetically to humans. We share almost 99 percent of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA contains the genetic directions organisms need to develop, live and reproduce.

Chimps have been important in developing medicines. They also helped clear the way for astronauts to go into space. A chimp named Ham flew in space before the first man.

Declining use in research

But the use of chimpanzees in research has been shrinking in recent years. An Institute of Medicine report in 2011 said science had improved so much that most research on chimps was no longer justified.

Three years ago, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) said it was ending research on the animals.

Then, in 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared captive chimpanzees endangered -- just like the chimps in the wild. This means any use of chimps that could harm or kill them would require a special permit.

Kathleen Conlee is with The Humane Society, a group that worked to end medical research on chimpanzees.

The laboratories have now realized they dont have a use for chimpanzees anymore so its in their interest financially to not be involved in the business of holding onto chimpanzees anymore.

Moving chimps to sanctuaries

NIH officials are working with groups like Project Chimps and others to retire all of its apes to protected spaces in Louisiana and Georgia. The NIH said it wants its last chimpanzees to move to Louisiana by fall 2026.

Conlee says bringing an end to experimenting on chimps means it is a story with a happy ending.

I think the most exciting thing about this campaign is that no other animal protection issue, you usually dont see an end. There is an end in sight and a great ending for these chimpanzees.

Now, homes need to be found for the more than 660 chimps who were once used in government research and private labs. That will cost a lot of money. After building and transportation costs, Conlee says housing a chimp will cost as much as $20,000 a year.

Foxie found her home in Washington State, but Diana Goodrich says finding homes for all the chimps is not easy.

There's not space right now for them. So, its a matter of getting enough money to build and expand the sanctuaries that exist.

Foxie lives with six other chimps. All were once used for hepatitis experiments.

The sanctuary will add two to four more chimps to Foxies group.

Meanwhile, Foxie seems to be happy with her troll dolls -- childrens playthings. The dolls looks like small people, with long, colorful hair and a face that looks a little like an ape. Goodrich says Foxie immediately fell in love with the first troll doll she saw.

She carries one around on her back like a baby. She cares for them and hugs them. Goodrich said Foxie is no longer afraid, and has turned out to be the peacemaker in her group.

Im Anne Ball.

Anne Ball wrote this story for Learning English with information from a report by VOA's Kevin Enochs. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and visit us on our Facebook page.

Try this quiz to check your understanding of this story.

Quiz - Chimps Finding a Happy Ending Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

doll - n. a childs toy that looks like a human figure

sanctuary  n. a safe place

decoration  n. something that is added to something to make it more attractive

hepatitis  n. a virus that causes disease that can be deadly

biopsy  n. a medical procedure that requires removing tissue from a body and examining it for disease

wary  adj. not having trust in someone or something

depression  n. a mental condition of feeling sad

post-traumatic stress disorder  n. a mental health condition that comes from a terrifying event, either by experiencing it or seeing it

ape  n. a type of animal, like chimpanzees and gorillas, that are closely related to monkeys and humans and are covered in hair and have a very short tail or no tail


Last week, Indian police arrested at least 70 people suspected of stealing money from people in the United States.

The police said people working at a call center in India spoke with the U.S. citizens by telephone. They said the callers acted like they were working for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the federal agency that collects income taxes.

About 200 police officers raided three buildings in Thane, a community near the city of Mumbai. Police said the workers used phones in those buildings to call the Americans.

Parambir Singh is the police commissioner in Thane. He said that about 700 people worked in the buildings, which were open all day and night. Singh said the workers would call Americans and tell them that they owe taxes. If the Americans failed to pay the money immediately, the callers threatened to send police in 30 minutes.

Police believe U.S. citizens sent the call center as much as $150,000 a day. They say the victims were told to buy prepaid cash cards and make online payments of $500 to $3,000.

The Internal Revenue Service has been telling Americans that it will not send police to arrest them. It also says IRS agents do not threaten people. The agency tells people not to send money electronically to callers who are demanding that method of payment.

Indian officials say the call center workers kept more than two-thirds of the money. The rest was kept by people helping them in the United States.

In India, hundreds of Western companies use large companies that employ English-speaking workers. These workers either answer questions from callers overseas or process payments. The employees are usually trained to use sound like people in the countries from which the customers are calling. Police said those working at the call center were trained to sound like Americans.

Indian police said they planned to share information about the raid with American officials. Police believe the plot discovered in Mumbai may have also targeted people in Britain and Australia.

Im Mario Ritter.

VOAs Anjana Pasricha reported this story from New Delhi. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

income  n. money earned from work or investments

commissioner  n. an official who is responsible for a government agency or part of a government office

customer  n. an individual who buys goods or services from a business
American politicians have long appealed to organized labor for support during election campaigns.

The politicians know that thousands of labor union members generally vote for the candidates supported by their union leaders.

Most of the leaders support the Democratic Party and its candidates. And once in elected office, many Democrats support organized labor.

But as the number of unions and membership has fallen over the past half century, so has the loyalty of union members to the Democratic Party.

VOA reporter Carolyn Presutti traveled to the state of Ohio to find out which side is winning the union votes there.

Johnny Nickum is 33 years old. He likes working with wood, and hopes to become a carpenter.

Nickum once worked in the hospitality industry. Many Americans work at restaurants, hotels or other hospitality businesses. Yet he found little growth in that field. So he changed careers, moving to manual labor.

His union supports former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for president. But in a few weeks, on Election Day, Nickum will vote for her opponent, businessman Donald Trump.

Id probably vote Trump right now.

Labor unions were once a powerful voice in American politics. Some unions still are.

But in recent years, many businesses have closed or moved overseas. Millions of factory jobs that were once performed by union members no longer exist. Union membership has sharply declined.

In the late 1960s, when Clinton and Trump were in college, one in four American workers belonged to a union. That number has dropped to one in 10 now. Union membership was highest in 1979, when there were 21 million. There are now 15 million union members nationwide.

Unions represent about 670,000 workers in Ohio.

Don Vargo worked 52 years in the states steel mills and mines. Vargo says he is not sure whom he will support on election-day.

One day Im going to vote for Trump; next day Im going to vote for Hillary. Next day, I aint going vote for any of them, you know what I mean?

Leaders of his union, the United Mine Workers of America, have yet to express support for a presidential candidate. Cecil Roberts is the head of the union.

This elections tough for us at the very top because our people are so upset about losing their jobs over the course of the last few years. And we dont have a recession in Appalachia -- we have a straight up depression.



Johnny Nickum understands that labor unions have lost members and power. But he will not use his vote to try to help his union. He says he will make his own choice.

You dont have to be a follower all the time. Thats the best part of democracy is being able to choose and think for yourself.



Im Marsha James.

VOA Correspondent Carolyn Presutti reported this story from Cleveland Ohio. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

carpenter  n. a person whose job is to make or fix wooden objects or wooden parts of buildings

hospitality  n. the activity of providing food, drinks, etc. for people who are the guests or customers of an organization  often used before another noun

manual labor  n. physical work

mill  n. a building in which a particular product is made

straight up  expression used for emphasis
Los Angeles, California is home to the largest group of Iranians living outside of Iran.

The National Iranian American Council says about 1 million Iranian-Americans live in the L.A. area.

One study found that 87 percent of them are registered to vote in the United States. So it is no surprise that many Iranian-Americans have strong opinions about presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Westwood is a neighborhood in west Los Angeles. Persian businesses are seemingly everywhere in Westwood. Some stores still fly the Iranian flag that was used before the countrys revolution in 1979.

The Jordan Market has operated in the neighborhood for 30 years. A man who calls himself Reza is an employee. He said I think the candidates should offer their utmost respect to the Iranians.

Iranians know where their interests lay. But the world community should expose the (Iranian) regimes corruptions and show that it does not represent the Iranian people. Its better for Mr. Trump to stop lying, and he should put a halt to attacking Iranians.

Farid Khanlou owns the Jordan Market. He has been in the United States for almost 40 years. But he says he will not vote for either candidate.

Trump, you cannot trust his word; Clinton, its bad for the economy. Its bad for me because the Obamacare is killing me for my health insurance, and this is not right. I'm paying almost $30,000 (for) health insurance because of the Obamacare.

Todd Khodadadi is the owner of the Tochal Market in Westwood.

Because Im Republican, I am supporting Donald Trump. The major reason Im supporting him because is  economic wise. I believe if he became the president we can have better economic choices for all of us in the United States...

Zohreh Forouhi voted for the Republican Partys candidate in the 2012 presidential election. She says she will not vote for a Republican this November.

I think I (will) vote (for) Hillary. I did last time for the Republican, but I changed my parties.

Bijan Khalili is the publisher of a weekly Iranian newspaper. He says some Iranian-Americans like Trumps ideas about foreign policy.

Its exactly like the general public in the United States  its split, you know, and divided into different types

But others, like Reza, fear Trumps policies. He said His speeches are aggressive towards the minorities. Hes an extremist who poses (a) danger to both the U.S. and the world.

A recent opinion survey found that 40 percent of Iranian-Americans are either independent or have no ties to a political party.

Im Mehrnoush Karimian-Ainsworth.

VOAs Elizabeth Lee reported this story from Los Angeles. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her report for English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

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Words in This Story

expose  v. to leave something without covering or protection; to make public

Obamacare  n. a federal health care law called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

insurance  n. an agreement in which a person pays a company and the company promises to pay money if the person is injured or dies, or to pay money equal to the value of something lost or stolen

poses  v. to put or set in place; to come to attention as
Many people are watching and listening to Rodrigo Duterte, the recently elected president of the Philippines.

This week, President Duterte is going overseas and visiting China. The visit is being watched closely for signs of a change in relations between the two countries.

Until recently, China was considered the biggest security threat to the Philippines. The two sides have argued repeatedly over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

During his campaign for the presidency, Duterte said he would ride a jet ski into the South China Sea to defend his countrys territorial claims. He later told Al Jazeera television that he was only making the statement to excite his political supporters.

Since taking office, the president has threatened to cut relations with the United States. He also has suggested that he might begin improving ties with China or Russia.

But experts say it will be difficult for China and the Philippines to establish good relations after so many years of tensions.

Duterte is traveling to China with more than 200 business leaders.

Aileenn Baviera is a professor with The Asian Center at the University of the Philippines. She told VOA that expanding trade ties between the two countries is an important goal of the visit.

She said the Philippine government wants improved economic relations with China to get more trade, investment and (to take part in) Chinas infrastructure development programs for the first time in many years.

Japan is the Philippines biggest trade partner. Hong Kong is a close second.

The Philippines wants Chinas help to improve its railroads and provide guarantees for its workers overseas.

Fishermen from the Philippines have been stopped from working in parts of the South China Sea because of territorial disagreements. Many of them hope the visit will help them regain access to the disputed areas.

Aileen Baviera said it is unlikely Dutertes visit will be able to reset the issue of the South China Sea. But she said the talks could lead to new thinking and new programs.

Duterte has said he will not negotiate on his countrys rights in the South China Sea. But he said he is willing to talk about the issue.

China and the Philippines may disagree about control of the disputed waterway, but they agree on other issues.

For example, Duterte has reacted strongly to criticism from the United States and the European Union about his campaign against drug dealers. The Chinese government has offered to help in that effort. In fact, China has invested in a treatment center for people who are addicted to illegal drugs.

The Chinese foreign ministry has said that during Dutertes visit to China, he will take part in activities aimed at fighting the drug trade. The ministry said the anti-narcotics agencies of both countries have begun to talk about ways they can cooperate.

China has shown through its actions that it can help the Philippines with many problems facing the island nation. And Duterte has spoken openly about how much his country needs China.

The president recently spoke with Xinhua, Chinas state-operated news agency. He reportedly said that Only China can help us. And he said that Chinese help in improving the Philippines railroads and economic cooperation is more important than talking about disputes.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Correspondent William Ide reported this story from Beijing. Joyce Huang contributed to the report. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

jet ski  n. a small and fast vehicle that is used on water and carries one or two people

infrastructure  n. the basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) that are needed for a country, region or organization to function properly

access  n. permission or the right to enter, get near or make use of something or to have contact with someone (usually + to)

addicted  adj. unable to stop using a harmful substance (such as a drug) (usually + to)

narcotics  n. a drug (such as cocaine, heroin, or marijuana) that affects the brain and that is usually dangerous and illegal
It is often asserted that the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 proved that HWA was right and he really did see the future.

This of course is nonsense. Herbert W. Armstrong said that Christ would return within twenty years in his book Mystery of the Ages. (PCG has since deleted those words so someone in there knows HWA spoke nonsense.) How convenient for them to forget this.

Also Herbert W. Armstrong never said the Soviet Union would collapse. He thought it would survive intact until a few years after Christ's return. It shows how biased some many in the COGs are that they never seem to notice this. This inconvenient truth is just tossed into the memory hole.

It is true that HWA said that some Eastern European states would break away from Moscow's orbit and join the European Empire he said would arise at any moment. But he never talked of the Soviet Union collapsing. He did not teach that. Also he portrayed the rise of the European Empire to be far quicker then what has actually happened. In Mystery of the Ages Christ was supposed to return by 2005 at the most.

So assertions that the fall of the Berlin Wall somehow prove that HWA was right is just complete nonsense spread by people who, for whatever reason, are still in denial that HWA was a false prophet who merely talked out of his own "human reasoning".
An under-resourced public health care sector has resulted in inadequate access to healthcare that perpetuates the inequalities that exist in South Africa.

Healthcare in South Africa is increasingly hospital-centred, disease-focused and specialised. This model has led to significant advances in medicine, has improved access to healthcare and proven profitable, but it excludes large segments of the population as it cannot provide universal access.

With the aim of finding a solution to this issue, the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Pretoria has created a community-orientated primary care (COPC) model. COPC is a geographically-based, collaborative approach to health that begins with individuals, and families in their homes," explains research lead Professor Jannie Hugo.

Improving society-wide health outcomes

COPC is primary care where healthcare professionals from different specialist fields and approaches work together with organisations and patients in defined communities. The result is a systematic identification and response to health and health-related needs to improve wellbeing. "COPC is an established concept, but our solution is novel in that it blends academic rigour, public health focus, clinical care and technological innovation and a transformative platform for improved society-wide health outcomes," says Professor Hugo.

The power of the model rests in its comprehensive care that integrates the home, clinics, GPs and hospitals to improve individuals ability to manage their health consistently. The full impact of the approach aims to revolutionise healthcare in South Africa.

AitaHealth is a smartphone application which supports the newest COPC model and is used by community healthcare workers in the field. Modules in the app collect patient information, guides responses and plans treatment and future visits. "The app guides community health workers through the process, and the information entered guides action, such as treatment or testing, explains Professor Hugo.

The backend of the app has a sophisticated, web-enabled infrastructure so all information and interventions are available to managers to plan service and delivery, and support their team in real-time. AitaHealth is linked to a patient record system using Synaxon to provide continuity of information and care by connecting people in their homes to professionals in clinics and hospitals.

Continuous work integrated learning

Education is also enabled through the application and is critical in healthcare, and COPC in particular. "To equip healthcare workers and professionals with the knowledge and skills required to carry out the complex tasks of COPC, is necessary for success and sustainable development, remarks Professor Hugo. Continuous work integrated learning is built into the implementation plan and is supported by curricula, face-to-face training and specifically developed learning materials. Through workplace learning, health workers transition to higher qualifications and professional development to empower and upskill community members.

The collection of information also provides robust data on the real health situation and services in communities. This kind of information means teams can tailor healthcare to individuals in defined areas, and can be used in basic and applied research.

As a result of this work, the National Research Fund is funding 14 masters and 12 doctorate students who are working on various aspects of learning in community health to improve the model, quality of care and the general level of capability in health, including health research.

The project is already supporting the health of communities around Tshwane and is replicable and scalable, which means that it can be extended throughout South Africa.
It takes some courage to ask questions these days  and Anurag Kashyap has displayed plenty of it, in asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi why he has not apologised to the nation for his trip to Pakistan last year.

The reaction on social media and in the real world, has been predictable. Kashyap has been subjected to the vilest of criticism from key-board patriots and jingoists of all denominations. As is usual, foul-mouthed elements have taken charge, egged on by hyper-nationalistic sections in the media. Kashyap, no stranger to controversies, can take all that in his stride. However, he has asked a question that needs to be answered with due seriousness.

On the face of it, it makes no sense to drag the Prime Minister into an issue he has nothing to do with directly. Films are far removed from the world he operates in; however, the issue here is not confined to films alone. As Kashyap points out elsewhere, it is about protecting people like him. It is also about the positive business environment Modi loves talking about.

Kashyap tweeted:

@narendramodi Sir you haven't yet said sorry for your trip to meet the Pakistani PM.. It was dec 25th. Same time KJo was shooting ADHM? Why?  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

He batted for Karan Johar, whose latest film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, has run into trouble after threats from local political outfits over the presence of Pakistani artistes in it.

Lets keep aside sentiments and try to understand the matter with some clarity: Films are like business projects with a long gestation period. When Johar started his project, Indias relationship with Pakistan was looking up. The Prime Minister himself had given it a boost by his surprise visit to the country. It was all bonhomie and 'good neighbours' talk then.

Since there was no tension in the air and the political leadership sought deeper engagement with Pakistan, Johar and others in the industry roped in artistes from that country without hesitation. They obviously took it for granted that the equations would remain unchanged and invested financially in the projects. A few months later, the chill set in. The ruling establishment, with Modi in the lead, was now singing the opposite tune. The mob took over the discourse soon, demanding boycott of films featuring artistes from Pakistan. Filmmakers' investments were immediately at risk.

Now, how fair is this? When the government headed by the Prime Minister does policy flip-flops, why should others pay the price? Tomorrow, the governments position might change. Under whatever circumstances, change of heart being one of them, it might encourage friendly relations with Pakistan. People who trust it may get into financial commitments again  and suffer when it changes its mind a few days later. Theres something inherently silly in this. Policies require stability; these cannot work on whims. Because on them ride several long-term commitments, financial and otherwise. This applies to all businesses, not only to films.

Read: Anurag Kashyap tweets to PM Modi, asks him to apologise for Pakistan trip

Interestingly, the BJP in its long campaign in the run-up to the general elections of 2014 had made a huge noise over policy stability. It had accused the UPA government of creating an environment of policy uncertainty that was driving away investment. Karan Johar may be a small player in the context of Indias big business universe, but his losses are still losses, arent they? Whos going to protect him? India and Pakistan have a trade engagement worth more than $2.5 billion. Obviously, it involves a lot of businessmen from the Indian side, which remains on the sunny side of the balance of trade. There may be demands to stop their businesses too.

Yes, the Prime Minister must answer Kashyaps question; at least, he can think of a solution to the problem of the unstable business environment. Because around him revolves all policies, including the Pakistan policy. People take his message on policies seriously  when it is positive, people like Johar jump in to capitalise on it; when it is negative, all kinds of rabid elements take it as licence to harass their own countrymen. A word of sympathy from him to the likes of Johar would do them a world of good, in terms of confidence. The least he can assure them is that their business interests would be protected in case of a policy shift.

Kudos to Kashyap for not hedging his words. He can ignore the hate brigade.

For a counter-view, read: Anurag Kashyap's demand for a Narendra Modi apology is just misplaced
A complaint has been registered at Amboli police station against the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star, where a Pakistani film will be screened later this month.

The Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star, which will begin from 20 October, will showcase the 1959 Pakistani film titled Jago Hua Savera, directed by AJ Kardar. The film is being screened in the fest's 'Restored Classics' section, which is headed by Dhobi Ghat director Kiran Rao.

Prithvi Mhaske, who filed the complaint on Saturday, told IANS: "We have filed a complaint at Amboli police station against MAMI film festival which has plans to showcase a Pakistani film at the festival. Our intentions are very clear. We will protest against the festival if they showcase this film. We will be protesting outside Infinity Mall, where the event is taking place."

Mhaske is the president of Sangharsh Foundation, an NGO in Mumbai.

In his letter to the police, Mhaske said: The organisers of this event are more likely to flare outrage among people by screening this Pakistani film in their festival. This will just not be acceptable as it will give rise to more tension among the people. Moreover, IMPPA has also decided to ban Pakistani actors from working in Bollywood and also almost all single screen theatres have decided to boycott movies of Pakistani actors. So, why (are) the organisers of the Mumbai Film Festival pouring so much love towards Pakistani actors?

Mhaske also told PTI, If the organisers do not stop the film's screening, my workers will stall (it).

Senior PI with the Amboli Police Station Bharat Gaikwad said that he had received the complain from Mhaske, and had "summoned both the parties to go into the merits of the application".

Over 180 films from 54 countries, including features, documentaries, short films are to be showcased at the Mumbai Film Festival.

Jago Hua Savera (Day Shall Dawn) depicts life in a small fishing village in East Bengal (now Bangladesh; then part of Pakistan). It was written by the poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz, and recently restored, with a screening at the Cannes Film Festival.

After the 18 September terrorist attack at the Uri army camp, relations between India and Pakistan have been strained. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena had issued an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes to leave India and said the party would not let their movies release in India.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association passed a resolution banning Pakistanis from working in films being made in India as they were upset that many Pakistani artistes did not condemn the incident.

In retaliation, some Pakistani theatre chain owners banned the screening of Indian films.

 With inputs from IANS and PTI
While Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's (MNS) call for a ban over Pakistani artistes working in the film industry has created a divide among Bollywood celebs, Amitabh Bachchan seems to be bonding with MNS chief Raj Thackeray.

Reports stated that Thackeray had sent Bachchan a sketch last Friday as a belated birthday gift. Bachchan, who had celebrated his birthday on 11 October received the gift at his Juhu residence from Thackeray's son Amit, and Amey Khopkar, the MNS film wing's head.

Amitabh Bachchan also returned the gesture by sending across his fluorescent green watch as a return gift. The superstar was often photographed wearing it.

He (Amit) had read that Mr Bachchan had a huge collection of watches. Mr Bachchan said that he had bought the green watch from London many years ago, but didnt say much about it. All of us were stunned when the watch was delivered to Raj sahebs house Krishna Kunj the very next day as return gift. Mr Bachchan is indeed class apart, Khopkar told Mumbai Mirror.

A few years ago the equations between Raj Thackeray and Amitabh Bachchan were not as friendly. In 2008 MNS had picked on the Bachchan family for not contributing enough to Maharashtra despite living in the state for many years. During those times Jaya Bachchan had also said Hum UP wale hain, Hindi mein hi bolna pasand karenge", but had to tender an apology later.

It is said that Thackeray was a great fan of Amitabh and had even named his son after him. However things changed after he did not receive an invitation for Abhishek-Aishwarya's wedding in 2007, news sources had speculated.
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to see Shah Rukh Khan playing the role of James Bond? While this might just remain in our imagination a recent picture posted by the superstar helps us visualise it better.

In a picture taken during the shoot of his upcoming film The Ring in Budapest Khan is seen posing as "Desi Bond with Videsi lil ladies". Anushka Sharma, his leading lady in the film, stands by giving the kids a not so happy look. It is an adorable picture of the actor with the kids from the production team in Budapest.

Known to have a great sense of humour, the actor had a funny take on this as well.

Desi Bond with Videsi lil ladies.Kids of the lovely production team in Budapest. @AnushkaSharma seems not to approve pic.twitter.com/f9FXyaD6X5  Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) October 15, 2016

The actor has been in the capital city of Hungary for a while now and before that the cast was shooting in Prague, Amsterdam and Lisbon.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali the film is one of the most awaited releases of 2017. The Ring is set to release on 8 December next year.
New York: In the wake of the spillover of recent tensions between India and Pakistan on Bollywood, actress Priyanka Chopra says as a "patriot", she would go along with whatever the government decides on the issue. But why only actors are singled out in these discussions, she has asked.

Talking about the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, Priyanka, whose late father Ashok Chopra was an army officer, told NDTV, "I have read about it. It's tricky because first of all artistes and actors are always held responsible for every bigger political agenda that happens in the country."

"Why not business(men), politicians, doctors and why not anyone else except for public people, who are not actors in the movie industry?"

Priyanka, currently seen in the lead role in the popular American TV series Quantico, said: "I am extremely patriotic. So, whatever my government decides is important to keep the country safe. I go with that, but at the same time, I don't believe that artistes are a representation of  at least there hasn't been an actor who has done something which has harmed someone's life out of malice or anything."

She thinks that "if someone needs to be hung, the one person that's picked up is an artiste or a public person from the movie business. That to me, is not fair".

India-Pakistan tensions got heightened following a terror attack on an Indian Army camp at Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 19 soldiers were killed, last month. The Indian Army then carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control.

"I am appalled by what happened in Uri and we need to stand up and protect our country. We have been an extremely peaceful nation for so many centuries. We have never been those who go out and fight. We are from the land of (Mahatma) Gandhi. We are all about non-violence," Priyanka said.

"There are so many different people with so many different opinions and belonging to so many different religions. They have had different sort of upbringing. It's (India is) a difficult country to govern, yet we have managed so well," she added.

Priyanka stated that we should be more concerned about the safety of Indian soldiers and their families.

"We should be concerned about keeping the rest of our sons and the rest of our soldiers safe and that needs to be the focus. We always lose our focus and comment on something else because that's what that makes noise and because people talk about it and media carries it," she said.

Following the 18 September terrorist attack, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) issued an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes to leave India and said the party would not let their movies release in India.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) passed a resolution banning Pakistanis from working in films being made in India. In retaliation, some Pakistani theatre chain owners banned the screening of Indian films.

On Friday, the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India said that movies featuring Pakistani actors would not be screened in single screen theatres in Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat.
Air India has reported a modest operating profit of Rs 105 crore during the previous financial year ending 2015-16. This is the first time in a decade that the airline has used the word profit while reporting annual results and also the first time since the two erstwhile airlines were merged to form the present entity. The operational profit also comes two years ahead of the target as per Air Indias turnaround plan under which it will receive about Rs 30,000 crore in dole from the government.

For all the firsts associated with this operational profit, it is a significant milestone for the ailing national carrier. In fact, Air India's feat found a mention in Prime Minister Modi's Independence Day speech this year. But the PM must not be in a hurry to pat himself on the back just yet.

First, this is operational profit and the airline returned a significant net loss during the year under review - in fact, with Rs 3,587 crore, this comes to about Rs 10 crore net loss every single day. Secondly, lower fuel prices served as one of the main reasons for this happy state of affairs. If these begin to rise, a modest operational profit will quickly evaporate.

Civil Aviation minister A Gajapathi Raju had earlier informed Lok Sabha in the Budget Session that the airline could turn in an operational profit of Rs 8 crore in the last fiscal. However, this figure has now improved to Rs 105 crore, against an operational loss of Rs 2,636 crore during 2014-15. Earnings before Interest, Depreciation Tax and Amortisation improved to Rs 3,587 crore from Rs 1,436 crore during 14-15.

Air Indias total revenues stood at Rs 20,526 crore against Rs 20,613 crore in 2014-15. The airline carried 18 million passengers during 2015-16, a growth of 6.6 percent. Sources also indicated that the net loss after interest stood at Rs 3,837 crore for FY16 against Rs 5,859 crore in the previous year. And herein lies the crux of all that is wrong with cheering the operational profit that Air India has declared proudly.

Besides, as per this story in the Economic Times, the airline has again missed the target for a modest operational profit for the first quarter of the current fiscal and posted a loss.

Here are five reasons to show why the first full year of operational profit is a significant milestone but the airline is not out of the woods yet:

Fuel saved the blushes: As per the data given in Parliament during the Monsoon Session, Air India saved close to 9 percent or about Rs 720 crore on fuel costs alone in 2015-16. As per results declared last week, the operating cost per ASKM (available seat kilometer) came down from Rs 4.59 in 2014-15 to Rs 3.88 in 2015-16 or by 15.5 percent due to decline in fuel prices. Fuel expenses may have accounted for about 30 percent of the airlines total expenses during the fiscal.

So, not many cost initiatives, but savings from benign global crude prices saved it the blushes in 2015-16. This means when global crude prices do begin to rise, Air India's operating profit will also get squeezed significantly unless it takes a giant stride in improving other operational parameters. The airline flew at least a million more revenue passengers last fiscal at 18 million versus 16.88 million in 2014-15.

Losses pile up: According to data provided in the Parliament, Air India's losses stood at Rs 5,490.16 crore, Rs 6,279.6 crore and Rs 5,859.91 crore in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15, respectively. For FY16, the net loss was close to Rs 4,000 crore. While fuel accounts for the single largest cost head, employee expenses also account for close to 10 percent of total costs.

In other words, 10 paise out of every rupee spent by AI is used to pay employee salaries. This, when the airline has already hived off two subsidiaries - one for ground handling and another for engineering - and also halved the total manpower. Besides this, the airline is also on a hiring spree too, taking in more cabin and cockpit crew.

Debt worries remain: Air India accounts for the largest share of Indian airlines total debt pile. The airline was sitting on borrowings of over Rs 51,000 crore till March 31, 2015. MoS Aviation Mahesh Sharma said in Parliament in March that Air India's total debt burden of Rs 51,367.07 crore includes Rs 22,574.09 crore outstanding on account of aircraft loans.

As per the Turnaround Plan (TAP), the equity infusion by the Government into Air India also includes Rs 18,929 crore for the repayment of the government-guaranteed loans/interests till FY 2020-21. Air Indias interest bill alone for FY16 is estimated to be around Rs 3,700 crore! Since government is the owner of Air India, the airline seems to have a perpetual cushion to fall back on, something no private airline can boast of.

So a modest operating profit is good news but provides little relief on the airline's actual financials. Now, among the desperate measures Air India is working upon to reduce the debt is an offer of equity to lenders, something it has already asked SBI Caps to explore. The question is, why would any lender want a minority equity in a the government-owned airline in lieu of bringing in funds to retire debt, when the airline continues to bleed?

Privatisation: This government has blown hot and cold over any move to consider offloading the white elephant called Air India. Sources tell us there is stiff opposition from the top management of the airline over any such move. This can only spell disaster for the airline, which has been guzzling public money at an alarming rate. This piece shows why Chairman and MD Ashwani Lohani thinks selling off Air India is a bad idea and instead the airline should be allowed to operate in a level playing field.

Last year, the independent directors on the board of the airline had met minister Raju to convince him about the need to privatise Air India. In March this year, the heavy industries ministry had created a flutter by classifying Air India as "sick", reviving a discussion on whether the government should get Air India off its hands as its financial situation is not improving despite continuous equity support.

At that time, airline officials had said that there has been some talk of initiating the process of privatisation by starting with two businesses which were earlier spun off from the airline - engineering and ground handling. They had said then that Air India Express could also be considered under this scheme.

A proposal to recommend privatisation of Air India has been discussed informally at several board meetings of the airline - a subject usually taken by its independent directors - but no formal resolution has been drafted in this regard. Now that AI is operationally profitable, time is ripe for at least a discussion over privatisation.

Image problem: Air India suffers from an image problem due to service standards, frequent delays and engineering issues. According to DGCA data for August, Air India continued to have top ranking in the complaints' register among scheduled national airlines with 31,682 passengers affected due to various issues like denied boarding, delays and cancelled flights on the domestic sector.

Though the airline has less than half the share of the domestic market compared to IndiGo, the number of people affected due to flight delays was almost five times that of IndiGo passengers similarly affected. For its operational performance and therefore revenues to improve, these image issues need to be settled.
If you are an Indian, even a short walk through Chinas cities will tell you that few people in this country even think of India as an adversary. This is quite unlike Hong Kong where the distaste at the sight of Indians is clearly evident in the demeanour of the Chinese settled there.

For mainland China, India is a neighbor  just one more of the 16 that surround it. Chinese are more focused on the US and on Japan (sometimes even Russia), who occupy a bigger share of their mind that many would imagine.

When asked about the Indian protest against goods made in China, they shake their heads. Theyve not even heard of it. Clearly, it is something that vexes India, not China. Even Pakistan is relatively an unknown country for most Chinese.

But talk to the strategists and those who influence policy formation and they are at pains to explain that every move of China is often misunderstood by India. When queried about Chinas refusal to condemn terrorists inside Pakistan, there is guarded silence. Their response is, This is something for India and China to sort out for themselves.

But probe further and you will find that not many in China are happy with Pakistan. A good example is the way the government issued a notification a month ago in one of its provinces asking hotels there not to accommodate guests from a clutch of countries largely populated by Muslims. Pakistans name was included among them. Obviously, even within China, Pakistanis are viewed with suspicion. Evidently, the bonhomie with Pakistan is not too deep, notwithstanding official claims to the contrary.

Within China, few are willing to be quoted on its relationship with either India or Pakistan. But talk to people who are well-informed. If they have begun to trust you, and treat you as a friend, they begin to explain Chinas stand.

China needs Pakistan as a friend. It needs access to Chhabahar port, which in turn provides it access to the seas from which oil flows. The port provides a shorter access to global energy sources thanthe route to Chinas eastern ports. That is why China will not do anything to antagonize Pakistan, says one expert.

China needs India as well. India represents a large market. And its a neighbor. Both these are good reasons for warm and cordial relations, adds another.

As for the boycott, such people smile and say that it is quite possible that the boycott has been egged on by manufacturers in India. A boycott of Chinese goods wont work, says the head of a China think-tank.

Almost all mobile phones are made in China. Can Indians boycott them? Ditto with most electronic and telecommunication gadgets. The boycott appears to be confined to only those items that are popular for the Diwali festival, and where local manufacturers and traders want to peddle their goods at higher prices.

In Mumbai, just go to Lohar Chawl, and you will see customers flocking to shops where decorative lights from China are available at very low prices. Wholesellers still come to this market to buy lights, lamps and other such items which they then sell to other customers. The social media campaign against Chinese goods doesnt appear to have affected them at all.
The obituary columns being written in newspapers about the Indian IT sector after the disappointing earnings of Infosys and TCS reveal the ostrich-like attitude the industry had assumed even as the impending death was written clearly on the wall a few years back. Most industry pundits had ignored an analysis this writer did a couple of years back, pointing out that technology shift would not allow linear growth. My efforts in reaching out to industry veterans, leaders and even the industry association went in vain. The concern was the largest job engine was facing headwinds that it was not acknowledging.

This is not the first time that the industry is facing such an existential crisis. In the late 90s, it faced Y2K boom and bust which coincided with the first dot-com bust. Companies were smaller then and several of them changed their model to adapt to the new reality. Many of them did not because of poor leadership, bad governance and poor foresight.

Silverline Technologies, Pentamedia group, Aftek Infosys and many others went under. The fact is most of the experts who write the obituary seem to be ignorant about it and are writing off the sector in a hurry.

The top ten companies we see today are the ones which made that transition successfully. This time around success combined with size has bred a new kind of arrogant inertia. The arrogance arises because of size. The smallest company in the top ten - Mindtree - is more than $700 million in revenues and arose out of the crash of 1999. The biggest, of course, is Tata Consultancy Services which was a private company in 1999 and went public very late.

The problem is that there is very little agility left in these companies. When the outsourcing boom started global majors like Accenture, IBM, Capgemini did pivot their models to build Indian capabilities. Some like EDS did not and are slowly shrinking. Indian IT companies have also seen their entrepreneurial leadership wither. Most of the big companies are no longer led by founders but by professional leaders. The latter have only seen the good times.

There are two challenges that Indian IT companies face: internal and external. While the external challenge is easier to classify as it is broadly the same for the top ten companies with one or two exceptions. It is not even the same for the next ten companies. The buzzword of SMAC (social, mobile, analytics and cloud) is the easiest way to encapsulate this challenge.

This is just the technological challenge. There is an economic one that is creating a bigger havoc. All the fears of globalisation are creating a perfect storm for Indian IT industry. Globalisation, immigrants, visas, and even offshoring are dangerous terms in todays world.

Combine the rising protectionism with an uncertain global economic growth and you have corporate paralysis in decision making. Not many companies are investing in discretionary IT spends in these times, so the growth budget for IT or even tech product companies is shrinking. Even $128-billion Cisco is changing tracks from engineering to software services. Cisco has been successful many times before in pivoting its business as it has always been an acquisition hungry company. This is why even if its size is huge, it is capable of turning around, while Indian IT and software companies are panting at $7-8 billion of revenues. The reason is myopia of not just the leadership but promoters and the board.

The IT collapse will not just be corporate disasters and would have far reaching consequences for local and national economies. The collateral damage may affect several city economies. While a number of CEOs feel that the current wave is just about digital and will subside, it is not just digital it is also automation.

Automation, data science and artificial intelligence are changing the contours of the industry very rapidly. A bank is not just worried about blockchain technology disrupting its business it is also witnessing fin tech players leveraging tech to offer better services. Indian or multinational IT companies have not really helped their clients to cut costs, a fin tech leveraging the cloud cuts its tech cost by one twentieth.

This is the disruption that IT CEOs rarely admit in their public speak. Outsourcing or offshoring enterprise was structured on maintenance revenues of large servers, multiple legacy applications and networks. Suggesting a shift to the cloud was never an answer or an option for them or the client. A fin tech provider can cut down the cost of any transaction many times thanks to technology. It is the same in manufacturing, retail and other industries. The technology consultants did not keep pace with technology and are no longer.

While the top five Indian companies are heavily dependent on the BFSI segment and within that too the maintenance revenues it is not the same for all companies. Persistent or KPIT has a different model. The top five will have to look for pivots maybe through acquisitions. Not small niche, acquisitions for justifying to analysts and investors but important ones that can help change the revenue trajectory.

The challenge is again promoters, board and even culture of these companies that is risk averse and technology ignorant. Therefore, it is the not the current top three companies that will make the change. Watch out for the dark horses which will make the leap.

K Yatish Rajawat is a digital strategist and policy commentator based in New Delhi. He tweets @yatishrajawat.
India's debt-laden Essar Group confirmed on Saturday that it has agreed to sell a 98 percent interest in its Essar Oil unit to a consortium led by Russia's Rosneft, giving the energy giant a gateway into the world's fastest growing fuel market.

The deal will see Rosneft, along with its partners Trafigura and United Capital Partners (UCP), pay $10.9 billion for Essar's refining and retail assets. Separately, $2 billion will be paid toward the acquisition of the Vadinar port in the western state of Gujarat, along with certain import and export facilities.

Here are all the key facts about the deal:

What are the key aspects of the deal?

The deal will give Rosneft a 49 percent stake in Essar Oil, with 49 percent being split equally between Trafigura and UCP. It has been carefully structured to avoid falling foul of western sanctions against Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis. According to a Reuters report, Rosneft will not get a controlling stake, partly because of sanctions.

The all-cash deal will give Rosneft and its partners control of Essar's 20 million tonne refinery in Gujarat, and its retail fuel outlets in India, where growth for refined petroleum goods in the next five years is expected to be in the 5 percent to 7 percent range.

It is also the biggest foreign acquisition ever in India and Russia's largest outbound deal, according to Thomson Reuters data.

How will the deal impact Rosneft and Trafigura?

According to Chief Executive Igor Sechin, the deal gives Rosneft entry into one of the most promising and fast-growing world markets. It gives "unique opportunities for synergies" with its existing assets. Separately, Rosneft said it would use Venezuelan crude to supply the Vadinar refinery.

According to Vandana Hari, energy sector analyst, the deal is a feather in the cap of Rosneft and Trafigura. "Given that the purchase gives them control of the entire downstream business of Essar Oil, the companies are getting a relatively new and sophisticated refinery and retail network, which will continue to play a critical role in serving a fast-growing captive market at home, besides being well-placed to compete in the export markets," she said.

Hari reckons that at a Nelson complexity index of 11.8, the 20 million mt/ year Vadinar refinery is capable of turning the dirtiest of crudes into high-quality Euro IV and V-grade refined products, assuring it relatively healthy refining margins.

How will it impact Essar?

The Essar group, with a presence in oil and gas, steel, ports and power, has been under pressure from its lenders to reduce its debt burden. The group, according to this report in Baron's Asia, has loans Rs 1.2 lakh crore debt. The deal will be help the group reduce its debt burden by Rs 75,000 crore, Essar director Prashant Ruia has told The Business Standard.

Apart from this, the group's assets will reduce by 30 percent with this deal and revenue by $10 billion to $17 billion, Ruia has told the BS.

The group will now focus more on its other businesses such as steel and ports, says a report in The Economic Times.

Why are Indian banks happier than Ruias, Rosneft, Trafigura and UCP?

Indian banks' stressed assets stands at Rs 8 lakh crore. Of this, five sectors, namely steel, power, teelcom, infrastructure and textiles, account for 61 percent. Banks have a mandate to clean up their balance sheets by March 2017 and have been pushing debt-laden companies to sell assets to repay loans.

Essar's debt has been one of the highest and the development has to be seen in this context. Welcoming to the development, Chanda Kochhar of ICICI Bank said, "This deal is also a significant step in the process of deleveraging the balance sheets of Indian corporates. ICICI Bank has been closely working with various companies including the Essar Group to help them deleverage their stressed balance sheets. We will continue working towards this objective with others.

However, IDBI Bank's MD Kishor Kharat has been more measured in his reaction because as part of the deal the debt of Essar Oil will now become Trafigura or Rosneft's. "That is why I am saying that we need to understand how they are going to structure it entirely because if it is all cash deal and they are going to settle the lenders, it will be a different situation but if it is only the equities taken and then all debts are going to be transferred to new buyers, promoters, perhaps the situation will be different," he told CNBC-TV18 in an interview.

But did Indian Inc lose out?

As Kochhar of ICICI Bank says, the deal definitely means Indian energy sector is attractive. But that also means Indian companies lost out on a golden opportunity. While the deal makes good sense for the buyers and the Ruias, who will now be able to pay off a substantial part of the Essar Group debt, I think India Inc loses. The country is essentially going to allow some foreign companies to profit from its downstream oil industry growth story," says Vandana Hari.

Why could that opportunity not have been exploited by the Indian refiners? she asks.

Data contribution by Kishor Kadam

With inputs from Reuters
Clearing the air over the US-led sanctions on Russia, Essar Group's CEO said the decision to sell 49 percent control in Essar Oil to Rosneft for $12.9 billion did not in any way violated the sanctions imposed on the state-owned Russian energy firm.

Essar Group's chief executive, Prashant Ruia said on Saturday that the deal gives Rosneft, commodities trading house Trafigura and private investment group United Capital Partners a 98 percent stake in Essar's oil arm, and is "US-sanctions compliant."

He said the deal did not violate the economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. government on Russian entities over Russia's role in the Ukraine crisis. "The way it is structured, it is fully compliant. We are well within the rules that govern Russian companies," a Reuters report said.

"It was an emotional decision, it was a very tough decision. It was difficult decision for people involved in the company and those who were involved in the business and building it," Reuters reported quoting Prashant Ruia.

Ruia said the parent company's debt would be cut by some $5 billion and a further $5 billion would go towards trimming debt at the operating company level.

Some of the proceeds from the transaction will be pumped into existing businesses, said Ruia, adding that the group does not have any plans to sell any of its other businesses in the future or any plans to de-list them to gain more control.

Debt-laden Essar Steel, which owns a 10 million tonne steel plant in the western state Gujarat, carries debt of over $5 billion and had been seeking to restructure its debt.

"We plan to utilise proceeds from the stake sale to deleverage the Group and pave the way for strategic consolidation and growth in other businesses. Deal will help Essar deleverage almost 50 percent of its Rs 88,000 crore debt and substantially reduce interest costs," said Essar Group Director Prashant Ruia.

The remaining debt, he said, would continue in the assets and "normal operating company" debt. "We believe majority of the debt at the holding company level will be deleveraged."

"This is the largest debt reduction/deleveraging exercise in corporate India," he said.

The transaction pegs Essar Oil's enterprise value at Rs 72,800 crore ($10.9 billion) plus an additional Rs 13,000 crore ($2 billion) that will be paid for Vadinar Port that is captive to the refinery.

"This makes it the largest inbound FDI into India," he said.

Further, the debt-laden Essar Group has said it is not exiting the oil and gas business and the $12.9 billion sale of its oil refinery to Rosneft has helped to deleverage half of the Rs 88,000 crore debt at the holding company level.

As per the agreement, Essar decided to sell 49 percent stake in the 20 million tons a year Vadinar refinery in Gujarat, the adjacent port and over 2,700 petrol pumps to world's largest listed oil company.

Ruia said Essar was not exiting the oil and gas business and will continue to own and operate the 12 million tons refinery at Stanlow in UK which has a 12-13 percent market share in Britain.

Also, the exploration and production assets of Essar Oil, mainly the producing coal-bed methane (CBM) blocks in West Bengal will not be part of the deal and would continue with the Group, he said.

"Our philosophy as a group has been to make significant investments in infrastructure space, incubate it, nurture the business and help it build to world scale and monetise the value at the right time," he said.

Essar did the same with telecom business when it first got Hong Kong-based Hutchison Whampoa and then sold stake to Vodafone 2011 at an enterprise value of $18 billion.

There is no non-compete fee under the transaction with Rosneft.

VTB has provided financing of $3.9 billion to Essar to refinance the holding company debt pending completion of the transaction.

With PTI inputs
India and Russia signed billions of dollars of defence and energy deals on Saturday at a summit that sought to inject new life into a relationship that has been tested by shifting global alliances and conflict in the Middle East. Under the biggest agreement, a group led by Russian state oil major Rosneft said it would pay $12.9 billion for a controlling stake in both India's Essar Oil and port facilities that it owns. The countries, which had strong ties during the Cold War, announced plans for a joint venture to build helicopters in India. New Delhi said it would also buy surface-to-air missile systems and stealth frigates from Moscow.

"Ours is a truly unique and privileged relationship," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the western seaside state of Goa. Modi said that his views were aligned with Putin's on the unstable situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East, where Moscow is at odds with the West in the five-year-old civil war in Syria that has killed hundreds of thousands.

"We are conducting a comprehensive dialog on a wide scale of international issues, in which Indian and Russian approaches are close to each other or coincide," said Putin. Modi also praised Putin's support for the fight against international terrorism, which India accuses its neighbour and rival Pakistan of sponsoring. "Russia's clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own," Modi said.

The Rosneft-Essar deal will be the biggest foreign takeover in India, and Russia's largest outbound deal. It comes as Russia moves to reassert its role in global affairs and at a time when its own economy is stagnant, hit by Western sanctions and low oil prices.

Under the deal, a group led by Rosneft will acquire 98 percent of Essar Oil, and with it a 400,000 barrels-per-day refinery and port at Vadinar for $12.9 billion, the two sides said. Russian state bank VTB said it would refinance $3.9 billion owed by the Essar Group. Rosneft would pay $3.5 billion and its partners, oil trader Trafigura and investment fund UCP the same amount for an equal joint stake.

The refinery deal follows a string of upstream investments in Russia by Indian companies in recent months that Modi said were worth $5.5 billion. Also on display was Russia's nuclear prowess, with the second reactor of the Russian-built Kudankulam plant in Tamil Nadu hooked up to the grid and concrete being poured in a ceremony carried by a TV linkup to mark the start of work on the third and fourth reactors there.

Putin said that Russia would be able to build a dozen nuclear reactors in India over the next 20 years to back Modi's growth strategy for Asia's third-largest economy, which continues to suffer chronic power shortages.

The defence pacts will also deepen military ties between the two countries that dates back to the Soviet era, when India entirely depended on Moscow to equip its armed forces. The United States has since taken over as India's top arms supplier. Indian military officials have said the plan is for the joint venture to build at least 200 Kamov 226t helicopters required by the country's defence forces. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will be the local partner of Russian Helicopters and state arms exporter Rosoboronexport. The S-400 surface-to-air missiles would strengthen India's defences along its borders with China and Pakistan, Indian military officials have said. Also agreed were plans to build and supply stealth frigates for the Indian navy.

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who is in charge of space and military industries, said two frigates could be built in India and two in Russia, RIA news agency reported. Rogozin said the ships may later be equipped with missiles manufacturered by BrahMos Aerospace, a venture co-owned by the Indian and Russian governments.
VIENNA Austria plans to convert and possibly tear down the house Hitler was born in to prevent it becoming a pilgrimage site for neo-Nazis, the Interior Ministry said on Monday.Austria had already ordered the compulsory purchase of the building in Braunau am Inn, a town on the border with Germany where Adolf Hitler was born on April 20, 1889.Now a committee of experts including historians, officials and the head of Austria's main Jewish organisation has recommended that a "thorough architectural rearrangement" be carried out, and Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka intends to follow their suggestion, a spokesman for the minister said.Austrian newspaper Die Presse, which first reported the decision, said the house would be torn down."A new building will be erected," Die Presse quoted Sobotka as saying. "The house will then be used by the community either for charitable or official purposes."

A spokesman for Sobotka said that might involve tearing the building down."A demolition is one possibility," the spokesman said, adding that the aim was for the building to "not be recognisable". It should also not include empty spaces, he said.

Austria, which was annexed by Hitler's Germany in 1938, has confronted its Nazi past far less directly than its larger neighbour, and its official line for decades was that it was that its people were the first victims of Nazism.Though it has long abandoned that stance, critics are likely to see this as a case of an uncomfortable episode of history being swept away without trace.

"We have a functioning culture of memory, for example at the Mauthausen concentration camp," Sobotka told Die Presse when asked if Austria was missing an opportunity to confront its Nazi past. He also cited museums in Vienna and nearby St. Poelten. (Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Alison Williams)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Summits are not usually thrillers that produce surprise endings. They are more like romantic tales with happily-ever-after endings.

Thats because diplomats, who do most of the backroom grind at summits and iron out all differences  officially and unofficially  leak most details to the media even before the red carpets are rolled out. They tell you the story, or most of it, and then the Presidents and Prime Ministers arrive to give you the headlines.

Even in the case of Brics 2016 in Goa, the script was known before the leaders disembarked their special aircraft. We knew that India would sign arms deals with Russia, and India would talk tough on terrorism.

But this summit was different on two counts. For one thing, the script was almost entirely written by India. Though the content was known, its style and delivery did produce surprise.

At the end of it, Pakistan has probably lost an ally in Russia, has to speed up its shopping for fighter jets which it badly needs and has had the pain of being branded as a 'mothership of terror'. All these put together constitute another severe jolt to Pakistan, the biggest since Indias 29 September surgical strikes, from which it has hardly recovered.

Whether such strikes happened in the past nor not, by publicising them, the Narendra Modi government threw Pakistan into unprecedented confusion and even an internal crisis. And Brics 20016 has only rubbed salt into Pakistans surgical wounds

More than the talk about terror, it was the arms deals that Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed  worth a whopping US $24 billion  on the sidelines of the summit that hijacked the agenda. For the Indians, it was a case of killing many birds with one stone.

The most important of these deals was Indias purchase of five S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile systems from Russia which alone amount to US $6 billion (nearly Rs 40,000 crore).

Of course, Russia is also selling six of these systems to China which are likely to be delivered in 2018. By positioning a Russian-made S-400 at the right place on the boundary with India, China can have New Delhi in its range. This means that in case of an India-China war, the two countries will end up destroying each others aircraft using the same Russian-made weapon systems. Besides, Saudi Arabia and Iran are among the countries in queue to buy the S-400s.

Whats the big deal?

The big deal is that India too will have them, probably by 2020, though Russias promises on delivery schedules should always be taken with a pinch of salt. And when these systems arrive, India can deploy them to spot and destroy Pakistani aircraft long before they enter Indian airspace.

More importantly, India hopes that Pakistan will no longer have Russia as a friend and ally. After India edged closer to the US, Russia lifted an embargo to sell armaments to Pakistan in 2014 and agreed to sell four Mi-35 attack-cum-transport helicopters to Pakistan.

The four-helicopter deal, by no means a threat to India, pales into insignificance compared with the omnibus agreements that Russia has signed in Goa.

Sergey Chemezov, the CEO of Russias armament maker ROSTEC Corp, who had proudly announced the lifting of his countrys embargo on Pakistan two years ago, waxed eloquent in Goa on Russias long-standing relationship with India. Considered to be the Russian governments most important arms wheeler-dealer, Chemezov ruled out supplying any fighter jets to Pakistan for the present.

Russia was earlier ready to sell its fifth-generation Su-35 planes to Pakistan. Times are changing, and changing fast. Thanks to Modi and Putin, Pakistan has to resume its shopping for fighter jets once again.

The Goa deals have less to do with an Indian desire to resume romance with an estranged, old friend or with the rearrangement of post-Cold War friendships. They are driven by cold, brutal geopolitical realities of the sub-continent and compulsions of the fiercely competitive arms market.

So what? India can ask. All that matters to India for now is that Pakistan is once again a country practically with one friend  China.

Putin is happy: Russian is once again milking enough money from India.

Modi is happy: India gets the most advanced anti-aircraft missile systems; it takes care a part of its long-overdue plan to modernise its military; and it distances Russia from Pakistan, pushing the country further into isolation.

The Russia card that India played was clearly not an overnight brainwave. It was a long thought-out one. Apparently it included Modi bringing PS Raghavan, the Russian-speaking former Indian ambassador in Moscow, into his policy-making team well in time.

Finally came the Goa Declaration, and perhaps it was where India encountered a bit of failure. Media reports say that the Modi team failed to get a consensus on including cross-border terrorism in the declaration. But India is content with paragraph 59 of the declaration which came close it with the mention of dismantling terrorist bases.

As for China, nothing was expected and nothing was gained or lost. But characteristically, China may soon express its frustration with India through an editorial in one of its mouthpieces such as Peoples Daily or Global Times. Or an academic in Xinjiang province or a bureaucrat in Shanghai may drop a pearl of wisdom against India. Thats Chinas style.

But India neednt worry. It has, once again, sent the right message to Pakistan. And Modi can be pardoned if he congratulates himself on what he has pulled off. This is Indian diplomacy at its best.

The author tweets @sprasadindia.
Most Indian publications were unanimous in their verdict on the Goa Declaration that consensus over terrorism has eluded Brics nations despite a valiant effort from New Delhi. The Indian media's consternation over China's role in the joint statement was explicit, with some going on to accuse Beijing of undercutting India's attempt to isolate Pakistan from yet another global forum.

These observations, while not entirely inaccurate, nevertheless fail to take into account that absolutism has no place in foreign policy. If we temper down our immature expectation that countries will junk their specific strategic interests and unanimously occupy a hard ideological position on any issue  in this case, the global scourge of terrorism  we may find that the eighth annual Brics Summit has actually been quite successful for India.

For a grouping of mostly emerging economies that was founded on the principles of greater economic cooperation and facilitation of better in-house trade relations, the Goa Declaration devoted five meaty, strongly-worded paragraphs that mentioned the word "terrorism" well over 20 times. It also included  for the first time  concern on countries allowing their territories to be used for terrorist activities and called for "dismantling of terrorist bases". Both of these reflect India's position on cross-border terrorism.

There were clear references to chemical and biological terrorism  a motif that recently cropped up during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reference to Pakistan using chemical weapons against its own citizens in Balochistan. The Goa Declaration also called upon "all nations to work together to expedite the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in the UN General Assembly without any further delay."

As The Indian Express points out, expediting the adoption of CCIT has returned to the BRICS agenda after getting dropped in 2015 UFA Declaration, signaling that NSA Ajit Doval's effort has paid off.

The Goa Declaration also mentioned the need for a "comprehensive approach in combating terrorism", that includes countering "radicalisation, recruitment, movement of terrorists including foreign terrorist fighters, blocking sources of financing terrorism, including through organised crime by means of money-laundering, drug trafficking, criminal activities, dismantling terrorist bases, and countering misuse of the Internet including social media by terror entities through misuse of the latest Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)."

The enormous effort, nuance, bargaining and compromise that goes into the drafting of such joint declarations leave no space for doubt that the text is clearly loaded towards India's concerns and reflects much of the spirit that Modi sought to forcefully introduce by way of his scathing speeches against Pakistan.

Does this mean that Brics Summit was an unqualified success for India? The answer depends on how we interpret 'success'.

Firstpost had argued in a recent post that for New Delhi to make anything out of the grouping of five economies at different stages on the growth and ambition scale, it must accept the ground realities and then proceed to focus on areas of convergence.

And the ground reality is that in the medium to short term, the world should get used to the rise of China as a global superpower and its increasingly assertive hegemony.

As career diplomat and former Indian Ambassador to China, Shivshankar Menon writes in his piece for Brookings Institution (What Chinas rise means for India):

"Chinas economic achievements in the last three decades of 10 percent-plus GDP growth have inspired awe around the world. We all know the consequencesthe accumulation of hard power in all its forms The speed and scale of Chinas transformation are astonishing. As a rising power, meanwhile, China is determined to have an independent say in the economic, political, and security order around (it) and in the world."

If China seeks to bend the geopolitical region around it, there is no reason why it should play ball with India on matter than concerns New Delhi. In fact, keeping alive the border disputes and forcing India to remain engaged with Pakistan on a subversive quid-pro-quo that diverts much of New Delhi's resources towards defence equipment works out beautifully to China's advantage.

Although India, at a conservative estimate, is nearly 30 years behind China on the development scale and is belatedly investing in areas and introducing policies that China did in the 1970s and 1980s, there is not a shadow of doubt that the size of Indian economy and its demographic advantage will eventually result in a parity between the two rivaling economies. China understands this more than perhaps India itself does at this point.

Beijing also understands that for India to make up for lost time and belatedly realise its potential, it needs stability and calmness around borders. And through its various actions and manipulations, Beijing is trying to deny India that very stability.

In this context we must place China's resolute support towards Pakistan and its 'non-state actors' who want to suck India into a vortex of perpetual violence. The recent Chinese technical hold on Masood Azhar, refusal to let India enter the Nuclear Suppliers' Group or preventing the names of terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba from cropping up into the joint declaration at Goa are all part of a larger Chinese plan to hold on to the leverage points vis-a-vis India.

These diplomatic moves are complemented by its military presence in Indian Ocean littoral and huge spends in ambitious infrastructural projects  the CPEC and OBOR  that are calibrated towards the twin aims of trade facilitation and military-strategic depth. Its recent largesse towards Bangladesh (a $24-billion line of credit at low interest to develop Dhaka's logistical prowess) is a blatant attempt to needle New Delhi and put a ring around it.

Within these constraints, for Narendra Modi government to eke out a Brics declaration loaded heavily in its favour and tilted decidedly against Pakistan, a nation that China uses to keep India at bay, is no mean achievement.

Let's be real about our expectations.
New Delhi: The Cauvery Supervisory Committee (CSC), which visited the Cauvery basin area of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for assessing the ground situation, on Monday submitted its report to the Supreme Court.

The committee, however, did not make any recommendations with regard to the quantum of water to be released to Tamil Nadu by Karnataka.

"The report only gives an assessment of the ground situation without making any recommendation about the release of water to Tamil Nadu," said a lawyer dealing with the case on behalf of Tamil Nadu.

The committee  comprising Central Water Commission (CWC) Chairman GS Jha, CWC member S Masood Hussain, and Krishna and Godavari Basin Organisation Chief Engineer RK Gupta  visited the Cauvery basin area of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on the 4 October direction of the apex court.

The three-member team headed by Jha was also accompanied by one representative each of the four riparian states  Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

The report will come up for hearing on Tuesday before the bench of Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Amitava Roy and Justice AM Khanwilkar.

The Supreme Court, by its 4 October order, asked Karnataka to release 2,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu every day for 12 days from 7 to 18 October, and asked the Cauvery Supervisory Committee to visit the Cauvery basin area of the two states for an assessment of the ground situation and report back to it by 17 October.

Upon reaching Bengaluru on 7 October, the CSC said it favoured judicious sharing of the scarce water resource between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu following deficit monsoon rains this year.

"Our aim is to ensure judicious distribution of the river water between the two states," Jha said during his two-day visit to Cauvery basin areas of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

He told the media persons in Bengaluru that "we will submit a report to the Supreme Court with data on the live storage levels, inflows and outflows of water in the reservoirs in both the states for a fair distribution".
Chennai: Opposition parties including the DMK on Monday joined a state-wide rail blockade protest announced by a farmer's federation over the Cauvery issue, urging the Centre to set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB).

DMK Treasurer and Opposition Leader in Tamil Nadu Assembly, MK Stalin was among those who participated in the protests held in different parts of the state including Chennai and the Cauvery delta districts.

Stalin led a procession at Perambur even as scores of political workers belonging to DMK, the Left parties and MDMK among others staged a rail roko at Thanjavur and Cuddalore, and were detained.

A farmers' federation had called for the two-day rail blockade starting on Monday, urging the Centre to immediately constitute the CMB.

The protests come days after a high-level technical team, set up by the Supreme Court, completed its inspection of Cauvery basin region in Tamil Nadu to assess the situation in the state.

The team, which also inspected the Cauvery basin in Karnataka, is set to submit its report in the apex court today.

The apex court had set up the team while hearing a petition by Tamil Nadu government seeking release of Cauvery water by Karnataka.

#CauveryIssue : MK Stalin leads DMK's 'Rail Roko' demonstration in Chennai; protesters stop train pic.twitter.com/fHocfPtKXD  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

Meanwhile, reports from Madurai said, train services in Madurai and Tiruchirappalli divisions were affected as hundreds of farmers and members of various political parties blocked or attempted to block the rail traffic at various places, demanding constitution of the Cauvery Management Board.

Officials said, the train services were delayed by 10 minutes to half an hour.

Madurai City Police resorted to lathi charge to disperse a strong crowd belonging to various opposition parties, when they insisted on staging a rail roko and attempted to enter the railway junction, they said.

Around five persons suffered simple injuries in the lathi charge.

Leader of South Indian River Linking Movement, Ayyakannu was arrested at Kudamurutti Kudisai while he blocked the rail tracks on Tiruchi-Karur section.

Party members and farmers put up a hut on the track to block the train near Kudamurutti.

Hundreds of DMK cadres blocked the train traffic in Pudukottai.

In Cuddalore, over 700 farmers and cadres of political parties tried to enter the railway station for staging a rail roko agitation. Police had to resort to mild lathicharge to disperse the crowd.

Nearly 300 persons were arrested, police said.

In Erode district, several farmers and opposition party workers who attempted to enter the Erode Railway Station were arrested by the police.

Meanwhile, more than 2,500 workers of various political parties and farmers were arrested at different railway stations in Coimbatore, Tirupur and Nilgiris districts, while attempting to stage rail roko in protest against the Centre for refusing to constitute the Cauvery Management Board, as directed by the Supreme Court.

Over 600 workers, belonging to MDMK, CPI, CPIM, VCK, Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhakam and some other organisations assembled near city railway station.

As they were proceeding to the station, police prevented them, leading to push and pull, they said.

However, all the workers were arrested, police said.

More arrests were made at Pollachi, Mettupalayam and Sulur Railway Stations in Coimbatore district.
Editors note: In his new book Historian Walter Reid offers another glimpse into the long explored and considered role of the Empire in shaping Indias colonial history. In this extract from the chapter titled Looking Behind Churchills Words, Reid argues that one of the few faults that Winston Churchill had, were found in his treatment of India.

Churchill plays such an important part in this story  first in his opposition to the India Bill and indeed any attempt to advance Indias progress in the 1930s, and then as prime minister, when he presided over (if thats the correct way to describe his obstructive and negative role) the series of initiatives that included the Cripps Mission and its post-dated cheque  that his standpoint deserves some analysis. He was more complicated than most of the diehards, but understanding his position helps to understand what motivated some of his simpler supporters.

Churchills faults were few and his virtues were abundant. The former, alas, were more evident than the latter in relation to India. I yield to no one in my admiration for Churchill, and my admiration is not confined to his role in the Second World War. I have summarised his qualities elsewhere. I said, The scale and range of his abilities was matched by a profound sense of humanity and magnanimity.

I stand by that evaluation of his career taken as a whole. But that is not to say that he never faltered, and India was not his finest hour. It is all the more delicious to reflect that Baldwin, apparently genuinely, toyed with the idea of making him Secretary of State. The prime minister wrote to Irwin in February 1929: I have had an idea (among many!) of putting Winston at the India Office. He was very good all through the Irish troubles: he has imagination, courage: he is an imperialist: he is a Liberal. BUT  we do know the risk.

He was ambitious and aggressive in his self-promotion. Lloyd George said of him in 1934: He would make a drum out of the skin of his own mother in order to sound his own praises. He was for most of the 1930s a potential leader of his party, and an element of his Indian campaign was certainly informed by selfish ambition. Paradoxically, the campaign threw him into such a politically ruinous stance that it, more even than his defence of Edward VIII, so endangered his political career that only war rescued him. Harold Macmillan, from the Left of the Conservative party said, The majority of the party regarded [Churchills] attitude as reactionary and unrealistic.88 Other critics described him as unbalanced, scheming and dishonest.In his exuberance he expressed himself in words and attitudes that were extreme, indeed downright silly. For instance in 1942 he said to Leo Amery, then Secretary of State for India: I hate Indians. They are a beastly people with a beastly religion. His positions in opposition were always less judicious than when they were tempered by the responsibility of office. All responsibility tended to refine his judgment and absolute responsibility tended to refine it absolutely. But only tended to: in the case of India he was so far committed before he became prime minister that the beneficial restraint of authority had only a limited effect.

He was in part simply a product of his time. In his autobiography, MyEarly Life, Churchill described himself as a friend of the Victorian era. Much later in his life, in 1952, he reflected to his doctor, Charles Wilson, When you learn to think of a race as inferior beings it is difficult to get rid of that way of thinking; when I was a subaltern in India the Indians did not seem to me equal to the white man. Irwin recognised the influence of Churchills youth. He suggested that his views on India were like those of a subaltern a generation ago, and that therefore he might like to bring himself up to date by meeting some Indian activists who were in London at the time. Im quite satisfied with my views on India. I dont want them disturbed by any bloody Indian.

Paul Addison has concluded that Churchills fundamental views were settled in the period between 1895, when he decided to make his career in politics, and 1900 when he became a Member of Parliament. Addison is of the view that of all the books which Churchill read so voraciously at this time in order to prepare himself for public life, the one which made most impact on him was Winwood Reades The Martyrdom of Man. This book was published in 1872 and was based on the implications of the then popular notion of Social Darwinism. The nub of Reades version of the theory was that advance took place by a process of struggle and striving, of which warfare was the epitome. Suffering was a price worth paying. When a nation lost the appetite for conflict it was doomed to decay.

Churchill saw the collapse of anciens regimes in and after 1918 as a symptom of decay and decline, evidence of a lack of the desire to strive. He did not wish to see Britain entering a similar phase. This was the philosophy Keeping the Jewel in the Crown which, in part, animated him in his campaign against the India Bill. In the course of that campaign he said that if Britain lost India she would sink within two generations to the level of minor powers like Portugal. So she did, though the loss of India was not the cause.

Even before the First World War he had concluded that Britain derived no financial benefit from India, and his desire to hang on to the jewel in the crown was not motivated by commercial considerations. In February 1922 he told a conference of ministers:

An idea was prevalent among many people, both in India and at home, that we were fighting a rear-guard action in India, that the British Raj was doomed, and that India would gradually be handed over to the Indians. He was strongly opposed to that view of the situation. On the contrary, we must strengthen our position in India . . . He believed that opinion would change soon as to the expediency of granting democratic institutions to backward races which had no capacity for self-government.

His approach was not entirely uninformed. Remember that Churchills first government office was as Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies under Campbell-Bannerman. He was appointed in December 1905. He had then had recent experience of the Empire not only in the South African War, but also in India as a subaltern. He had more authority as Under-Secretary of State than might have been expected, as the Colonial Secretary, the Earl of Elgin, was in the House of Lords and more interested in his estates than in the minutiae of his responsibilities. At the Colonial Office, of course, neither Elgin nor Churchill had responsibility for India. Churchill did, however, have to deal with Gandhi, at this stage in his career in South Africa promoting the case of the Indian community, there subject to numerous indignities and constraints. Gandhi came to London in November 1906, to complain that Indians were now being fingerprinted as part of their official registration in South Africa. He went back to South Africa to launch a campaign of passive resistance. Churchill and Gandhi were never going to be friends.

Excerpted with permission from Keeping the Jewel in the Crown by Penguin Books India.
One would imagine that if not the headline, the conceit of its message would have been obvious enough.

Unfortunately, for most keyboard-warriors inhabiting the comments section of numerous news media websites, it's not. Or doesn't appear to be.

In fact, a certain section of social media has taken to conflating the Narendra Modi wave of 2014 with the unprecedented tsunami of support Donald Trump has been receiving ever since he announced his intention to enter the race for the White House, back in 2015. Worse yet, they are confusing the Indian definition of the Right with the American one.

That seems as a good a starting point as any, so lets go from there.

As Jaideep Prabhu has written in the past, there is no clear Indian Right, to the extent that the conventional Right-Left binary does not apply very accurately to Indias political parties. That is because very few of Indias political parties, the mainstream ones at least, subscribe to the dichotomy of Right-Left in at least two major areas: Culture and economics. In terms of culture, political parties are painted in various hues of majoritarianism and minoritarianism, while in economics, free market policies and social welfare aren't mutually exclusive.

So the idea that what falls under the umbrella of the Indian Right in anyway resembles the American Right is flawed in any case.

Moving on to the perceived Modi-Trump links (among the latter's supporters at least) that marked this weekend's Republican Hindu Coalition event, we find another incorrect  rather glaringly so  comparison. And here, let's get down to brass tacks: Trump is not Modi.

A lazily-drawn similarity is that both men are nationalistic. But then so are Marine Le Pen and Xi Jinping, but we're yet to see French-Indians and Chinese-Indians organising gala events to mark these similarities. Further, while both Modi and Trump are indeed nationalistic, their form of nationalism varies greatly: While one espouses a more inclusive form that seeks to carry everyone along, the other pushes an exclusionary brand (which type links to which name is self-evident). In a sense, Modi's approach has more closely resembled Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's message of 'Stronger Together', than Trump's.

It's worth pointing out here that a major difference between the two is that with Trump's blunt, ill-informed rhetoric, he has gained followers through his divisive views. Modi has benefitted from the fact that members of his own party make fairly outrageous remarks, and emerged as a unifying force when he does take to his Mann ki Baats or public rallies to opine on issues.

Another lazy 'similarity' dragged out by the likes of the Republican Hindu Coalition is that Trump's 'Make America Great Again' is in the same ballpark as Modi's mantra of 'Acche Din'. And while Modi, in the buildup to the 2014 General Election, spoke about a Congress-mukt India, Trump also seeks to wipe away all the ills apparently inflicted on the US by eight years of Democrat rule. This is another strange comparison to draw. It's quite obvious that any Opposition party would cite the ruling dispensation's unsuitability in order to win an election. In fact, if an Opposition party was to express satisfaction with the way the ruling regime has been doing things, one would wonder why it is even bothering with the election.

This brings us to the ugly truth.

What actually brought out the Hindu fundamentalist backing for Trump was his threat of a ban on Muslim immigrants  something he failed to completely back or dismiss over the course of the first two presidential debates. What this fundamentalist fringe fails to note, however, is the fact that this sort of discrimination in policy  presently on grounds of religion  could easily be transmuted to nationality over a period of time.

Trump has made 'jobs for Americans' and tightening immigration controls a major plank of his presidential campaign. To think he would abandon it on the basis of one little interaction with a section of Indian-Americans, and start handing out H1-B visas is beyond naive. And before comparisons are drawn to 'Make in India', it's worth noting that Modi's pet project  as it has been called in some quarters  was launched to increase manufacturing across the country, not to exclude other nationalities.

We could go into the differences between Modi and Trump as people: One, a self-made  that is to say, he worked his way through the cadres  career politician and the other, a man who has pretty much been handed everything in life. One who is respectful of women to the other who is-... well, you know. The dissimilarities are endless.

Suffice it to say: Narendra Modi is not Donald Trump.

The sooner this fact registers, the better off we'll all be.
New Delhi: In an unprecedented order, the Supreme Court on Monday summoned one of its former judges, Markandey Katju, to appear in person before it to point out the "fundamental flaws", as claimed by him in the sensational Soumya rape case.

"He (Justice Katju) is a respected gentleman. We request him to come in person and debate his Facebook post criticising the judgment. Let him come to the court and let's debate over the fundamental flaws in our verdict," a bench of Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice U U Lalit said and issued a notice to Justice Katju.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, who was assisting the top court in the matter, said "I think it is for the first time that the Supreme Court has asked its former judge to appear in person before it in connection with any matter". In his Facebook post and also his personal blogpost, Justice Katju had criticised the apex court saying it had grievously erred by "not holding" the convict, Govindachamy, "guilty of murder" in the case.

The bench also kept the review petitions filed by Kerala and Soumya's mother in abeyance saying it would debate with Justice Katju on his facebook post.

"Though arguments have been elaborate and stands concluded, we do not consider it appropriate to express any opinion on the contentions advanced at this stage. This is so because we are of the view that a connected issue which has arisen needs to be resolved in the first instance," the bench said referring to the blog of Justice Katju.

"Such a view coming from a retired judge of this Court needs to be treated with greatest of respect and consideration. Office to register a suo motu review petition," the bench said in its order.

"We issue notice to Justice Markandey Katju, former judge of this Court and request him to appear in Court in person and participate in the proceedings on 11 November... as to whether the judgment and order dated September 15 passed by this Bench...suffers from any fundamental flaw so as to require exercise of the review jurisdiction," the bench said.

While issuing notice to Justice Katju, the bench also quoted his Facebook post criticising the Soumya case verdict, which said "It is regrettable that the Court has not read Section 300 carefully. The judgment needs to be reviewed in an open court hearing".

In another post on the same issue, Justice Katju had written "I submit that the Supreme Court has erred in law in not holding the accused guilty of murder, and its judgment needs to be reviewed to this extent".

Justice Katju, through his Facebook post on September 15, had criticised the verdict commuting to life the death sentence awarded to Govindachamy for raping 23-year-old Soumya on February 1, 2011, after pushing her out of a train in Kerala.

Following the apex court order, the state as well as Soumya's mother had filed review petitions.

Read Katju's full post here
Separatist guerrillas snatched weapons from TV tower guards in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, police said on Monday.

The police said the militants attacked the guards posted at a Low Power Transmitter station of public service broadcaster Doordarshan in Dalvash village late Sunday night. They took away five service rifles.

"Militants in combat uniform barged into the guard room of TV tower at Dalvash in Dooru area of Anantnag district at around 12.30 AM and overpowered the cops guarding the installation," the police official said.

Hindustan Times reports that allegedly, senior police officers arrived later for assessment, sounding an alert and closing entry and exit to Dooru village. A search has been launched. One Insas and carbine rifle and three self-loading rifled have been taken. The security guards of the TV tower have been arrested.

In another incident, militants opened fire on a police post guarding a minority community in Sirnoo area of Pulwama district late Sunday night, the official said. He said the police personnel retaliated forcing the ultras to flee from the spot. "There were no casualties in the incident," he added.

This is the second such incident in recent times. Militants attacked the guard post at the residence of a National Conference leader in Kulgam district of Kashmir and decamped with rifles of policemen on 8 September. The ultras barged into the residential compound of NC block president Abdul Rashid Khanday at Begom in Kulgam late night on 7 September and took away four service rifles of the cops posted on guard duty of the political leader, a police official had said. The militants had decamped with two Insas rifles, one SLR rifle and a 303 rifle from the the cops. A departmental inquiry had been set up to probe the incident and security forces had been put on alert in south Kashmir to track the militants who carried out the incident, he said.

On Sunday evening, a soldier Sudesh Kumar of 6 Rajput Regiment was killed in sniper firing on the LoC in Tarkundi area of Rajouri, on a day when when India hosted leaders of a number of countries, including Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping, for Brics and Bimstec summits. The Pakistani army had earlier on Sunday opened unprovoked firing at Indian positions on the LoC in Rajouri district in the morning.

"Pakistan Army violated ceasefire in Naushera sector of the LoC using small arms. Our troops have responded befittingly using same calibre weapons," said defence spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Manish Mehta.

"Firing exchanges stopped at 8 am," he added. In the firing and shelling, five civilians and four armymen sustained injuries in Poonch district.

With inputs from agencies
Mumbai: A 72-year-old RTI activist was shot dead at point-blank range at his residence in suburban Santacruz by an unidentified person, police said on Sunday.

The activist, Bhupendra Vira, who had been fighting against land mafia, unauthorised structures and encroachments in and around Kalina, was attacked last night.

On Monday morning, two people were arrested for questioning, according to ANI.

Social activist and former AAP leader Anjali Damania, who had worked with Vira, alleged that he was targeted for taking on the land mafia and demanded immediate arrest of the accused.

"The assailant entered Vira's residence around 9 pm yesterday, put a gun to his temple and fired. The activist died on the spot," a police officer attached with Vakola police station said.

"A case of murder has been registered against an unidentified person and a police team has been formed to nab the accused. We are also questioning a few people in connection with the case," the officer said.

Another senior police officer said the motive behind the murder was not yet clear. "We are also inquiring whether Vira had approached the police with any complaint- that he faced threat to his life."

Vira is survived by a daughter and two sons. His body was sent to J J Hospital for post-mortem.

Meanwhile, social activist and former AAP leader Anjali Damania, who had worked with Vira, demanded immediate arrest of the accused.

She said Vira was attached to 'Voice of Kalina', an advanced locality management (ALM) body and a citizen's group.

Mumbai: Bhupendra Vira, 72 yr old RTI activist who worked against illegal encroachments and land mafia, shot dead pic.twitter.com/ErlSfsQKby  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

Describing him as committed social worker, Damania said, "Vira along with other members of the ALM were fighting against encroachments, illegal structures and land mafia in and around Kalina by filing RTIs. He had written several letters to authorities including, Lokayukta, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and police, seeking action against illegal structures."

According to her, several activists had received threats and many of them, including Vira, had filed several complaints at Vakola Police Station in this regard.

"Yesterday morning, Vira had persuaded the BMC authorities to issue four notices to a local goon living in the same area," Damania said.

Condemning the brutal murder of the "whistle-blower", Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Satish Jain said, "Vira very bravely took on the land mafia in Kalina which was eyeing several properties in that area, including Bhupendra's shop.

"The same mafia, led by an ex-Congress corporator, had stabbed Vira's son four years ago, when he decided to take them head on," he alleged.

"Vira's untiring efforts had resulted in the BMC ordering demolition of four illegal structures, apparently belonging to the mafia," he said.
New Delhi: "Nobody is above law" and a former judge of the Supreme Court is an "ordinary citizen". This was how some legal experts reacted to the apex court order asking its former judge Markandey Katju to appear personally before it to explain the "fundamental flaws", as claimed by him in the sensational Soumya rape case.

While welcoming the order, senior advocate and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Dushyant Dave said "powerful signals have been sent to those who bring disrepute to the organisation".

Its vice president and senior advocate Ajit Kumar Sinha was of the view that it is an "unprecedented" order and Justice Katju, who has become a "common citizen" after his retirement, has to clear his stand on the issue. Senior lawyer Meenakshi Arora termed the order as "undoubtedly unusual" but said "Let's take it as a positive fact that as a critic of a judgment, the court can ask for his assistance."

However, Sinha said as long as his blog is limited to criticising the judgement there will not be any problem but if he had exceed the limit by criticising the judge or the author of the judgement then it would take a different dimension.

"As long as somebody citicises the judgement, then it's not the problem. But if someone criticises the judge, then that is not right. The move by the Supreme Court is unprecedented," Sinha said.

A very respectful senior advocate and a good friend of Justice Katju told PTI on the condition of anonymity, "nobody is above the law" and if somebody scandalises the Supreme Court, it is entitled to ask him to explain.

"A Facebook post is also a public speech. But nobody is above the law. If someone scandalises the Supreme Court, they are entitled to ask him to explain. They have not issued any contempt. This is giving an opportunity to him to mellow down his comments," the senior lawyer said.

Dave, who was more forthcoming, said "This is a right move and I hope it teaches Justice Katju a lesson for impropriety."

"This is for the first time that a former Supreme Court judge has been asked to appear in court. I would say this is a welcome move by the Supreme Court. I hope powerful signals are sent to those who bring disrepute to the organisation, irrespective of the fact as to who they are," he said.

His colleague in the SCBA, Sinha said "After retirement, Justice Katju has also become a common citizen. He has been asked to appear in the court to explain his stand on the comment he made. I think, the bench thought it right that he himself should clear the stand. If he is able to substantiate his stand then the court will review. Else, consequences will follow.
By Sneha Alexander

* Rudal Shah, arrested in 1953, remained in Bihars Muzaffarpur jail for 30 years despite being acquitted in 1968.

* Boka Thakur, arrested at age 16, was jailed and detained without trial for 36 years in Bihars Madhubani jail.

Shah and Thakur are examples of 282,879 undertrials in Indian prisons, according to Prison Statistics 2014, a number equal to the population of the Caribbean nation of Barbados.

An IndiaSpend analysis of available data reveals the extent of the problem: Between 2010 and 2014, 25% undertrials had been jailed for more than one year. The percentage of undertrials to total prisoners has remained over 65% during this period.

In 2014, seven in 10 prisoners were undertrials, and two in 10 had been detained for more than one year without being convicted.

Undertrialsthose detained in prisons during trial, investigation or inquiryare presumed innocent till proven guilty. But they are often subjected to psychological and physical torture during detention and exposed to prison violence and poor living conditions. Many lose their family ties and, often, their livelihoods.

Undertrials tend to have restricted access to legal representatives for two reasons: Lack of resources and curtailed liberty to communicate with lawyers from within the jail premises. This is despite a 1980 Supreme Court ruling that Article 21 of the Constitution entitles prisoners to a fair and speedy trial as part of their fundamental right to life and liberty.

The court also pointed out that prisoners face a double handicapmost are poor, come from disadvantaged social groups, have little education, and their voices are rarely heard.

The judiciary and the government have admitted that many undertrials are poor people accused of minor offences, locked away for long periods because they dont know their rights and cannot access legal aid, Arijit Sen, manager, undertrials project at Amnesty International, an advocacy, told IndiaSpend in an email interview.

Undertrials often remain behind bars for years despite the provisions of Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) which came into effect in 2005. This section mandates the release, on personal bond with or without surety, of undertrial detainees who have been imprisoned for half the maximum sentence they would have received if convicted for the offence they are charged with.

This section does not apply to those who could be sentenced to death or life term. But 39% of those charged for crimes under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) couldnt be punished with life term or death penalty, Prison Statistics 2014 show.

As many as 122,056 undertrial prisoners (43%) have been detained for more than six months to more than five years by the end of 2014. Many of them have remained in prison for more than the period of punishment they would have got had they been convicted.

Source: Prison Statistics, National Crime Records Bureau

Source: National Crime Records Bureau

J&K has the worst record for detention over one year

The number of undertrial prisoners in all detention periods increased over five years, except in the case of detention up to three months. The highest increase was seen in the category of detention for three-to-five years.

More than 25% of undertrial prisoners in 16 out of 36 states and union territories have been detained for more than one year in 2014. Jammu and Kashmir leads this list with 54%, followed by Goa (50%) and Gujarat (42%). Uttar Pradesh leads in terms of sheer numbers (18,214).

An attempt at reform

In June 2013, in a letter to the Supreme Court, former Chief Justice of India RC Lahoti had talked about how inhuman conditions persisted in 1,382 prisons despite a series of court and government orders.

In response to this letter, which was later registered as a public interest writ petitionand despite the lukewarm response from the statesthe Supreme Court, in a landmark 2014 judgement, ordered the immediate release of undertrial prisoners eligible to benefit under Section 436A of the CrPc by establishing an Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) in every district, recommended by a 2013 interim order.

A UTRC includes the district judge, district magistrate and district superintendent of police, collectively responsible for speedy trials and review of cases. About 6,000 undertrial prisoners were released between July 1, 2015, and January 31, 2016. This is certainly a step in the right direction, Sen said.

However, those released were 2% of undertrial prisoners in Indian jails. The pendency rate of IPC crimes84% and 86% in 2014 and 2015, respectivelyshows how slow the process of change will be.

Why the reform had little impact

One of the major causes of high pendency is vacancies in lower courts, IndiaSpend reported in December 2015. It would take a minimum of 12 years to clear 25 million pending cases in Indian courts, IndiaSpend had reported.

There is also little awareness among police and prison inmates about Section 436A of the CrPC. This section, which is a procedural mandate under CrPC, is often mistaken for an offence under IPC, according to Amnesty International.

Non-functional UTRCs, discrepancies in prison records, poor management of information systems, lack of effective legal aid and cancellation of trials due to shortage of police escorts and video conference facilities are factors that keep the number of undertrial prisoners in Indian jails high, reported Amnesty International.

(Alexander is a policy analyst with BOOM, an independent digital journalism initiative.)
New Delhi: Supreme Court on Monday asked the CBI to conclude its investigation in the journalist Rajdev Ranjan murder case in Bihar within three months.

A bench comprising justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy made it clear that no accused in the murder case shall seek bail on the statutory ground that charge sheets have not been filed in the matter.

The bench also sought a report from the sessions judge at Siwan as to whether the two absconding offenders, Mohammad Kaif and Mohd Javed, were declared proclaimed offenders in the case on the day they were seen along with Bihar Health minister Tej Pratap Yadav and controversial RJD leader Shahabuddin.

Bihar government, meanwhile, told the bench that the two accused in question were not declared proclaimed offenders when they met the Bihar Health minister at Siwan.

Ranjan's wife Asha Ranjan had on 23 September claimed before the apex court that the CBI had not even started its probe in the case due to "political influence" and "fear of Shahabuddin".

The apex court had later directed the CBI to proceed with its probe into the scribe's murder and asked the Bihar police to provide protection to his family that has claimed threat to life from Shahabuddin.

The court had also sought the response of Shahabuddin, Bihar's health minister and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad's son Tej Pratap Yadav and Bihar government on a petition by Ranjan's wife, who has also sought transfer of the case from Siwan in Bihar to Delhi.

The RJD chief's son was seen in a photograph published in newspapers with one of the two sharp shooters of alleged gangster-turned-politician Shahabuddin.
Mumbai: The CBI on Monday told a special court that it will submit a supplementary charge sheet in the 2012 Sheena Bora murder case on 21 October. "We will file the final report on Friday," CBI prosecutors Bharat Badami and Kavita Patil told special judge HS Mahajan.

On Saturday, the agency had told the Bombay High Court that it will be filing a charge sheet in the case this week. Meanwhile, the special court suggested a timeline for the trial, with judge Mahajan saying that CBI, if possible, could start arguments on framing of charges when it submits the charge sheet.

"The charges can be framed by next week. Entire November month will go in complying with some formalities and we can start the trial by first week of December," the judge said. Sheena (24) was strangled in a car here in April 2012 allegedly by her mother Indrani Mukerjea, Indrani's former husband Sanjeev Khanna and her former driver Shyamvar Rai. Sheena's body was then dumped in a forest in neighbouring Raigad district.

In its charge sheet filed on 19 November last year, the CBI had named Indrani, Khanna and Rai as accused in the case. The trio were arrested in August last year after Rai spilled the beans while he was being interrogated in a case pertaining to illegal possession of arms.

Rai later turned approver in the case. According to investigators, Sheena's relationship with Rahul, son of Indrani's current husband and former media baron Peter Mukerjea, was the possible motive behind her murder apart from certain financial dealings. CBI had filed a charge sheet against Peter on 16 February for his alleged role in the murder plot. He was arrested on 19 November last year.

The agency had stated Sheena was killed as her relationship with Rahul was disapproved by Peter and Indrani both of whom were part of the plot to murder her.
Under Section 2(Q) of the Domestic Violence Law 2005, a complaint can be filed only against an adult man. The Supreme Court recently has expanded the list of harassers of women to include anyone at all including women.

This has produced an unwarranted negative reaction, bordering on feminists and their supporters panicking, with some of them going to the bizarre extent of saying that the Supreme Court has damaged the basic feature of the law by transforming it from protection to women to protection of men as well.

The apex court has done no such thing. In the event, the apprehensions are grossly exaggerated and borne of ignorance of the law.

The domestic violence law was conceived and framed to protect women from harassment and persecution including physical, financial and mental torture. But the Parliament or the draftsman, or both, committed a cardinal mistake while making the law.

They believed that the perpetrators of these unpardonable sins on women were always domineering or scheming men. It should have occurred to them, at least from mountains of anecdotal evidence as well as real life stories, that often the patriarch of the family, i.e, the villainous and rapacious father-in-law doesnt act on his own. The domineering mother-in-law might well have taken the lead or might have joined her husband with gusto in this vile act. After all, the daughter-in-law-mother-in-law animus is not a stuff of fiction or overwrought minds.

The apprehension that the domestic violence law could be hijacked by men in the wake of this judgment is simply unfounded, in fact borders on the hysterical. Has the Supreme Court anywhere said that harassed men could also seek redress under this law? No, even though a significant section of public opinion  mainly comprising men at the receiving end of trumped up charges of harassment of their spouses---strongly feels that domestic violence in no longer a one way street.

It is true that one instinctively links victims of domestic violence with women, but the country is aware of instances of men being browbeaten and hauled over coals by vengeful wives and their parents. Be that as it may because as said earlier the question of men getting redress under the domestic violence law does not arise as the law stands today i.e. even after the Supreme Court verdict.

The Supreme Court verdict must be hailed as refreshingly pragmatic.

Leaving women from the list of potential harassers of women was a serious omission by Parliament. Parliament is guilty of not waking up and owning up its humongous mistake in the eleven years after its enactment. In the event, an indirect censure from the apex court was always on cards.

But the Supreme Court has wisely refrained from reprimanding the Parliament. The critics of the SC verdict instead of pouncing on the gaffe by Parliament have strangely pounced on the highest judicial body entrusted with interpreting law and reading it down or expanding its scope whenever warranted. This is not a case of judicial activism but pragmatism and display of judicial boldness.
There is a 'debate' on Muslim Personal Law that is raging in English, Urdu and Hindi media but not so much in media in other languages whose speakers constitute a majority if the Muslims in the Indian Union. The debate started around the case of Shayara Bano when she challenged the constitutionality of Section 2 of the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, in so far as it seeks to recognise and validate polygamy, triple talaq and 'nikah halala'. In a pluralistic agglomeration like the Indian Union, when the government passes an opinion on the practices of a community, it is not as simple as it seems. In a political society, such opinions often reflect the biases and relationships that the incumbent political forces have vis-a-vis the particular community whose practices are being opinionated about. The Union government affidavit said that polygamy, triple talaq and 'nikah halala are not "integral to the practices of Islam or essential religious practices". When a government constituted largely by adherents of faith A, with the party in government considered politically not the best well-wisher of adherents of faith B, are in charge of interpreting what is or isnt integral to the practises faith B, it also evokes a response from the reactionaries from faith B. Thus, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has entered the picture and has vowed to oppose what is sees as the BJP governments design to interfere with personal law practices of Muslims.

On 13 October, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and a few other organizations held a press conference where they declared that Uniform Civil Code unacceptable to the Muslim community. Muslims are bound to follow Sharia in their religious matters. While the present debate is not about Uniform Civil Code, it shows that certain Muslim organizations that claim to represent the community at large have dug in their heels. As for the Uniform Civil Code question, for starters, there is no definition or common understanding what a uniform civil code will constitute. That is a separate debate. This press conference was highly publicized, well reported in media and could have been a great opportunity to put forward the reasons behind the no-change position on the issue of Muslim personal law. The white-haired uncles sitting behind the table at the press conference basically blew it. Their rhetoric showed that they have no idea of the optics in the time of image-powered live-media blitz, neither did they do any justice to Muslims at large by giving more fuel to the most damaging kind of allegations by majoritarian communal-nationalist elements against Muslims in the Indian Union. Lets look at what was said at the press conference, including the official press release that accompanied the event.

Why should the Government of India not interfere with the personal laws of Muslims? To underlines this point, it was said at the press conference that other groups are constitutionally allowed to keep their own social customs. The Nagas were cited as an example. Its a terrible example as far as Muslims are concerned. Nagas have always sought independence and have been forcibly integrated into the Indian Union. There have been numerous accords and treaties between the Nagas and the Government of India and the constitutional provisions reflect that negotiation. Even now, such negotiations are on. Thus, by arguing the Muslims case by giving the example of what is essentially an ethnic nationality provision for Nagas, the leaders at the press conference hinted that they look upon Muslims as constituting a nation because thats what Nagas look upon themselves as and the Nage specific provisions of the constitution reflect just that. The idea of looking upon Muslims as a separate nation, one of many from which the subcontinent is constituted, is not new. This was a widely held way of looking at the subcontinent and found its clearest ideological expression in the Two Nation theory. Subsequent developments like that of Bangladesh have shown that the subcontinent is actually constituted not by one nation (as Indian nationalists would like to believe), two nations (as Pakistani/Islamic nationalists would like to believe) but by many nations, not constituted by religion but by ethno-linguistic considerations. Nonetheless, by comparing the Muslim case to the Naga one, the Muslim leaders at the presser got it all wrong, both in terms of optics as well as substance.

As if to belabor the point that the above comparison was not a random thought, the speakers at the press conference went on and one about how what was being discussed had something to do with the unity and integrity of India. Again we see the long shadow of the idea of Muslims constituting a nation in India and that the Muslim assent to inclusion in India is based on the promise of certain protections and rights whose violation can reverse the earlier agreed compact. Whether this is true or not is immaterial. The Government of India has broken every ethical practice in the book while annexing many independent states like Sikkim and Manipur into the Indian Union and then reneged on promises made at the time of annexation, like in the case of Kashmir. But the point is - is that the line the leaders at a press conference on Muslim personal law want to take? This choice of imagery and comparison probably shows how limited their constituency is and how non-representative these organizations are.

This non-representativeness was apparent at the press conference itself where even tokenism was done with. There was no woman behind the table. A set of old men sat there. When a journalist probed this, it was told that AIMPLB does have female members and some were sitting in the front rows because there was not enough space at the main table. This point of exclusion due to lack of space at the main table that is dominated by older males comes as a telling allegory of the nature of disconnect and lack of representativeness these organizations suffer from but are never ready to admit, let alone reform.

And there are other elements of non-representation and indeed those of suppression of representation. What precisely is the All India Muslim Personal Law Board? Its a self appointed non-statutory organization whose members are not elected democratically from the vast community of Muslims in the Indian Union. Urdu speaking North-Indian Muslims predominate way beyond their numbers. Ahmaddiyas are not allowed to be on the board in clear contravention of the fact that Indian law considers them as Muslims. But the most egregious exclusion is that on the question of caste. Pasmanda Muslims or native Muslims who dont trace their origin beyond India constitute an overwhelming majority of Muslims in the Indian Union.

It is only natural that this majority of Muslims who constitute upwards of 80 percent of Muslims would have at least 50 percent of the seats in any body that calls itself to be representative in terms of Muslim affairs. That is not so. Pasmanda Muslims are severely marginalized if not often completely absent, not only in the All India Muslim Personal Law Board but in most of the organizations that co-convened that press conference on 13th October. These included the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Jamaat e Islami Hind, Muslim Majlis e Mushawarat, Milli Council and the Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadees. All these are dominated by upper caste Muslims (ashrafs) who claim foreign ancestry at some point in the past. It is not as if these organizations are oblivious to the glaring question of caste. That is apparent from its press release where it rightly mentions Dalits separately from Hindus, this meaning on savarnas by the term Hindu. In fact it goes far enough to claim that Hindus and Dalits represent different faith  People of the country following diverse faiths  Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Dalits, Adivasis etc jointly fought the freedom and liberated the nation from the clutches of the British. However, when it comes to representing Pasmanda Muslims in accordance with their numbers and articulating the Pasmanda position as being separate from the Ashraf position (similar to the Hindi/Dalit separateness that it claims), what we see is a gaping, hypocritical blind-spot.

Muslims of the Indian Union do need to have a say about their personal laws, especially when there are debates about change in these laws. It is for the simple reason that it affects them. But who speaks for Muslims? It can't be left to self-appointed elites who fall on the wrong side of representation on the axis of caste, language and gender. Neither can it be left to folks who speak to such a small fan-base that they do not understand the dangers to suggesting in 2016 during BJP rule that the Muslim question is comparable to other nationality questions. These are the best Diwali gifts that the Hindu majoritarian forces could get. Reactionaries help each other  thus cementing their own legitimacy as the voice of a community, helping iron over the issue of their non-representativeness. Those who assembled behind the table at the press conference on 13th October proved that once again by the nature of their rhetoric and practice.
Ahead of the crucial Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls in 2017, Congress may face a major setback as reports are saying that its former UP unit president Rita Bahuguna Joshi is likely to join BJP.

However, Vijay Bahuguna  brother of Rita Bahuguna Joshi  told ANI that these reports were just rumours and there was no truth in them.

These are just rumours,no truth in them: Vijay Bahuguna,BJP leader on reports of his sister Rita Bahuguna Joshi joining BJP from Congress  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

Vijay Bahuguna himself had earlier this year joined the BJP after he, along with nine other Congress rebel MLAs in Uttarakhand, were sacked from the Congress, which had led to the Uttarakhand political crisis and temporary imposition of President's rule in the state.

Ironically, before Vijay joined BJP, the Congress high command in Uttarakhand had asked Rita to persuade her elder brother Vijay Bahuguna not to align with the opposition BJP and return home with dignity, PTI had reported.

Congress had believed that Rita would succeed in dissuading her brother from taking a confrontationist course with his own government.

Rita Bahuguna Joshi had led the party in the previous UP Assembly polls in which the Congress had performed poorly. The party has projected Sheila Dikshit as its CM candidate for the upcoming polls.

News18 reported that sources close to Rita said that she was upset with the party for having projected an "outsider" like Sheila Dikshit as the CM candidate.

Rita is the daughter of former Congress leader and UP CM Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna. She joined politics when she was nominated by SP as its mayor candidate from Allahabad. It was after she won that election that she quit the SP and joined the Congress.

With inputs from PTI
Ahmedabad: Reacting to Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal's visit to the state, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Sunday said the people were fed up with his "lies".

"Entire country is saddened by his comments supporting Pakistan and people are fed up with his lies, and I believe his words have no meaning," Rupani said, when asked about Kejriwal's tirade against his government during his ongoing four-day visit.

Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha member Purshottam Rupala said people were protesting against Kejriwal because of his comments seeking proof of Army's surgical strikes in PoK.

"Did (BJP president) Amit Shah conspire to make his rally unsuccessful? He (Kejriwal) should understand that after the surgical strikes, he went asking to provide proof to Pakistan. People are protesting because of this, and don't try to link this with Amit Shah," Rupala said.

Kejriwal and AAP had alleged that Shah was trying to stop his Surat rally.

State BJP president Jitu Vaghani termed Kejriwal's comments during his Gujarat visit as "political stunt".

"He is doing a political stunt to stay in the media glare and and blames our national president. I would like to ask him and Delhi public wants to know, have you fulfilled many of your promises made to them?" sai Vaghani.

Kejriwal, visiting Gujarat ahead of next year's Assembly polls, met families of youths killed during Patidar reservation agitation last year.

He addressed a public rally in Surat today and termed Amit Shah a "traitor" while calling the Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel "true patriot".
Rajgir: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday made an overture to his Uttar Pradesh counterpart Akhilesh Yadav, who is locked in a family feud, to enforce prohibition which he said will help him come out of the "family shadow" and win the state Assembly elections.

"There is a saying in English  No risk, No gain... you are young... take a risk (of implementing prohibition) to come out of the family shadow and ensure victory in elections," Kumar said delivering his maiden speech as JD(U) national president in Rajgir, Bihar's Nalanda district.

"You take the risk and I will strongly back you," said Kumar, who has made eight trips to UP in recent months with the message of prohibition and wants to play a significant role in the crucial Assembly polls there early next year by bringing together a strong grouping of secular forces.

Coming down heavily on Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, Kumar said "We had offered him the post of president in the reunited Janata Parivar and also the head of the group in Parliament. But, he walked out and the role he played in Bihar elections, it seems brought him a curse, which has been manifested in the intense feud in his party."

Kumar was speaking at the plenary session of the two-day JD(U) national council meeting which ended today. His appointment as JD(U) president was ratified by the council in which over 170 delegates from 23 states participated.

Kumar told party workers from across the country that the message of prohibition was a "positive agenda" to build a national alternative to the present dispensation at the Centre, which rode to power on the basis of "advertisement".

The JD(U) plenary session started with an obituary to the soldiers killed in Pathankot and Uri terror strikes.

"While we stand solidly behind the PM and the Centre on guarding our country from terror attacks and also do not support seeking proof for the strikes, it is duty of the PM to stop any party or leader putting out hoardings to take credit for this in view of elections," Kumar said criticising BJP leaders for putting out hoardings and praising the PM for the surgical strikes inside PoK with the UP elections in view.

"Stop writing love letters to Pakistan and reply them strongly in the language they understand," he said.

"Yesterday at the BRICS summit, the PM described our neighbour (Pakistan) as birthplace of terrorism. I support him and JD(U) stands solidly with the Centre on issues concerning our security and external diplomacy," Kumar said.

On the issue of triple Talaq, the JD(U) president said "Our stand is clear. The issue should be settled by leaders and people of that community keeping in view the interest of Muslim women. There is no need for the government to interfere in the matter."

"Since 1996 we have made our stand clear that we are not in favour of Common Civil Code, tampering with Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and that the Ayodhya issue should be settled either through a court order or after agreement between members of the two communities," he said.

Former JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav and former Jharkhand CM and JVM chief Babulal Marandi were present at the session.

Marandi, who was invited at the plenary session as a special guest, was feted by Kumar and other leaders.

"The country needs a strong alternative and the responsibility is on you (Nitish) to explore the formation of this alternative," Marandi said, giving wings to JD(U)'s desire that Nitish Kumar play an important role in the national politics by uniting the secular forces.

"Nitish Kumar, who has done a wonderful job in Bihar, is now wanted by people outside the state...Nitish Kumar as a credible face is wanted in the country where people are looking for a leader who does not have any discrepancy in words and deeds," he said.

Praising Marandi for his work as the first CM of Jharkhand, Kumar said "Jharkhand will again prosper when Babulal Marandi as future CM will implement prohibition in that state like it has been done in Bihar."

Kumar counted achievements of the grand secular government headed by him in Bihar and asserted that "rule of law" prevailed in the state.

The Bihar CM reeled 2015 figures of the National Crime Record Bureau, which said while the national average of cognisable crime was 234.2 per lakh, it was 171.6 in Bihar.

Bihar stands at 22nd position in terms of crime as per the NCRB report of 2015, he said dismissing the Opposition's "jungle raj" barb on his coalition government

Nitish Kumar, Sharad Yadav, Marandi, K C Tyagi and other leaders came down heavily on the NDA government for renegading on Narendra Modi's poll promises.

Sharad Yadav in his speech said BJP talks of one country, one law. On this, I say one country, one law and one caste. If BJP agrees on this I am with them," he said slamming the saffron party's stand on triple Talaq.

Former Union Minister and JD(U) chief of Kerala, M P Veerendra Kumar recounted the historical and emotional connection of Bihar with the southern states and urged Nitish Kumar to play a significant role at the national level.
Chandigarh: Opposition Congress party will greet Prime Minister Narendra Modi by burning effigies of 'Chitta Ravana' when he visits Ludhiana city in Punjab on Tuesday.

Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh will lead the party leaders in burning the effigy of 'Chitta Ravana' (colloquial term for synthetic drugs in Punjab) at the site of the Dusshera-eve clash between Youth Akali Dal and Congress leaders in Ludhiana last week.

Modi will attend an event of medium and small enterprises in Ludhiana on 18 October.

"As soon as Modi starts speaking, the 'Chitta Ravana' will go up in flames," Amarinder Singh said.

"I will personally burn the Chitta Ravana, let them try and stop me if they can," Amarinder said, challenging the Akali Dal government in the state.

"I want to show the Prime Minister what kind of goondas he is supporting," he added.

Amarinder said the Congress leaders will burn 'Chitta Ravana' effigies in all the 117 assembly constituencies of the state on Tuesday.

The Congress leadership had blockaded Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's official residence for the last three days, demanding action against Punjab Police officers who allegedly played a partisan role in the Youth Akali Dal-Congress clash on 10 October and later booked six Congress leaders.

The sit-in outside Badal's residence here, which continued even at night, ended on Saturday night.

The protest ended after the Punjab government ordered the transfer of Ludhiana Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Jaswinder Singh on Saturday evening.

Badal also ordered Director General of Police Suresh Arora to probe the clash.

The Akali Dal leadership is getting edgy over the 'Chitta Ravana' issue as the Congress party accused some Akali Dal leaders of patronising the illegal drugs trade in the state.
Ahead of the upcoming UP Assembly polls, Bihar Chief Minister and newly appointed JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar on Monday hit out at Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, while backing his son Akhilesh Yadav.

Lashing out at the SP supremo, Nitish recalled the period before Bihar Assembly election, when he tried to bring Samajwadis under the grand alliance canopy.

"All of us met and garlanded Mulayam ji. We told him, you be the chairman, you decide the party symbol, you take the lead. Despite that he ditched the alliance," he said.

Nitish said that everyone knows how Mulayam tried to jeopardise the chances of the grand alliance before the 2015 Bihar Assembly election, adding "jo bhi aaj ho raha hai shayad usi ka abhishap hai (whatever is happening today  an apparent reference to the Yadav family feud  is because of the curse of his actions).

"They claimed that they will fight the ideology of BJP, but now they are bogged down with their internal rifts," Nitish added reflectively, while taking a dig at the infighting within the Yadav clan. "Ye sab accha thodi lagta hai (All this is unfortunate)," Nitish said.

The Bihar chief minister, however, lauded his UP counterpart and called Akhilesh a fresh, young leader who has potential. "I would request Akhilesh ji to show courage and impose liquor ban in UP and he wouldn't need anyone else's support... If need be, we will back him up," Nitish said. His comments, against the backdrop of the apparent differences between Akhilesh and Mulayam, are being seen as a subtle hint to Akhilesh. By reaching out to Akhilesh, Nitish gave a clear message that he may side with Akhilesh, if the situation arises to choose between the father and the son.

The party, meanwhile, sent mixed signals on whether it was keen on forming a post-poll alliance with the SP.

Party general secretary KC Tyagi said that Nitish Kumar, who was the face of the coming together of secular forces to defeat the BJP and RSS, would try to expand the party in other states. The UP Assembly polls would be the first major event for Nitish as the JD(U) chief and Tyagi said that Nitish was making all efforts to bring together non-BJP forces on one platform, but the two major parties in most populous state  SP and BSP  are not responding positively.

"SP and BSP are not responding positively to the efforts to bring all non-BJP parties at one platform in UP. They are maintaining a distance from other secular forces which might give advantage to BJP," said Tyagi. "Ideally, the SP and BSP should have come together like the JD(U) and RJD did in Bihar to defeat the BJP and RSS in UP," he said.

The party general secretary, however, said JD(U) with RLD of Ajit Singh and other parties like one floated by rebel BSP leader RK Chaudhary is trying to strengthen secular forces in the UP.

"We will not create any hurdles in the way of SP of Mulayam Singh Yadav or BSP of Mayawati in UP poll," he added.

Nitish Kumar was on Sunday formally appointed the JD(U) president, pushing him for a bigger role in national politics, at the party's national council meeting in Nalanda district. Although the party desisted from formally declaring him its prime ministerial candidate for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, prominent party leaders dropped enough hints that Nitish would be the face of the party at all fronts.

Tyagi also referred to Nitish as "PM material with secularist, non-dynastic and non-casteist credentials."

With inputs from PTI
Vienna: The house in Austria where Adolf Hitler was born is to be torn down to stop it from becoming a neo-Nazi shrine, authorities said on Monday after years of bitter legal wrangling.

"The Hitler house will be torn down. The foundations can remain but a new building will be erected. It will be used by either a charity or the local authorities," Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka told Austrian newspaper Die Presse.

He said the decision was based on the recommendations of an expert committee tasked with deciding what to do with the controversial building in the quaint northern town of Braunau am Inn.

The huge yellow house has been empty since 2011 when the government became embroiled in a dispute with owner and local resident Gerlinde Pommer.

For more than a century, her family has owned the large corner house where Hitler was born on 20 April, 1889.

In the early 1970s, the Austrian government signed a lease with Pommer and turned the premises into a centre for people with disabilities.

But the arrangement came to an abrupt end five years ago when Pommer unexpectedly refused to grant permission for much-needed renovation works.

She also rejected a purchase offer made by the increasingly exasperated interior ministry. In July, the government approved legislation to seize the house from Pommer.

An interior ministry spokesman told AFP on Monday that the law amendment was still "under way"  meaning that parliament has yet to approve the demolition.

"But there is now a clear perspective regarding the future of the building under the ownership of the Austrian republic," Karl-Heinz Grundboeck said.

The issue has sparked heated debate among Braunau's 17,000 residents. Some wanted it to become a refugee centre, others a museum dedicated to Austria's liberation from Nazi rule. A number of cultural organisations previously opposed the building's demolition because it is part of the historic city centre and therefore under heritage protection.
Beijing: On Sunday China moved a step closer to establish its permanent space station by 2022 as it launched a spacecraft carrying two astronauts, in its longest-ever manned space mission, who would later join its second experimental space lab orbiting the Earth.

Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng, 50, and Chen Dong, 37, were blasted off into space by Shenzhou-11 (heavenly vessel) spacecraft at 7:30 am local time (5 am IST) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre near the Gobi Desert in northern China. The launch was telecasted live by the state-run China Central Television (CCTV).

The Shenzhou-11 was put into orbit by a Long March-2F carrier rocket.

It will dock with orbiting space lab Tiangong-2 in two days and the astronauts will stay in the lab for 30 days, Wu Ping, Deputy Director of China's manned space engineering office said.

Hours before the lift-off, the two astronauts appeared in good spirits and answered several questions.

"Although the job is challenging, risky and dangerous, there is nothing more I would rather do," Jing, who is commander of this mission, told reporters.

It will be Jing's third spaceflight following his Shenzhou-7 mission in September 2008 and Shenzhou-9 mission in March 2012.

"(For this mission) we have improved our ability to deal with emergencies, first aid and space experiments," Jing said.

"I will treasure every moment in space and ensure I record my experience in my diary and enjoy the out-of-this-world scenery," Chen said.

China, which conducted its first manned space mission in 2003, is putting in billions into its space programme in a bid to catch up with the US and Europe. It also plans to launch its maiden Mars mission in 2020 to match India and others.

China has said its space programme is for peaceful purposes, but it has also tested anti-satellite missiles in addition to its civilian aims.

The Shenzhou-11 spaceship will return to Earth within a day after docking the two astronauts on Tiangong-2 space lab and separating from it, Wu said.

Jing will command the mission to the space lab which was launched last month.

With a safe flight record of 1,500 hours as an air force pilot, Chen became China's second group of astronauts in May 2010, and was selected as a crew member of the Shenzhou-11 mission in June 2016, Wu said.

This will be his first space mission.

The space lab was launched as part of China's efforts to set up its own manned space station by 2022, which will make it the only the country to have such a facility in service as the current in-service International Space Station (ISS) retires by 2024.

Other objectives of the manned space mission include aerospace medical experiments, space science experiments and in-orbit maintenance with human participation, as well as other activities, Wu said.

The two astronauts will undertake ultrasound tests during space travel for the first time, cultivate plants in space, and test the three winners of an experiment design competition run in Hong Kong for secondary school students.

Several technical alterations have been made to Shenzhou- 11, though its main functions and technical parameters are basically the same as Shenzhou-10, Wu said.

Lei Fanpei, chairman of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), recently said China plans to launch the experimental core module of its space station around 2018 with a Long March-5 heavy load carrier rocket, and the 20 ton combination space station will be sent into orbit around 2022.

The space station has a designed life of 10 years in orbit 400 km above the earth surface. With this space station, China will become the second country after Russia to have developed a space station.

China made a three-step strategy in 1992 for its manned space programme, the large-scale manned space station being the last step.

Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping who is currently in India to attend the BRICS summit congratulated the space scientists for the successful launch, saying that it is a milestone in China's space programme.

His message of congratulations was read by Fan Changlong, Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the overall high command of the Chinese military. The President is the chairman of CMC.

In Beijing, Premier Li Keqiang watched the successful launch from the Beijing Control Centre of the space mission.
By Andrea Shalal

| BERLIN

BERLIN German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that Germany was ready to play a larger military role than in the past in the service of closer European defence cooperation."Change is necessary. Isolation and self-blockades will not solve the problems we face in the world, in Europe, or here in our country," von der Leyen told a biennial gathering of 200 top military officials, citing Russia's more aggressive actions, the ravages of the Syrian war and brewing challenges in Africa."Germany is ready to engage ... to take more responsibility," she said. "This is the right path, but it will require an enormous commitment of time and money."Von der Leyen said the Finance Ministry had agreed to boost defence spending by a total of 10 billion euros through 2020 to help procure equipment and increase personnel.The hike still needs the approval of parliament, and is only a step toward von der Leyen's goal of spending 130 billion euros on investment programmes by 2030.

Germany, Europe's largest economy, and France are pushing to strengthen European defence cooperation after Britain's June vote to leave the European Union. They insist the effort is not aimed at building a European army.Spain and Italy have backed the proposal, but Britain is resistant, worried that greater EU security cooperation could weaken the NATO alliance.After decades of reluctance to engage in major military operations, Germany is now playing a bigger role in the U.S.-led coalition that is fighting the Islamic State militant group in Iraq, including carrying out surveillance flights and supplying weapons to Kurdish Peshmerga forces.

"Germany is not making itself out to be bigger than it is, but also not smaller than it is," von der Leyen said. The minister said Europe, with its 500 million citizens, combined annual military budget of over 200 billion euros and 1.5 million troops, was far from reaching its potential in the security realm.She said the push to strengthen European security cooperation was not intended to compete with NATO, which was working hard to strengthen its defences in eastern Europe and counter Russia's military buildup there.

But she said Europe needed new structures, such as a central medical command to better coordinate the response to crises such as the Ebola epidemic in Africa, a joint logistics command modelled on the existing European transportation command, and more joint efforts to develop and build new weapons."We must be able to react quickly," she said, noting that it now often took months to respond to events.Von der Leyen said Germany would also continue to expand its bilateral security agreements, including joint military forces that it operates with the Netherlands, Poland and France. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Kevin Liffey)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Khazer (Iraq): Iraqi government and Kurdish forces, backed by US-led coalition air and ground support, launched coordinated military operations early on Monday as the long-awaited fight to wrest the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State fighters got underway. Convoys of Iraqi, Kurdish and US forces moved east of Mosul along the front line as US-led coalition airstrikes sent plumes of smokes into the air and heavy artillery rounds could be heard.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the operations on state television, launching the country on its toughest battle since American troops left nearly five years ago. Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, has been under Islamic State rule for more than two years and is still home to more than a million civilians according to UN estimates.

"These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity. They are there for your sake," al-Abadi said, addressing the city's residents and using the Arabic language acronym for the Islamic State group. "God willing, we shall win," he added, flanked by military commanders.

The push to retake Mosul will be the largest military operation in Iraq since American troops left in 2011 and, if successful, the biggest blow yet to the Islamic State. Al-Abadi pledged the fight for the city would lead to the liberation of all Iraqi territory from the militants this year. In Washington, Defense Secretary Ash Carter called the launch of the Mosul operation "a decisive moment in the campaign" to deliver a lasting defeat to Islamic State.

Iraqi forces have been massing around the city in recent days, including elite special forces that are expected to lead the charge into the city, as well as Kurdish forces, Sunni tribal fighters, federal police and Shiite militia forces.

South of Mosul, Iraqi military units are based at the sprawling Qayara air base, but to the city's east, men are camped out in abandoned homes as the tens of thousands of troops massed around the city have overwhelmed the few military bases in the area.

Kurdish forces are stationed to the north and east of Mosul, a mostly Sunni city that has long been a center of insurgent activity and anti-central government sentiment after the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Iraqi officials have warned that the Mosul operation has been rushed before a political agreement has been set for how the city will be governed after Islamic State.

Lt. Col. Amozhgar Taher with Iraq's Kurdish forces, also known as the peshmerga, said his men would only move to retake a cluster of mostly Christian and Shabak villages east of Mosul and would not enter the city itself due to their concern for "sectarian sensitivities."

"To eliminate the threat we must eliminate (Islamic State) from Mosul," Taher said at a makeshift base in an abandoned house along the front line, some 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Mosul.

Iraqi special forces Lt. Col. Ali Hussein said the Kurdish forces are leading the first push on Mosul's eastern front. His men were also anxious to move out to the front line, though he said he expects they will wait near the town of Khazer for another day or two.

Mosul fell to Islamic State fighters during the militants' June 2014 blitz that left nearly a third of Iraq in the extremists' hands and plunged the country into its most severe crisis since the US-led invasion. After seizing Mosul, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi visited the city to declare an Islamic caliphate that at one point covered nearly a third of Iraq and Syria.

But since late last year, the militants have suffered battlefield losses in Iraq and their power in the country has largely shrunk to Mosul and small towns in the country's north and west. Mosul is about 360 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of the capital, Baghdad.

The operation to retake Mosul is expected to be the most complex yet for Iraq's military, which has been rebuilding from its humiliating 2014 defeat.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, said in a statement that the operation to regain control of Mosul could take "weeks, possibly longer."

Earlier, Iraqi Brig. Gen Haider Fadhil told The Associated Press in an interview that more than 25,000 troops, including paramilitary forces made up of Sunni tribal fighters and Shiite militias, will take part in the offensive that will be launched from five directions around the city.

The role of the Shiite militias has been particularly sensitive, as Nineveh, where Mosul is located, is a majority Sunni province and Shiite militia forces have been accused of carrying out abuses against civilians in other operations in majority Sunni parts of Iraq.

Fadhil voiced concern about potential action from Turkish troops based in the region of Bashiqa, northeast of Mosul. Turkey sent troops to the area late last year to train anti-IS fighters there. But Baghdad has seen the Turkish presence as a "blatant violation" of Iraqi sovereignty and has demanded the Turkish troops withdraw, a call Ankara has ignored.

Military operations are also predicted to displace 200,000 to a million people, according to the United Nations. Just a few kilometers from the eastern front line, rows of empty camps for displaced civilians line the road, but aid groups say they only have enough space for some 100,000 people.

In Geneva, a senior UN official said he's "extremely concerned" for the safety of civilians in Mosul. Stephen O'Brien, the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said that as many as "1 million people may be forced to flee their homes in a worst-case scenario."

He warned that families are at "extreme risk" of being caught in crossfire, and that tens of thousands may end up besieged or held as human shields and thousands could be forcibly expelled.

Aleksandar Milutinovic, the Iraq country director for the International Rescue Committee, said the population of Mosul is not all supporters of Islamic State, "they're just people who had no other opportunity or a place to go" and urged Iraqi forces to "show will and a very serious commitment to protecting civilians and ensuring their wellbeing."

In the midst of a deep financial crisis, the Iraqi government says it lacks the funds to adequately prepare for the humanitarian fallout of the Mosul fight. In some cases commanders say they are encouraging civilians to stay in their homes rather than flee.

"While we may be celebrating a military victory (after the Mosul operation is complete)," said Falah Mustafa, the foreign minister for Iraq's Kurdish region, "we don't want to have also created a humanitarian catastrophe."
By Andrew Osborn

| MOSCOW

MOSCOW Russia accused Britain of political censorship on Monday after a British state-owned bank withdrew its services from Kremlin-backed Russian broadcaster RT.RT said NatWest, owned by Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS), which is majority-controlled by the British government, had not explained why it was withdrawing its banking services in Britain and accused the bank of attacking freedom of speech.A spokeswoman for RBS declined to comment.Western critics dismiss RT, whose British arm produces UK-specific content, as a Kremlin mouthpiece designed to sow disinformation. The channel, previously known as Russia Today, says it offers a refreshing Russian-slanted alternative take on global events to mainstream Western media.NatWest's decision is likely to inject further tension into relations between Moscow and London, already strained over Syria and Ukraine, and make it harder for RT to operate in Britain, something the channel said it would continue doing regardless."The situation will cause some insurmountable obstacles for the normal functioning of the channel in Britain," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding it was deeply concerned and would raise the matter with British authorities.

"This gives rise to the thought that the bank has taken the decision in agreement with official London to get rid of a news resource that is inconvenient for the official narrative but popular among the British public."RT, which counts President Vladimir Putin among its supporters and relies on Russian state funds, said the bank's decision was consistent with "countless measures" taken in Britain and elsewhere in Europe to try to impede its work.

'A MATTER FOR THE BANK'

A spokeswoman for Prime Minister Theresa May distanced the British government from the row, saying it was up to NatWest who it offered services to based on its own appetite for risk.In a letter published on RT's web site, NatWest said it had decided to withdraw its services after "careful consideration". It did not offer an explanation for what it said was a final ruling, but said it would cancel RT's services from Dec. 12.

Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT, reacted sarcastically on social media, writing "Long live freedom of speech!".British broadcast regulator Ofcom has ruled against RT in the past, saying programmes on Syria and Ukraine were misleading and flouted Britain's broadcasting code. RT has called those decisions unfair. A similar row erupted last year when the Russian government accused Barclays of censorship after the British bank accounts of state news agency Rossiya Segodnya were shut. The agency's head, Dmitry Kiselyov, is on a European Union sanctions list related to Russia's actions in Ukraine. (Additional reporting by Katya Golubkova in Moscow and Andrew MacAskill, Elizabeth Piper and Kylie MacLellan in London; Editing by Catherine Evans)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Moscow: An unidentified man on Monday blew himself up at the state-owned TV centre in Abkhazia, a tiny Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia, local officials said.

"A man blew himself up on the territory of the TV centre. It was obviously clear that he had a bomb," Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Abkhaz interior minister Aslan Kobakhiya as saying.

Interfax news wire reported that the blast occurred at the entrance to the TV station's headquarters in the Abkhaz capital Sukhumi.

It cited the separatist region's emergency services ministry as saying the "corpse of a bearded man" was found at the scene.

Investigators were probing the incident and the Abkhaz president Raul Khajimba insisted that it was "too early to talk about an attempted terrorist attack".

"Let's wait for the results of the investigation. We have not even managed to identify the man who blew himself up," Khajimba, a former officer in the Soviet-era KGB spy agency, told Interfax.

As a precautionary measure Khajimba ordered security around public places, including schools and kindergartens, in the Black Sea region of some 250,000 people to be stepped up.

Abkhazia has claimed independence from Georgia since an armed conflict in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Russia recognised the region as independent following a brief conflict with Georgia in 2008 over another breakaway region, South Ossetia, and has thousands of troops stationed there.

Georgia insists that the two regions are under de facto Russian occupation.

Abkhazia has seen a protracted political standoff between the region's self-declared authorities and its opposition since former leader Alexander Ankvab was ousted in 2014.
Irbil (Iraq): Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of military operations to liberate the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State militants on Sunday, launching the country on its toughest battle since American troops left nearly five years ago.

State TV aired a brief statement announcing the start of the widely anticipated military offensive to drive IS out of Iraq's second-largest city.

Broadcasts showed the prime minister, dressed in the uniform of the elite counterterrorism forces, speaking while flanked by senior military officers.

"These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity. They are there for your sake," he told the city's residents, using an alternate name for the militant group. "God willing, we shall win."

The thuds of sporadic artillery shelling rumbled across the rolling Nineveh plains in the direction of Mosul, witnesses said. State TV broadcast patriotic music within minutes of the announcement.

The push to retake Mosul will be the biggest military operation in Iraq since American troops left in 2011 and, if successful, the strongest blow yet to the Islamic State. A statement on Al-Abadi's website pledged the fight for the city marked a new phase that would lead to the liberation of all Iraqi territory from the militants this year.

In Washington, Defence Secretary Ash Carter called the start of Iraqi operations to liberate Mosul "a decisive moment in the campaign" to deliver a lasting defeat to the Islamic State group.

Carter said the United States and other members of the international coalition "stand ready to support the Iraqi Security Forces, Peshmerga fighters and the people of Iraq in the difficult fight ahead."

Iraqi forces have been massing around the city in recent days. They include members of the elite special forces, who are expected to lead the charge into the city itself.

Mosul is home to more than a million civilians. The city fell to IS fighters during a lightning charge in June 2014 that left nearly a third of Iraq in militants' hands and plunged the country into its most severe crisis since the US-led invasion in 2003.

After seizing Mosul, IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi visited the city to declare an Islamic caliphate that at one point covered nearly a third of Iraq and Syria.

But since late last year, the militants have suffered battlefield losses in Iraq and their power in the country has largely shrunk to Mosul and small towns in the country's north and west. Mosul is about 360 kilometres northwest of the capital, Baghdad.

The operation to retake Mosul is expected to be the most complex yet for Iraq's military, which has been rebuilding from its humiliating 2014 defeat.
Yangon: KFC's grinning Colonel Sanders and his goatee are among the few prominent signs of US brands or business in Myanmar's biggest city, Yangon.

That will likely change after President Barack Obama ended most remaining US sanctions against this fledgling democracy on 7 October. But much hinges on how the government led by former political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi revamps the country's outdated laws and other policies.

The US had earlier broad prohibitions on investment and trade imposed on this Southeast Asian country of about 60 million over the past two decades. The more targeted restrictions that ended earlier this month were mostly on dealings with army-owned companies and officials and associates of the former ruling junta. A ban on imports of jadeite and rubies from Myanmar also ended.

Up to now, the rush to invest in Myanmar has been dominated by Asian countries, especially China, its main investor and trading partner during its years of isolation. Most US businesses and many other Western ones stayed away, mindful of fines potentially in the millions of dollars and jail terms of up to 20 years.

Foreign investment slowed earlier this year, as companies awaited changes in the investment law, company law and other regulations.

"Genuinely a lot of American business was extraordinarily wary of the sanctions, especially for financial services because of the massive fines," said Sean Turnell, a Myanmar expert and adviser to Suu Kyi's government.

For many Western, not just U.S. firms, restrictions on financial transactions in U.S. dollars, which are processed by banks doing business in the U.S., were the biggest constraint.

"It was too hard, the market is too small and profits were pretty small beer compared to the fines they could get," said Turnell. "You had great difficulty just moving money in and out of the country."

The garment industry could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the end to sanctions. The United States stopped giving Myanmar special market access under the Generalized System of Preferences in 1989 due to worker rights concerns. When those benefits are restored on 13 November it will regain the right to export about 5,000 products to the United States duty-free.

Nay Aung, whose travel services company, Oway, has launched a car-booking app that is providing about 500-600 rides a day in Yangon, is hoping that will help drive an export boom.

"If multinationals come in, we will benefit," he said. "For us, if the country grows, we are the beneficiary of those investments."

Myanmar was governed by a military junta for more than a half-century. Nearly five years since it began its shift toward a civilian government and a year since Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party won a landslide election, the country is still just beginning to develop a modern financial sector and rebuild its crumbling roads, ports and buildings, many of which date to Britain's colonial rule.

The new leadership is grappling with extreme poverty, civil war with several ethnic minorities, rampant corruption and narcotics and human trafficking. Massive illegal trade in goods like jade and timber continues.

The sanctions were just part of the problems laid out in a report by the American Chamber of Commerce in July. Chief complaints included a decision by the city government in Yangon, the country's commercial capital, to stop issuing the licenses for new parking spaces that are required to buy new vehicles. That was a blow to big foreign automakers like Chevy and Toyota that want to sell new cars there, but a boon for the already thriving trade in used vehicles from Japan, left-hand cars and trucks widely used on Myanmar's right-hand drive roads.

Still, the country's young, inexpensive workforce and low living standards offer huge potential for growth. GE, on its website, describes Myanmar as a "new sweet spot" for growth in Southeast Asia.

Japanese and other Asian investors have been piling in.

Aeon, Japan's equivalent of Walmart, opened an office in Yangon in 2014 and has a thriving microfinance business. Its first supermarket in Myanmar, a joint venture with a local retailer, opened in the city's Okalapa township in late September, offering thousands of products, most of them imported from Thailand.

Even the KFC, which opened across the street from Yangon's Bogyoke Market in 2015, is a franchise set up by Singapore-listed Myanmar conglomerate Yoma Strategic Holdings.

Some other major US brands got a head start, including Coca-Cola, which has a factory producing for the local market. Ball Corp. has a factory in Yangon's Thilawa Special Economic Zone making cans for Coca-Cola. MasterCard is expanding in the area of ATM cards.

GE is active in energy and other sectors and leases Boeing 737-800s to the country's national airlines. ConocoPhillips and Chevron have stakes in oil and gas exploration and development. Some U.S. businesses, like Caterpillar, have distribution tie-ups in Myanmar with local or other foreign companies.

But the total $248 million US companies have committed since 1988 amounts to less than 1 percent of total foreign investment of about $60 billion. China has invested more than $25 billion, according to Chinese figures.

Trade with the US has also been modest.

Myanmar's imports from the US totaled $227 million in 2015, while exports from Myanmar to the U.S. amounted to $142 million, mostly dried peas, rattan and wood products and travel goods like backpacks, according to the US Trade Representatives website.

The lifting of sanctions is bound to benefit big players no longer on the sanctions lists, like the ex-junta chief, Than Shwe, and Stephen Law, founder of one of the nation's largest conglomerates, whose late father was once described by Treasury as one of the world's key heroin traffickers.

But at the other end of the spectrum, there likely will be little immediate impact, said Jes Kaliebe Petersen of Phandeeyar, a local non-profit devoted to helping start-ups and entrepreneurship.

Ending sanctions has a "signal value," suggesting lower risks of doing business in Myanmar, says Petersen, who is Danish. What remains, though, are problems typical of a frontier economy, such as a dysfunctional financial system, bad roads, and a legal system that has yet to catch up with the country's political evolution.

"It took three months to get money wired into Yangon just to pay my rent," Petersen said when asked about the challenges of doing business in Myanmar. "But on a micro-level, I've never had a single conversation about the sanctions."
Recently, Morocco  a country with a majority of moderate Muslims  arrested 10 women who allegedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS). They had planned to carry out suicide bombings across the country. The Moroccan authorities have reported that these jihadist women had built "close relationships with several terrorists affiliated with Daesh (IS) based on the Syrian-Iraqi border", as reported in Firstpost.

The emergence of this all-female terror cell hallmarks a shift in IS modus-operandi in the Islamic countries. In Morocco, the all-girl terrorist cell is actively operating particularly in the vulnerable Moroccan cities such as Kenitra, Tan Tan, Sidi Slimane, Sale, Tangier, Oulad Taima, Zagora and Sidi Taibi, as reported in various Arabic and English national dailies of the country. The Moroccan Times has quoted the head of Moroccos Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) as saying: Some of them were lured to IS, thanks to the family ties they have with Moroccan fighters who had joined Daesh in Iraq and Syria. These IS-inspired women in Morocco were planning to attack "vital installations" and had tried to obtain the chemicals used to make explosive belts. However Moroccos Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations has averted the all-female terrorist cell.

This incident has left a note of introspection for us Muslims  particularly for those still living in denial. The all-female IS cell comprised of 10 membersmost of them minor girls. To our horror, Abdelhak al-Khiyam, the head of Moroccos Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations has revealed during his press conference in Rabat in the wake of this incident: The terrorist organisation (IS) has moved now to lure minors, girls who dont have yet the mental abilities to differentiate the good from the bad.. Some of those young girls even started making artisan bombs.IS played on their minds, and some of the arrested minors married virtually with some of the terrorists based in Iraq and Syria.

But merely expressing shock and distress over the growing attraction of women towards the violent extremism and obscurantism is pointless. At this critical juncture, the most important question we need to address is: why womenand more surprisingly the educated onesare getting lured to the IS theocracy, while the outfit is known for its misogynistic and male-chauvinistic atrocities. There is no iota of doubt that ISIS terrorists have maimed women capturing them as sex slaves and jihadi brides in their occupied lands. Abhorring this virulent jihadism, the worlds leading Islamic scholars have declared the ISIS as NISIS (Not-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) or AISIS (Anti-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).

But the jihadist women  majority of them being converts or neo-Muslimas  rely on online sources for their guidance or what they call Hidayah. Thorough online extremist websites, they are indoctrinated into a dogmatic, retrogressive and a utopian Islamism intoxicated with the man-made Shariah. Thus, they indulge in the ungodly acts of extremism and dogmatism in the name of God, as their faith turns into a dire psychological disorder.

Such indoctrinated women who loudly claim to do anything for Islam are not fascinated towards the traditional spiritual Islam or progressive Islamic thinking. But rather, they are driven by a network of half-educated, misguided and extremist youthsmost of them being males. Scores of bright students of science, medicine and engineering have reportedly terminated their education aiming for an Islamic state or Shariah-controlled zone where everything is pure, perfect and idealistic. The ten women in Morocco appeared to have the full conviction in this aim. They strongly believed they were following the only righteous path of Islam and that their adherence to the so-called Islamic state was the surest way to salvation.

There could be no better instance of how the mainstream Muslims are losing Islam to the radical Islamists. At a time when the worlds progressive Muslims are outraged at the pre-Islamic Arabian practice of keeping sex slaves, IS and its supporters have revived it in different formsclearly with the help of the Muslim women joining the cult.

An almost identical situation is emerging in the Indian Muslim polity. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has begun a signature campaign, asking Muslim women if they want Shariah law or the Uniform Civil Code governing their matters. An overwhelming and sizeable unity on the triple talaq has been formed with the consensus among the puritanical Indian maulvis. A surging crowd is merging ahead in different parts of the country lashing out at the Law Commission. All this is going on in the name of Tahaffuz-e-Shariah (protection of the Shariah). Regardless of the theological polemics on the triple talaq, the question arises: where does this unity go when Muslim women are denied their right to Talaq-e-Tafweez (womens right to divorce by way of a prenuptial agreement)?

In fact, the Quran enunciates that women should be treated on a par with men in every respect, including the right to divorce (talaq). But shockingly enough, the obscurantist and misogynist interpretation of Islam is catching the imagination of not only the male-chauvinistic herds, but also the well-spirited Muslim women in great numbers. In a twisted understanding of Islam, many Muslim women have blindly accepted the misplaced patriarchy and several misogynist decrees in the name of Shariah. They are seeking an ideal Islamic state where there is no question on the fatwas issued by the mullahs. Such a short-sighted worldview is ideologically buttressed by the well-established female-oriented Islamic organisations and seminaries in India. To our utter surprise, scores of women were in the forefront in their unconditional support to the controversial Islamist televangelist in India Zakir Naik.

In a Firstpost article, this writer has explained how Naik justified the vile custom of sex slavery by stating that "Quran allows Muslims to have sex with female slaves." In fact, the entire like-minded misogynist Islamist clergy misinterpret the verses in the Quran. But the gullible Muslim women take no cognisance of the mullahs male-chauvinism and fall prey to their loud claims of being the flag-bearers of the true and pure Islam. Cherry-picking Quranic verses and prophetic sayings (hadiths), the misogynist maulvis quote the Islamic scriptures which the common Muslim women recognise as beyond debate. That being the case, one wonders how the mainstream Muslims opposing the obscurantism, misogynism, male-chauvinism and all forms of extremism are going to win this war within Islam. Clearly, they will lose Islam to the radical Islamists if the womenfolk the family-makers  are radicalised.

The author is a scholar of Comparative Religion, Classical Arabic and Islamic sciences, cultural analyst and researcher in Media and Communication Studies. Views are personal. Write to him at grdehlavi@gmail.com
WASHINGTON A Russian plan to halt Russian and Syrian attacks on Aleppo for eight hours on Thursday to allow civilians and rebels to leave the Syrian city is too little, too late, the U.S. State Department said on Monday.If the plan leads to "an eight-hour pause in the unremitting suffering of the people of Aleppo, that would be a good thing, but frankly it's a bit too little, too late," State Department spokesman Mark Toner told a daily briefing when asked about the plan announced by the Russian Defense Ministry.

(Reporting by Arshad Mohammed; Writing by Mohammad Zargham; Editing by Eric Walsh)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
BERLIN Senior party allies of German Chancellor Angela Merkel are increasingly indicating that they expect her to run for a fourth term in office in 2017 even though her popularity has dipped under the impact of the migrant crisis.Merkel, 62, who has been chancellor since 2005, has repeatedly declined to comment on whether she will run in 2017, saying only that she will make her intentions clear in due course. In September she said she was still motivated.But a senior ally of Merkel's said he did not see any other realistic alternative for the post of chairwoman of the Christian Democrats (CDU) - a role which is likely to be filled by the party's top candidate for chancellor."As far as I know, there's no one else who is preparing to run for this office," said Peter Tauber, secretary general of the CDU, when asked whether he expected candidates other than Merkel to run for party chair at its conference in December.

In an interview with Tagesspiegel newspaper on Sunday, Tauber pointed to Merkel's view that one person should fill the roles of both party chair and chancellor.Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen, a CDU member who is often rumoured to be a possible successor to Merkel, told a gathering of senior military leaders on Monday that she hoped to continue serving in her current role beyond the election.

CDU member Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is premier of the state of Saarland, said of the vote for party chair: "There will be one female candidate," adding the party would elect that candidate with a big majority.Though Merkel is seen as one of the most successful chancellors of post-unification Germany, her popularity has declined since her decision last year to allow hundreds of thousands of migrants into the country.

But an Infratest dimap poll published on Oct. 6 showed that 54 percent of Germans were satisfied with her work, up 9 points compared with September. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke and Andrea Shalal; Writing by Michelle Martin; Editing by Richard Balmforth)

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CAIRO Syria's national security chief met a senior Egyptian intelligence official in Cairo, Syria's state news agency said on Monday, in the latest sign of a rift between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which backs Syrian rebels.Ali Mamlouk met the deputy chief of the national security department in Egyptian General Intelligence, Khaled Fawzi, on a one-day visit following an invitation from Cairo, SANA reported."The two sides agreed to coordinate politically and on fighting the terrorism both countries now face," SANA said.Egyptian security sources told Reuters this was Mamlouk's third such visit this year but the first to be made public as a message to Saudi Arabia that Egypt would pursue an independent foreign policy.Egypt this month voted in favour of a Russian-backed U.N. resolution on Syria that excluded calls to stop bombing Aleppo, which Saudi Arabia strongly opposed. The move was the latest indication of a rift between the two allies and came a week after a halt to shipments of Saudi fuel to Egypt under a $23 billion aid deal.

Russian aircraft and Syrian forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have been bombarding rebel-controlled districts of Aleppo since the collapse of an internationally-brokered ceasefire last month.The United States and some European states have accused Moscow and Syria of committing atrocities, but Russian officials deny that and accuse the West of abetting terrorists.Egypt has been courting warmer ties with Russia, Saudi Arabia's foe in the Syrian conflict, and supports Moscow's decision to bomb the country in support of Assad.

Saudi Arabia, which has showered Egypt with billions of dollars of aid since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took power in mid-2013, is a leading backer of rebels fighting against Assad. Security sources said Mamlouk's visit was made public to show Egypt would not bow to outside pressures.

Egypt also asked Mamlouk for Syrian intelligence on fighters coming to Egypt from Syria, the sources said, and for an update on behind the scenes talks between Russian and Syrian officials.Syria talks convened by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in the Swiss city of Lausanne on Saturday evening failed to agree on a common strategy with Russia to end the conflict, now in its sixth year.Kerry hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and seven foreign ministers from the region - from Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt - weeks after the collapse of a painstakingly crafted U.S.-Russian ceasefire plan that many saw as the last hope for peace this year. (Reporting by Ahmed Mohamed Hassan and Mostafa Hashem; Writing by Ahmed Aboulenein; Editing by Tom Heneghan)

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SIRTE, Libya U.S. aircraft hit Islamic State targets with more 30 strikes over the last three days on the Libyan city of Sirte as pro-government forces push into its last militant-held districts, the U.S. military said on Monday.Libyan forces are close to ending a six-month campaign to liberate Sirte from Islamic State, which took over the city more than a year after taking advantage of factional infighting that emerged after the fall of strongman Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.Forces mostly from nearby Misrata city are pushing ahead street by street, facing snipers and suicide bombers. They are helped by U.S. air strikes since August and coordination with small teams of Western special forces on the ground.On Sunday, Libyan forces recaptured the city's Cambo area, and swept out tunnels used by militants to hide and prepare ambushes, and seized a field hospital. They found charred bodies of militants hit by air strikes. A Reuters reporter at the scene said they also came across booby traps using grenades and rocket shells.

"At the moment, the forces are preparing to enter Ghiza Bahriya district," Rida Essa, media official with the pro-government forces, said. U.S. aircraft carried out 36 strikes from Friday to Saturday mostly on enemy fighting positions but also on a car bomb, according to a U.S. Africa Command statement on Monday.

The loss of Sirte would close down Islamic State's main stronghold in North Africa and its only base outside Iraq and Syria, just as the militant group comes under pressure in the Iraqi city of Mosul.Islamic State steadily imposed control on Sirte a year ago, and used the city as a base to launch attacks on oilfields and ports as well as to target checkpoints in nearby Misrata.

Since Gaddafi's fall in a war in 2011, Libya has slipped steadily in the fractional fighting among brigades of former rebels who first battled the strongman and then turned against each another. Islamic State profited from the security vacuum.The Misrata forces leading the Sirte campaign back a U.N.-supported government in Tripoli that is trying to bring the rival factions together. But the Sirte campaign has also prompted moves by eastern commander Khalifa Haftar, who rejects the Tripoli government, to extend his influence. (Reporting by Hani Amara and Ismail Zitouny in Sirte and Ahmed Elumami in Tripoli; Writing by Patrick Markey; Editing by Tom Heneghan)

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United Nations: The UN deputy Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief voiced grave concern at risks faced by civilians as operations to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul began.

"I am extremely concerned for the safety of up to 1.5 million people living in Mosul who may be impacted by military operations to retake the city from ISIL," Stephen O'Brien said, referring to the Islamic State jihadist group.

He warned that "families are at extreme risk of being caught in cross-fire or targeted by snipers."

The northern city was where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi publicly proclaimed a "caliphate" straddling Iraq and Syria in June 2014.

With the support of Iran and a US-led coalition, Iraqi forces have since regained much of the ground lost to Islamic State. Mosul is the extremist group's last major stronghold in Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said only government forces will enter Mosul, a Sunni-majority city that Islamic State seized with relative ease partly amid local resentment towards the Shiite-dominated security forces.

"Depending on the intensity and scope of the fighting, as many as one million people may be forced to flee their homes in a worst-case scenario," O'Brien said in a UN statement on Sunday.

Indeed, children and elderly are among those at greatest risk, he said.

"Tens of thousands of Iraqi girls, boys, women and men may be under siege or held as human shields. Thousands may be forcibly expelled or trapped between the fighting lines," O'Brien added.

US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said the operation was key to defeating the jihadist group.

"This is a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver ISIL a lasting defeat," Carter said in a statement.

"We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISIL's hatred and brutality."
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The annual Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) opened on Saturday at Studio City Macau. Themed as The Growing Consumer Class  Rethinking and Reshaping the Future Tourism Landscape, the fifth edition of this conference gathered over 120 ministerial officials, leaders of international corporations, as well as experts and scholars. The aim of the discussion was to zero in on how this group, through their resourcefulness and use of technology, is increasingly becoming the influential force in the tourism industry.

According to the organizers, this edition is being attended by over 1,000 delegates from many countries and cities around the world, including delegations from the events partner country (France) and partner city (Beijing).

During the opening ceremony, Edmund Ho, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of GTEF, remarked: Tourism is an economic activity beneficial to the society, an industry peacefully bridging the world together, and a core industry promoting regional cooperation and connectivity.
The leaders of five of the worlds rising powers ended a two-day summit yesterday with a pledge to speed global economic recovery as well as fight terrorism and extremism, forces that they said pose a threat to regional and international peace and stability.

Meeting in the state of Goa in southwestern India, the five countries known collectively as BRICS  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  adopted a final declaration endorsing their commitment to act against the financing of terror groups and their supplies of weapons and other equipment.

We agree that those who nurture, shelter and support the forces of violence and terror are as much a threat as the terrorists themselves, the declaration said.

Presidents Xi Jinping of China, Vladimir Putin of Russia, Michel Temer of Brazil and Jacob Zuma of South Africa, and their host, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also vowed in the declaration to tackle the global economic slowdown and reform the worlds financial architecture.

The group, which represents nearly half of the worlds population and a quarter of its economy, with a combined annual GDP of USD16.6 trillion, renewed its commitment to speed global recovery by investing in infrastructure projects and the manufacturing sector.

The BRICS leaders adopted three agreements, including two to set up separate research networks for developing agriculture and railways. They agreed to crack down on economic crime by fighting tax evasion, money laundering and corruption.

We have agreed to make the BRICS a strong voice on emerging regional and global issues, Modi told reporters.

The BRICs leaders stressed the need to strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection, and hailed the early entry into force of the Paris climate agreement.

The BRICS nations agreed that the New Development Bank, which the group set up in 2014, should continue to focus on infrastructure, technology and renewable energy sectors, adding that in order to further bridge the gap in the global financial architecture, we agreed to fast track the setting up of a BRICS credit rating agency.

In a world of new security challenges and continuing economic uncertainties, BRICS stands as a beacon of peace, potential and promise, Modi said.

The thrust of the declaration reflected the flagging economic fortunes of the BRICS countries in recent years due to the global slowdown.

In Russia, the decline in global oil and commodity prices coupled with biting Western sanctions have dealt a blow to the economy. The Chinese economy has slowed to its slowest pace in 25 years, although its 7 percent growth rate still places it among the fastest-growing global economies.

South Africa remains caught in severe economic turmoil, with the countrys credit rating at risk of being downgraded to junk by the end of the year.

Brazil is only just emerging from months of the worst economic recession it has seen since the 1930s, a situation that was further worsened by recent political turmoil.

India, although the fastest-growing country in the world at 7.5 percent annually, is grappling with widespread poverty and the challenge of strikes against militants in Kashmir.

The high priority that the summits final declaration gave to fighting extremism will likely be seen as a major victory for India. New Delhi has long been trying to gather international support for the fight against terrorism stemming from its own concerns about militants who it says cross the border from Pakistan into Indian-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan denies the allegation. Nirmala George, Benaulim, AP

Security tight at Indian beach resort venue of BRICS summit

Indias beach resort state of Goa was turned into a high-security zone Saturday, with thousands of paramilitary troops, coast guard personnel and police officers guarding venues where the leaders of five emerging market economies are meeting over the weekend. Sniffer dogs and troops with mine detectors combed the white sandy beaches adjacent to the five-star hotel in the village of Benaulim where the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa were meeting for their eighth BRICS summit, beginning with a dinner on Saturday.
Over the next five years, the government will implement new measures to train more members within human resource teams to be able to speak both Chinese and Portuguese in order to better serve the city. The Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) made the announcement on Friday at the conclusion of a meeting held between the non-tertiary education committee and the youth affairs committee of the DSEJ.

Tang Wai Keong, director of the DSEJ presidents office, told the media that the government will expand its support in order to train Chinese and Portuguese speaking human resources. Currently, scholarships are offered only to students of Chinese and Portuguese translation, but the future additional measures will expand to training human resources in finance, accounting and engineering fields, Tang informed.

The goal of the expansion is to aid the commercial and trade cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Tang elaborated on this point, saying, scholarships will help in training talented people, particularly in regards with finance and accounting, for the China and Portuguese-speaking countries trade platform. In the past, we were already paying close attention to Portuguese-speaking talented people. This year, more scholarships will be arranged to support them. The government will continue to invest and support the training of talented people in learning how to speak Portuguese.

According to Tang, starting from the academic year of 2016/2017, the Portuguese classes will be given priority within the educational curricula in local schools. This is a measure written in the SARs Five-Year plan.

Schools will be required to have a minimum number of hours of Portuguese courses. In addition, more private schools will add Portuguese courses to their educational programmes and lectures will use Portuguese as the language of instruction.

The cooperation between Macau and Portugal regarding education will mean that courses and departments evolve, and in the long term this will ensure a pathway for Macau resident students who want to pursue tertiary degrees in Portugal.

Increased scholarship quotas will also be assigned to the tertiary education section in order to support college leavers choosing Portuguese as their university major. The scholarship will also apply to students choosing Chinese-Portuguese translation courses.

More subsidies will be provided to teachers and students to participate in exams to obtain professional certificates, including Portuguese proficiency certificates. As revealed by Tang, the DSEJ has been preparing the establishment of a language training center, located at Seac Pai Van.

Fridays DSEJ meeting introduced a middle-term review of the ten-year non-tertiary education development. The review shows that during 2011 to 2014, the government investments in non-tertiary education increased 15.2 percent. In the academic year of 2013/2014, gross high school enrolment rate was 92.5 percent, compared to 82.7 percent in the academic year of 2010/2011; university enrolment rate was 90.2 percent, 4.3 percent more than that of 2010/2011.

The grade retention in primary school, middle school and high school recorded at 2.5 percent, 8.5 percent, and 3.4 percent in the year of 2013/2014, respectively, compared to 4.2 percent, 11.8 percent and 4.8 percent of the academic year of 2010/2011. Julie Zhou
The worlds oldest-ever panda in captivity was euthanized yesterday at the Hong Kong theme park where she lived because her health had deteriorated.

Ocean Park said in a statement that a veterinarian euthanized 38-year-old Jia Jia to prevent further suffering and for ethical reasons.

Guinness World Records recognized Jia Jia as the oldest giant panda to live in captivity. The average lifespan for a panda in the wild is 18 to 20 years, while in captivity its 30 years, according to Guinness.

Born in the wild, Jia Jia was taken to live at a wildlife reserves breeding center in central Chinas Sichuan province in 1980, when she was around 2 years old.

She and another panda, An An, were given to Hong Kong as a gift from Beijing in 1999, on the second anniversary of the citys handover from Britain to China.

Pandas, a beloved symbol of China, were long considered one of the worlds most endangered animals, although last month a leading international group lowered its classification to vulnerable.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature cited conservation efforts that helped the wild panda population jump to 1,864 in 2014 from 1,596 in 2004. However, the Chinese government rejected the groups decision, saying the pandas status was no less serious because its natural habitats have been splintered by human and natural causes.

Jia Jia, who celebrated her birthday in August, had shown signs of poor health in her old age, including high blood pressure and arthritis, which required regular medication. Over the past two weeks, her condition had worsened significantly, with her weight falling as she stopped eating.

This is a day we knew would eventually come, but it is nevertheless a sad day for everyone at the park, especially for the parks keepers who took care of her over the years, Ocean Parks chairman, Leo Kung, said in the statement.

Three other pandas still live at Ocean Park  30-year-old An An, and Ying Ying and Le Le, both 11. AP
China is preparing to launch a manned spacecraft today, marking a crucial step toward the countrys ambition to build and operate its first space station by 2020.

The spacecraft is scheduled to blast off on a Long March-2F carrier rocket at 7.30 a.m. Beijing time from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in western Gansu province, Wu Ping, deputy director of China Manned Space Agency, told reporters Sunday. It will be Beijings third space-lab mission this year.

The worlds second-largest economy has spent billions in the past decade to compete in a space race with the U.S. and Russia, as well as Asian rivals India and Japan, with plans to send an astronaut to the moon by about 2025 and to land an unmanned vehicle on Mars.

Astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong will dock with orbiting space lab Tiangong-2 within two days. They will stay 30 days in the space lab, which was launched last month.

In 2003, China became the third nation to send a man into space and successfully completed its first docking mission with an orbiting space lab in 2011. David Ramli, Keith Zhai, Bloomberg
Nearly 200 nations have reached a deal, announced Saturday morning after all-night negotiations, to limit the use of greenhouse gases far more powerful than carbon dioxide in a major effort to fight climate change.

The talks on hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, were called the first test of global will since the historic Paris Agreement to cut carbon emissions was reached last year. HFCs are described as the worlds fastest-growing climate pollutant and are used in air conditioners and refrigerators. Experts say cutting them is the fastest way to reduce global warming.

President Barack Obama, in a statement Saturday, called the new deal an ambitious and far-reaching solution to this looming crisis. The spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called it critically important.

The agreement, unlike the broader Paris one, is legally binding. It caps and reduces the use of HFCs in a gradual process beginning by 2019 with action by developed countries including the United States, the worlds second-worst polluter. More than 100 developing countries, including China, the worlds top carbon emitter, will start taking action by 2024, when HFC consumption levels should peak.

A small group of countries including India, Pakistan and some Gulf states pushed for and secured a later start in 2028, saying their economies need more time to grow. Thats three years earlier than India, the worlds third-worst polluter, had first proposed.

Its a very historic moment, and we are all very delighted that we have come to this point where we can reach a consensus and agree to most of the issues that were on the table, said Indias chief delegate, Ajay Narayan Jha.

Environmental groups had hoped that the deal could reduce global warming by a half-degree Celsius by the end of this century. This agreement gets about 90 percent of the way there, said Durwood Zaelke, president of the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development.

Zaelkes group said this is the largest temperature reduction ever achieved by a single agreement.

The new agreement is equal to stopping the entire worlds fossil-fuel CO2 emissions for more than two years, David Doniger, climate and clean air program director with the Natural Resources Defense Council, said in a statement.

It is estimated that the agreement will cut the global levels of HFCs by 80 to 85 percent by 2047, the World Resources Institute said in a statement.

Experts said they hope that market forces will help speed up the limits agreed to in the deal.

HFCs were introduced in the 1980s as a substitute for ozone-depleting gases. But their danger has grown as air conditioner and refrigerator sales have soared in emerging economies like China and India. HFCs are also found in inhalers and insulating foams.

Major economies have debated how quickly to phase out HFCs. The United States, whose delegation was led by Secretary of State John Kerry, and Western countries want quick action. Nations such as India want to give their industries more time to adjust.

Thank God we got to this agreement that is good for all nations, that takes into consideration all regional and national issues, said Taha Mohamed Zatari, the head of Saudi Arabias negotiating team.

Small island states and many African countries had pushed for early timeframes, saying they face the biggest threat from climate change.

It may not be entirely what the islands wanted, but it is a good deal, Mattlan Zackhras, the minister-in-assistance to the president of the Marshall Islands, said in a statement. We all know we must go further, and we will go further.

The U.N. says the next meeting in 2017 will determine how much of the billions of dollars needed to finance the reduction of HFCs will be provided by countries.

HFCs are less plentiful than carbon dioxide, but Kerry said last month that they currently emit as much pollution as 300 coal-fired power plants each year. That amount will rise significantly over the coming decades as air conditioning units and refrigerators reach hundreds of millions of new people.

HFCs dont harm the ozone layer like chlorofluorocarbons and similar gases that were eliminated under the 1987 Montreal Protocol. The entire world ratified that agreement, helping to repair holes in the ozone that helps shield the planet from the harmful rays of the sun. The aim of this meeting was to attach an amendment to that treaty dealing specifically with HFCs. Bradley Klapper, Ignatius Ssuuna, AP
North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Saturday that immediately exploded after launch. The missile was thought to be a mid-range weapon capable of hitting U.S. military bases in Japan or Guam in a move that comes as the international community considers further sanctions on the isolated nation.

The projectile, believed to be a Musudan missile, was fired from near an airfield in the western city of Kusong, at 12:33 a.m. South Korean time, according to a statement from South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The failed launch shows North Koreas launch capability isnt perfect, so Kim Jong Un might fire a Musudan again or any other missile soon given his temper, Yoo Dong Ryul, President of Korea Institute of Liberal Democracy in Seoul, said by phone.

Military officials from South Korea and U.S. shared information on the launch and concluded Sunday that the missile seems to be a Musudan, South Koreas JCS said. The launch of a ballistic is an apparent violation of UN Security Council resolutions and South Korea strongly denounces illegal provocation by North Korea, the Joint Chiefs said in a statement.

This latest provocation comes after the launch of 22 ballistic missiles and tests of two nuclear devices already this year  all against United Nations resolutions. Saturdays firing had been anticipated as a way to commemorate the Oct. 10 anniversary of the founding of the workers party.

With sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council in March failing to stop Pyongyangs nuclear ambitions, the U.S. and its allies are striving to come up with stronger measures. China, North Koreas only major ally and by far its biggest trading partner, is locked in negotiations with the U.S. over curbing its energy trade with North Korea. South Korea last month picked a site to deploy a U.S. missile system aimed at defending the nation from any North Korean attack.

North Korea is likely to continue to test its weapons as it aims to further develop its capacity to make smaller and lighter warheads that can fit into its intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Institute for Far Eastern Studies said in a report on Sept. 30.

The weekend launch puts the situation in a new phase, Japans Defense Minister Tomomi Inada said in a Fuji television program on Sunday, adding Tokyo is seeking a new response to the threat. Kanga Kong, Heejin Kim, Bloomberg
Pope Francis canonized Argentinas gaucho priest yesterday, bestowing sainthood on the poncho-wearing pastor with whom the first Argentine pope shares many similarities, from a taste for mate tea to a dedication to bringing the ministry to even the most isolated people.

Francis honored Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero along with six others in a Mass before a crowd of 80,000 in St. Peters Square, saying the new saints, thanks to prayer, had generous and steadfast hearts.

The saints are men and women who enter fully into the mystery of prayer. Men and women who struggle with prayer, letting the Holy Spirit pray and struggle in them, the pope said.

Also made into saints were two Italian priests, Lodovico Pavoni and Alfonso Maria Fusco, French martyr Salomone Leclercq, French nun Elisabeth of the Trinity, Spanish bishop Manuel Gonzalez Garcia and Mexican layman Jose Sanchez del Rio.

Born in 1849 in the province of Cordoba, Brochero was one of the most famous Catholics in the Argentina of Francis youth. He died in 1914 after living for years with leprosy that he was said to have contracted from one of his faithful.

Brochero was beatified in 2013, after Pope Benedict XVI signed off on a miracle attributed to his intercession. Francis moved Brochero closer to sainthood soon after being elected pope, and cleared him for sainthood earlier this year.

At the time of Brocheros beatification, Francis wrote a letter to Argentinas bishops praising Brochero for having had the smell of his sheep. Thats a phrase Francis has frequently used to describe his ideal pastor: one who accompanies his flock, walking with them through lifes ups and downs.

He never stayed in the parish office. He got on his mule and went out to find people like a priest of the street  to the point of getting leprosy, Francis wrote.

A papal biographer, Austen Ivereigh, says Brochero exemplifies Francis idea of a priest.

Among the parallels shared by the two Argentines is Brocheros spirituality, which is deeply rooted in the Jesuit spiritual exercises dear to Francis. Francis, who like Brochero adores his mate tea, has exhorted his pastors to travel to far-flung peripheries to minister to the poor, as Brochero did on his trusty mule Malacara.

Argentinians, many waving flags, made the journey themselves to Rome to see Brochero elevated to sainthood, including Argentine President Mauricio Macri and his wife. AP
The 2016 Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), which was held over the weekend and brought a large number of worldwide experts in the tourism field to the region, concluded yesterday evening after two intense days of discussions. The main topic of these discussions was the Growing Consumer Class and how this class is reshaping the tourism landscape.

During the final remarks, the vice chairman and secretary-general of GTEF, Pansy Ho, highlighted Chinas Premier Li Keqiangs belief that Macau is a region gifted with attractions and capable of becoming a world tourism and leisure center.

GTEF has embarked on a wonderful journey of making friends and allies through creating synergies and common objectives in sharing and nurturing an invaluable platform via tourism economy to continue pursuing positive and sustainable economic growth and social harmony among nations, said Ho, adding: This forum is a strong bridge between Asia and Europe today and will continue to create a much needed bridged between the East and the West.

Ho also remarked that focus on consumers is always a logical topic as they are the most important component in tourism development. This GTEF shared the view that tourism is not seen as a luxury anymore but as a natural need worldwide. The forum also noted a series of connections between tourism and all other industries, as well as some strategic points in which those other industries can benefit from .

Also remarking on the results achieved by the forum, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and Vice Chairman of the GTEF, said in these two days, the forum has outlined the latest prospect for the global tourism industry and the new normal in the tourism economy from a broad vision and advanced angle, inspiring key decision-makers in the industry. She added that smart tourism will be transformed into a new dynamic for regional cooperation across the globe.

On the importance of GTEF for the region, the MGTO head remarked on how the industry is one of the regions pillars as well as highlighting the strategic position of Macau in this context as well as its status.

By hosting the forum, we not only demonstrate Macaus strategic position in promoting multicultural and international interchanges but also embrace a great opportunity to raise Macaus international profile, Senna Fernandes said.

During the closing ceremony of the event, the Central and Eastern Europeans countries were mentioned as the new partner countries for GTEFs 2017 edition. Gusztav Bienerth, government commissioner for Tourism of Hungary, briefly presented the latest tourism development update on these countries, anticipating some of the topics and discussions expected in next years edition.

Discrimination claims rejected

Speaking during the press conference that kicked off the froum, Helena de Senna Fernandes rejected the claims of discrimination against Indian and Iranian visitors as the Times previously reported.

I can say its not an issue of discrimination. Perhaps they [police officers] have access to some information we are unaware of, which can raise some security concerns. Of course we must continue to talk to our police authorities to prevent any unpleasant situations, the MGTO head said.

Several cases recently reported indicated that many Indian tourists and even Miss Iran had troubles to enter the territory although the into force visa-free policy for such visitors.

Tourists holding passports from several countries have reportedly been asked to show proof of hotel reservations, return flight tickets and at least MOP5,000 in cash.
Donald Trump continued to push back yesterday as polls show his support among women faltering after several allegations of sexual misconduct and the disclosure of a years-old videotape in which the billionaire bragged about forcing himself on women.

The Republican presidential nominee tweeted early Sunday that hes lost large numbers of women voters based on made up events THAT NEVER HAPPENED, and repeated an assertion that the media is rigging the election for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

A new CBS poll of 13 battleground states shows women voters favor Clinton by 15 points over Trump, versus a 5-point edge held by the Democrat a month ago. Thats powered Clinton to a 6-point overall lead in the states surveyed.

The noise surrounding the allegations threatens to drown out Trumps policy ideas, most recently including a plan unveiled on Saturday to combat growing opioid addiction in the U.S. While discussing the plan at a rally in New Hampshire, Trump challenged his Democratic competitor to take a drug test before their final debate this week.

Trump also couldnt completely drop the subject of sex. In Charlotte, North Carolina, on Friday night, he vowed to stick to the issues, moments before referencing his sex life. You would be very impressed, actually, with my life in so many regards, including that regard, he said.

On Saturday, Trump rallied in front of boisterous crowds in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Bangor, Maine, and finally at a Bollywood-themed Hindu event in Edison, New Jersey.

The events came a day after two more women came forward with accusations of sexual harassment against Trump, which he has denied with vigor. Hes linked the stream of allegations to a theory the presidential race is being tilted by the media in favor of Hillary Clinton.

The election is being rigged by the corrupt media pushing completely false allegations and outright lies in an effort to elect her president, Trump said in Portsmouth.

Alluding to one of the allegations, in which an accuser says he groped her for a period of about 15 minutes, Trump sought to refute the claim on the grounds of common sense: Fifteen minutes? With the ladies in this place, itd be one second and then itd be, Smack, Trump said before a crowd of about 5,000 people at a car dealership.

Trump has been on the defensive since the Washington Post on Oct. 7 reported on a recording of the real-estate developer talking in 2005 about being able to do anything to women because of his fame. Figures released on Saturday show hes also trailing Clinton in fund-raising by a wide margin and is spending heavily on direct-mail marketing.

In Bangor, Trump mostly avoided discussing the sexual-harassment allegations. They take these lies and they put em on the front pages, he said.

Trump ended the evening by speaking to several thousand people in a convention hall at the Republican Hindu Coalition in Edison. He made no mention of the allegations at that event.

He spoke in between performances of Bollywood dancers, held a candle and partook in a Hindu blessing. While the handful of organizers closed their eyes, Trump smiled and made eye-contact with several people in the crowd.

Trumps speech, read from a teleprompter, was just as well-received as the Bollywood performances. I love Hindu and I love India, he said. He then vowed to be a partner for India, particularly its Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking to portray himself as Americas Modi by vowing to lower taxes and regulation. Organizers distributed fliers to people in the crowd that stated Clinton was against Modi and organized raids against him when he was emerging as a political figure in India. Kevin Cirilli, Bloomberg
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited victims of devastating Hurricane Matthew on Saturday, saying the destruction wrought by the storm was heartbreaking, and he renewed a pledge to help the nation cope with a deadly scourge of cholera that was introduced by U.N. peacekeepers.

Bans brief visit came as victims of the storm continued to express frustration  sometimes violently  at delays in aid about a week-and-a-half since Matthew hit southwest Haiti with 235 kph winds, killing at least 546 people and demolishing or damaging tens of thousands of homes.

I met so many displaced persons, young people, women who were pregnant and sick people. It was heartbreaking, he said, describing his tour of an emergency shelter in the town of Les Cayes packed with families whose homes were destroyed.

Shortly before Bans helicopter was due to land in Les Cayes, a clash broke out between rock-throwing residents and peacekeepers at a U.N. base there. Roughly 100 frustrated residents began hurling rocks when trucks ferrying food aid arrived. Haitian police officers and U.N. peacekeepers scattered the group with tear gas. Calm was restored as Bans helicopter approached.

In recent days, Associated Press reporters have observed a number of skirmishes between Haitians in hard-hit areas seeking emergency aid distributed by international and local organizations.

At the close of his roughly 4  hour stop in Haiti, Ban told reporters at Port-au-Princes airport that a cholera-focused trust fund announced in recent weeks was part of the U.N.s new approach to helping Haitian families who lost loved ones since the waterborne disease was introduced here in October 2010  an outbreak that has been aggravated by the hurricane.

The U.N. said the fund is designed to help Haiti overcome cholera and build stronger water, sanitation and health systems.

Theres long been ample evidence that cholera was introduced to the nations biggest river by inadequately treated sewage from a U.N. peacekeeping base about 10 months after Haitis devastating earthquake.

But the U.N. only acknowledged in August, following a leaked internal report, that it played a role in introducing cholera to Haiti and vowed to aid victims in the impoverished Caribbean nation, which has experienced the worst outbreak of the disease in recent history. U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said that that the United Nations has a moral responsibility to the victims.

U.N. officials at one point said they were seeking about $181 million for the special fund, but Ban mentioned no figures Saturday as he vowed to help the families of victims and most of all prevent and stop this cholera epidemic by mobilizing more U.N. resources. He expressed disappointment, however, that international funding to fight cholera in Haiti and rebuild after Matthew is so far falling far short.

I know that the world economic situation is not favorable, and I know that there is some donor fatigue by certain countries, he told reporters at the close of his brief visit.

Beatrice Lindstrom, a human rights lawyer with the nonprofit Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti, said before the visit that activists were hopeful that Ban would fully acknowledge the U.N.s responsibility for introducing cholera to Haiti.

The need for a new U.N. response that both controls and eliminates cholera and compensates the victims who have suffered so much is now more dire than ever, she said.

Health authorities say they have been struggling with a surge of patients with cholera in the wake of the Category 4 storm that struck on Oct. 4 in a rugged region of southwest Haiti thats home to more than 1 million people.

The wreckage left behind by the hurricane has created perfect conditions for spreading the waterborne disease. Rivers and outdoor latrines overflowed across the mountainous landscape.

Cholera, caused by bacteria that produce severe diarrhea and is contracted by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food, is easily treatable if caught in time and the proper treatment is provided. But it can lead to a rapid, agonizing death through complete dehydration.

Ban departed Haiti for Ecuadors capital of Quito in a U.N. jet on Saturday evening. David McFadden, Ben Finley, AP
CHINA A gas explosion inside a coal mine in southwestern China has killed seven people and injured two more. Rescue crews at the Rongsheng mine in Guizhou province were able to save 11 people, including the two injured.

THAILAND A 96-year-old confidant of late King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been formally confirmed as the regent to manage the throne in the place of the crown prince and heir apparent, but it wasnt clear how long the caretaker arrangement would last. More on p12

PHILIPPINES A powerful typhoon slamed into the northeastern Philippines, leaving at least two people dead, knocking out power and isolating villages amid floods and toppled trees. More on p13

INDONESIA At least eight people were killed and 30 others injured yesterday after a small suspension bridge crowded with people returning from temple prayers collapsed near the Indonesian resort island of Bali, officials said. The bridge links the small islands of Lembongan and Ceningan, close to Bali.



TURKEY A suicide bomber blew himself up yesterday during a Turkish police raid against suspected Islamic State members near the Syrian border, killing three police officers and wounding nine other people, an official said.



FRANCE Tens of thousands of people have marched in Paris to call for the repeal of a law allowing gay marriage, six months before Frances next presidential election. The protesters ended up at Trocadero Plaza, near the Eiffel Tower. Police estimated the crowd at 24,000, while organizers gave a figure of 200,000.



SWEDISH officials say they have evacuated about 40 people from a refugee center in southern Stockholm after a fire engulfed the building. Kurt Jansson, who headed the fire operations, said the alarm came in the early hours of yesterday, adding that police were investigating the incident. Investigators are treating the matter as possible arson.
Jerry Sturgill is voting for Hillary Clinton for president, while you can count Mike Crapo among the ranks of undecided voters.

The incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Crapo and his Democratic challenger Sturgill met for a half-hour long, panel discussion-style debate that aired on Idaho Public Televisions Idaho Reports on Friday evening, and the presidential race was one of the issues discussed. Crapo, along with a number of other House and Senate Republicans, announced a week-and-a-half ago that he was no longer backing Trumps candidacy after a tape came out of Trump, in 2005, talking about forcing himself on women sexually.

Trump has divided the Idahos all-Republican congressional delegation, with Crapo and U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson saying they dont support Trump anymore due to his comments about women, and U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador saying he still plans to vote for Trump. U.S. Sen. Jim Risch has not spoken publicly on the topic since the story broke.

Friday, though, Crapo said he hasnt decided who he would vote for and hasnt ruled out voting for Trump. He did say he could not vote for Clinton, criticizing her views on foreign policy and government spending and saying he fears the U.S. would lose the ability to protect the foundation documents of our nation if Clinton wins and appoints liberal justices to the U.S. Supreme Court.

I believe the country is conflicted over this, Crapo said. We have choices that are, frankly, disappointing to the country. And Im facing that same kind of decision myself.

Later in the debate, during a discussion of banks and financial regulatory policy  Crapo is on the Senate Banking committee, and Sturgill has been criticizing Crapos campaign contributions from banking lobbies and calling for more regulation of the financial sector  Crapo, in defending his philosophy of less government regulation, told Sturgill your candidate for president and the Democrats in the Senate favor more government.

How do you know who my candidate for president is? Sturgill shot back.

Well maybe we should talk about that, Crapo replied.

Sturgill at first tried to keep the conversation on banking regulations, saying he is not supporting Trump but that he understands why people are mad about the influence of big donors on politics and why they voted for Trump and Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. He said a couple of minutes later that he is voting for Clinton.

I support Hillary because she is the better alternative to Donald Trump, Sturgill said. She has experience. She has shown she is willing to serve in the causes that matter, children and families, etc. But at the same time, I understand the anger people feel that brought out support for Donald Trump.

You can watch the video of the debate here. And here is a video of Idaho Reports co-host Melissa Davlin, Spokane Spokesman Review state politics reporter Betsy Russell and Idaho political analyst Jim Weatherby discussing the race.
The U.S. wants to fight superbugs by targeting one of the worlds biggest markets for antibiotics: farms.

Big pharma has other ideas.

Even as the industry prepares to comply with new Food and Drug Administration efforts to limit antibiotic use in American livestock, it is marketing the drugs to U.S. veterinarians while continuing to expand sales elsewhere around the world. Bacteria resistant to antibiotic drugs, or superbugs, are a growing problem particularly in hospitals and claim an estimated 700,000 lives annually. Scientists say there is an intimate link between the health of the planets livestock and that of the human population.

If some of the biggest responsible parties  namely the companies making the products  are still selling the antibiotics in other countries, it just underscores that this has to be a change that happens across the entire world, said David Wallinga, senior health official and physician at the National Resources Defense Council. And the companies bear a big responsibility for that approach.

Companies, farmers and food processors contend that antibiotic drugs remain an essential tool for providing consumers with healthy, plentiful meat and poultry at affordable prices. Even so, they support using alternatives to antibiotics that contribute to superbugs, and some are working on vaccines to do the job antibiotics now perform.

Were going through some sort of a phase, said Jack Bendheim, chief executive officer of Phibro Animal Health Corp., one of the largest global animal-health companies. Antibiotics work very well. We love these products. We love what they do for the animals. He spoke at an investor conference in September.

Under the new FDA rules, which kick in next January, most medically important antibiotics  those that overlap with human use  will require a veterinarians prescription or approval. Most are now bought over the counter. The FDA will unveil new package labels for hundreds of drugs affected by the agencys rules.

To help ensure U.S. farmers and ranchers keep getting a flow of antibiotics, pharmaceutical companies are launching educational Webinars with tips on how to use antibiotics in compliance with the new regulations. Critics say the effort amounts to marketing to already-willing customers: many vets already rely on drug sales for income and now they will have more drugs to sell.

Theyre not going to spend resources on how not to buy their products, said former FDA deputy director Michael Blackwell, now a senior director with the Humane Society of the United States. Just change the words from production use to disease prevention and tend to your business as usual is what Im concerned about.

Drug companies also intend to offset any dip in U.S. antibiotic sales by exporting to places including Asia and South America where demand for increased meat and poultry consumption outweighs concerns over antibiotic resistance. They say its unclear how much livestock is responsible for human resistance and point out only two of the 18 antibiotic threats tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, campylobacter and non-typhoidal Salmonella, are associated with animal use.

Few countries outside the U.S. have a comprehensive plan to fight resistance, monitoring is infrequent and sales of medicines without a prescription are rampant, according to a 2015 World Health Organization survey. So while regulators and consumers seek to reduce use in the U.S., developing nations serve as a willing market.

Theyre international companies, said Gail Hansen, a veterinarian who consults for drugmakers, governments and nonprofits. What happens in the U.S. does certainly make a difference, but its not the only market they have.

In the U.S., ranchers and food processors tend to favor antibiotic use because the drugs keep animals healthy at a low cost. Drug companies also wont get much argument from many vets who are predisposed to using antibiotics.

In all likelihood, the vast majority of uses are justified and ought to continue, said Gatz Riddell, president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.

Antibiotics are high-volume, low-margin products: They are cheap to make, sold in bulk and dont bring in much profit. But a U.S. market remains: In 2014, 60 percent of sales of the antibiotics sold for livestock were medically important to humans, according to the FDA. Theyre also popular overseas: The global animal antibiotics market should reach $4.1 billion by 2018, according to one study from researcher MarketsandMarkets.

Even as drugmakers keep exporting antibiotics, they are starting to look to a future in the U.S. with fewer customers. More restaurant chains, including McDonalds Corp. insist on going antibiotic free with chicken. Pork producer Smithfield Foods, for example, doesnt use the medically important antibiotics to promote growth and even publicly posts its antibiotic use online.

Drug giants like Elanco, a subsidiary of Eli Lilly & Co., and New Jersey-based Zoetis Inc. are pledging to help find solutions to resistance by developing alternatives like vaccines and animal-only antibiotics. Elanco, in fact, is withdrawing animal growth promotion claims on all its products globally.

Elanco President Jeff Simmons acknowledged there will be short-term volatility. And Zoetis CEO Juan Ramon Alaix, speaking at a conference in September, said the change will prove manageable. His companys antibiotics livestock sales were approximately $1.3 billion for 2015, up from $1.2 billion in 2013.

We dont think that this will represent a negative impact to our business, Simmons said.

In all likelihood, the vast majority of uses are justified and ought to continue. Gatz Riddell, president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners
TWIN FALLS  Four Rock Creek Elementary School mothers say theyll continue to push for safety improvements on Grandview Drive North.

Megan Miles, Lisa Brown, Amberlyn Johnson and Jana Bateman  who live in the Hometowne Place subdivision north of the school  are worried about the lack of sidewalks on a portion of the road.

They walk with their children to school every day on Grandview. And they say the street poses safety issues the city of Twin Falls or the Twin Falls School District needs to address.

If the moms didnt push for action, I think it would be negligent of us as parents, Brown said.

And part of building a new school, she added, should be putting in infrastructure such as sidewalks.

The mothers  whove all lived in the Hometowne Place subdivision for less than a year  say the new school played a large role in their decision to buy homes in the area.

It was a huge selling factor to me, said Miles, who moved in seven months ago. She has four children, three of whom are school-aged. The biggest thing is I can see the school from my backyard, but we cant get there.

If there are cars on both sides of Grandview, motorists have to slow down to allow children to walk by, Bateman said.

The speed limit near the school is 35 mph, but she sees some motorists going 50 mph.

The solution doesnt have to be elaborate, Bateman said. It could even be a gravel shoulder, she said, or something else more cost-effective than a sidewalk. We feel like theyre not willing to do anything about it.

Brown said their neighborhood is full of children, many of whom attend Rock Creek Elementary or Xavier Charter School.

And other children besides their own walk or ride their bikes to school  some, by themselves.

Miles said she made a comment last week on Facebook for a Walk to School Day event about safety along Grandview. She said she received a call from the school principal.

Brady Dickinson, director of operations for the Twin Falls School District, told the Times-News on Wednesday the school bus route was changed earlier this school year to accommodate students in the subdivision.

But, Miles said, it doesnt really help us.

Dickinson also said its the responsibility of developers to build infrastructure in the area.

Its too expensive for the school district to pay more than $100,000 to put in a sidewalk, Dickinson said, and there are two older homes on Grandview without a right-of-way.

Spending $100,000 isnt much in comparison with the city or school districts overall budget, Brown said.

She added voters recently passed a nearly $74 million bond in 2014 to build three new schools and the Rock Creek Elementary project came in under budget.

Miles said she thinks public safety needs could justify the city taking over property in this case.

And when public meetings were held before construction began on Rock Creek Elementary, she said, many families werent living in the subdivision at the time to express their concerns.

Dickinson said the school district will take lessons learned from the two new elementary schools and will think about walkability before South Hills Middle School opens in fall 2017.

That isnt a solution, Miles said. Someone needs to say, we need to fix this problem.
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JEROME  The Northside Military Museum is on schedule to open for Veterans Day.

After getting the keys in January, the nonprofit organization got to work remodeling the historic Pioneer Hall building at 220 N. Lincoln St. The museum is handicapped accessible and operates entirely off of donations and volunteers.

Northside Military Museum will open to the public 11 a.m. Nov. 11  the day and time the armistice was signed in 1918 ending WWI.

We love having the opportunity to educate the public and honor local veterans, secretary and curator Amanda Bolich said. Were quite proud of the fact that we have been able to get this much work done in a short amount of time.

The museum already has roughly 250 artifacts that have been loaned or donated. These will be on display on a rotating basis. Visitors can also read stories about local veterans.

Northside Military Museum leases Pioneer Hall from the city of Jerome. Organizers raised more than $5,000  much of which was matched by a local businessman. Donations are always welcome.

I knew that there was great veteran support in this area, said chairman Eric Bolich, a Jerome native who served in the Army for 20 years. Its been overwhelming and heartwarming to see how much support weve gotten.

Amanda Bolich hoped to offer extended hours Nov. 11-12. After the grand opening, hours will be noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
TWIN FALLS  Twin Falls newest piece of public art symbolizes the citys history and its future.

The Diligent Usher, a giant horse pulling a Fresno scraper, was installed at Five Points on Oct. 3 in Twin Falls. The horse is made of steel maple leaves and was created by Twin Falls artists Greg and Brock Bartlett. It is a tribute to the animals that helped create canals that brought water to the Magic Valley. The sculpture sits in a small park at one of the busiest intersections in Twin Falls, near a sign that says, Welcome to Historic Downtown.

The project was a collaborative effort between of the Twin Falls City Council, the Magic Valley Arts Council, Twin Falls Canal Company and the Twin Falls County Historical Society. The sculpture cost $25,000 and was paid for with a city capital improvement fund that pays for public art. City Manager Travis Rothweiler said this fund was created in 2007 and accumulates about $7,000 a year for art projects like The Diligent Usher. Another $20,000 was set aside for landscaping, lighting and a sign. A dedication hasnt been set yet.

Don Hall, city council member and public arts subcommittee member, said hed like to see more public art in Twin Falls. There has already been discussion about bringing more public art to the Main Avenue re-design, he said.

I think its the right thing to do, Hall said. Its a tourist draw and it just adds to the community and quality of life.

Carolyn White, executive director of the Magic Valley Arts Council, said collaboration is often key to setting public art projects into motion because it take a lot of money. The arts council helped develop the project at Five Points with a public arts subcommittee of the City Council.

Funding, sometimes its private donations and sometimes public art has a sponsor, she said. Sometimes corporations sponsor public art.

An example, White said, is the sheep monument in Hagerman that was donated to the Hagerman Valley Historical Society in 2013.

We are really hoping with the Main Avenue redesign to incorporate more public art, she added.

The Magic Valley Arts Council has been involved in three public art projects, including the horse sculpture. They helped facilitate the The Twins sculpture on the Snake River Canyon Rim in 2008. That project cost $22,000 and was funded by donations from area businesses, the Idaho Commission on the Arts, Federation Point Partnership and Ray and Nancy Neilsen. The other is the Twin Falls 2013 centennial art project that includes a statue of I.B. Perrine near the Twin Falls Visitor Center and two other sculptures Twin Falls City Park and in downtown Twin Falls.

I thought it was very exciting to be involved in the project, White said. The entire concept was basically developed with conversations with everyone. The idea and theme represented how the Magic Valley became magic, what made us magic. Well, we all know it was bringing water to our area.

When it comes to public art in the Magic Valley, White said it can be anything viewable by the public. It doesnt have to be initiated by the city or the arts council.

Public art helps to define your community, she said. It brings people in to see it and brings people out to see it.

Downtown Art Alley Project

A community public art project that started four years ago, ended in September.

The Downtown Art Alley Project started in 2012 by Jimmy Taylor and was meant to serve as a canvas for local artists. The project was located between the Historic Ballroom and Benoit Law, and allowed artists to display their art on the brick walls similar to Boises Freak Alley.

Most of the art is gone but traces of the alleys past are still clinging to the walls. A mural depicting a womans red lips on one side and a sculpture with plastic green trees on the other. At its peak, there were more than 20 pieces of art in the alley.

Amy Windle, Downtown Art Alley Project coordinator, decided to close the project in September because of unauthorized spray painting and tagging.

We like that style of art when its authorized, Windle said. Things have just been popping up and not making it pretty.

Windle has recently moved away from Twin Falls, but said she will oversee the Facebook page in the hopes it will start back up or create another art movement.

It doesnt have to be over, she said. The goal of the project was to foster more creativity downtown and to give local artists a place to display art downtown.

Though Windle said the pace of the project slowed, there was still art being created and people enjoying it.

The graffiti just got out of hand, she said. Maybe better lighting would be a thing to help with that.

Mary Alice Park

In Mary Alice Park, art is as important as the trees and the flowers.

The small park next to Magic Valley High School have a collection of five sculptures and a mural. In the summer, visitors come here to eat lunch and teachers often hold classes here.

Art Hoag dedicated the park in memory of his late wife, Mary Alice Nolan Hoag, in 2008. It was donated to the Art Guild of Magic Valley the following year.

Over the years, Hoag has built the downtown oasis into a public art haven.

I think what it shows an increasing pride in the community when you see public art, Hoag said. It kind of revitalizes the city. It gives people a lot more pride in their city.

In 2011, Hoag founded Art and Soul of Magic Valley, an art competition that requires people to go out into the community to view the work. Then the public votes on their favorites. The Diligent Usher sculpture was featured in the popular competition a few years ago.

Its surprising how many people show up at Mary Alice Park because they heard about it some place and they come down to see it, and check it out, Hoag said. The artwork is a big part of that.
Seniors wellness

The Twin Falls Senior Center will hold presentations for senior citizens this week at 530 Shoshone St. W.

At 12:15 p.m. Monday, Connie Campbell of Syringe Place will provide a quiz on the benefits of eating well.

Rhea Lanting with University of Idaho Extension Service will discuss Why Protein is Important as You Age at 11:45 a.m. Thursday at the senior center.

Free; 208-734-5084.

Blood drives

The American Red Cross will hold blood drives in Wendell and Twin Falls.

Blood donation opportunities will be available from 1 to 6:15 p.m. Monday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 605 N. Idaho St., Wendell, and 1 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Church of the Ascension-Episcopal, 371 Eastland Drive N., Twin Falls.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood to support those battling cancer and other illnesses. Donors of all blood types are needed.

To schedule an appointment to donate, download the blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.

Victims support

Support group for victims of domestic violence, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Mini-Cassia Shelter Haven of Hope, 323 First St., Rupert.

Information: Rachel, 208-312-7021.

Alzheimers support

Alzheimers Association, Greater Idaho Chapters Caregiver Support Group meeting, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Twin Falls Senior Center, 530 Shoshone St. W., Twin Falls.

The group meets on the third Wednesday every month.

Information: Pattie Dennis, 208-734-4264 or 208-539-4290.

Grief support

Suicide Prevention Action Network of south-central Idaho is a nonprofit group that offers education and support.

A free support group is available for anyone who has lost someone to a suicide. The support group meets from 7 to 8 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Church of the Ascension, 371 Eastland Drive N. in Twin Falls., and is open to everyone. Information: Donna Stalley, 208-733-1462.

Monthly meetings are held at 1:30 p.m. on the second Wednesdays at the South Central Public Health Department conference room in Twin Falls. Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Grief support

Visions of Hope meeting, 5 p.m. every Thursday at Hospice Visions, 1770 Park View Drive, Twin Falls.

This grief support group is open to everyone in the community.

Information: 208-735-0121.

Mental health

support

Mental Health Support Group, 5:30 p.m. every Thursday at Family Health Services/Behavioral Health building, 1102 Eastland Drive N., Twin Falls.

The free support group is open to Magic Valley residents.

Information: 208-734-1281.

Asthma education

Free asthma education class for patients and caregivers to assess and manage asthma will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. The class is presented by St. Lukes Magic Valley and meets on the third Thursday of each month.

Pre-registration is required. To register and for location of the class: 208-814-8765.

Grief support

Auburn Crest Hospices Grief Support Group, 7 p.m. Thursday at 397 Blue Lakes Blvd., Twin Falls.

The support group is for those who have experienced any type of loss in their life. The group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month for six sessions.

Everyone is welcome. Information and reservations: facilitators Sandy and Sheri, 208-735-7450.

Vision support

The National Federation of the Blind of Idaho has a chapter in the Magic Valley. The Central Idaho Chapter invites all who are blind or visually impaired, along with family members and others, to find out more about the organization.

Information: Chris Jones, 208-308-8876 or clj1@cableone.net.

Dental sealants

Delta Dental of Idaho is offering free dental sealants and fluoride varnish, beginning Oct. 25, through its Grins on the Go program for students in seventh and eighth grades at Jerome Middle School.

Dental sealants fill the deep grooves of a childs back teeth, and fluoride varnish helps protect the smooth surfaces of teeth. The clinics happen on-site at schools serving low-income families as part of Delta Dental of Idahos community outreach efforts.

A parent or guardian must sign a permission form and fill out a health history for a child to receive the free treatments. Permission forms are available at the school.

The Grins on the Go clinic doesnt bill Medicaid or private insurance. Information: Delta Dental community outreach, 208-489-3541.

Joint replacement

Free class on total joint replacement, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at BridgeView Estates, 1828 Bridgeview Blvd., Twin Falls. Meet in the lobby.

Topics: Preparing for joint-replacement surgery, amount of pain, recovery time, insurance coverage, care after surgery, discharge planning and long-term rehabilitation. Tours of the BridgeView rehabilitation facility are available.

Pre-registration is required, Amy at 208-280-0047 or Sarah at 208-280-0045.

To do for you is a listing of health-related activities, events and education. Submit information by noon Thursday for publication in the following Mondays edition to ramona@magicvalley.com.
This appeared in Sundays Washington Post.

I have very clear views about what I want to see to kind of change the balance on the Supreme Court, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton said during the second presidential debate. I would want to see the Supreme Court reverse Citizens United, she explained, while her Republican rival, Donald Trump, favors judges who would reverse Roe v. Wade and reverse marriage equality, she said. Clintons emphasis on appointing judges who will rule in specific ways on particular issues echoed her earlier statement that, I do have a litmus test, I have a bunch of litmus tests, because the next president could get as many as three appointments.

Perhaps Clinton is simply stating the obvious: She would prefer to appoint judges who would rule the way she would like them to rule on specific, hot-button issues. But her candor is not costless, and the attitude it represents should not be accepted as normal. As a potential president, Clinton should have more respect for the independence and dignity of the judiciary as a co-equal but non-political branch of government.

Selecting judges is not just policymaking through other meansor, at least, it should not be. Every step closer to accepting ideological litmus tests developed in the heat of political campaigns as the basis for judicial selectionsevery step toward putting court rulings to a voteerodes the foundations of the judicial branch. What are those foundations? That judges will come to every case with fairness, that they will be modest in their application of the law, that they are not legislators, that the facts of particular cases, not pre-announced ideological commitments, will guide them. These are among the considerations justifying the expectation that judges recuse themselves when their impartiality is in doubt.

Yes, some states have direct judicial elections. This is a flaw, not a feature, of the countrys criminal justice system, as the increasing politicization of judicial elections around the country suggests. And, yes, Trump has been worse. He set a terrible precedent when he released a list of people he might appoint to the bench, essentially making them part of the campaign. But that does not change the fact that Clinton should know better.

Of course politics sometimes intrudes into judging, and judges have different points of view. This unremarkable insight does not suggest that Americans should surrender to cynicism. It poses a challenge to limit the degree to which it is true. Standards in this realm start at the top. Presidents selecting judges should do so based on legal qualifications, intelligence, a record of even- handedness and, at most, general questions about judicial philosophy. The Senate should set similar guidelines for itself as it considers presidential nominees. The candidates are making that harder this year, not easier.
Here is one of the ways this years presidential campaign is so unusual:

The elected officials from one of the two major parties are split on their nominee, but more than that, it is the in-party supporters to that nominee who will have a much harder time explaining themselves, down the road.

Presidential nominee Donald Trump has divided Republicans nationwide, and no less in the Gem State. Of Idahos five major officials, theres (as this is written) an even split, Governor C.L. Butch Otter (who has a position in the Trump campaign) and Rep. Raul Labrador sticking with Trump, and Sen. Mike Crapo and Rep. Mike Simpson in opposition. Sen. Jim Risch, reportedly was out of state, and apparently has not weighed in.

The kind of rejection of ones party nominee Crapo and Simpson have made is rare coming from elected officials in either party, especially those in the upper rungs. I cant recall any similar, after the party nominations were made official, in Idaho in the last half-century. Crapo and Simpson are not the kind, either, to lightly abandon their party; over the years they have been as loyal to the Republican brand as any party loyalist could ask. Something really powerful must have blown them loose. (Neither, I should note, has gone as far as endorsing Democrat Hillary Clinton.)

Crapo cited Trumps pattern of behavior .... His repeated actions and comments toward women have been disrespectful, profane and demeaning. I have spent more than two decades working on domestic violence prevention. Trumps most recent excuse of locker room talk is completely unacceptable and is inconsistent with protecting women from abusive, disparaging treatment.

Simpson said he found his recent comments about women deplorable. In my opinion, he has demonstrated that he is unfit to be President and I cannot support him.

The large and fast-growing record of Trump statements and incidents concerning women offers plenty of backing for those statements. But you have to wonder. For these two to split from Trump, surely there was more than just a collection of statements and incidents, many of them years old.

If you listen to the ideas offered by Idahos congressional delegation, and its governor, over the years, you get little overlap with Trumpism. (Maybe Idahos Republican voters saw that in the primary contest, when the state went for Ted Cruz over Trump.)

Trumpism has attracted and closely allied itself with white supremacists and hard core nationalists of the kind Idaho, and many of its top officials, have been trying to shake off for years. Trumps Florida speech Thursday would have gone over well at the old Aryan Nations compound.

Trumpism has no consistent policy. Those Republicans worried about who Hillary Clinton might appoint to the Supreme Court should reflect that no one (likely including Trump) has any idea who the orange whirlwind actually would appoint. Trump on any substantial topic is a spinning wheel; I can point you to 18 distinct changes of position on his hallmark issue  immigration  alone. Conservative? Liberal? Those concepts dont seem to be understood by, and are unimportant to, Trump. Forget about any certainty.

Except this: A strong predisposition to authoritarianism, or more bluntly, an American dictatorship. Republicans no less than Democrats have raised this concern. Congress? The Supreme Court? Unimportant, along with participation by the American people. (He seems no more interested in the states, or in the 10th Amendment.) Trumps answer to all problems and issues, devoid of explanation, is what he said at the Republican National Convention and repeated since: I alone can fix it. He alone  no one else. You think the federal government has been too powerful? Wait til you get a load of this guy.

This is a Republican who doesnt talk about freedom or liberty or opportunity, but about safety and winning and getting tough. His is the speech of a dictator, not an American politician.

Trump runs directly counter to nearly everything leading Idaho Republicans have said, over generations, that they support. The next time Otter or Labrador tell you how much they love freedom, states rights and the reputation of Idaho, ask them why they supported Trump. You may find Crapo and Simpson wont have nearly as much trouble with the question.
The Philippines is set to be hit by a giant Typhoon / Cyclone named HAIMA in a few days time. The storm is set to grow into a category 4-5 event and make landfall on the North part of the Philippines, just like Typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda in 2013.

From Typhoon Yolanda. Credit AP/Bulit Marquez





I hardly noticed the passing of Typhoon KAREN in Metro Manila but was intrigued learning from PAGASA yesterday that another tropical cyclone is brewing somewhere in the Pacific near Guam.





This new tropical cyclone is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Monday (today) and will be named LAWIN. PAGASA's latest advisory as follows:

FOR: TYPHOON {HAIMA} (1622)

ISSUED AT: 11:00 AM TODAY, 17 OCTOBER 2016



Typhoon {HAIMA} AT 10:00 AM

Location: 1,265 KM east of Visayas (12.9N, 136.3E)

Maximum Sustained Winds: UP TO 150 KPH

Gustiness: UP TO 185 KPH

Central Pressure: 963 HPA

Movement: West Northwest @ 22 KPH



This tropical cyclone is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this afternoon and it will be named LAWIN.



The next update on this weather system will be the initial severe weather bulletin issued 5:00 pm this afternoon and the next update will be incorporated in the 5:00 am public weather forecast to be issued tomorrow.

Tropical MIMIC background imagery showing the 'giant microwave pulse of energy. Screen capture from Dutchsinse's Youtube video.





Another YOLANDA?





But Typhoon HAIMA/PH LAWIN now entering the Philippine area of responsibility may be the next 'YOLANDA' (that was described then as the strongest storm to ever form and make landfall).





Weather warfare, weather modification, climate engineering, man-made super typhoons and related conspiracies/theories are internet conversations that may come to life again today with this topic.





This tropical storm is expected to hit land, if it does, will hit the northern part of Luzon as other sources will show, by middle of this week.





I checked AccuWeather website which in general is technologically more advanced, and came across the following observation by their meteorologists (October 17):





Haima is expected to strengthen into a very strong typhoon and may become stronger than Sarika. It is possible that Haima becomes a super typhoon by Tuesday or Wednesday.

After torrential rains and damaging winds from Sarika over Luzon, the region will be even more susceptible to widespread flooding if Haina moves into the region, no matter its strength.





Even through the center of the storm is expected to track well to the south of Taiwan, bands of heavy rain could trigger flash flooding in the southeastern portion of the country on Thursday.

Haima is expected to make a final landfall in southeastern China late in the week. Areas such as Macau and Hong Kong could see impacts from this typhoon and should remain abreast of the situation.

Looking further ahead to tropical threats this winter, AccuWeather's long-range forecasting team includes the Philippines in the area of greatest risk in the West Pacific for a landfalling tropical storm or typhoon. (Oct. 17)





Dutchinse's shocking find





Then comes popular scientist, Michael Janitch, widely known online as Dutchsinse, with that uncanny ability to forecast earthquakes with accuracy, who captured a MIMIC (Morphed Integrated Microwave Imagery at CIMSS) pulse that occurred on October 12 (Oct. 13 in the Philippines), and posted on his Facebook as follows:

A giant microwave pulse was detected out over the Central Pacific coming from the near Fiji and Tonga going to the North towards Japan and Kamchatka Russia.

Keep watch for storm formation and earthquake activity near the pulse location(s).

With photo showing tropical MIMIC microwave background imagery showing a distortion at the center of black square just to highlight the spot showing a giant microwave pulse coming out of the Fiji, Vanuatu, southeast Guam region. (animation date: Oct. 12)





Oct. 13: From same location forms immediately Typhoon Haima. Current track is shown in the following image (slightly different from an earlier version captured by Dutchsinse, shown at the bottom).





Track of Typhoon Haima/PH Lawin. Forecast from JTWC





These images are from "

", A website of Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) and Space Science Engineering Center (SSEC)





Note that these images include hurricane/typhoon category as it hits the northern part of the Philippines - Category 4-5 in this instance.





Today, Dutchinse has added to his post the following:





MAN MADE STORM INFLUENCING CAPTURED REAL TIME ON MY LIVE STREAM --





Large storm alert for the West Pacific / Philippines.

The Philippines is set to be hit by a giant Typhoon / Cyclone named HAIMA in a few days time.

The storm is set to grow into a category 4-5 event and make landfall on the North part of the Philippines, just like Typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda in 2013.

There was a large microwave pulse which occurred on October 12th that gave birth to the rotation of the storm now pushing towards North Philippines.

Does any of this sound familiar? A large microwave pulse that forms a tropical rotation , which grows into a Typhoon which hits the North Philippines?

How about the 2013 example - Typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda... born from a giant microwave pulse -- and the Philippines main stream media taking my video, having their top scientist respond to it, and smear me on morning news for 10 minutes the day the storm hit!!!!!

See it for yourself.. the new microwave pulse on October 12 2016 here.. captured live on my live stream yesterday.

(Watch Dutchsinse's video here).





Weather warfare





Some super-typhoons are man-made? Educate yourself. Try reading not only Dutchsinse's website but many government official sites linked from that site (which could take months for one to research and read).





Also read the Canada-based Press Core website that came up with an article in connection with Yolanda titled, U.S. wages war against Philippines using its HAARP weather WMD systems. That article was published a few days after the devastating typhoon that struck the Visayas, particularly Samar and Leyte.

Also read

.








Moroccan Royal Armed Forces have thwarted an incursion on the Moroccan territory by a group of the Polisario militias, aided by some Algerian soldiers, reports say.

The Polisario militias, assisted by six Algerian soldiers among whom a top officer, were arrested last week in the Moroccan Guerguarat region.

The men moving in military jeeps were caught in possession of military equipment including machine guns and small cannons.

No shots were fired during the operation, said Moroccan Arabic media Assabah, which reported the arrest.

The daily said some of the captives were released while some elements of the separatist movement have been kept for further investigations.

The separatist movement and its allies, mainly Algeria, failed in September to rein in Rabat, which engaged in the asphalting of a road connecting Moroccos southernmost tip to Mauritania.

Demands by Algeria, Angola, Venezuela and Uruguay at the UN Security Council to discuss the Moroccan action received no response.

The separatist movement went mad after Morocco launched last August a customs and police operation to clear the southernmost tip of the Saharan provinces of all sorts of illegal commercial activities and trafficking and to prevent terrorists from entering the Kingdom.
Prime Minister Faiez Serraj and his cabinet have ordered arrest and indictment of armed men led by former rival Tripoli Prime Minister Khalifa Ghwell who took control Friday of the High State Council building, formerly used by General National Council (GNC).

Ghwell, former head of rival Libyan Dawn administration, supported by armed militia on Friday ran over the High State Councils headquarters declaring himself back in power and ordering the GNA to sidestep because it failed.

Ghwell read a statement from the building calling GNA workers to pay allegiance to him. He was accompanied by former first deputy president of the GNC, Awad Abdul Saddeq and GNCs head of presidential guard, Ali Ramali.

The coup took place while Serraj was in Tunis with his cabinet to discuss the line-up of future Libyan unity government.

Serraj rushed to capital Tripoli on Saturday to chair an emergency cabinet meeting to address the situation. The GNA condemned what it deemed unlawful action, which further tears the country apart and makes way for anarchy and disorder.

The GNA multiplied check-points in the capital to track down Ghwells members.

GNAs western allies rallied behind Serraj condemned Ghwells action and called on Libyans to oppose division.

Head of the UNSMIL Martin Kobler also issued a statement disapproving the coup and reminding the Libyan protagonists that the Libyan Political Accord (LPA) signed in December in Morocco remains the sole political framework to resuscitate the North African country now seething with anarchy and disorder since the fall and death of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Serraj and his GNA heroically arrived by boat in Tripoli in March to overshow Ghwells administration. Though the GNA gradually took over the countrys ministerial departments, its authority has been waning due to continuous insecurity, lack of cash, regular power cuts, and human right abuses.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco will pay, as of Tuesday, a three-day state visit to Rwanda, first leg of a regional tour in Eastern Africa that will also lead him to Ethiopia and Tanzania, according to local media reports.

The Moroccan Kings visit to Rwanda, his first to the eastern African country, takes place at the invitation President Paul Kagame had extended him during a visit to Casablanca last June.

During this visit, King Mohammed VI had decorated President Kagame with the Grand Collar of Wissam Al-Mohammadi, Moroccos highest national award of honor.

Besides the establishment of stronger political ties, the royal visit also seeks to launch a mutually beneficial economic partnership between the two countries institutions and private sectors.

According to press reports, the Kings party will include a number of the kingdoms leading entrepreneurs and companies eager to explore investment opportunities in the small African country, regarded as a model in the continent, in view of its outstanding performances in terms of human and economic development.

The royal visit to Ethiopia is expected to usher in a new era in bilateral relations as Addis Ababa is eying more investments by Moroccan companies and financial institutions, following the steps of Moroccos BMCE bank and the state-owned phosphates company, OCP, which have already established subsidiaries in the country.

On its part, Morocco is seeking to bolster its influence in the Horn of Africa, where Ethiopia is considered a heavy weight, in view of its demographic and economic performance (a growth rate of 10 %) as well as its diplomatic impact as the host of the African Union headquarters.

Moroccos connections with Eastern Africa will also be further strengthened by the Kings visit to Tanzania, which boasts tremendous economic cooperation opportunities.

During the Royal tour, political talks would surely touch on Moroccos return to the African fold, as the North African country has officially submitted its request to integrate the African Union in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The continental organization will decide over the request during the January Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank.
Malawian President Peter Mutharika returned home on Sunday after an unexplained trip to the United States that lasted several weeks, sparking a lot of rumors and allegations that he was hospitalized in the US.

The 76-year-old president made no public remarks at the airport  and used his left hand to wave to a crowd of supporters and to shake hands with officials, raising more speculation among Malawians who are scrutinizing every detail for clues about his health.

Politicians in Malawi have called the president to disclose all expenses incurred during his trip, including those of his entourage.

His absence had raised the level of uncertainly in this southern African country already in economic and political turmoil.

Frustration has been rising in Malawi over a plummeting economy, daily power blackouts, water shortages and allegations of government corruption.

Malawi has struggled to improve its economy due to declining export earnings from tobacco and in the absence of aid, which had previously accounted for 40 percent of its budget.

The IMF said it expects Malawis economy to grow by 3 to 4 percent this year after expanding by 3 percent in 2015.
Seychelles Vice President Danny Faure took the oath of office as president on Sunday afternoon after James Michel resigned only 10 months into his third and final five-year term as president.

Faure, 54, will complete the five-year term of outgoing President James Michel, who announced his resignation last month amid growing public frustration over economic inequality.

Under the Seychelles constitution, the vice president assumes power in the event of the presidents death, resignation or removal from office.

As your President, I believe that for Seychelles to really achieve national unity in every sense, we must undergo a process of true reconciliation, Faure said.

We must see the diversity within our unity as a new force that strengthens this national unity that we truly want for our Seychelles, he added.

The resigning President James Michel had already served two five-year terms and was re-elected for a third time only last December.

Mr. Faure has been my vice president since July 2010. Together we have won two elections. He has experience in government, after serving in various capacities, including working with the youth, and as a minister in the key portfolios of education and finance, Michel told the media ahead of the inauguration on Sunday.

Faure has already indicated that he intends to address the National Assembly as early as Tuesday to lay out his program.

The nation of 115 islands and 93,000 people mostly relies on tourism for revenues.
Nigerias business mogul Aliko Dangote has completed the acquisition of Twister B.V, a gas processing company based in the Netherlands in a bid to meet Nigerias gas requirements.

Twister B.V delivers reliable, high-yield and robust solutions in natural gas processing and separation to the upstream and midstream oil and gas sectors.

According to local news, the company will help design and build the gas plants which would be critical in processing gas from oil fields for transportation via Dangotes planned sub-sea pipeline (EWOGGS) for ultimate consumption by various industries and power plants in the African most populous nation.

Twisters cutting edge gas processing technology is fundamental to delivering our strategy to unlock about 3 bcfd of gas in order to meet Nigerias gas needs. President and CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote said.

According to the CEO of Twister B.V, John Young, we are delighted with the confidence DIL and First E&P have shown in Twister to be their core provider of gas separation solutions. After a very thorough due diligence, our technology has been recognized as a key enabler to reduce gas project costs which is crucial in this current environment. We are excited to be part of the Dangote family of companies.

Dangote Industries Limited which would become operational in the first quarter of 2019 is reported to have the capacity of creating a minimum of 235,000 new jobs, both direct and indirect.
The study may give a scientific explanation for the numerous Gaelic myths of giants in Ireland, such as the Giant causeway. Credit: University of Exeter

Scientists at the University of Exeter Medical School were part of genetics research which could help explain the legend of giants in Irish folklore.

The study, led by Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, in collaboration with the universities of Exeter, Belfast and Dublin and University College London as well as 17 other Institutions, studied patients with the hormonal disorder acromegaly and tested DNA samples from the general public to identify carriers of a gene predisposing to childhood-onset acromegaly often leading to gigantism.

They undertook an ambitious and widely collaborative study, enlisting the invaluable help of patients and the general public to set the study up in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. They identified a particular mutation in Irish patients and now searched for carriers of this gene in Ireland. The frequency of the AIP mutation (R304*) was found to be surprisingly high in Mid-Ulster, Northern Ireland. The data suggest that all Irish patients with this particular mutations (18 families and 81 carriers) are descendants from the same ancestor, who lived in the area 2,500 years ago. Out of the identified 81 carriers 31 had developed acromegaly and over half of these had gigantism (18 patients, 58%). The clinical importance of this study is that we can now screen family members and carriers can be followed to pick disease up early. Our larger study has showed that 24% of seemingly unaffected gene carriers in fact have early signs of acromegaly, and some were immediately operated as a result of the genetic screening process.

This study may also give a scientific explanation for the numerous Gaelic myth of giants in Ireland, where the Giant causeway and the legend of the creation of a lake is strongly linked to giants. In modern history, famous Irish giants include Charles Byrne whose skeleton in the Hunterian Museum, London was studied and DNA sample showed he also carries the same mutation. There is data available of numerous giants living in this area over the last centuries such as Mary Murphy (the 'Portrush Giantess') and James Kirkland (one of the 'Potsdam Giants') making this data support a colourful story.

Professor Sian Ellard, of the University of Exeter Medical School, who collaborated on the research said: "Irish folklore has numerous stories regarding Irish giants and the remains of some of these giants have been studied in the past. Our data provides an explanation for the observation made by the pioneering anthropologist James C. Prichard in 1826."

Prichard wrote: "In Ireland men of uncommon stature are often seen, and even a gigantic form and stature occur there much more frequently than in this island [Britain] . . . We can hardly avoid the conclusion that there must be some peculiarity in Ireland which gives rise to these phenomena."

Importantly, the prediction that 436 carriers and 86 affected individuals may be undiagnosed and alive today in Ireland (or elsewhere among people with Irish ancestors), mean that we may be able in many patients to prevent the onset of gigantism and prevent the premature mortality associated with this potentially severely disfiguring condition.

Explore further Genes of an 18th century 'giant' could change the lives of 21st century patients

More information: Serban Radian et al. Increased Population Risk of-Related Acromegaly and Gigantism in Ireland, Human Mutation (2016). Journal information: Human Mutation Serban Radian et al. Increased Population Risk of-Related Acromegaly and Gigantism in Ireland,(2016). DOI: 10.1002/humu.23121
High-resolution render of unique environments in the bone marrow (blue, purple and green) as they are invaded and populated by leukemia cells (yellow). Credit: Edwin Hawkins and Delfim Duarte/Imperial College London

New research is shedding light on how leukaemia cells can survive cancer treatment, suggesting new possibilities for stopping them in their tracks.

Leukaemia is cancer of the blood and it has one of the highest cancer mortality rates. This is partly because there is a high relapse rate, as some cancer cells can survive the initial treatment. These surviving cells are often resistant to treatment, allowing the cancer to spread and become fatal.

How these treatment-resistant cells survive initial chemotherapy is not well understood. One popular theory has been that they sit hiding in specific niches within the bone marrow that usually harbour blood stem cells - basic cells that can become all other blood cells.

However, new research in mice, and validated with human samples, has revealed that certain leukaemia cells do not sit and hide. The research was led by a team at Imperial College London with colleagues from the Francis Crick Institute in London and the University of Melbourne in Australia, and is published today in Nature.

Instead, to the researchers' surprise, the cells were scattered throughout the mouse bone marrow both before and after treatment, and they were moving around rapidly.

After treatment, the leukaemia cells that survived were seen moving faster than those before treatment. The researchers suggest that the act of moving itself may help the cells to survive, possibly through short-lived interactions with an array of our own cells.

Study leader Dr Cristina Lo Celso from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial said: "We expected the cells that survived treatment to be sat in particular niches, but instead they are very active throughout the bone marrow. We now know that it would be ineffective to target particular niches in the bone marrow to tackle treatment-resistant leukaemia.

Very fast moving chemo-resistant leukemia cells (after dexamethasone treatment). Red: leukemia cells; green: osteoblastic cells; blue: blood vessels. Credit: Edwin Hawkins and Delfim Duarte/Imperial College London/Nature

"Now that we know that the cells don't hide, we can explore why that is and how their movement helps them to survive. Ultimately we want to find out whether we can stop the movement, and whether this could kill the treatment-resistant cells.

"This research is still in its early stages, but we believe we have already gained valuable insights to open up new avenues in the development of novel, more effective leukaemia treatments."

The team's investigation into leukaemia cells' behaviour also revealed that they actively attack bone cells, which are known to support healthy blood production. The researchers believe this insight could help scientists to develop treatments to safeguard production of healthy blood cells in leukaemia patients.

Study co-author Dr Delfim Duarte, also from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial, said: "Our study supports the idea that, at least in this leukaemia, new therapies should target the cancer cells themselves instead of the surrounding normal stromal cells to better eradicate the disease."

Dr Edwin Hawkins, who worked on the project at Imperial and is now at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Australia, added: "Our work also suggests that protecting normal stromal bone cells from the attack of leukaemia cells can have wide implications in the support of healthy blood cell production. Keeping blood cell levels up would prevent anemia, infection and bleeding."

To investigate the working of leukaemia at the cellular level, the team used a technique called intravital microscopy that allows high-resolution fast imaging of live animals. The team used mice with a particularly deadly type of leukaemia called T cell acute leukaemia and tracked the movement of disease cells before and after treatment.

Moreover, through collaboration with the Francis Crick Institute and the University of Melbourne, they were able to demonstrate that the findings hold true in human samples too.

Explore further Scientists seek out cancer cells hiding from treatment

More information: "T cell acute leukaemia exhibits dynamic interactions with bone marrow microenvironments" by E.D. Hawkins et al. Nature, DOI: 10.1038/nature19801 Journal information: Nature "T cell acute leukaemia exhibits dynamic interactions with bone marrow microenvironments" by E.D. Hawkins et al.
A new study suggests that the 'neighbourhood effect' of slums could help to alleviate some of their associated health problems.

A team of academics led by Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick have conducted a review of international slum research, which is being published in The Lancet.

They concluded that the one issue associated with the problems caused by living in a slum - people living in very close proximity to one another - could be the answer to some of their problems.

The study coincides with the UN's conference Habitat III to be held in Quito, Ecuador (17-20th Oct).

According to Improving the Health and Welfare of People who Live in Slums residents are exposed to what the authors call the neighbourhood effect - that is many people are affected by one factor because they live in close proximity to one another. However the authors argue that this can be a benefit because a single intervention can simultaneously improve many lives in one densely packed community.

Massive slums have become major features of cities in many low- and middle-income countries. The nearly one billion people who live in slums are a marginalised group facing unique health issues. The study was led by Professor Richard Lilford who along with colleague, Oyinlola Oyebode, is supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) West Midlands initiative. He said: "The neighbourhood effect in slums is both a problem and an opportunity. It is a problem because it is likely to amplify health hazards. However this effect is likely to offer economies of scale and increasing returns on investments to create a healthy environment. A historical example of this can be found in Victorian London when a water pump was shut down which averted a cholera epidemic.

"In addition our research highlighted that higher population density allows more people to be treated by clinic staff in less time; another potential example of increased economies to scale when intervening at the neighbourhood level in slums."

The academics argue that all slums should be included in censuses. Although slums are easily identifiable physically in many cities, statistics about them are often non-existent. Slums are rarely identified in national censuses, which form the sampling frames for national surveys. The team recommend that all censuses include identification for slum and non-slum clusters for all urban areas. They believe this will encourage better recording of information about health indicators for slum and non-slum areas both for research purposes and to identify local priorities for action for instance determining where disease outbreaks are most prevalent.

The report's authors argue that the topic of slum health should become a standalone academic disciple to help understand and improve conditions in slums. Fellow author, Dr Oyinlola Oyebode, Associate Professor, Warwick Medical School said: "To tackle the issue of slums we need to start looking at them in a different way. After all not all people living in slums fall below the poverty line, with anecdotal reports that there are even millionaires living in some slums. Poverty isn't the only cause of ill health in slums, the neighbourhoods themselves as 'spaces' need attention."

Explore further One million Australians living in "unhealthy" housing

More information: The health of people who live in slums 2; Improving the health and welfare of people who live in slums, The Lancet published 16 October 2016. Journal information: The Lancet The health of people who live in slums 2; Improving the health and welfare of people who live in slums,published 16 October 2016. DOI: 10.1016/PII
Micrograph showing cortical pseudolaminar necrosis, a finding seen in strokes on medical imaging and at autopsy. H&E-LFB stain. Credit: Nephron/Wikipedia

People with pacemakers or defibrillators who experience only short episodes of an abnormal heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation have a very low risk of stroke, suggesting that anticoagulants in this group of patients were not likely to reduce the risk for stroke, according to new research in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common abnormal heart rhythm, affecting approximately 2.7 million Americans. Previous research demonstrates that people with prolonged episodes of atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk for cardiovascular complications, including stroke. As a result, guidelines recommend that patients with atrial fibrillation take anticoagulants, blood thinners that decrease the ability of the blood to clot, to reduce their stroke risk. However, it has been unclear whether "short" episodes (estimated as less than 20 seconds) also increase medical risks and warrant anticoagulants.

Researchers analyzed 37,000 individual ECGs from 5,379 patients over 2 years enrolled in the RATE Registry, an ongoing study following patients with pacemakers or defibrillators that constantly monitor their heart rhythm. The study confirmed that long episodes of atrial fibrillation are associated with increased risk of stroke, heart failure, ER visit or hospitalization for an abnormal heart rhythm, or death.

In contrast, during the course of two years, patients experiencing only "short" episodes of atrial fibrillation were at no more risk of stroke or other cardiovascular complications than people without documented atrial fibrillation. Over the two years of the study, researchers found:

more than 15,000 episodes of atrial fibrillation;

94 patients were hospitalized for atrial fibrillation;

265 patients were hospitalized for heart failure;

47 patients were hospitalized for stroke; and

359 patients died.

The results suggest that, in patients who only experience short episodes of atrial fibrillation, the risks of bleeding associated with taking anticoagulants outweighs the risk of stroke.

"We knew that people with atrial fibrillation are at higher risk of stroke, but the next question was, how much atrial fibrillation?" said Steven Swiryn, M.D., lead author and clinical professor of cardiology at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. "Other studies have shown that prolonged episodes of atrial fibrillation pose a risk, but what about short ones? The answer until this study was 'no one knows.' Now we have good solid data that if all you have is short episodes of atrial fibrillation, the risk is so low that it doesn't warrant anticoagulants."

However, physicians should continue to monitor patients for progression to prolonged episodes of atrial fibrillation that may develop, Swiryn said.

Explore further Irregular heartbeat linked to wider range of serious conditions than previously thought
A little-known heart anomaly often confounds doctors, who don't know how to treat it. The condition results when a major artery runs through the muscle of the heart rather than resting on top of the organ. Credit: Aksabir/Shutterstock

In 2010, Ingela Schnittger, MD, a cardiologist at the Stanford University School of Medicine, sat in her lab examining the echocardiogram of a young man who came to the heart clinic at Stanford Health Care complaining of chest pain. She spotted a curious motion of the heart on the computer screen, one that she'd seen before while examining these kinds of diagnostic heart tests.

"All of the sudden I had this flashback," she said. She remembered a young physics professor at another institution who had suddenly dropped dead of a heart attack while running on a treadmill. During an autopsy, a little-known heart anomaly called a myocardial bridge was found. The term describes a condition in which a major artery runs through the muscle of the heart rather than resting on top of the organ.

"I was thinking, 'Wow, I wonder if this patient could have a myocardial bridge?'" she said. Six years later, Schnittger, professor of cardiovascular medicine, has been a co-author of four research studies on myocardial bridges. A fifth, published online Oct. 13 in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, finds that a procedure called surgical unroofing is safe and provides significant relief for patients with myocardial bridges who have incapacitating symptoms, such as chest pain, arrhythmias and fatigue, that are not helped by medication alone.

Schnittger is senior author of the study, and the lead author is Jack Boyd, MD, clinical assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery.

Long considered benign

Myocardial bridging remains a mystery to much of the medical community. It's a congenital anomaly that was discovered during autopsies almost 300 years ago, but it has long been considered benign, the study said.

Bridging continues to be little understood and is often misdiagnosed, Boyd said.

"It's not taught in medical school, and there is no agreed-upon treatment," he said.

That lack of understanding about the condition is what sent Schnittger along her path of investigation. She wanted to know more: Could bridging be dangerous? Did it cause symptoms? How should it be treated?

In 2011, Schnittger designed a study at Stanford to enroll patients with undiagnosed chest pain and examine them in the catheterization laboratory using diagnostic-imaging techniques, such as angiograms, to visualize the arteries of the heart and its chambers.

"Sometimes we saw myocardial bridging on the angiogram," she said. "Then we'd use an intravascular ultrasound to see them more clearly."

Since then, 150 participants in this ongoing study have been diagnosed with myocardial bridges. Research has involved measuring blood flow and blood pressure in the bridging vessel. Schnittger and her colleagues were able to show that compression of the heart muscle can reduce or cut off blood flow in the artery, resulting in serious problems, including angina, myocardial ischemia, acute coronary syndrome, left ventricular dysfunction and malignant ventricular arrhythmias.

For some, symptoms are severe

"It hadn't before been proven with blood-flow studies that circulation got impaired enough to cause ischemia, inadequate blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle," Schnittger said.

Most patients with the condition remain asymptomatic. Some have minor symptoms that can be controlled with medication, such as beta blockers and calcium-channel blockers. But a small portion have severe symptoms that greatly affect their daily lives. Some are left homebound. Many make repeated trips to emergency rooms complaining of heart-attacklike symptoms, only to get sent home with no answers.

"Many of these patients have these heartbreaking stories to tell," Schnittger said. "They can't hold a job, they can't travel, they can't take care of their families. Most cardiologists are completely at a loss. They know myocardial bridges exist, but they have been taught they are benign and never cause problems.

"When these patients go to the ER, and they go there a lot, all the cardiology tests come back normal. They're told, 'Here's a little Valium. I think you're anxious.' They get belittled, not taken seriously, and they get really depressed."

Unroofing

Unroofing the myocardial bridge entails cutting through the heart muscle to uncover the tunneled artery, thus relieving compression on the artery caused by the bridging.

The surgery is known to be effective, Boyd said. However, concerns that healthy heart muscle could be damaged during the operation have slowed its adoption. "At Stanford, we use new imaging techniques to map the bridge muscle very precisely, and we perform the unroofing with conservative surgical techniques to safeguard the healthy heart muscle," he said.

In the past, the surgery was done only as a treatment of last resort, Schnittger said. "You took a patient very, very occasionally to surgery when everybody had tossed their hands up," she said. "Stanford probably did no more than one surgery a decade in the past."

But with Schnittger and her team, including study co-author Jennifer Tremmel, MD, assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine, and Ian Rogers, MD, clinical assistant professor of cardiovascular medicine and of pediatric cardiology, helping to guide the surgeries, the number performed at Stanford Medicine has increased substantially. More than 80 have been performed at SHC and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford in the past five years.

For the new study, the researchers examined 50 adult patients who between 2011-15 underwent the unroofing procedure because of severe symptoms that medication had failed to manage. The first 35 were performed using a heart-lung machine for life support. The last 15 were performed off-pump on a beating heart.

Studying the condition in the lab

"We studied the patients' hearts comprehensively in the lab, proving there was ischemia when we simulated a stress test by infusing drugs that increased the heart rate," Schnittger said. "Anxiety, sleep deprivationanything that drives up the heart rate would also cause ischemia."

Prior to surgery, study participants filled out the Seattle angina questionnaire, a three-page survey describing their symptoms and ranking their quality of life. Then six months after the surgery, they filled out the survey again.

This is a comprehensive survey often used in cardiac research to ask how much pain the patient has, how frequently they have it, how much it limits their life.

Results showed that the average ranking of quality of life prior to surgery by the patients was 25 percent. After surgery, that figure jumped to 78 percent.

"Our patients come back after surgery so grateful," Schnittger said. "They have suffered for so longfinally they've found doctors who understand them.

"One patient, a mother of five, was so symptomatic before surgery she had arranged her whole life around her symptoms. She didn't play with her children outside; she couldn't even pick them up at the playground. She was basically housebound. She couldn't do laundry or go grocery shopping. After surgery, she could do all those thingslaundry, play outside with her children, go for a walk. It's a life-changer.

"Our team wants to spread the word, to educate the medical community that this is a real thing," she added, noting that a myocardial bridge clinic has been established at Stanford Medicine.

Explore further Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may not cause symptoms until later in life

More information: Jack H. Boyd et al. Surgical Unroofing of Hemodynamically Significant Left Anterior Descending Myocardial Bridges, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery (2016). Journal information: Annals of Thoracic Surgery Jack H. Boyd et al. Surgical Unroofing of Hemodynamically Significant Left Anterior Descending Myocardial Bridges,(2016). DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2016.08.035
Laser shining through blood sample to make vitamin B12 molecules vibrate. Credit: The Lead

A technique for detecting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is being used to identify vitamins in the bloodstream linked to dementia.

Researchers from the University of Adelaide in South Australia developed the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detection method in 2014, which used light intensity to determine the presence of explosive residue.

The same method is now being used to highlight vitamin B12 in diluted human blood, with the potential to mature into a diagnosis tool for dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Lead investigator Georgios Tsiminis said the technique was still being modified for commercial use but could also be used to detect a range of different molecules useful in identifying other diseases.

"We shine a light onto a blood sample that gives us a measurement of the amount of vitamin B12, which is linked to dementia," Dr Tsiminis said.

"It's a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to normal methods that could be applied to diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

"Our sensor is an early first step towards a point-of-care solution for measuring and tracking B12 in healthy ageing adults. This would allow doctors to monitor B12 levels and intervene as soon as B12 deficiency was detected."

The new detection technique uses optical fibre and a laser to collect the signature of certain molecules.

Light shines through a vial of diluted blood, which causes vitamin B12 molecules to vibrate.

The optical fibre collects a signature from the molecule vibrations that make up the sample and delivers it to a spectrometer.

This device then carefully analyses the signature and allows researchers to identify the molecule it corresponds to.

Dr Tsiminis said the optical measurement only took about 30 seconds after blood preparation but normal vitamin B12 detection methods took almost two days.

Vitamin B12 is a highly complicated vitamin, which is vital in the functioning and health of nerve tissue, brain function, and red blood cells.

The National Institute of Health in the United States claims people older than 14 years-of-age should consume about 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 a day, pregnant women 2.6 mcg and lactating women 2.8 mcg.

Vitamin B12 can be found in most animal products but is not typically found in plant foods.

According to the World Health Organisation there are more than 47.5 million people in the world with dementia and Alzheimer's disease contributes to about 60-70 per cent of cases.

"The next step has to do with showing that the sensitivity limit can be reduced but we need a wider scale study, across different blood types, to show that down the line this is something that can be applied to a wider population," Dr Tsiminis said.

"Time and cost limitations currently mean that regular and frequent B12 measurements are not being carried out.

"When you go to the doctor or the nurse, amongst the other results you get for blood, vitamin B12 could one day be included."

The research is being presented today at the inaugural SPIE BioPhotonics Australasia Conference in South Australia's capital Adelaide.

The conference explores photonics for diagnostics and treatment using interactions between light and biological systems, and the latest advances in biomedicine and advanced imaging.

Explore further Detecting trace amounts of explosives with light

Provided by The Lead
The preacher: Tim Kaine.

Hillary Clintons running mate visited Pneuma Church in West Kendall to get in a Sunday service and ask Latinos to vote  in Spanish.

Buenos dias a todos, he told a couple hundred congregants after getting the mic from the Rev. Christian Garcia, according to video of the service the church posted online. It was the first time that a candidate on a presidential ticket addressed a church entirely in Spanish, according to the Clinton campaign.

Kaine went beyond his usual anecdote about being a Jesuit missionary in Honduras and promised not to talk about Clintons campaign platform: Were in a church, he said. But we have a duty to participate and vote according to our values.

When I lived in Honduras it was during a military government  a dictatorship  and no one could vote during that time, he said, plugging Floridas vote-registration deadline coming up Tuesday. Im thankful that this church is working to get people registered.
@ByKristenMClark

Hours before Patrick Murphy and Marco Rubio are set to face off in their first debate in Orlando, Murphy unveiled a new TV ad on Monday in which the mother of a Pulse nightclub shooting victim criticizes the Republican incumbent for "doing nothing" to improve federal gun laws after the June massacre.

Christine Leinonen lost her son, Christopher, in the tragedy. Her voice breaking, Leinonen begins the ad by explaining how her son was "shot nine times. He didn't have a chance."

"I cannot understand how Marco Rubio would go back to Washington D.C. and do nothing," says Leinonen, who was a featured speaker at the Democratic National Convention this summer. "I dont think Patrick Murphy is afraid to take on the toughest problems, including gun violence, in this country."

MORE: PolitiFact: 'Mostly false' that Rubio voted against 'every' gun bill after Orlando

Murphy, a Democratic congressman from Jupiter said in a campaign statement that after Pulse, "Senator Rubio never found the courage to stand with [Leinonen]."

"Marco Rubio puts the gun lobby before Floridians every time," Murphy said. "We have a responsibility to act and Floridians deserve a real leader in the U.S. Senate."

Rubio's campaign spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas disputed Murphy's and Leinonen's claims of the senator's inaction, saying "since the tragic terrorist attack in Orlando, Marco has worked to help survivors and prevent terrorists from purchasing firearms."

"Marco voted for efforts that would alert the FBI and delay the purchase of weapons for anyone currently on or previously on the terrorist watch list," Perez-Cubas said in a statement. "Ultimately, Marco believes we must refocus our efforts on combating terrorism, both at home and abroad, and addressing the mental health crisis in our country."

Murphy, a strong proponent of gun control, has spoken several times during his campaign about the need for gun reform, especially in the wake of the Orlando shooting.

Last week -- on the four-month anniversary of the shooting -- Murphy held a press conference in Orlando with gun-control advocates, including U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy. The Connecticut Democrat (no relation to Patrick Murphy) famously filibustered on the Senate floor for 15 hours in late June, as the Senate deliberated gun-control measures following the Pulse shooting.

Watch Murphy's new ad below:

*This post has been updated with comment from Rubio's campaign.
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Foundation for Community Health, a Missoula-based nonprofit philanthropic organization, has committed funding to six organizations in the first cycle of its new Health Grants Program after issuing a call for funding applications in June of 2016. Watson Childrens Shelter, Missoula Family YMCA, Child Development Center, Summit for Parkinsons, University of Montana Foundation/New Directions Wellness Center and Missoula City-County Health Department received funding for their project proposals. The Health Grants Program is made possible by earnings from permanent endowments and limited historical gifts. It is another way Foundation for Community Health works with its donors to advance healthy lives in western Montana.

The foundation intends to offer health grants to community nonprofit and educational institutions through three grant cycles each year. Information regarding the fall health grant cycle was made available Sept. 30. The second grant cycle of the Health Grants program will offer funding in three target areas: diabetes, rehabilitation and health issues public education. Applications are open to organizations with a tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, and where appropriate Section 170(c), as well as educational institutions that serve children, families and vulnerable people in western Montana. Online or mailed applications and required materials will be accepted until Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 3 p.m. Further details on applicant eligibility, funding criteria and amounts and the application form are available at fchwmt.org/health-grants-program.

***

Medicare Open Enrollment has started, and runs through Dec. 7. This is the only time period when you can change your Medicare Advantage health plan or Medicare Part D drug plan for the following year. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you should check every year because having the right plan can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Missoula Aging Services is offering open enrollment events where you can complete your own enrollment with guidance from staff. Prefer a casual atmosphere? At the Medicare Cafe at Burns St. Bistro on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., simply drop in with your laptop or tablet, grab a cup of coffee and ask an MAS resource specialist your Medicare Open Enrollment questions. Even if you are happy with your current plan, its wise to check for changes in the coming year.

To make the most of the Medicare Cafe, be sure to bring your Medicare card and a completed list of your prescriptions and medical providers. The event is open to the public, but please register at medicarecafe.eventbrite.com.

For those with basic computer skills wanting more guidance, the Medicare Open Enrollment Workshop will provide a hands-on session where you will be able to compare insurance plans and enroll in one for 2017. It takes place Nov. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gallagher Business Building second floor computer lab, University of Montana. Volunteers will be there to help, and you can bring a friend or family member to assist you. Sign up early  visit openenrollmentworkshop.eventbrite.com to register.

***

The second annual Joint Scout Night at Cabelas is Monday, Oct. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cabelas, 3650 Brooks St. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are invited to come to Cabelas and participate in free demonstrations of outdoor skills, including knot tying, archery, fishing and more.

Not only will girls and boys learn more about several outdoor skills, they will also participate in a scavenger hunt within the store, looking for items that will help make them better prepared for outdoor adventure. And, they will leave with a free First Aid kit they make in the store.

Current scouts are encouraged to bring a friend who is not already in Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts, and if the friend completes a registration to become a member of either scouting organization, both will be entered into a drawing for great prizes, provided by Cabelas.

Kids wanting to join Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts are welcome to come as well. All kids who register to be a Girl Scout or Boy Scout will have their name entered into the Cabelas prize drawing.

To join or become a volunteer with Girls Scouts, visit gsmw.org or call 800-736-5243.

For more information on the Montana Council BSA visit montanabsa.org.

***

A free developmental and preschool screening for children ages 0 to 5 will take place at several school district this week. Call the numbers listed to schedule appointments:

The Dixon and Charlo School District clinic will be held Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Dixon Preschool (246-3566) and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Charlo Elementary School (644-2206).

Screenings in Arlee will be held Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at Arlee Head Start (726-3216) and at the St. Ignatius Elementary School from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday (745-3811).

Screening includes gross motor, fine motor, language concepts, communication concepts, communication skills, hearing and vision screening.
What professional or personal experience do you bring to the role of Justice of the Peace?

My university teaching and mentoring experience, community involvement and volunteer service, and retail customer service experiences have exposed me to a broader cross-section of real Missoula County  a more diverse spectrum of the people here  than more traditional candidates may encounter. Id like to serve these citizens from the bench and feel my experience credentials me as a strong and empathetic layperson candidate. Id like to carry on this important tradition that has a long and respected tenure in both Missoula and Montana. I am the strongest candidate because I know how to connect and help the community succeed.

What do you believe is the largest issue facing the Missoula County Justice Court system and how would you work to address it?

Most professionals in the local justice system work hard to do what they believe is best for the clients and community. This is great, but it is not without flaws. This is where a community member with fresh eyes can help enrich the current system. There is obvious overcrowding in our correctional facilities. Incarceration is not the appropriate solution for many infractions. While I firmly believe citizens should be held accountable for their actions, incarceration negatively impacts peoples employment, families, and social behaviors. I want our citizens convicted of nonviolent crimes to be able to work and provide for families.

Are there specific recommendations in the Missoula City-County Jail Diversion Master Plan that you support or ones you find problematic?

I support the plan, but would consider the addition of a night court. We need to end mass incarceration, use strategies like improved mental health care, substance abuse, affordable housing, wet housing and detoxification facilities, and aim our current resources at criminals who pose the greatest threat. We need to invest in treatment and education  the foundations of success. I favor flexibility in traffic and social issue fines related to individuals realistic abilities to pay. In the case of most nonviolent crimes I want to identify and encourage appropriate alternative community service options to incarceration, or unconstitutional punitive financial penalties.
In the race for Montanas sole U.S. House seat, incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke leads his challenger, Democrat Denise Juneau, according to a statewide poll commissioned by Lee Newspapers.

Despite record fundraising and polling solid support among Democrats, Juneau, the current state Superintendent of Public Instruction, will need to make big moves in the final weeks of campaigning to close the gap with the freshman Republican, analysts said. Among registered and likely Montana voters polled, 40 percent said theyd cast their ballot for Juneau and 53 percent for Zinke. Only 6 percent reported being undecided in the race, and the poll has a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points.

Its hard to see a Juneau win from these numbers, University of Montana political scientist Christopher Muste said after reviewing the results of the Mason-Dixon poll conducted last week. She would need a major surge in support and that probably includes some new negative information coming out about Zinke that changes voters minds.

If Zinkes lead holds, it would deliver a blow to an ambitious national Democratic effort to gain control of the U.S. House by taking over dozens of seats from Republicans. Juneaus campaign had been highlighted by several Democratic groups and some independent analysts as a race to watch earlier this year.

Although incumbents typically have a strong advantage when running for reelection, freshman congressmen like Zinke are the easiest to unseat and some had wondered if his endorsement of Donald Trump  a candidate other Montana Republicans have distanced themselves from  could push independent voters to Juneau.

Shes getting killed among Independents, Montana State University political scientist David Parker said, pointing to Zinkes 54-37 lead. No Democrat can overcome the fact 40 percent of the electorate (in Montana) is Independent.

The numbers on Independents parallel those in the presidential race, where Trump leads Hillary Clinton 50-28 among those voters. Another 13 percent said they would vote for Libertarian Gary Johnson.

In the House race, only 2 percent of Independents polled said they support Libertarian Rick Breckenridge, who joined the race earlier this month after Mike Fellows, a well-known party leader, died in a car wreck. Some analysts wonder if voters unfamiliarity with Breckenridge, a surveyor from rural Proctor, has led them to support Zinke.

Analysts also pointed to the top issues named by voters as a possible reason for Zinkes lead. Among those polled, 26 percent named the economy and jobs as the most important issues, closely followed by national security and fighting terrorism at 25 percent.

Juneau has focused much of her campaign on attacking Zinkes votes on public lands and forest management bills, sometimes with misleading suggestions he had supported the sale or transfer of federal public lands. Zinke, a retired Navy SEAL, has been vocal in his first term about military decisions, anti-terrorism tactics and the vetting process for refugees.

If people believe national security is a major issue, this poll suggest people feel safer with Zinke  even among women, Parker said, noting that 48 percent of female voters said they support the Republican. Even though Juneau is woman.

Juneau's campaign manager, Lauren Caldwell, questioned the polls accuracy, noting internal campaign polling has shown the race as much tighter. She dinged the polling company, Mason-Dixon, for incorrectly predicting the outcome in two tight statewide races in 2012.

The group has had a consistently good record of being close to the final results of Montana races since the 1990s. The sample size of the poll four years ago was about half as big as the one conducted last week, which also included a larger list of cell numbers.

The polls have trended in her direction. The last poll we saw has Denise within the margin of error, Caldwell said of the campaign's internal polls. The fact that Congressman Zinke has been running negative attack ads since the beginning of September shows that hes seeing the same numbers, and hes scared.

Zinke spokeswoman Heather Swift disagreed, saying the Lee Newspapers poll fit their own internal polling, which had recently shown him with an 11-point lead.

Were definitely not taking this for granted, she said. Were going to shore up support in other areas, like Butte-Helena where were at 45 percent. You can count on us visiting folks there some more.

***

Lee Banville, a political researcher and journalism professor at the University of Montana, said it is normal to see candidates release conflicting poll results.

Essentially every campaign will roll out in the last few weeks, especially as people are getting ready to vote, a poll that says they are behind but think they can close the distance. The other campaign will release a poll saying theyre pulling away, he said. I will say I was surprised at how big (the gap) is. I was expecting something in the 8 percent range.

He and other analysts cautioned that polls only provide a snapshot of a moment in a campaign and that as candidates release their strongest ads in the final weeks, numbers can shift. They all, however, agreed that the poll presented a dim outlook for Juneau.

That 40 percent support is about what John Lewis got in 2014, Parker said. John Lewis up to that point had raised more money than any other Democrat in the U.S. House race since 2000. Juneau has raised more money than John Lewis and even though I think shes run a more efficient campaign, that gap is going to be very hard to overcome.

If Democrats turn out in higher numbers than previous years or comparatively more so than Republicans, Banville said the races results might be closer than the poll suggests, although he doubts a strong base turnout alone is enough for Juneau to win.

In a statement, the Juneau campaign argued the poll did not accurately reflect what they expect to be record turnout among American Indian voters, who traditionally have favored Democrats.

Juneau, an enrolled member of the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes who grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation, has spent significant time campaigning in Indian Country and has been involved in efforts to register more voters there. The state and counties also have, for the first year in most places, planned to open voting centers on the states reservations for Election Day rather than forcing residents to drive to sometimes distant polling locations.

Banville said the way the poll is split into five large geographic areas makes it difficult to draw any conclusions about the reservation vote.

If she really is down 13 points, thats too big (to overcome) in my opinion, Banville said. Thats not a question of undecided voters or turnout.
HELENA  More than a dozen voters contacted the Missoula County elections office Monday morning concerned about what happened to their ballots after people going door-to-door offered to deliver them, and in Livingston one resident complained to police.

The practice is not illegal, according to the Secretary of States office, but it still left several voters unsettled.

Missoula County elections administrator Rebecca Connors said in addition to phone calls to report the issue, a few people came into to get replacement ballots Monday morning.

Voters who contacted her office all had similar narratives, Connors said. Canvassers came to their door and offer to collect ballots and return them to the elections office on voters behalf.

They would give the ballot and then the person would ask for an exit interview about how they voted, she said. The canvasser would then advocate for candidates they supported.

That left folks worried, Well, I didnt vote for that candidate. Are they going to cast my ballot on my behalf? Conners said.

It sounded like thats where most of the conflict of interest came in, when the discussion of candidates came up and their preferences versus the voters."

Connors didnt know what affiliation the people knocking on doors in Missoula had, but in Livingston, where one person called police after the canvasser left, an officer determined it was the Montana Democratic Party.

As they were handing out pamphlets and encouraging people to vote they did offer if they had their ballots filled out that they would put them in the mail for them to save them a stamp. It does kind of give a bad impression, but there was nothing illegal about it, said police chief Dale Johnson.

Johnson said his department only received one call, but that local election officials heard complaints as well. Park County election officials said Monday they hadnt received formal complaints, but saw community members share similar stories online.

Kristen Cates, a spokeswoman for the Montana Democratic Party, said the actions are legal. Its a matter of offering to drop off someone's ballot at the appropriate places. Its been done before. Its intended to be a matter of convenience.

Cates said voter privacy is a paramount value for Montana Democrats and that the party will have additional conversations on its approach. Cates said party representatives drop off ballots and have only received a handful so far.

***

Both Democrats and Republicans have been holding get-out-the-vote tours around the state since absentee ballots arrived in voters' mailboxes last week. Voter turnout has been hard to predict this year given the unpopularity of presidential candidates Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Pundits have said the incredibly close governor's race, in which Democratic incumbent Gov. Steve Bullock leads Republican candidate Greg Gianforte 47 to 45 percent  within the polling margin of error  could hinge on who shows up to vote.

All this comes in the midst of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump dialing up rhetoric in recent days that the presidential election is "rigged," though many studies have shown actual election fraud is not common.

A Pew Research Center report from August shows only 49 percent of voters are "very confident" their ballot will be accurately counted in this election. Of Trump supporters, 30 percent have little or no confidence their vote will be counted accurately. Just 7 percent of Clinton supporters feel the same way.

While Montana law does not prohibit turning in a ballot for another person, Emily Dean, a spokeswoman for the Secretary of State's office, said her office recommends voters not give their ballot to someone other than the election office, unless they are personally comfortable with the individual, candidate or group they are giving their ballot to.

The Secretary of States office recommends voters check the My Voter Page to ensure that their absentee ballot is received at the county election office. People can also ask for a replacement ballot at their county elections office. That will trigger a cancellation of the previous ballot and only the replacement will be counted when its submitted. This must be done before the first ballot is received.

Connors said she expects to see the issue to keep popping up until Election Day.

Its something we've seen in the past too, she said.
Its soon going to be time for the public to weigh in on how fishing pressure on the popular upper reaches of the Bitterroot River could be managed in the future.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is looking for applicants to volunteer to serve on a new Bitterroot River Recreation Advisory Committee.

The 10 to 15 members of the committee will be tasked to develop recommendations for managing river recreation on the Upper Bitterroot River and the West Fork of the Bitterroot.

The committee will use information from two different surveys to help gain an understanding of how local anglers feel about the popular fisheries.

Christine Oschell, access site program coordinator for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said the state is seeking a diverse set of applicants who have a stake in the issue and are willing to work with others to find a solution.

The citizen advisory committee will play a crucial role in this process, Oschell said. We look forward to working with a diverse set of stakeholders representing the full range of interests on the Upper Bitterroot River.

Ideally, Oschell said the committee will include people who have been through a similar process of working with varied opinions and coming up with a solution.

At this point, Oschell said five meetings are planned. The location of those meeting is still being decided.

The meetings will be open to the public. The public will have opportunities at both the middle and end of the meetings to offer comments.

The committees focus will be assessing existing conditions and identifying what the public feels is desirable, or at least acceptable.

It will then develop a list of management actions that will run the gamut from less to more restrictive. Finally, the committee will identify the triggers that would warrant implementation of management actions.

FWP will use the committees report, public comment, survey information and an environmental analysis to prepare a draft recreation management plan for the Upper Bitterroot and West Fork.

This could be a brief process that doesnt take a lot of time, but at this point we dont know, Oschell said. On this river, we do know what were dealing with.

Unlike a river like the Blackfoot, where there is a variety of usages, recreation on the Bitterroot River is focused on fishing.

In 2013 and 2014, FWP conducted a creel survey on the West Fork. The survey showed that between 75 and 85 percent of the anglers on that reach were from out-of-state and often on a guided trip.

Last winter, the state surveyed 3,000 Ravalli County anglers. Of the 957 who returned the survey, 325 said they had fished the West Fork in the last three years, but 65 percent said they were spending significantly less time there than they had in the past.

Their reasons included too many outfitters and guides, too many float fishermen and the river was too crowded, especially for those wanting to wade or bank fish.

This fall, the state sent out another survey to gather information about fishermens perspectives on the upper Bitterroot River.

Im very hopeful about the process, Oschell said. I think it will go well.
From 1820 to 1930, 4.5 million people left Ireland for the United States. Most congregated in five American cities  New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Butte.

This week, some 200 people are expected in Missoula  including Irelands ambassador to the United States, Anne Anderson  to discuss the vast impacts of the migration on both countries.

Not to mention its impact on England, the long-standing thorn  to put it in the politest of terms  in Irelands side.

Her Exiled Chidren: Ireland and the Irish in America is the name assigned to the 32nd annual gathering of the American Conference of Irish Studies. It takes place at the Holiday Inn Parkside, Thursday through Saturday, although a few key events  including a Thursday bus tour of Butte and Anaconda  will happen elsewhere.

In addition to the Irish ambassador, the conference will include the third of this years University of Montana Presidents Lecture Series. Ruan ODonnell, a professor at the University of Limerick, is scheduled to speak on Irish America and the 1916 Rising at 8 p.m. Friday in the University Center Ballroom.

The Easter Rising could never have happened without the Irish in America, says Traolach ORiordain, director of Irish Studies at the University of Montana.

The armed rebellion came long after millions had fled, taking with them a deep anger at British rule in Ireland, ORiordain says. Even before 1916, Irish nationals had gone international, and the British recognized that, he continues. They were going to export the American Revolution to Ireland.

The Rising itself was put down by the British in six days, but Englands decision to then execute 15 leaders of the rebellion  including Patrick Pearse and James Connolly  following secret trials where no defense was allowed turned public opinion solidly to the rebels side.

Earlier Friday, ODonnell will also lead a conference seminar called Researching Irish Republican Army Prisoners in England: 1968-1998.

***

The conference will go beyond the political. There will also be:

Sport (a hurling match Saturday at Rollin Field).

Poetry (readings by Dublin poet Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill, who is teaching this fall at the University of Notre Dame).

Film (a showing of the made-for-Irish-public-television documentary Sceal ar Butte, which translates into The Story of Butte).

And music (a lecture by the former head of Radio na Gaeltachta, Breandan Feiritear, called Dragging it Home: Songs and Stories from Gaelic America).

Both Anderson and Montana Gov. Steve Bullock are scheduled to speak at Saturday nights closing banquet.

Anderson, who is from County Tipperary, has been Irelands ambassador to the U.S. since 2013. The longtime diplomat previously served as Irish ambassador to Monaco, France, the European Union and the United Nations.

Ireland Consul General Philip Grant will also attend the conference, ORiordain said. The presence of Anderson and Grant signals the Irish governments continuing interest in promoting the study of Ireland and its culture outside of Ireland, according to ORiordain.

Missoula applied two years ago to host this years conference, he said, and made a very strong argument about Montanas significant role in Irish affairs in America since the 1880s.

Clan na Gael  an Irish republican organization in the United States dedicated to an independent Ireland  had chapters in those major cities mentioned at the start of this story, as well as the Butte-Anaconda area.

And while seats on the national executive committee came and went in other places, there was always somebody from New York City, and somebody from Butte or Anaconda, ORiordain says. And the most radical chapter of all was Butte.
Ruth Williams is a collections specialist at the University of Montana  as in, collecting money from students and families.

You might think those students and parents don't really like hearing from Williams, who has been at UM 10 years as of July 4, 2016. But that isn't the truth at all.

"Collecting is tricky," Williams said last week. "People aren't wanting to give you their money. I've had dads say, 'You know what? I really didn't want to pay this bill, but you've sure made it easy. This is the most fun I've had paying a debt.' Because we chat and we laugh and you just get on a different level with these folks.

"Life is difficult as it is without dealing with somebody cranky on the other end."

Williams got a culinary degree from Missoula College in 1994, and before coming to UM, she tended bar, cooked at Diamond Jim's and the DoubleTree, dished up meals for Kappa Kappa Gamma students and catered for Bob Zimorino.

Then, she got on as a caterer for the university and landed in former UM President George Dennison's kitchen before she even met him. She greeted him when he walked in the door to his own house.

"Hey, George. How was your day?"

Dennison had no idea who she was, she said, but he told her he'd had a pretty good day.

After a couple years, UM cut her catering job and sent her to Business Services, where director John McCormick wondered how in the world an employee with food service on her resume would adapt to a job in collections.

"What skills do you possibly have?" McCormick said to himself at the time.

Since then, Williams has not only proven herself in Business Services, she got a nod this fall from President Royce Engstrom in his State of the University Address. Engstrom said UM needed to pick up its customer service game, and he pointed to Williams as the one setting the pace.

"It comes as no surprise to me that she is so willing to reach out and help individual students and parents," Engstrom said last week. "I deeply appreciate what she's done."

And McCormick, who once wondered how Williams would help his department, warned off the Missoulian from poaching her: "I won't let you take her, but Ruth would be your best employee."

***

Robert Luke is one of those parents who might have been hopping mad at UM and, he admitted, thrown a temper tantrum over the phone.

His son attends UM, he received a partial scholarship, and the money got all mixed up last spring. The imbroglio involved a reimbursement that shouldn't have been returned, a wrong address and a surprise bill for $2,000 to Luke, who has four children and their other bills.

"I'm a policeman. I don't have $2,000 lying around," Luke said.

He called, got the runaround, eventually got Williams, and he was prepared to make a stink.

"You know what? I like confrontation. I've been a cop for 32 years," he said.

In other words, he's good at it, and he knows how to win. (In one hard neighborhood, residents have put his face on T-shirts because he, too, understands customer service.)

Instead of fighting with him and demanding his money, though, Williams listened  truly listened, he said. Then, she figured out exactly what had happened with his case, and she explained it to him step by step.

As it turned out, he did owe that $2,000, and because Williams helped him clearly understand the matter, he paid it. In fact, he paid it happily.

"She actually disarmed me," he said.

A couple weeks later, Williams called to check in on Luke again, and he believes she deserves a gold watch or tickets to Hawaii.

***

Williams knows the office wasn't clear on how she'd make the transition from food to collections, but her philosophy is that customer service is customer service, wherever you go.

"I treat 'em like they're my dear friend," said Williams, tearing up. "These kids are in a funky space, you know, when that stuff happens. And honestly, if it was my kid, I would really like to know that someone was going to give them a warm fuzzy instead of an ugly."

She talks to hundreds of students and parents a week, sometimes kids who are falling apart and in tears about their bills  or other problems.

"I can't tell you how many kids I've had just cry in my arms," Williams said.

She gives them a hug, gets her shoulder soaked, and makes the phone calls that straighten out their problems.

"I get flowers and I get wine and I get candy," Williams said.

One international student brought her a bracelet and a string of fresh almonds and dried apricots. Williams loved the bracelet, but she wasn't sure what to do with the present of nuts and fruit.

"I go, 'Honey, what am I doing with this?' She goes, 'Well, you eat it.' I said, 'I can do that.'"

***

The eight or nine staff in McCormick's office don't only help resolve financial problems and navigate federal regulations, they attend to matters that students find pressing, he said.

Maybe a roommate's boyfriend is staying in the dorm room too late.

Maybe someone couldn't get their Griz tickets.

Maybe they have a big life decision to make.

The regulations around financial aid have grown strict, and students need to pass 70 percent of their courses, McCormick said. The hardest conversations take place when students have to choose between a grade and financial aid, and Business Services employees help them make the call, he said.

"That is probably the most difficult discussion that any of them have to have with somebody," McCormick said.

***

Now, he's seen the benefit of her catering background, since Williams keeps an apron in her desk and runs office parties: "She's a really good cook."

Williams has become a student advocate, so other offices now ask for her help if a student has a particularly tangled knot to unravel.

"If it's really funky, they send them to me," Williams said.

The students and parents are grateful, and above her desk, Williams keeps postcards they send her from all over the world.

From the Philippines: "I completed (barely) a two-day hike through the jungle and into the rice terraces. It was so, so steep! Not for those afraid of heights. Say hi to Missoula for me!"

From Mexico: "Thanks again for your help with the financial aid office. The trip has been great. Mexico is a diverse and interesting place. Hope to see you at a Three-Eared Dog show in the future."

From Peru: "After a month of research in Andahuaylas, Peru, studying dental metrics ... I am off to Cuzco to climb Machu Pichu and drink more Pisco! I cannot wait to return to Montana in the summer ... and tell you all about it."

From Honduras: "Thank you so very much for helping me out with the tax forms and fielding calls from my dad. (Sorry!)"

The student in Peru had her debit card shut down, and she didn't have access to her funds to pay her bill. Williams helped her work through it.

Plenty of times, a student hands over a cellphone live with a parent on the other end, and Williams grabs the phone, gets on the line and sends the student to class.

"Honey, go to school. Me and your pops got it."

***

When Williams walks across campus, she greets a ton of people, and jokes that she's a legend in her own mind. Really, though, she's interested not in herself, but in others: the students and their challenges.

"They're really good kids, and they just really struggle sometimes, and they need somebody that's going to mom the (heck) out of them," she said.

She never had kids of her own, so she's adopted the ones on campus. Truth be told, she moms her coworkers as well. She believes she's where she needs to be, a place where she can have a positive influence on people.

When she isn't talking with students, she listens to the blues. Or Metallica or Eminem or country. She sings along, too.

"One of my coworkers is like, 'Why are you singing all the time?' I'm like, 'Why aren't you?' I'm having fun, and I love it."
When Barack Obama was elected in 2008, along with a Democratic U.S. House, there was hope for a new course after the Wall Street-induced Great Recession. Almost immediately, our hopes were dashed when Mitch McConnell, Republican Senate Majority leader, warned publicly that he and his colleagues would see to it that Obama would be a one-term president.

Of course, they failed in that attempt, but gerrymandering and the typical mid-term backlash in 10 brought in a slew of tea party House Republicans and its been downhill ever since. They unleashed one of the most dysfunctional national legislatures of the Western world.

So, where do we in Montana come in? We have the chance to make a difference now, since Congressman Ryan Zinke, an avid supporter of GOP obstructionists, is up for re-election. Whats more, his opponent Denise Juneau, the highly successful, two-term Montana superintendent of public instruction, is vying to replace him.

But first, a bit of relevant history. Shortly before the 2014 election, the Missoulian Editorial Board, in an action unprecedented in my 65 years as a subscriber, strongly criticized two GOP hopefuls, namely Steve Daies, running for the U.S. Senate, and Ryan Zinke for the House. On Aug. 25, 2014, they accused Zinke of implying that he had led the Navy SEALs group that had killed Osama bin Laden, architect of the 9/11 Twin Towers massacre, although Zinke had left the Navy three years before bin Ladens death. The board remarked that Zinkes distinguished career required no such misleading embellishment.

Again, with no such additional precedents in the interim, the board printed a similar posting on Aug. 12, 2016, almost two years since the first. This time they awarded a bowl of chokecherries to the congressman for implying that the media themselves are responsible for some of his (Trumps) more crude and clownish statements and not Donald Trump himself.

Of course, in the relatively brief time since Trump has been a candidate, Zinke has fastened himself to the big-mouth like a leech. He was one of the first to offer his service to the candidate as vice president or Secretary of Defense, in a huge show of ego for a first-term congressman.

I had no idea of the depth of his attachment until his second debate with Denise Juneau. Zinke exploded with emotional support for Trump as being the only presidential candidate who now favors the XL pipeline, which was vetoed by President Obama.

The XL pipeline was scrapped because of its potentially excessive contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, to global warming and climate change. Trump himself has described climate change is a Chinese hoax and Zinke has not dismissed this, although its existence and human causation are based on unimpeachable scientific evidence.

By contrast, Denise Juneau, as a member of the State Land Board, voted against leasing coal-bearing lands in the beautiful Otter Creek valley, but she was overruled. But given the fact that coal on state lands will continue to be exploited, she voted against reducing royalties, thinking the lost tax could be better used for education and other public services.

Another contentious issue is that of the state taking over public lands, which belong to all U.S. citizens. Denise Juneau is unequivocally opposed, as are a large majority of Montanans. Ryan Zinke is somewhat wishy-washy on the subject, as suggested by his support for reform of the Land and Water Conservation Act, which is extremely popular.

However, there is an objective way to cut through fuzzy rhetoric on such questions. Material provided by the Montana Conservation Voters (a thorough analysis of voting records on conservation issues made by all U.S. House and Senate members) show that Zinke reached one of the lowest possible scores of 3 percent on 35 issues of conservation significance. Of course, that would change if he is replaced by Denise Juneau. There is not space available to describe the myriad of ways that Zinke has demonstrated his fealty to the GOP obstructionists and their right-wing agenda.

We have a clear choice. Lets take our country back from corporate polluters and elect a forward-looking Denise Juneau, highly successful daughter of Montanas Blackfoot Nation. Wouldnt it be great to have the first Native American woman in the U.S. House?
Those with good memories will recall the so-called Sagebrush Rebellion of the '70s and '80s in which those seeking more resource extraction in the West demanded state and local control of federal lands. That rebellion, going nowhere, morphed into the misnamed Wise Use movement. Same bad actors, same bad goals. When that fizzled, the latest incarnation, primarily centered in Utah, turned to armed occupation of federal lands and facilities by individuals like the Bundys, who believed their god told them to take the land by force. But like all the former failures, fortunately for our publicly owned federal lands, the latest batch of transfer proponents are simply running out of options.

Last week, in a body blow to the land transfer efforts, Western states attorneys general voted 11 to 1 to accept a highly technical analysis that found a potential lawsuit seeking 30 million acres of federal land be ceded to the Utah, is unlikely to succeed, despite the states unenlightened legislature appropriating $2 million on lawyers.

When you consider that Montanas Republican Attorney General Tim Fox was among the overwhelming majority of AGs to support the reports conclusion, it becomes clear that this is not a finding that is tainted by politics or partisan influences. Thats bolstered by the fact that of the AGs from Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, seven are Republicans, three are Democrats and one is an Independent.

It is particularly notable that Foxs Chief Deputy Attorney General, Alan Joscelyn, contributed legal research and analysis to the report, which was two years in the making. While this may seem like no big deal, those familiar with Joscelyns past as one of the leading attorneys for mining corporations in Montana will be assured that if a land transfer lawsuit had a chance in court, he would have uncovered it.

In fact, the report relies heavily on past Supreme Court and federal court precedents to refute the potential to legally force the federal government to cede its lands to states. As reported by the Associated Press, the analysis found that the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that the Property Clause of the Constitution gives the U.S. government the right to own public lands and keep them public and the exclusive power to decide whether to dispose of them or sell them off and has also found the government's authority under the Property Clause of the Constitution has no limitations."

In the meantime, another ill-fated attempt to take federal lands by force is heading toward a conclusion in federal court in Portland, Oregon. There a verdict in the armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge by Ammon Bundy and seven co-conspirators could come as early as this week and, according to federal prosecutors, would likely bring 3-year prison sentences to be formally announced in February 2017.

Coincidentally, thats the month the trial starts for the armed standoff led by Ammons father, Cliven Bundy, in Nevada. That confrontation came within a hairs breadth of bloodshed when hundreds of Bundys cattle, which had been grazing illegally on public lands for more than 20 years without paying the required grazing fees, were rounded up by federal agents. With gun barrels pointing in both directions from Bundys allies and the federal officers, disaster was narrowly avoided when the feds released the cattle and withdrew from the area.

But the government promised that those involved in the armed standoff would face arrest and charges for their actions. That promise was kept when Cliven Bundy was arrested after debarking a plane in Oregon on the way to join his son and the armed co-conspirators at Malheur. According to federal prosecutors, the charges in the Nevada trial could result in 7- to 12-year prison sentences.

While proponents of federal lands transfer say the attorneys general analysis failed to consider every facet of Utahs potential lawsuit, the reality an almost insurmountable uphill struggle should they pursue that avenue. Likewise, attempts to take over public lands through armed conflict, otherwise known as anarchy, are doomed to failure  although its proponents will likely occupy federal facilities known as prisons for some years to come.

Nearly 350 million Americans already own these federal lands  and they are not much inclined to cede them to a handful of Western malcontents. Given the recent setbacks, its time the land transfer proponents recognize the Balkanization of Western public lands is simply a losing proposition.
Cold Springs Elementary School, located on Briggs Street in south Missoula, currently serves a population of 492 students. Because of its current location, only a little more than a third of those kids can safely walk or bike to school. In addition, the deferred maintenance and upgrades that would be necessary to bring the 87-year-old building up to 21st century standards are daunting. The passage of last Novembers elementary school bond has presented an opportunity to rebuild Cold Springs School into a community-centered, state-of-the-art learning facility.

In developing the facilities plan for Missoulas elementary schools, parents, teachers, students, community leaders and school administrators worked together to create a strategy that would address the needs of Missoulas neighborhoods in the best way possible. That process included an extensive analysis of where students live, where growth is coming and where our infrastructure is best suited for development. In some instances, that analysis showed that a few of our schools are located in places where the majority of students have to be bused or driven to school. Our analysis tallied the number of students within a quarter mile and one mile (typical walking and biking distances used for planning) of each school. We also compared school locations to Missoula Growth Policy projections for new housing locations in Missoula. With the Cold Springs neighborhood, we have the opportunity to address some of these issues while investing in education infrastructure that supports the future growth of our community.

Following our analysis, multiple options for relocating the school, including the current location, were presented and discussed at well-attended neighborhood and community meetings. The result of those meetings was the selection of the proposed location as the optimal choice.

Neighborhood schools are an important characteristic of great neighborhoods. The recommended location is within walking and biking distance for 45 percent of the students who will be attending the school. It is at the confluence of a central trail system that connects many neighborhood streets directly to the school, and is across the street from a city park. In addition, over 800 new homes are anticipated and approved for construction in the lower Miller Creek area. With good planning, this housing adjacent and near the new school site will be affordable and attractive to families with children and will be highly attractive for many families and first time home buyers. Many students will be able to travel down a quiet neighborhood street, connect to the trail and get to school with just one street to cross.

Cold Springs enrollment of 492 students and existing location is projected to generate 635 motor vehicle trips per day. Moving the school to near the homes where students can walk will generate less traffic, as fewer trips will be made by parents taking their students to school and returning home. Trips generated by parents dropping off students on the way to work will be the same with either location, although the trips will be along different routes.

Relocating the Cold Springs School will have little impact on critical Miller Creek traffic locations like the junction of Upper and Lower Miller Creek roads and Miller Creek Road and U.S. 93. There will be some redistribution of traffic between these locations but the numbers comprise a very small percentage of the thousands of cars a day that use these locations. The school will be a small percentage of the future traffic on Lower Miller Creek Road. Biking and walking to and from school every day is a great way to keep our children active and healthy. It will also improve the safety of our children and enhance the livability of one of our important residential neighborhoods where our community is planning to grow.

So on Nov. 8, vote yes to approve the location of the new Cold Springs Elementary school, and remember that this proposition is a zero-cost question, as the voters of Missoula have already approved the funding for the new school, and it is just the location that we are voting on next month.
Montanas only congressional seat needs a visionary leader who believes and understands the power of education, good-paying jobs, a community that looks at renewables for a clean environment, and the strength of embracing diverse cultures.

Denise Juneau has a long record of commitment to the people of Montana. As our superintendent of public instruction she oversaw a reduced drop-out rate and historic graduation rates. When students succeed, all of Montana benefits.

This leadership is what Montana needs, not a representative who missed voting on Montanas water projects and funding the Veterans Administration while he was campaigning for Donald Trump. Ryan Zinke is not a Montana community builder, he is a self-promoting person who said he would be selected for Speaker of the House and then for Trumps running mate, nothing about Montana.

Denise Juneau has a long record of success for Montana and our values, and she will work for us and our children!

Ursula Neese,

Bozeman
I sent a certified letter to Governor Bullock. The governors office signed for my letter on May 26. In my letter I asked for the governors help under the Americans with Disabilities Act. I sent two follow-up letters in July and August. I again requested Bullocks help. I have had no reply from the governor or his office. It is now over 125 days and Im still waiting.
Within just a few days, Montanans who vote will determine the future path which our great state will follow during a time that state revenues look challenged. Folks can choose a senator who will either effectively represent them, or an ideology. Residents of rural Missoula as well as Lake County have to choose between Dan Salomon or a freshman political campaigner for Senate District 47. Lets get it straight:

Sponsorship of the Montana HELP Act, the water compact, dark money campaign finance reform and the failed infrastructure funding bills were by Republicans - like Dan Salomon. This session will be exceedingly tough. A concerted hard effort by groups has thrown up roadblocks to our timber, mining and energy sectors - the treasure that makes Montana the Treasure State, and as a result, we face collapsing revenues to fund even just the existing programs that we have. Salomon's three terms of legislative experience in education, agriculture and business and labor already positions him to continue what he has a proven record doing: advocating for your interests.
A few years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court called money speech and corporations people, and then allowed tax exemptions for phony social welfare organizations that do not have to identify their donors - even though those organizations now pour money into political campaigns.

Since then, campaigns in Montana have been a clash between the goals of outside dark money and Montana values. This year the Montana values that are threatened by outside interests are the two great equalizers that enable all Montanans to enjoy life here, and give all equal opportunity. These are protection of public lands and public access to those lands; and protection and support of public education.

It is clear that these issues are paramount in the races for governor and Congress, where this year the Democratic candidates are on the side of Montana values and Republicans are not. It is not always so. This is true also for those statewide officers, especially superintendent of public instruction, whose occupants constitute the State Land Board.

Often overlooked is the role of the Montana Supreme Court in protecting our values and holding the line against outside interests who would seize our public lands, deny public access and begin to privatize our public schools.

It is critically important this year that Montana voters consider the importance of this race, and elect Judge Dirk Sandefur to the Supreme Court. In addition to his superior judicial qualifications and resultant high professional standing, Sandefur will protect Montana values and our way of life against the outside dark-money groups that support his opponent.

Lawrence K. Pettit,

Helena
FBI Director James Comey, in his report following the FBI investigation, stated that Hillary Clinton lied. Voters who are planning to vote for lying Democrat Clinton need to see the real character behind that smiling face.

Three anti-Hillary Clinton books are Crisis of Character by former Secret Service agent Gary J. Byrne, who served protecting the Clintons in the White House when Bill Clinton was president; Hillarys America by Dinesh DSouza warning of the consequences with Hillary Clinton in charge for four or eight years; and Armageddon by Dick Morris, who is one of the closest insiders to know the traits of the Clintons because of his being advisor to both from the governorship in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the White House.

Republicans who plan to cast their vote for Clinton need to reconsider doing so. Ive listened to her in the debates and in excerpts from her campaign speeches. My deduction is that if you want more government regulation and more liberal socialist legislation, Clinton will provide it.

The biased press, Democrats and unfortunately, some of the top Republicans, are making a big deal out of the Donald Trump sex video. How many past presidents have comparable exploits, including Thomas Jefferson? Had I been in Trumps shoes when Clinton brought it up in the debate on Oct. 9, my short response would have been, But I never used a cigar.

Dale C. Smith,

Cut Bank
This year the voters in House District 90 will have a choice between a first-time, non-career, common-sense conservative versus the incumbent liberal progressive. The progressive liberal voted against last legislature's passed bills of a $400 taxpayer refund of their money, and a parental school choice for their children.

Bill Murray is a grassroots, common-sense, non-political candidate who will advocate for those issues should they come up again in the next legislature.

Bill Murray is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, former police officer and has been a Montana homeowner and taxpayer since 1970. He has worked in small businesses as well as owning one.

Murray understands the concerns of working people who are raising a family, owning a home and paying affordable taxes that support our states essential needs. He will not support the altruistic wants of the tax-and-spend politicians trying to influence voters with scary stories of impending social crisis. He is not a career politician and has not accepted contributions from political parties or special-interest political action committees.

Murray will listen to all HD 90 constituents and vote on behalf of all Montanans. This is why I am urging that residents of HD 90 vote for Bill Murray the tax buster in November.

Tony Ostheimer,

Missoula
CASPER  Federal court records show that three men accused of walking on a sensitive hot spring in Yellowstone National Park were recently charged with another crime.

The Canadian men were also charged Oct. 7 with taking a motion picture or television recording without a permit. A fourth member of the group was not charged with the new crime.

The National Park Service allows people to take pictures for their own enjoyment but requires permits to record images for commercial purposes. The men were with the Canada-based group High on Life/SundayFundayz and used images of themselves walking on the Grand Prismatic Spring to promote their brand.

Their actions damaged the sensitive bacterial mat of the spring.

The group posted the video on their website but later removed it and issued an apology.
HELENA (AP)  An eastern Montana judge who has been criticized for handing down a suspended prison sentence in an incest case defended his decision in a statement released Friday.

District Judge John McKeon said Valley County prosecutors did not challenge a psychosexual evaluation that said the 40-year-old defendant could be safely treated and supervised in the community. The plea agreement that recommended at least a 25-year prison sentence allowed for a lesser sentence depending on the results of the evaluation, he noted.

McKeon criticized news coverage of the case, saying it failed to note that state law allows for an exception to the mandatory 25-year prison sentence for incest involving someone age 12 or younger if a psychosexual evaluation finds treatment "affords a better opportunity for rehabilitation of the offender and for the ultimate protection of the victim and society."

The exception is consistent with one of Montana's stated sentencing policies "to encourage and provide opportunities for an offender's self-improvement, rehabilitation and reintegration back into a community," McKeon wrote.

The victim's mother and grandmother also wrote letters asking that the defendant not be sentenced to prison, he noted.

The victim's mother wrote that while the defendant made a horrible choice, he needs help, not a prison sentence. She added that he has two sons that still love him and that she would like to see her "children have an opportunity to health the relationship with their father."

The girl's grandmother also called the defendant's conduct "horrible," but said his children, "especially his sons, will be devastated if their Dad is no longer part of their lives."

Nobody spoke on behalf of the 12-year-old girl during the sentencing hearing, Deputy Valley County Attorney Dylan Jensen said Friday.

"Her family declined to testify," he said in an email to The Associated Press. The AP is not naming the defendant to avoid identifying the victim.

McKeon also noted that the defendant's suspended sentence has numerous restrictions including complying with sex-offender treatment and making regular contact with his probation officer. He must have the approval of his treatment providers and probation officer before having any contact with the victim or anyone under 18 years of age. He also may not access pornographic material and can have only limited access to computers and the internet.

"All district judges take an oath to uphold the Constitution and laws of this state," McKeon concluded. "These constitutional provisions and laws include certain fundamental legal principles that apply at sentencing, including a presumption of innocence for unproved criminal allegations, the varying sentencing policies and the government's burden to counter evidence supporting an exception to mandatory sentence."

The plea agreement called for two other counts of incest to be dismissed.

Criticism of the sentence has come down on social media. An online petition suggesting McKeon should be impeached had gathered more than 4,000 signatures by Friday afternoon.
BOZEMAN (AP)  A handful of Montana law enforcement agencies that received military surplus items over the past 18 months aren't in compliance with a state law that requires them to make public their requests for such items.

Great Falls police received a $77,000 remote-controlled robot and the department has posted a list of its requests online.

However, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports, departments in four other counties have received surplus items since the bill passed in April 2015 and none have posted information about their requests or acquisitions.

Republican Rep. Nicholas Schwaderer of Superior sponsored the bill. He says he's created an online application to make it easier for departments to comply with the law and for the public to easily access the information.

___

Information from: Bozeman Daily Chronicle, http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com
HAMILTON  When youre in kindergarten, the last thing you want to think about is living every day with an empty stomach.

The idea of hunger on that scale is hitting home right now for the 13 youngsters who make up Sue Lanes kindergarten class at Victor Elementary School.

Last week  right after they finished their morning exercise  they reached into a sack and pulled out a box of macaroni, or a can of corn, or a sack of flour. And then they zipped up their coats and lined up single file to walk the block and a half to the place where people in their community who live with hunger find hope.

The Victor Food Pantry is located at the Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene.

As the youngsters strolled toward its front door, Bill and Roxanne Gouin were standing there ready to meet them with big smiles and cheer.

The couple manages the food pantry that serves people in the Victor community.

Last year, the Gouins were delighted when Lanes kindergarten class pushed and pulled little red wagons filled with 28 turkeys and a ham to the food pantry. Their generous gift made it possible for the pantry to provide Thanksgiving meals to more than twice as many families as they had the year before.

This year, Lane and her students want to do even more.

But first, the youngsters needed the opportunity to see the food pantry and learn just how important the community resource is to people who face hunger every day.

Once inside, they found seats at a table surrounded by shelves filled with food, and the freezers where their turkeys will eventually find a temporary home.

When you look at all that food on the shelves, you probably think that we could never run out, Roxanne Gouin said. But we do.

And all that food isnt enough to keep something on peoples tables every night of the week. The couple explained the pantry can only help people with a box of food once a week.

Why cant people just go to a restaurant then? said one young boy.

Because restaurants charge money, Roxanne Gouin explained. We can give them some food for free. At least then, they have something to eat.

What do you do when you run out of food and money? asked a little girl.

We pray, Bill Gouin said. Thats the honest truth. We pray.

Helping people less fortunate than yourself is a lesson both Lane and the Gouins hope that youngsters will take from this next month as they reach out to family, neighbors and maybe even a journalist for donations of turkeys.

We have talked quite a bit in class about what it feels like to be hungry, Lane said. We talked about how hard that must be for families.

Why would you want to bring food to the pantry? she asked her class of 13.

Because if people dont have any food, theyll be able to come here and get some, said another little girl.

While one youngster thought it would be great to bring a million turkeys over to the food bank, Lane said they are actually shooting for something closer to 100 by Nov. 17.

On Nov. 1, the youngsters will start asking everyone they know to donate a turkey.

The Gouins hope the community will join in the effort to ensure that families in need will have a nice Thanksgiving meal. Besides turkeys, the food pantry will need items like canned cranberries, green beans and yams. Theyll also need to stock their shelves with stuffing mix, turkey gravy and potatoes.

Anyone with questions can call the Gouins at 363-5054, or the church at 642-3838.

We really have been blessed here in this community, Bill Gouin said. Whenever we think were going to run out of food, more comes in the door. There is a lot of need right now. More than what people realize.

He smiles as the last of Lanes class walks out the door.

Thats such a gift that they are receiving, he said. They are learning what it feels like to help others at such an early age. Thats so important.

He smiles and nods his head.

And they are such a blessing to us, he said. They really are.
A few things for a slow Sunday.

99 Ranch Market on Balboa's Soft Opening:

Like many other folks I know, I've been watching for any indication the new 99 Ranch Market would be opening. The other day I noticed some notices were posted. I drove on over to the parking lot and took a look.

The flier says - Soft Opening October 20th; Grand Opening October 22nd.

So there you go.

5950 Balboa Ave

San Diego, CA 92117

Poke and Pintxos at Poseidon Project:

Like I mentioned in a previous post; I've kind of taken to the Poseidon Project, the little beer bar and bottle shop in my 'hood; Bay Park. It's a nice, neighborhood place, but it's a beer bar and bottle shop and doesn't serve food. Which can be a bit of a problem in this area.

I'll usually drop by on Saturday evenings when the Missus needs to work and have noticed that there's usually one and sometimes two catering folks coming in to serve food.

The usual Saturday stand is by a company named ILNLYF Foods, which you might know from the Little Italy Mercado. And yes, these guys serve poke.

I've yet to find decent poke in San Diego and I really had my doubts about these guys. And the first two times I tried the poke I was underwhelmed. I did enjoy that this isn't the typical San Diego "Chi-poke" set-up; the fast-casual fish with sauce thing. I did find the fish to be on the mushy side and the poke sort of waterlogged; as if they dumped a bunch of frozen fish into the marinade.

However, the guy serving the poke is very nice, friendly, Samoan, who has family and spends a good deal of time in Hawaii.

And wouldn't you know it; the last two times their version of shoyu poke has been pretty good. As you can tell; not too much "suji" (connective tissue) in the fish. It's been marinated....not just sitting around with some sauce thrown on it. I'd like a bit more onions, but the kimchi cucumbers are a decent addition. I was told that because their customer base at the Mercado's said it was too salty; they've had to change to low sodium shoyu....so they told me to visit them at the PIF and other festivals where they "don't hold back".

Tried it again recently and I gotta say; it's a two fer two...though i'm not a big fan of the "fried rice", which was too hard and dry. I'll stick with the white rice....though they did have a decent mac salad a few weeks back.

Also, on occasion there's young lady who makes paella, and later on some Saturday evenings she'll bring in some Pintxos......you know what that is, right?

They'll tell most folks this is "tapas", but the young lady is from Bilbao. In Basque country, they call this Pintxos.

Some Tortilla Espanola, maybe a version of Champinones Al Ajillo, Boquerons, or Crouquettas de Pollo. Nice folks.

I'm not sure what the entire lineup of food purveyors is; so you may want to call ahead on a Friday or Saturday to see if they'll have anything; 619-230-5334.

Over the last couple of weeks; I've noticed a couple of things; the beer cooler doesn't have the variety it used too; they don't always have all 8 pulls going. I really like this place and hope this isn't a bad sign. I've enjoyed meeting some of my more like minded neighbors, the two and even four-legged ones.....so I'm hoping Poseidon hangs on and maybe gets a kitchen, or something.

Poseidon Project

4126 Napier St

San Diego, CA 92110
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The fact that a large number of refugees, especially from countries which have been subjected of late to the ravages of imperialist aggression and wars, are desperately trying to enter Europe is seen almost exclusively in humanitarian terms. While this perception no doubt has validity, there is another aspect of the issue which has escaped attention altogether, namely that it is the first time in modern history that the issue of migration is being sought to be taken out of the exclusive control of metropolitan capital. Until now migration streams have been dictated entirely by the requirements of metropolitan capital; now, for the first time, people are violating the dictates of metropolitan capital, and attempting to give effect to their own preferences in the matter of where they wish to settle. Wretched and miserable, and without being conscious of the implications of their own actions, these hapless refugees are in effect voting with their feet against the hegemony of metropolitan capital, which invariably proceeds on the assumption that people would meekly submit to its dictates, including in the matter of where to live.

The idea that metropolitan capital had until now determined who should remain where in the world and under what material conditions of life, may appear far-fetched at first sight. But it is true. In modern times one can distinguish three great waves of migration, each dictated by the demands of capital. The first of these was the transportation of millions of people as slaves from Africa to the Americas, to work in the mines and plantations for producing commodities that were exported to meet the requirements of metropolitan capitalism. Since the facts about the slave trade are reasonably well-known I shall not discuss this particular wave of migration any further.

Once the heyday of the slave trade was over, there was a new type of migration. Throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, metropolitan capital had imposed a process of deindustrialisation upon the third world, not just on tropical colonies like India but also on semi-colonies and dependencies like China. At the same time it had drained away a part of the economic surplus of these societies through a variety of means, ranging from the sheer appropriation without any quid pro quo of commodities using tax revenues of the directly-administered colonies, to the imposition of unequal exchange in the valuation of third world products, to the extraction of monopoly profits in trade. The populations of the third world economies which had become impoverished through these mechanisms had been forced however to remain where they were, trapped within their own universes.

But, soon, two streams of migration developed in the nineteenth century at the behest of metropolitan capital. One was from the tropical regions of the world to the other tropical regions, while the other was from the temperate regions of the world to the other temperate regions, in particular from Europe to the temperate regions of white settlement such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The migrants from the tropical regions were not allowed to enter freely into the temperate regions (indeed they still are not). They were transported as coolies or indentured labourers from their habitats in tropical and sub-tropical countries like India and China to where metropolitan capital wanted them, to work in the mines and plantations in other tropical lands. Their destinations included the West Indies, Fiji, Ceylon, Latin America and California (where Chinese workers were employed in gold extraction).

The temperate-to-temperate region migration was a part of the process of diffusion of industrial capitalism from the European metropolis to these new lands. It was a high income migration, in the sense that the migrants came from relatively high income regions and moved also to regions where they enjoyed high incomes. The tropics-to-tropics migration by contrast had nothing to do with any diffusion of industrial capitalism; and it was a low-income migration.

The reason for this difference, the fact that temperate region migration was a high income one while tropical migration was a low income one, has often been attributed to the higher labour productivity of the European migrants compared to the Indian and Chinese migrants. But this is erroneous. The incomes of workers under capitalism are scarcely ever determined by the level of labour productivity per se; on the contrary what matters is the relative size of the reserve army of labour: even with rapid increases in labour productivity, real wages of workers may stagnate at a subsistence level if the reserve army is large enough. Besides, the relevant labour productivity one has to look at in the context of this argument is not that of the workers employed in capitalist industry but of those outside of it, since they are the ones who are likely to be migrating; and there is no reason to believe that the labour productivity of the latter was any higher than that of their counterparts in the tropics if we ignore the impact of drain and deindustrialisation inflicted on the tropical lands.

The real reason for the income difference of the two migration streams lay elsewhere, in the fact that in the temperate regions into which they were migrating, the European migrants could simply displace the local inhabitants (like the Amerindians) and take over their land for cultivation. This not only gave such migrants high incomes, but also kept up the wages in the home countries from which they were moving out, by increasing what economists call the reservation wage. Nobody naturally would work for a pittance in Europe if he or she can migrate to the temperate regions of settlement abroad and earn a much higher income on the land taken over from the Amerindians; it is this prospect which kept up the real wage in Europe as well.

The tropics-to-tropics migration in contrast was low-wage migration since the migrants came from populations which had been impoverished by drain and deindustrialisation and had no prospects of setting themselves up as farmers on land snatched from the original inhabitants in their new habitats.

W Arthur Lewis, the well-known economist of West Indian origin, estimates that each of these migration streams in the nineteenth century was of the order of 50 million persons; but no matter whether one accepts this particular estimate, the numbers involved were undoubtedly large. Utsa Patnaik estimates that almost half the number representing the increase in population each year in England between 1815 and 1910 migrated to the new world to which industrial capitalism was getting diffused from Europe.

The third big stream of migration was in the post-second world war period. This period, stretching from the early fifties to the early seventies, has been called by some the Golden Age of Capitalism, since it saw high rates of growth of Gross Domestic Product in metropolitan, especially European, economies, on account of the post-war reconstruction boom and the institution of State intervention in demand management. Even though the rates of growth of labour productivity were also high, they were not as high as the rates of GDP growth, which meant an increase in labour demand. In most European countries however populations were hardly increasing; the increase in labour demand therefore was met by importing workers from the tropical regions. There was still no free migration of labour from the tropics to the metropolis but migration in specified numbers was allowed to meet the growing labour demand. The migrants, consisting of Turks in Germany, Algerians and others from former French colonies in France, and South Asians and West Indians in the UK, took over low-paid jobs, releasing the local workers who had been employed in such jobs earlier, and who could now move up the job hierarchy. Post-war capitalism in short witnessed a large growth of an underclass of migrant workers in the metropolis.

But as the post-war boom, or the so-called Golden Age, collapsed, the migrant workers and their descendants found disproportionate representation in the ranks of the unemployed and the underemployed. With the onset of the capitalist crisis in the current century, their position has become even more precarious. The social consequences of this phenomenon have been much discussed and we need not dwell upon them here.

The point however is this: quite apart from the wars and aggression that metropolitan capitalism unleashes everywhere, even its normal modus operandi entails the dispossession and impoverishment of people in other parts of the world. Its objective is to keep them trapped within their own universes, as a distantly-located labour reserve, which it can tap from time to time by allowing carefully-controlled migration to regions where it needs labour. Its assumption is that they can so remain trapped in their own universes without a murmur, no matter what condition they are in. And of course it is on the basis of this assumption that it unleashes imperialist wars on third world populations. The modus operandi of metropolitan capitalism requires the fulfillment of this assumption.

What the so-called refugee crisis of Europe is demonstrating is that this assumption can no longer be fulfilled. Even more significantly, metropolitan capitalism does not have any answer to this problem of refugees at the gate. It cannot allow them in; and it cannot find solutions to their problems in their home countries. Either would be a humane course, but capitalism is not about humaneness. And this fact is coming to haunt it.

Prabhat Patnaik is a Marxist economist in India. This article was first published in Peoples Democracy 40.42 on 9 October 2016; it is reproduced here for non-profit educational purposes.




BUTTE MAN STABBED IN CLARK PARK

A 25-year-old Butte man was stabbed in the shoulder in Clark Park, George and Texas, at 3:30 a.m. Saturday after police say he got into a pushing match with a man who pulled a knife. The suspect described the man as in his 20s or 30s, and said the man walked away toward Grand Avenue after the incident. The victim returned to his home to bandage himself up before driving to St. James Healthcare and calling police. A detective has been assigned but police have no suspects.

WOMAN FINDS BURGLAR IN BEDROOM

An 18-year-old woman came home to her rental on the 400 block of Mercury Street just before 5 p.m. Saturday to find her front door open. Entering her home, the woman heard a noise and proceeded to her bedroom, where she found a man in a pink and orange shirt. He fled out her kitchen, and the woman called police. Police said they located the man, who continued to flee and stuck a knife down his pants. Police caught and arrested the man on the 400 block of Idaho Street, finding a used syringe on him and the knife ditched down the street. Ely Merfeld, 23, of Craig, Alaska, was booked into jail for felony aggravated burglary, and misdemeanors for carrying a concealed weapon, possessing drug paraphernalia, obstructing police and resisting arrest.

BOAT THIEF RUNS OUT OF GAS

Police were called to Texas and Grand just before 1 p.m. Saturday on reports of a suspicious vehicle hauling a boat. Police received another call from a man nearby on the 1900 block of Grand Avenue reporting his boat stolen out of his garage. Police spoke to the driver of the truck hauling the boat, Brandon Bailey, 33, of Anaconda. According to police, Bailey said he purchased the boat from a man at a local convenience store who said to pick it up from his garage, and that he does not steal. Police then discovered a warrant for Bailey's arrest out of Deer Lodge for felony theft, and arrested him. Bailey was booked on felony burglary and felony motor vehicle theft. His passenger, Kallie Jensen, 20, Butte, was booked for felony possession of stolen property and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia for a meth pipe. Police said Bailey's truck ran out of gas a block away from where the boat was stolen.
MISSOULA  From 1820 to 1930, 4.5 million people left Ireland for the United States. Most congregated in five American cities  New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Butte.

This week, some 200 people are expected in Missoula  including Irelands ambassador to the United States, Anne Anderson  to discuss the vast impacts of the migration on both countries.

Not to mention its impact on England, the long-standing thorn  to put it in the politest of terms  in Irelands side.

Her Exiled Chidren: Ireland and the Irish in America is the name assigned to the 32nd annual gathering of the American Conference of Irish Studies. It takes place at the Holiday Inn Parkside, Thursday through Saturday, although a few key events  including a Thursday bus tour of Butte and Anaconda  will happen elsewhere.

In addition to the Irish ambassador, the conference will include the third of this years University of Montana Presidents Lecture Series. Ruan ODonnell, a professor at the University of Limerick, is scheduled to speak on Irish America and the 1916 Rising at 8 p.m. Friday in the University Center Ballroom.

The Easter Rising could never have happened without the Irish in America, says Traolach ORiordain, director of Irish Studies at the University of Montana.

The armed rebellion came long after millions had fled, taking with them a deep anger at British rule in Ireland, ORiordain says. Even before 1916, Irish nationals had gone international, and the British recognized that, he continues. They were going to export the American Revolution to Ireland.

The Rising itself was put down by the British in six days, but Englands decision to then execute 15 leaders of the rebellion  including Patrick Pearse and James Connolly  following secret trials where no defense was allowed turned public opinion solidly to the rebels side.

Earlier Friday, ODonnell will also lead a conference seminar called Researching Irish Republican Army Prisoners in England: 1968-1998.

The conference will go beyond the political. There will also be:

Sport (a hurling match Saturday at Rollin Field).

Poetry (readings by Dublin poet Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill, who is teaching this fall at the University of Notre Dame).

Film (a showing of the made-for-Irish-public-television documentary Sceal ar Butte, which translates into The Story of Butte).

And music (a lecture by the former head of Radio na Gaeltachta, Breandan Feiritear, called Dragging it Home: Songs and Stories from Gaelic America).

Both Anderson and Montana Gov. Steve Bullock are scheduled to speak at Saturday nights closing banquet.

Anderson, who is from County Tipperary, has been Irelands ambassador to the U.S. since 2013. The longtime diplomat previously served as Irish ambassador to Monaco, France, the European Union and the United Nations.

Ireland Consul General Philip Grant will also attend the conference, ORiordain said. The presence of Anderson and Grant signals the Irish governments continuing interest in promoting the study of Ireland and its culture outside of Ireland, according to ORiordain.

Missoula applied two years ago to host this years conference, he said, and made a very strong argument about Montanas significant role in Irish affairs in America since the 1880s.

Clan na Gael  an Irish republican organization in the United States dedicated to an independent Ireland  had chapters in those major cities mentioned at the start of this story, as well as the Butte-Anaconda area.

And while seats on the national executive committee came and went in other places, there was always somebody from New York City, and somebody from Butte or Anaconda, ORiordain says. And the most radical chapter of all was Butte.
John Edward Mollenberg passed away October 13, 2016 in Deer Lodge. He was born January 18, 1932 in Montesano, Washington to Edward and Isabelle (Schultz) Mollenberg. His parents had moved to Washington for a couple years, for his mother's health. They moved back to Montana and started the Spring Creek Dairy at Garrison, MT. John worked the dairy with his family at a very early age and continued into his adult life. He enjoyed his many relatives who came to visit - many of whom he played good natured tricks on - something he learned from his mother's prankster brothers.

He married Joan Jacobson of Racetrack on June 2, 1954. He was drafted into the Army shortly after they were married, but was called home and honorably discharged when his father was injured.

John and Joan had 2 children, Rick and Debbie. After Rocky Mountain Phosphate Company moved to Garrison and destroyed the dairy operation, John worked for Bill Fenby at the Garrison Sawmill. In 1967 he started John's Tune Up in Deer Lodge. His green and white truck was known far and wide by trucker and rancher alike. He spent many years working on semi's, haying equipment, irrigation systems, trucks, and cars. He was quick to help those in need, and often would tell people who asked, "How much?" to buy him a cup of coffee next time they were around. He spent many holidays helping stranded motorists get to their destination to celebrate with friends and family. Jim Woodward (NAPA) and Gene Hughs (DL Auto) gave John keys to their stores so he could get parts after hours to keep people moving along.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan; sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Roy Beduz of Kimberley, B.C.; cousin, Jeff Mollenberg of Lewiston, ID; brother-in-law, Bud Jacobson; sister-in-laws, Eva Touchette Carman and Barbara Jacobson.

He is survived by his son, Rick Mollenberg; daughter, Debbie Ehret (Jeff Tamcke); granddaughter, Jonadel Ehret; grandson, Jordan Mollenberg; brother-in-law, Ted Jacobson; sister-in-law, Edna Jacobson all of Deer Lodge; brother-in-heart, Ray (Mary Kay) Browning of Hamilton; his sister's children, Judi (Terry) Cozzetto of Ymir, B.C. and Brian (Lorraine) Beduz of Kimberley, B.C.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Celebration of life Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 at 11 a.m., Baptist Church in Deer Lodge. Luncheon following at the Elks Lodge.

Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital or donor's choice.

Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com.
Look, I'm a guy, all right?

So I've spent a lot of time doing guy things in guy places: barbershops, locker rooms, even men's prisons. Back during my music critic days, I hung out backstage with a veritable army of rock lords and soul men.

But I have never, not ever, not once, heard a man speak the way Donald Trump and Billy Bush do in that 2005 outtake from "Access Hollywood" that was unearthed recently by The Washington Post. You've seen it, I've seen it, alien creatures in Alpha Centauri have seen it, the astounding clip that required the august New York Times to use the f-bomb and occasioned a lively live debate on CNN over repetition of a certain feline synonym for the female genitalia.

In the clip, Trump speaks with casual crudity about his propensity for sexual assault, about how he kisses women without permission as though their bodies were his entitlement, how he grabs them by the pudenda like, one assumes, grabbing one's dog by the leash, one's bag by the handle or otherwise taking control of one's property.

"And when you're a star," he says, "they let you do it. You can do anything." All while Bush is giggling dementedly along, playing Milhouse to Trump's Bart Simpson -- except that Bart has a better moral compass and Milhouse a sturdier backbone.

A day later, CNN reported on a 2004 radio interview in which Howard Stern wonders if it's OK to call Trump's daughter Ivanka "a piece of a--," and Trump says, wistfully, "yeah." It's hard for me to conceive of any father who wouldn't want to smash the face of the man who described his daughter thus, but Trump goes with it.

His defense to all of this, echoed by his coterie of sycophants, is that boys will be boys. It's just "locker room" talk, they say.

It ought not be news to anyone by now that the Republican nominee for president is a sentient tower of excrement in a red power tie. But forgive me if, as a guy, I take particular offense at his attempt to conscript me and mine as conspirators in his loathsomeness, to make us guys human shields for his repugnant juvenility.

Don't get me wrong. I claim no sainthood for my gender. We are not strangers to raunch. And I'm sure your average server at Hooters could tell tales of male misbehavior that could curdle your milk.

But nonchalantly boasting about sexual assault? Casually concurring with some professional letch who demeans your very own daughter to your very own face?

Don't put that on us. There is nothing inherently male about that. No, that behavior reflects the stunted emotional maturity of a then-59-year-old frat boy, a pampered rich kid who never grew up.

And how telling is it that a raft of Republicans, headlined by Sen. John McCain and House Speaker Paul Ryan, has withdrawn support for their nominee since the video was released? They were able to stand with him through his bigotry, his Islamophobia, his bullying, his misogyny, his mockery of a disabled man, his endorsement of violence, his manifest ignorance and his general noxiousness, but boasting of sexual assault was the deal breaker? Why?

Of course, those GOP leaders are all profiles in courage by comparison with the one in three American voters who still, astonishingly, consider this piece of scum worthy of the Oval Office.

Fine. That's their right, and democracy requires no IQ test. But let them not rationalize Trump's godawfulness by retreating into the fiction that this is just How Men Are.

Donald Trump is no man. He's just a really poor excuse for one.
Why Montanans are voting for Trump

The Mason-Dixon (is that Dixon as in Montanas Dixon?) recent poll in Montana says a lot of Montanans are voting Trump for President. What they didnt tell us are the top 10 reasons these Montanans decided to vote this way.

So heres my guess:

The No. 10 reason, We think his wife looks hot in red.

No. 9: Hes simple-minded like us, so can explain complex issues in a way we can understand them.''

No. 8: We want the GOP done away with and figured his election will finalize this wish.''

No. 7: We want a President who will be constantly scrutinized and scandalized so as to keep him from performing his duties of governing the Country.''

No. 6: We dont like the way the federal government is spending our tax dollars, so when we find ways to get around paying our taxes we can use the President as an example.''

No. 5: We receive income from the coal-mining industry and want a new mandate placed on the country (and perhaps in China) to burn coal instead of alternative sources.

No. 4: We want a national leader whos unaware of how his comments negatively impact others.

No. 3: We like that fact that he has no legislative experience, so will be able to get things done with the Congress.''

No. 2: We voted for G.W. Bush and that seemed to work out pretty good for those in Wall Street and the Middle East.''

And the No. 1 reason Montanans are voting for Trump: We like his hair.

-- Robb Blotkamp, Anaconda

Arntzen best for public instruction

I favor Elsie Arntzen in the race for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

When it comes to the right of participation, Elsie is the most trusted person in Montana. If someone calls the Office of Public Instruction with a question, she wants someone to give them an answer.

I asked Elsie to sponsor a bill on a veterans issue. When the language was being drafted, she brought in 17 people with opposing views. She was a Republican Senator but had a Democrat carry the bill in the House. The legislation passed unanimously.

Elsie opposes over regulation and supports the Montana School Choice Program. A poll of the Legislature resulted in the majority indicating that an administrative rule did NOT follow the intent of the legislature in adopting the Montana School Choice Program.

A letter from the Montana Attorney General seems to agree with the poll. A Flathead County Judge issued an injunction to temporarily halt the implementation of the administrative rule. Montana School Choice Program is a $150 tax credit to attend private schools.

If Elise Arntzen is elected, someone will answer your question if you call the Office of Public Instruction.

-- James Wangerin, Deer Lodge

Romano best for public instruction

As the mother of two children who thrived in Montana public schools, I know how important education is to our childrens future. In my work with teachers and public employees, Ive been fortunate to know many of the people running for statewide office in Montana. I am impressed with Melissa Romano, who is running for Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Melissa is a classroom teacher who loves her students and the teaching profession. She is an outstanding, master teacher. Denise Juneau, our current superintendent, cant run for re-election due to term limits. Melissa understands that the role of superintendent is to lead Montanas schools, to work to improve our already outstanding schools. She will continue Denise Juneaus good work through Graduation Matters so that every Montana child graduates from high school, career or college ready.

Melissa Romano is a mother herself. She knows how essential! parents, families and communities are to our childrens education. She knows basic skills are important, but we also need to inspire childrens natural curiosity, imagination and love of learning.

Melissa knows strong public schools are the backbone of our communities. Unlike her opponent, Melissa will fight to keep public money in public schools.

Its wonderful to have such a qualified and inspiring candidate on the ballot. Vote Melissa Romano!.

-- Terry Minow, Boulder

Longtime hunter supports anti-trapping I-177

Nature has always fascinated me. I admired my father and my uncles and their outdoor skills. As schoolboys, my father and his brothers ran a trapline between their farm and school. I caught my first raccoons when I was eight. By 12, I was running a trapline before school, as my dad had done.

A trapping magazine came every month. Books teaching trapping methods were read and reread. Nevertheless, I caught animals and birds by mistake. The animals that drowned took over 10 minutes to die. I killed live animals with a blow to the head. I avoided thinking of their hours of desperate struggle or their physical pain from a cut to the bone. Finding a foot in a trap was merely a disappointment for me. Just a part of trapping.

At 16, a curious change occurred. I began releasing the live animals. Too small or Not prime, I told myself. The real reason was that I had started hunting. I realized that I could still enjoy nature and be motivated to learn the habits of animals and waterfowl.

Knowledgable outdoorsmen were eager to pass on their wisdom and respect for wildlife without illogical contradictions. The cruel disrespect for animals inherent in trapping and impossible to avoid while trapping were within my control as a hunter. I have hunted for over 60 years. I have never regretted throwing away my traps. Please vote yes on I-177.

-- Bob Stone, Polson

Angel in the Butte-Silver Bow courthouse

I was having a difficult time moving an old mobile home that I wanted to use as a storage shed. After going to the Courthouse and struggling with all the details of registering and obtaining moving permits, an angel appeared to help me through all the difficulties I was struggling with. That person was Lori Baker Patrick, who is acting as the temporary Treasurer of BSB. I was and am very grateful for her help and I think she should be retained as permanent BSB Treasurer. She will do an excellent job. Please consider her as BSB Treasurer when you vote.

-- Tom G. Henderson, Whitehall
STEVENSVILLE  Casey Ryan and Gary Three Woodcocks held the leader staff high as they walked past St. Marys Church in Stevensville, past dozens of ornate, personalized headstones and toward a large wooden cross that read INDIAN GRAVES" in bold white letters.

As the men propped the staff against the cross, dozens gathered around, many dressed in traditional Salish regalia, and awaited a prayer. Some cried while others laughed and cheered. The group couldnt hold back their emotions, and they wouldnt, because after 125 years, they were finally home.

Ryan and Three Woodcocks were just two of the dozens of Salish people who hiked the same 51 miles their ancestors walked when they were forcibly relocated from the Bitterroot Valley to the Flathead Indian Reservation 125 years ago.

Although the U.S. government forced many Salish people to leave the Bitterroot Valley between 1873 and 1891 in an effort to open tribal lands to non-Native American settlement, the majority of the tribe refused to leave. But when Gen. Henry Carrington ordered the final eviction in 1891, the Salish, led by Chief Charlo, walked from the Bitterroot Valley to the Jocko Church on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

For the past three days, the present-day Salish people have been reversing the direction of their ancestors path, calling it a Return to the Homeland.

While many people hitched rides for part of the trail or only participated in one leg of the hike, Ryan and Three Woodcocks were among a small group who walked the entire way.

Ryan said he and Three Woodcocks traded off holding the leader staff throughout the entire hike, so they thought it was only fair to share the staff for the last mile of the hike through Stevensville.

Ryan said about 50 people walked, rode horses or drove with the group all three days. He said about 100 participated in at least one stretch of the walk. Even more helped with the event by providing food and drink, or a place to rest.

Its an honor and its in remembrance of what our ancestors endured 125 years ago, so its been a very emotional and powerful experience, Ryan said. Ive been touched by all the kindness our neighbors have showed us. I think our ancestors would be happy to see what weve done here.

The group met at Jocko Church on Thursday and started their journey from there, according to Willie Stevens, who helped organize the event. The group stayed at a KOA campground in Missoula that night, and then at Chief Looking Glass Campground in Florence the next. On Saturday, the walkers arrived at Bitterroot River Park outside of Stevensville where lunch was waiting.

Stevens said the idea for the hike came about nearly two years ago when he and some friends were planning to drive to the Bitterroot and thought it might be better to walk the 51 miles  55 if you count the hikes in and out of the campgrounds.

Stevens said at lunch the turnout was bigger than expected, and although not everyone walked, it took the whole tribe to make it happen.

Everyone pitched in because were just like one big family. There is a mobile support team, camp setup team, cooks and nurses, Stevens said. Were coming home to teach our young ones what happened to our ancestors so they can understand and take over when were gone. Hopefully, theyll do this again at 150 years.

As some people grabbed water, sandwiches and handfuls of trail mix in the park, others changed into regalia and braided each others hair. Even the few horses who made the walk had their manes and tails braided for the last mile.

Gene Sorrell, who was in charge of camp setup, said the walk was a moving experience.

It feels tremendous. When we left Jocko, it was emotional. You just couldnt hold it back, Sorrell said, minutes before everyone rallied to leave the park and hike the last mile to St. Marys Church. Now that were here Im just elated. Were here with our elders and you cant help but wonder what our ancestors would think of us coming home."

Before leaving the park, Jennifer Finley and 9-year-old Maurita Voice were given traditional shawls for walking nearly all 51 miles. While Finley made it the whole way, Voice only came up a couple miles short.

At St. Marys, people were waiting with smiles and signs that read, Welcome home Salish.

Once everyone gathered around that single cross, representing the deaths of many, Tony Incashola, director of the Salish and Pend dOreille Culture Committee, stood to lead a prayer.

We have ancestors buried here. This is an emotional and happy occasion for all of us here, Incashola said. I hope our young people will never forget these last three days and these events. Its because of our ancestors strengths and their values that were here today. Our next generations will be carrying that on from here. If we forget our ancestors, we will disappear.
While Donald Trump holds a 10-point lead, Montanans are not thrilled about the presidential candidates from any party, which has eroded the base support for both Trump and Hillary Clinton in a state that has historically been a Republican stronghold, according to a poll commissioned by Lee Newspapers.

Among those polled, Trump leads 46 percent to Hillary Clinton's 36 percent and Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson's 11 percent. A nearly even split of those polled reported having a favorable view of the three presidential candidates: 31 percent for Trump, 31 percent for Clinton, and 26 percent for Johnson. The two major-party candidates were largely viewed unfavorably  50 percent for Trump and 56 percent for Clinton  while almost a quarter of those polled did not recognize Johnson's name.

"It's highly unprecedented to see two major-party nominees be so poorly thought of," Montana State University political scientist David Parker said. "It's the first time ever we've had two candidates that people just really dislike."

The results of the statewide Mason-Dixon telephone poll conducted early this week highlight divides within both political parties in Montana  and shows the potential that voters are so disenchanted with their choices that they are less likely to be swayed by new revelations about the candidates' characters.

University of Montana journalism professor and political researcher Lee Banville noted that Montana tends to differ from national polls in large part because it leans so heavily Republican and a significant number of voters identify as independent.

"A Republican candidate who might not be doing that well nationally oftentimes does well here. Democrats who are doing well nationally oftentimes aren't particularly liked here," Banville said. "What's unusual here is the degree to which we are just like everyone else. We just want this thing over."

Nationally, Clinton has held a consistent if at times slim lead in recent months, according to polling results compiled by RealClearPolitics. In 49 polls of likely or registered voters conducted since Sept. 1, Clinton held a lead in 38 of them. Pollsters reported a Trump lead in five polls, the most recent being in early October. Six were reported as ties.

Parker noted that Montana almost always goes GOP in presidential races and often with stronger base support than other states.

"If you look down at the Republican number, the fact that Trump is only pulling 77 percent is crazy. That should be more around 90 percent among Republicans," he said, noting Trump is underperforming compared to both Mitt Romney in 2012 and John McCain in 2008. "According to this poll, 17 percent of Republicans are not voting for their nominee. Even among Democrats, 9 percent are not voting for their nominee. Clearly they're making other choices."

Montana GOP Chairman Jeff Essmann, a longtime Billings legislator, said he's not concerned.

"He's 10 points ahead of Hillary Clinton here, and the object is to be first," he said, admitting Trump "is not a traditional Republican candidate."

"I can't pretend he is," Essmann said. "And I don't believe he's pretending he is."

Compared to other recent elections, 19 percent of Montanans polled said they were more likely to vote for a third-party candidate, and nearly all of those who said that have indicated support for Johnson. The 11 percent of Montanans who reported they will vote for Johnson is about double the figure reported in national polls.

"If we have a strong Libertarian streak as a state and there is concern among some Republicans as well as Independents about Trump, then Gary Johnson becomes less of a protest vote and more 'this is a legitimate vote,'" Banville said.

One incident that some analysts expected to trigger voter protests seems to have had little effect in Montana. In the days after a video recording of Trump making lurid remarks about grabbing and kissing women without their consent, many national polls saw the gender gap widen as women abandoned support of Trump with Clinton's lead ranging from 6 to 33 points, with most in the double digits. By comparison, national polling news site FiveThirtyEight reports that the average gender gap between Romney and Obama in 2012 was half the size of the one between Clinton and Trump.

Montana bucks the trend.

"It's tiny here," Parker said.

Among women voters polled, 44 percent said they would cast their ballot for Clinton and 39 percent for Trump. That's only a five-point difference, although the margin of error could mean the actual figure is a little higher and therefore more in line with national polls  or even lower and therefore more unusual by comparison.

A look at the favorability ratings by gender suggests that the comments by Trump might actually have damaged his reputation among Montana women but that that will not cause them to vote for someone else  although analysts say that is difficult to pin down without prior Montana polls for comparison.

Only 21 percent of women said they had a favorable view of Trump  half the rate among men. Fifty-six percent of women said their view of Trump was unfavorable, while 23 percent were neutral  compared to 44 and 16 percent respectively among men.

"Typically what we see in surveys is a wider gap in terms of favorability that doesn't always translate into a large gap in vote choice," University of Montana political scientist Christopher Muste said. "Republican women voters might be really disgusted by Trump's comments, but they might not be willing to vote for Hillary Clinton or say they're undecided."

Parker suspects that many voters are so discouraged by both candidates that they are defaulting to party loyalties, particularly in eastern Montana, where Clinton's favorability rating was just 18 percent, and other rural parts of the state.

"These are the places where Trump has appeal," he said. "They're largely going to be white, less educated, blue collar."

Banville noted that the top issues listed by voters also suggest character attacks are less likely to sway voting decisions in Montana. When asked which issue is the most important in this year's election, 26 percent chose the economy and jobs while another 25 percent chose national security and fighting terrorism. Personal character and leadership ability ranked fifth out of seven with just 8 percent naming that the top issue.

"Given what these voters are saying in this poll, they are much more concerned about their jobs and security than they are about the trustworthiness or character of the people who are going to lead us," he said. "Those issues, in Montana in particular, break strongly to the Republicans."

Parker agreed, noting that even with Trump polling lower than the last two GOP nominees, Parker still expects him to win the state.

"Trump's got it here," he said. "With the third party, it's going to be hard for the Democrats to win under any scenario."
MUSCATINE, Iowa  Josh Spies, the Lower Cedar project director, discussed the possibility of forming a Watershed Management Authority for the Lower Cedar River at the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors meeting Monday morning.

The Watershed Management Authority would involve Muscatine and Cedar Counties, as well as cities in the area, and any county that would come in contact with the lower Cedar River.

Representatives from the counties and cities would have a vote in actions taken by the authority, which would be funded through state and federal grants, but not through the county or cities, Spies told the board.

Were trying to get together and become organized, he said.

Jeff Sorensen, supervisor and county board chair, said the board will be discussing ways to decrease flooding issues along the Cedar River, which can significantly impact the countys roads.

I for one am interested in wetland restoration, and could that help with some of our flooding issues that continue to be a major drain on the taxpayers here in the county, so I think this is a very timely process as we kind of wrestle forward, Sorensen said.

Spies said some ways the flooding could be reduced would be to work to restore wetlands, connect the floodplains so water has room to spread, and work on cover crops and other methods to help soil become healthier and more absorbent.

The formation of the watershed would not allow for new regulations, enforcement, or land requisition, Spies said, but would provide an organized way for counties and cities to work with each other in an effort to prepare for flooding.

Its just a mechanism to bring these entities together so that they can collaborate and do planning, and do fundraising for on the ground projects at a scale thats larger than just the county or the city, he said.

The board agreed they would attend a meeting to discuss the efforts in November.

"I certainly think this is something the county is very interested in participating in," Sorensen said.

In other business:

A public hearing was set for 9 a.m., Monday, Nov. 21 on fiscal year 2016-17 budget amendments.

The board approved a Community Services Building terrace landscaping proposal, with Brian Hazlett of Kellor & Kellor Landscaping, Inc.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  A Muscatine High School senior hopes to change students' perspectives of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

Kyle Hoffman, 17, was awarded a Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student award of $1,000 for his project, "Catapults for Kids and Classrooms."

Hoffman was also one of three Iowa high school students chosen to receive a $5,000 scholarship for the institution of his choice after high school for his project.

The project began, he said, because he wanted to encourage young students to be excited about STEM.

"I wanted to get kids excited about learning about STEM, and I thought back to when I really got interested. It was tearing apart things at home that were old and broken, so I wanted to get kids that hands-on opportunity in the school system," Hoffman said.

Hoffman said he developed a kit for the classroom, and tested it at the Flickinger Learning Center. The students, he said, seemed to enjoy the lessons.

"We had catapults that they used to help them learn, and other activities to learn physics, and they liked it well and the kids really enjoyed it," he said.

He did a survey before and after the lesson, and Hoffman said there was a 55 percent increase in excitement.

"So I really wanted to get that out to the whole community, so I raised $11,000 through things like the HNI Foundation and the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine," he said.

He compiled 12 kits that will go to the elementary and middle schools in Muscatine, and the Flickinger Learning Center locations for teachers to utilize in their classrooms. The kits, Hoffman said, include posters to help teach Newton's three laws and track kits with 35 lessons to help teach kindergarten through eighth-graders about science standards.

The scholarship award, he said, means a lot to him.

"I've been working on it for a while now and I'm just really glad that the community really saw how important it was that this got done, so they really supported me with the donations and Flickinger Learning Center really wanted to work with me on it," Hoffman said.

Hoffman said he hopes the lessons will help students feel the same excitement that he felt as he began learning about STEM when he was a younger student.

"There's a lot of underprivileged kids in Muscatine that just don't ever get this opportunity to realize their full potential so I really wanted to help them get excited about learning like I did when I was younger," he said.

Hoffman is hopeful that providing more hands-on STEM activities in classrooms early in children's education will lead to more high school graduates moving on to careers related to STEM.

"Really inspire them to get excited about learning in general, especially STEM because there are not enough STEM graduates right now and scientists and engineers, the demand for those jobs is supposed to increase at like four times the rate over the next decade," he said.
Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []
SEACOM will sponsor free Internet connectivity for all delegates and attendees of the 2016 MyBroadband Conference.

The MyBroadband Conference is the premier IT and telecoms event in South Africa and has already attracted over 3,000 registrations from executives and IT professionals from around the country.

South Africas top telecommunications and IT companies, including SEACOM, have partnered with MyBroadband as exhibitors for the event.

SEACOM is the official connectivity partner at the MyBroadband Conference, and will provide 10Gbps of Internet bandwidth.

This is the first time ever that a single one-day event in South Africa will see this amount of capacity offered to attendees.

This means that delegates will enjoy fast connectivity all day, with no bottlenecks, said Mark Tinka, Head of Engineering at SEACOM.

The bandwidth will be delivered on a high-end routing platform designed for high-bandwidth and low-latency environments.

Bandwidth Resilience

To guarantee 100% connectivity uptime during the conference, SEACOM will deliver the capacity over two diverse fibre paths.

If the primary fibre path fails, the secondary fibre path will continue to seamlessly deliver high-speed Internet to the event.

Carrier-Grade Wi-Fi

SEACOM will deploy 100 Wi-Fi access points to ensure that delegates have excellent Wi-Fi reception and fast connectivity wherever they are in the venue.

The Wi-Fi infrastructure will be based on the access points, supporting dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz radios that deliver 802.11a/b/g/n/ac connectivity.

Delegates can expect the highest-quality wireless connectivity with no spectrum congestion or interference, thanks to dual, redundant 20Gbps-capable wireless LAN controllers.

SEACOM will use four Ethernet switches to deliver power and network connectivity to every Wi-Fi access point deployed at the conference.
Gumtree is one of the few companies in South Africa that uses a homeshoring method to staff its contact centre, which significantly improves its support capabilities.

Homeshoring is an organisational operational model in which employees work and perform all official tasks from a home or external office.

Our agents work from home across South Africa. They log in at various hours to assist customers, said Claire Cobbledick, Head of Marketing at Gumtree South Africa.

She said this work-from-home model helps them to attract highly-skilled staff and is also a green option  with fewer people driving to work every day.

Placing staff across the country means that we have staff members who are familiar with different provinces and languages to better assist customers with their queries, said Cobbledick.

Charles Bailly, Community Support Supervisor for Gumtree South Africa, said they have built an experienced work-from-home team over the last few years.

This team includes ad moderators, email and live chat support agents, and a highly-skilled filter management specialist.

Our moderation team is keeping an eye on the site 24/7, constantly skimming through the site, hunting for policy infringements and any suspicious activity, said Bailly.
Openserve and Huawei have announced the successful deployment of a high-speed fibre packet and optical transport network.

This will enable Openserve to respond to the growth in demand for data services across South Africa, said the company.

Trial results have indicated a seven-fold increase in the speed of fibre deployment, it added.

The network will support 8Tbps (8,000Gbps) per fibre pair, with one pair of fibre supporting 400,000 families with 20Mbps bandwidth per family concurrently.

It uses Software Defined Networking (SDN) architecture, with the core network deployment starting in Gauteng and currently being rolled out nationally.

We insisted in this architecture when we began designing our packet and optical transport network in 2014, said Alphonzo Samuels, CEO of Openserve.

With the quick service provisioning and smart management that SDN brings, we can quickly develop more innovative services to meet various customer requirements, improving our competitive position in South Africas telecom market.

Openserve is currently finalising the process before implementation and is investigating future services which would also use SDN architecture.
Global computing giant Lenovo is readying to launch its Moto smartphones in South Africa on Thursday, a move that heralds the return of Motorola in South Africa.

Chinese headquartered Lenovo bought Motorola Mobility from Google in late 2014 for $2.91bn. Google previously paid $12.5bn for Motorola Mobility in 2011.

Amid Motorola Mobilitys changes in ownership, the brands last high profile smartphone launch in South Africa was the release of its Razr Maxx handset in 2012.

In January last year, the President of Lenovo Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Aymar de Lencquesaing told Fin24 that Motorola phones would make a comeback in SA before the end of 2015.

Lenovo, though, didnt manage to launch Motorola back into the SA market last year as previously planned. In January 2016, Lenovo also re-branded Motorola as Moto.

But Fin24 understands that Lenovo will launch Moto phones into the South African market on Thursday at a launch event in Johannesburg, with one of the phones being its Android powered Moto Z.

Local Lenovo officials couldnt be immediately reached for comment on Monday.

Lenovos current PR firm, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, told Fin24 that Lenovo will make comment at and after the launch. An invite to journalists to attend a Lenovo launch on Thursday, though, hints at a Lenovo Moto Launch.

The re-launch of the Moto phones in South Africa has become an open secret in South Africa. On Friday, Lenovos Africa Twitter account further hinted at the Moto South Africa launch in a tweet.

In June this year, local Lenovo executives were quoted in the press as saying that plans were in place to bring the Moto brand to South Africa before the end of 2016.

Fin24
SEACOM said it has identified a shunt fault in a cable in the Mediterranean Sea between Egypt and France.

All transmission traffic on the east coast of Africa to and from Europe will be affected, though impact on customers will be limited, said SEACOM.

Customers with IP services will remain unaffected but could experience higher latencies with possible degradation of service, as traffic will predominantly be routed via WACS and SEACOMs network to the Asia gateways.

A shunt fault is caused when the insulation of an undersea cable is damaged to the point where its metallic core comes in contact with sea water, causing a short circuit.

To repair this shunt fault, a service-affecting planned activity has been scheduled from 19 October to 28 October 2016, said SEACOM.

A repair vessel has been mobilised and will reach the fault location by 19 October. Due to the nature of the activity, which largely depends on weather and other sea conditions, the planned work window may vary.

Now read: SEACOM to break Internet speed record for an event at MyBroadband Conference
By

by Wallace Wyss 

Some guys are way ahead of the curve.

Im thinking John von Neumann, around 65. Now I knew von Neumann, in my photographic memory, from seeing a picture of him in a GI uniform shot back around 45 with him sitting proudly behind the wheel of a Nazi bigwigs Mercedes, captured by the 101st Airborne on the way to Hitlers Eagles Nest.

When he moved back to America (where he had been before the war) he opened a car shop and got to be Porsches first car distributor on the West Coast.

Now Johnny wanted open cars to race and sell, damn it, and Porsche was not coming across with designs he liked. He even (egads) cut the roof off a Gmund so he could race in the California sun. He was a take charge get-it-done guy and those dudes in Zuffenhausen were a little slow to responding.

Around 1965, when he discovered Porsches new replacement for the 356 was not going to have an open air model at first introduction, he was appalled. California was the sunshine State (despite Floridas claim to that) and he knew he could sell thousands if there was a convertible. He went to Carrozzeria Bertone in Italy and bankrolled his own Speciale

As far as the styling, I think I recognize the hand of Giugiaro back then, but the trouble with that scenario is that Giugiaro was already with DeTomaso around 65, doing the Mangusta so maybe it only looks Giugiaro-ish. But then again some wags have pointed out it looks like a slightly larger Fiat 850 Spider and who designed that for Bertone? Giugiaro.

The design is pretty good looking with the hidden headlamps closed but when you open themhorrorsit becomes downright ugly like seeing a beautiful woman with her lips closed, and then she smiles and reveals a row of snaggley teeth. But the side view is still pleasant. It would have sold if Bertone could have gotten the price down.

Porsche, as it turned out, was less than enthusiastic. Why? Because they were still working on an open 911, and had several prototypes, some with rollover hoops (the targa), some without. They didnt bother telling von Neumann about it-hell, tell one dealer you might as well tell them all. But truth be told, the real reason it didnt get green lighted was that the Germans didnt trust the Italians.

Only a few years before, Porsche had given Abarth an order for 21 Abarth Carreras to be built by Zagato and what happened? Abarth takes the job down the road to a lesser known bodybuilder who flees in the middle of the night leaving the job undone. Plus each and every one of them was differentwhatever happened to following the plans, Luigi?

Some say Porsche sent the bare chassis of the one-off 911 to Bertone, but if so, that complicates figuring out who owned it. Porsche, as has been chronicled lately, has warehouses full of prototypes they had built, changed their mind, and put into storage.

This car would be in that stash if they owned it. I think Von Neumann ponied up for it, drove it around, got it in magazines and then it sort of went away. The nail in its coffin was that it could not be built en masse and still be profitable at around $8,000, which is the price it would have needed to sell for to be profitable. But even that would be a real stretch as the regular Porsche 911 sold for less.

According to some, it made quite a stir at the Geneva Auto Show, where it upstaged the Lamborghini Miura. But even though Porsche got inquiries, inquiries arent taken seriously unless they are accompanied by checks (as was the case with the prototype Dodge Viper decades later). And eventually Porsche had the targa done enough to show Von Neumann and when he laid his eyes on that he knew that the car he had done in Italy was history.

The purists say it was originally red with Italian-made Campagnolo wheels. The powerplant was your box stock 911 2.0 flat six, but somewhere along the line, when the 911S was introed, it got the hardier engine. When I saw it, in the early 70s, it was a maroon color, I think with black interior but when I saw it in one of Randy Leffingwells books (see Porsche Specials) more recently it has saddle leather and a very high quality black paint job. The wheels, at various points of time, have been the aforementioned Campys, steel Fuchs, and 914-6 Mahle Gas-burner wheels.

Back then, it was mentioned around the early 70s by an ace Porsche finder, the late Bob Raucher, and I think the price was $30,000. One former Von Neumann employee says John sold it to Morley Kasler who then gave it to Pete Kasler, his son.

Then an Orange County Porsche dealer with the unlikely first name of Chick, i.e. Chick Iverson, made an offer and became the owner and had it restored. This must have been before I first saw it because when I saw it, it was already painted maroon. he leather was replaced by Bill Colgan and Porsche factory rims installed. Now heres where I lost the trail. That former employee says the President of BMW bought it before December 1984. But does he mean President of BMW in Germany or BMW USA?

Id like to put this car right up front in my fifth Incredible Barn Finds book but need to hear from anyone who remembers seeing it advertised for sale (an ad in Competition Press, Road & Track or the LA Times?) or remembers what the price was back when it was just one mans suggestion to Porsche and not a hot collectible? I remember $30,000 but my brain has ossified in 40 years..thanks to any reader who can enlighten us

Let us know what you think, or if you have information on this Bertone Porsche, leave a message in the Comments.

THE AUTHOR: Wallace Wyss is also a fine artist. His artwork can be seen on wallacewyssfineart.com.
Every week Google publishes the 10 most popular questions searched in South Africa.

This week American politics were at the forefront of South African minds, as well as the death of Jacob Zuma rape accuser Fezekile Khwezi Kuzwayo.

Outgoing public protector Thuli Madonsela garnered national attention this week in trending search terms  Thuli Madonsela trended on Thursday with over 10,000 searches.

Morelata Park Shooting and Hostage drama in Pretoria trended on Wednesday with over 10,000 and 5,000 searches respectively.

Pravin Gordhan trended Tuesday with over 20,000 searches as well as Rand Dollar with over 10,000 searches, and Monday saw Presidential Debate trending with over 10,000 searches.

Check out the 10 most popular questions South Africa asked Google this week below:

1. Who won the second presidential debate?

2. How did Khwezi die?

3. What causes migraines?

4. How to change your name on Facebook

5. How to calculate percentages

6. How to create a website

7. What is cancer?

8. What is a noun?

9. What happened in Haiti?

10. Who is Khwezi?

Now read: Check out the incredible free food Google employees get every day
This years South African Sexpo will be hosting a cosplay event where the winner can walk away with their share of a R20,000 prize pool.

The competition will feature a unique opportunity for cosplayers to show off their skills in a more adult-themed environment than that of traditional cosplay expos.

The expo will be held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, and the cosplay competition will take place at 13:00 on 29 October 2016.

Judges include Lazygamer staff and porn star cosplayer Tanya Tate.

A R150 Silver Pass will grant you entrance into the expo, while the R250 Gold Pass will grant you access to an array of lounges and high-priority queues.

While Sexpo has never held a cosplay event in South Africa before, it has proven to be immensely successful in other countries such as Australia.

Speaking to Kotaku, Geeky porn star and host of Sexpo cosplay Lucie Bee explained that theres more to cosplay at Sexpo than just sexy cosplay.

We had so many entrants representing their own concept of Sexy, Lucie explained.

The sheer diversity of the competition was spectacular and I dont think thats some we get a lot of at standard cosplay competitions.

As a result, the Sexpo competitions are less about why a costume is sexy and more about why the cosplay makes you feel sexy.

Now read: The greatest cosplay from rAge 2016
MyGaming recently spoke to Rarus Neil Smith about the effect of the worsening Rand exchange rate.

While this will mean an increase in pricing across the board, one publisher is reducing the price of its games in South Africa to help fight the unstable Rand.

Ubisoft has decreased the prices of its upcoming games, meaning South African distributors can pick them up for cheaper.

While pricing is typically dependent on which publisher the local suppliers are getting their games and hardware from, Ubisoft is offering these cheaper prices on the majority of its newer releases including:

Just Dance 2017 ( R715 )

) The Crew Ultimate Edition ( R622 )

) Steep ( R893 )

) For Honor (R899)

It is of course up to retailers to reflect these cheaper prices to the public, but if Ubisofts games are slightly cheaper than others on store shelves this Christmas, now you know why.

Now read: You can now download Beyond Good and Evil free on PC
The Napa Valley Unified School District has ordered school principals and departments throughout the district to cut 9 percent from their budgets, citing multiple reasons for the move.

In a memo to NVUSD staff dated Oct. 10, Assistant Superintendent Wade Roach cited declining revenues and increasing expenses as reasons for the cutbacks.

Overall, NVUSD is expecting to save $2.4 million from the cuts, Roach said Thursday night. That would amount to nearly a 2 percent reduction in the NVUSDs overall $170 million budget.

Principals were told to target the cuts at discretionary supply and services expenses, and to not reduce staffing, according to the memo.

Napa and American Canyon administrators said the order to trim 9 percent would impact purchases of instructional materials, office supplies, postage, and equipment, and mean less money for professional development for staff.

The decision came as a surprise to principals, who said there was no warning of the budget cuts until they were handed down on Monday.

Privately, principals, teachers, and union representatives with the Napa Valley Educators Association questioned the reasons put forth by Roach for needing to cut budgets.

Some district employees wondered if the need to save money was connected to the controversy surrounding Gary Heard, the districts technology director, who was recently put on administrative leave and has been accused by another union of misappropriating funds.

The California School Employees Association, which represents non-teaching staff, last week called on the NVUSD Board of Trustees to authorize an outside investigation of Heard and the technology department.

When asked if the need to save money was related to Heard, Roach told the Napa Valley Register Thursday, No, nothing at all. Not related at all.

Superintendent Patrick Sweeney said the budget reduction was largely a product of shrinking enrollment, which has impacted the amount of per-pupil money NVUSD gets from the state.

Its just the reality of a declining enrollment district, said Sweeney, who spoke outside Stone Bridge School where officials were meeting with parents.

In Roachs memo to principals, he said the districts overall enrollment of 17,960 students was 257 fewer than last year.

At last weeks school board meeting, he informed trustees that the district had projected to lose only about a hundred students compared to last year. Instead, the number was nearly 160 higher than the projection.

The enrollment decline, according to Roach, has had an immediate impact of $1.4 million on the district budget.

His memo included other reasons for cuts in spending:

 Less money coming from Sacramento for education.

 A modest salary increase (1.25 percent) for district workers.

 Rising pension costs for retired teachers.

 The need to replenish the districts fiscal reserve from 5.3 percent to 7.5 percent.

 And a one-time budget adjustment of $1.35 million due to a misclassification of revenue.

This last point caught the attention of some principals, who wondered what the cause of the budget adjustment was all about.

Roach insisted it was a bookkeeping error from two years ago that was only recently discovered.

Back in [school year] 13/14 when we were changing financial systems, and, frankly, some people werent quite up to speed on the financial system, said Roach, a transaction was booked as an accounts receivable but in actuality it should have been booked the opposite way as an accounts payable.

Sweeney concurred with Roach, saying: When we close the books is when we know where we stand. And when we closed the books, we realized, Oops.

The superintendent added that there may be more budget cuts next year, especially if Prop. 55 doesnt pass.

Proposition 55 on the November ballot would extend personal income tax increases for those earning $250,000 or more to fund education and healthcare.

If voters dont approve it, according to Sweeney, it could mean less funding for schools.
To the delight and relief of parents, the Napa Valley Unified School District has indicated it will not relocate Stone Bridge School from Carneros to Yountville.

District officials met Thursday night with Stone Bridge parents, marking the second time the two sides have talked since NVUSD said in September that the charter school needed to move because of its proximity to the West Napa earthquake fault and a Pacific Gas & Electric natural gas pipeline.

The first meeting, held three weeks ago, was contentious. Then, the district led by construction chief Don Evans warned it was too dangerous to keep Stone Bridge in Carneros.

Parents came away frustrated and angry from the Sept. 21 meeting that was standing room only. They accused Evans of using scare tactics to convince them to accept sharing a campus with Yountville Elementary School, whose declining enrollment has made it a target for closure by the district.

But last weeks mood and message were completely different.

Evans and Superintendent Patrick Sweeney informed the Stone Bridge community that it was possible to rebuild their school on the present site, something NVUSD promised to do while campaigning last spring for Measure H, the $269 million school bond.

After consulting with the California Department of Education and safety experts, Sweeney and Evans said they could shift the buildings far enough away on the nearly 10-acre parcel to keep students and staff out of harms way in the event of another earthquake or a gas explosion.

PlaceWorks, a consultant hired by NVUSD, and the California Department of Education agreed that school buildings need only be 60 feet away from the 26-inch PG&E transmission gas line. Evans said he would rebuild the school 300-400 feet away from it just to be safe.

Parent Angela Lockhart said after the meeting that the change in NVUSDs position is going to be really well received by most people.

It feels like they listened to our concerns, said Lockhart, and the fact our program is different than perhaps Yountville and that its not so easy to blend us with another school.

Sweeney admitted as much, telling a calmer crowd on Thursday: As I got all the facts, he said, I realized you couldnt share the facility very well.

Sharing a campus is something Stone Bridge did years ago, when the charter school operated at Salvador Elementary School. Longtime parents previously said it was difficult for their Waldorf-style program and a traditional K-5 elementary to occupy one site.

Parent Heather Shumaker remarked after Thursdays meeting that district officials thought you can put an apple and an orange together and have a great little salad bowl. But in reality were trying to maintain the integrity of both programs, and it would be very difficult to do that on a single campus.

Sweeney refused to guarantee that Stone Bridge would stay in Carneros, saying the final decision rests with the Board of Trustees. The district will submit its recommendations for Stone Bridge and Yountville Elementary to the school board in November.

Lockhart and other parents nevertheless came away from the meeting feeling relieved and grateful.

I just wanted to say thank you for opening your mind and really listening to us, said one parent to Evans outside the schools Multi-Use Building. I really feel a sense of relief, and that weve been heard.

Shumaker said she was really pleasantly surprised by the districts change of plans.

I wasnt expecting that after the last meeting, said Shumaker. It sounded like they were pretty hard core going down one path of two schools on the Yountville campus.

If Stone Bridge stays put, the district must decide what to do with Yountville Elementary, which has only 120 students.

Assistant Superintendent Wade Roach said at the Sept. 21 meeting the district cant continue to have a small school in Yountville. Its just not fiscally feasible to have a 120-kid campus.

When asked Thursday what NVUSD would do about Yountville if Stone Bridge does not move there, Roach said: Thats part of the discussion with the Yountville community.

These talks may be similar to discussions six years ago when the district considered closing Yountville because of low enrollment, he said.

The answer in 2010 was the formation of a local foundation that contributed tens of thousands of dollars annually for a time to the Yountville Elementary budget.

Yountville parents may have to step up again, said Roach, whether it be fiscal in nature or help market their New Tech school to parents in Napa to draw in more students.

The community has a powerful ally in Rob Mondavi, grandson of winery legend Robert Mondavi, whose son attends kindergarten at Yountville Elementary School, known locally as YES.

Im optimistic that YES will remain [open] and viable, said Mondavi in an email to the Napa Valley Register. I do think that the school district, parents and faculty should work collectively to recruit more students.

He said because of the schools new tech curriculum advantage we are producing kind and highly engaged children. YES needs to get the word out that it is a strong and flourishing campus.

The district is scheduled to meet with parents of both schools separately on Oct. 25 to officially announce its plans for the two campuses. Officials will first meet in the Yountville Community Center at 5 p.m., then travel to Stone Bridge for a 7 p.m. meeting.
Years back when I called Claremont University to make arrangements for Peter Drucker to speak to my management/leadership team, no one suggested that a ghost writer or other surrogate from Claremonts very accomplished faculty appear in his stead.

A ghost-writer for the author of The Effective Executive and some 10 other monumental works by Americas foremost management adviser and philosopher? Maybe a stenographer.

And as for a surrogate, since Drucker offered his services to our educational institution for no fee, I retained Dr. L. Michael Tompkins from U.C. Daviss Executive Program to reinforce some of the invaluable points made by Drucker and recommend certain Drucker articles and books thereafter to my most enthused management/leadership team.

Now, there are readers who would say my allusions to Peter F. Drucker are unfair, as Donald Trump is no Drucker, Trump University is not Claremont, Trumps television program The Apprentice, although entertaining, offered little useful managerial advice. And the reader would not be incorrect in saying such things.

To this I might add that Trump (as in youre fired) appeared to abjure corrective discipline and, if elected to executive office, hed face severe difficulties in dealing with the merit system and other tenure issues. (Not covered by his poltergeists boastful memoir Art of The Deal.)

And the attorneys for the Department of Justice would have better things to do besides rescue President Trumps basket of goodies from a red-faced Red-Ridinghood.

Based upon Mr. Trumps public statements and Instagrams, it appears that The Donald has yet to serve his own apprenticeship to enable a successful transition from his position of King of the Tax Break (According to the New York Times) to Tycoon in Office, although his Gold Hat would be the envy of any of our past Whigs in office.

Yes, Trump is no Drucker, nor is he Platos philosopher king, Plato being one of Socrates surrogates, coming post mortem following a cup of hemlock. Are Trumps many surrogates about to explicate his Platonic dialogs? Despite his hair fault he certainly is no Gorgias!

There are folks amongst us who think that Trump would make a great president because as a self-made man he has a great amount of money. Should one read the Times article, he made most of his moola through tax breaks and grants, this at the taxpayers expense.

He also apparently leaves a trail of bankruptcies and non-payment that may exceed that left by the infamous Lucky Baldwin. But the details are hidden in the shadows of Trumps own cave. Maybe he read Plato, after all?

Bob Austin

Napa
For Jenny Sercu, teaching Napa Valley residents about the world has been the trip of a lifetime.

Im enthusiastic about learning  education has been my thing in life, said Sercu, who has spent the past 40 years leading the Napa Valley College Trips and Tours program that takes local residents on tours throughout the world.

I love travel, and I love what you learn from travel, said Sercu, who began teaching art at the college in 1968. After nine years of teaching, she took the opportunity to join the administration in 1976, when her title became Community Education Assistant, helping the dean in various jobs.

They asked me to take over Adventure College, a year-old program that allowed local residents to learn about other places in the world by traveling with educators.

She thought the job would last a month or two, but after her first tours in 1977 to Britain and Greece, the post became permanent.

Over the ensuing 40 years, Sercu visited all seven continents and made hundreds of friends through the non-credit program.

When somebody starts traveling and learning about the world and the people throughout the world, it becomes contagious, said Sercu.

Helen Bowman, a resident of Napa for 50 years, has joined about 15 trips over the years, including Sercus first trip, to the British Isles.

Every trip I go on, I learn, said Bowman. The guides have been educational, the way they tell us about the whole country. I went to Africa twice, once to Kenya and once to Botswana and Zimbabwe, and I learned to love their countries.

Mainly, she said, she learned to love Sercu.

I could see how kind she was, when people would come to her with travel-related problems, how she handled everyone so graciously.

In addition to helping local residents learn about the world, the program also helps Napa Valley College. Collette, the travel company arranging the trips, pays a fee to the college, which splits the proceeds with Sercu, who serves as liaison between the college and the community.

Some of the trips help residents discover America, including Colors of New England, Americas Music Cities, Spotlight on New Orleans, Heritage of America, South Dakota and the Black Hills, and Niagara Falls to New York City.

Other trips explore such faraway places as Spain, Portugal, the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Africa and Italy.

One particularly memorable trip took Napa residents to the historic beaches of Normandy, France.

We saw the museums, the bunkers, the cannons and the weapons, Sercu recalled. We had guides who told us where the enemy was and it was a stunning experience, in that you realized what these people went through.

Everywhere we went, people loved us  they still appreciate what the Americans, British and Canadians did for them, she recalled.

Sercu said she and her husband, Ray, a longtime community leader with Vallergas Markets, were most impressed by the Galapagos Islands.

The Galapagos was the trip I felt most amazed with. It was like looking back on Creation. We had read some of Darwins work, but to see these animals who had absolutely no fear of humans  they had the right of way, definitely  was one of the most amazing experiences in one of the most amazing places in the world.

Another trip to the Galapagos is planned for May 16-30, 2017, and she said there are still some seats available.

Every year, Sercu stages a seminar for the public, asking where locals would like to go next and what they would like to learn about another part of the world.

This years seminar is on Friday, Oct. 21, in the Napa Valley College Main Campus, room 838, starting at 2 p.m. Call Sercu at her Upper Valley Campus office, 967-2940, to reserve a seat.
Editors note: This is the second part of a two-part series on a Baltic cruise by Sharon McDonnell, a San Francisco travel writer. Goat 13 different ways awaited us for lunch at a mountain farm in Norway, with a breathtaking view of the fjord below. Norways famous brown cheese, made from goat milk, is called brunost, which we put on a pancake and top with cherry jam (just roll it like a taco, I was told.) Hard goat cheese spiced with cumin. Creamy goat cheese flavored with herbs and garlic. Feta-style cheese in a salad. Goat milk with my coffee.

The source of this bounty stared at me on my left: 69 goats on the hillside 1,000 feet up, one endearingly named Dotty, thanks to her large blotches.

Weve earned it. Our cruise group hiked two hours uphill to this goat farm, after taking an inflatable boat on the fjord through dense fog from Flam, where our cruise ship docked. On the way up with our guide, Torgeir Just a Little Further Skjerdal, we admired breathtaking views of mountains and Aurlandfjord, partially blocked by fog, for which those among us afflicted with fear of heights are deeply grateful.

Our hostess, Anne-Karin Hatling, who owns the farm with her husband (he takes care of the sheep; the goats are mine), showed us how she makes brunost. It isnt really cheese, but whey, the by-product of cheesemaking, which is boiled in a pot until the milk sugars caramelize and the water evaporates, leaving a sweet-tasting, dark-brown sort-of cheese. Some building roofs are, charmingly, topped by grass.

Some passengers took the famous mountain railway from Flam, a tiny town of about 400, one of Europes most scenic train rides, as a half-day or full-day port excursion. But Id taken that train in the 1970s. Others were lunching at a mountain lodge.

On our two-week Baltic cruise, stopping in eight countries, from Stockholm to Bergen, we shouldnt, strictly speaking, be seeing Norway; its not on the Baltic, but on the North Sea, the other side.

But since cruising its fjords offers some of Europes most spectacular views, and the company chairman is a Norwegian native, we are. The stamp of Norway appeared on much of the ship: I often breakfasted on Norwegian waffles topped with berries, sour cream and berry, plus brunost, while the china pattern was straight out of the chairmans childhood. A photo of his mother pulling his daughter through snow on a sled was on the menu.

The ship spa offered that typically Scandinavian bathing experience, a sauna with a cold plunge pool nearby, particularly beloved in Finland, a country of 5.5 million people but 3 million saunas.

Or maybe 5 million, since some people build one without a permit, and many have two, one in the city, one in their country home, our Helsinki tour guide candidly noted.

The spa also had a Snow Grotto for people nostalgic for snow (perhaps San Franciscans destined never to see it), or those who hankered to walk into a freezer. An exhibit on the Viking legacy was on one deck, revealing the oddball fact that one of Venices iconic lion statues in St. Marks Square, seized in Athens, had Viking runic inscriptions. So Athens had either stolen it or acquired it during trade.

In Bergen, Norways second-biggest city, at composer Edward Griegs lakeside home, Troldhagen, some of us chose to attend a concert of his music. When I was here in the 1970s, the concert hall hadnt yet been built next to his home. So, seeing the lake view that so inspired Grieg right behind the piano through a floor-to-ceiling window was a special treat. So were the music choices from his Peer Gynt Suite: not Morning or In the Hall of the Mountain Hall, which Id heard a thousand times, but lesser-known gems from the suite I remembered from childhood.

Back in Denmarks city of Aalborg, I had another delightful musical surprise. Hearing the city had singing trees, I walked to the Park of Music, and indeed found more than 80 trees with interactive buttons that played music from various musicians who did concerts in Aalborg, from Elton John, Stevie Wonder to Eric Clapton. Each musician had planted a tree, which had a plaque and button in front.

In Stavanger, our ship docked right next to the Old Town. Its more than 170 white wooden houses from the late 18th to early 19th centuries were part of 8,000 wooden houses in the city, the biggest collection of wooden houses in Europe.

But Norways fourth-biggest-city will forever be equated with oil, Miami Vice and street art in my mind. The discovery of oil off its coast in 1969 catapulted Norway from a rural, poor society to one of the richest countries in the world, an event called the Christmas gift of 1969 (the miraculous discovery was on Dec. 23). Our tour of the Norwegian Oil Museum told the story in exhibits that included a replica of an offshore oil platform where workers lived.

A quaint street here in the most-un-Norwegian colors of hot pink, lime green and lavender is enough to stop you in your tracks. It turned out a local hairdresser wanted the street to inject a lively contrast into Norways dark, bleak winters. So, Stavanger approved the design of a local artist for Ovre Holmegate, who said he was inspired by the colors of Miami Vice.
NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg will meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Ibrahim al-Jaafari on Tuesday, 18 October 2016. H.E. Mr. AL-Jaafari will also participate in a meeting of the North Atlantic Council.

There will be no media opportunity.

Still and video images will be available on the NATO website after the event.

Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress and @jensstoltenberg)
IMF forecasts $1 trillion unforeseen profit for oil exporter

Lavrov and Cavusoglu discuss recent developments in Caucasus

Seoul and Warsaw sign key agreements on nuclear energy development in Poland

Statement by leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan on results of meeting in Sochi

Saudi Arabia and UAE defend OPEC decision

Putin: Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan agree on joint statement

U.S. wants EU to impose export restrictions against China

Thunberg calls UN conference place for lies and fraud

Putin, Pashinyan and Aliyev hold trilateral talks

Russian businessman Artem Aslanyan commits suicide in Moscow

Head of the Ministry of Finance: Sweden's economic outlook is gloomy and we're heading for a tough winter

Norway to raise level of army combat readiness in response to Ukraine war

Putin and Aliyev talks in Sochi are over

Moldova expels Russian embassy employee after incident with falling rocket parts

Estonia to expand by 30 times protected zone on border with Russia

Serzh Sargsyan receives Garo Paylan

Inflation hits new record in 19 eurozone countries

Shoigu and Akar discuss Russia's decision to suspend participation in grain deal

Head of Armenian Armed Forces General Staff: Azerbaijan refuses to allow evacuation of Armenian soldiers' bodies

Inflation in Poland breaks the record of 25 years ago

Head of General Staff of Armenian Armed Forces explains why Azerbaijanis 'trapped' were not captured

Chief of General Staff of Armenian Armed Forces confirms loss of positions as result of Azerbaijani aggression

Central Bank: Inflation in Armenia reaches 9.9%

Edvard Asryan: The operational situation in the eastern and southeastern directions is relatively stable

Iran arrests 6 suspects in attack on Shiraz mausoleum

Aliyev: Baku put forward five main principles to normalize relations with Yerevan

Putin: The goal of the trilateral talks is the implementation of all agreements of 2020 and 2021

Talks between presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan start in Sochi

Six people detained in Belarus for hanging Ukrainian flag

NBC News: Biden lost his temper on the phone with Zelenskyy

European Parliament lawmakers arriving in Armenia on fact-finding mission

Cavusoglu: Europe weakening runs counter to Ankara's economic interests

Non-resident organizations providing online services in Armenia declare 1bn drams of VAT in 3 quarters

October oil production in Russia falls

Storm warning issued in Sochi due to tornadoes

Putin and Pashinyan hold 1-hour talks in Sochi

Pashinyan to visit Tehran on November 1

Over AMD 76 billion will be assigned to Armenian police in 2023

Provincial governor of Armenias Tavush, France envoy discuss future cooperation (PHOTOS)

South Korea and the U.S. begin large-scale air force exercise

Dollar, euro continue falling in Armenia

Pashinyan says issue of Armenian captives is unresolved, despite discussions with Putin

Iranian parliament chair to visit Azerbaijan

Pashinyan: Communications passing through Armenia should be under Yerevan's full control

Pashinyan: Russia's clear position on moving Azerbaijani soldiers to their initial positions is important

World wheat prices up

Putin urges to ensure peace in Karabakh and unblock transport infrastructure

Pashinyan calls Russia's approaches to establishing Armenia-Azerbaijan relations acceptable

State budget spending on Armenia emergency ministry needs to increase considerably in 2023

Pashinyan says he wants to discuss regional security issues with Putin

Putin hopes for progress in Karabakh settlement during summit

Putin: We have to end the Karabakh conflict

80% of Kyiv remains without water supply after morning strikes, mayor claims

China accuses US of violating trade rules

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan meets Russian President Vladimir Putin

Peskov: We will inform if documents are agreed as result of Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders meeting

Kremlin says Russia continues contacts with Turkey and UN on 'grain deal'

Masis Abrahamyan, head of ANC - Netherlands office, files lawsuit against Armenian National Security Service

Bloomberg names world's richest families

Central Bank: About 86% of banks' profits in Armenia come from currency sale/purchase, exchange fees

Head of Central Bank of Armenia: Economic growth in 2023 will be lower than 7% forecasted by government

Armenia civil servants salaries to increase but bonuses to reduce

Armenia finance minister: Salaries to increase almost twice as much more than bonuses have become salaries

Finance ministry: Armenia inflation would have been higher if national currency had not increased in value

Alen Simonyan to Erin Elizabeth McKee: Armenia is interested in deeper engagement by US

Central Bank of Armenia: U.S. financial authorities complicate U.S. dollar turnover worldwide

Kyiv: 12 vessels with grain leave Ukrainian ports

France is working on a land route for grain export from Ukraine

Amount of Armenia financial assistance to Karabakh to not change in 2023

International Rescue Committee: Blockade of Ukrainian grain may lead to disaster

Erdogan: Turkey will continue to solve the food issue despite Russia's hesitation

Armenia's budget deficit in 2023 will be 3.1% of GDP

PACE MPs initiate resolution on political prisoners cases increase in Azerbaijan

EU studying issue of recognizing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist organization

Finance minister: Armenia tax revenues projected to be about 3.7% of GDP in 2023

Armenia opposition MP: No final document will be signed in Russias Sochi

Opposition MP: When Armenia PM says he is in Russian proposals favor, has no value unless he says he rejects US option

Employee of Karabakh permanent representation in Armenia is charged with high treason

Kyiv mayor claims damage to energy facility that supplies power to 350,000 apartments

Blinken has phone talks with China's FM

Artsakh strategic issues discussed at We Are Our Mountains agency first meeting

Death toll in Indian bridge collapse rises to 141

Armenia 2023 state budget draft: Capital expenditure to increase significantly

Armenia national debt against GDP is planned to be reduced

Iranian Foreign Ministry: Presence of foreign forces doesn't contribute to peace in Caucasus

Alen Simonyan, Garo Paylan discuss prospects for reopening of Armenia-Turkey border

Aliyev arrives in Sochi

Iran detains second suicide bomber in Shiraz mausoleum

Iranian and Azerbaijani FMs discuss situation in region

2023 expenses of Armenian defense sector will make AMD 506bln, a growth of 35%

Armenias Pashinyan arrives in Russias Sochi (PHOTOS)

UN agrees with Turkey and Ukraine on transportation of Ukrainian grain

Armenia parliament standing committees kick off joint session, debating on 2023 state budget draft

Lula da Silva wins Brazil presidential election

Oil prices go down

Gold prices show weak growth

Armenia renowned stage director, ex-MP Vahe Shahverdyan dead at 77

Turkey plans to open 100 oil, natural gas wells on land in 2023

Copper falls in price

USAID delegation arriving in Armenia
STEPANAKERT.  The adversary violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani opposing forces more than 30 times, from late Sunday night to early Monday morning.

During this time the Azerbaijani armed forces fired around 360 shots toward the Armenian position-holders, and by way of various caliber weapons, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) Defense Army informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

In addition, the adversary fired 20 shots from sniper rifles, in northerly and northeasterly directions of the line of contact.

But the NKR Defense Army vanguard units continue to have full control over the frontline, and they take actions in response when absolutely necessary.
Large-scale NATO exercises will start in Latvia. As Delfi reported, two planes with 400 British soldiers landed at Rigas airport the day before. Hundred more UK soldiers will arrive by sea.

UK military personnel together with soldiers of Latvia, the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, Albania, Germany, Romania, Spain and other countries of NATO will take part in the international military exercises Silver Arrow in Adazi Training Area from October 17 to October 31. More than 3,000 troops will be involved in the exercises.

Interaction between military personnel of NATO countries during military offensives and defense will be practiced. In addition, the exercises are aimed at improving the interaction between the defense industry and civil state and municipal institutions of the host country. Reservists will also take part in Silver Arrow.
YEREVAN.  Direct investments totaling about $4 million will be made in the enlarged community of Dilijan.

Davit Lokyan, Minister of Territorial Administration and Development of Armenia, stated the aforesaid during his visit to this town, his ministry informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Lokyan traveled to Tavush Province on a working visit, and also participated in a discussion, entitled Dilijan, Two Years Later, which was convened in this town.

At the event, the minister reflected on the new steps which the Armenian government has launched toward community development in the country.

In this connection, Davit Lokyan noted that around $4-million direct investments will be made in the enlarged community of Dilijan.

He added, however, that each respective project will be considered in detail, before its implementation is sanctioned.
YEREVAN.  Four of the Armenian citizens, who were injured in the crash of the Yerevan-bound bus, continue to get medical treatment in Russia.

Two of thema man and a womanhave been transferred to the multi-profile hospital in Beslan town, the Ministry of Health of Armenia informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. After being checked in the morning, they were transferred from the intensive care unit to a patient room.

The other two injured men are still under treatment at the clinical emergency hospital in Vladikavkaz town. They are in moderate condition.

All the injured are receiving necessary medical care in full, and positive dynamics are recorded in their health condition.

As reported earlier, a passenger bus, which was heading from Moscow to Armenias capital city of Yerevan, collided with a truck, on October 14 at around 4:30am, on the Vladikavkaz-Beslan bypass in Russia. As a result, five people, including the bus driver, were killed, and 27 others sustained injuries.

Three of the casualties are Russian citizens, and the other twoArmenian nationals.

The bus passengers that could be transported were brought to Yerevan on board a plane of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, on the same day.

The dead bus drivers body also was transported to Armenia.

All the injured that were transported to Armenia have been discharged from hospital.
YEREVAN.  Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) President Pedro Agramunt will answer for all of his words.

Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) Chairwoman and PAP National Assembly (NA) Faction Head Naira Zohrabyan, who is also a member of the Armenian NA delegation to PACE, on Monday told the aforementioned to reporters in the Armenian parliament.

She noted this reflecting on the scandal involving Agramunt, when he had turned off the microphones of Zohrabyan and fellow Armenian MP Naira Karapetyan, during the PACE autumn session last week in Strasbourg, France.

The PACE session, as always, was quite tense because we work there with the [Azerbaijani and Turkish] Milli Majlis [i.e. parliament] regime, stated Zohrabyan. Under the conditions of the domination of the Turkish-Azerbaijani lobby, we [i.e. the Armenian NA delegation to PACE] are able to solve the problems we face.

As for the incident that occurred, this was unprecedented. I spoke with the PACE old timers. We are also familiar with the PACE regulations, pursuant to which you have no right to speak about a specific topic only in one case: if any report on the given topic is put on the agenda of the session.

That is, Agramunt allowed a blatant violation by interrupting the speeches of Naira Karapetyan and mine. Moreover, during [his] meeting with Hermine Naghdalyan [i.e. the Armenian NA vice president and head of the NA delegation to PACE], he didnt event deny that he violated the regulations. We will see to it, with all regulations, that he be punished.

In her words, Pedro Agramunt fell into hysteria because the Armenian delegation at PACE raised a matter that is painful to him: corruption within the Council of Europe.

Naira Zohrabyan informed that the Armenian delegation will discuss the issue, and see to it, through all legal procedures, that the PACE president be brought to account for his action.
YEREVAN.  There was no special problem, at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Armenias capital city of Yerevan, with respect to Armenias representative not being appointed Secretary General of this organization, and this matter has been moved to the end of the year.

Ruling Republican Party of Armenia MP Artak Zakaryan, who is also Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, told about the aforementioned to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Such situations may occur; this is a matter to be resolved through consensus, added Zakaryan. I believe it definitely will be resolved at the end of the year.

And when asked whether Russia did not agree with the respective candidate that Armenia had nominated, he responded: Since many details are not discussed openly and this is a matter to be agreed at the level of the heads of [CSTO] states, I believe this could purely be a matter that is conditioned on certain circumstances, [and] which requires additional discussions, [and] therefore it has been moved to the year-end meeting.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
YEREVAN.  The course of parliamentary elections in Armenia will be broadcast online.

The above-said is noted in the draft amendments to Electoral Code, and whose debates have begun at Mondays special session of the National Assembly.

Pursuant to these amendments, the Central Electoral Commission will authorize a specialized organizationwhich will be selected as a result of the contest that will be conducted in line with the procedure specified by the government during the NA electionsto carry out video recording and simultaneous Internet broadcastwith livestream by way of a specially created website, or websitesof the voting process and the summarizing of voting results, from all election precincts in Armenia.

In addition, this video recording shall be conducted with fixed cameras.
YEREVAN.  Turkey is not a co-chair country in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, the co-chair can be changed solely by consensus, whereas the Armenian side is against it.

Vice President of the National Assembly of Armenia, Eduard Sharmazanov, on Monday told the abovementioned to reporters in Parliament. He noted this reflecting on Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrovs recent statement that Turkey could play a positive role in the resolution of the Karabakh conflict.

Sharmazanov noted that, first, he wishes to reaffirm the Armenian sides respective position: Turkey has nothing to do in the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) peace process.

Let me remind Mr. Lavrov his own view, which he had expressed on April 22 in [Armenias capital city of] Yerevan, that Turkeys demeanor during the four-day war [, which Azerbaijan had unleashed against Artsakh, in early April,] was not a call for peace, but for war, he said.

The Armenian parliament deputy speaker noted that, over the course of these years, Turkey has manifested a position that is exclusively criminal, pro-Azerbaijani, and war-provoking.

Both Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic will never agree that Turkey have any role in the [conflict] settlement, added Eduard Sharmazanov.
YEREVAN.  Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made a very diplomatic statement regarding Turkeys role in the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, but, in fact, he said nothing new

Caucasus Institute Director, political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan, stated the above-said at a press conference on Monday.

In his words, Lavrov stated that if some improvement is achieved in resolving this conflict, this will impact Armenian-Turkish relations.

But, this is impossible, added Iskandaryan. We also know that if there is some improvement in Armenian-Turkish relations, this will in some way affect the Karabakh conflict. But, this also is impossible today; and he [i.e. Lavrov] said this, too.

There are the OSCE [i.e. the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] Minsk group co-chairs, who deal with the matter. And if the other Minsk Group membersincluding Turkeyalso are able to help, thank God! Its said quite diplomatically. Its rather difficult to imagine something new on this matter.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had argued that Turkey could play a positive role by ensuring deblockage of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), and normal cooperation in the region.
YEREVAN. - Armenia and Argentina have developed good bilateral cooperation traditions in the area of agriculture.

Armenian Minister of Agriculture Ignati Arakelyan said the aforementioned at the meeting with the Argentine Ambassador to Armenia Gonzalo Urriolabeitia on Monday.

Irriolabeitia noted that the agricultural sector has a special significance for the Armenian-Argentinean economic cooperation, the press-service of the Armenian Agriculture Ministry reports.

For his part, Ignati Arakelyan noted: ''Armenia and Argentina have developed good traditions of bilateral cooperation in the area of agriculture. Besides, there are precise preconditions for its deepening. We are ready to provide support in all directions of the Argentine experience and technological progress to find application in different branches of our country's agriculture.''

Noting the high-level of cooperation between the two countries, the Argentine Ambassador stated that in the recent years the specialists of both countries have paid mutual visits to study possible ways of cooperation in the area of agriculture, exchange of experience and implementation of joint programs. In this context the subsequent visit of Argentinean specialists to Armenia is expected in November.

Urriolabeitia also noted that the representatives of the Regional Consortium for Agricultural Experimentation (CREA) will arrive in Armenia Tuesday to meet with Agriculture Ministry representatives. During the meeting professional discussions on issues concerning milk production and growing tomatoes will take place. Apart from this, a seminar is planned to be held in the framework of Armprodexpo international exhibition.
The Investigative Committee of Russia continues its investigation of the criminal case into the crash of the passenger bus that was en route to Yerevan.

A respective investigative group has been set up.

Several examinations have been commissioned in connection with this criminal case.

Various people, including 26 of the passengers of this bus, were questioned.

In addition, the driver of the truck, which was involved in this tragic accident, was questioned as a suspect.

As reported earlier, a passenger bus, which was heading from Moscow to Armenias capital city of Yerevan, collided with a truck, on October 14 at around 4:30am, on the Vladikavkaz-Beslan bypass in Russia. As a result, five people, including the bus driver, were killed, and 27 others sustained injuries.

Three of the casualties are Russian citizens, and the other two, including the bus driverArmenian nationals.
YEREVAN. - President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Monday received Russian Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Kolokoltsev, who has arrived in Armenia to attend the 17th session of the United Board of the Armenian Police and Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Both sides underscored the importance of the close cooperation between the Armenian and Russian law enforcement authorities, specifically referring to the subsequent session in the format of the united board of the Armenian Police and Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Touching on issues related to ensuring security and counting different expressions of organized crime, the Armenian President attached importance to joining the efforts in that direction, as well as to holding regular specialist meetings.

According to him, the gradually growing danger of terrorism in the world, arms and drug trafficking, as well as other expressions of crime are serious challenges for security, and countering them requires continuous cooperation.

For his part, Russian Minister of Internal Affairs thanked for hosting the subsequent session of the United Board in Armenia, noting that the high-level political dialogue between Armenia and Russia, as well as the arrangements reached between the presidents of two ally countries oblige to deepen the cooperation in this area, working in a climate of mutual trust and sincerity.
23:37

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Monday joined issue with those opposing the ban on Pakistan artistes in India, saying the nation should come first and not arts and culture.

"I am absolutely clear about one thing that for me it is always country first. I am not an intellectual so I don't understand all these. But undoubtedly like for all Indians, India is first for me," Ambani said.

The billionaire businessman was answering questions from the audience on ban on Pakistan actors and other artistes at the 'Off the Cuff' show organised by The Print, a digital media outfit owned by senior journalists Shekhar Gupta and Barkha Dutt.

Asked whether he will join politics, Ambani replied in the negative, saying "I am not made for politics."

The statement from the richest Indian, a known movie buff, comes amid criticism from some quarters of the demand for a ban on Pakistan actors in the wake of Uri terror attack, blamed on the militants operating from the neighbouring country.

Tension between the two nations escalated after the September 18 terror attack on an army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 19 soldiers, and the September 28-29 surgical strikes by the army's special forces on terror launch pads in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The latest victim of this heightened tension has been the decision of the organisers of the Mumbai International Film Festival to drop Pakistani film "Jago Hua Savera" in its retrospective section amid threats of protests at its

screening.





The move comes after a city-based organisation, Sangharsh, threatened to stage protests at the screening of the movie made in 1958.
08:22

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra apologised for a glossy travel magazine cover after it sparked outrage with social media users accusing her of insensitivity towards refugees and migrants.





The 34-year-old is featured on the cover of the October edition of Cond Nast Traveller India wearing a white T-shirt with the words, "REFUGEE", "IMMIGRANT" and "OUTSIDER" crossed out in red -- leaving only the word "TRAVELLER".





Cond Nast Traveller tweeted the cover photo on October 7 with the tagline "Bold and fearless, @priyankachopra makes a statement on our 6th anniversary issue cover. #WhyWeTravel"





The message on her T-shirt sparked a flurry of criticism on the microblogging site twitter, with users accusing Chopra of belittling the plight of refugees forced to leave their homes.





Chopra -- who was named as one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential people and is an ambassador for UNICEF - said the message was aimed at addressing racism and had been misunderstood.





"They (Cond Nast) specially got this (T-shirt) made and implored me to wear it. They said they were addressing xenophobia which is a big issue that is happening," Chopra told NDTV in an interview.





"So their idea was that. And I bought into it, I guess. And I am really, really apologetic about the fact that sentiments were hurt ... The point the magazine wanted to make was actually something good."





Some 1.3 million refugees and migrants fleeing war, poverty and persecution in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere arrived in Europe last year, creating the continent's biggest migrant crisis since World War Two. Without safe routes to seek sanctuary, thousands more have drowned at sea.





"Maybe your editors need taste editing. I get what you are trying to say. But you just trivialised a serious refugee issue," said one tweet from @1plur1.





Cond Nast Traveller said in a statement the message was aimed at challenging stereotypes and how the labelling of people as immigrants, refugees and outsiders is creating a culture of xenophobia.





"At Cond Nast Traveller, we believe that the opening up of borders and the breaking down of walls can help us discover the world, and open up our minds and hearts,' said the magazine.





"So, when we had actor Priyanka Chopra wear a T-shirt we created on the cover of the 6th anniversary issue, we had a point to make."
NEW YORK: Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to adopt a new European Union (EU) data accord that allows personal information to be transferred to the US, potentially sparking yet another privacy row, the media reported.

Facebook has quietly signed the Privacy Shield -- a controversial treaty that allows US technology companies to transfer EU citizens' details abroad. It will apply to certain advertising data and its new Workplace service for businesses, the Telegraph UK reported on Saturday.

Privacy Shield, a replacement deal that was designed to provide extra safeguards for Europeans, came into force in July. Google and Microsoft have already adopted the treaty.

Facebook signed up at the end of September, although only two aspects of the social network use it.

The first is Workplace, a special version of Facebook that allows company employees to communicate, which was launched last week.

The other is its "Ads and Measurement" technology that uses customer data supplied by other companies to target adverts.

Other user data is not covered by the treaty, although it can be transferred to the US under secondary legal measures, the report said.

"We have signed up two important parts of our business to the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework - Facebook at Work and our relevant Ads and Measurement services," a Facebook spokesman confirmed the report.

Facebook's adoption of the treaty is significant because the prior US-EU agreement, Safe Harbour which was abolished by the European Court of Justice as a direct result of legal action against the social network by privacy campaigners.

However, it is likely to lead to further scrutiny of the Privacy Shield deal from Facebook's critics, the report stated.

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Voters see labor positively, but have concerns with policies

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Most Illinois voters say they have a favorable overall opinion of labor unions, but their policy preferences are less like those of union leadership, according to the results of the latest poll from Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

Among the 1,000 Illinois registered voters surveyed, more than half (57 percent) say they have at least a somewhat favorable view of labor unions, more than 20 points ahead of the 36 percent who have an unfavorable view.

However, voters are split on how much influence they would like unions to have -- 30 percent support them having more influence, 29 percent think unions should maintain the influence they have, and 36 percent wish they had less influence.

The survey was conducted Sept. 27-Oct 2. It has a margin for error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

Wages and benefits for public sector unions have been an issue in Springfield, with Gov. Bruce Rauner blaming them in part for the states budget deficit. He has also advocated for workers to be able to opt out of paying unions for the work they do negotiating in the private and public sectors. Unions have said the wages and benefits they negotiate strengthen the states middle class. They also say even workers who dont belong to a union should pay their fair share of the costs the union incurs representing and bargaining for non-members.

Self-described liberals (75 percent), Democrats (73 percent), and members of union households (75 percent) were most likely to have favorable views of unions. Only among conservatives and Republicans (37 percent in each group) did fewer than half hold a favorable view.

Historically, marginalized groups tend to desire that unions have more influence than they do today. Notably, 49 percent of African-Americans want unions to have more influence compared to only 26 percent of whites.

Similarly, 40 percent of people with household incomes below $50,000 would like to see unions have more influence compared to only 24 percent of those with incomes over $100,000.

Whats in a name? Right-to-work vs Fair Share

Asked about their positions on right-to-work or open shop laws, respondents favored them by two-to-one, 48 percent to 24 percent. Notably, more than a one-quarter (28 percent) answered other/dont know, suggesting a significant portion of the electorate is ambivalent or uninformed on the issue.

Most likely to favor right-to-work were conservatives and Republicans (64 percent and 63 percent, respectively). Most likely to oppose it were liberals and Democrats (36 percent and 32 percent), and members of labor union households (38 percent).

However, opinion shifted when interviewers explained fair share laws. Respondents were asked to choose between two statements: When everyone in the workplace shares the gains won by the labor union, all workers should have to contribute to the unions costs for negotiating those gains or No American should be required to pay dues to a private organization like a labor union against their will.

There were 50 percent who supported the right to work description and 44 percent backing the fair share statement. Only 4 percent said they dont know.

The fair-share position was most strongly favored by liberals and Democrats (61 percent and 55 percent), African-Americans (52 percent), those in households earning less than $50,000 per year (51 percent), and members of union households (55 percent). Conservatives and Republicans (65 percent and 67 percent) were most likely to favor the right to work position.

The disconnect between Illinoisans favorable view of unions, and preferences for policies the unions dislike is interesting, Charlie Leonard, a visiting professor at the institute and one of the designers of the poll, said. I think this has to be in part because declining membership in unions leaves fewer people with the experience of the gains theyve won for workers. And opposition to union influence has been a drumbeat message from business groups and Chamber of Commerce organizations.

Poll results are available here.

For more results, contact Leonard at 618/303-9099 or John Jackson, institute visiting professor, at 618/453-3106.

The margin of error for the entire sample of 1,000 voters is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. This means that if we conducted the survey 100 times, in 95 of those instances, the population proportion would be within plus or minus the reported margin for error for each subsample. For subsamples, the margin of error increases as the sample size goes down. The margin of error was not adjusted for design effects.

Live telephone interviews were conducted by Customer Research International of San Marcos, Texas using the random digit dialing method. The telephone sample was provided to Customer Research International by Scientific Telephone Samples. Potential interviewees were screened based on whether they were registered voters and quotas based on area code and sex (<60% female). Interviewers asked to speak to the youngest registered voter at home at the time of the call. Cell phone interviews accounted for 60 percent of the sample. A Spanish language version of the questionnaire and a Spanish-speaking interviewer were made available.

Field work was conducted from Sept. 27 to Oct. 2. No auto-dial or robo polling is included. Customer Research International reports no Illinois political clients. The survey was paid for with non-tax dollars from the institutes endowment fund. The data were not weighted in any way. Crosstabs for the referenced questions will be on the institutes polling website, http://paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/opinion-polls/index.php

The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is a member of the American Association for Public Opinion Researchs (AAPOR) Transparency Initiative. AAPOR works to encourage objective survey standards for practice and disclosure. Membership in the Transparency Initiative reflects a pledge to practice transparency in reporting survey-based findings.

Simon Institute polling data are archived by four academic institutions for use by scholars and the public. The four open source data repositories are: the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research (http://ropercenter.cornell.edu/polls/), the University of Michigans Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (http://home.isr.umich.edu/centers/icpsr/), the University of North Carolinas Odum Institute Dataverse Network (https://dataverse.unc.edu/), and the Simon Institute Collection at OpenSIUC (http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/ppi/).

Note: The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Poll, the Simon Poll and the Southern Illinois Poll are the copyrighted trademarks of the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University. Use and publication of these polls is encouraged -- but only with credit to the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at SIU Carbondale.
Addressing a meeting of the BRICS Business Council on Sunday at the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa, Modi also called on the BRICS Business Council to enhance business opportunities, building investment linkages and removing bottlenecks to intra-BRICS commerce, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The promotion of economic and commercial engagement has been the foundational impulse in the creation of BRICS. The business community is the strongest proponent for closer and faster commercial cooperation that could help create wealth," Modi said.

He also encouraged the council to work closely with the New Development Bank, a multilateral development bank founded by the BRICS countries, on identifying and implementing prospective economic projects.

Speaking at the same occasion, South African President Jacob Zuma also commended the work of the council.

"The BRICS Business Council activities since undertaken through Durban Summit, have brought us to a point where the council can be a true catalyst for economic growth," he said.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said: "Russia will continue to promote rapprochement of economies of the five BRICS countries. It invites business communities of all the BRICS countries to work on Russia's market and develop partnership with the Russian companies.

The BRICS Business Council was established during the 5th BRICS Summit held in 2013 in Durban, South Africa.

--IANS vgu/

( 246 Words)

2016-10-17-05:18:08 (IANS)
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Read more about BESTSELLER at www.bestseller.com. (ANI-NewsVoir)
The Centre is making available funds for the development of the cities. Forty-five per cent of tax revenues is being made available to the states, Naidu said during an address at the Administration Academy in Bhopal.

Citizens of smart cities must also possess smart thoughts, he said, adding that inter-city competition for development is in the interest of the state.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that from December 25 to January 25 the "Nagarodaya Abhiyan" and other development campaigns will be run through the state. The public will be encouraged to participate in these campaigns.

He also said that by December 2017, the state would be free from open defecation. The Prime Minister's "Sabke Liye Aawas" mission will also be brought into operation by Madhya Pradesh. The state will also introduce laws which will offer land to people.

Naidu said that the Centre will spend Rs 20,500 crore for smart cities and Rs 8,500 crore for the "Amrut Yojna".

--IANS hindi-ask/rn/vt

( 209 Words)

2016-10-17-20:40:09 (IANS)
"Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families," he tweeted.

He said he spoke to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and asked him to facilitate transfer of all the injured to All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Bhubaneswar. "Hope the injured recover quickly," Modi said.

Nadda tweeted: "Deeply saddened by the fire incident in Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar. My condolences rest with the bereaved families."

--IANS tsb-lok

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2016-10-17-23:26:09 (IANS)
The Indian Army responded appropriately to the unprovoked firing by the Pakistan Army, said Defence Spokesperson Lt Col Manish Mehta in a statement issued here.

Sepoy Sudhees Kumar, 24, who hailed from Sambhal District of Uttar Pradesh, is survived by his wife.

Earlier today, Pakistan opened unprovoked fire in Naushera sector to which the Indian troops gave a befitting reply.

A heavy gunbattle is underway and intermittent firing has been consistent since morning from Pakistan's side. No casualties have been reported from the Indian side.

This comes after a spree of ceasefire violations last week by Pakistan after the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army on 29 September to destroy terror launchpads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Ever since, Pakistan has stepped up cross-border firing and has violated the Line of Control ceasefire at least 20 times. (ANI)
Speaking on the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach held in Goa, several members opined that both the member nations must join hands to fight against rising radicalization and extremism in the region.

Nepal''s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said, "We must collectively condemn, fight against threat of terrorism in all forms and manifestations."

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "As a responsible community, Bangladesh maintain zero tolerance to any act of terrorism or violent extremism. We must join hands to deal with terrorism or violent extremism as well.

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said, "We are here at a time when our host India has over the past several months suffered frequent terror attacks. Bhutan strongly condemns these terror attacks, & stand in solidarity with India and likeminded countries in fight against terror."

Sympathizing with India on the Uri terror attack, Myanmar Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi said terrorism has become a source of common concern. We need to stand together against all forms of violent extremism.

"It is important that our country be at peace, & the whole region enjoys the benefits of stability," she said.

President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena emphasised that Sri Lanka is firmly committed to join all efforts to combat the global menace of terrorism.

"Peace and stability in the region is an importnat element for economic prosperity. We strongly condemn terrorism in all forms," Sirisena said. (ANI)
In a veiled attack on Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Islamabad embraces and radiates the darkness of terrorism and terrorism has become its "favourite child." Addressing the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach summit, Prime Minister Modi said that terrorism, radicalization and transnational crimes, pose grave threats to all the countries of the group. "Geographical barriers and borders pose no limitations on those who wish to harm our societies. In South Asia and BIMSTEC, all nation states barring one are motivated to pursue a path of peace, development and economic prosperity for its people. Unfortunately, this country in India's neighbourhood embraces and radiates the darkness of terrorism," the Prime Minister said. "Terrorism has become its favourite child and the child in turn has come to define the essential character and nature of its parents. The time for condemning the state sponsored terrorism is long gone," he added. The Prime Minister called on the member states and the world community to stand up and act boldly against terrorism and those who nurture it. "To those who nurture the philosophy of terror and seek to de-moralise mankind, we must send a clear message to mend their ways or be isolated in the civilized world," he said. The Prime Minister also said that the BRICS and BIMSTEC have been shaped by different context. "Together we represent almost two thirds of humanity. But we are joined by common vision and peace, stability and development. We are also united by similar challenges and concerns that shape our domestic choices and international partnership," he said. "There are many economic opportunities. We have shared aspirations for growth, development, commerce and technology. Technology can bridge gaps and connect communities. It can also deliver services that make a difference in our daily lives. Environment and disaster management are areas where we can work together," he added. The Prime Minister also asserted that the BIMSTEC region is prone to natural disasters. "Environmental protection and disaster management are areas where BRICS- BIMSTEC partnership will benefit millions. We share equally in problems and solutions of interconnected world. A spirit of cooperation and collaboration between us can be a powerful change agent," he said. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an international organisation involving a group of countries in South Asia and South East Asia. These countries are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. (ANI)
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday said the government's view on the constitutional validity of 'Triple Talaq' is distinct from the Uniform Civil Code, adding that the personal laws have to be constitutionally compliant and must be judged on the yardstick of equality and the Right to Live with Dignity. Jaitley's comments came against the backdrop of All India Muslim Personal Law Board boycotting the Law Commission's consultation on Triple Talaq and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). In his Facebook post titled "Triple Talaq and the Government's Affidavit," Jaitley said, "On more than one occasion, the Supreme Court has enquired from the government's stand on the issue. Governments have repeatedly told both the Court and the Parliament that personal laws are ordinarily amended after detailed consultations with affected stakeholders." "On the issue of the Uniform Civil Code, the Law Commission has initiated an academic exercise once again. This academic exercise by the Law Commission is only a continuation of the debate in this country ever since Constituent Assembly had expressed the hope that the State would endeavour to have a Uniform Civil Code," he added. Jaitley said that the governments in the past have shied from taking a categorical stand that personal laws must comply with fundamental rights. "The present government has taken a clear position. The academic debate with regard to the Uniform Civil Code can go on before the Law Commission," he said. He noted that with the passage of time, several provisions become obsolete, archaic and even gets rusted. "Governments, legislatures and communities have to respond to the need for a change. A conservative view found judicial support over six decades ago that personal laws could be inconsistent with personal guarantees. Today it may be difficult to sustain that proposition. The Government's affidavit in the triple talaq case recognises this evolution," Jaitley said. "The question to be answered is that assuming that each community has its separate personal law, should not those personal laws be constitutionally compliant? he asked. (ANI)
"We want Jayalalithaa to get well soon. We want her to rule Tamil Nadu as long as possible. Around 1.5 crore AIADMK supporters are visiting various temples in the state to pray for her speedy recovery," Jayakumar told the media.

"We want her to discharge her duties as Chief Minister as soon as possible. And I hope, the God will listen to our prayers," he added.

Earlier, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Chennai's R.K. Nagar constituency on Friday to offer special prayers for the speedy recovery of ailing Jayalalithaa, who is undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital.

Supporters of Jayalalithaa - one of the powerful politicians of the country - gathered outside the hospital and offered prayers to their local deity.

On Tuesday, the portfolios of the ailing state chief minister were transferred to finance minister O. Panneerselvam.

Panneerselvam has served as interim chief minister of Tamil Nadu state twice in 2001 and 2014.

Jayalalithaa wields national influence, with AIADMK holding the third largest number of seats in the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament).

The portly, fair-skinned Jayalalithaa acted in several movies before joining politics and has a huge fan following. She endeared herself to millions by distributing free laptops, grinders and fans to voters.

People's devotion to Jayalalithaa, also called Amma (Mother), is unparalleled as they often prostrate themselves before her as a mark of respect. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena during the Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) 2016 here on Sunday during which they discussed the fishermen issue besides others matters of strategic importance. "The Prime Minister thanked Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena for participating in the BRICS- BIMSTEC outreach and said that participation of all leaders of BIMSTEC will give new strength to BIMSTEC and will help explore its energies with the BRICS countries," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup. "The Sri Lankan President was happy to be in India. Once again he said this is another occasion when bonds between India and Sri Lanka are further strengthened. He alluded to the long-term relationship between the two countries," he added. Swarup said the two leaders also reviewed the development cooperation and partnership between India and Sri Lanka. "President Sirisena thanked Prime Minister Modi for gifting of the ambulances and said he hoped this would be extended to other provinces of Sri Lanka as well. They also discussed the thorny issue of the fishermen. President Sirisena said that he wanted a firm solution to the issue of the fishermen, Prime Minster agreed with him," he added. The MEA spokesperson further said India has invited the Sri Lankan Fisheries Minister to visit the country so that a solution is reached on the fishermen issue. Swarup further said that Prime Minister Modi briefed President Sirisena on the Uri terrorist attack who opposed terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. "He said that the support that Sri Lanka had provided to India, the grief of India that has been shared by Sri Lanka he expresses gratitude for that. And he said as the result of the solidarity that the countries and the region had shown after the Uri terrorist attack, a message had gone across that people in our region want peace and they recognise that the biggest challenge to peace and prosperity is terrorism," said Swarup. "They also reviewed bilateral cooperation in a whole host of areas such as energy health. The President thanked the Prime Minister for all the projects that India in implementing in Sri Lanka," he added. (ANI)
Condemning the ceasefire violation in Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Animal Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Abdul Ghani Kohli today said that Pakistan, which has become disturbed after the September 29 surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC), has been targeting civilians in the border areas. Kohli said that the cross-border firing has disrupted normal life of the local residents here, adding the local administration has made all arrangements for their safety. "After surgical strikes by the Indian Army in Pakistan, Pakistan has become disturbed. So, Pakistan is now targeting civilians in the border areas. There was firing at 4 am today and the people are being unnecessarily harassed as it is the harvesting season and they are busy in the fields etc. However, our Indian Army is giving a befitting reply," he told ANI. Kohli further said that there have been no civilian casualties so far, but added that the firing is still on. Meanwhile, a Sarpanch here said that Pakistan should learn a lesson from the surgical strikes, adding they should not create situations where India is compelled to act in retaliation. "If our jawans die, we just cannot maintain silence," he added. The Pakistan Army earlier this morning resorted to unprovoked firing at Indian positions near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district. No casualties have been reported from the Indian side so far. Reportedly, a gun battle is underway along with intermittent firing from Pakistan's side. The unprovoked firing comes after a string of ceasefire violations last week by Pakistan. Ever since the surgical strikes were conducted by the Indian Army on September 29, Pakistan has stepped up cross-border firing and has violated the ceasefire at least 20 times till date. (ANI)
In a major relief to direct selling company QNET, which has been trying to defend its business model in Mumbai for the last three years, the High Court of Hyderabad has seen merit in granting a stay on all proceedings against the company in the state. The decision comes at a time when the government has taken steps towards recognising and regularising the direct selling industry in the country. Last month, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs had issued Direct Selling Guidelines 2016 for all companies operating in this space for many years in the country, without a clear legislation in place to protect the companies or the consumers. The thriving direct selling industry in India is estimated to have generated approximately Rs.7200 crores in revenues in 2015. The decision by Justice Sri Ramachandra Rao at the Hyderabad High Court grants welcome relief to the directors and shareholders of Vihaan Direct Selling Pvt Ltd, the sub-franchisee of direct selling company QNET in India. The company and its officers have continued to cooperate with the authorities in all investigations since 2013 and have submitted more than 50,000 pages of documents to support its stand as a legitimate business. (ANI)
Congress leader Manish Tewari on Sunday alleged that the greatest casualty since Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government came to power has been the liberal and creative spaces of India, and urged the intelligentsia to fight back the 'dictatorship' imposed on them in the last 28 months. Tewari used filmmaker Anurag Kashyap's diatribe against Prime Minister Modi on twitter to target the government, which he accused of being fascist. "The greatest casualty in the last 28 months has been the liberal and creative spaces of India. Therefore, the people across the board - writers, artistes, members of the intelligentsia, people who are engaged in creative fields need to push back against this kind of dictatorship, against this kind of fascism which has been let lose," Tewari said. "We created the liberal spaces in India which belongs to the people of the nation and they have to be re-appropriated by the liberal community back from the kind of fascism which has been unleashed onto it," he added. Responding to criticism for questioning Prime Minister Modi about his Pakistan visit, Kashyap today said that he has every right to question the former as a citizen of the country. "Just to make it clear, I complain because I expect my government to protect us, I question the PM because I have every right to," he tweeted. Further in a series of tweets, he said, "I am not going to address a party that has become redundant and irrelevant and is trying to find relevance again by using the film industry." "We have been vulnerable for long, and have been paying the price by being used by everyone to find any kind of standing." "And the real trade between the two countries across the border has not faced any kind of opposition, but we must pay the price for it and anyone who questions my love for the country by shouting , must prove their love by representing the country either on the border." "And anyone who questions my love for the country by shouting must prove their love by representing the country either on the border." "Or prove your love by representing the country in a honourable way. Not by shouting here. And yes sir @narendramodi we need protection.. It's really high time." "I refuse to live in the fear created by blind fanatics that you cannot have a conversation with your PM or question him or expect from him." "I would rather ask my questions directly to the PM than trying to impress him by fake nationalism of banning "what puts you in news." The film writer-director cum-producer expressed his annoyance on social media after cinema owners association decided to stay the release of movies starring Pakistani artistes. The Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) earlier announced that they would not screen movies starring Pakistani artistes in the four states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the agreement between the BRICS countries under the Goa declaration were unanimous in recognising the threat of terrorism, extremism and radicalization, adding that those who nurture, shelter, support and sponsor forces of violence and terror are a threat to the global community. Calling the discussions as 'useful and forward looking', Prime Minister Modi said the BRICS nations need to work together and act decisively to end the menace of terrorism. "We were one in agreeing that BRICS need to work together and act decisively to combat this threat," he said. The Prime Minister also underscored the need for close coordination among the BRICS nations on tracking sources of terrorist financing and target the hardware of terrorism, including weapons' supplies, ammunition, equipment and training. "India is happy to note the unity of thought and purpose on this serious global challenge," Prime Minister Modi said. Highlighting the positive contribution of BRICS countries' to global economic growth after the 2008 financial crisis, Prime Minister Modi said that it was necessary for economies to make public investments in long-term infrastructure projects, coordinate macro-economic policy, drive growth and promote world trade and manufacturing with renewed vigor. The Prime Minister said the BRICS nations emphasized the central role for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as the cornerstone of the multilateral trade architecture. Prime Minister Modi also pointed out that the BRICS was committed to strengthen consultations and cooperation on peace and security matters among the members. Prime Minister Modi said that BRICS welcomed the early entry into force of the Paris Climate agreement, adding India was proud to ratify it on October 2. (ANI)
Taking on Anurag Kashyap for questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi as to why he hasn't apologised for meeting his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif the same time when Karan Johar was shooting for 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', filmmaker and social activist Ashoke Pandit on Sunday said this smells of arrogance, adding such language is an insult to the nation. Pandit said that he quite shocked and surprised with Kashyap's statement, adding questioning the Prime Minister is uncalled for. "I thought, he is an educated film-maker and a nice educated person. Questioning Prime Minister is uncalled for because the Prime Minister, the Government of India and the state government first of all has not banned the film or raised any question against the Pakistani actors," Pandit said. "He should know how to address Prime Minister. He is not the Prime Minister of a political party. He is the Prime Minister of a country. And I appeal to Mr. Anurag Kashyap that he should realize now that at least for next 20 years Narendra Modi is going to continue as the Prime Minister of this country and he should come out from this wrong impression," he added. Stating that Kashyap has been opposing the ban on Johar's upcoming film as it stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, Pandit said if the filmmaker has the guts to question somebody then he should question Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and other political parties, who have taken objection to this film. "I once again reiterate the films, which are complete and which are under production, should be allowed to release as the IMPPA has taken that stand but accusing and abusing the Prime Minister and questioning him, where he is not involved at all is absolutely shameful on the part of Anurag Kashyap," he said. Responding to criticism for questioning the Prime Minister about his Pakistan visit, Kashyap has said that he has every right to question the former as a citizen of the country. "Just to make it clear, I complain because I expect my government to protect us, I question the PM because I have every right to," he tweeted. Further in a series of tweets, he said, "I am not going to address a party that has become redundant and irrelevant and is trying to find relevance again by using the film industry." "We have been vulnerable for long, and have been paying the price by being used by everyone to find any kind of standing." "And the real trade between the two countries across the border has not faced any kind of opposition, but we must pay the price for it and anyone who questions my love for the country by shouting , must prove their love by representing the country either on the border." "And anyone who questions my love for the country by shouting must prove their love by representing the country either on the border." "Or prove your love by representing the country in a honourable way. Not by shouting here. And yes sir @narendramodi we need protection.. It's really high time." "I refuse to live in the fear created by blind fanatics that you cannot have a conversation with your PM or question him or expect from him." "I would rather ask my questions directly to the PM than trying to impress him by fake nationalism of banning "what puts you in news." The film writer-director cum-producer expressed his annoyance on social media after cinema owners association decided to stay the release of movies starring Pakistani artistes. The Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) earlier announced that they would not screen movies starring Pakistani artistes in the four states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa. (ANI)
The team was constituted as per orders of the apex court to assess the realities in Cauvery basin areas in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The case filed by Tamil Nadu regarding Cauvery river water sharing will come up for hearing before the top court tomorrow.

The high level central technical team had inspected Krishnaraja Sagar, Kabini dams in Karnataka, Mettur Bhavani Sagar dams in Tamil Nadu.

The GS Jha-led team had interacted with the PWD officials and delta farmers in Thanjavur Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur.

Farmers in Tiruchirapalli and delta regions told the team that samba crops will be damaged if water is not released into Cauvery by Karnataka.

Meanwhile, the delta farmers in Tamil Nadu are resorting to rail rook agitation today urging the government to set up Cauvery management board. (ANI)
A notice issued by Lok Sabha secretariat said the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, is scheduled to meet tomorrow when it would be briefed on India-Pakistan relations with specific reference to recent surgical strikes.

The meeting assumes significance as the government had earlier expressed reservations over briefing on the same topic to the Parliamentary Committee on Defence.

However, after initial reluctance, the parliamentary panel on Defence headed by BJP MP BC Khanduri was briefed by Vice-Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Bipin Rawat on the surgical strikes. (ANI)
The Mumbai Police on Monday arrested two people in connection with the murder case of 72-year-old RTI activist Bhupendra Vira. Vira was shot dead at his residence in Kalina, Santa Cruz East, late on Saturday while he was watching television. The shooter is suspected to have used a silencer as Vira's wife, who was reportedly in the house, didn't hear anything. Vira had led a campaign against land grabbing and illegal constructions in his colony. The RTI activist was attached to the 'Voice of Kalina', a citizen's group. He has three children, a daughter and two sons. One of the sons had allegedly been stabbed four years ago. (ANI)
Train services in Delta, Central and Southern districts of Tamil Nadu was affected as thousands of farmers supported by major political parties, began their 48 hour rail roko agitation today demanding the Centre to immediately constitute the Cauvery Management Board (CMB). Police arrested more than 1,000 farmers, affiliated to "Joint Movement of Farmers' Association," led by "Kakkarai" Vice-President R Sukumaran, after they had blocked the Kumbakonam-Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli-Kumbakonam passenger trains at Thanjavur railway station for nearly two hours. The farmers also staged a novel protest by cooking food with firewood stove on the railway tracks. CPI State Secretary R.Mutharasan lead a rail roko agitation at Kodikalpalayam in Tiruvarur district along with hundreds of party men. They squatted on the railway tracks and raised slogans against the BJP-led NDA government for betraying the interests of farming community in Tamil Nadu. Over 500 DMK men led by party's Tiruvarur district secretary Poondi.K.Kalaivanan were arrested, when they blocked the Karaikkal-Tiruchirapalli passenger train at Sirangudi Railway station. In Tiruchirapalli, former DMK Minister K.N.Nehru among 1,000 Congress party cadres, besides farmers were arrested, when they attempted to resort to rail roko agitation at Srirangam railway station. Over 50 activists' of National South Indian Rivers Inter-Linking Farmers Association, led by its President P.Ayyakannu were arrested, when they blocked the movement of a goods train at Kodamurutti on the Tiruchirappalli-Karur section at Tiruchirappalli. The agitators also staged a novel protest by erecting a make-shift pandal on the railway tracks. According to reports reaching here, about 1000 activists of various political parties were detained by the police, when they blocked the Sivaganga-Rameswaram and Rameswaram-Mannargudi passenger trains at Sivaganga railway station. Similar protests were staged by farmers and volunteers of DMK, CPI, CPI(M), Peoples' Welfare Front, Naam Tamilar Katchi, traders' bodies and various pro-Tamil outfits. UNI GSM CS 1055 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-981326.Xml
Security forces launched a massive search operation in the old town of north Kashmir's Baramulla district early this morning, official sources said. They said on a tip-off about the presence of militants, security forces and state police launched a search operation in the old town. All roads have been sealed with a large number of security forces deployed in the entire densely populated old town, the most troubled spot in the district. So far, there was no report of any contact with militants, the sources said, adding that at some places male members were seen coming out of their houses. Details are awaited, they said. Early this month militants attacked BSF and Army camps at Baramulla in which a soldier was killed and another injured. Militants later managed to escape under the darkness during the intervening night of October 2 and 3.UNI BAS SB 0955 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-981284.Xml
Demonstrators set ablaze two vehicles at Parimpora on Srinagar-Baramulla road for defying strike called by separatists, demanding right to self determination.Official sources said that a group of demonstrators stopped two passenger vehicles at Paimpora in the downtown city and set ablaze them after allowing passengers to go.The vehicles suffered massive damage. Recently, two cars were also set on fire by some unidentified persons at Hyderpora on Srinagar-Airport road. For the past about a week private vehicles, particularly two-wheelers besides three-wheelers were seen plying on different city routes, including uptown and civil lines.However, passenger vehicles remained off the roads across the valley. Both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), spearheading the agitation since July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wani and two other militants were killed in an encounter in Anantnag, have already extended the strike till October 20. However, the separatists had announced relaxation from 1700 hrs to 0700 hrs next morning. The separatists, had yesterday, appealed to local mohalla and masjid committees to collect donation from people for transporters who were the worst hit during the strike since July 9. Meanwhile, a number of social and religious organisations have urged transporters to approach them for any financial help.UNI BAS SHS 1142 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-981350.Xml
Rudresh, who was returning after attending RSS function washacked to death by two bike borne miscreants yesterday sendingshock waves in the City.

BJP and RSS workers took out protest march demanding the Policeto immediately arrest the culprits and condemning the day lightbrutual murder.

Additional Commissioner of Police (East) P Harishekharan said more than 500 policemen including a company of RAF was deployed under four police station limits coming under Cantonment area in the city.

The situation was peaceful and under control. The police had some clues about the assailants and they would be arrested soon, he said.

Former Minister and BJP leader Katta Subramanya Naidu,condemning the incident, said that "I had been MLA from theShivajinagar area for 10 years and I know Rudresh very well and henever fought with anyone. Police should nab the culpritswithout attempting to give old enmity or other reason for the murder."

Senior BJP leader and former Minister Suresh Kumar said that "Itis highly condemnable that such a henious crime taken place near aPolice Station that too in the daylight.

Former Deputy Chief Minister R Ashok, Lok Sabha Members ShobhaKharandlje, P C Mohan among hundreds of workers participated in theprotest march taken out in the busy streets.

Police clamped Prohibitory orders under section 144 as a precautionary measure in the four police station limits. Elaborate bandobust put in place by deploying sufficient force.

Home Minister G Parameshwara, condemning the murder, said thatfive teams were formed to nab the culprits and measures were takento ensure safety. UNI MSP CNR CS 1205

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Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) Vice-President Nadendla Manohar alleged that the Partnership Summit, the state government organised in Visakhapatnam in January 2016 failed to bring investments to the state and people were misled on the issue. Addressing a press conference here today, the Congress leader said that he had gathered information on the Partnership Summit under RTI Act. As per the information, the government had spent Rs 28 crore to organise the summit, in which over 2,000 delegates from 47 countries had participated, he said. Mr.Manohar said that the government had announced that it signed 361 MoUs with various multi-nationals to invest Rs.4,76,878 crore in the state, which would generate 10,27,121 employment. Even after 10 months, no investment had been made in the state. Moreover, the government spent huge amount to organise the event. Instead of passing GO to release funds, it had issued Memorandums in order to avoid showing accounts, he flayed. Finance Minister Ramakrishnudu announced in Amaravathi that 600 delegates attended the meeting, he alleged. The Chief Minister misled people of the state on the Summit that it had mobilised Rs.4.50 lakh croreinvestments, which would create 10 lakh jobs. Mr.Manohar, the former Assembly Speaker of combined AP state, alleged that the government, during the Partnership summit, spent Rs.1 crore to organise a dance programme, which was reflecting the corruption taken place in the state in a big way. He demanded the government to disclose how much investment had been made and how many jobs had been generated after the Partnership summit. City Congress president Malladi Vishnu, APCC Spokesperson Kolanukonda Shivaji were present.UNI DP CS 1756 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-982119.Xml
Thousands of Congress workers, led by senior party leaders, today took to the streets across Punjab to burn Chitta Raavan effigies of Akali leaders Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia, as part of the Congress' statewide anti-drugs battle. Standing defiant and firm in the face of reports of likely police attempts to thwart their plans, the Congress leaders and workers came out fearlessly to set the effigies on fire, with party president Captain Amarinder Singh personally witnessing the burning at Baghapurana. Party leaders Rana Gurjit, Kewal Singh and Laal Singh were among those, who led the workers to set the effigies ablaze in their respective Assembly segments. Captain Singh, who was in Moga district as part of his Kisan Yatra roadshow that was launched from Chandigarh this morning, was present on the occasion of the slaying of the 'Baadal and Majithia raavans' in Baghapurana. As the effigies exploded into fireworks before falling to ashes on the ground, the entire area broke out into spontaneous cheers by thousands of people, who had gathered there for the event. Reports of similar burning of effigies of the Badals and other Akali government leaders also poured in from other parts of the state at the PPCC office throughout the day, said a Punjab Congress statement. A clarion call by Captain Singh had yesterday energized the party workers to blast Chitta Raavans in all the Assembly segments of the state. In many areas, incidents of burning of effigies were reported yesterday itself. Today , the campaign reached its peak ahead of Captain Singh's plans to burn similar effigies in Ludhiana. The Punjab Congress president has chosen for tomorrow's Chitta Raavan burning the same spot where Congress workers were attacked by Akali goons in the presence of the police on Dussehra eve while trying to blast the Chitta effigy. Scaling the pitch of the party's anti-drugs war, Captain Singh had yesterday called upon Congress workers to plaster Chitta Raavans with the faces of the Badals and other corrupt members of their team in defiance of the reported diktat of the state government that effigies with faces will not be allowed to be burnt. "Let them (the cops) try and stop us. We will fight them every inch of the way. They can't stop us from venting our anger at the suffering being meted out to the people by the Badal government," he had vowed, assuring party workers that he was with them every step of the way.UNI JS SW RJ 1751 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-981969.Xml
Despite strained relations between India and Pakistan after the Uri militant attack, followed by the surgical strike on militant launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), 16 people travelled in the Karvan-e-Aman peace bus today. Those who travelled in the bus included four new guests from the PoK and 10 Kashmiris, who cross to the other side of the Line of Control (LoC) to meet their relatives, separated in 1947 due to partition. Official sources told UNI that the weekly bus, operating between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, capital of PoK, left here early this morning for Kaman post, the last Indian military post on this side of the LoC in Uri sector, where the fidayeen attack on Army Brigade headquarters on September 18 left 19 soldiers dead and over 20 others injured. Four Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants, believed to be foreigners, were also killed in the encounter. The fidayeen attack was followed by the surgical strike by Indian troops on militant launch pads across the border. However, Pakistan has denied any such strike and claimed that two of their soldiers were killed in cross border shelling. However, despite heightened tension, the bus operated normally. They said 10 Kashmiris, including four women and two children, travelled to the PoK to meet their relatives. Two PoK residents also returned to their homes after completing their stay in Kashmir. The bus, which has left Srinagar early this morning to avoid stone pelting on way, has reached Islamabad Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC), Uri at around 0800 hrs safely. Four residents of POK, including two women, arrived at Kaman post after crossing the Amen Setu, peace bridge on foot this afternoon. Barring July 11 and 18, the bus service continued despite curfew, restrictions and strike for the past 93 days in the Valley, where 86 people were killed and over 9,000 others injured in security force and police action, since July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wani and two other militants were killed in an encounter in Anantnag, evoking massive protest. The bus service on these days was suspended, owing to strike by the separatists for security reasons, while on July 4 and September 12, in view of Eid festivals. During the unrest, the bus from Srinagar to Kaman post is leaving Srinagar early in the morning to avoid any violence on way in view of strike. Similarly, people coming from PoK have to wait at Uri before starting journey towards their respective destinations late in the night to avoid stone pelting. The bus service, introduced on April 7, 2005, has helped thousands of families divided due to partition in 1947 to meet each other after India and Pakistan agreed to allow travel of state subjects from both sides on travel permits, instead of international passport. However, people are allowed to travel only after their names are cleared from the intelligence agencies from both sides. UNI BAS SW RJ 1812 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-982099.Xml
After her brother and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Vijay Bahuguna joined BJP, there are speculations about former chief of UP Congress, Rita Bahuguna Joshi, joining the saffron party "because of her being sidelined in the grand old party of India."Daughter of former UP Chief Minister HN Bahuguna, Rita Bahuhuna Joshi is the former Mayor of Allahabad. The former UPCC president had recently met BJP national president Amit Shah fuelling speculations about her switching flanks.Following reports in the media about her imminent defection, Rita Bahuguna Joshi today issued a denial saying: "I have been a committed worker of Congress for the last two decades and there was no substance in reports about my switching loyalty."Even Congress's CM candidate Sheila Dikshit issued statement in Varanasi saying that Rita Bahuguna will not join BJP. "She is in Congress and will remain in this party," she said.UP Congress president Raj Babbar too said in Varanasi that Rita would not join BJP and she was not angry with the party.However, UP BJP president Keshav Maurya refused to comment on the matter.Joshi is a sitting Congress MLA from Lucknow Cantonment Assembly seat. ``Its a win win situation for Rita Bahuguna Joshi if she joins BJP because Samajwadi Party has fielded Mulayam's daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav from Lucknow Cantonment constituency. She cannot win this election on Congress ticket. So BJP is the only option left for her," said a senior leader.Meanhwile, Congress sources said that Joshi is on the backfoot ever since her brother and former CM Vijay Bahuguna led an unsuccessful attempt to topple the Harish Rawat government in Uttarakhand. He was later disqualified and ultimately joined the BJP along with eight other disqualified rebel MLAs.UNI MB SHK 1935 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0431-982418.Xml
BJP National General Secretary Saroj Pandey, who is on a three-day visit to Nagaland, held several series of meeting with party officials at Dimapur. According to BJP Nagaland general secretary Jaangsillung Gonmei, Ms Saroj Pandey extolled the performance of the NDA Government and said the party was looking "forward to understand the state of affairs in Nagaland." Saroj also attended the two-day 3rd state executive meeting of BJP Nagaland at Dimapur on October 14 to15. The meeting was attended by 145 members inclusive of 102 official delegates from districts, state and national level. On the first day, state BJP president Visasolie Lhoungu welcomed the delegates. Reports from the districts except Peren were presented by the district presidents followed by reports from the presidents of the five State Morchas. Nagaland minister of transport, IT and communications P Paiwang Konyak, adviser of treasuries and accounts, relief and rehabilitation, Dr T M Lotha and adviser for cooperatives, Imtilemba Sangtam also addressed the meeting. Saroj is also scheduled to visit Dimapur 3 mandal committees and Bamunpukhuri local area committee today before her departure to Kolkata, Gonmei informed. UNI AS AKM RSA GC1939 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0213-981998.Xml
Illegal foreign products worth about Rs 1 crore were seized by customs department from cargo of a private airline at Guwahati airport here today. Official sources said the garments, shoes and such products, brought from China and Thailand, were being illegally taken to New Delhi by a private airline. The customs department seized the items before being flown out. Investigation has been launched to find if any racket is involved. UNI SG AKM RSA BL1925 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0213-982239.Xml
Senior Police Superintendent Manu Maharaj said here that acting on a tip-off, a raid was conducted at a hide-out in Naubatpur police station area leading to arrest of two hardcore criminals from there.

"Both the arrested criminals -- Abhishek Kumar and Raushan -- were wanted since long in connection with a large number of criminal cases pending against them," Mr Maharaj said, adding that they were on way to demand extortion from an influential person in the area when nabbed by the police. UNI KKS AKM SW GC1940

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Director General of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Rajendra Singh, PTM, TM will be visiting Visakhapatnam of Smart City during October 18 to 20 . It is Director General's first visit to Vizag after he has taken over the reign of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on February 27 this year. According to the flag officer here, in his distinguished career spanning over three and a half decades, he has held various key operational and staff appointments. He has a rare distinction to his credit for successfully commanding all classes of ICG Ships. The DG, as IG commanded the Eastern and Western regions of Coast Guard which implied the command of more than 2/3 rd of the fleet and support units of the service. Before taking over as Director General, he was Additional Director General Coast Guard at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi.During his stay, on October 19, he will be the Chief Guest for the Commissioning ceremony of Indian Coast Guard Ship Rani Gaidinliu, to be held at Coast Guard Jetty. His wife Urmila Singh, President, Coast Guard Wives Welfare Association will be accompanying the Director General during the visit. UNI BSR VS RSA 2324 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0440-982703.Xml
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed deep grief over the loss of several lives in a Odisha hospital fire and spoke to Union Health Minister J P Nadda to ensure treatment of the injured in the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences here. ''Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thought are with the bereaved families,'' the Prime Minister tweeted. He said he had spoken to the Health Minister and asked him to facilitate transfer of all those injured to the AIIMS, and wished for their speedy recovery. Mr Modi also spoke to Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and asked him to ensure all possible help to the victims. According to reports, so far over 20 people have died in the fire that broke out in the intensive care unit of the dialysis ward of the Sum Hospital of the Sikhya and Anusandhan University in the capital city this evening. However, these number have not been officially confirmed.UNI NAZ RSA 2332 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0440-982746.Xml
The emerging-market bloc of BRICS issued a joint declaration here, after a meeting, looking to play a bigger role and contribute more to the global governance system. The Goa Declaration was a result of the eighth BRICS summit that was held on October 15-16 in Goa, under the theme of "Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions." Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Michel Temer, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma attended the meeting. The document said the BRICS members expressed satisfaction with the approval of the first batch of loans by the New Development Bank (NDB), particularly in the renewable energy projects in BRICS countries, Xinhua news agency reported. Noting that BRICS countries represent an influential voice on the global stage, the leaders extended gratitude to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and congratulated Antonio Guterres on his appointment as the next UN chief. On the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the declaration urged developed countries to commit 0.7 per cent of gross national income for assistance to developing countries. The five BRICS leaders, who met last month in Hangzhou when China hosted the 11th summit of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies, welcomed the G20 Action Plan and committed to its implementation. On the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reform, the bloc reaffirmed its commitment to a strong, quota based and adequately resourced IMF. The declaration welcomed the inclusion of the Chinese renminbi (RMB) into the Special Drawing Rights currency basket on October 10, and urged advanced European economies to meet their commitments to cede two chairs on the Executive Board of the IMF. On the security front, the bloc strongly condemned the recent attacks against some BRICS countries and agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating international terrorism both at the bilateral level and at international fora. On environment protection, the BRICS countries welcomed the Paris Agreement and its imminent entry into force on November 4. India, South Africa, Brazil and Russia conveyed their appreciation to China for its offer to host the Ninth BRICS Summit in 2017 and extended their full support, said the declaration. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, which gathers the world's five major emerging economies -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. --IANS vgu/ ( 395 Words) 2016-10-17-03:12:08 (IANS)
The Radio Pakistan quoted Iqbal as saying that Afghanistan, Iran and Saudi Arabia, which have expressed their interest in the project, would further augment regional connectivity and cooperation.

Iqbal claimed that the project is in the best interest of the entire region.

CPEC is not limited to China and Pakistan, rather its is aimed at bolstering trade and economic cooperation in the whole region, he said.

Speaking on the reservations shown by different political groups regarding the project, Iqbal said that CPEC remains the most debated project in Parliament and all concerns raised were addressed with nothing hidden about the project. (ANI)
According to the Turkish state media and a monitoring group, the Free Syrian Army (FSA), a Turkish-backed faction has taken back the town of Dabiq from ISIS.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based organisation has claimed that it received reports that groups of ISIS fighters had withdrawn from Dabiq overnight, reports the CNN.

The FSA operation will be continued for now as fighters seek to clear the town of mines, booby-traps and IEDs.

Dabiq is located about 10 km south of the Turkish-Syrian border and some Islamic prophecies consider it to be the site of an apocalyptic battle between Christians and Muslims. (ANI)
A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to elevate Army Chief General Raheel Sharif to the rank of Field Marshal by taking into consideration his exemplary services and sacrifices rendered for the nation. Sardar Adnan Saleem, who made this appeal through his counsel Raja Saimul Haq Satti, said such an elevation is an emergent need in the present circumstances, reports the Express Tribune. The Cabinet Division Secretary, the Prime Minister through the Secretary of the PM Secretariat and the Defence Ministry Secretary have been made the respondents in the petition. For rendering services to protect national security and safeguarding the frontiers of Pakistan in accordance with the National Action Plan (NAP) and for successful completion of Zarb-e-Azab in an effective and efficient manner, the Army Chief should be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, said Satti. The counsel said that General Sharif had provided visionary leadership to the people as well as to the security forces. Satti said, "The exemplary, outstanding and professional performance during peace and war time with total dedication and devotion by attaining the highest standards and mastery in battlefield." He added that the Chief of Army Staff needs national appreciation, award and recognition. Satti has said in the petition that for rendering his services for the nation and humanity at a larger scale in an extraordinary, exemplary and selfless manner, the Chief of Army Staff should be elevated to the highest level of military hierarchy. The counsel has urged the court to direct the respondents to elevate General Sharif to the rank of Field Marshal for leading from the front on different fronts. (ANI)
The incident took place yesterday when General Dostum was on his way towards Ghormach district accompanied by a convoy of the security forces, reports Khaama Press.

General Dostum confirmed the attack and said the militants were in police uniform and ambushed the convoy of the security forces.

The Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the report so far.

General Dostum arrived in Faryab province last week after the Taliban militants launched a coordinated attack on Ghormach district and seized its control from the security forces.

Last week, the Taliban militants also launched a coordinated attack on the strategic Kunduz city and managed to infiltrate into some parts of the city, including the central Kunduz city square.

Meanwhile, General Dostum said the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group plans to deploy at least 7,000 fighters in northern parts of the country.

He said the ISIS terrorist group is attempting to deploy foreign militants mainly the citizens of Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Chechnya. (ANI)
In spite of the apparent failure of another North Korean missile test at the weekend, the country's aggressive testing schedule could see its Musudan intermediate ballistic missile entering operational service sometime next year - much sooner than expected, a leading US expert said today.The US military said on Saturday it had detected a failed launch of a Musudan, the latest in a series in violation of United Nations resolutions.The US Strategic Command said the missile failed in a launch near North Korea's northwestern city of Kusong. South Korea's military said the missile failed immediately after launch, but neither it nor the Pentagon suggested reasons.The Musudan has range of some 3,000 km posing a threat to South Korea and Japan, and possibly the US territory of Guam. Pyongyang claims that it has succeeded in miniaturizing a nuclear warhead that can be mounted on a missile, but this have never been independently verified.John Schilling, an aerospace engineer specializing in rocket propulsion, said it was noteworthy that North Korea had launched the missile from its west coast, rather than from its purpose-built test facility."Moving to a roadside near Kusong is like taking the training wheels off the bicycle, seeing if you really have mastered something new," he wrote on the 38 North website that monitors North Korea.Schilling said the move showed that in spite of only one successful launch to show for seven attempts this year, North Korea was not simply repeating old failures."They are continuing with an aggressive test schedule that involves, at least this time, demonstrating new operational capabilities. That increases the probability of individual tests failing, but it means they will learn more with each test," he wrote."If they continue at this rate, the Musudan intermediate -range ballistic missile could enter operational service sometime next year - much sooner than had previously been expected," Schilling saidThe latest test comes ahead of a meeting on Wednesday in Washington of US, Japanese and South Korean defense and foreign ministers expected to focus on North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.The top US diplomat for East Asia said last month Washington would speed up deployment of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system to South Korea given the pace of North Korea's missile tests.Japanese government sources told Reuters Japan may accelerate around $1 billion of planned spending to upgrade its ballistic missile defenses.REUTERS VS RAI2200 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-982709.Xml
"The Homeland Security Department got information that Ashraf Idrees al-Qazzaz, a 34-year-old carpenter frequently visits his sister's apartment in Kerdasa neighbourhood," Xinhua news agency quoted the statement.

On Monday, police forces raided his place looking to arrest the man, who surprised the forces by retaliating with gunfire which ended with his death, according to the statement.

The police said the jihadist had received a death sentence after storming into a police station in Kerdasa and killing several personnel, plus another sentence of 25 years in jail for establishing an armed militant cell which targeted the state's television building.

In September, an Egyptian court sentenced seven Islamists to death after charging them with storming into a Kerdasa police station where they killed the head policeman and wounded nine other policemen in August 2013.

Anti-government terrorist attacks have increased in Egypt following the military removal of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

Hundreds of security personnel were killed in the past three years with Sinai's militant Islamic State (IS) group claiming responsibility for most of them.

--IANS vgu/

( 209 Words)

2016-10-18-01:10:08 (IANS)
A Syrian government soldier walks past a ruin in the city of Aleppo in northern Syria, Sept. 12, 2016. (Xinhua/Yang Zhen)

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Together with high-level diplomats from key regional partners, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov convened in the Swiss city of Lausanne on Saturday to discuss the Syrian crisis which has been raging since 2011.

The multilateral framework involved foreign ministers from Turkey, Iran, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi-Arabia, Qatar as well as the UN Special Envoy for Syria.

Taking place in a luxurious lakeside hotel, the latest round of talks came against the backdrop of failed bilateral efforts between the United States and Russia.

A short-lived ceasefire was brokered last month by Kerry and Lavrov after lengthy talks in Geneva.

The cessation of hostilities, which came into effect on Sept. 12, was meant to enable much needed humanitarian aid to reach civilians living in hard-to-reach and besieged areas. It was also hoped to catalyse enhanced military cooperation between both countries and renew momentum towards resuming talks seeking to broker an end to the conflict that has killed thousands of people and displaced millions more.

An upsurge in violence took place only a few hours after the week-long truce expired on Sept. 19 however.

Washington subsequently suspended negotiations with Moscow on restoring a ceasefire in Syria on Oct. 3 after blaming Moscow for its alleged military role in attacks on the Syrian city of Aleppo.

Kerry is scheduled to meet with more international partners in London on Sunday to further discuss a multilateral approach to resolving the Syrian civil war.
SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- A massive fire gutted at least 80 residential houses in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said Sunday.

No loss of life was reported in the incident.

The fire broke out on Saturday evening in the remote village of Sukhnai in Kishtwar district, about 284 km southeast of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Last evening a devastating fire gutted 80 residential houses at village Sukhnai here," Ghulam Nabi Balwan, deputy commissioner Kishtwar told Xinhua. "The fire has razed whole village to ground except few structures."

Officials said the fire also gutted a school, two social welfare centers, a mosque and a sufi shrine in the village.

Reports said over a dozen cattle were perished in the blaze.

Owing to remoteness of the village, locals said no fire tenders could reach the village to douse the flame that engulfed it.

Balwan said the fire is said to have started from a hayrick and engulfed the houses that were mostly made of wood.

Police officials have registered a case and initiated investigations to ascertain the cause of fire.

Chances of fire in villages and cites of Indian-controlled Kashmir are usually high as people usually ignore safety standards vis-a-vis fire and store fuel and combustible materials in a haphazard manner.
DUBAI, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Abu Dhabi's economic development department said on Sunday that a delegation bound for Shanghai will promote the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital in China's business hub, reported the UAE's state news agency WAM.

The delegation is tasked with bolstering economic cooperation in trade, industry, investment and exchange of information between the both cities, reported WAM.

The delegation is led by Khalifa Bin Salem Al-Mansouri, acting under-secretary of the department of economic development in Abu Dhabi.

Al Mansouri said the trip followed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to China in December 2015.

Al Nahyan is the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE's armed forces.

During the crown prince's visit, both sides signed an agreement to establish a clearing hub for China's currency yuan in the UAE.
CHICAGO, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) grains continued to trade in a sideways range with the corn and whet futures offering some support late week.

The most active corn contract for December delivery added 14.5 cents weekly, or 4.27 percent, to 3.5425 dollars per bushel. December wheat delivery surged by 26.25 cents weekly, or 6.65 percent, to 3.9475 dollars per bushel. November soybeans rose 5.75 cents weekly, or 0.6 percent, to 9.625 dollars per bushel.

Corn futures rallied to new 3-month highs this past week. The October WASDE has come and gone, and as expected yield was lowered slightly and demand was raised slightly.

And moving forward, the market's focus will shift more and more to demand, and traders note that ethanol margins remain stout, and that US Gulf corn is easily the world' s low cost origin into early 2017.

Ukraine has added logistical constraints to truck movement, which should further boost U.S. export potential through the winter months, and South America will remain absent into late spring.

Fundamentally, fair value is still seen at 3.20-3.60 dollars per bushel, basis Dec, but we do acknowledge funds remain massively short in CBOT futures. The near term outlook is neutral or supportive but longer term, without a South American weather issue, much of the boost in US export demand goes away, and stocks-building will persist into 17/18 marketing year.

U.S. wheat futures rallied on a flood of import tenders, competitive Gulf fob offers and a paring back of funds' excessive short position.

Analysts maintain that world quality issues, which have not been resolved, will funnel additional export demand to the U.S. through the winter months, and already interest from Morocco and Algeria indicates the U.S. will do well in exporting wheat to non-traditional destinations.

There's a full 8 months remaining in the international crop year. Interior Russian prices continue to edge higher, which along with support in the ruble suggests downside risk in world cash prices is limited in the near/medium term. Wheat futures have fallen more than 60 percent since 2012, and current prices fully account for known fundamentals.

However, the longer term outlook still features steady or higher global stocks in 17/18 marketing year without widespread weather issues.

It was a mixed week of trade in the soybean market that left November soybeans slightly higher for the week. Soybeans initially declined following the October Crop Production and WASDE reports, as the USDA increased the estimate of the US soybean yield to a record large 51.4 bushels per acre.

However, U.S. daily export sales announcements, larger than expected weekly sales, as well as late week contracts for 5 million metric tons of US soybeans offered late week support.

Soybean harvest through Sunday is expected to be 60-65 percent complete. With strong export demand continuing, and harvest past the half way point, a seasonal low for both cash basis bids and cash prices is likely in the process of forming.

Analysts maintain that commodities will continue to trade sideways, but they suspect that there will be pressures to the upside as emerging market economies recover.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, South African President Jacob Zuma, Brazilian President Michel Temer, and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a dialogue with representatives of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Business Council in the western Indian state of Goa, Oct. 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

GOA, India, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to business leaders to work with BRICS governments to boost trade and promote innovation.

Addressing a meeting of the BRICS Business Council at the eighth BRICS Summit held on Oct. 15-16 in Goa, Modi also called on the BRICS Business Council to contribute to enhancing business opportunities, building investment linkages and removing bottlenecks to intra-BRICS commerce.

The promotion of economic and commercial engagement has been a foundational impulse in the creation of BRICS, said the Indian prime minister, adding that the business community are the strongest proponents for closer and faster commercial cooperation that could help create wealth.

"The council's work holds much promise for expansion of trade and business among BRICS countries," he said.

He also encouraged the council to work closely with the New Development Bank, a multilateral development bank founded by the BRICS countries, on identifying and implementing prospective economic projects.

Speaking at the same occasion, South African President Jacob Zuma also commended the work of the council.

"The BRICS Business Council activities since undertaken through Durban Summit and the corresponding initiatives by the BRICS governments have brought us to a point where the council can be a true catalyst for economic growth," he said.

Various BRICS undertaking need to culminate in growing investments, and expanding value-added trade between BRICS which should also support integration into global value chains, Zuma said, while urging the business leaders to continue advancing the economic agenda of the BRICS.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia will continue to promote rapprochement of economies of the five BRICS countries, create prerequisites for the launch of new business projects and invites business community of all the BRICS countries to work on Russia's market, develop partnership with the Russian companies, Russian media quoted Putin as saying during the meeting.

The BRICS leaders take into account an opinion of the business community on the development of prospective plans on trade, economic and investment cooperation within the framework of the five-member group, Putin said, according to Sputnik.

The Russian president stressed that Moscow would continue to strongly support the BRICS Business Council as an important mechanism for strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation of the BRICS countries.

The BRICS Business Council was established during the fifth BRICS Summit held in 2013 in Durban, South Africa.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in the western Indian state of Goa, Oct. 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

GOA, India, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi here Sunday, voicing hopes that the two countries can increase practical cooperation to press ahead with their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

China is willing to join hands with Myanmar to carry forward their traditional friendship and expand mutually-beneficial cooperation in all fields, Xi told Suu Kyi on the sidelines of an annual summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS that groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in the western Indian state of Goa.

Xi cited such areas for cooperation as some existing large projects, industrial parks, infrastructure construction, agriculture, water conservancy, education, medical care, tourism, Buddhism and local affairs.

The president said Myanmar has maintained a momentum of sound development recently, and he believes that the Myanmar people will make steady progress on its path of development that suits its own national conditions and will make new achievements in national development and construction.

The two leaders just met about two months ago when Suu Kyi paid an official visit to China.

Xi said the two sides should earnestly implement the consensuses reached in August on deepening their all-round strategic cooperation, strengthen strategic communication, and maintain high-level exchanges.

For her part, Suu Kyi said Myanmar and China enjoy a time-honored friendship, which has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples.

She said Myanmar sees China as its most important neighbor and it is of vital importance for the two sides to maintain frequent high-level exchanges.

The Myanmar side thanks China for its long-term support, Suu Kyi said, noting that her country stands ready to advance the bilateral ties and all-ranging cooperation, and expedite efforts to implement some relevant cooperation projects, which is in line with the long-term interests of Myanmar and China.

Suu Kyi was invited here to attend a dialogue between BRICS leaders and state leaders of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries at the BRICS summit.

The BIMSTEC, initiated to connect South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, South African President Jacob Zuma, Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and representative of Thailand pose for photo at a dialogue between BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) leaders on emerging economy cooperation in the western Indian state of Goa, Oct. 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

GOA, India, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping attended here Sunday a dialogue between BRICS and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) leaders on emerging economy cooperation.

Noting that both groups belong to the big family of developing countries, Xi said the emerging-market bloc of BRICS that groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and the BIMSTEC that comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, share common desires in safeguarding world peace and regional security, as well as the common needs for economic development and improving people's livelihood and benefits.

The Chinese president noted that all of the BIMSTEC countries are China's good friends, good neighbors and good partners, and have maintained long-lasting friendship and close cooperation with China.

Facing both unprecedented opportunities and challenges, emerging-market economies and developing countries should join hands and make concerted efforts to enhance policy communication and coordination, complement each other's advantages and promote regional economic integration, Xi said.

He called for the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative and the BIMSTEC programs, so as to advance infrastructure construction and connectivity, and strive for common development.

Meanwhile, the BRICS and BIMSTEC countries should also boost friendly exchanges at all levels in such fields as locality, media, think tank and youth, in order to nurture their deeply rooted partnerships, he added.

The Chinese president stressed that the G20 summit in Hangzhou last month has scored a series of fruitful results, which will play a positive role in promoting international development and cooperation, and will help propel the development of BIMSTC countries.

China will always prioritize cooperation with developing countries, inject fresh momentum into South-South cooperation, and open up new prospects for the mutually beneficial cooperation within Asia by upholding its neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, Xi said.

China stands ready to make joint efforts with all parties to lift the dialogues and cooperation between BRICS members and other sides to new heights, guided by the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness, cooperation and win-win results, he said.

Other BRICS and BIMSTEC leaders also underlined the economic complementarity between their countries and vast cooperation potential.

Noting that the BRICS nations have made important progress in such fields as pursuing innovative development and eliminating poverty, the leaders called on both groups to strengthen cooperation in various areas including connectivity, trade and investment, maritime economy and people-to-people exchanges, so as to join forces for development.

They also voiced support for the two groups to learn from positive experiences, carry out closer cooperation in international affairs, improve global economic governance system and work together to address challenges, thus achieving common development.

The dialogue was held at the eighth summit of BRICS in the western Indian state of Goa.

India is the last stop of Xi's ongoing Asia tour, which has already taken him to Cambodia and Bangladesh.
Taikonauts Jing Haipeng (L) and Chen Dong attend the see-off ceremony of the Shenzhou-11 manned space mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Oct. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

JIUQUAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A see-off ceremony for two Chinese astronauts of the upcoming Shenzhou-11 manned space mission was held on Monday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

The Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft is scheduled to be launched at 7:30 a.m. Monday Beijing Time.

Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), met with astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong at the apartment compound Wentiange, or "Ask-the-Sky Pavilion," of the launch center.

On behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the State Council, the CMC and General Secretary of CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping, Fan wished the mission success.

"You are going to travel in space to pursue the space dream of the Chinese nation," Fan said.

"With all the scientific and rigorous training, discreet preparation, and rich experience accumulated from previous missions, you will accomplish the glorious and tough task", Fan added.

"We wish you success and look forward to your triumphant return," Fan said.

The astronauts, in white space suits, expressed confidence and resolve for the mission.

After the brief meeting, the astronauts came to Yuanmengyuan Square, or "Dreams-come-true" square, where they were greeted by a cheerful crowd waving flowers and national flags.

They reported to Zhang Youxia, commander-in-chief of the country's manned space program, "We are ready! Please give instruction."

"Proceed!" Zhang said.

The astronauts then got on a vehicle and left for the launch pad in cheers and patriotic song chanted by the crowd.
SYDNEY, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Australian dollar has risen against the greenback at the start of the week.

At the Asian open on Monday, the local unit was trading at 76.34 U.S. cents, up from 75.77 U.S. cents on Friday.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia senior currency strategist Elias Haddad in a research note said the Australian dollar would likely perform well on the crosses this week supported by a solid increase in September's Australian employment figures of 15,000 which is set to be released on Thursday.

"The Australian dollar edged up above 76.00 U.S. cents during Friday's overnight session on higher commodity prices (iron ore and coking coal) and a lift in European equities," Haddad said.

"We expect the Australian dollar to struggle against a firmer U.S. dollar this week."

"However, a solid increase in September Australian employment and upside risks to China's Q3 GDP (3rd quarter gross domestic product) on Wednesday will support the Australian dollar, particularly on the crosses," he said.

At 0930 local time (AEDT), the Australian dollar was trading at 76.18 U.S. cents.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. aerospace firm Orbital ATK on Sunday delayed the launch of its sixth resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for 24 hours due to a glitch with a ground support equipment cable.

Orbital ATK's Cygnus cargo ship was originally scheduled to blast off on an upgraded version of its Antares rocket from Virginia's Wallops Flight Facility on Sunday evening.

But hours before the planned liftoff, the company said in a statement a pre-launch check-out found a ground support equipment cable "did not perform as expected," prompting the 24-hour postponement.

"We have spares on hand and rework procedures are in process. The Antares and Cygnus teams are not currently working any technical issues with the rocket or the spacecraft," the statement said. "The launch is now scheduled for October 17 at 7:40 p.m. EDT (2340GMT)."

The upcoming flight will be the first resupply mission to launch on the upgraded Antares 230 vehicle, and the first launch from Wallops since an Antares rocket and its Cygnus resupply vehicle were lost seconds after liftoff in October 2014.

An investigation into the accident found a failure in one of the two Aerojet Rocketdyne AJ26 engines, leading to a decision by Orbital ATK to replace them with RD-181, which was developed specifically for Antares by Russians.

Since the accident, two Cygnus resupply missions were launched on United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rockets to the station from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

The Virginia-based Orbital ATK is one of two U.S. companies that provide ISS cargo services for NASA. The other company is California-based SpaceX.
CANBERRA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Public support for One Nation, a controversial Australian right-wing political party, has more than quadrupled in some parts of the nation just months after the federal election, the latest Newspoll revealed on Monday.

The One Nation party, headed by controversial Senator Pauline Hanson, has experienced an explosive surge of support in the months following Australia's July 2 election, with support in the House of Representatives at 6 percent, up from 1.3 percent at the election.

In Hanson's home state of Queensland, in which she had already had an earnest following, support for One Nation had doubled to 10 percent - rivaling other smaller parties such as the Greens.

The results of the latest Newspoll, taken for News Corp, also illustrated the discontent within the voting public at the major parties. At the July 2 election, a record 23.2 percent of all voters did not vote for either the coalition or Labor - the highest percentage since the 1934 election.

But since then, support for the Greens, minor parties and independents has climbed to 25 percent almost exclusively on the back of One Nation's popularity - as the Greens (10 percent) and NXT (2 percent) had unchanged support levels since the election.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's coalition government continues to receive 39 percent of the primary vote support - a figure down three points since the election - while Labor's is up nearly two points to 36.

With preferences taken into account, the coalition continues to trail Labor in the two-party preferred vote at 48-52.
BAGHDAD, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced early on Monday the beginning of a major offensive to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) group, the official television reported.
JIUQUAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of congratulations on the successful launch of the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft on Monday.

Xi expressed congratulations and greetings to all researchers and staff engaged in the mission as well as the astronauts.

The mission of the orbiting space lab Tiangong-2 and the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft marks the first time that Chinese astronauts will stay in orbit for medium term, Xi said in the message.

Tasks of space science and application representing the frontier science and the future of high technology will be conducted during the mission, which Xi said symbolizes that China's manned space program has registered new and significant progresses.

Xi urged staff of the mission to carry on their work to guarantee that designated targets will be realized. He also encouraged them to "constantly break new ground for the manned space program, so that Chinese people will take bigger steps and march further in space probe, to make new contribution to the building of China into a space power."

Xi sent the message from the western Indian state of Goa where he attended the eighth summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Related:

China launches longest-ever manned space mission

JIUQUAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday successfully launched the manned spacecraft Shenzhou-11, carrying two astronauts who will remain in space for 33 days, the longest manned mission in the country's space program to date.

Shenzhou-11, China's sixth manned spacecraft, will dock with space lab Tiangong-2, marking a step closer to its space station ambitions. Full story

China Focus: The sky-high dreams of Shenzhou-11 astronaut Chen Dong

JIUQUAN, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chen Dong is about to embark on his first space mission early Monday.

When flying aircraft, he often wondered what it would be like to push through the Earth's atmosphere, he recalled. Full story

China Focus: Jing Haipeng, first Chinese astronaut to enter space three times

JIUQUAN, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese astronaut Jing Haipeng is about to become the first Chinese to go into space for a third time, as he was selected to be commander of the upcoming Shenzhou-11 manned space mission. Full story

Commentary: From nothing to glory in six decades - China's space program
BAGHDAD, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced early Monday the beginning of a major offensive to retake the second largest Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) group, national TV channel Al Iraqiya reported.

"Today I declare the launch of the operation of liberating Nineveh province. The time of victory has come, and the moment of the great victory is approaching," Abadi said in his brief address broadcast by Al Iraqiya.

The channel showed Abadi, who is also the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi forces, was wearing military uniform and flanked by senior officers.

Abadi pledged to rebuild Mosul and other towns and villages in Nineveh province after they were destroyed by the extremist IS militants, and vowed to bring stability to Mosul, which is located some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

"Very soon, we will be with you to raise the flag of Iraq in the middle of Mosul, and in towns and villages as well," Abadi said, calling on the people of Mosul to cooperate with security forces to defeat the IS group.

Abadi also vowed that 2016 will be the year of defeating terrorism of the IS group.

The operation of security forces and allied U.S.-led coalition troops to retake Mosul will be the biggest in the country since U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq in 2011.

Mosul, the last major IS stronghold in Iraq, has been under the group's control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government on Monday issued a white paper that hailed the efforts and progress made in poverty alleviation and human rights.

The white paper, titled "China's Progress in Poverty Reduction and Human Rights," said poverty reduction is the most telling evidence of China's progress in human rights.

The white paper said China has made an enormous contribution to poverty reduction worldwide. Over the past 30 years since the launch of the reform and opening up drive, more than 700 million Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty.

According to the UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2015, the proportion of people living in extreme poverty in China fell from 61 percent in 1990 to 4.2 percent in 2014, with the number of people China has raised from poverty accounting for 70 percent of the world's total.

By the end of 2015, China still had 55.75 million people living in poverty. The country plans to lift all of its poor out of poverty by 2020.

Related:

Full text: China's Progress in Poverty Reduction and Human Rights

China intensifies efforts to alleviate poverty through education

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government prioritized education in its efforts to eradicate poverty during the 2011-2015 period, according to a white paper unveiled Monday. Full Story

China's poverty reduction at a crucial stage: white paper
Staff members celebrate at the command center of China's manned space program in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 17, 2016. China on Monday successfully launched the manned spacecraft Shenzhou-11 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi desert at 7:30 a.m. Beijing Time Monday atop a Long March-2F Y11 carrier rocket. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

JIUQUAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday successfully launched the manned spacecraft Shenzhou-11 that will dock with the space lab Tiangong-2.

The spacecraft, with two male astronauts on board, was launched at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi desert at 7:30 a.m. Beijing Time Monday atop a Long March-2F Y11 carrier rocket.

The spacecraft later entered the designated orbit.

The mission was declared a success by Zhang Youxia, commander-in-chief of China's manned space program, about 19 minutes after the blast-off.

President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, sent a message of congratulations on the successful launch. Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), read Xi's message.

The mission of the orbiting space lab Tiangong-2 and the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft marks the first time that Chinese astronauts will stay in orbit for medium term, Xi, also CMC chairman, said in the message.

Xi urged staff of the mission to carry on their work to guarantee that designated targets will be realized. He also encouraged them to "constantly break new ground for the manned space program, so that Chinese people will take bigger steps and march further in space probe, to make new contribution to the building of China into a space power."

Xi sent the message from the western Indian state of Goa where he attended the eighth summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Premier Li Keqiang and Liu Yunshan, both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, watched the live broadcast of the launch at the command center of China's manned space program in Beijing.

Shenzhou-11 will dock with Tiangong-2, and then the astronauts will enter the space lab. The two astronauts are commander Jing Haipeng, a 50-year-old veteran who carried out Shenzhou-7 and Shenzhou-9 missions before, as well as Chen Dong, 38, who is on his first space mission.

Tiangong-2 has been sent into space on Sept. 15. The rendezvous will occur at the orbit about 393 kilometers above Earth.

A see-off ceremony for the two astronauts was held at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center ahead of the launch on Monday morning.
Jia Jia, a female panda turning 37 years, stands by her birthday cake in south China's Hong Kong, Jul. 28, 2015. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

HONG KONG, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- The world's eldest giant panda in captivity Jia Jia was given euthanasia on Sunday at Hong Kong Ocean Park, after her health condition deteriorated rapidly in the past two weeks.

Died at the age of 38, about 114 years old in human terms, the female panda had lost sharply her food consumption from more than 10 kg to less than 3 kg per day, according to a spokeswoman from the theme park.

Jia Jia had spent less time awake and shown no interest in food or fluids for the past few days. The panda's condition worsened on Sunday morning when she was unable to walk and spent the day lying down.

To prevent suffering, veterinarians from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the Ocean Park agreed to put her to sleep.

Jia Jia, a female panda turning 37, enjoys her food in south China's Hong Kong, Jul. 28, 2015. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

Leo Kung Lin-cheng, Ocean Park's chairman, said Jia Jia was a member of their family who had spent 17 wonderful years with Hong Kong people, and she will be deeply missed.

He also thanked the panda for the wonderful things she had brought to Hong Kong people and visitors from around the world.

A spokesman with the Hong Kong SAR government said that it was saddened by the panda's death and expressed appreciation to the theme park for its care for Jia Jia and the support of the giant pandabreeding center at Wolong nature reserve in Sichuan.

Jia Jia was born in southwest China's Sichuan Province in 1978 and was presented together with male panda An An by China's central government to the Hong Kong SAR as a gift in 1999.

Jia Jia was the eldest giant panda ever in captivity and had set world record for longevity. Jia Jia had given births to six pandacubs.
BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China has taken measures in the past few years to ensure children's rights to social security, education and other public services are effectively protected in its poverty relief efforts, according to a white paper released Monday.

China has introduced an appropriate and all-inclusive welfare and service system for children and carried out experimental work on encouraging social protection of minors, said the document on China's poverty reduction progress unveiled by the State Council Information Office.

The country also promoted the establishment of a system for rescuing and protecting minors and a children's welfare and protection network at the county, township and village levels, the document showed.

Since 2011, more than half of China's counties have implemented a program of nutrition improvement for rural students receiving compulsory education, with the central government spending 67 billion yuan (about 10 billion U.S. dollars) benefiting 33.6 million rural students.

As of 2012, the government carried out a nutrition improvement program for children in poor areas, providing free nutrition packages to infants aged six to 24 months and popularizing knowledge on healthy feeding among guardians.

In 2015 alone, the central government allocated subsidies of 500 million yuan to this program, benefiting 2.11 million children in 341 counties, the white paper said.
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 27 people were killed and over 50 others injured when two buses collided in Pakistan's eastern province of Punjab on Monday morning, reported local Urdu TV channel ARY.
KATHMANDU, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Nepali government has lifted a four-month ban on sending Nepalese workers to Afghanistan which was imposed after the country's security guards were killed in a Taliban attack, a senior government official said.

Nepal imposed the ban on June 23 after the Taliban attack on June 20, killing as many as 13 Nepalese and two Indian nationals who were working as security guards at the Canadian Embassy in Kabul. Six Nepalese had been injured in the attack.

Govinda Mani Bhurtel, spokesperson at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, told Xinhua on Sunday that the decision was made at last weeek's cabinet meeting.

According to Bhurtel, the ban was lifted under certain conditions as per which Nepalese workers will be allowed to work only inside the green zone where the United Nations bodies and other diplomatic agencies have presence.

"The employer should arrange shelter for Nepalese workers around the workplace and if they have to travel outside, there should be the provision of security escort and bullet proof vehicles," said Bhurtel.
The UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2015 shows that the proportion of people living in extreme poverty in China fell by half from 61 percent in 1990 to below 30 percent in 2002, and on down to 4.2 percent in 2014. The number of citizens China has raised from poverty accounts for 70 percent of the world's total. With the most people lifted out of poverty, China has led other countries to realize the UN Millennium Development Goal and made an enormous contribution to poverty reduction worldwide. Its endeavors have been widely hailed by the international community and its achievements will go down in history. Such achievements forcefully demonstrate the brilliant leadership of the CPC and the advantages of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Chart: Poverty levels in China's rural areas according to the current rural poverty standard

While combating poverty at home, China also actively helps other developing countries to address their poverty problems. Over more than six decades since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, China has provided nearly RMB400 billion to 166 countries and international organizations, sent more than 600,000 aid workers, given medical assistance to 69 countries, and aided more than 120 developing countries in realizing the Millennium Goals. On seven occasions China has unconditionally canceled interest-free loans to heavily indebted countries and least developed countries.

After years of trials and experimentation, China has accumulated a wealth of experience in promoting human rights through development- oriented poverty reduction, and established a new model of development- oriented poverty alleviation with Chinese characteristics.

-- Proceeding from the prevailing national conditions and exploiting its institutional advantages. China is the world's largest developing country with more than 1.3 billion people. Development is the paramount task of the CPC in governing and rejuvenating China, which is essential to addressing the country's existing problems. By exploiting its political and institutional advantages, China has formed a trans-regional, trans- departmental, and trans-industrial poverty reduction process to which all social sectors contribute through the mechanism of "Party leadership, government guidance and social participation."

-- Accelerating economic development and promoting poverty reduction. Taking poverty reduction as a major element of economic development, China promotes poverty reduction alongside economic growth, combines development-oriented poverty alleviation and socio-economic development, treats poverty alleviation through development as the main focus of the economic and social development plan, coordinates the development of poverty reduction and human rights protection, and achieves effective interaction between plans for poverty reduction and elimination, national economic and social development, and national human rights action.

-- Adhering to multi-form poverty reduction, and focusing on effect. Development is the fundamental approach to poverty eradication. China addresses poverty reduction by enhancing the skills of the impoverished population and improving their capacity for self-development, and acts to prevent the transfer of poverty across generations. The government adds preferential policies to its general welfare policy, devising preferential policies for the impoverished population on the basis of the general welfare policy for the rural areas, agriculture and farmers. It takes targeted poverty reduction and elimination as the basic strategy, with differentiated and targeted measures, and provides aid and guarantees for all those who qualify.

-- Prioritizing social fairness and justice, and striving to bring benefits and common prosperity to all. Focusing on ensuring and improving public well-being, China encourages institutional and organizational innovation, and promotes social fairness and justice. It is establishing a social fairness guarantee system applying to rights, opportunities and rules, protecting the people's right to equal participation and equal development with the rule of law, and bringing the benefits of reform and development as well as common prosperity to the whole population.

II. Ensuring Impoverished People's Right to Life

It is one of the basic policies of the Chinese government to innovatively improve its methods in reducing and eradicating poverty, and takes targeted measures to that end. Recently, through data tracking on the conditions of the impoverished population, the government analyzes the causes of their problems, and offer guidance on their development needs. Targeted measures are implemented in terms of funding, projects, and recipients. Every impoverished household is guaranteed help, every village has designated officials to carry out poverty eradication measures, and goals are met within the defined standards. In the fight against poverty, China has enhanced poverty eradication effects, accelerated the speed of poverty eradication, and ensured impoverished people's right to life.

Support has been given to poverty eradication through developing industries with local features. The state has issued a series of development plans and policies regarding industries with local features to provide growth opportunities for impoverished areas. These include the Guiding Opinions on Strengthening Poverty Alleviation Work in the Agricultural Industry and Poverty Alleviation Plan in the Forestry Sector (2013-2020), which focuses on developing agriculture and animal husbandry with local features. Poverty Alleviation Through Development Plan of the Agricultural Industry (2011-2020); Measures for Increasing the Income of Industries with Local Features and Development Plan for Economic Forests (2013-2020), which lay out a good plan for the development of agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry in contiguous poverty-stricken areas, with key areas specified; and Regional Layout of Agricultural Products with Local Features (2013-2020), which covers 96 agricultural products with local characteristics in impoverished areas for unified planning, with increased investment from various sources. During the Twelfth Five-Year Plan period (2011-2015), RMB122 billion was spent on agricultural infrastructure and specialized funds, and RMB116 billion on forestry infrastructure and specialized funds in contiguous poverty-stricken areas. Driven by the industries with local characteristics, poverty-stricken areas are seeing greater momentum in their development, with growing incomes for farmers.

Poverty alleviation through resettling impoverished population has been steadily carried out. Since 2012 the state has allocated RMB40.4 billion from the central government to leverage a total investment of RMB141.2 billion of all kinds, resettling 5.91 million impoverished people. The central and provincial coffers as well as local governments at various levels have provided RMB38 billion for poverty reduction, resettled 5.8 million poor people. These concerted efforts have effectively brought more development opportunities to poverty-stricken areas. Through scientific planning and careful site selection, infrastructure and community services have been strengthened in resettlement areas, significantly improving the living and working conditions of the relocated population. By developing farm production and animal farming, and guiding workers to travel to seek employment elsewhere, China has seen increases in the income of resettled farmers and migrant workers, with faster progress in eradicating poverty and achieving prosperity. In 2016 the Chinese government has initiated a new round of resettlement programs for its impoverished population, with increased funds from central government, and further raised subsidy standards. It has introduced policy-based funds for development, expanded funding sources, and strengthened follow-up support to relocated people, ensuring that each resettled household is lifted out of poverty. (more)
WELLINGTON, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government Monday said it is to review its free trade agreement (FTA) with Southeast Asia, citing a rising number of non-tariff barriers and other concerns.

The ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA) - covering New Zealand, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam - had helped lift New Zealand trade with the region by 25 percent since 2010, said Trade Minister Todd McClay.

However, McClay said in a statement he was concerned that New Zealand businesses were "leaving money on the table."

Since coming into force in 2010, the FTA has reduced or eliminated tariffs across many of New Zealand's exports into key Southeast Asian markets, and was expected to deliver 71 million NZ dollars (50.42 million U.S. dollars) in cost-savings for New Zealand exporters this year.

This was expected to rise to around 96 million NZ dollars (68.18 million U.S. dollars) once the staged elimination of tariffs was completed after 2020.

"However, from a New Zealand perspective, it is not clear that all businesses use the FTA when exporting to Southeast Asia and this means they could be paying unnecessary tariffs," said McClay.

"Exporters of both goods and services also face an increasing number of non-tariff barriers in Southeast Asia, such as import quotas, subsidies, customs delays and technical barriers, which are holding them back."

The government review would take place ahead of a comprehensive review of AANZFTA by New Zealand, Australia and the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries next year.

"This review will help us better understand the New Zealand business perspective going into that broader review and equip us to seek possible improvements to the FTA," said McClay.

The introduction of more liberal and transparent trade rules under the FTA had helped grow New Zealand's trade with ASEAN from 12 billion NZ dollars (8.52 billion U.S. dollars) in 2010 to over 15 billion NZ dollars (10.66 billion U.S. dollars) last year.

"This region is home to 600 million people, with a combined economic output of 3.5 trillion NZ dollars (2.48 trillion U.S. dollars). It is a huge market for the goods and services we produce and an important source of competitively priced imports that make everyday items cheaper for New Zealanders," he said.
Poverty eradication for ethnic minority groups has been accelerated. The government has developed a series of special support policies to accelerate poverty eradication for ethnic minority groups and regions inhabited by ethnic minorities. The Outline for Development-oriented Poverty Reduction for China's Rural Areas (2011-2020) maps out 14 contiguous impoverished areas, 11 of which are in ethnic autonomous areas, and 592 key counties for national development-oriented poverty alleviation work, 263 of which are in ethnic autonomous areas. Of the 30,000 poor villages mapped out in the 12th Five-Year Plan for whole-village development-oriented poverty alleviation, 13,158 are in ethnic autonomous areas. From 2012 to 2015, the central government allocated development funds of RMB14.59 billion for ethnic minority groups to advance a special campaign of developing border areas and improving local people's lives, to support development of ethnic minority groups with a small population, and to protect and develop ethnic minority villages with special features and traditional handicrafts. The central government has worked out a budget to inject RMB5.5 billion to support border areas and areas inhabited by ethnic minority groups with a small population in infrastructure construction, in improving local working and living conditions, and in developing social programs. During the 12th Five-Year Plan period, the impoverished population of the five autonomous regions (Inner Mongolia, Guangxi, Tibet, Ningxia, and Xinjiang) and the three provinces with concentrated ethnic minority groups (Guizhou, Yunnan and Qinghai) had dropped from 39.17 million in 2011 to 18.13 million, a decrease of 21.04 million, down 53.7 percent. The poverty incidence declined from 27.2 percent to 12.4 percent, down by 14.8 percentage points.

Chart: Infrastructure improvement in areas inhabited by ethnic minority groups with a small population

IV. Improving the Development Environment of Impoverished Areas

Strengthening infrastructure construction in impoverished areas to overcome obstacles to development is the basis and premise for realizing local people's rights to subsistence and development. Since 2012, the Chinese government has supported infrastructure construction in impoverished areas with more funds, further improving basic working and living conditions in those areas.

Upgrading and reconstruction of communications infrastructure in impoverished areas has been accelerated. The government issued its "Broadband China" Strategy and Implementation Plan in 2013. The central government has given more financial support to communications infrastructure construction in impoverished areas, and encouraged enterprises to shoulder social responsibilities, so as to eliminate the "digital divide" in poor areas. It has worked hard to promote IT application in poor villages, grant Internet access to towns and townships and broadband access to administrative villages, spread information in the countryside, and do other work. Thus it has effectively improved communications infrastructure in poor rural areas. By the end of 2015, all administrative villages had telephone access, all towns and townships had broadband access, and the number of Internet access ports exceeded 130 million, effectively enhancing broadband penetration in impoverished areas, improving local working and living conditions, and providing strong support to industrial development in those areas. The central government has injected RMB9.22 billion, basically achieving radio and television coverage in all natural villages with a power supply and fewer than 20 households.

Water conservancy in impoverished areas has been intensified. The government has formulated and carried out the Specialized National Plan on Poverty Reduction with Water Conservancy Efforts and more than 10 similar plans or programs, significantly quickening the pace of water conservancy projects in impoverished areas. From 2011 to 2015, 84 percent of central water conservancy funds went to central and western regions, and nearly 70 percent was used in water conservancy projects for improving people's lives. During the 12th Five-Year Plan period, the government arranged RMB237.5 billion of central water conservancy funds for impoverished areas, providing safe drinking water to 115 million rural residents and teachers and students in poor areas, and increasing the provision of centralized water supplies in rural areas to over 75 percent coverage. Among the 85 major water-saving projects under way, 60 will benefit impoverished areas, representing an aggregate of RMB560 billion. In impoverished areas, risks have been mitigated for more than 7,700 dangerous reservoirs and dangerous large and medium-sized sluices, more than 3,900 kilometers of river embankments have been built or reinforced, and 14,500 kilometers of new medium and small rivers have been improved. The installed hydropower capacity of rural areas has grown by 7.5 million kilowatts, providing energy to 440,000 rural households.

Remarkable progress has been made in electric power provision in impoverished areas. From 2013 to 2015, the Chinese government arranged RMB24.8 billion to extend power grids to areas without electricity and launch renewable energy power projects, fully resolving electricity problems for people without power supply services across the country. A rural power grid upgrading campaign has been launched. Both the central and local governments have given more financial support to rural power construction in impoverished areas, especially in remote western ethnic minority regions such as Tibet, Xinjiang and Tibetan-inhabited areas in the four provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai and Gansu. A total of RMB180.2 billion has been allocated to this work, greatly improving the power supply and the universal services in impoverished areas. In 2016, a new round of rural power grid upgrading has been launched.

Transport improvements in impoverished areas have been accelerated. The government has enacted and implemented the Outline on Poverty Reduction with Transportation Construction in Contiguous Impoverished Areas (2011-2020). During the 12th Five-Year Plan period, the government input vehicle purchase tax funds of more than RMB550 billion, and promoted social investment of nearly RMB2 trillion in highway construction. It also accelerated construction of national expressways, general national and provincial highways, rural roads, rural passenger stations, and bridges to replace ropeways in contiguous impoverished areas, building 330,000 kilometers of rural roads, and helping 654 towns and townships, and 48,000 administrative villages to build tarmac and cement roads. By the end of 2015, in contiguous impoverished areas, tarmac and cement roads had been paved in 96.1 percent of towns and townships and 86.2 percent of administrative villages, and shuttle buses served 95.5 percent of towns and townships and 83.1 percent of administrative villages. Improved transport facilities have led to effective development and utilization of mineral resources, energy and tourist potential resources in poor areas, accelerating the pace of poverty eradication. In 2016, China launched a campaign of poverty reduction and eradication involving the construction of one million kilometers of rural roads and 100 major passageway projects.

Living environment of impoverished areas has been improved. The government has launched a project to renovate neglected and dangerous buildings in rural areas, with funds mainly raised by farmers and supplemented by government subsidy. Central finance has increased the subsidy from RMB5,000 to 7,500 per household, and 8,500 for those in impoverished areas, securing the basic housing needs of rural families occupying the most dangerous buildings, and experiencing the greatest financial difficulties. By the end of 2015, a total of RMB155.67 billion had been allocated across the country to support 19.97 million poor rural households in renovating neglected buildings. The government sets ensuring basic sanitary conditions the primary task of improving the living environment of poor villages, and gives preferential support to impoverished areas in protecting traditional villages, and in ensuring rural garbage and sewage treatment facilities. Since 2012, 1,194 villages in impoverished areas have been included in the List of China's Traditional Villages, each of which receives a grant of RMB3 million from central finance to protect the village and improve the living environment. Waste management is improving rapidly in rural areas, and a system of check and acceptance of treatment of rural household refuse in each province has been established, realizing synchronous progress between impoverished areas and other areas.

V. Concerted Efforts in Poverty Reduction

Poverty reduction is a systematic project entailing a set of supporting policies and mechanisms as well as full participation of the entire society. Since 2012 the Chinese government has kept up funding for poverty alleviation and reduction, implemented reforms and innovations to the working mechanism, encouraged all sectors of society to participate in poverty alleviation efforts, and improved the democratic supervision mechanism to ensure the effectiveness of poverty reduction. (more)
WELLINGTON, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister John Key is aiming to strengthen political and economic links with India during talks with Indian leaders next week.

Key, who is leading a business and education delegation to India from Oct. 24 to 28, will hold talks in New Delhi with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee, who visited New Zealand earlier this year.

"Along with further strengthening New Zealand's political, security, and economic connections with India, my meeting with Prime Minister Modi will be an opportunity to discuss his efforts to reform India's economy and how New Zealand can be part of India's growth," Key said in a statement Monday.

"India is a key partner for New Zealand. It is a leading source of skilled migrants, international students and tourists, and in the five years since I last visited our two way trade has grown by 41 percent to 2.4 billion NZ dollars (1.7 billion U.S. dollars)."
BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Poverty reduction is the most telling evidence of China's progress in human rights, as the number of citizens China has raised from poverty accounts for 70 percent of the world's total, said a white paper issued on Monday.

Over the past 30 years or more since the launch of reform and opening up, more than 700 million Chinese people have been raised from poverty, said the white paper published by the State Council Information Office under the title "China's Progress in Poverty Reduction and Human Rights."

"After years of trials and experimentation, China has accumulated a wealth of experience in promoting human rights through development-oriented poverty reduction, and established a new model of development-oriented poverty alleviation with Chinese characteristics," the paper noted.

To fight poverty, the Chinese government assigned special poverty relief funds amounting to 189.84 billion yuan (about 28.17 billion U.S. dollars) from 2011 to 2015, with an average annual growth rate of 14.5 percent. The government will allocate more funds to keep pace with the needs of poverty relief in the coming five years, said the paper.

By the end of 2015, China still had 55.75 million people living in poverty, equivalent to the entire population of a medium-sized country.. The country plans to lift all of its poor out of poverty by 2020.

EDUCATION PRIORITIZED

The Chinese government prioritized education in its efforts to eradicate poverty during the 2011-2015 period, said the paper.

To ensure poor people's access to education, the government has taken measures to promote balanced compulsory education, bridge the education gap between urban and rural areas, improve education infrastructure in impoverished areas and allotting living subsidies to the students, the paper said.

In 2012-2015, the central government injected 83.1 billion yuan in renovating schools for compulsory education and earmarked 14 billion yuan to build dormitory buildings for some 300,000 teachers in remote rural areas, the document showed.

In less-developed central and western China, the number of children enrolled in kindergartens rose from 21.53 million in 2011 to 27.89 million in 2015, up about 30 percent.

The country offered cost-of-living subsidies for rural teachers in contiguous poverty-stricken areas, benefiting over one million teachers in 600 counties.

A directional enrollment program was carried out in poverty-stricken areas, enrolling 183,000 students in 832 impoverished counties from 2012 to 2015.

In 2013-2015, the average annual growth rate of rural students from poor areas enrolled in key universities was kept above 10 percent, according to the document.

CHILDREN, MINORS PROTECTED

In order to ensure children's rights to social security, education and other public services are effectively protected in its poverty relief efforts, China has introduced an appropriate and all-inclusive welfare and service system for children and carried out experimental work on encouraging social protection of minors, said the paper.

The country also promoted the establishment of a system for rescuing and protecting minors and a children's welfare and protection network at the county, township and village levels, the document showed.

Since 2011, more than half of China's counties have implemented a program of nutrition improvement for rural students receiving compulsory education, with the central government spending 67 billion yuan benefiting 33.6 million rural students.

As of 2012, the government carried out a nutrition improvement program for children in poor areas, providing free nutrition packages to infants aged six to 24 months and popularizing knowledge on healthy feeding among guardians.

In 2015 alone, the central government allocated subsidies of 500 million yuan to this program, benefiting 2.11 million children in 341 counties, the white paper said.

INT'L COOPERATION DEEPENED

While combating poverty at home, China also actively helps other developing countries to address their poverty problems. Over more than six decades since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, China has provided nearly 400 billion yuan to 166 countries and international organizations, sent more than 600,000 aid workers, given medical assistance to 69 countries, and aided more than 120 developing countries in realizing the Millennium Goals, said the paper.

In addition, on seven occasions China has unconditionally canceled interest-free loans to heavily indebted countries and least developed countries, said the paper.

The white paper said that China will strengthen exchanges and cooperation with developing countries and international organizations in the fields of poverty alleviation and human rights.

The country will share advanced concepts and experience in those fields through foreign aid, project cooperation, technology transfer and think-tank exchanges, said the paper.

China's poverty-reduction commitment embodies its sense of responsibility to the world as a major country, the paper noted.

The document said that China will continue to honor international obligations commensurate with the state and status of its own development.

The UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2015 shows that the proportion of people living in extreme poverty in China fell by half from 61 percent in 1990 to below 30 percent in 2002, and on down to 4.2 percent in 2014, said the white paper.
SHIJIAZHUANG, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Wei Pengyuan, a former senior energy official, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Monday for taking bribes and holding a huge amount of assets from unidentified sources.

Wei, former deputy head of the coal department of China's National Energy Administration, was found to have accepted bribes worth more than 211.7 million yuan (about 31.4 million U.S. dollars), according to a statement from Baoding City Intermediate People's Court in Hebei Province.

According to the statement, Wei was also found to have possessed a large amount of assets from unidentified sources, which exceeded his legal income.
by Xinhua Writers Guan Jianwu, Du Jing

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Figures and facts show that the BRICS countries will continue the momentum of growth and will remain a powerful engine of the world economy.

As a lingering slowdown and even depression started to haunt some of the BRICS economies, the gloomy allegation that "BRICS of gold is seeing a fading shine" has loomed in Western media.

However, voices and moves from the BRICS countries have beaten off such sayings. A Sunday address from Chinese President Xi Jinping will definitely help build the confidence of the BRICS countries.

GROWING, CONTRIBUTING

The BRICS countries will strive for a strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive global growth through structural reforms, growth patterns innovation, and building up an open economy, Xi told an annual BRICS summit in the western Indian state of Goa.

Growth is the touchstone of the BRICS economies. Despite a plunge in commodity prices and a sluggish economic global recovery, the economic growth rate of China and India in the year of 2015 was 6.9 percent and 7.6 percent respectively, according to the International Monetary Found (IMF). In contrast, the global average that year was 3.2 percent.

Although the situation in Russia, Brazil and South Africa, which depend heavily on resources, is not as good as that in China and India, there is no need to fuss over the slowdown as it only mirrors a gloomy global landscape.

Critics should also not turn a blind eye to the fact that every economy has its twists and turns, and a forever straight climbing is impossible.

Furthermore, the five BRICS countries share some common advantages: richness in natural and human resources, vast domestic markets, huge potential in development with bright prospects thanks to policy coordination.

Because of this, experts believe the growth nature of the BRICS countries and its rising momentum will not be swayed.

In its World Economic Outlook for the year 2017, the IMF predicted a 6.2-percent and 7.6-percent growth for China and India. Russia and Brazil will get out of the mire of economic recession and achieve a 1.1-percent and a 0.5-percent of growth rate. South Africa is expected to lift this year's 0.1 percent to 0.8 percent in 2017.

The IMF also expected the emerging economies to contribute 75 percent of world growth in 2016 and 2017, still as the most important engine for the global economy.

The five BRICS nations, with over 40 percent of the world's population and nearly one third of the world's land area, have a combined GDP of about one-fifth of the world's total.

Also, the BRICS countries' economy has also been taking an increasing part in the world economy.

Xi said in his address that, according to IMF, the five BRICS countries contributed to more than half of the global growth in the last decade. Ten years ago, the total economic volume of the BRICS countries accounted for 12 percent of the world economy. The number now has grown to 23 percent. A decade ago, these countries' total trade volume and foreign investment volume accounted for 11 percent and 7 percent of the world's total trade volume and foreign investment. The two rates have now increased to 16 percent and 12 percent respectively.

PLATFORMS

The BRICS countries have witnessed a decade-long successful cooperation since its first meeting of foreign ministers, which has now developed into an influential platform for emerging economies.

Schemes including the New Development Bank (NDB), which was initiated in 2014, display coordinated efforts of the five nations to reform the global economic governance.

The bank, formally opened in July last year in Shanghai, has witnessed remarkable progress.

Three months after it was established, the NDB announced it had successfully issued its first bonds worldwide to raise funds for clean energy projects in member states. The five-year green bonds, denominated in the Chinese currency renminbi or Chinese yuan, are worth 3 billion yuan (449 million U.S. dollars).

At the same time, economic ties within the BRICS framework have also been deepened since the bloc's debut summit was held in 2009.

Statistics from China's Ministry of Commerce show that in the last seven years until 2014, trade volume between the BRICS countries reached an annual growth rate of 17 percent, which is a lot more than the annual growth rate of global trade in the same period.

It also shows that China is currently the largest trading partner of Brazil, Russia and South Africa.

Furthermore, the shared interests also expanded after China proposed the Road and Belt Initiative in 2013. The program received warm welcome from the BRICS countries.

"China is a staunch supporter and participant of the BRICS mechanism, and takes the BRICS cooperation as one of its diplomatic priorities," Xi said. "We believe the BRICS cooperation will forcefully promote world peace, stability and prosperity."

As an old Chinese saying goes: "Pure gold does not fear furnace," the BRICS of gold will still continue to glitter. (Yu Maofeng, Xu Jiatong also contributed to the story.)
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- "Russian fish caught in the morning would be served at the lunch table of Chinese, and it is not a dream," said Maxim Kareyev, a veteran fisherman in Vladivostok, Russia's Far East.

More and more seafoods, particularly shrimps and lobsters, have been sold to Northeast China, Beijing and other Chinese areas over the past few years, he told Xinhua Monday.

Local seafoods are feeding the fine appetite of the quality-conscious group of Chinese consumers. Waters of the ice-free Pacific port are rich in red king crabs, shrimps and sea cucumbers. The export business is so brisk that some fishermen even work at night.

Many of his friends are now doing business with Chinese, said Kareyev.

Every day via the Pogranichny-Suifenhe border checkpoint in the Far East border region Primorsky, streams of fully-loaded Russian trucks flow into China's northeast, enabling wood, oil and food products to be transported to different parts of China.

Russian drivers can now drive to and back from China twice a day in winter, doubling the volume of goods transported.

There are two transport corridors under construction in Primorsky, where Vladivostok is the administrative center.

The corridors Primorye 1 and Primorye 2 to reach Chinese provinces of Heilongjiang and Jilin are planned as a combined project under China's Belt and Road Initiative, said Primorsky governor Vladimir Miklushevsky.

For Primorsky, the project of the Chinese initiative aimed at linking Asia and Europe for global growth, will work to boost cross-border trade and enhance Russia-China economic ties, according to Maxim Krivelevich, head of the expert community of the School of Economics and Management of the Far Eastern Federal University.

The initiative and the Russia-designed Eurasian Economic Union complement each other well, he noted.

Kareyev thought it is good that the Russian government plans to develop the infrastructure in Far East so that the corridors could contribute more to increasing trade and economic ties with China.

"The day will come when it would take only two hours to deliver seafoods to China," said the Russian fisherman, who expected high-speed railways to be built soon to connect Russia's Far East to Northeast China.

Apart from seafoods, Russian food products such as honey, chocolate and flour are also very popular among Chinese, he added.
by Chen Yanbei, Guo Shuang

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The latest estimation that there might be 10 times more galaxies in the universe than previously thought requires more powerful telescopes to observe the "missing" galaxies and China can be a strong player in this field, astronomers said.

"Evidence for 10 times more galaxies, invisible to current telescopes, strongly motivates the development and construction of next-generation telescopes, such as space telescopes and giant ground-based facilities, as well as the invention of new observational strategies," Zheng Cai, Hubble Fellow at the University of California, told Xinhua on Sunday.

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently wrote to emphasize that astronomy is crucial to propelling scientific progress and innovation. And in the field of future telescopes, China is becoming "a strong player," added Cai.

"MISSING" GALAXIES

Galaxies are millions or billions of stars that gather in halos of dark matter. Since light takes time to travel, as astronomers gaze into the universe, they also look back in time. By observing galaxies billions of light years away, astronomers get glimpses of the early universe, billions of years ago, and look for answers to big questions like how the universe was born.

The universe was born around 13.7 billion years ago, and galaxies started forming when the universe was about several hundred million years old. The early galaxies were much smaller than current ones, they would later collide with each other, forming bigger ones.

As light travels from distant galaxies to the earth, it not only becomes much fainter, but also has increased wavelength due to the cosmological redshift effect. It is very difficult to observe the most distant galaxies, especially those among the first born.

Since the 1990s, astronomers used the so-called "Hubble Deep Field," a small patch of sky that NASA (The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration)'s Hubble Space Telescope observed with long exposure time, to study early galaxies. By direct counting, astronomers estimated about 200 billion galaxies in the universe.

However, this turned out to be a big underestimate, according to a research recently conducted by a team of astronomers led by Christopher Conselice of Britain's University of Nottingham.

The scientists re-analyzed observational data with more elaborate mathematical models. After studying mass distributions of galaxies at different distances, they inferred the existence of a large number of small galaxies at large distances that are too faint to be observed by current telescopes.

These "missing" galaxies must have existed to collide and form the bigger galaxies that astronomers did observe. They may increase the total number of galaxies in the universe by 10 times.

CHINA'S ROLE

"Two upcoming Chinese telescope projects are ideal tools for observing distant galaxies," said Xue Suijian, professor and deputy director of the National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC) under Chinese Academy of Sciences.

They are "a two-meter space-station optical telescope, and a 12-meter ground-based optical telescope," he added.

These two telescopes are among a series of large-scale astronomical projects to be undertaken by China.

According to Xue, the two-meter telescope will be the most challenging and ambitious scientific experiment to be performed by Tiangong, China's space-station project.

Chen Xuelei, a professor at the NAOC, added that this telescope's sensitivity will be comparable to that of the Hubble Deep Field observation but will observe a much larger patch of the sky.

The 12-meter ground-based telescope will potentially start construction in 2019, most likely in Tibet, and will be a stepping stone toward international cooperation on a larger-scale, 30-meter-class telescope, called the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) International Observatory, a cooperative project among the United States, Canada, China, India and Japan.

"As a founding member of the TMT International Observatory, China is making significant high-technology contributions to this world-leading facility," said Mao Shude, professor and director of the Center for Astrophysics at China's Tsinghua University and a member of the TMT board of governors.

According to Mao, the distant galaxies are so faint that on the ground, a 30-meter class telescope like the TMT may be necessary to scrutinize their internal structures.

Unfortunately, the TMT project has been much delayed, causing uncertainties about its eventual site and construction schedule.

Despite this, Edward Stone, executive director of the TMT International Observatory, and David Morrisroe Professor of Physics at the California Institute of Technology, told Xinhua that he continues to look forward to U.S.-China cooperation in astronomy and astrophysics.

Besides, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), currently under construction and scheduled to launch in October 2018, may discover some of the currently invisible galaxies, Sterl Phinney, professor of theoretical astrophysics at the California Institute of Technology, told Xinhua.

A joint project between NASA, the Canadian Space Agency and the European Space Agency, the JWST is not only much larger than the Hubble Space Telescope but will also be optimized for infrared light, allowing it to better deal with the cosmological redshift effect.
Staff members celebrate at the command center of China's manned space program in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 17, 2016. China on Monday successfully launched the manned spacecraft Shenzhou-11 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi desert at 7:30 a.m. Beijing Time Monday atop a Long March-2F Y11 carrier rocket. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

JIUQUAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday successfully launched manned spacecraft Shenzhou-11 carrying two astronauts who will remain in space for 33 days, the longest mission in the country's manned space program to date.

Shenzhou-11, China's sixth manned spacecraft, will dock with space lab Tiangong-2, marking a step closer to its space station ambitions.

The spacecraft was launched at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi desert at 7:30 a.m. Beijing time Monday with a Long March-2F Y11 carrier rocket.

The spacecraft has entered its designated orbit.

The launch was declared a success by Zhang Youxia, commander-in-chief of China's manned space program, about 19 minutes after the blast-off.

President Xi Jinping sent a message of congratulations for the successful launch, expressing the hope that "Chinese people will take bigger steps and march further in space probe, to make new contribution to the building of China into a space power."

After docking with Tiangong-2, the astronauts will enter the space lab and stay there for 30 days.

The two astronauts are commander Jing Haipeng, a 50-year-old veteran who participated in the Shenzhou-7 and Shenzhou-9 missions, as well as Chen Dong, 38, who is on his first space mission.

A ceremony to see the two astronauts off was held at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center ahead of the launch on Monday morning.

In an interview with Xinhua, Chen said he was inspired by his idol, China's first astronaut Yang Liwei, to become one of the country's elite space explorers.

Tiangong-2 was launched into space on Sept. 15. The rendezvous will happen at an orbit about 393 kilometers above Earth, the height at which the future Chinese space station will operate.

Wu Ping, deputy director of China's manned space engineering office, said at a press conference Sunday that Tiangong-2 has already reached its preset orbit 393 km above the earth, adding it is in stable and normal condition and can meet the requirements for docking with Shenzhou-11 and accommodating astronauts.

The mission aims to transport personnel and materials between Earth and Tiangong-2, and test rendezvous, docking and return processes.

Other objectives include aerospace medical experiments, space science experiments and in-orbit maintenance. Astronauts will conduct three experiments designed by middle school students from Hong Kong, including raising silkworms in space.

Jing and Chen will also be special correspondents for Xinhua, sharing their work and life in space via text, photo, audio and video through Xinhua's global media services.

After that, Shenzhou-11 will undock from Tiangong-2 and return to Earth within one day.

During their 30 days in the space lab, astronauts will work eight hours per day, six days a week, according to the Astronaut Center of China.

"It is synchronized with the sleep-wake cycle on the Earth and marks a transitional design to long-term flight in a space station," said Huang Weifen, deputy chief designer of the astronaut system with the center.

As the last manned space flight before China's space station mission, Huang said Shenzhou-11 offers a precious opportunity to verify the technology needed to support astronauts' life, health and work, as well as to gather data for the space station mission.

The astronauts will have access to almost 100 kinds of food, contact with Earth through video, audio and emails and exercise through a stationary bike and treadmill.

The mission will prove China's capability to carry out a medium-term manned space mission.

In June 2013, three astronauts spent 15 days in space with the Shenzhou-10 mission, which docked with Tiangong-1, the predecessor of Tiangong-2.

Zhang Yulin, deputy commander-in-chief of China's manned space program, said Shenzhou-11 marks the imminent end of the exploratory stage of China's manned space program. The program will carry out manned space missions on a regular basis with the establishment of its own space station.

China's space station, which is expected to debut around 2020, may become mankind's only foothold in space when the International Space Station retires in 2024.
KABUL, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- About 20 militants have been killed amid military operations conducted by Afghan security forces since early Sunday, the country's Defense Ministry said on Monday.

"Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) launched military operations in Nangarhar, Ghazni, Paktia, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Ghor, Badghis, Farah, Faryab, Baghlan and Helmand provinces over the past 24 hours, killing 20 insurgents and wounding 19 others," the ministry said in a statement.

Among the killed were one terrorist of Haqqani militant group named Harron and one al-Qaida member, the statement added.

The ANSF supported by the army's artillery and airpower also destroyed five vehicles and three motorcycles besides safely exploding a container of explosive materials found during the above raids, said the statement that provides daily operational updates.

"The joint forces also found and destroyed weapons and ammunition as a result of the raids," it noted.

The statement also confirmed the loss of five army personnel during clashes and as a result of separate attacks across the country over the same period.

The Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations against militants since April after Taliban militants started their so-called annual spring offensive and step up attacks across the country.

The Taliban insurgent group has yet to make comments.
KABUL, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan government has decided to investigate the reasons for the fall of northern Kunduz city to the Taliban militants recently, spokesman for the Presidential Palace Haroon Chakhansori said.

Addressing a press conference Sunday afternoon, Chakhansori told reporters that, "The reason for the fall of Kunduz city would be investigated and those found responsible would be punished."

The spokesman made the remarks in the wake of strong criticism by the people over what the critics described "negligence by concerned security and civilian officials," demanding the government bring to justice all those officials who have failed to fulfill their responsibility of safeguarding Kunduz.

Kunduz, the capital of the northern Kunduz province and 250 km north of Kabul, fell to the Taliban militants on Oct. 3, forcing more than 22,000 families to leave for safer places including the capital of Kabul, while hundreds of others had been killed or injured.

The government forces after days of fierce fighting were able to repulse the Taliban militants on Oct. 12 and since then the normalcy is returning to the city.

According to locals, Taliban militants are still posing a serious threat to the besieged city and its residents.

"Taliban fighters are just outside the city and can attack the government interests and the people living in the city at any time if they want," a Kunduz resident Abdul Jabar told Xinhua on Monday.

This is the second time the city was captured by the Taliban. The militant group briefly took control of Kunduz in September last year.

According to Jabar, the Kunduz dwellers are worried about possible fall of Kunduz to the Taliban for the third time if the militants keep on their presence outside the war-ravaged city.

"Thousands of families including several of my neighbors have resettled in the neighboring Takhar province to escape the war and won't return to their homes unless they are assured that Taliban hideouts are dismantled outside Kunduz," another resident Rahmatullah told Xinhua.

Rahmatullah also noted that the displaced may not return to their homes, until legal action is taken against local officials, including the provincial governor, who have failed to discharge their duties properly.

A lawmaker from Kunduz province, Fatima Aziz has demanded trial of civilian and military officials who were blamed for negligence over the Kunduz security.

Afghan government's Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah pledged on Monday at a Ministers Council meeting to ensure lasting peace for Kunduz residents.
CHENGDU, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Decked out in cartoon pandas from his T-shirt to his socks, William Burke has flown all the way to southwest China from Hawaii with his wife, Karom Burke, to see their adopted pandas.

At the first Chinese International Panda Culture Communication Activity, which ended Sunday in Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, more than 60 panda "parents" from around the world had a chance to visit the bears they have sponsored through donations.

"I was so surprised that a giant panda cub could be as small as a stick of butter when I first saw Tai Shan at the National Zoo in Washington D.C in 2005," said Karom.

"Karom and I then decided to adopt a panda. Look, this one on my T-shirt is our first daughter, Bai Xue," said William.

Since 2007, William and Karom have sponsored three pandas: Bai Xue, Bai Xue's son Jin Ke, and Bai Xue's granddaughter Lin Ping.

The bears have become part of their family.

"When Bai Xue died last year, we were so sad that we'd lost a family member," said Karom.

"But there are happy moments too," added William. "We were so excited when pandas were upgraded from 'endangered' to 'vulnerable' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List last month. My cousin sent me this watch with a panda cartoon on it to celebrate."

Suzanne Braden, from the United States, has adopted four pandas. In 1999, she adopted her first panda and named it after her late father, Harvey.

"On our way back home from seeing pandas in China, I thought we must do something to protect the cute species," said Suzanne. She and her friend Diane Rees co-founded Pandas International in 2000. The NGO is exclusively devoted to protecting pandas.

Over the past 16 years, Pandas International has provided incubators, formula, and toys for pandas in Sichuan, bringing advanced medical equipment and restoring bamboo at Sichuan's panda bases following the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake.

"Everyone should work harder than ever to protect pandas," said Suzanne. "And I'm gonna protect pandas until the day I die."

So far, more than 5,000 people from over 20 countries have participated in Pandas International activities.

With the help of Pandas International, Japan Panda Protection Institute and other organizations, 731 individual sponsors and businesses have been matched with pandas over the past four years, according to China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP).

People and enterprises from 20 countries, including China, the United States, Japan, the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, Thailand and Brazil, have adopted pandas.

"Our (outreach activities) have served as a platform for panda adopters to share their stories and inspire more to join our efforts to protect the panda," said Zhang Haiqing, CCRCGP's deputy director.

In addition to outreach and education, the center has also established cooperation programs for scientific research with 12 zoos in 10 countries, including the Republic of Korea, Belgium and Austria, so foreign panda lovers can see the rare animals in their home countries.

Since 1996, when the center first sent pandas Bai Yun and Shi Shi to the United States for a 12-year breeding program, a total of 26 pandas have traveled abroad, resulting in 17 cubs.

Two pandas, Yuan Xin and Hua Ni, flew to the Everland Theme Park in Seoul this March, launching a cooperative breeding program between China and the Republic of Korea.

At the Paradise Park in Belgium, the panda Hao Hao gave birth to a male cub, Tian Bao, this June -- the first panda born in Belgium.
Photo taken on Sept. 25 shows traditional Tibetan silverware in Yushu. (Xinhua/Feng Qidi)

XINING, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- When Karma Namgyal turned his hands to the craft of silverware a year ago, he thought it would be a way to stop being a burden to his family.

Karma Namgyal works on traditional Tibetan silverware in Yushu on Sept. 25 . (Xinhua/Feng Qidi)

For free tuition and one meal a day, he joined a program in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northwestern province of Qinghai.

Photo taken on Sept. 25 shows traditional Tibetan silverware in Yushu. (Xinhua/Feng Qidi)

The three-year course is part of a local poverty relief program. Master craftsmen from across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were invited to pass on their skills to 60 students from poor backgrounds.

Photo taken on Sept. 25 shows traditional Tibetan silverware in Yushu. (Xinhua/Feng Qidi)

After one year of his training, Namgyal, 21, now has high hopes for his new skill. "If everything goes well, I might start my own shop, or become a teacher, he said. "My two brothers will go to college, and my parents won't have to work so hard."

A teacher works on traditional Tibetan silverware in Yushu on Sept. 25 . (Xinhua/Feng Qidi)

The school currently has 10 teachers. They are each paid over 100,000 yuan (about 15,000 U.S. dollars) annually, and this is covered by the local government. Each student's family gets an annual grant of around 3,000 dollars during the duration of the course, for the temporary loss of a labor in the family, according to Nyima Tashi, head of Qumarleb County, where the school is based.

Karma Namgyal works on traditional Tibetan silverware in Yushu on Sept. 25 . (Xinhua/Feng Qidi)

This is a new approach to poverty relief. Rather than just offering money, materials and teaching skills are now on offer, chiming with the Chinese adage: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

A teacher works on traditional Tibetan silverware in Yushu on Sept. 25 . (Xinhua/Feng Qidi)

Just one block away from the school lies a barbershop, it only recently opened but has already secured a positive reputation among locals, as all its services are free.

Trainees practice in a barbershop in Yushu on Sept. 25 . (Xinhua/Feng Qidi)

This is a similar program to the silverware course. Eighty young people from families living under poverty line can learn to become barbers. Customers have their hair cut for free, while the trainees get hands on experience.

A student practices in a barbershop in Yushu on Sept. 25 . (Xinhua/Feng Qidi)

"Students here have more practice than those in my hometown," said Liu Bin, a teacher from Sichuan Province. "We also recommended 15 outstanding students to receive further training in more developed areas."

Besides craftsmen and barbering, Yushu's vocational courses cover driving, vehicle repair, cooking and dancing, all selected for locals' needs and with places for 875 trainees.

Photo taken on Sept. 25 shows Tangka painting by trainees in Yushu. (Xinhua/Feng Qidi)

The prefecture has 30,571 people, or 35.3 percent of its population, who live under the poverty line, meaning they have a per capita net income of less than 450 dollars a year.

Photo taken on Sept. 25 shows a business street in Yushu. (Xinhua/Feng Qidi)

China plans to lift all of its poor population out of poverty by 2020, with efforts including job creation and relocation of poor people. There are still tens of millions of Chinese living under the national poverty line.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (L) speaks during an interview with Xinhua News Agency in Manila, the Philippines, Oct. 13, 2016. Duterte has said that his country expects to boost traditional friendship with China and further bilateral trade and economic cooperation. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

MANILA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has said that his country expects to boost traditional friendship with China and further bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Duterte starts a four-day state visit to China on Tuesday at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

The visit will help him better understand China, Duterte told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

He spoke highly of the Chinese government and people, saying that China boasts hard-working people and "good, sound policies, internal and external."

"I would say that China deserves the kind of respect that China now enjoys," he added.

Duterte also lauded China's commitment to and generosity of helping others as a major player of the international community, adding that besides its own development, China has never forgotten those underdeveloped nations, as illustrated by its devotion to helping African and Southeast Asian countries to promote development.

Speaking of the two countries' economic and trade cooperation, Duterte said that since his country is abundant in tourism, mineral and agricultural resources, and China boasts a huge lucrative market, the two neighbors enjoy high complementarity and considerable potential for further cooperation.

The Philippine leader said his country needs to retain its friendly relationship with China and learn from the latter's success in economics and trade, especially in times of global financial crisis.

In terms of the South China Sea issue, Duterte said he prefers negotiation to confrontation.

"There is no sense in going to war. There is no sense fighting over a body of water," Duterte said. "It is better to talk than war. We want to talk about friendship, we want to talk about cooperation, and most of all, we want to talk about business. War would lead us to nowhere."

Duterte also made clear his opposition against some specific outsiders' attempts to meddle in the South China Sea issue.

"We are not interested in allowing other country to talk. I just want to talk to China," he said, adding he is willing to pursue joint development of the waters together with China.

The top Philippine leader also extended his gratitude to China, which, in stark contrast to some Western countries, has extended support for Philippine efforts against illegal drugs, as proved by the funding of a rehabilitation center which is about to open.

"Some other countries know we are short of money, (but) instead of helping us, all they had to do was just to criticize. China never criticizes. They help us quietly. and I said that's why it's part of the sincerity of the people," Duterte noted.

The philippine president also expressed his desire to let Manila jump onto the bandwagon of the Beijing-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, as his nation is short of funding for infrastructure such as railways and seaports.

He added that rapid development is hard to accomplish for any country without railways, saying he hopes China could offer soft loans.

"There are so many things in my country which I would like to implement, but for lack of the capital stock," he said.

The Philippines also hopes to realize common prosperity. "If we can have the things you have given to other countries by the way of assistance, we'd also like to be a part of it and to be a part of the greater plans of China about the whole of Asia, particularly Southeast Asia," Duterte said.

Speaking of his upcoming China tour, Duterte said he will take the opportunity to conduct dialogue with China so as to enhance mutual understanding and partnership.

"All that I would need to do is just to talk and get a firm handshake from the officials and say that we are Filipinos and we are ready to cooperate with you, to help us in building our economy and building our country."

There are some 2 million ethnic Chinese living and working in the Philippines, he said. "So we might be asking for your help, asking the Chinese people to help Chinese people here. They are Filipinos but they are also Chinese," Duterte said.

"My grandfather is Chinese ... It's only China (that) can help us," Duterte said.
SUVA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Fiji Airways, the Pacific island country's national carrier, has imposed ban on Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on all of their flights amid safety concerns, the government-owned Fiji Broadcasting Corporation said Monday.

In a statement, Fiji Airways as well as its local service branch Fiji Link said Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smart phones are prohibited and cannot be brought on any flight in person, in carry-on baggage, checked-in baggage or as freight.

Safety of guests and crew is priority, Fiji Airways underscored.

A series of cases of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 battery explosions have occurred worldwide since the new products were released in August.

On Oct. 11, Samsung decided to permanently stop its production and sales of the Galaxy Note 7 smart phones globally after failing to solve the battery problems.
SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Suspected militants Monday stormed a police post guarding a power transmitter in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir and snatched five service rifles belonging to policemen deployed there, police said.

The militants attacked the police post early Monday at Dalvash village of Dooru in Pulwama district, about 87 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Early today at 12:30 a.m. local time (1900 GMT Sunday) militants attacked a police post at Dalvash village, overpowering policemen and took away their five service rifles," a police official posted in Anantnag said. "The police post in the village is meant to guard the low power transmitter station of public service broadcaster Doordarshan."

Reports said the gunmen were wearing combat uniform. However, the policemen were left unharmed.

Contingents of police and paramilitary troopers rushed to the place to launch a manhunt aimed at recovering the snatched weapons.

In another overnight incident, policemen foiled a similar attempt in neighboring Pulwama district. Officials said militants tried to storm a police post guarding members of minority community, however the police men fired upon the attackers triggering an exchange.

Earlier in the month, a policeman was killed and two others, including a civilian, were wounded after militants tried to snatch rifles from the policemen.

The local government has set up security posts for the protection of minority families and pro-India politicians in Muslim majority areas of the region, following attacks on them.

A surge in weapon snatching incident have been witnessed in the region. However, so far no militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the incidents.

Militants occasionally target police and paramilitary troopers in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

A guerrilla war is going on between militants and Indian troopers stationed in the region since 1989.
MANAMA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain's top opposition leader Shaikh Ali Salman was given a new chance on Monday to appeal his nine-year jail sentence following a decision by the country's highest court .

The Cassation Court on Monday overturned an appeals court ruling given to the Al Wefaq National Islamic Society leader.

The opposition leader is in jail for multiple charges that include seeking to change Bahrain's government by force, inciting others to break the law, spreading sectarian hate, and insulting a ministry.

The presiding judges on Monday referred the case back to the Supreme Criminal Appeals Court for a retrial.

The High Criminal Court, on June 17 last year, sentenced Ali Salman to four years in jail on three of the charges, but he was acquitted of seeking to overthrow the government.

However, separate appeals were filed by the Public Prosecution and Ali Salman's defense team against the ruling at the Supreme Criminal Appeals Court, which accepted evidence provided by prosecutors.

The Supreme Criminal Appeals Court overturned the acquittal and found Ali Salman guilty of the charge and increased the jail term from four years to nine years on May 31 this year.

The Al Wefaq National Islamic Society was dissolved in July this year following a request by the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry.

The ministry had the organization's assets liquidated, accusing it of "deviating from political activities," inciting violence, and calling for participation in illegal rallies.
MOSUL, Iraq, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces on Monday recaptured nine villages from Islamic State militants as part of a major offensive aimed at liberating the city of Mosul, the last major IS stronghold in Iraq, security sources said.

Kurdish Peshmerga forces began their advance after midnight from their positions in Khazer area, some 40 km east of Mosul, toward Nineveh's provincial capital of Mosul, and managed to recapture the nine villages after IS militants abandoned their positions, a security source from the Operations Command of Nineveh Liberation told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The Iraqi army, Peshmerga forces and allied paramilitary Sunni and Shiite Hashd Shaabi units have been advancing gradually from four directions after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the launch of the long-awaited offensive to free Mosul from IS militants, the source said.

The joint forces, backed by the international and Iraqi air cover, continued their advance during the day to free many areas around Mosul, including the towns of Bashiqa and Himdaniyah northeast of the city, the source said.

Nawfal Hammadi al-Sultan, governor of Nineveh province, appealed to the people of Mosul to stay inside their homes and to cooperate with the security forces when they approach their neighborhoods.

In his address aired on official Iraqi TV, Sultan demanded that the residents stay away from IS headquarters and their positions to avoid civilian casualties.

In the early hours of the day, al-Abadi, who is also the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi forces, announced the beginning of a major offensive to retake the country's second largest city from the extremist IS group.

"Today I declare the launch of the operation of liberating Nineveh province. The time of victory has come, and the moment of the great victory is approaching," Abadi said in his brief address aired on Al Iraqiya.

Abadi pledged to rebuild Mosul and other towns and villages in Nineveh province after they were destroyed by IS militants, and vowed to bring stability to Mosul.

"Very soon, we will be with you to raise the flag of Iraq in the middle of Mosul, and in towns and villages as well," Abadi said, calling on the people of Mosul to cooperate with security forces to defeat the IS group.

Mosul, some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
SHIJIAZHUANG, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Wei Pengyuan, a former deputy head of the coal department of China's National Energy Administration, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Monday for accepting bribes and holding a huge amount of assets from unidentified sources.

Wei was found to have taken advantage of his posts between 2000 and 2014 to seek benefits for others, accepting bribes worth more than 211.7 million yuan (about 31.4 million U.S. dollars), according to a statement from Baoding City Intermediate People's Court in Hebei Province.

According to the statement, Wei was also found to have possessed a large amount of assets from unidentified sources, which exceeded his legal income.

After the two-year reprieve, Wei's death penalty will be commuted to life imprisonment, and no further commutation or parole will be permitted, the statement said.

All his ill-gotten assets will be confiscated, the statement added.

Wei was put under investigation in May 2014 on allegations of accepting bribes. Investigators later found he was hoarding more than 200 million yuan in cash at his home.
The Long March-2F carrier rocket carrying China's Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft blasts off from the launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Oct. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

JIUQUAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday successfully launched manned spacecraft Shenzhou-11 carrying two astronauts who will remain in space for 33 days, the longest mission in the country's manned space program to date.

Shenzhou-11, China's sixth manned spacecraft, will dock with space lab Tiangong-2, marking a step closer to its space station ambitions.

The spacecraft was launched at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi desert at 7:30 a.m. , Beijing time, Monday with a Long March-2F Y11 carrier rocket.

The spacecraft has entered its designated orbit.

Graphics shows the launching process of Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft. (Xinhua/Lu Zhe)

The launch was declared a success by Zhang Youxia, commander-in-chief of China's manned space program, about 19 minutes after the blast-off.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of congratulations for the successful launch, expressing the hope that "Chinese people will take bigger steps and march further in space probe, to make new contribution to the building of China into a space power."

After docking with Tiangong-2, the astronauts will enter the space lab and stay there for 30 days.

Taikonauts Jing Haipeng (L) and Chen Dong attend the see-off ceremony of the Shenzhou-11 manned space mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Oct. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

The two astronauts are commander Jing Haipeng, a 50-year-old veteran who participated in the Shenzhou-7 and Shenzhou-9 missions, as well as Chen Dong, 38, who is on his first space mission.

A ceremony to see the two astronauts off was held at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center ahead of the launch Monday morning.

In an interview with Xinhua, Chen said he was inspired by his idol, China's first astronaut Yang Liwei, to become one of the country's elite space explorers.

Tiangong-2 was launched into space on Sept. 15. The rendezvous will happen at an orbit about 393 kilometers above Earth, the height at which the future Chinese space station will operate.

Tiangong-2 scientific experiment apparatuses in operation will study gamma ray bursts.

Wu Ping, deputy director of China's manned space engineering office, said at a press conference Sunday that Tiangong-2 has already reached its preset orbit 393 km above the earth, adding it is in stable and normal condition and can meet the requirements for docking with Shenzhou-11 and accommodating astronauts.

The mission aims to transport personnel and materials between Earth and Tiangong-2, and test rendezvous, docking and return processes.

Other objectives include aerospace medical experiments, space science experiments and in-orbit maintenance. Astronauts will conduct three experiments designed by middle school students from Hong Kong, including raising silkworms in space.

Jing and Chen will also be special correspondents for Xinhua, sharing their work and life in space via text, photo, audio and video through Xinhua's global media services.

After that, Shenzhou-11 will undock from Tiangong-2 and return to Earth within one day.

Photo taken on Oct. 17, 2016 shows the screen at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center in Beijing, capital of China, showing astronauts Jing Haipeng (R) and Chen Dong saluting in China's manned Shenzhou-11 spacecraft. China on Monday successfully launched the manned spacecraft Shenzhou-11 that will dock with the space lab Tiangong-2. The spacecraft, with two male astronauts on board, was launched at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi desert at 7:30 a.m. , Beijing Time, Monday atop a Long March-2F Y11 carrier rocket. (Xinhua/Ju Zhenhua)

During their 30 days in the space lab, astronauts will work eight hours per day, six days a week, according to the Astronaut Center of China.

"It is synchronized with the sleep-wake cycle on the Earth and marks a transitional design to long-term flight in a space station," said Huang Weifen, deputy chief designer of the astronaut system with the center.

As the last manned space flight before China's space station mission, Huang said Shenzhou-11 offers a precious opportunity to verify the technology needed to support astronauts' life, health and work, as well as to gather data for the space station mission.

The astronauts will have access to almost 100 kinds of food, contact with the earth through video, audio and emails and exercise through a stationary bike and treadmill.

The mission will prove China's capability to carry out a medium-term manned space mission.

In June 2013, three astronauts spent 15 days in space with the Shenzhou-10 mission, which docked with Tiangong-1, the predecessor of Tiangong-2.

Working staff handle the re-entry capsule of China's Shenzhou-10 spacecraft after its successful landing at the main landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on June 26, 2013. (Xinhua/Wang Jianmin)

Zhang Yulin, deputy commander-in-chief of China's manned space program, said Shenzhou-11 marks the imminent end of the exploratory stage of China's manned space program. The program will carry out manned space missions on a regular basis with the establishment of its own space station.

China's space station, which is expected to debut around 2020, may become mankind's only foothold in space when the International Space Station retires in 2024. Enditem
HANGZHOU, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's Sichuan Airlines on Monday started a new flight route, linking the tourist city of Hangzhou with Los Angeles.

Flights will depart Hangzhou for Los Angeles around noon on Mondays and Thursdays. Flight time will range from 12.5 hours to 14.5 hours, sources with Hangzhou airport said.

It is the second American destination, after San Francisco, for Hangzhou airport, which handles nearly 90 international flights a day. In July this year, United Airlines launched its San Francisco-Hangzhou service three times a week.

Hangzhou is one China's best known tourist destinations. The municipal government aims to attract 4.35 million foreign visitors a year by 2020, generating 4 billion U.S. dollars in tourism revenue. The city received a publicity boost this September by hosting the G20 Hangzhou summit. The Hangzhou airport authority said it plans to launch Hangzhou-Sydney flights in November, the city's first ever direct air link to Oceania.
Vessels are anchored at a harbor in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, Oct. 17, 2016. China's southern island province of Hainan is gearing up to guard against Typhoon Sarika, which is expected to make landfall on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

HAIKOU, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's southern island province of Hainan is gearing up to guard against Typhoon Sarika, which is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, as hundreds of fishermen and construction workers have been evacuated to safe shelters.

Authorities in Hainan Province held an emergency meeting Sunday night to review precautionary measures. Provincial meteorological bureau chief Cai Qinbo said losses from the typhoon are expected to be "grave," as the tropical cyclone is projected to be the most powerful and destructive to land in Hainan in a decade.

According to the latest forecast, Typhoon Sarika, the 21st typhoon of the year, will enter southeast Hainan early Tuesday before landing between the cities of Qionghai and Sanya. The storm is expected to intensify into a super-typhoon upon landing.

Yongxing Island to the south of Hainan Island is the first to face off with the powerful cyclone. Six safe shelters have been established on the island to accommodate hundreds of fishermen and construction workers ordered to evacuate from their work sites.

Classes are suspended in kindergartens, middle and primary schools in eight counties of the province while tourist sites are closed to the public. Residents and tourists have been warned against hiking or strolling along the beaches.

Provincial authorities have also ordered safety checks of reservoirs, power and water supplies, while demanding the fishery and farming sectors take precautions.

High-speed trains connecting cities in Hainan will be suspended starting late Monday. In the nearby province of Guangdong, the local fishery department has called on all fishing boats traveling around Hainan Island and surrounding waters to moor at bay.

At the island's main civil airport, Meilan International Airport in the provincial capital Haikou City, five flights were canceled as of 1 p.m. Monday and airport staff made logistical preparations for large-scale flight cancellations.
by Hu Dandan, Xu Haijing

GOA, India, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The emerging-market bloc of BRICS concluded their 8th summit Sunday under the theme of "Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions" after issuing a joint declaration and signing cooperation agreements and MoUs.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Though confronted by the global financial crisis and the ensuing economic downturn, the five countries made remarkable achievement in the past 10 years. Looking to the next decade, the BRICS leaders stressed their resolves to cement confidence and act jointly for development in the GOA Declaration.

MATURING BRICS COOPERATION MECHANISM

The GOA Declaration reviewed the achievements made after last year's Ufa summit in Russia, especially the progress of the New Development Bank (NDB) and the initiation of the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) that has beefed up the global financial safety network.

According to a report of NDB President Kundapur Vaman Kamath, the first batch of loans by the bank has been approved to fund renewable energy projects in the BRICS countries, the proposal for setting up a regional office in African is being reviewed, the first set of green bonds in RMB has been issued and the BRICS CRA initiated.

In the past year, the economic cooperation mechanism has been consolidated, and intra-BRICS cooperation on e-commerce, intellectual property rights, trade promotion, and small and micro enterprise have been strengthened.

The five nations also agreed to further boost cooperation in the fields of insurance and reinsurance, taxation reform, customs, and to explore the possibility of setting up a BRICS rating agency based on independent and market-oriented principles.

The BRICS nations have also conducted communication and consultations and made substantial progress in the fields of agriculture, information technology, disaster management, environment preservation, protection of women and children's rights, youth, tourism, education, technology and culture.

STICKING TO OPEN ECONOMY, SEEKING COMMON DEVELOPMENT

The international press center of the GOA summit has been filled with journalists from more than just the five countries during the summit, as the gathering of the leading emerging economies, which have been the major locomotive of world growth amid an increasingly austere economic environment, has been gaining increasing global attention.

Indeed the languid recovery after the world economic crisis daunted both the developed and developing countries. Economic globalization is suffering setbacks, protectionism and inward-looking trends are on the rise, and the multilateral trading regime is under pressure. As a case in point, the Britons earlier this year voted to exit from the European Union, delivering a heavy blow to the European integration.

Despite these challenges, the BRICS leaders vowed to cement confidence and confront challenges to seek common development.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed that the BRICS countries advance structural reforms, innovate growth patterns, and build up an open economy.

Warning against protectionism, Xi said the BRICS countries should take the lead in opening-up and international cooperation by prioritizing such sectors as economy and trade, financial circulation, infrastructure connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.

Commenting on the proposals, Varaprasad S. Dolla, a professor from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, told Xinhua that one of the key highlights of President Xi's speech was the importance he gave to BRICS for the global growth as well as the role BRICS plays in the world economy.

This summit is about "Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions," and the BRICS countries should open their economies more for their sustainable development, he said, adding that Intra-BRICS trade should be facilitated by all member countries to increase trade volumes.

SAFEGUARDING FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE, FACING GLOBAL CHALLENGES TOGETHER

Besides economic issue, the BRICS nations also expounded their stance on international and regional issues of common concern, including those concerning the United Nations, the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, the Palestinian territories and Afghanistan.

To safeguard fairness and justice, it is suggested that the five countries address issues based on the merit of each particular case while adhering to the fundamental principals of the UN Charter.

That will help the BRICS nations remain the participants, propellants and leaders in the process of global governance reform, help adjust the development of world orders to a more just direction, and continue to boost the representations and say of emerging economies and developing countries on the global stage.

The bloc also agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating international terrorism and welcomed the Paris Agreement and its imminent entry into force on Nov. 4 on environment protection, while addressing such issues as climate change and control of epidemics.

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development depicts a blueprint and perspective for global development, and the G20 summit held last month in the Chinese eastern city of Hangzhou helped create a roadmap for turning the blueprint into reality.

The BRICS nations are the most important engine for world economic growth and will be the backbone for materializing such perspectives. On the way of development, the BRICS nations are forming a joint force and making a unified voice, while providing new solutions for fueling economic growth and optimizing global governance.

Through strengthening North-South and South-South cooperation, the BRICS is expected to inject new vitality, open new dimension for international development and cooperation, and drive the world development in a robust, sustainable, balanced and inclusive way.

Next year China will hold the rotating chair of BRICS and host its ninth summit in its southeastern city of Xiamen. By then, China looks forward to working with all parties to implement the consensuses reached at previous summits and write a new chapter for the BRICS cooperation, said President Xi.


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JUBA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Fresh clashes between government and opposition forces near the northern town of Malakal have killed at least 56 over the weekend, a military spokesman said late Sunday.

Brigadier General Lul Ruai Koang, Sudan People's Liberation Army spokesman told reporters in Malakal that the fighters linked to former Vice President Riek Machar Friday evening attacked two government bases near Malakal.

Koang claimed that 56 rebel fighters were killed and dozens of weapons seized, without giving causalities from the government side.

"They attacked us on the western side of the Nile. Over 56 rebels were killed," Koang said.

A local area commander, Butrus Bol Bol told Xinhua in Malakal that the rebels attacked their bases at Worjok and Alelo, West of the River Nile late Friday.

Koang said rebel forces have intensified attacks on government units, adding that the army registered eight attacks in the past week. He further said another 62 were killed across South Sudan in similar clashes last week.

Violence flared in South Sudan on July 8 after fighting broke out between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and former vice president Riek Machar, causing deaths in hundreds and displacement of over 100,000 people into neighboring countries.
BEIRUT, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A Lebanese army officer was killed late Sunday in a drive-by shooting by suspected Islamic State militants in the northeastern border town of Arsal, local media reported.

Two armed men on a motorcycle shot and killed Khaled Ezzedine, a first class sergeant, official National News Agency reported.

Local LBCI TV identified the two gunmen as Ahmed al-Hujeiri, a Lebanese citizen, and Alaa Kahil, a Syrian national, describing them as members of the Islamic State (IS) group.
ISTANBUL, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday reiterated his country's resolve to join the operation launched earlier in the day to reclaim the Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS).

"Turkey has a 350-km long border line with Iraq and is under constant threat," Erdogan said in a televised speech at an international law conference in Istanbul.

Despite Baghad's strong opposition, the Turkish leader vowed that Ankara "will involve in the operation and also we will be at the table" in the aftermath of the offensive.

"It is not possible for Turkey to stay out of it," he said.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has vowed not to allow Ankara to participate in the offensive to liberate Mosul "under any circumstances."

Tensions have been growing over the presence of Turkish troops at the Bashiqa camp near Mosul, the second largest city of Iraq that fell to IS control in June 2014.

Early Monday, Al-Abadi declared the start of the long-awaited campaign, backed by by a U.S.-led coalition.

The campaign is the biggest in Iraq since the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 2011.
JIUQUAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday successfully launched the manned spacecraft Shenzhou-11, carrying two astronauts who will remain in space for 33 days, the longest manned mission in the country's space program to date.

Shenzhou-11, China's sixth manned spacecraft, will dock with space lab Tiangong-2, marking a step closer to its space station ambitions.

The spacecraft was launched with a Long March-2F Y11 carrier rocket at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi desert at 7:30 a.m. Monday Beijing time.

The launch was declared a success by Zhang Youxia, commander-in-chief of China's manned space program, about 19 minutes after blast-off.

President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, sent a message of congratulations for the successful launch, expressing hope that "Chinese people will take bigger steps and march further in space, to make a new contribution to the building of China into a space power."

Premier Li Keqiang and Liu Yunshan, both members of Politburo Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee, watched the live broadcast of the launch at the command center of China's manned space program in Beijing.

After docking with Tiangong-2, the astronauts will enter the space lab and stay there for 30 days.

Shenzhou-11 will then undock from Tiangong-2 and return to Earth within one day.

The two astronauts are commander Jing Haipeng, a 50-year-old veteran who participated in the Shenzhou-7 and Shenzhou-9 missions, as well as Chen Dong, 38, who is on his first space mission.

A ceremony to see the two astronauts off was held at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center ahead of the launch on Monday morning.

In an interview with Xinhua, Chen said he was inspired by his idol, China's first astronaut Yang Liwei, to become one of the country's elite space explorers.

Tiangong-2 was launched into space on September 15. The rendezvous will happen at an orbit about 393 kilometers above Earth, the same height the future Chinese space station will operate at.

Wu Ping, deputy director of China's manned space engineering office, said at a press conference Sunday that Tiangong-2 has already reached its preset orbit 393 kilometers above the earth, adding that it was in stable condition and would meet the requirements for docking with Shenzhou-11 and accommodating the astronauts.

The mission aims to transport personnel and materials between Earth and Tiangong-2, as well as test meeting, docking and return processes.

Other objectives include aerospace medical experiments, space science experiments and in-orbit maintenance. The astronauts will conduct three experiments designed by middle school students from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, including raising silkworms in space.

Jing and Chen will also be special correspondents for Xinhua, sharing their work and life in space via text, photo, audio and video, using Xinhua's global media services.

During their 30 days in the space lab, the astronauts will work eight hours per day, six days a week, according to the Astronaut Center of China.

"It is synchronized with the sleep-wake cycle on Earth and marks a transitional design to long-term flight in a space station," said Huang Weifen, deputy chief designer of the astronaut system with the center.

As the last manned space flight before China's space station mission, Huang said Shenzhou-11 offers a precious opportunity to verify the technology needed to support astronauts' life, health and work, as well as to gather data for the space station mission.

The astronauts will have access to: almost 100 kinds of food; contact with Earth through video, audio and emails; and exercise through a stationary bike and treadmill.

The mission will prove China's capability of carrying out a medium-term manned space mission.

In June 2013, three astronauts spent 15 days in space with the Shenzhou-10 mission, which docked with Tiangong-1, the predecessor of Tiangong-2.

Zhang Yulin, deputy commander-in-chief of China's manned space program, said Shenzhou-11 marks the imminent end of the exploratory stage of China's manned space program. The program will carry out manned space missions on a regular basis with the establishment of its own space station.

China's space station, which is expected to debut around 2020, may become mankind's only foothold in space when the International Space Station retires in 2024.

SPACE STATION IN SIGHT

Tiangong-2 will remain operative in orbit after the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft returns to Earth, waiting for docking with Tianzhou-1, China's first cargo spacecraft to be launched in April 2017, to verify refueling technology, a key technology for any space station.

The mission will be a key step toward China's dream of building a permanent manned space station.

In 1992, China developed a three-step strategy for a manned space program.

The first step, to send an astronaut into space and return safely, was fulfilled by Yang Liwei in the Shenzhou-5 mission in 2003.

The second step was developing advanced space flight techniques and technologies including extra-vehicular activity and orbital docking. This phase also included the launch of two space laboratories -- effectively mini space-stations that could be manned on a temporary basis.

The next step will be to assemble and operate a permanent manned space station.

Zhou Jianping, chief designer of China's manned space program, said China's space station will be comprised of a core module and two experimental modules, each weighing about 20 tonnes.

It will accommodate three to six astronauts, Zhou added.

The core module is expected to be launched around 2018, and the space station will enter into full service around 2022, with an initial designed life of at least 10 years.

With the space station, China will become the second country after the former Soviet Union to have developed a space station with its own efforts.

Currently, China's astronauts, all selected from commissioned pilots of the People's Liberation Army Air Force, are mainly responsible for operating spacecraft, according to Zhou.

"In the future, we need astronauts from different backgrounds, engineers and scientists in particular, because we will carry out scientific experiments in the space station," Zhou said.

Zhang Bonan, chief designer of the Shenzhou-11 spacecraft, said China is exploring a new generation of manned spacecraft technology, aiming to lower the cost of space flight significantly, while ensuring its safety and reliability.

"I hope a spacecraft launch will just be ordinary news one day, and more Chinese citizens can embark in space flight, just like travelling by plane," Zhang said.
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin said Monday that the recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Cambodia has built "stronger and deeper" ties between China and Cambodia.

The Cambodian top legislator made the remarks during a meeting with Bai Zhijian, visiting chairman of Overseas Affairs Committee of the 12th National People's Congress of China, according to Keo Piseth, a spokesman for Samrin.

"Samdech (honorific title for Heng Samrin) said that the recent visit of President Xi to Cambodia has made the relations and cooperation between China and Cambodia become stronger and deeper," he told reporters after the meeting.

Bai agreed that Xi's visit has significantly contributed to further deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation that the two countries established in 2010.

Xi paid a historic visit to Cambodia on Oct. 13-14, where he met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and held talks with Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

During the visit, Xi and Hun Sen witnessed the signing ceremony of 31 bilateral cooperation agreements, according a joint statement released after the visit.
BAGHDAD, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were killed and 17 others wounded on Monday in a suicide car bombing targeting security forces south of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, a police source said.

The attack, on a security checkpoint in the town of Yousifiyah, some 25 km south of Baghdad, came just hours after Iraqi forces launched an offensive to flush out Islamic State (IS) militants from the city of Mosul, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Most of the killed and wounded were soldiers and policemen, who were checking civilian vehicles passing through the checkpoint, the source said.

The massive blast destroyed parts of the checkpoint building and set fire to several cars, while many other vehicles were badly damaged, the source added.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, but the IS was blamed for most similar suicide attacks in the past targeting crowded areas such as markets, cafes and mosques across Iraq.

In the early hours of the day, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, announced the start of a major offensive to retake the country's second largest city from the extremist IS group.

"Today I declare the launch of the operation of liberating Nineveh province. The time of victory has come, and the moment of the great victory is approaching," Abadi said in a brief address aired on Al Iraqiya.

Mosul, some 400 km north of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday criticized Slovak President Andrej Kiska's meeting with the Dalai Lama, demanding Slovakia take measures to eliminate the negative impact of the meeting.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the comment after President Kiska insisted on meeting the Dalai Lama over lunch in Bratislava on Sunday in spite of China's strong opposition.

"It goes against Slovakia's commitment to adherence to the one-China policy. China firmly opposes this and will make due responses," Hua said.

Hua said the Dalai Lama has long engaged in anti-China separatist activities to split Tibet from China. She said China firmly opposes the Dalai Lama in conducting separatist activities in any country in any name and opposes foreign officials' contact with him in any form.

"The Slovak president's willful moves and insistence on the wrong stance have damaged China's core interests and the political foundation of bilateral relations," the spokesperson said.

Hua urged Slovakia to have a clear understanding of the Dalai Lama clique's anti-China nature, respect China's core interests and major concerns and strictly abide by the one-China policy.

"China urges Slovakia to take effective measures to eliminate the negative impact of this wrong move so that bilateral ties can get back on track," she added.
by Fei Liena

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's visits to Cambodia and Bangladesh, and attendance at the eighth BRICS summit in India have yielded fruitful results, contributing to further cooperation among developing countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday.

PUSHING TRADITIONAL CHINA-CAMBODIA PARTNERSHIP TO NEW LEVEL

The friendship between China and Cambodia has always been solid and full of vigor since the two countries established diplomatic ties 58 years ago, Wang said.

In recent years, the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership has been developing to a higher level, bringing concrete benefits to both peoples, he said.

During Xi's visit to Cambodia, the first leg of his Southeast and South Asia tour, the two sides have reached broad consensus on strengthening pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and have signed 31 cooperative documents on major projects such as those under the auspices of the Belt and Road Initiative, the dovetailing of development strategies, production capacity investment, and the construction of the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone.

Xi and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen have agreed to deepen the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership so as to better serve the two peoples, Wang said.

ENHANCING MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL COOPERATION WITH BANGLADESH

Xi's state visit to Bangladesh is the first by a Chinese head of state in three decades, Wang said. During Xi's visit, the two sides issued a joint declaration, upgrading China-Bangladesh relationship to a strategic cooperative partnership.

Xi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina agreed that their countries will support each other and cooperate closely during their respective processes of realizing the dreams of "two centenary goals" and "Sonar Bangla," Wang said.

The two countries have decided to cooperate in major projects in production capacity, energy and electricity, transportation, telecommunications, infrastructure and agriculture, and agreed to start the feasibility studies on the establishment of a China-Bangladesh free trade area, and establish a series of mechanisms such as bilateral dialogue and cooperation on maritime affairs, according to Wang.

The two sides have also signed more than 30 important cooperative treaties, Wang added.

During the visit, both leaders have reached important consensus on implementing mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly pushing forward the Belt and Road Initiative.

They agreed to broaden cooperation in marine economy, seaport construction, and connectivity, a well as speeding up the construction of the BCIM (Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar) Economic Corridor.

REVITALIZING BRICS COOPERATION

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) cooperation mechanism.

After 10 years of fast development, the bloc has expanded cooperation and played an active role in promoting global economic growth and improving global governance, Wang said.

Xi attended the annual BRICS summit in the western Indian state of Goa on Sunday, and made a five-point proposal for the BRICS nations to join hands in tough times -- building an open world, mapping out a shared development vision, coping with the most pressing global challenges, safeguarding fairness and justice in the international community, and deepening partnerships within the bloc.

Xi boosted confidence of BRICS cooperation, and stressed the importance of cultural cooperation among BRICS countries to increase impetus to the mechanism.

Xi also attended a dialogue between BRICS and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) leaders, and called for the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative and the BIMSTEC programs, so as to advance infrastructure construction and connectivity, and strive for common development.

Xi's visit successfully implemented China's neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness by consolidating good neighborliness, pushing the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of respective countries, strengthening unity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, the Chinese foreign minister concluded.
QALA-E-NAW, Afghanistan, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A senior security official Brigadier Abdul Qadir lost his life after Taliban militants ambushed his motorcade in the western Badghis province with Qala-e-Naw as its capital, 555 km northwest of Kabul on Monday, provincial police chief Abdul Rauf Taj said.

"Brigadier Abdul Qadir the commander of Special Force of National Directorate for Security was on way to Qadis district when a group of Taliban rebels set ambush and killed him on the spot," Taj told Xinhua.

Without furnishing more details, the official added that two attackers were also killed in the firefight lasted for a while.
BEIRUT, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Syrian families displaced to the Menieh region in northern Lebanon, 10 km from Tripoli, on Monday started to dismantle their randomly erected camp at the request of the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF).

Earlier, the ISF gave the displaced Syrians an ultimatum until Sunday to proceed with removing their tents. No reason was given for the decision, many refugees told Xinhua.

Dozens of camps have been erected on agricultural lands in the Menieh region and are under the supervision of the United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and receive aid from many non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

A security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that "the camps that have been ordered to be removed are adjacent to the main roads, and other camps in different locations have not been affected by the decision."

"We have been asked to remove the tents two weeks ago and we started to look for an alternative," a Syrian refugee, who declined to reveal his identity, told Xinhua.

"Some families decided to move into different regions and erect new camps but this requires financial support, not to mention that we would have to deprive our children of schools they are already attending in Menieh."

A Syrian widow displaced from the devastated city of Homs told Xinhua, also on condition of anonymity, that "I have been living for five years with my husband and three children and now I have to look for another place to live."

"This is annoying, because most of those living here with us are from Homs as well," she said.

A security plan was enforced last year in the northern Akkar region when the ISF and the Lebanese army dismantled all the randomly erected camps for Syrian refugees adjacent to the main road leading to the Syrian border.

According to UNHCR statistics, Lebanon hosts more than 1.1 million Syrian refugees. Lebanese officials, however, put the number at about 1.5 million.
MADRID, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Spain faces a vital and uncertain fortnight which will determine whether or not the country will have a new government after 10 months of stalemate or have its third general election within a year.

Spanish electoral law states that unless a new government is formed by Oct. 31, the Congress will be dissolved and a general election will be called.

At the moment only People's Party leader Mariano Rajoy stands a chance of forming a government. But with just 137 seats in the 350-seat Congress, he needs the support of center-right party Ciudadanos, who have 32 seats, and need the Socialist Party (PSOE) to abstain in an investiture vote in order to form a minority government.

Following the resignation of Pedro Sanchez as PSOE leader after a chaotic party meeting a fortnight ago, the Socialists are currently in the hands of a management committee presided over by Javier Fernandez, the leader of the party in the region of Asturias.

In contrast to Sanchez, who was opposed to allowing Rajoy to govern, Fernandez has commented on several occasions that he favors an abstention in order to avoid a heavy electoral defeat for the divided PSOE.

However, Fernandez has also said the decision has to be taken at a meeting of the party's federal committee which will be at the end of this week. Party leaders will then hold a third round of talks with King Felipe VI on Oct. 24 and 25.

However, some PSOE leader such as Miquel Iceta from the Catalan branch of the party said giving way to Rajoy would "deactivate us as opposition."

Depending on what happens at the PSOE federal committee, Rajoy will know whether or not he will be able to form a government and call an investiture debate after the discussions with the Spanish king.

Spanish electoral law states a prospective prime minister has to win an overall majority (176 votes) in the first investiture vote, or a simple majority in a second vote held 48 hours later.

The timescale means the investiture debate will only start on Oct. 26 with the first vote held on the Oct. 27 and the second on Oct. 29 at the earliest.

Looming corruption scandals accusing the PP of involvement in a wide-ranging cash-for-favors scandal could make it harder for parties to support Rajoy.

If that were the case, Spaniards will go back to the polls -- a scenario that most want to avoid.
Tekreth Samrach (L, front), chairman of Cambodia Angkor Air, shakes hands with Phang Thim Fatt (R, front), deputy managing director and chief finance officer of BOC Aviation Limited, during a signing ceremony on an aircraft lease agreement in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Oct. 17, 2016. Cambodia's national flag carrier Cambodia Angkor Air signed an agreement here on Monday to lease two brand new aircraft Airbus A320 from BOC Aviation, a member of Bank of China Group, according to an airline statement. (Xinhua/Sovannara)

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's national flag carrier Cambodia Angkor Air signed an agreement here on Monday to lease two brand new aircraft Airbus A320 from BOC Aviation, a member of Bank of China Group, according to an airline statement.

The planes are expected to deliver by the end of 2016, the statement said.

The lease deal was inked by Tekreth Samrach, chairman of Cambodia Angkor Air, and Phang Thim Fatt, deputy managing director and chief finance officer of BOC Aviation Limited.

According to the statement, the brand new planes will reduce more fuel consumption and maintenance cost and are suitable for future expansion on long range such as the markets of China, Japan and South Korea.

"Cambodia Angkor Air is focusing on the regional markets including China, Japan, South Korea, India, (China's) Hong Kong Special Administration Region, and ASEAN region," Samrach said.

Robert Martin, managing director and chief executive officer of BOC Aviation, which is a global aircraft leasing company, said the company was pleased to lease the planes to the Cambodia Angkor Air.

"It is an exciting time for the airline and we are proud to support its network expansion," he said.

Established in 2009, the Cambodia Angkor Air is using seven aircraft--three ATR72-turboprop planes and four Airbuses--to operate two domestic routes and 10 regular international routes.
JAKARTA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia tourism industry's brand, Wonderful Indonesia, had received a prestigious award namely Best Destination Marketing Award 2016 on Monday from an influential traveling media outlet Travel Weekly Asia, a statement released by the Tourism Ministry said on Monday.

The award was conveyed in "Honorarium for the Best in Travel Industry" event held by the media in Singapore earlier in the day.

Wonderful Indonesia brand got the award for a tremendous positive response given by Travel Weekly Asia readers, the statement said.

"This is a gladdening achievement. Wonderful Indonesia gets more and more appreciations. They praised on how we organize the marketing of tour destinations," Deputy Assistant for Marketing Development in Southeast Asia region at the ministry Risky Handayani Mustafa who received the award said in the event as quoted by the statement.

Intensive promotion on Wonderful Indonesia brand that represents Indonesia's tour industry has been conducted by the ministry since last year.

World Economic Forum (WEF) has ranked Wonderful Indonesia brand to 47 from 144 countries in its Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index this year. The leap to that level was extraordinary as the brand was initially categorized in NA (Not Available) position, the statement said.

With ambitious target to welcome 20 million visitors by 2019, or 100 percent from 10 million ones the nation has received in 2015, Indonesia takes serious orchestrated works to address the target.

Government has reformed regulations aimed at luring more visitors to come to the archipelago nation, including the revocation of cabotage for cruises that eventually enables tourists from cruise ships to visit tour destinations across the country through several authorized seaports.

Besides, the government also has shortened the Clearance Approval for Indonesian Territory (CAIT) procedure for foreign yachts planning to sail in Indonesian waters for vacation from the previous 3 weeks to 3 hours only.

To expand tour destination, Indonesia is now in the process in developing 10 new tour destinations, highly expected to par with leisure island of Bali that has been favored by foreign tourists.

All of those efforts were coupled with the ministry's moves to develop tour attractions in tour destinations as well as accommodations for the tourists.

Besides taking part in designing flight access to the destinations, the ministry also takes initiatives to consolidate state-run hotels to provide Indonesian style hospitality accommodations for the tourists.

The ministry also launched the 100,000 homestay program for the tourists, constituting people living around tour destinations, expected to give direct positive impacts for their economy.

To grab more tour package sales in several destinations across the country, the ministry held frequent Travel Mart Expo. The recently-held event in Magelang, Central Java from Oct. 14 to 16 has attracted buyers from Malaysia, Singapore, India, Japan, South Korea and Myanmar that accounted for 80 percent of total the total sales.

Indonesia expects tourism can be the nation's major earner sector amid the downturn in its large earner sectors of oil and gas, coal and palm oil.
Massive projections on Sustainable Development Goals are seen on the north facade of the Secretariat building, and west facade of the General Assembly building at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States, Sept. 22, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

QUITO, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, to be held in Quito on Oct. 17-20, will set global standards of achievement in sustainable urban development for the next 20 years.

The meeting, also known as Habitat III, will attract 45,000 participants from around the world, including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, according to Ecuador's Minister of Security Cesar Navas.

Habitat III is expected to see the signing of the Quito Declaration on Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements for All, and the adoption of a new Urban Agenda.

"The Conference is a unique opportunity for ... governments ... to integrate all facets of sustainable development to promote equity, welfare and shared prosperity," said Dr. Joan Clos, the executive director of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat).

DECADES OF MOVEMENTS FOR BETTER URBAN LIFE

The migration from rural to urban areas after World War II rapidly accelerated through the 1960s and 1970s. Inequality between countryside and cities made millions across the world flock into cities in pursuit of economic opportunities, leading to the expansion of slums and other illegal settlements in the periphery of major communities, as well as increasing crimes, diseases and chaos.

However, many nations' responses to such chaos were uncoordinated and scattered, which is why the United Nations decided to launch a common dialogue concerning urbanization.

The first UN Conference on Human Settlements, known as Habitat I, was held in Vancouver, Canada in 1976. Its declaration enshrined the concept that "adequate shelter and services are a basic human right." It also led to the creation in 1978 of UN-Habitat, the UN's department for human settlements and sustainable urban development.

In 1996, Habitat II took place in Turkey's Istanbul in a far more inclusive manner. National and local governments, NGOs, academic institutions and private companies were all invited to provide their opinions on how to manage urbanization.

Important topics were discussed, such as women being excluded from urban development and the population trapped in poverty due to their living conditions.

This summit also came up with the concept of sustainable human settlements and the Habitat Agenda has since then become a global call for action.

In December 2014, the UN General Assembly decided to host Habitat III in Ecuador in October 2016. The decision was made as global urbanization witnessed rapid acceleration in the last 40 years.

In 1976, 37.9 percent of the world's population lived in urban regions. The number rose to 45.1 percent by 1996 and now stands at 54.5 percent.

As part of the Post-2015 Development Agenda, which seeks to promote the Millennium Development Goals (2000-2015), the Quito summit aims to become a lynchpin of future urban development planning.

Ecuadorean Foreign Minister Guillaume Long (R) shakes hands with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Quito, Ecuador, on Oct. 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Str)

KEY TO FUTURE URBAN PLANNING

Ahead of Habitat III, numerous countries submitted national or regional reports on their urbanization processes, which were compiled into a global report.

Nowadays, fresh challenges of urban development like growing anger over inequality, and big data solutions, communications technology and the popularity of smart phones even in the poorest parts of the world, have arisen.

Under such circumstances, Habitat III has been highlighted for its pivotal role in meeting the new Sustainable Development Goals, so as to "make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable", according to the conference's official website.

From dozens of discussions, roundtables and panels in the coming days, Habitat III attendees are expected to gather and share relevant information, and present a fresh vision for the future of urban development: the New Urban Agenda, whose content was hashed out at previous UN meetings.

The agenda says cities shall remain manageable in size, public transport is a top priority, and urban development is crucial in eradicating discrimination and ensuring universal access to services regardless of people's economic status. Urban residents are also viewed as essential agents of change.

However, some common frustrations remain.

Although countries have vowed to report regularly their urbanization progress, their moves are voluntary, igniting fears that the New Urban Agenda may be unbinding.

UN-Habitat hopes that the increasing responsibility given to local governments will serve to ensure progress. After all, it is local governments that have to pay for the price of urban pollution, traffic congestion, city sprawl and illegal access to public services, to name just a few.
BRUSSELS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- NATO on Monday declared that Rose Gottemoeller from the United States took office as deputy secretary general, becoming the first woman to hold this post.

Gottemoeller replaces Alexander Vershbow of the United States, who took up the position in 2012.

Gottemoeller has served as U.S. Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, advising the U.S. Secretary of State on arms control, non-proliferation and political-military affairs.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg decided to appoint Gottemoeller as the next deputy secretary general in June.
Image taken on Oct. 7, 2016, shows an archaeologist working on antique Chinese porcelain fragments in the city of Acapulco, in Mexico's southern state of Guerrero. (Xinhua/Meliton Tapia/INAH)

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- A new archaeological find announced on Friday in Mexico attests to China's age-old vocation as an exporting powerhouse.

Mexican archaeologists have uncovered thousands of fragments of a 400-year-old shipment of Chinese "export-quality porcelain" that was long buried in the Pacific Coast port of Acapulco.

The shipment of rice bowls, cups, plates and platters dates from the reign of the Ming Dynasty's 13th emperor, Wanli (1572-1620), and is believed to have arrived in Acapulco aboard the China Galleon, which regularly sailed between Asia and the New World.

"During its 250 years of cabotage along the coasts of the Pacific in the Americas, the China Galleon left an indelible trail," Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), said in reporting on the find.

In an on-site interview posted on INAH's website, archaeologist Roberto Junco said "we discovered there were four or five models or styles ... characteristic of a type of ... export-quality porcelain that the Chinese made, mainly in the factories of Jingdezhen, and exported around the world."

According to Junco, the white-and-blue porcelain, painted with images of birds, beetles, swans, ducks, deer and other depictions of nature, was made in Zhangzhou, capital of south-central Fujian province, and Jingdezhen, in Jiangxi province, which is known as China's "Porcelain Capital."

The find, located no more than a meter and a half below ground near Acapulco's Cathedral, in what is known as the Old Quarter, included fragments of a coarser type of ceramic used to make containers for shipping provisions, such as spices and liquids.

Image taken on Oct. 6, 2016,shows antique Chinese porcelain fragments discovered in the city of Acapulco, in Mexico's southern state of Guerrero. (Xinhua/Meliton Tapia/INAH)

Mexico's ports were often targeted by pirates, which could explain why the shipment appears to have been destroyed.

The discovery coincides with an exhibit at Mexico City's Franz Mayer Museum called "Return Voyage: The China Galleon and the Baroque in Mexico," which highlights China's artistic influence on the New World through trade.

While Mexico and China are separated by a great distance, trade ties have linked the two regions for centuries.

The China Galleon regularly sailed between Acapulco, and other Mexican ports, and Manila, in the Philippines, and today's Taiwan, China where it would load up on Chinese spices and silks, and other goods.

Fabricio Antonio Fonseca, a researcher at the prestigious Colegio de Mexico, says the initial encounter between Mexico and China occurred when the galleon first sailed into a Mexican port.

The discovery of new maritime routes linking Asia, the New World and Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries launched an era of unprecedented global trade and cultural exchange.

Evidence even shows that starting in 1565, the return trips to Mexico were manned by Chinese crews, said Fonseca.
Muslim pilgrims wave as they leave Saudi Arabia's holy city of Mecca at the end of the Hajj annual Muslim pilgrimage on September 14, 2016. More than 1.8 million faithful from around the world have been attending the annual pilgrimage which officially ends on September 15. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

RIYADH, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia on Monday started a crackdown on foreign pilgrims overstaying their Hajj visas, local newspaper Okaz reported.

Offenders will have to pay an equivalent of 13,329 U.S. dollars in fine, face six months in jail and deportation, the paper said.

Those who transport, recruit or shelter overstayed pilgrims will face up to 26,662 dollars in fine and six months in jail.

The visa for pilgrims, or Hajj visa, cannot be renewed. Those with such visas cannot take up jobs or go outside Mecca.

Saudi authorities said round 1.8 million pilgrims took part in the last pilgrimage season. The majority of them were foreigners.
CAIRO, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Culture Minister Helmy el Namnam urged Monday the need to recover the Arab documents looted in the past, state-owned Middle East News Agency (MENA) reported.

His remarks came at an annual celebration of Arab Document Day held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, the capital of Egypt.

"A country without documents is a country without memory, history and rights," MENA quoted him as saying.

"There are documents in Arab countries that were subjected to theft and looting," he said.

The minister also urged the Arab League to intensify efforts to preserve Arab documents which represent the history and heritage of the Arab world.

Western countries seized thousands of documents and archives when they colonized Arab countries in the last century.
DAMASCUS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 people were killed on Monday in airstrikes on a rebel-held area in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, a monitor group reported.

Children were among those killed in the raids that targeted the Marjeh neighborhood in eastern Aleppo, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

It added that the death toll could rise as tens of people are either wounded or gone missing.

Attempts to dig out the bodies under the rubble are still ongoing, the Observatory said.

This comes amid clashes between Syrian forces and the rebels in several areas in Aleppo on Monday.

Aleppo, located near the borders with Turkey, is Syria's largest city and once an economic hub. It has been a focal point of clashes between the Syrian army and the rebels.
A police officer shows a sample of the latest biometric Chinese ordinary passport in Beijing, capital of China, May 15, 2012. (Xinhua/Li Wen)

BELGRADE, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Serbian government adopted a draft agreement on mutual visa-free regime with China, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic announced on Sunday at a joint press conference with Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Manchang.

The Serbian government session on Sunday in the city of Nis discussed and approved unanimously the draft agreement of visa-free regime between the two countries, which will allow holders of ordinary passports of both countries to have a visa-free entry for a stay of less than 30 days.

At the press conference after the session, Dacic and Li agreed that "this is a historic day for relations of the two countries."

Dacic specified that once the Chinese government accepts the agreement, citizens of the two countries will not need visas for visits of less than 30 days.

"This will have a positive effect on the development of cooperation in all areas -- from political relations and economy to tourism," Dacic said, adding that this will strengthen exchanges in culture, science and education.

He added that Serbia's proposal is a result of its friendship with China and mutual trust that has been built between the two countries as well as a result of the comprehensive strategic partnership established between the two countries.

Li said that China highly appreciates the decision by the Serbian government, and the Chinese government will adopt this agreement and it will be put into effect quickly, adding that this shows that the two countries have mutual trust and confidence.

"Once the agreement is put into force, more Chinese tourists and investors will come to Serbia and more Serbian people would be able to travel to China," Li said at the press conference.
TEHRAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Iran commenced a large-scale three-day aerial drill in the central province of Isfahan on Monday, reported Press TV.

The drill purpose is showcasing the prowess of Iran's air force in protecting the country.

"The drills showcase only a fraction of the Air Force's capability in preserving and defending Iran's skies," said the drill spokesman, Brig. Gen. Massoud Rouzkhosh, as the military exercises started in the region of Anarak in Isfahan.

The drills include bombers, interceptors, reconnaissance planes, refueling and transport aircraft as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.

According to the report, the drills also employ a wide range of projectiles, including smart bombs and laser-guided missiles.

Iran holds annual drills to enhance its capabilities in defending the country in the event of any threats.
Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at the eighth BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit in the western Indian state of Goa, Oct. 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A five-point proposal laid out by President Xi Jinping during an annual BRICS summit in the western Indian state of Goa, which concluded Sunday, will help consolidate confidence and chart out the direction for future cooperation, observers said.

The proposal included cooperative programs such as building an open world, mapping out a shared development vision, coping with the most pressing global challenges, safeguarding fairness and justice in the international community, and deepening partnerships within the emerging economy bloc.

"It is clear that China's proposal will inject new confidence and impetus into the BRICS partnership," said Zhu Jiejin, deputy director with the Center for BRICS Studies at Shanghai-based Fudan University.

BEACON FOR NEXT DECADE

China will host the ninth BRICS summit in the southeastern city of Xiamen in September 2017.

China expects to work with all parties concerned to implement the consensuses reached at previous summits, deepen their partnerships, and write a new chapter for BRICS cooperation, Xi said.

"The summit in Xiamen is seen by many as a milestone for BRICS cooperation as its members strive for strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive global growth," Zhu said.

The International Monetary Fund said earlier this month, in its latest issue of "World Economic Outlook," that in emerging market and developing economies, the growth posted for 2016 will accelerate for the first time in six years.

As BRICS nations are leaders among emerging-market economies and developing countries, and also important members of the G20, joint efforts by these nations will help defend their interests in the global governance system, amplify their voice on global issues and restructure the world economic order, said Wang Lei, an associate professor with the School of Government with Beijing Normal University.

CHINA'S PROPOSAL

"The five-point proposal, with an emphasis on 'working together' and 'common development,' reaffirms China's stance on practical cooperation with other BRICS countries," Zhu said, adding that the proposal also outlined the cooperation direction for emerging economies over the next decade.

As a developing country, China's cooperation with other BRICS countries on its diplomatic agenda has always been a priority, with President Xi attaching great importance to the cooperation mechanism over the past years.

"Xi's remarks showed China's consistent determination to enhance cooperation with other BRICS countries, and that it is responding to the external skepticism about whether the bloc has lost sway over recent years," said Wang.

In fact, BRICS nations maintained economic growth momentum under the BRICS cooperation mechanism, with China expecting 6.7 percent economic growth while India's is expected to exceed 7 percent in 2016.

As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, Xi reviewed the development of the bloc over the past decade, saying the BRICS cooperation platform was now an international mechanism of major influence that actively pushed forward global economic governance reform.

Since the first meeting of foreign ministers from Brazil, Russia, India and China on the sidelines of the general assembly of the UN in 2006, BRICS has offered a new path for those seeking global economic growth.

Back to 2009, leaders from China, Russia, India and Brazil held their first official meeting under the mechanism in Yekaterinburg, Russia. In 2010, South Africa joined the group, and the acronym was changed to BRICS.

At the fifth BRICS summit, held in the South African port city of Durban on March 27, 2013, Xi said enhanced cooperation with other BRICS countries was a priority of China's diplomatic agenda. "No matter how the international architecture may evolve, we should stay committed to the principles of equality, democracy and inclusiveness," he said.

On July 15, 2014, at the sixth BRICS summit held in Fortaleza, Brazil, Xi noted BRICS countries should carry forward the spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and develop a closer, more comprehensive and more solid partnership.

"BRICS countries have played a significant role in reforming the governance structure of the International Monetary Fund by expanding representativeness, moreover, they have created new mechanisms to facilitate the building of a community of destiny," said Wang.
Somali refugees prepare to get on a bus heading for Somalia at Dadaab in Garissa, Kenya, July 1, 2016. The Kenyan government on Friday kicked off voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees at the Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in northeast part of the country. (Xinhua/Stephen Ingati)

NAIROBI, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A total of 26,819 Somali refugees have in principle confirmed their intention to voluntarily return home and are waiting to be facilitated to return to the Horn of Africa nation.

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said in its bi-monthly report that some 2,525 returnees were supported to voluntarily return to Somalia by flight and road convoys from Sept. 16-30.

A Somali refugee girl looks out after getting on a bus heading for Somalia at Dadaab in Garissa, Kenya, July 1, 2016. The Kenyan government on Friday kicked off voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees at the Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in northeast part of the country. (Xinhua/Stephen Ingati)

"In total as of Sept. 30, 32,949 Somali refugees had returned home since December 8, 2014, when UNHCR started supporting voluntary return of Somali refugees in Kenya, out of which 26,848 were supported in 2016 alone," UNHCR said.

Kenya in collaboration with the UN refugee agency are working on a program that will ensure a smooth and voluntary repatriation of over 300,000 refugees living in five sites at the Dadaad refugee camp after Nairobi announced the closure of the camp.

Somali refugees prepare to get on a bus heading for Somalia at Dadaab in Garissa, Kenya, July 1, 2016. The Kenyan government on Friday kicked off voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees at the Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in northeast part of the country. (Xinhua/Stephen Ingati)

Kenya, which hosted protracted negotiations that culminated in the formation of the transitional federal government of Somalia, says the refugee situation continues to pose security threats to Nairobi and the region apart from the humanitarian crisis.

According to the UNHCR, road convoys were suspended from Aug. 30, after the Jubbaland administration notified UNHCR Somalia about their decision not to receive any more returnees until integration processes inside Somalia are addressed.

Photo taken on May 8, 2015 shows an overlook of Dadaab refugee camp, Kenya. Dadaab, the world's largest refugee camp in northeastern Kenya, currently houses some 350,000 people. For more than 20 years, it has been home to generations of Somalis who have fled their homeland wracked by conflicts. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo)

"The road convoys still remain suspended and refugees are not currently travailing by road any more. Similarly, the flight departures to Mogadishu has been suspended on Sept. 25 because of security related issues in Mogadishu, but flight departures are expected to resume once the security context improves," UNHCR said.

The statement comes after international medical charity, Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said a vast majority of refugees do not want to go back to Somalia and urged Kenya thus to consider alternatives to closing down the Dadaab camp.

Many refugees surveyed cited by the charity list their main concerns as fear of forced recruitment into armed groups and the threat of sexual violence.

Other concerns are the absence of health care in Somalia, the medical aid group said.

MSF said its findings raise doubts about the voluntary nature of the repatriation programme being carried out by the Kenyan government and the UNHCR.

"It is unacceptable that, without any other solution being offered, thousands are essentially being pushed back into conflict and acute crisis -- the very conditions they fled," said Liesbeth Aelbrecht, the head of the MSF mission in Kenya.

According to the MSF report, 86 percent of surveyed refugees in Dagahaley do not want to go back to Somalia. Fears around insecurity were acute with nearly all -- males and females -- stating that the risk of sexual violence is high. MSF is therefore questioning the "voluntary" nature of the returns that the UNHCR is helping facilitate.

"The fears that the refugees tell us about are real. It is crucial that any return is voluntary, and refugees must have all necessary information about the services and conditions which will meet them in Somalia," said Liesbeth.
Iranian soldiers march during the annual military parade marking the anniversary of the start of Iran's 1980-1988 war with Iraq, on September 21, 2016, in the capital Tehran. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

TEHRAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Iran commenced a large-scale three-day aerial drill in the central province of Isfahan on Monday, reported Press TV.

The drill purpose is showcasing the prowess of Iran's air force in protecting the country.

"The drills showcase only a fraction of the Air Force's capability in preserving and defending Iran's skies," said the drill spokesman, Brig. Gen. Massoud Rouzkhosh, as the military exercises started in the region of Anarak in Isfahan.

The drills include bombers, interceptors, reconnaissance planes, refueling and transport aircraft as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.

According to the report, the drills also employ a wide range of projectiles, including smart bombs and laser-guided missiles.

Iran holds annual drills to enhance its capabilities in defending the country in the event of any threats.
MOSCOW, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The British authorities have failed to prove the involvement of Russian military in attacks against civilians in the Syrian city of Aleppo, reported Russian media Monday, citing Russian Ambassador to Britain.

Last week, members of the British parliament accused Russia, along with the Syrian government, of deliberately striking against civilians in Syria, which British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson termed as "war crimes."

In an open letter to the British MPs published on the embassy's website on Saturday, ambassador Alexander Yakovenko said the Russian embassy had formally requested the British Foreign Office to provide the proof that supports the allegations made by Johnson.

"The whole point of the response received by us is that the British side is not in possession of such evidence," the ambassador said.

He added that the embassy had also requested the information from the social networks used by Johnson to accuse Russia of attacking a United Nations humanitarian convoy near Aleppo on Sept. 19, but the Russia side "is still waiting for a reply."

"Serious accusations must be supported by strong evidence," said Yakovenko. who added that otherwise Moscow would consider these accusations to be "outright lies" that serve to protect the terrorist group and, "probably, the British military personnel in Syria."
MOSCOW, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Moscow will make a "symmetrical" response if Washington decides to impose new sanctions on Russia, a senior Russian diplomat said on Monday amid escalating tensions between the two powers over the Syria settlement.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Riabkov was quoted by the RIA Novosti news agency as saying that "no hostile actions against Russia will be left without a response."

"I would like to remind that Moscow has warned more than once that the answer would not necessarily be tit-for-tat, but it will be symmetrical," Ryabkov said.

On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said that the United States was considering new sanctions to pressure Russia in the search of a political settlement of the Syria crisis.

Washington and its allies have slapped several rounds of sanctions on Russia in response to its takeover of Crimea and its involvement in the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine.

In response, Moscow has banned food imports from countries that had applied sanctions against it following the U.S. moves.
Photo taken on Oct. 17, 2016 shows the heavy smoke rising from oil wells which were destroyed by the Islamic State militants in Qayyarah, southern Mosul, Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced early Monday the beginning of a major offensive to retake the second largest Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) group. (Xinhua/Liu Wanli)

BAGHDAD, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi forces are fighting all out to retake control of the city of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) militants after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Monday announced the start of long-awaited offensive.

"Today I declare the launch of the operation of liberating Nineveh province. The time of victory has come, and the moment of the great victory is approaching," Abadi said in his brief address aired by the state-run al-Iraqiya channel.

Abadi pledged to rebuild Mosul and other towns and villages in Nineveh province after they were destroyed by the extremist IS militants, and vowed to bring stability to Mosul.

"Very soon, we will be with you to raise the flag of Iraq in the middle of Mosul, and in towns and villages as well," Abadi said, calling on the people of Mosul to cooperate with security forces to defeat the IS group.

Like the previous battles that freed the cities of Tikrit, Ramadi, Fallujah and others from IS militants, the troops are moving to gradually encircle the city of Mosul, some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, after clearing IS militants from towns and villages around it, before entering the city districts.

On Monday morning, the Iraqi forces reportedly managed to free nine villages from IS militants who fled the scene, as they continued their advance to free many areas around Mosul, including the towns of Bashiqa and Himdaniyah in northeast of the city.

In Mosul, reports said that some 1.3 million civilians are still living in Mosul's neighborhood and surrounding villages of Nineveh plain, while more than 5,000 IS militants holed up in the city with significant preparations to defend the city.

"More than 65,000 Iraq security personnel are expected to participate in the battle of Mosul, their positions located between 15 to 50 km away from the edges of the city's neighborhoods," Major Abdullah al-Jubouri, an Iraqi army officer, told Xinhua.

Army brigades backed by elite anti-terrorism forces with an armored brigade, including Abrams tanks, are advancing from the southern axis on the eastern side of the Tigris River. Other army brigades and anti-terrorism forces are also advancing from southeastern axis on the west side of the river, Jubouri pointed out.

There are also some 10,000 fighters of the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters who are advancing from the east and northern axis. The Kurdish forces are backed by some 24,000 of police of Nineveh province and paramilitary Sunni tribal units, Jubouri said.

The Iraqi forces in Mosul battle are also supported by the Iraqi and international aircraft as well as different kinds of Iraqi and U.S.-led coalition artillery units, Jubouri added.

Observers believe that the battles in Mosul could be long, bloody, costly and protracted, let alone the suffering of civilians, but that will mainly depends on whether the IS militants would be ready to show stiff resistance or not.

However, the tough part of the struggle is only in the post-IS stage, as many possible conflicts could erupt in Nineveh province among the Iraqi factions in northern Iraq and with regional countries as well.

The tacit alliance -- of Iraqi government forces alongside the paramilitary Shiite Hashd Shaabi units, paramilitary Sunni tribal fighters, Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and hundreds of U.S. troops -- highlights the significance of the battle of Iraq's last IS stronghold of Mosul.

Recapturing Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, would break the back of the terrorist group, demolishing its self-declared state of Islamic "caliphate" in Iraq.

"Mosul was chosen by the IS top leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to make his first public appearance after declaring the caliphate after the IS group blitzkrieg large territories in northern and western Iraq in June 2014, and that was dramatically symbolic," Jubouri said.

"If Mosul is recaptured by the Iraqi forces, it would be a complete reversal of the IS' sweep, pushing the extremist militants to regroup in a few and isolated pockets of territories in Iraq," Jubouri said.

The only option left for the IS group is to respond to their battlefield losses by returning to guerrilla-style tactics, or retreat to neighboring Syria, where the group also sustains increasing defeats, Jubouri concluded.

Hassan al-Dulaimi, a military expert, told Xinhua that if the IS group is defeated in Mosul, a question will rise; who will govern the areas vacated by IS extremist group and how?

The U.S. strategy to defeat IS from Iraq's northern province of Nineveh and its capital Mosul depends on a variety of allied local armed groups who are often bitterly at odds. All of them consider the IS group as an enemy, but also most of them consider one another as enemies.

"The disputed armed groups will stake out claims to capture lands in ways that risking bringing them into conflict with others who also seize territories," Dulaimi said.

The situation in post-IS Mosul will be so complicated. According to Dulaimi, one of the anticipated conflicts will be between the Iraqi government and the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan, as the Iraqi Kurds moved into areas called disputed areas outside the regional boundaries before 2003, that once under control of the Iraqi government.

The Iraqi government wants the Kurds to leave these areas after driving out IS militants and that the fate of those disputed areas must be decided after referendum according to article 140 of the Iraqi constitution.

However, the Kurds said they won't let go of any territory Kurds have shed blood to free it from IS and that the referendum must be conducted in these areas under their rule to the disputed areas.

Another conflict possibly to take place between Kurdish Peshmerga and Shiite militias, many of them backed by Iran, as the Shiite militias have teamed up with the security forces pushing north from Baghdad and cleared many towns and villages on their route to Mosul, Dulaimi said.

The reason behind the possible conflict between the Kurds and Shiite militias is also attributed to the disputed areas outside the Kurdistan region. Such conflict has already started in at least one location, the town of Tuz Khurmato in Salahudin province, as clashes have repeatedly taken place late last year and again in April.

Tuz Khurmato, some 90 km east of Salahudin's provincial capital of Tikrit, made up mostly of Turkman Shiite and sizable Kurdish and Sunni Arab population.

A conflict of Sunni Arabs against Shiite Hashd Shaabi units, or against Peshmerga, as both Shiites and Kurds have fought the IS group which captured the Sunni areas. Many Sunnis are taking part with the Kurds and Shiites in defeating IS militants from the Sunni towns and villages, Dulaimi said.

However, there are reports of abuses by Shiites and Kurds against the Sunni communities they liberated from IS. Such abuses included forced displacement of Sunnis from their homes and mass detentions of Sunni men and sometimes killing over sectarian motives.

"With the absence of real reconciliation efforts by the Iraqi government, such abuses could ignite Sunni insurgency," Dulaimi concluded.

Another complicated conflict could erupt with the presence of the Turkish forces in Baqshiqa military camp, some 30 km north of Mosul, training Sunni fighters and Kurdish Peshmerga, preparing them for the main battle to free Mosul, Dulaimi said.

The presence of Turkish troops sparked a political row as Baghdad government has called them "occupying forces" that could trigger a "regional war." Both Baghdad and Ankara have summoned the ambassadors of each other to express condemnation of other side.

Ankara overtly rejects the participation of Shiite Hashd Shaabi units, fearing of possible "forceful change in the demographic composition of the region, according to Dulaimi.

"Driving IS out of Mosul and other areas in northern Iraq with the persistence of tension between Arabs and Kurds around a liberated Mosul will create ethnic problems that may be as serious as the sectarian ones between Sunnis and Shiites, as well as spill over into Kurdish areas in Turkey and Syria," Dulaimi added.

Eventually, bringing back peace to Mosul needs hard work, it is even more important than the necessary military action. The city once was home to a complex mosaic of tribes and ethnic groups, but since IS took over the city; the group planted the seeds of hatred and division.

"IS militants have created profound wounds across the society and within families. The situation in post-IS Mosul won't be rosy as people in the liberated city will quickly go into recrimination, revenge and sectarian strife," Dulaimi warned.

The Iraqi government, the international coalition and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) will have the duty to pursue long-term engagement strategy with a greater focus on national reconciliation could consolidate the peace and co-existence among Iraqi factions and Mosul and other parts of Iraq, according to Dulaimi.

"This is not an imagination or wishes, because the Iraqi factions, regional countries and the international community have the interest to bring peace and dry up the resources of terrorism," Dulaimi concluded.

On the other hand, the United Nations and aid agencies expected a human catastrophe with up to 1.5 million people could be displaced or in need for aid in Nineveh province when an offensive is launched to retake Mosul from IS militants.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said in recent report that it is expecting 200,000 people to flee in the first few days of an attack to retake the city, but says the worst case scenario could be up to 700,000 people. Up to 1.5 million people in the city could be in need of aid.

Currently, agencies on the ground have supplies for about 100,000 of the estimated 200,000 people who will initially need help. "It's a race against the clock now," said Lise Grande, the UN's humanitarian coordinator in Iraq.

Mosul, some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
NAIROBI, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The exorbitant cost of sending remittances incurred by African diaspora will be dealt with as a matter of urgency by governments and the financial sector in the continent, an Africa Union (AU) official said on Monday.

Moustapha Sidiki Kaloko, AU Commissioner for Social Affairs, told at a forum in Nairobi that a raft of policy and regulatory tools are in work to lower the cost of sending remittances by African diaspora.

"A dialogue among governments, banks and multilateral partners has intensified to find durable solutions to the high transaction costs incurred by African diaspora while sending money back home," Kaloko said.

He revealed that in 2015 alone, 30 million African diaspora sent an estimated 65 billion U.S. dollars to their native countries.

The AU has partnered with several multilateral partners to strengthen the capacity of countries to harness diaspora remittances to foster socio-economic development.

Kaloko said that diaspora remittances have surpassed foreign aid to become the largest source of finance for critical sectors like education and health in Africa.

"We are hoping that once the cost of sending remittances is reduced, African countries will be able to stimulate investments and entrepreneurship," said Kaloko.

The cost of sending remittances in Africa stands at 9 percent compared to the global average of 7 percent.

Kaloko said that discussions are at an advanced state with telecommunications giants, banks and money transfer agents to ensure the cost of sending remittances is reduced to 3 percent.

"As for now, the urgency is to harmonize policies and laws governing diaspora remittances and reach a consensus on how these funds can be transmitted at a bare minimum cost," Kaloko said.

Jeffrey Labovitz, Regional Director for east and horn of Africa at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said that tax rebates and adoption of mobile banking will help reduce cost of cross border transfer of funds.
MADRID, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Monday he would prefer to "wait" when being asked about the possibility of attempting to win an investiture vote before the Congress is dissolved on Oct. 31.

Whether or not Rajoy and his People's Party (PP) will be able to form a minority government, depends on whether the federal committee of the Socialist Party (PSOE) votes to abstain in an investiture vote or to vote against Rajoy.

An abstention would permit the PP to govern with the support of center-right formation, Ciudadanos, but a "no" from the PSOE would leave Rajoy's party short of the votes required.

"We are going to wait," said Rajoy in reply to a question as he visited the University of Salamanca, adding it was "important for everyone to work together for the great objectives of the country."

While Rajoy preferred to wait for the PSOE's decision, the divisions in the PSOE were highlighted by contrasting declarations from different branches of the party on Monday.

The Andalusian branch of the party, led by Susana Diaz, has made it clear they favor abstaining.

"It is clear that the executive of the PSOE in Andalusia says that we should not block the formation of a government if there is no alternative...this country doesn't deserve new elections," Juan Cornejo, the party secretary in the region told the press.

This view has clashed directly with that held by Miquel Iceta, who on Saturday was re-elected as leader of the party in the Catalan region.

"We will vote 'no' to Rajoy whatever the cost because abstaining would be bad for Spain and also bad for the PSOE," he said in an interview published in the El Pais newspaper.

Finally, a group of PSOE members have organized a demonstration for Oct. 22, saying any decision taken by the party's federal committee should be ratified by a vote of all party members.
Boris Johnson, UK foreign secretary attends during a Security Council Meeeting on the situation in Syria September 21, 2016 at the UN in New York. (AFP Photo)

MOSCOW, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The British authorities have failed to prove the involvement of Russian military in attacks against civilians in the Syrian city of Aleppo, reported Russian media Monday, citing Russian Ambassador to Britain.

Last week, members of the British parliament accused Russia, along with the Syrian government, of deliberately striking against civilians in Syria, which British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson termed as "war crimes."

In an open letter to the British MPs published on the embassy's website on Saturday, ambassador Alexander Yakovenko said the Russian embassy had formally requested the British Foreign Office to provide the proof that supports the allegations made by Johnson.

"The whole point of the response received by us is that the British side is not in possession of such evidence," the ambassador said.

He added that the embassy had also requested the information from the social networks used by Johnson to accuse Russia of attacking a United Nations humanitarian convoy near Aleppo on Sept. 19, but the Russia side "is still waiting for a reply."

"Serious accusations must be supported by strong evidence," said Yakovenko. who added that otherwise Moscow would consider these accusations to be "outright lies" that serve to protect the terrorist group and, "probably, the British military personnel in Syria."
NAIROBI, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A World Bank-funded water project under implementation in central Kenyan county of Murang'a will not affect the ecological health of the expansive Tana Delta, Kenyan officials said on Monday.

Cabinet Secretary for Water and Irrigation Eugene Wamalwa said enough safeguards have been put in place to ensure the 60 million U.S. dollars water project does not jeopardize the livelihoods of downstream communities along the Tana basin.

"We have conducted rigorous feasibility studies to ensure the northern collector water tunnel does not trigger adverse environmental impacts in the larger Tana basin," said Wamalwa.

He spoke in Nairobi during a national consultative forum to discuss impact of the 11.5-kilometer water tunnel that is expected to boost supply of the commodity to Nairobi and its satellite towns.

Wamalwa said contractors have adhered to environmental safety guidelines to implement the project that is expected to boost water supply in Nairobi by 140,000 cubic meters daily.

The implementation of the project has been marked by controversies over its likely impact on domestic water supply, irrigation and hydropower along the Tana basin.

Ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga last week warned that the project could have devastating ecological impacts in five counties sharing the Tana basin.

He urged the government to halt implementation of the project until a scientific assessment is carried out to reassure the public it poses minimal environmental threat.

But Wamalwa insisted the government adhered to international best practices before approving implementation of the project.

"There is nothing sinister about the northern collector water tunnel project. State agencies have engaged with all stakeholders in the conception, design and execution of this project to minimize any negative impact to the environment or livelihoods," said Wamalwa.

He disclosed the project will utilize a partly one percent of water resources in the Tana delta.

The project will tap water from three rivers that form part of the larger Tana basin. It will pump water into Ndakaini dam that supplies 80 percent of the commodity to Nairobi and its burgeoning satellite towns.

Malaquen Milgo, CEO of Athi Water Services Board that is implementing the project, said it will only collect storm waters from the three rivers and will not interfere with their flow. Enditem
Alexander Galushka, Minister for Development of the Russian Far East told Xinhua that Russia and China have been conducting a "fruitful dialogue" on the development of transport corridors between northeast China and the south of the Russian Primorye region. (Xinhua/File Photo)

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- "Russian fish caught in the morning would be served at the lunch table of Chinese, and it is not a dream," said Maxim Kareyev, a veteran fisherman in Vladivostok, Russia's Far East.

More and more seafoods, particularly shrimps and lobsters, have been sold to Northeast China, Beijing and other Chinese areas over the past few years, he told Xinhua Monday.

Local seafoods are feeding the fine appetite of the quality-conscious group of Chinese consumers. Waters of the ice-free Pacific port are rich in red king crabs, shrimps and sea cucumbers. The export business is so brisk that some fishermen even work at night.

Many of his friends are now doing business with Chinese, said Kareyev.

Every day via the Pogranichny-Suifenhe border checkpoint in the Far East border region Primorsky, streams of fully-loaded Russian trucks flow into China's northeast, enabling wood, oil and food products to be transported to different parts of China.

Russian drivers can now drive to and back from China twice a day in winter, doubling the volume of goods transported.

There are two transport corridors under construction in Primorsky, where Vladivostok is the administrative center.

The corridors Primorye 1 and Primorye 2 to reach Chinese provinces of Heilongjiang and Jilin are planned as a combined project under China's Belt and Road Initiative, said Primorsky governor Vladimir Miklushevsky.

For Primorsky, the project of the Chinese initiative aimed at linking Asia and Europe for global growth, will work to boost cross-border trade and enhance Russia-China economic ties, according to Maxim Krivelevich, head of the expert community of the School of Economics and Management of the Far Eastern Federal University.

The initiative and the Russia-designed Eurasian Economic Union complement each other well, he noted.

Kareyev thought it is good that the Russian government plans to develop the infrastructure in Far East so that the corridors could contribute more to increasing trade and economic ties with China.

"The day will come when it would take only two hours to deliver seafoods to China," said the Russian fisherman, who expected high-speed railways to be built soon to connect Russia's Far East to Northeast China.

Apart from seafoods, Russian food products such as honey, chocolate and flour are also very popular among Chinese, he added.
PARIS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China has offered 5.6 million U.S. dollars to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to relaunch its magazine Courier, in a move to promote dialogue and peace.

Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General and Professor Hao Ping, China's Vice Minister of Education and chair of the country's national commission for UNESCO, signed an agreement on Monday for the relaunch of the UNESCO Courier as a quarterly print and online publication in the six official languages of the United Nations.

"As a responsible member state of UNESCO, China wants to help the organization at a time when it is encountering financial difficulties," Hao said at the signing ceremony.

The agreement is part of China's effort to promote dialogue and harmony between the cultures and peoples of the world, he added.

To Bokova, China's contribution "will bring UNESCO's important message of human dignity to people around the world."

"With this agreement, we are enlarging our cooperation with China in an area that is very emblematic, and strengthening UNESCO's foundations for the future," she said.

The UNESCO Courier is due to make a comeback in early 2017. It will feature articles on issues and themes of universal interest that are relevant to UNESCO's mandate in education, science, culture and communication.

The due publication will include articles written by contributors from a wide range of professional, geographic, and cultural backgrounds, according to a statement from the organization.

UNESCO Courier stopped circulation in 2011 because of a lack of funding.
Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong(R) shakes hands with Tibor Navracsics, the chair of China-EU high-level people-to-people dialogue from the EU side, and EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 10, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BRUSSELS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The culture sector has a great potential in the collaboration between EU and China, said Monica Urian de Sousa, programme manager at the Directorate General Education and Culture of the European Commission.

Culture has always been one of the main topics addressed in the China-EU high-level people-to-people dialogue with very successful results, Urian told Xinhua in a recent interview here, during the second China Arts Festival in the European Union(EU).

The EU culture diplomacy platform can no doubt create more opportunities for the future development of the high level people-to-people dialogue between the EU and China, said the programme manager.

"EU believes that culture can bring the EU external relations a great plus," she said, "Europe is a continent of cultural creativity, It's not only a matter of showing what's best in European culture, it is also a matter of collaboration with artists and cultural operators all over the world, and of course this is of much value for China," she said.

Noting the newly-established EU cultural diplomacy platform, which aims to enhance the EU's engagement with third countries and their citizens, Urian believed that the EU cultural diplomacy can play an important role to stimulate more creativeness between EU and China in the cultural exchanges.

The culture diplomacy platform is going to support the people to people dialogue between the EU and China, and "of course China is very much presented," she explained, "We have lots of ideas going on between the two partners."

Speaking of the possible highlights between EU and China in the cultural sector, Urian told Xinhua that one of the great ideas is the collaboration of city to city dialogue.

"We notice that Chinese cities are very interested to come and talk to European cities to learn from their experiences and vice versa. There is a huge potential in terms of dialogue and urbanization,"stressed Urian.
Irina Bokova(R), UNESCO Director General and Professor Hao Ping(L), China's Vice Minister of Education and chair of the country's national commission for UNESCO, signed an agreement for the relaunch of the UNESCO Courier on Oct. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/ Ying Qiang)

PARIS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China has offered 5.6 million U.S. dollars to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to relaunch its magazine Courier, in a move to promote dialogue and peace.

Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General and Professor Hao Ping, China's Vice Minister of Education and chair of the country's national commission for UNESCO, signed an agreement on Monday for the relaunch of the UNESCO Courier as a quarterly print and online publication in the six official languages of the United Nations.

"As a responsible member state of UNESCO, China wants to help the organization at a time when it is encountering financial difficulties," Hao said at the signing ceremony.

The agreement is part of China's effort to promote dialogue and harmony between the cultures and peoples of the world, he added.

To Bokova, China's contribution "will bring UNESCO's important message of human dignity to people around the world."

"With this agreement, we are enlarging our cooperation with China in an area that is very emblematic, and strengthening UNESCO's foundations for the future," she said.

The UNESCO Courier is due to make a comeback in early 2017. It will feature articles on issues and themes of universal interest that are relevant to UNESCO's mandate in education, science, culture and communication.

The due publication will include articles written by contributors from a wide range of professional, geographic, and cultural backgrounds, according to a statement from the organization.

UNESCO Courier stopped circulation in 2011 because of a lack of funding.
CAIRO, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's Interior Ministry announced the death of a leading Islamist jihadist sentenced to death in an exchange of fire during his arrest in Giza, Cairo on Monday.

"The Homeland Security Department got information that Ashraf Idrees al-Qazzaz, a 34-year-old carpenter whose nom de guerre is 'Hamza,' frequently visits his sister's apartment in Giza's Kerdasa neighborhood," said the statement.

Early morning, police forces raided his place looking to arrest the man, who surprised the forces with a gunfire attack which ended upon his death by police fire, according to the statement.

The police said the jihadist had received a death sentence after storming into a Kerdasa police station and killing several personnel, plus another sentence of 25 years in jail for establishing an armed militant cell which targeted the state's television building.

In September, an Egyptian court sentenced seven Islamists to death after charging them with storming into a Kerdasa police station where they killed the head policeman and wounded nine other policemen in August 2013.

Anti-government terrorist attacks have increased in Egypt following the military removal of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

Furthermore, the ensuing security crackdown on his supporters killed around 1,000 of them, and thousands were arrested.

Hundreds of security personnel were killed in anti-government attacks in the past three years with Sinai's militant Islamic State (IS) group claiming responsibility for most of them.

In the past couple of days, about 20 soldiers were killed in blasts and armed attacks in Egypt's North Sinai province, and security forces retaliated by killing around 100 militants and wounding 40 others.

Security forces have killed about 1,000 militants and arrested a similar number of suspects in North Sinai as part of the country's 'war on terror,' declared the then military-chief and current President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi following Morsi's dismissal. Enditem
GAZA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A United Nations official warned on Monday that the current situation in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip cannot help reach peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

The Israeli blockade imposed on Gaza and restrictions on shipment of construction materials "are negatively impacting the lives of the Palestinians there," Bo Schack, Gaza operations director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said in a news briefing held in Gaza.

He warned the consequences of the blockade, and said he was also worried about the situation for the staff, as it is "increasingly not possible to move."

Israel placed the Gaza Strip under a tight blockade since Islamic Hamas movement, one of Israel's bitter enemies, seized power after routing the security forces of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007.

Israel waged three large-scale offensives on the Gaza Strip in 2008, 2012 and 2014. Large destructions and a deteriorated economy followed, with high rates of poverty and unemployment.

In 2014, Israel launched an all-out offensive on the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip to stop Palestinian rocket fire from hitting its territories. The war left around 2,140 Palestinians dead and more than 10,000 injured.

He reiterated these Israeli actions cannot bring peace or stability to the population of Gaza, pointing out that such challenges can only escalate the current tension.

The UN official stressed that no one is seeking wars, but the current social, economic and political conditions might lead to worse results, calling for actions to alleviate the dire conditions of the people there.
A girl poses for photos with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump posters at Hofstra University in New York, the United States on Sept. 26, 2016. (Xinhua Photo)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton currently takes a 12-point national lead over her Republican rival Donald Trump among likely voters, according to a new poll released Monday, two days before the final presidential TV debate.

The former state of secretary has 50 percent support while Trump holds 38 percent, the Monmouth University survey shows. Clinton led by only 4 points in the same poll last month, edging Trump 46 percent to 42 percent.

Clinton's lead among likely voters is larger because Monmouth determined that only 5 percent of her supporters are unlikely to vote, compared to 10 percent of Trump's supporters, said a TheHill news daily report.

In the same poll issued last month, 10 percent of Clinton's registered supporters deemed unlikely to vote, against 7 percent for Trump.

"Clinton has increased her lead among all registered voters, but the main difference between this month and last month is that her supporters have become more enthusiastic, and thus more likely to turn out while Trump backers have become less likely to vote," said Monmouth pollster Patrick Murray.

However, both candidates remain deep underwater on favorability, Trump continues to sink in popularity, while Clinton appears to have leveled off.

Only 38 percent of voters view Clinton favorably, compared to 52 percent who have a negative view of her. That's a slight improvement over last month, when Clinton posted a 36-54 split.

Trump is down to 26 percent positive and 61 percent negative, a drop from his 32-57 rating last month.

Sixty percent of voters say Clinton has the right temperament to be president, compared to only 31 percent who say the same about Trump.

Clinton also leads on the question of which candidate is considered the "lesser of two evils," with 47 percent saying they'll vote to make sure Trump does not get elected, and only 40 percent saying the same about Clinton.

The poll found Trump has been badly damaged by the audio release of his obscene remarks from 2005 and the mounting allegations from women who say he sexually harassed them, with 62 percent of voters said they believe the allegations against Trump are credible.

In comparison, only 25 percent of respondents said Clinton's remarks made to Wall Street banks in paid speeches make them less likely to support her. Almost half, 45 percent, said the remarks had no impact on how they view her, and 28 percent said they were unaware of the WikiLeaks dump.

The Monmouth University survey of 805 registered voters nationwide was conducted between Oct. 14 and Oct. 16 and has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.
BEIRUT, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon asserted Monday that there is no possibility for his country to receive displaced people from the military operations in the Iraqi city of Mosul, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Minister of Interior and Municipalities Nouhad Machnouk said so after meeting with deputy high commissioner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Kelly Clements, adding that "the Lebanese government's decision is quite clear in banning the entrance except in extraordinary humanitarian cases," said the report.

He also said that "Kurdistan Region and Turkey borders are closer for the citizens of Mosul than the Lebanese borders."

For her part, Clements stressed that her visit to Lebanon is to discuss "what the international community can do to help the government and people of Lebanon with the great burdens they are sustaining with displaced people from Syria."

She declared the Syrian refugees in Lebanon issue is a top priority for the international community, and the UN and the UNHCR are ready to help Lebanon and its people as a way to thank them for sustaining the burden.

The UNHCR figure shows that Lebanon hosts more than 1.1 million Syrian refugees; the Lebanese officials put the number at around 1.5 million.
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The UN Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on Monday condemned the repeated attacks against its peacekeepers in the country, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here.

"A UN convoy was attacked yesterday in the area of Dekoa and another one between Grimai and Sibut three days before," Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here. "Five peacekeepers were wounded in the first attack."

"The UN Mission stressed that the perpetrators of these attacks will be held accountable, including, where necessary, for war crimes," the spokesman said.

The attack took place three days after that against a convoy from Bambari secured by the Mauritanian contingent of the UN Mission was attacked between Grimari and Sibut, wounding five peacekeepers.

According to preliminary information, a group of an estimated 50 armed elements opened fire on peacekeepers and civilians while they were trying to repair a vehicle of the convoy.

The mission strongly condemned these "cowardly and irresponsible actions," and urged an immediate end to such attacks against its "blue helmets" and mission premises.

Meanwhile, the mission denounced any and all provocative statements wrongly accusing its contingents and stressed that such allegations, some of which have religious connotations, can cast doubt on the impartiality of its troops.

A civil war in the Central African Republic broke out on Dec. 10, 2012 between Seleka rebel coalition and government forces.

Seleka took power from former President Francois Bozize in March 2013 and the rebel's leader Michel Djotodia declared himself as president.

A National Transitional council was established and elected Catherine Samba-Panza as provisional president until the second round of the new election on Feb. 14, 2016, in which Faustin Archange Touadera was elected as the president. Enditem
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Staffan de Mistura, the UN special envoy for Syria, on Monday insisted on taking care of the needs of the people in the north Syrian city of Aleppo, saying that "if the world is watching Mosul (in Iraq), Aleppo should not be forgotten."

De Mistura, speaking to reporters after meeting with European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg, said that "he had insisted that the issue of Aleppo is vital and crucial," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here. "He said that history will judge us for any kind of discussion that ignores the needs of the people in Aleppo."

"He said that if the world is watching Mosul, Aleppo should not be forgotten," the spokesman said, referring to the worsening humanitarian situation in the second largest city in Iraq, which was seized by the Islamic State in June 2014.

De Mistura added that over the weekend, in Lausanne, Switzerland, "there was some progress on which we need to build," Dujarric said.

De Mistura is briefing the UN Security Council via video-television conference system about Syria later Monday, he added.

Between now and December, "if we cannot find a solution, Aleppo will not be there anymore," the special envoy warned.

He emphasized a need to build on that progress in order to avoid war-ravaged Aleppo becoming like Darayya or Moadamiyah, two of the Middle East country's besieged cities.

"Aleppo has a special symbol," de Mistura said, voicing his hope that in addition to the discussions in London, the Monday meeting in Luxembourg would be a show of unity.

Some 275,000 people are in eastern Aleppo, and the western part of the city has also suffered great losses.

At least 31 people were reportedly killed on Sunday by airstrikes on rebel-held districts in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Sunday, adding that warplanes carried out four airstrikes on the rebel-held neighborhoods of Qaterji, Sukkari and Bab al-Naser as well as other areas in eastern Aleppo.

The latest airstrikes came amid heightened tension between Washington and Moscow over Aleppo, particularly after the Syrian government forces have tightened the siege on eastern Aleppo with the help of Russia, and urged the rebels there to surrender.

The U.S. and its allies want Russia and the Syrian army to halt their attacks on eastern Aleppo, while the Syrian government and Moscow want to dislodge the rebels out of that area.

Aleppo, located near the borders with Turkey, is Syria's largest city and once an economic hub. It has been a focal point of clashes between the Syrian army and the rebels.
DAMASCUS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army captured a key town in the central province of Hama on Monday amid ongoing battles, a monitor group reported.

At least 32 rebel fighters were killed as the Syrian forces captured the town of Maardis, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

It added that 14 government soldiers were killed in the battle to capture the town.

Capturing Maardis is part of the government forces' push to wrest control over tens of towns and villages in the countryside of Hama.

The town has a strategic meaning as it enables the Syrian army to advance into other rebel-held areas in northern Hama.

With Maardis under control, the Syrian army has controlled over 22 towns and villages in northern Hama since last week.

The northern countryside of Hama has returned under the spotlight after the rebels carried out repetitive attacks on government positions in that area.

The rebels carried out such attacks, as part of their effort to get the army busy with more than one front to reduce the pressure on rebels in other parts of northern Syria.
CAIRO, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 19 extremist militants and one soldier were killed on Monday during a massive security campaign on the dens of extremists in Egypt's restive North Sinai province, the Egyptian military spokesman said in a statement.

"The surprise air raids destroyed 31 dens and warehouses of extremist elements," Military Spokesman Mohamed Samir said, noting that other land raids ruined three vehicles, three motorbikes and eight explosive devices prepared to target the security forces.

Egypt has been fighting against a growing wave of anti-government terrorist attacks since the military removed former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 following mass protests against his one-year rule.

Also on Monday, the Egyptian Interior Ministry announced the death of a wanted Islamist jihadist in a fire exchange in Giza.

Hundreds of security personnel were killed in anti-government attacks in the past three years with a Sinai-based militant group loyal to the Islamic State regional group claiming responsibility for most of them.

In the past couple of days, about 20 soldiers were killed in blasts and armed attacks in North Sinai province, and security forces retaliated by killing around 100 militants and wounding 40 others. Enditem
TEHRAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Iran and Azerbaijan are planning to launch a joint website for introducing and shopping commodities online, Iran's minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mahmoud Vaezi, announced here on Monday.

Vaezi made the remarks in a meeting with Ramin Guluzadeh, the visiting minister of Communications and High Technologies of the Azerbaijan Republic, official IRNA news agency reported.

The website, if launched, will allow easy purchase for customers in both countries, and facilitate mutual e-trade, he said.

Vaezi also said that the commodity vendors in Iran will send and receive commodities through the Iranian post system, the Post Bank and Payam Airport, adding that a committee will be established to follow up related issues.

Cooperation between two countries in the field of communications and information technology, particularly in the postal and e-trade areas, is on the rise, the Iranian minister said.

Tehran is to benefit from Baku's experiences in the field of satellite technology and Baku is to use Tehran's achievements in the field of information technology, he added.

Vaezi urged Iranian companies to participate in the Bakutel exhibition, a telecommunication and IT exhibition due in December in Azerbaijan to study possible cooperation opportunities.

Heading an economic delegation, Guluzadeh arrived in Tehran on Monday for talks on mutual ties.
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Monday strongly condemned the most recent failed ballistic missile launch conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Seoul's military said Sunday that the DPRK had test-launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile but ended in a failure.

In a press statement, the 15-nation council said the attempted launch is a grave violation of the DPRK's obligations under Security Council resolutions.

The Security Council has adopted five resolutions to curb the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs. The latest one adopted in March imposed the most severe sanctions yet on the country, including an export ban and asset freeze.

"The members of the Security Council deplore all Democratic People's Republic of Korea ballistic missile activities, including this failed launch, noting that such activities contribute to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's development of nuclear weapons delivery systems and increase tension," said the statement.

"The members of the Security Council reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in North-East Asia at large, expressed their commitment to a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation and welcomed efforts by Council members, as well as other States, to facilitate a peaceful and comprehensive solution through dialogue," it added.

The failed launch came on the day when the United States and South Korea wrapped up their joint naval exercises in all of the three seas around South Korea.

The missile launch was the latest in a series of provocations by the DPRK following its fifth nuclear test last month. Pyongyang said on Sept. 9 that it successfully tested a nuclear warhead that can be mounted on ballistic missiles.
HAVANA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Cuban university and high school students on Monday demanded Washington lift the half-century trade embargo that has cost their country hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue and productivity.

The day of protest, organized by the Federation of University Students (FEU), aimed to raise the pressure on the United States as the United Nations General Assembly readies for its annual vote on a resolution that condemns the embargo and calls for it to be repealed.

Last year's vote could be summed up as "the world vs. the United States," as only Washington and its stalwart ally Israel voted against the resolution, while 191 UN member nations voted in favor.

As part of the tech-savvy protests, organizers set up a website where anyone can vote against the embargo, which Cubans call a "blockade," since the web of sanctions effectively blocks the small Caribbean country from doing business with the outside world.

As of early Monday afternoon, the site, www.cubavsbloqueo.cu, had gathered 17,268 votes.

Students found a range of creative ways to protest the outdated policy, such as taking part in rallies, painting murals with anti-embargo messages, and participating in a selfie contest by posting photos of themselves with the day's rallying cry: #YoVotoVsBloqueo, which roughly translates as "I vote against the embargo."

"The U.S. blockade against Cuba limits the future prospects and dreams of the youth, so it has become another cause to fight for," Raul Palmero, a student leader at the University of Havana, told Xinhua.

"Younger generations must continue the struggle to end this unjust policy," he added.

In the area of education, the blockade prevents Cuba from easily acquiring tools that are taken for granted in other countries, such as laboratory equipment and instruments, and audio-visual material for foreign-language learning, not to mention accessing online educational sites.

These limitations are especially damaging for a country that depends on its talent for development.

The sanctions force Cuba to turn to more distant countries that are nevertheless willing and able to deal with its socialist government despite the threat of U.S. retaliation, state daily Granma noted on Monday.

However, importing materials around the globe has proven costly for a government already short on cash.

Juan Carlos Hernandez, a second year student of international relations, said "the majority of university students are here today to reject Washington's policy towards our country."

He added, "this isn't a tactic of the Cuban government to hide its faults and mistakes, it's a law that affects our people, all sectors of Cuban society and particularly the young."

Students posted thousands of messages on Twitter and Facebook, demanding a clear stance from U.S. President Barack Obama regarding the blockade.

"The U.S. has never accepted the word blockade, they call it an embargo," said Tania Corrales, a 19-year-old University of Havana student. "My generation and others have lived their entire life in a blockaded country and it imposes many restrictions on our daily lives from an economic standpoint, but also technologically and socially."

Cuba's head of U.S. affairs, Josefina Vidal, who has led Havana's negotiations with Washington since the two countries agreed to normalize ties in December of 2014, took part in a question-and-answer session with students outside the university in Havana.

The blockade, she said, negatively impacts every sector, from public health to transportation.

Tylor Norris, a U.S. student in Cuba studying Spanish, told Granma his stay had opened his eyes to the impact of the sanctions.

"I knew about the blockade before coming to Cuba to study, but I wasn't aware of how much it affected the people," Norris said.

Cuba is set to request a UN vote on the blockade on Oct. 26.
OSLO, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Low-cost airline Norwegian Air Shuttle said on Monday it has imposed ban on Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on all of their flights amid safety concerns about the smartphone.

"We will inform all of our passengers that Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones are not allowed on board Norwegian's flights. Passengers with this type of phone can not bring it -- neither on board nor in checked baggage," the company said in a message posted on its website.

Before the ban the airline had allowed Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on board but demanded that they should be turned off and not charged during flight.

A series of cases of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 battery explosions have been reported since the new products were released in August. Samsung announced on Oct. 11 halting both production and sales of the devices.
A girl poses for photos with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump posters at Hofstra University in New York, the United States on Sept. 26, 2016. (Xinhua Photo)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- As the 2016 U.S. election was heading into the homestretch, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump clashed with Democrats and his own party on whether the election was rigged.

The latest barrage from the bombastic and volatile New York billionaire developer that the election was rigged also raised concerns about whether he would accept defeat or question legality of a Clinton presidency.

"The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD," Trump tweeted late Sunday.

While he had brought up the possibility of a rigged election in the past, he stepped up the accusation recently after about a dozen women accused him of past sexual assaults, which the Trump campaign denied.

Indiana Governor Mike Pence, Trump's running mate, meanwhile joined Trump in highlighting the idea that the election was being rigged against the GOP ticket. But in a speech on Sunday, Pence said he and Trump would "absolutely" accept the results of the election.

Trump's claim of a rigged election was met with immediate rejection from the campaign of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and the White House.

Calling Trump's claim of a rigged election a tactic of desperation, the Clinton campaign over the last weekend issued a statement expressing confidence of the fairness of the election.

"Participation in the system - and particularly voting- should be encouraged, not dismissed or undermined because a candidate is afraid he's going to lose," said the statement. "This election will have record turnout, because voters see through Donald Trump's shameful attempts to undermine an election weeks before it happens."

Meanwhile, House Speaker Paul Ryan, the highest-ranking GOP official, also rejected Trump's claims of a rigged election, saying that he was "fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity."
BRASILIA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A Brazilian welfare recipient donated more than 20 million U.S. dollars to a political campaign, authorities said on Monday.

Brazil's Federal Court of Accounts (TCU), or federal accountability office, said a beneficiary of a program that helps low-income households make ends meet, called Bolsa Familia, or Family Pocketbook, donated 75 million reals (23.4 million U.S. dollars) to an election campaign this year.

Authorities did not reveal the name of the donor or the candidate.

The TCU said as much as 1.41 billion reals (440 million U.S. dollars) in campaign donations presented some form of irregularity. The figure represents more than half of the 2.23 billion reals (695 million U.S. dollars) spent on election campaigns this year.

Among the irregularities were donations made in the name of 290 people who are deceased, the agency said.

In a bid to cut down on corruption and excessive corporate influence in elections, new legislation in Brazil bars campaign donations from private companies, leading illicit donors to find new and creative ways to get around the law.

Another high-profile case involved an ad agency that won a contract worth 357 million reals (111 million U.S. dollars), and that includes among its partners another beneficiary of the Bolsa Familia program.

Brazil's welfare program, which gives families small cash incentives to keep their children in school and adopt preventive healthcare habits, has been highly praised, even by the World Bank, which in a 2013 report said the "innovative" scheme should serve as a model for other countries. Enditem
By Zhang Maorong, researcher with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations; cartoon drawing by Chi Ying

That blossoms in spring, brings forth fruit in autumn. October is Chinas harvest season. 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries cooperation mechanism.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 8th BRICS summit in GOA, India and delivered a speech, entitled Cement confidence, promote common development.

Xi spoke about a far-sighted vision with deep meanings. He explained Beijings solutions for enhancing cooperation among BRICS member states. His speech has attracted wide attention among BRICS countries.

It needs a decade to mold a good sword. Hence during the past decade, BRICS countries have sought common development and progressed forward, expanding cooperation with mutual benefits and win-win strategies. Looking ahead, the Chinese leader made a five-point proposal to inject Beijing's confidence into BRICS cooperation and offer Beijings wisdom to explore "responsive, inclusive, and collective solutions for the global economic growth.

China will hold the rotating chair of the BRICS summit, and host its ninth summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen in September, which brings about Beijings new opportunities for developing the BRICS mechanism. From Goa to Xiamen, Beijings wisdom can offer a new blueprint and add greater impetus for BRICS cooperation. We can anticipate Xiamen to host an even more sparkling BRICS Summit next year.

( The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com. )

(Source: CNTV.cn)
New FCB public offering coming soon

However, its Group CEO, Karen Darbasie was uncertain as to actually when the offering would be made.

Darbasie made the statement at First Citizens fourth Annual Womens Conference held at Movie Townes Conference Centre, Casablanca Room yesterday.

The Government announced in its 2017 budget presentation on September 30 that Government would divest 20 percent of its shares in the majority state-owned bank.

Darbasie informed the scores of women gathered for the event that there would be a public offering up again soon.

In an October 13 Newsday article, it was reported that Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar criticized the Governments plans to divest 20 percent of its shares.

The report said, He (Finance Minister Colm Imbert) said it was outrageous for the Leader of the Opposition to criticise the Governments plan to divest shares in First Citizens and said she was obviously hoping that the country had forgotten the IPO scandal and that the PNM government had to fire the whole board of First Citizens. Imbert also said he was concerned about the Opposition Leaders speechwriter who he said had to be illiterate as well as suffering from some form of intellectual incapacity because he said her remarks were riddled with mistakes and clear indications of a misunderstanding of the budget he had presented. It was reported on August 29 this year that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SE C) referred its findings with respect to the First Citizens Bank Initial Public Offering (IPO) of 2013 to the office of Director of Public Prosecutions
IT'S A SHAME

Carmona expressed his regret as he gave the feature address at the Top 20 Stars of Gold show held on Saturday at the Central Bank Auditorium, Port-of-Spain, by the National Action Cultural Committee (NACC), whose founder, the late Makandal Daaga, he saluted for his 1970s nationalism.

Recalling King Austins hits, Progress and Who is Guarding the Guards?, Carmona said the former warned of the dangers of an economic development that was out of step with human and environmental wellbeing.

My deepest regret is that this great calypsonian, King Austin, like many before, died in a type of destitution that must make us all feel a sense of shame, lamented the President.

To be a Calypsonian artist is a worthy and honourable profession, just like any other honest profession. We must come to terms with the passage and frailty of time and the time has come to simply act on the crisis of destitution among our Calypsonians. Carmona urged the calypso fraternity to create a pension and annuity scheme to provide for that time when the calypsonian can no longer sing.

In the circumstances, it should therefore be a mandatory stipulation in the contracts of calypsonians appearing in all competitions and in all calypso tents to pay a portion of their salary to a fund in a similar way it is done under the National Insurance (NIS), he urged. I may be walking on a thin line here but Im not dealing with governmental policy but human policy, a topic that every citizen has a right to speak on. His Excellency suggested that a year-round calypso tent and steelband tent be set up to employ artistes every day on a rotational basis.

It can assist many calypsonian and artistes during the down time between Carnivals and can sell the culture in real terms. Carmona said calypso should also be more widely promoted on the world stage, as done in the past, by singing about world themes.

Saying it is an artform of international reach and stature, he recalled David Rudder singing of Lord Executors success in New York, Lord Invader in Berlin, and Lord Kitchener and Sparrow in London.

He suggested calypsonians could gain international acclaim by singing on international topics.

A calypso grounded in a rhythm that is international, will become international but it will be a rare phenomenon for a calypso dealing with a peculiar national (TT) issue to be so endowed, he advised To give an example of using our cultural persona for mauvis langue and gossip with international outreach, skillfully done was that genius of a song Phillip my dear by Dr Francisco Slinger, the Mighty Sparrow. In this Calypso, a man had broken into Buckingham Palace and it was alleged that he had entered the Queens bedroom. The whole of England and the world were aware of the break in. Even the Englishmen in rural London therefore, would be able to understand and appreciate the song and enjoy its fun and very respectfully done. Carmona asked aloud what is stopping our artistes from such an international reach? We have to consider whether by limiting our content and scope in calypso to local political issues and picong issues insular to us, the man in London, Berlin, Sydney or the United States will no longer understand and be able to enjoy these small issues which are normally not aired internationally.

Like jazz, classical music, pop and reggae, calypso should be appreciable to an international audience.

I can recall calypsos like Model Nation and Education by the Mighty Sparrow; Black is Beautiful by the Mighty Duke; Caribbean Man by Black Stalin; the iconic Bun Them by Black Stalin; Gypsys Little Black Boy; Singing Sandras Voices from the Ghetto and Denyse Plummers, Nah Leavin and there are many more songs of that ilk that will have international appeal always.

I can recall many international subject matters, events, occasions and figures that resulted in great international Calypsos which have stood the test of time. He related that Emrol Brother Valentinos Philips song, Stay up Zimbabwe had inspired guerilla fighters in Angola, South Africa and Namibia. In Barbados, the song of one artiste, Gabby, had led to the establishment of a Police Service Cold Case Unit, he related. Carmona said calypso saved a poor TT accountancy student in England. He fell on hard times financially and one night he was depressed and went to an English Pub where there was karaoke.

He asked the DJ if he had Sugar Bum Bum.

He put down one wicked version of Sugar Bum Bum, dance and all and after that he was offered a job to sing Sugar Bum Bum every Friday night and sometimes twice a week for well-appreciated pounds that helped him finance his successful study in London.

Carmona related his own life as a law student flying in weekly from Barbados to sing in a tent in TT.

He extolled the role of the calypsonian.

The artist is the pulse beat of a nation. He is the calypso sage, who ventilates through his poetic lyrical content, the philosophies of life, its positives and negatives, its afflictions and moments of sheer joy. The calypsonian artiste creates a fusion of melody, rhythm, energy, content and message.

Calypso music is We thing. It is a dynamic aspect of our cultural tapestry, one of our many distinctive offerings that sets us apart on the world stage. Just as reggae music lets Jamaicans highlight their plights and celebrate their successes, so too is calypso music to the Trinbagonian people.

Calypso is a real representation of how people feel, their ideologies and a forum for ventilating problems and proffering solutions. Carmona was glad that this society recognised the worth of these bards, such as by the University of the West Indies (UWI) awarding honorary doctorates to Francisco Mighty Sparrow Slinger; Leroy Black Stalin Calliste; David Rudder; Roy Cape and Mc Cartha Calypso Rose Lewis, while national awards were given to Timothy Baron Watkins and Irwin Scrunter Reyes Johnson.

Calypso must remain a potent, transformational and relevant force to ensure its perennial rightful place in Trinidad and Tobagos culture and the world at large.
Pregnant women and babies in danger

The claim comes from former medical director of the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) Dr Anand Chattergoon who said over the past few weeks the Point Fortin Area Hospital (PFAH) has been without a full time anaesthetist. If an emergency arises the women have to be rushed to San Fernando General Hospital miles away. Chattergoon said he has failed in his attempts to have the authorities appoint an anaesthetist and fearing that a crisis might be looming, over the weekend he penned a strongly worded letter to SWRHA Board Chairman Dr Alexander Sinanan and his deputy Valerie Rawlins.

He forwarded copies to SWRHA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anil Gosine, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, Acting Director of Health Dr Dale Sookoo and Head of Obstetrics/Gynaecology Dr Krishna Rampersadsingh.

According to Chattergoon instead of dealing with the problem, pregnant women from the remote areas are now forced to make the long and arduous trip by ambulance to the San Fernando General Hospital (SFGH). Chattergoon is an anaethestist.

Chattergoon said: The failure of the CEO of the SWRHA to provide a full-time anaesthetist to the PFAH is a gross dereliction of duty and a grave injustice to the pregnant patients who hail from the southern peninsula of the island. He went on to say: Because of the failure of the CEO to assign a full-time anaesthetist to the PFAH, high-risk pregnancies and first pregnancies from the southern part of the island as far down as Icacos are currently being shunted to the already overburdened SFGH which from time to time, is short of beds, so patients have to sit on chairs. The grave situation was recently brought to his attention and as a result Chattergoon told Newsday that two weeks ago he offered his services to the SWRHA.

But to date I have not had any response to my offer, he told Newsday as he claimed that the wheels of the SWRHA continue to turn slowly and sluggishly.

He asked: Are you waiting for a disaster to happen before you address this situation? Where there is a will, there is a way. This is an easy problem to fix if the will to fix it is there. He said an anaesthetists pool exist at the SFGH from which any one anaesthetist could be chosen to work at the PFAH where there is an operating theatre with dedicated theatre nurses and qualified obstetricians, all of which are available for obstetric and gynaecological emergencies.

He continued: The failure of the CEO to assign an anaesthetist from the anaesthetists pool at the SFGH is demonstrative of poor leadership on his part.The tail is being allowed to wag the dog when the CEO is yielding to the unjustified and unlawful refusal of the anaesthetists at the SFGH to provide anaesthetic coverage for emergency surgeries at the PFAH which also comes under the umbrella of the SWRHA.

Chattergoon added: It takes half the time for an anaesthetist to drive down to the PFAH as it does for an ambulance, provided one is available to transport patient and nurse from the PFAH to the SFGH. The obstetricians are reluctant to induce labour at the PFAH because of the unavailability of an anaesthetist for emergency caesarean sections, should this become necessary. This is unacceptable and unsatisfactory in this day and age. Chattergoon told Newsday he offered his services because the assigned anesthetist is ill and wont be out for the next two months.

His concerns have been passed on to Member of Parliament Edmund Dillon who is also National Security Minister.

He further told Newsday: I received a text from him (Dillon) this morning (yesterday) and he promised to discuss it with the health minister tomorrow (today).

Efforts to reach Gosine and Dillon yesterday for comment were unsuccessful.
Doodhai runs as independent

Filled with a burning passion of wanting to do much more in the education sector, Doodhai says his hat is now in the ring for leadership of the powerful teachers union. Doodhai spoke to Newsday of his dream to lead as he continues his advocacy in the field of education. I believe that I am the best person to lead TTUTA at this time and this is no idle boast, said a confident Doodhai. I am grounded in the belief that I am most experienced, knowledgeable and academically qualified of all the candidates and come with a proven track record in leadership and devotion and commitment to service. TTUTAs election will be held on Thursday and Doodhai will run as an independent candidate. He comes up against Jemima Riley of Eastern Boys Government Primary School, Port-of-Spain, Nirmala Chinebas-Dinidal of Upper Carapichaima Presbyterian Primary School and Kendell Kittell of St Pius Boys RC School, Arouca
Ex-UNC member takes up diplomatic post

Persad was a former chairman of the Couva/Tabaquite/ Talparo Regional Corporation under the Peoples Partnership government, but during last years general elections in September, he broke ranks with the United National Congress and spoke on the Peoples National Movement platform in the campaign in the Couva South and North constituencies.

In a media release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Dennis Moses, who is also minister for CARICOM Affairs, presented Persad with his instrument of appointment on behalf of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.

During the presentation, Moses congratulated Persad on his appointment and thanked him for his willingness to serve the country. Moses said Government looks forward to deepening bilateral and multilateral partnerships with the countries of India, Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia.

His urged Persad to be guided by the policy framework which underscores that the ministrys diplomatic network of overseas missions, must be the frontline of projecting the interest of Trinidad and Tobago internationally.

Persad, a father of three, has been in private practice for over 25 years as an advocate and was the founder and leader of the Cane Farmers Association of Trinidad. In the coming weeks, he is expected to visit the other accredited countries to present his credentials to the respective heads of State.
Lillyan Williams gets CSI status

Having done an act of kindness for a disabled man, Lillyan was deservedly singled out as an inspiration for the nations youth. Apart from being awarded by the Mayor of San Fernando Kazim Hosein she received a gift from the PM himself Dr Keith Rowley.

An employee of JTA Supermarket, Cross Crossing San Fernando, Lillyan is now reaping the benefit of her kindness as she went from a shelf-loader to bag packer and now she is promoted to Customer Service Initiator (CSI).

Lillyan was given this post by Sonja Rudder, Marketing Manager JT Allum and Company Limited. We are please to announce that Lillyan will be promoted to our highly specialised Customer Service Initiator team, she said. This team is responsible for many of the customer service initiatives that are ongoing within the Company.

Its members can be easily identified with their bright red vests.

Rudder noted that coincidentally, JTA is about to embark on a significant customer service initiative.

This being, the launch of its own rewards card that will be called the JTA Thank You card. We are excited for Lillyan to be part of this energetic team that will champion this new initiative for our loyal customers, she said, noting that the JTA worker,is most deserving of the tremendous public recognition for her act of kindness while assisting one of our differently abled customers this past Monday.

We are so very proud of her and will continue to support her as she furthers her education with part-time classes, Rudder said.
China's manned spacecraft Shenzhou 11 blasts off

China,International, Sun, 16 Oct 2016 IANS

Beijing, Oct 17 (IANS) China on Monday launched manned spacecraft Shenzhou-11 into orbit in a project designed to develop its ability to explore space.

The spacecraft, launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, has two male astronauts on board -- Jing Haipeng, 49, who has already been in space twice, and 37-year-old Chen Dong.

Their spacecraft, Shenzhou-11, took off from at 7.30 local time on Monday, lifted by a Long March-2F rocket.

They will dock with the experimental Tiangong 2 space lab and spend 30 days there, the longest stay in space by Chinese astronauts, BBC reported.

This and previous launches are seen as pointers to possible crewed missions to the Moon or Mars.

China plans to expand the experimental Tiangong 2 space lab over the next few years by sending up additional modules. It is expected to be fully operational by 2022.

China became the third country -- after Russia and the US -- to carry out its own crewed space missions.

--IANS

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Why do Indian-Americans support Clinton over Trump?

United States,Politics,Diaspora, Sun, 16 Oct 2016 IANS

Washington, Oct 17 (IANS) The Indian-Americans largely support Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton because of the unique relationship she has built with the community and India, according to one of her major backers.

"Historically, Indian-Americans, like other Asian Americans and a lot of other immigrant groups, have been big supporters of the Democratic Party," Frank Islam, an India-born entrepreneur and philanthropist told IANS.

"It has been more inclusive and more welcoming toward all immigrants," he said, adding "I doubt any other American politician has been able to build the kind of relationship with the Indian American community - and India as Clinton."

"Additionally she has been a champion of the middle class for decades," Islam said.

"As President, she wants to provide better health care and better jobs for all Americans."

"Hillary has been a staunch ally of India and she recognised that Indian-Americans have enabled the US to be a stronger and healthier nation," he added.

Roughly 70 per cent Indian-Americans plan to vote for Hillary Clinton compared with 7 per cent for her Republican rival Donald Trump, according to most recent polls cited by the Washington Post.

"I am a big fan of Hindu and a big fan of India," Trump told a rally organised by the Republican Hindu Coalition in Edison, New Jersey over the weekend.

He also praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "great man", saying the two nations would be "best friends" and "there won't be any relationship more important to us".

"Indian-Americans, as a community, have shunned Donald Trump, and rightfully so," asserted Islam.

But he conceded that "Trump has touched the nerve of angry and uneducated white working class voters."

"His message on job losses is resonating with these people," he said, adding "Clinton is making every effort to reach out to this demography."

"With her strong economic message, I am confident she will succeed converting a significant section of this group to her side."

Islam was also confident that Clinton will offer "true friendship" to India and "take the US-India relations to the next level".

Noting that "since 1992, the US-India relations have gotten better and better under every president, whether a Democrat or Republican," he said. "I have no doubt that the ties will continue to be nurtured under a Clinton administration."

"There will be focus on trade and economic partnership, on cooperation in the area of defence and counter-terrorism, and on climate change and other global issues," Islam said noting there is bipartisan support for India in the US.

Islam, who is on Hillary Clinton's national finance committee, found it hard to say how much money the community has raised for the Clinton campaign, but he himself is on pace to raise close to $1 million for it.

Republican Hindu Coalition's founder, Shalabh Kumar, is one of rival Trump's biggest fundraisers, according to the Washington Post.

Together with his immediate family, Kumar has given almost $2 million to super political action committees that support Trump, it said.

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)

--IANS

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Hyderabad emerges as hub of campaign against Uniform Civil Code

Andhra Pradesh,National,Politics,Religion, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Hyderabad, Oct 17 (IANS) This historic city with a rich Muslim past has been at the forefront of most national campaigns on issues related to the community. And with the movement against a discussion on the Uniform Civil Code by the Law Commission gathering strength, it once again finds itself in the lead.

Many muslim organisations here feel the Law Commission's move is the thin edge of the wedge in the attempt to impose a uniform personal law on the community. A call given by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) for a country-wide signature campaign against the Uniform Civil Code is receiving good response, with groups belonging to various sects working together.

On the other hand, there are many Muslim women's organisations in the country that are taking a stand against the triple talak issue which is before the Supreme Court.

Various organisations are collecting signatures of both men and women to oppose any move "to interfere with Muslim personal law". The campaign has been taken up at various mosques in the city with men and women signing a proforma prescribed by AIMPLB, said to be apex body representing muslims in the country.

The proforma for women in part reads: "We the undersigned Muslim women do hereby declare that we are fully satisfied with all the rulings of Islamic Shariah, particularly Nikah, inheritance, divorce, khula and Faskh (dissolution of marriage). We deny that these need any reform or there is any scope for change therein." The proforma also says the signee "firmly stands" with the AIMPLB to "safeguard Sharia law".

Imams at mosques, in their sermons, are speaking about what they see as a first step toward imposing the Uniform Civil Code by the government at the Centre. They are exhorting Muslims to unite to defeat the proposal.

The Law Commission had recently sent a questionnaire to all stakeholders, seeking their opinion on the desirability of a Uniform Civil Code.

On October 19, the Muslim United Forum is organising a protest meeting at Darussalam, the headquarters of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) to show unity on the issue. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and leaders of other constituents of the forum representing various sects will address the meeting.

Owaisi has said he would respond to the Law Commission's questionnaire, although he says a uniform code for personal matters would not be good. The board has strongly opposed the move to discuss the code, saying it would not respond to the questionnaire.

The Uniform Civil Code has been a hot potato for all the political parties, although the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has compaigned on its desirability several times. The Constitution of India has also urged its enactment in the directive principles, which are not justiciable.

The protest against the code has been going on even before the Law Commission's move, though in a muted fashion. Tehreek-e-Muslim Shabban is one of the organisations that has been running a campaign for more than one-and-a-half months.

Shabban president Mushtaq Malik told IANS that they were carrying along leaders of Muslim organisations belonging to all schools of Islamic thought. It held different rounds of consultation to "evolve a comprehensive plan for a united struggle".

The organisation is scheduled to hold a meeting with all Muslim MPs and state legislators this month. It also proposes to convene a meeting with non-Muslim leaders and intellectuals to seek their support.

Malik also plans to hold a national conference on a common civil code next month by inviting non-BJP and non-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) parties and organisations. The "Tahafuz-e-Shariyata (protect the Shariah) Conference" will be held on November 13.

"We will invite leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mayawati and Lalu Prasad Yadav. The idea is to bring pressure on the government to drop its plans of imposing a Uniform Civil Code," he said.

Shabban is also holding public meetings in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Malik believes the BJP government is trying to polarise society by pushing forward its agenda of the uniform code with an eye on the coming elections in Uttar Pradesh.

"Their whole gameplan is to prepare the ground for raking up the issues of the uniform code and Babri Masjid before the 2019 elections," he claimed.

(Mohammad Shafeeq can be contacted at m.shafeeq@ians.in)

--IANS

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Sunny Leone says she's turning vegan

Maharashtra,Cinema/Showbiz,Bollywood,Health/Medicine, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Mumbai, Oct 17 (IANS) Actress Sunny Leone, a vegetarian, says her doctor has told her to stay away from alcohol, dairy products and spicy food.

"(I am) not well and my blood needs to be purified from infection and there is too much heat in my body," Sunny, 35, posted on Twitter. "So I'm drinking special bad tasting tea."

"Sad morning! My traditional Chinese medicine doctor has told me - no caffeine, no alcohol, no dairy, no meat (I'm veg so that's fine) and no spicy food.

"I believe in traditional Chinese medicine and I guess its God's way of telling me I'm turning into a vegan, no alcohol... Caffeine... No toxins," she added.

Sunny was last seen in the film "Beiimaan Love", directed by Rajeev Chaudhari. The film also featured Rajniesh Duggall.

--IANS

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Azealia Banks claims Russell Crowe assaulted her in hotel room

United States,Cinema/Showbiz,Hollywood, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Los Angeles, Oct 17 (IANS) Rapper Azealia Banks has accused actor Russell Crowe of physically abusing her, and also claimed that he had allegedly passed a racist remark.

"To recap my night, I went to a party at Russell Crowe's suite, at which he called me a n****r, choked me, threw me out and spat at me," Banks wrote on Facebook on Sunday, reports dailymail.co.uk.

"Last night was one of the hardest nights of sleep I've had in a long time. The men in the room allowed it to happen. I feel terrible today," she added.

However, she deleted the post soon afterwards as other claims emerged telling a very different story.

According to a source, eyewitnesses at the party claimed Banks was the aggressor and Crowe was forced to carry the rapper out of his room during a private party due to her becoming violent.

The eyewitnesses claim Banks made a bizarre statement directed toward Crowe about slashing his throat and that of another guest with her wine glass. Banks then allegedly, according to sources, cocked her glass back and Crowe intervened.

The incident is said to have occurred on Saturday night at Crowe's hotel room at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

--IANS

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Wi-Fi used most at Patna station, mostly for porn

India,Technology,Human Interest/Society, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

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Patna, Oct 17 (IANS) The Patna railway station tops the chart in terms of internet search using free Wi-Fi service, but mostly to view porn, an official said on Monday.

More than any other railway station in the country, where free Wi-Fi service was launched, Patna goes for most internet search, particularly for porn, said an official of RailTel, a public sector undertaking.

Jaipur station comes second to use internet search, followed by Bengaluru and New Delhi.

Patna station is the first station in Bihar to have free Wi-Fi facility. More than 200 trains pass through it daily.

According to RailTel officials, people in Patna station use free Wi-Fi to search Youtube followed by Wikipedia. "More than anything, porn sites have been watched and downloaded at the station."

Some people use free Wi-Fi to download apps and Bollywood and Hollywood films.

At present, RailTel is providing 1 gigabyte Wi-Fi at the Patna station but plans are to increase to 10 gigabytes due to slow speed of internet in view of more use.

Free Wi-Fi service was launched last month at Patna.

To date free Wi-Fi facility has been launched at 23 railway stations in the country.

The government has said the facility will be introduced at all major railway stations over the next three years.

The service has been provided under 'Railwire', the retail broadband distribution model of RailTel.

--IANS

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9 Maoist guerrillas surrender in Jharkhand

Bihar,National,Terrorism, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Ranchi, Oct 17 (IANS) Nine Maoist guerrillas, two of them armed, surrendered to the Jharkhand police chief here on Monday.

The nine belonged to the outlawed People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI). They surrendered before Director General of Police D.K. Pandey at the police headquarters.

The nine included Lal Bihari Singh, an area commander of PLFI.

Those who surrendered would be given cash and other facilities as per the surrender and rehabilitation policy of the Jharkhand government.

More than 100 Maoists have surrendered in Jharkhand in recent years. The Maoists are active in 18 of the 24 districts of the state.

--IANS

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Samsung opens Note 7 replacement counter at Seoul airport

South Korea,Defence/Security,Technology,Business/Economy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Seoul, Oct 17 (IANS) South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics said on Monday that it will now offer replacement phones to Galaxy Note 7 users flying out of South Korea, after the US and other countries banned the device from flights.

Samsung took the step after it became apparent that transport authorities in the US, Canada, Israel and Japan have imposed a ban on carrying the Galaxy Note 7 device on flights, even if switched off or in airplane mode, following several reports of the gadget catching on fire.

"We set up a counter at Incheon (International) Airport where Note 7 users can replace their phone with another phone of a different model," a Samsung spokesman told EFE news.

Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics, which initially attributed the combustion instances to defective batteries, has initiated a large scale investigation into the matter after several replacement phones offered to customers following a September recall had the same problem.

The spokesman said engineers are "thoroughly reviewing every step of the engineering, manufacturing and quality control processes" to uncover the reasons behind the problem.

"We are looking into every possibility, and working around the clock to get the bottom of this issue," said the representative of the Seoul-based firm.

Meanwhile, South Korean authorities have began a parallel probe in collaboration with Samsung.

In September, the company had recalled around 2.5 million units and was forced to permanently withdraw the device from the market when the problem persisted.

Samsung expects to incur operative losses of around $5.4 billion between July 2016 and March 2017 over the fiasco.

--IANS

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Nissan Motor shipped 11,999 cars out of India in September

Tamil Nadu,Business/Economy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Chennai, Oct 17 (IANS) Japanese car maker Nissan Motor last month shipped out 11,999 cars made at its Indian plant near here, the company's Indian subsidiary said on Monday.

In a statement, Nissan Motor India said that in September it shipped out 11,999 Nissan and Datsun-branded cars which was 20 per cent higher than what it has exported in September last year.

"Our strategy to use our plant in India as an export hub underlines our significant presence here and also demonstrates our long-term plans for growth," Guillaume Sicard, President, Nissan India Operations, was quoted as saying in the statement.

Nissan earlier this year also announced the start of exports of the Datsun redi-GO to South Africa, Sri Lanka and Nepal, in addition to the Datsun GO and GO+.

--IANS

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Pakistan isolated due to its policies, India has no role: MEA

Goa,National,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics,Terrorism,Diplomacy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 17 (IANS) Pakistan has been isolated because of its own policies and India did not have to play any role in it, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said on Monday.

He said the Saarc countries acted on their own in deciding not to participate in the summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad this year, citing lack of requisite conditions for a constructive dialogue.

"We do not speak about such issues. If someone is isolated, it is because of the policies followed by that country. India did not have to do anything, because the countries in one voice said there cannot be constructive dialogue in the terror-tainted atmosphere in the context of Saarc," Swarup said.

"... the first letter (on non-participation in Saarc summit) came from Afghanistan, followed by Nepal, then by India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Nepal also said it on its own. So when all Saarc countries express the same opinion in one voice -- that the Saarc summit cannot happen in Islamabad in this atmosphere -- you can draw your own conclusions," the MEA spokesman said.

He was responding to a query if India had been successful in isolating Pakistan following the September 18 terror attack on Uri army camp in Jammu and Kashmir.

The 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Summit, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November, was postponed after India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka pulled out, citing terrorism concerns in the region.

--IANS

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China defends Pakistan against Modi's terrorism barb

China,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics,Terrorism,Diplomacy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Beijing, Oct 17 (IANS) A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi dubbed Pakistan the "mothership of terrorism, China on Monday said its "all-weather" friend Islamabad had made great sacrifices to combat terrorism.

Defending Pakistan against Modi's barb, Beijing said it was opposed to linking terrorism with any specific religion or community.

"We oppose linking terrorism with any specific ethnicity or religion. This is our long-standing position. China and Pakistan are all-weather friends," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media.

"Everyone knows that India and Pakistan are victims of terrorism. Pakistan has made huge efforts and great sacrifices in fighting terrorism. I think the international community should respect this," she added.

Asked about India's accusation that Pakistan supplies arms to terrorist outfits, Hua said: "I understand your concern."

She said China maintained a consistent position on terrorism and believed that India and Pakistan should resolve their disputes amicably.

On Sunday, at the gathering of BRICS Summit, Modi called Pakistan the "mothership of terrorism".

"In our own region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development. Tragically, the mothership of terrorism is a country in India's neighbourhood," Modi had said.

China has defended Pakistan in the past as well.

Beijing's opposition to India's effort to declare Pakistan-based militant Masood Azhar as a terrorist has caused concerns in New Delhi.

--IANS

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Don't impose Uniform Civil Code: Nitish

Bihar,National,Politics,Religion, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Patna, Oct 17 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said the central government should not impose a Uniform Civil Code in the country.

"Uniform Civil Code should not be imposed," Nitish Kumar said in his address to the JD-U National Council meeting at Rajgir in Nalanda district.

Referring to the Triple Talaq issue, Nitish Kumar attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for targeting Muslims.

"Who are you to impose a Uniform Civil Code by citing the Triple Talaq issue?" he asked.

The Chief Minister suggested that the government should have left it to Muslims to resolve the issue.

"Lets leave it to Muslims... It is for them to decide about their personal matter," he said.

--IANS

ik/pgh/mr
Avaya launches new platform for business communication

Delhi,National,Technology,Business/Economy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) US-based technology company Avaya on Monday launched a new platform for business communications that delivers streamlined, mobile-first communications within the application.

With "Avaya Equinox", employees can quickly see scheduled meetings, messaging updates and communications history at one place and take quick action with a single touch.

"Avaya Equinox has conquered that challenge for the end users, IT departments and businesses worldwide, delivered by a company with the vision, focus and expertise to define the future of unified Communication," said Gary E Barnett, Senior Vice President, Avaya Engagement Solutions, in a statement.

Avaya Equinox is supported on desktop or mobile devices and available on all-glass "Avaya Vantage" device.

--IANS

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Four leaders of Bangladesh terror outfit have fled to India: Police

Bangladesh,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Terrorism, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Dhaka, Oct 17 (IANS) At least four mid-level leaders of the banned New Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh militant faction, the group behind the July 1 Dhaka terror attack, have sneaked into India, Bangladesh police said.

The police, after raiding different places to arrest leaders and supporters of New JMB group, said that at least four out of 12 mid-level JMB leaders have sneaked into India while others remain out of their radar. The Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh follows the ideology of Islamic State.

"Four of them left the country after the Gulshan attack and have now been staying in India," a high official of the police's Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, requesting anonymity, confirmed to the Dhaka Tribune.

Police also said the New JMB leaders have been recruiting fresh members amid a police crackdown that began after the July 1 Gulshan cafe attack.

Law enforcers have killed over three dozens of New JMB members including its military and operations chief Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury, mastermind of the Dhaka cafe attack, and his close associates since the Holey Artisan Bakery attack that claimed the lives of at least 24 persons, mostly foreigners.

Identities of the 12 mid-level leaders, including a woman, were found after interrogating several arrested members of the group and examining the laptop of Tamim Chowdhury recovered from his den in Narayanganj, police said.

The four who have fled to India are identified as Sohel Mahfuz alias Hatkata Mahfuz, Ripon, Khalid and so-called "big brother" Junayed Hasan Khan.

The others who are believed to be in Bangladesh include Iqbal, Manik, Mamun, Azadul Kabiraz, Badal and female wing leader Jebunnahar Shila.

Apart from these 12 leaders, the investigators are looking for three top-tier leaders - Gulshan attack coordinator Nurul Islam Marjan, IT wing in-charge Basharuzzaman alias Abul Bashar alias Chocolate and trainer Jahangir alias Rajib Gandhi.

However, the investigators have not been able to trace the chief of the New JMB, who is identified as Abu Ibrahim al-Hanif by the IS.

The matter of fresh recruitment came to light after the latest raid on a New JMB den at Patartek of Gazipur last week. Some of the seven militants killed during the raid were recruited after the Gulshan attack, police added.

Monirul Islam, chief of the CTTC unit, said that they had already taken different initiatives to stop New JMB's recruitment, "but it cannot be done by the police alone. The relatives also need to be aware of the changing behaviour of their near ones," the Dhaka Tribune quoted him as saying.

Another high official of the CTTC unit said that they had not been able to arrest the top leaders of New JMB since they do not use any technological devices. "So we have to work manually - interrogating arrestees and observing a certain area for a long."

Sanowar Hossain, additional deputy commissioner of the CTTC unit, suspects that after the death of Tamim in Narayanganj and Faridul Islam alias Akash in Patartek raids, the New JMB's operations wing leadership would now go to Marjan, a former student of Chittagong University linked to Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh.

--IANS

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Dhaka crackdown on terror a model template: Modi

Goa,National,Politics,Religion,Terrorism,Diplomacy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 17 (IANS) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's comprehensive crackdown on terrorism is a template for other countries on how to tackle terror, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

He made the comments during bilateral talks with his Bangladesh counterpart late on Sunday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said on Monday.

Swarup told reporters here that Modi also spoke in favour of meeting leaders in the South Asian region more regularly and with minimal protocol.

"He (Modi) commended Shaikh Hasina for the very strong action that she was taking to counter terrorism in Bangladesh.

"In fact, he said that 'your battle against terrorism was yielding very positive results. You have shown us all a new template on how to fight terrorism so successfully'," Swarup said.

Modi and Hasina met at the beach village of Benaulim in south Goa.

Swarup said Hasina made a detailed presentation on the various steps her government had taken in the wake of the Holey Artisan (Bakery cafe) terror attack in Dhaka in July 2016.

Hasina told Modi how her administration contacted all the districts of Bangladesh to get everybody on the same page to unite against terror and took on board all the imams to raise their voice against terror.

"She said that now public awareness is very high in Bangladesh against terrorism. (Modi) totally agreed and said terrorism can only be contained with strong public support," Swarup said.

"(Modi) said he wants (leaders of) countries of our region should be able to visit each other at very short notice without protocol considerations coming in the way.

"That is a message the Prime Minister has also been raising in the Saarc context, just as leaders in Europe and leaders in East Asia for instance are able to meet regularly at a fairly short notice," Swarup said.

Modi said the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation countries was significant as they represent the blue economy zone.

"In times to come, this would become a very important aspect of economic partnership and co-operation and hence the BRICS-BIMSTEC meeting was already yielding very substantive outcomes."

--IANS

maya/lok/mr
China criticises Slovak President's meeting with Dalai Lama

China,Politics,Diplomacy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Beijing, Oct 17 (IANS) China on Monday criticised Slovak President Andrej Kiska's meeting with the Dalai Lama, demanding that Slovakia take measures to eliminate the negative impact of the meeting.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the comment after President Kiska insisted on meeting the Dalai Lama over lunch in Bratislava on Sunday in spite of China's strong opposition, Xinhua news agency reported.

"It goes against Slovakia's commitment to adherence to the One-China policy. China firmly opposes this and will make due responses," Hua said.

Hua said the Dalai Lama has long engaged in anti-China separatist activities to split Tibet from the country.

She said China firmly opposes the Dalai Lama in conducting separatist activities in any country in any name and opposes foreign officials' contact with him in any form.

"The Slovak president's wilful moves and insistence on the wrong stance have damaged China's core interests and the political foundation of bilateral relations," the spokesperson said.

Hua urged Slovakia to have a clear understanding of the Dalai Lama clique's anti-China nature, respect Beijing's core interests and major concerns and strictly abide by the One-China policy.

"China urges Slovakia to take effective measures to eliminate the negative impact of this wrong move so that bilateral ties can get back on track," she added.

--IANS

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Aasu protests move to amend Citizenship Act

Assam,National,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Guwahati, Oct 17 (IANS) The All Assam Students Union (AASU) on Monday opposed the Centre's reported move to amend the Citizenship Act and warned of an agitation over the issue.

The students body said it would organise candlelight processions in all district and subdivisional headquarters of Assam on Tuesday.

It would also hold a public meeting in Guwahati on October 22 to chalk out its future course of action.

AASU leader Samujjal Bhattacharyya vowed to intensify the agitation to foil the central government's move to rehabilitate the Hindu Bangladeshis who entered Assam after 1971.

"We want to make it clear to the Assam government and the Centre that the issues of illegal infiltration and foreigners illegally living in Assam must be resolved on the basis of the Assam Accord."

The Assam Accord was signed in 1985 between the central government and leaders of AASU and All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad.

"As per the accord, all Hindus or Muslims who entered Assam after 1971 must go back," Bhattacharyya said.

"Assam is already burdened with Bangladeshis who entered the state before 1971. The Assam Accord was signed after a six-year-long agitation. The Centre must respect the accord, which is a national commitment," he said.

He said that not a single Bangladeshi who entered the state after 1971 would be allowed to stay in Assam.

He said along with 28 other civil society organisations of Assam, a mass movement would be started soon to create public opinion against the move to amend the Citizenship Act.

"A small state like Assam has already taken the burden of Bangladeshis who entered it before 1971. Not any more. Assam is not a dustbin to dump illegal Bangladeshis for vote bank politics," the AASU leader said.

--IANS

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Hopes and expectations from a new UN Secretary General (Comment: Special to IANS)

Delhi,National,Opinion/Commentary,Diplomacy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

In the end, it was a unanimous election by acclamation of the new United Nations Secretary General (UNSG), Antonio Guterres. The winds of a new Cold War in the corridors of the UN did not deter the Americans and the Russians from agreeing to elect a politician, diplomat and administrator of proven competence.

Guterres has a formidable reputation of clean governance and strict administration, having cleaned up the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as its head and having effectively led it during the greatest migration crisis facing Europe after World War II.

Earlier, as President of Portugal and as President of the European Council, he played an important role in finalising the Lisbon Treaty which ushered in a new and stronger European Union. His strong socialist credentials helped in swinging a positive vote from Vladimir Putin, during Russian presidency of the UN Security Council under Ambassador Vitaly Churkin.

How did it happen? There are few processes which are more opaque than the selection of the UNSG. The only guiding language is Article 97 of its Charter which states: "The Secretary General shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council."

As a result, the selection is subject to the veto of any of the five permanent members of the Security Council. Given the worsening relations between the Russians and Americans, there had been talk of the use of a Russian veto in case a European candidate would emerge in the lead. There had been speculation early in the campaign for the need to elect a female Secretary General. Because of the informal regional rotation scheme, many commentators had speculated that the next UNSG should be from the Eastern European Group, as that region has never produced a Secretary General.

There were several factors that worked in favour of Guterres. The initiative by the earlier President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Mogens Lykketoft, to usher in a more inclusive and democratic selection process through the holding of a series of informal dialogues and meetings with all potential candidates from April 12 to 14, 2016 worked dramatically in favour of Guterres.

In contrast, the leading woman candidates and notably Director General, UNESCO, Irina Bokova of Bulgaria, did not fare well in the two-hour meeting slot to present her candidature. Nor was she favoured by her own government, which put up another woman candidate against her, or by the EU whose two Permanent Members, UK and France, reportedly repeatedly used the "discourage" votes in the straw polls.

Guterres' strong performance answering questions before the General Assembly had already helped to propel him to first place among the 13 candidates vying for the job in the informal straw polls in the Security Council.

As a result, when the last Security Council straw poll was held on October 5, 67-year-old Guterres emerged as the presumptive nominee, with 13 'encourage' votes, 2 abstentions and no 'discourage' vote in this sixth round. The Russians had blinked!

Subsequently, the 15 member Security Council voted for Guterres by acclamation and forwarded his name to the General Assembly on October 6. The 193 member states of the UNGA formally elected him by acclamation on October 13. Guterres will take over as the ninth UN Secretary General from Ban Ki-moon on January 1, 2017, soon after the polarising election of the US President.

Speaking shortly after his selection, Guterres expressed "gratitude and humility" at his election. He vowed to "serve" those most vulnerable, including victims of conflict, terrorism, violation of rights and poverty and pledged to make the pursuit of peace in a conflict-torn world his "over-arching priority". He noted that the United Nations has "the moral duty and the universal right" to ensure peace and he would be promoting a new "diplomacy for peace" advocating dialogue to settle disputes.

Asked pointedly by the BBC regarding a role for the UNSG in settling the Syria conflict, he said he will do his best before taking over the reins to prepare "to act as a convener, an honest broker, someone trying to bring people together" in conflicts and crises from Syria to Yemen to South Sudan. Guterres acknowledged that he is not only fully aware of the challenges the United Nations faces but the limitations surrounding the Secretary General's role.

According to informal, high-level sources, India which has already welcomed his election, is of the view that the new UNSG will play a positive role on those issues which are of vital importance to India, including UN Security Council reform (where his role admittedly is limited), as well as on terrorism, Pakistan and the Kashmir issue.

Successive Secretaries General, including Ban Ki-moon, have refrained from raising the Kashmir issue in their annual reports to the General Assembly. Guterres, who has an India connection since his wife is from Goa, is expected to continue this practice. He is fully aware of Indian sensibilities and had visited India to seek New Delhi's support for his election early in the campaign.

From India's perspective, in a difficult international scenario and with increased tensions with Pakistan, the expectation is that the new UNSG-designate would focus on crises situations in the Middle East which are directly impacting international peace and security. With his experience in UNHCR, he is also expected to play a positive role in slowing down the steady flow of migrants into Europe. Finally, his election also demonstrates that despite the prevailing tensions between the Russians and Americans, they are still able to agree -- if the situation warrants. This is a positive sign which the new Secretary General should use to his advantage in the interests of a multipolar and secure world.

(Bhaswati Mukherjee is a former Indian ambassador who has worked with UN organisations. This comment is in special arrangement with South Asia Monitor/www.southasiamonitor.org)

--IANS

bhaswati/vm
Head of Sri Lanka's anti-graft commission quits

Sri Lanka,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Politics, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Colombo, Oct 17 (IANS) The Director General of Sri Lanka's anti-graft commission, Dilrukshi Dias Wickramasinghe, resigned from her post on Monday.

The move comes days after Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena lashed out at the commission, Xinhua news agency reported.

Wickramasinghe was appointed as head of the commission to investigate allegations of bribery or corruption by the new government headed by Sirisena.

She told the media on Monday that she had tendered her resignation to Sirisena but did not elaborate on the reasons.

Sirisena, in a speech delivered here on October 12, slammed the anti-graft commission and two police divisions for taking three former navy commanders and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse to court earlier this month over an investigation.

"I am expressing my disgust at this turn of events. Three navy commanders who served during the war and the former Defence Secretary were hauled into court," the President said.

The goal of establishing independent commissions was to restore freedom and democracy, and protect democracy and to build a corruption-free country, he said.

"These commissions cannot carry out political agendas. They must understand their remit," the President added.

"As Defence Minister and President, I am disgusted."

Sirisena's comments were widely criticised by the civil society and minor political parties who urged the President to refrain from making statements that would weaken criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Rumours of a split in the unity government headed by Sirisena and Prime Minster Ranil Wickremesinghe also surfaced following the controversial speech, which was brushed off by a government spokesman.

--IANS

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Mercedes-Benz expect flat sales during 2016

Andhra Pradesh,Business/Economy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Hyderabad, Oct 17 (IANS) Luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz on Monday said it is expecting flat sales in India during the current calendar year due to uncertainties surrounding the pricing post-implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the impact of the ban on diesel cars in Delhi.

Though the ban on diesel cars in the national capital was lifted in August, the company has not been able to recapture the lost volumes, said Roland Folger, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes Benz India, at the inauguration of company's second dealership in the Telangana state capital.

He told reporters here that the situation could have been worse with a degrowth but they were hoping to end the year with flat sales.

The German automaker sold 13,502 vehicles in 2015 and it is expecting the same volumes during 2016. It has sold 9,927 cars in the first three quarters.

He said that though the sales volume grew by 12 per cent in the July-September quarter over the April-June quarter, year-on-year growth was expected to be flat.

He said there were uncertainties about whether prices of luxury cars will increase or come down post-GST. Similarly, the company is also waiting for the government to come out with the norms relating to diesel cars.

"This is bringing certain uncertainty to our overall planning but we are trying to deal with it the best way possibly we can," Folger said.

Mercedes-Benz has invested Rs 1,000 crore in its Chakan plant over last 10 years to have installed capacity of 20,000 vehicles per year. The current capacity is sufficient to address the demand for next one to three years.

"We are future ready in the sense that with a small step by investing in people and going for two-shift model, we can double the capacity," he said.

Folger said they believe in continued growth in Indian market as they see additional volume potential in the luxury segment.

The segment witnessed 28 per cent growth last year with total sale of 38,000 vehicles.

Referring to the ban on diesel cars in Delhi, he said that after the matter was settled with payment of one per cent environmental charge, there was expectation that the market will swing back fully and "we will recapture all lost volume sales but that has not happened".

He said there had been no dramatic shift towards petrol cars. "Customers are not rushing away from diesel but the issue is that lot of customers are waiting to see what the government decides."

Stating that they voluntarily came forward to pay one per cent environmental protection charge from their pocket, he said it was wrong to see them as polluters.

"We are fulfilling all standards. If standards are wrong, somebody needs to address them," he said.

Folger said Mercedes-Benz was committed to launching its first vehicle with Bharat stage VI in 2018 if the required fuel was available in the market. The company is also ready to switch the whole fleet to Bharat Stage VI by the end of 2018.

This will address the whole issue as emission levels for both petrol and diesel versions would be same, he added.

The company has already launched eight products this year and will be rolling out four more by the end of the year.

Silver Star, the dealership opened in Hyderabad, is the seventh outlet of the carmaker in the country this year and three more will be added by December.

On the inaugural day, Silver Star delivered 30 Mercedes-Benz cars in Hyderabad. "This is something unheard of and goes on to show the demand in the city which contributes five per cent to our national sales," he said.

Amith Reddy, Managing Director, Silver Star, said they invested Rs 37 crore on the showroom and workshop, spread over 20,000 sq ft and 50,000 sq ft, respectively.

This is Mercedes-Benz's 87th outlet spread across 40 cities, making it the densest network in the country for any luxury car brand.

--IANS

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EC announces bypolls to parliamentary, assembly seats

Delhi,National,Politics,Immigration/Law/Rights, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) The Election Commission (EC) on Monday announced the schedule for by-elections to various parliamentary and assembly seats across seven states. Balloting will be held on November 19 for all the seats, the commission said.

The by-elections arew to be held for four parliamentary seats -- Lakhimpur (Assam), Shahdol (Madhya Pradesh), Coochbehar (West Bengal) and Tamluk (West Bengal).

The assembly seats going for by-polls are Baithalangso (Scheduled Tribes) in Assam, Hayuliang (ST) in Arunachal Pradesh, Nepanagar (ST) in Madhya Pradesh, Monteswar in West Bengal, Thiruparankundram in Tamil Nadu, Barjala and Khowai in Tripura and Nellithope in Puducherry.

The last date for filing nominations for all bypolls is November 2 and the scrutiny will be done in November 3. The last date for withdrawing nominations is November 5.

The voting will be held on November 19 through electronic voting machines (EVMS) and the votes would be counted on November 22, the EC said.

Besides, elections to the assembly constituencies of Aravakurichi and Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, which were earlier rescinded by the poll panel, will also be held according to the same schedule, the EC said.

"The Model Code of Conduct shall come into force with immediate effect in the districts in which the whole or any part of the parliamentary or assembly constituency for bye-elections is included," Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said.

"The Model Code of Conduct shall be applicable to all candidates, political parties and the state governments concerned. It shall also be applicable to the Union government for the states concerned," Sinha added.

--IANS

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CID to probe death of Jadavpur University alumnus

West Bengal,National,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Kolkata, Oct 17 (IANS) The mysterious death of a Jadavpur University alumnus will be probed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the West Bengal police, an official said on Monday.

"The government is keeping a close watch on Mita Mondal's death. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered a CID probe," Chief Secretary Basudeb Banerjee told the media.

Mita's batch mates from Jadavpur University have started an online campaign following her death.

Mita, wife of Rana Mondal of Kushberia near Kolkata, allegedly committed suicide on Monday after a spat with her husband. But her family claimed she was killed by her husband and in-laws.

"It was a clear case of murder, not suicide. Her head was bruised and nose was bleeding. There were several wounds all over her body. Moreover, the room she used to live in does not have the set up which she could have used to hang herself," Mita's bother said.

"Her husband Rana said us that Mita attempted suicide and a suicide note was found. But police did not find any such note," he added.

Mita's family alleged her husband was an alcoholic and often beat her up.

"Mita confessed to her father that her husband had asked for one lakh rupees. She asked for money from her mother during her last visit," said a relative.

Police have arrested husband Rana and his father Bijendra Mondal but his mother and brother are absconding.

--IANS

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SP, BSP have bred poverty, illiteracy, graft: Smriti Irani

Uttar Pradesh,National,Politics, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Lucknow, Oct 17 (IANS) Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani on Monday accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) of "breeding poverty, illiteracy and graft" in Uttar Pradesh.

At a rally in Basti, the Minister said that time had come for these parties to be thrown out and for the BJP to be voted in.

"In the forthcoming state assembly elections, the people of Uttar Pradesh will seek answers from these parties and express their solidarity with the BJP," Irani said.

Attacking Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi for what she called was "fake love for Dalits", the Union Minister said the Gandhi scion knew very well that his party was responsible for the poor state of Dalits and other deprived castes in the country, adding that his love for the downtrodden was "nothing but a sham".

She also announced the setting up of a coordination centre and a design workshop for artisans in Basti and said tools for handicrafts would be provided free of cost to BPL families.

A registration camp would also be organised soon to register artisans in the region, she added.

--IANS

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Bimstec leaders jointly slam glorification of terror

Goa,National,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Terrorism,Diplomacy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 17 (IANS) Bimstec leaders have slammed attempts made to glorify terrorists and described terrorism as the single-most significant threat to peace and stability in the region, in a joint statement issued here on Monday.

A day after the conclusion of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) Leaders' Retreat in the beach village of Benaulim in South Goa, an Outcome Document released jointly by the visiting leaders also called for greater cooperation between Bimstec and BRICS blocs in areas of mutual interest and on regional and global issues.

Bimstec, which comprises Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal, also noted that the grouping has considerable potential for economic and social development through mutually beneficial cooperation in the identified priority areas. The leaders also pledged to work collectively towards making the bloc stronger, more effective and result oriented.

"Recognizing that terrorism continues to remain the single most significant threat to peace and stability in our region, we reiterate our strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stress that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever. We condemn in the strongest terms the recent barbaric terror attacks in the region," the Bimstec Leaders' Retreat 2016 Outcome Document said.

"We strongly believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but should also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against States who encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues.

"There should be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs. We recognize the need for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization," the joint statement also said, while calling for greater cooperation and coordination among law enforcement, intelligence and security organizations for the purpose.

"We wish to express our appreciation for the opportunity of a summit between BRICS and Bimstec leaders to discuss matters of mutual interest and exchange views on important global and regional issues including the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development. We believe this joint summit will lead to greater trust and understanding among countries of the two groupings, and will promote further cooperation for their mutual benefit," the statement said.

While both the BRICS and the Bimstec summits concluded late on Sunday evening, leaders of both blocs also met as part of an outreach summit on the same day.

Following the September 18 Uri terror attack, India, as host of this year's BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit, chose to invite countries belonging to the Bimstec grouping over those of Saarc.

As New Delhi has launched a diplomatic blitz to isolate Islamabad in the international community, the invitation to Bimstec countries instead of the Saarc countries is being seen as another step in this direction.

In the Outreach Document, the leaders also committed to expedite signing of the Bimstec Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters and early ratification of the Bimstec Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking, while also working towards making the region safer from natural disasters and climate change through sustainable development and joint disaster management mechanisms.

The leaders also called for effective tapping of energy sources better connectivity within the region and reiterated their commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security through joint efforts, while also sustainable development of fisheries in the region, which accounts for over 30 per cent of the world's fishermen.

"We renew our commitment to the early conclusion of Bimstec Free Trade Area negotiations, and direct the Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) and Working Groups to expedite the finalization of its constituent agreements... We also agree to offer special and differential treatment for Least Developed Countries for their integration into the regional economy," the Outreach Document also said.

The fourth Bimstec summit will be held in Nepal in 2017.

--IANS

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Pakistan's 'Jago Hua Savera' dropped from Jio MAMI festival

Maharashtra,Cinema/Showbiz,Bollywood, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Mumbai, Oct 17 (IANS) Amid the growing tensions between India and Pakistan, the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star has decided not to screen the Pakistani classic "Jago Hua Savera".

The film was to be screened as part of the Restored Classics Section of the event. The festival organisers cited the "current situation" between the two nations as the reason behind the decision.

"Given the current situation, the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star has decided not to programme 'Jago Hua Savera' as part of the Restored Classics Section," the statement read.

The decision comes after Prithvi Maske, President of Sangharsh Foundation, an NGO in Mumbai, filed a complaint at Amboli police station against Jio MAMI for screening of the 1959 Pakistani film -- directed by A.J. Kardar.

Over 180 films from 54 countries, including features, documentaries, short films are to be showcased at the festival.

After the September 18 terrorist attack at an army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, ties between India and Pakistan have worsened. There are debates whether Pakistani artistes should be banned from working in India amid tensions between the nations.

The film fest will begin from October 20 here.

--IANS

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Akhilesh to be CM face, says Samajwadi Party

Uttar Pradesh,National,Politics, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Lucknow, Oct 17 (IANS) The Samajwadi Party on Monday announced that Akhilesh Yadav will be its Chief Ministerial face in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections again.

Briefing the media, party Vice President Kironmoy Nanda said the announcement had the approval of party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Last week, Mulayam Singh had said that legislators would decide the next Chief Minister after the elections due early next year.

This had triggered speculation that Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had lost the goodwill and support of his father and party chief.

Akhilesh's uncle and Rajya Sabha member Ram Gopal Yadav on Sunday warned Mulayam Singh that history would not forgive him if he did not project Akhilesh Yadav as the Chief Ministerial candidate.

Ram Gopal Yadav also mentioned how the morale of party cadres had hit rock bottom following Malayam Singh's comment and warned that this could seriously affect the Samajwadi Party in the elections.

Soon after getting the letter, Mulayam Singh met Ram Gopal Yadav in New Delhi for some three hours.

Mulayam Singh, his brother Shivpal Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav have been at daggers drawn over power sharing over the past one month.

--IANS

md/in/mr
Samsung to invest Rs 1,970 crore in UP

Uttar Pradesh,Business/Economy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Lucknow, Oct 17 (IANS) An MoU was signed on Monday between the Uttar Pradesh government and mobile major Samsung to expand its manufacturing unit in Noida by investing Rs 1,970 crore, officials said.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Samsung officials.

The Chief Minister said the production of refrigerators, televisions and mobile phones in the state would be a big boon for its people.

Chief Secretary Rahul Bhatnagar said the expansion of the Noida manufacturing plant would allow Samsung to double its production of mobile phones.

--IANS

md/lok/mr
30 attackers killed in assaults on Myanmar border posts

Myanmar,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Defence/Security, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Nay Pyi Taw, Oct 17 (IANS) At least 30 attackers, including two women, have been killed and 12 captured in clashes in western Rakhine state of Myanmar, Deputy Home Minister General Aung Soe said on Monday.

Five soldiers from the government troops were also killed in the clashes after three border posts were attacked by gunmen in Maungtaw since October 9, Xinhua news agency reported citing the Minister.

The three border posts are Kyikanpyi in Maungtaw, Kotankauk in Rathedaung and Ngakhuya Office.

According to the President's Office, Aqa Mul Mujahidin, led by Havistoohar and linked with terrorist group of "Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO)", has been blamed for the assaults.

Initial investigation showed the attacks were pre-plotted and supported financially by foreign terrorist groups.

It was revealed that the attacks, which involved extremists residing in Maungtaw, were aimed at occupying Maungtaw and Buthee Taung with financial aid from Middle East countries through individual links.

--IANS

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RSS ideology inspired us to do surgical strikes: Parrikar

Gujarat,National,Politics,Terrorism,Defence/Security, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Ahmedabad, Oct 17 (IANS) Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar on Monday said the RSS ideology inspired Prime Minister Narendra Modi and him to carry out the September 29 surgical strikes across the Line of Control.

It was not possible that a Prime Minister from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and a Defence Minister from Goa with a common RSS orientation would not take such a strong decision, he said.

The minister was addressing students and teachers of Nirma University here during a 'Know Your Army' programme.

The Minister said the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh teachings were at the back of the mind of the Prime Minister and him while ordering the surgical strikes on the terrorist launch pads.

Parrikar said he and Modi were subjected to severe public criticism after the September 18 terror attack on the Indian Army camp in Uri.

"Both were targeted on the social media after 19 soldiers were killed in Uri and the media campaign continued till September 29 (when the Army conducted surgical strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir)," he said.

"Now some people want evidence of the surgical strikes. These people will never accept the truth even if we provide them with concrete proof.

"One thing is sure -- no one can doubt the integrity and courage of the Indian Army," he added.

Parrikar said the surgical strikes achieved two things -- the country became sensitive to national security; and secondly, the entire nation has rallied behind the Army.

The minister said some ex-servicemen have even offered their services. "Such is the high morale of the men in uniform."

He said attacks on Indian security forces, as happened in Uri, were an ongoing feature for the last four to five years. But this was for the first time that India gave a befitting reply to the enemy, he added.

Asked about the border fencing along the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat, he said because a complete fencing was not possible due to marshy land.

The security forces are keeping a strict vigil on the trans-border movement using high technology, he said.

--IANS

desai/tsb/mr
Mahesh Sharma to visit Ayodhya on Tuesday

Delhi,National,Politics,Religion, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma on Monday said he will visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to inspect the proposed Ramayana Museum.

Sharma also sought to clarify that the construction of Ram Mandir has nothing to do with the forthcoming state elections.

"My visit to Ayodhya has nothing to do with assembly elections. I am visiting there as a Tourism Minister. It should not be linked to politics. It is part of government's effort to improve tourism in Ayodhya and all over the country. The visit is part of the government's developmental agenda," Sharma told news channel News18.

Sharma, who is also expected to visit the disputed temple site, said the museum will be part of the Ramayana circuit, for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the circuit.

"Ram is in the heart of millions of people. As the Tourism Minister, I have to see how Ayodhya can be developed and how Ramayana circuit can be developed from tourism point of view," the minister said.

During his visit, Sharma is likely to hold a meeting with Ramayana Circuit Advisory Board to discuss routes for connecting Ramayana-related sites in Nepal and Sri Lanka with the proposed museum.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Katiyar urged the Union Government to take steps for the construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya site.

"Every Ram Bhakt wants the construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya and untill it is constructed, we are not going to sit peacefully," Katiyar told News18.

"It is up to the government to find a way for it, either through talks or through court or throgh Lok Sabha," the BJP leader said.

--IANS

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Surgical strikes should not be a political issue: Bihar CM

Bihar,National,Politics,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Patna, Oct 17 (IANS) JD-U President and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday targeted thed BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking credit of the army's surgical strikes and making it a political issue in the country.

According to Nitish Kumar, the Janata Dal-United fully supports the central government's action against terrorism and salutes the Indian Army for its success in the September 28-29 strike across the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

He said the entire country is united against terrorism and we all stand by our soldiers. "Terrorism is an international issue and there is no if or but. Everyone in the country supports the army."

"The surgical strikes should not be made an issue of internal politics. We oppose the idea of exploiting this issue for political gains in the country," Nitish Kumar said in his address to the JD-U National Council meeting at Rajgir in Nalanda district.

The Chief Minister said Modi is leader of the country, not only of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Modi should take action against his party leaders who have played politics over the surgical strike.

"The fight against terrorism is the national resolve. The entire nation stands with you as you are the Prime Minister, but what about those BJP leaders who have repeatedly used the strikes to play politics?"

Nitish Kumar told his party leaders and workers that the BJP is mainly about advertisements and its agenda to divide people in the name of religious slogans and construction of Ram temple.

He said the country is passing through an agrarian crisis as once prosperous and powerful agrarian castes, including Jats in Haryana, Pataidars in Gujarat and Marathas in Maharashtra, have been demanding reservation.

He claimed that there are no differences among the ruling grand alliance partners JD-U, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress in Bihar, and he will continue to work for the development of the state.

Nitish Kumar made it clear that he will not compromise on the policy of total prohibition in the state.

--IANS

ik/py/vt
British PM May pins hopes on India to heal Brexit wounds

United Kingdom,Business/Economy,Diplomacy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

London, Oct 17 (IANS) Seeking to create jobs at home and stabilise the economy following the Brexit vote, British Prime Minister Theresa May will be leading a trade mission to India next month in her first major official visit outside Europe.

May will be taking along some of the best of British business to India during her three-day visit beginning November 6, aimed at boosting India-UK bilateral ties.

Her visit is significant because of the ripple effect created by the Brexit referendum vote. As the pound falls, the country is looking for long-term trade deals and business associations to stabilise the economy.

"The UK will be the most passionate, most consistent, and most convincing advocate for free trade," May said in a statement prior to the visit.

"As we leave the European Union we have the chance to forge a new global role for the UK -- to look beyond our continent and towards the economic and diplomatic opportunities in the wider world," she added. "I am determined to capitalise on those opportunities, and as we embark on the trade mission to India we will send the message that the UK will be the most passionate, most consistent, and most convincing advocate for free trade.

The British Prime Minister will hold discussions with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during her visit on developing the strategic partnership between the UK and India, "building on the deep links and cooperation we already share".

"In the past, the focus of trade delegations has been big businesses, but I want to take a new approach that recognises the full range of British business," she added. "So this time we will be focussing on small and medium sized businesses -- and, importantly, the delegation will include representation from every region of the UK. I want to create an economy that truly works for everyone -- and this new approach to international trade missions will help achieve just that.

"The relationships between our two countries are strong, and the Indian diaspora plays a vital role in our national life. In my talks with Prime Minister Modi I want to build on our relationship for the benefit of both our countries, generating jobs and wealth and maintaining cooperation on defence and security."

May will visit two cities in India, starting with the capital New Delhi, where she will inaugurate the India-UK TECH Summit alongside Modi. The TECH Summit, South Asia's largest technology conference, will provide a platform for promoting technology-intensive trade between the two countries.

The visit will mark the British Prime Minister's first trade mission, with a business delegation drawn from regions across the UK due to accompany her to India. It will consist predominantly of small and medium sized businesses, including Geolang, an innovative cyber security company based in Cardiff, Torftech, a creative energy company based in the South-East, and Telensa, a company focussed on smart city solutions based in Cambridge.

May will use the visit to deliver on the ambitious vision for Britain after Brexit she set out in a speech earlier this month, forging a new global role for the UK as a country with the self-confidence and the freedom to look beyond the continent of Europe. And she will use the visit to deliver on her pledge to create an economy that truly works for all, by introducing new and emerging enterprises, as well as more established players, to the key Indian market.

A number of commercial deals are expected to be signed during the visit, creating and securing jobs at home and demonstrating market confidence in the strength of the British economy following the EU referendum vote.

With approximately 1.5 million people of Indian origin in the UK, the Indian diaspora plays a vital role in our national life. India is now our second largest international job creator. Last year, India created 7,105 new jobs in Britain through 140 projects, and in total Indian companies currently employ over 100,000 people in the UK. We have unique ties between our two countries, and there is enormous potential to grow, she said.

Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox will join the visit.

The visit will mark Prime Minister May's second trip to India. In her capacity as Home Secretary, she previously visited New Delhi and Hyderabad in November 2012.

(Anasudhin Azeez is Executive Editor/MD of Asian Lite. He can be reached at md@asianlite.com)

--IANS

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Army creates battle casualty welfare fund

Delhi,National,Defence/Security,Business/Economy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) To better manage and help philanthropic organisations and individuals who wish to give monetary support to battle casualty and their kin, the Indian Army has created a centralised fund to receive donations, said a government statement on Monday.

The new fund 'Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties' will be in addition to the various existing schemes for the welfare of next of kin and children of battle casualties.

The fund will be used for the welfare of families of the martyred soldiers.

Organisations and individuals who desire to donate to the cause may transfer the contribution directly in the account of "Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties", the statement said.

Contribution to this fund is purely voluntary in nature and it will be exclusively used for the welfare of families of battle casualties.

The army's proposal to make contribution to this fund eligible for tax exemption is under consideration with the income tax department.

--IANS

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Modi thanks Brazil for support on NSG bid, combating terror

Goa,National,Terrorism,Diplomacy,Business/Economy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 17 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday thanked Brazilian President Michel Temer for "understanding India's aspiration" for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and for support to India's actions against terrorism.

Modi, who met the Brazilian President on the sidelines of the BRICS summit here, where the two countries inked four MoUs, including on investment cooperation, also thanked Brazil for support for early adoption of the key anti-terror initiative at the UN - Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

"We thank Brazil for understanding India's aspiration for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group," the Prime Minister said.

"We deeply appreciate Brazil's support for India's actions in combating terrorism".

"India and Brazil have agreed that world must come together to fight this menace (terrorism) without distinction or discrimination," he said.

"We will continue to work with Brazil as an important partner in early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention Against International Terrorism (CCIT) at the United Nations," Modi added.

In his media statement, the Prime Minister described Brazil as among India's most important economic partners in Latin America.

"The bilateral relations between India and Brazil have grown for the better. We have increased interaction at all levels," Modi.

"Brazil is among our most important economic partners in Latin America. We have made progress in opening new areas of cooperation during this visit in drug regulation, agricultural research and cyber security," Modi said.

He added: "Though separated by geography, Brazil and India are natural partners linked by common values of democracy, rule of law and shared aspirations for development, peace and prosperity."

He said bilaterally and multilaterally, the partnership between India and Brazil is filled with possibilities that India is keen to harvest.

Modi said he had "sought President Temer's support in facilitating greater market access and investment opportunities for Indian products and companies" and that he was thankful for the Brazilian President's positive consideration.

"We have also made progress in opening new areas of cooperation during this visit in drug regulation, agricultural research and on cyber security issues," Modi said, adding that both sides have agreed to work closely at the United Nations, the G-20, G-4, WTO, BRICS, IBSA and other important platforms.

The four MoUs inked are in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry, on pharma products regulation, on cattle genomics and assisted reproductive technologies and on investment cooperation and facilitation treaty.

--IANS

ruwa/rn/vt
Member of gunrunners' gang held in Delhi, 28 firearms seized

Delhi,National,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) A member of a gang selling illegal firearms in various states has been arrested and 28 semi-automatic pistols seized from him, the Delhi Police said on Monday.

Akram Khan, 24, a resident of Mewat region in Haryana, was booked in a case registered under the Arms Act at the Special Cell Police Station.

The gang acquired the illegal firearms from Madhya Pradesh. Some of the seized firearms had 'Made in USA' mark on them.

Akram Khan was arrested on a tip-off near Ashram Chowk on the Ring Road around 10.45 p.m. on Sunday, a senior police officer said.

"The gang supplies illegal weapons in east and west Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Akram Khan said he worked for Mufeed of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh and Khursheed of Bharatpur in Rajasthan," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) P.S. Kushwah said.

He said Akram Khan was given a commission of Rs 1,000 on each firearm sold for prices in the range of Rs 30,000-35,000.

--IANS

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Culture Minister's Ayodhya visit reignites Ram Mandir row (Roundup)

Delhi,National,Politics,Religion, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) Union Minister Mahesh Sharma's proposed visit to inspect the site for the proposed Ramayana Museum in Ayodhya reignited the political row on Monday as the opposition accused the BJP of raking up the Ram Mandir issue ahead of the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

The row erupted on a day the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh decided to construct a Ramleela Theme Park, also in Ayodhya.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati criticised both the BJP-led central government and the Samajwadi Party's Uttar Pradesh government and said the decisions were taken only for electoral gains.

"The decision to build a Ramayana Museum and Ramleela Theme Park in Ayodhya by the BJP and the SP respectively just before the assembly elections shows their intentions," the BSP chief said in a statement.

She said these promises would remain unfulfilled due to lack of budgetary support.

"Attempts at taking political mileage by linking religion with politics is condemnable. And if their intentions were good, these projects would have started earlier," Mayawati said.

Mayawati criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "remembering" Ayodhya just before the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

"It is good to develop Ayodhya from tourism point of view," she added.

Taking a dig at the SP-led state government, Mayawati said, "They are following BJP these days; that's why they have announced to build Ramleela Theme Park now."

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Monday approved the use of red sandstone at the under-construction Ramleela Theme Park in Ayodhya.

An official statement said the project would help generate jobs and in the spread of Indian culture and tradition worldwide.

Mayawati also cautioned the central and the state governments to take precautions as matters relating to the Ramjanambhoomi and Babri Masjid cases are still pending before the Allahabad High Court.

"There is a trend of inaugurating incomplete projects in the state by the central and the state governments, which is just a theatrics to befool the voters," Mayawati alleged.

The former Chief Minister said both the governments have a "habit to indulge in cheap politics, which was earlier used by Congress".

The Congress also took on the Bharatiya Janata Party, saying it brings up the Ram mandir issue whenever elections come.

"They don't have faith (astha) in anything. After joining hands with the Peoples Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir, they are silent on Article 370. On the Uniform Civil Code too, the kind of statements the BJP gives, it doesn't seem they have faith in it also," Congress spokesperson Manish Tewary said.

"On Ram Mandir, they have no faith at all. From 1992 till today, they remember Lord Ram only when elections come," he added.

Sharma, the Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism, however, clarified that the construction of the museum had nothing to do with the state elections.

"My visit to Ayodhya has nothing to do with assembly elections. I am visiting there as a Tourism Minister. It should not be linked to politics. It is part of the government's effort to improve tourism in Ayodhya and all over the country. The visit is part of the government's developmental agenda," Sharma told news channel News18.

Sharma, who is also expected to visit the disputed temple site, said the museum will be part of the Ramayana circuit, for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the circuit.

"(Lord) Ram is in the heart of millions of people. As the Tourism Minister, I have to see how Ayodhya can be developed and how Ramayana circuit can be developed from tourism point of view," the minister said.

During his visit, Sharma is likely to hold a meeting with Ramayana Circuit Advisory Board to discuss routes for connecting Ramayana-related sites in Nepal and Sri Lanka with the proposed museum.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Rajya Sabha member Vinay Katiyar urged the Union government to take steps for the construction of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya.

"Every Ram bhakt wants the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya and until it is constructed, we are not going to sit peacefully," Katiyar told News18.

"It is up to the government to find a way out, either through talks or court or Parliament," the BJP leader said.

--IANS

bns-sid/tsb
Parrikar is a national embarrassment: Congress

Delhi,National,Politics,Defence/Security, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) The Congress on Monday hit out at Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar for his comment that "RSS ideology inspired surgical strikes", and said that he is a "national embarrassment" and "doesn't derserve to hold his portfolio".

Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar on Monday said the RSS ideology inspired Prime Minister Narendra Modi and him to carry out the September 29 surgical strikes across the Line of Control.

It was not possible that a Prime Minister from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and a Defence Minister from Goa with a common RSS orientation would not take such a strong decision, he said.

The minister was addressing students and teachers of Nirma University here during a 'Know Your Army' programme.

The minister said the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh teachings were at the back of the mind of the Prime Minister and him while ordering the surgical strikes on the terrorist launch pads.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said: "Why is the Defence Minister always so over the top? Today, he has gone and credited the RSS for operations along the LoC."

"What is wrong with this gentleman? And this is not the first time this has happened. Earlier, he said that 'like Hanuman' the army did not know their prowess until I pointed out to them their strength and capacity. Then they blame others for politicising the operations along the LoC," he added.

Asked if the Congress would demand Parrikar's resignation, Tewari said: "Resignation can be demanded from somebody who has morality. By seeking his resignation, we don't intend to waste our time."

The Congress asked a few questions to the BJP and Parrikar, including did Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri go to an RSS Shakha? Did Defence Minister Yashwantrao Chavan go to a RSS Shakha? Did Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who created Bangaldesh, go to a Shakha? Did Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram go to a Shakha? Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw or General J.S. Aurora, did they go to a Shakha?

"Manohar Parrikar does not deserve to be the Defence Minister. This man is a national embarrassment. And the operations along the LoC were targeted more for domestic consumption rather than changing the behaviour of the deep-State in Pakistan."

Asked if the Congress party's line on providing evidence on surgical strikes is same as its senior leader P. Chidambaram, Tewari said: "No one in the Congress has ever asked for evidence with regard to the surgical strikes. In fact, surgical strike is a wrong terminology -- the terminology used by the DGMO is 'Operations along the LoC'."

"If the army institutionally stands up and makes a statement, we believe that statement, as we believe the statement which has been made by former Chief of Army General Bikram Singh that such operations were carried out in the past," he added.

--IANS

sid/lok/vt
Karnataka CM defends steel flyover in Bengaluru

Karnataka,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Bengaluru, Oct 17 (IANS) Defending the state government's decision to go ahead with the infrastructure project, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said construction of the 6.7 km steel flyover in the city would soon begin, as it had public support.

"The steel flyover project has been totally transparent, as its details were put up on the website of the BDA (Bangalore Development Authority) and 73 per cent of the people have favoured the bridge," claimed Siddaramaiah after inspecting the thoroughfare over which the steel flyover has been planned.

Accompanied by Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George, the party's lawmakers from the city and officials, Siddaramaiah also inspected alternative routes to the airport at Devanahalli.

"We will also develop three alternative routes to the airport to decongest the roads choked with heavy vehicular traffic towards Devanahalli," asserted Siddaramaiah.

Recalling that the steel bridge was proposed in 2010 when the BJP was in power in the state, the Chief Minister said the project was announced in the state budget for fiscal 2014-15.

"The project cost had to be revised as its estimate was made two years ago on schedule rates of 2014-15. We re-negotiated with its developer (L&T) and reduced it to Rs 1,791 crore from Rs 1,800 crore," pointed out Siddaramaiah.

About 5,000 Bengalureans on Sunday staged human chain to protest the proposed 6.7-km steel flyover for a signal-free ride to the airport on the city's northern outskirts.

Unfazed by the protests and ignoring the advice of urban experts, the state cabinet on September 28 awarded the project to L&T Ltd as the lowest bidder for the tender to build the steel bridge from Chalukya circle to Hebbal circle, which connects the airport road and the busy National Highway number 7 towards Hyderabad.

Though the country's third busiest airport is located about 40 km from the city, the stretch of the main road where the flyover has been planned is bedevilled with heavy vehicular traffic as it connects the city's south, east and west suburbs.

--IANS

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Talks over options for Japanese emperor's abdication begin

Japan,Politics, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Tokyo, Oct 17 (IANS) An expert panel set up by the Japanese government to deal with Emperor Akihito's abdication is set to deliberate its options on Monday as the country's Constitution lacks a provision for renouncing the throne.

The special panel was formed in September after Emperor Akihito, 82, publicly expressed his desire to abdicate in favour of his son Naruhito, due to his advanced age and failing health, EFE news reported.

The panel's recommendations could pave the way to modifying the role of the Imperial Household, which has been subject to a strict set of rules unchanged since 1947.

The government wants the panel to submit at the earliest convenience a range of proposals enabling it to enact special legislation without having to amend the Constitution - a process too long and complicated - in order to comply with the emperor's wishes.

The group includes Junko Obata, professor at the law school of Sophia University, Midori Miyazaki, professor at Chiba University of Commerce, and Takashi Imai, chairman of Japan's largest business federation Keidanren.

The panel will be aided by experts in law as well as those from the royal household.

Although the 1947 law only allows posthumous abdication, nearly half of the country's 125 emperors who have occupied the Chrysanthemum Throne in the past have stepped down while alive.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration is planning to introduce special legislation - applicable only to Akihito's case - before Parliament in early 2017, that will pave the way for his abdication, a move that is supported by Japanese citizens, according to surveys.

Akihito's announcement is also being viewed as an opportunity to reopen the debate on amending the succession law to allow women to ascend to the throne, in a country that, despite being one of the most developed, has one of the worst levels of gender inequality.

Emperor Akihito's health has taken a turn for the worse in recent years, after he underwent heart bypass surgery in 2012.

He was previously diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003, and developed osteoporosis as a side effect of the prescribed hormonal therapy.

--IANS

ksk
House where Hitler was born to be demolished, says Austria

United States,Politics,Human Interest/Society, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Vienna, Oct 17 (IANS) The Austrian house where Nazi leader Adolf Hitler was born is scheduled for demolition, Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka announced on Monday.

Deliberations in Austria about what to do with the building, located in Braunau am Inn in the state of Upper Austria, have been long-standing, Xinhua news agency reported.

An expert team including jurists, historians, interior ministry staff, and local officials put together for the specific purpose of reaching a decision, have now concluded that the best course of action would be to bring the building down, which they passed on to Sobotka.

The cabinet is to pass a bill on Tuesday for the dispossession of the house from the current owner as well as for relevant financial compensation. This will pave the way for the demolition to begin, expected to occur in early 2017.

In its place, an entirely new building is to be constructed that will be used for either administrative or charitable purposes.

In response to questions over whether the house would not have served as a historical reminder of the era, Sobotka said other sites for this purpose already existed, such as the Mauthausen concentration camp memorial site, also in the state of Upper Austria.

Moreover, he additionally said he did not want the building to be a "pilgrimage and memorial site" for Neo-Nazis.

--IANS

lok/vt
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A new batch of 40 British forces have been deployed to Tunisia to train local forces in countering the spill of Islamic State group fighters from neigboring Libya where the group is losing its stronghold of Sirte.

The North African country has been tangled up in unprecedented security challenges since 2011. The country knew three of its worst terror attacks last year in which around 30 British tourists lost their lives at a resort hotel in Sousse in June.

As forces loyal to the unity government in Tripoli near a full control of Sirte; Muammar Gaddafis hometown turned into fiefdom by the terrorist organization, Tunisian authorities fear that the militants may fall back on Tunisia to establish their new base.

Following the June massacre, British authorities decided to train Tunisian forces in monitoring the border with Libya and facing off the terrorists who make incursions to commit crimes in the country.

Two first groups were already sent late last year and in February to assist Tunisian forces in building more efficient systems to ward off the militants, Reuters reports.

We are determined to support our Tunisian allies to defend against Daesh (Islamic State) terrorists who slaughtered innocent Britons on a beach there last year, Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said in a statement on Saturday.

Our training will help Tunisian forces strengthen their border security and stop the spread of Daesh along the coast, he was quoted by Reuters as saying.
Fayez Al-Sarraj, Prime Minister of the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) has vowed to restore order in his country after the coup attempt staged lately by rival Libyan groups to capture key government buildings.

Sarraj, who was in Tunisia during the coup attempt debating political solutions with some rebel factions, called on loyal militia units to arrest the plotters, saying their actions will add more chaos in the country.

The plotters have proclaimed the return of a former administration, the national salvation government, in what has so far been a bloodless takeover. Coup leader Khalifa al-Ghwell, a former Prime Minister, declared the GNA was now void after repeated failures.

The presidential council was given chances one after another to form the government, but it fails  and has become an illegal executive authority, he said.

Six months after arriving in Tripoli, the GNA has failed to establish a security force of its own, and with no police or army units in the capital, the citys potent militias have emerged as kingmakers in the power struggle between rival governments.

The struggle is itself part of a wider war, between militias in parts of the capital and western Libya against those loyal to the elected parliament based in the eastern town of Tobruk.

This Parliament has so far refused to work with the GNA, and its hand was strengthened in September after its army commander, Khalifa Haftar, captured the countrys key oil ports giving it control of most of the oil industry.

The UN envoy Martin Kobler condemned the attempt to seize the headquarters of the high council of state, saying that such actions  will generate further disorder and insecurity and must end for the sake of the Libyan people.

Since the fall of the regime of former ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has plunged into chaos, with no central government. The Islamic State has taken advantage of the situation to conquer vast swaths of land in the country, mostly in coastal regions where many criminal gangs indulge in illegal migrant trafficking.

Rival groups signed a political accord that hashed out a Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Serraj. Despite strong and vast backing from the international community, the GNA is still struggling to assert its authority challenged by Islamists and armed groups
The Royal Armed Forces conducted an operation that foiled an Algerian plan to establish a polisario separatist military presence in the southernmost tip of the Sahara, Guergarat, capturing 6 Algerian military officers and several polisario fighters.

The news is relayed by Assabah daily which says that the Moroccan Armed Forces (known by the French acronym FAR) launched a combing operation after noticing suspicious military movements in the area of Guergarat.

The operation led to the arrest of six Algerian officers- including a high ranking officer- and the seizure of several military equipment including jeeps, guns and small cannons.

The same source adds that no bullet was shot during this operation and that some of the arrested were liberated following investigations while others were kept for further investigations.

In August, Morocco launched a customs and police operation to clear the southernmost tip of the Saharan provinces of all sorts of illegal commercial activities and prevent any terrorist infiltration into the Kingdom.

The operation had a geopolitical impact in terms of barring the road for Algeria and its allies in Nouakchott from creating a camp where they intended to re-locate some of the population held against their will in Tindouf camps.

The failed Algerian plot to establish a camp in Lagouira near the Mauritanian borders was intended to give the polisario separatists a boost as they struggle desperately to portray the area beyond the Moroccan Royal Armed forces security wall as a liberated area.

The Moroccan intervention also shows that the Kingdom has never abandoned the demilitarized area and that its security operation was dictated by actual concerns of a growing criminal network turning the Guergarat area into a venue for engaging in all sorts of smuggling and trafficking.
Rwanda will be the first stop in the new African tour by Moroccos King Mohammed VI which will also lead him to two other eastern African countries, Ethiopia and Tanzania, Moroccan local media said.

The tour will start on Tuesday with a three-day visit to Rwanda. The visit comes in response to an invitation by Rwandas President who was received by King Mohammed VI in Casablanca last June.

This African tour is part of a Moroccan Africa policy permeated by solidarity and economic cooperation at a time the Kingdom is applying for regaining its natural place in the African institutional family, the African Union.

In light of an endeavour to reinforce Moroccos diplomatic presence and influence in Africa, King Mohammed VI appointed last week 19 new ambassadors in African countries to break away with the empty seat policy in favour of active diplomacy paving the way for Moroccos return to the African union.

In this respect, the visit to Rwanda will build on the excellent political relations to boost economic ties through sealing agreements to encourage Moroccan investments in the country. With 12-million inhabitant, Rwanda has been regarded as a model in Africa in light of its outstanding performances in terms of human and economic development.

The visit to Ethiopia will usher a new era in Moroccos relations with the African horn and boost the kingdoms influence in light of Ethiopias demographic, diplomatic and economic weight in the region. As the second most populous country in Africa with an annual economic growth rate reaching 10% and given the fact that it hosts the headquarters of the African Union, the Sovereigns visit to Addis Ababa will no doubt augur promising prospects for bilateral relations.

Ethiopia also seeks to bolster ties with Morocco, a state it deems a key player among Francophone African countries. Addis Ababa is interested in drawing more investments by Moroccan companies and financial institutions, following the example of Moroccos BMCE bank and the state-owned phosphates company OCP, which have already been operating subsidiaries in the country.

The visit to Tanzania will help Morocco build bridges with Eastern Africa. Given its impressive economic development with an annual growth rate of 7%, Morocco sees tremendous economic cooperation opportunities with Tanzania.

According to le360.ma e-journal, which is usually well-informed, the Sovereign will also visit Kenya during his east African tour.

Kenya is emerging as one of Africas key growth centres with sound economic policies in place for future improvement offering tremendous investment opportunities for Moroccan firms.
Shes not exactly hiding it. Photo: Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

On Sunday night, about 200 people walked out of Amy Schumers show at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, after she called Donald Trump, among other things, an orange, sexual-assaulting, fake-college-starting monster. Its unclear if the audience had never heard Schumers comedy before or if they just didnt like hearing their preferred candidate mocked.

The number of audience members who booed and eventually left was relatively small, according to the Tampa Bay Times. (The arena has a capacity of roughly 20,000 and was the site of the 2012 Republican National Convention.)

About halfway through the show, Schumer began discussing political topics, including the election and gun control. The Times reports:

She made it clear she doesnt understand how people can support Trump. At one point she asked for a Trump supporter  preferably one with sleeves, she she told security personnel  to join her up on stage to explain their enthusiasm for Trump. One fellow did, but he said he was voted for Trump mainly because doesnt trust Clinton. When some audience members booed, the actor and comedian invited them to leave and also asked security to remove anyone booing.

Two people told the Times that they felt the show became too political, and some echoed that feeling on Twitter:

Hey @amyschumer leave the political stuff out of your comedy shows. We came to laugh not talk politics. We can turn On CNN and NBC for that  Luisa Metallo (@LuiGucci) October 17, 2016

the people who left didn't leave because we don't share her political views. I went to hear jokes. #trump  waz (@waz1921) October 17, 2016

Others praised Schumer for inviting victims of sexual assault to stand up while discussing the allegations against the Republican candidate. (The comedian revealed recently that she has been the victim of sexual assault.)

At @amyschumer's show tonight, she asked the sexually assaulted to stand up together. It was the least alone I've ever felt. Thank you.  Renee (@reneekristine) October 17, 2016

@amyschumer was awesome in Tampa! Laughed so hard couldn't breath at times! Loved the message. I was one of those women standing  Mel (@mellee6201) October 17, 2016

Love @amyschumer so much more after show tonight. Embarrassed by "neighbors " who walked out over political ignorance  Ashley Wilson (@luckylemur) October 17, 2016

Unsurprisingly, Schumer hasnt been quiet about her political positions. Shes been pushing for stricter gun-control laws  with the help of her cousin Senator Chuck Schumer  since summer 2015, when two women were killed when a man opened fire at a screening of her film Trainwreck in Lafayette, Louisiana.

In March, she announced that she supports Hillary Clinton, and Clinton comes up in her comedy frequently. Earlier on Sunday, Schumer was registering voters in Florida while wearing a feminist for Hillary button (and a Make America Ferrera Again shirt).

.@amyschumer is making sure these Floridians are registered to vote. #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/A7fEoWsbqU  Hillary for Florida (@HillaryforFL) October 16, 2016

This post has been updated to include video of Schumers show in Tampa.
Racial and educational splits are changing the old map rapidly. Photo: Photo: John Lund/Corbis via Getty Images

There are two emerging post-election story lines about partisan battlegrounds that will mess up the neat red-state/blue-state maps political junkies carry around in their heads. The ultimate dimensions of the presidential contest will determine which one we are all gabbing about on November 9  assuming we arent instead freaking out over hacked returns or civil unrest.

If Hillary Clinton builds on her current advantage and blows out to something approaching a double-digit lead in the national popular vote, she will likely win all the battleground states (loosely defined as including Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania). The big news might be that she could also carry Arizona and Georgia, which would be a sign that certain pro-Democratic demographic trends are arriving a bit earlier than expected. In this scenario, Texas could be close as well. An outcome like that would be a boon not only to Democrats, but to those Republicans who argue that any Trump-style white nationalist appeal is demographically doomed, even if a champion for it can be found who does not fatally alienate college-educated white women.

If, on the other hand, the presidential race stays reasonably competitive going down the stretch, it is looking more and more like Trumps appeal to non-college-educated white voters and the angst he creates among minority and/or college-educated voters will reshape the traditional map. David Wasserman describes the change succinctly:

In 1996, Bill Clinton carried Iowa, Missouri and Ohio on his way to re-election, while losing Colorado, North Carolina and Virginia. Twenty years later, Hillary Clintons path to 270 electoral votes is more likely to do the opposite.

Its not that complicated, really. The percentage of the electorate represented by non-college-educated white voters is 62 percent in Iowa and 53 percent in Ohio and Missouri (its also 57 percent in Wisconsin, which could win up being closer than we expect). Its 42 percent in Colorado, 40 percent in North Carolina, and 37 percent in Virginia (its also 34 percent in Georgia, which is why that state is vulnerable to a big Democratic margin nationally). The more the balance of the electorate is composed of minorities rather than college-educated whites, the stronger the resistance to Trump seems to be.

We also are beginning, as Politico reports today, to see early voting trends that reinforce this new map:

In two must-win states for Trump, North Carolina and Florida, Republicans are clinging to narrow leads in the total number of mail-in ballots requested. Yet in both states, Clinton is ahead of President Barack Obamas pace four years earlier  and the GOP trails Mitt Romneys clip.



Any diminishment of the GOPs mail-in ballot lead is a matter of concern for Republicans because Democrats typically dominate early in-person voting in both states, which will begin over the next 10 days.

Virginia does not really have early voting, and Colorados virtually all-mail-ballot system is not easy to assess at this stage. But North Carolina and Florida are behaving about as you might expect in the case of a small national lead for Clinton. So, too, are Iowa and Ohio:

[T]here are undercurrents that should cause concern for the Democratic nominee. The partys early-vote performance in Midwestern states like Iowa and Ohio appears to be well behind its 2012 pace. And it could be a signal that, while Democrats may be gaining strength up and down the East Coast, they could be losing steam in states Obama won twice, like Iowa, Ohio and Wisconsin.

If thats the way it ultimately shakes out, pro-Trump Republicans will have a better case to make that Trump had a path to victory via states Obama won twice, but was stabbed in the back by perfidious Establishment Republicans and knifed straight-on by the biased globalist media.

A more worrisome possibility is that if Clinton beats Trump in a particularly strong performance among minority voters in states like Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, well hear more than the usual amount of odious BS about voter fraud. In that contingency, we can only hope such arguments are made peacefully after Trump has conceded to Clinton.
Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

In just three weeks, the 2016 campaign will be over and the speculation about 2020 (and/or when the Trumpist militias will relinquish control of Mississippi) will begin.

So, where do the most recent polls put this race, with 21 days to go? Here are five takeaways:

Hillary Clinton is almost certainly going to be president.

On Monday, CNNs new poll of polls  an average of the four most recent national surveys that meet the networks standard  put Clinton ahead of Trump by 8 percent.

One of those surveys was George Washington Universitys Battleground Poll, which also found Clinton leading the GOP nominee by eight points. The same poll had Clinton up by only 2 percent in early September. In that earlier survey, Gary Johnson and Jill Stein were collectively polling three points higher than they are now, with the Libertarian claiming 8 percent and the Green Party nominee just 2 percent.

A Politico/Morning Consult poll out Monday finds Clinton leading Trump 42 to 36 percent in a four-way race. After the vice-presidential debate, Trump had climbed to 39 percent, but grabem by the pussy-gate and last weeks wave of sexual-assault allegations have pulled the GOP nominee back to where he stood after he bragged about tax evasion at the first debate. Clintons support has hovered around 42 percent in the poll for all of October.



As of this writing, FiveThirtyEights Polls Only forecast gives Clinton an 87 percent chance of taking the Oval Office next January.

Clintons strategy of separating Trump from the GOP may be hurting down-ballot Democrats.

Respondents to GWUs survey preferred Clinton to Trump by eight points, but opted for a Democratic Congress over a Republican one by only five. More concerning, the public seems to see little relationship between Trumps issue positions and that of his party. Per George Washington University:



While Trump trails Clinton on every issue tested on the issue handling series, the Republican Party has the advantage over the Democrats on a variety of issues, including the economy by an 18-point margin, taxes by an 11-point margin, jobs by a 6-point margin and foreign affairs by an 8-point margin, said pollster Ed Goeas, president and CEO of The Tarrance Group. Republican candidates across the country will be able to run with the advantage in the minds of voters on the key kitchen table issues and on one of the signature issues of the Clinton campaign, foreign affairs. With or without the active assistance of Trump, Republican candidates will be able to run as their own independent entities, whose electoral fortunes will not be tied to the sinking presidential candidate of their party.

Democrats have generally led the generic congressional ballot by a narrower margin than Clinton has led the presidential race. RealClearPoliticss generic ballot has Team Blue up by five percent, while their polling average for the presidential race puts Clinton up by 6.3 percent.

Its possible that Clintons strategy of isolating Trump from the GOP has contributed to this discrepancy. However, its also possible that Trump, through his singular lack of qualifications for the presidency, has generated the gap virtually on his own.

Regardless, Democrats best hope is that Trumps large deficit will depress Republican turnout, as would-be ticket splitters decide they dont care enough about local races to wait out the line at their polling places.

Alaskas feeling uncharacteristically blue.

A new poll from Lake Research Group finds Trump beating Clinton by a single point in Alaska  well within the surveys 4.4 percent margin of error.

The last time the poll was taken in early August, Trump led Clinton 38 to 30 percent in a four-way race; now, he leads 37 to 36.

Alaska isnt the only longtime red state thats flirting with a change of color. At present, FiveThirtyEight has Arizona wearing the faintest shade of blue, and Clinton is within striking distance in Georgia.

Trumps campaign message is getting through.

Over the past week, Donald Trumps central message has been that it will not be his fault if he loses in November. At rallies, in interviews, and via Twitter, the GOP nominee has predicted that the election will be rigged against  both in a figurative sense, due to media bias, and in a literal sense, due to fraud at polling places in (implicitly) African-American communities.

The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

That message is getting through: The Politico/Morning Consult poll finds that 41 percent of the electorate  including 73 percent of Republicans  think the election could be stolen from Donald Trump.

The Democratic Party is trading white working-class voters for suburban Republicans.

The 2016 campaign is accelerating a long-term realignment thats pushing more college-educated white voters into the Democratic coalition, while more non-college-educated whites defect to the GOP tent.

This movement has reshaped the battleground map, as the Republican nominee performs strongest in Iowa, Ohio, and Nevada  where non-college-educated whites outnumber white degree-holders by 30, 24, and 18 percent, respectively  while states where the ratio is closer to even, like Colorado and Virginia, have become firmly Democratic.

As David Wasserman notes in the New York Times, the Clinton campaign has made a strategic choice to focus on winning over suburban Republicans, instead of working to retain Obamas share of the white working-class vote against a populist like Trump.



The Clinton campaign calculates that its candidate is likelier to prevail by disqualifying Mr. Trump  using ads to make the idea of voting for him socially unacceptable in professional suburbs  among additional well-educated voters (in states like North Carolina) than by holding on to working-class voters tempted by Mr. Trumps populism (in states like Ohio).



The Clinton campaign and its allies have run fewer ads puncturing Mr. Trumps credentials as a business savior or painting a picture of what the economy might look like for middle-income earners under a Trump presidency. That strategy carries risks. In 2012, President Obama was able to keep states like Iowa, Ohio and Wisconsin in his column with early and effective ads linking Mitt Romney to Bain Capital and Cayman Islands bank accounts  In 2016, however, many surveys have shown Mr. Trump holding a lead in Iowa and running nearly even in Ohio.

This realignment is likely to heighten tensions within both parties. In the GOP, a larger downscale wing will only expand the gap between the preferences of Republican donors and the partys voting base, while the Democratic Partys growing upscale wing will be increasingly at odds with the partys activist base on issues of taxes and government spending.
Not available at Target. Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

If youre interested in getting in on the dumbest fad sweeping the country while simultaneously looking down on the plebs who shop at Walmart, youre out of luck. After clown masks began disappearing from Target stores nationwide last week, the company confirmed on Sunday that the Halloween costumes are being pulled due to creepy clown incidents.

Given the current environment, we have made the decision to remove a variety of clown masks from our assortment, both in stores and online, Target spokesperson Joshua Thomas told WCCO Minneapolis.

The latest round of clown sightings began in the South and often involved claims that the figures were trying to lure children into the woods. The evidence to back up such reports was pretty thin, but the stories left many spooked, and soon local troublemakers across the country saw an opportunity.

While it seems the vast majority of creepy clown sightings are pranks, recently there have been some disturbing, violent incidents in which attackers were reportedly dressed as clowns.

A woman in Oklahoma said she was attacked on Saturday night when she stopped on the side of the road to help a woman who flagged her down. The victim, whose brother passed away several days ago, told police that when she stopped the woman approached the drivers side door followed by two men wearing clown masks. According to Oklahomas News on 6, she said the men pulled her from the car, held her down while the woman wrote clown posse on her face, extinguished a cigarette on her face, and choked her.

Officials say that thanks to social media, clown incidents are spreading outside the U.S. as well. Earlier this month, a person wearing a clown mask stabbed a teen in the shoulder in Sweden, and on Saturday, two teen girls in the U.K. say that they were chased by a person dressed as a clown and brandishing a machete.

And there are other signs that the trend had gotten completely out of hand. Early on Sunday morning, a Santa Clarita, California, homeowner told police that he fired a warning shot into the air after he was threatened by a knife-wielding clown. Police wound up arresting the homeowner on suspicion of possessing weapons and narcotics, but thats not the weird part. Per the L.A. Times:

Deputies did discover a man with a clown mask hiding in some bushes a few blocks away from where the warning shots were fired  a sighting unusual for that time of morning, [Sergeant Cortland] Myers said.



However, the homeowner didnt identify this clown as the correct clown, Myers said. His guy had a full clown costume and a mask, and the clown he saw was taller.

If your bushes have yet to be infested with creepy clowns, consider yourself lucky.
Iraqi forces gathered at the Qayyarah military base, about 35 miles south of Mosul, on Sunday. Photo: Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP/Getty Images

Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi announced on television early Monday morning that the coalition operation to liberate the city of Mosul from ISIS has begun, CNN reports. The looming battle comes after more than a month of military buildup near the city by an odd-couple coalition that is only temporarily unified by its shared hatred of ISIS. That group includes Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces backed by the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq, as well as Iranian-backed Shia militia units. Some 30,000 of these coalition fighters have surrounded Mosul in preparation for the attack, and as many as 60,000 will participate in the coming battle. In addition, more than 5,200 U.S. personnel are currently in Iraq, according to the Pentagon.

On Sunday, the Iraqi Air Force dropped thousands of leaflets on Mosul telling residents it was victory time and asking them to avoid certain parts of the city, keep their homes sealed up, and report ISIS activity via a hotline. One of the citys main bridges was also hit with an airstrike on Sunday, and skirmishes have been fought on the outskirts of the city over the past week. The Long War Journal gives their overview of the recent activity and battle to come:

The final elements of the operation were put into place over the past several days. Hundreds of Iraqi special forces have moved to the front lines in preparation for the battle. Iraqi special forces have spearheaded the assaults of previously held Islamic State cities such as Tikrit, Baiji, Ramadi, and Fallujah. The Iraqi Air Force is dropping leaflets on the city warning civilians that the final push is eminent. Additionally, the US has stepped up airstrikes in and around Mosul, launching 11 strikes against a range of targets including a chemical weapons facility, tunnels, ammunition caches, a media center, and military units. []



If the Islamic State digs in and defends Mosul, the fight is expected to be bloody. More than 6,000 Islamic State fighters are thought to be in the city. It has deployed thousands of mines and has dug an elaborate network of tunnels and trenches across Mosul in preparation for a protracted urban fight. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped in the city as the Islamic State has prevented them from leaving. However, during recent battles in major Iraqi cities such as Ramadi and Fallujah, the Islamic State withdrew the bulk of its troops and left a smaller rearguard force to bleed the Iraqi military and militias.



Oil fields, set afire by retreating ISIS forces, burn on the horizon near the Qayyarah military base in Iraq. Photo: Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP/Getty Images

CNN adds that the battle for Mosul is expected to last weeks, if not months, and The Guardian points out that the International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that an enormous refugee crisis may result as the citys civilian residents attempt to flee once the fighting begins.

But while Mosul is a large and strategically important port city to ISIS, the group has already lost other more symbolically important territory over the weekend as well, since Turkey announced on Sunday that Turkish-backed Syrian rebels had liberated the town of Dabiq. As Reuters points out, Dabiq is one of the most important symbolic locations within the militant groups so-called caliphate, as it is where they believe a final, apocalyptic battle is destined to occur between Muslims and infidels. That prophesied battle is a frequent element of the groups propaganda, and Dabiq is also the name of ISISs official magazine. Such symbolism was not lost on the forces who liberated the city, as one rebel leader boasted to Reuters that the key ISIS myth was now finished as a result of losing the stronghold. The Brookings Institutions Will McCants has more on ISISs embarrassing new loss at his site, Jihadica:

When the Turkish-held noose tightened around Dabiq over the past few weeks, ISIS followers began to frantically explain why the approaching showdown in Dabiq would not be THE showdown. Well, the expected Mahdi, a messiah figure, had not yet appeared to lead the battle. Or the required eighty nation coalition had not rolled into town. In the past few days, ISIS own newsletter tried to downplay the significance of the towns coming fall. The great battle will come to pass because God has promised it would; but this isnt that battle because all the other preceding prophecies havent come to pass. Never mind that ISIS neglected to mention those other prophecies in its earlier hyping of Dabiq. Days later, the town fell with little resistance.

Syrian rebels celebrating their liberation of the town of Dabiq. Photo: Nazeer Al-Khatib/AFP/Getty Images

The operation to retake Dabiq was conducted by Free Syrian Army factions backed by the Turkish military, and its success was welcomed by U.S. defense secretary Ash Carter on Sunday.



Lastly, Turkey also announced on Sunday that Mehmet Kadir Cabel, one of ISISs regional leaders in Turkey, was killed during a police raid in the city of Gaziantep, where an ISIS-claimed suicide bombing killed 54 people at a wedding in August. Three police officers were killed in the raid, but 19 suspected ISIS members were captured. Gaziantep, which is about 60 miles north of the Syrian city of Aleppo, has been a hotbed of ISIS activity for years.
Sign of the times. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Donald Trump continued to claim that the election was rigged over the weekend, with surrogates Newt Gingrich, Rudy Giuliani, and Jeff Sessions also joining the fray.

Trump stepped up his accusations of vote tampering, saying at a rally on Saturday that it looks to me like a rigged election. The election is being rigged by corrupt media pushing completely false allegations and outright lies in an effort to elect her president.

Trump tweeted on Saturday:

Election is being rigged by the media, in a coordinated effort with the Clinton campaign, by putting stories that never happened into news!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

And again on Sunday:

The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

Now Trump surrogates and high-profile supporters are beginning to join in.

Newt Gingrich called the election a coup detat perpetrated by the media Sunday on This Week. Fourteen million citizens and private ballots picked Donald Trump, 20 TV executives have decided to destroy him, he said. On Saturday, speaking in New Hampshire to a crowd of Trump supporters, Alabama senator Jeff Sessions also claimed that they are attempting to rig this election.

But it was Trump surrogate Rudy Giuliani who was most outspoken. Im sorry, dead people generally vote for Democrats rather than Republicans, the former New York mayor said on CNNs State of the Union. You want me to (say) that I think the election in Philadelphia and Chicago is going to be fair? I would have to be a moron to say that.

Giuliani added: Ive found very few situations where Republicans cheat. They dont control the inner cities the way Democrats do. Maybe if Republicans controlled the inner cities, theyd do as much cheating as Democrats do,

Not all Republicans are thrilled with this new talking point. A statement released by House Speaker Paul Ryans office on Saturday read, in part, our democracy relies on confidence in election results, and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity.

On NBCs Meet the Press, Mike Pence said that the Trump campaign will accept the results of the election (though, earlier in the interview he said many Americans feel the election is being rigged by a national media):

We will absolutely accept the results of the election. Look, the American people will speak in an election that will culminate on November the 8th. But the American people are tired of the obvious bias in the national media. Thats where the sense of a rigged election goes here, Chuck.

Trumps comments  he has also called the election one big fix and one big ugly lie  have caused consternation and concern among election officials and civil-rights groups. They worry that at the very least his comments could depress voter turnout, especially among Republican voters. At worst, they could lead to voter intimidation and violent conflict after the election if Trump supporters refuse to accept the results.

Some Trump supporters are already openly discussing the possibility of a violent insurrection, and last week two armed men held a pro-Trump demonstration in front of a Democratic congressional candidates office in Virginia.

If the people are forced 2 rise up those executives will never survive their Coup We have remedies under our Constitution to fix this mess https://t.co/zwqJ4OGpYC  Trump Or WAR (@TRUMP_or_WAR) October 17, 2016

According to the New York Times, the decentralized nature of voting in the United States makes widespread voter fraud basically impossible. Plus, in many battleground states, it will be Republican officials who oversee the voting  officials who are extremely unlikely to want to see a Clinton presidency.

Trump has not provided any evidence that this election is anything but fair.
Meet Kevin, the male Hillary voter. Photo: Barbara Kinney/Hillary for America

As the 2016 election cycle limps toward November 8, the male vote continues to be of particular importance to both candidates. One candidate is not a man, and the other is a man  a man whose supporters have semi-seriously suggested repealing the 19th Amendment (the one that gave women the right to vote). For some right-leaning dudes, the idea of a guy willingly supporting Hillary Clinton is just too much to stomach. (In fairness, Clinton has struggled somewhat with white male voters in the polls.) Enter Kevin, a New Yorker and vocal Clinton supporter who woke up on Sunday morning to discover an old picture of him from a Clinton campaign event had been co-opted by alt-right Twitter, labeling him a truly disgusting specimen and an it.

The male Hillary voter is a truly disgusting specimen. Is it even the same species as us?#HillaryBecause pic.twitter.com/HxCVsmKFZ3  V. V. HRCGropedMe (@Vendetta92429) October 15, 2016

Select All caught up with Kevin (full disclosure: we were friends in college) to find out what its like to unwittingly become a smiling-faced front man for the alt-right cause.

Hi, Kevin. First, can you tell our readers a little about yourself?

Im 23, white, and male (obviously, given the photo), and an ardent Hillary Clinton supporter (surprisingly, given my demographics). I dont work for the campaign now, but I was a field fellow in Iowa during the summer of 2015.

Congrats on being white and male! Good time for you guys right now. Can you tell me a bit more about the event the photo is from?

Thank you, I work really hard at it. That was the day of the Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame dinner, and I was helping do visibility before the event, a.k.a. jumping around with posters all day. Before the dinner, though, all of the field fellows got to meet Hillary at a pizza place in Cedar Rapids. Fun fact: That was the same day that Hillary made her infamous Im just chillin in Cedar Rapids Vine.

A true classic. So that was roughly a year ago. When did you notice the photo come back via alt-right Twitter?

That was last July. It was posted [on Twitter] on Saturday afternoon. I found out about the photo on Sunday morning.

Was it just luck that you happened to see it on Twitter, or did someone spot you and send it your way?

Im not that lucky. A friend who works in the campaigns headquarters was sent it by a friend, and then he sent it to me.

There we go. So what was your initial reaction?

I screamed. My roommate actually came in to see what happened. Then I started laughing because its so amazing to me.

It is pretty great. You look very, um, angelic in that picture.

Im beaming. I didnt realize Hillary was going to stand right next to me until it happened, so Im in full shock and awe.

So have you read any of the replies to the tweet?

Of course Ive read the replies. I have a good sense of humor, so I read them for the absurd comedy.

Its good you see them that way. Some of them are pretty nasty, but lets address a few of their more salient questions. Were you or were you not promised sex in exchange for your attendance?

Some folks will attend anything for the promise of sex.  Anthony Mascia (@techROIadvisor) October 15, 2016

I was not. Only pizza, which is still a pretty good incentive.

Better, some might say. There are also a lot of replies from some charming-sounding folks very concerned about your testosterone levels. Care to comment?

I mean, if it was one person Id think it was a weirdo. But a lot of people are worried about it! Maybe they see something I dont. Ill schedule a doctors appointment and say I was referred by the crack medical team of Trump Twitter supporters.

The internet is notoriously good with medial guidance. So, luckily for you, I think, theres really nothing in that image that would help somebody track you down. Has anybody from the alt-right found you yet?

Not yet! Jake Tapper tweeted at me last week, though, and then a man with a Pepe icon tweeted at me five times in decreasing coherency. Thats as close as I got to the alt-right. He wasnt hostile, just a little  off-kilter. Thats a nice way to put it.

Probably for the best for you. So how does it feel to have unwittingly become the face of a meme?

Its hilarious and inevitable. Ive been a pretty obnoxious Hillary supporter online for the last year, so this honestly feels like karma. Ive been asking for it. And Hillary retweeted me once last year, which caused another wave of angry people, so Im familiar with the routine. Stay perfectly still until they lose the scent.

Thats sound advice. So I guess the last question here, and the one on all of our minds: Are you  the male Hillary voter  the same species as us?

If I run for president, youll see my medical records, but not a second before.
Ive made a huge mistake. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is (you may have heard) not doing so well  in the polls, in the race for the presidency, possibly even in his own mind. Hes hemorrhaging support from high-profile Republicans and swing-state voters. It seems clear at this point that Trump has lost the race.

Clear, that is, to everyone but billionaire Facebook investor and Charles Foster Kane cosplayer Peter Thiel. According to the New York Times, Thiel is donating 1.25 million to the Republican effort through a combination of super PAC donations and funds given directly to the campaign.

The question, obviously, is why? Thiels support for Trump was never a secret, but since his prime-time speaking spot at the Republican National Convention, the investor has kept silent. Reappearing at the last minute to donate a large sum of money to a campaign that is, by most accounts, already over  in the process reminding his mostly liberal business partners and associates of his devotion to a candidate they hate  is a curious thing to do, especially for someone who has such an outsize reputation as a savvy investor. As such, its been the subject of a great deal of gleeful speculation and wanton theorizing. Why would Peter Thiel donate $1.25 million to a loser?

Its a first-round investment in Trump TV: Thiels willingness to show some seven-figure support for Trump at this late stage might signal that Thiel wants to stay in Trumps circle even after the polls close and the votes are tallied. Widespread speculation holds that Trump (possibly with the help of his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Roger Ailes) is looking into launching a cable channel following the election. Maybe Thiel is demonstrating interest in getting in on the ground floor of that? Its an appealing theory, but theres little concrete evidence that Trump is actually interested in parlaying his campaign into a media business. Plus, cable channels  especially those targeted at, and run by, elderly reactionaries  arent necessarily sure-thing investments, and Thiel has recently shown more interest in destroying media empires than creating them.

Hes paying for his speaking spot at the RNC: Thiel made history over the summer when he stood onstage at the Republican National Convention and told the crowd that he was proud to be gay. He also said some vague stuff about  I think space? At the very least, the appearance introduced Thiel to a group of people that generally believe that Silicon Valley elite are uniformly against conservative values. On Twitter, Recodes Peter Kafka wonders if the donation is the bare minimum Thiel previously agreed to donate in return for his RNC speaking spot. Maybe flushing $1.25 million down the toilet is his way of saying thanks.

Its an investment in the alt-right: Even if a Trump presidency never happens, his campaign has legitimized and bolstered the alt-right, the post-libertarian, anti-immigrant, race-realist movement with which Thiel would seem to share a great deal of common ideological ground. Thiel likes to think in historical terms, and is fond of long-game bets. Maybe this is his way of demonstrating a commitment to the alt-right wing of Trumps supporter base  even a reward for Trumps increasingly unhinged behavior over the last few weeks. Or, maybe more prosaically, support for a Republican now opens the door to more direct involvement in the future. Now-denied reports indicated that Thiel was in the running for a Trump Supreme Court nomination. But why stop at the bench? Trumps shown that someone with money and a willingness to indulge Republican voters worst impulses can build a compelling campaign.

He thinks Trump might actually win: I mean, why not? Crazier things have happened, and being one of the few people loudly and publicly supporting the candidate this late in the campaign surely translates to leverage and influence (if not an appointed position) in a Trump White House. Venture capitalists  Thiel in particular  tend to love long-shot bets with big payoffs, and its hard to think of a bet with a longer shot or a bigger payoff than this.

Hes a contrarian troll with money to burn: $1.25 million is, to pretty much everyone who is not Peter Thiel, a lot of money. To Thiel, who is worth $2.7 billion, his donation amounts to 0.046 percent of his assets. It is, as Ralph Kramden once put it, a mere bag of shells. He spent eight times that amount to put Gawker out of business via Hulk Hogan. Thiel, who is reportedly interested in harvesting the blood of the young in order to stave off the creep of death, has no problem spending his vast reserves of cash on petty and foolish causes.
Photo: JOSHUA ROBERTS/AFP/Getty Images

Im very interested in the election, says Sonia Chajet Wides, an eighth-grader in Brooklyn who is on the student council and head of the No Place for Hate club at her school. So when she started seeing quotes from the Trump tapes on her social-media feeds, she asked to watch the video with her mother. Listening to the Republican presidential nominee talk about forcing himself on women was overwhelming. Sonia started to cry, but also felt a sense of resolve: I felt like I wanted to write something about it. I had so much going on in my head.

Sonia reached out to her friend Kate, and Kate reached out to her friend Proof. Pretty soon, 16 13-year-old girls were on the text chain, encouraging each other to write something, to express their outrage over not just the tape but the whole election. We really just wanted to get our voices out. We are 13-year-old girls who dont usually have the opportunity to tell people that we have something to say, says Kate Griem. As Sonia points out, just because they cant vote, doesnt mean they dont have a voice.

Proof Schubert Reed, Eighth Grade

I am well aware of the privileges that I have as a white girl growing up in New York City. But, as a girl, I have seen sexism on a day-to-day basis. I know what its like to be told I voice my opinions too much when I do it half as much as the boy that sits behind me in history. I know what its like to be catcalled because of the Urban Outfitters muscle tee and shorts that I wear in 90-degree heat. I know what its like to be objectified and sexualized and judged and defined by my gender, instead of by who I am. Yet for most of my life, I have pegged these things down as small scale in the greater scheme of things. But now, I am becoming more and more scared of a validation that this day-to-day sexism would get under a potential Donald Trump presidency.

I am scared that under this presidency, our country will jump back a century to a time when girls were brought up to bear children and not much else, to a time when Lucretia Mott was thrown into jail for trying to vote, a basic civil right. I feel scared that the males in my life subconsciously agree with Trump and see me only as a sexual item, not an intelligent young woman. I feel scared that rape culture in our country is going to move up a notch from the unacceptably high level it is already at, and real culture is going to go down. And I feel scared, not of Trump as an individual, but of the population that he epitomizes  the xenophobic, misogynist, homophobic, racist population that is chalked up as a minority in this country, but that would grow much larger and be much stronger if Donald Trump was given the power to stimulate it and make it seem acceptable. I feel scared as a young woman living in this country. And I shouldnt have to feel this way.

For a long time Ive wondered what I would say to Donald Trump if I ever met him. Would I be nice, or passive aggressive, or just ignore him altogether? As I think about it now, I know that I would stand up to him. I would tell him that he makes me feel unsafe; that he is disgusting, and wrong, and represents everything that is bad about our country. I would tell him that I am more grown-up than he is because I believe in whats right, and that I know he does not. I would stand up to him, and give him a piece of my mind, because keeping my mouth shut and acting like a kind little girl is exactly what he would want me to do.

Maeve ODonnell, Eighth Grade

I dont want to wake up in a country where young women think it is acceptable to be viewed as sexual objects, because it is just locker-room banter, or a country where Islamic people are targeted based on the racist conclusion that they are terrorists. I do not want to wake up in a country and find that we are not moving forward, that we are moving backward instead.

Donald Trumps slogan is Make America Great Again. But when was America great, Mr. Trump? When people were discriminated against for their sexual orientation? When women werent allowed to vote because of their gender? Or was it when people were enslaved because of the color of their skin?

As teenage girls, we all face problems of self-esteem, insecurity, and body standards. Donald Trumps utterly degrading comments about women are a huge negative influence. Trump is trying to argue that sexual assault is just a distraction from bigger things at hand, but sexual assault, and demeaning women, is never acceptable. I have been raised to believe that these kinds of comments from men in power are things from the past, so lets keep moving forward.

Kate Griem, Eighth Grade

For as long as I can remember, Ive considered myself a feminist. I grew up in a household that has always supported me, encouraged me, made me believe that I could change the bad in the world, and make the good better if I tried hard enough.

At first, Trumps campaign was a joke to me and my family. How could the American people ever let a dumb, TV-celebrity businessman who doesnt know how to sustain his own company become commander-in-chief of America and the millions of lives and dreams that live in it? As the months sped by, his bizarre, bigotry-centered campaign grew and grew. I would lie awake at night, thinking, worrying: What would happen to my sister, my little cousin, and my daughter, if she is to be born one day, if Trump became president of our country? What kind of world would they grow up in, knowing that someone who treats women as sex objects, toys to be picked up and cast aside and model in beauty pageants, or servants to cook and clean, has led and changed their country?

Now, I am crying. I am crying for all of the men, women, and everyone in between, who have been raised to believe that someone like him should head their country. I am crying because I am afraid to step out onto the street for fear I will meet someone who supports Trump, who is proud to call him their candidate. I am crying because we deserve so, so, so much more than a sexist, racist, misogynistic, xenophobic, homophobic, transphobic, anti-choice, ignorant moron as a president. Our future daughters deserve better than this 

Aliza Hacking, Eighth Grade

Think about the long-term effects of a Trump presidency. Who has to deal with them? Not the adults who make up Trumps voters, but instead the young girls of the world who already face sexism on a daily basis. Does Trump have any idea what its like to walk into a building with something as insignificant as a Starbucks drink or a striped shirt, and immediately be written off as dumb and incapable of academic success?

Imagine what todays young women experience with a Clinton presidency versus a Trump presidency. One candidate presents the idea that girls can make a huge difference in the world and that no matter how many people try to bring them down, they are indeed capable of success. The other presents the possibility of a world stripped of any female empowerment, all simply because the leader of the country, who is supposed to be the ultimate role model for children everywhere, says that women are only useful for sex and eye-candy.

Its despicable to say that women cannot be successful, and if Trump is going to say that about Hillary Clinton, someone with more political respect and experience than he will ever have, then I think its safe to say that the only person he really invests in is himself, even if that investment is only a small loan of a million dollars.

Minna Bachman, Eighth Grade

I am very much guilty of being addicted to my phone, as is most of my generation. Ive also been encouraged my entire life to laugh at the people in the world who are trying to cause pain  I dont let them. Donald Trump is a name that Ive seen come up on my phone countless times in memes and articles and GIFs (the overlap of the three regarding Trump is endless). Ive started to ask myself the question of how comfortable I really am with laughing at him. Because he scares me. It is dangerous to recognize him as only someone in my phone. How do we balance laughing at him and not taking him seriously and also recognizing how powerful his influence can be? It scares me that young girls are put through the traumas of body-shaming and slut-shaming and every type of humiliation reenforced by the internet, and the fact that this man is given a podium and a spotlight only shows how many people are listening. I dont think that his words should have any place in the lives of young people, especially young girls, who are smarter than hell ever be.

Iris Mastny, Eighth Grade

As a 13-year-old girl, the idea of having Donald Trump as a president terrifies me. He has been accused of raping a 13-year-old girl. Even more horrifying is the fact that there is so little press addressing this.

Donald Trump insults and discriminates against anyone that is not a straight, white, cisgender, able-bodied male like himself. It is unacceptable. The way he treats women is disgusting. Saying that they should be punished for abortion? He doesnt know (or care, for that matter) what it is like to be a woman; therefore, he does not get an opinion on the subject of abortion. I hopefully anticipate November 8, because Donald Trump continues to say more and more disgusting things as the days go by, digging a deeper and deeper hole for himself. But I am still terrified because a person like him exists in the world, and because his ideas are taken seriously by many people in America.

Jaylynn McCurdy, Eighth Grade

Imagine if Donald Trump were president. He wouldnt have to regret anything in the public eye because of the supreme position of power he would hold, but wouldnt you regret electing him president? The words he uses to describe women are rude and degrading. He continues to do this. Why? Because there is no one to stop him. Although newspapers write about these subjects, people seem to forget about them a week later. Writing these letters allows us to say something that sticks with people, and even if we cant vote, gives us a voice in the election.

Nora Youngelson, Eighth Grade

My name is Nora

And I am afraid

Afraid that I have to grow up in a world where women are referred to as it

Afraid to wear a sleeveless top to school

Afraid to walk home in the dark by myself

Afraid that when I work just as hard as the person next to me I wont get the same paycheck as him

I am afraid of what our future holds for women and girls

Afraid that if I ever have a daughter Im going to have to tell her Im sorry  there hasnt been a female president yet

I do not want a man who has been accused of rape of a girl my age to lead our country

I do not want a married man who said he was attracted to girls like a magnet and would just start kissing them to become president of the United States

I want a woman in the White House

I want to grow up in a country where I dont have to be afraid anymore

Where I do not have to worry about men grabbing women whenever they want

I want a world where women arent quiet anymore

Where their voices are louder and stronger than ever

I want Hillary Clinton in the White House.

Lucy Blum, Eighth Grade

As a 13-year-old, I feel very uncomfortable hearing Donald Trumps words. I feel scared that our future president could be a man who forces himself upon women, who allows Howard Stern to call his daughter a hot piece of a**, and who thinks he can do whatever he wants to women because hes rich and famous. Although I know that some men treat women like property, I never thought one of those men would be a candidate to be the president of the United States.

Mr. Trump: You disgust me. What you said that you did to women is unforgivable, and if you win the election, I will be afraid every second of the four years that you are president. You have spent your campaign humiliating people and making them feel ashamed, when really you should be the most ashamed and humiliated of all.

Nora ODonnell, Eighth Grade

I am a teenage girl in America. I do not deserve to be touched, groped, or grabbed, and I know that, but its now apparent that 44 percent of Americans dont. Those people are voting for Donald Trump, a bigot who somehow became the Republican presidential nominee.

I dont want to live in a country where 44 percent of people condone this mans behavior, where 44 percent of people think Im not as valuable as a man because of my gender. If Trump wins the election, I wont feel safe leaving my house, because of the fear that the people that support him might do some of the same things Donald Trump said he has done.

But thats not the only reason Donald Trumps America is dangerous. Its dangerous because he might take away our rights to abortion, because he might never address the wage gap, because he might not take rape seriously. Its dangerous because he doesnt acknowledge the fact that women are intelligent, valuable, and independent.

Shiloh Gonsky, Eighth Grade

The world we live in today is on the verge of breaking. We, as women, cannot take another offensive blow from Trump. Having Trumps filthy words all over the media is attracting young girls to read about him. What they read is him calling us fat, pig, dog, disgusting animal, bimbo, piece of a**, gold digger, weak, and b**ch. Every time Trump says anything about a woman, a piece of me breaks inside. I feel like hes chipping away everything good and replacing it with a bomb. A bomb for every woman hes ever hit on. But the thing that Trump doesnt realize is that at some point those bombs will go off. And instead of destroying women, they will ignite them, and our nation will create stronger girls, stronger women. Fighters.

Francesca Rutherford, Eighth Grade

Last year a group of my friends and I decided to start a feminism club. But what we did not realize was that just starting the club was not enough. Kids in our grade would come up to us and tell us that gender equality was not an issue because women already had rights and that women are the ones who treat men unfairly instead of vice versa. Boys would tell us that there are so many double standards and they were going to start a masculinity club. This disgusted my friends and I and we didnt know what to do. This is just a much smaller-scale version of what is happening in our society, especially if Donald Trump becomes president.

Rosa Lander, Eighth Grade

I have stopped being surprised by the awful comments that Donald Trump makes. I listen to what Trump calls locker-room talk while I attempt to do my homework. And I try to forget what he has said and done to girls like me, but I cant. I cant forget the way he talked to the former Miss Universe, or the vulgar words he used on that bus. I will never be able to forget the way he insulted the parents of Captain Khan, a war hero, for their religion. I will never forget the monstrosity that he is at debates. I will never understand how he can insult everyone on the planet except for the rich, white, Republican males and still have this many supporters. Millions of people are still in support of a reality where children are raised hearing the most crude and offensive terms daily, and where every single person has been insulted by a potential leader of our country. The fact that I am not surprised anymore, that is what is truly terrifying.

Stella Mahler, Ninth Grade

I am a white teen living in America. The education, justice, and economic systems all work in my favor. I go to Bard, a prestigious college-prep high school, with four other students from my middle school, all of whom are white. Why might this be? Because the education system does not work in favor of people of color. In the words of Yara Shahidi, it has become that children of color are the anomaly if they succeed, and the expectation if they fail. And what will Trump do to fix this broken, racist education system? Nothing. In fact, he will attempt to run it as if it were a business, and soon enough only wealthy white children will succeed, then only wealthy white men, and so on.

When women succeed, the country succeeds. When people of color succeed, the country succeeds. When people of Muslim or Jewish or Islamic faith succeed, the country succeeds. To bring it closer to home for the white Christian folks, when Jill Stein or Gary Johnson succeed, Trump succeeds, and when Trump succeeds, the country falls. Who will you be voting for?

Tess Lovell, Eighth Grade

I have something to say.

I am not wooed by sexual harassment.

I am sorry that you cannot control yourself if a pretty girl walks in the room.

I do not think it is okay to grab a woman regardless of what she thinks.

If you touch me without consent,

It is sexual harassment.

I think it is absurd that you are teaching girls

That they can excuse a grope,

A touch,

A kiss,

That they did not agree to.

Do you know what its called to force someone to have intercourse with you?

Rape.

And now it doesnt seem like locker room talk,

Does it?

No, do not touch me.

No, I do not want to give you a hug.

No, I do not care if you are a star.

I AM NOT AN OBJECT.

Keep your hands away from me,

Because I am entitled to my own body.

I refuse to let you romanticize rape.

I have a voice, and you are drying it up.

I feel it fall away with every objectifying word you say.

I AM NOT YOUR PROPERTY.

Let me have privacy.

Let me have security.

Let me have me.

I am more than my legs.

I am more than my cup size.

Listen to what I have to say, because I have a voice.

Let me own MYSELF.

I am a HUMAN.

TREAT ME LIKE A HUMAN.

Sonia Chajet Wides, Eighth Grade

Women are over 50 percent of this population. And yet the man who is running for president of the United States of America says that it is justified for him to grab a woman by her p***y because he is famous, and because she is a brainless toy who will let him. I do not want to live in a country where this is tolerated. And if people are taking a man seriously who believes that women and Mexicans and gay people and Muslims and so many others are inferior to him, then we are automatically regressing into the worst periods of our countrys history.

This election is about more than two politicians (or really just one politician). This is about stopping hatred from convoluting our country. Donald Trump represents the absurd beliefs that I used to consider rare but are now being brought to the major political stage. When I say I am a feminist, when I get angry about rape jokes or disgusting, sexist things people say, this is what I mean. I dont hate men. And I dont deny the privileges I have. But I am an advocate for womens rights because there is a man who people are taking seriously as a potential leader of America who rates women on a scale of 1 to 10 and talks about how he cant stop himself from kissing beautiful women and who comments on a womans legs! I am not an item. I am a woman and I am an activist and I am a feminist and I am proud.
Photo: Gregory Harris

Thirty-five years ago, Carolina Herrera showed her very first collection at Manhattans Metropolitan Club. The fashion designer was famous for her elegant style years before Diana Vreeland, a close friend, suggested she open her own fashion house. Herrera made her official debut in 1981 and went on to dress Estee Lauder, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Michelle Obama.

The new book Carolina Herrera: 35 Years of Fashion, out earlier this month from Rizzoli, celebrates Herreras anniversary in the fashion industry and is the first collection to showcase her entire career. The tome traces her designs over the years, focusing on the sophisticated, feminine silhouettes and dresses Herrera is known for. Which makes sense  she grew up dress shopping with her grandmother at Balenciaga in Venezuela and sewing clothing for her dolls as a girl.

Click ahead to preview the book.

Photo: Harris and Olins

Photo: Harris and Olins

Photo: Harris and Olins

Carolina Herrera
Female Trump supporters. Photo: Darren McCollester/Getty Images

According to recent polls, most of Donald Trumps remaining supporters are men  48 percent of male voters say theyre voting for Trump, compared to just 28 percent of female voters. Although theyre in the minority, the women who support Trump are adamant that his alleged history of sexual assault doesnt impact his ability to lead a country.

He may be disgusting and maybe hes done the things that they said hes done, Pam Byrd, a North Carolina resident, told the Daily Beast. But hes still got common sense and hes saying smart things. Her sister, Tina Stevens, agreed.

I dont think its a personality contest, she said. In my job, Ive had to work with people I didnt like. But they did a really, really good job. And thats what I see as far as Trump goes.

Other women echoed the Trump campaigns defense, comparing Trumps actions to those of Hillary Clinton. Obviously it doesnt make his character look great, Meg Prokopenko, another Trump supporter, said of the allegations against him. But if you look at Bill and Hillary paying hundreds of thousands to cover up a rape that Bill did, I dont see her as being a champion for womens rights. Prokopenkos mother, whos also a Trump supporter, suggested the accusations are part of the big lies of Hillary.

Not a single woman the Daily Beast spoke to said they would change their minds, even if Trump turned out to be a sexual predator. As Trina Hudson, another resident of North Carolina, put it: It. Does. Not. Matter. I would still vote for him.
The OECD Observer online archive takes you on a journey through half a century of public policy and world progress.

Since November 1962, the OECDs experts and leading guests offer insights on the questions facing our member countries with concise and authoritative analysis, and provide our audiences with an excellent opportunity to understand policy debates and consider solutions.

Each edition of the OECD Observer reports on a core theme of the OECDs on-going work, from economics and society through governance, finance, and the environment, and articles are bolstered by tables and graphs.
i thought this 5 yrs ago and it was explained 2 me by someone on here that armenians are white

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didnt the word caucasian come from that general region (armenia)

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Armenian ONTDers told me that some Armenians are white and some aren't, the ones who explained this to me said they didn't consider themselves white and felt like they had faced a lot of racial discrimination, so....? IDK I feel like this topic often gets messy on here

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Yeah, I was kinda wondering this. Have we ever reached consensus and/or has she or the other sisters ever definitively stated how they identify...? I mean, obviously they're well-known for appropriating black culture and that's NAGL, but I'm not sure if we can call them white.

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I feel like there is no consensus on this, but Armenians definitely seem to be read as "light skin people with non-Western European features"

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Her life is White, though.



Mom is Super-White, Grew-up with a super-White Step-father, and most people don't even know what Armenians are. She grew up wealthy, sheltered, and privileged.



She ain't White, but she's as White as Louis C.K and/or Cameron Diaz. You can't apply the same rules of race to them. They're privileged, though they're technically "minorities".

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Well, she is half white, and has lighter skin than most black girls, plus, Kanye was with Amber before Kim, so he does prefer white meat, so her point about the lyrics of the song kind of stands.



Black girls are always treated like if they were inferior and not as good/intelligent/attractive as her white counterparts. Nicki is a mess, but she has a point.

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In the early 1900s, US courts defined Armenians as white but we all know the racial history in this country is messy af so \_()_/

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isnt her mom white?

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Edited at 2016-10-17 03:18 am (UTC)

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i think Armenians are a good example of how crazy race is in the US. there are some 100% white passing Armenians and some Armenians that read as a 'brown other' to white people. i think Kim pre-plastic surgery and hair lasering did not read as white.

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She's at least half white.

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She looks white enough. And her also reflects it.

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white people above the shade of tan really confuse people on ontd. yall just cant compute ethnic features and being white together.

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yet defines as white so...

but anyway i guess people on the internet's word matters more than hers

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omggg this conversation happens every week on ONTD

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Ikr she became famous by being Paris hiltons "exotic" friend

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People seem to forget that Kris Jenner is not Armenian but white. So technically Kim is white. I'm pretty sure she probably considers herself a white woman. It's funny though because over the last few years Kim has looked less ethnic.

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Kris is white

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i don't fully 100% fuck with nicki anymore but there are no lies here that i can see

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mte

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Ok you're right about that, Nicki, but then u go and defend ur brother? Hmm 

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welllp

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If she really wants to call out hypocrites she needs to take a fucking look in the mirror - tweeting something along the lines of how rapists should rot and then lo and behold a year or whatever later she's perfectly happy backing up her rapist brother.

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Yupppppp

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thin, trim, and also light skin tho.



nappy headed hoes that need a perminator tho???





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Mte. Even if her points are valid

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Right like not with those white supremacist lyrics sis tf

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Self-hate is real with this one.



But still, I feel sorry for her. She's not smart enough to know that she's reinforcing a negative concept but I hope that with time, she changes.

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what does perminator mean?

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a play on the words perm (a term used when black girls relax their hair) and terminator

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But she is a black woman, isn't she allowed to say those things?

Even if she wasn't, she is still making valid points.

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wow smh

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welp

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i fucking hate agreeing with this bird, but she is right about this



(but i mean anyone with a brain knows this)

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go cry about it to your rapist pedophile brother, nicki (though you didn't lie)

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Says the girl with an icon of a woman who takes part in White-Washing.



Since we're bringing up unrelated things.

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Lmao what

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GET HER. I mean I hate Nicki but I also hate ScarJo. So, GET HA.

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idk if you can tell between characters and actors but this is black widow and i rarely change my icons but sure if you wanna nitpick what several other people have said too, to me, over a character icon then by all means continue on

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kween of self-serving truth bombs YAS

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lol she really is

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When is she going to serve herself the truth about her pedo brother and her racist and misogynistic lyrics, tho?

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LOL oop

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...that wouldn't be self-serving tho?

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Mte

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don't hold your breath

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I thought the OC meant self serving as like someone who gives out advice but don't know they need to take it themselves?



Idk I'm drunk.

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Haha for real tho.

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i've been listening to that song recently and i thought it was like...a joke but nah he was srs like that's what black men should do lol sad



u right nicki

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That's nice and all but her opinions will continue being irrelevant until she stops supporting a child molestor

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Hypocrite calling out hypocrites.

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pull your child rapist checks and stop with that perminator line and maybe i'd care

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I hate when trash people have good points that I must then acknowledge are good points/potentially defend them as their good points are dismissed.



Life would be easier if trash people were trash in all areas.



Edited at 2016-10-17 03:26 am (UTC)

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I mean you don't have to defend them, just say they have a good point and then keep talking about how they're trash.



A stopped clock is right twice a day and all that jazz.

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"Life would be easier if trash people were trash in all areas." omfg this truth

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you mean you hate that people are multi faceted individuals capable of both good and bad?

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for real

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I have never been so Team No One in my entire life

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lololol mte

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i think ive asked this before but who is that in your icon?

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Dammit I meant to reply to you

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There have been third party candidates I like but I wouldn't vote 3rd party in a presidential election.

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its not even worth it to vote for third party b/c of the way our coming process is setup.

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Third party shouldn't be considered in this election and even then they rarely get the % of votes needed.

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i voted for jill stein the last election only bc i knew obama would win my state. i did not vote for her this time.

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there are many parties in my country but there are 2 main ones who always take the cake. It's always a mess.



This last year 4 parties got to split the votes 4 ways and... we've already had 2 elections and still no president, probably heading towards a 3rd election.



Someone please put us out of our misery :(

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where do you live?

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Spain. It's a shitshow, really.

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She lives in Spain. Trust me, I'm here too.

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Oh i thought you were from Mexico, 'cause that totally sounds like it.

Only two parties get the positions, ugh even when both parties are awful spawns of satan

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I can't imagine the frustration you feel. I know Spain keeps having elections and nothing ever seems to shake out, in any direction.

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I don't vote third party because it's a waste of time and effort

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if your state is already decided, it's a waste of time anyway. thank god for down-ticket and ballot measures to give us a good reason to show up.

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true, I'm in a solid blue state so someone's gotta fill it up tho

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never would I ever vote third party cause I am not an idiot

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lol in Brasil we have over 30 political parties. they form coalitions for elections and to govern. its a mess. there are like 5 bigger ones.



and I cant stop laughing at Gary Johnson and that fucking tongue. WHY?



Edited at 2016-10-17 01:17 pm (UTC)

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What I don't like: Hillary's foreign policy, which is admittedly basically status quo American at this point (Bernie's foreign policy wasn't much better, has voted for wars, and would continue drone strikes), her deep entrenchment in corporate interests.



She's an imperialist in a fancy suit. Electing her will likely be a continuation of a Barack Obama style presidency, who you all seem to like so much. Some positive on the domestic front, same old on the foreign front.



The two party system has failed us for so long. What caused you now to realize how bad it's been? Is it because Bernie brought the issue of income inequality and crony capitalism to light? An issue that you realized actually affects you? And now you're mad? Okay. Be mad. But if you really want to be a revolutionary, I hope you're just as mad for all the other progressive causes - racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, police brutality, xenophobia, islamophobia, that many of you who make noise over Bernie have otherwise so conveniently ignored.



There are plenty of things about her that I don't expect progressives to accept, nor should they. But if you're going to reject Hillary, I hope you go all the way. I hope you join your local socialist group. I hope you protest in the streets. I hope your conviction bleeds into everything you do and causes you to rethink every other problematic thought or belief or behavior.



The truth of the matter is, more change can and will be made on a grassroots level. The tea party took its hold and despite being a minority on the conservative side and pushed the rhetoric far to the right because they built their power from the ground up. They organized. They won local elections. And then they moved up until they were representatives and senators.



For everyone that's mad right now, I hope that anger keeps you engaged. I hope you start showing up for local politics. Because until the two party system breaks, those are going to be our choices. And those parties are not going to break until their movements surge from the grassroots, local level up.



But that's the long game. With the exception of a few here, I don't think most of you are ready for a real revolution. It is bloody, it is terrifying, it is chaos. And many of you, as relatively privileged members of society, would stand too much to lose. And I don't blame you for not being ready. As progressive as I like to think I am, I'm not ready this very second for our whole political structure to break.



So that's why my short term plan will likely be to vote Hillary to keep Trump out. She will continue some of the same bad things internationally that America does, as America does, but she will work to improve things domestically. And that's a hell of a lot better than a literal fascist. I consider this a national emergency, as previous years conservatives were terrible people who would have ended up doing unconstitutional things, but did not run on a platform I feel comfortable directly comparing to Hitler's rise to power.



I have heard excellent arguments for voting third party in this election, particularly from people who's communities and lives are under constant attack already and a continuation of the status quo through Hillary would be intolerable. I respect the people who have put the time and effort to think it through and stand for this. I can't conscionably ask them to vote for what really seems to be more of the same. But I also believe that we can simultaneously and realistically keep a fascist out of power through voting for Hillary, who will hopefully make some smaller gains on the domestic front while we figure out how to give our third parties a fighting chance in the elections to come. It's the concession I'm willing to make right now for the long game. And I really hope that newly political people who were inspired by Bernie are willing to do the same.

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I think this is why I hate progrestive politics. Too much top down thinking. They don't do the actual work required on the grassroots and whenever they do go into the trenches they do not follow through with actual candidates. I saw this with the Occupy which turned into a hilarious embarassment while the Tea party was getting organized and electing people. I'm watching BLM right now and I'm like...here we go...

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nope, not doing this today.

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hilary clinton killed your brothers and sisters with her bare hands?

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Take us to church.

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IMO that's why HRC got such strong support from democratic insiders, superdelegates, and ultimately the nomination-- idealism dies after the first few reality checks of dealing with the ground game.

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The truth of the matter is, more change can and will be made on a grassroots level. The tea party took its hold and despite being a minority on the conservative side and pushed the rhetoric far to the right because they built their power from the ground up. They organized. They won local elections. And then they moved up until they were representatives and senators.





So true. Tim Canova (who is a huge Bernie Bro) was running for congress in FL against Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Besides endorsing Canova, Sanders did not stump for him at all. He said he called Bernie but he never returned his call. Sander's 'Our Revolution' organization to help elect like minded politicians was also no help to him. In the end Debbie beat his ass badly.



The far left had momentum with Bernie but it doesn't look like they know what to do with it. The tea party has figured it out tho. They started at local levels and now with Trump have their own presidential candidate.

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*applauds*



Also, it will be easier to do the kind of grassroots work and party-building you're talking about under a Hillary presidency than under a Trump one. You don't want a proto-fascist in power when you're attempting to organise against the status-quo.

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Yup. They're trying to jump in at the top when they need to focus on local/state elections first and build up the base they need and it won't work, which is why I can't bring myself to vote third party in any presidential election no matter how much I dislike the frontrunners (and I'm approaching 40 so I've voted in a few presidential elections).



Anyway, your comment is spot on and I wish I could broadcast it in the sky for all the people who think this is a good time to make a protest vote.

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YES.



And I keep telling people, for how fired up you are about this election, I damn well better see you in 2018 voting in the midterms and you better go out and vote for your city councilpeople, local magistrates, state reps, district attorney, etc. If you don't think your vote counts in the general election, let it be heard on the local level where it DOES count.

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YESSSS

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Nnnnnnn

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i'm dying @ the video description and the fact that the username belongs to Charlie

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lol I love this song but this video is perfect!

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Voting third party in smaller elections can actually provide enough votes to make a third party a legitimate party (depending on the rules of your state/district), so voting third party can be productive in that sense.



No way am I doing it for president though.

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I wish I could convince some of my friends that are voting third party not to go in that direction this election 'cause we really need to focus on not letting the Orange Anus get into the oval office.

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The resemblance is uncanny so I quite agree with her description!

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if you're in a swing state, ride their ass. if not, it doesn't really matter.

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I can't imagine I'd ever consider wasting my vote on a third party, even when I was much younger I remeber knowing it was stupid.



In high school when we were all getting around voting age I remeber a ton of guys proudly being for Nader and even then I couldn't help but side-eye them to the best of my ability.(but those guys were all fucking idiots so I side-eyed them 90% of the time)

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WTF. In what world is Al Gore just as bad as Bush? Grey areas, they exist.

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Pick someone else, I'm not doing this. lmao. Pick someone else, I'm not doing this. lmao.

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voting third party in a presidential race doesnt work. You have to start at the bottom. Maybe in local election or governor. (thats where a lot change takes place) You have to get ground momentum going first.



Voting 3rd party for a presidential election takes away votes from the other two parties. I mean Teddy Roosevelt ran 3rd party and couldnt win. (and a lot of people knew he was which a problem for 3rd party candidates -- lack of name recognition) And if a 3rd party candidate actually won they would have no voting bloc or people on their side. They would have adopt policies friendly to one or both parties in order to get anything done. So its not gonna be this rosy picture everyone thinks it is.



Also no one is arguing with you and saying Hillary is patron saint of all things good. What people are saying is that between her and the other candidates we have to choose from-- Trump, Stein, and Johnson;





Edited at 2016-10-17 04:34 pm (UTC)

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LMAOOO SON.

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It's a town/region in Syria

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They were making fun of Gary Johnson. He had no idea what Aleppo was, but yet is running for President.



Edited at 2016-10-17 01:33 pm (UTC)

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lol this earnest response is killing me.

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Even seeing Gary Johnson's name reminds me of the Aleppo thing and gives me the most intense wave of second-hand embarrassment. I know politicians don't experience shame but I don't know why he didn't immediately quit after that.

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imo the two-party system is something you'd need to dismantle before an election, not during, if that makes any sense. i don't see the two-party system ending anytime soon tho



in this particular election i would never vote 3rd party. the candidates suck and a vote for them is essentially a vote for trump

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A presidential election pretty much destroying the two-party system is what's been happening in my country since spring. Both the major parties candidates only got like 10% in the first election circle and now it's either going to be a green or extreme right-winged candidate. And our major parties have been in crisis ever since.



But the president is more of an representative figure, while the chancellor deals with the actual day-to-day politics, so it's a bit different.

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where u from?

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"the candidates suck"



ugh, this reality. i would proudly vote third party if someone i liked was at the helm but stein and johnson are bozos. i still might vote green since i'm in ca and i think it would be cool for them to get better stats so a future candidate has a better chance but stein. lol.



i don't get how we have kind of four political parties and they ALL only have crap options. wtf is 2016.

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I really like her. Anybody seen her line of boots? I considered getting a pair but they're too expensive for me.

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Ugh, I loved that they had those all over London when I was there. I wish we had something like that in the States that's healthier where you can just grab it and go.

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they are tons in nyc

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Whatever she did to her face worked because she looks 10 years younger nowadays

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Seriously. I think calming down on the clown makeup helped, too.

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At this point why is anyone supporting him?

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Good question.

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seriously, yikes

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why would they not...?

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Hes a sexual predator working for russia to make donald trump president.

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I'd like to know why too.

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And evidently he's being charged with internet child grooming in the Bahamas.



I don't get people's supporting this fuckhead, at all.

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All I can think of is Bea Arthur reading Pamela's autobiography on stage, the part about Pamela fucking some guy in exchange for borrowing his bicycle. If you pull it up on Youtube, put down what you're eating because the description is gross :X

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lol, I remember that so well too. "Squeeze your buttcheeks together like your trying to hold a fart!"

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Technically, it's considered a work of fiction but I always thought it was based on her life

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Bless you. That was amazing.

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"Pam where do you come up with this shit?"

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idk if i can take an ontd vegan post this early in the morning



i'm vegan, i love vegan food

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Right? I'll just sit by you.

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yep, on all accounts

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Haha same. Good morning, ONTD! Straight out the gate w/ a vegan post. I fucking love vegan food, though I am a failed vegan from 10 years ago. I do work for a local business that caters to vegan/vegetarian/allergen-free meals for people who don't want to research recipes/buy all the organic/locally sourced ingredients/cook & I loooooove my job. I get to take home so much yummy food & I get to frequent the local natural foods store (that I normally can't afford to shop very much at) because that's where our customers pick up their orders.

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i love my ontd vegan fam <3 <3

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ikr

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Yup. I never know why I do it but I always read the whole thing anyway...

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why? I've never been in vegan posts. Just want to add that I love making Vegan Mac n Cheese

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yooo another vegan ontder!



my cooking has gotten so lazy but my vegan Nussecken (German pastry that's made of nuts, chocolate and sin) always get me smothered in recipe requests. I always use them to shut up anyone that talks shit abt veg food haha.

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same girl!

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Fellow vegan here as well!

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I'm trying really hard to eat less dairy but I'm really struggling with finding good replacements for my favorite foods, and I don't think my self control is good enough to completely give them up. I made vegan mac and "cheese" yesterday and it was just awful.



Is there a good vegan replacement for milk chocolate?



Also can people recommend their favorite vegan cookbooks/blogs?



Edited at 2016-10-17 01:21 pm (UTC)

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Check out Where are you from? I'm asking because I don't know if they have my favorite brands where you are, I live in Italy.Check out http://minimalistbaker.com and http://www.onegreenplanet.org/channel/vegan-recipe/

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It's trial and error. There are brands that make vegan milk chocolate idk where you are though so idk what stores you have available. I've had really good vegan mac but imo it's not usually going to taste EXACTLY like "regular" mac and cheese, you kind of have to appreciate it for what it is. I loved cheeseburgers and I've never found meat subs that are even close but I'm over it lol, your tastes change and you learn to appreciate other things.

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i really like almond fresh and silk almond chocolate milk. (no soy here.)

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Not milk chocolate but there's a smoothie place near my work office that makes a vegan chocolate smoothie that is to die for.



The ingredients are almond milk, cocoa powder, cocoa seeds, banana, dates, lucuma, pinch of salt.

I always ask if they can make it with coconut milk and no dates (the banana makes it sweet enough for me) and once I asked if they could throw in a few strawberries and it was delicious.

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I used to be addicted to milk chocolate and dark chocolate just didn't do it for me. Fast forward three months into being vegan and I tried milk chocolate just to see - it tasted like sugary milk. Really bland. Your tastebuds do get used to the change, but it takes a while :)

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i'm wondering if there really is a good vegan mac and cheese cus i took a vegan cooking class earlier this year and the mac and cheese we made was not good. i can't remember the exact recipe but it was something like cashews, mustard, spices, etc. and it tasted exactly like mustard and pasta lmao. so bad

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the only time i ate vegan chocolate i had to spit it out... i couldn't believe how bad it tasted.



i do really like dark chocolate though, but i think the highest i go is like 70% lol.

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Vegan Richa is soooo droolworthy, her desserts all make me hungry no matter if I've just eaten or not.

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vegans need to stop with their mac and "cheese" nonsense, nuts and soy and other fake cheese ingredients will never compare to the real thing.

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i'm all for more ethical farming/ less consumption of meat in general but veganism really tests me. i want to ask vegans who they care more about: animals, or the underpaid, exploited people harvesting their grains and veggies?

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IAWTC. Just because it doesn't have a face, doesn't mean there was no suffering to get to your plate.

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Meat eaters eat (or should) eat fruit, veggies. etc too

Also, because you can't stop human exploitation you should go out and torture and kill some animals?

Nobody can ever live without hurting others but we can try doing our best

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"Meat eaters eat (or should) eat fruit, veggies. etc too"



Right?! My sister always brings up this argument in response to my veganism and I'm like "Bitch, you eat the very same vegetables that I do". I think it's almost impossible to live without causing any suffering, but I'm trying my best.

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decent vegans care for both



meanwhile many meat eaters only bring up wokers in poor conditions to deflect that they profit form their labour as well since they don't seem 2 give a shit abt them otherwise

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Or the underpaid, exploited people working in the meat and dairy industry? It's going to be pretty impossible to completely eliminate your contribution to that unless you grow your own food/eat completely seasonal and local but vegans are only contributing to half of it? I mean, people who eat meat and dairy still eat grains and produce lol. You can care about both and the vegans I know do.

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false dichotomy tbh. like another commenter said, there is an incredible amount of unethical human labor involved in the factory farming industry.

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You think workers in slaughterhouses are treated fairly? Bullshit argument.



We should improve working conditions for all food industry workers instead of attacking vegans for caring about animals.

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Underpaid, exploited people are making most of the products you and I use in general (from clothes to electronics to toys), it's got nothing to do with veganism.

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Vegans only test me when they seem to think they're morally superior because they're vegan, as if they've found a way of opting out of the evils of capitalism and have become the most moral of all beings (lol).



Many vegans' obsession with personal life style choices bother me. Rather than talk about how my neighbours are awful human beings because they're not vegan, I'd rather talk about the big companies that create many of these problems to begin with. I'd much rather organize for changed legislation, than make the individual choice to become vegan just so I can feel exceptional and good about myself for not personally contributing to something that exploit people and will likely end up destroying the world. Governments and corporations don't value our individual voices anyway. I really doubt that veganism slooooooooooooooooowly becoming more popular through individual choice is what will save the industry or the world.

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This arguement is so illogical. We can care about both.



As a meat eater, you require a bunch more plants because the animals you eat require a lot more food than if you just ate the plants. Veganism is about causing the least harm possible, vegans know they can never 100% be perfect consumers because that is not possible.



And you should educate yourself on the treatment of slaughterhouse workers, it is one of the most horrific jobs you can have.

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your ignorance rly tests me in political posts jfc

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JESUS CHRIST I GET IT

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i think i kinda get what you're saying. used be vegan for years, started dating a mexican dude whose mom would get hurt that i wouldn't eat her pozole at christmas, chicken tacos and arroz when we would visit, etc. i started thinking about how much my veganism was actually helping people in exploitative working conditions. it doesn't unless you are actually actively organizing w/ workers in agriculture and the meat/dairy industry for reforms...which, as someone who is doing that, i can tell you like 70% of the veggies/vegans i know have absolutely no interest in. but to be fair, it seems like NO ONE (meat eaters and vegans alike) truly gives a fuck about these people and what they go thru.

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I love Pret for a quick bite, their kale/cauliflower mac & cheese is so good. Sad they don't have any stores in my country :(

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I thought it was two women?

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i'm a vegetarian, so alot of the stuff i eat is unintentionally vegan anyway

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Gotta fuel up to keep escaping that rape allegation!

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Haven't tried this one yet but it looks really good Let's share!Haven't tried this one yet but it looks really good http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-recipe/crispy-turmeric-tofu-nuggets/

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Chloe Coscarelli's Take Out Peanutty Noodles.

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I've posted this before but this is THE BEST chocolate cake: https://www.nigella.com/recipes/dark-and-sumptuous-chocolate-cake

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This lentil shepherds pie. Soooooo good and looks beautiful. It's very "meaty" and savory tasting, so even my meat-obsessed family loves it. http://pureella.com/vegan-dinner-lentil-shepherds-pie/

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i also like:

- http://hostthetoast.com/thai-cashew-coconut-rice-ginger-peanut-sauce/

- coconut curry soup (i don't have a fave recipe...usually i combine several recipes to form something i really like)

- cookies & cream cupcakes (this might be the recipe i sort of followed):

- i also do this, but typically i stuff the caramelized onion risotto into mushroom caps:

- sweet chili brussels sprouts:

- a dessert i like to do is take mini peanut butter cup wrappers, pour in some dark chocolate, put in some biscoff or cookie butter, refrigerate, cover the rest with chocolate. sooooo good.



i know there are more but i can't think of them at the moment. i'm not vegan but my best friend is, so i'm always experimenting with things. spring/salad rolls!!i also like:- coconut curry soup (i don't have a fave recipe...usually i combine several recipes to form something i really like)- cookies & cream cupcakes (this might be the recipe i sort of followed): http://kellyscupcakery.blogspot.com/2010/05/vegan-cookies-n-cream-cupcakes.html - i also do this, but typically i stuff the caramelized onion risotto into mushroom caps: http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-baked-mushroom-risotto-136836 - sweet chili brussels sprouts: http://www.gourmetveggiemama.com/2013/12/02/roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-sweet-chili-sauce/ - a dessert i like to do is take mini peanut butter cup wrappers, pour in some dark chocolate, put in some biscoff or cookie butter, refrigerate, cover the rest with chocolate. sooooo good.i know there are more but i can't think of them at the moment. i'm not vegan but my best friend is, so i'm always experimenting with things.

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I'm still side eye-ing her over her messiness about the canadian seal hunting. Talk ONLY about what you know girl!

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I'm back. I'm OK. I'm resting and trying to get back in the groove of things. #solitaryconfinement  Chelsea Manning (@xychelsea) 12. Oktober 2016

more importantly

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god, poor chelsea. she deserves freedom so much.

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Bowing @ your icon, I still haven't watched the finale of PD because I know they did Vanessa dirty.

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Ben looks like part of his soul died and he's been sent to vaes dothrak



Edited at 2016-10-17 08:45 pm (UTC)

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that's a very smooth forehead Ben

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aw the photo of them in the beanies w/ beers is qt

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I'm pretty sure they made a brew specifically for him, so it is definitely in his best interest to promote them, even if he isn't getting paid directly for it. And he seems like the type of dude who just loves to drink all the time tbh

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tbh i think he is a drunk

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Ben looks like shit.

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I refuse to get excited about this movie



Edited at 2016-10-17 08:49 pm (UTC)

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I'll keep my expectations low so the inevitable DC disappointment won't hit me too hard

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Ben's a recovering alcoholic tho

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I was just thinking isn't he an alcoholic? Yikes.

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he went to rehab 3908409 years ago but i don't think he's ever said he's been sober. he might've just toned it down a bit bc addiction runs in his family.

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Not sure he's never been sober - people assume he's full blown alcoholic because of that one trip he took to rehab (which he has said publicly was pre-emptive rather than reactive) and his family history (father was a full blown drink-all-day alcoholic), but he's never said it himself. Same with the gambling thing.

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RME he's like a fucken college twat that just discovered a college party grow the fk up youre 40!

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lol this is a very angry comment

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lol i just lowkey want him to get gangbanged :/

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you realize they've been on strict diets throughout filming because of their fitness, right? and now they finally get to cheat and eat/drink all the stuff that's been off limits. not to mention celebrate the completion of something they worked hard on. it's not like they're doing keg stands or funneling beer into their assholes.

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chill

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Hmm I don't know what to really think of this film.



Beer tastes disgusting tbh. I played beer pong last week and I hated that I had to drink 3 of our cups and that it had to be done so quickly.

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sour ales will change ya life

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Whats that taste like

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You're speaking my language, sis.

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that last picture is adorable. i love jason, he just doesn't give a fuck lol. and his aquaman tattoos look awesome.

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This film better have gratuitous shirtless scenes of Jason to make up for Affleck's ugly mug.

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Like I want a 10 minute scene of Jason oiling himself up and doing OHP's just because.

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Finally, a comic book movie I could get behind.

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I cosign

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I want to get drunk with this cast.

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I hate beer

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I refuse to get my hopes up about this movie.

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It has been ten months since the international community lifted sanctions against Irans oil and gas sector, paving the way for the country to rebuild its lost production capacity and fight for its fair market share.

Figures from Bloomberg show Irans September production rate at 3.63 million barrels a day  set to increase to and stabilize at just over 4 million bpd in the next few weeks.

If all goes as planned, Tehrans oil officials will sign $10 billion in new oil and gas deals by the end of the fiscal year in March, according to Amirhossein Zamaninia, Irans deputy oil minister for international affairs.

The mega-sized South Azadegan oilfield, which sits on the Iran-Iraq border, will kick off the return of foreign capital to the countrys energy sector and "likely propel the petrochemical ventures to get off the ground faster than the new oil and gas ventures, the official said.

On Monday, the ministry began taking applications from foreign companies for an unspecified number of new oil and gas projects. Multinational firms have until November 19th to submit their qualifications to bid on Iranian projects, and by December, the foreign companies that are eligible to participate in the nations new era of energy production will be announced.

"China has done enough investment in Iran," Mansour Moazami, former deputy oil minister and chairman of the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization told The Chicago Tribune. "We will provide opportunities and chances for others.

A $10 billion goal in the current bear market looks difficult to achieve, but energy investments in oil-rich Iran have been at a standstill for several years now. And the cogs in the machine are beginning to turnespecially in the domestic front.

Persia Oil and Gas Industry Development Co., a subsidiary of the Iranian holding company Setad Ejraiye Farmane Emam, became the first country to receive one of the governments new Iran Petroleum Contracts (IPC). The company will develop three small- and medium-sized oilfields in the southern oil-rich province of Khuzestan, according to the terms of the agreement, which also include a provision to allow the full recovery of costs for almost 20 years. Related: Oil Futures: Who Is Trading What?

Earlier this year, oil officials approved 11 Iranian firms to work with international companies on the to-be-announced projects. Roham Ghasemi, the CEO of Petroiran, one of the approved firms, told Shana on Friday that his company had identified and reached a preliminary agreement with our possible foreign partners in offshore IPC projects.

In addition, Royal Dutch Shell and an unnamed Italian-German firm agreed to conduct a feasibility study at an unspecified site recently.

As development restarts, the oil ministry says it will give priority to exploration and production initiatives in fields that Iran shares with its neighbors. The Los Angeles Times counts 28 such offshore and onshore fields  all ready to be harvested to give Iran a one-million-barrel per day national production boost over the next decade.

When the cabinet approved the new contracts in August, the government aimed to attract $50 billion in investments every year due to the structural improvements. By comparison, a $10 billion target as Iran enters the international arena after years of sanctions seems modestespecially because the country expects to be exempted from any production freeze agreed upon by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) next month.

Investment-wise, Iran is at rock bottom, and the sky is the limit.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

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Offshore exploration has been a rare bright spot for the global oil and gas industry lately.

Some of the movement in the offshore sector is coming as governments get more accommodating  in an attempt to spur drilling and increase revenues at a time when drilling is down across the world. With this weeks news about the big changes to Brazils petroleum laws being a prime example.

Big players like Shell are already moving to take advantage of this shift in Brazil. Announcing that they are moving ahead with the development of the 8 billion-barrel Libra pre-salt field here.

And Brazilian officials reported late this week that the shift to 100% foreign ownership is having a wider effect. With Petrobras CEO Pedro Parente telling the press that international firms began contacting him about opportunities on the same day that Brazils Congress voted to change the laws.

And its not just governments that are getting motivated when it comes to letting go of good assets.

Major E&Ps are also putting some important fields on the block. With the Financial Times reporting Wednesday that Chevron is in talks to sell its Bangladesh assets for up to $2 billion.

Even though Bangladesh isnt a place we hear a lot about it, these fields are actually quite strategic. Mainly consisting of natural gas production  with proximity to one of the worlds best natgas markets, in Southeast Asia.

It will be very interesting to see who might emerge as a potential buyer here. Especially given that a number of big oil and gas players seem to be speeding up their pursuit of offshore assets.

Players like integrated producer BHP Billiton. Which the Australian Financial Review this week reported is considering a big move in offshore development  namely, making an entry into deepwater Mexico.

According to the paper, BHP currently has a team of 50 professionals poring over the geology of Mexicos deepwater plays. Looking to determine if a bid makes sense as part of upcoming licensing rounds. Related: Near Term Oil Prices Cant Go Much Higher

That would be a major jump for BHP into completely new territory. Although such a move would fit very well with the companys current operations in oil and gas  which have focused recently on deepwater development in the nearby U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

BHP said in June that the GOM is one of just three places it plans to focus for petroleum drilling. And the strategy already appears to be paying off  with the company saying last week it has hit a significant oil discovery in the Caicos well on the Green Canyon Block, located in the offshore south of Louisiana.

In fact, BHP has said that economics of deepwater discoveries like this are actually some of the best in the world right now. With the company noting that increased capital efficiencies (read, much lower drilling and services costs) have made development projects like the companys Mad Dog 2 field in the GOM viable at oil prices below $50 per barrel.

Such shifts in cost structure are making offshore a big deal again. Stealing focus from onshore shale, which has become much more dubious economically, given the big upfront costs to get into key plays like the Permian  as well as the significant requirement for sustained capital spending to keep up production.

Improving numbers in the offshore are in fact driving a small renaissance in deepwater activity. With analysts at Evercore ISI reporting this week that September permitting of deepwater wells in the U.S. rose 50% month-on-month.

Of course, that amounted to only six wells. But its worth noting that those six deepwater permits made up the majority of the ten total permits granted in U.S. waters during September. By contrast, permitting for shallow-water wells fell 70% as compared to September 2015.

That shows the drilling sector in general is still suffering from the current downturn in energy prices. But that deepwater is fast emerging as a potential standout for the industry, even in these tougher times. Related: Canadas Carbon Tax: A Model For The Future?

Where should we be looking for this trend to keep unfolding? Aside from the newly-invigorated pre-salt of Brazil, news this week gives a few other ideas globally.

Shell, for example, said it plans to drill two deepwater exploration wells in offshore Tanzania by the end of this year. And the frontier North Sea continues to look interesting  with Suncor saying last week it will pay up to $215 million to buy a 30% interest in the Rosebank natgas project near the Shetland Islands from OMV.

There are even some ultra-radical new ideas being floated these days. With a consortium led by Chinas CNOOC reportedly planning 3D seismic in the offshore of Iceland  a place some geologists believe could have similar potential to the northern North Sea.

All of which suggests this is a sector to keep an eye on for energy investors and project developers. Watch for deals being done on offshore assets (Thailands PTTEP is reportedly on the hunt for new fields), and for new opportunities to emerge as governments and big players loosen the strings on leading plays around the world.

Heres to going deep.

By Dave Forest

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Iraqs Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has told media that the operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State has begun. The offensive will involve, in addition to the Iraqi army, its U.S.-led coalition allies and the Peshmerga, the armed forces of the Kurdistan autonomous region. The announcement was televised in the early hours of Monday.

Mosul has been under the terrorist groups control since 2014 and is the largest stronghold of IS in Iraq or Syria. Restoring government control over it is seen as a turning point in the fight against the organization.

Al-Abadi, however, said in his announcement that only the Iraqi army will enter the city once IS forces are defeated, in an attempt, according to the BBC, to quench fears that sectarian violence may break out otherwise.

The battle for Mosul has been planned and prepared for months, with the Iraqi army and its Western allies retaking towns and villagesand oil fieldson the way to Mosul. In late August, the army recaptured the Qayyara oil producing regions south of Mosul from forces loyal to the Islamic State, cutting the access of the group to its main source of revenue in the region.

Now, according to an Iraqi general, Haider Fadhil, a total of 25,000 troops will now take part in the offensive. Plans, as announced by PM Al-Abadi earlier this year, are to win the war with IS by the end of the year.

The Iraqi army and its allies, however, are not the only ones that have been preparing for a major battle. As Oilprice reported in late September, ISIS was building a moat around Mosul and using oil tankers to construct a wall around the city, which it would set on fire if the Iraqi army gets too close, according to Mosul residents. The group has also been digging tunnels underneath the city as a means of stopping the armys advance, shutting down some neighborhoods, and setting bombs.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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India and Russia are studying the construction of a gas pipeline to transport Russian gas from Siberia to India, over 2,800-3,700 miles. The value of this giant infrastructure project is estimated at up to US$25 billion. A memorandum of understanding was signed by state company Engineers India Ltd. and Gazprom on Saturday.

The length of the pipeline would vary depending on the route that will be chosen, should the two nations agree to go ahead with the project. If the partners choose the route through the Himalayas and into northern India, it will be the shortest one.

The two other alternatives are building it through Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan, to western India, or  the longest route  through China and Myanmar. Its the longest route that has been estimated to cost the US$25 billion.

There is, however, an alternative to a Russia-India pipeline, and this is a project for the transportation of Iranian gas via Pakistan into India. This pipeline has been estimated to cost less than the one from Russia, and its likely that Iran will do its best to convince India that its pipeline is the better choice. On the other hand, given long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan, the former may be less willing to depend on gas-carrying infrastructure that passes through the latter.

According to Engineers India, the transportation costs of the Russian gas will be US$12 per million British thermal units, although other industry experts mention US$4 per mmBtu as a more realistic cost.

This compares with less than US$1 per mmBtu for the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline and US$2 per mmBtu for another pipeline that is already in development: the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline, funded by the Asian Development Bank. TAPI will carry 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

The news about another major Russian-Indian project comes days after Rosneft announced it has teamed up with global commodities trader Trafigura and an investment fund, UCP, to acquire 98 percent of Indias Essar Oil.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire owner of chemicals conglomerate Ineos, will bid for Shells Buzzard oilfield in the North Sea valued at around US$2.2 billion (GBP 1.8 billion). The sale is part of Shells debt reduction plans, following its multibillion acquisition of gas major BG Group earlier this year. Total proceeds from asset sales are seen at up to US$30 billion (GBP 24.6 billion).

For Ratcliffe, if his bid wins, the deal would represent a much sought-after expansion into the energy industry of the country. His bid for Buzzard is the latest in the North Sea, after last year, Ineos acquired all the gas fields operated by German DEA Group in the U.K. North Sea shelf. The Buzzard field became property of Shell after the acquisition of BG Group. Ineos is also the owner of the only oil refinery in Scotland.

Shell invited companies to bid on the field in late September, and Ineos was among the parties identified as potential suitors, along with Siccar Point Energy  a company funded by Blackstone Group  and Chrysaor Holdings, an energy explorer that has teamed up with another private equity firm  EIG Global Energy Partners.

Shells divestment plans are for the period until 2018, with deals worth US$6-8 billion eyed this year alone, according to the companys chief financial officer Simon Henry. Apparently, a hefty part of this will come from North Sea asset sales, as Shell joins other energy companies in exiting the area, which features mature fields and high production costs: an unappealing combination in the current market environment.

Earlier this year there was media speculation that Shell will exit the North Sea entirely, but the company has denied the reports. At the moment, it operates 33 platforms there, with stakes in 65 oil and gas fields.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The United Nations (UNESCO, to be specific) recently adopted an anti-Israel resolution that disregarded the Jewish connection to the faiths two holiest sites, the Temple Mount and Western Wall. The motion was supported by 24 nations, including Russia and China. Only six countries opposed it.



Now, the UN is too impotent to make history, much less redraft it. Still, its never a waste of time to remind people of its long record of empowering cheerleaders and perpetrators of violence against Jews.



Its not merely that UN organizations like the human rights commission or UNESCO are often led by Islamic supremacists, but that the majority of first-world nations have  with few exceptions, like the United States and the United Kingdom  been enablers of anti-Semitism for over 50 years.



This new motion, which claims freedom of worship has been curtailed by escalating aggressions and illegal measures, was submitted by the Palestinians and backed by various other twelfth-century strongholds like Morocco (where its illegal to possess a Bible written in Arabic), Algeria (where Muslim women cannot marry non-Muslim men and insulting Muhammad is punishable by death), Iran (with restrictions too long to list), Pakistan (where the death penalty or life in prison is mandated for apostasy), and Sudan (where converting to Christianity is punishable by death.)



Did I mention UNESCO is an organization that claims it encourages international peace and universal respect for human rights? Why would the United States lend its credibility to such a sham?

During the Obama years, the Left came out of the closet, using the UN as a shield to foist their own deeply anti-Israel (and subtly anti-Semitic) sentiment. They championed the palestinians and Hamasan oppressive, murderous Islamic terror cult that is anti-woman, anti-gay, anti-Semitic, anti-diversity, anti-democratic, and anti-free speech. At its core, the palestinians and Hamas are totalitarian. Maybe that's why the Left makes common cause with them.Barack Obama joined the Left's anti-Israel chorus as often as he could, trying hard to moderate his personal anti-Israel bias with the need to mollify clueless Jewish donors. After all, the money had to keep rolling in.In an article aptly entitled, "The United Nations Is Run By A Bunch Of Depraved Totalitarians, Villainous Barbarians, And Anti-Semitic Scum: Just a Friendly Reminder," (read the whole thing) David Harsanyi writes:When the United States under Barack Obama refused to acknowledge that Jerusalem , irrefutably a Jewish city for most of recorded history, ispart of Israel, the main stream media yawned. After all, they wouldn't want to upset Jewish Democrats at this crucial time in the election cycle. Hillary Clinton isasked to clarify her position on this issue, after all, her trained hamsters in the media wouldn't want to make her uncomfortable, would they? Clinton has to keep the Left happy, but she's also all about donor's money and votes. If asked, she'd lie (what else is new), but in reality I suspect her presidency will follow the Obama mold with schizophrenic positions on Israel month by month.Come to think of it, Hillary and Hamas should be able to reach common ground. After all, the palestinians (who elected Hamas to represent them) are as dishonest, corrupt, and incompetent as the likely future President of the United States. At least Hillary isn't as murderous, and that's a plus in her favor.
For the 10th straight year, October is Dining Month on OnMilwaukee, presented by the restaurants of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. All month, we're stuffed with restaurant reviews, dining guides, delectable features, chef profiles and unique articles on everything food, as well as voting for your "Best of Dining 2016." Peter Sciortino's and Rocket Baby It looks like there isn't just one bakery taking the cake this time around in the annual OnMilwaukee Best of Dining readers poll. After Rocket Baby enjoyed the title alone last year, it now shares it with veteran Brady Street counterpart, Peter Sciortino's. Both bakeries offer up sweet treats  albeit of distinctly different varieties: French-influenced at Rocket Baby and Italian cookies at Sciortino's  and fresh bread. Rocket Baby also serves sandwiches, soups, salads and some breakfast dishes. Runners up:

2. National Bakery and Deli

3. Simma's Bakery

4. Grebe's Bakery

5. Cranky Al's Lori Fredrich's pick: Amaranth Bakery & Cafe

As bakeries go, there arent many that are cuter than Amaranth Bakery & Cafe on Lisbon Avenue. Staff is engaging and responsive. Slow-fermented breads made with organic flour offer up a taste of the old world. The pecan brioche is on point. And even the coffee  an after-thought in some places  is always great, too. This year we also asked a variety of prominent Milwaukeeans to weigh in on their pick for specific categories. For this category, we consulted Bruce Evans, executive chef at MATC. Evans' Pick: Le Reve Patisserie and Cafe Its an unrivaled bakery in the Milwaukee area. They call it a patisserie and cafe, but when I envision a classic European bakery, Le Reve is the bakery I see. The display case is a collection of classic sweet and savory flavors, shapes and colors. The sweets are prepared in the classic French tradition and presented in an overwhelming display showcasing chocolates, mousses, fresh berries, caramel, and various pastry cremes.

Other menu items include French apple turnovers, a variety of croissants, and Danish pastries, just to name a few. Saturday mornings wouldnt be complete without a trip to the Wauwatosa Farmers Market, followed up by a cappuccino, a pistachio chocolate croissant or Berliner Beignets at Le Reve. My drop-dead favorites are the French macaron cookies  a flavored meringue cookie filled with French butter cream. I can eat them like popcorn.
"We could become the first country to go fascist through free elections." William Shirer, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich

Generally we avoid using forms of the word "fascism" in polite company, and until recently, a person citing parallels between Nazi Germany and the current United States would invite elevated eyelids along with the outworn charge of sounding like a "conspiracy theorist". The current electoral cycle seems to be changing that, so I will trust that now is the right time to convey some ideas I've been marinating regarding fascism in my US Homeland. The ruling plutocrats are clearly ferrying the ship of State along that current, so if fascism is destined to be a part of our lives, perhaps we should quit pretending we can't see the ugly elephant in the room and somehow respond to it.

In discussing fascism as it exists in the United States, an accurate definition is in order. If we can see past lurid images of swastikas, jackboots, and death camps, we might realize that some elements of fascism, such as presumed racial and religious superiority, have existed in the US since its inception and are more pervasive than we have so far acknowledged. While the historical racism responsible for the US slave trade, the ongoing genocide of American aborigines, and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan and neo-Nazism all reflect symptoms included in the fascist impulse, I am using the term "fascism" in its post-World War 2 context, which involves the rise of the Corporation as amoral tyrant.

While Italian dictator Benito Mussolini is often credited with defining fascism as the merger of corporate and state power, there is no evidence I can find that he actually said it. In the 1932 edition of Enciclopedia Italiana, Mussolini did write that "Fascism reaffirms the State as the true reality of the individual," which may be the heart of the matter, for it raises the ethical question: Are we, as human beings, subordinate to any "State"? It seems to me our traditional American value favoring individualism argues against it.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower addressed the influence of powerful corporations in his 1961 farewell speech, during which he warned of what he called the "military-industrial complex" although he didn't call it fascism:

"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together."

I'm glad Eisenhower said something although I note that he waited until he was leaving office to say it.

The Oxford Unabridged English Dictionary defines fascism as "a system of government characterized by rigid one-party dictatorship, forcible suppression of the opposition, the retention of private ownership of the means of production under centralized governmental control, belligerent nationalism and racism, glorification of war." The root of the word is the Latin "fascis", meaning a bundle or packet.

The symbol's history is murky. It was perhaps first used by Etruscans--and later by ancient Romans--to symbolize power and authority. In a fascis, individual sticks combine into a stronger unit, an idea similar to "E Pluribus, Unum", a US national motto, which means "Out of Many, One". In that context we may understand why fasces appear on each side of the rostrum in the US House of Representatives:

The Italian word "fascismo" stems from the same root and refers to "a political group, an organization, a club". In 1919 Mussolini instituted the Fascisti at Milan, intending to suppress "radical" groups" by which he meant socialists. Interestingly, Mussolini's father had been a socialist--he named his son after Benito Juarez, the leftist Mexican president. Benito Mussolini even wrote for socialist journals while he lived in Switzerland, but he apparently was kicked out of the party for supporting involvement in WWI, and he soon transmogrified into a committed Fascisti.

Hatred of "Communists" or "Socialists" appears to be a primary religious tenet of modern fascism although other groups can be included and interchanged in the category of despised others as we saw in Nazi Germany--homosexuals, dark-skinned people, immigrants, pacifists, radicals, Slavs, Jews, and gypsies as well as conscientious journalists, academics, and citizens of any background who opposed (or threatened) the absolute power of the State. People could qualify on one or several points, each making them targets of the Order. The Nazis called themselves Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, or National Socialist German Workers' Party, a billing that exploited the popular socialist ideology to gain initial public acceptance rather than offering a sincere socialist platform. The Nazis were just one of many variations of fascist mentality, with its elitist and racist assumptions, that have manifested throughout history.

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From Our Future

The Wells Fargo phony-account scandal may be worse that we've [been]led to believe, even after a $185 million fine and the CEO's resignation. And this isn't Wells Fargo's first scandal. Its past exploits include discriminatory lending, exploitative payday loans, and a lucrative sideline in for-profit prisons.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton's Wall Street speeches are casting a pall over her potential victory and weakening her political capital before she even assumes office. She should make a pledge now: to take immediate action in her first 100 days that will address Wells Fargo's scandals and the systemic problems behind them. We have nine suggested actions, and there will undoubtedly be others.

But first, some background.

Taken for a stagecoach ride.

The Wells Fargo brand resonates with the mythology of the American West, but this lawless town needs a new marshal. CEO John Stumpf's resignation just isn't going to cut it.

It's not that the evidence exonerates him. Far from it: Whistleblowers began complaining to Wells Fargo's management back as 2005, the year Stumpf was named president. (He became CEO in 2007 and chairman of the board in 2010.)

The bank says it has fired 5,300 employees for opening more than 2 million fraudulent accounts over the last five years. But John Stumpf -- President, CEO, Chairman -- claims he had no knowledge of these events. The bank's employee incentive system, low pay, corporate culture, and sales guidelines were all designed to encourage this kind of fraud -- but Stumpf was shocked, shocked, to learn that this kind of behavior was going on in his establishment.

The problem isn't that Stumpf is leaving. It's who's staying. As the Los Angeles Times' Michael Hiltzik reports, Stumpf's replacement as board chair is Stephen W. Sanger, the former CEO of General Mills. Sanger's been a member of the Wells Fargo board since 2003. Sanger has received $1.7 million in payments from the bank since 2011, for which he (like any director) is expected to be ensurer that the bank is run well -- and legally. As Jim Hightower notes, all the bank's board members bear responsibility for its long-term culture of fraud.

A thorough housecleaning would have meant the removal of all the bank's senior officers. As a former employee told the New York Times:

"They all created the bank's culture of leading by fear and intimidation."

But the new CEO, Timothy J. Sloan, is a 29-year Wells Fargo veteran who will have been deeply steeped in its poisonous culture. And Wells Fargo heaped encomiums on its disgraced outgoing CEO, Stumpf, where apologies to customers and shareholders would have been more appropriate.

It all reeks of "crisis management," that form of corporate damage control that emphasizes rapid-response showmanship and glitzy PR moves over the assumption of responsibility and the implementation of meaningful change.

As economist and white-collar criminologist William K. Black Jr. explained recently, we only know what Wells Fargo has chosen to tell us about this latest epidemic of fraud. This response isn't a confidence-builder.

Neither is the recent revelation that Stumpf sold $61 million in stock in the month before the $185 million settlement was announced. That looks a lot like "insider trading." As a well-known securities lawyer told CBS News, "I would be shocked if the Securities and Exchange Commission doesn't look heavily into this."

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From Reader Supported News

Okay, maybe the Russians are leaking what you did to Wikileaks. If your kid got caught stealing a candy bar, would you blame the person who turned them in? No. These emails are exposing things that happened, and the Russians didn't make you do it. As far as hacking and trying to influence elections, the CIA does it all the time. The only difference here is the Russians are embarrassing you and making it public.

Easy there, Trumpistas. There is no grand conspiracy to take down Donald Trump. He is doing a grand job of that all by himself. He molested women, and in this day and age you don't get away with it. No, we are not going to make America a place where men can get away with that again. Bill Clinton will probably be the last candidate to get away with sexual harassment in the White House. Donald, you won't see the inside of the White House again, unless you buy a night in the Lincoln Bedroom from a future president.

You will get by this time, DNC and Clinton campaign, but only because you are up against the worst candidate in the history of the union. Your opponent is crazier than Richard Nixon. Technology, however, is sending all politicians a message. Everything you do or say can come back to haunt you.

The Wikileaks revelations are doing a service to our country. They are exposing what has always been happening behind the scenes. Politics is an ugly profession that needs serious reforms. Trump supporters, your candidate is flawed, but you are right that the system is corrupt and needs reform. Only, Donald Trump is not the person to do it.

We need to scrap the two-party system and allow for more political parties to flourish so that everyone is represented, not just the corporate elite. Let's face it, Bernie Sanders and Rahm Emanuel should not be in the same political party. I don't blame Bernie for using the vehicle that is viable for a presidential run. The Green Party and other parties not called Democrat or Republican are not on the same playing field. They are not allowed in the same game.

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Julian Assange's Extradition Hearing: The Only Just Outcome Is His Freedom The testimony portion of the extradition hearing of Julian Assange, taking place in the United Kingdom, concluded after four weeks. Judge Vanessa Baraitser, who presided over the hearing, will not announce her decision until January. Until then, Assange will remain in detention in Belmarsh Prison. Sunday, October 4, 2020The testimony portion of the extradition hearing of Julian Assange, taking place in the United Kingdom, concluded after four weeks. Judge Vanessa Baraitser, who presided over the hearing, will not announce her decision until January. Until then, Assange will remain in detention in Belmarsh Prison.

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Let's Talk About Racism and Health The current uprising across the nation is a take-off moment for systemic racism in the United States. A take-off moment occurs when awareness about a crisis reaches a level of public consciousness Sunday, September 27, 2020The current uprising across the nation is a take-off moment for systemic racism in the United States. A take-off moment occurs when awareness about a crisis reaches a level of public consciousness

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KEVIN ZEESE: His Last Words For The Movement And Carrying On Kevin Zeese died unexpectedly in his sleep, likely from a heart attack, early in the morning on September 6. He had not shown signs of illness and was working until the end. Sunday, September 13, 2020Kevin Zeese died unexpectedly in his sleep, likely from a heart attack, early in the morning on September 6. He had not shown signs of illness and was working until the end.

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Protect The Vote And End Privatization Of The Postal Service The US Postal Service is failing due to a long term effort to weaken it plus the confluence of the COVID-19 pandemic, recession and intentional efforts by the Trump administration to suppress the vote. Monday, August 17, 2020The US Postal Service is failing due to a long term effort to weaken it plus the confluence of the COVID-19 pandemic, recession and intentional efforts by the Trump administration to suppress the vote.

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Federal Troops Overstep in Oregon Trump is not a "law and order" president, he is a chaos and disorder president. He is mistaken to think that increasing conflict in cities throughout the country will save his failing 2020 campaign. Saturday, August 1, 2020Trump is not a "law and order" president, he is a chaos and disorder president. He is mistaken to think that increasing conflict in cities throughout the country will save his failing 2020 campaign.

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The Covid-19 Pandemic Exposes Deep Flaws In America's Broken Healthcare System There are now more than 30 million people without health insurance. In the past five weeks, as more than 26 million people filed for unemployment benefits for the first time, five million of them lost their health insurance. The number of uninsured is expected to rise by more than 13 million by June. Thursday, April 30, 2020There are now more than 30 million people without health insurance. In the past five weeks, as more than 26 million people filed for unemployment benefits for the first time, five million of them lost their health insurance. The number of uninsured is expected to rise by more than 13 million by June.

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The United States Is Where Covid-19 Deaths Are Being Under-Reported So far, China has controlled the virus, keeping the total number of cases below 82,000 and the number of deaths in the low 3,000's. Today, they are easing the quarantine, opening businesses back up and slowly returning to normal activity. Thursday, April 9, 2020So far, China has controlled the virus, keeping the total number of cases below 82,000 and the number of deaths in the low 3,000's. Today, they are easing the quarantine, opening businesses back up and slowly returning to normal activity.

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The US's Wave of Hospital Closures Left Us Ill-Equipped for COVID-19 Compared to other wealthy nations, the United States stands out for lacking a universal health care system and for prioritizing corporate profits over health. Tuesday, March 31, 2020Compared to other wealthy nations, the United States stands out for lacking a universal health care system and for prioritizing corporate profits over health.

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The Decade Of Transformation Is Here: Remaking Health Care Advocates for a universal single-payer healthcare system in the United States have warned for years that we are ill-equipped to handle a pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis is making it very clear that our healthcare system is failing us. Monday, March 23, 2020Advocates for a universal single-payer healthcare system in the United States have warned for years that we are ill-equipped to handle a pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis is making it very clear that our healthcare system is failing us.

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Failed Action On The Climate Crisis Makes Resistance Imperative Last week, prominent scientists issued a warning that significant changes related to the climate crisis are already happening and could create a cascading effect that locks in catastrophic levels of temperature and sea-level rise. They view the pledges made by countries to take climate action as insufficient and leading to a three degrees Celsius temperature rise by the end of the century. Monday, December 2, 2019Last week, prominent scientists issued a warning that significant changes related to the climate crisis are already happening and could create a cascading effect that locks in catastrophic levels of temperature and sea-level rise. They view the pledges made by countries to take climate action as insufficient and leading to a three degrees Celsius temperature rise by the end of the century.

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The Whole Damn System Is Guilty As Hell: Taking Control Of Police The entire system of policing in the United States is in crisis. Police murdering civilians has become a too common nightmare across the United States. Tuesday, November 26, 2019The entire system of policing in the United States is in crisis. Police murdering civilians has become a too common nightmare across the United States.

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The World Is Uniting For International Law, Against US Empire "We oppose the extraterritorial application of unilateral measures." That is not Cuba, Nicaragua, Iran, Russia, or China talking about the most recent unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States against Venezuela, i.e. economic sanctions that have become an economic blockade, but the European Union. Even allies who have embarrassed themselves by recognizing the phony "interim president" Juan Guaido are saying Saturday, August 17, 2019"We oppose the extraterritorial application of unilateral measures." That is not Cuba, Nicaragua, Iran, Russia, or China talking about the most recent unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States against Venezuela, i.e. economic sanctions that have become an economic blockade, but the European Union. Even allies who have embarrassed themselves by recognizing the phony "interim president" Juan Guaido are saying

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No To NATO: Time To End Aggressive Militarism US foreign policy is not the fabled "good cop" bringing peace to the world, but rather a policy of domination using military, economic and political power to accomplish aims for US transnational corporations and US empire. Monday, April 8, 2019US foreign policy is not the fabled "good cop" bringing peace to the world, but rather a policy of domination using military, economic and political power to accomplish aims for US transnational corporations and US empire.

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Venezuela: What activists need to know about the US-led coup Two things stand out about the U.S. coup in Venezuela. First, it is unusually open. Typically, the U.S. tries to hide its coups. Second, the coup is built on a series of obvious falsehoods, yet the bi-partisans in Washington, with a few exceptions, keep repeating them. Tuesday, January 29, 2019Two things stand out about the U.S. coup in Venezuela. First, it is unusually open. Typically, the U.S. tries to hide its coups. Second, the coup is built on a series of obvious falsehoods, yet the bi-partisans in Washington, with a few exceptions, keep repeating them.

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Samsung faced a severe setback this year with the entire Note 7 fiasco, becoming one of the biggest recalls and failures in the history of tech. The company has come forward to apologise and has vowed to find out the real reason behind the explosions of their best smartphone of the year.

According to a report from the Korea Herald, Samsung Electronics mobile chief Koh Dong-jin, released a public apology and promised that they "would at any cost find the exact cause to restore trust of consumers so that they can use Samsung products without any safety concerns."

The Samsung mobile chief also admitted to being frustrated during the entire crisis, he expressed gratitude to the Samsung employees who had offered support to him during the times of crisis.

Employees from the company offered consolation to the president by putting up a series of posts on the firm's online message board.

Koh Dong-jin has been with Samsung Electronics since 1984 and has mostly followed a conventional growth pattern within the company's hierarchy. He was appointed as the Chief of Samsung Electronics mobile chief in 2014, at a time when the South Korean company was facing a tough time battling against Apple.

Samsung Electronics' shares rose 3 percent early morning trading on Oct. 13, giving it a much needed relief after the entire fiasco began. The company also slashed its quarterly earnings estimate by almost a third for Q3.



ALSO READ: 5 lessons to be learnt from Samsung's Note 7 fiasco




Modi term Pakistan as mothership of terrorism 17 October, 2016



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Woke Bingo Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a meeting with fellow BRICS leaders on Sunday in Goa urged them to take a strong united stand against the "mothership of terrorism" in the South Asian region, in a thinly veiled reference to Pakistan.



Modi said a country in India's neighbourhood held links to "terror modules" around the world, which BRICS  a bloc consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  should strongly condemn.



"In our region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development." "Tragically the mothership of terrorism is a country in India's neighbourhood," Modi said without naming Pakistan.



"Terror modules around the world are linked to this mothership. This country shelters not just terrorists. It nurtures a mindset. A mindset that loudly proclaims that terrorism is justified for political gains."



"It is a mindset we strongly condemn. And against which we as BRICS need to stand and act together. BRICS must speak in one voice against this threat," he said.



Modi has been using the BRICS summit an an attempt to isolate Pakistan following a surge in tensions between the two countries.



Analysts are sceptical of India's chances of securing a joint BRICS condemnation given China's strong diplomatic support for Pakistan and Russia's efforts to forge closer defence ties with Islamabad.



Modi in his closing remarks at the end of the two-day summit told reporters that BRICS leaders had been unanimous in recognising the threat posed by terrorism to economies globally.



The sponsors of terrorism were "as much a threat to us as the terrorists themselves", Modi said.



In their joint statement later Sunday, the BRICS leaders condemned recent attacks against some of its members "including that in India" but made no mention of Pakistan.



"We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic or any other reasons," the statement said.



The Indian prime minister stepped up a drive to isolate Pakistan diplomatically after the Uri army base attack.



Hours after the attack occurred, Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed Pakistan a 'terrorist state'. India also accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack.



The Uri attack occurred days before Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was set to address the United Nations General Assembly regarding Indian human rights violations in held Kashmir.



Following the attack, India claimed to have conducted a cross-border 'surgical strike' against 'launch pads of terror' in Azad Jammu and Kashmir  a claim Pakistan has strongly rejected.



Pakistan maintains India is attempting to divert the world's attention away from 'atrocities' committed by government forces in India-held Kashmir.



Pakistan and India have locked horns over the Kashmir issue since Indian forces stepped up a crackdown against protesters after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by government forces in July.



Over 80 people have been killed and hundreds of protesters injured in clashes with Indian security forces.



Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that the global economy remained in precarious condition as leaders of the BRICS group of nations tried to find ways to fire up growth in the troubled bloc.



Speaking at a summit in Goa, Xi told his host Modi and other BRICS leaders that the club of emerging powers had been undermined by both domestic and international woes.



But the leader of the world's second largest economy said the long-term forecast for BRICS members was positive as he called for more confidence-building measures.



"The global economy is still going through a treacherous recovery," Xi said in a statement at the summit.



"Because of the impact of both internal and external factors, BRICS countries have somewhat slowed down in economic growth and have faced a number of new challenges in development."



BRICS was formed in 2011 with the aim of using members'growing economic and political influence to challenge Western hegemony.



The nations, with a joint estimated GDP of $16 trillion, set up their own bank in parallel to the Washington-based International Monetary Fund and World Bank and hold summits rivalling the G7 forum.



But the countries, accounting for 53 per cent of world population, have been hit by falling global demand and lower commodity prices, while several have also been mired in corruption scandals.



Russia and Brazil have fallen into recession recently, South Africa only just managed to avoid the same fate last month and China's economy has slowed sharply.



India by contrast is now the world's fastest-growing major economy in an otherwise gloomy environment.



Modi said it was vital that the BRICS nations found ways of increasing their levels of cooperation. He called for the dismantling of trade barriers, promotion of skills and infrastructure development.



"Promoting economic and commercial engagement has been a foundational impulse in creation of BRICS," he said.



Modi, who came to power two years ago, said his government's policy of opening up the Indian economy had achieved results and offered valuable lessons.



"In India, we have undertaken substantial reforms in the last two years to streamline and simplify governance, especially doing business in India," said the Indian prime minister.



"The results are clearly visible. We have moved up in almost all global indices that measure such performances.



"We have transformed India into one of the most open economies in the world today."



Xi said there was no reason why the bloc's members should not flourish as he called on a group made of business leaders from BRICS nations "to take concrete actions to boost confidence".



"The long term... of BRICS development is still positive." "The potential and strength of BRICS countries in terms of resources, market and labour forces have remained unchanged," he said.
Australian and New Zealand airlines barred the recalled Samsung Note 7 from all planes starting Sunday citing its "potential fire risk", after a similar ban was imposed by US officials.

Samsung, the world's largest smartphone maker, has halted production of its latest flagship mobile device and recalled all Note 7 phones and replacements following reports of exploding batteries and fires.

"(The ban) is due to concerns regarding potential fire risk from the device's battery after a number of incidents worldwide and follows a ban put in place by regulators overseas," Qantas and its discount carrier Jetstar said in a statement late Saturday.

"The ban applies to devices being carried onto the aircraft, in carry-on baggage as well as check-in luggage."

Virgin Australia, Tigerair Australia and Air New Zealand issued similar announcements.

Virgin and Air New Zealand "strongly advised" passengers not to bring the Note 7 phone to airports.

"They cannot be accepted for travel and there is no storage facility available for them at our check-in areas," Air New Zealand added.

The Australian carriers previously told customers not to use or charge the smartphone if they were carrying it onboard flights, after Samsung's initial recall of the "phablet" last month.

US officials Friday barred all Note 7s from airplanes and said anyone attempting to travel with the recalled handsets may face fines and have the devices confiscated.

The Note 7 crisis is set to cost the South Korean electronics giant billions in lost profits, and is a blow to a firm that prides itself on the quality production of cutting-edge technology.

 2016 AFP
The initial lesions of bacterial leaf streak may extend beyond the veins. Credit: Texas A&M AgirLife photo by Dr. Ron French

A new bacterial pathogen, bacterial streak, was found in the Texas Panhandle corn crop this year, and while its effects were inconsequential, it bears watching in the future, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists.

In June and July, corn leaves with brown, tan, orange to reddish streaks or stripes were observed and fully confirmed in a few fields in Hansford and Hutchinson counties in the Texas Panhandle, said Dr. Ron French, AgriLife Extension plant pathologist in Amarillo.

French visited a couple fields with infected plants and saw that in initial development, leaf lesions were limited to between-leaf veins. But in later development, the lesions extended beyond the veins with a wavy, uneven shape rather than rectangular shape.

The lesions varied in length from half an inch to several inches and occurred throughout the leaf blade, French said. The lesions were translucent when held up to the light. These foliar symptoms were also seen in several other states where the disease has been found.

The disease, bacterial streak, caused by the Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum bacteria, was confirmed in Texas by French's plant pathology lab in Amarillo, the Great Plains Diagnostic Network Regional Lab at Kansas State University, and by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Maryland, he said.

The lesions of bacterial leaf streak are translucent when held up to the light, according to Dr. Tom Isakeit, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service plant pathologist. Credit: A&M AgriLife photo by Dr. Tom Isakeit

The good thing, said Dr. Tom Isakeit, AgriLife Extension plant pathologist in College Station, is this disease has not been confirmed in other corn production areas of Texas. Also, there is no indication that this disease can cause adverse impacts in yield or quality in any of the states where it has been found.

"Although we don't anticipate that this disease will be as important as some other diseases corn growers have to deal with in Texas, it's a new disease, and we need to learn more about it in order to provide better disease management strategies," Isakeit said. "So if growers think they have it, they should contact us or their local AgriLife Extension county agent."

French said while many diseases caused by other Xanthomonas can be seed borne on other crops, it is not known if bacterial leaf streak of corn is seed borne.

The specialists advised when scouting for bacterial leaf streak in corn, producers should be careful not to confuse its early symptoms with gray leaf spot, a fungal disease caused by Cercospora spp. Gray leaf spot appears as rectangular lesions or stripes, which are smooth and tend to stay within the veins. These lesions are initially tan and later may appear gray as the fungus produces spores.

A corn leaf found in the Texas Panhandle exhibits the longer lesions or streaks caused by the bacterial leaf streak pathogen. Credit: Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Dr. Ron French

Advanced symptoms of gray leaf spot are quite different from bacterial leaf streak, French said. Because gray leaf spot is dependent on hot weather, high relative humidity and moisture on the leaves, it may be more prevalent during flowering, while bacterial leaf streak has been observed as early as V7 or seven leaf collar.

In Texas corn production areas, gray leaf spot is a minor disease, if it occurs at all, Isakeit said.

"As a general recommendation for managing bacterial diseases, crop rotation should be practiced and weeds, especially grasses, should be controlled," French said. "For bacterial diseases of corn, there are no chemical treatments available.

"Time will tell whether bacterial leaf streak becomes an important disease in Texas, but as this disease becomes the subject of research, we can expect to see more information on hybrid susceptibility and factors affecting disease severity."

More information: For more information on this and other corn diseases, go to: sickcorn.tamu.edu
Giant otters were prized for their dense fur. Credit: ostill / shutterstock

The fashion for wild animal skins and furs drove a hunting boom in the Amazon basin through the 20th century. A mass industry sprung up almost overnight and the hides of otters, jaguars or alligator-like caimans were soon being shipped round the world to be turned into coats, hats or accessories. The Amazon rainforest, and the animals that live there, are still feeling the impact today.

We've just used a gold mine of previously unanalysed historical documents and unpublished shipping records to properly quantify, for the first time, the scale of this skin trade. Our study, published in the journal Science Advances, reveals that some species are far more vulnerable than others, and points out implications for future management of Amazonian forests and forest wildlife.

We documented the widespread decimation of large aquatic vertebrates, such as giant river otter, black caiman and manatee populations by commercial hunters, thanks to large amounts of obscure hide export data unearthed by the study. In contrast, terrestrial animals including collared peccaries (related to pigs), brocket deer and even jaguars were much more resilient to hunting pressure, even during the heyday of the luxury fur trade in the 1930s-1940s and again in the 1960s.

We estimate that, between 1904 and 1969, at least 23m animals representing 20 species of mammals and reptiles were killed for hide exports in the western Brazilian Amazon. These figures represent only those hides that were formally recorded in port landing records. They can therefore severely underestimate the total impact of hunting on wild populations, since many animals were fatally wounded but not retrieved by hunters, many skins rot and were discarded on their way to market, and a large portion of the harvest went undeclared to avoid taxes.

Jaguar, otter and ocelot pelts in a Manaus tannery, 1950s. Credit: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica (IBGE), Author provided

Eleven animal species were hunted most heavily: giant river otter, neotropical otter, black caiman, capybara, and manatees are all aquatic or semi-aquatic, in that they spend most of their lives in and around water. Giant otters, for example, were targeted as their dense fur could be turned into luxurious coats.

Jaguar, ocelots and margays (both small cats), collared and white-lipped peccary and red brocket deer all live on land and were also all among the most hunted animals. Between 1930 and 1970, hide exports from these species represented some US$500m in trade in the four westermost states of the Brazilian Amazon.

The Amazon's hunting boom

Commercial animal hunting took off in the Amazon after the collapse of international rubber prices in 1912, when plantation rubber from Malaysia made wild rubber commercially not viable. Initially, red brocket deer hides were the most popular export, though the trade soon became more intense and other animals were targeted, too.

Black caimans were hard hit by the hunting trade. Credit: VladSer/Shutterstock

Things peaked during World War II, as the US sought wild rubber from the Amazon to make up for the capture of those same Malaysian plantations by the Japanese. Up to 80,000 people moved into the region to take up wild rubber tapping, and many developed a lucrative sideline as hunters.

The 1960s saw a second peak of Amazonian animal hide exports as exotic furs became valued in the clothing and fashion industry. Even though Brazil officially banned hunting in 1967, loopholes permitting the sale of warehoused stockpiles of hides meant illegal hunting and hide exports continued until the ratification of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 1975. Demand for exotic furs continued through the 1980s, and it was only with the 1992 Rio Earth Summit that international opinion finally turned against the use of wild animal furs in fashion.

Aquatic animals were sitting ducks

We wanted to understand how resilient different animal populations were in the face of such intense commercial hunting. To do this, we looked at the number of certain species exported during peak harvest periods around World War II and again in the 1960s. We reasoned that, in those boom times, supply would fall only when numbers in the wild were beginning to be seriously affected.

Amazonian stand at the Brussels International worlds fair, 1910. Credit: Instituto Geografico e Historico do Amazonas, Manaus, Author provided

One key finding is that aquatic species succumbed to the steepest declines. Mammals and reptiles that live along major Amazonian rivers and their tributaries, like giant river otters, black caiman or manatees, all suffered population collapse and local extinctions. Ecologists sometimes talk of "empty forests", where large animals have all died off. Here, we describe "empty rivers".

The Amazon forest remained far from empty, however, as land mammals fared much better. Most, including jaguar, deer and collared peccaries, were more resilient to intense hunting pressure, showing little or no decline in peak harvest numbers despite constant or increasing demand.

There's a simple explanation for this: physical access. Floodplains and rivers make up just 12% of the surface area of the Amazon, and hunters travelled along rivers just like everyone else. Otters and manatees had a hard time avoiding humans, particularly in the dry season.

Jaguars, meanwhile, could disperse into extensive upland forest areas. Often extremely remote and far from humans, these forests acted as refuges where large game populations were not exploited and animals were able to absorb the losses of those that had wandered too close to humans. Ecologists call this phenomenon "source-sink dynamics" or refuge-harvestable area.

White-lipped peccary fur  as its meant to be used. Credit: Katariina Jarvinen

In fact, of the six terrestrial species that we assessed, only the white-lipped peccary showed significant population decline. As they travel in very large herds and are more susceptible to mass slaughter, these social animals will require special attention and conservation strategies.

Inaccessibility and source-sink dynamics contributed to the resilience of most terrestrial animal species during the Amazon's hunting heyday. The same spatial processes underpin indigenous and other forest peoples' hunting strategies to this day.

However, the refuge areas that maintain animal populations despite continued hunting are under threat. Vast patches of forest are being chopped down or fragmented into smaller chunks, and roads, farms and dams are creeping ever further into the wilderness.

In order to ensure wildlife conservation and food security for forest peoples in the Amazon, forests and river systems must remain interconnected beyond the limits of strictly protected conservation areas. Indigenous territories and sustainable use reserves are an important part of any global conservation strategy. If road encroachment and forest fragmentation continue, even highly resilient terrestrial animals would see their populations collapse. And no one wants to see more "empty forests."

More information: A. P. Antunes et al. Empty forest or empty rivers? A century of commercial hunting in Amazonia, Science Advances (2016). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1600936 Journal information: Science Advances

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.


Credit: pixinoo/iStock

Avoiding the worst consequences of climate change by reducing global carbon emissions to as close to zero as possible is one of humanity's most pressing challenges. The University of California San Diego has launched the Deep Decarbonization Initiative to do just that. And they plan to do so in the real worldwhere costs matter.

The initiative is a collaborative effort of UC San Diego faculty from across campus working at the intersection of science, technology and policy. It embeds the study of modern societieseconomics, politics and social organizationwithin expert technical research on energy systems. The goal is to understand not just how energy systems function, but also how policy and social movements can transform energy and protect the planet.

UC San Diego researchers are working to radically re-invent the electric power grid, one of the central challenges to decarbonization. They're exploring alternative fuels and battery storage for the entire transportation system. And they're addressing the ever-increasing demand of providing clean energy for the entire planet, helping to grow access to fuel while drastically cutting pollution.

"UC San Diego is stepping up to help guide the difficult process of decarbonizing world energy and transportation systems in a way that is inclusive and comprehensive, and also feasible," said UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. "This is exactly the kind of pressing, boundary-breaking work that defines UC San Diego."

Deep Decarbonization Research & Education

Through the Deep Decarbonization Initiative, UC San Diego will leverage its tremendous research strengths across campus to serve as an academic hub, connecting students and faculty who are working on issues relevant for decarbonization from different perspectives.

Leading the initiative are George R. Tynan of the Jacobs School of Engineering and David G. Victor of the School of Global Policy and Strategy. Tynan, an associate dean and professor of mechanical engineering, is the head of the PISCES Research Program focusing on nuclear fusion as an energy source. Victor is a political science and policy expert, and co-directs the Laboratory on International Law and Regulation that studies how international laws actually work in the real world.

"I could see us building a new kind of model that allows us to understand not just how technically you decarbonize, but also the social and political constraints and opportunities," Victor said. "UC San Diego also has a phenomenal micro-grid that is a demonstration case for some of the world's most interesting and advanced energy systems, and a test bed orchestrated by Byron Washom, Bill Torre and others who have deep expertise in the energy system."

Credit: University of California - San Diego

The aim is to help real societies link the best science and technology with politically realistic strategies that put new energy systemselectricity, wind, plant-based, nuclear, to name only a fewinto place on the scale required to make a difference in global carbon emissions. At the same time, this needs to be done while meeting the increasing energy needs of the world.

"How do we drive the costs of low-carbon or zero-carbon energy technologies down to the point where they become competitive with, or perhaps even cheaper than, the fossil fuels? That is one of the challenges in front of the engineers," Tynan said. "The questions for policy folks are 'What are those costs?' and 'Where are the policy knobs that can be turned to try to enhance or speed that transition?'"

What exactly is Deep Decarbonization?

Deep decarbonization refers to the process of moving to a global energy economy that emits zeroor close to zerocarbon into the atmosphere. Today's global energy economy is primarily powered by the combustion of fossil fuels that, in addition to particles and other pollutants, eject carbon dioxide or CO2 into the atmosphere. CO2 is a climate-change forcing gas, and has hit record-breaking accumulation in Earth's atmosphere at the same time as scientists have marked a sharp increase in global temperatures.

"There's clearly a recognition that the world economy needs to move toward low-carbon and zero-carbon energy sources. I don't think there's any debate about that," Tynan said. "But I think what is missing, and what the initiative can help bring to bring to the fore, is the scale of the challenge."

The issues and challenges of deep decarbonization arise from the fact that global energy demand is going to increase substantially by midcentury. At the same time, carbon emissions have to go to essentially zero in order to avoid the most catastrophic human, economic and ecological consequences of climate change.

"We have to meet the demands of humanityto meet the energy demands of 9 or 10 billion human beingsand we have to do so in a way that doesn't emit carbon at a rate that's unacceptable," he said.

As part of the Deep Decarbonization Initiative, faculty members from across the UC San Diego campus will bring their expertise to help governments and experts around the world meet that daunting challenge.

Credit: University of California - San Diego

For example, nanoengineer Ying Shirley Meng of the Jacobs School and Oleg Shpyrko of the Department of Physics work together through the Sustainable Power and Energy Center to solve key technical challenges in generating and storing energy. Their energy-storage research has implications for many areas including electric vehicles, wind turbines and wearable power devices.

At the Center for Energy Research, currently led by Jacobs School professors Farhat Beg, Carlos Coimbra and Jan Kleissl, teams of researchers are advancing fusion energy, solar-energy forecasting and advanced energy storage. They are also developing fuel cells, which are devices that produce energy through chemical reactions that don't result in as much pollution as burning coal or gasoline.

Stephen Mayfield of the Division of Biological Sciences leads Food & Fuel for the 21st Century, a research unit on campus developing innovative and sustainable solutions for renewable-energy production using green plants and algae. Mayfield, a world-renowned researcher in biofuel production, is also director of the California Center for Algae Biotechnology.

Verification will also play a key role in emerging global carbon-emission reduction efforts. For decades, researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have been leaders in measuring concentrations of CO2, trace gases and aerosols that contribute to global warming, led by atmospheric scientists Ralph Keeling, Veerabhadran Ramanathan, Kim Prather and Ray Weiss. Keeling is director of the Scripps CO2 Program, home of the famous Keeling Curve that continues to track carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere. He and Weiss lead an effort to look at how data already being collected about greenhouse gases can be used to verify international commitments that countries are making to cut those emissions.

"One goal is for everyone to learn about how other researchers in other disciplines think about what's going on in the world," Victor said at the kickoff for initiative's seminar series Sept. 28, where Meng discussed challenges and opportunities in electro-chemical energy storage. Future seminar speakers include Mayfield, Jennifer Burney of Global Policy and Strategy, Cliff Kubiak of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and William Torre of the Center for Energy Research, among others.

"From here, we can start to see interdisciplinary collaborations emerge," Victor said. In addition, the initiative's approach is to not only help scholars at UC San Diego understand how other disciplines work, but also to engage with businesses, policy leaders and the community. This, initiative leaders say, is how the world can move from talking about decarbonization to doing it. "Getting the worldgetting businesses, getting governments, getting the populationto really grapple with the scope and scale of the transition that's required is one of the things this initiative can help with," Tynan said.

Victor added: "We're talking about changing investment patterns by trillions of dollars a year in the energy system, over many decades. That has to be done with a sense of reality. That's what we're looking to accomplish."
Police display a stuffed hornbill trophy seized from smugglers in Makassar, South Sulawesi province

A striking bird with monochrome plumage and a formidable "beak", the helmeted hornbill is being hunted to extinction, one of the latest victims of a thriving global trade in exotic wildlife.

For decades poachers in Borneo's western forests focused on capturing orangutans and sun bears, but in the past few years a surge in demand for hornbill "ivory" has pushed the avian species to the brink.

The product has become so popular in China, where wealthy collectors are keen to show off their status by acquiring rare or unusual animals, that it is fetching up to five times the price of elephant tusk on the black market.

"The demand for these luxury items is just going through the roof," Chris Shepherd, from wildlife trade watchdog TRAFFIC, told AFP.

"In Asia, it's really at a scale where species like the helmeted hornbill are just being completely decimated."

Poachers aren't interested in their brilliant plumage or large bills, but a helmet-like block of reddish-gold keratin at the front of the skulls known as a casque.

It's this soft, ivory-like substance that's carved by craftsmen in China into luxury ornaments, statues and jewellerytrendy top-shelf trinkets that have soared in value as so-called "red ivory" has grown more prestigious.

Experts say a single casque can fetch up to $1000, eclipsing the average black market price of traditional "white" ivory sourced from elephant tusk several times over.

Hornbill ivory seized by the Forest Police Rapid Reaction Unit are displayed at their headquarters in Pontianak, West Kalimantan province, in 2013

'Systematic slaughter'

Researchers say thousands of these majestic birds have been killed in half a decade alone as demand for red ivory has taken off.

Yokyok Hadiprakarsa, a leading expert in helmeted hornbills, estimates as many as 500 were killed every month in 2013or 6,000 annuallyjust in West Kalimantan, a jungle-clad province in Indonesia's half of Borneo.

Helmeted hornbills had been traditionally hunted in the past by Borneo's indigenous tribes, but never at levels that posed any conservation risk.

This "complete, systematic slaughter of the species" came virtually out of nowhere, Shepherd said. It wasn't until 2011 that red ivory first began showing up on websites catering to Chinese buyers and at high-end wildlife markets along the country's borders, such as in Myanmar and Laos.

Hunting rapidly intensified, especially among trafficking networks already well entrenched in West Kalimantan, a key wildlife smuggling hub with an international airport in the capital Pontianak.

By the close of 2015, the species had progressed from vulnerable to critically endangeredleapfrogging two threat levels to the highest possible risk category on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's "red list".

Now the elite rangers of the government's Forest Police Rapid Reaction Unit (SPORC) rarely spot these distinctive birds during jungle patrols, SPORC commander David Muhammad told AFP in Pontianak.

Hornbill ivory seized by the Forest Police Rapid Reaction Unit are displayed at their headquarters in Pontianak, West Kalimantan province, in 2013

Instead, they're uncovering just the skulls during raids on smuggler hideouts, the decapitated corpses dumped unceremoniously elsewhere.

"There is a high value placed on the heads by hunters and collectors," said Muhammad.

"That's the only thing they want. The rest has no value."

'Gangster activity'

The commercial trade of helmeted hornbills is prohibited by law in China and across its habitat zones in Southeast Asia: Thailand and Myanmar, as well as Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesiathe three countries that share Borneo island.

But the rate of seizuresa "tip of the iceberg" indicator of the trade, said Shepherdsuggests business is booming. In the 18 months to August 2014, nearly 2,200 casques were confiscated by law enforcement in China and Indonesia, around a third just in West Kalimantan.

In one case, SPORC units intercepted four Chinese nationals at Pontianak's international airport with nearly 250 casques stashed in their luggage.

Adam Miller, of Pontianak-based conservation group Planet Indonesia, said the smuggling of hornbill ivory bore many similarities to the elephant ivory trade in its scale, criminality and sophistication.

A painter arranges a painting of a rare hornbill species during an exhibition in Pontianak, West Kalimantan province

"There's a lot less people doing it just to survive. It's very much a gangster activity," he told AFP.

Many traffickers are caught not just with hornbill ivory but a host of other exotic specimens. A man arrested in Hong Kong in May was carrying more than $1 million worth of ivory and hornbill casques, while two Malaysians detained in the United States in December were smuggling both hornbill and orangutan skulls.

Shepherd said this reflected a growing trend as collectors seek ever-rarer and more exotic wildlife not for use in traditional medicine but purely as status symbols.

"People want to have illegal animals, people want to have rare animals, people want to have expensive animals, just to show off their status and their wealth," he said.

There was a glimmer of hope for the hornbill this month when governments vowed to step up protection efforts during a meeting of The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the global conference that governs wildlife trade.

In West Kalimantan, the extinction of this iconic bird would also have far-reaching cultural ramifications. The helmeted hornbill is revered by ancient forest-dwelling Dayak communities, and its image adorns flags and sigils across the province.

"It's a symbol of our customs, and we must protect it," Sustiyo Iriono, the head of the government's conservation agency in Pontianak, told AFP.

 2016 AFP
The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter and its entry, descent and landing demonstrator module, Schiaparelli, approaching Mars. The separation is scheduled to occur on 16 October 2016, about seven months after launch. Schiaparelli is set to enter the martian atmosphere on 19 October, while TGO will enter orbit around Mars. Credit: ESA/ATG medialab

UPDATE: Ground controllers re-established full links Sunday with a European-Russian Mars orbiter which worryingly stopped sending status updates after releasing a lander on a three-day trek to the Red Planet's surface.

"Everything is back on track," spokeswoman Jocelyne Landeau-Constantin of the European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany, told AFP by telephone, surrounded by "a lot of relieved people".

An overnight manoeuvre will continue as planned to steer the orbiter off a collision course with Mars, she added.

Earlier story:

Europe's Mars orbiter not sending status data: ESA

Ground controllers reported a break Sunday in status data from a European-Russian Mars orbiter after it released a tiny lander on a three-day trek to the Red Planet's surface.

The Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) was sending signals home, but "we don't have telemetry at the moment", flight director Michel Denis of the ExoMars mission said via live webcast from mission control in Darmstadt, Germany.

Ground controllers were "working towards restoring telemetry", according to a tweet from ESA Operations.

The Schiaparelli test lander's separation from its mothership earlier Sunday, at about one million kilometres (621,000 miles) from the Red Planet's surface, had "gone perfectly well", said spokeswoman Jocelyne Landeau-Constantin of the European Space Operations Centre.

"But after that we were supposed to get some indication of the status of the orbiter, its position, its status, and we didn't get this sort of information," she told AFP by telephone from Darmstadt.

Ground controllers are now looking at other types of data to try and determine what happened, as the cutoff approaches for an overnight "uplift" manoeuvre to remove the TGO from a collision course with Mars.

It could be that the lander separation was "a bit more violent than expected", and that this may have caused the break in telemetry, said Landeau-Constantin.

"It's not that dramatic," she added. "At one point we will be able to get in touch with it. It's just that they need to know exactly where it was at the time of separation, in which status it was.

"Nothing is lost, it's just that they need to work a bit harder and a bit longer."

Earlier Sunday, as planned, the 600-kilogramme (1,300-pound), paddling pool-sized Schiaparelli separated from the TGO after a seven-month, 496-million-km trek from Earth.

Schiaparelli's main goal is to test entry and landing gear and technology for a subsequent rover which will mark the second phase and highlight of the ExoMars mission.

Thirteen years after its first, failed, attempt to place a rover on Mars, the high-stakes test is a key phase in Europe's fresh bid to reach our neighbouring planet's hostile surface, this time working with Russia.

Facts behind Europe and Russia's ExoMars mission

Europe will send a test lander Sunday on a one-way trip to the Martian surface, a key step in its joint ExoMars project with Russia to search for life on the Red Planet.

Some facts about the mission:

What's in a name?

ExoMars gets its name from "exobiology"the science of analysing the odds and likely nature of life on other planets.

Schiaparelli, the lander, was named after a 19th century Italian astronomer who had observed lines, which he called "canali", on Mars through a telescope

This was mistranslated into English as canal (instead of channel), which cause many to imagine vast irrigation networks built by intelligent creatures.

Better telescopes in the 20th century killed off that legend.

In numbers:

The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) spacecraft, which will analyse our neighbour's atmosphere, measures 3.5 metres by two metres by two metres (11.5 feet by 6.5 feet by 6.5 feet).

It has solar wings spanning 17.5 metres, tip to tip.

With the Schiaparelli lander on board, it travelled 496 million kilometres (308 million miles) to get to Mars.

On Sunday, the TGO will release Schiaparelli from a distance of one million kilometres from the Red Planet's surface.

The paddling pool-sized lander, 1.6 metres wide, will test entry and landing gear for a subsequent rover to be launched in 2020.

Why?

Scientists believe Mars once hosted liquid watera key ingredient for life as we know it.

While the Martian surface is too dry, cold and radiation-blasted to sustain life today, this may have been a different story 3.5 billion years ago when the Red Planet's climate was warmer and wetter.

Science has long abandoned the hunt for little green men, though.

Life, if any exists, is likely undergroundaway from harmful ultraviolet and cosmic raysand in the form of single-celled microbes.

Primitive or not, it would be the first time humans ever observe life on a planet other than Earth.

The mission will also seek to learn more about geological processes on Mars, and about the sand storms that change the face of the planet with their seasonal violence.

How?

TGO will taste Martian gases, looking specifically for methane.

Methane is important because it may be a clue to lifeon Earth it is mostly produced by biological processes.

Previous missions had already picked up traces of methane in Mars' atmosphere, but the TGO has much more sophisticated tools with which scientists hope to tell whether the gas is biological or geological in origin.

Methane can, theoretically, also be created by underground volcanoes.

The rover will drill into Mars to look for evidence of buried, extinct life, or even live microbic activity.

Who?

While diplomatic ties between Europe and Russia may be under strain, they collaborate closely on ExoMarsa shared project of Roscosmos and the European Space Agency (ESA).

Europe has budgeted 1.3 billion euros ($1.4 billion) for the mission

America's NASA, which was due to contribute $1.4 billion, pulled out due to budget cuts in 2012, causing Europe to turn to Russia.

Moscow agreed to provide launcher rockets in exchange for science instruments onboard the craft.

The lander, Schiaparelli, is European, and the rover will be too. The platform housing the rover and its science lab will be Russian.

Prestige:

"We need to demonstrate our ability to do things on our own," ESA senior scientist Mark McCaughrean told AFP of the European quest.

"It's partly about proving that Europe has the capability and the will and the power to pull these projects together."

 2016 AFP
Apitope regains global rights to its novel treatment for Multiple Sclerosis from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Details Category: More News Published on Monday, 17 October 2016 10:45 Hits: 1969

CHEPSTOW, UK and HASSELT, Belgium I October 17, 2016 I Apitope is a drug discovery and development company focused on highly selective therapies that reinstate immune tolerance and thereby treat the underlying cause of autoimmune, as well as allergic diseases. Today Apitope announces it has regained global rights to its compound, ATX-MS-1467, a potentially disease-modifying therapy for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Under the agreement with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Apitope will regain all rights and clinical data associated with its compound ATX-MS-1467, which just completed a Phase II clinical trial.

Dr Keith Martin, CEO of Apitope, commented: "We believe ATX-MS-1467 has enormous potential for treating MS patients. We are pleased to be regaining the rights to the compound, as well as the clinical data. This will provide us with greater flexibility and control in the clinical development of ATX-MS-1467. We are now able to pursue new business collaborations to enable the further development of this promising treatment. We appreciate the efforts made by the Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany - team members in advancing this programme to date."

ATX-MS-1467 has successfully completed a Phase I clinical trial in six patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and a second Phase I trial in 43 relapsing MS patients, assessing safety as well as biological parameters. Examination of the MRI results (new gadolinium- and total gadolinium-enhancing [Gd+] lesions) demonstrated a decrease of 78% in the number of Gd+ brain lesions in patients with relapsing MS treated with intradermal injection of ATX-MS-1467.

In 2009, Apitope granted exclusive worldwide rights to Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany to develop and commercialize ATX-MS-1467. Enrolment in a Phase IIa clinical trial of ATX-MS-1467 in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis was completed in mid-2015, and the outcome of the study is expected Q4 2016.

The terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

About Apitope

Apitope is a European biotech company focused on the discovery and development of revolutionary disease modifying therapies for autoimmune and allergic diseases and anti-drug antibodies, including multiple sclerosis, Graves' disease, Factor VIII intolerance and uveitis.

The Company has a patented discovery platform which enables selection of disease-modifying peptide therapies; and has already generated a pipeline of seven programmes in clinical and preclinical development, of which the lead programme is in multiple sclerosis. The discovery engine selects Apitopes - Antigen Processing Independent epiTOPES. Apitopes are soluble, synthetic peptides from the human sequence which can selectively suppress abnormal immune responses and reinstate the normal immune balance. Apitope raised 12 million in a Series B financing in September 2015. The round was led by new investor Wales Life Sciences Fund. Stakeholders in the Company include Wales Life Sciences Fund, the Wellcome Trust, LRM, Vesalius Biocapital and the US MS charity, Fast Forward.

For more information on the Company, please visit: www.apitope.com

About ATX-MS-1467

Apitope's lead product candidate is ATX-MS-1467, a potentially disease-modifying therapy for the treatment of MS.

ATX-MS-1467 is a novel peptide-based therapeutic derived from Apitope's proprietary technology platform. It is designed to target up to 70% of patients with MS who have a specific genetic profile.

It consists of four short peptides that are derived from myelin basic protein, a key autoantigen in MS. It is designed to induce immunological tolerance of the body's T cells to key autoantigens thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of MS.

SOURCE: Apitope
Douglas V. Gibbs is a proud member of the American Authors Association

Douglas V. Gibbs is a proud member of the Military Writers Society of America.
U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, will host a "grassroots fundraiser" for Democratic congressional candidate Mike Derrick's congressional campaign at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Ambrosia Diner on Aviation Road, off Northway Exit 19, in Queensbury, the Warren County Democratic Committee announced.

Admission is by campaign contribution of $25 or more.

Derrick, a retired Army colonel from Peru, in Clinton County, is running in the 21st Congressional District against U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, and Green Party candidate Matt Funiciello, a bread company owner and political activist from Hudson Falls.
DEAR ABBY: My 72-year-old husband believes that not voting in the upcoming presidential election is making a statement because he cant tolerate any of the candidates. He believes that not voting is telling the political parties to offer more acceptable candidates.

I believe that not voting makes no statement AT ALL because many of those who dont vote really dont care, and THAT is the message that is received. Voting is a right that should be exercised. To vote is to make a statement. Do you think he is making his feelings known by not voting?

NOT VOTING IN THE WEST

DEAR NOT VOTING: No, I do not. Your husband seems to have forgotten how fortunate we are to live in a country where people CAN vote. In many countries, thats not the case. The most important thing citizens can do is to educate themselves about the candidates and the issues and then cast their ballot. The higher the turnout, the more reflective the outcome is of the wishes of the people.

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, Fred, and I have been together for 10 years, during five of which we have been engaged, although there has been no talk of actually setting a date. That doesnt bother me because I am very unhappy in our relationship now.

Fred hasnt worked in three years. I have been supporting him all this time and Im losing my mind. I am doing everything I can, and Im beyond stressed. I cant talk to him about it because he doesnt want to talk. I send out his resume, and he doesnt return any calls to the places that call him.

I am 32 and feel like I am in a rut. What should I do?

IN A RUT IN ILLINOIS

DEAR IN A RUT: Why are you sending out HIS resume? By now it should be clear to you that Fred has no intention of getting a job. Why should he? He has a good deal the way things are.

Engagements usually involve setting a wedding date. Because the two of you havent, and you are unhappy in your relationship, break off the non-engagement! Cut your losses by investing no more time (or money) in your deadbeat boyfriend and set yourself free.

DEAR ABBY: Im 10 years old and in fifth grade. I was in science class when my friend cheated off of me. I could confront her, but if I do I risk losing her as a friend. She has done some rude things to me in the past, and I dont know what to do.

CONFUSED IN CASTAIC, CALIF.

DEAR CONFUSED: Real friends dont do rude things to each other. Now that you know your friend will copy your work, make sure not to sit next to her when tests are given. Unless you do, your teacher may think that because your answers are the same that YOU are the cheater, and youll be in real trouble.

If you cant change seats because they are assigned, you will have to be extra-careful about keeping your test paper out of her line of sight.
Open Door planning for two dinners

QUEENSBURY  For her groups 25th anniversary, Open Door Mission Executive Director Kim Cook is expecting so many guests, shes planning back-to-back celebrations.

We had so many people last year, we sold out, so this year we are going to do it on two nights to make sure everyone can come, Cook said.

The dinner, which is black tie optional, will be held Oct. 26 and 27 at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge.

The deadline to reserve tickets is Wednesday.

Tickets are $35 per person or $250 for a group of eight.

Each dinner will start with registration at 6 p.m., dinner and a program with special speakers at 6:45 p.m., and a silent auction from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Laura Robinson at 792-5900, ext. 102 or laura@opendoor.org.
DA needs lesson in First Amendment

Boos to St. Lawrence County District Attorney Mary Rain for violating the First Amendment rights of a reporter and photographer from the Watertown Daily Times when she refused them admittance to a public press conference after she lost a murder trial. She was called out for her actions by the New York State Associated Press Association, as President Tracy Ormsbee of the Albany Times-Union wrote, We remind you that it is inappropriate for you to attempt to control information by giving personal invitations to only certain reporters based on your preference for favorable coverage, or to bar reporters whose coverage you dislike.

Moreau back on

the right track

Bravos to the Moreau Town Board and Supervisor Gardner Congdon for coming together on two significant issues. The Town Board supported an unconventional budget by Congdon that will save town taxpayers money and all agreed to explore further getting sewers down the Route 9 corridor. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a new spirit of cooperation between the board and the supervisor.

Salem Art Works a regional arts presence

Bravos to Salem Art Works and its founder Anthony Cafritz for giving artists from around the region and state a chance to work with new materials as part of the recent intercollegiate iron pour and then the late-September pour in which artists were able to mold molten metal into art. The Salem center has become a hotbed for artists in recent years doing this type of work. It is putting Salem on the map around the state in the art community.

Villages pursue future without General Electric

Bravos to the villages of Hudson Falls and Fort Edward for working together and separately to provide a future after General Electric that will keep both communities viable. It has been impressive the number of volunteers that have come forward to volunteer time and resources.

Mayor, council violating the law

Boos to Glens Falls Mayor Jack Diamond and Common Council members Jim Campinell, Bill Collins, Jane Reid, Scott Endieveri, Jim Clark and Dan Hall for keeping secret a public document related to the firing of former assessor Lauren Stack. The city rejected The Post-Stars Freedom of Information request this past week in violation of state law. Robert Freeman, longtime head of the states Committee on Open Government, says the city is breaking state law by not releasing the document. The Post-Star has appealed the citys ruling to keep the document secret.

Rep. Stefanik still supporting Trump

Boos to Rep. Elise Stefanik for not clarifying her position about her continued support of Donald Trump for president. Stefanik released a statement on Facebook condemning Trumps comments on the Access Hollywood video but failed to say whether she will continue to support him for president. She should clarify her position regarding Trump immediately.

Scotties back in business in Granville

Bravos to new owners Mark and Edie Pickard for reopening Scotties restaurant in downtown Granville. The restaurant had long been the heart of the village, but closed suddenly last October. The new owners brought the business back to life on Sept. 21. Almost every small town has a place like Scotties, so it is good to see Granville get the meeting place back.

Gillibrand teams up with Republicans

Bravos to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, state Sen. Elizabeth Little and Assemblyman Dan Stec for coming together on the important issue of rural broadband. Sen. Gillibrand came to Glens Falls this past week to announce she will push for bipartisan agreement on federal broadband funding that could help the region. It was great to see the Democrat sharing the spotlight and support with two prominent local Republicans.Post-Star editorials represent the opinion of the Post-Star editorial board, which consists of Publisher Terry Coomes, Controller/Operations Director Brian Corcoran, Editor Ken Tingley, Projects Editor Will Doolittle and citizen representative Stuart Ginsburg.




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This was contained in the communique issued by the Conference after their annual plenary assembly held in Tamale in the Northern Region.

Most schools owned by religious bodies in the country have demanded a level of control over their institutions, but the government has been slow in taking a stance on this request. In the communique, they expressed hope that the bill, when passed, will bring more clarity in the roles of various stakeholders in managing the school.
Organized by the Students Representative Council (SRC) and Management of the Institute, the Akwaaba Night is a welcoming party that is geared at introducing new students to the school. It is also to show appreciation to the students for choosing quality education in Abbeam Institute of Technology.

Students, new and old, as well as interested persons around the environs who were captivated by the organization of the function heavily attended the event  which also included a red carpet session which put the spotlight on what the students and artists who to the event.

Abbeam Institute of Technology is a registered foreign tertiary Institution, which is duly registered by the National Accreditation Board and affiliated to internationally recognized Institutions like Cambridge International College and Sunderland University, all in the United Kingdom.

It offers Diploma, Honours Diploma, EBA (Degree) and Masters Degree programs in Media, Communication Studies, Business Administration, IT, Health & Social Science.

Situated in the beautiful area of Kasoa in the Central Region, the Institute has a serene environment that is resourced with state-of-the art facilities including a modernized library, a high-class computer library, radio and television studios as well as a production unit.
This was contained in a communique issued by the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference at the end of their annual plenary assembly held in Tamale in the Northern Region.

Land grabbing is the contentious issue of large-scale land acquisitions; the buying or leasing of large pieces of land in developing countries, by domestic and transnational companies, governments, and individuals.

READ ALSO: One dies in renewed clashes in Northern Region

According to a 2008 report by Thomson Reuters Foundation 100,000 hectares(ha) of Malis fertile land, was handed to Libyan investors in a 50- year renewable lease with no discussion about the impact on impoverished communities, who had farmed this land for generations (over 800 years).

This often leads to displacement as very often the land was being occupied by some people before it got sold.

In recent times people have been killed in Ghana over land disputes. Most multinational firms in the quest to stop renting office spaces that they find expensive would rather acquire lands for construction. This is thought to be cost-efficient in the long-run.

The Bishops Conference called on all key stakeholders to play their roles to help fight this menace.

READ ALSO: One shot dead over land dispute

The communique also lamented the level of environmental pollution currently in the country.
The Foundation presented medical equipment, including hospital beds, mattresses, wheelchairs, breathing circuits and consumables to the hospital.

Presenting the items, the First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama, gave the assurance that the foundation would continue to support vulnerable communities, especially women and children across the country.

She said it was her conviction that health personnel should be provided with logistics, equipment and medical supplies to enhance their capability of fulfilling their obligations to their patients.

She indicated that the medical supplies were aimed at enhancing the efforts of the government to attain universal health provision for Ghanaians and urged the health workers to lead the way in the delivery of quality and safe health services in the country.

She called on all stakeholders to advocate and work, to ensure that investments make in the health of the people, particularly the younger ones were sustained.

Additionally, the Lordina Foundation has been empowering women in skills development and education.

Starts up kits have been given to people across the country to start businesses while schools have benefitted from donation of educational materials and clothing.

The Lordina Foundation has facilitated the construction of ICT centres, Dining halls among others.
The NDC has launched what political analysts term a blistering attack on Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP vice presidential candidate.

GII INDICTS MAHAMA OVER VOTE BUYING

President John Mahama and ruling NDC have reportedly been caught in a massive vote-buying exercise across the country.

RUBY COCAINE DUMPS GHANA?

DONT DECLARE RESULTS  CATHOLIC BISHOPS ADVISE MEDIA, POLITICAL PARTIES

The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has advised all political parties, the media, and all Ghanaians to refrain from announcing any results of the December general election before they are declared by the Electoral Commission.

YOURE WELCOME TO CPP  DR DELLE URGES DISQUALIFIED ASPIRANTS

The National Chairman of the Convention Peoples Party, Professor Edmund Delle, has stated that the successful filing of nomination by the partys presidential candidate, Mr. Ivor Greenstreet, vindicates the partys position that it is the only Nkrumahist party in the country.

Ghana issues dollar bond on local market

DANGOTE SHAKES GHACEM

The management of Dangote Cement Plc says the company is well positioned to become the leader of the cement industry in Ghana and Africa within the shortest possible time.

ICT records double-digit growth

IMF PUNCHES HOLES IN BANKING LAWS

About three critical legislations enacted by Parliament to guide the financial services sector and the management of public funds are set for amendment less than seven months into their passage.

LOCAL DOLLAR BOND SET TO BEGIN AT TRAIN OF ISSUANCE

The overwhelming success of governments debut local dollar bond could serve as a precedent for bigger and longer term issuances, Kofi Awuku, a member of the book building team has said.
His comments come on the back of a petition by the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for it to investigate an alleged cash gift former President Jerry John Rawlings is said to have received from late Nigerian leader Sani Abacha.

In his petition, Dr Lartey asked: The full context and/or reason(s) in which the funds were issued: In particular, were these funds issued in support of killing the prominent Nigerian environmental journalist Ken Sara-Wiwa?.

But the former President has denied the allegations, saying he is ready to face off with Dr. Lartey in all fronts including the use of a lie detector.

About three days before his drama I got information that he was going to be financially rewarded for what he did and incidentally he was instigated not by people in the opposition.

Why are people worried about the level of integrity weve tried to maintain? We say we are Christians; we swear on the Bible, Muslims on the Koran; Id like to invite people like him (Lartey) that we go traditional as well.

That we invite the white mans technology (lie detector) to also come and verify the truthfulness, the integrity of my word. And for him to be simply asked who paid him to do what he did? Mr. Rawlings said.

Former President Jerry John Rawlings recently lashed out at critics who criticised him for receiving a cash gift from the former Nigerian president, saying it will be a triumph of evil if people believe such a 'dirty charge' against him.

His comments follow an interview he had with The Guardian Newspaper in Nigeria in which he confirmed receiving $2 million from Gen. Abacha.

In 1998, the Rawlings regime denied ever receiving the cash gift after the Chronicle Newspaper reported it.

He was also defended by NDC Members of Parliament when the issue was raised on the floor of the House at the time by the minority New Patriotic Party.

Rawlings resurrected the issue after he told the Guardian newspaper that he had received $2 million contrary to media reports that he received $5 million from Gen. Abacha.

His critics have linked the gift to bribery, while others have hailed him for being honest on the matter.

In a push to defend his anti-corruption image, Rawlings told the Daily Graphic Newspaper in an interview that people should search for something else if they are looking for something negative about him.
In April this year, the Unit predicted a close margin win for the NPP in a report and has again indicated that though both the presidential and parliamentary elections would be hostile the NPP will be declared victorious.

The report also states that the NDC would be voted out of power due to the adverse economic conditions in the country touching on the effect of an increase in taxes and utility prices which according to them have made the cost of living high for many Ghanaians.

READ ALSO:Election 2016 Catholic bishops throw weight behind EC

The EIU said: "Pre-election spending in 2016 will put pressure on the fiscal deficit target set in conjunction with the IMF, although the government will be more successful at resisting large-scale populist spending than in previous election years."

The report, however, did not mention any possible violence in the upcoming elections but noted that exercise will expose Ghana to notable risks, some of which will come from outside the country.

With the reports of corruption in the country's judiciary and the experiences in the 2012 election petition, the report suggests none of the parties will be interested in going to the Supreme Court to challenge the verdict of the election, a situation that has raised political tensions a notch higher.

Meanwhile, the representatives of the mentioned parties who spoke on Accra-based Class FM praised and criticised portions of the report.

Mustapha Hamid of the NPP has indicated that the party does not need a report by any unit to know that the NPP will win the upcoming elections looking at the response from electorates during their campaign tours nationwide.

"I have been involved in political campaigns since 2004 but have never seen this groundswell of support for the NPP," he said, adding, "this is the year the people of Ghana are ready to change course."

Koku Anyidoho, Deputy General Secretary of the governing NDC has described the report as unreliable.

He said the report which indicates that the ruling government has not done much in terms of resolving the economic hardship in the country also notes that the winning party will inherit a stable economy ready to take-off which he says does not make the report credible.

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) is a UK based company that provides country, industry and management analysis.

Its also one of the worlds leading resource for economic business research, forecast and analysis.

This is not the first time the Unit is predicting the outcome of elections in the country.

In February 2012, the unit predicted a win for the late President Prof. John Evans Mills who died in July.
This was revealed by the Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Daniel Bugri Naabu at the campaign launch of the Savelugu Constituency.

READ ALSO: Police threaten to halt activities of Azorka Boys

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service earlier cautioned political parties who would use vigilante groups to be prepared to contend with the Counter Terrorist Unit of the Service.

The Director of Counter Terrorism Superintendent of Police, Adofiem Raymond Wejong said that vigilantes were supposed to be people who were vigilant, law abiding and to report any bad deeds for the Police to deal with.

But Bugri Naabu said this decision is to ensure a repeat of 2008 and 2012 does not occur.
The party on Friday filed an application at the High Court, requesting that the EC Chair be directed to allow him to correct the anomaly on his nomination forms so he can contest as a presidential candidate in the upcoming December 7 polls.

There are fears, particularly, by the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers that the legal battle between the PPP and the EC would affect the polls.

But the Policy Advisor of the PPP, Mr Kofi Asamoah Nsiaw said even though the party was aware of the implications of their suit, it would only drop the case out of court if the EC gives the party a second chance.

Theres a possibility that the calendar will be affected. The commission can on its own resolve this matter outside of court by revising their decision and then we can proceed. So the issue has to do with how the EC intends to move forward with this kind of situation, he said.

If they want a court process obviously it will cost them some days and some weeks. If they want it outside court, we can sort it out then all of us have our peace, Mr Asamoah told Accra-based Citi FM.

Dr Nduom is one of 13 presidential aspirants who was disqualified in the presidential race due to some anomalies on his forms.

On reasons why the PPPs Papa Kwesi Nduom was disqualified, the EC Chair said:

The details are as follows, one subscriber, Mr Richard Aseda, with voter ID number 7812003957 endorsed Dr Nduoms forms in the Central region and again endorsed the same forms with the same ID number in the Volta region.

She said:

The EC Chair added,
After paying to acquire a visa, one needs to also make flight arrangements and other preparations ahead of the travel.

Online sale centre Tisu.com.gh has realized this difficulty and has partnered with Kenya Airways to run a promotion that will aid some people win a free return ticket to any destination of their choice.

You only have to buy any deal fromtisu.com.gh with a valid email address, snap a selfie of you enjoying your purchase and share on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) using #buysnapshare and tag @TisuGhana presents the snap and share promo.

The image with the most engagements would win the Buy, Snap and Share Promotion.
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The media personality said this in response to Ohakim's comment which likened Nigeria's economy to the HIV disease.

Olunloyo posted her reaction to this comment via her Twitter handle on Sunday, October 16, 2016 in her usual frank and blunt style.

She said, "I want to let Fmr #Imo Gov Ikedi Ohakim know that he is a certified #MORON 4 calling Nigeria's economy diagnosed as HIV positive.

"Gov Ohakim, u are a disgrace and an insensitive leader. #HIV is a disease that ravages HUMANS! 2 million Nigerians are suffering.

"I am one of the FIRST 6 @CVSHealth PROCARE Pharmacists in the USA #HIV/AIDS experts. U don't crack antiretroviral jokes. NEVER!."

"I DEMAND an apology 4 all HIV/AIDS patients in #Nigeria for this statement u gave at a lecture. Hope u NEVER serve in office again.
Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!
The 2016 edition of the foremost fashion week makes the 6th year the show launched and a lot more exciting elements have been infused into the fashion week for this year. Themed 'Connecting the Dots' the aim of the fashion week this time around is to make sure the consumers and designers 'connect', this year, consumers are able to purchase pieces first hand from designers with the possibility of shopping straight off the runway!

The exciting fashion show for 2016 will see the Runway Show for each day, The Fashion Business Series and the newly introduced Fashionomics and X-Retail.

1. The Runway Shows

The runway shows will take place on 26th through 29th October, 2016 daily 5:30pm  10pm where finally selected designers will showcase their latest collections to fashion editors, enthusiasts, buyers and more in attendance throughout the duration of the fashion week.

This is easily the most exciting and glamorous part of the fashion week.

2. The Fashion Business Series

The Fashion Business Series is set to hold on the 27th October, 2016 from 9:30am  3pm. It's in place to educate upcoming designers, creatives and more about the industry. Key players from the fashion industry globally and locally are invited as facilitators to take interested participants through various topics in the fashion industry to help guide them.

According to LFDW, the Fashion Business Series is in place to "facilitate conversations with key players from the Nigerian and Pan African fashion industry as a useful tool for exchanging ideas, networking and developing the fashion industry".

3. Fashionomics

This is a brand new line up for this year set for 28th October, 2016 from 9:30am. Fashionomics is in partnership with African Development Bank to set interested creatives in the right path to creating their brand, sourcing for funds and getting familiar with the industry and all it entails.

4. X-Retail

This set for 28th through 29th October, 2016 from 11am to 6pm. The exciting platform is the commercial part of LFDW. The X-Retail will have vendors selling pieces directly to consumers on these days.

X-Retail will also feature two competitions:

a) The Buy Nigerian competition: Where consumers stand a chance to win N15,000 naira and free tickets to shows for patronising 'Made in Nigeria' fashion pieces by posting photos supporting Made in Nigeria brands.

b) The X-Retailer competition: Where participating Vendors get cash prizes worth N350,000 and winning the X-Retailer of the year award.

Fashion Focus is also limited to 5 upcoming designers this year. The event supported by LFDW Fashion Hub features workshops and master classes that ensures knowledge transfer, information exchange and networking opportunities across board amongst other exciting things to look forward to.

ALSO READ:5 lessons Nigerian designers should learn from Anniesa Hasibuan

LFDW founder; Omoyemi Akerele noted at the Press cocktail for LFDW that for the year, the team "is looking beyond fashion to exploring other ways to make the business profitable without compromising on quality".

The Heineken Lagos Fashion & Design Week 2016 comes with a lot of retail incentives for designers and buyers this year and the Creative Hustle has set this year's event in motion!
Justice Taiwo Taiwo ordered that the accused, arraigned for alleged illicit dealing in drugs, to be remanded at the Ado Ekiti Federal prisons till Thursday, Oct. 20.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had dragged the man to the court for alleged possession of 26.5 Kilogrammes of Indian Hemp.

The prosecutor, Mr Charles Ugwuja, told the court that accused committed the offence on Sept. 28 at Iso Road, Ise-Ekiti, in Ise/Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 19 of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Uguwja told the court that in view of the plea of the accused, I shall be praying the court for an adjournment to enable me present the facts of the case.

He also urged the court to remand the accused in prison, alleging that he was an unrepentant chronic illicit drug trafficker.

The accused had pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge.

The Judge adjourned the case to Thursday for presentation of facts.

Meanwhile, the court had also ordered the remand of one Umaru Sule, 26, in NDLEA custody for alleged possession of one Kilogramme of Indian Hemp.

Justice Taiwo also adjourned the case till Thursday, for review of facts.
Ajayi was ordered to be kept in prison custody over his inability to perfect her bail.

Chief Magistrate Olalekan Ijiyode had granted her bail in the sum of N30, 000 with one surety in like sum.

Ijiyode added that the surety must be a civil servant and should also reside within the courts jurisdiction.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no civil servant showed up to stand surety for her and the magistrate remanded the prophetess in prison custody until the bail condition was met.

The accused was arraigned on a charge of stealing to which she pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Oct. 16 at about 4.00 p.m. at Iloromu Quarters, Mokuro, Ile Ife.

Osanyintuyi said the accused stole the life turkey valued at N30, 000, property of a woman, Khadijat Lamidi.

The offence contravened Section 390 of the Criminal Code,Laws of Osun, 2002.

Counsel to the accused, Mr Olalekan Babatunde, urged the court to grant her bail.
ALSO READ: Customs arrest 12 suspects for fake job advert

The information was contained in a statement issued by the service spokesman, Mr Wale Adeniyi, released on Sunday, October 16, in Abuja.

Adeniyi said that two other officers had their appointments terminated for illegal absenteeism, and another retired for drug addiction, Daily Post reports.

Seventeen (17) junior officers of the NCS have been dismissed from the service for offences ranging from drug addiction, certificate forgery, theft and absence from duty from Jan. to Sept. 2016.

Investigations into offences committed by the officers in the senior category are being concluded, officers found guilty are expected to face similar stiff penalties.

These disciplinary measures were taken after series of investigations and deliberations by the disciplinary committee and recommendations were made to the management, Adeniyi said.
The coordinator of the NGO, Innocent Ekene, who spoke in Kaduna on Monday, October 17, 2016, said further that malnutrition does not only affect the physical structure of children, but also impair their brain development.

Putting part of the blame on the increased healthcare cost, Ekene said that the malnourished children were more likely vulnerable to diseases, thereby lowering their productivity.

He said: Malnutrition reduces lifetime earnings by 10 per cent. Studies have also shown that children, who are stunted at the age of five, earn 22 per cent less than none stunted counterparts.

Adequate food and optimal nutrition status are the foundation blocks for building healthy, secured lives, which form the basis for development in any nation, Ekene said.

The programme was organised by the Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), in collaboration with the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH).

In his remarks, Silas Ideva, the CS-SUNN Coordinator in Kaduna State, said the training was timely, moreso that the state had just presented its 2017 proposed budget to the state House of Assembly.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the immunisation that commenced on Saturday would end on Tuesday.

Alhaji Abdullahi Sarawa, the Immunisation Officer in charge of Kafinhausa Local Government, said that about 90, 000 children were targeted for immunisation against polio in the area.

Sarawa said that the National Primary Healthcare Agency supplied 95, 000 doses of vaccines to facilitate smooth conduct of the exercise in the areas.

He said that the council deployed over 300 health workers to the various communities to ensure effective coverage.

Sarawa added that the council also provided 90 cartons of candies for distribution to the targeted children.

The council Chairman, Alhaji Haruna Usman, told NAN that he had instructed community leaders to ensure effective monitoring of the exercise.

Haruna said the council also directed ward heads to work closely with immunisation personnel in the mobilisation of the people as well as ensure they helped to resolve cases of vaccines rejection.

In the same vein, Auyo LGC says no fewer than 33, 000 children were targeted for immunisation against poliomyelitis.

Malam Usman Kani, the Manager, National Programme on Immunisation (NPI) in the area, told NAN that the figure exceeded the number of children immunised in previous exercise.

Kani said that the council deployed health workers to the 10 wards in the area to facilitate smooth execution of the exercise.
Esther Kiobel has filed an application in New York to secure documents from Shells U.S. lawyers, which she could use in the Dutch action.

The filings with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District Court of New York said she planned to begin that action before the end of the year.

Ms. Kiobel will demonstrate that Shell encouraged, facilitated, and conspired with the Nigerian government to commit human rights violations against the people, a memorandum in the application filed last week said.

A Shell spokesman said on Sunday: Shell remains firmly committed to supporting fundamental human rights in line with the legitimate role of business. We have always denied, in the strongest possible terms, the allegations made by the plaintiffs in this tragic case."

Kiobel previously took her lawsuit to the United States but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that the case could not be heard because the alleged activities took place outside the country.

In 2009 prior to that ruling Shell had agreed in the United States to pay $15.5 million to settle lawsuits related to other activists executed at the same time as Barinem Kiobel, including author and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.

Kiobels lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday.

John Donovan, who runs the royaldutchshellplc.com protest website, and who has advised Kiobel on the case said: Shes going after Shell in their home country, the Netherlands.

The Nigerian military cracked down heavily on local opposition to oil production by a Shell joint venture in the Niger Delta in the early 1990s. Kiobel alleges that Shell provided support to the military in its crackdown.
The DSS embarked on an unprecedented midnight raid on the homes of Justices of the Supreme and High Courts a little over a week ago.

Large sums of money were recovered from the homes of the Judges, according to the DSS, in a statement made available to the media in the wake of the raids.

The sums were said to have been proceeds of corruption.

ALSO READ: Real reason DSS put arraignment of arrested Justices on hold

An Aso Villa source confided in Pulse over the weekend that Buhari had barely set foot on Nigerian soil when he sent for his legal team and top DSS operatives.

The Commander-In-Chief wanted a full scale briefing on the development.

The President wanted to be sure that the DSS raids had been conducted within the ambit of the law, said the source.

Once that had been established, Buhari asked the DSS to increase the names of Judges on its corruption list and to go after them as soon as possible. So, expect more raids in the coming days, said the source.

Just before midnight on Sunday, Pulse received a statement from the Presidency with respect to the raids.

According to the statement, the legal team within the Presidency had concluded that the DSS raids were in accordance with the extant laws and regulations of the land.

The statement had read in part: The actions of the DSS in the arrest and search of the premises of judges and justices can be placed firmly within the ambit of the law, sentimental and emotional considerations notwithstanding.

The presidential legal review added that it was pertinent to note that Nigeria is not the first country to investigate and prosecute judges that are suspected to have committed acts of crime.

The Villa source told Pulse: Once the Presidencys legal review team submitted its conclusions, Buhari told the DSS to up the ante of raids and go after more Judges alleged to have received bribes in exchange for favourable rulings.

Moments after the legal review team gave the DSS the all clear, online news portal Sahara Reporters released the names of Judges who have been arrested and those who will have their doors knocked at midnight in the coming days.

According to Sahara Reporters, the Judges named in a confidential list sent to President Muhammadu Buhari include Justices Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta and John Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court, Justice Muhammad Ladan Tsamiya of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Uwani Abba-Aji of the Court of Appeal, Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal high Court, Justice Kabir Auta of the Kano State High Court, Justice Munir Ladan of the Kaduna State High Court, Justice Bashir Sukola of the Kaduna State High Court, and Justice Mu'azu Pindiga of Gombe State High Court. Other high profile judges named in the confidential memo include Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, the current President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ibrahim Auta, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba and Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court.

Those whose homes werent raided last week but whose names appeared in the list sent to the President, should expect a DSS visitation soon, our source said, when probed on the veracity of the list released by Sahara Reporters.

The President is determined to rid the bench of corruption, added the source who spoke to Pulse on the basis of anonymity.
Sagay, whos the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), also said that any judge found guilty of corruption should face the consequences.

He made the comments on Monday, October 17, after presenting the committees report on a new legal framework for fighting corruption, The Cable reports.

We know of some governors who are not supposed to be there, but found themselves on the bloody seats with the help of some judges, he said.

If Buhari had not come, I dont think there would have been a country. Zimbabwe would have been better. The government is operating on a zero budget.

We need the judiciary, but we need an upright judiciary. If we dont have a judiciary with moral integrity, then we dont have a democracy.

No agency would have dared to arrest Oputa, Obaseki, Eso, and some others. They gave judgments against the military governments. The moral authority of the golden era of the Supreme Court has crashed.

No judge should be guilty of corruption; if that happens then they have reduced themselves to our level, so they should take whatever happens. Let us be fair to this country, he added.

ALSO READ: DSS will raid more homes of Justices in the coming days

Sagay was speaking of the recent arrest of judges around the country by the Department of State Services (DSS) on charges of corruption.
Aso Villa sources who spoke to Pulse over the weekend disclosed that the President was stung by the interview granted the BBC by his wife, even though hes maintained a stoic, unruffled demeanour in public.

Buhari doubled down on his my wife belongs to the Kitchen comment in a chat with Phil Gayle of Deutsche-Welle, shortly before he left Germany.

In an interview granted the BBC, Ms. Buhari had hinted that a cabal has since seized the Buhari Presidency even though the mafia has zero knowledge of the values underpinning the APC--the platform from where her husband emerged President.

The president does not know 45 out of 50, for example, of the people he appointed and I don't know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years, lamented Ms. Buhari.

She also threatened to boycott her husbands campaign should he decide to run again in 2019.

I have decided as his wife, that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again, said Ms. Buhari.

Buhari was dismissive of his wifes comments while stood next to German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Germany.

I don't know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room, Buhari said in a press conference.

The President doubled down on his comments some 24 hours later.

I'm sure you have a house, you know where your kitchen, living room and other rooms are and I'm sure your wife looks after these rooms even if she is working. She is to look after me," he told his interviewer, with characteristic smugness.

Villa sources have however told Pulse that even though the President has been mulling the rejigging of his cabinet, his wifes comments have made that course of action even more of an imperative.

He was hurt by his wifes comments, said one Villa source who craved anonymity for this story. I can tell you that a cabinet reshuffle is imminent. Some of the Ministers have no place in this administration and the President has known that for a while.

One highly placed APC official who works in the Presidency said the party is glad that Ms. Buharis comments will have the desired effect.

Even though she shouldnt have spoken and most of what she said has been taken out of context by the public, Im glad she did finally speak and we are hearing that some persons in the kitchen cabinet will be asked to take their exits. The mafia will also have its back broken. Hes long known what to do, but now that his wife has reiterated the concerns publicly, Buhari has been left with little choice.

Last month, Buhari denied a cabal had taken over his government.

In June, Senate President Bukola Saraki had alleged that there was a government within the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In his riposte through a statement, Buhari had shot back: This claim by Senator Saraki would have been more worth the while, if it had been backed with more information. If he had proceeded to identify those who constitute the government within the government, it would have taken the issue beyond the realm of fiction and mere conjecture.

But as it stands, the allegation is not even worth the paper on which it was written, as anybody can wake from a troubled sleep, and say anything.

To claim that I am anybodys stooge is not only ridiculous, but also preposterous, Buhari had said.
The lawmakers at the weekend unanimously advised President Muhammadu Buhari to heed his wife's counsel and use it to better his administration.

In a BBC interview last week, Mrs Buhari had said that a "few people" have hijacked the President's government, dictating who gets the top jobs.

She said her husband does not know over half of those occupying the 'big' positions in his government, adding that those who worked relentlessly to get him elected have been neglected.

Mrs Buhari also threatened not to support the President's re-election in 2019 if he does not shake up his government.

In his reaction to the First Lady's interview, Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Budget, Timothy Golu, said Mrs Buhari voiced out what the sycophants around the President would not tell him.

He said: "Shes drawing her husband's attention to issues that sycophants around him would not tell him. But she has come out with the truth and is saying it because she loves the husband.

"She is closer to the man (Buhari) more than any other person and since she has voiced this out, the husband should take it and review some of his actions and decisions.

"It will not be good for the President to ignore the complaints from the wife. She has been with him and is disturbed by certain things happening around the husband, so its natural for her to talk."

Similarly, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, from the Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal constituency, said Mrs Buhari's revelations confirmed what most of them have continuously maintained that the President has been hijacked by a cabal.

ALSO READ: Read full text of First Ladys interview with BBC

He said Nigerian women should give the First Lady massive support "in her campaign to save Nigeria from the hands of a few selfish individuals."
In a recent statement by the presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, Buhari made this known while commending the role played by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the release of the 21 abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

As long as they (Boko Haram) agree to involve international agencies like ICRC. Weve seen the result of recent talks, 21 of the Chibok girls are back, the President said

Buhari, who who met with the President of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer, however said the biggest problem was perhaps the issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

There were over 2 million of IDPs, made up of over 60% women and children. About 60% of the children dont know their parents, or where they come from. It is weighing heavily on government, the statement noted.
Speaking at the Anambra Consesus Project in Amaokpala, Anambra State, Ekwueme said the belief of the Northerners while he worked for ESSO West Africa was that Igbos are not only industrious but united as a community.

Reiterating the need for Igbo people to unite and trust each, Ekwueme wondered where and how the Igbos got it wrong.

He said: When I returned to Nigeria after my studies abroad, I worked for the then ESSO West Africa Limited and the job took me to many cities in the Northern part of the country. I found out that there was no place you would go and wont find an Igbo man and they all cooperated well.

If you wanted to buy APC medicine in any city in the North, whether it was Kano, Maiduguri, Kaduna, Bauchi, Bida, Minna, anywhere, it was an Igbo person that would sell it to you. Igbo people were so industrious that Northerners were saying that after the white man, the next most important person created by God was Igbo," he said.

Continuing, Ekwueme said: When Igbo was Igbo, there was so much unity, such that once Igbo leaders met and took a decision, every Igbo person would abide by it. The trust among Igbo was responsible for the reason apprenticeship became popular with the result that parents would allow their children to stay with an established Igbo man to learn a trade for periods ranging from five to 10 years after which the apprentice would then be settled to start his own business. Even after the settlement, the newly settled young trader would be getting goods on credit from his former master and return the money after sale because of the trust that existed.

The Second Republic Vice President however said all these have diminished because there is obvious lack of trust amongst the Igbos.

"But lack of trust has diminished that age long cooperation between the master and his former apprentice, which is very worrisome.

The main problem of the Igbo today is lack of trust. If we can rebuild the trust among ourselves, our people will be better for it, he said.
Ayuba made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

She said many IDPs were facing various degrees of trauma from their experiences during the insurgent attacks in the North East.

Ayuba said that she often saw some persons in the camp, especially women, speaking incoherently, adding that sometimes some persons take off running even when they were not being pursued.

She noted that this behaviour may have been as a result of the trauma these people experienced during the attacks as some of them lost their husbands, wives, children and relatives.

If a psychiatrist comes to check us, I am sure that he or she will find most of us to be unwell; some people cannot even sleep at night.

Just a few days ago, a woman died while giving birth here in the camp; she did not get the medical assistance she needed; she bled a lot and spoke incoherently a lot.

I know that this woman lost her husband and she was left to fend for all the children which is not an easy thing to do. Sometimes she will just enter the road and be speaking like she has a mental problem.

Some of the women act in a very unstable manner; they talk to themselves. Some will just start running away when no one is pursuing them.

Anyone who sees this will think that they have juju, but I do not think that is the case. I think it is the trauma they got from the insurgent attacks and the death of their family members.

Most of the organisations and agencies of government that have come to assist us focus mainly on our physical health and look out for signs of malaria, diarrhoea, cough and so on.

We are yet to see anyone who will come to check and monitor our mental state and we need this; it is very important because of the trauma from the events that happened, Ayuba said.

She said that there was presently a stereotype on mental disorder as a lot of people shied away from being associated with the condition even when they clearly need assistance.

Ayuba, who said they were about 2,263 persons in the camp presently excluding children and new born babies, raised concern over the poor condition in which they lived.

According to her, some of the women living in the camp have as many as nine children and they have to squeeze themselves in a small space to sleep.

We have tried to make accommodation for ourselves using sack bags, some also use nylon to protect themselves from the rain but this has not helped as the rain still gets in and the camp is flooded whenever it rains.

There is no toilet in the camp and a place for us to bath. Since food was distributed to the women during the fasting period, none has been given yet, she said.

Ayuba said she had been in the camp for four years now after she lost her husband and a missionary took her to a hospital in the FCT to nurture her son who was injured in a bomb blast.
Metuh made the decision known when his counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu filed an application praying the court to allow him replace Dr Olugbumi Usim-Wilson, with the Deputy Senate President.

According to the application presented to Justice Okong Abang, Metuh's application was dated October 14, 2016.

Meanwhile, Counsel to the Dr Usim-Wilson, Clement Chinaka, urged the court to hear the application for withdrawal first and not the one for replacement.

However, Ikpeazu observed that if the application for withdrawal was taken before that of replacement, Metuh might risk going back to prisons.

ALSO READ:

Therefore, Ikpeazu urged the court to use its discretion in attending to the application for withdrawal as well as that for replacement.
The suit, with file number FHC/ABJ/CS/809/16, was instituted against the President, the Department of State Services (DSS), and its Director-General (DG), Lawal Daura, among others for violating the rights of the judges.

On October 8 and 9, the DSS operatives had ransacked the houses of seven judges of the Supreme, Appeal and High courts and arrested them on allegations of corruption.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, and the National Judicial Council (NJC), are co-defendants in the suit filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, on October 14.

Ogungbeje, who said the judges' arrest without recourse to the NJC was unlawful and amounted to humiliating them, noted that the DSS operations violated the rights of judges under sections 33, 34, 35, 36, and 41 of the Constitution.

He sought 10 prayers, among which is an order awarding N50bn against the defendants as "general and exemplary damages".

Ogungbeje also demanded to be awarded N2 million as the cost of the suit.

Other prayers sought by the Plaintiff include an order compelling the DSS to return to the judges the sums of money recovered from them and perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from arresting, inviting, intimidating, or harassing the judges with respect to the case.

"The 1st (President Buhari), 2nd (DG of DSS), 3rd (DSS), 4th (AGF), and 5th (Inspector-General of Police) respondents against there is no petition by the affected to the 6th respondent (NJC)," a 39-paragraph affidavit he deposed to support the suit read.

"That the 6th respondent is the only body empowered by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to discipline judges and judicial officers in Nigeria.

"That the judiciary is an independent arm of government in Nigeria and separate from the executive and the legislature.

"That this illegal and unconstitutional action by the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th respondents have been roundly condemned by the Nigerian Bar Association.

"That the 2nd (DG of DSS), 3rd (DSS), and 5th (IGP) respondents carried out their action which brazenly infringed upon the rights of the affected five judges without lawful excuse or recourse to the 6th respondent," the affidavit stated.

The arrested judges include Justices Sylvester Ngwuta and John Okoro of the Supreme Court; Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, and Justice Muazu Pindiga of the Federal High Court, Gombe Division.

ALSO READ: Justice Ademola says he was arrested for granting Dasuki bail

Justice Nnamdi Dimgbas residence was also searched but was shielded from being arrested by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.
According to the Head of Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, Obanikoro ran into the waiting arms of the commission upon his return.

He turned himself in after it became clear that the EFCC was going to declare him wanted, according to media reports.

"The former Minister of State for Defence is with the commission, Uwujaren confirmed.

Nigeria has to take full advantage of Obanikoro's return and here's how:

1. The Ekiti rigging audio tape is bae

In 2015, an audio emerged starring Obanikoro, Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Jelili Adesiyan and Captain Sagir Koli.

After the damning audio was made public, the major characters first denied the voices were theirs, before saying something along the lines that their voices had been doctored.

With the audio getting played over and over again, Obanikoro who was heard telling the Army Officer that he could decide his fate if he doesn't help rig the 2014 Ekiti governorship election with guns and boots, later said the audio and the conversation had been altogether misinterpreted and misrepresented.

Fayose was going to be the ultimate beneficiary of the rigging plot and so it turned out.

Fayose is now Governor and the other major actors are all alive. Koli, who blew the whistle, fled the country.

Obanikoro has a golden opportunity to come clean on the Ekiti rigging audio. That wouldn't be the EFCC's forte, but the relevant agencies should grill him until he reveals all that happened in that Hotel in Ekiti.

The truth is still out there and 'Koro' is a good place to start.

2. Koro loves a party and we should let him have one

According to "Obanikoro was accompanied by eight associates and friends to the Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission around 1pm on Monday".

What a way to make an entrance when you have a case of stealingN4.75bn (of arms procurement funds) hanging around your neck!

That's a friggin' party of eight-plus persons and 'Koro-nation' is welcome to be our guest.

Since a party of one is still a party but not so much fun, Obanikoro should be made to bring his sons, Babajide Obanikoro and Gbolahan Obanikoro, back home.

The EFCC is investigating Sylvan McNamara, a firm run by the younger Obanikoros. It is alleged that the company was a money laundering front for the Obanikoros.

Let's bring the Obanikoros home for a party--a huge party!

3. Step forward, Omisore

According to Sahara Reporters, "Obanikoro who had on several occasions dismissed the work of the anti-graft agency, started making contacts about returning to the country when his daughter, Shalewa, was arrested and made some damning revelations about her father.

"The source said Mr. Obanikoro confessed to officials involved in negotiating his return to taking money from the NSA to win the 2014 Ekiti State gubernatorial election at all cost for Ayodele Fayose, but conceded that only N800million made it into his private pockets. He also revealed that out of the money allegedly stolen from the NSA, N1.7million was given to former Senator Iyiola Omisore, while now-Governor Fayose stole the rest".

Stole the rest.

You can read those three words again for emphasis.

Fayose is covered by the immunity clause at the moment, so we can afford to wait.

But we do have Omisore. Good, Ol' Omisore.
Okorocha said the President's controversial response to his wife's BBC interview was taken out of context.

In the interview, the First Lady said unless Buhari shakes up his government, she would not support his re-election in 2019.

She revealed that her husband does not know a large number of the people he appointed to top positions, noting that a "few people" are behind the presidential appointments.

Buhari, however, played down his wife's claims, saying she should stay out of politics.

"I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room, and the other room," the President had said.

Many, especially women and womens rights groups have criticised the President for reducing women to cooks and housemaids.

Okorocha, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, October 16, said Nigerians need to be cautious in their reactions to the President's statement.

He said: "I was there when the president made the comment and both the wifes interview and the Presidents comment were taken out of context.

"I can understand why international community speak on this matter. It is because of womans rights and all that that is going on right now in the whole world.

"I tend to believe that Nigerians will understand the situation better than any other persons in the world.

"I do not think that those were the intentions, as being described by all and sundry and those condemning the act.

"If there is a clarion call to say Mr President look into your cabinet and bring in more people, there is nothing wrong for Mr President to take note of the comment by people.

"That is not really the situation that should create a big hullabaloo,"

However, Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, had last Friday trivialised Buhari's statement, saying it a mere joke.

"My friends, can't a leader get a sense humour anymore? Mr President laughed before that statement was made," Shehu wrote on Twitter.

ALSO READ: Okorocha refutes Buharis alleged medical trip to Germany

But in what seems to mean he was not joking about his statement, the President reaffirmed his stance in a later interview he granted Phil Gayle of Deutsche-Welle shortly before he left Berlin, Germany on Saturday.

When asked to explain what he meant in his earlier statement about his wife, Buhari said: "I am sure you have a house. You know where your kitchen is, you know where your living room is, and I believe your wife looks after all of that, even if she is working."

"That is your wifes function"? The journalist asked.
For today, October 17, 2016:

THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

Power sector loses N549b yearly to gas constraints

Nigerias power sector is losing an average of N549 billion yearly to gas supply challenges. The situation has continued to deprive the country of over 2,479 Mega Watts (MW) daily.

Why Buhari must rejig cabinet, by Okorocha

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to heed the advice of his wife, Aisha, and other Nigerians to rejig his cabinet.

How MTNs acquisition of Visafone was struck

Details of MTN Nigerias acquisition of Visafone have shown that the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operator asked the South African telecommunications firm to take only 100 per cent shareholding at the initial stage of the deal.

THE VANGUARD NEWSPAPER

I slept with 6 other ladies, says man accused of infecting girlfriend with HIV

James Turner, the 67-year-old Irish national based in Nigeria, has said he slept with no fewer than six other ladies. Turner is the man accused by his 31-year-old Nigerian girlfriend of deliberately infecting her with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV.Crackdown on judges: Presidency backs DSS; says it followed the law

As the furore over the raid on the homes of judges rages, the Presidency has endorsed the action taken by the Department of State Service, DSS, saying the agency complied fully with extant laws.I warned Nigerians against voting for Buhari  Sen Okurounmu

Senator Femi Okurounmu represented Ogun Central Senatorial district between 1999 and 2003, he served as a commissioner in Ogun State during the Second Republic administration of the first executive governor, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo. He also held several political positions including Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference in 2014 under the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration.

THE NATION NEWSPAPER

Chibok girls: we stayed without food for 40 days

It was another occasion for tears of joy to flow when parents reunited with the 21 freed Chibok schoolgirls.

UNILAG expels 125, rusticates 198 students

Authorities of the University of Lagos have expelled 125 students and rusticated 198 others for various offences, including examination malpractices during last academic session.

Nigerians misunderstood Buharis wife - Okorocha

Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday said the interview granted by President Muhammadu Buharis wife, Aisha, to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the Presidents reaction were taken out of context.

THE BUSINESSDAY NEWSPAPER

Why a freed FX market is good for Nigerias economy

Over the years, the Nigerian economy has been through many currency devaluation and depreciation phases without experiencing recession. The Naira, for almost a decade and a half, experienced steady devaluation/depreciation, and at the same time, the country did not go into a recession.

Relief for Nigeria as Forcados terminal, others resume crude oil lifting

Nigeria may be getting some relief as many of the countrys major crude oil terminals are now back to operation, following repairs which will enable her make substantial crude oil export in the coming days.

Banks pull back international Naira card spending limits
During the exclusive interview, the actor also shared what defines a great film for him, choosing money over quality, and his greatest fear as an actor.

On money versus quality as a motivation, the filmmaker narrated his experience on set of his debut short film "Seeing Betrayal," which had him serving as a producer, director, actor among other roles.

"quality is always going to take money. Quality is very important, but if you don't have the appropriate amount of money, you would have to compromise," he said.

On his greatest fear as a filmmaker, Adebule said, "I want to be one of those filmmakers that changes things." " If it isn't pushing the human nature or pushing humanity or pushing Nigeria forward, then I have failed. That's my greatest fear.

ALSO READ: undefined
The veteran actor commented about this in an interview with Hip TV News, where he added that the new entries only show proficiency in phonetics.

Todays set of Nollywood actors are not grounded. What they know how to do is to speak phonetics.

Most of these guys are pretentious. They are only interested in who has the highest number of likes or followers on their social media platforms.

Most of them are not even disciplined and they lack the knowledge; they only want to be popular,

I am sorry to say this but the truth is that todays crop of Nollywood actors are not grounded. Talent is not the only thing you need; you also have to be grounded."

The A-list actor began his career in Ilorin, Kwara State, and has featured in a high number of movies.
The governor made the comments on Sunday, October 16, while speaking to journalists in Abuja.

If there is a clarion call for Mr President to take a look at his cabinet and bring in more people, there is nothing wrong for Mr President to take note of comments by people because if everyone keeps saying the same thing, there may be sense in what theyre saying. But thats not really the situation that would create a big hullabaloo, he said.

Most people of the party felt that they have not been carried along. I know that many of them complain every day. They want board appointments released so that there will be calm.

The people from the southeast said they have not been appointed; the people from the northeast and even from the northwest where Mr. President comes from said they have not been appointed; some local governments and villages are saying they have not been remembered.

So, at what point do we draw this line? But there is always room for amendment because there is no perfection, he added.

Okorocha also earlier said that recent controversial comments made by Buhari and his wife have been taken out of context.

Mrs Aisha Buhari said, during an interview with BBC, that her husbands government had been hijacked by a cabal and that she wouldnt support him in 2019 if the situation doesnt change.

ALSO READ:5 shocking things Aisha Buhari said in BBC interview
This is contained in a communique issued at the end of a three-day retreat held in Lagos for members of the States Executive Council and legislators from the state.

The lawmakers who took part in the retreat included those in the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.

The theme of the retreat was Good Governance in a Recession.

The communique stated that there was the need to upgrade the quality of schools through training and re-training of teachers, as well as improving the infrastructure.

It said this would help to improve the standard of education across the state, particularly in slum areas.

It also resolved to evolve a robust Youth Policy that would include active Private Sector Partnership and also fast-track the development of a Senior Citizens Policy, both to be implemented from January 2017.

Participants reaffirmed the vision of the government to continually enshrine the doctrine of inclusive governance to foster collaboration amongst the three arms of government, it said.

In the area of improving revenue generation, it was agreed that the state government must work towards increasing its tax base rather than increase the tax rate(s).

There was the need to develop better approach of financing the States budget, and efforts should be redoubled to reduce the dependence on federal allocation.

Also increasing the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to a target of N30billion monthly in 2017 and N50billion monthly in 2018, as well as meeting the target of yearly budget size of N1trillion commencing from 2019.

Private investments towards accelerating growth in the Tourism and Hospitality sector for sustainable job creation and increased revenue generation would also be encouraged

Aggressive priority to integrated transportation system and sustainable solid waste management system by overhauling and re-branding the sectors in collaboration with the private sector, it said.

On the health sector, it resolved to fast-track the implementation of the recently passed Lagos State Health Insurance Law to provide the necessary financial resources for development of health infrastructure.
Most people were excited at the prospects until reality began to set in. The bad Internet and really expensive data plans were going to be deciding factors and the general sentiment wasn't going Netflix's way.

Data prices have since gone down some, but the Internet is still shady - and it doesn't look like that is going to change anytime soon.

ALSO READ: You can now build your own drug cartel based on the Netflix series

That may not be an issue in the near future because Techpoint just posted a report that Netflix has set up its first West African servers in Lagos, Nigeria.

Per the report, Spectranet will have the responsibility of hosting the "entire Netflix content library" on its servers, something that should make Netflix usage much more accessible to way more people.
The wedding will reportedly be sponsored and organised by the Jigawa Government of the state.

The Local Government Information Officer, Alhaji Mustafa Namadi, made the revelation on Sunday, October 16, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse.

According to him, 10 couples already agreed to get married. He said that the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the wedding in the area, Malam Idris Yakubu, made a call to traditional as well as religious leaders to enlighten their followers on the importance of the programme.

Yakubu reportedly made the call when members of the committee paid a visit to the District Head of Birninkudu, Alhaji Garba Hassan, in his place on Friday, October 14.

According to Namadi, the LOC chairman said that religious leaders play an important role in ensuring the success of the programme.

Namadi and Yakubu jointly appealed to the leaders particularly imams, to sensitise the public at the weekly Friday sermons in their respective communities.

He added that the district head also promised to hold a meeting with the village and ward heads, enlightening them on the need to support the programme.

NAN earlier reported that the Jigawa government set up a 19-member committee on July 16, which would organise mass weddings for widows and divorcees in the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdulkadir Fanini, was made the head of the committee.
Canberra sends asylum-seekers who try to reach the island continent by boat to the Pacific islands of Nauru and Papua New Guinea's Manus, where they are blocked from being resettled in Australia even if found to be refugees.

The Nauru facility -- which holds just over 400 men, women and children -- has been under scrutiny after allegations of thousands of incidents of abuse and self-harm were leaked to the Guardian Australia in August.

Amnesty's senior director for research Anna Neistat said interviews she conducted with more than 100 people, including asylum-seekers, refugees, and current or former detention centre staff, between July and October "paint a picture of people driven to absolute despair".

The rights group's report said there was an "epidemic of self-harm" among those held on Nauru, with nearly all the asylum-seekers interviewed reporting mental health issues that many said started after being transferred to the camp.

Contributing to their feelings of despair were inadequate medical care, exposure of children to abuse, and attacks and threats by some Nauruans outside the centre, it said.

Asylum-seekers on Nauru have been free to roam around the tiny nation since last year, no longer forced to remain locked up, but the report alleged that some who ventured outside the camp were attacked and raped.

"Australia's offshore processing regime fits the definition of torture under international law," Amnesty said in a statement, pointing to the refugees' "severe mental anguish" and the use of offshore processing as a deterrent.

Amnesty also accused Australia of operating the camp "behind a fortress of secrecy". Only a handful of journalists and refugee advocates, including Neistat, have gained access to Nauru in recent years.

Some of those interviewed by Amnesty said their time on Nauru was more difficult than the conflicts they had fled in Iraq and Syria.

"I cannot go back. But here I am dying a thousand times," said an Iraqi man, identified only as Edris.

"In Iraq, you get just one bullet or a bomb, and it's over, and here I am slowly dying from the pain."

Another, 19-year-old Ali Kharsa, who was held on Nauru for three years, said: "We fled Syria, but Nauru was the hardest thing I ever had."

The Australian government was not immediately available for comment.

But Canberra has strongly defended its tough policies towards "boatpeople" in the past, saying it has prevented deaths at sea and secured the nation's borders.

Nauru's government in August dismissed the leaked incident reports that asylum-seekers faced violence, abuse and humiliating treatment as "fabricated".
The court of the cassation ordered a retrial of the head of the Al-Wefaq political formation before the appeals court, said a judicial source.

The same court overturned three death sentences and seven life imprisonment sentences against a group convicted of killing three police, including an Emirati officer in a bomb attack more than two years ago.

But the appeals court in May more than doubled his jail term to nine years after reversing an earlier acquittal on charges of calling for regime change by force.

Salman's arrest in December 2014 sparked protests in Shiite-majority Bahrain.

The cassation court had rejected a request to release the cleric earlier this month.

His jail sentence came during a crackdown on the Gulf nation's largest opposition group, which has been dissolved by a court order over accusations of "harbouring terrorism".

Al-Wefaq had the largest bloc in parliament before lawmakers walked out in February 2011 in protest over a deadly crackdown on Arab Spring-inspired protests.

The crackdown on Wefaq has drawn criticism from UN chief Ban Ki-moon and Bahrain's allies in Washington, as well as rights groups.

Hundreds of Shiites have been arrested and put on trial since security forces backed by Saudi-led troops crushed in March 2011 month-long protests that demanded democratic reforms.

Authorities have also stripped at least 261 people of their citizenship since 2012, according to the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, including the country's Shiite spiritual leader Sheikh Isa Qassim.

In the other ruling, the court of cassation ordered a retrial of the case of 10 defendants found guilty of planting a bomb in March 2014 in Deih Shiite village, which killed an Emirati police officer and two Bahraini policemen.

The Emirati officer was part of the Saudi-led Gulf force.
Congo's main opposition bloc was not immediately available for comment, but has already called a general strike for Wednesday to press President Joseph Kabila to leave at the end of his mandate this year.

Past moves to delay the election have triggered violent demonstrations.

Parties agreed in talks on Saturday to keep Kabila in office until the vote, said one organisation in the discussions, the Union for the Congolese Nation.

But most other opposition groups boycotted the negotiations, saying they were a pretext for letting Kabila keep the top job.
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Police arrested a 59-year-old teachers aide Tuesday after two Hafen Elementary School students complained that she used physical force on them.

Police arrested a 59-year-old teachers aide Tuesday after two Hafen Elementary School students complained that she used physical force on them.

Diane Allen was booked into the Nye County Detention Center on two counts of child abuse. The teachers aide works with special needs students at Hafen.

According to a sheriffs office press release on the matter, Allen was witnessed mistreating at least one of the children by another teacher.

The Nye County School District released a short press statement on Allens arrest Wednesday.

The safety of our students is a top priority of the Nye County School District. A special education paraprofessional at Hafen Elementary School was arrested on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 on two (2) counts of child abuse. The Nye County Sheriffs Office and the Nye County School District are currently conducting investigations. If you have any information pertinent to this investigation, please contact the Nye County Sheriffs Office at 775-751-7000.

Sources at the school district, who could only speak to the PVT anonymously since district policy forbids talking to the press about personnel issues, say Allen has a history of questionable behavior in the classroom.

One teacher, at Floyd Elementary School, reportedly kicked Allen out of their classroom for mistreating students.

She doesnt have a good attitude when it comes to children, one source told the PVT.

After leaving Floyd during the winter break, Allen was assigned to Tony Streaters classroom. Streater is a fourth and fifth grade special education teacher at Hafen.

The school district source says Streater attempted to counsel Allen on how to better deal with the children in his classroom, to no avail, apparently, this person said.

Sources confirmed that Allen started work with the school district in 2008 as a substitute. She became a para-professional, or aide, in 2010.

This is not the first time a teachers aide has been in trouble with the law over the treatment of special needs elementary school children. In fact, the school district is currently defending itself in federal civil court over the actions of former Floyd principal Holly Lepisto, special education teacher Sarah Hopkins, and former Hopkins aides Phyllis DuShane and Kathryn Cummings, all of whom were arrested in 2010 on multiple child abuse charges involving the mistreatment of several special needs students.

The district source who spoke with the PVT called Allen a Hopkins follower when discussing the latest abuse arrest to shake the district.

The criminal charges against Lepisto and Cummings were eventually dropped and Hopkins and DuShane pleaded guilty to only minor infractions when their court cases were resolved. Hopkins and Lepisto were eventually allowed to return to the district. However, three civil cases were filed against the educators and the school district in 2012 seeking damages in excess of $33 million. One of those cases may have just recently been settled out of court, according to sources familiar with the litigation.

Allen was released on a $10,000 bond after she was taken into custody Tuesday. She is scheduled to appear in Justice Court on April 21.
Another Day in the Death of America: A Chronicle of Ten Short Lives

By Gary Younge

Nation Books

$25.99

304 pages

Today was an ordinary day.

It had its ups and downs; pleasant surprises came between the mundane and the irritating and youll look back at it tomorrow with clarity, perhaps, but its details will be sketchy in a decade. It was an ordinary day which, says Gary Younge, also means an average of seven kids in the U.S. lost their lives to a bullet. In Another Day in the Death of America, he explains.

On November 23, 2013, most Americans were preparing for Thanksgiving. We were marking the anniversary of JFKs assassination and watching the weather, the news on Iraq, or the Baylor / Oklahoma State game. We were enjoying our weekend. And on that Saturday, ten random children died of gunshot wounds in this country.

That, says Younge, has become too normal. It barely even registers anymore. For awhile, there were websites that tracked this kind of thing but for the most part, the deaths of these kids  coincidentally, all boys on this day; seven African Americans, one white, two Hispanic  are unmarked, except to families and locals.

The youngest, nine-year-old Jaiden Dixon, was a giving soul with a valentine he thought he might marry someday. Preparing for school on a Friday morning, he opened the door for his mothers ex-boyfriend, who shot Dixon in the face.

Dixon died the next day.

The girlfriend of Kenneth Miller, who was just three days shy of his twentieth birthday, learned of his death through Twitter. Seventeen-year-old Stanley Taylor was killed over spontaneous drama. Legally blind, eighteen-year-old Pedro Dado Cortez worked for his father and dreamed of learning to drive.

Eleven-year-old Tyler Dunn was shot by a playmate, while sixteen-year-old Edwin Rajo was accidentally shot in the chest by his best friend. Samuel Brightmon was conflict averse, Tyshon Anderson had been shot several times before, Gustin Hinnant was an honor-roll student, and Gary Anderson was killed because he wore a red hoodie.

One bullet tore apart a small town. All devastated families and friendships. Some were in areas where Nobody knows where the next shot is coming from. But everybody knows its coming.

Before we get any further, theres this: British-born author Gary Younge doesnt overtly advocate, nor does he denigrate, gun control but astute readers can catch a clue. He also writes about parenting, particularly within the Black community; about gangs; prisons; and about the NRA and its influence.

And these are interesting subjects but the real power comes in the stories he uncovers in Another Day in the Death of America. Younge doesnt just write about the demises of the ten kids he found; he also helps readers understand the men they mightve become and what we truly lost in losing them. That kind of unflinching journalism packs gut-punching, timely meaning, and you wont forget it.

Pick a different day, you get a different book, says Younge on the randomness of his research, which is perhaps the most poignant sentence youll ever read. So pick Another Day in the Death of America. Its no ordinary story.
A group of Iowans more accustomed to greeting visitors than being them will converge on the Iowa Quad-Cities this week for the Iowa Tourism Conference.

More than 300 tourism professionals and industry partners will attend the Iowa Tourism Office's annual conference, which runs from Wednesday to Friday at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center, Bettendorf. This year's conference is hosted by the Quad-Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Joe Taylor, the bureau's president and CEO, said hosting his fellow tourism leaders puts the pressure on to create a welcoming, memorable experience. "These are my friends, these are not strangers coming to visit. I'll see all these people next week, next month and next year," he said.

Taylor said for the past year the bureau has been promoting the event after landing it through a competitive process. The conference, which rotates across the state's three tourism regions, has met in the Iowa Quad-Cities only two other times, he said. The last time was it was here was 2001. The first time was in 1989 when the then Davenport Convention & Visitors Bureau played host.

During the meetings and workshops, attendees will learn cutting-edge techniques for tourism events, promotions and products. Among the keynote speakers will be Shawna Lode, Iowa Tourism Office manager, and Debi Durham, Iowa Economic Development Authority director.

Taylor said activities have been planned across the region to put a spotlight on a variety of attractions.

On Wednesday night, a Dine Around event will give guests a chance to chose from any of several selected restaurants, including: Faithful Pilot, Blue Iguana and Crane and Pelican in LeClaire; Keller's and Farmers Pick Buffet at the Isle of Capri, Bettendorf; and Phoenix and Me & Billy, both in downtown Davenport. In addition, 15 of downtown LeClaire's merchants are remaining open late Wednesday night for shopping for guests as well as the public.

An Arts Around event will include educational sessions Thursday afternoon at the Figge Art Museum and River Music Experience, or RME. "We wanted to showcase the arts community and arts attractions in downtown Davenport," Taylor said.

The Iowa Tourism Office will present its annual awards at a dinner Thursday night in the Gold Room of Hotel Blackhawk, Davenport.

For a full program of the conference, visit traveliowa.com. Registrations still will be taken at door.
Q. I just have a quick question toward car/renters insurance (Allstate). I canceled my insurance two or three days before it was due. Total was $104.46, but they will refund me only $76. Why and how is this legal if I canceled before it was due?  Brett

"Insurance companies file their insurance programs with the Iowa Insurance Division. The insurance companies are required to use the rates, rules and forms that have received approval from the Iowa Insurance Division. Consumers can cancel a personal lines insurance policy at any time and insurance companies generally are obligated to return an unused portion of the policy premium, however, there are instances in which an insurance company can retain certain premium dollars to account for policy origination expenses. We encourage this reader and any other Iowans with specific policy-related questions to first contact their insurance agent for assistance. If further assistance is needed, the Iowa Insurance Division is here to help assist consumers and can be reached at 877-955-1212 or www.iid.iowa.gov."
Two men were treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds after a Davenport shooting incident early Sunday.

Davenport police responded to the 5400 block of Division Street about 4:14 a.m. Sunday in reference to a shooting.

Romance Armstrong, 29, of Davenport, was treated and released for his injury. He now faces felony charges of felon in possession and intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance. He was released on bond from Scott County Jail.

The other man was taken to a hospital by private vehicle and was admitted for treatment. His identity was unavailable late Sunday.

The incident remains under investigation.

In 2012, authorities said Armstrong went on the run after he threatened to kill a resident at a Quad-City halfway house. A warrant for the arrest of Armstrong, then 25, was issued after he violated his parole by making multiple threats to local law-enforcement agencies, according to the 7th Judicial District Department of Correctional Services. He apparently called the police department and several other people.

The threat was considered to be credible enough that the Department of Corrections moved the threatened man to a safe location.
An 18-year-old Moline showed little emotion Monday after a Rock Island County jury found him guilty of fatally shooting Zachary M. Phillips and seriously injuring Erik Roberson on May 20, 2015.

The jury of eight women, four men found Lamaree E. Wilson-Neuleib guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm after three and a half days of testimony and less than two hours of deliberation at the Rock Island County Justice Center.

As Associate Judge Gregory Chickris read the verdict, several members of Phillips family quietly whispered, Yes, then applauded as the jury started to leave the courtroom.

Prosecutors say Wilson-Neuleib, then 17, fired 11 bullets into Phillips red 1993 Nissan 240SX, which was parked at the side of the road in the 4600 block of 53rd Street in Moline.

Phillips, 18, of Colona, died from a gunshot wound to the head. His front-seat passenger, Erik Roberson, 21, was shot multiple times but survived. A third man, Matthew Merrill, 18, was in the back seat and escaped unharmed.

Roberson testified that Wilson-Neuleib had called him that morning to buy marijuana. He and Merrill had sold him marijuana the night before, Roberson testified.

Roberson, who had rolled out of Phillips car and onto the ground after being shot, told a paramedic and a police officer that he had been shot by Wilson-Neuleib.

Wilson-Neuleib was arrested about 20 minutes later as he was walking out of his home. Police who arrived on scene discovered clothing and a portion of a red shoe burning in the backyard.

A pair of blue latex gloves was found in the pocket of his cargo shorts, according to trial testimony.

Witnesses reported seeing a man wearing all black, red shoes with white soles and blue latex gloves leaving the scene on foot.

Defense attorney Dora Villarreal said in her closing argument that there was no forensic evidence linking her client to the shooting.

Specifically, she argued that Wilson-Neuleibs fingerprints or DNA were not found on the Taurus .380-caliber handgun, shell casings or charred shoe found in a burn pile in his backyard.

She also argued that witness testimony differed on the description of the shooter. One person said the shooter was stocky, while another said the shooter was thin.

Two witnesses who were taken to Wilson-Neuleibs house to identify him, known as a show-up, were never asked to look at a photo lineup, too, she said.

Villarreal also argued that there was no evidence that anyone else was investigated or questioned as a possible suspect.

Were enough leads followed? Villarreal asked jurors. Was enough investigation done in this case? Were the show-ups enough, or was someone found and arrested in 19 minutes, and this case considered closed? Is that enough?

In her closing argument, Rock Island County Assistant States Attorney Heidi Weller said she does not know why there was more than one DNA profile on the charred shoe.

Trial testimony revealed that the shoe had a mixture of more than one DNA profile on the outer toe area. Wilson-Neuleib was not identified as a contributor to that mixture, according to trial testimony.

What I do know is that Lamaree Wilson did everything he could to prevent or destroy any physical or forensic evidence that there might have been, by lighting the fire, by wearing gloves, by most likely cleaning up with those cleaning products that were found on the floor (of the kitchen), she said.

The biggest unknown, Weller said, is why Wilson-Neuleib opened fire on the car that morning.

Was it some perceived slight?" she said. "Senseless violence is just that, its senseless. It defies comprehension.

The responsibility for these crimes, however, rests squarely on the shoulders of Lamaree Wilson.

In Illinois, prosecutors do not need to prove motive.

Phillips mother, Lyndsie McCoy, said the trial answered a lot of questions she had about what happened to her son.

He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but if somebody asked him for a ride, he would have given them a ride, she said outside the courthouse. He liked to show off his car.

Wilson-Neuleib faces 45 years to life in prison on the murder charge and six to 30 years on the aggravated battery charge.

A sentencing date has not yet been set, but attorneys agreed to do it in the next six weeks.

Wilson-Neuleib pleaded guilty to the charges in October and was sentenced Nov. 25 to 50 years in prison on the murder charge and 10 years on the aggravated battery charge.

In May, Associate Judge Norma Kauzlarich allowed Wilson-Neuleib to take back his guilty plea and vacated his sentence after prosecutors said he was not properly informed at the time of his plea that he faced a mandatory 25-year firearms enhancement to his sentence.

Rock Island County States Attorney John McGehee said Monday that we are going to now step back, and were going to make a decision about how were going to approach this sentencing.

We may approach the sentencing a little different than the last time, he said.

McGehee said that although the lack of forensic evidence was a challenge, I think there were so many clues, so much information that was coming in very quickly, that they (police) knew that they had gotten the right person.

Villarreal said after the verdict that the defense will file a motion to reconsider the verdict within 30 days.

When asked how Wilson-Neuleib and his family were doing after the verdict, Villarreal said, Obviously, they are upset. They were hoping for a better result.

McCoy said it has been especially hard losing a child to homicide and having to go through the ensuing court case.

It brings it back, she said. "It doesnt give you the chance to go and move on."
The 2016 Frieze lecture series is four lectures by Augustana College professors, from 2-3 p.m. beginning Tuesday and continuing through Nov. 8 at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th St., in the community room. For more information, call the library at 309-732-READ (7323), or visit www.rockislandlibrary.org. All lectures are free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Topics and presenters include:

 Tuesday: Rock Island in 1841: A City and Its Times. Dr. Roald Tweet goes back in time to what life was like in Stephenson, Illinois, in 1841, and the controversy over the renaming of the community.

 Oct. 25: The Longest Inaugural Address in History. Dr. Meg Kunde will cover the longest inaugural address in history by William Henry Harrison, providing an overview of inaugural addresses and expectations of Inauguration Day 2017.

 Nov. 1: A Punch of Literary Humor. Dr. Kelly Daniels will review the 1841 birth of the literary magazine Punch, regarding satire and humor in writing.

 Nov. 8: Dawn of Antarctic Exploration. Dr. William Hammer will discuss the dawn of Antarctic exploration in 1841. Hammer discovered the first dinosaur remains unearthed in Antarctica.
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa  Ben Carson, the former Republican presidential candidate and conservative author, said the recent focus in the presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton has lost sight of the differences between the candidates.

If we were smart, we would actually be talking about those differences, rather than talking about somebody who assaulted somebody, whether real or not, or what other collusions are going on, Carson told a crowd of more than 150 people Sunday at the Black Hawk County Republicans Lincoln Dinner. These things are diversions, and they keep ones eye off of the actual prize, the actual issues.

Carson said the focus should be on the differences between the presidential candidates tax plans and immigration plans, for example.

It was a theme echoed throughout night, as the Republicans who mentioned Trump  rather than focusing on their local races, as many did  talked not about the traits of the Republican nominee but the reason its so important to elect him.

Carson criticized his fellow Republicans who vied for the presidential nomination  17 in total  for not being as present on the campaign trail to help support Trump.

A lot of the people who ran for president and lost, they kind of disappeared, and its really about them ... but for me, it was never about me. It was about this country, and the fact that this country is in so much trouble, and that we have to say that, Carson said.

Carson acknowledged those who are having difficulty choosing between the lesser of two evils, but presented the 2016 presidential election as a choice between a paper cut and an amputation.

He also presented the election as a choice between the people and political elites. Carson said thats why so many of the Republican establishment (are) refusing to support Donald Trump.

Clintons Iowa campaign organized a news conference Sunday in Cedar Rapids as a response to Carsons visit, where the attendees argued decades of progress would be lost for the African-American community if Trump is elected.

They also noted the Lincoln Dinner in Cedar Falls followed the vandalism at a Waterloo mosque this weekend with Trump spray painted on its wall, though law enforcement has not indicated any connection with the Trump campaign. The vandalism was not discussed during the event.

But Black Hawk County Republican chairman Scott Adkins said after the dinner the vandalism is a crime and its in poor taste to politicize it. He noted Republicans came to help clean up the vandalism.

I hope they catch who did it, absolutely. We have a freedom of religion in this country, and that applies to Muslims as well, Adkins said. Republicans, we dont do that kind of stuff; thats not our schtick. The fact that they would even say that really offends me.

U.S. Rep. Rod Blum, R-1st District, echoed Carsons comments.

Can Donald Trump be crude? Hes a New Yorker, of course  he can be crude, Blum said. Is Hillary Clinton a pathological liar? Yes. OK, so they both have these personality flaws, if you will. Lets talk about the policies.

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann gave three particular reasons why its imperative Republicans vote for Trump, but put one above the others: the U.S. Supreme Court.

If we dont elect Donald Trump, everything that (Senate Judiciary Chairman) Chuck Grassley has been attempting to do, and everything hes been holding back, that dam is going to break, Kaufmann said. If not for any other reason, its the Supreme Court and to make sure that we the people finish what Chuck Grassley has started.

Kaufmann was referring to Grassleys efforts to stop a hearing on Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, whom Democratic President Barack Obama nominated after Justice Antonin Scalia passed away in February.

Kaufmann said the election isnt just about the next four or eight years, but about the next generation of policies because of the Supreme Court that is currently regularly split between four right-leaning justices and four left-leaning justices.

For U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, his main reason to support Trump is because of how insecure we will be if Clinton wins.

(James Q. Lynch contributed to this report.)
ANKENY, Iowa  Suburbs like this Republican-leaning city just north of Des Moines are prime areas for Iowa Democrats to help presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin said Sunday.

Harkin, who retired in 2014 after serving 30 years in the U.S. Senate, told Democratic campaign organizers that they should be able to chip away at Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps support in suburbs like Ankeny, especially with women.

While Clinton has opened up a lead in most toss-up states across the country, polls in Iowa show a close race here, most with Trump leading.

However, none of the polls published were in the field in Iowa after the release of a 2005 video on which Trump could be heard making lewd comments about using his celebrity status to grope women, and ensuing allegations of inappropriate contact made by multiple women.

Trump has apologized for the comments and denied the allegations.

A new Fox News national poll showed suburban women picking Clinton over Trump by 24 percentage points.

I have to believe there isnt one suburban woman in this area who can go in there with a clear conscience and vote for Donald Trump, Harkin told the campaign workers.

Harkin said in an interview that he remains hopeful Iowa will swing Clintons way, and expressed surprise that the state could go for Trump after twice going for Democrat Barack Obama.

Im still hopeful that my fellow Iowans will exercise good judgement as they did in the last two presidential elections, Harkin said. If Iowans didnt go for Mitt Romney (in 2012), how could they go for Donald Trump? At least Mitt Romney was a decent, nice, moderate Republican. How could they possibly go for Donald Trump?

Im hopeful that my fellow Iowans will follow their good common sense and vote for Hillary Clinton.

The Trump campaign in Iowa said its support from women has increased since the 2005 video was reported.

The Trump-Pence Iowa team is encouraged by the outpouring of support among Iowan women for Mr. Trumps candidacy, specifically over the past week, Eric Branstad, the state director for the Trump campaign in Iowa and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstads son, said in a statement. Our Iowa Women for Trump coalition has grown during that time as Iowan women continue to reject Hillary Clintons corruption, lies and hypocrisy and embrace Donald Trumps message of making America great again.

Harkin said he wont weigh in on whether his longtime colleague, Sen. Chuck Grassley, and Sen. Joni Ernst, who won the seat long held by Harkin, should disavow Trumps candidacy as have some Republicans.

But Harkin did say he hopes Iowa Republicans see that Trump is not a typical Republican.

I wouldnt make any comment one way or the other on (Grassley and Ernsts support of Trump), Harkin said. I just hope that Republicans in Iowa  and a lot of them are my friends  will recognize that Donald Trump is not a Republican. I dont know what he is. What is he? I have no idea. But hes certainly not the kind of Republican Ive known all my life.

The national Republican Party said Clintons use of surrogates like Harkin in Iowa shows her campaign is struggling in the state.

Unfortunately, their weekend appearances only highlight Hillary Clintons constant struggle to appeal to voters from the coveted Obama coalition who remain unenthusiastic about her candidacy, party spokeswoman Lindsay Jancek said in a statement. Is anyone surprised that a career politician thinks she can fix an unprecedented enthusiasm gap by sending in more career politicians?
Ten years ago, Dave Loebsack pulled off a huge upset.

The college professor and longtime Democratic activist upended 15-term Rep. Jim Leach, vaulting into Congress.

Even as Republicans have lampooned him over the years  calling him ineffective at governing, fundraising, etc.  Loebsack has continued to win. He even survived two Republican wave elections, in 2010 and 2014.

So, in this presidential election year, with an electorate more favorable to Democrats than in off-years, Loebsack would seem to face less of a challenge than in the past.

His rival for the office this year, however, is different from any he's faced previously.

Christopher Peters, a surgeon from Coralville, is like other Republicans in that he says the federal government is too large and the debt out of control. But he also opposes making abortion illegal, backs same sex marriage and considers U.S. foreign policy over the past 15 years, including during the Bush years, as too interventionist.

He faults the Affordable Care Act but shies away from saying he would torpedo the whole thing.

Its not where I would start, he says.

In some ways, Peters has Libertarian views. In 2010, in fact, he ran for the state Legislature under the Libertarian banner. But Peters, who says hes spent most of his life as a Republican, adds his heterodox party resume is indicative of how he would approach the job of congressman.

Im an independent, thoughtful guy, he says.

He also is breaking from much of the GOP leadership in saying he won't vote for Donald Trump for president.

The 24-county 2nd District leans Democratic. President Barack Obama won 56 percent of its vote in 2012, and there were 25,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans.

Still, the district has some diversity. It encompasses the liberal areas around the University of Iowa in Johnson County along with the more traditional blue-collar manufacturing areas around Burlington, Fort Madison, Clinton and the Quad-Cities. There also are a slew of rural counties, including some of the poorest parts of the state along its southern border with Missouri.

Loebsack has traditionally relied most heavily on big margins of victory in Johnson County. But he also has a voting record that sometimes strays from the liberal line. He's sought to appeal to more swing parts of the district, including Scott County. And in an interview, he stressed he is one of the few rural Democrats left in Congress," touting work on legislation to expand broadband to rural nursing homes.

He also argues he works harder than most to reach across the aisle.

Thats what folks tell us they want us to do, he says.

That willingness to reach out to, and at times vote with, Republicans has landed Loebsack in hot water with some progressives, most notably for a vote in the House last year on a bill that would have increased the hoops the Obama administration had to jump through to admit Syrian refugees. Critics on the left called it a way to block refugees from entering the country. But Loebsack defended the legislation, which didn't pass, saying that, contrary to what he called overblown claims, it would erect just "another layer of security" against potential terrorist acts.

Loebsack calls for more investments in education and infrastructure to help with the economy but stops short of arguing for free college tuition, like Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

He also voted for the Affordable Care Act, which has reduced the ranks of the uninsured by record numbers. But he acknowledges that premiums and out-of-pocket costs for many on the marketplace are too high.

Loebsack says the way to help with that is to establish a public option, or a government-run insurer that would compete with private companies.

Peters takes a different tack on health care. He wont go so far as to say he would repeal the Affordable Care Act but adds he would loosen some of the minimum benefit requirements and rely more on a market-driven system. He says that he would rely on encouraging high-deductible insurance plans and health savings accounts.

That would include providing assistance for those who need it, he said. Its an approach to health care, he says, that he favors for the Medicaid program, too.

Peters says he thinks a more market-driven system would be better at containing costs.

The two also clash over the Renewable Fuel Standard, a federal requirement that a certain amount of renewables be mixed with the nations fuel supply.

Peters says ultimately he would like to see the RFS, along with all other energy subsidies, eliminated.

Were distorting incentives, he said.

In this area, Loebsack says the two have significant differences.

He has said when it comes to energy that hes not for picking winners and losers. If youre not for picking winners and losers on energy, then youre not for the Renewable Fuel Standard, Loebsack says. He argues that is the same as "not supporting our farmers.

Peters, however, says that although he would like to see all the subsidies go away, he agrees it's not politically practical.

"In the absence comprehensive energy reform, I would likely vote to extend the RFS," he says.

Peters, for his part, faults Loebsack for supporting U.S. involvement in Libya, which he called "a bad move."

Loebsack was critical of the U.S. involvement in toppling Moammar Gadhafi, and in 2011, he voted for a resolution opposing U.S. ground troops there. But he also voted against a separate measure that would have directed the Obama administration to remove all forces.

Loebsack's office said he voted against the measure because it made no allowance for intelligence, surveillance and other operations, and he feared it would endanger the lives of U.S. forces.

So far, there have been few joint appearances. The two appeared together Oct. 10 in Iowa City, and they squared off in a debate on Iowa Public Television last Friday.

Loebsack holds a healthy lead over Peters in fundraising this election cycle. Through the end of September, the congressman had raised $1.5 million and had roughly $962,000 in the bank. About 40 percent came from individual contributions, with the rest coming from political action committees.

Peters had raised about $127,000, with $42,000 of that money coming from his own pocket, including $30,000 in loans. He had about $35,000 in the bank at the end of September.
If the size of Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's influence on a Quad-City area legislative race wasn't already clear, a new report sums it up pretty well.

Between July 1 and Sept. 30, the largely Rauner-funded House Republican Organization contributed $905,000 to Republican Tony McCombie, accounting for the vast majority of the $978,000 in contributions, transfers and in-kind donations the Savanna mayor's campaign got for the three-month period, according to new campaign disclosures.

In addition, the House group and state Republican Party has sent another $181,000 in transfers or in-kind contributions since the end of September.

The District 71 House race is one of the most expensive in the state, and incumbent Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is no stranger to getting money from big interests, including from labor unions and his own party.

However, it's Rauner's outsized influence on local legislative races that has perked up the ears of political observers across the state this year. And in House District 71, it's clearly evident.

Of the nearly $16 million the Illinois Republican Party raised between July 1 and Sept. 30, nearly $15 million came from Rauner's campaign committee, according to the state GOP's quarterly report. The state party then shipped $14.1 million to other campaign committees, with $11.2 million going to the House Republican Organization.

McCombie has said she will be an independent voice in Springfield, and she's questioned whether the negative advertising that has been targeting Smiddy has actually benefited her.

In response to the new financial reports, she said Monday, I disagree with Governor Rauner on many issues, including labor issues and his push for a tax increase. I asked Rep. Smiddy to agree to campaign spending limits, but he instead chose to take $1.3 million in special interest cash.

Smiddy's report covering July 1 through Sept. 30 says he raised $312,700 in contributions, transfers and in-kind donations.

All but about $12,000 of the $65,629 in in-kind contributions came from the state Democratic party and Democratic Majority fund, both controlled by House Speaker Mike Madigan.

A separate report by Smiddy's campaign says that the Democratic Majority fund transferred another $115,795 to him at the end of September for payroll expenses. Smiddy said that was a mistake, and it should be about $1,575.

Of the $247,070 in individual contributions Smiddy received, the vast majority came from business and labor groups. Roughly $100,000 came from just three unions: the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council 31, the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters and the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

Smiddy argues that because union member dues finance labor union groups, it's different from the source of McCombie's funding.

"It's a lot different than one person just opening their checkbook and writing a check," he said.

He also disputed McCombie's version of limiting campaign spending. Smiddy said he was the one who made the offer, but he added that McCombie wasn't willing to stop the groups that are helping her from weighing in on the race.

The help McCombie got for the quarter helped her gain ground on Smiddy, who had a huge fundraising edge going into the summer. At the end of June, he had $419,210 in the bank, while McCombie had just $21,421. At the end of September, Smiddy still had $184,348, but McCombie's campaign had $67,306 in the bank.
DES MOINES  Iowas election commissioner Monday emphatically refuted any contentions by political candidates that this years Nov. 8 general election is rigged in any way.

This state has a pretty darn good track record, and I really resent anybody trying to blemish it, said Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, who plays a dual role as the states election commissioner.

He said anyone who has evidence or concern about the integrity and fairness of Iowas voting process should contact his office so he can investigate the allegations; otherwise he hoped politicians would knock it off and focus on the issues important to Iowans.

Iowa has got one of the cleanest, best election systems in the country, and I guarantee every eligible Iowa voter will be able to cast their ballot for the Nov. 8 election, said Pate, a Linn County Republican who said he wanted to clear away any smoke over rigged elections by noting the many checks and balances Iowa has to maintain integrity and ferret out fraud.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump repeatedly has contended Americas 2016 election is rigged, issuing a tweet Monday saying, Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before Election Day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!

Pate said Trump may have referred to his experience as a New Yorker but Iowa has a tradition of clean, honest elections.

If theres something else, please Mr. Trump, tell us what it is, and I will have my staff immediately look into it and pursue it with all the vigor and authority that this office has, and that applies to anybody because the last thing I want is an Iowan who thinks that their vote doesnt count, Pate said. Theyre not demonstrating theres any proof that theres these issues. What theyre doing is trying to distract, in my opinion, from what the real election issues are. Voting is far too important.

Gov. Terry Branstad, a six-term Republican who is backing Trump in the 2016 presidential matchup with Democrat Hillary Clinton, said he trusts Iowas system and its voters, but he expressed concern there is collusion between the national media and the Hillary Clinton campaign to help get her elected next month.

The integrity of our electoral process is critically important, and a lot of people are very skeptical today because they see the bias of the national press, they see what they consider to be collusion between the Clinton machine, the governor told his weekly news conference.

The national media is trying to influence people in the decisions that theyre going to make in this election, he said. Were saying the public needs to be given fair and balanced information so they can make their own decision and not just one-sided bias that is focused on attacking one side and not giving people a complete picture of the different stands of the candidates.

Pate said the question of media bias versus the contention of a rigged election system present apples and oranges issues that need to be considered separately. Although he is sympathetic to the bias contentions, he is actually very angry about talk if election fraud or other claims that might discourage Iowans from participating.

Our election system is not on the internet, we do not vote by email, Pate said in a telephone interview, noting Iowans fill out paper ballots in 99 counties that are counted electronically under the close scrutiny of trained poll workers and poll watchers and later verified by canvassers.

Several polls released Monday suggested many of Trumps backers think the election could be stolen from their candidate and were not assured the votes for president will be accurately counted this year.

Branstad said he has confidence in Iowas election because state and local officials do their level best to make sure balloting is fair and honest but he conceded the process is not perfect despite all the vigilance to thwart cheaters.
A Moline police officer and the Moline woman he assisted after an accident will appear Monday on the "Good News" segment of the Steve Harvey syndicated television show.

Officer Patrick Moody responded to a traffic accident that involved Danielle Robinson. Moody helped Robinson, then gave her a ride home that night. He found out she faced some financial struggles as a single mother.

Moody said he knew immediately what he wanted to do for Robinson. After he talked with his wife  because, as Moody tells Harvey, Shes the one that handles the checkbook!  Moody enlisted the help of a friend who owns a used car dealership. Together they purchased a used car, which was seven years newer than the vehicle involved in the wreck, for Robinson. They also paid to transfer the plates and filled up the cars gas tank.

Once Moline police captains heard what Moody was doing, they chipped in to to pay off the title to the car that was lost in the accident.

You need stories like this, because we keep telling the one side, and the one side makes it look so ugly, Harvey tells the two.

In the Quad-Cities, Steve Harvey airs at 3 p.m. on KLJB, Ch. 18.

 Linda Cook
It seems ages ago, but recall when the second presidential debate was deemed the sink-or-swim moment for the candidacy of Donald J. Trump. The slobbering sex tape had just come out, causing many fearful Republicans to dis-endorse him. One more astounding meltdown on the debate stage and Trump would be out (though how that could happen was never made clear).

The post-debate consensus held that Donald stopped the heavy bleeding and Hillary Clinton was cautious. She didn't bait him with anything new and left the heavier fire for the second half, thus helping the Trump candidacy live to self-destruct another day.

That's exactly what happened. And whether by design or not, that's exactly what Clinton and other Democrats should have wanted. The importance of keeping Trump at the top of the Republican ticket could not be overstated.

Democratic wish come true, Trump again bubbled up from the black lagoon and turned his malevolence on the Republican Party. Unleashing new chaos in the electoral ranks, he blasted Republicans who had broken with him over the tape. He poured hot new insults down on House Speaker Paul Ryan and Sen. John McCain. Cowed by the display, some Republicans who had disgraced themselves by not dropping Trump long ago disgraced themselves again by pedaling back.

In sum, Republican candidates are faced with an unenviable choice. They can back a candidate whom most independents and many fellow Republicans regard as repellant. Or they can drop him and risk the wrath of Trump supporters vowing revenge on any Republican disloyal to The Donald. Some Trumpsters are threatening to not vote for down-ballot Republicans.

With national polls shifting decidedly in Clinton's favor, Democrats feel free to put resources in red states once considered fairly out of reach. Georgia and Arizona are now very much in play.

The Democrats' strong hope of restoring a Senate majority has grown stronger thanks to The Donald. As a result, Republicans Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Richard Burr of North Carolina face titanic battles -- titanic as in the RMS Titanic. And the previously impossible Democratic dream of taking the House now seems possible.

GOP leaders should draw no comfort in a poll suggesting that voters are making little distinction between Republicans for Trump and those who renounced him when times got tough. As for the second group, Trump promises to make their political lives as painful as possible. One thing The Donald knows how to do is deliver pain.

Borrowing from the 12 days of Christmas, Democrats may be planning the 12 days of October Surprises. The month began with the revelation that Trump may not have paid federal income taxes for close to two decades. Then came the gift-wrapped tape in which Donald spoke freely of his animal magnetism with women and willingness to grab that which is not offered. The month is still young.

This cannot be a happy time for those who value a vigorous political culture, regardless of where they hang their partisan hats. We need two functioning political parties, each offering a reasonable alternative to the other.

The bright spot here is that an electoral rout might force Republicans to do something they should have done long ago -- cast off the delirious mobs of their so-called base and replace them with independents open to sane conservative arguments. Many principled conservatives are now talking along these lines. Some have gone so far as to herald a Trump-driven electoral collapse as the shock therapy their party needs.

Dr. Bornstein, please keep Donald healthy. He can't lose it if he's not in it. America needs Trump to plunge headfirst into the black lagoon -- and stay there.
Just as America was tossed -- or did we eagerly jump -- into the sexual political gutter with Bill and Hillary and Donald, there was other news breaking.

At least I thought it was news. But I must warn you: Sex and sexual politics has nothing to do with it.

It's Hillary Clinton's dream of an America without borders, as expressed to investors of a Brazilian bank, in comments leaked by WikiLeaks.

An America without borders, Hillary? How positively George Soros of you, Madam Secretary.

"My dream is a hemispheric common market, with open trade and open borders, sometime in the future with energy that's as green and sustainable as we can get it, powering growth and opportunity for every person in the hemisphere," Clinton reportedly said to investors in a paid speech she gave to Brazilian Banco Itau in 2013.

Here's the thing about borders. If you don't have borders, you don't have a country. Americans are beginning to understand this. Europeans understand it now, quite clearly.

Clinton's dream also includes a Western Hemispheric common market, like the European common market that is dissolving in chaos, fear and debt.

If that is indeed her dream, then she dreams the internationalist dream that would end America. But Americans aren't talking about this, perhaps because there is no video involving sex and Hollywood and Trump.

I would love to hear Clinton's explanation. Perhaps she could put it in some proper context.

Or perhaps she was merely telling the Brazilians something they wanted to hear, because they were paying her a good chunk of cash.

And if there is a way for America to maintain sovereignty without borders, Hillary might be just the one to tell us. But the Clinton campaign isn't commenting. And reporters aren't really pressing, preoccupied as they are by that vulgar video of a boorish Trump.

Clinton campaign spokesman Robby Mook was on one of the talk shows saying Clinton's dreams of American open borders didn't really mean open borders.

Mook said she meant open borders in the context of green energy for all.

Cool. But then what about her dreams of the hemispheric common market and all the people traveling to and fro across the Western Hemisphere?

So I'd like to hear Hillary Clinton tell it.

The way to deal with this would be for Clinton to release the transcripts of all her well-paid speeches, the ones to Wall Street and the one about border dreams to Banco Itau. That's what Bernie Sanders wanted.

But that's not happening, just like Donald Trump isn't releasing his tax returns.

So the Clintonistas are blaming the Russians for the hacking.

It might also be true that if a hacker could hack into Clinton campaign emails, then a hacker might also have hacked into top secret emails she kept on her home brew server in violation of federal law when she was secretary of state.

But I won't say anything, lest I be denounced as a Russian spy.

That WikiLeaks information was available just before the last Clinton-Trump debate. The moderators could have asked a question about it, but they chose not to.

They did ask about another drop from WikiLeaks, that of Clinton's belief in holding one public position on policy for the public and another for private consideration by insiders.

Kind of like when she was secretary of state and telling America that the four dead Americans in Benghazi were killed by protesters angry about some video. And then telling her daughter and others, in private emails, that the four were killed in a terrorist attack.

In the debate, Clinton was asked if an official holding a private and a public position could be considered "two-faced."

She said Abraham Lincoln did it. In a movie.

And now, rather than worry about divisive issues such as borders, we're consumed by that vulgar Trump video.

Yet back when the Clintons held the White House, back when Bill used the cigar on that intern in the Oval Office, the political left protected him. And they defended Hillary for defending Bill, who had a habit of putting his hands on women when he held office.

Sex was a private matter then. It's quite a public matter now. But then it was all a private matter, remember?

And so, after a brief bout of impeachment interruptus, the American political establishment welcomed Bill and Hillary back into the establishment fold, where wealth and near absolute power awaited them.

What's laughable about all this is the Clintonista argument that to cleanse America of the stain of Trump, we must re-install Hillary and Bill back into the same White House that they soiled years ago.

I get all that.

Trump is a boor and Bill Clinton is a boor and Hillary is Hillary -- either a loyal spouse or a cunning enabler. And politics is politics, so you'll hate the one or forgive the other based on your preferences, or shout a pox upon them all.

But having an America with or without borders is also rather important, no?

And someone running for president might want to explain it all, in the proper context of course.

An America without borders? That's not a dream, that's a nightmare.

Ask the Europeans. They know.
Harvest is in full gear at our farm, as on many other farms around Iowa and Illinois. Robb and the guys have been hard at work, harvesting our corn and now our soybeans. This has meant many long hours and evenings working in the fields, and many missed meals or social events. Fall is not the time to plan things that you expect a farmer to attend! I have certainly learned this over the years.

The corn harvest has been good. Its certainly the lifeblood of the Midwest farmer, though not as much of an income source now as it was a few years ago. We are blessed with the amazing fertile soils in the Midwest that allow us to grow massive amounts of corn and soybeans for both our domestic markets and our export markets. In other areas of the Midwest, they grow more wheat, oats, and barley, or perhaps sorghum (aka milo). Each area is best suited for certain crops.

Fall harvest is truly one of my favorite times of year. I love fall in general, with the crispness to the air and the beautiful colors of the trees. I also love the smell of the harvest  the damp soil in the fields, the smell of the combine dust. I love the quality of light in the fall  it always seems extra warm and yellow/orange on those fall evenings as the sun slowly sets. I enjoy the togetherness of the harvest, where family and friends work side by side, often for very long hours, to bring in the crops. Its hard work, but no one seems to complain because they know it needs to be done. I enjoy running the combine in the field, watching the corn or soybeans pour into the combine hopper and then into the semitractor-trailers. It is rewarding in so many ways.

On our farm, we are lucky to live close to the Mississippi River  one of the biggest highways for grain in the world. Thousands of barges full of grain head south from the Midwest terminals every fall, headed to places far from here. We deliver to one of the nearby river terminals, where we dump the grain into a big dump pit covered by steel bars. The grain goes down through the bars into the pit, where it is carried by augers or conveyor belts to the awaiting barge on the river. If there is no barge waiting, the grain is stored in the large silos until another barge arrives. In areas further from the river, farmers deliver their grain to the local grain elevator, where it is stored in huge concrete or steel silos until it can be hauled away by rail car or by semitractor-trailers.

Every load of grain is weighed to determine how much is being delivered. Each load is also tested for moisture level, because grain that is too wet is discounted in price. The grain is also tested for toxins such as aflatoxin and other molds or fungus, and for contaminants like too much weed seed or other material. This ensures a safe and consistent product is being delivered, and then being shipped away to market as an Iowa product.

Once the load has passed all the tests, the farmer is sent a check for the grain, at the contracted price per bushel delivered. If the farmer did not have a contract with the elevator for the grain, he will receive the price for the grain on the day of delivery.

Corn and soybean prices change daily  sometimes several times a day, depending on the demand in world markets. Right now, corn prices are averaging about $3.50 a bushel and soybeans are about $9.60 a bushel. Those prices are likely to change before you get to read this column.

Last year, the Iowa corn average was 192 bushels per acre, and the average soybean production was 56 bushels per acre. Were waiting to see what the average yields are going to be this year! Whats scary, though, is that the recent Iowa State University estimates for cost of production are $4 or more per bushel of corn, and $10 or more per bushel of soybeans. Yes, that does mean that farmers could be losing money on every bushel of corn and soybeans they sell. Years like this can make you wonder why we do what we do.

But I know why we do it. We do it because we love it, because its in our blood, because its our life and our family legacy. We do it because we feel like its our contribution to the world and society. We do it because we provide food for people to eat.
A massive prairie fire that consumed an estimated 48 square miles of private and public ranch lands east of Rapid City  and which was mostly contained but still burning on Monday  led to the loss of ranch outbuildings, caused a pair of interstate traffic wrecks, killed at least 135 head of cattle and consumed untold amounts of grasslands by Monday afternoon.

The blaze, called the Cottonwood Fire, began around 1 p.m. Sunday and was initially battled by 300 firefighting personnel. The fire caused smoky skies and upset ranching activities across a wide swath of land about 75 miles east of Rapid City in an area between Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 14.

No one had been injured by the fire or while battling it as of late Monday; the fire was reportedly 75 percent contained by 4 p.m. Monday, and potential rain in the area Monday night might help the firefighting cause.

Officials located the fires point of origin and an investigator confirmed Monday that the fire was human-caused, but no specific cause was announced as the investigation continues, said Rapid City Fire Department Lt. Jim Bussell.

Sundays fire-ripe combination of unseasonably high temperatures, low humidity and winds gusting as high as 50 mph pushed flames swiftly across the prairie, scorching most everything in its path.

"Under these conditions, the fire spread quickly," Bussell said in a Monday news briefing.

The fire scorched an estimated 48 square miles of private land and part of the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, southeast of Cottonwood and north of I-90.

A Pennington County Type 3 incident management team took over command of the fire at 6 p.m. Sunday.

About 100 personnel bolstered fire lines and quelled hot spots on Monday, down from the nearly 300 firefighters from 10 western South Dakota counties that were fighting the fire at its peak.

Pennington, Lawrence, Meade, Custer, Haakon, Jackson, Jones, Mellette, Bennett and Stanley counties all sent resources, as did the American Red Cross, Bussell said.

Officials were still trying to determine the number of structures burned as of late Monday afternoon. No primary homes have reported lost but many outbuildings are believed to have gone up in flames.

Early reports of livestock losses were starting to come in Monday. The Jackson County Sheriffs Office reported 137 cattle lost as of Monday afternoon. Those numbers are expected to rise in the coming days.

As the wind fueled the fire on Sunday, rancher Cliff Poss said he could only sit atop a hill and watch as flames surrounded his ranch southeast of Cottonwood.

We could see the fire was really close to our house and we figured we could lose it, Poss said Monday as he fixed a corral fence, held up by a still-smoldering fence post. There is no way you can stop that kind of fire.

Quick thinking by Poss and his neighbors to cut fences and let his cows outrun the flames helped minimize the loss from the raging fire. Still, Poss thinks other ranches may not have fared as well.

Bright yellow cottonwood trees, changing color for fall, stood out as a vibrant contrast against the miles of blackened fields. Ranchers worked frantically fixing fences and rounding up wayward cattle that escaped the blaze.

Wooden fence posts continued to smolder and cattle kicked up dust as they wandered through charred fields on Monday morning.

Luckily, through the efforts of firefighters and neighbors, the Poss home was saved but he and his family still lost plenty.

Poss said several outbuildings burned along with hay that was supposed to be used to feed his herd through the winter.

Im probably going to end up selling 150 cows, Poss said, noting that was would be about half his herd. I dont have hay or grass.

Poss said he drove the length of the fire Monday morning and it was 21 miles long and as much as 6 miles wide.

Jerry Tucker, a ranch hand near Cactus Flats on the south edge of the Cottonwood Fire was frantically fixing a fence in a scorched field Monday morning. The cattle company he works for was planning on moving some of the herd to the small pasture Tucker was working on.

They aint got nothing to eat, Tucker said of the cattle in the area after the fire.

The wind was so strong they couldnt do nothing, Tucker said of fire crews trying to control the blaze on Sunday. It was out of control.

Tucker pointed at a ranch to the north and said, I was afraid that old mans house was going to burn up but I guess they got a truck in the yard and were able to wet it down.

In addition to structures burned, power lines were damaged during the fire. As of 4 p.m. MDT, West River Electric Association and West Central Electric Cooperatives reported no residential outages in the fire area.

One bridge was destroyed by the fire. There are currently no road closures in the fire area.

Low visibility from heavy smoke on Sunday afternoon contributed to a pair of separate chain-reaction crashes on I-90 west of Kadoka, that left a Wall woman with serious injuries.

According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Karol Patterson, 61, of Wall, was airlifted to Rapid City Regional Hospital with serious, non life-threatening injuries suffered in a four-vehicle crash.

Patterson was a passenger in a 2009 Toyota Corolla driven by Gale Patterson, 64, of Wall, which struck the rear of a pickup driven by Daniel Walsh, 52, no hometown available.

Walshs Ford pickup struck the rear of a 2016 GMC Yukon driven by Joseph Ryan, 77, no hometown available, which had pulled off on the right shoulder and slowed because of heavy smoke.

Pattersons car slammed into Walshs pickup and then was hit by a fourth vehicle, a 2014 Ford Expedition driven by Kenneth Fisher, 77, no hometown available.

Ryan was not injured and a passenger Patricia Lacey suffered minor injuries. Walsh and Gale Patterson also suffered minor injuries. Fisher was not injured.

In the second crash, Jordan Edgcomb, 30, driving a 2015 Volkwagen GTI, struck the rear of a white sport-utility vehicle, which left the scene. Edgcomb, who told investigators he couldnt see because of the smoke, was not injured. The driver of the white SUV was not located.

Another fire update will be released at 10 a.m. today.

The unseasonably warm and dry October has meant a busy late fire season for firefighters with other blazes in the region.

According to the Great Plains Fire Information Center, the Battle Mountain Fire near Hot Springs, reported at 7:50 p.m. on Friday, was 100 percent contained at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, after burning about 21 acres.

The Bald Wildfire, reported at 10:48 a.m. Sunday in the Bald Hill area between Pactola and Sheridan lakes had burned 2.75 acres and was reported contained about 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

Both fires are believed to be human caused, and are still under investigation.

The Rhubarb wildfire, near the Prairie Berry Winery two miles east of Hill City on Friday, burned a one-tenth of an acre and was caused by trees contacting power lines.

Firefighters from Rockerville, Whispering Pines, Rapid City, Keystone and Hill City responded to an early Sunday morning blaze that damaged an abandoned woodframe building.

Rockerville Fire Chief Gail Schmidt said firefighters were called at 4:41 a.m. to the report of a fire in what was a tourist attraction known as the Rockerville Ghost Town.

Schmidt said firefighters quickly quelled the blaze which caused damage mostly to the front of the building with some extension of fire into the interior of the building.

Firefighters had to haul water about eight miles from the Black Hills National Forest district headquarters south of Rapid City on U.S. Highway 16.

The state fire marshal's office is investigating the cause of the fire, Schmidt said.

The continuing dry conditions prompted Black Hills National Forest officials to cancel a planned prescribed burn set for today in the Whaley project in the Mystic Ranger District.

Back near Cottonwood on Monday, cattle owned by Poss and his father wandered aimlessly through miles of blackened pasture Monday morning. Smoke trickled into the air where hay bales had been stacked but continued to smolder on Monday.

Still, Poss remained positive.

Actually, we feel pretty fortunate, he said. It looks like I didnt lose any cattle and we could have easily lost our house.
A large grass fire started at around 2 p.m. by the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site near mile marker 131 on U.S. Interstate 90, according to a firefighter with the Philip Fire Department.

Not much was known about the size of the fire but the firefighter said more than 10 units have responded to the blaze including units from Rapid City, Box Elder, Pierre, Fort Pierre and Philip.

It is unclear the extent of the fire and the Philip fire department could not confirm if roads have been closed as a result.
SIOUX FALLS  The only sound coming from Kasey Kuiken's third grade classroom on an average weekday morning is that of keys clicking as her students practice typing.

Sioux Falls and metro area schools in recent years have shifted formal keyboarding instruction from middle school to elementary. That shift also brought a change in the definition of "formal keyboarding."

Teachers like Kuiken aren't as focused on ensuring students type the "W'' with their ring finger and the "P'' with their pinky. They want students to be efficient at typing, but, much like holding a pencil, not every student is going to use the same method.

"They need to do what works best for them," Kuiken said.

Learning typing earlier frees up time for middle school students to focus less on hitting the right keys and more on digital literacy and what it means to be a "digital citizen," said Sioux Falls Superintendent Brian Maher.

Students in Sioux Falls learned keyboarding in sixth grade until a switch to third grade in 2012. Area schools including Brandon Valley, Harrisburg and West Central also now start keyboarding in elementary school, some as early as second grade.

Students, especially third graders, in the past struggled with South Dakota's standardized Smarter Balanced test questions that required a typed response, according to a May 2014 report presented to board members.

School board members revisited keyboarding last week, and they agreed to continue monitoring keyboarding skills as students enter middle school. Sandy Henry, middle school curriculum coordinator, said as long as students can produce content by typing, middle school teachers aren't going to take the time to teach keyboarding.

"We don't have time to do typing," Henry said. "The rote learning, we need to be past that in middle school."

Instead, students spend about 15 to 20 minutes per day working on keyboarding apps in their classrooms, Kuiken said. Her students learn through a website called typingclub.com.

Parent Kara Weber was surprised to learn that students no longer learn keyboarding in middle school.

Weber worries that the method of teaching through apps and the lack of emphasis on hitting the right keys with the right fingers will hurt her son, Ethan Weber, a fourth-grade student who has dyslexia.

Weber plans to teach Ethan, a student at the Robert Frost Challenge Center, keyboarding at home.

"The amount of time they're going to be getting at school is not going to be enough to give him what he's going to need to express himself in the future," Weber said.

District administrators say middle school students are actually getting better at typing. Henry said sixth-graders averaged 23 words-per-minute in a typing test last spring, faster than the 15 words-per-minute in the district's former technology standards. Words-per-minute are no longer included in the standards, Weber said.

"I don't think our kids are being held back by a lack of typing skills," Maher said.

And those typing skills may look different, depending on the student.

"There is so much computer and technology use outside the school day," said Brandon Valley Superintendent Jarod Larson. "That they're naturally finding a way to peck on their own."
PIERRE | As South Dakota begins to see an increasing number of statewide ballot measures proposed  such as the 10 measures on this fall's ballot  state elections officials are trying to clean up what has proved to be a fairly messy ballot approval process.

The state Board of Elections recommended a variety of changes Thursday to South Dakotas ballot measure procedures that led to several legal issues and challenges in the past year.

The Legislature will consider the proposals in the 2017 session that opens in January. The recommendations reflect legal issues that arose during the past year.

The board discussed 25 sets of possible changes during a meeting that lasted more than four and a half hours.

Circuit Judge Mark Barnett and state Attorney General Marty Jackley made some of the suggestions.

I think we encountered about every situation possible this year, Secretary of State Shantel Krebs said.

There are 10 constitutional amendments, initiatives and referred laws on the statewide ballot in the Nov. 8 general election.

The Secretary of State's Office decides whether petitions for statewide candidates and statewide ballot measures have sufficient valid signatures.

For elections starting in 2017, Krebs wants to eliminate the pro and con statements from the opposing sides on ballot measures because there isnt any control of accuracy.

Sometimes they have the possibility to be misleading, board member Drew Duncan of Sioux Falls said.

Krebs would continue to provide the attorney generals explanation regarding the meaning of a yes or no vote and would provide contact information if available.

The vote was 5-1 for eliminating the pro and con statements. Board member Linda Lea Viken of Rapid City agreed statements could be erroneous but voted against the change.

Viken said groups short on financial resources would be at a greater disadvantage without pro and con statements.

Krebs said her staff has run ragged trying to get statements.

Kea Warne, the deputy secretary of state for elections, said petition challenges for some of the 2016 ballot measures were complicated.

Warne said three random samples had to be run on the medical marijuana petitions that were found to be short of signatures.

The marijuana initiatives supporters challenged Krebs decision and lost in state circuit court.

Judge Barnett suggested state law should list types of petition information that cant be challenged to the secretary of state office. Krebs said the judge observed that challenges otherwise could be almost infinite.

Those items still could be challenged in state court.

Another proposed change would prohibit the same person or group filing multiple challenges to the secretary of states decision on a petition. It wouldnt prohibit challenges in state court.

Board member Mitch LaFleur of Rapid City said he would prefer the law make clear what could be challenged rather than what cant be.

I understand what you guys are fighting. I understand that battle, LaFleur told Krebs and Warne.

Warne said LaFleurs approach would be difficult to cover everything. She said about 20 laws would need to be amended if they took his route.

The board delayed action on those items so the proposed language could be developed further. Its got to be something very clear, Krebs said.

Im willing to listen and look at anything, LaFleur said.

Krebs and Warne want a new law that wouldnt allow the public release of petitions for inspection before the secretary of state office completes its review.

Krebs said the rival sides in the payday-lender fight were hounding on our doors for information before the office finished its reviews of those petitions.

The random sample process looks at 5 percent of the lines on a petition sheet. One of the changes suggested by the attorney general would prohibit challenges to the signatures and petition sheets that werent part of the 5 percent sample.

The board also supported banning signature-based pay for petition circulators hired for establishing a new political party. Production bonuses and minimum levels of performance could be used. Those mirror the requirements on ballot measures.

Another recommended change would help smaller political parties remain viable.

Current law requires a political party to field a candidate for governor and have the candidate receive at least 2.5 percent of the vote. The change would allow any statewide candidate for the party who receives 2.5 percent to keep the party qualified.
Ex-USSR president Gorbachev may be questioned over 1991 crimes in Lithuania - report

MOSCOW, October 17 (RAPSI) - The Vilnius District Court has adopted a decision to question former president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev as a witness in the case over clashes erupted in January 1991 after Lithuania declared independence from the USSR, BNS news agency reported on Monday.

The Vilnius District Court began hearing the case in late January. Lithuania's Prosecutor General's Office has declared 65 citizens of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine defendants in the criminal case opened in the aftermath of the clashes.

They were charged with war crimes, crimes against humanity, battery, murder, endangering other's wellbeing, as well as unlawful military actions against civilians.

Earlier, one of the victims in the case requested that law enforcement authorities conduct investigation into Gorbachevs role in the occurred events and assign him a status of a special witness.

The case is being considered without personal presence of the most part of the accused persons. The judge said earlier that motions for rendering legal assistance have been forwarded to Prosecutor Generals of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Russia and Belarus refused to cooperate.

Only two defendants, Russian nationals Yuri Mel and Gennady Ivanov, are present at the trial. Mel was arrested on Kaliningrad's border with Lithuania on March 12, 2014. Two days later he was placed in detention. The court has repeatedly extended his detention. Prosecutors believe that the man was in a tank that assaulted a TV tower in Vilnius.

Mel denied all charges and stated that he executed the governing bodies order on a hair-trigger alert and did not know that they would be sent to the TV tower.

He also said that the events which took place and actions of military servants could not be treated by prosecution as crimes against humanity.

Ivanov pleaded not guilty as well.

Lithuania declared independence from the Soviet Union on March 11, 1990.

Moscow denounced the move as illegal and put an economic blockade on the country between April and late June 1990.

In January 1991, a series of unauthorized protests swept across Lithuania after which Soviet military forces entered the republic. On the night of January 13, Soviet armored vehicles and tanks rolled into the center of Vilnius. Soviet troops clashed with civilians at a local TV tower, leaving 14 dead and over 600 injured.

Security personnel later claimed that the clashes were a result of a provocation, and that the victims were killed by sharpshooters.
Russia hopes to settle Ukrainian sovereign debt dispute out of courts - official

MOSCOW, October 17 (RAPSI)  Russias Finance Ministry hopes to settle the dispute between Russia and Ukraine over a $3 billion sovereign debt out of courts, Deputy Finance Minister Sergey Storchak told journalists on Monday.

According to Storchak, in the course of forthcoming negotiations some proposals from the Ukrainian party are to be expected. The Deputy Minister expressed his hope that the Ukrainian party would see that it is in its interests to reach an agreement outside courts.

Answering a question on the timeline of such negotiations, Storchak said that the parties could launch the talks at the end of the month.

Ukraines sovereign debt to Russia goes back to a deal concluded by Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich in 2013. The deal stipulated buying of Ukrainian bonds amounting to $15 billion by Moscow. Russia bought $3 billion on December 20, 2013. Ukraine had to pay the debt by December 20, 2015.

On December 21, 2015, Ukraine fell into default with the debt repayment. In February 2016, Russia lodged the lawsuit against Ukraine with the London High Court.

Earlier, Russias Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has noted that Russia is ready to settle the matter out of courts and expressed his intention to meet Ukrainian Finance Minister Alexander Danilyuk in early October.




Top of the Hill site, Cleveland Heights

Portions of the Top of the Hill site, including the highly visible corner at Cedar Road and Euclid Heights Boulevard, are grassy and covered with brush. The city cleared the site, once occupied by apartment buildings and later home to a hospital, in the late 1960s.

(Michelle Jarboe/The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - A local real estate developer has been tapped to build on a prominent hilltop at the western gateway to Cleveland Heights.

Fairmount Properties of Cleveland emerged Monday as the company chosen to take on Top of the Hill, a roughly 4-acre site that various developers have coveted for decades. Flanked by Euclid Heights Boulevard and Cedar Road, the publicly owned land could be the site of a $75 million project that would add 300-plus residences, offices, retail, structured parking and a hotel to the Cedar Fairmount business district.

Cleveland Heights City Council is scheduled to vote Monday night on proposed legislation that will allow Tanisha Briley, the city manager, to negotiate a non-binding letter of intent with Fairmount. That agreement will mark the end of a contest between developers and the start of a more detailed planning process for a project that could take two years to build.

"We are anxious to roll up our sleeves and with our project partners ... get busy creating what we are confident will be a transformative gateway to the Heights and the link between the inner ring and University Circle," Randy Ruttenberg, a Fairmount principal, wrote in an email Monday afternoon. "Our main goal, however, is to add new and exciting uses to an already established district."

In April, Cleveland Heights solicited proposals from developers interested in remaking Top of the Hill. Fairmount and five other companies responded with variations on a mixed-use theme.

A review committee quickly winnowed the field to five teams and then pared it to two: Fairmount and Flaherty & Collins Properties, an Indianapolis-based developer and newcomer to the region. City Council saw a presentation about the two finalists and their plans in September.

The most recent iteration of Fairmount's concept calls for 288 apartments, though some of those units might morph into for-sale condominiums, and 18 townhouses.

The proposal also includes 30,000 to 40,000 square feet of offices; 36,000 square feet of shops and restaurants; and a 55- to 120-room hotel, which might be an Element by Westin or an AC Hotel, part of the Marriott family of brands. Fairmount's plan also involves 600 garage parking spaces, enough to serve the project and replace the surface lot that covers much of the site.

Documents presented to City Council in September show that Fairmount is teaming up with a large hedge fund to generate equity for the project. The developer formed a relationship with the Baupost Group, a Boston-based hedge fund, to help bankroll Pinecrest, a $230 million mixed-use development being constructed at Interstate 271 and Harvard Road in Orange. That partnership with Baupost appears to extend to Top of the Hill, a smaller and less retail-heavy undertaking.

Fairmount's other local projects include the Flats East Bank, where the company partnered with Scott and Iris Wolstein to remake a section of downtown Cleveland's riverfront; First & Main in Hudson; College Town Kent; and townhouses and condos in Shaker Heights.

The substance of the Flaherty & Collins proposal wasn't much different: Rental housing, possible condos, a hotel, retail, a bit less office space and 150 or so extra parking spaces, when compared with the Fairmount plan. Flaherty ultimately joined forces with Liberty Development Co. of Westlake, an early Top of the Hill competitor that didn't make it to the final round.

Both Fairmount and Flaherty said they'd need tax-increment financing, a form of public financing that allows a portion of the new property taxes generated by a project to go toward debt repayment. Neither company asked for tax breaks on any for-sale housing they proposed.

Fairmount's design team consists of Moody Nolan and Dimit Architects.

Since the spring, city officials have stressed that the project will require residents' input. The public process - community meetings, site preparations and approvals - might take a year. Briley was not available for an interview Monday, but the city sent out a news release about the pending legislation just before 6 p.m.

"We were very pleased with the results of our request for qualifications process," Briley said in that emailed statement. "Several excellent development teams were interested in partnering with us to bring a spectacular development to the Top of the Hill. We believe that says a lot about the interest and excitement surrounding this site and in new development in Cleveland Heights."

The city acquired and cleared the Top of the Hill site after Doctors' Hospital moved east in the late 1960s, leaving a pair of converted former apartment buildings on Cedar empty. Past redevelopment plans, including a 1980s proposal that involved a condo tower, fell apart in the face of objections from residents. Timing and the Great Recession derailed more recent attempts to build on the land.

But the economy has improved. Cleveland Heights faces competition from residential and mixed-use developments in nearby communities, including University Circle and Shaker Heights. And the suburb is trying to shore up its strong points, such as Cedar Fairmount, to offset the struggles of other commercial areas including the vacancy-plagued Severance Town Center on Mayfield Road.

"My colleagues and I were very impressed with both Flaherty & Collins and Fairmount Properties, and either team would have delivered an exciting project at this site," Mayor Cheryl Stephens said in the news release. "Tonight's consideration of Fairmount Properties for the Top of the Hill project is the beginning of an exciting step forward for economic development in our city."
America must return to conservative principles of less government,reduced taxes, less spending and a balanced budget! Cut,cap and balance!
The Long March-2F carrier rocket carrying Chinaas Shenzhou 11 spacecraft blasts off from the launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwest Chinaas Gansu Province, on Monday, October 17, 2016. Photo: Li Gang/Xinhua via AP

BEIJING: China launched a pair of astronauts into space Monday on a mission to dock with an experimental space station and remain aboard for 30 days in preparation for the start of operations by a full-bore facility six years from now.

The Shenzhou 11 mission took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northern China at 7:30 a.m. (2330 GMT) aboard a Long March-2F carrier rocket.

It will dock with the Tiangong 2 space station precursor facility within two days, conduct experiments in medicine and various space-related technologies, and test systems and processes in preparation for the launching of the stations core module in 2018.

Space program commander-in-chief Gen. Zhang Youxia declared the launch a success at 7:46 am (2346 GMT). Defense Minister Fan Changlong then read a congratulatory message from President Xi Jinping calling for Chinas astronauts to explore space more deeply and more broadly.

Premier Li Keqiang and propaganda chief Liu Yunshan visited the Beijing control center to congratulate staff. It is the sixth time China has launched astronauts into space and the duration will be the longest by far.

Following the attachment of two experiment modules, the completed station is set to begin full operations in 2022 and will run for at least a decade.

An earlier Tiangong 1 experimental space station launched in 2011 went out of service in March after docking with three visiting spacecraft and extending its mission for two years. The Tiangong, or Heavenly Palace, stations are considered stepping stones to a mission to Mars by the end of the decade.

The Shenzhou 11 astronauts are Jing Haipeng, who is flying his third mission, and 37-year-old Chen Dong.

It is any astronauts dream and pursuit to be able to perform many space missions, Jing, who turns 50 during his time in space, told a briefing Sunday.

China conducted its first crewed space mission in 2003, becoming only the third country after Russia and the US to do so, and has since staged a spacewalk and landed its Yutu rover on the moon. Administrators suggest a crewed landing on the moon may also be in the programs future.

China was prevented from participating in the International Space Station, mainly due to U.S. concerns over the Chinese space programs strongly military character. Chinese officials are now looking to internationalize their own program by offering to help finance other countries missions to Tiangong 2.

Chinas space program also opened its massive fourth spacecraft launch site at Wenchang on Chinas southernmost island province of Hainan in June. It was inaugurated with the launch of the newly developed Long March 7 rocket that was hailed as a breakthrough in the use of safer, more environmentally friendly fuels.

China is currently developing the Long March 5 heavy-lift rocket needed to launch the Tiangong 2s additional components and other massive payloads.

China also plans to land a rover on Mars by 2020, attempting to recreate the success of the US Viking 1 mission that landed a rover on the planet four decades ago.

A source of enormous national pride, Chinas space program plans a total of 20 missions this year at a time when the U.S. and other countries programs are seeking new roles.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal

Kathmandu, Nepal: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is returning home today after attending in the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit that was held in Goa of India on October 16.

Prime Minister Dhala had left for Goa t attend the summit leading the18-member delegation.

During his three day stay in India, Prime Minister Dahal met various leaders including Chinese President Xi, Jinping, Indian PM Narendra Modi and many others on the sidelines of the summit.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal returned home after attending the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit in Goa of India on Monday.

The Nepali delegation gone there on Saturday under the leadership of Prime Minister Dahal has also returned home.

In the 18 member delegation, Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat, Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi, Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Tanka Mani Sharma and many other senior government officials including the Prime Minister Dahals spouse Sita Dahal was also included.

Prime Minister Dahal had addressed the BIMSTEC Leaders Retreat and the Outreach Summit on Sunday.

Likewise, he had also hold separate meetings with various world leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many others.
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The New York Times - October 16, 2016

Photo

Pakistani shopkeepers and traders burn Indian products including TV transmission systems during a demonstration in Lahore on Oct. 8. Credit Arif Ali/Agence France-Presse a Getty Images

Once, in a TV studio near Delhi almost eight years ago, I tried to stop a war between India and Pakistan and left thinking: Let them fight. Itas never a good idea to join a TV debate when those two are on the brink of yet another war.

I was visiting Delhi just after the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, and my publisher persuaded me to accept an invitation to discuss Indo-Pak relations. I was the only Pakistani among the half dozen panelists, mostly Indian ex-generals and defense experts, all apparently trying to start and win a war with outrageous sound bites.

As the panelists made their case, a map flashed on a studio screen, and crude animated Indian missiles blew up one Pakistani city after another. The panelists called these cities targets. There was a live poll during the program. It asked viewers a simple question: Should India carry out targeted strikes in Pakistan? Suddenly, it was my duty to convince millions of Indians that attacking my country wasnat such a good idea.

I was scared, but I tried. I mumbled something about the fact that the cities being annihilated on the showas virtual map were not terrorist training camps but regular places with ordinary folk. Yes, there were terrorists in Pakistan, but I didnat have their addresses. I pleaded peace. For the first time I realized how some words, like some countries, are stronger than others. The phrases my co-panelists were using a surgical strikes, hot pursuit, psy-ops, befitting reply a had power, immediacy, significance. They sounded like calls to action a like jumping in a raging sea to save your baby from drowning, like rushing with a bucket of water toward a house on fire.

The words coming out of my mouth a peace, dialogue, shared humanity a seemed like excuses for doing nothing. I sounded like a procrastinating writer. But with more than 160 people dead in Mumbai, the threat of war was real. So I tried harder. I said: Maybe, to honor the dead, we should have a moment of silence, or at least we could try to be a bit quieter. That suggestion must have seemed laughable. Why waste precious airtime on mourning or remembrance when we could have war talk, blow up some more cities on a map on a screen? By the time the debate ended, more than 90 percent of the audience had given a go-ahead for strikes.

Last month, India and Pakistan were again on the brink of a war after an Indian cantonment in Kashmir came under attack. India claimed the attackers were terrorists based in Pakistan. It also claimed that it responded by carrying out strikes in the part of Kashmir controlled by Pakistan. Pakistan said that was a lie, and there was nothing more than routine crossfire along the Line of Control.

Photo

Indian activists protested against Pakistan after India conducted surgical strikes across the LoC (Line of Control) last month. Credit Sajjad Hussain/Agence France-Presse a Getty Images

Meanwhile, a full-fledged war broke out in TV studios. Fedayeen attacks, surgical strikes and befitting replies were flying on the air. At least one TV presenter wandered around mock maps in a mock war room. When they couldnat get an actual war, the anchors opened a front on peaceniks in their own ranks. On both sides pundits were shouting, in effect, aHow can you talk like this when we are at war?a Only we werenat at war. Itas just that being a peacenik has become unfashionable.

Pakistani peace-mongers used to look at India with some envy a all that diversity, all those gods. And then an army that is answerable to an elected government. Now they look at India aghast: Their potential partners in peace across the border are beginning to sound like the bigots back home. India is becoming more like Pakistan.

In Pakistan, people are killed for being Shia. Now in India, people are killed because maybe they ate beef. India is becoming more like Pakistan, and Pakistan is becoming more like itself: belligerent, sulky and paranoid.

In India, a leading TV channel dropped an interview with a former home minister because he apparently had second-guessed the army. aOur Army cannot be doubted or questioned or used for political gains,a NDTV announced in its new editorial policy. It was depressingly familiar.

In Pakistan, the leading journalist Cyril Almeida was being hounded for reporting for the newspaper Dawn that the civilian government had asked the military to rein in jihadist groups or Pakistan will face international isolation. His article mentioned Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, one of the main accused in the Mumbai attacks that almost started the other Indo-Pak war. Pakistanas prime minister and the top army brass went into a huddle and declared the report a fabrication and a threat to national security. Mr. Almeida was temporarily barred from leaving Pakistan while Mr. Saeed roams the country promising to wreak havoc on India.

Most reports on Indo-Pak tensions remind us that the two countries have gone to war over Kashmir three times. What they fail to mention is that all these wars achieved was to obliterate the aspirations of Kashmiri people. In the din of conflict, the first voice to be silenced is theirs. In the current noise hardly any one notices that since July some 1,000 Kashmiris have sustained eye injuries because Indian forces are firing at them with pellet guns.

Saner pundits say: Nothing much more will happen; itas all bluster; India and Pakistan would not go to war again because both have nuclear weapons. I hope they are right, but I am reminded of the massacres during Partition in 1947, when we didnat have bombs and had few automatic guns. With knives and rods we managed to kill more than a million people. We didnat have Twitter to ignite the violence; we managed to do it by word of mouth, through pamphlets and rumors that said, letas kill them before they kill us. Now those rumors are in our living rooms, accompanied by animated maps.

Peace doesnat make good TV. Dialogue is not an exciting visual. The history of Kashmir doesnat fit into 140 characters. While peaceniks on both sides of the border search for a new vocabulary, we need a few moments of quiet mourning.

Mohammed Hanif is the author of the novels aA Case of Exploding Mangoesa and aOur Lady of Alice Bhatti,a and the librettist for the opera aBhutto.a

A version of this op-ed appears in print on October 17, 2016, on page A1 of the New York edition with the headline: A new front against the peaceniks.
In 1927, a German director Fritz Lang created the first sci-fi/futuristic movie "Metropolis" that later was the inspiration of the Ridley Scott movie "Blade Runner" and the classic Japanese anime movie "Ghost In The Shell".

In 1945, a young Manga painter and writer Osamu Tezuka made his own version of "Metropolis" in a trilogy comic book, "Metropolis", "Lost World", and "New World" but the trilogy remained unfinished when he instead started to work on "Astroboy" and even today the Metropolis manga book is still incomplete. During the 60s, Tezuka San was working on anime tv series "Astroboy" and "Kimba the White Lion" with the director Rintaro and writer Katsuhiro Otomo. In the late 70s Rintaro was scheduled for his first feature film, and he asked Tezuka San if he could make an anime version of his comic book "Metropolis", but Tezuka San replied "No, the story is yet not finished, and proberly not ready for a anime", so the idea was scratched and Rintaro instead did the classic movie "Galaxy Express 999". Sadly in 1989 Osamu Tezuka San passed away, he was only 60 years old.

In 1997, Katsuhiro Otomo and Rintaro got the green light and co worked to make the Metropolis movie, it was animated, voice acted, filmed, edited and released in 2001.

Story:

In a distant future, the city of Metropolis is build by robots who became the full time workers and most of the human inhabitants are losing their jobs and are forced to live underground known as zone 1 and zone 2, only the rich or famous people can afford to live on the surface. Duke Red (Taro Ishida) has created the most impressive weapon, a large tower known as the Ziggurat. However the tower needs a host, a robotic skeleton with human organs. Red hires the corrupted Doctor Laughton (Junpei Takigochi) to create an android replica of his deceased daughter Tima (Yuka Imoto) to sit on the thrown of Ziggurat. But the plan backfire when Reds adopted son Rock (koki Okada) is filled with jealousy over Tima and destroy Laughtons lab to burn Tima alive. A young Japanese visitor Kenichi (Kei Kobayashi) happens to be near the lab and rescue Tima, both of them has no knowledge of the city, together they discover the dark side of the city of Metropolis.

In comparison:

Although Tezuka San never revealed where his story was based or inspired from, many people say this is the anime remake of Fritz Langs Metropolis, and yes I can see why in comparison.

in the 1927 version the story is about an advanced technology city Metropolis that is controlled by the rich that is known as the thinkers because they think of how they can develop the city and the poor that is known as the workers because they do the work for the thinkers and are forced to live at the underground. Same idea as the rich at the surface and the poor at the underground, the only different is that the 1927 movie has no robots, exept one, the replica of the female lead character.

Another different is the characters, in 1927 there is no Japanese visitor as a hero, instead the Dukes son Rock or his real name Freder is the hero, and the girl Tima is named Maria is a human and she is a leader of a resistance group. And the Replica of Maria is more then happy to destroy Maria. The main villain is dr Laughton or in the real name dr Rotwang. Kenichi and his uncle Ban was only made in the manga version and anime, Rock was never in the manga comic book and Tima was named Maria also in the Comic Book.

Overall:

The anime is well done and the story is ok even though it's obvious the script wasn't finished as Tezuka San mentioned before. At first the plot is very strong and exiting and fun detective story but when the revolution starts it change the tone to war movie, and some characters just disappear at the end. And another problem is what is typical 2001-2009 movie and that is full use of CGI, even though the characters are anime, the background is too much CGI perhaps, despite its a good movie it's also clear how it lost against "Spirited Away" who were a fully animated movie as Hayao Miyazaki said "CGI should only be used 20 % of the movie" thankfully some of the the 2010s movies has listen to his advice. But as for what it is, it's very exiting movie, a cute relationship between Tima and Kenichi, the voice acting is spot on to their roles, and it is a good remake of Fritz Langs version.

Metropolizu gets the reward 7.1 / 10!

youtu.be/lJLcOW4vzPY
After drawing the final chapters of ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM, one of Japans most successful recent manga, creator Matsui Yusei visited the US for the first time for New York Comic Con. As the only English-language interview granted during his first stop at a Japan Society Q&A, Matsui spoke with me about saying goodbye to his popular characters and his thoughts on the successful anime and live-action movie adaptations of his beloved comic.

The Lady Miz Diva: Welcome to New York City. Is this really your first trip to our city?

Matsui Yusei: Yes!

LMD: Id like to begin at the end. Since ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM has recently ended,

can you please take us through those last days of the mangas creation?

MY: Everything was very calculated when it comes to ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM. I felt like it was just as scheduled as planned.

While it is over for the manga itself, it is a different question with regard to the movies or non-manga adaptations: The movie and the anime were going at the same time, and so I was timing the last story with those. So if I got sick and the manga was late, that would delay the anime, so for six months, I could not take a day off. I was kind of walking on eggshells and making sure I wasnt going to get sick. Thats what it was like.

LMD: What was it like for you emotionally to complete the final drawing of the last panel of ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM?

MY: Hmm it wasnt anything dramatic.

LMD: So no crying?

MY: The climax I felt was a little bit before the very end, so at that time, I was getting very emotional, holding back tears. I have an assistant who sits right next to me and I was hiding my tears away from my assistant and I started to get a little dribbly.

LMD: Do you remember the first time you understood that western readers were enjoying ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM?

MY: This gets into an area thats a little funny. I actually have not had a direct way to observe how its been in the western world. As a mangaka, I just write it home, so in my career, I have had very little opportunity to get feedback from fans directly. People kind of told me, but it was just dreamlike and I dont really believe its happening.

LMD: KORO-SENSEI Q! is an upcoming manga adaptation by Aoto Jo and Watanabe Kizuku that you are not involved with. How do you feel about the characters and world you created being presented by other artists either in manga, anime, or film?

MY: I do check their character designs and their scripts, everything like that. Some of the artists, for example, were comic artists begin with and I trust them. I trust their taste as manga artists. I know that they are taking care of my characters and taking care of my ideas.

LMD: I read that you are a big fan of JOJOS BIZARRE ADVENTURE.

MY: Yes!

LMD: Miike Takashis live-action film version is set to premiere in 2017. As someone who is a manga fan and someone who has had his manga turned into a live action film, do you feel that film adaptations have a responsibility to respect the original work and the readers?

MY: I think there might be a difference between how Japan does it versus the US. I think when one doesnt do well compared to the other, it is because one is looking down on the other. So, for example, sometimes they think, Oh its a famous title, it will be fine. And on the manga side, they sometimes will think, Hey its a new form of marketing for a manga, so great. The manga side should want to make money, of course, but the mangaka him or herself should comment about how their live-action is being made.

So we have to live in each others worlds and communicate well. I think that will make the adaptation more smooth and fans will love it as long as there is communication between the film side and the mangaka side.

LMD: Have you ever been surprised after seeing the films or anime?

MY: So, since there is a lot of communication, as I mentioned, I feel that my ideas and thoughts and requests were all well communicated, so it was as expected.

LMD: Ive always been intrigued by the design of Koro Sensei. How did you take the most benign, universally-known symbol of the smiley face, and get so much expression out of him?

MY: I dont know, as far as the expression goes {Takes a small water bottle and draws two dots and a smiley face} Thats his expression. This has just become a character, this little water bottle. As long as there are eyes and a mouth, then it is limitless what you can do. So, its very simple. I wasnt worrying about it; I was confident in what I created.

LMD: Many of your creations are very surreal and fantastical. Besides Koro Sensei, there are also the surreal creatures from your other manga, NEURO: SUPERNATURAL DETECTIVE and TOKYO DEPARTMENT STORE WARS. Please talk about using the fantastical to convey realistic messages or situations.

MY: I think if something happens in the real world, I think it would happen this way; just this kind of logic. I thought if Koro Sensei came to a classroom, I think this is what it would be like. At the beginning, I think people might be frightened, but its not like he is attacking anyone, right? And hes actually being a serious teacher, which I think would stop the fear, and thats where it becomes closer to the real world. I think theres no difference with when we were students, when we were kids.

LMD: Between the underestimated students of ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM and Katsuragi Yako in NEURO, there is a very twisted but loving message about mentors and the importance of mentors in the lives of these kids. You show how that connection blossoms into a strong, supportive family. Did you personally act as a mentor to others, like the ones you created?

MY: Personally, I wouldnt necessarily call myself a mentor, but I have been in that position, sometimes. I wasnt really conscious of it, being that fatherly, but maybe having more that positive role, perhaps as with Neuro and Koro Sensei. But even if theres chaos, they have the power and the strength to be that person to bring peace again to the chaos.

LMD: Was there a reason Koro Senseis human identity didnt have a proper name? He was a mystery right to the end.

MY: I feel it wasnt necessary. One thing from my personal policy; if its not necessary, dont even worry about it. Even if Koro Sensei actually had a name, I dont think it would really been a huge plus. So, if its not going to be of any use, then I dont worry about it.

LMD: What practical lessons did being the assistant of Sawai Yoshio, the creator of BOBOBO-BO BO-BOBO, teach you that helped you with NEURO: SUPERNATURAL DETECTIVE and ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM?

MY: How to make people laugh. He is the type of person who tries to bring out laughter in every conversation, and if he cant make someone laugh, he gets angry. So, I definitely got a good workout in learning how to do that.

And also the shonen manga genre; it is for certain age range. It is for a certain audience. Fundamentally, I do like writing for an adult audience and what I learned from him - not in the case of NEURO- but this time I created a manga that had a lighter tone for adults and for youths.



LMD: You spoke earlier about planning and timing ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM. Was that always the trajectory you had in mind for the manga, 21 volumes and out?

MY: The movie and the anime were at the same time; that was already set. I wanted to finish it to coincide with the release of the movie, ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM: THE GRADUATION, but I knew inside of me that I could finish it within a certain time, so I had already told the production company. So, then they said, okay, and then we set the schedule based on that.

LMD: But did you feel you told the story that you wanted to tell exactly as you envisioned it?

MY: Yes, definitely.

LMD: Because I wanted more.

MY: {Laughs} Honestly, at the beginning, I think it lasted longer than I thought it would. In my schedule, Asanos son {Gakushu}, I was not going have him play in the story and was going to have only the battle with the principal. So, with the anime and the live action, I added a couple of things because of those two adaptations and then I finished it in 21 volumes.

LMD: During the Japan Cuts Film Festival, we got to see the live-action adaptation of BAKUMAN, which gives a fictional account of the Shonen Jump manga artists. It kind of confirmed what a lot of people thought of how overworked mangaka are, getting no sleep

MY: {Laughs} I get to sleep seven hours a day, and then twice a week, I pull all-nighters.

LMD: In ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM, the bullying and the pressure that many of the Class 3-E students of go through feels quite universal, despite it being set in Japan. Did you have a sense that you were writing about the challenges that students face everywhere?

MY: Those were topics that I tackled about that were specific to Japan, but when you ask me that, I realise that its actually fairly universal. So I am kind of learning that the things I tackled in ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM are actually quite universal.

LMD: I think everyone wants to know what is in the future for Matsui-san? What can fans look forward to?

MY: Im not a person who is like, something tells me that I have to write, so I write. I will be reading magazines and then all of a sudden, it will like hit me, Oh, maybe I should write about this? Something that the people will want. So I will write when I find what people want to read about. So, I cant say what Im working on now, but when I find it, then I can start on that next project.

LMD: So what was that thing that hit you about ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM?

MY: As far as the school theme, that actually came later. I wanted to write a manga that sells. That is because it would be in Shonen Jump. If it is in Shonen Jump, then it cant just be for the people that just want to read that specific story. It is a responsibility to have the most universality and to have the biggest audience. So the simplicity of Koro Senseis design is for the universality, and then I just kind of went from there, and just added and added and added until ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM came to fruition.

LMD: Who is the hero of ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM?

MY: I do see it as all the students are the main characters - the heroes. It is Nagisa, on a fundamental level.

LMD: I feel like you fleshed in each one of the characters so well, I wondered if you spent a lot of time planning each student and how they would turn out?

MY: It was actually with the flow; that is because that is that way in each classroom. So, you have the student just sitting in the corner, but then they are in the same groups, and they have the same activities. And then you say, Hey, that person is interesting, so you have more opportunity to know the characters. So instead of saying, This character is all about this, I wanted to have a different approach.

LMD: Are you aware that your characters sometimes look like you? There is Ishigaki from NEURO and the student Isogao and human Koro Sensei, himself from ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM. Is that a conscious self-insert?

MY: Yeah, I wonder why those three? I guess they are similar but What is it about those three characters that makes you say that?

LMD: Physically, they look like you; they have the black shaggy hair, a very nice face

MY: {Laughs} Thank you. I am handsome. {Laughs} It wasnt a conscious decision. I was just creating a character as needed, and it just happened to be that way.

LMD: You once said in a Jump Festa interview that you were really happy to know that English-speaking audiences read your manga and that you would like to meet them and have a drink someday. Do you feel like that is possible now with this visit?

MY: After this event, theres a party. So I am going to talk with the fans and drink for free; that is going to be awesome for me.
 "Prison Accountability and Performance Measures" | Main | Florida legislature told to "End confusion on juvenile sentencing" 

October 13, 2013

Parole precogs: computerized risk assessments impacting state parole decision-making

Driven to cut ballooning corrections costs, more states are requiring parole boards to make better decisions about which convicts to keep in prison and which to release. Increasingly, parole officials are adopting data- and evidence-based methods, many involving software programs, to calculate an inmate's odds of recidivism. The policy changes are leading to a quiet and surprising shift across the U.S. in how parole decisions are made. Officials accustomed to relying heavily on experience and intuition when making parole rulings now find they also must take computerized inmate assessments and personality tests into account. In the traditional system, factors like the severity of a crime or whether an offender shows remorse weigh heavily in parole rulings, criminologists say. By contrast, automated assessments based on inmate interviews and biographical data such as age at first arrest are designed to recognize patterns that may predict future crime and make release decisions more objective, advocates of the new tools say. In the past several years, at least 15 states including Louisiana, Kentucky, Hawaii and Ohio have implemented policies requiring corrections systems to adopt modern risk-assessment methods, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts' Public Safety Performance Project. California is using computerized inmate assessments to make decisions about levels of supervision for individual parolees. This year, West Virginia began requiring that all felons receive risk assessments; judges receive the reports before sentencing with the option to incorporate the scores into their decisions. Such methods can contradict the instincts of corrections officials, by classifying violent offenders as a lower recidivism risk than someone convicted of a nonviolent robbery or drug offense. Criminologists say people convicted of crimes like murder often are older when considered for release, making them less likely to reoffend. Inmates convicted of nonviolent crimes like property theft, meanwhile, tend to be younger, more impulsive and adventurousall predictors of repeat criminality.... Wider acceptance of computerized risk assessments, along with other measures to reduce state corrections budgets, has coincided with the first declines in the national incarceration rate in more than a decade. The number of inmates in state and federal facilities fell nearly 1% in 2011 to 1.6 million, after edging down 0.1% in the prior year. The 2011 decline came entirely from state prisons, which shed 21,600 inmates, offsetting an increase of 6,600 federal prisoners. Preliminary 2012 data shows an even larger fall in state inmates of 29,000. Experts say one reason for the decline is that fewer parolees are returning to prison. About 12% of parolees were re-incarcerated at some point in 2011 compared with 15% in 2006, representing the fifth straight year of decline, according to Justice Department data. Texas, by reputation a tough-on-crime state, has been consistently using risk assessment longer than many states and is boosting the number of prisoners it paroles each year. With its current system, in use since 2001, it released 37% of parole applicants in 2012 versus 28% in 2005  some 10,000 more prisoners released in 2012. Officials in Michigan credit computerized assessments, introduced in 2006 and adopted statewide in 2008, with helping reduce the state's prison population by more than 15% from its peak in 2007 and with lowering the three-year recidivism rate by 10 percentage points since 2005. Still, experts say it is difficult to measure the direct impact of risk prediction because states have also taken other steps to rein in corrections costs, such as reducing penalties for drug offenses and transferring inmates to local jails. Michigan's assessments withstood a legal challenge in 2011, when prosecutors sought to reverse the parole of Michelle Elias, who had served 25 years for murdering her lover's husband. A lower court, siding with the prosecutor, ruled the parole board hadn't placed enough weight on the "egregious nature of the crime," court documents say. The Michigan Court of Appeals overturned the decision and upheld Ms. Elias's release. Yet earlier this month, the same appeals court ruled the Michigan parole board had abused its discretion by releasing a man convicted of molesting his daughter. He hadn't received sex-offender therapy while in prison, but three assessments, including one using [the computer program] Compas, had deemed him a low risk of reoffending. The appeals court, in an unpublished decision that echoed a lower court, said that Compas could be manipulated if presented "with inadequate data or individuals who lie." The Compas software designer, Northpointe Inc., says the assessments are meant to improve, not replace, human intelligence. Tim Brennan, chief scientist at Northpointe, a unit of Volaris Group, said the Compas system has features that help detect lying, but data-entry mistakes or inmate deceptiveness can affect accuracy, he said. The company says that officials should override the system's decisions at rates of 8% to 15%.

Predicting who is likely to commit a crime in the future is no easy task, as fans of " Minority Report " know well. But states that retain discretionary parole release mechanisms to some extent require its officials to do just that. And, as this lengthy Wall Street Journal article explains, state officials are (in my view, wisely) relying more and more on computerized risk assessment instruments when making parole decisions. The WSJ piece is headlined "State Parole Boards Use Software to Decide Which Inmates to Release: Programs look at prisoners' biographies for patterns that predict future crime," and here are excerpts:

Many assessment systems lean heavily on research by criminologists including Edward Latessa, professor at the Center for Criminal Justice Research at the University of Cincinnati. Parole boards, typically staffed with political appointees, have lacked the information, training and time to make sound decisions about who should be released, Dr. Latessa said. The process, he said, is one factor contributing to the population surge in the nation's prisons, including a fivefold increase in the number of prisoners nationwide from 1978 to 2009, according to the Department of Justice.

"The problem with a judge or a parole board is they can't pull together all the information they need to make good decisions," said Dr. Latessa, who developed an open-source software assessment system called ORAS used in Ohio and other states. Ohio adopted ORAS last year as the result of legislation aimed at addressing overcrowded prisons and containing corrections spending. Dr. Latessa does paid consulting work with state corrections agencies but isn't paid for use of the system. "They look at one or two things," he said. "Good assessment tools look at 50 things." Some assessments analyze as many as 100 factors, including whether the offender is married, the age of first arrest and whether he believes his conviction is unfair. In Texas, a rudimentary risk-assessment measures just 10 factors. Data gathered in interviews with inmates is transmitted to the offices of Texas parole board members, who vote remotely, often by computer. Parole officials say assessment scores are just one factor they consider. Some experts say relying on statistics can result in racial bias, even though questionnaires don't explicitly ask about race. Data such as how many times a person has been incarcerated can act as an unfair proxy for race, said Bernard Harcourt, a University of Chicago professor of law and political science. "There's a real connection between race and prior criminal history, and a real link between prior criminal history and prediction," Mr. Harcourt said. "The two combine in a toxic and combustive way." Christopher Baird, former head of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, said statistical tools are best used to help set supervision guidelines for parolees rather than determine prison sentences or decide who should be released. "It's very important to realize what their limitations are," said Mr. Baird, who developed one of the earliest risk-assessment tools, for the state of Wisconsin in the late 1970s. "That's lost when you start introducing the word 'prediction' and start applying that to individual cases."

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I strongly suport the use of empirically validated decision making. The best, fairest and safest is still 123D.

Daubert applies to the criminal trial. Does it apply to sentencing decision at trial and after trial, such as in revocation of parole? I don't know the case precedents.

Since these arguments support the defense, I want fairness credit.

1) Most risk factors are derived from studies of large groups where parametric statistics are used. The prediction of the behavior of a single subject requires the application of the binomial statistics. Parametric statistics accurately predict larger population rates. They cannot be used nor applied to individual case. The binomial statistic is the one that describes coin tosses. It is covered Day 1 of 11th grade high school statistics. It appears these leaders skipped class that day. Other weaknesses, such as exclusion criteria, non-random selection of subjects.

2)Because 95% of charges are pled to, they are fictitious and far less severe than the real crime. So The input is fictitious.

3) Even if the criminal admits to non-adjudicated crimes, they forget a lot. So there is a marked underestimate of the number of crimes committed. I would double the number of immunized reporting and increase 10 fold the number of crimes in the record.

Posted by: Supremacy Claus | Oct 13, 2013 10:55:20 PM

These assessment tests have NO scientific validity. Of course neither does the gut feelings of parole commissioners. But often parole decisions are made for political reasons and not what parole was designed to do. Many states are doing away with parole and going to sentences in the 85-87 percent range. Many states use various different sex offender risk assessments that are similar in nature to ORAS. Such tests remove the human element from the decision making process. The test answers can be completed by untrained individuals and through the magic of psychological terms carry more weight than their predictive value.

Posted by: m | Oct 13, 2013 11:25:16 PM

This article is using the term "robbery" in a sense that I am unfamiliar with if it is counted as a non-violent offense.

Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Oct 14, 2013 1:19:52 AM

..by classifying violent offenders as a lower recidivism risk than someone convicted of a nonviolent robbery or drug offense..

I concur with Soronel Haetir: robbery is, by nature, a violent offense.

Criminologists say people convicted of crimes like murder often are older when considered for release, making them less likely to reoffend.

I don't think mercy killers present the same level of danger to society than serial murderers.

Some experts say relying on statistics can result in racial bias, even though questionnaires don't explicitly ask about race. Data such as how many times a person has been incarcerated can act as an unfair proxy for race,..

The number of incarcerations is not an "unfair proxy for race" but a proxy for the lack of regard for the common rules.

When will some person free themselves from such racial delusions.

Posted by: visitor | Oct 14, 2013 8:19:31 AM

It just seems to make dollars and sense to take another look at an offender some time (several years?) after sentencing to see what salient factors may now be available to the decision-maker and/or matters that might be new and significant as regards release. Guidelines of some sort and risk prediction science of some kind can be added to assist the decision-making and/or to reduce politics to some extent. Most seem to agree that age is a very important consideration as to future dangerousness and clearly deteriorating health can impact what we can predict for a release. But however high or complex the renewed release bar is set and no matter what crimes/criminals are prohibited from such consideration, moving some out of the system earlier than the sentence would require saves money. And isn't that really the bottom line? (Yes I know that the left and the right see other more significant purposes for sentencing, but if money wasn't key why do they take the death penalty off the negotiating table so often?) Corrections systems move inmates down the security levels as sound fiscal and management tool. Why not just take the next logical step? And the U.S. Parole Commission is still available to handle these matters . . . .

Posted by: alan chaset | Oct 14, 2013 10:01:52 AM

If their recidivism is down it is probably due to treating them like human beings rather than accurate tests.

In the news by Karen Franklin PhD

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Study: Risk tools don't work with psychopaths

If you want to know whether that psychopathic fellow sitting across the table from you will commit a violent crime within the next three years, you might as well flip a coin as use a violence risk assessment tool.

Popular risk assessment instruments such as the HCR-20 and the VRAG perform no better than chance in predicting risk among prisoners high in psychopathy, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. The study followed a large, high-risk sample of released male prisoners in England and Wales.

Risk assessment tools performed fairly well for men with no mental disorder. Utility was decreased for men diagnosed with schizophrenia or depression, became worse yet for those with substance abuse, and ranged from poor to no better than chance for individuals with personality disorders. But the instruments bombed completed when it came to men with high scores on the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) (which, as regular readers of this blog know, has real-world validity problems all its own).

"Our findings have major implications for risk assessment in criminal populations," noted study authors Jeremy Coid, Simone Ullrich and Constantinos Kallis. "Routine use of these risk assessment instruments will have major limitations in settings with high prevalence of severe personality disorder, such as secure psychiatric hospitals and prisons."

The study, "Predicting future violence among individuals with psychopathy," may be requested from the first author, Jeremy Coid (click HERE).

http://forensicpsychologist.blogspot.com/2013/10/study-risk-tools-dont-work-with.html?m=1

Posted by: George | Oct 14, 2013 1:19:30 PM



In the news by Karen Franklin PhD

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

'Authorship bias' plays role in research on risk assessment tools, study finds

Reported predictive validity higher in studies by an instrument's designers than by independent researchers

The use of actuarial risk assessment instruments to predict violence is becoming more and more central to forensic psychology practice. And clinicians and courts rely on published data to establish that the tools live up to their claims of accurately separating high-risk from low-risk offenders.

But as it turns out, the predictive validity of risk assessment instruments such as the Static-99 and the VRAG depends in part on the researcher's connection to the instrument in question.



Publication bias in pharmaceutical research

has been well documented

Published studies authored by tool designers reported predictive validity findings around two times higher than investigations by independent researchers, according to a systematic meta-analysis that included 30,165 participants in 104 samples from 83 independent studies.

Conflicts of interest shrouded

Compounding the problem, in not a single case did instrument designers openly report this potential conflict of interest, even when a journal's policies mandated such disclosure.

As the study authors point out, an instruments designers have a vested interest in their procedure working well. Financial profits from manuals, coding sheets and training sessions depend in part on the perceived accuracy of a risk assessment tool. Indirectly, developers of successful instruments can be hired as expert witnesses, attract research funding, and achieve professional recognition and career advancement.

These potential rewards may make tool designers more reluctant to publish studies in which their instrument performs poorly. This "file drawer problem," well established in other scientific fields, has led to a call for researchers to publicly register intended studies in advance, before their outcomes are known.

The researchers found no evidence that the authorship effect was due to higher methodological rigor in studies carried out by instrument designers, such as better inter-rater reliability or more standardized training of instrument raters.

"The credibility of future research findings may be questioned in the absence of measures to tackle these issues," the authors warn. "To promote transparency in future research, tool authors and translators should routinely report their potential conflict of interest when publishing research investigating the predictive validity of their tool."

The meta-analysis examined all published and unpublished research on the nine most commonly used risk assessment tools over a 45-year period:

Historical, Clinical, Risk Management-20 (HCR-20)

Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R)

Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R)

Spousal Assault Risk Assessment (SARA)

Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY)

Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide (SORAG)

Static-99

Sexual Violence Risk-20 (SVR-20)

Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG)

Although the researchers were not able to break down so-called "authorship bias" by instrument, the effect appeared more pronounced with actuarial instruments than with instruments that used structured professional judgment, such as the HCR-20. The majority of the samples in the study involved actuarial instruments. The three most common instruments studied were the Static-99 and VRAG, both actuarials, and the PCL-R, a structured professional judgment measure of psychopathy that has been criticized criticized for its vulnerability to partisan allegiance and other subjective examiner effects.

This is the latest important contribution by the hard-working team of Jay Singh of Molde University College in Norway and the Department of Justice in Switzerland, (the late) Martin Grann of the Centre for Violence Prevention at the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden and Seena Fazel of Oxford University.

A goal was to settle once and for all a dispute over whether the authorship bias effect is real. The effect was first reported in 2008 by the team of Blair, Marcus and Boccaccini, in regard to the Static-99, VRAG and SORAG instruments. Two years later, the co-authors of two of those instruments, the VRAG and SORAG, fired back a rebuttal, disputing the allegiance effect finding. However, Singh and colleagues say the statistic they used, the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), may not have been up to the task, and they "provided no statistical tests to support their conclusions."

Prominent researcher Martin Grann dead at 44

Sadly, this will be the last contribution to the violence risk field by team member Martin Grann, who has just passed away at the young age of 44. His death is a tragedy for the field. Writing in the legal publication Das Juridik, editor Stefan Wahlberg noted Grann's "brilliant intellect" and "genuine humanism and curiosity":

Martin Grann came in the last decade to be one of the most influential voices in both academic circles and in the public debate on matters of forensic psychiatry, risk and hazard assessments of criminals and ... treatment within the prison system. His very broad knowledge in these areas ranged from the law on one hand to clinical therapies at the individual level on the other -- and everything in between. This week, he would also debut as a novelist with the book "The Nightingale."

The article, Authorship Bias in Violence Risk Assessment? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, is freely available online via PloS ONE (HERE).

Related blog reports:

Violence risk instruments overpredicting danger (Aug. 2, 2012)

Violence risk in schizophrenics: Are forensic tools reliable predictors? (Sept. 14, 2011)

Violence risk meta-meta: Instrument choice does matter (June 19, 2011)

Psychology rife with inaccurate research findings (Nov. 20, 2011)

International violence risk researchers launch free news service (June 13, 2013)

http://forensicpsychologist.blogspot.com/2013/09/risk-assessment-tools-plagued-by.html



Posted by: George | Oct 14, 2013 2:51:04 PM

Ohio attorney currently on inactive status, assisting in trying to free an NGRI defendant (assault on someone who had attacked him previously) from 4 years of commitment to a state hospital. Looking for an expert on risk assessment - psychiatrist preferably for a hearing on February 27, 2014 in Ohio, but am concluding psychiatrists are incapable of looking at risk assessment fairly or intelligently.

Posted by: Katherine Hine | Jan 17, 2014 1:06:20 PM

Post a comment
 Thoughtful look into fairness/bias concerns with risk-assessment instruments like COMPAS | Main | "How the Sentencing Commission Does and Does Not Matter in Beckles v. United States" 

October 17, 2016

Interesting lengthy dissent from SCOTUS cert denial from Justice Sotomayor joined (only) by Justice Ginsburg

There is a bit of interesting news with today's otherwise dull SCOTUS order list in the form of a lengthy dissent from the denial of certiorari penned by Justice Sotomayor and joined by Justice Ginsburg. The dissent in Elmore v. Holbrook is available here, and it gets started and ends this way:

Petitioner Clark Elmore was convicted of murder in 1995 and was sentenced to death. His court-appointed lawyer, who had never tried a capital case before, knew that Elmore had been exposed to toxins as a young adult and that he had a history of impulsive behavior. A more experienced attorney encouraged Elmores lawyer to investigate whether Elmore had suffered brain damage as a young man. Instead of doing so  indeed, instead of conducting any meaningful investigation into Elmores life  Elmores lawyer chose to present a one-hour penalty-phase argument to the jury about the remorse that Elmore felt for his crime. As a result, the jury did not hear that Elmore had spent his childhood playing in pesticide-contaminated fields and had spent his service in the Vietnam War repairing Agent Orange pumps. The jury did not hear the testimony of experts who concluded that Elmore was cognitively impaired and unable to control his impulses. The jury heard only from an assortment of local judges that Elmore had looked dejected as he pleaded guilty to murder, not from the many independent witnesses who had observed Elmores searing remorse. The Constitution demands more. The penalty phase of a capital trial is a constitutionally indispensable part of the process of inflicting the penalty of death. Woodson v. North Carolina, 428 U. S. 280, 304 (1976). It ensures that a capital sentencing is humane and sensible to the uniqueness of the individual. Eddings v. Oklahoma, 455 U.S. 104, 110 (1982). Elmores penalty phase fell well below the bare minimum guaranteed by the Constitution. His lawyer acted deficiently in choosing a mitigation strategy without fully exploring the alternatives and in failing to investigate the mitigation strategy that he did choose to present. And had the jury known that Elmore  who had never before been convicted of a crime of violence and felt searing remorse for the heinous act he committed  might be brain damaged, it might have sentenced him to life rather than death. This Court has not hesitated to summarily reverse incapital cases tainted by egregious constitutional error, particularly where an attorney has rendered constitutionally deficient performance. See, e.g., Hinton v. Alabama, 571 U.S. ___ (2014) (per curiam); Sears v. Upton, 561 U.S. 945 (2010) (per curiam); Porter v. McCollum, 558 U.S. 30 (2009) (per curiam). This case plainly meets that standard. For that reason, I respectfully dissent from the denial of certiorari.... All crimes for which defendants are sentenced to death are horrific. See Glossip, 576 U. S., at ___ (BREYER, J., dissenting) (slip op., at 14); id., at ___ (THOMAS, J., concurring) (slip op., at 610). But not all defendants who commit horrific crimes are sentenced to death. Some are spared by juries. The Constitution guarantees that possibility: It requires that a sentencing jury be able to fully and fairly evaluate the characteristics of the person who committed the crime. Gregg v. Georgia, 428 U.S. 153, 197 (1976) (joint opinion of Stewart, Powell, and Stevens, JJ.). That guarantee is a bedrock premise on which our system of capital punishment depends, and it is a guarantee that must be honored  especially for defendants like Elmore, whose lives are marked by extensive mitigating circumstances that might convince a jury to choose life over death. Only upon hearing such facts can a jury fairly make the weighty  and final  decision whether such a person is entitled to mercy. I respectfully dissent from the denial of certiorari.

UPDATE : In the comments, Cal. Prosecutor highlights this notable new post by Kent Scheidegger at Crime & Consequences to provide more context for understanding this lengthy dissent from a SCOTUS cert denial. Here is how that post gets started and ends:

The U.S. Supreme Court today declined to review the case of Washington State murderer Clark Elmore. Justice Sotomayor, joined by Justice Ginsburg, dissented in an opinion castigating the defense lawyer at trial. If the lawyer was so bad, one might ask, why did the Washington Supreme Court deny relief? That court has certainly had no difficulty ruling in favor of murderers in past capital cases. It is one of the country's more criminal-friendly forums. If the lawyer was so bad, why did six of the eight Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court decline to join Justice Sotomayor's vigorous dissent?



There is, of course, more to the story. After the break, I have copied an extensive portion of the Brief in Opposition written by Senior Counsel John Samson for the Washington AG's office.... Defending people who have committed horrible crimes is not easy. Frequently tough choices must be made. If the defendant is sentenced to death, as people who commit horrible crimes frequently are and should be, the capital appeal defense cult stands ready to say that the trial lawyer was incompetent for taking the path that he did at each fork in the road, regardless of which one he took.

October 17, 2016 at 10:11 AM | Permalink

Comments

Two thoughts at the dissent.

First, it partakes of the overly broad view of Strickland that defense counsel must exhaustively investigate before rejecting a potential defense. While there are some post-Strickland cases that share that flaw, Strickland makes clear that -- even in a capital case -- counsel only must engage in sufficient investigation to make a reasonable determination whether further investigation is necessary. If the initial investigation makes it appear that further investigation will not be productive, counsel does not need to waste time doing a thorough investigation on the off-chance that he will find a needle in the haystack.

Second, perhaps because of this broad view of Strickland, the dissent focuses on the contrary to or unreasonable application prong of Section 2254. The better argument, however, in light of the recitation of the evidence in the dissent, might have been on the issue of the unreasonable determination of fact. That, however, may be the product of how the petition framed the issues presented. (The question presented focused more on the broad Strickland standards. The argument section focused primarily on the theory that the Ninth Circuit decision on Strickland ignored Supreme Court precedent and did not suggest that the state courts unreasonably determined the facts.) The Supreme Court has been dancing around addressing what is an unreasonable determination of fact for a long time. If habeas counsel had focused on the unreasonable determination prong in the petition, this case might have been a good avenue for getting some better guidance on that issue.

Posted by: tmm | Oct 17, 2016 10:39:59 AM

All that effort by the state of Washington for nothing. Governor Inslee won't allow executions and is going to be re-elected.

Posted by: DaveP | Oct 17, 2016 1:32:23 PM

Prof. Berman,

There appears to be considerably more to this story. Crimes & Consequences quotes at length from Washington's Opposition Brief which lays out in detail the tactical decision made by the defense attorney with homicide experience in choosing remorse over a mental defense.

I am surprised but not shocked that Justices Ginsburg & Sotomayor would choose to present such a one-sided dissent.



Posted by: Cal. Prosecutor | Oct 17, 2016 1:57:14 PM

The dissent notes: "Komorowski had never previously worked on a capital case." This isn't the same as "homicide experience."

"Tactical decisions" can be ill conceived so that alone doesn't answer the question either. The dissent notes that the lawyer did do some due diligence including talking to a more qualified advocate but argues it wasn't enough. This includes from what I can tell arguably not enough to reasonably have enough to make an appropriate "tactical decision." Of course, as suggested by tmm, the rules there are nuanced.

Note for instance, e.g., the dissent DOES discuss how a lower court argued the various reasons the choices made were acceptable including to prevent rebuttal evidence (cited in the brief in opposition). The dissent argues it is not enough. Now, I'm not going to try to debate the weeds there. But, it's there. It isn't surprising that it is somewhat of a close case if only two (not even Breyer) wanted to grant cert. (at least on the record). Clearly, there is room for disagreement here; I am far from "shocked" if some so strongly disagree that they think a dissent -- merely to a denial of cert. so less worthy of the detail of a fully argued case -- would be "one-sided" hack work of some sort.

But, I'm more open to giving each side more respectable judgment.



Posted by: Joe | Oct 17, 2016 3:09:29 PM

Um, Joe, why would we give Ginsburg any respectable [respectful??] judgment? She ragged on Trump--wildly inappropriate given her position. She approvingly cited Judge Bye's ridiculous "high school science experiment" dissent with approval.

At the end of the day, the idea is that we can parse all sorts of things with ineffective rep., but really, the question is--was the prosecution's case given meaningful adversarial testing--the defense counsel's work here passes that test.

This was a truly monstrous crime. And, quite frankly, neither Ginsburg nor Sotomayor have any credibility when it comes to death cases.

Posted by: federalist | Oct 17, 2016 3:42:01 PM

The elephant in the room is this snippet from the brief to which Ken linked. "The report indicated that, after raping Kristy, Elmore appreciated the seriousness of his act and he decided to kill Kristy before she regained consciousness."

Doug, IIRC, has suggested in the past that one of the problems with the harsh treatment of sex offenders is that it will make them more likely to kill to cover up their crimes in order to render their victim silent. The prosecutor's brief in the case implies that Doug's past concern is no idle worry, so I fail to grasp why he has not been trumpeting it to the skies. Indeed Doug I congratulate you. I would have thought the rapist who would kill to silence his victim was non-existent but it seems that I was wrong on that score.

Posted by: Daniel | Oct 17, 2016 7:07:58 PM

The following facts are from the Washington A.G's brief:

"After raping Kristy, Elmore choked her with his hands, then wrapped a belt

around her neck and cinched it tightly. App. 39. Elmore then took a nine-inch

needle-like tool from his toolbox, and forced it into Kristy's left ear approximately

five and a half inches, piercing her brain. App. 39. Kristy was still making noises, so

Elmore covered her head with a plastic bag and repeatedly hit her skull with a

sledgehammer until he was sure she was dead. App. 39. Elmore purposely covered

Kristy's head with the plastic bag to prevent leaving evidence in the van when he

hit her with the sledgehammer. An autopsy revealed that Kristy was alive

throughout the entire attack as Elmore strangled her, drove the needle into her

brain, and began bludgeoning her head. App. 40. Elmore left Kristy's nude body in

the woods, covered with a plastic tarp. App. 39. Elmore then got back into his van

and drove back to town, disposing of evidence as he drove. App. 39."

As far as I'm concerned, Elmore is a mad dog who has forfeited his right to life.

Posted by: anon11 | Oct 18, 2016 3:03:37 PM

He doesn't have much of a "life" at the moment.

There are are number of people who have murdered people heinously. A narrow number have been sentenced to die. If he truly is a "mad" dog, which is actually somewhat the claim, he would not have the level of guilt now understood to warrant death.

Posted by: Joe | Oct 18, 2016 3:30:01 PM

Joe, sorry. we disagree on this one. He breathes. He talks. He listens. He deserves a bullet in the head.

Posted by: anon11 | Oct 18, 2016 3:44:14 PM

If he is "mad," that sounds like he is insane or otherwise not competent. A mad dog is shot for our safety or perhaps for his/her own good. We don't do that with the insane people. It was deemed unconstitutional. If it is a matter of "deserving," we do disagree, in part because doing that while living in a small cell is very serious punishment. A few people actually WANT to die since they find that so horrible.

The horrible nature of the crime is not debated. Any number of people not executed did very horrible things.

Posted by: Joe | Oct 18, 2016 6:52:25 PM

"Any number of people not executed did very horrible things."

So. What.

Posted by: federalist | Oct 19, 2016 4:25:18 PM

Post a comment
 New Equal Justice Initiative animated video explores explores Americas lynching history | Main | Interesting lengthy dissent from SCOTUS cert denial from Justice Sotomayor joined (only) by Justice Ginsburg 

A group of Stanford professors and students have this thoughtful new Washington Post commentary headlined "A computer program used for bail and sentencing decisions was labeled racist. Its actually not that clear." The piece is a must-read for everyone concerned about risk-assessment technologies (which should be everyone). Here are excerpts:

This past summer, a heated debate broke out about a tool used in courts across the country to help make bail and sentencing decisions. Its a controversy that touches on some of the big criminal justice questions facing our society. And it all turns on an algorithm.

The algorithm, called COMPAS, is used nationwide to decide whether defendants awaiting trial are too dangerous to be released on bail. In May, the investigative news organization ProPublica claimed that COMPAS is biased against black defendants. Northpointe, the Michigan-based company that created the tool, released its own report questioning ProPublicas analysis. ProPublica rebutted the rebuttal, academic researchers entered the fray, this newspapers Wonkblog weighed in, and even the Wisconsin Supreme Court cited the controversy in its recent ruling that upheld the use of COMPAS in sentencing.

Its easy to get lost in the often technical back-and-forth between ProPublica and Northpointe, but at the heart of their disagreement is a subtle ethical question: What does it mean for an algorithm to be fair? Surprisingly, there is a mathematical limit to how fair any algorithm  or human decision-maker  can ever be.

The COMPAS tool assigns defendants scores from 1 to 10 that indicate how likely they are to reoffend based on more than 100 factors, including age, sex and criminal history. Notably, race is not used. These scores profoundly affect defendants lives: defendants who are defined as medium or high risk, with scores of 5-10, are more likely to be detained while awaiting trial than are low-risk defendants, with scores of 1-4.

We reanalyzed data collected by ProPublica on about 5,000 defendants assigned COMPAS scores in Broward County, Fla. (See the end of the post, after our names, for more technical details on our analysis.) For these cases, we find that scores are highly predictive of reoffending. Defendants assigned the highest risk score reoffended at almost four times the rate as those assigned the lowest score (81 percent vs. 22 percent).

Northpointe contends they are indeed fair because scores mean essentially the same thing regardless of the defendants race. For example, among defendants who scored a seven on the COMPAS scale, 60 percent of white defendants reoffended, which is nearly identical to the 61 percent of black defendants who reoffended. Consequently, Northpointe argues, when judges see a defendants risk score, they need not consider the defendants race when interpreting it....

But ProPublica points out that among defendants who ultimately did not reoffend, blacks were more than twice as likely as whites to be classified as medium or high risk (42 percent vs. 22 percent). Even though these defendants did not go on to commit a crime, they are nonetheless subjected to harsher treatment by the courts. ProPublica argues that a fair algorithm cannot make these serious errors more frequently for one race group than for another.

Heres the problem: its actually impossible for a risk score to satisfy both fairness criteria at the same time.... If Northpointes definition of fairness holds, and if the recidivism rate for black defendants is higher than for whites, the imbalance ProPublica highlighted will always occur.

Its hard to call a rule equitable if it does not meet Northpointes notion of fairness. A risk score of seven for black defendants should mean the same thing as a score of seven for white defendants. Imagine if that were not so, and we systematically assigned whites higher risk scores than equally risky black defendants with the goal of mitigating ProPublicas criticism. We would consider that a violation of the fundamental tenet of equal treatment.

But we should not disregard ProPublicas findings as an unfortunate but inevitable outcome. To the contrary, since classification errors here disproportionately affect black defendants, we have an obligation to explore alternative policies. For example, rather than using risk scores to determine which defendants must pay money bail, jurisdictions might consider ending bail requirements altogether  shifting to, say, electronic monitoring so that no one is unnecessarily jailed.

COMPAS may still be biased, but we cant tell. Northpointe has refused to disclose the details of its proprietary algorithm, making it impossible to fully assess the extent to which it may be unfair, however inadvertently. Thats understandable: Northpointe needs to protect its bottom line. But it raises questions about relying on for-profit companies to develop risk assessment tools.

Moreover, rearrest, which the COMPAS algorithm is designed to predict, may be a biased measure of public safety. Because of heavier policing in predominantly black neighborhoods, or bias in the decision to make an arrest, blacks may be arrested more often than whites who commit the same offense.

Algorithms have the potential to dramatically improve the efficiency and equity of consequential decisions, but their use also prompts complex ethical and scientific questions. The solution is not to eliminate statistical risk assessments. The problems we discuss apply equally to human decision-makers, and humans are additionally biased in ways that machines are not. We must continue to investigate and debate these issues as algorithms play an increasingly prominent role in the criminal justice system.
This is the image officers got Friday from security camera identified as the suspect as they looked for him after shooting. pic.twitter.com/cgvDRjJpgp  Vic Lee (@vicleeabc7) October 17, 2016

The man who allegedly shot a San Francisco Police Department officer Friday has been identified this morning, a day after he succumbed to injuries sustained as police attempted to subdue him following the attack.

According to the San Francisco Medical Examiner's Office 26-year-old Nicholas McWherter, a resident of Pacifica, was the man who allegedly shot an SFPD officer identified by multiple news outlets as 25-year-old Kevin Downs at around 8:15 Friday evening.

As previously reported, police say that Downs and his partner were called to the Lakeshore Plaza Shopping Center on reports that McWherter was "threatening people and causing a disturbance" in what was identified by Hoodline as the Big 5 sporting goods store.

Police tracked McWherter to the first block of Everglade Drive, which is at the easternmost tip of the shopping center, but "When the officers made contact with the subject, he turned toward the officers and fired multiple shots, striking one of the officers in the head," police said early Saturday morning.

"Two people, a cop and then the other guy was running from this direction that way and then all we heard was shots, like four or five shots and then we heard a scream like officer down really loudly," witness Alex Melendez told ABC 7.

"The officer had no clue he had a firearm. And before he knew it, the subject fired on him," Chaplin told media Sunday.

McWherter fled into Stern Grove, police say, spurring a massive manhunt in the area. At around 9:17 p.m., police say he "emerged from the bushes located at 28th Avenue and Vicente Street." As McWherter allegedly "attempted to flee," several officers gave chase and shot him, striking him and causing him to fall to the ground.

According to the SFPD, even after he fell "he continued to hold the firearm near his chest while refusing multiple verbal commands to surrender," therefore "tactical officers deployed flash bang devices to distract the suspect and were able to take him into custody."

Both Downs, who a police spokesperson emphasizes has not been identified by the SFPD, and McWherter were transported to San Francisco General Hospital for treatment of their injuries. According to the SFPD, at 3:16 p.m. on Sunday McWherter "passed due to his injuries."

According to SFPD Chief Toney Chaplin, who visited with Downs Sunday, the officer "remains in critical, but stable condition after receiving a gunshot wound to the head." Addressing the media following the visit, Chaplin said that while the situation remains serious, it could have been a lot worse, saying One centimeter down and this may have been a fatality for the officer. He underwent surgery to remove fragments from his brain, and is currently suffering from partial paralysis as a result of his injuries.

ABC 7 reports that Downs has been with the SFPD for two years. His father is a retired San Francisco police officer, they say.

"The officer and his family are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from members of the public as well as Mayor Ed Lee, the Board of Supervisors and the Police Commission," the SFPD said via statement. "At this time, the officers family requests privacy to focus on a successful recovery."

A spokesperson with the SFPD says that this remains an open and active investigation, with police now focusing on McWherter's background. According to police, before he died his family was "able to visit with him" and was "briefed on the investigation.

Chaplin says that police made every effort to safely detain McWherter, but were ultimately unsucessful.

This is 21st century policing at its best, Chaplin told media. They did everything they could to make sure sure that at least the subject had a fighting chance.

According to an SFPD spokesperson, a town hall meeting will be held this week  perhaps as soon as Thursday  to give residents information about the shooting, and that "more details will be made available as the investigation unfolds."

Previously: Police Arrest Man Who Allegedly Shot SFPD Officer In Head Following Massive Manhunt


Facing the unfathomable possibility of a President Donald Trump, Silicon Valley donors have spent nearly $8 million helping Hillary Clinton to get elected this year  still far shy of the $21 million reportedly given to Obama in 2012 by tech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, but way more than what the industry has given to the Donald. And as the New York Times notes today, in the wake of Peter Thiel's $1.25 million donation to Trump and Trump-loving super PACs, tech folk are being far more vocal about this year's election than ever before  and mostly it's a resounding call to defeat Trump and elect Clinton.

The support for Hillary from the tech sector hasn't been overwhelming perhaps in part because she has pointed out the wage and job protection issues presented by gig-economy companies like Uber and Instacart, and vocalized some apprehension about Airbnb as well and its impacts on housing markets. President Obama, meanwhile, has enjoyed an active fan base in Silicon Valley and has said himself that he may be considering becoming a VC when he's out of office, as Fortune reported in June.

Hillary still enjoys far more fans in tech than Trump, though, and the Times points to groups like Nerdz4Hillary, which is attempting to raise $100,000 in small donations to help Clinton in the final weeks of the campaign.

The paper also points to AOL co-founder Steve Case who wrote an op-ed endorsing Clinton in the Washington Post in late September. He tells the Times, "I always focused on policy and avoided politics. But if Trump were elected president, I would be disappointed in myself for not acting.

Recode finds that Google staffers have given over $300,000 to the Clinton campaign in the last three months alone, via Federal Election Commission records. And they say "Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz and his wife Cari Tuna committed $20 million last month to boost Clinton and other Democratic campaigns," with more from Moskovitz on the way.

Meanwhile, apart from Thiel and that Oculus jerk Palmer Luckey, support for Trump's campaign has been slim to none in the tech world.

Maybe because to be successful in tech you typically need to be a rational human being?

Says Y Combinator president and Thiel coworker Sam Altman, via Twitter, "I think [Trump is] absuvie, erratic, and prone to fits or rage. I think he is unfit to be President and would be a threat to national security." But, he says, that doesn't mean he's going to fire Thiel.

3) Thiel is a high profile supporter of Trump. I disagree with this. YC is not going to fire someone for supporting a major party nominee.  Sam Altman (@sama) October 17, 2016



Previously: Peter Thiel Decides To Throw Away $1.25 Million On Trump Campaign
NEW YORK  Tethered as we are to our smartphones, Samsung asking users of its fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 to "power down and stop using the device" is not just an inconvenience. It's crazy.

Smartphones have become extensions of ourselves, the last thing we look at before falling asleep and the first thing we grab in the morning. Abandoning them is all but unthinkable, even at the dinner table, even on the toilet.

Risking a battery fire might seem like a small price to pay for obsessively checking your latest Instagram "likes," catching up on email, Skyping your grandkids across the country, getting directions, confirming your travel itinerary, reading the news, searching for a dinner recipe, hailing a ride and so on.

For those traveling with children, a long flight without a smartphone to serve as distraction is akin to torture.

Power down and stop using the device? You might as well go live in a cave in a distant mountain (if you can get there, since you no longer have GPS). According to the Pew Research Center, 43 percent of the world's population uses a smartphone. Rates are highest in places such as South Korea (88 percent), Australia (77 percent) and Israel (74 percent).

And use it they do. We check Facebook so often that the company no longer just measures its users on a monthly basis. A more important number is how many people check in on a daily basis. In June, more than 1 billion people checked Facebook on a mobile device at least once a day.

In a report on global mobile device usage, the consulting firm Deloitte found the obvious, namely that "device obsession is deepening" and that people are using their phones for "everything from watching TV to simply crossing the road." Some of us even use the phones while crossing the road, which is not the safest thing in the world.

A small 2015 study by Nottingham Trent University that tracked 18- to 33-year-olds found that they checked their phones an average of 85 times a day  often without realizing.

Entire industries have sprung up to try to pry us away from our gadgets, such as phone-free summer camps for adults, anti-texting-and-driving apps and apps that track how much time you spend on your phone.

As such, it's not surprising that smartphone owners suddenly deprived of this extra limb are finding ways around the inconvenience.

"I am currently using my tablet that has AT&T number sync. I have a Bluetooth headset connected that allows me to make and receive calls. It also can receive texts, but it works marginal at best," said Leo Langelier III, who lives in North Berwick, Maine.

His Note 7  the replacement model  started to emit smoke in the car while he was traveling with is family. While his family is fine, he has not been able to get a replacement and said he will be reactivating an older phone he has at home until he can get everything cleared up.

Adam Siemaszko, who returned his Note 7 to a Best Buy in Manhattan, said a co-worker was kind enough to lend him an old iPhone 5S until I can get a new one. He decided to get the new Pixel phone from Google, as he's lost his trust in Samsung. But there's a five- to six-week wait.

"Being phoneless is awful," he said. "What I don't think a lot of people think about is just how reliant we have been with the modern flagships."

Siemaszko said he got used to taking notes on the Note 7 using its special S pen and running two apps side by side at once. The iPhone 5S came out in 2013 and even the latest iPhone, the 7, lacks these options.

"I feel incredibly limited on this 5S," he said. "They took my tool away, and the only way to get something else is to jump through hoops."
Donald Trump's taxes still have many people scratching their heads: How did he incur such massive losses? What happened in other tax years? Is what he did legal? And how is this even possible?

The U.S. tax code is notoriously complex. But in general, federal income tax is progressive  those who earn less face lower taxes and those who earn more face higher taxes. There are many ways to legally reduce or even eliminate that tax burden.

A 2011 study from the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center found about 46 percent of Americans paid no federal income tax (it estimates 44 percent will not pay any this year). About half of those not paying federal income tax had no taxable income, while the other half took advantage of measures in the law that allow them to wipe out their tax liabilities.

The latter primarily benefit lower- and middle-income groups, thanks to things such as the earned income tax credit, child credits or education tax credits. However, many high-income individuals are also able to benefit from tax policy.

Tax experts say the code is full of loopholes that may be available to everyone, but tend to benefit the rich.

That is part of what has made The New York Times' recent revelation, raised again at the most recent debate, so intriguing. According to tax documents leaked to the newspaper, Trump claimed more than $900 million in losses in 1995, enough to potentially and legally reduce his tax bill to zero for as many as 18 years.

Trump has yet to release his taxes, although he said he will when his audit is complete.

But it appears to have been done through one of many elements in the tax code favoring real estate developers. But there are many other legal paths for anyone of significant means to lower their tax payments.

The Republican presidential candidate and his supporters call his tax moves smart, others say they're unfair.

"It's emblematic of the way most people feel about the tax system," said Matt Gardner, executive director of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization. "It favors those who have the resources."

The public sees the nation's tax system as deeply flawed. A 2015 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 59 percent of Americans say there is so much wrong with the system that Congress should completely change it. It also found that 61 percent feel that some wealthy people don't pay their fair share.

The Associated Press spoke to a few experts about some of the ways that the wealthy can work within the law to lower their federal income tax. Here are a few:

Net operating loss

Trump has brought this common accounting practice into the spotlight.

It allows businesses to count losses, including real estate depreciation, against other income to lower their taxes. This could potentially wipe out their tax payment completely for the year. And if losses exceed income, they can carry that balance forward to future years to reduce their tax burden.

It is designed to smooth the ups and downs in a company's profitability over the years to help them stay afloat. But the loophole exists when you can burst outside of the business loss and apply it against any kind of income, Gardner said.

Tax code changed in the '80s to disallow people from exploiting this opportunity and generating losses to count against personal income. But the provision remained in place for professional real estate developers, such as Trump.

"If ever there was a gig that was rigged against regular folks, this is it," said Neil Buchanan, an economist and tax law professor at George Washington University.

Deductions

A more common way for higher-income people to lower their personal taxes is through deductions, such as donations to charity, unreimbursed business expenses and even mortgage interest deductions on second homes.

The IRS publishes data annually on the individual tax returns of people who report income of $200,000 or more. It showed high-income people found many ways to reduce their tax burden, the most common of which in 2013  the most recent year available  was total miscellaneous deductions.

It's still not common for high-income individuals to face zero tax though.

That same IRS report showed that of the 5.6 million income tax returns with an adjustable gross income of $200,000 or more in 2013, only 12,517 faced no U.S. income tax liability that year. That is roughly 0.2 percent of high-income returns filed that year. By comparison, nearly 18.6 million taxpayers with incomes under $50,000 faced zero U.S. income taxes that year roughly 20 percent of that income group.

There are limits on deductions though, even for the rich.

Warren Buffett, the famed billionaire investor who was called out by Trump in the last debate for over deductions, said he could only claim about $3.5 million of his nearly $2.9 billion in charitable deductions because of caps in place per tax law.

Buffett also pointed out that he has paid federal income tax every year since he was 13.

Capital gains

Capital gains are the profit from the sale of an investment. And while there is one set of tax rates for wages, there is another for capital gains, running from zero to 20 percent.

Buffett, for example, has previously noted that he is taxed at a lower rate than his secretary, another issue that raised its head at the debate. This is due in part to capital gains taxes. He and his peers "make money with money" as he once wrote in a New York Times op-ed, so their income is primarily subject to capital gains tax rate. Meanwhile, middle and lower-income Americans are paying taxes based on wages, which face a different and sometimes higher rate.

In fact, tax experts are quick to point out that any review of federal income tax does not reflect the full amount that Americans pay in taxes. We face taxes every day  gas tax, property tax, local and state taxes  and they often weigh heavy on the lower and middle class.

Carried interest

Popular with hedge-fund and private-equity managers, this allows some of their pay to grow and only face taxes when they cash out.

These partners and managers' compensation often comes from gains on the money they manage. They are paid a fee on the assets under management, plus a cut of the profits, known as carried interest. The fees are taxed as ordinary income but carried interest is taxed at capital gains rate.

It has often come under scrutiny and the U.S. Treasury has estimated that taxing carried interest at ordinary income rates would raise about $18 billion over 10 years.

"It's become the poster child of things that are unfair," said Kyle Pomerleau of the Tax Foundation. But he argues it's not a significant loophole in terms of total dollars that could be recovered if it were closed.

"These sorts of exemptions or deductions or credits are throughout the tax code," he said.
SIOUX CITY | A Siouxland eye care specialist based in Dakota Dunes is planning to construct an additional office complex at Sioux City's Sunnybrook Plaza.

Bruening Eye Specialists, 101 Tower Road Suite 300, Dakota Dunes, is planning the construction of a medical office site at 5450 Sergeant Road, directly west of Biolife Plasma Services.

On Monday, the Sioux City Council will decide whether to support the proposed $1.6 million project in a request for nearly $100,000 in withholding tax credits from the state over a five-year period.

Bruening Eye Specialists, led by Dr. Beth Bruening, has served Siouxland patients since 2007. According to city documents, it is the only comprehensive practice within 80 miles providing complete medical and surgical eye care for all age groups.

The Sunnybrook site will include a series of buildings occupied by the business, as well as other tenants from the medical field, according to city documents.

City documents say the project will bring in 13 new jobs, eight of which qualify for Iowa's Targeted Jobs Program. The business has received an offer of $98,850 in withholding tax credits over a five-year period to be used for the expansion project.

If approved by the council, the request will go before the Iowa Economic Development Authority at its Thursday meeting.

Pending IEDA approval, the city will also provide financial assistance to the project, likely in the form of property tax rebates. The agreement would be approved at a later date.

The Overlook

In other action Monday, the council will again take up a vote on the final plat for The Overlook, a proposed 52-unit development in Sunnybrook Plaza. The council deferred action on the plat last week after council members and area homeowners raised concerns about storm water runoff, trails and traffic in the area.

Rezoning near monument

The council will also take up the final reading of a proposed rezoning near the Sergeant Floyd Monument, which would allow a developer to erect storage units near the site. The first and second readings passed earlier in the year, with the final reading delayed by the council to ensure drainage issues on the property were met.

The Sioux City Council will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in the council chamber on the fifth floor of City Hall, 405 Sixth St.
SIOUX CITY | Woodbury County residents may not care how their roads are paved, so long as they are modern and provide a ride without jolts.

But Woodbury County is riding on a new wave when it comes to a paving procedure for roads, which has county engineer Mark Nahra highly enthused. The first usage of a stringless paving machine came in August on Port Neal Circle south of Sioux City, which is a county project.

"It is the future," Woodbury County assistant engineer Ben Kusler said.

Stringless paving was also used by the Iowa Department of Transportation on the U.S. Highway 20 reconstruction project this year between Moville and Correctionville.

When Woodbury County paves roads, the typical method is that a bidding process eventually awards the work to an experienced contractor who places the asphalt or concrete. The county's role usually is to have a crew of three to five county employees lay out the paving spots by pounding hubs, stakes and markers to denote the place for paving.

That county prep work means markers are placed every 25 feet, or 200 per mile on both sides of the road. The contractor's staff then sets string lines that guide the paving machine and mark the alignment, width and depth of paving to follow.

The paver has feelers or whiskers that detect the string, adjusting movement of the machine to follow the alignment of the roadway.

"You are doing a lot of preparatory work to guide that machine," Nahra said.

Also, when working with a string-line system, workers have to monitor the line during paving and gather all the marking hardware at the end of the day.

Under stringless paving, the number of markers, known as control points, are set every 250 feet, so the county employee work is heavily reduced. It ideally eliminates the human error that can be involved with setting a physical stringline.

Nahra said that the stringless paving machine technology locks in on a sensor that guides the equipment. The model essentially works with a virtual stringline.

The contractor for the Port Neal Circle paving by stringless fashion was Godbersen-Smith Construction. The Ida Grove-based contractor was the lowest of three bidders, coming in at $1.45 million.

Nahra said he didn't know that Godbersen-Smith officials would use a stringless paver until a pre-construction meeting. That did not phase him, as he'd heard about the development of such technology for about seven years and since it has successfully been used in central and eastern Iowa.

"I had no qualms about stringless paving being used on this project. The technology is well developed at this point and it results in significant labor savings for county staff," Nahra said.

The technology is primarily useful for new paved roads or complete pavement replacements. Said Nahra, "The final pavement at Port Neal Circle rides as well as any pavement we have built."

Godbersen-Smith assistant general manager Mark Freier said he's been pleased with the firm's first stringless paver, which the company began using in 2016. Freier said the firm has only used stringless pavers this year.

"It is efficient," Freier said. "The product you get out of the back of the paver is much better than you've had in the past."

Godbersen has also used it for projects in Paullina and Manning, Iowa. Freier said major road contractors in Iowa already have a number of stringless units.

IDOT Construction Engineer Dean Herbst said Flynn Company used stringless paving on the Highway 20 project, which he said is a growing technology for contractors.

"They typically are using it in areas where complex staging is not involved," Herbst said, adding that an Interstate 29 interchange project at Salix, Iowa, will use the new method.

"When a string is used there are chances that the string line gets bumped or hit with all the activity around the paving operation, including the haul road for the concrete delivery. When the stringless is used, the control points can be located such that they are less likely to be disturbed, but must be in a location which has line of sight to the paver," Herbst said.

Nahra said the multimillion-dollar sophisticated paving machines and electronics are costly, so contractors need to be able to save enough in labor and prep time to justify the expense.

"I think in time every job will utilize stringless paving, but I suspect it will take years before every paving contractor's existing equipment is fully depreciated and replaced," Nahra said.
SIOUX CITY | U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, has again dominated his congressional race opponent in fundraising totals, nearly doubling the amount brought in by Democratic challenger Kim Weaver.

From information contained in campaign fundraising reports for the quarter covering July 1 to Sept. 30, King raised $114,755 in revenues. Weaver had receipts of $65,095 for the quarter.

Heading into the final weeks of the campaign prior to the Nov. 8 election for the Iowa 4th District seat, King had $188,585 in cash available to spend. Weaver had $41,607 in campaign cash on hand.

The quarterly campaign reports were due to the Federal Election Commission by midnight Saturday.

For the 2015-16 election cycle, King has brought in a combined $828,584 in receipts. For the most recent quarter, he raised $114,755 and spent $145,537 on campaign expenses.

Over the two-year cycle, Weaver has garnered $121,255 in receipts. In the third quarter, she raised $65,095 and spent $40,299.

Compared to other federal candidates, King has rarely raised large amounts of money for his re-election victories. The notable exception was in 2012 when he ramped up fundraising when faced with a stiff challenge from Democrat Christie Vilsack, a former Iowa first lady.

King, who lives in Kiron, was first elected to the U.S. House in 2002. Weaver lives in Sheldon and is in her first run for elective office.

The 4th District covers 39 Northwest and North Central counties, where the number of Republicans with active voter registrations outpaces the Democrats by more than 69,000.
LE MARS, Iowa | Bud Vander Well figured it was just a matter of time until he was drafted.

So rather than wait to be drafted, he enlisted. He knew there was a good chance he'd wind up in Korea, but at least he'd have a say in which branch of the service he served.

So on Jan. 9, 1951, Vander Well, who was born in Boyden, Iowa, and moved to Le Mars as a teenager, enlisted in the Navy. He wasn't exactly sure why, he said, but he knew that Navy accommodations would be better than those the guys in the Army and Marines would face in Korea.

"I was going to see the world and I was going to sleep in a bunk and not a foxhole. I was going to eat in a mess and not C-Rations in that same foxhole," said Vander Well, who served nearly four years in the Navy, including stints in Korea in 1952 and again after the fighting had ended in 1954.

He had no ultimate wish to join the fighting in Korea, but that changed after his good friend, Jack Brodie, a Marine, was killed there.

"So then I thought, well, I guess I ought to go to Korea," Vander Well said.

An apprentice meat cutter when he enlisted, Vander Well was sent to commissary school after completing basic training and trained as a cook, butcher and baker. He first served on a Landing Ship, Tank, or LST. After arriving in Korea in June 1952, he was part of the 12-member crew on board a Landing Craft Utility, or LCU, at Incheon.

The crew's primary mission was transporting supplies up a river (Vander Well couldn't remember which one) to front-line forces. They delivered everything from food to personnel to tanks, even mercenary soldiers one time. On a few occasions, they came under mortar or small-arms fire while on the water. They certainly faced less danger than the Army troops and Marines they were supplying, Vander Well said.

"I don't have the same sense of it as foot soldiers and Marines," he said. "Not being a foot soldier, we felt we were worthwhile. We were backing up the front lines. The fact we got shot at a couple times, it's nothing to brag about."

Vander Well was shipped out of Korea at the end of 1952 and was sent back in 1954, after fighting had ceased. Again, he transported supplies to soldiers who were still stationed there, but much of his 10-month deployment was spent in Japan or completing training exercises.

He was discharged in November 1954, and not long after that he got back into the meat business. After receiving an animal science degree from Iowa State, Vander Well worked for 32 years for Swift & Co. in a number of capacities before retiring in 1993. He returned to Le Mars, then took a job with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's meat grading service for 15 years, retiring on his 77th birthday.

He spends his retirement loading his own ammunition for his target-shooting hobby and working with the American Legion, which he joined in 1993. He's held numerous ranks, both locally and at the district level.

"I've really enjoyed working with it. To me, it's an indirect method of helping veterans," he said.

Vander Well said he's fortunate that he didn't see heavy action in the war and has no lasting injuries, although the hearing aids he wears are a result of serving as a loader of the 40mm antiaircraft gun on board an LST. He's proud to have served his country in any way he could during the war.

"I went. I felt that I did some good, but what can I say, we got shot at a couple times but I never fired a shot," he said.
SIOUX CITY | Amy Jayn Bomgaars, beautiful red-haired daughter of Jane and Roger Bomgaars, arrived home to be with her personal savior our Lord Jesus the Christ on Saturday morning, Oct. 8, 2016, in West Palm Beach, Fla., at Good Samaritan Hospital.

Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Grace United Methodist Church in Morningside. Private graveside services will be 3 p.m. Saturday in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, 3220 Stone Park Blvd., in Sioux City.

Amy Jayn was born on March 8, 1982, at St Luke's Hospital in Sioux City. She attended St Paul's Lutheran School, Hoover Middle and West High School, graduating with honors. She was very active in concert band, jazz and served as drum major in marching band. Amy played flute, french horn and piano. She participated in choir including small groups and madrigal. Subsequently, she attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., graduating cum laude with degrees in theater arts and elementary education. Amy moved from Dakota Dunes to coastal Florida, living in Delray Beach and West Palm Beach.

Recently her health was challenged by Scleraderma and complications of pneumonia. Hurricane evacuations and forced hospital closures led to Amy succumbing to endocarditis.

Amy Jayn cared deeply about disadvantaged animals which led to her looking after nine needy dogs over the years. Amy loved to be with children and during high school taught children's classes at Lamb Theater.

On June 27, 2014, Amy Jayn married Joseph Fleet in a lovely outdoor ceremony in Seven Springs, Pa., and enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon in Spain. Amy's husband, Joe, had worked in the wealth management profession with Merrill Lynch. They were in the process of establishing their own private financial assistance firm when Amy's health took a turn for the worse.

Amy Jayn and her husband, Joe, attended Christ Fellowship Church and spent every evening reading the Bible together. She had a strong faith and we're confident she is in God's loving care.

Amy Jayn is survived by her husband, Joe; her parents, Jane and Roger; her brother, Aaron and his wife, Amy Gwen; nephews, Charlie and Jack, whom she adored, of Dakota Dunes; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Siouxland Humane Society, 1015 Tri View Ave., Sioux City, IA 51103 or St Paul's Lutheran School, 614 Jennings St., Sioux City, IA 51101.
SIOUX CITY | A Winnebago, Nebraska, man was sentenced Monday to 20 years in prison for his involvement in a beating that left a man unconscious.

Keenan Aldrich, 22, pleaded guilty in Woodbury County District Court in August to first-degree theft and willful injury causing serious injury. District Judge Edward Jacobson ordered the 10-year sentences for both charges to be served consecutively.

According to court documents, Aldrich, Arlaina Zavala and Quincy Louis got into an argument with a man on June 20 outside 502 W. Third St. and began to hit and kick him and stomp on his head, leading to a fractured orbital bone and causing him to lose consciousness. The victim received stitches for his injuries and was released from a hospital.

The three took personal belongings and $200 from the man before they went to Walmart on 3101 Floyd Blvd., where they stole alcohol.

Louis, 20, of Omaha, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Zavala, 22, of South Sioux City, has pleaded guilty to first-degree theft and awaits sentencing.
SIOUX CITY | Concerned residents and representatives of area Native American tribes plan to approach the Sioux City Council Monday to request the city take a stance on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Multiple Sioux City residents told the Journal Sunday they will request Monday that the council adopt a resolution to show solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in its opposition to the $3.8 billion, 1,200-mile oil pipeline, which is planned to run through North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois.

"Since Sioux City is directly impacted by this pipeline, we think it makes sense for our community and our elected officials to consider such a resolution," said Justin Henry, a Sioux City resident who has been involved in local pipeline protests.

Henry said 19 cities have adopted such resolutions so far, including Cleveland, Ohio; Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota; Portland, Oregon; and others. If Sioux City adopts the resolution, it would be the first Iowa city to do so.

Along with the U.S. cities, more than 200 Native American tribes, including the Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa, Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa, Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, and Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, have taken formal action to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Henry said members of the Meskwaki and Omaha tribes also plan to attend Monday's meeting.

Vicki Lemunyan, who traveled to North Dakota last month to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in its protest, said she hopes the effort will generate discussion on the issue, as well as raise awareness.

"Sioux City is a big hub, and I think its important to know where they stand and to know why they stand that way," she said.

A copy of the proposed resolution shared with the Journal cites concerns about the potential for a rupture in the pipeline, stating a spill into the Big Sioux River or Floyd River "would have a devastating impact on Sioux City."

It also notes concerns about the usage of eminent domain and concerns that the pipeline would run through the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's ancestral lands and waters, which include sacred land.

In Sioux City, opposition to the pipeline has generated multiple protests over the past two months. More than 100 gathered in September at the Sgt. Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center for an organized protest. Around 50 gathered earlier this month in front of the Wells Fargo Bank on Hamilton Boulevard for a protest.

The Sioux City Council will meet at 4 p.m. Monday in the council chamber on the fifth floor of City Hall, 405 Sixth St.
DES MOINES  Iowas election commissioner Monday emphatically refuted any contentions by political candidates that this years Nov. 8 general election is rigged in any way.

This state has a pretty darn good track record and I really resent anybody trying to blemish it, said Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, who plays a dual role as the states election commissioner. He said anyone who has evidence or concern about the integrity and fairness of Iowas voting process should contact his office so he can investigate any allegations; otherwise he hoped politicians would knock it off and focus on the issues important to Iowans.

Iowa has got one of the cleanest, best election systems in the country and I guarantee every eligible Iowa voter will be able to cast their ballot for the Nov. 8 election, added Pate, a Linn County Republican who said he wanted to clear away any smoke over rigged elections by noting the many checks and balances Iowa has to maintain integrity and ferret out fraud.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump repeatedly has contended Americas 2016 election is rigged, issuing a tweet Monday saying Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before Election Day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!

Pate said Trump may be referring to his experience as a New Yorker but Iowa has a tradition of clean, honest elections.

If theres something else, please Mr. Trump, tell us what it is and I will have my staff immediately look into it and pursue it with all the vigor and authority that this office has, and that applies to anybody because the last thing I want is an Iowan who thinks that their vote doesnt count, the secretary added. Theyre not demonstrating theres any proof that theres these issues. What theyre doing is trying to distract, in my opinion, from what the real election issues are. Voting is far too important.

Gov. Terry Branstad, a six-term Republican who is backing Trump in the 2016 presidential matchup with Democrat Hillary Clinton, said he trusts Iowas system and its voters, but he expressed concern there is collusion between the national media and Clinton to help get her elected next month.

The integrity of our electoral process is critically important and a lot of people are very skeptical today because they see the bias of the national press, they see what they consider to be collusion between the Clinton machine, the governor told his weekly news conference.

The national media is trying to influence people in the decisions that theyre going to make in this election, he added. Were saying the public needs to be given fair and balanced information so they can make their own decision and not just one-sided bias that is focused on attacking one side and not giving people a complete picture of the different stands of the candidates.

Pate said the question of media bias versus the contention of a rigged election system present apples and oranges issues that need to be considered separately, and while he is sympathetic to the bias contentions he is actually very angry about talk if election fraud or other claims that might discourage Iowans from participating.

Our election system is not on the Internet, we do not vote by email, Pate said in a telephone interview, noting Iowans fill out paper ballots in 99 counties that are counted electronically under the close scrutiny of trained poll workers and poll watchers and later verified by canvassers.

Several polls released Monday suggested many of Trumps backers think the election could be stolen from their candidate and were not assured the votes for president will be accurately counted this year.

Branstad said he has confidence in Iowas election because state and local officials do their level best to make sure balloting is fair and honest but he conceded the process is not perfect despite all the vigilance to thwart cheaters.
SIOUX CITY | Colors of fall generally reach their zenith this time of year in Siouxland, around the first couple of weeks of October.

That is, if Mother Nature, is on schedule.

"The timing varies," said Jody Moats, park manager at Adams Homestead & Nature Preserve across the river in southeast South Dakota. "The best is when the days are mild and nights are cool, but not freezing."

Moats looked out her window in mid-September and said she could see the colors were already changing.

"It is temperate and weather dependent," added Dawn Snyder, education program director for the Woodbury County Conservation organization. "We're not behind this year. When you see early color, it might be because of stress on the plants.

"A rule of thumb says that the first couple of weeks in October is the peak for color in our region," Snyder said.

The Loess Hills Scenic Byway remains a popular destination for visitors and residents who aim to get some sort of sensory overload with the bright reds, oranges and yellows autumn can offer.

Those vistas can stretch from the upper reaches of Northwest Iowa (Westfield north to Hawarden and beyond) to the far southern tip of the Loess Hills at tiny Hamburg, Iowa, due east of Nebraska City, Nebraska, "Home of Arbor Day."

"Along major river corridors you'll see good color as that's where trees are more prominent," Snyder said.

Naturalist Charlene Elyea of the O'Brien County Conservation Board asked travelers to refrain from discounting the fall beauty the prairie can offer. While the oaks blaze shorelines throughout the Little Sioux River Valley, one need not look far to noticed the amber-colored prairie grass, as well as hues of purple and yellow.

The Iowa Department of Tourism monitors the timing of fall colors, as does the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Both agencies share the hottest spots for autumn views on their respective websites.

What, exactly, does cause a leaf to turn color? Basically, the leaf's impending death, that's what.

The green of cholorphyll, through the growing season, dominates the leaf, allowing green to override other pigments. By fall, deciduous plants prepare for a dormant period of winter. Those plants protect themselves by sealing off prior to winter. In doing so, the plant restricts nutrients and water from reaching the leaves. The leaves, which start to die, allow other pigments to show.

"Because (a leaf) doesn't actively have plant water and nutrients coming in, the other colors become more visible," Snyder said.

In species native to Siouxland -- think cottonwoods, silver maples, green ash, basswood and walnut trees -- the dominant fall color might be yellow.

"You go east from here and you'll have more black and sugar maple," Snyder said. "Those are hard trees and they have lots of oranges and red. We don't have them growing wild, but people will plant them and they'll do fabulously well."

Snyder cautioned leaf lovers to do some investigating before they pick up an orange or red leaf for a collection. That leaf might actually be from a poison ivy plant.

"It's tempting for kids to pick up poison ivy leaves," she said. "It's a big leaf that's red and orange. Even though it is dying, it could cause a reaction because it still has the oil in it."

She dispensed her advice with a laugh: "Take a photo of that (poison ivy) leaf for your collection."

You don't want your itchy, irritated hands and arms to be added to the spectrum of red this fall.
PRINCE FREDERICK, Md.

Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at so.md/expungeme.

(Oct. 17, 2016)The Prince Frederick Barrack of the Maryland State Police (MSP) today released the following incident and arrest reports.UNAUTHORIZED USE OF MOTOR VEHICLE: On 10/11/2016 at 9:17 pm, complainants came to the barrack to report and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle., had driven the owner of the vehicle to the hospital at his request, however, he expected her to return the vehicle to his residence. When the vehicle was not returned, the complainants came in and reported the vehicle had been taken without permission. It was two days later located in Washington, DC. An arrest warrant has been issues for Bowley. Investigation remains open.THEFT, ASSAULT: On 10/15/2016 at 2:38 pm, Trooper First Class Costello responded to the Safeway in Dunkirk for a reported theft and assault., was observed removing a wallet from the victim's purse and leaving the store. The store manager gave chase and attempted to stop Mr. Holmes before he exited the parking lot. In the process, Mr. Holmes attempted to leave and reached for the manager's arm pinching it between the door and door frame. The manager was able to retrieve the wallet before the suspect fled. Mr. Holmes was apprehended in Prince Frederick and was arrested. He was incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.Jesse R. Stuart, 4th, 19, of Pr. Frederick, arrested on 10/12/2016 @ 01:21 am by TFC S. LewisAngela M. Nicholson, 27, of Friendship, arrested on 10/12/2016 @ 12:39 pm by TFC S. MatthewsBlake L. Settle, 23, of Stevensville, arrested on 10/15/2016 @ 12:46 am by TFC S. BarlowJonathan J. Kellermann, 34, of Lusby, arrested on 10/16/2016 @ 02:19 am by TFC S. BarlowJeffrey T. Ross, 52, of Russell, KY, arrested on 10/16/2016 @ 10:17 pm by TPR. J. Jones
(EDGE) Peter Thiel, the gay tech billionaire who had a hand in shutting down Gawker earlier this year, is apparently ready to double down on his Donald Trump support by donating $1.25 to the GOP presidential nominee, according to a report by The New York Times.

The Times writes:



The only prominent supporter of the Republican candidate in the high-tech community, Mr. Thiel is making his first donation in support of Mr. Trump's election. He will give $1.25 million through a combination of super PAC donations and funds given directly to the campaign, a person close to the investor said on Saturday.



Thiel isn't the only person to give big bucks to Trump. Robert Mercer, of the hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, and his daughter Rebekah Mercer gave $15.5 million in support of Trump, according to Center for Responsive Politics. Los Angeles developer Geoffrey Palmer also donated $2 million.

A source told The Times Thiel feels the country needs fixing and Trump is the man for the job.



Thiel, who cofounded PayPal, has championed Trump for sometime and even spoke at the Republican National Convention this summer, saying he was "proud to be gay" and support Trump. The Times notes this was the first time at a GOP convention a speaker made a statement regarding sexuality.



The Huffington Post reported in September that Trump was considering nominating Thiel to the Supreme Court, should he be elected president.



Thiel was outed by Gawker nine years ago and became instrumental in shutting down the website this year by funding wrestler Hulk Hogan's lawsuit against the company.
In a groundbreaking decision that could have far-reaching consequences, the Belize Supreme Court ruled this month that a law that punishes sex between homosexuals is unconstitutional, making the country the first former British colony in the Caribbean to do so.

A lawsuit challenging the law was filed in Belizes highest court, in 2010 by Belize native Caleb Orozco and the group he directs, United Belize Advocacy Movement (UniBAM). UniBAMs attorneys argued current law violated provisions of the Constitution of Belize that recognize individual rights to human dignity, to be free from arbitrary or unlawful interference with ones privacy and to equal protection under the law.

While it is not legally binding to any national judiciary, the ruling has a precedence value in that it can offer an interpretation of the law where rights are similar for judges to consider in their decision, Orozco told SFGN. The ruling offers activists to study the process of non-legal strategies that complement strategic litigation. It motivates others in the other 10 Caribbean countries that criminalizes same-sex activity.

Jamaica is one of those ten countries that still has colonial-era anti-sodomy laws. Lawyer/LGBT activist Maurice Tomlinson was forced to leave the country after receiving death threats. He filed a closely-watched lawsuit last December trying to overturn those laws. Both Tomlinsons case and the one in Belize have been opposed by religious groups  most notably the fundamentalist Christian legal powerhouse Alliance Defending Freedom.

This is the same group involved in helping write so-called religious liberty laws in the U.S. that would legalize discrimination against LGBT people. The group is also pushing anti-trans school policies by targeting schools that include trans-inclusive gender-affirming language in existing policies.

Tomlinson said the decision in Belize will be hard for Jamaican officials to ignore. All the rights that the judge ruled were violated by the Belize law are the same as those that I have cited in my own case, Tomlinson told SFGN. So it will be very hard for a court in Jamaica to ignore such a decisive judgment from a similar court in a sister Commonwealth and CARICOM nation.

CARICOM, known as the Caribbean Community, is an organization made up of Caribbean nations and dependencies for the purpose of promoting economic integration and cooperation and to coordinate foreign policy. The fifteen members include Antigua and Barbuda; Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Haiti; Jamaica; Montserrat; Saint Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Suriname; and Trinidad and Tobago.

Orozco agreed. Whether in Belize, St. Lucia, Guyana, Grenada, Jamaica activists are slowly scaling up their advocacy to advance rights in the region about CARICOM member states, in spite of American Fundamentalism, are prepared to carry the burden of advancing dignity and rights concerns, he said.

The Human Rights Commission notes Belize is the third nation to decriminalize gay sex this year. Aside from Belize, the others are Nauru, a small island state located in the Pacific Ocean, and Seychelles, an island state in the Indian Ocean.
Take a short drive from Reno and youll discover Virginia city, nevada. at the peak of the silver rush on the comstock Lode in the mid-1870s, more than 25,000 people called the bustling city home. Hundreds of boarding houses, bars and brothels lined the streets of Virginia city, catering to the needs of the hopeful miners. the locals will tell you the wealth discovered here helped build San Francisco. even mark twain settled here for a short time, writing for one of the local newspapers. today, a trip to Virginia city is a trip back in time to explore the exquisitely preserved churches, opera house, school and more.

Attractions

Take your pick: Hitch a ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, rebuilt in 1974. Go deep below the surface on the Chollar Mine or Ponderosa Mine tours and then pan for gold at the 1860s Comstock Gold Mill. Tour the Mackey Mansion, Piper Opera House and historic St. Marys in the Mountains Catholic Church. Virginia Citys most notorious residents can still be found at Silver Terrace and Gold Hill cemeteries. Explore The Way It Was Museum. VisitVirginiaCityNV.com

Accommodations

Are you afraid of ghosts? The 134-year-old Silver Queen Hotel has been featured on Travel Channels Ghost Adventures more than once! The 28-room hotel gets its name from a stunning historic painting of a woman adorned with thousands of real silver dollars. Grab a drink in the saloon or get hitched in the adjoining wedding chapel. The Captain & Tennille were married there in 1970 and renewed their vows in 1995. (They recently divorced.) SilverQueenHotel.net.

Dining

The best barbecue in town can be found at Virginia City Beef Jerky Company. In addition to the signature strips of savory jerky, the house speciality is a smoky beef tri-tip sandwich. After a long day, enjoy a juicy steak at the world famous Mustang Ranch Saloon and wash it down with a cocktail from the Red Light Bar downstairs. Now a pizza parlor, the Red Dog Saloon was the birthplace of the LSD-fueled psychedelic rock scene in 1965. VisitVirginiaCityNV.com
Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme  La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza.



Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres.




This Week at NASA: The President Outlines Reiterates Human Mars Mission by 2030's and More. NASA

An Oct. 11 opinion article written by President Barack Obama and published by CNN, outlined a vision for the future of space exploration.

In it, the president echoed the words in his 2015 State of the Union address about the importance of sending humans on a roundtrip mission to Mars by the 2030s, and developing technology to help us stay on the Red Planet for an extended time. That same day in a blog post, NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden and John Holdren, assistant to the President for Science and Technology, discussed two NASA initiatives that build on the presidents vision and use public-private partnerships to enable humans to live and work in space in a sustainable way. The first was the selection of six companies to develop habitation systems as part of the agencys Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships or NextSTEP program, designed to lay the groundwork for deep space missions. And this fall as part of the second initiative, NASA will start the process of providing companies with a potential opportunity to add their own modules and other capabilities to the International Space Station. The move is in-line with NASAs plan to support and foster the growing community of scientists and entrepreneurs conducting research and growing businesses in space. Also, White House Frontiers Conference, Kennedy Reopens After Hurricane Matthew, Orion Service Module Vibration Tests, SLS Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Tank Completed, and Aviation Safety Reporting System Turns 40.
Wed, 26.10.22 - 12:09

Another blast of heat at the end of the month is likely to break the record in Spain With only a few days left in...
Senga Nitro established a new two-year-old track record at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino as the Calgary oval hosted the final Shooting Star leg of the Alberta Sires Stakes for the freshman pacing colts and geldings on Sunday afternoon (October 16).

Senga Nitro ($3.80) remained perfect through the three Sires Stakes legs, with his latest feat a 1:55.4 track record mile over a 'good' track for trainer/driver Ryan Grundy and owner Kenneth Gunn. His winning time was one-fifth of a second faster than the former two-year-old record, which was held by gelding Blue Star Jet and filly Wedding Dance.

The Blue Burner-Nells Sweet Future gelding took the lead from post five in the afternoon's first $27,400 division and cruised through fractions of :29, :59 and 1:27.4 before sealing the deal with a :28 final frame that put him three and three-quarter lengths ahead of his competition. Amysterytome (Brandon Campbell) followed in the pocket throughout and finished second while Mateo (J.F. Gagne) finished back in third.

Senga Nitro now boasts five wins from seven career starts and earnings of $54,766.

Also a repeat winner in the Sires Stakes, Wabash Cannonball ($10.60) came from off-the-pace to defeat the front-striding favourite Retros Mystery in the second division with Phil Giesbrecht driving for the Kelly Hoerdt stable.

While Restros Mystery (Gerry Hudon) led through fractions of :29.3, 1:00.1 and 1:29, Wabash Cannonball followed in sixth-place early on before tracking the cover of Beer Bribe (Keith Clark) and angling wide down the backstretch. Beer Bride was able to tuck into a two-hole opening while Wabash Cannonball pressed on and went by Restros Mystery in the stretch to score by three lengths in 1:59.1. Restros Mystery stayed for second and Beer Bribe finished third.

Wabash Cannonball was scratched from the first round of the Alberta Sires Stakes, but has won both of his starts in the program. The Mystery Chase-Western Gift colt is now two-for-six in his career with earnings totalling $33,232 for Hoerdt and co-owners Peter Giannakopoulos and Blair Corbeil.

The Alberta Super Finals and Consolations for all divisions will be contested on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Earlier on the card, Sunday's fourth race was marred by a two-horse accident that sent driver Tyler Redwood to hospital.

Three-year-old gelding Mr Prominister broke stride and fell while racing in third-place after the first quarter heading towards the turn, sending Redwood to the track. Filly Ganymeda Gold was following in fourth and could not avoid colliding with Mr Prominister, flipping Nathan Sobey out of his race bike and onto his feet towards the infield. The trailing two horses in the field of maiden pacers were able to maneuver outside of the fallen horses, although it appeared Redwood was hit by one of the sulky wheels.

According to officials from Century Downs, Redwood was taken to hospital to be checked out with possible lower back and rib injures. Sobey was able to resume his driving duties on the program. Both horses involved were not seriously injured.

The race was declared a 'No Contest' resulting in a full pari-mutuel refund of wagers.

To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Century Downs.
It had been a good year already for Quebec horseman Yves Filion, inducted this summer to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, but it got a whole lot better this past weekend at Mohawk Racetrack.

On Saturday, Filions two-year-old Sportswriter pacers Yaris Bayama and Yogi Bayama finished first and second in their respective $250,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Super Finals. That followed a Friday night win at Mohawk, in the $30,000 fillies and mares preferred pace, by four-year-old Wrangler Magic, in which hes also a partner.

While son Sylvain handled Yaris Bayama, 69-year-old Yves drove Wrangler Magic to victory (at 13-1 odds) and Yogi Bayama to his runner-up finish (at 27-1) in the Super Final for two-year-old pacing colts.

It was a good weekend to finish the year. That made my winter, Filion said Sunday on his way back to his farm in Lachute, Quebec.

He described Saturday as a lucky night...but you need luck once in a while.

Yaris Bayama got the benefit of a perfect drive by Sylvain, Yves said. We also got lucky because shed been very sick. If the race had been a week earlier, this would not have happened. She was still sick. But we had an extra week to work on her. We got her right for the final, and if she was right, I knew shed be there.

Yogi Bayama raced super. He had the toughest race of the bunch, outside most of the mile, no cover, and ended up second. Im very satisfied.

Both two-year-olds are through for the year, he said. I dont like to stake them too heavy at two. Ill be adding more stakes to their schedule for next year.

Filion wasnt the only Quebecer to cash in on OSS Super Final night this year. Trainer Luc Blais and Determination Stable won two finals, with three-year-old trotting colt Warrawee Roo and two-year-old trotting filly Emoticon Hanover, and also had a second (at 72-1) with two-year-old trotting filly Gravitator. Brian Paquet of Quebec City, a co-owner of Wrangler Magic, also is part of the ownership group of Arsenal Seelster, 46-1 upsetter in the $250,000 final for two-year-old pacing colts. Colin Johnson of Repentigny and Ecurie JGV of Laval are also co-owners. Gerrie Tucker of Montreal owns Gerries Sport, second (at 13-1) to Betting Line in the final for three-year-old pacing colts. Sylvain Filion captured three $250,000 finals, none of them with favourites, finished second (with Gerries Sport) in another, and also won the nights $34,000 preferred pace with Evenin Of Pleasure, owned by Gestion JY Blais of Montreal, and trained by Quebec native Richard Moreau.

It really was Quebecs night, Yves Filion said.

(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)
Driver Tyler Redwood was taken to hospital on Sunday (October 16) after having been involved in a racing accident at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino in Alberta. The Redwood family has provided an update on Tylers status.

The Redwood family posted on Facebook later Sunday night that Tyler had been released from hospital

The family explained that Tyler had suffered some painful deep tissue damage, but that he was otherwise in good health

The two-horse accident occurred in Race 4. Redwood was aboard three-year-old gelding Mr Prominister, who broke stride and fell. Redwood was unseated from his sulky and hit the track.

The incident occurred after the first quarter heading towards the turn. Redwood and Mr Prominister were racing in third-place at that point.

Ganymeda Gold was following in fourth at that point and could not avoid colliding with Mr Prominister. The crash flipped Ganymeda Golds driver, Nathan Sobey, out of his race bike, but onto his feet towards the infield.

The trailing two horses in the field of maiden pacers were able to maneuver outside of the fallen horses, although it appeared Redwood was hit by one of the sulky wheels.

Initial reports from Century Downs officials had explained that Redwood had been taken to hospital to be checked out with possible lower back and rib injures.

Sobey was able to resume his driving duties on the program. Both horses involved were not seriously injured. The race was declared a 'no contest,' which resulted in a full pari-mutuel refund of wagers.

Please join Standardbred Canada in wishing Tyler Redwood a speedy and complete recovery from his injuries.
The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association is teaming up with Washington Health Systems to fight back against breast cancer on Saturday, October 22.

The Pink Out event will benefit the local breast cancer centre that treats women daily in their fight against breast cancer. With a post time of 1 p.m., the race card will feature a race dedicated to the Washington Health Systems, as well as a non-wagering mini horse event. Meadows outrider Missy Rothfuss usually saves lives on the track, but has decided to help save lives in a different way. Ten mini horses will be decked out in their pink for a great race and great cause.

With the Meadows surrounded by several professionals and loved ones affected by breast cancer, it is a cause close to the heart. October is breast cancer awareness month, and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association always dedicates a Saturday race-day to the cause.

We have done this for several years, said Heather Wilder, but (its) our second year for Washington Health Systems, and it is great to help those fighting against breast cancer in their womens centre right down the road.

The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association will also be raffling off a pink harness donated by Silverstone Decorative Concrete. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase on race day, with all proceeds going to Washington Health Systems.

We would like to thank all participants and Silverstone Concrete for the donation of the harness, said Kim Hankins.

Please contact Heather Wilder at [email protected] or Megan Semulka at

[email protected] to get involved or for more information.

(MSOA)
Trot Insider has learned that well-respected horseman/racing official William Bill Lawrence passed away peacefully at Country Terrace on Saturday, October 15 at the age of 84.

Lawrence raced horses in Toronto, London and Windsor in the 1950s and 60s before joining the Ontario Racing Commission in the late 1960s.

A few of Lawrences favourite horses were Atomic Sir, who he raced in the Canadian Pacing Derby, and Windsor C Chief and Honey Dares.

Lawrence had a great career with the ORC, as he rose to the position of senior judge. He was visible and well respected by those in the industry. Lawrence was in the judges booth part time at the end of his career, as he still officiated over races until 1999.

Loving father of Michelle Warren and Mike and Virginia, all of London. Proud grandfather of Sydney and Avery. Dear brother of Charles and Joan and Jim and Glenis. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Predeceased by his parents Gordon and Helen.

Friends may visit at the McFarlane & Roberts Funeral Home, 2240 Wharncliffe Road South, Lambeth, 519-652-2020, on Wednesday from 2  4 and 7  9 p.m., where the celebration of Bills life will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

Donations to Country Terrace Nursing Home, 10072 Oxbow Dr., Komoka, ON N0L 1R0 gratefully acknowledged. Online condolences are available through mcfarlane-roberts.ca.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Bill Lawrence.
By Daisy Handfield

GARY MEAD, a well-known Provo businessman, was shot and killed during during an early morning robbery, in the parking lot of Slots-O-Fun Casino on the airport road, Providenciales, on October 30.

Mead, 55, a long-time resident of Provo, was found dead in front of his business with gunshot wounds to his chest.





According to police press officer, Kevin Clarke, a report was made to 911 at about 8:30 am that morning of shots being heard and the body of the victim on the ground, drenched in blood.





Police and paramedics arrived shortly on the scene.





Mead was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.





Clarke said preliminary investigations revealed that the 55-year-old victim was leaving his business establishment, supposedly to make a bank deposit, when he was approached by a slim-built man, and another man of light complexion, who shot him and took his money before escaping on foot.





Police believe the men waited on the other side of the road, at the Sammie Been Plaza, for Mead to exit the building, then rushed him.





Supt. Clifford Ashton has sent out an appeal to the public, urging individuals to come forward with information that might assist police with their investigations.





"I do believe that people know who is responsible for the murder of Gary Mead. I am appealing to those people to come forward.





"They might have that vital piece of information that will help us bring the offenders to justice. If you were on the Airport Road between Sammie Been Plaza around 8 am or 9 am that morning as a pedestrian or driving along Airport Road, I urge you to come forward.





"You may have information that you do not know is significant to inquiry, he said.





The superintendent explained that if for whatever reason individuals did not feel safe contacting the police directly, they could call Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crimestoppers online reporting page www.crimestoppers.tc.





Information will be treated in the strictest of confidence. All calls are answered by Miami Dade Police and no one from the RTCIPF will know who called.





After the news broke, friends and family members of the deceased took to social media to express their grief and disbelief.





One said: "This is so sad. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and close friends. May he rest in peace.





The family of Mead described him as "the most loving and generous person you could ever know.





They said that he was a family oriented man, who was always the life of every party and social gatherings he attended.





Family members of the deceased set up a GoFundMe page, in an effort to raise US $20k to send Meads body back to California, his place of birth.





Up to press time, almost US $17k had been raised.




















BY OLIVIA ROSE

DEPUTY Premier Akeirra Missick said it is time for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands to know that the Government has fought the imposition of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) from day one.





Missick, in echoing Premier Rufus Ewings calls for the UK Government to live up to their agreement to rescind the position of CFO, noted that her Government had rejected the position from the start.





Premier Rufus Ewing on September 18, at the opening of the recently-held UK Overseas Territories Attorneys General symposium in Providenciales, slammed the British Government for imposing a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) upon the country under the new 2011 constitution.





It was agreed in the Government`s discussion with the UK Government that there would be a six month transitional period following the repayment of the bond.





However, this period expired at the end of August of this year and the UK government has failed to honor their end of the bargain to remove the CFO.





Missick, in a side interview after the opening of the conference said: "Since coming to office the promise was made that once the loan guaranteed is repaid, or debt is settled, we would have free reign again in managing our finances.





"Now that was done; we held our end of the bargain; we met the deadline, and so there`s still a position here that we feel is not valuable to the Turks and Caicos Islands elected Government. It is a good oversight position, but its one that we should be able to say we want in the civil service, and recruit locally, for as we have qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders that would make amazing CFO`s, if it is a desirable position.





She clarified that the Government has no issues with the current position holder, Stephen Turnbull, since he works well with them; however the issue rests with the position itself and the UK Governments failure to keep its promise.





"Its more of a slight on the people of this country, that we still have someone from a million miles away who has to oversee every nook and cranny, every decision, whether I can spend the next three million dollars at the Clement Howell High School vs. having to build a road for this country.





"A promise was made and it does not seem to be upheld, and we as a Government have decided to take measures into our own hands. Webe drafted a repeal bill; we`ve prepared the necessary documents to progress to the House of Assembly.





"It is a collaborative effort between the Minister of Border Control and myself, with the advisor, on the instruction of the Premier; and so we`re prepared to do the necessary steps like we did with VAT, and its up to those in authority to ascent to the bill once it comes to cabinet. Deputy Premier Missick, said the message is a timely one, since Progressive National Party`s (PNP) Government and the UK Government has reached the end of a long line of negotiations.





"She said: "And it seems there is no peace that could be made before this present Governor departs the country and beginning of the new Governor`s term, and so it time for us to say enough is enough.





"We`ve been behind the doors, working against this to move this country forward and now it is time for us to take it to the people and let the people understand the fight that we`ve been up against.




BY OLIVIA ROSE

OUTGOING Governor Peter Beckingham urged the leaders of the Turks and Caicos Islands to focus on sharpening the public sector and retain an open economy.





Beckingham, who only five days left the TCI after ending his tenure here, said in a release that he is optimistic about the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands.





In his farewell message issued on Thursday October 6, Beckingham said: "After three happy years in the beautiful country of Turks and Caicos Islands, Jill and I will be leaving with great sadness next week, on 10 October  and with great relief that the islands were, unlike others in the region, untouched by Hurricane Matthew.





"It hardly seems possible that it was almost three years to the day that we were in the House of Assembly for a memorable swearing-in ceremony.





"We both count ourselves privileged to have lived in Turks and Caicos. Everyone, from Ministers and Opposition leaders to resort owners and taxi drivers, have welcomed us warmly wherever we have gone, from shopping in Provo to walking in Middle Caicos.





"It is important to look forward not back, something which I intend to remind myself of as I begin to work outside the Foreign Office





"I am optimistic about TCIs economy. It is looking stronger than most in the region, and we have an international brand, which is increasingly recognised from New York to London.





He noted that it is vital for TCI leaders and the population to preserve its wonderful environment.





He said: "There is plenty of space for development, and what has happened in South Caicos, for example, in the past three years with a completely new runway under construction and new resorts is an extraordinary example of TCI's economic strength.





He reminded that the TCI`s success is based heavily on the fruits of private enterprise.





"And in the future, as one senior public servant said to me just last week, the civil service needs to continue to raise its game. It's good that motivation and training is being increasingly recognised, but there are still vulnerabilities, for example in delivery and customer service, where we need to get sharper.





"Similarly it is my hope, and that of Ministers in London, that whoever leads the country after the next election will retain and strengthen the open and corruption-free government the TCI has developed, and a rigorous and resilient economy.





"Our painstakingly achieved reputation, demonstrated by the fantastic achievement of a Triple B plus rating from one of the world's largest rating agencies over the last two years, can be dashed quickly. A return to the high spending extravagances of an earlier era could be disastrous.





"Above all, my optimism is based on seeing the younger generation of Turks and Caicos Islanders starting to make their mark on the country. The thousands of schoolchildren Jill and I have met across all the islands during the annual Footsteps4Good charity walk, and through the Cadets Corps, have an energy, enthusiasm and charm which could take TCI to a higher level.





"The country saw how one young man, Delano Williams, carried the baton, literally, at peak level in this year's Olympics.





"He told me last month that he is determined, despite the setbacks, to continue to perform at world levels for the foreseeable future. I hope there may be a chance to see Delano compete again in London next year.





He noted that as he continues to travel and work in Britain and other countries, there will be plenty of opportunities to sing Turks and Caicos's praises.





"I hope to return to see my optimism translate into a confident, successful and caring country, whether it's people choose to remain part of the UK, or eventually opt for an independent future.




By OLIVIA ROSE

THE SERVICE Charge Committee, which was established to iron out service charge issues facing Hotels and Restaurants workers, is expected to conclude its consultations later this month.





The committee was established to examine information received from owner, worker and employer groups operating within the hospitality industry, on the management and distribution practices regarding service charges.





Reliable sources informed the Weekly news that the committee, which was formed following cabinets instructions some three months ago, has since held a number of meetings since its inception meeting on Wednesday, June 29, 2016.





A revision of the (Hotels and Restaurants) Ordinance (2004) in its entirety meant that the Committee would consider both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the legislation.





Each section of the legislation was assessed in detail by the committee and the merits of its relevance and current application considered in the context of the local environment as well as best practices in the industry elsewhere.





The Committee agreed that regardless of what was found in the research of other industries, though such information could possibly be applied in principle, there are peculiarities specific to the TCI that warranted some element(s) of primary research to ensure that any recommendation(s) emanating from the Committee are well-founded.





Proposed amendments to the legislation have been documented for review by the AGs Chambers.





A survey was since developed, which is now in the public domain, and in-depth interviews are being undertaken at businesses throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.





It was agreed that stakeholder representatives would be asked to participate voluntarily in in-depth interviews to assess their knowledge of the collection and distribution of service charges by those entities levying it.





"It is envisaged that data collected will provide information on the percentage(s) of service charge collected; the percentages distributed between entity and staff; how it is currently distributed between the employer and employees, and how respondents feel it should be distributed; how entities utilize their apportionments; how knowledgeable the various stakeholders are of the Service Charge (Hotels and Restaurants) Ordinance and its application.





According to the Government, it was initially estimated that recommendations derived from the Committees findings would be put forth by the end of October 2016.





Regrettably, there have been delays, owing to absences during summer holiday travels, and other competing priorities on the completely voluntary team.





However, the deadline has not been pushed further back as the team aims to work assiduously

towards the original target.





The People`s Democratic Movement (PDM) has been beating the service charge drum for some time now and is strongly calling for workers to receive 100 percent service charge.





According to Opposition Appointed member of the House of Assembly and veteran politician Clarence Selver, who has drafted a bill to resolve the ongoing issue the Service Charge Hotel and Restaurants Amendment bill seeks to reinstate 100 percent service charge to hospitality workers at establishments where it is charged.





Selver said he drafted the bill and took steps to have it on the order paper for the next meeting of the House of Assembly, which will take place on the September 23.





The private members bill, according to Selver, will also seek to clearly define the term "tips in the context of the hospitality sector.





He said: "There is a good reason why I provide that definition, because Im also making a new sub-section, which would make it an offence for an employer to penalize an employee or servant for receiving a tip from a guest or customer that has not been solicited.





He explained that reports reaching him indicate that there are certain businesses that do not want staff to receive tips from their guests because of their own internal policy.





"To me it goes contrary to what is happening elsewhere in the industry, not only in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but further afield. If customers are satisfied with the service being provided by the staff they would indicate that by saying thanks and, in addition, they would give them a monetary reward.





"So to prevent or penalize a staff for accepting a tip, it de-motivates the staff. Here it is that somebody recognizes your good work and your employer denies you that credit.





On the other hand, Premier Rufus Ewing, told the House of Assembly on Wednesday (May 11), that the Government is seeking to proactively address issues facing workers in the hospitality sector, especially complaints of reduced service charge (tips, gratuity etc).





He said: "We heard the call from the Opposition with regards to the reinstatement of a 100 percent of gratuity, and all of these issues are becoming quite confusing to not only members of this House but also members of the public, who are confusing terminologies and what is provided for in legislation.





He explained that the committee has been established to allow the Government to fully understand what is taking place in terms of actual practice in the industry.





"Because, even if today we were to just go and give a 100 percent service charge to those individuals, without fully understanding what is taking place in the industry, it may not be to the

good of those particular individuals.





"What is taking place behind the scene is still not accounted for, so we really need to understand what systems and mechanisms accounts for service charge from employers to employees.





"Theres no doubt within anybodys mind that gratuities and tips that are collected or paid by customers for the benefit of employees should be given to the employees 100 percent.





"The only difference is in situations where these tips are in non-cash form, meaning that they are collected through a system of payment by credit card.





"Those credit cards incur administrative fees in the collection and distribution, and so only then employers may be able to take out the administrative cost on behalf of the employee.





The Premier emphasised that this issue requires the Government to find out exactly what mechanisms can be instated to ensure employees receive their full benefits.




THE three Haitian nationals who were first fingered in the April 10 robbery at the Sunny Foods supermarket are to stand trial for conspiring to rob.





On Friday (October 7) Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale set the case for trial in February 2017, when the men - Reginal Presil, Fritzer Prevalus and Wilbert Almonor - appeared for their sufficiency hearing in the Grand Turk Supreme Court.





She found that there is now sufficient evidence for the case to proceed.





The men had been previously set free after another judge determined that police did not have enough evidence for the case to be tried.





They were later re-arrested by immigration, had been ordered to be deported back to Haiti, but was soon taken back into police custody when new evidence emerged in the robbery, occasioning a re-institution of the initial charges.





The trio are accused of conspiracy to rob, while a fourth man - Ewing George - who was later arrested was charged with the shooting that also occurred during the commission of the robbery.





However, George was released by the court due to a lack of sufficient evidence to take the case to trial.





Owner of Tag Security Services, Alboine Williams, was shot at least four times as he was leaving the Sunny Food Supermarket at about 1.37 pm onSunday, April 10.

He was then approached by three masked men who confiscated a bag with an undisclosed amount of cash he was carrying.




BY OLIVIA ROSE

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands has extended a helping hand to the people of Haiti and the Bahamas to aid in recovery efforts after hurricane Matthew left a wake of devastation and death.





According to a release from the Government, a team from Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) travelled to the Turks and Caicos on Friday 7th of October to join with Team Turks and Caicos, and the combined team travelled to Nassau, Bahamas.





The release stated: "The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands is supporting the assessment, rescue and recovery efforts in Haiti and the Bahamas through financial contributions to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).





The combined CDEMA/TCI team would be working with other agencies in damage assessment, search and rescue and generally supporting the relief efforts with materials and supplies to aide in recovery and rebuilding.





Residents who are desirous of supporting the relief efforts through donation of materials and supplies are being urged to contact the local Red Cross and or the Bahamas Red Cross and other such agencies for instructions.





The CDEMA Team, which also comprises members of the United Nations Disaster and Coordination (UNDAC) and MapAction, is headed by Joanne Persad; while Team TCI is headed by Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.





As Hurricane Matthew reached US waters Friday October 14, it left behind a humanitarian crisis in Haiti and destruction in the Bahamas and Cuba.





At least 276 people have been killed so far in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, officials said, with the death toll expected to rise.





Haiti, still recovering from the catastrophic 2010 earthquake which killed hundreds of thousands, was hit hardest with more than 271 people reported dead as of Thursday evening, local time.





As the death toll rises and crucial infrastructure crumbles, hundreds of thousands have been displaced.








BY OLIVIA ROSE

BUINESSES, schools and Government offices all resumed operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday October 6th, as Premier Rufus Ewing announced the "all-clear following the passage of Hurricane Matthew.





According to a release, Ewing revealed that: "Hurricane Matthew by-passed the Turks and Caicos Islands without the loss of life or without any wind or rain damage to these islands.





"For these mercies we should be grateful and thankful to the Almighty God. We as a nation prepared for the worse, prayed and hoped for the best and our prayers were answered.





Ewing expressed his gratitude to the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies and all of the Government Ministries and Departments, especially the Public Works Department and the individual District Administrations for their actions in preparation for Hurricane Matthew.





"Such gratitude is also extended to our private sector partners and volunteers who were instrumental in our preparedness and response activities.





He emphasized that the Government has a mandate to ensure that these islands are well prepared for any hazard such as a hurricane so as to minimize injury, loss of life and damage to property.





He said: "And to this end we made critical decisions that removed our citizens out of harms way in a timely manner.





"All efforts were based on our various risk assessments that were provided from several agencies. We thank them for their guidance in every instance.





"Now that the "All Clear has been given and we were spared from the potential dangerous effect of Hurricane Matthew, we now turn our attention to resuming the normal operations of this country.





"The international airports and ports of entry have been opened and international flights will resume as notified by the Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority and the airlines.





"Our students who were evacuated from Jamaica and persons evacuated from Salt Cay will be returning to those respective locations tomorrow.





"I have been in communication with the Bahamian Government concerning the passage of Hurricane Matthew through the islands of the Bahamas, and I have pledged our support to the

people of the Bahamas as well as to Haiti.





In this regard, the Government will be working in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in their response and recovery efforts.





He urged residents to lend their support in whatever way possible, to aid the people of the Bahamas and Haiti.





Ewing said: "As a nation let us continue to remain vigilant during the remainder of this hurricane season. I urge all individuals and organizations to maintain a constant state of readiness as preparedness is the best means of securing ourselves, our families and our nation.





According to International Meteorological experts, the unpredictable Hurricane Matthew formed from a tropical wave that pushed off the African coast in late September.





That tropical wave was dubbed Invest 97L just southwest of the Cape Verde Islands on September 25.





It took a few days for that system to organize as it moved westward in the Atlantic. About three days later, however, the system gained sufficient organization to be named Tropical Storm Matthew near the Windward Islands.





Once Matthew reached the Eastern Caribbean, it became a hurricane and rapidly intensified. Its peak intensity was late September 30 into early October 1 when it reached Category 5 strength with 160 mph winds.





Hurricane Matthew claimed over 23 lives, ravaged homes and washed away roads and bridges in Haiti leaving Haiti in "total disaster," according to reports.





The devastating hurricane is now headed for the Bahamas and onwards to Florida where Governor Rick Scott said "the destruction could be catastrophic if it directly hits that state.





Starting from when it was first designated Invest 97L to when it reaches near the Florida coast late this week, Matthew will have traveled more than 3,000 miles.
By Daisy Handfield

THE SHOOTING death of another Dominican man has sent shockwaves through the Dominican community of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).





Ronny Heredia, 27, was shot on Friday in the area of Times Square on Aviation Drive, in Providenciales.





According to police information, a 911 caller reported that they heard a number of gunshots in that area and that a man had received gunshot wounds.





The man was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre by friends, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.





Police say that the investigation is active, but early indications suggests that the motive for the shooting was

robbery.





Heredia was employed by a contracting company and it is alleged that it was a norm for the employer to pay his workers at the mentioned location.





It is also alleged that the culprits got way with a substantial amount of money.





Edwin Hernandez, assistant consul for Dominican Republic in the TCI, said in a recent interview that he was saddened by the death of yet another Dominican, but he is hopeful that justice will prevail.





Hernandez said: "The Dominican community in the TCI has lost another life. With the most recent one, the count is already four Dominicans being killed in the TCI in 2016. It a big number, not only for the Dominican community, but for the entire Turks and Caicos Islands, especially in a country with a small population.





"The number of people that have recently been killed in the TCI is scary.





"If the relevant authorities do not put hands on these crimes, it will come to a point where things will get totally out of hand and it will be impossible to control these crimes.





"As a citizen of the TCI, I am appealing to the relevant authorities to please give the general public an answer, but not just saying who they believe did it, but actually bringing those guilty before the court of law.





"The TCI is currently a high class tourist destination, but if things continue going in this direction, we will lose everything.





Scores of friends and family members of the deceased, living in the Dominican Republic took to social media with severe lamentation.





One said: "I cannot believe that you are gone, Ronny Heredia. However, I feel proud and happy because I got to share some of the happiest moments of your life with you. I know that God has a very special place for you, because you were a super special person. I miss you my friend, brother and adviser. I will never forget you.





Another said: "The things of life are difficult to understand sometimes. I still find it hard to believe that from one moment to another you are no longer here. May you rest in peace.





Up to press time, no one has been arrested for the murder.





Police are seeking the assistance of persons who may have information about the crime. Informants are asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477, or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page:

www.crimestoppers.tc, Chalk Sound Police Station 338-5901/941-8067. The information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Informants are further reminded that they should not report crime information via our Facebook or Twitter.




It seems nothing can escape from the eyes of alien hunters as they have again spotted alien markings on the Mars while examining the image captured by NASAs Curiosity rover. This time UFO Sightings Daily editor Scott C Waring has found a bust of the Greek god Pan and a number 2 written on the rocky terrain of the martian surface. The markings point towards the existence of aliens that visited or lived on the red planet.

I found the face of Pan. In Greek religion and mythology, Pan is the god of the wild, shepherds and flocks, nature of mountain wilds and rustic music, and companion of the nymphs. Half man, half goat, his face is easy to make out, but why its on Mars is beyond me, but perhaps our ancient Greek mythology actually came from Mars. A story from aliens brought to Earth that captivated humans so much, they passed it down from generation to generation, wrote Scott Waring on his blog.

In addition, number 2 is also carved near the stone in the same image which hints that intelligent alien life lived on Mars that knew about the number system. While the engraving of Greek god Pan suggests that aliens living on the red planet were cultured too.

While explaining about the size of the image Waring said that the statue is only six inches long but it is evidence that aliens once existed on Mars.

The find has again given rise to conspiracy and some say that it is yet another pareidolia  a phenomenon where the brain tricks the eyes into seeing familiar objects or shapes like faces or animals in textures or patterns, such as clouds or rock surfaces.

Two days back alien hunters found walled city located on the top area of mountain on the Mars. Alien searchers further explained that aliens were intelligent enough to build a city on the top surface in order to protect themselves from calamities like floods and it also gave them a much larger view of the surrounding area.

Watch video of city walls built on top area of mountain located on Mars

https://youtu.be/inn7kYvzNU4

Recently, several strange objects have been spotted on Mars in images captured by Curiosity rover. Alien hunters have found three old alien faces on the Red Planet. The faces are actually made well, but the material they are made with seems to be lumpy and awkward to have worked with. As if it was made with many clumps of clay layers on one handful at a time, each being a new lumo. (Read More).

A machine like object was spotted by Scott Waring in the NASA Curiosity image. the strange objects resembles like a transmission of a car and it is very unlikely humans have put it there. So it is for sure that aliens have put it there after using it for several times. (Read More)

They also found apartments, buildings and houses in the low-resolution Mars image. This suggests that civilization used to live on Mars. (Read More)

Researchers have also found snake, gold ring and alien glove in the image captured by NASAs Curiosity rover. However, the most famous find was the Gautam Buddha statue which was discovered last year in October and hit the world as a storm. NASA doesnt usually respond to such claims, but the US space agency did respond to the claim of Gautam Buddha statue found on the red planet.

According to believers of aliens, all these discoveries suggest that aliens existed in the past and still constantly linger around Earth and International Space Station (ISS). They also claim that the US space agency NASA knows about the aliens but they are hiding it from us as it might create chaos among people of Earth. NASA has also cut the live feed from ISS when something strange appeared on the camera several times.

Moreover, existence of aliens is a hot topic for conspiracy theorists and they still need an alien body to prove that these foreign creatures do exist.
It is important to note that the orbital period does not affect the quality of the science that takes place during one of Junos close flybys of Jupiter, said Scott Bolton, principal investigator of Juno from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio.

The US-based space agency, NASA on Saturday announced that the plan to put Juno closer to Jupiter has been postponed. The upcoming burn of its main rocket motor has now been delayed till December, which was designed to put the spacecraft closer to the largest planet in our solar system.

The burn was orignally scheduled for October 19, called the period reduction manoeuvre (PRM), was to reduce Junos orbital period around Jupiter from 53.4 to 14 days.

Telemetry indicates that two helium check valves that play an important role in the firing of the spacecrafts main engine did not operate as expected during a command sequence that was initiated yesterday, said Rick Nybakken, Juno project manager at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The valves should have opened in a few seconds, but it took several minutes. We need to better understand this issue before moving forward with a burn of the main engine.

As of now, Juno takes 53.5 days to complete its one elongated orbit around Jupiter. The mission is planned such that the spacecraft has to complete its one round around the planet by 27th of August at 2,600 miles above the planet. Juno missions entire cost is over $1.1 billion.

The next opportunity for the burn would be during its close flyby of Jupiter on December 11, Nasa said. Mission designers had originally planned to limit the number of science instruments on during Junos Oct. 19 close flyby of Jupiter. Now, with the period reduction maneuver postponed, all of the spacecrafts science instruments will be gathering data during the upcoming flyby.

It is important to note that the orbital period does not affect the quality of the science that takes place during one of Junos close flybys of Jupiter, said Scott Bolton, principal investigator of Juno from the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio. The mission is very flexible that way. The data we collected during our first flyby on August 27th was a revelation, and I fully anticipate a similar result from Junos October 19th flyby.

It has been over five years when NASA launched the Juno probe on 05 August 2011. The spacecraft reached the Jupiter planet on July 04 this year with an aim of exploring the largest planet of our solar system.

First mission to Jupiter was conducted 45 years ago and since then seven mission have been started to explore the largest planet of our solar system. Juno is the best possible attempt by the scientists to explore the planet and gather necessary information. In addition, Juno is only the second spacecraft to orbit Jupiter. Galileo was the first probe to orbit the planet from 1995 to 2003.

Juno is a solar powered spacecraft with the primary aim of searching for clues about how the planet formed, including whether it has a rocky core, the amount of water present within the deep atmosphere,mass distribution, and its deep winds, which can reach speeds of 618 kilometers per hour.
Sheldon Pinto

Amazon's Great Indian Festival is back it packs a big enough punch this year as well. While the deals cover electronics, fashion and home appliances, there are smashing deals in the smartphone category, ones that you simply cannot ignore thanks to the large discounts.

Getting into the specifics of the sale, the Amazon is offering a an additional CashBack offer to Citibank credit and debit card holders. Those purchasing using the cards will get an additional 10 percent discount.

And Amazon is offering some app only discounts as well. If buyers choose to use the Amazon app, they will be entitled to an additional 15 percent discount.

Apple iPhone 6s (64GB): Rs 45,999

With the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus out, the price tags are indeed expected to go higher if demand is more than supply. However, last year's iPhone 6s is still a very capable smartphone that runs Apple's iOS 10 software update smoothly. Amazon is offering up the (now rare) 64GB version of the smartphone for just Rs 45,599 and that a steal of a deal because 32GB seems too less while 128GB seems a bit in excess. This is because Apple has officially stopped selling the 64GB model to keep the storage capacities consistent with newer models.

LeEco Le Max 2 (32GB): Rs 17,999

LeEco's offerings are price conscious indeed, but at the Amazon sale, those price tags have dropped even further for its current flagship. Amazon is offering the LeEco Le Max 2 flagship for just Rs 17,999 in the Rose Gold 32GB storage option. You will get the latest hardware, but it come up short when it comes to external memory and storage. The new low price also makes it a good deal in comparison to the Lenovo Z2 Plus which will obviously not see any discounts as it is late to the party.

Lenovo Vibe K4 Note: Rs 9,999

The Lenovo Vibe K4 Note was a budget smartphone which was caught in the doldrums thanks to better options coming from the competition. But thanks to Amazon, there's a new low price, and its down from Rs 11,999, to a rupee short of Rs 10,000. With the new low price, it sure makes a lot of sense going in for one right now.

Samsung Galaxy On7 Pro: Rs 9,999

Another contender for the same space is Samsung's Galaxy On7 Pro. Launched at Rs 11,190, its new discounted price tag makes it for a sweet deal if you don't trust Lenovo Vibe K4 Note. You do however have to settle with 2GB RAM and an HD display which for some may not be big deal provided they are looking for Samsung smartphone.

Motorola Moto G4 Plus (32GB): Rs 13,499

With new and updated hardware, it is surprising to see Motorola put up its newest budget offering up for sale with a discount so early. It's just Rs 1,000 off the launch price, but you do get a FHD display, Snapdragon 617 chipset, 3GB RAM and expandable storage. This budget beast also offers Moto's TurboPower charging as well.
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Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to adopt a new European Union (EU) data accord that allows personal information to be transferred to the US, potentially sparking yet another privacy row, the media reported. Facebook has quietly signed the Privacy Shield -- a controversial treaty that allows US technology companies to transfer EU citizens' details abroad. It will apply to certain advertising data and its new Workplace service for businesses, the Telegraph UK reported on Saturday.

Privacy Shield, a replacement deal that was designed to provide extra safeguards for Europeans, came into force in July. Google and Microsoft have already adopted the treaty. Facebook signed up at the end of September, although only two aspects of the social network use it. The first is Workplace, a special version of Facebook that allows company employees to communicate, which was launched last week. The other is its "Ads and Measurement" technology that uses customer data supplied by other companies to target adverts.

Other user data is not covered by the treaty, although it can be transferred to the US under secondary legal measures, the report said. "We have signed up two important parts of our business to the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework - Facebook at Work and our relevant Ads and Measurement services," a Facebook spokesman confirmed the report.

Facebook's adoption of the treaty is significant because the prior US-EU agreement, Safe Harbour which was abolished by the European Court of Justice as a direct result of legal action against the social network by privacy campaigners. However, it is likely to lead to further scrutiny of the Privacy Shield deal from Facebook's critics, the report stated.

IANS
Nash David

The world over, politics has a negative undertone. And given the universality of the Internet, it doesnt take too long before you find yourself impacted and eventually part of an agitated debate. With the rise of social media including Facebook and Twitter, tech and politics are intertwined.

The rise of social media

Some of my close friends stay away from social media. If you meet them, you could have hours of political discourse. But theyd rather stay away from mediums such as Twitter or Facebook. They have a firm grasp of political realities, but they stay from interacting on social media because they prefer debating with like-minded individuals with a deep sense of understanding in politics, rather than swaying from blind-sighted idolising to caustic crosstalk.

India witnessed a very confrontational form of discussion on most social networks. The run up to the 2014 general elections caused a surge in this behaviour. Irrespective of which side of the political spectrum youre on, youd find an incessant chatter that gets even the undemanding highly stimulated.

Impact on law and order

There have been instances across India, where social media and the Internet at large have been accused of being a threat to law and order. From Kashmir to the Patidar reservation agitation, social media access has been clamped down for a brief period. Such is the influence social media wields.

Since emotions run high on social media discourses, banning access to the Internet is the first remedy to prevent escalation of passions. The hope is lesser conversations would result in lesser dissipation of information. And eventually curb mobs.

The age of digital herds

For that matter, India and the US are no different. In India, the debate is between supporters of political parties. In the US, its between supporters of two presidential candidates. In both cases, the attacks get increasingly personal. In both cases, there are cases of photoshopped images going viral. There are creation of memes and the comic play of satire. Sometimes to touch sarcasm. Sometimes to lighten up the otherwise hostile online environment. As the US heads to its national elections in a month, theres a similar outburst of emotions on social media in the United States.

Supporters of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump dig out records from the past to express their leaning and portray why their favourite candidate is the best thing that America needs.

The choice between humans and bots

So if youre political in thought, where do you draw your inspiration? Facts? Or social media? Without the intent to imply anything, social media is largely driven by popularity. And its eventually the exaggerated that gets viral. Facts, on the other hand, are usually dull and boring.

Not long ago, Facebook decided to hire a team of humans to watch over news so that the most popular news pieces could be picked to identify what was trending. That ended in a controversy, only to be replaced by bots.

Well, turns out that didnt work very well either. In a unique recognition of satire, Facebook identified a news piece on our very own Faking News as trending  a day after the launch of the iPhone 7. The news? iPhone 8 will have Siri physically coming out of the phone and doing all the household chores. Attributed to CEO Tim Cook. Clearly, that was satire. But it showed up on Facebooks trending news section. We were flattered, but it made us question how news updates show up in trending.

And thats exactly where a distinction needs to be made between humans and bots. Humans can distinguish between qualitative aspects. Bots go by numbers.

Google News vs Facebook Trending News

Google News has been around for several years now. Its a mix of trends, interest and variation in topics to give a perfect summary of the world of news at any given geography or vertical. Google News India for instance would draw inputs from the local Indian media across politics, sports, business and technology. Similarly, Google News in the United States would cover the same categories, but draw its sources from websites such as USA Today, CNN, and other local sites.

In the run up to the US elections next month, Google just announced a Fact Check feature that helps users believe what they see as listings in the news sections to be genuine sources of information.

Facebook tried hiring a human team, while Google took a route similar to Wikipedia where users could flag off deviation from facts. When theres a deviation from facts, users would increasingly raise a flag that is detected by the fact check system. In the Internet world, this has been a tried and tested means to regulate content online.

Recently, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey outlined the path ahead for Twitter by calling it the people's news network. Gathering news from social media is still very similar to doing research based on Wikipedia. There's no way to immediately confirm the veracity of stories we hear and comment online. To sum it up, it makes sense for online services to ditch the use of bots and algorithms in certain key areas.
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A Mars lander left its mothership on Sunday after a seven-month journey from Earth and headed towards the red planet's surface to test technologies for Europe's planned first Mars rover, which will search for signs of past and present life. The disc-shaped 577-kilogramme (1,272 lb) Schiaparelli lander separated from the spacecraft Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) at 1442 GMT as expected, starting a three-day descent to the surface.

Signals received from TGO, which is to orbit Mars and sniff out gases around the planet, did not at first contain data on the lander's onboard status, but the European Space Agency (ESA) later said the link with the craft had been restored.

"On the side of (Schiaparelli) I would say that the separation was a success," Paolo Ferri, head of mission operations at ESA, told Reuters TV at ESA's Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany, after it had been confirmed that the lander had split from the TGO.

Schiaparelli, part of the European-Russian ExoMars programme, represents only the second European attempt to land a craft on Mars, after a failed mission by Britain's Beagle 2 in 2003. Landing on Mars, Earth's neighbour some 35 million miles (56 million km) away, is a notoriously difficult task that has bedevilled most Russian efforts and given NASA trouble as well.

But a seemingly hostile environment has not detracted from the allure of Mars, with U.S. President Barack Obama recently highlighting his pledge to send people to the planet by the 2030s. Elon Musk's SpaceX is developing a massive rocket and capsule to transport large numbers of people and cargo to Mars with the ultimate goal of colonizing the planet, with Musk saying he would like to launch the first crew as early as 2024.

The primary goal of ExoMars is to find out whether life has ever existed on Mars. The current spacecraft, TGO, carries an atmospheric probe to study trace gases such as methane around the planet. Scientists believe that methane, a chemical that on Earth is strongly tied to life, could stem from micro-organisms that either became extinct millions of years ago and left gas frozen below the planet's surface or that some methane-producing organisms still survive.

Schiaparelli will reach the atmosphere of Mars on Wednesday, and will use a parachute and thrusters to slow its descent from a speed of nearly 21,000 kilometres per hour before touching down on the planet's surface. Entry, descent and landing will take less than six minutes.

The second part of the ExoMars mission, delayed to 2020 from 2018, will deliver a European rover to the surface of Mars. It will be the first with the ability to both move across the planet's surface and drill into the ground to collect and analyse samples.

The ExoMars 2016 mission is led by the European Space Agency (ESA), with Russia's Roscosmos supplying the launcher and two of the four scientific instruments on the trace gas orbiter. The prime contractor is Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales and Finmeccanica. The cost of the ExoMars mission to ESA, including the second part due in 2020, is expected to be about 1.3 billion euros ($1.4 billion). Russia's contribution comes on top of that.

Reuters
Sheldon Pinto

There have been rumours of a refreshed OnePlus 3 smartphone ever since the smartphone began running out of stocks globally. Some cited the shortage of optic AMOLED displays being the reason for the delay in shipping and longer waiting periods for delivery. But now there is some new evidence that has surfaced online that points to the existence of this OnePlus refresh.

Tagged as the OnePlus A3010 (the OnePlus 3 is the A3000) the new device just received its 3C certification in China. The numbers on the screenshot obtained by GizmoChina shows a smartphone that could look identical to the OnePlus 3 from the outside, with updated hardware on the inside.

Dubbed the OnePlus 3S, the A3010 was suspected to pack in an LCD display instead of the now standard optic AMOLED panel.

https://twitter.com/getpeid/status/786481982934876160

But Co Founder Carl Pei was quick to comment on the topic and confirmed that OnePlus will be going ahead with optic AMOLED displays and that the company is constantly tweaking to make them better.

So why is OnePlus working on a refresh of an existing smartphone? Well, the answer to this could be Google's Daydream. You see, with Android 7.0 Nougat making its way to OnePlus 3 smartphones, manufacturers will soon begin to lose out, if their flagship smartphones do not support the new VR functionality coming from Google. With months to go till next year's MWC (and the smartphone launches that comes with it) we could be looking at a OnePlus 3S that is Daydream ready. All that's needed is a hardware upgrade and the Snapdragon 821 seems like the only VR-ready candidate (chipset) at the moment.

With that said the price tags could go up or the price tag of the OnePlus 3 could go a few notches down, but it will give OnePlus an edge in terms of being able to turn around a flagship smartphone with Daydream capabilities. The OnePlus 3S may also turn out to be the only smartphone out there if it arrives before the holiday season.

So far Samsung, HTC, Huawei and LG have plans to build Daydream-ready smartphones, but these are expected to arrive this fall. And all of these manufacturers have already showcased their flagships for the current year. OnePlus already has an edge in terms of pricing, adding Daydream capabilities to an existing smartphone with smaller modifications will only make the deal sweeter for buyers.
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Thailand's main mobile telecoms operators instructed customers on Sunday to report "inappropriate content about the royal institution", as the government steps up scrutiny for material deemed insulting to the monarchy. King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on Thursday after seven decades on the throne. His son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, is due to become the next king after a period of mourning.

Thailand has a tough law against lese majeste or insulting the monarchy. Convictions have become more frequent, and punishments more severe, under a military government that seized power in 2014. Mobile operators Advanced Info Service Pcl (AIS) , Total Access Communication Pcl and True Move, a unit of True Corp, posted instructions on a messaging app and on their Facebook pages, for how to report Facebook posts and Youtube videos.

True said it was following a request from the broadcasting regulator, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). "The NBTC has asked all mobile operators to send the instruction to our clients," Pimolpan Siriwongwan-ngam, True's head of public relations, told Reuters. "Were only acting as channels to spread the message."

Spokeswomen for AIS and Total Access confirmed they had followed the NBTC guideline. The operators said people should send URLs or screenshots of websites deemed offensive to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and the NBTC. On Friday, the NBTC said it had asked internet service providers to monitor content and block anything inappropriate.

Operators must also inform platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and messaging apps, to block such content. The failure of internet providers to block inappropriate content when it is found would be considered a crime, NBCT secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said in a statement. Information ministry spokesman Chatchai Khunpitiluck said some content hurt the feelings of people grieving for the revered king.

"Many heartbroken Thais are quite sensitive. When they see illegal content that offends them, they'll be more stressed," he said. "We have to let them know about channels to report content to relieve their sense of helplessness." Chatchai said more people had come across content they deemed inappropriate, partly because more people were going online to read about the king since his death.

Police and the MICT declined to say how many complaints they had received. The government had a hotline for reporting content, Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana, minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, told Reuters. Police said they were intensifying monitoring the internet.

Reuters
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Yahoo Inc said on Friday that it would not hold a call or webcast when it reports third-quarter results on Tuesday, citing its pending $4.83 billion deal with Verizon Communications Inc.

Last month, Yahoo disclosed a massive data breach in 2014 that affected at least 500 million of its email accounts.

Verizon soon called it a material event, which essentially means the company wouldnt have offered the amount it did, had it known about the data breach earlier. It may also have probably not bid for Yahoo at all. And, this makes it even worse for Yahoo.

According to Cnet, a Verizon spokesman had said material finding kills the acquisition, said the statement stands on its own. Nothing more. This clearly hints at a possibility of Verizon changing its mind. If this happens, the company may just lose its chance of getting whatever asking price it still can, or simply struggle finding a new buyer. In worse case, there are chances that Verizon may renegotiate the price, and experts believe that Yahoo may have no other choice either.

Verizon reports results on October 20. Companies that are being acquired do not typically hold earnings calls with analysts.

With input from Reuters
Naina Khedekar

At the recently held India Gadgetz Expo, one of the panel discussions was over smart cities. The discussion varied from definition of smart cities to how startups could make this possible. One such startup that is helping assist with the government initiative of smart cities is Get My Parking (Android, iOS).

This Delhi-based startup by IIT Madras and FMS Delhi alumni brings a simple solution to the tricky parking woes, by offering a parking space even before you reach your destination. The startup did some fine work at the overcrowded Kumbh Mela, and also received appreciation from PM Modi.

We had a quick chat with Chirag Jain, CEO and founder of Get My Parking at IGE 2016, who described Get My Parking as a way to smartly get a spot for parking, even before you get to a place. During the discussion, he spoke about how unorganised parking leads to cars slowing down to search for a spot, and eventually slowing down the traffic. "Just imagine when hundreds of cars are doing that at the same time," he pointed out.

He believes that parking is an essential part of the government's vision of smart cities. "We are getting a lot of traction from various municipal corporations. We have started a pilot project in Jaipur," he said.

The startup recently raised 2.5 million from Chennai Angels, and are looking to close a second round soon. Jain tells us that parking is a major problem not only in India but also overseas, and they've begun seeing some traction from outside India too. Talking about security, he said, "Security is of prime concern as we work with a lot of consumer data. The security is taken care of accordance to utmost privacy for our consumers."

Here's the complete interview


About me I'm Avi Green

From Jerusalem, Israel

I was born in Pennsylvania in 1974, and moved to Israel in 1983. I also enjoyed reading a lot of comics when I was young, the first being Fantastic Four. I maintain a strong belief in the public's right to knowledge and accuracy in facts. I like to think of myself as a conservative-style version of Clark Kent. I don't expect to be perfect at the job, but I do my best. My profile

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If you followed along on my instagram or insta stories you saw that we were in Ireland last week. We decided to tag along with Austin on his business trip, it was pretty last min but was sooooo fun! The weather was perfect, not rainy, not too cold but so fallish (which I needed since it was 90 degrees in So Cal before we left). This was our first big international trip with all 3 kids and it couldnt have gone better! Seriously! Makes me want to leave tomorrow for another trip. Im sharing a BUNCH of pictures and what we saw and did below.

Our whole trip itinerary was based around my husbands work and what he needed to film, but since all of Ireland is gorgeous we were on board. We flew into Dublin, hung out there for a few hours ate lunch thenWe played in Dublin then left for Cork.

We first stayed in Cork for our first few nights. Our hotel was seriously my most favorite hotel, probably ever ha! We stayed at Castlemartyr, its the closest Ill get to feeling like I was living in a Jane Austin novel, and lets just say it was dreamy. It had a little castle area to explore, ponies, horses, a gorgeous indoor swimming pool, swans and such beautiful landscapes. So there was lots for me and the boys to explore and do.



Cork was so fun and we went to the cutest little seaport town called Cobh (pronounced cove, go figure). Any town with cute bright buildings has my heart and there were PLENTY in Ireland. It was the windiest day by far but the blue skies made it 100% ok!

Next was the day of castles. We started at Blarney Castle which was my favorite. The grounds of the castle are so amazing and well taken care of, I could have spent all day there. The kids LOVED the caves underneath the castle and even the whindy steps to get to the top. They had a blast and Rowen still says it was his favorite thing in all of Ireland. So you guysI am NOT afraid of heights but walking up all those stairs with a tiny baby strapped to me and two crazy boys that love to climb seriously gave me SO much anxiety! I was deathly afraid they were going to fall to their death ha ha so once we were at the top i held onto their little hands like a crazy person and couldnt wait to get back down. Good thing there were lots of little rooms and coves to explore on the way down ha ha otherwise it would have been a long climb for the boys to do absolutely nothing thanks to their paranoid mom ha!

Next we went to Rock of Cashel. As we were driving there we called them to make sure they would be open, sadly we found out they were going to closing 20 min before we got there. But the worker told us we could hop the fence and explore all around the grounds ha ha.so we figured if he said it was ok then it was. Austin took the boys, climbed the fence and watched the sun set up on the hill by the castle and he says it was his most favorite moment.

Our last adventure was to the cliffs of Moher. The drive to the cliffs is one of my very favorites. You drive through so many beautiful colorful little towns and everything is so quaint. You could take all day and stop and enjoy each place. The cliffs have lots of memories for us. Austin and I traveled the world right after we got married for a year and our first spot was Ireland. We had come to the cliffs of Moher 7 years ago together, newly married and no kiddos. It was so amazing to come back all these years later with our whole family and see it together. They really are amazing! And the day was sunny and beautiful which made it that much better. That was our quick trip to Ireland. It was beautiful fun and an adventure with the whole family. Its definitely different traveling with kids. All the bathroom breaks, stopping to feed Nash, naps in the car and lots of craziness along the way, but I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Love this family of mine and the opportunity we had to go on this fun trip.
Suborna Mustafa, Asad pair up in film after 32 years

Sheikh Arif Bulbon :

From theatre group Dhaka Theatre their friendship began. From that calculation we can assume that Suborna Mustafa and Raisul Islam Asads friendship has already crossed four decades.

Under common group they not only enthralled theatre stages but also entertained the viewers in many TV plays and serials. They also paired up in films.

In 1980, as a pair, Suborna and Asad for the first time worked in Salauddin Jakis movie Ghuddi. Their outstanding performances attracted the viewers. Later they again worked together in Syed Hasan Imams Lal Sabujer Pala, Kazi Zahirs Notun Bou, in 1984 under Kajol Arefins direction in Suruj Mia and Belal Ahmeds Noyon-er Alo. Then they did not see to work together in any other movie.

After a break of long 32 years, Suborna and Asad are going to work in a movie titled Gohin Baluchar, which will made by Badrul Anam Soud. Soud has also written its story, script and dialogue. Both Suborna and Asad are very much excited to work together again in big screen. Both of them will act in roles of two leading members of two families in the movie. Asad and Suborna will act in roles of Latif and Asma.

While sharing his feelings to work with his yesteryears friend the National Film Award winner actor Asad told this correspondent, From three to four years of the Liberation War to till date we have a good friendship. I always think we are still in early days. I always feel we are in a common family. We have a better understanding due to long time working together experiences. I believe Souds movie will be good one.

Suborna shared her feelings by this way, In TV screen, viewers watched us together as pair in many telefilms and plays. I hope after a long time our journey will become a successful one. Shooting of the movie will kick off in December.

Asad informed that he is now in Bhola where he is taking part in shooting of Nader Chowdhurys movie Meyeti Ekhon Kothai Jabe.


Russian flagship aircraft carrier departs for Syria coast

Russia\'s flagship aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov to be deployed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Syria

AFP, Moscow :

Russia's flagship aircraft carrier set off Saturday for the Mediterranean Sea where Moscow's naval forces are supporting its bombing campaign in Syria, the defence ministry said.

The deployment of the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier comes weeks after Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said the ship would be sent to the eastern Mediterranean to boost the country's naval forces in the area. The Admiral Kuznetsov is travelling with the Pyotr Veliky battlecruiser, the Vice-Admiral Kulakov destroyer and large anti-submarine ships, the ministry said.

In addition to safeguarding maritime navigation, the ships are meant to "respond to new types of modern threats like piracy and international terrorism," the ministry said.

Russia has been flying a bombing campaign in Syria for the past year in support of President Bashar al-Assad and has deployed a naval contingent to back up its operation.

This is the first time that the Soviet-era Kuznetsov-Russia's only aircraft carrier part of its Northern fleet based in Murmansk-will join the Russian deployment after undergoing a refurbishment.

The defence ministry did not specify how long the aircraft carrier's mission would last.

Russia has a base in government-controlled Syrian territory from which it has flown most of its bombing raids in the country.

This week President Vladimir Putin approved a law ratifying Moscow's deal with Damascus to deploy its forces in the country indefinitely, in a move seen as firming their long-term presence.

The defence ministry said earlier this week that Moscow was poised to transform its naval facility in the Syrian port city of Tartus into a permanent base.

Moscow has flown long-range bombing raids from bases in Russia and fired cruise missiles from ships in the Caspian Sea and a submarine in the Mediterranean.
RANGPUR: Rangpur Sahitya Parishad-literary organisation of the city organised its monthly meeting in its auditorium on Sunday.
JAMALPUR: A cultural function was held at Govt Girls\' School\'s Auditorium in Melandah Upazila marking the birth anniversary Lalon Shah organised by Uttoron, a social and Cultural organization on Sunday.
Tk 3cr Yaba seized at Teknaf

Coxs Bazar Correspondent :

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), in a drive, seized one lakh pieces of yaba tablets worth Tk 3 crore from Jaliapara area under Teknaf upazila here early Sunday.

Commander of Teknaf-2 BGB Lieutenant Colonel Abu Jar Al Jahid confirmed the incident. He said, on a tip-off BGB members of Teknaf Sadar BOP raided the area and seized the yaba tablets.

Sensing the BGB men's presence, the smugglers fled away.

Later, the seized items were deposited to the BGB battalion headquarters which will be destroyed in future, said the BGB official.




AL extended meeting in Ctg today

Chittagong Bureau :

The extended meeting of AwamiLeague, chittagong city unit will be held today evening at a community hall in the city aimed at participating the 20th national council of the party on October 22, 23 next in Dhaka. President of city AL and former Mayor ABM Mohiuddin chowdhury will preside over it. City general secretary AJM Nasiruddin has requested all members of the executive committee, members of the advisory committee, Thana AL leaders and its front organizations, conveners, joint conveners to attend the extended meeting in time.
WB plans bigger aid to Dhaka

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and World Bank President Dr Jim Yong Kim at a function at Osmani Memorial Auditorium marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Monday.

Staff Reporter :

The World Bank (WB) on Monday announced $1 billion additional assistance to Bangladesh for reducing children malnutrition.

The fund will be provided to the country over the next two years.

WB President Jim Yong Kim made the pledge at a joint press briefing after holding a meeting with Bangladesh Finance Minister AMA Muhith at the Finance Ministry in the morning.

"The fund will be disbursed in the next two years to develop the situation of child health and nutrition," he added.

Jim hoped Bangladesh will get the highest amount of assistance from the International Development Association (IDA) in the next two years as well.

"The WB has a fresh commitment of $72 billion as mostly soft loans from the IDA for different countries across the globe," he added.

Kim also said that in the next three-year cycle the amount of WB loans will be increased globally to 15 per cent and Bangladesh will be one of the largest recipients of the increased loan.

In response to a query, WB President said that the global lender will instead spend the $1.2 billion (bridge funding) for climate related financing in Bangladesh.

The WB Chief also lauded Bangladesh for remarkable progress in poverty alleviation.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith at the press briefing stressed that the troubles with WB regarding Padma Bridge a few years ago is over. "Now we have good relations. We expect more assistance from WB," he said.

The WB President arrived in Dhaka yesterday on a two-day visit to see firsthand the progress Bangladesh has made in transitioning successfully to a lower-middle income country.

He will participate in an event today (Tuesday).


Chevron plans to pack up!

Anisul Islam Noor :

Chevron, the energy giant of US, has been planning to pack up from Bangladesh as part of cost readjustment of their deal worldwide following plunge of energy price in the global market, Energy Division sources said.

The company is already in talks with several potential buyers over its planned sale of Bangladesh stakes. But at what amount Chevron Bangladesh's share will be sold out is yet to be confirmed.

Energy Division officials said, a senior Chevron Bangladesh official revealed the pack up plan when he was asked about the company's future plan regarding its operations in the country.

Chevron Bangladesh's spokesperson was not available for comment on this issue.

According to the existing agreements between Chevron Bangladesh and Petrobangla, the US-based company would not be able to sell or handover its stakes to any company without prior approval from Petrobangla, said Istiaque Ahmad, Chairman of Petrobangla.

Currently, Chevron Bangladesh is the largest producer of natural gas in the country delivering around 1,550 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of natural gas accounting over 57.83 per cent of the country's total supply of 2,680 mmcfd from three of its onshore gas fields -- Bibiyana, Jalalabad and Moulavi Bazar -- located in blocks 12, 13 and 14 respectively in the northeastern Sylhet region, according to Petrobangla data.

The company has separate production sharing contracts (PSCs) with Petrobangla for three of its gas fields and none of these would expire before 2028, said the Petrobangla Chairman.

He said Chevron Bangladesh in late 2013 had sought an enhanced gas price of around 2.0 per cent annually to install a compression station to enhance gas production from Bibiyana gas field, which was denied by Petrobangla.

It was eyeing to build the compression station at a cost of US$ 459 million to support increased natural gas output.

Bibiyana is currently the Bangladesh's second largest producing gas-field and supplying around 1,239 mmcfd of gas, or over 45.2 per cent of the country's overall natural gas output, the Petrobangla data showed.

Chevron started supplying natural gas commercially from Bibiyana gas field from March 2007 with a production capacity of 250 mmcfd after an initial investment of $200 million.

Since then, the field has been producing much better than expected, with significantly less pressure decline than predicted, giving every indication that the field is actually bigger than Chevron's initial evaluation, a Chevron insider said.

Bibiyana was supplying on an average around 900 mmcfd of gas in October 2014 while it was around 1,000 mmcfd in January 2015.

Chevron Bangladesh is currently getting around $2.76 per Mcf (1,000 cubic feet) for the gas from the Bibiyana field.
Xi, Modi differ over terrorism at BRICS summit

Dawn.com :

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday continued to define Pakistan as the hub of terrorism, telling BRICS leaders' meeting in Goa that India's neighbour was the mother ship of the problem.

He obliquely disputed Chinese President Xi Jinping's apparent reluctance to pin the blame on Pakistan, but the Chinese leader responded by seeking political solutions to the hotspots. Indian reports interpreted the reference to hotspots as including the dispute between India and Pakistan over held Kashmir.

"There must be no distinction based on artificial and self-serving grounds," said Mr Modi, a day after President Xi remained firm on blocking India's bid to get Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar designated as an international terrorist by the United Nations.

President Xi, in his 10-minute speech, did not hold back. In an apparent reference to India-held Kashmir, he talked about the need to find a "political solution" to "regional hotspots".

He also called for concrete efforts and multi-pronged approach that addressed both "symptoms and root causes" to global challenges like terrorism - an argument that mirrored Pakistan's position on Kashmir, local reports observed. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his remarks, did not mention terrorism at all.

With the differences between India and China out in the open - against the backdrop of Delhi's attempts to isolate Islamabad - the Goa declaration stopped short of mentioning the Uri attack. "We strongly condemn the recent several attacks against some BRICS countries, including that in India," it said.

However, there were five specific paragraphs on terrorism in the 109-para declaration, in which the BRICS members called upon all countries to work together to "expedite" the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in the UNGA "without any further delay".

India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval had impressed upon his BRICS counterparts to put it back on the agenda, as it had been dropped in the Ufa declaration of 2015. CCIT had been mentioned in the BRICS statement in 2014.

The sessions on Sunday began with Mr Modi targeting Pakistan and calling it the "mother ship" of terrorism, weeks after India called Pakistan the "Ivy League of terrorism" at the United Nations.

"In our own region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development. Tragically, the mother ship of terrorism is a country in India's neighbourhood. Terror modules around the world are linked to this mother ship... BRICS must speak in one voice against this threat," he said at the inaugural session of the summit. A couple of hours later, while making the country's statement at the BRICS leaders' session, he took on both Pakistan and China, reports said. "Our response to terrorism must, therefore, be nothing less than comprehensive. And we need to act both individually and collectively. Selective approaches to terrorist individuals and organisations will not only be futile but also counter-productive. There must be no distinction based on artificial and self-serving grounds," he said.

His comment on "artificial and self-serving grounds" was interpreted as indication of India's disappointment with the Chinese leadership over the Masood Azhar issue. China recently put a "technical hold", once again, on designating Azhar - accused in the Pathankot attack in January this year and the parliament attack in 2001 - as an international terrorist at the UN.

"Criminality should be the only basis for punitive action against the individuals and organisations responsible for carrying out terrorist acts. Terrorist funding, their weapons supply, training and political support must be systematically cut off," Modi said.
Selfie and death on railway tracks

THREE children were crashed to death by a local train at Brahmanbaria while they were taking selfie on railway lines. Such instant deaths are beyond anyone's grasp but use of new cell phone technology is changing lifestyle and making such tragedy a reality. Death on rail lines took place just two weeks ago in Sylhet and Mymensingh Railway Tracks. At least 20 people were killed in such accidents throughout the country over the past few months media reports said and all that happened instantly as the victims were walking along the railway lines and talking over cell phones. They were totally unmindful when trains overrun them.



We must say it is a clear reminder to the people living around the railway lines in cities and countryside and also the concerned authorities to take seriously such unwanted deaths to public attention. Particularly the Railway Authorities should immediately take steps to reform the signalling system and protect networks from trespassing. Bangladesh is not having a great railway system like many other countries, but the accidents are stark reminders that the growing problem we can no longer ignore. Not only do such accidents result in a tragic loss of life, they leave serious affects on victims' families while people living around the railway lines remain vulnerable to such risks.



There is no doubt mobile users themselves are responsible in the first place for such tragedies, because they must know that railway tracks are not the place to talk with safety. Trains at best whistle; but if one does not listen because they are busy with cell phone, the ultimate will not take time to happen. It is very frightening that younger people use headphone on railway lines and when they engage in taking selfies such whistles don't reach their ears. Almost all such accidents happened in such situation. We believe that Railway Authorities must increase vigilance against trespassing railway lines, there is a law about it but policing the long railway lines is almost impossible. What is most important in this case is to take up public awareness programme to make people conscious about the risk from unmindful movement along railway lines. Mobile phone operators around Railway Network may also introduce frequent SMS system to warn people on moving along railway tracks. Railway signalling system may be used to warn the people. They may also put in place a system; which will stop network of mobile phones when a train is at a safe distance.



We believe it is the responsibility of the concerned Railway Authorities how to address the situation. Our trains run hazardously with faulty signals, aging tracks, and other shortcomings. But Station Masters, Points-men, locomotive drivers and Guards on the trains may be better trained how to avoid such accidents.
RAB mobile team led by a magistrate raided Bio-Trade International Company in city\'s Segunbagicha and fined Taka 10 lakh for various irregularities. This photo was taken on Monday.
C'nawabganj DC Zahidul dies at RMCH

UNB, Dhaka ;

Zahidul Islam, Deputy Commissioner of Chapainawabganj, passed away at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) on Monday morning. He was 48.

Sources at Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner's Office said Zahidul complained of chest pain around 9:45am. He was attending a meeting at the

divisional office at that time. Later he was rushed to the RMCH where doctors declared him dead, said Emdadul Haque, assistant sub-inspector of RMCH police outpost.

Zahidul, hailing from Suktail village in Sadar upazila of Gopalganj district, is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son. He joined as deputy commissioner of Chapainawabganj on January 26 last.
Theres been a potential new development in Zack McMaths vision for connecting local farmers with the hungry populace: delivery.

In an April story, Lowering the Cost of Buying Local, ABiz covered McMaths burgeoning Acadiana Food Hub on the northside. By providing turnkey consulting and storage services for Acadiana-area farmers and independent vendors, the food hub aims to break down many of the typical barriers to entry in the agriculture business. The operation has expanded to include sister DBAs Acadiana Commissary Kitchen, which provides certified kitchen space for mobile vendors, and Acadiana Incubator Kitchen, which serves to facilitate the development of new value-added products.

In keeping with the philosophy of making locally grown produce available directly to consumers, McMath is in preliminary talks with restaurant delivery service Waitr to take this vision to its logical extreme  home delivery of produce grown right here in our community.

I attended a live interview between Zachary Barker of Opportunity Machine and Chris Meaux, the creator of Waitr App, about Chris plans for the future of the app development company, McMath tells ABiz. Chris mentioned they had considered incorporating virtual grocery stores that would allow products to be ordered and delivered to the home or office. This really got my wheels turning as to the potential for interface with produce aggregation. This would be the perfect way to help small producers and artisans grow their market.

Lake Charles-based Waitr, which recently announced a major expansion of its Lafayette operations and plans to create 100 direct jobs, has quickly established itself as an in-demand service in the markets it serves. While the concept of a food hub is already uncharted territory in Louisiana, McMath sees home delivery as a piece of the puzzle he didnt even realize he was missing.

Its important to note that the two companies are still in the formative stages and havent yet reached an agreement, but both are excited about the potential collaboration. In McMaths rapidly evolving vision, Waitr would be a mechanism to get locally grown produce directly into the hands of consumers as an integral part of a virtual farmers market.

A partnership between the delivery company and the Acadiana Food Hub would complete the value chain from farmers all the way down to end users. No longer would people have to wait until the weekly farmers market of their choosing to get their hands on that coveted local produce  theyd simply browse the available goods from their phones, place the order, and have their groceries delivered within minutes.

Waitr could also help spin up experiments in new restaurant concepts. Consider the high costs of opening a restaurant  the property, the inventory and the marketing just to name a few. In McMaths vision, an aspiring restaurateur could rent space to spin up a new kind of pop-up dinner in the form of a virtual restaurant. For a few nights per week, the chef would do his cooking in the legally required commissary. Hed flip a switch within the Waitr software to signal to the public that the restaurant was available on a given night (presumably with some solid word-of-mouth backing it up.) Then, people could order the full menu for delivery directly from Acadiana Commissary Kitchen.

A successful few weekends via Waitr could help an entrepreneur make a good business case for his concept to a lender. This would enable a perspective restaurateur to test his concept before a huge investment and maybe gain some credit they could leverage into their own location in the future, without the upfront risk of a full restaurant build out and lease, McMath says.

Failure via this model would be much cheaper than going all-in and opening a restaurant. It could be a simple way for budding chefs to prove out their offerings in Lafayette, one of the most crowded culinary marketplaces in the world.

McMath sees his burgeoning operation as breaking down barriers to entry for farmers and artisans. The emerging professionals of today are increasingly dissuaded from the traditional corporate path, and self-reliance and entrepreneurship are now paramount values among young people.

As more determined visionaries strike out on their own in culinary and agricultural venues, the Acadiana Food Hub will nurture emerging business owners and serve as a launch pad for the next homegrown batch of big ideas.

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Roya Boustany, an assistant district attorney with the 15th JDC district attorneys office; George D. Dave Ernest III, an attorney with Hurlburt, Monroe & Ernest in Lafayette; and Bernard N. Marcantel and David E. Marcantel, attorneys with Marcantel, Marcantel, Wall & Pfeiffer in Jennings, have been named fellows of the Louisiana Bar Foundation.

Roya Boustany, an assistant district attorney with the 15th JDC district attorneys office; George D. Dave Ernest III, an attorney with Hurlburt, Monroe & Ernest in Lafayette; and Bernard N. Marcantel and David E. Marcantel, attorneys with Marcantel, Marcantel, Wall & Pfeiffer in Jennings, have been named fellows of the Louisiana Bar Foundation. Fellowship consists of judges, lawyers and law professors whose professional, public and private careers demonstrate their dedication to the improvement of the administration of justice. The nonprofit LBF is the largest state funder of legal aid, supporting programs that provide free legal services for the poor in all 64 parishes.

Katrena A. Porter and Brenton I. Mims have joined the law firm of Simien & Miniex as associate attorneys; both practices will concentrate on personal injury cases and outside counsel for a variety of clients. Porter is a graduate of UNO, where she earned a BA degree in anthropology. In May 2015 she received her juris doctorate from Southern University Law Center. Mims graduated from Southern University A&M College, earning a BA degree in history. In May 2015 he also received his juris doctorate from Southern University Law Center.

Dr. Dee Garrett, a pediatric surgeon with the Kids Specialty Center on the Womens & Childrens Hospital campus, has opened a Lake Charles clinic. Garrett joins fellow Kids Specialty Center Drs. Ammar Morad, Vukmir Vlasic and Ann Marie Flannery, who currently offer clinics in Lake Charles. Garrett sees patients at the clinic on the second Wednesday of each month. Garrett joined the Kids Specialty Center in January 2013 after completing a fellowship in pediatric surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland. After earning a medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, she did her general surgical residency at Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation in New Orleans. During her residency, Garrett obtained a doctorate in genetics from LSU Health Sciences Center. She completed a surgical critical care fellowship at Childrens Memorial Hospital in Chicago, a minimally invasive surgery fellowship at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, and a pediatric surgery fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

Mike Culpepper has been named digital developer at ad agency Prejean Creative. Culpepper develops and maintains client websites and mobile applications. The Shreveport native began his career at the agency as an intern while working toward a bachelor of science degree from UL Lafayette, with a concentration in business computing and informatics, and a minor in business. He graduated in May and has transitioned into this full-time staff position.

Lisa Lavergne has joined the Thomson Smith & Leach Insurance Groups Lafayette office as an account manager, selling and servicing a full array of personal lines products. She has 35 years of insurance experience, having worked with State Farm for 21 years and with Allstate for 12 years. The Milton native is working toward her Certified Insurance Service Representative designation.

For the third year in a row, Courtesy Ford of Breaux Bridge was recognized by the Ford Motor Company with the Presidents Award. This award, based soley on customer feedback, is earned by approximately 32 percent of Ford dealerships.

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Pre-purchase property inspection is a relatively new thing in the United Kingdom. Its not something that most people have heard about, but it has become increasingly popular over the last few years with the rise in property prices and increased demand for high quality homes.

What are the benefits of pre-purchase building inspection? What can you expect to find out when you pay someone else to inspect your home before you buy it? And what should you look for during an inspection?

Many people want to know if theyre buying a house thats been well maintained or if its had any serious problems. If youve found a place on the market that seems attractive, but then discover some issues after moving in, you may not be as excited about buying it as you thought you were.

Its important to do your due diligence when looking at properties. A lot goes into making a property appealing to potential buyers, from the landscaping to the flooring to the kitchen appliances. The same applies when inspecting a property  there are many things that need checking over to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Here are some of the benefits of performing a pre-purchase inspection:

You get to see exactly what will happen to your money

When you go shopping for a new car, youll probably be shown several different models. You might even be shown one that looks like a great value, but doesnt fit around all of the extra features that you want. When it comes time to actually buy the vehicle, however, you wont have seen how your money will be spent on it once you drive it off the showroom floor.

Likewise, when you shop for a new home, you dont really know what youre getting yourself into until you move in. In order to get a feel for whether the home youre considering is what you want, you normally have to spend quite a bit of time inside it. This allows you to learn more about everything that youre going to be spending your hard-earned cash on.

A pre-purchase building inspection gives you much the same kind of experience without having to spend thousands of dollars. Since youre paying for the service, you can expect to see exactly what youre paying for, instead of just seeing a vague idea of what you might end up with.

You find out about potential major repairs

Some buildings are very expensive to maintain, which means that owners often neglect them for the sake of saving money. While youre paying for a building inspection, youre also paying for a professional who knows how to spot signs of trouble and repair work that needs doing.

If you notice that a particular area of your new home needs fixing right away, you can call in an expert to take care of it quickly. If you find that theres something wrong with your boiler, you wont have to wait weeks for a plumber to come over and fix it. Instead, youll have access to a solution immediately.

You can save hundreds of pounds by finding out about potential problems early on

One of the biggest expenses when you first buy a home is the cost of moving in. Many people dont realize this until its too late. Buying a home involves not only paying for the actual house, but also for moving costs, furniture, and other items that have to be moved along with the home.

Having a good idea ahead of time of what youre likely to encounter can help you avoid these kinds of costs. If you know youll need to replace the plumbing system, for example, youll be able to put together a budget for the expense and plan accordingly.

You can protect your investment by finding out if the homes been well cared for

While there are plenty of people who think that houses always look better when theyre newly built, youd be surprised at how well maintained older residences can still look nice. Sometimes, though, those homes need some additional maintenance to keep them looking their best.

This could involve repairs that arent so noticeable or small improvements that you wouldnt consider otherwise. Even worse, some houses have fallen into disrepair without anyone noticing. This is why having a professional perform a building inspection prior to purchasing a home is such a big benefit.

Not only will it give you insight into the state of the property, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing youre not getting taken advantage of. As long as youre aware of the potential pitfalls, youll have less reason to worry about the state of your new home.

You can use information gathered during a building inspection to negotiate a lower price

If youre worried about buying a home because you suspect that it may need extensive renovation work, you may already have a rough idea of how much work youll need to do to bring it up to scratch. That knowledge can come in handy if you decide to buy the home.

You can use all of the details that you gather during a building inspection to present a realistic picture of what the home is worth to prospective buyers. If a potential buyer thinks that the home is worth more than what you paid for it, you can try negotiating a lower price.

You can sell your home faster and for more money

If you decide to list your home on the market soon after buying it, youll need to price it accurately in order to attract buyers. But if youve already done a thorough building inspection, youll know exactly what work is needed and what the current market conditions are.

In other words, youll be able to make a more accurate estimate of the amount of money youve invested in the home and how much its worth. If you find that youre selling your house for close to its full market value, you can use this information to convince the potential buyer that your home is worth the asking price.

Even if youre planning to stay in the home for a while before you decide to sell, the fact that you did a thorough building inspection will give you more confidence when listing it. Prospective buyers will know exactly what theyre paying for.

Your home will hold its value longer

As mentioned earlier, the value of a home depends heavily upon the condition of the building itself. If your home is in bad shape, potential buyers wont be interested in buying it. On the other hand, if youve performed a thorough building inspection and know what sort of repairs are necessary, you can offer your prospective buyer a compelling reason to invest in your property.

When you buy a home, youre essentially agreeing to have it inspected periodically to ensure that it stays in top shape. Not only does this allow you to avoid expensive repairs down the road, but it can also increase the value of your home.

You can make smart decisions about property investments

Buying real estate isnt as simple as just driving a couple of minutes to pick up a house. There are lots of considerations involved, ranging from location to cost. The same is true when youre investing in property.

If you find a house that meets all of your requirements, youll want to make sure that you have a solid understanding of where it stands with regards to the rest of the market. If you havent spent enough time researching the area, you could inadvertently end up with a bad deal.

There are lots of resources available online that can help you determine the overall level of competition in your area. They can also help you figure out if there are any properties that meet your requirements that you didnt know about.

If you own rental property, you can use the information to identify tenants who might cause damage

If you own rental property and youve noticed that certain tenants consistently cause damage, you can use the results of a building inspection to identify them. You can then contact them directly to let them know that youre watching them closely and that you dont appreciate the problem theyre causing.

They might start taking better care of their homes, which would be good news for everyone. It could also be the case that youll find out that theyre responsible for previous damages that werent caught during a previous visit.

You can make smarter decisions about hiring contractors

If youve hired contractors to build or repair your home, you might want to ask them for references. However, unless you perform a thorough building inspection, you might not know exactly what to look for.

For instance, maybe you only checked the roof for leaks or the walls for cracks. You might not have looked underneath the foundation for anything that could cause a future issue. By performing a building inspection, you can ensure that you hire reputable contractors who will be trustworthy with your money.

You can avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition

Of course, the main benefit of structural inspections perth is that it helps you avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition. Before you make the decision to buy a home, you should do whatever you can to find out about the state of the building.

You can also ask your realtor about what sorts of inspections are typically recommended. Some agents say that its standard practice to check the heating system, the roof, the electrical wiring, and the floors. Others will tell you that they recommend that you check the entire structure.

Either way, if you choose to hire an inspector, youll find out exactly what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost to do so.

As a result, it can be concluded that a pre-purchase building inspection is highly important for the buyers because it provides transparency regarding the current conditions of the structure. Additionally, the building owner is made aware of any upgrades or repairs that are required, which could lead to a fair deal throughout the purchasing and selling process.
President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia's economy in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine. The United States generally imports about 100,000 barrels a day from Russia, only about 5% of Russia's crude oil exports, according to Rystad Energy. Last year, roughly 8% of U.S. imports of oil and petroleum products came from Russia. Gas prices have been rising for weeks due to the conflict and in anticipation of potential sanctions on the Russian energy sector. The U.S. national average for a gallon of gasoline soared 45 cents a gallon in the past week and topped $4.06 on Monday, according to auto club AAA. Should the US ban Russian oil imports over Ukraine war?

You voted:
Palestinian families marching and remembering their loved ones murdered 34 years ago at Shatila camp, Beirut. Photo: Franklin Lamb

Shatila Palestinian Refugee camp, BeirutThe intense summer heat was gone and the evening was breezy and cool that fateful Thursday evening, September 15, 1982, according to survivors of the Sabra-Shatila Massacre who, 34 years later, still remember and recount many details of the slaughter that was soon to follow.It was following the 9/14/1982 assassination of President-elect Bachir Gemayel, leader of the Lebanese Forces militia and senior Kataeb Party official, that Israeli forces closed in with their tanks and blockaded the Shatila refugee camp and the adjacent Sabra neighborhood. By prearrangement with their Christian phalange allies, the Israeli invaders led the Kataeb affiliated Phalange militia from Beirut airport north two miles to inside the camp, in violation of their agreement with the US Reagan administration.The militias intent was to slaughter Palestinians but anyone they encountered including some Lebanese among others, became targets. What followed were nearly three days of slaughter, rape and dismemberment of the civilian population, men, women and children as the Christian militia penetrated the camp and conducted a frenzied, partly drug fueled, killing spree slaughtering an estimated 1, 800 to 3,500. The carnage was aided by Israeli forces that surrounded Shatila, lighted the night sky with flares turning the night into day, provided heavy equipment to bury and hide bodies, communicated with the Phalange terrorists and blocked camp residents from fleeing Shatila during the carnage while ushering reinforcement killer militia inside.Neither the Israeli organizers-facilitators nor their Lebanese designates were ever held accountable. The latters amnesty was assured by the political and moral corruption among the increasingly polarized sects in Lebanon. This fact transformed the killers and warlords into political lords, several of whom still hold political leadership positions with a couple vying to be Lebanons next President. Their past crimes seemingly long forgotten.In Lebanons 12 camps, among the Shatila Massacre victims family and community who along with international supporters, relive and re-examine the decades old massacre annually at Shatilas Martyrs Cemetery, there is increasing Despondency, Cynicism, and Determination.Despondency over the fact that Palestinians here in Lebanon and elsewhere are still awaiting justice, as Saeb Erekat, the Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) reminded the UN Security Council last weekend.Despondency over the fact that the government of Lebanon continues to outlaw the elementary civil rights to work or to own a home. Both fundamental human rights which by international law are granted to refugees in every country, except Lebanon which continues to flaunt its obligations under binding Treaty and Customary International Law.Sixty eight years after the 1948 Nakba and 49 years after the June 5, 1967 Naksa forced more than 100,000 Palestinians fleeing for their lives to seek refugee across the nearest border to their Zionist targeted homes and to enter Lebanon, despondency deepens. Refugees who crossed over from north Palestine into Syria were immediately granted full refugee rights but no civil rights still for Palestinians in Lebanon.Despondency over the fact that in their camps nearly every indicia of social well-being, including but not limited to, health care, social development, education, housing, security, and ability to earn money and care for their families, continue an accelerating downward spiral toward an abyss and with no reversal in sight.Armed Clashes in Ain el Hilweh camp, the largest in Lebanon and located 40 miles south of Beirut, between Fatah and an Islamist group led by Bilal Badr are continuing as of 9/22/2016 with other groups also fighting intermittently. One cause of the increased violence is the outlawing of the right to work and other civil rights which continue to be blocked by Lebanons Parliament. Despondency over the sounds of machine guns, bombs and rocket propelled grenades near a vegetable market and the camps al Fawqani Street where a taxi driver was murdered a few days ago, just as children started the school year. For two days this week, camp residents held a general strike in Ain al Hilweh to protest the recurrent killings. Violence is also on the increase in Lebanons other 11 Palestinian camps. Tensions fueled again by being deprived of the civil right to work and to own a home and feelings of general hopelessness over lack of opportunities among the despondent youth.Nearly three and one half decades since the 1982 Massacre, Cynicism is also widespread and growing among Lebanons Palestinians. With good reason. Few if any Palestinians this observer knows in Lebanon or Syria, have much confidence in the current leadership of the PLO. Or in politicians in the region, Arabs, Iranians, Turks or others, who continue to babble Resistance rhetoric while they collaborate with right wing anti-Palestinian officials in blocking Palestinian rights in Lebanon. Simultaneously with their varying political posturing while playing the Palestinian Card.Thirty-four years after the Sabra-Shatila Massacre, and ten years after the 2006 Devine Victory of the Lebanese Resistance, Cynicism is spreading. Hezbollah is now also openly criticized, even among a growing number of Shia, for playing the Palestinian Card while doing little if anything for the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.One hears in the camps increasingly, comments like these chronicled by two Palestinian Arab University students from Burj al Barajneh camp in south Beirut.What has the Resistance ever done for Palestinians in Lebanons 12 camps?Resistance begins at home by helping rebuild camp infrastructure not by attacking Yarmouk and other Palestinian camps in Syria or by besieging, starving, blocking humanitarian aid or killing Palestinian in Syria.The road to Al Quds is south and direct, it does not wind all over Syria.After May of 2000 when the Israeli were forced from Lebanon, we were grateful to Hezbollah and Hassan Nasrallah was much admired. Also in 2006 despite 1.300 civilian casualties. That respect and support has eroded due to Resistance projects in Syria.Few Palestinians or Syrians support the Resistance as they did before it invaded Syria.The Resistance has killed more Palestinians in Syria during the past five years than the Zionists have killed Palestinians over the past 68 years since the Nakba. What kind of Palestinian Resistance is this?Some of these strong comments may not be agreed to by many, but one way the Resistance  can help Palestinians in Lebanon regain confidence is if Hezbollah will take 90 minutes in Parliament, 60 minutes to grant Palestinian refugees in Lebanon the same elementary civil right to work that every other Resistance movement and country grants refugees.Hezbollah can then use the remaining 30 minutes in Parliament to repeal the racist 2001 law that forbids any Palestinian from owning a home outside one of Lebanons squalid and deteriorating camps. Resistance actions speak louder than just Resistance words. Ninety minutes and the political will to push Parliament will unblock the elementary civil rights to work and to own a home for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. It is all that Palestinians in Lebanon ask of Hezbollah to be true to their cause.Against this backdrop of Despondency and Cynicism one feels in the camps also a remarkable Determination to Return to Palestine. This observer observes a similar determination among a newer influx of refugees in Lebanon, those from Syria.Virtually every Syrian refugee I have encountered in Lebanon or elsewhere wants one thing. For the civil war in their country to end so that they can return to beloved Syria. The Lebanese politicians who regularly bleat about the Palestinian and Syrian refugees taking over this sinking country hide from their supporters the fact that few if any of these refugees-Syrian or Palestinian- want to remain in Lebanon one day longer than absolutely necessary.As part of a deepening Determination to Return, a third Intifada is increasingly being discussed. But it will likely not be confined to occupied Palestinian territory but rather will involve many of the 4 million Palestinians in the Diaspora and well as their growing number of international supporters. It will be led by Palestinians themselves not the Arabs or international community who have mouthed some slogans and nodded but have done little if anything at all to advance Full Return.Thirty four years after the 1982 Massacre at Sabra-Shatila, the dream of Return to Palestine endures, and the struggle for Full Return shall never die. Not until the victims of 34 years ago in Beirut, and all Palestinians martyred before and after the 1948 Nakba receive posthumous justice. Determination among Palestinians in Lebanon to Return exceeds their Despondency and Cynicism caused by injustice. And it gives rise to hope for a better future.
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"Journalism is the continuation of war by other means" is exposed as a fake quote by mainstream media journalists

Congressional Democrats: "We cannot just simply replace Obamacare with freedom because then millions of Americans will suddenly become free"

Schoolchildren jailed for building only white snowmen

Obama's reckless attacks on Russia serve as recruitment tool to create more Russian hackers

Hillary: "I lost, so I'm going to follow our democratic traditions, poison the wells, and scorch the earth"

Children in Venezuela cook and eat their Christmas toys

Hillary: "I can hack Russia from my bathroom"

Hillary suggests to counter "fake news" with government newspaper called "Truth" ("Pravda" for Russian speakers)

BREAKING: Millions of uncounted votes found on Hillary's private voting machine in her Chappaqua bathroom

New York Times: Fidel Castro world's sexiest corpse

After years of trial and error, CIA finally succeeds with the "waiting it out" technique on Fidel Castro

Post-election shopping tip: look for the PoliticsFree label at your local grocer to make sure you don't buy from companies that don't want your business anymore

In Hillary's America, email server scrubs you

Obama transfers his Nobel Peace Prize to anti-Trump rioters

Democrats blame Hillary's criminal e-mail server for her loss, demand it face prison

Afraid of "dangerous" Trump presidency, protesters pre-emptively burn America down to the ground

Clinton Foundation in foreclosure as foreign donors demand refunds

Hillary Clinton blames YouTube video for unexpected and spontaneous voter uprising that prevented her inevitable move into the White House

Sudden rise in sea levels explained by disproportionately large tears shed by climate scientists in the aftermath of Trump's electoral victory

FBI director Comey delighted after receiving Nobel Prize for Speed Reading (650,000 emails in one week)

U.N. deploys troops to American college campuses in order to combat staggeringly low rape rates

Responding to Trump's surging poll numbers, Obama preemptively pardons himself for treason

Following hurricane Matthew's failure to devastate Florida, activists flock to the Sunshine State and destroy Trump signs manually

Tim Kaine takes credit for interrupting hurricane Matthew while debating weather in Florida

Study: Many non-voters still undecided on how they're not going to vote

The Evolution of Dissent: on November 8th the nation is to decide whether dissent will stop being racist and become sexist - or it will once again be patriotic as it was for 8 years under George W. Bush

Venezuela solves starvation problem by making it mandatory to buy food

Breaking: the Clinton Foundation set to investigate the FBI

Obama captures rare Pokemon while visiting Hiroshima

Movie news: 'The Big Friendly Giant Government' flops at box office; audiences say "It's creepy"

Barack Obama: "If I had a son, he'd look like Micah Johnson"

White House edits Orlando 911 transcript to say shooter pledged allegiance to NRA and Republican Party

President George Washington: 'Redcoats do not represent British Empire; King George promotes a distorted version of British colonialism'

Following Obama's 'Okie-Doke' speech, stock of Okie-Doke soars; NASDAQ: 'Obama best Okie-Doke salesman'

Weaponized baby formula threatens Planned Parenthood office; ACLU demands federal investigation of Gerber

Experts: melting Antarctic glacier could cause sale levels to rise up to 80% off select items by this weekend

Travel advisory: airlines now offering flights to front of TSA line

As Obama instructs his administration to get ready for presidential transition, Trump preemptively purchases 'T' keys for White House keyboards

John Kasich self-identifies as GOP primary winner, demands access to White House bathroom

Upcoming Trump/Kelly interview on FoxNews sponsored by 'Let's Make a Deal' and 'The Price is Right'

News from 2017: once the evacuation of Lena Dunham and 90% of other Hollywood celebrities to Canada is confirmed, Trump resigns from presidency: "My work here is done"

Non-presidential candidate Paul Ryan pledges not to run for president in new non-presidential non-ad campaign

Trump suggests creating 'Muslim database'; Obama symbolically protests by shredding White House guest logs beginning 2009

National Enquirer: John Kasich's real dad was the milkman, not mailman

National Enquirer: Bound delegates from Colorado, Wyoming found in Ted Cruzs basement

Iran breaks its pinky-swear promise not to support terrorism; US State Department vows rock-paper-scissors strategic response

Women across the country cheer as racist Democrat president on $20 bill is replaced by black pro-gun Republican

Federal Reserve solves budget crisis by writing itself a 20-trillion-dollar check

Widows, orphans claim responsibility for Brussels airport bombing

Che Guevara's son hopes Cuba's communism will rub off on US, proposes a long list of people the government should execute first

Susan Sarandon: "I don't vote with my vagina." Voters in line behind her still suspicious, use hand sanitizer

Campaign memo typo causes Hillary to court 'New Black Panties' vote

New Hampshire votes for socialist Sanders, changes state motto to "Live FOR Free or Die"

Martin O'Malley drops out of race after Iowa Caucus; nation shocked with revelation he has been running for president

Statisticians: one out of three Bernie Sanders supporters is just as dumb as the other two

Hillary campaign denies accusations of smoking-gun evidence in her emails, claims they contain only smoking-circumstantial-gun evidence

Obama stops short of firing US Congress upon realizing the difficulty of assembling another group of such tractable yes-men

In effort to contol wild passions for violent jihad, White House urges gun owners to keep their firearms covered in gun burkas

TV horror live: A Charlie Brown Christmas gets shot up on air by Mohammed cartoons

Democrats vow to burn the country down over Ted Cruz statement, 'The overwhelming majority of violent criminals are Democrats'

Russia's trend to sign bombs dropped on ISIS with "This is for Paris" found response in Obama administration's trend to sign American bombs with "Return to sender"

University researchers of cultural appropriation quit upon discovery that their research is appropriation from a culture that created universities

Archeologists discover remains of what Barack Obama has described as unprecedented, un-American, and not-who-we-are immigration screening process in Ellis Island

Mizzou protests lead to declaring entire state a "safe space," changing Missouri motto to "The don't show me state"

Green energy fact: if we put all green energy subsidies together in one-dollar bills and burn them, we could generate more electricity than has been produced by subsidized green energy

State officials improve chances of healthcare payouts by replacing ObamaCare with state lottery

NASA's new mission to search for racism, sexism, and economic inequality in deep space suffers from race, gender, and class power struggles over multibillion-dollar budget

College progress enforcement squads issue schematic humor charts so students know if a joke may be spontaneously laughed at or if regulations require other action

ISIS opens suicide hotline for US teens depressed by climate change and other progressive doomsday scenarios

Virginia county to close schools after teacher asks students to write 'death to America' in Arabic

'Wear hijab to school day' ends with spontaneous female circumcision and stoning of a classmate during lunch break

ISIS releases new, even more barbaric video in an effort to regain mantle from Planned Parenthood

Impressed by Fox News stellar rating during GOP debates, CNN to use same formula on Democrat candidates asking tough, pointed questions about Republicans

Shocking new book explores pros and cons of socialism, discovers they are same people

Pope outraged by Planned Parenthood's "unfettered capitalism," demands equal redistribution of baby parts to each according to his need

John Kerry accepts Iran's "Golden Taquiyya" award, requests jalapenos on the side

Citizens of Pluto protest US government's surveillance of their planetoid and its moons with New Horizons space drone

John Kerry proposes 3-day waiting period for all terrorist nations trying to acquire nuclear weapons

Chicago Police trying to identify flag that caused nine murders and 53 injuries in the city this past weekend

Cuba opens to affordable medical tourism for Americans who can't afford Obamacare deductibles

State-funded research proves existence of Quantum Aggression Particles (Heterons) in Large Hadron Collider

Student job opportunities: make big bucks this summer as Hillarys Ordinary-American; all expenses paid, travel, free acting lessons

Experts debate whether Iranian negotiators broke John Kerry's leg or he did it himself to get out of negotiations

Junior Varsity takes Ramadi, advances to quarterfinals

US media to GOP pool of candidates: 'Knowing what we know now, would you have had anything to do with the founding of the United States?'

NY Mayor to hold peace talks with rats, apologize for previous Mayor's cowboy diplomacy

China launches cube-shaped space object with a message to aliens: "The inhabitants of Earth will steal your intellectual property, copy it, manufacture it in sweatshops with slave labor, and sell it back to you at ridiculously low prices"

Progressive scientists: Truth is a variable deduced by subtracting 'what is' from 'what ought to be'

Experts agree: Hillary Clinton best candidate to lessen percentage of Americans in top 1%

America's attempts at peace talks with the White House continue to be met with lies, stalling tactics, and bad faith

Starbucks new policy to talk race with customers prompts new hashtag #DontHoldUpTheLine

Hillary: DELETE is the new RESET

Charlie Hebdo receives Islamophobe 2015 award; the cartoonists could not be reached for comment due to their inexplicable, illogical deaths

Russia sends 'reset' button back to Hillary: 'You need it now more than we do'

Barack Obama finds out from CNN that Hillary Clinton spent four years being his Secretary of State

President Obama honors Leonard Nimoy by taking selfie in front of Starship Enterprise

Police: If Obama had a convenience store, it would look like Obama Express Food Market

Study finds stunning lack of racial, gender, and economic diversity among middle-class white males

NASA: We're 80% sure about being 20% sure about being 17% sure about being 38% sure about 2014 being the hottest year on record

People holding '$15 an Hour Now' posters sue Democratic party demanding raise to $15 an hour for rendered professional protesting services

Cuba-US normalization: US tourists flock to see Cuba before it looks like the US and Cubans flock to see the US before it looks like Cuba

White House describes attacks on Sony Pictures as 'spontaneous hacking in response to offensive video mocking Juche and its prophet'

CIA responds to Democrat calls for transparency by releasing the director's cut of The Making Of Obama's Birth Certificate

Obama: 'If I had a city, it would look like Ferguson'

Biden: 'If I had a Ferguson (hic), it would look like a city'

Obama signs executive order renaming 'looters' to 'undocumented shoppers'

Ethicists agree: two wrongs do make a right so long as Bush did it first

The aftermath of the 'War on Women 2014' finds a new 'Lost Generation' of disillusioned Democrat politicians, unable to cope with life out of office

White House: Republican takeover of the Senate is a clear mandate from the American people for President Obama to rule by executive orders

Nurse Kaci Hickox angrily tells reporters that she won't change her clocks for daylight savings time

Democratic Party leaders in panic after recent poll shows most Democratic voters think 'midterm' is when to end pregnancy

Desperate Democratic candidates plead with Obama to stop backing them and instead support their GOP opponents

Ebola Czar issues five-year plan with mandatory quotas of Ebola infections per each state based on voting preferences

Study: crony capitalism is to the free market what the Westboro Baptist Church is to Christianity

Fun facts about world languages: the Left has more words for statism than the Eskimos have for snow

African countries to ban all flights from the United States because "Obama is incompetent, it scares us"

Nobel Peace Prize controversy: Hillary not nominated despite having done even less than Obama to deserve it

Obama: 'Ebola is the JV of viruses'

BREAKING: Secret Service foils Secret Service plot to protect Obama

Revised 1st Amendment: buy one speech, get the second free

Sharpton calls on white NFL players to beat their women in the interests of racial fairness

President Obama appoints his weekly approval poll as new national security adviser

Obama wags pen and phone at Putin; Europe offers support with powerful pens and phones from NATO members

White House pledges to embarrass ISIS back to the Stone Age with a barrage of fearsome Twitter messages and fatally ironic Instagram photos

Obama to fight ISIS with new federal Terrorist Regulatory Agency

Obama vows ISIS will never raise their flag over the eighteenth hole

Harry Reid: "Sometimes I say the wong thing"

Elian Gonzalez wishes he had come to the U.S. on a bus from Central America like all the other kids

Obama visits US-Mexican border, calls for a two-state solution

Obama draws "blue line" in Iraq after Putin took away his red crayon

"Hard Choices," a porno flick loosely based on Hillary Clinton's memoir and starring Hillary Hellfire as a drinking, whoring Secretary of State, wildly outsells the flabby, sagging original

Accusations of siding with the enemy leave Sgt. Bergdahl with only two options: pursue a doctorate at Berkley or become a Senator from Massachusetts

Jay Carney stuck in line behind Eric Shinseki to leave the White House; estimated wait time from 15 min to 6 weeks

100% of scientists agree that if man-made global warming were real, "the last people we'd want to help us is the Obama administration"

Jay Carney says he found out that Obama found out that he found out that Obama found out that he found out about the latest Obama administration scandal on the news

"Anarchy Now!" meeting turns into riot over points of order, bylaws, and whether or not 'kicking the #^@&*! ass' of the person trying to speak is or is not violence

Obama retaliates against Putin by prohibiting unionized federal employees from dating hot Russian girls online during work hours

Russian separatists in Ukraine riot over an offensive YouTube video showing the toppling of Lenin statues

"Free Speech Zones" confuse Obamaphone owners who roam streets in search of additional air minutes

Obamacare bolsters employment for professionals with skills to convert meth back into sudafed

Gloves finally off: Obama uses pen and phone to cancel Putin's Netflix account

Joe Biden to Russia: "We will bury you by turning more of Eastern Europe over to your control!"

In last-ditch effort to help Ukraine, Obama deploys Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson's Rainbow Coalition to Crimea

Al Sharpton: "Not even Putin can withstand our signature chanting, 'racist, sexist, anti-gay, Russian army go away'!"

Mardi Gras in North Korea: "Throw me some food!"

Obama's foreign policy works: "War, invasion, and conquest are signs of weakness; we've got Putin right where we want him"

US offers military solution to Ukraine crisis: "We will only fight countries that have LGBT military"

Putin annexes Brighton Beach to protect ethnic Russians in Brooklyn, Obama appeals to UN and EU for help

The 1980s: "Mr. Obama, we're just calling to ask if you want our foreign policy back. The 1970s are right here with us, and they're wondering, too."

In a stunning act of defiance, Obama courageously unfriends Putin on Facebook

MSNBC: Obama secures alliance with Austro-Hungarian Empire against Russias aggression in Ukraine

Study: springbreak is to STDs what April 15th is to accountants

Efforts to achieve moisture justice for California thwarted by unfair redistribution of snow in America

North Korean voters unanimous: "We are the 100%"

Leader of authoritarian gulag-site, The People's Cube, unanimously 're-elected' with 100% voter turnout

Super Bowl: Obama blames Fox News for Broncos' loss

Feminist author slams gay marriage: "a man needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle"

Beverly Hills campaign heats up between Henry Waxman and Marianne Williamson over the widening income gap between millionaires and billionaires in their district

Biden to lower $10,000-a-plate Dinner For The Homeless to $5,000 so more homeless can attend

Kim becomes world leader, feeds uncle to dogs; Obama eats dogs, becomes world leader, America cries uncle

North Korean leader executes own uncle for talking about Obamacare at family Christmas party

White House hires part-time schizophrenic Mandela sign interpreter to help sell Obamacare

Kim Jong Un executes own "crazy uncle" to keep him from ruining another family Christmas

OFA admits its advice for area activists to give Obamacare Talk at shooting ranges was a bad idea

President resolves Obamacare debacle with executive order declaring all Americans equally healthy

Obama to Iran: "If you like your nuclear program, you can keep your nuclear program"

Bovine community outraged by flatulence coming from Washington DC

Obama: "I'm not particularly ideological; I believe in a good pragmatic five-year plan"

Shocker: Obama had no knowledge he'd been reelected until he read about it in the local newspaper last week

Server problems at HealthCare.gov so bad, it now flashes 'Error 808' message

NSA marks National Best Friend Day with official announcement: "Government is your best friend; we know you like no one else, we're always there, we're always willing to listen"

Al Qaeda cancels attack on USA citing launch of Obamacare as devastating enough

The President's latest talking point on Obamacare: "I didn't build that"

Dizzy with success, Obama renames his wildly popular healthcare mandate to HillaryCare

Carney: huge ObamaCare deductibles won't look as bad come hyperinflation

Washington Redskins drop 'Washington' from their name as offensive to most Americans

Poll: 83% of Americans favor cowboy diplomacy over rodeo clown diplomacy

GOVERNMENT WARNING: If you were able to complete ObamaCare form online, it wasn't a legitimate gov't website; you should report online fraud and change all your passwords

Obama administration gets serious, threatens Syria with ObamaCare

Obama authorizes the use of Vice President Joe Biden's double-barrel shotgun to fire a couple of blasts at Syria

Sharpton: "British royals should have named baby 'Trayvon.' By choosing 'George' they sided with white Hispanic racist Zimmerman"

DNC launches 'Carlos Danger' action figure; proceeds to fund a charity helping survivors of the Republican War on Women

Nancy Pelosi extends abortion rights to the birds and the bees

Hubble discovers planetary drift to the left

Obama: 'If I had a daughter-in-law, she would look like Rachael Jeantel'

FISA court rubberstamps statement denying its portrayal as government's rubber stamp

Every time ObamaCare gets delayed, a Julia somewhere dies

GOP to Schumer: 'Force full implementation of ObamaCare before 2014 or Dems will never win another election'

Obama: 'If I had a son... no, wait, my daughter can now marry a woman!'

Janet Napolitano: TSA findings reveal that since none of the hijackers were babies, elderly, or Tea Partiers, 9/11 was not an act of terrorism

News Flash: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) can see Canada from South Dakota

Susan Rice: IRS actions against tea parties caused by anti-tax YouTube video that was insulting to their faith

Drudge Report reduces font to fit all White House scandals onto one page

Obama: the IRS is a constitutional right, just like the Second Amendment

White House: top Obama officials using secret email accounts a result of bad IT advice to avoid spam mail from Nigeria

Jay Carney to critics: 'Pinocchio never said anything inconsistent'

Obama: If I had a gay son, he'd look like Jason Collins

Gosnell's office in Benghazi raided by the IRS: mainstream media's worst cover-up challenge to date

IRS targeting pro-gay-marriage LGBT groups leads to gayest tax revolt in U.S. history

After Arlington Cemetery rejects offer to bury Boston bomber, Westboro Babtist Church steps up with premium front lawn plot

Boston: Obama Administration to reclassify marathon bombing as 'sportsplace violence'

Study: Success has many fathers but failure becomes a government program

US Media: Can Pope Francis possibly clear up Vatican bureaucracy and banking without blaming the previous administration?

Michelle Obama praises weekend rampage by Chicago teens as good way to burn calories and stay healthy

This Passover, Obama urges his subjects to paint lamb's blood above doors in order to avoid the Sequester



White House to American children: Sequester causes layoffs among hens that lay Easter eggs; union-wage Easter Bunnies to be replaced by Mexican Chupacabras

Time Mag names Hugo Chavez world's sexiest corpse

Boy, 8, pretends banana is gun, makes daring escape from school

Study: Free lunches overpriced, lack nutrition

Oscars 2013: Michelle Obama announces long-awaited merger of Hollywood and the State

Joe Salazar defends the right of women to be raped in gun-free environment: 'rapists and rapees should work together to prevent gun violence for the common good'

Dept. of Health and Human Services eliminates rape by reclassifying assailants as 'undocumented sex partners'

Kremlin puts out warning not to photoshop Putin riding meteor unless bare-chested

Deeming football too violent, Obama moves to introduce Super Drone Sundays instead

Japan offers to extend nuclear umbrella to cover U.S. should America suffer devastating attack on its own defense spending

Feminists organize one billion women to protest male oppression with one billion lap dances

Urban community protests Mayor Bloomberg's ban on extra-large pop singers owning assault weapons

Concerned with mounting death toll, Taliban offers to send peacekeeping advisers to Chicago

Karl Rove puts an end to Tea Party with new 'Republicans For Democrats' strategy aimed at losing elections

Answering public skepticism, President Obama authorizes unlimited drone attacks on all skeet targets throughout the country

Skeet Ulrich denies claims he had been shot by President but considers changing his name to 'Traps'

White House releases new exciting photos of Obama standing, sitting, looking thoughtful, and even breathing in and out

New York Times hacked by Chinese government, Paul Krugman's economic policies stolen

White House: when President shoots skeet, he donates the meat to food banks that feed the middle class

To prove he is serious, Obama eliminates armed guard protection for President, Vice-President, and their families; establishes Gun-Free Zones around them instead

State Dept to send 100,000 American college students to China as security for US debt obligations

Jay Carney: Al Qaeda is on the run, they're just running forward

President issues executive orders banning cliffs, ceilings, obstructions, statistics, and other notions that prevent us from moving forwards and upward

Fearing the worst, Obama Administration outlaws the fan to prevent it from being hit by certain objects

World ends; S&P soars

Riddle of universe solved; answer not understood

Meek inherit Earth, can't afford estate taxes

Greece abandons Euro; accountants find Greece has no Euros anyway

Wheel finally reinvented; axles to be gradually reinvented in 3rd quarter of 2013

Bigfoot found in Ohio, mysteriously not voting for Obama

As Santa's workshop files for bankruptcy, Fed offers bailout in exchange for control of 'naughty and nice' list

Freak flying pig accident causes bacon to fly off shelves

Obama: green economy likely to transform America into a leading third world country of the new millennium

Report: President Obama to visit the United States in the near future

Obama promises to create thousands more economically neutral jobs

Modernizing Islam: New York imam proposes to canonize Saul Alinsky as religion's latter day prophet

Imam Rauf's peaceful solution: 'Move Ground Zero a few blocks away from the mosque and no one gets hurt'

Study: Obama's threat to burn tax money in Washington 'recruitment bonanza' for Tea Parties

Study: no Social Security reform will be needed if gov't raises retirement age to at least 814 years

Obama attends church service, worships self

Obama proposes national 'Win The Future' lottery; proceeds of new WTF Powerball to finance more gov't spending

Historical revisionists: "Hey, you never know"

Vice President Biden: criticizing Egypt is un-pharaoh

Israelis to Egyptian rioters: "don't damage the pyramids, we will not rebuild"

Lake Superior renamed Lake Inferior in spirit of tolerance and inclusiveness

Al Gore: It's a shame that a family can be torn apart by something as simple as a pack of polar bears

Michael Moore: As long as there is anyone with money to shake down, this country is not broke

Obama's teleprompters unionize, demand collective bargaining rights

Obama calls new taxes 'spending reductions in tax code.' Elsewhere rapists tout 'consent reductions in sexual intercourse'

Obama's teleprompter unhappy with White House Twitter: "Too few words"

Obama's Regulation Reduction committee finds US Constitution to be expensive outdated framework inefficiently regulating federal gov't

Taking a page from the Reagan years, Obama announces new era of Perestroika and Glasnost

Responding to Oslo shootings, Obama declares Christianity "Religion of Peace," praises "moderate Christians," promises to send one into space

Republicans block Obama's $420 billion program to give American families free charms that ward off economic bad luck

White House to impose Chimney tax on Santa Claus

Obama decrees the economy is not soaring as much as previously decreeed

Conservative think tank introduces children to capitalism with pop-up picture book "The Road to Smurfdom"

Al Gore proposes to combat Global Warming by extracting silver linings from clouds in Earth's atmosphere

Obama refutes charges of him being unresponsive to people's suffering: "When you pray to God, do you always hear a response?"

Obama regrets the US government didn't provide his mother with free contraceptives when she was in college

Fluke to Congress: drill, baby, drill!

Planned Parenthood introduces Frequent Flucker reward card: 'Come again soon!'

Obama to tornado victims: 'We inherited this weather from the previous administration'

Obama congratulates Putin on Chicago-style election outcome

People's Cube gives itself Hero of Socialist Labor medal in recognition of continued expert advice provided to the Obama Administration helping to shape its foreign and domestic policies

Hamas: Israeli air defense unfair to 99% of our missiles, "only 1% allowed to reach Israel"

Democrat strategist: without government supervision, women would have never evolved into humans

Voters Without Borders oppose Texas new voter ID law

Enraged by accusation that they are doing Obama's bidding, media leaders demand instructions from White House on how to respond

Obama blames previous Olympics for failure to win at this Olympics

Official: China plans to land on Moon or at least on cheap knockoff thereof

Koran-Contra: Obama secretly arms Syrian rebels

Poll: Progressive slogan 'We should be more like Europe' most popular with members of American Nazi Party

Obama to Evangelicals: Jesus saves, I just spend

May Day: Anarchists plan, schedule, synchronize, and execute a coordinated campaign against all of the above

Midwestern farmers hooked on new erotic novel "50 Shades of Hay"

Study: 99% of Liberals give the rest a bad name

Obama meets with Jewish leaders, proposes deeper circumcisions for the rich

Historians: Before HOPE & CHANGE there was HEMP & CHOOM at ten bucks a bag

Cancer once again fails to cure Venezuela of its "President for Life"

Tragic spelling error causes Muslim protesters to burn local boob-tube factory

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu: due to energy conservation, the light at the end of the tunnel will be switched off

Obama Administration running food stamps across the border with Mexico in an operation code-named "Fat And Furious"

Pakistan explodes in protest over new Adobe Acrobat update; 17 local acrobats killed

White House: "Let them eat statistics"

Special Ops: if Benedict Arnold had a son, he would look like Barack Obama







AD GOES HERE
As the debate over worker rights rages on in Springfield, public support for unions might be flagging.

Most registered Illinois voters say they hold a favorable view of labor unions, but the electorate is divided on how much influence unions should have, according to a new poll by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The poll found that more than half  57 percent  of the 1,000 voters surveyed had at least a somewhat favorable view of labor unions, while only 36 percent had an unfavorable view.

But voters are split over how much political influence labor unions should wield. Thirty percent said unions should have more influence, 29 percent said they should uphold their current level of influence and 36 percent said they should have less influence.

Gov. Bruce Rauner has sought to diminish the power of public- and private-sector labor unions throughout his time in office, advocating for right-to-work laws and charging unions with driving up the states budget deficit.

Right-to-work, or open shop, laws are statutes that allow workers to opt out of paying union membership dues and fees.

Union membership rates have declined precipitously over the last few decades. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly one-third of workers belonged to unions 50 years ago. Today, its just one in 10 American workers.

It stands to reason that public support has weakened along with membership rates, said John Jackson, a visiting professor at the Institute who worked on the poll.

The numbers of people who are union members have gone down fairly dramatically, and that means, of course, by inference, the numbers of people in union households  have gone down, Jackson said. Basically the unions have been losing support in public opinion terms, as well as in dues paid and in numbers of people, et cetera  thats true in Illinois and virtually nationwide.

There were some notable differences along party lines: 75 percent of self-described liberals and 73 percent of Democrats held favorable views of unions, while only 37 percent of conservatives and Republicans did.

Marginalized groups tend to call for greater union influence, the survey authors noted. Forty-nine percent of African Americans said unions should have more influence, compared to 26 percent of whites.

Income appears to play a role, too. Forty percent of people with household incomes below $50,000 would like to see unions wield more influence, compared to just 24 percent of people with incomes more than $100,000.

Right-to-work laws

The survey, which was conducted Sept. 27 to Oct. 2, also asked respondents about their views on right-to-work laws. Voters preferred them two-to-one, 48 percent to 24 percent. More than a quarter of respondents  28 percent  answered other/dont know, which was surprising, said Jackson.

That would seem a little high, given how much we have thought about (right-to-work laws) in a national sense and certainly how much its become an issue in Illinois, he said. People, if they are not directly impacted or sometimes even if they are, dont pay attention to the details of public policy.

But that viewpoint changed when interviewers explained right-to-work laws and fair share laws in side-by-side statements. In that scenario, 50 percent supported the right-to-work statement, 44 percent supported the fair share statement and just 4 percent said they didnt know.

Charlie Leonard, a visiting professor and one of the designers of the poll, said it was interesting that some Illinoisans held a favorable view of unions but preferred policies that unions dislike.

I think this has to be in part because declining membership in unions leaves fewer people with the experience of the gains theyve won for workers, he said in a statement that accompanied the polls findings. And opposition to union influence has been a drumbeat message from business groups and Chamber of Commerce organizations.

There are currently 26 states with right-to-work laws.

It is only a tool to weaken the unions so they cant take care of the members that they have, and they lose all of their clout and bargaining ability by their members not paying dues. Thats how the right wing has figured out to pull our feet out from under us, said Kevin Starr, business manager at Laborers Union of North America Local 773.

Starr said that right-to-work laws have crippled economies in states like Wisconsin, and that unions bolster health care, wages and education. Contractors in right-to-work states also wind up having to provide more training to the people they hire, which costs more for the state.

The old selling point that it helps the economy, it just doesnt hold water, he said.
COLUMBIA  South Carolina learned a lot of lessons from the historic flood of 2015, lessons tested as Hurricane Matthew slammed the states coast and caused flooding to the north that is now gushing through South Carolinas rivers en route to the coast.

The first lesson is: When the National Weather Service and other forecasters say 12 inches of rain is coming to your state, listen. Be prepared, said Jill Stewart, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, told attendees of the S.C. Water Resources Conference on Wednesday.

Lesson No. 2: Communicate early and often. As the weather forecast worsened, DHEC contacted dam owners across the state with tips and steps for dam monitoring, said Stewart, the agencys director of dam safety and stormwater permitting. As of Tuesday, 15 dams had breached. After the flood a year ago, 51 regulated and unregulated dams had breached, Stewart said.

Stewart was among the state and federal officials, scientists and other speakers at the conference to share insights from the historic of flood of 2015 and discuss South Carolinas response, readiness and recovery efforts for another significant weather event.

The fifth biennial conference brings experts together to communicate new research methods and scientific knowledge; educate scientists, engineers and water professionals; and disseminate useful information to policymakers, water managers, industry stakeholders, citizen groups and the public.

Nearly 350 people registered for the conference, which includes four plenary sessions, 36 breakout sessions and 108 oral presentations and examine an array of poster presentations. The conference is organized into seven tracks, including: Water Policy and Planning; Surface Water and Groundwater Systems; Stormwater; Hydrologic Monitoring and Modeling; Climate, Floods and Drought; Infrastructure; and Coastal and Estuarine Systems.

Stewarts No. 3 lesson: Collect, evaluate and share data to help agencies and communities prepare.

We thought we would have a little more time to learn from our lessons, but unfortunately we didnt, Stewart said.

Clemson University is working to create a program to continuously assess South Carolinas capacity to provide water for sustainable agricultural, recreational, industrial, municipal and residential use, said Jeffery Allen, director of the universitys South Carolina Water Resources Center.

The program will provide an objective source of data using the latest technologies to project future needs, capacity and impacts. This science-based information would be crucial to developing sustainable strategies for protecting and providing water resources for South Carolinas growing economy and population, Allen said. Were working hard in this state to make sure we dont have an albatross of water problems tied around our neck.

While flood response has been tested, drought remains a concern. Before the 2015 flood hit, 35 South Carolina counties were declared primary natural disaster areas by the federal government due to drought.

The potential for future droughts coupled with increased water demand as populations rise underscore the need for water resource planning, said Scott Harder of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. DNR and DHEC, with assistance from Clemson University, are in the midst of a study to assess the amount of surface water available in the states eight river basins. That information could be available by the end of the year, he said. An assessment of ground water availability will follow, along with forecasts of future water demand, to create regional water resource plans, Harder said. That information will help identify areas that would be stressed in periods of drought and plan accordingly.

We need to be prepared for more severe drought in the future, Harder said.

Future floods are likely as well. Toby Feaster, hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, pointed out that while the 2015 flood was described as a 1,000-year event, on the Congaree River, it ranked just eighth out of the 123 events recorded since the 1850s.

In August 1908, the Congaree crested at 39.8 feet and pushed 364,000 cubic feet of water per second. By comparison, the Congaree crested at 31.8 feet and pushed 185,000 cubic feet of water during the 2015 flood. Thats still enough water to fill two Olyimpic-sized swimming pools every second.

Last year was devastating, but it has happened before and its likely to happen again, Feaster said.
COLUMBIA  South Carolina needs reliable information on water availability, use and quality to enact measures to protect the key environmental resource, legislators told attendees of the S.C. Water Resources Conference Thursday.

Sen. Paul Campbell said the state will need to invest in data-collection methods and technologies that will inform state policy on water withdrawals and discharges, referencing the Intelligent River project at Clemson University that uses sensors to provide real-time data on water flow and quality.

It would give us a scientific base for how we can treat water discharges and withdrawals, said Campbell, who moderated the panel discussion with Sens. Vincent Sheheen and Danny Verdin and Reps. Russell Ott and Roger Kirby. We take for granted that water is here for us, water for drinking, water for manufacturing, water for recreation, water to grow crops. This resource will go away if we dont manage it and control it.

Clemson is working to expand its research on water with a program that would utilize the latest technologies in sensing and monitoring to provide real-time information on water availability for sustainable agricultural, recreational, industrial, municipal and residential use. The program would support assessment procedures and management guidelines outlined in the South Carolina Water Plan, said Jeffery Allen, chairman of the S.C. Water Resources Conference and director of Clemsons South Carolina Water Resources Center.

We need an objective source of data for projecting future needs, capacity and impacts, Allen said.

Responding to a question about the likelihood of new regulations on surface or groundwater withdrawals, Ott said, I dont want to make decisions and pass legislation without having good information to base that on. Thats something we just havent had.

Additionally, Ott said the general public needs to share in the responsibility to conserve water, rather than placing the burden on farmers and manufacturers.

Thats where we waste a lot of water, Ott said. Farmers arent wasting water because every drop is costing them money. Industry is not wasting water because its a cost for them too. If we want real savings in our water, we have to get our general public involved.

Said Verdin: If government entities can be faulted for anything, its the lack of infrastructure planning. Lets look around the corner and plan better.

The state Department of Natural Resources and Department of Health and Environmental Control, with assistance from Clemson University, are in the midst of a study to assess the amount of surface water available in the states eight river basins. That information can be used to update the states water use plan.

Sheheen agreed that the state needs more information to enact policy that will protect water resources and said the state needs to invest before it faces a water crisis. He pointed to the position an underfunded DHEC was put in last year when more than 50 dams breached amid historic flooding. DHEC simply didnt have enough staff to monitor all of the states dams, he said.

Thats an example of how the state governs by crisis, Sheheen said. Water could be a serious situation and we dont want to wait until theres a crisis.

I know I love the Wateree River, which runs through Camden but I dont really know what makes it tick and what I can do to help preserve it and conserve those resources without your assistance, so I appreciate this conference, Sheheen said.

Both Sheheen and Campbell said the state will need to monitor the actions of neighboring states that also face water pressures with populations rising.

If you look at the population of the three states, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, were only 19.5 percent, so weve got to fight for our water because theyre going to come after our water too, Campbell said.

The two-day South Carolina Water Resources Conference concluded Thursday with nearly 350 participants. The event brought experts together to communicate new research methods and scientific knowledge; educate scientists, engineers and water professionals; and disseminate useful information to policymakers, water managers, industry stakeholders, citizen groups and the public. Presentations discussed water policy and planning; surface water and groundwater systems; stormwater; hydrologic monitoring and modeling; climate, floods and drought; infrastructure; and coastal and estuarine systems.

Water is our primary resource, Kirby said. When you wake up in the morning and you dont have it, you will realize how important it is.
CLEMSON  Hurricane Matthew, which crushed the Caribbean and then blasted the coast of the United States from Florida to North Carolina, certainly took no pity on South Carolina during its relentless march.

Though the extent of the long-lived hurricanes damage is yet to be determined, tens of thousands of acres of cotton, peanuts, soybeans, turnips, brassicas, collards and spinach all took significant beatings. To make matters worse, hundreds of trees fell onto power lines, knocking out power to almost a million homes, farms and businesses, according to S.C. emergency officials. Some rural areas might not have power restored for more than a week.

In addition to the extensive wind damage and flooding, there were 10 confirmed breached dams, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. Rainfall varied per region, drenching Horry and Marion counties with up to 14 inches of rain, while dropping as little as 3-5 inches on counties that lay to the southwest.

Not all news was bad. Unlike last year, when it continued to rain for weeks after the main event, this years storm was followed immediately by sunny skies and cool breezes, giving some crops still in the fields a chance to survive. Also, flood waters in most areas have receded much faster in 2016 than they did in 2015.

Clemson Cooperative Extension, in collaboration with other state agencies, has been working to provide farmers with information and assistance. Here are a updates from Clemson University experts located around the state.

 JOHN MUELLER / Director of Edisto Research and Education Center in Barnwell County: This southwestern county and its surrounding areas took less of a hit than the southeastern and northeastern portions of the state. But large fields of cotton  many of which had already been defoliated  were severely damaged by heavy winds. Some fields of peanuts will be okay, but others that were heavily flooded will be lost due to rot. A lot of soybeans were also knocked over by the winds, which will lead to a reduction in yield.

I think the bottom line is that damage will vary field by field, that we were slightly ahead of last years pace in terms of harvest and that the post-flood weather this time is much better than last time, Mueller said. But there is a lot of infrastructure down that will interfere with the recovery process.

 CHARLES DAVIS / Extension agent and agronomic crops expert based in Calhoun and Richland counties: Cotton that had not yet been defoliated has been wind-whipped but remains viable. Storm fastness is one of the selling points of many new cotton varieties, according to Davis, and this year would have been a good one to pay attention to this attribute. Cotton that was already defoliated has suffered considerable loss.

Peanut growers rushed to harvest their crops before the storm struck, but there is still a fair amount that have already been dug up but not yet harvested. These are lying on the ground and are in danger of rot. Soybeans fared pretty well. Their leaves were beaten up, but most of the pods remained intact.

As far as cotton, peanuts and soybeans go, its really varied, Davis said. Ive talked to a number of farmers and some say their damage isnt too bad, while others say its terrible. Its not like last years flood, where it just kept raining and raining and raining. So weve dodged that bullet, which gives hope that at least some of the crops still in the fields will survive.

 DAVID DEWITT / Extension agent and agronomic crops expert based in Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties: These counties took less of a hit than some, especially in terms of rainfall, with some areas receiving less than 5 inches. But toppled trees blocked roads and tore up power lines. Also, most of the cotton had already been defoliated and ready to pick and its now lying on the ground, which will make harvest difficult. Peanuts seemed to take less of a beating and, for the most part, might do relatively well.

Weve had a few gorgeous days of sunshine and cool breezes that are going to help crops mend themselves a little bit, DeWitt said. Last year, the sun didnt come out until November. But the past two days this year have been beautiful. Its just going to take a long time to restore power to everybody, especially in the rural areas.

 HANNAH MIKELL / Extension agent and agronomic crops expert based in Clarendon County: The county was fortunate to have had plenty of rain on the cotton crop in the weeks leading up to the storm and most of the crop was better than average. The good news is that most cotton farmers had not yet defoliated, but the wind and rain caused the plants to wrap up and lie down, which will create a mess at harvest time leading to lesser quality and lower yields. The majority of the Virginia peanuts and the early soybeans had already been harvested before the storm arrived. However, a lot of runner peanuts are still in the fields and remain at risk of deterioration over the coming days. The storm caught the sweet potatoes in mid-harvest, which are now in danger of taking on too much water, creating the potential for splitting, bursting or rotting.

I talked to a farmer who guessed that commodities statewide will see significant losses, but its still wait-and-see, Mikell said. If we can get enough dry, sunny weather, then some of the crops still in the fields can be saved.

 TONY MELTON / Senior Extension associate based in Florence County: The rain fell much faster this year than it did during last years storm, which was spread over several days. Fall vegetables such as turnips, brassicas, collards and spinach were massacred by the deluge. Hundreds of acres were destroyed. University

A lot of it is totally devastated, Melton said. Vegetables just do not like wet feet. Spinach is especially vulnerable. It will take days to get most of the water out of the fields. Yet it only takes about half a day to kill these sensitive vegetable crops. Its just a pretty tough situation. I was here when Hurricane Hugo hit and I think Hurricane Matthew turned out to be much worse.

 WILLIAM HARDEE / Extension agent and agronomic crops expert based in Horry and Marion counties: In terms of rain and flooding, these two counties were probably the hardest hit in South Carolina. Structures such as greenhouses and sheds were blown away and some roads were destroyed. Cotton, peanuts and soybeans all took big hits.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- If I were to distill a recent public discussion about the state of our nation to one word, it would be "worried."

Not fearful, not angry, but worried -- about the future; about an election season that has made evil-clown sightings seem weirdly apt; but mostly about what will happen after the election. How do we mend the deep divisions that have evolved during this thoroughly nasty -- and, at times, X-rated -- campaign season? How does the country salve its wounds and reunite in common purpose?

Audience members here at the Poynter Institute's "Community Conversation," at which I was invited to speak last Thursday, posed these and other questions. The 150 or so attendees were a cross-spectrum mix of students, professionals, retirees and a few notables -- a diverse group, in other words, with no protesters, rabble-rousers or armed combatants in search of a revolution. The latter may have been occupied in nearby Lakeland, where Donald Trump had pronounced a global conspiracy against him the day before.

Clinton supporters at the Poynter event told me privately that they were afraid to put "Hillary" signs in their yards for fear of retribution, not from roaming vandals but from once-friendly neighbors. My suggestion that this campaign was reminiscent of the run-up to the Iraq War, when politically opposite friends avoided each other, was received with nods of agreement.

Whether for Trump or Clinton, neither side can conceive of what compels the other. In this duplex of horrors, Clinton is a corrupt, lying, hypocritical career politician and Trump is a sleazy, lying, narcissistic, autocratic, (alleged) sexual predator. Ne'er the twain shall meet.

Once the votes are counted, who knows what's next? President Barack Obama's final two months may require his coolest touch yet.

Meanwhile, the questions posed here did not readily present answers. What's needed, I posited half-seriously, is a superhero. Someone to rise from the marshes and cut through the fog of our discontent, someone who can summon our better angels and help restore the country's self-respect.

At least for now, one is optimistic without reason.

We can know with near certainty that a defeated Donald Trump will unleash the armies of Mordor, comprised of a fan base that will embrace his dark conspiracy theory that the election was rigged. To their minds, his loss couldn't possibly be linked to a very long list of objectionable, as well as dishonest, statements he's made, only one of which is the sex-talk video we needn't view again.

Talking dirty has become the new normal, as anyone walking down a city street can confirm. And the objectification of women isn't remotely limited to Trump's warped view. As disgusting as Trump's verbal (and possibly physical) assaults have been -- and, yes, hurtful, too, as Michelle Obama so passionately said last week -- a certain contingent of his supporters are reluctantly willing to overlook the nastiness for the sole reason that they dislike Clinton more.

Others aspire to loftier goals, such as preventing a liberal Supreme Court or reducing the tax burden with an eye toward economic growth. These are certainly legitimate reasons. But Trump's willingness to pave the way for a "revolution" were Clinton to win should be sufficient evidence that this man isn't fit for the office.

To what extent are Trump sympathizers willing to express their disappointment? Well, who knows? But many will have seen the interview with a woman at a Trump rally last week who said she and her comrades are prepared to take their country back, cheerfully reminding the interviewer that "you're in the South. We're all Second Amendment pros."

Is she talking about a well-regulated militia, perchance?

This is the mindset Trump has nurtured these past many months. These are the people he will summon at the end. These are the reasons the less-emotionally taut are so worried.

More worrisome still is the opposite result: What if Trump wins? We can presume that Russian President Vladimir Putin will be delighted, his possible WikiLeaks alliance having paid off. North Korea's Kim Jong Un, who has called Trump a "wise politician," will order extra platters of chicken wings to celebrate.

As the Japanese proverb goes: When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.

Remember, too, that Trump has vowed as president to make it easier for people to sue the media, which, constitutionally, he can't. But as all authoritarian figures tend to do, Trump has to blame someone else for his failures. The media are handy bait for the credulous and misinformed.

Don't be afraid, but be worried.

South Carolinian and Pulitzer Prize winner Kathleen Parker's email address is kathleenparker@washpost.com
Can Russian spies sway a U.S. election? For years, theyve been perfecting the art of information warfare and waiting for the right moment. This years unprecedentedly wacky presidential election cycle may just be the opportunity Russia has been hoping for. With a few well-targeted operations, the Kremlin could undermine the integrity of our electoral process.

Information warfare, called active measures by the Russians, has been part of the countrys domestic and foreign policy toolkit for over a century. The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a forged anti-Semitic pamphlet that found its way into Nazi classrooms, was fabricated by Russias secret police in 1903. A few decades later, the new Soviet government invented a phony anti-communist resistance movement to lure back Russian emigres who still sympathized with the Tsar. When the exiles returned to Russia, they were quietly disappeared.

During the Cold War, the Soviet Union tried repeatedly to advance its interests in the United States through disinformation. Some Americans still believe that the CIA had a hand in President John Kennedys assassination. Six percent believe that Neil Armstrong took his one small step on a Stanley Kubrick movie set. Alarmingly, nearly half of African-Americans in a 2005 survey believed that the AIDS virus was artificial. All of these ideas were born in Moscow.

The Soviets involved themselves more directly in U.S. politics too. According to Stanislav Lunev, a high-ranking Soviet intelligence officer who defected to the United States in 1992, the Kremlin spent $1 billion bankrolling American anti-Vietnam War protesters  more than they spent subsidizing the Viet Cong.

Although the Soviet Union collapsed 25 years ago, the KGB survived. In 1995, the agency rebranded itself as the Federal Security Service. Just as the internet has created new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation, it allows the FSB to stretch its operations budget much further than its predecessor. While much attention is focused on cyberattacks, Western countries should be more concerned about subtler forms of cyberwarfare that manipulate the public in a fundamental way.

Sometimes this manipulation is harmless; sometimes it is not.

In April 2015, hackers brought down a major French news network in the name of jihad, and the French government quickly condemned the supposed Islamic cyberterrorists. But a few months later, investigators implicated a group of hackers tied to the FSB. Meanwhile, public fear had nurtured Islamophobic, Eurosceptic politicians  the very politicians who enjoy good relationships with Russia.

Imagine similar active measures applied to this years election. Leaked Democratic National Committee emails, thought to originate with a hack by the Russians, have already forced the resignation of the DNCs chairman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz. While this information is arguably relevant to the election, a devious tactic could include leaking the cache of emails alongside subtle forgeries that paint Mrs. Clinton in a worse light than the genuine emails would.

Alternatively, or in addition, the Russians may attempt to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election results themselves. Donald Trump has already said that if he loses, it will because the results were rigged.

It would be silly to assume that active measures will end with this years election. This is the new normal. We cannot afford to be naive. We must all insist on careful attribution of information to original sources, on greater transparency so that foreign adversaries cannot weaponize our secrets, and on more secure computing systems, including the use of strong encryption. The Kremlin will continue to nurture political division in the United States if we let it.

Eli Dourado is a research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and director of its Technology Policy Program. Raymond Russell is a summer fellow at Mercatus. They wrote this for InsideSources.com.
Around the country, voters are casting ballots in the election for president. Not so in South Carolina, at least by a formal early-voting process.

State lawmakers to date have not made a change in election law to authorize early voting. Despite arguments that casting ballots up to a month before Election Day further opens the voting process and makes for shorter lines and a smoother operation on the second Tuesday in November, previous early-voting proposals have fallen victim to the battle over voter identification requirements. And there is also the stated belief by lawmakers that early voting, particularly in June primaries, puts them at a disadvantage with time to campaign after the end of the legislative session.

Critics of early voting also have new ammunition this year in contending that no voter should cast a ballot until the campaign is complete, as seemingly every day brings new revelations that could impact a persons decision on a choice for president.

Its hard to see South Carolina in the long term not joining the early-voting majority. But in the meantime, state law does not require that all voters wait until Election Day to cast ballots. In South Carolina, voting by absentee ballot is de facto early voting.

The eligibility requirements to vote absentee are not stringent, and obtaining a ballot to do so really amounts to simply making a request.

Persons qualified to vote by absentee ballot are:

1. Members of the armed forces or merchant marine serving outside their county of residence and their spouses and dependents residing with them.

2. Persons serving with the American Red Cross or with the United Service Organizations who are attached to and serving with the armed forces outside their county of residence and their spouses and dependents residing with them.

3. Overseas citizens.

4. Persons who are physically disabled.

5. Students attending school outside their county of residence and their spouses and dependents residing with them.

6. Persons who for reasons of employment will not be able to vote on Election Day.

7. Government employees serving outside their county of residence on Election Day and their spouses and dependents residing with them.

8. Persons who plan to be on vacation outside their county of residence on Election Day.

9. Persons serving as a juror in state or federal court on Election Day.

10. Persons admitted to the hospital as emergency patients on Election Day or within a four-day period before the election.

11. Persons with a death or funeral in the family within three days before the election.

12. Persons confined to a jail or pre-trial facility pending disposition of arrest or trial.

13. Persons attending sick or physically disabled persons.

14. Certified poll watchers, poll managers and county election officials working on Election Day.

15. Persons 65 years of age or older.

16. Persons who for religious reasons do not want to vote on a Saturday (presidential primaries only).

Just about everyone can find a reason to fit into one of the categories if he or she chooses. But the person still must make the effort to obtain the absentee ballot.

That means visiting the county voter registration office in your county of residence to complete an application and cast your ballot. You may vote absentee in person up until 5 p.m. on the day before the election. Rules for photo ID apply.

To vote absentee by mail, you can request an application for yourself or an immediate family member from the county voter registration office in your county of residence by phone, mail, email or fax. You then will be mailed an application.

A person may also get the application online at https://info.scvotes.sc.gov/eng/voterinquiry/VoterInformationRequest.aspx?PageMode=AbsenteeRequest. It must then be printed.

Once the application is either received by mail or printed, it must be completed, signed and returned to the county voter registration office. It must be returned no later than 5 p.m. on the fourth day prior to the election (the fourth day is Friday for all Tuesday elections). You may return the application by mail, email, fax, or personal delivery.

When the ballot is received by mail, it is to be completed and returned to the county voter registration office by 7 p.m. on the day of the election.

If you for some reason cannot vote on Election Day, take steps now to get your ballot and cast it early by the absentee method.
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By Trend





An official reception has been held at the Heydar Aliyev Center to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the restoration of the state independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the reception and made a speech at the event.
By Trend





European firms have no problem for ensuring Iranian tankers, said Amir Hossein Amaninia, Irans deputy oil minister for international affairs and trade.

The National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) continues its activities according to plans," he told SHANA news agency October 16.

The statements come the same day as an NITC official said the General Court of the European Union has refused to grant the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) release from sanctions.

The company recently received the courts verdict, where it was accused of having provided logistic support for the Iranian government, the unnamed source said.

Now the NITC has until November 21 to plea against the verdict. The NITC says it had abided by an 800 thousand to 1 million barrels of oil export limit as stipulated in a preliminary agreement about the nuclear issue, which shows that the logistic support has been carried out within the nuclear agreements, therefore annulling grounds for sanctions.

The General Court recently issued the verdict in 27 pages. As long as Iranian sanctions are suspended under the JCPOA, the verdict will not be implemented.








By Azernews





By Gunay Hasanova

China's president has voiced confidence over the positive long-term prospects of the BRICS countries despite the global economic downturn, emphasizing that the potential and strength of the association remains unchanged.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on to strengthen trust between the BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - in the current "difficult, hard conditions".

He called for the creation of an open economy and warned against any form of protectionism, TASS reported on October 16.

Xi Jinping also stressed the importance of implementation of the outcomes of G 20 summit which took place in September in Hangzhou (East China) in order to achieve strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive global economic growth.

The Chinese side put forward proposals to the BRICS countries, including the creation of "open world", capable of coping with the most pressing global challenges.

In addition, Xi Jinping said that the next summit of the BRICS will be held on a rotational basis in September 2017 in China.

"China will work with all interested countries on the realization of the consensus reached at previous summits, deepening partnerships and entering a new chapter of the cooperation within BRICS", - said the head of the Chinese state.

BRICS is an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. These countries are all leading developing or newly industrialized countries. However, they are distinguished by their large, fast-growing economies, as well as, a significant influence on regional affairs. All these countries are G-20 members.

The grouping contains about half of the world's population and nearly 25% of world economic output.

Earlier this month, the International Monetary Fund cut its forecast for world economic growth in 2016, with Brazil, South Africa, and Russia receiving some of the sharpest downgrades.

The BRICS economies have been hit by falling global demand and lower commodity prices.

However, many experts are confident that the association will succeed, primarily because of China.
MobileIron, a standalone enterprise mobility management leader, announced that five of the top 10 Saudi Arabian banks have chosen MobileIron to secure their mobile apps, content, and devices.



The security solutions provider made the announcement at the ongoing Gitex Technology Week, a major ICT expo, in Dubai, UAE.



"The rapid IT transformation to modern computing has meant that financial institutions have had to embrace BYOD and mobile business apps as a means of increasing employee productivity and providing a better customer experience," said Bahaa Hudairi, regional director for Middle East and Africa, MobileIron.



"This move to mobile technologies has introduced new security risks and compliance issues and that is why half of the largest banks in Saudi Arabia have chosen MobileIron as the security foundation for their mobile initiatives."



With MobileIron, financial services organizations can meet strict regulatory guidelines while enabling the workforce to be mobile with apps and devices, and enable secure access to cloud tools and storage for convenient and secure data access, a statement said.



Companies will also be able to support activity tracking to maintain compliance with industry and government regulations, according to the statement.  TradeArabia News Service
Al Salam Bank-Bahrain, one of the pioneering Sharia compliant banks in the kingdom, has signed a strategic agreement with Takaful International, one of the leading insurers.



This agreement paves the way for the bank to offer both Al Salam Bank and BMI Bank customers a suite of Sharia compliant insurance products through its extended branch network within the kingdom.



Present at the signing ceremony held at the banks headquarters in the Bahrain World Trade Center were Anwar Murad, deputy group CEO  banking of Al Salam Bank-Bahrain; Younis Al Sayed, chief executive officer of Takaful International; Essam Al Ansari, general manager at Takaful International; Ali Noor, deputy general manager at Takaful International; and Mohammed Buhijji, acting head of retail banking at Al Salam Bank-Bahrain.



Murad said: We are very proud to have this partnership added to our diversified retail product portfolio and confident that this will help to achieve our vision of providing our customers with a differentiated range of products from a leading insurer. A result of our new product development strategy within the retail segment, we are working towards ensuring that our products match and exceed our customers financial needs and expectations.



Our customers will now get access to Sharia-compliant motor, property and travel insurance products at preferential pricing when applying at any of Al Salam Bank-Bahrain and BMI Bank branches. We will continue to invest in our business recognising the need for excellent customer service, a wide range of customer centric products and a strong network to support future growth.



Al Sayed said: I am delighted to sign this strategic agreement with Al Salam Bank-Bahrain as this unfolds a new horizon that provides the banks customers with Sharia compliant insurance services. As part of the agreement, the banks qualified and experienced professionals successfully completed their insurance training and are highly equipped to promote Sharia-compliant insurance products within the banks network of branches that will reinforce customers satisfaction with value-added insurance products under one roof.



This service will be made available to both locals and residents in the kingdom. - TradeArabia News Service
Bin Faqeeh, a leading Bahrain-based privately-owned real estate investment company, is set to offer employees of national carrier Gulf Air exclusive deals on its distinctive real estate projects.



The company announcement comes following an agreement signed recently with Gulf Air.



Under the deal, all employees working at the national carrier will be entitled to special payment terms that are easier and more convenient to finance residential units at any of Bin Faqeeh's leading real estate projects including landmark projects such as Hidd Heights, The Grand and The Treasure.



On the new offer, Faisal Faqeeh, the chairman of Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company, said: "It is our pleasure to present these valuable offers, which are considered unique investment opportunities for all employees interested in owning luxurious units for residential or investment purposes."



"These real estate projects are strategically located and in close proximity to Gulf Air headquarters, thus making it easier for them to reach work. Our projects include comprehensive facilities and their neighbouring environments offer wide choices of shopping destinations," he stated.



"Despite the current conditions of the local real estate market, we are keen on providing luxurious residential units at appropriate prices and easier payment terms. As part of our commitment and responsibility towards our country, we are striving to meet the real estate needs of the market," he added.



Faqeeh later presented a commemorative gift to Captain Nasser Al Salmi, the chief operating officer of Gulf Air.



Captain Al Salmi said: "We are pleased to extend our sincere thanks to Bin Faqeeh for their special offers. We hope they meet the aspirations and ambitions of our employees to own a luxurious residential unit that features modern designs and world class specifications."



In less than a decade, Bin Faqeeh said it has successfully established itself as one of the leaders in the market.



The company aims to be the benchmark for generating innovative investment opportunities, merging global best practice and regional investment acumen to deliver profitable and value adding ventures to shareholders, clients, business partners, employees, and the communities it serve.-TradeArabia News Service
Qatar's Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) has announced plans to construct 15 pedestrian flyovers in Doha and its suburbs as part of its infrastructure development strategy, said a report.



The Qatar Cabinet had given its nod earlier this month to a draft decision by the MME to establish a committee that will oversee the implementation of different stages of the pedestrian bridges project, reported the Gulf Times.



The committee will be charged with following up on the work carried out by the company implementing the project. It will also operate the bridges and ensure that the construction is progressing within the set timeframe and is compatible with the designs, stated the report.



The available services on pedestrian flyovers would include shops, restaurants, ATMs, toilets and other related services. They will also be equipped with escalators and lifts to benefit the elderly and physically challenged.



The MME source said the design of the pedestrian flyovers has taken into consideration the technical development in construction and would employ the most sophisticated technologies to ensure user convenience.



Besides, the design would take into consideration the cultural and urban nature of the surrounding area, it added.
Demand for steel in the Mena region will nudge 0.6 per cent higher to 72.4 million metric tonnes (mt) this year, said S&P Global Platts, citing a Worldsteel report.



Global steel demand will increase 0.2 per cent to a little more than 1.501 billion (mt) in 2016, according to the World Steel Association's short range outlook.



Looking to 2017, Worldsteel expects a further 0.5 per cent increase in world demand to just over 1.509 billion mt.



Worldsteel director general Edwin Basson said the projections were "as good as we can expect" under current economic and political conditions. "We're optimistic in the sense that the market is not falling any further," Basson said Tuesday morning during a news conference at the association's annual meeting in Dubai.



The industry's positive forecast comes on the heels of a 3 per cent decline in 2015, when global demand totalled more than 1.498 billion mt, according to Worldsteel. Last year Chinese demand contracted 5.4 per cent, and experienced a much more modest decline of 1 per cent this year -- down from Worldsteel's estimate of a 4 per cent fall.



China's share of consumption has fallen from 48 per cent at its peak to 43 per cent, "so its impact is less than five years back," T V Narendran, head of Worldsteel's economics committee, said.



"The world excluding China consumes more steel than China, and the rest of the world is growing, he added. The decline in Russia, at 3.6 per cent, was also less than previously anticipated.



Worldsteel forecast a 10.4 per cent decline for Central and South American consumption, with Brazil contracting by more than 14 per cent, substantially more than anticipated.



European Union demand will rise 0.8 per cent this year, while NAFTA will see a dip of 0.1 per cent --



Narendran said downside risk remained high amid uncertainty caused by a slowing Chinese property market and Brexit.
Mawarid Technology, one of the UAEs first homegrown technology platforms, has inked a technical and commercial partnership agreement with Zwipe, a global leader in biometric authentication technology.



The deal will see Zwipes full product portfolio of biometric authentication solutions being made available in the Middle East.



Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Zwipe develops and markets technology to verify a persons identity through fingerprints. Todays product portfolio includes access control, payments and government ID solutions.



On the partnership, Mohamed Al Nuaimi, the chairman of Mawarid Technology, said: "We are very excited to offer Zwipes innovative biometric solutions to the rapidly evolving Middle East technology market. Zwipe has easy to use and secure products, which will appeal strongly to our stakeholders."



"Having extensive experience and knowledge of the Middle East card market, we see Zwipes unique biometric solutions being quickly adopted and embraced by our customers," he stated.



Mawarid, he said, offers high-value, customised systems with integrated IT solutions and services, security and technology systems integration and payment systems solutions and services capabilities to governmental organizations as well as private and public sector companies in the Middle East.



It consists of three established and innovative enterprises: Falcon Eye Technology, Tacme and QuickNet. Combined, the group enterprises have detailed understanding of business and technology infrastructure in the Middle East region, noted Al Nuaimi.



We are ready to deploy Zwipes technology and provide a more diverse set of solutions to our prestigious clients within the government, oil and gas and private markets across the Middle East. Through our partnership with Zwipe, we believe we can deliver more value to our clients and equip them to succeed in todays ever-shifting technology environment, he added.



Kim Kristian Humborstad, the chief executive of Zwipe, said: "The Middle East, especially the GCC, is of high strategic importance to us, due to the size of the market, the growing demand for secure and convenient biometric solutions, as well as the sharp focus on new technologies within the region."



"We are pleased to have entered into partnership with Mawarid Technology. They will add value through their impressive network and deep understanding of the market dynamics," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Microsoft Gulf unveiled a dazzling array of solutions to the region as the 36th Gitex Technology Week got underway at Dubai World Trade Centre yesterday (October 16).

Aimed at helping Middle East organisations  regardless of size or industry  achieve more through digital transformation, the solutions spanned productivity, business intelligence, security, the cloud, mixed reality, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.

Visitors were able to get hands-on experience of these solutions in interactive Experience Zones, built thematically around Azure, Internet of Things and Mixed Reality.

Microsofts participation at Gitex this year, under the banner of An Empowered Future reiterates the companys ongoing commitment to support the UAE in its global competitiveness in the areas of technological readiness and innovation, said Samer Abu Ltaif, regional general manager, Microsoft Gulf.

As we usher in an era of digitization - more than simply digitizing traditional processes, digital transformation requires a complete rethinking of how a business operates in the modern world. Our solutions enable organizations embark on this transformation journey, to reimagine their products, improve customer experiences, enhance operational processes and even evolve their business models to take on new market opportunities and achieve more

Solutions at the Microsoft stand have been built on the companys Digital Transformation Framework and Gitex delegates from around the world responded positively to the solutions potential to allow organisations to engage with customers, empower employees, optimise operations and transform products, company officials said.

Azure Experience Zone

The Azure Experience Zone proved to be an eye-catcher at the stand, with some visitors taking the opportunity to meet the Microsoft cloud for the first time. The zone mapped out the milestones on the Azure journey and illustrated how cloud migration can accelerate innovation across teams and skillsets. It also showed how cloud travellers could benefit from integrated business intelligence platforms that deliver real-world operational insights, all while protected by industry-leading security.



Other capabilities, including artificial intelligence, Microsoft Cognitive Services and the companys Bots Framework, were also on display in the Azure Experience Zone.



The Azure Experience Zone underscores our steadfast belief that cloud plays an indispensable role in New-IT, for all size of business, said Ltaif. Eighty per cent of the Fortune 500 may have migrated to the Microsoft cloud, but that cloud is just as relevant, and indeed vital, to the small businesses that form the backbone of many economies, such as those in the GCC.



IoT Zone

Microsoft hosted an IoT Partner Showcase Area with Ankararef, Dunavnet, Saviant, Iconics. Cybercom and Lego Volvo. Partners exhibited solutions in predictive maintenance, remote monitoring, asset management, real-time intelligence, operational insights, big data analytics and 3D visualisation. Innovations touched upon a number of industries, including government, education, cultural heritage, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, retail, logistics, apparel, manufacturing, electronics, food and smart cities.



Microsoft HoloLens Zone

At Gitex, Microsoft also showcased the worlds first self-contained holographic computer; the Microsoft HoloLens, which was recently adopted by the Dubai Electric and Water Authority (Dewa) for its own digital-transformation programme. The utility was able to enhance operations, improve productivity, accelerate innovation and optimise the efficiency of service-delivery to customers. Dewa used HoloLens for scenario visualisation, data-gathering and remote maintenance of its Smart Power Plant. The HoloLens solution has helped Dewa staff to promote rapid decision-making; manage and forecast future demand; and reduce power consumption by as much as 30 per cent, it said.

Running on Windows 10, Microsoft HoloLens represents a leap forward in computing solutions. The device is a headset capable of generating interactive, high-definition, 3D images and overlaying them on real-world environments. VIP delegates got the opportunity to interact with holograms in the zone, and contemplate the near-limitless applications of HoloLens for enabling real-time decision-making in a number of fields. Delegates also got the chance to see, first hand, HoloLens potential for optimising operations, transforming products and bringing ideas to life.

In addition to the HoloLens, Microsoft also presented an assortment of devices at its stand, including the Surface Hub, Surface Pro 4 and a variety of devices from our partners including: the Acer switch Alpha, Asus UX360, Dell inspiron13 7000 with Windows hello, Fujitsu R726, Getac RX10H, HP Spectre 13, Huawei Matebook, Lenovo x1 Yoga and Panasonic Toughbook CF-20; all of which deliver innovative Windows 10 experiences. Windows 10 is running on over 400 million devices worldwide, including desktops, laptops, 2-in-1s, all-in-ones and smartphones.  TradeArabia News Service
Nokia and UAE-based telecommunications service provider du used Nokia AirScale Radio Access to showcase 360 degree virtual reality (VR) video streaming for the first time in the Middle East at Gitex 2016 in Dubai.



In the demonstration, 3D 360 VR content created with the Nokia OZO VR camera was streamed to head-mounted displays using Nokia 5G-ready network, delivering a fully immersive VR experience for attendees. This demonstration is yet another milestone for du on its path to 5G technology and taking 5G beyond speed and connectivity by demonstrating real 5G use cases, said a statement.



The demonstration at Gitex used the 5G-ready Nokia AirScale Radio Access on the 4.5 GHz frequency. Using a large bandwidth of 400 MHz and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, which utilises multiple antennas to transmit and receive, Nokia AirScale can offer enhanced capacity and speeds. This enables du to offer a superior broadband experience to end users.



Nokia AirScale technology helps service providers deliver ultra-low latency and massive capacity, which is essential to support real-time IoT, VR, augmented reality and new applications such as remote surgery and autonomous cars. Nokia AirScale allows service providers to run multiple technologies simultaneously on the same platform, supporting both traditional and flexible cloud-based architectures. Not only does it deliver extreme broadband speeds, but it also supports Mobile Edge Computing, which uses local content to deliver enhanced services, it said.



Saleem AlBlooshi, executive vice president  network development and operations, du, said: Smart cities of tomorrow would require high-speed and low latency connectivity to connect Internet of Things applications. The demonstration of 3D 360 VR video streaming over 5G-ready system provides a glimpse into the future of one such application. It underscores our commitment to go beyond connectivity and speed and providing end-to-end real use cases for 5G. Nokia is our partner for UAE 5G innovation Gate (U5GIG) that will enable UAE to participate in the development and standardization of 5G system. Nokia will continue to be a strategic partner for 5G network that we will offer in Dubai Expo 2020.



Bernard Najm, vice president and head of the Middle East Market Unit, Nokia, said: This demonstration at Gitex is a testimony to our leadership position in 5G technology. Nokia AirScale allows operators like du to make the required transformations for future bandwidth-intensive applications, while at the same time utilising their existing radio network investment. We are committed to helping du prepare for the programmable world of the future.



Du and Nokia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a set of common objectives for the development and evolution of 5G and IoT during Gitex 2015. At the event, the two companies demonstrated the possibilities of 5G systems for future ultra-broadband and critical machine-type communication for the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city applications.



With increasing uptake of IoT, we will soon be living in a world with more Internet-connected devices than there are connected humans. As a leader in 5G, Nokia runs several 5G-related industry projects in Europe, chairs the 5G-PPP association and collaborates on 5G innovation projects with major operators across the globe including in Middle East and Africa, the statement said. - TradeArabia News Service
Egypt has signed a $500 million agreement with the World Bank to fund the Upper Egypt Local Development Programme, including the improvement of key infrastructure at Qena and Sohag governorates, said a report.



The agreement was signed by Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Sahar Nasr and World Bank vice president Hafez Ghanem on the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF annual meetings in Washington, DC.



The Upper Egypt Local Development Programme will focus on Qena and Sohag, two of the poorest governorates in the country, and is aimed at enhancing competitiveness of economic sectors with unrealised potentials, reported Amwal Alghad.



The World Bank funding will help the government support industrial zone management and on delivering services to lagging regions, providing youth and women with job opportunities, and improving infrastructure, stated the report.



This programme comes within the framework of the World Banks Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with Egypt for 20152019, which provides about $8 billion for supporting the countrys economy, it added.
Oil refiners from across the region and Africa will discuss optimum technical solutions for the future of residue upgrading in refineries at an upcoming high level technology conference in Bahrain.



The third Bottom of the Barrel Technology Conference (BBTC) and exhibition will take place on October 26 & 27 under the patronage of HRH Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrains Minister of Oil.



Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) is the strategic partner for the event.



Hafedh Al-Qassab, general manager Refining at Bapco said: We are pleased to support BBTC as it is held in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the first time. This forum is important for our industry, and for Bapco, as we try and squeeze more value out of each barrel of crude, and there is a lot of focus on improving profitability through upgrade of bottom of the barrel into white products.



The National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) said: The BBTC Middle East & Africa 2016, which brings together the best of scientific advances in the field of bottom of the barrel technology through this specialist oil industry event and within reach of professionals in the region while providing networking opportunities among peers.



Stefan Chapman, vice president of the organising company Euro Petroleum Consultants, said: We are honoured and grateful for the backing and support BBTC has received in Bahrain especially from Bapco and the National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga). BBTC is the only event that focuses on technologies, project trends, catalyst and equipment innovations as residue upgrading becomes increasingly important to our industry. We look forward to welcoming the key players from the regions refining sector to the conference.  TradeArabia News Service
Shuaa Capital Saudi Arabia (SCSA) said the construction and fitting works on its Centro Shaheen Jeddah Hotel has been completed and it is set for hand-over to the Rotana Hotel Management Company to begin operations.



Centro Shaheen is the first of a series of three hotel properties that SCSA has been constructing and developing as part of the Shuaa Hospitality Fund I. The other two hotels - Dammam Rayhaan and Riyadh Centro - are due for hand-over in the next twelve months.



This is an important day for Shuaa in Saudi Arabia. After many years of work, we have handed over our first property. We are proud of our achievement and we are certain Rotana and the management team will enjoy every success in the operation and management of the property, remarked Abdulrahman Al Hareb, the chairman of Shuaa Capital.



The Shuaa Saudi Hospitality Fund I is a Shariah-compliant, close-ended real estate investment fund launched in August 2008 and established in partnership with Rotana Hotel Management Company. The committed capital for the Fund I is $145 million.



Shuaa Saudi Hospitality Fund I owns direct or indirect interest, through SCSA managed sub-funds, over the three aforementioned properties. SCSA, in its capacity as fund manager, had arranged and secured a Murabaha facility with Banque Saudi Fransi for each property.



"We are encouraged by the upturn in business travellers coming to Jeddah. Now that our doors are open, our property is well positioned to cater for the increased demand especially as we are so conveniently located, close to many local attractions as well as the international airport," stated Abdulelah Al Shaikh, the chairman of SCSA.



"This is our first delivery from our Saudi Hospitality Fund and the remaining two properties in Riyadh and Damman are due for completion by the end of 2017," he stated.



Our firm has long built this niche investment platform in Saudi Arabia that targets the hospitality sector. By handing over the keys to Centro Shaheen, we have demonstrated commitment to our investment strategy and our shareholders. We are grateful for their long-term patience and we now look forward to capitalising on the growing demand by business travellers for good, quality hotels, said Al Shaikh.



The 252-room Centro Shaheen, situated in the heart of Jeddahs central district, is a business hotel built to meet the demands of the new generation of travellers.



The hotel has an all-day dining restaurant, gym, meeting rooms and valet parking. It is conveniently located on Al Madina Road and is close to Haifaa Mall and other major commercial centres. The Jeddah Corniche is five minutes drive and the King Abdulaziz International Airport is only 20 minutes away.-TradeArabia News Service
Capital Centre Arjaan and Centro Capital Centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE, have welcomed Kaesta Mcfee to the new role of cluster executive chef.



A Canadian national, Mcfee was previously the executive chef for Centro Capital Centre.



Bringing with him more than 20 years of experience in international cuisines, Mcfee has worked with hotel chains in Singapore and Canada prior to relocating to UAE. Being with Centro for more than two years, he is well versed with the brand standards and has been a significant contributor in overlooking the kitchens operations in compliance with the highest levels.



As a cluster executive chef, he will lead a team of 36 culinarians and 15 stewards. They will assist him on day to day operations with a portfolio comprising two all day dining restaurants Tamarind and c.taste, c.deli - a take away concept, Aroma lobby lounge serving light snacks and beverages and c.mondo bar. Additionally his team will overlook dining for five meeting rooms at Centro and six at Arjaan, including outside catering requirements in the city such as gala dinners.



Commenting on his appointment, Mcfee said: I am extremely delighted to have been given this opportunity at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation and specifically the role with two such diverse and renowned brands of Centro and Arjaan.



I would like to thank my colleagues for their continual support and look forward to taking over this position," he said. - TradeArabia News Service
Global growth consulting firm Frost & Sullivan has recognised Sita as the Airport IT Solutions Company of the year in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region for the third time in seven years.



The award highlights Sitas leading role in the air transport industry across APAC, where it provides solutions to 70 per cent of the regions top 20 airports.



Frost & Sullivan was particularly impressed by the technology Sita has developed to provide a smooth end-to-end passenger journey through the airport. The four key elements highlighted were Sita Smart Path, which uses biometrics to give passengers a walkthrough experience from check-in to the aircraft door; self-service technology, including kiosks, bagdrop and boarding gates; hybrid check-in/bagdrop desks, that can be used by agents and passengers alike and Sitas Day of Travel app, that gives passengers the right information at the right time, wherever they are.



A key highlight was Sitas airport operational expertise. Real time and predictive data is needed by airports to better anticipate, plan and control operations. Sitas Day of Operations, and its Airport Management solution which is used at more than 150 airports in 48 countries, enable airlines to assign assets and resources more effectively and balance operational efficiency with business results.



Anston Tan Yong An, Industry Analyst Best Practices, Frost & Sullivan, said: "Sita sits right at the heart of the air transport industry. It stands out among its peers in its ability to deliver world-class technology solutions to the airport sector globally and across the Asia Pacific region.



Sita's product portfolio is supported by a management that understands aviation and is consistently able to deliver to their customer's requirements and expectations. It has helped more than 1,000 airports globally operate more effectively while improving the overall passenger experience. And it can always be counted on to deliver unmatched service.



Ilya Gutlin, Sita president, Asia Pacific, said: APAC is a fascinating region for the air transport industry. We provide our solutions in the fastest-growing and largest airports in the world, and we tailor our offering to some of the smallest as well. This award from Frost & Sullivan is yet another accolade for our Sita team members throughout the region, who maintain a relentless focus on innovation and service excellence. - TradeArabia News Service
Etihad Airways Premium Lounge at Melbourne Airport has been voted Australasias Leading Airport Lounge for 2016.



The announcement was made at the 23rd Annual World Travel Awards Asia and Australasia Ceremony in Danang, Vietnam on October 15.



Etihad Airways chief executive officer Peter Baumgartner expressed delight at the win, the airlines first ever at an Asia and Australasia World Travel Awards ceremony.



This award is a powerful endorsement of the superior quality of our Premium Lounge at Melbourne Airport and the hard work and commitment to excellence of the team.



It attests to the competitive benchmark we have set in Melbourne and the high level of guest satisfaction with the world-class hospitality experience we deliver.



Its especially gratifying as it comes just months after the lounge opened in May this year and adds to the growing acclaim for our remarkable collection of premium lounges worldwide.



The award for Australasias Leading Airport Lounge is one of the many the airline has received throughout 2016. Only last month, its new First Class Lounge and Spa at Abu Dhabi Airport was voted the Middle East's Leading Airport Lounge at the Middle East World Travel Awards.



Etihad Airways has a collection of 15 airport lounges worldwide. This includes the flagship First Class Lounge and Spa in Terminal 3; Premium Lounges in Terminals 1 and 3; a Premium Lounge within the unique US Customs and Border Protection facility; and a Premium Arrivals Lounge  all at Abu Dhabi Airport  plus Premium Lounges in Sydney, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Manchester, Dublin, Paris, New York JFK, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles.



Its lounges resemble in style and ambience a luxury hotel or private members club. They offer guests a tranquil environment where they can relax, re-energise, dine or be entertained, while enjoying the intuitive service and hospitality for which the airline is world-renowned. In its lounges and in the air, Etihad Airways aims to provide a seamless hospitality experience with the same high levels of innovation, care, attention to detail and service delivery guests have come to expect from its people and brand.



Now in its 23rd year, the World Travel Awards celebrates excellence across key sectors of the travel and tourism industry. Votes are cast by travel industry executives and travel consumers. - TradeArabia News Service


Have an event, trend or general energy happening youd like to see in the Energy Journal newsletter? Send it to Star-Tribune energy reporter Heather Richards at heather.richards@trib.com. Sign up for the newsletter at www.trib.com/energyjournal.

In the news

The saga of oil continues, with spot prices remaining over $50 a barrel Friday evening.

After hitting a one-year high earlier in the week, the price has failed to continue its upward swing due to the worldwide glut and concerns about overproduction.

Some were encouraged by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' deal to cap production at 33 million barrels a day. Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced his support for the OPEC move, helping the oil price jump early in the week. but many doubt Russia's loyalty to the deal.

Cold winter, high prices

Natural gas heating bills could cost the average American household $116 more this year, the Wall Street Journal reports, the highest in six years.

The report comes from the Energy Information Administrations annual Winter Fuels Outlook.

The price jump is partly due to projections of a much colder winter than last year, when above average temperatures did little to draw down the overstock of fuels, contributing to lower prices for energy commodities.

Sage grouse rider

As Wyoming embarks on one of the first tests for large industry projects on federal lands inhabited by the imperiled sage grouse, Washington may consider inhibiting conservation measures.

Some conservationists in the West are concerned by a budget rider on a defense bill going through the House in Washington.

The rider would block implementation of management plans on federal lands, which include numerous protections for the grouse, argued wildlife organizations in nine states in a letter to congressmen.

The riders opponents argue that the legislation could turn back the clock on years of conservation work that led to the bird being precluded from an endangered species listing.

"It is baffling that Congress would hold our national defense hostage in order to derail the years of work that weve put in across the West to prevent the sage-grouse from becoming endangered and keep the species under state management, said Chamois Andersen, executive director of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation.

Wyoming hunters and outdoorsmen have also come out in support of the federal plans and requested that Wyomings delegation lobby for their continuance in Washington.

The BLM plans arent perfect, but they do go a long way towards ensuring the State of Wyoming continues to manage sage-grouse instead of the federal government, said Joshua Coursey, executive director of the Muley Fanatics Foundation. "Without these plans, some wildlife advocates would certainly be using the courts to force a listing under the Endangered Species Act."

Spill response

In a report that appeared in last weeks Energy Journal, a environmental group compiled Wyoming data on 2015 oil and gas spills.

According to the Center for Western Priorities, there were 626 spills reported last year. The majority were waste water spills.

However, a comment from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission inflated the average workload for Wyomings investigators, said Kim Mazza, spokeswoman for the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.

Due to the number of wells on federal and tribal lands, which are not the responsibility of state regulators to inspect, the number of wells per investigator in Wyoming is comparable to other Western states like Colorado, she said.

The Colorado commission had divided all wells in Wyoming by the number of state investigators.
Wyoming school districts were owed $4.5 million in uncollected penalties for health and safety violations from industry, a federal report found last year.

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services couldnt confirm that number, which includes fines going back to 2009. The department has asked federal investigators to verify how they came to that amount, Wyoming officials said.

However, the state agency responsible for investigating safety incidents, charging companies penalties and collecting the fines did respond to some of the federal reports findings in a July 29 letter. That letter was sent to the regional administrator for Occupational Health and Safety Administration in Denver, which compiled the report.

In response to the unpaid fines, Wyoming had enlisted a collections agency to better collect on delinquent companies, John Ysebaert, Wyomings workforce standards and compliance administrator, wrote in the document.

Division spokeswoman Hayley McKee was unable to immediately address all unpaid fines to date but said about $250,000 remain unpaid from cases closed in the last two years. In that same period, companies have paid approximately $1.5 million in penalties on closed cases, she said.

However, according to the 2015 Federal Annual Monitoring and Evaluation report, Wyomings collection system at the time was ineffective, leading to the high volume of unpaid penalties.

The situation is complicated by how Wyomings Occupational Safety and Health Administration penalties are collected.

When a company is fined, those penalties are paid directly to the county where that company operates. Counties then pass on those dollars to the local school district. Both counties and districts are unaware of fees owed to them until the company cuts a check.

When companies are cited and assessed a fine, it is up to Wyomings OSHA division to send the final bill and ensure payment.

But there are limits to what Wyomings division can do on unpaid fines, according to McKee.

[Wyomings Occupational Safety and Health Administration] does everything within its authority to collect penalties, including enlisting the assistance of a collection agency, she said in an email. Many federal OSHA programs have tools such as the interception of tax returns, among others. State-run OSHA programs do not have these capabilities.

Further delaying the fee process is the right of a company to contest penalties, first in an informal conference with OSHA regulators. If an agreement is not reached in that closed-door meeting, the company can bring the issue before the OSHA Commission, then to district court and ultimately to the Wyoming Supreme Court, McKee said.

Wyomings regulators have reached out to the federal division regarding the $4.5 million figure, said McKee. Until the state division has received answers regarding the federal report, they declined to comment further.

The report included a number of other concerns that state regulators addressed in their letter.

The report found that none of Wyomings compliance officers was trained to investigate incidents that resulted in a fatality. That finding was also stated in the 2014 and 2013 reports.

Since then, seven of eight officers have been trained, as well as many on the management team, according to the letter.

In response to a finding that Wyoming failed consistently to address health hazards, the state says training in that regard has increased, and a program for continued training has been put in place.

The report noted that many of its findings were related to high turnover in Wyomings OSHA division during the observance period.

There were eight staffing changes in 2015, according to the report. Managers of compliance and operations were both new to their positions. The deputy administrator was also new.
Spaghetti and meatballs at the Elks

Wednesday Night Special at the Casper Elks Lodge is spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread. Cost is $7, all you can eat. Children 5 to 12 are $3. Enjoy a dessert for $1. Serving from 6 to 7 p.m., or until gone. Members, significant other and guest accompanied by a member. For more information, call 234-4839.

Five Trails hears comprehensive plan

The Five Trails Rotary Club will hear from Aaron Kloke on Thursday, Oct. 20 at noon at the Ramada Plaza. Community members are welcome to attend this presentation as guests of the Five Trails Rotary Club.

Mr. Kloke is the assistant planner at the City of Casper. Generation Casper is the Citys process to update its comprehensive plan for the next 10 to 15 years. The plan will outline the communitys visions and goals related to land use, economic development and transportation for the future.

If you or someone you know of would like to present at a future Five Trails Rotary Club meeting, please contact Chad Cundy 307-680-8812.

KW 67 meets

Kelly Walsh Class of 1967 will be holding another organizational meeting for the 50-year reunion to be held on July 21, 22, and 23, 2017. We hope you can join us on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at 5409 East 21st Street. For more information, call Barbara at 237-7885.

Huge sale at Hospice boutique

The Memory Lane Boutique, 319 S. Wilson St., inside the administration building of Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions is having a huge sale this Friday only from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., everything is 50 percent off. Current inventory includes jewelry, household goods, furniture, books, pictures, games, and candles. Donations are gladly accepted; all proceeds benefit Central Wyoming Hospice. If you would like more information, please contact us at 577-4832.

Catfish at the Elks

Friday Night Catfish Fry at the Elks on Oct. 21. Enjoy fried catfish, tossed salad and roll. Cost is $7 per person. Serving from 6 to 7 p.m. or until gone. Members, significant other and guest accompanied by a member. After dinner, join us for Family Game Night in the Elks Library. Challenge yourself to a fast paced game of Zingo, Scattergories, Boggle, Clue, Trivial Pursuits. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Members, Significant other and Guest accompanied by a member. For more information, call 234-4839.

Friday Melrose music

This week at Melrose! Join us from 7 to 10 p.m., at Melrose Coffee House, 1511 S. Melrose, as we welcome Cory McDaniels and Amy Gieske back. This wonderful duo has been a Casper favorite for years. Dont miss it! Free admittance. Bands are paid by your generous tips. Espresso drinks and desserts are available.

Roosevelt tours, ribbon cutting

The public is invited to the Roosevelt High School ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, Oct. 24, at 3000 Independence Ct., near CY Middle School off Wyoming Blvd. Building tours begin at 4 p.m., and the ribbon cutting and dedication takes place at 6 p.m.

Tween Monday:

My Pet Ghost

The Natrona County Library will host a Halloween craft activity for students in grades 4-6 on Monday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. Tweens will make their very own pet ghosts in a jar. All supplies provided. Call 577-READ ext. 5 for more information.

County Commissioners Forum

Natrona County Board of Commissioners candidates will participate in a public forum on Monday, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Natrona County Library Crawford Room. The forum will be moderated, with candidates having opportunities to respond to questions and concerns raised by citizens. Submit questions in-person the night of the forum, or in advance by emailing reference@natronacountylibrary.org. Please use County Commissioner Forum in the subject line. The forum is free and open to all ages, sponsored by the Natrona County Library and League of Women Voters of Casper. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

Family Game Night

All ages are invited to play Bunco at the Natrona County Library on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Pizza will be provided by the Friends of the Library. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

Teen Book Club

A teen book discussion, sponsored by the Natrona County Library, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Metro Coffee Co. This months novel is Asylum by Madeleine Roux. The group is open to teens in grades 9-12. Participants receive a free drink at Metro, courtesy of the Friends of the Library. To participate, pick up a copy of Asylum in the Librarys Teen Zone. The Teen Book Club meets the last Tuesday of every month and new members are always welcome. Call 577-READ ext. 101 for more information.

After School at the Library

The Natrona County Library will host a Halloween Party for elementary-age students on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. Celebrate Halloween by making a snack, watching a spooky movie, and competing in our costume contest! Call 577-READ ext. 5 for more information.

Top 10 Augmented Reality Apps

The Natrona County Library will review the top 10 augmented reality apps on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. This class will cover the top ten iPhone and Android apps designed to enhance your augmented reality experience. A smartphone is strongly recommended for this class. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

Gold prospectors meet

The Casper Chapter of the Gold Prospectors Association of America will hold its October meeting at the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Building, 2211 King Blvd. at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26. We urge all members of the chapter to attend and participate at the meeting. Enter through the east door. The club is holding a raffle for a Thompson Drywasher. Raffle tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the meeting or by calling Eric Weaner at 513-259-7902. Drawing to be held, pending reserve, at the October meeting. For more information about GPAA or the Casper Chapter, or about prospecting in general, call Eric Weaner at 513-259-7902.

Virtual Reality demo

Dont miss the chance to immerse yourself in an entirely new world when the Library hosts a virtual reality demo on Friday, Oct. 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. Choose from over 40 of the best virtual reality games and apps while being taken through a guided experience with the HTC Vive. Free and open to the public. Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Stop by anytime between 4 and 8 p.m. to play for approximately 10 minutes. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

Spooky Storytime

Spooky Storytime will be held at the Natrona County Library on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 10:30 a.m. Kids of all ages are invited to don their Halloween costumes and join us for Halloween-themed stories, read aloud. Check out the childrens department afterwards to find more spooky or not-so-spooky stories and books. Call 577-READ ext. 5 for more information.

Halloween Cards workshop

A Halloween Cards Workshop will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. at the Natrona County Library. Treat yourself to an afternoon of crafting and make boo-tiful cards to help you get into the Halloween spirit. Taught by Kay Capps. All supplies provided. Please sign up in advance for this free workshop by calling 577-READ ext. 2 or emailing reference@natronacountylibrary.org.

Monthly vets ceremony Oct. 31

The Natrona County United Veterans Council and the staff of the Oregon Trail Wyoming State Veterans Cemetery conduct a monthly memorial service for those known Wyoming veterans who have died since our last memorial service which was held on September 30, when we honored 89 Wyoming veterans.

This months service will held at noon, Oct. 31, in the Tom Walsh Chapel at the Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery. All are welcome to attend.

This memorial service is provided on behalf of a grateful state and nation as an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by each of these veterans.

The veterans name, Wyoming community and branch of service is read at roll call. There is a rifle salute, taps and the folding of a flag.

Safe trick or treating

The community is invited for safe trick or treating at Mountain Plaza Assisted Living, 4254 Talon Dr., from 6 to 7:30 p.m., on Halloween, Monday, Oct. 31.

Day of the Dead celebration at Nic

The Day of the Dead is a special time for Mexican people to honor those who have died. Please join us for the second annual Day of the Dead Celebration and Art Show at the Nicolaysen Art Museum on Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Entry is $5 at the door. There are lectures, live music, dance performances, food from Qdoba and the Arepa Barn, face painting, altars, and artwork. For more information call the Nicolaysen Art Museum at 235-5247.

Trails hosts temporary graves exhibit

The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center (NHTIC) will be hosting a new temporary exhibit in November titled, A Trail of Graves. This exhibit opens on Nov. 3, and will run through Nov. 26. As of Oct. 1, the NHTIC has suspended its entry fee for the public. Members of the public are encouraged to come and enjoy the center free of charge.

The temporary exhibit will feature several photographs and images of pioneer graves which are still visible in Wyoming. Some are known and well documented, while others have been lost with time.

Thousands of pioneer graves still remain on the landscapes near the pioneer trails but their exact locations remain unknown or unidentified. The important few that have been identified, preserved and remembered are just a small portion of the tens of thousands of emigrants who lost their lives on the trails to Oregon, California and Utah.

For more information please contact the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center at (307) 261-7780.

Young musician deadline Nov. 4

The Wyoming Symphony Orchestra is happy to announce this years Young Artist Competition, recognizing the musical artistry of Wyoming students. To qualify applicants must be age 13 to 25, play an orchestral instrument, and be either born in Wyoming, or enrolled in a Wyoming high school, accredited home school program, or college/university as of February 2016.

The deadline to enter is Nov. 4, 2016. Applications are available at the WSO website, www.wyomingsymphony.org, under the Outreach tab.

Applicants selected to compete will perform in the Young Artist Competition on Jan. 22, 2017 at Wheeler Concert Hall at Casper College.

There will be one $1,000 cash winner from both the High School and College divisions. Plus the winners will be featured performing with the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra on April 29, 2017.

For more information, call the WSO office at 266-1478.

Pioneer group meets Nov. 6

The Natrona County Pioneer Association will conduct its fall quarterly meeting Sunday, Nov. 6 at 12:30 p.m., at the Parkway Plaza.The cost of the luncheon buffet is $10. Anyone interested is invited to attend. Contact Vaughn Cronin at 315-4659 for reservations or more information.

Midwest Community Bazaar

The 39th annual Midwest Community Bazaar, sponsored by Midwest Community United Methodist Church and the local community, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 12, at Midwest Recreation Center, 8 Wilson St., in Midwest. Luncheon will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Enjoy shopping for homemade crafts, crocheted and knitted, paintings, quilts, woodworking, community calendars, emu jewelry and lotion, jams, jellies, pickles and baked goods, plus much more. Please come and bring a friend.

For more information about tables or questions, call Judy at 307-437-6884.
Tuesday support meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous: 6:30 a.m., 917 N. Beech; 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; 10 a.m., 328 E. A; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 1124 Elma, Imitate the Image Church; 5:30 p.m., 328 E. A; 7 p.m., 520 CY; 8 p.m., 328-1.2 E. A, upstairs; 8 p.m., 328 E. A; 8 p.m., 917 N. Beech. Douglas: 7:30 p.m., 628 E. Richards (upstairs in back). Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1688.

Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 7 p.m., 15th and Melrose, at the church. Web site: http://www.urmrna.org.

Pumpkins with a purpose

Pumpkin sales continue at the second annual Meals on Wheels pumpkin patch through Oct. 31. All pumpkins are grown in Wyoming. Hours of operation will be Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Meals On Wheels Building, 1760 E. 12th St. For more information, please call the office at 265-8659 or visit www.mealswheels.com. Find us on Facebook under Natrona County Meals On Wheels.

Free depression screening at CWCC

Central Wyoming Counseling Center offers information about depression and other mood disorders during the month of October from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, in its main lobby, 1430 Wilkins Circle.

Guests will learn about depression and complete a confidential written screening. Finally, each participant will discuss the results of their screening with one of CWCCs mental health professionals. Attendees will receive educational materials on depression and other mood disorders.

Launching Little Learners: Tiny Tots

The Natrona County Librarys Launching Little Learners: Tiny Tots program for babies and toddlers is held each Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at both the main library and Mills branch. In addition to being fun, free outings for children and families, Tiny Tots instills the joy of reading at a young age and helps prepare children for school. Call 577-READ ext. 5 for more information.

Readers group meets

The AAUW Readers Group will meet at the Grille at Three Crowns at noon. Following a no-host lunch, Robin Broumley will review Goodbye to a River, by John Graves, about the authors three-week trip on the Brazos River of Texas with some fictionalizing in it. For more information or reservations, call Robin at 259-4174.

Historic Bishop Home fall tour hours

The Historic Bishop Home, a member of the Casper Museum Consortium, is open for fall/winter tours every Tuesday and Saturday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The fee is $2 per individual. The home is located at 818 E. Second St., on the north side of the street between Lincoln and Jefferson. Visitors are welcomed to learn the history of Casper, Natrona County and Wyoming through a real family who lived, laughed and labored in this historic home for over 100 years. Just a reminder  as you are planning private events in the fall or winter, the home is available for rental. It is a perfect location for small group meetings, bridge players who want a private location, private events such as birthdays, bridal or baby showers. Parking is available behind the home off Lincoln Street. For additional information visit www.cadomafoundation.org or call 235 5277.

Pumpkin Patch open at FCC

The Pumpkin Patch at First Christian Church, 520 CY Ave., is open 4 to 7 p.m. FCC has chosen Central Wyoming Hospice to receive 60 percent of its net proceeds from the patch this year.

Halloween light house ready

The fourth annual Halloween light show at 3148 Whispering Springs is ready for viewing from 6 to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 6 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday through the month of October. There will be candy for children on Halloween night. This show is our way to give back to our community for their outstanding support over the last five years. We have raised somewhere in the neighborhood of 8,000 pounds of food, along with cash donations for Joshuas Storehouse from our shows that we have put on. We will start the food drive for Joshuas with the Christmas light show on Nov. 25.

Independent film screening

The Natrona County Librarys Independent Film Series will feature Second Coming at 6:30 p.m. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

One-night dance class at CC

Salsa and One Step (CMSV 0043 80) will take place as a one-night workshop on Tuesday at Casper College.

Taught by Machelle Holloway, the class will run from 7-9 p.m. and costs $15 per person. Students must register with a partner and teens are welcome.

For more information call Laura Ryan, community education specialist, at 268-3399.

Needle Guild meets

The Casper Needle Guild will meet at 7:15 p.m. at the Central Wyoming Senior Center, 1831 E. Fourth Street. We will be participating in making garments for needy children with the local organization Sewing to Save. For information, please call Ann Hudson at 265-5510.
Casper City Council candidate Todd Murphy referred to federal agencies and political figures as Nazis on his personal Facebook page. The Ward 2 hopeful also referred to Casper politics as hillbilly, suggested vaccines kill children and compared the civil rights movement to modern conservative causes in social media posts.

Murphy, who touted his support for private property rights in written answers to the Star-Tribune earlier this summer, referred to the Bureau of Land Management as scum and claimed they sought to intern anti-government protesters in concentration camps, murder them and dump their bodies in mass graves.

If we were not armed and ready they would just take us to the concentration camps or dump us in pits after laying a 9mm hollow point in the back of our head, Murphy wrote of the federal administrative agency. These people are evil.

I dont have a comment on that, BLM spokeswoman Kimberly Brubeck said.

Murphy said he now regrets the language he used in many of the posts, which were primarily written between 2012 and 2015.

I dont want to be that derogatory anymore, an apologetic Murphy told the Star-Tribune in an interview.

Murphy said he became increasingly wary of the federal government in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and used social media as a forum to express his anger.

I just tired of the federal government, and there was Facebook, and so I vented that way, Murphy said. Some days probably werent my best.

Murphy placed first in the August primary for Ward 2, besting incumbents Scott Miller and Charlie Powell with 23.6 percent of the vote. The three, along with Darin Crowell, will face off in Novembers general election. The top two finishers will win council seats.

In a 2013 post, Murphy attacked Powell for opposing open carry at city council meetings.

The city council does not allow one of us to carry a side arm [sic] into a council meeting ... Makes Charlie a little uncomfortable and intimidated? Murphy wrote.

Powell said council bars firearms from meetings because community members said the presence of guns could stifle an open exchange of ideas. The council briefly discussed the ban earlier this year but declined to revisit the issue.

I didnt bother me, Powell said of guns at meetings. I support the Second Amendment.

But Murphy saved his strongest language for politicians on the national stage, referring to the following people and agencies variously as Nazis, Marxists, Hitler, Stalin, fascist and Communist-Nazis: President Barack Obama, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, the Missouri legislature and New Jersey police officers (who he added needed re-education).

In an interview Murphy, who served as a military police officer, emphasized that while he had attacked some police online, he was in fact very pro-law enforcement.

I think the vast majority of them are doing the best they can and they want to do the right thing, Murphy said. I do want to make sure I stand corrected on that.

Murphys attacks on Obama are especially pronounced. Murphy commented on a photograph of Obama with his wife, Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha: Mao and family. Nice you scumbag Communist!

In another post, Murphy called Obama a Crack addict from the Communist school of fools, tyrants and kings.

In the interview, Murphy said he regretted his word choice.

Im pleased weve come to the point in our country where weve gotten a black president ... regardless of whether I agree with him, he said.

While most of Murphys posts concern national politics, he has weighed in periodically on issues in Casper. Lamenting what he considered political corruption in the city, Murphy wrote of how politicians get elected: Casper is a buy you a drink place and that is as hillbilly as Ned Betty getting got playing in the woods during a 'Deliverance'

Miller, a city council incumbent also running in Ward 2, said he thought voters made decisions based on the issues. While socializing was a good way for candidates to get their name out, knocking on doors -- not buying people drinks -- was his go-to strategy, Miller said.

Murphy has framed his candidacy as that of a fiscal conservative focused on funding essential city services such as police, fire and sanitation.

He has also repeatedly emphasized the importance of Caspers water treatment plant.

While on Facebook he called for the elimination of the Environmental Protection Agency -- along with the Transportation Security Administration, Homeland Security, the Deptartment of Energy and the BLM -- in an earlier interview with the Star-Tribune he cited EPA health standards as a good reason to improve water quality in Casper.

If the EPA decides there are new regulations on water it would be nice to be able to meet those criteria, Murphy said in the interview.

Murphy has also repeatedly framed his support for conservative political positions as similar to the struggle of black Americans to achieve equal rights during the civil rights movement. For example, he juxtaposed a photo of Rosa Parks sitting on a bus with that of an unidentified woman shooting a rifle. The post said that just as Rosa Parks had a right to sit in the front of the bus, the woman had a right to use high-capacity magazines when she went shooting.

He stood by the comparison of racial equality with ammunition restrictions, saying in an interview that he did not want to start ranking which constitutionally-protected rights were most important.

Emphasizing his right to own guns in the face of perceived government opposition, Murphy wrote on Facebook that "a [rocket-propelled grenade] may be necessary if these Nazis don't find a new hobby."

Murphy invoked the famous Dred Scott case of 1857, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former slaves and the descendants of slaves were ineligible for citizenship, to argue that states have the right to disobey last years court ruling legalizing gay marriage.

He also compared voting in favor of the Affordable Care Act to support for slavery. Also known as Obamacare, the ACA expanded Medicaid and what health insurance plans are mandated to cover. It also required individuals to purchase insurance or face a several-hundred dollar fine.

While Murphy made a post questioning Obamas citizenship, considered by some to be a way of delegitimizing the countrys first African-American president, he said that while he was on the birther movement bandwagon at the time, he now believes that the president was born in the United States.

After the killing of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, sparked protests, Murphy wrote that the shooting had nothing to do with Martins race.

Facts are better than jumping to a race card, Martin wrote. That is not what Dr. King would have done.

During his lifetime, a large majority of white Americans believed blacks and whites were treated equally and King was criticized for supposedly needlessly protesting racial issues.

Murphy stood by his comments that King would have been disappointed in the protests against police violence around the country.

When it turns into a riot we disappoint people like Martin Luther King who are trying to do it in a better way, Murphy said. However, in another post he had emphasized the importance of protesters being armed to ensure the government did not prevent them from exercising their right to free speech.

Murphy also belittled Mike Brown, the unarmed black 18-year-old shot by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, after stealing cigarettes from a convenience store.

18 is an adult, Murphy wrote. Some of us were busy in college, the military, or working our first job. Punk!

Brown was enrolled in a vocational program teaching HVAC repair at the time he was killed.

Murphy added that none of his slander was intended as racial.

Im a big fan of Martin Luther King, Murphy said. If Id have been black then Id be out there getting hosed down because I dont go for any kind of discrimination whatsoever.

Murphy has so far led all city council candidates in fundraising with $2,169.68 in contributions prior to the August primary.

While he was still posting inflammatory criticism in February of 2015 -- calling Obama a Satlin wannabe! and referring to the government as Damn NAZIS!! -- Murphy said he has recently matured.

Im not 19 anymore, so I cant use the excuse, but we do mature, Murphy said. Thats not the way to word things and I dont like that.

Aside from politics, Murphy occasionally posted or shared posts on other controversial issues including one that claimed many more children died from vaccines than from measles. In the interview, Murphy said he was sharing a friend's post and that while he was opposed to the government forcing parents to vaccinate their children, and after speaking to a reporter he had come to believe it was fair for public schools to require students be vaccinated.

Murphy said that the vitriolic nature of some of the posts was unhealthy and that from a personal perspective he wanted to be more accepting of different political views.

These are my fellow Americans so I can do better than that, Murphy said.
It looks like central Casper will be getting a new bar: Roaring 22.

A team of local businessmen is moving ahead with plans to develop a building on the corner of Midwest Avenue and Ash Street into a bar and grill with adjacent retail and condo space.

The site, on the corner of Midwest Avenue and Ash Street, is on the border of downtown and the Old Yellowstone District and across the street from Raccas pizzeria. The 24,000-square-foot downstairs has been home to many businesses including housing a Plymouth auto dealership for many years.

Matt Galloway presented plans for Roaring 22 to City Council in July as part of the application for a new liquor license city had made available. The council granted the license to Old Yellowstone Garage.

Instead, Galloway and his partners  Pete Maxwell, Richie Bratton and Mark Galloway  are purchasing a retail liquor license from the Ramada Hotel. The hotel will then apply for a resort liquor license. Those come with restrictions but are not capped based on a citys population like retail licenses are.

A public hearing on the license transfer will be held at the Nov. 15 Casper City Council meeting. Galloway said hes optimistic that the license will be approved, though he said, I take nothing for granted, and nothing surprises me.

Galloway said specific plans for the bar will not entirely match those outlined in the July presentation.

Were kind of in total flux, he said.

But Galloway said initial work can begin as soon as the license transfer is approved and that the bar should open by early summer, in time for the eclipse festival in August, when thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Casper.

Were no dummies, he said. We definitely want to be open by the eclipse.

Galloway added that work should move relatively quickly because it will be a renovation rather than new construction.

The plan presented in July called for a bar and grill catering to young professionals, featuring an area with arcade-style games and a microbrewery that customers could use to brew their own beer.

I can assure you we will have a bar and grill area. We will serve food, booze and beer, Galloway said. The bar and grill is expected to take up 10,000 square feet.

In addition, Galloway said there will be three retail spaces  which he hopes will include a coffee shop, among other businesses  and four condo spaces on the second floor.

Galloway owns Keg and Cork with his brother and helps run Galloways Irish Pub, owned by his father. The family also owns El Mark-O Lanes bowling alley. He said that he enjoys talking to patrons at those establishments about what they think Casper needs and will try to incorporate that feedback into plans for Roaring 22.

Galloway said he thinks the development will help convert downtown Casper and the Old Yellowstone District into the kind of central districts found in towns like Fort Collins, Colorado, and Denver.

We get where the scene is going in the larger cities and we hope to emulate that and bring that to Casper, he said.

With Raccas, Old Yellowstone Garage, Frostys, Karen and Jims, a new enterprise taking over the Wonder Bar location, The Lyric civic auditorium and David Street Station already in or coming to the area, Galloway imagines people being drawn downtown for events, dinner and bar hopping.

Downtown Development Authority CEO Kevin Hawley said Roaring 22 would help contribute achieve exactly that effect.

Proximity to other establishments helps create a cluster effect, as well as a walk-able and connected environment for patrons, Hawley said in an email.

Downtown is currently seeing tremendous interest from the public and substantial investment from the private sector, he added.

He remains slightly apprehensive, noting that while he expects the uptick in the number of businesses to be a good thing, there is also the risk that competition will have a negative impact.

Is it going to work in a way that everyone benefits or where one cannibalizes another? Galloway said.

But mostly hes excited about the new project.

Were about to embark on something that the town has really never seen, Galloway said of the cluster of new businesses in the area. The whole city, as a totality, is taking it on  as a whole beast.
Police arrested two women and one man Friday in an undercover prostitution sting at a massage parlor on Poplar Street in Casper.

An undercover Casper police officer entered Lovely Therapy Massage on Friday evening and agreed to pay $130 for a massage and a sex act by two women, according to arrest affidavits. During the massage, one of the women pointed to the officers genitals and asked if he wanted her to touch there, the affidavit states.

As the women began to initiate the sexual act, the undercover officer called for other officers waiting nearby and arrested the women, Ren Qingyun of Casper and Xiao Rong Si of Los Angeles, on suspicion of prostitution, a misdemeanor.

While officers waited for a warrant to search the building, two men approached the business for appointments. One man said he had researched Lovely Therapy online and suspected it was an erotic massage parlor, which is why he had come to the business, the affidavits state. The other man said he wanted only a back massage. The police told both men to leave.

After a judge granted the search warrant, officers found about $6,000 in cash stashed in various places around the building, the affidavits state.

The company phone rang as officers searched the building. When an officer answered, the caller identified himself as Jimmy Suen, the owner of the parlor, and agreed to meet with investigators.

Suen told an FBI agent who was assisting with the operation that his employees signed a release that waived the business liability if they performed sexual acts while working, according to the affidavits. He said he did not know where the documents were located and that they were written in Chinese.

Officers arrested Suen, of Daly City, California, on suspicion of promoting prostitution, a felony.

The bust came one day after police arrested four women suspected of prostitution and one man suspected of soliciting prostitutes in another undercover operation.

All eight arrests were part of Operation Cross Country, an annual nationwide effort by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to rescue underage victims of sex trafficking. Last year, 149 underage victims were rescued across the country and more than 150 others were arrested, according to the FBI, which spearheads the operation.

Casper police rescued a 16-year-old girl who had been trafficked to Casper from Colorado in a 2014 sting that was part of the nationwide operation.
CHEYENNE  A former U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs policeman must serve 13 months in federal custody on a kidnapping conviction stemming from an armed confrontation with his wife, a federal judge in Wyoming ordered Monday.

Judge Alan B. Johnson of Cheyenne on Monday accepted a plea agreement between prosecutors and former officer William Arthur Curran. The agreement limited Currans sentence to a maximum of 13 months on the kidnapping count while federal prosecutors agreed to dismiss a separate charge of using a gun in a violent crime.

Prosecutors say Currans wife reported he had handcuffed her, loaded a pistol and then threatened to kill her at their home in Ft. Washakie, on the Wind River Indian Reservation, in April.

Curran, a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, declined to address Johnson on Monday. Johnson rejected a request from defense lawyer H. Michael Bennett to sentence Curran to home confinement or to release him immediately.

Curran will get credit for about three months he has spent in custody since pleading guilty in July. Bennett argued that ordering Curran to serve the remaining 10 months would interfere with his desires to pursue his education, spend time with his children and start a construction business.

A federal probation officer had recommended in a pre-sentence report to Johnson that Curran should serve his full sentence in custody, Bennett said. Bennett said the probation officer stated that to do any less would diminish the severity of the kidnapping offense.

However, Bennett said he believed that Curran wasnt like most of the other criminal defendants who come through federal court. Bennett said Curran had no criminal history and had served in the military before entering law enforcement.

The point of this, your honor, is that 10 months of incarceration is going to get in the way of what we want, Bennett said.

Federal prosecutor Stuart Healy told Johnson he agreed with Bennett that Curran didnt appear likely to commit any more crimes. However, Healy said that with all the discussion of Currans good qualities, it was important not to forget the seriousness of his crime.

Healy said federal sentencing guidelines called for a maximum sentence of over 11 years for the kidnapping count. Healy said Currans lack of previous criminal history and other circumstances accounted for his offices willingness to accept such a lower sentence.

Healy said U.S. Attorney Christopher Kip Crofts has expressed concern to the Bureau of Indian Affairs about how the Wind River Police Department handled a 911 emergency call that Currans wife had placed without Currans knowledge while he was restraining her.

According to an investigators statement filed in court, a Fremont County emergency dispatcher alerted the Wind River Police Department after receiving the call from Currans home. The department didnt follow up after calling Curran and hearing from him there was no need for an emergency check.

Healy said its unacceptable, when the victim whispers help into the phone, and no help comes.

In accepting the plea agreement, Johnson said the 13-month sentence appeared to take into account the circumstances of Curran and his offense. Johnson said Curran and his wife had marital problems before he took an extremely stressful law enforcement job on the Wind River Indian Reservation.

Its a very, very tough and challenging occupation, Johnson said of police work on the reservation. He said officers are required to use great restraint every day in dealing with the alcohol problems they encounter.
Republican Liz Cheney has broken the record for the amount of money raised for a first-time U.S. House candidate from Wyoming.

Cheney, daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney, has raised nearly $1.9 million, according to a report her campaign filed Saturday with the Federal Election Commission.

Cheneys Democratic opponent, Ryan Greene, has raised almost $174,000, his FEC report shows.

In Congress, incumbents generally have an easier time raising money, as donations pour in from people and political action committees that have a stake in the legislation their committees vet. They also can save contributions over the years to enlarge their war chests.

But new candidates start with a clean slate.

In Wyoming, 2008 was the last year when fundraising records were broken for new candidates in the U.S. House. Democrat Gary Trauner raised nearly $1.7 million.

Republican Cynthia Lummis won the seat that year. She raised $1.5 million, including loaning herself over $215,000. In the GOP primary, Lummis faced Mark Gordon, now the state treasurer, who raised $1.4 million, including contributing $1.2 million of personal funds to his campaign.

Lummis is not running again. Shes returning to Wyoming and will have served eight years at the end of this term.

This year, Cheney has contributed $66,000 to her campaign. Greene has given his campaign $71,000 through a combination of loans and contributions.

From the start of this campaign we said we were committed to raising and spending what it takes to make certain that Wyomings lone voice in Congress does not side with Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Nancy Pelosi, said Cheneys campaign manager, Bill Novotny, in an email. The fact that we have raised 10 times the amount of money from Wyoming donors than our Democratic opponent proves that we have widespread grassroots support from every community in our state.

Greene said he always knew he would lose the fundraising game to Cheney. His supporters are average, everyday Wyoming folks. He said he does not feel discouraged.

Jeb Bush out-raised the Republican field (and dropped out of the presidential race), so I dont believe thats a direct indication of whos going to win this election, he said.

Greene criticized Cheney for accepting PAC money. Earlier this year, when Cheney announced her House bid, she said she was not going to take money from PACs, which can give up to $5,000 in primary and general elections and are formed by people with similar business and ideological interests.

Cheneys report shows she accepted $5,000 from the St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch PAC, $1,000 from the Houston-based Marathon Oil Company Employees PAC., $5,000 from the American Crystal Sugar Co. PAC in Moorhead, Minnesota, $1,000 from the Basin Electric Cooperative PAC, among others.

In all, shes accepted over $100,000 from PACs, her FEC report states.

Cheney has raised money from high-net GOP donors at exclusive fundraisers outside Wyoming, hosted by people such as the owners of the Chicago Clubs and the New York Jets.

New York City billionaires dont give a hoot about Wyoming, Greene said. They have an agenda, and Wyoming has nothing to do with it.

However, Novotny, Cheneys campaign manager, emphasized that she has raised more money from Wyomingites than her opponents have.

It is too bad that Lizs opponent would rather spend his time launching false attacks than addressing the issues that matter to the people of Wyoming, he said.

He said Cheney decided to accept PAC money after the primary.

Now that we are in the general election and we have seen efforts by national left-wing organizations to raise money on behalf of our opponent, we have been dedicated to ensuring we raise as much as necessary to guarantee Wyomings lone seat in the House of Representatives does not end up in the hands of the party of Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, he said.

Greene has raised over $8,000 from PACs, including $1,000 from the United Transportation Union PAC in North Olmsted, Ohio, and $5,000 from the United Association Political Education Committee in Annapolis, Maryland.

In addition to Cheney and Greene, Libertarian Lawrence Struempf and Constitution Party candidate Daniel Cummings seek the seat. Neither candidate submitted reports on Saturday. The FEC requires reports only from candidates who have raised or spent at least $5,000.

The FEC report due Saturday covered campaign contributions and expenditures through Sept. 30.

It showed the Cheney campaign had $352,000 remaining on Sept. 30. Greenes campaign had $13,000.

Cheneys money will likely flow into the coffers of other Republicans running for the U.S. House - possibly through donations in coming months to the National Republican Congressional Committee, said Bill Cubin, a Republican strategist, certified public accountant and son of former U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin, who held the seat from 1995 to 2008.

What she would probably do is help out other House candidates, Republicans in competitive races, and ... therefore have more influence and position in the Republican conference, especially in leadership, he said. It helps get votes and committee assignments. Thats what she would be raising that money for.

Cheney has received help from the campaign committees for Jim Banks, a GOP House candidate from Indiana who gave her $1,000, and Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions of Texas, who gave $2,000.

Greene has received $200 in two donations from Lee Filer, a Democrat running for the Wyoming House.

Greene has a tough challenge in the race for the states only House seat, Cubin said.

Hes totally outmatched when it comes to fundraising, Cubin said. He would have to run an effortless grassroots campaign. And people would have to believe he can win. When you look at numbers like that, it makes that thought not likely.
The size of Wyomings budget shortfall is anyones guess. Lawmakers have suggested figures of around $150 million for the fiscal year that ended June 30 and $250 million for the current $3 billion, two-year budget cycle.

But the state will get a clearer picture toward the end of the month, when a group of fiscal analysts will meet and release a series of figures that will be more precise than the numbers now being tossed around.

Those figures will be essential to Gov. Matt Mead, who is making budget recommendations for the Legislature ahead of the 2017 session. During even years, the Legislature adopts a bill that dictates state spending and savings for the following two years. In odd years, such as 2017, that budget is tweaked with a bill known as the supplemental budget.

Mead will be working on the supplemental budget recommendations when the report by the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group is released. Its unknown exactly when the report will be made public, but it will be on or around Oct. 24, when members of the CREG present the figures in detail to the Wyoming Legislatures Joint Appropriations Committee at a meeting in Casper.

The governor will wait for the October CREG announcement before making his recommendations to the Legislature, Meads spokesman, David Bush, said in an email.

Members of the CREG will finalize revenue estimates after looking at last years revenues and studying the markets for coal, oil and gas  which provide 70 percent of the states revenue  and projecting taxes for the next several years.

Coal production and oil and gas revenues have decreased. That resulted in a series of cuts by the Wyoming Legislature in the 2016 session and later by Mead, since the Wyoming Constitution requires a balanced budget.

With Mead having had to make the latest round of cuts  nearly $250 million, which went into effect July 1  hes leaving any future decisions about what to cut to the Legislature.

He does not intend to make any additional cuts before the 2017 General Session, Bush said. Additional reductions, if necessary, should be made by the Legislature during the legislation session.

Lawmakers could also decide to raise taxes and dip into the rainy day fund. A second important CREG report will come out in January, with a new set of revenue projections, as lawmakers begin debating the supplemental budget.

Senate Vice President Drew Perkins of Casper, a member of the Appropriations Committee, said lawmakers generally are opposed to increases in taxes because their constituents dont want them.

I think there will be a groundswell of support from the public when theyre ready, the Republican said. The taxpayers will tell us.

In March, lawmakers agreed to spend $221 million from the $1.8 billion rainy day fund over the next two years. The Legislature has the option to plug any other revenue shortfalls with the fund. But Perkins is hesitant to draw too heavily from the account.

If we balance all the overdrafts from the rainy day fund, youre going to potentially exhaust the rainy day fund in four to six years, he said.

Rep. Steve Harshman, a chairman of the Appropriations Committee, said he is looking at the School Foundation Account, which funds K-12 education. In the 2017-2018 school year, Harshman estimates a deficit of as much as $350 million, or $700 million for a two-year, $3 billion budget cycle. Other lawmakers had said the deficit will be higher.

I think we have some time to work on it, said Harshman, a Republican. I think a problem that big, you have to divide it up into several pieces is my thought, and try to find ways to solve it. Weve got a little time though to do that.

Rep. Mary Throne, the leader of the Democrats in the House, said the discussion about spending priorities needs to happen in the open.

We know it could last for a while, and yet we keep doing things the way weve been doing them, she said. And yet we dont have an honest discussion for how do we provide necessarily government services. Whats our plan? I think too many discussions happen among small groups of legislators behind closed doors. I think we owe the public a broad discussion.
PHOENIX  The head of the states largest electric utility is suing Bob Burns . But he wants to keep Burns as a member of the Arizona Corporation Commission for another four years.

In an email letter to employees of Arizona Public Service obtained by Capitol Media Services, Don Brandt acknowledged he has disagreements with Burns.

But Brandt wrote that he still prefers Burns  along with his fellow Republican candidates Andy Tobin and Boyd Dunn  to the Democrat contenders. Three seats are available in the election.

Burns has been outspoken in his demand that APS and parent company Pinnacle West divulge whether either was the source of $3.2 million in anonymous donations to groups working to elect two other Republicans to the commission in 2012. He said the funding  the company wont deny it was the source of the money  taints the commissions reputation and causes the public to question its decisions.

When company officials balked, Burns issued a subpoena; the two firms responded by filing suit to block the move.

Brandt wrote of Burns, Tobin and Dunn, These three candidates would be far better for Arizona, for electricity customers, and for our ability to provide safe, reliable and affordable service while running our business well and earning a fair rate of return for our shareholders.

And what of Democrats Bill Mundell and Tom Chabin?

Based on the steady flow of vicious, misleading, anti-APS rhetoric from the other candidates in the ACC race, its difficult to believe they could regulate any utility impartially, Brandt wrote.

That drew an angry reaction from Chabin.

I promise to be fair, Chabin said  but not by simply giving APS or any other utility what it wants, he added. A corporation commissioner should be a skeptic. I think thats what the constitution calls us to be.

Chabin said the proper skepticism includes finding out whether APS or its parent put more than $3 million into the earlier race.

He said it also includes monitoring the salaries paid to company officials. The most recent corporate filings show that Brandt, as chairman of the board, president and chief executive of both Pinnacle West and APS, had total compensation for 2015 of more than $9.3 million.

Now, if all that is necessary to deliver electricity to someones home, all right, Chabin said. I think a commissioner should be a skeptic and question every cent thats paid.

Burns, for his part, said he doesnt know what to think of Brandts endorsement. Nor is he willing to speculate whether being backed by the head of the companies he has attacked will undermine his appeal to voters.

A recent poll showed Burns with more backing than any of the other four contenders, though more than half of the voters questioned had yet to make up their minds on the race.

The race also presents an unusual situation: People can vote for up to three contenders, the number of seats to be filled, but there are only two Democrats in the contest. Mundell and Chabin are running as a ticket.

SolarCity, involved in its own fight with APS over charges for customers who generate their own power, already has put $140,000 into mailers supporting Burns and Mundell. Thats on top of nearly $700,000 it spent on Burns behalf to get him through the five-way Republican primary.

Burns said while Brandt may want an all-Republican commission, hes not sure thats in his own best interests. Ive got pretty strong support from the Democrats on one issue, he said  meaning the subpoena.

The four other Republicans now serving on the ACC have not been supportive of Burns subpoena. But Mundell and Chabin have promised to provide Burns the necessary votes if they get elected.

Brandt has a different focus. He wants to reduce the amount of money APS has to pay to purchase excess power generated by homeowners from their rooftop solar units, as well as impose a demand charge that would determine a customers bill by not just the amount of energy used overall but how much was used at any one time. That is based on contentions by APS and other utilities that solar customers are being subsidized by other ratepayers who cannot afford to install rooftop generators.
Have you heard about recent data breaches involving large organizations like Target, Home Depot and Yahoo? Have you ever thought it will never happen to me, it only happens to the big guys?

Think again.

SCORE attended a cybersecurity presentation and interviewed a panel expert. Kathy Winger is a Tucson business and banking attorney, who also focuses on cybersecurity. Here is some of what we learned.

The losses from data breaches are so astronomical they are being spread to everyone involved, including small- and medium-sized businesses. Did you know you could be financially liable if your vendors cause data breaches? Did you know there does not need to be an actual data breach for businesses to be penalized?

Nearly half of smaller businesses that suffer a data breach close their doors within six months because the costs are so high. They include financial reimbursement, legal fees to defend a variety of lawsuits and to ensure compliance with various state breach notification statutes. Additional costs are incurred to identify the cause and to develop solutions to prevent future breaches. Did you know your general liability insurance policy likely has a data breach exclusion, and may not pay these costs?

According to Winger, every business is different when it comes to their cyberrisks. The more steps businesses take to prevent cyberbreaches and loss, the better off they will be when it happens. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Consult professionals (I.T., legal, insurance) to determine and address your specific risks.

2. Comply with PCI (payment card industry) data security standards.

3. Install a good antivirus software and update it regularly.

4. Hire someone to train your employees on the best cybersecurity practices.

5. Insist that your vendors data protection systems are reliable.

6. Make sure that you and your vendors have cyberinsurance.
This week, Habitat for Humanity Tucson will launch Blitz Build  an eight-day, high energy build of four new homes in partnership with local home builders and industry professionals.

We are aggressively taking action against substandard housing in our community, T. VanHook, Habitat Tucson CEO, said in a news release. Blitz Build offers us a unique opportunity to engage our local home builders and surrounding community to take a stand together and build strength for our neighbors. Strong and stable homes build strong and stable communities.

Blitz Build will take place from Thursday, Oct. 20 through Oct. 28 in a neighborhood near South Park Avenue and Drexel Road.

The agency is seeking in-kind donations, contractors services, volunteers and support for what it calls a record-breaking undertaking. Those interested in providing food and water for the builders, or supplying materials and professional services, are asked to call 373-7780 or email buildersblitz@habitattucson.org .
Safety tips

Arizona Game and Fish provided the following tips to avoid bear contact:

 Keep a clean camp or picnic site.

 Stow food, pet food, trash and picnic coolers out of sight and out of smell range of bears.

 Utilize bear-proof food and trash receptacles.

 Wash and stow cooking utensils immediately following use.

 Avoid having odorous items like toothpaste and lotions, or clothing used while cooking in tents.

 Keep pets leashed.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders will return to the Old Pueblo on Tuesday to campaign for Hillary Clinton.

The former Democratic presidential hopeful will hold rallies in both Tucson and Flagstaff on Tuesday, confirms Miraym Lipper, a spokesperson for the Clinton campaign.

The Tucson rally will be held the Main Stage on the University of Arizona campus.

It is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m.

Sanders is expected to discuss raising the minimum wage, using more sustainable energy sources, making public colleges and universities tuition free and solutions to fix what he sees as a broken criminal justice system.

He has used both the Tucson Convention Center and Reid Park to hold rallies for his campaign in the past with both events drawing thousands of supporters.

The city of Tucson has billed Sanders and Republican nominee Donald Trump separately for tens of thousands of dollars for police protection for their rallies held at the TCC.

The Sanders campaign has disputed the charges, while the Trump campaign has not formally responded.

Councilman Steve Kozachik has suggested that the city should hold off on any further rallies be held at the TCC until the city has been paid back.

With the event held on campus, the city of Tucson is unlikely to have to shoulder any costs - with security expected to be handled by the University Police.

"I just want these financially overstuffed campaigns to quit expecting taxpayers to be left to cover their costs, whether those are logistics, security or whatever," Kozachik said.

A recent visit by Republican Vice Presidential nominee Mike Pence was held at the Fox Theatre, with city officials saying the TCC and the city-owned Music Hall were not available due to construction.

To RSVP for the free event, go to http://hrc.io/2dHiWPJ
Chimney rescue

Firefighters finally get man stuck in chimney at the top after he had been stuck for nearly four hours. The man was trying to get into his home after locking himself out.
A new Kumon center has opened in Oro Valley.

Kumon is one of the worlds largest after-school education chains, providing individualized enrichment programs for reading and math.

The new center, at 1335 W. Lambert Lane, would be the third Kumon math and reading learning center in the Tucson area.

Kumon has programs for preschool to high school students.

Hooters to donate portion of Oct. 22 proceeds to teacher booster group

A Tucson organization supporting teachers is hosting an event at Hooters on Oct. 22.

Treasures 4 Teachers provides free or low-cost educational supplies and materials, donated by business and community members, to teachers.

Hooters, 4385 W. Ina Road, will donate 15 percent of the proceeds from sales between 5 and 9 p.m. that day.

Oct. 19 open house at St. Michaels is

chance to meet teachers, check programs

St. Michaels School, a private school on the east side, will host an open house Oct. 19.

The schools campus at 602 N. Wilmot Road, will be open from 9 to 11 a.m. for parents to meet the teachers and learn about the schools programs.

2 library employees win college tuition

The Friends of Green Valley/Sahuarita Libraries are sponsoring two library employees to attend college for the fall semester.

Joseph Garcia, a library technical assistant, and Vicki Lazaro, a program instructor, received scholarships to study information services at the University of Arizona.

The Friends group is providing the scholarships from money it raised through sales and donations from its more than 900 members.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders will return to the Old Pueblo on Tuesday to campaign for Hillary Clinton.

The former Democratic Presidential candidate will hold rallies in both Tucson and Flagstaff on Tuesday, confirms Miraym Lipper, a spokesperson for the Clinton campaign.

The Tucson rally will be held on the Main Stage on the University of Arizona campus.

It is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m.

At the event, Sanders is expected to discuss raising the minimum wage, using more sustainable energy sources, making public colleges and universities tuition free and solutions to fix what he sees as a broken criminal justice system.

He has used both the Tucson Convention Center and Reid Park to hold rallies for his campaign in the past with both events drawing thousands of supporters.

The city of Tucson has billed Sanders and Republican nominee Donald Trump separately for tens of thousands of dollars for police protection for their rallies held at the TCC.

The Sanders campaign has disputed the charges, while the Trump campaign has not formally responded.

Councilman Steve Kozachik has suggested that the city should hold off on any further rallies be held at the TCC until the city has been paid back.

With the event held on campus, the city of Tucson is unlikely to have to shoulder any costs - with security expected to be handled by the University Police.

"I just want these financially overstuffed campaigns to quit expecting taxpayers to be left to cover their costs, whether those are logistics, security or whatever," Kozachik said.

A recent visit by Republican Vice Presidential nominee Mike Pence was held at the Fox Theatre, with city officials saying the TCC and the city-owned Music Hall were not available due to construction.

To RSVP for the free event, go to http://hrc.io/2dHiWPJ.
To the surprise of Charlie Singleton, news that a parking ticket had been following him for just shy of a quarter century arrived at his Tucson home a few weeks back.

Around midnight on May 7, 1992, an officer wrote that ticket  now worth $101.50  and left it on a vehicle brazenly parked in front of a sign that said, in no uncertain terms, that parking was not allowed there, according to the original ticket and a court official.

But Singleton, who had gotten married just a few days prior, says that he and his wife were on their honeymoon enjoying themselves roughly 3,000 miles away in Hawaii that evening, a timeline he ran by his then-newlywed wife. County marriage records support the story.

She has a better memory than me, he said with a laugh.

The northwest Tucson intersection where somebody illegally parked  Camino Martin and Jeremy Place  was near a country Western bar that Singleton had gone to a few times, but other than that he could think of no reason that he would have been in the area.

In a final twist, his month of birth was listed as November 1911, making him just shy of 105 years old. Singleton is, in fact, in his 50s.

Singleton told the Road Runner that hes not looking to avoid responsibility, and has gotten other tickets in the past and paid them promptly. What hes looking for is a chance to argue his case, a chance hes likely to get, according to a court official.

I guess if there was a legitimate reason that I received a ticket while I was in Hawaii, then prove it and Ill pay my dues, he said.

So, whats the story of this strange parking ticket? The Road Runner spoke with city and county court administrators to find out.

Doug Kooi, administrator of the Pima County Consolidated Justice Court, where Singletons case was filed, did not try to dispute Singletons account, but made an important point about parking violations that doesnt necessarily apply to other civil traffic violations.

The citation was left on the car. He could have been anywhere in the world. Its where the car was, Kooi said, adding that those citations stay on the books until the court learns (the owner is) deceased or the person pays it.

As stated in county ordinance, The person in whose name such vehicle is registered is prima facie responsible for such violation and subject to the penalty thereof.

In other words, it doesnt matter who parked there; all that matters is whom the car is registered to, even if theyre in Hawaii. The fact that nobody was in the vehicle when the citation was issued also explains the wildly inaccurate birth month attributed to Singleton in court records. Kooi said that when older record systems were in use, they automatically filled in blank dates-of-birth with 1s, thus 11/11/1911.

As for the car, a 1982 maroon four-door Subaru, Singleton said that he had indeed once owned it. However, he said that he sold that car around the time he picked up a Ford Expedition in 1991.

Now hes now on the hunt for a paper trail to prove that he had sold the vehicle and someone else did not take the required steps to register it. As to his chances before the judge wholl hear his case, Kooi said that such appeals are a pretty mixed bag.

The judges listen for those extenuating circumstances and rule (on) each one, he added. Judges often tell me that cases like this come in groups of one. Everyone is individual.

But what about the most interesting thing about this case: the extraordinarily long time it took for his ticket to find him?

Kooi said that such delays are often due to drivers not updating their addresses with the state Department of Motor Vehicles when they move, meaning that notices bounce back to the court or collection agencies. The Road Runner will confess he has not always updated addresses in the most timely fashion, but Singleton said that hes tried to do a good job of that.

The exact reason(s) for the long delay is difficult to discern. What we do know is that it was the states Fines, Fees and Restitution Enforcement (FARE) program that eventually tracked him down, less than two months after receiving the case from the countys previous contractor Valley Collections, which had had the ticket for more than 3 years.

Kooi said his court had a very good relationship with Valley, and dropped them over the summer because of a mandated move to FARE. That program dates back to 2003 and helps state courts with outstanding fines, fees and restitution payments in civil, criminal and traffic matters, including unpaid parking tickets.

However, Chris Hale, Tucson City Court administrator, said his office has had much better luck with FARE than the collection contractors it used before 2003, when the court became among the first FARE participants.

With previous contractors, Hale estimated that collection rates were sometimes less than 10 percent. But between fiscal year 2004 and FY 2014, the most recent full year included in data he provided, Hales court turned over roughly a quarter million dollars in outstanding fines, fees and to FARE, which collected nearly $70 million. Some years theyve successfully tracked down more than half of outstanding payments.

Hale also said that unpaid fines can spiral out of control and lead to larger consequences, one of the reasons he said people should not ignore them.

You have to deal with it because its not going to go away, he added.

Singleton certainly isnt ignoring his fine anymore, but hes got a different challenge than many others.

How do I prove that theyre wrong? he asked.

DOWN THE ROAD

The section of Pima Mine Road that passes under Interstate 19 will be closed Wednesday and Thursday while the Community Water Co. of Green Valley carries out paving work, according to a release from the Arizona Department of Transportation. Ramps to and from the road (Exit 80) will also be closed during work hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Message boards will direct interstate drivers to alternate exits.

There will also be work on Interstate 10 this week, with overnight lane closures planned at I-10s bridges over Craycroft Road. Left lanes in both directions will be closed between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.

Dates and times for two additional city of Tucson crack and fog seal projects are also out. Crews were to work overnight on the Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon road intersection, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

On Wednesday, crews will start work on Craycroft Road between the Rillito River Bridge and Glenn Street with the same overnight shifts. At least one lane of travel in all directions will remain open during the work.
Two armed men assaulted a taxi driver and shot at his car during an early Sunday morning attempted robbery.

The driver was responding to a call for a fare pickup near North Westmoreland Avenue and West Alameda Street just before 5 a.m., according to a Tucson Police Department news release, when two Hispanic men entered the cab.

The men produced guns and demanded money, the release said.

One of the suspects struck the driver, who then began to drive away, prompting the men to jump out of the vehicle. They fired at the taxi as it sped off, the release said.

The driver was able to make it to a safe location and contact the police. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The two suspects could not be located by responding officers and are considered armed and dangerous, the release said.

Anyone with information should call 88-CRIME.
Help India!

By Md. Ali, TwoCircles.net,

For Moradabad, Hindu-Muslim communal riot is a pattern, which now has become inextricable part of its history, present and future. So much so, that the western Uttar Pradesh town, which was established by Murad, the son of Mughal emperor Shahjahan, has now become a byname for communal clashes. There have been more than a dozen communal violence of small and big intensity during last thirty years.

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Religious tempers on both the religious sides are always high. You can never be sure about communal riot here. It can happen any time. It just requires a provocation, which might be entering of pigs in the Eidgah, as it was in 1980, which was followed by a huge communal riot; the provocation can be the route of the Eid Miladun Nabi (celebrations of the Prophets birth day) procession, as it happened in the case of communal clashes in February this year; it might be the controversy over route for kavadiya pilgrims as was the case for communal clashes which happened last week or it might be over the alleged desecration of Quran in July this year.







In order to analyze the phenomenon of communal riot in Moradabad and reasons and motivations behind it, I talked to common people on the streets of Moradabad, and also the radical elements in both the communities-the stakeholders of any communal riot.

Every riot has its genesis in the last riot because, the residue of the last clashes serve as a spark for the next communal disturbances. Muslims in Moradabad see the communal clashes which broke out two weeks back, as an extension of the violent confrontation between the police and the community after the alleged desecration of Quran in an incident which took place on July 6 at in Arahlatnagar Bagah village on the outskirts of Moradabad city.

While talking to Muslims amidst the relaxed curfew, I felt a palpable sense of anger against those, the community thought responsible for the desecration of Quran which included the police, administration and Hindus in general; because there was a feeling that because the local Hindus didnt come out against the police, the police had the tacit support of the majority community.

Murtaza Iqbal, a local journalist with an Urdu daily, Aag told this correspondent that in reaction to the alleged disrespect shown to Quran, Muslim mob had attacked the police in which the SP, who was fatally attacked, had to get more than 25 stitches on his head. The mob also burnt police vehicle and had almost taken the local area in their administrative control.

Iqbal said that never in the history of India had this kind of incident taken place where a Muslim mob had attacked a police station and taken the control of an area. It was because of Talibani dictates of the local Muslim groups, pushed and manipulated by the local leaders of Samajwadi Party, Iqbal added.

Interestingly, when I made further enquiries, it turned out that the claim of Quran desecration was made up. The actual matter was related to sexual assault of a Muslim woman by another Muslim individual and there was a complaint against him, after which the police had gone to investigate in a particular house where the accused spread the rumor that police had desecrated Quran. Soon the rumor spread like a wild fire in the jungle and people took to the streets.

It was all made up by that person who was accused in the case of sexual assault in order to distract the attention of the people. You will be surprised to know that the community believed the version of a 12 years old girl, who alleged that she had seen the police showing disrespect to the holy Quran, said Fareed Shamsi, a local journalist with IBN 7.

The severe attack on the police by the Muslim mob had angered the police, which started acting in vendetta, arresting more than a dozen members from the minority community, several of them even minor, said Akhlak Ahmad, a human rights activists associated with Association for the Protection of Civil Rights (APCR).

Wasnt this immature on behalf of the local Muslim leadership to provoke the religious tempers of Muslim against the police which resulted in huge confrontation between the police and the local Muslims in Arahlatnagar? I asked this question to the Syed Masoom Azad, the Shahar Qazi of Moradabad and Murtaza Iqbal, both of whom were seated side by side at Azads residence.

Indeed it was not only immature but also wrong and thats precisely why we had condemned the attack on the police and the way entire episode occurred and the way it was handled, said Azad and Iqbal almost in one voice.

Azad and Iqbal told me that initially the reaction to the allegation of desecration of Quran was not violent and situation was getting back to normal. But few religious group with vested interests started mobilizing people, visiting door to door and distributing pamphlets. On the whole, a huge campaign was built up by these Talibani elements who were probably a prop up of the Samajwadi Party, asking Muslims to take an unprecedented stand against the police so that they didnt dare to dishonor Quran again.

Iqbal blamed local religious groups for provoking religious sentiments which caused huge destruction and prompted illegal arrests of several innocent Muslims.

But why should we tolerate such attack on our religious scriptures? Shouldnt we teach a lesson to the police so that they dont have the courage to dishonor Quran all their life? asked Tufail, a youth in his twenties, who was sitting in the same room but was silent till now out of respect for the Shahar Qazi.

The fact that the fringe and loony elements in far away Arahlatnagar Bagah village, had managed to convince a youth in Moradabad city, represented a disturbing sign. Iqbal accepted the fact that indeed there was religious aggression among Muslims in Moradabad but he considered this as a reaction to an equally militant religious stand by the Hindu Right in Moradabad. He alleged that Muslims were repeatedly told that if they didnt follow certain dictates then Moradabad will be turned into Gujarat.







The fire of religious aggression has been spread among both Hindus and Muslims here and their social, political and religious leadership is responsible for that, added Iqbal.

Iqbal, who has more than thirty years of journalistic experience, made a very important insight. He said that every time there was some communal tension, the administration acted in a very partisan manner which led to a very strong sense of resentment against it. The fringe elements among Muslims in Arahlatnagar, manipulated this very resentment.

The resentment is so big that Muslims here still remember how the police acted in biased manner when the riot of nineteen-eighty happened. Some religious groups with their own vested interests, which are in some cases aligned to political parties, manipulate this very resentment to create communal clashes and mobilize votes in favor of a particular political group, added Iqbal.

But the phenomenon of communal riot in Moradabad cant be seen without the politics of riot motivating this monster, particularly in the wake of the coming assembly elections. Its not the common Muslim or Hindus on the streets, who benefit from the riot, in fact they are the worst sufferers.

It was the Samajwadi Party which during the alleged desecration of Quran, pushed and exploited Muslims resentment against the local administration to mobilize people on communal lines. At the same time the Hindutva groups like Sarvadaliya Hindu Sabha, are trying to communalize the city in a bid to mobilize the Hindu votes.

The recent communal clashes represent the BJPs preparations for the coming assembly elections, alleged Shamsi.

But Roli Arora, wife of the district chief of Shiv Sena, Virendra Arora, refused to accept this categorically denying any involvement of Shiv Sena in the communal riot.

Muslims are angry with the administration and the local police, and not with the local Hindu population. If you look closely at the way communal clashes originated in the city, you will find that this resentment in the community had a important role to play in the riots. Yes I can accept that there are political groups, wanting to mobilize the votes on communal lines before the assembly elections, but we dont do this, added Ms. Arora, a former advertising professional with Amar Ujala.

Its not the end but just a beginning for the communal riots in Moradabad, as Iqbal said that the city will remain tense because the assembly election is scheduled early next year.


Help India!

By TwoCircles.net, Staff Reporter

Srinagar: Taking note of crackdown on protesters in Kashmir during the ongoing unrest, three global prominent watchdogsAmnesty International India, Human Rights Watch and International Commission of Juristshave issued a joint statement in which it has asked the state and central government to stop the wrongful detention of protesters in the state.

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Specifically asking for an end to the use of Public Safety Act (PSA), the law which has often been used to detain people on vague grounds for long periods ignoring regular criminal justice safeguards, the human rights watchdogs have called for end to arbitrarily detaining of people, including children.

The PSA violates international due process standards and should be repealed, the groups said.

Importantly, in last three months of unrest more than 7,000 people have been arrested whereas more than 450 people have been slapped with Public Safety Act.The raids across Kashmir are still going on to arrest the people and curb the three month long deadly unrest in which more than 90 people have died and thousands injured.

The use of the PSA to detain people, particularly children, violates a range of human rights, and its increasing use in recent weeks undermines the rule of law and further entrenches impunity in Kashmir, said Sam Zarifi, ICJ Asia Director.

Police should end the use of the PSA; if people are suspected of committing offences, they should be properly charged and given fair trials.

Following an amendment in 2012, the PSA expressly prohibits the detention of anyone under 18.

On 16 September, Rayees Ahmad Mir, who is 16 years old according to his school records, was arrested in Baramulla district under ordinary criminal procedure for allegedly throwing stones at security forces. Two days later, an executive official passed an order to detain him under the PSA, to preclude his release on bail. The order incorrectly stated that he was 18 years old.

Rayees Mirs family challenged the order before the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, producing documents that proved he was only 16. On 7 October, the court stated that Rayees Mir should be treated according to juvenile justice rules, as there was prima facie evidence that he was a minor, and ordered his transfer to a juvenile home. The PSA detention order has not yet been quashed.

In a number of cases the families have not been informed about the grounds of detention. Arresting minors and booking them under PSA is definitely going to have an effect on their psyche. From schools and colleges, these boys end up in jails where they will be kept together with adults. It is definitely going to have an adverse effect on them. Mir Shafqat Hussain, a lawyer representing many PSA detainees, was quoted as saying by the group statement.

On 18 August, Waheed Ahmed Gojree, who is 16 according to his school records, was arrested in Kupwara district and detained at a police station.

The government has a responsibility to address violence during protests, but indefinitely detaining people without charge only adds to the lawlessness, said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia Director, Human Rights Watch.

Detaining children under the PSA is not only unlawful, but could have negative repercussions for years, she added.

Amnesty International India, Human Rights Watch and the ICJ have called for people detained under the PSA, either be charged promptly with a recognizable criminal offence or prosecuted in a fair trial, or else be released.

The central and state governments have spoken about following the principle of insaniyat, or humanity, in dealing with the crisis in Jammu and Kashmir, said Aakar Patel, Executive Director at Amnesty International India. But detaining children under the PSA is neither humane nor lawful.
Help India!

Ahmedabad : Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar on Monday said the RSS ideology inspired Prime Minister Narendra Modi and him to carry out the September 29 surgical strikes across the Line of Control.

It was not possible that a Prime Minister from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and a Defence Minister from Goa with a common RSS orientation would not take such a strong decision, he said.

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The minister was addressing students and teachers of Nirma University here during a Know Your Army programme.

The Minister said the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh teachings were at the back of the mind of the Prime Minister and him while ordering the surgical strikes on the terrorist launch pads.

Parrikar said he and Modi were subjected to severe public criticism after the September 18 terror attack on the Indian Army camp in Uri.

Both were targeted on the social media after 19 soldiers were killed in Uri and the media campaign continued till September 29 (when the Army conducted surgical strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir), he said.

Now some people want evidence of the surgical strikes. These people will never accept the truth even if we provide them with concrete proof.

One thing is sure  no one can doubt the integrity and courage of the Indian Army, he added.

Parrikar said the surgical strikes achieved two things  the country became sensitive to national security; and secondly, the entire nation has rallied behind the Army.

The minister said some ex-servicemen have even offered their services. Such is the high morale of the men in uniform.

He said attacks on Indian security forces, as happened in Uri, were an ongoing feature for the last four to five years. But this was for the first time that India gave a befitting reply to the enemy, he added.

Asked about the border fencing along the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat, he said because a complete fencing was not possible due to marshy land.

The security forces are keeping a strict vigil on the trans-border movement using high technology, he said.
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By Amit Kumar, TwoCircles.net

A student of Jawaharlal University, Najeeb Ahmad has reportedly gone missing since Saturday following a brawl with ABVP cadres in the campus during the campaigning for hostel elections.

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A case under section 365 (kidnapping with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person) of IPC has been registered at the Vasant Kunj North police station on the basis of a complaint by his parents, police said.

Ahmed, a 27-year-old resident of Badayun, Uttar Pradesh, was in his room in the Mahi-Mandvi hostel when a few members of ABVP came for campaigning for the hostel elections.

However, it must be pointed out that the hostel elections are not fought on party lines.

A scuffle broke out between Ahmad and the students and the ABVP students beat up Ahmad, who had moved into the hostel only a few weeks ago. According to a student from the campus, while ABVP students allege that Ahmad ridiculed Vikrant, one of the campaigning students, over him wearing a Red thread in his hand, others said that the ABVP students abused the student for being a Muslim and called him names. About an hour later, the ABVP students returned with more people including outsiders and beat up Ahmed again, in front of the warden Dr Sushil Kumar.

Speaking with Twocircles.net, Dr Kumar said, I was informed around 11pm on Friday night that a fight had broken out among the students in the hostel, and when I reached the spot I saw that some students, fearing the safety of Ahmad, had locked him up in the bathroom as a number of other students seemed hell bent on attacking him. I took Ahmad and as I was taking him with me to Warden office, he was attacked again by a number of students. Other students also got injured in the process. Finally when we reached the Warden office, Najeeb, visibly shaken, said he did not remember anything that had happened a while ago and refused to say much. He did apologise for his behaviour, and I made a report of the same and sent it to the administration. Dr Kumar added that the next day, Ahmads roommate took him for a check up to Safdarjung Hospital and until 12 pm, Ahmad was in campus. Another warden, Dr Anil Srivastav, said he had probably seen Ahmad leave in an auto or a taxi, alone. However, he is not sure. That was the last time he was spotted on campus, Dr Kumar said.

According to Alimuddin, President, Mahi Mandvi hostel, the matter was considered closed that night. By the fag end of Friday night, we were under the impression that the matter had been solved. However, next day around evening we came to know that Najeeb had gone missing. In the last two days, there is a massive amount of political games that have been played on the issue and many are addressing it as a Hindu-Muslim fight. However, I would like to point that this is not the time for such gamesa student has gone missing, and we must focus only on that issue for the time being, he said.

Will approach court if matter is not solved, say Ahmads parents

Speaking with media persons, the father of Ahmad said, It is a matter of shame that my son was accused by the Dean of Students Welfare even before they identified the perpetrators. In front of the warden, those students threatened to kill my son. His mother added, I spoke to my son on Saturday morning around 11 am from Anand Vihar. I told him to stay there, and that I was coming to meet him in his room. However, when I came back he had gone missing, she added. The parents, who have been in the campus for the last three days, said that unless he is found in the next two days they would approach the court.

The accused, some of whom were identified, have been called for interrogation by the Vasant Kunj Police. Twocircles.net tried to get in touch with one of the accused, Vikrant, but his number was switched off. Meanwhile, the JNUSU has been protesting outside the administration office in the campus and said that as of now, all focus must be on finding Najeeb, followed by ensuring that the right action must be taken against students who attacked him. (On) 16/10/2016 (in) the wardens meeting, to prepare a report about the incident was repeatedly disturbed by ABVP lumpens led by Saurabh Sharma. There are serious efforts to communalize the issue and concerted efforts to communally polarize the campus where, on the table of the common room Muslims are Terrorists and other deeply offensive statements were written in the hostel. It is shocking to see the apathy of the administration which has not taken any concrete steps despite Najeeb Ahmed missing from the campus premises for more than three days now, JNUSU said in a release.

The JNUSU demanded that all the accused must be punished strictly and that the administration must file a formal complaint with the Delhi Police immediately. All the accused have to be declared out of bound from the hostel to ensure a free and fair trial and speedy justice to be delivered without intimidation of the witnesses. The administration has to initiate further steps to ensure the safety of the students and take necessary steps to stop communal polarization of stakeholders of the university, the release added.
A Police manhunt operation is going into its second week in Portugal.

Last Tuesday, one suspect killed two people (one policeman and one civilian) and left another two (also, a policeman and civilian) severely wounded. The suspect, named Pedro Dias, 44 years old is on the run ever since, in spite of the massive police deployment all around Northern Portugal in order to get him.

The violence applied and the dimension of the escape are unusual to Portugal, where violent Crime has a low rating according to international standards.

The case

Two policemen were attacked after demanding a van driver to pull over, to check his ID.

According to Portugal News, he was already suspect of an attempt of robbery in a local establishment. One of them was killed in the act. The other was taken, badly wounded and alive, by the suspect in the police car.

According to a portuguese newspaper (Correio da Manha), the surviving cop told later that the suspect intended to attack the local police headquarters, but eventuallygave up on that and abandoned the car and himself, wounded. Apparently, the suspect abandoned the police car and took another one by carjacking, shooting the innocent couple on board. The man died and the woman remains in critical condition. This happened in Aguiar da Beira, a small town in Central Portugal.

The great escape

Portuguese police mounted an operation that took them to a hilly region, 60 miles long from the town where the killings happened, deemed to be the suspect's hometown. People from surrounding villages were told to stay at home and there were reports of localsmaking contact with him.

However, and in spite of the all the mendeployed, the operation was dismantled.

Approaching the weekend, there were reports suggesting that he could be in Salamanca (Spain). The authorities did not disclosed how they got this information. However, yesterday (Sunday, October 16) the suspect stole a car in a small village near his hometown. Amazingly, the latest reports are that this stolen car was abandoned in the city of Vila Real, another 60 miles to the North.

The whole story is generating public surprise, given the usual profile and effectiveness of Portuguese killers, way lower than this one. A meme appeared on the internet, with the suspect's face (as shared by the police), depicting a fictional version of Grand Theft Auto named "Aguiar da Beira Edition", to the town where the suspect first committed his crimes.

Others say thatthe suspect is the Portuguese Rambo, in a reference to the movie "First Blood", with Sylvester Stallone.

Crime in Portugal

The Iberian country is being revered as one of the safest in the world. A study conducted by the Institute for Economics and Peace, according toThe Week, place her in the 5th place overall, only behind Iceland, Denmark, Austria and New Zealand.

Around 2010, there was a violent crime wave in Algarve, where Eastern European mobsters were attacking English and other foreign (and wealthy) residents.However, the Portuguese authorities were able to terminate quickly that threat.

According to the Portuguese TVI station, there is a medical report of 2011 stating that the suspect is a sociopath. He was then sentenced for domestic violence, butit was suspended.
Martyrdom and Religious Violence Throughout History: Sherman Emerging Scholar Lecture Contemplates a Topic of International Significance

UNCWs Department of History will host John Soboslai for the annual Sherman Emerging Scholar Lecture Series on Oct. 19, 2016. Soboslai, an assistant professor of religion in contemporary global politics at Montclair State University in New Jersey, will speak on the topic, Dying for God? Martyrdom Across the Ages. The free lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Warwick Center and is open to the public.

Soboslai will discuss how different religions interpret what it means to be a martyr and look at martyrdom in the context of Christian martyrs in the Roman empire, modern jihadi Islamist organizations who engage in military martyrdom operations and Tibetan Buddhists who have self-immolated in opposition to Chinese rule.

The Sherman Emerging Scholar Lecture Series is a centerpiece of the UNCW Department of History's intellectual life and a unique showcase for the work of junior scholars, said Department Chair Lynn Mollenauer. Each year we select a topic of international significance and we receive proposals from young scholars across the globe. Dr. Soboslais examination of religious violence and martyrdom across the ages promises to be original, challenging and highly relevant to events today."

Two additional events will enable scholarly discussion of topics related to the lecture. The Sherman Scholar Colloquium features a faculty discussion of a reading of Soboslais choosing related to his lecture topic. It is open to graduate students and UNCW faculty and will be held at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 18 in Morton Hall Room 212.

A roundtable discussion at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 20 in Randall Library Auditorium, Room 2047, is open to the public. The panel discussion includes Soboslai and four senior scholars: Mark Juergensmeyer of the University of California at Santa Barbara; James Benn, McMaster University; Anathea Portier-Young, Duke Divinity School; and Herb Berg, professor of philosophy and religion and director of International Studies at UNCW. Dan Masters, chair of the Department of Public and International Affairs, will moderate.

The Sherman Emerging Scholar Lecture Series was endowed by Phillip Sherman and Ann Sherman-Skiba in honor of their parents, Virginia and Derrick Sherman, lifelong learners with a love of history and UNCWs public programs.

-- Tricia Vance

#CAS

John Soboslai of Montclair State University is the 2016 Sherman Emerging Scholar.
Watson College of Education to Welcome Nuclear Science Week Big Event

UNCWs Watson College of Education will be the venue Oct. 20-22 for the main event of Nuclear Science Week, which puts the spotlight on an industry with a significant presence in the Cape Fear region.

A key focus of this years NSW events will be to showcase the many ways nuclear technology can be harnessed now and in the future. The Wilmington Area Local Section of the American Nuclear Society and local chapters of the North American Young Generation in Nuclear are hosts of the Big Event.

Our mission at WCE is to educate and to support learning in a range of contexts, and we happily offered our building to showcase an educational opportunity like Nuclear Science Week, said Watson College Dean Van Dempsey. Its an honor to serve as the host location for an event designed to enhance and expand efforts in STEM learning for area children and educators.

Nuclear Science Week, Oct. 17-21, is a national observation that highlights nuclear technology and its applications. Sponsors for the 2016 Nuclear Science Week celebration include Honeywell, Duke Energy Progress, Energy Solutions, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy and URENCO. A number of other organizations will provide support, including Women in Nuclear, the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, UNCW, North Carolina State University and Cape Fear Community College.

Each year a different city is chosen to host the Big Event following the conclusion of local observances in other communities around the nation.

North Carolina, and Wilmington in particular, is a great location to host the Big Event for Nuclear Science Week given the significant concentration of nuclear technologists in the state, said Derek Bass, Wilmington Big Event 2016 chair and lead system engineer at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy.

Tours of GE Hitachi and the Brunswick Nuclear Plant will be offered, and a variety of exhibits and workshops will explore the role of nuclear technology in energy, medicine and other applications. Other events include workshops for older children and teens and the film Our Friend the Atom, while another workshop seeks to engage K-12 teachers.

A screening of the film Pandoras Promise, which makes the case for nuclear energy, will show at 6 p.m. Oct. 21 in Room 162 of the Education Building.

All events are open to the public, but registration is requested to ensure seating and tour availability.

-- Tricia Vance

#WCE

#ENGAGEMENT
RingCentral Now Handles Communications for Santa Clara School District

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By Casey Houser

Contributing Writer By Casey HouserContributing Writer

The Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD) holds nearly 2,000 administrators and staff as part of its 28 educational facilities in Silicon Valley. Its position in California allows the school district to gain a front-row view of ITs impact on education.





Recently, SCUSD wanted to update its communications system. It looked for a cloud-based communications suite that would work well with Google (News - Alert) Apps for Education, a mainstay of productivity and file sharing between educators in the district. SCUSDs search finally landed it in a contract with RingCentral (News - Alert). This new partnership, which began only in the summer of 2016, is expected to provide SCUSD with a complete set of communications tools that educators can access from any device and which also saves the district money.

Mitch Tarica, the president of commercial sales at RingCentral, commented on this blend of flexibility and cost savings that the district can expect as the pair moves forward with their arrangement.

Were thrilled to be selected as a trusted partner to the Santa Clara Unified School District, Mitch said. We are committed to serving the needs of school districts and the community at large. Its our goal to help school districts benefit from a new generation of cloud communication solutions that are cost efficient and provide modern communication capabilities to better serve their needs.

RingCentral has found tight integration with Google in recent months. Though they have supported each other for some time, the addition of new RingCentral Office Google Edition packages Android (News - Alert), Chrome, Docs, Gmail, and Hangouts alongside unlimited storage in a single plugin now available in the Google Apps marketplace. The coupling of these two companies products makes heavy use of WebRTC for the sending of audio, video, and data through Web browsers.

SCUSD has reportedly been using RingCentral communications tools since the beginning of the 2016 school year. It did not take long between the signing of this partnership and the use of RingCentral by all associated educators in the district. RingCentral has noted an increase in education outfits reaching to its own company and the cloud for their communications needs. It referenced a Consortium for School Networking report that suggests the biggest challenge for K-12 education is the usability of their small budgets. Cloud-based apps can help alleviate some of that concern while also remaining flexible enough for even the largest of districts.

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Edited by Alicia Young
Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesYou have the chance to own a gold and diamond pendant worn by Tupac Shakur when he was shot in 1994, but it'll cost you a pretty penny.

Gary Zimet, owner of memorabilia dealer Moments In Time, tells TMZ that the dented pendant was worn on a chain around the rapper's neck when he was shot in New York two years before his death.

The pendant -- being sold in a fixed-price sale for $125,000 -- was reportedly obtained from a member of the rappers family, who will receive a majority of the profits.

Beware, though -- Tupac's estate tells the gossip website that they are strongly against the sale and insist no one has the authority to sell any Tupac item, not even family members.

The source adds that they'll file suit against anyone who sells an item, and go after anyone who buys one, too.

Tupac -- whose birth name is Lesane Parish Crooks -- was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting in 1996 at the age of 25.

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Europe as engine of new growth Updated: 2016-10-17 09:39 By YANG ZIMAN/ZHANG LI(China Daily)

A Yuchai worker assembles a diesel engine at a workshop in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. More than 90 percent of Yuchai Machinery's sales are now concentrated in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South America and Africa where infrastructure construction is taking off. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Group Co Ltd, the largest internal combustion engine manufacturer in China, aims to tap developed markets in Europe by cooperating with top European engine producers, according to top executives of the company.

Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Yuchai Machinery has been the standard-setter as far as Chinese internal combustion engines are concerned. Its assets are worth 32.7 billion yuan ($4.9 billion).

"We always look up to the emission standards of Western countries, staying ahead in technological capacity. Now, we are building engines that meet the Euro 6 emission limits that are in effect in Europe since 2013," said Guo Deming, deputy Party chief of Yuchai Machinery.

China is going to implement the fifth generation of national emission standards in an all-round way in 2017, which are the equivalent of the Euro 5 emission limits observed in Europe from 2008 to 2013.

Under the Euro 6 emission limits, soot emission per kilometer must be lower than 5 milligrams and nitric oxide per kilometer lower than 80 milligrams, which are one-fifth and one-fourth respectively of the Euro 4 standards.

"Automobile emissions that meet the Euro 6 standards are even cleaner than the average air quality in Beijing," said Guo.

Keeping up with the top standards helps Yuchai Machinery to enter developed countries, where the recognition of Chinese brands is not high, according to Huang Yi, deputy general manager of Yuchai Sales Company.

"Developed countries have mature market economy rules. Having a presence in these countries is a touchstone for our own competence. We will suffer great losses if our products in these markets are found to be problematic, which is a driving force for us to keep improving the quality of our products," said Huang.

At the moment, more than 90 percent of Yuchai Machinery's sales are concentrated in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South America and Africa where infrastructure construction is taking off. The 10 member-countries of ASEAN represent its largest market. In 2015, they accounted for sales of 30,000 units out of the total overseas sales of 40,000 units.

Yuchai Machinery has been collaborating with FEV GmbH in Germany, one of the top three automobile engine companies in the world, Ricardo Plc in Britain and AVL List GmbH in Austria. It has a research center in Aachen, Germany, where the RWTH Aachen University acts as a talent pool for FEV.

Yuchai Machinery has recently signed an agreement with MTU, a German manufacturer of large diesel engines and complete propulsion systems, to establish a joint venture. The JV will use MTU's technologies related to its S4000 engine series to produce high-end, high-power and high-speed auto engines in both China and overseas.

Meanwhile, Yuchai Machinery is cooperating with Brunel University in Britain on oil and gas hybrid power research.

"Hybrid power is the future. It is used in high-end cars, which consumes slightly over 3 liters of oil per 100 kilometers. As the emission standards increase, new energy engines will enjoy a bigger market," said Huang.

Yuchai Machinery invests 3.5 percent of its revenue in research and development. It has more than 3,000 patents with 500 to 600 new patents coming up every year. Even though it is strictly controlling its operation costs at the moment, the R&D investment has never been cut.

"The consistent research efforts have put Yuchai Machinery on a par with foreign brands. It first distinguished itself from foreign competitors in the bid for bus engines for the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Since then, Yuchai Machinery has been the major automobile engine supplier for major events such as the Two Sessions (the annual gatherings of the Chinese national legislative and political advisory bodies) and the Hangzhou G20 Summit," said Huang.

Yuchai Machinery has 15 offices and 133 service stations overseas that help sell its products to 170 countries and regions. In 2015, overseas markets accounted for 11 percent of total sales.

From 2011 to 2015, Yuchai Machinery exported 166,000 engines to overseas markets, up more than 50 percent compared with the 2006-10 period.

Yang Qiu in Guangxi Daily contributed to the story.

Contact the writers at yangziman@chinadaily.com.cn and zhangli@chinadaily.com.cn
Implementation of guidelines key to debt-to-equity swaps programs' success: IMF senior official Updated: 2016-10-17 14:54 By Wang Yanfei(chinadaily.com.cn)

Alfred Schipke, the IMF Senior Resident Representative for China, speaks at Zheshang Caijing Forum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on October 14. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Debt-to-equity swaps programs manifest the central government's commitment to dealing with a huge pile up in cooperate debt, but positive incentives are needed at local levels to prevent implementation risks, an IMF senior official said.

"The release of guidelines means that the central government, at the highest level, has realized the risks posed by rising debt issues," said Alfred Schipke, the IMF Senior Resident Representative for China, in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

Schipke made this comment after the State Council, the nation's cabinet, released its first major guidelines earlier this month, after the government-led debt-to-equity swaps programs were launched 17 years ago.

Schipke expected the measures would "do to help" reduce the risks, after top leadership has reached an agreement to use debt swaps as part of the solution to solve the corporate debt problem.

However, although the release of guidelines marks a good start, Schipke warned the challenge lies in the implementation process when it comes to local levels.

The debt-to-equity swaps programs need to be implemented under a market based approach, and only healthy companies with promising prospects are allowed to undertake the swaps process, according to the guidelines.

The debt-to-equity swaps programs would not provide free lunch to loss-making zombie factories, the guidelines said.

Despite criteria of targeted companies, "the guidelines lack a clear definition of what zombie factories are," said Schipke, adding that it may raise concerns over whether the banks would definitely not swap bad loans for debts, facing pressures from the local government.

Schipke is referring to the likelihood of how local governments would continue to keep zombie factories alive, considering job losses and social stability.

"A possible solution is to provide positive incentives for the local government, with no strict goals or targets set at local levels," he said. "The local government should be encouraged to actively make adjustments while implementing the programs."

Schipke cites the example of China's plan to spend 100 billion yuan ($15.3 billion) over the next two years to relocate workers in steel, mining and other overcapacity sectors.

"The amount can be increased if facing difficulties in the next a couple of years. It can be adjusted," he said.

"But transparency needs to be improved," he added. "That is in line of what IMF has been suggested."
Chinese vice premier stresses innovation, entrepreneurship in colleges Updated: 2016-10-15 21:52 (Xinhua)

WUHAN -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong has called for further efforts to boost innovation and entrepreneurship education in colleges during an inspection tour in Central China's Hubei province.

On Friday, the final of the second "Internet Plus" Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for College Students was held in Wuhan, the provincial capital of Hubei, in which 550,000 students from more than 2,100 colleges took part.

While meeting with the participants and the judges, Liu said higher education should be reformed to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship spirits, abilities and practices among college students.

Liu urged Chinese universities to cooperate with enterprises and encourage social capital in education and talent training to adapt to the new economic and technological development.

The governments should offer favorable conditions to prepare students for innovation and entrepreneurship, Liu added.

During her tour in Hubei, Liu also visited Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Wuhan University, stressing the integration of talent training, scientific research, public services as well as the inheritance and creation of Chinese culture in higher education.
Scholars refute Falungong's organ rumor Updated: 2016-10-17 08:15 By Liu Kun in Wuhan and zhang Yan in Beijing(China Daily)

Experts from China and abroad have refuted claims made by the Falungong cult that the nation harvests organs from its practitioners.

Hong Fan, an associate professor at the People's Public Security University of China, said the accusation was based on erroneous information from the Falungong's Dajiyuan Times and clearwisdom.net based in Hong Kong.

"Such rumors are absurd and are aimed at defaming the Chinese government and inciting people who are unclear about the truth to support the Falungong," he said.

Hong made the remarks on Saturday at the opening ceremony of a two-day symposium on cult studies in Wuhan, capital in Hubei province.

The event, sponsored by Wuhan University's research center on international cult studies, saw dozens of experts from China and overseas discuss their concerns and exchange views on cult activities.

Wimal Hewamanage, a senior lecturer on Pali and Buddhist studies at Sri Lanka's University of Colombo, said, "I've spent many years in China and have seen no evidence to suggest the Chinese government forces Falungong practitioners to donate organs."

According to the government, since 2006, the Falungong has spread rumors that its practitioners are tortured and that their organs are removed for experiments. Yet despite the claims being dismissed, overseas organizations and governments have fanned the flames of suspicion, officials said.

"There is a campaign, which has been spread by Falungong with the help of people in agencies that help them overseas," said Alexander L. Dvorkin, a professor from St. Tikhon's Orthodox University in Moscow. "Absolutely, Falungong is one of the most destructive cults, which destroys human minds and physical health."

In recent years, Chinese police have stepped up efforts to investigate cult activities and have launched campaigns to target such organizations.

Data from the Ministry of Public Security show police nationwide arrested more than 1,000 members of Quannengshen (the Church of Almighty God) between June and August last year during a crackdown against the cult.

According to Chinese law, a cult is an illegal organization that tries to control people by deifying a sect leader, attracts members under the guise of religion or other means, and engages in activities that harm society.

China officially lists 14 groups as illegal cults, including Quannengshen and Falungong.

Contact the writers at zhangyan1@chinadaily.com.cn
US should support Beijing and Manila normalizing ties Updated: 2016-10-17 07:56 By Jin Yongming(China Daily)

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attends a welcome dinner at the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos September 6, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's four-day state visit to China, scheduled to start on Tuesday, has drawn extensive attention from the international community since it was made public.

Duterte's government has made clear its priority is to improve domestic economic conditions and people's livelihoods, and it wants to take advantage of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative to help realize these aims.

Duterte also wants to break the diplomatic impasse with China over the South China Sea created by former Philippine president Benigno Aquino III. From Jan 22, 2013 when the Aquino government unilaterally filed a case to an international tribunal on the Philippines' territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea to July 12 when the tribunal ruled on the casewhich was actually beyond its jurisdictionthe Chinese government consistently made clear its "non-acceptance, non-participation and non-recognition" of the arbitration, which means the Philippines has not been able to gain substantial benefits from the arbitration.

At the same time, the signing of a joint statement between the foreign ministers of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on July 25 aimed at fully fulfilling the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, along with the guideline on setting up a high-level hotline for maritime emergencies and the joint statement on rules in the event of accidental encounters in the South China Sea, passed by China and the bloc at a summit on Sept 7, also made the new Philippine government aware that the South China Sea issue is not the full picture of ASEAN's ties with China. Any obstinate confrontation with China, it believes, might cause the Philippines to lose some opportunities it might otherwise take advantage of, including China's booming outward investment.

Also, faced with changed international circumstances, the new Philippine government does not solely want to depend on the United States. So, it is no surprise that the Philippines has attempted to review its agreement signed with the US on strengthened defense cooperation and even demanded US troops withdraw from its territory. The words and actions of Duterte since being elected president indicate that the new government seems to be reconsidering the Philippines' previous diplomatic dependence on the US. However, the feasibility of this diplomatic approach remains to be seen. Prior to the establishment of a new government, the US will unlikely make a forcible response to the Philippines' policy change, theoretically leaving space for Manila to adjust its previous pro-US diplomatic policy.

Meanwhile, despite their divergences over the South China Sea, China and the US still engage in extensive cooperation, from UN peacekeeping missions and fighting terrorism to efforts to curb the proliferation of nuclear weapons and mitigate the effects of climate change, not to mention their economic collaboration and people-to-people exchanges. In particular, the two countries have maintained unblocked dialogue channels and strengthened security and maritime cooperation, such as a memorandum of understanding on mutually reporting their significant military actions and a MOU on how they behave at time of maritime and air encounters, both passed in November 2014. At the G20 Hangzhou Summit in early September, Beijing and Washington also reached consensuses on such issues as the establishment of a new pattern of big country relations, strengthening coastal guard and maritime cooperation and enhancing their interactions and security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Philippines has also shown its intention to strengthen ties with Japan in an attempt to strike a diplomatic balance and acquire more interests. Japan's unconcealed attempt to contain China's further development also leaves more space for Manila to pursue closer political, diplomatic, security and economic ties with Tokyo.

Duterte's visit to China does not constitute a part of the alleged struggle between Beijing and Washington for Manila. A better China-Philippine relationship is essentially beneficial to the whole Asia-Pacific region. For the sake of regional peace and stability, the US should support Beijing and Manila normalizing their ties.

The author is director of the China Ocean Strategy Studies Center at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.
Serbia adopts draft agreement on visa liberalization with China Updated: 2016-10-17 08:58 (Xinhua)

BELGRADE - The Serbian government adopted a draft agreement on mutual visa-free regime with China, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic announced on Sunday at a joint press conference with Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Manchang.

The Serbian government session on Sunday in the city of Nis discussed and approved unanimously the draft agreement of visa-free regime between the two countries, which will allow holders of ordinary passports of both countries to have a visa-free entry for a stay of less than 30 days.

At the press conference after the session, Dacic and Li agreed that "this is a historic day for relations of the two countries."

Dacic specified that once the Chinese government accepts the agreement, citizens of the two countries will not need visas for visits of less than 30 days.

"This will have a positive effect on the development of cooperation in all areas -- from political relations and economy to tourism," Dacic said, adding that this will strengthen exchanges in culture, science and education.

He added that Serbia's proposal is a result of its friendship with China and mutual trust that has been built between the two countries as well as a result of the comprehensive strategic partnership established between the two countries.

Li said that China highly appreciates the decision by the Serbian government, and the Chinese government will adopt this agreement and it will be put into effect quickly, adding that this shows that the two countries have mutual trust and confidence.

"Once the agreement is put into force, more Chinese tourists and investors will come to Serbia and more Serbian people would be able to travel to China," Li said at the press conference.
Chinese University boosts the fight against hunger through research Updated: 2016-10-17 11:45 By Lucie Morangi(chinadaily.com.cn)

Efforts to fight poverty and hunger in East Africa have been boosted by the donation of $1 million in state-of-the art laboratory equipment by Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU).

Moses Rugutt (left), director general of National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation in Kenya and the Chancellor at the Embassy of China in Kenya Yao Ming unveil the plaque of the Modern Molecular Biology Lab at Egerton University. [Photo by Liu Hongjie]

Unveiled on Friday, the crop molecular lab, established at Egerton University, is expected to host crop species and genetics research by students and scientists from China and Kenya. This will subsequently lead to production of improved seed varieties that would combat food insecurity perpetually facing the region due to erratic climate.

In May this year, the United Nations and other international humanitarian organizations announced food shortages and famine across the region. More than 36 million people are facing hunger across southern and eastern Africa.

In a speech read by Director General of National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation in Kenya Moses Rugutt, the cabinet minister of Education, Science and Technology, praised the partnership by saying the laboratory will play a significant role in relieving food insecurity facing Kenya. He noted that China, with a population of 1.3 billion, has strengthened its food security by modernizing agricultural production. "We need to emulate this trend. Innovation will help improve people's lives, alleviate poverty and make build resilience against the vulgarities of climate change."

According to Deputy Vice Chancellor and Dean of Academic Affairs of Egerton University Alexander Kahi, collaboration between the two universities has developed into a world class partnership of international value. "Under the 20+20 project, Egerton University has benefited from faculty exchange, student training, lab construction and capacity training. We are already benefiting from the Modern Molecular Biology Lab equipment in research and teaching. Egerton is now the only university in Kenya with such an advanced laboratory for plants research and genetics," he said in his keynote speech.

Present during the ceremony were the Vice President of Nanjing Agricultural University Wang Chunchun, Dean of the International Education College of Nanjing Liu Zhimin and the Chancellor at the Embassy of China in Kenya Yao Ming.

Kahi also announced the approval of a joint proposal by the Kenyan government on the establishment of the China-Africa Centre for Food Security that is worth over $30 million, which is now under evaluation by the Chinese government.

On his part, the vice president of Nanjing said the Kenyan institution is one of their important international partners. He was pleased by the joint cooperation saying the local institution will provide managers, technicians and platform space, while Nanjing will support teachers and graduate students from the two universities to carry out cooperative research projects at the lab.

"We will persistently support the development of the Confucius Institute, including applying for more agricultural projects and selecting excellent teachers and managers to work in the Confucius Institute to ensure the sound and sustainable development of the Confucius Institute," said Wang.

China and Kenya governments initiated the project of Cooperation in Higher Education in 1995. More than 30 PhDs and 40 Master's degrees have been earned at Egerton. From 2003-2010, two professors from NAU were based at the Kenyan university.
$2.1 billion in soybean deals signed Updated: 2016-10-17 11:32 By May Zhou in Des Moines, Iowa(China Daily USA)

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad spoke of his "old friend" President Xi Jinping as business representatives from China and the US signed soybean deals worth more than $2 billion.

Sixteen soybean purchase agreements valued at $2.1 billion were signed between more than a dozen Chinese and American companies and producers in Des Moines, Iowa on Oct 14.

The signings took place at the World Prize Hall of Laureates where Xi, then China's vice-president, was hosted during his second visit to Iowa in 2012.

In welcoming the Chinese delegation, Branstad recalled Xi's previous two visits to Iowa. "President Xi's first visit to Iowa in 1985 planted a seed that has grown over three decades and yielded tremendous value to both the people of Iowa and the people of China," Branstad said.

"I have no doubt these contracts will enhance our trade and investment partnership and will be of great mutual benefit to both people in China and people in the US. Often I have been referred to by President Xi as an old friend, and we value our old friendship with the people of China."

Officials from both China and the US, including CFNA (China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce) President Bian Zhenhu, Deputy Consul General of China in Chicago Liu Jun, Branstad and Lt Governor Kim Reynolds attended.

Phil Karsting, administrator of the US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, applauded the deals by saying that "cooperation like this helps us to meet the ever-increasing demand to feed the world population".

According to Zhang Xiaoping, China director with the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), China buys about 60 percent of all imported soybeans in the world, or 83 million tons.

China imports about 30 million tons of soybeans from the US, which translated into $15 billion a year for US farmers in very year in recent years.

Kirk Leeds, CEO of the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), said that Iowa, the top soybean and corn producer in the US, has been exporting soybeans to China for more than 10 years. About one quarter of the state's soybeans have been sold to China in recent years.

Prior to the signing ceremony, a trade seminar between Iowa and Hebei, Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces was held. Organized by CFNA, USSEC and the ISA, experts from both countries discussed the sustainable production of soybeans and market trends in the US and China.

CFNA President Bian Zhenhu said that the state-province cooperation mechanism between China and the US is fruitful. During the two-day visit to Iowa, the delegation visited farms where they met with farmers, exchanged ideas and held seminars.

"Information and issues discussed and shared by the industrial experts are very valuable. It deserves to be further examined by business people on both sides," Bian said.

The impact on soybean imports due to China's slowdown in economic growth also was discussed at the seminar. Bian assured the US farmers and businesspeople that China's demand for agriculture products will continue to grow. Despite China's adaption to the new normal, i.e., a slower growth rate, China's demand for quality produce like soybeans remains strong.

"Don't worry, Chinese buyers will continue to come here to sign purchase contracts," echoed Liu Jun, deputy consul general of China in Chicago.

"When China imports agriculture products, we worry that our own agriculture will suffer and face competition from other countries," Liu said.

"However, we don't close our market or accuse others. Similarly, China exports many industrial products to the US, and we hope we will not see trade protectionism or hear politicized and irresponsible accusations."

mayzhou@chinadailyusa.com
Andrew Burton/Getty Images(SAN DIEGO) -- People who think police shootings are becoming a national epidemic "have no idea" what they're talking about because there currently is no federal data to indicate whether that's really the case, FBI Director James Comey said Sunday.



He made the stark comments at the International Chiefs of Police Conference in San Diego, speaking before thousands of law enforcement officials from across the United States and overseas.



While Comey acknowledged it's been a "uniquely difficult time in American law enforcement," he said the broad notion that police are "violent and racist and unfair" is an ill-informed notion.



Fueled by images and videos of police encounters posted online, "good people" have come to believe that "biased police are killing at epidemic rates," with black men and women the overwhelming victims.



Most recently, violent protests broke out in Charlotte, North Carolina, after police fatally shot a black man who authorities said appeared to have a gun. Parts of the incident were captured on cell phone video and police dash-cam video.



"Each video becomes further proof of an epidemic nationwide of police brutality," Comey said.



But "however good their hearts," they have "no idea of whether the number of black people ... being shot by police is up, down or sideways" in recent years, Comey insisted. "They have no idea of these things because we [in federal government] have no idea of these things."



He noted that "in the absence of information we have anecdotes," and a "small group of videos serves as an epidemic."



This narrative has "real costs" -- it is making it harder for police to do their jobs and protect the communities they have sworn to protect, and it is making it harder for police departments to recruit new officers.



He said Americans across the country will be "deeply, deeply sorry" if people stop choosing to serve the country through law enforcement.



While "there are bad cops," such bad apples exist in all industries, he added.



"The truth is this: Police officers are overwhelmingly good people," and they took dangerous jobs because they want to help people, Comey said.



So to close the growing chasm between police and certain communities, the country needs to have an informed debate about policing based on reliable information.



"If we do those things and if we do them well, we will save lives," he said.

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
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Workers arrange sugar bags in a warehouse belonging to Quang Ngai Sugar JSCs Pho Phong Sugar Factory.  VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Long

HA NOI  Viet Nam Sugar cane and Sugar Association (VSSA) has proposed that the Prime Minister allow importing raw sugar instead of refined sugar to save foreign currency for the 2016-17 crop.

The association sent a proposal to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on the sugar auction this year. It asked the PM to instruct the Ministry of Industry and Trade to officially promulgate the auction mechanism on sugar import quotas following the first successful pilot auction in September.

The ministry successfully organised the auction to import 85,000 tonnes of sugar this year as 11 firms won bids. From these, three companies won bids for import quotas of raw sugar at the price of VN1.53 million per tonne -- Bien Hoa Sugar Joint Stock Company, Thanh Thanh Cong Tay Ninh Sugar and Sugarcane Company and Khanh Hoa Sugar Company -- securing a total import quota of 40,000 tonnes.

The eight winners for import quotas of refined sugar at a price of VN1.69 million per tonne were URC Viet Nam, Puratos Grandplace Viet Nam, Perfetti Van Melle and Coca Cola Viet Nam, as well as Nestle Viet Nam, Vinamilk, Sanofi Synthelabo Viet Nam and a member of the Trung Nguyen Group.

Viet Nam must import 85,000 tonnes of sugar this year, following its commitment to the World Trade Organisation. The commitment consists of 40,000 tonnes of raw sugar and 45,000 tonnes of refined sugar.

VSSA said the auction results have been highly appreciated due to the transparency and publicity in managing the sugar import quota.

Accordingly, the association submitted the proposal to the PM to organise the auction for 2017 in the first quarter to facilitate relevant ministries and agencies to manage sugar supply and demand, while allowing importers to be able to prepare their import and production plans.

In particular, VSSA proposed to import all the raw sugar. The reason is that the country has 40 sugar factories with designed capacity of 155,000 tonnes a day, of which, half of the factories produce refined sugar.

In recent years, some sugar plants have imported raw sugar to produce refined sugar, creating jobs for labourers.

The organisation said several countries have also imported raw material to produce refined sugar instead of importing refined sugar.

This could help the Government save foreign currency and increase the State budget.

The pilot auction this year brought VN138 billion to the State budget. If the above 45,000 tonnes was raw sugar, the country would save $4.5-5.4 million due to the difference in price of raw and refined sugar.

In addition, the Government could collect taxes from the sugar factories for importing raw sugar.

The country is expected to produce some 1.5 million tonnes from the 2016-17 crop, plus there is a stock of 200,000 tonnes from the 2015-16 crop, along with the import quota and that imported from Laos under the Viet Nam-Lao trade treaty, as well as smuggled sugar. Sugar supply will, therefore, be enough for the countrys production and consumption.  VNS
HA NOI  Binh Minh Plastics Company (BMP) is working with a consulting firm to lift its foreign investment cap to 100 per cent before the year-end, HCM City Securities Corporation reported.

It will take four months at the latest to complete all the procedures, the securities firm said in a report that predicted the relaxation will be finished by the end of this year.

At the annual shareholders meeting in April, the company approved of opening 100-per-cent stockholding to foreign investors this year.

The plastic manufacturer therefore needs to eradicate business activities that are restricted to foreign investments. Its main business, trade on plastic products, is not included in the list of conditional business lines specified by the Ministry of Planning and Investment. However, its other two business segments, including chemical examination and testing services and road transport services, are conditional investments.

The company also agreed to buy a Nang Plastics Company (DPC), increasing its current holdings from 29.05 per cent to 100 per cent this year.

The firm is working with consultants to decide the share swap ratio, which is expected at 100:27. Binh Minh will issue additional 429,000 shares to buy nearly 1.6 million shares, or 70.95 per cent of capital, of a Nang Plastics Co. The deal is also forecast to be completed by year-end.

The Binh Minh Plastics Co stock price rose for four days in a row on Friday, hitting a record high of VN200,000 (US$8.97) a share. It become the second stock valued at VN200,000 a share on the local securities market.

The plastic company is among the 10 State-owned enterprises from which the State Capital Investment Corporation will divest capital. The State currently holds a 29.5-per-cent stake in Binh Minh Plastics Co.

HCM City Securities Corp estimates Binh Minhs pre-tax profits will reach nearly VN629 billion in the first nine months of this year, a rise of 27.8 per cent year-on-year.

For the whole year, the plastic firm is forecast to earn VN3.3 trillion in net sales and VN605.7 billion in net profits, year-on-year increases of 18.3 per cent and 16.7 per cent, respectively. Earnings-per-share ratio is expected at VN12,006 a share.  VNS
HCM CITY  The Southern Rubber Industry Joint Stock Company (CASUMINA) plans to capitalise on opportunities arising from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement to increase sales of its semi-steel radial tyres, considered a strategic product of the company, to the US market.

Nguyen Hong Phu, the companys general director, said the company will plan to implement a project producing semi-steel radial car tyres with an annual output of one million products and put into operation a production chain of tubeless motorbike tyres with an annual output of 2 million products.

Lower input costs and free trade agreements have created favourable conditions for the company to expand export markets.

The TPP, however, has opened the door for imported tyres, causing intense competition in the domestic market, especially in steel radial tyres.

Casumina, the leading tire manufacturer in Viet Nam, supplies tyres and tubes to many well-known automotive and motorbike makers in Viet Nam.

Its products are also exported to countries and territories in Asia, Europe, the US and Africa, with revenue from exports accounting for one-third of the companys total revenue.

Casuminas revenue reached VN1.5 trillion (US$67.3 million) in the first half of the year.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese shares advanced slightly yesterday after a volatile trading week, driven by investor expectations of positive third-quarter earnings reports.

The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange gained 0.3 per cent to close at 687 points, marking a slight gain of 0.4 per cent from the previous week.

The HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange inched up 0.1 per cent to end at 85.45 points, totaling a week-on-week increase of 0.2 per cent.

Investors remained confident, especially in mid-cap stocks, expecting positive third-quarter earnings.

Real estate companies were among strong gainers, including Hoang Anh Gia Lai JSC (HAG), An Duong Thao ien Real Estate Trading Investment JSC (HAR) and Vinaconex Investment and Tourism Development JSC (VCR).

HAG and HAR surged 6.8 per cent each with nearly 5.6 million and 3.5 million shares traded, respectively, while VCR jumped 3.4 per cent.

Companies in the consumption goods industry, like dairy firm Vinamilk (VNM), Masan Group (MSN), Bien Hoa Sugar JSC (BHS) and livestock feed and seed producer Dabaco Group (DBC) also had a good trading day.

VNM rose 1.4 per cent for a rally of 2.8 per cent in the last four trading days, MSN added 0.3 per cent after a series of gloomy sessions, BHS bounced back 0.3 per cent from Thursdays fall, and DBC advanced 0.5 per cent to a 1.3 per cent four-day surge.

The plastic industry was lifted by largest producers in the stock market, Binh Minh Plastic JSC (BMP), Tien Phong Plastic JSC (NTP) and ong Nai Plastic Construction JSC (DNP). The shares of these firms went up by between 0.5 and 1.5 per cent.

On the negative side, there were mixed performances by the energy and finance-banking sectors yesterday.

The finance-banking sector was boosted by the Bank for Investment and Development of Viet Nam (BID), Sacombank (STB) and Sai Gon-Ha Noi Bank (SHB), which rose in the range of 0.1 per cent and 4.1 per cent.

Energy producers like PetroVietnam Gas Corp (GAS) and PetroVietnam Drilling and Well Services Corp (PVD) declined, although crude prices increased for a second day.

US crude West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 1.1 per cent yesterday to be traded at US$51 a barrel and the London-traded Brent crude edged up 0.7 per cent to be traded at $52.39 a barrel.

More than 217.8 million shares worth nearly VN3.9 trillion ($173.3 million) were traded in the two local exchanges yesterday, an increase of nearly 53 per cent over Thursdays trading value.  VNS
HCM CITY - The strong growth of smartphone and internet users in Viet Nam offers further opportunity for the development of e-commerce, experts said at a recent seminar held in HCM City.

Deepesh Trivedi, e-commerce head for South East Asia at Facebook, said that in Viet Nam mobile sharing, including texts, videos and photos on Facebook, had spiked during the shopping season up to 40 per cent.

He said that people would start shopping as early as November and continue in the new year season.

Nguyen Ngoc Dung, vice president of Vietnam E-commerce Association, said that customers now had a wide access to goods information on various channels, including e-papers and social media networks, so they could shift to online purchases other than focusing on brick-and-mortar retail shops.

Experts at the Meet Magento seminar advised e-commerce start-ups first to study the market, identify target customer groups and employ online support services such as Facebook, YouTube and emails for their product marketing.

Under the e-commerce development master plan for the 2016-2020 period, Viet Nam is targeted to achieve US$10 billion B2C turnover in 2020. - VNS
The capital city is preparing to install an additional 20 air-monitoring stations, municipal officials say. Photo baotainguyenmoitruong.vn

HA NOI  The capital city is preparing to install an additional 20 air-monitoring stations, municipal officials say.

Nine of these will be at major intersections and nine others in crowded urban areas, Nguyen Trong ong, director of the citys Department of Natural Resources and Environment, told the Tien Phong (the Vanguard) newspaper.

ong said the installations would assist agencies in issuing timely air-quality warnings to residents.

The move comes after several reports in the mass media blamed city authorities for not issuing any warning to residents despite a sharp plunge in the air-quality for several days.

According to the environment department, there are six air-monitoring stations in the city, but only two - one on Nguyen Van Cu Street and another on Phao ai Lang Street  are operational.

One station was installed in the office of the department on Pham Van ong Street in 2002, but it has not worked since 2010.

A department official said the machine was outdated, and it was hard to replace faulty parts after it broke down.

Other idle stations are in the Ha Noi University of Science and in the Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering.

Hoang Duong Tung, deputy head of the Viet Nam Environment Administration, blamed the situation on a shortage of funds.

He said it costs about VN1 billion (US$44,800) a year to fun an air-monitoring station, but actual funding fell far short of what is needed.

While the installation of 20 additional air-monitoring stations was imperative at the moment, relevant agencies should allocate enough funds for their operation, he said.

Meanwhile, in HCM City, which has a population of over eight million, the municipal administration has been advised to invest VN495 billion ($22.1 million) in establishing 252 air and water quality monitoring stations by 2020.  VNS
CANNES  Coral reefs may be dying off at an alarming rate and pollution and overfishing emptying the seas. But fear not. Help is at hand in the form of a new wave of cartoon superheroes determined to save the oceans.

While Disney blockbusters Finding Nemo and Finding Dory have been attacked for sparking a spike in the poaching of tropical fish, Muppets creators the Jim Henson Company said Sunday that their new animated childrens series Splash and Bubbles would help mobilise a new generation to save the undersea world.

The big-budget 40-episode series, which will screen on PBS in the United States next year, aims to "turn the tide of our world to save the planet".

Boss Lisa Henson, daughter of Jim Henson, the puppetry genius behind The Muppets and Sesame Street, said the series, which was premiered at the MIPJUNIOR festival in the French resort of Cannes, comes at a vital time.

While four to seven-year-olds may not be able to do much now to tackle the millions of tonnes of plastic waste that have created the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, she said it is "their generation who will be left to solve" such problems.

The series comes in the wake of the huge success of The Octonauts, the most watched cartoon by pre-school children in Britain, Ireland and Australia.

Star Trek meets Jacques Cousteau

The "edutainment" show has a team of animated animals rescuing sea creatures from their base in the Octopod.

With its catchphrase slogans of "Explore! Rescue! Protect!" it has been described as Star Trek meets Jacques Cousteau.

And now film-makers are working with the Monaco oceanographic museum which the legendary French marine explorer ran for decades to create another series about child heroes fighting for marine conservation.

Pirates of the Abyss will feature four friends who go off on aquatic adventures in an old submarine to right the wrongs of pollution and the overexploitation of the oceans.

Producer Aymeric Castaing told AFP that the series -- aimed at slightly older kids -- would tap into their anger and impotence at what is happening to the environment.

"The world we live in will soon be in the hands of these kids. It is they who will have to save the oceans," he added.

Castaing said the children begin their quest after chancing upon on a laboratory left behind by "some of the greatest brains of the past" including Jules Verne, the inventor Nikola Tesla, Gustave Eiffel and Prince Albert I of Monaco, an early marine researcher.

"These geniuses from the past are in a way helping them save the future," said Castaing, co-founder of the Bordeaux-based I Can Fly studio.

Good values

Henson said like Sesame Street, Splash and Bubbles was also all about teaching children good values in a fun way.

"You would not believe how diverse the ocean floor is... There are seahorse single dads with 499 children," she joked. "And it is the seahorse dads who give birth. There is so much weird stuff there."

She said although the show took its mission to education seriously, with "todays Jacques Cousteau marine biologist Dr Sylvia Earle" among its advisors, she insisted it was "not preachy".

"We are opening up the weird and wonderful world" of marine science and conservation through fun adventures and music.

"And we are showing the oceans amazing diversity and interconnectedness," she added.

Nevertheless, each 11-minute episode will be cut with a humorous documentary segment called Get Your Feet Wet, where children will "find out for instance that octopuses have no bones".

Hensons distribution boss Richard Goldsmith said it was in the "studios DNA" to promote "good and solid values" and that "Jim Henson was thinking about ecology and diversity long before it was cool".

Far from overwhelming children with the planets problems, he said the shows purpose was to empower them to confront them.

"One of (lead character) Splashs favourite sayings is, There is only one way to get over the fear of the unknown and that is to go there and find out about it," Goldsmith added.  AFP
FRANKFURT  There will still be more books than you could ever read, but visitors to this weeks Frankfurt Book Fair will also be invited to don virtual reality goggles, visit an interactive classroom and discover 3D-printed art as publishers plug into new technology.

Organisers of the worlds largest publishing event say the focus on art and technology is a logical next step as the creative industries become ever more connected.

The fair, which opens on Wednesday and is expected to draw some 275,000 visitors, has always been about "content  regardless of its format", the events vice-president Holger Volland told AFP.

Among the main draws at the five-day gathering will be virtual reality experiences, with several exhibitors unveiling projects that plunge visitors into a world that until then only existed on the page.

Taiwanese artist Jimmy Liaos picture book, All of My World Is You, will come to life once visitors slip on a VR headset that will allow them to interact with the main character, a mysterious young girl, and complete challenges to make her smile.

In the spotlight as guest of honour is the literary culture and language of Flanders and the Netherlands, who have created three separate VR experiences, including one allowing users to alternate between the perspectives of a father and his nine-year-old daughter who are mourning the loss of a family member.

"Literature exists not just on the page," said Suzanne Meeuwissen of the Dutch Foundation for Literature, a co-initiator of the projects, pointing to recent Nobel Literature Prize winner Bob Dylan as an example.

Virtual reality is a brand new canvas, she said, and "writers and artists are hungry to explore this unfamiliar territory".

Educational publishers are also tapping into new technology, from text books that can be made interactive with the help of an app to 3D printouts of organs to use in biology lessons.

In the Classroom of the Future, visitors can watch students and teachers try out the latest innovations. It remains to be seen, of course, to what extent all these ideas can generate revenues for publishers and creators, a question that will be a hot topic in Frankfurt.

Next Rembrandt

Such is the focus on creative content across different media that there will even be a "fair within a fair" this year, called Arts+, where artists, architects and museums will talk about the challenges and opportunities of working with digital technology  and show off some results.

Volland described Arts+ as a place to "discuss new business models and synergies between art and technology".

One of the highlights will be a project called The next Rembrandt in which a Dutch team used artificial intelligence and a 3D printer to create a "new" work by the master painter based on a computer algorithm that worked out the average features of a typical Rembrandt subject.

David Hockney, royals

But at its heart, the Frankfurt fair is for book lovers and with over 7,000 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, visitors will get the chance to discover thousands of new titles in all imaginable genres.

One of the biggest names to attend will be British contemporary artist David Hockney, who will unveil an oversized, 500-page book illustrating his lifes work, from the famous sun-soaked swimming pool paintings of the 1960s to his recent series of iPad drawings.

The signed, limited edition tome is so large that it will come with its own stand and a price tag of 2,000 euros ($2,200).

Adding a touch of royal flair to this years event will be Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Belgiums King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, who will open the Dutch-Flemish pavilion on Tuesday, on the eve of the official kick-off.

The Frankfurt fair dates back over 500 years, with the first edition taking place shortly after the Gutenberg printing press was invented in nearby Mainz. AFP
Gia Loc

HCM CITY  Tran Thi Tuyet Nhung, 55, had suffered pain for two months earlier this year before she decided to visit Binh Chanh District Hospital for treatment.

After an X-ray was taken, doctors at the hospitals traditional medicine ward told her she had sciatic nerve pain and prescribed 10 acupuncture treatments and several herbal concoctions. By the end of treatment, she no longer felt pain.

Nguyen Thi Lam Thao, the head of the ward, said that patients like Nhung were benefiting more and more from both traditional and modern Western medicine treatments. The use of medical tests like X-rays with traditional medicine treatments is being used at many hospitals in Viet Nam.

Patients with cerebrovascular disease, for example, are given herbs to increase the circulation of blood to the brain and physical therapy to help the patient move normally after a diagnosis based on modern tests by hospital doctors trained in Western medicine, she added.

Dr Tran Minh Son, head of Thu uc District Hospitals Traditional Medicine Ward, said that modern tests could detect disease effectively. The wards doctors then decide on the best therapy for patients. Medical tests can show if patient suffer from heart disease or diabetes.

If patients have high blood pressure or blood sugar, they are sent to the hospitals General Medicine Ward where they will be given Western medicines to help control the problem, which are better than herbs, he added.

However, after the blood pressure and blood sugar levels become stable, herbs are given to prevent further problems, Son said.

Herbs help reduce harm caused by western medicine used by patients for a long time. This combination increases quality of treatment for patients, he said.

Pham Vu Khanh, head of the Traditional Medicine Management Department under the Ministry of Health, said the combination of Western and traditional medicine began in 1945 in the country to provide better primary healthcare.

But it remained underused. In 2014, the Ministry of Health launched an action programme that called for traditional medicine wards at general hospitals at all levels (district, city, state). The wards act as advisors on traditional medicine treatment to hospitals top managers and directors.

According to a HCM City Department of Health, the city has 10 general hospitals with traditional medicine wards and 22 out of 23 district hospitals have set up a traditional medicine ward. District 1 Hospital is the only hospital in the city with a team specialising in traditional medicine.

Although 89 per cent of general hospitals in the country have a traditional medicine ward, Khanh said that was still not enough. He said many local authorities had not recognised the importance of traditional medicine and had not incorporated the practice in their healthcare service policies.

The combination of traditional medicine and Western medicine helps reduce complications. For instance, a woman who has a urinary retention after delivering her child can be treated with acupuncture. The modern treatment for the condition such as bladder drainage, urethral dilation and urethral stents could cause complications, including infection, he said.

According to the Health Departments report, the number of patients treated with traditional medicine only or a combination of Western and traditional medicine at district-level hospitals and health centres last year increased by 6.2 per cent compared to the figure in 2010.

Besides public health facilities, private hospitals and foreign clinics are also using the traditional/modern medicine combination. For instance, the privately run American Chiropractic Clinic in the city combines physical therapy with chiropractic medicine and acupuncture to treat back, knee and neck pain and other problems.

Advantages

Khanh said that traditional medicine doctors had improved in both quality and quantity. Many of them are very good, he said, adding that universities of medicine and pharmacy offer a major in traditional medicine.

In addition, students majoring in Western medicine take courses in traditional medicine to broaden their knowledge and capabilities.

Son said that more and more doctors now have combined training compared to two years ago. For instance, his ward has seven doctors trained in both fields.

The country is also rich in a variety of herbs, which are usually produced in caplets or small bags for patients to use easily.

However, only 10 drug companies produce herbal products, so hospitals have a limited choice when bidding for products, he said.

Besides improved training and herbal products, equipment used in traditional medicine treatment has also improved and is more modern than it was in the past, according to Huynh Tan Vu of HCM City University Medical Centres Pain Treatment Ward in Phu Nhuan District.VNS
Children with hemophilia play at the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion in Ha Noi.  Photo NIHBT

HCM CITY  A national programme for comprehensive care of hemophilia, a hereditary blood disorder, is needed, according to Dr Phu Chi Dung, head of HCM City Blood Transfusion Hematology Hospital.

The programme would help provide fund for surveillance, prevention and treatment to patients with hemophilia.

Dung spoke at a roundtable meeting on policies and new treatment guidelines for hemophilia held by the hospital in co-operation with the citys Department of Health.

The meeting was held under the sponsorship of Shire, a biotechnology company that focuses on rare diseases and other highly specialised conditions.

The country has a total of 6,000 patients with hemophilia, but only 2,373 of them receive treatment, Dung said, adding that 717 out of 2,000 people with the disorder in the southern region receive treatment.

Most of the 717 patients are treated at the Blood Transfusion Hematology Hospital (BTH), two paediatrics hospitals or Cho Ray Hospital.

Most doctors trained in hematology at provincial hospitals do not work in the field because these hospitals do not have wards to treat diseases related to blood disorders, including hemophilia, Dung said.

In addition, recombinant clotting products and others needed for treatment are not available at these hospitals.

Patients with hemophilia come to our hospital for treatment when they have complications such as joint damage, causing repeated bleeding, he said.

Dung said these complications could be prevented if patients received medicine.

He said the citys Department of Health and Social Insurance Agency should ask the Ministry of Health for coverage of treatment to prevent complications as well as coverage for treatment at patients homes or at health centres where they live.

Dr Nguyen Phuong Lien, head of the hospitals general planning division, said that treatment costs for the blood disorder were high, from VN2 million to VN5 million (US$88.9). However, this figure does not include insurance coverage which accounts for 80 per cent of the total costs.  VNS
by Le Van  Lan Tran

The stress of having an autistic child was multiplied manifold for four long years as Nguyen Thi Ha tried to find a school for her son.

The resident of oi Can Street in Ha Noi knocked door after door of nursery schools in the capital city in vain.

He doesnt pose any danger to others, so I think sending him to school is necessary so that he can integrate into the community of his peers. But we were rejected by the schools one after another, Ha said.

As a result, Has son had to be moved frequently, from family-based classrooms to private centres for autistic children.

Finally, I had to send him to a private centre with very high tuition fees.

Although no official statistics on autism are available, it is evident that Has plight is shared by increasing numbers of parents in the country.

According to the Viet Nam Institute of Educational Science, the number of autistic children has increased significantly since 2000, as seen from patients taken to hospitals for diagnosis and treatment.

However, Viet Nam has no public school dedicated to autistic children, said inh oan, former principal of the Binh Minh Elementary school in Ha Noi, one of a few schools in the capital city that has classes for differently-abled children.

Private schools for autistic children are typically expensive and their quality is difficult to assess, he added.

Most normal public schools  even those in big cities like Ha Noi and HCM City where public awareness of autism is much better than other regions  are reluctant to accept these children.

The few that do open their doors struggle to provide adequate care because teachers lack needed knowledge and skills.

The Xuan inh Primary school in Ha Nois Bac Tu Liem District has 14 autistic children, but its teachers have received no training in taking care of their special wards.

Nguyen Thi Huong, a teacher who has taught autistic children for the last two years, said she had to carry out her own research on what she could do after learning that her class would receive such students.

I learnt what I could from the Internet and used it with the knowledge of psychology I gained in college, she said.

Teachers in my school are provided many regular training sessions on education of disabled children in general, but there has been no course that focused on autistic children.

The schools principal, Tran Thi Thanh Hai, affirmed that the teachers in charge of autistic students are not provided with any additional support including salary increments or other benefits.

We prepare monthly reports on the 14 autistic students. They have progressed, even if it is not by much, because what we are doing now is merely providing an environment for them to enjoy social interaction, not a proper methodical education.

No policy

Many parents and experts, including Hai, identify the lack of policy support as an important contributor to the current situation.

The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) has issued general guidelines saying teachers should pay more attention to disabled children so that they can better integrate into the school environment, but there is nothing more specific, she said.

The educational sector has stopped short of having concrete policy on admitting and teaching autistic children in schools, admitted Nguyen uc Huu, the ministrys Deputy Director of the Department for Primary Education.

The ministry has asked the Viet Nam Institute of Educational Science to research this issue. Hopefully it will be done soon and become a basis for the needed policy, he said.

The bigger picture, concerned people say, is that autism has not been officially recognised as a form of disability. This has hindered policy-making on social welfare, healthcare and employment support for autistic people.

Autism was not included in the six categories of disability mentioned in the 2010 National Law on Persons with Disabilities, said Nguyen Thi Minh Hieu, a member of Viet Nam Autism Network.

She said the Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) had told a conference on autism in Viet Nam in April that a revision of the law would have to await the National Assemblys approval, which is unlikely anytime soon.

MoLISA has instead issued a document with directions on recognising people with autism as disabled.

But, Hieu said, the problem is that most people in charge of issuing disability certificates at lower administrative levels like wards or communes have no knowledge of autism.

There should be detailed instructions and training sessions for officials at these levels. Only then can autistic children be given certificates, and thus receive social welfare, she said.

Hieu also said that it was an urgent need that the Government issues a comprehensive policy covering a whole range of issues like early detection, early intervention, education and employment orientation for autistic people.

If autism is detected early in children and they are exposed to early intervention programmes and education, most of them can become productive citizens when they grow up and lessen the burden on society, she said.  VNS
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has launched a national movement to support the poor, targeting an annual average poverty rate decrease of up to 1.5 percent in the 2016-2020 period, in line with the multidimensional poverty line.  Photo VGP

HA NOI  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has launched a national movement to support the poor, targeting an annual average poverty rate decrease of up to 1.5 percent in the 2016-2020 period, in line with the multidimensional poverty line.

Phuc kicked off the movement at an online conference in Ha Noi Saturday on the national target programme on sustainable poverty reduction. There, the PM and participants responded to a text-message campaign to raise funds for the poor and called for the entire society to join the campaign.

With each message of VNN sent to 1409 from October 15 to November 30, people can donate VN15,000 to the fund. One person can donate unlimited messages.

Under the previous poverty line,the proportion of poor Vietnamese households in 2015 was 4.25 per cent, a sharp drop from 14.2 per cent in 2010. During the 2011-2015 period, the ratio declined an average of 2 percent each year and 6 percent in poor districts.

Meanwhile, the average per capita income of poor households increased 1.6 times over since 2011, and it rose 2.5 times for those in extremely impoverished areas.

Since 2011, nearly VN47.34 trillion (US$2.1 billion) was poured into the national target programme for sustainable poverty reduction, which has helped improve the living conditions for the poor, as well as the infrastructure system in poor localities.

In the 2016-2020 period, the number of poor households is expected to drop an average of 1-1.5 per cent each year in accordance with the new poverty line.

The reduction is expected to reach 4 per cent per year in poor communes and districts and 3-4 per cent among families from ethnic minority groups.

Resources for the programme are nearly VN48.4 trillion, the majority of which coming from the State budget.

UNDP Country Director in Vietnam Louise Chamberlain held that Viet Nam should allocate more resources in activities to improve capacity of the poor moving out of poverty.

The UNDP pledged to work closely with the Vietnamese Government to mobilise financial sources and seek creative and comprehensive solutions and connecting parties to support Viet Nam in fulfilling all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, she stated. Prime Minister Phuc affirmed that poverty reduction is among the top concerns of the Party and State.

Viet Nams achievements in this field have been recognised by the international community, he said, noting that the countrys poverty rate dropped from 58 per cent in 1993 to 4.45 per cent in 2015 on the old poverty line, equivalent to 9.92 per cent to the new line.

Although Viet Nam has finished the UN Millennium Development Goals, there are still over 1 billion poor people in the world, mostly in rural areas, he said.

However, he noted that the poverty rate of over 50 per cent is still seen in 41 districts nationwide, while income of people from ethnic minority groups is equal to only one sixth of the countrys average figure.

At the same time, some localities are still confused about the classification of poor households, he said.

He called for determination and solidarity across the entire society in implementing Party and National Assembly resolutions in poverty reduction and UN SGD fufillment.

The PM highlighted the need to strengthen communications in the field, as well as the need to improve peoples intellectual standards and develope industry and services, as well as build new-style rural areas with advanced technology to increase the livelihood.

He called for all families, enterprises, agencies and international organisations to uphold their social responsibilities and raise funds for the poor, promote assistance of poor localities, and help households escape poverty.  VNS
NGHE AN  Three miners died and another was injured in a rockslide that occurred yesterday afternoon in a companys quarry in Chau Quang Commune in central Nghe An Provinces Quy Hop District.

The commune Peoples Committee confirmed last night that the victims were buried while working at the quarry. One of the victims was identified as Luong Van Huong, 34, of Chau Quang Commune.

The Quy Hop District Peoples Committee sent employees to the scene this morning to assist the local authority to deal with the rockslides aftermath and determine the reason for the mishap.

The district is home to several rock mining areas where work safety requirements have not been met.  VNS
HA NOI  Phase two of the YouthSpark Techspert Project, implemented by Microsoft and Kenan in Ha Noi this year, has opened up career opportunities for 150 students.

The project results were announced on Saturday in Ha Noi by Microsoft and Kenan.

Being a part of YouthSpark Techspert, Microsoft is providing financial and technical support for Kenan to conduct training and apprenticeship to increase career opportunities for the youth.

From June until the end of August this year, three training sessions and nine weeks of apprenticeship were conducted for 150 vocational students in Ha Noi.

The training provided knowledge to students about effective tools to improve working skills, such as Office 365 and Windows 10, and improved their sales and interpersonal communication skills.

In addition to the training, the students participated in apprenticeships at three major IT retail stores  Media Mart, Pico and Phuc anh  which helped them to see the practical value of the training sessions.

Results of the pre and post-training evaluations revealed that 96 per cent of the students had better knowledge of Microsoft products and 100 per cent students showed significant improvement in their knowledge of sales and interpersonal communication skills following the prgramme.  VNS
OUAGADOUGOU  Eight opposition groups including the party of Burkina Faso s ousted strongman Blaise Compaore formed a "reconciliation coalition" on Sunday and accused authorities in the west African nation of treating rivals as pariahs.

Meeting in the capital Ouagadougou almost two years to the day since the fall of Compaore, who was driven from power in a popular uprising after 27 years, the grouping said it sought dialogue and better social cohesion a year after an abortive coup.

The "Coalition for Democracy and National Reconciliation" (CODER), groups a number of political groupings including Compaores Congress for Democracy and Progress.

CODER "is not just a framework for dialogue, consultation and political action but also seeks to achieve cohesion, unity and national reconciliation," spokesman Ablasse Ouedraogo said.

In its launch manifesto, CODER blasted social and economic problems and attacked the judicial system, which it accused of being "almost exclusively concerned with punishing former allies (who) today are declared to be pariahs of the republic." CODER also urged President Roch Marc Christian Kabore, elected last November, to open an "inclusive national dialogue, the only path which leads to peace and national unity." Some of the coalition groups have ties with politicians who were involved in last years putsch attempt.  AFP
WASHINGTON  Donald Trump fired off an erratic new broadside at Hillary Clinton on Sunday, making more explosive claims that American media and a conspiracy to commit voter fraud are rigging the presidential election against him.

Amid the latest Twitter blasts from the Republican White House nominee, his running mate Mike Pence sought to lower tensions by insisting his camp would accept defeat if thats what voters decide on November 8.

Two polls out on Sunday  and carried out in time to gauge voter reaction to the slew of sexual misconduct allegations against Trump that emerged last week  put Clinton ahead.

But they did so by vastly different numbers: an ABC News/Washington Post survey had Clinton four points ahead while an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll put her margin at 11 points.

Trump, in a long stream of tweets on Sunday, said repeatedly that US media are rigging the election by hammering away at what he calls fabricated accounts of him making unwanted sexual advances on women.

Trump has denied those allegations, which burst into the race last week in a steady, damaging stream.

"Polls close, but can you believe I lost large numbers of women voters based on made up events THAT NEVER HAPPENED. Media rigging election!" Trump wrote.

Dead voters

In another tweet, he suggested  without offering evidence  that voter fraud will be a problem on election day.

"The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary  but also at many polling places  SAD," he said.

Top Trump advisor Rudy Giuliani told CNN on Sunday that Democratic districts are known for counting the votes of dead people.

"You want me to (say) that I think the election in Philadelphia and Chicago is going to be fair? I would have to be a moron to say that," he said.

"Ive found very few situations where Republicans cheat. They dont control the inner cities the way Democrats do. Maybe if Republicans controlled the inner cities, theyd do as much cheating as Democrats do," Giuliani said.

Trump has been insisting for months that the election is rigged  and has repeated the charge like a mantra since Clinton started to pull away in the polls a few weeks ago.

"He is swinging at every phantom of his own imagination because he knows hes losing," Clintons running mate Tim Kaine told ABC on Sunday.

Trumps assertions have been criticized as dangerous as it seems to raise the prospect of his supporters lashing out if he loses.

After the first debate Trump said he would respect the election result. But he backtracked in an interview with the New York Times last month, saying, "Were going to see what happens."

Pence tried to put the issue to rest on Sunday, telling CBS News, "We will absolutely accept the results of the election." Pence was asked about a Trump supporter who told a newspaper he planned to go to polling places and make voters "a little bit nervous." Pence said he did not condone such behavior.

"I dont think any American should ever attempt to make any other American nervous in the exercise of their, of their franchise to vote," he said, adding that those concerned about voter fraud should volunteer at their local polling stations.

Handed me the election

The nations top elected Republican, House Speaker Paul Ryan, who has declared that he would no longer "defend" the partys nominee, rebuked Trump over his comments questioning the validity of the election process.

"Our democracy relies on confidence in election results, and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity," his spokeswoman AshLee Strong said in a statement.

Trump lashed out at Ryan on Sunday evening, saying "The Democrats have a corrupt political machine pushing crooked Hillary Clinton. We have Paul Ryan, always fighting the Republican nominee!" "Paul Ryan, a man who doesnt know how to win (including failed run four years ago), must start focusing on the budget, military, vets etc." As Trump and Clinton prepare for their third and last debate on Wednesday, Clinton is lying low, with the apparent strategy of letting Trump self-destruct.

But these are also delicate times for Clinton. As sexual misconduct claims against Trump dominate the campaign, is it hard for Clinton to speak out because she stayed beside her husband Bill even as he was mired in the Monica Lewinsky and other sex scandals, humiliating her on his way to being impeached.

But there is no question the race is shifting in her favour.

The CBS News Battleground Tracker Poll out Sunday found that, because of a surge in support for Clinton among women, she now leads by six points in a dozen crucial swing states.

Underscoring the campaigns divisiveness, a Republican Party office in the southern state of North Carolina was firebombed overnight Sunday, with the message "Nazi Republicans leave town or else" sprayed on an adjacent building.

No one was hurt in the attack.

Trump even took time Sunday to target late night comedy show "Saturday Night Live," which has parodied him mercilessly in recent weeks.

He called the show "boring and unfunny" and said the actor who plays him  Alec Baldwin  "stinks." "Media rigging election!" he added.  AFP
The Virginia Tech Investor Network spotted a winner when alumnus Wayne Chiang and Ryan Trost sought funding for their startup, ThreatQuotient Inc., in 2015.

The Reston-based cybersecurity firm was the first startup supported by the new angel group of Virginia Tech alumni formed in the Apex Systems Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.



A year later, ThreatQuotient has already garnered a long and impressive list of honors, including the 2016 Northern Virginia Technology Council Hot Ticket Award for Hottest Cybersecurity and Safety Innovation; two 2016 Info Security Products Guide Silver Global Excellence Awards (Startup of the Year; Innovation in Enterprise Security); Top 20 Cybersecurity Startup to Watch in 2016 by Dark Reading; and Top 10 Virginia Startup to Watch in 2016 by DC Inno.



None of ThreatQuotients success is surprising to Virginia Tech alumni Win Sheridan and Todd Headley, chair and vice chair respectively, of the Apex Systems Center advisory board.



Given my 30 years of hands-on experience in technology startups and cybersecurity, I was invited by a fellow Hokie to an investment review where three cybersecurity startup companies were presenting. I was immediately drawn to ThreatQuotient by how Wayne and Ryan's direct experience resulted in the creation of their platform to automate the handling and prioritizing of mass quantities of threat intelligence data  a tangible and growing issue, said Headley, who graduated from Tech with a bachelors degree in accounting in 1985.



What sealed the deal for me was their early Fortune 500 customer traction, he continued. I felt compelled to advocate their vision to the Virginia Tech Investor Network to garner both financial support as well as personal networking to help them move the company to the next stage.



ThreatQuotient received $800,000 from the network, and then Headley introduced Chiang to Sheridan.



I think the success of ThreatQuotient is a great example of the power of the Virginia Tech Investor Network and the center's network. Once introduced, I was blown away by Wayne and Ryan's energy and enthusiasm for the company they had built and the tremendous opportunity to grow, said Sheridan, who graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelors degree in political science in 1994.



Their willingness and humility as entrepreneurs to bring in an experienced executive team that could help ThreatQuotient realize its full potential resonated with me since not many founders in their position would do the same, he said. That was a game changer for ThreatQuotient."



Chiang said he is amazed at the power of the Hokie network and how much ThreatQuotient was able to raise as a result, totaling more than $25 million, including investments from top-tier venture capital firm New Enterprise Associates.



Hokies really do stand together, he said.



Chiang earned a bachelors degree in computer science in 2006 and a masters of information technology degree in the National Capital Region in 2009. His first job was consulting at IBM; later, he moved to General Dynamics where he worked on cybersecurity software.



At General Dynamics I got a good understanding of how difficult it is for large enterprises to fight against their adversaries and had some exposure to various cyberthreats, said Chiang. At the same time, I got a lot of hands-on experience with cybersecurity platforms, saw how threats operate, and was able to develop a skill set that allowed me to strike out on my own.



I wanted to start a company that would give clients a dedicated platform from which they could manage and enrich threat intelligence to defend against sophisticated cyberattacks, he said.



Chiang has joined Apex Systems Center as its youngest advisory board member.

I am very excited about this role that helps me identify and create a new generation of student innovators and growing the Hokie network," he said.



Last summer, Chiang hired Reed Koser, from McLean, Virginia, a sophomore majoring in computer science, to work at ThreatQuotient.



Koser is a student in the Apex Systems Center-sponsored Innovate living-learning community that brings a diverse group of committed and driven students together in a high-energy learning environment. Innovate provides an opportunity for students to gain insights into the entrepreneurial process, interact with successful entrepreneurs, and learn from Virginia Tech faculty and community partners.



Chiang describes Koser as on fire, and a complete rock star and someone he would have hired full-time had he already graduated.



Internships are so important to getting a job when you graduate, said Koser. But its so hard to get anyone to even give you the time of day, especially when you are just finishing up your freshman year.



Koser said that working at ThreatQuotient was a great experience. I was doing real work as part of a team that developed prototypes for integration between threat intelligence platform and applications.



It was gratifying to have a successful entrepreneur like Wayne appreciate my work and validate for me that I was on the right career track, said Koser.



There really is no better example for us to showcase our vision of Hokies helping Hokies, said Derick Maggard, executive director of the Apex Systems Center. The idea is to link innovators and entrepreneurs to sustain technology growth, locate sources of capital, and recognize and promote young talent. And ThreatQuotient has done it all.


Lula defeats Bolsonaro in razor-tight Brazilian election Tens of thousands of emotional Brazilian residents have flooded into streets around the country to celebrate former left-wing president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas knife-edge victory over incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in a tight run-off election.

Bridge collapse in western India kills at least 70 people Hundreds of people had gathered on and near a recently restored suspension bridge in India before it collapsed from the weight of the crowd and fell into the river.

Wall of people: Aussies detail horror of Halloween stampede Two Aussies caught up in the deadly Halloween party stampede that has claimed more than 150 lives, including at least one Australian, have opened up about what they witnessed and how they escaped from being crushed.
WATERLOO  Local church leaders and their flocks rallied around the Masjid Al-Noor Islamic Center on Sunday afternoon after the center was spray painted with graffiti in what some are calling a hate crime.

If somebody was hurting in my congregation, we go right away. We would make a pastoral call. So thats what we are doing. We are coming to show we care, we are concerned and as neighbors we want to be here and support you, the Rev. Steve Williams of First United Methodist Church of Cedar Falls told center officials during an interfaith prayer service on the centers front steps.

During the ceremony, Dema Kazkaz, the centers president, recalled a quote from the Prophet Muhammad that refers to the community as a body.

If part of this body aches, the whole body is in pain. So you are our body, and thank you so much for showing your support and your love to all of us, Kazkaz told attendees at the gathering.

She said the turnout showed the real face of the local community and sent a positive message.

As a symbolic gesture, members of the Islamic Center and the other churches planted a peace tree in front of the building to show unity. After adults took turns digging the hole and lowering the roots into the ground, children watered the earth around the tree.

I really feel we have good neighbors and good friends around us, said Iman Adin Rasidagic.

He referred to the graffiti as small.

It could happen any place, but you really recognized it and gave us support, and thats really a big thing for us and our community. We really feel that we are comfortable here with you, and that we always have around us good friends, good neighbors, Rasidagic told the crowd.

The graffiti  which consisted of presidential candidate Donald Trumps last name in red letters on the Sager Avenue buildings north brick wall  was discovered Friday and reported to police.

The paint was cleaned off by volunteers over the weekend, and no arrests have been made.

The Iowa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate the vandalism as a possible hate crime.
FREEPORT  The Winneshiek County Sheriffs Office said it is investigating a shooting Sunday night in the community of Freeport.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, which has been contacted to help authorities, said the incident involves two deaths.

Details werent available, but sheriffs officials said there is no reason to believe the public is in any danger, and they are asking the public to stay out of the area.

DCI officials said they sent agents and crime scene investigators to assist in the probe. DCIs assistance was requested at about 7:30 p. m. Sunday.

Freeport is an unincorporated community east of Decorah.
TAMA  The Iowa Court of Appeals has turned down an appeal brought by a man convicted of killing his father and sister in 1998.

In seeking to have his murder convictions overturned, David Lee Tomlinson Jr. argued this his attorneys at trial should have argued he was innocent instead of mounting an insanity and diminished capacity defense.

In a ruling issued Wednesday, the Iowa Court of Appeals, which rejected earlier appeals brought by Tomlinson, ruled that he had missed the three-year deadline to bring the claim when he filed it in 2013.

Authorities said Tomlinson Jr. shot and killed his father, David Tomlinson Sr., and sister, Angela Miell, with a shotgun at his fathers home in Tama where he had lived in May 1998. He allegedly fled Iowa, phoned his mother and checked into a Kansas City mental health hospital.

His fingerprints were found on an empty box of deer slug shotgun shells found at the home and a second found in his truck and had told hospital staff that he had been in trouble in Iowa and had to flee, court records state.

During his trial, jurors found him guilty of first-degree murder in his sisters death, second-degree murder in his fathers death and flight to avoid prosecution. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 55 years.

Now 43, he is serving his sentence at the Clarinda Correctional Facility.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man has pleaded not guilty to allegations he is responsible for the death of his girlfriends daughter.

Chad Allen Little, 32, entered a written not guilty plea to charges of first-degree murder and child endangerment causing death last week in Black Hawk County District Court and demanded a speedy trial.

Trial is tentatively set for Nov. 29.

Little is accused of killing 4-year-old Gracie Buss. The girl was found unconscious at her home on May 30, 2015, and she died June 3, 2015, at the hospital. An autopsy determined she died of blunt trauma to her head, and doctors found evidence of older injuries.

Gracies mother, Kristi Amber Buss, 31, is charged with child endangerment causing death. She entered a written not guilty plea Monday.

Both remain at the Black Hawk County Jail pending trial. Littles bond is set at $1.1 million, and Busss bond is $75,000.
WATERLOO  A second person has been arrested for attacking a man who found a lost cell phone in July.

Waterloo police arrested Alfred Quantez Brown, 24, of 1754 Newell St., on Thursday for willful injury causing serious injury. He was released from the Black Hawk County Jail the following day.

The arrest came a day after police arrested 31-year-old Mano-Kalani Po Jesus Leongneefuk-Ahnee, of Waterloo, on the same charges in the attack. He remains in jail.

According to court records, police were called to the Kwik Stop convenience store on Washington Street at about 8:30 p.m. on July 7 and found Roger Hoffert Jr. bloody and disoriented.

Hoffert told police that he found a cell phone and then exchanged text messages with a person about claiming a reward for returning the phone. He agreed to meet at the store, where he was attacked.

Court records state he was knocked to the ground and kicked in the face with what appeared to be steel-toes boots, and he lost a tooth in the attack. Brown and Leongneefuk-Ahnee were identified in a security video, records state.
CEDAR FALLS  Ben Carson, the former Republican presidential candidate and conservative author, said the recent focus in the presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton has lost sight of the differences between the candidates.

If we were smart, we would actually be talking about those differences, rather than talking about somebody who assaulted somebody, whether real or not, or what other collusions are going on, Carson told a crowd of more than 150 people Sunday at the Black Hawk County Republicans Lincoln Dinner. These things are diversions, and they keep ones eye off of the actual prize, the actual issues.

Carson said the focus should be on the differences between the presidential candidates tax plans and immigration plans, for example.

It was a theme echoed throughout night, as the Republicans who mentioned Trump  rather than focusing on their local races, as many did  talked not about the traits of the Republican nominee but the reason its so important to elect him.

Carson criticized his fellow Republicans who vied for the presidential nomination  17 in total  for not being as present on the campaign trail to help support Trump.

A lot of the people who ran for president and lost, they kind of disappeared, and its really about them ... but for me, it was never about me. It was about this country, and the fact that this country is in so much trouble, and that we have to say that, Carson said.

Carson acknowledged those who are having difficulty choosing between the lesser of two evils, but presented the 2016 presidential election as a choice between a paper cut and an amputation.

He also presented the election as a choice between the people and political elites. Carson said thats why so many of the Republican establishment (are) refusing to support Donald Trump.

Clintons Iowa campaign organized a news conference Sunday in Cedar Rapids as a response to Carsons visit, where the attendees argued decades of progress would be lost for the African-American community if Trump is elected.

They also noted the Lincoln Dinner in Cedar Falls followed the vandalism at a Waterloo mosque this weekend with Trump spray painted on its wall, though law enforcement has not indicated any connection with the Trump campaign. The vandalism was not discussed during the event.

But Black Hawk County Republican Chairman Scott Adkins said after the dinner the vandalism is a crime and its in poor taste to politicize it. He noted Republicans came to help clean up the vandalism.

I hope they catch who did it, absolutely. We have a freedom of religion in this country, and that applies to Muslims as well, Adkins said. Republicans, we dont do that kind of stuff; thats not our schtick. The fact that they would even say that really offends me.

U.S. Rep. Rod Blum, R-1st District, echoed Carsons comments.

Can Donald Trump be crude? Hes a New Yorker, of course  he can be crude, Blum said. Is Hillary Clinton a pathological liar? Yes. OK, so they both have these personality flaws, if you will. Lets talk about the policies.

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann gave three particular reasons why its imperative Republicans vote for Trump, but put one above the others: the U.S. Supreme Court.

If we dont elect Donald Trump, everything that (Senate Judiciary Chairman) Chuck Grassley has been attempting to do, and everything hes been holding back, that dam is going to break, Kaufmann said. If not for any other reason, its the Supreme Court and to make sure that we the people finish what Chuck Grassley has started.

Kaufmann was referring to Grassleys efforts to stop a hearing on Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, whom Democratic President Barack Obama nominated after Justice Antonin Scalia passed away in February.

Kaufmann said the election isnt just about the next four or eight years, but about the next generation of policies because of the Supreme Court that is currently regularly split between four right-leaning justices and four left-leaning justices.

For U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, his main reason to support Trump is because of how insecure we will be if Clinton wins.

For Iowa Rep. Sandy Salmon, R-Janesville, Trump will simply help the party put this country back going in the right direction again.

Blum said he believes the reason Trump is succeeding in Iowa  Trump leads Clinton here by an average of 3.7 points, according to Real Clear Politics  is because the party and federal elected officials here have not abandoned him.

James Lynch of The Gazettecontributed to this story.
DES MOINES  Iowas election commissioner Monday emphatically refuted any contentions by political candidates that this years Nov. 8 general election is rigged.

This state has a pretty darn good track record and I really resent anybody trying to blemish it, said Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, who plays a dual role as the states election commissioner.

He said anyone who has evidence or concern about the integrity and fairness of Iowas voting process should contact his office so he can investigate any allegations; otherwise he hoped politicians would knock it off and focus on the issues important to Iowans. Pat is a Republican from Linn County.

Iowa has got one of the cleanest, best election systems in the country and I guarantee every eligible Iowa voter will be able to cast their ballot for the Nov. 8 election, added Pate, who said he wanted to clear away any smoke over rigged elections by noting the many checks and balances Iowa has to maintain integrity and ferret out fraud.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump repeatedly has contended Americas 2016 election is rigged, issuing a tweet Monday saying Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before Election Day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!

Pate said Trump may be referring to his experience as a New Yorker but Iowa has a tradition of clean, honest elections.

If theres something else, please Mr. Trump, tell us what it is and I will have my staff immediately look into it and pursue it with all the vigor and authority that this office has, and that applies to anybody because the last thing I want is an Iowan who thinks that their vote doesnt count, the secretary added.

Theyre not demonstrating theres any proof that theres these issues. What theyre doing is trying to distract, in my opinion, from what the real election issues are. Voting is far too important, he said.

Gov. Terry Branstad, a six-term Republican who is backing Trump in the 2016 presidential matchup with Democrat Hillary Clinton, said he trusts Iowas system and its voters, but he expressed concern there is collusion between the national media and Clinton to help get her elected next month.

The integrity of our electoral process is critically important and a lot of people are very skeptical today because they see the bias of the national press, they see what they consider to be collusion between the Clinton machine, the governor told his weekly news conference.

The national media is trying to influence people in the decisions that theyre going to make in this election, he added. Were saying the public needs to be given fair and balanced information so they can make their own decision and not just one-sided bias that is focused on attacking one side and not giving people a complete picture of the different stands of the candidates.
WATERLOO  Authorities have released the names of two people found dead in a Waterloo home Sunday.

Police identified the deceased as Damon Scott Gould II, 29, and Shalynn Kay Boike, also known as Shalynn Wellner, 33. They were found inside 4011 E. Shaulis Road with two dead dogs, according to authorities.

Initial autopsies were completed, but causes of death are pending toxicology tests, according to Waterloo police. Officials said no foul play is suspected. Police are investigating the possibility the deaths were linked to exhaust from a gasoline-powered generator in the attached garage.

The house was vacant because of damage from recent flooding on the Cedar River that also knocked out power to the home, according to police. Police said the generator was at the house to provide limited electricity.

Gould and Boike had been without a place to stay, and the owner knew the two and offered to allow them to spend the night at the Shaulis Road house, said Lt. Greg Fangman with the Waterloo Police Department. They arrived at the home at about 12:45 a.m. Sunday.

Shortly before 10 a.m. Sunday, the owner arrived at the house to let the dogs out and discovered the bodies, police said.

Officials werent able to determine the amount of carbon monoxide inside the house. A fire department meter that gives an exact reading malfunctioned, said Battalion Chief Mike Moore with Waterloo Fire Rescue. But a carbon monoxide alarm carried on the paramedics jump kit went off when they got to the house.

It was sounding. It was going off as soon as they hit the door, Moore said.

Most carbon monoxide alarms activate at 50 to 60 parts per million. Moore said a generator like the one in the garage can easily fill a house with 1,000 or more parts per million.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends portable generators only be used outdoors, far from open windows, door and vents. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be lethal in minutes.

If exhaust is found to have played a role, this will be Waterloo Fire Rescues second significant carbon monoxide call involving a generator this year. In March, three adults and a 15-month-old child were taken to a hospital after firefighters and paramedics were called to an Archer Avenue home. All survived.

The Archer Avenue home had been without power, and the generator was placed in a laundry room with a nearby sliding window in a door left open for ventilation.
BREMER

Wartburg V-Day donates to group

WAVERLY  The Wartburg College V-Day Campaign donated $1,400 to its fundraising benefactor, Cedar Valley Friends of the Family.

V-Day is an organized response against violence toward women. Each year, the Wartburg College V-Day Campaign sponsors V-Week to raise money and awareness of V-Days mission.

CVFF provides safe shelter, confidential services and housing assistance to individuals in crisis due to homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault.

The Wartburg College V-Day Campaign will kicked off its year at Wartburg Colleges annual Renaissance Faire on Oct. 15 during Homecoming & Family Weekend.

Money raised will continue to benefit CVFF. V-Week Campaign 2017 will be Feb. 8-13.

MITCHELL

Counselor is now available

ST. ANSGAR  St. Ansgar students now have access to an in-house mental health counselor once a week through Turning Leaf Counseling Services.

Though its not something that would replace the current counseling provided at the school, members of the St. Ansgar School Board recently agreed it would help deal with the shortage of mental health professionals in rural Iowa.

Similar counselors are located for middle- and high-schoolers in Osage and Garner-Hayfield Ventura.

The distance traveled to reach appointments means students miss time in school  a half day and sometimes up to a full day.

The length of time it can take to get an appointment can leave students without necessary services for months.

A mental health professional would only be at the school twice a month in the beginning and would take care of all the paperwork, including the billing to families insurance policies.

No costs would be incurred by the district.
WATERLOO  Adam Johnson is a tough mudder dating back to 2012.

He plans to be again near Las Vegas next month, and the Northeast Iowa Food bank will be the beneficiary.

Johnson, 33, who participated in the Worlds Toughest Mudder 24-hour obstacle course run in 2012 and 2014, will have a go at it again at Lake Las Vegas near Henderson, Nev., Nov. 12-13.

He plans to take pledges of food and cash donations for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank for every lap he completes on the five-mile obstacle course, which hell navigate over walls, through mud, electrified wire, water obstacles and in a vat of ice known as the Arctic Enema. About 2,100 athletes, ranging in age from 18 to their mid-60s, are anticipated to participate.

His personal best is 55 miles, or 11 laps. His personal goal is 15 laps, or 75 miles.

The 2012 race was in New Jersey on a grueling 10-mile course. It has since been shortened to a 5-mile lap, offering participants an opportunity for more frequent breaks, and moved to Las Vegas, which is far warmer during the day in November than New Jersey. However, it still gets cold at night in the high desert climate.

I like the 5-mile loop. It gives me an option to come in and rest and refuel with food, Johnson said. You pitch a tent (on the route) with all your gear and food and a sleeping bag.

Johnson, a Rockwell City native who came to Waterloo to study photography at Hawkeye Community College, said he became interested in the Tough Mudder event after a friends wife entered one of the events through a local gym in town. The way they were talking about it, it sounded like a lot of fun, he said.

He participated in the 2012 and 2014 runs for Taylor Morris, the Cedar Fall sailor who lost portions of all four limbs in a May 2012 bomb blast in Afghanistan. He participated in the 2012 run shortly after Morris was injured. I wanted to see what I could do to help to show him weve got his back, Johnson said. This time, however, Morris suggested someone else may need the help. Thats the way Taylor is. Hes a selfless guy, Johnson said.

He chose the Food Bank after conducting an informal online survey on social media to gauge support for his upcoming effort.

For his training, Johnson, who works at Applebees restaurant at Crossroads Center and as a rural mail carrier based out of Independence, works out at the Cedar Valley SportsPlex, doing distance runs through downtown and over and through whatever obstacles present themselves. He also works out with weights at the SportsPlex.

But Johnson notes theres nothing like the real thing. While he can run in shorts during the day in Nevada, compared to a wetsuit in New Jersey, the nights can be brutal, as evidenced by the 2014 event. The temperatures plummeted and huge sandstorm rolled in, he said, with 50-60 mph winds, which winnowed out the field of participants.

Mike Knipp, development director for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, said that organization benefits from many individual fundraisers but Johnsons is especially heartening.

Its inspirational to us at the Food Bank to see people like him doing these things, Knipp said. The key thing we try to do is awareness, and he is bringing awareness at another level. That, again, inspires people. He wanted to make the most difference he could. He knew, in the case of the Food Bank, we serve so many people he wanted to be part of that.

Knipp said the Food Bank will be putting out a receptacle at Crossroads Applebees to receive food items donated toward Johnsons effort. Knipp also said people may donate online at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/neifb

They also may send donations to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, P.O. Box 2397, Waterloo 50704, or drop off cash or food donations at the Food Bank, 1605 Layfayette St.

More information on the Worlds Toughest Mudder event is available online at toughmudder.com and selecting Events and Worlds Toughest Mudder or simply doing an internet search under Worlds Toughest Mudder.
WATERLOO  Fire officials are trying to determine what started a fire that damaged a Waterloo apartment building early Monday.

A resident at 311 Lafayette St. was asleep when she woke to a popping sound around 4:30 a.m. and found flames in her living room, said Capt. Carl Reninger with Waterloo Fire Rescue. He said the resident attempted to douse the fire with a bowl of water, but the fire became too intense, and she fled and called 911.

When firefighters arrived, the fire was coming through the front window of her ground-floor apartment near a window air conditioner, Reninger said. Crews extinguished the blaze before it could spread to other apartments, he said.

The Hawkeye Chapter of the American Red Cross was called to assist the resident. Residents in the other apartments weren't displaced by the fire.
International trade agreements have become the villain of choice for politicians worldwide when trying to rally displaced and underemployed voters.

It worked in Great Britain where a referendum to leave the European Union was approved last spring, and its come to the fore in U.S. political campaigns with attacks on the North American Free Trade Agreement and the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Yet what the politicians ignored is the changing job environment. Its what the Austrian-born economist, later Harvard University professor, Joseph Schumpeter, called creative destruction  the process of industrial mutation that incessantly revolutionizes the economic structure from within, incessantly destroying the old one, incessantly creating a new one.

The industrial revolution in 18th century was one mutation. The advent of electricity in the 19th century was another  or as a mock newspaper headline had it, Dawn of new day: Edison invents light bulb; 10,000 candlemakers lose jobs.

In this millennium the Internet has caused painful job dislocations we dont downplay, because we know it firsthand in this industry. But it also has created new opportunities. Yet all the while, thousands of traditional jobs, many with decent wages, continue to go begging, according to U.S. labor statistics

As for NAFTA and TPP, both were negotiated during Democratic administrations (Clinton and Obama) with organized labor opposition and Republican and business community support.

NAFTA is blamed for widespread job displacement. Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., attacked Hillary Clinton about it in the primaries  the baton now being carried by Donald Trump  claiming 851,000 jobs were lost, citing a report by the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute.

According to Politfact, studies by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, the Brookings Institution and Lorzeno Caliendo at Yale University and Fernando Parro at the Federal Reserve, NAFTA was job neutral.

That stated, those latter studies showed minimal positive U.S. economic benefits, slightly more for Mexico.

The 12-nation TPP (North and South America and Asia)  encompassing one-third of world trade  is meant to counter ever-growing China influence.

While the intent is admirable, some provisions could represent corporate overreach detrimental to U.S. consumers. One chapter regarding investments  released by the New York Times and Wikileaks in January 2015  was supposed to remain classified until four years after approval of the agreement. The lack of transparency is troublesome.

As for the downside of renegotiating existing trade agreements, Brits soon will realize the effects of Brexit. Last week, both the Germans and French made it known the Brits will not leave on favorable terms, causing the pound to fall 6 percent in just two minutes Friday.

The British already are paying a higher price for imported goods. Speculation is many multinationals will pull up stakes because of higher trade costs.

Back home, Republican Party nominee Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton support reinvesting in the nations infrastructure to create jobs, which is long overdue.

Trump believes he can generate jobs by renegotiating trade agreements, which is problematic, and by reducing taxes on the wealthy and corporations.

Democratic nominee Clinton claims shell unleash clean-energy jobs and advanced manufacturing with a commitment to research and technology. She also supports free tuition at public colleges and community colleges.

Neither, though, has mentioned an existing and growing job shortage that has nothing to do with trade agreements or taxes.

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology calls it the skills gap misery index when a company no longer has the right skills to grow or remain competitive or when a worker cannot access jobs because of a lack of training or relevant experience.

The Conference Board, a nonprofit business research group, has cited a coming shortage of nurses, physical and occupation therapists, mathematicians, plant operators, machinists, electricians and other skilled workers. The Brookings Institutions added food processing and technology.

Express Services, a temporary employment agency, said skilled mechanics, welders, engineers, plumbers and computer technicians are in demand.

The nursing shortage alone is expected to need 1.2 million positions by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Theres a statewide shortage of registered nurses, Dr. Jerry Durham, chancellor at Allen College in Waterloo, the largest nursing school in Northeast Iowa, said this spring.

Hospitals nationwide are offering partial tuition reimbursement and signing bonuses in an effort to alleviate shortages.

While Danish leaders rebuked Sanders for labeling them as democratic socialists, Denmarks program to train displaced workers for jobs that actually exist is worthy of emulating.

Some of that, of course, occurs at the community college level. Some of that should have started in the public schools, many of which have dismantled shop programs.

Instead of candidates venting about imaginary villains and then throwing money around, the discussion should be about targeting real needs and developing the skills required.
For the last several months, campaign messages have dominated news media outlets and commercial advertising space, emphasizing the importance of the presidential election in November.

For most Americans, the concept of representative democracy is easy to grasp  the executive and legislative branches exist to exercise the will of the majority. Therefore, it is important to cast votes for president, U.S. House and Senate, governor and state legislature. Unfortunately, more frequently we are seeing voters confuse political elections with judicial retention votes.

Based on a principle nearly 200 years old, Iowas complex Merit Selection process, which has been in place since 1962, protects citizen rights and follows the advice of our countrys founders. Instead of requiring judicial officers to run against one another through the political process, Iowas system requires those who wish to sit on the bench to wait for a vacancy in their districts.

Applicants then submit information to a local, nonpartisan commission. The commission consists of five local attorneys and five laypersons, and is chaired by the senior judge of the district. The commission, in turn, selects two or three finalists to send to the governor. After an intensive interview process, the governor makes the final selection.

This system utilizes the concept of balance between the three branches of government to ensure independent courts. The only applicants eligible for consideration are judges and attorneys whose peers recognize their competence, character and commitment to impartiality.

After a judge or justice has served at least one year, (and again every six years thereafter; eight years for Supreme Court justices), Iowans are invited to examine their records. These retention votes act as a final check on incompetence and corruption.

The fluid nature of public opinion is precisely why we must protect the courts from political headwinds, regardless of our personal beliefs on individual rulings. Examination of each judicial officers contribution as a whole is necessary to retain exceptional leadership and commitment to justice. As an example, consider a few of Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cadys accomplishments as head of the Judicial Branch:

Instituted and expanded drug, mental health and veteran courts to divert low-level offenders, offer effective treatment and reduce recidivism.

Established special business courts to streamline litigation.

Transitioned Iowa to an electronic filing system (EDMS) that speeds up the legal process and assists clerk of court offices.

Fostered a culture of openness by holding Supreme Court cases in rural and urban venues across the state.

Advocated strongly for full judicial branch funding at the statehouse.

Committed to provide access to justice for all Iowa citizens.

Whenever the majority asserts its will through the legislative process there will always be a smaller core of people who will be negatively affected. It is the responsibility of the courts to ensure that these impacts are neither illegal nor unconstitutional. Unlike a political race, retention votes are not intended to serve as a referendum on the popularity of a judicial officers decisions. Rather, the retention vote serves as shorthand for one, all-important question:

Has this judge or justice been impartial in his or her rulings, regardless of politics or popularity?

Your vote in the retention election is imperative to maintain independent and virtuous courts in Iowa.

For more information, and to see our members evaluation of each judge or justice up for retention, go to judicialfacts.org.
Q: Why is Cataract Avenue blocked off right by the Cancer Treatment Center blocking the whole street?

A: Cataract Avenue ends at Edgemont Avenue and it is a private drive that is blocked off presumably to stop through traffic from using this private drive.

Q: What are the names of all the oceans?

A: According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Historically, there are four named oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Arctic. However, most countries  including the United States  now recognize the Southern (Antarctic) as the fifth ocean.

Q: I have some unopened Avon bottles of cologne. Is there somewhere in the city I can donate them?

A: Both the St. Vincent de Paul and Salvation Army thrift stores will accept them.

Q: Why arent there zip codes in the new Dex telephone book?

A: An email to the company asking for information was not returned.

Q: Is there a legal broadcasting agency to whom I can report a television station for doubling their volume for most commercials?

A: To register any complaint, go to www.fcc.gov/complaints, or send to Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 445 12th St. SW, Washington, D.C., 20554. The FCC needs the state you watch in, whether it is cable television or broadcast television using an antenna, the date and time you saw the commercial, the name of the TV program it aired on and the TV station or channel.

Q: Is there any way to recycle unused, out-of-date Epi-pens?

A: UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital staff said any sharps or medication with needles can be returned to UnityPoint at Home-Medical Equipment Services in a sharps container, which can be obtained for free from Medical Equipment Services, courtesy of the Allen Auxiliary. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Medical Equipment Services is located at Entrance 6A at Allen Hospital and can be reached at 235-5285.

Q: Did Republic Parking buy the new Super Duty Ford pickup or did the city buy the truck for them like they did the car Waterloo parking uses?

A: The city had a truck in its parking maintenance operation that is now being used by Republic Parking. The citys contract with Republic Parking calls for the city to provide vehicles and equipment.

Q: When will Highway 63 south be open going through Traer?

A: The Twelve Mile Creek bridge deck north of Traer is being replaced on U.S. 63. It is expected to be closed until Oct. 21, depending on weather.

Q: Going west on Rainbow Drive in Waterloo, just off Greenhill Road, is a sign that says No trucks. Why are semis, constructions trucks, etc. allowed on Rainbow Drive?

A: Exceptions are granted for truck embargoes when it is necessary for construction projects and certain deliveries when other routes are not available. It also is possible some trucks are using the street in violation of the embargo that are not being caught.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 16, 2016 | 08:11 AM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY

A traffic stop early Saturday led to the arrest of a Paducah man on drug charges.

According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Office, deputies stopped a car for traffic violations at around 1:30 am. Deputies said the driver, 33-year-old Justin Lumbley, was driving without a license.

During a search of the car, deputies found and seized over an ounce of methamphetamine along with a set of digital scales. Lumbley was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and two traffic offenses.

He was lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail.
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I find it interesting about the disinformation in the west about Russia. I live here and what I see is something totally different than what you are led to believe. This image is of a typical grocery store in Moscow. If you come about an hour from when I took this image, you will find the store packed and the other five just like it nearby will be the same

Fully stocked and everything available that you would ever need. Also priced much better then what you would most likely buy it at, especially in the west

Russians make anything and everything that can be sold and made money off of. With the exception of a few tiny hiccups, Russia has filled the gap and exceeded in both quality and price any products that were effected by the sanctions and counter sanctions. The only issue I see is; Russians need some lessons on how to order and stock properly, but they do get it done given time

Everything you see in front of you is Russian grown, Russian made and Russian designed and built. The stores in Russia are unbelievable and stocked to over flowing

We even have my favorite store; the equivalent to an American dollar store. These are my favorite stores, I can buy anything from stainless steel radiator clamps by the pack of ten to two liter bottles of soda and all for around 50 rubles each

* * * * * * * * * *

I have owned many cars! I have owned Lincoln Continentals, Mercedes, Cadillac, Lexus, Ford, Volkswagen Beetle, Ford Falcon, Chevys of various types and dozens of other brands and models of cars. Expensive to very cheap is my realm of experience with cars.Why I even owned a Yugo 

I have owned two Volgas, one was a model 24-10 and the one I own now is a Volga model 310221. I have a vast background of cars. I raced cars at the drag strip when younger, I have sat in pure luxury and I have rebuilt many an engine in my time

I can honestly tell you that the best cars I have ever owned are my Volgas. Well to be truthful, I owned a 1969 SAAB, now that was a car and would be the only thing comparable to the ease of working on a car, to the Volga. Now I do wish I had some of my old Muscle Cars I owned.1969 Ford T-Bird 429 Thunderjet and a 1969 Dodge Challenger with a 440 Magnum engine. I also had a 1964 Plymouth Satellite with a 383 Commando engine and it was the cats meow

Any of those last cars would make me one rich man in this day and age. I could not even fathom what I could sell one for here in Russia, but I would live off the interest the rest of my life. That I know

The Volga is the car made for me. It is simple and tough as shoe leather. It can be held together with bailing wire and duct tape and get you home. I know, I have owned two, bought used and have driven many a kilometers around Russia, Moldova, Ukraine and other places in a Volga. Trust in the product is what comes to mind

Shame that Volgas are no longer made

* * * * * * * * * *

Sammy the Volga is going to get some new body parts. Our friends in the Big Village, who put in her new engine, will scrounge for parts and weld in new rocker panels, install used doors and paint her for little to nothing. One thing that our mechanic wants to do is install a diesel turbo for a zmz-405 Volga engine, he has sitting around. Doubtful, but would be fun in the sun to have a boosted Sammy Volga, to tool down the road in 

Money is the issue and fun is related to the money you have. The money has to go for what is necessary and not for fun and games anymore. But a bear can dream

We will get Sammy good to go another 10 years and that is what is necessary

Just like we bought two front tires for Sammy. South Korean made and very high quality. Steel belted radials and they cost American Dollars equivalent $20 bucks each. Kumho brand to be exact and I have worn several pairs out in the last ten yearsThat is a many a kilometer to be for sure

* * * * * * * * * *

Russia is no exception to what is happening all over the world.

We have in Russia, for the most part a very material life and when I see Americans spout about how great America is and how wonderful to be rich! I get disgusted, for to be honest, the world has as much or more than what we do in America and propaganda has led you to believe that only your little spot is perfect and nothing else matters

I am still amazed and still put out when I get and see comments and emails about, Just leave America if you like it so well, go somewhere else!

Good idea and if more Americans would just do that! The world would be a better place, for you would see that everyone is just like you and you need to get off the high and mighty pedestal

There is nothing that America can offer that is not already in plentiful supply to rich or poor all over the world. We have exceptions, but exceptions are just that, exceptions and the general status is plentiful

Exceptionalism is the word that is well known for Americans to be spouting. This word is used from our politicians to trolls commenting on foreign websites

Exceptionalism = Narcissistic Personality Disorder and is closely related to Grandiosity; which is a very unhealthy unrealistic sense of superiority to others

* * * * * * * * * *

Got a comment

Why are you here? I mean, if Russia is the last, best hope of humanity and such a wonderful, heroic, just gee-whiz super nice place to live ruled by the most wise and benevolent man since Jesus Christ and perhaps even better Then what are you doing here in the degenerate, evil, no-good-nik West? The Russian Army accepts foreign volunteers. The Russian economy needs and welcomes foreign workers in all sorts of fields. Sell your shit in a garage sale, hop on a plane and go spend the rest of your days in the glorious Motherland. They want you. You clearly want them. It seems like a match made in heaven, if you ask me. But all you guys loll about in the bars and cafes of the nasty ol West. And you snipe. And you carp. And you fucking whine constantly about what a rotten place it is.

It was by Proud patriot America and under a proxy (of course,) and most likely a cut and paste and is put all over the net

My answer, That is just what I did and have never looked back. Please troll and troll such comments, because it is really the best information that they could try to slap Americans with. We should leave and we should see the world. Then maybe we could go home and understand that the world is a very wonderful place

All I know is that when I walk among the natives of other countries and watch life flowing around me. I realize that we, The Americans, The Exceptional Ones, The Best the world has to offer, are the ones who are isolated and in a prison of our own makings.Life is good in America, but life is just as good elsewhere and until you come to grips with that and stop the killing of other people and other countries, that are happy as they are with their life as it is. Life can not become peaceful and polite

The day you are mingling with the people of a country like eg. Tunisia and eating dinner with them and walking the streets with them. Then you will see that life is really exceptional all over the world

That is just one tiny example and I have been all over the world

It is interesting to sit with Russians and talk politics! Russians know how to talk through the subjects of political waste lands and discuss with a open mind, all the while playing a chess game at -20 below zero, outside as it snows and discuss why the world sucks

Now that is exceptional to a tiny degree in my eyes, but Russians would disagree with you and tell you that, It is simply life in Russia!

Now that is a thought!

It is simply life and life is good, though different, all over the world. And who are we to decided if their life is good or not?



WtR
Canl Bahis siteleri sektoru son derece onu ack ve farkl ozelliklere sahip bir sektordur. Elbette bahis secenekleri arasnda yuksek kazanc getiren alan kuskusuz canl bahistir. Peki, canl bahis nedir?

Canl Bahis Nedir?

Canl bahis adndan da anlaslacag gibi devam eden musabakaya bahis yapmaktr. Bu bahis musabaka devam ederken de yaplabilir olmasdr. Basta futbol olmak uzere voleybol, tenis, hentbol, basketbol, buz hokeyi ve masa tenisi gibi spor organizasyonlarna canl bahisler yaplabilmektedir. Canl bahis siteleri bu oyunlarn hepsine yuksek oranlara bahis yapmanza imkan tanr. En fazla tercih edilen futbol canl bahisleri diger alanlara gore daha fazla on plandadr. Siteden siteye degisen sartlar ve uygulama esaslar soz konusu olsa da kurallar sabittir.

Canl bahisi populer klan ve heyecan katan en onemli ozellikle musabakann basladg ana dek bahis yapabilmedir. Canl bahis icerisinde yer alan secenekler kazanma sansnz da dogrudan arttrmaktadr. Ilk korneri kim kullanr, ilk tac, gol, sar kart, krmz kart gibi futbol musabakas icerisinde olabilecek hemen hemen her seye bahis yaplabilmektedir. Normal bahisegore de son derece yuksek oranda olmas avantajl yonlerini ortaya koymaktadr. Nitekim dogru secenek ksa surede kazancl ckmanza etki edecektir.

Strateji ve dogru analizle 90 dakika gibi bir surede anaparanzkatlayabilirsiniz. Tabi bunu basarabilmek icin mutlaka musabakaya dair ayrntlar iyi degerlendirmek gerekir. Soz konusu musabakann detaylarn inceleyip, cezal, sakat oyuncu veya performans dusen takm oyunu gibi detaylar bilmek canl bahiste kazanc belirleyen onemli unsurdur. Guvenilir Canl bahis hem heyecanl zaman gecirmeyi hem de musabakalar takip ederken para kazanmay saglamaktadr.

Canl Bahis Nasl Oynanr?

Bahislerinizi guvenilir sitelerden gerceklestirdiginiz zaman herhangi bir sekilde para cekme de sorun yasamazsnz. Guvenilir bahis siteleri tespit edip sonrasnda da uyelik islemlerini tamamlamanz gerekmektedir. Belirlenen uyelik sartlarn yerine getirip hesabnza da paray aktardktan sonra bahis islemlerini sorunsuz yapabilirsiniz. Peki, canl bahis nasl oynanr?

Oncelikle bahis konusunda mutlaka dogru site arastrmas yapmalsnz. Yapacagnz arastrma neticesinde buldugunuz site uzerinden canl bahisislemlerini gerceklestirebilirsiniz. Bunun icin uye olup, hesaba para atp, canl bahis bolumune girmelisiniz. Sonrasnda dahil olmak istediginiz musabakann saatini ogrenip, gerekli analizleri yapmalsnz. Tahminlerinizi belirledikten sonra karsnza ckacak olan bahis sayfasndan istediginiz hamleyi yapmalsnz. Bahis tutarn belirledikten sonra musabaka baslayacaktr.

Canl bahis diger normal bahis esaslarna gore farkllklar icermektedir. Bunlardan en onemlisi musabakann gidisatna gore islem yapabilir olmaktr.Ayrca musabakann 2. Yarsna gore hamle yapp ayr bir bahisin soz konusu olmas da ciddi avantajdr. Dogru hamle ile sizde istediginiz bahisi yapp kazanc elde edebilirsiniz. Nitekim canl olarak yapacagnz bahis icin mac oncesi raporlara gore hareket etmek onemlidir. Cunku takmlarn durumlarn analiz etmek tahmin gucunu arttracaktr. Misal tamnn en iyi oyuncusu sakat ya da kart cezals ise takmn performansnda dusus yasanacaktr. Buna ek olarak takmn deplasman performans ile evinde ki performans ayr olacaktr. Burada da takmn musabakay nerede yaptgna bakmak gerekir. Bu ayrntlar da iyice analiz ettikten sonra bahsinizi yapp kazanmann keyfini yasayabilirsiniz.

Canl Bahis Siteleri

Son derece yuksek getiriye sahip bahis sektoru uzun zamandr faaliyet gostermektedir. Cok ciddi rakamlarn soz konusu oldugu bu sektor zamanla sanal ortamlara donusmustur. Elbette guvenli ve bir o kadar da avantajl olan bu siteler cok yonlu frsatlar sunmaktadrlar. Canl iddaa siteleri gerek yeni uyelere gerekse de hali hazrdaki uyelerine bolca bonus frsatlar vermektedir. Yatracagnz tutara gore belirlenen bonuslar site icerisinde rahat hareket etmenizi de saglayacaktr.

Canl bahis sitelerini kullanmadan once mutlaka guvenli olup olmadgna goz atmalsnz. Zira baz kullanclar guvenli olmayan sitelerden yaptklar islemlerden dolay magdur olmaktadrlar. Nitekim guvenli ve sorunsuz hizmet sunan yurt ds site tercih etmek en dogru secenektir. Sektorde uzun yllar faaliyet gosteren siteleri tercih edebilirsiniz. Bu alanda yer alan yabanc siteler musteri memnuniyetine onem vermektedir. Oncelik site kullanclarn sorunsuz sekilde bahislerini yapabilir olmasn saglamaktr. Bahis sitelerinde amac hem daha fazla kullancya hizmet vermek hem de sektorde emin admlarla ilerlemek onceliklidir. Dogru site tercihi ile sizde canl bahislerinizi sorun yasamadan gerceklestirebilirsiniz. Sizler icin hazrlams oldugumuz canl bahis siteleri listesi su sekildedir;

Mobilbahis Tempobet Bets10 Bahigo 1xbahis Betboo Youwin Superbahis

Sralams oldugumuz bu siteler sektorde basarl islere imza atms sitelerdedir. Canl bahis konusunda beklentileri karslayacak olan bu siteler sizlere kolaylk sunmaktadrlar. Bol bonuslu secenekle de sizlere farkl bahis yonlerini sunacaklardr. Sistemsel etki icerisinde her zaman etkin sonuc alabilmek icin surekli olarak faaliyet icerisindedirler.

Canl Bahis Taktikleri

Bahis sektorunun en fazla dikkat edilmesi gereken hususu dogru taktik ve dogru tahmindir. Elbette dogru tahmini yapabilmek icin analizi cok iyi yapmak gerekir. Canl bahis taktikleri arasnda ilk sra analiz gelmektedir. Analiz yapamadgnz zaman basarl tahminlerde bulunmanz pek de mumkun degildir. Cunku bahiste onemli olan konu musabakann analizini cok iyi yaplmas gerektigidir. Canl bahisin ozelliklerini iyi bilmek ve nasl bir hamle yapacagnz bilmek gerekir. Ozellikle riskli maclarda yaplacak degerlendirmeler cok daha onemlidir.

Canl bahis yapacaklarn takip edecegi degerler takmlarn durumlar ile alakal olmaldr. Performans uzerine kurulu bahis sisteminde takm degerlendirmesine iyi bakmak gerekir. Iki takmn son 5 macta nasl bir sonuc ortaya koyduguna bakarak hareket etmek onemlidir. Ayrca hangi takm evinde daha iyi performans sergiliyor diye de ayrca bakmak gerekir.

Analizlerle alakal puan durumlarna da goz atmak cok onemlidir. Puan degerlendirmesinde oncelikle takmlarn ihtiyaclar ile dogru orantl hareket etmek gerekir. Cunku olusturulan performans takmn da durumunu ortaya koymaktadr. Nitekim istenilen sonucu elde edebilmek icin tum ayrntlar bilmek gerekir. Takm ici duzenden tutunda da takmn son durumuna kadar her ayrnt onemlidir. Iki takmn birbirleri arasnda ki sonuclar da incelemek gerekir. Burada dikkat edilecek detaylarn basnda maclarda kac gol oldugu ve gollerin hangi dakikalarda atldgdr. Cekismeli gecen musabakalarda bazen goller ilk yarda daha fazla olurken baz maclarda da ikinci yarda daha cok gol olmustur. Iki takm arasnda ki maclarda gollerin cogunlugu ilk yarda geliyorsa buna gore bahis yapabilirsiniz.

Canl Bahis Siteleri Bonuslar ve Kampanyalar

Bahis yapanlar veya yapmay dusununler sitelerin sunmus olduklar frsatlar merak etmektedirler. Cunku siteler daha fazla kullancya erismek icin her donem kampanyalar duzenleyerek kullanc odakl hamleler yapmaktadrlar. Canl bahis bonuslar ve kampanyalar oldukca populer olup, siteler bu konuda adeta birbirleri ile yarsmaktadrlar. Birbirinden farkl ozelliklere sahip olan kampanyalar size frsatlar sunmaktadr. Daha cok kazanma ihtimalinizi arttran bu bonuslar daha cesur olmanza da dogrudan etki edecektir. Nitekim bonuslar sitelerin cekiciligini ve avantajlarn arttrmaktadr. En cok kazandran canl bahis siteleri bedava bonuslar ve kampanyalar icin http://www.milano2018.com/canli-bahis-siteleri-2022/ linkinden yardm alabilirsiniz.

Hos geldin bonusu ile baslayan ve sonrasnda para yatrdkca bonus veren cok sayda site bulunmaktadr. Canl bahis bonusu veren siteler yeni uyelere sunduklar frsatlar farkl kampanyalarla mevcut uyelerine de sunmaktadrlar. Hali hazrda siteyi kullananlarn da bonus frsatlarndan yararlanmalar icin donemsel kampanyalar olusturmaktadrlar. Boylece baska sitelere gidisler olmayacag gibi site de daha keyifli zaman gecirmek mumkun klnmaktadr. Bu tur eklentiler yapan sitelerde musteri memnuniyeti daha fazladr.

Bahis siteleri ozellik ve uygulama bakmndan farkllklar bunyelerinde bulundurmaktadrlar. Verilen bonuslarn olusturulmas ve kullanclar aktarlmasnda yatrlan para miktarlar belirleyici olmaktadr. 1.000 TL yatran bir kullanc yuzde 20 bonus frsat olan bir kampanyadan 200 TL bonus kazanabilmektedir. Yatracag tutar 10.000 TL oldugunda bu bonustutar 2.000 TL olabilmektedir. Gerceklesen ve uygulanan esaslar tamamen donemsel olarak yaplan kampanyalarla alakaldr. Iyi Canl bahis siteleri bonuslar ve kampanyalar icin sitelerin vermis oldugu oranlar takip edebilirsiniz.

Canl Bahis Siteleri Para Yatrma

Online Canl bahis yapacaklarn merak ettigi konulardan bir digeri de para yatrma islemleridir. Oldukca onemli olan bu konuda hata yapmamak cok onemlidir. Canl bahis sitelerine para yatrma islemi sanlann aksine son derece basittir. Oldukca basit ve uygulama esas dogru etki olusturan bu yapda sizde islemi rahatca tamamlayabilirsiniz. Para yatrma konusunda su yolu izleyebilirsiniz.

Guvendiginiz ve herhangi bir sekilde aklnzda soru isareti kalmayan bahis sitesine uye olmanz gerekmektedir. Uyelik islemini sorunsuz sekilde tamamladktan sonra para yatrma islemine gecebilirsiniz.

Kullanacagnz siteye uye olduktan sonra karsnza kullanc ad ve sifresini gireceginiz yer gelecektir. Buraya giris yaptktan sonra site icerisine islemlere devam edebilirsiniz.

Sitede yer alan para yatrma sekmesine tklayp sonrasnda karsnza gelen sayfay inceleyebilirsiniz. Para yatrma bolumunde yer alan ksma ne kadar para yatracagnz yazp devam tusuna basmalsnz.

Yatrmak istediginiz tutar girip sonrasnda da devam tusuna bastktan sonra karsnza kart bilgilerinizi gireceginiz sayfa gelecektir. Kredi kart kullanarak para gondermek isteyenlerin tercih ettigi bu sayfa tum bilgiler girilip islem onaylanmaldr.

Canl bahis sitelerine para yatrma islemini gerceklestirmek icin hesaba havale secenegini de kullanabilirsiniz. Site icerisinde musteri hizmetleri ile iletisime gecerek banka hesap numaralarn ogrenebilirsiniz. Belirtilen IBAN numarasna istediginiz tutar havale edebilirsiniz. Havale ederken acklama ksmna yazlacak bilgilere dikkat etmelisiniz.

Kredi kart veya banka havalesi ile gerceklesen para yatrma islemi sonucunda site hesabnzdan bakiyenize bakabilirsiniz. Bakiyenize gore dilediginiz sekilde bahislerinizi gerceklestirebilirsiniz.

Canl Bahis Siteleri Para Cekme

Canl bahiste dogru hamleler ve dogru tahminler sonucunda kazandgnz bedeli geri almak isteyebilirsiniz. Kazanclarnz istediginiz banka hesabnza cekebilmek icin uymanz gereken kurallar soz konusudur. Oncelikle bahis sitelerinden para cekebilmeniz icin uye olurken dogru bilgi paylasmnda bulunmanz gerektigidir. Cunku canl bahis sitelerinden para cekme islemi icin kullanc hesab ile talep edilen banka hesap bilgilerinin ortusmesi gerekir. Yani uye olurken verilen bilgi ile banka hesab kime ait ise o bilgiler ayn olmaldr. Bu uygulama sitenin hem kullancsn hem de kendisini guvene alma politikasdr. Ayrca frsatclarn onune gecerek yeni bir uye olusumunun da onune gecmek amac gutmektedir. Uye olan kisi farkl para cekilme talebi verilen hesap farkl oldugunda para cekme islemi gerceklesmeyecektir.

Bahisleriniz sonucunda kazanc elde edebilir ve bu kazancnz da hakknz olarak almak isteyebilirsiniz. Burada son derece basit uygulama soz konusu olurken siteler aras farkl gorunumler soz konusu olabilir. Fakat yine de tum sitelerde uyenin site icerisinde para cekme bolumune girmesi yeterlidir. Burada cekilecek olan tutarn belirlenmesi ve hesap numarasnn girilmesi ile birlikte islem onay gerekecektir. Para cekme taleplerinde sizden gerekli bilgiler istenmekte ve havale islemi istenilen bilgiler esliginde yurutulmektedir. Dogru bilgi paylasmak sorunsuz para cekebilmeniz en onemli kuraldr. Istenilen bilgiler girildikten sonra site sorumlular gerekli kontrolleri yapp herhangi bir sorun yoksa ksa surede hesabnza gerekli paray aktaracaklardr.

Canl Bahis Sitelerinden Para Cekmek Icin Istenen Belgeler

Bahis sitelerine uye olduktan sonra baz kullanclar para cekme taleplerinin karslanmadg konusunda sikayetlerde bulunmuslardr. Bu sikayetlersektorde uzun zamandr bulunan guvenilir bahis siteleri de yer almaktadr. Fakat sikayetlerin dayanaklarna bakldgnda ise islerin tamamen farkl oldugu gorulmektedir. Yasanan bu durum kullanclarn hatal bilgi girmesi ve uyelik bilgileri ile banka bilgilerinin uyusmamas ile dogru orantldr. Birde canl bahis para cekmek icin istenen belgeler eksik ya da hatal olarak sunulmus olabilir. Ortaya ckan karsklar neticesinde para cekme talebinde bulunan kisi istedigini alamadg icin sikayetci olmaktadr. Oysa ki istenilen bilgiler dogru ve istenilen evraklar eksiksiz sunulsa para cekme islemi sorunsuz olacak.

Sitelerin para cekme konusunda dikkatli hareket etmesi hilelerin ve illegal faaliyetlerin onune gecmek adnadr. Cunku baz kullanclar farkl bilgiler vererek ikinci hesap acabilmektedirler. Bazen de bilincsizce hatal bilgi girilebilmektedir. Hatal islemlerin cozumu konusunda islem yaptgnz sitenin musteri temsilcileri ile gorusebilirsiniz. Talepleriniz dogrultusunda para cekme islemlerinde ki sorunlar giderilecektir. Canl bahis para cekmek icin istenen belgeler listesi su sekildedir;

Kullanc bilgileri ile banka bilgilerini karslastrmak icin kimlik fotokopisi

Banka hesap bilgileri

Ikametgah ve kisiye ait herhangi bir fatura.

Kacak Iddaa

Turkiyede dogrudan bahis yapmak icin resmi kanallar kullanlabilmektedir. Fakat tercih edilen ve oran olarak cok daha fazla frsatlar sunan kacar iddaasiteleri bulunmaktadr. Bu siteler kanunlara aykr sekilde yaplmakta olup, yasal bir dayanag yoktur. Elbette bu sitelerin kurulus merkezi Turkiye olmayp, ds ulkelerdedir ve faaliyetler belirlenen siteler uzerinden yaplmaktadr. Kacak Iddaa oldukca riskli olup, cok dikkatli olunmas gerekir.

Kacak Bahis

Kanunlar cercevesinde istediginiz gibi bahis yapamayabilirsiniz. Bahis yapabilmek icin ya kanuni olarak sorun olmayan ulke dsnda ki kumarhanelere gitmeniz veya kacak bahis sitelerinden islem yapabilirsiniz. Zira bu durum tehlikeli olsa da cok sayda site guvenli sekilde bu alanda hizmet vermektedir. Kacak bahiste oldukca fazla secenek bulunurken yuksek oranda kazanc sunuyor olmas da ragbeti arttryor.

Illegal Bahis

Bahisin bircok alanda yasak oldugu Turkiyede bu alanda cok sayda yabanc merkezli siteler hizmet vermektedir. Illegal bahis sektorunde faaliyet gosteren siteler guvenli hizmet anlays ile kullanclarna frsatlar sunmaktadr. Yurt ds merkezli bu siteler sorunsuz sekilde hizmetlerini surdururken bulunduklar ulkelerde kanunlara uygun sekildedir. Elbette faaliyet noktasnda bulunduklar ulkelerde sorun teskil etmese de Turkiyede faaliyet gostermeleri kanunin yasaklanmstr.

Yasads Bahis

Gerek olusturulan etkenler gerekse de ortaya konulan riskler yasads bahis de oldukca tehlikelidir. Kanunlarn mudahil olduklar bu alanlar da hem kullanclar hem de populer bahis yaptranlar tum riskleri goze almaktadrlar. Fakat yasaklardan uzak sekilde guvenli hizmet sunan siteler de bulunmaktadr. Takipler neticesinde kapatlan sitelerin muhakkak alternatifleri kurularak yollarna devam etmektedirler.

Canl Iddaa Siteleri Nelerdir?

Dunya genelinde kabul gormus cok sayda guvenli hizmet veren populer bahis siteleri bulunmaktadr. Elbette bu siteler dunyann bircok ulkesinde faaliyet gosterse de Turkiyede yasaktr. Sektorde yer alan cok sayda legal iddaa siteleri bulunmaktadr. Herhangi bir kanunsuzlugun olmadg bu sitelerden hzl ve guvenli islem yaplabilmektedir. Tabi bu sitelerde uygulanan oranlar yasal olmayan sitelere gore daha dusuktur. Illegal sitelerin tercih edilme sebeplerinin en onemli etkeni de olusturulan oranlardr. Peki, Iddaa siteleri nelerdir? Faaliyetleri ve uygulama esaslar nelerdir?

Turkiyede faaliyet gosteren yasal iddaa siteleri listesi su sekildedir;

Iddaa

Bilyoner

Tuttur

Birebin

Oley

Nesine

Misli

Iddaa

2004 ylnda hizmet vermeye baslayan Iddaa Spor toto tarafndan kurulmus olup, ilk etapta bayilik seklinde calsmaya baslamstr. Elbette zamanla gelisen teknolojiye ayak uydurarak internet uzerinde de populer bahis severlerin hizmetine sunulmustur. Kuruldugu donemde devletin resmi kurumu olarak faaliyet gosterirken gelinen yeni donemde ozellestirilmistir.

Bilyoner

Turkiyede faaliyetine 2006 ylnda baslayan Bilyoner ilk ozel yasal bahis sitesi olma ozelligine sahiptir. Guvenilir bahis siteleri Turkiyede bunlardr. Ksa surede populer olan site halen faaliyetlerini sorunsuz sekilde surdurmektedir.

Tuttur

Ksa surede adndan bahsettirmeyi basaran Tuttur 2009 ylnda faaliyetlere baslamstr. Guvenilir bahis siteleri arasnda yerini almstr. Gunumuze dek bircok alanda populer bahis yapanlara frsatlar sunarken avantajlar ile de begeni toplamstr.

Birebin

Kullanc odakl calsmalar surdurse de 2011 ylnda sektore giren Birebindiger sitelere gore daha az ragbet gormektedir. Bahis oynamak ise bu sitede oldukca kolaydr. Elbette farkl yaklasmlara sahip olmasndan dolay ilerleyen sureclerde adndan sklkla bahsettirecek gibi gorunuyor.

Oley

2009 ylnda Dogus yayn gruplarnn istiraki olarak kurulmus olup yasal olarak herhangi bir sorunu olmayan sitelerdendir. Bahis siteleri arasnda hzl cks yapms bir sitedir. Oley yapms oldugu yenilikler ile kullanclarn da dikkatini ksa surede cekmeyi basarmstr.

Nesine

Birbirini takip eden surecte Nesine de yine 2006 ylnda hizmet vermeye baslamstr. Yasal bahis siteleri arasnda yerini almay basaran firma ksa surede sevilen ve ragbet goren bir site olmustur.

Misli

2009 ylnda sektore cok hzl giris yapan Misli cok sayda reklam filmi ile on plana ckmay basarmstr. Internet uzerinden hem yasal hem de sorunsuz hizmet veren bahis sitelerinden bir tanesi olmustur.

Canl Bahis Siteleri Kayt ve Uyelik Islemleri

Her zaman populerligini koruyan ve surekli gelisim gosteren canl bahis gun gectikce daha da gucleniyor. Bahis oynamak icin ise sitelere uye olunmas gerekir. Yuksek getirisi ve begeni toplayan faaliyetleri ile cok sayda site bu alanda faaliyet gostermektedir. Elbette sorunsuz sekilde uye olmanz ve faaliyetler gostermeniz de oldukca kolaydr. Canl bahis siteleri kayt ve uyelik islemleri dakikalar icerisinde gerceklestirilecek yapya sahiptir.

Uye olacagnz siteyi belirledikten sonra siteye girmeniz gerekmektedir. Girdiginiz sitenin ana sayfasnda uye ol ya da kayt ol bolumu bulunacaktr. Siteler arasnda degiskenlik gosteren bu alanda temel unsurlar bulunmaktadr. Elbette farkllklar olsa da temelinde benzer bilgiler uye olmak isteyen kisilerden talep edilmektedir.

Uye ol bolumune tkladktan sonra karsnza uyelik bilgi formu ckacaktr. Bu formda sizin kim oldugunuzu ogrenmek ve sitenin guvenligini saglamak adna islemler yaplmaktadr. Uyelik formunda yer alan ad soyad bolumunu eksiksiz ve dogru sekilde doldurmalsnz. Sizden bu formda istenen bilgilerin tamamn girmeniz istenecektir. Istenen bilgiler mutlaka dogru ve eksiksiz sekilde olmaldr. Eksik veya hatal bilgi uyelik islemlerinde sorun teskil edebilir. Yine de yanls bilgi girisine ragmen uyelik islemleri tamamlanabilir. Fakat boyle bir yol izleyenler sonrasnda buyuk skntlarla karslasabilirler. Bu skntlarn basnda da para cekme islemlerinde yasanan sorunlardr.

Uyelik islemleri dikkatli ve ozenle doldurulmas gereken yapdadr. Canl bahis siteleri kayt ve uyelik islemleri gerceklestirilirken verilen bilgiler site yonetimi tarafndan muhafaza edilmektedir. Herhangi bir sekilde 3. Sahslarla paylaslmas gibi bir durum soz konusu degildir. Bu faaliyetleri surduren sitelerin guven unsurlar arasnda bu nokta onceliklidir.

Bahis sitelerine uye olurken hatal bilgi paylasmnda bulunmak size faydadan cok zarar verecektir. Diyelim ki bilgileri hatal girdiniz ve uyelik onayland. Uyelik tamamlandktan sonra siteye para yatrdnz ve kazanc elde ettiniz. Kazancnz sonrasnda hesabnza almak istediginizde karsnza banka bilgileri bolumu gelecektir. Para cekme talebi gerceklestikten sonra site uyelik bilgileri ile banka hesap bilgileri ortusmez ise paranz alamazsnz. Boyle bir durumla karslasmamak adna bu hususa ayrca dikkat etmelisiniz.
LITTLE ROCK, AR, October 17, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In the corporate world, the majority of people tend to associate work based training with arduous presentations and handbooks full of industry jargon and corporate information. Some companies favor this approach, as they believe the crux of training to be dispersing information to workers as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, recent research has found that for businesses to improve the performance of their workforces, the focus needs to shift from the speed of training to engagement and skills development.



About ARMI Inc.: www.armiinc.com/about-us/



In an article by Arkansas business, it was cited that according to a recent survey, 75 percent of companies are struggling to see a return on their investment in training. This is despite the biggest organizations being found to spend an upwards of $20 billion on training every year. ARMI Inc. a leading sales and marketing agency based in Little Rock believe that this shortfall in return is driven by a lack of understanding of today's workers. With the millennial workforce fast becoming the biggest and most influential, the firm is concerned that many companies are struggling to tailor their training so that it fits with the way these young professionals learn and apply new information.



ARMI Inc. works with many young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs on a daily basis, and have a good understanding of the type of training that appeals to these ambition and creative individuals. The firm is adamant that the get the best from millennial workers, companies need to look past dispersing information and find ways to get people engaged with the work they are doing and excited by the prospect of learning. ARMI Inc. does this by offering opportunities for progression within the industry - by giving something back to workers in return for consistently high performance. As well as offering essential sales and marketing training, the agency provide a range of optional skills workshops and leadership training, as well opportunities to travel and network with some of the country's most important sales and marketing entrepreneurs. As well as providing the motivation and inspiration to progress professionally, these opportunities help their young workers to feel part of something important and allow them to fully immerse themselves in their work.



For companies unable to provide this level of professional progression, ARMI Inc. believes there are small changes that can be made to the training process to increase engagement. The firm suggests finding new, more inspiring locations for training to be held, as opposed to traditional training rooms. Renting out a function room in a hotel or business suite can make a huge difference to how people feel about attending company training events. Content can also have a significant impact on how effective business training can be. Instead of relying on printed information which can be hard to digest, the agency suggests incorporating role-playing activities and more hands-on learning approaches into training itineraries to help professionals play a more active and prominent role in training events.



ARMI, Inc. is a sales and marketing agency based in North Little Rock. The firm specializes in personalized marketing campaigns which are rolled out directly to consumers via face-to-face marketing techniques. ARMI, Inc. emphasizes how this allows them to establish long-lasting and personal business relationships between brand and consumer. In turn, this leads to increased customer acquisition, brand awareness and brand loyalty for their clients. ARMI, Inc. is a sales and marketing agency based in North Little Rock. The firm specializes in personalized marketing campaigns which are rolled out directly to consumers via face-to-face marketing techniques. ARMI, Inc. emphasizes how this allows them to establish long-lasting and personal business relationships between brand and consumer. In turn, this leads to increased customer acquisition, brand awareness and brand loyalty for their clients.



For more information about ARMI Inc., Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook



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Oct 17, 2016 | By Alec

That 3D printing can save lives is hardly a secret; just look at conjoined twins Anias and Jadon McDonald, who have just been given a fighting change through 3D printing and 3D scanning platforms. But 3D printing can also help to make the lives of those people whove survived medical nightmares a bit more normal. That is exactly whats happening to the 11-year-old British girl Tilly Lockey, who has begun testing 3D printed prosthetic arms for 3D printed bionic pioneer Open Bionics, after losing both hands to meningitis as a baby. Their latest success is a fantastic arm inspired by the Deus Ex video game, which can even give a thumbs up.

Tilly is actually actively involved in the development of these bionics, by testing them, providing feedback and travelling around the world to raise awareness and funds for 3D printed prostheses. The inspiring girl takes after her mother Sarah, who has been a campaigner and fundraiser for meningitis since 2007  when Tilly herself nearly died of the disease. Now, almost ten years later, Tilly is determined to work with the worlds best developers to develop the next generation of prosthetic limbs that give these children a chance to live a normal, active life.

This is even more amazing because Tilly was left very disabled after developing Group B meningococcal septicaemia  meningitis  as a baby. As a result, she lost both hands, her toes, and probably will suffer from stunted growth over the coming years. The disease even destroyed her baby teeth, and left her adult teeth severely underdeveloped. Even now, nearly a decade after developing the disease, hospital visits are a very common part of her life.

But even with this situation, her parents Sarah and Adam count themselves as blessed. Back in 2007, there was no vaccination for this deadly form of meningitis, and Tilly very nearly died. While originally a very healthy baby girl, Tilly contracted the disease when she was just 15 months old. Suddenly she started to lose all energy and developing bluey grey mottled spots. The marks did not disappear and instantly meningitis came into my head, her mother recalled. I ran to the telephone and called an ambulance mentioning all the symptoms of rapid breathing, high temperature, not interested in anything and not wanting to be picked up and especially the marks on her skin. I told them that I thought it was meningitis. They were ready for her and they agreed that it looked like meningitis and they gave her a shot of penicillin straight away. Thank God they did that  otherwise I dont think Tilly would have made it to the hospital.

What followed was the kind of situation that no parent should ever be forced to go through. I felt so helpless like there was nothing I could do to stop this, Tillys mother recalled. They were cutting her clothes off her, putting tubes in and a consultant sat me down and said, I think you better sit down, it looks very severe and your daughter looks likely to die. Check out Tillys full story here.

In the end, nine blood transfusions saved her life, though the recovery process was very long and arduous. Thankfully, the meningitis doesnt seem to have affected the girls brain, but her toes started dropping off one by one, and her hands needed to be amputated as well. One of her legs is also shorter than the other, and it has stopped growing altogether. When Tillys baby teeth dropped out and her adult teeth started to develop, they grew already decayed, so Tilly has to attend numerous dental appointments to keep them capped. Sometimes the caps can come off and she gets really self-conscious, especially when it happens at school, Sarah added.

Since that excruciating time, Tillys family has been working very hard to increase awareness for meningitis around the world, especially through various charities backed by numerous British and international celebrities. Tilly is also in the spotlight frequently, raising awareness and raising funds for her own prosthetic hands  that easily cost $20,000 a set. Tilly likes to be in media and she likes to help with the prosthetic companies. It makes her feel like she is doing something to help, her mother says. Among others, she was one of the stars at Comic-Con in San Diego, where she talked about her own experiences.

The Lockey family came into contact with Open Bionics through those activities  the startup founded in 2013 by Joel Gibbard with the goal of developing a low-cost prosthetic alternative through 3D printing. Starting out in his own bedroom, the robotics graduate from Plymouth University quickly found crowdfunding success for his project and backing from the Bristol Robotics Laboratory. Open Bionics recently won the UK James Dyson Award, and is aiming for a release sometime next year. We were shown a video link of what Open Bionics and Deus Ex wanted to develop and showcase at San Diego Comic-Con and we were blown away. It got us really excited about prosthetics again. Tilly loves heroes and super powers, as well as gaming and fashion, so it just seemed like all of this rolled into one, her mom recalled.

To actually make the prosthetic, Open Bionics sent a 3D scanner by mail, enabling Tillys parents to scan one of her arms. That data was subsequently used to build a model, enabling Open Bionics to test their designs on an actual patient. The arm itself was based on Deus Exs Adam Jenson, who wears a very cool bionic arm in Deus Ex, and game developer Eidos Montreal was also actively involved. Tilly is happy working alongside Open Bionics and she is loving everything about the experience. I think this opportunity came at the right time for Tilly as she had just started to lose a little bit of her confidence and this has brought it back, her mother says.

Tilly especially loves the superhero theme of the arm. You can do these great poses with them. You can give a thumbs up. It is really cool, she told The Mirror. Personally I like looking like a superhero. I like looking unique. Tillys feedback, especially about heat, weight and fit, is currently being used to update the Open Bionic designs. It is really helping them  they need to work with the kids who are going to be wearing them. They cant feel how it works and how its used by an 11-year-old. That is where Tilly comes in.

Whats more, the bionic hand is a huge eye catcher at events, and perfectly showcases the need for alternative bionic arm solutions. Aside from Comic Con and several other events, Tilly even wore it to the White House last month. The robotic look was also a very conscious decision, says Sam Payne of Open Bionics. A human arm design will only create the appearance of seeking to hide a missing limb, he says. Whats more, we can add fantastic extras, such as lights and compartments. Tilly agrees, saying that people now dont pity her, but think shes very cool instead.

But regardless of what the hand brings to the table, Tilly is determined to live her life to the fullest. Ive found ways to do stuff on my own, she says. Ill teach myself to do things. I was watching my grandma open packets and I saw she did it with her teeth. So I practiced and I kept trying and Ive worked out how to do it myself. And that determination is most inspiring of all.

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Oct 17, 2016 | By Alec

Its a very common feature in most science fiction concepts: sentient homes that, like Iron Mans Jarvis, take care of all your needs with a sassy attitude. But though smart technology is improving with leaps and bounds, it isnt exactly cost-effective or applicable on a very large scale. London-based startup Ai Build is seeking to change that, and sees construction 3D printing as an key technology to make these type of smart homes affordable and possible. As a first step on a long road, they have just unveiled the 3D printed Daedalus Pavilion, which showcases the viability of their custom large scale 3D printing robot and learning algorithms.

The pavilion itself is very impressive, and was unveiled as part of the GPU Technology Conference in Amsterdam. A 5m by 5 m by 4.5m construction, it is large enough to house several coffee tables. But it also looks fantastic, like some sort of mesh butterfly, and was built using more than 160 kg of biodegradable filament from Formfutura. Consisting of 48 separate pieces, it was 3D printed in just three weeks using a custom KUKA industrial robot 3D printing setup.

But this achievement is even more remarkable for what it could lead to in the near future. For the London-based Ai Build is dreaming about next-gen construction, in which AI and robotics become indispensable. Their intentions thus transcend 3D printing, as Ai Build is seeking to create a home-hub prototype that provides smart, intuitive and natural home control. This teachable platform could be operated using voice or app control, and will learn from its inhabitants through a series of cameras and other sensors that make gesture and voice commands possible. Currently a mobile app takes multiple steps to activate, cofounder and CEO, Daghan Cam recently explained to Forbes. You unlock your phone, you open the app, you tell it to turn on a specific light. This is more natural. Instead of using a mobile or a remote control, you use existing skills and natural language.

Of course this future sounds great, but is extremely ambitious. Facilitating such a future not only requires revolutionary algorithms, but a very cost-effective approach as well. Its the biggest investment weve done and is what makes the device so expensive, Cam explains. And thats where 3D printing comes in, as a combination of 3D printing and injection molding using biodegradable plastics could provide a very cost-effective manufacturing platform. In fact, they are envisioning a future in which on-demand 3D printing services can provide architects and designers with an unprecedented range of construction opportunities.

The London-based startup has therefore been working hard to develop a custom and efficient large scale 3D printing platform using industrial robots and machine learning software. Especially the inclusion of the latter should enable them to overcome todays biggest 3D printing limitation: production times. It is very expensive or nearly impossible to 3D print large structures with todays technology due to the small size and slow speed of 3D printers that are available on the market, they say.

Right now, the company is looking at a very cost-effective and appealing 3D printing prototype. With a 3.2m x 2.4m x 2.8m build space, this robotic arm can 3D print very large modular structures with high resolution finishing opportunities, while a wide variety of PLA and ABS based materials are already on their radar. Through adaptable layer heights and extrusion thicknesses, as well as a customizable extrusion path (thanks to these 6-axis arms) a lot should become possible.

Much of this work has been achieved through an initial 100,000 seed fund, and a few months ago Cam was optimistic enough to look at a price range of less than 1,000 (approximately $1200 USD). Crowdfunding opportunities could them be used to generate enough money to fund final development. Wed be mostly concentrating on making customers happy. We realize there are going to be unanticipated problems with the product so the strategy is to talk directly with customers about improvement then to focus on getting bigger, he adds Eventually the long-term vision of the company would be to change the construction industry by bringing artificial intelligence to the built environment.

Much thus still needs to be done, but the Daedalus Pavilion is certainly a step in the right direction. To actually 3D print this structure, Ai Build teamed up with renowned developers Arup Engineers  known for the development of the Sydney Opera House and the Centre Pompidou. Together, they showcased just what 3D printing and Ai can do for construction, and used NVIDIA GPUs to run a combination of computer vision and deep learning algorithms to greatly improve the 3D printing speed and accuracy.

As a result, the pavilion was constructed at record speeds, and definitely showcases Ai Builds technological potential. We're tremendously excited to premiere "Daedalus Pavilion" at our first GTC in Europe. This collaboration between Ai Build and Arup is a strikingly tangible taste of how even established industries like construction will be transformed by artificial intelligence, said Jack Watts, NVIDIA's Deep Learning Start-up Business Manager.

During construction Arup was mostly focused on creating a structurally sound pavilion, say Arups James Griffith and Henry Unterreiner. Our structural engineering expertise, combined with the latest large scale 3D printing technology, has enabled us to create an elegant and structurally efficient form with an optimized distribution of material, they said. Digital manufacturing is becoming increasingly common in the construction industry. Arup is committed to help lead innovation in this area: using our expertise to aid the development of new technologies; ensuring benefits are seen by both the industry and by clients; and promoting the environmental benefits that digital fabrication could provide.

While smart homes are thus not quite on the agenda yet, this pavilion certainly points in the right direction. After the conclusion of the Amsterdam event, the pavilion will be dismantled and returned to London, with future showcase events already planned.

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Paul Denino wrote at 10/20/2016 3:12:27 PM:this is pretty nis




Oct 17, 2016 | By Benedict

Online retailer Amazon has invited schoolchildren and local media to its secret drone laboratory in Cambridge, UK. Inside the facility, which contains 3D printing equipment, researchers are developing drones which can deliver 2kg packages up to 15 miles in just half an hour.

The secret has been out for some time: Amazon is developing high-tech drones for a futuristic delivery program. Reaction to the Prime Air proposal has been somewhat mixed, but the giant online retailer has promised a new era of convenient online shopping, managing to stimulate discussions about drone technology in the process. Until now, however, the company has kept a tight lid on the programs research and development, leading some to wonder: Whats really going on at Amazon? The answer to that question has now been providednot to the global tech community at large, but to a group of Cambridge schoolchildren and journalists from a local newspaper.

A short distance from Cambridge city center lies Amazons drone laboratory, located in the Castle Park area of the city. Last week, the online shopping superpower invited Cambridge News, along with eight grade 5 pupils from the nearby Steeple Morden School, to the facility in order to shed some light on whats going on at Prime Air. The schoolchildren, whose names were drawn from a hat by their teacher, were given a chance to see various drone components, such as batteries and wings, and were able to operate a drone simulator. Afterwards, they had the chance to fly a real drone. According to Amazon, the children were invited to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), potentially inspiring the next generation of Prime Air employees.

During the tour of its facility, Amazon revealed that its drones will use GPS coordinates to find their delivery destination, flying at a maximum height of 400 feet before identifying a marker for landing. The unmanned aircraft will then descend, sidestepping obstacles like trees using a sense and avoid system. The company also showed the visitors a number of 3D printers, which are being used to make aerodynamic parts for the aircraft. Amazon claims that its new 50mph drones could delivery packages in as little as 30 minutes, providing consumers with an unprecedented level of convenience.

Amazons drone program was given a major boost in July when the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) lifted strict drone flying restrictions, enabling the online retailer to begin testing its aircraft at the Cambridge sitethe largest outdoor testing facility in the UK. An important part of the ongoing testing process involves the thorough examination of sensor performance to ensure that the drones can identify and avoid obstacles using the sense and avoid system.

Images: David Johnson / Cambridge News

Of course, Amazons new delivery drones wont be used for all deliveries; they will instead be optimized for packages weighing just over 2kg (around 87% of items), for journeys up to 15 miles, and customers will ultimately have a choice as to whether they want to use the new technology. We think customers will love it, but this is not the only thing we do, said Kristen Kish, Communications and PR Lead for Prime Air. Amazon customers have a choice. It's ultimately going to depend on customer demand: if it's a service they want to use, great, but we're going to give them options.

The drones will be automated, but will be closely monitored by a safety operator to ensure that the aircraft is performing safely and correctly. Eventually, this safety operator will be able to monitor several drones at a time. At present, there is no date set for the launch of Prime Air, as Amazon needs to meet incredibly strict safety criteria before it can send out its package-delivering fleet.

Source: Cambridge News

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by Paul North

Fate is a conspiracy between past and future, a compact, mostly secret, that forbids us to deviate from what was decided ages ago. Fate is a keyhole through which you glimpse the secret compact. Fate is also a feeling. Out of a series of little glimpses arises an overwhelming sense that there is nothing to be done.

The last person we would associate with a predetermined future, oblique glimpses, and a feeling of paralysis is Charles Darwin, who liberated natural history from a pre-existing plan. In a certain sense, after Darwin, nature becomes a zone of freedom. For a quick comparison, some of the most forward-thinking of his contemporaries, the geologist Charles Lyell for instance or anatomist Richard Owen, believed in fixed speciesdespite their commitment to evolutionary ideas considered radical in the day. What separated Darwin from many of his contemporaries was the inkling that became his theory of natural selection. The theory says that little has been decided in advance. A species is a complex, contingent negotiation between a generation and its environment, as well as between the species and its past, not to mention between that species and its ongoing possibilities for transmutationits future. At any moment the environment could find itself at a turning point, and the species could find itself, without the inherited resources, unable to transmute sufficiently in order to survive. Then the species goes extinct and an unanticipated form of life takes its place.

Natural Selection does sound like a force beyond our control, a force that, although we can't see it, nevertheless controls us. Say Natural Selection and the three Greek old ladies, the fates, appear before us, laying out our destinies on their great loom. It also sounds like the invisible hand in laissez-faire economics. Invisible hand was Adam Smith's phrase that became a popular metaphor for the orderly distribution of wealth without any external source for that order. Isn't it odd? To describe a situation without an external force governing events, we use a phrase that means precisely an external force governs events. In economics as well as in biology, when we want to say there is no such thing as fate, we name an intractable, invisible authority, an economic hand that orders, a natural hand that selects.

Darwin knew that natural selection was an analogy, and in some ways a misleading one. He derived the phrase from its counterpart, domestic selection, a long-standing human practice, and a phrase that is not metaphoric. Humans breeding animalsdomestic selectionwas the handiest proof that selection for traits was biologically possible. Indeed, it was ubiquitous. The phrase natural selection is however a metaphor. The natural agent is likened to a human agentas though selection were carried out by a giant, benevolent rancher in the sky. The difference is of course that nature has no will and no agenda, except perhaps survival, and survival is not an agenda, as we will learn. Survival is neutral; it happens or it doesn't. It is not made to happen by a force or manipulated into being. Nature has no hands.

So natural selection is not like choosing or picking out something desirable. There is no agent who isolates desirable traits to allow this or that species to survive. An organism survives if it should happen to possess what allows it to survive, and doesn't if it doesn't. Such traits come about by accident and are preserved and reinforced by their success, although this metaphor is also misleading. They are successful to the extent that the environment and certain structural limits to the organism don't render them unsuccessful. This may in fact be saying very littleas little as: an organism survives when it survives. Things are like they are because they somehow satisfied a host of conditions only ever partially knowable.

One of the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche's main objections to Darwinism was that evolutionary theory talks a lot about survival, but little about life. It is more about sur-lifewe could call itthan about lived life. Sur-life points toward those not-fully knowable conditions above the life of any individual organism that a species will have satisfied should it survive. Sur-life brings up a different kind of determinism, one that has little to do with the shifty metaphor of selection. You could call this more robust fateful aspect to Darwin's theory needs. What is determined from primordial times for any living being is the minimum of whatever it needs in order to survive until the age of procreation and pass on the traits that allowed it to live that long and procreate.

You might ask: what's wrong with that? Needs draw a tight circle. What an organism, a species, the whole of living nature does outside its basic needs is not specified. You could say, in positive terms: survival is fate, but it is also an extreme minimum. The majority of life is free. Yet, the freedom of the majority is circumscribed too. Free would mean to Darwin that organisms can look and behave in a virtually unlimited set of ways, so long as the minimum determinism is conserved. This is to say, the wide zone of freedom is defined through the tight circle of needs. What an organism is free for is the manner in which needs are fulfilled. Traits, behaviors, etc., arrange themselves creatively to fulfill needs. No doubt about it, a huge variety of species will survive in the exact same environment through a host of different anatomical and behavioral strategies. Yet their multiplicity is oriented toward their survival. Surlife names this surfeit of tactics constrained to fulfill a limited number of conditions. Sur-livers, so to speak, are absolutely free to fulfill their fate. Within this picture, nature does indeed look like an abundance, abundant difference transforming in abundantly different ways so long as no single transformation crosses the circle of needs. When it does, it triggers a fateful reaction.

Without a doubt, Darwin leaves a lot of deterministic models in the past. He breaks with the idea of fixed species. This is crucial. If species were created forms, if they were sets of given characteristics, there would be no significant variation and no meaningful natural history. Darwin also takes the air out of that Aristotelian balloon, the idea of a final cause in nature. Nature moves toward no end. Just like one of his less acknowledged role models, David Hume, Darwin believed that the future could only ever be known partially, through probabilities. And here is where this other mode of fate crops up. It is true that we cannot tell what shape nature will take in the future. It has not yet been determined. Nothing in the past prepares us for the organisms to come, for what nature will look like now, or now, or now. To homo sapiens sapiens this could meanwhy nota return to the ocean one day, provided, that is, that the oceans don't rise so quickly because of climate change that our fins don't have time to re-evolve. Nothing in the past prepares us for what is to comeover these very long evolutionary time spansexcept for one thing. Shapes, colors, interactions, behaviors, organic strategies, symbioses vary, but their limited set of purposes largely do not, and purposiveness itself is the immutable condition for freedom.

In a passage of On the Origin of Species, Darwin explains that the law of the Conditions of Existence is higher than the law of Unity of Type. With this seemingly innocuous distinction, Darwin was in fact taking a strong position. Structure is subordinate to function, he was telling us. Conditions of Existence refers to a debate 30 years prior between the leading lights of that generation, French biologists Georges Cuvier and Geoffroy Saint-Hillaire. Geoffroy supported a structural view of organisms and a transcendent species type, whereas Cuvier gave a functional account of organisms and would not stand for a fixed species form. This meant that, to Cuvier, structure could vary within the widest possible parameters. It also meant that no matter what they looked like or how their parts were arranged, the purposes for which the infinite variety of structures arose remained the same. Form varied widely but purpose was narrow. This attitude has been called functionalism. With a few tweaks, the notion of function made popular by the illustrious Cuvier, here celebrated in the phrase Conditions of Existence, fit perfectly into Darwin's theory of natural selection. Conditions of Existence refers to traits of the organism as well as to traits of the environment. It shows where the two overlap, organism, environmentin needssuch that an organism is a function of its environment, and the environment is a function of the organism.

Darwin eliminates final cause once and for all from discussions of living nature, but this does not mean that nature lacks finality. Ends are smaller and more intimate, but the ways of achieving them are tenacious little machines. To give another contrast, more than a century earlier in the rather staid view of Linnaeus, individuals were instances of created forms, living in harmony with created landscapes. You find little trace of fate in Linnaeus. In Darwin however, fate creeps back in. Demise of individuals, obstacles to reproduction, extinction of whole species, the ground full to bursting with petrified evidence of a vast continuum of deaththe almost infinite expansion of tragic history in the theory of evolution weighs on the life of every organism, pushes on its sur-life. Its sur-life, though colorful, is little more than resistance to extinction.

And so, the ultimate function of organs or limbs, neurons or behaviors is to hold off the great flood of death surging around all life. In this view, death is the primary force that has shaped our existences over the longest temporal expanses. A million million deaths shaped the eye and its vision. Function may be seen as a desperate strategy for avoiding individual death and species extinction, as well as for survival in that other sense, for living beyond a single lifetime, through offspring.

An opposable thumb was a functional variation that served a huge variety of purposes. This variation and the new ways of living that it opened up saved us from the fate of countless other species. I am condensing many topics here for emphasis, but the principle is clear. Evolutionary functionalism says that forces out of our control shape us down into our very matter. Armies of doom are closing in on our species, on all species, on all sides, all the time. An organism's body holds within it the evidence of a million million who already fought against and succumbed to a destiny that will sooner or later take us as well.

Linnaeus's creationist view may seem quaint, and to many obviously wrong. Forms are fixed. Life cannot meaningfully deviate from its original set of forms, so there can be no real freedom here, no historical life. Yet there also can be no fate in the Linnaean view, since, over these long time spans, nothing moves. Only where life is in full free motion and nevertheless a paralyzing feeling arises is fate truly in play. So we could see Darwinian evolutionary theory as a return to the kind of fateful thinking at home in a pre-Christian interpretation of nature. Life is not divided, Darwin admonishes, like some jigsaw puzzle. It is absurd to think there are a limited set of forms cut out in advance that fit together in prescribed ways. On the contrary, there are in fact a plethora of forms and none of these stays the same for very long. The plethora of forms, however, are oriented toward but a few purposes. That is to say, we may want to consider the thought that Darwinism is the system that released fate back into the world in a fairly virulent form.

With each current genre of fate, we find it prudent to ask: what is the net effect on an individual who hears this story? You wouldn't think the following sentences applied to Darwin's evolving world. Powers out of your control determine you, the largest framework for your activities is out of sight and beyond your reach. Laws you can't see or change have to be followed or else you face individual death and the death of your line. This picture of the order of nature verges on kismet. It is a picture in which, as the surreal scientist Roger Caillois observed in 1970, nature is so strong that human skill can modify it only by obeying it.

With Caillois' observation in mind, let us ask another question. Is the emphasis on function in Natural Selection that which leads uswhen we find ourselves searching for a modicum of freedom in an overly determined worldto take up monstrous activities like cloning, gene editing, and other new processes of domestic selection? That is: is evolution a story we tell ourselves about how we can only modify nature by obeying it completely?
by Dave Maier

I had not intended to return to the issue of marijuana legalization so soon after my last such post, but this will be my last post before the November election, and there are ballot initiatives about marijuana legalization in no fewer than nine states  four medical marijuana (Arkansas, Montana, Florida, and North Dakota), and five recreational (California, Nevada, Arizona, Maine, and Massachusetts)  so here we go again. I wont give a general argument for or against, but just give a sense of the wide variety of relevant issues. If you live in any of these states, please be sure to read the particular initiative carefully before voting.

Marijuana users constitute a small minority of the population, but recent polls have shown consistent majorities in favor of legalization. Not surprisingly, older voters and Republicans are less likely to support it, although not by large margins. More surprising is the opposition to the various legalization initiatives by those otherwise in favor. Why would one want to legalize marijuana but oppose an initiative which does that very thing?

For an answer, let us direct our browsers to noon1.me (No on [Maines ballot proposition] 1). Again, one might expect a site with that name to argue that it would be horrible to allow our citizens to freely take drugs to get high on drugs, and no doubt there are such sites (for a refresher on prohibitionism, see my previous post). Instead, its focus is mainly on the various regulations involved in, as proponents of the initiative put it, regulating marijuana like alcohol. These regulations are necessary, proponents believe, in order to sell the idea to non-users, and indeed the only successful initiatives to date (in Colorado, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and DC), as well as the various initiatives likely to do well this year, have a whole laundry list of regulations on public use, home growing, DUI limits, possession limits, and so on. This is especially true in California, where the tag line for this years effort (Lets get it right) alludes to the apparently overly lax nature of the failed legalization initiative there in 2010.

Heres what opponents of the Maine initiative dont like about Proposition 1:

 Seed to Sale Tracking Requirements

 Limited Licensing / Market Capture

 Threats to patient privacy

 Loss of legal outdoor cultivation

 Impact on firearms laws

 Unconstitutional Media Restrictions

 Federal Intervention

 THC OUI Blood Tests

 New Public Use Penalties

 Loss of access to safe medicine

 Penalties for unlicensed manufacture

 Continued felony charges for growing

 No removal of criminal penalties for possession

 Creation of costly new bureaucracy

I wont go into all of these things, but as you can see, the common theme is the overly restrictive nature of the proposed regulations. Sometimes such worries can seem parochial or even selfish. An ounce of marijuana is about 28 grams, and unless youre a fairly heavy user, thats a lot. So if its (still) illegal to possess more than an ounce, why is that such a hardship  especially when compared with the present state of affairs, in which any amount is illegal? Not surprisingly, both supporters and opponents (of this sort) volley charges of prohibitionist at each other: the one for preferring to leave prohibition in place, and the other for replacing it with regulations which supposedly amount to prohibition in all but name.

Another theme, especially in Maine but also in California, is the impact the initiative will have on an already established (medical) marijuana industry. A recent legalization initiative in Ohio (recreational; a medical marijuana program was subsequently established there by the legislature) failed when it came off as a money grab, granting growing and marketing licenses only to a few selected investors and shutting everyone else out. At the top of Noon1s page, over a close-up photo of bright green cannabis leaves, appear the words Fight Corporate Cannabis, and much of the following text elaborates the charge that here too, outside money does not have the best interest of Maines cannabis industry at heart.

If this simply reflected an aesthetic preference for small-scale mom-and-pop operations  as it sometimes does seem to do  then we might group it with the above worries about possession limits of only one ounce as a minor gripe. But the claims here are more substantial, e.g. that for current medical users in particular, costs would spike and access would become more difficult. In that context, it is the very idea of recreational marijuana which can seem petty and selfish  or indeed more sinister. Here is how the page describes the initiatives sponsors:

The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol is funded by the estate of former Progressive Insurance CEO Peter Lewis, along with Silicon Valley investment giant Founders Fund, marijuana monopolist Privateer Holdings, ArcView venture capitalists , billionaire George Soros, Marijuana Policy Project, and the DC New Approach PAC.

Venture capitalists! Billionaires! Public policy organizations! Not a hippie among them  or more to the point, not a local grower or caregiver. Naturally, Noon1 gives us just the one side, and proponents simply deny that the initiative will affect the current medical marijuana regulations at all. As Noon1 admits, It is not yet known to the fullest extent how the proposed recreational bill will affect the medical marijuana growing and distribution regulations in the state of Maine; but they go on to say that [s]aying that a bill can be changed after-the-fact is a way to justify passing policy that is not in the public's best interest. (Here in any case is the opposing (that is, the supporting) website, RegulateMaine.org.)

Well have to leave the evaluation of these positions to the Mainers themselves (and the Californians et al). For now I would just say that if you prefer legalization to prohibition but are unhappy with the degree and kind of regulation in a certain initiative, it is probably pointless to vote it down and hope for a less restrictive one later on. After all, if for example Californias Proposition 64 is defeated, the takeaway wont be that it was too restrictive; instead, prohibitionists (that is, actual ones, like Kevin Sabet) will exult that Today California sent a strong message to those who would endanger our nation's children by surrendering in the fight against the scourge of illicit drug abuse [and so on]. Of course that will be a lie; but thats how it will play to everyone who hasnt been following the blow by blow about the initiative and the question of whether its regulatory scheme is too restrictive. Indeed, California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, the only state official to endorse it, warned that its defeat could set the legalization movement back ten years.

On the other hand, if you are a medical marijuana patient and you prefer things as they are now to the way they would be if the initiative is passed, and you have no reason to prefer a less restrictive recreational initiative in the indeterminate future to how things are now, then it will be a hard sell to ask you to vote for it anyway.



Lets move on. Not surprisingly, proponents of legalization initiatives focus less on fellow legalizers worried about excessive regulation and more on the general population. In this context, regulation is a good thing, and helps to combat years of prohibitionist propaganda about the dangers of legalization. But legalizers dont simply play defense. Consider (as the book in question blares above its title) the message that made marijuana legal in Colorado!, i.e. (as its title reveals) Marijuana is Safer (subtitle: so why are we driving people to drink?), by Steve Fox, Paul Armentaro, and Mason Tvert (hereinafter just Fox). This is a somewhat frustrating book, as it seems not to be able to decide whether it is a sober analysis (as its tone often suggests) or instead a handbook of legalization strategy (as in the section called Arm Yourself with Simple Responses to Common Antimarijuana Assertions: When someone says [______], you reply _______).

Fox's basic point is simple and powerful. We have been conditioned by decades of drug-war propaganda, on the one side, and alcohol industry advertising, on the other, to think of drinking as normal conviviality and pot-smoking as deviant and dangerous. But the numbers dont lie. Alcohol is toxic in ways that marijuana is not, and kills many thousands of people each year, while alcohol addiction ruins the lives of both addicts and people around them. Alcohol increases aggression and lowers inhibition, and makes you a terrible driver even as it drives your willingness to risk its dangers ever higher. The only reason its not prohibited is that we tried that once and the results were wildly counterproductive: it lessened alcohol use somewhat, at the price of pushing it underground and fueling a deadly rise in organized crime; while the reason that marijuana is prohibited is its historical association with minorities and deviants such as jazz musicians.

In contrast, marijuana is indeed, if counterintuitively, safer in many ways. Here is the peroration of Foxs book:

When marijuana is legal, an abusive husband or boyfriend somewhere in America will realize that he is better able to control his temper when he ingests pot instead of alcohol and will cut down on the Budweiser and switch to the kinder bud. Some college student we will never hear about will choose to use marijuana one night instead of joining his fraternity brothers in a drinking contestthus avoiding a potentially tragic trip to the hospital that was otherwise fated to happen. When marijuana is legal, a man well on his way to chronic and eventually fatal liver disease will conclude that he wants to live a longer and healthier life and will voluntarily give up booze in favor of pot. A young woman will decide to smoke cannabis and watch a movie one evening instead of going out drinking with her girlfriends, unknowingly missing a sexual assault that would have occurred after she had had consumed one gin and tonic too many. By the very nature of introducing the less harmful recreational substance, marijuana, into the stream of commerce, probability dictates that these things will happen. Not just once, but hundreds and thousands of times. When marijuana is legal, we will, collectively, be safer. [182]

This is certainly plausible, although one might wonder about the easy equivalence of booze and pot Fox relies on here  not because pot is indeed worse, as drug warriors have claimed, but instead because they have rather different effects. That ones drug of choice is one or the other does not depend simply on their legality or availability, but instead on whether one enjoys it or not. Quitting drinking is admirable, but it's not clear that a habitual drinker would be significantly more likely to do so if marijuana is (not simply widely available but also) legal. On the other hand, when one is settling on one's preferred intoxicant in the first place, the deck does presently seem to be stacked against the safer substance.

Also, in presenting alcohol and marijuana as functionally interchangeable ways to obtain a pleasant buzz, Fox seems to me a bit disingenuous in seeming to deny that in larger doses, THC is a powerfully psychoactive drug. This is one reason why some people prefer alcohol, regardless of legality: they arent interested in cosmic insight or meeting Aztec deities; they just want to get drunk. It also reintroduces the idea of marijuanas own characteristic, if less life-threatening, dangers, which Foxs argument needs to downplay. On the other hand, discussing them would underline that very difference: while we need merely point to actuarial tables of alcohol morbidity, on the other side of the ledger there was, let's see, that one guy in Colorado who took too much edible cannabis and fell off the roof.

Also, as prohibitionists breathlessly report, when Colorado legalized marijuana in 2012, there was a *150%* increase in child admissions to emergency rooms for edible marijuana overdoses! Rather than limiting the argument to comparisons with alcohol, one should simply point out that this increase turns out to have been from 4 to 10; and that while no one wants little Sally to get sick from finding and eating too much of Mommys special candy, that sounds like an argument not for screaming headlines and ham-handed prohibition, but instead for something like warning labels  as most proposed regulatory schemes do indeed require.

In one chapter, Fox does address, reasonably adequately, a number of prohibitionist claims. In fact, in one case he almost neednt have bothered. We were all taught in health class that marijuana is a gateway drug. In its most extreme forms, the idea was that once the joint is passed to you and you succumb to peer pressure to take that first hit, you pass over a crucial threshold into the drug culture, such that it is more or less inevitable that unless you go straight, you will end up in the gutter with a needle in your arm. However, both the current Attorney General, and, more to the point, the DEA itself has quietly disengaged from this claim, which turns out simply to be empirically false: most marijuana users, believe it or not, prefer marijuana to other drugs, and therefore do not take them.

One final issue I will discuss is that of driving while intoxicated. It is easy to imagine, and easy for prohibitionists to evoke, a free-for-all on the states highways, with stoned drivers giggling maniacally while weaving in and out of their lanes, and naturally no one wants that. As a result, legalization initiatives generally include harsh penalties for DUI  but unlike alcohol, marijuana's effects on driving are as yet poorly understood, let alone easily quantified. Also, marijuana can remain in the bloodstream for weeks, long after any intoxication has worn off. Prohibitionists have seized on this worry, and ignored these facts, to demand absurdly low legal blood-level limits for THC, which conveniently amounts to de facto prohibition for anyone intending to drive within a month after using marijuana  and, as opponents note, would-be legalizers have in some cases gone along with them.

Naturally we need more research, but barring that, here's some interesting anecdotal evidence (blog post here, video below).

Note that by the time they were actually impaired, even mildly, each driver (unlike drunk drivers!) agreed that this was the case and that they would not actually drive in that condition. Still, I have seen some people claim that they are actually better drivers when they are high. I wouldn't know, as I have never driven under the influence of any substance. But here's why I would never try it. The other day I was waiting to turn left at an intersection. An oncoming car in the left lane had his left signal on, suggesting that he was going to turn left as well, and thus that I could turn. I was about to do so when I noticed that the driver was going a bit fast to make the turn  and that in fact he wasn't turning at all, but instead had not yet turned his left signal off after having changed into the left lane. As he zoomed by me, I was relieved that I had not disastrously misread his intentions  which I might very well have done if I had been even a little bit stoned. Driving around cones on a closed course is not at all the same as actual driving in traffic.

So yes, blood-level limits, like blanket prohibition, are unacceptably blunt instruments; but whether this renders any particular legalization initiative similarly unacceptable to the voters we will have to wait until November to discover.
by Evert Cilliers aka Adam Ash



By now, it is firmly established that the kindest thing you can say about Donald Trump is that he is a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber.

I say kind, because I have left out the fact that he regularly stiffs his business suppliers into bankruptcy, this being the business model of an actual psychopath (one percent of the general population, 4% of our CEO population).

Yet this totally repulsive human being can count on the votes of a majority of American males to put him in power over our nation.

To the point that, if only men voted, the sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber that is Donald Trump would sweep the November 8 general election for president with 350 votes against a mere 188 for a vanquished Hillary.

The mind boggles in profound boggledom: if it depended on men alone, a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber would be our next president (thank the Lord, the heavens, the sun, the moon and every star above for the existence of women: though Trump leads by 11 points among men, he loses by 33 points among women).

This numerical damning fix on the horrifying propensity of American men's to stand by a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber like Trump  winning by 350 votes over 188  comes to us courtesy of the highly respected FiveThirtyEight site run by the brilliant Nate Silver.

1. How Does Trump Make Women Feel?

Does that mean that the majority of American males are a bunch of sexist, racist, serially lying, up-their-own-asses narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabbers themselves?

Not quite.

What it does mean, is that a majority of American men have no problem with our country being run by a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber (BTW, as a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber, Donald Trump would make an excellent member of ISIS, and probably become their leader; after all, this is a man who, as quoted in New York magazine, told a friend about women, you have to treat em like shit).

How are women supposed to feel about this high regard of a majority of American men for a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber?

Take one woman, Michele Obama, who said the following in a speech last week:

I can't believe I'm saying that a candidate for president of the United States has bragged about sexually assaulting women. I can't stop thinking about this  it has shaken me to my core.

I feel it so personally  the shameful comments about our bodies. The disrespect of our ambitions and intellect. The belief that you can do anything you want to a woman. It is cruel. It's frightening. And the truth is, it hurts.

It's like that sick, sinking feeling you get when you're walking down the street minding your own business and some guy yells out vulgar words about your body. Or when you see that guy at work that stands just a little too close, stares a little too long, and makes you feel uncomfortable in your own skin. It's that feeling of terror and violation that too many women have felt when someone has grabbed them or forced himself on them, and they said no, but he didn't listen.

We thought all of that was ancient history, didn't we? So many have worked for so many years to end this kind of violence and abuse and disrespect, but here we are, in 2016, and we're hearing these exact same things every day on the campaign trail. We are drowning in it.

Amen, Michele.

And boom! here are the words of another lady, Shaunna Thomas, co-founder of UltraViolet Action, on the orange-topped shitstain on our body politic:

Donald Trump is a dangerous, predatory misogynist and the living embodiment of rape culture  asserting he has the right to assault women simply because he's famous. With one-in-five women in the US facing sexual assault in their lifetimes, it's because of men like Donald Trump and his political allies that this national epidemic is so intractable. Republicans must do more than just disavow these horrific comments  they need to actively denounce Donald Trump and his campaign for President. Survivors of result assault deserve better.

Boom! Another lady, Anna Galland, executive director of MoveOn Civic Action: Make no mistake, what Donald Trump was describing in the video amounts to a crime  sexual assault and violence against women, plain and simple. It is high time that the Republican Party muster any remaining integrity and turn their backs on the most divisive presidential candidate this country has ever seen.

2. Some Disturbing Statistics To Put All This In Perspective

While we're at it, let's put all this in its broadest perspective, as laid out by a NY Times reader commenter  boom!

As a former police detective, I keep track of crime statistics. For instance, out of every 100 rapes in this country, 40 are reported. Of those, 10 lead to an arrest, 8 are prosecuted in court, 5 lead to felony convictions, and 3 lead to a prison sentences (that averages approximately 4.9 years served, nationwide  some states see longer sentences, pushing the average up to that number, while many states see time-served of much less duration). The sad reality is that most rapists are serial. And most begin their careers' as gropers. Perhaps these facts should be on laminated cards in each and every voting booth.

Who knows, maybe we will find out in the next few weeks that Donald Trump's groping activities actually led to him raping a woman. In fact, there is an accusation that he did just that to a 13-year-old girl in 1994 at an orgy of adult men having sex with under-age girls, arranged by a big Trump pal, the notorious billionaire pedophile and Level 3 registered sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The woman talks about these sex parties in her court filing:

I traveled by bus to New York City in June 1994 in the hope of starting a modeling career. I went to several modeling agencies but was told that I needed to put together a modeling portfolio before I would be considered. I then went to the Port Authority in New York City to start to make my way back home. There I met a woman who introduced herself to me as Tiffany. She told me about the parties and said that, if I would join her at the parties, I would be introduced to people who could get me into the modeling profession. Tiffany also told me I would be paid for attending.

The parties were held at a New York City residence that was being used by Defendant Jeffrey Epstein. Each of the parties had other minor females and a number of guests of Mr. Epstein, including Defendant Donald Trump at four of the parties I attended. I understood that both Mr. Trump and Mr. Epstein knew I was 13 years old.

Defendant Trump had sexual contact with me at four different parties in the summer of 1994. On the fourth and final sexual encounter with Defendant Trump, Defendant Trump tied me to a bed, exposed himself to me, and then proceeded to forcibly rape me. During the course of this savage sexual attack, I loudly pleaded with Defendant Trump to stop but he did not. Defendant Trump responded to my pleas by violently striking me in the face with his open hand and screaming that he would do whatever he wanted.

Immediately following this rape, Defendant Trump threatened me that, were I ever to reveal any of the details of Defendant Trump's sexual and physical abuse of me, my family and I would be physically harmed if not killed.

Here is the legal status of the case:

Federal Judge Ronnie Abrams has ordered a status conference to be held at 11:30 AM on 16 December 2016 (more than a month after Election Day) at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, calling for both sides to provide information that might assist the Court in advancing the case to either settlement or trial  including a brief description of the nature of the actual and the principal defenses thereto, a brief explanation of why jurisdiction and venue lie in this court, a brief description of all contemplated and/or outstanding motions, a brief description of any discovery that has already taken place, and a brief description of prior settlement discussions.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

3. How Is Trump Taking His Meltdown?

From Timothy Egan at The NY Times, boom! boom! more boom!

A wounded bear is a dangerous thing. Detested and defeated, Donald Trump is now in a tear-the-country-down rage. Day after day, he rips at the last remaining threads of decency holding this nation together. His opponent is the devil, he says  hate her with all your heart. Forget about the rule of law. Lock her up!

He's made America vile. He's got angel-voiced children yelling bitch' and flipping the bird at rallies. He's got young athletes chanting build a wall' at Latino kids on the other side. He's made it O.K. to bully and fat-shame. He's normalized perversion, bragging about how an aging man with his sense of entitlement can walk in on naked women.

Here's his lesson for young minds: If you're rich and boorish enough, you can get away with anything. Get away with sexual assault. Get away with not paying taxes. Get away with never telling the truth. Get away flirting with treason. Get away with stiffing people who work for you, while you take yours. Get away with mocking the disabled, veterans and families of war heroes.

Boom! Boom! Boom! from a NY Times reader center:

Donald Trump didn't make America vile. He merely revealed it to be so. His vile utterances are not unfamiliar to many people who have had to endure the rise of conservatism in this country.

We've lived through decades of attacks on our most vulnerable citizens as Republicans have come up with endless excuses as to why Social Security, medical care, women's rights and gender equality are evils that must be purged from the country.

We've put up with scores of sanctimonious scolds who use religion as a weapon to justify attacks on gay people and abortion rights. We've watched as our national lawmakers proudly promote biblical ignorance while they deny the reality of science. We've seen wages for working people stagnate while egregious income inequality is justified on moral grounds. We've been lied into going to war, and have had to endure its brutal and destructive consequences.

It's repugnant, but not surprising, to see mainstream Republicans endorse Donald Trump, or to continue to support him on some disingenuous claim of party loyalty. Trump's nature was clear from the early days of the campaign, but only when his low, vulgar and abusive nature was documented on tape did a percentageand only a percentageof his supporters grudgingly turn away from him.

The mask has finally slipped, and revealed the true nature of the G.O.P. So the loud, inarticulate and destructive rage of Trump as his campaign implodes is not damaging to our country. It's music to our ears.

Kaboom.

4. What Does The Fact That Trump Is A Pussy-Grabber Say About The GOP?

What does all this say about the Republican Party, who chose as their standard-bearer a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber?

It says there is something wrong with the Republican Party, and there always has been. The Republican Party has indeed waged a scorched-earth war on women. It starts with their opposition to abortion and Roe v Wade, the actual law of the land. Before Roe v Wade, women died by the thousands in backstreet abortions. Roe v Wade prevented this from happening, but the Republicans want it to go away (look what they've done in Texas), so that we'd have to go back to women dying from backstreet abortions.

That's why I believe we should regard the opposition against abortion as straightforward, plain-and-simple, actual sexual assault on women. It attacks women right where it hurts most  in their vaginas, in their very womanhood, and tries to tell women that Republican men own their vaginas and uteruses, and have the right to do with females' vaginas what they will, in the same way that Trump thinks his celebrity gives him the license to grab women's vaginas.

I believe we should broaden the definition of sexual assault in this way, and then we will see how fierce the GOP war on women actually is. Pussy-grabbing, sexual assault, anti-abortion policies, rape, it all springs from the same impulse, it's all on the same spectrum  a war against pussy. It's why it has come so easy for the GOP to pick as their presidential candidate a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber.

Heck, I know, I'm being somewhat facetious, repeating over and over the mantra that Trump is a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber. But I'm doing it for a purpose: obviously, because I think it's kinda funny, but also because I want this to sink in, so that there should be nothing but utter clarity about what kind of a man Trump is: A SEXIST, RACIST, SERIALLY LYING, UP-HIS-OWN-ASS NARCISSISTIC, SEXUALLY ASSAULTING, SHORT-FINGERED DOUCHEBAG DELUXE PUSSY-GRABBER.

And that we should think very badly of all the men  a majority of American men  who stand foursquare behind A SEXIST, RACIST, SERIALLY LYING, UP-HIS-OWN-ASS NARCISSISTIC, SEXUALLY ASSAULTING, SHORT-FINGERED DOUCHEBAG DELUXE PUSSY-GRABBER.

5. Are The Majority Of American Men Actually Trumpian Pussy-Grabbers?

So let's go deeper  what does their support for a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber tell us about the majority of American men?

Does it mean that the majority of American men themselves are sexist, racist, serially lying, up-their-own-asses narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabbers?

In their favor, I would say that American men may probably not be liars to the bizarre serial extent that Trump is, given that it is part of the record that Trump lies in his speeches every two and a half minutes (something he himself graces with the term truthful hyperbole).

To lie at such a superhuman rate of lying, it can only take a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber like Donald Trump. He is probably the lyingest American who ever lived.

So we can let American men who favor Donald Trump off the hook about lying. They do not lie at Trump's rate. It is humanly impossible for anyone to lie like that, unless you are a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber yourself.

Neither are most American men up-their-own-ass narcissistic to the degree of epic uniqueness achieved by Donald Trump, a man basking fiercely alone in the glare of his own self-regard, the sun blazing mightily from his obese posterior.

Nor as short-fingered.

But does that mean that these American men are actually sexually assaulting douchebag deluxe pussy-grabbers?

Probably not. I would imagine that maybe five percent of them are sexually assaulting douchebag deluxe pussy-grabbers, and maybe one percent of them are actual rapists, which is the culmination of being a sexist, sexually assaulting douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber. On the other hand, my sucked-out-of-my-thumb statistics may understate things. One survey found that almost one-quarter of American women say they have been groped in public spaces. And every year, 550,000 women in America require medical attention after an assault by a boyfriend or husband.

So no, maybe a majority of American men are perhaps not sexually assaulting douchebag deluxe pussy-grabbers themselves. Maybe.

6. Are A Majority Of American Men At Minimum All Sexist, Racist Douchebag Deluxes?

But does it mean that these American men may be sexist, racist douchbag deluxes?

Yes.

Absolutely.

Completely.

100%.

Not a truer word said.

Gets at the heart of the matter.

On the nail.

Indeed.

Boom.

We have now come to the core of the matter, the pith of the topic, the hub of our meaning, the nub of our horrifying contemporary reality.

Since the majority of American men are willing to vote for a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber, it proves at least two things: that the majority of American men are sexist and racist.

So we can say that while Trump himself is a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber, the majority of American men are not quite up to that standard of badness.

But still, they are raging in-your-face sexist and racist douchebag deluxes themselves.

Rather a massive indictment of our men.

Do you think a majority of Swedish men, or German men, or Canadian men, or Mexican men, are sexist, racist douchebag deluxes?

I think not.

Being a sexist, racist douchebag deluxe is a particular quality only ascribable to American men.

Amongst all men at present walking the earth, only American men stand out as true sexist, racist douchebag deluxes.

This is an undeniable fact: given the popularity among American men of Trump, an arch sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber, it is an incontrovertible fact that a majority of American men are uniquely sexist, racist douchebag deluxes.

And we can thank Donald Trump, a great sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber, for revealing to us that most American men are sexist, racist douchebag deluxes.

Is that not a terrible thing to find out about our country?

Listen, we've always known that Republicans have always been and are, to a man, racist douchebag deluxes, and maybe even sexist douchebag deluxes.

But we've never known until now that a majority of American men are sexist, racist douchebag deluxes.

It took a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber like Donald Trump to reveal this startling fact to us.

I guess we should all be grateful  probably eternally so  to a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber like Donald Trump to have brought us the knowledge that a majority of American men are sexist, racist douchebag deluxes.

7. Knowing That A Majority Of American Men Are All Sexist, Racist Douchebag Deluxes, What Should We Do?

What are we to make of this?

For a start, we have to be alert, and call out all sexist, racist douchebag deluxes at all times, and especially when they go as far as Trump, and are sexist, racist, serially lying, up-their-own-asses narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabbers to boot.

All you sexist, racist douchebag deluxes, be warned: you will be outed from now on.

It should be the total drive behind all actions of Americans today to rid our body politic of the scourge of sexist, racist douchebag deluxes in our midst. As well, of course, of any sexist, racist, serially lying, up-their-own-asses narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabbers like Donald Trump.

Tell yourself now, whoever you are, male or female, adult or child: I will never relate to the majority of American men who are sexist, racist douchebag deluxes except to call them on it and verbally assault them for their sexist, racist douchebag deluxedom, both in my private and public life, and to all my family members and friends and co-workers, and on all social media like Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat, and inside and outside all locker rooms.

And I will never do any business with anyone like Trump, a sexist, racist, serially lying, up-his-own-ass narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabber.

Let's shun Trump from all polite society forevermore. Let's never do business with Trump, and bankrupt him for the sixth and final time.

Let's get rid of all the sexist, racist douchebag deluxes in our midst. Let's demolish, extirpate, banish and shun them, as well as any sexist, racist, serially lying, up-their-own-asses narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabbers.

Let that be our national goal going forward. Let this be our national effort even after the election, for years to come, till a majority of American men are not sexist, racist douchebag deluxes anymore, let alone being sexist, racist, serially lying, up-their-own-asses narcissistic, sexually assaulting, short-fingered douchebag deluxe pussy-grabbers.

Meanwhile, if I were an American woman, I would seriously think about leaving the country.
iStock/Thinkstock(MOSUL, Iraq)  Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al Abadi has announced the start of the long-awaited offensive to retake Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, which was seized by ISIS in 2014. The battle for Mosul is seen as a pivotal moment towards defeating ISIS in Iraq.



Al Abadi's announcement was made on state television early Monday morning local time in the form of a brief written statement.



"The bell of liberty has been rung and operations to liberate Mosul have started," said Al Abadi, while wearing a military uniform and flanked by senior Iraqi military officers. "Very soon we will be among you to raise the Iraqi flag."



"The United States and the rest of the international coalition stand ready to support Iraqi Security Forces, Peshmerga fighters and the people of Iraq in the difficult fight ahead," Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement. "We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISIL's hatred and brutality."



"Godspeed to the heroic Iraqi forces, Kurdish Peshmerga, and Ninewa volunteers. We are proud to stand with you in this historic operation," Brett McGurk tweeted following Abadi's announcement. McGurk is the Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL.



The Iraqi military is expected to face a tough fight in Mosul, where the 3,000 to 4,500 ISIS fighters in the city have prepared elaborate defenses in anticipation of a offensive.



It is unknown how large a force the Iraqi military will use in its offensive, but American military officials have estimated that it could take as many as 20,000 Iraqi troops to push ISIS out of the city. The Iraqi forces moving on Mosul will include at least 10 Iraqi Army brigades and two Kurdish Peshmerga brigades, all trained by the U.S. led coalition in Iraq.



"This operation to regain control of Iraq's second-largest city will likely continue for weeks, possibly longer," said Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve. The general said the offensive would include U.S. air support, artillery, intelligence, advisors and forward air controllers, but that "the thousands of ground combat forces who will liberate Mosul are all Iraqis."



Al Abadi's announcement most likely means that Iraqi and Kurdish forces will begin what could be a long process to encircle Mosul, as occurred in the successful operations in Ramadi and Falujah. After that process is completed, Iraqi and Kurdish forces will begin to push into the center of Mosul, which is expected to be an extended fight.



Townsend called ISIL not only a "threat in Iraq and Syria, but to the region and the entire world," and added that the effort to retake Mosul from the terrorist group "may prove to be a long and tough battle."



American military advisers will assist the Iraqi military forces involved in the offensive at the various headquarters levels in the operation. Coalition aircraft have been conducting airstrikes targeting ISIS in the city, and in recent months the number of airstrikes in and around Mosul have increased in an effort to degrade ISIS' capabilities.



The Mosul operation is seen as a defining moment in the battle against ISIS, which seized large areas of northwestern and western Iraq in 2014. Since then, Iraqi offensives have retaken the major cities of Ramadi and Fallujah in western Anbar.



On Saturday, Iraqi President Masoud Barzani issued a statement announcing that the planning for the offensive on Mosul had been completed and the way had been paved to begin the Mosul operation.



Barzani said the Iraqi and Kurdish governments had agreed to establish "a joint higher political committee whose task would be to supervise the affairs of Mosul after the liberation."



"The Iraqi forces, with our assistance, are going to prevail," retired Gen. David Petraeus said on ABC's This Week. "There's no question. The Islamic State fighters in Mosul are dead men walking and I think they increasingly know it. They're even trying to desert and they're being executed."



The one-time senior U.S. military commander in Iraq and architect of the 2007 surge in Iraq told ABC's Martha Raddatz that the challenge will come after an Iraqi military victory in military. "The outcome is not in question. The question is what happens afterward."



Petraeus said the biggest challenge will be governance.



"Can a government be established that is representative of and responsive to the most complex human terrain in all of Iraq? That's Nineveh province, for which Mosul is the capital," Petraeus said. "That is a huge challenge. And that will determine the outcome here."



Noting the various ethnic populations in the city, Petraeus said there are "a lot of grievances, scores that may be settled."



"In that kind of complexity, governance is going to have to emerge or else you'll start preparing fields for the planting of the seeds of Islamic State 3.0.," he said.



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by Genese Sodikoff

For thousands of years, people on every continent (save for uninhabitable Antarctica) have recognized the behavior of rabid animals and seen the ravages that rabies inflicts on the human mind and body. While the biological symptoms of rabies are universal, it, like many global diseases, manifests in different places with unique cultural markers and histories. These include everyday etiologies, or the ways people trace the origin of a disease or condition. They include the specific images or emotions expressed by victims in a feverish state, or the treatments applied to rabid animal bites. Beyond the cultural ideas and practices that shape any illness, rabies' origins and unpredictable incubation period, which can range anywhere from a week to months (or years!) before symptoms appear, invites the human imagination to fill in the blank.

In Madagascar, where I do anthropological fieldwork, rabies has been around since at least 1896, when the French colonized the island. Historian Eric T. Jennings writes that by 1899, a Pasteur Institute was established to forcefully combat human rabies, known as hydrophobia, but the virus was never eradicated. Jennings writes that to French colonial scientists experienced in treating rabies, Madagascar appeared to have a particularly acute and fast-spreading strain, requiring more frequent injections of more active virus. Rabid dogs in Madagascar appeared more ferocious than elsewhere, aiming right for the face.

Given the prevalence and history of rabies in Madagascar, I was surprised to learn that many Malagasy people (including doctors and veterinarians) attribute the viral source to a wild species that has only recently appeared on the landscape: a creature they call little big chest (kelibetratra). I refer specifically to people in the region of Moramanga District, about a three-hour drive east of the capital, Antananarivo, but knowledge of the kelibetratra as the rabies source extends far beyond this district.

The creature was described to me as a furtive wild dog from the rain forest that only roams late at night. It is built like a pit bull, but with shorter legs and a bigger thorax. Because of deforestation, they said, the animal has been scared out of its natural habitat into villages and towns, where it attacks pet dogs and cats, infecting them with rabies.

On the face of it, the story is plausible because the destruction of Madagascar's rain forests has not only endangered countless rare species, but, paradoxically, has also made hidden creatures more discoverable. Scientists have been finding new species, already on the brink of extinction, with alarming frequency. But no species of wild dog exists in Madagascar, and in fact, no one has ever seen a kelibetratra. They have only heard the howls and growls of dogfights.

The tale of the kelibetratra is a political statement, even though people are not consciously offering political critique when they discuss it. They do, however, lay blame for deforestation at the feet of the foreign-run mining industry. (Foreigners have long blamed deforestation on Malagasy agriculture.) Graphite mines in the region date back to the French colonial period of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Then in 2007, a giant nickel and cobalt mine, Ambatovy, was established on the outskirts of Moramanga town, employing hundreds of people. Its open pit and buildings perforated a hole in a large contiguous rain forest, and its slurry pipeline, spanning a couple of hundred miles to a processing plant on the east coast, slashed through forest and fragile wetlands. In an effort to offset the ecological damages, the Ambatovy operation secured about 5000 hectares of surrounding rain forest forbiodiversity conservation. I won't go into the upshot of the mining industry becoming a conservation authority in the region. Suffice it to say that Malagasy residents think of Ambatovy when they discuss deforestation, and they think of deforestation when they discuss rabies and the kelibetratra.

The image of the kelibetratra seems to have emerged by the early 2000s. A Malagasy political commentator wrote a column in 2007 suggesting that that rumors of this nature, of dangerous, fantastical creatures, are mobilized when the state becomes too oppressive. The rumors agitate the population, but their sources remain obscure.

The elusive kelibetratra did not illuminate to me what was the real source of rabies in Moramanga. That is, beyond the problem of rabid stray dogs, I wondered was there a wild reservoir of rabies? Civets perhaps? I thought bats were a likely source, since they are abundant in the region and frequently enter people's homes. Bats carry lyssaviruses, including rabies, as well an array of other pathogens, making them common vectors of zoonosis.

I learned, however, that bats are not to blame for infecting dogs or people with rabies. For the past several years, Cara Brook, a doctoral student of Dr. Andrew P. Dobson at Princeton's Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, has been studying fruit bats (fanihy) in Madagascar and their contribution to spillover diseases, including rabies. Fruit bats or flying foxes (of which three endemic species exist in Madagascar) indeed carry the rabies virus, but it is a different strain than canine rabies (RABV). Canine rabies is the strain that occasionally, though rarely, infects humans.

One might assume that processing or eating wild animals that harbor rabies would put people at risk. In some villages of the Moramanga District, Malagasy eat fruit bats though it is not a common dish everywhere and many people in town find the idea of eating bat distasteful. The cooking process appears to render the meat safe for consumption. Rabies needs vital material saliva, spinal fluid, or brain (but not blood)to survive.

A big question that Cara Brook is investigating concerns how bats have evolved into such long-lived, resilient hosts, immune to tumors and the viruses that kill other mammals. The answer, she explained, may lie in their ability to fly, a metabolically costly process that may have generated mechanisms to lessen oxidative stress, which causes cellular damage. These mechanisms, in turn (or in a feedback loop, as evolution goes) may have generated effects responsible for bats' imperviousness to certain pathogens and tumors.

Malavika Rajeev, a fellow doctoral student at Princeton in the lab of Dr. Jessica Metcalf, is also studying rabies dynamics and rabies control measures in Madagascar, focusing on dog populations. Prior to her new project in Madagascar, Rajeev did research on rabies in Tanzania with Dr. Katie Hampson (University of Glasgow) examining the dynamics of rabies transmission and the interaction of the virus with different landscape attributes, including vaccinated animals.

Rajeev confirmed that in Madagascar, the virus is maintained within the dog population. There is no need to look beyond for a wild source that boosts the virus into the domestic animal population. (And there is no need for cryptozoology.) Rabid dogs, in their confusion, often stray into other localities without being noticed, bite other dogs, and leave. These isolated moments of contact in which the virus jumps from its still living host into another body has sustained rabies for over a century, and possibly longer. Dog vaccinations, needed every two years, are exorbitantly expensive (approximately $3.00 per shot) for most Malagasy to buy. The state agency in charge of rabies control lacks resources to round up and exterminate unvaccinated dogs and strays (which is anyway very unpopular with residents), so the cycle continues unabated.

When walking through villages and town, it is difficult to distinguish a snarling mean dog from a mad one (romotra is the Malagasy word for rabid). So although most human victims of animal bites get vaccinated (and hospital staff over-cautiously vaccinate family members and neighbors of human rabies victims), not everyone thinks it is necessary, particularly if they have never witnessed a case of human rabies.

Rabies, like the plague in Madagascar, is a disease that impacts traditional funerary practices, and restrictions on customs makes it all the more distressing for relatives of rabies victims. Persons who die of the plague in the hospital may not be wrapped in the traditional white burial cloth (lamba fotsy), which requires close contact with the corpse. The state requires that plague victims be buried in separate graves rather than familial tombs for a period of seven years, the duration of time deemed necessary to ensure that the bacterium is no longer active (and so cannot infect the extended family, including deceased ancestors, presumably). Rabies victims must be buried in separate graves for a period of at least five years before the family may transfer the remains to the family tomb. These rules of internment for certain diseases are overcautious, and in the case of rabies death, mysterious. They extend a family's period of suffering for years because for Malagasy, to be buried far from the familial tomb is to pass eternity in exile. Family members must bear the guilt of failing their loved one.

The blight of rabies in Madagascar includes, but is not limited to, acute poverty and all the infrastructural obstacles that sustain the rabies virus in dogs, as well as a policy that stifles the grieving process for families. I am also interested in a deeper exploration of the culturally specific symbols that infuse a rabies victims state of mind (as dreams are also infused).

I turn to an interview with Madame Irene, a woman in Moramanga District whose 12 year old son died of rabies in 2013. She told me and my Malagasy collaborator, Dieudonne, how her son got infected and what happened afterward. She recounted that the family dog had been in the courtyard and managed to swallow a poisoned rat, or so that's what the boy thought when he saw his dog walking and behaving erratically. He reached into the dog's frothy mouth in hopes of pulling out the rodent, which made the dog retch. But the boy could not retrieve the rat. The dog died the next day, and the family buried it in their yard.

About a month later, Madame Irene's son fell ill with an intense headache that progressed quickly to crisis. She called the local midwife who advised he get tested at the hospital. The doctors determined it was rabies and kept him there. Meanwhile, the family and their neighbors received prophylactic vaccinations.

The boy was febrile and intensely anxious. He could not sleep in the hospital and writhed in bed. Hugging him close seemed the only way to soothe him. His mother recalled that he could not tolerate the color white, particularly white clothes. They seared his eyes. Note she did not say he had recoiled from sunlight or electric light. She specified white clothing. Dieudonne and I both had the same thought, which we discussed that evening. Could it be how the boy's mortal fear found expression, through a terror of white clothes? We were only leaping to this conclusion, but Dieudonne seemed convinced. The lamba fotsy, the white cloth used to wrap a corpse. Madame Irene's memories of her son were not generalizable to other cases and other terminal illnesses. Her son's experience was no doubt unique, but it tapped into a symbolic repertoire that resonates with Malagasy people and makes Madame Irene's story all the more chilling.
Julia Belluz in Vox:

Over my years in health journalism, Ive debunked many dubious claims. Ive discussed how to cover quacks like Dr. Oz and the Food Babe, and how to navigate a medical world so filled with hooey it can make your head spin.

But I wasnt always fluent in the ways of detecting bull. My eyes were opened in my early 20s, when I met a group of researchers at McMaster University in Canada. They taught me about the limitations of different kinds of evidence, why anecdotes are often wildly misleading, and what a well-designed study looks like. This experience changed how I see the world.

Ive often wondered why these concepts arent taught in schools. We are bombarded with health claims  in the news, on TV, in magazines, at the doctors office or the pharmacy  and many of us lack the basic skills to navigate them.

Thats why I found this giant new trial, which is just wrapping up now in Uganda, so compelling. Its mission, according to Sir Iain Chalmers, the Cochrane Collaboration co-founder whos co-leading it, is to teach children to detect bullshit when bullshit is being presented to them.

More here.
by Michael Liss

Sixteen. That was the percentage of respondents in a snap CNN post-second debate poll who said that they had heard about Donald Trump's sex tape and that it made them more likely to vote for him. 16 Percent. One in six voters surveyed, likely one in three (or more) of Trump supporters. Here's another numberEighty-Three. In a WSJ/NBC News Poll, again, taken after the release of the tape, 83 percent of Republicans believe that the party should back Trump through the election.

Perhaps that is just circling the wagonsa later Washington Post/ABC News Poll showed the number of mores evaporating, but still had 83% of Trump voters saying it made no difference to themand they were backed by a number of Evangelical leaders. A reasonable person might ask, why? Why would anyone with a girlfriend or a wife or a daughter or a mother (everyone has a mother) ignore the coarseness, to say nothing of any of the other controversial and even inflammatory things he's said and done? Their answer is that are with Trump, come hell or high water, and they aren't going to let any pointy-headed, liberal MSM pollster (or sanctimonious Establishment Republican) tell them otherwise. Trump is their guy, and there is nothing further to discuss.

That odor you are detecting is from the dumpster outside RNC Headquarters. It already had a distinct bouquet, but now is accompanied by occasional puffs of smoke. It's not the only dumpster in townthere is one near virtually every conservative think tank in America. What you are witnessing, in real time, is possibly the final death blow for Ronald Reagan's Republican Party, and Ronald Reagan's Conservative Movement. When this election cycle is over, win or lose, there will still be a Republican Party, and there will still be a Conservative Movement, but Donald Trump may very well have vandalized the two into unrecognizability.

This should not be as much of a surprise as it seems to be. The process has been going on since he left office. It's almost as if he had no natural heirs. The reasons for this are three-fold. First, Reagan himself was an exceptional talentsomeone who managed to hold firmly to principle, while being unwilling to be disagreeable. The second was a quirk of fateReagan was working and negotiating with

contemporaries who were part of the Greatest Generationa group that understood hardship, national sacrifice, and the value of joint effort. The third is that Reagan seemed to intuit that not everyone would be reading from the same hymnal, and while he clearly thought he had the best book, he did not believe that others would fall on their knees in gratitude for being shown the light. Governing required more than just the application of forcesometimes co-opting the opposition had more enduring benefits.

It all worked, at least as politicsthe Bucks-for-Bibles swap between the Evangelical Right and business succeeded in fusing passionate bloc voters with great financial resources. Winning elections by decisive margins gave Reagan the leverage actually to apply what had been conservative think-tank ideas on a range of issuesthe very ideas to which many modern conservative intellectuals say they wish to return.

The problem was the players changed and the policies did not deliver benefits to everyone. The deal-making Band-of-Brothers group began to age out, and it became apparent that there was never enough power, never enough goodies, to satisfy everyone. At the same time, alternate mediatalk radio, the formation of Fox News, increased use of the internet, began to erode the Establishment's near-monopoly on communication and messaging. This fostered the rise of a group of politicians who made their bones as disruptive forcestheir accomplishments were of the negative varietyshutdowns, filibusters, Senatorial holds, investigations, poison-pill riders, and ritual votes on bills that could not pass.

These folks began to move Republicanism away from Conservatism. They still used the same vocabulary, but it no longer had precisely the same meaning. The basic Reagan promise stayedgood for business, good for social conservatives, but with an interesting and more toxic twist. Whereas Reagan celebrated a sort of Western individualismcapitalism, more self-reliance and less dependency, the targeted expression of American military power, and not a lot of government, the new mutation was far more selective in its restraint, and far more overtly political. Some types of big government were more acceptable than others. It just depended on who was doing the governing.

This didn't happen overnight, but first to go was Reagan's secret saucehis willingness to accept less than absolute orthodoxy from anyone, Democrat or Republican, so long as he accomplished most of his goals. Newt Gingrich's wars with Bill Clinton, both policy and personal, set an entirely new tone for both party-on-party and intra-party violence. Newt, of course, got carried away with himself (and carried out of the House), but the idea of blood-in-the-streets confrontation survived him.

The next phase of transition for both the GOP and many Conservatives, an emerging taste for authoritarianism, and a certain apocalyptic darkness of tone, had its origins in the aftermath of 9/11. It manifested itself in domestic surveillance, watch-lists, the Patriot Act, enhanced interrogation, etc. If Gingrich had tried to yank power from the Presidency, Bush and Cheney yanked it right

backparticularly in areas of national security. The party and the movement that talked about small government now pushed the idea of a Unitary Executive with virtually unlimited power. With it went any idea of privacy and of individual personal liberties, except for those that the Executive Branch decided to respect.

As for the Obama years, suffice to say that Republicans and Conservatives never accepted either of his elections and refused to work with him on anything. The Gingrich tactics of the 1990s were dusted off, and spiked with an absolutely extraordinary level of sustained personal vitriol which may have redefined political discourse for a generation.

Exactly when the GOP ceased to be a party of consistent, coherent conservative ideas is hard to date precisely. The party careened from one fight to another, sometimes with Mr. Obama, sometimes with its own members. Many Republican office holders were fearfulof Tea Party primary challenges, of single-issue groups ready to denounce them for a hint of apostasy, and always of the hard-right media who could almost instantaneously turn their switchboards and emails into fire-breathing dragons. It didn't take a lot to get targeted, and if there is one thing that most politicians value above all, it's staying in office. So most of them bore down on orthodoxy and simple crowd-pleasers and no longer bothered with the basics of governing. Don't be the nail looking for a hammer.

It was this last that was critical to the rise of Trump. Republicans were so consumed with ritual denunciation of anything Obama, and the pleasures of power where they had it, that they took their eye off the ball. The rich got their tax cuts, the social conservatives had their culture wars fought, but the rank-and-file Rush or Sean listeners got little more than their guns and a heaping helping of rage. Who was looking after their needs for economic and cultural security?

This group clearly makes up an important part of Trump's irreducible base. They want someone, finally, to do something about their issues. The catechism of what it supposedly is to be a Republican and Conservativeostensibly the Gospel of Reaganmeans very little to them and they may not even agree with most of it. It's rather simple. Someone or something has been taking things from them, and they want it taken back. That requires a firm hand, a man not too concerned about the fine points of policy or limits on Executive Power. Trump's people aren't worried about a few eggs being broken, and they actually like a few eggs being thrown. When Trump speaks, even when it appears to be overtly prejudicial, what he says seems to be common sense. They certainly don't worry too much about his randy languagethey hear it all the time, and, at the very worst, well, boys are boys and most of them talk a bigger game than they actually live. Spare us the holier-than-thou garbage.

Everything that has happened since the release of those tapes confirms their judgement. The professional political class has acted exactly as expectedalmost to a person, they have calibrated their responses based strictly on just how much they feel at risk. A fair number are embarrassing themselves Deb Fischer, Republican Senator from Nebraska, did a complete round trip (endorse, demand Trump step down, re-endorse) in only three days, and Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio are profiles in abject cravenness.

The person who best exemplifies the Republican and Conservative dilemma is Paul Ryan. Heretofore Ryan acted as someone who discovered his roommate has a supposedly non-infectious case of leprosybe polite, wear latex gloves, and don't steal the guy's food. And he's supported the Trump campaign by telling queasy regular Republican voters that, if Trump is President, he (Ryan) will legislatively deliver the regular Republican agenda. But, as risks heighten, he has a House majority (and his own Speakership) to look after. So he has told everyone to look after their own best interestsevery Republican running may choose how close they want to get to Trump based on their in-house calculation of what works for them. Trump, needless to say, does not appreciate the delicacy of Ryan's dilemma, and hints at sinister bargains.

If all this sounds coldly calculating and crass, a possibly quixotic quest to keep Trump's diehards without consequence, to go back to business as usual, that's because it is. And it is all happening in publica bizarre demonstration of three-dimensional chess that is the perverse end-game of an entire generation of the party (and even the Conservative Movement) unmooring itself from real principles in the quest for electoral victories and spoils.

The dirty little secret is that most of them know it. They know what they really believe, and what they put on like a suit of clothes when they walk out the door each morning. That Reagan-Era jacket is for parades, not for day-to-day use. And Trump's people know it as well, and, as they sense the artifice and fear, they follow their leader and look to bury their enemies. In Trump's mind, and theirs, he cannot lose, unless he is betrayed by his own party, and cheated by Hillary. If that happens, they won't simply accept it.

In fairness, that is not the whole story. It's not all cowardice and phony pledges to principles that are not really respected. Beyond the operatives and the small ambitious grasping men and women are plenty of people of sincere belief and firm conviction. You can see that in the anguished writing of people across the Conservative spectrum, including Michael Gerson, Kathleen Parker, David Brooks,

Walter Shapiro, Noah Rothman, Ross Douthat, and Max Boot. Their concern goes beyond the tactical implications of the erosion of the Republican brand. What they worry about is a growing sense that Conservatism itself is being redefined in an ignorant, nativist, misogynistic, antagonistic, and autocratic way that has few principles beyond obtaining, retaining, and using power. Many see themselves as guardians of Reagan's tradition, and Trump and Trumpism is not what they signed up for when they joined the revolution.

Their time may well be past.

A tremendous number of people fear this electionand they should, regardless of the outcome. Trump has exposed fault-lines everywhere, and not just in the Republican Party or amongst Conservatives, but even among some Democrats. And he's done something deeperhe is testing our hearts and our character. But let's not pretend he appeared out of nowhere. The anger, the nihilism, the desire for control, the disregard for the norms of civility, the strawmen and the scapegoatsthey are a product of two decades of smash-mouthed politics that have soured people's outlook, and often withered their dreams.

One thing is for certain. Those are big feet stomping on Reagan's grave.
During the 2021 term, the Supreme Court returned to in-person oral arguments after over a year of conducting them remotely. For the third term in a row, the composition of the Court changed, welcoming Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve as a justice in the history of the Court.

The conservative justices joined to write on several hot button issues including gun rights, religion, abortion, and the environment. The Court also decided several cases that undermined the rights and interests of older adults, including residents of Puerto Rico and older adults suffering emotional distress.

This year, the Court will again hear several cases affecting the lives of people over 50. Our preview describes those cases and includes AARP Foundation attorneys predictions about legal issues that may reach the Court in the future.

As always, AARP Foundation will continue to advocate for and fiercely defend older adults and work for systemic change in courts across the country, including the Supreme Court.

LEARN MORE
Some therapists are also saying their patients are complaining of difficulty sleeping, irritability and heart palpitations from the nonstop nastiness of the campaign, according to Reuters, whose reporters talked to seven therapists in six states and the District of Columbia.

Ive never seen this level of stress and anxiety over an impending election in my 26 years [of practicing], said Nancy Molitor, a Chicago-area clinical psychologist.

Washington, D.C., psychologist Stephen Holland, director of the Capital Institute of Cognitive Therapy, where 12 clinicians see more than 300 patients a week, told The Atlantic that probably two-thirds to three-quarters of our patients are mentioning their feelings about the election in session.

The APA survey found that 52 percent of adults say the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress. Those age 71 and older are the most anxious (59 percent), followed by millennials (56 percent) and boomers (50 percent).

And it doesnt matter whether youre registered as a Democrat or Republican, said the APAs Lynn Bufka, associate executive director for practice research and policy. Across party lines, 55 percent of Democrats and 59 percent of Republicans reported being stressed out by the long, appalling slog to Election Day.

Older Americans reporting high levels of election stress was a surprise, said psychologist Vaile Wright, a member of the APAs Stress in America team. Older adults typically report lower stress levels than younger generations, so it is particularly surprising to see the reverse is the case with the election, she told the Washington Post.

One possibility is that older voters are concerned about the elections implications for their children and grandchildren, Wright said. Another is that the issues that are particularly important to older Americans  Social Security, Medicare, prescription costs  arent being talked about that much by the candidates.

Its the opposite in the workplace, however, where younger employees (ages 18 to 34) were more likely than older ones to report feeling tense and argumentative due to political discussions among coworkers, according to another APA survey, Politics in the Workplace: 2016 Election Season.

More than twice as many men as women said office debates about the election were making them less productive. Men were also more than four times as likely as women (18 percent vs 4 percent) to report having argued about politics with a coworker.
Surveys for $3B Navigator carbon capture pipeline could begin in South Dakota

Navigator fulfilled two prerequisites in South Dakota law that could allow them to conduct surveys on private land without a landowner's permission.
The New York State Society of CPA's (NYSSCPA) Foundation for Accounting Education (FAE) announced on Monday that they will sponsor two conferences this month financial and business industry.

10/25 - The SEC Conference, 8:55 a.m.  5 p.m., 14 Wall Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY  Addresses the newest developments affecting SEC financial reporting matters, SEC comment letter trends, and non-GAAP financial measures. Key speakers include:

Craig Olinger  Deputy chief accountant of the SECs Division of Corporation Finance

Cullen Walsh  Assistant director, FASB

Claudius Modesti  Director, Enforcement and Investigations, PCAOB

10/27 - The Anti-Money Laundering Conference, 8:30 a.m.  5 p.m., Citi Executive Center, 153 E. 53 Street, 14th Floor, New York, NY  CPAs, attorneys, internal auditors, bankers, and other professionals will learn about evolving anti-money laundering compliance and regulatory issues, including the IRS efforts to combat international money laundering and the U.S. Treasurys recent efforts to enhance transparency.

Speakers include:

Richard Weber  Chief of Criminal Investigations for the IRS

Sean OMalley  VP and deputy chief investigator for enforcement, Federal Reserve Bank of New York

The Honorable Jed Rakoff  United States district judge, Southern District of New York

To register, head to NYSSCPA's site here, or call 800-537-3635.
Taxpayers cant fill their own teeth or cut their own hair, yet in recent years at least some 30 million Americans filed their tax returns from home computers, an increasing trend.

Earlier this year a GoBankingRates survey revealed that 43 percent of Americans now file taxes from the comfort of their home.

A digital tax-prep tool is the most popular option among tax filers, with more than a third  of survey respondents saying this is the method they use, surveyors reported. Tax-filing software is a popular option most likely due to the lower costs associated with filing digitally, as well as the ease of using a program to automate calculations and file online. Only 28.5 percent of respondents said an accountant files their taxes.

Theres been a DIY trend in many industries because people are trying to conserve money, admitted Enrolled Agent Jennifer Brown at Implex Tax & Accounting in Clearfield, Utah.

That supposed ease of use seems to motivate many self-filers. Many people who self-file believe they can buy software and it will automatically prepare a correct return, says G. Faith Owens, an EA at Grade A Business Services in Glendale, Ariz. And it will if that person has a clear understanding of their own source documents, accounting and the question presented on the screen.

Have you ever sat down and seen how long it takes people to use software such as TurboTax? said Michael Deininger of Deininger & Co. in Kenosha, Wis. A return that I could have input, printed and e-filed in five minutes [can take] 90 minutes to complete on TurboTax, and then you cant see the completed return until you e-file. I dont see self-filing cutting into my business, but I charge a minimum of $250 a return so I can devote myself to my existing clients.

Not even close

The main reason I am concerned about the increase in self-filing is that they are wrong wrong wrong! said Terri Ryman, an EA at Southwest Tax & Accounting in Elkhart, Kansas. I cant imagine how much money the IRS is unable to collect because of the antics of self-filers. They post on the wrong forms and lines, dont pay SE tax when required [and] take ridiculous deductions that are not even close to tax law.

Im concerned for those who self-file in that the code is getting so complex that theyll find themselves in situations of hearing from the IRS, said Twila Midwood, an EA at Advanced Tax Centre, in Rockledge, Fla. I am not concerned that it will cut into my practice. We may prepare fewer returns but may [also] find ourselves helping more taxpayers whove received correspondence from the IRS.

Representation work is proving just one of the unintentional benefits for preparers from self-filing. Although Ive had folks do their own returns in the last five to 10 years, Ryman said, inevitably they end up coming to me with the mandatory IRS letter, not understanding what they did wrong. And once burned, they usually end up using our services from then on.

EA John Dundon, of Taxpayer Advocacy Services in Englewood, Colorado, applauds and encourages DIY filers. More people doing their own income tax preparation, he said, means more audit and appeal representation work in the future for me.

Ryman noted that such added services as representation have reduced prep to only about 40 percent of her practice.

Show them the value

Brown sees a few varieties of DIY filers - and noted some ways to turn them into paying clients.

The changers come in whenever they have a change, see how we handle it and then go back to self-preparing, Brown said. If we build a good relationship with these clients, at some point theyll stop doing it themselves or theyll refer others that dont want to do [taxes] themselves.

Fixers are the ones that have us fix what theyve messed up, Brown added. They usually become great clients after their first IRS scare. The not a chancers would never consider doing it themselves.

Browns point? There are a lot of different types of clients out there. If we show them value in what we do and educate them on why they need us, we will always have enough clients.

Added Owens, I spend more time now educating my clients about their own errors after the fact then preventing the errors up front. Often, untangling those errors will require more work than to have prepared the return correctly in the beginning, so those self-filers are actually adding to my billable hours and bottom line.
Nineteen years ago, Vivek Bhargava, CEO, iProspect India, actualised his entrepreneurial edge by founding Communicate 2, which has today emerged to be one of Indias largest Search and Social Media Specialist organisations. In 2012, Communicate 2 was acquired by iProspect (Aegis Media), and today, iProspect Communicate 2 dominates performance-oriented digital advertising domain in India, helping digital agencies in Europe and the US to become more profitable and flexible by providing Search offshore services.

Bhargava has spent the last 19 years guiding the Digital Strategies of several blue chip clients. The company enjoys a 160+ client roster across different sectors, some marque brands include Myntra, Shopclues, Koovs, Raymond, Aegon Religare, American Express, Axis Bank, Bharti Axa, HDFC, ICICI, Kotak, Maxlife, Reliance General Insurance, Royal Sundaram, Yes Bank, Cleartrip, Club Mahindra, Thomas Cook, Apollo Hospitals, Remit2India. It is home to over 270 people across four offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi and Chennai, with a presence in over 50 locations worldwide.

In conversation with Adgully, Vivek Bhargava, CEO, iProspect India, speaks at length about the new equations emerging in the digital landscape in India, state of entrepreneurship in the country, programmatic buying and much more. Excerpts:

How does the digital landscape look like from where you are standing today?

The digital landscape is rapidly evolving  what was typically seen as just another medium of advertising and marketing, has today become the age we live in. Digital is playing the role of a catalyst and multiplier across every facet of an organisation. As we move forward, digital combined with innovative technologies is going to be a game changer, a single digital technology like artificial intelligence may disrupt almost every single industry we know of today. The biggest differentiator between earlier technologies and digital is the nature of exponential growth it enjoys, coupled with the connections between all the current exponential technologies. Like I always say, soon there will be only two types of CEOs  those using digital and those who have retired.

Your thoughts on turning investor/ mentor - what are the factors that will compel you to put in your money?

I have enjoyed the good fortune of having wonderful mentors and investors like Mr Sushil Jiwarajka, Mr Dev Raman and Mr Vallabh Bhansalibe a significant part of my entrepreneurial journey. They have not just supported me with financially, but also blessed me with their time and connections during my early days of entrepreneurship. I am a strong believer of Karma. And I think God has given me an excellent opportunity to give back to the world through my mentorship and investments in budding entrepreneurs who want to make a mark in the industry through their start-ups.

For me, the two major factors that play a role in deciding if I will go ahead and invest in a business are: 1) The size of the business opportunity that the entrepreneurial team is attempting to solve; and 2) The background, experience and capabilities of the founders. However, the most important criteria is whether I feel that I will truly be able to positively contribute towards the growth of their business. Unless, I feel that I can add real value to the success of their business and immense scope for the same exists, I would avoid making an investment.





How did you come to be associated with The Vault?

I was approached by Mr Jatin Goel, the promoter of the show, who took me through the concept in detail and urged me to come on board as an investor and mentor. I was quite hesitant to do so initially since I came with very little experience in angel investing. I still recollect him mentioning to me that he isnt necessarily looking for the wealthiest of people he can find as investors, but he would instead prefer the panel of investors to be those who can genuinely contribute towards the growth of these entrepreneurial businesses through their own expertise. As iProspect India, we have already achieved a scale where we are working only with large enterprises and enjoy a great market position today. The Vault now gives me a chance to go over and beyond, and contribute to the larger industry through my digital marketing expertise. It gives me a golden opportunity to mentor passionate budding entrepreneurs who will eventually move the world, but currently dont have the capacity to hire us professionally.

What are the factors that define and dominate the Indian entrepreneurship scene?

Entrepreneurship in India is currently going through a momentous transition. A few decades ago, entrepreneurship was limited to a few large families and individuals who ran very small businesses. Mothers would be proud if their children became doctors or engineers, had a stable job in hand with a good company and earned their monthly salary. A father would think twice before giving his daughters hand in marriage to an entrepreneur. This conventional mindset and long-standing scenario is fast evolving as the digital economy is progressively sculpting a new face of entrepreneurship. Im glad that almost 20 years back, I stuck my ground, believed in myself and started a company of my own. And today, Im proud of being a part of The Vault show, because it is platforms like these that truly celebrate entrepreneurship. I truly hope that we soon witness the day when a father would prefer to marry his daughter to an entrepreneur rather than a doctor or engineer.

How did you beat the odds when you started out? What were the biggest challenges that you had faced?

I dont think I really beat the odds, I learned how to instead survive the odds beating the hell out of me for 14 years. I started Communicate2 back in 1997 when digital was growing at a snails pace in India. In such an environment, the biggest challenge was for me to keep believing in myself, my passion and my vision. I owe a large part of my success today to the grit, determination and undying spirit that I demonstrated years back. Its easy to lose both focus and hope in such situations, whats important is to keep moving in the direction of your dreams and never give up.

I distinctly remember this one conversation that I had with my father that pretty much summarises my entrepreneurial journey. Ten years had passed and one day my father sat me down and said, Son, you leave for office daily at 7 am sharp, come back home not before 2 am. You work on the weekends too. Youre probably the most hard-working person in our entire family! I vividly recollect that feeling  I was so happy that my father was finally recognising the enormous efforts I was putting into my business. Alas! He carried on saying, Why do you then make the least amount of money in the entire family? At the rate of sounding melodramatic, my entire world came crashing down that instant. I can never forget what he once told me  Dont tell me about your labour pains, show me the baby! Not one to let go that easily, I did give him an answer at that point in time, When God gives you less brains, then you need to work harder. Also, most people chase monetary success so that they can be happy. For me, my success lies in what I do and the happiness it brings me, so I dont need to have an external monetary measure of success. However, those words of his echo in my mind till date.

What does it take to transform a digital media agency to a digital strategy consulting company?

The digital agencies and consulting companies are both going through an evolution. Digital agencies are great at rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty in execution of a given strategy, while consulting companies are better at creating a strategy blueprint of what an enterprise must do over the next five years. Both these areas need a transformation if they want to succeed in the digital age of today. The mantra here is to co-exist and ensure these functions are performed hand-in-hand, complementing each other. Consulting companies need to realise that a blueprint strategy can fails to work in isolation, especially in a world of exponential technologies. It runs a high risk of redundancy as by the time you complete the blue print, there will be a new industry concept which will make the blue print absolutely irrelevant. The digital age is all about taking a compass and starting to move towards a goal.

We started strategic consulting around two years ago. We have been able to deliver wonderful results as apart from drawing out just the overall strategies, we are like a Sherpa to our partners who walks with them and guides them every step of the way till they reach the summit. Our ability to immaculately execute the strategy for our clients gives us a huge competitive edge in the market.

What are the key hurdles facing the spread of programmatic advertising beyond digital?

According to me, the key hurdles are as follows.

The cost of infrastructure to make non-digital media programmatic is a concern. In many cases, it would take years to amortize this investment, so the risk takers here are far and few in between.

The lack of expertise in programmatic amongst the current stakeholders who manage the non-digital media space.

The measurement of conventional mediums is not precise in its current form. Programmatic would make all of them extremely measurable, which may not benefit the current eco-system.

Having stated the above, its only a matter of time before conventional media will go programmatic  some of the larger stakeholders of conventional media are already on the verge of being disrupted.

What are the elements of social media marketing that are yet to be explored?

I, in fact, believe that the internet itself is social media. Why would a reply all on an email not be considered as social media? All the exponential technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual and augmented reality are together set to transform the way we perceive and use social media or the internet. Infinite bandwidth, zero cost of energy, and endless computing power will create a world that one cant even imagine at the moment. The future of social media could well be the Matrix.

Dealing with creative challenges?

Well, for starters, most creative professionals come from the world of conventional media. A world where they had to interrupt the user from the content he or she was consuming, which demanded some clutter-breaking technique such as humour. Secondly, the nature of all advertising was one to million, where one had to communicate a single brand proposition to the larger audience, for example, Volvo stood for safety. Todays digital world allows one to one communication, wherein one can know the intent and psychographics of the user you are communicating with. Its important that conventional creative professionals adapt to the digital way of things and quickly so.

Creativity in the digital age is more about creating actionable insights from data. To cite a hypothetical example we found that if the number of items in a particular product category on e-commerce portal Koovs has less than 5 results, the conversion rate drops. In this situation, we can create a site scrapping software that pauses Google AdWords whenever inventory for particular products is low, while bid higher for categories which had larger inventory. In my eyes, this is a creative solution. However, most people in the conventional world may not be of the same opinion. Thus, creative is largely subjective as well.

Why does content marketing need stories, and how can these stories be made relevant for consumers?

Digital marketing is essentially made up of three pillars  paid, organic and social media. Content gives a multiplier effect to all of them, reduces the cost of media on paid, gives free organic traffic and lastly helps create more engagement on social. Its the innate nature of people to love stories, so stories need to be an integral part of content marketing. Today one can tap data from Google AdWords and social signals to decide what kind of content they need to create. Google is known as the database of intentions, while social media is known to be database of actions. If one knows what the world is thinking and what the world is doing, it is easy to create insights on the kind of content that will be consumed by these users.
The two largest retail players in the largely unorganised $12bn baby and kids market in India, FirstCry.com (BrainBees Solutions Pvt Ltd) and Mahindra Retail (BabyOye), have consolidated their business activities to create a dominant presence in this segment. The Board of Directors of the two companies at their respective meetings have approved this strategic move. In terms of the structure of the transaction, Mahindra Retail and FirstCry have consolidated their operations, with Mahindra Retail selling its Franchise business to FirstCry, and operating all company stores under a FirstCry master franchisee agreement.



FirstCry additionally raises US$ 34 million of new equity capital from the Mahindra Group, Adveq (a Large Pvt Equity Fund), Kris Gopalakrishnan and participation from all existing shareholders.



FirstCry has established itself as a leading player in Indias baby and kids market with a base of more than 3 million parents. It has followed an omni-channel strategy right from inception, having a presence on the web, on mobile and through physical stores that stand at 180 today.



Mahindra Retail has had a strong offline footprint with over 120 stores that are a combination of large format high street and Mall locations and hospital stores, operating under the BabyOye by Mahindra brand. Mahindra Retail has in January 2016 also finalised a preferred relationship with the world renowned brand Carters, to represent their apparel products in India.



This strategic consolidation of the industrys leading players, creates Indias clear, unrivalled and single most dominant presence in this category, in the combined offline Retail and Online environment. The merged entity will conduct its business under the brand name FirstCry.com- A FirstCry Mahindra Venture. FirstCry.com will have a parent base of over 4 million, a footprint of over 300 stores spread across 125 cities, thereby becoming the go-to destination for worldclass brands and products in the mom, baby & kids vertical.



FirstCry was founded by successful serial entrepreneur Supam Maheshwari, who had previously built and successfully sold Brainvisa Technologies. He will continue as the CEO of the combined entity FirstCry. Mahindra Retails team shall be actively involved in giving shape to and operationalising the consolidation, to ensure consumers and other stake holders see tangible benefits at the earliest.



Mr Anand Mahindra stated I believe that the future belongs to click and brick businesses, and that consolidation is the way to thrive and establish industry leadership. We, at the Mahindra Group, are therefore delighted to join hands with an innovative brand like FirstCry and with its CEO Mr Supam Maheshwari. I am optimistic that this consolidation of the strengths that both groups bring to the partnership will result in a winning proposition. We are hugely excited by the possibilities.



Supam had this to say. We are delighted to partner with a prestigious business house like Mahindra, both as a retail brand and as an investor. FirstCry.com has been at the heart of organising the huge baby and kids market in India. Our endeavour has been to provide Indian parents with world class brands and products, unparalleled customer service and convenience. FirstCry.com will help scale up the reach of this service and experience faster. Our partnership with the Mahindra Group will bring in synergies that will help us scale and achieve our profitability goal much faster. Together, we will continue to scout for more opportunities for inorganic growth.



The combined might of the two entities puts them far ahead of any competition in the space. As the single largest baby and kids player in India, FirstCry will now be able to increase its share of the parents wallet through its wider retail presence and collective merchandise of high quality private label brands. The combined merchandising and buying strength as well as the ability to serve consumers of both brands with an enhanced offering while at the same time offering the combined Franchisee partners the opportunity to participate in this exciting journey is very apparent and presents exciting possibilities for all stakeholders.



Sudhir Sethi, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of IDG Ventures India Advisors, said Behind the inspirational leadership of Supam, FirstCry will be the dominant force in the baby and kids products segment and scale-up as a world-class organization. This is one of the largest retail market segments where no brands dominate yet and this is the real opportunity to aggressively pursue for all of us. We are all excited to continue our support to FirstCry and delighted to partner with the Mahindra Group as we embark on the next phase of growth



Zhooben Bhiwandiwala, President, Mahindra Partners said Mahindra Retail is a key part of the diverse portfolio at Mahindra Partners. This strategic action sets the stage for significant value creation and the realization of huge synergy benefits across the business and all its stakeholders. It also reinforces our continued belief in the sector and we look forward with great optimism at the possibilities this presents



Prakash Wakankar, CEO of Mahindra Retail had this to add -The mother and child market presents a huge opportunity that both our organizations, over the past several years, have served admirably in their own and unique ways. We see this as a continuation of our mission to stand alongside all women as they begin this very special journey called motherhood. This coming together of Mahindra Retails unique merchandise, in-store experience and brand relationships with FirstCrys vast product range and online reach will not only bring substantial benefits to consumers but also create significant value for partners.
Borosil Glass Works, the premium glassware and microwavable kitchenware brands in India, has appointed Lodestar UM, which is part of media agency conglomerate IPG Mediabrands, as its media agency.

The well-known and iconic glassware company recently made a foray into the consumer products segment. In order to build its tableware vertical, the company recently bought the brand Larah and was looking to launch the brand nationally.

Our task was find ways in media to build strong imagery and sheen for Larah. We focused on the novelty seekers segment, who is the biggest influencers for women across India for the category, said Deepak Netram, Senior Vice President, Lodestar UM.

The campaign strategy includes high impact domination and multimedia strategy for Larah across television, cinema, content and on-ground activation. A high-decibel multi-media campaign was launched last month and it is one of the most visible campaigns of the ongoing festive season.

Rituraj Sharma, VP - Consumer Products, Borosil Glass Works, added here, It is impressive to see how Lodestar UM provides us most the optimal most strategic solutions. They have effectively used their proprietary strategic tools to reach out to the right target audience for us. It has given our campaign the right impact and huge visibility in the targeted markets.
Zenith, part of Publicis Media, has bagged the full range of media duties of Bombay Dyeing, which includes digital and social media. Bombay Dyeing is part of the Wadia Group of Companies established in 1879 and is among the oldest and most respected business houses across the country.

Commenting on the win, Tanmay Mohanty, Group CEO, Zenith said, Bombay Dyeing needs no introduction. It is more than a century old brand and one that has stood the test of time and successfully maintained the lead. They have experimented and innovated and stayed ahead of the curve. It is a great opportunity for us to put forward our strategic thinking, integrated solutions and drive on ROI for Bombay Dyeings investments. Indias retail industry is poised for significant growth and consumer sentiment is buoyant. It is opportune timing to be partnering with them.

On awarding the mandate to Zenith, Michael Nadar, Head of Marketing at Bombay Dyeing, said, We were looking for an agency that scores on both ambition and agility. An agency that gives quick turnaround and can pre-empt the changes ahead. Zenith understands the pulse of Indian consumers. Their passion for the job, innovative thinking and strong play in consumer insights, digital, technology, content and analytics makes them the right partner for us. We look forward to a long and fulfilling partnership with them.

Since its inception in 1879, the company has grown from textile manufacturer to leading retail brand and offers bed linens, bath linen and other home furnishings products, available across 230+ exclusive Bombay Dyeing retail stores and 4,000+ multi-brand stores.
New York Manufacturing Activity Unexpectedly Sees Continued Decline In October

(RTTNews) - Business activity in the New York manufacturing sector has unexpectedly seen a continued decline in the month of October, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Monday.

The New York Fed said its general business conditions index slid to a negative 6.8 in October from a negative 2.0 in September, with a negative reading indicating a contraction in activity.

The drop by the general business conditions index came as a surprise to economists, who had expected the index to rise to a positive 1.0.

While the new orders index rose to a negative 5.6 in October from a negative 7.5 in September, the negative reading indicated an ongoing drop in orders.

The shipments index climbed to a negative 0.6 in October from a negative 9.4 in September, suggesting that shipments were essentially flat.

The New York Fed said labor market conditions remained weak, although the number of employees index increased to a negative 4.7 in October from a negative 14.3 in September.

The report also said the prices paid index rose to 22.6 in October from 17.0 in September, while the prices received index climbed to 4.7 from 1.8.

Looking ahead, the New York Fed said the indexes for the six-month outlook suggested that respondents were more optimistic about future conditions. The index for future business conditions increased to 36.0 in October from 34.5 in September.

The Philadelphia Federal Reserve is scheduled to release its report on regional manufacturing activity on Thursday. The Philly Fed Index is expected to dip to 7.0 in October from 12.8 in September.

Copyright(c) 2022 RTTNews.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Global 50 law firm Goodwin announced today that Scott Lassman has joined the firms Washington, D.C. office as a partner in the Life Sciences Practice.

As the regulatory environment for life sciences companies continues to become even more intricate to navigate, Scotts particular focus on the regulation of drugs and biologics, from pharmaceutical lifecycle management to labeling and approval issues, will perfectly complement our multidisciplinary practice, said Mitchell Bloom, Chair of Goodwins Life Sciences Practice. Having a recognized leader in FDA regulation join our team strengthens our capabilities and international platform. We are delighted that Scott has chosen to join Goodwin.

With more than 25 years of experience, Lassman focuses on providing life cycle support to biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical technology companies at all stages of development. He has extensive experience counseling senior management on navigating the FDAs complex administrative processes and structures, including its dispute resolution and Citizen Petition processes, and has successfully obtained preliminary and permanent injunctive relief from the FDA in drug and device cases. Lassman routinely provides strategic advice on product approval and lifecycle management issues, including the Hatch-Waxman Act and biosimilars law, and also advises clients on corporate, licensing and intellectual property issues.

Lassman joins Goodwin from Kleinfeld, Kaplan & Becker, where he was a partner. He earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, his M.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and his B.A. (cum laude) from Yale University. Lassman is a member of the Maryland and District of Columbia Bar Associations.

Lassman can be reached at slassman@goodwinlaw.com or (202) 346-4134.

Goodwins Life Sciences Practice is among the leading practices in the United States, with more than 100 experienced life sciences lawyers. Its full-service team serves all legal needs of life sciences clients from corporate and partnering to intellectual property, regulatory and litigation. Goodwin was named U.S. News-Best Lawyers Law Firm of the Year in Biotechnology Law for three consecutive years (2013-2015). Clients include more than 400 private and public life sciences companies and their investors, from start-ups and Fortune 100 corporations to venture capital funds and investment banks.

About Goodwin

At Goodwin, we use law to achieve unprecedented results for our clients. Our 900 plus lawyers across the United States, Europe and Asia excel at complex transactions, high-stakes litigations and world-class advisory services in the financial, life sciences, private equity, real estate and technology industries. We partner with our clients to practice law with integrity, ingenuity, agility and ambition. To learn more, visit us at www.goodwinlaw.com and follow us on Twitter at @goodwinlaw and on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017006147/en/

Goodwin

Somna Maraj, 212-459-7212

smaraj@goodwinlaw.com
Regulatory News:

Ontex Group NV (Ontex) discloses the notifications of significant shareholdings that it has received according to the Belgian Law of 2 May 2007 on the disclosure of significant shareholdings in listed companies.

On 14 October 2016, Allianz Global Investors GmbH notified Ontex that it had, as a result of sales of shares, crossed below the threshold of 5.00% of the total number of voting rights in Ontex.

According to its obligation Ontex publishes the content of the notifications that it has received.

Date of Notification: 14 October 2016

Date Threshold Crossed: 11 October 2016

Threshold Crossed: 5.00%

Notification by:

Allianz Global Investors GmbH Bockenheimer Landstrae 42-44, D-60323 Frankfurt/M., Germany

Denominator on the date of notification: 74,861,108 shares

Voting rights and assimilated financial instruments:

Previous notification After the transaction # voting rights # voting rights % of voting rights Holders of voting rights Linked to securities Not linked to securities Linked to securities Not linked to securities Allianz Global Investors GmbH 3,876,537 3,267,061 4.36% Total 3,267,061 0 4.36% 0.00%

Other Remarks:

Allianz Global Investors GmbH is a German investment management company. Its core business is the establishment and portfolio management of investment funds domiciled in Germany, Luxembourg, France, Italy, the UK and Ireland. Allianz Global Investors GmbH is entitled to execute the voting rights by proxy (since the foundation of the funds). Additionally, Allianz Global Investors GmbH is mandated in several cases to manage individual asset portfolios for clients on a contractual basis (incl. fund mandates, under which Allianz Global Investors GmbH is the portfolio manager of funds established by other investment companies); under such contracts Allianz Global Investors GmbH is entitled to execute the voting rights of shares held in such asset portfolios. Allianz SE and all other holding companies between Allianz SE and Allianz Global Investors GmbH have been allowed to disaggregate their holdings of their 4 subsidiary, Allianz Global Investors GmbH, in accordance with art. 11,  2 of the law of 2 May 2007 and art. 21 of the royal decree of 14 February 2008. Allianz Global Investors GmbH can exercise the voting rights at its discretion in the absence of specific instructions.

Notifications of significant shareholdings to be made according to the Law of 2 May 2007 should be sent to: investorrelations@ontexglobal.com

This notification will be posted on: http://www.ontexglobal.com/press-room

About Ontex

Ontex is a leading producer of disposable personal hygiene products, ranging from baby diapers to products for feminine hygiene and adult incontinence. Ontexs products are distributed in more than 110 countries through Ontex brands as well as leading retailer brands. The group employs over 7,000 staff and has a presence in 23 countries. Ontex is listed on Euronext Brussels and is part of the BEL20 index.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005998/en/

INVESTOR ENQUIRIES

Philip Ludwig

+32 53 333 730

investorrelations@ontexglobal.com

or

PRESS ENQUIRIES

Gaelle Vilatte

+32 53 333 708

gaelle.vilatte@ontexglobal.com
HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In advance of the November 8 general election, Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortes hosted an election preparedness meeting with county election officials and representatives from the presidential campaigns, state political parties, legislative campaign committees and voter advocacy groups.

The meeting, held October 14 in Harrisburg, highlighted guidance regarding conduct at the polling place, as well as the proper processes for addressing issues that may arise on Election Day.

"At the Department of State, our chief goal is to ensure that Pennsylvania has a fair, secure and smooth election on November 8," Secretary Cortes said. "This meeting provided those involved in the process an opportunity to receive information directly from those of us in the state that administer the electoral process."

Invited to the meeting were officials representing:

The presidential campaigns

Statewide parties that have nominated presidential candidates  Democratic, Republican, Constitution, Green and Libertarian

House and Senate Democratic and Republican campaign committees

Association of Eastern PA County Elections Personnel

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights

League of Women Voters of PA

Pennsylvania Voice

County Commissioners Association of PA

Office of the Philadelphia City Commissioners

Department of State and county personnel provided an overview of guidance addressing various topics, including: individuals permitted inside the polling place, poll watcher rules, voter challenge procedures and voter intimidation. Provisional ballot procedures, common scenarios that occur on Election Day and the proper response were also discussed.

Representatives of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts joined Department staff in outlining the protocols for addressing Election Day issues and, if necessary, reporting them to the appropriate county or state offices.

The Department of State also reviewed the Commonwealth's security preparations. Pennsylvania is recognized as a leader in cybersecurity among the states and is working closely with local, state and federal partners to safeguard the integrity of the General Election.

MEDIA CONTACT: Wanda Murren, (717) 783-1621

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pennsylvania-department-of-state-and-county-officials-review-preparations-and-polling-place-protocols-with-election-principals-300345878.html

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State
In this day and age, hackers and scammers are finding new ways to exploit unsuspecting victims using various illegal cyber techniques.Internet crimes like phishing, spamming, cyber terrorism, cyber bullying, online identity theft and cyber stalking have been constant concerns on the Defense Departments agenda.Another dangerous cyber concern is sextortion, which generally refers to using sexual images (obtained either through enticement or malicious code) in order to extort money from unsuspecting military and civilian victims."Sextortion, or cybersex extortion, refers to a cybercrime of using sexual images or videos in order to extort money from victims, said Scott Mills, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 223 commander. Sextortion cases are on the rise worldwide and there have been reports of DOD personnel being targeted. Internet sites such as Facebook and dating sites have been used to target individuals.The Justice and State Departments identified online dating and romance scams as a significant concern to all U.S. citizens.The majority of victims are young men  or in the case of the military, junior enlisted service members  who are away from home and maintain an active online footprint that includes publicly viewable profile information.According to a previously published Air Force Office of Special Investigations report on sextortion, it is not known how many DOD personnel have been victimized by this type of scam, though in November 2012, the security team for Facebook identified a major sextortion ring operating out of the Philippines.The ring, involving 21 employees of a Philippines-based web portal solutions company, reportedly targeted hundreds of U.S. Army and Navy members for a period of more than a year.The numbers have grown since it was first brought to the agencys attention."While there are almost certainly more Air Force victims of sextortion, Mills said. AFOSI has documented approximately 40 victims of sextortion in the past three years, totaling approximately $14,000 in losses."DOD members could pose a target for online criminals because they may be perceived as more vulnerable to blackmail and extortion.The DOD and the Air Force have online computer-based training that focus on cybersecurity and AFOSI created a cybersecurity sextortion pamphlet to address the dangers of sextortion, how to identify sextortion and how to report it, said Linda Card, an Air Force Office of Special Investigations spokesperson.All DOD members should be vigilant in protecting their personal information and limit what information they divulge on social networking sites.If you or someone you know identifies suspicious activity or is being targeted, cease all communication with the individual and contact your command and your local AFOSI detachment. You may also call the AFOSI hotline at 1-877-246-1453.Additionally, victims of these scams can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center , a joint task force established between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center, at www.IC3.gov
US provides initial critical aid in Haiti

Since arriving Oct. 5, U.S. service members assigned to Joint Task Force Matthew have been operating around the clock, providing aid to citizens of western Haiti.



The team has been conducting 24-hour operations at the request of Haitis government to support the U.S. Agency for International Developments disaster relief efforts in the critical early stages of the response.



USAID requested the unique capabilities of the military because we needed to transport critically needed relief supplies to the affected areas, said Tim Callaghan, the leader of the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team. Because of the airlift they provided, we were able to move food, water and other supplies -- things that helped save lives -- to communities that needed it most.



U.S. Southern Command established JTF Matthew under the command of Navy Rear Adm. Cedric Pringle, the deputy director of Joint Interagency Task Force South, to oversee U.S. military efforts in Haiti. To date the JTF has moved more than 480 metric tons of relief supplies to Haitians whose communities were devastated by Hurricane Matthew on Oct. 4 causing more than 1,000 deaths.



This is an opportunity to make a difference for someone else, Pringle said.



The task force is comprised of more than 400 military members and 20 aircraft, utilizing assets from all four branches of the military and the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure aid reaches those in need. Supplies such as rice, cooking oil, hygiene kits and medical supplies arrive to an aerial port established by 134 Airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing based out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.



We brought the newly formed Contingency Response Group-Rapid Port Opening Element-Defense Logistics Agency team into an operation for the first time, and we had the right team to make it work, said Air Force Col. Leslie Maher, the JTF Port Opening commander. We have been thrilled with the group we have here. From the logistical side of the operation we have been the glue to make things happen.



The supplies are accounted for and loaded for transport to communities in need. Due to the remote geography of Haitis Tiburon Peninsula, the materials are loaded into Army CH-47F Chinook, UH-60 Black Hawk, and Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters for delivery.



The amount of time, effort and planning that these guys put into this relief operation is astonishing, said Navy Cmdr. Reggie E. Johnson, the JTF Matthew Future Operations officer. They are truly making a difference for the people of Haiti who were most impacted -- it was a rapid response with results.



The task force will continue to support USAID as necessary.


In a recent survey it was clearly vindicated that BJP is likely to win nearly 190 seats in UP and that will be a significant achievement if they manage to garner so many seats. It will upset the applecart as the regional parties are looking for an opening to get the top position. Once again, Congress is relegated to fourth spot as per the study. This is the right time for BJP to plunge into action. In an indication that the surgical strikes across LoC will be part of the partys campaign, the Defence Minister will address a few public meetings. After Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Lucknow for Vijayadashami, the BJP is planning road shows and yatras across Uttar Pradesh in the run-up to the Assembly elections. In an indication that the recent surgical strikes across the Line of Control will be part of the partys campaign, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, a Rajya Sabha member from the State, will address a few public meetings. A good beginning in campaigning in UP will take BJP to achieve significant success this time,

Muringatherry Jayanthi

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
At least 25 inmates died on Sunday in clashes between two rival factions in a prison in far northern Brazil, local media reported citing police.

Seven of the dead were beheaded and six burned to death in fighting at a prison in Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima state, the news site G1 reported, citing local police.

The bloodshed began when inmates of one wing of the Agricola de Monte Cristo prison broke into another wing.

Inmates were armed with knives and wooden clubs, an inmates wife who was in the prison when the riot broke out told G1.

Roraima state Secretary of Justice Uziel Castro said that the fight erupted during visiting hours, and some 100 relatives of inmates were briefly held hostage.

The rioters demanded that a judge come to hear their demands. Instead Special Operations Police stormed the prison, released the hostages and regained control of the site by sundown.

All the hostages were released, Castro said, adding that most of them were women.

The prison, some 3,400 kilometers northwest of Rio de Janeiro, is in a state that borders Venezuela.
Britain and the United States said they were considering imposing additional sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his supporters for their actions in Syrias war.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, speaking after briefing allies in London on a new diplomatic initiative on Syria, also called on Russia and Iran to agree to a new ceasefire.

The threat of more sanctions on Syria came before a European Union summit on Thursday and Friday to discuss sanctions against Russia.

Theres a lot of measures were proposing to do with extra sanctions on the Syrian regime and their supporters, measures to bring those responsible for war crimes to the International Criminal Court, Johnson told reporters after talks he convened with his U.S counterpart and allies on Syria.

These things will eventually come to bite the perpetrators of these crimes and they should think about it now, said Johnson, adding there was no appetite in Europe for going to war in Syria.

He said it was highly dubious that Syrian government forces backed by Russia were capable of retaking the city of Aleppo or winning the war, and called on Russia and Iran to show leadership by agreeing to a ceasefire.

It is up to them to show mercy, show mercy to those people in that city and get the ceasefire going, he added.

He spoke alongside Kerry, who briefed European and other allies on a new diplomatic initiative involving Russia and a group of Middle Eastern nations aimed at ending the fighting in Syria. The first round of talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne failed to agree on a strategy for ending the violence soon.

Kerry confirmed the U.S. was considering additional sanctions over Syria, but did not name Russia as a target.

Western powers have accused Russia and Syria of committing atrocities by bombing hospitals, killing civilians and preventing medical evacuations, as well as targeting an aid convoy with the loss of around 20 lives.

Syria and Russia say they are only targeting militants in Aleppo and accuse the United States of breaking the ceasefire by bombing scores of Syrian troops fighting Islamic State insurgents, over which the United States has expressed regret.
An iconic Pakistani film that featured Indian artistes has been dropped from the programme of the MAMI festival that starts in Mumbai this week, after a group threatened to disrupt the screening in the middle of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the Uri terror attack in which 19 soldiers were killed.

Organisers of the MAMI or Mumbai Academy of Moving Image festival said on Monday that they would not show the 1959 classic Jago Hua Savera (The Day Shall Dawn) following a complaint from an Indian NGO called Sangharsh.

The film, co-produced before the creation of a separate Bangladesh, was Pakistans official entry for the Oscars in 1960. The black-and-white film depicts life in a small fishing village where everyone dreams of owning their own boat. Shot in Dhaka, it starred Bengali theatre actor Tripti Mitra.

Sangharsh says it is inappropriate to show the film at present.

Given the current situation, the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star has decided not to programme Jago Hua Savera as part of the Restored Classics Section, organisers of the festival said in a statement.

The move comes after a group of Indian cinemas said last week that they would not screen any films featuring Pakistani artists in protest against the Uri attack. The decision by the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association (COEA) applies to single screen cinemas in four states and is likely to affect the release of movies Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Dear Zindagi and Raees.

Some groups have demanded that Pakistani actor Fawad Khan be dropped from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Karan Johars big ticket romantic drama. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena of Raj Thackeray has threatened to stall the October 28 release of the movie.

India blames Pakistan for the Uri attack on September 18 which saw the Indian army respond with surgical strikes targeting terror staging areas in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association, which represents a number of Hindi film industry employees, passed a motion recently banning Pakistani artists until relations between New Delhi and Islamabad improve.
Giving credit to the teachings of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said Monday that a Prime Minister from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and a defence minister from Goa were a different kind-of combination that backed the Indian Army in carrying out surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC).

A prime minister who hails from Mahatma Gandhis land, a defence minister from Goa, and surgical strikes its quite a different kind of combination, may be the RSS teachings were the common core, Parrikar said at the Know Your Army event organised at the Nirma University campus.

Violations are regularly taking place for the last five-six years, you can take out figures. But the only thing that has changed now is that we are giving effective reply, he said.

To a question on security lapses, Mr. Parrikar said, When you are doing things and if there are lapses in it, then mistakes should be rectified.

Surgical strikes, he said, have increased the sensitivity among Indians regarding national security in a very effective way. From the day of strike till today some politicians are seeking proof, Mr. Parrikar said without taking any names.

When Indian Army says something we should believe it. It (Army) is worlds best, professional, brave and having a very high integrity. I do not feel that anybody will seek proof from them (Army) here in Ahmedabad, Mr. Parrikar said.

Congress hit out at Parrikar for giving credit to RSS. Defence Minister is quick to credit the RSS for ops along LoC. This leads to two inescapable conclusions, partys national spokesperson Manish Tewari said.

He also flayed Parrikar by calling him a national embarrassment and claimed the former Goa Chief Minister doesnt deserve to be the Defence Minister.

Then they blame others for politicising the operations along the LoC. We would like to ask BJP and Defence Minister, did PM Lal Bahadur Shastri go to an RSS shakha? Did defence minister Yashwantrao Chavan go to an RSS shakha? Did PM Mrs Indira Gandhi go to a shakha? Did defence minister Jagjivan Ram go to a shakha? Did Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw go to a shakha? Did General JS Arora go to a shakha? What kind of a Defence Minister do we have? he asked.
Why did Vishnu Sawra distribute rain coats to tribal children at a time when monsoon season has ended asks Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil.



Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and other social activists expressed their displeasure over Tribal Welfare Minister Vishnu Sawras decision to distribute rain coats to children after the end of monsoon season. Patil said that instead of addressing the issue of tribal childrens death due to malnutrition deaths Sawra is distributing freebies to lure voters ahead of the Muncipal Corporation and zilla elections. When children had demanded sweaters from Sawra as winter season is just round the corner he replied that monsoon season is not over yet. On the other hand, the Meteorological department has already announced that monsoon has withdrawn from the state.

Vikhe-Patil Patil said, What is the need of rain coats at a time when monsoon has ended? These rain coats definitely wont be useful for children this year as rainy season has come to an end. Already the Dussehra festival has concluded. Sawra must be honoured for distributing rain coats to children nine months ahead of the next monsoon season. We are planning to honour him in the forthcoming winter session of state assembly.

If Sawra is an expert in predicting about monsoon season then he must quit the Tribal Welfare department and join the meteorological department. Anyways Sawra has already received flak for his inability to address the malnourishment issue, he added.

AAP leader and social activist Ravi Srivastava said, Mr Sawra has indulged in a stupid act. Pankaja Munde too is responsible for malnutrition deaths of tribal children. She should have looked into this matter. Both leaders should work for the welfare of tribals.

Senior Advocate and social activist Abha Singh said, Why did Mr Sawra distribute rain coats when rainy season has come to an end? Instead he could have provided food and medicines to tribal children.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said, What is the need for distributing rain coats when rainy season has ended. Through this act he is only trying to garner publicity.

While donating raincoats Sawra had worn black googles to prevent heat exhaustion. However, he has turned a blind eye towards the problem faced by tribal children which is unjustified.

Last month, Sawra had received flak for making irresponsible comments after the death of tribal children in Palghar district. He had faced the anger of a tribal woman whose two-year-old son died two months ago apparently due to severe malnutrition in Palghar district, the video of which went viral on social media.

Earlier Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil had castigated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for his inability to sack Vishnu Sawra despite the Bombay High Courts observations regarding the governments handling of malnutrition and infant deaths.
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]ost of the land grabbers in Mumbai are either gangsters hencemen or local politicians irrespective of political parties. Earlier, Dawood Ibrahim, Arun Gawlis henchmen and Shiv Sena, Congress and NCPs goons were land mafia in this metropolitan city. Now, 90 per cent of the land mafias are BJP supporters. There are some big names but the fact is that these dadas are affiliated to some or the other political party. Mumbai is always ruled by the Khakhi- Khadi and underworld dons. RTI activist are getting brutally murdered doesnt surprise me too much, but those who are alive are courageous entities.

On Saturday, a 72-year-old Right to Information activist Bhupendra Vira was killed in Santacruz by a man who barged into his home, held a gun to his head and fired. A former corporator of the Congress and his son have been arrested. The activist had reportedly told his wife to keep the front door open. Vira had led a campaign against land grabbing and illegal constructions in his colony. Based on his familys complaint, the police filed a case against Razzaq Khan, a former corporator with whom the activist allegedly had many confrontations. Mr. Vira was murdered because of his relentless fight against illegal land dealings. He was attached to the Voice of Kalina, a citizens group.

Many activists like Govind Pansare, Narendra Dabholkar and MM Kalburgi were murdered in the recent past. Pansare, a left-wing politician and author, was shot on February 16, 2015, by assailants in Kolhapur in Maharashtra. He succumbed to his injuries five days later. Dabholkar, a rationalist and author, was killed on August 20, 2013, in Pune. Kannada writer Kalburgi was shot dead on August 30, 2015, in Dharwad district of Karnataka.

Veteran Left leader Govind Pansare and his wife were shot at near their home in Kolhapur district. The 82-year-old lawyer, a known anti-toll tax campaigner, was on a morning walk with his wife Uma when at around 8 am, unknown attackers fired at them. The shooters reportedly fired at least four rounds at close range before running away. Pansare further forced the state government to pass the Anti-Superstition Bill in the assembly and implement it.

Pansare, a communist leader, has fought for years against the state governments decision to charge citizens for road development. Tolls are indirect taxation. This mode is adopted when the direct taxation is not comprehensive and many people are outside the direct tax net. What can be done is that if one has paid a certain amount as direct taxes, the tolls can be exempted for that person. However, this will require a lot of technology to be put in place to track ones direct taxes paid every year and issue him a card that can be swiped at toll plazas to exempt him from the toll. Pansare was building a pressure on government against these toll mafias.

In the similar manner, Dabholkar, an anti-superstition activist, was shot dead in August, 2013, while he was on a morning walk near his house in Pune. The Maharashtra government had announced a reward of Rs. 10 lakh for information on his killers. His murder comes days after the Maharashtra government assured introduction of the Anti Superstition Bill even as Right Wing groups continued to oppose the bill. A staunch fighter for the cause of eradication of inhuman rituals and superstitions, Dabholkar was also in the forefront of the campaign to persuade Maharashtra government to pass an Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Bill.

In 2010, RTI activist Satish Shetty was also killed while he was out on his morning stroll. He was allegedly stabbed by several people. Popularly known as Satish, he was a social activist, noted for exposing many land scams in Maharashtra especially in Pune. He had used the Right to Information Act to expose irregularities in Government offices. He was killed on 13 January 2010, by unknown attackers in Talegaon. Shetty had used the RTI Act to expose large scale land scams involving the leading real estate firm IRB Infrastructure and its subsidiary Aryan. In 2009, he filed a complaint that forged documents had been used by these firms to acquire large swathes of land in the Taje and Pimploli villages off the Pune-Mumbai highway. After investigations, 90 sale deeds were cancelled. After this episode, Shetty started getting threat calls. In November 2009, he filed a request with the Pune rural police seeking protection. In the request, he said that he had been receiving threats. In January 2010, Shetty was stabbed by several people while he was at a kiosk reading a paper after his morning walk.

The attack on Pansare is the third in this pattern and I am sure this would also be open and shut case like the other two. Toll Mafias are powerful than Maharashtra Government, Judiciary and law enforcement agencies. All the toll-ways (highways) are not maintained at all. We are suffering jarring journeys. Toll is highly unpopular and anti-people. Only the contractors are benefited. It is the biggest example of Politician-Official-Contractor nexus. It is a wakeup call all the governments that only the middle men stand to benefit. Many leaders across political parties have indirect business interest in Road Construction and Infrastructure through Sub-contracts with Toll Mafia. Only Raj Thackeray and his MNS taught lesson to them and there on tamed down after election results. There was debate and discussion around the country about tolerance and in tolerance but so far no one is caught and government is not willing to probe these murders further and find out who killed them and what was the motive? Until this covert solved, the question will always remain who killed these activists and why?

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)








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Arguably, upon hearing that a father was abusing and neglecting their Mom, most daughters would try to somewhat get the abuse to stop. Who would want their own Mom to be subjected to emotional, psychological abuse... right? But, apparently, this was not the approach taken by Marcella Carby-Samuels who was selected by Lund University to be enrolled in one of their supposedly socially progressive oriented PhD programmes.



When Marcella was informed of the abuse, she simply elected to contact Horace Carby-Samuels, her father to further show her support for him through both email and phone contacting. She didn't miss any opportunity to stroke his ego. Marcella seemed to think whatever abuse her Mom she got, she deserved it. Indeed, Marcella who is quite a big, powerful lady had been known to abuse her own husband to tears in her spates of rage that she would go it. Men too can be the victim of spousal abuse, but the men are usually too embarrassed to report it.



Horace would show emails from Marcella to Dezrin Carby-Samuels and in not one of these emails Marcella didn't even acknowledge her Mom's existence -- she sent no love or any other message for that matter which too was very upsetting to Raymond This made Dezrin very tearful. Dezrin once remarked that she had no more tears left to cry.



When Raymond, her bother, tried to help his Mom in the total absence of any daughter's support for Dezrin, do you know what Marcella did?



On 8 January 2015, Marcella began to mastermind an apparent plan. She began calling the Ottawa Police against her brother, and began to urge to her father that he do the same. She in collusion with her father hatched a story that Raymond suffers from mental illness and he ought not to be listened to.



In one of these episodes of public mischief, while Raymond dutifully cooked for his Mom and everyone who came in late  Marcella was visiting from Lund in Sweden  in a spate of jealously, Marcella became enraged, called the cops. She made up some lie that her brother was causing a domestic dispute.



Dezrin was so shocked thinking that she was going to have a relaxing evening eating a meal that she did not have to prepare, begged and begged Marcella not to call the police. As Dezrin trembled, Marcella looked her Mom right in the eye, and called the police anyway without a care in the world at how it would effect either Dezrin or her brother who has been previously subject to racial profiling by the police.



That's the kind of person who Marcella is. She'll smile effervescently when she thinks its expedient while pursuing apparent campaigns of deception that all appear to be linked with some kind of financial reward; and how can someone who shows such ruthlessness to the very person that brought them into this world be trusted by anyone at any level?



Marcella a few weeks after hired an apparent dirty cop named Robert Griffin Jr who after a series of fabricated calls engineered by Marcella to the Police eventually got Raymond barred from seeing his own Mother at her home in late April 2015 on the fabricated pretext of Marcella's lies.



Raymond has only seen his Mother once since that time and that was on 12 June 2015 thanks again to Marcella's efforts to make up lies in her campaign to fabricate reasons to get Raymond thrown in jail. Marcella had sought to exploit anti-black male racism in the Ottawa Police and use it to her advantage.



Having been separated from Dezrin's primary care giver, who had been Raymond, who also had been protecting his Mom from being abused, Dezrin lost the ability to talk, write and walk. One doctor said that the trauma of the separation and the worsening abuse at the hands of Horace were responsible for Dezrin's decline in health.



Marcella is no stranger to lies. That's how she got into Lund University in the first place. She used her maiden name to conceal the fact that she's married to David Tenenbaum, who was quietly manipulating her PhD application pretending to be a dispassionate academic who was not connected to Marcella who is actually his wife!



Marcella who had been fond to laugh at the Swedes with her Swedish chef impersonations of a Muppet Show character [above video] used to laugh at how she was able to so easily deceive the Swedes and use her husband to further advance her PhD in the department toward an easy coronation. With David Tenenbaum manipulating the whole process with his wife, Marcella was a shoe-in to getting her PhD.



Did Marcella side with the father because she hope to protect her financial interests, since Horace had been controlling both his and his wife's money against Dezrin's better judgement? You be the judge. Notably, Marcella has only ever remembered her Mother's birthday once or twice at the age of 44. It is within this context that Marcella choose to throw her very own Mom in the hands of an abuser 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week from late April 2015. During that time, Horace blocked Dezrin from getting access to speech therapy that had been recommended by Dr. Lisa Fischer at the Bruyere Hospital and also blocked other social service access when Dezrin needed it the most, and all of this was willfully being executed under Marcella's macabre machinations.



At The Canadian for her "lovely" treatment of her Mom, we dedicate the song below to Marcella Carby-Samuels.



Marcella like former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi has had a very progressive smiling political face with a private life inflicting violence and deception.



The City of Ottawa had endorsed a Peace Vigil at Dezrin's residence at 30 Jarlan Terrace in Kanata, Ontario, where this once dedicated RN and outstanding member of the community has been made an essentially a prisoner of her own home. You can help by mailing flowers to Dezrin or singing the following petition - http://www.thepetitionsite.com/en-gb/takeaction/943/447/186/








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In the Jian Ghomeshi case, this former CBC radio host had faced criminal charges for having faced complaints on the abuse of women that he was dating. But what happens when violence and oppression is turned against your own Mom who is elderly? In this installment in our investigative series entitled 'The Anatomy of a Psychopath' we, at The Canadian, will further explore a disturbing story that has been ignored by every other Canadian media outlet because it does not involve reported abuse against sexy young white ladies but instead abuse against an elderly visible minority woman who had settled in after after migrating from Jamaica.



This is a story of abuse and betrayal of a very profound nature.



Raymond, her brother, was living with his elderly parents and had given up his pursuit of a PhD programme that he had been accepted for in Australia and had also made other sacrifices to take care of his parents. He was particularly devoted to his Mom and greatly admired her for having made great sacrifices for the family. She customarily put the interest of others over her own.



As we explored in previously published articles, Marcella and Horace, her abusive father, collaborated to concoct stories to the police that Raymond was suffering from mental illness in order to get his evicted.



It appears that Marcella began to see Raymond as an obstacle to her macabre financial plot, and sought to exploit anti-black male racism to hopefully ensure that Raymond would join other black males behind bars.



Marcella was beginning to get her wish when her brother was illegally evicted from his home at 2 AM around 18 April 2015 against Dezrin's wishes who had relied on Raymond for care giving and protection from her abusive husband.



Marcella's macabre plot was only beginning though.



Marcella Carby-Samuels hired a dirty cop name Detective Robert Griffin Jr in the Ottawa Police Services who ensured that evidence against the abuse of Dezrin was ignored by the police. This cop is as apparently without ethics and psychotic as any dirty cop you might have seen in a Hollywood movie.



Raymond hired a lawyer named Todd Ji who issued a demand letter that Raymond see his Mom which was eventually granted on 12 June 2015, when Raymond last saw his Mom on neutral ground at the Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Resource Centre.



But thanks to Marcella's efforts to deprive Dezrin of her care giver, and protector, she lost the ability to talk, write and walk. Raymond was shocked to see the condition of his Mom that day. Please see what Dezrin looked like when Raymond was looking after Dezrin, and what Dezrin looked like after she had been forcibly separated from his Mom in the photos attached with this article.



Raymond cried for three days almost straight after seeing his Mom was has hopeful at promises made by Ms Alison Timons of the Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Resource Centre that she and her assistant would be willing to testify in court that Horace in collusion with Marcella was blocking their access to Dezrin resulting in the condition in which she could no longer walk, talk or write.



Before Raymond realized that Detective Robert Griffin Jr was actually a dirty cop hired by Marcella, Raymond revealed this information to Mr. Griffin.



What happened next was yet again testimony to the apparent mind of Marcella Carby-Samuels and her apparent determination to destroy Dezrin and not have Raymond get in the way of her plan.



Marcella then got Detective Griffin to go to visit Ms Timons on 15 June 2015 to threaten Ms Timons and her staff to block all further contact with Raymond. Detective Griffin then began make threatening visits to Raymond that was accompanied by threatening phone calls and even text messages.



Mr. Griffin also told Raymond that if he continued to alert extended family members like cousin, aunts and uncles about what Marcella had been up to that he would charge Raymond for criminal harassment.



Raymond then asked this dirty cop if any other family member besides Marcella herself was complaining, and then he replied no.



Raymond knew that with the co-operation of doctors and speech therapists that he might be able to get her Mom's speech back, but Marcella who has been studying for her PhD in Sweden's Lund University, preferred to continue collude with her abusive father to make sure that Raymond would not get any more access to his Mother and supporter her father's continued abuse of her Mom.



In our next article, we explore how Marcella supported the use of her Mom as an apparent lab rat for her financially wealthy father-in-law, Dr. Jerry Tenenbaum who has been the subject of numerous complaints by his patients.








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The topic of people who identify as transgender has become increasingly popular within the past few years. In a 2011 report, the Williams Institute estimated that 0.3% of adults in the United States  more than 1 in 350  were transgender.1 As an automatic repercussion, there has been controversy around the everyday task of using the bathroom. As a society we flaunt how accepting we are towards this subject, but in reality when face-to-face we turn to discrimination. Transgender people want to be able to feel safe and comfortable in daily life, not be the victim of violence and abuse, and be accepted as part of and equal to the rest of society.

Many people have expressed their concerns and aggression about transgender women entering the womens bathroom and transgender males using the mens bathroom. Some people are closed-minded and do not see these people as the way they identify themselves. As a result, transgender people face extensive amounts of hate and abuse from carrying out a simple biological function.

These people are being oppressed, beaten and harassed, both physically and verbally, for expressing to the world their true identity. Structural violence is preventing these people from carrying out the basic biological function that is using the bathroom. I consider these events to be childish. I understand that it could be an uncomfortable experience for many people, but there are other ways to go about approaching this type of situation. If you happen to walk into a bathroom at the same time as a transgender person, you could very simply walk out and wait for them to finish. Another solution is using non-aggressive words to get your point across. They are regular human beings and want people to realize that and view them as part of society.

The rising concern around this issue also stems from the absence of validation that transgender people are who they say they are. I understand the uneasiness of transgender people using the same bathroom as others in this case because there is no way of verifying that these people are transgender or simply people trying to get in to the opposite sex bathroom.

The ideal solution was the introduction of transgender bathrooms. This would reduce violence and harassment towards them, and make them feel safe and comfortable in a daily activity, but it does not address the last aspect of how they want to be perceived; accepted as part of and equal to society. The ability to be acknowledged as an equal individual who belongs in society, in my opinion, is made worse. This adds to their already existing separation from society. It is dehumanizing knowing that you have to be separated from the rest of society in the simplest of functions because people are afraid and uncomfortable around you. Instead of completely segregating them, they should still be allowed in the bathrooms they identify as and make accommodations in the existing male and female bathrooms. I propose having half of the stalls dedicated to transgender people and the other half non-transgender people in the similar way that we have handicap stalls. The two different stalls would be separated by either a wall of sinks in order to prevent the issue of either group being able to see over or under stalls.

Social forces such as media are behind this controversial way of thinking and discriminating against these people. We tend to focus on what happened biologically that makes people feel they are born the wrong gender instead of understanding and then helping them feel more comfortable in their own skin. The government, which contains most power and therefore has more of an influence, should be working in favour of all of their citizens and not marginalizing some. To this end, the government of Canada has recently developed Bill C-279 which proposes the addition of gender identity as a prohibited ground of discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act and as an identifiable group in the criminal code definition of hate crimes. 2

Transgender issues are very common in modern days and we as a society must realize that in order to prevent them from being the subject of structural violence.

Written by: S. De Caro
The Strategic Case for a Safe Haven in Northern Iraq

As the battle for Mosul gets underway, a new consensus is emerging about what should come next: The creation of a safe haven for Iraq's three largest minority groups in the northern part of the country.

On Saturday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for the creation of a safe zone in the Sinjar District of Northern Iraq for Yazidis who have suffered genocide at the hands of the Islamic State. Famous Yazidi spokeswoman Nadia Murad, recent winner of the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize, immediately endorsed Merkel's statement on social media. Meanwhile, the Iraqi Turkmen community -- also victimized by ISIS -- is calling for an independent province in the nearby Tal Afar District. These efforts dovetail with current efforts by Assyrian Christians, with support from members of the United States Congress, to establish a multiethnic province on the Nineveh Plain northeast of Mosul.

The United States government, together with its global partners, should mobilize its political, economic and military assets in support of this project as it helps plan for a post-ISIS Iraq. By creating a contiguous safe haven that encompasses Sinjar, Tal Afar and the Nineveh Plain -- a safe haven that will transition to a self-administered province or series of provinces inside the federal Republic of Iraq -- the U.S. and its partners will fill the void left by ISIS with a positive model for local self-government that will help inform political transitions in other parts of Iraq, Syria and the wider Middle East.

The moral arguments for a minority safe haven are intuitive. Indigenous communities that withstood genocide should be protected as they return to their ancient homeland. They belong there. They want to stay. If we can help them, we should. "This safe haven is the last chance we have," said one Assyrian refugee, "or Christianity will be finished in Iraq."

But U.S. foreign policy rarely turns on moral arguments. Millions of people are suffering around the world, and we cannot help them all. Cases are triaged and attended to only when they fall within our strategic self-interest.

The question: Does the creation of a safe haven in Northern Iraq serve our interests? The answer: yes. The creation of a safe haven fulfills operational needs in the war against ISIS; it secures our current $9 billion investment in prosecuting that war; it strengthens and concretizes U.S. strategy during an exceptional moment of chaos and transition in the Middle East; and, in stabilizing Iraq, it helps stabilize the entire region.

Three specific interests will be highlighted here: territorial, political and geopolitical.

Territorial Interests

Creation of a safe haven will weaken ISIS and its offshoots; it will establish a zone of stability in a lawless region; and it will protect disputed lands against a post-ISIS vacuum.

Territorial stability is in America's self-interest. Failed states, lawless regions and ungoverned spaces are not.

ISIS was the first Islamic terrorist group to make the procurement of territory a core objective. Since then, it has turned its territory into a launching pad for nihilistic violence and tyranny to other parts of the world. While at first ISIS appeared little more than a "jayvee" outfit next to Al-Qaeda, its use of land and government ultimately made it far more dangerous. Territory, it turns out, matters a great deal.

The idea that grass and dirt should matter in our digital age seems old-fashioned. But space and geography still determine much in the course of human events; in military matters, they determine even more. ISIS cannot be defeated from the sky. It is a territorial force that can only be defeated by a territorial counter-force, and that counter-force must have mass and take up space.

Geography matters, but so do ideas. A genocidal ideology has found a territorial base in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. and its partners must seize and de-terrorize that territory, turning it into a safe haven for pluralism and freedom. As Chris Seiple, President Emeritus of the Institute for Global Engagement, has written:

A safe haven would ... "theo-graphically -- theology + geography -- delegitimize ISIS. Taking land that ISIS has declared a part of its "caliphate," and then using that land to protect those against whom ISIS had perpetrated genocide, would constitute a direct threat to the identity and theological purpose of ISIS.

In addition to military utility and psychological effect, territory also plays an important role in post-conflict reconstruction. Minorities deserve justice, but justice is impossible without some basis of order. Facilitating the return of Yazidis and Christians to their homes requires a zone of stability -- a structural framework that will give them the space they need to rebuild their communities. The creation of a safe haven will carve out that zone, conveying tangible benefits to genocide victims and everyone else living in the shadow of ISIS's former caliphate. In the chaotic maelstrom of today's Middle East, the importance of such a safe space cannot be overstated.

The creation of a safe haven will also assuage territorial tensions between the Central Government of Iraq and the regional government of Iraqi Kurdistan. Although the territories in question have belonged to Iraq since Iraq became a state, and have in a more significant way belonged to the ethno-religious communities who have lived there for centuries and millennia, the Kurdistan Regional Government has laid claim on them in recent years, causing a messy dispute that allowed ISIS to conquer the area with almost no opposition, as both the Iraqi Security Forces and the Kurdish peshmerga -- neither side feeling particularly responsible for it -- vacated their posts and left the unarmed minorities to fend for themselves.

For this reason, areas liberated from ISIS must not revert back to the vacuum-like status quo ante. Until the Baghdad-Erbil territorial dispute is adjudicated in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution, the U.S. has strong interests in protecting against a void where rights are claimed and duties are evaded. Only the minorities will suffer. Meanwhile, both Baghdad and Erbil have a vested interest in seeing this disputed area come under third-party administration for the time being, until arbitration is facilitated under the relevant Iraqi law.

Political Interests

The creation of a safe haven will help move Iraq toward greater federalism; it will allow minority communities greater political participation; it will diversify Iraq's political landscape and strengthen the cohesiveness of the country; and it will reinforce Iraqi military capabilities in the country's vulnerable northern reaches.

A cohesive and healthy Iraq is in America's self-interest. Yet the future of Iraq has been the subject of intense debate since the U.S. withdrawal in 2011. Given its checkered demography, Iraq seems resistant to any universal solution. In a classic 2009 Foreign Policy essay, Robert Kaplan called it the most "geographically illogical" state in the Fertile Crescent. But while Kaplan may be right, Iraq is hardly more illogical than other states nearby. And unless we are prepared to raze everything to the ground, it behooves us to preserve Iraq as a single, sovereign unit.

Many experts agree that the best solution for Iraq is a federal one: a broad decentralization of power from Baghdad to the regions, provinces and districts that make up the country, recognizing its underlying ethnic and religious diversity and empowering local communities to govern their own internal affairs. In the words of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, "If we dont decentralize, the country will disintegrate. To me, there are no limitations to decentralization."

Federalism is a fundamental principle that undergirds the entirety of Iraq's 2005 Constitution, and many of Iraq's current problems ultimately stem from a failure to put this federalism into practice. The state is simply too big and diverse to be managed from Baghdad. The creation of a safe haven in Northern Iraq will revive Iraq's constitutional commitment to federalism and spur new momentum toward similar devolution in other parts of the country.

But the creation of a safe haven is by itself not enough to ensure the survival of Iraq's minorities; next must come the transition of this safe haven into a province or series of provinces under the framework of the Iraqi government. Geographic empowerment must lead to political empowerment. Asking whether Christians or Yazidis can survive in Iraq is less useful than asking if they can flourish there, and flourishing means that they are in some sense masters of their own fate. Freedom to influence the political process is the best measuring stick for whether they have a real future in the country.

Notably, the Iraqi government is already moving in this direction. In late 2010, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said, "[T]here are areas where Christians are the majority in Iraq, and we do not oppose the formation of a province, especially in one of these areas, because local governance is one of the goals of the Iraqi parliament and constitution, which stipulate that Iraq is a federal democratic state." On Jan. 21, 2014, the Iraqi Council of Ministers agreed to turn the Nineveh Plain and Tal Afar, among other areas, into new provinces pursuant to the Iraqi Constitution -- a decision that was put on hold with the invasion of ISIS. The U.S. and its allies must vocally support the Iraqis as they resume their transition toward federalism and empower the country's minority communities for self-governance.

The creation of a self-governing province will give Iraq's minorities a legal basis for political participation, consolidate their collective voice, and offer them a measure of demographic security that will further encourage their success in Iraq's political system.

Greater participation of minorities will, in turn, help ease sectarian tensions in the country. The post-2003 political history of Iraq has been a tale of feuding Sunni and Shii Arabs and disinterested Kurds who seek their own benefit. Introducing a sizeable number of minorities into parliament -- Turkmen, Yazidis and Assyrians, among others -- will diversify opinions, break stalemates, infuse a new energy into Iraqi patriotism and create new opportunities for mediation. This broadening of the political discourse will serve to bind Iraq's human mosaic more firmly.

The safe haven will not only produce political benefits in Baghdad, it will also produce security benefits on Iraq's northern frontier. This rugged area is geographically and demographically remote from other parts of the country, and the reach of the central government has always been rather weak. Allowing minority communities to protect their homelands using local security forces with a national security mission will serve to reinforce the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces precisely where they need it most. Loyal to land and country, these minorities will ensure that Iraq's northern reaches are protected against foreign attack.

Geopolitical Interests

The creation of a safe haven will increase regional stability by blocking expansionist foreign powers; it will provide an example for other Middle Eastern countries moving toward federalism; and it will demonstrate in microcosm that coexistence and good governance is possible in the region.

Regional stability is in America's self-interest. Everyone agrees that ISIS must be destroyed, but ISIS is just one regional problem among many. The political map of the Middle East is in an unusual state of flux. National borders have broken down; non-state actors have proliferated; the Syrian civil war continues; Iranian paramilitary activity has reached an all-time high; Turkish forces have invaded both Syria and Iraq; Russia has intervened and plans to stay indefinitely; manned and unmanned aircraft fill the skies, dropping ordinance on civilians and combatants alike; ethnic and religious militias battle on the ground, taking and retaking cities in an endless cycle of violence. We find ourselves in a situation in which nothing is certain and U.S. influence is almost nonexistent. Regional instability seems likely to get worse.

Something needs to change. Unless the U.S. plans to relinquish all presence in the region, it must, together with its partners, establish a territorial zone of influence that cannot be challenged -- a beachhead that will serve to reassert American strength, protect returning minorities, and block expansionist powers like Iran and Turkey from infiltrating areas liberated from ISIS. The U.S. mission must be limited to assisting the Iraqi government by providing security inside the safe haven until 1) Iraqi Security Forces are sufficiently in control of Mosul and its environs, and 2) minorities are able to return and stand up their local security forces and self-governance systems. We must have a mission beyond defeating ISIS; otherwise our fight will have been in vain.

The creation of a safe haven should be viewed as part of a larger regional strategy focused on decentralization and empowering local communities. The old Middle Eastern order of highly centralized autocracies has collapsed. Governments no longer have the legitimacy or ability to control their diverse and restive populations. As states break apart, the region's "deep map" is exposed underneath: an organic arrangement of ethnic and religious blocs that have existed there for centuries. Moves to devolve power from repressive governments to these communities have increased since 2003, and today, forced by necessity after the Arab Spring, regional and global powers are beginning to see that this devolution is inevitable.

Federalism can save the Middle East. The same solution that will strengthen Iraq can also strengthen Iraq's neighbors. Federalism moors authority on more authentic and sustainable political structures close to the people, increasing accountability and good governance. Small is beautiful; small is meaningful. Intissar Kherigi, a Tunisian-British researcher, put it well:

By creating new regional and local elected bodies with a popular mandate to promote the interests of their region and directly accountable to their inhabitants, a counterbalancing force can emerge to challenge the existing system of regional inequalities and the policies and power structures that sustain it.

I recently described the need for U.S. policymakers to shift their thinking in this direction:

The fundamental disease of the Middle East is a crisis of identity coupled with bitterness toward the West and a paralyzing fear of rival communities. Contrary to popular conceptions, the Middle East is not a monolithic sea of Islam or a swarming hive of hostile Arabs. It is a mosaic of religions and denominations, languages and ethnicities, cultures and subcultures that have intermingled but remained disparate for thousands of years. America should seek to play upon this reality, not struggle against it. The problem with U.S. foreign policy is that it tries to make the region look like America: a multinational melting pot that transcends group identities for the sake of a greater good. A better policy would be to nudge the region toward the European model: a consortium of particularistic and self-interested nation-states that maintain their own ethnic and religious identities, perhaps under the banner of a larger transnational union. The American strategic vision, whatever its final form is, should work toward fostering a Middle East comprised of self-determining nation-states living in light of their heritage under the principles of freedom, coexistence and rule of law. The peaceful character of these states will derive not from autocracy and fear, but from the populations' shared sense of history and common vision for the future -- in other words, from their desire to act out their collective will as a people.

The U.S. has spent more than a decade calling for democracy in the Middle East, but what we really want is stability and liberty for the people who live there. More liberty is better than less liberty, and imperfect liberty is better than instability and chaos. Democracy is a process; liberty is the desired outcome. A stronger emphasis on liberty will prompt a more organic transition to free societies, and the best place to start is with the liberty of peoples who have suffered, collectively, under the boot of rival peoples.

A successful minority province in Northern Iraq will provide a tangible model for other states in the region looking to devolve power to the periphery. Syria, Lebanon and Libya are facing ethnic and religious conflict not unlike that of Iraq. Demonstrating the power of federalism to diminish conflict and restore order will be invaluable for guiding the necessary political transitions that lie ahead. If the U.S. has a strategy in the Middle East, federalism should be at the center of it.

Conclusion

The outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011 opened a rich public debate about American intervention in that country. Several senior scholars and officials went on record to support safe havens as the best way to repatriate refugees, provide humanitarian relief, and protect U.S. interests in any final peace agreement. Both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have tipped their hats toward safe havens at various times. The vice-presidential candidates have done the same. But for some reason, almost no one is discussing a safe haven in Iraq.

This silence is strange, given that Iraq suffers the same problems as Syria, but offers a much better chance of success. ISIS straddles both countries and Iraq faces chaos second only to that of Syria. Meanwhile, Iraq is free from the outsized influence of foreign powers like Russia and Hezbollah. Iraq maintains open lines of communication with Washington. Both the Iraqi Security Forces and Kurdish peshmerga are officially on our side, and local Assyrian and Yazidi forces are ready to fight for their homeland. Arguments against safe havens in Syria usually focus on the complex wartime environment. Iraq, though complex, is still open to American influence and offers a foothold that we don't have in Assad's backyard.

Make no mistake: This cannot be an American project. A solution cannot be imposed from the outside. The creation of the safe haven and subsequent self-administered province(s) must be done in coordination with the government of Iraq and governed by the minorities themselves.

However, to the extent that the U.S. retains strategic interests in the Middle East, and in Iraq specifically, this project lies squarely within them. It establishes a zone of territorial order, fortifies Iraq's political future, and helps stabilize a region threatening to spin out of control. It reasserts American leadership, checks the territorial ambitions of expansionist powers, and begins a long-overdue transition from autocratic to local and legitimate governance.

Liberating territory from ISIS is easy; planning for the stable future of that territory is something else entirely. Yet without such a plan, our efforts to defeat ISIS are in vain.

This is a plan that can work. It is discreet and achievable. It serves to reiterate our commitment to pluralism, freedom of conscience, and rule of law in a way that aligns with our strategic self-interest. Coincidentally, it's also what the genocide victims want and deserve.
October 16, 2016

On Oct. 16, a Palestinian Authority (PA) military court handed down a year-and-a-half jail sentence to Osama Mansour Abu Arab, a communications officer with the Palestinian security services in charge of public relations. Abu Arab, who served in the unit responsible for security coordination with Israel, received a quick court martial in Ramallah after he used his Facebook page to mock Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his decision to participate in the funeral of Israeli leader Shimon Peres.

You can visit the mother of Yasser Hamduna [convicted of murdering an Israeli in 2003], who died in Israeli custody [on Sept. 25], and ask her what she thinks [about your attending the funeral], Abu Arab wrote Sept. 30. He then went on to say that if Abbas made the decision to participate in the funeral on his own, he was wrong, and if he was following the suggestion of his advisers, he was misguided. There should be no personal or friendly relations with the occupier, as long as they continue with their arrogant policies against our people, Abu Arab asserted.

A few hours after Abu Arab's post appeared and became a hot topic in the PA, police showed up at his house to arrest him. Four days later, he was brought before a military court and sentenced. The severe sentence shocked not only Abu Arabs family, but the entire Palestinian community in the West Bank and caused a huge commotion on social networks. It was because of this public pressure that Abbas, who also serves as commander in chief of the Palestinian Security Services, decided to pardon Abu Arab, although he was not reinstated to his job.

The Abu Arab incident, as it is being called by Palestinian journalists in the West Bank, has shone a spotlight on the issue of freedom of expression, especially the persecution of journalists by the Palestinian security forces. Journalists are afraid to do their job, worried that they could be sent to jail if they dare to criticize the PA and its leader.

In a conversation with Al-Monitor, a few Palestinian journalists said that the Abu Arab incident has turned the situation they face into a public issue by highlighting the limitations imposed on freedom of the press, which they described as similar to those found under some of the most notorious regimes around the world. We may not be a dictatorship yet, but even the slightest word critical of the president or senior officers is likely to result in prison, one Palestinian journalist who works for a major media outlet told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. He said that two senior journalists were arrested earlier this month, because Abbas and his inner circle did not like what they had written.

The most senior journalist to be arrested to date is Riad Hassan, the former head of the PAs broadcasting authority and head of WAFA, the official PA news agency. Hassan published an article critical of the way the PA treats WAFA journalists working in southern Gaza. Hassan was fired after the article appeared and arrested a few days later. The cause given for his arrest was that evidence had allegedly been found linking him to corruption.

Palestinian journalists question the timing of the alleged corruption, as it was uncovered so quickly after Hassans article appeared. He was replaced by Fatah member Muhammad Asaf. Local reporters claim that Asaf was selected because he promised to remain loyal to the president and ensure that no one at the news agency criticized him.

Another arrest that sent shockwaves through the Palestinian journalist community was that of economics correspondent Mahmad Hadifa. Authorities detained him after he published a series of articles describing what really goes on in the PA Finance Ministry. His colleagues claim that all Hadifa did was publish the results of an investigation into the ministrys budget and that most of what he reported was based on reliable information from sources at the ministry.

Any criticism, even if it is based on fact and provides a huge public service to Palestinians, could end in arrest if the president or other senior PA officials dont like what is written, one veteran journalist told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. He added that the recent arrests serve as a warning signal, reminding journalists of what happens to anyone who fails to comply with the unwritten agreement with the authorities that nothing bad be said about the PA, especially about the person who heads it.

Another journalist in Ramallah who requested anonymity told Al-Monitor that over the years, journalists have learned to self-censor. Weve become the kind of journalists who simply submit reports [of events], he said, noting that freedom of expression around sensitive topics like those involving Abbas, senior officials, the Palestinian security forces and other official institutions could all end in arrest.

Another journalist from Ramallah told Al-Monitor that he and his fellow reporters used to be more daring about what they wrote on their Facebook pages. When they realized, however, that they were under constant scrutiny by the security forces' cyber unit, they abandoned even this method of expressing themselves. They know that freedom of expression is dangerous, and that they could be sent to prison for it.

We cant really speak of a free press, he said on condition of anonymity. As Palestinian journalists, we cannot fight corruption or critique the situation in the Palestinian Authority like journalists in the free world. We are under attack on a daily basis. We must always be extra careful. All it takes is one wrong word for someone to come knocking on the door.

Palestinian journalists report that there are some 2,500 West Bank members of the Journalists Union plus another 2,500 journalists who work as freelancers. The freelancers are called baatal al-digital (digital heroes), although they regret that they cannot afford to become actual heroes in their field.

One journalist summed up the situation, saying, For any of us to be brave when faced with the security forces listening in on us, following us and waiting for us to fall is not a smart move, nor is it heroic. It is sheer stupidity.
October 17, 2016

The school year in Libya usually starts the first week of September. Education in Libya is free of charge, and parents are legally required to keep their kids in school at least until they finish ninth grade. The school starting date is sometimes changed if it coincides with public holidays, such as religious or other national commemorations, but even then the delay is usually only for a couple of days.

This year, the start date for schools has been delayed three times for different reasons. The latest announcement from the Ministry of Education said that schools will open Oct. 24.

Even if that date materializes, not all schools will operate and not all children will attend classes in the violence-plagued, divided country, which has not witnessed a regular school year since the 2011 revolution that toppled the former regime and led the country into a total state of chaos and violence. Each year, school is delayed for a multitude of reasons, including the country's often being on a wartime footing and a lack of security and books.

One serious problem facing all Libyans in most cities is the lack of security, making schooling a difficult issue to tackle. Violence and inter-militia fighting could erupt at any time, as has been the case over the last few days when violence erupted in Tripoli because of a power struggle between different militias backing different political agendas. This situation is creating a difficult situation for parents, forcing them to either take their children to school themselves for safety reasons or to use costly private drivers, as public schools do not provide transportation for students.

The lack of functioning school buildings is also a problem. There has a been a depopulation of Sirte, once estimated to hold 100,000 people, as a result of the IS takeover of the city and military operations against Islamic State (IS) militants that started in the spring. Sirte residents who took refuge in other cities have not been allowed to go back home because IS is still there. Many of their children will not be able to attend school, even in relatively peaceful cities such as Bani Walid, which is now home to some 10,000 families from Sirte, simply because schools are overcrowded and many school premises are being used as shelters for displaced families.

In Benghazi, the capital of eastern Libya and the countrys second-largest city, more than half of the school buildings are not usable thanks to over two years of fighting between terrorist groups and the Libyan armed forces headed by Gen. Khalifa Hifter. Besides, schooling is hardly a priority for displaced families across Libya who can barely manage their daily errands.

To make things worse this year, school books are in short supply. Usually the curriculum books are supplied by the Ministry of Education free of charge for all students in all public schools. But this year, due to the lack of funds and political infighting, books are not available to all schools. In eastern Libya, for example, they have books, but they dont have school buildings; in the rest of the country, particularly in the western region, including Tripoli, books are in direly short supply. This is because the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord does not deal with the Tobruk-based government in eastern Libya  even in such an important matter like education.

The Ministry of Education in western Libya tried to come up with a solution by making all books available online for anyone wishing to download them, but there are various problems with this solution. A decreasing number of schools and people have internet access, and power shortages make such access even more difficult for those who have it in the first place.

This has paved the way for private schools to fill the gap for those who can afford it  and the majority of people cannot. So children will have to go without school or attend private classes where fees are astronomical this year. Private schools have already jumped on the opportunity to make money. Fees for one year average about 1,500 Libyan dinars (approximately $1,000), far beyond the means of the average Libyan family in a country where a lack of cash in the banks and sporadic violence make money hard to come by and prices go up by the month.

The irregular school year, as well as the lack of schools in some parts of Libya, prompted UNICEF to issue a statement Oct. 11 calling on all parties to the conflict in Libya to uphold their responsibilities and protect childrens right to education.

According to UNICEF figures, an estimated 279,000 children out of Libyas estimated 1.2 million school-age children will not be able to attend classes this year.
October 17, 2016

BABIL, Iraq  Minority populations are suffering in areas under the control of militants in northern and western Iraq, where their temples have been destroyed and they are forbidden to build new ones. Meanwhile, these groups are enjoying freedom and safety in the predominantly Shiite southern areas, where the Iraqi government sponsors and supervises construction and renovation projects and allocates large sums to protect the holy places of minority groups.

The Iraqi Cabinet's Office of Christian, Yazidi and Sabean Endowments oversees several temple construction and renovation projects, including the construction of the administrative building of the Church of Saint Mari, the Apostle of the Assyrian Church of the East. This building has been allocated 250 million dinars ($214,000), and 90% of the project has been completed, the office's head Raad Kajaji said Oct. 1.

One such project, a Sabean "mandi," was completed Sept. 20 in the predominantly Shiite city of Diwaniyah, south of Baghdad.

Ayham Nasser, a Sabean Iraqi from Diwaniyah, told Al-Monitor, The community members chose the Tigris River as the projects location due to a link between their beliefs and the water. He said that the mandi will begin operating in early 2017, adding, The local government in Diwaniyah, in collaboration with the Ministry of Construction, has greatly helped facilitate the construction of the mandi.

Nasser said, "Many Muslims living nearby are proud of this achievement, which they see as a symbol of religious tolerance at a time when religious extremism is widely spread across the region."

In the city of Hillah, located to the south of Baghdad, Christians celebrate Christmas every year in the Church of the Virgin Mary, the only church in the city, and they attend mass throughout the year.

Suhaila Abbas, a member of the Babil Provincial Council, told Al-Monitor, The provincial council is determined to support minorities in the province and work on the renovation and expansion of places of worship. She stressed, The Hillah church will be restored as soon as the financial crisis calms.

Christian Saeb Louay confirmed to Al-Monitor, Christians in Hillah live in peace, have not faced any attacks and do not even need armed factions to protect them. Louay went on, Religious and sectarian diversity in Babylon intermingles cultures and contributes to building a world free of hatred, and added, The Church of the Virgin Mary, which was built in 1987 by the engineer Elias Boutros, needs reconstruction and renovation, and the local government has promised to do it.

In the city of Nasiriyah in southern Iraq, head of the Mandaean community Samer Naeem Handal told Al-Monitor, Ever since the restoration in 2014 of the Sabean mandi in Nasiriyah, which is located on Habboubi Street and whose establishment was supervised by the Housing Ministry in 2011,  there has been a clear harmony between the Muslim majority and the Sabean minority, which freely practices its rituals and even enjoys cooperation from Muslims in the city. The facilities, he said, are enormous and modern and include a conference hall.

He added, There is a common understanding of the social mores and religious traditions. A good example is that Christian and Sabean women willingly wear a veil in Muslim communities, especially during religious occasions. Also, Muslim women attend Christian and Sabean religious ceremonies.

Basra Governor Majed Nasraoui promised on March 16, 2016, to members of the Sabean sect that their religious celebration in the coming year would be held in the land allocated to them for the establishment of a mandi, and that the local government would contribute to its construction.

Writer and civil activist Ali Abu Iraq told Al-Monitor over the phone that he was unsurprised by the interest in providing places of worship for minority groups. He said, Flexibility and tolerance are among the most important characteristics of the Basra community. We see members of minority groups taking part in social and religious events, as Christians, Sabeans and other minorities peacefully coexist with the Basra community.

Harith al-Harthy, a parliamentarian for the Reform Front, told Al-Monitor, The construction of places of worship for minorities is a right granted by the constitution, which guarantees in Article 2.2 the full religious rights of all individuals to freedom of religious belief and practice such as Christians, Yazidis and Sabean Mandaeans.

He went on, According to Article 39, Iraqis are free to practice their religions, sects, beliefs or choices, and Article 41 says that the followers of all religions and sects are free in the practice of religious rites and management of their endowments and affairs.

This is the article on which the Office of Christian, Yazidi and Sabean Endowments has been established to sponsor the construction of places of worship.

In the province of Maysan, the Om al-Ahzan ("Mother of Sorrows") Church, founded in 1880, is considered one of the oldest churches in the southern region. It was renovated in the 1990s.

Jalal Daniel, the head of the Christian community in Maysan, confirmed to Al-Monitor, They were promised that the church would be reconstructed and renovated by the local government as soon as the financial crisis experienced by the local and central government quiets.

Amar Francis, a Christian resident of Wasit, told the press Dec. 25 in Kut, north of Baghdad, The provincial council adopted a plan to allocate a plot of land for the building of a church after the necessary approval was obtained upon the initiative of the human rights organization.

Cleric Ali al-Tai told Al-Monitor that this tolerance stems from the spread of moderate Islam in those areas, where takfiri thoughts subside. Mutual respect for religious beliefs as well as the reconstruction of old houses of worship and building of new ones have turned central and southern Iraq into exemplary areas in spreading the spirit of tolerance, cooperation and freedom across Iraq.
October 17, 2016

The Turkish governments crackdown after the July 15 coup attempt has been expanding rapidly in the business sector, targeting companies accused of financing the so-called Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organization, as Ankara has designated the Gulen community, which it accuses of planning and executing the putsch. Under a Sept. 1 legislative decree, scores of companies placed under trusteeship by the courts were handed over to the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF), that is, to direct government control.

TMSF Chairman Sakir Ercan Gul said Oct. 4 that 252 companies had come under his agency's purview. Since then, that number has continued to grow; scores of businesspeople have been arrested on charges of belonging to or financially supporting the Gulen movement. Last week, 28 companies were seized in the provinces of Duzce and Tokat, bringing the total to nearly 300. The combined value of the companies in TMSF receivership is estimated at 40 billion Turkish liras ($13 billion) at a minimum.

The National Intelligence Organization and the Financial Crimes Investigation Board believe that the Gulen community controls assets in Turkey and abroad worth some $100 billion. Following the May seizure of Bank Asya, known as a Gulenist bank, Gulen couriers carried money from other enterprises and personal accounts abroad in suitcases, according to the intelligence services. Since July 15, $20 billion is said to have been smuggled abroad through such clandestine operations.

With these company seizures, the state has now become Turkeys largest conglomerate, controlling more enterprises than Koc and Sabanci, the countrys world-caliber business empires. The TMSF has said it will either dissolve or sell off the businesses, depending on their financial situation. The proceeds will go into the state's coffers.

The businesses seized range from small proprietorships to large holdings with companies in various sectors, including Boydak (furniture), Koza Ipek (gold mining, tourism, media), Dumankaya (construction), Naksan (textiles and food), Akfa (tourism, construction and textiles), Kaynak (publishing and logistics) and FI Yapi (construction). Those seized also include smaller enterprises, such as hospitals, publishing houses, hotels and even pastry shops and baklava makers. On Oct. 15, the state ventured into the kebab sector after seizing Ismails Place, a famous roadside grill house in the Bolu Mountains, along with several other companies in Duzce. A more luxurious asset perhaps is an island in the Aegean that the construction giant FI Yapi bought for $32 million six years ago. The companys owner, Fikret Inan, is now behind bars and has lost more than 20 companies.

Boydak Holding, headquartered in the central city of Kayseri and employer of some 15,000 people, is another giant that has seen its owners arrested. On Oct. 8, the three Boydak brothers were brought in handcuffs to the funeral for their mother, who had reportedly suffered a heart attack from distress over the arrest of her sons in August and never recovered. The sight of Kayseris most prominent businessmen standing shackled at the service for their mother led to protests from the crowd, which led the paramilitary police guarding the Boydaks to briefly remove their cuffs.

Some of the seized businesses are publicly traded companies listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, making their fate particularly intriguing. The TMSF chairman has said that the companies will be either dissolved or sold off, but how the sales will proceed and how transparent the process will be remains to be seen.

The state of emergency declared five days after the coup attempt has allowed the government to conduct its crackdown through decrees immune to judicial review. Hence, no recourse to judicial action or appeal will be available against the sales. Many believe the companies will be sold off to business people or other individuals close to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Selin Sayek Boke, an economist and deputy chairwoman of the main opposition Republican Peoples Party, told the daily Cumhuriyet on Oct. 15 that the legislative decrees used to seize companies and hand them to the TMSF are devoid of any legal and commercial guarantees for those entities. She also stressed that the clampdown has led to many businesspeople being stigmatized in the business community.

Concerns and misgivings over the fate of the seized companies were compounded Oct. 12 when Metro Holding, a company involved in construction, transportation and tourism owned by Galip Ozturk, a businessman close to the AKP, announced that his company had applied to the TMSF to buy all shares of Koza Ipek Holding, whose assets include Turkeys largest gold mines. Akin Ipek, the former owner of Koza Ipek and now a fugitive abroad, tweeted that his company was well beyond anything Metro could afford, suggesting that something else was going on. A company with $600 million in cash and mining assets worth $20 billion cannot be bought by a company which is not worth even 10 million liras [$3.2 million], he wrote. There must be something else going on behind the scene.

Editor's note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
October 17, 2016

The US Navy celebrated its 241st birthday on Oct. 13 and sent a few tweets to celebrate. However, one was deleted in less than 24 hours. The deleted tweet contained three images of historical navy moments, with the words Americas Sailor. For 241 Years: Tough. Bold. Ready. One of the images was a painting, Decatur Boarding a Tripolitan Gunboat, done in 1858 by the artist Dennis Malone Carter. The titular event had taken place 54 years before, and the artist had not been present. The historical accuracy of the painting is a topic of debate, but it is of great artistic and patriotic value for the US Navy, which comes from humble origins.

In the battle scene, a red flag is visible with a crescent and star that most likely belong to the Ottoman flag, quite similar to the current Turkish flag. Turkish social media users immediately started attacking the @USNavy account, posting offensive digitally altered imagery and threats. In a few hours, hashtags about the post were trending and several news agencies shared the tweet with rather negative comments, especially those with links to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP). For example, leftist Sol Haber Portali announced a historic message from the US Navy to Erdogan. The government-controlled Anadolu referred to it as a scandalous tweet from the US Navy, pro-AKP Sabah reported an insolent tweet from the US Navy," saying its "timing is peculiar. News portals such as T24, known for being critical of the AKP, were more neutral in their coverage of The US Navys tweet with the Turkish flag. Overall, there was increased anti-Americanism all over Turkish social media, with Twitter trolls harshly criticizing everything American and even threatening the navy with an "Ottoman slap."

Famous figures such as Metin Feyzioglu, a prominent attorney and former president of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, joined the fray and wrote, Could the US Navy not find another image in celebration of its birthday? Anyway, Turks come out victorious in that war.

Other social media users asked questions like: What did the Turks do to you Americans, why share this photo, what kind of a subliminal message does America want to send to Turkey and are we really allies? One senior Turkish bureaucrat quietly told Al-Monitor, This was perceived as a hidden military threat. Even strategists pondered if this image signals to Turkey, 'If you enter Mosul, we will strike you.' To post an image in which soldiers with Turkish flags die on the US Navys birthday celebrations  at such a critical time, when the US and Turkey are struggling to balance relations with [the Kurdistan Workers Party] and the Islamic State  is interpreted on this end as a threat of war.

Reactions were so strong that the Turkish Foreign Ministry protested the tweet, which was eventually deleted. Al-Monitor contacted the US Navy's press office for answers to the angry Turks questions. The office promptly provided the following explanation on Oct. 14: "The graphic posted for the US Navy's 241th birthday reflects key events in our heritage. The graphic uses a portion of a historical painting, by Dennis Malone Carter in 1858, depicting the US Navy engagement with Tripolitan forces in 1804. The flag in the painting was from the Ottoman Empire, which controlled Tripoli at the time. In no way was the graphic directed at Turkey, with whom we enjoy a great deal in common and a longstanding relationship."

The US Navy further explained the circumstances of the events the painting aimed to capture, saying, The artist chose to use the banner of the nation in control of Tripoli at the time the painting was made in order to help contemporary audiences understand what the event was. The intent of the graphic in which the painting appears is to convey the toughness of American sailors who audaciously sought to right a wrong against an established world power more than 200 years ago. It was certainly not meant as an affront to the people of modern Turkey, with whom we enjoy a great deal in common and a longstanding relationship built on trust and goodwill, much like those of other nations with which we have not always agreed, like Germany, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom and France.

Andrew Terrill, a retired professor for the US Army War College, elaborated on the possible reasoning behind sharing that image. He told Al-Monitor, I am confident no American associates that painting with Turkey. I am also confident that there is no ill will in any American mind to target Turkey through such a tweet. Rather, that painting commemorates an early American hero, Lt. Stephen Decatur, and the first encounters of a young struggling navy. These events date back to our third President Thomas Jeffersons era, after all. Terrill emphasized that since the war for independence, US artists have depicted several battles with Britain. Those images are a part of American history and not taken to send any subliminal messages to Britain, so why would Turkey be any different? Even in the lyrics of the Marines' Hymn, which was written in 1942, there is a reference to Tripoli and the Barbary Wars. Is the United States trying to send subliminal messages to Turkey with that hymn as well?

Ryan Gingeras, an associate professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, understands the Turkish Foreign Ministry's right to protest. He told Al-Monitor, The Navy's explanation, however, does represent how the event is conventionally viewed in the US. American textbooks universally depict the Barbary Wars as a foundational moment for the Marine Corps and the Navy. The overwhelming majority of Americans arguably do not know that the province of Tripoli was a part of the Ottoman Empire or would find this fact at all relevant with respect to contemporary Turkish-American relations. The fact that commentators in the Turkish press do find it relevant speaks more to the hypersensitivity with which many view the United States at present in Turkey.

So why are Turks so sensitive about an image? Could we chalk it up to cultural differences? If that is the case, how can we explain the thousands of images Turks spread every year while celebrating the conquest of Istanbul, for example? Is there any sensitivity in those images for Greeks?

Although it's not pleasant, we must question two crucial factors that led to such outbursts in the Turkish social networks. First, there is significant discontent and anger building up in Turkey over domestic and regional politics. Second, US-bashing is not only permissible but rewarded in Turkey. Turks who are not able to repeat a simple joke about their government or even retweet a link to an opinion piece can criticize US policies and actions with no holds barred.

On Oct. 13, the miniscule image of a flag generated thousands of angry tweets, rude comments and threats within a few hours. The Turkish government would be wise to worry more about the potential of such strong outbursts than any subliminal messages attached to a centuries-old painting.
October 17, 2016

WASHINGTON  The United States and Europe are mulling additional economic sanctions on the Bashar al-Assad regime and on Russia for its role supporting the Syrian regime's assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo, as the prospect of direct US military action to coerce an end to the bombardment recedes.

Let me make it clear: We are considering additional sanctions, Secretary of State John Kerry said at a news conference in London Oct. 16. President [Barack] Obama has not taken any options off the table at this point in time. So well see where we are in the next few days in the context of the discussions were having.

I think the most powerful weapon we have at the moment is our ability to make President [Vladimir] Putin and the Russians feel the consequences of what they are doing, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said at the news conference with Kerry, after hosting a meeting on the Syrian crisis with European, Turkish and Arab ministers.

And there are a lot of measures that were proposing to do with extra sanctions on the Syrian regime and their supporters, measures to bring those responsible for war crimes before the International Criminal Court, Johnson said. These things will eventually come to bite the perpetrators of these crimes.

Kerry said there had been candid discussions and new ideas but no apparent decisive breakthrough at a 4-hour meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, Oct. 15. The meeting was held with the foreign ministers of Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq, as well as UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura.

I would characterize this as  a brainstorming and a very candid first-time discussion," Kerry said of the Lausanne meeting. A number of ideas came from the number of different ministers, as we hoped that might be able to shape some different approaches."

The Lausanne meeting focused on ideas for getting a cease-fire in Aleppo and getting humanitarian aid convoys in without being attacked, and on whether al Qaeda-linked Jabhat al-Nusra (Jabhat Fatah al-Sham) should leave the city before or after a cease-fire, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said.

There were different opinions in the meeting. Some said that first al-Nusra should be gone and then the cease-fire could be settled. Others said the cease-fire should be declared first so that the opposition groups can separate themselves from al-Nusra, and then other terrorists would leave the region, Cavusoglu said at a news conference Oct. 15, the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported.

But all the attacks of the regime targeting moderate opposition groups should also be stopped immediately, Cavusoglu added.

Its a twin-track strategy, Johnson said Oct. 16. We need to see if we can get the terrorists, al-Nusra, identified in Aleppo.  But that does not mean we should in any way relent in our pressure on the Assad regime and its supporters, particularly, obviously, the Russians and the Iranians.

On Oct. 17, Russia announced plans for an eight-hour humanitarian pause in strikes on Aleppo for Oct. 20, during which it said two corridors would be available for armed opposition fighters and civilians to leave the city.

But State Department spokesman Mark Toner, describing the concerted campaign to starve and relentlessly bomb the 250,000 inhabitants of eastern Aleppo  particularly in the last month since a US-Russia cease-fire deal collapsed Sept. 19  called the Russian plan insufficient.

I guess we will see, Toner told journalists at the State Department press briefing Oct. 17. But its a bit too little, and too late.

Despite US and Western outrage over the Russian and Syrian bombardment in Aleppo, the Obama administration is unlikely to pursue direct military action against the Assad regime, such as standoff strikes on Syrian aircraft, US military analysts and Western diplomats said.

Barring a black swan event, such as a Srebrenica-style massacre in east Aleppo, the administration is going to try to use nonkinetic levers of influence to push both Russia and the Assad regime to re-engage seriously in a diplomatic process, Nicholas Heras, a fellow at the Center for New American Security who closely follows US military thinking about the Syrian war, told Al-Monitor on Oct. 17.

The issue at hand is that the US has momentum" in the campaign to counter the Islamic State, Heras said. The operation to seize Mosul is underway. Raqqa is being pressured from the north as well as from the east.

He said his sense is that the Islamic State's loss of Mosul "and the beginning of the campaign to seize Raqqa would be a final exclamation point for the Obama administrations carefully planned, phased strategy to work by, with and through local partners to defeat IS, he said. And that although the US has expressed shock, dismay and disgust with Russia and the Assad regime strategy toward Aleppo, they dont see any light at the end of tunnel in the civil war.

The US does not want to admit publicly that the Assad regime will likely hold on to a statelet centered in western Syria for years to come, Heras said. And that, at best, the international community and the Syrian people are looking at a multi-year, tortured process of political negotiations and internal configuration within various armed groups on ground before any enduring and stabilizing peace plan and political transition.

On Syria,  we dont expect any military move of this administration, a Western diplomat, speaking not for attribution, said. The signal we receive is very clear.  I believe any significant military move is very unlikely.

The options are quite limited right now, the diplomat continued. Regarding a no-fly zone, with the Russians there, what are you going to do?

Its a disaster for the Syrians, the diplomat said. You are going to have months and years of war in Syria, till the total exhaustion of the people. I dont see anything [halting it].
MollerTech will build a $46.3 million production plant in Bibb County, according to an announcement at a news conference this afternoon before a crowd of about 50 people at the Bibb County Board of Education offices in Centreville.

The plant will be the German auto supplier's third location in North America, and site preparation should begin later this month with full production going by the end of 2019, company officials said.

The 150,000-square-foot plant, which will be the company's flagship production facility, will employ about 220 people and be constructed at the Scott G. Davis Industrial Park near the Woodstock community.

Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield speaks at a news conference in Centreville Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, along with MollerTech NA CEO Steve Jordan.

It will manufacture interior parts for the next generation of Mercedes-Benz SUVs, which is part of the Vance plant's $1.3 billion expansion announced last year. Once completed, the Bibb County location will be about a 10-minute drive from the plant down Interstate 20/59.

MollerTech is a German family company that has been associated with the Mercedes brand for several decades.

Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said state officials have been talking with MollerTech for about a year on what was dubbed "Project Helios." Bibb County got the nod over several other locations in Alabama and sites in Mississippi, Georgia and Tennessee.

Steve Jordan, President and CEO of MollerTech's North American operations, said the plant will call for a "bright, clean, organized" interior.

"White floors, white factory, white walls, which represents quality," Jordan said. "We will be using some ideas and innovative methods that have proved successful in our European plants, but we won't have to retro-fit them. We can integrate them into it at the beginning."

The announcement represents a major development for Bibb County, with a population of about 22,000, with many residents commuting to the Birmingham area for jobs, area officials said.

Bibb County provided 20 acres of land at the industrial park as well as an abatement of non-educational sales, use and property taxes, while the state provided jobs and investment credits, along with workforce training. That adds up to about $12.3 million in incentives.

Bibb County Commissioner Ricky Hubbard said the company will be the county's second largest manufacturing employer and third largest overall.

Canfield said MollerTech represents the second economic announcement in a week's time to benefit from "targeted counties" legislation passed last year. State officials last week announced a $65 million "state of the art" sawmill for Demopolis which was also aided by the 2015 incentives legislation.

The Alabama Veterans and Targeted Counties Jobs Act gives industry creating a least 25 jobs in a county with a population of 25,000 or less an extra 1 percent job credit from the new employee wages after the first year, for a period up to 10 years. The credit is paid out of state funds from utility taxes.

Canfield said the state is starting to see the fruits of that legislation.

"It's always a challenge to bring successful development to rural counties, but what those areas offer in contrast to urban areas is a very concentrated, dedicated workforce and a graciousness in cooperation from people ready to start and build careers," he said.

Gov. Robert Bentley, in a statement, said rural counties are "a key priority" to Alabama's overall economic development strategy.

"We now have new tools to help rural counties overcome the obstacles they face in economic development. We're committed to using them," he said.

MollerTech has two U.S. facilities in Elberton, Ga. and Detroit, Mich. In addition to Mercedes, the company also manufactures interior parts for Audi, BMW, Daimler, GM, Honda, Porsche, Rolls-Royce and Toyota.
Polaris will finally unveil its new Center of Manufacturing Excellence months after starting vehicle production in Huntsville-annexed Limestone County.

The Minnesota company will host a grand opening at 10 a.m. Nov. 1 on 7049 Greenbrier Parkway N.W. The location, which has a Madison address, spans 910,000 square feet on 505 acres and will serve at least 1,700 workers at full capacity.

The powersports leader announced it began making Polaris RANGER vehicles and Slingshots this summer at the plant, which handles assembly, chassis and body painting, welding, fabrication and injection molding. In addition to a multi-shift manufacturing hub, the campus has a research and development (R&D) center and distribution warehouse.

Polaris spokeswoman Marlys Knutson said the facility has about 450 workers.

AIDT, the state's workforce development agency, is seeking welders, painters and assembly operators for the Polaris site. Some roles require applicants to complete AIDT pre-employment training to be considered.

The starting wages, which will increase after three and nine months of employment, are as follows:

Welders

Painters

Assembly Operators

Click here for more information.

A Polaris worker was taken to UAB Hospital a week ago for burn injuries he sustained while on the job in Huntsville. Polaris, which said it is investigating, has not released details about the cause of the incident.
Creepy clown reports have prompted Target to stop selling some clown masks in stores and online in the weeks before Halloween.

Joshua Thomas, a spokesperson for the Minnesota retailer, told USAToday the company pulled certain scary masks amid both real and fake reports of "clowns" making terrorist threats at schools, on social media and in communities across the U.S.

"Given the current environment, we have made the decision to remove a variety of clown masks from our assortment, both in stores and online," he said in a statement.

Halloween Express, a costume chain, told Eye Opener TV it has seen evil clown costume sales jump 300 percent this season.

"In the top 10, eight of them are 'evil' clown masks this season, whereas last year, five of the top 10 were 'evil,'" Halloween Express spokesman Brad Butler said.

Target's decision to suspend clown mask sales comes after McDonald's said it would limit appearances by its iconic figurehead Ronald McDonald.

"McDonald's and franchisees in the local markets are mindful of the current climate around clown sightings in communities and as such are being thoughtful in respect to Ronald McDonald's participation in community events for the time being," spokeswoman Terri Hickey told NBC News.
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Birmingham Civil Rights Institute President and CEO Andrea Taylor says she was shaped by "Eyes on the Prize," Howard Thurman's "For the Inward Journey" and "Bolero" by Maurice Ravel.

Andrea Taylor's path to Birmingham may not have been obvious. But her passion for and connection to civil rights? That's another story.

Taylor, the CEO and president of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, marked her one-year anniversary in the city in September. Prior to taking the museum's helm, the Boston-born, West Virginia-raised Taylor worked in a variety of roles at Microsoft, the Ford Foundation and taught at Harvard. She's lived all over the United States. And Taylor's always been cognizant of the importance of civil rights.

She attended the 1963 March on Washington as a high-school student, and followed the work of Howard Thurman as a student at Boston University. Thurman was one of Martin Luther King Jr.'s mentors, and his writings have inspired Taylor.

Taylor explained the role of BCRI: "Much of what's happening in our country is not happening in a vacuum. There's a long, historical pattern of behavior and activity and interaction--or lack of interaction--in communities, really hearkening all the way back to slavery. The more the communities and individuals can know about that history and understand their role, or not, in it, I think it makes it easier for us to come forward as a community and move forward in a positive and constructive way."

Taylor is this week's guest on Triple Take, the podcast about the films, books and music that shape us.

Andrea Taylor on "Eyes on the Prize: No Easy Walk"

"Empathy is an issue and an area we struggle with in our society, particularly in a media environment, there's so many images so many stories and so many crises that we're all bombarded with on a daily basis that it's easy to tune out. Not deliberately, but there's only so much absorptive capacity that a human being has for tragedy and tension and difficulty. And so you'll often find that the best stories are in a war situation or a conflict or any kind of environment, the best way to communicate is to pick one story, one individual, one family. Tell that story because you can absorb that. You can empathize and imagine how you might feel if you were in a similar circumstance. I think that's the power of a documentary series like 'Eyes on the Prize.'"

Andrea Taylor on "For the Inward Journey" by Howard Thurman

"We are a nation of such tremendous diversity, and yet we don't always reflect that in our policies, in our practices, in the way we treat each other, the way we interact with each other and come together. We still need to focus on that and promote that as a positive construct and not as something that divides us and compartmentalizes us."

Andrea Taylor on "Bolero" by Maurice Ravel

"(Music) forms a very positive and powerful human connection with people to talk about their experience, to reflect on their experience and give a lift. Just think what the world would be like without music."

Like what you hear? Open iTunes or the podcast app on your iPhone and search Triple Take to subscribe, or do the same in the podcast subscription service of your choice. We'll release new episodes every Monday morning. We also love suggestions for future guests, which you can make in the comments below.

Edited to note Taylor was born in Boston.
Three people were shot in Tuscaloosa County over the weekend in two separate incidents.

The first happened about 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Sheriff's deputies and homicide investigators arrived on the scene at Warrior Cemetery Road to find the victim - a 19-year-old white male - being transported via helicopter to UAB Hospital, said Capt. Gary Hood.

A witness told lawmen the shooting happened outside her home on Cabin Valley Road in the Three Forks area of the county, near the Walker County line. The witness identified 41-year-old Larry Willcutt Jr. as the shooter.

An attempted murder warrant for Willcutt was issued Sunday and he was taken into custody in Walker County. He is now being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail with bond set at $60,000.

Hood said there is no clear motive for the shooting. The victim is expected to recover.

On Sunday, Tuscaloosa police and the Tuscaloosa Metro Homicide Unit responded to a shooting call about 2:25 a.m. to the Club Playhouse at 3213 10th Street. They arrived to find a 19-year-old black male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to DCH Regional Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.

While investigators were at the hospital, a second shooting victim arrived by private vehicle. The 21-year-old black male had a non-life-threatening gunshot wound,'' Hood said.

He told officers he was walking through the parking lot of Club Playhouse when he got shot. Investigators believe both victims were possible shooting at each over another shooting investigators are working from earlier this month.

Hood said no witnesses would provide information about the shooting, even though the area was full of patrons leaving the club. The 19-year-old victim remains hospitalized.
Alabama has the nation's fifth-highest rate of accidental shootings involving minors, with 7.82 incidents per million residents, according to a new joint investigative series by the Associated Press (AP) and USA Today.

With 10 minors accidentally killed by guns between Jan. 1, 2014 and June 30, 2016, the Yellowhammer State tied with South Carolina for the 12th-highest number of children under the age of 18 killed by guns, data that served as the basis for the reporting project showed.

That despite the fact that U.S. Census data estimates that Alabama had only the 23rd-highest state population as of 2014, with about 4.8 million residents.

Including shootings in which a minor did not die, there were 38 accidental shooting incidents involving minors over the period, the data showed. In Alabama, Jefferson County had the most such accidental shootings involving children over the period, with 13, followed by four in Mobile County and 3 in Tuscaloosa County.

The investigation "covers injuries and deaths from accidental shootings involving minors. This includes cases in which the shooter is a minor as well as those in which a victim is a minor." It found that there were more than 1,000 such incidents nationwide during the 30 months it analyzed.

The series found that there have been significantly more cases of children being accidentally shot nationwide in recent years than federal data revealed, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control failing to report as many as a third of such incidents annually.

"During the first six months of this year, minors died from accidental shootings -- at their own hands, or at the hands of other children or adults -- at a pace of one every other day, far more than limited federal statistics indicate," AP and USA Today reported last week.

The news organizations were able to more accurately reflect the state of the problem by relying on data compiled by the Gun Violence Archive - an independent data collector - that reporters vetted for accuracy.

Alabama has some of the weakest gun control laws in the nation. Like 38 other states, there is no requirement that Alabama gun-owners lock up their firearms, nor are there many meaningful restrictions on what kinds of guns they can be purchased, or how or where in the state they can carry them.

The Alabama data regarding accidental shootings involving minors is no surprise if one is aware of the prevalence of shooting accidents in the state's general population.

Five of the 10 U.S. counties with the highest rates of accidental gun deaths across all ages were in Alabama, according to Centers for Disease Control mortality data for 1999 to 2014. Colbert, DeKalb and Marshall counties notched the nation's top-three highest rates, with rates of 2.5, 2.1 and 1.8 accidental shooting deaths per 100,000 residents, respectively.

Alabama is part of a Deep South-wide trend of elevated per capita rates of accidental shootings involving minors, the AP/USA Today series reveals, as Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee all had rates among the ten worst.
state house mug by julie.JPG

(Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

The education budget committee in the Alabama House of Representatives will meet Tuesday to begin preparing for the 2017 legislative session, which starts Feb. 7.

The committee's agenda includes an introduction to new state Superintendent Michael Sentance.

The committee is also scheduled to hear a report from the Legislative Fiscal Office on the 2016 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30.

Other items on the agenda include a presentation concerning the Teachers' Retirement System, an update on the Alabama Ahead Act, which concerns technology in schools, a review of the Alabama Reading Initiative, a discussion of nonprofit tax exemption applications and a discussion of biennial budgeting.

Rep. Bill Poole, R-Tuscaloosa, the committee chairman, said the meeting is for informational and educational purposes.

The meeting begins at 1:30 p.m. in Room 200 of the Alabama State House.
A former bookkeeper for two non-profit health care centers for the poor and homeless was sentenced Monday to five months in prison for stealing $116,415 from the groups.

The money she and her son stole went to items such as truck tires, fishing equipment and an on-line porn site.

Sheila Parker, 61, of Cullman, also was ordered by U.S. District Court Judge David Proctor to spend another five months on home detention once she is released under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office.

The judge also ordered Parker to pay restitution - $85,748 to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and $30,667 to Regions Bank. She also must pay $11,942 to the Internal Revenue Service for failure to pay taxes.

Proctor had previously ruled that Parker must forfeit another $116,415

The restitution is jointly owed by Parker and her son James Robert Parker. James Parker, who was sentenced in August to serve six months in federal prison for defrauding the health centers. Part of the $116,000 stolen was used by James Parker to make a boat payment, buy truck tires and subscribe to online porn.

Sheila Parker served as bookkeeper at Birmingham Health Care and for several overlapping years as well at Central Alabama Comprehensive Health Inc. (CACH) in Tuskegee, according to trial testimony. Parker enlisted her son's help with her duties for CACH and allowed him access to the center's bank accounts, according to court documents.

Sheila Parker is the last one to be sentenced among the four charged so far in the more than three-year probe by the FBI and other federal agents of fraud at the two centers. The main target of the probe was Jonathan Dunning who for a time served as CEO at both BHC and CACH.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Atwood told the judge that Parker was intimately involved in carrying out the fraud at BHC and CACH - moving money at Dunning's request to different accounts.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamarra Matthews-Johnson also prosecuted the cases.

At Monday's hearing Parker apologized for her actions. "I'm sorry for those people I hurt," she said.

Parker's attorney, Joanne M Jannik, declined comment about the sentence. But she had argued for a lesser sentence than the nine months proposed by U.S. Attorney's Office.

Parker had no prior criminal history, had pleaded guilty, had testified at Dunning's trial, and she was "deeply remorseful."

Federal authorities have refused to say whether the probe has ended.

Dunning was sentenced Friday to 18 years in federal prison after his conviction on 98 of 112 charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors charged that Dunning siphoned off to his companies more than $13.5 million from the two federally funded health centers over a 7-year period.

Former Birmingham Health Care CFO Terri Mollica last year pleaded guilty to stealing $1.7 million from the federally-funded center for the poor and homeless, was sentenced Aug. 9 to serve 17 years in prison.

Mollica also is serving time in a separate but related case that involved her sending drugs -either as retribution or intimidation -- to a witness and the spouse of a prosecutor involved in the health care fraud cases.

Parker testified at Dunning's trial that she had worn a wire for federal agents during the investigation. She also testified about her role in the movement of money between BHC and Dunning and his private companies.

Parker was hired in 2004 as a bookkeeper at BHC. She left in 2012 amid the investigation into her theft at CACH.

Parker testified that at one point Dunning formed companies that would contract with BHC to provide services, including management and billing. According to previous testimony at the trial, Dunning also had bought BHC's main office building and began leasing it back to the agency. He also was involved with two other real estate deals with BHC, according to testimony.

Dunning said "that he had found a way to make money off of the government," Parker testified.
Super 8 standoff

Destruction was left inside the motel room where Eddie Collins and Venita Keen stayed during a 32-hour police standoff

Two Lauderdale County deputies have returned to active duty since they fired shots at the Super 8 Motel standoff suspect who later was killed by Florence police officers in Killen.

"They've been cleared," Lauderdale's Chief Deputy Richard Richey said of the deputies. "Our department really is out of it now."

Richard Richey

The two Florence officers remain on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigation, Sgt. Brad Holmes said today.

The Florence officers returned fire at Eddie Collins, a 42-year-old Florida fugitive, as a 32-hour standoff at the motel came to an end Oct. 7.

"They will remain on leave until the conclusion of the ALEA investigation," Holmes said. "At that time, Chief Ron Tyler will review the case and their status will be reviewed."

Also killed in the exchange of gunfire was Collins' wife, Venita King. It remains unclear whether the woman was struck by police gunfire or shots from her husband's weapon.

A memorial was placed for Eddie Collins and his wife, Venita Keen, outside Room 116 at the Super 8 motel in Killen.

"That's part of what's being investigated," said Senior State Trooper Johnathan Appling, an ALEA spokesman. "We don't want to make any statements with the investigation still going because we don't want to release anything that may not be completely accurate."

The names of the law enforcement officers involved haven't been released.

Collins, who had a yearslong history of mental illness, drug abuse and crime, was wanted by law enforcement in Florida because he failed to appear in court on four charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and one count of firing a missile or weapon into a vehicle or dwelling.

Collins was barricaded in Room 116 of the motel on U.S. 72 next to Shoal Creek with his wife. Lawmen haven't determined whether the woman was a hostage or willing participant.

When the standoff began around 6 a.m. on Oct. 6, Collins fired his gun through the front door of the motel room at two Lauderdale County sheriff's deputies who were accompanying member of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force to arrest the man on the five felony warrants.

Then, he attempted to escape through the back door where two more deputies were waiting. They fired their weapons, striking him twice, according to family members.

Police weren't sure whether Collins, who raised his weapon at lawmen, had been struck. But towels and carpet inside the room were stained with blood.

Immediately, the deputies who fired were placed on administrative leave with pay until Sheriff Rick Singleton cleared them to return to work, Richey said.

Eddie Collins retreated into the room, and the standoff continued until about 2 p.m. the following day when the Florence SWAT team used tear gas to draw Collins and Keen out of the room.

"It's kind of complex, so it's going to take a while to get everything sorted out," Appling said. "Once they finish the investigation, they hand everything over to the district attorney in Lauderdale County to decide how to proceed."
Poll Pad 2-shot crop courtesy KNOWiNK.jpg

A trial run of a new system this November means some Alabama voters will sign in at their polling places on an iPad-based system, rather than conventional paper rosters. (KNOWiNK photo)

Voters at selected polling places in 25 Alabama counties will check in via an iPad-based system this November.

The system is part of a pilot program backed by Alabama Secretary of state John Merrill, in which an electronic system replaces the paper printouts of voter rolls that poll workers use to check off qualified voters as they prepare to cast their ballots. It applies only to that part of the process, not the creation of the voter rolls or the actual voting. Voters still will cast their votes on the same machines they've been using.

The program is being tested in counties where both the county commission and the probate judge approved its use. According to Merrill's office, they are Mobile, Baldwin, Henry, Barbour, Bullock, Autauga, Limestone, Madison, Jackson, Dekalb, Cherokee, Morgan, Blount, Jefferson, Chambers, Marengo, Hale, Lowndes, Shelby, Cleburne, Randolph, Houston, Cullman, Marion, and Winston.

John Bennett, deputy chief of staff for Merrill, said that each participating county will have enough of KNOWiNK's Poll Pad setups to deploy them at a few polling places, meaning that even in those counties most voters may not see them. But for those who do use the affected polling places, things will work a little differently.

Instead of going to a specific line based on the first letter of his or her last name, a voter will simply go to whichever line is shortest. If the voter presents a driver license, the system will be able to scan it; if they're using a different form of approved ID, the poll worker will look up the voter by name. (According to state law, acceptable forms of ID include state-issued nondriver ID cards; Alabama voter ID cards; government-issued photo ID cards; student or employee photo ID cards issued by a public or private college, university or postgraduate technical or professional school within the state; military ID cards; and tribal ID cards.)

Once a voter has been identified, he or she will sign in on the iPad touchscreen and get a receipt specifying which ballot to use. From that point, the process works as usual.

Supporters of the trial run say that they expect it to cut down on lines at polling places, which could be longer than usual this year. "We anticipate it could be the highest turnout in the history of the state," Merrill has said. Backers also say the system should cut down on mistakes by poll workers, and save time and money after the election by updating voter rolls automatically.

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill

Merrill has said that similar systems have been used in 38 states, and he favored KNOWiNK because of its strong track record. Federal money is being used to fund the trial, which will involve about 250 Poll Pads. Many more would be needed to implement the system statewide, and at the moment no funding has been allocated for such a move.

On a different front, Merrill recently issued a statement that he had asked the state's election systems vendor to conduct a "comprehensive review" to ensure that the state's voter rolls hadn't been compromised by electronic fraud.

Election Systems & Software responded with a letter that it had "conducted an exhaustive search in all applicable server logs" to determine if the specific threats mentioned in an FBI alert cited by Merrill's office had been encountered, and concluded that "No instances were found in Alabama's systems."

"ESS has multiple safeguards in place to protect against both known and unknown threats that my present themselves including: firewalls, secure programming practices, regular vulnerability scans, least-privilege access and other measures considered best practice in the information security space," the company said it its letter to Merrill.

"I remain confident that our system is strong," Merrill said in a statement issued after the exchange. "We will continue to review our systems to ensure that we do not allow any personal data or election results to ever be compromised in this way."
An invitation for U.S. Rep. Martha Roby to speak at a meeting of the Pike County Republican Women has been retracted after she said she could no longer support GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Roby, a three-term Republican from Montgomery who is running for reelection in 2016, was scheduled to speak to the group's Oct. 26 meeting. However, PCRW President Shirley Reddoch said it decided to switch speakers after Roby said the release of a 2005 video tape in which Trump was heard making sexually aggressive comments towards women caused her to withdraw support for her party's presidential nominee.

"The Pike County Republican Women have always had a good relationship with Congressman Roby," Reddoch told the Troy Messenger. "We've had a lot of negative comments about her coming out in opposition to Donald Trump and the potty mouth that he had."

Roby was one of several Alabama lawmakers - including Gov. Robert Bentley - to initially say they would not support Trump in the wake of the video's release. All but Roby later clarified their positions to say they would support the GOP ticket, even if they could not back Trump personally.

In her strongly worded statement, Roby said Trump's behavior made him "unacceptable as a candidate for president and I won't vote for him."

"As disappointed as I've been with his antics throughout this campaign, I thought supporting the nominee was the best thing for our country and our party. Now it is abundantly clear that the best thing for our country and our party is for Trump to step aside and allow a responsible, respectable Republican to lead the ticket," she said.

Roby later indicated she thought Trump should step aside in favor of running mate Mike Pence.

"Conservative would rally around him," she said.

Reddoch told the Messenger while Roby was entitled to her opinion, club members thought it was in "our best interest and in her best interest that she didn't come to speak."

"Her opinion is hers, but we just wish she had kept silent," Reddoch said.

Roby spokesperson Todd Stacy told AL.com "Rep. Roby has enjoyed visiting with her Pike County Republican Women friends many times over the years and looks forward to many more visits in the future."

Perry Hooper, co-chair of Trump's Alabama campaign, has been invited to speak in Roby's place.

Write-in challenge

The rescinded invitation isn't the only blowback Roby is receiving.

A group of voters in the Second Congressional District seat have launched a write-in campaign for Becky Gerritson, the president of the Wetumpka Tea Party who unsuccessfully challenged Roby in the Republican primary. Gerritson said the efforts were started without her knowledge but she was "honored that some people are considering voting for me by write-in as a protest" to Roby's Trump stance.

In an earlier post on a Tea Party website, Gerritson said voters were "furious" about Roby's statements.

"I understand the frustration of voters who are fed up with politics as usual. Donald Trump represents hope for those individuals, and they are not about to give up that hope. Candidates like Trump, (Texas Sen. Ted) Cruz, and (retired physician Ben) Carson were welcomed by disenfranchised Republicans because they pledged to break the cycle of the political elites and big-money lobbyists from controlling our politics," she said.

A Facebook page promoting Gerritson's write-in campaign has also been established.

Democrat Nathan Mathis is also in the race.

Updated on Oct. 18, 2016 to reflect the write-in campaign was launched without Gerritson's knowledge.
Fox News anchor Shepard Smith said in a new interview with Huffington Post that ousted network chief Roger Ailes never urged him to keep his sexuality a secret, a rare reference to the news anchor's private life.

In the Huffington Post story, "Is Shep Smith the future of Fox News?," Smith said Ailes was like a father figure to him when he arrived at the network.

"(Fox is) such a wonderful place, and it's been home forever. (Ailes) was very fatherly and mentorish. And now I know that there were other things going on here," said Smith, 52.

Those "other things" included alleged sexual harassment of female employees and eventually led to Ailes' dismissal. Former anchor Gretchen Carlson settled a sexual harassment lawsuit against Fox for $20 million in September. Former Fox News host Andrea Tantaros has filed a similar suit.

Smith has not addressed his sexuality in the past, though he was regularly included in Out's magazine's list of 50 most powerful gay people.

During his interview with the Huffington Post, Smith, a Mississippi native, denied reports Ailes prevented him from coming out publicly.

"That's not true. He was as nice as he could be to me. I loved him like a father," he said. "I trusted him with my career and with -- I trusted him and trusts were betrayed. People outside this company can't know (how painful that betrayal was.) This place has its enemies, but inside, it was very personal, and very scarring and horrifying."

Smith also addressed rumors that Ailes used homophobic slurs while Fox chief, referencing his own life in the comments.

"No, never. He treated me with respect, just respect," Smith said of Ailes. "I wasn't new in the business when I came here -- I'd been doing reporting for 12 years -- but I wasn't old in it either, and he gave me every opportunity in the world and he never asked anything of me but that we get it right, try to get it right every day. It was a very warm and loving and comfortable place."
Derrick Dearman, the man accused of killing five people in a Citronelle home in August, will be held without bond as the case goes to a grand jury.

Dearman faces six counts of capital murder in the Aug. 20 slayings on Jim Platt Road. A preliminary hearing in the case was held today at Circuit Court in the courtroom of Judge Rick Stout.

Five of the capital murder charges represent the five adults killed by firearm and/or axe at the secluded house during what police said was an attempted burglary or abduction. One represents the death of the unborn baby carried by one of the adult female victims.

Justin Kaleb Reed, his wife Chelsea Marie, who was expecting her first child in January, Joseph Adam Turner, wife Shannon Randall, and Robert Lee Brown were killed in the mass slaying.

Dearman, 27, of Leakesville, Mississippi, has pleaded not guilty to murder and the kidnapping of his ex-girlfriend from the home.

Mobile District Attorney Ashley Rich presented the state's early finding's in the case with the help of Clark Bolton, a Mobile County Sheriff's Office detective. Dearman's attorney, Jim Vollmer sought to find out if Dearman's girlfriend, Laneta Lester had any involvement in the murders.

Eleven relatives of the victims filled the two front rows behind Rich as she began going through detective Bolton's testimony.

She began by presenting an image with all five victims on the monitors in court establishing their relationship to Dearman and Lester. She told the judge about the documented history of domestic violence and drug abuse Lester endured during her nearly 10 year relationship with Dearman.

Lester had fled to the home of Jospeh Turner that night in an attempt to end her relationship with Dearman.

Next, she showed a hand drawn diagram of the layout of the home, showing the placement of the rooms and where each person was located before Dearman broke into the home.

Detective Bolton told the judge that Laneta Lester had been sleeping on an air mattress in the living room of the home near a window. He said around 11 p.m. Dearman came to the home and was told he was not welcomed there by Adam. A little while later Dearman returned to the home and came into the living room through a window and tapped Lester on the head.

"She went outside and spoke to him for a short period of time and told him, we're done," said Bolton,

Lester went back into the home and went to sleep. He says during that time took some time to think and found an ax in the front yard. He gained entry to the home by breaking a screwdriver that held a sliding door on the home closed. Dearman goes into the room of Joseph Adam Turner and Shannon Randall where a shotgun was located.

Bolton says after that, Lester was awakened by the sound of gunshots.

"She gets up and runs to the rear of the home to get a phone and realizes Adam and Shannon had been shot," said Bolton.

In the adjacent room, she hears fussing between Dearman and Justin and a struggles ensues over a handgun that Justin had in the room. As Lester went into the room where Adam and Shannon were with the sleeping infant to get a cell phone, Chelsea comes out of that room and collapses in the hallway.

Adam, who had already been shot, tried to come into the hallway as well.

"After getting the gun from Justin he walks into the hallway and shoots Adam in the head," said Bolton.

As Shannon's deceased body laid on the bed next to the infant, Lester picked up the child and tried to head to the living room. At that point, Bolton says Robert Brown who had also been shot was back on his feet. Dearman shoots him and goes back to the rear of the home and shoots everyone again.

He says Dearman found the keys to Adams car and he forced Lester into the car and they drove away around 6 a.m.

The eleven relatives cried aloud and hugged each other as the detective gave the details of the murders. Rich closed out her line of questioning saying that the complete autopsy of the five victims have not been completed. So far, only three of victim's preliminary autopsy's have been completed.

During Vollmer's cross-examination he had detective Bolton go into the aftermath of the murders. Trying to establish a time of the events that led up to Dearman deciding to turn himself in to Greene County police in Mississippi.

Bolton said Lester witnessed some part of each murder except for the death of Shannon. Vollmer questioned the detective about Lester's reluctance to try make an escape from Dearman.

"From our investigation the no effort to make an escape was more of a concern about the baby more than anything else," said Bolton.

When asked why Lester did not try to use her own cellphone to contact police, Bolton said that the phone she had did not have service at the time of the killings. Next, he detailed where the pair went with the infant before going to the police.

They stopped at the home of Amber Sharp a friend of Dearman around 7 a.m. for a bottle of water for the baby. Bolton said during the brief stop Sharp did not notice anything unusual about Dearman.

Dearman made another stop at the home of his sister Abigail. During that 20 minute visit he told his sister that he had hit a deer. He asked if they could use the bathroom to clean themselves off. Bolton said Lester could not remember if she had blood on her.

"Abigail said Laneta didn't say anything differently about the deer story," said Bolton "she went into the bathroom and didn't act out of the ordinary."

After leaving his sister's home, they arrived at the home of Scott, an old friend of Dearman.

"That was about 30 to 40 miles away from his sister's home but Scott was not home when they got there," said Bolton.

Dearman decided to drive to Scott's mother's home. They stayed there for a short while and left the infant there while they went back to Scott's home.

"Scott's family said it was unusual he came since they hadn't seen him in a year," said Bolton.

When they got back to Scott's home he had just arrived there as well with his wife. She makes a cake for them all and they sat and talked for while before leaving to pick up the infant.

Bolton said a little after 2 p.m. Dearman takes Lester and the infant to the home of his father's girlfriend, where is father resided. Dearman he out of the truck and leaves the keys in the ignition as he tells his father what happened while they stand in the driveway.

"His father tells him he needs to turn himself in, but Dearman wants Laneta to go with him," said Bolton.

He says Dearman tried to get the infant out of the car when Lester refused.

"He was trying to get the baby to use as leverage to get her to go with him but his father, said no," said Bolton.

Lester got into the driver's seat of the car and left to drive back to the Citronelle Police Department.

Bolton closed out his testimony saying, "I don't think she had anything to do with it," referring to Lester.

After hearing the testimony, Judge Stout believed there was enough probable cause for capital murder in the case. Dearman faces two other counts of abduction: Dearman allegedly forced a woman to leave the scene of the killings with him, and also took the infant child of one of the victims.

Stout added that there may be a few legal issues surrounding the kidnapping charge before he rendered his decision to send the case to a grand jury.

The family of the victims declined to speak to the media afterwards, but offered some insight into how long it may take to close the case.

"The grand jury process could take 6-8 months and the case could take a few years to be resolved," said Mobile District Attorney Ashley Rich.
Police chiefs in some of Alabama's biggest cities say they are having a harder time recruiting and they are concerned that if trends continue they could have trouble putting enough officers on the street.

Racially charged incidents such as the fatal 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., had been a source of controversy well before 2016 began. But this year brought several more disputed incidents, including the June shooting of Mobile teenager Michael Moore, that created challenges for hiring and keeping local police officers.

In the wake of Moore's death, Mobile Police Chief James Barber and Mayor Sandy Stimpson said that interest among potential recruits to Mobile's police academy had dropped dramatically. Stimpson said other departments share the same concerns.

Stimpson said that the discussion came up during a recent meeting of mayors and police chiefs. Stimpson said Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper told the group that he could start with a list of hundreds of interested applicants and wind up with only a few dozen qualified candidates. "He's really found it very difficult to hire," said Stimpson.

There's some kinship between Birmingham and Mobile, Stimpson and Barber both said, in that they both must do their hiring through county personnel boards, which add steps to the process. "If we're lucky, we're able to hire somebody six months after they apply," said Barber. "Really it's more like a year."

What Barber calls "the Ferguson effect" is more recent. In Mobile it took on a personal note after the Michael Moore incident. The killings of officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge didn't help with recruitment.

Last year, the Mobile Police Department had 227 applicants for its police academy, and 179 took a written test that is the first hurdle in a process including physical tests and background checks. This year, 183 applied but only 69 took the first test.

Retention has suffered as well.

"We've lost over 100 officers since January of last year," said Barber. Two-thirds has been what you might call normal turnover, such as officers moving on to other agencies offering better pay. "The new trend we've seen is getting out of law enforcement entirely," Barber said.

The job sends officers out to confront the worst of society, Barber said. "What you see in the Ferguson effect, and the failure of some local leaders," he said, gives officers the feeling that they're sticking their necks out for people who won't support them.

"The message is, you can do everything right ... and still be cast out of your career," he said. "We can't have some elected leaders condemning an action they know nothing about."

Stimpson said that after he became mayor in 2013, police and fire department concerns about pay and recruitment quickly came to his attention. He said he's tried to focus on factors within city control, such as raising pay. The city recently did pass a $5,000 police pay raise. Barber said it improved morale among officers on the force, although it hasn't changed the MPD's low starting pay - which ranges from $30,000 to almost $35,000, depending on education.

Tuscaloosa Police Chief Steven Anderson

In Tuscaloosa, Police Chief Steven Anderson can take comfort in offering a far better starting salary -- $45,678 -- for patrol officers. But he too has seen things change due to a general "negativity" in society's view of police, and a "breakdown of trust in the minority community."

"The baseline challenge for us ... is finding qualified applicants in the minority community and among women," said Anderson, who is Tuscaloosa's first black chief. The terrorist attacks of September 2001 pushed the pendulum one way: More people supported first responders, and more people wanted to join their ranks. Anderson said the recession of 2008 also helped recruitment, as the force offered a steady job in uncertain times.

Nowadays, he said, the pendulum has swung the other way. Social media fuels "such a rush to judgment" in controversial police encounters, he said. "We've got to take a step back ... We've got to understand there's a limited amount of transparency you can provide when you're conducting an investigation."

"I think it's generational as well," Anderson added, "especially when we hire people out of college." In a lot of cases, he said, they want to get some experience and then move on to federal agencies.

He doesn't have to go through a personnel board but hiring is still a struggle. In May the Tuscaloosa Police Department had 272 online applications, out of which 119 people showed up for a test that 95 or 96 passed. After physical tests and background checks, he said, "We ended up with maybe about 25 individuals we could put on a roster and consider hiring."

Even then, he said, it's a year to 18 months before they're fully trained, off probation and able to work alone.

Anderson said that his department is budgeted for 286 officers and was able to stay close to that until 2014. Since then, he said, "we have had a difficult time," and the force tends to hover around 265.

Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper leads the Oath of Office at a graduation ceremony for the Birmingham Police Academy on Friday, Aug. 22, 2014. (Joe Songer/jsonger@al.com).

In Birmingham, where the base pay ranges from $37,232 to $41,038 depending on education, the force is larger but so is the shortfall in manpower. According to figures provided by Public Information Officer Lt. Sean Edwards, the force is budgeted for 914 officers and has 820.

The constant cycle of training replacements has a price. As Barber said, "if you're losing 60 a year, that's $3 million you're spending" just trying to get replacements trained and on the job.

The Huntsville Police Department offers relatively high starting pay, at about $39,000. Even so, Lt. Stacy Bates, a public information officer under Chief Mark McMurray, said recruitment has gotten harder.

"I'd say in the last year, last year and a half, it's been an issue," said Bates. He allowed that in some controversial incidents, police critics might have legitimate concerns, while in others the sense of injustice is all a matter of perception. But either way, "as a police officer, you're under a microscope."

Last September, recruitment started with a pool of 918 people who'd expressed interest. This year, Bates said, that was down to just under 600. Eventually that was whittled down to about 40 qualified applicants for about 20 openings. "I'm sure a lot of people would be tickled to have 600 people apply," said Bates.

The HPD has an authorized strength of 430, Bates said, but "We're hardly ever at 430, and it's been that way for years." However, he attributes turnover to retirement and to officers going to work for other agencies.

"We haven't had anybody say they were getting out because they were sick of law enforcement," he said.

Public criticism does make the job less attractive to some, he said, but added: "What we're seeing is, if your heart's truly in public service ... none of that's going to matter."

That resonates with Barber's view. He thinks the world has changed. Chiefs have always had to consider crime. Since 9-11 they've had to consider national security as well, he said, and now they have to factor concerns about civil unrest into their plans.

"In my 28 years, I've never seen a more challenging time," he said.

What hasn't changed, he said, is that cops have a different way of looking at the world. When the average citizen hears of some terrible incident like a mass shooting, Barber said, he or she is grateful not to have been there.

"A cop's mentality, when they react to the exact same situation, is, 'I wish to God I had been there,'" said Barber. "They're just wired that way."
Mingo courtyard 2.jpg

Mobile Police Department Officer Shonee Mingo stands alone in a courtyard at the Oaklawn Homes public housing complex on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016.

The first call of the night doesn't sound like much: A guy is complaining about beer being stolen out of his back-porch fridge. As Officer Shonee Mingo heads that way, other calls go out. There's a complaint about a neighbor playing loud music and possibly being "Signal 34" in a doorway or window.

"You can't make this stuff up," says Mingo. "Sometimes it's, 'Somebody stole my beer.' Sometimes it's somebody playing loud music and standing at the window naked. Everything is not a killing or burglary or drugs. The small things are what the taxpayers pay for, and they want service, so we offer it to them."

At a time when Alabama police chiefs are worried about a social climate in which it's harder to recruit new officers and to retain veteran ones, 10-year veteran Mingo is an example of those who stay.

"The pay sucks, yeah," he says. "It plays to the question of how much you can take. It's a test of your will."

But he says love of community is one factor that motivates him to continue to patrol the streets of Mobile.

"You want to see change in the community. But you can't change it from the outside," he says. "You have to be on the front line."

Mobile Police Department Officer Shonee Mingo prepares to begin his patrol on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. "You want to see change in the community. But you can't change it from the outside," says Mingo, a 10-year veteran of the force. "You have to be on the front line." (Lawrence Specker/LSpecker@AL.com)

In Mobile, the 6 p.m. shift begins with a briefing among a half-dozen or so officers in the First Precinct building at Virginia and Broad Street.

Officers need to get caught up on what's changed in the 12 hours since last night's shift, to get a sense of what's on each other's minds. "You don't want to lose ground you've already gained," explained Mingo.

As for that first call about stolen beer, the idea was that Mingo would go to the complainant's home and get the details. But after Mingo enters a neighborhood of small single-family homes off Navco Road, the situation develops in an unexpected way: The guy who made the complaint is driving down the street, shadowing the kid he's accusing and a companion. This has gone from being a paperwork call to being a confrontation. The guy with the complaint points the kid out to Mingo and the boy starts to run, but stops at Mingo's command.

The boy is 12. The homeowner says he's been taking packages from his doorstep, and most recently stole four cases of beer. He says the boy's not going to school, he's just running the streets. He says he's talked to the boy's mother and she says she can't do anything with him. The boy has very little to say, but when he does, he speaks with the high thin voice of a child. "You probably got the wrong person," he says at one point.

The older teen who was walking with him hangs around, camo shorts sagging, and repeatedly intrudes on Mingo's space getting within arm's reach as Mingo tries to talk to the younger kid. He claims to be a cousin. "Are you his parent? You got nothing to do with this. I suggest you leave," warns Mingo. He walks off and then, incredibly, moves back a few minutes later. "I'm trying to see what's going on," he tells Mingo. "I'm trying to get my money out of his pocket."

Mingo cuffs him for a few minutes, to keep him from interfering, and then turns him loose. With the 12-year-old in the back seat, he drives his patrol car around to the mother's home, a couple of blocks away. He opens the back door of the cruiser and asks the boy if he knows his father's name. He doesn't. He asks him to spell his mother's name. He says he can't. As Mingo talks to the mother, two teenage girls hang around. They're in Mingo's space too, though they seem engrossed in their phones, and he ignores them. One appears to take a photo of the kid in the car. One rests her hip against the cruiser as she works her phone.

The mother wants the kid to go to Strickland Youth Center, but Mingo thinks that might not fly, because he's so young and because this would be his first detention. He drives around the corner to the complainant's house, to do the paperwork. By the time he's done, he's gotten word that Strickland doesn't want the kid.

"Now comes the sucky part," says Mingo. "Now the mom's going to be mad with me, like I'm not doing my job."

Back at the mom's house, there doesn't seem to be any overt anger. Mingo does business with a calm voice and a relaxed stance, and he's a patient listener. Before turning the kid over to his mother, he tries to talk to him man-to-man.

"Look at me," he says. "You go back to that man's house - look at me - you're going to be charged with trespassing. Tell me what's going on with you. Why are you staying in trouble?" He tries to make the point that the kid is putting his life at risk, with the choices he's making. "All right. Change your ways. Please. Look at me. I'm telling you. Please."

The kid offers precious little to indicate that Mingo is getting through to him. You could look at this as being on the front lines, trying to make a difference. You could look at this as an example of the thing that leaves officers burned out by a sense of overwhelming futility. Mingo strongly favors the former view. "I'm here for the working man," he says of the man whose beer went missing. "I also want to help this parent."

This has taken an hour and a half. The next call is a report of someone who's taken an overdose of medication in a suicide attempt. When Mingo learns that there appears to be no one at the scene with the victim, whose status is unknown, he puts on the lights and the siren, hustling from the neighborhood down Navco Road toward the Leinkauf historic district. Other drivers clear out of the way as if by magic. And yet, with someone potentially in a life or death situation, it seems to take a long time to cover a few miles.

Mingo arrives at a duplex. No one comes to the door to answer his knock. Dogs bark inside, as he shines his light through the windows. He can't see anything that justifies kicking in the door. Long minutes pass. Eventually, thanks to new information from the dispatcher, he ascertains that the problem is actually in a home across the street.

In the end, it's not much: Family members arrive at the scene and say the victim has a history of doing this for attention. Meanwhile, Mingo has made an expedited drive to get there, a backup unit has come in from another precinct, a fire truck arrives with a crew of firemedics and an ambulance pulls up to take the victim to the hospital for evaluation.

Mobile Police Department Officer Shonee Mingo, center, motivated by concerns about seeing too many loiterers, walks into a courtyard at the Oaklawn Homes public housing complex on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. (Lawrence Specker/LSpecker@ALcom)

As the night goes on, Mingo visits a public housing project where the number of people loitering around is too high for his taste. Without seeming to rush, they scatter and disappear as he gets out of the car. For a while he stands alone amid the empty courtyards, just establishing a presence -- just establishing that this is not a lawless place. Then he moves on, answering a couple of non-confrontational domestic disturbance calls.

Driving past a Dauphin Island Parkway convenience store, he spots a man sprawled on the sidewalk and turns in to see what's up. It's not a medical emergency. The guy seems to have decided this will be a good enough place to sleep, sprawled across the curb, with his torso on the sidewalk and his legs in the parking lot. He takes what seems like 20 minutes to sit up, comb his hair, pull on his gloves and gather his belongings, and after making himself ready to move, seems to have forgotten he's supposed to move.

Meanwhile, one of his companions has been telling Mingo that they don't like the homeless shelters he mentions. 15 Place doesn't cut it, the guy says. Maybe what we need is a 14 Place, or a 16 Place. Mingo has never seemed more patient. Carting a homeless man to jail is really not the way he wants to end this. The man on the sidewalk finally stands, then shuffles few steps to the corner of the building and begins putting his things down, as if maybe his journey is finished.

Mingo has to move on: There's been a wreck involving a semi truck, and he needs to join the units already on the scene. He warns the guy to keep moving.

One thing that stands out about all this is the unpredictability. One situation might be violent, the next might be tragic, the next might be a colossal waste of time. "This job, you have to wear a lot of hats," Mingo says. "It takes a toll. Switching is what wears you out."

The other thing that stands out is the sheer amount of discretion required. At the call involving the juvenile, danger could have come from any direction: From the confrontation between the complainant and the kid, from the companion interfering with Mingo's interrogation of the kid, from the siblings hanging around at the mom's house. On the attempted suicide call, Mingo could have been left looking like the hero who kicked in a door to save somebody's life - or like the dope who kicked in the door of the wrong house and got into a brawl with somebody's dogs for no good reason.

The unexpected can get you. Mingo refers in passing to MPD Officer Harold Hurst, who became the center of a firestorm after fatally shooting teenager Michael Moore in June. Hurst didn't expect to make a traffic stop on his way to report for duty, and he didn't expect that stop to lead to a deadly confrontation.

The risk that you'll be second-guessed is part of the job, Mingo says, but it's not a welcome part.

"No one wants to stand on that front line and wear the uniform and answer to someone who doesn't wear the uniform," he says.

But on the front line, he says, "You come to find out everybody is the same, regardless of creed, color, whatever." Money separates people's lives, he says, but they all have the same motivations and fears and vulnerabilities and passions.

"The reward is, you get out there and hopefully you've helped," he says. "Even if it's a tragic situation, you hope by the time you leave there, you took care of the situation with their loved one with care and sincerity."

Sometimes folks will stop an officer just to say "Thank you." It counts for a lot, Mingo says. "What keeps you going is the support you get."

It's midnight. The shift is half-over. Mingo gets a call informing him that the homeless gent he dealt with so patiently still hasn't made it off the convenience store property. He puts on his next hat and heads back out.
Trump_Pence_signs.jpg

A stack of signs promoting Donald Trump's candidacy for President of the United States. The signs are sold individually or in bulk at ABC Signs in Theodore, Ala. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

John Robb

By John Robb, a regular contributor to the Al.com Opinion blog, who lives in Mobile

As Donald Trump wrote a best seller "The Art of The Deal," this year's strange presidential race should be titled "The Art of the Possible."

Let's start with Green Party nominee Jill Stein. She's polling at three percent. Enough said.

Libertarian Gary Johnson? He's at seven percent, but he killed any chance of winning by answering a question about a major current foreign policy disaster with another question: "What's Aleppo?" Put aside his habitual marijuana use; his foreign policy is literally a pipe dream.

That leaves Trump and Hillary Clinton, arguably the most unpopular nominees in our nation's history. Our dilemma was summed up best by a guy in the Irish seacoast town of Kinsale who asked me over breakfast: "320 million Americans and those two are the best you've got?"

We're stuck with them, aren't we? I agree with Democrats who find Trump's language scary. But his words are not nearly as scary as Clinton's actions. As Trump said: "Clinton has a lot of government experience, but it's all bad experience." The most accurate title for a book on her career was already used by M. Scott Peck: People of the Lie. There isn't room here for all of Clinton's lies. To just hit some high points, recall Whitewater, Benghazi, obstructing justice by deleted emails off her private server and then lying under oath about it. Nixon resigned the presidency for a lot less.

The whopper is her position on our future: our children. She spends millions on TV ads claiming she cares about them, yet supports funding abortions to kill the most innocent and defenseless among us.

With the monolithic liberal news media's active help, Clinton is cleverly shifting campaign coverage away from her lies and ineffective record to personal smears against Trump dredged up from past decades. What blatant hypocrisy! Hillary enabled her husband for decades to fornicate across America and even at the White House. So, let's focus back to the real issues affecting average Americans.

Illegal immigration: Securing our borders is Trump's number one priority. Newly leaked emails prove that Clinton's ultimate goal is to have no borders. So, if America ceases to exist as we know it, where will legal immigrants go?

Terrorism: Hillary boasts being "part of the team that got Bin Laden." Truth is, all she did was watch TV with her hand over her mouth. As Secretary of State, she did help form Obama's feckless Mid East policies that led to Isis's rapid world-wide growth. We need a stronger approach.

National Defense: After Obama's two terms, we now have the weakest military in forty years since another ineffective Democrat, Jimmy Carter. Would we be better off with Obama's Secretary of State in charge? That's why most military leaders endorse Trump.

Obamacare: With Blue Cross Blue Shield promising another annual hike (this one is about thirty-six percent) health insurance premiums are way past unaffordable. Obamacare is in a death spiral. Trump says he's going to scrap it and start over. Hillary says she's going to "fix it." Do you have any idea how much it will cost us for yet another liberal Democrat to "fix" health care?

The Deficit: Trump knows his way around a balance sheet. The only balance sheet Clinton improved was for her own family foundation that took seven figure donations to pay for influence. At least one was from a foreign government, Qatar, in direct conflict with her sworn State Department duties.

Supreme Court: the main reason undecideds should vote for Trump. One vacancy is open now with one or two more on the way. The next president will largely shape the nation's highest court for the next generation. Trump's short list of potential nominees supports freedom of religion and our God-given right to life. Clinton's liberal picks would undercut these basic freedoms.

This is the twelfth presidential election I've followed since covering Watergate and, by far, the sleaziest. Our next president will lead the most divided America since the Civil War. That's why we must focus on issues, not sleaze. That's why this election's story should be titled "The Art of the Possible."

November 8th, we voters will decide, not the news media. Trump, with all his flaws, was never my preference to be our next president. But his possible election is our only chance to block Clinton and her evil agenda for America's future.
Gary Johnson

In this Sept. 3, 2016 file photo, Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson speaks during a campaign rally in Des Moines, Iowa. Johnson had another self-described "Aleppo moment" on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016, after he couldn't come up with a name when asked by MSNBC host Chris Matthews who his favorite foreign leader is. Johnson won the endorsement Friday, Sept. 30, 2016 of Chicago Tribune's editorial board. (AP Photo/Scott Morgan, File)

(AP)

Ben Baxter is a Tuscaloosa dweller, a Dothan native, an experienced engineer, and a regular contributor for personal finance and career development topics.

It doesn't take an expert to realize that presidential frontrunners, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, are disliked by voters. In fact, they are disliked at such a jaw-dropping clip that most voters are clamoring for third-party presidential options. Peculiarly though, this sense of urgency has not translated into sizeable third-party campaign contributions.

Nationally, Gary Johnson (Libertarian candidate) and Jill Stein (Green Party candidate) have so far respectively received just $7.9 million and $1.6 million from individuals this election season. Meanwhile, Clinton and Trump have respectively received $285.3 million and $74.8 million from individuals.

For those keeping score, this means that Clinton and Trump have nationally received 97 percent of contributions from individuals this election season.

Statewide, Johnson and Stein are not fairing much better. Johnson has only received about $19,000 from Alabamians while Stein has only received about $900 from Alabamians. On a much greater magnitude, Clinton has received $1.2 million and Trump has received over $800,000.

While the Johnson and Stein dollars pale in comparison to the Clinton and Trump dollars, the divide is not insurmountable if voters put their money where their mouth is.

Federal Election Committee data

For example, if just 1 percent of the 3 million active Alabama voters contributed an average of $50 to the Johnson candidacy, he would have the most contributions in the state with $1.5 million.

That level of contribution though has not happened so far. And it doesn't seem likely that it will happen as the number of contributions to Clinton and Trump seem to increase daily.

It's not too late though to make a difference. If voters truly are passionate for third-party options, Johnson and Stein are still accepting contributions. More contributions mean more visibility for each candidate this election and a chance for fairer debate and ballot access next election.

For voters in an already-decided state like ours, supporting and voting third-party this election may be the only true way to let one's voice be heard. If voters really get behind the third-party cause, then America truly will be great again. And not just for some voters--for everyone.
Last week at Bar Convent Berlin, I took extra notice of all the tonic water brands. I haven't attended this bar show in a couple years, but they've always had a lot of specialty tonic waters compared to what's available on the US market. This year there were even more.

As for quality brands that are in the US market, we have Fever Tree, Q Tonic, Fentiman's and more recently East Imperial. Q doesn't offer any flavor offshoots yet. Fever Tree has Mediterranean, Light, and Elderflower. East Imperial has yuzu, Burma, and grapefruit (not sure if in all markets yet).

In the UK, a big brand I don't think we have in the US yet is Thomas Henry, and they now have elderflower and cherry blossom tonic.

At BCB this year I saw some new (to me) brands also with flavors:

J. Gasco (a low-cal version, an extra dry version, plus some other bitter sodas).

Original by Magnifique Brands (classic, zero calorie, berries, yuzu, cherry, mint, and citrus).

Double Dutch (premium, diet, cucumber + watermelon, pomegranate + basil).

Hopefully we'll see some of these interesting new expressions hit US shores soon.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia  In a country where desertification, extreme weather patterns and overburdened pastures are becoming the norm, the nomadic livestock herders of Mongolia are mobilising at the community level to adapt to climate change.

Mongolia has no comprehensive national regulations on pasture land management, which makes it difficult to address the environmental issues on a national level. In the absence of such policies, some Mongolian herders have taken it upon themselves to come up with solutions.

Families are banding together to form work collectives to implement regulations that will mitigate their impact on the environment and create better disaster preparedness. In some quarters, these work collectives, called pasture user groups, or PUGs, are also helping to increase household incomes.

The current environmental state and livestock production methods are proving unsustainable, says Purevjav Gomboluudev, the head of the climate section at the Information and Research Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment, a national agency.





Mongolia tends to rely heavily on the summer season for growing fodder and preparing livestock feed, he says. But desertification, over-grazing and poor land management is leading to ill-prepared winters.

These harsh winters, called dzud in Mongolian, ultimately disrupt the national economy, says the head of pasture land management in the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, Byambadorj N.

This past winter claimed some 1.1 million head of livestock, forcing the Mongolian government to declare a state of national emergency. While the dzud of 2009  2010, wiped out 20 percent of the entire nations herds, worth an estimated 4 percent of the GDP.

Today, to be better prepared for the ravages of climate change, PUGs are pooling labour and resources to grow fodder, collect and sell yak wool, manage grazing schedules and rehabilitate valuable grasslands.

In addition to environmental benefits, PUGs in Tariat County, in Arkhangai Province, have also reaped financial benefits. Selling yak wool together as a collective rather than individually has allowed them to cut out the middle man and negotiate higher prices on raw materials.

Our margins are 10 to 15 percent higher now, says Jambaldorj S, the head of the Arkhangai Province Federation PUG, founded with with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

Banding together to sell wool may also have positive implications for the climate.

Since records began in the 1940s, Mongolia has seen its temperatures warm by 2.1C, roughly three times the global rate of 0.8C. As a way to battle climate change both at home and globally, Mongolia signed the 2016 Paris Agreement, with a pledged commitment to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 14 percent by the year 2030.

While it remains to be seen if the government will be able to affect meaningful change by this time, although Mongolias Intended Nationally Determined Contribution document, submitted with the signing of the Paris Agreement, further commits to keeping livestock under sustainable numbers to cut down on methane emissions.

Herders may already be decreasing the carbon footprint of the agriculture sector through their collectives and the streamlining of agricultural processes, such as transportation costs for livestock and goods, to lower emissions.

While herd size management remains a touchy issue among herders, who take cultural pride in the size of their herd, PUG leaders and local government officials are educating herders about the benefits of keeping fewer, healthier animals.

Telling a household to reduce their livestock is rather offensive, says Ochirkhuyag L, livestock and pasture leader at the Ikh Tamir Federation. To encourage lower herd sizes, member households in Ikh Tamirs PUG can opt to sell excess livestock and use the profits to set up a risk fund that can be used in times of crisis, such as during a particularly harsh dzud. The fund offers better and longer-lasting security than extra heads of livestock.

The risk fund seems to be successful and the Ikh Tamir Federation PUG plans to carry out the programme again next year.

PUGs have also protected headwaters, grown vegetables for greater food security and offered financial assistance and climate change insurance to members.

Ten years ago, everybody had more of an individualistic way of living and making decisions, says Jambaldorj.

But now, we understand the challenge of pasture degradation and also how to use marketing opportunities by selling raw materials togethe r Were making changes in how we participate in all these changes happening in our country.

Nina Wegner and Taylor Weidman reported on this story with a travel grant from Internews/Earth Journalism Network

In Pictures
Kavumu, Burundi  Inside a wooden, tin-roofed structure in the Kavumu refugee camp in eastern Burundi, 46 couples are waiting to get married. They have all fled their homes in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

Some of them are already married but, having lost their wedding certificates when they left their homes, are going through the process again. Others, like Bonnet Mfaume and Zubeda Karinga, are marrying each other for the first time. Zubeda is pregnant with their fifth child and describes her unusual happiness about the occasion. It is a cause for celebration at a time when they have had little to feel positive about.

But marriage can mean more than that for the refugees. Abel Mbilinyi, the Burundi representative for the UNHCR, explains that marriage offers protection for women.

In a refugee camp, depending on which religion you are having, depending on culture, the protection of a husband is so important, he continues. Women who are single are vulnerable. They are vulnerable to being attacked by single men.

MORE: Is the DR Congo on the brink of collapse?

Deo Kasereka and Antoinette Etamboseka are among those waiting to get married. They have been a couple for many years and have five children together.

They fled their home in Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. or DRC, after Deo was accused of giving the M23 rebels medical supplies from the pharmacy he owned. He says men in military uniforms came to his house while he was in hiding.

Not finding me there, they abused my wife, he says. I had a little brother at home to whom they also asked my whereabouts. He replied that he was not aware of where I was and they shot him dead on the spot.

The couples oldest son is 14 years old. He went missing during their flight, and they havent seen or heard from him since.
The battle for Mosul, which has been under the control of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) since June 2014, is key to the groups ultimate defeat.

Iraqi forces, Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and their international allies have already cleared dozens of villages on the outskirts of Mosul. However, the fight against ISIL, also known as ISIS, has been complicated by territorial arguments between Iraqi and Kurdish forces, with the Kurds angling to assert control over certain disputed areas liberated from ISIL.

From the Bashiqa frontline, just 20km from Mosul, a mountain top offers a clear view of the city, from where hundreds of thousands of residents are expected to flee as the battle unfolds.
While appearing attractive in the abstract, partition could make matters worse, not better, in fragile states.

As the military battle over ISIL-controlled Mosul and Nineveh has begun, questions over the future of this vital province of Iraq are flowing thick and fast.

While there is confidence that the new US-supported coalition can defeat ISIL (also known as ISIS), there are concerns that each faction holds contesting views about what comes after.

It is becoming apparent, for example, that a number of elements have well-vested interests in partitioning the province into a series of six to eight ethnic or sectarian cantons with independent rights and autonomy from Haider al-Abadis government in Baghdad.





Back in Washington and Congress there is some support for such solutions if they are seen as a way of protecting the rights of religious minorities such as Yazidis, Assyrians, and Chaldeans who have been mercilessly persecuted and ethnically cleansed from their ancient homelands by a genocidal ISIL.

Caution: Division Ahead

A note of caution should be sounded at this point as such arrangements, while appearing attractive in the abstract, could make matters worse, not better. Partition can deepen schisms in fragile states.

OPINION: Why delay doesnt make sense in Mosul

While power-sharing in Mosul before ISIL took over in 2014 was far from perfect, it did represent forms of power-sharing which accommodated and balanced minority interests. The 2013 governorate elections returned a coalition of parties from the Kurdish KDP and PUK, Atheel al-Nujaifis tribal, Sunni-dominated al-Hadba coalition, and other tribal, Shabak, Yazidi, Chaldean, and nationalist parties, reflecting the possibilities of representation without territorial carve-ups.

Current proposals to develop those cantons, which emanate from Mosul and Nineveh and are allegedly supported by Turkey, are not the product of constructive approaches to managing long-standing sectarian and ethnic problems, by the kinds of the elected coalitions described above or wider community-based dialogue processes and consultations.

Nor, just as importantly, do they represent other marginalised groups, namely young people, women, and community members whose opinions, perceptions, definitions, and ideas do not have a strong voice in current debates about Mosul and Nineveh post-ISIL.

Quite the opposite, such proposals are motivated by largely undisguised sectarian, patriarchal, tribal, or ethnic interests at the expense of the rights and protections of other parties.

Such proposals are motivated by largely undisguised sectarian, patriarchal, tribal, or ethnic interests at the expense of the rights and protections of other parties. by

Furthermore, the creation of such cantons is unlikely to result from a consultative approach, and will therefore potentially result in more problems than it solves, especially if the cantons internal governance and legal structures prove incompatible with Iraqs constitution.

Also, unless canton proposals are put to all Iraqs citizens through referenda the implications and risks in terms of the territorial integrity of the rest of the country could be disastrous.

Protection

It will be very apparent from the start that the viability of such cantons depends on the level of cooperation between new neighbours.

The powers of individual cantons would have to be subject to lengthy and reciprocal negotiations. These in turn would demand a myriad of laws, treaties, and agreements to cover the gamut from the everyday to the existential.

One key concern around protection would be the residual threat from ISIL.

OPINION: The US, the Peshmerga and Mosul

Would each putative canton in Nineveh have its own security, police, and intelligence forces? Just what kinds of security-related policies and coordination mechanisms will be in place to counter trans-canton crime, terrorism, drug-trafficking, arms smuggling, and other serious offences?

Such proposals to demarcate Mosul and the Nineveh into cantons where exclusive ethnic, tribal, and sectarian groups reside are likely to weaken each areas ability to protect itself against ongoing challenges from unitary jihadist threats.

Security

No one is saying that there will be easy choices ahead for the governing authorities in Baghdad. However, there is a question of whether they are prepared to support reconstruction or whether they will have to surrender to the demands of localised ethnic and sectarian interests.

There may be little choice in the matter. Baghdad may well capitulate, given that these local rivals are supported by strong and well-funded outside powers with their own agendas.

The US should think twice about supporting the secessionist demands of leaders such as Nujaifi and Massoud Barzani. The motives behind their current alliance of interests should be questioned. Proposals which break down power from the provincial level which are not truly representative and harmonious will still leave vulnerable populations on the margins.

When Mosul is re-taken the reconstruction and re-governance phase will be long and arduous, and demand US involvement yet again.

After all, having a US-aided coalition embark on an offensive against ISIL in Mosul and Nineveh implies a role for the US in the post-liberation settlement.

Hopefully, the spoils of Mosul and Nineveh will not be divided among the armed victors, but instead security and governance will be implemented equally without favour.

Beverley Milton-Edwards is a visiting fellow at the Brookings Doha Center. She is also a professor of politics at Queens University Belfast. Her research focuses on security sector governance in the Middle East and the challenges of political Islam.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
The loss of the city is a blow to ISIL but bigger challenges are looming.

James Denselow is a writer on Middle East politics and security issues and a research associate at the Foreign Policy Centre.

It was the worst of times, it was the end of times. Dabiq, the northern Syrian town prophesied to be the location of an apocalyptic battle, was abandoned with apparent minimal resistance by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) over the weekend.

However, a more serious threat of Armageddon for the nascent ISIL caliphate comes in the form of the continued loss of territory this year and the forthcoming battles for Mosul and Raqqa. In the first nine months of this year, ISIL has reportedly lost territory roughly the size of Sri Lanka across Iraq and Syria.

While the eyes of the world have quite rightly been focused on the horrors of Aleppo, the ISIL decision to declare war on everybody has seen air power grind down their defences, with Turkey-backed rebels able to take Dabiq itself with relative ease.





August marked two years of US-led bombing of ISIL with more than 14,000 strikes on 26,000 targets. Thousands of ISIL fighters have been killed or left the region, hundreds of millions of dollars worth of supplies and assets have been destroyed, and key trade and supply routes have been cut off.

Considering ISIL is fighting a Holy War and considers Dabiq such an important location that it named its glossy monthly magazine after the town, youd consider the loss quite a blow.

Symbolic value

The term symbolic value is overused and not adequately explained. In this case, ISILs fighting retreat allows for it to keep resources for bigger battles ahead. A useful aspect of using religious interpretation as a source of legitimacy is that ISIL can argue that the Dabiq setback is a test of faith.

OPINION: Syria talks  the urgent question

The [ISIL] myth of their great battle in Dabiq is finished, said Ahmed Osman, the head of the Sultan Murad group who were involved in the battle. The British Ministry of Defence recently put out a press release that stated that myth-making is [ISIL]s stock-in-trade. And their biggest myth of all is that they are winning militarily.

Despite all the hard line rhetoric, ISIL are far more pragmatic than they would appear. by

However, ISIL propaganda has already cranked into gear, explaining that the recent Dabiq battle is not the future battle to come. Despite all the hardline rhetoric, ISIL are far more pragmatic than they would appear.

Indeed, the first edition of ISILs Dabiq magazine was released in July 2014 when the town itself was in the hands of the Syrian opposition. It was only captured and placed under the black flag after a series of battles between August and September 2015.

If the town is a symbolic recruitment tool to be used to attract fighters to ISIL for a future final battle against the crusaders, that is still the case as far as the groups propagandists are concerned.

Its worth remembering that Syria was a zone of operations that ISIL expanded into, and thus it doesnt have the same roots as it does in Iraq.

Lessons from Dabiq

In his recent book The Battle for Syria, Christopher Phillips described ISIL as a non-state foreign actor, while in The Syrian Jihad, Charles Lister expertly chronicled how Syria became the centre of the world for jihadist militancy and how this was a space deeply contested by different groups not simply dominated by ISIL alone.

Another lesson from the Dabiq capture is the efficiency of Turkey-backed forces and the growing role that Ankara is playing on shaping events on the ground inside Syria. Turkeys Operation: Euphrates Shield is apparently creating a de facto safe zone in areas it occupies and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan explained earlier this month: The problem of terrorism and the refugee problem will be resolved when we secure Syrian soils step by step.

More important than Dabiq is a debate around how the various anti-ISIL actors expect the conflict to end.

Do they think a lowering of the black flag in Mosul and Raqqa alongside the killing of Caliph Baghdadi will do the job?

Until questions as to who in future governs  and with what legitimacy  the ISIL-controlled areas in Syria and Iraq, then the root of the problem is still to be addressed. Meanwhile, could ISIL look to transform again from a caliphate based on facts on the ground to one that is more virtual, more global and arguably more dangerous?

It is always easier to change a reality on the ground than to kill an idea, and while ISIL faces the biggest challenges since its inception, its use of end of days as an effective recruitment tool may continue.

James Denselow is a writer on Middle East politics and security issues and a research associate at the Foreign Policy Centre.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Fighting between rival factions in facility in northern Roraima state end in bloodshed, with at least 25 people killed.

At least 25 inmates have died in clashes between two rival factions in a prison in far northern Brazil, according to local news media citing police.

Seven of the dead were beheaded and six burned to death in Sundays violence in a prison in Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima state, the news site G1 reported, citing local police.

The bloodshed began when inmates of one wing of the Agricola de Monte Cristo prison broke into another wing.

Inmates were armed with knives and wooden clubs, an inmates wife who was in the prison when the riot broke out told G1.

Uziel Castro, Roraimas secretary of justice, said that the fight erupted during visiting hours, and some 100 relatives of inmates were briefly held hostage.

The rioters demanded that a judge come to hear their demands.

Instead, Special Operations Police stormed the prison, released the hostages and regained control of the site by sundown.

All the hostages were released, Castro said, adding that most of them were women.

The prison, about 3,400km northwest of Rio de Janeiro, is in a state that borders Venezuela.

Fights and riots are common throughout Brazils overcrowded prison system. It has the fourth largest prison population behind the US, China and Russia.

Police and state officials did not immediately respond to phone calls for comment.
Public meetings in Turkish capital banned until November 30 due to alert over potential terror attacks, officials say.

Turkeys capital Ankara has banned all public gatherings and demonstrations until the end of November after receiving information about potential terror attacks.

The Ankara governorate said in a statement on Monday that all such meetings had been prohibited until November 30, in line with the state of emergency imposed in the wake of a failed coup attempt on July 15.

It said that the decision was taken to ensure peoples safety and public order.

READ MORE: Recep Tayyip Erdogan  Turkey emergency may be extended

The governorate, which is responsible for security throughout the capital and the wider province, said it had received intelligence that banned terror organisations were preparing actions in our province.





Without naming the organisations, it said that the groups were thought to have been planning attacks on public demonstrations and meetings.

Events covered by the ban include gatherings and protests in open or closed public places such as streets, avenues, parks and squares, as well as plays and performances in public places.

Public bodies may organise events in public places if they obtain special permission from the governors office.

Republic Day on October 29, commemorating the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, and Remembrance Day on November 10, marking the death of the republics founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, are both within the time period covered by the ban.

Both events attract huge crowds in Ankara every year.

Previous bans

Last week, the Ankara governorate issued a similar ban on Ashura Day gatherings in the city, saying it had received intelligence that terror groups were planning to target these kinds of activities.

The ban was to remain in force all throughout the month of Muharram in order to maintain peace in the city, but after wide condemnation by Turkeys Alawite community and opposition groups, the governorate took a step back and said Ashura Day gatherings would be allowed in closed venues.

Citing security concerns, Ankaras governorate also banned public gatherings in the city on October 10, the first anniversary of the twin suicide bombings that killed 103 peace activists who were trying to hold a rally outside the capitals main train station.

READ MORE: Turkey shuts down TV channel over terror propaganda

Authorities allowed families of the victims and some civil society representatives to lay flowers in front of the train station, but used tear gas and water cannons to disperse gathered protesters.

The Turkish capital has been hit repeatedly over the past 12 months by attacks blamed on Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) fighters and Kurdish armed groups.

At least 30 were killed on February 17 and 37 more lost their lives on March 13 in bombings claimed by Kurdish fighters.

Ankara was also a prime target of the plotters in the July 15 failed coup bid, which the government blames on US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen.
Aid groups warn huge numbers of civilians are at risk as a major offensive to recapture ISIL-held Mosul gathers pace.

As Iraqi armed forces and their allies move to reclaim the city of Mosul from ISIL fighters, humanitarian agencies are warning that the lives of a huge number of civilians are in grave danger.

Hours after the launch of the massive ground and air operation early on Monday, the United Nations said an estimated 1.5 million people still live in the Mosul area, and up to one million people could flee their homes in search of safety.





Such a movement would create the biggest and most complex humanitarian crisis in the world this year, amid a wide-scale anti-ISIL operation involving Iraqi forces, Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, allied militias and US-led coalition air strikes.

As the Mosul offensive begins, protecting civilians must be an essential part of military strategies, said Filippo Grandi, UN high commissioner for refugees.

This is crucial for the future of Iraq.

Enormous danger

Mosul, Iraqs second biggest city, is the last urban centre still under the armed groups control in the country.

Analysts expect the battle for Mosul to last several weeks, and even months, exacerbating an already dire situation for residents struggling to afford food and access medicine.

IN PHOTOS: Knocking on Mosuls door

Civilians in Mosul are faced with an impossible choice and enormous danger whether they stay or flee, according to Alun McDonald, a spokesman for international charity Save the Children who is based in Duhok, north of Mosul.

If they stay put inside the city, they risk being killed in the crossfire or bombed, and trapped without aid, McDonald told Al Jazeera.

If they try to flee, they risk being killed by snipers or landmines planted around the city.

But even if they do manage to make it out, there are only seven emergency camps set up outside Mosul with only 60,000 tents available, whereas hundreds of thousands are expected to flee as the fighting intensifies.

Were in a race against time to ensure that enough displacement camps are set up to receive the people who might flee Mosul in the coming days, Karl Schembri, an Iraq-based spokesman for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), told Al Jazeera.

Safe routes

In the lead-up to the long-awaited operation, Iraqi jets dropped tens of thousands of leaflets on Mosul, some bearing safety instructions for residents, including asking families to stay indoors and put white flags on their homes.

But aid groups say such measures are not going to be enough to protect vulnerable parts of the population.

The priority, they insist, is to establish truly safe routes out of the city  despite a number of security challenges, including the potential presence of landmines and booby traps around Mosul.





Ensuring there are safe corridors is a matter of life or death for civilians, McDonald said.

Weve seen in Aleppo [in Syria] at the moment the terrible impacts on children of being trapped in a military battlefield without any way to escape, so we need to make sure the same thing doesnt happen in Mosul.

Schembri said safe corridors are essential to get people evacuated securely, but added that their establisment entails negotiation and agreement between all parties to the conflict, which is unlikely.

It would mean agreeing on times and places in which none of the warring parties would attack civilians as they head out of the city, give them protection, while allowing aid and humanitarian assistance in to the people who need it most.

Moment of truth

The battle to recapture Mosul comes after a series of Iraqi government offensives to reverse ISILs territorial gains since 2014, including in Fallujah, Ramadi and elsewhere.

Upon announcing the launch of the offensive, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi addressed residents in Mosul, a prominently Sunni city, saying that the goal of the advancing forces was to get rid of ISIL and secure your dignity.

Very soon, we will be among you to raise the Iraqi flag  we have come to rescue you and save you from terror, he said.

Following a meeting with Abadi on Monday, Grandi, the UN refugee chief, said that he had received assurances from the government that civilian protection would be part of their military strategy to retake the city.

Grandi also said that the security screening of those fleeing Mosul should be conducted in the most appropriate manner.

Back in June, some Iraqis who had escaped ISIL-held Fallujah said they were tortured while held captive by government-allied sectarian militias.

In July, Zeid Raad al Hussein, the UN human rights chief, said there were extremely distressing, credible reports that civilians fleeing the fighting in Fallujah were facing extreme abuse and even death at the hands of Shia armed groups allied with the government troops.

The way this offensive is carried out, as well as the treatment of the fleeing civilians at the hands of the fighting forces, and the effectiveness of the humanitarian response, will determine the future of Iraq and how Iraqis will live side by side with each other, Wolfgang Gressmann, country director for the NRC, said.

We cannot let Iraqi civilians down again in this moment of truth.
Iraqi Kurdistan president says 200 sq km area near Mosul is liberated, but warns the armed groups threat is not over.

A joint operation carried out by Iraqi forces and Kurdish Peshmerga troops has liberated a 200 sq km area around Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), Iraqi Kurdistan President Masoud Barzani said.

Barzani made the announcement on Monday, following the launch of a major operation to free Iraqs second largest city from the armed group, which has held it since 2014.

Today is a turning point in the war against terrorism. This is the first time that Peshmerga forces and Iraqi army have cooperated and fought in the same area, Barzani said during a press conference near Mosul.

OPINION: Is protecting Mosul minorities an excuse for partition?

We are hopeful that this operation will be successful and that Mosul will be liberated. But this does not mean that the terrorist threat is over.

Barzani said the joint offensive had been launched from south and east of Mosul.

In brief: Mosul offensive  Lise Grande, the UNs humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, says the Mosul offensive has the potential to become the single biggest, most complex humanitarian operation in the world in 2016.  Iraqs Health Minister Adila Hamoud says the government is ready to handle those fleeing Mosul.  Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir says Riyadh has urged the Iraqi government not to let Shia militias enter Mosul, fearing mass atrocities.  ISIL media wing releases a video showing their fighters blowing up an Iraqi tank near the al-Qayyarah roundabout in south Mosul.  The Iraqi defence ministry releases a video, urging residents of Mosul to revolt against ISIL and facilitate the security forces operations.  The Pentagon says Iraqi forces are meeting objectives and are ahead of schedule on the first day of the offensive to retake Mosul.  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey will play a role in the US-backed Iraqi offensive to recapture Mosul from ISIL.  France says defence ministers from the international coalition fighting ISIL in Mosul and elsewhere in Iraq and Syria will meet in Paris on October 25.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Colonel John Dorrian, a spokesman of the US forces, said the US carried out air strikes in Mosul to soften up the areas controlled by ISIL, allowing Iraqi forces to advance.

We do provide our intelligence capability, we provide our logistics, these are capabilities that the coalition has that are singularly distinctive. We are very capable in these areas, and it is a big help to the Iraqis as they move into position, he said.

The plan is for the Iraqis to liberate Mosul, They are going to be the ones that will move in to the city, he said.

Al Jazeeras Stefanie Dekker, reporting from northern Iraq, said at least nine villages had been retaken from ISIL, but two key areas along the highway between Erbil and Mosul were still being disputed.

We are hearing intensive gunfire going on as the Peshmerga are trying to advance, she said, adding that Peshmerga forces reported incidents of suicide attacks carried out by ISIL fighters.

She said at least five Peshmerga soldiers and one Iraqi army soldier were killed in the operation on Monday.

Its in the very early days and it is going to be a long fight. It is not going to be easy, she said.

READ MORE: Mosul civilians face impossible choice

Our correspondent also said that while it is significant that Iraqi forces and Peshmerga fighters are fighting together against ISIL, differences remain as to which of the competing groups would take control of the disputed areas after they are recaptured.

With many different factions and groups with their own interests, Mosul highlights again that the political plan has not been put in place yet after ISIL is gone, our correspondent said.

The bid to retake Mosul on Monday comes after the military, backed by armed tribes, militias and US-led coalition air strikes, regained much of the territory the fighters seized in 2014 and 2015.

We are proud to stand with you in this historic operation, Brett McGurk, US envoy to the coalition against ISIL, said on Twitter at the start of the Mosul offensive.

Ash Carter, the US defence secretary, called the operation a defining moment in the fight against ISIL.

The United States and the rest of the international coalition stand ready to support Iraqi Security Forces, Peshmerga fighters, and the people of Iraq in the difficult fight ahead, he said in a statement.

We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISILs hatred and brutality.
Results show Grujicic won most votes in city where thousands of Muslims were killed by Bosnian Serb army in the 1990s.

A Bosnian Serb has been elected mayor of Srebrenica, where thousands of Muslims were killed by the Bosnian Serb army during a war in the 1990s.

Mladen Grujicic will be the first Serbian mayor of the eastern Bosnian town since 1999 after winning 54.4 percent of votes in local elections on October 2, according to official results published on Monday.

READ MORE: Srebrenica tense as Bosnian Serb poised to become mayor

The July 1995 massacre of some 8,000 Muslim men and boys from Srebrenica, a UN-protected enclave at the time, was Europes worst atrocity since World War II and determined by two international courts to be genocide.





Grujicics rival at the elections, the outgoing Muslim mayor Camil Durakovic was not immediately available for comment after the publication of official results, but he had earlier contested the results, claiming irregularities at the polls.

Durakovic, Srebrenicas mayor since 2012, claimed that Serb nationalist parties in Bosnia and Serbia had sent busloads of people across the border to vote and committed a host of electoral violations.

I want to turn the page

After declaring his victory based on a preliminary vote count hours after the election, 34-year-old Grujicic had assured the public that the town hall would continue to help commemorate the Srebrenica massacre while trying to bring communities together.

I want us to turn the page in Srebrenica, to have a new life, to look ahead, to develop Srebrenica in all areas, to ensure that people stay here, regardless of their faith or ethnicity, said Grujicic.

Tensions in Bosnia have been particularly strong this year, intensified by the decision of the countrys Serbs at a referendum last month to continue celebrating their national holiday  despite Sarajevo authorities ruling the holiday and the plebiscite illegal.





The Dayton peace accords that ended the war in 1995 split Bosnia into two semi-independent entities  the Serb-run Republika Srpska (RS) and a Muslim-Croat federation  linked by weak central institutions.

The political leaders on both sides, Milorad Dodik in the RS and Muslim Bakir Izetbegovic, led aggressive campaigns before the municipal elections of October 2.

Dodik proclaimed the victory of his SNSD party right after the polls closed, saying it had won in 11 more municipalities than in previous elections.

The nationwide vote saw a turnout of 53.8 percent among an estimated 3.2 million voters.
At least 24 people, including women and children, dead after two passenger buses collide in Rahimyar Khan district.

At least 24 people have been killed and more than 70 injured after two passenger buses collided in central Pakistan, police say.

The two buses, carrying around 100 passengers, collided on Monday in the town of Khanpur in Rahimyar Khan district, about 800km south of the capital Islamabad.

Jamshid Shah, a police official, said speeding seemed to be the cause of the accident, which occurred on a dangerous curve.

One of the buses was on its way from Karachi to Lahore while the other was heading to Sadiqabad from Faisalabad, local newspapers reported.

Shah said women and children were among those killed and injured. He said police and rescue officials were using cutters to retrieve bodies stuck inside the two buses.

Mehar Arsal, a local police chief, said the buses slammed into trees after colliding with each other.

Pakistan has a dismal record of fatal traffic accidents due to poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.

More than 4,600 people were killed in road traffic accidents in 2013, the last year the government released official data.
Ahead of his visit to Beijing, Filipino leader also says he will no longer allow joint military exercises with US.

President Rodrigo Duterte has said the Philippines is willing to hold joint military exercises with China and Russia, while reiterating that he will no longer allow war games with longtime ally the United States.

Duterte made the remarks in a TV interview broadcast on Monday, ahead of a four-day visit to Beijing aimed at improving ties that soured over competing claims in the resource-rich South China Sea.

Asked if he would consider joint military drills with China or Russia, Duterte told Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television: Yes, I will. I have given enough time for the Americans to play with the Filipino soldiers.

Duterte also repeated he would no longer allow joint exercises with the US, the Philippines main defence ally and supplier of military hardware.

OPINION: Rodrigo Dutertes pivot to China

This will be the last. It has been programmed, Duterte said.

Duterte has sought to dramatically reshape his nations foreign relations since taking office on June 30, by pivoting towards China and Russia while moving away from the US.

The Philippine president has been angered by US criticism of his war on drugs, which has claimed more than 3,700 lives, and praised China and Russia for showing him respect.

But Duterte, signalling his shift is for pragmatic reasons, has also repeatedly ridiculed the US for what he sees as its weakening economic and military influence around the world.

He has also stirred controversy after cursing US President Barack Obama ahead of a bilateral meeting, which was later cancelled. Later, he was quoted as telling the US leader to go to hell.

Business entourage

Duterte is bringing an entourage of hundreds of businessmen with him to Beijing on Tuesday, and Philippine media have said deals worth billions of dollars are expected to be announced during the trip.

Asked if he would seek to buy military equipment from China during his visit, Duterte told Phoenix Television: Yes, but not really in (large) numbers.

Duterte said he would also need small, fast-attack boats from China to fight terrorism.





If China does not help us in this endeavour, we will have a hard time fighting terrorism, he said without elaborating.

Relations between the Philippines and China worsened under Dutertes predecessor Benigno Aquino, who tried to challenge Beijings expansionism in the South China Sea.

To counter China, Aquino allowed a much greater US military presence in the Philippines.

He also filed a legal case at a UN-backed tribunal, which ruled in July that Chinas claims to most of the sea had no legal basis. Beijing refused to accept the ruling.

Duterte has said he does not want to use the verdict to pressure China.

But on Sunday, he told local reporters he will raise the tribunal ruling with leaders in Beijing, adding that he will not bargain anywhere.

We will continue to insist on what is ours, he said.
New restrictions are part of a six-month state of emergency declared by the government eight days ago.

Ethiopia has restricted foreign diplomats travel in new provisions of a state of emergency as part of its response to an unprecedented wave of anti-government protests.





New restrictions published in local media state that foreign diplomats are forbidden from travelling more than 40km outside the capital, Addis Ababa, for their own security.

This is a state of emergency and we expect repressive measures, a Western diplomat told AFP news agency on condition of anonymity on Monday.

OPINION: The Ethiopia rising narrative and the Oromo protests

But we also expect an opening of the political space for the opposition as stated by the president in front of the parliament. This is not what seems to be happening, the diplomat added.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is following developments in Ethiopia with concern, his spokesman said on Monday.

The UN chief urged Ethiopian authorities to uphold human rights and called for calm and inclusive dialogue to resolve all grievances.

Internet access cut

The new measures include a 6pm-to-6am curfew around factories, farms and government institutions, which have come under attack from protesters in recent weeks.

They also include a 50km red zone adjacent to the countrys borders in which it is illegal to carry firearms. The areas around several key roads have also been declared red zones.





Political parties are banned from giving press statements that incite violence and religious leaders are forbidden from making political statements.

Security forces are banned from going on holiday or resigning from their jobs.

The measures also make it illegal to watch television stations set up by the diaspora, such as Ethiopian Satellite Television and the US-based Oromia Media Network.

Posting links from these organisations websites on to social media has also been declared a criminal activity.

Cellphone internet access has been cut for almost three weeks in most parts of the country, including the capital.

There is a pressing concern that the Ethiopian authorities will need even less of a pretext to prevent foreign journalists from doing their work during the state of emergency, said Will Davison, head of the Foreign Press Association, an informal gathering of foreign correspondents in Ethiopia.

READ MORE: I am not seeking asylum in the US, says Oromo Olympian

The death toll from unrest and clashes between police and demonstrators over the past year or more runs into several hundred, according to opposition and rights group estimates. At least 500 people have been killed by security forces since anti-government protests began in November, New York-based Human Rights Watch group said in August.

The government says such figures are inflated and has denied that violence from the security forces is systemic. In August, it rejected a United Nations request to send in observers, saying it alone was responsible for the security of its citizens.

The anti-government demonstrations started in November among the Oromo, Ethiopias biggest ethnic group, and later spread to the Amhara, the second most populous group.

Though they initially began over land rights, they later broadened into calls for more political, economic and cultural rights.

Both groups say that a multi-ethnic ruling coalition and the security forces are dominated by the Tigray ethnic group, which makes up only about 6 percent of the population.

The government, though, blames rebel groups and foreign-based dissidents for stoking the violence.








The EU says Russian raids on Aleppo could amount to war crimes but stops short of considering sanctions on Moscow.

The European Union has strongly condemned Russia for causing untold suffering through its bombardment of the Syrian city of Aleppo, but stopped short of considering new sanctions on Moscow.

Since the beginning of the offensive by the regime and its allies, notably Russia, the intensity and scale of the aerial bombardment of eastern Aleppo is clearly disproportionate, European Union foreign ministers said in a statement after talks in Luxembourg on Monday.

The deliberate targeting of hospitals, medical personnel, schools and essential infrastructure, as well as the use of barrel bombs, cluster bombs, and chemical weapons, constitute a catastrophic escalation of the conflict  and may amount to war crimes, they said.

The blocs foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini said that they are not considering sanctions against Russia, but further measures against its ally Damascus are possible.

This has not been proposed by any member state, Mogherini said as she arrived for the meeting of 28 European Union ministers dominated by the Syrian crisis when asked about steps against Moscow.

READ MORE: Syria war  Kerry to meet European foreign ministers

But we have sanctions on the Syrian regime  and there are discussions on that, for sure, [expanding] that could be possible, added Mogherini, the former Italian foreign minister.

Mogherini said she was proud the EU was not a military power party to the conflict, and so it could focus instead on getting those that were to agree a ceasefire, humanitarian help and a lasting political solution.

Germany sceptical

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier insisted sanctions would not help improve the plight of civilians in Aleppo.





I am not the only one who is rather sceptical with a view to sanctions, he said, adding that talks are still the best chance.

Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn added: I do not think it would be fruitful if we discuss now for hours if and how and when we are going to decide on sanctions against Russia.

Firstly, we will not find a consensus and secondly I believe as well that it is not the right time and it would be counter-productive, he said.

Austria, a transit point for Russian gas flows to Europe, also voiced its opposition on Monday.

The idea to have additional sanctions against Russia would be wrong, Austrias Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz told reporters. We do not need a further escalation, he said.

Keeping pressure on Assad

But others said it was imperative to increase the pressure on Russia and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in order to halt the carnage.

INSIDE STORY: More peace talks over Syria, but can they end the war?

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the ministers would examine all the options to put much stronger pressure on the regime of Bashar al-Assad and his allies.

The pressure [on Russia] must be strong, he said.





Spain, which co-sponsored with France last weeks vetoed UN resolution for a ceasefire in Aleppo, would back Russian sanctions if they helped bring Russias position closer to ours acting Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said.

Fresh brainstorming talks held on Saturday in Lausanne, Switzerland, with the main players in Syrias conflict including Kerry and Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, failed to produce any breakthrough.

The EU already has extensive sanctions in place against Syria, including oil and arms embargoes, plus restrictions on more than 200 individuals and 70 entities.

With no military presence in the Syria conflict, it is searching for a role as peacemaker and may try to lead a process to bring regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey to talks on a final peace settlement, if a ceasefire can be agreed.

OPINION: Syria  Do people really care?

In the latest fighting, at least 14 civilians were killed in air strikes on Aleppo on Monday, bringing to 47 the number killed in the past 24 hours.

Russia said on Monday its forces and Syrian regime troops would briefly halt fire in Aleppo on Thursday, as criticism mounted of the ferocious Moscow-backed assault on the Syrian city.

We have taken a decision not to waste time and to introduce humanitarian pauses, mainly for the free passage of civilians, evacuation of the sick and wounded and withdrawal of fighters, senior Russian military officer Sergei Rudskoi said at a press briefing.

The ceasefire would run from 8am to 4pm local time (05:00 GMT to 13:00 GMT) in the area of Aleppo, Rudskoi said.

The conflict in Syria has left nearly 400,000 people dead according to UN estimates and displaced half the population, many of whom have fled the country.








Most victims died owing to smoke inhalation, officials in eastern state of Odisha say, warning the death toll may rise.

At least 22 people have died when a fire broke out at a private hospital in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, according to police, with officials warning the death toll could rise.

More than 40 critically ill patients were trapped in an intensive care unit by the blaze on Monday, which is believed to have been triggered by an electric short circuit in the dialysis ward of the SUM hospital building in Bhubaneswar.

We can confirm 19 deaths in the incident, Yogesh Khurania, Bhubaneswar police commissioner, told AFP news agency.

More than 100 patients have been shifted to other hospitals. Many of them are critical and the death toll may rise further, he said.

READ MORE: Scores killed in India hospital blaze

Khurania said initial reports suggested that most of the victims had died owing to smoke inhalation, with toxic smoke filling the entire floor of the building and hampering rescue efforts.

Local television stations showed images of firefighters wearing masks smashing glass panes to enter the building as they struggled to save patients from suffocating at the 1,000-bed hospital.

Sharat Kumar Sahu, a police officer at the site of the blaze, told AFP that the fire started in the dialysis ward in the four-storey building and quickly spread to the intensive care unit.

Most of the critical patients were on ventilators and died in the blaze, he said.

Sahu added that more than 100 firefighters had battled the fire, which started at around 7:30pm (14:00 GMT), for some five hours until it was brought under control.

READ MORE: Inside the world of Indias booming fertility industry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter it was a mind-numbing tragedy, expressing his grief over the loss of life and promising to help the injured.
Incumbent wins most votes but absence of overall majority in vote prompts coalition-building efforts in Balkan nation.

The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) has secured the most votes in Montenegros parliamentary election, but with pollsters saying it could not secure a majority, the incumbent prime minister is seeking a coalition to extend his rule.

Milo Djukanovic, 54, said the election on Sunday was a historic choice between closer ties with NATO or with Russia, but voters in the former Yugoslav republic of 620,000 people were divided.

The preliminary vote count by the pollsters CEMI suggested the DPS would win 36 seats in the 81-seat parliament, five short of an absolute majority.

Official results by the state election authority were expected in the coming days.

In a midnight address to his supporters, Djukanovic said he would seek a coalition with parties of national minorities, Bosniaks, Croats and Albanians and the Social Democracy party to secure between 41 to 42 seats.

Immediately after the announcement of the official vote count, we will start negotiations  we will form the government, Djukanovic told his supporters in the capital, Podgorica.

Deeply divided

The outcome leaves Montenegro deeply divided, with its long-serving leader scrambling to build a majority in a fractious parliament.

Montenegrins turned out in record numbers to vote amid allegations of media and party websites being hacked, polling station violence and the arrest of a group of Serbians accused of plotting armed attacks on state institutions and officials.

The authorities said 20 people, all citizens of neighbouring Serbia, were arrested on Sunday, accused of entering Montenegro intending to attack state institutions and officials.





With more than 95 percent of votes counted, pollsters CEMI forecast that the Democratic Forum, an opposition alliance of pro-Western parties and others that want stronger ties with traditional allies in Serbia and Russia, would have 18 seats.

Together with all other opposition parties and alliances, it could garner as many as 42 seats. Party leaders from both the DPS and the opposition claimed victory, although DPS is better placed to form a government.

Djukanovic has previously said Russia sees the vote as an opportunity to derail the Balkan regions rush towards joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the EU.

Allegations denied

Opposition parties have denied his allegations that they receive Russian funding and have accused Djukanovic of running Montenegro as a corrupt personal fiefdom.

Montenegro is continuing towards its European future. We will ratify NATO membership and complete EU accession talks by the end of the [fresh] mandate. We will bring new investments, improve living standards, Djukanovic told supporters late on Sunday.

Djukanovics backers say membership will bring peace and prosperity, but the issue is divisive. NATO bombed Montenegro in 1999 to stop ethnic killings in Kosovo by Serbia, with which Montenegro was in a state union.

Analysts have long viewed with concern signs of growing Russian influence in Montenegro, with which it shares Orthodox Christian and economic ties. Some say last years invitation to join NATO was designed to counter that.

But the economy needs close ties to both East and West. It has grown at 3.2 percent a year over the past decade on the back of foreign investments in energy, mining and tourism in a country famed for its mountains and coast.
At least 47 people killed in 24 hours in second city as diplomats weigh options to bring pressure to bear on Assad.

Air strikes have killed at least 14 people from one family in rebel-held Aleppo in northern Syria, bringing the death toll to 47 over the past 24 hours.

Members of the Syrian Civil Defence, a search and rescue group also known as the White Helmets that operates in rebel-held areas across the country, say they are searching for more than a dozen people trapped under the rubble.

A new massacre happened this morning when Russian warplanes bombed the Marjeh neighbourhood killing 14 people from the same family, most of them women and children, Ibrahim Abu Leith, Aleppo-based spokesman for the White Helmets, told Al Jazeera on Monday.





The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that five children were among the dead.

Of the 47 civilians killed, the highest number of dead were in the Qaterji neighbourhood, where Russian raids claimed 17 lives overnight, according to Rami Abdulrahman, the Syrian Observatory chief.

White Helmets rescuers were working to pull about 20 people out of the rubble in Qaterji.

One civil defence volunteer told AFP news agency that they had been unable to complete rescue missions overnight in fear of further air strikes by warplanes circling above.

The Russian-backed offensive to capture rebel-held eastern Aleppo has killed several hundred people since it got under way last month after the collapse of a truce brokered by Russia and the US.

The Syrian Observatory said it had documented the deaths of 448 people in air strikes in eastern Aleppo since then, including 82 children.

The Syrian and Russian military leaders say they only target terrorists.

Lighting a fire

As bombs continued to fall on Syrias second city, diplomats from the United States and Britain acknowledged the western worlds weak support for military action against the Syrian government as they seek ways to pressure Bashar al-Assad and his principle backer, Russia, to halt the deadly offensive on Aleppo.

After a meeting of 11 governments opposing Assads rule, John Kerry, the US secretary of state, and his UK counterpart Boris Johnson insisted on Sunday that all options were on the table.

But stark explanations about the danger of resorting to military force appeared to rule out the possibility of military intervention.

READ MORE: Syria war  Turkish-backed rebels seize Dabiq from ISIL

When a great power is involved in a fight like this, as Russia has chosen to be by going there and then putting its missiles in place in order to threaten people against military action, it raises the stakes of confrontation, Kerry said after the meeting in London.

He said no one should be lighting a fire under a larger sectarian war in the Middle East or one drawing in superpowers against one another.

Johnson said Britain wanted to ratchet up pressure on Assad, Russia and Iran.

No option is, in principle, off the table, he said.

International participation

Johnson said there should be no doubt that these so-called military options are extremely difficult and there is a lack of political appetite in most European capitals and certainly in the West for that kind of solution at present.

So weve got to work with the tools we have. The tools we have are diplomatic, he said.





The gathering in London came amid mounting international frustration with the conflict, now well into its sixth year, which has killed as many as a half-million people, caused Europes worst refugee crisis since the World War II and enabled the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group.

Kerry on Saturday launched a new diplomatic process with what he described as the major international players in the war  the US, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt.

The US has also expressed scepticism about the chances of a diplomatic agreement with Assads military supporters, Russia and Iran.

Kerry tried to keep the threat of military action alive on Sunday, although President Barack Obama has consistently rejected military action against Assad and is not likely to approve any US military intervention before leaving office.

Let me make it clear, he said, President Obama has not taken any options off the table at this point in time. So well see where we are in the next few days in the context of the discussions were having.
RT posts letter from NatWest announcing withdrawal of services by December, calling it an attack on freedom of speech.

A British bank has withdrawn banking services from Russias state-owned news channel RT, drawing condemnation from Moscow.

The decision by NatWest, which is due to come into force in December, was announced on Monday morning by the news outlets editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan on her Twitter page.

Our accounts in Britain have been blocked. All of them. Decision not to be discussed. Hail to freedom of speech! Simonyan said in a tweet posted in Russian.

BREAKING: RT bank accounts blocked in UK  editor-in-chief https://t.co/4uO5Yksm9s  RT (@RT_com) October 17, 2016

A statement published on RTs website included a copy of the letter from NatWest announcing the closure.

In the letter, the bank says the decision to close the account was final and it was not prepared to enter into any discussion in relation to it.

However, in a press statement issued on Monday, NatWest said it was reviewing the situation and would be in contact with RT.

These decisions are not taken lightly, the bank said.

We are reviewing the situation and are contacting the customer to discuss this further. The bank accounts remain open and are still operative.

The UK Treasury Office said it would not comment on the issue but sources confirmed that there were no new obligations put on British banks in their dealings with Russia since February 2015.

The British government is the majority shareholder in the Royal Bank of Scotland group, which owns Natwest.

On her Facebook page, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, accused the UK of abandoning its commitment to free expression.

READ MORE: Could Russian hackers change the US election result?

Looks like leaving the EU, London left in Europe all of its obligations under the freedom of speech. Zakharova wrote.

While there was no evidence of British government involvement, the decision could result in reciprocal measures by Russian institutions against UK outlets, according to Paul Goode, a senior lecturer in Russian politics at Bath University.

The Russian press is framing the move by NatWest as the beginning of a new round of western sanctions despite the Treasurys denial, Goode said.

Its possible that there could be some pressure applied to BBC Moscow in retaliation, but the rationale and benefit are unclear aside from their PR value in domestic politics.

Most Russians do not distinguish between western sanctions and Putins own counter-sanctions, and they are unlikely to question the state medias interpretation of this particular move.

The banks move comes a week after British MPs met to discuss Russias bombing campaign in the Syrian city of Aleppo, with many calling for a new set of sanctions on the country.

The British foreign secretary also discussed the possibility of new sanctions on Moscow during a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday.

No new measures have been announced, but the EU and US continue to enforce sanctions against Russia for its involvement in the war in eastern Ukraine.
As conditions worsen, one local farm is trying to feed besieged residents, one crop at a time.

Aleppo, Syria  After devastating bombardments in Aleppo following the collapse of the September ceasefire brokered by the United States and Russia, the Syrian army has launched a major offensive to retake the rebel-held eastern part of the city.

As Russian and Syrian government bombs continue to pummel homes and businesses, residents of east Aleppo must brave extreme violence to go about their daily lives. Meanwhile, food shortages are worsening, with people subsisting on food brought from other rebel-controlled areas, leftover aid and homegrown items.

This is where farmer Salim Atrache saw an opportunity. A new farm led by Atrache in Aleppos outskirts is attempting to feed the besieged, one crop at a time.

After the siege of Aleppo and the prevention of food from entering the city, there was an urgent need for agricultural self-sufficiency, Atrache told Al Jazeera.

EXPLAINER: Syrias civil war

Atrache and his crew are members of an independent volunteer organisation known as the Red Team . They farm 37 hectares of land on the eastern outskirts of Aleppo, with crops including potatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, aubergine, parsley and spinach, among others.

Atrache believes that supplying east Aleppo with locally grown food is an important step.

Right now, theres only a bit of parsley, aubergine and courgettes at high prices in the markets. Some are 10 times more expensive than they are normally, he noted.

East Aleppos food situation took a turn for the worse this summer after government forces surrounded and besieged the area. Despite some rebel advances since then, the area remains cut off from the rest of the country, and many NGOs have been unable to send aid owing to the intense fighting.

We also had a lack of food for the animals, which forced many owners to feed their crops to them so they wouldnt die of hunger, Atrache said. And a large number of animals were slaughtered for Eid al-Adha, causing prices to rise.

Although some Aleppo residents have already been raising animals and growing food in the city, what makes Atraches project unique is the size of the plot and the intent to provide food for the masses.

Well sell the crops so we can cover our expenses, explained Abu Brain, who works on the farm. He said that the farm would go out of its way to ensure that none of its crops ended up in the hands of the government, aiming only to provide food for rebel areas.

Well sell to retail centres [within east Aleppo], and avoid as much as possible the regime, he said, noting that the farm also hopes to sell to hospitals and other local institutions.

Christine Nyirjesy Bragale, a spokeswoman with Mercy Corps, told Al Jazeera that Aleppos food situation has grown increasingly bleak.

The food supply situation in east Aleppo city is extremely concerning. With limited stocks left in the city, there is more reliance on what can be produced locally, but the local supply is woefully inadequate, she said.

Across Aleppo governorate, the state of agriculture is a concern. Production has dramatically decreased since the start of the conflict due to displacement and the disruption of markets.

Compared with other farming projects in the Aleppo area, the Red Teams plot of several dozen hectares is quite large.

Most of the other farming projects are no more than one or two dunams [0.1 to 0.2 hectares], so ours is the biggest, Brain said. The team makes use of large, empty fields in the citys outskirts, a location that also keeps the farm somewhat sheltered from the high levels of violence in the city.

There is shelling and clashes not far from where we work, Atrache said, noting that the farm and other areas were hit by government shelling two weeks ago, but production is continuing.

ANALYSIS: Syrias war  The hypocrisy of US-Russian cooperation

The project has also encountered other challenges: The difficulties are securing the proper materials, like mechanical ploughs and hoses for irrigation, Brain said. Atrache added that while the local city council has provided seeds, theres still the problem of not enough fuel or farm hands.

In the meantime, the farm will continue doing what it can to help alleviate the increasingly desperate conditions in east Aleppo.

The city is in a very bad situation. The shelling hasnt slowed for more than a week. If the shelling doesnt stop, I dont think it will be possible to repair the citys main water lines, Atrache said.

I think the start has been successful, he added, noting that the farm has already started harvesting its first batches of aubergine and parsley. The farm is the first way to cultivate large areas within the city.
WikiLeaks says it is activating contingency plans after Assanges internet access cut by a state actor.

WikiLeaks says that founder Julian Assanges internet access has been cut by an unidentified state actor.

The whistle-blowing organisation said on Twitter on Monday that they have activated their contingency plans after its co-founders internet service was intentionally cut off.

The internet is one of the few available means through which Assange can maintain contact with the outside world.

https://twitter.com/Louis2M2/status/787963421635518464

He has been up holed up at the Ecuadorean embassy in London for more than four years after skipping bail to avoid being extradited over sex crimes allegations.

The cramped quarters havent prevented the Australian transparency activist from working and WikiLeaks continues to deliver scoops, including revelations that have rattled Hillary Clintons campaign for president as the US election enters its final stretch.

Earlier this month, Assange said the group would publish about one million documents related to the US election and three governments in coming weeks, but denied the release was aimed at damaging Hillary Clinton.





Clintons campaign made statements that WikiLeaks is working with the Russian government to help defeat the Democrat in favour of Trump.

It recently emerged that Hillary Clinton reportedly wanted to drone Assange when she was the US secretary of state.

Hillary Clinton on Assange "Can't we just drone this guy"  report https://t.co/S7tPrl2QCZ pic.twitter.com/qy2EQBa48y  WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) October 3, 2016

Assange is wanted in Sweden for questioning over sexual assault allegations in 2010. He denies the charges, and says he fears subsequent extradition to the US, where a criminal investigation into the activities of WikiLeaks is under way.

In 2010, WikiLeaks released more than 90,000 secret documents on the US-led military campaign in Afghanistan, followed by almost 400,000 US military reports detailing operations in Iraq.
Envoy confirms getting assurances of commitment from all parties to truce, which will go into effect on Wednesday night.

The United Nations has announced that a 72-hour ceasefire in Yemen will go into effect on Wednesday night.

In a statement on Monday, the office of the UNs special envoy for Yemen said Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed had received assurances from all Yemeni parties of their recommitment to the ceasefire.

A cessation of hostilities that first went into effect in April will re-enter into force at 23:59 Yemen time [20:59 GMT] on October 19, 2016, for an initial period of 72 hours, subject to renewal, it said.

Abdel-Malek al-Mekhlafi, foreign minister of Yemens internationally recognised government, confirmed via his official Twitter feed that President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi had agreed to the ceasefire with the possibility of it being extended.

The president agreed to a 72 hour ceasefire to be extended if the other party adheres to it, activates the DCC [De-escalation and Coordination Committee] and lifts the siege of Taiz, he said.

READ MORE: Key facts about the war in Yemen

The DCC is the UN-backed military commission responsible for overseeing ceasefires in Yemen.

Taiz, the countrys third largest city, is almost completely surrounded by the Iran-allied Houthis and their allies; forces loyal to Hadi have tried unsuccessfully for months to wrest it back.

On Sunday, the United States, Britain and Cheikh Ahmed issued an appeal to the rival parties in the civil war to declare a ceasefire.

The appeal was made after John Kerry, the US secretary of state, met Cheikh Ahmed in London and his opposite numbers from Britain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the Yemen conflict.

This is the time to implement a ceasefire unconditionally and then move to the negotiating table, Kerry said after the talks.

Deadly bombing

The Arabian Peninsula country has been rocked by a deadly war since the Houthis, who are allied with forces loyal to the former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, overran the capital Sanaa in September 2014.

However, the conflict escalated after a coalition of mainly Sunni Arab countries assembled by Saudi Arabia launched a bombing campaign against the Houthis and their allies in March 2015.

Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi foreign minister, said on Monday that the kingdom was prepared to accept a ceasefire if the Houthis agreed to one, but that he was sceptical about peace efforts.





Previous attempts to enforce a ceasefire in the country have so far failed, with the war intensifying after a round of peace talks in Kuwait ended in August without achieving a breakthrough.

The Arab coalition stepped up its air raids following the breakdown of talks, and cross-border attacks from Yemen also intensified.

Mondays ceasefire announcement came just over a week after the coalition bombed a funeral hall in Sanaa, killing about 140 people including prominent political figures.

The air strike, which the coalition blamed on mistaken information from Hadi loyalists, drew international condemnation and led to pressure for a ceasefire from the US and Britain, key backers of the coalition air campaign.

Hundreds of air strikes

The Arab coalition has carried out hundreds of air strikes and provided ground troops to support Hadis forces.

But it has failed to dislodge the Houthis and their allies from key areas including Sanaa.

The Houthis and their allies hold most of Yemens northern half, while forces loyal to Hadi share control of the rest of the country with local tribes.

Government forces have recaptured the south and east but failed to make any significant advances.

The war has killed almost 6,900 people, wounded more than 35,000 and displaced at least three million since March last year, according to the UN.
The UF Homecoming Committee chose to allow parade floats supporting political parties as long as candidate names werent displayed.

On Friday, 146 floats participated in the parade, one of which was sponsored by the UF College Democrats and another by a group titled Make America Great Again. The guidelines for parade floats state applicants are not allowed to have campaign-driven floats, but they are allowed to have messages supporting a movement, said Matt Kessler, the director of the parade.

Its a thin line to some, but its the line we decided to draw, the 20-year-old UF accounting junior said.

Kessler said he approved and inspected each float before the parade. One group that was denied a float in the parade came from Donald Trumps campaign, he said, which wanted to drive a recreational vehicle with Trumps name on the side.

UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes said she hasnt heard any complaints about the floats represented.

There are guidelines in place to make sure everyone has a fair playing field, she said.

Sikes referred all questions to UF Homecoming and Gator Growl representatives, declining to comment on floats with a political message.

With both political parties in the parade, Jake Best, the president of Gators 4 Hillary, said he felt there was equal representation.

As long as both sides were offered a fair opportunity, I dont see a problem, the 19-year-old UF journalism sophomore said.

Richard El-Rassy, the president of UF College Republicans, said the Homecoming Parade expresses the interests of students and community members.

Exercising free speech, especially in a political context, is not something that should ever be discouraged, the 20-year-old UF finance senior said.

@ced0624

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cdickson@alligator.org
Born into shackles and later elected Gainesvilles mayor, Josiah T. Walls was celebrated Sunday as Alachua County renamed a building in his honor.

About 100 Gainesville residents and state officials attended the rededication ceremony outside of the Alachua County Property Appraiser and Supervisor of Elections Building, located at 515 N. Main St., which now bears the name of the former slave in silver letters.

During his life, Walls became the only person in history to serve as Gainesvilles mayor, a county commissioner, a school board member, a state senator and a U.S. congressman collectively.

Among the six speakers at the ceremony, including County Commissioner Robert Hutchinson and Florida District 3 Representative Ted Yoho, many touched on Walls ability to succeed in spite of oppression and his devotion to helping the community around him.

Aubroncee Martin, the president of the Josiah T. Walls Bar Association, said he wanted the audience to be inspired by the dedication Walls showed to breaking barriers for the African-American community. And although progress has been made, he said a racial divide still exists in the county and, more widely, across the country.

For all the leaps and bounds that we as a society have taken, theres still a lot of work to do, he said.

When Louis Kalivoda, a 67-year-old retired Santa Fe College administrator and UF alumnus, first heard of Walls accomplishments in the 1980s, he said he couldnt believe he hadnt heard sooner.

For him, the dedication was long overdue.

I was flabbergasted, he said. I said, Who is this guy, and why dont I know about him?

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English News BRICS bank vows $2.5b loans in 2017

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 17 Octobre 2016



The NDB will provide loans worth $2.5 billion next year after making its first loans to back green projects, its president KV Kamath told Reuters.

By Wang Cong in Goa and Yang Sheng in Beijing, Source: People's Daily and Global Times Though terrorism and Pakistan consumed much of the attention at the BRICS summit, cooperation on trade and investment still topped the agenda as the five leaders of emerging economies vowed Sunday to tackle the global economic slowdown and reform the world's financial architecture.



"We meet at a time when the global economic recovery is progressing ... but downside risks remain," the leaders said in the Goa Declaration, noting that commodity price volatility, weak trade, high private and public debt, inequality and the lack of inclusiveness in economic growth are all challenges the global economy faces.



They vowed to use "all policy tools - monetary, fiscal, and structural - individually and collectively, to achieve the goal of strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth."



The leaders also said they will continue to strengthen cooperation through existing initiatives under the BRICS mechanism, such as the New Development Bank (NDB), while continuing to focus on initiatives on areas such as e-commerce, "single window" trade, intellectual property, micro, small and medium enterprises.



The NDB will provide loans worth $2.5 billion next year after making its first loans to back green projects, its president KV Kamath told Reuters.



He also said that the Shanghai-based bank had approved loans to develop the renewable energy sector.



Zhu Jiejin, a senior researcher at the Institute of BRICS Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times that renewable energy is acceptable for every party and Western countries, and the NDB was right to choose this area as a starting point, but in future, the NDB might require some innovations.



The BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - agreed to create the NDB in July 2014, with an initial capital of $100 billion. The lender was officially launched a year later.



"The fact is these countries collectively have in the last few years contributed to more than 50 percent of incremental economic wealth generated globally," said Kamath. "I don't see that changing."



Areas such as non-tariff measures, the services sector, and standardization and conformity assessments are "possible areas of future cooperation," the declaration said.



"And to further strengthen the global governance architecture," it said BRICS is exploring the possibility of setting up an independent BRICS Rating Agency based on market-oriented principles.



In an address at a meeting with the BRICS Business Council, Chinese President Xi Jinping said despite slower growth rates, "BRICS' potential and advantages in resources, market and labor has not changed, and the long-term development potential remains huge."



Xi urged the BRICS Business Council to instill confidence in the BRICS economies by consolidating the member countries' resources, push innovation in the BRICS economies to achieve sustainable growth, and to facilitate "pragmatic cooperation" among companies in the BRICS countries to improve competitiveness.



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English News Commentary: US failed to buy loyalty from Latin America

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 17 Octobre 2016



History has proved that its calculation came to naught as the US dollar failed to buy the loyalty of its neighbors. Nowadays, with the decline of its economy, the US is losing control over Latin America.

By He Xi, Source: People's Daily



For the US, the Latin American continent has been an important neighbor with strategic significance. In order to have a firm control over the region, the White House adopted a puppet strategy of using economic aid to buy loyalty.



However, history has proved that its calculation came to naught as the US dollar failed to buy the loyalty of its neighbors. Nowadays, with the decline of its economy, the US is losing control over Latin America.



During the Cold War, the success of the Cuban Revolution threatened US hegemony in the Western hemisphere in terms of both geopolitics and ideology. In a bid to prevent the emergence the second socialist country in the West, Washington, in the 1960s, adopted a plan called Alliance for Progress to establish economic cooperation between the US and Latin America.



The US then selected Chile as a prototype, hoping to build the latter into a democracy window of the US in Latin America. During the 1964 Chilean presidential election campaign, it supported reformist Eduardo Frei Montalva who was sympathetic toward American capital. A donation of $3 million brought Frei the crown.



From 1962 to 1969, Chile received $1 billion in US aid, the most among Latin American countries in terms of per capita amount. However, things didn't go the way the US had wished. Frei adopted an independent foreign policy after he took office, and even published an article criticizing the Alliance for Progress.



Things got worse after Salvador Allende, who was more disobedient to the US, assumed the presidency in 1970. It marked the ultimate failure of the superpower, who had spent $1 billion and eight years on the program.



History shows the loyalty of neighboring countries could not be bought. The plan to turn Chile into a democracy window proved to be an example of its flawed diplomacy.



But the White House reapplied the strategy of trading "friendship" with money in March. US President Barack Obama visited Cuba and Argentina with hundreds of businessmen to expand US investments in Latin America.



However, Latin America disappointed the US again. The US and Cuba barely reached consensus on Cuban migrants in the US, the Guantanamo military base and domestic political agendas because of the huge differences in political systems and ideologies.



In addition, ties between Argentina and the US also showed no signs of recovery, though the US added $2.5 billion in investments. According to a poll by two universities in Argentina, 45 percent doubted the ability of the US to contribute to world peace.



Since the Latin American countries, with a unique political and social culture, value independence very much, the US plan to trade friendship with money is destined to fail.



Both history and reality have proven that the US is doomed to fail to control other countries with money. The White House launched these policies towards Latin America hoping to protect its own interests and hegemony, but turned a blind eye to the regional reality as well as its peoples aspiration for independent development.



Its strategies, featuring dollar diplomacy and a big-stick policy, exposed its hegemony and power politics in the Western hemisphere. These are also the reasons why US plans have repeatedly been frustrated.



(The author is an associate researcher with the Institute of Advanced International Studies under Sun Yat-Sen University)





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As consumers get more comfortable letting companies know the location of their mobile phones, U.S. Bank sees this as a good way to fine-tune its fraud management.

This month the bank rolled out its Geolocation Service. Developed by Visa, it is an opt-in offering integrated into U.S. Bank's mobile apps that matches the credit card's location to that of the customer's phone. The aim is to do more to ensure transactions on customers' cards are approved when they're out of town, minimize disruption and reduce the risk of fraud.

A smartphone's "location is pretty mainstream in terms of being able to utilize it. The question is what you do with it," said Dominic Venturo, U.S. Bank's chief innovation officer.

U.S. Bank's earlier work in geolocation has been around customer service, such as providing ATM and branch locations or hours of operation. But that is just a sliver of what other sectors do. Retailers uses mobile and geolocation for marketing schemes, like automated check-in or to remind customers if they have a loyalty card they can use, for instance.

"Financial institutions may be well behind the curve as an industry," Venturo said. "We started with credit where credit and mobile intersect. We had an interesting problem to solve, it's a common occurrence," he said of transactions declining when customers leave town.

Customers with U.S. Bank FlexPerks Visa credit cards can opt-in through the FlexPerks mobile app. It's also available through the Elan partner financial institutions through the Elan mobile app and will be made available via the U.S. Bank mobile app at a later date.

There are other ways to harness location technology in financial services. For example, Citigroup is testing Bluetooth beacons in a pilot that gives customers cardless access to branch ATMs after business hours; Wells Fargo is testing location-based services to identify people as they walk into branches, greet them personally and offer them quick help; and Capital One is experimenting with sending people offers from local merchants as they walk or drive by their shops.

But more similar to U.S. Bank's service, San Antonio Federal Credit Union's Card Control app lets members limit spending by location, giving the user full control within the app. Westpac has launched geolocation services targeted at international travelers to prevent the inconvenience of transactions in a foreign country being blocked; and MasterCard has been testing technology to authenticate card transactions based on the proximity to the phone to enhance security.

The notion of correlating a credit card with the location of its owner is a particularly great idea for the U.S. market, where most consumers have not moved from magstripe cards to chip cards, said Sanjay Srivastava, chief digital officer at the consulting firm Genpact. By contrast, chip-and-PIN authentication has been the standard in Western Europe for quite some time.

"You get something for giving something," he said. "As a consumer, everyone wants my geolocation to push me ads and coupons and other stuff. As a user I can actually get a real value benefit either as reduction of fraud or decline of transactions  This is a great way to approach the personal privacy and value exchange discussion."

Geolocation has powerful fraud-fighting capabilities, said Zilvinas Bareisis, a senior analyst at Celent, and it could begin to play a bigger role in fraud management, but organizations would have to be sensitive to "the creepiness factor."

"They've given you permission, but depending on how you're using it, some customers might find it disturbing and some will find it very valuable," he said.
Chairman, President and CEO, The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank

Dorothy Savarese draws inspiration from her ability to make a positive difference in the communities her bank serves.

Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank has a branch on Nantucket, and the rising cost and lack of affordable housing on the affluent island have made it increasingly difficult for many hardworking residents to remain there. To combat this problem, the bank signed on to be the construction lender on a housing organization's plan to build affordable single-family homes.

The $2.9 billion-asset company also made loans to some of the project's first residents, including a school teacher and her husband, who is a manager at a local brewery. The bank played a significant role in allowing the couple to remain on the island with their 18-month-old son, and pictures of the couple celebrating their new home brought Savarese to tears.

"I feel so privileged to have a job in an industry where I can play a role in supporting our customers on their life journeys, provide meaningful employment and satisfaction to our dedicated staff and support efforts to help our communities thrive," said Savarese, who is chairman, president and chief executive of the Massachusetts bank.

In her role as CEO  she was promoted to the post in 2005  Savarese has become one of the industry's most passionate advocates for community banking. She speaks frequently at industry conferences about small banks' role in their communities, has served on the FDIC's Advisory Committee on Community Banking and is a former chair of the Massachusetts Bankers Association. In perhaps the greatest testament to her influence, Savarese last year was named incoming chair of the American Bankers Association. She will be only the second woman to hold the one-year post when she takes over in October.

Savarese has also been a vocal advocate for females in banking. During her stint as chair of the Massachusetts Bankers Association, Savarese created and presided over the state's first-ever Women in Banking conference. It is now an annual event, drawing bankers from across the state.
The brinkmanship in which President's Obama and Putin are now engaged over Syria was entirely avoidable. It is the result of supremely misguided and  in many cases  entirely illegal policies implemented by our president and members of his administration, including his old secretary of state, Hillary Clinton.

Think back to the "Arab Spring." The purpose of that movement was never to usher in democratic rule in formerly secular Arab dictatorships, despite the gushing of the major media over the "birth of freedom."

The Arab Spring was the outward expression of an operation to replace secular dictatorships in the Middle East (primarily the Levant) with Islamic dictatorships.

All this was prelude to the creation of a new Islamic "caliphate," which the progressives in the West mistakenly viewed as a means to bring the Middle East into parity, economically, with the rest of the world.

They envisioned a sort of Islamic version of the EU  one that would be able to deliver the jobs, economic growth, and stability that has been missing from the Middle East for...well, forever. This foolish worldview/mindset is the result of Marxists' inability to assess the world through anything other than their "red-tinged" lenses.

To the Marxist, everything is economic. Oppression is the reason economies don't prosper; lack of jobs and prospects form the genesis of terrorism, not the demand from Mohammed to place the entire world under the heel of Islam in the name of Allah. Religion is a distraction to the Marxist, not a principle strong enough to motivate such enduring violence in this modern age.

That ridiculous former spokes-teen for the State Department, Marie Harf, famously said the best way to defeat ISIS is to find jobs for them. Of course, she was roundly panned and mocked for the statement, with most assuming that it was made out of incompetence. It was not.

She inadvertently revealed the basis of Obama's Middle East policy  if we help create an economic entity for Islam, then those in the Middle East will grow their economies, care for their people, and never again kill innocents.

Fast-forward to the present day. Syria had been slated to be the next regime to fall in the Arab Spring. Why? Because Assad controls a major seaport and pipeline route for both oil and natural gas shipments to Europe and beyond. It's a route the Saudis want to control, and also a route the Iranians and Russia will not permit to fall into the hands of their economic energy rivals.

The Saudis want to dominate the shipment of energy resources to Europe via a U.S.-approved extension to Turkey of the existing "Arab Gas Pipeline" running from Egypt to Homs, in west-central Syria. Assad refused to permit this Saudi-/Qatari-backed extension in favor of the "Iran-Iraq-Syria pipeline" (colloquially dubbed the "Islamic Gas Pipeline") supported by his ally and sponsor, Russia.

Combine these factors with the harsh reality that Putin needs a warm-weather port for oil transfers (which he has in Syria) and it's not difficult to see why he will not permit Syria to fall.

The U.S., the Saudis, and others not only permitted, but also funded and protected the rise of ISIS so they could be deployed as a rogue agent able to attack Assad using methods civilized nations would never countenance but that are brutally effective among Islamic cultures. It's a reprehensible and illegal strategy that amounts to letting "our side" deal in death and war crimes from a "deniable" distance.

Operating from the misguided idea that Islam seeks only to control its adherents' own destiny in the Middle East, the wizards of smart in our government missed the reality that true Islam (which is what animates ISIS and the caliphate builders) recognizes no borders but its own, which Muslims will forever seek to expand, in obedience to the admonition of Mohammed.

In furtherance of this "holy obligation," the "caliphate builders" want to re-establish control of the crescent known as the Levant, a crescent surrounding the Mediterranean Sea on the northern, southern and eastern sides.

Of course, that region encompasses Israel as well, so, understandably, there is a longstanding tension between Netanyahu, the Israeli leader, and Obama, who has all but declared Israel to be on its own if push comes to shove.

So now, in pursuit of a suicidal fantasy (attempting to carve out territory for, then standing up, an Islamic "trading partner" in the form of a caliphate dedicated to peaceful coexistence), we have come face to face with the proverbial rock, with the hard place at our back.

Putin has made clear that he will not stand down. Obama and Hillary are invested entirely in seeing their fantasy to fruition, and the powers that have financed them will not permit them to back down. Indeed, they are spurring them on under threat of exposing their perfidy and corruption to the world.

The Wikileaks releases may be prelude  warning, if you will  to Hillary and Obama that going wobbly now is unacceptable to their masters.

The Clinton Foundation is the likely conduit for much of the black money greasing the skids of the Arab Spring and the enabling of ISIS. The corrupt reality appears that, through its web of payoffs and shady "contributions," much of the present administration is complicit through direct involvement or in turning a blind eye. This is why Hillary wasn't prosecuted. The discovery phase alone would bring down our government.

So here we are...amid a rekindled Cold War that, absent a dramatic shift in policy, will become a shooting war sooner rather than later.

Once again, the corruption of a government grown too powerful, acting too far beyond the bounds of the Constitution, has led us to the brink of another, perhaps nation-ending, bloody conflict, with the potential (some would say, likelihood!) of spiraling into a third world war in very short order.

But, don't let that worry you. I hear that Trump called someone fat.

The author writes from Omaha, Nebraska and welcomes visitors to his blog at readmorejoe.com.
At a time when the "news" media betray their own hyped up values of objectivity and fairness, I am beginning to hear a growing voice of moral outrage in America  and it's actually expressed in clear words, day after day, by the Republican nominee for president of the United States. That would be Donald Trump.

That last sentence is bound to set any lost and lonely lefty loony screaming with hysterical laughter, but hyenas are what they are. From the hyena's point of view, Republicans are just another meat. The GOP establishment is shivering in the foxholes, and its members are losing voters as fast as Trump gains them. If Trump tells his supporters to vote against down-ballot Republicans, the establishment will reverse course. They count on our stupidity and our goodwill, but we are no longer stupid.

The Clintons and Obamas have made normal Americans despair, but the voters care. They care a lot. Americans who care haven't had a voice in U.S. politics for a long time, but if normal people had given up on the stench from D.C., the Rasmussen polls would not be showing a neck-and-neck race. Enough Americans care to make this a game-changing election.

We have been deeply disappointed often by the One Party Machine. But we care enough to keep listening for that voice in the desert.

Rush Limbaugh keeps pointing out that the chief goal of the left is demoralizing Americans. He is right. If they can keep you home on election night, they win. They know how to kill off our best leaders. Saul Alinsky said it in his little book, the one Hillary wrote her B.A. thesis about, way back when.

(Hillary's B.A. thesis is now only a click away, and it's "must" reading for Americans. That thesis gives us the key to Hillary's life. She was cult-indoctrinated at Wellesley College at an age when young people are notoriously vulnerable. She might have become a Scientologist, but she became a hard leftist instead. Hillary's generation of ambitious feminists are now in jobs of power and influence, and most of them go along with the immiseration of women and children in the reactionary world of jihad. Hillary chose her lifelong path at Wellesley, and she has a one-track mind.)

Yes, Donald Trump is a flawed human being, as the hyena pack keeps yodeling in the night. But as far as I know, he is not a serial abuser like Bill Clinton, nor is he a feminist enabler of randy male misbehavior like Hillary.

If Trump disappoints us, we will find a way to be heard. We can't stop watching politics when the polls close.

Women used to be praised as a civilizing influence on men, bringing the responsibilities of love and loyalty to marriage and children. Hillary has spent her adult life enabling the most irresponsible men on the block, thereby setting an example for a whole generation of Millennials, who have now created a pickup scene that is surprisingly depressing. Millennials seem to get that they could stay home to watch fantasy porn on the web instead of being with real human beings. Fantasies are more hygienic, and they never disappoint. "Can I pick you up?" is inevitably followed by "Where will I drop you off?"

Unlike the left, conservatives are not slaves of Big Media. We think for ourselves and come to our own conclusions. And waddayaknow: it looks as if there are thousands of Democrats now crossing party lines to kick the bums out  not because they are suckered by Trump's pizzazz, but because they feel the same outrage the rest of us feel. Credible reports say FBI agents are in an uproar about James Comey's obvious betrayal of justice, and yes, there are career attorneys in the DOJ who feel pretty grim about Obama commissars. Rudy Giuliani still has enough contacts in that world to give us the real skinny. A lot of career lawyers went into the Department of Justice not to see super-crooks taking over the joint.

That national feeling of outrage can't be contained by the usual lies and distractions, even if the hyena chorus fills the wailing night air. For morally serious people in D.C., Trump represents a glimmer of light at the end of a long, miserable tunnel. If he wins, they will find their voices again.

The same goes for the U.S. military and the IRS. Even the education establishment isn't following Obama's bathroom decrees for elementary school children who want to choose their own gender. Give educators a chance, and we may hear the suppressed voices of outrage. Black parents know what's happening in their schools, courtesy of the teacher unions. It's past time for a big change, and automatic teacher tenure has to go. We all know it.

Ain't nuthin' to it but to do it.

Trump is leading the biggest revolt against the Establishment since Reagan. He does it by telling the truths we all know. It sounds simple, but it's very hard to accomplish, which is why we have to unify and add our own voices. The left believes in "organizing." Conservatives need to be much more effective.

We've known for decades that Bill and Hillary are mega-crooks, and I still feel shocked by that hundred-thousand-dollar bribe from the cattle traders in Arkansas. We knew the Clintons were dirty from that moment onward, and you have to give the Crooked Couple credit for consistency. They are as wicked today as they were when Bill was filling that doublewide trailer in Little Rock with his smoldering joints and cocaine lines.

As for the Obamas, we know they were mentored by the Godfather of the Illinois Machine, Emil Jones, a man who makes the dead rise again every election to walk the ghostly streets of Chicago. We've listened plenty enough to the "reverends" Jerry Wright, Al Sharpton, and Louis Farrakhan. There is no boundary between the Chicago mafia and the left, as Saul Alinsky demanded in that evil little book.

This is a Caligula time in American politics. If Hillary becomes president, we can expect her to nominate a horse for the U.S. Senate, like the Emperor Caligula, just to show her contempt. Already there are rumors she will kill off the Second Amendment by executive order the first time she steps into the Oval.

Hyenas are what they are, and narcissistic pols are what they are. We all know it, and while we feel miserable to see America brought so low, we are no longer in denial.

Sometimes our strongest moral intuitions are our best guide. Every 24 hours, Big Media attacks us with new dead-on-arrival scare lines about Trump's wrongdoings, and the next morning we expect to see no sunrise. But the sun comes up again every day, and for the first time in years, we are seeing a public shout of outrage in America. Keep it up. Don't give her a single day of headlines.

Trump didn't make this moment. Conservative thinkers have laid the foundations. But it took Trump to see it, and to seize the moment. That is to his credit.

Win or lose, the Trump Moment of 2016 will be talked about for a long time to come. Politicians are all trying to repeat his tactics, whether he wins or not. Hillary is old hat. Trump is a voice of truth.

Now let's push him over the top.
On our issues Trump is perfect, declares the grassroots organization Jewschoosetrump.org, calling on fellow Jews across the country to remember, a word resonant with religious and historical meaning for Jews.

It can't be true--the American Jewish community has "forgotten," or more accurately no longer chooses to remember, the existential threat to Israel, America, and Western civilization posed by Iran and the Iran Deal. (snip) Our children and grandchildren [will] ask us what were we thinking or were we even thinking when we ignored and denied the dangers facing us. (snip) Are American Jewish leaders once again going to deny reality, hope for the best, engage in altruistic surrender and denial, and feel good and superior for caring first about others rather than the future of our children? This is pitiful and incredibly dangerous. Maybe a psychologist could figure out why our history has crippled our instinct for survival, but shame on us anyway. (snip) It is an easy choice. We don't even need to scrutinize destroyed emails and hidden speeches. Hillary is for the Iran Deal--she is proud of it and expresses support for Obama's handling of Iran. Trump trashes the Iran Deal and vows to end it. This is reason enough for us as American Jews to choose Trump.

Although Jews are a rare minority in America, only 2% of Americans, they are concentrated in the swing state of Florida, as well as Ohio and Pennsylvania. Because of the importance of Florida, Jews could determine the Electoral College tally if the election is as close as expected.

Do we have a chance? The answer is a qualified yes. Jews voted Republican from Abraham Lincoln until FDR. Ronald Reagan broke through the FDR Jewish mindset and garnered almost 40% of the Jewish vote. In recent times, as few as 14% of Jews identified as Republican. That was before Barack Obamas anti-Israel and anti-American passions led to policies that have destabilized the Middle East and promoted Iran as a hegemonic and soon to be nuclear power. As a result of the Democratic disaster in the Middle East, Romney won 30% of the Jewish vote. Things have gotten much, much worse since then, with Europe overrun by violent anti-western Muslims, and ISIS creating a terror threat in America.

The entire country is less Democratic thanks to Barack Obama, despite what voters are willing to admit to pollsters when asked simply if they approve of the President. Jews have fled the Democratic Party in even greater numbers, according to Gallup:

The percentage of the general population that identifies with or leans Democratic has fallen by about seven percentage points since 2008, compared with the 10-point drop among Jews. The percentage that identifies with or leans Republican among the general population is up three points, compared with the increase of seven points among Jews.

There are some long-term trends indicating the Democrat stranglehold on the Jewish vote is weakening. Surprisingly, younger Jews and very secular Jews from a mixed marriage are more likely to be independent or conservative. The growing orthodox Jewish population is staunchly conservative. The Brandeis study quoted above found only 54 percent of American Jews willing to identify as Democrat. It was 71% in 2008.

The Trump campaign is leaving no stone unturned. They have their eye on the mostly conservative religious American Jewish community visiting or living in Israel, who could provide the crucial votes to win Florida. Targeting overseas votes has been a Democrat game in which the GOP has been a no show. Trump once again is stepping outside GOP conventional thinking.

Donald Trump has launched outreach to an estimated 300,000 eligible American voters living in Israel. The Trump campaign is working with the Israel branch of Republicans Overseas, an organization that works to reach American citizens abroad who can vote via absentee ballot.

Jewschoosetrump has five times more friends on Facebook than people willing to publicly put down their name as supporting Trump. One staunch pro-Israel activist confided to Carol Greenwald, who helped launch the site, Of course I am voting for Trump. But if my wife found out, it would end the marriage.

Carol Greenwald was interviewed by NPR a few days ago, and gave incendiary replies. The interview has not yet aired, if it ever will. The reporter asked todays Democrat talking point that when Trump criticizes Hillary for supporting the big banks, it is a code word for Jews, and proves his antisemitism. Greenwald tells me she lost her temper and told him, Shame, shame on you for repeating these Stalinist lies. According to Greenwald:

The NPR reporter countered, dont you see rising antisemitism in the U.S.? I replied, Definitely. In the Democratic Party and in the so-called progressives promoting BDS [the boycott of Israel  ed.] on campuses. Progressives and Democrats have become Stalinists. Not anti-semitism on the right, he asked. No, on the Left. He asked me how it feels to be in the minority.

I said truth was never determined by majority vote. Elections yes. Truth no.

The sad reality is that most older Jews, including many of the Jewish voters in Florida, are locked into the FDR past. Working age Jews face social pressures that make switching parties almost impossible. They live in communities and work in professions that blacklist Republicans. Few people are willing to become social pariahs and damage their careers and family relationships for politics. It is much easier to vote like their neighbors. In the fight for Jewish votes, Trump is definitely the underdog. This is a year the underdog has a fighting chance.
In July of 2016, the United States Army Corps of Engineers approved an oil pipeline construction project to transport crude oil via 30-inch-diameter pipes 90 feet below private lands and federal waterways. Dubbed the Dakota Access Pipeline, it originates from the fossil fuel-abundant Bakken shale formation in North Dakota. The DAPL is one of hundreds of underground pipelines safely and unobtrusively providing a service all across the continental USA. It marks an investment and upgrade in infrastructure, as it runs parallel to the Northern Border Pipeline, which set the framework followed by the DAPL, when NPB commenced operations in 1982.

While delayed by destructive protesters encouraged by an unethical executive intervention over judicial authority from President Obama, the pipeline is mostly complete. Its route runs 1,172 miles from North Dakota to southern Illinois. The benefits of a pipeline are easy to understand, representing economic independence from foreign sources; economic stimulus by providing thousands of direct and indirect jobs, union and non-union; and hundreds of millions of dollars in local and state income and property taxes. It also relieves overburdened railways and the associated costs to grain farmers, providing the most efficient and an environmentally safer way to transport sweet crude over the current rail method.

Rebels without a Cause

Opposition to the DAPL is multifaceted, and the alleged disadvantages are at best not verifiable to questionable. On August 22 of 2016, 16 miles north of Standing Rock Sioux-owned Prairie Knights Casino and Resort, "[p]rotesters help block the construction sites at Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The protests are led by the Standing Rock Sioux, who say their drinking water is immediately threatened by the pipeline."

The Sioux tribe-owned casino has been allegedly discharging sewage from its own treatment plant into Lake Oahe, which is a reservoir. Self-proclaimed "water protectors" from all over the USA have converged at the lakeside construction site, half a mile from tribal lands  turned impromptu Burning Man-style rent-free campsite. It's a theatrical stage set for folks enjoying communal camping activities, the starry sky at night, and hedonistic indulgence in cultural appropriation of Native American spirituality by participating in prayer sessions to the sacred waters of life. Attendees rarely miss an opportunity to broadcast their heroism from atop Facebook Hill via cell phones comprising raw materials like crude oil and operated with circuit board chips containing gold. The gold for each chip leaves 220 pounds of mine waste that must be extracted from Mother and Grandmother Earth

The activists enchanted with their own perceived sensitivity to the natural world and those there to experience catharsis via vandalism are ironically disconnected from the link among the oil used to make their tents and fuel their cars, the pipeline they are protesting, and the oils they let seep into the ground once they cut fluid lines on construction equipment. They are also seemingly unaware that their protest organizer, David Archambault, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe chairman, is owner of the only gas station near the protest site. "Just so we're clear, the organizer of a protest aimed [at] inhibiting American oil production by blocking an oil pipeline is making money selling oil products to the protesters."

Those Who Cry Wolf and the Silent Victims

The facts worth noting are that the planning phase of the DAPL consisted of complying with over 40 steps of regulation  a year-long historical preservation review to locate sacred sites and artifacts and 389 planning meetings with 55 tribes invited by USACE over a period of approximately 800 days. In addition, there were 559 developer-led meetings and 43 regulatory hearings with local communities. No artifacts were identified by the tribe or were found during historical investigation, but the route was adjusted 11 times to avoid sacred sites. The tribal water intake will be moved by 70 miles to address pollution concerns.

On the day of ground-breaking, the Sioux claimed that the bulldozer desecrated sacred land. It had been identified as sacred just the prior day.

Righteous indignation flamed on social media for weeks as edited videos initially released by Democracy Now circulated: protesters breathlessly testifying for the camera, brandishing bloody scrapes they claimed were received from pit bull attacks initiated by private construction site security against the "peaceful protesters." Anon took the lead on a witch hunt, which was championed by keyboard activists against a young female canine handler  releasing personal photos, her work and personal details. It turns out that the protesters ripped through a fence to gain access to a construction site on private land. They brought children through the torn fence and proceeded to swing sticks and flagpoles in human wall formation.

A German shepherd was bludgeoned so hard that it fell to its haunches. It was hit several times, causing it to bleed form the snout. The photo of the bloody dog was used on social media to bolster the false narrative that the blood on the dog belonged to peaceful protesters.

Another false claim circulated was that of a child's face being badly injured by private security dogs. "It was kind of scary," Lonnie Favel told KFYR. "A lot of people are out here with their children. Accidents happen all the time with dogs, and people could really get hurt." The photo circulated was of a young girl whose face had been mauled by a dog in Texas in 2012.

Not in My Backyard

Native American tribes receive National Historical Preservation funding from offshore drilling profits yet protest a pipeline that doesn't run through reservation land. In fact, easements were signed between the DAPL and farmers who are the landowners directly affected by the pipeline route. Some farmers also opposed the project, opening up the possibility of eminent domain seizure applying to their private property  with standard prescribed compensation.

Adding insult to injury, the 3,000 protesters camping illegally on federal land have also trespassed on farmland. Doug Hille raises an important question. How much carbon have these pseudo-environmentalists prevented from being removed from the atmosphere by trampling farmland and preventing planting of next season's crops?

Lawsuits for Profit

Like many of those in economically depressed rural areas, the Sioux tribes experience issues deserving of national attention: high unemployment and a methamphetamine epidemic. However, the Sioux as Native Americans are uniquely positioned to use lawsuits as a source of funding, usually citing trespasses hundreds of years old. One such suit dates back to 1877 and, if reopened, could award the tribe 1 billion dollars. It could stand to reason that it was strategically beneficial to wait until ground-breaking to claim a violation of sacred land.

Vultures Versed in Psychological Warfare

Thanks to the Equal Access to Justice Act, the Sioux Nation are not dealing alone in the business of abusing the law for financial gain and applying the tactics of incorporating media manipulation, intimidation of stakeholders, and the successful pointing of useful idiots. "The goal is making the environmental regulators who work at these agencies 'feel like their careers are being mocked and destroyed' until they 'become much more willing to play by our rules.'" The environmental groups guiding the protest are masters of psychological warfare.

As always when directed to focus on sensationalized victimization, we should follow their fiscal motivations.
There is new video series on Amazon that is a must-watch, given the countdown to a miserable election. It's called Goliath. It stars Billy Bob Thornton, William Hurt, and Maria Bello and a supporting cast of wonderful actors.

Its creators are David E. Kelley and Jonathan Shapiro, both of whom have many successful series to their credit. One might assume they are typical Hollywood leftists, pro-Clinton and anti-Trump, and they may well be, but this series seems an obvious metaphor for the current election campaign.

It is a classic tale of powerful big money  an arms production company with billions of dollars in defense contracts and an international legal corporation run by an unstable megalomaniac and staffed with contemptuous arrogant elites vs. their victims  the powerless. But as sometimes happens in real life, the powerless are smarter than those who dismiss them as insignificant. Sometimes the good guy wins.

(Spoiler alert)

The plot is the cause of death, deemed suicide, of a man on a boat. So who's who in the metaphor? Hillary Clinton and her campaign are the arms corporation and the international law firm, all-powerful and ruthless. Donald Trump, despite his real-life personal wealth, is the metaphorical down-on-his-luck lawyer, once fabulously successful but an outcast for having freed a criminal who went on to murder a family. But he is the good guy. Like Trump, he has many, many personal flaws and bad habits, but he is the better man, the good guy. He is the one fighting for what is right, for a moral outcome. The lesson is an old one that should be instinctive by now: not all moral crusaders are paragons of virtue.

The underdog's opponents in the trial of the series are, metaphorically, the Clintons, the Clinton campaign, the people with untold billions of dollars with which to ruin their adversaries with opposition research, private investigation, ads, etc. They are the people who win even when they are guilty as sin because they can pay. They can pay people to lie. They can pay people to vote. They can pay people to do whatever they want them to do. Does anyone think that those women suddenly coming out to accuse Trump of inappropriate sexual advances have not been paid? Recruiting amoral people for such tricks is Democrat Tactics 101. They do it every election cycle. Sadly, it is an easy task. There are far too many people ready and willing to sell their nonexistent honor for money.

The narcissistic megalomaniac who heads the law firm (played by William Hurt) is a malevolent self-appointed puppeteer who relishes his ability to pull the strings of his young legal recruits. He uses and abuses them for his own ends. He thinks nothing of killing people to win a case. He is despicable, and he is in poor health! Sound familiar?

The underdog lawyer, Billy McBride, portrayed by Thornton, is the metaphorical Trump: undisciplined, sometimes foolish, a wild card who makes his friends and cohorts who love him and are cognizant of his talent tear their hair out. But they stick with him.

There a few weak scenes, especially the main character's courtroom summation. But if Kelley and Shapiro are Hillary supporters, this series undermines their ideological platform; the show is a barely disguised full-fledged pro-Trump ad. What is morally right should win and sometimes does, even when the deck is hugely stacked against it. Viewers may conclude that Kelley and Shapiro are closet Trump supporters. Good for them.
Active on CNNs website is a clip of Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) saying, Im out in terms of endorsing Trump  i.e., withdrawing his endorsement. He cannot explain the Trump tape to his 15-year-old daughter.

I have seen Rep. Chaffetz in hearings, and he comes across as insightful and intelligent. However, the Trump tape incident has shown among Republican politicians an astonishingly casual regard for the future of the United States of America, which is what this election is about. Will the country survive as a constitutional republic, or will government of the people, by the people, and for the people perish from the earth, as a famous man once asked?

There are things we all do, or most of us do, that are not acceptable in polite company and that we take care are not communicated to polite company. Excuse me, but we all use the toilet. However, we do not expect to have our picture taken in that activity and then published in polite company. Most, virtually all, men have, in the exclusive company of other men, talked in a raunchy way about sex. Talking raunchily is part of the camaraderie of being in the group. We all have a reasonable expectation that such conversations will not be recorded and, if they are, not published to our detriment. A person who does that would be considered, is considered, a rat, a person of low character, a person to be shunned.

Something has been knocking around in my mind about this incident that I could not put my finger on. Then, seeing Congressman Chaffetzs reasoning of how he is going to decide the future of the country, it came to me. It is from Pauls first epistle to the Corinthians, verse 11:

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

The purpose of, first, Billy Bush and then of whoever released the tape to the Washington Post was to put Trump in an awkward, they hope an annihilating, position. But for the tape to have force, it requires the listener, the American public, to react like a child, to understand as a child, to think as a child.

The Forces of Darkness have been released on the country by the liberal establishment over the last 50 years. Now we are at the tipping point. Donald Trump is the only man standing who can mobilize the public and face them down. This is not the time to think like a child. This is the time to follow Pauls advice, as adults, to put away childish things.
Former Obama campaign chief David Axelrod suggested on Saturday that Hilllary Clinton skip her last debate on Wednesday with Donald Trump.

Drug testing?!? You have to wonder if @HillaryClinton will/should reconsider next debate, given the depths to which this has sunk.  David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) October 15, 2016

Clinton would be playing into Trump's hands by not debating. Trump could float all sorts of theories for why she declined to debate: she's in ill health, she knows she's losing, she's afraid, etc.

But the Axelrod suggestion is also an indication of a fatal overconfidence in the Clinton campaign:

Trump, the Republican nominee, floated the idea of a drug test during a campaign rally Saturday in New Hampshire, comparing himself and Clinton, the Democratic nominee, to athletes preparing for a big event. "Athletes, they make them take a drug test, right? I think we should take a drug test prior to the debate," Trump said. "Why don't we do that? We should take a drug test, prior, because I don't know what's going on with her, but at the beginning of her last debate, she was all pumped up at the beginning, and at the end it was like, 'Oh, take me down,' " Trump said, imitating Clinton. Clinton and Trump are scheduled to take the stage together for their final debate Oct. 19 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The pair debated last weekend in their first joint appearance since a leaked tape from 2005 showed Trump boasting about trying to sleep with a married woman and groping women without their consent.

How overconfident are Clinton and her supporters getting about a sure fire victory? The Washington Post has basically said Hillary has already won and now she must decide whether to "expand the map" by going after red states:

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton faces a striking choice in the final three weeks of the campaign: to expand her efforts to states that Democrats havent won in a generation, or to stay a current course that, if conditions hold, would deliver her a resounding electoral college victory. After two tumultuous weeks focused on Donald Trumps behavior toward women, Clinton is ahead in nearly all of the key battleground states where her campaign has directed the most resources, according to many recent polls. But some once-solidly Republican states  notably Arizona, Georgia and Utah  now also appear to be in play. Clinton aides said they see advantages to running up the score in the electoral college, where 270 votes wins the White House. Victories in unexpected places could boost that total, handing her more of a mandate come January and decreasing the potency of Trumps complaints of a rigged election. But victories in core battleground states such as Pennsylvania and New Hampshire would almost assuredly cut off Trumps path as well. Those states are also home to key down-ballot races that will determine control of the Senate, an important factor in how much support Clinton would have while launching an agenda in January.

Are Utah and Georgia really in play? Arizona has been trending Democratic the last few election cycles, but Utah is the most Republican state in the union, and Georgia is still a long shot for Clinton at this point.

But Trump doesn't seem as concerned about running for president as he does piling up excuses for why he is going to lose. Unless he pivots back to actually campaigning for the office, Utah and Georgia may be only the beginning of a tsunami that wrecks the GOP for a generation.
Let's go back to October 1976. The #1 song in the country was "Disco Duck."

On a more serious note, the USSR and Cuba were working together to attack the U.S. in Africa and Central America.

It sure feels like 1976 all over again, and I am not talking about dancing ducks.

I mean that Russia, the one we used to call the USSR, is now down in Cuba talking to Raul Castro, the one running the island after his brother Fidel had to step aside for health reasons.

We learned this week that the Russians are coming back to Cuba. To be fair, Russia is not going to subsidize Cuba the way the USSR did from 1962 to 1992. At the same time, Russia is looking for an anti-U.S. angle, and it found one in Cuba.

This is from Sputnk News via Capitol Hill Cubans:

Speaking to the paper, Vladimir Karjakin, a professor at the Military University of the Russian Defense Ministry of Defense, suggested that reopening the Lourdes SIGINT facility would significantly improve Russian radio intelligence, whose effectiveness is low compared to that of the U.S. "In its own time, the intelligence center at Lourdes kept virtually the entire Western Hemisphere in its view, monitoring the U.S. at a depth of several thousand kilometers," the retired Air Force colonel recalled.

We are not suggesting that this is 1962, when the USSR put missiles on the island. It sure looks like the 1970s, when Cuba and the USSR worked together to hurt U.S. interests.

So why didn't we warn Castro and Cuba? Why didn't we say the embassy and trade deals would be canceled if the Russians discussed opening the intelligence center at Lourdes?

I guess President Obama really wanted to make that Cuba deal. Just as he really wanted to make that Iran deal.

From Cuba to Iran and now Obamacare, the question is the same: how does this help the people of the U.S.? It doesn't, but that's for #45 to worry about.

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
At a gathering of police chiefs in San Diego, FBI director James Comey pointed out the obvious: that a few viral videos of police shooting unarmed black men does not constitute an "epidemic" of police killings.

CNN:

He touched on a theme he has pursued for more than a year: trying to get police to embrace the need to report statistics on officer-involved shootings. Better numbers, Comey argues, would help the nation understand whether there is a real epidemic of police killings of black men or if the advent of viral videos shared in social media are giving the impression that there are more lethal confrontations between police and minorities. "A small group of videos serve as an epidemic" Comey argued Sunday. People who think there is an epidemic of police shootings don't know if there is, and police don't know whether there is, because there is no national collection of police shooting reports. Some police departments report such numbers while many don't. The FBI is trying to change that, recently announcing a pilot program to collect numbers from police departments in 2017. Comey also spoke about the need of police to improve trust with the communities they serve.

While the FBI wants to compile its own list of police shootings, the Washington Post has an ongoing project to count the number of fatal cop shootings across the country.

Some of the stats they've uncovered are astonishing.

There were 991 people killed by police in 2015. Of those 991, 495 were white, 258 were black, and 172 were Hispanic. There were 93 police killings of unarmed suspects.

Using the "logic" of Black Lives Matter, it's obvious that police are targeting white people for death.

The hysteria being ginned up over police shootings has one purpose and one purpose only: give black activists a mob they can control and manipulate to exercise power. BLM rhetoric pulls in ignoramuses like Colin Kaepernick, who unwittingly advances the BLM narrative that blacks are being "oppressed" and that police are getting away with murder. Others, fully cognizant of the falsity of BLM themes, use demonstrations as an excuse to cause mayhem and rioting.

Hillary Clinton has given every indication that she will continue to welcome BLM activists to the White House if she is elected president. Giving BLM legitimacy will only empower them further and raise their profile the next time police are forced to take down a suspect  armed or not.
The vast left-wing conspiracy is now in full display, trotting out its usual last minute oh-what-a-surprise oppo information on Donald Trump. And no, it is not the "alt left" doing this, as the whole liberal-left is alt left and rotten and crooked and, yes, bigoted and racist.

But Donald Trump isn't the Republican's Mitt Romney or John McCain  he's out in the real world, dealing with politicians of all kinds to get those buildings up, and is therefore as tough and as brazen as the Democrats, realizing what Finley Peter Dunne said in 1895 through his "fictional character Mr. Dooley, an Irishman who pontificated on the days issues from a Chicago pub": "Politics ain't beanbag. Tis a man's game, an' women, childer, cripples an' prohybitionists'd do well to keep out iv it." It is true today. (Obviously, this was an era before political correctness hit the Democratic Party.)

Taking Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals and throwing them right back  wildly at times, to be sure  at his accusers, Trump is exposing the ugliness of the Democratic Party (and the Republicans also), which is, I think, good for the country no matter the nasty process.

Nothing illustrated the Democratic Party's contempt for the so-called little people, the people the Democratic Party claims it represents, than James Carville's comment: "If you drag a hundred-dollar-bill through a trailer park, you never know what you'll find." He was referring to Paula Jones, a low-level Arkansas state employee who was brought by a state trooper to then-Arkansas governor Bill Clinton's hotel room and then sexually assaulted. She initiated the infamous lawsuit against him.

No prominent Democrat objected to Carville's remarks then; indeed, many thought it quite amusing and a perfect summary of the case against the charming southern Yale- and Oxford-educated governor by such a low-class woman. And the slanders against Monica Lewinsky, then just 21; Juanita Broaddrick; Kathleen Willey; and others received no objections from the elite feminists who today are just, well, "shaken to the core," as Clinton surrogate Michelle Obama dramatically phrased it, by Donald Trump's crude private remarks from 20 years ago.

In the case against Bill Clinton:

Womens groups largely stayed supportive. Feminists have, all along, muffled, disguised, excused and denied the worst aspects of the presidents behavior with women, said a lengthy Vanity Fair article from 1998. Feminism sort of died in that period, New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd told Yahoo recently. Because the feminists had to come along with Bill Clintons retrogressive behavior with women in order to protect the progressive policies for women that Bill Clinton had as president. Clintons female supporters stood by him, especially as he denied allegations of misconduct, as has Trump. Later, after Clinton admitted to some of the allegations of consensual sex, they did criticize him but still supported him. They were called hypocrites at the time, particularly when they were among the first to blast conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and former Sen. Bob Packwood, R-Ore., for allegations of sexual misconduct. Eleanor Smeal, president of the Feminist Majority, said Clintons situation was entirely different because it came as Republicans were attacking him and his pro-women agenda, including fighting against the Equal Rights Amendment and a law banning discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs. For people like me, it was a totally different story and origin, Smeal told McClatchy this week. It was a right-wing attack. We saw it as a right-wing effort to draw out of office a president for ideological reasons. (snip) Betty Friedan, the late activist and leading figure in the womens movement, had described the attacks on Clinton as sexual McCarthyism. It does not serve women to try to hound this president out of office. . . . It does not serve women to focus so much attention even on sexual content while the real obscenities are poverty and violence, she said at the time.

And let's hear what the delicate Hillary Clinton had to say just last week about rapper Kanye West, whose wife is famous for famously showing off her body. "Hillary Clinton Applauds Kanye West for Ending Concert Early After Kim Kardashian Robbery: 'Bless His Heart.'"

Sample West lyrics:

Advice to all my niggas, impregnate Bridget Soon as she have a baby she gon' make another nigga Got the Fruit of Islam in the trenches hah?

(These are somewhat publishable here on American Thinker; other are not. Hillary and Michelle don't object to them, though I do.)

And what about the vaunted Clinton Foundation and all its good works with such prominent members such as Chelsea Clinton and Huma Abedin on board, soliciting money from anyone and everyone, including every Muslim country in the world, friend or foe, buying favors?

Well, let's ask the Haitians, who were hit by a devastating hurricane last week and an earthquake a few years ago.

As Haiti takes stock of the damage wrought by Hurricane Matthew this week, critics have renewed their scrutiny of relief efforts  many of them sponsored by the Clinton Foundation and Hillary Clinton's State Department  that failed to alleviate the country's suffering after a massive earthquake there in 2010. A small group of Haitian-Americans gathered outside the New York City offices of state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman Thursday to protest his refusal to look into the Clinton Foundation's finances. The same group, known as the Committee to Mobilize Against Dictatorship in Haiti, has held several demonstrations throughout the campaign in an attempt to highlight the foundation's failures. Donald Trump brought up the bungled Haiti relief efforts during a campaign rally on Tuesday, arguing foundation donors "have seen the Clintons pave the way for their investments." "In one deal, Hillary Clinton set aside environmental and labor rules to help a South Korean company with a record of violating workers' rights set up what amounts to a sweat shop in Haiti," Trump said at the North Carolina event. "The facility has produced only a fraction of the jobs it promised and faces reports of wage theft. People are asking: where did all the money go?" (snip) The Clintons have weathered criticism for a number of other Haiti-related entanglements that emerged during the reconstruction effort. Hillary Clinton's brother, Tony Rodham, secured a difficult-to-obtain permit in 2012 that allowed his company to begin mining for gold in Haiti. Denis O'Brien, a longtime donor and friend to the Clintons, secured a multimillion dollar contract from Hillary Clinton's State Department to hand out free cellphones to Haitians through his telecommunications company. O'Brien also invested in a luxury hotel at the behest of Bill Clinton. And Warren Buffett, another Clinton Foundation donor, was tapped to provide shelters that sickened displaced earthquake victims because they were laced with formaldehyde. Most observers have agreed that the relief effort in Haiti was beset on all sides by failure and cronyism. It was a pattern certainly not limited to the Clintons' activities there.

But Hillary Clinton's State Department fought to preserve its image in the face of mounting evidence that its work in Haiti was shoddy.

And of course there are the lies about the email server that have probably endangered national security, but hey, Donald Trump's disgusting private comments are more important and a useful distraction. And how did the Clintons pervert the FBI, the IRS, and the Supreme Court to cover up their activities? And how much did they pay? What did they threaten?

OK, the $100 bill is now polluted beyond belief in the Democratic kingdom. But you knew that would happen.
"Open and notorious" is defined as information known by the public and at odds with the communitys accepted moral values.

Wikileaks has released three complete transcripts from Hillary Clintons paid speeches to employees of Goldman Sachs. At least one of the transcripts contains information that qualifies as "open and notorious" criminal acts.

The transcript of her speech at the 2013 IDB CEO Annual Conference, held on June 4, 2013, 8:05 P.M., at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina, contains several delivered statements that I believe may contain classified information and analysis.

As a former senior officer in the United States Army, I am concerned that Clinton may have disclosed very sensitive and highly classified information. Here is one example:

One of the biggest concerns I had over the last four years was the concern that was manifested several different ways that the PLA, the People's Liberation Army, was acting somewhat independently; that it wasn't just a good cop/bad cop routine when we would see some of the moves and some of the rhetoric coming out of the PLA, but that in effect that were making some foreign policy. And Hu Jintao, unlike Jiang Zemin before him, never really captured the authority over the PLA that is essential for any government, whether it's a civilian government in our country or a communist party government in China. So President Xi is doing much more to try to assert his authority, and I think that is also good news. (Attached to Goldman Sachs Paid Speeches email as 06042013 GS 1.doc, pp.3-4)

If the above had been written by a political analyst working from, say, the American Thinker or the Washington Post, there would be no problem.

But in this case, the "analysis" was delivered by a former secretary of state and almost certainly based on intelligence received from covert assets and classified analysis from the Central Intelligence Agency and Department of State Intelligence, among others.

Because of the source of the raw information and the seniority of the "analyst," in this case a former secretary of state, this appears, on its face, to be highly classified information  delivered to business leaders who, we can assume, are not cleared to receive it.

It's important to note that some people can, freely, use certain words, terms, and phrases in public discourse (like Tom Clancy and his Jack Ryan novels). However, when officials of the United States government, presumed to have actual knowledge of certain capabilities, activities, and programs, make those same statements, those statements may constitute a criminal disclosure of classified information.

Mrs. Clinton's speeches to business leaders, in her effort to monetize her husband's service as POTUS and enhance her less than stellar performance as secretary of state, thereby promoting her aim to become the 45th president, appear to be criminal disclosure of such classified information.

Mike Ford is a former infantry colonel. He has served in Europe, Central America, and Southwest Asia, commanding at the detachment, company, battalion, and brigade levels.
The Clintons really know how to rake in big money. And they love, love, love that fast cash from places in the world that are bastions of oppression, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. So what if the paper money from Islamic lands is covered in blood? Were talking about the Clintons. Theyre immune to scrutiny.

Per Human Rights Watch (here, here, and here), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman are both oppressive regimes. In fact, the UAE government has become even worse over the past few years as dissidents have been targeted for harassment, intimidation, detainment, and deportation. In addition, the UAE governs based on sharia law, which necessarily violates womens rights, such as giving husbands the right to physically beat their wives (as well as their children). In Oman, its more of the same.

The monarchy in Saudi Arabia also mandates institutionalized discrimination against women in accordance with sharia law. A strict system of male guardianship forbids women from having any freedom of expression or movement without the approval and/or presence of a male (most often a family member).

Saudi Arabia also asserts dominance over its people with baseless arrests, corrupt trials, and imprisonment of human rights activists. Anti-terrorism regulations put in place in 2014 bolster the governments crackdown, as the regulations are used to criminalize peaceful protests by labeling them terrorism. This should be a chilling warning to all Americans, as we see disturbing patterns here, where conservatives and those critical of the government are labeled extremists and terrorists and are targeted by the government, and free speech is under assault via censorship by all forms of social media. Perhaps most foreboding is the recent internet giveaway to the entire world, including crackpot totalitarian regimes that will have an equal say in determining what expression is and isnt allowed.

Need a quick snapshot that captures the evil that is Hillary Clinton and the left? Think of her arrest of the two-bit filmmaker whose film she blamed as the cause of the Benghazi terror attack. Then think of her promise to ensure that the likes of us deplorable, irredeemable types are crushed so severely that we are never allowed to rise again, with a plan to start with the destruction of Breitbart media.

And now, on top of all of that (and more), the fly-attracting liar in a pantsuit who has a cozy relationship with oppressive regimes that render women nothing more than chattel wants to import tens upon tens of thousands of Syrian refugees (aka colonizers) to further take down this country. These invaders will wreak havoc and ruin just as they are doing on a mass scale across Europe, and as we see here in the U.S. as well. And as these barbarians cut a path of destruction wherever they go, dhimmis will look away, make excuses, and call for more inclusion and diversity while accusing anyone who dares complain about a loved one being assaulted and raped by a Quran-carrying invader of being an Islamophobe.

The world has gone mad. And America, which was once the last refuge from such madness, has joined forces with it. Theres an abbreviation that sums up the dire mess we are in and the darkness into which we are headed: HRC.

Hat tip: Breitbart
In the department of "Until I'm Blue in the Face," again, Donald Trump was not my first, second, or sixteenth choice in the primaries. But then again, neither was Bob Dole, John McCain, Mitt Romney, or even George W. Bush (although today I will defend his record more forcefully even than the average Republican). We have tried innumerable nice guys, economic illiterates, and conventional politicians. We're done. We're at the brink. We've lost our jobs and our businesses. We are witnessing a federal government including an IRS, an EPA, an FEC, FCC, SEC, FBI, and Supreme Court shot through with corruption. We are choking on taxes, regulations, bureaucracy, socialist schemes, crime, Islamic terrorism, and political correctness. We are irrevocably losing our country. And we are not standing for it.

That is why we nominated a garish, vulgar boor. Not because he is a garish, vulgar boor, but because he is a fighting alpha male who doesn't take any crap, who dishes it back out as hard as he is attacked. Who, while he may lack policy sophistication, understands the angst and anguish of the American people in a way that the intelligentsia even of the Republican Party cannot, and authentically empathizes. He is raw and real.

Who in the Republican camp, in the face of the Hillary attack machine, still regrets that we didn't nominate Jeb Bush? Do you imagine that the personal attacks on Bush would be tame and manageable because he's (presumably) a Boy Scout? The Mormon choirboy Mitt couldn't stand up to the withering assaults on his character.

Trump's threat in the second debate to prosecute Hillary and his comment that she belongs in jail are perfect examples of how Trump has turned the tables on convention, on political correctness, and on the progressive enemies of America. The Democrats have gotten away with outrageous corruption precisely because it is so outrageous that to call it out publicly to the average uninformed voter is to risk being seen as a complete off-the-charts nutjob. Nobody can imagine that mainstream politicians and public servants could be so evil  not in America! Democrats count on Republicans being too polite or too intimidated to say such things. In the breach, Democrats count on other Democrats, known collectively as the media, to publicly heap burning coals on the head of any Republicans courageous or stupid enough to cross the line.

But the Democrats and the media have met their match in Trump. He is the most media-savvy candidate, the greatest communicator since Ronald Reagan, and utterly unafraid.

A political gaffe is defined as an inadvertent letting slip of an embarrassing truth. Trump's comments are anti-gaffes  truths that are so shocking (but true) that the Democrat machine counts on nobody daring to utter them, deliberately and unapologetically. But because the American people have caught on to the lies, they are starving for a leader with the guts to say what they know is true. Jeb didn't and probably never would. Trump did, does, and will. That's why he is the legitimate candidate, and why establishment Republican buyer's remorse is a crock. He has exposed the lies as no other Republican has been willing or able, has pulled back the curtain. One might say he has exposed that the empress has no clothes, but the image is too revolting to contemplate.
Google first launched its latest flagship smartphones, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, at an event held in San Francisco a couple of weeks back. These two smartphones were exclusively designed by the Mountain View-based tech giant, unlike its previous devices. The devices are about to go on sale in most markets, and some carriers have begun delivering pre-ordered units to its customers, with Australian carrier Telstra being the first to do so. Over in the UK, both devices were up for pre-order the day Google announced the devices, but it is yet to go on sale in the country. It has been reported that Google is investing a lot of its resources into promoting its latest devices, and this is obvious, considering the variety of ads the company has been posting on YouTube lately.

In a bid to promote the coming of the Pixel smartphone to the UK, Google has posted a commercial on its Google UK YouTube channel. The video titled Introducing Pixel, Phone by Google, is basically about the main features of the device, including the aluminium unibody with fused polished glass, the AMOLED display it packs and the rear facing camera which DxOMark currently rates as the best smartphone camera in the world. The video is filled with close up shots of the Pixel, detailing all the curves and the overall design of the device. Google Assistant also makes an appearance in the video, with Google stating that the Pixel is the first smartphone to come with the artificial intelligence built in. The Pixel XL makes an appearance at the end of the video, but it is not mentioned by name, but instead, a larger device is shown next to the Pixel. The commercial may be viewed below this post.

The Pixel and Pixel XL are essentially the same device, save for the display size, screen resolution and battery capacity. If you would like a recap on the specs of both devices, read on. The Pixel and Pixel XL are equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 System-on-Chip along with an Adreno 530 graphics chip. Memory wise, they come with 4GB of RAM and either 32GB or 128GB of internal storage. For optics, they are equipped with a 12-megapixel main camera coupled with an 8-megapixel front-facing sensor, and run Android 7.1 Nougat. The smaller Pixel packs a 5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a 2,770 mAh battery, while the Pixel XL carries a 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 AMOLED panel, and a 3,450 mAh battery.
The Pixel and Pixel XL were launched on October 4th during an event in San Francisco along with a bunch of new Google products such as the Google Home Speaker, Google Chomecast Ultra, and Google WiFi. Speaking of the Pixel and Pixel XL phones, in the US, both phones were available for the pre-order from the Google Store, Verizon and Best Buy from the same day they announced. While the earlier pre-orders for both devices were expected start shipping from October 20th, now it appears that the majority of Pixel models are now either out of the stock or showing with 4-5 weeks of delayed shipping.

On the US Google Store, the 32 GB version of the Pixel phone is currently available for pre-order in Quite Black and Very Silver color options and shows estimated delivery date of November 23-25, while Really Blue model  which comes only in 32 GB version, and 128 GB versions of the Pixel are currently running out of the stock. On the other hand, those looking to pre-order 5.5-inch Pixel XL are completely out of luck as all the configurations in all color options are already sold out on the Google Store. Its also worth noting here that only Google Store versions of the Pixel and Pixel XL devices are running out of the stock or either showing delay in shipments, so in case you dont want to wait for such a long time or if the Pixel is not available in your desired configuration on the Google Store, you can still pre-order the Pixel phones from Verizon or Best Buy which dont seem to be suffering from such stock or shipment issues. On top of that, the Verizon version of the Pixel devices are not loaded with so much bloatware this time around and most of them can be uninstalled by the user.

Also, as earlier confirmed by both Verizon and Google, the Verizon version of the Pixel devices will also receive the timely system/security updates as soon as Google release them. But do keep in mind that Verizons Pixel devices come with locked bootloader and can not be rooted so if you planning to install custom ROMs in future, be sure to pick your device from the Google Store as they feature unlocked bootloader and can be rooted easily.
Its 2016, were obviously closer to the fifth generation of mobile networks than weve ever been, and everyone is extremely excited about 5G and what it brings to the table. And why wouldnt they be? The next major stage of mobile telecommunications standards is bound to bring us much better download and upload speeds, as well as networks with an extremely low latency. All of that will inevitably translate to improved streaming and Internet services in general and allow for unprecedented advancements in certain tech fields which require highly responsive networks.

So, what are we waiting for? 5G sounds great, so why isnt it here already? Well, because its going to start as a millimeter wave tech which is radically different from the current standards and requires new infrastructure and usage rules. These standards are in the making but progress is still slow because carriers and telecommunications equipment manufacturers are yet to agree on all of the details. Of course, that doesnt stop them from experimenting. One such experiment was just announced during the NGMN Industry Conference and Exhibition held in Frankfurt, Germany last week. During the conference, Vodafone Group and Huawei Technologies presented their latest 5G test in high and low-frequency bands. The companies stated that this is the first such test conducted in a densely populated area as theyve showcased a 1.5-kilometer 5G cell coverage in the C-band spectrum. In addition to that, Huawei and Vodafone managed to achieve an impressive 5 Gbps output to a single device through the high band spectrum. Of course, this was a purely experimental demonstration and commercial implementations of 5G probably wont be too similar to what was showcased in Frankfurt as standards bodies still have to agree on what 5G will entail.

Still, researching this emerging technology is obviously an important step towards eventual implementation and Huawei and Vodafone have said as much on this occasion. This also isnt the first time Huawei actively participated in research and development of 5G technologies. The Chinese tech giant and the Japanese wireless carrier NTT DoCoMo have already demonstrated a 3.6 Gbps network in late 2015. This experiment followed an extensive paper on 5G written by the companys former CEO Ken Hu in which he made a lot of informed recommendations to the industry. All in all, we still have a long way to go before we see commercial implementations of this technology but wireless carriers and telecommunications equipment manufacturers are definitely not sitting idly and waiting for the change to happen  theyre making it happen.
Consumer protection laws are a tricky thing. Theyre drafted and passed in order to prevent business from turning to unfair practices and fraud in order to trick consumers or gain an unfair competitive advantage over other businesses. However, those unfair practices and even fraudulent behavior are sometimes much more difficult to specify and prove when it comes to real-life situations. For example, theres AT&T who decided to introduce mobile data throttling for their unlimited data customers a few years ago. Customers obviously werent pleased with that and some harsh accusations were made. Of course, most of them alleged that the second largest wireless carrier in the country was in violation of the aforementioned consumer protection laws. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) agreed and accused AT&T of deceptive business practices. The carrier argued that the controversial practices are completely fair because they were designed to only hit a small portion of its customers who are using huge amounts of data in order to create an even user experience for everyone.

However, the FTC didnt buy that argument and filed a lawsuit over the carriers data throttling. AT&Ts team obviously wasnt too happy about that so it filed a counterclaim with the US District Court in Northern California. The counterclaim wasnt based on any reasoning backing FTCs lawsuit but its very jurisdiction as AT&T argued that its a common carrier and should be regulated as such by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and not the FTC. It was a bold move and  it worked. The lawsuit was dropped by a 9th Circuit panel in late August. However, the legal drama continues as the FTC has just ended up filing an appeal with the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals.

The FTC is now arguing that it can regulate AT&T and other common carriers as long as theyre offering any non-common services, adding that this decision is setting a dangerous precedent as it threatens the Commissions authority over other similar mobile and Internet providers like Verizon, Comcast, and Google. Certain legal experts note that this isnt necessarily the case but that it could be interpreted as such, Ars Technica reports. In any case, the said appeals court is expected to make a decision on the matter in the coming months but no specific time frames have yet been given.
Xiaomis upcoming flagship phablet has been surfacing on the internet for quite some time now, just last week we saw this device in multiple color variants, and now some leaked photos that are allegedly of this upcoming phablet have emerged on the web showcasing some pretty slim bezels.

The alleged images of the Xiaomi Mi 2 Note have shown up on the Chinese micro-blogging site, Weibo, just recently and from what can be seen in the images, it looks like the upcoming Mi Note 2 device might come with ultra-thin bezels, but what is more surprising is that the front facing camera, ambient light sensor and earpiece are nowhere to be found above the screen of the device. As you can see in the images below, the device in question has very thin bezels while the upper top portion, which usually houses the camera and sensor is entirely omitted. That being said, the validity of any of these leaked images cannot be confirmed and its possible that the pictures could be of a completely new device that is still in development at Xiaomi. Unfortunately, the leaked images dont provide any other information.

As for the specifications of the Mi Note 2, thanks to the previous leaks, its thought that this upcoming device will pack a 5.7-inch QHD AMOLED display with a resolution of a 2560  1440. Its rumored to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 64-bit quad-core CPU along with an Adreno 530 GPU. Two vertically placed camera are also expected to sit on the back of the device along with a dual-tone LED flashlight  as seen in the previous leak. The device is also expected to pack 6GB of RAM and could come in multiple storage variants just like previous Xiaomi devices, while on the software side, you can expect the device to come with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with MIUI 8 on top but chances are it could also come running the latest version of Android, Android 7.0 Nougat, out of the box. As for the pricing, according to a recent rumor, the Xiaomi Mi Note 2 could end up costing around 4000 yuan ($600) and the device is expected to launch by the end of this month.
Earlier this year, theres been a lot of talk about the US government possibly breaking the Fourth Amendment which gives citizens the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures. The controversy was caused by gagging orders which were issued to Microsoft and forced the company to give the government access to user data in secrecy. More specifically, the tech giant claimed that it had to comply with over 1,700 suppression orders with no expiration date in just 18 months and sued the US government over this. In other words, Redmond had an issue with the fact that its forced to grant federal agencies access to user data and isnt allowed to notify users of that.

Earlier today, another similar case came to light. One court filing made by the US Department of Justice in May has just been leaked online and reveals some troublesome facts about certain police practices. A redacted version of the document which can be accessed by following the source link below mentions a house search warrant issued in California which the government believes gives it the right to force residents of the said house to unlock their phones with their fingerprints. The filing states that the police wasnt aware of specific phones which will be at the premises covered by the warrant but nonetheless claims that officers had probable cause to believe that these phones contain evidence related to their investigation.

Defense lawyer Marina Medvin describes this as an audacious abuse of power which is in clear violation of the Fourth Amendment, Forbes reports. The main issue here is that the government is trying to set a precedent for a warrant that basically promises to deliver probable cause after its already issued. Its worth noting that the leaked filing is only a request and while Forbes managed to confirm that the warrant was served, theres currently no evidence that the police forced people found at the location to unlock their phones using their fingerprints. In fact, thats actually less likely given how theres already a judicial precedent which would prevent such actions. Back in 2014, the Virginia Circuit Court ruled that a general search warrant cannot be used to force people to unlock their passcode-locked phones so the same principle should also apply to fingerprint-locked devices.
Each and every year, the worlds media descends upon Mobile World Congress, a big trade show held across roughly a weeks worth of time in Barcelona, Spain. For a lot of big names in the industry, this is a chance for them to make a big splash with new product releases, or reassure shareholders and investors that the future of their company is still very much on track. One of these big names now appears to be Nokia, which has recently confirmed their presence during the show, which is to be held during February of next year. For Nokia, this could be their return to form, but new hardware will have to be launched in order for them to become a household once again in the future.

Nokias President and CEO, Rajeev Suri, has been confirmed by the Finnish brand to speak during a keynote at Mobile World Congress 2017, but other than that, the firm isnt sharing any other details. The history of Nokias demise in the mobile world has been well documented, and their deals with Microsoft, including selling off the Lumia brand and much of their smartphone division, hasnt helped matters over the past few years. Now that Nokia can start to sell smartphones under their own brand again, theyve decided to have someone else do the hard work for them, selling the rights to the Nokia brand to HMD Global, which is rumored to have devices ready fairly soon. A new Nokia Android tablet has also been spotted in benchmarks, but weve seen or heard little where Nokia smartphones are concerned.

Could Nokia be announcing new hardware during the February 27th  March 2nd window that is MWC 2017? It certainly wouldnt be too much of a surprise, and itd be the perfect place for them to announce their re-entry to the world of smartphones, as the worlds media will definitely be watching. The Nokia D1C may or may not be released before the end of 2016, but with big things seemingly on the horizon for Nokia in 2017, waiting for Mobile World Congress to launch the new device might be the best bet for the Nokia brand overall.
About a week ago, Samsung announced that it will be discontinuing the production and sale of its flagship phablet, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. This came after numerous reports regarding Galaxy Note 7 units suddenly exploding started to emerge. Before that, the South Korean company launched the device in certain markets later than others, and when the first recall was announced, Samsung still had not put the device on sale in those markets. However, there are people in those markets who purchased the Galaxy Note 7 through grey importers or imported it themselves before the recall and the discontinuation of the device was announced. One such market is India, where the Galaxy Note 7 was launched, but never made it to shelves.

However, Samsung has not abandoned these customers, and the company has issued an official statement. The firm is set to offer refunds to Indian customers who imported the device, and the refund will reflect the Indian pricing of the device. The Galaxy Note 7 was launched in India for Rs. 59,900 ($897). This refund value will probably be significantly lesser than the price which was paid for an imported device, but obtaining any type of refund is still better than having a smartphone which may potentially explode out of nowhere and cause injuries or damage to property. According to FoneArena which contacted Samsung India, the electronics manufacturer has confirmed to FoneArena that it will be issuing refunds to customers who purchased imported Galaxy Note 7 units.

On top of that, customers can already head to their nearest Samsung outlet to request for a refund. So if you are a resident of India who purchased a Galaxy Note 7 from overseas, just head over to your nearest Samsung store or service center and simply request for a refund, and the representatives will assist you with it. You could also contact Samsung to find out how to go about it and to ensure a smoother refund process. It is not known whether Samsung is offering its Indian customers any sort of credit if they exchange their Galaxy Note 7 for a different Samsung device. This offer is being given to users in other markets including Canada, where the company is offering up to $100 credit.
Samsung is one of the biggest names in the consumer electronics world, and regardless of how you feel about the company its very hard to argue with that fact. Samsung is not just Samsung Electronics, which is itself not just all about smartphones, as theres a huge amount of things that Samsung manufacturers and promotes across the world. Given the overall size of the Samsung Group, its not surprising that the firm feels the need to downsize somewhat. In fact, Samsung has been looking to downsize and streamline their overall operations. What might be surprising, however, is that Samsung has laid off more employees during the first half of 2016 than most other companies.

According to a report from the Korea Herald, the Samsung Group has let 5,284 employees go across 54 different subsidiaries during the first half of 2016. Many of these lay-offs were already scheduled, but given the recent Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, its likely more lay-offs will be added to the already-existing list. Samsung Electronics, often referred to as the crown jewel of the Samsung Group lost 3,579 employees during this time period bringing the total to 95,420 employees. Samsung SDI, the firm responsible for many of the worlds batteries, lost 1,741 employees and has a plan in place to lose 12,000 employees before 2016 is done with. Meanwhile, lesser-known companies of the 109 that make up the Samsung Group, such as Samsung Heavy Industries lost 1,756 employees while Samsung Electro-Mechanics lost 1,697 employees.

While its easy to see that these job cuts were a result of the recent Galaxy Note 7 failure, the majority of these have been planned for some time now. The Samsung Group is absolutely massive, and there are lots of different companies that have perhaps gotten a little too big over the years and now Samsung is trying to clean things up to create better organization, and no doubt help their bottom line, too. Samsung Electronics has shrunk a little bit as a result of the near 4,000 employees that have left this year, but employing over 95,000 employees is still a big deal. The Galaxy Note 7 is definitely going to have a long-lasting impact on the firm, but the firm is likely to recover in 2017.
Smart Bluetooth headsets like the Moto Hint have always had a reputation of being half-baked, and apps that read your notifications over a regular Bluetooth earpiece normally lack some key functionality or another. Sonys Xperia Ear looks to solve these issues, and it will soon get the chance to prove itself in Europe. Sonys foray into the more than a headset, less than a phone market is currently up for preorder throughout all of Europe, with most Europeans being asked for 179.00 to get their hands on one, while those in the UK can expect to shell out 199.00. Units are expected to begin shipping in these markets some time in mid-November.

For those who may not know what the Xperia Ear is all about, it has all the functionality of a normal Bluetooth headset, but with a number of added touches. The headset can take voice commands and read your notifications, of course, but then any headset could do these things with the right app. What makes the Xperia Ear special is its advanced speech recognition technology, personalized information feed, and motion and gesture controls. Those who instinctively nod when their Bluetooth headset asks them if its deciphered their command correctly, for example, will be glad to know that this gesture will confirm their command with the Xperia Ear. It can also tell when its in-ear, sitting idle, or in its Zippo-like charging case.

For the wealth of times when speaking to your phone or pulling it out may be inappropriate, a discrete head gesture can send the Xperia Ear into action with a number of predefined commands. While Sony doesnt advertise it, pairing this functionality with an app like Tasker or IFTTT could allow a user to do just about anything they want on their device without uttering a word. Naturally, the Xperia Ears companion app makes it easy to choose what apps you get notifications from and how to respond to them, set up commands, schedule the headset to feed you certain info at certain times of day, and much more. The Xperia Ear has been subject to rave reviews among those who have been able to get their hands on one early, and once preorders ship, it will be interesting to see how well such a concept resonates with the general public.

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Hurricane Mathew was the first Category 5 Atlantic hurricane in close to a decade. Earlier this month, the tropical cyclone battered not only South America and the Caribbean region but also the entire East Coast of the United States, including Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Virginia. Almost 500,000 South Carolina residents were left without power during the hurricane, Charleston experienced a bad case of flooding, and various roads in the state were left completely submerged in water for days. North Carolina had it even worse as 680,000 people were cut from the power grid in early October and 26 deaths directly caused by the tropical cyclone have been confirmed. The damage in the Carolinas is estimated in billions of dollars and everyone involved is still in the process of recovering from this catastrophe.

The largest US wireless carrier Verizon is also among parties affected by the disaster. The company is currently examining damage suffered by its infrastructure in North and South Carolina. Given how a lot of the companys cell sites in those two states are located in areas that arent exactly easy to reach, Verizon decided to facilitate the process by utilizing drones. The aircraft in question is operated by a Washington-based drone company Measure UAS which has been tasked with inspecting affected areas and assessing the damage which Verizons infrastructure has incurred. Verizons aerial surveys started earlier this month and this approach already proved to be extremely effective as the carrier reported that more than 99% of its cell sites in North Carolina and South Carolina have been fully operational as of last Friday. Thats certainly an impressive number given the devastating nature of Hurricane Matthew.

Even if we forget about this report for a second, its well-known that Verizon is no stranger to drone technology. The US wireless carrier has been helping the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) create a drone surveillance network for a couple of years now and has financed a lot of research and development related to unmanned aerial vehicle systems. The company also isnt investing in this technology solely for its own profit as it has recently announced an initiative whose goal is to produce drones connected to its LTE network which would assist people during natural disasters.
Many people are waiting for Xiaomi to introduce their new flagship phablet, the Xiaomi Mi Note 2. This handset is due to arrive later this month, or next month at the very latest. That being said, Xiaomi had introduced the Xiaomi Mi 5s and Mi 5s Plus handsets quite recently, these two devices are Xiaomis new flagship smartphones, and are already available for purchase in China. Having that in mind, the Mi Note 2 is not the only Xiaomi-branded smartphone that leaked recently, the Xiaomi Mi 5C also surfaced quite recently. Well, that has surfaced once again, but it carries a different name, its called the Xiaomi Meri, well, that is its codename.

If you take a look at the gallery down below, youll get to see quite a few real life images of the Xiaomi Meri. This phone resembles the Xiaomi Mi 5 when you look at it from the front, very few people could see the difference between this phone and the Mi 5 actually. The phones physical home key / fingerprint scanner is once again placed below the display, and its very thin as well, it could be the exact same sensor that Xiaomi utilized on the Mi 5. The companys Mi branding is not present in the upper left corner of this device, Xiaomi might include it in the final model though. The back side of this smartphone is considerably different than the one on the Mi 5, as it is made out of metal (for the most part), the top and bottom strips seem to be made out of glass.

In addition to its images, we also get to see the phones partial specs thanks to AnTuTu and Geekbench. The device has managed to score 63,581 points on AnTuTu, which is way below what top of the line SoCs are able to offer, which leads us to believe this phone is going to ship with a mid-range SoC. The device will sport a 5.5-inch fullHD (1920 x 1080) display according to AnTuTu, and well get a Mali-T864 GPU here, which could indicate this phone will be fueled by a Rockchip SoC. Now, Geekbench did reveal that the device will sport 3GB of RAM, and that an octa-core SoC running at 1.4GHz will fuel this smartphone. Android 6.0 Marshmallow will come pre-installed here, and the device has managed to score 758 points in Geekbenchs single-score test. Now, as far as the multi-core test is concerned, the phone scored 3,105 points.

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(ANSA) - Florence, October 17 - Italian Premier Matteo Renzi boarded a flight leaving from Pisa Monday afternoon to attend a White House State Dinner honouring Italy, the last one of US President Barack Obama's final term in office.

Renzi said the fact that Italy was chosen shows the strength of the two countries' ties.

"It's a symbolic fact, not a personal one; it's the recognition on the part of our beloved and principal ally of how strong a friendship, a relationship, can be," Renzi said at the government's General State of the Italian Language conference in Florence on Monday.

In an interview on Radio 105, he said that Italy being chosen as the guest of honour was a "great gesture of friendship" on the part of the US president.

"Obama will go down in history for having written some very important pages in good government," Renzi said.

Joining Renzi, his wife Agnese, and the Italian delegation on the flight to Washington D.C. were actor Roberto Benigni and Paralympic wheelchair fencing champion Beatrice Vio.

"It's wonderful that the Italian delegation isn't just institutional," Renzi said, adding that he had also invited CERN Director Fabiola Giannotti, Lampedusa Mayor Giusi Nicolini, and MoMA New York Senior Curator for Architecture and Design Paola Antonelli, in addition to Vio, whom he called "an example for the younger generations".

"The many difficulties that have hit her and wounded her haven't ever stopped her. I'm really happy she's boarding the plane with us".


(ANSA) - Rome, October 17 - Premier Matteo Renzi on Monday defended his government's 2017 budget package, which he presented on Saturday after it was approved at a cabinet meeting.

The bill raises health spending by two billion euros, education spending by one billion and sets aside seven billion over three years for measures to help people close to retirement age to start claiming a pension early and to boost bonuses for low-earning pensioners. It allocates 4.5 billion euros to the reconstruction of parts of central Italy devastated by the August earthquake that killed almost 300 people. "It's not a solve-all budget because I don't believe in magic wands," Renzi told Radio 105 on Monday. "But it takes a step forward on all fronts, step by step.

"It gives something back to the public. In the past the political world used to put money in Italian people's wallets and them take away the whole wallet". The budget avoids a rise in the VAT that had been planned, features big increases to public investments and measures to boost competitiveness and it scraps unpopular tax-debt-collection agency Equitalia. "The fight against evasion reached an all-time record in 2015 with almost 15 billion (euros) recovered," Renzi wrote in his Enews newsletter on Monday. "But we are doing this without the punitive model of the past. We think the citizen should be involved rather than stung immediately. "After the (ill-wishing) owls, we are taking on the (bloodsucking) vampires".

Renzi has said the budget sees to boost growth and ensure Italy hits the government's target of a 1% rise in GDP next year, even though the recovery is modest.

The budget see Italy's 2017 deficit-to-GDP ratio coming in at 2.3%, higher than the previous target of 2%. This make cause tension with the European Commission, although Renzi said Sunday that if the EU is unhappy with the plan, it should alleviate the burden Italy has in coping with the Mediterranean asylum-seeker crisis. Industrial employers confederation Confindustria has backed the budget, but trade union CGIL blasted it for not devoting enough money to the public sector, among other things.

Several opposition parties accused the government of trying to buy voters with the budget, ahead of the December referendum on its Constitutional reform to overhaul Italy's political machinery.

The referendum is a crunch test for Renzi, who may step down if he loses.


Syria: French FM, we cannot close eyes on Russia Moscow about to carry out destruction, as occurred in Grozny

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, OCTOBER 17 - ''It is necessary to state clearly that Russia is engaged beside Bashar al Assad and is about to operate a destruction, as occurred in Grozny'', thus ''it is not possible'' to ''shut out eyes'' on this situation, French Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Monday, arriving at a Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. He stressed that for this reason ''it is important to send a clear and firm message, especially on what is occurring in Aleppo'' and persevere because it is necessary for the pressure to be strong'' on Assad and ''stop the massacre of the population of Aleppo''.



On the one hand, a humanitarian plan is necessary and on the other talks for the peace process, he added, recalling that ''France's objective is to continue to fight against terrorism, not only ISIS but also Al Qaeda and Al Nusra''. For this reason, in light of the battle of Mosul ongoing in Iraq, along with helping refugees it is necessary to prepare to ''discuss with the Iraqis to ensure an inclusive management of the country''.



(ANSAmed).




'Dictator Alert' Twitter bot tracks Moroccan king's flights Follows Mohammed VI trips to Geneva

(ANSAmed) - RABAT, OCTOBER 17 - The Twitter account @GVA_Watcher, a bot tracking planes used by authoritarian regimes landing at Geneva Airport, on September 4 began tracking the take-offs and landings there of a Boeing 737 CN-MVI from the Moroccan royal fleet, often used by King Mohammed VI, his family and some officials.



The Moroccan press wasn't pleased at the association with dictatorial regimes, some of whom are violent, but given the numerous trips to Switzerland, it is questioning the regime's duty to transparency.



The Twitter bot was created by Francois Pilet, an investigative journalist who was looking into the Obiang family of Equitorial Guinea, ranked as one of the world's most repressive dictatorships by some principal NGOs, and one of the richest, by Forbes.



Although their planes aren't permitted in European Union airspace, they frequently come and go from Switzerland, and from that initial idea came the extension of the tracker to all "authoritarian regimes".



The bot tracks flights arriving from Bahrain, Brunei, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia, among others, which it said in a tweet that it tracks based on their being classified as 'authoritarian regimes' according to the 2015 Democracy Index by The Economist Intelligence Unit (@TheEIU).



Although there could be thousands of reasons for going to Switzerland, there are doubts as to whether or not cash is traveling along with the people on the flights - doubts that Pilet, in several interviews, said can't be confirmed or denied through a Twitter bot.



King Mohammed VI's private flights aren't announced by the royal house and therefore aren't systematically made public, which is where the point of transparency arises.



The Moroccan press follows the royal family's every move, travels included, but those doesn't reveal state secrets.



Moroccan journalists complain that a bot alert like this one makes it look like all of the heads of states being tracked are dictators, qualifying the level of democracy, and that they have air fleets at their disposal in full legality for private or official use.




Jordan: Two sisters killed for family honour near Amman

(ANSAmed) - AMMAN, OCTOBER 17 - Prosecutor general in Amman charged three people of shooting to death two women near Amman over family honour problem, judicial sources said Monday.



The attackers, two brothers of the victims and a husband for one of them, used hunting rifle during the assault that took place last Thursday. The attack lead to instant death of 34 year old victim, who received gunshots in the chest, while the second victim, 24 year old died late Sunday in hospital after being struck twice in her leg, the source told ANSA.



He said the victim died after sever bleeding as doctors were unable to stop the bleeding in a major artery.



The two brothers sought to kill their sisters after repeatedly leaving the house without permission, according to their testimony. One of the victims had recently delivered a baby girl out of wedlock and was forced to marry father of her child.



The attackers are charged with two counts of premeditated murder.



Sunday's victim is the fifth person to be killed in Jordan in so-called honour murders since the start of the year. (ANSAmed).




PODGORICA - Milo Djukanovic, the outgoing premier and leader of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), declared victory last night in political elections held Sunday in Montenegro.



Speaking at the headquarters of his party in Podgorica, Djukanovic said the DPS defended Montenegro and its path towards Euro-Atlantic integration.



He added that very soon the DPS will form a new government with its traditional allies - ethnic-minority parties.



The DPS, said the premier, has obtained 36 seats in national Parliament and will be able to govern with its allies' seats.



''It wasn't easy but thanks to your support we have succeeded in winning'', he said, thanking voters.



Soon, he added, Montenegro will become part of NATO and adhesion talks with the EU will be intensified, while the economy will surely grow. ''By voting for DPS you have defended the independence of Montenegro and the future of your children'', said Djukanovic, referring to the interference attempts of Russia in the strategic choices of the small Balkan country. The oppositions for their part said last night that they obtained together a sufficient number of seats to form a new government ending the long power of Djukanovic, who has been leading Montenegro for 27 years.
Ayla Aviation Academy wins 2016 Training Provider of the Year

Ayla Aviation Academy, based in Aqaba, Jordan, has received the Training Provider of the Year Award at the 2016 ITP Aviation Business Awards.
The company also won the Engineering Innovation of the Year award for developing a unique Flying Testbed  an Airbus A320 aircraft reconfigured for testing new innovations as well as for commercial flights.



Etihad Airways Engineering broke performance records and accomplished many firsts in the MRO industry in the last year. It is the first organisation in the Middle East to be granted an extended Part 21J Design Organisation Approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to undertake major cabin design and modification. Etihad Airways Engineering is also the only MRO in the Middle East deemed eligible by EASA to apply for a Production Organisation Approval under EASA Part 21G in 2016.



Jeff Wilkinson, chief executive of Etihad Airways Engineering, said: We have been investing heavily and steadily in developing our 3,300-strong team of aviation professionals, and expanding our MRO capabilities on new and established platforms. These efforts are paying off as our customers are more satisfied and we are growing our global business.

We continue to implement the most efficient systems and tools across our operations, and these awards are testament to the efforts of our team in delivering industry leading aircraft maintenance and engineering solutions.
Under the agreement, the airline will fly the worlds best chefs and food media to Australia for the programme, a celebration of the best in global gastronomy.

The events, in Melbourne from 1-7 April, will showcase Australias outstanding food and wine culture to an international audience of industry professionals and food lovers including world-leading chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, media and influencers.

Etihad Airways chief executive officer, Peter Baumgartner, said the airline was delighted to partner with Tourism Australia and The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants on such an exciting culinary tourism initiative.

Australia is world-renowned for the exceptional quality of its food and wine offering and the diversity of its culinary experiences.

Bringing the worlds culinary elite to Australia next year to experience its food and wine culture first-hand will further enhance Australias reputation as one of the worlds best holiday destinations.

It will also enable us to showcase our own food philosophy and hospitality offering to some of the biggest names in food and wine in the world today.

The culinary inspiration we draw from The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants awards will bring us another step closer to our goal of being the best restaurant in the sky.

Tourism Australia managing director, John O'Sullivan, said Etihad Airways was a natural fit as airline partner for World's 50 Best Restaurants.

"Etihad Airways has gained an enviable reputation within the airline industry for the quality of the dining experience it offers its passengers, both in the air and on the ground. They have truly embraced our Restaurant Australia campaign and are a natural choice as airline partner for a culinary event of this stature," he said.
JAC specialises in providing support for Royal Jordanian Air Force C-130 aircraft, for Boeing 737 operators in the region, and for locally based AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters.

The countrys central, strategic position gives JAC access to a number of potential customers and clients, and the company is also the beneficiary of Jordans long-standing political and economic stability.

Marka was built by the British and was RAF Amman from 1922 until 1948, when the Arab Legion Air Force was established. The facilities were shared until 1957, when the RAF handed control over to the RJAF.

Marka was the Royal Jordanian Air Forces main fighter base for many years and also served as Jordans main civil airport until Queen Alia International Airport opened in 1983.

Today, Marka is Ammans main civil charter and VIP airport, with a military enclave, known as King Abdullah Air Base, housing the RJAF General Headquarters as well as an air lift wing consisting of Nos 3, 7, 8 and 14 squadrons and the Royal Squadron (Jordans VIP transport unit), plus elements of the Prince Hashim Bin Abdullah II Royal Aviation Brigade  a dedicated special operations support unit.

The base also houses the RJAFs Prince Feisal Technical College and Gliding Club and a police helicopter wing, and is home to the biennial Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference (SOFEX) trade show.

Two further facilities at Marka are private companies that are owned and run by the air force  Jordan International Air Cargo (JIAC), operating Ilyushin Il-76 freighters, and JAC.

The organisation that eventually became JAC can trace its roots back to 2000, when Marshall Jordan Ltd was established as a joint venture between the RJAF and Marshall Aerospace of Cambridge (UK). Its aim was primarily to support RJAF C-130 transport aircraft; drawing on the UK companys expertise with the Hercules aircraft and offering line and base maintenance up to and including programmed depot maintenance (PDM). As well as supporting Jordans C-130s, it was hoped that the company would compete for foreign business, winning contracts to service the C-130 aircraft of other regional air forces.

JAC, itself, was established in 2003 as a private company, operating on a commercial basis, albeit one that was completely owned by the RJAF. JAC was registered in the Marka Private Free Zone and, as such, enjoys some tax and customs exemptions.

JAC became qualified on the Boeing 737-200 in 2006, performing maintenance up to and including C-checks, as a first step towards being able to support the Boeing 737 family more widely. In 2009, it upgraded its capabilities to offer maintenance on the Boeing 737-300/400/500 (classic) aircraft.

The company further expanded the scope of its services in 2012, when it became an approved service centre for the AW139 helicopter, offering line maintenance and base maintenance up to and including two-year inspections. It also provides maintenance services for C-130 and Boeing 737 powerplants, including removal, installation, trouble shooting, inspection, parts replacement, adjustment, rigging and operational checks. Engines covered include the Allison T56-A-7/-15 and Allison 501-D22A turboprop used by the C-130/L382 Hercules (and the associated Hamilton Sundstrand 54H60-91 propeller), the Pratt & Whitney JT8D low bypass turbofan used by the Boeing 737-200 and the CFM International CFM56-3 series high bypass turbofan used by the Boeing 737-300/400/500. The company also maintains Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C turboshaft engines used by the AW139 helicopter.

As well as line and base maintenance services, JAC provides avionics and electrical and instrumentation (E&I) capabilities, cabin interior maintenance services, sheet metal and painting services, training courses and parts.

Today, JAC is one of the regions leading maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organisations, providing the civil and military aviation market with complete maintenance solutions.

The company has Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 145 approval, as well as holding approvals from many other national aviation authorities. It is proud of its reputation for delivering high-quality, cost-effective and on-time solutions to meet the needs of its customers, while also benefiting the local community and participating in the Jordanian economy.
Pegasus Airlines last month became the first airline in the world to operate the CFM LEAP-1A-powered version of the Airbus A320neo.

It was another milestone in the steady expansion of Turkeys largest low-cost carrier (LCC), which is now second only to giant flag-carrier Turkish Airlines in the strategically-positioned nation.

Pegasus and Turkish have ridden the wave of the nations economy, which has expanded at close to 5% annually for the last three decades. That growing wealth, together with a youthful national demographic and a population of 80 million, has seen Turks taking to the skies in steadily increasing numbers.

Additionally, the explosion of inbound tourism to the country since 1985 has helped fuel Pegasus growth.

Tourism has brought considerable benefits to Turkey, but is vulnerable to external factors. A series of terrorist bombings in Istanbul, Ankara and elsewhere this year has seen western European tourist numbers drop significantly.

At least as serious has been the diplomatic stand-off between Russia and Turkey. The two countries have backed opposing sides in the civil war in Syria, with Moscow giving military backing to President Bashar Assad, while Ankara supports opposition factions.

Tensions between Turkey and Russia  both headed by leaders who take a strong approach on international affairs  came to a head last December with the shooting down by Turkish Lockheed Martin F-16s of a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 that had intruded into Turkeys airspace.

A diplomatic row erupted, with President Vladimir Putin slapping sanctions on Turkey and banning the sale of Turkish charter holidays to Russians. The seriousness of that move for the Turkish tourist economy can be gauged by the fact that 4.5 million of the 11 million visitors to Turkey last year were Russians.

The effect of both these developments could be seen in Pegasus Airlines Q1 2016 financial figures. The carriers net loss widened to TL173.6 million ($61.2 million) from TL50 million for the same period a year earlier, and it described the period as difficult.

Nevertheless, turnover for the quarter was a substantial 19% up on the same period in 2015 at TL691 million and passenger numbers climbed at virtually the same rate, 18.6%, to 5.36 million, indicating that although yields had been squeezed, the popularity of flying  particularly within Turkey  had not.

Domestic traffic last year accounted for almost 14 million of Pegasus 22.3 million passengers and the rate of domestic expansion was 15.4%, compared to growth of 9.8% on its international routes.

In 2015, Pegasus flew 28.3% of all Turkish internal passengers and its figures for Q1 2016 saw it breach the 30% mark.

The country is ideal territory for the creation of a domestic market, said CEO Mehmet Nane, who succeeded Sertac Haybat in March. Turkey is a big country. Flying from Istanbul [in the west] to Van or Erzurum [in eastern Anatolia] takes almost two hours. Thats the same time as it would take to fly from Istanbul to Vienna or Budapest.

Additionally, Turkey has a weak rail network, while buses, the traditional method of making lengthy domestic journeys, take 24 hours to cross the country. The latter are being replaced by air traffic and Pegasus serves no fewer than 33 domestic destinations.

That market remains strong and Nane believes that the geopolitical problems will be fixed sooner rather than later. Turkey would unite against terrorism, he said and he believed Ankara and Moscow were talking to each other to resolve their differences. He anticipated an improvement in the second half of the year.

Pegasus international route map covers Europe and, increasingly, the Middle East and Central Asia. Nane sees all these areas, together with Russia and sub-Saharan Africa, as targets for further expansion. He declined to say where in Africa Pegasus might serve, but if it does launch itself into Africa, it will be following in the footsteps of Turkish Airlines, which has expanded aggressively there in recent years and has said its ambition is to be the largest carrier on the continent.

When interviewed by Arabian Aerospace three years ago, Nanes predecessor was cautious about involvement in the highly-competitive Gulf market, but Pegasus now flies into Dubai, Doha, Muharraq and Kuwait.

However, it is the large Saudi Arabian market that really attracts Pegasus and a significant development came earlier this year with the signing of a codeshare agreement with Saudi carrier Flynas.

Pegasus already operates into Jeddah and Medina, but the new agreement will allow it to cast its net further afield, with Saudi-based customers now able to book through Flynas to the Turkish cities of Trabzon, Hatay, Adana, Ankara and Antalya, connecting through Pegasus hub at Istanbuls second airport, Sabiha Gokcen.

It will stay at Sabiha Gokcen for the next few years at least, but with Istanbuls giant new airport due to open progressively from 2018 to replace Ataturk International and building up to no fewer than six runways, Nane said he was open to the idea of moving there.

Also a possibility is long-haul flights: We are following very closely some low-cost carriers that are testing long-haul from Europe, said Nane. Norwegian, for example, is using a growing fleet of Boeing 787s to operate from Scandinavia and the UK to several long-haul destinations, primarily in the US.

If there is demand from customers, we will consider that. But there are no plans at the moment, said Nane.

Pegasus has built its fleet on the Boeing 737-800, of which it has 59 (plus a single, older 737-400) but in December 2012 it stole a march on Seattle by placing an order for up to 100 Airbus A320-family aircraft.

Ten were in service by early June, with the first of the CFM-powered neo versions about to arrive. From July, all remaining deliveries will be neo variants. Of the 75 on firm order, 58 will be A320s, while 17 will be the larger A321. No decision has yet been taken on firming the remaining 25 options.

Switching a large fleet is not a decision taken lightly, but there was one simple factor behind the move, said Nane: Airbus made an indecent proposal to us that we couldnt refuse. They seduced us.

Leaving aside the intriguing vision of Airbus chief salesman, John Leahy, as a 21st century Casanova, the new aircraft will deliver some 15% better fuel-burn than the current Boeings. The new 737MAX would have provided roughly the same improvement in fuel consumption but, at the time the order was placed, it was around two years behind the A320neo in its development timetable.

The financial deal behind the European single-aisle aircraft must have been extraordinarily good, because Pegasus is prepared to bear the costs and complexity of running a two-type fleet for several years into the future.

And yet, the airline ordered a further five 737-800s in March. Why? Simply because Pegasus wants to keep on good terms with both major manufacturers, said Nane. We have a very good relationship with both companies. This [order] is demonstrating that good relationship.

Regardless of which type is used, Pegasus is focusing on improving aircraft utilisation and efficiency. In recent years, turnaround times have been reduced from 45 to 25 minutes, through measures such as stocking the aircrafts galley with sufficient food and drink for between two to four sectors at the start of a working day, eliminating restocking times at intermediate stops.

The company is also working hard to improve its ancillary revenues. The success of that policy could be seen in its 2016 Q1 figures, with ancillary revenues up 38% compared to a year previously.

Last year delivered considerably improved annual figures, with net profit rising to TL291.5 million compared to TL15.7 million in 2014. Pegasus is hoping the CFM-powered A320neos will help it further improve those figures.


Designed exclusively for Qatar Airways, the First Class amenity kits are designed in timeless black, the signature colour of Giorgio Armani, and feature golden accents reflecting the latest Giorgio Armani Fall-Winter 2016-2017 collection.

Ladies travelling with Qatar Airways will receive a stylish Giorgio Armani Fragrances and Beauty amenity kit that doubles up as make-up or jewellery bag post-flight, while gentlemen will receive a smart travel bag made with a ribbed fabric that reflects the latest trends in male style and luxury. Whether travelling for business or leisure, passengers will find the amenity kits meet both their in-flight and post-flight needs.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: Giorgio Armani has an illustrious history of providing the discerning passengers with an unrivalled level of style, comfort and luxury and it is this brand synergy that is also synonymous with Qatar Airways. When we go places together with our passengers they receive the highest levels of luxury, sophistication and comfort and Im pleased to be able to provide our customer with refreshed Giorgio Armani Fragrances and Beauty amenity kits designed exclusively for our Qatar Airways First Class passengers.

From the exclusive Al Safwa First Lounge, to the luxurious and contemporary First Class cabin, and signature dishes inspired by famous chefs served by our award-winning cabin crew, the new Giorgio Armani travel kits complete an unrivalled travel experience and a journey that our customers will cherish forever.
Royal Jordanian announced that passengers who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device are not allowed to transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on all Royal Jordanian flights. This prohibition includes all Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices. The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo.

Device owners have experienced documented incidents of dangerous evolution of heat with both recalled and replacement Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices.

This ban follows an emergency order that was issued on October 14 by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov responded to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovs announcement, which stated that Turkey might play a positive role in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement and bring the issue out from a deadlock.

During a briefing in the Parliament, Sharmazanov once again re-affirmed Armenias stance: Turkey has no business in the Nagorno Karabakh settlement process for several reasons.

Turkey is not a co-chairing country, and the co-chair can be substituted only through consensus, and we oppose this. Why? Because during these years, Turkey had a one-sided, pro-Azerbaijani stance, and sometimes even a criminal stance, Sharmazanov said.

Sharmazanov reminded Lavrov his own April 22 statement in Yerevan, which said Turkeys calls during the four day war were not calls for peace, but rather calls for war.

Similar behavior of Turkey opposes the peaceful resolution process and the official opinion of the Minsk Group co-chairmanship. At that time Mr. Lavrov also said that Turkeys behavior wasnt a call for the peaceful settlement of the issue, but rather a call for military settlement. We fully agree with Lavrovs April 22 assessment. Yes, during those years and during the four day war Turkey displayed an exclusively criminal, pro-Azerbaijani, war inciting stance, and Turkey has no business in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process. Because our goal, and I hope also the goal of co-chairing countries is one: to achieve peaceful settlement through mutual concessions, and not through military solution, Sharmazanov said.

Asked what this means when such announcement is made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sharmazanov replied: And the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Armenia says that Turkey has nothing to do in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process. We are an independent state and we will not allow Turkeys militaristic and pro-Azerbaijani positions to be playing cards. Turkey has nothing to do, because that country must first of all carry out its obligations. It would be much more accurate and complete if the international community forced Turkey to implement its Zurich obligations. Turkey must also lift the blockade of Armenia.

Sharmazanov was asked whether all of this means that Turkey and Russia have achieved a deal in this issue, taking into account that Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu also spoke about this. In response, Sharmazanov urged not to pay attention to the false information of the Turkish diplomacy. Turkey has an issue of increasing its role in this region. Taking into account the circumstance that currently Turkey is headed in the direction of political isolation, that country attempts to show that it exists. Armenia and the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh will never agree for Turkey to have any kind of role in the settlement issue, he said.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. Fire and smoke have engulfed the premises belonging to German company BASF, the worlds largest chemicals manufacturer, in the town of Lampertheim, local media said, RT reported.

Four company workers were reportedly injured in the incident.

The cause of the fire was not immediately clear. BASF, which employs more than 122,000 workers all around the globe, said it has informed local authorities about the incident.

Several people have also gone missing, the city authorities wrote on the official Twitter feed.

The company was quick to calm the situation down, saying in a statement that the incident at the chemical factory poses no threat to the environment.

The environmental measurement vehicles of the BASF are running back and forth outside the facility, the statement said, adding there were no indications of any contamination so far.

In the next statement, however, BASF urged residents to refrain from leaving their homes and keep the doors and windows closed because of the torch activity. It added that the factory's steam crackers have been shut down on safety reasons.

Some social media users accused BASF of silencing the situation by commenting on the company's Facebook posts: Typical BASF, I live here and have to smell the stench. They do nothing bad and sweep incidents under the carpet. The company must protect residents from such poison attacks.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs that on October 17 the USD exchange rate was 475.75 AMD which is a decrease of 0.81 drams compared to the previous day.

Armenpress reports that the Euro decreased by 2.27 drams forming 522.85 drams. British pound dropped by 2.99 drams forming 578.99 drams, Russian ruble decreased by 0.03 drams reaching to 7.54 drams on October 17.

The prices for precious metals are as follows: the price for silver per gram is 267.22 AMD, gold-19.146.41 AMD, and platinum-14.270.9 AMD.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. All bank accounts of Russia Today television have been blocked in the UK, Armenpress reports RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan posted on her Facebook page.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on the UKs move to block RT televisions bank accounts by saying that, after withdrawing from the EU, "London has left all its obligations on freedom of speech in Europe.



"Margarita Simonyan noted that all bank accounts of Russia Today television in Britain had been blocked, all of its bank accounts, this is the final decision, which cannot be reviewed. Looks like when London left the EU, it left all of its commitments to freedom of speech in Europe. As they say, a new life without bad habits," TASS informs Zakharova wrote on her Facebook page.

RTs Editor-in-Chief, Margarita Simonyan, earlier tweeted that the TV networks bank accounts in the United Kingdom had been blocked. "Our bank accounts in the UK have been closed. All of our accounts. The decision is not subject for revision. Long live freedom of speech!" she wrote.

The National Westminster Bank has informed RT UK that it will no longer have the broadcaster among its clients, RT writes. The bank provided no explanation for the decision.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. The Council session of the Republican Party of Armenia has kicked off at the party headquarters. Armenpress reports Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan will present the Cabinet program to the members of the ruling party.

The session is chaired by President of Armenia and chairman of the party Serzh Sargsyan. RPA spokesperson Eduard Sharmazanov will answer the questions of the reporters after the session.
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activists from a loose coalition called the Boyle Heights Alliance Against Artwashing and Displacement are demanding that the galleries leave

Artists who didnt grow up in Boyle Heights, they look at Boyle Heights as a blank canvas. They dont realize they are painting over another work of art. Artwashing is rapidly becoming an issue in cities across America where affordable housing is scarce. And artists are leading the charge.

Its an oft-repeated pattern. Artists move into a neighborhood. Then come the galleries. Then come the restaurants, upscale stores and high home prices. The new arts district in Los Angeles is rapidly gentrifying the neighborhood. Now
Updated: 2016-10-17 08:30

(Agencies)

A side street on the Ile de Goree, or Goree Island, off the coast of Dakar, Senegal. [Photo/Agencies]

From dizzying Dakar to vibrant Saint-Louis, Senegal pulsates with rich culture, history and charm.

If you want to experience it allfrom bustling cities to sleepy, seaside villageshop in a rental car, charge up your favorite navigation device or app, brush up on your conversational French, and start your road trip across Africa's colorful western coast.

Dakar for the music, and the art lover.

Senegal's largest city perched on the tip of the Cap-Vert peninsula is an ideal starting place for your journey.

Spend the afternoons filling your suitcases with trinkets and T-shirts from the capital's many frenetic street markets.

For a more serene shopping experience, head to La Galerie Antenna. This African art mecca boasts an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, masks and jewelry from across the continent.

Rest up and head out after midnight to experience Dakar's thriving music scene at a local bar or club. After your late night, regroup by the beach at one of Dakar's luxury hotels.

While most of Senegal is surprisingly drivable, Dakar traffic is not for the faint of heart. Be prepared for a general disregard of road signs and discombobulating roundabouts.

Some rental-car packages include drivers or one can be arranged through your hotel.

Or hop in taxis for short trips. They're abundant and inexpensive. Be sure to check rates with a local before hailing a ride and negotiate the fare with your driver in advance.

Goree Island for history buffs

An afternoon (at least) spent exploring the history and architecture of Ile de Goree is a must when visiting Dakar.

The UNESCO World Heritage site was a shipping point for African slaves during the 16th through 19th centuries.

The island's most famous and sobering attraction, Maison des Esclaves (Slave House), has had many high-profile visitors, including President Obama in 2013. It is now a museum and memorial site serving as symbol for the larger slave trade throughout Africa. You can easily book a tour guide when you arrive, but the small, tranquil island is quite walkable on your own.

Take in the scenic ocean views, colorful, crumbling architecture, shops and street vendors before dining on fresh fish at the hilltop restaurant, Dolce Vita.
An Introduction to Doing Business in Singapore 2022 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in Singapore, compiled by the professionals at Dezan...
by Joseph Masilamany

Parliament is currently vetting a bill to amend the Sharia Courts law (Act 335), which would remove all limits to hudud punishments under Sharia. The Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) calls on lawmakers to reject the law and defend the secular constitution.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews)  Christian leaders of all denominations slammed a bill that would increase punishments for hudud crimes by the Islamic courts in accordance to Sharia* (Islamic law).

The Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM), which includes Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans and Protestants, appealed to lawmakers in an open letter released last Saturday to reject the draft proposal.

Hudud crimes cover include robbery, apostasy, sexual crimes, drinking alcohol, and gambling. The bill before parliament would change the Sharia Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act (Act 335) of 1965, which regulates the jurisdiction of Islamic courts.

At present, these courts  which have jurisdiction only over Muslims, especially in family matters and inheritance  can impose prison terms of up to three years, corporal punishment (up to six lashes), and fines of up to 5,000 ringgits (US$ 1,200).

Under the proposed changes, all restrictions would be lifted in the case of hudud crimes, with the exception of those involving capital punishment. In addition, lawmakers would be able to decide new punishable crimes under Sharia.

In its letter, the CCM warns that MPs should view with great concern, even alarm the proposed private members bill by Parti Islam Malaysia (PAS) president Abdul Hadi Awang [who wants] to enhance the criminal jurisdiction of Sharia courts. The MPs should not take the proposal lightly.

Rev Hermen Shashtri says that the bill would "rewrite the Constitution in a radical way." He noted that lawmakers "were elected by the people to ensure the integrity of the Federal Constitution, which protects fundamental rights and freedoms".

The Constitution, according to the Christian leader, is clear. It lays out the principle that religion concerns mainly personal and family issues, and that criminal law must be under federal legislation.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) also raised concerns over Act 355.

There appears to be no historical document to contradict the fact that Malaysia was intended to be a secular state, the MCCBCHST said in a letter published yesterday. The latter too wants lawmakers to vote against the law bill as unconstitutional.

* Syariah in Indonesian.
The popes special envoy led the reopening ceremony at the Mount Nebo site. He expressed hope for peace for young generations in the Middle East through reciprocal competition of charity. The shrine is a place to experience peace and coexistence. He appealed for an ecumenical journey among the Churches" in the East where " schisms took place.

Amman (AsiaNews)  The reopening of the Moses Memorial on Mount Nebo is an historic event because the site is a crossroads of dialogue and meeting for the believers in the three great monotheistic religions  Christianity, Islam and Judaism  that were born "in this beloved Middle East" where pilgrims learn to be merciful, said Card Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, and special papal envoy, during the Mass that marked the shrines reopening yesterday.

Jordanian authorities reopened to the public the Moses Memorial on Mount Nebo, where visitors and believers can admire some of the most beautiful mosaics found in the Hashemite kingdom, along with the basilica that contains them.

It is the place where, according to the Bible (Deuteronomy 34), God showed Moses the Holy Land and where the prophet, revered by the three monotheistic religions, died.

Although Mosess burial place remains unknown (as the Holy Scriptures also note), groups of monks took up residence on the mountain. With their scholarship and prayers, they have perpetuated the memory of Moses through the centuries.

Cardinal Sandri led the solemn Eucharistic celebration that saw the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan Mgr Alberto Ortega Martin, the Custos of the Holy Land Brother Francis Patton, Jordanian Tourism Minister Lina Annab, as well as the governor and mayor Madaba. Diplomats, priests, nuns, religious and many believers joined the prominent political and religious figures in the service.

We ask for this gift especially for the younger generation of this beloved Middle East, that they might be accompanied to the threshold of a life of peace in their countries, said the popes special envoy in his homily.

May they know the peaceful coexistence of religions and cultures in a reciprocal competition of charity, seeking to construct the common good. May there be no more violence, oppression and denial of the basic freedom to profess ones faith.

Noting the value of religious freedom, the cardinal went on to say, that "If, like Moses, we stretch our gaze across the surrounding lands, we are reminded of many divisions and counter-witnesses; of the conflicts that for decades have set one people against another; of the cry of those fleeing war and persecution in Syria and Iraq to find refuge in the country of Jordan."

Recalling the deafness of some those who hold the destiny of peoples and nations in their hands, but prefer to preserve markets and profits, instead of saving the innocent lives of women and children, he said he hoped to this this Shrine, which is being re-opened in the Holy Year of Mercy, remain a place where pilgrims learn to be merciful through having a concrete experience of it.

Cardinal Sandri ended his address by thanking the King of Jordan for his hospitality and his efforts in favour of peaceful coexistence among faiths, as well as the great work of welcoming refugees from Palestine, Syria and Iraq.

The prelate also urged the international community to do more to ensure peace and justice among peoples. He appealed "especially for the ecumenical journey among the Churches. It was in the East that the major schisms took place; now, in the same East the blood of Christians of all denominations is being mixed."

Before the celebration, Card Sandri had lunch at the "Restaurant of Mercy" in Amman, an eatery established by the Church to provide a meal to poor and needy families. Run by Caritas volunteers, the restaurant employs some refugees giving them a job, some income and dignity.

The cardinal also visited the Greek Melkite parish of Madana, home to a mosaic workshop run by Iraqi refugees.
by Weena Kowitwanij

Bangkok (AsiaNews) - The Thai Catholic Church is participating in the days of mourning for the death of King Bhumibol praying for the soul of the monarch. A few hours after the news that the king had died on 13 October, the Bishops' Conference of Thailand (CBCT) issued a message in which it expressed "deepest condolences to all the Thai people for the loss".



Yesterday CBCT president Msgr. Kriengsak kovitvanit presided at a Mass in the Cathedral of Bangkok at 8.30am. Over a thousand faithful gathered to pray for the deceased king, expressing gratitude for his 70 years of reign.



At the end of the ceremony, the bishop read out the message of condolence sent by Pope Francis to the prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Members of the Royal Family and to all the people of the Kingdom at this sorrowful time. I pray that, as a fitting tribute to the late Kings legacy of wisdom, strength and fidelity, all Thais may work together to further the path of peace, and I willingly invoke upon all who mourn his passing the consolation of divine blessings. ".



In a sign of mourning for the death of the monarch, the Thai Church has invited all believers to wear black and each parish will make the bells ring out for nine days in a row. During the period of transition to the coronation of the next king, special Masses will be celebrated to ask that the new monarch has the 10 virtues of the good king: charity, morality, sacrifice, integrity, modesty, self-control, moderation, kindness, perseverance and righteousness.



King Bhumibol, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, was the symbol of Thailand, guarantor of the Constitution, the political arbiter and protector of all religions. Catholics remember his protective attitude toward the Church with gratitude. The King has always taken part in religious ceremonies to which he was invited and made personal donations to different faiths.



The monarch came to the throne on June 9, 1946. He met St John XXIII at the Vatican in 1960 and in 1984 had an interview with St. John Paul II in the Royal Palace of Bangkok Dusit.



Yesterday Premier Chan-o-cha announced that the coronation of the prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has been postponed for a year. In a private interview, the general said, the prince asked that "the people are not confused, not subject to the management of the country and for the succession". Everyone is currently saddened, he added, "and we have to wait until this time has passed."



Prem Tinsulanonda, army general and former prime minister (1980-1988) was appointed regent pro tempore until the coronation.
Baghdad (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A massive military operation is underway to retake Mosul, in northern Iraq, a stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) since the summer of 2014. The announcement made by the Prime Minister Iraqi Haider al-Abadi, confirming the beginning of a long-awaited assault which, in recent days, had become a source of tension with Turkey. On the ground there are Kurdish Peshmerga troops, Iraqi Army soldiers and allied forces; a varied training, supported by the international US-led coalition which has been fighting in Iraq for some time.

The United Nations has already expressed "extreme concern" about the safety of some 1.5 million of people living in the area.

Mosul, the second largest city of the country and located about 360 km north-west of Baghdad, is the most important center controlled by Daesh [Arabic acronym for the Islamic State, ed] in the Arab country.

Experts say the loss of the area would mean an actual defeat of the jihadists in Iraq, which, however, could replicate their strategy in neighboring Syria - where they control Raqqa and other areas - and continue their war.



In a speech broadcast on state television in the early hours Prime Minister al-Badi today stressed that "the hour of victory has arrived" and "the operation to liberate Mosul has begun." Today, added the Prime Minister, "I declare the beginning of the heroic operation to free you from Daesh".



"Inshallah - concluded the head of the government - we will find ourselves in Mosul to celebrate the liberation and your salvation from IS, so that we can all live together as before. All religions united and together we can defeat Daesh to rebuild the beloved city of Mosul. "



Surrounded by the army, the executive leader stressed - recalling the controversy of recent days, particularly with Ankara - that only government forces and the Iraqi police will enter Mosul.



The northern metropolis is a large majority Sunni and in recent years registered several incidents of sectarian violence, including against Christians who mourn the death of a bishop, priests and faithful.



Analysts and military policy experts point out that the green light - perhaps anticipated  for the recapture of Mosul aims to avert the danger of turning the battle into a new - and bloody - sectarian strife. A danger exacerbated by foreign interference, as evidenced by the words of Turkish President Erdogan last week who wants to surrender the city into the hands of Sunni Muslims and Turkmen.



Mosul has played a strategic role in the advance of the Islamic State. It is from here that the leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the "Caliphate", which includes a large portion of land - mostly desert - in northern and western Iraq and eastern Syria.



For months the Iraqi government and coalition forces have been studying the offensive for the recapture of the city and the governorate of Nineveh controlled by jihadists. Experts warn that the offensive could last weeks, if not months.



Thousands of government forces have gathered in the base of Qayyarah, a strategic town 60 km south of Mosul and reconquered in August, to launch the offensive. In recent days the military has dropped thousands of leaflets over the city, warning the civilian population that the beginning of military operations was "imminent".



The battle for the recapture of Mosul should be the most complex military operation that the Iraqi army has had to face yet on the ground. Baghdad has allocated more than 25 thousand soldiers, including paramilitary forces that include tribal Sunni and Shiite militias. They will have to overcome the resistance of 9 thousand jihadists - although some sources speak of only 3 thousand fighters  still in control of the city.



Taking part in the battle for Mosul are: the Iraqi army, supported by US militarily and intelligence forces in the country; the Iraqi police; popular paramilitary forces (Shiite), which respond to the Prime Minister and are reportedly supported by Iran; anti-terrorism experts, always on the front line against Daesh; the troops of the international coalition. Added to these are the Kurdish Peshmerga militia, which should answer to Baghdad but that in fact, act independently against the jihadists and the Turkish troops present in the territory of Iraq against the will of the central government and Prime Minister al-Abadi.



Before the war, Mosul was home to about 2 million inhabitants, while today there are around the 1.5 million. The fate of these civilians is of extreme concern to the United Nations, the UN Undersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs and emergencies, Stephen O'Brien, is calling for protection and security for the residents. "I am very concerned - said the top diplomat  at how the safety of the 1.5 million inhabitants of Mosul, might be affected by the operation."
by Sumon Corraya

The Missionaries of the Immaculate, a female congregation associated with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, run a medical dispensary whose staff provide medical care and a smile to the poor. Some 75 sisters work across the country in schools, health facilities and parishes.

Natore (AsiaNews)  The Missionaries of the Immaculate (MSI) in Bonpara, Natore District, have treated thousands of needy people, mostly Muslims and Hindus, for the past 50 years.

Known as PIME (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions) Sisters, they run a health facility, the St. Mary's Dispensary and Maternity, which welcomes patients of all religions.

One of them, a Muslim woman in her eighties, told AsiaNews, "I have been coming here for 40 years, that is since I became ill. The Christian doctors are kind to us and spend time with patients. I never received treatments other than in this clinic run by nuns. I will continue to come here for the rest of my life."

The local Church opened the medical facility in 1966. The Muslim patient remembers. "The first time I came, this dispensary was a simple, just a small cabin, but from the beginning the sisters carried out the treatments with sincere love."

"Every day about 50 patients come here in conditions of extreme need, said Sister Clare Coast, a staff member. Serving the sick is one of the tasks of our mission."

I heard about this centre from my community, said Muslam Uddin, 50, a Muslim religious scholar (Maulana). Many of them are being treated here, and I have started myself treatment 10 years ago."

"The doctors and health professionals prescribe the right medication, he said. They visit the sick with a smile. I appreciate their style. That is why I come here from far (20 km) even though there are several large hospitals in my area."

"The doctors do not ask for money, said Morjina Begum, another Muslim patient. They ask a modest payment for the medicines. They do not want to profit from patients, but treat us with love. They are real doctors."

About 75 PIME nuns work in Bangladesh, in schools, parishes and dispensaries. At the Bonpara facility, the staff not only provide medical care, but also moral teachings, preaching mutual respect, personal care, and opposition to abortion.

Bonparas parish priest, Fr Bikash H. Reberio, believes that "PIME Missionaries provide great service to the poor of the area. The clinic operates thanks to their kindness. This is why it draws so many people.
Beijing (AsiaNews / Agencies) - This morning at 7:30 am, China launched the Shenzhou space mission 11 from the Jiuquan space center (Inner Mongolia), with two men on board to develop the skills of the country in space exploration.

The two astronauts - Colonel Jing Haipeng, 49, and Major General Chen Dong, 37, - will dock at the experimental space station Tiangong2 and will stay in space for 33 days. They will conduct studies and pharmaceutical, physical and biological tests.



This, as well as more launches before and after, will be used to study the possibility of space missions with astronauts on the moon and Mars.



State media published President Xi Jinpings congratulatory message to the astronauts, stressing that this mission "will give a new contribution to building China as a space power."



Since 2003, with the first flight around the Earth, China has invested a lot of effort and funds in its space program. For this year are at least 20 missions program.



China, along with Russia and the United States is the third country to carry out space missions with men on board. In 2013 one probe, the "Jade Rabbit", managed to land on the moon sending back data and pictures.



The two astronauts are in good condition and very well prepared. Jing already has two space flights to his credit; Chen is on his first mission.
Damascus (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The rebel linked Free Syrian Army militias (FSA) and supported by the army in Ankara yesterday wrested Dabiq  a strategic town situated north of Aleppo, a short distance from the Turkish-Syrian border  from the jihadists of the Islamic State (IS).

According to reports from the London based NGO Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, fighting groups supported by the Turkish air raids, "have captured Dabiq, after members of the IS withdrew from the area ".



The Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman adds that the militants have also seized the nearby town of Sawran.



Sources of the rebel group Union Fastaqim say Dabiq fell "after a fierce battle with Daesh" [Arabic acronym for the Islamic State, ed]. The fighting groups uploaded images of their entrance into the city onto social networks. The Turkish State agency Anadolu adds that the rebels are carrying out mine clearance and land reclamation, looking for unexploded mines buried in the ground or abandoned by jihadists before fleeing.



In yesterday's battle at least nine Syrian rebel fighters died and another 28 were injured.



Dabiq is a small suburb near the border with Turkey, which before the war had about 5 thousand inhabitants. It is of limited strategic importance when compared to Raqqa, but has a high symbolic value because here - according to the prophecy of Islam - the final battle between Islam and infidels will be consumed, with the victory of the Muslims. A battle of "good" against "evil" in the Sunni view, as also reported by some agencies, and the place of the "final battle" between "Christian and Muslim forces", in a sectarian interpretation of history.



The symbolic value of the town is also confirmed by the fact that "Dabiq" is also the name of the "Caliphates" official quarterly magazine in English, published online - very professional - from 2014 until the summer of 2016, and aimed at a Western audience.



Dabiq, as a symbol of jihadist propaganda, also houses the mausoleum of the seventh caliph of the Umayyad dynasty Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik (674-717); a monument destroyed by the militants of the Islamic State in the summer of 2014, in the name of the iconoclastic struggle against so-called symbols of "idolatry".



Meanwhile the stand-off between Moscow (the first ally of the Damascus government) and the Western bloc continues, after the failure of talks last weekend in Lausanne (Switzerland). The United States and United Kingdom have threatened new economic sanctions against Russia and Syria if they continue air strikes against Aleppo, the epicenter of the Syrian conflict. US Secretary of State John Kerry speaks of an unprecedented "humanitarian disaster" and warns the Kremlin that the war "cannot end without a political agreement." He finally raised charges of "crimes against humanity" that are reportedly taking place in the metropolis of the north of Syria.



He is echoed by the British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson, who says that is necessary to reach a ceasefire, "relaunching negotiations in Geneva" and maintaining diplomatic "pressure" on Russia.



Russian President Vladimir Putin instead has responded that any sanctions against Moscow would be "counterproductive"; the Kremlin renewed its commitment to peace, although deep divisions on the ground with the West remain.
Hotel Neighbors Forcibly Evict Couple For Loud Sex

Trending News: This Couple Boned So Loud They Got Yanked From Their Hotel Room

Why Is This Important?

Because weve all been on the other side of the wall at one point in our lives, begging for one of them to finish so you can go back to sleep.

Long Story Short

A couple in China was loudly fornicating in their hotel room when neighboring guests took action to shut the duo down because the erotic noise was keeping them all awake, annoyed, and probably slightly turned on.

Long Story

And the Oscar goes to: Lei Mou and his lady friend for their portrayal of Woman Orgasming at the Top of her Lungs in a hotel in China late last week.

While Adina Rivers notes The Screamer and The Faker as two types of common female orgasms, that doesnt change the fact that trying to sleep in the room next to one of these howlers is next to impossible.

This time, the sex was so loud that about half the hotel guests were woken up and decided to take action. A businessman staying at the hotel known only as Zhang, knocked on their door to stop the noise, but was met with defense and abuse. So, in the words of Drake, the group congregating outside of Mous room went from zero to hundred real quick and knocked down the door and physically dragged the couple out into the hallway.

Metro reported that the police eventually came to break up the brawl and the brave Zhang had to pay a 15,000 yuan fine to Lei for the abuse, and for being a boner killer.

Seems the same problem is happening across the pond, as Manchester United star Paul Pogba is being accused of the same thing while hes been staying at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester. Only, the guests didnt get physically involved with Pogba.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

What was this guy doing to cause such a ruckus, and where can I learn it?

Disrupt Your Feed

Is the concept of citizens arrest a thing in China?

Drop This Fact

Sometimes your loud sex can lead to police arrest, which happened to a woman in Canada earlier this year.
A Major Battle Begins For Iraq's Second-Largest City

Trending News: Iraqi Forces Are Fighting To Win Back Mosul From ISIS

Why Is This Important?

Because if successful, this will be a huge win for Iraq and a huge loss for ISIS.

Long Story Short

Iraqi-led, US-supported ground troops have just launched a massive ground operation against the ISIS-held city of Mosul.

Long Story

Iraqi ground forces, police and Kurdish irregulars, known as Peshmerga, have begun the long-anticipated drive to push ISIS forces out of the northern city of Mosul. The city is the second largest in Iraq and is the last ISIS stronghold in the country. A U.S.-led coalition is also providing air support. Between 5,000 and 6,000 US personnel are taking part in the operation.

Various reports describe fierce fighting, aerial bombardment and plumes of black smoke from fires set by dug-in ISIS forces to obscure the vision of the attackers. The mood among the pro-government forces is said to be high as an operation that has been planned for months finally gets underway.

Mosul has a special significance for the Iraqi government, and the Iraqi military. In a lightning operation in June 2014, ISIS forces stormed the city and drove out Iraqi forces, who fled in a humiliating retreat. It was from Mosul that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate in Iraq and Syria. The Iraqi military will be keen to wash away that stain on their reputation.

Related: Video Shows What It's Like To Fight For ISIS

The numbers involved arent clear, but there are believed to be anywhere from around 40,000 to 100,000 pro-government forces, including US special ops advisers, involved.

Facing them are an estimated 3,000 to 8,000 ISIS fighters. They are deeply entrenched and are believed to have heavily booby-trapped the city, which will make the fight long and arduous.

Caught in the middle are an estimated 1 to 1.5 million civilians. Life for them over the past two years has been harsh, as ISIS enforced its ultra-strict brand of radical religious law and meted out extreme punishment for even minor offences. It is also thought that ISIS will use them as human shields during the fighting.

The UN is expecting a massive rush of refugees fleeing the embattled city and is calling for more money for tents, camps and cold weather items like clothing and blankets.

The Norwegian Refugee Councils country director for Iraq, Wolfgang Gressmann, said, The humanitarian consequences of this operation will be massive. Establishing genuinely safe routes out of the city for civilians is now the top priority; nothing is more important.

The battle to retake Mosul is expected to take weeks, perhaps up to six months.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Provided ISIS is eventually driven out of Mosul, what will that mean for ISIS in next-door Syria?

Disrupt Your Feed

Theres a long road ahead, but this just might be the point where Iraq manages to focus on rebuilding a country thats been in shambles for over a decade.

Drop This Fact

Mosuls pre-war population was about two million. About half of that population remains today.
Buderim now has investor money to match innovative ginger marketing





Australias largest ginger producer Buderim Group has welcomed an investment by Asia Mark Development Limited and Wattle Hill RHC of $AUD 26.1 million to buy a 23 per cent stake in the company.

Buderim Group CEO, Roger Masters, said that the move would enable the company to chase a bigger share of the Chinese retail sector.

Wattle Hill RHC is a private equity firm which invests in Australian businesses that are aiming to benefit from Chinas growth.

Wattle Hill was founded and is headed by Albert Tse, the Hong Kong-raised son-in-law of former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.

Asia Mark is a business associate of QiaQia Food Co, a Chinese publicly listed company and one of Chinas largest modern snack production companies.

A convertible note exercisable in three years could see the combined stake of the two new partners climb to 48 per cent.

Upturn for Buderim

The move by major investors to become involved in Buderim signals a major turnaround for the Buderim Group.

In March 2014, the groups auditor had warned that Buderim might be unable to continue to trade despite having refreshed its brand, reduced its debt and closed a loss-producing business.

Buderim then went on to reduce its reliance on the sale of low-value commodity packages of ginger cubes or raw ginger and pushed further into branded products such as ginger-flavoured drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as ginger snacks and ginger chocolate.

The drinks have been sold in Costco Canada since late 2015 and in the last six months, Buderims retail products, both ginger beer and ginger products, have been in some major Canadian supermarkets.

International growth

The Buderim Groups 2015 annual report showed that exports by the company from Australia generated 44 per cent of its total revenue.

Sixty percent of Buderims revenue is now generated by its macadamia business, which it initially entered into by acquiring Australian plantations in 2007 as a second line of product.

To ensure the year-round supply of macadamias, in 2008 Buderim Group bought the macadamia processing facilities, branding and marketing of MacFarms in Hawaii.

In 2014, Buderim bought MacFarms Hawaiian orchard  one of the worlds largest.

Next strategy

The additional investment by Asia Mark and Wattle Hall will now allow Buderim Group to upgrade its ginger factories in Yandina, Sunshine Coast, QLD, and Suva, Fiji, and its macadamia farms and factories in Alstonville, NSW, and Kona, Hawaii.

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Inghams chickens to fly in ASX float, TPG to get golden egg





Australias largest poultry company, Inghams, intends to float on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in what could be the biggest Initial Public Offering for 2016.

Inghams owner is currently the private equity firm TPG, which acquired the business from the Ingham family in 2013 for approximately AUD $850 million.

By comparison, the proposed listing will now be valuing the business at between AUD$1.3 billion and AUD $1.5 billion. TPG is expected to sell between 50 and 70 per cent of its share in the business.

The shares in the ASX-listed Inghams are expected to sell for between AUD $3.57 and AUD $4.14 each. The float is planned for November 2016 with TPG aiming to raise up to AUD $1.12 billion in capital from the float.

Chairman of Inghams, Peter Bush, said in the Inghams prospectus that since being acquired by TPG in 2013, Inghams has delivered strong earnings growth.

Underlying industry growth remains robust, supported by strong macroeconomic drivers, including population growth, relative affordability of chicken, and consumer trends, such as a desire for foods that improve health and well-being, demand for convenient meals and increasing consumer interest in food provenance and animal welfare, Bush said.

In addition to strong earnings growth, Inghams has high cash flow conversion. Inghams strong operating cash flows will be used to fund its future growth, including facility modernisation and expansion projects, as well as support a forecast annualised dividend yield for FY17 at the Indicative Price Range of 4.4%-5.0%, with a planned future payout ratio of 65-70% of net profit after tax. Inghams expects to be in a position to pay fully franked dividends in FY17, Bush stated.

Inghams history

Inghams was founded in 1918 in Sydneys South-west by Walter Ingham, who bought six hens and a rooster for his son. Inghams son, also called Walter, grew the business, and passed it onto his sons, Jack and Bob, when he died in the 1950s. Jack Ingham died in 2003, and Bob continued to run the business until July 2012, when he put the company up for sale.

Today Inghams operates both across Australia and New Zealand and has one quarantine facility, 10 feedmills, 74 breeder farms, 11 hatcheries, 225 predominantly contracted broiler farms as well as seven primary processing plants, seven further processing plants, one protein conversion plant and nine distribution centres.

The Inghams owner since 2013, TPG, is a global investor group based in New York. TPG came to prominence in Australia after it acquired the Australian retail department chain, Myer, in 2011, and has numerous Australian investments.

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Poultry producer Inghams put up for sale

Ingham mulls options after factory fire
Murray River Organics IPO signals new approach





Australias largest fully integrated producer of dried vine fruits, Murray River Organics, is expected to soon list on the Australian Securities Exchange.

Founded in 2008 by Jamie Nemtsas and Erling Sorsen, the Sunraysia located operation, which produces commercial quantities of sultanas and other dried fruits, is expected to raise AUD $50 million from the float, according to a report in The Australian on 14 October 2016.

Murray River Organics dried fruits are certified with a number of organic certification organisations in Australia, the United States of America, Japan, China and South Korea; helping to feed growing demand for organic foods.

The growth of organics

According to the latest Australian Organic Market Report, published in 2014, Australias organics industry is worth AUD $1.72 billion and that it grew approximately 15 per cent each year between 2009-2014.

The same report states that between 2014-16 global sales of organic food and beverage are expected to continue showing higher growth than non-organic food and beverages. Within this period, there is expected to be an overall global organics growth rate of 5.15.9 per cent.

Organic fruit is also listed amongst the top five organic exports from Australia (as of 2014)

The top five exported products in 2014 are also similar to 2012:

Meat Processed foods Dairy Wine and beverages Fruit and vegetables

Could Murray River Organics be the next Bellamys?

Murray River Organics ASX listing follows in the footsteps of Bellamys Organic, another Australian organic food company which has listed on the ASX and has been successfully servicing the growing demand for organics. For its 2016 financial year, Bellamys reported a record results, with a AUD $38.3 million net profit, a 322 per cent increase on its 2015 financial year.

Bright Foods, the Chinese owner of leading Australian-created dried fruit brands, Sunbeam and Angas Park, is also believed to be preparing for a float on the Hong Kong stock exchange and wanting to take advantage of a growing Asian demand for clean foods.

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Bellamys Organics impresses on ASX debut

Bellamys Organic public listing to fund baby food export expansion

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A Bright Food future as China-based group expands with WA cheese acquisition
Police to target theft at Coles self-serve checkouts





Police officers may not be your typical supermarket worker, but they have stepped in to try to tackle theft from self-serve checkouts at Coles.

Exploitation of the machines is not a novel phenomenon. Coles has reported that approximately one third of shoplifting from its NSW and ACT stores was done using self-serve checkouts.

Stealing through self-serve checkouts includes either by not scanning an item on the machine or by scanning the item as a cheaper alternative, so a customer is charged less.

There are many different reasons why customers may do this. The customer may feel frustrated at the implementation of self-serve technology, or there could be a legitimate error on the part of the user or the machine.

Consumers may see the transaction as a Robin Hood scenario where the loss would have minimal impact on the large supermarket. Consumers dealing with a machine only may also feel less guilt than if they were forced to have a face-to-face interaction with a staff member.

Coles spokesperson Martine Alpins has been quoted [t]here has been a normalisation of theft at self-service checkouts, according to a report in Fairfax publications The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Australian Food News has previously reported on an international study which found that self-serve technology promotes shoplifting, even amongst users who would not normally consider stealing.

NSW police operation

It was announced on 6 October 2016 that NSW officers would be brought in to crack down on theft at Coles self-service checkouts.

According to a ABC report, the police involvement would take the form of covert operations, including the use of plain-clothes officers and security camera footage.

A new approach to shoplifting

Although specific theft laws and penalties differ from state to state, theft is a criminal offence in all Australian jurisdictions.

Traditionally, supermarkets undertake the detection of shoplifting using their own security systems and personnel, and police are only involved after an alleged offender has been identified.

This move sees police taking a greater role in detection of shoplifting, at no cost to Coles.

It is yet to be seen whether this approach will be adopted in other states. This will depend not just on supermarkets, but also the discretion of the police force and state governments.

Related articles

Self-serve checkouts promote stealing by those who normally would not, international study

Point of purchase communication technology to revolutionise the shopping experience

Self-Service: Revolution or Evolution?

Self-service technology to take over
Restaurants feel pinch, healthy food hits takings





A new study has found many Australian restaurants and cafes are bearing the financial brunt of more customers wanting healthier food and beverage options.

According to 2016s annual Hospitality Industry Success Index released by Silver Chef, more than two thirds of small cafe or restaurant owners have introduced healthier menu items within the past year. A quarter however remain reluctant to pass on the higher costs associated with these items afraid they will lose customers.

Instead of passing on the costs, half of those surveyed admitted to absorbing the loss by working longer hours themselves instead of rostering on other staff.

Other cost-cutting measures include minimising waste, reducing portion sizes and using cheaper products and ingredients where possible.

Owner of Brisbane cafe Project 41, Stefan Blee, agreed with the results, saying external costs have skyrocketed.

Meat and produce costs are double the price of what they were 12 years ago  but because the restaurant and cafe culture is highly competitive, we want to avoid passing on costs to our customers if we can help it, Blee said.

Big opportunities for hospitality businesses in 2017

The index report suggests the following are big opportunities for hospitality businesses in 2017:

Update your pricing to reflect rising product costs . As long as you communicate clearly why the prices have increased, it is something customers learn to accept  alleviating pressure to work longer hours.

. As long as you communicate clearly why the prices have increased, it is something customers learn to accept  alleviating pressure to work longer hours. Allocate time to working on your business not in your business  even if you just start with an hour a week. Try investing in social media and customer communications so that your audience are aware of your commitment to their health.

 even if you just start with an hour a week. Try investing in social media and customer communications so that your audience are aware of your commitment to their health. Consider investing in a refurbishment of your cafe or restaurant to allow for better functionality or a more relaxed service structure, with less staff required.

Silver Chef provide funding for commercial restaurant and kitchen equipment. The company was established in 1986 and was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in 2005. Silver Chef operates in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Law firms to grow cyber teams while failing to bolster own security

Forty per cent of law firms with a cyber practice expect to increase their headcount in the next year according to a survey by ALM Intelligence.



However, the report also highlights weaknesses in law firms own cyber security with more than half failing to carry out regular tests on their defence systems.



"Many firms' confidence in their own cyberattack preparedness seems misguided. Our research indicates that most remain surprisingly unprepared for the threat," says Daniella Isaacson, co-author of the report and ALM Intelligence Senior Legal Analyst.



"For example, many never test their cybersecurity protocols. This means that on the day of a breach, those firms are using an unproven response plan."



Almost three quarters of respondents said that clients had exerted pressure on them to increase internal data security.



Small deals, mash-ups among trends driving M&A

Mergers & acquisitions are expected to grow in 2017 with smaller deals and cross-sector mash-ups set to play key roles according to a poll of more than 1,700 executives in 45 countries.



The latest Global Capital Confidence Barometer from EY reveals that 57 per cent of companies are expecting to actively pursue deals in the coming 12 months with 90 per cent of respondents forecasting a stable or improving M&A market.



Joint ventures and alliances are also part of the picture with businesses keen to drove incremental growth.



They are screening a wider number of targets and doing more, smaller deals that extended their reach beyond traditional sector borders, said Steve Krouskos, EY Global Vice Chair  Transaction Advisory Services at EY.



With new entrants disrupting competition in many industries, cross-sector deals are set to become more prevalent as businesses seek to diversify their portfolios.



The sectors showing the greatest appetite for M&A deals are: consumer products & retail; diversified industrial products; life sciences; technology; automotive; and oil & gas. More than half of respondents in each of these sectors are expecting to be involved in deals in the next year.



Krouskos says that despite fundamental changes in M&A, the first half of 2017 is expected to see an uptick.



Brexit challenge lawyers argue for parliamentary vote

A challenge to the British prime ministers authority to begin the process by which the UK will leave the EU is taking place this week in London.



A number of constitutional law experts believe that it would not be lawful for Theresa May to use Royal prerogative to trigger Article 50 without a vote in Parliament but the Attorney General disagrees.



"As a matter of general principle, withdrawal from a treaty is a matter for the Crown ... This is totally within the expectation of Parliament ... Royal prerogative has not been eroded," argued Jeremy Wright QC.



The case is due to be concluded in the High Court on Tuesday but the verdict will not be given until November and may then result in a challenge in the Supreme Court.


Seventy-million Indonesians make up the countrys emerging middle class. So, in a country of 250 million people, its no surprise that lawyers are focussing on consumer-type work in the wake of the commodities downturn.For the last two decades, the Indonesian economy has rested on its natural resources. But as new spending patterns emerge, foreign investment opportunity is soaring and the distribution of products and services has quickly been established as the second pillar of the countrys economy.Everything from retail to insurance products banking, said Jakarta-based Herbert Smith Freehills partner David Dawborn.We do a lot of project work, particularly energy-related, power generation work on a number of big power projects that were involved with and looking at.So I think that that will produce opportunities over the next few years or so.And as Australia prioritises an Indonesia free-trade agreement, and investment interest from the rest of the world continues, opportunities for law firms in the market are unlikely to slow.Its the financing of infrastructure projects in the country thats likely to keep firms busy over the next 12 months, according to Hiswara Bunjamin & Tandjung partner Tjahjadi Bunjamin.Financing is expensive so quite often [theres a] need to look overseas to get some funding, whether its through equity or through loans or in the technical market, Bunjamin said.In a way, in order for the country to develop, because of the underfunding, the government would need to open up to foreign investors. And thats the key if the country is about to grow.With a lack of support from the parliament in the early days of his presidency, Joko Widodo has since managed to consolidate power by reshuffling ministers.So the expectation in the matter is the government should be able to push its [agenda] forward, strongly, and hopefully this free-trade is one of them, Bunjamin said.Last year, the government didnt have enough support to pass the tax amnesty law but since the consolidation of power, the law has been passed.The effect of the tax amnesty law is that there is a lot of money from Indonesia that is parked offshore, outside the Indonesian system, and the government is saying basically to Indonesians to bring it back onshore and they will forgive past tax transgressions, Dawborn said.Youre talking billions and billions of dollars so thats a quite important development I think in terms of the economic development over the next few years.Look out for the full story in the latest issue of Australasian Lawyer magazine, 3.05.
There has been pervasive demotion of equity partners in the top hundred law firms in the United States lately, a consultant reveals.



In a report by The Wall Street Journal, legal consultant Peter Zeughauser said that the practice, once considered outrageous in the world of BigLaw, has become prevalent.



He has seen BigLaw firms cull their equity partnerships within the past year and a half, the Journal said.



According to Zeughauser, of legal industry strategy and management consulting firm Zeughauser Group, said that there was weaker demand in the second and third quarters of the year, tempering optimism from the strong start of the year.



There are a lot of firms that have seriously underperforming partners, the consultant said.



Underperforming partners are those who typically bill in the range of 1,100 hours a year as compared to normal which is upward of 1,650 hours, the publication noted.



Underperforming partners can also be partners who do no bring in as much business as their peers in the law firm.



Recently, BigLaw firm Shearman & Sterling confirmed that it will trim its equity partnership.



The development comes as pressure to post more profit and keep costs down to please clients mount.



According to the Journal, law firms began demoting or cutting partners even before the recession but the trend continued since demand has not returned to previous levels after the crisis.


A barrister has been ordered to be disbarred in the UK for attempting to smuggle tobacco into the UK in 2013.



The order to disbar Mohammed Shafee Shaikh was made by an independent disciplinary tribunal following charges brought by the Bar regulator.



The decision comes after Shaikh, an unregistered barrister, was convicted in April last year by the Ipswich Crown Court for fraudulently evading duty on imports, contrary to the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.



Shaikh, who was called to the bar in 2013 but never practised, was arrested in 2013 after molasses tobacco he tried to smuggle from Egypt were seized at the port of Felixstowe, Suffolk.



Dishonesty is incompatible with membership of the Bar. The Tribunal's decision to disbar Mr Shaikh reflects this, said Sara Jagger, Bar Standards Board director of professional conduct.



Shaikh earlier pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to render 150 hours of community work.



Shaikh can appeal the disbarment order.


Skilled people who move to Australia to live and work are often dissatisfied with their jobs, particularly when they end up doing something different from what they expected.There are stark differences in the way skilled migrants and Australian born workers view their jobs, with skill utilisation much more likely to affect migrants' job satisfaction than their local counterparts. Researchers from Curtin University used a nationally representative sample of Australian workers to examine how job security and skill utilisation influenced job satisfaction for both skilled migrants and locally born workers.They undertook the study because while previous research suggested skilled migrants were often less satisfied with their jobs when compared to Australian born workers, little was known about why these differences existed.'For skilled migrants, we found there was a significant positive relationship between job security and job satisfaction for high levels of skill utilisation, whereas there was no significant association between job security and job satisfaction for low levels of skill utilisation,' said Dr Amy Tian from Curtin's School of Management.'On the flipside, skill utilisation did not impact the relationship between job security and job satisfaction for Australian born workers,' she explained, adding that skill discounting, whereby migrants were forced to accept jobs beneath their skill level, was largely to blame for poor job satisfaction levels.'Given the increasing concerns about skill shortages globally, skilled migrants could be employed in jobs that are commensurate with their skills, qualifications and experience gained in their countries of origin, yet the contrary is the case,' Tian pointed out.She explained that skilled migrants are often confronted with the attitude that they should accept whatever opportunities they are offered and therefore find themselves performing work that is not equal with the skills and abilities they possess.'Therefore, when skilled migrants perceive high skill utilisation and high job security, they may be particularly appreciative of their employer and would feel particularly satisfied with their job,' she added.The study highlighted the need to take a more fine-tuned rather than one size fits all approach to human resource management strategies and policies for skilled migrants.'Our study highlights the critical role of HR practices in shaping and promoting migrants' positive evaluation of their jobs and values they bring to their workplaces, and in turn, their wellbeing at work,' Tian concluded.
Hello!

I've been in Australia for over a year now living at the Southern end of NSW. I studied abroad here 4 years ago nearly and fell in love and told myself I would return once I finished my degree. Well years later I finished my wildlife managment degree and returned to reunite with old mates and begin job hunting. During my job hunting I met someone who was just as in love with camping and the outdoors as me. Nearly a year later we are now engaged and have been living together since January. I have done a stint in Port Douglas as wildlife volunteer and am working on getting involved in Landcare near where I live. Yeup, that's the fastest summary I have for 9 at night hehe. Look forward to sharing and learning on this forum, I know I have used it for a resource for visa brainstorming in the past. Look forward to meeting other internationals and locals.
Hi Guys,



I submitted my EOI to NSW with 55 points as an Agricultural scientist (positive skill assessment through vetassess).



I have some issue in experience column.



There is one question in experience section: Is this employment relevant to the occupation?



I ticked yes for my job as PhD candidate from 01/2015 to now.



My vetassess outcome is as follows



employment assessed: PhD candidate, Canada (01/2015 to 12/2015) - This employment meets the minimum requirements for this qulaification.



However in points test advice:



The following claims of skilled employment made by the applicant are assessed as employment of at least 20 hours per week which is at approriate skill level and closely related



From 01/2016 to 08/2016, PhD Candidate Canada

Date deemend skilled for point test advice: 01/2016

no of years assessed positively: 0.7



The following employment has not been included in above calculation

From 01/2015 to 12/2015, PhD Candidate, Canada - This employment was used to calculate the qualifying period required to meet the skill level of the nominated or closely related ANZSCO occupation



What should I do while filling experience part in EOI. Please let me know,



Seeking your advice.



Bish1989
aussiebound2016 said: I'm trying to work out what the true requirements are with keeping PR status once 309/100 visa has been granted.



Some sources claim that they have only come into the country to activate this visa and then never returned to Australia but still have maintained status. Other sources (including calling Ottawa) have indicated that it would be 2:5 years required to be on Australian soil. Click to expand...

PR gives you 5 year travel window. This can be renewed when you need to leave Australia so it can always be valid. However you need a certain amount of time (2 years) in Australia to be able to renew it for 5 years.I was out of Australia when mine expired and had to work hard to be allowed to stay again.I wonder why people get PR but would choose never to return to Australia after activation. Seems like a waste of money and the visa.They do have 5 years after activation though to arrange to begin their new lives in Australia.
India-bound five-seater WR-V is Hondas answer to the i20 Active, Fiat Avventura and the Etios Cross.

EXCLUSIVE!

Honda is readying an all-new crossover-hatchback based on the Jazz hatchback. This new model will be called the Honda WR-V and is headed to India sometime around March next year. Honda will unveil the WR-V at the upcoming Sao Paulo Motor show 2016.

Honda South America has released a first sketch of this new model that gives us an idea of its design. Up front, Hondas new crossover gets an aggressive front bumper with muscular touches along with a prominent chin. The headlights will differ from the Jazz and will get its unique kink at the bottom. The grill gets a thick chrome band similar to one seen on the recent Honda models like the BR-V.

Moving on to the sides, the WR-V will get muscular front fenders and prominent body cladding on the wheel arches and on the doors in order to achieve a rugged-look. The doors and the rear fender are likely to be shared with the Jazz but at the back, the WR-V will get a different tailgate with the license plate moving below on the bumper. On the insides, expect the WR-V to share interior bit and seating from the Jazz in order to keep costs in check. Honda will however add subtle differentiating bits on the WR-Vs interior.

Under the hood, the WR-V will get the same engine and gearbox options as the standard car. These include the 90.0.6hp, 1.2-litre, i-VTEC petrol engine, borrowed from the Brio, and the 100hp 1.5-litre Earth Dreams i-DTEC diesel engine like on the City and the Mobilio. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a CVT gearbox for the petrol motor; the diesel unit is mated to a six-speed manual.

Overall, the WR-V will be more like a cross-hatch version of the standard Jazz and is expected to take on the Hyundai i20 Active, Fiat Avventura and the Toyota Etios Cross.
Tatas lifestyle pickup, the Xenon is likely to get the Varicor400 engine and an automatic gearbox.

Tata launched the Xenon way back in 2009. The Xenon was Tatas replacement to the Tatamobile and the more-powerful Tata TL 4WD pickups that were on sale for more than a decade. At launch, the lifestyle pickup segment didnt have any buyers and there was no other rival to the Xenon except the Scorpio Getaway from Mahindra. Both carmakers aimed their respective models more towards the export markets than India. Tata also added a commercial-market version of the Xenon equipped with 2WD only and a less-powerful diesel engine a few years ago.

Fast forward to 2016, Isuzu entered this market recently with the V-Cross and Mahindra is readying an update for the Getaway too, which will get equipment and mechanical touches from the refreshed Scorpio. To counter this competition, Tata Motors is readying a mid-cycle refresh to its Xenon XT 4WD pickup. The Xenon currently is available with a 2.2-litre 140hp engine mated to a manual transmission. The refreshed Xenon XT is likely to get the same unit that does duty under the hood of the Safari Storme Varicor 400 and soon to be launched Hexa crossover. Apart from the mechanical changes, the Xenon will also get subtle cosmetic updates and more equipment than the current model.

With the more powerful engine, the Xenon will deliver a healthy 156hp and 400Nm of torque. Whats more, there are talks of an automatic variant too. A six-speed automatic gearbox will join in the standard five-speed manual variant. This engine-gearbox combination is likely to be available on the Hexa as well as Safari Storme in future as well. Expect the updated Xenon XT to launch in India in the coming months.
SUV

The same applies to the Ford Motor Company . Ford hasnt sold a mid-sizein the Old Continent through official channels since 2002. Thats when Ford pulled the plug on the EU-spec Explorer. Now, though, theres a new kid on the block in the form of the 2016 Ford Edge . When I say new, however, I mean that its fresh for Europe. In the U.S., the second generation of the Ford Edge made its debut roughly two years ago for the 2015 model year.From a visual standpoint, theres nothing quite like the Edge in the Old Continent. While I am head over heels for almost everything the U.S. contributed to the automotive industry, there are a lot of Europeans who have yet to understand the appeal of four-wheeled Americana. The exception to this rule is the Mustang , which some Europeans regard as being exotic.The Ford Edge featured in the adjacent photographs is the Sport trim level, which is second-best to the Vignale premium model. The moment I first saw the car I was going to test drive, the front end hit me with the same force as a MacBook Pros price. That very moment, I thought to myself: Hey, doesnt the grille of the Edge Sport looks similar to that of the Ranger Wildtrak ?Flanking the hexagonal grille are two headlight clusters styled to give the Edge a visual edge (no pun intended). Our model came with adaptive LED headlights , which pay dividend in the exterior design department as compared to the standard halogen units. If I may move on to the profile of the 2016 Ford Edge Sport for the European market, it should be noted that the 5x2-spoke 20-inch black-painted alloy wheels and black plastic rocker panels look the part. The character and sill lines add even more visual perks.The Sport model also comes with firmer springs, which help with straight-line speed and cornering prowess. While the 255/45 R20 Pirelli Scorpion Verde rubber and black wheels create the illusion that the Edge Sport is more hunkered down than its siblings, this model offers a ride height of 201 mm (7.9 in), which is more than enough for owners to go off the beaten track.When it comes down to rear-end styling, its plain to understand where Ford looked for inspiration. Just like the Lincoln Navigator and Continental , the full-width taillights perfectly complement the design of the Edge. The width of this mid-size crossover is further accented by the tailgate-integrated spoiler, the rear aerodynamic diffuser, as well as the trapezoidal exhaust tips. Overall, I believe that the Sport suits the character of the Edge like a hand in glove.Other than the Sport model pictured here in the most expensive exterior paint option available in Europe (White Platinum: 1,200 or 825), the 2016 Ford Edge can be had in base-spec Trend (or Zetec in the UK), mid-range Titanium, and top-of-the-line Vignale flavor. The Trend and Titanium look pretty much the same, save for the wheel design, while the Vignale model stands out from the rest thanks to a dark matte grille with a polished aluminum surround.Despite its generous size for European roads, the Edge gives the impression that it was designed from the beginning to wink at the European customer in the market for an offbeat crossover SUV. It is unlike anything else volume and premium manufacturers offer in the mid-size and compact segments. Yes, I surely did mention the compact crossover SUV segment, chiefly because the Euro-spec 2016 Ford Edge doesnt have direct rivals in the mid-size segment.Ford of Europe made it clear that the Edge is aimed at a customer pool labeled Quintastics. The Blue Oval explains that word stands for those peeps who are aged between from 50 through 59 years, people who Ford believes that theyre increasingly likely to continue to follow active pursuits. If that's the case according to Ford's assessment, it seems like 50 is the new 30.The closest rival I can think of is the Volkswagen Touareg , which knocks on the door of premium and it's considerably more costly than the Edge. Models such as the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe are similar in size, but theyre less expensive and they offer seating for seven. Whats more, the base price of the 2016 Ford Edge in Europe (42,900 and 29,995, respectively) puts it very close to the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3 , compact-sized crossover SUVs that are inherently premium. Alas, the Ford Edge finds itself in no man's land.On that note, the 2016 Ford Edge is a one-trick pony in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe, chiefly because it appeals to those who want to break the norm with what's probably the best thing about this car: the design.
These manners of capturing a still image of a car can include different camera work or different post-processing techniques, but regardless of how diverse they are, they always have one thing in common: the actual car.Well, not for photographer Felix Hernandez they don't. His modus operandi is not like any you can find out there - or if it is, then at least he's taken it to perfection. Audi knew very well what it was getting itself into by hiring him, and there's a good reason for that: if you want to shoot a $160,000 supercar like the R8 hit by an ocean wave, no matter his wages, Felix is the cheapest way of doing it.That's because the Mexican photographer is well-known for his ability to make scaled models and other types of toys look like the real thing. To do that, all he needs is a camera, a set of lights, and, usually, some flour.For the Audi shoot, he required a little more than that. He came up with more elaborate props than he normally uses, and he appears to have substituted the flour for sand. It makes sense - why carry a few pounds of the white powder with you if you're going to the beach anyway?As you can imagine, there is plenty of Photoshop involved to give the images that final, polished look, but the basis comes right out of the camera. You can have a look at the rest of Felix Hernandez's work on his website , even though some of it you might have seen already as some of his series have gone viral on the Internet.If you have a model car lying around you don't know what to do with and a DSLR camera you bought when thinking you were going to take on photography, then maybe this can inspire you. All you need now is a way to improvise the lighting (they're pretty expensive otherwise) and some flour. Or any other kind of white powder you might have lying around your house in large quantities.
America Car Rental's newest location in Los Cabos. Photo courtesy of America Car Rental.

America Car Rental continues its expansion across Mexico with its most recent facility opening in Los Cabos.

Currently, the company operates its rental car service at 10 locations in Mexico, including Cancun, Merida, Mexico City, Monterrey, Merida, and Riviera Maya.

Of the 10 locations, five of its facilities serve airport customers at the Cancun Airport, San Jose del Cabo Airport, Monterrey Airport, Merida Airport, and Mexico City Airport.

Founded in 1999 in Cancun, the company offers a variety of vehicles including sedans, vans, trucks, and SUVs.
Tribecar, a Singapore-based short-term car rental company, has increased its fleet fivefold in the last six months, according to a report by the Strait Times.

Launched in March, Tribecar started with 23 cars and is now up to 120 cars, says the report. The rental company charges as little as $2 an hour for a car rental.

Our ambition now is to have a car in every car park in Singapore, up from our initial target of having one at every other MRT station, Charlene Kee, Tribecars business development manager, told Straits Times.

Tribecars fleet consists of Toyota Altis sedans, Mitsubishi Lancer sedans, and Toyota Wish seven-seaters, says the report. The rental rate is the same for the Wish as it is for the sedans. The vehicles can be driven into Malaysia.

Tribecar hopes to reach a fleet size of 1,200 vehicles in the near future, says the report. Initially, it was aiming to reach 500 cars by the end of the year but that target may not be reached in time.

Click here for the full Straits Times report.
At the beginning of the year, a modified electric Chevrolet Corvette made a new world record by reaching a top speed of 300 km / h . The feat was accomplished at the airfield of the NASA Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida . Now, the company behind it, Genovation Cars announces the limited number release of a street legal version of this Corvette, called Genovation GXE. But it will not come cheap.

Electric, Powerful Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The prototype is actually a Corvette Z06 model with an electric power train. At that time, the sport brought a set of batteries that were generating 44kWh and ensured a range of 208 kilometers on a single charge that can generate a power of up to 600 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque according to Cnet.

This week the manufacturer announced the new generation of electric concept, which is now based on the model C7 Corvette Grand Sport, and will be under the name of "Genovation Extreme Electric GXE" will be in the production line and anyone who wants to get their hand on this powerful electric car can do so. But hurry, cause it the numbers will be limited - 75 to be exact.

The new generation of GXE also produces 44 kWh, but with more aggressive specifications than before. Now the all-electric machine takes less than three seconds to get to 60 mph.

The latest generation electrical system will also consist of batteries and electric motors that together produce an increased power of 660 hp while the torque remains the same . The model also has a range of 208 kilometers away, when used under normal operating conditions. The weight distribution is 50% front and 50% at the rear. The big difference, however, is that now the sport can achieve a "modest" 330 km / h .

Price

The bad news is that the GXE will cost a lot $750,000 and that's even before taxes according to Autoblog. The amount is about 10 times more than the C7 Corvette Grand Sport original.

With the promise of building 75 of these vehicles, Genovation states that each car will be unique since your customers can participate in the design and finishing process.

Anyone interested in purchasing one of these awesome electric cars must make an advance deposit and trust, $ 250 thousand with no taxes on the account of the automaker. This is because the vehicles will only be ready in 2019.

Is the electric Chevrolet Corvette worth it of the price? Check out the video below of the GXE making a beautiful performance and decide.
A Missouri-based con man with a liking for high-end cars hit upon an unusual method of procuring those. The Missouri man cons woman after having met them on a dating site by asking them to buy him those cars.

The shopping list for the 28-year-old Timothy Rossell is no less impressive considering that it consists of a Lamborghini Gallardo, Corvette Z06, Cadillac Escalade, Ford Mustang Shelby, as well as a Can-Am Spyder 3-wheeled motorcycle, to name a few.

The strategy that the man employed was simple; he would befriend women from the dating site 'Plenty of Fish' and later convince them to buy him the cars. All the cars were bought in both of their names even though it would be Rossell who would be the sole driver, Carbuzz reported.

Timothy would then report the cars have been stolen when in reality, he sold those cars while keeping the money all to himself.

If all of the above isn't enough, the Missouri man also claimed he landed a job as a Federal Marshal to one of his girlfriends even though he didn't have a proper job in years, River Front Times claimed. He used a fake badge, vest along with other items that identify a Federal Marshal to back up his claims.

In fact, Rossell's crime centered around cars and his illegal methods of procuring them. And he would more often than not impersonate those from law enforcement agencies to get along with his job.

Worth mentioning, Rossell had earlier had a brush with the law and was actually arrested in 2014 in Franklin County on charges of impersonating a state constable. Rossell had also 'bought' a Crown Victoria via Craigslist in 2012 but never paid for it. He had identified himself as John Tobisti then and had said he would need the car for his law enforcement duties.

In yet another instance, Rossell had used the name Timothy Brandhorst to procure a Ford F250 from a couple illegally. Rossell is also reported to have duped a 20-year old of $650, promising to deliver a car which he never did. He had then identified himself as Missouri State Trooper Timothy Michael Keller.

His luck ran out when his partner from Missouri confronted him with credit card in her name which she never knew existed. Rossell tried to flee using the Gallardo but got a flat tire. He was later picked up from a bus stop where he was waiting to catch a bus. The Missouri man is charged with four counts of identity theft and one count of impersonating a federal officer while investigations are still on.
Samvel Babayan, Nagorno-Karabakhs former top military commander, on Monday criticized President Serzh Sarkisian for dismissing Armenias Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian in a government reshuffle completed early this month.

I dont think that replacing Seyran Ohanian at this stage was the right decision, Babayan told RFE/RLs Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) in an interview. Of all members of the current military leadership I accepted [Ohanian] more than anyone else, he said.

Babayan, who is critical of Armenias current leadership, led Karabakhs Armenian-backed Defense Army from 1993-1999. Ohanian was the chief of the army staff during most of his tenure.

Babayan also criticized Sarkisians choice of the new defense minister, Vigen Sargsian, on the grounds that unlike Ohanian, the 41-year-old former chief of the presidential staff is a civilian.

Today Armenia is in a state of war, he said. Only countries like France or Germany or other European states can afford [having civilian defense minister.] I dont think now is the right time for Armenia to have a civilian defense minister.

The retired Karabakh general claimed in that regard that Azerbaijan is gearing up for a large-scale and prolonged war with the Armenians. Unfortunately, we dont want to analyze that correctly, he said.

Babayan, 51, became Karabakhs most powerful man after a Russian-mediated truce stopped the Armenian-Azerbaijani war in 1994. He was arrested in 2000 and subsequently sentenced to 14 years in prison for allegedly masterminding a botched attempt on the life of Arkady Ghukasian, the then Karabakh president.

Immediately after being set free in 2004, Babayan relocated to Yerevan where he set up there his own political party. He emigrated to Russia in 2011 for still unclear reasons.

Babayan returned to Armenia in late May, citing the increased risk of renewed war with Azerbaijan. He criticized the Sarkisian administrations response to Azerbaijans massive military buildup in the years leading up to four-day hostilities around Karabakh that broke out in early April.

Babayan received a heros welcome from hundreds of Karabakh Armenian supporters when he arrived in Stepanakert in early June. He pledged to help boost Karabakhs security, while claiming that he is not pursuing any political objectives. The Karabakh armys current commander, General Levon Mnatsakanian, accused him of exploiting the April fighting for his personal ambitions.

Babayan insisted on Monday that he is still not engaged in politics. But he said he stands ready to back a political force that would share his views. He did not name any of the existing opposition groups among his potential political allies.
16 October 2016 11:22 (UTC+04:00)

Armenias armed forces have 11 times violated the ceasefire on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops over the past 24 hours, said Azerbaijans Defense Ministry Oct. 16.

The Azerbaijani army positions located in Kokhanabi village of the Tovuz district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions in Chinari village of the Berd district.

The Azerbaijani army positions also underwent fire from the Armenian positions located near Garagashli village of Azerbaijans Aghdam district, nameless heights of the Tartar and Jabrayil districts.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

--

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
17 October 2016 11:15 (UTC+04:00)

The Armenian armed units shattered ceasefire with Azerbaijan a total of 10 times throughout the day, Azerbaijan`s Defense Ministry reported on October 17.

Armenian armed forces, stationed in Armenia`s Vozkevan village in Noyemberian region and nameless hills of Krasnoselsk region subjected to fire the positions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces located in Eskipara village in Gazakh region and nameless hills in Gadabay region.

The ceasefire was violated near the Goyarkh village in Tartar region, as well as nameless hills in Goronboy and Jabrayil regions.

Armenia ignores all peace processes, which Azerbaijan and OSCE Minsk Groups co-chair countries try to carry out for over two decades. Ignoring the calls of Azerbaijani side, as well as the whole international community to end the hostilities, Armenia continues its destructive actions.

Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian Armed Forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

The occupational and ethnic cleansing policy of Armenia forced over 1 million Azerbaijanis to leave their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Nowadays, with a population of over 9.6 million, Azerbaijan is among the countries carrying the highest IDP caseload in the world in per capita terms.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
17 October 2016 17:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Armenian president's expectations from a meeting of Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) held in Yerevan did not justify themselves as no country supported separatism targeting the territorial integrity of another sovereign state.

The participants in the meeting, namely the heads of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan once again voiced their support to resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based on the principles of territorial integrity of states.

After the meeting on October 14 President Serzh Sargsyan in his statement said that the session confirmed the necessity of the peace process over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, expressed support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group on settlement of the problem based on the norms and principles of the international law, UN Charter, and Helsinki Final Act, in particular envisaging the territorial integrity of countries.

Armenian keeps under occupation 20 percent of Azerbaijan's international recognized territory and is unwilling to fulfill the UN four resolutions on unconditional withdrawal of troops from the territory of the sovereign country. This position in fact hampers the peace process, while over 1 million of Azerbaijan are still obliged to live a refugee life in their native lands.

This unconstructive position of the Armenian government over the settlement of the conflict, who ignores calls to resolve it through coherent negotiations, has led to a stalemate situation. Recent statements of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on impossibility of settlement of the conflict today and by Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov on Moscow's lacking optimism about the settlement of the conflict in near future in fact clearly shows how difficult the situation is.

In this context, Russian president Vladimir Putn's statement over the conflicts with in the CIS was logical.

"CSTO was established to delimit external threats," stated President Vladimir Putin after the meeting. "We have to react somehow to what is going on near us, but we must spare no effort to solve all the problems we have inherited from the past by peaceful means and on the basis of compromises.

The statement clearly gives to understand even in case if Azerbaijan starts liberation of its own lands, occupied by Armenia, the latter can expect no support from CSTO countries. The reason is that in this case Azerbaijan will not even attack Armenian borders, and this does not violate the agreements of the CSTO.

So, Armenia had to reconcile with its next failure -- this time at CSTO, while each stance like this in fact draws it back thus strengthening the international efforts directed at eliminating separatism and restoring justice based on the international law and legal acts.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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17 October 2016 14:20 (UTC+04:00)

By Gordon Brown

An estimated quarter-million young people in Syria are missing out on college as a result of the civil war there. Now, thanks to the Institute of International Education, charities, philanthropists, and foundations have united to help refugee students find higher-education opportunities, and to provide safe havens for lecturers and professors persecuted by the Syrian regime.

The Platform for Education in Emergencies Response will connect college-ready Syrian refugees with refugee-ready colleges. In time, PEER will serve as a conduit to higher education for displaced students worldwide, and it will cater to all education levels, by providing web-based information, points of contact, and much-needed counseling and support.

PEER is one project the Catalyst Trust for Universal Education  an education charity founded by former New York University President John Sexton  is now supporting. The Catalyst Trust is also looking at projects to rethink school auditing, spur social-impact investing in the education sector, and introduce curricula to encourage inter-faith coexistence. Any projects the Catalyst Trust supports will have to prove their scalability and share the goal of providing universal education, for the first time, to an entire generation of young people.

With 260 million children not in school worldwide, education needs more champions to match the enthusiasm of advocates in, say, the global-health and environmental movements. There is more room for innovation in education than in any other international-development sector, especially as digital technologies and the Internet become more accessible even in the worlds poorest regions.

The education sector has so far been too slow to adapt to our changing world. Despite momentous technological advances, classrooms  unlike workplaces or homes  have remained largely unchanged since the nineteenth century. It is past time for reforms that empower teachers and transform schools into twenty-first-century learning hubs.

In recent years, private-sector funding options  such as venture capital, targeted-investment funds, and new asset classes  have opened up countless new opportunities for education-sector social entrepreneurs. However, as with technology, the public and nonprofit sectors have been slow to keep up; both still need to recognize the value of social enterprises focused on education.

This gap point to a unique opportunity to realize social enterprises underappreciated potential. To grasp this opportunity, we should first acknowledge that too many ideas emanating from the nonprofit sector are stillborn or unfeasible, often for lack of finance. So we should do more to provide seed capital for education start-ups like Catalyst, which can then help to scale up successful pilot programs.

This strategy will create a virtuous cycle whereby initial innovations spur further innovations across the education sector. Reformers should take a lesson from Sir Ronald Cohens pioneering work in social-impact investing. And, indeed, the Catalyst Trust is already exploring how best to measure outcomes in developing countries school-assessment systems, and determining which metrics are most relevant to unique educational environments. A team of New York University professors  building on previous findings from UNESCO and the Brookings Institution  will work with a global network of researchers at local universities in several countries to examine the most appropriate methods for evaluating success and failure in education systems worldwide.

In another effort, the Catalyst Trust is looking at pilot projects in human-rights education across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the United States to determine how school curricula can best cultivate inter-faith understanding. It is time to counter the extreme idea, currently popular in Western politics, that coexistence is impossible. Schools are the first places where we can and should be promoting inclusive citizenship.

A curriculum fostering inclusion must go beyond optimistic appeals to universal religious dictums such as love thy neighbor and the Golden Rule. To that end, the Catalyst Trust hopes to support the development of curricula that teach pupils the value of diversity for strengthening social cohesion and harmony.

In its effort to help refugee students, the Catalyst Trust is examining how companies, foundations, and public-sector donors can make resources more consistently available for displaced people. Every time there is war or a natural disaster, the international community passes the hat for donations to finance UN peacekeepers or World Bank development grants. But education for displaced people is lost in this framework between humanitarian aid, which focuses on immediate needs such as food and shelter, and development aid, which targets longer-term projects. The Catalyst Trust hopes to help shape a better system that delivers emergency aid more effectively and accounts for neglected needs like education.

There are many worthy projects that deserve consideration by organizations such as Catalyst. One example is a pilot that would help the two million students who are blind or visually impaired, and whose educational needs have long been neglected. With new technology, we can now leapfrog the 150-year-old braille system and instantly render text into audio recordings, making all types of learning materials accessible to the visually impaired. This technology is ready to be deployed so long as we can muster the resources to train teachers and visually impaired students to use the new tools.

For anyone who cares about education, our task is clear: to furnish millions of poor people, especially in the remotest parts of the world, with the innovations they need to transform and improve their lives through learning. As the Catalyst Trust intends to show, a little social enterprise goes a long way.

Copyright: Project Syndicate:Education Needs Social Enterprise

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17 October 2016 12:25 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The import duty rates for mobile phones being imported to Azerbaijan may be classified by the price range, a source in the telecommunication market of the country told Trend.

The volume of the duties will vary depending on the devices of high, medium and low price segments. For instance, the duty on iPhone model will be higher than a fee for a cheaper phone.

Currently, this issue is being discussed. If a decision over application of the different rates is made, it is technically possible to implement by using the advantages of the IMEI numbers registration system that allows to determine the models and parameters of mobile devices, the source said.

Currently, the price range of mobile phones available on the market roughly varies between $30 and $930. The point is that mobile phones of low price segment, such as Nokia 105 ($30), should be registered for 5-manat duty ($3), while the figure for iPhone 6 or iPhone 7 should be 80-150 manats ($50-93)," the source said.

The new model, which is being considered, has also other features and complexities. In order to check whether a person went abroad or not, it will be required to integrate it into the system of border service. Likewise, to determine if the fee was paid, and to permit registration of the phone, integration with the system of customs will be needed.

The interlocutor also told about possible creation of a website where a person could learn what duties he will have to pay for importing a mobile phone of a particular model for personal use. In this case, there will be no restrictions, and everyone will be able to import as many phones as they wish.

These measures are designed to protect the market, because each person importing mobile phones to the country will stand on a par with entrepreneurs. Today, the duty applies only to entrepreneurs, who pay the fee of 36 percent from the cost of the mobile phone, and additionally $1 for registration of IMEI number.

This innovation will bring the principle of equity to the Azerbaijani market  both entrepreneurs and physical persons will pay the same amount of import duties.

Today, only 10-15 percent of the mobile phones, brought by entrepreneurs in the country, are imported officially, the source said. Most of these phones belong to medium and low price segment. Meanwhile, most of the phones of high price range enter the market either through grey channels or by physical persons.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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17 October 2016 16:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Arab investors will come together in Baku in early December to attend the International Investment Forum.

The event, scheduled for December 8, will be organized in order to attract investments from Persian Gulf countries, a source in the business community told Trend.

The investors will get acquainted with the recent reforms taken in Azerbaijan to improve the business environment and support the business doing. Presentation of investment opportunities of the country will also be carried out during the event.

The trade turnover with the Persian Gulf counties amounted to almost $192 million in January-August 2016, compared to $250.3 million during the same period of last year, according to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee.

Huge oil and gas reserves, among other things, make the Arabian Gulf region including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates one of the most strategically important places in the world.



Being part of the Islamic world and sharing the progressive heritage and spiritual values of Islamic civilization, Azerbaijan attaches great importance to developing relations with the Islamic countries, and the Gulf states in particular.

Alongside very strong political ties, numerous opportunities for expanding economic cooperation exist between these countries.

Azerbaijan and Qatar, which established diplomatic relations in September 1994, enjoy significant prospects for cooperating in the tourism, education, agriculture, investment making, ICT and cargo transportation sectors.

Azerbaijan and UAE enjoy fruitful cooperation in various fields and their mutual relations are developing both in the political, economic and cultural fields with ascending line.

Recently, the two countries agreed to establish a joint investment fund to facilitate the implementation of joint investment in mutually beneficial projects. The sides eye invest making in the areas that stimulate the growth of mutual investments and increase trade, particularly in agriculture, food processing, logistics and transport systems.

The two countries enjoy good opportunities in tourism sector. Starting November 10, 2015, citizens of the UAE has visited Azerbaijan on a simplified procedure. They can obtain entry visa, valid for 30 days stay, at any international airport in Azerbaijan.

Overall, in the first half of 2016, Azerbaijan was visited by 25,000 tourists from Arab countries, while the figure approximately 22,000 people or eight times more than in the same period of last year.

The main reason for the rising number of Arab tourists is the introduction of a simplified visa regime from this year for citizens of Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and other countries.

Among the Gulf countries, Kuwait is a country that is located closer to Azerbaijan. Last May, Azerbaijan and Kuwait signed an aviation agreement, aiming at boosting commercial cooperation in between a number of airlines from both countries to facilitate passenger traffic.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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17 October 2016 16:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

New gold reserves have been discovered in Gadabay region of resource-rich Azerbaijan.

The Anglo-Asian Mining plc, a leading gold mining company in the country, discovered a new deposit of gold in the Gadabay gold, copper, and silver mine in western Azerbaijan.

Preliminary testwork results yielded an average recovery of gold of 87 percent on the new reserve 'Ugur'

The company announced that the Ugur reserve provides significant potential upside to the Company's future gold production.

CEO of the company Reza , commenting on the discovery said, the discovery of the Ugur deposit has the potential to add significantly to the companys gold resources and reserves and hence the future production at Gadabay.

Having recently returned to profitability, and following the completion of several operational initiatives to improve efficiencies and lower costs at Gadabay, I believe Anglo Asian is now well positioned to expand its mineable reserves which will lay the foundations for long term and sustainable production from multiple deposits at Gadabay, he said, further mentioning that the company looks to unlock the potential from this new target and increase value for its shareholders in the process.

Anglo Asian Group Director of Geology, Stephen Westhead, said that this prospect is very exciting given its close proximity to the Gadabay processing facilities and the initial positive drill and metallurgical testwork results.



"We look forward to continuing exploration work with a view to enlarging our gold and copper resources and reserves for extending or increasing mine production," Westhead said.

The new reserve is located three km north-west from its agitation leaching plant and heap leach facilities at its Gadabay License. This was defined as part of the ongoing exploration programme to assess alteration zones and geological structures along strike from its Gadabay mine.

The results of about 20 tests have shown that the precious metal is located at a depth of 360 meters.

A further geological exploration target has been defined in the expanded Ugur area based on similar alteration and geomorphological position to the Ugur deposit that is located about 1,500 metres to the south of the current Ugur RC drilling area. This will be further evaluated as part of the 2017 programme of field work.

Gold reserves, being the most significant geological discoveries in the country, have doubled in Azerbaijan due to deposits found in recent years. In the last ten years, 192 deposits of various profiles were put on the balance in 25 regions of the country.

Anglo Asian Mining, a cash generative and profitable gold and copper mining and exploration company, started gold and silver production in May 2009 and copper concentrate production in 2010 at the Gadabay mine.

The company has the rights to develop six deposits in the south-west of Azerbaijan - Gadabay, Ordubad, Gosha Bulag, Gyzyl Bulag, Vezhnali and Soyutlu, under a production sharing agreement signed in August 1997 with Azerbaijan's government.

The gold and silver produced there are sent to Switzerland for refining, and gold bars are delivered to the country and preserved by the government.

In 2015, Anglo Asian reported total production of 72,032 ounces of cold, 969 tonnes of cooper and 28,628 ounces of silver.

Overall, Azerbaijan produced 2,229 kilograms of gold in 2015. The production growth hit 19.1 percent compared to the figure of 2014.

The Ministry for Ecology and Natural Recourses estimates that the country is able to produce about 10-15 tons of gold a year.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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17 October 2016 18:20 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

A total of 73 state enterprises and facilities will be put up for privatization auction on November 15 by the Azerbaijani State Committee on Property Issues.

The Committee reported on October 17 that these enterprises, located both in Baku and in other regions of the country, operate in the spheres of cotton growing, agricultural chemistry, transport, construction and other fields.

Moreover, some 51 small state enterprises and facilities, including non-residential lands of 10-1,700 square-meters, will be put up for privatization. The price of these facilities ranges from 3,000 to 2.7 million manats (from $1,866 to $1.68 million).

The auction will be held in the auction Centre of the State Committee on Property Issues.

The portal for privatization  privatization.az, launched in July 2016, reflects all necessary information about the facilities, their addresses, location, and even initial cost and aimed at facilitation of the process. The website is available in two languages - Azerbaijani and English.

The privatization process is designed to attract both foreign and local investors, as well as improve the business environment of Azerbaijan. Why Azerbaijan is special section available on the website explains the reasons and advantages of investing in the country.

In general, over 1,000 different public facilities were privatized in Azerbaijan in 2015.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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17 October 2016 17:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Naveed Hassan Naqvi, the new head of the World Banks (WB) office in Azerbaijan, has arrived in Baku to start his work in the country, the WB Baku office told Trend on October 17.

Naqvi started his career at the WB in 2004 and has worked in the South Asia, Europe and Central Asia regions, where he has led both analytical work and lending operations.

The office term of the WBs previous country manager for Azerbaijan, Larisa Leshchenko, expired in late June 2016.

The WBs country manager is usually appointed for a period of three years, but this term can be extended for one more year.

Azerbaijan joined the WB in 1992.

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17 October 2016 10:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Prehistoric cave paintings have been discovered in the Khanagah village of the Julfa region in Nakhchivan, Azertac reported.

The preliminary research revealed that that the paintings consist of three separate petroglyphs. Two of them are engraved, while the other one was carved out on the rock.

The department head at the Institute of History, Archeology and Ethnography of Nakhchivan, corresponding member of ANAS Vali Bakhshaliyev said that the rock paintings are related to various periods of time.

Engraving technique has been known since the discovery of Gamigaya rock carvings located in 60 km to the south from Ordubad region.

The drawings symbolize the man and the tree of life.

The expert thinks that two rock carvings are related to the 3rd millennium BC, while the third one is dating back to the first millennium.

Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences is the main state research organization and the primary body that conducts research and coordinates activities in the fields of science and social sciences in Azerbaijan.

The Academy, established on 23 January 1945, closely cooperates with different foreign research institutions and organizes international scientific workshops and conferences in Azerbaijan.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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17 October 2016 13:41 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

An international Ceramics Duet Symposium is scheduled to kick off at Azerbaijan Ceramics Center on October 20, Trend Life reported.

The joint project of Azerbaijan Ceramics Center and Arts Council Azerbaijan is realized within the framework of the Regional Art and Culture Project in the South Caucasus, which is managed by the Culture and Management Lab with financial support of the Swiss Cooperation Office for the South Caucasus (SCO).

The duet-symposium aims to study works of ceramic masters from different countries and foster experience exchange.

The project is important from perspective of demonstrating ancient ceramic production traditions of Azerbaijan.

The symposium is expected to bring together professional artists and ceramic masters from CIS countries and the rest of the world.

As part of the project, artists will create a collection that will be based on contemporary art works of different types and genres. Sculptural ceramic works may have different forms of classic and avant-garde styles.

Last time, the duet symposium brought together two ceramic masters Mirteymur Mammadov from Azerbaijan and Artem Gorislavec from Kazakhstan.

This time, Mirteymur Mammadov will accompany Moldavian artist Valentin Rusu.

Admission is free. The event is expected to begin at 19:00.

For more information, please contact:

+994 50 311 73 47

Address: Baku, Icheri Sheher, M. Magomayev str., 90.

Media partners of the event are Trend, Day.az and Milli.az.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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17 October 2016 15:51 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan Shakespeare Carpet competition held in honor of Shakespeares 450th anniversary wrapped up in Baku, Trend Life reported.

The competition organized by the British Council in partnership with the Academy of Fine Arts and the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum stipulated the design of a carpet in honor of and inspired by Shakespeare.

British Ambassador to Azerbaijan Carole Crofts, who addressed the ceremony to announce the winner, highlighted the importance of the competition.

The ambassador noted that the contest united the Azerbaijani art of carpet-weaving and the works of "the Sweet Swan of Avon".

The competition was held in three categories: professional designers, children up to 16 years old, and others. More than 60 carpet sketches were presented at the competition.

The best 15 work were published on Facebook page of British Council Azerbaijan.

Telman Shikiyev became the winner of the competition. He will travel to London to visit the V&A Museum and Shakespeares Globe theatre.

William Shakespeare is one of the greatest English writers, whose poetry and plays still remain highly popular in diverse clutters throughout the world.

English poet, playwright and actor who is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon".

His extant works, including some collaborations, consist of about 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses, the authorship of some of which is uncertain.



Shakespeare `s plays have been translated into every major living language and performed more often than those of any other playwright.



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17 October 2016 10:52 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijans Consul General in Los Angeles hosted a special gathering with Hispanic and Asian American Christian faith leaders on October 13.



Held at the Consulate General jointly with Korean Churches for Community Development (KCCD), the event was attended by leaders and active members of churches belonging to primarily Korean, Chinese and Hispanic communities of Los Angeles, as well as representatives of various Christian organizations, universities and mass media.

Azerbaijans Consul General Nasimi Aghayev, addressing the event, spoke about the historical and cultural roots of his countrys strong traditions of multi-faith tolerance and multiculturalism, the ancient history of Christianity in Azerbaijan, as well as elaborated on the current atmosphere of brotherhood reigning between various religions and ethnicities in the country.



Aghayev mentioned that despite all the challenges Azerbaijan has faced and continues to face, being located in a complicated geography, the country has been able to build a successful model of tolerance and positive multiculturalism, which allows for Muslims, Christians, Jews and representatives of other faiths to live in peace, harmony and dignity.

He also mentioned the unique Shia-Sunni Muslim harmony existing in Azerbaijan, which is even more relevant today considering the recent tragic developments in some other parts of the wider region.

The Consul General noted that thanks to the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, this environment of multi-faith and multicultural harmony and tolerance is becoming stronger and stronger every day in the country.

He stressed in this regard that the year 2016 had been proclaimed by the President to be the Year of Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan.

The diplomat highlighted the many projects undertaken by Azerbaijan both in the country and beyond to promote interfaith tolerance and understanding, from building and rebuilding mosques, churches and synagogues in Azerbaijan to financially supporting the countrys faith communities to the restoration of catacombs in Vatican by Azerbaijans Heydar Aliyev Foundation led by First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

Speaking afterwards, KCCD President Hyepin Im, one of the leading figures of the Korean/Asian American community, said that Azerbaijan is an amazing country with 2,000 year history of religious tolerance and acceptance.

"This is even more amazing being a country that is 95 percent Muslim. It is a country that has the key to the world peace. On behalf of KCCD and our host committee pastors, we are grateful for the opportunity to bring Hispanic and Asian American pastors and leaders together today for great fellowship and opportunity to learn of Azerbaijan's rich history and leadership in the world and to pray for peace. We were inspired and amazed, he stressed.

Speaking on behalf of the Hispanic faith community, Rev. Walter Contreras, Rev. Jose Pepe Cabelleros and Rev. Carlos Rincon expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to get to know a country that has created a space for all religions. They stated the need to widely study the progressive model Azerbaijan is offering, not only in Los Angeles and the U.S., but also in other parts of the globe.

At the end, prayers for Azerbaijan and its continued success were read by faith leaders of both communities.

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17 October 2016 14:49 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

European Unions Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Herbert Salber will visit Azerbaijan in late October 2016, Salbers press service told Trend on October 17.

Salber will hold a number of official meetings, at which the sides will discuss bilateral relations. The meetings in Baku are also expected to discuss the situation around the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The European Union and Azerbaijan are strong partners on energy policy and are working together on a number of joint projects. The main project is the building of a pipeline to connect the Caspian oil supply to Europe, providing a viable route for oil and gas to reach consumers. Europe is also supporting Azerbaijans state-sponsored program for the increased use of alternative and renewable energy sources.

The EU and Azerbaijan are maintaining relations under the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which was signed in 1996 and came into force in 1999.

Since then the PCA has provided the legal framework for EU-Azerbaijan bilateral relations in the areas of political dialogue, trade, investment, economic, legislative and cultural cooperation.

Azerbaijan is also included in the EU program on "Eastern Partnership" adopted on the initiative of Poland and Sweden and approved at the EU summit in Brussels in 2008.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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17 October 2016 20:05 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan will further continue to move on its current path, pursue independent policy and move forward based on the peoples will, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev.

The president was addressing an official reception dedicated to the 25th anniversary of restoration of Azerbaijans independence.

I believe that 2003 is of special importance for our independent history, because in 2003, people of Azerbaijan made a decision regarding the path Azerbaijan should move on: whether it will continue Heydar Aliyevs policy, or the country will again face troubles and disasters. Azerbaijani people, as always, showed their wisdom and voted for Heydar Aliyevs policy, said President Aliyev.

He pointed out that 25 years is a great history.

We have already proved to the whole world that we can have an independent life, we can live successfully. Our cities which are getting beautiful, our improving regions and Baku, which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, is a clear evidence of that, said President Aliyev. We will move on this path, pursue independent policy and move forward based on the peoples will in the future.

Our independence is irreversible and everlasting. I wish success to the entire people of Azerbaijan in strengthening our independence, said the president. Long live independent Republic of Azerbaijan!

Azerbaijans relations with its neighbors stand at the highest level, there are no problems in relations and this should be this way, further added President Aliyev.

If every country had built relations with its neighbors like we do, there wouldnt have been wars in the world, he said.

The main reason of wars is that neighboring countries do not get along with each other, added the president.

I reiterate, if National Leader Heydar Aliyev had been in power in early 1990s, the Armenia-Azerbaijan war would have never begun, he added. We would have never let this happen. But today, we should resolve this problem. This has both diplomatic and other ways.

We have made great steps towards army building. Today, international experts also note that Azerbaijani army is among the strong armies all over the world. We knew this. But today, the whole world knows this, said President Aliyev.

The president noted that the April events on the line of contact once again showed the strength of Azerbaijani army.

Our army carried out a counterattack and liberated parts of Aghdere, Fizuli and Jabrayil districts from the occupiers, he said. Currently, Azerbaijani flag is flown there. This shows our strength.

We know our strength. We are confident of our strength and we can destroy any target of the enemy. We are simply trying to ensure the peaceful resolution of this issue, added President Aliyev.

Since 2003 until today, Azerbaijan has had a period of economic development which has no analogues, said President Ilham Aliyev addressing an official reception dedicated to the 25th anniversary of restoration of Azerbaijans independence.

Noting that Azerbaijans economy has tripled, he said that no other economy has tripled in such a short time.

Industrial development has also tripled. We have put an end to poverty. The poverty level, which was standing at approximately 50 percent, has dropped to 5 percent. A very serious fight is underway against unemployment. The unemployment is at a very low level, he said.

President Aliyev said Azerbaijan also started the development of its regions, adding that more than 1.3 million new jobs have been created as a result of implementation of state programs.

Azerbaijans regions have revived, the cities have improved and modern infrastructure projects have been implemented, he said.

We turned from a country importing electricity and gas into their exporter, added the president.

Azerbaijan has paid and is paying great attention to settlement of social issues. Salaries and pensions have been increased by several times over the last 13 years, he said.

Social infrastructure projects are underway, more than 3,000 schools and 600 medical centers have been built, more than 40 Olympic centers have been constructed in the regions, said the president, adding that all this are the achievements of the recent years.

We are moving towards technological development. Today, Azerbaijan is one of the few members of the space club. We have two satellites and the third satellite will be put into operation in the near future, said President Aliyev.

The president noted that Azerbaijan has turned into a very important country in resolving the regional cooperation issues.

The major energy projects implemented at our initiative, have gained a larger scope in recent years. These are already intercontinental energy projects, he added.

I would like to especially mention the Southern Gas Corridor. I should note that this corridor is being created on the basis of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline, which were commissioned in 2006 and 2007, said the president, adding that the Southern Gas Corridor wouldnt have been created without those pipelines.

He pointed out that today, the Southern Gas Corridor, which is one of the worlds biggest energy projects, is being implemented successfully.

We are getting closer to the final stage in implementation of the Shah Deniz 2 project, President Aliyev said, adding that 83 percent of the project has already been implemented.

TANAP project has been implemented by around 40 percent. We are successfully implementing this giant energy project. It will bring us additional great economic dividends in the future, said the president.

By using reliable routes, we deliver our rich gas reserves to the worlds largest market  Europe  which is one of the closest markets for us. Our energy policy is highly appreciated by the world. We have created an international cooperation format and are expanding it, President Aliyev added.

The president also said the Southern Gas Corridor is a historic project.

It will define our successful future development, he added.

Ilham Aliyev further said Azerbaijan is taking very serious steps with regard to the development of other sectors of its economy.

Recently the development of industry and agriculture has been on the rise in Azerbaijan. Despite the continuing economic crisis in the world, we have taken very serious steps in this direction. I am sure that in the coming years the development of the non-oil sector will proceed at a higher pace, he said.

The president added that about 70 percent of Azerbaijans economy is formed in the non-oil sector.

We are now seriously engaged in diversification of exports. We have to bring the dependence on oil and gas to the lowest level, said Ilham Aliyev.

He added that Azerbaijan is taking serious measures for the governance reforms and fighting the unpleasant cases.

Corruption and bribery are the main calamities hindering our successful development, he said, adding that the institutional measures taken in this regard are yielding excellent results.

He also said Azerbaijan is already presenting and even exporting its intellectual product to the world.

ASAN xidmet is our product. This service has already received 12 million appeals, four million people are using these opportunities and now other countries too are learning this experience. We have to present our diversified export opportunities to the world markets in the future. The export of the intellectual products is also of special significance, he said.

President Aliyev added that Azerbaijan is today known all over the world as a very reliable partner.

All the projects we participate in are intended for cooperation. We think, and as the life shows we think rightfully, that cooperation between countries can remove some problems, he said.

Our energy policy is of good will. We have never used it for any other purpose, Ilham Aliyev added. All other regional initiatives, including the ones in the transportation, are intended for cooperation.

He reminded that Azerbaijan is today playing an active role in creation of the East-West corridor.

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will be commissioned in the months to come. Thus, in order to provide ourselves with good opportunities, we are linking Europe and Asia, the president said. This corridor will give us great economic profits. The volume of the cargos to go through this corridor will reach tens of millions of tons.

Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan is also creating the North-South corridor.

We again made an initiative, we again presented a format of regional cooperation, and it has already been created. It will allow us transport additionally tens of millions of tons of cargos, he said. This exactly is the reduction of dependence on the oil and development of the non-oil sector.

President Aliyev added that Azerbaijan, using its geographical position, puts forward these projects and implements them.

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17 October 2016 16:34 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

Azerbaijan's State Migration Service identified as many as 2,908 foreigners, who violated residence legislation and rules of temporary or permanent stay in the country in September 2016.

Fifteen foreigners were issued with new documents instead of lost ones for the temporary and permanent residence in the country, while 202 foreigners were fined and their residence was legalized.

As many as 2,109 foreigners were given 48 hours to leave the country, while 582 citizens of other countries were expelled under an administrative order.

The State Migration Service received 9,148 appeals in September for extension of stay of foreigners and stateless persons, applications for permits for temporary and permanent residence, as well as acceptance, rejection, and restoration of citizenship, granting refugee status and citizenship, as well as granting permits for self-employment in the country or its extension.

Moreover, the Service reported 67, 648appeals in connection with the registration of the place of residence over the month.

Moreover, the State Migration Service carried out 9 educational activities in some regions of the country during the month.

Foreigners and stateless persons arriving in Azerbaijan for a period exceeding three days should register with the Migration Service in accordance with the national legislation.

A copy of the person's ID should be submitted to the Migration Service personally, via mail, or email within 3 days. This service is free and application forms are available at the Migration Service, post offices, and at www.migration.gov.az.

The Migration Service will immediately register foreigners at the place of their stay and present written notification to the receiving party within 1 working day.

Foreigners can be registered for the period allotted by their visas, or for 90 days under the visa-free regime.

After changing the place of residence, registration must be renewed. These easy steps can exempt visitors from penalties and deportation.

---

Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
17 October 2016 16:37 (UTC+04:00)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King of Saudi Arabia Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud congratulated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on October 17 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the restoration of the state independence of the Azerbaijan.

The letter reads:

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

As salamu aleykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

On the occasion of your countrys State Independence Day, on behalf of the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and on my own behalf, I extend my most sincere congratulations to Your Excellency.

I wish you robust health and happiness, and the friendly people and government of the Republic of Azerbaijan progress and prosperity.

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

Azerbaijanis celebrate October 18 as a glorious day in their history, their Independence Day. 25 years ago, the people of Azerbaijan raised the banner of independence for the second time and this became a brilliant victory in the political history of the nation in the 20th century.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
17 October 2016 11:47 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

TAP will be able to proceed with the replanting of the olive trees along the route in Italy, starting from the micro tunneling area, from November 2016, Lisa Givert, TAP Head of Communications, told Trend Oct.17.



She was commenting on protests in Italys Puglia region demanding the pipeline re-routed away from the prized grove, which includes olive trees thought to be more than 400 years old.



Givert pointed out that TAP has been continuously engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and communities in Italy  including the Puglia region  since the early project planning phase.



Several rounds of discussions have been held to listen to local concerns and provide clarification about the projects environmental footprint, including concrete measures for mitigating or minimizing any environmental impact, she added.



TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor which is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries.



The 870-kilometer pipeline will be connected to the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south.



One of the priorities of our communication activities in Puglia has been and remains to reinforce that the project has a minimal environmental impact, especially to people living in the area affected by TAP, she said. We have organized multiple campaigns to dispel any inaccuracies, falsehoods and concerns.



At the same time, she said, by using the example of other Italian regions and the beach resort island of Ibiza  where pipeline landfalls have been perfectly integrated into the environment  we have shown that infrastructure projects and tourist resorts can fully coexist, she added.



Givert noted that most recently, TAPs geological surveys on the San Foca beach have been conducted in record time (1.5 days versus the anticipated one week) and without any visible trace on the beach.



It is worth adding that operations were conducted smoothly, thanks to the good cooperation with local authorities and the high-technical quality of our contractors services, she said. TAP will continue to engage in line with the highest industry standards.



TAP will also continue to inform and engage with local and regional stakeholders about the project, provide accurate information and clarify any queries they may have, she added.



She pointed out that TAP remains on schedule and will be ready to receive first gas from Shah Deniz 2 in 2020.



In Italy, construction activities began in May 2016 and continue in line with the project schedule. UXO (unexploded ordnance) and archaeological surveys were carried out over the summer of 2016, phytosanitary treatment (spraying of olive trees along TAPs route, in preparation of removing / replanting of olive trees) was performed and geological surveys were conducted on the San Foca beach between 3 and 5 October, said Givert.



In parallel, and in line with the single authorization granted by Italys Ministry of Economy on May 20, 2015, TAP continues to progress its secondary permitting activities, she added.



We remain confident that TAP will be able to proceed with the replanting of the olive trees along the route, starting from the micro tunneling area, from November 2016, she said.



Givert said that TAP is committed to responsibly deliver a world-class project along its entire length in Italy, Albania and Greece.



TAPs landfall in San Foca was selected as the most optimum location for the TAP pipeline to enter Italy. It is the location with the least environmental impact - also during the construction phase, she said. This was confirmed and validated by the National Technical committee when they approved TAPs Environmental Impact Assessment in September 2014.



She said that as part of this process, TAP analyzed 20 landfall points along the Apulian coastline and concluded that San Foca was the landfall with the least environmental impact.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
17 October 2016 16:11 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Russia and Turkey are taking huge steps to normalize their bilateral relations and the sides have already resumed negotiations on gas discounts. The issue, however, still remains one of the most actual challenges for the two countries.

Russias Gazprom and Turkeys energy giant BOTAS were tasked with working out the amount of potential amount.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told Russia 24 that the discount will mainly depend on the volume of consumption, mentioning that a special mechanism should be developed in this regard. He emphasized that the sides are ready to move forward in a bid to reach a common position.

Gazprom sells gas not only to BOTAS, but also to Turkish private providers.

Turkey and Russia earlier signed an intergovernmental agreement on Turkish Stream project. Russian President Vladimir Putin, following the meeting with his Turkish counterpart, said the sides had also agreed on gas discount.

Gazprom and Botas will have legal proceedings in the Geneva Court of Arbitration, should the sides further face controversies and be unable to reach consent.

Turkey, which is considered to be the second biggest consumer of Russian gas after Germany, imports gas from Russia via two pipelines - the Blue Stream, which passes under the eastern Black Sea, and the Western Line through the Balkans

The current annual level of Gazprom supplies for Turkey by means of the trans-Baltic gas pipeline stands at 2 bcm for Botas, while some 10 bcm accounts for separate importers.

Turkey imported some 10.14 bcm of gas in January-May 2016, as compared to the volume of 11.22 bcm in the same period of 2015. Some 50.84 percent of the total volume of gas imports by Turkey accounted for Russia in the reported period.

--

Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
17 October 2016 17:08 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

The Islamic Republic of Iran, the country with the largest natural gas reserves in the world, works towards increasing the volume of its gas supplies and entering the European market.

Head of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) Hamidreza Araqi said his country wants to increase its share in the global gas trade from the current 1 percent up to 10 percent, increasing volumes of gas export, including LNG, up to about 60-80 bcm by 2021.

He mentioned that Iran eyes exporting its gas to neighboring countries and the EU, the fact, however, does not imply that the Iranian gas will be a rival to Russian blue fuel.

He said that the country is not intended to compete with Russia in this regard, as every country has its own target market.

Despite rich oil and gas reserves, international sanctions imposed on the country had restricted Iran's ability to sell its gas and oil in the world markets or to participate in multinational pipeline projects. The country is now focused on reviving its energy sector and regaining its market share.

Iran currently extracts some 600 mcm of gas on a daily basis, while the figure is planned to be increased up to 1.26 billion within the coming 4 years, mainly by means of increasing volumes of extraction at South Pars natural gas condensate field located in the Persian Gulf. The field is shared by Iran and Qatar.

The country doesnt produce LNG, and its only LNG plant (Iran LNG) was developed by 52 percent during pre-sanctions era. Today, Iran is in talks with foreign companies to complete the project, aimed to produce 10.4 million tons of LNG (which equals to some 14 bcm of gas per year).

The managing director of the National Iranian Gas Export Company earlier said Iran is aiming to develop liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities to start shipments in two years. Analysts, however, say the country is unlikely to ramp up production in that time frame.

Tehran sees its neighbors in the Persian Gulf, namely Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, as potential buyers of its gas, as both countries do not possess own significant gas reserves.

Moreover, Araqi had earlier announced that Irans exports of gas to Turkey could increase by 6 mcm per day, emphasizing that the increase in exports of gas to Turkey can be implemented through the existing infrastructure.

--

Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
17 October 2016 10:21 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

A Turkish soldier was martyred Sunday by a bomb planted along a highway by the PKK terrorist organization in the southeastern Hakkari province, security sources said, Anadolu reported.

According to the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, the explosive detonated when soldiers were clearing mines along the Hakkari-Van highway.

An operation in the region is underway to apprehend the terrorists, the sources added.

Separately, 11 PKK terrorists were apprehended by security forces in an operation in the southeastern Mardin province, the governor's office said Sunday.

It added that several weapons were also seized during the operation.

The PKK  listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU  resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July 2015. Since then, more than 700 security force members have been martyred and around 8,000 PKK terrorists killed or apprehended.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
17 October 2016 15:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Iranian army's air force has launched three-day war games aimed at demonstrating the capabilities of the air force in safeguarding the Islamic Republics airspace.

The large-scale drills, which began on Monday, take place in the central province of Esfahan, IRNA news agency reported on October 17.

In addition to the interceptor aircraft and fighter bombers of the Iranian air force, transport planes, reconnaissance aircraft, refueling planes and different types of drones are taking part in the massive drills.

In recent years, Iran has made major breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in the production of important military equipment and systems.

The country has also conducted major military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its armed forces and to test modern military tactics and state-of-the-art equipment.

The Islamic Republic maintains that its military might poses no threat to other countries, stating that its defense doctrine is merely based on deterrence.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
17 October 2016 17:19 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that Turkey cannot remain indifferent to the events in Iraq.

Erdogan made the remarks speaking at the International Istanbul Law Congress on October 17, Anadolu Agency reported.

Erdogan said that Turkey will take part in the operation to liberate the city of Mosul from the militants of the Islamic State (IS, aka ISIS, ISIL or Daesh) terrorist group, as well as in the subsequent settlement of Mosuls issue at the negotiating table.

He said that no one should expect that the Turkish military will leave the Bashiqa base in Northern Iraq, from where the operation against the IS is being carried out.

Regarding the situation in Syria, Erdogan stressed that Turkey will continue to fight against terrorism in the neighboring country.

Turkey will be there, no matter what happens, Erdogan said. If we are faced with the threat of terrorism, if our country comes under artillery and rocket attacks, we will enter Syria. In legal terms, it is our right to self-defense.

The operation to regain Iraqi state governments control over Mosul began on Monday morning. In addition to Iraqi government forces, the operation involves local militia Peshmerga (Kurdish fighters in Northern Iraq). The attack is supported by the international Anti-Terrorism Coalitions Air Force.

The terrorist organization "Islamic State" considers Mosul as its main stronghold in Iraq.

Being one of the key oil centers of Iraq, the city of Mosul went entirely under the control of the IS terrorists in June 2014. It is the second largest city of Iraq with a population of 1.3 million people. The number of IG militants concentrated in Mosul is more than 6,000 people.

The UN informs that more than 3.4 million people are now displaced in Iraq -- more than half of them children, while more than 10 million are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.

---

Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
A World War II-era C-47 aircraft awaits repairs at Kunming Changshui International Airport in Yunnan province on Saturday after a commemorative "Hump" flight.Li Zhe / For China Daily

Plane donated to preserve memory of Flying Tigers, wartime alliance

An aging World War II-era C-47 aircraft, heading for Guilin in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, landed at Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Saturday after a commemorative "Hump" flight, widely known as the most dangerous aircraft route in China during World War II.

The plane will be donated by the Flying Tigers Historical Organization to the Flying Tigers Heritage Park in Guilin for permanent display.

The Hump was one of the most important air routes connecting China with allied forces in South Asia. During the war, about 850,000 metric tons of supplies reached China from India via the route, though about 1,500 US planes crashed along the way - ctim to the formidable mountains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and their fickle, often nasty, weather conditions. Pilots said the huge ridges looked like humps, thus the moniker.

The American Volunteer Group, also known as the Flying Tigers, took on the dangerous mission, and American C-47s delivered the first, small load of supplies in July 1942.

The plane currently has five crew members, including two from the United States and three from Australia. Their average age is above 70 years.

Larry Jobe, the captain of the first flight who now serves as president of the historical organization, said he wants to honor the men and women who risked their lives flying the Hump and preserve the memory of what China and the United States accomplished.

Beginning in Australia on Aug 13, the final flight over the legendary route was pretty smooth until Indonesia, where one of the aircraft's engines blew out. After six weeks of repairs, the plane took off again and finally made it over the mountains to Kunming on Saturday.

"Unfortunately," Jobe said, "before landing in Kunming, we had to shut another engine down. The plane is not flyable."

As the single most important aircraft for China's survival of the war, the C-47 once transported fuel, ammunition and oxygen that China needed in the China-Burma-India theater.

"Without the supplies, Burma and its fighters would be nothing more than ground targets for the Japanese," he said.

The plane has served many useful missions during its life.

Before the historical organization bought the plane, it was used in movies, Jobe said.

"They painted it up and named it 'Buzz Buggie'. We kept the name because we found a B-24 Burma aircraft called Buzz Buggie had also flown the Hump," he said.

At the moment, the plane cannot continue its journey. The plan is to fly it to Guilin after repairs are made.

"Although she is in Kunming, she did cross the Hump and came back to Chinese soil," Jobe said.

Contact the writers at zhangli@chinadaily.com.cn


The bodies of two divers have been recovered from the Weeki Wachee river.

Divers were reported missing Sunday

Identified as Patrick Peacock and Chris Rittenmeyer

Link with more information about Eagles Nest Sink



The divers, identified as Patrick Peacock and Chris Rittenmeyer, were reported missing Sunday from Eagles Nest Sink on Cortez Boulevard. Their bodies were found Monday.



Peacock, Rittenmeyer and a third diver, Justin Blakely, entered the water at about 2 p.m. Sunday, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

Blakely remained close to the surface while Peacock and Rittenmeyer explored the caves. They planned to meet later at a pre-determined location, but when Peacock and Rittenmeyer didn't show up, Blakely called authorities.

A group of rescue divers looked for Peacock and Rittenmeyer Sunday evening but couldn't find them. The bodies were removed from the water Monday morning.



"Both divers were located in close proximity to one another in 260 feet of water," the sheriff's office said in a news release. "The divers were in a very dangerous and complex area of the cave system."

This isn't the first time Eagles Nest Sink has seen such an incident.

A north Florida man and his 15-year-old son ran out of oxygen and died while diving on Christmas Day in 2013.



The bodies of 35-year-old Darrin Spivey and Dillon Sanchez were found hours after they went diving at the Eagle Nest Sink cave. Authorities said they were trying out new equipment they had received as a present.



A sheriff's office investigation found the pair died accidentally after diving to 233 feet and using air alone in their tanks.
Law enforcement officials on Monday were trying to track down those responsible for firebombing a Republican Party office in North Carolina.

GOP office in North Carolina firebombed, vandalized

Adjacent building defaced with 'Nazi Republicans leave town or else'

Local, federal law enforcement investigating



It happened in Hillsborough, just west of Durham, sometime between 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday morning, when the damage was discovered.

The damage was extensive, and a charred American flag remains in the front of the building. Broken windows can be seen where authorities said someone threw a bottle filled with flammable liquid inside.

Also, a building adjacent to the office was spray painted with the words: "Nazi Republicans leave town or else."

Law enforcement officers remain on the scene as the investigation into the person or persons responsible continues.

State GOP Executive Director Dallas Woodhouse said no one was injured, but a security alert is being sent to party offices around the state.

The most important thing is that nobody was killed, and thats what we care about, Woodhouse said. This is an act of political terrorism, and we cant allow that. But its also an attack on Republicans and Democrats and unaffiliated and citizens in general who believe in the democratic process. This is not how we settle disputes. We settle disputes through elections."

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton tweeted Sunday: "The attack on the Orange County HQ @NCGOP office is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe."

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump tweeted: Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning.

He followed up by tweeting: ALL SAFE IN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. With you all the way, will never forget. Now we have to win. Proud of you all!

Gov. Pat McCrory issued a statement on the incident as well: The firebombing of a local political headquarters in Orange County is clearly an attack on our democracy. Violence has no place in our society - but especially in our elections.

Local law enforcement and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Hillsborough Police Department at (919) 732-3975.



The Orange County, N.C. offices of the state Republican Party were firebombed and vandalized over the weekend. (Courtesy of North Carolina GOP)
Exxon Mobil is evaluating a potential major expansion of its polyethylene plant on U.S. 90 in Beaumont that could mean thousands of construction jumps and investment approaching seven or eight figures.

In a joint hearing today, the Beaumont Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council will consider a permit for the company to use property next to its existing plant as a temporary construction base for a possible project.

"We have had discussions with a number of our neighbors, including the Beaumont Municipal Airport, regarding the availability of adjacent land for possible temporary use in the event the BPEX (Beaumont Polyethylene Plant Expansion) project proceeds," said Exxon Mobil spokesman Lee Dula.

Exxon Mobil has not made a decision on the project, Dula said.

If it proceeds, the expansion could add a production line for growing market demand for products that deliver lighter packaging weight, less energy consumption and reduced emissions.

The project would employ 1,400 construction workers during peak periods and add 40 permanent jobs to the company's current workforce of more than 2,000 in the Beaumont area, Dula said.

BPEX is one of two projects Exxon Mobil is contemplating. Meanwhile, the oil giant is moving forward with two other expansions, making it the last of the four motor fuels refineries in Southeast Texas to pour billions into their plants.

The kinds of projects Exxon Mobil is proposing would absorb a lot of the local workforce that builds and maintains industrial plants, said John Durkay, general counsel of the Industrial Safety Training Council.

Such projects would require pipe fitters, welders, carpenters, electricians and boilermakers, for example, he said.

"People will be coming off the Cheniere project and go on to the next," he said, referring to the liquefied natural gas export conversion on the Louisiana side of Sabine Pass that is under construction.

Labor availability is always a function of timing, he said.

"That's not to say we don't want to pay attention to the long-term pipeline to train people," he said.

Lamar Institute of Technology is partnering with general contractor Bechtel Corp. to train welders who would become available in about a year to work at Cheniere or other projects in which Bechtel is involved.

Jefferson County Commissioners Court recently approved a tax abatement for Exxon Mobil's proposed "BLADE" project, which stands for Beaumont Light Atmospheric Distillation Expansion project.

That's another one that the Irving-based refiner hasn't made a decision on whether to proceed.

Securing the abatement helps it along, county officials said.

BLADE, if it goes ahead, would begin in 2019 with unit startup in 2022. It would take 1,850 construction workers to build it within the existing Beaumont refinery, similar to the Motiva Port Arthur refinery expansion that cost $10 billion and employed about 2,000 workers.

Exxon Mobil is evaluating whether to expand its light crude refining capacity in North America. Construction would take place within its existing 2,000-acre property just south and east of the Beaumont city limits.

SCAN, which stands for Selective Catalytic Naphtha Hydrofining unit, is a major investment in the Beaumont refinery that, like the Crude Unit A expansion, is under construction.

Dula would not provide cost figures for any of the proposed or current investments in its Beaumont plants.

SCANfiner is the installation of an Exxon Mobil-developed catalyst that removes sulfur while reducing octane loss. It will help increase production of ultra-low sulfur fuel by 40,000 barrels per day, Dula said.

The project employs 700 construction workers and will add five permanent jobs. Startup is expected by 2018.

Crude Unit A expansion, announced in June 2015, will add to the refinery's flexibility to process light crude oil, increases capacity by 20,000 barrels per day and improves energy efficiency, Dula said.

Startup is expected in 2017.

Valero Energy Corp., Total Port Arthur and Motiva Port Arthur all have expanded or modernized in the last decade.

A new plant, Natgasoline, worth at least $1 billion, is under construction along the Neches River as terminal storage for crude or refined products expands.

Congress has approved and President Barack Obama has signed into law authorization to deepen the Sabine Neches Ship Channel to accommodate larger vessels, which means tankers can carry more volume without their hulls scraping river bottom.

DWallach@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/dwallach
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SOUTHEAST TEXAS TALES

In a time of global tension called the Cold War, with the heat of hostilities simmering, President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 proposed an idea of "people to people" diplomacy, which led to the Sister Cities program.

At the start of the 1980s, Money Magazine named Beaumont-Port Arthur the best place in the country to get a job.

By the end of the 1980s, Beaumont was mired in massive regional job losses, business failures and shrinking population. It needed a friend.

In 1984, with the help of the Rotary Club of Beaumont, Beppu, a port city on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, and Beaumont forged a "sister city" relationship.

Thus began exchanges of letters and plans to visit one another.

As with any new relationship, Beppu and Beaumont interacted awkwardly - translators were required - and looked for the best in one another, seeking a comfortable fit.

Beppu depended on tourism for its surrounding hot springs. Beaumont, dependent on oil refining and allied industries, wanted to boost its tourism based on natural resources like the Big Thicket and attractions like its museums.

Eventually, Beppu representatives came to visit. Beaumont followed suit.

Thirty years later, the "sisters" aren't estranged, but like many relatives, they have grown apart over time and distance. They are, after all, in different hemispheres.

Charlie Gibbs, an insurance agent and local tourism booster, said the driver behind the connection was Maury Meyers, the former Beaumont mayor who died in June 2014.

Meyers led a Beaumont delegation to Beppu in November 1988 that Gibbs accompanied.

"We had a lot of similarities, and it made for common ground," Gibbs said of the experience. "Culturally, for us, it was tremendous. We got to see people in their homes, how they live. Much more than what tourists see."

In the intervening 28 years, the world has changed in unforeseen ways, Gibbs said.

The internet barely existed at the time. Social media did not.

"Then, it was relationships, looking people in the eye," Gibbs said. "You can trust somebody better when you've met."

Gibbs said the sister city relationship ran its course and faded over time.

In 1994, Beppu City made a grand gesture by sending to Beaumont a miniature "mikoshi" shrine in honor of the 10th anniversary of the sister city relationship. The mikoshi, which stood several feet high even in miniature, celebrates the annual harvest. It first went on display at the South Texas State Fair in October 1994, when the event was still held at the fairgrounds on Gulf Street.

The shrine was planned to go on permanent display at the Beaumont Public Library on Main Street.

By 2009, when the library had to consolidate its collections to make room on its lower floor for Lamar University, little room was available for the mikoshi shrine, said Jim Shoemaker, who was at the R.C. Miller Library then. He is now the downtown branch manager.

The shrine went to the Japan America Society in Houston, he said.

In the early 1990s, Beaumont, still interested in sister cities, looked toward Eastern Europe, trying to gauge interest in building a relationship with a city in Estonia called Tartu.

It made for a nice trip to visit the Baltic Sea country, which recently had escaped the orbit of the crumbled Soviet Union, but the relationship never flowered.

In 1997, the Beaumont Sister City Commission explored a possible relationship with a Parisian suburb called Beaumont-Sur-Oise, more out of the coincidence of the city's names than anything else. Beaumont-Sur-Oise, about 25 miles northwest of Paris, is about half the size of Nederland.

Still, all the outreach efforts were worthwhile, Gibbs said.

"You can't help but improve when you have knowledge of someone else," he said.

Southeast Texas Tales is a weekly feature that revisits regional history.

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Almost six years after Beaumont's federal prison shut down a factory where inmates produced hundreds of thousands of defective combat helmets, about 300 prisoners are still employed at the low-security facility.

Now they make pants.

The switch from the manufacture of combat gear to soldiers' trousers is one of many changes prompted by the three-year helmet scandal, the alarming details of which were contained in a withering report released two months ago by the Office of Inspector General.

From 2006 to 2009, supervisors instructed inmates to use rotted Kevlar - a synthetic fiber designed for ballistic protection - then change serial numbers when helmets failed inspection and pass them through anyway, according to documents. Hatchets were used to remove paint from other helmets, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The U.S. military wound up paying $19 million for more than 126,000 unsafe helmets produced in Beaumont.

Among other changes adopted following the scandal:

More for you Report: Beaumont inmates forced to make unsafe helmets for...

- The Department of Defense now inspects all body armor at its remaining factories.

- Inspection results are uploaded monthly into a database, then audited regularly by an agency responsible for monitoring defense department contracts.

- Contractors' production and inspection processes are audited quarterly.

Despite the changes, inmates across the country still make military body armor under substandard working conditions with little training and no worker protections.

'Asking for trouble'

Considering the 10,965 inmates employed nationwide by Federal Prison Industries earn between 23 cents and $1.15 an hour, critics question whether they should be making sophisticated combat gear.

Concerns over qualifications aren't limited to inmates.

Malcolm Bales, recently retired U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, says supervisors at prison factories often lack necessary training in manufacturing.

Prisons allow correctional officers to supervise inmate labor, which ranges from industrial work to housekeeping, mechanical and food services.

"They don't have any special industrial training on how manufacturing is supposed to be, how to problem-solve in tooling or retooling," Bales said.

Beaumont's 293 federal inmates are split into two shifts covering the hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Bureau of Prisons spokesman Justin Long said in an email.

Inmates here make pants.

Elsewhere, they make the military's bedsheets, towels, pillowcases and blankets, Long said.

But inmates in some facilities still make body armor, despite the known risks.

Bales said the Inspector General's report was remiss in not addressing the idea that certain items should not be made at prisons.

"That's problematic to me," Bales said. "One of the things I saw right away is that they can make uniform pants. They can assemble wiring harnesses. ..."

But, Bales said, "The whole idea of (prison labor) as a source for sophisticated military equipment is a pretty challenging thing. There's certain levels of sophistication for work prisoners can do and then after that you're asking for trouble. And the helmets were asking for trouble."

The Bureau of Prisons denied The Enterprise's request to tour Beaumont's low-security facility.

'Slave labor'

Prisoners often are treated like slave labor, say inmate advocates, and work in conditions that can compromise the quality of products.

Alex Friedmann, managing editor for advocacy media outlet Prison Legal News, said that because inmates aren't allowed to unionize or collectively bargain, they are subject to possible exploitation by prison staff.

Only prison officials control the working conditions and basic workers' protections, Friedmann said.

The 13th Amendment abolished "involuntary servitude" except as punishment for a convicted crime.

A Supreme Court ruling from 1877 prevents prisoners from unionizing.

All federal inmates work if they are physically and mentally able, according to federal and state prison officials.

The roughly 147,000 state prisoners are unpaid, according to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesman.

TDCJ incentivises inmate labor with "good time" credits for self-improvement plans, which are considered when inmates are eligible for release.

More than 5,000 TDCJ inmates are assigned to Texas Correctional Industries, which offers a variety of specialized training.

Texas established its correctional industry program in 1963.

Federal Prison Industries was established by Congress in 1934.

Prison officials on both levels insist the point of the programs is to prepare prisoners for life after incarceration - not operate a going enterprise.

"Part of the core mission of the agency is to promote a positive change in their behavior and prepare them for re-entry into society," TDCJ spokesman Jason Clark said. "We believe having a job is critical to their long term success."

'Intentionally investigated'

The helmets made in Beaumont from 2006 to 2009 were different from previous ones.

They required more complex and detailed weaving of the Kevlar inside helmet shells.

ArmorSource, the helmet manufacturer, had poor quality control, according to the OIG.

Bales said Federal Prison Industries underbid its subcontract with ArmorSource, which made more than $30 million from the helmets, leading to added pressure to make a complicated product.

A lawsuit accused ArmorSource and prison staff members of growing impatient with the meticulous process, which was more time-consuming than they anticipated.

Eventually, prisoners were told to cut corners.

Buddy Gunn, locked up since 1993 on a life sentence for selling methamphetamine, was a Beaumont inmate who tried to stop faulty helmets from hitting the production line, court records show.

Gunn, now 63 and housed at a medium security facility in Oklahoma, declined an interview request by The Enterprise.

Gunn said through a prison spokesperson he would not comment further because inmates had been blamed for the helmet fiasco.

Bales stopped short of characterizing allegations at the Beaumont prison factory as criminal.

The allegations were "intentionally investigated," by the U.S. attorney's office, he said. The findings: No one intentionally made bad helmets.

It was gross incompetence rather than anything nefarious, Bales said.

"I think what you would find is that they made numerous mistakes," Bales said. "The million-dollar question is when did it slide from defective manufacturing and an inability to build the helmets to deliberate fraud. That is a challenging legal argument."

BScott@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/BrandonKScott
The Jefferson County Bar Association will host a free clinic for veterans seeking legal advice or assistance, according to a release from the Jefferson County Bar Association.

The legal clinic will be held on Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. - noon at the Beaumont VA Outpatient Clinic located at 3420 Veterans Circle, Beaumont.
The state comptroller has banned a Beaumont police equipment supplier from doing business with state agencies or any local government making purchases with federal grant money, after Homeland Security complained about a "fraudulent transaction" the company processed at the Silsbee police chief's request.

Jette Withers, director of the comptroller's Statewide Procurement Division, wrote in an Oct. 6 letter to Texas Code Blue that the business was "debarred" from "participating in contracts with any agency of the State of Texas for five years."

Homeland Security grants director Aimee Snoddy notified the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission in an email the same day that the five-year ban also applies to any municipality's use of federal grant funds.

Cities could still use local taxpayer money to do business with Code Blue, depending on individual procurement policies, said South East Texas Regional Planning Commission director Shaun P. Davis.

According to the comptroller's letter, Code Blue had 10 days after being notified to appeal the determination. That means the deadline is Wednesday. The company had not appealed as of Monday, according to Kevin Lyons, a spokesman for the comptroller's office.

Code Blue president Tony Cervantes said Friday he was generally aware of the comptroller's findings but declined further comment. It is not known whether he appealed the decision.

The comptroller's office began its investigation into Code Blue in September after a complaint from the Homeland Security grants division, which accused the business of "aiding a grantee (City of Silsbee) in completing a fraudulent transaction with federal grant funds."

Cervantes and Silsbee police chief Mark Davis were recorded in May discussing the alteration of an invoice for an equipment purchase.The phone conversation led to a brief Texas Rangers probe, which ended after prosecutors in Hardin and Jefferson counties declined to pursue the case.

Reached by phone Friday, Davis declined to comment on the state's action against Code Blue. Earlier, he denied any wrongdoing and characterized the complaint as a political attack.

Code Blue responded to the comptroller's office on Sept. 15, two days after it was notified of the investigation, Withers wrote in the Oct. 6 letter to Cervantes.

In the response, Cervantes said he adjusted equipment prices to accommodate the grant allowance and offered a store credit, which the city of Silsbee refused, according to Withers.

The governor's office said Code Blue's response conflicted with the recorded phone conversation between Davis and Cervantes.

"As a result of the investigation, the Comptroller deems it to be in the best interest of the State to debar Texas Code Blue," Withers wrote.

Meanwhile, Hardin County officials have launched a criminal investigation into the source of the recording.

In it, Davis, the presumptive Hardin County Sheriff-elect, asked the vendor to overcharge the police department by about $500 for several items and issue a credit to spend the rest of the grant on later department purchases.

A search warrant affidavit for the original audio recording filed Sept. 16 outlined how two recent Silsbee PD employees became targets of a wiretapping investigation.

It is not known whether criminal charges have been filed against either employee.

BScott@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/BrandonKScott
Oregon Representative Bill Kennemer (R-39) toured Happy Valley, Ore.-based EyeHealth Eastside Surgery Center where the surgery center's staff discussed various issues in the industry, according to Oregon Live.

EyeHealth Northwest operates EyeHealth Eastside Surgery Center and another ASC.

Here are four notes:

1. During the tour, various ASC personnel including Shane K. Kim, MD, Ann Hulett, CEO of EyeHealth Northwest, Cherie Shevlin, RN, ASC director, and Doug Riggs, lobbyist with NW Grassroots & Communications, discussed the many benefits surgery centers offer as well as the barriers centers face, such as costly medication.

2. In Oregon, legislators are considering legislation, HB 2570, which would extend how long patients can stay in an ASC. Currently, patients can only stay for a maximum of 24 hours. With the new legislation, visits could be extended at a limited number of ASCs to an extra 48 hours if there is medical necessity.

3. Rep. Kennemer was also briefed on how Fire Marshal inspection and reviews are costly for surgery centers as well as issues in the payer world for ASCs.

4. In 2004, 12 physicians opened EyeHealth Eastside Surgery Center with providers performing more than 5,700 cases at the surgery center last year.

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The U.S. Coast Guard terminated its EHR implementation contract with Verona, Wis.-based Epic Systems and has since reverted to using paper records, reports Politico.

The Coast Guard awarded Epic the $14 million contract in September 2010, seeking to replace a system it deemed outdated.

A Coast Guard spokesman offered few details to Politico regarding the state of the implementation, saying "various irregularities were uncovered, which are currently being reviewed."

The initial plan was to roll out the software at two to three pilot sites within six months of the contract, but the Coast Guard never deployed the EHR system to any clinic or vessel.

The overall project involved five vendors: Epic, Leidos, Lockheed Martin, Apprio and InterSystems.

An Epic spokesperson told Becker's Hospital Review the software itself was ready, but other elements of the implementation were not.

The Coast Guard spokesman told Politico the decision to delay the go-live was due to "concerns about the project's ability to deliver a viable product in a reasonable period of time and at a reasonable cost."

The Coast Guard said the return to paper records has not harmed patients or "the quality of healthcare provided to our people," according to Politico.

According to a statement the Coast Guard sent to Beckers Hospital Review, the scope of the EHR project expanded from seeking an EHR into a "Service-wide Health, Safety and Workalike IT re-engineering project. The expansion of scope increased the cost and technical complexity of the project."

The Coast Guard said it continues to review and close out contract matters and any outstanding invoices, payments or potential claims. Additionally, the Coast Guard will renew its search for a new EHR.

"The Coast Guard has reset its pursuit of an EHR system and will use its formal acquisition process to update requirements and conduct a detailed analysis of possible alternatives," according to the statement. The Coast Guard does not yet have a projected EHR implementation timeline.

Note: This article was updated April 25 to include additional comments from the U.S. Coast Guard.

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The U.S. Agency for International Development is funding a Zika intervention platform, developed by Cambridge, Mass.-based software company Dimagi and New York City-based Arnhold Institute for Global Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

The project links satellite imagery from the company DigitalGlobe with the Arnhold Institute's Health Equity Atlas platform. The goal is to use predictive algorithms to locate and assess vulnerable areas where health, demographic and other population data is absent, to determine risk for a Zika epidemic. The project will be implemented with the help of TulaSalud, a Guatemalan nonprofit, which has built a health worker digital service on Dimagi's mobile app development platform.

"Information gaps exacerbate vulnerabilities to health crises, and we know that when epidemics strike, and health inequities are present, resources are naturally diverted to areas where there is known information about confirmed cases or well-defined infrastructure for intervention," said Prabhjot Singh, MD, PhD, director of the Arnhold Institute for Global Health.
When she raised her hand to help a man during a medical emergency on a flight from Houston to Detroit, Tamika Cross, MD, a resident at University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, was asked by a Delta Air Lines flight attendant to put her hand down because, "[They were] looking for actual physicians or nurses or some type of medical personnel," Dr. Cross recounted on Facebook.

In the now-viral Facebook post, which has spurred a Delta investigation and a social media campaign, the Houston Ob/Gyn wrote, "I'm sure many of my fellow young, corporate America working women of color can all understand my frustration when I say I'm sick of being disrespected." According to Dr. Cross, the flight attendant deferred to a "'seasoned' white male" to address the emergency instead.

Dr. Cross' post, which has been shared more than 48,000 times, illustrates an experience many black physicians face. "After a decade of schooling, after finishing medical school and starting my residency, it's maddening when people misunderstand the role I play in the clinical setting  even when I've introduced myself, I'm wearing my credentials, and I'm wearing my long white coat," Jennifer Adaeze Okwerekwu, MD, wrote in a response column for STAT, sharing her experience as a black female physician.

Dr. Cross' experience has also erupted on Twitter as other black female physicians Tweet their support.

.@Delta I got MD in '92 from @JeffersonUniv. We're not new or a novelty. Sad this is needed.Sadder I'm not surprised. #WhatADoctorLooksLike pic.twitter.com/eVWmo732Ma  Dr. Donna (@DonnaHamiltonMD) October 14, 2016

Ageism, sexism and racism are all very real in medicine. Thanks for speaking up #TamikaCross. #WhatADoctorLooksLike pic.twitter.com/o00eJZe1SU  M Melton (@MMeltonUT) October 15, 2016

Delta issued a statement Friday that it is investigating the occurrence. "We are troubled by any accusations of discrimination and take them very seriously. The experience Dr. Cross has described is not reflective of Delta's culture or of the values our employees live out every day. We are in the process of conducting a full investigation. We've reached out to Dr. Cross to speak with her directly, talked with our crew members and we're reaching out to customers who were onboard to gather as much information as we can," the statement reads.

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The following healthcare mergers, acquisitions and general partnerships took place or were announced in the past week.

1. NJ officials extend deadline for proposals to operate Bergen Regional

State officials extended the deadline to submit prospective contracts to the Bergen County Improvement Authority, which owns Paramus, N.J.-based Bergen Regional Medical Center, to take over operations at the hospital until Dec. 2.

2. UCHealth, Associates in Family Medicine expand partnership

Aurora-based University of Colorado Health and Fort Collins, Colo.-based Associates in Family Medicine plan to expand their current partnership to create a wider, more integrated health network for northern Colorado residents.

3. Prospect Medical Holdings acquires Waterbury Hospital

Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings acquired a majority of Greater Waterbury (Conn.) Health Network's assets, including Waterbury (Conn.) Hospital.

4. Mid Dakota Clinic may move forward on Sanford Health merger

Bismarck, N.D.-based Mid Dakota Clinic officials may move forward on the potential merger with Sioux Falls, N.D-based Sanford Health.

5. Clinch Valley Medical Center named Duke LifePoint quality affiliate

Richlands, Va.-based Clinch Valley Medical Center was named a Duke LifePoint Quality Affiliate due to the medical center's efforts to continually strive for and improve their standards of quality care, performance and patient engagement.

6. Report: Several potential buyers eye JFK Medical Center

Several potential buys expressed interest in purchasing JFK Medical Center, an independent hospital up for sale in Edison, N.J.

7. Maury Regional, TriStar Health embark on behavioral health affiliation

Columbia, Tenn.-based Maury Regional Medical Center and Brentwood, Tenn.-based TriStar Health will embark on a $24.4 million venture to build a 60-bed behavioral health hospital in Columbia, Tenn.

8. Sheltering Arms Hospital, VCU Health System propose rehabilitation hospital

Mechanicsville, Va.-based Sheltering Arms Hospital and Richmond-based Virginia Commonwealth University Health System embarked on a joint venture to combine both institutions' current inpatient rehabilitation programs.

9. Northwell Health purchases Eastern Suffolk Cardiology

Southampton, N.Y.-based Eastern Suffolk Cardiology was the latest medical organization to join Great Neck, N.Y.-based Northwell Health.

10. Childrens Hospital, Nebraska Medicine look to enhance relationship

Omaha, Neb.-based Children's Hospital & Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine, also in Omaha, are exploring new partnership options, including the possibility of creating an integrated health network.

11. WVU partners with Garrett Regional Medical Center on heart and vascular clinic

Morgantown-based West Virginia University Heart and Vascular Institute and Oakland, Md.-based Garrett Regional Medical Center joined forces to open a cardiovascular clinic.

12. Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Yale-New Haven Hospital consider pediatric partnership

Hartford-based Connecticut Children's Medical Center and Yale-New Haven (Conn.) Hospital are reportedly discussing a pediatric care partnership.

13. RiverBend Medical Group to join Mercy Medical, Sisters of Providence: 3 things to know

RiverBend Medical Group, a Massachusetts-based healthcare practice with offices in Agawam, Chicopee, Springfield, Westfield and Wilbraham, joined Mercy Medical Center and its parent company, Sisters of Providence Health System, both based in Springfield, Mass.

14. Porter Medical Center to sign letter of intent with University of Vermont Health Network

Officials from Middlebury, Vt.-based Porter Medical Center and Burlington-based University of Vermont Health Network unanimously signed a non-binding letter of intent to negotiate a potential partnership.
Penn State Milton S. Hershey (Pa.) Medical Center and Harrisburg, Pa.-based PinnacleHealth System have abandoned their plan to merge due to the time and cost of continuing to fight the Federal Trade Commission.

Here are six things to know about the transaction.

1. Hershey Medical Center and PinnacleHealth announced their merger plan last June. In December, the FTC and Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane objected to the proposed integration of the two organizations.

2. In the complaint opposing the transaction, the FTC and the attorney general said the merged entity would control approximately 64 percent of the hospital market in Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry and Lebanon counties, which would likely lead to increased healthcare costs and reduced quality of care for local residents.

3. During a week-long trial in April, Pinnacle and Hershey argued the deal is about attaining efficiencies and fending off encroachment from systems outside the immediate area. Antitrust regulators argued the combined entity would have a monopoly and insurers would be forced to meet Hershey-Pinnacle's requests for higher reimbursements if the merger goes through.

4. In May, Judge John E. Jones III issued a 26-page ruling, denying the FTC's motion for a preliminary injunction. The judge found the FTC failed to meet its burden to show it was likely to ultimately succeed on the merits of its antitrust claim. The FTC appealed the ruling.

5. On Sep. 27, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued a decision that reversed Judge Jones' ruling. Under the decision issued by the three-judge appeals panel, the lower court issued an injunction preventing the Hershey-Pinnacle merger from moving forward pending the outcome of an administrative hearing on the transaction.

6. Pinnacle and Penn State Hershey officials said they are disappointed by the appeals court's decision. "We firmly believe the integration of our two health systems would have served the best interests of patients and the entire central Pennsylvania community," the systems said in a statement released Friday. "But given the time and cost associated with continuing litigation, Pinnacle Health and the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center have decided to bring our integration efforts to a close."

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The global wellness industry grew from a $3.36 trillion market in 2013 to $3.72 trillion in 2015, according to research released Monday by the Global Wellness Institute.

The findings were recently presented at the Global Wellness Summit in Kitzbuhel, Austria  and the in-depth report, the 2016 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, with detailed data on regional and national wellness markets, will be released in early 2017.

Here are five other research findings.

1. The wellness industry now represents 5.1 percent of global economic output.

2. Wellness expenditures are now nearly half as large as total global health expenditures ($7.6 trillion).

3. Among the 10 wellness markets analyzed, the fastest growing from 2013 through 2015 were:

Preventative/personalized medicine and public health (+23.5 percent)

Fitness and mind-body (+21.4 percent)

Wellness lifestyle real estate (+18.6 percent)

Wellness tourism (+14 percent)

Healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss (+12.8 percent)

4. The researchers also forecasted five wellness markets through 2020, with wellness tourism projected to be the No. 1 growth leader at 7.5 percent annual growth expected.

5. In a statement, Ophelia Yeung, senior research fellow at GWI, said the institute expects big wellness spending by consumers, governments and employers will continue due to an emerging global middle class, a rapidly aging world population, a chronic disease and stress epidemic, the failure of the 'sick-care' medical model, and a growing subset of (more affluent, educated) consumers seeking experiences rooted in meaning, purpose, authenticity and nature.

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From a New York City physician charged with manslaughter in the death of one of his patients to a former health clinic CEO sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in a healthcare fraud scheme, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements making headlines.

1. Former health clinic CEO sentenced to 18 years in fraud case

The former CEO of two Alabama health clinics was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in a fraud scheme.

2. Whistle-blower claims SC hospital violated Stark Law, False Claims Act

A former employee of Spartanburg (S.C.) Regional Healthcare System claims the health system filed false claims with government payers and paid physicians more than fair market value.

3. Physicians, pharmacy owners charged in $100M healthcare fraud scheme

Ten defendants, including physicians and pharmacy owners, were charged in a 35-count superseding indictment for their roles in a $100 million healthcare fraud scheme.

4. UPMC faces 4th mold death lawsuit

As of Oct. 12, Pittsburgh-based UPMC is facing its fourth lawsuit over a mold outbreak discovered in September 2015.

5. NYC physician charged with manslaughter in patient's death

A New York physician with a practice in Queens was charged with second-degree manslaughter after one of his patients bled to death due to complications during an abortion he performed July 9.

6. Investor sues Tenet after $514M kickback deal: 7 things to know

A shareholder filed a putative class-action lawsuit against Tenet Healthcare, claiming the Dallas-based for-profit hospital operator made false and misleading statements about its business, which caused shareholders to suffer losses.

7. Woman uses fake credentials to work as a nurse at Reedsburg Medical Center

A Wisconsin woman faces felony charges after reportedly using false credentials to work as a nurse at Reedsburg (Wis.) Area Medical Center.

8. Hedge fund to take Theranos to court

A San Francisco-based hedge fund filed a civil lawsuit against Palo Alto, Calif.-based blood test startup Theranos.

9. Radiologists accuse Montana hospital of False Claims Act violations

Two radiologists allege Bozeman (Mont.) Health Deaconess Hospital submitted millions of dollars in false claims to government payers as part of an illegal kickback scheme.

10. Metro Health secures $1M settlement against former executive

Wyoming, Mich.-based Metro Health Hospital entered into a $1 million settlement with Laura Staskiewicz, the former head of the health system's foundation.

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A measure to legalize physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients in Colorado will be on the state's ballot this November, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Under Proposition 106, mentally competent adults who have six months or less to live can chose to end their lives through physician-prescribed medication. If approved, Colorado would become the fifth state to OK the treatment.

The Colorado Medical Society conducted a survey about physicians' take on the issue this year and found 56 percent of respondents favored the bill while 35 percent opposed it, according to the report.

While proponents for the bill argue individuals should have the right to include assisted suicide as a treatment option, opponents counter the bill puts those who cannot make personal decisions at the will of caretakers. Others argue insurers will begin turning down care if physician-assisted suicide is a legal option.

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The former CEO of two Alabama health clinics has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in a fraud scheme, according to the Department of Justice.

According to the DOJ, 53-year-old Jonathan Dunning left his post as CEO of Birmingham (Ala.) Health Care and Central Alabama Comprehensive Health in Tuskegee in 2008. However, he continued to exercise control over the two nonprofit health clinics and diverted government funds meant for the clinics to his own for-profit companies, according to the DOJ.

In June, a federal jury convicted Mr. Dunning of 62 counts of wire fraud, 33 counts of money laundering and two counts of bank fraud. A jury also found him guilty of one count of conspiracy, finding that he conspired with another person to commit wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering.

Over a seven-year period, Mr. Dunning defrauded HHS, the Health Resources and Service Administration, the two clinics, a credit union and others out of more than $16 million, according to the government's sentencing memorandum.

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Cincinnati-based Omnicare, one of the nation's largest nursing home pharmacies, agreed to pay $28.125 million to resolve allegations the company received kickbacks from Chicago-based pharmaceutical company Abbott Laboratories to promote a prescription drug for epilepsy, according to the Department of Justice.

According to a government complaint, Omnicare allegedly disguised the kickbacks it received from Abbott as "grants" and "educational funding." Omnicare also allegedly solicited substantial contributions from Abbott and other pharmaceutical manufacturers to its "Re*View" program, which the company said was an "educational program," but officials claim was another way to disguise the funds. The complaint alleges that Omnicare received payments in exchange for promoting the prescription drug Depakote, manufactured by Abbott, to nursing home patients.

Officials also claim Omnicare entered into agreements with Abbott by which Omnicare was entitled to rebates from Abbott based on the number of nursing home residents serviced and the amount of Depakote prescribed per resident. The complaint also alleges that Abbott funded Omnicare management's retreats in Amelia Island, Florida, offered executives tickets to sporting events and made other payments to Omnicare pharmacies.

The lawsuit was filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provision of the False Claims Act. According to the settlement agreement, Meredith McCoyd and Richard Spetter, two former Abbott employees who filed the initial lawsuit, will receive $3 million. Approximately $20.3 million will go to the federal government while $7.8 million was allocated to cover Medicaid program claims by states that elected to participate in the settlement.
Former physicians and nurses of New Hampshire Hospital claim their concerns about a staffing contract for the Concord-based psychiatric hospital are supported by documents released Friday to Chair of the New Hampshire Republican Party Jennifer Horn in response to a Right-to-Know request, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader.

The Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine opted to not renew its contract with New Hampshire Hospital in June, despite providing psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners to the hospital for years.

After the contract with Dartmouth College expired, NHH awarded a new staffing contract to Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth-Hitchcock. The contract was approved Sept. 7, but was rescinded two weeks later amid the controversy surrounding the bidding process.

The documents released Friday reportedly show direct communication between former New Hampshire Hospital CMO David Folks, MD, a Dartmouth College employee, his assistant and state officials regarding the staffing contract for NHH. The emails reportedly revealed that Dr. Folks provided significant input on Dartmouth-Hitchcock's bid to provide staff to NHH, according to the article. Dr. Folks announced his resignation from the hospital in January.

While Dartmouth College and Dartmouth-Hitchcock are separate organizations, they reportedly collaborate in a number of areas, according to the article.

The claim that Dr. Folks and other hospital employees collaborated with the state in crafting a proposal for Dartmouth-Hitchcock was widely distributed by a group physicians and nurses in a letter mailed June 11. The group left the hospital amid a labor dispute with Dartmouth-Hitchcock.

Based on the emails released Friday, Ms. Horn plans to call for an investigation into the contract in a complaint filed with the Executive Branch Ethics Committee, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock did not immediately respond to Becker's Hospital Review's request for comment.
United States Secretary of State John Kerry and a group of 15 U.S. Senators issued two separate letters to the United Nations, urging the international body to add two chemicals essential for fentanyl production to a list of controlled substances, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The letter from Secretary Kerry was reportedly sent to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon the week of Oct. 3. In the letter, Mr. Kerry requested that fentanyl ingredients NPP and ANPP be added to list of controlled substances by a U.N. convention that regulates narcotics internationally.

According The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Kerry wrote, "The United States is currently experiencing an epidemic of overdose deaths linked to opioids including fentanyl-laced heroin ... [the U.S.] urgently requests your assistance in expediting this chemical control action."

In the letter signed by 15 U.S. senators, dated Oct. 13, addressed to Werner Sipp, the president of the International Narcotics Control Board based in Vienna, which advises the U.N., the elected officials wrote, "As a result of recent international efforts to reduce illegal shipments of fentanyl, many traffickers are now seeking its precursors NPP and ANPP directly. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that traffickers often purchase these precursor chemicals from companies in China, and ship them to transnational criminal organizations located in Mexico, who then illicitly manufacture fentanyl on the U.S. border."

According to The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Kerry's letter triggers a formal review process, which will be conducted by the INCB.

Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than morphine. The Drug Enforcement Agency believes hundreds of thousands of counterfeit pills laced with the substance have infiltrated the U.S. drug market. Heroin cut with Fentanyl has been linked to a string of overdose deaths in the U.S.

If NPP and ANPP are added to the U.N. list of controlled substances, countries would be required to monitor their export and inform recipient countries of any planned shipments, according to The Wall Street Journal.

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Indian Health Services, a branch of HHS, is the principal federal healthcare provider for American Indians and Alaska Natives. While providers at these facilities are charged with caring for one of the nation's most vulnerable population, IHS hospital administrators report several significant, interrelated challenges that hinder the quality of care at their facilities, according to a new report from HHS' Office of the Inspector General.

While the Obama administration has proposed increasing funding for IHS from $402 million to $6.6 billion for fiscal year 2017, the challenges facing these facilities are considerable and may contribute to the serious health issues afflicting the Native American population, according to an article from The Washington Post.

Here are four things to know about the challenges facing IHS hospitals.

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1. Access to care: The number of outpatients seen at IHS hospitals increased 70 percent (from 695,941 users to 1,181,613 users) from 1986 to 2013. The high patient volume can overburden these facilities due to limited capacity and services. Service limitations result in referrals to other non-IHS care providers. Due to funding constraints, not all referrals are approved. In 2013, 147,000 such referrals were denied. Many of the 28 IHS hospitals have limited capacity and are equipped with fewer than 50 beds. Remote locations also hinder care quality and patient access to care, with some post-acute care patients having to travel 100 to 200 miles to get to an IHS facility.

2. Physician vacancy: Despite the high influx of outpatients, few patients are admitted to inpatient wards at IHS hospitals, which contributes to low staff recruitment and physician retention. In 2014, the physician vacancy rate was 33 percent. The national average in 2013 was 8 percent.

3. Aging infrastructure: Major renovation projects at the two oldest IHS hospitals have not been conducted in nearly eight decades. According to the HHS report, a majority of IHS hospital administrators "reported that old or inadequate physical environments challenged their ability to provide quality care and maintain compliance with the CoPs (Conditions of Participation developed by CMS that must be met in order to participate in Medicare and Medicaid). For example, the aging structure in one IHS hospital caused sewage to leak into the operating room after its old pipes corroded."

4. Vulnerable population: Findings from a report from IHS on American Indian health trends in 2014 highlight the serious health challenges afflicting this demographic. When compared with the general population, death rates related to many conditions and adverse events are substantially higher among Indian and Alaska Natives, including alcohol related death rate (520 percent greater for American Indians and Alaska Natives), tuberculosis (450 percent greater), diabetes mellitus (177 percent greater), suicide (60 percent greater) and pneumonia and influenza (37 percent greater).

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., vice chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, told the Post via email that the HHS report "confirm[s] what I've heard from folks in Indian country for years: IHS needs serious reforms. Congress has a role to play by ensuring IHS has the resources it needs to provide care and recruit healthcare providers."

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Ariad Pharmaceutical investors lost $387 million Friday following a tweet from Sen. Bernie Sanders' (I-Vt.) twitter account that called out the drug company for its high prices in front of an audience of 2.6 million followers, reported The Next Web.

The tweet said, "Drug corporations' greed is unbelievable. Ariad has raised the price of a leukemia drug to almost $199,000 a year," and linked to a STAT article about the company's price hikes. The tweet was not signed with a "-B," indicating a staff member  not Sen. Sanders  wrote the post, according to the report.

Ariad raised the wholesale acquisition price of its leukemia drug Iclusig four times this year, according to STAT. The treatment costs more than $16,000 for a 30-day pack of pills, which amounts to $199,000 a year.

Cambridge, Mass.-based Ariad's shares dropped 15 percent on Friday afternoon in response to the tweet, costing investors $387 million, according to the report.



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Ministers have been challenged to show the costs and benefits of loosening ties with Brussels as campaigners published research showing 90% of exports went to countries which are, or could be, covered by EU deals.

Tory former business minister Anna Soubry said the Government should publish an analysis of the impact of leaving the single market before Theresa May triggers Article 50.

The Open Britain campaign pointed to House of Commons Library research showing that nearly all UK goods exports were covered by membership of the EU or trade deals currently being negotiated with Brussels.

But Brexit supporters have frequently highlighted the glacial pace of EU trade negotiations and claim the UK will be free to strike its own deals once outside of the EU.

The research shows that 47% of exports in 2015 went to the EU, 11% went to non-EU countries which have trade agreements with the bloc, 4% to countries where there is an agreement pending ratification and 28% to non-EU countries involved in trade talks.

Ms Soubry said: "This research demonstrates the huge advantages membership of the single market and the customs union has delivered and will continue to deliver for Britain. And it underlines the serious potential perils of pulling out of either.

"Those who argue for Britain to leave the customs union have not yet provided any evidence that doing so will make Britain better off. The onus is on them to do so.

"The Government should bring before Parliament serious cost-benefit analysis of the potential impact of leaving both the single market and the customs union. And whether their benefits can really be replicated outside. This must be done before Article 50 negotiations start."
The US beauty giant behind Rimmel London and Wella has swooped for British hair products firm GHD in a 420 million deal.

Coty has snapped up the hair straightener and hairdryer manufacturer from private equity firm Lion Capital, which is understood to have put the company up for sale earlier this year.

The all-cash deal is expected to be sealed by the end of 2016, if it wins the backing of regulators.

Camillo Pane, Coty chief executive, said: " Not only do we expect GHD to strengthen our professional hair portfolio and enable Coty to provide even better hair solutions, but we also believe there is strong growth potential for GHD across several markets."

The move for GHD, which stands for good hair day, comes just two weeks after Coty secured a merger with Procter & Gamble's Speciality Beauty Business.

GHD notched up revenues of 178 million in the 2015-16 financial year across its international operations in Europe, Australia, South Africa and the US.

Lyndon Lea, partner of Lion Capital, said: "Over the three years of our ownership, GHD grew worldwide sales by 30% through a strong pipeline of innovative new products, which deepened the brand's leadership in its core markets and supported its successful entry into new hairstyling categories."

US and Asian companies are said to have ramped up their interest in British firms as they look to capitalise on sterling's collapse following the EU referendum result.

However, it is unclear whether sterling's 18% drop against the US dollar since the Brexit vote had any bearing on Coty's decision.

Coty is one of the world's largest beauty companies, with 9 billion US dollars (7.4 billion) in revenues.
NatWest said it is closing Russia Today's UK accounts from December 12

State-sponsored broadcaster Russia Today (RT) will see its UK bank accounts closed by British lender NatWest.

RT's editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan, said in a Russian-language tweet: "Our accounts have been shut down in Britain. All of our accounts. 'The decision cannot be appealed'. Long live freedom of speech!"

An article posted on RT's website included a letter reportedly sent by NatWest to the broadcaster's London office.

It explained that the Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) would no longer offer its service to RT.

NatWest is owned by RBS Group.

"We have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities," the letter said.

"We assure you that we have only reached this decision after careful consideration; however our decision is final and we are not prepared to enter into any discussion in relation to it," it added.

All banking services will be closed as of December 12.

It comes amid heightened tensions between the West and Russia, over Moscow's military support of the Bashar Assad regime in Syria.

Britain and the United States are now considering economic sanctions against Russia and Syria.

A statement issued by RT pointed to the fact that the British Government owns 73% of RBS, dubbed the decision "incomprehensible" and accused the UK and Europe of ostracising the broadcaster.

It said: "RT has received a letter from NatWest, part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which has a significant shareholding by the UK Government, informing it that its UK banking facilities with the bank will be withdrawn without explanation or redress.

"This decision is incomprehensible, and without warning. It is, however, not at odds with the countless measures that have been undertaken in the UK and Europe over the last few years to ostracise, shout down, or downright impede the work of RT.

"RT UK will continue its operations uninterrupted."

Asked whether NatWest had informed the Government in advance of its move, Prime Minister Theresa May's official spokeswoman said that the decision was taken by the bank "independently".

"It is a matter for the bank and it is for them to decide who they offer services to, based on their own risk appetite," said the spokeswoman.

A statement issued by RBS said that the bank was currently "reviewing" the issue.

RBS said: "These decisions are not taken lightly. We are reviewing the situation and are contacting the customer to discuss this further. The bank accounts remain open and are still operative."
Northern Ireland's shops experienced a 3.3% year on year drop in footfall in September, according to figures released today.

Statistics published by Springboard and the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium have also revealed that Northern Ireland fared badly compared to the UK as a whole, which saw a 0.9% decline during the same period.

However, shopping centres did better than the high street in Northern Ireland - seeing a 0.6% year on year drop, compared to a 1.3% year on year drop on the high street.

In fact, Northern Ireland shopping centres bucked the national trend towards decline, with UK shopping centre footfall down at -1.3% year on year.

Diane Wehrle, marketing and insights director at Springboard, said that the rate of increase in footfall in retail parks is diminishing across the UK, with a decline in three months of this year and a lower average increase for the year to date, of 1.2% compared with 2.2% last year.

"Changes in their offer including family-friendly restaurants, coffee shops, libraries and cinemas heightened the attractiveness of these locations to shoppers and led to an uplift in footfall," she said.

"Inevitably this rate of increase slows.

"Moving forward into what should be the most lucrative trading period of the year, despite the challenges of a weaker pound and living wage costs, it is critical that staffing remains strong to deliver the level of customer service required to ensure retail destinations offer a quality customer experience."

Aodhan Connolly, NIRC director, said the figures show that even small amounts of uncertainty can change consumer behaviour.

He said this is particularly true as household discretionary income in Northern Ireland is around half of the UK average.

"That is why the NIRC is calling for negotiators to put consumers first in the forthcoming Brexit talks by ensuring their sights are firmly set on keeping shop prices low once the UK leaves the European Union," she said.

"Increased cost pressures on retailers could mean higher shop prices and identifying any opportunities for new trade deals that could benefit individuals and families is crucial.

"If the UK fell back on to World Trade Organisation rules the new tariff rates that the UK would apply to imports from the EU would be highest for consumer staples like food and clothing.

"Our key priorities for Brexit will be protecting our consumers, ensuring a fair deal for EU colleagues and working with the Government to promote growth during what will be a challenging time for retailers and the tens of thousands people they employ in Northern Ireland."
The sound of the pipes echoed around Stormont's Great Hall as musicians from all over Ireland gathered to mark International Uilleann Piping Day.

The fifth celebration of the unique Irish pipes at Parliament Buildings was organised by Co Down player Helena Rowsome Grimes.

Her father, Leo Rowsome, was a world-renowned player and maker, credited with helping the famous instrument to survive.

"He was the first Irish artist to appear on BBC TV and the first to play solo on the Irish radio station, 2RN. I honour him annually in organising this event at Stormont," she said.

During his career, Leo Rowsome taught some of today's best-known pipers, including Liam O'Flynn, who played at the funeral of Seamus Heaney.

Ms Rowsome Grimes said she hopes the event - hosted by Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann - will help keep the piping tradition alive.
Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy has joked that the 1970s handlebar moustache he grew for his latest action thriller was a "woman-repellent".

Murphy plays an IRA operative in Free Fire, Ben Wheatley's follow-up to High Rise, which involves an arms deal that goes wrong resulting in pandemonium and spraying bullets.

Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson, who brokers the deal, plays a mysterious businesswoman, while Elysium actor Sharlto Copley is a South African arms dealer. Luther actor Michael Smiley and Control star Sam Riley also feature in the thriller.

The cast members posed for selfies with fans as they walked the red carpet in Leicester Square alongside Wheatley to mark the end of the 60th London Film Festival.

Murphy said: "It's great - delighted it's the closing film, it's a big deal so hopefully people like it.

Asked what he did to prepare for the role he said: "I grew a moustache. That was it."

The actor, now clean-shaven, added that he missed it "terribly", but joked that it was "ba sically a woman-repellent".

His co-star Smiley concurred, saying the "moustache-fest" made them look like porn stars, while Copley said the "70s man" look had proved a hit with his wife, adding: "I think that certain men can carry a tache."

Wheatley said he felt "overwhelmed" to have his film premiering on the closing night of the film festival.

He said of filming: "Once we got the cast together ... I just couldn't believe my luck. And then every day when I came into work it was a joy."

London Film Festival head Clare Stewart said she was thrilled to be ending it with a film by a rising British director.

Of Wheatley's Free Fire she said: "This shows him in really liberated form, it's kind of ballsy, shoot 'em up, pays ode to the great cinema achievements of someone like Sam Peckinpah and it's a lot of fun."
There were tears in the eyes of UTV viewers last night as much-loved broadcaster Julian Simmons made his final live on-screen appearance on the channel as a continuity announcer.

The former flight attendant from Belfast has been presenting his chirpy bridges between shows for decades - and is particularly well known for his cheeky Coronation Street introductions, putting his own inimitable spin on the melodramatic plot lines.

Julian bowed out in style, dressed immaculately in a black suit and white bow tie.

While he will no longer be visible on our screens, his voice will remain a fixture on the channel.

His final in-vision appearance was marked across social media with sadness, with many describing it as the "end of an era".

One fan tweeted: "I grew up with Julian's monologues on UTV. A genuine local star and much maligned undeservedly. We'll miss him." Another joked: "PSNI report no major disturbances following Julian Simmons departure from UTV. But they did have riot vans on standby."

BBC broadcaster Stephen Nolan wrote of his sorrow at Julian's departure in Saturday's Belfast Telegraph, in an article that struck a chord with many.

Mr Nolan wrote: "Julian Simmons has been part of the lives of our grandparents, our parents, you and your children. And yet he will present his last shift in vision as a continuity presenter this weekend. We are not losing him altogether, we will hear his voice but we won't see him.

"And with that one decision, I, as a viewer, lose so much. Julian is part of our family in Northern Ireland, he is one of us and just like a relative, it is reassuring to see him."

Eamonn Holmes - who has just finished an 11-year stint on Sky's Sunrise - retweeted the article to his 900,000 followers saying: "If you live in N Ireland this is for you", adding: "Why we should treasure our local telly traditions".

Northern Ireland-born Labour MP Kate Hoey did the same, adding "so right".

And Co Down-born BBC newsreader, Maxine Mawhinney, said Nolan was "absolutely right".
Midwives traumatised by caring for parents who lose their babies are paying for their own counselling, it has been claimed.

It has also emerged that midwives in Northern Ireland only receive one hour of preparing for bereavement during their three years of training.

According to official figures, there were 76 stillbirths here in 2015, while one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage.

However, in response to a question from UUP MLA Jo-Anne Dobson, the Health Minister has revealed there is only two bereavement midwives in Northern Ireland - in the South Eastern and Belfast trusts.

Mrs Dobson said some distressed midwives have had to fund their own trauma therapy.

"It is a sad reflection that there are midwives out there who are paying for their own counselling," she said.

"Midwives need adequate training and support on how to deal with the very sad situation when a baby dies.

"We are failing the parents and we're failing midwives, who are caring professionals."

Some midwives have approached Sands NI, a stillbirth and neonatal death charity, for help.

Steve Guy, the regional coordinator from the charity, said: "We would like to see a bereavement midwife in every maternity unit in Northern Ireland.

"The role of the bereavement midwife is not only to look after the patients, but also to look after the staff.

"We do get calls from time to time from midwives who want to talk through an experience, and they always feel like they didn't do enough.

"Even when they talk through their story, and they have ticked every box as far as we are concerned about the level of care they provided, they still feel as though they didn't do enough.

"They are trained to bring life into the world and it is particularly difficult because one minute they could be looking after bereaved parents and then walking across the corridor the next minute to look after a live baby. I have the highest regard for the job that midwives do, they do the hardest job in the world, and that is why they need more support."

Mr Guy said the charity is working with universities here to increase the length of bereavement training provided to trainee midwives.

He also said it is vital that bereaved parents receive the best support possible.

"Everything that the parents experience during that time is crucial," said Mr Guy, whose daughter, Danielle, was stillborn at 38 weeks 23 years ago.

"I know Danielle was 7lbs 9oz, that she was born at 10.40am, but ask me about my other children and I have trouble remembering their birthdays sometimes," he explained.

Meanwhile, Ms Dobson said she was horrified to hear of the lack of services available to both parents and midwives.

She urged the Health Minister to act to address the situation.

"It is the case that the focus is always on a healthy birth, rather than considering the support, care and counsel required for parents after a stillbirth or neonatal death," she said.

"Parents are being let down at a tragic moment in their lives when they are at their most vulnerable."

Health Minister Michelle O'Neill said she recognises the role of the bereavement midwife as a "significant asset".

She said: "All trusts have bereavement co-ordinators who work within trusts to develop bereavement care, standards and training for all types of bereavement, including miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death.

"Midwives undergo bereavement training on how to support and care for grieving parents."
An area of the north coast was sealed off last night following the discovery of a suspected explosive device

An area of the north coast was sealed off last night following the discovery of a suspected explosive device.

A small cylinder-shaped object aroused suspicion yesterday, when it was found close to Cushendun Gaelic club.

It is not yet known whether it is an older war time bomb, or a more recent explosive device.

The area is expected to remain secured until this morning, when it is expected that army experts will inspect what has been found.

Following the end of the Second World War in 1945, huge quantities of munitions were dumped at sea in Beauforts Dyke in the Irish Sea, a sea trench between the Rhins of Galloway and Northern Ireland.

The Ministry of Defence estimates that more than a million tonnes of weapons were dumped in the long narrow trough.

Despite the passage of time, some munitions still occasionally make it to our shores.

In 2012, a young boy had a lucky escape after finding a live wartime mortar on the beach at Magilligan in Co Londonderry.

It was the third wartime bomb that had washed up on a Northern Irish shore in that year.

It was made safe by army bomb disposal experts.
Helen Deery, whose brother Manus was killed by the Army in 1972 in the Bogside in Londonderry

The memorial to Manus Deery in Meenan Square in Derry. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 16.10.16

An inquest into the death of a teenage boy killed by the Army in highly controversial circumstances in Londonderry opens today.

Fifteen-year-old Manus Deery was shot dead as he ate chips with his friends in the Bogside in May 1972.

He had left home with a comic magazine tucked into the back of his trousers.

The soldier who fired the fatal shot was never prosecuted, despite an official admission that the Army's own 'yellow card' guidelines - stating when the military can open fire - had been broken.

Manus's shooting became one of the most controversial killings during the Troubles in Derry.

The Attorney General, John Larkin, ordered a new inquest into the death in 2012.

A range of military and civilian witnesses will give evidence to the inquest which is expected to last a fortnight.

Helen Deery, Manus's sister, last night told the Belfast Telegraph: "For 44 years, my family have fought for justice. We finally seem to be getting somewhere with the opening of this inquest.

"Manus was an innocent child whose young life was brutally taken from him.

"He did nothing wrong.

"At the beginning, the British Army claimed that he was a gunman - that wasn't true. He wasn't rioting either.

"Manus was eating a bag of chips and chatting to his friends when a soldier opened fire on him."

Helen said that her brother's shooting had destroyed her family.

"I was only 13 when Manus was killed," she said.

"He was a boy's boy.

"He loved music, cowboy books and wee girls.

"He was always playing truant from school and raiding orchards for apples.

"Everything changed for ever on the night that Manus was taken from us.

"I came home from babysitting to find my mother sedated in my father's arms.

"Losing their son took a massive toll on my parents' health. They were never the same again.

"When they passed away, the rest of us pledged to continue the campaign to have the truth told about what happened to Manus.

"We have been through so much over the years, our hearts have been broken so many times.

"We don't want to get our hopes up too high with this inquest, but we are cautiously optimistic that the truth will at last be told."

A previous inquest held in 1973 returned an open verdict.

The family hope that this one will conclude that the Derry teenager was unlawfully killed.

Just weeks earlier, Manus had started working in the Thomas French factory in Springtown.

He received his first pay packet hours before he was killed.

Helen said: "Manus had his own money in his pocket for the first time in his life.

"That evening, life seemed full of promise for him.

"He had everything in front of him.

"He bought a Bee Gees' record with his wages, and gave my mother some money.

"He went out to see his friends.

"He had a Commando comic tucked into the back of his trousers.

"He knew he would be meeting Margaret McCool - a wee girl he was mad about - and he didn't want her to know he was still reading comics."

Manus bought chips from the local chippy, the Scooby Doo.

He was standing with his friends in Meenan Square, close to the Bogside Inn, when he was shot by a soldier firing from Derry's Walls.

"Margaret McCool held his head in her lap as he lay dying. That was always a comfort to us," said Helen.

She recalled how her brother had brought the family dog with him to meet his friends.

"Freddy was with Manus when he was shot.

"After that, he always refused to go into that street.

"One evening, not long before my brother was killed, he had gone to the army barracks about Freddy.

"He told them that Freddy Deery, who had black hair and brown eyes, was missing.

"It was only when Manus mentioned the grey hair in his tail that the soldiers realised he meant a dog.

"That was how innocent Manus was."

Soldier A, who fired one high-velocity bullet, which hit Manus in the head, has since died.

But Soldier B, who was with him but didn't fire, will give evidence to the inquest from behind a screen.

Both soldiers insisted that they had spotted a gunman.

The soldiers' commanding officer will give evidence.

The inquest will also hear from police, medical and civilian witnesses.

Neither soldier A nor B had to appear at the original 1973 inquest at which the family weren't legally represented.

The soldiers' depositions - later given to the family - were illegible, Helen claimed.

"We fought for years to see the RUC investigation file. When we eventually got it, we couldn't believe it," she said.

"There was a statement from our mother 'Margaret'. Our mother's name was Mary and the RUC had never taken a statement from her.

"There was also a statement from Manus's 'cousin James'.

"We have no cousin James."

A report of a re-enactment of the circumstances of the controversial shooting, which took place in May, will form a central part of the evidence at the inquest.
James Hall posted this picture on social media after he claimed he was attacked for being gay

A young gay man has spoken out after being a victim of a homophobic hate crime after a night out in Belfast.

James Hall (24) claims he was attacked by a man in an unprovoked incident after he responded to him when he was called an offensive homophobic name in the early hours of Sunday morning.

He says that he was standing at a bar in Little Donegall Street area when two men walked past him and began to call him names.

Mr Hall told the Belfast Telegraph: "Granted because I was drunk, I said to them, 'What's your problem?"

"But just because I said that, one of them came up and literally just started to hit me. Why?"

He says he was beaten about the face and has bruises and cuts around his eyes.

"This just has to stop," added Mr Hall.

"I mean, it's 2016 and this is still happening. It's disgusting.

"Not just to me because I'm gay but all hate crime. This needs to be addressed."

Earlier, Mr Hall had been socialising with friends in the Boom Box mat where met the Hollyoaks star and Blue star Duncan James who was making a personal appearance.

He reported the attack to the police and says he will seek medical help today.

Police have confirmed that they are treating the attack as a hate crime.

Inspector Antony Frazer said: "We are appealing for information following the report of an assault on a man in the Little Donegall Street area of Belfast at approximately 3.00am this morning, Sunday, 16 October.

"We would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this assault to contact Police at Tennent Street on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 290 16/10/16. Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111."
A charity has reported a sharp rise in the number of children contacting it about online porn

A charity has reported a sharp rise in the number of children contacting it about online porn.

Childline said it has seen a 60% year-on-year increase in counselling sessions, with young people left worried after viewing adult material.

The NSPCC's round-the-clock helpline provided 844 counselling sessions to children from across the UK in the last year.

That is up significantly from the 529 sessions in 2014/15.

In Northern Ireland, volunteers for the 24/7 service carried out 56 in-depth counselling sessions about the problem last year, compared to 36 sessions in 2014/15.

Over half of contacts were from children aged 12 to 15. There was also a rise in children aged 11 and under contacting them about the problem.

The figures were revealed as the NSPCC publishes a new report called, What Should I Do?, about adults and children contacting the charity's helplines over online issues.

Many of the children who contacted Childline said they felt "ashamed", "guilty" and "addicted" after viewing porn online.

Some said they were being pressured into watching it by other young people.

One teenage girl said: "My boyfriend told me he likes watching porn, so I said I'd watch it with him. I wish I hadn't because, I've felt insecure about my body ever since.

"All the girls in the porn films were so pretty and perfect, so it's left me feeling fat and ugly."

Recent research by the NSPCC found that young people are as likely to see online porn accidentally as search for it, and that repeated viewing can lead them to see porn as realistic.

The NSPCC believes that current proposals for all porn websites to require age verification, currently being debated in the Digital Economy Bill in Parliament, do not go far enough.

The charity is also concerned that penalties will be shrugged off by companies who breach the legislation.

Neil Anderson, head of the NSPCC in Northern Ireland, said, "It is very worrying that children are learning about sex in this way and the impact of young people viewing porn online cannot be underestimated.

"It can have far-reaching consequences, with children often believing they should be acting on the porn they've seen and it can affect how they view and develop in their own adult relationships.

"Better campaigning and education on the dangers online is needed for children to give them the ability to keep themselves safe.

"We also want parents to get involved with what their children are doing online and to give them the confidence to have conversations with their children about what they are doing online."

In the past six months, web traffic to the NSPCC's parent advice on protecting young people from the impact of porn increased by 58%.

Last week, the Belfast Telegraph reported how sex crime in Northern Ireland has risen by more than 60% in the last six years. The number of reported rapes has reached an all-time high, including cases of stranger rapes, which have doubled in 12 months.

There were 3,037 sex crimes in 2015/16 - up from 1,927 in 2010/11.
Police are investigating an altercation in the Castle Street/King Street area of Belfast City Centre at around midday today, Monday 17 October. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Police are investigating an altercation in the Castle Street/King Street area of Belfast City Centre at around midday today, Monday 17 October. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

A man has been taken to hospital with suspected stab wounds after an altercation in Belfast city centre.

Police are investigating an altercation in the Castle Street/King Street area at around 12pm on Monday October 17.

A man aged in his 20s is being treated in hospital for what is believed to be two stab wounds.

Police have said his condition is not described as life threatening.

A woman aged in her 20s sustained a punch to her face during the incident.

A section of King Street remains closed while police carry out enquiries.

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the altercation or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact detectives in Musgrave Police Station on 101 quoting reference number 482 of 17/10/16. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111.
A petition demanding justice for victims of Libyan-sponsored terrorism has gathered more than 12,000 signatures.

The campaign is being fronted by John Murray, who was a friend and colleague of murdered police officer Yvonne Fletcher.

Mr Murray was standing feet away from PC Fletcher when she was gunned down outside the Libyan embassy in London on April 17, 1984.

For 32 years, he has fought to bring her killers before the courts and demanded Libya compensate victims killed in Gaddafi-funded IRA plots, such as the 1996 Docklands bombing, which claimed two lives.

Now he is calling on Prime Minister Theresa May to unblock 9.5 billion in frozen Libyan assets held in the UK to help victims.

Mr Murray said that the US, Germany and other countries had already secured compensation from the Libyan government for victims with life-changing injuries and families who lost loved ones.

"The UK government to date has not pursued any compensation on behalf of UK victims," he said.

"This is wrong, an affront to justice and immoral."

The issue is currently being debated in Parliament in an Asset Freezing Compensation Bill.

But Mr Murray fears the government won't support it.

"It has had its second reading and now is the time to show the government how much the public are backing this - if we don't, they may block it," he added.

He urged people: "In the name of humanity, support this petition by signing and help all those, including the Libyan people, get what they deserve.

"All the UK victims want is to be treated like all the others, I see nothing wrong in that."

PC Fletcher was one of 50 officers policing a protest against Col Muammar Gaddafi's regime outside the embassy, when she was hit by a burst of gunfire from a first-floor window.

Her killer has never been caught.

Mr Murray recalled: "In the ambulance en-route to hospital, I promised Yvonne I would find her murderer - those were the last words she heard before dying."

Scores of IRA bombs in the 1980s and 1990s used Semtex supplied by Gaddafi.

US victims of the Lockerbie bomb were paid compensation by Libya, but a number of UK citizens suing the country have so far received nothing.

Earlier this year, it emerged that Libyan assets in the UK were worth 9.5bn.

In June, Conservative peer Viscount Younger of Leckie said accessing the frozen Libyan assets for victims would be a breach of human rights laws, which protect the right to property and a fair trial.

Of the 12,330 who have signed Mr Murray's petition, many voiced their anger on the lack of progress for victims like Yvonne Fletcher.

Christopher Magrath in Chichester said: "Yvonne was a friend of mine and the UK government have been hiding the truth for years."

Brian Cherek from Munlochy said: "As a retired officer, I feel totally disgusted with what has happened in this tragic matter."

David Jagger from Aldington commented: "I ran the cordons around St James's Square. Unlike so many other 'unresolved' crimes, this one is outstanding. Shame on the government for paying so little attention to the death of this public servant."
Nine Northern Ireland politicians are among 50 from across the UK who have urged Theresa May to give the green light to a new runway at Heathrow

Nine Northern Ireland politicians are among 50 from across the UK who have urged Theresa May to give the green light to a new runway at Heathrow.

The Prime Minister is due to make a decision imminently on expanding the UK's busiest airport.

It is thought a compromise option of new runways at both Heathrow and Gatwick is highly unlikely.

The decision is politically sensitive given the opposition to Heathrow expansion within Mrs May's own Cabinet and party, and it was repeatedly delayed by her predecessor David Cameron.

Now MPs and representatives from the devolved assemblies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have called on the PM to back expansion of the west London hub.

The group includes DUP MPs Nigel Dodds, Jim Shannon and Gavin Robinson, and the party's Lagan Valley MLA Paul Givan.

Ulster Unionist MLAs Alan Chambers and Steve Aiken have also signed the letter, as has TUV leader Jim Allister, Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson and SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan.

Former Cabinet minister Stephen Crabb and Welsh Labour's Stephen Kinnock have added their support.

The letter tells Mrs May: "Although Heathrow is in London, it is the UK's hub airport.

"Other countries are investing in and supporting their hub, or looking on enviously as they hub through other countries.

"Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all have our own successful and growing airports.

"But Heathrow is our gateway to the world, bringing tourists to our attractions and helping our exporters reach new markets. Whether we are connected by road, rail or air, we know that connections to Heathrow are a key driver of investment decisions.

"Expanding Heathrow will create nearly four times more jobs in our three nations than the other options considered. Heathrow expansion is important for each of our nations remaining open, outward-looking, and trading globally.

"We urge you to act in the interests of all the nations of the UK and urgently approve the expansion of Heathrow."

Mrs May's Cabinet sub-committee on airports is due to meet shortly to examine the arguments for the three options set out in last year's Airports Commission report.

The commission recommended in July 2015 that a third runway should be built at Heathrow.

Other shortlisted options are extending the airport's existing northern runway or building a second runway at Gatwick.

Tory MP Zac Goldsmith has warned Mrs May she faces losing Conservative MPs and councils if she goes for Heathrow. The unsuccessful London mayoral candidate, who has promised to quit the Commons if Mrs May goes for Heathrow, said expanding the hub would prove to be a "political millstone" for her.

Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, he said: "There is no doubt that despite huge gains against the Liberal Democrats in west London in recent years, the Conservative Party would be badly damaged in the event that Heathrow gets a green light.

"I promised voters I would step down and hold a by-election if Heathrow gets the go-ahead and I will stand by that pledge, but the fallout will be much wider, and it will be hard for our brilliant local councils to weather the storm."
A man who collapsed at a property in Bushmills over the weekend has died. Picture Kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Bushmills.

It's thought the man was in his 40s and was originally from Scotland but had been living and working in Co Antrim.

He collapsed in a house in the Woodvale area and was rushed to hospital on Sunday where he later died.

There was shock in Bushmills as news of the death spread.

North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey expressed his sympathy.

He said: It is a very sad time for those who knew him and of course his family, who are now mourning his loss.

"I express my deepest sympathies to the man's family. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this very sad time.

A PSNI spokesman said police are investigating the sudden death and a post-mortem is to be carried out to determine the cause.
The scene of a shooting incident in the Glenwood Drive area of west Belfast

A man has been shot up to six times in the legs in a paramilitary-style shooting in west Belfast.

A police spokesman said the male victim is aged 56 and that the shooting took place in the Glenwood Drive area of Poleglass, on the outskirts of west Belfast at around 7.45pm.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries.

It is understood that the man is from the Ardoyne area of north Belfast.

Residents gathered following the incident to express their shock and offer support to each other.

Sinn Fein councillor, Stephen Magennis, spoke to some of the people in the area after the attack had taken place. Condemning the incident, he said: "I don't yet know the full circumstances of the incident, but guns should not be brought on to our streets."

It is the latest so-called 'punishment shooting' in a series of similar attacks.

On September 30, a man was dragged into an alleyway in the lower Falls area of west Belfast and shot twice in each leg. The attack was carried out by two men on Bread Street, beside St Peter's Cathedral.

In June, members of the public took part in a rally at Belfast City Hall in protest at the rise in paramilitary attacks.

Earlier that week, two men had been targeted in separate attacks in north and west Belfast, within the space of an hour.

In April, north Belfast taxi driver, Michael McGibbon (33), died from his injuries after being shot three times in the leg in an alleyway at Butler Place.

Investigative journalism website, The Detail, reported earlier this year that violent paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland has resulted in 1,100 bombings and shootings over the past 10 years, along with almost 800 so-called punishment attacks and 4,000 cases of people being forced out of their homes.

PSNI Inspector, Tony Frazer, has appealed to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has any information, to contact police officers at Woodbourne Station on the non-emergency number 101.
(Left to right) Adrianne Peltz of Amnesty International, Kellie Armstrong and David Ford of the Alliance Party, Claire Bailey of the Green Party and Patrick Corrigan of Amnesty International, deliver a petition calling for a change in Northern Ireland's abortion laws

A petition of 45,000 signatures demanding reform of Northern Ireland's strict abortion laws has been handed in to Stormont.

It was delivered to the steps of Parliament Buildings in Belfast in a wheelbarrow by representatives from Amnesty International.

Amnesty spokeswoman Adrianne Peltz said political leaders must take note.

She said: "It's time to separate the criminal system from our health system.

"We hope the politicians will be reading these statistics and taking a hard look at themselves. For those who have been afraid to be brave we would say 'take the leap of faith and make change' because Northern Ireland as a country is changing."

The petition comes after a new Amnesty poll found 72% of people wanted abortion permitted in cases of incest and rape - while 67% supported a woman's right to terminate pregnancy when there has been a diagnosis of a fatal foetal abnormality (FFA).

Amnesty said the results indicated increasing support for law changes, as a similar poll commissioned by the organisation in 2014 measured the levels of support for abortion in instances of sex crimes and FFA at 69% and 60% respectively.

Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 58% thought abortion should be decriminalised so there would be no criminal penalty for woman who have terminations in Northern Ireland.

A similar proportion - 59% - thought it should be decriminalised so there would be no criminal penalty for doctors and medical staff who assist women to have abortions in Northern Ireland.

Ms Peltz added: "The current law is a 19th century law which may have been fit for legal purposes then but it is certainly not fit for legal purposes in 2016.

"Criminalising abortion does not stop it. Banning it in Northern Ireland does not stop abortions from happening. We are just exporting the problem and we need to be treating women with compassion, dignity and give them their human rights here in Northern Ireland. And the statistics show that people agree with us.

"45,000 signatures on this petition that we are handing in also proves that across the country people care about this issue."

The findings will be passed to Executive ministers for consideration.

Former Justice Minister David Ford, who received the petition, said: "I don't know how ministers will respond but I do believe it is essential that we have a serious consideration of the issue.

"The results are very similar to opinion polls that we saw previously.

"It is clear there are a small number of women who are suffering very severely because of the way the current law is."

Meanwhile, Green Party MLA Claire Bailey said she was hopeful change was coming.

She said: "We have seen growing support on this issue. We have seen women coming forward having to expose their very personal and often traumatic stories. We have had pathologists having to resign their jobs, we have had so many really bad stories having to come out and still our politicians are not taking notice and acting appropriately.

"I don't know what the final straw is going to be but I am certainly hopeful that change is coming."

Pro-life groups are opposed to a relaxation of the law in Northern Ireland and have argued for more support for pregnant woman.

Last year, a High Court judge in Belfast ruled that the ban on terminations in instances of sexual crime or fatal foetal abnormalities were incompatible with international human rights laws.

Attorney General John Larkin and Stormont's Department of Justice appealed against that ruling. Judges are considering arguments made during the appeal hearing.

The Evangelical Alliance criticised Amnesty's stance, accusing the organisation of campaigning to "radically undermine the human rights of the unborn child".

Peter Lynas, NI Director, said: "Abortion is always a sensitive issue, but particularly for those who have suffered from rape or incest or are carrying a child with a life-limiting disability. However, both lives matter, and as a progressive society we must seek the outcome that is best for both, difficult as that may be.

"It is time for Amnesty to tell everyone clearly what law on abortion they are actually campaigning for - do they support any limits on choice?

"Decriminalisation would move Northern Ireland well beyond the 1967 Act (that applies in Great Britain). It is also time Amnesty explained why they only support equality for some and seem content to discriminate against those who are most disabled.

"There is widespread support for capital punishment in many countries including America, but Amnesty rightly campaigns against the death penalty. It cannot simply pick and choose when to use polling because it suits particular causes. Human rights exist regardless of opinion polls."
Europe is adopting a "hardline" approach towards the British Government over Brexit, Martin McGuinness said.

The Sinn Fein leader spent last week in Brussels meeting key negotiators from the European Parliament. Exit talks are due to begin next year .

The Stormont deputy first minister is pushing for special status for Northern Ireland after 56% voted remain in the June referendum.

He said: "I have to say it was a very hardline position towards the British Government from almost everybody that I met.

"That does not mean to say it will be a hardline position when it comes to triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty."

Concerns have been expressed in Northern Ireland about the impact of Brexit on the peace process as well as the economy.

However, the largest party, the Democratic Unionists, campaigned for an exit and have argued that there will be greater flexibility in some areas once the UK has left.

Mr McGuinness said: "All of us who have been through negotiations in the past know how all of this works so I think at the moment the important thing from our perspective is that there is an appreciation among the powers that be in Europe about the fantastic achievements we have had here through peace and so forth in which they have had a major contribution.

"They are stakeholders also in our peace process through the massive investments."

European money was used to build the peace bridge over the River Foyle in Londonderry and to support scores of grassroots peace building efforts.

Mr McGuinness added: "I think people in Europe are under no illusions whatsoever about the special nature of the problems that we have to deal with."
The former Northern Ireland adviser to the Republic's 'bad bank' has not been invited to appear before hearings in Dublin about the Project Eagle property deal.

Belfast businessman Frank Cushnahan has been at the centre of the controversy linked to Northern Ireland's biggest ever property deal.

The Dail's public accounts committee (PAC) wants Ronnie Hanna, Nama's former head of asset recovery, to testify at its Project Eagle loan sale hearings.

And Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness is due to appear at the PAC on Tuesday of next week.

But the committee has decided not to ask Cushnahan, a former member of Nama's Northern Ireland advisory committee.

The potential jeopardy of any future legal proceedings has been cited as the reason.

Both men were arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA) last May as part of a police investigation into the 1.24bn sale of Nama's Northern Ireland asset portfolio to American company Cerberus in 2014.

Mr Cushnahan and Mr Hanna, both former bankers, were released without charge and deny any wrongdoing.

Lynne Owens, the NCA's director-general, recently informed the Policing Board that seven people had been interviewed under caution.

One has been ruled out of the agency's inquiries.

Mr Cushnahan is alleged to have been the intended recipient of millions of pounds in 'fixer fees' arising from the purchase of Project Eagle.

Last month BBC's Spotlight programme broadcast a covert recording of Mr Cushnahan allegedly receiving 40,000 in cash from John Miskelly, a Co Down developer, in August 2012.

Mr Cushnahan suggested to Mr Miskelly that Mr Hanna would pass on confidential Nama information to him.

Mr Hanna has denied doing so and Mr Cushnahan has also denied any wrongdoing.

PAC chairman Sean Fleming said it was too risky to invite Mr Cushnahan to give evidence to the committee, the Sunday Times reports.

"An invitation to him could jeopardise any potential prosecution or defence," said Mr Fleming. "It's a risk I won't take. The committee agrees."

In relation to Mr Hanna's appearance, Mr Fleming said: "Ronnie Hanna is believed to be assisting the authorities. We have taken legal advice about inviting him. We will be careful in how we conduct that meeting. We know there is a risk but we think it is manageable."

PAC members have also decided not to invite Mick Wallace, the TD who revealed in the Dail that 7m linked to Project Eagle had been discovered in an Isle of Man bank account.

Mr Fleming said some PAC members objected to inviting Mr Wallace because his information was "second-hand".

Mr Wallace refused to give evidence to the PAC last year, claiming it was "ineffective".

When the Irish government announced last month that it intended setting up a statutory investigation into Project Eagle, Mr Wallace said he was prepared, subject to conditions, to give evidence.

The committee has also agreed to invite Pimco, the initial preferred bidder in the Project Eagle sale, and Cerberus.

Last year Cerberus declined an invitation from Stormont's finance committee to give evidence about Project Eagle.

The company cited continuing criminal investigations and civil litigation as the reason.
Prime Minister Theresa May has been strongly criticised by Irish politicians after it emerged her powerful Brexit cabinet committee has no permanent slot for the Secretary of State to Northern Ireland James Brokenshire.

Mr Brokenshire will instead attend meetings of the committee, which is mapping out Britain's exit from the European Union, at the request of Ms May.

Several senior Tory politicians who campaigned for Brexit have in contrast been handed permanent slots.

These include Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and David Davis, the Secretary of State for exiting the EU.

Mr Davis was recently in Dublin to discuss the prospect of changes to the border as a result of Brexit.

However, it's emerged that the secretaries of state for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales do not have permanent attendance.

Instead, they will attend meetings the European Union Exit and Trade Committee "as required".

Fianna Fail last night hit out at the revelation that Mr Brokenshire is not one of the 12 permanent members.

The party's foreign affairs spokesperson Darragh O'Brien described the decision as a "new departure" and said the Irish government must now register its concern.

"This is a deeply worrying development and further proof that Northern Ireland is not a priority for the Tory government," Mr O'Brien said.

"It's a new departure quite frankly and we will be raising our concerns in the strongest possible terms with the British government because its clear Northern Ireland is not on their radar."

Questions over the north-south border have been rampant since the UK voted to leave the European Union, with fears that border controls would have to be put in place to control immigration.

But it emerged last week the UK is hoping to move frontline immigration controls to Irish ports and airports to avoid enforcing a 'hard border' between Northern Ireland and the Republic. The proposed measures would be mainly aimed at non-Europeans wishing to enter the common travel area.

The House of Lords committee looking at the implications of Brexit on UK/Irish relations will hold hearings today and tomorrow in Belfast and Dublin.

Among the witnesses to give evidence at Stormont today will be SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt.
The unprecedented move could see just a few hundred top-ranking officers left to police the entire country on the four Fridays

Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald has accused leaders of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (Agsi) of calling a strike without the backing of the rank and file.

The Justice Minister launched the broadside after the organisation announced industrial action on November 4, 11, 18 and 25, the same days as the 10,000-plus officers in the Garda Representative Association have threatened walk-outs.

Ms Fitzgerald claimed Agsi members had voted to support pay reform under the Lansdowne Road Agreement seven weeks ago, before the leadership rejected it.

She said the unprecedented strike threat was disappointing, with justice chiefs threatened with having to police the country on the four Fridays with just a few hundred top-ranking officers and small units of armed officers.

" This is particularly the case as they (Agsi) have not balloted their members on the taking of this action," the Tanaiste said.

The first salvoes of industrial action in the campaign for better pay and union rights are planned for this Friday.

Agsi said its members will refuse to operate the force's official database Pulse on October 21 and 28 as part of its "sustained campaign of industrial action".

Ms Fitzgerald urged Agsi bosses to take up the offer of talks which was first extended last week.

"It would be most unfortunate if, rather than engaging further, action were to be contemplated that would not be in the best interests of our communities or of An Garda Siochana," the Tanaiste said.

It is illegal for gardai to formally strike or for representative bodies to order members to walk out.

Agsi carefully worded its decision to advise members industrial action is a matter for each individual officer and not a directive.

Ms Fitzgerald added: "My focus and that of the Government is on negotiation.

"I remain focused on finding a pathway to negotiate with Agsi in a way which is fair to their members, the taxpayer and other public sector workers. This must be within the parameters of the very real constraints on public sector pay."

Contingency plans have been drawn up in the Department of Justice if strike action goes ahead, but asking the Army to police the streets has been ruled out.

But Agsi said it has taken legal advice on their proposed action, agreed at a special delegate conference in Athlone, where it called for a 16.5% pay restoration claim following cuts in recent years.

It also wants to be allowed to negotiate further pay deals at state industrial relations agencies, the same as other public sector workers.

Agsi president Antoinette Cunningham said members "overwhelmingly" backed the strike action.

"We did not take this decision lightly, however we feel we have no choice but to show Government how serious we are about restoring pay for our members," she said.

"We also hope that senior Garda management will respect our decision to take this action."

Ms Cunningham claimed members have been inundated with messages of support from the public.

"We care about what the public think because we work to serve them," she added.

"We have been subjected to a campaign of media criticism by politicians whose time would be better served trying to solve these matters rather than splitting the gardai and the public they serve."
Drivers in the UK are stuck in traffic for up to 12 days a year, according to new figures - with Belfast named the third most congested British city.

Inrix, a traffic information company, used real-time data over four years in a study for the Sunday Times. It established average speeds and congestion levels in 18 urban areas to calculate the hours lost in congestion.

London drivers in 2015 were the worst affected and found to be stuck in jams for an average of 101 hours a year - up from 72 hours in 2012 - a 40% increase.

Greater Manchester was second with 51 hours lost to drivers in 2015, up from 45 in 2012.

And Belfast drivers were found to have spent 38 hours in traffic delays in 2015, compared to 31 in 2012 - a 22% increase.

The deterioration has been blamed on factors like segregated cycle lanes and poorly-planned roadworks.

The latest figures are substantially lower than a separate survey in March this year by the TomTom Index, which named Belfast as the worst UK city for traffic congestion and the 14th worst in the world.

The TomTom Index said drivers in Belfast in 2015 were wasting 195 hours in traffic jams, more than eight days. This was more than twice the 2014 figure of 94 days.

The difference in the results comes down to different recording methods - TomTom compares journeys at peak and quiet periods, the time drivers could have saved without traffic jams.

Inrix record the actual time spent in traffic jams.

Roads expert, Wesley Johnston, said both results showed the Belfast traffic system was still under-performing. "For these surveys, it all depends how they're measuring it," he said.

"Historically, the problem in Belfast is that we're a very car-dependent city. One reason for that goes back to the Troubles - in the 1970s, there was a flight away from public transport because of the conflict," he said.

"There was a reticence to use buses and, in some parts of the city, buses stopped running entirely. We saw an increase in suburbs, compared to other cities because people wanted to get out of Belfast.

"In the 1980s, places like Bangor, Newtownards and Newtownabbey grew exponentially. We tend to be more likely to live outside the town centres and be more car dependent."

Mr Johnston suggested there were three priorities for improving Belfast's roads: overhauling the busiest bottlenecks; switching to public transport; and making cyclists feel safe.

"In Belfast, the York Street exchange is definitely the number one priority because it's the meeting point of the three busiest roads in the province and, also, crucially, it's the main access point to Belfast port," he said.

"The traffic means people are tempted to use Dublin port instead, which loses income to Northern Ireland."

However, in September Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said Brexit had thrown the 165m York Street project into doubt, as a substantial portion of the funding - believed to be around 40% - was to come from the EU.

On public transport, Mr Johnston said: " The city can't absorb the number of cars going into it in the morning. There isn't really any way to fix that unless you switch to other modes of transport, or tarmac over most of the city centre. Park and Rides in places like Cairnshill and Dundonald are steadily growing in popularity. It's a great idea for people who live in rural areas."
A mother who lost her son in the Hillsborough disaster has won the Women of the Year Special Award on behalf of the families affected by the 1989 tragedy.

Margaret Aspinall, chairwoman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, whose son James died in the disaster, was presented with the award by Theresa May in recognition of the families' persistent search for truth and justice.

The Prime Minister said she was "honoured" to give the award at the ceremony on Monday afternoon in London, adding: "Having lost their loved ones in the most appalling circumstances, they then spent 27 years searching for the truth with extraordinary dignity.

"This April, when the fresh inquests delivered their conclusions, they made clear to the whole nation what the Hillsborough families have known to be true from the beginning - that the fans were blameless."

Mrs May continued: "Thanks to their resolve we now know the truth about what happened that day. This award is for all those who lost their lives at Hillsborough and their families who have shown immense courage and determination."

More than 400 women attended the lunch and awards, where six were recognised for their "courage, resourcefulness, flair and for their selfless actions".

Lizzie Jones, who has campaigned for all rugby league division players to have heart screening following the death of her husband from an undiagnosed heart condition, was presented with ITV's Lorraine Inspirational Woman of the Year Award.

The mother of two from Halifax, West Yorkshire, set up the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund in her husband's name following his sudden death in 2015. Mr Jones collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest while playing rugby, leaving behind his wife and five-month-old twins.

She was nominated for the award by her friend Laura Simeunovich, who said: "Lizzie is inspirational. Whilst dealing with her own grief and raising her children alone, she is making sure other people are safe, and is trying to save families going through what she has.

"Danny would be exceptionally proud of his wife. She is a fantastic role model for her children, and they will grow up knowing that their mummy is saving lives in their daddy's name."

The Good Housekeeping Women of the Year Award went to Liz Clegg, who has volunteered to help women and children living in the Calais Jungle, while Seema Aziz, who founded the Care Foundation of schools in Pakistan, won the Barclays Women of the Year Award.

Marjorie Wallace was presented with the Prudential Women of the Year Award for her work campaigning for the availability of mental health services in the UK for the past 30 years, and Dame Fanny Waterman received the DFS Women of the Year Award - Lifetime Achievement.

Dame Fanny, who founded the Leeds International Piano Competition, was recognised for her "extraordinary contribution" to music.

Sandi Toksvig, president of Women of the Year, said: "For over 60 years, Women of the Year has proudly recognised and celebrated the achievements of some of the world's most incredible women.

"These women range from the super famous to unsung heroines who are the backbones of charities, industries and indeed every profession possible.

"The remarkable women who make up the attendees and winners at this year's Lunch are being recognised for their work making the world a better place."
NatWest said it is closing Russia Today's UK accounts from December 12

Russia Today's bank accounts have been frozen in the UK.

The network's editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan, tweeted the news: "Our accounts in the UK have been closed. All accounts. 'The decision is not subject to revision'.

She added: "Long live freedom of speech!"

A statement on the broadcaster's website said NatWest informed RT UK "it will no longer have the broadcaster among its clients".

In a letter to RT's London Office, NatWest said: We have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities."

The bank also said the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which NatWest is a part of, would refuse to serve Russia Today.

We have no idea why it happened, because neither yesterday nor the day before yesterday, nor a month ago, nothing special happened to us, nobody threatened us in any way," Margarita Simonyan told the RBK business news website.

"Hypothetically, this may have something to do with new British and American sanctions against Russia, which may be announced soon. It may not. Our legal department is dealing with the issue now."

In a post on Facebook, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: Britain on its way out of the EU abandoned all its commitments to protect the freedom of speech.

She gave no information on why the accounts have been frozen.

A spokeswoman for Russia Today said: "RT has received a letter from Natwest, part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which has a significant shareholding by the UK Government, informing it that its UK banking facilities with the bank will be withdrawn without explanation or redress.

"This decision is incomprehensible, and without warning.

"It is, however, not at odds with the countless measures that have been undertaken in the UK and Europe over the last few years to ostracize, shout down, or downright impede the work of RT."

She added: "RT UK will continue its operations uninterrupted."

Publisher Marcus Papadopoulos told RT: "I sincerely hope that theres no political motive for this, because we know that the British government isnt happy with RT in Britain.

"RT has a lot of viewers in Britain. Many British people now tune in to RT to receive information on major topics around the world, including in Britain. And many British people believe that the alternative accounts that RT puts forward and covers are more truthful than what theyre hearing from, for example, Sky News.

"If no bank in Britain would allow RT to be a customer, then that could spell the end of RT broadcasting in Britain, which would be a catastrophic event for freedom of speech in Britain," he added.

RT recently accused British tabloids of manufacturing a panic about World War Three.

"An unconfirmed report in a regional news site appears to be enough for British tabloids to remind readers how Big Bad Vlad secretly wants to nuke them," the broadcaster said.
Julian Assange, pictured here with Noam Chomsky, is confined to the Ecuadorian Embassy

WikiLeaks says a "state actor" has shut down internet access for its editor-in-chief Julian Assange.

The organisation said in a tweet that it is has activated "contingency plans" after internet access at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London was "intentionally severed by a state party".

The internet is one of the few ways for the Australian, who has been holed up in the embassy for more than four years, to contact with the outside world.

Ecuador has reiterated its determination to protect Mr Assange. A source at the Ecuadorian Ministry in Ecuador told the Press Association: "We don't respond to speculation circulating on Twitter.

"Ecuador will continue to protect Julian Assange and uphold the political asylum granted to him in 2012."

On Sunday, WikiLeaks posted three tweets containing references to John Kerry, Ecuador, and the UK Foreign Office alongside a 64-character code.

Read More

On Saturday WikiLeaks released three transcripts of Mrs Clinton's paid speeches to Goldman Sachs, which her campaign had long refused to release. The leaks revealed that Mrs Clinton told conference she would like to intervene secretly in Syria.

In a 2013 she told employees of the bank in South Carolina: "My view was you intervene as covertly as is possible for Americans to intervene. We used to be much better at this than we are now. Now, you know, everybody can't help themselves.

"They have to go out and tell their friendly reporters and somebody else: Look what we're doing and I want credit for it."

Julian Assange's internet link has been intentionally severed by a state party. We have activated the appropriate contingency plans.  WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) October 17, 2016

Clinton was paid about $225,000 (185,000) to give the speech. Earlier this month, Assange claimed his organisation would aim to publish documents every week in the run up to US Election Day on November 8.

In response to the leaks Clintons campaign has made unsubstantiated claims that WikiLeaks is working with Russia.

Read more

pre-commitment 1: John Kerry 4bb96075acadc3d80b5ac872874c3037a386f4f595fe99e687439aabd0219809  WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) October 16, 2016

pre-commitment 2: Ecuador

eae5c9b064ed649ba468f0800abf8b56ae5cfe355b93b1ce90a1b92a48a9ab72  WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) October 16, 2016

pre-commitment 3: UK FCO f33a6de5c627e3270ed3e02f62cd0c857467a780cf6123d2172d80d02a072f74  WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) October 16, 2016

Read More

On Sunday Mr Assange was visited by former Playboy model Pamela Anderson who expressed concern for him and his family.

The ex-Baywatch star told the Press Association: "I really believe in him and think he's a good person, and I'm concerned about his health, his family, and I just hope that by some miracle he's set free."

Earlier this month Mr Assange said that he was ''a bit pale'' after being asked how his health was after four years without sunlight.

Anderson was pictured entering the central London building on Saturday carrying bags of vegan food.

The 49-year-old animal rights activist said: "I brought him a nice vegan lunch and some vegan snacks", joking: "He said I tortured him with bringing him vegan food".

He is due to be questioned over a sex allegation in Sweden - which he denies. Mr Assange believes that if he goes to Sweden he will be extradited to the United States.
At least 18 inmates have died in two Brazilian prisons during clashes between rival gangs, and authorities are investigating whether the uprisings are connected.

At least 10 of the prisoners died in a mutiny in the northern state of Roraima, while eight others were killed in a similar riot in a jail about 800 miles south in Rondonia.

Roraima's justice secretary Uziel Castro said at least seven of the bodies were piled up and burned after the uprising on Sunday, while three had been beheaded - slowing efforts to identify them.

He said the clashes erupted between rival crime gangs. "Every penitentiary system in Brazil was aware that something was about to happen," he told a news conference. But he said authorities were surprised when the riots erupted on a day the prisoners had visitors.

Officers said about 50 people who were visiting the prison in Roraima state, on the border with Venezuela and Guyana, were held hostage. They were later released unharmed.

Hours later, police confirmed a similar riot killed at least eight inmates in Rondonia state's capital of Porto Velho in the Santos Pinheiro prison.

Police said the uprising there is still under investigation, but there is evidence that the riot was started by "the biggest criminal organisation of Sao Paulo state".

The organisation, Primeiro Comando da Capital, is a powerful Brazilian prison gang that has been expanding into other states and even into Bolivia and Paraguay.

AP
The consumer has tried to book accommodation in Amsterdam

It was only when the victim didnt get a receipt that they suspected there was a problem.

A Belfast hospital worker lost 900 after they were scammed while trying to book accommodation on Airbnb for a trip to Amsterdam with friends.

The holidaymaker had gone on the popular website that allows property owners across the world to advertise spare accommodation which visitors can rent out for short term use.

The woman viewed details and photographs of an apartment in Amsterdam and then contacted the host by email. A price was agreed for the rent of the apartment for three nights.

However, payment should have been made via the website but the consumer responded to a fake method of payment email that came from the host - not the website.

Unknown to the victim they made a bank transfer offsite.

It was only when they didnt get a receipt that the consumer suspected there was a problem.

The website later confirmed that payment had not been properly conducted through their correct business channels. The consumers money is lost and the accommodation, like the host, was bogus.

Trading Standards Service (TSS) has issued a warning saying this incident highlights how "scammers are targeting unsuspecting people by using increasingly sophisticated and manipulative tactics".

It was the first time the consumer had used the website and they had innocently told this to the host. This facilitated the scam. The consumer had no reason to suspect they were being duped when they were sent false payment details.

Bill Malloy from TSS, said: Ingenuity knows no bounds when it comes to fleecing consumers of their money. With the internet, scammers and victims dont meet face to face. The scammer can be anywhere in the world. Do not be rushed into sending off money to someone you do not know, especially by bank transfer. As a safeguard, try and use a credit card or debit card to make payment.

Consumers who feel that they are a victim of a scam or suspect a scam should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or alternatively visit Consumerline website at http://www.consumerline.org
Bran Castle in Romania, popularly known as Dracula's castle because of its connection to Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the Dracula legend (AP)

Dracula's castle will have overnight guests on Halloween, marking the first time since 1948 that anyone has slept in the Transylvanian fortress.

The site's actual name in Bran Castle, and two people will be able to sleep there on October 31 thanks to a promotion by Airbnb.

The guests will be wined and dined, then left alone to lie down in red velvet-trimmed coffins just as Dracula did in the Bram Stoker horror novel which popularised the legend.

The castle is famous for its connection to Vlad the Impaler, a real-life prince who stayed there in the 15th century and had a habit of using stakes to impale his victims. Vlad inspired Stoker's story of Count Dracula.

The Airbnb competition to find guests for the night was launched on Monday. Entrants were asked to use their "vampiric wit" to imagine what they would say to Count Dracula if they met him.

Winners will be flown to Romania and then taken to the castle set dramatically in the Carpathian Mountains. If they are too spooked to sleep in the coffins, beds are on hand.

The castle is one of Romania's top tourist attractions, with more than 630,000 visitors a year. Hosting the one-off Airbnb event is a descendant of Bram Stoker, Dacre Stoker.

"I want to make it both realistic and show the legend in the wonderful country that birthed the whole thing," Mr Stoker said.

He will play the role of Jonathan Harker, a character from the novel who encounters Dracula at the castle.

When the winners arrive in a horse-drawn carriage, he plans to greet them using the same words Dracula used in his ancestor's story: "Welcome to my house! Enter freely. Go safely, and leave something of the happiness you bring!"

Mr Stoker added that staging "Halloween night in Dracula castle" was a way of "re-creating the book, and giving people a good experience and a good scare".

The winning pair will tour the castle, then be treated to a candlelight dinner of chicken paprikash, the same meal described in the novel.

Airbnb's rules for the night are simple: no garlic or silver jewellery - both believed to ward off vampires - and this reminder: "The count is not a fan of mirror selfies." (According to legend, a vampire's image cannot be seen in mirrors.)

Bran Castle was originally a military fortress, strategically set on a highway that links Transylvania to southern Romania. Vlad the Impaler did not own the castle, but is believed to have used it briefly during his incursions in Transylvania. He is also believed to have been imprisoned in the castle for two months in 1462 when he was captured by a rival Hungarian king.

Vlad impaled his victims as punishment for wrongdoing. His victims reputedly included all the elderly residents of one community to avenge the deaths of his father and brother.

After the First World War, the castle was given to Queen Marie in gratitude for her role in unifying Transylvania with the rest of Romania. She bequeathed it to her youngest daughter, Princess Ileana.The Communists seized it from Ileana i n 1948.

In 2006, years after communism ended, the castle was returned to Ileana's son, Dominic Hapsburg, a retired New York architect. His sisters spent their childhood there.

A Romanian company manages the castle which is rented for weddings, soirees and corporate events. Mr Hapsburg plays an active role in the site, but nobody has stayed overnight there since he and his family were exiled from Romania.

The castle is very popular with tourists.

"We just love Halloween, so what drew us to Romania was Transylvania," said Gina Ricciardi, of Boca Raton, Florida, visiting with her husband and friends. "We wanted to see Dracula's castle and just experience the whole Dracula."

Might Count Dracula himself make an appearance on October 31?

"Did he really die at end of the novel when he was stabbed with knife? Bram leaves the question ambiguous," Mr Stoker said. "But if he's still floating around, he would make an appearance."

AP
Pamela Anderson has revealed her fears over Julian Assange's health after visiting him at the Ecuadorian Embassy.

The former Playboy model said the WikiLeaks founder was doing "really well" but expressed concern for him and his family.

The Australian has been living in the embassy for over four years and has been granted political asylum by Ecuador.

He is due to be questioned over a sex allegation in Sweden - which he denies. Mr Assange believes that if he goes to Sweden he will be extradited to the United States for questioning over the activities of WikiLeaks.

The ex-Baywatch star told the Press Association: "I really believe in him and think he's a good person, and I'm concerned about his health, his family, and I just hope that by some miracle he's set free."

Earlier this month Mr Assange said that he was ''a bit pale'' after being asked how his health was after four years without sunlight.

Anderson was pictured entering the central London building on Saturday carrying Pret a Manger paper bags.

The 49-year-old animal rights activist said: "I brought him a nice vegan lunch and some vegan snacks", joking: "He said I tortured him with bringing him vegan food".
In early August, the chief executive of Nissan issued a statement, warning that future investment decisions regarding the company's car plant in the north-east of England will depend on the outcome of Brexit negotiations. Sunderland, which houses a Nissan plant employing 6,700 car workers, was famously among the first areas to announce its electoral results on the morning of June 24, with an unexpectedly large 61% voting in favour of leaving the European Union.

In the weeks since the vote, Remain supporters in the south-east have spared no time in highlighting this incongruity, almost revelling in the schadenfreude of their northern neighbours engaging in such a seemingly incomprehensible act of electoral self-harm.

Although not immediately apparent, there exist some intriguing parallels with Northern Ireland. While the north of England as a whole was firmly in favour of remaining members of the European Union, the geographical split in the vote is instructive.

While the west returned a firm vote to Remain, for example in Foyle, where 78.6%, an overwhelming majority, voted to stay in the European Union, support for Remain in the more affluent areas to the east was more fragmented.

In contrast to the rest of the UK, the evidence appears to suggest that those living in more prosperous areas were more likely to vote to leave the European Union.

Attributing a reason for this is difficult, as, despite the binary nature of the referendum question, it has become increasingly apparent that voters' motivations were diverse and multi-faceted. What is clear, however, is that, in common with the rest of the UK, the economic impact of the decision is likely, at least in the short term, to disproportionately impact upon those who voted to Leave.

The post-Brexit environment in Northern Ireland has been one of uncertainty. Immediate concerns have centred around the potential re-introduction of border controls, while the prospective loss of EU funding, which has proven so vital in providing economic support to both local agriculture and to projects aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation in the region, is likely to prove challenging in the medium term.

The deteriorating economic prospects for the region also raises concern.

The precipitous drop in the value of sterling is broadly indicative of the lack of business and investment certainty. The prospective negative outlook for GDP growth is likely to lead to decreasing tax revenues and constrained economic growth in the longer term, with inevitable adverse consequences for public sector employment and investment in Northern Ireland.

A re-evaluation of the block grant made available to fund devolved public expenditure may also be imminent.

Were a material reduction imposed, any reasonable expectation that Stormont would be able to deliver upon their promise of harmonising the rate of corporation tax with the prevailing, much lower rate in the Republic would likely be dashed for the foreseeable future.

The operating environment for the local banking sector is likely to prove particularly challenging. Despite ever-expanding central bank support, in the face of such economic uncertainty balance sheet protection is likely to be priority. In Northern Ireland, the retail banking sector is heavily reliant upon foreign investment (for example, Danske Bank).

Should the Irish economy contract significantly in the wake of Brexit, doubts would inevitably be raised as to whether Bank of Ireland, or AIB/First Trust, would continue to have sufficient capital and liquidity, much less the risk appetite, to continue to support lending into Northern Ireland. Similarly, renewed calls for a referendum on Scottish independence are likely to present an increasingly challenging environment for Edinburgh-based (and taxpayer-owned) RBS, raising concerns over Ulster Bank and its ability to continue servicing clients on both sides of the Irish border.

Constrained lending, particularly to sectors historically reliant on EU trade, as well as decreasing demand from those sectors most exposed to a weakened UK economy, are likely to prove a drag on revenues. However, the announcement last week by Fujitsu that they will seek to cut 1,800 jobs in Britain, several hundred of them based in Belfast and Londonderry, should give some indication of the more immediate problems facing the Northern Irish economy.

Fujitsu executives, who warned prior to the referendum that future investments in the UK would be reconsidered in the event of a vote to Leave, have claimed that this "transformation programme" is not related to Brexit. However, it is difficult to see how the Brexit vote will present anything other than a difficult environment for foreign companies who may previously have been considering investing in Northern Ireland.

Herein lies the inherent difficulties for the region and for the Executive's future economic strategy.

Since its establishment in 1999, the overriding economic policy objective of the Executive has been to seek to preserve Northern Ireland's attractiveness as a destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).

Offering a skilled local workforce and a predictable and broadly facilitative local legal and regulatory framework, while leveraging central Government support through regional development agencies such as Invest NI, FDI in the region has been responsible for the creation of thousands of jobs, with a particular focus on roles in IT (such as those with Fujitsu) and professional and financial services.

The bulk of investment has tended to concentrate in the east of the country, with multinational firms, such as Citi and Allen & Overy, establishing offices in Belfast.

Brexit is unlikely to improve the prospects of this strategy. Generally speaking, for an economy placing an almost existential dependence on inward FDI, the imposition of new trade and customs barriers, a retreat from globally harmonised regulatory frameworks under which the UK's financial and professional services industries operate and, indeed, any move to restrict, or impede, such investment, should rightly be seen as detrimental to the future economic prospects of the north.

The loss of financial services passporting and uncertainty around regulatory equivalence determinations are likely to pose particular difficulties for financial services firms, such as Citi, which has 1,500 employees in Belfast.

And therein lies the irony. That the east of the country is generally accepted to have received an outsized proportion of inward investment, certainly relative to the north-west, and that it elected to disengage from a privileged position within the world's deepest and most comprehensive trade deal and largest market, is a matter of some curiosity.

The people of post-industrial north-east of England perhaps have some excuse. Deprived of investment and largely ignored by the political classes of Westminster for decades, they placed their reliance on the false promises of extra NHS investment and the return of heavy manufacturing.

The justification of those living east of the Bann choosing to Leave is much more difficult to fathom.
Friends and family of Nathan Ritchie, 19, pictured at a poignant gathering in High Street in Belfast.

Friends and family of Nathan Ritchie, 19, pictured at a poignant gathering in High Street in Belfast.

Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 4th October 2016 Family and friends of Nathan Ritchie gather at High Street, Belfast to remember his life after his sudden death. Photographer -  Matt Mackey / Press Eye

Tragic homeless teen Nathan Ritchie was hounded to his death by the UDA in Belfast.

The 19-year-old died earlier this month after falling from a bridge over Belfasts Westlink and into oncoming traffic from the M1 motorway.

But the reason why Nathan was living on the streets was due to him TWICE being put out of his home by the East Belfast UDA.

Earlier in the year, the terror gang ordered him to leave his place on Lord Street over an unpaid drug debt.

That was after Nathan, from whom the UDA was demanding 600, fled Bangor under threat from members of notorious loyalist Dee Stitts gang.

Forced into becoming homeless, the much-loved teenagers drug habit worsened, with it finally claiming his life two weeks ago when he fell from the Westlink bridge.

Loyalist sources last night laid his death firmly at the door of the East Belfast UDA. They also revealed that a community worker, whose wages are paid by the public purse, was the UDA thug who ordered Nathan out of his Lord Street home.

A PSNI spokesman refused to be drawn on the threats against the teen, saying it does not comment on the security of individuals.

The East Belfast UDAs threats against Nathan Ritchie call into serious question the controversial decision to put its senior members in charge of a 1.7 million government funding package.

The Social Investment Fund (SIF) cash is being managed by Charter NI  the chief executive of which is convicted UDA gunman Dee Stitt, who is also the boss of a Bangor-based criminal gang. East Belfast UDA leader Jimmy Millions Birch, 45, sits on Charter NIs board of directors. There is no suggestion other board members are linked to the UDA.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 4th October 2016 Family and friends of Nathan Ritchie gather at High Street, Belfast to remember his life after his sudden death. Photographer -  Matt Mackey / Press Eye Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 4th October 2016 Family and friends of Nathan Ritchie gather at High Street, Belfast to remember his life after his sudden death. Photographer -  Matt Mackey / Press Eye Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 4th October 2016 Family and friends of Nathan Ritchie gather at High Street, Belfast to remember his life after his sudden death. Photographer -  Matt Mackey / Press Eye Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 4th October 2016 Family and friends of Nathan Ritchie gather at High Street, Belfast to remember his life after his sudden death. Photographer -  Matt Mackey / Press Eye Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 4th October 2016 Family and friends of Nathan Ritchie gather at High Street, Belfast to remember his life after his sudden death. Photographer -  Matt Mackey / Press Eye Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 4th October 2016 Family and friends of Nathan Ritchie gather at High Street, Belfast to remember his life after his sudden death. Photographer -  Matt Mackey / Press Eye Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 4th October 2016 Family and friends of Nathan Ritchie gather at High Street, Belfast to remember his life after his sudden death. Photographer -  Matt Mackey / Press Eye Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 4th October 2016 Family and friends of Nathan Ritchie gather at High Street, Belfast to remember his life after his sudden death. Photographer -  Matt Mackey / Press Eye Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 4th October 2016 Family and friends of Nathan Ritchie gather at High Street, Belfast to remember his life after his sudden death. Photographer -  Matt Mackey / Press Eye Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 4th October 2016 Family and friends of Nathan Ritchie gather at High Street, Belfast to remember his life after his sudden death. Photographer -  Matt Mackey / Press Eye Press Eye - Northern Ireland - 4th October 2016 Family and friends of Nathan Ritchie gather at High Street, Belfast to remember his life after his sudden death. Photographer -  Matt Mackey / Press Eye / Facebook

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Despite both men being self-confessed UDA men, the Executive Office has put the pair in charge of managing how 1.7 million of public money is spent on employment schemes in east Belfast. Another funding stream which Charter NI is trying to tap into is government cash for restorative justice projects.

The group is currently lobbying politicians to support its Resolve scheme which was recently endorsed by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate (CJI). Resolve gets 37,000 of Red Cross charity funding per year, but Charter NI wants to see that tripled with government cash injections.

A recent CJI report into Resolve found it has dealt with 28 cases of people being intimidated by the East Belfast UDA since being set up two years ago. But the study makes no mention of the projects strong links to the terror gang making the threats.

Resolves full-time employee Sam Chalky White is an ex-UDA prisoner turned failed DUP council candidate, who was jailed for seven years for firing shots during a robbery.

According to the CJI report both White and the Resolve project are making a useful contribution to community life in east Belfast.

It also noted backing for the group from an unnamed local MLA who was very supportive of Resolve and keen to see it flourish in the interests of community cohesion. The unnamed politician is the DUPs Robin Newton, whose old office on the Castlereagh Road is occupied by the UDA-linked restorative justice group. The MLA is also a member of the SIF steering panel that recommended Charter NIs 1.7m cash handout.

And he counts among his associates Charter NI board member Jimmy Millions Birch  who is the self-styled brigadier of the East Belfast UDA.

In a 2013 radio interview the leading loyalist admitted holding a senior role in the terror gang that he claimed to have joined in 1988.

Birchs sidekick Dee Stitt, 45, took part in the same interview during which he confessed to being a UDA member from the age of 15.

But in a statement released last week, the Bangor-based loyalist glossed over his terror role, saying: None of these allegations have been supported by evidence being presented to the PSNI.

Stitt  whose Bangor UDA is up to its necks in drug dealing and racketeering  also claimed to be dedicated to helping improve the loyalist community through his position at Charter NI. The notorious loyalist served a five year prison term for an attempted UDA armed robbery in the 1990s.

In 2008 Stitt was back before the courts charged with kidnapping a man in Bangor and threatening to kill him after he was discovered in the boot of a car. However, the case against him and two co-accused was later dropped.

cbarnes@sundaylife.co.uk
StartPage.com has informed Yahoo that it will drop Yahoo search results from its metasearch platform Ixquick.eu by the end of the month.

CEO Robert Beens predicts that while his company is the first to part ways with Yahoo, others will likely follow.

Mr Beens said: "We are not the only ones disturbed by Yahoos lack of openness about major privacy violations, said Beens, commenting on recent news.

"Even though Ixquick.eu cant be affected by Yahoos government ties because of our strict privacy protections and our location outside US jurisdiction, we no longer feel comfortable partnering with them."

It wasnt until late this past August that Yahoo admitted to a 2014 breach in which email addresses, passwords, and birthdates for over 500 million users were stolen.

Then in early October, Yahoo was confronted for secretly aiding the US government in spying on its users email, whether those users were accused of wrongdoing or not. The digital rights group Fight for the Future has now launched a Dump Yahoo campaign urging users to delete their Yahoo accounts.

Read more

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"Yahoo has made it easy to walk away,"said Beens.

"Most of our users have already switched to our flagship private search engine StartPage.com for superior search results. Beens said StartPage.com has become so popular because it delivers the best of two worlds: Google search results, and StartPages own privacy safeguards.

"StartPage doesn't collect any personal data, like IP addresses, and doesn't pass on any personal data to third parties, including Google, Beens said.

This way users get Web results from the most popular search engine with protection from the world's most private search engine."

Another reason for StartPages popularity is its location in the Netherlands. The search engine is not subject to US laws like the Patriot Act, and cannot be forced to comply with US dragnet surveillance programs, like PRISM.

"The Yahoo scandal illustrates why being based outside US jurisdiction is so important to our customers, said Beens. People who care about privacy know that its very hard to trust US Internet companies with their data because the government can force them to spy on customers."

There has already been discontent among users of Yahoos major search partners DuckDuckGo and Firefox, and recently DuckDuckGo removed references to its partnership with Yahoo.

A spokesperson for Yahoo said: "Yahoo does not have a partnership with StartPage and we have never had a formal relationship with the company."

However in response Liz McIntyre, spokesperson for StartPage and Ixquick private search engines, told the Belfast Telegraph: "We DID have a signed contract with Yahoo to display search results at our metasearch sister search engine at http://www.ixquick.eu until we cancelled it. Technically, the contract was signed by Surfboard Holding BV (Surfboard Holding BV owns StartPage and Ixquick.) We cancelled it.

Ms McIntyre added: "I'm sure Yahoo is very aware of its now defunct StartPage/Ixquick relationship. If Yahoo truly isn't aware of the contractual relationship, especially after all the recent media, they have far greater problems than we thought.

"Or maybe they are being inundated with partnership cancellation requests and can't keep everything straight? "
Children of She ethnic group sit in front of a monument that reads "China's No. 1 Poverty Relief Village" at Chixi Village, Panxi town, Fuding city in East China's Fujian province, Feb 14, 2016. The village has shaken off poverty thanks to assistance from Party and government officials at all levels over the past 30 years. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Chinese government on Monday issued a white paper that hailed the efforts and progress made in poverty alleviation and human rights.

The white paper, titled "China's Progress in Poverty Reduction and Human Rights," said poverty reduction is the most telling evidence of China's progress in human rights.

The white paper said China has made an enormous contribution to poverty reduction worldwide. Over the past 30 years since the launch of the reform and opening up drive, more than 700 million Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty.

According to the UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2015, the proportion of people living in extreme poverty in China fell from 61 percent in 1990 to 4.2 percent in 2014, with the number of people China has raised from poverty accounting for 70 percent of the world's total.

By the end of 2015, China still had 55.75 million people living in poverty. The country plans to lift all of its poor out of poverty by 2020.
Prison security personnel stand guard at the Khulna jail in Bangladesh where Asadul Islam Arif was executed for his role in the 2005 bombing deaths of two judges, Oct. 16, 2016.

Bangladeshi police on Monday said they had arrested one of five suspects wanted in the killing of secular blogger Nazimuddin Samad in a machete attack on April 6.

The polices counter-terrorist unit arrested Rashidun Nabi, a suspected member of militant group Ansar Al Islam (which is also known as Ansarullah Bangla Team), in the Sayedabad area of Dhaka on Sunday night, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said in a statement issued Monday. Nabi is the only suspect who has been caught in connection with the killing of Samad, a blogger and law student at Jagannath University in Dhaka.

The arrest came a day after Bangladesh executed Asadul Islam Arif, a convicted member of militant group Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), for his involvement in a bomb attack that killed two judges  Sohel Ahmed and Jagannath Pandey  in the southern district of Jhalakathi in 2005.

Monirul Islam, chief of the counter-terrorism unit, told reporters on Monday that five members of Ansar Al Islam took part in the killing of Samad, who was the sixth secular blogger in Bangladesh to be killed in a machete-attack in by religious extremists since February 2015. He said Nabis team had targeted Samad for three months before the attack.

A total five killers armed with machetes and a firearm took part in the killing mission. Nabi was in charge of the killing team and he himself hacked Samad. He confessed to killing Samad, Islam told reporters at the DMP media office.

Samad was killed by a group of at least five attackers on April 7 while walking in the Sutrapur area in Dhaka, Matin, a local businessman who witnessed the attack, told BenarNews following the killing.

He said the attackers also fired guns as a crowd gathered.

Islam said ABT members were responsible for the killings of bloggers, publishers and gay-rights activists, but did not specifically identify the militant group as suspects in the April 25, 2016 killings in the Bangladeshi capital of LGBT rights activist Xulhaz Mannan, a Bangladeshi who worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Dhaka, and another man, Mahbub Rabbi Tonoy.

JMB member executed

On Sunday night, Arif, who took part in a 2005 bomb attack that killed judges Ahmed and Pandey, was hanged by jail authorities in southwestern city of Khulna.

Arif has been executed. His body has been handed over to the family members, Quamrul Islam, the superintendent of jail in Khulna, told BenarNews.

Arif was the seventh Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) member executed for the attack that killed the two judges. It was among bombings carried out 11 years ago by the militant group in 62 of the nations 64 districts and that targeted its judicial system. Before the bombings in August 2005, members distributed leaflets calling the people to join their fight to establish Shariah law in the country.

On March 29, 2007, the government executed JMB founder Shaikh Abdur Rahman, his brother Ataur Rahman Saany, and his son-in-law, Abdul Awal, its military wing leader, Siddiqul Islam alias Bangla Bhai, Iftekhar Hossain Mamum, and Khaled Saifullah alias Faruqe over the killings of the judges.

The police arrested Arif in July 2007 and he appealed his capital punishment conviction before the high court. The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court upheld his death sentence on Aug. 28. Arif did not seek presidential clemency and was executed according to the law, the jail superintendent said.

Following the execution, the government on Monday said it was fast-tracking trials of extremists, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

Since July, police have killed at least 32 suspected members of Neo-JMB, a faction of JMB that authorities blame for a terrorist attack that left 29 dead, including 20 hostages, at a cafe in Dhaka.

In addition, courts have accelerated prosecutions of Islamic extremists. Bangladeshi Attorney General Mahbubey Alam told AFP that the government was trying to fast-track all the militant-related cases.

Police spokesman A.K.M Shahidur Rahman said at least 64 Islamist extremists were on death row and their appeals were being heard in the higher courts, according to AFP.
Satirical cartoonist Zunar posted this selfie after he says he was grounded at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Malaysian satirical cartoonist Zunar, who faces trial next month on sedition charges, appears to be grounded after immigration officers stopped him from leaving his country for a trip to Singapore, he said Monday in a statement.

Zunar, a BenarNews contributor whose real name is Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque, said he tried to board a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore on Monday but was stopped by an immigration officer. A second officer said the order to prevent him from leaving the country had come directly from Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar on June 24.

The IGP and the director of immigration have no right to stop or control my movement and barring me from leaving the country. Only the court does, and even then can only be carried out under specific laws, Zunar said in the statement.

Zunars complaint drew a terse response from Khalid.

He can challenge me if he wants, the police chief told BenarNews.

The cartoonist pointed out that while he faces nine charges under the Sedition Act, he has not been convicted  and is awaiting trial on Nov. 22.

This clearly shows gross abuse of power and blatant violation of human rights by these individuals, he said.

Malaysias High Court in April turned down a constitutional challenge by Zunar to the Sedition Act, clearing the way for his upcoming trial.

The travel ban on Zunar was done in bad faith, infringes on his constitutional rights and is an abuse of immigration power, Eric Paulsen, executive director of Lawyers for Liberty and one of the cartoonists lawyers, told BenarNews.

Under the Immigration Act, the agency has discretionary power to bar anyone from leaving the country but it cannot be used arbitrarily against those deemed critical of the establishment, according to Paulsen.

Zunar has not missed any of his sedition hearings despite having traveled extensively after his arrests, which strengthens the perception that the authorities have no solid reason to bar him from traveling, Paulsen said.

Ongoing harassment: cartoonist

Zunar, whose cartoons are sometimes published on BenarNews, alleged that this was another form of the governments ongoing harassment to stop him from drawing his cartoons critical of Prime Minister Najib Razak and the government.

Along with the sedition charges that could bring a sentence of 43 years, Zunar said he had been jailed twice, for two days in September 2010 and for three days in February 2015.

Five of my cartoon books are banned and my office in Kuala Lumpur was raided a few times with thousands of my cartoon books confiscated, he said.
The coronation of Thailands new king will take place in a year at the earliest after a national period of mourning for King Bhumibol Adulyadej ends, according to a deputy prime minister in charge of legal matters.

Meanwhile since his death on Thursday, three Thai citizens have been arrested for alleged defamation of the monarchy under Thailands strict royal defamation law, and the military-controlled government has selectively blocked some foreign news outlets over coverage of the post-Bhumibol transition, local media reported.

The death last week of 88-year-old Bhumibol has temporarily left Thailand without a king for the first time in 70 years, and his appointed successor, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, has said he will hold off on taking the throne for the time being so he can grieve alongside the Thai people, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha told the nation within hours of the kings death.

However, at any time during the next year that will culminate in Bhumibols cremation and state funeral, the 64-year-old prince can accept an invitation from Thailands National Assembly, which would automatically make him the new king, according to sections of a draft constitution that pertain to the royal succession.

On the night of the kings death on Thursday, the assembly invited Vajiralongkorn to take the throne, but the prime minister later said that the prince was delaying his decision for now.

The Crown Prince said everyone as well as him is sad and in mourning so that we all together help each other get past this grief. Do not make us feel the change is so abrupt. All should remember the beautiful memory of the late kings 70 years of reign, Prayuth said Friday after the prince had granted him a royal audience.

After the funeral moves on to a certain point, there will be appropriate time to proceed with the official announcement of the new king, Prayuth said, according to local reports.

Joining the prince during his audience with Prayuth was Prem Tinsulanonda, a 96-year-old former general and chairman of the Privy Council, who on Friday night was appointed as temporary regent until the day when the prince decides to ascend to the throne, according to section 22 of the draft constitution. Prems position as head of the Privy Council made him the late monarchs closest adviser and gatekeeper, according to Agence France-Presse.

Over the weekend, Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs Wissanu Kreau-ngam indicated that the coronation of the tenth monarch in the Chakri dynasty would take place only after the completion of funereal rites spread over a years time.

Roughly we have funeral rites for at least a year, which is in line with the governments announcement of a mourning period. Then we will talk about the royal cremation and coronation, Wissanu told reporters, according to Thai media.

Made to kneel

On Monday, the prince  the kings only son  joined princesses Sirindhorn and Chulabhorn and nieces of Bhumibol in offering alms and food to monks who have been chanting in the presence of the late king since his body was moved from the hospital where he died to the Grand Palace on Friday.

The kings death after a long series of health-related ailments has plunged Thailand into a display of mass grieving that has not been seen for many years. Since Friday, Thais have been wearing black in accordance with a government order, and tens of thousands of mourners have been converging of the Grand Palace to pay their respects to and leave condolence messages for the king and his family.

However, some tensions have also arisen in the wake of the kings death. Three people have been arrested separately for allegedly posting comments on social media that were deemed critical of the monarchy. Since a junta seized power in May 2014 scores of people have been arrested under Thailands Lese-Majeste law, where they face the prospect of being jailed for up to 15 years if charged and found guilty of defaming the monarchy.

One of the three new cases involved a woman from Surat Thani province, identified as Umaporn, and who was arrested for allegedly insulting the monarchy on her Facebook page.

After her arrest on Saturday, she was made to kneel in public before a portrait of King Bhumibol and issue an apology as a crowd of several hundred royalists jeered the woman, according to reports.

In addition, the government has censured foreign news outlets, including BBC News and the British tabloid Daily Mail for their coverage of Thailand since Bhumibol died.

It has been found that some big foreign media have been reporting erroneous or false information and accusations that are of a manipulative and provocative nature. This is highly inappropriate, especially during this period of national mourning. Such practices are not only unethical but also unprofessional, insensitive to the feelings of the Thai people and offensive toward Thai cultural traditions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday.

Jonathan Head, a Bangkok-based BBC correspondent, said the broadcasters transmissions into the country had occasionally been blocked by the government in the days since the kings death.

Whenever reporting on Thailand comes up our transmissions are blocked, Head told Khaosod, a Thai news publication.
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By Bob Cunningham

Its no mystery that Dr. Gary Hoppenstand 82, 85 loves Bowling Green State University.

Hoppenstand recently donated a collection of crime, detective and horror fiction to The Ray and Pat Browne Library for Popular Culture Studies at BGSU. The collection, his third book donation to the University Libraries (UL), has been appraised at $140,000.

Hoppenstand, an English professor at Michigan State University, earned a Master of Arts in popular culture studies and a doctorate in American culture studies at BGSU.

Coming out of Bowling Green, I studied under the great Ray Browne at BGSU and his area of interest was not only in popular fiction and popular culture in general but crime and detective fiction, said Hoppenstand, a Columbus native who earned his undergraduate degree at Ohio State University. So, in a sense, I sort of emulated my mentor in terms of what I went into. Some of my first academic books were published through the Bowling Green State University Popular Press where Ray at that time was the director.

Previously, Hoppenstand donated significant Western fiction and adventure fiction collections to the library.

Dr. Gary Hoppenstand is a renowned scholar and professor, said Sara Bushong, dean of the University Libraries. He has dedicated his professional career to the study of popular culture, and the BGSU Browne Popular Culture Library again has benefitted from Garys careful selection of materials that continue to set the BPCL apart from other popular culture collections.

Dr. Hoppenstands gift is truly remarkable, and we are very grateful for his continued involvement with the University Libraries and his service as a member of the UL Leadership Council.

Hoppenstand said there are a number of items that are unique in his most recent donation.

One notable inclusion is material from Elizabeth Daly, one of the most popular and famous American crime writers of the 1940s.

I donated a very rare set of Dalys books, including a complete set of leather-bound editions from her own family to the library, Hoppenstand said.

In horror fiction, Hoppenstand donated a superb set of Shirley Jackson collectibles. Jackson is an American writer probably best known for her novel The Haunting of Hill House (1959) and short story The Lottery (1948).

I donated not only a signed edition of Jacksons but also a rare a contract that I had that she worked with for one of her books  so there were some papers that were involved in that donation, Hoppenstand said.

Other books included in his gift had rare signatures of the authors.

It really was the breadth of the donation  a lot of different titles and the rarity of the donations make it a one-of-a-kind collection, he said. Basically, Ive cleaned out my library that Ive used for my own research and my own work.

I just wanted to make sure that it went to BGSU rather than any other place because Ive felt a real attachment to Bowling Green. I wanted the material to go to a place that would do a good job of taking care of it and having it available as a resource for many other scholars who research in the field.

Hoppenstand said it is bittersweet parting with his collection. He takes solace, however, in knowing that the donated material will be at home in such a highly regarded library.

Bowling Green has won the prestigious Raven Award from the Mystery Writers of America for its crime and detective fiction collection, so its the best place in the world to donate that kind of material, and also because of my special relationship with the University.

At some point the collection was going to be dispersed. God forbid, knock on wood, when I pass away, who knows what would have happened to it? This way, I know its been directed to a good repository and Im happy its gone to a good home. That sort of offsets the separation anxiety in terms of donating the collection. I know its in good hands and I can go look at it if I want to.


Usually, when someone asks the question that Ive asked in the title of this post, the answer revolves around whether or not someone believes Paul actually traveled to Spain. The answer is usually given as three journeys if the person does not believe that Paul went to Spain, or four journeys if the person does believe that Paul went to Spain.

But, thats not what this post is about. Scripture does not tell us whether or not Paul traveled to Spain, but in the Book of Acts and in Pauls letters, we can tell that Paul went on many more than four journeys.

Now, the standard three journeys taken by Paul are taken from Acts 13 (Cyprus and southern Asia Minor), Acts 16 (southern Asia Minor and Macedonia, primarily Corinth), and Acts 19 (Asia Minor and Macedonia again, primarily Ephesus).

But, according to Paul, once he left Macedonia in Acts 20, he was on another journey assigned to him by the Holy Spirit to go to Rome via Jerusalem (Acts 20:16, Acts 20:22). Since Paul sees himself as being sent by the Spirit to Rome, this is another missionary journey (remember, missionary comes from the Latin translation of the Greek term meaning sent).

But, believe it or not, these are not all of Pauls missionary journeys. For some reason, people tend to begin viewing Paul as an apostle beginning in Acts 13. While Acts 13:1-4 is an amazing passage of the Spirit and the church in Antioch sending Barnabas and Paul, that particular journey ended in Acts 14. Luke specifically states in Acts 14:25-26 that when Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch, they have completed the task they had been sent to do in Acts 13.

Pauls journeys began very early after his conversion near Damascus. After being visited by Agabus, Paul immediately began proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in the synagogues in Damascus (Acts 9:20). When he was run out of town, Paul went to Jerusalem (Acts 9:26). After staying in Jerusalem for a while, he then went to Caeserea in order to sail to Tarsus, his home town (Acts 9:30).

This still is not the end of Pauls journeys. He was still in Tarsus when God began to save Gentiles around Antioch. When Barnabas went to Antioch to help the young church there, he went to Tarsus to ask Paul for his help. Once again, Paul found himself traveling, this time going from Tarsus to Antioch (Acts 11:25-26).

(By the way, according to Paul in Galatians 1:17, he also traveled to Arabia for three years at some point during his other journeys.)

In other words, Pauls life from the time of his conversion was one of almost constant travels punctuated with a few periods of staying in one location for a time. This is exactly what I would expect from someone gifted by God as an apostle. Remember that the term apostle is from the Greek term that means one who is sent. Paul lived as one who was sent by God from place to place.

Finally, there is even indication in Scripture that Pauls traveling nature was built into him by God. (Perhaps Paul has this in mind partially in Galatians 1:15.) We know that Paul was originally from Tarsus. But we first meet him in Jerusalem (Acts 7:58). And, we later see Paul traveling on behalf of the Jewish leaders (Acts 9:1-2).

So, how many mission journeys did Paul take? Its almost impossible to count them all, but its definitely more than four, even if he never made it to Spain.

Alan Knox is a PhD student in biblical theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a web developer, and a blogger. His interests include PHP and ecclesiology, and his dissertation topic is the purpose of the gathering of the church in the New Testament.
BILD: These days, most EU citizens are simply exasperated by Brussels  why have we lost our taste for Europe?

Monika Wulf-Mathies: People are feeling apprehensive. The influx of refugees, the banking crisis, globalisation ... a lot of people are scared. Wannabe populists exploit their fears; they make Europe responsible for everything that's going wrong.

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Michaele Schreyer: However, when you ask those same people whether they value their right to travel freely, they'll say: yes! Do you like the fact that you can buy food from all over the world in your local market? Yes! That you don't pay customs duties? That you can use your mobile phone abroad and it won't break the bank? That you no longer have to exchange your currency for another when you travel? YES! We have to constantly remind people of the many "little things" the EU has fought for and successfully achieved  besides that most important thing, peace.

Gunther Oettinger: Take automation and digitalisation, for instance, something that is happening all over the world. People are sensing: this is a major change, a change that many find frightening. However, no country is capable of coping with the problems that stem from a globalised society on its own. This needs a united Europe, a European team!

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BILD: Nevertheless, the financial and the refugee crisis clearly illustrated that conflicting attitudes prevail in eastern and western, northern and southern Europe.

Oettinger: Well, that is no different to what goes on at a local level: in Germany, for example, the national and the regional governments argued for months about inheritance tax. The negotiations simply take a bit longer if you have 28 EU member states where 24 different languages are spoken; countries that enjoy differing levels of prosperity and have different cultures and mentalities. So far, the EU has always managed to get there in the end.

BILD: You sound like Europe's last die-hard fans. Ms Wulf-Mathies, Ms Schreyer, you were EU commissioners until 1999 and 2004, respectively. Was Europe easier to manage back then?

Wulf-Mathies: When I left in 1999, there were 15 of us in the EU. Back then, there was more of a consensus about what makes Europe. The six founder members still had more clout; the southern European countries, some of which had only recently overcome dictatorships, welcomed the support of the EU, rather than questioned Europe. Granted, Great Britain was always difficult but generally behaved amicably. And the European model of economic success and social cohesion enjoyed a good reputation all over the world. The financial crisis has clearly impacted on this.

BILD: In what way?

Wulf-Mathies: The national governments blamed the EU for many of the austerity programmes that were either an internal necessity or imposed by the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank. This has had a pretty negative effect on Europe and its image. Then the former Eastern Bloc states, which had to take orders from Moscow for many years, joined the Union. They didn't want yet more dictates from Brussels and felt that they were not being treated as equals. Today, some of these states justify breaches of their own constitutions and of European law by misappropriating the famous rallying cry of the East German dissenters that were fighting for democracy - "Wir sind das Volk" - we are the people. Not a very nice development!

Schreyer: In the first years after the turn of the millennium, a pioneering spirit could be felt throughout the EU: the euro had been introduced, Europe wanted to draw up a European constitution, and the eastern EU enlargement in 2004 was greeted with euphoria. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Iron Curtain came down once and for all. A united, open Europe from Tallinn to Lisbon!

BILD: In hindsight, was the 2004 eastern EU enlargement overhasty?

Oettinger: At the time, the path towards a united Germany was also a very rocky one  Helmut Kohl's ten-point plan, the currency union ... But sometimes, you simply have to seize historic chances. If we had not permitted countries like Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia to join us in 2004 or Bulgaria in 2007, for example, they would ultimately have been destroyed by Putin's policy of aggression - just like the Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova. Back then, peace, freedom and values were our most import exports. An amazing achievement for Europe.

BILD: You don't see a risk of Poland or Hungary staging their own Brexits?

Oettinger: No, neither Orban nor Kaczynski want out of the EU.

Schreyer: After all, the large number of counter protesters in Poland proves just how many committed Europeans live there - despite all differences in opinion.

Wulf-Mathies: The people in eastern Europe are well aware of the advantages of being in the EU. In the end, reason will prevail. Take the current refugee issue, for example, where the countries that are opposed to taking in refugees invest in fighting the reasons why these people are fleeing their countries in the first place.

Oettinger: Admittedly, where the refugee crisis is concerned, it may have been helpful if Germany had coordinated its course of action more closely with the European Union right from the beginning, instead of just charging ahead ...

Wulf-Mathies: Quite right. Germans have learnt over decades to live with immigration. The eastern European states were cut off, that is why they find it more difficult. They feel that Germany is making decisions which they are expected to just go along with. We have to be more considerate in this respect.

BILD: Mr Oettinger, you were a German federal state minister before you went to Brussels. What was the biggest change for you?

Oettinger: In my home town of Stuttgart, the capital of the German federal state of Baden-Wurttemberg, I already had to grapple with the regional differences between Baden, which makes up one half of the state, and Wurttemberg, which makes up the other, and in the Bundesrat with stubborn politicians from somewhere else entirely, like Brandenburg or Holstein. But here in Brussels, we are dealing with 28 cultures, with the biography and mentality of a dour Pole, a young Portuguese woman or an experienced Irishman. I have even met communists who I liked in the European Parliament. I never enjoyed that privilege in Stuttgart!

Wulf-Mathies: That was also my biggest challenge: the many different perspectives and interests. However, I was equally fascinated by the large number of those enthusiastically committed to Europe who always saw themselves as a team despite all the squabbling.

Schreyer: That's the principle of the EU: to find commonalities and to build on them, instead of persistently clinging to the differences. You simply cannot reach compromises in any other way. Some coalition governments could learn a thing or two there.

BILD: One thing Brussels is criticised for time and again are its rules regarding such trifles as the correct shape of cucumbers or standardised shower heads ...

Oettinger: The cucumber rules were not introduced because the EU wanted to introduce them but because the fruit and vegetable trade insisted on them  and the trade continues to keep to them even though they have long since been scrapped. It is the Commission's job to establish rules that are as standardised as possible to ensure that the same standards apply in all member states.

Schreyer: So it's not surprising that sometimes things get ridiculously specific, like with the light bulb ban  Otherwise, we would be all talk and no action.

Oettinger: Take the standard mobile phone chargers which we have introduced, for example. Or standard plugs and sockets for electric cars. Without them, you couldn't drive wherever you wanted to drive to in Europe with your electric car as you would have to carry a huge box of travel adapters.

BILD: Another point that attracts much criticism: the inflated salaries and pensions the EU officials receive. How much do you earn  and how do you justify that figure to your neighbours...?

Oettinger: The salaries are regulated by law and published online for anyone to see: my gross salary is 21,000 euros a month.

BILD: That's a lot of money!

Oettinger: Yes, but if you also want to encourage people from the private sector, from associations or from the science community to become involved in politics, you can't offer low salaries. Plus: 28 commissioners are by no means a luxury, compared to the 180 national and regional government ministers Germany pays for.

Schreyer: That's right. The Commission's other employees are also very well paid, but their salaries are commensurate with the qualifications they are expected to have, and with their input.

BILD: How much pension will you receive?

Schreyer: As a former commissioner, I am entitled to around 16 per cent of the basic salary from the age of 60 onwards after five years of service, that's around 3,500 euros before tax.

BILD: Can you appreciate that many citizens think that's too much?

Oettinger: Certainly, but consider the bigger picture: the average EU citizen pays around 50 euros in taxes and contributions on every 100 euros earned. A mere one euro of this ends up with the EU.

BILD: So this one euro is a good investment?

Oettinger: From Germany's perspective, most definitely. Because if this one euro then benefits Poland, for example, you get 80 cents back in the form of orders for German construction companies or engineering firms. For us Germans, and for our neighbours, the EU is a worthwhile effort.

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For Immediate Release, October 17, 2016 Contact: Collette Adkins, Center for Biological Diversity, (651) 955-3821, cadkins@biologicaldiversity.org

Chloe Detrick, The Humane Society of the United States, (202) 658-9091, cdetrick@humanesociety.org Federal Appeals Court to Consider Future of Endangered Species Act

Protections for Wolves in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan WASHINGTON The Washington, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments Tuesday on whether wolves living in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan should remain protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. Wildlife advocacy groups, led by The Humane Society of the United States, are defending their 2014 legal victory that returned Endangered Species Act protections to wolves in the Great Lakes region after the court found that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service violated and misinterpreted the Act. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons/Retron. This photo is available for media use. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services piecemeal approach  attempting to eliminate protections for isolated wolf populations found in a tiny fraction of their historic range  has been repeatedly overturned by the federal courts, said Ralph Henry, director of animal protection litigation at The Humane Society of the United States, who will be representing the wildlife groups. The federal government cannot abandon its duty to ensure wolf recovery. Its politically motivated effort to turn wolf management over to states, intent on immediately and dramatically reducing wolf populations through trophy-hunting and trapping, should again be rejected. The appeal, brought by the Fish and Wildlife Service and the states of Wisconsin and Michigan, seeks to reverse a 2014 district court decision that reinstated wolf protections. The district court judge stated that the Services decision was no more valid than the agencys three prior attempts to remove federal protections for a population of gray wolves and that sometimes a court must lean forward from the bench to let an agency know, in no uncertain terms, that enough is enough. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a friend of the court brief in support of wolf protections. Several bills before Congress would sidestep the Endangered Species Act and preempt the current appeal process to permanently end federal protections for gray wolves in the Great Lakes, as well as Wyoming. Anti-wolf provisions are included as so-called poison-pill amendments to appropriations bills that must be passed by December to approve ongoing funding of the federal government. A similar rider was included in a 2011 appropriations bill that stripped protections for wolves in Montana and Idaho and has so far resulted in the death of more than 2,600 wolves under state management. Whether wolves still need federal protection is a scientific and legal question that should be reviewed by the courts, said Collette Adkins, a Center attorney and biologist. Americans are outraged at the backdoor attempts by politicians to weaken the Endangered Species Act and bypass our rights as concerned citizens to challenge unlawful government decisions. Without federal protection, hundreds of wolves in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan will once again suffer and die every year. Tuesdays hearing, before circuit judges Griffith, Millett and Pillard, will be at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 31, E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse, 333 Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C. The hearing is open to the public. Attorneys from The Humane Society of the United States and the Center will be available after the hearing to discuss the case. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.

http://www.biologicaldiversity.org The Humane Society of the United States is the nations largest animal protection organization, rated most effective by our peers. For 60 years, we have celebrated the protection of all animals and confronted all forms of cruelty. We are the nations largest provider of hands-on services for animals, caring for more than 100,000 animals each year, and we prevent cruelty to millions more through our advocacy campaigns. Read more about our 60 years of transformational change for animals and people, and visit us online at humanesociety.org.


For Immediate Release, October 17, 2016 Contact: Andrea Santarsiere, (303) 854-7748, asantarsiere@biologicaldiversity.org Feds to Reconsider Endangered Species Act Protection for Wolverine VICTOR, Idaho The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it is reopening the public-comment period on its 2013 proposed rule to protect North American wolverines as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The agencys move comes after the Center for Biological Diversity and allies challenged its sudden 2014 decision to withdraw that proposed rule. In response to the lawsuit, the District Court of Montana ruled in April that the withdrawal was illegal and ordered the Service to reconsider the proposed rule. This comment period is a result of that lawsuit. Photo by Steve Kroschel, USFWS. Photos are available for media use. It is estimated that no more than 300 wolverines now remain in the contiguous United States, living in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Wolverines require high-elevation areas with persistent snow cover for denning, and climate change threatens the availability of den sites and reproductive success of the species. All the science shows that climate change and other threats are driving wolverines in the lower 48 toward extinction, said Andrea Santarsiere, a senior attorney at the Center. We hope the Fish and Wildlife Service gets it right this time and provides these feisty mountain predators with the protection they need to survive. Last month the Fish and Wildlife Service released a seven-year workplan identifying species that would be evaluated for listing under the Endangered Species Act. This workplan noted that a final decision for wolverines would be issued in 2018. The wolverine cant wait two more years for federal protection, said Santarsiere. We urge the Service to speed up efforts to get this species the protection it desperately needs before its too late. The Center and others first petitioned for the wolverines protection in 1995. In litigation the Center was represented by Earthjustice and joined by Conservation Northwest, Friends of the Clearwater, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Idaho Conservation League, Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center and Rocky Mountain Wild. The case was consolidated with another case challenging the withdrawal, filed by Defenders of Wildlife. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
A new survey, conducted by MORI on behalf of a coalition of British public and charitable organisations with a common interest in stem cell research, shows that about 70 per cent of the British public support human embryo research to find treatments for serious illnesses or infertility.

MORI interviewed 2001 respondents aged 15 or above. Of these, 1044 people were asked, with no information provided other than that embryo research is currently legal up to 14 days after conception, what their view was about the use of human embryos in medical research. Fifteen per cent said that it was acceptable to use embryos in any type of medical research and 55 per cent said embryos should only be used in research to 'find treatments for serious diseases and for fertility research, but not for most other types of research'.

When participants were also informed that embryos are sometimes donated for medical research by people having undergone fertility treatments and were shown pictures of what a 14 day-old embryo looked like, the percentages increased to 17 and 56 per cent respectively. Twenty percent of those who were not given the extra information, and 17 per cent of those who did, said that the use of human embryos in medical research is 'never acceptable'.

The Parkinson's Disease Society issued a press release on behalf of the group of organisations. It said that the survey results 'will be encouraging for the many scientists and researchers who believe that both adult and embryonic stem cell research should be taken forward at the same time until it has become clear which route is most helpful for particular conditions'. Sir George Radda, chief executive of the Medical Research Council, said the results were encouraging, adding 'the results of this poll show the British public has a good grasp of the importance of ethical medical research... We need to keep them engaged in this debate; their voice is important'.
Mewing is a TikTok trend that has blown up in the last few months. It is claimed that it can help shape your jawline as well as cure other ailments by actively pressing your tongue to the roof
Samsung Electronics West Africa opened a Smart School for Teachers in Nigeria at Model Primary School, Elekahia in Rivers State. The project, an initiative between Samsung and Rivers State Government, was the fourth of five facilities already launched in Nigeria, with one more launch planned in Delta State.

Opening of 4th Samsung Smart School in Nigeria

The launch comes after the company established a Samsung Smart School in Imo State early last month where the Executive Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, George Eche and other dignitaries, were in attendance.

In line with the UNs Sustainable Development Goal to improve education, we believe it is essential to equip teachers with basic computer literacy, as well as provide them with the tools they need to use ICTs for curriculum development and more impactful teaching. The Smart School for Teachers launched in Abuja, Ogun, Imo and now Rivers States is an important step in achieving this, explains Chang Wook Lee, managing director of Samsung Electronics West Africa.

To date, 135 teachers have been trained on the use of the Samsung Smart School solution. Training for the Rivers State Smart School kicked off immediately after the launch with 50 teachers participating in the programme. Each participant was trained on how to access digital content, monitor student progress and conduct assessments using the digital facilities amongst other things.

The operational training is aimed at equipping the teachers with the skills needed to use the Samsung Smart School solution in their teaching and learning activities with the incorporation of digital content that makes learning fun and interesting for the learners, as well as build the capacity and confidence of the teachers to use technology in enhancing their teaching, adds Lee.

Samsungs Smart School for Teachers initiative seeks to complement the Federal Governments bid to revamp the countrys education sector after President Buhari announced the recruitment this year of 500,000 graduates as teachers.

The Smart School is one of Samsungs many corporate citizenship initiatives around education in Africa. We believe that digital technology can completely transform the learning process, as well as the nature of teaching and learning, to create inclusive environments for everyone. Our education solutions deliver on this vision and improve the quality of learning, enhance teaching effectiveness and allow administrators to run institutions more effectively, concludes Abosede George-Ogan, corporate citizenship manager, Samsung Electronics West Africa.
The Kingdom of Morocco has officially submitted a request to accede to the African Union (AU) Constitutive Act, and therefore, become a member of the Africa Union.

Image by 123RF

An adviser to King Mohammed VI on Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco, Taieb Fassi Fihri, informed the Commission chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, when they met in September, in a bilateral meeting in the margin of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The adviser informed the chairperson that Morocco had submitted the letter of intent on Thursday, 22 September 2016, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He also handed a copy to the chairperson.

Acknowledging receipt, the chairperson advised the envoy that due process will be followed, including officially informing Member States, as per the provisions of the AU Constitutive Act. The Kingdom of Morocco will be officially notified of the outcome.

The Kings Adviser on Foreign Affairs also informed the chairperson of plans underway to host COP22, which is scheduled to take place in Marrakech in 2017.
Last week, the Red & Yellow School of Logic and Magic held its first ever Alumni Reunion at the launch of its Alumni Association chaired by Philip Ireland of Ireland Davenport. The event included a notable send-off for John Cooney, who played a vital role in developing the school.

Introduced as the evenings guest of honour, Cooney joined the Red & Yellow School in 1999. He has held the position of chairman emeritus since he ended lecturing at the school two years ago.

What John brought to the school was in a way the logic to Brian and Allans magic. He pioneered the MAC [Marketing, Advertising and Communications] course and, as someone who has hired many hundreds of graduates in the last 17 years, I consider it to be the finest course that South Africa has to offer this industry, says Rob Stokes, founder of Quirk Marketing Agency and chairman of Red & Yellow.

John Cooney, Rob Stokes and some of the Red & Yellow School's magic makers.

Magic makers

As part of his farewell to the school, Cooney presented a wooden plaque dedicated to the schools top students, deemed magic makers, since the school started in 1999.

We tried to define what a magic maker was and, frankly, you cant. But you can recognise a magic maker. Youll see they find a situation where they can use the knowledge, confidence and creativity that has always been inside them, explains Cooney, Red & Yellows programmes give the students the opportunity to use the skills they are best at - not what the curriculum says they must do - and blend them with fluid but practical businesslike rigour and hit the road running.

The first student to feature on the plaque is David Moffatt, founder of Hellocomputer. Others included Jason Harrison, founding partner and group managing director at M&C Saatchi Abel, as well as Faheem Chaudhry, strategist at M&CSaatchi London.

Cooney concluded his speech with one final gift: a bench for present and past learners to enjoy at the schools premises.

Alumni Association

In explaining the role of the Alumni Association, Ireland says: We have a career built solely on one thing and that is bridging the gap between what we can imagine and what we can create. The challenges that the education industry faces at the moment are profound and they are going to take a lot of creative thinking to get beyond them, because inevitably, as fees must fall something else must rise - something must uplift, empower and become a positive force to build rather than break down. Institutions like the Red & Yellow are a beacon of hope for that. The Alumni committee is dedicated to supporting the institution, the faculty and this network of graduate professionals particularly by raising money to create access to underprivileged students to this magnificent facility.

"As graduates come out of the school, the alumni can mentor and show them around the industry in a way that no one else can. The greatest resource that the Alumni have are the other Alumni and our job as a committee will be to focus you as a cohort, so that you can be a positive force for good in the world."

Stokes elaborated on this point by saying that the Alumni serves to reconnect the myriad students who have passed through Red & Yellows doors and draw on the rich talent of those who have ventured into advertising and marketing professions. He assured the crowd that the Alumnis intention extends beyond merely requesting donations for the school.

Its really about the power of many To be able to give one bursary is profoundly impactful in our society, but I want it to be about much more than that. If you dont want to give money, give your time. An hour of lecturing a year can have a genuinely positive effect on the school, says Stokes.
A trend in sick leave soaring at certain times of the year lead to an investigation that found that this was mostly due to staff not being able to afford medical care.

We found that lack of access to adequate healthcare and medical benefits affected our employees ability to perform and in some cases lead to absenteeism, explains Lorrette Coetzee of engineering firm, TDS Projects.

Little choice in affordable products

This culminated in launching an employee occupational health benefits programme aimed at improving the lives of its staff. The initiative, administered by OCSACare, supports employee wellness for TDS employees working on sites in remote areas.

Some staff members were already on the cheapest medical aid options, but still experienced difficulties in getting access to medical care due to the restrictions that these funds imposed on both the members as well as on the service providers.

In seeking help, TDS turned to Rudolf de Bruyn of Optivest Health Solutions who is responsible for administering TDSs staff medical aid programme. We enquired about the availability of affordable products for blue-collar workers in the market and were surprised to find that there was very little choice.

Occupational health product

We were adamant that we wanted an affordable product that provided good service and quality products to our staff. Optivest provided various options and among them was OCSACare which provided the ideal solution as it is not a medical aid but an occupational health product.

Evidence shows that workplace health programmes can be highly effective in promoting healthy behaviours and ensuring employers offer South Africans a healthy and safe working environment.

Removing the elitist stigma

Recent media reports indicate that medical aid contributions will be increasing drastically, which for TDS management indicates the worrying prospect that private medical care is set to become a luxury that few can afford. We cannot emphasise the value of our staff enough and it is disheartening that statistically only around 20% of all employees can afford private healthcare, Coetzee says.

The aim is to access respectable basic medical care, prevent and manage sickness and disease timeously, provide access to local medical service providers in remote areas thereby eliminating the additional travel costs, achieving an improved work life and removing the elitist stigma around medical care by providing everyone with the same benefits.

Coetzee says that at the moment these benefits extend to the main member as a first priority because they would most likely be the breadwinner for their family but hopes to find an affordable option to extend care to family members in the future. Helping our employees  and eventually their families too  creates a win-win situation. We are able to improve the general state of health of our employees and TDS benefits by managing sick leave and limiting absenteeism which has an undesirable effect on productivity.
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) South Africa, formerly the DMMA, convened a panel discussion on 'Free Speech in the Digital Age' to debate how we strike the balance between safety and freedom of speech on the Internet and can good intentions muffle constructive content?

Opposing experts

The panel brought together experts that represented different views on the contentious topic.

Sipho Risiba, COO, Film and Publications Board (FPB), was present to defend the classification bodys draft Online Regulation Policy and the Department of Communications proposed Films and Publications Amendment Bill, while Justin Spratt, head of business, Sub-Saharan Africa at Uber provided arguments against it.

As public policy & government relations manager for Google South Africa, Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda was able to speak in detail about the nature of content being indexed locally while Ant Brooks - special advisor to the Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) and founding member of the Future Foundation provided deep insight on the involvement of ISPs in the regulation of content.

Head of regulatory affairs for IAB SA, Andrew Allison, who has been instrumental in representing the IAB in its engagements with the FPB and the Department of Communications on the subject of online content regulation, facilitated the panel.

 goodluz via 123RF

How policy will impact regulation

Risiba argued that there has been confusion over the true nature of the FPBs policy. There is a feeling that the FPB is trying to regulate the internet. However, we are regulating the behavior on the internet, not the platform. The FSB clearly distinguished between commercial and non-commercial players. In terms of commercial legislation, this will extend primarily to films and games. Non-commercial content will be monitored through complaints.

The key lies in self-regulation, with the Online Regulation Policy providing a framework for uniformity of standards. Collaboration between all parties, so that the FPB does not prescribe what content is harmful, but works with the industry to self-regulate is essential.

Brooks noted that self-regulation is nothing new. Since 2002, any member of the public can approach ISPA to remove offensive or illegal content. Awareness of this is growing, as 246 notices were lodged in 2015, and 249 notices were lodged in 2016. Most of the time, these notices deal with copyright infringement.

How big is the harmful content problem?

Spratt argued that the need for regulation only applies to fringe cases. Most commercial content creators are incentivised to self-regulate already. The open web is, as a result, very clean. The problem lies in the dark web, where communication is concealed over SMS, WhatsApp or Snapchat. Brooks added that the largest collective host of pornography is not Google (as the Department had previously claimed) or any other search engine, but ordinary individuals taking their own pictures. Any attempt at regulation spawns unintended consequences. What pornography is being regulated  transmission or one-to-one? If South Africa chooses to regulate one-to-one material, does that mean the legislation reaches beyond the internet and into GSM technology?

Digital literacy is critical

Children are accessing the internet on mobile phones from a young age, 80% of them doing this on a device they own. While classification will help impede the publishing of local, harmful content, the education of the public is paramount. Mgwili-Sibanda said, If you read our [Googles] online community guidelines and the [South African] Constitution, you will find they read almost word for word. We all agree on the limitations of free speech and there are no vast differences in what different countries view as bad content. With 600 hours of content uploaded every minute, digital literacy should be at the core of helping the public to use the Internet constructively.

In support of this argument, he used the example of Google working with schools to educate them on the safe use of the Internet. On this point Spratt added, Digital literacy is currently funded by private companies. This is something the government needs to get involved in. It has been proven that just a 10% boost in Internet access adds to GDP growth. In this sense, the internet is a positive force and, with increased access to the right content, our continent will be unstoppable. Mgwili-Sibanda echoed this sentiment, citing the example of Saudi Arabia that saw an increase in foreign investment when it introduced online regulation and digital literacy in the country.

Education extends beyond the classroom

It is not only the youth of South Africa that need to improve their digital literacy. Legislators at a ministerial and departmental level need to understand the space so they can regulate effectively. A law enforcement manual is being compiled by the FPB to ensure that cases are not struck off the roll because the legislators do not understand the nuances of the policy.

Teachers need to be educated, as do parents. While some devices are created for kids, many log into their parents phones using their credentials. The device recognises the user as an adult, which gives them access to restricted content.

Impact of regulation on business

Brooks voiced a concern about the impact legislation will have on the growth of small businesses. After running a workshop for ISP businesses, he found that  individually  laws and legislative obligations may not be themselves overly problematic, but combined they made the barrier to entry too high for a new ISP business to succeed without significant difficulty. Risiba acknowledged that the fee structure for small businesses needs to be reviewed and that the FPB is currently doing a study with the University of Pretoria.

The panel was a constructive discussion that affirmed that, while the industry may not yet have all the answers as to how best to regulate (or not) content in an increasingly online South Africa, the FPB is open to discussion and collaboration and there is a genuine willingness on the part of business to play a role too.
WASHINGTON: Google is adding "fact check" tags to its news articles, introducing the feature amid a US presidential race roiled by heated disputes over the accuracy of information.

123RF

The move, announced Thursday, will allow readers on Google news applications and websites to click on links to check facts where claims have been evaluated by fact-check organizations.

The new feature is being introduced amid a war over facts between many major media outlets and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. It also aims to stem the spread of "fake" news that may spread through social media.

"We're excited to see the growth of the fact-check community and to shine a light on its efforts to divine fact from fiction, wisdom from spin," Google news chief Richard Gingras said in a blog post.

Google News "determines whether an article might contain fact checks" using an algorithm that evaluates claims and by seeking websites "that follow the commonly accepted criteria for fact checks," the statement said.

Bill Adair, a Duke University journalism professor and founder of the Pulitzer Prize-winning site PolitiFact, called the Google announcement "a huge step for fact-checking."

Trump has forced fact-checkers to work overtime with a seemingly relentless stream of untruths and exaggerations about his past, and he has hit back at the media for damning revelations.

On Thursday, Trump savaged US media for reporting "outright lies" that he groped and forcibly kissed women who came forward to tell their stories to news outlets.

Source: AFP
During a cliffhanger week for South Africa in which beloved public protector, Thuli Madonsela took leave of office, the nation held its breath over the summonsing of finance minister, Pravin Gordhan and universities burned in the #feesmustfall debacle, Justice Malala focused on reasons to be cheerful at the recent Deloitte State of the Nation forum in Cape Town.

Malala, whose forthcoming book is entitled We have begun our Descent, attributed current political volatility to an ANC divided  with players such as Trevor Manuel, Gordhan and Cyril Ramaphosa in an epic battle to prevent state capture by Jacob Zuma.

Bruce Whitfield, Justice Malala and Clem Sunter at Deloitte's State of the Nation breakfast. Photo: Terry Levin

In the event of Gordhan being asked to step down, Malala predicted a more extensive cabinet reshuffle, which could see Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe, become South Africas fourth finance minister since December 2015. Despite the reshuffle, Malala reckoned that with about 60% support of the 86 ANC national executive members, Zuma himself looks set to be sitting pretty for the foreseeable future.

Five positive things in South Africa right now

The confidence-draining events of Nenegate ensured that business and civil society have found their voice. CEOs of listed companies have pledged billions for internships and collaborated to draw up a nine-point plan that will hopefully see business, labour and government collaborating more productively in the countrys affairs. South Africa still enjoys strong independent institutions such as the judiciary and the Constitutional Court. An emerging multi-party democracy is creating more political diversity, which, for the first time in 22 years, is not dominated by one party. The IEC and the recent local government elections were a model of free and fair, which saw a sea-change as the ANC plummeted from 11m votes in 2014 to 8m in 2016, indicating its constituency is leaving the party with no choice but to decide whether to save itself or save one man. The unrest at universities could offer the hope that someone like Julius Malema will exercise the necessary leadership to tell their student command to stop burning and start writing exams.

Malala concluded that there are still many good people within the National Treasury and in the National Prosecuting Authority with enough diversity of opinion for sense to reign over the nonsense.

Although he cautioned that we look set to replace one Zuma for another in 2019, with Jacobs ex-wife, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as the most likely presidential successor.
The 39% increase in the severity of insurance claims is directly attributable to increases in service delivery and student unrest.

According to the latest figures released by Sasria, the value of insurance claims received for student protests was R134m. These figures are only for the period up to March 2016, and excludes damages that have taken place as a result of student protests in the second half of the year.

Claims spike

During the 2015/16 period claims increased to R729m compared to R525m in the previous period. South Africa experienced a high number of service delivery protests, labour unrest, #FeesMustFall protests and disgruntled commuters burning trains and buses, which gave rise to special risk claims.

Sasria received a record 2,262 insurance claims relating to special-risk damages suffered by policy holders during the year. Of those, 74% related to damages as a result of service delivery protests. Student protest unrest claims spiked from the previous period to make up 10% of all unrest claims, with a total of 220 insurance claims related to #FeesMustFall and other student unrest.

Nzimande passes the buck

Minister of higher education and training, Blade Nzimande recently told journalists that he expects that the latest figure of expected damages related to #FeesMustFall could be closer to R600m. The department of higher education reported that they experienced infrastructure damage in excess of R300m in 2015/16 financial period as a result of student protest degenerating into violence and the destruction of property.

Government responded to the campaign for no-fee increases by declaring a no-fee increase for 2016. This shortfall (R2,3bn) was partially funded by government to the tune of R1,9bn.

In addition, government also reprioritised an additional R16,2bn for higher education over the period to deal with the 2016 fee freeze shortfall and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) challenges. A fresh wave of student protests followed Nzimandes announcement in September 2016 that university fees would increase in 2017. He passed the buck of the final decision on increases to the university councils, with a cap at 8%.

Increase in social unrest

Thokozile Mahlangu, executive manager at Sasria, advises that there has been an increase in the frequency of riots and strikes in the past three years as well as an increase in the severity. She says that it was imperative that businesses and consumers ensure that they have sufficient insurance cover for special risk in order to avoid gaps in cover or being left uninsured.

During August 2015, Sasria suffered its biggest single loss in the history of the company as a result of labour unrest at one of the power plants in KwaZulu-Natal that gave rise to damages amounting to R103m. This happened when the open gas turbine facility of the power plant was torched a few days before the commissioning of the facility.

Another large claim of R 60m was also dealt with by Sasria arising out of the torching of the Isithebe Industrial Estate in KwaZulu-Natal, in March 2016, as a result of community dissatisfaction with the local leadership. The claims resulted from damage to building structures, plant, machinery, stock and equipment.
Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane has appointed a task team to review procurement processes in the department.

Minister Mokonyane made the announcement during a media briefing last week at her office.

The task team is expected to report its findings to the minister within six months. The team is also expected to periodically provide preliminary reports, which may warrant action from the minister even before the final report is submitted.

The task team will be led by Adv. Terry Motau SC and its terms of reference will include:

Review contracts concluded from 1 June 2014 to date;

Review contracts concluded before 1 June 2014 that are still running/open;

Determine value for money on contracts concluded;

Check compliance with PFMA and SCM Framework;

Assess the extent to which the department has benefited the previously disadvantaged: the youth, women and people with disabilities;

Interview any individual whether internal or external of the Department to seek clarification on any matter that shall have arisen out of the probity process;

Evaluate the alignment and the efficacy of internal systems to the revised Strategic Plan of the Department; and

Make recommendations to the Minister.

Minister Mokonyane said instances of maladministration, wherever they are found, directly undermine the ability of the department to effectively fulfil its functions and constitutional obligations and cannot be tolerated.

"Where it is shown that any of the officials has infringed the relevant law, I will apply appropriate disciplinary measures, and the culprits will be reported to law enforcement agencies, if there is a cause to do so.

It is my responsibility as the minister to demonstrate that we are good custodians of public funds, she said.

She encouraged members of the public and department officials, who have information on irregularities, to come forward and make submissions and representations to the task team.
Fees must Fall leader Mcebo Dlamini will spend another night in police custody.

Dlamini, who was arrested on Sunday morning, 16 October, after police raided student residences at the University of the Witwatersrand, made an appearance in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Monday.

His court case was postponed until Tuesday, 18 October, when he will resume a bail application.

Clad in a green and white jersey with a white and black scarf on his shoulder, Dlamini, who is also a former Student Representative Council president, appeared calm throughout the proceedings.

His lawyer, Mongezi Ntanga, said Dlamini is charged with public violence, possession of dangerous weapons, theft and assault. It had earlier been reported that he faced a charge of assaulting a police officer.

When asked if he had any complaints, Dlamini said that besides the general horrible conditions in custody, he had no request but for his asthma medication.

The matter was postponed until Tuesday to give prosecutor Steven Rubin time to verify Dlamini's details, including his home residence and date of birth.

"The only details we have are those of his residence. As varsities are due to close, I wanted to verify his details of permanent residence," Rubin said.

The court had been told that Dlamini had a test scheduled for Tuesday, when he will again apply for bail.

A heavily armed member of the Tactical Response Team stationed at the door of court 5 ahead of Dlamini's appearance dissuaded the movement of people in and out of the room.

When one protester asked to go to the bathroom, he shouted: "No, you can't go out. If you want out you are out, you can't come back in here."

Outside court, a large number of students sat on the benches.

Anglican Bishop of Pretoria Jo Seoka, who has been a supporter of the Fees Must Fall movement, was also present.

"I am just here to see what exactly it is that is happening. I am here to offer my support. I haven't spoke to him [Mcebo] yet, but I will," he said.

Nine other students arrested at the weekend were to appear at the Hillbrow Magistrates Court.

Source: The Times
A series of videos on eatout.co.za shows the announcement of the Top 10 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards.

The contenders for this years awards are:

Camphors at Vergelegen

Chefs Warehouse & Canteen

DW Eleven-13

Foliage

Greenhouse

Hartford House

Indochine

Jordan Restaurant

The Kitchen at Maison

La Colombe

Nobu

Overture

Pierneef a La Motte

The Pot Luck Club

The Restaurant at Waterkloof

Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient

Rust en Vrede Restaurant

The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais

Terroir

The Test Kitchen

Upcoming Awards ceremony

The Top 10 restaurants in South Africa as well as the winners of the Eat Out S.Pellegrino Acqua Panna Chef of the Year, Eat Out Nespresso Service Excellence Award and the Eat Out Wine Service Award will be selected from these nominees and announced at the awards ceremony in Cape Town on Sunday, 20 November.

The identities of the anonymous judges who have dined around the country with chief judge Abigail Donnelly to select this years nominees  and ultimately, the winners  were revealed in a video on the Eat Out website at the end of September. They are Carianne Wilkinson of the Silwood School of Cookery and chef David Higgs.

Says Abigail Donnelly, Eat Out editor and chief judge: The outstanding restaurants celebrated this year show a clever combination of consistency, evolution and playfulness. Rock n roll dishes have been created by these stars of the food world. The lineup, which includes regulars, reappearances and new names, proves that its not about trends, but rather about pure dedication.

Other champions that will be announced at these annual food Oscars include the Eat Out Nederburg Rising Star and the recipient of the Eat Out Lannice Snyman Lifetime Achievement Award. A separate judging process has also determined the winners of the Eat Out Boschendal Style Award and two new accolades, the Eat Out Retail Capital New Restaurant of the Year and the Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award. Visit eatout.co.za/awards for more details on the judging criteria for each award.

Limited tickets are available for the 2016 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant awards at R1,495 per person. Bookings can be made at eventrsvp.co.za/EatOutAwards2016. For enquiries, contact az.oc.tuotae@sdrawa or call 021 417 1257.

Click here for details of all the nominees for this years awards.
Mass media and information firm Thomson Reuters has announced the launch of Thomson Reuters Labs at Bandwidth Barn in Woodstock, Cape Town.

The Lab will see the company engage with the regions vibrant innovation ecosystem and dynamic startup community to fuel growth and empower success for customers worldwide. It will have a presence at Bandwidth Barn, a technology-centered community in the heart of the regions startup ecosystem.

Cape Town is the latest location to open as part of Thomson Reuters Labs growing global network that also includes Boston, Waterloo (Canada), London and Zurich.

Innovation and partnership

The Labs have two primary objectives: innovation and partnership. Innovation will come through driving creative conversations with our customers and partners through open events and rapid prototyping. Partnership involves collaboration and co-creation with startups and other partners to put new technology and business models into practice. The Labs provide capabilities across the many disciplines that constitute data science and deliver tools, analyses, dashboards, visualizations and proof-of-concept applications.

Thomson Reuters Labs is an engine of innovation for our company, leveraging creative partnerships to deliver real solutions for our customers, said Mona Vernon, vice president of Thomson Reuters Labs. Through our growing Labs network, we continue to connect Thomson Reuters best-in-class data sets and professional expertise with innovation communities around the globe.

Ian Merrington, chief executive officer of CiTi (The Cape Innovation and Technology Initiative) and The Bandwidth Barn said, We are delighted to welcome Thomson Reuters to our fintech cluster. Combining their deep industry expertise with our own incubation initiatives, we look forward to pursing our shared mission of innovation in business and technology throughout Africa.
Conteu Magazine to launch special print edition

"There's just something so special about print. In today's fast-paced lifestyle the idea of carving time out of your day to sit down and enjoy a magazine is something we, and others like us, crave." - Words by Conteu Magazine's Chloe Kemp and Megan Rich who are in the conceptual stage of a special print edition.

Conteu Magazine was launched in 2015. Kindled from the French word 'raconteur', meaning storyteller, Conteu (pronounced kon-terr) is a collection of stories about slow living, that support a more meaningful lifestyle, and that celebrate the makers, honour the thinkers and inspire the adventurers. Just like the online issues, the print edition will have a mixture of storytelling formats including photo essays, illustrations, recipes and copy produced by South African creatives We wanted to create a publication that showcases the wealth of South African creativity. Our hope is that it shapes your day and resonates with your soul Our hope is that it wont be a magazine that becomes stale within a week or month, but can be re-read over a number of years. Here, Chloe and Megan tell us more about their journey towards print, and how others that believe in the project can help #PrintConteu. What gave you the idea to start a magazine, and when was this? What gave you the idea to start a magazine, and when was this? We had a chance encounter about two years ago which led us into a conversation about starting a magazine quite surreal actually. This was something we had both been considering separately as a result of our frustration of being unable to find local authentic content we related with. So, after a year of conversations, dreaming a mixture of naivety and a lets do this type of attitude, we finally launched the first online issue in 2015. Who else is behind it? Who else is behind it? The Conteu Magazine team is made up of two founders and editors (Chloe and Megan), a graphic designer (Jonny), web developer (Matt) and assistant editor (Rachel). The magazine would also not exist without the amazing South African creatives who have given their time and talents so graciously. The magazine is currently a passion project with no salary being drawn, and something you enjoy working on in your spare time. Explain the work (and play) that goes into producing each issue. The magazine is currently a passion project with no salary being drawn, and something you enjoy working on in your spare time.

Each issue requires a lot of work. From brainstorming and sourcing stories that we find inspiring, connecting with storytellers, editing and then organising a launch where readers can connect with the stories tangibly. The print initiative has added a whole nother (and complex) layer to the process with budgets, printing costs and organising the crowdfunding campaign.

Who are your readers?

Our readers are people who are passionate about life in all its forms: the silent reflective moments, the creative moments of inspiration to the spontaneous weekend adventures with friends. They value community as much as we do, and are independent thinkers that are open to simplifying their lives in order to amplify the value of life.

What can your readers look forward to in the print edition?

The (*96 page) special print edition will be a collection of our favourite stories from past issues along with stories from our new issue, PLAY. Just like the online issues, the print edition will have a mixture of storytelling formats including photo essays, illustrations, recipes and copy produced by South African creatives.

*still in the process of putting it all together, so length may change

Do you hope to be able to work on the magazine full time in the foreseeable future, and if so, what are some of the challenges you face?

We are working towards making Conteu our full-time priority, or at least part time during the week to start with (at the moment we all hold other jobs). The hardest part of transitioning is trying to find more time we can unlock to commit to the magazine.

Comment on your journey towards print. Comment on your journey towards print.

What are you planning for the launch?

We are taking one step at a time at the moment and so have not yet finalised the launch. But without giving too much away we are thinking flower dyed fabric, delicious celebration cakes, a little bit of bubbly and the opportunity to really engage with our community. How will the print version affect the online platform going forward? Our vision is to continue with a quarterly online magazine with an annual special print edition. The content in print will be unique and readers will not be able to access it online. However, the beauty of being a startup is that you are constantly learning and you have the flexibility to be agile. So if we find a large demand for Conteu in print then we can start navigating in that direction.

Youve just launched an online crowdfunding campaign on Youve just launched an online crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo and still need $4,041 to reach your target of $5,000 to help take Conteu from screen to print. What is your encouragement to supporters and potential backers?

Supporting local, no matter the industry, is always a good idea. But more than that we hope that potential backers will join us in creating a space to showcase and celebrate South African creatives. There are so many more stories we want to tell, creatives we want to collaborate with and events we want to host to celebrate and add value to our communities.

Conteu's special print edition is available for pre-order over the next 14 days on Indiegogo. Help #PrintConteu by pre-ordering a copy and sharing this story or the campaign on social media.

What are the additional perks to making a financial contribution?

We've partnered with some incredible creatives like Dayfeels, a Cape Town illustrator, who is creating some beautiful postcards (bring on the joy of writing letters). We've also partnered with Kin Culture, a shop in Cape Town that designs with humanity in mind, who is producing premium totes for us.

Why do you believe in Conteu, and why do you hope others will too?

Simply, we believe in three things. We like creativity, we want to celebrate it locally, and we want to share authentic stories for the makers, thinkers and adventurers. If we can add value in this small way, telling just a fraction of the incredible stories that are in this country, then we're happy. And we think there are others who believe in that vision too. To be honest we're still learning and figuring out this process as we go. We're not perfect but imperfection is a beautiful thing.
Nasedi Media & Communications will host the Women in Business: Financing your Business panel discussion, in partnership with Wits Business School and Absa Enterprise Development, on 2 November 2016 at Wits Business School, Donald Gordon Auditorium from 5-8.30pm to discuss the various financing options available to female business owners.

Access to business financing is a major challenge for entrepreneurs and could mean the difference between starting and sustaining a business. According to the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) 72% of micro-enterprises and 40% of small enterprises are currently owned by women in South Africa. As such, government and the private sector have established programmes and funds primarily aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs in South Africa.

Confirmed speakers include Charlton Thangalan, provincial manager, enterprise development at Absa Business Bank Gauteng, Justice Kganyago, COO at IDF Capital and Conny Phaswana, enterprise development, business relationship manager at The Innovation Hub.

Absa has setup a Women Empowerment Fund for South African women that permanently reside within the borders of South Africa, says Thangalan. We look forward to sharing our economic development value proposition with the business owners who will attend as well as information on our developmental funding mechanisms and how funding applications are accessed.

Absa will also offer registered companies that attend the panel discussion free one-on-one consultations with an Absa enterprise development consultant to render needs analysis if they qualify to their specific recommendations.

While The Innovation Hub does not offer financing, it facilitates access to funding by linking entrepreneurs to relevant funding institutions. The Innovation Hub supports female entrepreneurs through the various incubation programmes such as Climate Innovation Centre (CIC), MAXUM, eKasi Labs and BioPark. The programmes support business with non-financial support at different stages of the businesses, adds Phaswana, who encourages entrepreneurs who will be attending to gather as much information as possible.

This is an opportunity to engage with the relevant stakeholders and to get clarity where it is needed. Networks are very important in business and anyone starting a business or in business understands that networking opportunities are the way to go, as meeting people always leads to business leads.

Tickets cost R500. To purchase tickets, email Nasedi Media & Communications on moc.aidemidesan@ofni or call +27 (0) 10 593 0595/ 081 868 8201.
WASHINGTON: US automaker General Motors is taking a stake in the Chinese car-sharing startup Yi Wei Xing, expanding the company's global footprint in alternative and mobile-oriented transport.

Brad Calkins via 123RF

Yi Wei Xing's smartphone app Feezu works with car-rental companies to let customers hire cars for short periods.

"Yi Wei Xing has solid technologies and innovations that will help us explore more efficient and personalised mobility solutions for consumers in China," Julia Steyn, GM vice president for urban mobility, said in a statement released on Tuesday.

The statement did not disclose the amount of GM's equity investment in Yi Wei Xing.

In January GM announced a $500 million investment in the ride-hailing service Lyft as the company joins the race to develop self-driving cars.

Source: AFP
The highly regarded Kinsey Report, compiled by veteran motoring journo Malcolm Kinsey, compares the prices of car parts and servicing for vehicles available in the SA market. This year, categories were applied to a total of 69 vehicles across nine motoring segments (all costs monitored included VAT) and the survey covered 34 common parts needed in servicing, repairs and crashes. All prices in this year's study were sourced in July 2016 and almost exclusively from dealers in the Durban/Pinetown/Umhlanga areas.

Datsun Go: City Car and Entry Level category winner

The categories used to rate cars in their defined market segments are:

 Category A (Service Items): covering everyday replaceable items, such as air filters, spark/glow plugs, brake pads/shoes and wiper blades.

 Category B (Repair Parts): covering major items, such as cam belts, shock absorbers, clutch and pressure plates, flywheels, and fan belts.

 Category C (Crash Parts): this looks at major replacement body costs, such as bonnets, grilles, doors, fenders and bumper skins, and light assemblies.

According to Kinsey, the report has less importance to readers who own new vehicles which are still covered by service or maintenance plans, "but it should still be of considerable interest, and possibly dismay, to buyers/owners of used vehicles where repair and servicing costs are very relevant."

He says that accident and crash parts are a valid concern for all vehicle owners and can impact the finances from day one, whatever insurance policies one have. "Aluminium clad vehicles are very expensive to repair and the doors, headlights and rim already mentioned add up to an alarming amount - affecting excess, write off points, etc."

A summary of the results can be found below.

City Cars and Entry Level

Cheapest: Datsun Go, followed by Nissan Micra and VW Polo Vivo.

Most expensive: Chevrolet Spark, followed by Ford Figo and Kia Picanto.

Family Favourites

Cheapest: Toyota Corolla Quest, followed by Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3.

Most expensive: Hyundai Elantra, followed by Ford Focus and Chev Cruze.

Super Mini

Cheapest: Peugeot 208, followed by Renault Sandero and VW Polo.

Most expensive: Chevrolet Sonic, followed by Kia Rio and Toyota Yaris.

Compact Crossovers

Cheapest: Citroen Cactus

Most expensive: Ford EcoSport

Double Cabs

Cheapest: Tata Xenon, followed by Toyota Hilux

Most expensive: Nissan Navara,followed by VW Amarok.

Single Cab

Cheapest: Nissan NP 200, Chevrolet Utility and Nissan NP300.

Most expensive: VW Amarok, then Ford Ranger.

Executive Crossovers

Cheapest: Toyota Prado, followed by Volvo XC 90.

Most expensive: BMW X5, then Audi Q7.

Crossover

Cheapest: Toyota Fortuner, followed by Chevrolet Trailblazer and Hyundai Tuscon.

Most expensive: Mitsubishi ASX, followed by Honda CRV and Jeep Renegade.

Executive Saloons

Cheapest: Volvo S60, followed by BMW 320i and Jaguar XE 200.

Most expensive: Lexus ES 250, followed by Audi A4 2.0.

View the full report.
During the pilot phase of the 'Local Leisure at its Best' campaign, aimed at encouraging local travel among "bleisure" travellers, more than 2,600 South African business travellers enjoyed access to special local holiday deals and destinations.

ASATA and SA Tourism showcase local holiday options with HRG Rennies at ABB South Africa

The campaign was rolled out across corporates as part of a joint agreement between The Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA) and South African Tourism (SA Tourism) to promote domestic tourism in South Africa. Through the initiative, business travellers in South Africa could select from a range of specially created bleisure experiences and affordable travel deals offered by select ASATA Travel Management Companies who have received training on the South African bleisure experiences on offer.

Incorporating visuals of South Africas travel destinations and a beautiful brochure with a range of specially selected packages, the ASATA-SA Tourism activation booths have been set up in busy public spaces and experienced consultants are on hand to assist travellers with their local holiday enquiries and needs. The activations have provided wonderful additional value for our customers, says Lynn Howarth, operations director HRG Rennies.

Our corporate activations to showcase South Africa have been hugely successful, so successful in fact that we currently assessing the feasibility of a Phase 2 to reach even more business travellers across the country, says Kim Koen, ASATA general manager.

For us at South African Tourism, this partnership presents the perfect opportunity to not only grow this new trend in our own country but to continue entrenching the culture of travel. We truly believe that partnering with the travel industry is the best way to do so, concludes Margie Whitehouse, chief marketing officer at South African Tourism.
In celebration of "all things KZN", East Coast Radio has launched its own selection of homegrown emoticons. A first for any radio station in South Africa and in the continent, the ECRmojis allow the people of KwaZulu-Natal to pack their phone with provincial pride!

Boni Mchunu

From a minibus to Moses Mabhida Stadium, shields to sharks, the Berg to bunny chows and mynahs to Madiba, the ECRmojis are reflective of the unique lifestyle and sub-cultures that we enjoy in our province. There are even digital images for East Coast Radio presenters, Darren Maule and Phat Joe!

"When I joined East Coast Radio it was important for me to articulate how I was going to make people look twice at the East Coast Radio brand, says East Coast Radios General Manager, Boni Mchunu. Over the duration of my career, I have found that you can only truly achieve this through innovation. The launch of our very own ECRmoji range, positions East Coast Radio as a forerunner in a space that has real time relevance, nationally and internationally. This is innovation in action. The ECRmojis will be undoubtedly be integrated into the everyday goings on of our listeners.

There are 31 ECRmojis in total spanning local; events, activities, characters, food and destinations. They are guaranteed to spice up any digital conversation and allow you to express yourself in a unique KZN way!

The ECRmojis are available now as a free App from the Google Play Store or Apple iTunes.

The launch of the ECRmojis coincides with the stations 20th birthday celebrations.

East Coast Radio is the first radio station in Africa to launch its own brand of emojis. The ECRmojis celebrate all things KZN and are available as a free download from the Google Play Store




One of the renewable energy associations has officially complained about Eskom's apparent refusal to enter into power purchasing agreements with preferred bidders.

The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) has approached the Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) over the utilitys failure to comply with ministerial determinations.

Contravening government mandate

SAWEA believes that Eskom is acting in direct contravention with the governments policy to diversify the countrys energy mix, says Johan van den Berg, CEO of the SAWEA.

The complaint details Eskoms refusal to comply with the Electricity Regulation Act, ministerial determinations and Eskoms own transmission licence conditions. Eskoms current stance is incompatible with government policy, the law of the land, and its own licence conditions, he adds.

Eskom pushing its own agenda

The industry believes that Eskom, which is by far the largest generator in the country, is abusing its position as the operator of the national grid in order to favour its own investment in new power plants.

Unease over Eskoms motives leads SAWEA to believe that the state-owned utility is pushing its own agenda and opposing governments energy policy. SAWEA considers recent statements issued by Eskom to be misleading and not in the best interest of the country.

Decisions on new power generation are the sole preserve of the minister of energy, who has issued a series of determinations designed to stimulate competition, diversify the energy mix, and reduce the countrys carbon emissions.

Renewables milestones

Since 2011, the renewable energy independent power producer procurement programme (REIPPPP) has awarded 6,590 MW of renewable energy capacity to 102 independent power producers, of which at least 44 are already operational. In all the programme will attract new private sector investment worth R194bn in predominantly rural areas.

Successive capacity bidding rounds have seen tariffs fall to the point that renewables are now the cheapest form of electricity generation available to the country. Independent research by the CSIR has confirmed that wind and solar PV energy are, without a doubt, the lowest cost generation option for South Africas future.

Boosting social development

The REIPPPP will also lead to significant investments in social development in the communities surrounding these projects. Approximately R19,3bn will be ploughed into social development and a further R6bn will go into enterprise development over the 20-year lives of the projects. Local communities will earn a further R29,2bn through their direct shareholding in the projects.

Renewable programmes are also stimulating local manufacturing and creating sustainable jobs. By March 2016 over R30bn had been spent on local content and a further R65,7bn is expected to be spent by projects that have yet to commence construction. Twelve new industrial facilities have been established as a direct result of the programme. Since 2013, the construction and operation of renewable energy projects has already created 111,835 job years for South African citizens.

Presidential support

Cabinet recently recognised these accounts when it issued a statement reaffirming support for the REIPPPP. The office of the president has further stated that all the independent power producer programmes, and any other determinations made by the minister of energy, are and remain government policy and are supported by the presidency.

Given these facts, Eskoms refusal to sign any further power purchase agreements with renewable energy producers is quite inexplicable and clearly falls foul of the law, concludes van den Berg.
Panasonic and US electric car maker, Tesla, have agreed to start working together on solar energy products, a spokeswoman for the Japanese firm said.

The pair have already teamed up on the world's biggest the lithium-ion battery factory in Nevada, but said they plan to expand their collaboration.

"We agreed to start talks on a tie-up in production of solar batteries in a factory in Buffalo, New York, run by a Tesla subsidiary," she said.

The Japanese company will supply technology used in solar cells and modules for products that are to be designed by Tesla.

The US firm said that the partnership will help "accelerate production of high-efficiency, extremely reliable solar cells and modules at the best cost".

The deal requires shareholders' approval of Tesla's planned acquisition of San Mateo, California-based solar-panel company SolarCity Corp.

The two companies have also collaborated on electric vehicles as well as the Nevada battery site.

Tesla is running the $5bn "gigafactory" while Panasonic will make battery cells destined for the plant and is investing in equipment and machinery.
We live in a very weird place where a bottle of whisky sells for R600,000 (yes, really) yet the poor try buy a loaf of bread on credit at spaza shops. Maryla Masojada of Trade Intelligence says we need to catch a wake up on the retail realities outside our immediate communities.

On Thursday, 13 October 2016, Beyond Retail 2016 took place at The Bay Hotel rotunda in Camps Bay, hosted by UCS Solutions and Business Connexion. The second speaker of the day was Masojada, founding partner and MD of Trade Intelligence, with a pulse on SAs retail and wholesale sector. She provided what was dubbed as "the opinion formers view" on whether retail can save the SA economy.

Masojada began by talking us through the trading context and comparative performance of local retailers by digging beyond the economic perspective earlier explained by economist Dr Azar Jammine. She explained economy falls into the broader PESTLE factors that impact on retail behaviour: Political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental.

Taking this into account Masojada said retailers need to respond beyond those shopper needs to communities, listing Shoprites Project Thirst as an example of how this can be done.

But its not just about meeting your consumers individual and shared needs, you also need to optimise your store. Its a bit like being the frog in the pot  we can feel the temperature is increasing, but the gradual rise lulls us into not jumping out.

For retailers, the electricity price is the single biggest factor on the balance sheets, with solar panels being added to some spaza shops and petrol price considerations actually changing shopper habits to one leg of the journey home instead of a separate detour.

Looking specifically at the SA food market then, Masojada confirmed that its valued at R485bn, with corporates now encroaching on wholesale territory and becoming masters at local, and with suppliers stretched to service. She also mentioned that the hidden or second economy in SA is definitely food and grocery retailing as this sector reflects the highest turnover growth, particularly at counter service. Note that this includes informal traders operating from a fixed location, so not hawkers. Linked to this, Masojada says many foreign nationals are reigniting the channel and, as theyre competitively priced, they are giving the big names a run for their money. This links to their ability to cherrypick products from wholesalers and employ collaborative buying for distribution.

Eight retail trends and four consumer needs driving them

Speaking of retail sustainability Masojada listed the following eight retail trends:

Power of the retail brand  the reach of loyalty initiatives is huge. Boxer Superstores and MySpar use Facebook to ask their shoppers useful questions, such as whether they answer calls from unknown numbers, which then change the way they contact competition winners. Woolworths also successfully uses YouTube to upload how to recipe videos: Beyond social media, Masojada said loyalty builds from creating an emotional connection with the brands private label too, so their own shelf space allocation grows. Price warfare has just escalated. The price of yellow maize alone had an 80% increase over the past 12 months. Shoppers know this and do their research before entering your store, so there is massive price competition. Category profitability then results from this pressure of price competition, with many ranges being cut and consolidated. Margin through efficiencies relates to the importance of minimising overstocks and out of stocks. Targeted collaboration is the way to achieve margin through engagement that results in relevant promotions that improve shopper lives, such as offering a Jojo water tank as a prize over the admin hassle of an overseas trip. Digital enablement is everywhere and linked to the other factors. Growth beyond SA borders then results, as does Channel blurring through the resulting rise of 24-hour call centres, pre-picking solutions, where consumers buy online and collect at the store, as well as horizontal trading of spaza stores from bulk wholesalers.

Consumer behaviour driving these trends links to the need to hunt for value, the fact that time is a luxury, consumers across the board aspire to live better and the pervasive trend of going digital.

Masojada thus concluded that retail can save economy through appealing to the consumer aspiration of living better. One way of doing so is by embarking on community retailing, where stores also serve as gathering places for education and upliftment to drive engagement.

She also pointed out that SA has the sixth highest number of shopping malls globally, with 71 new ones proposed. Retail can thus save the economy if the formal and informal sectors work together. With profitability as the next frontier, she said: Retailers can save the context, making the change to their own private labels and thus ensuring suppliers do the same.

The water in the pot is definitely heating up and were seeing exciting shifts in behaviour, from consumers and retailers alike. The times, they are achanging

Look out for further coverage of the #BeyondRetail2016 sessions over the next week on just how the local retail market is boosting the SA economy, and Click here for a reminder of the UCT Unilever Institute of Strategic Marketings #AspirationsReport 2016 into what South Africans really want.
African leaders on Saturday signed a deal to boost security off the continent's economically crucial coasts, hoping to shore up development by tackling maritime crimes like piracy and smuggling.

Gulf of Guinea. Image by 123RF

Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso hailed the African Union agreement as "historic", while Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta said it showed Africa's ability to put together a continent-wide strategy.

Nguesso said 43 nations had adopted the binding agreement -- which will see countries pay into a special fund for maritime security -- at a summit in Togo's capital Lome.

The deal is designed to improve information-sharing between African nations, a weakness that pirates and smugglers have benefited from in the past, slipping between territorial waters with little trouble.

The talks drew 18 heads of state -- an unusually high figure for an AU meeting of this kind, signalling the importance that governments have placed on the need to cut piracy and other crime in Africa's waters.

As he opened the summit, Chad's President Idriss Deby, the current AU chief, noted that some 90% of Africa's imports and exports are transported by sea, making maritime security key to the continent's economic future. Of the AU's 54 member states, 38 have coastlines.

Deby said the charter would "allow the promotion of commerce and the exploitation of the huge potential of the maritime sector, as well as the creation of wealth and jobs in several industries".

It would also "mark a decisive new step in the push to preserve the maritime environment", he added.

The deal will create new national and regional institutions to improve security in African waters, while the signatories pledged a string of measures to protect the maritime environment and fight trafficking in drugs, arms and people.

But Timothy Walker, a maritime security researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), said the deal would allow countries to withhold information from each other if they judge this to be in the interests of national security.

"It's a big step but it cannot be the final step. There is still a lot of work to do," Walker told AFP. "African leaders have started to realise that the maritime domain is a source of economic opportunity for the future," Walker added.

Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey told AFP ahead of the summit that there was a clear need for African countries to work together to combat an upsurge in piracy in order to make full use of the continent's maritime resources.

Piracy, smuggling, illegal fishing

Piracy, smuggling and other crimes at sea have cost the African maritime sector hundreds of billions of dollars in recent decades, according to the AU. Large-scale illegal fishing also helps drive piracy as it depletes stocks, reducing the legitimate economic activities of coastal communities.

In West Africa alone, the AU estimates that illicit fishing causes losses of 170 billion CFA francs ($285 million, 260 million euros) every year. World piracy has been on the decline since 2012 after international naval patrols were launched off East Africa in response to violent attacks by mostly Somali-based pirates.

But the focus of concern has shifted to the Gulf of Guinea, where a new class of pirates - mostly offshoots of militant groups from the Niger Delta - have become active.

At least 27 attempted or successful hijackings and kidnappings at sea have been recorded off west Africa since April, according to the International Maritime Organization, compared to just two off east Africa.

The 17 countries lining the Gulf of Guinea have poor maritime surveillance capacities and have been trying for several years to boost cooperation to clamp down on piracy.

The deal will need to be ratified by at least 15 countries before it comes into force, and Barthelemy Blede, an ISS maritime researcher in Ivory Coast, said it remained to be seen whether there was "real will" to make the deal a reality.

"It's a historic act, but it's one thing to adopt a text and sign it, and another thing to ratify it," he told AFP.

Source: AFP.
SAN FRANCISCO - Pinterest on Thursday announced that the number of monthly users soared in the past year to top 150 million, with most of that growth coming from outside the United States.

Image by 123RF

Pinterest grew 50% from a year ago, with 80 million of its "active Pinners" not from the US.

Co-founder and chief executive Ben Silbermann said in a blog post that he thought the growth particularly impressive given that Pinterest doesn't consider itself a social network.

"Pinterest is more of a personal tool than a social one. People don't come to see what their friends are doing," Silbermann said. "Instead, they come to Pinterest to find ideas to try, figure out which ones they love, and learn a little bit about themselves in the process."

People go to Pinterest for inspiration and ideas, and with each new user, software at the service gets more data with which to personalise recommendations, according to the San Francisco-based company.

Pinterest said it serves up more than 10 billion recommendations daily, double the amount delivered a year ago. The company also boasted being an online venue for more than a million businesses, along with tens of thousands of advertisers.

Pinterest is a virtual bulletin board platform, with users decorating their boards with pictures showcasing interests in a variety of areas, including food, fashion and travel. Pinterest sees itself as being positioned at the crossroads of social networking and online search, with users consulting it when seeking out products or services.

Instead of coming to Pinterest to see photos of friends, people come with "commercial intent" that puts the site in an ideal position to display native - or disguised - advertising for trips, clothing or other offerings, according to company president Tim Kendall.

Pinterest recently introduced video ads as it moved to cash in on a growing appetite for videos at the popular online bulletin board.

In June, the company unveiled new features to facilitate shopping on the site, as the platform pushes to become an e-commerce hub. The offerings included a virtual shopping bag that users can fill as they cruise bulletin boards.

Pinterest last year dove into e-commerce with "pins" in mobile applications that let people buy items they see on bulletin boards.

Source: AFP.
Earlier this year, data from Bronto Software revealed that consumers in the UK are just as keen to make purchases beyond their countrys borders. Eighty percent said they would consider making a purchase from an online retailer outside the UK and 44% said they had already done so. Millennials were found to be the age group most likely to purchase from an overseas online retailer.

New global research reveals that consumers across the world are increasingly comfortable shopping online across borders, more so in Asia. The research, from Pitney Bowes, found that while 94% shop online frequently within their own home markets, two-thirds (66%) have also made a purchase online from outside their country.

The countries with the highest number of cross-border shoppers are all in the APAC region with Singapore taking top spot (89%) followed by Australia (86%) and Hong Kong (85%).

Around half of global consumers say that all or most of their online shopping, both domestic and cross-border, comes via an online marketplace and the top countries for this activity are Japan (70%), China (61%), Germany (59%) and India (55%).

Consumers across the world have spoken. We have moved beyond the days of marketplace or retailer; in-store or online; or even in-country or cross-border, said Lila Snyder, President of Global Ecommerce at Pitney Bowes. The world is shopping  everywhere  as new consumer behaviors and trends have emerged.
Bluestem is getting a kick out of Dale Lueck's ability to change his mind--and the vigor with which he defends the weather vane of his own enlightened consciousness.

Take this bit that the Brainerd Dispatch's Zach Kayser reports in Wagner, Lueck verbally duel on pre-K and climate change:

She also criticized him for voting against an amendment acknowledging climate change. "Climate change is happening, and if we don't recognize that, then we're going to be in big trouble," she said. That drew a rebuke from Lueck. "We've got real work to do down there, rather than make platitudes and statements about whether we think climate change is happening," he said. "I'll be the first to tell you point-blankand I learned this from my granddad, and my great-granddadclimate change is a real thing. It's been a real thing for centuries, for thousands of years. So let's get over this kind of political gamesmanship about whether you believe in climate change or not. You have to be completely unrelated and uneducated not to understand that we are under constant climate change, and we've got a duty to be careful about protecting that." Wagner shot back that Lueck's words contradicted his votes. "It's interesting that Mr. Lueck says in person that climate change exists, yet voted to not acknowledge it," she said. She added that Lueck wasn't taking environmentalism seriously.

Jeepers. Who knew? Strib columnist Jon Tevlin, for one, in a column written back when the vote was taken in April 2015, Minnesota House says: 'What climate change?':

On the front page of Tuesday's newspaper, a headline read: "As summers get hotter, humans get more blame." This idea is being accepted as fact by most scientists around the world, by businesses and by government agencies such as NASA and the Department of Defense. Even the pope seems to be down with it. But apparently climate change is still not accepted in the Minnesota House. The issue came up during the omnibus job growth and energy affordability finance bill discussion on the House floor last week. It was one of those debates that make you slap your forehead  and wonder how some of our elected representatives even found their way in to work that day. . . . Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, offered an amendment that stated plainly that the Legislature believes that climate change is indeed happening, and that human activity is one of the causes. She said that 97 percent of scientists agreed on the issue, and cited increasingly hotter weather patterns, and drought and flooding across the state that has cost more than $400 million. You'd have thought she had asked the members to agree that the state bird was a feral pig. Granted, it was likely a bit of theater designed to get members on record or diving for cover. British Comedy troupe Monty Python used to call the bit "Spot the Looney." Hortman said she raised the issue because the Hou se energy bill "repealed or otherwise neutered every progressive energy policy that Minnesota has passed since the early 1980s." . . . Rep. Frank Hornstein, DFL-Minneapolis, said that the very next day the same House passed a bill legislating that these members will have the final say on complicated, scientific, water quality levels set by pollution control experts. . . .

Oh good.

For more on Lueck's flexibility, check out Metro Mark, Mpls Paul & Big City Smith savor rural broadband funding more than Dale Lueck.

Photo: Dale Lueck, against climate change being real before he was for it.

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Padoh Saw Lah Say, Head of the Karen Education Department, the educational wing of the Karen National Union (KNU) made the point during the Worlds Teachers Day on October 5th in Thay Baw Boe village, Kawkreik Township in Karen State.

To have equality, changes to [provisions] the Constitution are needed. The decentralization policy must be put in place. If the centralization system is to continue to be applied, the equality [in education] for ethnic nationalities will never happen, Padoh Saw Lah Say told Karen News.

Padoh Saw Lah Say pointed out that even though the government said that the education system is changed, it is still centralized and there is still no equal education opportunities for ethnic groups.

Padoh Saw Lah Say said that the educational reform taking place with the current government is only changes to the terms in the old policy. Pdoh Saw Lah Say said that unless the changes are made at the root of the policy, there will not be improvements, not only in the education of ethnic people, but also to education of the whole country in general.

Saw Eh Khue, a head teacher from Thay Baw Boe High School said that the schools ran by KED in the mixed controlled areas of both KNU and government, are still having many problems such as the funding and discrimination.

Karen National Education is not recognized by the government, but we are supported by our Karen people. We are still facing different kinds of discriminations.

Teacher Saw Eh Khue said even as a head teacher he is often questioned about his educational background.

We are often asked, which school did you graduate from?, What degree did you get? or Is it recognized? These questions are asked by government authorities when it comes to our education needs.

Karen Education Department officials said that KED run Karen schools under mixed control areas have been turned into government schools because of the difference in funding support.

U Saw Min Khin, head of Education Department in Myawaddy, that is part of the governments Education Ministry said that Karen teachers need to be supported.

The teachers working for Karen Education are also teaching for the better cause of students. Thats why the government authorities should take care of them for their living. Then education will be improved.

Karen Education workers said that although the government authorities said that schools in mixed controlled areas are allowed to teach Karen Language, up to grade 3, there are still many problems because there is no official reorganization of the curriculum.

According to Karen education workers, during the five years of the ceasefire agreement between the KNU and the government, despite several meetings were held between the KNU and the governments Education Ministry there is still no progress on the equality of ethnic education.

According to the 2015-2016 Academic year record prepared by the Karen Teacher Working Group, there are 1,529 schools and 7,607 teachers operating under KED in the seven districts of KNU  Thaton [Doo Tha Htoo], Taungoo [Taw OO], Nyaunglebin [Kler Lwee Htu], Blet/Dawei [Megui/Tavoy], Papun [Mutraw], Doo Pla Ya and Pa-an.
Family members say they have not been in contact with 13 Arakanese from Haigyi Island in Ayeyarwady Region for more than a month, after they were...
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attends a welcome dinner at the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos September 6, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's four-day state visit to China, scheduled to start on Tuesday, has drawn extensive attention from the international community since it was made public.

Duterte's government has made clear its priority is to improve domestic economic conditions and people's livelihoods, and it wants to take advantage of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative to help realize these aims.

Duterte also wants to break the diplomatic impasse with China over the South China Sea created by former Philippine president Benigno Aquino III. From Jan 22, 2013 when the Aquino government unilaterally filed a case to an international tribunal on the Philippines' territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea to July 12 when the tribunal ruled on the casewhich was actually beyond its jurisdictionthe Chinese government consistently made clear its "non-acceptance, non-participation and non-recognition" of the arbitration, which means the Philippines has not been able to gain substantial benefits from the arbitration.

At the same time, the signing of a joint statement between the foreign ministers of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on July 25 aimed at fully fulfilling the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, along with the guideline on setting up a high-level hotline for maritime emergencies and the joint statement on rules in the event of accidental encounters in the South China Sea, passed by China and the bloc at a summit on Sept 7, also made the new Philippine government aware that the South China Sea issue is not the full picture of ASEAN's ties with China. Any obstinate confrontation with China, it believes, might cause the Philippines to lose some opportunities it might otherwise take advantage of, including China's booming outward investment.

Also, faced with changed international circumstances, the new Philippine government does not solely want to depend on the United States. So, it is no surprise that the Philippines has attempted to review its agreement signed with the US on strengthened defense cooperation and even demanded US troops withdraw from its territory. The words and actions of Duterte since being elected president indicate that the new government seems to be reconsidering the Philippines' previous diplomatic dependence on the US. However, the feasibility of this diplomatic approach remains to be seen. Prior to the establishment of a new government, the US will unlikely make a forcible response to the Philippines' policy change, theoretically leaving space for Manila to adjust its previous pro-US diplomatic policy.

Meanwhile, despite their divergences over the South China Sea, China and the US still engage in extensive cooperation, from UN peacekeeping missions and fighting terrorism to efforts to curb the proliferation of nuclear weapons and mitigate the effects of climate change, not to mention their economic collaboration and people-to-people exchanges. In particular, the two countries have maintained unblocked dialogue channels and strengthened security and maritime cooperation, such as a memorandum of understanding on mutually reporting their significant military actions and a MOU on how they behave at time of maritime and air encounters, both passed in November 2014. At the G20 Hangzhou Summit in early September, Beijing and Washington also reached consensuses on such issues as the establishment of a new pattern of big country relations, strengthening coastal guard and maritime cooperation and enhancing their interactions and security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Philippines has also shown its intention to strengthen ties with Japan in an attempt to strike a diplomatic balance and acquire more interests. Japan's unconcealed attempt to contain China's further development also leaves more space for Manila to pursue closer political, diplomatic, security and economic ties with Tokyo.

Duterte's visit to China does not constitute a part of the alleged struggle between Beijing and Washington for Manila. A better China-Philippine relationship is essentially beneficial to the whole Asia-Pacific region. For the sake of regional peace and stability, the US should support Beijing and Manila normalizing their ties.

The author is director of the China Ocean Strategy Studies Center at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.




BEIJING (PTI): China on Monday successfully launched a spacecraft carrying two astronauts, in its longest-ever manned space mission, who would later join its experimental space lab orbiting the Earth as the country moved a step closer to establish its permanent space station by 2022.



Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng, 50, and Chen Dong, 37, were blasted off into space by Shenzhou-11 (heavenly vessel) spacecraft at 7:30 am local time (5 am IST) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre near the Gobi Desert in northwest China.



The Shenzhou-11 was put into orbit by a Long March-2F carrier rocket after the launch, telecast live by the state-run China Central Television (CCTV).



The spacecraft will dock with orbiting space lab Tiangong-2 in two days and the astronauts will stay in the lab for 30 days, Wu Ping, Deputy Director of China's manned space engineering office said.



While Jing is on his third spaceflight, this is Chen's first space mission, which is the longest stay so far by Chinese astronauts, during which they will conduct tests on spacecraft-related technologies and scientific and engineering experiments.



The mission was declared a success by Zhang Youxia, commander-in-chief of China's manned space programme, about 19 minutes after the blast-off, state-run Xinhua reported.



President Xi Jinping, who is currently in Goa to attend the BRICS Summit, congratulated everyone engaged in the mission for the successful launch, saying it is a milestone in China's space programme.



The mission of the orbiting space lab Tiangong-2 and the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft marks the first time that Chinese astronauts will stay in orbit for medium term, Xi, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said.



In his message, he encouraged staff of the mission to "constantly break new ground for the manned space programme, so that Chinese people will take bigger steps and march further in space probe, to make new contribution to the building of China into a space power".



Premier Li Keqiang and Liu Yunshan, both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, watched the live broadcast of the launch at the command centre of China's manned space programme in Beijing.



The space lab was launched last month as part of China's efforts to set up its own manned space station by 2022, which will make it the only the country to have such a facility in service as the current in-service International Space Station (ISS) retires by 2024.



China is putting billions of dollars into its space programme in a bid to catch up with the US and Europe. It also plans to launch its maiden Mars mission in 2020 to match India and others.



Hours before the lift-off, the two astronauts appeared in good spirits and answered several questions.



"Although the job is challenging, risky and dangerous, there is nothing more I would rather do," Jing, commander of this mission, said yesterday. .



It will be Jing's third spaceflight following his Shenzhou-7 mission in September 2008 and Shenzhou-9 mission in March 2012.



"(For this mission) we have improved our ability to deal with emergencies, first aid and space experiments," Jing told reporters.



Chen, on his maiden space mission, said: "I will treasure every moment in space and ensure I record my experience in my diary and enjoy the out-of-this-world scenery."



China, which conducted its first manned space mission in 2003, has said its space programme is for peaceful purposes, but it has also tested anti-satellite missiles in addition to its civilian aims.



The Shenzhou-11 spaceship will return to Earth within a day after docking the two astronauts on Tiangong-2 space lab and separating from it, Wu said.



With a safe flight record of 1,500 hours as an air force pilot, Chen became China's second group of astronauts in May 2010, and was selected as a crew member of the Shenzhou-11 mission in June 2016, Wu said.



Other objectives of the manned space mission include aerospace medical experiments, space science experiments and in-orbit maintenance with human participation, as well as other activities, Wu said.



The two astronauts will undertake ultrasound tests during space travel for the first time, cultivate plants in space, and test the three winners of an experiment design competition run in Hong Kong for secondary school students.



Several technical alterations have been made to Shenzhou- 11, though its main functions and technical parameters are basically the same as Shenzhou-10, Wu said.



Lei Fanpei, chairman of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), recently said China plans to launch the experimental core module of its space station around 2018 with a Long March-5 heavy load carrier rocket, and the 20 ton combination space station will be sent into orbit around 2022.



The space station has a designed life of 10 years in orbit 400 kms above the earth surface. With this space station, China will become the second country after Russia to have developed a space station.



China made a three-step strategy in 1992 for its manned space programme, the large-scale manned space station being the last step.




An internet imagery.

BENAULIM, GOA (PTI): With military deals worth about Rs 60,000 crore signed and sealed with India here, Russia is hopeful that another big ticket agreement on Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft will be inked by year-end.



"The agreement had been completed on our end, we are ready to sign it. It is now down to the Indian side.



"There are some formalities to figure out, but I think it will be signed by the end of this year," Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostec State Corporation, a Russian umbrella organisation of 700 hi-tech civilian and military firms, said here.



After a hiatus of nearly a year, India and Russia had in February revived talks on the much delayed FGFA project after a clearance from Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.



Since then, a lot of issues related to work share, IPR and technology transfer among others have been sorted out between the two sides along with the monetary commitments.



Under the new offer, India will have to pay about USD 3.7 billion, instead of USD 6 billion, for the technological know-how and three prototypes of the fighters, defence sources have said.



In 2010, India had agreed to pay USD 295 million towards the preliminary design of the fighter, called in India as Perspective Multi-role Fighter (PMF).



"The FGFA project will produce a state of the art fighter jet, and it will be the result of the work on Russia's most modern technology done by both Russian and Indian engineers and constructors," Chemezov said.



"As a Fifth Generation, it means fifth generation speed, ballistics and military equipment, avionics and stealth capabilities among other qualities," he said.



"It shall be on a par with the capabilities of Russia's PAK-FA T-50 aircraft, a Fifth-Generation fighter but as it will be designed in the next few years, it is likely to exceed it in some specifics.



"Our technology is always developing," the Russia's top defence industry official said.




Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the exchange of agreements ceremony after the 17th India-Russia annual summit meet in Benaulim, Goa on Saturday. A PTI Photo.

BENAULIM, GOA (PTI): Indiahas announced that it will buy the S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia, worth over USD 5 billion, and collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.



The deals were announced on Saturday following talks held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit being held here.



The development comes as Russia hopes to stave off tough competition from the Americans and the Europeans to continue being India's foremost defence supplier.



The most strategically important decision is the Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.



India and Russia have been in talks for over a year for the purchase of at least five systems of S-400 that will be a game changer in the region.



It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. If India signs the deal, it would be the second customer of the prized missile system after China which had struck a USD 3 billion contract last year.



Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates.



Under this deal, two vessels will come from Russian and while the other two will be built in India with Russian collaboration.



No decision has been made on the selection of the Indian shipyard.



This is in furtherance to the six Talwar-class frigates that Russia built for the Indian Navy between 2003 and 2013.



The complex agreement for production of 200 Kamov 226T helicopters domestically under a nearly USD 1 billion deal to replace the country's aging Cheetah and Chetak choppers is yet another important defence deal between the countries.




Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at the Press Statement during BRICS Summit in Benaulim, Goa on Sunday. Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Jacob Zuma are also seen. A PTI Photo.

BENAULIM, GOA (PTI): Ramping up defence ties, India and Russia have announced deals worth about Rs 60,000 crores for purchase of state-of-art Russian air defence systems, collaboration in making four stealth frigates and setting up facility for joint production of Kamov helicopters.



The decisions were taken during talks on Saturday between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin that covered a wide range of areas including defence.



Amid India's growing defence ties with the US and Europe, Modi asserted that Russia will remain India's major defence and strategic partner.



The most critical deal signed on Saturday was the Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, including stealth, besides missiles and drones at ranges of up to 400 km.



India is looking at buying at least 5 such systems, which will give the country a quantum jump in its capability against incoming missiles, including ballistic, besides drone or aircraft from both Pakistan and China.



India plans to deploy three such systems along the border with Pakistan and two along the border with China.



Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostec State Corporation, Russia umbrella organisation encompassing over 700 high-tech companies including all military firms, said that the contract negotiations for the air defence systems will start now and it is hoped that it will be formalised by mid next year.



Speaking to a select group of journalists, Chemezov said that if all goes well the system will start getting delivered to India in 2020.



"S-400 is a state of art system and most modern and advanced air system which is vital for a country that wants to secure itself," he said.



Sources said that each system, having eight launchers, a control centre, radar and 16 missiles as reloads, would cost over USD one billion each.



It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. It can hit targets at a speed of 17,000 km an hour. This is faster than any aircraft in the world.



India will be the second customer of the prized missile system after China which had struck a USD 3 billion contract last year.



Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates which is in furtherance to the six Talwar-class frigates that Russia built for the Indian Navy between 2003 and 2013.



Under this deal, valued at about three billions billion American dollar, two vessels will come from Russian and while the other two will be built in India with Russian collaboration.



India and Russia also signed a USD one billion worth agreement for creation of the joint venture to jointly produce Kamov 226T helicopters that will replace the country's aging Cheetah and Chetak choppers.



While 40 of these choppers will be brought to India off the shelf, another 20 will be brought down as knocked down versions. Rest of the helicopters will be made in India.



The joint venture will become a pilot project for the Russian-Indian part of the Make in India programme.



"The joint venture for local production of Ka-226T is a profoundly new and substantial step in the development of cooperation between India and Russia. The fleet of Russian-made helicopters in India is over 400 units.



"But this is the first of such large-scale complex agreements for delivery and production of new helicopters in the amount of 200 units, which is fully in line with the Make in India initiative," Chemezov said.



He added that in addition, over the next five years there will be facilities set up for maintenance and servicing of the produced helicopters.



"Therefore the agreement presents not just production but a full-lifecycle contract," he said.



The combined share of the Russian participants in the joint venture will amount to 49.5 per cent, the share of the Indian side - 50.5 per cent.



The joint venture is set to create also facilities for the overhaul within 7 years after deliveries of the first batch of helicopters.



The Kamov helicopters are capable of operating at heights of 20,000 feet and once inducted will take over the role of maintaining the forward posts on the Siachen glacier.



The three deals are worth USD 9 billion or over Rs 60,000 crore.


Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/10/2016 (2205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A man caught growing marijuana at his home along with stolen vehicles has avoided time in federal prison, but will spend a lengthy stint in provincial jail.

Besides the marijuana plants in his basement, he was caught with four unsecured guns for which he didnt have a licence.

Guns and drugs simply dont mix well your honour. Its a bad combo, Crown attorney Deidre Badcock said during sentencing. This is an incredibly dangerous situation.

Quite frankly, theres no rational explanation for having a loaded firearm in your living room underneath the couch cushions, unless its for some kind of nefarious purpose.

Jeffrey Edward Canada pleaded guilty on Friday to production of a controlled substance and other charges that included theft, possession of stolen property, and fraud- and weapon-related charges.

The trail that led police to the grow-op in his home began in March when Canada called a Brandon tire store and used a false name to fraudulently order rims and tires installed on an Audi that had been stolen from Alberta. The bill came to $1,731.

In May, he used a cheque stolen from Saskatchewan to buy a 2000 BMW from an elderly man from Brandon who was selling it for his son. The cheque bounced, and Canada turned around and sold the car to a Winnipeg man for $4,500.

Later that month, he used a false name and a stolen cheque to buy a 2008 BMW from a Brandon woman for $10,500. The name Canada used was that of a man whod had his truck and chequebook stolen.

Canada got caught when Saskatchewan police contacted counterparts in Manitoba as Canada was under investigation in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan police were able to ping a cellphone used by Canada.

The resulting co-ordinates were passed on to Manitoba RCMP, who attended the RM of Whitehead home that Canada was renting.

The investigation led police to discover 30 potted marijuana plants in the basement. Inside an unlocked gun cabinet, they found three unsecured guns  a loaded rifle, another rifle with no serial number and a shotgun with no serial number.

They also found 11 shotgun shells and a crossbow, and a loaded shotgun hidden in a couch.

Canada had no licence for any of the weapons found, Badcock said.

In addition, there was a stolen pickup truck, ATV and utility trailer on the property.

Badcock said Canada told police addiction to methamphetamine led to his crimes.

He told police the guns had been handed down to him by his stepdad, and defence lawyer Andrew Synyshyn told court that Canada is a hunter.

His client was growing the marijuana for personal use, Synyshyn said.

The 30-year-old, who grew up in Brandon, had no prior criminal record.

Badcock suggested a sentence of 35 months in prison, on top of the time Canada had spent in pre-sentence custody.

However, Judge Donovan Dvorak cited the lack of a record and hope for rehabilitation as he sided with Synyshyn and gave Canada a total sentence of two years less a day in jail on top of pre-sentence time.

 ihitchen@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @IanHitchen
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Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/10/2016 (2205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One hundred years ago, Brandon was the centre of a flourishing innovative educational program. Then the program was abruptly cancelled. Today, it is all but forgotten. But the issues surrounding it are still with us.

What was it? It was the Ruthenian bilingual education program. It was ended in 1916 by a new provincial government amid the frenzy of the First World War.

Lets step back and set the scene. Starting in the 1890s, the province of Manitoba allowed for bilingual education. If there were 10 or more students who spoke a language other than English, bilingual education could be provided in the local school. So, schools offered bilingual programs in French and other languages. In early 20th-century Manitoba, there were increasing numbers of immigrants from eastern Europe who spoke the Ruthenian language.

Ruthenian? Today we call it Ukrainian.

To ensure proper bilingual instruction for Ruthenian-speaking children, the province established a special teacher training school. This school was set up in 1905 and moved to Brandon in 1907. The province also developed the bilingual Manitoba Ruthenian-English Reader. This two-part series was published for the province by Thomas Nelson and Sons in the United Kingdom. The teachers and the readers met a growing demand not only in Manitoba, but also in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

The Ruthenian teacher training school in Brandon taught young men who had grown up in Ruthenian-speaking communities in the province. The men came to Brandon and lived in residence at the Hughes Block, 144 10th St. They attended classes at the Brandon Normal School on Queens Avenue.

Ruthenian School Trains Brightest Boys To Teach, a Brandon Daily Sun headline stated in an August 1915 story about the program. The prospective teachers, the Sun said, were the brightest boys from the Ruthenian settlements in the province. J.T. Cressy, principal of the training school, explained that those entering the three-year program made a commitment to teach for a number of years upon graduation. The Ruthenian schools aim was to train bright boys and then send them back to teach Canadian customs among their own people.

By effectively teaching Ruthenian-speaking children, the government wanted to bring these immigrants into a common national culture. And in those days, that identification was as citizens of Canada, and also as loyal subjects of the British Empire.

From my personal contact with Ruthenian students, principal Cressy stated, I have come to the conclusion that in the years to come the Ruthenian people will do their share in making Canada a great nation, and will say as Britishers, One king, one empire, one race, and one flag.

Teach Canadian customs? We are still discussing this contentious issue today  in Canada and in other countries where immigrants and refugees are flocking. What are our values? Should we screen prospective newcomers for their values? Should our goal be assimilation? Or multiculturalism? Expect the debate to continue.

By 1916, there were 6,500 Ruthenian (including some Polish) students attending more than 100 bilingual schools in the province. But that year, the new Liberal government shut down the Ruthenian and other bilingual education programs.

The Liberals, who had been elected the year before, instituted sweeping changes in addition to ending bilingual education. They also made schooling compulsory for children up to the age of 14, introduced the right of women to vote and prohibited the sale of alcohol.

Part of the reason for ending the Ruthenian program in 1916 was the Great War. Canada was at war: not only with Germany, but also with Austria. And many Ruthenians in Canada had emigrated from Austria. So the Ruthenian language was associated with our enemies. Many Ruthenian-speaking men, including some of the former Ruthenian bilingual teachers, were now enemy aliens locked up in internment camps. One of the camps was in Brandon.

The Brandon Ruthenian training school is a piece of our history that is largely forgotten today. But even as it was being dismantled, it was disappearing from our collective memory. At the time, the closing of the training school received scant notice in the community and in the Brandon Daily Sun.

What about the Manitoba Ruthenian-English Reader? The provincial government ordered that all copies of the books be destroyed. Some were even burned in a bonfire on the Manitoba Legislative Building grounds  near the statue of Queen Victoria.

 David McConkey is an active citizen. Contact him and read previous columns at davidmcconkey.com.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/10/2016 (2205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I didnt say that. That has long been the response from politicians called out for using inappropriate language in Parliament. In 1971, then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau claimed he was merely saying fuddle duddle when he was seen mouthing: f off to a Conservative asking questions about unemployment programs. In 2015, his son, Justin Trudeau, confirmed that fuddle duddle werent the words he used. No surprise there.

Now its NDP MLA Rob Altemeyer making the claim I didnt say that, after Rochelle Squires, minister for the status of women, complained that he screamed Take your pants off on Oct. 6 in a debate on a private members bill on sexual assault at universities. This follows earlier complaints that two male NDP members heckled female Progressive Conservatives when they voted against the legislation.

Its hard to really make out what Mr. Altemeyer is saying on the Hansard tape and to Ms. Squires credit, she didnt make the accusation right away, waiting until the Conservatives had a chance to review the official recording which Speaker Myrna Driedger provided to all parties. (By the way, this on its own suggests a new trend by the Speakers office, which in the past seldom released official recordings.)

Mr. Altemeyer, the earnest MLA from Wolseley, claims he said Gonna take a pass on it?  certainly more innocuous than what Ms. Squires heard, and the recording is unclear. Still, at the heart of it, Conservative women who voted against a bill that they saw as poorly designed were taken to task by the NDP while their Conservative male counterparts were left alone.

More to the point, however, is the ability for politicians to berate, scream, swear and generally act like junior high students with impunity because Hansard recordings dont necessarily represent the actual proceedings of the legislature. The Hansard recording is unclear because Mr. Altemeyers microphone was not on when he was heckling Ms. Squires and so what he said was picked up as background noise. By not including the heckling, catcalls and general boorish behaviour of politicians, theres no sense of just how low politicians can go during debate.

Part of it is semantics. In Manitoba, Hansard only picks up the proceedings when the member speaking has been recognized by the Speaker and has been given the floor. Anything else that is being said is considered off the record.

Part of it is just logistics. Its difficult enough for Hansard operators toiling away with the electronic recordings to determine exactly what was said when the microphone is live. To have all the microphones live all the time would make their jobs even more difficult  particularly during a heated debate.

Hansard is an important record of what goes on in the Manitoba legislature. In 2009, a complaint from members of the legislature press gallery that Hansard was editing what members said, the Speaker (at the time George Hickes) declared that all verbal miscues, false starts, needless repetition and other awkward phrasings should be included and that editing wasnt allowed.

But because Hansard cant record what happens when MLAs dont have the floor, things get missed. And certain politicians may use that loophole to act poorly  another way of saying fuddle duddle to parliamentary propriety.

 Winnipeg Free Press
Netflix look set to launch "offline mode" before the end of the year.

At present, the streaming service only allows viewers consume content whilst connected to the Internet.
Bush Post Primary School in Louth have put together a brilliant trad version of Titanium to raise money for Down Syndrome Ireland.

Last year Louth siblings, Leah and Noah Kirwan, put together a beautiful duet of Titanium that went viral.
The Health Minister Simon Harris has said he intends to turn down a 4,000 pay rise.

Government Ministers are set to reject the increase, which will otherwise kick in on April 1, at a cabinet meeting tomorrow.
The lawyers for a Longford man accused of possessing an explosive substance on the eve of the state visit of the UK Queen five years ago have applied to the Special Criminal Court to have the charge dismissed.

Donal Billings (aged 65) of St Bridgets Court, Drumlish, Co Longford is pleading not guilty to the unlawful possession of an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16, 2011.

It is the prosecution's case that on the eve of the royal visit Mr Billings placed an IED on a Dublin-bound passenger bus outside Longford train station.

The court has previously heard evidence that on that night gardai found an IED in the baggage compartment of the bus.

The prosecution also allege that Mr Billings called Longford garda station on three separate occasions, threatening bombs on buses, the Sinn Fein headquarters in Dublin and Cork airports, as well as two mortars at Dublin Castle while the Queen was banqueting there.

Today, Mairtin O'Gibeallain SC, for the accused man, submitted to the court that the evidence to prove the explosive substances charge was "highly doubtful".

There is no evidence before the court that the bomb was placed on the bus in Longford, he said.

He added that the driver of the bus did not see anybody put a bag on the bus and that he only saw a man walking away from the bus with a bag in his hand.

Mr O'Gibeallain said that there was "no connection" between his client and the IED that was found on the bus.

In reply, prosecution counsel Garnett Orange SC said that the court cannot view the charge in isolation from the other alleged offences.

Mr Billings is further charged with four offences under the Criminal Law Act of 1976 of knowingly making false reports tending to show that an offence had been committed.

The charges allege that he made a false report within the State on May 16, 2011, that bombs had been placed at Busaras in Dublin and at Sinn Fein's headquarters.

He is also charged with making a false report on May 18 that two mortars were set for Dublin Castle, and with making a false report on May 20 that two bombs had been placed in the toilets at Cork airport.

Mr Billings denies the four charges.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judge Martin Nolan and Judge Cormac Dunne, told counsel the court will take some time to consider the defence's application.

The trial resumes tomorrow morning.
The UK's former justice secretary Michael Gove has leapt to the defence of Boris Johnson after the emergence of a previously unseen newspaper column in which British Foreign Secretary Johnson backed staying in the European Union.

Gove (pictured), who Johnson apparently "wanted to punch" for effectively torpedoing his chances of becoming prime minister, insisted his Leave campaign ally acted on his "deep beliefs" when he decided to support Brexit.

Gove's comments take on added significance given the spectacular way he abandoned Mr Johnson's campaign to become Tory leader to have his own run at the top job.

It came as anxiety over the British government's apparent support of a "hard Brexit" outside the European single market reached new heights, with devolved leaders calling for their own bespoke deals with the EU, renewed cross-party calls for a vote on the negotiating strategy, and reports of splits within the British Cabinet.

Observers say Gove is widely regarded as persona non grata among Tories after his supposed "betrayal" of Johnson after the pair campaigned closely together for Brexit.

But Gove has now defended his former ally, whose pro-EU article and desire to punch him was revealed in a new book and published in the Sunday Times.

Gove said the column has done "nothing to undermine the sincerity" of Johnson's position, adding "quite the opposite".

He tweeted: "I am in no doubt Boris Johnson is and was 100% sincere and passionate about Britain leaving the EU - his conviction was clear.

"It is never easy to take a different line from your party leader - especially on such a big issue - but (Mr Johnson) followed his heart.

"(Mr Johnson) acted in accord with his deep beliefs - his motivation was to do what he thought was right for the UK long-term."

Johnson (pictured below) has claimed the column was "semi-parodic".

He admitted he was "wrestling" with whether to back Brexit, but claimed it became "blindingly obvious" after he set out the arguments in two separate articles.

He is now seen as a backer of a hard Brexit, last week insisting the UK can get a trade deal that is "of greater value" to the economy than access to the single market, which he described as an "increasingly useless" concept.

But in the pro-Remain article, published in All Out War by Sunday Times political editor Tim Shipman, he suggested contributions to the EU budget may be a price worth paying for membership of the trading bloc.

Meanwhile, in opposition to a hard Brexit, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she believes Scotland could stay in the single market if other parts of the UK leave, promising detailed proposals within weeks.

The North's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness warned of economic "disaster" for the country outside the single market, with a knock-on effect on its neighbour Ireland.

He renewed calls for the North to have special EU status.

Mr McGuinness told the Guardian: "Fifty-six per cent of the population voted to Remain and we could not have achieved that result without a substantial section of the unionist community voting for a future in Europe.

"The vote was not on sectarian lines, but on how destructive it would be politically, socially and economically.

"(Prime Minister Theresa) May says she is negotiating on behalf of the United Kingdom, but there is absolutely nothing united about a so-called United Kingdom. We don't agree. We see our future in Europe. Scotland sees its future in Europe."

Theresa May is seen as increasingly likely to pull the UK out of the single market due to her desire to regain full control over immigration, seen as incompatible with membership of the free trade zone by European leaders.

According to the Telegraph and the Times it has led to a rift in the Cabinet as Chancellor Philip Hammond argues against colleagues' policy ideas that would be incompatible with membership.
A Thai woman accused of insulting the country's late king has been forced to kneel before his portrait outside a police station on the island of Samui as several hundred people called for an apology.

The woman's arrest and public shaming on Sunday was the latest of several such incidents since King Bhumibol Adulyadej (pictured) died last week, plunging Thailand into mourning.
The European Union has urged Russia to bring an end to the bombing of the Syrian city of Aleppo, but refrained from imposing any sanctions on Moscow.

At a regular meeting of EU foreign ministers, several of them said sanctions against Russia would have no impact and could even be counter-productive in the search for an overall settlement to the conflict in Syria.

"At present, I don't see how sanctions with a possible long-term effect are supposed to contribute to improving supplies to the civilian population," German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

"So I am not the only one who, in this case, is rather sceptical about sanctions."

Russia has been heavily involved, along with the Syrian regime, in the onslaught of Aleppo over the past few weeks since a ceasefire broke down.

While EU ministers were discussing Syria, the head of Russia's military general staff said Russian and Syrian forces are preparing for a "humanitarian pause" for the besieged city on Thursday.

Lt Gen Sergei Rudskoi was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying that Russian and Syrian forces will halt their fighting from 8am to 4pm local time on October 20 in order to allow civilians and rebels safe passage out of the city, as well as for the evacuation of the sick and wounded.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini described the apparent Russian move as "a positive step", but noted that UN agencies have indicated at least 12 hours would be needed for such an operation to be successful.

"I believe that there will be a little bit of work to be done to find the common ground," she said.

The EU is looking for a lot more than just a temporary pause and in a common statement, ministers called on Russia to demonstrate "all efforts, in order to halt indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian regime, restore a cessation of hostilities, ensure immediate and expanded humanitarian access and create the conditions for a credible and inclusive political transition".

Even though Russia was not threatened with measures, the ministers are targeting more at Syria. They said the EU will act "swiftly, according to established procedures, with the aim of imposing further restrictive measures against Syria targeting Syrian individuals and entities supporting the regime as long as the repression continues".

The EU sanctions are likely to include travel bans and a freeze of assets belonging to political figures and top military officials accused of crimes.

EU sanctions on Syria were extended at the end of May until June 2017. More than 200 people and 70 entities including companies and associations have been targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze over the violent repression of civilians.

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Russia can count on the West to help in counter-terrorism efforts but insisted at the same time that "everything possible must be done to stop the bombing and allow humanitarian aid... to get to the population".

Likening the attacks on Aleppo to Russia's destruction of the Chechen capital Grozny in 1999 and 2000, Mr Ayrault said Russia is locked in "the logic of destruction, alongside the Assad regime".

Talks involving Russia, the US and other Western powers over the weekend failed to secure any breakthrough likely to lead to a fresh ceasefire or open up access for humanitarian aid.
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A foreign teacher interacts with her students at an English training center in Hangzhou on July 8, 2014.[Photo/IC] I've often expounded on the mirth,merriment and joy of teaching in China, but I have never compiled a collectionof such moments, even though I've written individual articles about some ofthose times. Now seems like a good time, just starting out my seventh year ofleading classes, to reflect on some of the funnier, and more embarrassing,times in the classroom. I hope you will end up gasping for breath fromlaughing, like I did and still do, as I recall the funniest moments.

Getting to Class

With the ink barely dry on my TESOL certificate, I set out in search of a job. In short order, I was fortunate tobe accepted at Wuchang Institute of Technology. I had only ever done on-the-jobsafety training in an industrial setting, with plenty of modern technology toaid in presenting material. Teaching an academic subject was going to be allnew for me.

Teaching in China was going to be totallynew as well. Only having a blackboard and a supply of white and colored chalkwas going to be all new, too. Not having any materials to teach from or anyother teaching aids was definitely going to be a challenge. But by far, thebiggest challenge seemed to be finding my classroom.

Sure, directions to my first class lookedsimple: teaching building 2, 6th floor. It was easy enough to findbuilding 2; it had a big, golden '2' on it. Already anxious over how thingswere going to go, I followed the tide of students up the stairs. 4thfloor, 5th floor... and that's where the stairs ended! How do I getto the 6th floor?

I went back downstairs to ask the securityguard, sitting at the desk in the lobby, how to get to the 6thfloor. Even though I used my best broken Chinese  I barely spoke a few wordsof Mandarin when I first got here - he could not understand what I was saying.I was ready to die of embarrassment: how can I lead a class when I can't evenfind the room? One of my students, going to class, volunteered to lead me toour room... up the stairs located in the BACK of the building!

A day at the zoo

I was guest lecturing at anotheruniversity. As usual there was no curriculum to follow and the stress ofencountering a new group and what to do with them were crushing. The way aroundthat is to get the students to talk. What was your first experience with aforeigner? I asked them.

One girl timidly raised her hand, offeringup her story. I was 10 years old. My father took me to the zoo... and that'sas far as she got, because I burst into laughter. In my imagination, this girland her father went to the zoo, only instead of animals, all manner offoreigners were in the cages! Some looked bored, some looked lonely, someprowled around their cages restlessly. A few slept, while eager Chinese tappedon the bars to elicit some reaction from the caged foreigners.

As my laughter grew, so did the image in myhead. Outside each cage, signs advertising the type of foreigner inside, wherethey come from, what they like to eat, and their normal way of life. A fewlucky zoo visitors got to witness foreigner feeding time and some excitedlydrew to the big tent, where the foreigners would put on a show (as in an animal zoo). There was a special building, a foreigner nursery, where baby foreignerswere being cared for.

Meanwhile, this poor, brave girl lookedmortified. Obviously, she thought she had done or said something wrong. All ofmy explanations did nothing to relieve her of her worries, especially because Icouldn't quit laughing long enough to explain why I was laughing so hard!

The Exploding Students:

I am often invited to judge speech competitions. The problem is that all of the instructions and judging tally sheets are in Chinese. Usually I ask another teacher or judge to tell me what criteria I am to judge but, this time, I was the only judge! Thus it came that Felix, one of my students and president of the English club, translated that vital information for me.

You should judge on content, fluency, time and... he paused to check his phone... explosions.

What??? Students are supposed to explode? I don't want to judge that contest!

After much laughter from my imagined scenarios in which blood and gore spattered the ceiling while the audience clapped, he realized he had mistranslated   explosiveness.

What Did You Say?

Each team of students was to research their favorite movie, using English resources that we had explored in class, such as: IMDB, TMZ, Wikipedia and other sites. The teams were to put on a performance of their favorite movie by any means possible: song, dance, acting, PPT, pictures...

One super-confident group stole the show! Not because their performance was  but because of what happened.

This girl is a very competent speaker: not only comfortable with English, but so assertive that she can project her voice without the aid of a microphone. I didn't know that when I handed it to her. She stood at the podium, with her hands clasped behind her back (and the microphone in her hand), talking away...

when, suddenly, she passed gas ! And, because of the microphone, the sound was amplified much louder than a bodily function should be!

The class erupted with laughter. Our speaker, till then confidently addressing her peers, sunk into a squat behind the podium. Not sure if she was laughing or crying back there; I was too busy doing my level best to not guffaw, all while thinking that I am so glad that such a misfortune has never happened to me!

Holy Pants!

It is an entertainer's worst fear: facing their audience while somehow being less than decently dressed. I didn't know I had ripped my pants while getting off my bike, but apparently I did it so spectacularly that it was all my class could focus on.

After class, my usual train of thought  'this went well and that wasn't so good. Should improve...' was interrupted by a group who approached me timidly.

That's odd; they're normally effusive in their farewells.

They didn't come to thank me for a good lesson or otherwise wish me well; they wanted to tell me I was revealing more than I should. My turn to be red-faced!

And I hope your face is red from laughing so much!
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WASHINGTON: The United States said Tuesday it was raising with Saudi Arabia a prison sentence handed to a US citizen...
Hawthorn's aggressive trades of their veteran champions could construct a million-dollar war chest to attack free agency at the end of next year if Jordan Lewis is to join Sam Mitchell in leaving the Hawks.

The Hawks' decision to move on Mitchell and the looming trade of Lewis have not been a result of salary cap pressure to squeeze in new arrivals Ty Vickery, Tom Mitchell and probably Jaeger O'Meara but will instead create room for other potential recruits next year. The departure of Mitchell and Lewis will create an extra million dollars space in their cap to front-end contracts for next year and give them the scope to go after a free agent. Fremantle star Nat Fyfe and Richmond midfield champion Dustin Martin are among those who will become eligible for free agency next year. The Hawks want to reshape their list profile and in particular their midfield, mindful that four more veterans will be out of contract at the end of next year and all likely to retire.

House of Hawthorn: The Hawks are building a long-term war chest. Credit:Getty Images

Hawthorn and Melbourne met on Monday to discuss a trade for Lewis, who reiterated his desire to move to the Demons. Melbourne's original offer for Lewis last week was for pick 66. Hawthorn then said they wanted to keep the contracted player prompting the Demons to guarantee a third year and slightly more money in the contract offer to Lewis, something Hawthorn believes should be better reflected in the trade terms. With just three days left in the trade period Hawthorn's discussions with Gold Coast about Jaeger O'Meara remain tense.

Richmond are trying to work with the Suns on a deal for Dion Prestia, but discussions have not moved substantially. The Suns want Richmond's pick six but the Tigers want one of the Suns' four picks in the 20s back for that.
Billionaire rag trader Solomon Lew's Just Group has lost its bid to stop its recently departed chief financial officer taking up a new job at rival Cotton On.

The Supreme Court of Victoria threw out Just Group's request for orders restraining Nicole Peck working for its competitor.

Premier Investments' CEO Mark McInnes (left) and chairman Solomon Lew. Credit:Pat Scala

Just Group, which owns Just Jeans, Portmans and beloved schoolkids stationery supplier Smiggle, took legal action against against Ms Peck after she resigned to take up the role of chief financial officer at Cotton On five months after joining Just Group.

Ms Peck told the court she had left Just Group in part because Cotton On, which owns several brands including its eponymous value fashion chain, stationery supplier Typo and young women's fashion outlet Supre, was based in Geelong which was where she and her family live.
Whitehaven Coal expects the coal price to remain strong through the December quarter following recent settlements in Asian markets, which is helping it to reduce borrowings.

The market price for so-called "semi-soft" coking coal, has risen a strong 86 per cent to $US130 a tonne, it said in its latest quarterly report filed with the ASX Monday morning.

Despite the opposition, Whitehaven Coal is profiting handsomely from the resurgent coal price.

The rise for this quality of coal follows the surge in the price being paid for premium coking coal of $US200 a tonne following recent contract settlements.

In the September quarter, Whitehaven received $US70 a tonne for sales of semi-soft coking coal and $US64 a tonne for sales of steaming coal, it said. Coking coal is primarily used when making steel, with steaming coal mostly used in electricity generation, with the benefit of the higher price to flow through to shipments this quarter.
Beijing: Lawyers for Crown Resorts were scheduled to hold their first meeting with the families of employees detained in mainland China on Monday afternoon, amid suggestions at least one employee has been coerced into a sleep-deprived "confession".

Jeff Sikkema, husband of Crown's Shanghai-based administration assistant Jiang Ling, also known as Jenny, said his own lawyer had just been able to meet with his wife at the No.1 Detention Centre in Shanghai, and had passed on a hand-written note via the lawyer.

"Honey, I love you. I miss you. I'm doing everything to get you out soonest," the note reads.

Having only heard from his wife's lawyer briefly, Mr Sikkema, an American expatriate who has lived in Shanghai for more than 15 years, said all he knew "is that she was crying which kills me with impotent rage".
Our celebrations at its demise were not born of naivety, as some have suggested; we get that this likely delays the day that same-sex marriage becomes law in Australia. We celebrate because the plebiscite was awful policy, promised or otherwise. If I could drop another house on it, I would. And I'd make it a Point Piper mansion.

Here was an expensive and non-binding vote, born of seedy and self-serving backroom shadow-puppetry, which invited Australians to pass judgment on each other. It would have forced many young Australians to digest government-funded sound bites and TV commercials articulating why they were less equal than their straight peers, and, in its proposed form, allowed businesses to actively discriminate against a segment of the population.

Last week a Labor Party-sized house fell on the same-sex marriage plebiscite and the majority of us in the LGBTQI community  and our supporters  were delighted to see that the wicked thing was finally dead. We sang, we danced, and, most of all, we tweeted. Yes, Australia, we can wait.

I marvel at the advocates who take this fighting spirit and apply it to the same-sex marriage issue. Credit:Harrison Saragossi

This is the dark and base but undeniable part of me that has been craving some sort of catharsis on the issue of same-sex marriage for about a decade. It is the part that wants to see all the cards laid out on the table  every emotion, on both sides, ugly angry faces up. It is fuelled by the slowly rising rage I share with all LGBTQI Australians who have watched this issue exploited and evaded by weak leaders, many of whom feign respect for the people whose futures they're toying with to safeguard their futures. Screw the politeness already and just meet us by the bubblers at lunch.

This part of me actually wants to see the no-holds-barred attacks from the Right: The unsupported claims that same-sex marriage is damaging for the children we're assuming these couples will have; that it goes against nature and biology; that it will do fundamental damage to the Judeo-Christian underpinnings of a nation that, last time I checked, was undergirded by the principle of separating church and state. And don't sugarcoat it. Punch hard. Use your $7.5 million well. I want to see all of this packaged into a series of slick and terrifying TV spots and brochures overflowing with worried-looking Anglo-Saxon families and easily dismissible stats.

And from my community I want to see the responses, because I know they will be glorious. There are few groups on earth that fight back like us  especially when put into a corner. I think of the history of the Sydney gay and lesbian Mardi Gras here. The first parade, in 1978, for which thousands of Sydneysiders gathered to demand an end to police harassment and the repeal of discriminatory laws, was broken up by the cops; the 53 men who were arrested had their names published in this very newspaper. The next year, despite this public shaming, even more showed up for the parade. Next February, they will show up again  Malcolm masks in hand.

I marvel at the advocates in our community who take this fighting spirit and apply it to the same-sex marriage issue, from those at the top  Alex Greenwich, Penny Wong and the like  to the activists and citizens who drive for equality from the ground. Does part of me want to see them take on the Right in a direct appeal to the Australian public for an emphatic "yes"? God yes.
"My wife  she's been inside the house for three months, barely talking, just gets up, goes to the toilet, and sleeps again. She sleeps in the bed, and I sleep on the floor," he told Amnesty. Omid Masoumali died after setting himself on fire on Nauru. 2) Shadi, Mirza and Shahin Shadi worked as an art teacher in Iran. Her 10-year-old son, Shahin, loved playing music and had progressed to a black belt in Taekwondo. When her husband, Mirza, converted to Christianity, the family were persecuted and forced to flee. They were designated refugees and moved into community housing on Nauru, and while life was difficult, they were coping.

Then, in May last year, the Nauru locals made their feelings clear. In the early hours of the morning, a gang arrived and smashed their home's windows, attempting to force their way in. Mirza armed himself with a knife in an attempt to defend his family. The police arrived an hour later, but never followed up the attack. Earlier this year, they were moved to new accommodation and were attacked again, with a local gang smashing anything they could manage. Shahin has not been able to leave the house since. Shadi withdrew from life, ceasing to eat, talk or sleep. She asked her husband about suiciding together, but Mirza said they had to live for Shahin. In June, Mirza, who had been watching his wife around the clock, stepped outside for a cigarette early in the morning. He returned and found an empty pill packet next to Shadi's bed. He couldn't rouse her. She's been in a medical ward ever since and has made at least 10 more attempts on her life. She won't eat, or take medication. Mirza survives on painkillers to fight off the debilitating effects of kidney stones, because if he goes for treatment, there will be no one to watch his son or wife. "I am losing my family in front of my eyes and I cannot do anything about it," he told Amnesty. 3) Firuz, Laleh and Nahal

Firuz and Laleh didn't want to leave their life. But after Laleh's first husband, a man with connections to the Iranian secret police, had Firuz arrested, they took their six-year-old daughter Nahal and fled. Their boat began taking on water between Indonesia and Christmas Island, but when an Australian ship rescued them and took them to a Darwin camp, they began to hope. They were then transferred to Christmas Island. There, Laleh discovered she was pregnant but after four months requested an abortion. Shortly after, the family was sent to Nauru, where they spent 18 months living in a tent. Four months later, Nahal started vomiting and wetting her bed every night. They were told it was asthma and given pills for Nahal to take. When that didn't work they said it was a problem with her stomach and given more pills. Then they told the couple their young daughter actually had "a mental problem" and gave her more pills. None of the doctors prescribing pills were specialists. The pills, her father said, were "making her crazy, and vomiting". They googled her medication and found it was not suitable for children. In June last year, the family received their refugee status and were moved into accommodation on the island. They opened a restaurant, trying to make the best of their new situation, and kept Nahal close by. In December, Firuz couldn't find his daughter. He searched and found her with a 23-year-old refugee. He had pulled down her pants and was attempting to rape her. The police were called and they made Nahal write down what happened. No attempt was made to find her attacker.

She has not been seen by a child psychologist. 4) Amir, Yasmin and Darius Amir and Yasmin lived a simple life. Amir worked as a barber, sharing his skills with prisoners, while Yasmin ran a beauty salon. The young Iranian couple fled life in Iran and with their three-and-a-half year old son Darius ended up in Indonesia and eventually, Christmas Island.

In November 2014, Yasmin drank washing liquid and shampoo. Four months later, Darius was attacked by a guard, who threw a rock at his five-year-old head, chipping a front tooth. Since then, he wakes screaming. Yasmin stopped getting out of bed. Still, authorities dismissed Amir's concerns his wife and son needed help. In May this year, Yasmin locked herself inside the family accommodation and set it alight.
Victorian Labor senator Gavin Marshall has declared war on frontbench colleague Andrew Giles, revealing he plans to back a preselection challenge to the Scullin MP and accusing him of lying over a plot to remove his ally Kim Carr.

And as the fallout from a damaging post-election split in the Victorian Left deepens, Senator Marshall left open the prospect of backing a challenge to Labor's Ballarat-based health spokeswoman, Catherine King.

Senator Gavin Marshall says he's been talking to lots of people in Andrew Giles' electorate Scullin about the MP's future.

Ms King, for her part, has recently raised concerns with Labor leader Bill Shorten that Senator Marshall could be organising forces to challenge her preselection for the seat ahead of the next election.

Senator Marshall's plan to back preselection challenges to at least one sitting Labor MP comes as Mr Shorten's decision to back the controversial former union official Kimberley Kitching for a casual Senate vacancy faces growing criticism, and underscores deepening divisions in the ALP in the Labor leader's home state.
If there's one lesson to be learned from the US presidential election, it's that Kate McKinnon has absolutely nailed her Saturday Night Live impression of Hillary Clinton.

The Emmy Award winning comedian was back at it again this weekend, playing opposite Alec Baldwin's Donald Trump in a spoof of last week's second presidential debate.

The pair were introduced as: "Republican nominee Donald Trump and  can we say this yet?  President Hillary Clinton."

McKinnon, who made her name on the weekly comedy skit program with her equally impressive Ellen DeGeneres impression, flawlessly channelled Clinton's confidence at the debate, donning her black and white ensemble to "open [the] debate with a casual lean".
A Sydney man charged with murdering his wife of 25 years has been found not guilty due to mental illness.

Zoran Crnobrnja had been due to stand trial in the Supreme Court at Darlinghurst on Monday, accused of killing his wife, Vesna, in the front yard of their Casula home in November 2014.

Zoran Crnobrnja, who had been charged with murdering his wife, Vesna.

But Acting Justice Jane Mathews entered a special verdict that Mr Crnobrnja was not guilty by reason of mental illness.
"The biggest threat with these storms will be wind, they are very fast moving, a lot of energy with them as well, so we should see pretty gusty, windy conditions with these storms," he said.

Bureau of Meteorology spokesman Dean Narramore said Brisbane would be hit by 6pm.

A line of thunderstorms over the Darling Downs were expected to hit Toowoomba in the afternoon, before moving on to Ipswich about 4pm.

Fast-moving thunderstorms with strong winds and lightning are expected to hit Brisbane by Monday evening.

"We will probably get a bit of a light show across many areas later this afternoon and we should see some brief heavy rain but nothing that is going to cause any issues at this stage."

Mr Narramore said the thunderstorms would move on quite quickly.

"These storms are moving around 50-70 kilometres per hour so all of a sudden these storms will hit and we will probably get 15-20 minutes of rain, wind, lightning and thunder and then next minute it will be gone," Mr Narramore said.

"There are no big gusts with the storms, but once they move through Toowoomba we should see some stronger wind gusts as they move through."

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a marine wind warning on Monday with gusts of up to 60 kilometres out over coastal waters on the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Gold Coast.
Police are still searching for the driver of a green sedan who rammed into a police motorbike on the Ipswich Motorway on Sunday.

Video footage has been released that shows the moment the green Ford Falcon sedan rammed a police officer off his motorbike near Collingwood Park.

Sergeant Robert Rea from Road Policing Command was riding along the motorway at 7.50am when he spotted a car travelling about 170 kilometres an hour, police said.

Sgt Rea attempted to pull over the sedan at the Mine Street exit near Collingwood Park and as he rode up behind the sedan, the vehicle allegedly reversed towards him.
Police say an early-morning shooting victim is lucky to be alive as they investigate whether his attack was a "targeted" robbery gone wrong.

Wayne Dean, 54, was fighting for life in intensive care following surgery on serious internal injuries after he was shot at close range with a shotgun on Monday morning.

The computer repair man remained in an induced coma by mid afternoon as police investigated whether drugs played a role in the confrontation.

Centenary Crime Group Detective Inspector Geoff Sheldon said the victim was woken by a knock on the door, before an argument with two men in his tiny Sunnybank Hills Caravan Park cabin went badly wrong.
Queensland Speaker Peter Wellington has called for a parliamentary inquiry into end-of-life choices and voluntary euthanasia.

Mr Wellington wrote to the Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Committee asking for an inquiry to allow adults to make informed decisions about their own end-of-life choices.

A Queensland parliamentary committee has been asked to begin an inquiry into end of life choices and voluntary euthanasia.

"It's been a taboo subject for as long as I've been in Parliament, for 18 years," Mr Wellington said.

"I say it's high time that our Parliament led an inquiry into issues dealing with end of life.
If you're building Iron Man's virtual assistant, who better to help than Iron Man himself?

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who's been working on a virtual assistant as part of his New Year's resolution from earlier this year, posted on his social network that he was looking for someone to voice his latest creation.

Mark Zuckerberg needs a voice for his AI assistant. Credit:Bloomberg

Robert Downey Jr., who famously plays Iron Man in the Marvel Studios franchise, jumped at the chance to contribute. In a response to the Facebook founder, Downey Jr. said he'd "do it in a heartbeat" if the fees go to Paul Bettany, the voice of Iron Man's virtual assistant Jarvis in the hit movies.

Not forgoing a chance to further publicise the Marvel universe, Downey Jr. continued saying that Bettany would then have to donate the funds to a charity "of Cumberbatch's choosing."
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has again taken more political donations than any other candidate running for control of Town Hall for the next four years.

But with $127,000 in declared donations  none of it from property developers this time around  Cr Doyle has taken in around a quarter of the donations he received for his controversial 2012 campaign for lord mayor.

Lord mayor Robert Doyle: "We cannot afford to delay renewal of the market." Credit:Eddie Jim

Among Cr Doyle's major donors this time are the Australian Hotels Association, which tipped in $20,000, and advertising executive Harold Mitchell, who has given Cr Doyle's campaign $10,000.

Cr Doyle last time took tens of thousands of dollars from property developers  forcing him to sit out more than a dozen planning application decisions over the last four years.
A Port Melbourne man has faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court over allegations he punched a woman in the mouth at a New Years Eve party in Prahran.

Gokturk "George" Aktas was charged by Malvern police with recklessly causing injury after he allegedly smashed a 33-year-old woman in the mouth, causing more than $4000-worth of damage to her teeth.

Mr Aktas allegedly punched the woman after she intervened in a fight with his partner, Denise Thorrnburgh. Credit:Facebook

The woman was allegedly punched when she attempted to intervene in a violent domestic dispute between Mr Aktas and his partner, Denise Thornburgh outside a Prahran house.

The alleged assault is understood to have taken place shortly after midnight on January 1, 2015.
When it comes to gambling, the numbers don't add up.

And now the maths class has emerged as a new frontline in the fight against problem gambling.

Williamstown High School VCAL students and teacher Anne Goller do the maths on gambling risks. Credit:Justin McManus

Years 10 to 12 students are using mathematics to learn about the risks of having a punt as part of a new program being rolled out by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.

Williamstown High School students studied the probabilities of pokies (you are more likely to be killed by lightning than to win the top prize on a Black Rhinos poker machine). They also simulated a Melbourne Cup sweep and explored the economic impact of gambling on communities.
Young people come to Australia in droves, seduced by the idea of a better life, says Dr Howe. Credit:File image According to Justice Jeremy Allanson, who sentenced her to seven and a half years' prison in the WA Supreme Court in August, she was recruited into a $29 million money laundering scheme between March and December last year. The money was deposited into bank accounts of 12 Australian-based companies whose directors were Hong Kong nationals, then transferred to Sydney-based money remitters. A man collecting money from Perth criminals drove Kong late last year to different banks where she made deposits totalling nearly $2.5 million, being paid $200-$300 for each of nine days' work. In October, Border Force officers intercepted a parcel intended for her at Perth Airport, tins of Chinese tea containing methamphetamine, and arrested her after a complex sting in which Kong called the dealer to confirm their arrival and then destroyed her SIM card.

The data shows they do mainly hospitality, retail and cleaning, and these sectors are routinely defying regulations and paying below the minimum wage, less than Australian workers would accept. Dr Joanna Howe, School of Law, University of Adelaide "You admitted to the police that you suspected the consignment contained drugs. You were to be paid for your role," the judge told her. He noted the 28-year-old had to quit school in Hong Kong at age 16 and worked all her adult life, becoming an accredited personal trainer. She came to Australia in 2013 with limited English and had to take low-paid jobs until getting a student visa to study the language. "You had to pay full fees as an international student and you had significant financial hardship," the judge said.

"At times, you had to borrow. "Your financial hardship was the main cause of your offending. You have no known criminal history, you have no physical or mental health problems and, as I understand it, you do not use illicit drugs ... the present offences are out of character. "You needed money and you allowed yourself to be used." The judge gave a seven-and-a-half year sentence, saying he had to indicate that those who join in these activities risked severe punishment. "I do not believe that you could have thought that what you were doing was normal business," he said.

Ms Kong paid just over $8000 for her English tuition over 2015 and 2016, documentation shows. While each student cannot be said to be in the same situation, many such students struggle in the Australian labour market, said South Australian migration expert Joanna Howe, leader of a research project on the topic. Dr Howe, senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide's School of Law, said while parents at home often helped with course fees, most international students in Australia needed to work to cover living costs, higher in Australia than the US or UK. They faced serious challenges finding work, including language difficulty and lack of local work experience and support networks. "Their visa allows 40 hours work a fortnight and the data shows they do mainly hospitality, retail and cleaning, and these sectors are routinely defying regulations and paying below the minimum wage, less than Australian workers would accept," she said.

"They are much less likely to complain to the Fair Work Ombudsman. "They often have this desire for residency, and whenever you have a market with a desire, you have a vulnerability." She said international students were often young, inexperienced and in a foreign country with less support, factors that could lead to out-of-character behaviour. She said it did not surprise her some turned to crime. "Australia actively markets itself as a destination for education. Our government for a long time has promoted education as a growth industry so we invite people to come here to study," she said. "In this global era, young people all over the world are cognisant of a better standard of living elsewhere."

She said the waiting list for residency was huge and the government policy had created a nexus between study and residency. Study led to employment, then potential employer sponsorship for residency. "We have this migration pathway people know about all of the world, so partly we have created this structure," she said. "We also have a responsibility to make sure we are not setting people up for failure." AICT chief executive Hong Fu said the organisation had been operating for many years and did not condone illegal activity. He said many international students were referred to AICT by education immigration agents who arranged visas and other requirements.
The man responsible for one of WA's most gruesome mass murders has been denied parole for a second time after slaughtering a mother and her three children with an axe 23 years ago.

William Mitchell was 22 years old when he murdered single mother Karen MacKenzie, 31, and her children Danny, 16, Amara, seven, and Katrina, five, on February 21, 1993 in the rural town of Greenough, 400 kilometres north of Perth.

William Patrick Mitchell killed Karen MacKenzie and her three children.

Ms MacKenzie had rejected Mitchell's advances earlier that evening at a friend's house, but accepted his offer to drive her home.

Later that night, at 3.30am, he returned to the isolated property after having abused cannabis, alcohol and amphetamines throughout the day.
Latest News Call to expand approved housing projects Sunshine state planning laws should be eased, says developer

Call to expand approved housing projects Sunshine state planning laws should be eased, says developer

Increasing the maximum loan-to-valuation ratio for home loan and investor refinancing applications from 90% to 95%

Introducing a flexible approach during parental leave for members who have taken out a home loan

Clarifying policy details around living expenses when a parent is not a fulltime carer for a child

Recognising additional dwellings such as granny flats as acceptable security for a loan plus recognising granny flat income

Giving investors a maximum interest-only period of 10 years on a loan and removing the current five year mandatory reassessment. The maximum interest-free period for other loans has been increased from three to five years

Financial services provider CUA will bring in a series of policy changes aimed at streamlining its lending process and reduce duplication in processing.One of the primary goals is to introduce a more consistent approach to how the lender considers issues such as different types of income, periods of parental leave, lending for granny flats and the duration of interest-only loans.We are formalising a number of policies where we previously dealt with applications on a case-by-case basis, while other outdated lending policies are being brought into line with common industry standards, said Natasha Kelso, CUAs national broker manager.The changes also allow CUA to be more flexible in accommodating the needs of members at different stages of their lives  whether theyre starting a family, separating from a partner, relocating overseas for work, approaching retirement or building a granny flat for family members or as a source of additional income.As part of a broader policy review, CUA listened to feedback from members, lenders and brokers, Kelso said. While this first round of changes has just been released, the firm is already looking to how it can further meet the needs of brokers, staff and members.Some of the policy changes in this initial rollout include the following:These changes came into play for all CUA loans processed from yesterday (17 October).Kelso said that the feedback from brokers has so far been very encouraging.We ran our first broker workshop in Brisbane on Friday to advise those brokers and the feedback we received initially has been very positive. Theyre quite excited around some of the policies that were instituting, she told Australian Broker.This is the start of a nationwide series of workshops CUA will be holding with brokers on all changes to be implemented.Weve spoken to the fact that the feedback has come from them. Theyre very grateful that we have listened to them and taken on what theyve encouraged us to look at in regards to our policies, she said. They really like the fact that its black and white.
Porter is getting to umpire his second World Series

Alan Porter is working his second World Series as an umpire. He'll be behind home plate if the Phillies and Astros need a Game 7.
latest news

October 3, 2022

Dee Gambit

Hundreds  if not thousands  of new and returning TV shows and movies are released every month  your options of what to watch are endless. Variety, they say is ...
Tiny crystals and nanowires could join forces to split water

A scanning electron microscope image, with color added, shows vanadium oxide nanowires coated with tiny semiconductor crystals called quantum dots. This combination of materials has shown promise for splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen fuel, which could be used to power cars, buses, boats and other modes of transportation. Credit: Christopher Milleville

A scanning electron microscope image, with color added, shows vanadium oxide nanowires. By coating these wires with tiny semiconductor crystals called quantum dots, researchers hope to develop a new technology for splitting water oxygen and hydrogen fuel. Credit: Peter Marley

The project is funded through the NSFs Designing Materials to Engineer and Revolutionize our Future program, which supports the White Houses Materials Genome Initiative for Global Competitiveness by accelerating the discovery of new materials.

Watson, professor and chair of chemistry in the UB College of Arts and Sciences, has received a $550,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to pursue the work. UB physics professor Peihong Zhang, PhD, is also a partner on the research, which is part of a larger $1.4 million NSF-funded project that teams UB with Texas A&M University, Binghamton University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to develop the new catalysts for splitting water.

Hydrogen is seen as an important source of green energy because it generates water as the only byproduct when its burned, says University at Buffalo chemist David Watson, PhD, one of the projects lead researchers. The hybrid materials were developing have the potential to support the cheap and efficient production of hydrogen gas.

By marrying teeny crystals called quantum dots to miniature wires, the researchers are developing new materials that show promise for splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen fuel, which could be used to power cars, buses, boats and other modes of transportation.

BUFFALO, N.Y.  Scientists are pursuing a tiny solution for harnessing one of the worlds most abundant sources of clean energy: Water.

A reaction powered by the sun

Hydrogen is seen as an important source of green energy because it generates water as the only byproduct when its burned. 

The materials under development are catalysts designed to harvest sunlight to drive the chemical reaction that divides water into oxygen and hydrogen.

They are formed from miniscule wires of vanadium oxide that are combined with various metal ions, then glazed with a coating of semiconductor quantum dots.

When theyre exposed to the sun, these hybrid materials generate two critical ingredients for splitting water: a free-floating electron and what chemists call an electronic hole (the absence of an electron where there would normally be one). Both the electron and the hole are used in the multi-step chemical reaction that converts water into oxygen and hydrogen gas.

So far, the research team successfully created materials that efficiently produce and separate both a free electron and a hole, though the scientists have yet to demonstrate that their hole can be used successfully in the water-splitting reaction.

From an industry perspective, the nanowire-quantum dot approach has benefits. Both the nanowires and quantum dots can be easily produced in large quantities from materials that are abundant in the crust of the earth, and both are tunable, Watson says. As he explains, changing the size of the quantum dots alters their electronic properties, as does combining the vanadium oxide nanowires with new materials. This makes it possible to tweak both components to maximize their efficiency at leveraging sunlight to split water.

Its a very flexible approach  a versatile platform for converting sunlight and water into fuel, Watson says.

The scientists will use the new NSF funding to support an exploration of the best combinations of quantum dots and nanowires. In concert with synthesizing new materials, they will computationally predict which structures will have the best electronic properties.

We are trying to put together some fairly complex machinery to mimic photosynthesis performed by plants, which use sunlight to split water and make energy. The machinery will be built from these nanowire and quantum dot blocks, using them almost as Legos, says Sarbajit Banerjee, PhD, professor of chemistry at Texas A&M University. Calculations performed on supercomputers will guide us on how to rapidly put these blocks together.

The research was seeded by a Scialog grant from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement, an Arizona-based foundation devoted to the advancement of science.
Give a Christmas project seeks donors and applications to aid the needy

The Burlington County Times and NJ 211 partner for the 54th year of Give a Christmas. Donors wanted to aid families in need.
The Ruias have maintained that the deal with Rosneft will help the Essar group repay its loans to banks. But with Essar Steel and Essar Power in doldrums, the amount received by Essar in the all-cash deal might not be enough to repay all of ts oustanding debt totaling over Rs 1 lakh crore to various banks.



Here are the five major implications of this deal
Global major will bring down sugar content in at least two-thirds of its beverages by 2025 and focus on healthier food options, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Indra Nooyi said on Monday as she unveiled version two of the Performance with Purpose road maps she had laid out a decade ago.
Mercedes-Benz Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Roland Folger on Monday said the issues of the ban on diesel vehicle registrations in Delhi and the unclear scenario of vehicle prices post the rollout of goods and services tax (GST) next year have brought the certain effect of uncertainty to the company's overall planning in India.
British liquor major Diageo, which owns majority in United Spirits in India, has opened its captive back office in Bengaluru, which it expects to scale to over 1,000 people by next year.

Diageo's first captive shared services centre in India will focus on finance and accounting and expand its services in areas such as business intelligence, analytics and data services. It already has around 100 people in the centre.
The $12-billion deal between Essar Oil and a consortium led by Russian oil major Rosneft is likely to increase consumer-focused services and dynamic pricing in fuel retailing, according to industry experts.
Five years after breaking its partnership, Japanese major Honda has rapidly expanded in more states, giving heavyweight and former partner Hero a run for its money.

Powered by India's largest selling scooter, Activa, and by new production capacities, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has nearly doubled its leadership to 15 states and Union Territories, up from eight last year.
Xu Lirong, chairman of the Chinese chapter of BRICS Business Council, and chairman of COSCO Shipping Co., tells Subhayan Chakraborty that the manufacturing sector in is undergoing an upgrade and Chinese investments abroad will continue. Excerpts:
After Maruti Suzuki signed a pact with the government for transportation of vehicles through inland waterways, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and Honda are also trying for one.
There is something about an election that excites and disturbs businesses. Businesses are jittery about formulating a forward looking plan and their clients are less than willing to loosen their purse strings. Restrained optimism is a camouflage for hidden pessimism. And when a candidate vows to roll back policies formulated by his opponents when in government, the fears of businesses get further amplified. Two of Indias top IT  TCS and - seem to have been caught in such electoral crosswinds blowing in the US.





ALSO READ: Why analysts prefer Infosys over TCS
Orient Electric, part of $1.6 billion CK Birla Group, is expected to set up a manufacturing facility in South India within two years' time, to cater the regional and overseas markets. The plans will be finalised once the electrical appliances business under is demarged from the Orient Paper and Industries Ltd, for which the process is on, said a senior official from the company.
South Korean consumer electronics major on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uttar Pradesh government for expanding the capacity of its Noida plant at an investment of Rs 2,000 crore.
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SAP, the multinational enterprise application software company, has seen tremendous growth in this country. Maggie Chan Jones, its US-based chief marketing officer, spoke to Kiran Rathee on its plans for India and partnership with government initiatives like Digital India. Edited excerpts:



Where is India in SAP's scheme of things?



India is one of the fastest growing within worldwide, with more than 7,500 customers. With almost 10,000 employees, also our second largest subsidiary, globally. We have a network of 600-plus partners, helping in reaching out to SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and start-ups; 80 per cent of our customer strength comprises SMEs. This strongly reflects our commitment here to create localised innovations that cater to the large SME sector, the backbone of Indias economy.
State Counsellor of Myanmar will on Monday arrive in New Delhi. She reached India on Sunday to attend the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit in Goa.

Suu Kyi will be accompanied by several key ministers and senior officials. During her three-day stay in the capital, she will call on the President Pranab Mukherjee and also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

She will attend a business event during which she will interact with leading Indian business leaders on ways of bolstering bilateral economic and commercial relations.

The visit of the State Counsellor will provide an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest and seek ways to further strengthen the close and friendly ties that exist between the two countries.
The Indian side, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his officials, pushed for the Goa Declaration to specifically mention cross-border terrorism that India was faced with and also the names of Pakistani-based terror outfits. However, it failed to convince the other member states.



The Goa Declaration didnt refer either to the Jaish-e-Mohammed, which is headed by Masood Azhar, the man India believes was behind the Pathankot terrorist attack, or the Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa. Saeed is considered to be the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks.



It did, however, name such groups as the Islamic State, Jabat-al-Nasra, the Syrian Islamist rebel group, and other UN designated groups. Amar Sinha, Indias chief negotiator in the BRICS, said that India couldnt get a consensus on naming Pakistan-based terrorist outfits since it doesnt concern all the BRICS countries.



Later, Islamabad criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modis statement where he called Pakistan the mothership of terrorism. Sartaj Aziz, foreign affairs advisor to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said that Modis statement was misleading and a desperate attempt to hide Indias brutalities in Kashmir. Pakistan joins all the members of BRICS and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) in condemning terrorism and reaffirms its full commitment to fight the menace of terrorism, Aziz said.



Other BRICS leaders, particularly Russias Vladimir Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping, focused their speeches on strengthening the BRICS economic integration. All other leaders sidestepped the Indian PMs push for criticism of Pakistan as a sponsor of terrorism.



Putin called for more cooperation among BRICS members in the energy sector by instituting a BRICS Energy Agency.



Both India and China are key partners of Russia in the sector. On Saturday, Putin and Modi had signed an agreement to construct a Russia-India gas pipeline. Xi cautioned against protectionism and said openness held the key to overcome sluggish economic growth.
Demanding the setting up of a Cauvery Management Board (CMB), farmer's organisations and political parties in Tamil Nadu staged protests on rail tracks on Monday.

In Thanjavur district, the police arrested several farmers who were protesting on the rail tracks.

In the state capital Chennai, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader M K Stalin led the party's protest at Perambur.

Similarly, members of the DMK, Congress and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam were arrested while they protested at different parts of the state.

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have been at war since long over the sharing of Cauvery river waters.

On October 3, the Ministry of Water Resources filed an interlocutory application in the Supreme Court seeking modification of its September 30 order to constitute the CMB by October 4.

The Ministry, in its application, said that the CMB cannot be constituted by the October 4 deadline.
Top officials, including Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt General Ranbir Singh will on Tuesday brief a panel of MPs on the conducted by the across the Line of Control (LoC) on September 28.

A notice issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat said the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, is scheduled to meet on Tuesday when it would be briefed on India-Pakistan relations with specific reference to recent .

The meeting assumes significance as the government had earlier expressed reservations over briefing on the same topic to the Parliamentary Committee on .

However, after initial reluctance, the parliamentary panel on headed by BJP MP BC Khanduri was briefed by Vice-Chief of Army Staff Lt General Bipin Rawat on the .
In the wake of several SAARC nations coming out in support of New Delhi following the Uri attack and the subsequent cancellation of the bloc's summit in Islamabad, India on Monday said that Pakistan has been isolated due to its own policies and it has nothing to do with it.

"If someone has been isolated, it is due to the country's own policies. India has had nothing to do with it," External Affairs Ministry spokesman said at a press briefing after the 8th BRICS Summit here.

He was asked whether India had embarked on a drive to isolate Pakistan after the Pathankot attack as the decision to hold the BIMSTEC Summit alongside the BRICS Summit here was taken in April itself.

"All SAARC nations unitedly said the SAARC Summit cannot take place in Islamabad in an atmosphere of terror," Swarup said.

India stepped up efforts to mount international pressure on Pakistan after the September 18 Uri attack, in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed by terrorists with links to Pak-based Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Several SAARC member states subsequently decided to call-off the bloc's summit which was to be held in Islamabad last month.

Swarup said Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives were quick to condemn the attacks. They stressed that a "constructive dialogue" cannot take place in such an atmosphere.

However, he declined to comment on Sartaz Aziz's comments after the sharp criticism by the Prime Minister on Sunday, saying he will give a reaction at his weekly press briefing as India had not had a bilateral with Pakistan like with countries from the BIMSTEC bloc here.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister on Monday said the deployment of paramilitary forces in the Valley was a compulsion and they will be sent back to the barracks as soon as the situation returns to normal.

CRPF personnel have been deployed in view of vandalism by miscreants as they target vehicles, she stressed.

"In one such incident, a girl was killed at Parimpora in the city. Once there is improvement in situation, the vandalism decreases, the role of security forces will decrease. They will go back to their barracks," she told reporters.

"Deployment of (paramilitary) CRPF is not done out of pleasure but due to security apprehensions of the people who want to carry on with normal lives," she said.

The Chief Minister appealed to the parents to help the government in normalising the situation keeping in mind the future of their children.

On the protests over holding of board examinations as per schedule next month, she said the board exams will be held in time to avoid loss of academic time of students.

"The students will have more options (in terms of questions to answer) as they have not been able to complete the studies due to situation in Kashmir.

"We will also make arrangements for tuitions for students in government schools wherever possible so that they can prepare for examinations. We will also consider reducing the syllabus but examinations will be held on time," she added.

Mehbooba enlisted the measures taken by her government for the betterment of the womenfold and girl students in the state.

"We have started separate buses, police stations and launched Ladli scheme for the women.My government's focus has been to provide more facilities to the women and girls.That is why we kept provision of scooty scheme in the budget for those girls who cannot afford autorickshaws.

"We are giving 50 per cent subsidy for these girl students for buying scooty. It will help in education of girl child coming from economically weaker sections," she said.

The Chief Minister said the government has launched this scheme in Jammu and more scooties will be handed out to girl students in coming days.

"However, we have not been able to do it in Kashmir yet due to the ongoing situation.It is good that poor girls are demanding this facility here (Kashmir) also," she said.
Sri Lankan President on Monday visited a world heritage monument complex housing churches in old Goa during his visit to the state to participate in the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet.

During the morning hours, Sirisena arrived at the Basilica de Bom Jesus, a church housing relics of 16th century saint Francis Xavier.

The Sri Lankan President went around the complex, situated 9 kms away from Panaji, and was briefed about its religious and architectural importance by the priest.

"The Sri Lankan President admired the building. I took him around the place and explained to him the importance of the place," Fr Savio Barretto, the parish priest of the Basilica told PTI.

The President spent some time with the relics of St Xavier which are kept in a glass container encased in a silver casket, Fr Barretto said.

Sirisena later visited Se Cathedral and Christian Art Museum, both situated alongside the Basilica de Bom Jesus at old Goa.
A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Pakistan a "mothership of terrorism", on Monday defended its all-weather ally, saying it is against linking any country or religion with terror and asked the world community to acknowledge Pakistan's "great sacrifices".

Modi's remarks to a meeting of leaders from BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa - escalated his diplomatic drive to isolate Pakistan, which India accuses of sponsoring cross-border terrorism.

Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours have been running high since a Sept. 18 attack on an army base in Kashmir, near the disputed frontier with Pakistan, killed 19 Indian soldiers in the worst such assault in 14 years.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, asked about Modi's comments, said opposed all forms of terrorism and that the international community should increase counter-terrorism cooperation.

nese Foreign Ministry Hua Chunying said China is opposed to linking any country to terrorism.

Answering a question on Modi's criticism of Islamabad in aiding and abetting terror groups opposed to India, she said "on counter-terrorism, China's position is consistent".

"It is the same way we oppose linking terrorism with any specific country or religion," she said.

"We oppose terrorism in all forms and we believe that international concerted efforts are needed to ensure stability and security of all countries," she said.

"We oppose linking terrorism with any specific ethnicity or religion. This is our long-standing position. China and Pakistan are all-weather friends.

Noting that India and Pakistan are "all victims of terrorism", she said Islamabad has made "great sacrifice to combat terrorism and this needs to be recognised by the international community".

To another question about Modi's criticism that Pakistan State continues to support anti-India terrorist groups giving them arms, financial support and helping them to cross the border to carry out attacks in India and whether it is China's view that international community should not take a stand on Islamabad's support to terrorists, Hu said: "I understand your concern."



"But, as I said on counter-terrorism China's position is consistent. It is the same way we oppose linking terrorism with specific country or religion," she said.

"As per the problem between India and Pakistan, both the two countries are close neighbours of China. We truly hope that they can resolve these differences in a peaceful way through dialogue and consultation, so that India and Pakistan relations can develop. This serves the interest of the two countries and the region," she said.
"Where is the budget going?"



This question was today posed by the to the Delhi government and the municipal corporations in the national capital, as it termed as "startling" the fact that half of the total teaching posts in government and municipal schools here were lying vacant.

"This 50 per cent vacancy is startling. It is too high a figure. Where is the budget going," Justice Manmohan asked the AAP government and the corporations after the court was told that 9,000 new teaching posts were being created even though as many as 26,031 vacancies existed.

"It seems you have not recruited anyone for last so many years. The system is crumbling, no? You are working at 50 per cent capacity. There would be a huge pressure on the existing teachers," the court said and asked the government to start recruitment through the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB).

It issued notice to the Delhi government and the three municipal corporations seeking their replies by December 8 to a contempt plea by NGO Social Jurist alleging "wilful disobedience" of a 2001 court order to ensure 'zero vacancy' at the commencement of each academic year in schools here.

Advocate Ashok Aggarwal, appearing for the NGO, told the court that currently there were 26,031 posts of teachers, including special educators for differently-abled children, lying vacant in municipal and Delhi government run schools.

He said despite the huge number of vacancies, which came to 50 per cent of the total required strength of teachers, Delhi government recently created 9,000 additional teaching posts.

He claimed that many teaching staff, including Principals, have been deployed for court work on the false assurance that their posts would be converted into that of law officers and added that 80 per cent of government schools had no Principals.

Advocate Ayushi Gupta, appearing for Delhi government and DSSSB, refuted the allegations and said the vacancies of special educators were advertised, but only 89 persons were found eligible as per the prescribed qualifications.

The government lawyer said the 89 teachers have started



working as she sought time to compile the data after the court asked for the exact number of vacancies that were advertised.

The NGO in its contempt plea has sought action against the AAP government and municipal corporations for not complying with the 2001 high court order, contending that the huge number of vacancies in teaching posts severely affected the teacher-student ratio.

It has claimed that the vacancies have resulted in "depriving 25,05,691 students studying in 1977 schools of their fundamental right to receive quality education".

In 2001, on the NGO's plea against the DSSSB, Delhi government and the municipal corporation, the high court had set a schedule for appointment of teachers to ensure that all posts are filled by the beginning of July every year.

In 2010, on a contempt petition by the NGO, the court had said the recruitment process was slow but appointment of teachers was taking place. It had said that if the state did not recruit teachers, the court can be approached again.

The NGO has now moved the contempt petition, saying the state and its agencies were "actually sitting over" the recruitment process.
To infuse enthusiasm into what has largely remained a moribund grouping since its inception 20 years ago, the leaders on Monday identified 14 sectors in which to deepen their cooperation, including in areas of blue economy and counter-terrorism.
The wait for the implementation of the Maharashtra Pulses Price Control Act seems set to get longer, with the Centre sending back the draft Bill to the state government, questioning the need for such a law alongside the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, which has stringent provisions to curb hoarding and price control. The Centre has also sought to know why the provision for imprisonment in the draft Bill is lower than that in the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
Meghalaya and Tripura top in terms of the labour participation rate and the employment rate. At over 60%, Meghalaya has the highest LPR

A healthy debate: The case for and against interest rate hike Sajjid Chinoy

Having raised policy rates to about 6 per cent, does India's Monetary Policy Committee need to do more? And, if so, is more front-loading ...
To promote coastal shipping under its Sagarmala project, the government has approved a Rs 234-crore dredging project for ferry services between Gogha and Dahej in Gulf of Cambey, .

"As part of promoting coastal shipping in the country under Sagarmala programme, the Ministry of Shipping has sanctioned the Capital Dredging Project for Ro Pax Ferry Services between Gogha and Dahej in Gulf of Cambay in Gujarat," Ministry of Shipping said in a statement.

The Ministry has released Rs 58.50 crore as first installment of grant-in-aid to Maritime Board (GMB).

"The total project cost is estimated to be Rs 234 crore and of which 50 per cent will be funded by central government under the Sagarmala programme," it said.

The project would result in reduction in motorable distance of 231 km between Gogha & Dahej to mere 31 kms and reduce the travel time from 7 hours to 1 hour only by crossing the Gulf in Cambay in 17 nautical miles.

The initiative would not only reduce the travel time but also result in savings in fuel, reduction in CO2 emission and reduction in road congestion.

The project is first of its kinds in India as it will be executed in the area of world's 2nd highest tidal range, the statement said adding, the project would open up new avenues in coastal shipping and tourism and help in socio-economic development of proximate areas.

It would also help in utilisation of inland waterways through river Narmada for shipping goods from industries located upstream.

It is one of the flagship projects under Sagarmala which aims to increase share of waterways transportation in modal mix to 10 per cent from present level of seven per cent by year 2025.
Jose Rubens De La Rosa, chairman of Brazilian chapter of Business Council and chief executive officer of Marcopolo, tells Subhayan Chakraborty that the New Development Bank can be used to address the environmental concerns of nations. Excerpts:
The process of returning the land at Singur, the erstwhile site of the Tata Motor's Nano factory which got scrapped midway, to the landowners will be completed in the coming 15-20 days, West Bengal's chief minister, said.
A key argument marshalled by the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) that reduced the militarys disability pensions has been that the number of senior officers claiming disabilities have been rising steadily. This suggests they have been claiming spurious disabilities to get additional pensions and tax benefits.
Reeling from a slowdown in sales and a delivery crunch, the real estate sector is in for a double whammy with the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, or RERA, feel developers.
Efforts to fight poverty and hunger in East Africa have been boosted by the donation of $1 million in state-of-the art laboratory equipment by Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU).

Moses Rugutt (left), director general of National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation in Kenya and the Chancellor at the Embassy of China in Kenya Yao Ming unveil the plaque of the Modern Molecular Biology Lab at Egerton University. [Photo by Liu Hongjie]

Unveiled on Friday, the crop molecular lab, established at Egerton University, is expected to host crop species and genetics research by students and scientists from China and Kenya. This will subsequently lead to production of improved seed varieties that would combat food insecurity perpetually facing the region due to erratic climate.

In May this year, the United Nations and other international humanitarian organizations announced food shortages and famine across the region. More than 36 million people are facing hunger across southern and eastern Africa.

In a speech read by Director General of National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation in Kenya Moses Rugutt, the cabinet minister of Education, Science and Technology, praised the partnership by saying the laboratory will play a significant role in relieving food insecurity facing Kenya. He noted that China, with a population of 1.3 billion, has strengthened its food security by modernizing agricultural production. "We need to emulate this trend. Innovation will help improve people's lives, alleviate poverty and make build resilience against the vulgarities of climate change."

According to Deputy Vice Chancellor and Dean of Academic Affairs of Egerton University Alexander Kahi, collaboration between the two universities has developed into a world class partnership of international value. "Under the 20+20 project, Egerton University has benefited from faculty exchange, student training, lab construction and capacity training. We are already benefiting from the Modern Molecular Biology Lab equipment in research and teaching. Egerton is now the only university in Kenya with such an advanced laboratory for plants research and genetics," he said in his keynote speech.

Present during the ceremony were the Vice President of Nanjing Agricultural University Wang Chunchun, Dean of the International Education College of Nanjing Liu Zhimin and the Chancellor at the Embassy of China in Kenya Yao Ming.

Kahi also announced the approval of a joint proposal by the Kenyan government on the establishment of the China-Africa Centre for Food Security that is worth over $30 million, which is now under evaluation by the Chinese government.

On his part, the vice president of Nanjing said the Kenyan institution is one of their important international partners. He was pleased by the joint cooperation saying the local institution will provide managers, technicians and platform space, while Nanjing will support teachers and graduate students from the two universities to carry out cooperative research projects at the lab.

"We will persistently support the development of the Confucius Institute, including applying for more agricultural projects and selecting excellent teachers and managers to work in the Confucius Institute to ensure the sound and sustainable development of the Confucius Institute," said Wang.

China and Kenya governments initiated the project of Cooperation in Higher Education in 1995. More than 30 PhDs and 40 Master's degrees have been earned at Egerton. From 2003-2010, two professors from NAU were based at the Kenyan university.
Indo-Pak Border to be completely sealed in two years India is ready to help Pakistan to control terrorism on its soil Shri Rajnath Singh

The Government has decided to completely seal the International Border (IB) with Pakistan by physical/non-physical barriers by December, 2018. There is about 181.85 km stretch in which construction of physical barrier is not feasible due to geographic constraints like riverine, low-lying, creek, marshy etc. areas. In this stretch, advance technology solutions including cameras, sensors, radars, lasers, etc will be deployed. BSF is testing the available technologies through pilot projects in Jammu, Punjab and Gujarat. Announcing this during Regional Editors Conference in Chandigarh today, the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh said that Border Security is a very sensitive issue and India is engaging all the neighbours except Pakistan diplomatically to ensure peace on the borders. He added that because of development work, transgression incidents at China border have also come down drastically. Shri Rajnath Singh categorized our borders as friendly, active and strategic borders.

Referring recent surgical operations Shri Rajnath Singh said that it was pre-emptive action against Pakistan and India does not have any ill will against the people of Pakistan. Pakistan has adopted terrorism as its state policy and harbouring terrorists.

That is the reason it has been isolated not only in South Asia, but also in the world. He said India is ready to help Pakistan in taking action against terrorists in Pakistan, including Pak Occupied Kashmir. Pakistan should close down factory of terrorism. This will open vistas of development and help in ensuring peace in South Asia.

Regarding incidents of insurgency in North East, the Home Minister said that the Government is continuing dialogue with all the groups and claim that such incidents have come down. Similarly, incidents of Left Wing Extremism have also come down drastically because of two-pronged approach of the Government- development alongwith a strict action by the security forces.

The Home Minister said that after Mumbai attacks, Coastal security has been given very high priority. Third phase of coastal security plan very soon will be put before the cabinet for the approval. This will help in securing our vast coastal border lines.

Declaring that the Union Government is committed to peace and prosperity in Jammu & Kashmir, he expressed the hope that very soon normalcy will return in the state. Later, answering the media query Shri Rajnath said that the radicalization is not a major challenge in India as people have very sensible approach towards this issue.
Press Statement by Prime Minister during the visit of President of Brazil to India

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Your Excellency President Michel Temer, Members of the media, Friends, .

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I am honored to welcome President Michel Temer to India.I am delighted that Goa with its common cultural Portuguese heritage is part of his maiden visit to India. Though separated by geography, Brazil and India are natural partners linked by common values of democracy, rule of law and shared aspirations for development, peace and prosperity. President Temer as a foremost constitutional expert understands and appreciates this well. This visit takes place as both countries mark a decade of our strategic partnership. The world has changed in these ten years. The bilateral relations between India and Brazil have grown for the better. We have increased interaction at all levels. We are also joined together in shaping the international context to support our common pursuits and endeavors. I warmly recall my visit to Brazil in 2014. It was the first country I visited outside Asia after assuming office. I felt the full warmth of our friends in Brazil towards India. Excellency, India is the first country you have chosen for a bilateral visit outside Latin America since assuming your important new responsibility. Your visit reflects the importance we attach to our bilateral relationship. This was evident in our productive discussions this morning. .

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Friends, .

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President Temer and I have reviewed the full range of bilateral cooperation. Noting the potential for much more, we have agreed to scale up our engagement. This is in line with our mutual desire for a reinforced strategic partnership. Brazil is among our most important economic partners in Latin America. I am happy to note that India and Brazil have finalized the text of a bilateral investment agreement. It will provide much needed momentum to increased bilateral business and investment linkages. We have taken note of the priority that President Temer attaches to reviving the domestic economic agenda in Brazil. In this, India can be a valuable partner. I welcome Brazilian companies to come and invest in India and to forge long term commercial partnerships. President Temer and I have just met with our CEOs to hear from them first hand.I am encouraged at the steps they are taking to advance pragmatic collaboration. .

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We will fully support this. .

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I have sought President Temer's support in facilitating greater market access and investment opportunities for Indian products and companies. I am thankful for President Temer's positive consideration. We have also made progress in opening new areas of cooperation during this visit in drug regulation, agricultural research and on cyber security issues. President Temer and I also agreed to intensify and strengthen our coordination in important international fora. There is much that is common in our approach and positions. We will work closely at the United Nations, the G-20, G-4, WTO, BRICS, IBSA and other important platforms. .

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Excellency, .

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We deeply appreciate Brazil's support for Indias actions in combating terrorism. We agreed that the world must come together to fight this menace without distinction or discrimination.We will continue to work with Brazil as an important partner in early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention Against International Terrorism (CCIT) at the United Nations. We thank Brazil for understanding India's aspiration for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group. .

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Excellency and Friends, .

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Both bilaterally and multilaterally, the partnership between India and Brazil is filled with possibilities that we are keen to harvest. President Temer's visit provides an important occasion to work on a roadmap to achieve this. As they say in Portuguese "A uniao faz a forca" 'our union makes us stronger'. .

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Thank you. .

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It might seem surprising to find the world's chemical on the front lines of preventing climate change, fighting to disrupt their own industries.
A Republican Party office in North Carolina was firebombed in an attack that presidential candidate blamed on "animals representing Hillary Clinton", despite the Democratic candidate also condemning the incident.

The firebomb was thrown on Saturday night through a window of the office in the predominantly Democratic Orange county, charring furniture and campaign posters, but caused no injuries, the police said.

A swastika and the phrase "Nazi Republicans get out of town or else" were also spray painted on the facade of a nearby building, EFE news reported.

Trump blamed the incident on "animals representing Hillary Clinton and Democrats in North Carolina" in a message on Sunday on his official Twitter account, and said he would never forget the attack.

The Republican candidate added that the attack was launched "because we are winning" given the tight contest in North Carolina, key swing state in the November 8 presidential elections and where Clinton was leading the polls by a narrow margin.

The Democratic candidate also condemned the incident in a tweet, calling it "horrific and unacceptable" and added she was "very grateful that everyone is safe".

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, a Republican, called the firebombing "an attack on our democracy".

"Violence has no place in our society - but especially in our elections. Fortunately no one was injured; however, I will use every resource as governor to assist local authorities in this investigation," he said in a statement.

Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of the Republican Party in North Carolina, called the attack an "act of political terrorism".

"This is a horrific, horrific act of political terrorism, one that we will not succumb to and one that we will answer. When people try to stifle freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, you must come back with more speech and aggressively defend your rights," Woodhouse said.
Indian passengers can still carry their devices on flights in their hand baggage in the switch-off mode, according to the earlier Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines issued on the matter, even as airlines across the world enacted bans on the carriage of the device over the weekend.
Iraqi security forces on Monday recaptured nine villages from the Islamic State militant group as part of a major offensive aimed at liberating the city of Mosul, the last major IS stronghold in Iraq, security sources said.

Kurdish Peshmerga forces began their advance after midnight from their positions in Khazer area, some 40 km east of Mosul, toward Nineveh's provincial capital of Mosul, and managed to recapture the nine villages after the IS militants abandoned their positions, Xinhua quoted a a security source as saying.

The Iraqi army, Peshmerga forces and allied paramilitary Sunni and Shia Hashd Shaabi units have been advancing gradually from four directions after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the launch of the long-awaited offensive to free from the IS, the source said.

The joint forces, backed by the and Iraqi air cover, continued their advance during the day to free many areas around Mosul, including the towns of Bashiqa and Himdaniyah, the source said.

Nawfal Hammadi al-Sultan, Governor of Nineveh province, appealed to the people of to stay inside their homes and cooperate with the security forces.

Sultan demanded that the residents stay away from the IS headquarters and their positions to avoid civilian casualties.

In the early hours of the day, al-Abadi, who is also the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi forces, announced the beginning of a major offensive to retake the country's second largest city from the extremist group.

"I declare the launch of the operation of liberating Nineveh province. The time of victory has come, and the moment of the great victory is approaching," Abadi said.

Abadi pledged to rebuild and other towns in Nineveh after they were destroyed by the IS, and vowed to bring stability.

"Very soon, we will be with you to raise the flag of Iraq in the middle of Mosul, and in towns and villages as well," Abadi said, calling on the people of Mosul to cooperate with security forces to defeat the IS.

Mosul, some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling the IS militants to take control of parts of the country's northern and western regions.
Oil declined as Opec members added supply and US producers increased drilling, threatening to compound a global surplus. Futures fell by as much as 1.8 per cent. Libyan output expanded to 560,000 barrels a day, according to the National Oil Corp, up from 540,000 last week. Iran repeated plans to boost production to 4 million barrels a day. Nigeria aims to raise output by 400,000 barrels a day to 2.2 million, Oil Minister Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu said in New Delhi. Rigs targeting crude in the US rose for a seventh week to the highest since February, Baker Hughes said. Oil has fluctuated near ...
Adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz has alleged that India has no moral ground to talk about counter-terrorism efforts and pointing fingers.

In a statement released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aziz said that "Modi is misleading his BRICS and BIMSTEC colleagues", after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that is the 'mothership of terrorism'.

Aziz alleged that the Indian leadership was desperately trying to hide what he termed as "brutalities" in Kashmir.

"The UN and OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) have rejected Indian attempts to equate Kashmiris' movement for self-determination with terrorism," the adviser remarked, adding that the United Nations has repeatedly emphasised that people fighting for their self-determination cannot be categorised as terrorists by the occupying state.

Aziz further said that joins all the members of BRICS and BIMSTEC in condemning terrorism and reaffirms its full commitment to fight the menace of terrorism without discrimination.

He alleged that is a victim of "Indian interference and subversive activities", which are aimed at destabilising the country.

Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the BRICS Summit on Saturday, launched a veiled attack at Pakistan saying, "Tragically, the mother-ship of terrorism is a country in India's neighbourhood."

"Terrorism has become its favourite child and the child in turn has come to define the essential character and nature of its parents. The time for condemning the state sponsored terrorism is long gone," he said.
Russian President Vladimir has expressed hope that Russia-US relations may recover after the presidential elections in the United States.

"I hope that when these elections, debates, this difficult period in the internal political situation in the United States ends, there will be chances to restore Russia-US relations," said at a press conference on Sunday in India, where he was visiting to attend the BRICS Summit.

"Confrontation is not our choice," he added.

Russia-US relations have been deteriorating since the Ukrainian crisis and tensions began to escalate as a result of their disputes over the Syrian settlement and Washington's claim that Russia has interfered in the upcoming US presidential elections by launching cyber attacks, reports Xinhua.

has, however, denied that Russia has any intention to interfere in the US presidential election campaign, saying this would not be in line with the norms of communication.

When asked about the anti-Russia sanctions, Putin said that rather than solving issues in Ukraine or Syria, the purpose of the sanctions was just about formulating a "containment policy against Russia," adding that work on the arena requires some concessions and compromises.
Philippine President said he is open to joint military exercises with China and Russia, and reiterated he will no longer allow war games with the United States.

Duterte made the remarks in an interview broadcast today with Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television ahead of a four-day visit to Beijing, which begins tomorrow and is aimed at improving ties that soured over competing claims in the resource-rich South China Sea.

Asked if he would consider joint military exercises with China or Russia, Duterte said: "Yes, I will. I have given enough time for the Americans to play with the Filipino soldiers."

Duterte also repeated he would no longer allow joint exercises with the United States, the Philippines' main defence ally and supplier of military hardware.

"This will be the last. It has been programmed. I do not want my soldiers to be humiliated," Duterte said, in reference to one set of war games in the Philippines that ended last week.

Duterte has sought to dramatically reshape his nation's foreign relations since taking office on June 30, by pivoting towards China and Russia while moving away from the United States.

He has been angered by US criticism of his war on crime, which has claimed more than 3,700 lives, and praised China and Russia for showing him "respect".

But Duterte, signalling his shift is for pragmatic reasons, has also repeatedly ridiculed the United States for what he sees as its weakening economic and military influence around the world.

Duterte is bringing an entourage of hundreds of businessmen with him to Beijing, and Philippine media have said deals worth billions of dollars are expected to be announced during the trip.

Asked if he would seek to buy military equipment from China during his visit, Duterte told Phoenix Television: "Yes, but not really in (large) numbers."

Duterte said he would also need small, fast attack boats from China to fight "terrorism".

"If China does not help us in this endeavour, we will have a hard time fighting terrorism," he said without elaborating.

Bilateral relations worsened under Duterte's predecessor Benigno Aquino, who tried to challenge China's expansionism in the South China Sea.

To counter China, Aquino allowed a much greater American military presence in the Philippines.

He also filed a legal case at a UN-backed tribunal, which ruled in July that China's claims to most of the sea had no legal basis. China refused to accept the ruling.

Duterte has said he does not want to use the verdict to pressure China.
After years of scorning the political process, Silicon Valley has leapt into the fray. The prospect of a President Donald J Trump is pushing the tech community to move beyond its traditional role as donors and to embrace a new existence as agitators and activists.
has surged nearly 6% to Rs 256 on the BSE in intra-day trade after the Ruias of the Essar group on Saturday signed a binding agreement with Russias Rosneft, United Capital Partners and Trafigura Group Pte. to sell 98% in its most priced asset, the 20 million tonnes per annum Vadinar refinery and Vadinar port in Gujarat.
ICICI Bank Ltd, India's largest private-sector bank, rose the most in seven months in Mumbai trading on optimism the lender will recover some of its loans to Essar Group. Shares of the bank rose seven per cent to Rs 258.7, while the locally listed stock of Standard Chartered Plc, also owed money by Essar, gained 1.6 per cent. ICICI was the best performer on the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex index, which fell 0.5 per cent. Prospects for loan recoveries rose after Essar Group agreed to sell its refinery unit to Rosneft PJSC, Russia's biggest listed oil producer, and a group of Trafigura ...
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is examining gold savings schemes offered by to check whether such offerings are flouting regulations on collective investment schemes.
With the airstrikes on Aleppo in Syria garnering massive outrage the across the globe, a particular horrific incident of 14 people from the same family being wiped out at once has struck a particularly painful note, depicting the sheer horror of the bombings.

Quoting activist group Aleppo Media Center, CNN reported that fourteen members of the same family -- including two infants and eight other children -- were killed.

At least 45 people have been killed since Sunday in the airstrikes in two neighborhoods in Aleppo.

More than 30 people were killed in airstrikes that hit the Al-Qaterji neighborhood Sunday night.

Monday morning another round of airstrikes killed 14 more people in the al-Marjah neighborhood, all from one family and among them, a pair of six-week-old infants and an eight year old, AMC said.

The death toll has continued to mount as Russians continued to bolster the Syrian army's air attack, after Moscow vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution Saturday to halt the action in Aleppo and allow access for humanitarian aid.

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Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) treasurer MK Stalin on Monday led his party's 'Rail Roko' demonstration over the Cauvery issue in Chennai.

Protests continue in Tamil Nadu demanding that the Union Government ought to set-up the Cauvery Management Board in order to resolve the deadlock between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Keeping its pressure on the ruling AIADMK over the Cauvery conflict, a 48-hour 'rail roko' agitation has been called by the farmers' organisations.

The protesters raised slogans accusing the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "betraying Tamil Nadu's interests".

They condemned the Centre for taking a stand against setting up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) immediately on the ground that the matter fell in the domain of Parliament.

While Stalin is leading the demonstration in Chennai, other agitations were held in front of Central government establishments including railway stations on Friday.

The protest has been called to condemn the Centre's stand in the Supreme Court against the setting up of the CMB and to urge the state government to immediately convene an all-party meeting to discuss the issue. DMK has asked its functionaries and cadres to participate in the protest.

The case filed by Tamil Nadu regarding Cauvery river water sharing will come up for hearing before the top court tomorrow.

The high level central technical team appointed by the Supreme Court had inspected Krishnaraja Sagar, Kabini dams in Karnataka, Mettur Bhavani Sagar dams in Tamil Nadu.

The GS Jha-led team had interacted with the PWD officials and delta farmers in Thanjavur Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur.

Farmers in Tiruchirapalli and delta regions told the team that samba crops will be damaged if water is not released into Cauvery by Karnataka.

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Indian Army jawan Sepoy Sudees Kumar of the 6 Rajputana Rifles has left his family mourning after he sacrificed his life in the line of duty during the ceasefire violations conducted by the Pakistani troops on Sunday along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

"We got a call in the evening and were informed about the sad news," said Sudees' father.

"He never left us and always had a smile on his face before serving his duty," he added.

"An Army Jawan, Sepoy Sudees Kumar was martyred when Pakistan Army initiated indiscriminate and unprovoked firing on Indian Army posts along the Line of Control (LC) in Rajauri sector on 16 October 2016," said Defence Spokesperson Lt Col Manish Mehta.

Kumar (24) is survived by his wife.

"The soldier hailed from Sambhal District of Uttar Pradesh. The area in which incident took place falls in Tarkundi belt of Rajouri district," Lt Col Mehta added.

The ceasefire violations by Pakistan took place on a day when India hosted leaders of a number of countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, for the BRICS and BIMSTEC Summit.

Pakistan opened unprovoked fire in Naushera Sector to which the Indian troops gave a befitting reply.

Following the September 18 Uri terror army base attack that killed 19 soldiers and India's subsequent surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), there has been a flare-up on the LoC with both nuclear-armed countries intermittently trading heavy fire.

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Himachal Pradesh Police is celebrating Cyber Crime awareness week from today. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), an institution of Department of Electronics and Information Technology under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, is helping the police in this initiative.

State Director General of Police Sanjay Kumar said that several awareness programmes have been planned during this week.

According to D. K. Jain, the Director of C-DEC, the Government of India wants to secure every person in cyber-crime.

The Himachal Pradesh Police has planned three phase strategy to aware the common people on cyber-crime in the state and in the first phase, about one third population would be contacted through different programmes. The focus would be on educating the school and college students during the campaign.

More than 450 cyber-crime cases have been registered in the state till this September. The education, awareness and training of people are the targets of the Union Ministry and definitely it would be achieved with joint efforts of different stake holders.

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Continuing to commit atrocities on Baloch civilians, Pakistani forces burnt down several houses, abducted many locals and also killed an innocent Baloch civilian during an operation in Naseerabad area.

According to Baloch Republican Students Organisation based in Germany, another Baloch civilian was killed and several women were taken away by the Pakistan Army during an operation in Dilband and Nagahi areas.

Meanwhile, Baloch Republican Party spokesman Sher Mohammad Bugti, in a statement condemned Pakistani aggression against Baloch civilian.

He said that Pakistani forces conducted a heavy military operation Goburd area of Mand and abducted several Baloch people.

Relatives of the victims protested in front of an army camp installed on a hospital but attracted the attention of no media or so-called human rights organizations.

"State aggression has grown to limits. An innocent Baloch civilian was killed due to indiscriminate firing by Pakistani armed forces," he said.

On the other hand, military operations are taking place in Dilband and Nagahi areas of Kalat from past three days.

Pakistani forces sieged the area and abducted, hanged an innocent Baloch civilian identified as Mubarak Bugti s/o Jana Bugti upside down to a tree for an entire night and then took him along with his family.

He further said that Pakistani forces also launched military operations in Chattar, Sherani, Hoti and adjacent areas of Naseerabad.

Helicopters have indiscriminately bombarded the area killing an innocent Baloch civilian, Lalu Bugti.

He urged the human rights groups to take all practical measures to ensure put an end to state atrocities on Balochistan people.

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The Congress Party has backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that Pakistan was the 'mother-ship' of terrorism and alleged that the hostile Asian neighbour was hell bent upon patronizing various terrorist groups aimed at breaking the Indian democratic system.

Congress leader Pradip Bhattacharya told ANI there is no doubt about the fact that Pakistan is a breeding ground of terrorism.

"Intentionally and with a full calculation they are patronizing terrorist groups. For what? To crush the Indian democratic system...The intention of Pakistan is very clear... If India proceeds very fast then it will be very dangerous for Pakistan," he added.

In a veiled attack on Pakistan, Prime Minister Modi yesterday said Islamabad embraces and radiates the darkness of terrorism and terrorism has become its "favourite child."

Addressing the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach summit in Goa, Prime Minister Modi said that terrorism, radicalization and transnational crimes, pose grave threats to all the countries of the group.

"Geographical barriers and borders pose no limitations on those who wish to harm our societies. In South Asia and BIMSTEC, all nation states barring one are motivated to pursue a path of peace, development and economic prosperity for its people.

Unfortunately, this country in India's neighbourhood embraces and radiates the darkness of terrorism," the Prime Minister said.

" Terrorism has become its favourite child and the child in turn has come to define the essential character and nature of its parents. The time for condemning the state sponsored terrorism is long gone," he added.

The Prime Minister called on the member states and the world community to stand up and act boldly against terrorism and those who nurture it.

"To those who nurture the philosophy of terror and seek to de-moralise mankind, we must send a clear message to mend their ways or be isolated in the civilized world," he said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed gratitude to Brazil President Michel Temer for understanding India's aspiration for membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

"We thank Brazil for understanding India's aspiration for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group," Prime Minister Modi said while delivering the joint statement with the Brazilian President.

"We deeply appreciate Brazil's support for India's actions in combating terrorism," he added.

It should be noted that at the Seoul NSG meet in June, the Brazilian delegation did not oppose India's entry into the club, but it did call for common criteria for countries that have not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Prime Minister Modi further said the bilateral relations between India and Brazil have grown for the better.

"We have increased interaction at all levels. Brazil is among our most important economic partners in Latin America. I welcome Brazilian companies to come and invest in India and forge a long commercial partnership. India can be a valuable partner in reviving Brazil's domestic economic agenda," said Prime Minister Modi.

"We have made progress in opening new areas of cooperation during this visit in drug regulation, agricultural research and cyber security," he added.

Divulging the details of the bilateral meet, the Prime Minister said both countries agreed that the world must come together to fight the menace of terrorism without distinction or discrimination.

Since assuming office in August, Temer attended the G-20 Summit in China last month on his first major trip outside South America.

Brazil's support will come in handy for India ahead of the NSG meet in Vienna in November. Meanwhile, China has maintained its stand that the 48-nation cartel, which controls the global nuclear commerce, should admit India only when it opens its doors to Pakistan and other countries, which did not sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

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The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest in Bengaluru on Monday against the police inaction post the killing of a sangh activist.

Expressing his ire, one of the protesters said that such an incident did not take place in the last 15 years and questioned the police inaction into the matter.

"I condemn the police action as so far they have not arrested anybody, on whose pressure are they keeping quiet," he added.

A 35-year-old worker named Rudresh was hacked to death by two men, who repeatedly struck him with machetes on a busy street on Sunday.

Rudresh was returning from an meeting on his bike when he was attacked by two men, who were also on a bike and wore helmets. They first knocked Rudresh down from his bike and then hacked him with machetes near a busy shopping zone on the Commercial Street.

After the incident, he was rushed to Bowring Hospital where he was declared brought dead on arrival.

Later, the body was sent to Victoria Hospital for post-mortem.

Rudresh was a resident of Bengaluru and worked as a construction contractor. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Joining the list of people coming down heavily on filmmaker Anurag Kashyap for hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the boycott on Pakistani artists, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Monday asserted that such "undesirable statements" are not good for the country.

Speaking to the media here, Rijiju said "I don't want to comment and give due importance to such undesirable statements which are not good for the country. We should not react and give importance to such statements which serve the purpose of diverting attention from the real issue at hand".

However, in a clear message to Thakur, the Union Minister said that the Prime Minister is a respected feature in the country and that people should think carefully before commenting on him.

Earlier in the day, Rijiju had taken a harsher stand on the director's statement and said that questioning the Prime Minister has become a new trend.

"A new fashion has developed in India. A student or a film person can put a question or speak against PM without any logic to get into news. In democratic India one can ask questions to PM or comments freely but better if it's with sense & without undermining our nation's prestige," Rijiju said in a series on tweets.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena condemned the director's stand and wondered whether the filmmaker was beyond all boundaries of the country.

"Today, the entire country is against Pakistan. Even the Theatre Owner's Association, many of the top most actors like Ajay Devgn has also supported the Army and India's stand. So, why is Anurag Kashyap being different? Is he beyond all boundaries of the country?" quipped Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande.

The filmmaker had earlier come out in support of Karan Johar, whose upcoming directorial venture 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil featuring Fawad Khan' is facing trouble after cinema owners association decided to stall the release of movies starring Pakistani artistes.

In a series of tweets by Anurag Kashyap, he questioned the Prime Minister Modi as to why he hasn't apologized for meeting his Pakistani counterpart the same time when Karan Johar was shooting for 'ADHM.'

He tweeted, "Sir you haven't yet said sorry for your trip to meet the Pakistani PM.. It was dec 25th. Same time KJo was shooting ADHM? Why?"

"The world must learn from us.. We solve all our problems by blaming it on movies and banning it.. #ADHM . With you on this @karanjohar," Kashyap tweeted.

After posting an array of tweets questioning the Prime Minister, Kashyap did some damage control by saying, "@narendramodi I am just trying to understand the situation because I am actually dumb and I don't get it. Sorry if you feel offended.."

The Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) last week announced that they would not screen movies starring Pakistani artistes in the four states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.

This has put an uncertainty on the release of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" as it features Pakistani heartthrob Fawad Khan. The movie stars Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in lead roles.

The decision taken by COEAI mainly covers single screen theatres and comes amid tension between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of Uri attack last month.

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Ambassador Evan Samuel Dobelle, former Chief of Protocol and Assistant Secretary of State in the Jimmy Carter administration called on the graduating class of SRM University to love and protect democracy.

"You are in a participatory democracy. You have to tune in your own passion and happiness to love and protect democracy", Ambassador Dobelle said.

Ambassador Dobelle was the chief guest at the SRM University's Special Convocation that saw more than 6000 students getting degrees in engineering and technology, science and humanities, medical and health sciences and management. 190 students were awarded certificates of merit for their accomplishments in different disciplines.

One of the highlights of the Special Convocation was the conferment of Doctor of Literature, D.Litt (Honoris Causa) on ace shuttler Saina Nehwal and Justice Dr. A R. Lakshmanan, former judge of the Supreme Court of India.

"You are the symbol of your generation. You are the face of India. Economically the country is growing so fast and you are the global supplier of man power and woman power. The United States has the highest regard for India. You are pioneers in every area; and you don't have to go to Russia or the United States. They come here. Look around you today. You are the best and the brightest generation of the world", Ambassador Dobelle told SRM University graduates.

"The whole world is looking at you", Justice Dr. AR. Lakshmanan said while giving his acceptance speech for the D.Litt degree."You are living in a fast changing world. Young minds like you have to think innovatively. You have to have the ability to look beyond the immediate and think of the future of the nation", he added. Justive Dr. AR. Lakshmanan made a passionate plea to popularize organ donation. "There is the need and necessity to create awareness", he maintained adding that every departed soul has the potential of saving eight lives through donation of their organs. "This is a noble gesture of the highest order" he said.

Recalling that she never wanted to be a sportsperson but of a journey that started in Hyderabad with karate as a young girl, Ms. Saina Nehwal said that she was lucky to play shuttle badminton at and international levels. "Today shuttle badminton is the second most huge sport in India than ten years ago. It is very different " she said. "This is not the end. You have more to achieve. Exercise or have some physical activity for some thirty or forty minutes daily. Stay strong and fit", Ms. Nehwal advised the graduating class.

"We are proud when you all graduate from here with degrees and with distinctions. But what makes us happier is when you have also contributed your might to the betterment of society. Knowledge and intellectual power alone does not propel India as a Great Power or a Super Power-India becomes truly a great nation only when the bridge between the haves and the have - nots narrows",the Vice Chancellor Professor Prabir K. Bagchi said in his welcome address.

The Chancellor of SRM University Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan presided over the convocation.

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Defence expert Lt. Gen. Rameshwar Roy on Monday spoke on the terrorist attack on policemen who were guarding a TV tower in Anantnag district and decamped with at least five service rifles on Sunday night and said that the terrorists are only looking for points of weaknesses and opportunities now.

"Such incidents have been increasing in the Kashmir Valley due to Pakistan trained terrorists operating in the Valley who must have got orders from Pakistan to increase the frequency of their attacks so that they can bring Jammu and Kashmir to the notice of the international community," he said on the repeated incursions by terrorists from Pakistan.

"The vulnerable points in Jammu and Kashmir are not completely covered by the Indian Army. Many areas are covered by Jammu Kashmir Police (JKP) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF); some areas are covered by JKP and CRPF both. The most vulnerable areas have been covered by the Army. They saw that this particular area did not have strong defence, so they attacked and took away the guns," he added.

Reportedly, the militants attacked the guards posted at a Low Power Transmitter station of public service broadcaster Doordarshan in Dalvash village late on Sunday night.

Police have sounded an alert in the area.

On Saturday, terrorists had opened fire again at a vehicle of the police at Tootigund in Handwara district. This was a day after a Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) jawan was killed and eight others injured in an attack on their convoy by terrorists, near a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp at Zakura.

Last month, militants attacked the guard post at the residence of a political leader in Kulgam district and decamped with rifles of policemen after disarming them.

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The Uttar Pradesh cabinet on Monday approved the construction of an International theme park in Ayodhya.

In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow, it was also decided that the Madarsa teachers will now get an enhanced honorarium of fifteen thousand in place of eight thousands which was given to them till now.

The state government's move will benefit around twenty thousand Madarsa teachers, who a few months ago, had staged protest marches for days in the state capital demanding regularisation of their services, payment of their arrears since last three years and enhancement in the honorarium.

Giving the information Chief Secretary Rahul Bhatnagar apprised that another important decision taken by the cabinet was to abolish the classification between Plan and Non Plan categories from 2017-18 budget.

From now on there will be no separate non-plan category in annual budget, he said. The Cabinet also approved to enhance the lease period of the ponds from five to ten years' given for pisciculture to the farmers and others.

The world class theme Park at Ayodhya will be built in the International Ramlila Centre to develop Ayodhya as a top tourist destination. Akhilesh Yadav had earlier sanctioned the construction of amphitheatre and Bhajan Sandhya Sthal in the temple town with Rs. 15 crore in August 2016.

As per the tourism department records, Ayodhya recorded visit of 1.43 crore domestic tourists in 2014 and the footfall of foreign tourists was close to 16,000.

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On 3 November 2016

Boston Bio Systems will hold a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company on 3 November 2016 to consideration of unaudited results of the company for qtr. Ended on September 30, 2016.

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Canara Bank rose 1.12% to Rs 316.50 at 10:10 Ist on BSE after the bank said that the majority of the directors approved to raise additional Tier-I capital funds through BASEL-III compliant additional Tier-I perpetual bonds.

The announcement was made after market hours on Friday, 14 October 2016.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 40.32 points or 0.15% at 27,714.74.

On BSE, so far 74,834 shares were traded in the counter as against average daily volume of 4.32 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 316.95 and a low of Rs 312.30 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 339.20 on 5 October 2016. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 156.20 on 29 February 2016. The stock had outperformed the market over the past one month till 14 October 2016, rising 0.53% compared with Sensex's 2.46% fall. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one quarter, surging 22.57% as against Sensex's 0.96% decline.

The large-cap PSU bank has equity capital of Rs 542.99 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

Canara Bank said that the majority of the directors have taken note of the contents and the recommendations of the bank in the circular note and consented to raise additional Tier-I capital funds through BASEL-III compliant additional Tier-I perpetual bonds in rupee terms domestically for an amount not exceeding Rs 2500 crore in single tranche or in tranches depending on the market conditions to maintain healthy capital to risk (weighted) assets ratio (CRAR), during the current financial year. A bond committee will be constituted to determine the structure of the issue size, tenor, coupon, timing of the issue, date of allotment, listing and other matters connected to the issue.

On 6 October 2016, the bank had proposed to circulate a note among the directors of the board of the bank in respect of raising additional funds through BASEL-III compliant additional Tier-I bonds in rupee terms.

Canara Bank's net profit fell 52.2% to Rs 228.95 crore on 3.8% decline in total income to Rs 11786.35 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015.

The Government of India held 66.3% stake in Canara Bank as per the shareholding pattern as on 30 June 2016.

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On 3 November 2016

Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Serv. will hold a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company on 3 November 2016 to consider among other items and to take on records, the Unaudited Financial Results of the Company for the quarter ended on September 30, 2016.

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ICICI Bank jumped 6.97% to Rs 258.70 at 11:35 IST on BSE after the debt-laden company, Essar Oil agreed to sell an oil unit to a consortium led by Russia's Rosneft.

Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was up 38.47 points, or 0.14%, to 27,708.34.

High volumes were witnessed on the counter. On BSE, so far 23.5 lakh shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volume of 14.06 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 258.95 and a low of Rs 244 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 292.65 on 16 October 2015. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 180.80 on 26 February 2016. The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 14 October 2016, falling 10.95% compared with Sensex's 2.46% fall. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one quarter, dropping 9.84% as against Sensex's 0.96% decline.

The large-cap private sector bank has equity capital of Rs 1163.77 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2.

ICICI Bank is amongst the major lenders to Essar Group. As per reports, such a large deleveraging would be positive for Essar Group lenders. Exposure to Essar Group expressed as a per cent of respective bank's loan book is highest for ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank and State Bank of India, as per reports.

Rosneft bought a 49% stake in Essar Oil's refinery, port and petrol pumps, while Netherlands-based Trafigura Group Pte, one of the world's biggest commodity trading companies, and Russian investment fund United Capital Partners split another 49% equity equally. The remaining 2% will be held by minority shareholders of Essar Oil.

The deal has an enterprise value of close to $12.9 billion -$10.9 billion being for a 20 million tons a year refinery in Gujarat and over 2,700 petrol pumps and another $2 billion for Vadinar port in Gujarat. The deal factors in Essar Oil's debt of about $4.5 billion and about $2 billion debt with the port company. Also, the near $3 billion dues to Iran for past oil purchases will continue to be on Essar Oil books. Trafigura, which has been funded by Russian bank, may sell its stake to Rosneft at a later date. The deal was signed on the sidelines of BRICS Summit held in Goa over the last weekend.

ICICI Bank's MD & CEO, Chanda Kochhar, reportedly quoted by media as saying that this deal is also a significant step in the process of deleveraging the balance sheets of Indian corporates. ICICI Bank has been closely working with various companies including the Essar group to help them deleverage their stressed balance sheets. The company will continue working towards this objective with others, she reportedly added.

Separately, ICICI Bank announced after market hours on Friday, 14 October 2016 that the board of directors of the bank at its meeting held 14 October 2016, approved the appointment of Anup Bagchi, presently Managing Director & CEO, ICICI Securities, as Executive Director of ICICI Bank subject to regulatory approvals for a period of five years effective 1 February 2017 or the date of approval of his appointment by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), whichever is later. Anup Bagchi has been with the ICICI Group since 1992 and has worked in the areas of retail banking, corporate banking and treasury. During his tenure at ICICI Securities, he has led the growth and development of the retail broking, retail financial product distribution and wealth management businesses, ICICI Bank said. Bagchi is not related to any other director of the bank, it added.

The board also took on record, the resignation of Rajiv Sabharwal, Executive Director consequent to his decision to pursue opportunities outside the ICICI Group, effective 31 January 2017. The board also took note of other incidental changes to the senior management positions across the ICICI Group.

ICICI Bank's net profit fell 25% to Rs 2232.35 crore on 6.1% increase in operating income to Rs 16759.51 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015.

ICICI Bank is one of the leading private sector banks in India.

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The Government has decided to completely seal the International Border (IB) with Pakistan by physical/non-physical barriers by December, 2018. There is about 181.85 km stretch in which construction of physical barrier is not feasible due to geographic constraints like riverine, low-lying, creek, marshy etc. areas. In this stretch, advance technology solutions including cameras, sensors, radars, lasers, etc will be deployed. BSF is testing the available technologies through pilot projects in Jammu, Punjab and Gujarat. Announcing this during Regional Editors' Conference in Chandigarh today, the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh said that Border Security is a very sensitive issue and India is engaging all the neighbours except Pakistan diplomatically to ensure peace on the borders. He added that because of development work, transgression incidents at China border have also come down drastically. Shri Rajnath Singh categorized our borders as friendly, active and strategic borders.

Referring recent surgical operations Shri Rajnath Singh said that it was pre-emptive action against Pakistan and India does not have any ill will against the people of Pakistan. Pakistan has adopted terrorism as its state policy and harbouring terrorists.

That is the reason it has been isolated not only in South Asia, but also in the world. He said India is ready to help Pakistan in taking action against terrorists in Pakistan, including Pak Occupied Kashmir. Pakistan should close down 'factory of terrorism'. This will open vistas of development and help in ensuring peace in South Asia.

Regarding incidents of insurgency in North East, the Home Minister said that the Government is continuing dialogue with all the groups and claim that such incidents have come down. Similarly, incidents of Left Wing Extremism have also come down drastically because of two-pronged approach of the Government- development alongwith a strict action by the security forces.

The Home Minister said that after Mumbai attacks, Coastal security has been given very high priority. Third phase of coastal security plan very soon will be put before the cabinet for the approval. This will help in securing our vast coastal border lines.

Declaring that the Union Government is committed to peace and prosperity in Jammu & Kashmir, he expressed the hope that very soon normalcy will return in the state. Later, answering the media query Shri Rajnath said that the radicalization is not a major challenge in India as people have very sensible approach towards this issue.

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Key benchmark indices trimmed losses after hitting fresh intraday low in afternoon trade. At 13:19 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 95.72 points or 0.35% at 27577.88. The decline in the Nifty 50 index was higher than the Sensex's fall in percentage terms. The Nifty was currently down 48.10 points or 0.56% at 8,535.30. Weak opening in European shares triggered fresh selling in afternoon trade.

The Sensex hit a 14-week low. The Nifty hit its lowest level in more than 10 weeks. The Sensex lost 156.42 points or 0.57% at the day's low of 27,517.18 in afternoon trade, its lowest level since 11 July 2016. The barometer index rose 129.61 points or 0.46% at the day's high of 27,803.21 in morning trade, its highest level since 13 October 2016. The Nifty lost 65 points or 0.76% at the day's low of 8,518.40 in afternoon trade, its lowest level since 4 August 2016. The index rose 32 points or 0.37% at the day's high of 8,615.40 in morning trade, its highest level since 13 October 2016.

In overseas stock markets, European markets were trading lower in early trade today, 17 October 2016, as investors remained cautious ahead of earnings, key data and a European Central Bank (ECB) meeting later this week. Asian stocks witnessed a mixed trend. US stocks registered small gains on Friday, 14 October 2016, as investors digested commentary from key Federal Reserve officials while parsing through strong bank earnings and US economic data.

Back home, the market breadth indicating the overall health of the market was negative. On BSE, 1,370 shares declined and 1,243 shares rose. A total of 176 shares were unchanged. The BSE Mid-Cap index was currently down 0.62%. The decline in this index was higher than Sensex's decline in percentage terms. The BSE Small-Cap index was currently down 0.30%. The decline in this index was lower than Sensex's decline in percentage terms.

UltraTech Cement was down 0.95% to Rs 4,000. On a consolidated basis, the company's net profit rose 25.05% to Rs 614 crore on 2.53% decline in net sales to Rs 5709 crore in Q2 September 2016 over Q2 September 2015. The result was announced during trading hours today, 17 October 2016.

Metal shares edged lower. Hindustan Zinc (down 2.51%), Hindalco Industries (down 1.97%), National Aluminium Company (down 1.85%), NMDC (down 1.32%), Bhushan Steel (down 1.17%), Steel Authority of India (down 0.94%), JSW Steel (down 0.74%), Vedanta (down 0.56%), Jindal Steel & Power (down 0.52%), Tata Steel (down 0.41%) and Hindustan Copper (down 0.26%), edged lower.

Meanwhile, copper price edged higher in the global commodities markets. High Grade Copper for December 2016 delivery was currently up 0.14% at $2.1135 per pound on the COMEX.

Most realty shares edged lower. Unitech (down 3.99%), Prestige Estates Projects (down 2.48%), DLF (down 2.26%), Indiabulls Real Estate (down 2.16%), Housing Development and Infrastructure (HDIL) (down 1.57%), D B Realty (down 1.16%), Mahindra Lifespace Developers (down 0.98%), Peninsula Land (down 0.79%), Anant Raj (down 0.55%), Parsvnath Developers (down 0.14%), Sobha (down 0.1%) and Omaxe (down 0.09%), edged lower. Godrej Properties (up 0.11%), Sunteck Realty (up 0.20%), Oberoi Realty (up 0.57%) and Phoenix Mills (up 0.81%), edged higher.

MEP Infrastructure Developers rose 1.63% after the company said that its two subsidiaries achieved financial closures for four laning stand alone ring road/bypass project in Nagpur. The announcement was made at the onset of the trading session today, 17 October 2016.

MEP Infrastructure Developers said that MEP Nagpur Ring Road 1 Private Limited, a subsidiary of the company, achieved the financial closure within the stipulated time in accordance with the concession agreement executed with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) dated 19 May 2016 for four laning stand alone ring road/bypass for the Nagpur City package I in Maharashtra on build, operate, transfer (BOT) (Hybrid Annuity) basis, by tying up of project finance of Rs 238.95 crore. The bid project cost is Rs 531 crore out of which project finance will contribute Rs 238.95 crore and remaining will be funded by grant from NHAI and equity contribution by the company. The construction period of the project is 30 months from the appointed date. The concession period is 15 years (excluding construction period of 30 months). The company will receive bi-annual annuity from NHAI post commercial operation sate (COD).

Separately, MEP Infrastructure Developers announced that MEP Sanjose Nagpur Ring Road 2 Private Limited a subsidiary of the company, achieved the financial closure within the stipulated time in accordance with the concession agreement executed with NHAI dated 19 May 2016 for four laning stand alone ring road/bypass for the Nagpur City package II in Maharashtra on BOT (Hybrid Annuity) basis, by tying up of project finance of Rs 287.55 crore. The bid project cost is Rs 639 crore out of which Project finance will contribute Rs 287.55 crore and remaining will be funded by grant from NHAI and equity contribution by the company. The construction period of the project is 30 months from the appointed date. The concession period is 15 years (excluding construction period of 30 months). The company will receive bi-annual annuity from NHAI post commercial operation date (COD).

Ujaas Energy rose 2.58% after the company won order for grid interactive rooftop & small solar PV power plant of upto 5Kwp. The announcement was made on Saturday, 15 October 2016. Ujaas Energy received an order for design, manufacture, supply, erection, testing and commissioning of grid interactive rooftop and small solar PV power plants on 364 houses with a capacity of 4 & 5 Kwp at various locations in two districts of Uttarakhand from Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency.

On the macro front, data released by the government after market hours on Friday, 14 October 2016 showed that India's trade deficit narrowed to $8.34 billion in September 2016, from $10.17 billion a year earlier. Imports declined 2.54% to $31.22 billion. Exports rose 4.62% to $22.88 billion.

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MEP Infrastructure Developers rose 1.63% to Rs 43.70 after the company said that its two subsidiaries achieved financial closures for four laning stand alone ring road/bypass project in Nagpur.

The announcement was made at the onset of the trading session today, 17 October 2016.

Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was down 107.83 points, or 0.39%, to 27,565.77.

On BSE, so far 22,854 shares were traded in the counter, compared with average daily volume of 1.16 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 44.10 and a low of Rs 42 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 59.70 on 21 October 2015. The stock hit a record low of Rs 34.20 on 12 February 2016. The stock had outperformed the market over the past one month till 14 October 2016, falling 1.26% compared with Sensex's 2.46% fall. The scrip had, however, underperformed the market in past one quarter, dropping 7.43% as against Sensex's 0.96% decline.

The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 162.57 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

MEP Infrastructure Developers said that MEP Nagpur Ring Road 1 Private Limited, a subsidiary of the company, achieved the financial closure within the stipulated time in accordance with the concession agreement executed with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) dated 19 May 2016 for four laning stand alone ring road/bypass for the Nagpur City package I in Maharashtra on build, operate, transfer (BOT) (Hybrid Annuity) basis, by tying up of project finance of Rs 238.95 crore.

The bid project cost is Rs 531 crore out of which project finance will contribute Rs 238.95 crore and remaining will be funded by grant from NHAI and equity contribution by the company.

The construction period of the project is 30 months from the appointed date. The concession period is 15 years (excluding construction period of 30 months). The company will receive bi-annual annuity from NHAI post commercial operation sate (COD).

Separately, MEP Infrastructure Developers announced that MEP Sanjose Nagpur Ring Road 2 Private Limited a subsidiary of the company, achieved the financial closure within the stipulated time in accordance with the concession agreement executed with NHAI dated 19 May 2016 for four laning stand alone ring road/bypass for the Nagpur City package II in Maharashtra on BOT (Hybrid Annuity) basis, by tying up of project finance of Rs 287.55 crore.

The bid project cost is Rs 639 crore out of which Project finance will contribute Rs 287.55 crore and remaining will be funded by grant from NHAI and equity contribution by the company. The construction period of the project is 30 months from the appointed date. The concession period is 15 years (excluding construction period of 30 months). The company will receive bi-annual annuity from NHAI post commercial operation date (COD).

MEP Infrastructure Developers' consolidated net profit jumped 1470.2% to Rs 35.80 crore on 1.6% drop in net sales to Rs 457.28 crore in Q1 June 2016 over Q1 June 2015.

MEP Infrastructure Developers is among the leading players in tolling operations in the road infrastructure sector.

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With effect from 17 October 2016

N K Industries has received resignation from Heena P. Jain the Company Secretary of the Company w.e.f 17 October 2016 due to her personal reasons.

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In an important bilateral cooperation in railway sector, a Protocol for feasibility study of speed raising of Nagpur-Secundrabad Railway Corridor was signed between Indian Railways and Russian Railways on 15th Oct'16 at Goa during the bilateral meeting of Shri Narender Modi, Prime Minister of India with Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin. The Protocol covers technical and execution study for upgradation of the speed of passenger trains in Nagpur- Secundrabad section upto 200 kmph. This project will be jointly financed by Indian Railways and Russian Railways with 50% cost share of each party.

The Protocol was signed by Mr. Naveen Kumar Shukla, Adviser/Mobility/Railway Board from Indian side and Mr. O V Belozerov, President, Russian Railways from Russian side.

Background

During December, 2015 an MoU was signed between Ministry of Railways and Russian Railways on Technical Cooperation in Railway Sector. The following cooperation areas were identified in the MoU:

(i) High Speed Rail (HSR) in India;

(ii) Modernization of existing lines of the Indian railways in order to raise train speeds up to 160-200 kmph;

(iii) Modern Control & Safety related Systems based on satellite navigation and digital communication means;

(iv) Satellite and geo-information technologies;

(v) Transportation safety and cyber security;

(vi) Rolling stock;

(vii) Heavy haul transportation;

(viii) Organization of Human Resources training for the Indian railways: secondary and higher vocational education of students and advanced training of staff members including managers;

(ix) Station redevelopment;

(x) Dedicated freight rail corridors;

(xi) Modernization, reconstruction and construction of track superstructure, civil engineering works, including bridges and tunnels; and

(xii) Slab tracks.

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On 17 October 2016

South India Projects announced Himanshu Maheshwari, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer has resigned from the post of Company Secretary on 26 February 2016 which was presented before the Board, wherein the Board of Director has accepted the resignation and decided to relieve him with immediate effect.

Further, the Board of Director has accepted the proposal of appointment of Mohan Reddy Thumma as Compliance officer of the Company in the place Himanshu Maheshwari.

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At least 30 people were killed when two intercity buses collided in Pakistan's Punjab province on Monday, police said.

The accident took place in Khanpur area, Dawn online reported. A police spokesperson said 55 other passengers were injured.

The accident was so serious that the bodies of the dead and injured could only be recovered after cutting through the mangled vehicles, he said.

One bus was on its way from Karachi to Lahore while the other was heading to Sadiqabad from Faisalabad.

The cause of the accident is believed to be low visibility.

--IANS

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Nine Maoist guerrillas, two of them armed, surrendered to the Jharkhand police chief here on Monday.

The nine belonged to the outlawed People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI). They surrendered before Director General of Police D.K. Pandey at the police headquarters.

The nine included Lal Bihari Singh, an area commander of PLFI.

Those who surrendered would be given cash and other facilities as per the surrender and rehabilitation policy of the Jharkhand government.

More than 100 Maoists have surrendered in Jharkhand in recent years. The Maoists are active in 18 of the 24 districts of the state.

--IANS

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Myanmar Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday called on Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence here.

Congress leaders described the meeting as a courtesy call.

The Congress party later posted photographs of Sonia Gandhi welcoming Suu Kyi at her residence on its official twitter account.

Suu Kyi is on four-day visit to India from October 16. She was in Goa to attend the Bimstec-Retreat and BRICS-Bimstec Leaders' Outreach Summit.

--IANS

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The West Bengal government will organise a Bengali food festival for the second year on the trot from October 21, officials said on Monday.

'Ahare Bangla', the five-day food festival, will be held at the Milan Mela ground.

"Going by the public response to the last year's festival, this year it shall be held in a larger area with a seating capacity of about 2,500 visitors," the officials said.

The food fest will be primarily organised by Animal Resource Development Department in association with other government sectors related to food processing and cultural affairs.

Sufal Bangla - West Bengal State Export Promotion Society, Benfish and Mother Diary Calcutta have also tied up with the organisers to showcase their conventional as well as innovative products at the festival.

The entry will be free for all.

"This Fair shall provide a platform where the producers and the consumers can interact under one roof," claimed an organiser.

A theme food zone featuring unique food and a dedicated kids zone would be the added attraction of this year's festival.

However, the opposition Left Front has strongly opposed the event, calling it "unnecessary".

In a press release, the Left Front appealed to the people of Kolkata and districts to be a part of their demonstration named 'Anahare Bangla' (Bengal without food) in protest against the food festival.

"The left parties will organise rallies all over the state on October 19 to protest against the festival. On the first day of the event, they will hold mass demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in more than hundred places in the state," the release said.

"A protest rally will be held from Topsia crossing to Milan Mela ground on October 20."

--IANS

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said the process to hand over physical possession of land at Singur to farmers will begin from Thursday.

"We are trying to complete the process within 10 weeks following the Supreme Court order to return the land to the cultivators within 12 weeks," she said.

"The process to hand over physical possession will begin from Thursday (October 20). I will also be present there," Banerjee said after a meeting with ministers and top government officials.

"As much as 80 per cent of the land has been made cultivable. There is existence of concrete in 36 acres. The government departments will continue their work to make this land (36 acres) cultivable too," she added.

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the work done by the government officials and ministers in this regard.

The Supreme Court on August 31 struck down the land acquisition by the erstwhile Left Front government in west Bengal for the small car factory promoted by Tata Group and ordered the land to be returned to the cultivators.

On September 29, Banerjee, during a Hooghly district administrative meeting, set an October 21 dateline to remove all constructions from the Tata Nano project area as the state government was given the responsibility by the Supreme Court to return the land to farmers.

As she promised years ago, Banerjee last month returned land records to farmers and compensated peasants from whom the land had been taken against their wishes.

--IANS

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Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Zardari referred to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the butcher of Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir.

"Modi is an extremist and there should be no hope attached to him," Bilawal said while addressing a rally on Sunday.

He said the Indian Prime Minister blames Pakistan so that he could divert attention from atrocities being committed in Kashmir, Geo TV reported.

The PPP Chairman highlighted the plight of the Kashmiris, saying they were struggling for their right to self-determination. He regretted that some parties had boycotted the joint session of parliament on the Kashmir issue.

In his address, he put forward four demands to the government and said that he would announce a long march on December 27 if they were not fulfilled.

The first demand of the PPP Chairman was the formation of a new parliamentary committee on national security; the second was for the passage of his party's bill on Panama Papers; the third was implementation on former President Asif Zardari's resolution on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC); and the fourth demand was the immediate appointment of a foreign minister, Geo News reported.

Referring to the show of strength during the rally, Bilawal said this was just the trailer.

"The party has just begun," he added.

Bilawal also criticised Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's policies, stating they were the reason Pakistan has been weakened.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday hit out at the BJP, saying it claims to be a party of the Hindus, but it is actually a party of people greedy for power and money.

"The BJP is not a party of the Hindus. It is a party of the people, who are greedy for power and money. Forget the Hindus, the BJP will not spare even its own for power and money," Kejriwal said in a Facebook post on Monday.

On Sunday, speaking at Surat also, Kejriwal had made fun of the BJP's assertion that it is a pro-Hindu party.

"But weren't the Patidars Hindus? Weren't the Dalits Hindus? Then why did this government punish them?," he had said.

A day after, speaking in Delhi he again said: "Last year, the BJP government in Gujarat ordered to open fire on Patel youth (who were protesting for reservation). Many of them died. Those boys were Hindus," Kejriwal said.

He also raised the issue of flogging of some Dalit youth by cow vigilantes near Gujarat's Una town on July 11.

"A few months back, the BJP got Dalit boys beaten up in Una district. The whole nation saw that video on social media. Those Dalit boys were also Hindus," the Delhi Chief Minister said.

"If the BJP is a party of the Hindus, then why did it get those Dalit boys beaten up," he questioned.

--IANS

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A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi dubbed Pakistan the "mothership of terrorism, China on Monday said its "all-weather" friend Islamabad had made great sacrifices to combat terrorism.

Defending Pakistan against Modi's barb, Beijing said it was opposed to linking terrorism with any specific religion or community.

"We oppose linking terrorism with any specific ethnicity or religion. This is our long-standing position. China and Pakistan are all-weather friends," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told the media.

"Everyone knows that India and Pakistan are victims of terrorism. Pakistan has made huge efforts and great sacrifices in fighting terrorism. I think the international community should respect this," she added.

Asked about India's accusation that Pakistan supplies arms to terrorist outfits, Hua said: "I understand your concern."

She said China maintained a consistent position on terrorism and believed that India and Pakistan should resolve their disputes amicably.

On Sunday, at the gathering of BRICS Summit, Modi called Pakistan the "mothership of terrorism".

"In our own region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development. Tragically, the mothership of terrorism is a country in India's neighbourhood," Modi had said.

China has defended Pakistan in the past as well.

Beijing's opposition to India's effort to declare Pakistan-based militant Masood Azhar as a terrorist has caused concerns in New Delhi.

--IANS

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced a Criminal Investigation Department probe into the mysterious death of Jadavpur University alumna Mita Mondal.

The Chief Minister also promised a job to one of her family members and said the state government will bear the legal expenses the family would have otherwise incurred.

Mita, wife of Rana Mondal of Kushberia near Kolkata, allegedly committed suicide on Monday after a spat with her husband. But her family claimed she was killed by her husband and in-laws.

Police have arrested Mita's husband Rana and his father Bijendra Mondal but his mother and brother are absconding.

"It is a very sad incident. We will make sure that the offenders are punished," Banerjee said after meeting Mita's family at the state Secretariat Nabanna.

Banerjee will give Rs 65,000 from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to enable her family to repay their debts.

"The family has fought hard to come out of poverty. We will donate the amount they borrowed for their daughter's (Mita's) marriage and also provide a job to one of the family members," she said.

Hours before Banerjee's media conference, Chief Secretary Basudeb Banerjee made public Chief Minister's order for a probe by the CID of West Bengal Police .

"The government is keeping a close watch on the case," the top bureaucrat told the media.

Mita's batch mates from Jadavpur University have started an online campaign following her death. The students have also organised a rally from Jadavpur University to Dhakuria in south Kolkata for demanding justice to Mita.

"It is a clear case of murder, not suicide. Her head was bruised and nose was bleeding. There were several wounds all over her body. Moreover, the room she used to live in does not have the set-up which she could have used to hang herself," Mita's bother said.

"Her husband Rana told us Mita had attempted suicide and a suicide note was found. But police did not find any such note," he added.

Mita's family alleged her husband was an alcoholic and often beat her up.

"Mita confided in her father that her husband had asked for Rs 1 lakh. She asked for the money from her mother during her last visit to her parental house," said a relative.

--IANS

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Congress leaders and workers in Punjab on Monday burnt effigies of 'chitta' Ravana -- on which pictures of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and other Akali leaders were pasted -- to highlight the state's drug menace and those behind the illegal trade.

'Chitta' is a colloquial term used for synthetic drugs in Punjab and 'Ravana' refers to people running the trade.

The protesters accused the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal leaders of patronising the drugs trade in the border state.

Apart from Badal, the pictures of Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Badal and Revenue Minister and Sukhbir's brother-in-law Bikram Singh Majithia were pasted on the effigies.

Senior Congress leaders set the effigies on fire at various locations across Punjab.

Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh was present at one such protest in Baghapurana in Moga district during a roadshow in support of Punjab farmers.

Amarinder is scheduled to set 'chitta' Ravana effigy afire in Ludhiana on Tuesday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit for an event of medium and small enterprises.

The effigy will be set on fire at the same ground where Congress workers were allegedly attacked by Akali activists in police presence on Dussehra eve.

"As soon as Modi starts speaking, the 'chitta' Ravana will go up in flames," Amarinder Singh said.

"I will set the effigy on fire; let them try and stop me if they can," the Congress leader said.

"I want to show the Prime Minister what kind of goondas he is supporting," he added.

--IANS

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A local court on Monday framed charges against Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Anmol Ratan, who allegedly raped a 28-year-old Ph.D student.

Additional Sessions Judge Devendra Kumar Sharma framed rape and criminal intimidation charges against accused Ratan.

"It is clear that there was threat given by the accused, causing alarm to the prosecutrix (victim) that the accused would kill any person who would come in his way and that he had beaten a lot of persons earlier also," the court observed.

"Therefore," it further said, "this court is of the opinion that this statement in the complaint itself is sufficient to make a prima facie case for the offence punishable under Section 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for criminal intimidation."

"Further, from the statement of the prosecutrix and other materials available on record, there is sufficient grounds to frame charges against the accused for the offences under section 376 (rape)/ 506 of IPC," the court said.

After the accused pleaded not guilty, the court fixed November 7 for recording the statement of the complainant as well as the admission and denial of documents of the case.

Ratan, who is in judicial custody, had surrendered himself before police on August 24. Ratan had allegedly raped the girl after luring her to his hostel room on the pretext of giving her the copy of a movie she wanted and then giving her a drink spiked with a sedative.

An activist of the All India Student Association (AISA), Ratan was expelled from the leftist student outfit after the incident.

--IANS

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Union Minister Mahesh Sharma's proposed visit to inspect the site for the proposed Ramayana Museum in Ayodhya reignited the political row on Monday as the opposition accused the BJP of raking up the Ram Mandir issue ahead of the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

The row erupted on a day the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh decided to construct a Ramleela Theme Park, also in Ayodhya.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati criticised both the BJP-led central government and the Samajwadi Party's Uttar Pradesh government and said the decisions were taken only for electoral gains.

"The decision to build a Ramayana Museum and Ramleela Theme Park in Ayodhya by the BJP and the SP respectively just before the assembly elections shows their intentions," the BSP chief said in a statement.

She said these promises would remain unfulfilled due to lack of budgetary support.

"Attempts at taking political mileage by linking religion with is condemnable. And if their intentions were good, these projects would have started earlier," Mayawati said.

Mayawati criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "remembering" Ayodhya just before the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

"It is good to develop Ayodhya from tourism point of view," she added.

Taking a dig at the SP-led state government, Mayawati said, "They are following BJP these days; that's why they have announced to build Ramleela Theme Park now."

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Monday approved the use of red sandstone at the under-construction Ramleela Theme Park in Ayodhya.

An official statement said the project would help generate jobs and in the spread of Indian culture and tradition worldwide.

Mayawati also cautioned the central and the state governments to take precautions as matters relating to the Ramjanambhoomi and Babri Masjid cases are still pending before the Allahabad High Court.

"There is a trend of inaugurating incomplete projects in the state by the central and the state governments, which is just a theatrics to befool the voters," Mayawati alleged.

The former Chief Minister said both the governments have a "habit to indulge in cheap politics, which was earlier used by Congress".

The Congress also took on the Bharatiya Janata Party, saying it brings up the Ram mandir issue whenever elections come.

"They don't have faith (astha) in anything. After joining hands with the Peoples Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir, they are silent on Article 370. On the Uniform Civil Code too, the kind of statements the BJP gives, it doesn't seem they have faith in it also," Congress spokesperson Manish Tewary said.

"On Ram Mandir, they have no faith at all. From 1992 till today, they remember Lord Ram only when elections come," he added.

Sharma, the Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism, however, clarified that the construction of the museum had nothing to do with the state elections.

"My visit to Ayodhya has nothing to do with assembly elections. I am visiting there as a Tourism Minister. It should not be linked to . It is part of the government's effort to improve tourism in Ayodhya and all over the country. The visit is part of the government's developmental agenda," Sharma told news channel News18.

Sharma, who is also expected to visit the disputed temple site, said the museum will be part of the Ramayana circuit, for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the circuit.

"(Lord) Ram is in the heart of millions of people. As the Tourism Minister, I have to see how Ayodhya can be developed and how Ramayana circuit can be developed from tourism point of view," the minister said.

During his visit, Sharma is likely to hold a meeting with Ramayana Circuit Advisory Board to discuss routes for connecting Ramayana-related sites in Nepal and Sri Lanka with the proposed museum.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Rajya Sabha member Vinay Katiyar urged the Union government to take steps for the construction of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya.

"Every Ram bhakt wants the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya and until it is constructed, we are not going to sit peacefully," Katiyar told News18.

"It is up to the government to find a way out, either through talks or court or Parliament," the BJP leader said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said the central government should not impose a Uniform Civil Code in the country.

"Uniform Civil Code should not be imposed," Nitish Kumar said in his address to the JD-U National Council meeting at Rajgir in Nalanda district.

Referring to the Triple Talaq issue, Nitish Kumar attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for targeting Muslims.

"Who are you to impose a Uniform Civil Code by citing the Triple Talaq issue?" he asked.

The Chief Minister suggested that the government should have left it to Muslims to resolve the issue.

"Lets leave it to Muslims... It is for them to decide about their personal matter," he said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The capture of Dabiq village in Syria by the Turkish-backed fighters over the weekend would deprive the Islamic State (IS) of a very significant propaganda tool it used to recruit Muslims.

The terrorist group had projected the tiny township as the location for a "decisive and apocalyptic" battle against Western Christian armies.

Dabiq, a Syrian village, that lies about 40 km northeast of Aleppo, is around 10 km south of the country's border with Turkey. It fell, apparently, after a little resistance from Islamic State fighters.

Dabiq was so important to the Islamic State in luring young Muslim men and women that it had named its English-language propaganda magazine after the village.

The glossy magazine, also published in several languages, is mainly aimed at Western audiences with write-ups on tawheed (oneness of God), minhaj (the righteous path), hijrah (migration) and jihad.

One of the first issues of Dabiq, with a cover story on "The Return of Khilafah", came out in November 2014, shortly after a gruesome video was released by the terror group showing the beheading of Peter Kassig, an American aid worker.

The group claimed that Kassig, 26, was killed in Dabiq and the village was chosen because of its significance in Islamic end-of-time prophecies.

The prophecy is about the time and place where Imam Mahdi, Islam's messianic figure, and "Hazrat Eisaa (Jesus) will break the cross and bring victory over those who oppose sharia" or the Islamic law.

"Here we are, burying the first American Crusader in Dabiq, eagerly waiting for the remainder of your armies to arrive. We are waiting for you in Dabiq," an Islamic State speaker said in the video of Kassig's killing, available online.

The Islamic State repeatedly challenged the Western forces to send ground troops to the area and fight the "decisive battle".

The group, which captured the village in 2014, a year before it announced its expansion into Syria, lured thousands of Muslim men and women, mostly from Europe and other Western nations, telling them the Islamic State was fulfilling the Islamic prophecy.

The village features in Islamic studies of the "Judgment Day" that would herald after a decisive showdown between Muslims and their "Roman" enemies.

Muslims believe that Prophet Mohammed said that "the last hour will not come" until Muslims vanquish the Romans at "Dabiq" on their way to conquer Constantinople or the modern-day Istanbul.

According to the Washington-based Clarion Project that studies Islamic extremism, the Islamist group's interpretation of the prophecy rested on the capture of Dabiq, the arrival of US ground forces, the uniting of Muslims behind the Islamic State and military victory over the US and its allies in the area.

But the myth may have given way to military realities of the battle Islamic State is fighting.

Ahmed Osman, a member of the rebel Free Syrian army, was quoted by the Western news agencies as saying that the Islamic State's myth "of their great battle in Dabiq is finished."

(Sarwar Kashani can be reached at sarwar.k@ians.in)

--IANS

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A 48-year-old government school teacher and her 18 year-old daughter committed suicide here by hanging themselves, police said.

The deceased have been identified as Anita and her daughter Siya.

According to police, Anita was posted at a government school in the city's Najafgarh area and was residing in a flat with her family. Her daughter Siya was a student of Class 12.

"A call was received at 7.35 a.m. Anita and Siya were found hanging in separate rooms from ceiling fans," Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West) Surendra Kumar told IANS.

"The house was locked from inside. We have also recovered a three-page suicide note," Kumar added.

Anita's husband Satpal Yadav is also a government school teacher, while their son, Aditya, is a second year medical student.

"Her husband and son were not at home and were in Jaipur," Kumar added.

--IANS

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This historic city with a rich Muslim past has been at the forefront of most campaigns on issues related to the community. And with the movement against a discussion on the by the Law Commission gathering strength, it once again finds itself in the lead.

Many Muslim organisations in Hyderabad feel the Law Commission's move is the thin edge of the wedge in the attempt to impose a uniform personal law on the community. A call given by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) for a country-wide signature campaign against the is receiving a good response, with groups belonging to various sects working together.

On the other hand, there are many Muslim women's organisations in the country that are taking a stand against the triple talaq issue which is before the Supreme Court.

Various organisations are collecting signatures of both men and women to oppose any move "to interfere with Muslim personal law". The campaign has been taken up at various mosques in the city of men and women signing a proforma prescribed by the AIMPLB, said to be apex body representing Muslims in the country.

The proforma for women in part reads: "We the undersigned Muslim women do hereby declare that we are fully satisfied with all the rulings of Islamic Shariah, particularly Nikah, inheritance, divorce, khula and Faskh (dissolution of marriage). We deny that these need any reform or there is any scope for change therein." The proforma also says the signee "firmly stands" with the AIMPLB to "safeguard Sharia law".

Imams at mosques, in their sermons, are speaking about what they see as a first step toward imposing the by the government at the Centre. They are exhorting Muslims to unite to defeat the proposal.

The Law Commission had recently sent a questionnaire to all stakeholders, seeking their opinion on the desirability of the Uniform Civil Code.

On October 19, the Muslim United Forum is organising a protest meeting at Darussalam, the headquarters of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) to show unity on the issue. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and leaders of other constituents of the forum representing various sects will address the meeting.

Owaisi has said he would respond to the Law Commission's questionnaire, although he says a uniform code for personal matters would not be good. The board has strongly opposed the move to discuss the code, saying it would not respond to the questionnaire.

The Uniform Civil Code has been a hot potato for all the political parties, although the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has campaigned on its desirability several times. The Constitution of India has also urged its enactment in the directive principles, which are not justifiable.

The protest against the code has been going on even before the Law Commission's move, though in a muted fashion. Tehreek-e-Muslim Shabban is one of the organisations that has been running a campaign for more than one-and-a-half months.

Shabban president Mushtaq Malik told IANS that they were carrying along leaders of Muslim organisations belonging to all schools of Islamic thought. It held different rounds of consultation to evolve a comprehensive plan for a united struggle.

The organisation is scheduled to hold a meeting with all Muslim MPs and state legislators this month. It also proposes to convene a meeting with non-Muslim leaders and intellectuals to seek their support.

Malik also plans to hold a conference on the common civil code next month by inviting non-BJP and non-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh parties and organisations. The "Tahafuz-e-Shariyata (protect the Shariah) Conference" will be held on November 13.

"We will invite leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav, Mayawati and Lalu Prasad Yadav. The idea is to bring pressure on the government to drop its plans of imposing the Uniform Civil Code," he said.

Shabban is also holding public meetings in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Malik believes the BJP government is trying to polarise society by pushing forward its agenda of the uniform code with an eye on the coming elections in Uttar Pradesh.

"Their whole gameplan is to prepare the ground for raking up the issues of the uniform code and Babri Masjid before the 2019 elections," he claimed.
Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma on Monday said he will visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to inspect the proposed Ramayana Museum.

Sharma also sought to clarify that the construction of Ram Mandir has nothing to do with the forthcoming state elections.

"My visit to Ayodhya has nothing to do with assembly elections. I am visiting there as a Tourism Minister. It should not be linked to . It is part of government's effort to improve tourism in Ayodhya and all over the country. The visit is part of the government's developmental agenda," Sharma told news channel News18.

Sharma, who is also expected to visit the disputed temple site, said the museum will be part of the Ramayana circuit, for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the circuit.

"Ram is in the heart of millions of people. As the Tourism Minister, I have to see how Ayodhya can be developed and how Ramayana circuit can be developed from tourism point of view," the minister said.

During his visit, Sharma is likely to hold a meeting with Ramayana Circuit Advisory Board to discuss routes for connecting Ramayana-related sites in Nepal and Sri Lanka with the proposed museum.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Katiyar urged the Union Government to take steps for the construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya site.

"Every Ram Bhakt wants the construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya and untill it is constructed, we are not going to sit peacefully," Katiyar told News18.

"It is up to the government to find a way for it, either through talks or through court or throgh Lok Sabha," the BJP leader said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The West Bengal government on Monday dismissed as "distorted" the media reports on clashes during the Durga Puja and Muharram, saying some stray incidents though occurred at three places due to "personal rivalry".

"A few media houses have given distorted reports. We are keeping a watch.... Law will take its own course," Chief Secretary Basudeb Banerjee told reporters at the state Secretariat Nabanna in neighbouring Howrah district.

"There were a few stray incidents at three places due to personal rivalry. We controlled the situation in each case by taking quick action," Banerjee said.

The top state bureaucrat said Durga Puja and Muharram had passed off peacefully in the state.

Meanwhile, the state Congress alleged that communal harmony was "at stake" in Bengal and blamed the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party of playing a "fixed match" in fanning communal passions to further their political interests.

"Communal harmony was never under threat in Bengal since Independence when the state was ruled by the Congress and the Left Front. The situation we see now is unprecedented," said state Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

He said both the Trinamool and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-Bharatiya Janata Party combine are trying to reap political dividends through communal polarisation.

"The Trinamool is returning a favour dished out to it by the BJP-RSS combine, which let it off the hook in the Saradha chit fund scam and the Narada sting operation case. So the Trinamool is allowing communal organisations to create trouble in the state."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Fourteen migrant children are due to arrive in the UK on Monday from the French port city of Calais to be reunited with their relatives.

They are among about 100 minors who will be brought over by the Home Office under a registration scheme before the Jungle Camp is dismantled, BBC reported.

On arrival from the Jungle Camp for migrants in Calais, the children's first task will be to register with the Home Office in Croydon.

Their families will be waiting for them in nearby churches that have been opened up to host the reunions.

It is estimated up to 10,000 people are living in the Jungle, which is situated near the port of Calais, and close to the 31-mile Channel Tunnel.

Many of the migrants in northern France attempt to reach the UK by boarding lorries.

French President Francois Hollande wants to move the inhabitants of the Jungle to reception centres across the country and demolish the camp.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Michel Temer.

"Day 3 in Goa set aside for another Bilateral Summit. PM Modi welcomes President Michel Temer of Brazil," spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vikas Swarup said in a tweet.

Temer was in Goa to attend the eighth BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- Summit that was held here over the weekend.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nepal has lifted a four-month ban on sending Nepalese workers to Afghanistan that was imposed on June 23 after the country's security guards were killed in a attack, a government official said.

The Himalayan nation imposed the ban after a Taliban-engineered attack killed 13 Nepalese and two Indian nationals ,who were working as security guards, on June 20 at the Canadian Embassy in Kabul.

Six Nepalese were injured in the attack.

Govinda Mani Bhurtel, spokesperson at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, told Xinhua news agency on October 16 that the decision was made at last week's cabinet meeting.

According to Bhurtel, the ban was lifted under certain conditions according to which Nepalese workers will be allowed to work only inside the green zone, where the United Nations and other diplomatic agencies are present.

"The employer should arrange shelter for Nepalese workers around the workplace and if they have to travel outside, there should be the provision of security escort and bullet proof vehicles," Bhurtel added.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key is aiming to strengthen political and economic links with India during his visit to New Delhi next week.

Key, who is leading a business and education delegation from October 24 to 28, will hold talks in New Delhi with President Pranab Mukherjee, who visited New Zealand earlier this year, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Along with further strengthening New Zealand's political, security, and economic connections with India, my meeting with Prime Minister Modi will be an opportunity to discuss his efforts to reform India's economy and how New Zealand can be part of India' s growth," Key said in a statement Monday.

"India is a key partner for New Zealand. It is a leading source of skilled migrants, international students and tourists, and in the five years since I last visited our two way trade has grown by 41 per cent to 2.4 billion New Zealand dollars ($1 billion)."

Key, last visited India in 2011. Besides New Delhi, the Prime Minister will also visit Mumbai and Kochi.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday reiterated his demand that Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung should axe a panel he set up to probe some of the AAP government's decisions.

Sisodia also asked Jung to return the files "impounded" by his office to the concerned departments.

"Failure to do so would cause unlawful obstruction in discharge of the constitutional obligations of the Delhi government," he stated in a letter to Jung.

Sisodia last week called the three-member committee headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General V.K. Shunglu "unconstitutional" and said that there was no provision in the Constitution for such a committee.

Jung set up the three-member committee to study alleged irregularities of the Aam Aadmi Party government following an August 4 Delhi High Court ruling giving primacy to the Lt. Governor in Delhi's administration.

In his letter, the Deputy Chief Minister urged Jung to "observe and respect the division of powers".

Sisodia added that a dangerous precedent is being set by Lt. Governor's office by unsettling the decisions taken by the government long after they had been implemented.

Last week, the Delhi cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, advised Jung to dissolve the Shunglu Committee.

Jung hit back, saying the Delhi cabinet's appeal was an attempt to divert attention from "grave misdemeanours".

"The truth must come out and it must be put in public domain," he said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An expert panel set up by the Japanese government to deal with Emperor Akihito's abdication is set to deliberate its options on Monday as the country's Constitution lacks a provision for renouncing the throne.

The special panel was formed in September after Emperor Akihito, 82, publicly expressed his desire to abdicate in favour of his son Naruhito, due to his advanced age and failing health, EFE news reported.

The panel's recommendations could pave the way to modifying the role of the Imperial Household, which has been subject to a strict set of rules unchanged since 1947.

The government wants the panel to submit at the earliest convenience a range of proposals enabling it to enact special legislation without having to amend the Constitution - a process too long and complicated - in order to comply with the emperor's wishes.

The group includes Junko Obata, professor at the law school of Sophia University, Midori Miyazaki, professor at Chiba University of Commerce, and Takashi Imai, chairman of Japan's largest business federation Keidanren.

The panel will be aided by experts in law as well as those from the royal household.

Although the 1947 law only allows posthumous abdication, nearly half of the country's 125 emperors who have occupied the Chrysanthemum Throne in the past have stepped down while alive.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration is planning to introduce special legislation - applicable only to Akihito's case - before Parliament in early 2017, that will pave the way for his abdication, a move that is supported by Japanese citizens, according to surveys.

Akihito's announcement is also being viewed as an opportunity to reopen the debate on amending the succession law to allow women to ascend to the throne, in a country that, despite being one of the most developed, has one of the worst levels of gender inequality.

Emperor Akihito's health has taken a turn for the worse in recent years, after he underwent heart bypass surgery in 2012.

He was previously diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003, and developed osteoporosis as a side effect of the prescribed hormonal therapy.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Actor Amit Sadh has shot a digital short film "The Journey" with Zarina Wahab and Zoya Afroz. He says that it is a film with a "big heart".

The four-minute-long film released on Sunday on YouTube.

Conceptualised by BoringBrands in collaboration with Global mobile technology startup OnePlus, the film celebrates the joy of being close to your loved ones for festivals.

"Shooting this film and reuniting with this team has been a fantastic experience. What sets this apart from a lot of other films out there is its simplicity," Amit said in a statement.

"It is a film with a big heart and I believe audiences will be able to connect to the emotions that run high in Indian households, especially during festivals. The characters are very relatable and the story will leave you with a smile on your face," added the actor, who was last seen in Salman Khan-starrer "Sultan".

Set against the backdrop of Diwali and shot in the scenic terrains of Ladakh, "The Journey" explores the emotions that affect human choices.

The film features Amit as the protagonist, and veteran actress Zarina, who plays his mother.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday reiterated his country's resolve to join the operation to reclaim the Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

"Turkey has a 350-km-long border with Iraq and is under constant threat," Xinhua news agency quoted Erdogan as saying.

Despite Baghdad's strong opposition, the Turkish leader vowed that Ankara "will involve (itself) in the operation and also we will be at the table" in the aftermath of the offensive.

"It is not possible for Turkey to stay out of it," he said.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi has vowed not to allow Ankara to participate in the offensive to liberate Mosul "under any circumstances".

Tensions have grown between the two countries over the presence of Turkish troops at the Bashiqa camp near Mosul, the second largest Iraqi city that came under IS control in June 2014.

Early on Monday, Al-Abadi declared the start of the long-awaited campaign, backed by a US-led coalition.

The campaign is the biggest in Iraq since the withdrawal of US troops in 2011.

--IANS

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The British government will extradite on October 18 Indian national Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, an accused in the post-Godhra riots case in Gujarat in 2002, an official release said on Monday.

The extradition of Patel from the United Kingdom is the first such case after the signing of the treaty between the two countries in 1992.

His extradition to stand trial in India follows the government of India's request in this regard, a release by the Indian High Commission here said.

Patel is charged with various offences under the Indian Penal Code, along with 43 other accused, pertaining to murder, rioting and being a member of an unlawful assembly.

Patel was arrested in India but released on bail. He jumped bail and escaped to the UK.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Yemen's President Abdu-Rabbu Mansour Hadi has officially agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire between the warring parties in the country, as proposed by the United Nations.

The country's Foreign Minister Abdul-Malik Mekhlafi tweeted: "The president agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire to be extended if the other party (Houthis) adheres to it."

The minister added that the military commission responsible for overseeing ceasefires will be activated to lift the siege on Taiz during the 72-hour cessation of hostilities, Xinhua news agency reported.

A government official said that a fresh round of peace talks sponsored by the United Nations will probably start after the three-day truce.

The announcement comes hours after Britain and the US called for an immediate ceasefire to control the outrage caused by the killing of 140 people in the October 8 Saudi airstrike.

"This is the time to implement a ceasefire unconditionally and then move to the negotiating table," The Guardian quoted US Secretary of State John Kerry as saying after a brief meeting with the British foreign secretary, Boris Johnson on October 16.

A number of humanitarian truces between Yemeni warring sides occurred in the past months but failed to stop the fierce fighting across the country.

The situation in Yemen has deteriorated both economically and politically since March 2015, when war broke out between the Shiite Houthi group, supported by former President Ali Abdullash Saleh, and the government backed by a Saudi-led Arab coalition.

According to humanitarian agencies, more than 10,000 people, half of them civilians have already been killed while nearly two million have been displaced.

--IANS

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Adolf Hitler is not the German that comes to mind when I think of . Trump has been accused of demagoguery, and there are those who observe that he has amply displayed his flair for tapping into prejudices, particularly racial, in a way reminiscent to the Nazi dictator. However, if his outbursts in the past week are anything to go by, he resembles less the nightmare fuel that was Hitler and more the desperation of two other German military men  Paul von Hindenburg and Erich Ludendorff  and what would come to be known as the Dolchstolegende.
With reference to "A 'Note'-worthy fiasco" (October 17), the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco will not only severely dent Samsung as a mobile phone brand in India, but it may affect the sales of its other products, too. It will take some time for Samsung to rebuild trust, but what is more worrying is that it has not been able to find the cause of the fire in its device, and until and unless they know the cause they cannot fix it.
At least 17 patients died and around 12 others injured in a fire that broke out at the Sum Hospital here this evening, in one of the worst such incidents involving a medical facility.

The blaze was suspected to have been triggered by an electric short circuit in the dialysis ward on the first floor of the private hospital which spread to the nearby Intensive Care Unit.

"So far we have received some 'brought dead' people at the Capital Hospital. However, I cannot exactly say the number of persons who have died in the incident," Health Secretary Arati Ahuja said.

However, the Capital Hospital Superintendent Binod Kumar Mishra said, "We have received nine dead bodies, while five others are in very critical condition. The toll may increase."



Meanwhile, Amri Hospital (Bhubaneswar) unit head Dr Salil Kumar Mohanty said, "A total of 37 patients were received at our casulty ward. Our doctors have declared eight persons as brought dead."



"Most of the victims were in the first floor ICU of the ill-fated Sum Hospital," said a doctor at the Capital Hospital.

The fire, which was said to have started from the dialysis ward on the first floor, quickly spread to other areas including the ICU on the same floor of the four-storeyed hospital building.

The commissionerate of police and fire brigade personnel along with volunteers and hospital staff launched a massive rescue operation as more than 500 indoor patients were trapped in the building, hospital officials said.

At least seven fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze and over a dozen ambulances deployed to shift the critical patients to other hospitals.

Many patients were rescued by breaking window panes, an eyewitness said.

In 2011, a major blaze had engulfed AMRI Hospital in Kolkata, killing 89 people, including 85 patients.

Director of the Capital Hospital B B Patnaik said a



majority of the victims were admitted to the ICU of the Sum Hospital and receiving ventilatory support.

He said two of the critically injured patients have been admitted in the ICU of Capital Hospital.

Besides the Capital Hospital, Dr Patnaik said, the patients were shifted to nearby Amri Hospital, Apollo Hospital, Kalinga Hospital, SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack and some other hospitals in the state capital region.

Meanwhile, the state government has ordered a high-level probe by the Director, Medical Education and Training, into the incident.

State's Health Minister Atanu S Nayak said stringent action will be taken if the hospital authorities were found guilty of negligence.
Eighteen Takfiri militants and 11 security officials, including eight policemen, were killed as the Egyptian army began rooting out terrorists in North and Central Sinai in retaliation for the Friday's deadly attack by the Islamic State that left 12 military personnel dead.

Egyptian military spokesperson Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said in a statement that the army killed 18 Takfiri militants in the operation yesterday which is aimed to target terrorists and outlaw elements from several areas in the North and Central Sinai region.

Three soldiers were killed and two others injured during the operation as the Air Force destroyed 16 shelters used by the Takfiri elements while artillery and ground forces attacked other targets which belong to the terrorists in North Sinai, he said.

Local media also reported citing security sources that eight policemen, including 3 officials and five conscripts were killed in the army campaign yesterday in different villages of Shiekh Zwayed city in North Sinai.

Four vehicles and 14 motorcycles used by the terrorists in their attacks were destroyed and a large number of weapons were also ceased, Samir said.

He said the campaign is bolstered by ongoing airstrikes against militant positions where security operations are taking place.

This is the second comprehensive campaign launched by the army since the three-stage campaign of the "Martyr's Right", the largest and most comprehensive military operation that aimed at rooting out militants based in the restive North Sinai.

The first stage of "Martyr's Right" was launched by the security forces in response to an attack in October 2014 that killed 33 security personnel.

Egypt has witnessed a series of terrorist attacks targeting policemen, judges and military personnel in different parts of the country.

Since the 2011 revolution that toppled the regime of then President Hosni Mubarak, North Sinai, which is the base of a number of extremist outlaw groups, became the main stage of many violent attacks by Takfiri gunmen.

The attacks increased after the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in 2013 following massive protests against his rule.

Over 700 security personnel have been reportedly killed since then. The military has launched security campaigns in the area, arrested suspects and demolished houses that belong to terrorists, including those facilitating tunnels leading to the Gaza Strip.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
police arrested two suspects in connection with a shooting that left three people dead and 12 wounded at a restaurant operating out of a converted home.

Mowayne McKay, 33, and Diego Reid, 25, both of whom are Jamaican nationals, were taken into custody yesterday, police said. They were expected to be booked for investigation of murder.

An unspecified dispute between a man and at least two other men led to gunfire early Saturday during a birthday celebration attended by about 50 people in a house that hosts parties for people in the Jamaican community.

Investigators believe that once the man was shot, several other shots were fired indiscriminately in the crowd. Some of the shots appeared to be return fire from other party-goers in the direction of the shooters who fled the scene.

Detectives believe McKay and Reid opened fire after the initial shooting, and that the gunfire from the two men and possibly left two more men dead and wounded. Police Capt. Peter Whittingham told the Times that evidence, including video footage, led police to McKay and Reid, who were found and detained at hospitals in the area, where they had sought treatment for gunshot wounds. Police were still working to identify the deceased. The wounded sustained minor to critical injuries. One of them remained hospitalised in extremely critical condition on Sunday.

The restaurant owner told the Times he runs a Jamaican catering business out of the house and was hosting a birthday party when the shooting broke out. A man who had gone to the house to ask that a car be moved from his brother's driveway told the newspaper there were dozens of people in the house and yard and that a DJ was playing music. Shortly after they left, Paul Elen said he heard 15 to 20 shots.

"My brother thought it was fireworks," Elen said. "I said, 'No, ain't no smoke in there. Them ain't fireworks, them gunshots."

Police who arrived at the scene in a working-class neighbourhood dotted by tall palm trees found shell casings and blood throughout the house west of downtown Los Angeles. Blair Hamilton, 58, who lives a block from the shooting, told the Times that when he came out of his house, he saw an older woman with a bloodied face, sitting on a curb next to two other women, one of whom also appeared to be injured. A girl lay on the curb, attended by another girl.

Some of the wounded were taken by ambulance to hospitals. drove themselves, authorities said.
A 21-km human chain was today formed in the city to appeal to people to boycott Chinese products.

"China earns money by selling its products in India and extends financial aid to Pakistan. Pakistan uses the money for anti-India activities," said Mukesh Modi, convener of Hindu Utsav Samiti which had organised the event.

The human chain, which stretched from Palsikar chowk to Bombay Hospital, was formed to appeal the people not to buy the products made in China and to protest China's "proxy-war" against India, he said.

Over 30,000 people held hands to form the chain, he said.
Three persons, including a woman, were killed and another woman injured when a car they were travelling in collided with a truck at Delhi-Haridwar national highway near Jansath by pass here today, police said.

The deceased have been identified as Shelender (36), Ankit (25) and Sugand (55), all residents of Delhi.

The deceased were travelling from to Haridwar.

The injured woman Shweta has been rushed to hospital.

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Four persons, including a retired police head constable, were killed and three others injured in three separate road accidents here in the region today, a police spokesman said.

Mohammad Rafiq, a retired police head constable, was killed when the motorcycle he was riding collided with an oil tanker in Nowshera area of Rajouri district. A pedestrian, identified as Khadam Hussain, was also injured in the incident, he said.

The oil tanker was seized and the driver arrested by the police, the spokesman said.

In another incident, Pankaj Kumar who was riding a motorcycle, was killed after being hit by car coming from an opposite direction in the Siot area of the district, he said.

In the third incident, two persons were killed and two others injured when a tipper truck they were travelling in fell into a gorge in the Mendhar area of Poonch district, the spokesman said.

He said cases have been registered in all the incidents and investigations initiated.

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Indo-Pak tensions cast its shadow on the Mumbai International Film Festival with organisers today dropping Pakistani film "Jago Hua Savera" in its retrospective section amid threats of protests at its screening.

"Given the current situation, the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star has decided not to programme 'Jago Hua Savera' as part of the Restored Classics Section," organisers of the festival said in a statement.

The move comes after a city-based organisation Sangharsh threatened to stage protests at the screening of the movie made in 1958.

The outfit had also sought police permission to protest at the festival, which begins fromOctober 20.

The tensions between India and Pakistan after the Uri attack last month has triggered demands in certain sections to ban artistes and films from Pakistan.

Directed by AJ Kardar, "Jago Hua Savera", which was screened in the 'Classics' section of the Cannes Film Festival this year, was co-produced during the days of undivided Pakistan (now independent Pakistan and Bangladesh) and shot in Dhaka.

It was selected as the entry from Pakistan for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 32nd Academy Awards in 1960.

Featuring talents from India, Pakistan and now Bangladesh, the film starred Tripti Mitra, Zurain Rakshi, Khan Ataur Rahman.

Timir Baran co-composed the music with Nauman Taseer and the screenplay of the movie was penned by noted poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz, an artiste revered by people on both sides of the border.

The festival, which is chaired by filmmaker Kiran Rao, will run till October 27and over 180 films from 54 countries would be screened at several spots across the megapolis.

Prithvi Mhaske of Sangharsh Foundation, Censor Board of Film Certification member Ashoke Pandit, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri and actor George Baker have welcomed the decision of Mumbai Academy of Moving Image not to screen the film.

"If MAMI has decided to not screen the film, we welcome the decision, that they have understood the sentiments," Mhaske, who had filed the complaint against the organisers for screening the film at MAMI, said.

Pandit, who is also a member of Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), thanked the organisers.

"Thank you #MAMI for not showcasing any #Pakistani film in this year's edition of the Mumbai Film Festival. #JagoHuaSavera," he tweeted.

A popular actor from Bengali and Assamese cinema, Baker, said the priority right now should be the national sentiment.

"I appreciate the quality of the film, though I haven't seen it. It has travelled to festivals and won several awards. It had Indian artistes and was shot by a Pakistani.

"Keeping all this aside, we should remember that Indians are broad-minded but not stupidly disloyal to the country. If this is the national sentiment right now then it should be banned."



Agnihotri said he is against any kind of ban, but feels culture is a strong weapon to give it back to Pakistan.

"I'm absolutely against any kind of ban or boycott but at the same time I am wise enough to understand when my country has taken a strategy to isolate Pakistan it's not against a film or an actor. It's to send a message to Pakistan that if you do not stop terrorism then this is the price you will have to pay," he said.

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The Turkish capital Ankara today banned all public gatherings and demonstrations until the end of November after receiving information about potential terror attacks, the governor's office said.

The Ankara governorate said in a statement that all such meetings had been prohibited until November 30, in line with the state of emergency imposed in the wake of the failed July 15 coup.

It said that the decision was taken "to ensure people's safety and public order".

The governorate, which is responsible for security throughout the capital and the wider province, said it had received intelligence "that banned terror organisations were preparing actions in our province".

Without naming which organisations, it said that the groups were thought to have been planning attacks on meetings and public demonstrations.

The capital has been hit repeatedly over the last 12 months by attacks blamed on jihadists and Kurdish militants.

One hundred and three people were killed on October 10, 2015 when suicide bombers said to be linked to Islamic State (IS) jihadists blew themselves up in a crowd of pro-Kurdish peace activists planning to hold a rally outside Ankara's main train station.

At least 30 were killed on February 17, 2016 and 37 more lost their lives on March 13, 2016 in bombings claimed by a radical Kurdish armed group.

Meanwhile, Ankara was a prime target of the plotters in the July 15 failed coup, which the government blames on the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen.

A suspected Islamic State suicide bomber blew himself up at the weekend in the southeastern city of Gaziantep during an anti-terror raid, killing three police officers, officials said.

A few hours later, a second suicide bomber detonated his explosives, killing himself but without causing any further fatalities.

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Brother-in-law of Mita Mondal was tonight arrested in connection with her unnatural death, taking the number of total arrests to three in the case after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered a CID probe into the death of the Jadavpur University student.

While West Bengal Police earlier arrested Mita's husband Rana Mondal and father-in-law Dijendra Mondal in connection with her death, her absconding brother-in-law Rahul Mondal was picked up by the CID sleuths later this evening, a senior police officer said.

The Chief Minister announced CID probe at state secretariat Nabanna earlier in the day after meeting Mita's father Sahadeb Das and family members and promised job for one member of the family and taking care of all the debts the family took to get Mita married.

Banerjee also promised to clear a debt of Rs 70,000, which Sahadeb had taken for Mita's marriage, from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund and payment of his medical expenses.

Mita, a first-class in MA in Bengali from the Jadavpur University in 2015, allegedly committed suicide on October 11 at her in-law's residence at Kushberia in Uluberia after a spat with her husband Rana Mondal.

After Mita's family alleged that she was tortured and murdered, the police arrested Rana and father-in-law Bijendra, while the mother-in-law and brother-in-law were absconding at that time.

"I know I will not get back my daughter... She has gone forever... We have sought justice from the Chief Minister," Sahadeb, a mason, who lives in Garia, told reporters after meeting Banerjee.

The third arrest was made after the CID team visited the residence of family of Mita's husband and inquired about the incident from the neighbours.

The team also inspected the room where the body was found.

Mita's uncle Ranajit, elder brother Khokan, her JU Bengali Department batchmate Jasodhara Gupta and some others also submitted a written deputation to Uluberia police station demanding fair probe into the incident and arrest of all those allegedly involved including her mother-in-law Kalpana Mondal.

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A day after a jawan was killed in firing by Pakistani troops, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said the Indian Army was giving a befitting reply to such ceasefire violations.

"Ceasefire violations have taken place in hundreds for the last five-six years...Check out the figures. The only difference is that if they do it now, we give a befitting reply," he said.

An Indian Army jawan was on Sunday killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire twice along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Parrikar had earlier equated the Indian Army to 'Hanuman' and made a reference to the Ramayana in which the monkey God crossed an ocean in a single stride after he was reminded about his extraordinary powers by Jamwant.
With the rise in number of queries to assist next of kins of battle causalities with monetary assistance, the army has decided to create a separate and centralised fund for such a purpose.

"Of late, a large number of philanthropic organisations and individuals have been approaching in a benevolent gesture to assist next of kins of battle causalities with monetary assistance.

"Post detailed deliberations, it was decided that donations/contributions would be accepted from such organizations and individuals through a separate and centralised fund focused for such a purpose," a Defence spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said a surge of such requests has come about post the Siachen avalanche where the Indian Army lost 10 brave soldiers.

This would be in addition to the various existing schemes for the welfare of next of kins and children of battle casualties.

Accordingly, Indian Army has opened a new bank account for welfare of bereaved families of Battle Casualties named "Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties".

Organisations and individuals desirous of donating to the cause can transfer the contribution directly in the account of "Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties" in the South Block Branch of Syndicate Bank.

The Branch Code, IFSC and Account no of the bank is 9055, SYNB0009055 and Account No- 90552010165915 respectively.

Alternatively, the amount can also be forwarded through Cheque/Demand Draft in favour of "Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties" payable at New Delhi at the following address Director Accounts Section, Adjutant General's Branch, Ceremonial & Welfare Directorate, IHQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi-110011.

"The contribution to the fund is purely voluntary in nature and the fund shall be exclusively used for the welfare of Next of Kins of Battle Casualties," the spokesperson added.

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Advertising watchdog ASCI has pulled up several companies, including Bharti Airtel, Tata Teleservices, Mahindra & Mahindra and Himalaya, for misleading advertisements in June.

During the month, the Customer Complaints Council (CCC) of Advertising Standard Council of India (ASCI) upheld complaints against 134 misleading advertisements out of 183, which also included those of Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare, Gillette and Hindustan Unilever.

Out of 134 complaints those were upheld, 44 each belonged to the healthcare and education category, followed by 24 in the food and beverages category and 8 in personal care.

The ad regulator has found that claims of leading telecom services provider Bharti Airtel as the 'best network' as "incorrect and is misleading by implication" as it connotes many parameters associated with the performance for which different service providers have to compared.

"'Transparency' of communication providing input for improvement does not necessarily make any network the best," said ASCI in its order.

Commenting on the order, an Airtel spokesperson said it is "the first operator to have made public its entire network information in a transparent fashion and we strongly believe that only when we open ourselves to customer scrutiny will we become the best."



He further said: "We do not agree with the observation made by ASCI and have shared all details with them."



The regulator also upheld an ad by Tata Teleservices for its Docomo service as "misleading", where it had claimed to charge Local/STD Mobile calls at 30p/min in Rs 68.

"The ad claims Rs 68 - Local/STD Mobile calls at 30p/min, is not substantiated and is misleading by ambiguity about the conditions under which this claim is tenable or exclusion criteria for which this offer is not available," it said.

ASCI also upheld complaint against Mahindra & Mahindra for misleading the consumer by claiming to offer Mahindra Supro Maxi Truck and Mahindra Maxximo Plus at a discounted price in exchange of their competitor's vehicle Tata ACE.

"The comparisons made in the advertisement were not factual and were not substantiated and are misleading. Also, the comparisons made were likely to mislead the consumers about the product advertised and with which it is compared," it added.

Commenting on it, a M&M Spokesperson said: "This complaint was received from ASCI on June and we have sent the response to ASCI. The ad was released by our local empanelled agency, we had instructed them to discontinue the press ad with immediate effect."



Himalaya Company failed to substantiate the claim made for its facewash, where the FMCG firm claimed the product has the goodness of neem and haldi that gives protection against every skin problems.

According to ASCI, Himalaya could not substantiate it with product efficacy data and the claim was misleading by exaggeration.

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A senior executive of Australia's largest casino operator and two other Australians have been detained in an investigation of suspected gambling crimes, the Chinese government said today, in an apparent crackdown on overseas tours for high rollers.

The head of Crown Resorts Ltd's VIP International team, Jason O'Connor, is believed to be one of 18 Crown employees being questioned by Chinese authorities, the company said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange.

The Chinese foreign ministry said in a regular briefing that Australians have been detained in Shanghai for suspected involvement in gambling crimes, but did not provide further details.

Fairfax Media reported over the weekend that police took the three Australians, who were visiting China on business, and local Chinese employees based in several Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, away from their homes late Thursday and detained them. O'Connor was among the Australians.

The raids were part of an apparent crackdown on the firm's operations to lure high-worth Chinese gamblers to its Australian casinos, Fairfax said.

Casino gambling is illegal on the mainland and Chinese law prohibits agents from organising groups of more than 10 Chinese citizens to gamble abroad. The crime is punishable by up to three years' imprisonment. The industry has been known to skirt the ban by touting destination packages.

Casino operators have sought to lure Chinese high-rollers who have avoided Macau since President Xi Jinping's ongoing corruption crackdown deters visits to the offshore enclave that is the only place in China where casinos are legal.

In 2015, police arrested 13 South Korean casino managers and 34 Chinese agents for selling packages with free tours, free hotels and sexual services.

Crown declined to say why O'Connor was in China. Crown, founded by billionaire James Packer, has said in recent financial disclosures its "International VIP" business segment has surged in recent years thanks to ramped up overseas marketing.

It was not clear whether any of the staff had been charged.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it had been notified Monday by China of the detentions and said consular officials were arranging visits. The department said the Australians had legal representation.

Crown said it was supporting the Chinese and Australian families of the detained employees. Headquartered in Melbourne, Crown has gambling interests in Australia, Macau, Manila, the Philippines and London.

Crown shares fell 14 per cent to close today at USD 8.47, the biggest single-day decline in the company's history. Grant Govertsen, a Macau-based analyst at Union Gaming, a gambling-focused investment bank and advisory firm, said such crackdowns are common in China.

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A top court in Bahrain today overturned a nine-year jail term against Shiite opposition chief cleric Ali Salman, convicted of inciting hatred and calling for forceful regime change.

The court of the cassation ordered a retrial of the head of the Al-Wefaq political formation before the appeals court, said a judicial source in the Sunni-ruled Gulf kingdom.

Salman had been sentenced in July 2015 to four years in jail after being convicted of inciting hatred in the Sunni-ruled Gulf kingdom.

But the appeals court in May more than doubled his jail term to nine years after reversing an earlier acquittal on charges of calling for regime change by force.

Salman's arrest in December 2014 sparked protests in Shiite-majority Bahrain.

The cassation court had rejected a request to release the cleric earlier this month.

His jail sentence is part of a crackdown on the Gulf nation's largest opposition group, which has been dissolved by a court order over accusations of "harbouring terrorism".

Al-Wefaq had the largest bloc in parliament before lawmakers walked out in February 2011 in protest over a deadly crackdown on Arab Spring-inspired protests.

The crackdown on Wefaq has drawn criticism from UN chief Ban Ki-Moon and Bahrain's allies in Washington, as well as rights groups.

Hundreds of Shiites have been arrested and put on trial since security forces backed by Saudi-led troops crushed in March 2011 month-long protests that demanded democratic reforms.

Authorities have also stripped at least 261 people of their citizenship since 2012, according to the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, including the country's Shiite spiritual leader Sheikh Isa Qassim.

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Oscar-winner Ben Affleck says he admires his "The Accountant" co-star Anna Kendrick as she is very honest and real as an actress.

The 44-year-old star praised Kendrick, saying she is one of those actresses, who always try to do something new and very different with her scenes.

"Anna is just very talented and very honest and real as an actress. She is one of those people, who just brings a tremendous energy, authenticity and honesty to every scene she's in.

"She doesn't seem to know how to play a false note, so she's a great litmus test for whether or not a scene works. You can be having fun playing something, but when you're around Anna, it becomes very obvious very quickly if it's not quite the right thing. It definitely stands out," Affleck said.

Affleck revealed that he wanted to work with the 31-year-old actress as he admires her a lot.

"Even before this project, I admired Anna a lot and was really hoping for a chance to work with her.

"So, I was thrilled when she signed on - except that, you know, I was a little worried that I was going to end up in her Twitter feed."



The film, directed by Gavin O'Connor follows a small town guy, Christian Wolff (Affleck), who works as a freelance accountant for some of the world's most dangerous criminal organizations.

Talking about his character in the film, Affleck said, "Christian is autistic, and what resonated were the ways that he was similar to everyone else, not necessarily the ways that he was different.

"Autism can mean a million different things; he's just one character that exists on a spectrum of people who have what some might call disabilities and others call special abilities. And the special abilities that Christian has pose some real challenges for him in trying to get by in life."



The Warner Bros film released in India on October 14.

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Bengal CPI(M) secretary Surya Kanta Mishra today accused the BJP of "warmongering" in order to "cover up the failures" of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre over the last two years.

He said the Modi government, in order to cover up its failures in the last two years, chose to indulge in "war cries" against Pakistan and "inciting communal passion".

"Once you manage to start a war, you manage to silence all the voices of dissent. The Modi government is trying to do so. He (Modi) had promised to give employment to two crore youths every year, but nothing of the sort has happened," Mishra said addressing a party programme here.

The CPI(M) had urged the Centre to continue with the "diplomatic and political" moves with Pakistan to defuse tension and eliminate cross-border terrorism emanating from that country and hoped that there would be no further escalation of conflict between the two countries in the near future, he said.

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Calling him a "butcher" of Gujarat and Kashmir, Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was blaming Pakistan only to divert attention from "atrocities" being committed in the Valley.

Speaking at a rally in Karsaz here yesterday, Bhutto said Modi is an "extremist".

"I have said that Modi is an extremist and there should be no hopes attached to him," Bhutto said.

He said Modi was blaming Pakistan only to divert attention from "atrocities" being committed in Kashmir.

He called Modi the "butcher of Gujarat and Kashmir", 'Geo news' reported.

Highlighting the "plight" of Kashmiris, Bhutto, 28, said the people of the Valley were struggling for their "right to self-determination."



Bhutto also put forth four demands, threatening that he would announce a long march on December 27 that if they were not fulfilled.

The demands include formation of a parliamentary committee on national security, passage of his party's bill on Panama Papers, implementation on former President Asif Zardari's resolution on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the immediate appointment of a foreign minister.

Bhutto also took a dig at Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's policies, saying they were the reason Pakistan had been weakened.

"Mian sahib you have failed in implementing the National Action Plan...We will change Pakistan if the public supports us," he said.

In his address at the BRICS summit yesterday, Modi called Pakistan a "mothership" of terrorism world-wide which shelters not just terrorists but nurtures a mindset that proclaimed that terrorism was justified for political gains.

"In our own region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development. Tragically its mothership is a country in India's neighbourhood. Terror modules around the world are linked to this mothership," he had said, attacking Pakistan for supporting cross-border terrorism.

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Bill Cosby is due to be back in court next month for a pre-trial hearing in his aggravated indecent assault case.

The "Cosby Show" veteran is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting former Temple University employee Andrea Constand at his home in Pennsylvania in 2004.

He was not charged at the time of the incident and maintains his innocence, but he faced questioning in 2005 and 2006 as part of Constand's civil suit, which was subsequently settled out of court.

The case was reopened last year after the actor's sealed deposition was made public, revealing Cosby had confessed to buying sedatives to give to women he wanted to sleep with.

He was arrested and charged in December last year, and during a pre-trial hearing last month, Montgomery County Judge Steven O'Neill ordered the case to go to trial no later than June 5.

Earlier this month, Cosby's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the case or have Constand testify at a new preliminary hearing, arguing a Montgomery County district attorney pledged not to prosecute Cosby in 2005.

The motion was denied on Wednesday.

The 79-year-old will now return to court next month for a pre-trial hearing, in which it will be determined if jurors will be able to hear testimony from 13 other women who have accused Cosby of indecent sexual acts, reported People magazine.

However, his attorneys will reportedly argue, Cosby, who is now legally blind, is unable to recognise the accusers or remember the alleged incidents.

"Because of the commonwealth's delay, Mr. Cosby can no longer defend himself," defence lawyers Brian McMonagle and Angela Agrusa wrote last week in a motion to dismiss the charges.

"Compounding the problem are the vague allegations of many of the accusers about the time and place of the alleged incidents."



More than 50 women have come forward with decades-old accusations of inappropriate behaviour, drugging and/or rape against Cosby since late 2014. The statute of limitations has expired in almost all of the cases, preventing the alleged victims from pursuing criminal charges.

The embattled comedian has denied all allegations, and his legal team has tried and failed on numerous occasions to have his current assault charges dismissed.

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DMK today alleged that BJP was trying to rake up the Cauvery and Ramjanma Bhoomi issues apparently for electoral benefits in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.

Party President M Karunanidhi alleged that BJP "which is the ruling party at Centre" was "making moves against Tamil Nadu" on the Cauvery issue despite court directive to the Union government on setting up the Cauvery Management Board.

"Instead of reigning in Karnataka government which is denying water to Tamil Nadu as per tribunal order, (the Centre) has suddenly declined to constitute the CMB although the Supreme Court has directed it. BJP somehow wants to win the Karnataka elections (in 2018)," he said.

Centre had recently sought modification to a Supreme Court directive asking it to constitute the CMB, drawing widespread criticism in Tamil Nadu.

"Similarly, there are reports that BJP is trying to rake up the Ramjanma Bhoomi issue to garner Hindu votes in Uttar Pradesh (where polls are due next year)," Karunanidhi said in a statement.

Karunanidhi also took exception to Prime Minister Narendra Modi chanting 'Jai Sri Ram' at a Ram Leela event in Lucknow last week.

The DMK President, who had earlier courted controversy with his critical comments about Lord Ram made at the height of the Ramasethu controversy, also criticised the move to set up a Ramayana museum near Ayodhya.

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Dubbing the burning of effigy of 'Chitta Ravan' by Congress as mere "political drama", Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today accused PPCC Chief Amarinder Singh of adopting "double standards" on the issue of drug menace in Punjab.

Chairman of APP's 'Poll Campaign Committee' in Punjab and Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann alleged that Amarinder "saved" state minister Bikram Singh Majithia by opposing CBI inquiry against him in the multi-crore drug racket and is now "enacting drama" of burning 'Chitta Ravan'.

Mann said if PPCC Chief was serious about solving drug menace in Punjab he should have then supported AAP's demand of CBI inquiry against Majithia for his alleged involvement in the drug racket.

He said Amarinder should not forget that he was the only one who opposed the CBI inquiry against Majithia when every Punjabi, including his own party members, were demanding it.

Amarinder had even made fun of the then PPCC Chief Partap Singh Bajwa for demanding inquiry against Majithia, Mann alleged, adding he should apologise for "supporting the one who is responsible for pushing youth into drugs".

He sought clarification from Bajwa and other Congressmen on whether Amarinder's opposition to CBI inquiry was "justified" at that time.

The Sangrur MP said there is a secret understanding between the "royal family and Badals" to join hands against AAP, as both of the factions have already "smelled their humiliating defeat" in the upcoming assembly elections.

Mann demanded that an independent agency under the supervision of the Supreme Court must re-inquire the multi-crore drug case in Punjab.

He said if AAP forms the government in Punjab, it would reopen the files related to 'Amritsar Improvement Trust' case.

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A day before the crucial hearing on Cauvery dispute in the Supreme Court, a high level panel today suggested doing away with "outdated and unscientific water application techniques" to resolve the wrangle, saying both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were facing water shortage, creating unemployment and financial hardship for the people.

The apex court-appointed Supervisory Committee, formed to inspect Cauvery basin to assess the ground realities in the region, said the neighbouring riparian states needed to appreciate interest of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to protect their established irrigation and Karnataka's aspirations for development and educate their people accordingly.

The 9-member committee's report will come up for perusal before a three-judge bench of justices Dipak Misra, Amitava Roy and A M Khanwilkar which will hear a long pending appeal against the award of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal and other related contentious issues arising out of the dispute.

The panel in its 40-page report has noted that farmers in both states were in severe distress and adequate crop compensation must be provided to them.

"There has been large number of suicides reported in Karnataka's Mandya district," the report said in its assessment of the social aspects of the situation in the Cauvery basin.

However, the technical assessment of the ground reality stated that "the water application techniques are outdated and unscientific and the value of water is not realised. The water applied to the field is on the concept of flooding from one field to another adjacent field and as such the water consumption is on the higher side and during period of distress, this becomes very significant depending upon the soil condition".

"The infrastructure to deliver water to the farmers is century old and has very low conveyance efficiency. This needs to be modernised for optimal use of scarce water. The conveyance efficiency can be further improved by piped distribution network and application efficiency by micro irrigation and precision irrigation.

"In addition, on-farm development works may be provided to ensure equitable distribution of water to individual farmer's field," the report said.

The Supervisory Committee headed by G S Jha, chairperson



of the Central Water Commission, agreed that both states have been facing water shortage and "in the absence of required water, the labour employment for farming and fishing is also limited, creating a scenario of unemployment and financial hardship to them".

"It has been seen from the data that this year is the consecutive low flow year. During the last five years it has been witnessed that three years are low flow years. In such a situation, the uncertainty prevails and farmers of the basin states suffer in the process...

"Both the States of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu need to appreciate interest of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in protection of their established irrigation and Karnataka's aspirations for development respectively and should educate their people accordingly," the report said.

Karnataka has declared 42 out of 48 talukas under the Cauvery basin as drought-affected. The state has also been at the receiving end of at least six interim rulings by the apex court to release water to Tamil Nadu, which it has unwillingly complied with, it said.

The panel, after interacting with farmers and public representatives, also said that due to lack of water for irrigation in Karnataka, there is heavy impact on economy and many people have left villages seeking work in urban areas.

With regard to Tamil Nadu, it said agricultural labourers have been migrating from Cauvery Delta districts and many of them pushed to committing suicide due to financial burden.

Earlier, the bench had directed Karnataka to release 2,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to Tamil Nadu from October 7-18, while deferring its order asking the Centre to set up the Cauvery Management Board till it finally decided on appeals relating to the dispute.

It had also agreed to the suggestion that a Supervisory Committee, comprising officials and technical experts from the Centre, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry, be set up to inspect the Cauvery basin for assessing the ground realities.
Farmers and opposition parties in Tamil Nadu today staged rail roko agitation at various places in the state demanding the Centre to constitute the Cauvery Management Board immediately.

The protests were held against the stance of BJP-led Union government in the Supreme Court which opposed immediate setting up of the Board.

Thousands of protestors participated in the rail roko demonstrations, who courted arrest and were lodged in the community and marriage halls, police said, adding they were likely to be released later today.

The agitations marked the beginning of a 48-hour rail blockade by farmers outfits which has the support of opposition parties including the DMK, Tamil Nadu Congress, IUML, CPI(M), CPI, MDMK and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.

Farmer leader and chief of National South Indian Rivers Inter-Linking Farmers Association P Ayyakannu led the protest in Tiruchirappalli by squatting over the railway track in Kudamuratti bridge area.

Ryots squatted on railway tracks with green turbans and planted paddy seedlings in the narrow gap between railway tracks. They managed to block trains briefly but were removed later by police.

"We will continue our stir. Tomorrow too this will be held. We plan to block Vaigai Super Fast Express. We urge the Centre to not make us paupers, (by adopting a stance against CMB)" Ayyakannu told PTI.

Similar protests witnessed huge participation of people in the entire Cauvery Delta region of the state including Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts.

DMK treasurer and Leader of Opposition M K Stalin led the protest at Perambur suburban railway station here in which scores of his party legislators and functionaries took part.

Leading the protestors, he blocked a suburban train, following which he along with party cadres was taken away by police from the railway station.

MDMK chief Vaiko and CPI(M) State Secretary G Ramakrishnan squatted on railway track at the busy Chennai Central Railway station. Similarly, CPI State Secretary R Mutharasan participated in a rail roko stir in Tiruvarur district.

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A gunman wearing body armor targeted two California police officers who were taking a break at a coffee shop in an ambush that failed when his gun malfunctioned, authorities have said.

Adam Powell, 41, appeared in the doorway of a Starbucks and "attempted to assassinate" the two officers on Sunday, Vallejo Police Chief Andrew Bidou said yesterday.

The officers were not injured because the battered weapon, its butt covered with duct tape or foil, appeared to jam.

Powell of Suisan City was in critical condition after being shot by the officers during a foot chase.

It was the latest attack on police across the country.

Earlier this month, a man in body armor shot and killed two officers in Palm Springs who were responding to a domestic disturbance call at the home of an ex-convict's family.

That shooting occurred just three days after Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt Steven Owen was shot and killed in Lancaster while answering a burglary call. Owen was the victim of "a calculated execution" by a parolee with a long history of arrests who pumped bullets into his body as he lay wounded, Sheriff Jim McDonnell said.

Bidou said the attacks have led to a heightened sense of alert among police.

He gave no further information on a motive for the attack in Vallejo, where the gunman kept trying to fire the assault-style weapon as he fled from the officers, police said, noting that the man was also carrying a loaded handgun.

The officers "were ambushed by somebody who has superior firepower," Bidou said.

Police say Powell fled when he could not get the weapon to fire.

Officers said they caught up with Powell about 100 feet from the Starbucks and he was shot three times in a neighborhood of small houses next to a freeway on-ramp.

Jazmin Addison, who lives next to the intersection, said she heard more than a dozen shots. "It was scary. I made my kids get down on the floor," she said.

She later saw the suspect on the ground, with numerous police around him. Authorities said Powell had served prison time for robbery and drug-related offenses and was barred from possessing guns.

Bidou said Powell is the father of a 2-year-old boy who may have accidentally shot himself earlier Sunday in Suisun City, about 50 miles north of San Francisco. The child was taken to a hospital for a gunshot wound.

Police said preliminary information indicates the wound was accidental and self-inflicted. Powell was present when the child was shot and left the home before officers arrived, police said.

Five Dallas police officers were killed in a sniper attack this summer and earlier this month, a gunman also wearing body armor was fatally shot after critically wounding two police officers in Boston.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed Pakistan as a "mothership of terrorism", China today staunchly defended its all-weather ally saying it is against linking any country or religion with terror and asked the world to acknowledge Pakistan's "great sacrifices".

While defending Pakistan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying also said the world community should "seriously tackle" countries and organisations involved in promoting terrorism.

In a sharp reaction to a question about Modi's characterisation of Pakistan as a "mothership of terrorism" at the BRICS summit in Goa attended among others by President Xi Jinping, Hua said international community should recognise "great sacrifices" made by Pakistan in combating terrorism.

In his address at the BRICS summit, Modi had said "the most serious direct threat to our economic prosperity is terrorism. Tragically, its mothership is a country in India's neighbourhood," in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

Answering a question on Modi's remarks and his criticism that Islamabad is aiding and abetting terrorist groups opposed to India, Hua said "on counter-terrorism China's position is consistent. It is the same way we oppose linking terrorism with any specific country or religion," she said.

"We oppose terrorism in all forms and we believe that international concerted efforts are needed to ensure stability and security of all countries," she said.

"We oppose linking terrorism with any specific ethnicity or religion. This is our long standing position," she said.

"China and Pakistan are all-weather friends. India and Pakistan are all victims of terrorism. In combating terrorism Pakistan has made great sacrifices and this needs to be recognised by the international community," she said.

But at the same time, Hua also called for internal action against countries and organisations by international community while answering a pointed question about Modi's criticism that Pakistan continues to support anti-India terrorist groups by giving them arms, financial support and helping them to cross the border to carry out attacks in India and whether it is China's view that the world should not take a stand on Islamabad's support to terrorists.

"Whatever country or organisation involved in terrorism should be seriously tackled by international community," she said without elaborating.

In this context, Hua also pointed to the references to



terrorism in the BRICS joint statement issued at the end of the summit.

"During the BRICS summit the Goa declaration was passed in which counter-terrorism issues were touched upon. We made our position on counter terrorism very clear," Hua said.

The joint statement called on all nations "to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism, which should include countering violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism, radicalisation, recruitment, movement of terrorists including Foreign Terrorist Fighters, blocking sources of financing terrorism".

Hua also said China wants India and Pakistan to resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue.

"As per the problem between India and Pakistan both the two countries are close neighbours of China. We truly hope that they can resolve these differences in a peaceful way through dialogue and consultation, so that India-Pakistan relations can develop. This serves the interest of the two countries and the region," she said.
For Yu Shuiping and other Chinese veterans, the country they served has yet to show its gratitude.

Fed up with paltry pensions and benefits, they're taking to the streets, hoping to shame the government into recognising what they say is its obligation to those who battled in harsh conditions along the country's borders.

While largely peaceful, the sporadic protests amplify concerns over labor unrest and threaten to undermine rank-and-file support for Communist Party leader Xi Jinping's campaign to modernize the world's largest-standing military by attracting better qualified and more highly motivated soldiers.

"We support the party and the government, and we don't oppose the party or hate society," Yu said in a phone interview from his home in the central province of Hunan. "We just want better treatment." Yu has for years been petitioning the government for more benefits, although he declined to discuss the specifics of his efforts.

Activist Huang Qi, who tracks unrest in China, estimates that veterans have staged as many as 50 protests this year, highlighted by a demonstration last week outside the Defense Ministry in central Beijing, where such actions are extremely rare.

Surrounded by police and plain-clothes officers, roughly 1,000 veterans from across the country, many dressed in their old uniforms, sang and marched for hours before being taken away in buses.

Behind the heavy security response lies the specter of street action by laid-off workers that has long haunted China's communist leaders, obsessed with preserving social stability at all costs.

Following a wave of worker protests in the early 2000s, China faces a new round of cuts in coal mines, steel mills and other state firms, throwing millions of workers on the scrapheap.

Such veterans' protests go back decades and are now facilitated by adept use of social media. The government censors information about them and veterans are highly reluctant to discuss their plight with foreign media for fear of being accused of disloyalty.

Thus far, however, their actions have borne little fruit. According to most accounts, the central government's response has been to fob them off on local authorities, who then fail to act on their complaints.

The authorities work to ensure some veterans are satisfied, thus keeping them from forming a united front, said Neil Diamant, a professor of Asian law and society at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, who studies the veterans' issues.

They also arrest emerging veterans' leaders, infiltrate the groups and monitor their communications, detaining large numbers if necessary, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress workers today took to the streets across Punjab to burn 'Chitta Ravan' effigies of Akali leaders, including Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and state Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia.

Despite reports of "likely police attempts" to thwart their plans, Congress leaders and workers set the effigies on fire with the party's state unit chief, Amarinder Singh, being personally present to witness the act at Baghapurana.

Congress leaders Rana Gurjit Singh, Kewal Singh and Laal Singh were among those who led the workers in setting the effigies ablaze in their respective Assembly segments.

Amarinder, who was in Moga district to take part in his party's 'Kisan Yatra' roadshow, which was launched from here today, was at Baghapurana to witness the burning of the effigies of Badal and Majithia.

Reports of similar burning of effigies of the Badals and other Akali leaders also poured in from other parts of the state at the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) office throughout the day, the party said in a statement.

Amarinder had earlier announced that 'Chitta Ravan' effigies will be burnt in all the Assembly segments of the state.

He had also announced to burn one such effigy in Ludhiana tomorrow which will coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.

For tomorrow's effigy-burning, the Punjab Congress chief has chosen the same spot where Congress workers were allegedly attacked by Akali activists in the presence of the police on Dussehra eve when they tried to burn a 'Chitta' (heroin) effigy.

Scaling the pitch of the party's anti-drugs war, Amarinder had yesterday called upon Congress workers to plaster Chitta Ravans with the faces of the Badals and other Akali leaders, in defiance of the reported "diktat" of the state government that effigies with faces will not be allowed to be burnt.

"Let them (the police) try and stop us. We will fight them every inch of the way. They cannot stop us from venting our anger at the sufferings being meted out to the people by the Badal government," he had vowed, assuring the party workers that he was with them in every step.

(REOPENS DES 28)



Meanwhile, a report from Phagwara claimed that Akhil



Bharatiya Hindu Suraksha Samiti activists took offence to the Congress' programme of effigy-burning of 'Chitta Ravan' in Punjab.

In a statement, the outfit's Punjab chief, Deepak Bhardwaj, alleged that the act amounted to "insulting Hindu traditions and hurting their religious sentiments".

"If at all the Congress wants to protest against drugs, it should name its protest programme 'Chitta Badals' as it was the Badals under whose regime the scourge of drugs has gripped the state," he alleged.

Saying that ridicule of any character of Hindu epic Ramayana will not be tolerated, Bhardwaj argued that effigies of Ravan and others were burnt on Dussehra as a symbol of victory of good over evil.

"The other side of the story is that Ravan was a great scholar, well-versed in the four Vedas," he said.

Accusing the Congress of "always playing with the sentiments of the Hindu community and ignoring it during its rule in Punjab", Bhardwaj demanded that a case be booked under IPC section 295A against Amarinder and other leaders of the party for their "deliberate and malicious acts", intended to outrage the religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.

Alleging that the Congress government in Punjab under Amarinder "did nothing" for the families of terror victims during its tenure, he flayed the party's proposed programme of effigy-burning in Ludhiana tomorrow.

Meanwhile, three groups of Congress workers burnt effigies of the 'Chitta Ravan' at Phagwara.

Led by the party's district chief and former state minister Joginder Singh Mann, the workers burnt an effigy with the Badals' photos in front of PWD Rest House along National Highway 1.

Another group, led by Punjab Mahila Congress vice-president Balbir Rani Sodhi, burnt an effigy outside the bus stand along National Highway 1.

The third group, led by PPCC executive committee member Jarnail Nangal, burnt an effigy with the visages of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and state Revenue minister Bikram Singh Majithia.

The leaders of all the three groups are the party's poll ticket aspirants from Phagwara.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today held second round of discussions with his Maharashtra and Jharkhand counterparts on BJP's 'Garib Kalyan Agenda'.

Chouhan held talks with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das besides BJP vice president Vinay Sahastrabuddhe at his official residence here for around two hours.

The meeting touched upon poverty alleviation and welfare schemes for the poor families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states to work in a "mission mode" to make their states models for execution of the Central schemes, following which a committee comprising Chouhan, Fadnavis, Das and Sahastrabuddhe was formed to prepare 'Garib Kalyan Agenda'.

After the panel submits its report to the BJP president and the Prime Minister, the agenda will be finalised.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The one-member committee headed by senior Congress leader Sushil kumar Shinde today started the probe to find the reasons that led to the October 6 clash between warring factions in Haryana Congress in which PCC chief Ashok Tanwar was injured.

Members of rival factions of Haryana Congress led by Tanwar and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda clashed at Bhairon Mandir on October 6 while welcoming Rahul Gandhi's UP road show and yatra on the last day.

Sources said Shinde today met Hooda and his MP son Deepinder Singh Hooda, besides CLP leader Kiran Chaudhary and Tanwar.

Shinde will meet other leaders from the state Congress at the party's headquarters here.

Sources add that while Tanwar put forth his stand that Hooda supporters manhandled him on October 6, Hooda on his part claimed that he had nothing to do with the clash as he was not present at the time and the supporters of both fought over posters.

Shinde is likely to meet Haryana Congress legislators supporting Hooda to know the other side of the story. He will also meet Tanwar's supporters.

Congress had asked Shinde to probe the clash between members belonging to rival factions of Haryana Congress here which left state unit chief Ashok Tanwar seriously injured ahead of Rahul Gandhi's road show on October 6.

Factionalism in the Haryana Congress came to the fore on October 6 when supporters of Tanwar and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda clashed at the Bhairon Mandir here while waiting to welcome Rahul's Kisan Yatra.

Tanwar sustained injuries during the scuffle and was admitted to RML Hospital where Rahul and several other top Congress leaders visited him.

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Climate change could sink up to 122 million more people into extreme poverty by 2030, mostly in South Asia and Africa, where small farmers will see their output plummet, the UN's Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) warned today.

In an annual report, the FAO warned that a worst-case scenario of high-impact climate change would pound the communities that rely on agriculture for their livelihood, and food insecurity could spread to all regions.

It called for a "broad-based transformation of food and agricultural systems" to adapt to a warmer world, with an emphasis on supporting small shareholders.

"There is no doubt climate change affects food security," FAO chief Jose Graziano da Silva said.

"What climate change does is to bring back uncertainties from the time we were all hunter gatherers. We cannot assure any more that we will have the harvest we have planted."



Farming is both a driver of climate change, responsible for some 21 percent of global greenhouse gas production, and a victim, with crops adversely affected by drought and floods.

Adopting "climate-smart" practices, like planting nitrogen-efficient and heat-tolerant crops, or finding better ways to conserve water, would reduce undernourishment for many millions, the FAO said.

The report also called on signatories to the 2015 Paris climate deal to "put commitments into action", underscoring the need to help developing countries with climate change mitigation.

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Ruling Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab today described the Congress party's claim of "waiving debt" after coming to power as "another fraud with farmers of the state."



"The recent ploy of Congress to allure the farmers with their loan waiver scheme will be another fraud by the party with the innocent farmers of the state," SAD Secretary and Spokesman Daljit Singh Cheema said.

PPCC Chief Amarinder Singh had promised to waive farm debt if Congress comes to power in the state.

Cheema said instead of "misleading" farmers for a new loan waiver scheme during his 'Kisan Yatra', Amarinder must go barefooted to the farmers of the state to apologise for "denial of benefit" of the much proclaimed Rs 70,000 crore loan waiver scheme announced by the Congress-led UPA government in 2008, just before the Parliament elections of 2009.

"Not even one per cent of the Punjab farmers benefitted from the scheme," he claimed.

Cheema asked the state Congress Chief that he "owes an explanation" to the farmers of the state that being the highest contributor to the national food pool, why were the Punjab farmers treated so "mercilessly" by his government at the Centre.

He said the scheme which was announced to be 70, 000 crore worth of value actually "came down to Rs 52,000 crore".

Cheema claimed the CAG report has "rapped the Congress government in its report in which 22 per cent of the total cases were found to be having irregularities which comes one out of every 5 cases".

He said that CAG has examined 90,776 cases which is less than 1 per cent of the total cases and has found that 13 percent eligible farmers were left out of the scheme whereas crores of rupees were doled out to "ineligible ones".

The SAD spokesperson said this shows the "corrupt practices" which took place in the implementation of the scheme.

He said the same Congress party which "betrayed and Looted" the farmers in 2008 has again started alluring the farmers with a new scheme and even collecting forms from the farmers through their "paid" workers only to commit "another fraud" with them.

Lashing out at Amarinder, Cheema said, "The person who could not tolerate the free power facility to more than 14 lakh tubewells of the farmers by the SAD-BJP combine government and withdrew it as soon as he came to power putting a burden of Rs 30 thousand crore on poor farmers of the state is now trying to "befool" the same community with another lollipop".

He claimed the SAD-BJP government has released more than 1,50,000 new connections for the farmers.

The number of tubewells of farmers getting free power has risen to 15,50,000, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kenya ranked third in ease of access to credit in Sub Saharan Africa

Kenya has been graded third in ease of access to credit after Rwanda and Zambia in a new report by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

Access to finance is a vital driver of economic growth, so this is great news for Kenya. The interest cap enacted in Kenya benefits customers by both keeping the rates regulated, as well as spurring greater competition amongst banks. It could also further incentivise more accurate credit scoring. All of these measures should help Kenyan businesses in the longer term, said Michael Armstrong, Regional Director, ICAEW Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

According to the report released on Friday, Rwanda has made six reforms to facilitate getting credit during 2010-16, through strengthening borrowers and lenders collateral laws.

Angola came in at the bottom of the rankings, and it is much more difficult to get credit there than in SSA on average. Angola only made one reform to facilitate access to credit in 2010-16. While Angola has the third largest banking system after Nigeria and South Africa in SSA, only a small portion of the population uses the banking system and few businesses apply for loans, the report states.

The report however says the Kenyas credit market will be distorted in the short term following the new enacted a law in August 2016 prohibiting banks from lending at rates of more than 4 per cent over the Central Bank Rate that is currently at 10 per cent taking the rates down from weighted average lending rates of 18.2 per cent as at June 2016.

But on a more positive note the report states the new law could spur greater competition and incentive more accurate credit scoring.

Both would be positive for access to finance in the longer term. Given that banks will require some time to adjust to the new regulation, and considering uncertainty related to global financial conditions, Kenyan authorities are expected to adopt a cautious approach towards monetary easing, the report observes.

Sub Saharan Africa, the report indicates performs relatively poorly in terms of getting credit compared to other regions of the world, with a regional average Distance to Frontier score of 35.9 per cent  only the Middle East and North African region does worse.

According to Making Finance Work for Africa in 2015 only 23 per cent of African households had access to formal or semi-formal financial services.

On Private Sector Credit Extension to GDP ratios, most SSA countries have relatively low PSCE to GDP ratios, which is indicative of the underdeveloped nature of the banking sectors and the limited availability of private credit in these countries.

www.icaew.com
A special court today granted bail to the husband of a judicial officer, arrested in a graft case in which she was allegedly caught by CBI while accepting bribe, saying probe relating to him was complete and there was no chance of him tampering evidence.

Special CBI Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal gave the relief to accused Alok Lakhanpal, who had sought bail on the ground of parity with his wife Rachna Tiwari Lakhanpal who was a senior civil judge at the Tis Hazari Court here.

The court also granted bail to co-accused and an advocate Vishal Mehan and asked both of them to furnish a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and a surety of like amount.

It also directed Alok, a practicing lawyer, and Vishal to surrender their passport with the court and not to leave the country without its prior permission. Both of them were in judicial custody.

"They will contact any of the witnesses and will cooperate in the investigations," the court said.

Their bail pleas were opposed by CBI on the ground that they were directly involved in the conspiracy as well as actual trap consisting of demand, acceptance and recovery.

The court had earlier granted bail to Rachna Tiwari Lakhanpal, who was suspended after her arrest, considering that there was nobody to look after her two minor kids as her husband was also under incarceration.

The judicial officer, her husband and Vishal were arrested by CBI on the night of September 28.

While granting bail to Alok and Vishal, the court noted that the CBI had taken two-day police remand and they were in judicial custody since October 1.

"Investigations qua both of them are complete, as they are no more required in the investigations, as all the relevant exhibits have already been sent to CFSL for forensic evaluation, since the court being presided over by accused number 2 (Rachna) is still stated to be sealed, there are no chances of tampering of evidence and both of them belong to respectable strata of society, therefore there are no chances of absconsion (act of absconding)," the court said.

The court was also informed that CCTV cameras installed inside the house of the judge and her husband were not working at the time of alleged bribe transaction and the Whatsapp message allegedly sent by Vishal to the mobile phone of the judge, was not available, as it had been allegedly deleted.

In its bail order, the court said it appeared to be a



case of double trap, as after trap of Vishal, he led the CBI team to the house of the judge and her husband for second trap at night.

"The circumstances under which accused number 1 (Vishal) led investigating agency for second trap are not clear at this stage. Same trap money seems to have been used in both the traps, which is bit incongruent.

"Regarding the alleged recovery of Rs 94 lakh from the house of accused number 2 and 3 (judge and her husband), since the said house was admittedly in joint possession of the couple and Alok is practicing lawyer, the source to whom the said money belongs, is a matter of investigation and trial. This amount of Rs 94 lakh in any case, does not pertain to the present trap case," the court said.

According to CBI, the judge and her husband were arrested while allegedly receiving a bribe of Rs four lakh from Vishal, who was appointed as local commissioner in a case adjudicated by her, at her residence.

CBI had claimed that during searches at the judge's residence, Rs 94 lakh cash was seized by it along with two locker keys and other material.

"A case was registered under Prevention of Corruption Act against the advocate on a complaint alleging that in a matter being heard by a Senior Civil Judge (West), Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi, she had appointed him (Vishal) as local commissioner for conducting an inspection of the disputed property and submitting his report.

"The advocate (appointed as LC) allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs two lakh for himself as well as Rs 20 lakh for the said senior civil judge for deciding the matter in favour of the complainant," it had said.

CBI had said its teams laid a trap at the designated place where the bribe was to be allegedly paid by Vishal.
A Delhi court today took cognisance on the charge sheet against a man for alleged brutal killing of a 21-year-old woman by stabbing her 22 times on a busy road here in broad daylight last month.

Metropolitan Magistrate Rashmi Gupta, after taking cognisance on the charge sheet, put up the matter for October 19 for committing the case to a sessions court as the punishment for the alleged offence is more than seven years.

The court had earlier supplied the copy of charge sheet to 34-year-old accused Surender Singh, who is currently in judicial custody, for the offence of murder under section 302 of IPC.

The savage murder, which was captured in CCTV camera, took place on September 20 when Karuna Kumar, a teacher in a North Delhi school, was going for work, police had said, adding that Surender had been stalking her for over 18 months.

Police said Karuna, along with her cousin Neha, was on her way to work when Surender attacked her with a pair of scissors near Labour Chowk in Burari.

As Surender caught Karuna off guard and stabbed her with a single blade of the scissor, a man rushed to stop him but soon backed off fearing he would be attacked.

Within about three minutes, Surender had stabbed Karuna 22 times, as onlookers kept away, it said. Neha told the police that she was also threatened by Surender forcing her to back off, but she kept shouting for help.

The victim was taken to a trauma centre in Civil Lines where she was declared brought dead. The accused was beaten up by the locals and handed him over to the police. He was arrested and a case of murder was lodged.

Surender, son of a retired Delhi Police sub-inspector, is going through divorce proceedings and has two kids.

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Three Dalit men today attempted suicide outside the collector's office in Junagadh district of Gujarat, while some 40 others were detained at Surendranagar as the community organised a protest demanding land for the landless Dalits.

The three protesters consumed some poisonous liquid outside the office of Junagadh collector and were admitted to civil hospital, police said.

They have been identified as Parbatbhai Parmar (52), Chandubhai Parmar (39) and Jignesh Parmar (25).

"All three belong to Sanda village in Mangrol tehsil of Junagadh district. They demanded immediate resolution of land issue and consumed poison," a police official from Junagadh C-division police station said.

Around 40 protesting Dalits were detained by police for two hours when they blocked a road outside circuit house in Surendranagar, police said.

"We went ahead with our protest today as planned, since our demands were not met by the government. We blocked the road for over an hour," said Subodh Parmar of Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch under whose banner the protest was organised.

He said the administration had agreed to discuss their demands.

"The sub divisional magistrate met us and assured us that the issue would be resolved," Parmar said.

The Dalit community in Gujarat is demanding allotment of land for the landless Dalits and other eligible persons from ST and OBC communities, including handing over possession of land to 182 Dalits who were allotted the land but did not get actual possession, action against those who usurped the land meant for the community, and fresh survey of Dalits for allotment of BPL cards, among other things.

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Teachers of Delhi government schools are all set to go hi-tech soon, with the AAP government deciding to provide tablets to them under its ambitious plan to reduce their "non-teaching" work burden.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the Education portfolio, has directed the officials of the department to prepare a proposal to buy tablets for around 50,000 teachers and principals of the 1024 government schools in the national capital.

In next two months, distribution of tablets to teachers will start, sources said, adding that it will cost the exchequer a burden of about Rs 50 crore.

As per the plan, the teachers will mark the attendance of students through android tablets and automatically an sms will be sent to student's parents ascertaining that their wards have attended the classes.

Atishi Marlena, adviser to Sisodia, said in the second phase, teachers will not be required to enter students' marks in the report cards, instead they can do the same on their tablets which will reduce their non-teaching work.

She said that the government will also give internet facility on these tablets.

"Most teachers complain that they cannot give more time for teaching as they are engaged in data entry or management works like maintenance of attendance registers, preparation of students' report cards, etc.

"In view of this, we have decided to give tablets to the teachers of all government schools. Education and Information Technology Department have been directed to workout the modalities of the project," Marlena said here.

She said that government will provide internet data card to the teachers so that they could do the required work online also.

The government will also impart training to the teachers, besides syllabus training, she added.

Asked if the project has got the Cabinet's nod, she said there was no need as the education department has separate budget for all such projects.

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Sri Lanka's new Constitution will carry reforms in reducing presidential powers, changing the electoral system and devolving power, the country's main Tamil party has said.

Addressing a gathering in the northern town of Vavuniya yesterday, Tamil National Alliance senior leader MA Sumanthiran said that the TNAs responsibility on formulating the new Constitution was nearing completion.

He said the basic draft of the new Constitution could be released in two months as the steering committee comprising parliamentarians and seven sub-committees appointed to do the preliminary work on the draft Constitution had nearly finalised its work. The nature of the draft proposal has not been made public yet.

Sumanthiran said the new draft will carry reforms in reducing presidential powers, changing electoral system and devolution of power.

In January this year, parliament resolved to formulate a new constitution. A 21-member steering committee of all political party representation was set up. Tamil parties and Tamil civil society groups are participating in the making a new Constitution for Sri Lanka.

The Tamil minority has largely stayed away from efforts by the two Sinhala majority parties in formulating previous Constitutions. They raised black flags against the 1972 Constitution.

Tamils are the official opposition in the current Parliament, boosting efforts to achieve national reconciliation.

The Tamil minority envisages political reform to address their long standing political grievances in the new Constitution.

The new Constitution if adopted would replace the 1978 executive president-headed Constitution.

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World's largest spirits maker Diageo today announced opening of a new business services centre in Bengaluru with plans to employ around 1,000 people by the end of next year.

To be known as Diageo Business Services India (DBSI), it will initially build a global (Diageo) finance and accounting footprint. Already 100 people have been recruited, Diageo said in a statement.

Currently, DBSI is operating from an incubation centre at Karle Town ahead of moving to a purpose built, state of the art permanent facility in the same centre, before the end of the calendar year.

DBSI starts its operations today, the company said, adding later on that the centre will be located at the Karle Town Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

It will focus on the fields of finance and accounting, and plans to move fast into other areas such as business intelligence, analytics and data services among others, the company said.

"The centre is expected to employ around 1,000 people by the end of 2017," it added.

DBSI Managing Director Tracey Barnes said: "At Diageo, culture, diversity and inclusion are integral to our ways of working. We believe that our organisation should fully reflect the communities we work in and serve.

"This is particularly important in Bangalore, where we are creating so many opportunities for great talent and aiming for an equal balance of female and male employees.

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Actress Shanon Doherty, who has been undergoing chemotherapy in her battle against breast cancer, has celebrated her fifth wedding anniversary with husband Kurt Iswarienko in Mexico.

The 45-year-old actress took to Instagram to share few pictures of her and her husband surrounded by beautiful sights and animals.

"5 years ago today I made one of the best decisions of my life. I said 'I do' and married my best friend and soul mate @kurtiswarienko.

"Life has thrown us some huge curves and we have faced them together with strength, love, passion and a desire to stand next to one another thru it all," she wrote.

The actress went on writing that she has actually learnt the meaning of a true relationship from her husband.

"I have learned what partnership truly is with this man. Yes we love to travel and have adventures together like today... Hanging out with Vicky the zebra but every day is an adventure with Kurt regardless of where we are and what we are doing. #thisistruelove #anniversary #mexico," she wrote.

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Participants in Democratic Republic of Vongo's "national dialogue" agreed today, in the absence of the main opposition party, to push back to April 2018 the presidential election due to take place before the end of the year, negotiators said.

The deal, reached during talks in Kinshasa, envisages President Joseph Kabila remaining in power until that date despite the fact that his mandate is due to end in December.

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The European Union urged Russia to bring an end to the bombing of Aleppo in Syria but refrained from imposing any sanctions on Moscow.

At a regular meeting of foreign ministers from the EU's 28 member states today, several ministers said sanctions against Russia would have no impact and could even be counterproductive in the search for an overall settlement to the conflict in Syria.

"At present, I don't see how sanctions with a possible long-term effect are supposed to contribute to improving supplies to the civilian population," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said. "So I am not the only one who, in this case, is rather skeptical about sanctions."



Russia has been heavily involved along with the Syrian regime in the onslaught of Aleppo over the past few weeks since a cease-fire broke down.

While EU ministers were discussing Syria, the head of Russia's military general staff said Russian and Syrian forces are preparing a "humanitarian pause" for the besieged city on Thursday.

Lt Gen Sergei Rudskoi was quoted by Russian agencies as saying Monday that Russian and Syrian forces will halt their fighting from 8 AM. To 4 PM on October 20 in order to allow civilians and rebels safe passage out of the city as well as for the evacuation of the sick and wounded.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini described the apparent Russian move as "a positive step" but noted that UN agencies have indicated that at least 12 hours would be needed for such an operation to be successful.

"I believe that there will be a little bit of work to be done to find the common ground," she said.

The EU is looking for a lot more than just a temporary pause and in a common statement ministers called on Russia to demonstrate "all efforts, in order to halt indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian regime, restore a cessation of hostilities, ensure immediate and expanded humanitarian access and create the conditions for a credible and inclusive political transition."



Even though Russia was not threatened with measures, the ministers are targeting more Syrians. They said the EU will act "swiftly, according to established procedures, with the aim of imposing further restrictive measures against Syria targeting Syrian individuals and entities supporting the regime as long as the repression continues."



The EU sanctions are likely to include travel bans and a freeze of assets belonging to political figures and top military officials accused of crimes.

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A former corporator and his son were today arrested in connection with the murder of a 72-year-old RTI activist, known for his battle against land mafia and encroachers, even as police suspect the killing to be the fallout of a land dispute.

RTI activist Bhupendra Vira, who had exposed encroachers and unauthorised constructions in and around Kalina in the city, was shot dead at point blank range on Saturday night when he was watching TV at his residence in suburban Santacruz.

The murder sparked strong reactions from anti-graft campaigners, saying that Maharashtra has become a dangerous place for whistleblowers with as many as 11 activists having been killed in the state in the last 10 years.

"Amjad Khan (53) and his father Razzaq Khan (78) were arrested this morning in connection with the case. Razzak was earlier a corporator in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. It looks like a land dispute led to the Khans killing Vira," Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Dudhe told PTI.

The duo were arrested after Vira's family members gave their names in the complaint, police said.

The two were later produced in a local court which remanded them in police custody till October 24.

"After arresting both the accused, Vakola police produced them in Andheri court which sent them in police custody for further probe," Deputy Commissioner of Police Virendra Mishra said.

Vira had filed some applications against the alleged illegal construction and land grabbing by Razzaq Khan, police said.

Razzaq, an ex-corporator of Congress from Santacruz, had got an order from Lokayukta for demolishing four illegal properties in the area on Vira's complaint, hours before the activist's murder, sources said.

Police are now investigating whether this order led to the murder of the RTI activist, a police officer said.

"We are investigating this fact also," he said.

Vira was staying as a tenant at the 'Razzaq chawl'.

Notably, Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of attacks and murders of RTI activists since this Act came into force in 2005.

As per data collected by Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, at least 60 RTI activists were attacked, harassed and 11 killed in Maharashtra in the last ten years.

Most applications filed by RTI activists are to seek information on land and illegal construction activities.

The cases of murder of RTI activists include that of Satish Shetty, who was killed at Talegaon Dabhade in Pune in January 2010 for exposing land scams on Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

According to reports, another activist Vasant Patil was stabbed 23 times and killed in Mumbai, while one Abrar Shaikh was murdered in Bhiwandi.

RTI activists from across the city demanded justice



for Vira, even as opposition parties took potshots at the BJP-led government alleging that the law and order situation in the state was deteriorating.

Former Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi wrote to Maharashtra State Chief Information Commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad, requesting the commission to treat his letter as a complaint under section 18 of RTI Act.

Demanding police department to inquire into the murder, Gandhi wrote, "I request the commission to order public authorities where Vira's RTI applications are pending to immediately release all the information which he must have sought in his RTI applications."



Vira had been filing RTI applications to BMC, SRA and Lokayukta to uncover illegal encroachments, he said.

Gandhi also appealed the Commissioner to direct the police department to provide security to Vira's family and other possible relief.

Another RTI activist Samir Jhaveri, who has exposed many scams, said, "This chilling murder took place just because local police openly violated compliance of the high court ruling. The lackadisical and unprofessional approach of senior officers of local police, including ACP and DCP, is responsible for this murder."



The opposition NCP and Congress too came down on the government over the "deteriorating" law and order situation.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said, "This brutal murder reflects the deteriorating law and order situation which is getting bad to worse. In the regime of BJP, such gruesome murder has taken place as if criminals have no fear for law. This is natural to happen when chief minister is seen with the criminals in the photos."



The Congress demanded that the government show its will to put an end on such criminal activities.

Party spokesman Sachin Sawant said, "The murder of the RTI activist Bhupendra Vira shows that criminals have no fear for the law and they can do whatever they wish. Law and order is lost in the city and state. This is high time when government should show its will to put an end to such criminal activities.
Amid shrill debate over taking credit for the surgical strikes by Army in PoK, Congress today invoked its "strong leader" and former prime minister Indira Gandhi who the party said had "changed the map of Asia and taught a lesson to Pakistan by separating Bangladesh in 1971."



Congress also announced to take out a 1200-km 'Adivasi Adhikar Yatra' for tribal rights across Gujarat, commemorating the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi next month, and has invited party vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

Taking a jibe at ruling BJP, state unit Congress president Bharatsinh Solanki termed Indira as the "strong leader who changed the map of Asia by separating Bangladesh from Pakistan during 1971 war."



"As part of the birth anniversary celebrations of Indira Gandhi, who taught a lesson to Pakistan by changing the map of Asia, Congress has planned to take out 'Adivasi Adhikar Yatra' next month. The march will cover a distance of 1,200 km and pass through 13 districts," he said while addressing the party's executive committee meet here.

In a gesture of political symbolism ahead of Assembly polls in state next year, the Congress has zeroed in on temple town of Ambaji in north Gujarat as the venue to start the march.

"We have invited our national vice-president Rahul Gandhi to take part in the march," Solanki said, adding that the Congress is hopeful of his presence.

While addressing the gathering of party leaders and workers, in-charge of Gujarat Congress, Gurudas Kamat, asked them to start gearing up for the polls even as he warned them against any indiscipline.

Earlier today, Congress' women wing president Sobha Oza addressed a meet of women workers at Mansa town in Gandhinagar district.

Later talking to reporters in Ahmedabad, Oza said more tickets should be given to female candidates in 2017 elections.

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An apex body of NGOs has petitioned the Union Home Ministry, urging it to extend the date of FCRA renewal to December 31, fearing that otherwise many organisations awaiting renewed licenses will have to cease operations.

Terming it as an "existential crisis" of the NGO sector, Voluntary Action Network India (VANI) said non-disbursement of renewals may halt major development projects as many voluntary organisations are involved in various flagship programs of the Centre.

Several high profile NGOs have come under the scanner in the recent past for allegedly violating the provisions of FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) that regulates the flow of foreign funds to them.

The Home Ministry's FCRA wing had set June 31 as the deadline for renewal of application. Pending renewal, their licenses will stand terminated after October 31.

"VANI drafted a petition to the MHA appealing for extension of the date for validity to 31st December 2016 or to expedite the process of dispatching renewals so as to allay the fears of organisations and allow them to continue their operations," it said in a statement.

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Blaming the alliance between BJP and PDP for the unrest in Kashmir, opposition National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah today asked the Centre to open channels of engagement with various stakeholders in the state besides initiating dialogue with Pakistan.

"Most of the problems in Kashmir stem from the alliance of PDP with the BJP, as the people have not reconciled with this scenario, especially as the former virtually fought elections against the latter making inroads in the Valley," he said while addressing party functionaries here tonight.

"The fact that the unrest is mostly south Kashmir- specific is testimony to the anger of the people," Abdullah said and asked how a party could make bonhomie with Sangh Parivar after having raised a tirade and anti-BJP pitch across the Valley.

The former Chief Minister said the root cause of the present turmoil was "deception" and "duplicity".

Without naming anybody, Abdullah asked, "Where have the crocodile tears gone which used to be shed during visits to homes of slain militants and where are the green robes?"



Recalling a meeting of opposition leaders of Jammu and Kashmir with Narendra Modi some weeks back, Abdullah said the Prime Minister had admitted that the problems in the Valley were political in nature.

"Therefore, it is all the more important to have the political dimensions of Kashmir issue resolved," he added.

"New Delhi should open channels of engagement with various stakeholders in the state as PDP-BJP's Agenda of Alliance is committed for discussions with all segments of people," the NC leader said.

He also stressed the significance of dialogue between India and Pakistan to end hostilities, especially skirmishes on borders, the brunt of which is essentially being faced by people of the state.

The National Conference president recalled the promises made by New Delhi from time to time. "The promise made by the former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao about sky being the limit for autonomy proved a crude joke as New Delhi did not walk the talk," he said.

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Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot escaped unhurt when a makeshift stage collapsed at a public function in Tonk district.

Gehlot along with former union minister Namonarin Meena and other local leaders were sitting on the dais and when the function was over, their supporters got on to the stage to take pictures with them and due to overloading it collapsed yesterday, police said.

They were taken to a hospital for a medical checkup.

"The tests were normal though Meena received mild bruises and Gehlot had muscle strain in the leg," Dr Arvind Lunawat of Saadat hospital said.

Later, Gehlot left for Jaipur.

He was in Tonk to attend a programme organised by Mali community Mahadev Vali.

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Four members of an inter-state gang, allegedly involved in looting by diverting attention of their targets, were arrested today and cash and gold worth Rs 20 lakh seized from them, police said.

The gang has 37 such cases registered against them over last three years.

After establishing their identity through CCTV footage, police arrested Petla Suresh, who belongs to Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh, K Gopi of Chennai, P Shiva and Gokul Das, both of Chittoor, near a PSU bank at A S Rao Nagar here, Commissioner of Police (Rachakonda Commissionerate) Mahesh Bhagwat said.

"It is with their interrogation (that) 37 attention diversion cases pertaining to Rachakonda Commissionerate and Cyberabad Commissionerate were confessed," Bhagwat said.

As part of their plan and modus operandi they preferred to commit offences by targeting lone persons who are in possession of gold valuables and cash, the senior police officer said, adding that further investigation is on to nab other absconding members.

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Kishore Biyani-led Future Group's food arm Future Consumer Enterprise today launched its oats brand 'Kosh' and eyeing a revenue of Rs 200-300 crore in the next 2-3 years.

The home-grown retail giant, which is targeting a revenue of Rs 20,000 crore from the food and consumer business by 2021, expects 'Kosh' to be a Rs 1,000-crore brand by then. It also anticipates FY17 top-line to be around Rs 4,000 crore



"Oats is an area where we have been working for the last one-and-a-half years. We have set up a Rs 85 crore joint venture manufacturing facility in Sri Lanka. This is one of our bigger brand launches. We are expecting a huge business coming out of it in the next 2-3 years," Future Group Chief Executive Officer Kishore Biyani told reporters here.

"In the next 2-3 years, we should be looking at Rs 200- 300 crore (from Kosh). By 2021, we are expecting close to Rs 1,000 crore," he added.

The Group currently has 27 brands under 65 categories, including food brands like Sunkist, Karmiq, Golden Harvest, Desi Atta, Fresh & Pure, Premium Harvest, Ektaa and Tasty Treat, among others.

"It (Kosh) will be widely distributed. It is one of the largest advertising spends, we are doing for any brand from our stable at the moment. For the next three years, we have an (advertising) outlay of Rs 65-70 crore," Biyani said.

Kosh will be available in four variants -- Instant Oats, Broken Oats, Oats Atta and Kosh Wheat+Oats Atta. The instant oats, broken oats and oats atta are priced at Rs 89 for 500 gm and Rs 170 for 1 kg. The wheat and oats atta are priced at Rs 62 for 1 kg and Rs 270 for 5 kg.

The cereal grain product will be distributed extensively through various modern retail stores across the country. It will also be sold through general trade in 12 key cities initially. The company is planning to export it to UAE, Europe and US.

"This (oats) will be exported. We are looking at UAE, Europe and US. We have already started discussions," he said.

The oats are grown and sourced from Australia and processed at Sri Lanka. Future Consumer has made a significant investment in its processing plant Aussie Oats Milling.

Biyani said the firm will now enter the confectionery category, where it will be launching its products soon.

Future Group expects 70 per cent of the sales in its stores to be from its private labels by 2021 from 35-40 per cent at present.

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Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari today inaugurated the first 'driving training centre' of Chapra under the Prime Minister Kaushal Vikas Yojana in a bid to help the youth find employment opportunities.

Gadkari, along with Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy, inaugurated the centre at Aphaur village, near Khaira.

He also laid the foundation stone for upgradation and paved shoulder-widening of two National Highways, 85 and 102.

The work would be carried out on a 94.25-km stretch of NH 85 between Chapra-Siwan-Gopalganj, while the work on a 73.04-km stretch of NH 102 would be carried out between Chapra-Revaghat-Muzaffarpur.

Speaking on the occasion, Gadkari said such training centres would come in handy for the youth in getting jobs.

The Centre was committed towards the development of Bihar, he said, adding that funds would not be a problem for the state's development schemes.

Rudy, the Chapra MP, said there was a severe shortage of trained and efficient drivers in the country and hence, around 500 people, coming out of the centre every year, would get jobs across the country.

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Rise India, a strategic investment firm, had joined hands for the project.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who was the special guest on the occasion, said the state government would soon take steps for development of Saran and its district headquarters town, Chapra.

Work on a road overbridge between Gandhi Chowk and Thana Chowk in the town would soon be taken up, he said.

Later, Gadkari dedicated the 107.56-km two-lane stretch of NH 28 between Muzaffarpur and Barauni to the people of the state at a function held at LS College grounds in Muzaffarpur.

The road-widening and upgradation of NH 28, along with the paved shoulder, was completed at a cost of Rs 354 crore.

The Union minister also announced that NH 28 would be converted into a four-lane highway and said he had sought proposals from the Bihar government for construction of 3,000 km roads in the state.

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Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Monday passed a resolution to boycott to protest China's "anti-India" policies.

The executive committee of GCCI unanimously passed the resolution to boycott Chinese products, GCCI senior vice president Shailesh Patwari said.

The industry body called for a boycott of saying that China continues to support Pakistan against India's interest, whether it is using veto to stall India's bid for a UN ban terrorist Masood Azhar or becoming a member of NSG.

"China has been acting against India's interests by constructing a dam on Brahmaputra river and repeatedly trying to cross the border," it said.

With this decision, the industry will boycott all kind of Chinese products, including ceramic products, tiles, clothes, chemical and pharmaceutical products, electronic items, mobile phones, lighting products, crackers, etc.
A 40-year-old man wanted in India in connection with the 2002 post-Godhra riots inGujaratwill be extradited from the UK tomorrow to stand trial in India, the Indian High Commission here said today.

Samir Vinubhai Patel was arrested by Scotland Yard in west London in August on a Red Corner Notice issued by the Indian authorities.

His extradition order was signed by UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd on September 22 and now the "surrender arrangements" have been finalised.

It marks the first extradition from the UK since the signing of the India-UK Extradition Treaty in 1992.

"Following Government of India's request for extradition, Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, an Indian national, is being extradited on 18th October 2016 to face trial in India," the High Commission said in its statement.

"Patel is facing trial in connection with post-Godhra riots in India in 2002. He is charged with the offence under Section 302 of the IPC, along with 43 other accused. The offences include being member of an unlawful assembly; rioting and murder. The accused was arrested in India and was on bail and after jumping bail had escaped to the UK," the statement added.

According toGujaratPolice, Patelis wanted in connection with riots in Ode village of Anand district.

A team of officials from India will take him into their custody to fly back to India tomorrow.

"On September 22, the Secretary of State (Amber Rudd), having carefully considered all relevant matters, signed the order for Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel's extradition to India.

"He is accused, whilst being part of a rioting mob, of three counts of murder, two counts of using unlawful violence with others for a common purpose and one count of arson," a UK Home Office spokesperson had confirmed last week.

On March 1, 2002, 23 people from the Muslim community were burnt alive in a house in Pirwali Bhagol area of Ode village.

Patel along with two others, who are still at large, is accused of being part of the riot mob at that time.

Patel's whereabouts were traced to a home in Hounslow, west London, after which Scotland Yard arrested him on August 9.

"On August 9, officers from the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) extradition unit attended an address in Beavers Lane, Hounslow and arrested Samir Vinubhai Patel, aged 40, on a warrant issued under section 71 Extradition Act 2003. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on August 10, 2016," a Scotland Yard statement said.

"We can confirm that Patel has consented to his extradition to India. However, we are unable to comment on any surrender arrangements as this is an operational matter for the police," a UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) statement added.

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As one of the world's oldest museums dedicated to anthropology turns 150, it's undergoing some big changes to showcase its significant role in developing the discipline.

Leaders of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University hinted this month at changes to come when they trotted out for one day only some of its quirkier, rarely seen pieces as part of a birthday bash marking the day in 1866 when philanthropist George Peabody committed USD 150,000 to help found the museum.

Among the curiosities was a grizzly bear claw necklace from Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's expedition to the Pacific coast and a grotesque, 19th century "mermaid" made of wood and fish parts that showman PT Barnum once took on a national tour to fanfare.

The "FeeJee Mermaid" and other items long sitting in storage will find a permanent home in public view as part of a new exhibition exploring the Peabody's role in anthropology, said Castle McLaughlin, a museum curator.

When it opens in April, "All the World is Here: Harvard's Peabody Museum and the Invention of American Anthropology" will feature roughly 600 objects. Officials hope to show a greater range of the museum's more than 1 million items, only a fraction of which are on display now.

"Harvard was very much in the business of developing anthropology," said Jane Pickering, head of Harvard's science and culture museums. "It's a really interesting occasion to reflect on the Peabody and its role. Within its field, it's incredible. The size and quality of its collection is truly astonishing."



McLaughlin said the display will be the largest and perhaps most ambitious the museum has attempted, taking up an entire floor. The museum, which opened on Harvard's campus in 1877, currently has two levels of exhibit space open.

The new exhibition will highlight curiosities collected by American ship captains that traveled to the Far East from the late 1700s to mid-1800s, of which the "Feejee Mermaid" is a prime example.

The museum's many famed excavations - from the prehistoric earthwork in Ohio known as Great Serpent Mound to the Mayan ruins of Copan in western Honduras - will also be a focus, as will the museum's role in the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.

The Peabody's director at the time, Frederick Ward Putnam, played a leading role in planning the lavish fair, which took place in Chicago and celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' first voyage to the Americas.

Putnam scoured the globe for unique artifacts and helped introduce the principles of anthropology to the wider public through the fair.

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Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today said trauma centres would be established at every 50-60 km along the main highways in the state to provide quick medical aid to accident victims.

Besides, half the revenue generated from challaning of vehicles would be utilised for development works of Police Department, Khattar said, while addressing the gathering after inaugurating police assistance booths in Karnal.

20 police assistance booths have been established from Delhi-Kundli border to Ambala.

Every Police Assistance Booth will have a motorcycle, an ambulance and would be manned by five police personnel.

The Chief Minister also flagged off motorcycles of police assistance booths.

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The Allahabad High Court today dismissed a PIL requesting release of all seriously ill prisoners lodged in various jails and who were serving life sentence.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D B Bhosale and Justice Yashwant Varma dismissed the PIL observing "if any prisoner is seriously ill, he can always lay claim to treatment on government expense. But the release of a prisoner can not be held to be in public interest".

"If a person has been sentenced for life upon being convicted for murder, then it would be in public interest that he spends his life behind the bars," the court added.

The petitioners had pleaded for directions to authorities concerned that prisoners who were serving life sentences in poor physical health may be considered for release on humanitarian grounds.

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In a relief to gangster-turned- politician Arun Gawli, the Bombay High Court today granted him nearly a two-week long parole to attend to his ailing wife.

The division bench of justices B P Dharmadhikari and A S Chandurkar ordered the authorities to release Gawli, who is sentenced to life imprisonment in a 2008 murder case, on parole on October 21 and ordered him to surrender on November 2.

Gawli, who has been lodged in Nagpur Central Prison, had prayed for release citing his wife's illness. He had said his wife needs to be operated upon on October 25.

He had filed a writ petition in the high court against rejection of his parole leave by Divisional Commissioner Nagpur.

The high court directed the Divisional Commissioner and Jail Superintendent of Central Prison, Nagpur, to release Gawli latest by afternoon on October 21 and ordered Gawli to surrender before on November 2.

Advocate Anil Mardikar and advocate Mir Nagman Ali appeared for Gawli, while advocate Nitin Rode appeared for the respondent (Divisional Commissioner).

In August 2012, Gawli, along with 11 others, had been sentenced to life imprisonment by a special MCOCA court in Mumbai in Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar murder case.

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In a reprieve to standup comedian Kapil Sharma, the Bombay High Court today granted interim stay on a notice issued by BMC in April this year directing razing of an illegal structure allegedly constructed by him at his flat in an 18-storey building in Goregaon.

Sharma had approached the HC challenging the April 28 notice issued by the civic body under section 351 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, claiming that it was "bad in law", "perverse" and issued with "malafide intentions".

The corporation in its notice claimed that certain constructions in the 18-storey residential building 'DLH Enclave' in Goregaon, in which the actor has a flat, were illegal and hence will have to be razed down.

Sharma's advocate Pradeep Thorat informed a division bench of Justices Ranjit More and Anuja Prabhudessai that earlier the builder, Dev Land Housing Ltd, had also approached the high court against the notice and that the petition has been posted for hearing on November 23.

"Let this petition (Sharma's) also be tagged along with that petition for hearing on November 23. Till then the notice is stayed," Justice More directed.

The actor had kicked up a controversy last month by alleging that he had been asked to pay a bribe of Rs 5 lakh by an official of BMC which, in turn, claimed that the actor had flouted norms not only in his Versova office building but also at his apartment in suburban Goregaon.

Sharma, in his petition, claimed that the building had been granted all requisite permissions by the civic body.

"In March and April 2010, the civic body issued commencement certificate to the developer granting permission to construct the 18 floors. On November 6, 2013, the corporation issued Full Occupation Certificate to the building," Sharma said in his petition.

However, on November 14, 2014, BMC's assistant engineer from Building and Factory department issued notice to Sharma claiming that he had made some illegal constructions in his flat in the building, and sought his reply.

Sharma, in his reply to the BMC, said no unauthorised construction was carried out at his flat in the building.

The civic body on December 1, 2014, however, refused to accept the actor's clarification.

Sharma then filed an application in Dindoshi sessions



court against the notice. On December 28, 2014, the sessions court granted interim relief and directed the civic body not to initiate any action pending hearing of the application.

"Despite the sessions court order, the corporation issued another notice on April 28 this year directing razing of the building," Sharma said in his petition.

Apart from Sharma, the BMC had issued notices to several other flat owners, including actor Irrfan Khan, for allegedly carrying out illegal construction in their flats.

Sharma, in his petition, sought the notice to be set aside and direction to be issued to the corporation not to act upon the notice pending hearing of this petition.

The comedian had recently kicked up a row through his bribe tweet, following which the Oshiwara police had registered an FIR against the actor under section 53(7) of Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act (MRTP), for alleged unauthorised construction at his flat in suburban Goregaon, based on a complaint by a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official.

Later, another FIR was registered by Versova police in Mumbai against him for alleged violation of Environment Act.

Sharma had also tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a twitter post on September 9.

"I am paying Rs 15 cr income tax from last 5 year n still i have to pay Rs 5 lakhs bribe to BMC office for making my office @narendramodi (sic)," Kapil had said in his post.

"Yeh hain aapke achhe din? @narendramodi (are these your good days)," he had sought to know in another tweet, referring to Modi's 2014 poll slogan of "good days are ahead".

The comedian, who hosts 'The Kapil Sharma Show' on TV, has a large number of followers on his Twitter handle and since he tagged the Prime Minister, the tweet generated sharp reactions from all major political parties, with an eye on the forthcoming civic elections.
The CPI today pitched for holding internal dialogue with all stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir to reverse the "erosion" of Article 370, which grants special status to the state.

The Left party also suggested giving autonomous structures within the state, a process, which it said, will entail changes in Constitutional and legal scheme.

In a statement, issued after conclusion of its two-day national executive meeting here yesterday, the CPI asked BJP to "not politicise" Uri attack and surgical strike by the army and also decided to work towards defeating the saffron party in forthcoming polls in five states including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

"The internal dialogue with all stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir should proceed on the basis of reversing the erosion of Article 370. The three regions of the state: Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh should have autonomous structures within the state.

"This will entail changes in the constitutional and legal scheme which can begin by revising the existing orders and laws. Ultimately, a fresh political framework should emerge," the party said in the statement.

Expressing concerns over "deteriorating situation" along Line of Control (LoC) amid strained ties between India and Pakistan, it said, the BJP "should not politicise" Uri terror attack and surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan- occupied-Kashmir by the army.

Deliberating upcoming assembly polls in UP, Punjab, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand, the party said it decided to evolve electoral tactics in view of defeating BJP as well as winning back the representation of CPI in these assemblies.

"It (national executive) decided to finalise the tactics at the coming national council meeting of the party that will be held in Hyderabad on December 21, 22 and 23," the statement reads.

The CPI has decided to observe December 6, which marks the death anniversary of Constitution's Architect BR Ambedkar and demolition of Babri mosque, as "day against communalism and casteism".

The party also plans to organise programmes throughout the year, beginning November 7, to observe centenary of October Revolution.

Party general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy, national secretary D Raja and other executive members took part in the meeting presided over by CPI state secretary Bhalchandra Kango.

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India is looking at signing a preliminary agreement with Nigeria in December for investing in refineries as well as exploration and production of oil and gas in the African nation.

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today discussed with Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State for Petroleum of Nigeria the potential in diversifying the engagement of two countries in the hydrocarbon sector.

Kachikwu is on a three days official visit to India.

"Both Ministers noted the existing and significant engagement between the two countries in the hydrocarbon sector. During the meeting, Pradhan thanked Nigerian Minister for allocating term contracts to Indian public sector oil companies and requested Nigeria to extend similar long term contracts to them," an official statement said here.

Nigeria is one of the largest trading partners of India in Africa. In 2015-16, India imported nearly 23.7 million tons of crude (nearly 12 per cent of India overall imports) and over 2 million tons of LNG from Nigeria.

The two ministers discussed the significant potential in diversifying the engagement in the hydrocarbon sector.

"The Nigerian Minister requested a potential investment by India of USD 15 billion, if the terms can be agreed to, in Nigeria as upfront payment for crude purchase," the statement said.

This amount is to be repaid on the basis of firm crude oil sales to India over some years and in consideration for collaborating in refining sector, exploration and production activities.

"Both agreed to strengthen the existing cooperation in oil and gas sector, and in particular to explore investment opportunities for Indian Public and Private sector companies in Nigeria," the statement said.

The two agreed "to work on a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate investments by India in the Nigerian oil and gas sector and include areas such as term contract, participation of Indian Companies in the refining sector, oil and gas marketing sector, upstream sector, development of gas infrastructure and training of oil and gas personnel in Nigeria," it said.

The MoU is expected to be firmed up in December during the PETROTECH-2016 conference.

The Nigerian minister also had one-to-one meetings with top executives of Indian public sector oil and gas companies and also representatives of some private sector firms.

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Visa, customs cooperation, greater market access for goods and intellectual property rights are the key issues that will be discussed during the trade policy forum (TPF) meeting between India and the US on October 20.

As part of the TPF, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and US Trade Representative Michael Froman will meet on October 20.

Before the ministerial level meeting, Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia and Deputy US Trade Representative Robert Holleyman will deliberate upon the issues on October 19.

"IPR issues like evergreening of patents, compulsory licensing; ways to promote trade and investments between the countries; trade secrets, market access for agri products will figure in both the meetings," an official said.

After the ministerial level meeting, a joint statement will be issued.

The meetings assumes significance as the TPF is the premier bilateral forum for discussion and resolution of trade and investment issues between the two countries.

It has five focus groups: Agriculture, Investment, Innovation and Creativity (intellectual property rights), Services, and Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers.

India has consistently maintained its stand that its IPR laws are compliant with global and WTO norms, but the US has raised concerns over the patent regime, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.

On trade secrets, the US wants a separate law to protect this.

Besides, the official said, both the sides would discuss the proposed social security agreement, reduction of non-trade barriers and high visa costs in the US which is impacting Indian IT professionals working there.

In its meeting in July last year, India had pressed for setting up a high level group to discuss India's concerns on US Totalisation and Social Security Act.

According to India, this law discriminates Indian worker's in the US who ended up losing their social security contributions due to discrepancy in the visa and social security regimes.

India wants early conclusion of the totalisation agreement or Social Security Agreement with the US. It aims to protect interests of professionals of Indian-origin who contribute more than USD 1 billion each year to the US social security.

Under this pact, professionals of both the countries would be exempted from social security taxes when they go to work for a short period in the other country.

The current bilateral trade between the countries is around USD 100 billion. Both the sides have agreed to take it to USD 500 billion in the coming years.

India received USD 17.95 billion in FDI from the US companies between April 2000 and March 2016.

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A 39-year-old Indian-American woman attorney today pleaded guilty to visa fraud charges related to students and H-1B visas, federal prosecutors said.

Sunila Dutt, of Virginia, pleaded guilty before US District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court to an information charging her with conspiracy to commit visa fraud and obstruct justice.

Dutt, an immigration attorney for two information technology companies - SCM Data Inc and MMC Systems Inc -- admitted that she submitted phony documents and obstructed a federal investigation as part of a scheme that fraudulently obtained foreign worker visas, US Attorney Paul J Fishman announced.

According to court information, SCM Data Inc and MMC Systems Inc offered consultants to clients in need of IT support.

Both companies recruited foreign nationals, often student visa holders or recent college graduates and sponsored them for H-1B visas.

Dutt and other conspirators recruited foreign workers with purported IT expertise who sought work in the United States.

The conspirators then sponsored the foreign workers' H-1B visas with the stated purpose of working for SCM Data and MMC Systems' clients throughout the United States.

When submitting the visa paperwork to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the conspirators falsely represented that the foreign workers had full-time positions and were paid an annual salary, as required to secure the H-1B visas, federal prosecutors alleged.

Contrary to these representations and in violation of the H-1B program, the conspirators paid the foreign workers only when they were placed at a third-party client who entered into a contract with SCM Data or MMC Systems.

Justice Department alleged that in some instances, false payroll records were generated to create the appearance that the foreign workers were paid full-time wages.

Dutt admitted that she submitted, or caused to be submitted, one or more filings to USCIS falsely representing the companies would employ foreign workers for in-house positions when no such positions existed.

Dutt faces a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for February 6, 2017.

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The democratic process in India has brought about a shift in political power from the middle and higher castes and classes of urban society to the backward classes who are now politically the most influential ones in the country, Vice President Hamid Ansari said today.

"They (backward castes) have won reservations for themselves in legislatures and government services as were accorded to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes after independence through Constitutional provisions," said Ansari who is on a three-day official visit to Hungary.

"There are few examples in recent history of such a conspicuous shift of political power, involving such a huge mass of population, taking place in such a short period of time almost without any violence and in a democratic way. This is one more example of the miracles that democracy can create.

"So there is much to celebrate, much to be proud of. At the same time, living societies also introspect from time to time, recall their foundational principles and assess the work still to be done," he said while addressing a seminar on 'Indian Democracy: Achievements and Challenges' at the Corvinus University.

He said, these, in India's case, are inscribed in the Preamble and the text of the Constitution. They were amplified in the concluding statement of Bhimrao Ambedkar, the man who chaired the drafting committee.

He said the Indian Constitution stipulated universal adult franchise and its basic principles were summed up in a brief and pithy form in the Preamble; its sections on Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy made it a socio-economic manifesto.

"In other words the superstructure of a democratic polity and a secular state structure, put in place in modern India, is anchored in the existential reality of a plural society," he said.

The Vice President said a word about the nature of Indian society is relevant to contextualise this discussion.

India's population of 1.27 billion comprises of over 4,635 communities 78 per cent of whom are not only linguistic and cultural but social categories. Religious minorities constitute 19.4 per cent of the population, he said.

"Much of this is reflective of our cultural past. Indian culture is syncretic in character and, as a historian put it 'embraces in its orbit beliefs, customs, rites, institutions, arts, religions and philosophies belonging to different strata of societies in varying stages of development'.

"It eternally seeks to find a unity for the heterogeneous elements which make up its totality.' It is a veritable human laboratory where the cross breeding of ideas, beliefs and cultural traditions has been in progress for a few thousand years. The national movement recognised this cultural plurality and sought to base a national identity on it," he said.

Ansari said a critical question about the first-past-the



-post (FPTP) system relates to the representativeness of the elected representative is a single-member district, simple- plurality system in which voters cast a single ballot to choose a single representative to the lower house of Parliament or the state legislative assembly, the candidate with largest number of votes, even if only a plurality, getting elected to represent the constituency.

He said in the 2014 general election, only 117 of the 539 winning candidates in the Lok Sabha secured 50 per cent or more of the votes cast. This in the context of the overall national voting percentage of 66.4 per cent makes evident the actual representativeness of the elected MPs.

"One study shows that it was 31 per cent. On the one hand, the FPTP system has the merit of being uncomplicated since it uses single-member districts and candidate-centred voting and gives to voters a clear choice between candidates and parties. On the other hand, this system produces a discrepancy between voter-share in results. It also results in the exclusion of small or regional parties in the legislature," he said.

He said the challenge of securing substantive equality for citizens, and thereby ensuring fraternity for the unity and integrity of the nation, remains a work in progress and it has been argued that "inequality traps" prevent the marginalised and work in favour of the dominant groups in society and that "unequal opportunities lead to unequal outcomes which in turn lead to unequal access to political power".

"This creates a vicious circle since unequal power structure determines the nature and functioning of the institutions and their policies," he said.

He said this is accentuated by the unequal presence of the weaker sections especially women and minorities. At the same time, the FPTP "has not been able to uphold majoritarianism in a multi-party system since the winning candidate often wins only about 20-30 per cent of votes".

"Among other challenges in the path to more comprehensive democracy is the question of gender balance. Women MPs constitute only 11 per cent of the total in the House of People elected in 2014. Some but not all of the religious minorities are in the same position. Both require to be attended to through strategies of affirmative action," he said.

He said though gender equality has been ensured through legislation in municipalities and village panchayats, the same has not yet been done for Parliament and state assemblies.

Referring to another paradox, he said record shows that while the public participation in the electoral exercise has noticeably improved, "public dissatisfaction from the functioning of elected bodies is breeding cynicism with the democratic process itself. The imperative for a corrective is evident to reinforce public confidence in the ability of the system to deliver, as intended".

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He said thus well before the actual attainment of freedom on August 15, 1947, our people were prepared psychologically and ideologically for self-rule in a democratic format and this was spelt out in the Objectives Resolution of December 1946 stipulating that all power and authority of independent India shall be derived from the people and would guarantee some basic rights to citizens.

The Vice President said it is evident that the quest for improvements will continue with the growth of public awareness of the electoral process. An observer of the Indian scene has noted that "the ethos of democracy expresses itself in the freedom of expression, respect for human rights, good governance, pluralism and mutual understanding" adding that "a participatory democracy today is only possible through the active participation of citizen's initiatives".

He said evidence of this, in the case of India, is to be found in new social movements that mobilise large masses and in the process create space for political action that have a transformative capacity. The impulses and processes generated by these movements add vigour to Indian democracy.

Ansari said "an Indian of my generation also recalls a footnote to the events of September 1956 in this city and the role that an Indian diplomat by the name of Mohammad Ataur Rahman, the then Indian Ambassador to Hungary, was destined to play in them".

"The gratitude of the Hungarian people was publicly acknowledged by President Arpad Goncz on his visit to India in 1991," he said.
Iran's national oil company today said that it has offered 50 oil and gas fields to international bidders, the first time it has done so since last year's landmark nuclear deal with world powers.

The country's deputy oil minister today also welcomed a preliminary agreement by OPEC nations to limit output to between 32.5 million and 33 million barrels per day.

The deal by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries was reached in late September, with the aim reducing a global glut that has depressed oil prices for over two years.

The deputy minister, Amir Hossein Zamaninia, told reporters in Tehran that the agreement was "small step, but in the right direction."



Iran has been trying to restore its oil industry since emerging from international sanctions over its nuclear program earlier this year. The country, with an oil output of 3.85 million barrels per day, initially said it would only consider a ceiling after it reaches 4 million barrels per day, its pre-sanctions level.

Meanwhile, Iran's Oil Ministry announced yesterday it will invite foreign companies to bid for oil and gas projects for the first time.

The ministry today released details, saying this would include 29 oil fields and 21 gas fields.

The ministry has said foreign companies should submit their applications by Nov. 19, and that successful companies would be announced on December 7.

Iran had previously said that priority for exploration and production for foreign companies would be given to neighboring countries with which it shares border fields. The country has 28 joint offshore and onshore gas and oil fields with those countries.

Iran hopes to attract more than USD 150 billion foreign investment in its oil, gas and petrochemical industry by 2020. It has already upgraded its model for oil contracts, allowing for a potential full recovery of costs over almost two decades. Earlier this month, Iran signed the first such contract with a local oil company.

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Japan has barred all smartphones from airplanes, mirroring moves by US regulators and a string of carriers that banned the recalled devices over fire risk concerns.

The weekend announcement from Japan's transport ministry follows an earlier warning that asked airlines to urge passengers not to turn on or charge the smartphones on aircraft.

But aviation authorities went a step further on Saturday, ordering airlines to ban the devices completely, a transport ministry official said.

The South Korean electronics giant has recalled all Note 7 phones, including replacements, following reports of exploding batteries and fires, which have led to numerous injuries. Samsung has also stopped producing the flagship handset.

Japan's move came after US transport authorities on Friday issued an emergency order banning the phones and saying anyone attempting to travel with the recalled handsets may face fines and have their devices confiscated.

It was not immediately clear what sort of penalties passengers on the country's biggest carriers- All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines (JAL)- could face if they were found with the phone.

JAL spokesman Takuya Shimoguchi said customers could choose to board planes without their Note 7 phone or the airline would confiscate it.

But "there have been no clear instructions on punitive measures", added Shimoguchi before sharing they would act "on a case-by-case basis".

Korean Air follows government guidelines requiring Note 7s to be turned off in-flight and only transported in carry-on luggage. But it operates a total ban on flights to-and-from the US, Canada and Hong Kong.

South Korea's Asiana has banned Note 7s from all flights today.

Australian and New Zealand airlines have banned the phone from all planes.

Almost all mainland Chinese airlines have also banned it, while at the weekend Hong Kong's international airport prohibited passengers from carrying the device on any incoming or outgoing flights, either in checked or carry-on baggage.

The southern Chinese city's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific and its low-cost offshoot Dragonair had also said passengers were no longer allowed to carry the devices on any of their flights.

They were joined by budget carriers Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express.

Singapore Airlines and Taiwan's China Airlines and EVA Air have also banned the smartphones.
The father of Sepoy Sudhesh Kumar, who was killed in firing by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, wants more surgical strikes for ending terrorism, saying it will be a true tribute to his son.

Brahmpal Singh, a farmer by profession and native of Pansukha Milak village here, said Sudhesh sacrificed his life for the nation and he was proud of his son.

"The country should go in for more surgical strikes to end terror...It will be the true homage to my son," Brahmpal said.

The 24-year-old was the youngest among his five siblings and had joined army four years ago. He got married three years ago and and has a four-month-old daughter.

Sudesh, hailing from Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh, was killed when Pakistani Army started indiscriminate and unprovoked firing on Indian Army posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district sector yesterday.

In the primary and secondary schools of the village where Sudhesh had studied, young children paid tributes to him and raised slogans.

A village youth Nirdosh Kumar said the village has a long tradition of sending jawans in the armed forces and at present some 50 to 60 youth from here are serving the country.

There are at least 50 more who are preparing to join the army and they have resolved to work harder, he said.

Meanwhile, ADM Sambhal Rajendra Yadav said the martyr's body was likely to reach here by evening and all preparations are on to perform the last rites with full state honours.

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With aim to give fillip to the agriculture sector, the Jammu and Kashmir government is planning to come up with a newfarmer-friendly procurement policy to help the farming community get maximum return for their produce.

State Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs ((FCSCA)), Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali today said "the government is in process of framing new farmer friendlyProcurement Policy to boost agriculture activities in the state."



He was addressing locals after inaugurating a paddy procurement mandi at Kathua, where farmers would sell their produce directly to Food Corporation of India(FCI).

Around 5 places have been chosen in Kathua for procurement of paddy this year, he said adding farmers had to go through a lot of hardships to sell their produce at appropriate price as they had no platform to sell the same. FCSCA Department is providing them an opportunity to get maximum return of their harvest.

In absence of proper procurement facility, farmers were being fleeced by the middleman, he said.

The minister further said new procurement policy will be designed with integrated approach enabling the farmers tohave easy access to the government established procurement centres/mandis/market at shortest possible distance.

Proper calendar will also be issued for operating these mandies about which the local farmers would be informed well in advance, he added.

The minister also called upon farmers to come with best quality food grains as it would be distributed to state rationees. There will be no compromise on quality of the food grains.

Terming market intervention as a necessary step, the minister said in the present era of rapid industrialisation, the contribution of agriculture sector in GDP is declining which is a sign of worry.

He said there is a need to revisit the mechanism of procurement so that farmers can be encouraged to carry on with the agriculture activities and get maximum returns due to pro farmer policies of the government.

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In a bid to increase employment avenues, Labour Ministry in association with CII and an online skill assessment firm Wheelbox has launched a Model Career Centre (MCC) in Mumbai.

The MCC is a project of Director General Employment and Training of Labour Ministry through National Career Service (NCS), Wheelbox said in a press release.

The MCC was formally launched by the Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya last week, a company spokesperson said.

The center is a step above the employment exchanges across the nation which principally serve as registers of employed people.

The candidates will be provided with counselling and assessment, soft skill training, technical up skilling and placement at MCC.These training will help the candidates in securing right career choice as per their aptitude.

The MCC will also provide an opportunity in bridging the skills requirement by industry with the workforce available.

CII Naoroji Godrej Model Career Centre in Mumbai is the first model career centre in Maharashtra.

Earlier Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya had said that six more Model Career Centres would be opened in the state during the year.

He has emphasised on the importance of National Career Service Portal and the Model Career Centres to match 'skills to jobs', noting that more than 10 million workforce enter the job market every year, it is important to map them to meet the future needs of the industry.

The minister emphasised on the fact that the Model Career Centres would go a long way in bridging the skill requirement by industry with the workforce available.

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Standup comedian Kapil Sharma has approached the Bombay High Court challenging a notice issued by BMC directing razing of an illegal structure allegedly constructed by him at his flat in suburban Goregaon.

On April 28 this year, the civic body issued notice to Sharma under section 351 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, claiming that certain constructions in the 18-storey residential building 'DLH Enclave' in Goregaon, in which the actor has a flat, were illegal and hence will have to be razed down.

Sharma, in his petition, claimed that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) notice was "bad in law" and issued with "malafide intentions".

The actor had kicked up a controversy last month by alleging that he had been asked to pay a bribe of Rs 5 lakh by an official of BMC which, in turn, claimed that the actor had flouted norms not only in his Versova office building but also at his apartment in suburban Goregaon.

"In March and April 2010, the civic body issued commencement certificate to the developer granting permission to construct the 18 floors. On November 6, 2013, the corporation issued Full Occupation Certificate to the building," Sharma said in his petition.

However, on November 14, 2014, BMC's assistant engineer from Building and Factory department issued notice to Sharma claiming that he had made some illegal constructions in his flat in the building, and sought his reply.

Sharma, in his reply to the BMC, said no unauthorised construction was carried out at his flat in the building.

The civic body on December 1, 2014, however, replied refusing to accept the actor's clarification.

Sharma then filed an application in Dindoshi sessions court against the notice. On December 28, 2014, the sessions court granted interim relief and directed the civic body not to initiate any action pending hearing of the application.

"Despite the sessions court order, the corporation issued another notice on April 28 this year directing razing of the building," Sharma said in his petition.

Apart from Sharma, the BMC had issued notices to several other flat owners, including actor Irrfan Khan, for allegedly carrying out illegal construction in their flats.

Sharma, in his petition, sought the notice to be set aside and direction to be issued to the corporation not to act upon the notice pending hearing of this petition.

The petition is likely to come up for hearing in due course of time before a division bench of Justices Ranjit More and Anuja Prabhudessai.

The comedian had recently kicked up a row through his



bribe tweet, following which the Oshiwara police had registered an FIR against the actor under section 53(7) of Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act (MRTP), for alleged unauthorised construction at his flat in suburban Goregaon, based on a complaint by a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official.

Later, another FIR was registered by Versova police in Mumbai against him for alleged violation of Environment Act.

Sharma had also tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a twitter post on September 9.

"I am paying Rs 15 cr income tax from last 5 year n still i have to pay Rs 5 lakhs bribe to BMC office for making my office @narendramodi (sic)," Kapil had said in his post.

"Yeh hain aapke achhe din? @narendramodi (are these your good days)," he had sought to know in another tweet, referring to Modi's 2014 poll slogan of "good days are ahead".

The comedian, who hosts 'The Kapil Sharma Show' on TV, has nearly 63 lakh followers on his Twitter handle and since he tagged the Prime Minister, the tweet generated sharp reactions from all major political parties, with an eye on the forthcoming civic elections.
Kerala Vigilance Director Jacob Thomas today dismissed allegations of financial irregularities against him in connection with a solar power project during his previous capacity as Ports Director, and said some vested interests were behind the charges.

Thomas was referring to recent reports that the Finance Inspection Wing (FIW) of the state government had recommended departmental action against him earlier this year for alleged irregularities in setting up solar units at various ports department offices during 2013-14.

The FIW report, prepared during the time of previous Congress-led UDF government, is now pending before the LDF government for further action.

"Some vested interests are behind the allegations. The old FIW report, presented to the government months ago, is being projected as a new one. There is some special interest behind raising the issue now," he said at a function to welcome the new batch of journalism students at Press Club here.

The official said those who indulged in corruption were making all efforts to oust him from the post of Vigilance Director.

He also said the VACB receives around 500 complaints daily against alleged corruption in various government departments.

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Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju today took potshot at filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, saying people use Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name to get into .

"A new fashion has developed in India. A student or a film person can put a question or speak against PM without any logic to get into news," Rijiju tweeted.

Kashyap, in a series of tweets, had said that why should only Indian filmmakers be targeted for casting Pakistani actors when the PM also made a trip to Lahore last year.

"@narendramodi Sir you haven't yet said sorry for your trip to meet the Pakistani PM... It was dec 25th. Same time KJo was shooting ADHM? Why? @narendramodi why is it that we have to face it while you can be silent?" the director had written to show support for Karan Johar's upcoming movie "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil".

Kashyap was trolled on Twitter and also received criticism from some members of the film industry over his comments.

"Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" has landed in soup over casting Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. In the aftermath of Uri attack last month, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) issued an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes to leave India.

Subsequently, Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association passed a motion to ban the artistes from the neighbouring country.

Recently, Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India also decided to not screen the films with Pakistani actors in four states-- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.

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A liquor brewing unit was set afire by suspected Maoists at a village in M Rampur area of Kalahandi district, police said today.

A group of ultras, including women, stormed into Dengsur-Tipadi village in the early hours yesterday and attacked the unit and set it on fire after threatening the employees present there, the police said.

Raw material for making local brew, bottles, liquor pouches, documents and two motorcycles were damaged in the fire, they said.

A poster bearing the name of the banned CPI (Maoist) Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Boudh and Nayagarh division was recovered from the site asking people to close down liquor units everywhere.

A police team visited the spot and investigation into the incident was on, Kalahandi Superintendent of Police Brijesh Kumar Rai said.

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The Madras High Court today declined to accept a plea of State Revenue Secretary seeking eight years to implement a GPS system to enable generation of proper data and records of various government lands.

"Shorn of niceties, there appears to be reluctance to engage technology for a quicker resolution. The reasons to appear to be quiet obvious," the court said.

It observed that two years time was enough to complete the exercise and directed the Revenue Secretary to be present to assist the court in the matter. It then posted the matter for further hearing to November 10.

The matter relates to a PIL seeking a direction to authorities to constitute a Permanent Special Task Force with adequate powers and responsibilities to conduct periodical inspections, field surveys and removal of encroachments from all categories of vacant government lands situated within the revenue districts of Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur.

It also sought a direction to authorities to take appropriate action to ensure proper utilisation of each property including disposal of excess lands within a prescribed time limit.

When the matter came up earlier, the petitioner had suggested that a GPS will help in resolving the issue.

Today, it was brought to the court's knowledge by the petitioner that the central government has raised the funds for allocation to the state under the National Land Records Modernization Programme.

The State Revenue Secretary, who was present, also filed the affidavit in which he sought eight years for implementation of the scheme.

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The Maharashtra government will soon start an ambulance boat service for the villages located near Mumbai, to ensure quick response in medical emergency.

The 'ambulance boat' can speedily reach villages located near Mumbai, Maharashtra Health Minister Deepak Sawant told reporters today.

The decision was taken at a meeting here which was attended by Uran MLA Manohar Bhoir along with officials from the Public Works Department.

Villages like Uran, Pali and Mhasala are located near Mumbai.

"The state government has also sanctioned the proposal of construction of a 100-bed rural hospital in Uran. The tender and other necessary documents will be cleared in next two months. I have also asked the PWD and state health officials to hold a joint visit in Uran for expediting the procedure for construction of the hospital," Sawant, who is from the Shiv Sena, said.

The need of the government hospital at Uran is mainly because of its proximity to the Mumbai Pune expressway. In case of an accidental emergency, a nearby government hospital would be helpful, said the Minister.

Sawant also said another government run hospital is coming up near Panvel, which will be completed by February 2017.

"Panvel is close to Mumbai Pune e-way as well as Mumbai Goa highway and hence a well equipped hospital is must in the region" he added.

The Panvel Municipal Council has been recently converted into a Municipal Corporation. Hence there is a need for up-gradation of several facilities and services. I have asked the officials from my department to release funds on priority basis for Panvel Municipal Corporation as well as for other similar infrastructural development in the health sector, Sawant added.

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This undated file photo provided by French Police shows 26-year old Salah Abdeslam, who is wanted by police in connection with recent terror attacks in Paris, as police investigations continue. Photo: AP/PTI

The brother of Salah Abdeslam, the main suspect in the Paris attacks, has called on him to agree to answer questions about the November 2015 massacre.

"I ask my brother to speak," Mohamed Abdeslam told French radio station RTL yesterday.

The plea came after the suspect's two lawyers said last week they would no longer defend him given his uncompromising refusal to answer questions.

Abdeslam is the sole surviving member of the group behind the November 13 carnage at a Paris concert hall, bars and the national stadium that left 130 people dead and scores injured.

"During my visits to Belgium, I really saw a Salah Abdeslam who was ready to talk... A few months later, it feels like I am looking at another person. I can confirm that Salah is more withdrawn, more closed now," the suspect's sibling added.

Abdeslam was transferred to France from Belgium in April, after a long manhunt following the carnage on November 13.

He has refused to answer questions since his transfer, and his lawyer Frank Berton said last week that he believed he would continue to claim the right to remain silent.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Paris atrocity, one of a string of attacks claimed by the jihadists that have put Europe on edge.

"His incarceration, the extremely difficult conditions of his detention, his withdrawal into himself; I sometimes have the impression he is more radicalised now, rather than de-radicalised," said Mohamed Abdeslam, who has visited his brother in prison every three months.

While he was eager for Abdeslam's trial to take place, he said "it would be a disappointment for us all" if the suspect remained silent.

Abdeslam drove the three suicide bombers who blew themselves up outside the Stade de France to the stadium and then roamed the city before fleeing to Belgium the next day.

He had told investigators in Belgium he had also wanted to blow himself up at the Stade de France but then changed his mind.
At least 12 patients were injured after a major fire broke out at the Sum Hospital here this evening, a police officer said.

The fire, suspected to have originated from the dialysis ward on the first floor, quickly spread to other areas, including the ICU on the same floor, of the four-storey hospital building.

The commissionerate of police and fire brigade personnel along with volunteers and hospital staff launched a massive rescue operation as more than 500 in-door patients were trapped in the fire, a hospital source said.

At least seven fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze and over a dozen ambulances had been deployed to shift the critical patients to other hospitals.

Many patients were rescued by breaking window panes, said an eye witnesses.

"We have launched the fire fighting as well as rescue operation in a big way. The personnel of three fire stations of Bhubaneswar were engaged in the operation," Director General, Fire Service, B Behera said.

Though the fire was suspected to have erupted due to an electric short circuit, the exact reason would be ascertained after a thorough probe, he said.

"I jumped down from the first floor where my father is being treated. I do not know what happened to my father and other patients," said Jyoti Prakash, adding that he could not proceed due to thick smoke.

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Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF), an umbrella organisation of the Bru community lodged in six relief camps in North Tripura district, today urged Ministry of Home Affair's Special Secretary (Internal Security) Mahesh Kumar Singla to arrange logistics for MBDPF leaders visit to three districts in Mizoram.

MBDPF president A Sawibunga and Bruno Msha said the Bru body proposed to visit Mizoram's Mamit, Kolasib and Lunglei districts before the commencement of the repatriation process from early November.

"The MBDPF decided to send teams to visit Mamit, Lunglei, and Kolasib districts of Mizoram to identify the villages for repatriation under Final Road Map," the letter said, adding the visit of the MBDPF teams was extremely crucial for the success of the repatriation process.

The visit by MBDPF would help in building confidence and trust among the Bru IDPs living in relief camps, it said.

The Bru body appealed to the MHA to provide necessary arrangements including security for the team.

The letter also listed out a number of queries and objections to Road Map-V for Bru Repatriation as prepared by the Mizoram government and also made a 14-point charter of demands for the repatriation process.

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Unidentified persons today looted Rs four lakh from a transporter's son at gun point in Prashant Vihar area of outer Delhi.

Nitish Goel, a resident of Rohini Sector 11 was going to bank to deposit money when two bike borne persons showed him a gun and robbed Rs 4 lakh from him, police said.

Two robbers on a motorcycle overtook his vehicle on way to bank and robbed him on gun point at around 4 pm, said a police officer.

Investigation has been undertaken and efforts are being made to identify the robbers with the help of CCTV footage, he said.

Police said Nitish's father Ghanshyam Agarwal has a transport business.

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Having grabbed some attention by its aggressive stand against Pakistani artistes in Bollywood, the Raj Thackeray-led is likely to raise similar emotive issues in the coming days to stay in the reckoning ahead of civic polls across the state, including the race to the prestigious Mumbai Municipal Corporation.

According political observers here, flagging the issue of Pakistani artistes alongside civic matters like pothole-ridden roads in the megapolis, forms part of the MNS's strategy to play on sentiments of the city dwellers, though the party rebuts such a suggestion.

vice-president and spokesperson Vageesh Saraswat rejected as unfounded the criticism that its campaign against Pakistani artistes was based on political considerations.

"We have raised the potholes issue and filed complaints against engineers of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) in all the 93 police stations in Mumbai. Our corporators Sandeep Deshpande and Manish Dhuri were arrested and sent to custody. They were entitled to bail, but did not apply for it, seeking to send out a message that to improve Mumbai, we are ready to go to jail," Saraswat told PTI.



Gearing up for civic polls, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has also taken certain steps to strengthen the organisational structure.

"In Mumbai, we have put one leader each in charge of two Assembly segments. Inefficient office-bearers have been replaced.

In other cities like Nashik, Pune, we have identified the leader for each city and has also chosen the deputy. In each city, a woman leader has been assigned the task of strengthening the women's wing," Saraswat said.

Factoring in recent delimitation of wards, the party will also make changes in the work allotment to office-bearers and leaders.

Party supremo Raj Thackeray himself will visit each ward-level office in Mumbai and interact with office-bearers, sources said, adding the party expects that common man can connect with the issues which are raised by it.

"We will contest the elections on our own. If there is an offer for alliance, we are open to it," he said adding that the process of identifying candidates is being done.

Currently, MNS has 27 corporators in Mumbai civic body. However, the party fared poorly in the Assembly polls in 2014, falling far behind BJP, Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP.

Civic polls in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, scheduled for early next year, are seen an an opportunity for the party to grab some space and remain in the reckoning in state politics.

MNS is planning to contest all corporations and field candidates in selected places for municipal councils and zilla parishads elections, party sources said.
A mob today set the 'Vajra Vahan' (anti-riot vehicle) of police on fire after a minor boy was crushed to death by the police vehicle in Bihar's Jehanabad district.

Fifteen-year-old Chhotan Manjhi was going to his village Yadubigaha from Naihalpur on bicycle when he was crushed to death by the police vehicle near Naihalpur village under Paras Bigaha police station area of the district, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Ashfaque Ansari said.

"Following the incident, villagers of Yadubigaha, Naihalpur and other adjoining areas set the police vehicle on fire in protest against the incident and also blocked the NH-110," the SDPO said.

The police team which went to clear the blockade had to retreat after local villagers hurled stones in which a sub-inspector, R N Yadav suffered minor injuries.

Later, SDPO Ashfaque Ansari and Sub-Divisional officer Nawal Kishore Choudhary reached the spot with heavy reinforcements and cleared the blockade after chasing the villagers.

The officers also talked to the family members of the deceased in order to clear the blockade.

"The body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem to Jehanabad Sadar Hospital," Ansari said adding that the police are identifying those involved in arson and stone pelting.

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To bring down the level of pollution in Yamuna and ensure unfettered flow in the river, adequate water will "soon" be released in it from Haryana's Hathni Kund barrage, Union Minister Uma Bharati has said as she sought to address concerns raised by local religious leaders here.

The Water Resources Minister also said she has already spoken to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal and Uttar Pradesh Minister Shivpal Singh Yadav in this regard and a plan has been worked out to release water.

"Sewage is flowing into Yamuna from Delhi, which is very sad. It was a difficult task to see water is discharged from the barrage in Yamuna.

"However, we have spoken to the Chief Ministers of Delhi and Haryana and also to Yadav and worked out a plan for releasing around 30 per cent water in the river," Bharati said during an event at Shrikrishna Kripadham here.

The government will soon put into service "special machines" to rid Yamuna of waste, she added.

This work is expected to keep the river flowing throughout the year, but the religious leaders need "to give some time" for the government to see things start rolling.

The Union Water Resources Ministry has already started the work of setting up sewage treatment plant along the river in Mathura as part of the Centre's ambitious 'Namami Gange' programme.

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Senior diplomat Navdeep Singh Suri was today appointed Ambassador to United Arab Emirates, a strategically important nation country which is major supplier of oil to India and is home to around 2.6 million-strong Indians.

Suri, a 1983 batch Indian Foreign Service official, is expected to take up the assignment shortly, the External Affairs Ministry said.

He is currently serving as Indian High Commissioner in Canberra.

Suri had served in India's diplomatic missions in Cairo, Damascus, Washington, Dar es Salaam and London and as India's Consul General in Johannesburg.

He has also headed the West Africa and Public Diplomacy divisions at the Ministry of External Affairs. He was India's Ambassador to Egypt prior to his posting to Canberra.

UAE is a strategically important country for India in the Gulf region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had paid a visit to UAE in August last year during which both sides had decided to significantly expand bilateral ties, particularly in areas of trade and investment.

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Jammu and Kashmir BJP today accused National Conference of sowing seeds of separatism in the state, saying the present turmoil in the Valley and what happened in 1990, 2008 and 2010 were the consequences of its communal politics.

BJP state spokesperson Virender Gupta also said National Conference (NC), now out of power, was shedding crocodiles tears, but "this would not help it as people are well aware of its politics.

"The NC is responsible for sowing the seeds of separatism and parochial politics right from its birth as Muslim Conference and it pursued the same communal agenda even after being renamed as National Conference," Gupta told reporters here.

"The present turmoil in the valley and what happened in 1990, 2008 and 2010 were the consequences of its communal politics. It is also the result of NC's policy of encouraging separatist forces. The demand of Greater Autonomy or pre-1952 position by it also amounts to separation from Indian Union," he said, adding party leaders themselves off and on challenge the accession of J&K state with India.

Reacting to NC leaders blaming present government for the unrest, Gupta said during NC rule in the state, particularly during 2008-2014, there was complete chaos, utmost failure of administration, as a result development activities reached its lowest ebb.

He also said when the Valley and also some parts of Jammu region were faced with huge devastation due to floods the then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah failed to call the meeting of the state cabinet to discuss the measures to be taken to face the situation.

"There was a complete collapse of official machinery and had the security forces, NDRF teams were not deployed and immediate Central governmenthelp had not reached the Valley and Srinagar city, the losses would have been tremendous," he added.

Gupta also said that Omar's government failed in providing employment to the unemployed youth as was promised before the elections.

"The faulty and unreasonable policy framed by the then government where a youth employed was to get only one-third of the basic pay, caused great resentment among the youth and society by large," he added.

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Seeking to curb the menace of stray dogs North Delhi Municipal Corporation will soon begin a special sterilisation drive with a target of sterilising 1,000 canines a day, its mayor today said.

"A special sterilisation drive would be started very soon in which 1,000 dogs would be sterilised every day. Our eventual target would be at least 1.5 lakh dogs per year," North Delhi Mayor Sanjeev Nayyar told reporters.

According to NDMC, a total of 9,283 stray dogs have been caught and sterilised during January 1, 2015 to September 28 this year.

A total of 495 dogs have been sterilised and immunised during last August, it said.

"From April-July this year 2,459 dogs have been sterilised and immunised," it added.

"Results of this drive would show after a few years but if such step is not taken, population of dogs would grow uncontrollably," Nayyar said.

He also said that sterilisation work would be "outsourced for better results". Besides, north Delhi plans to open three more sterilisation centres at Timarpur, Rohtak Road and Rohini, he said.

On action taken against stray cattle, the NDMC said, 6,407 such animals have been caught during January 1, 2015 to September 28 this year.

"Stray cow and cow progeny captured have been sent to respective barns (gosadana/goshalaas) and buffalo and buffalo progeny have been auctioned for a sum of Rs 40.34 lakh," it added in a statement.

On monkey menace issue, the civic body said, 398 monkeys have been caught during January 1, 2015 to September 28 this year and relocated to Asola Bhatti Mines Sanctuary, it said.

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Taking a swipe at Congress, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel today claimed that the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru failed to fulfil his promise on Kashmir, giving rise to a perennial problem.

Congress was quick to take exception. State Congress president Bharatsinh Solanki said Patel needed to take history lessons, and Kashmir was a part of India today only because of the Congress leadership of the past.

"During Congress rule, there was a law under which Kashmir's CM was referred to as Prime Minister of that state. Kashmir also had a separate flag other than the tricolour," said Patel, addressing a government function in Gandhinagar.

"Unfortunately, when the issue of Kashmir emerged, Nehru told everyone to leave it to him as he belonged to Kashmir and promised that he will annex it to India. But it never happened, as separatists did not accept Nehru's idea. Even after 70 years, protests by separatists are on," he said.

Reacting to Patel's remarks, Solanki contended that Kashmir became a part of India only because of the efforts of Congress and its past Prime Ministers Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

"I feel that Patel needs to understand India's history first. It is an indisputable fact that Kashmir became a part of India because of the efforts of Nehru and Congress. Contribution of Congress, Nehru, Shastri-ji, Indira-ji and Rajiv-ji helped India keep Kashmir," he said.

"If Rahul-ji (Rahul Gandhi) had been our PM today, the issue of Kashmir would have been solved long ago," Solanki added.

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The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) today sought an action-taken report from district authorities in Malkangiri over a petition seeking protection for people living in the area under Maoist threat.

OHRC has sought within six weeks the response from the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police of Malkangiri over the matter, which was transferred to it by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Some months ago the affected villagers, mostly tribals, had visited the Collector's office in Malakangiri, seeking administration's help and adequate security at their villages.

The local administration had provided them with basic amenities and settled them in temporary shelters in the district headquarters, even as incidents of villagers being killed allegedly by Maoists continued to be reported from the region.

Human rights activist Sangita Swain had moved the NHRC, "seeking justice" for the people of Andrapalli and Panaspat in Malkangiri district.

Swain had alleged that Maoists tortured and killed tribal people suspecting them to be police informers and set houses on fire and their human rights were violated by the inaction/ unlawful action by the Police/Public authority in Malkangiri.

She had sought protection of the tribals from the Maoists and payment of compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the kin of those killed and Rs five lakh to other victims.

She had claimed that the tribal people were leaving their villages "out of fear".

The OHRC order said the Collector and the SP of Malkangiri district be provided the copy of the petition filed by Swain, as it posted the next hearing in the case to November 25.

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Orient Electric, part of the USD 1.6 billion CK Birla Group, is planning to export 15 lakh ceiling fans this year, a top official said today.

The company, with a turnover of Rs 1,200 crore in fan business, has been exporting fans to over 35 countries including those in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and also to United States, Orient Electric Senior Vice-President and Business Head, Sameer Tandon said.

"If 100 fans are exported from India, 60 of them are from Orient Electric. We are the largest manufacturer and exporter of fans in India. We made exports of about 13 lakh units last year. This year, we expect it will be over 15 lakh units", Tandon told reporters, after launching a new ceiling fan under the brand Aero Series priced at Rs 4,500.

Responding to a query, he said, "The fan business for the company is about Rs 1,200 crore. It has been growing CAGR of nine per cent".

"The total fan market is valued at about Rs 6,500 crore and our market share is about 20 per cent. Super Premium segment is about 2.5 to 3 per cent. It has been growing very fast", he said.

The company has two manufacturing facilities -- at Faridabad and Kolkata -- with total capacity of about 90 lakh units.

Initially, about 20,000 units of 'Aeroquiet' range of ceiling fans at its Faridabad facility would be manufactured which will be doubled over the next three months, he said.

He claimed that the Aeroquiet range of fans are very silent and very powerful as they are equipped with 18 pole heavy motor compared to normal fans which have about 12 poles.

The fans are moisture and corrosion proof, he claimed and added that they are four decibels lower than the normal fans.

The company has about 3,500 outlets across India and the fans will be available from October 20 onwards.

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Amid heightened Indo-Pak tension, Pakistan has decided not to send a representative to attend an international conference on voter education being organised by the Election Commission here.

Earlier, Member, Election Commission of Pakistan Shakeel Ahmed was to attend the two-day conference beginning October 19. But the Election Commission said, "Pakistan has not confirmed participation."



Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha told reporters here that the invites were sent online some three months back and election bodies were asked to register their participation online.

"There is no confirmation by Pakistan," Sinha said. The conference starts Wednesday morning for which most of the participants have already arrived.

He said "35-40" countries were invited for the event and 23 have confirmed their participation. Five international organisations, including the UNDP, are also attending the event.

Commission sources later said no representative from Pakistan is attending the event.

The first-ever global conference on voter education is being organised by the Election Commission in association with the UNDP with the main purpose of exchanging the experiences of election management bodies.

The conference will deliberate upon five topics ranging from electoral literacy to enhanced participation by special categories of voters.

The commission will also launch an NRI survey-cum- competition with an aim of gathering useful data and also attracting and engaging NRIs about their voting eligibility and rights.

"This will also help guide the Commission in formulating further voting initiatives especially designed for the Overseas Indian population," Sinha said.

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Pakistan has lost the benefit of doubt before the international community due to its support to non-state actors against India, a top American think-tank today warned Islamabad that it will continue to lose traction unless it reverses this policy.

"When Pakistan crossed the nuclear threshold, Rawalpindi (Pakistan military) had the choice of shutting down militant, anti-India groups because they were no longer needed to keep India at bay - or using its deterrent as a backdrop to step up a campaign to change thestatus quoin Kashmir," Michael Krepon, co-founder of the Stimson Center, a US think tank said.

"Rawalpindi chose poorly. Until Pakistan reverses this choice, it will continue to lose traction," Krepon said in an op-ed.

"Rawalpindi has received high marks for the counterinsurgency campaign waged against the Pakistani Taliban, overriding foot-dragging by political leaders. Because of this campaign, deadly explosions on Pakistani soil have been greatly reduced," he said.

"Groups active in attacks across Kashmir divide and in Afghanistan have been outside the ambit of this campaign. Turning against these groups will mean more explosions, but not turning against these groups will also increase internal-security concerns, while compounding Pakistan's international woes," Krepon said.

"This choice is obviously a lose-lose proposition, but postponing this choice even longer won't make it any easier. Pakistan will lose more by pursuing the same policies and by relying on the same old talking points than by changing course," he warned.

"The hard, unavoidable truth is that Pakistan can only achieve internal security and international credibility by taking overt steps against the usual suspects," he noted.

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Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said the Indian Army was giving a befitting reply to ceasefire violations by Pakistan even as he hit out at those seeking proof of cross LoC surgical strikes.

"Violations are regularly taking place for the last five-six years, you can take out figures. But the only thing that has changed now is that we are giving effective reply," he said.

To a question on security lapses, Parrikar said, "When you are doing things and if there are lapses in it, then mistakes should be rectified."



Surgical strikes, he said, have increased the sensitivity among Indians regarding national security in a very effective way.

"From the day of strike till today some politicians are seeking proof," Parrikar said without taking any names.

"When Indian Army says something we should believe it. It (Army) is world's best, professional, brave and having a very high integrity. I do not feel that anybody will seek proof from them (Army) here in Ahmedabad," Parrikar said.

"Two good things have happened after the surgical strikes. First thing is except some politicians, every Indian is rising in unison and standing behind our brave soldiers. And the second thing is we (Indians) have acquired sensitivity regarding national security in a very effective way," he said at a function here of Nirma University, called 'Know my Army'.

Parrikar praised the university for organising such a programme and called upon youths to join the Army.

Later, Parrikar while talking to reporters, said one thing is clear that his government is serious about national security.

On the illegal sneaking-in of people in Gujarat from border adjoining Pakistan, Parrikar said, "BSF is tightening security at the border. You also know that this is a difficult area where we cannot put up fences as it is a marshy area. But we will use technology and fill the gaps to ensure no unauthorised person enters our territory.

(REOPENS DEL76)



Meanwhile addressing a group of ex-servicemen in Pune, Parrikar said the government has given "full freedom" to the army to conduct any counter-insurgency operation.

"If any officer from armed forces goes out on a counter- insurgency or counter-terrorist operation, government gives full freedom to them to do whatever they feel is right and I am not going to stop them.

"During winter time all these militants, who hide in adjoining jungles, come to the villages to take shelter and this is the best time to flush them out," said Parrikar.

He said if specific information is there and if somebody tries to create obstruction or hindrance, the army knows how to deal with such elements and it takes that freedom.

He further said, "Army knows that person without weapon should not be attacked, but if anybody is coming in between such operations and helping terrorists, it also knows how to deal with such people."



The Defence Minister said there is nothing wrong in the statement by General Rawat. "There was no need of indulging in politics over this statement as it was give by the Army Chief himself."



Parrikar also addressed couple of election rallies in the city where the civic body polls will be held on February 21.
Congress leader Sheila Dikshit today said being a Member of Parliament from Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi should visit the city and meet the victims of stampede incident in which 25 people have lost their lives.

She also demanded that the compensation for the stampede victims should be raised from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi should come and meet the victims as he is an MP from this holy city," Dikshit said, who along with Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar today met the stampede victims at the BHU's Trauma centre here.

She also asked leaders of all the parties not to politicise the incident and demanded that the central and the state governments should come out with some mechanism to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

Such kind of incidents should not occur anywhere in the country, the government should form a special police force to deal with the crowd management in the cities, she said.

"Though there was a lapse in traffic arrangement by police, but merely suspending and transferring officials was not the only solution, instead the state government should come out with a mechanism wherein such kind incident may not get repeated," said Dikshit, who is Congress chief ministerial candidate for 2017 Assembly polls.

Diskhit and Babbar, while speaking to reporters after the visit, asked the state government to ensure the safety of every individual visiting the city which is a major tourist and pilgrim destination, and people not only from within the country but also from abroad also come here.

To a question on BJP raising the issue of construction of Ramayan Museum in Ayodhya ahead of 2017 UP Assembly elections, she said, "Ram is our God. The saffron party must stop communalising and giving a religious colour to the issue. It was not the right to use God to gain political mileage."



Dikshit and Babbar condoled the loss of lives in the stampede incident.

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Admitting "predatory pricing" is detrimental to the industry, ride-hailing service Ola today said it "reacts to competition" to ensure there is no monopoly in the Indian market.

There have been allegations that aggregators like Uber and Ola indulge in "predatory pricing" as they are backed by investor money.

These app-based companies offer rides at fractional costs compared to that of fleet cab operators like Meru.

"In its totality, predatory pricing is detrimental to the industry. In the long run, this will not benefit anyone and it never has in the past. Being an aggregator, we have to react to competition. We live in a competitive market," Ola Chief Operating Officer Pranay Jivrajka told PTI.

He further said: "We don't want the Indian market to be ruled by monopoly and as an Indian company, we will do everything to protect it."



Ola's deep-pocketed US rival Uber, which sold off its China business in August, is now pumping in investments and focussing on ramping up its presence in the Indian market.

India is already the second largest market for Uber in terms of number of rides taken by people.

Earlier this month, the Association of Radio Taxi shared its recommendations with a Delhi High Court-constituted committee, pushing for restriction on predatory pricing and encouraging a healthy ecosystem through a pre-designed fare structure that enforces pay parity.

Interestingly, in September, the Competition Commission had dismissed allegations that Ola had abused its dominant position in the national capital, driving out existing players as the fare charged by it was 'abysmally low.

Jivrajka said Ola has working on adding auto-rickshaws and black-yellow taxis on its platform as part of its "inclusive approach" towards sustainable growth.

"This is in the interest of the ecosystem and we are receptive to any ideas that protect drivers and customers interest. Predatory pricing is detrimental to the industry and we all have to figure out how to prevent that. Once we come up with a solution and that will be true for everyone," he added.

Asked if a cash crunch is forcing Ola to take a stand, Jivrajka answered in the negative.

"We are well capitalised, enough money is in the bank... What we are talking about here is long term, in the interest of the ecosystem," he added.

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President Pranab Mukherjee has given his approval for a probe into allegations of financial and other improprieties against Aligarh Muslim University's (AMU) Vice Chancellor Zameer Uddin Shah.

The nod of the President, who is also the Visitor to the University, comes on a proposal from the HRD Ministry to which former Janata Dal MP Wasim Ahmed had given a memorandum seeking a probe into allegations against the Vice Chancellor.

Mukherjee's action also follows approval of a similar probe against Allahabad University Vice Chancellor R L Hangloo.

Ahmed, a member of the AMU executive council, welcomed the approval for probe against the AMU Vice Chancellor saying it was long overdue.

Shah on the other hand has denied all allegations against him saying some vested interests were carrying out a campaign against him.

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Reality TV personality Katie Price and her husband Kieran Hayler have reportedly decided to work on their marriage for the third time.

The 38-year-old model, who is currently in Barbados with Hayler, will try to fix their marriage after Price revealed that their marriage was under strain from her book tour, reported Mirror.

"She and Kieran have left the kids at home and intend to work on their marriage.

"It's been a tumultuous few weeks with Katie having to talk about Kieran's affair as she spoke about her new memoirs - then Kieran discovering she'd spent time with Scotty T while they were apart," a source said.

"Now they are trying to enjoy themselves, which is why Katie let loose on the karaoke as she loves to sing," the source added.

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A military chief of Ukraine's pro-Russian rebels, Arseny Pavlov, was killed in a bomb attack in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, local authorities have said, calling it a "declaration of war."



Russia, which annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014, backs a separatist, pro-Moscow insurgency in eastern Ukraine that has claimed nearly 10,000 lives.

Pavlov, better known by his nom de guerre 'Motorola', led the Sparta battalion and was a leading rebel commander.

Alexander Zakharchenko, the "prime minister" of the self-styled Donetsk People's Republic, said Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko "has breached the ceasefire and declared war."



Pavlov was killed yesterday by a bomb placed in the lift of a building.

Last night the site was ringed by military trucks, a light armoured vehicle and about 50 armed men.

A fighter in the Sparta unit said Pavlov's bodyguard also died in the explosion.

"Either it's an operation staged by the Ukrainian services or it one of us," they said.

Several rebel chiefs considered to be adversaries of the separatist authorities have been killed far from the scene of fighting in car bombings and ambushes.

Pavlov, who took part in major battles against the Ukrainian forces around the Donetsk airport, survived an assassination attempt in June, according to local authorities.

All parties to the Ukraine conflict agreed to a peace deal brokered by Germany and France in February 2015, but while the so-called Minsk accords reduced the intensity of fighting, they failed to stop it.

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The protest by government employees from the Kashmiri Pandit community, who have refused to join their jobs in the Valley after attack on their transit camps, entered its 93rd day here today with the workers demanding release of their pending salaries in the ongoing festival season.

Over 1,500 people from the community, employed under the Prime Minister's rehabilitation package, escaped to Jammu after their transit camps in Kashmir were allegedly attacked by stone-pelting mobs following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.

"The festival season is going on and most of us have not received our salaries since July. We appeal to the government to release our salaries at the earliest, so that we too can celebrate the festivals," President of the All Migrant Employees Association Kashmir Ruban Saproo said.

He claimed that not a single representative from the state or central governments has so far contacted them.

"In the last 93 days, two of our protesting colleagues have lost their lives following cardiac arrest but the state and the central governments have not bothered to listen to our problems," he said.

National spokesman of the All Parties Migrants Coordination Committee King Bharti alleged that government officials were intimidating the protesting employees to return to the Valley and rejoin their duties.

He said some of the protesting employees who have returned to the Valley are feeling insecure.

"There is nobody to look after their security. Who will guarantee the security of the others if they decide to return and join their duties?" he asked.

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In an indication that all was not well in the ruling coalition in Bihar, senior RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh today hit out at alliance partner JD(U) for describing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as prime ministerial material.

"Does the JD(U), a small political party, seriously think that it has wherewithal to make Nitish Kumar the prime minister of the country?" he asked, though the JD(U) had not declare him as the party's prime ministerial candidate.

Singh said, "What will happen if all opposition parties, say about 20 in number, start projecting own prime ministerial nominee? It will create obstacle in unity of the secular parties and that will be beneficial to the BJP in next parliamentary polls."



All opposition parties should unite to take a call on the prime ministerial candidate to take on the BJP at the hustings, said the RJD vice-president.

At its national council meeting yesterday, Kumar was appointed JD(U) president, pushing him for a bigger role in national politics, but was not made the party's prime ministerial candidate for 2019 general election.

Briefing reporters about the national council meeting yesterday, JD(U) general secretary K C Tyagi had said, "Although he is PM material with secularist, non-dynastic and non-casteist credentials, being a small party, the JD(U) has never officially declared him the prime ministerial candidate for the 2019 polls."



Singh also attacked Nitish for getting Sharad Yadav removed from the JD(U) president' post at the fag end of his term to and supplant himself in that position.

The senior RJD leader had earlier criticised Kumar for enforcement of prohibition in Bihar in a 'draconian' manner given the stringent punishment proposed under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act' that came into force with effect from October 2.

Singh was also opposed to his party's decision to make Nitish Kumar the Chief Minister following the Assembly election last year.

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Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma will visit on Tuesday to inspect the proposed site for setting up a Ramayana museum, a move seen as an attempt to woo pro-Hindutva elements ahead of assembly election in Uttar Pradesh.

Sharma, however, played down the political agenda behind the visit, saying it is part of the tourism development plans of the Modi-government and should not be linked with elections in the politically crucial state, which goes to polls early next year.

"My visit to has nothing to do with UP Assembly elections. I am visiting there as a Tourism Minister. It should not be linked to politics but is part of government's effort to improve tourism in and all over the country. The visit is part of developmental agenda," he said.

Sharma said the museum will be a part of the Ramayana Circuit for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the circuit.

"Ram is in the heart of millions of people. As the Tourism Minister, I have to see how Ayodhya can be developed; how Ramayana circuit can be developed from a tourism point of view," the minister said.

He said the government has identified three circuits  Ramayana Circuit, Krishna Circuit and Buddhist Circuit  to boost religious tourism.

The state government has identified a 25-acre plot for the museum which is some 15 km away from the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex, a source said.

Sharma will also hold a meeting with Ramayana Circuit Advisory Board during the visit. The meeting would discuss routes for connecting Ramayana-related sites in Nepal and Sri Lanka with the proposed museum.

The Union minister would also deliberate on plans for an International Ramayana Conclave, which would be held either in Ayodhya or Chitrakoot district. The conference is likely to be attended by delegates from about 12 countries, sources said.

Sharma is likely to hold meetings with religious leaders on building the museum which would portray the epic journey of Lord Rama.

Tourism being a state subject, Sharma also sought help from UP government for development of the circuits to give a boost to tourism which, he said, has great potential to earn foreign exchange, employment generation and women empowerment.

Though the BJP has been insisting that the Ram temple will not be an electoral plank in the UP elections to be held early next year, the proposed Ramayana museum and related activities are being seen as an attempt to keep pro-Hindutva elements in good humour.

On Dusshera, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in a departure from tradition, participated in the festivities in Lucknow where he started and concluded his speech with chants of "Jai Shri Ram, Jai Jai Shri Ram".
Armed robbers looted cash and ornaments worth Rs 10 and 12 lakh from the house of a scrap trader at Murad Nagar, police said today.

Ghaziabad, Senior Superintendent of Police, Deepak Kumar Singh said five robbers barged into the house of Shahid Babu Qureshi in Indira Puri colony last night and overpowered the family members and held them hostage in the rooms and looted gold, silver ornaments and cash.

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Russia today announced an eight-hour "humanitarian" ceasefire in Aleppo later this week, as the EU warned that the Syrian regime's Moscow-backed assault on the city could amount to war crimes.

The United Nations and European Union welcomed the announcement, but said the planned pause in fighting needed to be longer to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.

In the latest violence, dozens of civilians including 12 members of the same family were killed in heavy bombardment of rebel-held eastern sectors of the embattled city, a monitoring group said.

"We have taken a decision not to waste time and to introduce 'humanitarian pauses', mainly for the free passage of civilians, evacuation of the sick and wounded and withdrawal of fighters," senior Russian military officer Sergei Rudskoi told a press briefing in Moscow.

The ceasefire would run from 0800 to 1600 local time (0500 GMT to 1300 GMT) "in the area of Aleppo", Rudskoi said.

"During this period the Russian air force and Syrian government troops will halt air strikes and firing from any other types of weapons."



Russia's announcement, to which there was no immediate reaction from rebels, came as the EU condemned the ferocious air war waged on Aleppo over the past three weeks.

"Since the beginning of the offensive by the regime and its allies, notably Russia, the intensity and scale of the aerial bombardment of eastern Aleppo is clearly disproportionate," EU foreign ministers said in Luxembourg.

"The deliberate targeting of hospitals, medical personnel, schools and essential infrastructure, as well as the use of barrel bombs, cluster bombs, and chemical weapons, constitute a catastrophic escalation of the conflict... And may amount to war crimes," they said in a statement.

The EU ministers said they would also press ahead with extending sanctions against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime, but stopped short of threatening measures against Russia.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini called Moscow's announcement "positive" but not long enough to allow humanitarian aid to reach the besieged city.

"It can be a start... For sure it is a positive step," she told reporters at the close of the ministerial meeting in Luxembourg.

"The latest assessment from the aid agencies (however) is that 12 hours is needed so work is needed to find common ground," she added.

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"People are dying" due to lack of proper disposal of waste, the said on Monday, as it expressed concern over garbage dumped at landfill sites in the national capital.

"I have seen some TV reports in which it was pointed out that people are dying (due to lack of garbage disposal). What are you doing," a bench headed by Justice M B Lokur asked Solicitor General (SG) Ranjit Kumar who was appearing for the Delhi Chief Secretary.

Responding to the query, Kumar said he would take instruction on the issue and inform the bench on the next date of hearing about the steps being taken to remove and dispose garbage from the landfill sites.

"On the next date of hearing, we will come up with the instructions whether these landfill sites can be moved to some other place and what are the steps being taken to remove the garbage," the SG said.

He said that the October 6 meeting between the Lieutenant Governor, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others could not take place as the CM was unwell and a meeting in this regard was held yesterday.

The SG informed the bench that various issue, including disposal and cleaning of garbage and sewer, were discussed in yesterday's meeting and also filed the minutes of the meeting in the court.

The counsel for the Delhi government told the bench that Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had attended yesterday's meeting on behalf of Kejriwal as the CM was in Gujarat.

Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who is an amicus curiae in the matter, could not attend the proceedings in the apex court today and the bench posted the matter for October 21.

On October 6, the apex court had criticised the authorities over the handling of dengue and chikungunya menace in Delhi and observed that they here were "not interested" and the people have been "left to suffer".

The apex court had also expressed disappointment over the outcome of October 5 meeting between the LG, CM and others on curbing vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya and had asked them to hold another meeting on October 6.

The bench had directed that participants should discuss the steps to be taken to prevent the problem faced by people of Delhi this year and also the future measures.

The apex court had on October 3 imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Jain for failing to file an affidavit disclosing names of officials whom he had alleged of not cooperating in checking the menace of dengue and chikungunya in Delhi.

It had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of the death of a seven-year-old boy due to dengue last year after being allegedly denied treatment by five private hospitals and the subsequent suicide by his parents.

The five hospitals  Max hospital in Saket, Moolchand Khairatiram Hospital in Lajpat Nagar, Aakash Hospital in Malviya Nagar, Saket City Hospital and Irene Hospital, Kalkaji, were issued show cause notices to explain why their registration should not be cancelled for allegedly refusing to admit the boy.
The Supreme Court today extended the stay on the commercial release of Genetically Modified (GM) Mustard crop till further orders as the matter did not reach the board for hearing.

The apex court, which on October 7 had restrained the commercial release of the crop for ten days, said the stay would continue and the matter will be heard on October 24.

The court, at the last hearing, had asked the Centre to seek public opinion on such seeds before releasing it for cultivation purpose, even as government approval is awaited.

A bench of Chief Justice T S Thakur, Justice A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud accepted the request of the counsel appearing for the petitioner.

During the last hearing, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta agreed that no commercial release of the seeds will be done till October 17 and views and suggestions of the public should be taken and put up before the appraisal committee before releasing them.

Mustard is one of India's most important winter crops which is sown between mid-October and late November.

Mehta said the Centre needed to reply to the petition and refuted the allegation that sowing of the seeds was being done without relevant tests.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for petitioner Aruna Rodrigues, alleged that the government was sowing the seeds in various fields and said the bio-safety dossier has to be put on website, which has not been done yet.

Alleging that field trials were being carried out without doing the relevant tests, he sought a 10-year moratorium on them. Bhushan said a Technical Expert Committee (TEC) report has also said that the entire regulatory system was in shambles and 10-year moratorium should be given.

Rodrigues had filed the plea yesterday seeking a stay on the commercial release of Genetically Modified (GM) Mustard crop and prohibition of its open field trials.

He had also urged the court to prohibit open field trials and commercial release of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) crops including HT Mustard DMH 11 and its parent lines/variants as recommended by the Technical Expert Committee (TEC) report.

"Since the claimed yield superiority of HT DMH 11 through the B&B system over Non-GMO varieties and hybrids is quite simply not true, in fact a hoax, ... There is no purpose to this GMO HT mustard for India," the petition said.

It said the contamination caused by mustard HT DMH 11 and its HT parents would be "irremediable and irreversible". "The contamination of our seed stock and germ plasm as will happen with mustard HT DMH 11 and its HT parents will be irremediable and irreversible making our food toxic at the molecular level without recourse," it said.

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Japanese scientists said today they had grown mouse eggs entirely in the lab, then fertilised them to yield fertile offspring, a scientific first cautiously hailed by experts in human reproduction.

The technique -- which involved coaxing stem cells into becoming mature eggs -- was still much too risky and controversial to be reproduced in humans, commentators said.

"This is the first report of anyone being able to develop fully mature and fertilisable eggs in a laboratory setting right through from the earliest stages of oocyte (immature egg) development," commented Richard Anderson of the University of Edinburgh's MRC Centre for Reproductive Health.

While the technique may be useful to treat infertility "one day", the paper also showed "the complexity of the process and how it is a long way from being optimised," he said via the Science Media Centre in London.

Only a small number of embryos which grew from the eggs developed into normal mice.

The lab-grown eggs were more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities.

The authors of the paper -- published in the science journal Nature -- reported using two types of stem cell, which are neutral, juvenile cells that can become most any type of specialised cell of the body.

The first kind was harvested directly from mouse embryos, the team said, and the other created in the lab by reprogramming cells taken from mouse tail tips back into a juvenile state from which they can re-specialise.

The stem cells were grown into mature eggs, which were fertilised in the lab as well. The resulting embryos were then transferred into surrogate mice.

Of those that survived, both male and female pups were fertile and produced another generation of mice, the authors reported.

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Scotland Yard today said it will issue large-scale body-worn cameras to its officers to help them in "challenging" situations and bringing offenders to justice more quickly.

The so-called "Body Worn Video" will be issued to over 22,000 Metropolitan Police frontline officers, including overt firearms officers after their trial was found successful.

"Body Worn Video (BWV) will support our officers in the many challenging situations they have to deal with, at the same time as building the public's confidence. What we do every day will be seen by the public - that has to be good," said Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, who announced the roll-out alongside London mayor Sadiq Khan.

"Our experience of using cameras already shows that people are more likely to plead guilty when they know we have captured the incident on a camera," Howe said, adding it will speed up justice and put offenders behind bars more quickly and most importantly protect potential victims.

Video captures events in a way that can't be represented on paper in the same detail, a picture paints a thousand words, and it has been shown the mere presence of this type of video can often defuse potentially violent situations without the need for force to be used, he said.

The cameras will be worn attached to the officer's uniform and will not be permanently recording to ensure that officers' interactions with the public are not "unnecessarily impeded", he said, adding that the public will be told very soon that they are being recorded.

"Body Worn Video is a huge step forward in bringing our capital's police force into the 21st century and encouraging trust and confidence in community policing," Khan said.

This technology is already helping drive down complaints against officers and making them more accountable, as well as helping to gather better evidence for swifter justice.

"As we roll them out across London, these cameras will make a real difference to officers, as they continue their great work on the frontline fighting crime and keeping our city safe," he said.

In November 2015, the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), following a successful trial awarded a three-year contract worth 3.4-million pound to Axon Public Safety UK Limited, to supply the MPS with 22,000 cameras.

"Londoners can feel reassured during their interactions with the police, whilst allowing us to demonstrate the professionalism of our officers in the many challenging and contentious interactions, such as the use of stop and search," the Met said.

All footage recorded on BWV is subject to legal safeguards and guidance. The footage from the Axon Body Camera is automatically uploaded to secure servers once the device has been docked, and flagged for use as evidence at court and other proceedings.

Video not retained as evidence or for a policing purpose is automatically deleted within 31 days.

The deployment of all 22,000 cameras across London will be managed in a phased approached and is anticipated to be complete by next year.

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Several people were missing and others were injured after an explosion today at a chemical plant at BASF's headquarters in western Germany, the firm said, advising local residents to stay indoors.

The blast, which occurred around 11:30 am (local time) and triggered a huge fire, happened during work on a pipeline, the global chemicals giant said in a statement.

"Several people were injured. Some people are missing," BASF said.

A large fire and a huge column of grey smoke could be seen rising from the site, a vast industrial complex with a harbour on the Rhine river.

Firefighters were still trying to extinguish the flames by 1900 IST while police had blocked off nearby roads, an AFP reporter at the scene said.

"Emergency services from the whole region are on the scene to prevent the fire spreading to other parts of the plant," Ludwigshafen city authorities said in a statement.

The company said residents in Ludwigshafen and nearby Mannheim should remain inside and shut doors and windows.

Local authorities have also asked nurseries and schools to keep children indoors, but no evacuations have been ordered.

"We are still investigating the precise cause. The relevant authorities have been informed," BASF said.

The site's steam cracker units -- used in a chemical procedure to produce lighter hydrocarbons -- have been shut down for safety reasons, it added.

Ludwigshafen is a city of some 160,000 people located around 80 kilometres southwest of Frankfurt.

City authorities said fire engines as well as a fireboat had been deployed to the scene.

On its Twitter account, Ludwigshafen added that some residents had complained of respiratory irritations.

An emergency hotline has been set up as well as an information tent.

The Landeshafen Nord site where the explosion took place is a harbour used for the transportation of combustible fluids and liquefied gases.

On its website, the company describes the site as a "very important for BASF's supply of raw materials", where more than 2.6 million tonnes are handled each year.

The goods are unloaded from ships into the production plants via a system of pipelines.

The company employs 36,000 people in Ludwigshafen.

BASF was also grappling with a second, smaller incident at its nearby Lampertheim plant where four people were injured in a gas explosion and had to be taken to hospital, DPA agency reported.

That incident is also still being investigated.

BASF employs over 110,000 employees worldwide and with sales of more than 70 billion euros (USD 77 billion) last year.

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Six Taliban terrorists, including the alleged kidnapper of the son of slain governor of Punjab Salmaan Taseer, have been killed in an encounter with security personnel in Pakistan's Punjab province.

Acting on a tip off, a team of Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday raided a house near Sheikhupura bypass where nine to ten members of banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were hiding.

They tried to escape by using a car and two motorcycles and were chased up to a branch road where they opened fire at the cops, forcing the security personnel to retaliate, the CTD spokesperson said.

"When the shootout ended, six of the terrorists were dead and the rest had fled," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by 'Dawn'.

The CTD men seized arms and ammunition, including three Kalashnikov rifles, three pistols, 2 kilogrammes of explosives, prima cords and a cache of bullets, the report said.

The bodies were taken to a hospital to identify the slain terrorists.

Separately, the police launched a combing operation in the area to arrest the escaped suspects.

The CTD's investigation team had identified one of the deceased as Haji Muhammad alias Pathan, who was accused of being involved in the abduction of Shahbaz Taseer, son of the late governor Salmaan Taseer, a senior police official was quoted as saying.

He said Pathan had been declared a proclaimed offender and his name was listed in the Red Book (a list of most wanted militants).

Pathan had rented a house in Valencia Town in Lahore, where Taseer's kidnappers had kept him for several days before taking him to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

An FIR against Pathan was registered with the Gulberg police in Lahore.

The official said that Pathan belonged to two banned organisations - TTP and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.

"Efforts are under way to identify the remaining five terrorists," the official said.

Shahbaz was kidnapped near his company's head office in Gulberg on August 26, 2011. He was released earlier this year.

His father Salmaan Taseer was killed in 2011 for criticising the blasphemy laws.

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Six persons have been arrested in connection with the Rs 75 lakh dacoity at a chartered accountant's office in South Mumbai, police said.

The accused, all of whom are originally from Rajasthan, were identified as Shrawankumar Purohit (23), Shrawan Rawal (24), Deeparam Mali (23), Modaksingh Rajput (21), Kishore Gahlot (20) and Kailash Vaishnav (35). Police have recovered Rs 11.50 lakh from them.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar Sharma said, "The dacoity had taken place on October 4 in Kalbadevi area under the jurisdiction of Azad Maidan police station. The accused entered the CA's office in the evening, threatened the office staff with weapons and decamped with three bags full of money and some documents."



After questioning the office staff, police came to know that a youth, who is entrusted with the task of taking the office documents for photo-copying, had told the xerox operator about some big financial transaction in his office, he said.

"The xerox shop operator's friend Shrawan kumar Purohit, who worked at a mobile accessory shop in Manish Market, overheard their conversation and planned a robbery with the help of his aides from Rajasthan," the DCP said.

Accordingly, Purohit gave the information to Modaksingh Rajput, a history-sheeter, who had executed three robberies and dacoities in Uttar Pradesh, he added.

After the dacoity, all the accused distributed the booty as per their contribution in the crime and escaped to different locations. After the day of the crime, Purohit did not report to work, which brought him under the police radar.

"After going through the call data records, he was arrested from Pune. Based on the information provided by him, police nabbed the rest the members from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Surat," the DCP said.

According to Sharma, at least five more persons are absconding in this case.

Meanwhile, the court remanded the arrested accused in police custody till October 26.

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Southern Railway will operate Ahmedabad- Mangaluru and Gandhidham-Tirunelveli weekly special fare specialtrains on various dates between October 31 and November 17 to clear extra rush of passengers.

The Ahmedabad - Mangaluru Weekly Special Fare Special train will leave Ahmedabad at 9.30 am on November 1, 8 and 15 (all Tuesdays) to reach Mangaluru at 12.15 pm on the following Wednesdays, according to a SR release today. In the return direction, the Mangaluru-Ahmedabad Weekly Special Fare Special will depart at 4.45 p m from Mangaluru on November 2, 9 and 16 (all Wednesdays) to arrive at Ahmedabad at 7.20 p m on the following Thursdays.

Special Fare Special will leave Gandhidham at 1.50 pm on October 31 and November 7 and 14 (all Mondays), to arrive at Tirunelveli at 11.30 a m on the following Wednesdays, it said.

In the return direction, Tirunelveli - Gandhidham Weekly Special FareSpecial will leave Tirunelveli at 7.45 am on November 3, 10 and 17 (all Thursdays) to arrive at Gandhidham at 4.30 a m on the followingSaturdays, the release saaaid.

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A total of 31,114 persons were bitten by stray dogs in Kerala in the past three months, Health Minister K K Shailaja told state assembly today.

As per the statistics, highest number of dogs bites during June, July and August was reported from Thiruvananthapuram district with 6,042, followed by Palakkad 4,305 and Kollam 4,123, Shailaja said in a written reply during question hour.

She said steps are underway to ensure that all domestic dogs were administered with anti-rabies vaccine under a programme of State Animal Husbandry Department.

This programme would be concluded by October 31, she said.

Steps are also underway in coordination with different departments to solve the stray dog menace in the state, she said, adding that the issue could be resolved in two-three years time.

Government now provides treatment to persons attacked by street dogs, she said, adding it was planned to extend financial help to persons bitten by dogs.

The street dog menace had become a topic of debate in the state recently after a 64-year-old woman was mauled to death by a group of dogs at Pulluvilla in the district.

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The City Corporation today launched the Swacch Bharat Swacch Vidyalaya campaign in 60 elementary and middle schools run by it.

The initiative--Swacch Bharatr Swacch Vidyalaya-Smart School-Healthy Child was the continuation of world hand washing day event being held every year and will focus on personal hygiene among children, segregaton of waste maintenance of toilets and also awareness on sanitation, official sources said.

Being carried out in association with Arc Foundation, an NGO, the program covered 60 elementary and middle schools run by the corporation today and will be conducted in all the 83 corporation schools during the month.

The Corporation commissioner K Vijaya Karthikeyan narrated the students about his experience on his hygiene habits.

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A 13-year-old boy was killed and around 15 others, including women and children, were injured when motorcycle-borne attackers threw a hand grenade inside a Shia Imambargah in Liaquatabad area here, police said.

The attack took place last night after the unidentified attackers threw the grenade and it exploded right after a Majlis for women had concluded at the Dar-e-Abbas Imambargah, they said.

The Imambargah located in the Federal Capital locality of Liaquatabad was filled with women and children when the attack took place, SSP Muqaddas Haider told reporters.

"A 13-year-old boy, Faraz, has been killed in the attack while several women and children have been injured," he said, adding the number of injured was around 15.

"Initial investigations suggest that two unidentified men on a motorcycle took advantage of the darkness and threw the grenade as the lights had gone out in the area and the Imambargah was in darkness," Haider said.

Police and other security officials numbering in thousands were deployed for the 9th and 10th of Muharram in Karachi during which no untoward incident was reported.

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Three burnt bodies of unidentified women were today found in the restive northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.

The women, aged between 18 to 22, were not local residents and it appeared that the women were murdered somewhere else and their bodies were later set on fire to hide their identity, police said.

The bodies were recovered in Tehkal area of Peshawar district.

The police reached the spot and registered a case pertaining to murder against unknown persons.

The police said the bodies were found by the villagers who called the police. They were burnt badly, due to which it was difficult to identify them, police said.

"Nothing could be ascertained from the initial investigation," said police, adding the initial report, however, show that there were no torture marks on the bodies.

According to eyewitness, the bodies of two women were completely unrecognisable while the face of one body was partially recognisable.

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Her eyes riveted to the canvas, Wulan meticulously applies colour to an image of the Buddha, using pigments made of crushed pearls, turquoise and agate.

The 34-year-old is one of dozens of students at a school in Lhasa learning the medieval Tibetan art of "thangka" -- minutely detailed paintings depicting Buddhist deities or symbols, usually on cotton canvas or silk scrolls.

But she is not Tibetan. Ethnically Mongol, she moved 2,500 kilometres to embark on seven years of studies.

Beijing's forces took over Tibet in 1951 and the Communist government reviles the exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, but the region's traditional religious art is now increasingly being embraced by outsiders -- including from China's Han ethnic majority -- as both buyers and producers.

"Thangkas are captivating a growing number of people," said Wulan. "Traditional cultures are more and more recognised in China, which wasn't always the case in the past, during the economic boom."



In their heyday centuries ago thangkas had patrons and practitioners in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and northern India, and in 2009, UNESCO added them to its list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, calling them "an integral part of the artistic life of people" on the Tibetan plateau.

Now there are more than 100 apprentices -- including some Han Chinese, the country's overwhelming ethnic majority -- at Wulan's Danba Raodan school, who get free tuition in return for helping their teachers with their paintings. The students spend 10 hours every day learning how to trace figures in pencil, wield delicate paintbrushes and apply pigment to canvas.

The revival comes after a turbulent past -- the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule and the ravages of Mao's Cultural Revolution laid waste religious tradition and iconography as zealous Red Guards -- including Tibetans -- sought to destroy the "Four Olds": customs, culture, habits and ideas.

"Beyond the destruction of artworks and monasteries ransacked, looted or burned, a lot of the expertise was lost. Many teachers disappeared or were in prison and could not train young people," said Amy Heller, a Tibetologist and art historian based in Switzerland.

"Even after the Cultural Revolution, it was difficult. The censorship had been such for 10 years that people were reluctant to bring out their thangkas, for fear of being denounced."



Many Tibetans accuse Beijing of wanting to dilute their culture and the Dalai Lama says Tibet is the victim of "cultural genocide".

Beijing considers the Himalayan region an integral part of its territory -- a view disputed by the Tibetan government in exile and some scholars -- and retorts that it ended serfdom and brought development.

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Darren Bravo cracked a fighting century to lead West Indies' fight against Pakistan on the fifth and final day in the first day-night Test in Dubai on Monday.

The left-handed genius was unbeaten on 102 for his eighth hundred -- fifth in Asia and seven away from home -- as West Indies were 232-6 at dinner on a weary final day pitch at Dubai stadium.

Pakistan had taken the second new ball with West Indies 224-6 and Bravo needing four for hundred. Bravo smashed an uppish drive off paceman Mohammad Amir's first ball to backward point boundary to complete his magnificent hundred after 329-minutes of defiance.

He has so far hit nine boundaries and a six to frustrate Pakistan who are looking for a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Skipper Jason Holder was unbeaten on eight as West Indies till need 114 runs for an unlikely win in the remaining 38 overs.

Bravo put up his best resistance during a 77-run stand for the fifth wicket with Roston Chase (35) and has so far added 38 for the seventh with Holder.

Chase, famous for his 137 not out at Jamaica which helped West Indies draw a Test against India in July this year, gave full support to Bravo as the duo frustrated Pakistan.

Pakistan's hopes were rested on leg-spinner Yasir Shah who was not at his best despite good turn on offer. He finally got his first wicket when he bowled Chase from across his feet. Paceman Wahab Riaz then dismissed Shane Dowrich for nought to leave West Indies at 194-6.

West Indies had resumed at 95-2 and were instantly in trouble when Amir had Marlon Samuels caught behind for four with the first ball of the day. Jermaine Blackwood (15) helped Bravo take the total to 116 when left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz trapped him leg-before, a decision Pakistan only got on referral.

Pakistan did not get what was expected from Shah in the first session as he bowled faster rather than giving flight to the ball. The remaining two Tests will be played in Abu Dhabi (October 21-25) and Sharjah (October 30-November 3).

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Gabina VOA is designed to be an infotainment youth radio show broadcasting to Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Amharic language. The show brings varied perspectives on issues concerning young people in the Horn of Africa region. Gabina in the Amharic language is a front row taxi ridesymbolic of the shows content as a fun ride that takes audiences from point A to point B. Gabina VOAs main goal is Enlightening young people, introducing them to cutting-edge technological innovations, exposing them to new processes and ideas so they can be productive, informed and self-governing citizens.
Two former Congress MLAs today joined BJP ahead of the upcoming state elections due in early 2017.

The former Congress MLAs, N Biren and Francis Ngajokpa were warmly received by BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav, BJP's National Democratic Alliance Convenor Himanta Biswa and state party President Bhabananda here.

Ngajokpa had tendered his resignation from the house as well as from the primary membership of the party on October 13 and N Biren on October 6 this year.

Though Ngajokpa maintained that he had resigned from Congress due to the pressure of his voters of Tadubi in Senapati district, N Biren alleged that the present incumbent Ibobi Singh government had failed to bring good governance in the state.

Earlier in September last, veteran Congress MLA Y Erabot was the first to resign from the party to join BJP.

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Two persons have been arrested and another booked for allegedly thrashing and injecting petrol in the private parts of four persons, including two teenagers, on suspicion that they stole a mobile phone, police said here.

One of the accused, Rizzu, is the brother of a local Samajwadi Party leader and runs a milk dairy under Loni police station area.

On October 14, he lost his mobile phone and suspected Zaheer Baig (17), Gulzar (16) Fimo and Firoz (both 25), all from the same neighbourhood, of stealing the phone, Superintendent of Police (Rural area) Rakesh Pandey said.

Later Rizzu called the four to his dairy where he along with his associates, including Akil and Nadeem, thrashed them before injectingpetrol with a syringe in their private parts, the SP said.

The victims were rushed to the primary health centre from where they were referred to the district hospital.

The condition of Zaheer and Gulzar remained critical and they were further referred to GTB hospital in Delhi for treatment wherethe doctors bypassed their stool passing track by operating their intestines, he said.

An FIR has been lodged at Loni Kotwali police station under section 323 (causing hurt), 504 (insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation), 377 (unnatural offences) and POCSO Act, the SP said.

Rizzu and Akilhave been arrested while Nadeem is still at large, he added.

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The UK government today sought to downplay deep divisions within the Cabinet over the form that Britain's exit from the European Union would take, saying it is just a "lively debate" rather than a rift.

Some media reports suggested that UK Chancellor Philip Hammond had angered some of his more pro-Brexit Cabinet colleagues with his concerns over plans to immediately restrict immigration from the EU, warning that this could harm the UK economy.

It came as leading Brexit-backer Boris Johnson was forced to defend himself over an unpublished article which showed him presenting arguments in favour of staying in the EU.

However, UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt today sought to dismiss concerns as a "lively debate" within government circles rather than any deep divisions.

"If we weren't having lively debates in cabinet, you would be saying what's happened to Cabinet government, why aren't you going through incredibly thoroughly, all the different arguments to make sure we end up with the right decision," Hunt told BBC.

"The British people changed the history of our country on June 23 and the Cabinet is absolutely united that we must respect that decision. But we need to then go through very thoroughly and carefully, all the different options," he said.

At a Cabinet sub-committee meeting last week, Hammond is said to have suggested the government continue to consider other options on immigration control, even after UK home secretary Amber Rudd had brought forward plans for a visa scheme that would close the door to low-skilled migrants.

An unnamed cabinet source told 'The Daily Telegraph' that Hammond was "overly influenced by his Treasury officials who think it is a catastrophe that Britain voted to leave the EU".

Another source told the paper: "He is arguing from a very Treasury point of view. He is arguing like an accountant seeing the risk of everything rather than the opportunity."



'The Times' newspaper claimed Hammond's intervention angered some more pro-Brexit ministers, and was seen as potential foot-dragging by the Chancellor.

According to the 'Guardian', differences between ministers are likely to surface most strongly on the Brexit Committee, whose 12 permanent members are split evenly between ministers who supported the leave and remain campaigns before the June 23 referendum.

Yesterday, an unpublished column by Johnson, now UK foreign secretary, created a stir as it argued for continued EU membership.

The senior Cabinet minister, however, made light of the article, saying it was a result of the fact that he was "wrestling" with his stand on Brexit.

British Prime Minister Theresa May had announced at the Conservative Party conference earlier this month that Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the official trigger for Brexit, will be invoked by the end of March next year.

The debates and divisions over the exact nature of Brexit are expected to intensify in the lead up to the deadline.

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The UN Security Council has strongly condemned North Korea after a failed missile launch, threatening further measures against Pyongyang.

North Korea tested a medium-range Musudan missile on Saturday, the latest in series of launches in defiance of UN resolutions. The rocket exploded soon after lift-off.

In a unanimous statement yesterday backed by China, Pyongyang's ally, the council "strongly condemned the most recent failed ballistic missile launch," branding it a "grave violation" of North Korea's international obligations.

Council members agreed to "closely monitor the situation and take further significant measures," the statement said.

The United States and China are drafting a new sanctions resolution that the Security Council agreed last month to pursue after Pyongyang carried out its fifth and most powerful nuclear test to date.

North Korea has been hit by five sets of UN sanctions since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006.

After Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test, the council in March adopted the toughest sanctions resolution so far, targeting North Korea's trade in minerals and tightening banking restrictions.

Negotiations on the new sanctions measure are focussed on closing loopholes and zeroing in on North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile technology industry, according to Security Council diplomats.

North Korea has carried out more than 20 missile launches since the March resolution was adopted.

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The today questioned Russia and China's commitment to the war against terrorism and expressed its frustration against their being selective when it comes to terrorism.

"I guess I would characterise it as simply that Russia has often made a strong case  what they believe to be a strong case to the United States  about our shared interest in confronting extremists, not just in Syria and Iraq, but around the world," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference.

"There are things that they've done in the past that would indicate that they're not as committed to that shared priority as they claim to be. In part, because they devote so much time to shoring up the Assad regime in a way that makes it harder to resolve the conflict that ends up fueling extremism," he said.

"It is no secret that we've been frustrated about Russia's inability to live up to the commitments that they claim they're willing to make in the context of shared priorities and the fact that they have not followed through on those commitments raises questions about whether or not they actually share those priorities," Earnest said.

He was responding to questions on the just concluded BRICS Summit wherein China and Russia resisted against naming Lashkar-e-Taiba in the joint statement.

"I can't speak to the specific statement that was signed at the BRICS conference but the United States does believe that there are countries around the world with whom we should be able to coordinate to counter extremism, that the forces of extremism only threaten the interests of countries around the world and there should be an opportunity for the community to coordinate our response and to counter those threats, but sometimes the Russians haven't been as willing of partners as we'd like them to be," he said.

Earnest said China's an example of a country with whom the has been able to work very effectively in pursuit of some common interests.

"But there are some interests where...Where apparently our interests don't align. So, again, I can't speak to the specific decision because obviously the United States wasn't a party to the BRICS conference but, you know, the United States does have an aspiration to work more effectively in the community to counter extremist threats," he said.
Domestic full service carrier Vistara today said it has banned carrying of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones on its aircraft including in the check-in baggage, a day after Malaysian budget airline AirAsia announced a similar move.

Carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones is prohibited on Vistara flights, both in hand luggage and check-in luggage, Vistara informed its customers in a tweet.

Malaysian budget airline group AirAsia had yesterday announced that it would not permit carrying Samsung's latest Galaxy Note series mobile phones including recalled and replacement devices - in cabin bags, check-in baggage or as cargo following a recent ban by US Department of Transport on the device and reports of replacement units catching fire.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials had early this month said that the aviation regulator was in the process of issuing a fresh advisory on the use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones onboard aircraft after getting latest inputs from its US counterpart, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Earlier the DGCA had on September 9 completely banned the use of Galaxy Note 7 on board flights as also carrying them in checked-in baggage, which it partially lifted on September 30.

The restrictions do not apply to "Samsung Galaxy Note 7 purchased after September 15, 2016, which have green battery charge indication on their screen," DGCA had said in a notice on September 30.

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With an aim to impart quality education to the students, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University is establishing its third campus near Bhopal.

"VIT University is now spreading its wings and establishing the third campus at (near) Bhopal. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for it was signed during the Global Investors Summit," VIT Founder Chancellor and Ex-MP, G Viswanathan told reporters here today.

The foundation stone for the new campus, at Kothri Kalan on Bhopal-Indore Highway in Sehore district, will be laid by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Minister for Higher Education Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya on October 20.

"We will set up the new University with an investment of Rs 500 crore, in phases, in an area of 100 plus acre," he said.

"In future, we will also think over setting up medical college as there is a huge shortage of doctors in the state," said Viswanathan, a former Tamil Nadu Minister.

Viswanathan said, "The degree programmes offered at VIT University were accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2003 and the same was re-accredited in 2015."



"Besides, The Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), USA has granted international accreditation to 14 B.Tech programmes of the varsity," he said,



Viswanathan claimed VIT is the first university in the country to receive the "prestigious" ABET accreditation.

The varsity currently has 991 students from Madhya Pradesh and had received around 15,000 applications from MP in 2016 for admission in various courses it offers at its Chennai and Vellore campus, University Vice President Sankar Viswanathan said.

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Vice President Hamid Ansari today left for Algeria after concluding his three-day visit to Hungary during which he interacted with the top leadership of the country and signed two bilateral agreements.

During Ansari's discussions with Hungary's President Janos Ader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban and other top leaders, both the countries favoured elimination of the menace of terrorism and sought a strong global legal framework and sustained global action to deal with the threat.

Ansari expressed appreciation for the support extended by Hungary to India's membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime and for entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

He said relations between India and Hungary are friendly, multi-faceted and have a cultural resonance besides both the countries being thriving democracies and dynamic economies.

The one MoU -- in the field of water management -- was signed on India's behalf by Indian Ambassador to Hungary Rahul Chabra and the other MoU -- between Indian Council for World Affairs and Institute of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary -- was signed by Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Sujata Mehta.

The Hungarian Prime Minister said his country has set up a working group on technology to explore the possibilities of bilateral cooperation on various issues, including defence production for mutual benefits.

He recalled contribution of India's then envoy to Hungary M A Rahman, who played a key role in Hungary's historic 1956 uprising, saying former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru too had supported Hungarian people's struggle.

The Vice President's visit to Hungary came over two decades after then President Shankar Dayal Sharma had visited the central European country in 1993.

Ansari also visited Balatonfureden, a central Hungarian city where Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore had spent some days in 1926 to recuperate from his heart ailments and paid floral tribute to him.

During the two-day visit to Algeria, Ansari is expected to raise the issue of cross-border terrorism affecting India and a host of other bilateral issues.

Mehta said the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from across India's border will be raised during bilateral meetings the Vice President will have with Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and other top leadership.

She said terrorism is not new for Algeria and it has fought a very difficult terror group in the recent past.

"There will be meeting of minds to fight terrorism with all his interlocutors and counterparts," she said.

Algerian President Bouteflika was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in 2001.

Bilateral trade between India and Algeria stood at USD 1.5 billion per annum, majority of which is related to oil and oil products imported by India.

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Montenegrin officials blocked popular messaging services WhatsApp and Viber during the country's parliamentary election, a ban that drew allegations of interference from opposition politicians and concern from European election watchers today.

"Blocking such apps is unthinkable in any normal country," said opposition party leader Ranko Krivokapic, who previously monitored voting for the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. "I have never heard of that happening anywhere ever in an election."



Authorities said they blocked Viber and WhatsApp for several hours during Sunday's inconclusive election because "unlawful marketing" was being spread through the networks.

Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic's long-ruling party won the most votes in the contest, but without enough support to govern alone. Both the opposition and the Democratic Party of Socialists will now have to try form a governing coalition with several small groups represented in the 81-seat parliament.

The outcome of the coalition negotiations will determine whether the state continues on its current course toward the West or turns back to traditional ally Russia.

The tense election was marked by the arrest of 20 people, including a former commander of Serbia's special police forces, suspected of planning politically motivated armed attacks against Djukanovic and his supporters.

Opposition leaders claim thousands of their supporters were rounded up by the police on election day.

While pointing out the need for further improvements, the OSCE vote-monitoring mission said in its report Monday the elections "were held in a competitive environment and fundamental freedoms were generally respected."



But the report also expressed concern over the blocking of Viber and WhatsApp. European parliamentarian Marietje Schaake said she was worried that such a draconian measure had apparently been deployed.

Schaake said in an email that such moves "must not be used to silence opposition or to limit the freedom of assembly or speech. It is crucial that the EU looks into the details of what took place, and ensures accountability."



Messages sent to WhatsApp and its owner Facebook Inc. weren't immediately returned. Viber, owned by Japanese tech company Rakuten Inc., didn't immediately provide comment on the reported outage.

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The issuance of Diwali stamp by the US Postal Services is viewed by Indian-Americans as an affirmation of the key role played by them in the US, the White House said today as it hailed the community's contribution to the country.

"Well, listen, I don't know that the White House can claim any credit for the decision on the part of the postal service to start printing and distributing Diwali stamps," the White House Press Secretary, Josh Earnest, said.

"I would anticipate that the president and the first lady will issue a statement on the occasion of Diwali to offer their greetings to those who are celebrating the holiday," he said.

"Obviously the -- as we have discussed a couple of times here, the United States and India share deep cultural ties. So there's a large and active Indian-American population here in the United States. It contributes greatly to the success and vibrancy of our country, our economy and our democracy," he said.

"Our country benefits from the large Indian-American population that lives here and makes tangible contributions to our country on a daily basis. And so if the issuance of that stamp is viewed by Indian community as an affirmation of the important role that they play in our country, then that certainly would please the President of the United States," Earnest said.

A Diwali stamp was launched here by the US postal service, capping seven-year-long efforts by Indian-Americans and influential American lawmakers to commemorate the festival of lights.

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As'ad's Bio

As'ad AbuKhalil, born March 16, 1960. From Tyre, Lebanon, grew up in Beirut. Received his BA and MA from American University of Beirut in pol sc. Came to US in 1983 and received his PhD in comparative government from Georgetown University. Taught at Tufts University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He served as free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News, an experience that only served to increase his disdain for maintream US media. He is now professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. His favorite food is fried eggplants.
It will be "unique" if parties decide which judge will hear their matter, Delhi High Court observed today.

The observation came during the hearing of a plea by Congress leader Sajjan Kumar and others for transfer of their case relating to 1984 anti-Sikh riots alleging bias by one of the members of a division bench.

"It will be a unique day in history when the parties involved in a matter will decide which judge will hear their case," a bench of Justices Gita Mittal and P S Teji remarked.

It further said they were struggling to get cases older than the 1984 riots listed so that people waiting for justice do not have to wait long.

"This kind of application is filed in every difficult case nowadays. But the applicant does not understand that due to such attempts, how much judicial time is wasted on this," the court said, adding that "there are many cases older than 1984 riots. The victims still await justice. This bench is also hearing the case of the 1987 Hashimpura massacre".

The court's oral observation came during the hearing of a application in which Kumar and others have sought transfer of the matter alleging bias by Justice P S Teji, one of the judges of the division bench hearing the appeal. The arguments will continue tomorrow.

Kumar, who was acquitted by a trial court in 2013 in a case relating to the killing of five Sikhs by a mob in Delhi Cantonment's Raj Nagar area during the riots, has claimed in his plea that the case should be transferred to another bench as Justice Teji had heard the anticipatory bail pleas in this case when he was a trial court judge.

Former MLA Mahender Yadav, who was handed three years jail term in the matter and is presently on bail, had also alleged that "Justice Teji was exercising his keen interest in the matter" and he should recuse himself from hearing these appeals.

This was strongly objected to by senior advocate H S Phoolka, appearing for the victims, who submitted that such allegations should not be entertained in the court.

Justice Mittal also stated that this was no ground for recusing from hearing the matter.

Earlier, CBI in its reply to the application had said



that the three convicts, who had filed such "frivolous" application, were "intimidating" the court by allegedly casting aspersions on a judge hearing an appeal against their acquittal.

CBI had said it was an attempt to cause "obstruction", delay the proceedings and frustrate the course of justice.

Besides Kumar and Yadav, convict Kishan Khokkar, who was sentenced to three year in jail and is on bail, has also filed a similar application.

While acquitting Kumar, the trial court had held five of them guilty and awarded varying jail terms to them for being part of the mob that killed the Sikhs.

CBI has moved the high court challenging the acquittal of Kumar in a case relating to killing of five Sikhs -- Kehar Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Raghuvender Singh, Narender Pal Singhand Kuldeep Singh, all belonging to the same family, by a mob during the riots.

Ex-councillor Balwan Khokkar, Girdhari Lal and retired naval officer Captain Bhagmal were given life term, while the remaining two, Yadav and Khokkar, were given three-year jail term each for their lesser roles. They have also challenged their conviction in high court.

Besides CBI, the victims' family members Jagdish and Nirpreet Kaur had also challenged the trial court order.

The trial court had acquitted Kumar in the case saying he deserved the "benefit of doubt" as key witness Jagdish Kaur did not name him as an accused in her statement given to the Justice Ranganath Mishra panel in 1985.

CBI, in its appeal before the high court, has alleged that the trial court had erred in acquitting Kumar as it was he who had instigated the mob during the riots that broke out after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984.

The case against Kumar, a former Lok Sabha MP from Outer Delhi, and others was registered in 2005 on a recommendation by Justice G T Nanavati Commission. CBI had filed two chargesheets against him and other accused in January 2010.
Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh today said he would launch investigations into each one of the "multiple scams that the Badals are involved in" if voted to power in the upcoming polls.

Badals have been "brazenly looting" the state through a series of scams - from drugs to the bus permit scam to sand smuggling and liquor mafia, Singh claimed on the first day of his three-day Kisan Yatra roadshow here.

"We will have each one of these scams thoroughly investigated, following the due process of law, and put every one of the guilty behind the bars," he said.

The Punjab Congress chief also vowed to "teach the Badals a lesson" for failing to procure the farmers' paddy from the mandis in Punjab on time, and assured the farmers that "nobody involved in harassing or cheating them would be spared".

"These Badals did not pick up your paddy, but I will pick them {Badals} up)," he said while addressing farmers at Baghapurana mandi in Moga.

Singh promised to resolve their problems on priority basis once the Congress takes over the reins of Punjab.

Interacting with the farmers, Singh reiterated his commitment to waiving off their debts, and also assured them of prompt redressal of all their grievances if he is voted to power.

Earlier, Singh had reached Baghapurana around afternoon for his Kisan Yatra roadshow.

The three-day roadshow will continue on Tuesday from Faridkot, from where Captain Amarinder will leave for Ludhiana.

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A woman 'actively involved' in the kidnapping of a doctor for ransom and his killing earlier this year in Shikohabad, was arrested today, police said.

Acting on a tip-off, the Indirapuram police nabbed Manju Kumari at about 10:30 AM, they said.

"During interrogation, Manju confessed that she, along with Pradeep alias Daroga, Ashok Yadav, Arun and Sonu had kidnapped Dr Rajesh Gupta from his clinic in Nirkari colony of Vasundhara on January 20, 2016," said Superintendent of Police (City) Salman Taj Patil.

"Pradeep had asked Gupta to visit his ailing mother. When Gupta was proceeding towards a car near his clinic they dragged and bundled him inside. He was intoxicated and ferried to Shikohabad. When he gained consciousness, he was forced to call his family to pay a ransom of Rs 20 lakh for his release," he said.

"When Rajesh tried to escape from their captivity, they shot him dead and threw his body in a canal. Upon returning to Delhi, Pradeep used Gupta's phone to call his wife and demanded Rs 20 lakh for her husband's release which she refused," he added.

They scrapped Gupta's phone near a railway line in Delhi. Pradeep withdrew an amount of Rs 37,000 from different ATMs by using Gupta's debit cards, police said.

A case regarding the incident was registered under sections 364 A, 201, 120B of the IPC at Indirapuram police station.

"Police had been raiding different areas and their possible hide outs to nab them. All the remaining culprits who are still at large will be arrested soon," said Patil.

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Malaysian budget airline group AirAsia has prohibited carrying Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones onboard any of its flights, including those operated by AirAsia India, due to safety concerns.

The ban is effective from mid-night today, AirAsia said.

ALSO READ: Samsung issues public apology for the entire Note 7 fiasco

The decision of not allowing the latest Galaxy Note series smartphone comes after a recent ban by US Department of Transport on the device and reports of replacement units catching fire, AirAsia said in a release today.

AirAsia Guests are not permitted to carry the Galaxy Note 7 - including recalled and replacement devices - on their person, in cabin bags, in check-in baggage or as cargo, the release said.

Any guests found with the device will be denied boarding, it said.

The prohibition applies to all flights operated by AirAsia Group, comprising AirAsia Malaysia, AirAsia Thailand, AirAsia Indonesia, AirAsia Philippines, AirAsia India, Malaysia AirAsia X , Thai AirAsia X and Indonesia AirAsia X , the airline said in the release.

South Korean electronics major Samsung had released the new the Galaxy Note 7 in July but discontinued the product last week after unexplained overheating problems and fire incidents.


One of the leading faces to popularise Yoga both at national and international level, renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev has decided to pen down his autobiography. He will be releasing the book titled - Being Baba Ramdev - next year.

As per report, the book will take us through Ramdev's early life, spirituality, passion for yoga, swadeshi principles, health, setting up of Patanjali, dreams, ambitions as well as controversies.

The book will be published by Penguin Books India that made an announcement about the upcoming project on October 13. According to the official release by the publisher, the Yoga guru said, "A lot has been written about me by other people in the media. Now with my autobiography I will share with you the story of my life in my own words. I am delighted that Uday Mahurkar has agreed to write the book and that Milee Ashwarya from Penguin Random House India will be publishing it."

Baba Ramdev is the man behind India's largest Ayurvedic brand Patanjali which has, for the last few years, upset the dominance of few multinational corporations in India. With heavy investments in multiple brands in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), Patanjali is turning out to be one of the biggest threats to leading foreign brands.

ALSO READ: Baba Ramdev is bringing Brazilian bull power to Indian cows

Baba Ramdev autobiography likely to draw a lot of readers as the Yoga guru has a massive following through yoga.

However, he is not the first yogi or sadhu to write an autobiography. There are many names in spiritual and religious world who have left remarkable imprint on humans lives through their spiritual journey.



Baba Rampuri

BOOK : Autobiography of a Sadhu: A Journey into Mystic India

Published in 2010 by Destiny Books

Baba Rampuri, born as William A Gans on July 14, 1950, is an American born Sadhu. He claims to be the first westerner to become a Naga Sadhu.

Rampuri is the author of the 2010 book Autobiography of a Sadhu: A Journey into Mystic India. The book was originally published in 2005 as Baba: Autobiography of a Blue-Eyed Yogi, which was translated into German, Russian, Czech, Croatian, and Serbian.

Baba Rampuri was initiated into the religious order - Naga Sannyasi - after traveling to India on a spiritual quest from his native California in 1969. He was just 18 at the time. From drinking the "nectar of Immortality" at the source of the Ganges River to allegations of tantric murder, his autobiography is filled with true accounts of magic, miracles, ghosts, and austerity, with lessons on Hindu gods, ayurveda, mantra, and Indian culture woven throughout.



Paramahansa Yogananda

BOOK: Autobiography of a Yogi

Published in 1946 by The Philosophical Library

Yogananda was born Mukunda Lal Ghosh in Gorakhpur, India, into a Bengali family. Autobiography of a Yogi introduces the reader to the life of Paramahansa Yogananda and his encounters with spiritual figures of both the East and the West.

The book begins with his childhood family life, to finding his guru, to becoming a monk and establishing his teachings of Kriya Yoga meditation. The book continues in 1920 when Yogananda accepts an invitation to speak in a religious congress in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

He then travels across America lecturing and establishing his teachings in Los Angeles California. In 1935 he returned to India for a year-long visit. When he goes back to America, he continues to establish his teachings, including writing this book.



Yogiraj Gurunath Siddhanath

BOOK: Wings to Freedom: Journey of a Nath Yogi

Published in 2011 by Yogi Impressions

Yogiraj Gurunath Siddhanath was born in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He experienced spontaneous meditations at the age of three and was later blessed by some of the world's most enlightened personalities. Yogiraj was believed to be a realized master of the perennial Yogic sciences of India.

After his supra-conscious experience with his guru Babaji in the Himalayas, Yogiraj was blessed and empowered by the spiritual supermen of the Himalayan caves. His divine transformation flowered after his deep and personal experiences with the supreme yogi-Christos known as the Mahavatar - Supreme Spirit Incarnate - Shiva-Goraksha-Babaji.

With these blessings he was charged with the duty to spread the teachings of "Earth peace through Self peace" and spiritual evolution of Consciousness through the divine science of Kundalini Kriya Yoga meditation.

Wings to Freedom is the life-awakening account of this householder Yogi that shares with us his personal experiences as he sojourns to temples and sacred power centers of India, unveiling the mysteries of life, immortality, and Self Realization.



Om Swami

BOOK: If Truth Be Told: A Monk's Memoir

Published in 2014 by HarperCollins India

Om Swami was born in a Brahmin family in North India. Showing deep inclination towards spirituality from an early age, Swami studied a range of Vedic and astrological texts, eventually becoming a professional astrologer during his teen years.

Quitting his job as a part-time editor for a weekly business newspaper, he left for Australia to pursue tertiary education and later acquired Australian citizenship. After years of living the good life, he found he could no longer ignore the old restlessness; worldly pleasures just couldn't fill the void within. He moved back to India and finally did what he had always yearned to do: renounce the world and become a monk.

If Truth Be Told: A Monk's Memoir is his self-written memoir. The book was listed as number 6 in the top 10 non fiction books in the country as reported by The Financial Express. This is a memoir of the making of a spiritual life in today's challenging and often confusing times.
Sale of Chinese products may decline by 30 per cent on this Diwali compared to last year as per the market report from various states, says traders body CAIT.

"As per indications available from the markets of different states, as of now there seems to be an expect decline of about 30 per cent in consumption of Chinese products on this Diwali in comparison to last year which in itself would be a strong indication to China and other countries as far as the consumption of Chinese goods in India is concerned," the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said in a statement.

ALSO READ: Xiaomi Diwali sale: Top offers of day 1 According to statement, the social media has once again prove its strength as the calls to boycott Chinese products this Diwali festive season circulating on social media since last fortnight have made inroads in the houses as well prompting even children and women not to use China-made products on ensuing festive season.

CAIT said that the campaign has left wholesalers and retailers across the country in a dilemma.

It clarified that boycotting of Chinese products at this stage is not going to affect China since on every season, the goods are usually imported 2-3 months before.

The Chinese stocks are already piled up in the country and it will be a situation of loss to our own traders and countrymen.

However, the body said that if the sentiments are so strong, the consumers have to come forward and make their intent very clear since it is a consumer driven market and as a result of which it is expected that the following season of Christmas and New Year may see a sharp fall in imports from China.

India is a big market for Chinese products and over the years import of toys, furniture, building hardware, crackers, lighting and electric fittings, furnishing fabric,office stationary, electronic appliances, consumer electronics, kitchen equipment & appliances, gift items, watches etc from China has increased to a great extent.

Chinese products are generally low in price having availability in bulk coupled with different variety is the root cause of infiltration of Chinese goods in the Indian market, it said.

The body further said that beside international issues of importance, many other incidental issues are attached to it and it has to be looked in totality and not in isolation.

China is one of the major investors in India.


Newcomer Reliance Jio has again asked its rivals Vodafone and Idea Cellular to release interconnection ports while alleging that poor quality of service on its network is due to incumbent players' "unlawful and illegal delay" in providing more connections.

Referring to the regulator Trai's directions issued to telecom operators on October 7 for resolving the service quality issue, the Mukesh Ambani-led firm in separate letters to Vodafone and Idea said, "In deference to Trai's directions, RJIL therefore demands immediate release of the shortfall in E1s."

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has given a deadline of October 17, 2016 to mobile operators to resolve the matter so that customers do not experience poor quality of service.

Trai has observed high level of congestion in telecom networks leading to call failure on Reliance Jio's network.

Jio has been alleging that Airtel, Vodafone and Idea are denying it required number of interconnection points. However, the incumbents have said that they have provided sufficient points of interconnection (PoIs) to meet requirement of Jio as per industry average.

In the letter dated October 12, marked to Telecom Secretary and Trai Chairman, Jio alleged average call drop experienced by its customer as on October 8 was as high as 87 per cent on Vodafone and 67 per cent on Idea network for NLD service.

The company has sought interconnection facility for supporting 100 million mobile subscribers by March 2017.

As per the list sent by Jio, Vodafone has to allocate 7614 and 1844 more PoIs for access and national long distance services while Idea needs to provide 6060 and 1230 additional PoIs for access and national long distance services respectively.

Jio said that it provided schedule of estimated subscriber growth on its network since June 21 along with required number of PoIs.

"As you are aware, you never adhered to the schedule for providing E1s (interconnection ports) under one pretext or the other and this continues as at date. The details of shortfalls in E1s are due and yet to be provided for up to 100 million subscribers," Jio said.

Jio has projected that subscriber base on its network is estimated to reach 50 million by September 2016, 75 million by end of 2016 and 100 million by March 2017.

"Please be informed that any non-compliance with QoS (quality of service) requirements on the traffic originating from RJIL's network is solely owing to your unlawful and illegal delay/ denial to adequately augment the PoIs," the letter said.

It further said Vodafone and Idea that "any continued delay/denial in providing the requisite E1" would be breach of their licence and QoS rule and they will be held "responsible for all consequences thereof."

No immediate comments could be received from Vodafone and Idea Cellular.


Explore what is expected of a new person entering the scene, all the need to know information, motivations behind play, safety and more.

When we first enter the BDsM community things can be difficult. There are many questions, what do these terms mean, how do I find a partner, how do I maintain my own safety, am I different or a freak? These are all important baseline questions but there are so many, in this class that is designed for beginners but still interesting enough for the intermediate player Saint will explore what is expected of a new person first entering the BDsM scene, all the need to know information, motivations behind play, safety, and other such topics. If time allows an intro to play may be provided.

Saint St. James is an out, twenty-nine year old, married, poly, gay, male, versatile, switch, introverted, hedonistic, kitty, educator. He has been teaching on LGBT and Kink topics for six years and it happy to provide his wealth of knowledge to Self Serve. Saint St James has been active in the Leather/Kink community since 2006. He served on the New Mexico FetLifers Board as the Policies & Procedures Coordinator from 2009 till the groups closing in 2014. Saint is currently a Member at Large on the board of MAsT Albuquerque and a member of the New Mexico Leather Wolves. Since his first class in 2009, Saint has presented workshops on subjects ranging from pet play and auto-bondage to race play for southwest groups/conferences, and education is one of his passions. Saint co-produced Evolution of the Revolution, NMFLs 2010-2012 conference, and he served as NMFLs liaison to Albuquerque Pride. Saint is married to his husband Chance in a poly-kink dynamic, and hes committed to developing and growing his leather family.

We offer an early bird discount for the first 7, paid signups up to two days before the class. All other tickets are $20/person. Use promo codeEB10.17.2016 to get the early bird pricing.

**Note** Use Store Pickup option for shipping method
It was announced today that Tesco Irelands innovative surplus food donations programme has redistributed over two million meals to 195 charities and support groups since its launch in July 2014. This equates to over 20,000 meals donated to causes every week.

Charities that have benefited from this initiative include local community centres, addiction rehabilitation services, homelessness charities, womens refuges, elderly support centres, children and youth organisations.

At present 109 of Tescos 148 Irish stores (73%) support local good causes with surplus food donations with the retailer planning to introduce their programme into all of its Irish stores by the end of 2016.

With 2 million meals redistributed to date, equating to over 1000 tonnes of food, Tesco is encouraging more good causes across Ireland to sign up and take part in this initiative.

Corporate Affairs Director Tesco Ireland, Christine Heffernan says, "Even in the most efficient retail operations, there will inevitably be surplus food and we are thrilled to be making a valuable contribution to local communities enabling charities to focus on the vital services they provide."

She added, "Our aim is to achieve full roll out of this partnership to all of our 148 stores by the end of 2016. We encourage any charity that can benefit from this partnership to register via food.cloud."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Irelands newest independent finance provider, Capitalflow, has today announced it will commit 300 million in finance to Irish SMEs.

Todays announcement of 300 million is part of the companys launch and growth strategy in the Irish market which aims to increase its workforce and market share significantly in the next two years.

The company will finance small and medium sized businesses through a variety of financial products including asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending, providing SMEs immediate access to finance for working capital management, day-to-day expenses, sales and business growth.

Capitalflow was established by former Close Brothers Managing Director, Harry Parkinson and former Bibby Financial Services Managing Director, Ronan Horgan, Capitalflow was founded in November 2015 and began operating in April 2016. The company is headquartered in Dublin with offices in Belfast.

Backed by London-based private equity firm Pollen Street Capital, Capitalflow has provided 50 million in the past six months to over 230 Irish SMEs.

Managing Director of Capitalflow, Ronan Horgan says, "Providing 50million funding to over 230 Irish businesses in just six months is a clear indication of the need and demand for finance among Irish SMEs. We see particular demand across the construction, transport, manufacturing and tourism sectors which are key industries for employment and business growth in this country."

He added, "Our funding options deliver flexible and immediate funding options to businesses and we are different to traditional forms of finance. We process funding applications and make a decision on financing in days, rather than leaving SMEs waiting weeks for a response. We provide SMEs instant access to finance."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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EY has today reported fee income growth of 16.2% to 220 million in Financial Year 30 June 2016 (FY16), up from 190 million in FY15.

For the same period, the UK practice reported fee income growth of 7% to 2.150 billion with the global organisation reporting revenues of US$29.6 billion, up 9% from the year prior.

Over the past three years, the professional services firm providing assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services has grown by 16% each year, faster than any of its Big Four rivals.

EY reported double digit growth across all four of its service lines for the third consecutive year, while its headcount increased by 15%.

The firm also promoted or progressed over a third of its workforce in FY16 for the third consecutive year with 459 people taking the next step in their careers at the firm  a 16% increase on last year.

As of the end of September 2016, EY now employs 2,088 people across the island of Ireland, which includes its recent intake of 253 graduates. Following the announcement of 270 jobs in June of this year, it has already filled 140 of the experienced hire roles.

Country Managing Partner at EY Ireland, Mike McKerr says, "The market leading growth that we achieved in FY16 has been driven by a continued strong performance across our four service lines in tandem with innovation across our service offerings which has helped our clients navigate continued disruption within their businesses. Posting double digit growth for the third year in a row demonstrates our momentum as a firm and also positions us well to deliver an even stronger performance in FY17."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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The number of Irish women entrepreneurs receiving business supports from Local Enterprise Offices increased by 20% last year according to figures released today.

Figures show that last year, Local Enterprise Offices in partnership with the Local Authorities provided financial and mentoring supports to more than 6,250 female-run businesses while more than 11,000 female entrepreneurs participated in specialist training programmes.

Seven events are taking place to mark the 10th annual National Womens Enterprise Day on Wednesday, October 19th in Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Meath, Westmeath, Dublin and Cavan.

All 31 Local Enterprise Offices are supporting the initiative with established female entrepreneurs acting as Regional Ambassadors, sharing their inspiring success stories.

Guest speakers at National Womens Enterprise Day events around the country include the Fashion Designer - Heidi Higgins, Sonya Lennon of Lennon Courtney, Susan Spence of Softco and Susan Hayes Culleton of the Positive Economist.



They will be joined by more than twenty other entrepreneurs, such as Alison Ritchie of Polar Ice, Rosie Mansfied of GoCambio, Designer Una Burke and Breda Butler of Cuinneog.

Welcoming today's figures, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O Connor commented, "Women have a huge amount to contribute to business in Ireland, and they must be encouraged to start innovative enterprises that are focused on exports, growth and job creation. I want more ambitious women across every region to start their entrepreneurship journey and take that first step. Female entrepreneurs are needed to further enhance our economy by creating more quality jobs in Ireland."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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Vodafone Irelands mobile phone network has been named Best in Test for the Irish market by P3 Communications, an international leading company in independent consulting, testing and engineering services.

The benchmark measures smartphone voice and data performance based on a series of extensive drive tests across cities, towns and connecting roads in Ireland.

P3 benchmarked the performance of the three largest mobile operators between August 18th - August 31st, 2016, and found that Vodafone was best in test for making and receiving mobile calls and the best network for mobile data services like video streaming, web-browsing, uploads, downloads and web browsing, scoring 810 out of a possible 1000 points.

In relation to its mobile voice service, Vodafone was rated number one for speech quality following its extensive HD voice roll-out nationwide and number one for call reliability meaning the fewest calls that fail to connect and the fewest dropped calls.

P3 tested calls from mobiles to other mobiles while moving (great majority of all calls from mobiles in Ireland are to other mobiles).

For mobile data services, Vodafone was rated first for all of the data services tested including file and data uploads and downloads, web browsing and YouTube video streaming. Vodafones great results reflect the extensive 4G rollout in cities, towns and rural areas.

Head of Network in Vodafone Ireland, Max Gasparroni said, "We are delighted to have been certified Best in Test for the second year in a row by P3. We are continuing to invest in our network to ensure unrivalled and world class network experience for our customers."

He added, "We have used the 550m investment over the last 3 years to enhance services for our customers in relation to improved call reliability and quality, while simultaneously rolling out superfast 4G and 3G to deliver a compelling and seamless mobile data experience."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Banks based in London will begin moving some operations to Frankfurt in the second half of next year to ensure full access to the European Union market, a top Frankfurt official said on Monday.

Hubertus Vaeth, who heads Frankfurt Main Finance, which promotes the German financial center, said banks have told him they will be moving some operations to Germany next year.

"The precise size is still open. There will be some re-engineering to be done, and there is no pressure to hurry that up," Vaeth told Reuters on the sidelines of a Brexit conference.

"We already see small teams, explorative teams looking into certain aspects. We see options for real estate, and we have very, very clear indications that things will be moved, however, not entire operations," Vaeth said.

Some small operations could begin moving in coming months, but the main relocations will be slightly later.

"We expect them in the second half of next year. The big moves will start in the second half of 2017," Vaeth said. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
PepsiCo Inc has set a target for reducing the amount of sugar in its soft drinks around the world as part of a suite of goals aimed at tackling problems ranging from obesity to climate change.

The New York-based company will announce on Monday that by 2025 at least two thirds of its drinks will have 100 calories or fewer from added sugar per 12 oz serving, up from about 40% now.

The move, which it plans to achieve by introducing more zero and low-calorie drinks and reformulating existing drinks, comes as PepsiCo and rival Coca-Cola come under increasing pressure from health experts and governments who blame them for fuelling epidemics of obesity and diabetes.

PepsiCo says the new global target is more ambitious than its previous goal of reducing sugar by 25% in certain drinks in certain markets by 2020.

"The science has evolved," Mehmood Khan, PepsiCo's chief scientific officer of research and development, told Reuters.

He gave an example of new flavor ingredients that require less sweetening, saying: "It's not just about sweeteners, it's about understanding the flavor ingredients and having proprietary knowledge and access to them."

The World Health Organization this month recommended taxes on sugary drinks, as France and Mexico have done, to curb consumption and improve health. The soft drinks industry opposes such taxes.

Despite its name, PepsiCo generates only 12% of its $63 billion in annual revenue from its famous cola brand. It makes 25% from carbonated soft drinks such as Mountain Dew, with the rest coming from waters and juices including the Tropicana brand, plus snacks and dips such as hummus and guacamole.

Its 2025 goals also include targets for lowering sodium and saturated fat.

"These are good steps. But when we have an obesity crisis, I think there is more that we can be doing," said Mindy Lubber, president of non-profit organization Ceres, which pushes companies and investors to take action on sustainability.

"If a food and beverage company is not looking at nutrition, they are not looking at the direction the world is going in."

Coke has said that by 2020 it would offer low-calorie or no-calorie options in every market as part of its sustainability goals.

PepsiCo is building on goals set out 10 years ago, which targeted nutritional, environmental and social improvements. Khan said there has also been financial progress.

He said the company has saved $600 million over the past five years from reduced water, packaging and energy use, as well as a reduction in waste. He added that, over the past decade, average returns on investments in this area have been better than the cost of capital.

Khan expects similar returns in future, which might be good news for investors, who generally don't base investment decisions on sustainability.

"It might not be the driving factor, but it might a filter," said Morningstar analyst Philip Gorham.

Other targets include a 15% improvement in the water efficiency of PepsiCo's direct agricultural supply chain in water-stressed areas by 2025 and a 20% drop in greenhouse gas emissions across its supply chain by 2030. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Stockton Hout, 2, was accidentally shot with a .22 caliber rifle by his three-year-old sister. The toddler was transported to Logan Regional Hospital by ambulance and then flown to Primary Children's Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  Just home from fixing a fence on his four-wheeler in their rural home in northern Utah, the man set his rifle against a wall in a living room cluttered with childrens toys. He went to the bathroom while his wife was in the kitchen with the youngest of their three children. Their other two small children were in the living room.

Then they heard a loud boom.

They raced in to find their round-faced, 2-year-old boy lying on his back crying, a gunshot wound near his belly. Wearing only a green diaper after his bath, the dying boy looked up at his mom and told her his sister had shot him.

The couples 3-year-old daughter had grabbed the rifle and accidentally shot her little brother while pretending she was shooting bears, according to a police report obtained by The Associated Press. The boy who loved riding tractors and horses died that night at an area hospital.

The April 2014 incident in Wellsville, Utah, is one of one of five fatal accidental shootings involving minors in the state over a recent 2  year span, according to an analysis by The Associated Press and the USA TODAY Network. There were 14 total incidents in that span.

Using information collected by the Gun Violence Archive, a nonpartisan research group, news reports and public sources, the media outlets spent six months analyzing the circumstances of every death and injury from accidental shootings involving children ages 17 and younger from Jan. 1, 2014, to June 30 of this year  more than 1,000 incidents in all.

Nationwide, a total of 327 minors were killed in that span.

Utahs rate of 4.7 accidental shootings involving minors per 1 million people is higher than the national average and among the 20 highest in the country, the analysis found. The national rate is 3.4.

The Utah incident involving the toddler siblings shares a common trait found around the country in accidental shootings: 3-year-olds are the most common shooters and victims among young children.

The Utah parents werent charged in what the investigator deemed a horrible tragedy. But Cache County Sheriff Lt. Mike Peterson said the incident is a stark reminder of the importance keeping weapons and ammunition away from curious children.

We have to remember that those little guys are inquisitive, Peterson said. The child who pulled the trigger was just emulating what she had seen dad do.

Accidental shootings account for only a fraction of firearm deaths in the U.S., but gun safety advocates have long argued that they are largely preventable. They advocate for stricter laws requiring guns to be kept locked up and unloaded.

Gun rights supporters, though, argue those measures make guns less useful in emergencies. The National Rifle Association argues that the chance of a child dying in a firearms accident is one in one million.

Mirroring a national trend, most of Utahs shootings occurred in homes. They happened all around the state, including in Ogden, Green River, Cottonwood Heights and Richfield. West Valley City was the only city with two.

One of the other fatal shootings also involved siblings. A 12-year-old girl was killed when her younger sister accidentally shot her in their home in Kaysville in November 2014.

Earlier that year in June in Cottonwood Heights, a 17-year-old was shot in the head by a 16-year-old friend who thought the handgun was unloaded.

The incidents analyzed by the AP and USA TODAY Network dont include an incident last month in Logan when a baby boy was taken to the hospital with flesh wounds in his foot after his 3-year-old brother fired a hunting rifle he found inside the familys apartment.

In the northern Utah incident, the mother told investigators her husband commonly left his rifle by the gun safe until he needed it again in the morning for work. She said the kids had never played with it before.

Peterson said they encourage families to always keep weapons out of reach from children, preferably in a locked storage, and put ammunition in a different spot.

We live in an area where guns are quite prevalent, Peterson said. In this case, it wasnt a shock to have a weapon. It just becomes such a way of our routine and our life that we forget it only takes one unfortunate thing to happen and it can turn to tragedy.
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Team Mystic Pokemon Go: 7 Facts You Need To Know And Signs You Are One Team Mystic of the break out game Pokemon Go is a team that is full of sass and chivalry. With an enchanting monicker, Team Mystic stands out from the rest of its counterparts and deserves to take the crown as champion in the Pokemon gaming-verse. To be a member of this exceptional team of Pokemon battle ...

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Critical Facts About Lee Ann McAdoo  The Infowars Anchor Lee Ann Mcadoo is a conservative journalist and television host whose interests in conspiracies and astrology has established her as a famous American reporter. Often referred to as Wonder Woman, McAdoo is a reporter who works for InfoWars.com, a controversial right-wing website run by radio show host, Alex Jones. Who Is Lee Ann McAdoo? Lee Ann McAdoo was born on 7 ...

Millie Weaver  Age, Husband & Infowars Career Millie Weaver is an American model, journalist, political activist, and social commentator. The young and beautiful journalist rose to fame working as a reporter for a controversial right-wing website InfoWars.com. Also known as Millennial Millie, Weaver is a social media influencer with over 100,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel and over 35,000 followers on Twitter. Who Is Millie Weaver and What Is ...

Is Jessica Tarlov Married? What Are Her Height & Weight? Jessica Tarlov is an American political consultant, strategist, and analyst whose influential and regular TV presence has made a popular figure. A good example of beauty with brains, Tarlov has appeared on various TV networks, mostly the FOX News Network where she is known for her liberal views on political analysis and insights. She is also the senior director ...

Who Is Kelly Rebecca Nichols  Alex Jones Ex-Wife? Kelly Rebecca Nichols is the ex-wife of controversial American radio show host, Alex Jones. She got nationwide attention following her divorce and subsequent custody battle with her estranged husband. Nichols, who worked with PETAs public relations department, was herself no stranger to controversies as she was involved in several publicity stunts of the non-profit animal rights ...

Who Is Bree Morgan  Cole Sprouse Ex-Girlfriend And What Is She Up To Now? Although Bree Morgan became famous through the Instagram, she also sapped some dose of popularity from Disneys sweetheart, Cole Sprouse of the Sprouse brothers. She is not only an Instagram star but also a YouTube vlogger whose popularity has long exceeded the ordinary level. Bree is conspicuously prominent on the internet and has her digital savviness ...

Does Vanna White Have Husband or Children, What Is Her Net Worth / Salary? For over three decades, Vanna White has been a household name, famous as the co-host and letter turner of the iconic NBC game show Wheel of Fortune. The talented and beautiful television personality is also an actress with several TV series and films to her credit. Since making her Wheel of Fortune debut in 1982, she has become one ...

Liz Wheeler  Biography, Husband & Net Worth Liz Wheeler is the kind of girl who sets the room on fire whenever she comes around. In this situation, however, she sets our screens on fire each time she appears as the host of One America News Tipping Point. She is, therefore, a presenter, publisher, consultant and a member of the Board of Zoning ...

Betty White  Net Worth, Children & Husband The entertainment industry will remain indebted to personalities like Betty White who brought something extra to the table and kept the world entertained for donkey years. The comedienne, actress, and writer graced the big screens in the early 50s as a show host and has been a delight since then. She is the queen of ...

Is Bill Nye (The Science Guy) Dead or Alive, What Are His Net Worth & Education? Everyone will always remember Bill Nye as the Science Guy. Besides his TV show Bill Nye the Science Guy, he is well-known for his Netflix show Bill Nye Saves the World which started airing in 2017 as well as his appearances in many famous media projects as a science educator. The star studied mechanical engineering ...

Is Cesar Millan Dead, Who Is The Wife & What Is His Net Worth? Cesar Millan is the famous dog whisperer who often stirs up mixed emotions. The Mexican-American is precisely speaking, a dog behaviorist; he has been in the game for over 25 years. His Emmy-nominated television series, Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan further pushed his method and tactics into the limelight. The series was produced from 2004 ...

Is Thomas Sanders Gay and Does He Have A Boyfriend? By the time Vine was shut down in January 2017, Thomas Sanders was already popular within and beyond the internet community for his heavy involvements on the online video hosting platform. After the tragic shutdown of Vine impacted on the growing career of the multi-talented personality, he immediately switched over to YouTube where he continued to upload ...

Is Shepard Smith Gay, Who Is The Boyfriend & What Is His Net Worth? There are only a few media personalities who are as bold and confident as Shepard Smith. Apart from his impressive stint at Fox News Channel which includes but not limited to his classic news delivery, upfront stance on virtually every issue and much more; he loves his job as much as he loves his personality. Smith ...

Is Milo Yiannopoulos Gay? His Husband and Net Worth Milo Yiannopoulos is a popular writer, journalist, polemicist, public speaker, and political commentator who is also known as the founder of The Kernel, an online blog. He has been said to be among the list of 100 weird and influential people in the United Kingdom. He appeared on this list as a result of personal beliefs and ...

Does Ryan Seacrest Have A Wife Or Girlfriend, What Is His Net Worth? From radio to television, Ryan Seacrest is a household name and a force to be reckoned with in showbiz. The radio personality, television host, and producer is best recognized as the host of the popular TV talent search contest American Idol. Heres how the media personality who always knew what his lifes ambition was and diligently pursued ...

Is Anderson Cooper Gay, Who is The Boyfriend or Husband? For many, the thought of becoming a millionaire by writing and talking about other people appears unachievable but this is the reality of the prominent American journalist Anderson Cooper who gathered millions of dollars for conducting accurate political analysis and other vital reports on TV. He is the main anchor of the CNN news show Anderson ...

Is David Muir Gay or Does He Have A Wife, What Is His Salary? David Muir is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who works for the ABC broadcast-television network and anchors the ABC World News Tonight with David Muir program while also co-anchoring the magazine program 20/20. The Ithaca College graduate, whose show has become the most-watched newscast in America, has covered stories from all across America and the world; reporting ...

Joel Osteen  Divorce Rumors, Net Worth & Family Members Joel Osteen is an American Televangelist, Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church based in Houston, Texas, a husband and a father of two. He is an author of many books, seven of which are New York Times Best Sellers and his televised sermons capture more than 7 million viewers per week and 20 million every month ...

Who Is Todd Chrisley? What To Know About His Children, Gay Rumors & Net Worth Premiered on the USA network in 2014, Chrisley Knows Best is one of the most watched family reality TV shows in the U.S. The series which is currently in its sixth season is centered around U.S real estate mogul Todd Chrisley and his family. The show reveals Todd the patriarch of the Chrisley family as a strict dad who rules ...

Who Is Shannon Bream Of Fox News? Her Husband, Children & Net Worth Shannon Bream who hosts the iconic primetime program started her journalism career in the late 1990s debuting as the evening and late-night news reporter for the CBS affiliate, WBTV. The beauty from America currently works for the Fox News Channel and she is best known for anchoring the primetime program. She also hosts Americas News ...

Is Troye Sivan Gay, Who Is His Boyfriend and What Is His Net Worth? Troye Sivan is an Australian singer and songwriter best known for songs like Happy Little Pill, Youth, Heaven (with Betty Who) and The Boyfriend Tag (with Tyler Oakley) which have all garnered him different awards and ranked on the Billboard Charts. Sivan, who was born in South Africa but now resides in the United States, is ...

Did iDubbbz Have Cancer, Is He Gay and Who Is His Girlfriend Now? iDubbbz is one YouTuber who has made a career out of courting controversy. Renowned for his absurdist channels and comedy video series, the Los Angeles based personality is the owner of two channels, iDubbzTV, and iDubbzTV2, as well as the brains behind comedy video series such as Content Cop, Kickstarter Crap, Gaming News Crap, and ...

Inside Greg Gutfelds Love Story With Wife Elena Moussa and Why Fans Thought He Was Gay Greg Gutfeld is a seasoned American television producer whose career in the media industry has spanned over a decade. He is a man of many talents who makes extra income through comedy, journalism, and editorial works. Gutfeld regularly appears on Fox News Channel as a panellist and co-host of the political talk show The Five ...

Works That Made Bo Burnham A Household Name and How Much He Is Worth Now One of YouTubes first viral stars and the worlds most exciting young comedian, Bo Burnham, has always amazed critics and comedy aficionados alike. Often regarded as the Justin Bieber of comedy, thanks to his fresh looks, floppy blond hair and hoodies, he has a multi-faceted career bigger than many comedians twice his age. It wouldnt ...

Is Louie Anderson Gay And What Is His Net Worth? Louie Anderson has one of the most abstract faces in the industry and equally knows how to use it to his advantage. He is not only a stand-up comedian but also an actor and television host who is known for his distinctive comic wits. Some of his notable projects include Family Feud, where he was ...

Is Don Lemon of CNN Gay, Who is His Partner and What Is His Salary? Don Lemon has risen to become one of the most recognizable faces on CNN over the past few years. The fiery journalist, who anchors CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, is liked and somewhat disliked for his strong and candid opinions on a variety of matters that do not just include politics but also race, significantly, matters that ...

Is Rachel Maddow Gay, Who is the Wife and How Much Does She Earn in Salary? Rachel Maddow is an award-winning American journalist, political commentator, and television news anchor. She is best known for hosting the popular nightly TV show The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. Prior to this, she hosted a talk radio program on Air America Radio from 2005 to 2010. As of now, the TV sensation co-anchors MSNBCs ...

Demystifying Pokimane  Her Real Name, Ethnicity & Boyfriend Like most social media celebrities in this digital era, Pokimane Thicc is one of those stars who took advantage of the internet to make a name for herself. Given the unlimited potentials which the social media space offers, many people have been instantly propelled to fame just by posting creative online contents. Not only has ...

A Breakdown of Kris Jenners Net Worth, Sources Of Income and Relationships Over The Years Standing outside and looking in, Kris Jenner looks like the oil that greases the wheels of the entire Kardashian/Jenner machine. She has been dubbed a momager and rightfully so because she seems to have had a part to play in the trajectory of each and every one of her daughters individually and the Kardashian brand ...

Pursuits That Brought Liza Koshys Fame To its Zenith and Her Love Life Since David Dobrik Liza Koshy is an American actress who has leveraged YouTube as a platform to promote her comedy while also serving as a television host on occasions. She is talented and funny and has gathered a lot of fans from around the world. Koshy started on Vine in high school and was able to get millions of ...

Alex Aiono Biography  Inside The Life Of The American Singer Not everyone who started from the streets has attained the heights where Alex Aiono is currently. His story could be referred to as the perfect definition of rising from Grass to Grace. He came into the limelight after he started out as a YouTuber, singer, and producer. One fascinating thing about the young YouTuber is ...

Virginia Vallejo Biography And Her Love Story With Pablo Escobar Virginia Vallejo can be referred to as one of the oldest whistleblowers in history after her involvement with Pablo Escobar which made her famous. Over the years, many questions have been raised about her relationship with the drug lord and why she endangered her life to be with him despite his notorious acts. The death ...

Princess Love Bio  Ethnicity, Real Name & Parents For many people, Princess Love is simply Ray Js wife but there is so much more to this feisty lady than meets the eye. She is a star in her own right and has many feathers on her cap. Princess Love is a reality TV star, a model, video vixen, and fashion designer. She and her ...

Who is Papa Franku Also Known As Filthy Frank or Joji, Where is He Now? The social media as we all know today has given people the opportunity to be creative and innovative and at the same time, make something of themselves. YouTube is one of the known social platforms we have today that makes it possible for people to express their God-given talents and post videos they created to ...

Who Is Molly Qerim, How Did She Become a Famous Sports Anchor and Who Is Her Husband? Molly Qerim is an American sports anchor popularly known for moderating First Take, a highly rated sports talk show, on ESPN. Prior to joining ESPN, Qerim hosted Fantasy Live and NFL AM on NFL Network. It is quite obvious that the widely acclaimed television personality is in a class of her own when it comes ...

Safiya Nygaard  Height, Parents & Net Worth Safiya Nygaard is an American YouTuber, writer, content producer, and director who is popular for posting makeup, beauty and fashion videos on YouTube. Her videos regularly top at least one million views, thanks to her lively character as well as her willingness to experiment with outrageous outfits and different beauty products. Here are the things to ...

The Rigors of Sunlen Serfatys Career Journey Until CNN and Fun Facts About Her Personal Life CNN correspondent, Sunlen Serfaty is an Emmy Award-winning journalist known for covering a broad range of breaking news stories, national news, and Washington politics. She has been able to garner widespread recognition for herself which even goes beyond the sphere of her work. Her profile also increased with the extensive work she did in covering ...

Demystifying Jazz Jennings Real Name, Boyfriend & Family Of One The Youngest Transgenders Jazz Jennings is an unusual personality who became famous as a transgender activist and was recorded as the youngest documented public figure to be seen as transgender. She is also a YouTube personality and spokesmodel for brands, her fans, and other transgenders. She fought for acceptance in her high school with her super supportive family for over ...

Inside Fred Armisens Life  Ethnicity, Romantic Relationships and Gay Rumors Fred Armisen is an award-winning American comedian, he is also a writer, an actor as well as a musician. He was a cast member of the legendary comedy show, Saturday Night Live for 13 years and also one of the brains behind the successful satirical show Portlandia. Find out more about this incredibly talented guy ...

Ed and Lorraine Warren Biography: Cases, Kids, and Family Life Have you ever woken up with fear you could not explain, or felt a strange presence that made the hair at your nape rise or even experienced strange occurrences around you? Well, these were some of the promptings that made the well-known paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren delve into trying to explain the ideas ...

Truth About Tony Romos Wife, Kids and Life Since His NFL Retirement Tony Romo grew from the field as a quarterback to the screens as an American Football Analyst. He was a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the richest football league in the world (NFL) before retiring. As a junior, he was honored as an All-Ohio Conference Member, an Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and ...

Who is Brittany Venti, The Controversial Game Streamer and YouTuber? In recent times, many people live stream themselves playing video games. This has become a popular pastime on the internet and many highly skilled gamers have become internet celebrities through this means. However, some of them rather than becoming renowned for their gaming skills and great commentary, have become controversial and infamous. A good example ...

Rob Dyrdeks Family: His Kids And Relationship With Wife Bryiana Noelle Flores A multi-talented star and an elite pro skateboarder, Rob Dyrdeks success story began at a remarkably young age. Yet another proof that schooling doesnt always correlate with success, Rob has established himself not just as a phenomenal sportsman but also as a successful entrepreneur. Besides perfecting his skill as a natural talent on the board, ...

xChocobars  Biography and Everything You Should Know About Her Having distinguished herself and recorded massive successes in an industry notably dominated by men, it is very safe to say that Xchocobars deserves all the attention and cash she makes from her career. A household name on Twitch (a smart live streaming video platform), the online-gamer is popularly known for streaming classic games such as Stardew ...

Everything To Know About Mary Padian, Her Boyfriend and Net Worth Mary Padian is a famous American television reality personality best known for her involvements on the Reality show Storage Wars. She also has her own shop called Mary finds where she displays her antique collections. Since her childhood, Padian has been a creative learner. At the time, she used to create new items out of reusable ones and ...

Betsy Woodruffs Family Life: Is She Married or Related To Bob Woodruff? An old name in the world of journalism, Betsy Woodruff has warmed her way into the hearts of many with her impressive talents. Through hard work, Woodruff has carved a niche for herself in a very competitive field. Betsy has strong family and work values and is also an advocate for equal opportunities for everyone ...

Matpat (Matthew Patrick)  Wife, Height & Net Worth As far as internet business is concerned, Matpat remains one of the most dynamic and seasoned figures. He boasts a wealth of experience that has helped him in growing his business from one level of greatness to another. Like most successful people, MatPat started out small but today, he makes millions of dollars from his ...

Facts About Ricegum  His Girlfriend, Real Name & Net Worth Ricegum is an online gamer and YouTube sensation who ditched college; took advantage of the digital era, and made a name for himself on the internet. Though he began as a gaming YouTuber, Ricegum soon gained recognition as a controversial internet star following his many diss tracks. Here is everything you need to know about the youngster ...

Joy Taylor Once Married MLBs Richard Giannotti  Inside Look At Her Love Life and Family The erosion of the sexist idea that women have no business in sports broadcasting created a host of women celebrities who attained fame outside of modeling and acting. One of them, Joy Taylor, a radio personality and TV host for Fox Sports 1, has been in the industry since 2009, becoming one of the most ...

What To Know About Conan OBriens Wife, Kids & Family Today The name Conan OBrien is one that jumps right at you almost immediately you start talking about the most popular television hosts in the USA and this is no surprise because the man behind that name has risen to become one of the most admired men in the business. Known for hosting the late-night talk ...

David Letterman  Net Worth, Wife & Son In all of American, one man whose face has been seen frequently by late night TV talk show lovers is none but David Letterman. The comedian and TV show veteran has been hosting late night talk shows for more than three decades. His Late Night with David Letterman show began on February 1st, 1982 aired ...

Demystifying Sssniperwolfs Family Background And The Boyfriends Shes Had Since she launched her eponymously named channel in 2013, Sssniperwolf has been on the rise when it comes to video game influencers. She is one of the biggest names in the online gaming subgenre of YouTube videos. Real name Lia Shelesh, she started with Call of Duty: Black Ops II but has diversified with other ...

Lester Holt  Wife, Family & Net Worth Lester Holt is a multiple award-winning journalist, newscaster, reporter, and actor who has worked for notable media houses like WCBS TV, CBS, MSNBC and among others. His remarkable feat in journalism has endeared him to the hearts of many and earned him some awards and recognitions. Read on to get acquainted with his biography, ethnicity, ...

What Is Louis C.K. Doing Now, Where Are His Family And How Much Is His Net Worth? It is not easy to make it in comedy. It takes more than a funny bone and the ability to elicit a few giggles from a listening audience. For all the complexities that go into making a successful career in comedy, Louis C.K, the Washington D.C-born comedian, did it. For years, he was at the ...

The Progression of Hoda Kotbs Career, Her Ancestry and Family Life Hoda Kotb gained fame as a television host and news anchor for NBC. She anchors the shows signature show Today, and it has been an excellent vehicle for her skills in front of a camera. Kotb has won several awards, including Daytime Emmys and Peabody Awards. Simply put, she is one of the most successful ...

Jerry Seinfelds Family: All About The Amazing Comedians Wife and Kids Apparently one of the highly important entertainers in America, Jerry Seinfeld is a man of many talents. A very funny man, he is considered to be one of the most successful comedians in the USA who has been in the business as a professional rib-cracker for more than 40 years. As an actor, he has ...

The Rigors Of Sarah Silvermans Rise To Prominence And Rundown Of The Men She Has Dated A comedian, writer, and actress, Sarah Silvermans art and craft is as unique as you would ever find. Her poignant use of comedy to discuss social issues such as race, sexism, politics, and religion has gained her an impressive following. As unorthodox as her style is, so is her life experiences. She previously suffered from epiglottitis ...

Who Is Hannibal Buress, Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend & Why Was He Arrested? Making people laugh when they are tense or not in the mood is a tough order and to ply the trade, it must indeed take some guts and expertise, this is what the humor maker, Hannibal Buress has been able to achieve and sustain after his inital teething process. The African-American is a screen writer, stand-up ...

The Success of John Mulaneys Career Efforts Since His Work On Saturday Night Live and Facts About His Wife John Mulaney had been working as a professional comedian for years before Saturday Night Live changed his status for life and like many who are now his fans, you probably did not know of him then. However, that changed when he joined the sketch comedy show in 2008. Since then, he has been one of ...

Jeff Dunham  Wife, Children and Net Worth Ventriloquism is a very subtle method of making an inanimate object (like a puppet, doll or dummy) appear to be saying words which are actually coming from the person (holding the inanimate object). In effect, the individual throws his/her voice to the puppet and can even appear to be having a conversation with it. Not ...

Ellen DeGeneres  Net Worth, Wife  Portia de Rossi & Parents Ellen DeGeneres is an American female standup comedian who has proven that whatever a man can do, a woman can also do. Since her journey as a standup comedian started in 1981, she has held swirl as one of the finest comedians America and the world at large has seen. She is often referred to ...

Revisiting Joan Rivers Death  The Daughter, Husband & Net Worth She Left Behind Joan Rivers was a renowned American comedian, TV host, writer, and actress. Her brand of comedy consisted of scathing one-liners and no individual or topic is spared. She hosted her own talk shows in the 80s and 90s and was a pioneer for women in stand up comedy. She was the first woman to host a late night ...

The Struggles of Margaret Chos Childhood, How It Influenced Her Career Growth and Love Life Margaret Cho is best described as a comic star who knows how to maneuver everything related to life into a rib-cracking joke. She is also known to criticize every social and political problem, especially those involving race and sexuality. Apart from her talents as a comic actress, she does amazingly well as a singer and ...

Where Is Eric Bolling Today? Who Is His Son & What Is His Net Worth? Eric Bolling who was once a notable figure on Fox News, is an American TV personality, an author, and versatile Journalist. As a political and financial analyst/commentator, he anchored discussions bothering on finance for Fox Business Channel. Here is everything there is to know about his career, family, and allegations that led to his exit ...

Who Is Chelsea Handler and Does She Have A Husband or Boyfriend? Chelsea Handler is one of Americas top female comedians. She is also an actress, writer, television host, producer, and activist. She is known to be very outspoken even with things that are very personal. In separate interviews with The New York Times, Handler revealed that she had an abortion twice when she was 16. She has authored five books ...

How Did Laura Lee Achieve Fame, How Much is She Worth and Who is Her Husband? Laura Lee is a popular American YouTuber, make-up artist and beauty blogger. From posting videos of her makeup routines on Instagram, Lee has transformed into a beauty influencer and a YouTube sensation. Today, her YouTube Channel has over 630 million views and 4.5 million subscribers. Asides having millions of followers across all social media platforms, ...

Madison Gesiotto Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Measurements Madison Gesiotto is no ordinary woman; although she excelled in quite a number of pageants and competitions while she was in school, it is her views on politics and issues in America that has made her name known to most people. She possesses beauty and intelligence in a seemingly equal measure and has been able ...

Who Is Lil Tay? Parents, Brother, Sister, Age, Net Worth, Ethnicity Child stardom is nothing new in the entertainment world. With the advent of social media, we have seen more stars made from the internet than ever before, and Lil Tay is one of them. Her uploaded rap videos trademark is cursing, swearing, cash-throwing, and use of obscene languages. Her fame went wild after she dropped ...

What To Know About Tig Notaros Wife, Kids and Family Today Tig Notaro is an American stand-up comic star, writer, actress, and radio analyst. Since she started her career in 2001, she has become one of Americas best comedians, particularly when it comes to observational comedy. One prominent aspect of her routine involves her family, which includes a wife and two children. Interestingly, Tig Notaro is part ...

Who Is Chantel Jeffries? What To Know About Her Age, Ethnicity & Net Worth Chantel Jeffries is a lady of many talents. Beyond being celebrated as a DJ, she has fared well as a model, an actress, musician, and as an artist. She first rose to fame on Instagram where she has a large following. However, in recent times, she has hit the spotlight for her rumored relationships with some ...

Is Ellen DeGeneres Married, Who Is The Brother  Vance DeGeneres and Family Members? Ellen DeGeneres is one of a kind celebrity in todays world as she has used her wealth for the greater good for many people. She has served a host of famous awards shows like the Grammy, Primetime Emmy and Academy Awards. Moreso, she is probably one of the most decorated entertainment personalities around the world and ...

Carli Bybel Bio  Height, Boyfriend & Net Worth Video blogging is now on the rise and YouTube is the place where most of it happens. If you are a lady who cares about her looks or a guy who likes to help his woman out with her looks, then one person whose name rings a bell when it comes to giving beauty tips ...

Who Is Lexy Panterra? What To Know About Her Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth Lexy Panterra is one of the YouTube personalities whose breakout came through the Twerk dance videos she posted on her social media handles and YouTube which has so far generated over 13 million views for her. From there on, she created her LexTwerkOut workout program in 2014. She is sure very talented as she as moved ...

Who Is AnneMunition? What Is Her Ethnicity & Does She Have A Girlfriend or Boyfriend? AnneMunition is a professional gamer and content creator of American origin. She is one of the most sought-after streamers on Twitch  a popular online platform for watching and streaming videos, especially video games. AnneMunition has almost half a million followers on Twitch and her channel has accumulated at least 13 million views. Her favorite games ...

Norm MacDonald  Former Wife, Son & Net Worth Recently, 59-year-old former Saturday Night Live stand-up comic Norm MacDonald caused a not-so-funny stir when he expressed his personal opinion about the #MeToo movement speaking in defense of Louis CK and Roseanne Barr. Following the backlash of his actions, he is diligently doing damage control for his questionable opinion by posting a public apology on ...

Inside Iliza Shlesingers Life With Husband and How Much She is Worth Now Witty, spontaneous, and truly humorous, Iliza Shlesinger is an American comedian who is clearly proving that the stereotypical claim that women are not really funny is not only incredibly wrong but completely outrageous. Having been in the game for more than 10 years, Shlesinger has grown bigger with each step, stunning fans with her incredible ...

Who Is Nessa Diab? Details of her Parents, Ethnicity & Relationship With Colin Kaepernick Nessa Diab has gained more fame as the girlfriend of different footballers than in her career. She is currently with the popular National Football League (NFL) player, Colin Kaepernick, and has stood by his side during his most trying times. Also known for her mononym, Nessa, she recently engaged in a tweet battle with the ...

Samantha Bee  Inside the Life of Full Frontal Comedian and Presenter We have over the decades seen various brands of humor and personalities who have walked the ropes. One of the formidable forces in the world of comedy is no other than the iconic Samantha Bee of the Daily Show who now runs her own television show on TBS channel. She is a Canadian-American political commentator, ...

What Happened To Jessica Williamss Boyfriend And Which Are Her Best Works? Jessica Williams is a woman who has a lot of feathers in her cap  and keeps acquiring more. The former senior political correspondent of the comic Daily Show, who is also a comedian and actress whose recent movie appearance include starring as a playwright just recovering from a recent split with her boyfriend, Damon, and ...

Who is Nicole Byer? Here are 5 Facts You Need To Know About The Comedian Nicole Byer, an American comedian, actress, and writer, made a name for herself after she played supporting roles on MTVs prank show Ladylike and the reality show Girl Code. The latter was a series that featured comedians who analyzed in minute details, all the issues that young women deal with daily, from period to dating, to weird friendship dynamics and questions about sex. Currently, ...

A Closer Look At Bart Kwans Ethnicity, Height & Personal Life Bart Kwan is one of few Asians who is known for being successful in the comic industry at an international level. His fame broke out after the YouTube channel which he created with his close pal Joe Jo garnered up massive followings. The talented duo has been running the channel since 2007 and their success ...

Heres How VanossGaming Achieved Fame Online, His Worth and Other Facts About The Gamer For many years, the decision to drop out of college to pursue an online career was considered to be foolish and self-destructive by conventional wisdom. It was no different when Evan Fong, popularly known as VanossGaming, dropped out of college to pursue a YouTube career. However, that radical move paid off, and he stands shoulder to ...

Desi Perkins  Ethnicity, Net Worth & Husband YouTube is littered with videos of makeup tutorials by different people but if you are interested in learning how to do your makeup like a pro, there is just one person on that platform who you must follow. She is none other than Desi Perkins! She is a popular make-up artist, Instagram star, and vlogger. Desi, ...

The Phases of Casey Neistats Pursuits and His Love Story With Candice Pool YouTuber, vlogger, filmmaker, and creator extraordinaire; these are just a few hats that Casey Neistat wears and the story of how he got here is incredible. A native of Connecticut, Neistat started out by making refreshingly-authentic short films and videos that featured content that was based on everyday life and called attention to serious issues. He ...

Connor Franta  Inside The Life of American YouTuber YouTube has produced a lot of young celebrities in modern times and Connor Franta happens to be one of them. Apart from being a YouTuber, the young American is also an entrepreneur, entertainer, and writer. His journey to fame began almost a decade ago when he started a self-named YouTube channel where he uploads content ranging ...

Rhett and Link  Bio, Who are Their Wives, Net Worth and Family Facts Rhett and Link refer to an American comedy duo who are very popular on YouTube. They are known for their comic songs, viral commercials, skits and the daily show, Good Mythical Morning. Good Mythical Morning is the most watched daily show online, averaging 100 million views in a month. The show has featured guests such ...

A Walk Through The Maze of Ryan Higas Career Pursuits And Relationship With Arden Cho Ryan Higa is not only celebrated as a YouTube star, but he is also famed for appearing on television screens as an actor and comedian. Nigahiga, his Youtube channel, has gathered over 20 million subscribers and billions of views with his different comic acts, short films, and music videos uploads. With the rise in his career, ...

What to Know About The Shows That Made Craig Ferguson a Star and His Family Ties Rising to the top of your profession can sometimes be a hard and difficult process. It requires days and nights of working consistently hard to be better than what you were yesterday. It requires not giving up when all of your experiences seem to be pushing you to quit. It is because of these challenges ...

David Dobrik Married Liza Koshy for One Month  Inside His Family and Relationships David Dobrik is a YouTube sensation who has garnered fame not just for his vlogs but his love life too. Given his career as a YouTuber, his channel is one place where he shares his romantic escapades. With a cute boyish look like his, this Slovakian young man is definitely a good catch, and not ...

Merrell Twins Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Boyfriend One of the beautiful things about modern life is social media. As rudimentary as it might seem, it could turn out to be the greatest thing that would be invented in the next 50 years because of its impact on human life. Very few tools have revolutionized human behavior and culture as much as social ...

Who Is Bunny Meyer, Is She Married & What Is Her Net Worth? Bunny Meyer is a YouTube celebrity who has amassed over 8.8 million subscribers with 1.5 million viewers on her channel. She is popularly known as Grav3yardgirl and is one of the highest-paid YouTubers in the world. She initially started out as a fashion designer and later chose the path of a YouTuber. Grav3yardgirl has used her knowledge on fashion, makeup, ...

Ninja  Inside The Life of The American YouTuber and Internet Personality Ninja is a talented video game player known for his mastery of Fortnite and other seemingly difficult games he plays with ease. The video gamer made a career out of what is ordinarily the hobby of many people and has since then amassed a huge online following. Find out about him here, including the controversies that ...

What Is Eva Gutowskis True Sexuality and How Did She Rise So Fast As an Influencer? Ever since Eva Gutowski joined YouTube in 2011, it has been an interesting journey for her, moving from one milestone to the other. Backed by an army of young women and teenage girl fans known as Evanators, she has risen to become one of the most-talked-about personalities in the digital stratosphere. She has also leveraged ...

Emma Chamberlain Biography  Age, Height & Net Worth Before now, people in the entertainment industry could only achieve popularity after many years of dedication and hard work but since social media came into the scene, massive success and overnight popularity became possible. That is the story of Emma Chamberlain who encountered fame as a fifteen-year-old. Emma is one of the many young people who became ...

Anna Akana  Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth There is a new crop of YouTubers known by their different contents with a very strong uniqueness that stands every one of them out, some upload video games, some fashion while some others have comedy video contents to showcase on their channels. Anna Akana has used her platform to showcase her comedy contents to the ...

Revealing Truths About Lilly Singhs Ethnic Background, Family and Her Relationship With Yousef Erakat Lilly Singh is an Indian-Canadian YouTube personality, actress, and comedian also known as Superwoman. She kicked off her YouTube career in 2010 with the launch of her channel IISuperwomanII and followed it up with a vlog channel in 2011. This paved the way for her fame and success which led to a world tour. The ...

Who Is Andrea Constand, Is She Married and What Is Her Connection With Bill Cosby? Many people got sexually molested but could not voice out due to the stigma victims suffer and what will become of them thereafter. Very few of the victims danm every consequence to seek justice and bring the perpetrator to the book, like Andrea Constand. She never got any media buzz, not until her friend cum molester; ...

Who Is Lazarbeam (Lannan Eacott)? Here Are Facts You Need To Know Lannan Eacott became a person of interest after his YouTube channel, LazarBeam pulled him to the limelight. Initially, he started with uploads of Madden Challenge videos before deciding to build his own channel in January 2015. Within the space of three years, his YouTube channel had gathered over 7 million loyal subscribers. Today, he has not ...

Puzzling Facts About Wengies YouTube Success and More About Her Fiance Among the many YouTubers who have succeeded in winning the hearts of millions of people is Wengie. She is a Chinese-Australian YouTube personality, vlogger, singer, and voice actress. Wengie is famous for a lot of things, from her simple life hacks, DIYs, craft ideas to fun experiments, tricks and pranks. Her content portfolio also includes hair tutorials, diet & fitness tips, lookbooks, ...

Is Jeffree Star A Billionaire and How Much Does He Make On YouTube? If looks can be deceptive then theres no other person who proves this maxim better than Jeffree Star. A quick look at Stars pictures would likely leave you wondering whether or not to tag him a male or female. But who says being controversial has to be a curse? For Star, his looks have caught ...

The Place of Rosanna Pansinos Career Hats In Her Rise To Fame and Facts About Her Personal Life There are a few phrases that could summarize Rosanna Pansinos rise to fame. None of them can do it better than the famous axiom, no knowledge is lost. Her popularity YouTube comes out of her foray into other professions, specifically acting. Although acting now occupies one of the major professional hats in Rosannas resume, it was ...

Muselk (Elliott Watkins) Biography  Age, Girlfriend and Net Worth The new and best in-thing in terms of career is video gaming and we have over time seen young men and women make massive income from an activity that was purportedly designed to serve as a hobby or a relaxation activity. One of such individuals is the Australian-born YouTube Celebrity and Twitch streamer, Muselk, whose ...

PopularMMOs Biography: 5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know We have over the years seen social media millionaires, especially on the YouTube social platform. These celebrities cum millionaires have made names for themselves after carving out niches on the internet, and a typical example of one of such exciting media personality on the YouTube is American Minecraft gamer and YouTube star, PopularMMOs whose channel ...

Jason Nash Once Married Marney Hochman  What To Know About His Ex-Wife and Kids The now-defunct video-sharing app Vine was the path that led Jason Nash to fame. With it, he built an audience of over two million followers, which he parlayed into a significant YouTube career. That move has seen him become one of the most popular personalities on the internet, with the cash income to go with ...

Where Does Dantdm Live? What Do We Know About His Net Worth, Wife and Brother? Most parents buy video games for their kids to occupy their time leisure, while other parents frown at their kids when they play video games. Despite the disparity, every parent would be proud of their child if he/she eventually turns a celebrity or millionaire through playing video games like Dantdm. Biography of Dantdm Dantdm was born Daniel ...

LaurDIY  Biography: 5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTuber LaurDIY is the YouTube channel of Lauren Riihimaki which she created on December 1, 2011, when she was still a college undergrad with the sole aim of giving Do It Yourself (DIY) as well as practical fashion and beauty tips to her followers. She has used the channel to establish herself as a YouTube personality ...

Lachlan Ross Power  Bio And Family Life Of Australian The YouTube Star It is amazing the varied sources of income that the internet has made possible in this day and age. Internet fame can get its holder a whole lot of monetary and social benefits, but it must be noted that it does not come easy or cheap. For those who desire fame, content is the sacrifice ...

Alfie Deyes  Bio and Net Worth: Everything You Need To Know Alfie Deyes is one internet personality you definitely would like to know about. He boasts of over 10 million subscribers on three of his YouTube channels and has three bestseller books to his name. He is probably the most renowned young personality on YouTube today and his vlogging empire continues to grow by the day. ...

Colleen Ballingers Love Story With Husband Erik Stocklin and How Much She Is Worth Now Colleen Ballinger is an American comedian and YouTuber who is a very funny, adventurous, and highly talented woman. She is also an actress, singer, and writer. Collen is widely known for her work on YouTube where she posts content on her channel, Miranda Sings. The comedian has gained many subscribers over the years and has ...

Who Are The Dude Perfect Members and How Much Are They Worth? Entertainment in the 21st century can be digested in many forms and with platforms like YouTube, the creators and purveyors of entertainment have been democratized. Today, one of the most popular platforms to exhibit ones creative talents is YouTube, even though there are other platforms like Twitter, Facebook, who suffer in comparison to YouTube because ...

Who Is Rudy Mancuso, What Is His Earning Power and What Do We Know About His Girlfriend? Rudy Mancuso started his internet journey on Vine. He would later transition to YouTube where he solidified his place among the internets most beloved comedic creators. He is now regarded as one of the renowned internet personalities in the world, with a presence in mainstream TV and film projects like Comedy Centrals Drunk History and ...

Vsauce (Michael Stevens) Biography and Net Worth: All You Need To Know The advent of YouTube and the internet as a whole revolutionized how human beings consume information. With each passing year, the percentage of learning that is done in a traditional classroom decrease as a seismic shift to internet-based learning happens in our education industry. From open courses online to YouTube classes and videos, there are ...

How did Jake Paul Make His YouTube Big Break and Who is His Wife? One of the most interesting Social Media personalities of the 21st century is the young and popular Jake Paul whose elder brother is the famed Vine star, Logan Paul. Jake has utilized the power of the internet to bring himself to the limelight with a channel named JakePaulProductions that has amassed up to six billion ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About Reaction Time (Tal Fishman)  The American YouTuber Before 2015, the leading meaning of reaction time was the amount of time it takes to respond to a stimulus, until Tal Fishman started his channel, Reaction Time on YouTube and the dominant meaning changed. Today, a google search of Reaction Time would deliver Tal Fishmans videos and YouTube channel link with a few physics ...

Grace Helbig  Net Worth, Boyfriend and Family Life of The YouTuber Grace Helbig is an American internet personality, comedian, actress, and writer. She became popular due to her daily vlog series, DailyGrace, which ran on My Damn Channel from 2008 to 2013. Helbig is also popular for her own indie series on YouTube, ItsGrace, which she launched in 2014. Her vlogs which feature random stuff such as ...

Mark Wiens Bio  Ethnicity, Wife and Parents Food is a great way to connect with people. We all love to eat, if not for the pleasure of food, the satisfaction of quenching hunger, and the very process of providing and sharing that food is part of the strongest bonds that bind humanity together. Maybe it is our historical connection to food, where ...

Is Filthy Frank Dead, What Happened To Him and How Much Is He Worth? As George Kusunoki Miller, he was a nobody. However, as Filthy Frank, George was one of the most famous internet personalities on the planet. The Filthy Frank Show, a sketch series on his YouTube channel, TVFilthyFrank, was one of the platforms most influential creations. He is the reason a crazy dance song, Harlem Shake, made it ...

CaptainSparklez Bio  Net Worth, House and Cars of The Famous YouTuber Sometimes, what society wants from its citizens is quite different from what the citizens want for themselves. This is evident in the life and career of video blogger and American YouTube personality, Jordan Maron famous for his YouTube channel CaptainSparklez. He dropped out of school after discovering his talent in playing an online game called Minecraft. ...

Who is Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg)? Here are Facts You Must Know Canadian Youtube personality, Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg) originally started out polishing and designing nails even before it became a trendy culture in the social media. Simply Nailogica started out her showbiz career in her early days as a child actress, acting in commercials for game and toy companies. Aside from acting, she is blogger, vlogger, specializing ...

5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know About Huda Beauty In the world of entrepreneurship, it is interesting when an individual has a mentor who he/she looks up to, this yield more productivity on the part of the individual. The iconic and rich American beautician and makeup artist Huda Kattan nicknamed Heida is the founder of the Huda Beauty blog which is number one Instagram beauty blog ...

Is Dino MasterChef Gay? Details About His Ethnicity, Girlfriend, Where He Is Now Food, for the better part of the early years of human life, was nothing more than what we needed for survival. There was no artistry or curation to the method of cooking. The scarcity of food left no room for artistic expression until we figured out agriculture and we could make as much as we ...

Who Is Gabbie Hanna And How Did She Become Famous? As the world shifts to digital media and depends more and more on streaming services for its news and entertainment content, YouTubers have become one of the leading creators in the new media world. Their understanding of the online audience: how to create, maintain, and increase followers, are all handy skills that have primed them ...

Jacksepticeye  Height, Girlfriend & Net Worth Jacksepticeye is a YouTuber and actor who gained popularity with a series of gaming videos he uploads on his channel to the delight of millions of his subscribers. He is Known primarily for his comic video game series titled Lets Play and his vlogs. His channel was formerly ranked 46th in the list of most subscribed ...

Chris Heria Personal Details: About His Wife, Height & Ethnicity Background In this generation, keeping fit has become one of the major criteria for being hale and hearty. In fact, most occupations these days are majorly concerned with ones body mass, weight and looks. Unlike the past where most people have to register in a gym to keep fit, social media has made it quite easy ...

Everything You Need To Know About Game Grumps Gaming is becoming incredibly popular on YouTube these days with game vloggers make millions of dollars out of them yearly. One of the most popular up-coming gaming YouTube channels is Game Grumps. The Lets Play series was created in 2012 and celebrated its fifth anniversary on July 18th, 2017. In six years of its existence, the ...

Daithi De Nogla Biography, Girlfriend and Net Worth YouTube has created an avenue for many to make wealth and become famous from the comfort of their homes while having fun. Many have built a career out of the platform, uploading numerous videos that have earned them the admiration of viewers across the globe. For Daithi De Nogla, he is loved for his humorous commentary on ...

Does Phoebe Robinson Have A Boyfriend or Husband and What Do We Know About Her Family? Phoebe Robinson is a New York-based comedian, writer, and actress. She is best known as the co-creator and co-host of the WNYC Studios podcast 2 Dope Queens. Just like some other female comedians, she never had any original plans of becoming a stand-up comedian even though, according to her, she took a class on a whim at Carolines on Broadway. After ...

Who Are Lex and Alana from Listed Sisters? What Is Their Ethnicity & Is the Show Cancelled? America is a country built on diversity. Everywhere you look all over the country, a countless number of immigrants or children of immigrants have become an integral part of the fabric of the country. From entertainment to business, immigrants are creating a niche for themselves and climbing to the summit of their respective professions. One ...

Riveting Facts About Danielle Lombard And What She Is Best Known For The American entertainment industry is one that provides many avenues for aspiring hopefuls to express their talents and become famous. From films to television shows and game shows, there is no shortage of ways for men and women who desire fame to pursue and earn it in the United States of America. Another tested medium ...

Unearthing New Details About The YouTube Success And Personal Life of Alex Burriss of Wassabi Productions Wildly hilarious and truly audacious, Alex Wassabi is an American YouTuber who has become a very popular face on the video-sharing platform after having garnered millions of subscribers over the years by keeping people glued to his channel with his witty parody video releases. If you have always loved parody videos, there is every chance ...

Everything You Need To Know About H2O Delirious H2O Delirious whose full birth name is reported to be Jonathan Gormon Dennis has successfully kept himself mystified by hiding his face behind the masks leaving his loyal fans speculating who he really is for many years. The American YouTube star is easily identified by the Jason Mask Style with make-up which he wears on his ...

Who Is HolaSoyGerman and What Happened To Him? German Garmendia has certainly seen it all when it comes to internet success. His channels, HolaSoyGerman and JuegaGerman are in the top twenty most subscribed channel on YouTube. The Chilean YouTuber found a way to tap into one of the worlds greatest inventions and make a living from it. He has been able to build ...

Who Are Glenn Becks Family, What Is His Net Worth And What Happened To Him? The American political commentary space is filled with different personalities. A few of them, through their rhetoric, charisma, and resources have been able to build a large following of men and women who listen to them for insight and direction for various political and social issues in the United States. For Conservatives, the story is ...

Following Charissa Thompsons Rise Through The Ranks Of Sports Casting and All About Her Boyfriend Superstar TV host and sportscaster, Charissa Thompson, has been hailed as one of the highest-profile women journalists in America, and the reason is there for all to see. She has worked for popular establishments such as Versus, Yahoo! Sports, ESPN, GSN, and Big Ten Network. She currently hosts the popular pre-game show, Fox NFL Kickoff, ...

Is Chris Kattan Gay or Does He Have A Wife? What Is His Net Worth? Chris Kattan is a popular American comedian and actor. He has appeared in several comic movies and TV series such as The Middle, A Night at the Roxbury and Bunnicula. Kattan is, however, most popular for his six-year stint as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. During his time on the legendary show, he ...

Everything You Should Know About the Rise of Insta Star Claire Abbott and Why She Gave It All Up A lot of young Americans have shot into the limelight for uploading different kinds of videos on YouTube. Some of these young stars include Connor Franta, Desi Perkins, Emma Chamberlain, the Dolan Twins (Ethan and Grayson), and Claire Abbott. The latter became a social media celebrity for uploading sexy bikini pictures of herself on social media. Apart from ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTube Channel  h3h3Productions H3h3Productions is a YouTube channel that specializes on Comic responses or reactions of other contents or trendy stories. The celebrity couple that created the channel has over time racked up sizable views for their commentaries and contents. Even though they had their own fair share of copyright cases, thankfully they scored an unprecedented victory in all ...

Lilypichu Bio  Height, Brother and Love Story With Albert SleightlyMusical Chang Like most popular internet celebrities, Lilypichu is one of those Twitch streamers who spend their lives on camera. From daydreaming about the possibility of becoming a full-time professional streamer, she grew to live out her dreams on the popular live streaming platform where people play games, make crafts, and showcase their day-to-day activities. Given the rise of ...

KSI  What To Know About His Girlfriend, Brother  Deji Olatunji & Net Worth Assuredly, when Internet inventors Vint Cerf and Bob Khan created the technological masterpiece, they probably did not know how massive the creation will be harnessed by many for different purposes including as a platform for earning money through content creation. One of such person who smiles to the bank regularly today for spending time creating ...

The Interesting Progression and Highlights of Carrie Keagans Career as a Host and Actress Carrie Keagan has garnered huge fame through her various stints on television. She is not just your regular TV host but one with a difference. Keagan has hosted several high profile events and TV shows, including VH1s Big Morning Buzz Live and Fox News Channels Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld. However, not many know she ...

The Gist On Elise Jordans Marriages And Her Rise To Prominence Political commentaries tend to be boring when it is handled by someone who does not have a knack for it. However, when you see the likes of Elise Jordan run the same commentary, you will have a lot of reasons to look forward to watching her again as the journalist is well-versed in the field ...

What Is Timmy Thick Best Known For and How Successful Is The Star? Thanks to the internet, many people whose talents would have ordinarily gone unnoticed have become famous. A very good example of this modern-day internet celebrity is Timmy Thick, an American social media star. He became popular on Instagram due to his penchant for posting raunchy pictures of himself. He also often posted videos of himself ...

What Does Heather Storm Do For a Living and Who Is She Dating? Reality Television is a great way to make a name for oneself as well as amass a fortune. Heather Storm can attest to this as she is one of those who have made a name and earned a lot from reality TV. She made her name appearing on shows like Car Fanatics, Awesome Autos, and, ...

Matt Carriker Biography  Net Worth, Wife & Height Unlike your regular veterinary doctor next door, Matt Carriker chose to spice up his noble profession with the unusual. Though he is known to many as a medical practitioner, Carriker is better renowned as a YouTube star and an animal lover. Having recorded huge successes on his various YouTube channels, the vet doctors name and ...

Jillian Mele of Fox News Career Achievements, Husband & Measurements There are quite a good number of presenters on radio and television who listeners and viewers may never wish to miss any of their shows because of their sensational golden voice, beauty or the special way or artistry they anchor their shows. Jillian Mele is one of such. She has been at the top of ...

Who is Gillian Turner of Fox News? Her Fiance or Husband and Net Worth Gillian Turner is well-known as a news correspondent for Fox News Channel but before she became a TV personality, she built an intimidating resume working for different institutions, including the American government. She served in different capacities at the White House National Security Council during the administration of former US Presidents  George W. Bush and Barack Obama. ...

Gloria Govan Bio  Age, Ethnicity & Height Even as Gloria Govan is famous as an American actress, author, a TV host, and reality television star, shes more popular as the wife of the former NBA player, Matt Barnes. She became known after appearing on the Florida version of the reality television series, Basketball Wives and later, Basketball Wives: LA  after Matt was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Sadly, ...

Michael Fishmans Interesting Start as an Actor and Why He Divorced His Wife of Many Years When one door closes, another one opens. As silly as that axiom may seem, it is the story of the resurgence of Michael Fishman, who plays D.J Conner on the popular show, Roseanne. Having played the character for several years as a child actor into his teenage years; when the show originally ended, Michael did ...

Who Is October Gonzalez  Tony Gonzalezs Wife? All You Need To Know October Gonzalez is a popular American TV host and media personality. Additionally, she is also a model. Gonzalez has hosted several TV shows such as Beat Shazam, Entertainment Tonight, and Rachel Ray. She has also featured in several reality TV shows. Gonzalezs fame is not just due to her profession but also because of her ...

Who Is Tony Berlin  Harris Faulkners Husband: His Children and Family Facts Tony Berlin is a popular American media guru. He has variously worked as a reporter, anchor, and producer for some of the biggest TV networks in America. They include CNN, CBS, NBC, and ABC (where he hosted the popular Good Morning America). Berlin has now diversified into public relations and owns his own PR firm. ...

The Progression of Gianna Tobonis Journalism Career and Details About Her Marriage to Kyle Buckley Gianna Toboni may not be your ideal newscaster but her unusual reporting is what made her a household name. The American journalist is renowned for her hard-hitting and authentic reportage. A motivator and activist for total press freedom, Gianna loves to explore pervasive cultural issues. Not only does this unique and ambitious journalist call for all ...

Dog The Bounty Hunters Family Including Details of His Late Wife and Kids Popularly known as Dog, a name which he got from the television series, Dog The Bounty Hunter, Duane Chapman, an American bounty hunter, and one-time bail bondsman, went from being convicted for a felony to being a reality TV star. He was brought to the limelight following the capture of the convicted criminal, Andrew Luster in 2003 and this eventually made ...

Vicky Karayiannis, Chris Cornells Wifes Bio, Children and Family The world of showbiz is made up of different people who serve different roles, and function in a variety of capacities, and one of the most important people are those in the background. Publicists are undoubtedly one of these background people yet they are vital to the life and fame of most of our favorite ...

Joe Rogan Has A Step-Daughter and 2 Other Kids With Wife Jessica Ditzel  Meet His Family Joe Rogan is a popular American stand-up comedian and TV host. His journey to stardom began in the late 80s and has seen him host several shows, the most popular is the game show titled Fear Factor. The exciting show dares contestants to face some of their greatest fears and embark on challenging stunts. The ...

Josh Gates and Wife Hallie Gnatovich Have 2 Kids But Who Has the Higher Net Worth? Best known for his explorations and adventures, Josh Gates, is a television presenter with a voracious appetite for seeing the world and the beauties in it. Some of that beauty, however, is in his home, in the form of two children he shares with his wife, Hallie Gnatovich. Not excluded is their marriage which has lasted ...

Holly Sonders Wiki, Plastic Surgery & Why She Divorced Her Husband  Erik Kuselias After trying everything within her capacity to have a low key wedding, Holly Sonders was drawn to the public because of her husbands controversy at his workplace. Well, the two are rumored to be divorced but the article below will give more light on how true these rumors are. Meanwhile, Holly Sonders is yet to ...

Nadeska Alexis Bio  Age, Boyfriend & Net Worth Journalism is one diverse profession that allows the practitioners to choose their area of specialty, build a career on it by reporting the truth and facts which in the long run will distinguish them as deserving commendation and recognition among their peers. Some choose to specialize in political journalism, while to others it is sports ...

Media Platforms Charlamagne Tha God Has Explored and All The Controversies He Has Courted Charlamagne Tha God is an American on-air personality, radio presenter, and more recently, author. He is popularly known as a co-host on New York radios nationally syndicated show, The Breakfast Club, a program he has been hosting alongside DJ Envy and Angela Yee since 2010. However, his early years had no connection to his current career ...

A Look At Jimmy Fallons Net Worth and Family Including His Wife & Kids Sometimes, a childs passion for something is a pointer to what he/she would become in the future. As a child, Jimmy Fallon was literally obsessed with watching the late-night comedy program, Saturday Night Live (SNL). Then, his parents would tape the clean parts for him to watch and later, he and his sister would re-enact sketches from the ...

Kay Adams Biography  Does The Sportscaster Have A Husband or Boyfriend? When you hear the phrase sports enthusiast, women are hardly the first group that comes to mind. Well, thats changing pretty fast. Especially with the rise of female sports analysts and broadcasters like Kay Adams who is famed for knowing more about sports than most men do. And why not, shes paid handsomely for it ...

Ben Shapiros Family  Meet His Wife, Kids and Sister Who is Popular for the Wrong Reasons A multi-talented man, Ben Shapiro is a man of controversial nature, an attribute that has made him an unusual public figure. An intellectual whose career path was clearly defined even before he became a man, the Jewish conservative commentator has always had his way with words. He became popular by sharing his critical and often ...

QVC Shawn Killinger Bio  Husband, Net Worth & Facts To Know Shawn Killinger is a prominent TV personality who has worked her way to the top. Though not initially a journalist by training, she defied the odds and today has established herself as a household name, as well as, worked alongside some industry legends. More than just being a reporter, newscaster, and anchor, heres all you ...

Liv Lo  Dissecting the Ethnicity, Parents and Personal Life of Henry Goldings Wife While many are aware that Liv Lo is the better half to Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding, only a few understand why his beautiful wife appears increasingly endearing to fans. A former model turned TV personality, and fitness star, Liv has an impressive resume which when combined with that of her statuesque spouse is considered a perfect ...

Stpeach Age, Husband and Other Facts About The Twitch Streamer Lisa Vannatta, famously known by her online alias, STPeach is a Canadian video game streamer cum vlogger who has garnered fame through her appearances on different video-sharing/social networking platforms such as Youtube, Instagram, Twitch, Reddit, and Twitter. The beautiful lady got her career to a start in August 2015 when she joined the live streaming video platform, Twitch. She rose to ...

Insights into Seth Meyers Wife, Family and What His Net Worth Is Celebrities are mostly remembered and known for the work they do. For Seth Meyers, his career as a comedian, writer, actor, TV host, and producer is his biggest identifier. He was on Saturday Night Live SNL show as a head writer and cast member for more than ten years during which he built a reputation ...

Who Is Jessica Gadsden  Age, Net Worth & All About Charlamagne tha Gods Wife Jessica Gadsden is an American fitness coach as well as a personal trainer. She is better known as the spouse of popular American media personality, Charlamagne Tha God. Charlamange Tha God is a well-known TV and radio personality in the U.S. He has featured in several shows (both on the radio and TV) and is ...

Who Is Collins Tuohy  Michael Ohers sister ? Her Wedding, Husband & Net Worth Collins Tuohy is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, blogger, and social media personality. She is also better known as the adoptive sister of NFL player, Michael Oher, whose life story inspired the Hollywood blockbuster The Blind Side. The Blind Side tells the true life story of Oher who grew up in an impoverished background consisting of a ...

Eye-Popping Facts About The Personal Life And Career Success Of Sportscaster Heidi Watney Heidi Watney is a media personality who has created a niche for herself as a sportscaster. Starting out as a radio presenter, the brilliant young lady has gone on to work for several prominent sports networks, and currently, she is with the MLB. The sportscaster is also known to have been an avid sports lady right ...

Marty Lagina Bio  Siblings (Martina and Rick Lagina), Net Worth and Wife Marty Lagina is an American engineer and businessman who has risen to fame as a reality TV star. This is thanks to his involvement in the adventure TV series, The Curse of Oak Island. The Curse of Oak Island is a long-running TV series which airs on the history channel. The show aims to solve ...

Is Jordan Schlansky Just A Character or a Real Life Person and What Does He Do? The world of late-night television is an interesting one. Shows during that time are geared towards giving viewers comedic relief from a long day at work through interviews and comedy sketches. The often charismatic host of this show requires the balancing talent of a producer whose primary job is to deliver great episodes. It is ...

Heres How Wealthy Jimmy Kimmel Is From All The Phases of His Career, Marriages and Sons Health Jimmy Kimmel is a renowned late-night talk show host known for his charm, wit, and the A-list guests he features on his show. As the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! On ABC, Jimmy has been serving comedy to television viewers for years which played a pivotal role in launching him into mainstream fame and enabled ...

Natasha Bertrand Biography  Is She Married? Who Is the Husband & What Is Her Age? Natasha Bertrand is not just a young prominent journalist but a first-rate investigative reporter. With her natural beauty and smile, Natashas sharp, insightful political commentary also makes her a thorough reporter. Her sound political perspective and coverage in the country have made her a force to be reckoned with in the profession. Renowned for her ...

What Happened to Shane Kilcher? His Injury Update, Net Worth and More Shane Kilcher is well-known thanks to the Discovery Channel series Alaska: The Last Frontier. It is a show that documents the daily lives of the extended Kilcher family, people who live without plumbing or modern heating. The episodes follow their routines as they rely on hunting and farming for their nutritional needs as well as ...

Is Stephanie Gosk Gay or Lesbian, Who is the Wife or Partner  Jenna Wolfe? In August 2013, NBCs Today viewers were greeted with two shocking news. Today weekend anchor, Jenna Wolfe, announced that she was as a lesbian, introducing her partner as NBC News correspondent Stephanie Gosk, and said the two are expecting their first child. A long time has passed since then and certainly, a lot of things ...

Nikki Mudarris  Bio and Net Worth: 5 Interesting Facts You Need to Know Nikki Mudarris, also known as Miss Nikki Baby, is a reality television star, model and fashionista. Shes best known for VH1s reality TV series Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood. Her entrepreneurial skills enable her to create and run a successful lingerie line Nude by Nikki. Not only that, but Nikki has also successfully run the Las ...

5 Interesting Things You Need To Know About Kelly Nash Ever heard of the lady who gained national prominence for taking a selfie with a dangerous ball just a few inches away from hitting her? Its no other person than Kelly Nash, an American sports broadcaster currently working as host of The Rundown show which airs on MLB Network every weekday at 2 pm ET. ...

Understanding The Height of Fame John Oliver Achieved With The Daily Show and How He Met His Wife Without knowledge of who he is and his exemplary career, John Oliver cuts an unassuming figure of a regular man but he is one of the most influential personalities in America, especially on television. Since he began his career in 1998, he has been a loud and unapologetic agent of change, using his wit and ...

Why Did Big Chief Leave Street Outlaws, Where Is He Now And Why Did He Divorce His Wife? Justin Shearer, otherwise known by his professional name Big Chief is a famous street racer and television personality. He is famously known for being one of the main characters on the racing reality television series, Street Outlaws. Justin, who had been a significant part of the show since its premiere in 2013, appeared in a ...

Who is Josina Anderson of ESPN? Her Husband and Family Facts There has been a gradual paradigm shift in the world of sports which has today produced the likes of Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and other female athletes that are pulling great feats in different sporting fields. Their achievements have also been followed by the emergence of female sports journalists such as Jillian Mele, Eboni Williams, ...

Is Brittany Wagner Married, Who Is The Husband, How Old Is She? Brittany Wagner has been an inspiration to a lot of sports youngster. She has won the hearts of many athletic students with her role as a life coach and an academic counselor. She is well groomed in her career and has worked over a decade for The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and The National ...

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The Progression of Howard Sterns Career As A Media Personality And Why He Divorced His First Wife Howard Stern is a legendary American radio host, who has also done some notable work as an actor, producer, author, as well as photographer. The radio personality achieved worldwide fame as a result of his self-titled radio program, The Howard Stern Show. As a professional radio personality, he has worked in different radio stations. Since 2006, ...

Lisa Joyners Biography  Ethnicity, Net Worth and Other Key Facts Lisa Joyner is an American Journalist, TV talk show host, and actress. Some of her well-known works are her correspondences for the Los Angeles based TV KCBS, inFANity show, Find My Family Show including her film and television appearances in Brimstone, American Sweetheart, The Bold and The Beautiful among others. Lisas passion for reconnecting people with their biological families ...

Amanda Balionis Rise Through the Ranks of Sportscasting and the Identity of Her Boyfriend Amanda Balionis is an American sportscaster currently working as a golf broadcaster for CBS Sports. Among so many of her works in the field of sports reporting, Amandas PGA Tour coverage seems to be the most popular so far. She covered the Super Bowl working with CBS Sports social media team in Atlanta, where she ...

Dissecting Charles Paynes Sexual Allegations, Its After Effects and More About His Wife Charles Payne had a respectable career as an analyst on Wall Street before he made the transition to television and became a contributor and later a host on Fox. In that time, his expertise has come under scrutiny, and he has been at the center of at least one major controversy. The major controversy in question ...

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What to Note About Dr Terry Dubrows Qualifications, TV Works and Marriage to Heather Kent In the realm of people that we expect to see regularly on our screens, medical doctors are closer to the bottom of the list. Aside from the fact that their work has little correlation with TV, they are presumably too busy to pursue life as TV personalities. Yet, a few of them have usurped this ...

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Is Simon Cowell Gay? Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend and Why is He Famous? Simon Cowell is a well-known talent show judge, TV producer, entrepreneur and one of the most popular TV personalities that Britain has ever produced. In conjunction with his company, Syco, Cowell is the brain behind hugely successful talent hunt shows such as The X-Factor UK, The X-Factor US, Britains Got Talent, Americas Got Talent and ...

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The Iran-Armenia-Georgia gas talks have recently gained momentum. Iranian and Georgian companies have signed gas purchase contracts, to supply natural gas to Georgia through Armenia. While the perspective of enhanced Iran-Armenia-Georgia gas cooperation is limited from political and technical viewpoints, Armenia is actively seeking to carve out a new role for itself in order to mitigate the repercussions of its long-running isolation in the region. Yet the dominant role of Russias Gazprom in Armenias energy sector, as well as the lack of technical opportunities, pose significant obstacles to the delivery of large amounts of Iranian gas to Georgia through Armenia.

BACKGROUND: On July 18, Ali-Reza Kameli, managing director of the National Iranian Gas Exports Company (NIGEC), announced that Tehran considered exporting gas to Georgia within the following two months. Based on a short-term agreement, Iranian gas will be supplied to Georgia from a gas compressor station in the Iranian village Nordooz, which is used for gas delivery to Armenia. The capacity of this station allows supplying additional Iranian gas to Georgia for its thermal power plants.

Two weeks after this statement, Kameli said that Irans NIGEC had signed a four-month pilot agreement with the Georgian private company Georgian International Energy Corporation. Under the test agreement, around 40 million cubic meters (mcm) of Iranian gas will be exported to Georgia through Armenia within a four-month period. According to Irans Minister of Petroleum, Bijan Zanganeh, Iran hopes the trial gas export deal will be implemented by March 2017. If it proves successful, Iran will finalize the agreement to export gas to Georgia. Zanganeh added that Iran has endorsed Armenias proposal to form a new organization, which will be responsible for carrying out the new contracts for direct gas sales to Armenia and gas transit to Georgia. It would replace the current recipient of Irans gas for Armenia, Yerevan Thermal Power Plant, which does not possess necessary permits to transit the gas to further destinations. According to Armenias then Energy and Natural Resources Minister Levon Yolyan, the new company is called Energaimpeks.

However, the Georgian government has denied both the existence of such an agreement, and any gas purchases from Iran. Georgias Deputy Energy Minister Mariam Valishvili stated that the Georgian Ministry of Energy has no information on the conclusion of contracts for the import of Iranian gas to the country, neither has the Georgian government concluded such contracts, nor received a contract for registration. Georgian legislation does not forbid private companies to sign such a contract. Kameli had earlier announced that the Georgian public and private sectors were interested in buying Iranian gas and that Georgia and Iran had reached a preliminary agreement on the purchase of 500 mcm of gas to Georgia via Armenia, but Georgia has rejected this as well.

IMPLICATIONS: Georgia could use the existing Iran-Armenia and Russia-Armenia pipelines to increase and diversify its gas imports. The total capacity of the Iran-Armenia pipeline stands at 1.1 billion cubic meters (bcm) annually and will be expanded up to 2.3 bcm/a after 2019. However, Armenia currently imports only about 400-500 mcm/a of gas from Iran. The North-South gas pipeline from Russia through Georgia to Armenia can deliver 12 bcm of gas annually to Armenia at its maximum capacity, however, the country uses only 2.2 bcm/a of the pipelines capacity. By pushing the full capacity of the Iran-Armenia pipeline and with a reverse supply from the Russia-Armenia pipeline, Georgia could receive Iranian gas.

However, certain reservations exist against both options: First, the Iran-Armenia pipeline does not go all the way to the Georgian border. Therefore, it needs to be interconnected to the Russia-Armenia pipeline passing through Georgia, which requires at least moderate financing. However, given Georgias limited gas consumption, neither Iran, nor Georgia would be willing to invest in such infrastructure. Second, Russias Gazprom has earlier pressured Armenia to limit the capacity of the Iran-Armenia pipeline, which hampered the possibility of exporting larger amounts of Iranian gas to Georgia. Third, the price of Iranian gas through Armenia will be doubled due to transit fees, which will increase the gas price for Georgia.

Georgias Energy Ministry has termed the purchase of Iranian gas a future perspective. Due to its non-competitive price, it is not commercially viable for Georgia at present but the energy swap arrangement is not ruled out in a long-term perspective. Thus, Irans gas export to Georgia could be realized through a swap deal with Russias assistance, whereby Iran could deliver a certain additional amount to Armenia, while Russia would deliver the same amount to Georgia. In this case, Russias gas export to Armenia would decrease, because additional Iranian gas will render Armenias gas market oversupplied. The additional Russian gas export to Georgia would trigger a public reaction in the country.

According to Valishvili, the swap supply by using transit infrastructure from Iran to Georgia and from Russia to Armenia should be discussed in a quadripartite format, but the Georgian government has conducted no negotiations on this matter. However, Valishvili said Armenias participation in such projects is tantamount to Russian participation, since Armenias gas pipelines system is controlled by Russian Gazprom.

Yet Panarmenian.net reported, referring to Armenias State Revenue Committee, that 24.7 mcm of gas worth US$ 6.2 million (US$ 250 per 1000m3) was exported via Armenia to Georgia in the first six months of 2016. The exact source of the gas and the means of transportation was not indicated, however, the source cites the Iran-Georgia agreement on the purchase of 500 bcm of gas. The indicated price of the gas is more expensive than gas exported from Azerbaijan. In this case, if gas delivery was carried out via pipeline, Georgian companies become dependent on Gazprom-operated pipelines for importing Iranian gas, since Gazprom owns Armenias entire gas distribution network through its subsidiary Gazprom-Armenia.

It remains unclear why the Georgian government avoid admitting both the purchase of 40 mcm of Iranian gas under the trial agreement and the transportation of 24.7 mcm of gas through Armenia to Georgia. The prospect of gas imports from Iran could possibly be used as a bargaining chip in order to extract a discount on gas prices from Azerbaijan, which meets Georgias main gas consumption. However, Azerbaijans SOCAR offered a similar discount already in early March 2016, after controversial talks between the Georgian government and Russias Gazprom.

In fact, Azerbaijan could be an alternative route for delivering Iranian gas to Georgia, since operational infrastructure already exists with potentially scalable capacity. Iranian gas could be pumped to Azerbaijan through the Gazimohammed-Astara-Bind-Biand pipeline in a reverse flow and be injected into the South Caucasus Pipeline in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijans Deputy Energy Minister Natig Abbasov recently stated that Azerbaijan is considering the possibility to transport Iranian gas through its territory to Europe through Irans participation in the Trans-Anatolian natural gas pipeline project.

CONCLUSIONS: Armenia attaches high hopes to the trilateral energy talks between Iran, Armenia and Georgia, because the gas transit via its territories will be a long-awaited blessing for the country. Given its longstanding isolation by both Turkey and Azerbaijan due to the countrys occupation of Azerbaijans territories, hosting Irans gas transportation through its territories will grant Armenia transit country status. Yet Gazprom-Armenia will not welcome larger amounts of Iranian gas being exported to Georgia through Armenias infrastructure. This would hamper the flow of Russian gas to Armenia; open an alternative path for possible Iranian export to Europe; strengthen Irans position in Armenias gas market; and grant Armenia political leverage. In addition, the absence of interconnections with sufficient capacity in Armenia implies that exporting larger amounts of Iranian gas to Georgia along this route presents serious political challenges. In Azerbaijan, operational infrastructure is already in place, which can receive Iranian gas in a reverse flow and deliver it to Georgia.

Yet the delivery of a small amount of natural gas to Georgia through Armenia in the first half of 2016, without any media coverage, suggests Irans determination to move forward beyond the trial agreements. This would play into Armenias hands, but blur the recently warming relations between Iran and Azerbaijan. Moreover, the Georgian government prefers to keep silent on the alleged import of Iranian gas by Georgian private companies through Armenia (that make them dependent on Gazprom-operated pipelines). Perhaps the Georgian government has sought to avoid drawing public anger ahead of the parliamentary elections on October 8, as well as another reaction from Azerbaijans SOCAR, similar to that last year during the gas talks between Gazprom and Georgian government.

AUTHORS BIO: Ilgar Gurbanov is an Expert-Advisor in Baku-based Centre for Strategic Studies

Image source: www.bultannews.com, accessed on October 11, 2016
Mental Health Matters: Yes, depression is a 'real illness.'

Research suggests that people who have depression and another medical illness tend to have more severe symptoms of both illnesses.
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A new 'piazza' outside Cambridge railway station has officially opened  to mixed reviews from members of the public.

The Station Square development was unveiled today after a two-and-a-half year renovation costing 4 million.

Work on the new square started in 2014, as part of a major revamp of the CB1 district.

Despite the site now being open, none of the new shops that form part of the square have opened their doors yet.

Most the shops coming to the development were revealed in August, with a new 4,476 sq ft Sainsbury's alongside a Caffe Nero and Pret a Manger. An Ibis hotel has already opened for business on one side of the square.

Anne Beamish, the editor of Independent Cambridge, a guide to independent traders in the city, said: "I think it has been a huge missed opportunity to create a unique space that would say something special about Cambridge to people entering the city by rail.

(Image: Keith Jones)

"I really can't see any evidence of anything community-related - it's all about accommodation, office and retail space."

However, she added: "You can't blame local planners for cutting out the independent retailers  it is not within their powers and there is no higher legislation to say who the developers can and cannot lease to."

A spokesperson for Brookgate, the company developing Station Square, said: "Pret (a Manger) is due to open at the end of November.

"In addition the Rutland cycle shop is now open and an excellent addition to the Accor/CyclePoint building. Brookgate is also continuing to work with foodPark and other market stall holders to ensure a diverse retail and leisure offer at CB1."

A premium Young's pub, boasting a terrace, is also set to open at CB1 in the spring of 2017. A four-star hotel 'The Tamburlaine' is also set to open in the spring.

(Image: Keith Jones)

The News spoke with people in Station Square today to see what they thought of Cambridge's newest development.

Marco Polimeni, 30, from Italy, said: "It doesn't look like the artist's impression. It's not so beautiful. I think it'll be better when the shops are open."

Nicholas Kalavas, managing director, CFM group, said: "I've been waiting nine months for this to happen. They haven't considered business owners. I was meant to move my company offices here but because of the unrest I didn't. It looks nice, but it will be better when it's finished."

Jim Morris, 51, a taxi driver, said: "It doesn't look particularly like the artist's impression. It's not been very well designed for traffic. There will be a traffic bottleneck up the road. It can take 20 minutes to get out of the taxi rank.

"Every time you go around a corner you hit the curb. These are teething problems but it's better than it was."
| BY Ricki Green |

Iconic Australian brand, Rosella, has appointed The Sphere Agency as its creative agency after an extensive pitch process.

Sphere will be in charge of developing a new positioning and creative platform for the brand, which was saved in 2013 by Australian-owned Sabrands and is now back on supermarket shelves. The new creative platform will cover Rosellas iconic sauce and soup ranges.

Says Kristine Dalton, marketing manager, Rosella: Sphere presented a strong direction for the brand moving forward  one that we believe will help make Rosella a favourite in Australian homes once again.

Says Michael Abdel, founder and executive creative director, The Sphere Agency: We all have fond memories of growing up with Rosella on the table, so its fantastic to see this classic Aussie brand making a comeback. It feels strangely appropriate to be working on the brand with our Melbourne office actually being situated within the old Rosella complex. We cant wait to get started.

Sphere is a creative, media and digital agency that builds engaging content platforms that deliver exceptional ROI.
| BY Ricki Green |

A regular blog by Damon Stapleton, chief creative officer of DDB New Zealand

It aint what they call you, its what you answer to.  W.C. Fields

When I got into this business 20 years ago creatives and creative departments where always called the crazy ones. We were portrayed as necessary yet unpredictable. We were those long haired, leather jacket types. Apparently, we all had raucous parties, did lots of drugs and were always only seconds away from saying something inappropriate. This B Grade rock star description has stuck and has become the accepted view of Creatives. In fact, it has become something many creatives live up to because they think that is their role.

That is one description.

Recently another has emerged. It is that creatives and creative departments are an old fashioned idea. Somehow, we have gone from being the crazy ones to being old school. Now, we are all creative and everybody has ideas. Just get a banjo player in, or a juggler they are creative. Or maybe Chris from accounts. He does watercolours. I am sure he will give you loads of ideas.

Not all creativity is the same. There is this thing called relevance and experience. There are many that want to make out that we all have this innate creative ability in us. Short answer, bullshit. Especially, when you only have a couple of hours to crack a piece of work.

This is not something I am making up. It is a thread you can see through the countless articles and blogs about how advertising is changing. The fantastic AdContrarian Bob Hoffman recently spoke about this at an Irish Advertising event. This is what he said.

Theres a mantra I hear in agencies back in the States. I dont know if you hear it here, too. But it goes like this. Were all creative or Creative ideas can come from anywhere. In my opinion this is bullshit.

True creative talent is a rare and precious thing.

Have you ever wondered why there are so many shitty songs, and shitty TV shows, and shitty movies? Ill tell you why. Because it is really fucking hard to do a good one.

The same is true with advertising. No one sits down to write a crappy ad. Mostly they just turn out crappy. Why? Because its really fucking hard to do a good one  and there are very few people who can do it.

If you really believe that we are all creative, then you have to believe that its just a coincidence that Shakespeare wrote dozens of brilliant plays and Donald Trump didnt.

Once you label me you negate me, is a quote from Soren Kierkegaard that perfectly describes the issue. Creatives tend to be a little odd, perhaps not exactly mainstream. Somebody who might be a little awkward at a social gathering. Somebody who isnt like you. So, because they are not always understood, they get labelled. I guess categories and definitions make things easier.

I have a very different view of creatives. Do yourself a favour. Break into a decent advertising agency around 8 oclock at night. Walk into the creative department. I guarantee you will find teams working. Come in on weekends and you will find the same thing. Creatives try very hard and work very hard under a lot of pressure. Is that easy to replace? Great creatives care and will keep going until its right. They care more than anybody else. What is that worth? What would advertising look like if they stopped caring?

Maybe you think I am full of it. OK, lets do a little experiment.

Lets pretend you are a creative. You are staring at a blank screen early one morning when a brief is handed to you. You have been asked to do a 15 second ad for a product. This particular product has 18 variants. You need to give each variant the same amount of time and there is a logo that has to be up for 3 seconds. So 12 seconds for 18 variants. That is less than a second per variant. What the fuck do you do with that? Also, make sure its contemporary, award winning and fresh. Have fun with it. And it has to be done by the end of the day. And there are 5 other very diverse briefs on your desk. And, there will be 5 more tomorrow and the day after that. Easy right?

That scenario is not made up. It happened to me and I suspect it has happened to many other creatives. And that, is just the tip of the iceberg.

Perhaps, you think that is an old fashioned scenario. Maybe you think things have moved on. Advertising is different now. It is another narrative that happens in our business. The new type of work that is happening. I have been hearing about this for a while now. Apparently, there is this work that creative and digital departments cant do. For this you need other people. The problem is I just cant find it. Almost every piece of noteworthy work in the last 5 years has had a couple of creatives involved or a creative department behind it. Whatever their job title or description is.

A modern creative is like a swiss army knife in human form. They are useful because they do so many different things and also know how to connect the pieces together. Very few people are good at this. More importantly, creatives have the one thing that makes all the machines work. Ideas. They have the illusive beginning of things. And most importantly, they know how to make them, either on their own or collaborating with others.

What a strange situation. A silly smoke and mirrors game. Everybody goes on about old fashioned creatives and creative departments and how all these other companies are the future. Labels signifying nothing. While this is happening these new companies often hire creatives from these exact old fashioned creative departments. To be clear, these are the same people. So, yesterday you were old fashioned, today you are cutting edge.

Are they the crazy ones? No, they just see our value.
| BY Ricki Green |

CHE Proximity has released a cheeky new ad for toilet paper brand Who Gives a Crap, aimed at raising awareness of the social enterprise.

The organisation donates 50% of its profits to WaterAid, a charity which helps build toilets and provide clean water supplies for the 2.3 billion people around the world who do not have access to adequate sanitation. There are 900 children under the age of five who die each day from preventable sanitation-related diseases.

The ad depicts typical suburban Australian scenes  dropping the kids off at the pool, a car backing out of the garage, baking brownies, a guy laying some cable and so on  to highlight how people can help the cause without changing their daily life. All they need to do is switch to Who Gives a Crap toilet paper.

CHE Proximity executive creative director Ant White says the team had a great time digesting the brief and producing something creative at the other end of the process.

Says White: From their original brief the easiest way to do good, to their complete faith in backing our idea, this client is anything but crap. We had a lot of fun working with the team at Who Gives a Crap and helping them to make people give a crap about which toilet roll they choose.

The ad is CHE Proximitys entry into Googles Creative Agency Team awards, The Skippys. Six agencies have been invited to create an online ad for Who Gives a Crap. All ads will go to market on YouTube with an identically weighted media plan. The ads will be judged on view through rate, average watch time and organic view count

Who Gives a Crap founder, Simon Griffith, says the CHE Proximity team perfectly captured the brands voice and has delivered an important message in a fun way.

Says Griffith: The ad is parody of charity ads but with a serious message  One crap a day. With Who Gives a Crap, your toilet paper can make a difference.

Client: Who Gives A Crap

Founder and Head Honcho: Simon Griffith

Founder and Design Guy: Danny Alexander

Creative Director: Vanessa Morrish

Agency: CHE Proximity

Chief Operating Officer: Andrew Drougas

Executive Creative Director: Ant White

Creative Director: Tommy McCubbin

Creative Team: Alec Jankowski and Jimmy Zimmerman

Agency Producer: Jen Livingston

Production Company: Guilty Content

Director: Tony Rogers

Executive Producer: Rohan Timlock

DOP: Joel Betts

Editor: Tim Parrington, The Butchery

Grade: CJ Dobson

Online: Damian Capicchiano, Cherry Pictures
In Sport: Nick Kyrgios has indicated he will agree to the psychological counselling provision that could cut down his eight week suspension for poor behaviour and lack of effort in Shanghai.
"They need to actually deliver the NDIS on time and in full, this is the one promise that actually survived the election, and while I wouldn't go as far as to call for what I might call for, his position would be untenable if this is not resolved," he said.
"But I made 2 big mistakes - 1. Buying Huxley Homes and 2. Going into politics without putting in place a proper management structure for the business. I will be working closely with the liquidator and offering a proposal to enable me to find a way to pay back every debt fully, no matter how long it takes," he said.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan received on October 12 Russian Railways OJSC Vice President Andrei Starkov and South Caucasus Railway CJSC Director General Sergey Valko.

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Government of Armenia, he Prime Minister welcomed the activities of South Caucasus Railway CJSC in Armenia, noting that the Company helps develop the railway sector in our country with a dynamic growth registered in transportation services. Karen Karapetyan said the Armenian government is interested in successful activities of Armenia-based entities and is ready to intensify its efforts on expansion of cooperation.

On behalf of the management of Russian Railways CJSC, Andrei Starkov felicitated Karen Karapetyan on his appointment to the office of Prime Minister and wished him fruitful work. Mr. Starkov briefed the Premier on South Caucasus Railways ongoing activities, achievements and development programs.

The parties took the opportunity to discuss cooperation development prospects and South Caucasian Railways future activities. Prime Minister Karapetyan attached importance to the initiation and implementation of regional programs to promote communication and tourism in the region. In this context, the sides exchanged views on the development and modernization of transport infrastructure, increase of freight and passenger traffic, service accessibility and operational efficiency, as well as on other issues of mutual of interest.
"When my mates' jobs are going overseas and I can't get full time hours after being laid off at Ford, I don't want to hear he cried in Parliament about gay marriage - I want him to cry and fight for us, our jobs and our ability to put food on the table for our families," the dirt sheet said.
In public service departments, the Parliament has only otherwise provided for the appointment of public servants via the Public Service Act and the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act. Of course, in some circumstances, it will be legitimate for government work to be performed by contractors and labour-hire staff. If, however, those staff are located in government departments and perform work similar to or indistinguishable from the duties of clerical, professional, technical or trades staff already appointed to public service positions, there is a question as to whether the use of those contractors and labour-hire personnel is consistent with the constitution and federal laws. The reasons for these laws are to ensure that government agencies are staffed on the basis of open, merit competition and free of nepotism and patronage. They should not be bypassed and undermined by the use of contractors and those on labour-hire.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 13, ARMENPRESS. In the sidelines of the ArmHitec-2016 international arms expo Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan met with Deputy Director General of Rostec Russian State Corporation Dmitry Shugayev on October 13.

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Defense Ministry of Armenia, the prospects of creating industrial cooperation and joint ventures were the subject of the discussion.

The Defense Minister of Armenia wished success to the guest and productive cooperation in the sidelines of the ArmHitec-2016 international arms expo and emphasized the necessity of continuous development of cooperation for the security and stability of the two countries.
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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh told Armenpress the Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire regime more than 30 times at Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

The Ministrys announcement reads: Overnight October 16-17 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime more than 30 times by firing over 360 shots from various caliber small arms at the Armenian positions in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. In the northern and north-eastern directions the Azerbaijani forces fired also ISTIGLAL sniper rifles (20 shots).

The Defense Army forces continue fully controlling the situation in the frontline and take counter measures only in case of strict necessity.
Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

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You are our people. You Care. We Care2.
In a first, 41 students from India have cleared the Cambridge International Examinations series which were held in March, June 2016 and in November 2015. The merit list was released today afternoon in which 20 students from Mumbai alone have emerged world subject toppers in lass 10, 11 and 12 CIE.

This year, there was an increase of 17% entries to the exam compared to last year which could be one of the reasons for the high number of toppers this year. Last year there were only 22 toppers from India among which 9 were from Mumbai.

In 2016, there were 7,080 entries from India for the International General Certificate of School Education (IGCSE) exam, the equivalent of class 10.here were 15,983 entries for the AS and A levels, the equivalents of class 11 and 12. Last year, there were 28,900 entries for IGCSE and 14,789 for the other exams.

Performances across schools improved this year, the list of toppers this year is as follows:

Pahwa Gantavya and Siddhartha Ritu topped mathematics-without-coursework, and Aashray Joshua Rao bagged the top prize in thinking skills in A levels are 4 students from odar International School, Khar who are among the world toppers.

Two students from Utpal Shanghvi Global School, Juhu, Param Patel and Shah Kushal Snehal, topped mathematics-without-coursework.

Ishan Paidhungat from Bombay Cambridge School, Andheri (East), was one of the many IGCSE mathematics-without-coursework toppers.

Two students from Aditya Birla World Academy, Grant Road, Taran Jitendra Punjabi and Yash Ajay Sukhwani, were among mathematics-without-coursework toppers.

Biryani Bed, CP Goenka International School, Juhu topped IGCSE accounting.

Roshni Surye Rangwani from Billabong High International School, Santacruz stood first in literature English.

Ahan Sahu and Shourya Agarwal from Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Bandra topped mathematics-without-coursework.

Math and first language English were the most popular IGCSE subjects. The toppers will receive outstanding Cambridge learner certificates from CIE.
For the first time ever, higher educational institutions in India will be getting assessment and accreditation practices based on global standards. Key quality networks, the NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) and agencies from Asia, Europe, America, Australia, UK, Africa and other countries have come together to develop a common agenda for international quality assurance of Indian universities.

With this motion in process, information of all the higher educational institutions across the world will be soon available on one portal.

Some of the agencies according to Hindustan Times taking part in this motion are

Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN),

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) from USA,

European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, (ENQA),



European Consortium for Accreditation in Higher Education (ECA),

Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ANQAHE),

ASEAN Quality Assurance Network (AQAN),

Asia Pacific Quality Register (APQR),

Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education UK (QAA - UK),

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), Australia,

Tertiary Education Commission, Mauritius (TEC),

Malaysian Qualifications Agency,



Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP),

Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan (HEEACT) and



National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement for Higher Education (NIAD-QE) from Japan.

While some regions like Europe have well-established information and recognition systems like the European Network of Information Centres in the European Region and National Academic Recognition Information Centres in the European Union (ENIC-NARIC ), many other regions lack such resources. To address this issue, APQN has initiated a global project on quality information portal, with the help of Unesco.

"We need to promote development of regional and global databases of recognised accreditation bodies and accredited higher education institutions. We are working on enhancing links among all existing quality registers such as CHEA, European Quality Assurance Registers and databases for Higher Education (EQAR) and Asia Pacific Quality Register (APQR) for accreditation agencies. Similarly, existing databases and information portals of accredited higher education institutions need to be strengthened and linked,"

says Prof DP Singh, director, NAAC.

Universities, quality assurance bodies, governments, inter-governmental agencies and international networks are under increased pressure from students and other stakeholders to play a proactive role in safeguarding their interests while promoting international student mobility.

The above list quality assurance agencies will share and promote good practices by using multiple platforms such as conferences, virtual and communication technologies, workshops, publications and staff exchanges as part of the Bengaluru Statement 2016 on Next Generation Quality Assurance of Higher Education.

This is for the first time in history of higher education quality assurance that the global quality networks and agenices of four continents have come together, marking a major landmark in nternational history of higher education quality assurance.

Syun Tutiya, professor, National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE), Japan, says, "We are working towards discussing the current situations in Japan's quality assurance of higher education focusing on its governmental moves including international collaborative programmes."

USA's CHEA seeks to work with the international quality community on tackling challenges facing quality assurance internationally. Judith Eaton, president, CHEA, says, "Internationalisation is now a powerful force throughout the academic community. We exchange information and ideas on common interests and concerns including public accountability, student learning outcomes, new modes of educational delivery, international quality expectation, the role of government, academic freedom, non-institutional education, a single set of quality standards, rankings, degree mills and more."

NAAC has also signed MoUs with accreditation bodies in Taiwan and Mauritius to achieve these goals.
Manipal University to confer 11-month PG Diploma in Data Science

Manipal Global Academy of Data Science to skill & upskill corporate employees

Bangalore, Oct 17th, 2016: Manipal University announced today that it has commenced its first cohort of full time and part time programmes in Data Science, which will culminate into a PG Diploma from the university.

Simultaneously, Manipal Global Academy of Data Science (a unit of Manipal Global Education Services) announced the launch of short term certification programmes for corporate learners. The offerings to Enterprise clients range from boot-camps for fresh entrants to advanced modules in various aspects of Data Science across BFSI, IT, healthcare, retail, e-commerce and many others.

The Commencement function was marked by great interest from industry participants who attended the event. Organizations like AIG, Bain Consulting, Cognizant, Experian, KPMG, IBM, Goldman Sachs, Gramener, Dell, among others were present through their senior leaders.

Given that various industry estimates suggest that India will require over 200,000 data scientists by 2018, there has been strong interest in the PG Diploma programmes from both freshers and working professionals.

Dr Vinod Bhat, Vice Chancellor of Manipal University said, "The unprecedented demand in this field and the rigor and professional skills that the Manipal educational institutions bring in have made this a much sought after program. As cohort sizes are limited, we have closed admissions for this batch. However, we will announce the next batch dates very soon. For the first batch, we are also evaluating offering them world class certifications with international universities through our recently announced partnership with Coursera."

To ensure that the programme has strong industry relevance, Manipal Education group has tied up with leading corporates like Experian (a $4.8 billion global information services company), Genpact (a global leader in business process management and services) and IBM's Big Data University as partners who will help in building the curriculum, provide real case studies for students and participate in the placement process.

Speaking at the commencement function, Mr. AP Ramabhadran, Sr. Vice President, Manipal Global Education Services said, "With the explosion of data in literally every field of the business world, there is a strong need to train tomorrow's roles in Data Science: data engineers, data visualizers, data scientists, and business analysts. At Manipal Global - being leaders in the corporate education space with our Academies in Banking and IT - we are focused on creating curricula and learning methodologies that train the students to be productive from the word go.

Our corporate partners help us achieve this. Overwhelming interest from more organizations to partner with Manipal Global helps us to strengthen the professional readiness of our learners and in turn helps industry gain ready talent. This creates a virtuous cycle of contemporary professional talent".

Speaking about this partnership, Siddharth Shishoo, VP- HR, Genpact said "'Data needs to be deciphered for intelligent insights and it is imperative to build talent in this field for more meaningful actionable insights across industry domains. With our deep expertise in analytics, we are delighted to extend this knowledge through our partnership with MaGE towards the common purpose of building a market-ready talent pool in the analytics world"

The PG Diploma in Data Science is a first of its programme because the first nine months will teach the learners the concepts, give hands-on experience on tools and programming languages as well as familiarising them with real data sets. The last two months will be an internship or live project with various companies. In the full time program, many organizations have expressed their desire to hire the candidates on successful completion of the programme.

The next batch for admissions will soon be announced on datascience.manipal.edu

Manipal Global Academy of Data Science (http://datascience.manipal.edu)

Manipal University offers an 11-month Full Time and Part Time Post Graduate Diploma in Data Science award. The Full time program is an intensive residential program while the Part Time program caters to working professionals with classes on weekends at Bangalore.

Manipal Global Academy of Data Science (MGADS) is Manipal Global Education Services (MaGE)'s latest offering to address skill challenges in India. MGADS offers a full-suite of solution to individual learners and enterprises. The academy is equipped to hire & assess data science talent, conduct boot-camp & on-boarding for data science hires at entry level and advanced level training interventions in niche areas such as machine learning, natural language programming, financial analytics and marketing analytics amongst other domains.

Experian, a leading global information services company, is knowledge partner from BFSI industry. IBM Big Data University is also a content and solutions partner. Genpact is a corporate partner.

About Genpact (www.genpact.com)

Genpact (NYSE: G) stands for "generating business impact." We are a global leader in digitally-powered business process management and services. We architect the Lean DigitalSM enterprise through our patented Smart Enterprise Processes (SEPSM) framework that reimagines our clients' operating models end-to-end, including the middle and back offices. This creates Intelligent Operations SM that we help design, transform, and run.

The impact on our clients is a high return on transformation investments through growth, efficiency, and business agility. For two decades, first as a General Electric division and later as an independent company, we have been passionately serving our clients.

Today, we generate impact for a few hundred strategic clients, including approximately one-fifth of the Fortune Global 500, and have grown to over 75,000 people in 25 countries, with key offices in New York City. The resulting business process and industry domain expertise and experience running complex operations are a unique heritage and focus that help us drive the best choices across technology, analytics, and organizational design.

About Experian (www.experian.in)

Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to our clients around the world. We help businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making.

We also help people to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft. In 2014, we were named by Forbes Magazine as one of the 'World's Most Innovative Companies'.

We employ approximately 16,000 people in 39 countries and our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended March 31, 2014, was US$4.8 billion.

IBM Big Data University (https://bigdatauniversity.com)

As a society we cannot let the benefits of analysis, data science and potential learnings from Big Data pass us by because of a lack of people with skills in this area.

At IBM we are strong proponents of providing opportunities to learn the fundamental concepts required to develop, process, and analyze big data and break down the traditional barriers to participation in this sector.

The Big Data University, an IBM community initiative, is not like other on-line training sites. Our content is free, access to tool sets used within the courses is free, and we have designed our courses to be accessed at your pace based on your priorities.
Appoints Barry Libert, renowned Digital Board Member, CEO Advisor, Angel Investor & Author, as a Digital Advisor to the NIIT Board

Enters into an exclusive partnership with the leaders in Business Model Science OpenMatters to address the training of top management on Digital Transformation and Digital Leadership

New Delhi, October 17, 2016: NIIT Limited, a global leader in Skills and Talent Development, today announced their intention to be the leader in Digital Training and Development for leaders and their organizations in India, China and Emerging Markets such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Nigeria, as companies and their leaders struggle to survive and grow in today's network and platform centric world dominated by new-age digital disruptor companies.

With a strong focus on becoming the leader in the Digital Learning World and to further accelerate NIIT's own growth and profitability, the Company has charted a two-pronged business strategy:

First an Internal Initiative addressing the Digital Transformation of its entire business model to drive growth, value and profitability; and

Second an External Initiative focusing on training and consulting of individual and corporate customers to enable them to succeed in the digital world.

To this end, NIIT has entered into an exclusive partnership with US based OpenMatters LLC, the leader in Business Model Science. Under this partnership, NIIT will bring the content and expertise developed by OpenMatters for Wharton's SEI Center, Knowledge@Wharton, and Harvard Business Review (HBR) to the India, China and Emerging Markets to address the leadership and management needs of the CXO/VP/Middle Management community.

In a related move, NIIT has appointed Barry Libert, CEO of OpenMatters as the Digital Advisor to the NIIT Board. Barry Libert, is a Senior Fellow at the Wharton School and an author and columnist at HBR, K@W, Forbes and the WSJ.

As an expert in Digital Leadership and Business Model Transformation, Barry has co-authored numerous books, articles, training materials, workbooks and faculty guides. Barry leads a team of experts who are continuously researching digital leadership and business models using machine learning and advanced text mining while exploring the underlying drivers of value and growth in the age of platforms and networks.

NIIT's current digital transformation initiatives StackRoute and DigiNxt focus on Digital Innovator training and Digital Developer training respectively. Now this new relationship with Barry Libert and OpenMatters will expand its digital offerings - Digital to Leaders, and allow NIIT to address the end to end needs of organizations and governments seeking to reskill their entire workforce from CXOs to frontline workers to succeed in the digital age.

Speaking on this significant development Mr. Rahul Patwardhan, CEO NIIT Ltd., said, "This two tiered partnership is in line with our strategy to play a leadership role in the Digital Learning World, leveraging the exciting new age Digital Technologies that are impacting every industry and every company and their business model. First, we are delighted to have Barry Libert as a Digital board Advisor, whose valuable advice will help us build and execute a digital transformation roadmap for companies in India, China and Emerging Markets and our own company; and second, we are going to leverage the training materials developed for Wharton and HBR in the India, China and Emerging Markets."

Speaking on his appointment as a Digital Transformation Advisor to the NIIT Board, Barry Libert said, "This is indeed an exciting role that will allow us to offer our insights and advice to NIIT in order to partner with NIIT to help leaders throughout India, China and Emerging Markets drive their digital transformation agenda starting with leadership transformation and ending with more valuable business models."

According to the MIT Centre for Digital Business, 77% of organizations consider missing digital skills as the key hurdle to their transformation strategy.

Therefore, Indian & Global IT Companies are investing heavily in building digital transformation skills to enable their clients transform digitally.

About NIIT

NIIT is a leading Skills and Talent Development Corporation that is building a manpower pool for global industry requirements. The company, which was set up in 1981 to help the nascent IT industry overcome its human resource challenges, today ranks among the world's leading training companies owing to its vast and comprehensive array of talent development programs. With a footprint across 40 nations, NIIT offers training and development solutions to Individuals, Enterprises and Institutions. NIIT has three main lines of business across the globe - Corporate Learning Group, Skills and Careers Group, and School Learning Group. For further information, visit www.niit.com

About OpenMatters

OpenMatters is the leader in Business Model Sciencetm. It focuses on analysing business models, the missing ingredient in leadership and corporate governance (capital allocation) and the underlying sources of value. The firm harnesses today's advanced technologies including machine learning and text mining to categorize and measure business model performance and capital allocation (both financial and non-financial) by boards and leaders which it calls The Business Graphtm. Further, it has developed three products - Training, Ratings and Rankings, and Investment Indices (ETF's) - that help leaders and investors make better decisions in order to drive growth, value and profits.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. At least 25 inmates have been killed in clashes between two rival factions in an overcrowded prison in northern Brazil, local media say, BBC reported.

Seven of the dead were beheaded and six others burned to death, a police official reportedly said.

The incident in Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima state, happened during visiting hours.

Some 100 visitors who were taken as hostages have been freed and the riot has ended, the reports added.

The state government said it was waiting for a prisoner count to confirm the death toll.

The violence started when inmates broke into another section of the prison where members of a different faction were being held, Capt Falkner Ferreira was quoted as saying by G1 website (in Portuguese).

The prisoners were armed with knives and wooden sticks, a witness said.

Reports say there are 1,400 inmates currently in the prison, which has a capacity of up to 740.

Brazil has the world's fourth largest prison population, with some 600,000 inmates.

BBC correspondents say that many poorly resourced and overcrowded jails across the country are in effect run by powerful crime gangs.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan signed several laws on October 17 which were adopted by the Parliament.

The laws include making changes and amendments in the Customs Regulation Law, Livestock Breeding Law, Organic Agriculture Law, Selective Achievements, and Land Code, the Press Service of the Presidential Administration told ARMENPRESS.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. When the 11th annual Billboard Women In Music event hits New York City this winter, royalty will be present, Billboard reported.

Following a year where she extended her record as the highest-grossing female touring artist of all time, Madonna will receive Billboard's 2016 Woman of the Year award.

Madonna is one of a miniscule number of super-artists whose influence and career transcend music, said Janice Min, president and chief creative officer of The Hollywood Reporter-Billboard Media Group. With her creative vision, relentless innovation, and dedication to philanthropic causes, she is an inspiration to hundreds of millions of people around the world, all while shattering every career record out there. She is an important feminist on top of that, a one-of-a-kind artist whos used her influence to change the conversation around women, sexuality and equal rights.

From her Prince tribute alongside Stevie Wonder at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards to her political Met Gala appearance to her indelible commentary on the 2016 election, Madonna has remained a constant force in pop culture and source of cultural conversation over the past year.

Her Rebel Heart Tour, which wrapped in March, solidified her status as one of the biggest touring acts of all time. Madonna sold more than 1 million tickets and walked away with $170 million. That makes her the highest grossing solo touring artist in Billboard Boxscore history (the archives go back to 1990) with a staggering $1.31 billion in total concert grosses.

In addition to being the first female pop star with true control of her career and image, Madonna is the best-selling female recording artist of all time. She's earned 8 No. 1 albums (and 21 top 10 albums) on the Billboard 200 and 12 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. With her 46th No. 1 on the Dance Club Songs chart in 2015, she extended her own record for the most No. 1s on a single Billboard chart. She also holds the record for the most top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with 38.

In addition to her ongoing chart dominance, her philanthropic efforts are effecting real change in the world. Madonna's Raising Malawi organization is currently constructing Malawis first pediatric surgery and intensive care unit, which will double the number of life-saving surgeries performed on children each year, provide intensive care after critical surgeries, and train specialized Malawian medical staff. The Mercy James Institute of Pediatric Surgery and Intensive Care facility will open in 2017.

The seven-time Grammy winner will receive the honor at the 11th annual Women in Music event, held Dec. 9 in New York City and airing nationally on Lifetime on Dec.12. The star-studded event is held in conjunction with the publication of Billboards Women in Music list, which identifies the 50 most powerful female executives in the industry each year.
Meet Owen Miller, a Scottish geologist who moved to South America in search of a job, discovering on the way his passion for some classic American metal.



Cars, for me, were not a part of my life before, living in Scotland  I didnt even own a car, says Miller in the latest Petrolicious film. I came down to South America looking, basically, for work as a geologist. When I moved here, I bought a 65 Mustang, and it sort of, all sort of went from there.

Millers passion grew over the past 22 years and after owning a number of different cars, a friend said to him, You need a Cadillac, to which he replied, Well, yeah, of coursewho doesnt?

Finding a Cadillac in Peru though is near impossible, with Miller having to import his 1973 Cadillac Eldorado from the US to Peru. This makes it a really rare car to see in that region, with people showing their appreciation in every opportunity.

It brightens other peoples days, thats the main thing about it, Miller says. It certainly brightened ours just by watching the video linked below.

VIDEO
PSA Peugeot Citroen has cut roughly 17,000 jobs in three stages, since the beginning of 2013, and its now looking into a fourth round of reductions.



Citing France Info radio, Reuters states that the Group will drop 2,133 jobs in France, blaming the effects of Brexit and falling diesel sales, after investing heavily in diesel technology, along with other European car manufacturers.

The cost-saving measures will be made through early retirements and voluntary buyouts and have been confirmed by a member of the CGT labor union at PSA, with RTL radio: PSA prepares a fourth job-cutting plan. Its a true scandal, Jean-Pierre Mercier said.

Besides its concerns with the UKs decision to leave the European Union and falling diesel sales, PSA has yet another motive to carefully monitor its expenses and trim them down, as the Group had a near brush with bankruptcy two years ago. Back then, it pledged to drop labor costs, model lineups and inventory in order to become profitable again.

These days, the Group, which is backed up by the French government and Chinas Dongfeng Motor, delivered record first-half year profits and will pay shareholders a dividend for 2016.

Note: 2017 Peugeot 5008 pictured

PHOTO GALLERY
Teslas famous semi-autonomous driving system keeps having a harsh time in Germany, and after being called a hazard, the countrys authorities are now asking the automaker to stop using the Autopilot term in advertising.



Citing a report in the daily BildAmSonntag, Reuters states that the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) had already wrote Tesla Motors, saying: In order to prevent misunderstanding and incorrect customers expectations, we demand that the misleading term Autopilot is no longer used in advertising the system.

KBAs letter is backed up by a spokesperson for the Transport Ministry, who told Reuters that a letter to Tesla exists with the request to no longer use the misleading term Autopilot for the driver assistance system of the car.

In response to the German authorities, a Tesla representative said that the Autopilot system has been designed to reduce driver workload and, when used correctly, it provides an added layer of safety when compared to purely manual driving.

Moreover, the KBA, which reports directly to the German Transport Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, contacted local owners of Tesla cars, reminding them that they must remain alert at all times and that their vehicles cannot be operated without their constant attention.

VIDEO
Tesla has joined forces with Panasonic with the intention of manufacturing solar panels at SolarCitys gigafactory.



In a blog post, Tesla said that the deal is contingent on company shareholders approving the firms proposed $2.6 billion acquisition of SolarCity. If the thumbs up is given for this deal, Tesla and Panasonic will start churning out solar cells and modules in 2017.

A statement from Tesla reveals that the cells and modules manufactured at SolarCitys factory in Buffalo, New York will work seamlessly with Powerwall and Powerpack and offer consumers an innovative power solution.

Tesla is already working with Panasonic on its own gigafactory where the Japanese electronics company is investing upwards of $3.86 billion.

According to chief technical and co-founder of Tesla, JM Straubel, We are excited to expand our partnership with Panasonic as we move towards a combined Tesla and SolarCity. By working together on solar, we will be able to accelerate production of high-efficiency, extremely reliable solar cells and modules at the best cost.

PHOTO GALLERY
A man in the U.S. is being accused of conning women into buying him a Lamborghini Gallardo, Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and other vehicles.



28-year-old Timothy Rossel has been charged with four counts of identity theft and one count of impersonating a federal officer in the case, reports KMOV.

It is reported that Rossel met a number of women in Pennsylvania, Florida and Missouri on dating website Plenty of Fish.

Local detective and investigators say Rossel convinced these women to buy cars in their name only for him to drive and sell them, pocketing the cash and claiming that theyd been stolen.

While dating a woman from Florida, Rossel had her buy a Lamborghini Gallardo and Corvette Z06 and during his relationship with a Missouri resident, oversaw her buy a Ford Mustang, Can-Am Spyder and a Cadillac Escalade.

According to Detective Sergeant John Biser from Union, Missouri, the scheme was uncovered after one of the victims found multiple credit cards in her name and federal IDs held by Rossel under a different name.

PHOTO GALLERY
Photo: Contributed

Recent wet weather in the Interior has led to the end of open burning restrictions throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Effective at noon Saturday, Oct. 15, the current Category 2 and Category 3 open burning prohibitions will be rescinded.

This will apply to all parks, Crown lands and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws and is serviced by a fire department. People must check with local authorities for any other restrictions before lighting a fire.

As well, anyone lighting a Category 3 fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1-888-797-1717 and must comply with air quality control legislation.

A Category 3 fire is a fire that burns:

material piled more than two metres high or three metres wide

stubble or grass over more than 0.2 hectares.

more than two piles of any size

Further information can be found online.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Here's a sure sign the 2016 presidential campaign has gone downhill: A Vermont ski maker is out with a new pair featuring Hillary Clinton imagery on the left ski and Donald Trump on the right.

The Burlington Free Press reports that Renoun, in Burlington, has introduced the pair showing intricate artwork, with equal-opportunity dissing of both candidates.

The Trump ski shows him wearing a button with the message "#1 most disliked," while Clinton is wearing a "#2 most disliked" button.

The Clinton ski features police tape, for those who think she's a walking crime scene, while the Trump ski features a border wall, for his widely panned anti-illegal immigration plan.

But at more than $2,000 a pair, the skis may be only for moguls.
The self-titled sixth album by The Helio Sequence began with a friendly competition. Several of the duos friends within the Portland, Oregon music scene had been playing The 20-Song Game. The rules were simple, playful and ambitious: Songwriters would arrive in their studios at prearranged times and spend all day recording 20 complete songs. When they were finished, theyd have a party, listen to the results and talk about the processof taking the good with the bad, of letting creativity push past constraint, of simply making music in the moment. Brandon Summers and Benjamin Weikel took the spirit of the The 20-Song Game to heart, and forged ahead writing a new record.

Negotiations was a very long, introspective process, remembers Summers of the bands 2012 Sub Pop LP. We shut ourselves off from the world and disappeared down the rabbit hole. Thats how we tend to work, but we wanted to try something new, open and immediate.

In a sense, The Helio Sequence had spent their whole career preparing for this record. Theyd sunk entire recording advances into studio purchases, collaborating with local engineers to build custom gear and a space where they could blend high fidelity with kaleidoscopic sound. In 2013, the pair took on their first full-scale production project, the Brazilian rock band Quarto Negro, after the group inquired about their space and availability through Facebook. As producers, theyd remixed Shabazz Palaces, picked up mixing sessions with Portland acts and earned representation from Global Positioning Services. Summers and Weikel discovered just how adaptable and powerful their studio could be.

In May of 2014, inspired by the 20-Song Game, they began arriving each morning in their Portland spacehoused in the cafeteria and break room of an old warehouse with the mission of making as much music as possible in one month. They began exploring and capturing, recording guitar riffs and keyboard loops, drum patterns and bass lines. One piece documented, they quickly advanced to the next idea. Summers and Weikel didnt discuss what they were making or the reference points that informed it, though such discussions had once been central to The Helio Sequences more self-conscious process. They just played. Created. In time, they returned to each fragment, broadcasting it over the studio PA, jamming and recording the results. Mistakes didnt matter, and second chances didnt exist. After two weeks, Summers and Weikel began cutting those loose takes into rough shapes, steadily building songs from their cavalier sketches.

Although making records can be a laborious and tedious process, Summers delights in the memory of making this one.

We were coming to the studio on these sunny mornings everyday with an open mind, Summers shares. We said, Im just going to do what feels good in the moment.

We worked so quickly that there was a running optimism, he continues. Theres this sense of striving for perfection where you can actually take momentum away. But we wanted this record to be momentum in and of itself.

When June arrived, the duo gathered their 26 finished songs and sent them to 31 friends, fans and family members. They asked each person to rank their 10 favorite tracks. By summers end, they had arrived at the brisk 10 tracks that shape the breathless and magnetic The Helio Sequencea record so named because its a kind of clean restart for the longtime pair, a revamp of their process and a revitalization of their results.

The Helio Sequence is a renewed push forward for the band: From the cool wallop of Deuces, where guitars snarl and harmonies soar, to the stuttering anxiety of Upward Mobility, where pianos pound and drums race, this collection depends upon an effortless kinetic energy. Lyrically, Stoic Resemblance is a study of existential anxiety, but musically, its a beguiling burst of pop, Summers vocals rising over and sliding off of Weikels big, irrepressible beat. The bittersweet Leave or Be Yours evokes the easy twinkle of romance and the smoldering sadness of losing it. Crisscrossing vocals and cross-talking guitars and drums map a broad swirl of emotions.

With its easy acoustic jangle, Inconsequential Ties might be one of the most surprising, light moments within the bombastic Helio Sequence catalog. But considered within the bands history, it points to the pop thats bound Summers and Weikel for so long. Indeed, theres a delightful candor to The Helio Sequence, an openness that is a rare and special feat for a band about to enter its third decade.

Its less about curating yourself or trying to put yourself across how you want to be perceived, says Summers. Its about having a conversation with people and giving them something thats who you are.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. At this stage there is no threat to Armenia from the rapprochement of the Russian-Turkish relations, Director of the Caucasus Institute, political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan told Armenpress.

He said currently Russia and Turkey have favorable and developing relationship.

Obviously, the Russian-Turkish relations are other format, the Armenian-Russian relations are another. I consider unlikely to wait that the existing issues in the South Caucasus will be added to the issues existing in the Russian-Turkish relations, I dont see any reason. At this moment I cannot imagine Russias and Turkeys cooperation concerning Armenia, he said.

Iskandaryan said these two countries are concentrated on issues which are important for both of them. In particular, the relations with the West, the developments in Syria, issues related to Kurds, security issues, Turkish-American and Russian-American relations and etc.

Yes, currently there is no threat to Armenia from the rapprochement of Russia and Turkey, but it is necessary to follow those developments acting in a rational way. If a stage comes, when there will be a threat, then to respond, if a situation comes from which we can benefit, again to respond, the political scientist said.

Referring to the CSTO Councils session, the delay of the CSTO Secretary Generals appointment and the possible influence of Turkey and Azerbaijan on it, the political scientist said it is unlikely.

Obviously, Russia has interests with Azerbaijan and Turkey, but not to the extent that the third country to have an influence on the appointment of new CSTO Secretary General. No, I consider it unlikely. The issue has been decided in Moscow, Alexander Iskandaryan said.
Photo: Contributed

A ranch in the Kamloops area is offering a $25,000 reward for the arrest of whoever slaughtered a pregnant cow.

Jason Bishop is the ranch manager for Dorman Ranch north of Kamloops and was shocked to find a cow shot and butchered Saturday.

Whoever shot the cow took the hind quarters and tenderloins  the most valuable cuts of meat.

The case is similar to a series of cattle rustling in the North Okanagan last year where several cattle were shot and butchered in the same manner.

No suspects were caught in those cases.

Bishop said because the cow was pregnant, the ranch actually lost two animals.

We had another cow shot in the range earlier in the year during opening day of hunting, but we think that was a mistake. Maybe they thought it was a bear or something, but this was not a mistake, she was butchered, said Bishop. I was thinking maybe it is a guy filling his freezer because we lost one last year as well.

Bishop said the cow was found 50 metres from Westsyde Road and 100 metres from the corral. He said another cow was also found with a gunshot wound to the face, but the animal did not die.

Four families use the range at Fish Trap Creek, but Bishop said most of the cattle have been brought in for the winter.

Anyone with information on the rustling is asked to contact police.

Bishop said the reward is for anyone with information on the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of military operations to liberate the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State militants on Monday, launching the country on its toughest battle since American troops left nearly five years ago.

State TV aired a brief statement in the early hours Monday announcing the start of the widely anticipated military offensive to drive IS out of Iraq's second-largest city.

Broadcasts showed the prime minister, dressed in the uniform of the elite counterterrorism forces, speaking while flanked by senior military officers.

"These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity. They are there for your sake," he told the city's residents, using an alternate name for the militant group. "God willing, we shall win."

The thuds of sporadic artillery shelling rumbled across the rolling Nineveh plains in the direction of Mosul, witnesses said. State TV broadcast patriotic music within minutes of the announcement.

The push to retake Mosul will be the biggest military operation in Iraq since American troops left in 2011 and, if successful, the strongest blow yet to the Islamic State. A statement on Al-Abadi's website pledged the fight for the city marked a new phase that would lead to the liberation of all Iraqi territory from the militants this year.

Iraqi forces have been massing around the city in recent days. They include members of the elite special forces, who are expected to lead the charge into the city itself.

Mosul is home to more than a million civilians. The city fell to IS fighters during a lightning charge in June 2014 that left nearly a third of Iraq in militants' hands and plunged the country into its most severe crisis since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

After seizing Mosul, IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi visited the city to declare an Islamic caliphate that at one point covered nearly a third of Iraq and Syria.

But since late last year, the militants have suffered battlefield losses in Iraq and their power in the country has largely shrunk to Mosul and small towns in the country's north and west. Mosul is about 360 kilometres (225 miles) northwest of the capital, Baghdad.
Photo: Contributed

Homicide police are investigating the death of a male in Langley.

Langley RCMP say officers were called on a report of suspicious circumstances Sunday morning and arrived to find a male who had injuries consistent with foul play.

They say he died as a result of his injuries.

RCMP say the attack appears to have been targeted.

No details have been released about the victim, including his age, name, or cause of death.

The Integrated Homicide Investigations Team has taken over the case.
Photo: spacenews.com

China has launched a pair of astronauts into space on a mission to dock with an experimental space station and remain aboard for 30 days.

The Shenzhou 11 mission took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northern China at 7:30 a.m. (2330 GMT) Monday aboard a Long March-2F carrier rocket.

It will dock with the Tiangong 2 space station precursor facility within two days, conduct experiments in medicine and various space-related technologies, and test systems and processes in preparation for the launching of the station's core module in 2018.

Following the attachment of two experiment modules, the entire station is designed to begin full operations in 2022 and will operate for at least a decade.
Photo: tysongay.com

The 15-year-old daughter of Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay was fatally shot in the neck, authorities and the athlete's agent said Sunday, and police have arrested a man in connection with the shooting.

Trinity Gay died at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, the coroner's office for Fayette County said in a statement. The athlete's agent, Mark Wetmore, confirmed in a text message to The Associated Press that Gay's daughter had died.

Police on Sunday evening announced that Dvonta Middlebrooks, 21, was arrested and charged with wanton endangerment and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A statement said investigators determined that Middlebrooks was in the parking lot and fired multiple shots at the time of the incident.

Another man questioned by police has not been charged.

Lexington police said in a statement that officers went to the parking lot of a restaurant near the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington about 4 a.m. Sunday after witnesses reported an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles. Officers located one of the vehicles and stopped two people for questioning, the statement added.

Police spokeswoman Brenna Angel said police don't believe Trinity Gay was in either of the vehicles involved.

Tyson Gay competed in the last three Summer Olympics. He was part of a team that won a silver medal in the 4x100-meter relay at the 2012 London Games though that medal was ultimately stripped after Gay tested positive for steroids in 2013.

Last summer's Games in Rio featured another stinging disappointment for Gay, 33, who has battled injuries. He was a member of the American men's 4x100-meter relay team that finished third in the final before being disqualified for an illegal baton exchange between Mike Rodgers and Justin Gatlin. The team's appeal was denied, giving Canada the bronze medal.

Trinity Gay was a sprinter at Lafayette High in Lexington and finished fourth in the 100 metres and fifth in the 200 metres at the state Class 3A high school track meet in May, records show. She also ran on a 4x200 relay team that finished fourth. Her father, who ran years earlier at Lafayette, still holds the state record in the 100 set in 2001.

Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Manny Caulk said in a statement that "Our hearts are broken this morning over the loss of Trinity to this tragic and senseless act of violence. Please join us in keeping the Gay family close in thought and prayer and supporting the students, staff, and families at Lafayette High during this unspeakably difficult time."
Photo: The Canadian Press

For the first time since Rolling Stone magazine's shocking story about a brutal gang rape at the University of Virginia hit shelves two years ago, the public may hear from the young woman at the centre of the now discredited article "A Rape on Campus."

A defamation trial against the magazine is set to begin on Monday over the November 2014 article about the woman identified only as "Jackie" and her harrowing account about being gang raped in a fraternity initiation. University administrator Nicole Eramo, who counselled Jackie and claims the story cast her as its "chief villain," is seeking $7.85 million.

Jackie was forced to answer questions about the case in April, but her comments have been kept under wraps. Now, Eramo's attorneys have said they intend to call Jackie as a witness at trial, although it's possible the jury will watch a video of her deposition instead of hearing from her in person. An attorney for Jackie declined to comment.

The story described in alarming detail Jackie's account of being raped by seven men at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house in September 2012. Eramo's attorneys claim the article portrayed her as indifferent to Jackie's plight and only interested in protecting the university's reputation. After it was published, Eramo, who then served as associate dean of students, received hundreds of emails and letters calling her a "wretched rape apologist" and "disgusting, worthless piece of trash." Eramo still works for the university, now in a different administrative role.

An investigation by Charlottesville police found no evidence to back up Jackie's claims and details in the lengthy narrative did not hold up under scrutiny by other media organizations. Rolling Stone officially retracted the story in April 2015. Since then, three lawsuits have been filed against the magazine. A judge earlier this year threw out one case brought by three fraternity members, but a $25 million lawsuit filed by the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at UVa is scheduled to go to trial late next year.

Eramo's trial will focus heavily on whether Rolling Stone editors and the article's author, Sabrina Erdely, acted with "actual malice," meaning that they knew what they were writing about Eramo was false or at least should have known it wasn't true. U.S. District Judge Glen Conrad ruled in September that Eramo should be considered a public figure, which means she must prove actual malice in order to get certain monetary damages.
Photo: The Canadian Press Huang Jiefu, director of China's Organ Donation and Transplantation Committee

Surgeons from around the world gathered at a conference in Beijing on Monday in China's latest effort to fight persistent skepticism about whether its hospitals have stopped performing transplants with the organs of executed prisoners.

Doctors from the World Health Organization and the Montreal-based Transplantation Society who were invited to the conference by China praised Chinese officials for reforms they have made in the transplant system, including a ban put in place last year on using organs from executed inmates.

Doubts persist that China is accurately reporting figures or meeting its pledge given its severe shortage of organ donors and China's long-standing black-market organ trade. By its own figures, China has one of the lowest rates of organ donation in the world, and even the system's advocates say it needs hundreds of additional hospitals and doctors.

While China suppresses most discussions about human rights, government officials and state media have publicly talked about their commitment to ending a practice opposed by doctors and human rights groups due to fears that it promotes executions and coercion.

Dr. Jose Nunez, an adviser on organ transplants to the World Health Organization, told the audience that he believed China was building the "next great" system.

"You are taking this country to a leading position within the transplantation world," he said.

Others offered praise for Chinese officials, but stopped short of saying whether they could confirm China had stopped using executed inmates' organs.

"It's not a matter for us to prove to you that it's zero," said Dr. Francis Delmonico, a longtime surgeon and a professor at Harvard Medical School. "It's a matter for the government to fulfil what is the law, just as it is in the other countries of the world that we go to."

China is believed to perform more executions than any other country, though the government does not disclose how many.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Two wildlife issues have collided in Hawaii, pitting one group of animal defenders against another in an impassioned debate. The point of contention? Deadly cat poop and the feral felines that produce it.

Federal researchers believe feces from the legions of feral cats roaming Hawaii is spreading a disease that is killing Hawaiian monk seals, some of the world's most endangered marine mammals. Some conservationists advocate euthanizing those cats that no one wants, and that's got cat lovers up in arms.

"It's a very difficult, emotional issue," said state Sen. Mike Gabbard, chairman of a committee that earlier this year heard and then abandoned a proposal to ban the feeding of feral cats on state land after an outcry. "It struck a nerve in our community."

The problem stems from a parasite common in cats that can cause toxoplasmosis, a disease that killed at least five female Hawaiian monk seals and three males since 2001, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

"While eight seals may not sound like a lot of animals, it actually has pretty large ramifications for an endangered population where there's only about 1,300 seals in existence at this point in time," said Michelle Barbieri, veterinary medical officer for NOAA's Hawaiian monk seal research program.

Scientists believe monk seals become exposed to toxoplasmosis by ingesting contaminated water or prey.

Felines are the only animals that can shed Toxoplasma gondii eggs, or oocysts. The parasites enter their digestive tract through infected prey then multiply in the small intestine and produce the eggs. Outdoor cats excrete the eggs in their feces, which researchers say washes into the ocean.

The eggs accumulate in invertebrates that live along the sea floor, where monk seals often feed. They can survive in fresh water, saltwater and soil for up to two years.

Any warm-blooded animal can become infected. California sea otters have died from toxoplasmosis, and it's one of the major reasons the Hawaiian crow, alala, is extinct in the wild. Toxoplasmosis is rarely problematic for people with healthy immune systems, but it's why doctors advise pregnant women not to handle kitty litter.

Many cities struggle with feral cats, but the problem is particularly acute in Hawaii because of its sensitive ecosystem and at-risk native species, experts say. Only two mammals are native to Hawaii: the hoary bat and the Hawaiian monk seal.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Two passenger buses collided head-on in central Pakistan on Monday, killing 25 people and injuring 69, officials said.

The accident, which occurred on a dangerous curve in Khanpur town in Rahim Yar Khan district, was likely caused by speeding, said police official Jamshid Shah.

Several children, college students and women were among the victims, Shah said. He said police and rescue officials were using cutters to retrieve bodies trapped inside the two buses.

Dr. Tasleem Kamran at a government hospital said the injured were being treated. Nearly 40 were reported to be in critical condition, she said. "We have declared an emergency. We desperately need blood," she said.

Local TV footage showed ambulances and rescue officials rushing the injured persons to hospitals.

Before the rescuers and police arrived, resident Waqar Ahmad said townspeople, who heard the sound of the crash, arrived at the scene and started pulling the victims out of the wreckage. "We thought some bomb had exploded," Ahmad said.

Jamila Bibi, 60, was travelling in one of the buses, taking her 9-year-old son Faisal Ali at his school.

The driver was reckless, Bibi said. "We protested and asked him to slow down," she told The Associated Press by phone from her hospital bed.

At one point, all the passengers stood up and asked the driver to slow down or halt, but he didn't listen to anyone. Instead, she said, the driver told the passengers that anyone who was afraid could get off the vehicle.
Photo: Contributed

The owner and publisher of a weekly Vermont newspaper has abandoned his plan for an essay contest to find a new owner for it because he failed to get enough entries.

Ross Connelly said Monday that he had received 140 essays since the $175-per-entry contest started in June  much lower than his goal of 700 entries. He extended the essay deadline twice.

He says he's now hoping to sell The Hardwick Gazette to one of the essayists.

The 71-year-old says he is returning contestants' entry fees and has notified them that the newspaper is for sale. He isn't publicly disclosing the price he is seeking.

He came up with the idea of the essay contest when previous attempts to sell it failed.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan received on October 17 the Minister of Interior Affairs of the Russian Federation Vladimir Kolokoltsev, who has arrives in Armenia to attend the 17th session of the united board of the Police of Armenia and the Ministry of Interior Affairs of Russia, Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office.

The close cooperation between the law enforcement bodies of Armenia and the RF, and the regular meeting of the united board of the Police of Armenia and the Ministry of Interior Affairs of Russia were mutually highlighted.

Stating that Armenia attaches great importance to security issues and counter-measuring different demonstrations of organized crime, President Sargsyan spotlighted combination of efforts in that direction, as well as holding regular expert meetings. According to the President, the rising terrorist threat in the world, weapon smuggling, illegal drug transportations and other forms of crime are a serious security threats and constant partnership is required for counter measuring them.

The Russian Minister of Interior Affairs thanked for hosting the regular meeting of the board in Armenia on a high level, and mentioned that the existing high level political dialogue between Russia and Armenia and the agreements reached between the presidents of the two allied states foster and encourage deepening cooperation on the expert level, working in a sincere atmosphere of mutual trust.
Photo: Darren Handschuh - File photo

The B.C. Supreme Court trial of man accused of a brutal assault at a Vernon bar two years ago began Monday.

Lucas Slizak was arrested Oct. 1, 2014, 10 days after a 23-year-old Vernon man was hospitalized.

On Sept. 21 North Okanagan RCMP responded to Monashees Bar where they found a severely beaten man.

The victim was reportedly punched and kicked in the head. The victim sustained a serious head injury with a fracture to the base of his skull and a broken nose, said RCMP spokesman Gord Molendyk at the time of the incident.

The victim had to be taken to Kelowna General Hospital following the assault.
Photo: Facebook Mel Arnold, right, attended the Salmon Arm Fish and Game, Gun and Antique show on the weekend.

Both Okanagan Conservative MPs have critic portfolios in the Conservatives' newly shuffled shadow cabinet.

Dan Albas, who represents Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola, moves from interprovincial trade critic to deputy finance critic.

Mel Arnold, who represents North Okanagan-Shuswap, remains in his role as deputy critic for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

The race for the leadership of the Conservative Party is growing, both in the number of candidates, and in excitement about their ideas for the future of our party and our country.

"Recently, a number of shadow cabinet members have stepped away from their critic roles to join this historic contest," interim Conservative Party leader Rona Ambrose said in announcing the changes.

They include Steven Blaney, Erin OToole and Lisa Raitt.
Photo: CTV

UPDATE: noon

The Vancouver School Board has been fired by British Columbia's education minister after trustees failed to pass a balanced budget.

Mike Bernier says he has no confidence in the board's ability to act in the best interest of the school district, accusing trustees of focusing on political tactics instead of responsible stewardship.

Diane Turner, a former Delta School District superintendent, has been appointed official trustee of the Vancouver board.

Bernier says he's received the results of a special investigation into the board's finances and allegations of bullying involving trustees and staff members, which he says deepens his concern about the board's ability to govern effectively.

Trustees from the political slate Vision Vancouver said last week they were willing to balance the budget after previously being opposed.

Bernier says the board's readiness at the last minute to change its position undermines stability in the school district.

 The Canadian Press

ORIGINAL: 11:30 a.m.

The entire Vancouver School Board has been fired.

Education Minister Mike Bernier turfed the board over its inability to pass a balanced budget.

It had a deadline of June 30 to do so.

Bernier said the board had "a misplaced focus on political tactics rather than responsible stewardship," CTV reported.

Failure to balance its budget is a breach of the B.C. School Act.

More details to come.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Contributed

After more than a dozen incidents of cattle rustling in the North Okanagan last year, all is quiet so far this year.

Local wildlife expert Pete Wise said he has heard of no incidents of cattle being killed this year.

Since the slaughter last year, Wise said patrols have been increased and police have been quick to respond to any suspicious activity.

On Saturday, a rancher in the Kamloops area found a cow shot in the face and its hind quarters and tenderloins taken - the prime cuts of meat.

Wise said that is exactly what happened to the cattle in the North Okanagan region last year.

These guys are murdering bastards, said Wise. They don't just kill one cow, they kill two because the cows are pregnant.

Jason Bishop, manager of Dorman Ranch near Kamloops, said the cow that was shot and butchered was pregnant, resulting in the loss of two animals.

Bishop said a second cow was found shot in the face, but it did not die. A $25,000 reward has been offered for the arrest and conviction of whoever killed the Kamloops cow.

Wise had high praise for the Lumby RCMP in keeping cattle in the region safe.

The RCMP have been a lot more pro-active. They have been excellent, said Wise, adding police have put in a lot of effort to try and nab whoever killed and butchered the cattle.

Wise added that whoever killed the cattle last year knew what they were doing because only the choice cuts of meat were taken.

It's exactly like cattle rustling. There's no if, ands or buts about it, he said. There are some very stiff penalties for it.

Offenders face fines and jail time if caught.

Anyone with information on the cattle rustling is asked to call their local police department or CrimeStoppers.
Photo: Pacific Wild

UPDATE: 11:30 p.m.

Salvage crews began siphoning more than 200,000 litres of diesel Monday from a sunken tug off British Columbia's central coast.

A situation report on the cleanup operation said divers began pumping fuel from the Nathan E. Stewart's tanks and the operation is expected to take up to 40 hours.

The report was jointly issued by the federal and provincial governments, the local First Nation and the tug's owner, Texas-based Kirby Corp.

The Transportation Safety Board also announced Monday it is gathering information and conducting interviews with crew members for its assessment of what went wrong with the 30-metre tug.

The tug was pushing an empty barge when it ran onto some rocks last Tuesday at the mouth of Seaforth Channel, about 20 kilometres west of Bella Bella, near the Great Bear Rainforest.

ORIGINAL

Efforts to remove thousands of litres of diesel fuel from a sunken tug are expected to begin on British Columbia's central coast near the Great Bear Rainforest.

The process, called "hot tapping" is aimed at removing more than 200,000 litres of diesel fuel still aboard the Nathan E. Stewart, which ran aground on Oct. 13 while pushing an empty fuel barge at the mouth of Seaforth Channel, about 20 kilometres west of Bella Bella.

An oil skimming vessel, is also expected to reach the scene today as the tug sits under about nine metres of water and continues to seep fuel from its damaged starboard and central diesel tanks.

Fuel is bubbling up from the tug, but a report issued from the scene says it is being contained by a boom, while the exact amount of diesel spilled remains unconfirmed.

The report also says an oily sheen is escaping containment and Fisheries officials closed nearby shellfish harvesting on Friday.

The Heiltsuk Nation issued a news release calling the situation an unfolding environmental disaster because it threatens clam beds vital to the community's culture and economy.

"We don't know how many years or decades it will be before we are able to harvest in these waters again," says Chief Councillor Marilyn Slett in the release.

Federal, provincial and Heiltsuk Nation representatives are working with Texas-based Kirby Corporation, the owners of the tug, to plug the leaking vessel, and expect to begin night operations in hopes of speeding up the process.

This comes as long-range weather reports show an approaching storm with winds of up to 90 kilometres per hour, due late Wednesday.
Photo: CTV

A 29-year-old man from Mission is recovering from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds following an attack Sunday night in Langley.

A release from RCMP Cpl. Holly Largy says the victim is known to police and the shooting is believed to be targeted.

She says investigators have not determined if it is linked to a fatal shooting earlier in the day in Langley.

The victim of the Sunday night attack has not yet spoken to police, but Largy says he was accompanied by another man who has provided information to officers.

The injured man was found at a restaurant and gas bar near Highway 1 and 264 Street and Largy says the parking lot of the Greater Vancouver Zoo, about one kilometre away from the shooting location, is also connected to the investigation.

No arrests have been made and RCMP ask anyone with information to contact the Langley detachment.
Photo: Castanet Staff - File photo

Interior Health is advising people to get a shot to stay healthy.

It's flu season and people are being encouraged to be vaccinated against the annual bug.

According to IH, about 12,200 people are hospitalized and 3,500 people die from influenza or its complications annually.

Influenza, which people often call the flu, is often incorrectly assumed to be any illness caused by a virus. It is sometimes confused with the common cold, said Dr. Moliehi Khaketla, Medical Health Officer. However, influenza is a serious infection of the airways and can be quite severe. It is highly contagious, and is among the top 10 leading causes of death in Canada.

Influenza spreads when a person comes into contact with droplets from an infected person who coughs or sneezes. Symptoms can include fever, headache, runny nose, sore throat or cough.

The best ways to help protect yourself and those around you from influenza are to get immunized, wash your hands frequently, and to cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. If you are sick, stay home, and keep sick children away from daycares and schools, said Khaketla.

The flu shot provides protection from the influenza virus strains expected to be circulating this season based on worldwide trends identified by the World Health Organization. This years flu shot offers protection against two influenza A viruses (an H1N1 and an H3N2 virus) and one influenza B virus. Interior Health holds public clinics for those who are eligible for the free flu shot. Public clinics will start in some communities beginning Nov. 1.

Many doctors' offices, pharmacies and walk-in clinics are also providing flu shots. Those who are not eligible for the free vaccine will be required to pay a fee.

Immunization clinic locations can be found online.
Photo: Google Street View

Authorities arrested a California man suspected of leaving a homemade explosive outside a police station in a small northern Colorado mountain town that failed to detonate.

FBI agents took David Michael Ansberry, 64, into custody in Chicago over the weekend, two law enforcement officials with knowledge of the investigation told The Associated Press. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the case.

A detective in the town of Nederland found the device in a backpack on Oct. 11 and brought it into the police station, believing it was lost property. Robots searched the device, and it was eventually detonated in the parking lot of the town's main retail complex, a strip mall that houses the five-officer police department.

Investigators say it was an active explosive that failed to detonate.

It was not immediately clear what charges Ansberry would face or whether anyone else was involved in the incident. The U.S. attorney's office confirmed the arrest, but spokesman Jeff Dorschner would not comment further.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The house where Adolf Hitler was born will be torn down and replaced with a new building that has no association with the Nazi dictator, Austria's government announced Monday as it moved to eliminate the property's pull as a place of pilgrimage for neo-Nazis.

The plan still has to be formalized in legislation and voted on in Parliament. But the Interior Ministry said demolition was recommended by a government-appointed commission.

With the Social Democratic and centrist People's Party in the majority, and most opposition parties expected to support the plan, passage was likely no more than a formality.

Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka said that "a thorough architectural remodeling is necessary to permanently prevent the recognition and the symbolism of the building."

Ministry spokesman Karl-Heinz Grundboeck said that means that except for its foundations, nothing will be left of the house in the western town of Braunau and that a new structure will be erected in its place.

A ministry statement emailed to The Associated Press quoted Sobotka saying he wants to ensure that any association with Hitler is eliminated at the site, adding that he could conceive of it being repurposed to house either government or social agency offices.

The statement said the commission had recommended against leaving the site empty, which could be interpreted as an attempted "denial of Austrian history."

The government this year launched formal legal procedures to dispossess the home's owner after she had repeatedly refused to sell the building or to allow renovations that would reduce its symbolic impact as Hitler's birthplace  and its draw for admirers of the Fuhrer.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. The Council of the European Union has adopted EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy 2016. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Council, the report was presented by the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini as a document dedicated to follow-up and implementation in the priority areas identified by the EU Global Strategy of June, 2016.

The document also touches upon Armenia-EU relations, as well as Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. The focus in the EU's relations with Armenia is on the negotiation of a new framework agreement that will provide a new impetus for intensifying our bilateral relations. Moreover, new Partnership Priorities will be agreed jointly to replace the outdated ENP Action Plan. Following last year constitutional referendum, it is important for Armenia to implement the new Electoral Code and all OSCE and CoE recommendations well before the next parliamentary elections in 2017. The EU will contribute, as the main donor, to cover most of the financial burden for the forthcoming parliamentary elections, reads the report. At the same time it is mentioned that the EU no longer seeks Association Agreement with Armenia.

On 28 January 2016, the EU published its first report on the impact of the "Generalised Scheme of Preferences" (GSP), including the impact of GSP+ on 14 low or lower-middle income countries. GSP+ is based on the integral concept of sustainable development. Through this system, the countries involved pay no duties when exporting a range of products to the EU. In return, they must have ratified 27 core international conventions  including the United Nations (UN) conventions on human rights and the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on labour rights  and agree to cooperate in monitoring their implementation. All the assessed 14 GSP+ beneficiary countries have made significant efforts and have shown genuine political and institutional engagement, but more needs to be done. Regular monitoring and dialogue with the current beneficiary countries (Armenia, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay & Philippines) continues.

In the part of the report referring to Azerbaijan, a reference is made to Nagorno Karabakh issue. The EU will continue to support the mediation efforts carried out by the OSCE Minsk Group Cochairs in order to find a negotiated solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, reads the report.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan introduced the draft program of the Cabinet after the Council and Executive Body sessions of the Republican Party of Armenia. After the sessions Vice President of the National Assembly and RPA spokesperson Eduard Sharmazanov told the reporters that the program is based on the February 12 speech of the President, where he stresses the necessity of reforms in all the public spheres. Issues of domestic and external security dominate the Cabinets program. Security issues remain priority for us. Since the president is the guarantor of security in our country, the main security visions coincide with the visions of the President. The draft program clearly points out the necessity of modernization and reinforcement of the security system, Armenpress reports Sharmazanov mentioned.

Referring to Armenias foreign policies, Sharmazanov stated that Armenia will continue its cooperation with all the partners. Our stand on Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement remains concrete: we must take steps to reach a peaceful conflict settlement and international recognition of Nagorno Karabakh, the parliament Vice President said.

Much importance is attached to economic reforms. Sharmazanov noted that the Cabinets program on economy is a 6-month one, since the Cabinet will act till the parliamentary elections in 2017, but the program also defines future strategies. The Cabinet and the ruling party will do their best to create a more favorable investment environment. Social issues are of key importance as well. I want to specially highlight educational reforms. While this Cabinet is ion office, much attention will be paid to regional and rural schools, he said.

Fight against corruption has found place in the Cabinets program as well. According to Sharmazanov, the Cabinet, together with the political majority, will propose legislative reforms for an effective fight against corruption, since there are some problems with the legislative regulations.
(TNS) -- JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- School districts in Missouri need to do more to protect the data they collect from students, according to a report released by Auditor Nicole Galloway on Thursday.School districts can be vulnerable against hackers without the proper safeguards, and Galloway has said information could be at risk that parents might not even consider: authorized bank debits for a lunch plan, for example, or health records provided to a school nurse."Missouri schools have access to a lot of information on students and their families, which means they have a responsibility to keep that information protected," Galloway said.The audit was part of an initiative out of Galloways office aimed at preventing unauthorized access to students records.Certain practices can put student information at risk. Last fall, an audit of the states education department found the department was unnecessarily storing students social security numbers. The department has since ended the practice.Lawmakers have also recognized that student data can easily fall into the wrong hands. In 2014, the Missouri Legislature passed a bill requiring the states education department to put provisions in contracts that would keep student data from being sold or used to target advertisements.The audit released Thursday provides guidelines for schools throughout the state, but assessed five school districts specifically as part of the initiative: in Booneville R-1, Waynesville R-VI, Park Hill, Cape Girardeau and Orchard Farm R-V, in St. Charles County.Too often, the audit found, staff can be part of the problem. While employees should be the first line of defense for students privacy, theres little done to ensure they change passwords on a regular basis.To combat this, the audit recommends schools establish privacy training for their employees and stricter policies for handling student information.It also suggests schools appoint someone to serve as a security administrator for a district and create a plan outlining a response to any potential data breaches.The audit also revealed some schools did business with third-party vendors, with nothing in place in a written contract dictating what information was available to them.
(TNS) -- The Pennsylvania Department of Education on Thursday released School Performance Profile scores that measure the academic progress of 2,860 public schools across the state, including about 800 in the Philadelphia region.In the annual assessment, each school receives a score up to 100 based on standardized testing, student improvement over the previous year, graduation rates, and other factors. A few outstanding schools can achieve scores above 100 with the help of "extra credit."The scores are available online at www.paschoolperformance.org In a conference call Thursday, Matt Stem, deputy secretary for elementary and secondary education, stressed that the scores primarily reflect the results of the 2016 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) for elementary and middle schools and the Keystone exams for high schools.Begun in 2012, the performance profiles were suspended last year after the state Education Department adjusted the content of the PSSAs to align with changes in the Pennsylvania Core Curriculum, allowing students and teachers to adjust to the new material.While some schools and parents might be shocked to find lower profile scores than they expected, state officials say the ratings can't be measured against previous years because of those PSSA changes.In previous years, education officials said a score below 70 was considered failing, but this year they declined to define a passing grade.Since the inception of the school "snapshot," Pennsylvania's top scorers have come from the Philadelphia suburbs.This year for the first time, the performance profile score for elementary and middle schools measures how well schools are closing the achievement gap. That measure already exists for high schools.Stem said the information will show "the gap toward proficiency for all students and historically underperforming students" - those who are economically disadvantaged, in special education, or English language learners.In the coming weeks, he said, the state will release more data for students based on race.
STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 17, ARTSAKHPRESS: Putin cancelled an Oct. 19 visit to Paris after Hollande said he would see him only to talk about Syria.

"Vladimir Putin does not want to seriously discuss Syria. I am ready at any time, but I will not ease the pressure," Hollande said in the interview, published on Sunday evening.

He added that the absolute priorities were a cessation of bombing, a ceasefire, humanitarian aid and the opening of negotiations.
STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 17, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: During a briefing in the Parliament, Sharmazanov once again re-affirmed Armenias stance: Turkey has no business in the Nagorno Karabakh settlement process for several reasons.

Turkey is not a co-chairing country, and the co-chair can be substituted only through consensus, and we oppose this. Why? Because during these years, Turkey had a one-sided, pro-Azerbaijani stance, and sometimes even a criminal stance, Sharmazanov said.

Sharmazanov reminded Lavrov his own April 22 statement in Yerevan, which said Turkeys calls during the four day war were not calls for peace, but rather calls for war.

Similar behavior of Turkey opposes the peaceful resolution process and the official opinion of the Minsk Group co-chairmanship. At that time Mr. Lavrov also said that Turkeys behavior wasnt a call for the peaceful settlement of the issue, but rather a call for military settlement. We fully agree with Lavrovs April 22 assessment. Yes, during those years and during the four day war Turkey displayed an exclusively criminal, pro-Azerbaijani, war inciting stance, and Turkey has no business in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process. Because our goal, and I hope also the goal of co-chairing countries is one: to achieve peaceful settlement through mutual concessions, and not through military solution, Sharmazanov said.

Asked what this means when such announcement is made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sharmazanov replied: And the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Armenia says that Turkey has nothing to do in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process. We are an independent state and we will not allow Turkeys militaristic and pro-Azerbaijani positions to be playing cards. Turkey has nothing to do, because that country must first of all carry out its obligations. It would be much more accurate and complete if the international community forced Turkey to implement its Zurich obligations. Turkey must also lift the blockade of Armenia.

Sharmazanov was asked whether all of this means that Turkey and Russia have achieved a deal in this issue, taking into account that Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu also spoke about this. In response, Sharmazanov urged not to pay attention to the false information of the Turkish diplomacy. Turkey has an issue of increasing its role in this region. Taking into account the circumstance that currently Turkey is headed in the direction of political isolation, that country attempts to show that it exists. Armenia and the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh will never agree for Turkey to have any kind of role in the settlement issue, he said.
Afghan Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum was injured by fighters of the Taliban, Khaama Press reported.

October 17, 2016, 16:14 Vice President of Afghanistan wounded by Taliban militants

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 17, ARTSAKHPRESS: Dustum was ambushed in northern Faryab province of Afghanistan when he was accompanying a convoy of the security forces on the way to Ghormach district that fell to Taliban control last week.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah confirmed that the health condition of the First Vice President is satisfactory and he has suffered a minor injury in the attack.


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Luxury hotels in the historic center for a Catholic family. Only luxury hotels can provide a paradisiacal vacation for a big Catholic family. A high-level vacation for families, children and not only. The gorgeous views, divine service, and the best location are all luxury hotels. Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and more. Everyone will find their place in this corner of paradise.

Popular destinations

Breckenridge, CO, United States

In Breckenridge, Colorado, there are plenty of places to visit, whether you're a nature lover or thrill seeker. For nature lovers, the Blue River runs right through town and there are plenty of trails to explore. If you're looking for a thrill, Breckenridge is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. There's also plenty of shopping and dining options in town, so you'll never run out of things to do.

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Savannah, GA, United States

Savannah, Georgia is a beautiful city with lots of places to visit, including Forsyth Park, River Street, and the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. Another place to visit is the Savannah History Museum, which is jam-packed with interesting exhibits on the history of the city.

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Naples, FL, United States

Naples is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Its also home to a wide variety of attractions, including world-class golf courses, vibrant nightlife, and interesting cultural experiences. Here are five places to visit in Naples, Florida:  Naples Pier: Stroll along the pier and enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.  Fifth Avenue South: This popular shopping and dining district is home to eclectic boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and lively bars.  The Ritz-Carlton, Naples: This luxurious resort is set on 26 acres of pristine waterfront property and offers superb amenities, including a world-class spa and championship golf course.  The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: This zoological park is home to more than 700 animals representing 150 species, including flamingos, lemurs, and tigers.  Tin City: This eclectic shopping and dining district is housed in a series of restored waterfront warehouses and features eclectic shops, galleries, and award-winning restaurants.

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Louisville, KY, United States

Louisville is in the heart of Kentucky and is known for being the home of the Kentucky Derby. There are a lot of great places to visit in Louisville, including the Louisville Zoo, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the Frazier History Museum. There are also a lot of great restaurants and bars in Louisville, and it's a great place to visit for a weekend getaway.

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Galveston, TX, United States

Galveston is a Texas coastal town that is rich in history and offers visitors a variety of places to visit and things to do. Some of the most popular attractions include the Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and Historic Downtown. There are also a number of museums and other historical landmarks, as well as plenty of shopping and dining options.

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Omaha, NE, United States

The birthplace of Warren Buffett, Omaha, Nebraska, is a great place to visit. There are plenty of things to see and do in Omaha, from touring the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to visiting the Durham Western Heritage Museum. Other popular tourist destinations in Omaha include the Joslyn Art Museum, the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, and TD Ameritrade Park.

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Columbus, GA, United States

Columbus is a charming small town in Georgia that is worth a visit. There are several places to visit in Columbus, including the Riverwalk, the Chattahoochee River, the National Infantry Museum, and the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. The Riverwalk is a beautiful walkway along the Chattahoochee River that is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a bike ride. The Chattahoochee River is a great place to go fishing, swimming, or kayaking. The National Infantry Museum is a museum dedicated to the infantry of the United States Army. It is a must-see for history buffs. The Coca-Cola Space Science Center is a museum dedicated to space science. It is perfect for kids and adults alike.

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Anchorage, AK, United States

Anchorage is a great place to visit if you're looking for an adrenaline rush. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to rafting and fishing in the summer, Anchorage has something to offer everyone. In addition to its outdoor activities, Anchorage also has a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the Anchorage Museum and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

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Portland, OR, United States

Portland is a city that is located in the US state of Oregon and it is known for its art scene, food, and coffee. There are a lot of interesting places to visit in Portland, such as the Portland Art Museum, where you can see a variety of art from all over the world. Another place to visit is the Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. If you're looking for a place to eat, Portland has no shortage of amazing restaurants, such as Pok Pok, which serves Thai cuisine, and Le Pigeon, which serves French cuisine. And, of course, no trip to Portland would be complete without trying some of the city's famous coffee, such as Stumptown Coffee Roasters.

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Florence, Italy

No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Florence. This historic city is home to some of the country's most famous attractions, including the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Michelangelo's David. There's also plenty to see and do outside of the city center, including the picturesque Tuscan countryside and the vibrant university town of Arezzo.

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Asheville, NC, United States

Asheville is a city in western North Carolina. It is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the county seat of Buncombe County. Asheville is home to the Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in the United States. The city of Asheville proper had a population of 84,236 in 2010. The city is known for its art deco architecture, mountain scenery and outdoor activities, and as the birthplace of American novelist Thomas Wolfe. It is also home to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, the second largest craft brewery in the United States.

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Long Beach, CA, United States

There's plenty to do in Long Beach, California without ever having to leave the city limits. If you're looking for a little adventure, head to the Aquarium of the Pacific for a glimpse of the ocean's creatures or take a walk on the boardwalk at Rainbow Harbor. If you're more of a history buff, the Queen Mary is a must-see. This retired ocean liner is now a hotel and museum with plenty of stories to tell. And no trip to Long Beach is complete without a visit to the iconic Vincent Thomas Bridge.

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Cincinnati, OH, United States

Cincinnati is a city located on the Ohio River in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Ohio. The city was founded in 1788 and named after the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization of Revolutionary War officers. Cincinnati is a major U.S. city and the metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million people. The city is well-known for its German heritage, Oktoberfest celebration, and its variety of chili dishes. Cincinnati is home to three major sports teams: the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, MLB's Cincinnati Reds, and the NBA's Cincinnati Cavaliers. The city is also home to the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. The city's historic neighborhoods include Over-the-Rhine, Mount Auburn, and Hyde Park. Cincinnati is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of attractions and places to visit, including the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Newport Aquarium, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

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Laughlin, NV, United States

Laughlin, Nevada is a great place to visit if you're looking for a fun and affordable vacation. There are plenty of casinos and resorts to choose from, as well as plenty of outdoor activities and attractions. Be sure to check out the local nightlife, and don't forget to take a trip down the mighty Colorado River.

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Anaheim, CA, United States

Anaheim, California is home to both Disneyland and California Adventure Park. The parks are just a short walk away from each other, and make for a great day of exploration. Anaheim is also home to the Anaheim Angels and the Anaheim Ducks, so there's always a game to catch. If you're looking for something a little more low-key, Anaheim has a great shopping district and a variety of restaurants to choose from.

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Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Santa Cruz is a great place to visit! There are so many places to see and things to do. Some of my favorite places to visit are the Boardwalk, the wharf, and the University of California, Santa Cruz. The Boardwalk is a great place to go for a walk, ride on the amusement park rides, and eat some of the delicious food. The wharf is a great place to go for a walk, eat some seafood, and listen to the street performers. The University of California, Santa Cruz is a great place to visit to learn about the history of the area and to see some of the beautiful architecture. I highly recommend visiting Santa Cruz if you are looking for a fun and interesting place to visit!.

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Eugene, OR, United States

Eugene, Oregon is a great city to visit with a lot of places to see and things to do. One of the most popular attractions is the University of Oregon campus, which is home to a number of museums and a large football stadium. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with a number of theaters and art galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the dozens of parks and hiking trails in the area, and there are also a number of wineries and breweries in the area.

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Branson, MO, United States

There's plenty to see and do in Branson, Missouri, from state parks and amusement parks to theaters and shopping. Here are some of the most popular places to visit: Silver Dollar City is a theme park with rides, shows, and craftsmen demonstrations. is a theme park with rides, shows, and craftsmen demonstrations. The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre puts on a variety of shows, including "The Legend of the Shepherd of the Hills" and "The Catfish Fry." puts on a variety of shows, including "The Legend of the Shepherd of the Hills" and "The Catfish Fry." Table Rock State Park has fishing, swimming, and hiking trails, as well as a nature center. has fishing, swimming, and hiking trails, as well as a nature center. The Titanic Museum features a half-sized replica of the ship, along with exhibits about the history of the Titanic. features a half-sized replica of the ship, along with exhibits about the history of the Titanic. Branson Landing is a shopping and entertainment complex on the waterfront. There's something for everyone in Branson, Missouri  come visit and see for yourself!.

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Panama City Beach, FL, United States

The white sand beaches and emerald waters of Panama City Beach, Florida, are a popular tourist destination. The city is home to numerous hotels, resorts, and restaurants, as well as amusement and water parks. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and surfing.

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Monterey, CA, United States

Monterey is a coastal city in Monterey County, California, United States. It stands at the southern end of Monterey Bay, on the Pacific coast. The city is also the home of the Naval Postgraduate School. Monterey is the largest city in the Central Coast region of California. The main attractions in Monterey are the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the downtown area.

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Norfolk, VA, United States

Norfolk, Virginia is a great place to visit for its historical places and military bases. Some places to visit in Norfolk are the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and the Norfolk Naval Station.

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Palm Springs, CA, United States

Palm Springs is a vibrant city located in the Coachella Valley and is known for its year-round sunshine, resort atmosphere and Mid-Century Modern architecture. Top places to visit include the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Art Museum, Indian Canyons and Moorten Botanical Garden. For a truly unique experience, be sure to check out the Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale  the worlds largest vintage furniture and design event.

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Rochester, NY, United States

Rochester is a city in western New York State and is the county seat of Monroe County. Rochester is known for its annual festivals, including the Rochester International Jazz Festival, the Rochester Fringe Festival, and the Holiday Folk Fair International. Places to visit in Rochester include the George Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, the Rochester Museum and Science Center, and the Seneca Park Zoo.

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Pigeon Forge, TN, United States

Visit the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge for a unique experience. This museum is dedicated to the Titanic, one of the most infamous ships in history. Tour the ship and learn about the passengers and crew who were on board. You can even see the actual artifacts recovered from the shipwreck. If you're looking for a little more excitement, head to Dollywood. This amusement park is home to roller coasters, a water park, and plenty of other rides and attractions. Plus, the park is themed around the life and music of Dolly Parton. No trip to Pigeon Forge is complete without a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains. These mountains offer a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Plus, the natural beauty of the area is simply breathtaking.

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Jacksonville, FL, United States

Jacksonville is less than an hour's drive from the beaches of Amelia Island and St. Augustine, and a little more than two hours from Orlando. The city has a lot to offer visitors, including a riverwalk, museums, and a vibrant arts scene. Jacksonville is also home to the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team.

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Minsk, Belarus

Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is a city that has something for everyone. If you're looking for a little history, Minsk has plenty of it, with churches and monuments dating back to the 12th century. If you're looking for a lively nightlife, Minsk has that, too, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. And if you're looking for a little nature, Minsk has parks and gardens to enjoy. Here are just a few of the places you can visit in Minsk: The Holy Spirit Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Minsk, is a must-visit for history buffs. The National Library of Belarus is a huge library with more than 18 million items in its collection. The Opera and Ballet Theatre is a beautiful building that hosts performances of both opera and ballet. The Victory Park is a large park with a war memorial, a children's playground, and a lake. And for a little bit of nature in the heart of the city, the Botanical Garden is a great place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Minsk.

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Jaipur, India

Jaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It is the capital of the state of Rajasthan and is known for its palaces, forts and temples. Some of the places to visit in Jaipur include the Amber Fort, the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Hawa Mahal. Jaipur is also a great place to shop for traditional Indian handicrafts.

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Chicago, IL, United States

Chicago is a city full of culture and history. There are plenty of places to visit, such as the Willis Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Chicago is also home to many restaurants and bars, so there is something for everyone.

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Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is a beautiful city located on the north island of New Zealand. There are many places to visit in Auckland, including the Sky Tower, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and the Auckland Domain. The beaches in Auckland are also worth visiting, especially Karekare and Piha. Auckland is a great place to visit, and I highly recommend it!.

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you're looking for a city that's got it all, Amsterdam should be your go-to destination. From the city's lively and vibrant nightlife to its charming and quiet neighborhoods, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the Anne Frank Huis, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum, as these are some of the most popular attractions in the city. And if you're looking for a little bit of nature, be sure to take a walk or bike ride through Amsterdam's many parks.

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Berlin, Germany

There are so many great places to visit in Berlin that it can be hard to know where to start. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the fascinating Reichstag Building, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. If you're looking for a bit of history, make sure to check out the Berlin Wall Memorial or the DDR Museum. And for those looking for a bit more fun, there's always the Alexanderplatz Christmas Market or the Zoologischer Garten. No matter what your interests, Berlin is a city you won't want to miss.

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Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a city of contrasts with its gleaming temples and skyscrapers, chaotic markets and tranquil canals. While it's a popular tourist destination, Bangkok is a city that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Some of the top places to visit in Bangkok include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, the floating markets and the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

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Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is a city in Belgium that is worth visiting. It is full of medieval charm and there are a lot of things to see and do. Some of the places to visit include the Markt, the Belfry, and the Begijnhof.

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Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a city in Belgium that is best known for its chocolate, waffles, and beer. But there is much more to see and do in Brussels than just indulge in the local cuisine. There are a number of interesting historical landmarks to visit, such as the Grand Place and the Atomium, as well as a variety of parks and gardens. And, of course, Brussels is also a great city to explore on foot.

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Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary's capital, is a city of thermal baths and medival, baroque and art nouveau architecture. Crowded with tourists, the city is bisected by the Danube River into the hilly Buda and the more developed and flat Pest. Among the main places of interest are the neo-Gothic Parliament, the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest, the Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda bank, and the State Opera House and Heroes' Square on the Pest side.

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Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, Playa del Carmen is a favorite tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. With its lively nightlife, gorgeous coastline and ample shopping opportunities, there's something for everyone in this tropical paradise. Don't miss the opportunity to visit some of the area's most popular attractions, such as the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Coba, or the eco-friendly Turtle Beach. With its friendly people, delicious food and stunning scenery, Playa del Carmen is a place you'll never want to leave.

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Denver, CO, United States

Denver is a great city for visitors. There are so many places to see and things to do. Some of the top places to visit include the 16th Street Mall, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Art Museum, and the Colorado State Capitol. There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore. Denver is definitely a city worth visiting!.

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Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is a city located in Ireland. It's a city full of culture, with plenty of places to visit. Some popular tourist spots are the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and the Dublin Castle. There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants to discover.

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Dusseldorf, Germany

Dusseldorf, Germany is a city with many different places to visit. The city has a mix of old and new buildings, and a variety of activities to do. The best places to visit in Dusseldorf are the Konigsallee, the Rhine Tower, and the Oktoberfest. The Konigsallee is an open-air shopping mall that has many high-end stores. The Rhine Tower is the tallest building in the city and offers great views of Dusseldorf. The Oktoberfest is a week-long festival that celebrates German culture and food.

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Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh, Scotland is a beautiful city to visit. The architecture is very old and unique, and there are plenty of historical places to visit, like Edinburgh Castle. There are also plenty of parks and gardens, and lots of shops and restaurants.

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Rome, Italy

Rome is a city rich in history and filled with beautiful places to visit. Make sure to stop by the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Also be sure to visit St. Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel while in Rome. If youre looking for a little more nature in your trip, head to the Villa Borghese gardens or the Janiculum Hill for some wonderful views of the city. And of course, no trip to Rome is complete without a gelato!.

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New York, NY, United States

There are many amazing places to visit in New York State. Some of my favorites are the Niagara Falls, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Finger Lakes. If you're looking for a city break, New York City is definitely worth a visit. There's endless things to see and do, from touring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to visiting world-famous museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History. No matter what your interests are, you'll be able to find something to enjoy in New York State.

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New York Luxury Villas

London, United Kingdom

London is a city rich in history and full of amazing places to visit. Some of my favorite places are Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. There is so much to see and do in London, you could spend weeks here and never run out of things to do. If you're looking for a city full of culture and history, London is the place for you.

London Luxury Hotels

London Luxury Cottages

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the world. From the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum, theres plenty to see and do in Madrid. If youre looking for a little bit of nature, Madrid has plenty of parks, like the Buen Retiro Park, to relax in. And dont forget to try some of the delicious tapas and wine while youre in town.

Madrid Luxury Hotels

Memphis, TN, United States

The birthplace of rock 'n' roll, Memphis is a city rich in history and culture. From Graceland to Beale Street, there are plenty of places to visit in Memphis. Be sure to check out Sun Studio, where rock 'n' roll was born, and the National Civil Rights Museum, which tells the story of the African-American civil rights movement. Memphis is also home to some amazing food, so be sure to try some of the city's famous barbecue and soul food.

Memphis Luxury Hotels

Miami Beach, FL, United States

There is much to explore in Miami Beach, from the famous Art Deco district to the vast beaches and crystal-clear waters. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while history buffs can explore the ancient burial mounds at Miami Beach. Shoppers and foodies will find plenty to keep them busy, with vibrant neighborhoods like Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive offering unique boutiques and award-winning restaurants. And of course, no trip to Miami Beach is complete without a visit to world-famous South Beach.

Miami Beach Luxury Hotels

Miami Beach Luxury Resorts

New Orleans, LA, United States

You can't visit New Orleans without trying some of the local food. Beignets, Po' Boys, and gumbo are just a few of the must-try dishes. While you're in town, be sure to check out the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and St. Louis Cathedral. If you're looking for some nightlife, Bourbon Street is the place to be. And, of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Mardi Gras!.

New Orleans Luxury Hotels

Milan, Italy

Milan is a city located in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is a popular tourist destination because of its historical and artistic heritage. Some of the places you should visit while in Milan are the Duomo, La Scala, and Castello Sforzesco.

Milan Luxury Hotels

Naples, Italy

Naples is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Italy. There are countless places to visit, such as the Royal Palace, the Museum of San Martino, and the Church of Gesu Nuovo. Naples is also home to excellent shopping and dining options. Be sure to enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the city's many cafes and take a stroll through the picturesque streets.

Naples Luxury Hotels

Paris, France

Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It's home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, as well as a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene. If you're looking to explore all that Paris has to offer, here are some of the top places to visit: The Eiffel Tower: This iconic landmark is a must-see in Paris. Climb to the top for stunning views of the city, or take a ride on the elevator to the bottom for a closer look at the structure. The Louvre Museum: This world-famous museum is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Mona Lisa. The Notre Dame Cathedral: This beautiful cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. Make sure to climb to the top for some amazing views of the city. The Champs-Elysees: This famous avenue is a popular destination for shopping and dining. Be sure to wander down the street and take in all the sights and sounds. The Arc de Triomphe: This towering arch is another iconic landmark in Paris. Climb to the top for some amazing views of the city.

Paris Luxury Hotels

Paris Luxury Villas

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a city rich in history and culture. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy, and the nightlife is vibrant. Prague is a truly unique city and a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Czech Republic.

Prague Luxury Hotels

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is known for its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. This paradise is a favorite destination for travelers looking for a Caribbean getaway. Punta Cana is home to a wide variety of resorts and activities, from enjoying the sand and surf to golfing, spas, and shopping. Nature lovers can also explore the areas jungles, caves, and waterfalls.

Punta Cana Luxury Hotels

Punta Cana Luxury Resorts

Punta Cana Luxury Villas

Marbella, Spain

If you're looking for an idyllic and luxurious Spanish escape, look no further than Marbella. Located on the country's Costa del Sol, Marbella is home to stunning beaches, top-notch resorts, world-class golfing, and much more. A visit to Marbella is the perfect way to experience all that Spain has to offer.

Marbella Luxury Hotels

Marbella Luxury Villas

Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh is a city in Morocco that is full of culture and history. There are several places to visit in Marrakesh, including the Palace of the Bahia, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs. The souks (markets) are also a must-see, where you can find everything from souvenirs to spices to traditional clothing. Be sure to enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants or cafes in Marrakesh; the food is delicious and the atmosphere is always lively. Marrakesh is a wonderful city to explore and definitely worth a visit!.

Marrakesh Luxury Hotels

San Francisco, CA, United States

San Francisco is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason. There are plenty of things to see and do in this vibrant city. Here are some of the top places to visit: 1. Fisherman's Wharf: This neighborhood is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a popular pier where you can enjoy views of the bay. 2. The Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic bridge is a must-see for any visitor to San Francisco. 3. Alcatraz Island: This former federal prison is now a popular tourist attraction. It's a must-see for fans of history and crime dramas. 4. Chinatown: This colorful neighborhood is home to some of the best food in San Francisco. Be sure to check out the Dragon Gate entrance. 5. The Mission District: This trendy neighborhood is home to hip restaurants, bars, and art galleries.

San Francisco Luxury Hotels

Moscow, Russia

Moscow, Russia is a beautiful city with plenty of places to visit. Some of the most popular tourist attractions are the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil's Cathedral. Other great places to see include the Bolshoi Theatre, Gorky Park, and the Tretyakov Gallery. There are also many churches and other historical buildings to explore. Moscow is a lively city with a lot of culture and nightlife. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Moscow.

Moscow Luxury Hotels

Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The city is built on a lagoon in northeast Italy and is known for its canals and gondolas. There are many places to visit in Venice, including the Grand Canal, St. Marks Square, and the Rialto Bridge. Venice is also home to many museums, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Venice Luxury Hotels

Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria is a city with a long and rich history. There are many places to visit in Vienna, including the Hofburg Palace, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Vienna is also home to some of the world's best shopping, including the Karntner Strasse and the Graben. Finally, no visit to Vienna is complete without experiencing the city's world-famous nightlife.

Vienna Luxury Hotels

Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is a marvelous city located in the heart of Switzerland. It is a city that has something to offer for everyone. From amazing restaurants and beautiful architecture to exciting nightlife and gorgeous parks, Zurich has something for everyone. Some of the most popular places to visit in Zurich include the Bahnhofstrasse, which is the city's most famous shopping street, the Lindenhof, which is a beautiful park with amazing views of the city, and Grossmunster, which is a stunning Romanesque church. Zurich is also home to some of the best museums in the world, including the famed Museum of Art and the Swiss National Museum. With its mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, Zurich is a city that is definitely worth exploring.

Zurich Luxury Hotels

Acapulco, Mexico

If you're looking for a Mexican vacation spot with plenty of history and culture to explore, Acapulco is a great option. From the archeological wonders of the ancient city to the stunning coastal views, there's something for everyone in Acapulco. Plus, with its temperate climate, it's a great escape from colder winter weather.

Acapulco Luxury Hotels

Acapulco Luxury Resorts

Acapulco Luxury Villas

Nashville, TN, United States

One of the United States' most interesting places to visit is Nashville, Tennessee. There's plenty to see and do there, from the Grand Ole Opry to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Music is a big part of the city's history and culture, so be sure to catch a show while you're in town. Other popular attractions include the Ryman Auditorium, the Parthenon, and the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Nashville is also a great place to eat, with a wide variety of restaurants serving up everything from barbecue to Mexican food. So if you're looking for an exciting and diverse city to visit, be sure to add Nashville to your list.

Nashville Luxury Hotels

Nashville Luxury Villas

Atlanta, GA, United States

What's not to love about Atlanta? From the iconic Georgia Aquarium to the World of Coke, from the Fox Theatre to Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta offers a wealth of destinations for tourists. Sports fans will want to check out the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and history buffs will enjoy the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Braves fans can take a tour of SunTrust Park, and shoppers will enjoy the many boutiques and malls in the city. There's also a great restaurant scene in Atlanta, and music lovers will want to check out the many venues offering live music. Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation spot or a place to explore on your own, Atlanta is a great choice!.

Atlanta Luxury Hotels

Miami, FL, United States

The Magic City is a top tourist destination for a reasonthere are endless things to do in Miami! From exploring the trendy neighborhoods and dazzling beaches to soaking up the Latin culture and nightlife, Miami is jam-packed with amazing places to visit. Here are a few of our favorites: 1. Wynwood Walls: This outdoor art exhibit is a must-see for any art lover. The colorful murals are awe-inspiring and definitely Instagram-worthy. 2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: This estate is dripping with luxury and opulence, from the grandiose architecture to the expansive gardens. It's the perfect place for a day of relaxation. 3. South Beach: This world-famous beach is a must-visit for any sun-seeker. The crystal-clear water and soft sand make for the perfect day-long beach getaway. 4. Little Havana: Experience Cuban culture at its best in Little Havana. From delicious food to lively music and dance, there's something for everyone in this vibrant district. 5. Art Deco District: This district is home to Miami's most iconic architecture. Take a stroll down the charming streets and admire the colorful buildings that make Miami so unique.

Miami Luxury Hotels

Miami Luxury Villas

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a must-see destination in Japan. There are endless places to explore in this city - temples, shrines, gardens, and more. The Shinjuku district is a great place to start, with its neon-lit streets and myriad shops and restaurants. For a taste of traditional Japan, visit the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa or the Imperial Palace. Nature lovers will enjoy the Hamarikyu Gardens or the Hama-rikyu Teien Garden. And for a unique experience, take a trip to Mount Fuji.

Tokyo Luxury Hotels

Tokyo Luxury Villas

Buenos Aires, Argentina

There are plenty of places to visit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Some popular tourist destinations include the obelisk, the Casa Rosada, and the Puerto Madero district. Every barrio (neighborhood) has its own unique culture and flavor. San Telmo, La Boca, and Palermo are some of the most popular barrios. There are also many parks and plazas, such as Plaza de Mayo and Plaza de la Republica, that are worth checking out.

Buenos Aires Luxury Hotels

Hamburg, Germany

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany is Hamburg. From the lively and colorful harbor district to the grandiose City Hall, there is plenty to see and do in Hamburg. Some of the other popular places to visit include the Reeperbahn district with its pubs and nightlife, the Planten un Blomen botanical gardens, and the architecturally stunning Rathausmarkt square.

Hamburg Luxury Hotels

Lisbon, Portugal

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is a city of fascinating contrasts. From its coastal location, visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views, while its hilly, narrow streets are home to a maze of charming traditional homes and lively nightlife. A city of 7 hills, Lisbon is a bustling metropolis with something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit: The Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Lisbons most iconic landmarks. This 16th-century fortress and lighthouse is a must-see for visitors. The Alfama district, with its winding streets and tile-roofed homes, is the oldest district in Lisbon. This is the perfect place to get lost and explore the citys history. The Lisbon Zoo is a great place to enjoy a day out with the family, with over 2,000 animals from around the world. The Christ the King statue, located atop a hill in the suburb of Almada, offers impressive views of Lisbon and the river Tagus. The Lisbon Oceanarium, located in the Parque das Nacoes district, is home to more than 12,000 marine creatures and is one of the largest aquariums in Europe.

Lisbon Luxury Hotels

Lisbon Luxury Villas

Malaga, Spain

Malaga is an attractive seaside city in southern Spain with a long history. There are many places to visit in Malaga, including the Gibralfaro Castle, the Alcazaba fortress, and the Malaga Cathedral. Malaga is also home to a variety of museums, including the Picasso Museum. The city is well known for its beaches, and there are many delightful places to relax and enjoy the sun and the sea.

Malaga Luxury Hotels

Malaga Luxury Villas

Munich, Germany

When planning a vacation to Munich, Germany, be sure to include these top places to visit: The Marienplatz is a must-see square in the city center, featuring a beautiful Glockenspiel show and the Old and New Town Halls. The Englisher Garten, Europes largest city park, is a great place for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. OlympiaPark is home to the famous 1972 Olympic Stadium as well as a huge amusement park. The Frauenkirche is a stunning church in the old town with a Glockenspiel of its own. Beer lovers will want to visit the Hofbrauhaus, the worlds most famous beer hall. For a bit of history and culture, check out the LudwigMaximilians-University and the Deutsches Museum. There is so much to see and do in Munich  these are just a few highlights!.

Munich Luxury Hotels

Granada, Spain

Granada is a city in southern Spain that is known for its Moorish architecture and history. The city is home to the Alhambra, a palace and fortress that was constructed in the late 1300s. Visitors can also enjoy the citys many churches, including the Cathedral of Granada. Granada is also a convenient base for exploring the other cities and towns in Andalusia.

Granada Luxury Hotels

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is a city full of history and culture. There are many places to visit, such as the Palace of Parliament, which is the world's largest civilian building. Other places to visit include the old city center, which is full of charming streets and buildings, and the Botanical Garden, which is the largest botanical garden in Romania.

Bucharest Luxury Hotels

Bologna, Italy

Bologna, Italy is a beautiful city with plenty of places to visit. Some popular tourist destinations include the Piazza Maggiore, the Tower of Asinelli, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. There are also plenty of museums and churches to explore, and the city is full of charming restaurants and cafes. Bologna is an excellent destination for a vacation, and there is something for everyone to enjoy in this amazing city.

Bologna Luxury Hotels

Porto, Portugal

Porto is a port city in Portugal that is well known for its wine. It's also a city with a long and rich history. There are many places to visit in Porto, including the old city center, the Dom Luis I Bridge, and the Clerigos Tower. Porto is also home to the famous Port wine caves, which are a must-visit for wine lovers.

Porto Luxury Hotels

Cologne, Germany

Cologne, located on the Rhine River in western Germany, is a city well worth visiting. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the time of the Roman Empire. Some of the city's most popular tourist attractions include the Cologne Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, and the RheinEnergieStadion. Additionally, Cologne is home to a wide variety of museums, shops, and restaurants. In fact, the city has been ranked as one of the best places to live in Germany. So, if you're looking for a great European city to visit, be sure to add Cologne to your list.

Cologne Luxury Hotels

Istanbul, Turkey

If you're looking for an exotic and affordable vacation destination, look no further than Istanbul, Turkey. Filled with historical places to visit and bargains to be found, Istanbul offers something for everyone. Be sure to visit the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque while you're there. Don't forget to bargain for the best prices when shopping in the bazaars, and enjoy some delicious Turkish cuisine while you're at it. Istanbul is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.

Istanbul Luxury Hotels

Istanbul Luxury Villas

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is a fascinating and exotic city that offers visitors a mix of traditional Middle Eastern culture and modern, cosmopolitan life. There are plenty of places to visit in Dubai, from the towering skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the luxury shopping malls and luxurious hotels of the Palm Jumeirah. Don't miss a chance to experience an Arabian night out on an epic dhow cruise, or take a trip out into the Arabian Desert to see the stunning sand dunes.

Dubai Luxury Hotels

Dubai Luxury Resorts

Dubai Luxury Villas

Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is a city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capital of the province of Antwerp and has a population of over half a million people. Antwerp is a popular tourist destination due to its many historical buildings, museums, and art galleries. Some of the most popular places to visit in Antwerp are the Cathedral of Our Lady, the City Hall, the Rubenshuis, and the Antwerp Zoo.

Antwerp Luxury Hotels

Lyon, France

Lyon is a beautiful city in the south of France that is full of culture and places to visit. Some of the most popular places to visit in Lyon are the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere, the Place Bellecour, and the Vieux Lyon. The Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourviere is a beautiful cathedral that is a must-see when visiting Lyon. The Place Bellecour is a large square in the heart of Lyon that is full of restaurants and cafes. The Vieux Lyon is a district in Lyon that is full of old buildings and is a great place to wander around and take in the sights.

Lyon Luxury Hotels

Athens, Greece

If you find yourself in Athens, there are definitely some spots you won't want to miss. The Acropolis, Parthenon, and Olympic Stadium are all essential stops, but there are plenty of others, too. If you're looking for a bit of history, the National Archaeological Museum is a must-see, while nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the botanical gardens. If you're looking to relax, take a walk along the beach in Glyfada or head to the Plaka district for a charming and picturesque setting. No matter what you're interested in, Athens has something for you.

Athens Luxury Hotels

Athens Luxury Villas

Helsinki, Finland

While in Helsinki, make sure to visit these popular tourist destinations: The Senate Square and Lutheran Cathedral The Sibelius Monument Ateneum Art Museum Market Square Helsinki Zoo.

Helsinki Luxury Hotels

Vilnius, Lithuania

The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, is a picturesque city with a rich history. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of charming churches, narrow streets, and pretty squares. There are also lots of museums and other places of interest to visit, including the Hill of Crosses, Gediminas Tower, and the Presidential Palace. Vilnius is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars to enjoy in the evening.

Vilnius Luxury Hotels

Reykjavik, Iceland

A city of remote beauty, Reykjavik is teeming with interesting places to visit. One of the worlds most northern capitals, Reykjavik offers stunning landscapes and a wealth of cultural experiences. From the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church to the popular Golden Circle tour, theres plenty to see and do in Reykjavik. Be sure to check out the citys lively nightlife scene, too  you wont be disappointed!.

Reykjavik Luxury Hotels

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Some of the most popular places to visit in Glasgow include the Gallery of Modern Art, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. There are also many wonderful parks and gardens to explore, including the Botanic Gardens and Glasgow Green. For those interested in history and architecture, there are many fascinating old buildings to see, such as the Glasgow Cathedral and the University of Glasgow. And for those looking for a lively nightlife, Glasgow has no shortage of pubs, clubs, and restaurants.

Glasgow Luxury Hotels

Los Angeles, CA, United States

As the birthplace of Hollywood and home to some of the world's most recognisable landmarks, there's no shortage of places to visit in Los Angeles. Start by exploring the city's iconic neighbourhoods like Beverly Hills and Hollywood, then venture out to attractions like the Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach and Disneyland. And don't forget to savour the city's world-famous cultural scene, with its abundance of museums, theatres and restaurants.

Los Angeles Luxury Hotels

Los Angeles Luxury Villas

San Diego, CA, United States

San Diego is a city located in California and is a major tourist destination. One of the main reasons people visit the city is for its many beaches. Coronado Beach, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach are some of the most popular and are all within close proximity to the city center. Other attractions in San Diego include the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and the USS Midway Museum. Restaurants, bars, and shopping can be found throughout the city, and world-renowned museums, like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, are also located in San Diego.

San Diego Luxury Hotels

San Diego Luxury Resorts

San Diego Luxury Villas

Washington, DC, United States

Washington, D.C. is a city full of history and places to visit. Some popular places to visit are the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Smithsonian. D.C. is also home to a number of monuments and memorials, like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. There are also a number of museums in D.C., like the American History Museum and the National Air and Space Museum.

Washington Luxury Hotels

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Aside from its beautiful beaches, there are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Cancun. Some of the most popular attractions include the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, the eco-park Xcaret, and the nightclubs and bars in the resort district.

Cancun Luxury Hotels

Cancun Luxury Resorts

Cancun Luxury Villas

Virginia Beach, VA, United States

Virginia Beach is one of the top tourist destinations on the East Coast. From the Virginia Beach Boardwalk to the miles of sandy beaches, there's something for everyone to enjoy. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops, and other attractions to keep visitors busy. Some of the most popular places to visit in Virginia Beach include: The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center : This aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and rays. : This aquarium is home to more than 20,000 animals, including sharks, dolphins, and rays. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk: This 3.5-mile boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Virginia Beach. It features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and amusements. This 3.5-mile boardwalk is one of the most popular attractions in Virginia Beach. It features a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and amusements. First Landing State Park: This park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beachfront area for swimming and sunbathing. This park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a beachfront area for swimming and sunbathing. Cape Henry Lighthouse: This lighthouse is one of the oldest in the country and offers stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. There are plenty of other things to do in Virginia Beach, including dolphin and whale watching tours, kayaking, and golfing. Whether you're looking for a fun family vacation or a romantic getaway, Virginia Beach is sure to please.

Virginia Beach Luxury Hotels

Virginia Beach Luxury Resorts

Beijing, China

If you're looking for an amazing cultural experience, be sure to add Beijing, China to your travel bucket list! With beautiful temples, charming hutongs (traditional alleyways), and a lively food scene, there's something for everyone in this bustling city. Plus, Beijing is home to some of the most iconic attractions in China, like the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. So if you're looking for an unforgettable East Asian adventure, be sure to add Beijing to your list!.

Beijing Luxury Hotels

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is a metropolitan city that is home to over 10 million people. It is a city full of culture, history, and a vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of places to visit in Seoul, including the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and N Seoul Tower. The Jeongdongne district is a must-see for anyone interested in art and culture, and the Itaewon district is a great place to go for a night on the town.

Seoul Luxury Hotels

South Lake Tahoe, CA, United States

Known for its dramatic lake and mountain scenery, South Lake Tahoe offers visitors plenty of places to visit and things to do. Some of the most popular attractions include floating down the river on a tube, hiking the trails in the summer and skiing or snowboarding the slopes in the winter. The city also has a variety of restaurants and nightlife options, as well as casinos for those looking to try their luck.

South Lake Tahoe Luxury Hotels

South Lake Tahoe Luxury Resorts

Daytona Beach, FL, United States

Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It is approximately 40 miles northeast of Orlando, and 85 miles southeast of Jacksonville. The city is known as "The World's Most Famous Beach." Daytona Beach is a principal city of the Fun Coast region of Florida. The Daytona Beach area is a popular tourist destination. It is well known for its beaches, sports events, and motorsports. Daytona Beach was the birthplace of NASCAR and home to its first track, Daytona International Speedway. Dayton Beach also features a large number of tourist-oriented businesses, such as motels, restaurants, and bars.

Daytona Beach Luxury Hotels

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The coastline of Rio de Janeiro is breathtaking, and the views from Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain are unforgettable. Rio's world-famous beaches are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun and the surf. The city's rich culture and history can be experienced in its many museums and in the lively nightlife. Rio is also a great place to shop for souvenirs.

Rio de Janeiro Luxury Hotels

Rio de Janeiro Luxury Villas

Jaco, Costa Rica

Jaco is a town on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It's about an hour drive from San Jose and is a popular spot for surfers, sunbathers, and tourists. There are a number of beaches in the area, as well as restaurants, bars, and hotels. If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the Costa Rican sun and beaches, Jaco is a great option.

Jaco Luxury Hotels

Oslo, Norway

Oslo, Norway is a city with plenty of places to visit. You can find the peace and tranquility of nature parks and green spaces, experience the city's vibrant nightlife, or take in the historical and cultural sights. Here are a few of the top places to visit in Oslo: The Royal Palace: Oslo's Royal Palace is the official residence of Norway's king and queen. The palace is open to the public year-round, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family. Oslo's Royal Palace is the official residence of Norway's king and queen. The palace is open to the public year-round, and offers a glimpse into the lives of the royal family. Vigeland Park: Considered one of Oslo's most popular tourist destinations, Vigeland Park is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is a great place to spend a sunny day outdoors. Considered one of Oslo's most popular tourist destinations, Vigeland Park is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is a great place to spend a sunny day outdoors. The Maritime Museum: This museum is home to a variety of exhibits on Norway's maritime history. Visitors can explore everything from Viking ships to modern submarines. This museum is home to a variety of exhibits on Norway's maritime history. Visitors can explore everything from Viking ships to modern submarines. The National Gallery: The National Gallery is Norway's largest art museum, and home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from the country's most famous artists. The National Gallery is Norway's largest art museum, and home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from the country's most famous artists. Aker Brygge: Aker Brygge is a popular waterfront district in Oslo, home to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. The area is a great place to people watch and enjoy the view of the Oslo Fjord.

Oslo Luxury Hotels

Lima, Peru

If you're looking for a city that's bursting with culture and flavor, Lima, Peru is the place for you! This vibrant destination is home to some of the most amazing places to visit in all of South America. From ancient ruins to lush rainforests, there's something for everyone in Lima. Here are just a few of the must-see attractions in this amazing city: The Larco Museum is one of Lima's top tourist destinations. This incredible museum is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian art in the world. The Historic Center of Lima is a must-see for any history lover. This vibrant area is home to some of the oldest architecture in Lima, including the iconic San Francisco Monastery. If you're looking for a little bit of jungle in the city, head to the Parque de la Reserva. This lush park is home to beautiful gardens, a zoo, and even a butterfly farm! No trip to Lima would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. This ancient Inca citadel is one of the most iconic sites in all of South America.

Lima Luxury Hotels

Ankara, Turkey

Ankara is the cultural and political center of Turkey. The city is home to many museums, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and is a popular destination for tourists. The Citadel, the Ataturk Mausoleum, and the War of Independence Museum are all popular tourist destinations in Ankara. The city is also home to a vibrant nightlife and is a popular destination for students.

Ankara Luxury Hotels

Birmingham, United Kingdom

There are plenty of great places to visit in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Some of the most popular places to go include the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the Black Country Living Museum. These places are all great for tourists, as they offer a variety of attractions, including beautiful gardens, interesting art, and a recreation of an old-fashioned town. Additionally, there are plenty of other great places to visit in Birmingham, such as the Jewellery Quarter and the German Christmas Market.

Birmingham Luxury Hotels

York, United Kingdom

With a rich history that spans back over 1,000 years, York is a must-visit destination in the United Kingdom. Explore the city's medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Ouse. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of cultural experiences, such as the York Minster cathedral, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and the National Railway Museum. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy in York.

York Luxury Hotels

Inverness, United Kingdom

Inverness, Scotland is a must-see destination on any traveler's list. Filled with rolling green hills, historical sites, and plenty of outdoor activities, there's something for everyone in this charming town. Start by exploring the city center, which is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. Make sure to check out the Inverness Castle, which offers commanding views of the area, and the Inverness Cathedral, a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Outside of the city center, there are plenty of other attractions to explore. The Loch Ness Monster is said to make its home in the loch here, and visitors can take boat tours to hunt for the mythical creature. If you're looking for a more active adventure, take a hike in the hills or go fishing on the loch. No matter what you choose to do, Inverness is a beautiful and welcoming town that is sure to charm you.

Inverness Luxury Hotels

Marseille, France

The Vieux Port (Old Harbor) is the oldest port in France. It is a beautiful place to visit with its sailboats, restaurants, and cafes. The Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica is also worth a visit. It offers stunning views of the city. If you're looking for a more lively atmosphere, head to the La Canebiere. It's a wide avenue with plenty of shops and restaurants.

Marseille Luxury Hotels

Marseille Luxury Villas

Honolulu, HI, United States

Honolulu is a city located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, United States. It is the most populous city in the state of Hawaii and the county seat of the City and County of Honolulu. Honolulu is the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and is located in Honolulu. Other places to visit in Honolulu include Diamond Head, the USS Arizona Memorial, and Hanauma Bay.

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Bar Harbor, ME, United States

Famous for lobster and stunning ocean views, Bar Harbor is a popular destination in Maine. There are plenty of things to do in the town and its surroundings, including hiking, biking, whale watching, and exploring Acadia National Park.

Bar Harbor Luxury Hotels

Colorado Springs, CO, United States

There are many places to visit in Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods is a popular park with beautiful rock formations. Pike's Peak is a 14,115 foot mountain that offers great views and outdoor activities. The Broadmoor is a world-renowned resort with lovely gardens and a championship golf course. Royal Gorge Bridge is the world's highest suspension bridge and a popular tourist spot.

Colorado Springs Luxury Hotels

Fort Myers Beach, FL, United States

Just an hours drive from the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach is a popular tourist spot, especially in the winter when the snowbirds migrate down. The seven-mile-long beach is known for its white sand and clear water and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. There are also a number of restaurants and bars in the area, as well as a few stores.

Fort Myers Beach Luxury Hotels

Biloxi, MS, United States

There are plenty of places to explore in Biloxi, Mississippi  from the citys iconic Beaches to the picturesque Bay Saint Louis. Venture into the citys downtown area to check out the many shops and restaurants, or take a walk along the shoreline. No matter what you choose to do, youre sure to have a great time in Biloxi.

Biloxi Luxury Hotels

Palermo, Italy

If you're looking for a city with a rich and diverse history, Palermo is the place for you. This coastal city in Italy is teeming with medieval architecture, churches, and cathedrals. Be sure to check out the Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Europe, and the Palazzo dei Normanni, the seat of the Sicilian government. Don't miss out on the city's vibrant nightlife and vast array of restaurants that serve up some of the best food in the country.

Palermo Luxury Hotels

Palermo Luxury Villas

Manila, Philippines

The capital of the Philippines, Manila is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. There are plenty of places to visit in Manila, including the walled city of Intramuros, the Rizal Park, and the Manila Bay. The city is also home to a large number of churches, including the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church. Manila is a great city to explore on foot, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops to enjoy.

Manila Luxury Hotels

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt is an alpine village in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It is famous for its ski resort, mountaineering and hiking trails. The views of the Matterhorn from Zermatt are iconic. The village is car-free, making it a cyclists' and pedestrians' paradise. There are many places to visit in Zermatt, including the village's beautiful churches, impressive museums, and great restaurants.

Zermatt Luxury Hotels

Basel, Switzerland

Basel is a city located in northwestern Switzerland on the river Rhine. Basel has a population of about 176,000 and is the third most populous city in Switzerland. Basel has many interesting places to visit, including the Basel Munster, the Basel Rathaus (town hall), the Basel Zoo, and the Munsterhof, the old town square. Basel also has a number of art museums, including the Kunstmuseum Basel, the Fondation Beyeler, and the Schaulager. Basel is a great city to visit, and I highly recommend it!.

Basel Luxury Hotels

Copenhagen, Denmark

There are a number of places to visit in Copenhagen, Denmark. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and the Rosenborg Castle Gardens. Tivoli Gardens is a beautiful amusement park that has something for everyone. It is perfect for a day of fun with family or friends. Nyhavn is a charming canal district that is popular for its brightly colored houses and lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing cruise down the canal or take a seat in one of the many cafes and restaurants. The Rosenborg Castle Gardens are home to a majestic castle as well as beautifully landscaped gardens. There is plenty to see and do in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Copenhagen Luxury Hotels

Steamboat Springs, CO, United States

Steamboat Springs is located in northwestern Colorado. The town is named for the steamboats that traveled up the Yampa River in the 1800s. Today, the town is a popular tourist destination, known for its skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and rafting.

Steamboat Springs Luxury Hotels

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is home to many tourist attractions. Some popular places to visit in Abu Dhabi include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Ferrari World Theme Park, and the Yas Island Waterpark. There are also a number of museums and shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, making it a great destination for those looking for a mix of culture and leisure.

Abu Dhabi Luxury Hotels

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Bogota, Colombia

There's a lot to see and do in Bogota. Some of the top places to visit include the historical La Candelaria district, the cobblestone streets of Plaza de Bolivar, the Monserrate mountain, the Bogota Botanical Garden, and the Gold Museum. La Candelaria is home to many brightly-colored colonial buildings, churches, and plazas. Plaza de Bolivar is the center of Bogota and is surrounded by important landmarks like the Presidential Palace and the National Capitol. The Monserrate mountain is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning views of Bogota. The Bogota Botanical Garden is the largest in Colombia and features a wide variety of plants and trees. The Gold Museum is home to the largest collection of Pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world.

Bogota Luxury Hotels

Cebu, Philippines

Due to its location and its rich history, there are plenty of places to visit in Cebu. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include the Cebu Taoist Temple, the Fort San Pedro, the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, and the Magellan's Cross.

Cebu Luxury Hotels

Cebu Luxury Resorts

Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is a small town in Portugal with a population of around 22,000. It's located in the Algarve region and is a popular tourist destination. Some of the places to visit in Lagos are the beaches, the old town, and the Marina. The beaches are beautiful and there are a lot of them to choose from. The old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways with lots of shops and restaurants. The Marina is a great place to walk around and watch the boats.

Lagos Luxury Hotels

Medellin, Colombia

Some places to visit in Medellin, Colombia are: the Botanical Garden, the Ethnographic Museum, the Jardin Botanico, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Park of Lights, and the San Pedro Claver Church.

Medellin Luxury Hotels

Genoa, Italy

While there are many places to visit in Genoa, one of the must-sees is the city's cathedral. Dedicated to San Lorenzo, the church features an intricate Gothic facade and a Renaissance interior. If you're looking for a place to take in some stunning views, head to the Genoa Aquarium, which is located on the promenade stretching along the city's harbor.

Genoa Luxury Hotels

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam. Its a bridge town thats best explored on foot. The narrow streets are a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture. There are tailors, artisans, and lantern shops galore. The food is also some of the best in Vietnam. Be sure to try the local specialties, like Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings.

Hoi An Luxury Hotels

Hoi An Luxury Resorts

Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku, Azerbaijan is a city with a lot of culture and history. There are a lot of places to visit, like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower. There are also a lot of great restaurants, like the Flame Club, which has a great atmosphere and delicious food.

Baku Luxury Hotels

San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

San Luis Obispo is a city located in the central coast of California. It's known for its natural beauty, relaxed vibe, and abundance of things to do. Some of the top places to visit in San Luis Obispo include the Madonna Inn, Hearst Castle, and the Paso Robles wine country. The city is also home to a variety of beaches, parks, and other attractions. In addition, San Luis Obispo is a great place to live, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and other amenities.

San Luis Obispo Luxury Hotels

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka. The city is located on the west coast of the island and is the administrative, commercial, and industrial center of Sri Lanka. Colombo is also the center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with numerous Buddhist temples. There are a number of places to visit in Colombo, including the Galle Face Green, the Dutch fort, the Pettah Bazaar, and the Sri Lankan National Museum.

Colombo Luxury Hotels

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The city of Yogyakarta in Indonesia is home to some of the most stunning temples and historical landmarks in the country. The city is also a great place to enjoy traditional Javanese culture and cuisine. Some of the must-see places in Yogyakarta include the Borobudur Temple, the Prambanan Temple, and the Sultan's Palace.

Yogyakarta Luxury Hotels

Cefalu, Italy

Looking for a beautiful and historic place to visit in Italy? Look no further than Cefalu. This town is teeming with history and stunning architecture, and its location on the coast makes it the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning scenery. Don't miss the Duomo di Cefalu, a 12th century Norman church that is definitely worth a visit, or the Palazzo dei Normanni, a former royal palace.

Cefalu Luxury Hotels

San Jose, CA, United States

San Jose, California, is home to a variety of tourist destinations. Some popular places to visit include the Winchester Mystery House, the Tech Museum of Innovation, and the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. There are also a number of lovely parks, such as Kelley Park and Plaza de Cesar Chavez, that are well worth a visit. San Jose is also home to a number of great restaurants, so be sure to check out the local cuisine. Whatever your interests, San Jose has something to offer visitors.

San Jose Luxury Hotels

Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in China. There are many places to visit in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Victoria Peak, and the Temple Street Night Market. Hong Kong is also a great place to shop, with many high-end malls and markets.

Hong Kong Luxury Hotels

Hong Kong Luxury Resorts

Orlando, FL, United States

Orlando is a city in the central region of Florida, in the United States. The city is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the metropolitan area also known as Greater Orlando. Orlando is well known for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Other tourist destinations in Orlando include the Holy Land Experience, the Orlando Science Center, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Orlando is also home to the University of Central Florida, one of the largest universities in the United States.

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Philadelphia, PA, United States

If youre looking for a place thats rich in history and culture, Philadelphia is the place for you. The city is home to numerous iconic landmarks, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Theres also a great variety of museums and other attractions to explore, such as the Philadelphia Zoo and the Please Touch Museum. And, of course, Philly is the birthplace of Americas favorite sandwich, the cheesesteak. So why not visit Americas most historic city and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?.

Philadelphia Luxury Hotels

Nice, France

France is known for its many beautiful places to visit, and Nice is no exception. With its stunning coastline and mild climate, Nice is a popular tourist destination. Some of the most popular places to visit in Nice include the Promenade des Anglais, the Castle Hill, and the Old Town. There is also a wide variety of shops and restaurants to enjoy in Nice. If you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing place to visit in France, Nice is definitely worth considering.

Nice Luxury Hotels

Nice Luxury Villas

Singapore, Singapore

Singapore is a popular tourist destination, brimming with cultural and natural attractions. From award-winning restaurants to serene gardens and pristine beaches, there is much to explore in this diverse city-state. Here are some of the top places to visit in Singapore: 1. Marina Bay: This iconic waterfront district is home to stunning architecture, world-class landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife. 2. Gardens by the Bay: These stunning gardens feature a mix of plants from around the world, as well as towering sculptures and a biodome. 3. Chinatown: This lively district is home to traditional Chinese shops and restaurants, as well as vibrant street markets. 4. Little India: This neighborhood is known for its vibrant culture and colorful temples. 5. Sentosa Island: This resort island is home to sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and a variety of entertainment options.

Singapore Luxury Hotels

Singapore Luxury Resorts

Nottingham, United Kingdom

Nottingham is a city in the East Midlands of England. It is one of the United Kingdom's major cities, with a population of over 321,000. The city is home to two universities, Queen's Medical Centre, and seven football grounds. Nottingham is known for its lace-making and bicycle manufacturing. The city has a rich history, dating back to the Bronze Age. There are plenty of places to visit in Nottingham, including the Nottingham Castle, the Sherwood Forest, and the National Ice Centre. The city also has a lively nightlife, with a variety of pubs and bars.

Nottingham Luxury Hotels

Cannes, France

Cannes is a city located in the south of France. Some of the places to visit in Cannes are the Palais des Festivals et des Congres, the Boulevard de la Croisette, and Le Suquet.

Cannes Luxury Hotels

Cannes Luxury Villas

Park City, UT, United States

Park City, Utah, offers visitors a wealth of places to visit and things to do. Main Street, with its charming shops and restaurants, is a must-see. The Park City Museum tells the town's fascinating history, and the Park City Utah Temple is a beautiful sight. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's plenty of skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. And don't forget to visit the Olympic Park, where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held.

Park City Luxury Hotels

Park City Luxury Resorts

Port Angeles, WA, United States

If you're looking for a quaint, small town to visit in the US, Port Angeles is worth a stop. Located in the state of Washington, it's right on the Pacific coast with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. There's plenty of things to do in the area, from hiking and fishing to whale watching and enjoying the local restaurants and breweries.

Port Angeles Luxury Hotels

Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States

If you're looking for a fun-filled Florida getaway, look no further than Fort Lauderdale! With its miles of pristine beaches, world-famous shopping and vibrant nightlife, there's something for everyone in this seaside city. Here are some of the top places to visit in Fort Lauderdale:  Las Olas Boulevard: This popular shopping and dining district is home to some of Fort Lauderdale's most upscale boutiques and restaurants.  The Beach: With its wide, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Fort Lauderdale's beach is a major draw for visitors.  The Everglades: Just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale, the Everglades are home to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, bald eagles and manatees.  The Broward Center for the Performing Arts: This world-class performing arts center is home to a variety of theater, dance and music performances. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Fort Lauderdale today!.

Fort Lauderdale Luxury Hotels

Fort Lauderdale Luxury Resorts

Myrtle Beach, SC, United States

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of places to visit in the area, including amusement parks, beaches, and golf courses. Myrtle Beach also has a lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants.

Myrtle Beach Luxury Hotels

Myrtle Beach Luxury Resorts

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg is one of the most visited places in Austria. It is a city rich in history and culture. There are many places to visit, such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Mirabell Palace, and the Salzburg Cathedral. There are also many hiking trails and parks to enjoy.

Salzburg Luxury Hotels

Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya is an amazing city with plenty of places to visit and things to do. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, Pattaya offers something for everyone. There are lovely beaches, interesting temples, great shopping, and exciting nightlife. With its moderate climate and affordable prices, it's no wonder Pattaya is a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world.

Pattaya Luxury Hotels

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Pattaya Luxury Villas

Dallas, TX, United States

Dallas is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas. It is the ninth most populous city in the United States and the third most populous city in the state of Texas. Dallas is also the main city of the fourth most populous metropolitan area in the United States. The city's prominence arose from its historical importance as a center for the oil and cotton industries, and its position as a major transportation hub for the South. Dallas is home to the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League and the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. The city's economy is primarily based on banking, commerce, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare and medical research, and transportation. The city is home to the world's largest airline hub and the third largest cargo airport in the United States.

Dallas Luxury Hotels

Kolkata, India

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. The city is located on the east bank of the Hooghly River. It is the second most populous city in India, after Mumbai, and the third most populous metropolitan area in India, after Mumbai and Delhi. The city is notable for its colonial architecture, art and culture, and for its overwhelming poverty. Kolkata is home to the Indian Museum, the Calcutta Stock Exchange, the National Library of India, and the Indian Statistical Institute.

Kolkata Luxury Hotels

San Antonio, TX, United States

San Antonio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas. There are plenty of places to visit in this city, from the well-known River Walk to the exquisite Spanish missions. If you're looking for a fun place to spend the day, you can't go wrong with San Antonio.

San Antonio Luxury Hotels

Seattle, WA, United States

There are many wonderful places to visit in Seattle, Washington. Some of the most popular attractions include Pike Place Market, the Seattle Space Needle, and the Museum of Pop Culture. There are also many parks and gardens, such as Volunteer Park and Seattle Chinese Garden, as well as plenty of restaurants and shops. Located on the other side of the world, Western Australia is a great place to visit for those looking for something different. Some of the most popular attractions include Rottnest Island, the Margaret River region, and Monkey Mia. There are also plenty of beautiful parks and gardens, such as Kings Park and Botanic Garden, as well as restaurants and shops.

Seattle Luxury Hotels

Liverpool, United Kingdom

Liverpool is a city located in North West England and is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom. The city is known for its football teams Liverpool and Everton, The Beatles, and its maritime history. Liverpool is a popular tourist destination and is home to various tourist attractions including Mersey Ferry, Liverpool Cathedral, and Albert Dock.

Liverpool Luxury Hotels

Malmo, Sweden

Malmo is Sweden's third largest city with a population of over 310,000. It is located in the province of Scania on the country's southern tip. Malmo is a vibrant city with a strong arts and cultural scene. There are plenty of places to visit in Malmo, including the Malmo Castle, the Botanical Gardens, and the Turning Torso skyscraper. Malmo is also home to a large shopping district and a lively nightlife.

Malmo Luxury Hotels

Gothenburg, Sweden

Goteborg, Sweden's second largest city, is a major port on the country's west coast. It's a popular tourist destination, known for its lively nightlife, beautiful architecture and delicious seafood. Some of the city's highlights include the Liseberg amusement park, the Botanical Garden, and the charming old town district. Goteborg is also home to a large number of museums, including the Volvo Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Universeum science center.

Gothenburg Luxury Hotels

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is the capital city of Slovenia and is a city full of culture and history. There are many places to visit in Ljubljana, such as the castle, the old town, and the cathedral. The city is also home to many museums, art galleries, and parks. Ljubljana is a great city to explore on foot, and there are many restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

Ljubljana Luxury Hotels

Sydney, NSW, Australia

Australia is a vast country with plenty of stunning places to visit, but Sydney is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations on the continent. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge to the beautiful beaches and lush national parks, there's something for everyone in this lively city. There's also a thriving food and nightlife scene, so you'll never run out of things to do in Sydney.

Sydney Luxury Hotels

Sydney Luxury Villas

Melbourne, VIC, Australia

There's a lot to love about Melbourne  its lively arts and culture scene, its parks and gardens, its diverse range of restaurants and cafes, and its stunning architecture. Here are some of the best places to visit in Melbourne: - Federation Square: This iconic square is a great place to people-watch and take in the city's impressive architecture. It's also home to a number of museums and galleries, including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the National Gallery of Victoria. - Queen Victoria Market: This vibrant market is a must-visit for foodies and shoppers alike. It's the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, and offers a vast array of fresh produce, meat, seafood, and souvenirs. - Melbourne Cricket Ground: If you're a sports fan, be sure to check out the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which is the largest cricket stadium in the world. It's also home to the Australian Football League, and has hosted a number of major sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games and the Rugby Union World Cup. - Royal Botanic Gardens: These beautiful gardens are a great place to relax and take in some of Melbourne's natural beauty. They're home to a number of different gardens, including the Australian Garden, the Sculpture Garden, and the Japanese Garden.

Melbourne Luxury Hotels

Melbourne Luxury Villas

Vancouver, BC, Canada

The top places to visit in Vancouver are Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, and Chinatown. These are all must-see attractions that offer an array of activities, scenery, and history. Stanley Park is a world-famous urban park that features greenery, beaches, gardens, and a stunning view of the North Shore Mountains. Granville Island is a vibrant neighbourhood with unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Gastown is the city's oldest neighbourhood and is home to charming cobblestone streets and funky boutiques. Chinatown is one of the largest and most vibrant Chinatowns in North America and offers delicious food, interesting history, and vibrant culture.

Vancouver Luxury Hotels

Toronto, ON, Canada

From the CN Tower and Hockey Hall of Fame to the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Distillery District, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Toronto, Canada. With something for everyone, Toronto is a great city to explore. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!.

Toronto Luxury Hotels

Montreal, QC, Canada

Montreal is a vibrant city with something for everyone. There are plenty of places to visit, including the Notre Dame Basilica, the Olympic Stadium, and Mount Royal. The city is also home to a lively arts and culture scene, with theatres, art galleries, and music venues. Montreal is a great place to visit year-round, with festivals and events happening throughout the year.

Montreal Luxury Hotels

Seville, Spain

Seville is one of the most visited places in Spain for a plethora of reasons: its stunning architecture, tapas bars, flamenco and great weather. The Giralda Tower is a must-see when in Seville as is the Plaza de Espana. Andalusian culture is heavily present in the city and is best experienced by wandering the narrow streets and alleyways, popping into a lively tapas bar for a drink and some snacks or enjoying a flamenco show.

Seville Luxury Hotels

Seville Luxury Villas

Ocean City, MD, United States

Ocean City is a seaside resort town in Worcester County, Maryland, on the Atlantic coast. It is well known for its long promenade, its fishing, and its crab cuisine. There are plenty of places to visit in Ocean City, including the boardwalk, amusement rides, shopping, and restaurants. You can also visit the Assateague Island National Seashore, which is home to wild horses, or head to the nearby town of Berlin for more shopping and dining options.

Ocean City Luxury Hotels

Cambridge, MA, United States

If you're looking for a quintessential New England town to visit, Cambridge, Massachusetts is the place for you. With its elaborate architecture and Colonial history, Cambridge is a lively town with plenty of things to see and do - perfect for a weekend getaway. Some of the places you won't want to miss include the Harvard University campus, the charming and lively shops and restaurants in Harvard Square, and the leafy paths of the Cambridge Common.

Cambridge Luxury Hotels

Laguna Beach, CA, United States

Laguna Beach, California is a place known for its stunningly beautiful coastline, excellent restaurants, and art galleries. But there's more to Laguna Beach than meets the eye. Here are some of the best places to visit in Laguna Beach: Crystal Cove State Park: This state park is known for its coves, tidepools, and bluffs. It's a great place to go hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Heisler Park: This park is a great place for a walk or a picnic. It's also home to some of the best views of the Pacific Coast. Downtown Laguna Beach: This charming downtown area is home to art galleries, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. Aliso Beach: This beach is known for its excellent surfing and swimming conditions. It's also a great place to take a walk or enjoy a picnic.

Laguna Beach Luxury Hotels

Hot Springs, AR, United States

In downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, you'll find historic buildings, antique shops, and art galleries. For nature lovers, there are also plenty of places to visit, including the Garland County Arboretum, Ouachita National Forest, and Hot Springs National Park. Spa enthusiasts can enjoy a relaxing day in one of the area's hot springs. And no trip to Hot Springs is complete without a visit to the world-famous Bathhouse Row.

Hot Springs Luxury Hotels

Sedona, AZ, United States

There are many places to visit in Sedona, Arizona. Among the most popular are the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon. The town's unique red-rock formations and ancient ruins offer plenty of photo opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Sedona is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Southwest.

Sedona Luxury Hotels

Sedona Luxury Resorts

Boulder, CO, United States

Boulder, Colorado is a breathtaking city nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The city is home to stunning views, ample outdoor recreation, and a lively arts scene. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the city's many trails, parks, and open spaces. History buffs will enjoy checking out the city's museums and historic sites. Culture seekers will appreciate the city's many theaters, art galleries, and restaurants. No matter what your interests, you'll find something to love in Boulder.

Boulder Luxury Hotels

Key West, FL, United States

Key West is a small island off the coast of Florida that is filled with history, charm, and fun places to visit. Its lush tropical setting and the laid-back vibe of the island make it a popular destination for those looking for a relaxing getaway. There are plenty of places to explore in Key West, from the charming historic district to the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys. Here are some of the top places to visit in Key West: -The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: This iconic museum is dedicated to the life and work of Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West for over 20 years. -Duval Street: This lively street is the heart of Key West's nightlife and is home to many bars and restaurants. -The Southernmost Point: This landmark is located at the end of Duval Street and is the southernmost point in the continental United States. -The Key West Lighthouse: This picturesque lighthouse is a popular spot for tourists and offers stunning views of the island. -The African American Heritage House: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans in Key West. -The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: This attraction is home to over 2,000 butterflies and a variety of other tropical plants and animals.

Key West Luxury Hotels

Key West Luxury Resorts

Key West Luxury Cottages

Key West Luxury Villas

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden is a city with many places to visit. One place is the Vasa Museum, which is home to a ship that sunk in 1628 and was raised from the ocean floor 333 years later. The ship is preserved and on display in the museum. Another place to visit is the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish monarch. The palace is open for tours, and visitors can see the royal apartments, the throne room, and the Hall of State.

Stockholm Luxury Hotels

Destin, FL, United States

Looking for a place to visit in Florida? Look no further than Destin! This city is home to beautiful beaches, wonderful restaurants, and plenty of places to shop. No matter what you're looking for, you can find it in Destin. Be sure to check out the Destin Harbor and the fishing pier for amazing views and plenty of things to do. If you're looking for a place to relax, head to the beach and enjoy the sun and sand. There's something for everyone in Destin, so be sure to visit this amazing city!.

Destin Luxury Hotels

Destin Luxury Resorts

Ashland, OR, United States

There are many places to visit in Ashland, Oregon. Some of the most popular places are the Shakespeare Festival, Lithia Park, and Mt. Ashland. The Shakespeare Festival is a great place to see some of the best plays in the world. Lithia Park is a beautiful park with a river running through it. Mt. Ashland is a great place to go skiing in the winter.

Ashland Luxury Hotels

Seaside, OR, United States

One of the most beautiful places on the Oregon Coast is Seaside. With its wide, sandy beach and majestic promenade, Seaside is a popular tourist destination. There are plenty of places to eat and shop, and the Seaside Aquarium is a must-see. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, whale watching, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the beach.

Seaside Luxury Hotels

Newport, RI, United States

Newport is a picturesque town located in southern Rhode Island that is home to some of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States. The city is known for its miles of beaches and historic mansions that line the coast. Some popular places to visit in Newport include the Cliff Walk, the Breakers Mansion, the Museum of Yachting, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Newport Luxury Hotels

Siena, Italy

Siena, Italy is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its well-preserved medieval city center. The city is famous for its art, food, and wine. Siena is located in the heart of Tuscany, making it the perfect base for exploring this beautiful region of Italy. Don't miss the Duomo (cathedral), the Piazza del Campo, and the Torre del Mangia.

Siena Luxury Hotels

Reno, NV, United States

Home to the University of Nevada, Reno and a wide variety of cultural and natural attractions, Reno is a great place to visit. Some of the top places to see in Reno include the Nevada Museum of Art, the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, and the Reno Events Center. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and skiing at Lake Tahoe and biking and kayaking on the Truckee River. In addition, Reno is home to a diverse array of restaurants and nightlife venues.

Reno Luxury Hotels

Atlantic City, NJ, United States

Atlantic City is a popular East Coast tourist destination, known for its boardwalks, beaches and casinos. There are plenty of places to visit in Atlantic City, from the Boardwalk Hall and the Absecon Lighthouse to the Atlantic City Aquarium and Lucy the Elephant. For a more thrilling experience, head to one of the city's casinos, where you can try your hand at blackjack, slots, roulette and more. Atlantic City also offers a wide variety of restaurants, from seafood spots to pizza places, so you're sure to find something to your taste. And if you're looking for some nightlife action, the city has you covered there too. Atlantic City is definitely a place worth visiting!.

Atlantic City Luxury Hotels

Atlantic City Luxury Resorts

Lake George, NY, United States

Looking for a place to visit in upstate New York? Look no further than the stunning Lake George. This picturesque locale is located in the heart of the Adirondacks and is known for its pristine beauty and terrific recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and skiing, among other activities. Don't miss the chance to take in the spectacular views from the summit of Prospect Mountain or from the water's edge.

Lake George Luxury Hotels

Buffalo, NY, United States

If you're looking for a city that has it all, Buffalo is the place to be. From its vibrant downtown district to its abundance of parks and nature preserves, there's something for everyone in Buffalo. Here are some of the top places to visit in Buffalo: 1. The Buffalo Zoo - One of the top zoos in the country, the Buffalo Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers of all ages. 2. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery - Buffalo's answer to the Louvre, the Albright-Knox is home to some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. 3. The Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village - This living history museum offers a glimpse into what life was like in Buffalo in the 1800s. 4. The Buffalo River - Take a walk or bike ride along the Buffalo River, one of the city's most picturesque areas. 5. Delaware Park - This large park is home to a variety of attractions, including a zoo, a golf course, and a nature preserve.

Buffalo Luxury Hotels

Rochester, MN, United States

Rochester, Minnesota is a city with plenty of places to visit. There's the Mayo Clinic, the Apache Mall, and several other shopping areas, as well as a variety of restaurants. There are also a few parks and golf courses. For those who love the outdoors, Rochester is also close to several state parks and the Mississippi River.

Rochester Luxury Hotels

Duluth, MN, United States

If you're looking for an amazing place to visit, Duluth, Minnesota should definitely be at the top of your list. This city is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States, and there are plenty of things to do here that will keep you entertained for days on end. Some of the most popular places to visit in Duluth include the Aerial Lift Bridge, the Glensheen Mansion, and Chester Creek Park. Additionally, there are a number of excellent restaurants and shopping areas in the city, so be sure to explore everything that Duluth has to offer.

Duluth Luxury Hotels

Maputo, Mozambique

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and a city full of culture and history. There are many places to visit in Maputo, such as the Jose Eduardo dos Santos Museum, the Maputo Cathedral, and the Rua da Independencia. Maputo is also home to the Maputo Bay, which offers beautiful beaches and great seafood.

Maputo Luxury Hotels

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, located on the northeast coast of Spain, is a renowned tourist destination and one of the most popular cities in the world. There are plenty of places to visit in Barcelona, such as the Gothic Quarter, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parc Guell, La Sagrada Familia, and more. The city is also home to a lively nightlife and some of the best restaurants in the country.

Barcelona Luxury Hotels

Barcelona Luxury Villas

Split, Croatia

Split is a city on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. It is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest city in Dalmatia. It has a population of over 200,000 inhabitants. The metropolitan area, which includes the City of Split and the surrounding towns, has a population of over 330,000. Split is a popular tourist destination and is the home of the Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other popular tourist destinations include the Riva, the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and Sustipan.

Split Luxury Hotels

Split Luxury Villas

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a city on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, a seaport and the administrative center of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Dubrovnik is nicknamed "The Pearl of the Adriatic".

Dubrovnik Luxury Hotels

Dubrovnik Luxury Villas

Byron Bay, NSW, Australia

Byron Bay is a magical place. It's no wonder that it's one of the most popular destinations in Australia. The town is set in a beautiful location, surrounded by rolling green hills and the bright blue ocean. There's plenty to do in Byron Bay, whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled trip. Some of the top places to visit in Byron Bay include the iconic lighthouse, the stunning beaches, and the lush rainforest. There's also a great nightlife and plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy. If you're looking for an amazing Australian getaway, be sure to add Byron Bay to your list!.

Byron Bay Luxury Hotels

Wellington, New Zealand

If you're looking for a little slice of heaven on earth, look no further than Wellington, New Zealand. With its gorgeous landscape and plethora of activities, there's something for everyone here. Whether you're a nature lover or a city slicker, Wellington has something special to offer. Top Wellington attractions include the Zealandia eco-sanctuary, the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens, and the sprawling Te Papa museum. For those who love getting out into the great outdoors, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as lovely seaside towns and villages to explore. And of course, no trip to Wellington would be complete without trying some of the delicious local cuisine  be sure to sample a traditional Maori hangi feast! So what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Wellington today and start planning your perfect holiday!.

Wellington Luxury Hotels

Saint Louis, MO, United States

If you're looking for a fun place to visit with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do, look no further than Saint Louis, Missouri. This vibrant city is home to a variety of interesting attractions, including the Gateway Arch, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. There's also no shortage of restaurants and shopping options in Saint Louis. So, whether you're looking for a place to explore new cultures and cuisines or you're just looking for a place to have some fun, Saint Louis is a great option.

Saint Louis Luxury Hotels

Bloomington, IN, United States

The city of Bloomington, Indiana is home to a variety of attractions and places to visit. The Indiana University campus is a popular destination, as is the city's historic downtown district. Monroe County Courthouse
US companies with maquiladora operations in Mexico will be able to avoid double taxation by entering into a unilateral advance pricing agreement (APA) with Mexicos tax agency, the Servicio de Administracion Tributaria (SAT), the USs Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced.

The IRSs position comes as a result of two years of negotiations between the US and Mexican competent authorities to address a backlog of approximately 700 pending APA requests from the maquiladora industry. Maquiladoras, mostly located along Mexicos border with the United States, manufacture goods for export, typically under a contract manufacturing arrangement with a foreign multinational.

The new agreement between the countries updates and expands on a 1999 agreement, which governed transfer pricing and other aspects of maquiladoras owned by US multinational corporations. Under the new agreement, the two countries are implementing a transfer-pricing framework that both countries have agreed will produce arms-length results. It allows qualifying taxpayers with pending unilateral APA requests to elect to apply the new framework, and the IRS will treat the transfer-pricing results as arms-length under Sec. 482 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Taxpayers that elect not to apply the new framework may apply the safe harbours provided for in the 1999 agreement or request a bilateral APA from the Mexican and US competent authorities under the provisions of IRS Rev. Proc. 2015-41.

The SAT is expected to release details of how to make the election and the steps taxpayers must take regarding pending unilateral APA requests shortly. The IRS also said it will release future guidance on the tax consequences of the unilateral APAs.

Alistair M. Nevius (anevius@aicpa.org) is CGMA Magazines editor-in-chief, tax.
Several central New York unions representing first responders from throughout the 24th Congressional District are supporting U.S. Rep. John Katko in his re-election bid.

The unions, including three representing Cayuga County firefighters and law enforcement personnel, endorsed Katko, R-Camillus, at a press conference Monday in Syracuse.

The labor groups backed Katko, in part, because of his work on national security issues in Congress. He's a member of the House Homeland Security Committee and chairs the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security.

Katko also led a task force that authored a report on combating the flow of terrorists, with an emphasis on foreign fighters coming to the United States. The report included several key recommendations that became legislation introduced in Congress.

Joe Villano, president of Auburn Police Local 195, said Katko knows the challenges faced by communities in central New York.

"As a former federal prosecutor, Congressman Katko spent over 20 years demonstrating his devotion to keeping our streets safe," Villano said. "We look forward to this continued blanket of safety and support that Congressman Katko has provided."

The organizations supporting Katko include larger unions, such as the National Association of Police Organizations, the Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers and the Upstate Police Benevolent Association.

The Syracuse Police Benevolent Association and the Onondaga County Deputy Sheriff's Police Association endorsed the GOP congressman. So, too, did the Custody Officers of the Sheriffs Employees Association of Cayuga County and the City of Oswego Police Union.

The lone firefighters union endorsing Katko is Auburn Firefighters Local 1446. The group supported U.S. Rep. Dan Maffei, a Democrat, over Katko in 2014.

Lt. Brian Donovan, president of Auburn Firefighters Local 1446, called Katko a "champion for the safety of our nation's first responders."

"Congressman Katko listens with an open mind and makes an informed decision based on what is best for the people," Donovan said.

Katko said he's honored to have the support of the local law enforcement and firefighters' unions.

"For over 20 years, I fought alongside our local law enforcement to keep our communities and families safe," Katko said. "In the current heightened threat environment, I am committed to working as central New York's representative in Congress to keep our nation safe."

The endorsements were announced with three weeks to go until Election Day. Katko is locked in a competitive race with Democratic challenger Colleen Deacon, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's former central New York regional director.

A poll released earlier this month by Time Warner Cable News and the Siena Research Institute showed Katko leading Deacon, D-Syracuse, by 19 points.

The 24th Congressional District race includes all of Cayuga, Onondaga and Wayne counties, plus the western portion of Oswego County.

Election Day is Nov. 8.
PLEASE NOTE!

Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!

All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!

(One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!)
On Nov. 11, our nation will observe Veterans Day, the day set aside to thank and honor all those who have served in the military  in wartime or peacetime. While the special day of commemoration is a fitting tribute to thank veterans for their service, it is also important to acknowledge their contributions each and every day.

The American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program dates back to the establishment of the Red Cross by Clara Barton in 1881. Not only did the Angel of the Battlefield risk her life tending to soldiers wounded in the Civil War, she bolstered their morale by writing letters for them to send to their families. Today, Red Cross workers proudly carry on this tradition through the SAF program, which serves as a critical line of communication between the U.S. armed forces and their families.

We recently unveiled the new Hero Care mobile application, a free app designed to help members of the military, veterans and their families identify and access both emergency and non-emergency Red Cross services from anywhere in the world.

When an emergency happens, accurate information, easy access to services and time are of the essence, especially for military families. Thats why the Red Cross has designed the new Hero Care app  whether youre the parent of a child joining the military, a military member, a military spouse or a veteran, the Hero Care App will connect you vital services and guide you to valuable resources that will help alleviate stress during emergencies and provide important information right at your fingertips.

Some the important features of the app include:

 Request for Red Cross emergency services, including an emergency message, assistance with emergency travel or emergency financial aid.

 Secure and easy access to information about their service member in the case of an emergency, including updated information as they move or change duty assignments.

 Access to non-emergency Red Cross behavioral health assistance, including financial assistance and free local workshops for military families.

 Locating information on key government resources, such as Veterans Affairs benefits and services, Department of Labor VETS, the V.A. Caregiver Support Program and SAMSHA Community Health Support Services.

Content in the Hero Care app is available in both English and Spanish, and the call center is staffed 24/7 with multilingual translation services.

The Hero Care app is available to download for free in app stores by texting GETHEROCARE to 90999.

Military families often struggle to identify special resources in the community to assist them with their needs, and we realize that not everyone owns a smartphone. That is why the Western and Central New York Region is printing county-specific resource guides to provide a one-stop place for access to military resources. We have guides available for Cayuga, Onondaga and Oswego counties, among others. To request a free guide for your area, please call or email me.

You can also stop by our display at the Veterans Parade and Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, inside the Center of Progress Building at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes. Well have representative on site to provide information on all of our services, and answer any questions that you may have.

As we approach November, were also gearing up for the second year of the Holidays for Heroes Comfort Kits Program to provide comfort to our veterans this holiday season. Your local Red Cross is asking the community to give something that means something to our veterans and their families by helping us build comfort kits to provide these military heroes with simple personal care items that many of us take for granted. Comfort kits include a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, a comb, deodorant, a razor, shaving cream, nail clippers and a pack of gum. Personalized thank you notes can also be included.

Items can be collected individually or as complete kits assembled in a one-gallon, clear freezer bag and dropped off at any Red Cross chapter.

Completed comfort care kits will be distributed to veterans and their families during valor days and other military gatherings across the region this holiday season and throughout the year.

For more information on these and other SAF programs, please contact me at (315) 234-2216 or judy.pollman@redcross.org.
Hyundai Motor Co's (005380.KS) 45,000 union workers in South Korea may go on strike as early as next week over unmet demands including a one-off payment of $2.45 billion from the company's record 2012 profit and gold medals for long-serving employees.

A year after Hyundai's costliest ever work stoppage halted production of more than 82,000 cars worth 1.7 trillion won ($1.53 billion), the world's No. 5 automaker including its Kia Motors Corp (000270.KS) unit, is bracing for another blow as workers voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to strike.

Although analysts say another prolonged strike like last year's looks unlikely, the recurring strife is taking a toll on the company's output, reputation and share price.

The union has staged strikes in all but four years since it was created in 1987, making South Korea's auto industry far more prone to industrial action than its big global rivals, the United States, Japan and Germany.

While the U.S. "Motor City" of Detroit recently filed for bankruptcy protection, Hyundai's production hub of Ulsan boasts the country's highest per capita income, thanks largely to the auto union's successful wage negotiations.

"We don't like to strike. But the company has accepted part of our demand only after we staged strikes," union spokesman Kwon Oh-il told Reuters.

Hyundai Motor shares have shed $1.1 billion in market value since its wage talks collapsed on August 6. The company offered to resume wage talks this Friday, but the union had not yet decided whether to accept.

The union's requests include performance pay equivalent to eight times the monthly base salary, and the one-off payment equivalent to 30 percent of the company's $8.17 billion in 2012 profit.

The union is also seeking a 56.25 gram gold medal - worth about $2,400 at today's prices - and a bonus of two months salary for those with at least 40 years of continuous service, as well as 10 million won for each worker whose children opt not to attend college. The company is already paying college tuition fees for workers' children.

The hourly labor cost for Hyundai's domestic factories was 24,778 won ($22.26) per worker in 2012, triple the 7,711 won for its China plant and above the 21,422 won average for its U.S. plant, according to Daiwa Securities analyst Chung Sung-yop.

Since 2002, Hyundai workers' average annual salary has more than doubled to 94 million Korean won ($84,400), according to the company's regulatory filings.

SELF-INFLICTED PAIN

With an annual capacity of 1.5 million vehicles, Hyundai's Ulsan plant, 380 km (236 miles) southeast of Seoul, has driven the company's breakneck growth in the past decade from a seller of cheap-and-boring cars to a global powerhouse brand making stylish-but-affordable vehicles.

As it grew, Hyundai opted for labor peace over the risk of disrupting manufacturing, and its union became more powerful, according to labor experts and a Hyundai executive.

"I have to admit it is of our own making. It's been our own choice," a Hyundai executive who is privy to details about the labor negotiations told Reuters.

"We were a latecomer to the market and thus made it our top priority to become a global top-five manufacturer. So we had to prioritize production over labor issues," said the executive.

The automaker's net profit fell for a third consecutive quarter for the April to June period, partly due to the union's weekend production stoppages stemming from wage disputes.

Hyundai hopes that its growing overseas production, which has already outpaced domestic output, will help it reduce its reliance on the unionized Ulsan factory. Hyundai now assembles 43 percent of its total global output in South Korea, about half the level in 2004, according to company data. Its U.S. plant in Alabama is non-union.

"Hyundai sacrificed principles in labor relations to meet its production target. They simply bought industrial peace," said Cho Seong-jae, a senior researcher at the Korea Labor Institute in Seoul.

South Korea's biggest conglomerate, electronics-to-insurance giant Samsung Group SAGR.UL, has virtually no union representation. Its amusement park operator Samsung Everland saw its first union organized in 2011 with just four members.

SOFTER BLOW

Industry observers say it is difficult to predict how long a strike, if it happens, would last, but a Deutsche Bank analyst said chances of a prolonged work stoppage were lower this time.

"None of the items on (the) union's agenda are strong or sensitive enough to merit that kind of action amid adverse public opinion and media coverage," Deutsche Bank's Sanjeev Rana said in a report last week.

The key sticking point last year was the union's request to scrap overnight work and reduce hours. The decades-old overnight shift system was abolished as of March.

Last year's strike was spearheaded by hardline union chief Moon Yong-moon, whose term expires next month. Kwon declined to comment on whether Moon will seek another term.

A lengthy strike could disrupt sales not only at home but also exports to the United States and other countries. In the United States, Hyundai, once a stellar performer, is losing market share because of tight supply and ageing models such as the Sonata and Elantra. Hyundai and Kia combined saw their market share dip to 8.7 percent in the current year to July, down from last year's record of 9.6 percent.

Even at home, one of Hyundai's most lucrative markets, the firm is facing challenges as foreign brands are gaining ground after free trade deals.

A senior Hyundai official told Reuters on Tuesday it was expecting no market share gain next year from this year's projected 42 percent level even as it plans to launch new versions of the mid-sized Sonata sedan and larger Genesis.

Park Tae-ju, a professor at the Employment & Labor Training Institute in Gyeonggi Province near Seoul and who advised Hyundai on a new shift system, said the union had no interest in fatally wounding the company.

"Hyundai is the goose that lays the golden egg," he said.

($1 = 1113.3000 Korean won)
Average retail gasoline prices in Chattanooga have fallen 2.4 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.05 per gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 170 gas outlets in Chattanooga. This compares with the national average that has fallen 2.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.23 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Chattanooga during the past week, prices on Sunday were 11.5 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 6.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on October 17 in Chattanooga have ranged widely over the last five years:

$1.93 in 2015, $2.81 in 2014, $3.10 in 2013, $3.47 in 2012 and $3.27 in 2011.

Areas nearby Chattanooga and their current gas price climate:

Knoxville- $2.09, down 1 cent per gallon from last week's $2.10.

Tennessee- $2.10, down 2.7 cents per gallon from last week's $2.13.

Huntsville- $2.13, flat from last week's $2.13.

"October is a time we all expect gas prices to decline. Looking at the change in the U.S. average price for Octobers from 2015 to 2012, it's dropped from

Oct. 1 to Oct. 31,

by 12, 34, 11 and 26 cents respectively," said Gregg Laskoski, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. "That's an average decrease of 20 cents per gallon during the last four Octobers.

"But this month has proven to be an exception with the national average still a few cents higher than where it was on Oct. 1 at $2.22. While the price increase of crude oil has stalled the expected price decrease for retail gasoline, problems at major refineries in IN, TX, LA and CA have adversely impacted supply as well. The most recent EIA report shows U.S. refinery output at just 85.5%, the lowest level since Jan. 22, 2015."
With the crossover segment showing zero signs of slowing down, Honda has made an aggressive power move by unexpectedly revealing an overhauled CR-V in Detroit as it looks to retain its title as Americas best-selling SUV for the 20th consecutive year. Car buyers in the states have reportedly purchased around 4 million of them since the CR-V first launched in 1997, and with the latest version addressing many of the qualms customers have with the current model, we believe Honda stands a good chance of retaining its title as the SUV sales leader.

This model is completely re-engineered, both aesthetically and functionally. With styling cues cut right from the pages of the 10th-generation Civics playbook, numerous premium interior updates, a boosted powertrain, and a bevy of new features and technologies, we can already tell that theres a lot to like about the new CR-V.

According to Hondas press release, the 2017 Honda CR-V will be an entirely American-assembled automobile, from plants in Ohio, Ontario, and Indiana. Engines will be built both in Anna, Ohio and in Alliston, Ontario, while the vehicles CVT will be assembled entirely in Russells Point, Ohio.

The new Honda CR-V raises the bar in every imaginable way, delivering more performance, space and premium content together with higher fuel economy ratings and value than ever before, says Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. Customers are going to love what they see and what they experience behind the wheel of this new CR-V.

From what we have seen on paper, we can agree with Conrads claim that this fifth generation of the CUV will surely raise the bar, and that customers are likely going to flock to the CR-V like never before thanks to its restyled exterior. Here are four reasons why were excited to get behind the wheel when they go on sale this winter.

1. Stylistically, it walks the razors edge

Making the most of what it calls sharp front-end design elements, Honda takes the aggressively restyled CR-V and gives it wing-like LED running lights, a bit of an underbite, wider fender lines, a longer hood and wheelbase, shorter rear overhangs, and dual exhaust tips. Other updates include active shutter grilles for less aerodynamic drag, 17- and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and slimmer A-pillars for better visibility.

Hondas first stab at making a Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate can also be found here, while auto-high beams with adaptive headlights take care of the other end. The 2017 CR-V also comes with a handful of well-placed chrome touches, rain-sensing wipers, aluminum colored roof rails, and a large amount of Genuine Honda Accessories for customization purposes.

2. Turbo power and performance handling are here to stay

Anything from the EX trim and up is slated to sport the first-ever turbocharged engine found in CR-V. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder motor will also feature direct-injection for better fuel gains, while reportedly reaching 190 horsepower, all while targeting what Honda claims will be the highest EPA fuel economy ratings in the compact SUV class. While lower LX trims will remain powered by a 2.4-liter DOHC engine, both motors will come attached to a CVT transmission that features Hondas unique G-Shift control logic.

As for the 2017 CR-Vs all-new body and chassis design, more nimble handling, better ride quality, added ground clearance, and greater versatility are a few of the key focuses engineers and designers approached during this redesign. Both MacPherson struts up front and multi-link suspension setups in the rear run beside specially-tuned low-friction dampers, as both FWD and AWD models utilize redesigned sway bars for sharper turns and decreased body roll. A dual-pinion, variable Electric Power Steering (EPS) system has also been announced for the CR-V, which should add to the already outstanding steering feel.

3. Say hello to a far superior interior

Featuring top-in-class interior space and the best rear seat legroom among its competition, Honda is approaching function just as much as it is form. Upgraded materials can be found sprinkled everywhere, and include things like a new soft-touch instrument panel, more intricately stitched seats, and a color driver display screen buried within the gauge cluster. There also is an available 7-inch Android touchscreen that now features a physical volume knob (finally!) and houses the new Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, which reportedly was developed in cooperation with the navi experts over at Garmin.

The audio system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, thus allowing smartphone-powered GPS navigation and voice-controlled search capabilities. A few other features that will be available on the 2017 Honda CR-V include a remote engine start setup, dual-zone climate controls, heated side mirrors, and an electric parking brake. There also are rear USB ports, a front passenger seat that has four-way power adjustments, a drivers chair with eight-way power adjustability and four-way power lumbar support, as well as heating functions for both.

4. Safety still reigns supreme

Back in 2015, the refreshed CR-V debuted the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies, which in turn helped it secure the 2015 Motor Trend SUV of the Year award. Taking this and turning it up a notch, the 2017 version makes Honda Sensing standard on all EX and higher trims, which according to the automaker are expected to account for upwards of 75% of all CR-V sales.

Some of Honda Sensings greatest strengths include Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and pedestrian sensing capabilities, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with low-speed follow and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS). A fresh suite of driver-assistive technologies include the available Blind Spot Information (BSI), Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM), and Auto High Beam (HSS) headlights.

Utilizing its Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, Honda also hopes to land the highest available collision safety ratings in America, with an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from IIHS as the ultimate goal. Depending on how well the latest Honda Sensing suite works on this chassis, theres also a good chance that it will secure a SUPERIOR rating for frontal crash prevention.
A weekend strike at two Jim Beam distilleries in Kentucky will not leave bourbon lovers high and dry, the company said Monday.

Deerfield-based Beam Suntory, which owns the Jim Beam brand, said it has an ample supply on hand and contingency plans in place to keep the bourbon flowing while it works to resolve the labor dispute.

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A Beam spokeswoman on Monday said negotiations are ongoing, but declined to comment on what the contingency plans might entail.

More than 200 union workers at Beam distilleries in Clermont and Boston went on strike Friday over staffing shortages and long hours  often 60 to 80 hours a week  to keep up with growing bourbon demand.

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The striking bourbon workers are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 111-D.

"We are seeking a better work/life balance and a return to the family values and heritage upon which the Jim Beam brand is based," Janelle Mudd, president of UFCW Local 111-D, said in a statement. "All of us work hard and have earned and deserve a better life."

Beam met with a group of union associates late Sunday in what the company said was a "constructive session" to clarify points of disagreement, with negotiations scheduled to resume Tuesday, according to the union.

"We expect to meet again soon with the assistance of the federal mediator," Beam spokeswoman Emily York said in an email Monday. "We remain committed to doing what we can to promote a timely resolution that is in the interest of our union employees and our business."

Founded in 1795, Jim Beam is the world's leading producer of bourbon, a Kentucky-bred whiskey. A government-regulated designation, bourbon needs to be made from a grain mash that is at least 51 percent corn, which creates a sweeter whiskey. After distilling, Jim Beam ages its bourbon for at least four years in 53-gallon charred oak barrels.

Bourbon is a $3 billion industry in Kentucky, which creates 95 percent of the world's supply and 15,400 jobs in the Bluegrass State, according to the Kentucky Distillers' Association, a nonprofit trade group representing 20 companies, including Beam.

In 2015, distillers produced 1.9 million barrels of bourbon, the highest total since 1967, according to the association. Total bourbon inventory topped 6.7 million barrels in 2015, the most since 1974.

We are seeking a better work/life balance and a return to the family values and heritage upon which the Jim Beam brand is based.  Janelle Mudd, president of UFCW Local 111-D

While there is plenty of supply in Beam's hilltop rackhouses, a prolonged strike could affect getting the aged bourbon out of the barrels and into bottles.

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Japan's Suntory Holdings acquired Beam for $16 billion in April 2014. Beam Suntory is the world's third-largest premium spirits company with $5 billion in annual sales.

rchannick@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @RobertChannick
Two more McDonald's executives, Erik Hess, senior vice president of customer experience (left), and Karen King, McDonald's USA's chief field officer, are retiring, the company said. (McDonald's / Handout)

McDonald's has announced that two more longtime executives will leave the company at the end of the year.

Karen King, McDonald's USA's chief field officer and Erik Hess, senior vice president of customer experience, have decades of combined experience at the world's largest burger chain. King was brought out of retirement in 2014 as the company's chief people officer. In her most recent role, she oversaw franchising and franchise relations, a critical role in McDonald's transformation and a position that faced pressure from the union-backed campaign to organize workers at its U.S. restaurants.

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Hess has been with McDonald's since 1991. He's responsible for research and consumer insights to steer the brand and its evolving menu.

"While Karen and Erik will be greatly missed, their retirements provide an opportunity to change our organizational structure to further enhance our connectivity with our owner-operators and our customers," McDonald's said in a statement.

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After the two executives leave, the U.S. zone presidents will report directly to Chris Kempczinski, the incoming U.S. president. He is replacing McDonald's veteran Mike Andres, who also is leaving at the end of the year.

McDonald's Chief Administrative Officer Pete Bensen retired last month after nearly 20 years with the company.

The executive changes have capped one of the most transitory periods in the company's history  with the launch of all-day breakfast, the start of a transition to all cage-free eggs and a number of other efforts to improve the quality and health perception of McDonald's food  under CEO Steve Easterbrook.

The company also has undergone a massive effort to refranchise more restaurants, a move the company hopes will lessen corporate liability but also improve the performance of those sites. And in perhaps the biggest planned change, McDonald's announced its intention to leave its decades-old, custom-built headquarters in suburban Oak Brook for a new home base on Chicago's Near West Side. That's expected to be completed in 2018.

sbomkamp@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @SamWillTravel
The private prison industry is lobbying against a Justice Department directive to end the use of their facilities, encouraging legislators to question the policy change and legally protesting one significant contract reduction.

The moves by the GEO Group and others demonstrate the practical and political hurdles that stand in the way of the Bureau of Prisons actually ending its use of for-profit facilities to manage federal inmates. The private prison industry claims that the decision to do so was based on faulty research and that officials need contractors because of overcrowding in the federal prison system.

"We think the private sector facilities did very well, that they were comparably secure, and in some important respects, they were better," said George Zoley, chairman and chief executive of the GEO Group, which operates six facilities.

The private prison industry, which generates billions of dollars in revenue, has become a powerful lobbying force on Capitol Hill, and officials say they have tried since the Justice Department announcement to rally legislators to their side. Last month, six Republican representatives from Texas, California and Georgia sent a letter asking the Justice Department and the Bureau of Prisons to "step back" from the directive until they provided Congress with more information.

"We are concerned that the DOJ's instructions put politics ahead of policy when it comes to maintaining flexibility in our prison system, encouraging vital criminal alien law enforcement and providing the best value for our taxpayers," the lawmakers wrote.

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, chair of the House Oversight Committee, wrote in a separate missive with two other Republicans that the Justice Department's plan would "undermine the effectiveness of the system's rehabilitation programs."

The directive by Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates in August that said the Bureau of Prisons should end its use of private facilities was greeted with widespread praise by advocates who have long been calling for the end of for-profit incarceration. Its effect, though, was limited to the 13 privately run facilities, housing a little more than 22,000 inmates, in the federal Bureau of Prisons system.

Officials said it was unclear precisely how soon the contract prisons could be phased out. One of those 13 prisons in New Mexico has since had its inmates moved out, and the population in the rest stood just above 21,600 on Friday, according to the Bureau of Prisons website.

Justice Department spokeswoman Dena Iverson said in a statement that Yates's directive was "in effect and the Bureau of Prisons is committed to implementing it."

"Since August, the overall prison population has continued to decline and the Bureau continues to modify its contracts to reflect the reduced need for bed space in private facilities," Iverson said. "As private prison contracts come up for renewal in the coming months and years, BOP will be terminating or renegotiating those contracts consistent with the continuing decline in the overall prison population."

Yates has not minced words in criticizing the privately run facilities. "They simply do not provide the same level of correctional services, programs, and resources; they do not save substantially on costs; and as noted in a recent report by the Department's Office of Inspector General, they do not maintain the same level of safety and security," she wrote in her directive. That report found, among a litany of problems, private facilities had higher rates of assaults - both by inmates on other inmates and by inmates on staff - and had eight times as many contraband cellphones confiscated each year on average than government prisons.

A cornerstone of Yates's memo was the revelation that the Bureau of Prisons would amend a solicitation for a 10,800-bed contract to one for a maximum 3,600-bed contract. That, Yates wrote, would allow the Bureau of Prisons over the next year to discontinue housing inmates in at least three private prisons, and by May 1, 2017, the total private prison population would stand at less than 14,200 inmates.

The GEO Group initially tried to compete for that modified contract, but earlier this month, it lodged a formal protest with the Government Accountability Office.

The company argued that the reduced request was an "improper and illogical change" that did not take into account what the Bureau of Prisons actually needs, given its problems with overcrowding. It asked the Government Accountability Office to recommend that the Bureau of Prisons issue a new solicitation for the 10,800 beds initially sought.

"We believe the need is still there, because the Bureau of Prisons is still overcrowded, and these communities have extended themselves financially," Zoley said.

The GEO Group is one of three companies that operate private facilities for the Bureau of Prisons. The others are Corrections Corporation of America and Management and Training Corporation. Issa Arnita, a spokesman for Management and Training Corporation, said while the company had not lodged formal protests, it believed "phasing out the use of contractors will result in greater overcrowding in public BOP facilities and an increased cost to the BOP and ultimately taxpayers." Jonathan Burns, a Corrections Corporation of America spokesman, said that company was "aware of and monitoring the issue."

The private industry already had criticized the inspector general's report for what it said was an unfair comparison to public facilities, which hold an eclectic mix of inmates, to private ones, which hold predominantly "criminal aliens." The report acknowledged that investigators did not "know the extent to which demographic factors" might have played a role in contributing to some problems, and it said investigators were "unable to compare the overall costs of incarceration between BOP institutions and contract prisons in part because of the different nature of the inmate populations and programs offered in those facilities." But the inspector general's report was not the first public critique of private facilities, and some problems, such as concerns over medical care, seem to have little to do with inmate population.

Justin Long, a Bureau of Prisons spokesman, said the bureau supported the deputy attorney general's directive and believed it could be practically implemented over time. That is largely because of declining inmate populations. In fiscal 2016, the bureau saw a population decline of more than 13,500 inmates and sits now at 191,965 - 205 fewer than the year before.

Young said the decline in population has led to a reduction in overall crowding, from 40 percent to 15 percent, as of Oct. 6. He said officials believed the inmate population would shrink further in 2017.

The vast majority of those incarcerated in the United States are housed in state prisons - rather than federal ones - and Yates's memo does not apply to any of those, even the ones that are privately run. Nor does it apply to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Marshals Service detainees, who are technically in the federal system but not under the purview of the federal Bureau of Prisons. Advocates have said, though, that it could serve as a catalyst for broader reform.
Supervalu said Oct. 17, 2016, that it is selling its Save-A-Lot supermarket chain for $1.37 billion to Canadian private equity firm Onex Corp. The deal is expected to close before the end of January. (Amy Sancetta / AP)

Save-A-Lot, a deep-discount supermarket chain with about 60 Illinois stores, is being sold by Supervalu to a private equity firm for $1.37 billion in cash.

Last year, Supervalu said it was considering spinning off Save-A-Lot into a publicly traded company.

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Save-A-Lot, based in Earth City, Mo., has 1,361 U.S. stores, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing in August. The first Save-A-Lot store opened in Cahokia, Ill., in 1977.

Of the 61 Illinois stores, 17 are corporate stores and 44 are run by licensees.

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The private equity firm planning to buy Save-A-Lot is Toronto-based Onex, whose past investments have included Chicago-based Warranty Group.

Save-A-Lot offers customers savings of 30 percent or more compared with traditional grocery stores, according to Onex.

"Save-A-Lot is differentiated among its competitors in a growing segment of the industry," Matt Ross, Onex managing director, said in a statement. "We're excited to partner with the management team at Save-A-Lot, along with its licensed store owners, to support its growth for years to come."

Eric Claus, Save-A-Lot chief executive, said that "as an independent company, we can more effectively focus on our growth."

The deal is expected to close before the end of January.

Supervalu, based in Eden Prairie, Minn., distributes grocery products to retailers and also has retail operations, including Cub Foods.

In connection with the sale, Supervalu will enter into a five-year agreement under which it will provide Save-A-Lot with certain services for day-to-day operations, including cloud services, merchandising technology, payroll and finance.

Supervalu will use proceeds from the sale to repay debt. Save-A-Lot accounts for 28 percent of Supervalu's sales. Sales in Save-A-Lot stores open at least a year were down 1.4 percent in the most recent quarter.

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Supervalu and Onex couldn't be reached for comment Monday morning on how the deal would affect Illinois operations.

byerak@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @beckyyerak
Some consumers may be shying away from Wells Fargo after learning that employees used customers' information to open sham accounts, according to new figures reported by the bank.

The nation's largest retail bank beat expectations when it reported more than $5.6 billion in profit for the past three months. But the bank's earnings report also hinted that the Wells Fargo may have some trouble convincing people to open new accounts in the wake of the scandal.

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The number of checking accounts the bank opened in September fell by 25 percent from the same time last year, the company reported Friday. Credit card applications filed during the month dropped by 20 percent from a year ago. And the number of visits customers had with branch bankers also fell by 10 percent from last year.

Wells Fargo, which has built a reputation for being more focused on "Main Street" than "Wall Street," said that it's too soon to know if the trouble seen last month will lead to a long-term slowdown in business. September was the month in which it became widely known that employees opened as many as 2 million unauthorized accounts to meet sales targets. And the bank says at least part of the losses seen last month could have been caused by several changes it has made as it tried to regain customers' trust, such as scaling back its marketing and sales efforts.

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Still, a bigger question may be whether the bank can hold on to the consumers and small business customers that make up its retail business. Investing analysts on Friday asked the bank if it knew whether the customers affected by the sham accounts were closing their accounts. Bank executives said they didn't have the information "at hand."

That irked analysts who were hoping for more specifics. "It's a little frustrating not getting that retention information," said Mike Mayo, a banking analyst with CLSA. "I think you'd want to know the customers that were impacted the most, what's been your retention rate."

People tend to stick with their bank accounts in the long run. Many consumers do everything they can to avoid having to move all of their cash or update payment settings. And some banking analysts have said in recent days that they think Wells Fargo customers will stay with the bank, especially after the headlines fade.

What customers ultimately decide to do will become clearer in the coming months as the bank shares more information about how business is going. But since the scandal broke in early September, Wells Fargo has upped its outreach to customers to encourage them to stay.

In emails to customers and in full-page ads taken out in The Washington Post and other newspapers, the bank has reassured customers that it is trying to "make things right," a sentiment that was reiterated on Friday. "I am fully committed along with the entire leadership team to fixing these issues and taking the necessary actions to restore our customers' trust," said Tim Sloan, who was appointed as the company's new chief executive on Wednesday.
This Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, photo shows the 2017 Honda CR-V, in Detroit. America's best-selling family car is no longer the Toyota Camry or some other midsize car. It's the Honda CR-V, a compact crossover, that's getting redesigned for 2017. (Paul Sancya / AP)

Honda unveiled its redesigned 2017 Honda CR-V in Detroit last week at a produce market flanked by two truck trailers stacked with hay.

Most new car reveals occur at press conferences during major auto shows, such as the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

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Japan's second-largest automaker picked Detroit to reveal the fifth-generation CR-V in a fall harvest-themed event instead of next month's Los Angeles Auto Show or Detroit in January.

The automaker even worked closely with Chevrolet to coordinate the timing once the two automakers learned they both inadvertently scheduled major media events on the same day.

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Chevrolet, on Wednesday last week, was conducting a "ride and drive program" for the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback. Some reporters and analysts participating on that program stopped by the Honda event.

"I'd like to quickly mention how pleased we are that we could combine forces with our (public relations) colleagues at General Motors so our media friends on the Cruise drive could join us today and experience both activities," Honda spokesman Steve Kinkade said before the CR-V was revealed.

But why did Honda reveal the CR-V, its second-best selling vehicle, in Detroit at a produce market?

Mostly, it was a timing issue. Honda prefers to keep the production versions of its new cars and trucks under wraps until no more than a few months before they go on sale.

The New York Auto Show, held in late March, was likely too early. The Los Angeles Auto Show, scheduled for the middle of next month, was too late.

Automakers also are increasingly willing to reveal new vehicles outside auto shows. Alfa Romeo revealed its new Giulia sedan in Milan at the renovated Alfa Romeo museum in June 2015 to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the brand.

Chevrolet unveiled its redesigned 2018 Equinox crossover, Chevy's second-best selling model, in Chicago last month.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen plans to unveil the Atlas, a new seven-passenger SUV, on Oct. 27 at an event in Santa Monica, Calif.

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Changes to the 2017 Honda CR-V

The redesigned 2017 Honda CR-V is slightly wider and longer than the outgoing model. Honda hopes this new CR-V will help it retain leadership in the booming compact SUV segment.

"This new CR-V raises the bar in every imaginable way, delivering more performance, space and greater content," Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division, said at a media event at Eastern Market in Detroit.

The CR-V, already Honda's second-best selling vehicle, competes against other popular vehicles such as Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee, Subaru Forester and Chevrolet Equinox.

To stay ahead, Honda is adding production capacity at its Greensburg, Ind., plant and has stopped making the CR-V in at its plant in Guadalajara, Mexico.

This year, Honda is on track to sell more than 365,000 CR-Vs in the U.S. Next year, the CR-V could become Honda's top-selling vehicle, outpacing Accord.

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The fifth generation CR-V has crisper lines on the front end, a longer, more pronounced hood and wide, muscular fenders. According to Honda, an all-new body and chassis give the new CR-V more agile and confident handling, greater refinement and additional ground clearance.

The EX and higher trim levels of the CR-V will be equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter direct-injected 4-cylinder engine that generates 190 horsepower and 170 pound feet of torque. That engine will be more powerful than the outgoing version by five horsepower while also getting the best fuel economy among compact SUVs, Honda promises. The LX version of the CR-V will be powered by a 2.4-liter engine with 184 horsepower and 180 pound feet of torque.

Honda also added an optional hands-free tailgate that the owner can open and close with a foot-activated sensor under the rear of the vehicle.

Conrad also announced that the audio system for the 2017 CR-V includes a new Display Audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a physical volume knob.

"Our customers and many of you told us loud and clear that you wanted a volume knob so the knob is back!" Conrad said.

The automaker declined to reveal the price and said that will be announced closer to when it goes on sale in December.

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Honda has sold nearly 4 million CR-Vs since its U.S. launch in 1997, making CR-V the best-selling SUV in America over the past two decades. Honda introduced the fourth-generation CR-V in 2011 and launched an updated version in 2014.

While demand for compact SUVs has been increasing in recent years other automakers also are boosting production capacity for their compact SUVs and introducing new models. Toyota, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles are all either expanding production capacity or launching new models.

Over the first nine months of the year, Honda's CR-V outsold its main rival, the Toyota RAV4, but only by 3,000 units, and Toyota is planning to boost production in 2019.

Chevrolet unveiled a redesigned 2018 Equinox in September that will go on sale next year and FCA plans to reveal an all-new Jeep Compass in November that will replace the current Compass and Jeep Patriot.

Conrad said he isn't worried about the market becoming over-saturated.

"We believe that because we build a better mousetrap, we win," Conrad said.

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2017 Honda CR-V at a glance

Vehicle type: Fifth-generation compact crossover.

Engine options: A 1.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 190 horsepower and 179 pound feet of torque or a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 184 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque.

Transmission: CVT

On sale: December

Fuel efficiency: To be announced

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Price: To be announced
Julia Baird remembers her first Beatles concert quite well  because it was in her kitchen.

As John Lennons half-sister, she was privy to these sorts of things, often running in between sets to grab water or a cookie. But it was only a couple years later that she realized just how influential her big brother had become.

When Lennon and Paul McCartney united in that kitchen in Liverpool, England, in 1957, a phenomenon soon spread the world over, and it has sparked countless tribute groups since. Baird, however, says only a few truly stand the test, especially The Mersey Beatles.

And after leaving their post as the decade-long house band at Liverpools Cavern Club where the original Beatles got their break, these boys have broken out on their debut U.S. tour.

With an introduction and book signing from Baird, the Mersey Beatles will play the Orpheum this Sunday, Oct 16, at 7 p.m.

When Baird retired from teaching two years early in 2004, she set out to write a book about what made John, John. Imagine This  Growing up with my brother John Lennon recounts their family.

And no member was as supportive of the music in the household as Julia Lennon  their mother.

My mother was the one who was interested, Baird recalled. Their first drummer was Colin HantonHis mother would say you could play in our house on Saturday because Im out. My mother would be saying you could play at our house any day because Im in.

Baird spent three years writing the family-based chronicle, and in turn engaged in the cathartic experience of digging through her own history  a process she described as taking a figure that was a bit wobbly, and built on that foundation until she could look these people in the eyes.

I do think theres a story inside everybody whether theyre ever able in many ways to be able to sit down and write it, she explained. It was never about the roots of John Lennon. It was about how our family dynamics worked. I was making sense of the story.

Building on her own memories, she spoke with her aunt, Julias sister, who, nearing the end of her life, finally answered the questions Baird had been asking since she was 11.

She made a conscious decision to tell me these stories, Baird recalled.

The gaps in The Beatles' early career were filled in by Paul McCartney himself. Baird has since made the conversation into a CD for the world to hear.

Hes singing, laughing, joking, talking about songwritingAnd because he was talking to me, it was a chat, Baird said. Hes talking about our lives.

As Julia was a musician herself  teaching her son his first chords on the banjo  musical influences ran strong in the family. But holding strong sway, too, was their birthplace: Liverpool.

The Mersey Beatles describe themselves as packing plenty of Liverpool flavor  an essence Baird said culminates at the intersection of past and present in the European Capital of Culture.

We are an absolute melting pot that we miss this completely if we leave Liverpool, Baird explained of the port that boasts the oldest Chinese community in Europe. Weve made our own culture. We are brothers and sisters with our back to the mountains, eyes out to the sea.

One of the main attractions in her hometown is the Cavern Club  the venue where The Beatles got their start. Decades later, Baird is now the club's director and first met The Mersey Beatles in Australia in 2004. As one of only two Liverpool-bred Beatles tributes in the world, the other being The Cavern Club Beatles, Baird noted the boys bring together nostalgia with expert musicianship in their own right.

The thing the boys have got is they were born and grew up in exactly the same cultural soil as The Beatles, she said. No matter who theyre tributing their music to, they do it because its part of their culture.

And on October 9, what wouldve been Lennons 76th birthday, Baird and her sister, Jackie, reminisced about their brother who left an indelible mark on global culture.

Its unbelievable to me that I have a brother that old, she said with a laugh. But I dont live in the pastWe adore the fact hes part of our family.
Broadway in Chicago said Monday that touring productions of "An American in Paris" and "Les Miserables" will play Chicago as part of its upcoming 2017 subscription season.

"An American in Paris," which was inspired by the Academy Award-winning film and won four Tony Awards in 2015, will play the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., from July 25 through Aug. 13, 2017.

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"Les Miserables," a perennial touring attraction, will again be at the Cadillac Palace Theatre from Oct. 11 through 29, 2017.

The Chicago theater presenter also announced several shows that are not part of its subscription season, including a return of "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" at the Broadway Playhouse, 175 W. Chestnut St., from Feb. 14 through March 5. The reprise of "The Illusionists" (now subtitled "Live From Broadway") will be at the Oriental Theatre from Feb. 21 through 26; and yet another session of "Rain," the Beatles tribute show, is slated for the Oriental from March 28 though April 2.

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New and more interesting shows under the "specials" tag include "The Naked Magicians," an R-rated attraction from Australia featuring "hot" magicians who makes their own clothes disappear (March 14-19 at the Broadway Playhouse) and "Circus 1903The Golden Age of Circus," a unusual tribute to the history of the art form featuring live circus acts, puppets and other illusions (March 21-26 at the Oriental Theatre).

Finally, the 20th anniversary tour of "Rent," the seminal rock musical, will return to Chicago once again as a tour, despite several recent local productions. "Rent" will play May 16-21, 2017 at the Oriental Theatre. For more information on these and other previously announced shows, visit www.broadwayinchicago.com.
Silver confetti raining down like volcanic ash; a guardian in a "Matrix"-style long coat; masked dancers and a (briefly) nude dancer: All appear against a towering diamond-faceted backdrop whose surface gleams black in the first act, silver in the second. What's behind the apparently apocalyptic vision of "Black Diamond"? Created in 2014 for the Danish Dance Theatre, this abstract evening-length work comes to the Harris Theater on Friday and Saturday for the company's Chicago debut, the last stop on a very limited U.S. tour.

Choreographer Tim Rushton, speaking by phone from Copenhagen, says he likes the duality of black and white  also found in "Swan Lake," he notes  for "how they can be interpreted within our society. This piece is really about the structure and dominance of power, and how in reality the simple human body is the most powerful. So there is a sort of thematic thread, almost a narrative  but not really." In fact he loves the openness of the piece. "Where we've played 'Diamond,' people get a lot of different stories out of it. They often interpret their own countries within it, which I think is rather nice."

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A Midlands native who studied at the Royal Ballet School and became artistic director of this Danish contemporary dance group in 2001, Rushton combines wry British self-effacement with what seems a touch of the Nordic melancholy he believes comes from living in literally darker countries. "But whether there's really a Nordic identity, I'm not sure," he says.

As for his approach to movement, Rushton has straddled the worlds of classical and contemporary dance for decades, first as a performer, then as a choreographer. When he arrived in Europe in the late '90s, he danced with several ballet companies, including the centuries-old Royal Danish Ballet. And he continues to choreograph, on commission, for classical companies; in fact, he finds that work stimulating. But when he first took over at DDT, he says, "I was looking very much to those choreographers who had inspired me to leave the ballet world." It was a revelation to dance Jiri Kylian's "really freeing" works with the Deutsche Oper am Rhein, he says. William Forsythe, too, was "a huge eye-opener."

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But over the years, Rushton has leaned less on dance technique and more on conveying the themes of individual works. "Every performance we make, we start from scratch and really try to build a universe and a language we feel will communicate the theme," he says. "And we investigate it together. We couldn't do that in the ballet world. With the dancers and designers and rehearsal directors, we talk about the theme  talk a lot about it." That way, he says, "not only the (movement) language but each performance feels unique."

Though he considers himself a maker of contemporary dance, Rushton is open to whatever a piece might require. And for "Black Diamond," set to an eclectic score by Philip Glass, violinist-composer Alexander Balanescu and techno wizard Trentemoller, he entered unfamiliar movement territory. "We were doing a lot of research into  I hate to use the word, I don't really want to see it in print  into hip-hop. We were looking at how hip-hop artists were using rhythm, using dynamics. It's extremely edgy, sharp, very grounded, very staccato, with extreme isolations of the body."

That style proved new  and hard  for many of his classically trained dancers. "But I think something extraordinary came out of it," he says. And by pushing dancers to move in new ways, Rushton believes, they "continue to grow as artists. When we're out performing, people always say, 'Wow, you have fantastic dancers.' They say, 'How do you get these very different dancers to look like they have the same DNA?' That comes from a process, a way of working."

Rushton himself is also open to change, certainly in "Black Diamond" over the last two years. The Goddess of Fate who appeared in the original, for example, got the hook. Most of his revisions, though, have been minor, "working with what's already there," he says.

"I have a very bad habit of standing at the back of the audience," Rushton says, to gauge viewers' involvement minute by minute. Then he tweaks certain bits. "I'm constantly reworking the piece," he says, especially when it comes to how the stage design and dancing coexist. At this point, he feels the two "are in perfect harmony." But, he adds with a laugh, "I'm not saying they've always been in perfect harmony!" Seeing actual performances over time  "I literally have to see it with the public"  is what has enabled him to perfect his vision.

Which, to hear him tell it, is almost painterly. "Black Diamond," he says, "is partly huge and spectacular, and partly fragile and sensitive. This lovely roller coaster I want to take people on  these beautiful moments of simple sincerity and great, dynamic moments of group dancing  reflects my taste as an artist."

Laura Molzahn is a freelance critic.

ctc-arts@chicagotribune.com

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Danish Dance Theatre

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St.

Tickets: $35-$125 at 312-334-7777 or harristheaterchicago.org
The Great Church of the Monastery of Sinaia is a landmark on the mountain road to Transylvania from Bucharest, the Romanian capital. Though Romanians are ethnically Latin, the Orthodox faith is the dominant religion. (John Dowling / Chicago Tribune)

Are there any travel surprises left in Europe?

Put Romania on that list. You've heard of it, of course. It's somewhere in the gray background of Eastern Europe, one of the former Soviet realms, home of the cruel dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and the fictional bloodsucker Dracula. That's about it for common knowledge.

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But if you travel to surprise yourself, Romania is worth a visit. It has a fascinating mosaic of history, stunning mountain and pastoral scenery, cityscapes that echo Prague and Paris, imposing citadels, jewel-box churches and tiny villages that make you feel as if you've stumbled into the 14th century. It's an affordable, accessible land that your hosts, with few exceptions, haven't figured out how to make touristy.

A little background: Romania's name reflects its roots as a Roman province. Its history is a litany of invaders  Germany, Hungary, Ottoman Turkey, Habsburg Austria, Soviet Russia  and rebellions against them. Its ethnic heritage is Latin, unlike its Slavic neighbors. That's reflected in the cuisine and language  if you understand Italian, you can puzzle your way through basic Romanian.

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Romanian cuisine is heavy on red meat, but vegetarians need not despair. One night at dinner, my wife and I asked for a typical Romanian salad and were rewarded with a dish of fresh tomato wedges with a big dollop of baba ghanoush and a crown of slivered scallions. Dessert was usually out of the question after meals of stuffed cabbage or roast pork, but in town squares, it's easy to find a bakery selling gogosi, a sort of puffy crepe folded to hold fruit or chocolate and sprinkled with sugar.

And then there's Dracula. The name, derived from "dragon," was used by a 15th-century order of knights including Vlad Tepes, a warrior-prince who acquired the nickname "The Impaler" from his practice of skewering captured enemies vertically on sharpened wooden posts.

The name Dracula entered popular culture when Irish writer Bram Stoker took it as the title of his novel and the name of its bloodthirsty, supernatural Transylvanian villain. Though Stoker never visited Transylvania, the novel, published in 1897, was a sensation and an enduring gift to every souvenir vendor in Romania.

Our itinerary was weighted toward Transylvania, in the center of the country. Our expectations for the capital city of Bucharest were low. We didn't bank on the broad, tree-lined avenues feeding into grand plazas and lined with lovely Baroque buildings. Vlad, though born in Transylvania, ruled from Bucharest, and ruins of his palace in Bucharest's Old Town, fronted by an intimidating bust of Vlad himself, are a highlight.

As if to provide a rustic counterweight to the palace, the National Village Museum stands in a peaceful park north of the city center. Beginning in the late 1930s, Romanian sociologist Dimitrie Gusti dismantled examples of classic village architecture  homes, churches and other structures  across the country and rebuilt them around a small lake. A visit is like a region-by-region tour of long-ago rural Romania in an hour's walk. On the Sunday we visited, it was also a handicraft market, with costumed vendors selling lace and embroidery, leather goods, reproductions of icons and intricately painted eggs.

Transylvania means "across the woods," and that's an apt description of the driving route there from Bucharest  up, over and down the Bucegi Mountains, a little more than 8,000 feet at their highest and mostly covered with thick pine woods. If you're a fan of twisting two-lane roads, this is the place for you. The roads were mostly smooth and the drivers cautious, but the combination of thundering semitrailer trucks and horse-drawn carts made for some exciting moments.

En route there's time for lunch in Sinaia, an Alpine resort town with a clean-scrubbed Swiss feel. Stopping here is an excuse to visit Sinaia Monastery, an Orthodox monastery housing two small churches, and Peles Castle, a sprawling summer palace built in a unique blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. It was finished just over a century ago, as the Romanian monarchy was in its twilight. The terrace of the adjacent hotel and restaurant provides a beautiful mountain-valley view for coffee or lunch.

We chose the regional capital of Brasov as our Transylvania base, more for its central location than for its sights. Sighisoara, two hours to the northwest, is crowned by a hilltop citadel surmounted by a 14th century clock tower with animated figures that strike the hours. Down the street is the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, in a building that now houses one of the city's better restaurants.

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Closer to Brasov is soaring Bran Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in central Europe. Completed in the 14th century and still owned by Habsburg descendants, the castle is now besieged by souvenir stalls and marketed as "Dracula Castle" (Vlad may or may not have been imprisoned briefly there). Inside, furnishings and photos tell far more poignant and factual tales of castle residents, such Queen Marie, a granddaughter of Britain's Queen Victoria who married into Romanian royalty and was decorated for bravery as a battlefield nurse during World War I.

One hidden gem of Transylvania is Viscri, a hamlet set in farm fields of green and gold, reachable via a detour off the main road from Brasov to Sighisoara. Viscri was settled by German-speaking Saxons invited in the 12th century to defend the Holy Roman Empire's southern border. The village's centuries-old tile-roof houses are a favorite of restoration champions, including Britain's Prince Charles, who owns a bed-and-breakfast in town and visits occasionally. Some houses are lovingly renovated, painted vivid lilac or sky-blue, while others are in major disrepair.

There is little effort to tend to tourists here. Villagers get around with horse-drawn carts, with only a sidelong glance at visitors, and cows and geese wander unimpeded.

Viscri's church, like many in Transylvania, was built as a fortress, a hilltop spot for villagers to run to when marauders threatened. Inside, a steep, stone staircase climbs to slit windows where an archer could let loose at attackers.

At the chapel window in this small village, it was easy to forget the 21st century and imagine the 14th instead, something we never expected of Romania  a very pleasant surprise.

John Dowling is a freelance writer.

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IF YOU GO

Getting there: There aren't any nonstop flights from the U.S. to Romania, but there are abundant direct flights to Bucharest from major European gateway cities like Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt, among others.

Getting around: Our rental car bill  a little over $400 for three days in a four-door Volkswagen Jetta, plus $58 to refill the tank before returning it  was the most painful aspect of our trip from a cost standpoint. But we paid a premium for the automatic transmission. You could save almost half by getting a smaller car with a stick shift.

Hotels: We stayed at the top-rated hotel in Brasov  the awkwardly named, four-star Chambers'n Charm boutique hotel  for about $100 a night, including an abundant breakfast; www.chambers-charm.ro. Three-star hotels were available for $60 to $70 a night in the same period.

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Matthew Apperson reacts to testimony from George Zimmerman during Apperson's hearing Sept. 22, 2015, in Sanford, Fla. (Joe Burbank / AP)

SANFORD, Fla.  A Florida man who fired at George Zimmerman's vehicle during a road-rage confrontation has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that at the sentencing hearing Monday morning, Zimmerman said 38-year-old Matthew Apperson showed no regard for human life during the May 2015 confrontation, and even seemed joyful because he mistakenly thought he'd killed Zimmerman.

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Zimmerman is the former neighborhood watch volunteer who was acquitted of second-degree murder after fatally shooting unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin in 2012.

Apperson was convicted by a Seminole County jury last month of attempted second-degree murder, armed aggravated assault and shooting into a vehicle. Apperson testified at trial that he acted in self-defense after Zimmerman flashed a gun. Zimmerman disputed that.

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Updated Oct. 19, 2016  A man was killed, a 13-year-old boy critically wounded and three other people injured Monday night when someone opened fire on the same West Englewood block where four people were shot last year, according to police.



The shooting brought the number of homicides in Chicago this year to at least 600, an increase of 190 compared with the same period last year, according to data compiled by the Tribune. The number of people shot in the city this year is more than 1,000 above last year at this time, according to the data.



The shooting in West Englewood occurred about 8:50 p.m. when several people walked up to a front yard in the 6700 block of South Winchester and fired as many as 40 shots, according to police and neighbors.



A man was shot in the head and pronounced dead on the scene, police said. He later was identified as 28-year-old Timothy Agnew, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

In addition, a 13-year-old boy was shot several times in the right thigh and went to Comer Children's Hospital; a 23-year-old man was shot in the left leg and taken to Stroger Hospital; a 30-year-old man was hit in the buttocks and leg and also taken to Stroger; and a 34-year-old man was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn with gunshot wounds to the leg, shoulder and right hand.



Chicago Fire Cmdr. Walter Schroeder said the four taken to hospitals were in serious-to-critical condition. Police said their conditions were stabilized, and that the 13-year-old was critical but stable.



A neighbor, who only wanted to be identified by her first name Lisa, said she had just put her daughters to bed when she heard dozens of gunshots. She rushed back to their beds to make sure no bullets had come through the window.



"It's just constant violence over here," she said.



Recently, she was outside barbecuing when someone started shooting. She had to let her food burn because the gunfire wouldn't stop. Last year, four men were shot on the same block while her daughter had a birthday party.



She said there is gunfire day and night, even when officers are posted nearby. "The police, they be on the blocks and they shooting," she said. "We've got idiots with guns."



Lisa said she and her family rarely leave the house. "We can't use these bike lanes," she said, gesturing to lines painted on Marquette Road. "They ought to take this stuff out of here. It's useless."



She said she owns two properties in the city and recently was told she would owe $12,000 in property taxes. "You want me to spend $12,000 and we can't go in the yard?"



She nodded at the crime scene tape stretched across the block. "This is costing me," she said. "I pay taxes. I pay for these schools to be built. I pay for these bodies to be dragged off the block."



Her tenants balk at paying for a place where they feel unsafe, she said.



"They look at me like, 'I'm not (going to) pay my rent. I can't even sit on the front porch,' " she said. "I just got a tenant. They say (they're) scared to go to the mailbox. Three steps out the door! This is embarrassing. As an entrepreneur, this is embarrassing."



She recently saw someone get shot, go to the hospital and then come back to the same block.



"You got out of the hospital and you're walking around again on some bulls---?" she said. "They don't need to die. They want to die. If this is the path you choose, you want to die."



She said she wants to leave the city with her family, but her properties couldn't sell for more than a fraction of their assessed value. "The price of everything goes up and the value goes down."



Community activist Andrew Holmes told reporters on the scene that neighbors must work together to find who is responsible for the latest shooting.



"We as a community are going to be working the blocks to try to find out who and if anybody knows any information,'' Holmes said. "It's up to the community to stand together from the east of Englewood to the west side of Englewood to put a stop to the shooting here. It can be done with the residents speaking up.



"No matter how old he was, he's still human and he's still somebody's child,'' Holmes of the man who died.



In other shootings in the city since Monday afternoon, one man was killed and at least four others were wounded.



A 24-year-old man was fatally shot around 10:40 p.m. on the block where he lived in Englewood, authorities said. Ronald McBee was fighting with someone over a gun in the 7300 block of South Morgan Street, police said.



The other person got hold of the gun and opened fire, shooting McBee several times. He was taken to Stroger Hospital and pronounced dead at 11:32 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.



Earlier Monday, three suspects were taken into custody after two men were shot on the Near South Side, police said. The men, ages 21 and 27, were in the first block of West 21st Street about 1:10 p.m. when four people approached and fired shots.



The younger man suffered wounds to the neck and face and went to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition. The older man was shot in the buttocks and went to the same hospital. His condition was stabilized. They were being uncooperative with investigators, a police source said.



Police took three people into custody, one of them a female, and were searching for a fourth. A gun was recovered.



Nearby John B. Drake Elementary, 2710 S. Dearborn St., was briefly on lockdown, but all students and staff were safe, said Chicago Public Schools spokesman Michael Passman.



Other shootings:



 At 11:30 p.m., a 21-year-old man was seriously wounded in Englewood. He was driving in the 5600 block of South Loomis Street when someone exited a black sedan and fired shots, hitting him twice in the back. He went to Stroger Hospital in serious condition.



 At 6:55 p.m., a 38-year-old man was shot during an attempted robbery in South Austin. He was in the 700 block of North Lavergne Avenue when someone walked up, pulled out a handgun, demanded money, then fired shots, police said. The man was hit in the buttocks and went to Mount Sinai Hospital in serious condition.



 A 34-year-old man walked into MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn on Monday evening, hours after he was shot in Chicago, police said. He had a graze wound to the back and told investigators he was shot at 1:45 a.m. while driving in the 1600 block of North Cicero Avenue. He honked his horn at a vehicle that had stopped at the intersection, then someone in the vehicle fired shots, grazing him in the back, he said.
Richard Stephenson, founder of Cancer Treatment Centers of America, left, and his ex-wife, Alicia Stephenson, head into the McHenry County Courthouse on Oct. 17, 2016. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

The lawyer for Cancer Treatment Centers of America founder Richard Stephenson says his former wife "went along for the ride, and that ride ended," as he sought to limit how much he will have to pay her because of their divorce.

The attorney for Stephenson's former wife, Alicia, countered that she was an active participant in building his worth from millions to billions of dollars. She is seeking $400,000 a month in maintenance, plus a portion of other assets.

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Thus began the trial of one of the longest and costliest divorces in McHenry County's history. Opening arguments began Monday  nine years after Alicia Stephenson moved out of their Barrington-area estate and seven years after she filed for divorce  because the former couple failed to reach a settlement outside of court.

Before things soured, Alicia Stephenson "lived in a celebrity lifestyle with the man of her dreams," her lawyer said, arguing that she is entitled to maintain the lifestyle she enjoyed after the two married.

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The couple's first date was to the Super Bowl in his private jet, the lawyer, Elizabeth Felt Wakeman, said, and after they married, Alicia was never given any financial limits. But Wakeman also said her client ran companies, sat on boards and generally helped her husband acquire additional wealth. Yet she's been "treated quite unfairly for many years" since the breakup, Wakeman said, and contended that Richard Stephenson has withheld relevant documents and created a financial web to obscure the true value of his assets.

Richard Stephenson's attorney, David Grund, blamed the long, drawn-out proceedings on the other party's unwillingness to settle. He asked the judge to enforce a prenuptial agreement, signed by Alicia Stephenson, which provided her with $250,000 toward the purchase of a house, plus $5,000 a month in maintenance, if the marriage lasted more than seven years, as it did. Grund contended Alicia Stephenson, who had a high school diploma and associate's degree when the couple married, failed to live up to her part of the agreement because she didn't continue her education so she could be "self-supporting."

Grund said Alicia Stephenson never earned a college degree or got a job in the years since the couple separated. Grund also pointed to another agreement he said she signed last April agreement that 98 to 99 percent of Richard Stephenson's assets were nonmarital. He has been paying his ex-wife $65,800 in temporary maintenance, pending the resolution of the case.

The two sides continued to bicker throughout Monday's proceedings, regularly raising objections to the other's statements. Richard Stephenson, who rarely attended pretrial hearings, spent much of the court session looking down at his phone, though he nodded vigorously as his lawyer talked of Stephenson's commitment to his children. Stephenson never glanced toward his ex-wife.

The chilly scene was a far cry from the lavish, five-day wedding celebration the couple hosted at his 120-acre Tudor Oaks estate in Barrington Hills in 1991. He was a 51-year-old divorced father of four, an investment banker who had recently started the for-profit hospital network. She was a 26-year-old model and fashion coordinator.

The couple had one daughter together and traveled the world, flying by private jet among homes in Michigan, Colorado and the Virgin Islands, with staff at each.

But the relationship eventually soured  what precipitated the breakup did not come up in opening statements  and Alicia filed for divorce in 2009, two years after she moved out of the estate.

The prenuptial agreement spelled out that whatever property they individually brought into the union would remain separate upon their divorce. Though the Stephensons were formally divorced earlier this year, the trial is to resolve the couple's dispute over how to divide their property, specifically, 10 properties among Richard's vast financial empire, in which Alicia claims ownership.

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The trial was set to start months ago, but Judge James Cowlin agreed to give the couple and their lawyers more time to prepare or seek a settlement.

Chief among the business assets in question may be International Capital & Management Co., where Richard is chairman of the board.

The court case has involved at least two judges, a jury box full of attorneys and two contempt of court citations  one against Richard Stephenson for failing to turn over financial documents, and another against one of his former attorneys for flipping off one of Alicia's former attorneys in court.

Even as the trial starts, Alicia Richardson's attorney said the other camp has still failed to turn over relevant documents.

In a statement issued Sunday, lawyer Wakeman said it's "unfortunate" that the trial begins "without hundreds of requested documents and key information to this case that Mr. Stephenson should have produced based on the laws of this state.

"On every count," the statement continues, "this has been an egregious misuse of the legal system and Mr. Stephenson has tried the patience of all parties involved."

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The judge has also bristled at the many requests from Richard Stephenson's camp to seal documents related to his financial holdings, noting his wealth shouldn't give him special privileges.

At one point, Cancer Treatment Centers, which moved its headquarters from Schaumburg to Boca Raton, Fla., in 2014, sued Alicia Stephenson, claiming she stole proprietary information to gain leverage in the divorce. That case was dropped after the judge in that proceeding threatened sanctions against the plaintiffs.

Cancer Treatment Centers consists of five hospitals, including one in north suburban Zion, that cater primarily to privately insured patients. Richard is also chairman of Gateway for Cancer Center Research, a nonprofit that funds clinical trials into cancer treatment.

Since his separation from Alicia, Richard Stephenson's attorneys said he has celebrated a "union" with chiropractor Stacie Macari, who is now Stacie Stephenson, chairman of functional medicine for Cancer Treatment Centers. His lawyers have declined to confirm whether the couple is legally married.

Robert McCoppin is a staff reporter; Amanda Marrazzo is a freelance reporter.

rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @RobertMcCoppin
Authorities arrested a California man suspected of leaving a homemade explosive outside a police station in a small northern Colorado mountain town that failed to detonate.

FBI agents took David Michael Ansberry, 64, into custody in Chicago over the weekend, two law enforcement officials with knowledge of the investigation told The Associated Press. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the case.

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A detective in the town of Nederland found the device in a backpack on Oct. 11 and brought it into the police station, believing it was lost property. Robots searched the device, and it was eventually detonated in the parking lot of the town's main retail complex, a strip mall that houses the five-officer police department.

Investigators say it was an active explosive that failed to detonate.

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It was not immediately clear what charges Ansberry would face or whether anyone else was involved in the incident. The U.S. attorney's office confirmed the arrest, but spokesman Jeff Dorschner would not comment further.

The case rattled this mountain-ringed town of 1,500 people southwest of Boulder that is best known for its love of legal marijuana and its annual celebration of a frozen corpse that draws tens of thousands of revelers.
More than 150 people attended a vigil Sept. 20, 2016, for Demetrius Griffin Jr., a 15-year-old Steinmetz student whose body was found burned beyond recognition in the trash in a West Side alley over the weekend. (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune) (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

A 15-year-old boy found in a burning trash can on the West Side last month died from burns and his death has been ruled a homicide by the Cook County medical examiner's office.



Demetrius Griffin Jr., a freshman at Steinmetz High School, was found around 1:30 a.m. Sept. 17 in an alley in the 5500 block of West Cortez Street, hours after he missed his curfew, according to his family.

His body was found burned beyond recognition, and it took the medical examiner's office nearly a month to determine the cause and manner of death.



Police have reported no arrests.



During a vigil days after he was killed, Demetrius' mother, Polly Sykes, called on her neighbors in the South Austin community to come forward with any information about the slaying.



"They killed my baby out here, in this alley. You know something," she said. "Please come forward. They took my life."
A federal judge sided with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and ordered the Dakota Access pipeline to shut down until more environmental review is done.
Two men fired semi-automatic weapons toward a crowded park Saturday afternoon in front of an on-duty Chicago police sergeant, prosecutors said.

Milton Bills, 26, Frank Jackson, 24, and Aaron Harris, 22, were ordered held without bail during a bond court hearing Sunday.

Assistant States Attorney Elena Gottreich said a police sergeant saw Harris and Jackson exit a vehicle near the 3400 block of West Madison Street, armed with semi-automatic weapons. They shot several rounds in the direction of the park, which was crowded with families and children at the time, she said.

No injuries were reported.

Harris and Jackson got back in the car, which was driven by Bills, and led officers on a high-speed chase through West Garfield Park. The pursuit ended in a crash near the 900 block of North Laramie Avenue, according to court records.
Chicago police investigate at the site of a police-involved shooting near a Citgo gas station at Augusta Boulevard and Cicero Avenue on Oct. 16, 2016. (Brian Jackson / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago police officers shot a man after responding to a call of a robbery in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood Sunday night, authorities said.

Just before 9 p.m., police responded to reports of an armed robbery at a Citgo gas station on the corner of Cicero and Augusta avenues, according to Anthony Guglielmi, chief spokesman for the Chicago Police Department.

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Officers who were working a block away arrived at the Citgo and saw someone trying to rob the gas station, he said.

"As officers approached, an encounter ensues between the offender and the officers," Guglielmi said.

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The officers opened fire and shot the person in the leg, Guglielmi said. No officers were injured.

The suspect was taken to Stroger Hospital in serious to critical condition, said Chicago Fire Department Cmdr. Walter Schroeder.

Guglielmi said the man was "serious but stable."

A gun was recovered from the scene, Guglielmi said.

The officers involved were not wearing body cameras, according to Guglielmi. They will be placed on administrative duties for 30 days per department policy.

The Independent Police Review Authority was investigating, as is routine.
A shooting in East Garfield Park on Oct. 14, 2016, left one man dead and six others wounded. A thousand more people have been shot in Chicago this year compared with the same time last year, according to police and data compiled by the Tribune. (Armando Sanchez / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

A thousand more people have been shot in Chicago this year compared with the same time last year after a weekend that saw eight people killed and at least 40 wounded, according to police and data compiled by the Tribune.



At least 3,475 people had been shot in the city as of shortly after midnight Monday compared with 2,441 people shot this time last year, an increase of 1,034, according to Tribune data. There have been at least 595 homicides this year compared with 409 this time last year, an increase of 186.



The gun violence over the weekend was at levels usually seen in the summer when shootings typically spike.



A single attack Friday night in East Garfield Park killed one man and left six others wounded, according to police. The people were standing together in the 3300 block of West Maypole Street when someone opened fire from a black vehicle, police said.



An attack of that scale has not occurred in Chicago since 2014, when seven people -- including several young teens -- were shot in Lawndale.



The Maypole shooting capped off an exceptionally deadly night on the West Side. Less than a half-hour before, two men were fatally shot in a South Austin drive-by, police said. About an hour before that, an 18-year-old man was killed in West Garfield Park



But shootings occurred in nearly every corner of Chicago over the weekend, from a fatal attack in West Rogers Park to a shooting in Morgan Park near the southern border.



A man was shot Sunday afternoon near the 95th Street Red Line CTA station, where he ran after being hit in the shoulder.
Brad Schneider with supporters at his election party at the Hilton Hotel in Northbrook on Nov. 4, 2014. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield.

Topspin

A new ad on behalf of former U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider highlights his commitment to working with Democrats and features photos of President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.



"Brad Schneider and the Democrats are working to get big money out of politics, so we can keep America's promise to our seniors, to protect our kids from gun violence, preserve a woman's right to choose, and most importantly, reject the politics of hate and fear," a narrator in the ad says.



But amid the flashing photos, there's no picture of Schneider and the Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton.



A campaign adviser said the ad was paid for by Schneider and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and that due to legal restrictions involving campaign funds, no one else running for office this year could appear in the ad.



Schneider, of Deerfield, is seeking to regain the North Shore 10th District seat he once held from Republican U.S. Rep. Bob Dold of Kenilworth. (Rick Pearson)

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What's on tap

*Mayor Rahm Emanuel will make an announcement about the CTA's Belmont Blue Line station and bus terminal.

*Gov. Bruce Rauner and U.S. Rep. Roskam will be at the College of DuPage talking about economic development efforts. Rauner also will sign an executive order to "cut red tape."

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*Chicago City Council budget hearings kick off at 10 a.m. at City Hall. First up: the budget director, chief financial officer and comptroller.

*The Cook County Board kicks off budget hearings at 9 a.m. Among those up: the chief financial officer and auditor.

*Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Duckworth will campaign in East St. Louis.



What we're writing

*Illinois unions, road builders pushing transportation lockbox amendment.

*Aldermen question fine print of Emanuel budget, but lift isn't as heavy this time.

*Rauner to shutter "terrible," outdated part of Stateville.

*Former President Clinton raises money in Chinatown.

*Metra proposing 5.8 percent fare hike.



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What we're reading

*Two Chicago cops still on desk duty decade after scandal.

*The white flight of a former heir to the racial nationalist movement

*The "Saturday Night Live" sketch that drew Trump's wrath.



From the notebook :

*Let police protesters eat cake?: Mayor Emanuel's City Council floor leader thinks the still-theoretical civilian police oversight board that's key to the mayor's bid to show he's overhauling the way claims of police misconduct are investigated is "going to be the toughest part of this" package of reforms.



Speaking with reporter Bill Cameron on WLS-890 AM's "Connected to Chicago," North Side Ald. Patrick O'Connor, 40th, said Emanuel already has taken significant steps to change Police Department oversight by creating the new Civilian Office of Police Accountability and an inspector general for the department.



"Now that you've done that, where does the community fit in, in these instances?" O'Connor asked. "It's not like you can have a citizen's committee that's going to be like, you know, it's not like the French Revolution. I mean, it's not, they're not going to be able to have the ultimate say in what happens to a policeman in a particular situation. But you want to find a way that they can affect policy, and affect general orders, and affect the way the Police Department interacts with the community."



When the first part of Emanuel's package of reforms passed the City Council this month, the handful of no votes came mainly from aldermen representing neighborhoods with lots of police officers. The aldermen said police in their wards were worried the civilian oversight body  which won't be created until next year  will lack officers' voices and not take their perspectives into account.



O'Connor also weighed in on the likelihood Emanuel will seek a third term in 2019, saying, "I think he gets high marks at continuing to chip away at Chicago's financial problems" and avoiding a teachers union strike. "I think that his focus is not re-election," O'Connor said.

"Clearly, I think his focus is to have a series of accomplishments that, if he decides in a personal way that he wants to run for re-election, I think he wants to have it available to him. But whether he was running or not, he's not the type of guy that's going to basically quit working and quit trying to do what he considers to be the right thing for the city."

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O'Connor's appearance is scheduled to air at 7 p.m. Oct. 23. (John Byrne)

*'The Sunday Spin': On this week's show, Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson's guests were Tribune City Hall reporter Hal Dardick on the county soda tax, Trump supporter and Trump-pledged Republican National Convention delegate Mark Fratella on where the party goes from here, and former Illinois GOP Chairman Pat Brady talking about the Trump factor for Republican candidates. "The Sunday Spin" airs from 7 to 9 a.m. on WGN 720-AM. Listen to the full show here.



Follow the money

*Liberty Principles PAC reported spending more than $600,000 on TV ads in targeted legislative races, most of them in the Illinois House. The PAC is run by Dan Proft, a conservative radio talk show host, and is heavily funded Gov. Rauner, billionaire Ken Griffin and businessman Richard Uihlein.

*Democratic comptroller challenger Susana Mendoza reported more than $400,000 in contributions, nearly all of it in the form of six-figure donations from labor unions. Campaign contribution limits in the contest were lifted with a big contribution from the husband of Republican Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger, a Rauner appointee.

*Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here.

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Beyond Chicago

*Hillary Clinton's past leaves her muted in furor over Trump.

*Pence breaks with Trump, softens "rigged election" rhetoric.

*Somali strategy reveals a new face of U.S. warfare.

*Rise of Saudi Prince rattles the kingdom.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel's top budget aides on Monday tried to assure aldermen that the city will both fill vacancies at the Chicago Police Department and add 545 new cops to the force in the coming year, something that will require substantially stepped-up recruiting, training and spending.

The mayor has pledged to add nearly 1,000 officers to the ranks over the next two years, with the aim of halting and reversing this year's spike in shootings and murders. At least 3,475 people have been shot in Chicago this year, an increase of more than 1,000 at this point last year, and there have been 595 homicides, an increase of 186, according to Chicago Tribune data.

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"Over the course of the next two years, not only will the Police Department hire an additional 970 sworn officers, they will fill current vacancies and any new vacancies resulting from attrition," Budget Director Alexandra Holt told aldermen during the first day of hearings on Emanuel's proposed $8.2 billion spending plan for 2017. "This will require much hard work, and we are committed to ensuring the Police Department has the resources they need to achieve this goal."

By the start of next year, the city expects to put 363 new recruits on the street, which would fill 70 percent of the current vacancies, Holt said. Two more classes of recruits will be enrolled before Jan. 1, and in the coming year up to 1,100 new officers will be trained, she added.

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Achieving what Holt called "an ambitious hiring goal" would require a near doubling of the current pace of training new recruits. About 600 recruits will have entered the academy this year. As part of the effort, the city will offer a new police exam in April to qualify to get on the list of potential new hires, with the city focused in part on expanding diversity within the ranks, Holt said.

Hiring plans for next year include adding 250 new beat officers, 92 field training officers, 100 detectives, 37 sergeants and 50 lieutenants. The city also plans to hire about 44 civilians with the aim of having sergeants now doing administrative work added to the ranks of patrol supervisors.

The city plans to spend $40 million next year on additional salaries and benefits for the new officers, plus $8 million for the hiring process, which includes background screening and drug testing. Another $2 million will be spent on new equipment and supplies and $3.2 million on recruiting and training. That's on top of the $25 million borrowed to buy more police cars.

Beyond that, $5 million will be spent to double the size of the officer body camera program to 14 police districts and $1.2 million for technology that locates spots where guns were fired, Holt said.

The $59 million in additional Police Department spending, plus $9 million on new youth mentoring, jobs and after-school programs, won't come from any single source of revenue, Holt said.

Next year, the Emanuel administration expects to bring in tens of millions of additional dollars from various existing taxes, about $40 million from declaring a surplus in special taxing funds and about $25 million in new revenue. The new money would come from a 7-cent fee on each traditional plastic or paper bag provided by retail outlets, charging for parking in some pickup zones and increasing parking meter fees around Wrigley Field during events.

Holt was one of three top budget and financial officials to testify Monday. Chief Financial Officer Carole Brown tried to make the case that Emanuel is turning around the downward city financial trajectory he inherited while conceding it "will not happen overnight."

Comptroller Erin Keane outlined several ways the city plans to step up collection of debt owed on fines, fees and taxes, including an already instituted debt payment plan that is being offered before fines are piled on. The city also plans to step up weekend enforcement of parking restrictions to raise $3 million.

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hdardick@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @ReporterHal
Members of the Syrian Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, search for victims amid the rubble of a destroyed building following reported air strikes in the rebel-held Qatarji neighbourhood of the northern city of Aleppo, on October 17, 2016. (Karam Al-Masri/ AFP/Getty Images)

LUXEMBOURG  The European Union urged Russia to bring about a swift end to the bombing of Aleppo in Syria but refrained from imposing any sanctions on Moscow even though it said the attacks on the city could amount to war crimes.

At a regular meeting of foreign ministers from the EU's 28 member states on Monday, several ministers said sanctions against Russia would have no impact and could even be counterproductive in the search for an overall settlement to the conflict in Syria.

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"At present, I don't see how sanctions with a possible long-term effect are supposed to contribute to improving supplies to the civilian population," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

"So I am not the only one who, in this case, is rather skeptical about sanctions."

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Russia has been heavily involved along with the Syrian regime in the onslaught of Aleppo over the past few weeks since a cease-fire broke down.

In a statement following their meeting, ministers said the Syrian "regime and its allies, notably Russia," had used "clearly disproportionate" violence in Aleppo. It said the offensive targeting hospitals, schools, were part of attacks that "may amount to war crimes."

While EU ministers were discussing Syria, the head of Russia's military general staff said Russian and Syrian forces are preparing a "humanitarian pause" for the besieged city on Thursday.

Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying Monday that Russian and Syrian forces will halt their fighting from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 in order to allow civilians and rebels safe passage out of the city as well as for the evacuation of the sick and wounded.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini described the apparent Russian move as "a positive step" but noted that UN agencies have indicated that at least 12 hours would be needed for such an operation to be successful.

"I believe that there will be a little bit of work to be done to find the common ground," she said.

The EU is looking for a lot more than just a temporary pause and in a common statement ministers called on Russia to demonstrate "all efforts, in order to halt indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian regime, restore a cessation of hostilities, ensure immediate and expanded humanitarian access and create the conditions for a credible and inclusive political transition."

Even though Russia was not threatened with measures, the ministers are targeting more Syrians. They said the EU will act "swiftly, according to established procedures, with the aim of imposing further restrictive measures against Syria targeting Syrian individuals and entities supporting the regime as long as the repression continues."

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The EU sanctions are likely to include travel bans and a freeze of assets belonging to political figures and top military officials accused of crimes.

EU sanctions on Syria were extended at the end of May until June 2017. More than 200 people and 70 entities including companies and associations have been targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze over the violent repression of civilians.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Russia can count on the West to help in counter-terrorism efforts but insisted at the same time that "everything possible must be done to stop the bombing and allow humanitarian aid ... to get to the population."

Likening the attacks on Aleppo to Russia's destruction of the Chechen capital Grozny in 1999 and 2000, Ayrault said Russia is locked in "the logic of destruction, alongside the Assad regime."

Talks involving Russia, the U.S. and other Western powers over the weekend failed to secure any breakthrough likely to lead to a fresh cease-fire or open up access for humanitarian aid.

But like the major powers directly involved in Syria talks, EU countries are divided over the best way ahead.

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And possible sanctions against Russia showed that division.

Austria's Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz said that "sanctions against Russia don't ease the suffering of the civilians in Aleppo. Rather the contrary. This can lead to a further escalation."

Associated Press
Barry Sutton was working as a civilian contractor when he was killed by a car bomb in Afghanistan last year, but he received a soldier's homecoming.

Police escorted his casket from the airport to a funeral home in Rome, Ga. People stood on either side of the procession route, waving flags. An honor guard presented colors at his funeral - paying tribute to the former police officer and sheriff's deputy.

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Amid the fanfare, Brandy Holder, a family friend, told people that she wanted to organize something special.

Sutton loved hunting with his three daughters, Summer, Erin and Katlin. Holder said she would organize one last hunting trip for the girls in their father's memory.

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"She just wiggled her way in," Freddie Sutton, Barry's older brother, told The Washington Post. "I don't know how she got put in charge of the idea. I think she sold the kids on it first."

Holder also sold the community on it.

On a GoFundMe page seeking donations, she called the trip "one more time in the blind for Barry."

"The dates are already reserved," the GoFundMe page said. It included pictures of Sutton's hearse and a photo of his daughters, holding rifles and smiling. The page also quoted scripture and included a picture of Sutton wearing fatigues, framed by American flag-patterned angel wings.

"I am currently searching for a place to have the deer hunt . . . . Part of this money I'm hoping will also go to purchase a special bracelet for each daughter, it will be unique and one of a kind."

According to his obituary, Barry Dean Sutton had served in the Marines Corps and worked in law enforcement, first with Georgia's Floyd County Police Department, then with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office. He was also a school resource officer at Armuchee High School, his alma mater. He was working for DynCorp when he was killed in Kabul at the age of 46, the obituary said.

The donations poured in - nearly $4,800 in all.

It seemed as if everyone in the small town of Armuchee donated, Freddie Sutton said.

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The girls "loved duck hunting, deer hunting, any kind of hunting," Sutton said. "That's what they did. It made sense. Even the family gave - the cousins and aunts, plus other people in the community."

Recently, they learned, it was all a lie.

Holder pleaded guilty on Wednesday to felony theft by conversion. She will spend two years in prison and eight on probation.

It's still unclear what she did with the $4,778.32 from the GoFundMe account. The account has been suspended, but a cached version still exists.

Barry Sutton's family members, who repeatedly asked where the money was before Holder stopped returning their calls, saw only $400.

It's the latest example of someone using a crowdfunding website to fraudulently pull at heart strings - and purse strings.

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According to the watchdog site GoFraudMe, which featured Holder's case, GoFundMe raised more than $2 billion as of February. A new campaign is started every 18 seconds. It raises $4 million each day.

Not all of it goes to good people falling on hard times or people in need of an act of kindness during a period of grief.

Earlier this year, Brandy Weaver-Gates was arrested after bilking people for $30,000 by pretending that she had cancer, even shaving her head to complete the ruse.

In September, GoFundMe shut down the campaign of Alexa Coria amid suspicions that her 11-month-old daughter's accidental death wasn't really accidental. Coria's boyfriend is charged with murder, and she is accused of lying to help cover it up.

In July, GoFundMe told The Post's Travis M. Andrews that it strives to protect donors.

"Less than one-tenth of one percent of all GoFundMe campaigns are fraudulent," the company said. "With that said, there are unfortunate instances where people create campaigns with the intention to take advantage of others' generosity.

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"We take fraud very seriously and have multiple layers of protection in place to protect donors and campaign organizers. In fact, to protect donors, if a campaign is flagged as fraudulent, the funds cannot be withdrawn until the issue is resolved."

That didn't happen in the campaign for Sutton's children. But Freddie Sutton said he didn't blame the company. Everybody got played, he said.

"They were my brother's friends," he said. "But I think it was planned all along."

Washington Post
The president of America's largest police organization issued a formal apology Monday to the nation's minority population "for the actions of the past and the role that our profession has played in society's historical mistreatment of communities of color."

Terrence M. Cunningham, the chief of police in Wellesley, Mass., delivered his remarks at the convention in San Diego of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, whose membership includes 23,000 police officials in the United States. The statement was issued on behalf of the IACP and comes as police executives continue to grapple with tense relationships between officers and minority groups in the wake of high-profile civilian deaths in New York, South Carolina, Minnesota and elsewhere, the sometimes violent citizen protests that have ensued, and the ambush killings of officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge.

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Top police chiefs have long recognized the need to maintain good relations with their communities, of all races, and not allow an us-vs.-them mentality to take root, either among rank-and-file officers or in the neighborhoods they police. Cunningham's comments are an acknowledgement of police departments' past role in exacerbating tensions and a way to move forward and improve community relations nationwide.

"Events over the past several years," Cunningham said, "have caused many to question the actions of our officers and has tragically undermined the trust that the public must and should have in their police departments. . . . The history of the law enforcement profession is replete with examples of bravery, self-sacrifice and service to the community. At its core, policing is a noble profession."

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But Cunningham added, "At the same time, it is also clear that the history of policing has also had darker periods." He cited laws enacted by state and federal governments that "have required police officers to perform many unpalatable tasks. . . . While this is no longer the case, this dark side of our shared history has created a multigenerational - almost inherited - mistrust between many communities of color and their law enforcement agencies."

Cunningham continued, "While we obviously cannot change the past, it is clear that we must change the future. . . . For our part, the first step is for law enforcement and the IACP to acknowledge and apologize for the actions of the past and the role that our profession has played in society's historical mistreatment of communities of color."

Terrence M. Cunningham, president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and chief of the Wellesley, Mass., police. On Monday he offered an apology for historic mistreatment of minorities by police. (Photo courtesy of IACP)

He concluded, "It is my hope that, by working together, we can break this historic cycle of mistrust and build a better and safer future for us all."

Jeffery Robinson, deputy legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, applauded Cunningham's statement.

"It seems to me that this is a very significant admission," Robinson said, "and a very significant acknowledgement of what much of America has known for some time about the historical relationship between police and communities of color. The fact someone high in the law enforcement community has said this is significant, and I applaud it because it is long overdue. And I think it's a necessary first step to them trying to change these relationships."

After his comments, Cunningham told The Washington Post in an e-mail that "we have 16,000 police chiefs and law enforcement officials gathered here in San Diego and it is an important message to spread. Communities and law enforcement need to begin a healing process and this is a bridge to begin that dialogue. If we are brave enough to collectively deliver this message, we will build a better and safer future for our communities and our law enforcement officers. Too many lives have been lost already, and this must end. It is my hope that many other law enforcement executives will deliver this same message to their local communities, particularly those segments of their communities that lack trust and feel disenfranchised."

The IACP members present for Cunningham's speech gave him a standing ovation, IACP spokeswoman Sarah Guy said. Cunningham made the remarks on behalf of the membership, Guy said.

Cunningham's comments came a day after FBI Director James B. Comey said that Americans "actually have no idea whether the number of black people or brown people or white people being shot by police" has gone up or down, or whether any group is more likely to be shot by police, given the incomplete data available. Also speaking to the IACP convention, Comey praised police officers for serving during "a uniquely difficult time" and said the narrative that police are overusing force, based on isolated incidents, may be exaggerated. The Justice Department has never collected comprehensive data on police shootings or use of force, although last week it announced a plan to do so.

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However, in 2015 Comey gave a speech at Georgetown University on law enforcement and race. His points were similar to Cunningham's. "First," Comey said, "all of us in law enforcement must be honest enough to acknowledge that much of our history is not pretty. At many points in American history, law enforcement enforced the status quo, a status quo that was often brutally unfair to disfavored groups."

Comey also noted: "We - especially those of us who enjoy the privilege that comes with being the majority - must confront the biases that are inescapable parts of the human condition. We must speak the truth about our shortcomings as law enforcement, and fight to be better. But as a country, we must also speak the truth to ourselves. Law enforcement is not the root cause of problems in our hardest hit neighborhoods. Police officers - people of enormous courage and integrity, in the main - are in those neighborhoods, risking their lives, to protect folks from offenders who are the product of problems that will not be solved by body cameras. We simply must speak to each other honestly about all these hard truths."
Melania Trump on Monday dismissed her husband's sexually aggressive language as "boy talk," insisting his remarks do not reflect "the man I know," and said she does not believe that he has assaulted any women.

Trump's wife, in a series of media interviews, said she has accepted her husband's apology and the couple is "moving on." The comments come more than a week after the release of a 2005 video in which Trump brags about kissing women and grabbing their genitals without their permission.

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"I said to my husband that, you know, the language is inappropriate. It's not acceptable. And I was surprised, because that is not the man that I know," she told CNN.

She suggested that Trump may not have known his microphone was on, calling it "kind of a boy talk" that "Access Hollywood" host Billy Bush was encouraging. And she suggested that the women who have claimed in recent days that Trump made unwanted advances were attention-seekers who were making "damaging and unfair" accusations.

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"I believe my husband," she said in the interview that aired Monday night. "My husband didn't do anything."

Mrs. Trump also said it is fair game for her husband to appear with women who have accused former President Bill Clinton of sexual assault, claiming the Democrats fired the first volley into the increasingly ugly war about the couples' private lives.

"They're asking for it. They started. They started from the beginning of the campaign putting my picture from modeling days," she said in excerpts released by Fox News ahead of the interview's broadcast. "That was my modeling days and I'm proud what I did. I worked very hard."

Melania Trump's image was used in a negative ad campaign during the Republican primary, but there is no evidence that the Clintons were involved. At the time, Donald Trump accused former rival Ted Cruz of being involved and responded by tweeting an unflattering image of the Texas senator's wife. Cruz also denied involvement.

The interviews are Melania Trump's first moments in the public eye since the accusations over the last 10 days that have sent her husband's White House bid reeling.

First, a 2005 video leaked of Trump using vulgar language to describe women and apparently boasting of sexual assault. And in recent days, several women have come forward to say that Trump had groped or sexually assaulted them.

The Republican nominee has denied the claims, calling the women liars and belittling their appearances.

In the interviews, Melania Trump deemed the celebrity businessman's comments on the leaked tape "offensive to me and they were inappropriate."

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"And he apologized to me," she said in an interview with CNN airing at the same time the crowd at her husband's rally in Wisconsin was chanting "CNN sucks." "And I expect  I accept his apology. And we are moving on."

She said something similar in a statement released by the campaign after the video's release. She has also demanded retractions from a People Magazine writer who profiled the couple in 2005 and last week accused Donald Trump of an assault at the couple's Florida home, Mar-a-Lago, while Melania was out of the room. And she repeated her husband's assertion, which he makes without supporting evidence, that the media and Clinton campaign are working in tandem to sink the Republican nominee's campaign.

Melania Trump has never filled the role of the traditional political spouse, only making rare appearances on the campaign trail. Her speech at July's national convention was initially praised until it was discovered that passages of it were lifted from Michelle Obama's 2008 convention address.

Trump, who attended each of the first two presidential debates, was also lampooned on this week's Saturday Night Live. The long-running sketch show ran a video in which actresses playing Melania Trump, her two step-daughters and two of the candidate's most visible female allies did a version of Beyonce's feminist manifesto "Lemonade" in an act of rebellion against the candidate.

The video ends with the Cecily Strong, the comedian playing Melania Trump, suggesting she wrote the song herself.

Associated Press
Christian evangelicals attend Sunday service at First Baptist North church in Spartanburg, S.C., on Sept. 18, 2016. Evangelicals form a powerful voting bloc that the billionaire Republican must win by significant margins in key swing states if he is to defeat Hillary Clinton at the ballot box. (Nicholas Kamm, Getty-AFP)

Bible teacher Beth Moore is someone who "keeps politics out of it," so the saying goes. When she speaks at events or on social media, the founder of Living Proof Ministries typically shares encouraging spiritual quips and jokes about her big Texan hair.

But recently, in just 94 words, the 59-year-old Houstonian lighted a fire that arguably burned Donald Trump's strained attempts to woo many evangelicals  especially women  to the ground. In four tweets, without even mentioning the Republican presidential nominee, she pinpointed what many evangelical women have surmised throughout the election season: Having a president who is not ashamed of his misogyny and instead boasts of it would harm and dishonor women in this country  and the larger Christian church.

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As the news broke that Trump had bragged in 2005 about sexually assaulting a woman, many Christian women stepped up to essentially say, "No more."

Kay Warren, wife of Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren and mental-health advocate, tweeted, "As a victim of sexual assault, I tell you firsthand of devastation wreaked on women & girls by predatory men & boys who think women 'like it.'"

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Popular author Jen Hatmaker took to Instagram to call Trump's comments a "travesty" and "national disgrace," and she reminded followers that they had many options on Election Day. Julie Roys, a host with the conservative Moody Radio network, wrote, "I honestly don't know what makes me more sick. Listening to Trump brag about groping women or listening to my fellow evangelicals defend him."

We were angry after Trump minimized his words as "locker room talk." But we were just as angry watching Christian leaders describe the statements as merely "inappropriate" and "low on (evangelicals') hierarchy of their concerns."

It's actually hard to know which stung worse: Trump's words or our leaders' defense of him. "Try to absorb how acceptable the . . . objectifying of women has been when some Christian leaders don't think it's that big of a deal," Moore tweeted.

Silence on the seriousness of sexual assault is akin to what assault survivors feel when they are not believed or are otherwise told that the violence they endured is ultimately minor. There's a word for it: re-traumatization. It's what happens when the men who are called to honor, defend and stand by you trade that duty for political expediency.

Pastors, college presidents and policy advisers who continue to defend Trump after his comments not only risk harming the church's witness, they also risk alienating the largest segment of every evangelical church in America. According to a 2016 Pew study, Christian women are more religious than men by all measures.

Women outnumber men in nearly every evangelical church in the country; they are often the ones serving on the church board, conducting the choir and planning vacation Bible school. True, at almost every evangelical church, a man is behind the pulpit. But take away the women, and he's preaching to near-empty pews.

As evangelical author Tyler Wigg-Stevenson recently quipped, "If I were running for president, and I needed the evangelical vote to win as (Donald Trump) does, I'd better not get (Beth) Moore mad at me." Based on Twitter followers, he said, "she's talking to 60 times more regular churchgoers than Ralph Reed."

To be sure, some evangelical leaders  notably the editors at Christianity Today and World magazines, as well as megachurch pastor James MacDonald and evangelical theologian Wayne Grudem  have decried Trump's comments.

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But especially in light of more women coming forward with accusations of Trump groping them, evangelical leaders need many more of our male leaders to publicly denounce Trump and the normalization of misogyny that he represents.

The lack of public acknowledgment signals to women a self-preserving fear of losing followers and constituents, and, at worst, a disregard for the seriousness of sexual assault.

The good news is that Christians have a unique story that upholds the dignity of women amid our rape culture. We believe God has entrusted his own image uniquely to women, so that we might live with worth, dignity and creative rule alongside men.

In light of the gospel, women are restored to God's original intent for us to flourish as co-stewards over creation. And, in light of the gospel, men can see women not as objects, conquests, threats or mere temptations, but as essential partners in the work of taking this gospel to the ends of the Earth. Misogyny is replaced with shared mission. If only more men would join us.

Washington Post

Katelyn Beaty is author of "A Woman's Place: A Christian Vision for Your Calling in the Office, the Home, and the World" (Howard) and an editor at large at Christianity Today magazine.
If the Dutch Cabinet gets what it wants, citizens who feel they have a "completed life" soon will be able to request public support for help in ending their lives. It is a frightening precedent that other nations ought not follow, and a policy the Dutch ought to reject.

In a letter to Parliament, the ministers of health and justice propose a new law as a "solution" to the growing number of people who feel "tired of life" but currently do not have access to euthanasia  a practice that is already widely accessible in the Netherlands.

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A special "counselor in dying" (stervensbegeleider) will be charged with checking whether the request flows from a genuine, persistent desire to die and a sense of "completed life." How to judge this objectively is not clear. But the ministers are confident that the law will make requests "verifiable and transparent." Even though they go out of their way to differentiate the proposal from the current euthanasia law, the new proposal clearly sits on a continuum that the Dutch have been sliding down  incredibly  toward full state support for euthanasia on demand.

As recently as February 2016, a Dutch parliamentary committee recommended against such a move. The committee's chair even referred to the "counselor in dying" concept as a "creepy idea." The committee pointed out that most Dutch elderly people who want euthanasia can already ask for their life to be ended, since they often suffer from an untreatable medical condition. It also warned the practice would be hard to control.

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Some ministers in the Cabinet somehow believe that this new practice of aid-in-dying outside the medical context can easily be controlled. But reports from the Netherlands and Belgium, countries with the world's most liberal right-to-die regimes, reveal the challenge of containing euthanasia even within the medical sphere.

In both countries euthanasia has significantly expanded, in terms of numbers and in terms of who can have access. In the Netherlands, more than 5,000 people are now euthanized per year. In Belgium, it has risen to 2,021 in 2015 from 347 in 2004.

Euthanasia in both countries is increasingly provided outside the paradigm of unbearable physical, disease-related suffering at the end of life. Particularly significant, even if still limited, is the increase in those who are euthanized because of psychiatric disorders: not just severe depression, but also schizophrenia, anxiety, autism, anorexia, PTSD and even profound grief.

Euthanasia has been offered to couples who want to die together, people who are disabled and increasingly to people who are just tired of life. The startlingly subjective access criteria, coupled with the option to shop for a lenient physician, appear to make it exceedingly easy to fulfill the existing legal criteria. For the same reason, regulatory findings of noncompliance and prosecution are almost nonexistent since the overall criteria are so easy to satisfy.

The "completed life" proposal is a further expansion of the current euthanasia practice while proliferating a whole new culture of dying. Should the Netherlands take the next step, the active ending of a life "on request" of those who feel life is no longer worth living will become a daily reality.

Aid in suicide, facilitated by the state, is the logical consequence of a fetishizing of choice. How can one not see the danger of this shift? What the Dutch Cabinet proposes may affect people who are lonely and isolated or fear becoming a burden to society. It glosses over the dangerous financial and emotional pressures that might increase once the elderly, particularly those who are disadvantaged, are offered a quick and smooth exit. The Dutch Socialist and Christian Democratic parties have already expressed their worry about legalizing assisted suicide against the backdrop of cost savings in health care.

More generally, a whole culture of care might gradually erode: The commitment to protect life, especially of those who are disabled and dependent, might increasingly be weighed against the supposed costs and burden of loss of autonomy and decreasing quality of life. The notion of a "completed life" erroneously suggests that life's value is something measurable, not only for those whose life is at stake, but also for their families and communities, and for the policymakers who would have to organize this new aid-in-dying practice.

The developments in the Netherlands should make countries struggling to regulate physician-assisted dying, such as the U.S. and Canada, pause about which road to travel and how fast. They should realize that all-too-easy access to state-supported life-ending measures resulting from regulations without significant constraints risks trivializing the practice  and subtly gnaws at a society's commitment to protect the most vulnerable members of society. Broad access to state-sanctioned suicide risks endangering the weak, the fragile, the different and the poor. This is not where any society ought to go.

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Willem Lemmens is chair of the department of philosophy at the University of Antwerp; Trudo Lemmens is the Dr. William M. Scholl Chair in Health Law and Policy, faculty of law and of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Arthur Caplan is a professor of bioethics at New York University Langone Medical Center.
Attorney Rhonda Crawford talks about what she did and did not do while filling in as a judge. She speaks at her attormey's office in Chicago on Sept. 22, 2016. (Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

Rhonda Crawford is not a judge; she's just played one  not on TV, but in an actual courtroom, in the presence and with the cooperation of a real judge. Crawford's conduct cost her one job, but she stands to get a better one. That's unless the electorate or the Illinois Supreme Court blocks her.

The judicial impersonator is no longer employed by Cook County's chief judge, Timothy Evans, as a staff attorney and law clerk. But Crawford had won a primary election for a seat on the 1st Judicial Subcircuit, which covers parts of the South Side of Chicago along with some suburbs. She has no opponent on the November ballot. So, having been fired from a job that paid $57,000, she is in line for one with a salary of $188,000.

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In August, Crawford was "job shadowing" Cook County Circuit Judge Valarie Turner in Turner's Markham courtroom when Turner had the bright idea to let Crawford preside over three traffic cases. When it emerged that a fake judge was on the bench, the cases had to be dismissed. Turner was put on administrative tasks for her role in this travesty.

Now the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, which says Crawford committed a crime, has asked the Illinois Supreme Court to disqualify her from the office she seeks, on the grounds that she violated rules against dishonest conduct. The state's attorney's office, by the way, has undertaken a criminal investigation.

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The commission complaint fleshes out the case against Crawford. It says Turner introduced her to a Dolton village attorney as a judge, and Crawford went along with the fiction, leaving him to assume she had the authority to preside over his case. When the lawyer, Luciano Panici Jr., learned of the ruse, he reported it to the state commission.

Crawford could have done everyone a favor by withdrawing from the judicial race, but she has refused. Her only opposition comes in the form of a write-in campaign by Judge Maryam Ahmad, who lost her primary race. The Tribune has endorsed Ahmad  and urged voters to learn how to spell her name.

It was startling to learn that people in positions of responsibility were so cavalier about the legal process. Crawford has shown she shouldn't be entrusted with the duties of a judge. The Illinois Supreme Court should make sure she never is.

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.
The Port of Los Angeles, with some cargo loading cranes in the upright and idle position, is seen in this view from the San Pedro area of Los Angeles. (Nick Ut / AP)

They say you can't put the genie back in the bottle, but if you could, here's how we imagine it: A Chicago company (why not?) invents the process and then outsources physical genie-stuffing to a factory in Mexico. The empty bottles are shipped in from Taiwan.

No, we're not really thinking about genies  we're contemplating the global economy. Once a country becomes part of the international order of things, it's not easy or cheap to retreat to the previous way of life. Free trade and free genies are similar: Each will go its own way and pursue its best path.

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The example of the moment is the United Kingdom, where British voters in June voted to leave the European Union. The decision, called Brexit, is an exercise in genie-stuffing: The process of reversing decades of economic integration is expensive and counterproductive. Warning signs are everywhere: European leaders say they'll take a tough negotiating stance on the divorce, which has caused the British pound to plummet. Financial services firms may leave London for the continent. A leaked British government report warns that Brexit could cause a sharp decline in GDP over 15 years.

Being part of the EU is good for Britain, but as with all trade relations there are positive and negative aspects  trade-offs, as it were, for being part of a large, single marketplace. British voters didn't like the fact that citizens from the continent could live and work in the U.K., potentially taking jobs from locals. They also resented the role EU bureaucrats in Brussels played in their everyday lives. The Brexit referendum passed because voters believed the argument that Britain could disentangle from Europe but keep the trade benefits of EU membership.

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The problem is there are 27 member countries in the EU besides Britain, and they will not make it easy for the U.K. to leave in order to dissuade other members from breaking away. European leaders appear determined to require that the U.K. keep its borders open for all EU citizens in exchange for unrestricted access to the continent's market. France's president, Francois Hollande, set off the pound's recent plummet by saying Britain won't be allowed to retreat to its bottle without pain. Once on its way out of the EU, Britain will be a diminished player.

The United States faces the same existential debate about global trade and integration. Donald Trump is campaigning on the promise of abrogating or renegotiating trade deals that he says are killing American factory jobs. Hillary Clinton, who once promoted the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, a new trade deal between the U.S. and 11 other countries, is now against it.

Yet international trade and investment already are the reality. In the global economy, companies and countries specialize in making the most valuable products they can and buying the rest. Illinois companies manufacture sophisticated goods and Illinois farms grow crops sold all over the world. Our genie company would be most efficient and profitable with its headquarters and R&D in Chicago and the assembly line in Mexico.

There is no need to reverse these economic trends, and they shouldn't be reversed. TPP will be good for Illinois because the best way to improve the American standard of living is to support the competitiveness of American businesses. Conversely, American consumers enjoy the benefits of less expensive goods from overseas. Part of the equation is using trade deals to secure and protect new markets for American products. That's what TPP will do.

The folly of putting this genie back in the bottle is exemplified by Trump's campaign promise to get Apple to bring production of the iPhone home in order to create more American jobs. Setting aside the fact that presidents don't control business decisions, assembling iPhones in the United States isn't going to happen. Making the phones here would add $50 to $100 to the cost of each one, which would drive consumers to Apple's competitors. That likely underestimates the cost by multiples because reshoring Apple production would be nearly impossible: China's factories with their low-cost workforce are so vast and flexible that no American plant could compete.

The late Steve Jobs once was asked by President Barack Obama what it would take for Apple to make iPhones in the United States. Jobs' reply, according to The New York Times, had a touch of the genie to it. "Those jobs aren't coming back," he said.

The best path for the American economy is to seek productivity gains and competitive advantages wherever they are. No magic is required.

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.
During a campaign stop in Florida, Donald Trump said the reality of the election is "a small handful of global special interests rigging the system." Oct. 13, 2016. (C-SPAN) (Chicago Tribune)

It only takes one.

We should know that, but years have passed since April 19, 1995, and many have forgotten or are too young to remember the day the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was blown up by a truck filled with explosives.

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The truck was placed there by Timothy McVeigh, a man whose rage was nurtured by a steady stream of anti-government rhetoric. A man convinced our political system was at war with self-described "patriots" like himself. A man convinced the U.S. government was  to borrow a term we're hearing regularly from GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump  rigged.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 22 An Oklahoma City firefighter walks near damaged cars outside the Alfred Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City after a bombing on April 19, 1995. (Jim Argo, AP)

The blast killed 168 people, including 19 children and babies. It was the culmination of years of anti-government fervor that had bubbled up during the farm crisis of the 1980s, when economically stressed people in rural parts of the country were wooed by blame-the-feds rhetoric coming from charismatic snake oil salesmen.

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I wasn't a journalist when that happened, but I read every story I could find about the tragedy. Once I became a journalist, I spent a year covering the lead-up to McVeigh's execution, and I stood in the media witness chamber and watched him die, his face showing not a hint of remorse.

He was a monster who had been created by our own people, by the ones who filled his head with lies and conspiratorial nonsense.

He was assisted by an old Army buddy, Terry Nichols, but McVeigh was the one who mattered. He was the one nobody saw coming. He was all it took to bring down a building.

Because it only takes one, and that's something we need to remember  right now.

With his presidential campaign flailing, Trump is doing his best to sow doubt about the legitimacy of our electoral process.

"It's one big fix,'' he said at a rally last week. "This whole election is being rigged.''

No, it's not. Reasonable people know that. Republican Sen. Jeff Flake tweeted on Sunday: "States, backed by tens of thousands of GOP and DEM volunteers, ensure integrity of electoral process. Elections are not rigged."

But Trump kept at it, tweeting: "The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary  but also at many polling places  SAD."

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He says it over and over now. Rigged. Rigged. Rigged. Many of his surrogates follow suit, including GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions, who said Saturday: "They are attempting to rig this election."

Even worse, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke Jr., an outspoken Trump supporter, tweeted Saturday: "It's incredible that our institutions of gov, WH, Congress, DOJ, and big media are corrupt & all we do is bitch. Pitchforks and torches time." The tweet included a photo of an angry crowd carrying torches, pitchforks and bats.

This is dangerous rhetoric. And it's dangerous because there are people out there like this 50-year-old Trump supporter who was asked by the Boston Globe to consider a Hillary Clinton victory: "If she's in office, I hope we can start a coup. She should be in prison or shot. That's how I feel about it. We're going to have a revolution and take them out of office if that's what it takes. There's going to be a lot of bloodshed."

Late last week, federal agents arrested three men in Kansas  militia members who espoused anti-government beliefs  for allegedly plotting to blow up an apartment complex where many Somali-Muslim people live.

The Washington Post reported: "In the end, they decided to set off bombs similar to the one Timothy McVeigh used in 1995 to kill 168 people in Oklahoma City. They planned to strike after the Nov. 8 election, investigators said."

There is no connection between anything Trump has said and that plot, but his talk of a rigged election, of a scheming media, of hordes of immigrants pouring into the country and of global conspiracies is rich sustenance for twisted minds.

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Even the weekend firebombing of a North Carolina Republican headquarters  a shameful attack on democracy  was twisted by Trump into an us vs. them act. Investigators had not said anything about who might be responsible, but Trump tweeted Sunday: "Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning."

He may be proved right, but to instantly condemn Clinton without a lick of evidence is the height of irresponsibility. (The fact that polls show him trailing in North Carolina is just another example of Trump tossing false information to help rile his followers.)

We are not witnessing normal behavior from a presidential candidate. We are witnessing dangerous behavior.

Monday morning, Trump was at it again, tweeting: "Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!"

Coming from a larger-than-life figure running for the highest office in the land, the suggestion that the election might be stolen in some grand, multipronged conspiracy further pollutes unstable minds. Trump's words, whether he cares to believe it or not, are jostling emotional nitroglycerin.

I watched the life drain out of Timothy McVeigh, an unrepentant mass murderer convinced by self-serving fools that he was at war and that his cause was just. I pray there's never another like him.

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But let's not forget what happened in Oklahoma City. And let's not underestimate the hatred in the hearts of Americans under the spell of conspiracies and addled views of patriotism.

It can bring down a building.

And it only takes one.

rhuppke@chicagotribune.com
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An armed masked intruder ran away from an Aurora convenience store empty-handed after a language barrier foiled his attempt to rob the business, police said Monday.

The male dressed in dark clothing and wearing a mask entered a convenience store in the 900 block of Aurora Avenue about 8:15 p.m. Sunday, police said. He displayed a gun and demanded money from seven people who were inside at the time, police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said in an email.

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However, none of the people in the store  two 46-year-old women, a 42-year-old woman, 17-year-old-girl, 45-year-old man, 40-year-old man and 6-year-old boy  spoke English, Ferrelli said. As a result, they didn't understand the suspect's demands, Ferrelli said.

The offender turned around and ran from the scene without taking anything, Ferrelli said. No injuries were reported.

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Police are looking for the suspect, described as a male about 5 feet, 11 inches tall and 170 pounds.

Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call Aurora police investigators at 630-256-5500 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to any arrests.

People also can submit tips through the Aurora Police Department's free My PD mobile app.

hleone@tribpub.com

Twitter @hannahmleone
The clown craze sweeping the nation has hit the baking industry, as three men dressed as clowns attacked a member of staff at a sandwich factory in Bolton last week. They escaped with its safe.

CCTV cameras caught the men wielding a sledgehammer around the Express Cuisines production plant at Sunnyside Business Centre in Bolton, Greater Manchester, at around 7.10pm on Tuesday (11 October).

Owner Sohel Patel fears similar incidents will keep happening in the build-up to Halloween.

Patel told the Daily Mail: A black Audi A3 pulled up in our car park with four people inside: the driver and three others. The three passengers got out and came into our reception door at very fast speed. They were armed with a red and black sledgehammer and DIY-style hammers, had clown masks on and came through into our open-plan office area.

One member of staff, an admin assistant, was punched and kicked and they asked him where the safe is. He tried to avoid telling them where it is and they ended up finding the safe anyway. They were going through the drawers trying to find the key.

The raid was the first time the 17-year-old business - which manufactures pre-packed sandwiches for clients such as supermarkets and universities - has fallen victim to crime.

The killer clown craze has been affecting the majority of the UK with various violent incidents reported.
Police in Lake County have responded to a few incidents this year where enraged motorists have pointed guns at other drivers, though such occurrences are still rare.

Two of the three incidents reported earlier this summer have happened in Buffalo Grove, where police are reminding motorists to keep calm during traffic incidents.

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Meghan Hansen, outreach officer at the Buffalo Grove Police Department, said motorists need to act reasonably when dealing with disagreements involving other drivers.

"Road rage is a such a weird thing," Hansen said. "There are people who can handle it appropriately and there are people who take it to extremes."

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Some police departments in the county haven't received any reports of road rage where someone brandished a gun at another motorist. Area departments also said recent road incidents involving the display of a gun haven't ended with the firing of bullets.

One incident reported earlier this summer was handled by the Lake County Sheriff's Office. The three incidents each varied but all started with a disagreement between motorists.

On July 8, a man driving a pickup truck pointed a loaded .40-caliber pistol at a woman driving another car at the intersection of Dundee and Arlington Heights roads in Buffalo Grove. The woman gave officers the man's license plate number.

Police spoke with the man, who had a valid concealed-carry license, telling officers that he thought the woman was driving like a "psycho," according to the police report. The woman ultimately declined to press charges, police said.

On Aug. 4, another woman driving through the intersection of St. Mary's Road and Illinois Route 137 in Green Oaks told sheriff's deputies a motorcyclist tailgated her car and then aimed what looked like a black handgun.

Police said they could not find a suspect.

On Sept. 24, after two cars merged into one lane at a construction zone just west of Milwaukee Avenue on Lake Cook Road in Buffalo Grove, a driver pulled out his 9mm pistol from a compartment inside his car and pointed it at the other driver, police said.

Officers tracked the suspect down and found that he was properly licensed. The other driver in the incident declined to press charges, Buffalo Grove police said.

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Several other area police agencies have said officers have never dealt with such road-rage incidents. But Arlington Heights Officer Brandi Romag said a motorist caught in that situation should drive away and call police immediately.

"Whether it's loaded or not, I wouldn't want to stick around and find out," Romag said. "Do not put yourself in any more danger than you're already in. What could go right in that situation?"

rwachter@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @RonnieAtPioneer
In a potentially inconvenient move for grocery retailers, online giant Amazon is expanding into bricks-and-mortar sites.

Amazon is extending beyond its online-only model to open physical convenience stores following its recent online grocery expansion, which included the launch of Amazon Fresh in June, and Amazon Dash last month.

The Project Como grocery stores will launch first in Amazons home town of Seattle, in America. But if the trial is successful, it is thought the project will be expanded across the US and then the UK.

Commenting on the move, David Jinks, head of consumer research at couriers ParcelHero, said: Amazon is building on its Amazon Fresh grocery service to sell items such as fruit and veg, bread, milk, meats and other perishables in town centre locations.

The new stores will be aimed at Fresh customers who want to choose their own produce  a major drawback to online grocery shopping  or pick up their food on the way home from work.

Amazon already has physical high street book stores, and pop-up shops highlighting its range of electronic goods. The companys move into physical food stores reflects its focus on winning a wider share of the grocery market in the US and the UK.

Jinks added: American and British shoppers are rapidly moving their weekly food shop online; meaning the regular visit to the supermarket will soon be a memory  leaving many superstores as white elephants.

In contrast, convenience store sales will grow rapidly as consumers look to supplement their weekly food home deliveries with purchases of fresh items from handy local stores on the way home from work.
A Chicago man was accused of having cocaine after he allegedly vomited during a weekend traffic stop in Alsip, prosecutors said.

Charles Banks, 23, appeared Monday in Bridgeview bond count on one count of felony drug possession. His bond was set at $15,000.

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Banks' vehicle was stopped by Alsip police at about 8 p.m. Saturday in the 12100 block of Pulaski Road when they observed him making a traffic violation, Cook County prosecutors said.

The officers allegedly noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, prosecutors said. A K-9 unit also called to the scene alerted police to the possible presence of drugs.

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Later, Banks was standing next to the vehicle when he told officers he felt sick, turned his head and vomited on the ground, prosecutors said.

The liquid contained a off-white, rock-like substance that tested positive for the presence of cocaine, prosecutors said.

According to prosecutors, Banks has prior convictions for misdemeanor marijuana possession and felony unlawful use of a weapons.

Banks is due back in Bridgeview court on Nov. 8.

Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Americans, in general, have always been for the underdog. While many of you do not think of Donald Trump as being an underdog, consider the following:

1. All the major media outlets are focusing on Trump's alleged indiscretion with women  who seem to come out of nowhere. That's fine, but only if these same media outlets give equal time to Hillary Clinton's email scandals, WikiLeaks, the Clinton Foundation, Benghazi, Libya, etc. The media's bias against Trump is overwhelming. Journalism is dead.

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2. The Republicans in power are two-faced and against Trump.

3. When Bill Clinton met with Attorney General Loretta Lynch on a private plane in Phoenix while Hillary was being investigated by the FBI was unconscionable to me. The collusion and dealings of the Clintons and this administration and its appointees is disgusting. Our legal system is against Trump.

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4. After FBI Director James Comey gave a pass to Clinton for her mishandling of classified information, using an unauthorized private email server, I no longer have any confidence in any of our government or judicial systems from the top down. The FBI is against Trump.

5. Bill Clinton criticized President Barack Obama's signature health care policy, calling Obamacare "the craziest thing in the world." "So you've got this crazy system where all of a sudden 25 million more people have health care and then the people who are out there busting it, sometimes 60 hours a week, wind up with their premiums doubled and their coverage cut in half. It's the craziest thing in the world," Clinton said.

Trump may not be a saint but at least he's been productive over the last 30 years.

As Colin Powell is quoted as having written in hacked emails that were made public, "Everything [Hillary Clinton] touches she kind of screws up with hubris."

Frank Brown

Deerfield
Glencoe's Plan Commission has rescheduled a public hearing on a report addressing the future of its downtown because of a possible Chicago Cubs appearance in the World Series.

The hearing for public review of a draft report on energizing downtown Glencoe will be held Nov. 9, according to Planning and Development Administrator Nathan Parch. It was originally scheduled for Oct. 26, when the second game of the World Series will be held.

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"We are hoping to have people to take part in the presentation and have the opportunity to comment. We realize the conflict of a World Series game that night would hinder attendance, so we just decided to be proactive and reschedule the date after the World Series," Parch said.

The public hearing is a necessary part of the legal process before the report can be officially adopted by the Village Board.

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Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press
Even though the Chicago Cubs are making a run for the World Series title, Ryan Joseph made his allegiance to another team known.

Joseph, who attends a day program for disabled young adults through the South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation, painted a mug with the White Sox logo when he attended a program at Ceramic Art Cafe in La Grange.

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"I have two shirts from the Sox so I thought it would be cool for me," said Joseph, 24, of Downers Grove.

SEASPAR provides programs including the SEASPAR Eagles, which offers transitional services to disabled young people who have completed high school and are learning skills for life. Joseph and about 25 other Eagles recently spent an afternoon at the care where they painted mugs, plates and bowls.

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Seaspar clients paint their creations. (Annemarie Mannion / Pioneer Press)

Among the dozen organizations making up SEASPAR are the Clarendon Hills Park District, Community Park District of La Grange Park, Park District of La Grange, Darien Park District, and the village of Western Springs and Indian Head Park.

"This is for them to continue to work on their community and daily living skills," said Stacie Ritz, a SEASPAR support staff member. "They also are working on their listening skills."

They were listening to Susan Martin, who owns the cafe with her husband, Bill. She explained how to select paints and how to decorate the ceramic items. She suggested, for instance, that they select a light color as the base so other decorations they made would be visible.

Martin said the program helps participants discover their artistic powers.

"This is about them doing their own creative expression and seeing how they can complete a project from start to finish," Martin said.

The participants, who are age 22 and older, came from various western suburbs to take part in the painting session.

Anthony Iacovetti, 24, of Downers Grove painted the image of Jack Bauer from the television show "24" on a plate.

"That's my favorite show," he said.

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Anthony Iacovetti paints his project. (Annemarie Mannion / Pioneer Press)

Martin said it is a thrill for her to see the participants' completed projects.

"Many of them are very artistic," she said. "They get to work with their hands and they're very interested in it."

Though he started with the idea of painting White Sox logos on both sides of a mug, Joseph said he might want to include a Cubs logo.

"Maybe I could put a Sox logo on one side and a Cubs on the other side," he said.

amannion@tribpub.com

Twitter @triblocalam
Jose Reyes is charged with the kidnapping and sexual assault of a Mundelein toddler. (Mundelein Police Department \ Handout)

In an 11th-hour decision, Jose Reyes, charged with the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 3-year-old girl in Mundelein, waived his right to a jury trial Monday afternoon and instead will face a bench trial before the presiding judge.

Opening arguments in the trial are now expected Tuesday morning before Judge Mark Levitt.

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Formal proceedings to begin the jury trial had been underway Monday morning, but no jurors had been selected when attorneys for Reyes told Levitt after a lunch break that their client had decided to opt for a bench trial without a jury.

Levitt asked Reyes, 31, if that was what he wanted to do, adding that "you can't change your mind in the middle," and Reyes responded "yes, sir."

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Prosecutors and defense attorneys declined comment on the decision.

Also, for the first time, details of a plea-deal offer that was made to Reyes and rejected were made public Monday prior to the start of the trial.

Defense attorney Eric Rinehart told Levitt that the state had offered Reyes a sentence of 20-90 years, which would have been determined by a judge, if he would plead guilty to two of the charges against him  aggravated kidnapping and predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.

Rinehart said Reyes, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges in the case, rejected the offer and that he had gone over it one final time with his client Sunday night.

Assistant state's attorneys Fred Day and Eric Kalata, who are prosecuting the case, said Reyes faces a sentence of 24-120 years in prison if he is convicted on all counts.

Reyes, a Chicago resident who had held a job in Libertyville, also faces charges of possession and production of child pornography.

Prosecutors allege that Reyes abducted the child Sept. 30, 2013, near the entrance to a condominium complex at 555 Deepwoods Drive in Mundelein as she was walking near her mother, who was carrying an infant.

The girl was returned to the area about a half-hour later, according to police and prosecutors.

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Prosecutors said that during the time Reyes had the girl, he sexually assaulted her, and that images of her were found on cell phones in his possession when he was arrested Oct. 2, 2013.

Day said this week that the trial is expected to last slightly more than a week and include more than 20 witnesses.

The trial was delayed a few times, most recently in July when it became clear just two days before jury selection was to begin that witness availability would be a problem at that time.

Reyes has been held in the Lake County Jail since his arrest with bail set at $5 million.

jrnewton@tribpub.com

Twitter @jimnewton5
Hillary keeps droning on

The last I heard, murder is a capital offense punishable by death or imprisonment. However, Hillary Clinton, suggested having a "drone" attack on Julian Asange, the WikiLeaks publisher. What is she afraid of? The Clintons have always lived by different standards and rules than we, ordinary folks.

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In support of trees

I enjoyed the recent cover story about the fall tree colors in the News-Sun. With trees on a general decline here in Lake County over the past five years, its was nice to read something good about trees and what they offer us, instead of reading about another round of trees coming down.

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'Politically correct' changes over time

The recent tape of Trump's offensive comments is certainly not acceptable by most in today's politically correct obsessed society. However, 11 years ago, "politically correct" was probably not in most people's vocabulary.

Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Arietta struck out with photos

I'm not a Cubs fan, but, I do want them to win the World Series. The only thing I don't want to happen is have Jake Arietta win anything. He is a terrible example for our youth with his "nude" act. Shame on him for doing that. Did he need the extra money? I hope he loses every game he pitches.

Psst...Nice foliage photo

I loved the photo of the tree displaying its beautiful fall colors on the front page of a recent News-Sun. But don't tell any developers just where it is because they will come along and cut it down.

Twitter @NewsSun

Editor's Note

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Talk of the County is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-4554 or email talkofthecounty@tribpub.com. For a continuously updating blog of Talk of the County comments, go to newssunonline.com/talk.
How would you feel about a mosque in your town?

North Central College's theater department poses that question with its latest drama, "Mosque Alert" by playwright Jamil Khoury. It is directed by Carin Silkaitis, North Central associate professor of theater, with co-direction by visiting assistant professor of theater David Peterson.

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Four performances will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27-29 and at 4 p.m. Oct. 30 in Meiley-Swallow Hall.

Inspired by the ground zero mosque controversy in New York City, "Mosque Alert" tells the story of three fictional families living in Naperville whose lives are interrupted by a proposed Islamic Center on the site of a local landmark.

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The play was initially done in Chicago and produced by Silk Road Rising, a theater troupe that tells stories through primarily Asian American and Middle Eastern American lenses, according to its website.

Khoury wrote "Mosque Alert" as a response to the uproar from several communities where there had been proposed mosques.

"The play is set in Naperville and is about building a mosque on the site of the old Nichols Library and the brouhaha that happens as a result of this proposed mosque," Silkaitis said.

"We did a reading of it at North Central last year. I directed it with professional actors from Chicago. We did an event with our international programs office, and lots of community members from Naperville came. The mayor of Naperville went to see the show in Chicago and actually talked to Jamil and gave him some suggestions."

Khoury and his business partner spent a lot of time in Naperville getting to know the community as they were writing the play, Silkaitis said. "They even went so far as to hire a professional architect to draw up the plans for the mosque, so that this architect could actually transform Old Nichols into the mosque."

If you're worried that Naperville residents are portrayed as Ugly Americans, Silkaitis assures that's not the case. Not exactly, that is.

"What I love about the play is that nobody is portrayed as the good guy or the bad guy," she said. "It's really about very flawed human beings. The play is definitely about Islamophobia and how Islamophobia manifests itself in many different ways.

"But even the Imam character  the Imam is their holy leader, like a priest or a pastor in the Christian religion  even that character is deeply flawed because a young man in the play approaches him and wants to be his ally and wants to help him fight to get this mosque built.

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"But when the young man identifies himself as gay, the Imam has a really hard time with it and shuns him. That's what I love about the play  nobody's perfect. There is no hero. Everybody is deeply flawed."

Another character, a Syrian man named Tawfiq Qabbani, is putting the money up to build the mosque, and his family are also not perfect, Silkaitis said.

"It's not like all the Muslims are perfect and the Americans are terrible," she said. "He's shady businessman and his son smokes too much pot. It's like nobody's perfect. There's a lot of flawed people."

The play has some tough scenes with anti-Islamic remarks.

"This isn't a far-fetched play. This is the same thing that's happened at a number of town hall meetings in a number of western suburbs," Silkaitis said. "It's actually happened. There are actually five or six different events where communities got together to rally against a mosque being built in their community."

With the current rhetoric against Arab Americans, Muslims and Islam in general, she said, this seemed like the perfect time to present this play.

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Peterson agreed. He also serves as dramaturg, and thinks the play is a great opportunity to talk about views that don't get as much acceptance in society.

"These are stories that we don't get to hear as often and I think it's very exciting to get to hear these stories in a really human way," he said. "So our students get to learn about these voices in the production, and then we get to share them with our North Central community and then the Naperville community at large. And that's what excites me so much about this project, is that we get to share these very human voices."

The play doesn't end with a resolution, Silkaitis said.

"I feel like the play ends on a hopeful note, but it's not a neatly wrapped up ending," she said.

Because so much research was done by Silk Road Rising in Naperville during the writing of "Mosque Alert," Silkaitis feels there will be a lot of support from the community for the play, as well as from the Arab community in Naperville.

"Local politicians have been very supportive of Jamil wanting to tell the story, and he spent a lot of time with these people," she said. "I do feel there's going to be a lot of people who say, 'That's not me. I'm not like that,' and that's a very human thing to do. We all see ourselves as good people. But the play even deals with some deep-seated phobias."

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There are 11 cast members, two of whom are professional actors and North Central alums, Maddie DePorter and Nik Kmiecik, Silkaitis said.

"We thought it really exciting for our students to be able to work with two alums," she said. "And I used a lot of first-year students, which is really exciting. It's a really hard play and I think they're doing such a good job with the material."

The Department of Religious Studies and the Muslim Student Association will do a talk-back titled "Islam in America: A Discussion of 'Mosque Alert'" after the Oct. 30 performance.

Annie Alleman is a freelance writer.

'Mosque Alert'

When: Oct. 27-30

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Where: The Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville

Tickets: $8-$10
Officials put on hard hats and posed for photos with silver shovels in hand at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Harwood Centre. (Natalie Hayes / Pioneer Press)

The third and final retailer slated to open in a mixed-use commercial development at Lawrence and Harlem avenues in Harwood Heights was announced Oct. 13 during a groundbreaking ceremony held for the development.

It was revealed that Louisiana-based fast-food chain Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers will join Portillo's and Art Van Furniture. Portillo's and Art Van had signed leases for the 8-acre lot at the beginning of the year to open in the center.

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Surrounded by construction equipment, about 20 attendees, including Harwood Heights Mayor Arlene Jezierny and village trustees, put on hard hats and posed for photos with silver shovels in hand at the ceremony.

Chicago-based developer Bradford Real Estate Co. has named the development Harwood Centre, according to John Schoditsch, vice president of development for Bradford. Schoditsch was among those gathered at the groundbreaking, along with corporate representatives from Art Van Furniture, in the fence-lined dirt field where construction recently started.

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"Harwood Heights is the perfect place for us because it fits the demographic we target," said Barry Davidson, vice president of Art Van Furniture's Chicago area stores. Davidson said the store would include an in-house mattress retailer called Pure Sleep and a floor covering section in addition to the main furniture showroom.

Concerns raised by nearby residents in April at a Plan Commission meeting about noise from delivery trucks and motorists using the drive-thru planned for the Portillo's have since been addressed by the developers, Schoditsch said. A raised landscaping buffer to reduce noise was added to the site plans, he said.

Truck traffic delivering furniture would also be minimal, Schoditsch said, because furniture sales would be shipped to customers via inventory kept in an off-site warehouse.

Schoditsch, whose company oversaw the development of the Mariano's store that opened down the block three years ago, said Raising Cane's has plans to lease the 10,000-square-foot standalone building planned for the middle of the lot. The chain is the final retailer that will open at the development, along with the 9,900-square-foot Portillo's and a 72,000-square-foot Art Van Furniture store. All are slated to open next year in the Lawrence Avenue-facing parcel of land.

"If it weren't for Mariano's, I don't think we would have attracted national retailers (to Harwood Centre)," Schoditsch said. "It was the driving force for development in the Lawrence Avenue corridor."

Portillo's could have an impact on the 3,950-square-foot Buona Beef that opened directly across the street just last year, but Jezierny said competition was a healthy aspect of the restaurant business.

"Competition is always there, and we want every business to do well," Jezierny said. "Portillo's will attract people to the community who will help stimulate other businesses."

After signing an economic incentive agreement with Buona Beef two years ago, Harwood Heights has lined up a similar incentive for Bradford for approximately $1 million. It was unclear how much of the sales tax dollars the development will eventually generate would be distributed back to the village in return for the upfront payment.

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Plans for the property show two entrances. A main entryway with a new traffic light would face Lawrence Avenue at Octavia Avenue, and a second drive would enter off Harlem Avenue at the north end of the Parkway Bank property near Ainslie Street, according to preliminary site plans presented by the developers.

Plans for that traffic signal are still being worked out by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Jezierny said.

Natalie Hayes is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Stephen Packard of Northbrook, left, passes collected seeds to Doug Gerleman, president of Go Green Northbrook. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)

Somme Woods and Somme Prairie in Northbrook were beneficiaries of helping hands on a balmy overcast 62-degree Saturday.

Those volunteer hands, mostly gloved, collected seeds sourced from preferred Midwest plants. Seeds will be planted in other Forest Preserve District of Cook County Somme lands earmarked for restoration.

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"I'm thrilled to be here," said Lisa Youngberg of Northbrook, a volunteer.

"I love being grounded with the earth," said another volunteer, Norm Lau of Northbrook.

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The three-hour workday opportunity was a collaboration with forest preserve volunteers, Go Green Northbrook and the Friends of the Somme Preserves.

"I'm counting my blessings every day," said volunteer Eriko Kojima of Glenview, apprentice site steward.

Fifteen to 20 volunteers, including Northwestern University students, assisted and learned while they walked trails.

"I love being out in nature," said Doug Gerleman, president and founder of Go Green Northbrook. "I feel rejuvenated."

Gerleman toted paper grocery bags containing seeds of native plants such as Switchgrass. While working the land, Gerleman talked about Go Green Northbrook, which promotes ecofriendly options.

"I am trying to get the village to do a better job regenerating residential and business property in Northbrook," Gerleman said. "Go Green Northbrook is also promoting a plastic bag ban and educating people about genetically engineered foods."

Stephen Packard of Northbrook, a volunteer with the Friends of the Somme Preserves, said unpaid helpers restore Somme land weekly.

"The ecosystem makes us happy," Packard said.

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Somme Prairie, with access points on Dundee Road, leads visitors into grasslands and wetland areas restored by caregivers. Somme Prairie also has wooded and thicket sections to the north closer to the tollway.

"It's a place where you can get in touch with the important things in life," said Helen Muirhead, a volunteer formerly of Glencoe and now of Tiburon, California.

"It's nice to be a part of the change," said Sarah Sanford, Go Green Northbrook coordinator of volunteers.

Woody buckthorn is a perpetual removal priority, Packard and Gerleman agreed. Somme Woods, east of Waukegan Road, also contains areas cleared of the invasive shrub.

Last winter, special attention was given to help to save the rare and preferred shooting star flower in Somme Woods East. Buckthorn was cut and destroyed in managed brush fires by volunteers.

At Somme Prairie on Oct. 15, Joe Walsh, Northwestern University professor, taught freshmen from his biodiversity seminar as they harvested seeds.

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"This is how conservation gets done around Chicago," Walsh said. "It's volunteer driven."

Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
The Gage County District Courtroom was full of juveniles Monday morning as high school students from Beatrice High School, Diller-Odell Public School and Southern School District visited the courthouse for the annual Gage County Government Day.

During the annual event, students learned about local government, voting and ballot counting and the controversy relating to the death penalty.

"This lets students know the basic forms of government and how everything works," said Phil Dittbrenner, Gage County Veterans Service Officer.

The event is hosted by the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 27. Dittbrenner said American Legion posts host annual government days across the country and have done so since 1947.

The event opened with a presentation by Bill Kelly, news producer for NET News. Kelly showed the students a portion of his documentary, "until he is dead: A history of Nebraska's death penalty." Kelly spoke about the proposal on next month's ballot to bring back the death penalty after the Nebraska Legislature repealed the law last year.

Twelve county officials introduced themselves to the students and explained their jobs and responsibilities. The county attorney, assessor, treasurer, surveyor and sheriff were among those who presented.

Gage County Clerk and Election Commissioner Dawn Hill and her deputy Michelle Bloomquist gave the students sample ballots and taught them about how the public can register and vote and how the county finds the results.

"I think the object of Government Day is to help students get familiar with different processes that happen here, like getting a title for your car or getting a marriage license," Hill said. "It can be intimidating when you first come to the courthouse. This visit helps them learn about the day-to-day business that happens here and to be more comfortable when they do need to come here."

Beatrice High School social studies teacher Greg Sederberg said Government Day is the first time in the courthouse for many of his students.

"This is a great way for our students to learn about local government and government overall, and some of the important issues our government is facing, like the death penalty," Sederberg said.

Sederberg said Government Day draws in current events and spotlights a different speaker each year.

"This is an opportunity for students to come to the courthouse, see the inside of it and hear from a lot of people in our county government about their key roles," he said. "Local governments keep our society running. Things at the national level don't function if you don't have those local levels working."
A girl looks for a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch. (Jeff Krage / Pioneer Press)

Weather that was anything but spooky helped attract an estimated crowd of more than 2,400 people Friday and Saturday for the Oak Brook Park District's Haunted Forest at Central Park.

"Unseasonably warm weather made it an incredibly enjoyable event for participants, volunteers and staff," said Jessica Cannaday, the park district's marketing manager.

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More than 80 youth volunteers, most of them from the York High School Key Club, helped with the annual event.

"Our volunteers were the actors in our maze, coordinated our pumpkin patch, monitored our bounce houses and ran our craft tables," said Karen Spandikow, assistant director of recreation. "From a both a budgetary and manpower standpoint, this event just wouldn't be possible without them."

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Cannaday said Friday attracted many young families, while more adults and teens attended Saturday.

The park district has transformed the pathways of Central Park into the Haunted Forest since 2003. The top feature of the event was the more than 13,000-square-foot haunted maze, which includes music lights, fog, strobe lights and creepy characters. The Haunted Forest also included a pumpkin patch, face painting, fireside storytelling, candy in the haystack, a craft corner and tractor pulled hayrides.

cfieldman@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @chuckwriting
A Halloween-themed event at Concordia University Chicago in River Forest will bring a panel of authors together to offer tips to mystery writers for young adult audiences.

"Tricks (and Treats) for Writing for Young Readers" will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 23 at Concordia University Chicago's Center for Literacy in Christopher Center room 200. Hosted by the Midwest Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, the free event is open to writers of all ages.

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Lori Rader-Day, president of the Midwest MWA chapter, said the event is technically one of the chapter's monthly meetings. Hosting the event in October offers "an interesting way to have a Halloween party, but have it have substance as well," Rader-Day said.

She said they wanted to host a panel-type event to offer assistance to members who write for young readers, because being an author has its challenges.

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"It seems like such an isolating job to have  and it can be," Rader-Day said.

Events that allow authors to network are critical, because it's so valuable for writers to have a community to turn to, Rader-Day said.

"That's what our chapter is about," she added.

Kate Hannigan, Chicago-based young adult author of "The Detective's Assistant," is one of five Chicago-area authors who will make up the panel. She said writing for young adult audiences offers flexibility, but writers need to remember their audiences and realize certain boundaries cannot be pushed.

"Writing for kids is really important," she said. "These are tomorrow's readers, right?"

Hannigan said she wrote for eight years before finding success with young adult series "Cupcake Cousins" four years ago. It's inspiring for established authors to network with novice writers looking to get started, she said.

"I think it's a great idea because it's a lonely profession: it's you and all the little people who populate your brain," Hannigan said with a laugh. "We plan to share. I hope people want to consume it."

For more information, visit www.mysterywriters.org.

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Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
A Park Ridge man was among 11 people indicted in a credit card fraud scheme, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Friday.

Franciszek Bystron, 37, of Park Ridge, was charged with one count of bank fraud in connection with the alleged scheme, in which the U.S. Attorney's Office said he and the other defendants applied for credit cards using fake employment and income information and then maxed out the credit limit on the cards, never intending to pay the money back.

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Some of those involved in the scam filed for bankruptcy as a way to "discharge the debts they had charged to the credit cards," the attorney's office said, and some also allegedly created fictitious businesses in order to collect money from credit card companies for purchases that were never actually made.

The crimes spanned from 2010 to 2015, the indictment says. According to the indictment, Bystron is charged with making nearly $22,000 worth of purchases with a Citibank/Home Depot credit card in April 2013.

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Federal court records show Bystron filed for chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2015.

Others charged with federal bank fraud include Daniel Noga, also known as Daniel Terlecki, 41, of Des Plaines; Gabriel Cwynar, 37, and Izabela Kapusciak, 39, of Chicago; Jolanta Wysocka, 50, and Jaroslaw Wysocki, 48, of Schaumburg; Bartosz Pozniak, 42, of Mount Prospect; Monika Szczurek, 36, of Lombard; Marcin Cychowski, 41, of Addison; Arthur Radolinski, 32, of Lisle; and Elzbieta Buczek, 37, of Bensenville.

All pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on Oct. 13, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

The indictment seeks the forfeiture of all proceeds from the alleged scam, totaling at least $1.3 million, according to the attorney's office.

jjohnson@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @Jen_Tribune
A 15-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy have been charged in the shooting death of a man Oct. 1.

Lacindo Luckett, 16, has been charged as an adult with murder in perpetration of a robbery in the Oct. 1 death of Samuel Moore, 43, of Gary, whose body was found Oct. 1 in the 1300 block of Harrison Street in Gary. The girl, who has been charged in juvenile court, according to the probable cause affidavit, had Moore's cellphone when she encountered police.

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In addition to the felony murder count, Luckett is charged with murder, robbery and auto theft, and the girl is charged with robbery.

Records indicate only the girl is in custody.

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A few hours before the killing, the girl was with Moore at a family barbecue in the 700 block of Kentucky Street in Gary, the probable cause affidavit states. In a conversation with a relative of Moore's, the girl talked about a person in Chicago being shot because he was passing around the HIV virus, records state. The relative told police Moore had been in a relationship with the girl for about two weeks, records state. Investigators learned from Moore's estranged wife that Moore was previously diagnosed as being HIV-positive, court records state.

Moore left the barbecue with her between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., documents said.

Investigators identified the girl through family cooperation, a search of Facebook and record checks at local schools. A family member of Moore's provided the girl's first name, and investigators found her Facebook page. The investigation led police to a Gary high school.

After conferring with her mother, the girl told Gary police Cpl. James Bond in a statement that Luckett was the shooter, court records state. She said she and Moore picked up Luckett around 17th Avenue and Polk Street shortly after they left Moore's family home on Kentucky Street. After Moore turned south in the 1300 block of Harrison Street, Luckett put a gun to Moore's head and demanded his belongings, court records state. Moore tried to unfasten his seat belt and get out of the SUV.

"If you hop out this car I am go (sic) pop you," court records quote Luckett as saying. Moore tried to grab the gun, and Luckett fired twice, striking Moore in the hand and chest, documents said.

Luckett then got into the driver's seat and drove a short distance before the teens abandoned the SUV where police found it.

Luckett told the girl to get her stuff and grab Moore's phone, which she did, documents said. Luckett took the keys, which he threw into an abandoned building near 13th and Polk Street. Police found the keys where the girl said they were, documents said.

Ruth Ann Krause is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
American English is, from left, Eric Michaels as Paul McCartney, James Paul Lynch as George Harrison, Tom Gable as Ringo Starr, and Young Hines as John Lennon. The Beatles-tribute band performs on Oct. 21-22 at Munsters Theatre at the Center. (Theatre at the Center / Handout)

American English has a reputation as one of America's best Beatles tribute bands.

At a Munster engagement, the group will put its skills to the test by performing two revered Fab Four albums that boast sophisticated studio production.

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On back-to-back nights, Theatre at the Center audiences have the chance to hear numerous rock 'n' roll classics that the Liverpool lads never performed in concert.

American English rolls out 1966's "Revolver" on Oct. 21, followed by a performance of 1967's "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" on Oct. 22. A cash bar will be available each night.

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Tom Gable, who portrays Ringo Starr in the band, said there is an inherent challenge for musicians when bringing elaborately built songs to the stage that "were designed for the studio."

Gable points to the orchestration elements on "She's Leaving Home"  a "Sgt. Pepper's" track with a lilting melancholy sweep.

A harp also is featured.

"That's a tough piece because, originally, that song has four separate orchestra tracks that they multi-tracked together," Gable said in a phone interview.

Also radiating a distinct, artistic ambience is "Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite."

"It's a fun song," said Gable, pointing to its "circus atmosphere."

His band's 7:30 p.m. shows will likewise afford the opportunity to dig into deeper cuts from the original British version of "Revolver."

The romantic ballad "Here, There and Everywhere" ranks as one of those quality Beatles tracks that, nonetheless, is not especially prominent in public consciousness.

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"It's very intricate harmonies," Gable said. The gentle tune is not a normal offering at regular American English shows.

"It's something we don't do every night because a lot of people want to hear more up-tempo music," the suburban Chicago resident said.

Mimicking Beatles fare has long provided plenty of work for American English, which is based in the Chicago area. But copying the look and sound of the legendary band can be a daunting task.

Ringo, for instance, had a certain sense and aptitude for percussion that included producing "a nice, lazy snare for a backbeat," according to Gable.

"His drum feel was just incredible," the tribute artist said. "The way he attacked certain beats, the way he attacked his kick drum  that's all a challenge."

For Young Hines, portraying John Lennon in American English means paying heed to the late Beatle's irreverent side, even if the physical resemblance is not quite there.

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"I don't really look like him, per se," Hines said. "If there's jokes to tell, I'll tell them; he was always goofing around and laughing."

Hines also said Lennon's voice had a different reach than his, so there is work to do.

"He sings at the top of my range; I have to push for it every night," said Hines, a resident of Downers Grove, Ill.

Making a living by portraying such a memorable pop-culture figure is something Hines appreciates. "I really do enjoy it," he said. "It's the funnest thing I get to do."

Adding to the enjoyment is the opportunity to perform, in its entirety, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," which snared the top spot on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time."

Reaching No. 3 in that ranking was "Revolver."

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Keyboardist Ken Zemanek will help give those albums their full-bodied sound at the Munster engagement.

American English's website states that Zemanek fills the role of the late George Martin, who was the Beatles' longtime producer.

The website describes Zemanek as American English's sound architect, who is able to create orchestration accents and special instrumentation sounds.

The Illinois band does not rely on tapes or recordings during shows.

"We do pride ourselves on being a live band," Gable said.

He said the two Munster shows are scheduled to include the performance of early Beatles hits, aside from the album presentations.

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Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.

American English

Where: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster

When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 and 22

Tickets: $30; two-show package $50; students $20
Twincade's menu features carnitas tacos served on flour tortillas with lettuce, tomato and cheese, served with chips and salsa, as well as arcade games and a bar. (Jim Karczewski / Post-Tribune)

Billed as the new way to eat, drink and play is an establishment in downtown Griffith offering an arcade, restaurant and bar.

Opened in July, Twincade took over a spot that housed several businesses including Smith Paint and Supply.

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"There was a big empty room," said Patricia Sidener, who co-owns Twincade with her husband, Philip. "We created a cool space."

Twincade is the third business for the Sideners, who also run the e-commerce company Giant Hoop and the independent record label Gigantic Noise.

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For their latest venture, the couple married Philip Sidener's technological savvy and fondness for video games with his wife's experience as a waitress at find-dining spots in New York City.

"That background created my palate," said Patricia Sidener, of Munster. "It's a little more discerning than a lot of people, but by no means am I a snob. Our focus is craft alcohol and cool liquors. We infuse a bunch of alcohol. We make some liquors in house.

"I like to think our food is on the creative side for being what it is  bar food. It's a little more fun."

Prices on the menu, which includes gourmet grilled cheese, start at $3 for snacks, $5 for appetizers, $8 for tacos and $9 for pizza or sandwiches.

Popular dishes at Twincade, which offers half-price drafts on Mondays and tournaments on Tuesdays, include "garbage tots."

"We dress it with smoked pork and drizzle it with barbecue sauce with mozzarella cheese over it. We put that in the oven, melt it and top it with ranch dressing," Sidener said.

"We also have really tasty carnitas that we make every day."

Michelle Reed, of Portage, is general manager at Twincade, which has 20 draft lines featuring craft beers such as Windmill Brewing from Dyer; 18th Street Brewery from Hammond; New Oberpfalz Brewing, Pokro Brewing Co. or Wildrose Brewing from Griffith; and Burn 'Em Brewing from Michigan City.

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"We wanted to support local businesses because we are a local business," Sidener said.

Featuring 80 seats including the bar, Twincade has approximately 40 arcade games, including rarities such as "Moon Patrol," "The Simpsons" and "Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike"; and classics such as "Donkey Kong," "Frogger" and "Mario Bros." Newer games include Metallica and Ghostbusters pinball.

All games take one token, which costs a quarter, to play. Plus, four large televisions at the bar are connected to consoles for some free play via PlayStation 4 and Wii U.

"We met in Chicago and moved to Indiana as a family," Sidener said about her husband and their children, Marion, 6; Ira, 2; and Wynnie, nearly 6 months.

"We missed that feel that you could go to a bar and get super-delicious food and talk to a bartender who's super-knowledgeable and will make you something on the spot. We just wanted to create some kind of a more urban feel in Lake County."

Twincade is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily at 108 N. Broad St., Griffith. Children, with a parent, welcome until 9 p.m. daily. Call 219-237-9980 or go to www.twincade.com.

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Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter.
Stephanie Stalbaum, of Hebron, plays Audrey, and Justin Treasure, of Schererville, portrays Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, which runs Oct. 21-Nov. 6 at Crown Point Community Theatre in Crown Point. (Jeffrey D. Nicholls Photography / Handout)

It's the time of year when horror is king so staging "Little Shop of Horrors" in Crown Point fits with the Halloween season.

The show, which features book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, runs from Friday to Nov. 6 at Crown Point Community Theatre.

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"I really wanted to bring this movie theater motif into the entire experience," said Aaron Breford, who directs "Little Shop of Horrors" with his wife, Julie. "The musical is based on an old 1960s 'B' horror movie. I wanted to bring back the cinematic feel. We're doing that through a number of things from the aesthetic experience, old 'B' movie posters in the lobby and serving popcorn.

"We're going to have an off-white canvas screen in the front where we're going to be projecting old trailers from the 1960s as people come in. Artistically we're really trying to celebrate the fact that it's based on a 'B' movie and bring that to bear."

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"Little Shop of Horrors" has a crew including LaPorte and Valparaiso residents and a cast including Dyer, Hebron, Schererville and Whiting residents, as well as Breford's daughter, Maddie, 18.

"I just couldn't be more pleased. The show itself is popular, and Crown Point Community Theatre built a great reputation," said Breford, who also directed "The Odd Couple (Female Version)" for the group in 2014. "We have some of the best actors and actresses in Northwest Indiana come and audition, so we have a really strong cast."

"Little Shop of Horrors" features a special needs audience program performance at 3 p.m. Oct. 29 made possible by the Indiana Arts Commission, South Shore Arts and the Crown Point Kappa Kappa Kappa.

Breford said the special needs audience programs started in 2013 when he built the set for Crown Point Community Theatre's "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" and wanted to bring his autistic son Matt, who is 16 years old and lives in a Lafayette residential program, to a performance.

"Community theater in general is an important part of society," said Breford, who began working with Crown Point Community Theatre in 2013 when cast as Shylock in "The Merchant of Venice."

"What it does is bring arts to life. It gives an outlet for people who love and are passionate about theater but didn't necessarily pursue it as a profession. It provides a creative outlet venue for performances but especially for the Crown Point community.

"I live in Crown Point, so it's my local community theater," Breford said. "I simply like that it exists. It's important that the organization exists for what it brings to the overall community."

Jessi Virtusio is a freelance writer.

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'Little Shop of Horrors'

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and Oct. 28-29 and Nov. 4-5; 3 p.m. Oct. 29-30 and Nov. 6

Where: Crown Point Community Theatre's black box theater, 1125 Merrillville Road, Crown Point.

Tickets: $17 adults and $14 students and seniors in advance; $18 and $15, day of show.

Information: 219-310-8556 or www.cpct.biz
Meda Taylor (left) and Rachel Shough serve Miller Beach Bakery Cafe customers during the First Friday on Lake Street event. (Jane Bokun / Post-Tribune)

Miller Beach is experiencing an artistic resurgence and it's using First Friday on Lake Street events as a way to let the public get to know the shops and people along the lake.

The monthly event was started by the Miller Beach Arts and Creative District, which is working to transform the unique beach community of Miller into a vital part of the city of Gary and the surrounding region.

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The First Friday events take place 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of each month all along Lake Street. Visitors are treated to refreshments such as wine and cheese at each establishment. The event is free and open to the public.

Participating businesses include Adell's Beach Boutique, 567 S. Lake St.; Beach Art Studios, 601 S. Lake St.; Indie Indie Bang Bang, 625A S. Lake St.; Lake Street Gallery, 613 S. Lake S.; Sonny's Photography, 625B S. Lake St.; Summer Colony Living, 632 S. Lake St.; Vibrations, 615 S. Lake St.; The Brasserie, 642 S. Lake St.; Cafe 444, 444 S. Lake St.; Miller Bakery Cafe, 555 S. Lake St.; Miller Pizza Co. 622 S. Lake St.; and 18th Street Brewery, 5725 Miller Ave.

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Local Realtor William Godwin opens his gallery, where he has completed many of the artworks alongside his real estate office. Godwin's gallery showcases sculpture, paintings and statuettes.

"I'm excited to join The Shops on Lake Street community in beautiful Miller Beach in Northwest Indiana," said artist Jennifer Taylor. "Come visit, and while you're here, plan on taking a stroll along Lake Michigan's gorgeous Dunes. Miller Beach is only a 40-minute drive from downtown Chicago, and we have many excellent cafes to choose from for lunch or dinner. The Bakery Cafe, Caribbean 444, and ChartHouse Cafe are all only a few doors away from the studio."

Jane Bokun is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.
Melodee Ann (Beach) Costello, 67, A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice with Rosanne Beach Woodyard officiating. Inurnment will be in the Evergreen Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the family's choice with the funeral home in charge.

Berwin R. Rick Shaffer, III, age 57, of Lincoln. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016 at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice with Pastor Dave Miller officiating. Private inurnment will be in the Evergreen Home Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Lincoln City Mission or the American Cancer Society in care of the mortuary.

John T. Jack Warren, Manhattan, Kan. A service celebrating his life at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Road, Manhattan, KS 66502. Private inurnment with military honors will be in Sunset Cemetery, Manhattan, KS. Memorials in Jacks honor have been established at his church, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, and the Good Samaritan Fund at Meadowlark Hills. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Clinics announce low- and no-cost flu shots

HealthLinc clinics throughout Northwest Indiana are offering no- and low-cost flu shots to their patients throughout flu season. Flu shots will be available at no cost to any HealthLinc patient who has a checkup, well visit, or other appointment already scheduled. For patients who do not have a scheduled appointment, the cost of the flu shot is $15 on a first-come, first-served basis. HealthLinc has clinics in East Chicago, Valparaiso, Knox, Michigan City, South Bend and Mishawaka. For more information, contact Jodie Wexelberg at 888-580-1060, Ext. 2627 or jwexelberg@healthlincchc.org.

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Films sought for National Lakeshore Festival

The National Park Service invites local filmmakers to submit short subject films for the Indiana Dunes Film Festival. The festival will be Nov. 4-6, and is the culmination of a year-long celebration of the national lakeshore's 50th anniversary. Films can be submitted in two categories. The first, titled "Happy Birthday Indiana Dunes," is for films up to two minutes in length that celebrate the national lakeshore's anniversary. The second, titled, "The Calumet Region," is for films up to 10 minutes in length that touch on the formation, existence and future of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore as it relates to the larger Calumet Region. To enter, upload your film to YouTube or Vimeo and send an e-mail to indianadunesfilmfestival@gmailcom indicating where you uploaded it along with the title, category and a short description of the film. Entries are due by midnight Oct. 30. Selected films will be showcased during the film festival at several locations throughout the region. In addition, some of the films will be shown during the Eyes on the Arts program on Lakeshore Public Media later this year. More information is at 219-395-1622 or www.nps.gov/indu.

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PNW to host Economic Briefing Breakfast

An Economic Briefing Breakfast with the Greater La Porte and Michigan City Area Chambers of Commerce will be from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Oct. 25 in the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex, Room 1155, 1401 S. US Highway 421, Westville. Hosted by Purdue University Northwest College of Business and the Center for Economic Development and Research, the program will feature a look at the economic outlook for La Porte County. The breakfast is open to the public. Reservations are at www.lpchamber.com or www.mcachamber.com.

Varsity Academic Award Ceremony

Valparaiso Community Schools, Valparaiso High School and the Valpo Schools Foundation will present Varsity Academic Awards to 498 students at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Valparaiso High School gym, 2727 Campbell St., Valparaiso. Parents and community members are invited to attend the inaugural event honoring students in grades 10 through 12 who have maintained a 3.5 grade point average for two consecutive semesters. More information is with Mark Hoffman at 219-531-3000.

Casino Night charity event

Theatre at the Center will host its annual casino night charity gala from 6:30-11 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. The event, titled Denim and Diamonds, will feature a southwestern theme with table games such as Black Jack and Texas Hold'em. There also will be a silent auction and raffle. Tickets are $85, which includes food and drink. All proceeds to benefit Theatre at the Center. Tickets are at 219-836-3255. More information is at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.
Brad Bumgardner, an Interpretive Naturalist from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, holds the ship's bell and Dorothy Kurtz, Program Coordinator of the Historical Society of Ogden Dunes, holds a log roller from the shipwrecked JD Marshall. (Linda Lemond / Post-Tribune)

Between 3,000 to 5,000 shipwrecks have occurred on Lake Michigan  a World War I German U-Boat remains at the lake's bottom  emphasizing the dangerous conditions that can arise on the Great Lakes, according to Brad Bumgardner, an interpretive naturalist from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

"According to some ship captains, the Great Lakes are just as dangerous as the oceans," Bumgardner said. "Every shipwreck is a story."

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Bumgardner discussed various shipwrecks  in particular the JD Marshall  as part of his "Tragedy Beneath the Waves" presentation at a September event hosted by the Historical Society of Ogden Dunes.

The event was held at The Hour Glass Museum, a historic house built by Professor O.D. Frank in 1934. The building houses the society's collections of books, papers, records, artifacts and artwork.

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Overall, the Great Lakes have seen between 9,000 to 10,000 shipwrecks.

Bumgardner said that the JD Marshall was built 105 years ago to haul lumber, and later was used as a "sand sucker," a vessel that dredged the bottom of the lake and excavated sand for use in building Chicago roads and by the Ball Glass Company.

"At one time, 700 railroad cars a day transported sand from the Dunes to Chicago," Bumgardner said.

In 1911, 25-foot waves from a squall on Lake Michigan tossed the JD Marshall upside down. Four of the 10-man crew went down with the ship and drowned. Their bodies were recovered, but the ship remained upside down on the bottom of the lake, just off the shore of what is now Indiana Dunes State Park.

In 1981, salvagers tried to raise the JD Marshall. They were caught by the Coast Guard, and the artifacts were confiscated.

The incident brought about shipwrecks laws, stating a shipwreck that happened 50 years ago or longer must remain where it is and be left undisturbed.

Bumgardner brought some of the artifacts, including the ship's bell, which he referred to as the "heart and soul of the boat" since it was so important in communication. The bell, a 4,000-pound, four-prong propeller and other artifacts can be seen at Dunes State Park Nature Center.

To take a virtual tour of the JD Marshall and other shipwrecks, go to www.in.gov/dnr/lakemich/8482.htm.

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The group's will meet at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Hour Glass Museum. Porter County Historian and director of the POCO Museum Kevin Pazour will speak on "Porter County the Next 100 Years." The public is invited.

Linda Lemond is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
It is unlikely that a man charged with attempted murder of two Gary police officers will ever go to trial, a Lake County deputy prosecutor told the court Monday.

For more than 25 years, 80-year-old Wallace Bates' case has continued through the Lake County court system, with years-long gaps between hearings as psychiatrists determine if he is competent to stand trial.

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Gary police officer Floyd Burks, then 67, was sitting in his car the morning of Jan. 12, 1991, in front of Zion Temple Apostolic Church, 1525 Jefferson St., when Bates, who was 54 at the time, shot Burks in the arm and hip, according to court records.

Cpl. Charles Turner Jr., then 34, heard a dispatch about the Jefferson Street shooting, and as he was about to respond, Bates approached Turner's squad car and fired into the driver's side window with a revolver, hitting Turner, court records state.

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Turner escaped to the police station, which was located at 1301 Broadway at the time, and police exchanged fire with Bates, who was ultimately shot in the head.

When Bates' case was still fresh in 1992, he was deemed incompetent to stand trial, and he's been living in state mental facilities since.

While he wasn't in the courtroom, Bates had a hearing Monday to check in on his case after a state hospital in Richmond filed a report in his case in September.

"It is unlikely he will ever regain competency to stand trial," Deputy Prosecutor Daniel Burke told the judge.

Attorneys agreed that a separate civil case wouldn't be appropriate to handle the matter. And Burke is not aware of any living family members who could care for Bates if Bates were dismissed, he said, which could potentially leave the defendant homeless.

However, Burke said there are still living witnesses he could call upon if it ever did go to trial. Turner is still with Gary police, Lt. Dawn Westerfield said.

Bates faces two charges of attempted murder, which each could carry sentences of 20 to 50 years.

Bates is scheduled for another hearing in December 2018.

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rejacobs@post-trib.com

Twitter @ruthyjacobs
A Merrillville man in a work release facility died in July from the effects of heroin and cocaine, according to the Porter County coroner's office.

Jeremy Moats, 26, was transported to an emergency room after authorities found him unresponsive at about 6:15 a.m. on July 30 at the Kimbrough Center in Crown Point. Moats was serving a work release sentence that allowed him to work during the day and report back to the center in the evening.

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Moats was searched when he was admitted to the center the night before, and his sleeping area was searched, but there were no "unusual findings," according to the coroner's office.

Toxicology tests revealed Moats had a "lethal combination of heroin and cocaine" in his system, leading to his accidental death, the coroner's office said in a release.

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Moats plead guilty to cocaine possession at a house within 1,000 feet of Merrillville High School in 2014, according to Lake County Court records. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped charges of cocaine dealing and promoting prostitution.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison  six years in the Indiana Department of Correction therapeutic community for chemically addicted offenders and the remaining four years in Lake County Community Corrections, according to court records.

There was not any foul play initially suspected in Moats' death, and Lake County coroner's office asked Porter County Coroner Chuck Harris to investigate Moats' death to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.

rejacobs@post-trib.com

Twitter @ruthyjacobs
Olympic swimmer Lenny Krayzelburg, the founder of the Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy, visits with JCC Director of Aquatic Services Kristen Conner at the Mayer Kaplan JCC in Skokie. (Mike Isaacs / Pioneer Press)

Gold medal-winning swimmer Lenny Krayzelburg has visited the Mayer Kaplan Jewish Community Center in Skokie before, but this time he wanted to see a new program in action.

The All-In Swim program, now in its second year, is designed to teach water safety and swim skills to special needs kids in a comfortable and supportive environment, according to JCC Chicago.

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"I wanted to see the program and talk to people about what they have been able to put together here," Krayzelburg said. "I want to hear about the impact this has had. Water is something that can really calm  especially with children with special abilities. It almost feels like it can open up a whole new world for them."

Certified instructors in the program teach "valuable life-saving techniques, recreational swim therapy and increased independence and self-esteem," according to JCC Chicago.

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Krayzelburg, who swam in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, won four gold medals and then opened the Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy. The swimming school holds classes at four JCCs in the Chicago area including Mayer Kaplan, according to JCC Chicago. Some 800 students are currently enrolled in the program, officials said.

This affiliation has Krayzelburg visiting Chicago area JCCs just about every year, he said, but this year, he wanted to also take a peek at the new swim program for special-needs children.

Many parents were on hand to sing its praises.

Eric Boquist of Wilmette called the program "fantastic," adding that his son, Alex, has "a pretty complicated collection of special needs."

It's been a great experience for him, she said.

"He can tread water and he can float and he really loves it," Boquist said. "He might not be the fastest swimmer, but he can be in water over his head by himself for a solid three or four minutes."

For nearly an hour on a recent Thursday, Krayzelburg watched instructors working one-on-one with special needs children as they splashed and swam in the large pool.

Julie Pingel of Buffalo Grove said her son, Rylan, 9, loves the program.

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"There are so few things out there for kids with special needs," Pingel said. "The problem we had was that he loved to swim, but there were just so few programs we could find to teach skills to kids with autism."

Tania Bedrosian, of Evanston, was on hand with her son Noah, 4, a student in the program.

"He loves it," she said. "We are so blessed. We're lucky we came across it."

The parents who brought their children to the appearance said they knew this session was going to be different. Having the chance to meet Olympian Krayzelburg was a special experience they were looking forward to, they said.

"It's so cool and I'm happy for Noah," Bedrosian said of meeting the swimming star. "He doesn't really know about who this is right now, but when he's older, I'm sure he'll think this was great."

Krayzelburg said he likes making these visits to see and hear about the impact swimming can have on so many students.

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For years following his Olympic appearances, he said, he stopped swimming and only returned to the water more recently. He says swimming is a double-edged sword for him now because it makes him realize he is not in the same competitive shape he once was.

"I remember how fast I used to go  even training-wise  so it's kind of sad, honestly," he said. "But then you can also look at it and say what incredible shape I used to be in."

But Krayzelburg said he was in Skokie just to take in what the water can mean to young people.

"To see the impact swimming can have on kids and the improvements they can make in the water always reminds me why I'm doing what I'm doing now," he said.

misaacs@pioneerlocal.com

@SKReview_Mike
A high school student confessed to issuing a threat that resulted in Old Orchard Junior High School closing last week, according to Skokie School District 68 Superintendent James Garwood.

In a statement released over the weekend, Garwood said a similar threat was made Sunday toward an unnamed female student at Niles North High School using the Skokie Police Department's anonymous Text-a-Tip application.

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After police received the second threat, Garwood said, they were able to identify a high school student responsible for both the Friday and Sunday threats.

"This student was arrested and confessed to both incidents," he said.

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Skokie police said the student was a 16-year-old boy who attends a Niles Township High School District 219 school, but authorities said they would not release the student's name because he is a minor. Police said the boy has not been referred to juvenile court for charges but that authorities are likely to do so in the near future.

District 219 officials would not comment on whether the district is disciplining the teen or keeping him out of school, referring all questions on the matter to the Skokie Police Department. Officials said the district would not have any comment on the case as long as it was under police investigation.

Garwood said that police informed the district the suspect had "neither the means nor the intention to harm anyone."

Garwood said District 68 closed Old Orchard Junior High and its Early Childhood Center Friday after being notified early that morning about the threat. The school was not named in the threat, he said  only that harm would happen on Kenton Avenue, where Old Orchard Junior High and the Early Childhood Center are located.

"We had planned for Old Orchard Junior High and the Early Childhood Center to be open (the following Monday) with additional police presence," Garwood said in a message released to parents and staff Sunday. "With this new and welcome information, tomorrow will be a normal day for all of our schools."

misaacs@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @SKReview_Mike
Meteorological disasters have been blamed for the destruction of at least 50 billion kilograms of grain in China annually, according to official statistics.

Climate change is having an increasing impact on food and agriculture, with each rising degree Celsius causing 10 percent of grain losses,according to figures released Sunday at a promotion activity in Nanjing for the 36th World Food Day.

China is one of the countries most affected by meteorological disasters, with droughts causing about 60 percent of all the losses in the country, according to officials at the activity.

Xu Xiaofeng, deputy head of China Meteorological Administration, said that immediate measures need to be taken to address the issue.

"We need to play down the effect of meteorological disasters in grain production, harvest, storage, processing, packaging, transportation and consumption," Xu said.

China managed to diminish grain losses with a variety of measures in the past few years, including building new granaries and repairing old ones, as well as upgrading transportation equipment, said Xu Ming, deputy head of State Administration of Grain.
Earlier this fall, former Gage County resident Lester Reed turned 107, and he remains one of the oldest living people in the state.

"There have been over 180 persons with Nebraska connected by birth and/or residence who have reached age 107 or above," said E.A. Kral, author of bio-bibliography "900 Famous Nebraskans." "Of that number only 18 have been men."

Kral added that Reed is the oldest man connected to Gage County, as he resided in the area for several years. Throughout his life Reed has lived through several wars, including both World Wars, was a teenager through the Great Depression and has seen 18 U.S Presidents inaugurated into office. William Howard Taft was the president the year he was born.

To live a a life as long as Reed is something few men or women will ever achieve and though he no longer resides in the state, he has seen more of Nebraska's history than just a handful of individuals.

There are five people living that are age 107 or above within or tied to the state and of the five Reed is the only male, according to the Nebraska Health Care Association. Thelma Liesche Sutcliffe, Douglas County resident, turned 110 in October, Agnes Kopecky Orcutt, also resident of Douglas County, turns 109 in February, Eva Havlerson McGee, Antelope County resident, turns 109 in November, and Lillian Vesely Wanek, Saline County resident, turns 108 in May.

According to the 1920 U.S. Census, he was listed as 10 as one of four children living in Sicily, Nebraska in Gage County. Ten years later was listed in the 1930 U.S. Census as a resident of Lincoln.

Reed, a longtime resident of Nebraska, was born on September 10, 1909 in Havelock and lived in Blue Springs and Beatrice.

According to the U.S. Census website, the price of a half gallon of milk that year was 16 cents and a dozen eggs cost 32 cents. Reed spoke with the Omaha-World Herald after his 103rd birthday and stated that in ninth grade he worked at a grocery store in Beatrice delivering customers' groceries and made eight dollars a week, four dollars of which he sent home to his parents. His biggest purchase during those years was a 1925 Model T Ford for $175.

He currently lives with his daughter in Overland Park Kansas, but before retirement he operated elevators in Ellis, Saronville, Plymouth, Gilead, Byron, Hastings and Bruning. He was married to his wife, Vera, for 68 years.

Cards may be sent to Lester J. Reed at 14419 Russel St., Overland Park, Kansas, 66223.
Chen Xiaohong (L) and Ruby Lu (R). [Raventech]

The largest venture capital fund ever raised by a woman isn't in Silicon Valley or even the United States. It's in Beijing and is run by a former librarian who keeps such a low profile that she's a mystery in China.

Chen Xiaohong rarely attends industry conferences or events. She hadn't given a media interview in more than a decade until agreeing to break her silence this summer. "I don't like being part of a club," said Chen during a four-hour discussion at her firm's headquarter. "I believe in staying independent, making your own decisions."

Chen, 46, is part of an unusual group of female investors who have risen to the top of the venture business in China and helped fuel the country's technology boom. They've backed some of China's most successful startups and their influence is growing as they raise more money, recruit other women and seed the next generation of technology companies.

Chen and her peers have become part of the mainstream in China in a way that's proven elusive in the United States. US venture firms have faced accusations of sexism and discrimination for years, including in an unsuccessful lawsuit filed by a female partner against storied Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. Despite the criticism, the firms have made little progress in promoting women. Among the top US venture firms, women make up about 10 percent of the investing partners and only half of the firms have any women of that rank. China is already more balanced: About 17 percent of investing partners are female and 80 percent have at least one woman.

An increasing number, like Chen, lead their firms. Kathy Xu is founder of Shanghai's Capital Today Group, which has $1.2 billion under management and was an early backer of the e-commerce company JD.com Inc. Anna Fang is CEO of ZhenFund, one of the most influential angel investors in China. Ruby Lu, Chen's partner at her firm H Capital until this month, previously co-founded the China business for DCM Ventures.

Their success is bringing more women into China's technology industry. The Chinese government estimates females found 55 percent of new internet companies and more than a quarter of all entrepreneurs are women. In the US, only 22 percent of startups have one or more women on their founding teams, according to research by Vivek Wadhwa and Farai Chideya for their book Innovating Women: The Changing Face of Technology.

China has quietly become one of the best places in the world for women venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. Chen raised a new $500 million fund, the biggest ever by a woman, according to Preqin, and increased her assets under management to about $1 billion. The largest women-led fund in the US was about half that size, according to Preqin's data.

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China's Sichuan Airlines on Monday started a new flight route, linking the tourist city of Hangzhou with Los Angeles.

Flights will depart Hangzhou for Los Angeles around noon on Mondays and Thursdays. Flight time will range from 12.5 hours to 14.5 hours, sources with Hangzhou airport said.

It is the second American destination, after San Francisco, for Hangzhou airport, which handles nearly 90 international flights a day. In July this year, United Airlines launched its San Francisco-Hangzhou service three times a week.

Hangzhou is one China's best known tourist destinations. The municipal government aims to attract 4.35 million foreign visitors a year by 2020, generating 4 billion U.S. dollars in tourism revenue. The city received a publicity boost this September by hosting the G20 Hangzhou summit. The Hangzhou airport authority said it plans to launch Hangzhou-Sydney flights in November, the city's first ever direct air link to Oceania.
Traces of a potentially cancer-causing chemical known as NDMA was detected in the drinking water of 44 Chinese cities, while samples from the east and south were found to have relatively high concentrations, according to a new study.

Measured in nanograms per liter, NDMAshort for N-nitrosodimethylamineis a byproduct of the disinfection process used for chlorinating drinking water and is considered an "emerging contaminant", together with other related chemicals known as nitrosamines.

Samples were taken from 155 sites in 44 cities across 23 provinces, including original sources, finished water from treatment plants and tap water. The average NDMA concentrations11 ng per liter for finished water, and 13 ng per liter for tap wateris nearly four times what was reported in the United States in 2012.

The two figures reached 27 ng/L and 28.5 ng/L in Yangtze River Delta areas, posing a digestive cancer risk for residents there, lead researcher Chen Chao, an associate professor at Tsinghua University's School of Environment, was quoted as saying by Science and Technology Daily on Friday.

"The NDMA concentration in drinking water is a pressing issue that demands more research and systematic modifications," he said.

NDMA and other nitrosamines cause cancer in laboratory animals, according to the World Health Organization. Currently, the substance is not regulated as a drinking water quality standard in China. No maximum level has been set.

Chen said it may be included soon as a standard for water safety.

The WHO sets a cap on NDMA in drinking water at 100 ng/L. The standard in Canada is 40, while in Australia it's 100.

The states of Massachusetts and California in the US require a stricter standard10 ng/L.

"Industrial and sewage contamination might be blamed for high levels," Chen said.

Chen Wanqing, director of the National Central Cancer Registry, confirmed a link between nitrosamines and human cancers, but stressed that cancer would be only caused by high levels.

"The trace found in the water cannot lead to cancer via drinking tap water," he said. Also, boiling tap water further lowers the NDMA concentration.

NDMA has also been detected in foods such as pickles, cured fish and tobacco smoke, he said, adding that unlike heavy metals, NDMA is unlikely to accumulate in the body.
On a recent Saturday morning in Beijing, Win Tin, 66, a veteran journalist from Myanmar, was enthralled by a lecture at the Communication University of China on setting up a digital studio, from floor layouts to overhead light temperatures to software.

Win Tin (right), from Myanmar, and Pham Thi Hai Ha (middle), from Vietnam, visit China Daily newsroom during their training program in Beijing on Sept 28. [Photo/China Daily]

Two months ago, Tin, with 25 years of experience in journalism, started an online news outlet, Northern Light Media, but realized he knew little about online media.

So he jumped at the offer to join a 10-day media workshop provided by the university's China-ASEAN Center of Training that targets media executives and journalists from Southeast Asian countries.

"I want to be a lifelong learner, and China is the country I'm most interested in," said Tin, whose fellow trainees, totaling 21, come from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The training programsupported by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and Huaneng Industry, a State-owned energy companyis not the first international project at top Chinese journalism schools.

Since 2014, the School of Journalism and Communication at Renmin University of China has trained at least 10 journalists from African media each year in an exchange program organized by the China-Africa Press Center. This year, the program has received 28 African journalists, the largest group yet.

Every year, the university also admits five young journalists from Pakistan. In nine months, "they studied various aspects of China, built friendships and strengthened their Chinese counterparts' understanding of Pakistan", said Zhong Xin, director of the school's international affairs.

Tsinghua University's master's program in global business journalism, taught in English, admits 20 international students each year. About 200 of them from 50 countries have graduated, said Hang Ming, the program's co-director.

Some programs that train foreign journalists at CUC and Remin University programs is fully paid by schools or sponsors, while the master's program at Tsinghua costs 39,000 yuan ($5,850) per year. Most of the training is done in Beijing, with opportunities for trainees to visit rural areas or small cities.

Hu Zhengrong, president of the CUC and a lecturer of the program for Southeast Asian journalists, estimated more than 100 foreign journalists study in China each year, most from developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

"China is the world's second-largest economy and a significant stakeholder in global affairs, but its soft power needs to manifest itself through people to people, heart to heart dialogues," Hu said.

"Training foreign journalists in China allows them to experience the country's full complexity, thus ensuring more objectivity and consideration when they portray China to their audience," he added.

CUC provides practical training in new and innovative techniques such as media convergence, big data, smart solutions and next-generation network technology. The lectures are in English.

"The courses are very informative," said Shamim Abdullah Zahedy, executive editor for the Independent in Bangladesh. "It introduced me to new dimensions in new media and broadened my understanding of the medium."

Professor Zhang Wenhui of CUC, who teaches media technologies, said that China's hands-on experience can serve as a blueprint for the trainees to develop the media industry in their home countries.

Zhang had an interpreter for his lecture, but the presentation was in English and he made sure all terminologies were in sync with international standards. "If someone were to purchase a set of equipment, it would be helpful to know exactly what it is called on the international market," Zhang said.

But Hu said some material is geared towards understanding China.

"I avoid using Western concepts like liberal or conservative because they are loaded with implications and stereotypes that may not reflect China's true conditions," Hu said.

When introducing China to foreigners, it is crucial to let them see China through a Chinese conceptual system, he said, adding that teachers have to be thorough and honest in the process.

International graduates of Tsinghua's program often go into international media, public relations or government organizations. "Some become the bridge that connects China and the world," said Hang, the program's co-director.

The work of graduates has been significant.

Compton Nicholas James, a US graduate of the program, published an investigative report on how Chinese governmental and nongovernmental organizations tackle the issue of left-behind children in China.

After graduating from the program, Park Jinbum, a South Korean student, became a producer at South Korean broadcasting network KBS and produced Super China, an in-depth documentary on China's rise that went viral in 2015.

The training programs not only allow journalists to acquire skills, but also broaden their network of contacts for their future endeavors in content creation, said Steven Dong, dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education at CUC.

Dong said he would like to see more media collaboration, such as Legends of Song and Dance, a joint, 2013 Chinese-Myanmar television series telling the stories between the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the Kingdom of Myanmar. The series was broadcast in both countries.

Apart from teaching technical skills, future media training programs should include courses on content production, thus "laying the foundation for all-around media cooperation", he said.
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An explosion killed two people and left 15 others injured in a southwest China county on Sunday afternoon, local authorities said.

Explosion site [Photo: yunnan.cn]

The accident happened at around 6 p.m.in a commercial district in Yuanyang County, Yunnan Province. The explosion damaged to varying degrees several shops and residential buildings nearby, according to the local public security bureau. The injured are receiving medical treatment in hospital.

Police have ruled out the possibility of terrorist attacks, and an investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.
The world's eldest giant panda in captivity Jia Jia was given euthanasia on Sunday at Hong Kong Ocean Park, after her health condition deteriorated rapidly in the past two weeks.

Female giant panda Jia Jia celebrated her 37th birthday at the Ocean Park in Hong Kong, south China, July 28, 2015. [Photo / Xinhua]

Died at the age of 38, about 114 years old in human terms, the female panda had lost sharply her food consumption from more than 10 kg to less than 3 kg per day, according to a spokeswoman from the theme park.

Jia Jia had spent less time awake and shown no interest in food or fluids for the past few days. The panda's condition worsened on Sunday morning when she was unable to walk and spent the day lying down.

To prevent suffering, veterinarians from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the Ocean Park agreed to put her to sleep.

Leo Kung Lin-cheng, Ocean Park's chairman, said Jia Jia was a member of their family who had spent 17 wonderful years with Hong Kong people, and she will be deeply missed.

He also thanked the panda for the wonderful things she had brought to Hong Kong people and visitors from around the world.

A spokesman with the Hong Kong SAR government said that it was saddened by the panda's death and expressed appreciation to the theme park for its care for Jia Jia and the support of the giant panda breeding center at Wolong nature reserve in Sichuan.

Jia Jia was born in southwest China's Sichuan Province in 1978 and was presented together with male panda An An by China's central government to the Hong Kong SAR as a gift in 1999.

Jia Jia was the eldest giant panda ever in captivity and had set world record for longevity. Jia Jia had given births to six panda cubs.
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A transportation plane once used by the "Flying Tigers" arrived in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province on Sunday.

A C-47 aircraft made in 1944 is seen at Kunming Changshui International Airport, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, Oct. 15, 2016. [Photo: Xinhua]

The plane, a C-47 airTrain, which was manufactured in 1944, traversed the hazardous "hump route" over the Himalayas to raise money to repair the blindage once used by Clair Lee Chennault, the leader of the "Flying Tigers," a U.S. air squadron that helped the Chinese fight the Japanese during World War II.

The plane departed from Australia in August and has made stops in several countries.

It currently has five crew members, including two from the United States and three from Australia. Their average age is above 70 years old, each boasting vast experience of flying the plane.

The plane will eventually fly to Guilin, in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where a heritage park for the "Flying Tigers" has been established.

The American Volunteer Group, which was given the moniker the "Flying Tigers" afterwards, was formed in 1941.
The annual CPC in Dialogue with the World concluded on Oct. 15 in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality with the Chongqing Initiative agreed upon by more than 300 politicians, scholars, and businesspeople from over 50 countries.

Song Tao, minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), delivers a speech at the closing ceremony of the CPC in Dialogue with the World 2016 held in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on Oct. 15, 2016. [Photo by Chen Boyuan / China.org.cn]

This year's CPC world dialogue focused on how political parties could play a more active role in global economic governance, a topic that was also discussed at the G20 Hangzhou summit in September.

At the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged all G20 members to "build a partnership in energy cooperation, nurture a free and open global energy market with orderly competition and efficient supervision, jointly maintain stability of energy prices, improve energy efficiency and formulate and improve global energy governance principles."

At the closing ceremony, Song Tao, minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), the organizer of the event, said in his speech that economic globalization has already made the entire world a community with a shared future.

"To innovate global economic governance, all countries should enhance their self-awareness of the idea of a shared future, uphold the partnership that seeks win-win results from cooperation and integrate knowledge into actions," said Song.

Dominique de Villepin, a former French prime minister, was among the international political leaders invited to the forum. He hailed the CPC's role in achieving development in China while having Chinese people understand where the country is heading and what the countrys objectives are.

"When you want to have strong actions, you need to have understanding, dialogue and decision. It's a huge process, and I think the CPC is aware of these needs," said De Villepin, commenting on how the CPC's international dialogue mechanism brings it closer to political parties from other countries.

Ignatius Chombo, Secretary of Administration for the Zimbabwe African National Union  Patriotic Front (Zanu PF) said it is "extremely important" for the CPC to hold such a forum, especially for smaller countries.

"Big country wants to behave big, and small countries also want to behave big although they are small. The best way is to communicate properly and honestly, and do so without fear or favor," said Chombo. "It brings political parties together so that they can share ideas and issues that needs to be resolved. In doing so, they aren't doing it in a warfare situation but in harmony."

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China's southern island province of Hainan is gearing up to guard against Typhoon Sarika, which is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, as hundreds of fishermen and construction workers have been evacuated to safe shelters.

Authorities in Hainan Province held an emergency meeting Sunday night to review precautionary measures. Provincial meteorological bureau chief Cai Qinbo said losses from the typhoon are expected to be "grave," as the tropical cyclone is projected to be the most powerful and destructive to land in Hainan in a decade.

According to the latest forecast, Typhoon Sarika, the 21st typhoon of the year, will enter southeast Hainan early Tuesday before landing between the cities of Qionghai and Sanya. The storm is expected to intensify into a super-typhoon upon landing.

Yongxing Island to the south of Hainan Island is the first to face off with the powerful cyclone. Six safe shelters have been established on the island to accommodate hundreds of fishermen and construction workers ordered to evacuate from their work sites.

Classes are suspended in kindergartens, middle and primary schools in eight counties of the province while tourist sites are closed to the public. Residents and tourists have been warned against hiking or strolling along the beaches.

Provincial authorities have also ordered safety checks of reservoirs, power and water supplies, while demanding the fishery and farming sectors take precautions.

High-speed trains connecting cities in Hainan will be suspended starting late Monday. In the nearby province of Guangdong, the local fishery department has called on all fishing boats traveling around Hainan Island and surrounding waters to moor at bay.

At the island's main civil airport, Meilan International Airport in the provincial capital Haikou City, five flights were canceled as of 1 p.m. Monday and airport staff made logistical preparations for large-scale flight cancellations.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attends a welcome dinner at the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos September 6, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

When Rodrigo Duterte was elected president of the Philippines earlier this year, there was much concern and speculation as to how this might turn out; Duterte has always been known as a radical and outspoken politician, and some Filipinos feared he might set the country on a confrontation course with China amid long-standing disputes over islands in the South China Sea.

In fact it looks as though the reverse is occurring. Though the former Philippine government challenged China's stance of the dispute in a UN-based court, Duterte appears to have signalled from the start that he wishes to refrain from confrontation, preferring to deal on a bilateral basis corresponding to the Chinese position.

This forms part of a re-thinking of established government policy based on a firm alliance with the USA. Duterte's radical approach to the drug problems at home has attracted unwelcome criticism from President Obama personally, which has caused a rift between the two countries. Duterte has announced a halt to joint U.S.-Philippine military exercises, and the relationship is clearly under some strain.

Duterte clearly thinks his war on drugs could benefit more from close cooperation with China, as both countries share a deep concern on the issue, and, in Duterte's view, many Filipino criminals have links to China-based crime syndicates; thus official cooperation may bear fruit.

Duterte has already sent the 88-year-old former Philippine President Fidel Ramos as a special envoy to China on a confidence-building mission, and plans an October visit himself. This proposal has received a warm welcome, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson saying: "We have expressed our welcome to a visit on many occasions. We hope that he can make this trip as soon as possible." China's Ambassador in Manila Zhao Jianhua repeated this welcome at his country's National Day reception in Manila on September 27.

As well as attempting to form a working relationship on South China Sea issues and drugs, Duterte also hopes to apply to China for trade and economic assistance, as well as tapping into the Chinese speciality of infrastructural development in a more solid and constructive relationship. He plans to bring with him a business delegation seeking to attract Chinese investment in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, the president's home territory and one of the poorest regions.

Given that China's established policy, especially since the launch of the AIIB earlier this year, is to use economic cooperation as a way of building firm relationships with neighboring countries and even with those at a greater distance, the Philippines represents an ideal regional partner in many ways.

The country, which consists of a large number of islands and a regular victim of natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, could benefit hugely from Chinese aid for her inevitably fragmentary infrastructure, and from all kinds of Chinese investment. It is not poor in natural resources, but has not been able to exploit them to best effect so far.

A further element in the burgeoning Sino-Philippine relationship is the role that the latter can play in dealings with other countries in the region that are somewhat at odds with China. Duterte visited Vietnam at the end of September, where he compared notes on South China Sea issues.

It is likely he is urging a more conciliatory policy towards China on the Vietnamese leadership, which may cause some concern to the Americans. Likewise, the president is also hoping to visit Japan in October; Japan and the Philippines have enjoyed warm relations for some time, and it will be interesting to see how Duterte manages to sell his conciliatory policy towards China.

It is not, of course, likely that Duterte is signalling a complete U-turn in Philippine foreign policy. However, it is sensible for him to strike a balance between the traditional U.S.-Philippine alliance and the regional political and economic influence of China.

It can only be hoped this approach will encourage other regional powers to engage constructively with China in the South China Sea.

President Duterte may be a controversial figure on the world stage: but in world history it has frequently been necessary for a statesman to be bold, imaginative and unpredictable in order to cut through complications and enable real progress. Hopefully, his approach can lead to a lowering of tension in the seas around East Asia and a more constructive approach to the region's problems.

Tim Collard is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/timcollard.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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(File photo)

Southwest China's Guizhou Province plans to lift at least one million people out of poverty in the coming five years through tourism.

The landlocked province aims to draw more sightseers and hikers to its mountain ranges and ethnic communities, facilitated by a network of high speed railways, expressways and air routes, according to the provincial government's blueprint on tourism released Saturday.

By cooperating with other provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, Guizhou hopes to become a major attraction for visitors to China.

Meanwhile, Guizhou Province plans to launch 20 local routes, grouping its 100 most popular destinations, 100 routes for hikers and mountaineers and 1,000 villages featuring unique ethnic culture and lifestyles, the document said.

The province also hopes to attract urbanites to its "hospitality farms," with activities such as the planting and harvesting of grain, fruit and vegetables, farm produce tasting and unique country accommodation, according to the plan.

Guizhou, a largely underdeveloped province with a population of 35 million, has more than 18,000 mountain villages, of which 426 are classed as "communities with unique traditions."

By 2020, at least 1,000 villages will become major tourist destinations. The income from such activities will hopefully benefit the the rural population, the document said.
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The Turkey-backed Syrian rebels have taken full control over a northern town of religious significance for the Islamic State (IS) group, a monitor group reported on Sunday.

Backed by Turkish warplanes and tanks, the rebel fighters captured the town of Dabeq in fewer than 24 hours since the attack began, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The UK-based watchdog said the rebels have also controlled several areas around Dabeq, a town in the northern countryside of Aleppo province.

During the battle, the IS had brought in 1,200 fighters to defend the town due to its religious importance.

The Ankara-backed rebels recently launched a wide-scale offensive against the IS positions in northern Syria, aiming to capture the areas in the hands of the group earlier than the Kurdish troops.

Observers believe that Turkey does not want to see the Kurds expand influence near its borders as a result of the long-standing enmity between them.
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Troops of India and Pakistan Sunday exchanged heavy fire and targeted each other's positions on Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir, officials said.

The firing happened in Nowshera sector of frontier Rajouri district, some 220 km southwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Pakistani forces today resorted to heavy firing and shelling on Indian positions and civilian areas in Naushera sector of Rajouri district along LoC," an Indian army official said. "The firing and shelling started at around 5:00 a.m. and continued for three hours."

Indian defense officials said their troops guarding LoC retaliated and the exchange lasted until 8:00 in the morning.

There were no casualty report to the Indian side due to the firing.

Reports said the cease-fire violation took place after a week-long lull.

Both New Delhi and Islamabad accused each other of resorting to unprovoked firings and violating cease-fire agreements. Both sides maintained that their troops gave befitting reply.

The troops of India and Pakistan intermittently exchange fire on 720 km-long LoC and 198 km International Border (IB) in Kashmir, despite an agreement in 2003 to observe a cease-fire. Though some violations have been reported on both sides, the cease-fire however remains in effect.

Tensions between the two countries escalated because of the ongoing civilian protests in Indian-controlled Kashmir that saw around 90 civilians dead and over 12,000 others injured.

The situation worsened between New Delhi and Islamabad following a militant attack on Uri army camp last month that left 19 troopers dead and subsequent claims of Indian military that it carried out "surgical strikes" inside Pakistan-controlled Kashmir inflicting significant casualties on infiltrators and their supporters.

Pakistan, however, rejected Indian claims about "surgical strikes".

Reports said over 25 cease-fire violations along LoC were recorded after "surgical strikes" claim.

LoC is a de facto border that divides Kashmir into India and Pakistan controlled parts.

New Delhi blames Islamabad for fanning Kashmir protests and accuses it of sending armed militants into Indian-controlled Kashmir, an accusation Islamabad strongly rejects. However, Islamabad says it only provides moral and political support to Kashmiris.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping attended Sunday a dialogue between BRICS and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) leaders on emerging economy cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a dialogue between BRICS and BIMSTEC leaders on emerging economy cooperation in the western Indian state of Goa, Oct. 16, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Noting that both groups belong to the big family of developing countries, Xi said the emerging-market bloc of BRICS that groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and the BIMSTEC that comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, share common desires in safeguarding world peace and regional security, as well as the common needs for economic development and improving people's livelihood and benefits.

The Chinese president noted that all of the BIMSTEC countries are China's good friends, good neighbors and good partners, and have maintained long-lasting friendship and close cooperation with China.

Facing both unprecedented opportunities and challenges, emerging-market economies and developing countries should join hands and make concerted efforts to enhance policy communication and coordination, complement each other's advantages and promote regional economic integration, Xi said.

He called for the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative and the BIMSTEC programs, so as to advance infrastructure construction and connectivity, and strive for common development.

Meanwhile, the BRICS and BIMSTEC countries should also boost friendly exchanges at all levels in such fields as locality, media, think tank and youth, in order to nurture their deeply rooted partnerships, he added.

The Chinese president stressed that the G20 summit in Hangzhou last month has scored a series of fruitful results, which will play a positive role in promoting international development and cooperation, and will help propel the development of BIMSTC countries.

China will always prioritize cooperation with developing countries, inject fresh momentum into South-South cooperation, and open up new prospects for the mutually beneficial cooperation within Asia by upholding its neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, Xi said.

China stands ready to make joint efforts with all parties to lift the dialogues and cooperation between BRICS members and other sides to new heights, guided by the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness, cooperation and win-win results, he said.

Other BRICS and BIMSTEC leaders also underlined the economic complementarity between their countries and vast cooperation potential.

Noting that the BRICS nations have made important progress in such fields as pursuing innovative development and eliminating poverty, the leaders called on both groups to strengthen cooperation in various areas including connectivity, trade and investment, maritime economy and people-to-people exchanges, so as to join forces for development.

They also voiced support for the two groups to learn from positive experiences, carry out closer cooperation in international affairs, improve global economic governance system and work together to address challenges, thus achieving common development.

The dialogue was held at the eighth summit of BRICS in the western Indian state of Goa.

India is the last stop of Xi's ongoing Asia tour, which has already taken him to Cambodia and Bangladesh.
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"Egypt's vote went to both the French-Spanish resolution and the Russian resolution (over Syrian crisis) last week, and this was not a contradictory stance," official MENA news agency quoted the Egyptian president as saying on Sunday.

Egypt has recently voted for a Russian draft resolution at the UN Security Council over Syria, which is believed to have disturbed Egypt's biggest Gulf ally Saudi Arabia although Egypt voted for a rival Western draft resolution.

Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said his country's foreign policy is moderate, balanced, open and independent.

Sisi's remarks came in an interview with the editors-in-chief of three daily state-owned newspapers, MENA said.

"Egypt's foreign policy does not interfere in other countries' affairs, and that is what makes the country's relations with the world strong," Sisi said during the interview.

As for the Syrian crisis, Sisi said, Egypt's stance was clear at the United Nations Security Council.

Egypt said it voted for both resolutions, which failed to pass at the world body, out of keenness on a relief for the Syrian people, particularly those in Aleppo, regardless of any political considerations.

"The common denominator in these two resolutions was that they called for a ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid to the Syrian people, and this is the important thing to the Egyptian state and people," Sisi stressed.

Sisi also spoke about what some considered as a crisis with Saudi Arabia that erupted following Egypt's voting on the two resolutions and then Saudi ARAMCO Company stopped sending shipments of petroleum products upon a signed contract.

Media reports claimed that Saudi Arabia ceased deliveries of fuel supplies to Egypt after the North African country backed a Russian resolution over Syria at the UN Security Council.

"The issue needs more coordination between Egypt and our brothers in the kingdom in order to clear things up," he said, adding that the shipment is part of a trade agreement signed during a visit to Egypt by Saudi King Salman Ben Abdel Aziz in April.

"We do not want to blow things out of proportion. Egyptian-Saudi relations are brotherly and strategic, and are not affected by anything," he stressed.
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Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced early Monday the beginning of a major offensive to retake the second largest Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) group, national TV channel Al Iraqiya reported.

"Today I declare the launch of the operation of liberating Nineveh province. The time of victory has come, and the moment of the great victory is approaching," Abadi said in his brief address broadcast by Al Iraqiya.

The channel showed Abadi, who is also the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi forces, was wearing military uniform and flanked by senior officers.

Abadi pledged to rebuild Mosul and other towns and villages in Nineveh province after they were destroyed by the extremist IS militants, and vowed to bring stability to Mosul, which is located some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

"Very soon, we will be with you to raise the flag of Iraq in the middle of Mosul, and in towns and villages as well," Abadi said, calling on the people of Mosul to cooperate with security forces to defeat the IS group.

Abadi also vowed that 2016 will be the year of defeating terrorism of the IS group.

The operation of security forces and allied U.S.-led coalition troops to retake Mosul will be the biggest in the country since U.S. troops withdrew from Iraq in 2011.

Mosul, the last major IS stronghold in Iraq, has been under the group's control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
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The African continent enjoys a long and rich history of friendship with the People's Republic of China.

China has accompanied Africa on its road to economic prosperity for over 50 years, dating back to when a good number of African countries attained their independence.

As the world's largest developing country, China has scored remarkable achievements in poverty alleviation.

Sinologists often attribute that the success behind the emergence of China's economic achievement is due to the unity in the Communist Party of China (CPC) and its leadership.

The 3rd plenary session of the 11th CPC Central Committee, held in December 1978 with a focus on economic development, established the basic road map for China and marked the beginning of the famous reform-and-opening-up efforts.

At that time, China launched the institutional reforms in the ownership of rural farmland, market reforms, and reforms in the employment system.

With a total population of 1.3 billion, today the country still struggles to transform the lives of about 70 million people who are still living in poverty. But efforts are being made by the government to eradicate poverty completely by reducing the impoverished population by at least 10 million every year.

"Between 1981 and 2004, China went from more than two-thirds of the population living on less than $1 a day, to fewer than one person in ten living in poverty," according to Makhtar Diop, World Bank vice president for the Africa Region.

According to the World Bank, from 1981 to 2010 the global impoverished population dropped by 723 million, 94.2 percent of which has come from China's poverty alleviation push.

A recent analysis  comparing China, India, and Brazil  of the impact of growth on poverty found that China's growth reduced poverty at a rate 50 percent higher than that of Brazil, and even higher relative to poverty reduction in India.

In China, this has held especially true for progress in agriculture, where growth has had four times as great an impact on reducing poverty than growth in manufacturing or services.

However, in contrast to the major strides taken in China, growth in Africa has been accompanied by much slower poverty reduction.

Africa should be looking to change the course of its history as China did in 1978, when Deng Xiaoping assumed power and introduced major reforms, most notably perhaps was the shift from a planned economy toward a market economy.

In fighting poverty, the Chinese government and its people have come together to alleviate poverty by improving the infrastructure and trade networks; investing in human capital; encouraging in-depth financial reforms; and reducing barriers for both industrialization and the entry of new products.

With little prior exposure to or knowledge of the fruits of Chinese people's labor and unity, most first-time visitors to China are stunned and deeply impressed by the skyscrapers and architectural designs permeating the country's cities .

But one need look back only some 30 years prior to see a completely different China from that of today: The country was very poor, and the infrastructure had been developed to merely a fraction of what it is now.

The government and people of China have shown the world that they are still true partners of Africa by supporting Africa's commitment to its own path of growth and development.

The newly founded Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which was officially launched in December 2015, marks the recent rejuvenation of the long-established relationship.

Agriculture

With the majority of its population still making a living from agriculture, Africa has been highly dependent on exports of raw materials and commodities.

However, many Africans have unfortunately shifted to working in services, in which much of the growth is restricted to low-productivity activities, such as the informal sector, trade, and production.

Industrialization

Industrialization is a key outlet for advancing poverty alleviation on the African continent. Among its many advantages, industrialization helps impoverished African farmers adjust their production structure and increase their income by establishing agricultural product bases.

Education

When it comes to education, Africa should learn from the experience of China, where more than 40 percent of all tertiary degrees are awarded in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Africa needs more graduates from these areas in order to improve productivity and infrastructure.

African leaders can also glean key takeaways from China's achievements in poverty alleviation by implementing some of China's strategies. Perhaps the most significant of which is establishing a well-functioning market economy capable of generating large financial returns.

However, there will always be a relatively large number of people whom the market inevitably bypasses; and here, genuine political will to alleviate poverty is arguably the most important ingredient of all.

China has been extending support to Africa to help boost its economy; and these efforts in assistance have strengthened the relationship between Africa and China  if not led to a cordial SinoAfrican friendship.

The collaboration offered by the government of the People's Republic of China is sustainable based on win-win cooperation and common development.

Therefore, African leaders should make good use of the opportunity to transform the lives and living conditions of its people: The resources are available.

Since opening up, China along with its achievements in poverty alleviation have accelerated global poverty alleviation efforts and have helped reverse the rising trend of the global impoverished population in the past 50 years.
Bills that havent been passed into law die at the end of the second year of the Legislatures two-year session. Some die in committee, others are left at various stages of debate. Some have been mercifully killed or withdrawn during debate.

But the concepts live on and are often given a new number and come back for another shot. It took Ernie Chambers 26 years to get the death penalty repealed. The motorcycle helmet issue keeps coming back as long as those who want to ride without helmets can find a sponsor.

Same old stuff in a new sack. One gets used to the reruns over time. The lucky ones find a dynamic sponsor, a new twist, outside support, and hope in a bi-partisan coalition.

Theres a good possibility that some of the following issues will come up again when the new 105th Legislature convenes in January. Heres a breakdown by committees.

Agriculture: The big issue left hanging last session was a proposed constitutional amendment that would have guaranteed Nebraskans the right to farm and ranch. Senator John Kuehn of Heartwell wanted voters to decide the measure, which would prohibit the Legislature from passing laws that restrict the rights of Nebraskans to use agricultural technology and ranching practices without a compelling state interest.

Appropriations: Its time to draft a new two-year budget in the wake of revenue shortfalls, new faces in the Legislature and new leadership  and members  on the Appropriations Committee.

Banking, Commerce and Insurance: There are always lingering regulatory issues covering both the banking and insurance industries. A decision by Blue Cross and Blue Shield to drop out of the Affordable Care Act market will cause a new focus on primary care issues.

Business and Labor: Two bills left behind dealt with benefits for employees families. Bellevue Senator Sue Crawfords would have provided paid family medical leave for covered individuals in the event of the birth of a new child, adoption or foster care placement, serious illness or pregnancy or illness of a family member. Omaha Senator Heath Mellos proposal would have provided monetary compensation to the family of a police officer, correctional officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty, including the families of those who work on a voluntary basis.

Education: A bill that would have required the state to use general funds to reimburse schools for most of their special education costs was held by the committee. Senator Al Davis of Hyannis wanted the state Department of Education to reimburse school districts for at least 80 percent of the total excess allowable costs for special education programs and support services. Omaha Senator Bob Krist had a proposal that would have required high school students to pass a 100-question civics examination based on the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization test.

Government: A measure that would have allowed an 18-year-old to hold public office in Nebraska stalled after two days of debate. ONeill Senator Tyson Larson wanted a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot that would change age eligibility for public office in Nebraska to the federal voting age. One must now be 21 to serve in the Legislature and 30 to serve as governor, lieutenant governor or as a Nebraska Supreme Court judge. A bill that would have reinstated the winner-take-all system for allocating Nebraskas presidential electoral votes stalled on final reading. Currently, the winner of Nebraskas statewide popular vote receives two Electoral College votes. Each of the three congressional districts also award one electoral vote each based on their popular vote winner. Maine also uses this system.

General Affairs: In the wake of a failed petition drive to bring gambling issues before voters, expect more proposals.

Judiciary: There may be life beyond dealing with the troubles at the Nebraska Department of Corrections. But the spotlight will stay on that issue.

Health: Perhaps a fifth attempt to expand Medicaid coverage as an alternative health coverage to approximately 97,000 uninsured Nebraskans who are newly eligible under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In the wake of the discovery of $13 million in un-cashed checks, expect continued scrutiny of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Natural resources: Theres always the ban on the hunting of mountain lions.

Revenue: This committee is stuck with the on-going clamor for tax relief and finding ways to generate the money to pay for it.

Transportation: Theres a hefty plan out there for 600 miles of new roads. Now the committee must keep track of the bridges and the less-flashy infrastructure needs.

Remember, this is just the menu as I see it today. Things can, and will, change in January.
China Aid

Reported in Chinese by Qiao Nong. Translated by Carolyn Song. Edited in English by Ava Collins.

(Guangzhou, GuangdongOct. 6, 2016) Authorities in Chinas southern Guangdong suddenly rescheduled the trial for a house church member one week before the original hearing date. Additionally, another house church in Guangdong continues to face harassment from police, even after being driven from their original meeting place.

A visiting pastor from abroad teaches at Renyi Church in

Jiangmen, Guangdong. (Photo: China Aid)

Li Hongmin, a Christian who has been detained since June 3 after printing religious materials, was originally slated to go to trial on Sept. 20, accused of illegal business operations. Lis case was unexpectedly postponed on Sept. 12, after the courts claimed that there was no venue available to hold the trial.

Ma Ke, the leader of Guangfu Church, which Li Hongmin attends, criticized the action, which he believes to be an intentional attempt to sabotage the defense. You government agents, you have to give yourself some credit, dont you? You already set a time, you cant just change it casually. It cost us a great deal to hire the lawyer and to book his flight tickets. You change the date however it suits you. You said the venue is going to be occupied, but how did you not know it wasnt available when you first scheduled the hearing?

Li Baiguang, the lawyer representing Li Hongmin, purchased plane tickets for the trail before it was rescheduled.

Li Hongmins wife told China Aids reporter that she feels helpless in the face of these developments. They phoned to say that the day [Sept. 20] was not available, because the venue would be occupied. I asked when the [new] hearing would be, but he said I would be informed later.

Recently, Guangdong has seen increased pressure against other Christian activities as well. Renyi Church, located in Jiangmen, Guangdong, has reported constant scrutiny and demands from local police, despite relocating to a new venue for gatherings. The church has more than 100 members, many of whom are local migrant workers.

Most recently, the Xinhui District Public Security bureau ordered Renyi Church to remove all belongings from their rented space on Aug. 8. Despite complying with this demand, church members report that authorities have continued to monitor the church, asking for lists of attendees as well as their identification and background information.

The leader of Renyi church said he was specifically warned not to speak with foreign reporters and that retaliation would follow if news of the situation was leaked.

China Aid reports on instances of religious persecution such as the trail process of Li Hongmin and the harassment of Renyi church in order to expose abuses perpetuated by the Chinese government against Chinese citizens.

China Aid Media Team

Cell: (432) 553-1080 | Office: 1+ (888) 889-7757 | Other: (432) 689-6985

Email: [email protected]

For more information, click here
China Aviation Daily | Oct. 17, 2016

On October 16, 2016, Lufthansa made a history becoming the first airline to send an Airbus A380 -- world's lagest passenger aircraft -- to Sofia, Bulgaria.

Image credit: Bulgarian Air Force / Ognyan Stefanov

Image credit: Bulgarian Air Force / Ognyan Stefanov

To mark its first landing in Bulgaria, the A380 Superjumbo was escorted by three Bulgarian Air Force MIG-29 fighter jets in a spectacular flyby over Sofia.

Senior First Officer Mario Bakalov, the only Bulgarian A380 pilot in Lufthansa, piloted the Superjumbo from Frankfurt as a special flight carrying a delegation of politicians, customers and media to the Bulgarian capital, to introduce the Lufthansa A380 to customers and the general public in the country and promote long-haul flights to the U.S. and Asia.

Image credit: Bulgarian Air Force / Ognyan Stefanov

Image credit: Bulgarian Air Force / Ognyan Stefanov

YouTube user Iravan Hira posted a short clip showing three Mig-29s as seeen from inside the Lufthansa A380.
Fortune magazine (Chinese version) recently released the list of "China's Most Admired Companies" of 2016, with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd taking the crown, remaining among the top five positions for four consecutive years.

"The year of 2015 is the starting year of China's 'mass entrepreneurship and innovation' strategy. The innovative implementations have further spread in segment industries, and the internet has been used to deeply transform traditional industries, bridging cross-border collaborations between the traditional enterprises and internet firms," the magazine said.

According to the magazine, although numerous startups are not listed, they are able to play more important roles in the development of the world's second largest economy.

The list, collected from 35,000 Chinese company management candidates' 645 effective questionnaires, evaluates the corporate reputation of large companies that are based in the Chinese mainland through nine criteria, including quality of products/services, long-term investment value, use of corporate assets, innovation, quality of management, financial soundness, people management, social responsibility and effectiveness of global management.

Below are the top 10 companies on the list:

No. 10 Sany Group, construction machinery maker
Kathy Xu is founder of Shanghai's Capital Today Group. [Photo/Bloomberg]

The largest venture capital fund ever raised by a woman isn't in Silicon Valley or even the United States. It's in Beijing and is run by a former librarian who keeps such a low profile that she's a mystery in China.

Chen Xiaohong rarely attends industry conferences or events. She hadn't given a media interview in more than a decade until agreeing to break her silence this summer. "I don't like being part of a club," said Chen during a four-hour discussion at her firm's headquarters. "I believe in staying independent, making your own decisions."

Chen, 46, is part of an unusual group of female investors who have risen to the top of the venture business in China and helped fuel the country's technology boom. They've backed some of China's most successful startups and their influence is growing as they raise more money, recruit other women and seed the next generation of technology companies.

Chen and her peers have become part of the mainstream in China in a way that's proven elusive in the United States. US venture firms have faced accusations of sexism and discrimination for years, including in an unsuccessful lawsuit filed by a female partner against storied Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. Despite the criticism, the firms have made little progress in promoting women. Among the top US venture firms, women make up about 10 percent of the investing partners and only half of the firms have any women of that rank. China is already more balanced: About 17 percent of investing partners are female and 80 percent have at least one woman.

An increasing number, like Chen, lead their firms. Kathy Xu is founder of Shanghai's Capital Today Group, which has $1.2 billion under management and was an early backer of the e-commerce company JD.com Inc. Anna Fang is CEO of ZhenFund, one of the most influential angel investors in China. Ruby Lu, Chen's partner at her firm H Capital until this month, previously co-founded the China business for DCM Ventures.

Their success is bringing more women into China's technology industry. The Chinese government estimates females found 55 percent of new internet companies and more than a quarter of all entrepreneurs are women. In the US, only 22 percent of startups have one or more women on their founding teams, according to research by Vivek Wadhwa and Farai Chideya for their book Innovating Women: The Changing Face of Technology.

China has quietly become one of the best places in the world for women venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. Chen raised a new $500 million fund, the biggest ever by a woman, according to Preqin, and increased her assets under management to about $1 billion. The largest women-led fund in the US was about half that size, according to Preqin's data.
Buildings in Jinan, East China's Shandong province, April 15, 2016. [Photo/IC]

Struggling Chinese companies, some on the brink of delisting, are turning to the soaring property market to bolster their books.

At least 12 firms listed on mainland exchanges announced plans to sell real estate holdings in September amid a surge in property prices, according to Bloomberg calculations from stock exchange disclosures. Among them, seven suffered losses in the first half, while four have been placed on the exchanges' watch list for possibly being delisted. Most of them are in businesses unrelated to real estate.

"The companies faced earnings pressures in their core businesses, so they are looking to sell real estate in the high-price environment to airbrush the books and prevent a delisting scenario," Zhang Haidong, chief strategist at Jinkuang Investment Management in Shanghai, said by phone. "That's why investors need to be prudent when looking at the results, especially on taking out the non-recurring profits from the gains."

Runaway property prices are giving flailing companies a shot at survival amid uncertainty over China's growth and a volatile stock market. Under China's exchange rules, companies are warned with the possibility of delisting after two consecutive years of losses, and are suspended if they post a net loss in the following year.

Nanjing Putian Telecommunications Co, a loss-making telecommunication equipment manufacturer listed in Shenzhen, planned to sell two apartments in the heart of Beijing's school district to shore up its balance sheet, it said in filings last month. The value of the residences rose 16-fold since the firm bought them in 2004.

Shanghai Xinmei Real Estate Co, whose stock was halted from trading in Shanghai in April after it reported three straight years of losses, said in a statement on Sept 14 that it hoped to sell properties for at least 150 million yuan ($22 million) to "optimize its asset structure and resume trading as quickly as possible".

Weifang Yaxing Chemical Co, Xi'an Tian He Defense Technology Co, Shenzhen Shenbao Industrial Co and Shanghai Greencourt Investment Group Co are among the other companies with plans to sell real estate, filings show.

"Such sales won't change the long-term profits of these firms," said Ken Chen, a strategist at KGI Securities in Shanghai. "They're just buying more time to recover their business amid an economic turnaround."

Home prices in China surged by the most in six years in August, official data show. At least 21 cities have introduced purchase restrictions or toughened mortgage lending in the past month, reversing two years of easing to support home buyers.

Bloomberg
A clerk counts yuan bills at a bank in Huaibei, East China's Anhui province. [Photo/IC]

Allowing a large number of companies to convert debt into equity would help not only enterprises with huge borrowings on their books but lenders, analysts said.

For that to happen, however, more clarity on the eligibility criteria for the debt-to-equity swap scheme is needed, they said.

A large number of participants would make the whole process less risky. Besides, it would limit any potential adverse impact on the stock markets, and help allay investors' concerns over feared risk of defaults, they further said.

An Oct 10 circular by the State Council detailed the regulations concerning the debt-to-equity swap scheme. The so-called "zombie" enterprises are not allowed to convert their debt into equity.

On the other hand, lenders and institutions that offered loans to corporates, including insurers, State-owned capital investment companies and asset management companies, can agree to accept equity corresponding to their loans. Private investors are also encouraged to participate in such swaps, the circular said.

"This will likely send a strong signal that the debt-to-equity swap plan will be market-oriented, investment-like, and not a procedure imposed on lenders to force them to bear all the risks. Bad debts ought not to become bad equity," said Luo Qinyuan, manager of Shanghai-based Kunyuan Asset Management Ltd.

Nuanced regulations would also help allay investors' concern that the collective corporate debt, estimated at 1 trillion yuan ($149.3 billion), could flood the A-share market in the form of post-swap equity, adversely impacting the stock markets, said Luo.

"The measures (to reduce corporate debt) come against the background of proactive fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy, indicating that ample policy support will continue, aimed at maintaining GDP growth around the 6.5 percent target," said Marie Diron, a senior vice-president at Moody's Investors Service, a leading credit ratings and risk analysis agency.

The Oct 10 guidance stipulates that only companies with a positive outlook, and capacity or potential to recover from cyclical downward pressure, can opt for the debt-to-equity swap. Every step during the swap process should be market-oriented, without any expectation of financial help from the government.

"Zombie enterprises, including loss-ridden firms that are conceivably beyond recovery, or with opaque debt, or with potential to increase output or inventory for sectors with overcapacity ... they are forbidden (from the swap scheme)," said Lian Weiliang, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission.

The government will not offer financial backing merely because the post-swap equity does not generate positive returns. So, pricing and diligent matching of borrowers and would-be equity-holders are going to be key, said Lian.

A research note by Sinolink Securities said the government has indicated that market forces will have a bigger say in tackling growing corporate debt, as reflected in the case of the State-owned Dongbei Special Steel Group. The firm's proceedings for bankruptcy were approved last Monday.

Enterprises with potential to recover, however, may use the swap route to tide over difficulties. For, the State Council circular said "high-quality" firms that play a leading role in their respective sectors, particularly high-growth, high-tech or strategic industries, are allowed to use the option, to overcome "temporary setbacks".

Such enterprises, however, must have plausible plans for reform and recovery, and should not have any record of defaults.

China's corporate debt surged 465 percent over the past decade to 165 percent of GDP last year, according to Bloomberg data.

An S&P Global Ratings note said if corporate debt continues to grow at the same alarming pace, the ratio of bad loans could triple to 17 percent by 2020.

A score of enterprises have already been "simulating" the swap process as of this month, according to the information office of the State Council.
Workers assemble lithium colloid batteries for China's wind power stations at a factory in Zhejiang province. [Photo by Liang Zhen/For China Daily]

After installing more wind and solar farms than anywhere else on the planet, China is ratcheting back the pace of growth in an industry that's helped lower the costs of green energy worldwide.

Installations of new wind and solar farms in China are expected to drop 11 percent in 2017 from a record high this year, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. That would be the first decline in the history of the modern renewables business, now a little more than a decade old, for a nation that has provided about a third of the investment for the industry.

After five years of breakneck growth in the supply, China's electricity demand is stagnating along with a slowing in the nation's economic expansion. The Chinese government has started recalibrating subsidies for the business, a move that's likely to hit the industry's leading manufacturers, Xinjiang Goldwind Science& Technology Co and Trina Solar Ltd.

"China shapes the whole world market," Paolo Frankl, head of the International Energy Agency's renewable energy division, said in an interview.

The move is crucial for renewables because China has been the single largest developer of the technology for eight years. Its demand for panels and turbines has pushed manufacturers to build factories throughout Asia, and the scale of its projects helped bring down the cost of electricity from low-polluting sources everywhere.

While global clean energy capacity is expected to swell 17 percent in 2017, it's still the slowest in at least a decade, according to BNEF, a researcher based in London. China's wind and solar capacity will grow 41.8 gigawatts next year, down from a record 46.9 gigawatts in 2016, BNEF estimates. A gigawatt is about as much as a nuclear reactor produces.

The hitherto high demand in China "gave a false sense of security to manufacturers to ramp up new capacity", said Charles Yonts, an analyst at CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets in Hong Kong. "Now they need to slog it out."

The slowdown could be short-lived. China has a history of working to prop up its manufacturers, and if makers of turbines and photovoltaic panels stumble, authorities may unleash new incentives. China's current plans for investing in clean power suggest that installations will rise again by 7 percent in 2018, BNEF estimates.

"In the long run, there is no question where China is headed," said Jules Kortenhorst, chief executive officer of the Rocky Mountain Institute, an energy consultant based in Boulder, Colorado. "China is committed to a low-carbon future."

Even so, the falloff expected for next year is notable because the industry has come to rely on China since it started its rapid expansion early in the last decade. Renewables manufacturers and developers are not accustomed to slow growth and now are facing tougher times, as highlighted by the bankruptcy of SunEdison Inc in April.

China's easing stems from a shift in government green policies. In December, Chinese officials announced they would gradually start curtailing rates paid to wind and solar development starting in the middle of this year. The lower prices for clean electricity reflect declining construction costs and will be cut again in 2018. The move triggered a flurry of building in the first half by companies pushing to break ground before the lower rates kicked in.

"Policy is destiny," said Michael Liebreich, founder of New Energy Finance, said in an interview. "Markets ignite when the policy is alive."

Based largely in China, the solar manufacturing industry, has been opening new factories in Asia and elsewhere, boosting capacity by 18 percent this year.

Bloomberg
An industrial investment fund targeting poor areas was launched on October 17, with Zhang Hua from the State Development & Investment Corp elected board chairman of the managing company.

Initiated by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, with the help of the Ministry of Finance, the fund is now financially supported by 51 central enterprises, including the SDIC and State Grid Corporation of China, raising 12.2 billion yuan ($1.81 billion) in the first round.

The policy-oriented industrial investment fund will also apply market rules, to help flesh out the 'targeted poverty alleviation measures'. The Fund will mainly be invested in the exploitation and utilization of resources, the construction of industrial parks and New-type Urbanization in China's poverty-struck areas.

Qinghai province is among the first selected target areas to benefit from the industrial investment fund. Zhang Jianmin, the vice-governor of Qinghai, said the fund not only offered a precious opportunity for Qinghai to conquer poverty, but also enabled a new financing channel for companies in poor areas.

The industrial investment fund is planning on gradually joining forces with other market-oriented and charitable poverty alleviation funds, to build a fund union that collects 50 to 100 billion yuan.
Workers are busy assembling cars at the workshop of a car company in Anhui province.[Photo by Xu Congjun/China Daily]

The central government has halted approval of fuel vehicle manufacturers, releasing an official statement ceasing the production expansion race in the world's largest automotive market.

China's State Council said on Oct 8 that no more approvals would be given to conventional energy vehicle makers "in principle", two days ahead of Beijing-based CH Auto Technology receiving approval as the third independent new energy passenger car maker.

Industrial insiders believe this action has been taken to relieve structural overcapacity in the automotive sector, and help guide more resources into the manufacturing of new energy vehicles.

"Overcapacity may materialize around 2022, if conventional vehicle makers continue expanding their production capacity," said Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of China Passenger Car Association.

He predicted that the conventional car market would reach a peak around 2022, according to Shanghai Securities News. Cui saw the government's action as a way to prevent this potential overcapacity from happening.

The National Development and Reform Commission found that the passenger car production capacity utilization rate remained at 81 percent, 52 percent for commercial vehicles, among 37 major auto companies and groups in 2015. Statistics showed that annual vehicle manufacturing capacity reached 31.2 million units by the end of last year.

"In-building car manufacturing capacity will add another 6 million units to the nation's annual capacity, exceeding foreseeable vehicle consumption growth," Wu Wei, an official at NDRC, was cited as saying. "The commission's concern mainly relates to investment fever driven by capital."

The State Council's words came as delayed testimony, as not a single fuel vehicle maker has been established in the past eight years, and new players have entered the field only through taking over a bankrupt predecessor, according to sources familiar with the matter. Much capacity exists only in statistics, because the companies have long been inactive, awaiting takeover bids.

Zhang Suixin, executive vice-president of Volkswagen Group China, said: "Volkswagen sometimes has to take over local zombie companies, claiming a certain capacity, so as to get the green light from the local government before starting local production."

However, the world's second-largest carmaking group by volume acquired decades-old equipment and assembly lines, for which the capacity was completely obsolete and useless, he said in a group interview earlier.

Zhang added: "It is unnecessary for the government bodies to worry about automakers' production capacity. An automaker always has its targetto make money. In the event of not making money, it won't make the decision for expansion."

The capacity topic heated up last year and triggered an extensive discussion in the industry. However, major carmakers did not agree on overcapacity.

Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Renault-Nissan Alliance, the world's fourth-largest carmaker by volume, noted that "it depends on how you define capacity and overcapacity. We need capacity reserves."

"Planned production capacity is usually calculated in three work shifts for peak time demands. During the conventional business period, many plants are operating in one or two shifts."

Jochem Heizmann, member of the board of management at Volkswagen and president and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, sees production capacity as a flexible and adjustable resource.

"Plants in China are producing not only for the Chinese market. Many parts made in China are exported," he said.

Besides, the international carmaking giant allocates and adjusts capacity worldwide. Heizmann added that now capacity is meeting Chinese demands as a priority, and finished products could also be shipped overseas when the domestic market is saturated in the future.
A staff member talks with visitors as they look over the motor of an iEV5 all-electric SUV from Chinese automaker JAC on display at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in Beijing, April 25, 2016. [Photo/IC]

In December, China will release the first new energy vehicle industry development roadmap, possibly proposing mild hybrid cars as energy saving vehicles, as one of the moves to guide the sector's development in the world's largest electric car market.

The drafting of the industry roadmap, including roadmaps for seven related technologies, was led by the Society of Automotive Engineers of China, and is now subject to government review and modifications.

"The nation's electric vehicle sector may need another 15 years of development before reaching a world-leading level, so the government weighs in heavily on new energy vehicle research and development," Fu Yuwu, chairman of the Society, told a forum on Oct 12. The event took place on the sidelines of the Wuhan Motor Show 2016, organized by Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai.

The society will propose mature mild hybrid technologies as an alternative approach to cut fuel consumption and emissions.

Fu said: "Mild hybrid consumes less fuel than combustion, so our society propose hybrid technologies without plugs be included in the roadmap as energy saving vehicles."

If listed among energy saving vehicles, mild hybrid car buyers will be eligible for thousands of yuan purchase tax cut. A stimulus measure, effective from Oct 1, 2015, halved the tax on purchases of passenger vehicles with engines that are 1.6 liters or smaller.

Efforts were also made to boost the new energy sector's development through guiding the input of social resources toward the emerging sector, now that the fiscal subsidies provided to purchase them are shrinking.

Aiming at increasing carmakers' R&D activities relating to new energy vehicles, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is about to roll out a dual-credit scheme for mandatory production, in the hopes of at least highlighting the social costs incurred in reducing car emissions.

The country is only admitting new energy carmakers into the auto manufacturing industry, halting the approval of conventional vehicle makers.

Beijing-based vehicle design firm CH Auto Technology received approval to be a standalone new energy passenger carmaker on Oct 10. It is the third of its kind approved by the National Development and Reform Commission, after BAIC Group's electric car making arm Beijing Electric Vehicle and Hangzhou Changjiang Passenger Vehicle.

The Society views the manufacturing levels of the emerging battery powertrains as being the main issue for the Chinese new energy sector.

Gao Bowen, sales director of Dongfeng Electric Vehicle, said that the nation's new energy vehicle development is in its elementary stage.

She said the domestic technology in traction batteries is not mature, so many companies have concerns about promoting the wide usage of fully electric cars. Customers also worry about safety issues.

"Dongfeng employs a safety monitor system that tracks each individual electric car in its lifetime, to detect every single flaw. Besides, the battery rental and replacement model is in our survey and research plan, to save customers from concerns regarding battery life."
Taking advantage of the Internet to tackle cases and dealing with judicial affairs has been strongly approved by China's legal industry, Web and law specialists said on Sunday.

As the Internet provides convenience for residents, it brings many changes for the legal industry, including courts, prosecuting authorities and law firms, said Su Zelin, deputy director of the Commission for Legislative Affairs of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

Su made the comments during the Sunday's conference specializing in the network and law in Beijing, jointly held by the Internet Society of China, All China Lawyers Association and Law Press China.

"The fast developments in the network make several related industries booming, such as e-commerce, Internet finance and cybersecurity, but how to use laws or new-style legal ideas to handle new problems in the fields has been a big challenge for judicial insiders," said Su.

Wang Lansheng, deputy director of information office under the Supreme People's Court, agreed, saying that making use of the network and big data to manage court affairs is also becoming more important for Chinese courts.

To better analyze disputes and provide legal convenience for litigants, the top court established a database to collect litigations, Wang said, adding that 91 million cases and 44 million verdicts have been stored in it by now.

"We've set up four open platforms, including one for helping residents make lawsuits and one for looking up judgements," he said. "The use of the network is also to make our work more transparent and receive supervision from the public."

Hu Zhiguang, deputy president of Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court in Guangdong province, echoed him. He said that it has asked every judge to take advantage of the Web in their work, "aiming to improve the judicial efficiency."

For example, the court shared information of those refusing to carry out verdicts, including debtors, with banks, industrial and commercial departments in the city through a connected online platform, "hoping to search properties of these debtors quickly and accurately," Hu said.

Since it was established in March 2011, it has collected 4.32 million pieces of debtors' information with the authorities and urged them to pay back more than 32 billion yuan ($4.8 billion), "which can be said our 50-year workload in total," he said.

As the judicial work is being improved by the network, Miao Cunmeng, who specializes in analyzing data at an information office under the Supreme People's Procuratorate, said online crimes were still serious.

Miao released that people who were accused of online crimes in 2015 increased by 41.9 percent than those in 2014.

Besides, hot issues about the Internet and laws, including how to supervise e-commerce platforms and protect intellectual property rights online, have been also heatedly discussed during the conference.

It was the second time that the country's internet and legal industries held such activity, attracting hundreds of guests, such as Web enterprise engineers, lawyers, judges, prosecutors and journalists, to attend.
Jing Haipeng will become China's most experienced astronaut when he takes off aboard the Shenzhou XI spacecraft on Monday morning.

The monthlong mission to dock with the Taigong II space laboratory will mark the 49-year-old's third time in space, the most by any Chinese astronaut.

"Although the job is challenging, risky and dangerous, there is nothing else I'd rather do," Jing, who is the commander of the mission, told reporters at a news briefing on Sunday.

For this mission, "we have improved our ability to deal with emergencies, first aid and space experiments", he added.

He will be accompanied by Chen Dong, 37, who is taking part in his first mission.

Jing previously flew on Shenzhou VII in 2008 and Shenzhou IX in 2012. His new mission will take him past the only other Chinese astronaut who has gone into space more than once, Nie Haisheng, who traveled on Shenzhou VI in 2005 and Shenzhou X in 2013.

Both men, as well as Yang Liwei, China's first man in space, represent the first generation of Chinese astronauts, mostly born in the 1960s. They were officially recognized as astronauts in 1998.

However, like any industry, new blood is crucial to ensure progress, and in 2010 a second generation was chosen. Among them was Chen, who will be the first man from this group to make it into space.

"I used to watch Jing on television and he always seemed so far away. But when I met him in person, my worries and anxieties disappeared," Chen said. "We have similar experiences and share many interests.

"Now that we've been together for more than 10 hours a day, we can understand each other without uttering a word. He points a finger, I give a thumb, and we know exactly what to do."

Chen, from Henan province, is married and has twin sons. Jing has a son named Yufei, which translates as "flying into the universe", who was born in 1997.

"I will treasure every moment in space and ensure that I record my experience in my diary and enjoy the out-of-this-world scenery," Chen said.

The astronauts will conduct dozens of experiments on Taigong II, more than any previous mission, in part because of the unprecedented length of the assignment. Jing would not reveal the exact number, but he said tests would include scans of internal organs.

"I spoke with a doctor and he told me you need at least a year of training before you can conduct a B-scan on a patient," he said, referring to a technique in which structures of the body are visualized by recording echoes of ultrasonic waves directed into tissue. "We were trained for less than six months, and we're about to do it on our own bodieswith no gravity."

The resulting images and data will be sent back to headquarters for experts to analyze, he said, adding that the purpose is to see how the cardiovascular system is affected in a zero-gravity environment."

To blow off steam, 8 to 10 pm every day will be "happy hour" on the spacecraft, when Jing and Chen will be able to watch movies and listen to music. The two astronauts will also be able to make video calls home to their families.

Jing said he has stored dozens of gigabytes of music to take with him, although he preferred to keep his playlist secret.

Meet the crew



Jing Haipeng was born in October 1966 in Yuncheng, Shanxi province. He joined the People's Liberation Army Air Force in June 1985 and became a Party member in September 1987. He had 1,200 hours of flight time when he became one of China's first astronauts in 1998. He was selected as one of six trainees for the Shenzhou VI mission in 2005 and for the prime crew on Shenzhou VII in 2008. He was commander of Shenzhou IX in 2012, the first mission to dock with the Tiangong I space laboratory.
Win Tin (right), from Myanmar, and Pham Thi Hai Ha (middle), from Vietnam, visit China Daily newsroom during their training program in Beijing on Sept 28. [Photo/China Daily]

On a recent Saturday morning in Beijing, Win Tin, 66, a veteran journalist from Myanmar, was enthralled by a lecture at the Communication University of China on setting up a digital studio, from floor layouts to overhead light temperatures to software.

Two months ago, Tin, with 25 years of experience in journalism, started an online news outlet, Northern Light Media, but realized he knew little about online media.

So he jumped at the offer to join a 10-day media workshop provided by the university's China-ASEAN Center of Training that targets media executives and journalists from Southeast Asian countries.

"I want to be a lifelong learner, and China is the country I'm most interested in," said Tin, whose fellow trainees, totaling 21, come from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The training programsupported by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and Huaneng Industry, a State-owned energy companyis not the first international project at top Chinese journalism schools.

Since 2014, the School of Journalism and Communication at Renmin University of China has trained at least 10 journalists from African media each year in an exchange program organized by the China-Africa Press Center. This year, the program has received 28 African journalists, the largest group yet.

Every year, the university also admits five young journalists from Pakistan. In nine months, "they studied various aspects of China, built friendships and strengthened their Chinese counterparts' understanding of Pakistan", said Zhong Xin, director of the school's international affairs.

Tsinghua University's master's program in global business journalism, taught in English, admits 20 international students each year. About 200 of them from 50 countries have graduated, said Hang Ming, the program's co-director.

Some programs that train foreign journalists at CUC and Remin University programs is fully paid by schools or sponsors, while the master's program at Tsinghua costs 39,000 yuan ($5,850) per year. Most of the training is done in Beijing, with opportunities for trainees to visit rural areas or small cities.

Hu Zhengrong, president of the CUC and a lecturer of the program for Southeast Asian journalists, estimated more than 100 foreign journalists study in China each year, most from developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

"China is the world's second-largest economy and a significant stakeholder in global affairs, but its soft power needs to manifest itself through people to people, heart to heart dialogues," Hu said.

"Training foreign journalists in China allows them to experience the country's full complexity, thus ensuring more objectivity and consideration when they portray China to their audience," he added.

CUC provides practical training in new and innovative techniques such as media convergence, big data, smart solutions and next-generation network technology. The lectures are in English.

"The courses are very informative," said Shamim Abdullah Zahedy, executive editor for the Independent in Bangladesh. "It introduced me to new dimensions in new media and broadened my understanding of the medium."

Professor Zhang Wenhui of CUC, who teaches media technologies, said that China's hands-on experience can serve as a blueprint for the trainees to develop the media industry in their home countries.

Zhang had an interpreter for his lecture, but the presentation was in English and he made sure all terminologies were in sync with international standards. "If someone were to purchase a set of equipment, it would be helpful to know exactly what it is called on the international market," Zhang said.

But Hu said some material is geared towards understanding China.

"I avoid using Western concepts like liberal or conservative because they are loaded with implications and stereotypes that may not reflect China's true conditions," Hu said.

When introducing China to foreigners, it is crucial to let them see China through a Chinese conceptual system, he said, adding that teachers have to be thorough and honest in the process.

International graduates of Tsinghua's program often go into international media, public relations or government organizations. "Some become the bridge that connects China and the world," said Hang, the program's co-director.

The work of graduates has been significant.

Compton Nicholas James, a US graduate of the program, published an investigative report on how Chinese governmental and nongovernmental organizations tackle the issue of left-behind children in China.

After graduating from the program, Park Jinbum, a South Korean student, became a producer at South Korean broadcasting network KBS and produced Super China, an in-depth documentary on China's rise that went viral in 2015.

The training programs not only allow journalists to acquire skills, but also broaden their network of contacts for their future endeavors in content creation, said Steven Dong, dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education at CUC.

Dong said he would like to see more media collaboration, such as Legends of Song and Dance, a joint, 2013 Chinese-Myanmar television series telling the stories between the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the Kingdom of Myanmar. The series was broadcast in both countries.

Apart from teaching technical skills, future media training programs should include courses on content production, thus "laying the foundation for all-around media cooperation", he said.

Contact the writer at zhangzhihao@chinadaily.com.cn


A farmer harvests chrysanthemum flowers in Xiuning, Anhui province, on Friday. Many farmers have increased their incomes by growing the flowers, which are used in herbal medicine. [Photo/China Daily]

Twelve wealthy villages in China signed agreements with 12 poverty-stricken counterparts on Sunday, to guide the latter in developing their economy and creating a better life for local people.

The agreements were signed after a commendation meeting and a series of forums on poverty relief were held in Beijing on Sunday, the day before China's third Poverty Relief Day, which falls on Monday.

Under the agreements, the wealthy villages will share their experiences of how they successfully achieved their wealth and help their impoverished counterparts to boost development of local industries and nurture talent.

In a congratulatory statement sent to the meeting, which honored organizations and individuals for their outstanding contribution to poverty alleviation, President Xi Jinping urged local authorities to leave no stone unturned in the implementation of precision poverty relief measures to lift the nation's poor.

The agreements between wealthy and poverty-stricken villages are designed to advance the efforts of precision poverty relief, said Xu Jianmin, an official from the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development.

"We believe that by encouraging such cooperation, gaps in wealth and economic development can be narrowed," Xu said.

While most of the 12 impoverished villages are in western China, the wealthy ones are mostly located in more prosperous regions in East and Southeast China, such as Guoyuan village in Beijing's Fengtai district, where the village's 1,600 residents achieved a total income of 1.61 billion yuan ($240 million) in 2015.

The agreements will see officials from the impoverished villages working in the wealthy villages to learn new skills and encourage exchanges.

Over the past three decades, more than 600 million poor Chineseabout 70 percent of the world totalhave been lifted out of poverty, making China the first developing country to meet the UN's Millennium Development Goals.

China has prioritized poverty reduction, vowing to help the nation's 70 million people who remain below the poverty linean annual income of less than 2,300 yuanto shake off poverty and enjoy essential social services by 2020.

According to the World Bank Global Database of Shared Prosperity, China topped the world rankings for both the income growth of the bottom 40 percent of the population and the average growth in the whole population from 2008 to 2012.Bert Hofman, the World Bank's country director for China, Mongolia and Korea in the East Asia and Pacific Region, said China's goal to eliminate extreme poverty by 2020 is an ambitious one, but added that with current economic growth rates and policy, the country is capable of reaching it.

In 1990, 35 percent of the world's population lived below the international poverty standard, but by 2013 the proportion had dropped to 10 percent. Fewer than 800 million people worldwide are now considered poor, according to Hofman, who said China had contributed to that progress.

Contact the writers at zhaoxinying@chinadaily.com.cn

Xinhua contributed to this story.
Shenzhou XI manned spacecraft blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China, Oct 17, 2016. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/chinadaily.com.cn]





China launched the Shenzhou XI manned spacecraft on Monday morning to transport two astronauts to the Tiangong II space laboratory.

The spacecraft was sent skyward at 7:30 am atop a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China. It is carrying two male astronauts  49-year-old Jing Haipeng and 37-year-old Chen Dong.

After the launch, the spacecraft will travel two days before docking with the Tiangong II, which was lifted from the Jiuquan center in mid-September. Then the astronauts will enter the space lab and stay there for 30 days, which will be the longest space stay by Chinese astronauts.

The core tasks of the Shenzhou XI mission are to test rendezvous and docking technologies for the country's planned space station, to verify the life-support capability of the spacecraft-space lab combination as well as conduct scientific research and test engineering experiments, according to Wu Ping, deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency.

Prior to the Shenzhou XI, China had sent five spacecraft and 10 astronauts to space since 2003, when it lifted the Shenzhou V to carry the nation's first astronaut Yang Liwei, who is now a senior space official, into space.

China is the third country in the world that has independently fulfilled manned spaceflight following the former Soviet Union and the United States.

China's manned space program, a source of national pride, aims to place a permanent manned space station, which will consist of three parts  a core module attached to two labs, each weighing about 20 metric tons into service around 2022, according to the manned space agency.





Lab shows early results

After being launched into orbit on Sept 15, the scientific applications of the Tiangong II space laboratory have been tested and have returned data. Here are some of the results:

 The cold atomic space clock, the first of its kind in space, has carried out several tests with stable results, as expected. Scientists believe that such a clock can help to synchronize other atomic clocks more precisely, and that the technological development will create more possibilities for further explorations in space.

 The multi-angle wide-spectral imager has captured a range of information on oceans and land as well as changes to clouds, aerosols and water.

 The stereoscopic microwave altimeter has applied interference image technology to observe sea surfaces, parts of the Yellow River, the Taklimakan Desert, lakes on the Tibetan Plateau and the Lancang-Mekong River.

 An agricultural experiment has sprouted seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana, a small flowering plant, and rice. Samples will be cultivated in space and carried back to the Earth by astronauts.

 The space-Earth quantum key distribution and laser communications experiment has established stable connections between the space lab and ground stations.
Experts from China and abroad have refuted claims made by the Falungong cult that the nation harvests organs from its practitioners.

Hong Fan, an associate professor at the People's Public Security University of China, said the accusation was based on erroneous information from the Falungong's Dajiyuan Times and clearwisdom.net based in Hong Kong.

"Such rumors are absurd and are aimed at defaming the Chinese government and inciting people who are unclear about the truth to support the Falungong," he said.

Hong made the remarks on Saturday at the opening ceremony of a two-day symposium on cult studies in Wuhan, capital in Hubei province.

The event, sponsored by Wuhan University's research center on international cult studies, saw dozens of experts from China and overseas discuss their concerns and exchange views on cult activities.

Wimal Hewamanage, a senior lecturer on Pali and Buddhist studies at Sri Lanka's University of Colombo, said, "I've spent many years in China and have seen no evidence to suggest the Chinese government forces Falungong practitioners to donate organs."

According to the government, since 2006, the Falungong has spread rumors that its practitioners are tortured and that their organs are removed for experiments. Yet despite the claims being dismissed, overseas organizations and governments have fanned the flames of suspicion, officials said.

"There is a campaign, which has been spread by Falungong with the help of people in agencies that help them overseas," said Alexander L. Dvorkin, a professor from St. Tikhon's Orthodox University in Moscow. "Absolutely, Falungong is one of the most destructive cults, which destroys human minds and physical health."

In recent years, Chinese police have stepped up efforts to investigate cult activities and have launched campaigns to target such organizations.

Data from the Ministry of Public Security show police nationwide arrested more than 1,000 members of Quannengshen (the Church of Almighty God) between June and August last year during a crackdown against the cult.

According to Chinese law, a cult is an illegal organization that tries to control people by deifying a sect leader, attracts members under the guise of religion or other means, and engages in activities that harm society.

China officially lists 14 groups as illegal cults, including Quannengshen and Falungong.

Contact the writers at zhangyan1@chinadaily.com.cn
MANDAN, N.D.  A judge refused to sign a criminal complaint against journalist Amy Goodman, finding a lack of probable cause to charge her with rioting, her attorney said Monday, Oct. 17.

The host and executive producer of independent news program Democracy Now! planned to turn herself in on Monday, Oct. 17, on a criminal trespass charge. But prosecutor Ladd Erickson dropped the Class B misdemeanor charge and instead sought a riot charge.

However, South Central Judicial District Judge John Grinsteiner did not sign the criminal complaint, citing lack of probable cause, said Goodmans attorney, Tom Dickson.

This is vindication of freedom of the press, of the First Amendment, of the publics right to know, Goodman said after Grinsteiner rejected the riot charge.

Protests across the street from the Morton County Courthouse turned out more than 100 pipeline opponents. Dozens of law enforcement were on hand, advising activists to demonstrate across the alley from the building or risk arrest. Bismarck police responded to a march across Memorial Bridge, where protesters were marching and officers directed traffic.

The journalist for Democracy Now!, which also broadcasts on the internet and is in its 20th year, said shell return to New York to continue reporting on North Dakota, on this Native American struggle, on climate change overall.

Her attorney agreed with the judges decision in the matter.

A journalist should not be charged with a crime for doing her job regardless of politics, Dickson said.

Authorities issued an arrest warrant Sept. 8 for Goodman in connection with her coverage of a Sept. 3 clash between Dakota Access Pipeline protesters and security guards armed with dogs and pepper spray.

Goodman broadcasted her show live Monday morning from a lawn across the street from the Morton County Courthouse, sending it out to some 1,400 public radio and TV stations.

In an interview afterward, she said she will fight the riot charge.

I wasnt trespassing. I wasnt rioting. I was doing my job as a reporter, she said.

McLean County States Attorney Ladd Erickson, who is assisting Morton County, previously told the Bismarck Tribune that he saw no difference between Goodman and other anti-pipeline demonstrators charged with trespass, calling her a protester, basically and saying everything she reported on was from the position of justifying the protest actions. Erickson had not returned a message left at his office in Washburn Monday morning.

Goodman said the suggestion that she wasnt acting as a reporter is completely untrue. She noted the affidavit filed with the criminal trespass charge states, Goodman can be seen on video identifying herself and interviewing protesters about their involvement in the protest.

I think theyre sending a message to all journalists  to Be careful when you come into the state of North Dakota. Weve suspended the First Amendment,  Goodman said. Thats a very serious problem, not only for journalists but for everyone, because freedom of the press is important to ensure the publics right to know.

Goodman said she was walking Sept. 3 with a group of Native Americans to a Dakota Access construction site west of Highway 1806, where they planned to plant flags of their tribes, when they unexpectedly encountered bulldozers plowing up part of the 1,172-mile oil pipeline route that the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe had just identified in a court filing a day earlier as containing burial grounds and other sacred sites.

Three Dakota Access security guards reported being attacked by protesters, while several protesters said they were pepper-sprayed or bitten by dogs in the widely distributed video.

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairman Dave Archambault II said Goodmans reporting took a lot of courage, and opposition to the pipeline wouldnt be where it is today without her reporting.

What she had exposed was meaningful for the whole cause, he said after appearing on Goodmans show Monday morning.

Carlos Lauria, senior program coordinator for the Americas for the nonprofit Committee to Protect Journalists in New York, said Goodman was clearly working as a journalist when she filmed the Sept. 3 incident, and the committee is really concerned about the potential rioting charge.

I think authorities in North Dakota should drop the charges and ensure that all reporters are free to do their jobs without fear of reprisal or intimidation, Lauria said by phone Monday.

Like criminal trespass, engaging in a riot is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine. Inciting a riot is a Class A misdemeanor carrying up to a year in jail and a $3,000 fine.

Goodman and two other Democracy Now! journalists were arrested while covering the 2008 Republican National Convention. They sued, alleging that authorities violated their First Amendment rights by interfering with their right to gather news, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported. In a settlement, the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the U.S. Secret Service agreed to pay a combined $100,000, the newspaper reported.
The fairness of disciplinary action against 24 high school teachers who went to lunch in Shanxi province became the subject of media reports and postings by netizens after the local anti-graft commission issued a report condemning their behavior.

Critics expressed concerns that the teachers had been wrongfully accused of improper behavior by the commission after they spent a total of 1,390 yuan ($207) on a meal that included alcohol on Sept 9. The teachers paid for the meal themselves.

The commission in Tunliu county, Changzhi, issued a report on Sept 30 that was critical of what it characterized as improper behavior by the teachers that had a negative social impact. The commission did not specify exactly what it found to be improper.

All the teachers work at the county's No 1 High School.

Two teachers were required to publicly criticize themselves at a faculty meeting at the school. The other 22 were summoned before the commission, whose report was distributed widely.

The report raised questions among members of the public because each of the teachers paid for their own meal, appearing not to violate the "eight-point rule" prohibiting the use of public money for personal lunches.

A nationwide campaign against corruption, including the austerity rules, was launched in December 2012. The rules aim to reduce bureaucracy, extravagance and undesirable work practices of Party members.

According to Beijing Youth Daily, the case is under investigation by Changzhi city's commission of discipline, which governs the county-level commission. The city's commission told the paper on Thursday that the result will be released to the public in due course.

On Saturday, information circulated online stating that the head of the county commission had been removed from his post for improperly handling the teachers' case. But the report was false, according to the county, and an investigation is underway to find out who published it.


Langshi village in Guilin city features Qing Dynasty residential houses and beautiful landscape along the Lijiang River.

Dwelling built during the Qing Dynasty and refurbished by expats is now a vacation rental

When Dutch national Maarten Dickinson first laid eyes upon Langshi village, in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, he instantly fell in love with its Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) cottages and dramatic karst landscape.

"The village had a beautiful harmony of friendly people, traditional houses and amazing scenery along the Lijiang River, making me love the place at first sight," he said.

It was 2012 when Dickinson first saw Langshi, and the following year he returned with an acquaintance from the United States Eric J. Weiland, who he had met in Shanghai just two weeks before.

"Eric and I both had a good feeling about the idea of leaving Shanghai and moving to rural China - we just wanted to experience a more authentic part of the country, as I believe most of China's beauty still lies in the countryside," Dickinson said.

Using the Mandarin he had learned at Fudan University in Shanghai, Dickinson managed to rent a house in the village for a good price.

He was planning to open a retreat for artists and writers to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, but eventually settled upon turning the place into a guesthouse.

"It just happened, like a gift," Weiland said. "Neither Maarten nor I had any renovation experience, so it was time-consuming work - but we got on well with the locals."

For seven months, the expats carried supplies to and from the village as they worked on repairing the house. At first, the local farmers didn't understand why they were spending so much time and money on the renovations, but as the months wore on they began to see a transformation take place.

One day, while Dickinson focused on his work, Su Haibo, a native of the village, appeared at his side and said the one word in English he knew: "Beautiful."

Su, who had served as the village doctor since graduating from a medical school in 2003, was impressed with the work the two had done.

He offered to help and Dickinson, in turn, offered to teach him English.

"We were exhausted but every day he was fresh and ready to study. We became good friends and he taught me Chinese and the local culture," Dickinson said.

After 18 months of study, Su's English had advanced to the point that Dickinson and Weiland felt comfortable enough to offer him the job of host at the newly opened guesthouse.

Named "Laojia", it has become available for bookings on the vacation homes listing website Airbnb since last year.

More than 300 guests from 100 countries have visited so far, experiencing what made Dickinson fall in love with the place four years ago.

Domenic, a 20-year-old from Canada who declined to give his surname, had the opportunity to climb a hill with Su's mother and feed the family's goats.

"It's really impressed me to be able to get so close to the local people, see exactly how they make a living and feel totally engaged with their daily lives," he said.

For Dickinson, this is what Laojia is all about.

"I believe tourism is at its best in a natural setting, where people can totally be themselves," he said.

"We foster activities between guests and locals creating meaningful experiences for both sides without being too commercial or arranged."

Now that Su is in charge of the day-to-day running of Laojia, Dickinson and Weiland have time to look for more villages where similar houses can be revived.

"By having outsiders come and stay in these old houses, locals start to appreciate them more, which is a great way of keeping these parts of the local culture alive instead of knocking them down", Dickinson said.

zhangli@chinadaily.com.cn
Chen Dong [Photo/China Daily]

Few would imagine Chen Dong, one of the two astronauts aboard the Shenzhou XI spacecraft, used to be a nerve-racking boy. In his own words, he was "quite mischievous" in his early years.

Chen, 38, was born to a working-class family in Luoyang, Central China's Henan province. When he was in grade three, he stomped and trampled on the vegetables in the school playground for fun with his buddies. The vegetables were a gift to the teachers from the school.

"I was very frightened after that," Chen recalled, but Yang, the teacher in charge of his class, took all the responsibility. Yang told Chen, "I know you didn't really mean it. But you have to know we teachers won't have any vegetables in the next few days. You have to think about others when you do such things."

Yang's tolerance taught Chen the sense of responsibility and further spurred his growth. "I began behaving myself, and I wanted to make the teachers happy." From a naught boy, Chen later became the class monitor.

He joined the PLA Air Force in August 1997. "If responsibility was what I learned from being a class monitor, I learned the soldiers' responsibility after becoming a member of the PLA."

Chen's story with the space started by chance when he was in middle school.

One day, he was lying on the ground looking at the sky along with his brother. "Is that a meteor?" Chen asked.

"No, it's a satellite."

Curiosity immediately gripped Chen's heart, and he began frequenting the library, reading books on satellites and space.

Thirteen years ago Chen's space dream was sparked again, when China's first astronaut, Yang Liwei, was carried aloft by Shenzhou V.

After he discovered that China's astronauts are selected among pilots, and that Yang Liwei used to be a combat aircraft pilot, Chen heard the calling.

The 25-year-old Chen was a combat aircraft pilot at that time. "I wanted to fly higher, and to find out how it would feel like when flying out of the atmosphere," Chen said.

In 2009, Chen was one of the candidates selected by China for its second batch of astronauts. Much to his surprise, it was Yang Liwei who interviewed him.

"The one-hour conversation with Yang made me firmly pursue my dream," Chen said. "What would it make me happier than being led into a team under the guidance of my idol?"

But it took another six years for him to finally make his debut when he took off aboard the Shenzhou XI spacecraft on Oct 17, 2016.

"It's like a combination of long-distance run and sprint, and you need perseverance and explosive force at the same time," Chen said.

During the six years, he secluded himself from the outside world and devoted all his time to pick up aerospace knowledge. In just two years' time, he passed all the exams of 58 major courses.

"The selection of Chen was inevitable," said Huang Weifen, deputy chief designer of Astronaut Center of China.

In Huang's mind, Chen almost excelled in every aspect. Chen was not only the top scorer from the primary selection to the final; his ability to achieve mastery through a comprehensive study of the subject surprised even the instructors.

While the space mission is daunting, astronauts have to be "good pilots", "good scientist" and even "doctors", "biologist" and "farmers". They even grow vegetables for experiments.

Along with Jing Haipeng, Chen completed more than 3,000 hours of training before the final launch of Shenzhou XI. "We cannot stop preparing until the last minute before the launch," Chen said.

Before heading out for the 33-day space mission, Chen said to his twin sons: "Dad is going out for a while. When you look up at the sky and see a shining star, I am probably there, and say hi to me."
Wei Pengyuan, former deputy director of the National Energy Administration's coal department, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Monday for taking bribes worth 212 million yuan ($31.6 million) and holding a huge amount of assets from unidentified sources.

He was stripped of any illegally acquired gains by Baoding City Intermediate People's Court in Hebei province, which also deprived him of his political rights for life and confiscated all his personal belongings.

Wei has no chance of parole, according to the court, due to the amount of money involved and the negative social affect of his actions. Under Chinese law, a suspended death sentence is typically commuted to a life sentence if the convict is involved in no further crimes during the two-year reprieve period.

Wei was found to have abused his power for the benefit of himself, accepting huge bribes related to coal project reviews, expert examinations, project bidding processes and equipment sales between 2000 and 2014.

Over the course of 14 years, he was a senior official in the National Development and Reform Commission's coal department and later its coal and oil department, as well as being deputy director of the National Energy Administration's coal department.

He received a death sentence with reprieve rather than a harsher punishment because he "confessed his crimes and expressed his regret during a court hearing, and the illicit assets were recovered in full", said a statement provided by the court.

In May 2014, Wei was placed under investigation over alleged graft. Judicial officers found more than 200 million yuan in cash at his home, according to the Supreme People's Procuratorate.

The money involved is the largest amount seized from an individual official since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Sixteen cash-counting machines were used to tally the ill-gotten gains, with four burning out in the process.

Since November 2012, when the new leadership was elected, anti-corruption has become a top priority, and President Xi Jinping has launched a sweeping campaign to target both high- and low-ranking officials.

To date, more than 140 senior officials have been investigated for alleged corruption, including Zhou Yongkang, former security chief, who was sentenced to life in prison in June 2015.
An official of China's top court revealed on Monday that the number of administrative cases accepted so far has hit a record high.

From January to September, the Supreme People's Court filed more than 2,000 cases between governments and residents, "which is the new record high for us," said He Xiaorong, chief judge of administrative tribunal under the top court.

"The number of such litigations we accepted in the past was about 400 every year, but it may break through 3,000 by the end of this year."

The rapid increase has been attributed to a new Administrative Procedure Law and a judicial reform of case filing, both effective since last year, according to him.

Under the new policies, Chinese courts are required to accept appeals without hesitation and reply to litigants in a timely manner. It means an appeal should be received once it is registered instead of waiting until a preliminary review of the merits of the case has been completed, the policies said.

"The rules have eased the process of filing an administrative case and also brought a burden of case hearings for judges," He said.

Chinese courts filed 156,430 administrative litigations between January and August, and the number of such lawsuits the courts accepted since the new policies took into effect increased by 55.66 percent, according to a statement by the top court.

One of its reports disclosed in March that the national courts at all levels concluded 121,000 administrative cases in 2015.

Of the concluded, governmental departments as defendants failed in 13.78 percent of the lawsuits, "or it is not hard for residents to win an administrative case," he explained.

As shouldering the pressure brought by the increasing number of cases, he added that how to try these disputes professionally is also being taken into consideration.

"A number of administrative disputes relate to special industries, including enviornmental protection and house purcahse, which asks judges to learn more knowledge in these fields for making fairer verdicts," he said.
Panda Jiajia enjoys a cake in Hong Kong on July 28, 2015 as it becomes the longest-living captive panda in the world. [Photo/IC]

Jia Jia, the longest-living giant panda in captivity, was put to sleep on Sunday at Ocean Park in Hong Kong, where she was widely known for her fondness for playing with a lavender scented cloth and her gentle disposition.

As Suzanne Gendron, executive director of zoological operations, conservation and education at the park, observed, "How could someone not love her?"

Jia Jia turned 38 in August, equal to 114 human years, and held two Guinness World Records  the oldest giant panda in captivity and the oldest living panda in captivity. She was found as a cub in 1980 in the wilds of the Tangjiahe Nature Reserve in Sichuan province.

Jia Jia celebrates her 37th birthday at Ocean Park last year. ROY LIU / CHINA DAILY

In the past two weeks, her condition greatly deteriorated. She lost her appetite and her weight fell from 71 to 67 kilograms. On Sunday, she could no longer walk.

Veterinarians from Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department decided to spare her further suffering and she was put to sleep on Sunday evening.

Zhang Guiquan, deputy chief of the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, said it was the right thing to do because her condition was beyond hope.

Gendron said Jia Jia's caregivers were deeply saddened but wanted her suffering to end.

Ocean Park is holding memorial events for Jia Jia inside the park and online. A video honoring her memory was uploaded to Ocean Park's social media page. A memorial board will be set up in front of the Panda House in the park on Saturday.

Before she was sent to Hong Kong, Jia Jia lived for 18 years at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan. There she gave birth five times, having six cubs, four of which are still living.

Three pandas remain at Ocean Park. Ying Ying and Le Le, both age 11, are in good health. An An, 30, is the world's second-oldest male giant panda in captivity.
China established a record-breaking fund on Monday to support projects to lift millions of people out of poverty.

The investment fund has been set up with an initial 12.2 billion yuan ($1.81 billion) in capital from 51 state-owned enterprises, including the State Development and Investment Corp and the State Grid.

That sum will eventually grow to as much as 100 billion yuan, according to a statement from the State Council's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

The fund was launched to coincide with the nation's third Poverty Alleviation Day on Monday.

Unlike most poverty alleviation funds managed by the government, the new fund will be run by an investment company to make sure it is sustainable and profitable, said Wang Huisheng, the chairman of SDIC, the government holding company that owns the investment company.

Projects that can create more jobs and bring more people out of poverty will be favored, with priority given to poor provinces, border areas and regions with large populations of ethnic groups.

Liu Yun, vice-president of SDIC Chuangyi Industry Fund Management, which will oversee the fund, said the bottom line is to "break even and seek a meager profit".

"Our biggest difference compared with most other fund managers is that we don't just go for the biggest profits," Liu said. "Our major concern is to balance political impact and economic return. We have to make sure most of the projects we invest in are profitable. But we'll also tolerate some losses when the poverty relief effect is significant."

To keep pace with China's national strategy to eradicate "extreme poverty" by 2020  that is, to ensure every Chinese earns more than 4,000 yuan a year  the State-owned assets commission has required that the initial 12 billion yuan is invested by 2018, according to an internal report acquired by China Daily.

In June 2014, the Ministry of Finance, SDIC and China Tobacco established a poverty alleviation fund of 2.8 billion yuan, the first of its kind in China. Liu, whose company also runs that fund, said the investment strategy will "be almost the same", with the aim to maximize the business impact.

The first deals have been signed with local governments and companies in Hebei, Henan, Jiangxi, Gui-zhou, Yunnan and Qinghai provinces, according to a Monday news release. Details have not been disclosed.

Liu Yongfu, director of the State Council Leading Group of Poverty Alleviation and Development, warned that the fund should be carefully supervised to make sure the money is channeled into the right places.

"Not every investment can qualify as targeted poverty alleviation," he said. "Targeted poverty alleviation is not giving things and money away. That's why we set up the fund. It should not only go with the policy, but also go by market rules."

This year, China has allocated more than 100 billion yuan of government-controlled funds, a record amount, to help lift more people out of poverty, according to Su Guoxia, a spokeswoman for the leading group on poverty alleviation.

Funding from the central budget was increased to 66.7 billion yuan, up by 43.4 percent on last year, while provincial budgets exceeded a total of 40 billion yuan, an increase of more than 50 percent.

On Monday, China's State Council Information Office issued a white paper on China's progress in poverty reduction and human rights.

Zhang Zhihao contributed to this story.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who arrives in Beijing on Tuesday for his first state visit to China, said he agrees with Beijing's call for peaceful settlement of the South China Sea issue.

Duterte expects a "soft landing" in the dispute over the issue. He will visit China for four days.

"I'll be there to talk about it softly," Duterte told China News Service in an interview released on Monday. "We take away war or violence, because that is not a good option."

Duterte, who took office in July, has been faced with repairing chilly ties with Beijing after the Cabinet of former president Aquino Benigno III unilaterally filed a case to an international tribunal on the South China Sea. China did not recognize the case and it declared it invalid.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Monday that "the door for dialogue is always open", adding that Beijing had noticed that Duterte repeatedly expressed his willingness to talk.

President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang will meet individually with Duterte. Hua said the talks "may cover a wide spectrum" and a fruitful visit is expected.

Before leaving Manila, Duterte highlighted economic and trade cooperation. He noted his country's abundance in tourism, mineral and agricultural resources, and China's huge, lucrative market.

Xu Liping, an expert on Southeast Asian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that Duterte has repeatedly demonstrated his goodwill by avoiding inflammatory comments on arbitration.

Beijing has pledged support for Manila's priorities, including its anti-drug campaign, Xu added.

"The visits will bring tangible outcomes in two-way ties, which will benefit both countries, better stabilize the South China Sea region, and improve people's economic circumstances and trade," Xu said.

Zhao Jianhua, Chinese ambassador to the Philippines, told Philippines media on Friday that it is hoped that after Duterte's visit, investment from China would rise significantly in areas such as infrastructure, railways, highways, seaports and airports.

Zhao also envisioned an increase in Chinese tourists to the Philippines, bringing as much as $1 billion annually to the country.

Duterte touched down in Brunei  the first leg of his trip  on Sunday evening, and he will leave China on Friday to visit Japan.
Montana State University Billings Library and the Northcutt Steele Gallery will host a free series of presentations and community conversations in conjunction with an art exhibition at the gallery and an exhibition of historical materials.

The series, The 1880 Crow Delegation to D.C.: Cultural Identity, Representation, and Legacy, opens on Tuesday, Oct. 18 with a 6:30 p.m. lecture in the library.

The series responds to an exhibition by contemporary Crow/Apsaalooke artist Wendy Red Star, which will be on display in the Northcutt Steele Gallery Oct. 20 through December 1.

This project is being supported by Humanities Montana with additional support provided by Northcutt Steele Gallery, MSUB Library, MSUB Foundation, MSUB Department of Art, and MSUB American Indian Outreach.

Curated and coordinated by MSUB art history faculty and gallery director, Dr. Leanne Gilbertson, the series features presentations by and conversations with local, regional, and national humanities scholars and artists exploring Native American art, experience, cultural identity, and representation.

I was looking for a contemporary Crow artist to feature and came across Wendys work. I reached out to her and was thrilled when she responded, Gilbertson said.

The ledger drawings will be discussed during Dr. C. Adrian Heidenreichs lecture on Tuesday. He is an MSUB professor emeritus of Native American Studies and Anthropology.

In 1880 six Crow leaders, Peelatchiwaaxpaash/Old Crow (Raven), Iichiilachkash/Long Elk, Alaxchiiaahush/Plenty Coups, Bia Eelisaash/Large Stomach Woman (Pregnant Woman) aka Two Belly, Deaxitchish/Pretty Eagle, and Peelatchiwaaxpaash/Chief Medicine Crow (Raven) were selected as delegates to meet with government officials in Washington, D.C.

Medicine Crow drew pictures of many sights, including the U.S. Capitol Building, trains, steam boats and military gunboats on the Potomac River, and animals he saw, Heidenreich said.

Red Star lives and works in Portland where this installation, with digital reproductions of Medicine Crows ledger drawings, appeared at the Portland Art Museum in late 2014.

The re-installation of her project at MSUB marks the first time her project will be shown with Medicine Crows original drawings.

The opportunity to show this body of work so near her home and with the original Medicine Crow drawings is very meaningful to Red Star. She hopes the series of presentations and conversations extend an effort to humanize Medicine Crow.

The single delegation portraits of Medicine Crow are the seed for the entire concept of the exhibition, Red Star said. I view this exhibition as my ultimate remake of Medicine Crow; a chance for me to tell the story behind the photographs."

Lecture series schedule:

Tuesday, Oct. 18: Dr. C. Adrian Heidenreich, MSUB professor emeritus of Native American Studies and Anthropology. The 1880 Crow Indian Delegation to Washington, D.C.: Cultural Identity, Colonial Policies, and Intercultural Images.

Tuesday, Oct.25: Dr. John Lukavic, Associate Curator of Native Arts at Denver Art Museum. From Contemporary to Traditional: Wendy Red Star and American Indian Contemporary Arts in Perspective.

Thursday, Oct. 27: Wendy Red Star: Multimedia and sculpture artist, as well as enrolled member of the Crow Tribe and descendant of the Crow Tribe. Artist talk.

Tuesday, Nov. 1: Elizabeth Guheen, Director and Chief Curator of The Charles M. Bair Family Museum in Martinsdale, Montana. Memory and Identity. Rebecca West, Curator of Plains Indian Cultures and the Plains Indian Museum at Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. Behind the Scenes: Objects that Inspire Crow Indian Art.

Tuesday, Nov. 15: Dr. Janine Pease, faculty member in the social sciences and humanities department at Little Big Horn College at Crow Agency and Luella Brien, faculty at St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, Montana. A Conversation on Crow Identity and Resilience Through the Arts.

Tuesday, Nov. 29: Desja Eagle Tail, recent MSUB graduate: Native American Music: A journey in time though Native American Music with an emphasis on Crow traditional songs. A musical presentation.

The Northcutt Steele Gallery will remain open until 8:30 p.m. on lecture series evenings and will feature the Wendy Red Star Art Exhibition, Peelatchiwaaxpaash/Medicine Crow (Raven) and the 1880 Crow Peace Delegation, from October 20 through December 1.
A menswear design contest is held as part of the China-UK Art & Aesthetics Forum. Designers from both countries showed their creations in a gala after the forum in the Forbidden City in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Mark Dunhill compares Chinese artist Qi Baishi (1864-1957) to French artist Henri Matisse (1869-1954).

"I saw an exhibition of Qi's painting last time when I was in Beijing. I was completely knocked out by his works," says the academic dean at Central Saint Martins, the renowned fashion design school in London.

"They are amazing. I would like to compare him with Matisse. It's interesting to discover the sophistication and simplicity of his works, and they gave me a real insight to understand a little bit more about Chinese traditional art," Dunhill said at a recent Sino-UK fashion and art event held in the Forbidden City in Beijing.

The China-UK Art & Aesthetics Forum was organized by Phoenix Art, part of the Sino-UK culture exchange year. Artists and fashion designers from both countries shared their ideas at the forum.

Before the forum, Phoenix Art launched a menswear design contest featuring 83 designers from both countries.

A jury chaired by Chinese fashion designer Zhang Zhaoda and artist Xu Lei chose 14 finalists, who showed their designs at a gala after the forum.
Chinese artist Liu Yan dances with her hands on her wheelchair at the Life Goes On charity gala in Vienna, Oct 15, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

She can no longer walk, but she never stopped pursuing her dream of dancing, now only using her arms.

Liu Yan, 34, won a Tara Award at the Life Goes On charity gala in Vienna on Saturday due to her achievements in hand movement choreography of Chinese dance. It's the first time a Chinese dancer was awarded the honor, which is dedicated to showing respect to those who didn't give up hope, continued to challenge themselves and made extraordinary accomplishments in spite of cruel blows in life.

Liu is famous for classic Chinese dance. In 2008, the excellent dancer with a promising career was supposed to perform as one of the lead dancers at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing, but accidentally fell from the stage during a rehearsal before the show. She suffered serious spinal cord injuries and can no longer stand up.

But she continued to develop her passion for art.

Due to her achievements in studying and promoting hand gestures in Chinese dance, she is now hailed as "dancer in wheelchair".

"The most important thing in life is to conquer yourself. And the real obstacle is not from the body, but from the mind," Liu said at the award ceremony on Saturday.
Artist Liang Yu's exhibition Flow of Poetry is held at National Art Museum of China in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Accelerated constructions of high-speed railways in China have made people's transportation much more convenient these days, while many cherish the memories of the slow steam trains, or crowded the old railway stations in the long past.

Among them is Liang Yu, a Shenzhen-based artist who in childhood often played at the railway station where his parents worked. He therefore curates an ongoing exhibition, titled Flow of Poetry, at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing.

The shown paintings, installations, photos and videos review the railway development of China spanning several decades. More importantly, they awaken the audience's nostalgic feelings about reunion and departure, and about past living experiences which were mixed with hardships and happiness.

The exhibition runs through Oct 23.

Related:

Rock star David Bowie's art collection exhibited in Hong Kong
Children of Se ethnic group sit in front of a monument that reads "China's No. 1 Poverty Relief Village" at Chixi Village, Panxi town, Fuding city in East Chinas Fujian province, Feb 14. The village has shaken off poverty thanks to assistance from Party and government officials at all levels over the past 30 years. [Photo/Xinhua]

There is much to celebrate on International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2016: the World Bank's latest data show that since 1990 nearly 1.1 billion people have escaped extreme poverty. China's role in this global success story has been crucial: The country lifted 730 million people out of extreme poverty over the same time period, due to impressive growth, and policies that favored the improvements in incomes and livelihoods of the poorest.

This success, however, is no cause for complacency. Worldwide nearly 800 million people were still living on less than $1.90 a day in 2013, the most recent year for which we have global numbers. This is unacceptable in a world in which so many have so much. According to official figures, in China, 55 million people were living in poverty in 2015so reductions in poverty in China will continue to have a strong impact on the world's goal to end extreme poverty by 2030. The road ahead will not be easy. More than half of the world's remaining extreme poor are now living in Sub-Saharan Africa, and in the future will increasingly live in fragile situations and be part of marginalized groups that have traditionally not benefitted from policies and programs that have worked for othersso it will take deliberate policy action and new approaches to go the last miles toward 2030.

Beyond poverty, many citizens and policymakers around the world are increasingly concerned about income inequality. Reducing high income inequality will, simply put, be vital to ending extreme poverty by 2030, the goal that the world community has committed to as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We cannot rely solely on economic growth to get there. It will be crucial to ensure that growth benefits the poorest the most, and is able to unlock opportunities for today's extreme poor to get better jobs, access better quality services, and lay the foundations for the next generation to escape the confines of extreme deprivation. Reducing inequality is also crucial for sustaining the political support for the measures countries need to take to generate the economic growth and jobs that can lift people out of poverty.

Contrary to popular belief, inequality between all people in the world has declined consistently since 1990driven in large part by countries such as China and India catching up with richer countries. Even within-country inequality has been falling in many countries since 2008. For every country that saw a substantial increase in inequality during this time period, two others saw a similar decrease. Inequality is still far too high, though, and important concerns remain around the concentration of wealth among those at the top of income distribution. Income inequality in China seems to have peaked, but more can be done to further its recent decline. Official statistics show that income inequality (using the Gini coefficient, the most common measure of income inequality) declined from 0.49 to 0.46 between 2008 and 2015, but remains considerably higher than it was 30 years ago.

China has set the ambitious goal of eliminating extreme poverty during the period of its 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20). Already, the government has made important strides in a number of areas identified by our researchers as essential to building poor people's earnings, including early childhood development and nutrition, universal health coverage, universal access to quality education, cash transfers to poor families, rural infrastructureespecially roads and electrificationand progressive taxation. Key challenges ahead include further improving access to better jobs through further reforms in the household registration system, strengthening poverty data and the targeting of poverty programs on the remaining poor who may be harder to reach, such as the elderly and ethnic minorities, and improving targeting and depth of China's main social safety net, dibao.

As we mark End Poverty Day 2016 in China, we can be proud of the role that the country has played in lifting hundreds of millions out of extreme poverty, while being realistic about the challenges ahead. China will undoubtedly continue to drive global progress in eliminating poverty, and has an opportunity to show that more inclusive growth and better opportunities for its poorest citizens is possible.

The author is the World Bank Country Director for China.
Pupils from across China wave the national flag at Tian'anmen Square during their summer camp in Beijing, July 23, 2014. [Photo/VCG]

One thing that foreigners are not used to in China is how quickly and dramatically a schedule can change. In Western culture, change is extremely rare and the schedule is known for at least a year in advance and is very unlikely to ever change. Even when it does change, administrators will give you several weeks advance notice so that you can plan accordingly.

Another common event (besides quick and last minute changes) in China is that Chinese teachers are afraid to tell foreign teachers about any changes. They are afraid to tell them for two reasons.

One reason is that foreign teachers get very upset with a lot of changes. We aren't used to it. We are used to strict organization and scheduling. Like I said, unless there is an impending and very threatening storm that will require students to take shelter, a fire or a teacher suddenly becomes seriously ill, our schedules don't change.

The other reason is, because things change so often, quite dramatically and without more than a moment's notice in China, the Chinese teacher is afraid to tell the foreign teacher because either,the change might not happen or there might be another change to the first change that they heard about.

Perhaps you have to be a foreigner to realize how hilarious it is, but when a foreign teacher shows up for class, fully prepared to teach and no students show up, well, it is truly shocking to us and can later be funny and quite unbelievable. In America, when I tell this story to others, it is hard for anyone to believe.

I teach eight classes a week in an international high school. All of our students will go to the US, Australia or Canada when they graduate. I teach TOEFL, oral English, US history, US geography, SAT preparation and academic writing.

One day, I had fully prepared to teach my class and had come to school. Because I don't teach full time there, I'm not required to have office hours. So, I show up to teach my class. Well, this day, I had an oral English class for my grade 2 high school (in the US we'd say 10th grade) students. When I got to the building, the door was unlocked, so I went in and headed straight for my class. When I got to the classroom, the classroom was locked and the lights were out.

I couldn't imagine what had happened. Where were my students and why was the classroom locked? I went to the administration office and it also was locked with no lights on. In fact, as I started inspecting other classrooms, I discovered that there was no one in the building. I panicked. Was there some kind of national emergency? Did the school run out of money and close the classes? I couldn't imagine what had happened.

I started calling everyone I could think of who might be able to give me an answer and tell me what had happened. No one answered their cell phone.

I didn't have a key to get into the office even though I did have a desk there. I take my teaching very seriously. There is no way that I would miss a class so, I sat down in the hallway for several hours waiting to see if anyone would show up.

Finally, one of the school's security guards came to lock the building up for the day. He couldn't speak English and I spoke almost no Chinese. I finally remembered the words to ask. I said, "Xuesheng nali?" He started laughing, which confused me even more, but, at least it made me realize that nothing bad had happened.

It turned out that the administrators had decided that morning to take all of the students to a nearby museum for what we'd call a field trip. I'd sat there worrying about everyone for several hours. At least the story turned out well and I got a big laugh from it later.
President Xi Jinping arrives for a state visit to Cambodia in Phnom Penh October 13, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

During President Xi Jinping's state visit to Cambodia from Oct 13 to 14, 31 trade and development and cooperation agreements were signed. The signing of deals between China and other nations during a presidential visit is now the norm and is the high expectations of such trips.

Both countries would mutually benefit from greater economic cooperation and improved relations by working together in development and trade that benefit both countries.

China values its long historical friendship with Cambodia built since the days of King Norodom Sihanouk and treasures the great support from the Hun Sen government in building peace and stability in Cambodia and the region.

Based on the amicable relationship, China has been contributing to the development and modernization of Cambodia and its economy. China's experience and success in infrastructure and economic development is a blue print that could be applied to Cambodia to turn it into a modern state in accelerated pace and a role model for the region.

Cambodia is also strategically located within China's One Belt and One Road project that spanned across Asia and South East Asia and participation in this project would add a lot of fuel to stimulate the growth of the Cambodian economy and linking Cambodia by road and by sea to the rest of the Asia and Europe.

The Chinese expertise and financial resources would be the basket of goods and aids that China would bring to Cambodia to showcase what a mutually beneficial relationship could be good for both countries.

China's success in helping Cambodia transform into a new economic miracle could boost China's attractiveness as a trading and economic partner and for other emerging states to want to emulate.

In Cambodia lies a new model of inter-state cooperation and development in the emerging new economic world order of peaceful development.

The author is a political observer from Singapore.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and don't represent views of China Daily website.
October 17 is the UN designated International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - what we are calling End Poverty Day.

There is much to celebrate on this day: the World Banks latest numbers show that since 1990 nearly 1.1 billion people have escaped extreme poverty. Chinas role in this global success storyhas been crucial: The country lifted 730 million people out of extreme poverty over the same time period, due to impressive growth, and policies that favored the improvements in incomes and livelihoods of the poorest.

This success, however, is no cause for complacency. Worldwide nearly 800 million people were still living on less than $1.90 a day in 2013, the latest year for which we have global numbers. This is unacceptable in a world in which so many have so much. According to official figures, in China, 55 million people were living in povertyin 2015 - so reductions in poverty in China will continue to have a strong impact on the worlds goal to end extreme poverty by 2030.The road ahead will not be easy. Over half of the worlds remaining extreme poor are now living in Sub-Saharan Africa, and in the future willincreasingly live in fragile situations and be part of marginalized groups that have traditionally not benefitted from policies and programs that have worked for others- so it will take deliberate policy action and new approaches to go the last miles toward 2030.

Beyond poverty,many citizens and policy makers around the world are increasingly concerned about income inequality. Reducing highincome inequality will, simply put, be vital to ending extreme poverty by 2030, the goal that the world community has committed to as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. We cannot rely solely on economic growth to get there. It will be crucial to ensure that growth benefits the poorest the most, and is able to unlock opportunities for todays extreme poor to get better jobs, access better quality services, and lay the foundations for the next generation to escape the confines of extreme deprivation. Reducing inequality is also crucial for sustaining the political support for the measures countries need to take to generate the economic growth and jobs that can lift people out of poverty.

Contrary topopular belief, inequality between all people in the world has declined consistently since 1990- and this was driven in large part by countries like China and India catching up with richer countries. Even within-country inequality has been falling in many countriessince 2008for every country that saw a substantial increase in inequality during this time period, two others saw a similar decrease. Inequality is still far too high, though, and important concerns remain around the concentration of wealth among those at the top of the income distribution. Income inequality in China seems to have peaked, but more can be done to further its recent decline. Official statistics show that income inequality (using the Gini coefficient, the most common measure of income inequality) declined from 0.49 to 0.46 between 2008 and 2015, but remains considerably higher than it was thirty years ago.

China has set the ambitious goal to eliminate extreme poverty during the 13th five year plan period. Already, the country has made important strides in a number of areas identified by our researchers as essential to building poor peoples earnings, including in early childhood development and nutrition, universal health coverage, universal access to quality education, cash transfers to poor families, rural infrastructure- especially roads and electrification, and progressive taxation.Key challenges ahead include further improving access to better jobs through further reforms in the household registration system, strengthening poverty data and targeting of poverty programs on the remaining poor who may be harder to reach, such as the elderly and ethnic minorities, and improving targeting and depth of Chinas main social safety net, dibao.

As we mark End Poverty Day 2016 in China, we can be proud of the role that the country has played in lifting hundreds of millions out of extreme poverty, while being realistic about the challenges ahead. China will undoubtedly continue to drive global progress in eliminating poverty, and has an opportunity to show that more inclusive growth and better opportunities for its poorest citizens is possible.

The author is the World Bank Country Director for China
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

The visit to China by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, scheduled from Tuesday to Friday, is expected to offer an opportunity to improve the strained bilateral ties.

However, some scholars in the Philippines and in the United States argue that the value of Philippines' talks and cooperation with China stem from its military alliance with the US, hinting that only through its alliance with the US does Manila gain bargaining chips in any talks with Beijing. Duterte's diplomatic move, they conclude, should not sacrifice Manila's bond with Washington.

Such an argument exposes the Cold War mindset among some in the US, and their concern over their allies' cooperation with other countries, which they think may lead to their estrangement from Washington.

The "absolute obedience" to the US pursued by former Philippine president Benigno Aquino III may have served the US' interests, but it has also plunged the Philippine's economic cooperation with China to a new low, which has proven detrimental to the Philippines' interests.

Duterte's remarks and actions since his election as Philippine president indicate his intention to change the asymmetrical ties with the US and foster pragmatic cooperation with more countries, including China.

His administration's pursuit of an independent foreign policy is to better serve the Philippines' interests, as indicated by his remarks on different occasions to play down the award in the Philippine's favor in the arbitration case initiated by his predecessor and his halt to joint naval patrols with the US in the South China Sea. A series of domestic problems, such as the poverty in the country, have also underscored Duterte's need to conduct pragmatic cooperation with China.

It is unrealistic to expect a single visit to resolve all the differences between the countries. But talks are the best approach for China and the Philippines to bring ties back onto the track of healthy development.

--Global Times Chinese Edition
A side street on the Ile de Goree, or Goree Island, off the coast of Dakar, Senegal. [Photo/Agencies]

From dizzying Dakar to vibrant Saint-Louis, Senegal pulsates with rich culture, history and charm.

If you want to experience it allfrom bustling cities to sleepy, seaside villageshop in a rental car, charge up your favorite navigation device or app, brush up on your conversational French, and start your road trip across Africa's colorful western coast.

Dakar for the music, and the art lover.

Senegal's largest city perched on the tip of the Cap-Vert peninsula is an ideal starting place for your journey.

Spend the afternoons filling your suitcases with trinkets and T-shirts from the capital's many frenetic street markets.

For a more serene shopping experience, head to La Galerie Antenna. This African art mecca boasts an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, masks and jewelry from across the continent.

Rest up and head out after midnight to experience Dakar's thriving music scene at a local bar or club. After your late night, regroup by the beach at one of Dakar's luxury hotels.

While most of Senegal is surprisingly drivable, Dakar traffic is not for the faint of heart. Be prepared for a general disregard of road signs and discombobulating roundabouts.

Some rental-car packages include drivers or one can be arranged through your hotel.

Or hop in taxis for short trips. They're abundant and inexpensive. Be sure to check rates with a local before hailing a ride and negotiate the fare with your driver in advance.

Goree Island for history buffs

An afternoon (at least) spent exploring the history and architecture of Ile de Goree is a must when visiting Dakar.

The UNESCO World Heritage site was a shipping point for African slaves during the 16th through 19th centuries.

The island's most famous and sobering attraction, Maison des Esclaves (Slave House), has had many high-profile visitors, including President Obama in 2013. It is now a museum and memorial site serving as symbol for the larger slave trade throughout Africa. You can easily book a tour guide when you arrive, but the small, tranquil island is quite walkable on your own.

Take in the scenic ocean views, colorful, crumbling architecture, shops and street vendors before dining on fresh fish at the hilltop restaurant, Dolce Vita.
CANBERRA - An Australian man detained for fighting with Islamic State (IS) is set to be the first dual national to have his Australian passport canceled under tough new terror laws.

A senior national security source confirmed to News Corp that the laws are set to be used for the first time on a well-known, dual national terrorist in the coming months. Under the laws - which passed in December - dual national citizens are stripped of their Australian passports if found guilty of serious terrorism-related offences.

The federal government is reportedly expecting a High Court challenge as soon as the trial is officially authorized, but Treasurer Scott Morrison said the laws were introduced in Australia's best interest.

"They're dual citizens as well, so it's not like they're left stateless under these laws. By their own actions they'd be disqualifying themselves to the values of Australia," Morrison told Macquarie radio on Monday.

"I'm very proud we put these laws in place it's a signal that citizenship matters, and obligations attach to (citizenship), not just rights. Those obligations include holding to our values."

Meanwhile Professor Peter Leahy, former army chief and the director at the national security institute at the University of Canberra, said it was important for the government to set a precedent for other would-be terrorists.

"Rip the passport off him," Leahy told Sky News on Monday, "Leave him with whatever other passport he's got. But rip the Australian passport off him. He doesn't deserve it."

"He's been in the field of battle fighting Australians and we can't accept that. And as an ex-army officer I can't accept that, so rip the passport off him."

The case is yet to have been formally announced, but a source told News Corp the dual national terrorist will be tried before the end of the year.
The popular exhibition "Yellowstone Discovered: William Henry Jacksons Lost Prints Reveal the Park for America" is once again on display at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyo.

Installed on March 21 and on view throughout the summer, the collection had been on hiatus as the Buffalo Bill Art Show hung in its place before the shows auction on Sept. 23.

The exhibition features a selection of rare Albertype photographs of Yellowstone in the days before it became a national park. Photographer William Henry Jackson captured the areas spectacular landscapes and geologic wonders while traveling with the 1871 geological survey of the area led by Ferdinand V. Hayden.

Jackson returned from the West with a marvelous set of glass plate negatives and produced a limited number of albums of beautiful, mounted photographs. It was difficult to publish photographs of such high quality for the general public; Albertypes  prints produced from a gelatin-coated glass plate  seemed to offer the answer. Using this method, the prints were capable of mass-production to Americans and from Haydens perspective, would promote the parks unique attractions.

Enter one Edward Bierstadt, brother of noted western artist Albert Bierstadt who created superb Albertypes (named for J. Albert of Munich in 1868) in his New York studio using Jacksons original negatives. A publishing project in several volumes was in the works when, disastrously, a fire at the Bierstadt studio in 1875 destroyed the Jackson/Bierstadt Albertypes, along with Jacksons glass plate negatives and contact prints.

Consequently, the planned survey volume that focused on Yellowstone was never published. The surviving Albertypes were lost to history  except four sets of proofs that had already been printed. Only one is a complete set: the album on loan this summer from collector Dr. Robert Enteen from which the exhibition was crafted.
British Prime Minister Theresa May is seeing her plans to engineer a calm, negotiated departure from the European Union descend into uncertainty.

Analysts say the situation casts doubt over the UK's ability to strike trade deals quickly with major partners, such as China.

Officials in Beijing and London say they are ready to negotiate an agreement, but any timetable has been thrown into doubt by uncertainties.

The first of these is a challenge mounted by private individuals in the High Court, which lawyers say is one of the most important constitutional issues to come before the courts in modern times.

"You cannot underestimate the constitutional importance of this case," said one lawyer, who requested anonymity.

The private challenge is being brought by Gina Miller, a London-based businesswoman and philanthropist, and other private individuals. They maintain May does not have the right to declare Article 50the formal notice to the EU starting the two-year withdrawal periodwithout first seeking approval from Parliament.

The government and supporters from the Leave campaign say May will use sovereign powers, inherited from the monarchy, to declare Article 50 without referring to Parliament. Britain does not have a written constitution, instead relying on parliamentary acts and legal precedents.

If Miller and her backers succeed, May will be forced to allow Parliament to vote on plans to invoke Article 50.

Given that 480 MPs out of the 650 backed Remain in the referendum, a successful High Court challenge could potentially throw the whole question of leaving the EU, and the manner in which it is done, into the air.

May had reluctantly agreed, ahead of a debate called by the opposition last week, that MPs would have an opportunity to debate Britain's exit, but that fell short of acknowledging their right to vote on the issue.

Lawyers say it is almost certain the losing side in the High Court will appeal to the Supreme Court, and officials there have indicated that any such appeal would be fast-tracked, with a ruling issued by the end of the year. May has said she intends to invoke Article 50 by March.
The number of Chinese students being educated at British boarding schools is booming as parents seek to prepare them for entry into an elite UK college or university network that already hosts tens of thousands of Chinese students seeking a degree.

The Independent School Council, a nonprofit organization representing more than 1,200 schools, says the number of Chinese students this year who have parents living overseas increased by nearly 70 percent, compared to five years ago when there were 3,708.

China remains the top origin of overseas pupils for a second year in a row, with 6,280 Chinese students in British schools. A further 1,023 Chinese students have parents living in Britain while they study, according to the latest ISC census report.

Alexander Nikitich, founder of Carfax Education, which helps place foreign students at leading UK schools and universities, says fast-rising numbers of Chinese pupils at British schools reflects newly generated private wealth in China in recent years.

Other educationalists say the popularity among Chinese families of boarding schools, where pupils reside during the school term, also reflects the breadth and caliber of the education they provide.

"Wealthy Chinese parents want an education that develops their childs character, their confidence, independence, creativity, teamwork and leadership skills to prepare them to run a business in the future, which UK education is famous for," said William Vanbergen, the founder of BE Education, an organization that helps Chinese students gain entry into elite UK schools.

All students coming to study in UK schools are required to take an English proficiency test if their mother tongue is not English. Each school may set additional tests of their own choosing.

Alan Bird, deputy headmaster at Brighton College, said applicants will generally be asked to sit entrance exams, often in maths and English, plus an interview with a senior member of staff.

"The procedures will be designed to ensure that the applicant will flourish within the academic environment offered by the school concerned, that the applicant will contribute to the broader life of the school, and that the applicant will adjust to life within the boarding community," Bird added.

Chinese pupils enrolled at British boarding schools often experience culture shock. When Xu Kailun arrived at Wellington College in 2013, he found it difficult to adjust to the ways in which British people greet one another, and did not know the best way to respond to the greeting "how are you?"

"In the first month, I felt a little bit awkward to answer it in the primary school way, I am fine, thank you. And you? so I chose to smile but say nothing. But one day, my housemaster told me that it was an impolite way to greet others by saying nothing," Xu said.

Xu suggests the best way to overcome culture shock is to act the same as the locals.

"Dont be afraid to ask if there is anything that you dont understand," he said.

The move from China to the UK can be daunting because pupils are in a foreign environment far from family. At the same time, they have the opportunity to look after themselves, without being over-dependent on their families, which is a good way to prepare for the future.

Li Luoyi, a 14-year-old who goes by the nickname Sunny, started at the English preparatory (junior) school Wellesley House in 2013, a decision made jointly with her parents.

At first, she found it hard to take her mind off the fact that she had left her family. But, with help from her new friends, she was able to focus on her studies and learn to enjoy boarding-school life.

"Studying in the UK would generally be beneficial as it is a fascinating experience - everyone is treated equally, no matter what your family background is, therefore more possibilities will be open to you," she said.

Pupils are given a lot more freedom and free time in UK schools, so they have to be extremely determined and self-disciplined to meet expectations, she said.

The flood of Chinese students can be a boon for the UK private schools that enroll them.

Susan Hamlyn, director of the Good Schools Guide Advice Service, said full boarding for a year costs between 22,000 pounds and 37,000 pounds in the UK. She said it can cost even more at fee-paying US schools.

According to Hamlyn, the size of intake in each UK independent school is decided on the number of desks, while at boarding schools, its the number of beds.

British schools tend to value diversity and want to have a wide spread of international students. For example, 10 percent of boarders at Wellington College are international students. They come from 41 countries.

"We have huge numbers of Chinese students applying to join Wellington, especially in the Sixth Form, but we will only take one or two per year," said James Dahl, director of admissions at Wellington College.

Most of the top schools are able to pick the best students from the applicants and there are usually long waiting lists. However, Vanbergen from BE Education says some schools can become overly reliant on overseas students.

"This can become a problem both for domestic students - as the whole character of the school can change if there are too many students from one country - and also for the parents and students from China. They might as well just stay in China, rather than fly half way around the world to go to a school with 80 percent other Chinese students."

To contact the reporter: wangmingjie@mail.chinadailyuk.com
China will respond accordingly to the Slovak president meeting with the Dalai Lama, which was in contravention of the one-China policy that Slovakia had promised to stick to, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Monday.

President Andrej Kiska of Slovakia has "severely damaged" the political foundation of ties by meeting the Dalai Lama in Slovakia on Sunday, disregarding China's strong opposition, Hua said in a daily news conference in Beijing.

"The 14th Dalai Lama has long been engaged in anti-China and separatist activities, and has been conspiring to split Tibet away from China, she said.

Hua reiterated that China is resolutely opposed to the Dalai Lama engaging in anti-China and separatist activities in any guise or manner in any country, and is against officials of any country having contact, in any form, with him.

China requires Slovakia to have a clear understanding of the anti-China and separatist nature of the Dalai clique, effectively respect China's core interests and major concerns, and strictly stick to the one-China policy, Hua said.

Also, Slovakia should take effective measures to eliminate the negative influence caused by the wrongful behavior and thus restore the development of its ties with China, she said.
Rising protectionism, anti-globalism big challenges to world's well-being

Leaders of BRICS countries, from left, Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping, and South African President Jacob Zuma display their unity at the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa, India, on Sunday. [Photo/Agencies]

Business leaders in the BRICS bloc should promote confidence and contribute to global growth through stepped up investment in emerging economies, President Xi Jinping said on Sunday.

The economies of the five BRICS countries  whose leaders met over the weekend in India  have slowed given the deep adjustments and challenges in the world economy, Xi noted in a meeting with business executives.

Among the challenges cited by Xi were the rising threat of protectionism and growing anti-globalization sentiment.

Still, Xi said, "The BRICS countries' advantages and potential in resources, markets and labor remain unchanged." He added that the executives should take a leading role in joint implementation of major projects.

The bloc is composed of emerging powerhouses Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The meeting was their eighth summit.

Xi spoke during the meeting in India's southwestern Goa state. The two-day summit concluded Sunday.

Xi noted that establishment of the bloc's New Development Bank is an important fruit of their cooperation, and China will support the bank's work to make its first group of projects successful.

Along with Xi, Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma attended the summit.

While talking with the other BRICS leaders, Xi called on the countries to boost confidence at a time when economic recovery remains weak.

The bloc should increase macroeconomic policy coordination and oppose all forms of protectionism, Xi told the other leaders. China is slated to take the rotating presidency of BRICS next year.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a news briefing that Xi's speech was hailed by the leaders at the summit.

The Goa Declaration issued at the summit's conclusion included some points of consensus the five leaders reached during the summit of the G20 major economies in Hangzhou last month, he said.

At their meeting on the G20's sidelines, Xi said BRICS members should enhance coordination to make emerging-market economies and developing countries play a bigger role in international affairs.

India is the final stop of Xi's tour of southern Asia, which has already taken him to Cambodia and Bangladesh.

Ruan Zongze, vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, told China Daily that even though the economic growth of BRICS countries has slowed, the performance of emerging economies remains far better than that of developed countries.

"Since the recovery of the global economy after the 2008 financial crisis, the BRICS countries have contributed more than 50 percent of global economic growth," he said.

Contact the writers at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
That blossoms in spring, brings forth fruit in autumn. October is Chinas harvest season. 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries cooperation mechanism.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 8th BRICS summit in GOA, India and delivered a speech, entitled Cement confidence, promote common development.

Xi spoke about a far-sighted vision with deep meanings. He explained Beijings solutions for enhancing cooperation among BRICS member states. His speech has attracted wide attention among BRICS countries.

It needs a decade to mold a good sword. Hence during the past decade, BRICS countries have sought common development and progressed forward, expanding cooperation with mutual benefits and win-win strategies.

Looking ahead, the Chinese leader made a five-point proposal to inject Beijing's confidence into BRICS cooperation and offer Beijings wisdom to explore "responsive, inclusive, and collective solutions for the global economic growth.

China will hold the rotating chair of the BRICS summit, and host its ninth summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen in September, which brings about Beijings new opportunities for developing the BRICS mechanism.

From Goa to Xiamen, Beijings wisdom can offer a new blueprint and add greater impetus for BRICS cooperation. We can anticipate Xiamen to host an even more sparkling BRICS Summit next year.

By Zhang Maorong, researcher with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations; cartoon drawing by Chi Ying

The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of China Daily Website.
Three suspects appeared in federal court on Friday for charges of meth distribution, including an alleged conspiracy in Billings and on the Crow Reservation.

Kevin Torres-Ochoa, 27, and Mary Elizabeth Rock Big Man, 36, have both been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Joshua Lee Hagen, 40, faces the charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

All three made initial appearances in U.S. District Court on Friday before U.S. Magistrate Carolyn Ostby.

The interagency Eastern Montana High-Intensity Drug Task Force and the FBI's Big Sky Safe Streets Task Force began investigating the meth trafficking ring in June 2015, according to court documents.

Investigators alleged that members of the trafficking ring were located in Billings, Hardin and Crow Agency.

Law enforcement searched Big Man's Crow Agency home on Thursday. The local and federal officers found digital scales in the home, according to the documents.

Investigators determined that Big Man was responsible for storing and helping to distribute the meth, charges state.

In an interview with task force officers, Big Man said that she'd met Torres-Ochoa and that they had a relationship. She said that she let people store meth in a Hardin storage unit and tried to wire money to another person in the drug ring, charges state.

Torres-Ochoa told investigators that he had lived on the Crow Reservation for eight months and admitted his involvement in trafficking meth from San Jose, California, charges state.

According to court documents, he would receive packages of methamphetamine in the mail. He was paid with either cash or meth. The drugs would sell for $4,000 per ounce, charges state.

Hagen was arrested in March, when officers searched his home. Court documents said that the officers found a half-pound of meth, scales, drug ledgers, nine guns and ammunition.

Hagen's name doesn't appear in the charging documents for Torres-Ochoa or Big Man, but investigators began looking into his activity at the same time. All three were charged on the same date and appeared in court on the same day.

Torres-Ochoa and Big Man face a minimum of 10 years to life in prison. Hagen faces a minimum of five years to 40 years. On Friday all three suspects were being held in the Yellowstone County Detention Facility.
Enrollment dropped again this fall at Rocky Mountain College, but officials are focusing on ways to boost student numbers.

Adding a premed program, boosting the number of Native American students and focusing on student retention are three ways the private four-year college hopes to do that, said President Robert Wilmouth in an interview Friday.

Im cautiously optimistic that we have some things that will pay off in the long run, Wilmouth said, from his conference room on the RMC campus.

Rocky also is in the midst of a $16 million capital campaign project. The first phase of a $2 million enhancement of Herb Klindt Field is completed.

Work is now beginning on the 32,972-square-foot science building, estimated to cost nearly $9 million, of which $8.5 has been raised. A second $5 million phase, for which fundraising continues, will include renovation of the Bair Science Center, which sits west of the new science building.

The decrease in enrollment from 2015 to 2016 wasnt drastic. There are 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students this fall, compared with 1,035 in 2015. That breaks down to 21 fewer undergrads and 14 fewer graduate students.

Since 2012, the number of students has dropped gradually, from 1087 in 2012 to 1,000 this fall. The number of undergraduate students peaked at 984 in 2012 and slowly decreased annually to 885 students this semester.

Rocky isnt alone. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center shows an annual decrease in postsecondary enrollment since 2013. In Montana, the number of students enrolled in college dropped from 54,162 in 2013 to 48,941 in 2015, with figures not yet available for 2016.

Every institution is bracing for downward trends, Austin Mapston, dean of enrollment services at RMC said Friday. The boon was really in the early to mid-2000s. Weve been trying to maintain and grow where we can.

One way the private college has done that has been to open an Academic Resource Center this fall. Another is expanding peer mentoring on campus from at-risk freshmen to the entire class.

Retaining enrolled students and recruiting students who will find Rocky a good fit are both important, Mapston said.

My goal is to recruit and work with students who we know will thrive in this environment, he said. And that is our responsibility, to make sure we have structure and resources in place to allow those students to be successful.

The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education has projected growth in the number of high school seniors at 4.7 percent between now and 2021, Mapston said. That adds up to about 200 students.

Rockys makeup is about 55 percent Montana students and 45 percent from outside the state. The college has students from 48 states and 16 countries.

Mapston is not surprised where Rocky is right now.

Were right where we kind of expected, both on the return side and incoming, he said. We do a pretty good job on projections, based on high school enrollment and financial awards. We typically know where we will end up in January.

Wilmouth said that 1,000 students keeps the college financially sustainable. But Rocky could easily handle 1,100, and he hopes new initiatives will help the college get there.

Constructing the new science building is a priority, Wilmouth said, because every Rocky student takes some type of science class.

A musician needs to know science, he said. Our ambition is to graduate students that are well-educated in every area.

In addition, Rocky hopes to develop a rigorous premed program, to prepare students to study for an advanced medical degree. It also hopes to assist Montana State University Billings as MSUB implements a baccalaureate nursing program.

"We want to serve not just our students but also this community," Wilmouth said.

Rocky may also expand its physician assistant program a small amount.

Because the attractiveness of the PA program is that it has a very small faculty-to-student ratio, we may increase it slightly, Wilmouth said. We want to maintain the boutique feel of that program.

The college also plans to reinvigorate a former initiative to reach out to Native American students. The goal is to double the Native American student population, which stands at 1.6 percent, within five years.

It is renewing articulation agreements with tribal colleges, which makes it easier for students to transfer to Rocky. A Native American student support group will be added.

We are also actively recruiting faculty to teach a course in Crow language and culture, Wilmouth said.
(Photo : US Navy) Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.

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The shrinking U.S. Navy that worried Pentagon planners no end a decade ago is a relic of the past and today's navy "has never been stronger," said Secretary of the Ray Mabus in an assessment of a naval fighting force he described as "the absolute best in the world."



"We are getting the right number of the right kind of platforms to meet our mission," he pointed out.



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"Our disciplined and deliberate use of energy has made us better warfighters. We represent the greatest America has to offer, the absolute best in the world and we continue to provide presence -- around the globe, around the clock."



He noted that among the challenges when he came into office in 2008 was a shrinking fleet in a very bad economy. The plethora of problems facing the navy at the time was "occurring amid increasing threats, a far more complicated world and an ever-increasing demand for naval forces."



But these challenges didn't deflect the navy from its mission of maintaining a naval presence, which only occurs by having the ships to sustain it.



Mabus said the navy is on track to increase the size of its battle fleet from 278 ships in 2008 to 308 in 2021. He also noted savings of $2 billion in the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer program and a similar number in the current Virginia-class submarine contract.



"Quantity has a quality all of its own. To say that a navy is too focused on building ships is to admit an ignorance of its purpose. So I made shipbuilding one of my top priorities, and we've dramatically reversed the decline in our fleet."



"That unrivaled advantage -- on, above, beneath and from the sea -- ensures stability, reassures allies, deters adversaries and gives our nation's leaders options in times of crisis," said Mabus.



"We are 'America's away team' because sailors and Marines, equally in times of peace and war, are not just in the right place at the right time, but in the right place all the time. There is no next best thing to being there.



"In every case, from high-end combat to irregular warfare to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, our naval assets get on station faster, we stay longer, we bring what we need with us, and, because our ships are sovereign U.S. territory, we can act without having to ask anyone's permission to get the job done."



Mabus said "you have to have grey hulls on the horizon."



He also pointed out the advances made by the navy in unmanned systems, laser weapons and the electromagnetic rail gun that will see action by the next decade.



He noted the 8,000 new manufacturing jobs in the shipbuilding industry that added $37 billion to the national Gross Domestic Product.



Mabus' eight-year term as Navy Secretary, the longest by one man in close to a century, focuses on three priorities: shipbuilding, energy and personnel reforms. He steps down at the end of President Barack Obama's term.



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TagsU.S. Navy, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, battle fleet, shipbuilding, America's away team
(Photo : US Navy) CAT protecting a carrier.

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The U.S. Navy has completed arming five of its 10 operational Nimitz-class aircraft carriers with an "anti-torpedo torpedo system" that will "shoot down" submarine launched torpedoes.



The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is now equipped with the new "Anti-Torpedo Defense System" (ATDS) able to detect, classify, track and destroy incoming enemy torpedoes. The overall system consists of a sensor, a processor and anti-torpedo torpedoes called the "Countermeasures Anti-Torpedo" or CAT, which is a small interceptor missile.



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CAT is a first-of-its-kind "hard kill" countermeasure for carriers and warships designed to defeat torpedoes, especially those fired by deeply submerged submarines.



Apart from ATDS, two Mk38 25 mm light cannons and the Consolidated Afloat Network Enterprise Services system were added to the defensive systems aboard the Nimitz.



ATDS was deployed aboard the carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) in 2014. It was also deployed on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71); USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) and the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). The Navy plans to equip all aircraft carriers and other high-value ships with the system by 2035.



The emergence of a specifically-engineered torpedo defense system is important for the Navy since it comes a time when many weapons developers are concerned about the vulnerability of carriers to sophisticated weapons such as long-range anti-ship missiles and hypersonic weapons.



The ability to protect carriers from submarine-launched torpedo attacks, especially from deadlier wake homing torpedoes, adds an important element to a carrier's layered defense systems. Torpedo defense for surface ships, however, involves another portion of the threat envelope and is a different question.



The complete system consists of a Torpedo Warning System Receive Array launched from the winch at the end of the ship, essentially a towed sensor or receiver engineered to detect the presence of incoming torpedo fire.



The Receive Array sends information to a processor, which then computes key information and sends data to CAT attached to the side of the ship. The crew then makes the decision about whether to fire a CAT.



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TagsU.S. Navy, USS Nimitz, Anti-Torpedo Defense System, Countermeasures Anti-Torpedo, wake homing torpedo, torpedo
(Photo : Getty Images) In this handout image supplied by Host photo agency / RIA Novosti, The submarine 'Magnitogorsk' at a rehearsal of the navy parade to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War, May 7, 2015 in Baltiysk, Russia.

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China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation has confirmed it will deliver eight submarines to Pakistan, China People's Daily reported.



The corporation has reportedly held a meeting to discuss and set the details of the arrangements. The move aims to continue the process of spirit started by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Belt and Road Construction Network Symposium, Hu Wenming, chairman of the corporation, said according to the Daily Times.



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Back in April, Reuters reported that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif approved the deal dubbed as "one of China's largest overseas weapon sales once it is signed." The agreement is estimated to cost between $4 billion and $5 billion, the International News reported.



Half of the submarines will allegedly be built at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW), while the other half will be assembled in China.



Experts speculate that the new submarine will be a lighter export version of the People Liberation Army Navy's Type 039 and Type 041 Yuan-class conventional attack submarine, without the AIP system, which is believed to be obtained independently, Daily Pakistan noted.



The first submarine will reportedly be delivered in 2022, and another three by the end of 2023, according to the Chief Project Director of the program as reported by Quwa. The remaining batch from KSEW will be delivered by the end of 2018.



Over the years, both countries have strengthened military cooperation. "China and Pakistan are neighbors of traditional friendship with close cooperation in various fields. The normal cooperation between the two sides in the field of military industry and trade is in line with their respective international commitment," Hua Chunying, the country's foreign ministry spokesperson, said about the deal last year.



Daily Pakistan reported that the Pakistan Navy has been continuously upgrading its undersea warfare capabilities. Earlier this year, Turkish state-owned contractor STM won in a bid for the upgrade of three Agosta 90-B class (or Khalid-class) diesel-electric attack submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion systems.



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Tagschina, Pakistan, submarine, military cooperation, Xi Jinping, KSEW, China Shipbuilding Industry Coporation, Nawaz Sharif
(Photo : Getty Images) In this photo illustration a real organ donor's card (Organspendeausweis) from public health insurer Techniker Krankenkasse is seen on November 13, 2012 in Berlin, Germany.

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Organ donations in China increased 50 percent year on year, according to the figures released by the health authority on Sunday.



A total of 2,950 organs was processed by China in the first nine months of this year. The figure surpasses the figure in 2015 at 2,766, the National Health and Family Planning Commission reported.



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Currently, China stands first in the annual average number of organ donations in Asia and third around the world, state-backed Xinhua news agency reported.



China began changing its organ donation system in 2010. A year after, it made the unauthorized trading of organs illegal through amending he Criminal Law. Furthermore, in 2013, a new organ management and distribution system was launch to regulate donations, according to Global Times.



Ye Qifa, a member of China's National Organ Donation and Transplantation Committee, said the surge of voluntary organ donations shows that the public has gained more confidence in the distribution of donated organs.



Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, traditional beliefs and other misconceptions about organ donation procedures were top reasons for low donation rate, South China Morning Post reported citing a study conducted by the Department of Health in 2015. Some refuse as they want a "dignified" funeral, while other express worry it might be opposed by older family members.



Organ donation rate in Hong Kong is relatively low, with only 5.8 donors for every one million residents in 2015, a slight decrease from 6.1 in 2013.



Hong Kong's Food and Health Bureau, on the other hand, has initiated a series of campaigns to promote organ donation awareness. Earlier this year, it organized a promotion committee after many high-profile organ donation appeals in 2015.



The government also developed a Facebook app where organ donors could register and spread awareness of the life-saving initiative to friends. It also plans to initiate a study to determine the public's views on a presumptive consent scheme or an opt-out system, which makes everyone a valid donor unless they specifically chose not to.



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Tagsorgan donations, organ donations China, organ donors, National Organ Donation and Transplantation Committee
(Photo : CCTV) Shenzhou 11 crew.

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China's Shenzhou-11 spacecraft with two taikonauts aboard is currently chasing the Tiangong-2 space station after a successful launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert at 7:30 p.m. EDT (GMT-4) on Oct. 17.



The spacecraft is expected to catch-up to the speeding Tiangong-2 on Tuesday. Its crew, mission commander Jing Haipeng and flight engineer Chen Dong, will maneuver Shenzhou-11 to a safe docking with the space station.



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Once inside Tiangong-2, both men will begin an intense series of experiments for the next 30 days. The men will carry out materials science experiments; medical research; three student experiments; plant growth studies and test orbital repair techniques.



"After entering Tiangong-2, the taikonauts will carry out many experiments, which show the roles, effects and value of humans in many space activities," said Wu Ping, a spokeswoman for China's Manned Space Engineering Office.



Tiangong-2, originally built as a back-up to Tiangong-1, has a length of 14 meters and a diameter of 3.4 meters. It weighs 8,500 kilograms.



The new station has a larger payload capacity, allowing improved living conditions for its crew of three astronauts. The crew will be able to survive for 20 days without resupply.



"The astronauts can now have a better dining and sleeping environment in the spacelab, and they have also physical exercises for experiments and recreation facilities," said Wu.



"These changes will make the 30-day life for the astronaut in space more comfortable, convenient and more colorful."



Tiangong-2 will also be equipped with a new robotic arm. It's accompanied by a small Banxing-2 satellite for technology demonstrations.



Banxing-2 (the word means Companion Satellite) is a small technology development satellite that will capture images of the new station in orbit. Its predecessor, Banxing-1, accomplished the same mission for the Shenzhou 7 in September 2008.



In April 2017, China's first space cargo ship, Tianzhou-1 carrying fuel and other supplies, will dock with Tiangong-2. The astronauts at this time will carry out experiments related to aerospace medicine, space physics and biology, such as quantum key distribution, atomic space clocks and solar storm research.



They will also conduct a space-Earth quantum key distribution and a laser communications experiment to facilitate space-to-ground quantum communication.



Then there's POLAR, a collaboration between Swiss, Polish and Chinese institutions to study gamma ray bursts, which are the most energetic events in the universe.



At the end of their mission in November, Jing and Chen will undock and return to Earth in the Shenzhou spacecraft's central descent module and land in Inner Mongolia.



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TagsShenzhou 11, Tiangong-2, Jing Haipeng, Chen Dong, Tianzhou-1
(Photo : YouTube Screenshot) Ffan.com, an e-commerce subsidiary of Dalian Wanda Group, has led a 1.55 billion yuan ($230 million) series B funding round for Chinese smart parking mobile app operator ETCP.

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Ffan.com, an e-commerce subsidiary of Dalian Wanda Group, has led a 1.55 billion yuan ($230 million) series B funding round for Chinese smart parking mobile app operator ETCP, the China Money Network reported.



The agreement, which claims to be the biggest financial deal in the industry, follows after the two companies announced in August that all of Wanda's shopping mall will install ETC's smart parking app to enhance customer experience.



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ETCP is a smart parking app based on big data and cloud computing. Using this app, users are able to look, reserve, and pay online for parking spaces in real time, Deal Street Asia noted.



Last year, the startup received $50 million series A round from BitAuto.com, SourceCode Capital, and Matrix Partners in China.



The app is currently operating across 10 Chinese cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. It has collaborated with more than 5,000 parking spaces in shopping malls, offices, residential areas, and transportation hubs.



Currently, ETCP has several million registered users. It claims that the number will increase to tens of millions over the next two years.



Meanwhile, just last month, Dalian Wanda Group was in preliminary talks to purchase Dick Clark Productions for $1 billion. Although talks are still at an early stage, The Wall Street Journals noted that there remains a valuation gap between the two companies.



In an interview with Reuters, China's richest man Wang Jianlin vocally said he targets to own all Hollywood firms and take their technology home to China.



"We are interested not only in Paramount, but all of them. If one of the Big Six would be willing to be sold to us, we would be interested."



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TagsDalian Wanda, wang jianlin, ETCP, smart parking app, parking app China
(Photo : Getty Images) Philippine President Duterte's upcoming visit to China would me more about business partnerships than the South China Sea territorial dispute, according to analysts.

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On the eve of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's official state visit to China, economic analysts have said the bilateral talks between the two countries would likely center on business and trade instead of their dispute over territories in the South China Sea.



Duterte will travel around 400 business leaders including the country's richest business moguls on his four-day visit to Beijing from October 18-21.



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President Duterte is the first Philippine leader to be invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping for one-on-one talks.



$3 US Billion



"Duterte's visit is the strongest signal so far that tensions between China and the Philippines have ease*d off," said Li Jinming, professor of international relations at Xiamen University's Research School of Southeast Asian Studies.



Li said President Duterte may be veering away from the United States to befriend China but this is likely temporary.



"He's right now distancing the country from the U.S., but some of that is just rhetoric. We don't think he will or can cut the U.S. off. We'd be curious to know how long these icy ties can last. It might just be a temporary thing," Li emphasized.



Manila reportedly stands to receive at least $3 billion worth of funding assistance from Chinese banks and private companies throughseveral agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOA) that will be signed by both countries.



Infrastructure projects



Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said China has offered Manila billions of dollars to fund its infrastructure projects as well as other key sectors such as agribusiness, construction, infrastructure, technology, rail, among others.



"There are a lot of private sector initiatives taking place. Like for banks, they're committing funds to support the growth of the Philippine economy in general. Most of them are fund commitments," Lopez said.



Lopez said the Philippine government is currently reviewing the Chinese offers and so far he said that the country will have more money to finance whatever projects it wants to pursue.



China's financial assistance could come in soft loans and investments, according to Lopez. He added that Manila plans to strengthen its trade ties with Beijing, the country's second largest trading partner.



Although Duterte has admitted that his China trip is meant to ease tensions between the two nations over the South China Sea dispute, he said that he is looking forward to exchanging views with Chinese leaders on how to improve ties between both nations.



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TagsPresident Rodrigo Duterte, China visit, Beijing, South China Sea, President Xi Jinping, soft loans and investments, billions of dollars, Philippines, china
(Photo : Almaz-Antey) S-500 on its TEL (concept drawing).

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There is every reason to believe Russia's much-advertised but trouble plagued S-500 Prometey (Prometheus) self-propelled missile defense system that can allegedly shoot down hypersonic glide vehicles and ICBMs won't be entering service in the "near future."



The Russian Aerospace Forces last May announced the imminent delivery of the high-altitude SAM, also called the 55R6M "Triumfator-M." At the time, Lt. Gen. Viktor Gumyonny, Commander, Russian Aerospace Forces, said he expects "the first samples of the S-500 anti-aircraft missile system to be delivered soon."



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Made by the state-owned Almaz Antey Concern, the S-500 air and missile defense system will protect high value Russian sites such as the Kremlin against U.S. intercontinental ballistic missiles (both land and sea launched) and hypersonic glide vehicles with speeds in excess of Mach 5 (6,200 km/h).



Its claimed range of 600 kilometers means this SAM should be able to engage ICBMs in space. It's also claimed the system can detect and simultaneously attack up to 10 ballistic missile warheads using hit-to-kill interceptors (the 77N6-N and 77N6-N1) similar to the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.



That's the claim but the reality is the system, which was first expected to enter service in late 2016 or 2017, is now expected to achieve this milestone at an undetermined time in the near future.



Western military analysts said Russia hasn't yet conducted any rigorous testing of the S-500 and there is little evidence of the Russians ever having done so. Hence, the continuing delays in deployment.



"I have seen nothing to indicate that the S-500 air/missile defense system has been deployed," said Paul Schwartz, a senior associate in the Russia and Eurasia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a U.S. think tank.



"There are reports that it will be deployed later this year (2016), but I remain skeptical.



Other analysts claim Russia might produce a modified version of the S-400 Triumf as an interim system, and call it the S-500 to save face. The S-400 has been in service in Russia since 2007 and versions of this SAM have been sold to China and India.



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TagsS-500 Triumfator-M, Russia, ICBM, missile defense system, Almaz Antey Concern
(Photo : Getty Images) Firefighters battle a fire at the explosion site of PX chemical plant on April 7, 2015 in Zhangzhou, China.

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At least two people were killed and 15 others injured in an explosion at a commercial district in China's southwestern Yunnan province on Sunday afternoon, local authorities said.



The accident reportedly took place around 6:00 p.m. in Yuanyang County. It caused damage to several shops and residential buildings nearby, Times of India reported citing state-backed Xinhua News agency.



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All victims have reportedly been sent to the hospital.



Meanwhile, although an investigation is still underway, local authorities have ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack.



In a related news, at least seven people were also killed and two injured in a gas explosion inside a coal mine in southwestern China last Friday.



The rescue team at the Rongsheng mine in Guizhou province successfully saved 11 people, including the two injured individuals, according to Fox News. Local authorities reportedly refused to announce the cause of explosion.



Another explosion also took place in China's Nanjing city after an equipment at an oil refinery caught fire and blew up on Oct. 9. The accident took place at the Jinlingshihua Nanjing Refinery at around 1:50 p.m., according to Straits Times citing state-backed Xinhua News agency.



Firefighters managed to put out the fire, and no casualties were reported. Furthermore, the blaze had been controlled, and there was not currently a secondary environmental or security risk.



A high-rise residential building in Harbin, capital of China's Heilongjiang Province also suffered from a gas leak explosion. The accident killed some three people and injured another three, Global Times reported citing local sources.



The explosion occurred on the 14th floor of a high-rise building on Oct. 4 at around 4:57 a.m. Windows of the affected floor were blown out, while its neighboring floors (13th and 15th floors) were severely damaged. Affected residents were promptly relocated.



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TagsExplosion, gas leaks, coal mines, explosions in China, Accidents
(Photo : Royal Navy) Royal Navy Dreadnought-class submarine (concept drawing).

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The United Kingdom has approved an initial outlay of $1.6 billion to produce its new Successor-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) that are far stealthier than the Royal Navy's current SSBN and also have superior crew accommodations.



That investment will cover long-lead items and prepare the shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness to build these massive subs.



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"Britain's ballistic missile submarines are the ultimate guarantee of our nation's safety -- we use them every day to deter the most extreme threats," said Michael Fallon, Secretary of State for Defense.



"We cannot know what new dangers we might face in the 2030s, 2040s and 2050s so we are acting now to replace them."



The four boats in the Successor-class, which will have a service life of 25 years, will replace the Vanguard-class that entered service with the Royal Navy in the 1990s. Replacing the Vanguards is necessary if the Royal Navy is to maintain a "continuous at-sea deterrent" (CASD), the principle of operation behind the Trident system.



The new boats will be the largest submarines ever built for the Royal Navy. They will displace 16,000 metric tons and will be 153 meters in length. They Successors, however, will only mount 12 missile tubes rather than the 16 on the Vanguards.



The huge SSBNs, also referred to in submariner lingo as boomers, are expected to enter Royal Navy in the 2030s. They will also share technology with their U.S. Navy opposite numbers (the Columbia-class Ohio Replacement Program SSBNs) such as a common missile compartment (CMC) design.



The Successors will be armed with 12 nuclear missile tubes loaded with UGM-133A Trident II, or Trident D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems.



Deployed with the U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy, the Trident II Strategic Weapons System was first deployed in March 1990 and remains in service. Trident II is an improved SLBM with greater accuracy, payload, and range than the Trident C-4.



Trident II's increased payload allows nuclear deterrence to be accomplished with fewer submarines. Its high accuracy (a circular error probability of only 90 meters after traveling 12,000 km) approaches that of land-based missiles allows it to be used as a first strike weapon.



Trident II missiles are carried by 14 U.S. Navy Ohio and four Royal Navy Vanguard-class SSBNs, with 24 missiles on each Ohio-class and 16 missiles on each Vanguard-class. Each missile can carry from 8 to 12 thermonuclear MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable re-entry Vehicle); a W88 Maneuverable Re-entry Vehicle or W76 thermonuclear warhead.



The large size of the Successors will make possible better creature comforts such as separate berthing for female crew members; a sickbay with a doctor and a gym. The boats' larger size also leads to enhanced stealth since larger submarines are inherently quieter than smaller ones.



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Gay man starts social media campaign over church dismissal for unrepentant homosexuality 17 October, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , |

DALLAS (Christian Examiner)  A gay man disciplined by a Dallas church for giving in to his homosexual desires is now the center of a social media campaign against the congregation.

On Oct. 9, Jason Thomas, who was removed from the membership of Watermark Community Church a year ago, posted the letter informing him of the elders' decision to remove him from the church on social media.

The letter said the church had undertaken a difficult but necessary step to encourage Thomas to recognize the "destructive pattern [of behavior] that prohibits us in caring for you and playing the role you desire for us to have in your life (1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28)."

"Specifically, your desire to actively participate in a same-sex relationship with another man, and your unwillingness to heed biblical counsel from your church to turn from that relationship, has made it exceedingly difficult to shepherd you during this time," the letter said.

The letter said Thomas had heeded the church's counsel in the past and repented of the sin of homosexuality, but "this is no longer the case."

"So, in obedience to Matthew 18:15-18 and 1 Corinthians 5:11, we are left with no other option but to remove you from our body and treat you as we would anyone living out of fellowship with God ... and we lovingly, but firmly, call you back to repentance. This means that you are no longer a member of our body at Watermark."

When you enter into a formal membership covenant with a church family, the leaders and church community promise to 'keep watch over your souls,' according to Hebrews 13:17, and will be held accountable before God for your spiritual care and encouragement. This care is a sacred trust and comes with great responsibility. As members of God's family we are called to love, admonish, encourage, and help each other in our relationship with Christ.

The letter concludes with steps Thomas could take to return to the church, including exhibiting repentance and going through biblical counseling.

"We affirm your many gifts, your heart of kindness, and we value the way God has uniquely formed you (Psalm 139:13-14). We all pray for your repentance and full restoration so that your gifts and passion can be fully unleashed for the Kingdom of God. We love you, Jason, and stand at the gate for you and eagerly await God's restoration in your life (Luke 15:20)," the letter concluded.

A return to the church, while not impossible, seems much less likely now that Thomas is receiving both affirmation and support for his views that the church is wrong. Thomas also posted a letter to the church on his social media page claiming he was celebrating "a very interesting anniversary with you."

"It was exactly one year ago when you told me that I was no longer worthy to serve, be in a community group, and be a member of your church," Thomas wrote on his Facebook page.

Thomas said he spent years battling against homosexuality and believed God would change him. He said he prayed daily for change, but "when I wasn't able to change, you turned your back on me."

"You say our 'sin' is not unique, but you treat us in a unique manner; this is unacceptable behavior. We are actual people that have actual feelings," Thomas wrote.

In the posting, he accuses the church of tarnishing the name of God among Christians and non-Christians alike and suggests that the church  which has followed the biblical model of discipline  should be ashamed of itself. Jesus, Thomas wrote, was angry with people who told others they were not worthy to be His followers.

"Thank you for removing yourself from my life! I am who God made me to be. I cannot change my sexual orientation and nor would I want to. I now have internal peace and happiness like never before," Thomas concluded.

Thomas has since received a significant amount of support from those who claim the church isn't following biblical standards. On the church's Facebook page, some of the responses are also favorable to Thomas. More, however, are encouraging to the church and its leaders.

The church issued a statement after the flurry of news reports now surrounding Thomas's departure from the church. It said that it wanted to offer clarification for those outside of the church as to what transpired.

The congregation, the statement said, "loves and welcomes people of all backgrounds, economic statuses, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and struggles. Also following His example, we encourage people to turn away from sin and to follow Jesus."

"As directed by Scripture, Watermark makes a distinction between regularly attending and being a formal member of our church. We don't remove someone's formal status as a member for struggling with sin  whether that sin is pride, materialism, or sexual sin. Every member of Watermark needs God's grace to stand firm in the midst of temptation and His forgiveness for the times we fall short."

"An individual's formal relationship with us as a member is only changed when someone no longer desires to resist sin and/or refuses our help, care, and encouragement. Even if someone's formal membership status is removed, our desire is to continue to love and care for them, and they are always welcome to attend Watermark and be reminded of the grace and truth of our Savior, Jesus Christ," the statement said.

The church also explained that before the letter presented on social media by Thomas was sent, the church went through an extensive process of attempting to counsel Thomas and instruct him in repentance. The church asked, the statement said, how it could "best love and serve him."

But, as the church noted, "In those meetings, it became increasingly clear that he no longer believed same-sex sexual activity was inappropriate for a follower of Jesus Christ, and he also made it clear that he no longer desired the help, care, and encouragement we were seeking to provide."

The church also said that until the letter was published on social media, only those closest to Thomas and the friends attempting to help him in his Christian walk were aware of the change in his membership status. He was not told he could not attend the church.

The church said it was only appropriate to change Thomas's membership status since he had moved away from the church's "core commitments, biblical convictions, and [the] values of Watermark."

On Sunday, the church's pastor, Todd Wagner, weighed in on the controversy in the Dallas Morning News. He said church discipline as a concept may seem archaic and oppressive to many, but he said the goal of it is repentance and He said "loving correction."

"Loving correction (church discipline) can be a difficult idea to understand, because candidly  though the mandate is clearly explained by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, most churches today completely ignore it. Discipline is an act of love, something any parent knows," Wagner wrote.

"When you enter into a formal membership covenant with a church family, the leaders and church community promise to 'keep watch over your souls,' according to Hebrews 13:17, and will be held accountable before God for your spiritual care and encouragement. This care is a sacred trust and comes with great responsibility. As members of God's family we are called to love, admonish, encourage, and help each other in our relationship with Christ."

Watermark Community Church is a non-denominational congregation that meets in three locations, including Dallas, Fort Worth and Plano.
Student petition asks college president to dump Trump 17 October, 2016 by Staff , |

LYNCHBURG, Virginia (Christian Examiner)  Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. has given an answer to a group of students who started a petition drive asking him to drop his support for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump  he will not.

On Friday, Oct. 13, Falwell said he was proud of "these few students speaking their minds" in the climate of free speech fostered at the university. He said the ability to express ideas contrary to those of others makes the university "unlike many major universities where political correctness prevents conservative students from speaking out."

But he wouldn't budge on his endorsement of Trump, for which he has been widely criticized in traditional media and even among conservative evangelical groups.

"I am only fulfilling my obligation as a citizen to 'render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's' by expressing my personal opinion about who I believe is best suited to lead our nation in a time of crisis," Falwell said in response to the petition from Liberty United Against Trump.

Days before, student Tyler McNally posted on social media that he and other students were starting a petition to pressure Falwell into dropping his endorsement for Trump because the Republican had been "inexorably associated with Liberty University."

McNally's Twitter posting has since been retreated more than 6,600 times and received 9,700 "likes."

I am only fulfilling my obligation as a citizen to 'render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's' by expressing my personal opinion about who I believe is best suited to lead our nation in a time of crisis.

In it, McNally claims to be the voice of Liberty University students "who are disappointed with President Falwell's endorsement and are tired of being associated with one of the worst presidential candidates in American history. Donald Trump does not represent our values and we want nothing to do with him."

The petition claims that few students (only 90) voted for Trump during the Virginia primary, evidence of the "colossal rejection of his campaign." McNally did not indicate how such specific voting statistics, usually confidential, were gathered.

"Nevertheless, President Falwell eagerly uses his national platform to advocate for Donald Trump. While he occasionally clarifies that supporting Trump is not the official position of Liberty University, he knows it is his title of president of the largest Christian university in the world that gives him political credentials," the petition claimed.

"Associating any politician with Christianity is damaging to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But Donald Trump is not just any politician. He has made his name by maligning others and bragging about his sins. Not only is Donald Trump a bad candidate for president, he is actively promoting the very things that we as Christians ought to oppose."

The petition mentions Trump's recently revealed, but 11-year-old comments about touching women inappropriately and criticizes Falwell's "we're all sinners" approach to dealing with the candidate's campaign crisis.

"We must make clear to the world that while everyone is a sinner and everyone can be forgiven, a man who constantly and proudly speaks evil does not deserve our support for the nation's highest office," the petition said.

The students then claimed they wanted to restore the integrity of the school and make certain the world knows Liberty University students are opposed to Trump.

"While our president Jerry Falwell Jr. tours the country championing the log in his eye, we want the world to know how many students oppose him. We don't want to champion Donald Trump; we want only to be champions for Christ," the petition said.

Falwell said in his statement that several of the claims made by the students in the petition were false, first among them that Trump has no support at Liberty. He cited the enthusiastic reception received by Gov. Mike Pence, Trump's running mate, as evidence of the student body's support.

"In fact, he received five standing ovations during his speech [earlier in the week]. The group of students now speaking out against Trump represents a very small percentage of the Liberty student body of 15,000 resident students and 90,000 online students. The group (led by a Never Trump activist, I am told) claims to have between 200 and 1200 signatures on a petition but admits that many of these signatories are not Liberty students," Falwell said in his statement.

He rejected the idea that he had been traveling around the country to stump from Trump and also claimed he had made it repeatedly clear that his endorsement of Trump was only his endorsement and not that of the university. He also said he had only campaigned for Trump on "one weekend in January."

The student petition is not the only petition aimed at Falwell. Another, unlike the student petition, called for the university's board of trustees to terminate Falwell.

"Even as sexual assault allegations against Trump continue to mount, Falwell has become a fixture on cable news defending and making excuses for Trump. And he's shamefully exploited his position as a college president, hosting both Trump and running mate Mike Pence at convocations that students are required to attend," that petition said.

The other petition, launched by a group calling itself Act Faithful America, said Liberty students are actively rebelling against Falwell. It also pointed to Falwell's previous statement that called the McNally petition "false and incoherent" and criticized its organizers as out of touch with Jesus's teachings on judging others.

In the previous statement, Falwell dismissed the seriousness of the petition, claiming the students are "young and still learning."

The Act Faithful America petition claims Falwell is undermining the school's reputation as a Christian institution and should be fired because of it.

A third petition from Liberty University alumni at Change.org, which has gathered only 109 signatures, also claims Falwell should "keep his political affiliations separate from the university spotlight."

"While we understand that Mr. Falwell's endorsement is meant to be a personal endorsement, we ask that he seek to keep his political views out of the media. This separation will ensure that no assumptions are made about the university or students' political affiliations. Furthermore, this separation will make it evident that this endorsement is a personal endorsement and not representative of the majority of evangelical Christians," the alumni petition said.
Hundreds of Iraqi Special Forces assembled near the ISIS-held Mosul in preparation for an anticipated confrontation with the militant group to uproot them from their stronghold city.

The Iraqi Army has deployed armoured vehicles and its special forces on the east of Mosul. The US has also sent 600 more American troops to the battle line, which increased the number of US soldiers in the region to about 5,000.

Media sources say that the city is expected to be attacked from three different directions. There has been an intense speculation in recent weeks that Mosul will be laid under siege in October.

In response, the ISIS has dug trenches around Mosul with oil in it, are holding sniper positions, and have dug a massive network of tunnels.

"You see a fighter go in one place and pop up in another," said Col John Dorrian, a spokesman for the US-led coalition. "The entrances are always exposed and those are a priority target."

A Reuters report said that Mosul is filled with booby traps, children have been recruited as spies, and militants have shaped their beards to mix in with civilian population in preparation of the US-led coalition attack.

"They are digging in to fight for Mosul. They are more cautious, shaving their beards to blend in with the population and constantly moving their headquarters around," said Hoshiyar Zebari, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister.

The coalition has increased airstrikes on Mosul and its surrounding areas. Over the past two weeks, over 50 airstrikes had taken place in the region.

"We have been intensifying our efforts in and around Mosul," said Dorrian.

Ben Collins, a Green Beret veteran, told Fox News that he disagreed with an informal position taken by the US that American troops are not 'in combat' but only are providing advisory and assistance.

"We have lost American soldiers in the last year who were there in advise and assist capacity. And I can tell you that there is no special operator, no American special forces advisor that is willing to watch the men that he trains and eats with and becomes friends with gets pinned down in the battle, and doesn't move to support and doesn't come out of the safe area into combat. So this is going to be very difficult for us not to get pulled into that battle. And that is if everything is going all right."

He was also concerned about the city of Mosul which will turn into a battle field.

"From the combat perspective, the density of the city is what's most alarming. This is going to be a building-to-building, street-to-street fight.. This is going to be a bloody battle for the Iraqis."
Pro-life groups and lawmakers are protesting a new rule proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to inhibit states from restricting Title X funding to abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood.

About 14 states had attempted to defund Planned Parenthood after a series of videos were released which revealed the alleged sale of baby body parts by the abortion providers.

Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council said in a statement that though Title X does not go to fund abortion, it allows them to spend more on abortion.

"Those states (which blocked Title X) realize that money is fungible. When Planned Parenthood or other abortion clinics receive Title X grant funding, it frees resources for them to spend more on abortion," he said.

The new rule says that the states must give Title X family planning funds to all providers which offer quality reproductive services even if they offer abortions. It seeks to reverse the ban on abortion providers from receiving Title X funding.

"The Title X law itself prevents funds from being used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning, but nowhere does the law say that grant recipients must include abortion providers. HHS' new rule is an executive overreach that is simply without basis in the law," Perkins said.

About 110 members of the Congress including two Democrats wrote a letter to the HHS last month to reconsider the new regulation.

They wrote that the HHS had insufficient data to assess health care providers for quality, and asked how the local administrations could classify providers according to their quality.

"If HHS cannot clearly define an 'effective' or 'high quality' provider, it is unclear to us how state and local project grantees are supposed to do so in order to comply with this proposed rule," the letter states.

The lawmakers also urged HHS to prioritize comprehensive health care providers over clinics which offer only reproductive services.

"We urge HHS to reconsider this overreaching and ill-supported rule," they wrote.

Steven H. Aden, a lawyer with Alliance Defending Freedom, said that the states must be allowed to channel the Title X funding to maximize health care to women.

"The question isn't whether states should fund Planned Parenthood," Steven H. Aden, a lawyer with Alliance Defending Freedom, told The Daily Signal. "All of them do, to my knowledge. The question is whether the states should be permitted by the Obama administration to shepherd limited public health dollars in a way that most effectively delivers primary and secondary health care to women."
I had the privilege or reading a pre-release version of "God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church." Here are 20 quotes from the book, which you should pick up.
Is faith good for kids? A paper published in Current Biology last year posed this question. The authors of the study, Jean Decety and his colleagues, conducted experiments with young children from the United States, Canada, Turkey, Jordan, South Africa, and China and measured how many stickers they were willing to share with other children. Their conclusion: Kids from religious homes shared fewer stickers on average than those from non-religious homes. The findings were picked up by national and international news outlets and reported with damning headlines like, Religious children are meaner than their secular counterparts, study finds, and Nonreligious children are more generous.

A recent study published in Current Biology has called these findings into question. Azim Shariff, a psychologist at the University of CaliforniaIrvine, and his colleagues found that the authors of the first study had miscoded the data and didnt properly take into account differences across countries. It was the equivalent of comparing two girlsfor example, a religious girl from Turkey and a non-religious girl from Canadaand concluding that the difference in their sticker sharing was due to religion. However, its obvious to most observers that you have to account for the cultural environments in which the kids live. Once Shariff and his colleagues corrected this coding mistake, there were no longer significant differences between religious and non-religious children. (Its worth noting that even without this new analysis, the original study had other significant problems, chronicled here by the sociologist Robert Woodberry.)

Although Shariff and his colleagues have undermined the ...

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Catholic Relief Services Stored, Dispensed Abortifacient Contraception in the Congo



WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2016 /



"The implications of this report could have far-reaching consequences for CRS," said Michael Hichborn, president of the Lepanto Institute. "For the last six years, CRS has been dodging around revelations of its impropriety by telling bishops and faithful Catholics that it 'never' promotes, distributes or facilitates the distribution of contraception. We now have proof that CRS's claim is completely untrue."



The report by Lepanto Institute references section 3.4.1 of the Administrative, Financial, and Operations Procedures Manual for Project AXxes on physical inventory. According to the procedures manual, visual inventory was to be conducted each quarter, by "the administrator/manager of the project, the logistician and another member of the team," and signed by each, as well as "by the owner and the person responsible for the inventory."



"The most disturbing thing we discovered about Project AXxes is that the promotion of contraception was integrated into nearly every aspect of the project, even to the point that natural family planning was identified as an entry to introducing contraception," said Hichborn. "And what's really sad is that CRS introduced this program to a people who had no previous access to methods of birth control."



In relation to the report, the Lepanto Institute has launched a petition to the bishops of the United States, asking them to forbid CRS from participating in any future PEPFAR or USAID programs. The petition can be found here:



The report, "Catholic Relief Services and the Distribution of Abortifacient Contraception in the Congo," can be found at:



The Lepanto Institute for the Restoration of All Things in Christ is a research and education organization dedicated to the defense of the Catholic Church against assaults from without as well as from within. Founded in 2014, the Lepanto Institute has exposed several instances of Catholic or Catholic-affiliated organizations being directly involved in events or other matters directly contrary to Church teaching.

Share Tweet Contact: Michael Hichborn, Lepanto Institute , 540-847-5501WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- An explosive new report by the Lepanto Institute reveals that the official overseas relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops received and dispensed over 2.25 million units of abortifacient contraception and condoms for a government-funded project in Africa. From 2006-2010, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) was an implementing partner for a USAID project called Project AXxes, and according to inventory reports contained in quarterly and annual reports for the project, CRS received, stored, and dispensed millions of contraceptives, including condoms, oral contraceptives, injectable contraceptives, intra-uterine devices, and even surgical sterilization kits."The implications of this report could have far-reaching consequences for CRS," said Michael Hichborn, president of the Lepanto Institute. "For the last six years, CRS has been dodging around revelations of its impropriety by telling bishops and faithful Catholics that it 'never' promotes, distributes or facilitates the distribution of contraception. We now have proof that CRS's claim is completely untrue."The report by Lepanto Institute references section 3.4.1 of the Administrative, Financial, and Operations Procedures Manual for Project AXxes on physical inventory. According to the procedures manual, visual inventory was to be conducted each quarter, by "the administrator/manager of the project, the logistician and another member of the team," and signed by each, as well as "by the owner and the person responsible for the inventory.""The most disturbing thing we discovered about Project AXxes is that the promotion of contraception was integrated into nearly every aspect of the project, even to the point that natural family planning was identified as an entry to introducing contraception," said Hichborn. "And what's really sad is that CRS introduced this program to a people who had no previous access to methods of birth control."In relation to the report, the Lepanto Institute has launched a petition to the bishops of the United States, asking them to forbid CRS from participating in any future PEPFAR or USAID programs. The petition can be found here: lifepetitions.com/petition/boycott-catholic-relief-services-until-they-follow-catholic-teachings-petition The report, "Catholic Relief Services and the Distribution of Abortifacient Contraception in the Congo," can be found at: www.lepantoinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/CRS-AXxess-Report_Final.pdf The Lepanto Institute for the Restoration of All Things in Christ is a research and education organization dedicated to the defense of the Catholic Church against assaults from without as well as from within. Founded in 2014, the Lepanto Institute has exposed several instances of Catholic or Catholic-affiliated organizations being directly involved in events or other matters directly contrary to Church teaching. www.LepantoInstitute.org
I was in Billings recently when a young woman, Devin, told me a story that happens all too often. Devins daughter, Brooklyn, had cancer, and her husband routinely had to make the hard choice between working shifts at his job to put food on the table or going to their daughters doctor appointments.

Devin and her husband are looking for solutions, but instead all they see is politicians standing in the way of doing whats right.

Ive heard many stories like Devin's while traveling across Montana over the past year in my run for our states lone U.S. House seat. I've logged more than 25,000 miles on my odometer and spoken with Montanans in every corner of our state.

People are worried about about the economy, and they think that folks in Congress arent interested in putting Montana first.

I understand those concerns, and I share them. Over the past few years, I've watched elected leaders in Congress choose political games over solutions that benefit Montana working families.

That's not what Montanans expect, and that's why I'm running for Montana's lone U.S. House seat  to put our state's people, land and economy first.

In my two terms as superintendent of our state's public schools, I've worked with Democrats and Republicans in communities across Montana to raise graduation rates to historic highs. And we've raised academic standards so graduates are more prepared than ever for todays jobs.

Ive also bucked my party in Helena and pushed back on the Obama administration when they tried to impose one-size-fits-all strategies that dont work for Montana.

And Ive created jobs in our forests and expanded access to our outdoors by nearly 40,000 acres as a member of Montanas Land Board.

From day one, Ive always put Montana first, and thats exactly what I intend to do in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In Congress, Ill fight to expand economic opportunity and raise wages to help Montana families make ends meet. I'll be 100 percent opposed to the sale or transfer of our public lands. And Ill work to ensure that people like Devin and her husband dont have to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for their daughter.

Unfortunately, Montanas lone congressman is more concerned with looking out for millionaires, like himself, than helping Montana families. Just look at his voting record.

He recently voted for a bloated spending bill that forces Montanas future generations to pay in order to give tax breaks to corporations and billionaires.

He supported a budget that raises taxes on working families while rewarding companies that ship jobs overseas with more tax breaks.

Not only that, but he spends more time as a talking head on cable news or on the campaign trail for Donald Trump than he does talking to Montanans.

Montana needs a representative in the U.S. House who will look out for folks like Devin, instead of looking out for themselves and D.C. insiders.

Montana has one voice in the U.S. House  one voice for one million of us. Its time that voice looked out for all Montanans. Thats why Im running  because I will spend every day putting Montana first.

It's time for a change. I ask for your vote this election.
Catholic Relief Services Stored, Distributed Abortifacient Contraceptives in D.R. Congo, Report Claims

FRONT ROYAL, Va., Oct. 17, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- A shocking new report released by the Lepanto Institute claims that Catholic Relief Services (CRS) was involved with the storage and distribution of over 2.25 million units of contraceptives as part of a U.S. Government funded health program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

CRS was found to have been an implementing partner of the USAID-funded AXxes Project between 2006 and 2010. The AXxes Project included family planning as a "key objective," and sought to increase contraceptive use in the DRC by providing "counseling on all methods" and by making "[family planning] commodities available at all [health centers]." While natural methods of birth spacing were widely promoted throughout the program, AXxes program reports show that millions of units of artificial contraceptives were also distributed to health centers in CRS's territory including oral contraceptive pills, IUDs, condoms, and the injectable contraceptive Depo-Provera.

"It is unconscionable that Catholic Relief Services seems to have been directly involved with the distribution of abortifacient contraceptives and condoms in the Democratic Republic of the Congo," says Population Research Institute President Steven W. Mosher who has previously launched investigations into abuses in CRS programs in Madagascar and Kenya.

"The AXxes program reports are deeply troubling. The reports appear to show that CRS was involved with the storage and distribution of abortifacient contraceptives," Mosher says, "If it true that CRS was complicit with the provision of abortifacient contraceptives, it would be a great cause for scandal for the faithful."

In light of the allegations surrounding CRS's activity in the D.R. of the Congo, LifeSiteNews has launched a petition asking His Excellency Archbishop Coakley, chairman of the board for CRS, to prohibit CRS from partnering with organizations that promote abortion or contraception.
Rick Warren Visits San Diego to Launch Saddleback Church at Canyon Crest Academy



SAN DIEGO, Calif., Oct. 17, 2016 /



The weekly services will feature live Saddleback Worship an inspiring message of hope and programs for all ages. The San Diego campus will move toward providing a full range of services for the local community as it grows, including a food pantry, small groups, Celebrate Recovery, and various other support groups and events.



"Saddleback San Diego is one we've been wanting to do for a long time," says Pastor Rick Warren. "We have members who drive every week from San Diego to our other campuses, but there's no reason for that in the future, because we're starting Saddleback San Diego! We've been waiting for the right pastor, and I'm happy to say that Jeff Gonzalez is coming back on our staff to become the new campus pastor at Saddleback San Diego."



The San Diego Campus will be lead by Pastor Jeff Gonzalez. Jeff is a former Marine that previously served as a volunteer at Saddleback San Clemente. He also led services in Afghanistan while deployed. Between Camp Pendleton Marine Base in Oceanside, and the Naval Base at Point Loma, Jeff's experience will resonate with the spiritual needs of retired military and those in active service. He served over 20 years in and then retired with four combat tours two in Iraq and two in Afghanistan.



Jeff Gonzalez, campus pastor of Saddleback San Diego, shares, "We have been praying for the San Diego community for nearly a decade and this is a prayer come true. The launch of this Saddleback church family will provide an epicenter of hope and resources for our San Diego community."



San Diego is the seventeenth Saddleback Church campus, including four international campuses. Each campus offers a relaxed, friendly environment with contemporary music, inspiring messages, and age-appropriate programs for children.



Saddleback Church San Diego will meet at Canyon Crest Academy, 5951 Village Center Loop Rd, San Diego, CA 92130. Sunday services are 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. For information, visit

Share Tweet Contact: Mei Ling Nazar, Saddleback Church , 858-254-6019SAN DIEGO, Calif., Oct. 17, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- Saddleback Church founded by Pastor Rick and Kay Warren will launch its newest campus in San Diego on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at Canyon Crest Academy. Warren, Senior Pastor of Saddleback Church and author of The Purpose Driven Life, will be on location for the launch. The book topped the Wall Street Journal best seller charts as well as Publishers Weekly charts with over 30 million copies sold by 2007.The weekly services will feature live Saddleback Worship an inspiring message of hope and programs for all ages. The San Diego campus will move toward providing a full range of services for the local community as it grows, including a food pantry, small groups, Celebrate Recovery, and various other support groups and events."Saddleback San Diego is one we've been wanting to do for a long time," says Pastor Rick Warren. "We have members who drive every week from San Diego to our other campuses, but there's no reason for that in the future, because we're starting Saddleback San Diego! We've been waiting for the right pastor, and I'm happy to say that Jeff Gonzalez is coming back on our staff to become the new campus pastor at Saddleback San Diego."The San Diego Campus will be lead by Pastor Jeff Gonzalez. Jeff is a former Marine that previously served as a volunteer at Saddleback San Clemente. He also led services in Afghanistan while deployed. Between Camp Pendleton Marine Base in Oceanside, and the Naval Base at Point Loma, Jeff's experience will resonate with the spiritual needs of retired military and those in active service. He served over 20 years in and then retired with four combat tours two in Iraq and two in Afghanistan.Jeff Gonzalez, campus pastor of Saddleback San Diego, shares, "We have been praying for the San Diego community for nearly a decade and this is a prayer come true. The launch of this Saddleback church family will provide an epicenter of hope and resources for our San Diego community."San Diego is the seventeenth Saddleback Church campus, including four international campuses. Each campus offers a relaxed, friendly environment with contemporary music, inspiring messages, and age-appropriate programs for children.Saddleback Church San Diego will meet at Canyon Crest Academy, 5951 Village Center Loop Rd, San Diego, CA 92130. Sunday services are 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. For information, visit saddleback.com/sandiego
home World Christians denounce UNESCO resolution that ignores Jewish ties to Jerusalem

Several Christian leaders denounced the UNESCO resolution that disregarded the Jewish history of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Christians claimed that denying the Jewish heritage of the holy sites also rejected its Christian past.

The resolution, which condemned Israel on issues regarding the holy sites, was passed last Thursday with the backing of 24 countries. Only six voted against it while 26 abstained.

It affirmed the importance of Jerusalem's Old City to Islam, Judaism and Christianity but it raised objections from Israeli officials because it only referred to the Temple Mount by its Muslim name, al-Haram al-Sharif.

Israeli officials criticized the decision and announced that the nation will suspend all its activities related to UNESCO.

Christians who support Israel were also concerned about the resolution. Robert Nicholson, head of Philos Project, said the resolution not only affected Jews but Christians as well.

"UNESCO's decision to deny Jewish history is also a decision to deny Christian history," Nicholson told Algemeiner. "If the Jews don't have a legacy on the Temple Mount, neither do Christians. And yet we know that our Messiah Jesus came to the Temple throughout his life to worship and pray to the God of Israel, as a Jew, six centuries before Muhammad was even born," he added.

Nicholson was also bothered that Christian-majority countries such as Brazil and Mexico voted in favor of the resolution. He stressed that Christianity originated in the land of Israel and added that it would not be comprehensible when it is taken out of its Jewish context.

Darrell Bock, senior research professor of New Testament studies at the Dallas Theological Seminary, believed that the resolution was misguided and told Algemeiner that the U.N. should appreciate the shared element of the city instead of denying it.

Laurie Cardoza-Moore, Special United Nations Envoy for the World Council of Independent Christian Churches, said the resolution was worse than Holocaust-denial because it raised questions regarding the existence of the Jewish people.

"UNESCO has been overtaken by history revisionists and anti-Semites whose obvious hatred for Jews is so strong that they refuse to acknowledge the facts and the truth right in front of them," she said in a statement.
home US Liberty University students denounce Jerry Falwell Jr. for supporting Trump

Students of Liberty University denounced its president, Jerry Falwell Jr., for actively campaigning for Donald Trump despite the allegations of sexual assault against the Republican candidate.

Two women have recently accused Trump of sexual assault after the video scandal where he talked about groping and kissing women broke out.

In an interview with the New York Times, Jessica Leeds, 74, said Trump touched her inappropriately about 30 years ago when she sat beside him in a first-class cabin in a flight to New York.

Another woman named Rachel Crooks told the New York Times that Trump forcibly kissed her when she was in the elevator with the business magnate.

Falwell came out in support of Trump when CNN asked him about the allegations.

"I'm gonna vote for Donald Trump 'cause I believe he is the best qualified to be President of the United States. And I'm not gonna say anything to besmirch the characters of any of these women," he said.

Liberty University students released a statement on Wednesday, noting that Trump only received 90 votes from members of the university during the primary elections in Virginia.

"President Falwell eagerly uses his national platform to advocate for Donald Trump. While he occasionally clarifies that supporting Trump is not the official position of Liberty University, he knows it is his title of president of the largest Christian university in the world that gives him political credentials," the students said in the statement.

The students asserted that teachers at the university would be terminated if they made remarks similar to the ones Trump made in the leaked video. They criticized Falwell for coming to the candidate's defense in the media and taking the name of the university with him.

They clarified that their opposition to Trump is not done out of spite but borne of their desire to reclaim the school's integrity.

"We don't want to champion Donald Trump; we want only to be champions for Christ," the statement concluded.

Dustin Wahl, a junior student at the university, told News Advance that over 200 students have signed the statement by Wednesday night.
home US Satanic Temple withdraws application for After School Satan Club in Seattle school

Parents were relieved when it was announced that the Satanic Temple cancelled its application for the After School Satan Club at the Centennial Elementary School in Seattle.

Lilith Starr, head of the Satanic Temple in Seattle, said there is no available space for the temple to rent, Goskagit reports.

"We have our own school activities and that includes our own after-school program," said school principal Erwin Stroosma. "When that kind of stuff is going on, we don't allow other organizations to rent the facility," he added.

The Good News Bible Club is also affected by the lack of space at the school. The Child Evangelism Fellowship which operates the club has also withdrawn but it has pending applications in four other schools in the Mount Vernon School District.

After School Satan is aimed at countering the teachings of Good News Clubs. The Satanic Temple asserts that it is legal to set up the club in schools where other religious clubs are allowed to operate.

Starr said the Temple will now concentrate on its efforts to open a club at Point Defiance Elementary School in the Tacoma School District.

"I don't mind that we made a switch," Starr told Goskagit. "[The national organization wants] us to go somewhere where we can try to get in as soon as possible," she added.

Starr said the Temple took parents' objections to the club into consideration when they decided to withdraw the application.

"It was particularly hard for the Mount Vernon community," she said. "Obviously we don't want to tear apart a community, but we do feel our program is appropriate for all children," Starr continued.

Stroosma said the school would have been legally obligated to let the temple set up the After School Satan Club if it had not cancelled the application.

Last month, Duncan Fobes, a lawyer hired by the school district, advised administrators to allow the Satanic Temple to operate the clubs to avoid litigation costs. Fobes also advised against banning other after-school clubs to keep the Temple out.

"I think it's not an option here," the lawyer said. "I believe in this particular case you would still face some litigation, not only from the Satanic Temple, but also from the Good News Club," he added.
home US Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton should both drop out of the race, says John Piper

Desiring God founder John Piper expressed his opinion that both Republican and Democratic presidential nominees should drop out of the race.

In a Twitter message posted on Tuesday, Piper referred to the admonitions made by Marvin Olasky and Wayne Grudem to Donald Trump that urged him to withdraw from the election. Piper added that Hillary Clinton should quit as well.

"Of course, Trump should step down as Olasky and Grudem say. So should Hillary. That is what 'unqualified' means. It's never been a question," Piper wrote.

Grudem, the co-founder of Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, stated in his article that there are no morally viable candidates in the current elections. He expressed his regret for his previous support for the Republican nominee and asked Trump to step out of the race.

"I previously called Donald Trump a 'good candidate with flaws' and a 'flawed candidate' but I now regret that I did not more strongly condemn his moral character. I cannot commend Trump's moral character, and I strongly urge him to withdraw from the election," he stated.

Grudem said that he does not know who to vote for but he insisted that he will not vote for Clinton.

Olasky, the editor-in-chief of World Magazine, asserted that it would be good for American moral standards if Trump quits the race. He stated that the standards applied to Bill Clinton in 1998 also apply to Trump today.

His article, published on Tuesday, emphasized that the call for Trump to step aside is not an endorsement of Clinton.

"In suggesting that Trump drop out and let someone else carry the campaign for the remaining weeks, we at WORLD are not endorsing any other Republican and certainly not Hillary Clinton," Olasky wrote.

Olasky noted that it is highly unlikely that Trump will listen to his admonition. He noted the difficulties the Republican party would face if they decide to make changes just a few weeks before the elections.
4 Ways To Pray When You're Finding It Hard

You'd be hard-pressed to find a Christian who can't recall a time when they found it difficult to pray. Perhaps that's you, now. You're desperate to meet with the Lord but are finding it difficult to focus, or simply don't know how to set aside the time.

While canonising seven new saints on Sunday, Pope Francis said: "The saints are men and women who enter fully into the mystery of prayer. Men and women who struggle with prayer, letting the Holy Spirit pray and struggle in them.

"They struggle to the very end, with all their strength, and they triumph, but not by their own efforts: the Lord triumphs in them and with them. The seven witnesses who were canonized today also fought the good fight of faith and love by their prayers."

He acknowledged the difficulty prayer can pose. "Jesus tells us in the Gospel: 'Pray always, without ever losing heart,'" he said.

"This is the Christian way of life: remaining steadfast in prayer, in order to remain steadfast in faith and testimony."

He continued: "This is the mystery of prayer: to keep crying out, not to lose heart, and if we should grow tired, asking help to keep our hands raised. This is the prayer that Jesus has revealed to us and given us in the Holy Spirit. To pray is not to take refuge in an ideal world, nor to escape into a false, selfish sense of calm. On the contrary, to pray is to struggle, but also to let the Holy Spirit pray within us. For the Holy Spirit teaches us to pray. He guides us in prayer and he enables us to pray as sons and daughters."

If you're tired of trying to persevere with prayer, here are a few simple tips that might help.

Take distractions away

It's an obvious one, but it's almost impossible to focus on God when your phone's buzzing and social media notifications are popping up every few minutes. Turn off your phone. Log out of Facebook. Find a quiet spot if you can, and close the door. Stilling yourself before God is much easier when you're not trying to guess who's text you.

Be disciplined

Pope Francis alluded to this in his homily yesterday; part of the challenge of prayer is persevering in it, even when it's hard. Research lead by a team at University College London found a few years ago that it takes 66 days to form a habit  far longer than the widely-held figure of 21 days. That's a long time  more than two months  but if you're disciplined in taking the time to regularly meet with God, it will become easier.

Try new things

Sitting down in a quiet space and meditating on the word of God isn't how everybody will connect best with Him. If that's not for you, why not try something different? Go for a walk and just talk to God about whatever comes to mind, or try one of these alternative ways to pray. See what works for you.

Think beyond yourself

Prayer can become stale when all we do is offer God a long list of things we'd like changed in our own life. We risk prayer time becoming more like a wish-list than a time of petitioning our Maker on behalf of others. 'The Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other' is a good principle for prayer if you don't know where to begin  there are so many places in the world that need our prayers, inform yourself and let your heart be broken for the lost and the poor.
45,000 Christians Who Fled Iraq Now Face Persecution in Turkey; U.S. Churches Urged 'To Wake Up' to the Crisis

When thousands of Christians fled Iraq to escape the brutality of Islamist extremists who have occupied their land, they must have thought that a better life free from the shackles of fear and bondage awaited them.

They were devastatingly mistaken.

These Christian refugees numbering about 45,000 are now eking out their lives still facing persecution and deprivation in villages and slums in Turkey surrounded by distrustful Muslim residents, CBN News reports.

Juliana Taimorazy, president of the Iraqi Christian Relief Council and a senior fellow with the Philos Project, pointed out that Christian refugees in Turkey have been warned not to reveal their faith or even wear crosses because their Muslim neighbours might discover they are Christians and force them out. Local Muslim charities and even mosques would also refuse to help them if their Christian identity is revealed, she said.

She said these Christian refugees wanted to settle in a country like the United States where they would be free to practice their faith and live peaceful lives. Unfortunately, she said the U.S. State Department is not doing anything to help them settle in the U.S. or in any other safe country.

Taimorazy said with the U.S. government turning a blind eye on them, the Christian refugees are pinning their hopes on churches in the U.S. to help them. However, she said these U.S. churches are slow to wake up from the humanitarian crisis affecting fellow Christians halfway around the world.

"There have been some churches that extended help, financial or prayer, but this is such a monumental situation that we need more churches to wake up," she said.

Taimorazay suggested one way where Christians in the West can help their persecuted brothers and sisters in the Middle East. This is by raising awareness of their plight by hosting prayer vigils. She said she and the Philos Project have developed a prayer vigil kit called "Rise Vigil" for Christians who want to help fellow believers in Christ.

She said another way Christians can help is by joining her organisation's massive campaign, #Feed1000Families, to help feed the displaced and persecuted Christians in Turkey.

"If we don't talk to our fellow Americans, our fellow Christians, in our churches, and if we don't pray unitedly for the body of Christ, the Middle East will be empty of Christians," she warned.
As a 23-year military officer, Ive always been mission-focused. No mission is too big or too small to take on with everything I have. Whether hunting terrorists in the Middle East or fighting for Montana in Congress, I always take the same mission-critical approach.

For the past 22 months, my mission has been to strengthen Montana. Its no secret that Montana priorities were being ignored. We didnt have a highway bill. The Land and Water Conservation Fund expired. Tax credits for middle class families, small businesses, agriculture and tribes expired. Other Montana priorities, like crop insurance and timber reform were simply not on the agenda. Im happy to report I fought for, and won, on all of these issues.

My opponent criticizes me for talking to CNN or bringing the presidential nominee to Billings; but the truth is, our state only has one representative. Its my job to make Montana's one voice louder than the 53 from California. Ill never apologize for elevating Montana.

I write legislation that helps Montana, like the Certainty for States and Tribes Act, which would end the presidents arbitrary moratorium on coal leases and give local stakeholders a seat at the table when it comes to resource management. I also led the first forest reform legislation in a decade. My bill, the bipartisan Resilient Federal Forests Act will revitalize timber communities and help prevent catastrophic wildfires by rewarding local collaboration, fixing the wildfire borrowing problem, and holding special-interest litigators accountable.

My career has been dedicated to upholding the oath I took to protect and defend our Constitution. I spent 23 years keeping Montana safe as a U.S. Navy SEAL. Any of the 100,000 Montanans who have served will tell you thats not an instinct that leaves you just because you retire from the military.

Before the Paris attacks, I saw ISIS displace millions of individuals from the Middle East and warned of the security risk it poses; nobody listened. Then Paris happened. Then Brussels happened. Then Turkey and Beirut. Then the attacks of San Bernardino, Orlando and New York City moved to our shores.

By the FBIs own standard, the vetting process wasn't being completed with 100 percent certainty. In an effort to prevent future attacks by terrorists infiltrating the incoming refugee population, I helped write the SAFE Act. This bill pauses the program until the FBI and Department of Homeland Security can guarantee that refugees are fully and accurately vetted before coming to the United States. If these agencies cant guarantee the background of each individual, then the individual is not admitted. I vetted individuals in war-torn areas for decades. I know that just because a file is empty, does not mean the person is not a threat.

During an election year, its tough to push aside the negative ads and hyped-up rhetoric. I wish both our presidential candidates would stop with the personal attacks and focus on the issues: jobs, the economy, and national security.

I dont think my opponent is a bad person. I just think she has bad ideas. I do think she cares about our country, but we tried her ideas the past eight years with Obama and they didnt work.

What this election really comes down to is a simple choice: If you think that Montana needs higher taxes, more expensive energy, restricted freedoms, and a weaker position around the globe, then vote for my opponent. If you believe in a strong national defense, know the power of Montanas clean coal, and think that Montana  not Washington, D.C.  knows whats best, then Id sure appreciate your vote.
Android 7.0 Nougat release date, updates: Samsung not expected to push out the new platform to Galaxy Note 7

With Samsung readying its Android Nougat update, speculations suggest that the most recent flagship to receive the new platform is the Galaxy S7, as the Galaxy Note 7 will remain on Android Marshmallow.

According to Neurogadget, it is highly unlikely that Samsung will extend the new Android Nougat platform to the Galaxy Note 7. The flagship has already been discontinued. Meanwhile, the South Korea-based tech giant has issued at least two recalls for the Galaxy Note 7. Third-party retailers and mobile carriers are also urging users to turn in their devices.

With this, the industry follower believes that that Galaxy Note 7 is as good as dropped from the Samsung roster. This means that the tech giant is likely to concentrate on the Galaxy S7, at least until the Galaxy S8 comes out early next year. As for updates, the Android Nougat 7.0 platform is likely to arrive for the Galaxy S7 first, with Samsung working down the line, including the new Note's predecessor, the Galaxy Note 5.

Although Samsung has yet to come out with specific release dates for its Nougat update, the company has already hinted that it will come out with the notifications soon. Rumor has it that a Samsung Android Nougat beta program has already been started. A beta version for the Galaxy Note 5 has reportedly made its way to beta testers in South Korea and China. With the beta testing already in progress, it is suggested that Samsung will roll out the Android Nougat 7.0 update starting this fall.

In addition, an Android Nougat 7.0 update is already expected around this time, given that Google is already working on the platform update, the Android 7.1 Nougat.

Aside from the Galaxy Note 5 and the already-guaranteed Galaxy S7, Samsung is also expected to roll out Android Nougat 7.0 to the Galaxy S6 lineup like the S6 Edge and S6 Edge Plus. It is still unclear if previous flagships down from the Galaxy S6 will receive the update.
Anti-Islam Group PEGIDA Suffers Massive Fall In Protestors

The latest march in Germany by the anti-Islam protest group PEGIDA drew a fraction of the supporters who turned out for previous rallies.

More than 6,500 people turned out for the peaceful march in Dresden yesterday, where they were supervised by 1,700 police.

This compared with as many as 25,000 in Dresden rallies last year.

The group, Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West, was set up after nearly one million migrants were allowed to relocate to Germany last year. More than 200,000 have arrived this year so far. Yesterday's march marked the group's second anniversary.

While backing for PEGIDA appears to be falling, the Alternative for Germany party which campaigns from an anti-immigration platform is increasing hugely.

The German newspaper Bild reported a poll that the party is currently on course to win 13 per cent of the vote, more than twice the 5 per cent normally needed to gain representation in the German parliament.

Some in the crowd carried flags bearing slogans such as "Refugees not welcome" and chanted "Merkel must go", according to The Guardian.

According to the German analysis group Durchgezahlt, more than 6,500 people attended the march.

Bei Pegida in Dresden demonstrieren heute schatzungsweise zwischen 6500 und 8500 Menschen. Ermittelt per Flachenschatzung (~6000qm) #dd1610 pic.twitter.com/iUxusLApab  Durchgezahlt (@durchgezaehlt) October 16, 2016

Additional reporting by Reuters.
Battle For Mosul Begins - But Will There Be Any Christians Left?

The battle for Mosul began early on Monday morning as coalition forces sought to recapture ISIS' last major stronghold in Iraq.

Government troops backed by the US and others launched an air and ground offensive in the biggest operation in Iraq since the 2003 invasion. The iconic northern city of Mosul was home to thousands of Iraqi Christians before the ISIS invasion. There are thought to be few, if any, remaining.

The United States predicted Islamic State would suffer "a lasting defeat" as Iraqi forces mounted their operation. Some 30,000 Iraqi soldiers, Kurdish Peshmerga militia and Sunni tribal fighters were expected to take part in the offensive to drive up to 8,000 Islamic State militants from Mosul, a city of 1.5 million people.

"I announce today the start of the heroic operations to free you from the terror and the oppression of Daesh," Prime Minister Haider Abadi said in a speech on state TV.

"We will meet soon on the ground of Mosul to celebrate liberation and your salvation," he said.

In a statement the commander of the coalition, US Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, said: "This operation to regain control of Iraq's second-largest city will likely continue for weeks, possibly longer."

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said it was a "decisive moment" in the effort to defeat ISIS.

"We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISIL's hatred and brutality."

In 2014, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed from Mosul's Grand Mosque a "caliphate" in Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

If Mosul falls, Raqqa in Syria will be Islamic State's last city stronghold.

Islamic State has been retreating since the end of last year in Iraq, where it is battling US-backed government and Kurdish forces as well as Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi'ite militias.

The Iraqi Kurdish military command said 4,000 Peshmerga were taking part in an operation to clear several villages held by Islamic State to the east of Mosul, in an attack coordinated with a push by Iraqi army units from the southern front.

In its first statement on the Mosul operations, the Iraqi army media office said the advancing troops destroyed a number of Islamic State defence lines.

Strikes carried out by the Iraqi and coalition jets hit an unspecified number of the militants positions, it said.

A column of black smoke was rising from one of the insurgents' positions on the eastern front, the Reuters correspondent said, and seemed to be from burning oil being used to block the path of the Kurds and obstruct the jets' view.

"We are the real Muslims, Daesh are not Muslims, no religion does what they did," said a young Kurdish fighter in battle dress as he scanned the plain east of Mosul from his position on the heights of Mount Zertik.

Early on Monday, Abadi sought to allay fears that the operation would provoke sectarian bloodletting, saying that only the Iraqi army and police would be allowed to enter the mainly Sunni city. He asked Mosul's residents to cooperate with them.

Local Sunni politicians and regional Sunni-majority states including Turkey and Saudi Arabia warned that letting Shi'ite militias take part in assault could spark sectarian violence.

The Iraqi army had dropped tens of thousands of leaflets over Mosul before dawn on Sunday, warning residents that the offensive was imminent. The leaflets carried several messages, one of them assuring the population that advancing army units and air strikes "will not target civilians" and another telling them to avoid known locations of Islamic State militants.

Reflecting authorities' concerns over a mass exodus that would complicate the offensive and worsen the humanitarian situation, the leaflets told residents "to stay at home and not to believe rumours spread by Daesh" that could cause panic.

Aid agencies have said they are ready to respond. Preemptive Love, a Christian charity, asked for prayer for civilians as the battle began.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday he hoped the United States and its allies would do their best to avoid civilian casualties in an attack on Mosul.

The United Nations last week said it was bracing for the world's biggest and most complex humanitarian effort in the battle for the city, which could make up to 1 million people homeless and see civilians used as human shields or even gassed.

There are already more than 3 million people displaced in Iraq as a result of conflicts involving Islamic State. Medicine is in short supply in Mosul, and food prices have risen sharply.

Addtional reporting from Reuters.
Bible College in U.S. Maximum Security Prisons Turns Hard-Core Criminals into Messengers of Hope

People are finding Godand even becoming His messengers of hopein some of the most unlikely places in the world: America's maximum security prisons.

Showing that the love of God can soften even the hardest heart, hard-core criminals are being transformed into followers and disciples of Christ, thanks to the Bible college degree programme offered by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, CBN News reports.

Seminary Dean Denny Autrey said the Bible programme has helped change the long culture of violence in Louisiana's notorious Angola prison.

"Angola was the bloodiest prison in America," Autrey told CBN News. "Since the Bible college has come there, they've reduced their crime inside the prison by 72 percent, so the idea basically is to change the culture by changing the heart with the message of the gospel."

The programme is also being implemented at Darrington Prison in Rosharon, Texas after Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and state Sen. John Whitemire visited Angola prison.

Autrey said the programme offers inmates a Bible college degree to prepare them for pastoral ministry. In the first two years of the programme, student inmates take general education courses, including math, English, and science, followed by two years of theological training and pastoral ministries.

In Texas, graduates of the programme are sent to prisons across the state. They live among the general population of prisoners where they hope to encourage fellow inmates to change their ways.

Numerous inmates have shared how the programme has redeemed them and given them hope.

One of them is Troup Foster, 54, who is serving a life sentence for capital murder. He said he finally found God, who is now showing him the way to a fulfilled Christian life, after spending nearly eight years in solitary confinement.

"I was thinking about suicide, thinking about ending my life but I remembered the Jesus from my childhood. So I got down on my knees and I cried out to God, 'Please if you're here, you're gonna have to carry me.' And from that point forward he revealed himself to me," Foster said.

Once a member of a notorious prison gang, Foster eventually became one of the seminary's first graduates. Today, he ministers to other hardened convicts.
Boko Haram 'Ready To Release 83 More Chibok Schoolgirls', Government Says

Eighty three more of the Chibok girls kidnapped in April 2014 in north-east Nigeria by Boko Haram could be released imminently, according to a spokesman for the country's president.

Around 220 girls were taken from their school in 2014 in Chibok in north-eastern Borno state, where Boko Haram has waged a seven-year insurgency aimed at creating an Islamic state, killing thousands and displacing more than two million people.

A faction of the militant group released 21 of the girls on Thursday after the Red Cross and the Swiss government brokered a deal. They were brought from the north-eastern city of Maiduguri to the capital Abuja to meet state officials.

"These 21 released girls are supposed to be tale bearers to tell the Nigerian government that this faction of Boko Haram has 83 more Chibok girls," Garba Shehu, spokesman for President Muhammadu Buhari, told Reuters.

"The faction said it is ready to negotiate if the government is willing to sit down with them," said Shehu, adding that the state is prepared to negotiate with the branch of Boko Haram.

The Islamic State-allied splinter group said the rest of the kidnapped Chibok girls were with the part of Boko Haram under the control of figurehead Abubakar Shekau, according to Shehu.

Boko Haram has apparently split with a big group moving away from Shekau over his failure to adhere to guidance from the Iraq and Syria-based Islamic State, which in August named Musab al-Barnawi as its new leader for West Africa.

But that appointment was later dismissed in a 10-minute audio clip on social media by a man purporting to be Shekau, exposing divisions within the jihadist group that has plagued Nigeria and neighbours Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

Information Minister Lai Mohammed on Thursday denied reports that the state had swapped captured Boko Haram fighters for their release and said he was not aware if any ransom had been paid. He said a Nigerian army operation against Boko Haram would continue.

In recent days, the Nigerian army has been carrying out an offensive in the Sambisa forest, a stronghold of Boko Haram.

The militants controlled a swathe of land around the size of Belgium at the start of 2015, but Nigeria's army has recaptured most of the territory. The group still stages suicide bombings in the north-east, as well as in neighbouring Niger and Cameroon.

News of the potential release of 83 more of the girls came yesterday as the twenty-one released last week were reunited with their families during a Christian ceremony held for them in the capital Abuja.

A schoolgirl named Gloria Dame said the girls had survived for 40 days without food and narrowly escaped death at least once. "I was... [in] the woods when the plane dropped a bomb near me but I wasn't hurt," Dame told the congregation.

Speaking in the local Hausa language, she added: "We had no food for one month and 10 days but we did not die. We thank God."

The ceremony was organised by Nigeria's security services which negotiated the girls' release.

The emotional ceremony was interrupted when the girls' relatives arrived and were reunited with them.

"We can all see the joy and emotions of the parents," Information Minister Lai Mohamed said.He added that talks with the Islamists would continue "until all the girls have been released".

Additional reporting by Reuters.
Car Bomb Explodes Near Syria's Holiest Shi'ite Mosque

A car bomb exploded on Monday in a southern district of Damascus which is home to Syria's holiest Shi'ite Muslim shrine, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

The British-based monitoring group said the blast took place near a checkpoint used by the Syrian army and its allies.

Reuters reported that there was no immediate mention of the blast on Syrian state media, which normally reports bomb attacks in government-held areas, and Hezbollah's Al Manar TV denied any blast took place.

The area has been targeted several times by deadly bombings this year, most recently in June with an attack claimed by Islamic State.

The SOHR said initial reports indicated there were no civilian casualties on Monday.

The Sayeda Zeinab shrine is a magnet for thousands of Iraqi and Afghan Shi'ite militia recruits who go there before being sent to frontlines, where they fight against Sunni rebel groups trying to topple President Bashar al-Assad.

According to Shia Muslim tradition, the mosque contains the grave of Zaynab, the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad.

In September 2008, 17 people were killed when a car bomb exploded near the mosque.

In June 2012, 14 were heavily wounded during a suicide car bomb attack, also nearby.

The area has been under sustained attack from armed militants from neighbouring Sunni towns since the summer of 2012.

Shia and pro-government families have sought refuge in the Sayyidah Zaynab, the city of the same name as the shrine, having been driven out of their homes in southern Damascus.

A spokesman for the SOHR told Christian Today that it was not clear whether the mosque was specifically targeted in today's attack.

Additional reporting by Reuters.
Former Archbishop Of Canterbury To Welcome Child Refugees To Britain

Fourteen unaccompanied refugee children from the 'Jungle' camp in Calais will be greeted by religious leaders as they become among the first to arrive in the UK this morning under a Home Office scheme.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams is one of a number of religious leaders to be waiting in Croydon for them to arrive.

At church in Croydon awaiting the children from Calais. With Rowan Williams. Much excitement here.  Giles Fraser (@giles_fraser) October 17, 2016

At morning prayer. Awaiting Calais children. Listening to reading "Rachel weeping for her children" pic.twitter.com/wGXybXHAVt  Giles Fraser (@giles_fraser) October 17, 2016

In total, around 100 children are expected to be relocated to the UK this week, after home secretary Amber Rudd last week announced as many as possible would be transferred before the Calais camp is bulldozed by French authorities.

All of the children to move this week are eligible to live in the UK because they have family already here.

According to The Guardian, five children  four from Syrian, and one from Afghanistan  arrived in Britain over the weekend.

The Red Cross has identified at least 178 children living in the Jungle as eligible to live in Britain due to having close relatives in the UK.

Hundreds more are eligible under the Dubs amendment  an amendment to the Immigration Bill tabled by Labour peer Lord Alf Dubs, under which unaccompanied refugee minors in Europe can legally be relocated to the UK.

There are more than 1,000 unaccompanied children currently living in the 'Jungle', where there are serious threats of sexual violence, abuse, and trafficking.

Lord Williams was among a number of senior religious leaders to urge Prime Minister Theresa May last week to welcome close to 400 eligible children to Britain.

An open letter told May the camp in Calais is a "stain on the conscience of both France and Britain".

Children as young as eight "have fled conflict and persecution [and] are now stuck in northern France, deeply traumatised and at great risk, as well-documented by the anti-slavery commissioner you yourself appointed while home secretary", the letter read.

"In haste to clear it, the need to protect children is even more paramount," it continued.

"During the last such demolition, the charity Help Refugees documented that 129 children went missing. The time to act is now."

Lord Williams was joined by the Muslim Council of Britain general secretary Harun Rashid Khan and Laura Janner-Klausner, the senior rabbi to the Movement of Reform Judaism.
Man Suspected Of Killing Two Priests Caught In Mexico City

A man suspected of murdering two Mexican priests who were abducted last month has been caught in Mexico City, authorities in the country have said.

The man is suspected of killing Fr Jose Alfredo Suarez de la Cruz and Fr Alejo Nabor Jimenez, who were kidnapped from a church in the Poza Rica municipality of the eastern state of Veracruz.

"Intelligence and Cabinet work allowed the Attorney General's (AG) Office in the capital to secure the arrest of a man implicated in the homicide of two priests in Veracruz," the AG office said in a statement released yesterday.

According to Fox News Latino, the suspect was caught along with another individual on 13 October after committing the armed theft of a Nissan Versa car in the capital.

Soon after the robbery, the pair were caught by security officials, the AG office said.

After the car theft was immediately reported to police, officers began a search for the vehicle along with the car owners.

The suspects were "recognised and fully identified by the victims" of the car theft, and during the investigation of the case, it was found that "one of those implicated also had an arrest warrant pending against him," the AG office said.

The two Catholic priests and their driver were killed on 19 September after being kidnapped from the Poza Rica church.

On the same day it was announced that a "probable perpetrator" of the murders had been identified.

The Catholic Church in Mexico has expressed anger at the way in which authorities appeared to smear the slain priests with claims that they had been drinking with the perpetrators. Church figures have said that organised crime is likely to be behind the killings.

Some 31 priests have been killed in Mexico since 2006. A third priest, Fr Jose Alfredo Lopez Guillen, was found shot dead on a highway in western Mexico late last month.

The US State Department wrote in its 2015 International Religious Freedom report that priests in Mexico are "victims of extortion attempts, death threats and intimidation by organized criminal groups".
Pastor John Piper Says Both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Should Quit the Presidential Race

Desiring God founder Pastor John Piper does not seem to have any interest in either Republican or Democratic presidential nominee since he suggested that both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton should withdraw from the presidential race.

In less than a month's time, the next president of the United States will be elected. But instead of feeling excited about it, Piper seems disheartened. On his Twitter account (@JohnPiper), the chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary wrote, "Of course, Trump should step down as Olasky and Grudem say. So should Hillary. That is what 'unqualified' means. It's never been a question."

Piper was referring to the columns written by evangelical theologian Wayne Grudem and World Magazine editor Marvin Olasky recently, according to The Christian Post. Both of them called on Trump to withdraw from the race, especially after an old video showing him demeaning women was leaked.

Grudem, who used to support Trump, has changed his mind about the business magnate. "I did not take the time to investigate earlier allegations in detail, and I now wish I had done so. If I had read or heard some of these materials earlier, I would not have written as positively as I did about Donald Trump," he wrote for Town Hall.

Grudem said he is unsure who he is going to vote for now, but he "absolutely will not vote for Clinton. I'm hoping that Trump will withdraw."

As for Olasky, he wrote for World Magazine that Trump should back out. Back in 1998 when a sex scandal erupted involving then president Bill Clinton, they also called on him to resign.

"A Clinton resignation would have been good for America's moral standards in 1998. A Trump step-aside would be good for America's moral standards in 2016," he said. "It's still not too late to turn the current race between two unfit major party candidates into a contest fit for a great country."
Pope Francis Donates $100,000 To Haiti Victims

Pope Francis has donated $100,000 to victims of Hurricane Matthew in Haiti.

The aid was sent through the pontiff's charitable arm and will be used among the island's hardest hit regions. The announcement of Friday was meant to be a "concrete expression of Pope Francis's feelings of spiritual closeness and fatherly support for the people and places" devastated by the storm.

Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the group which made the donation, is the pope's means of giving out emergency aid. It will be supported by help from other Catholic charities and different bishops' conferences who may also choose to donate.

Christian agencies have been at the forefront of humanitarian support in Haiti after more than 1,000 died and thousands more lost their homes. The powerful wind caused havoc in the Caribbean island leaving crops destroyed and livestock swept away.

The Catholic charity Caritas Haiti have launched an emergency appeal for food and sanitation packs as the fear of a cholera outbreak continue. Fr Jean-Herve Francois, director general of Caritas Haiti, described the destruction as "beyond anything that we could have imagined".

The charity asked for 250,000 to provide aid for 13,500 people in the worst hit areas.

Christian Aid have also launched an appeal, saying: "Hurricane Matthew has swept through Haiti, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

"We've been working in Haiti for nearly 20 years. Our partners helped evacuate people to shelters as Hurricane Matthew approached, and made sure that the shelters were stocked with food over the weekend. Now they're assessing the damage the storm has caused and working out how best to help people.

"Please give whatever you can today to our Hurricane Matthew Appeal so that our partners can support communities to get back on their feet sooner rather than later."
I am a 68-year-old, disabled Montana veteran. I use cannabis to control my continual pain. I have had a medical marijuana card for the last 10 years. I was issued a new card in August, allowing me to grow my own medicine. The card does not allow me to buy seeds or plants.

There are thousands of other chronically ill Montanans that use medical cannabis to help manage their illness.

It has been one month since the restrictions of the three patients per provider limit went into effect. Five-hundred businesses are closed with the loss of hundreds of jobs. The state has left thousands of suffering Montanans with no means to obtain the medicine that works for them. The leaders behind SB423 had no plan B to help patients that are sick. Our leadership has failed.

I could return to toxic opiates and other ineffective pills. I could look for a black market source and take a chance that I might get the right strains and quality to ease my pain. I could drive to Washington and help that state build schools, fix roads and generally benefit from the selling of cannabis.

Our elected leaders have left me and thousands of patients behind with no alternative but to break the law. They have set thousands of Montanans up for failure and to suffer. The net effect is to turn thousands of law abiding citizens into criminals just to be without pain.

My only hope is that Initiative 182 passes on Nov. 8. Vote yes on I-182  not just for me, but for all of Montana patients.

David Lewis

Clinton
Prayers Needed Urgently For Christians Facing Death Penalty In Sudan

The four Christians in Sudan who are facing the death penalty were due back in court on Khartoum today.

Release International asked for Christians worldwide to pray for Pastors Hassan Abduraheem and Kowa Shamaal, Abdulmonem Abdumawla and the Czech citizen Petr Jasek.

The four men have been charged with seven crimes, including funding rebel movements in areas such as Darfur and South Kordofan. The two charges that could lead to their execution are "waging war against the state" and spying.

Human rights groups are increasingly concerned about the growing persecution faced by Christians in Sudan.

World Watch Monitor reports that a crackdown on religious freedom is creating space for radical extremist groups to flourish.

The case was raised in the European Parliament last week when several hundred MEPs signed a resolution protesting the treatment of the men and highlighting their plight.

The resolution states that "the Sudanese authorities impose severe restrictions on freedom of religion; whereas threats against church leaders and the intimidation of Christian communities have continued at an accelerated pace over the past years; whereas Czech Christian aid worker Petr Jasek, Sudanese pastors Hassan Abduraheem Kodi Taour, Kuwa Shamal and Darfuri graduate student Abdulmonem Abdumawla Issa Abdumawla have been detained for nine months already by the NISS [National Intelligence Security Services] and are facing trial on charges of highlighting alleged Christian suffering in war-ravaged areas of Sudan; whereas in recent years there has been an increase in trials on charges of apostasy and subsequent death sentences".

It calls on the African Union and the Sudanese Government to abolish the death penalty and reaffirm that freedom of religion, conscience or belief is a universal human right that needs to be protected everywhere and for everyone; and demands that the Sudanese Government repeal any legal provisions that penalise or discriminate against individuals for their religious beliefs, especially in the case of apostasy.

It also "expresses its concern with regard to the increased crackdown by the NISS on citizens who are civil society activists and calls on Sudan to release detainees immediately and unconditionally".

Last month, the former Bishop of Kadugli Diocese in South Kordofan said the government of Sudan was "not interested in the Christian religion". Andudu Adam Elnail said, "There is no freedom for us, we cannot build churches. We are treated as second-class citizens."

Sudan, where Christians make up one in 20 of the population, is ranked at number eight on the Open Doors' 2016 World Watch List of countries that have the worst record for Christian persecution.
'Prison Break' season 5 spoilers, news: Wentworth Miller reveals possibility of a season 6

The fresh episode from "Prison Break" revival may still be a few months away before going on air, but actor Wentworth Miller already dropped hints that there could be more installment from the series in the future.

In an interview with Digital Spy during the 2016 Attitude Awards, the British actor revealed that there is a chance to see "Prison Break" return after the nine-episode mini-series revival airs in spring 2017. "Depending on how it's received, and who's available, there could be another conversation about another bite of the apple. We'll see," the actor stated.

Wentworth will return with some of the show's original cast eight years after FOX aired the final episode of season 4. He will reprise his role as Michael Scofield in the upcoming mini-series, while his co-star, Dominic Purcell, will also return to portray the role of Michael's brother Lincoln Burrows.

When asked about the plot for the upcoming "Prison Break" revival, the actor revealed that the story will take place seven years after the events of season 4. He says that it will still come with some of the things that the fans came to love during its original run.

"And it will also be quite different as the characters have changed, so my character in particular is no longer just a hero - he's a few other things as well. I think the fans will get a kick out of it," the actor also said.

The plot for the upcoming season will take place in Yemen after Lincoln found out that his brother Michael is still alive and imprisoned due to being framed by an international terrorist group called ISA. Lincoln and his friends must find a way to rescue Michael by staging another prison break.

Other returning characters include Sarah Wayne Callies as Michael's wife Sara Tancredi, Amaury Nolasco as Fernando Sucre, Robert Knepper as T-Bag, Rockmond Dunbar as "C-Note" and Paul Adelstein as Paul Kellerman.
Robert Jeffress On Supporting Trump: 'I Don't Want A Leader Who Will Turn The Other Cheek'

The leader of the oldest megachurch in the US says he continues to support and endorse Trump for president because he doesn't want "some meek and mild leader or somebody who's going to turn the other cheek".

Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, told National Public Radio host Michel Martin: "When I'm looking for a leader who's going to fight ISIS and keep this nation secure, I don't want some meek and mild leader or somebody who's going to turn the other cheek. I've said I want the meanest, toughest SOB I can find to protect this nation. And so that's why Trump's tone doesn't bother me."

Martin quizzed Jeffress on how he could continue to support Trump in light of the growing number of allegations that he has sexually assaulted several women. "There are those who do believe that his personal conduct is disqualifying," Martin said.

"Yes. And understand, much has come to light and many allegations have been made," Jeffress said.

"But what I would say is this. You know, in 1980, evangelicals overwhelmingly elected a candidate who was a known womaniser when he was in Hollywood. He would be the first divorced president in US history. His name was Ronald Reagan. And when evangelicals voted for Reagan, they weren't endorsing womanising. They weren't endorsing divorce. They were endorsing Reagan's policies.

"And I think that's why Donald Trump continues to enjoy evangelical support. They're not endorsing necessarily his lifestyle. What they're saying is this is a binary choice between one candidate, Donald Trump,  who is pro-life, pro-religious liberty, pro-conservative justices of the Supreme Court  and another candidate, Hillary Clinton, who has an opposite view on all of those issues."

Jeffress said that Trump had "redeemed himself" during the second presidential debate last weekend.

"I think he was very strong in that debate. And I think he showed a real quality that every leader needs, and that's resiliency. I mean, let's face it, he's up against the ropes right now. But he hasn't thrown a pity party for himself. And I think if he should become commander in chief, we all want that in a leader, somebody who is able to fight back."

Christians lending their support to Trump "are mature enough to understand that by voting for a particular candidate, they're not endorsing a particular lifestyle," the pastor continued.

"They're simply voting on the issues."

He did concede that he understood the stance of one Christian blogger when she said she couldn't support Trump because she had been a victim of sexual assault herself. "I can understand that. I can sympathise with that," he said.

However, he suggested that Clinton, "supports the greatest assault on women of all"  abortion.

Jeffress concluded the interview by agreeing that he would love Clinton "as a sister in Christ" were she to win on November 8.

"I'll go one step further. I'll certainly be praying for her, too," he said.

Trump has enjoyed much high-profile evangelical support during his campaign, but this was thrown into jeopardy following the release of a video tape from 2005 in which he can be heard openly speaking about groping women and trying to seduce a married woman.

James Macdonald, a church pastor serving on Trump's Evangelical Executive Advisory Council, last week condemned the Republican presidential candidate as "lecherous and worthless" and Al Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, said of the tape: "It didn't look like just someone who was talking locker room talk. It looked like someone who was premeditating being a sexual predator."

Southern Baptist ethicist and theologian Wayne Grudem announced that he had reversed his support of Trump after having previously argued that voting for the Republican candidate was a "morally good choice".

"I cannot commend Trump's moral character, and I strongly urge him to withdraw from the election," Grudem said.

"There is no morally good presidential candidate in this election."
The Battle To Retake Mosul: What Will It Mean For Civilians?

The battle to retake Mosul, a key city for Islamic State in northern Iraq and its final stronghold, has begun.

More than two years ago, on 10 June, 2014, ISIS militants swept across the Nineveh Plain and overran Mosul, a city of around three million people and once considered the heartland of Iraq's Christian population.

Upon capturing the city, militants issued an ultimatum to Christians, telling them to convert to Islam, pay a tax or flee. Those who refused to comply were killed, and there are now believed to be none left in the city. Hundreds of thousands of people fled Mosul, along with millions from the surrounding region, and they are now living in displacement camps further north, neighbouring Lebanon and Jordan, or even further afield.

In the two years since Mosul was taken, the civilians who stayed have lived under ISIS' brutal regime. Regular reports of public executions have emerged  19 Yazidi women were reportedly set alight and burned to death in June for refusing to have sex with militants, and three imams were beheaded last December for refusing to recruit young people to the jihadi cause.

Churches have been desecrated, and even used as slaughterhouses, or to house female prisoners. The St Ephrem Syriac Orthodox Church in the city was draped with Islamic State's notorious black and white logo, with "There is no God but Allah" and "Prophet Mohammed" written on it. ISIS declared it would be reopened as a "mosque of the mujahideen".

But after more than two years of ISIS occupation, coalition forces have now begun the battle to recapture Mosul. Government troops backed by the US and other forces have launched an air and ground offensive in the biggest operation since the Iraq invasion in 2003.

"I announce today the start of the heroic operations to free you from the terror and the oppression of Daesh [ISIS]," Prime Minister Haider Abadi said on Monday.

"We will meet soon on the ground of Mosul to celebrate liberation and your salvation."

As the siege gets under way, however, aid groups have expressed deep concerns for the welfare of the children and families still living in the city.

"One million people are believed to be trapped in Mosul and expected to flee as the battle intensifies," Preemptive Love, a Christian-based charity said in the early hours of Monday morning.

The group is already giving vital aid to the thousands who have already fled the city.

World Vision is also already supporting half a million people who fled Mosul when it was first occupied two years ago. "We're now poised for another massive influx of children and families who will have been through horrific experiences most of us could never imagine," said Khalil Sleiman, World Vision's response manager for Northern Iraq.

"They will arrive with nothing but the clothes on their back and will be thirsty, hungry, and need urgent medical attention."

Specific concerns include fears for families who will be made vulnerable when fathers are separated to be screened. When Fallujah, another city that was once an ISIS stronghold, was liberated in June, Preemptive Love reported that clumps of hair could be seen lying on the ground where militants had hastily shaved off their beards in an attempt to blend in with the fleeing crowds. Detaining all men, and even teenage boys, is the only way Iraqi forces are able to work out who was affiliated with ISIS, but that leaves civilian women and children alone.

World Vision has also raised concerns that some families will have difficulty registering to get help once they have left Mosul as their identification documents were confiscated by ISIS during occupation.

"The violence will also have taken a devastating emotional toll on children, many of whom will need years of specialist support to rebuild their lives, come to terms with what happened, and to regain some kind of normality," Sleiman said.

"Children always bear the brunt of conflict and we call for humane treatment at every stage of the process of the Mosul operation  including screening when boys as young as 14 may be separated from their families."

Speaking to Christian Today, Chris Weeks, a spokesperson for World Vision based in Amman in Jordan, warned that the humanitarian situation is likely to get much worse before it can improve.

"Everyone is saying this could be the biggest humanitarian crisis of the year," he said. "If you look at the numbers, up to a million expected to flee Mosul, this will rank as the largest crisis this year."

Among those World Vision is already supporting in Iraq are Syrian refugees, displaced by war and conflict in their own country, Yazidis who fled ISIS' brutal massacre in the Sinjar region of Iraq in the summer of 2014, as well as those who have not been able to return to their homes in Mosul for more than two years. The organisation has set up Child Friendly Spaces for vulnerable minors, education centres and gives out vital emergency aid.

Teams are ready to scale up this aid in the coming days and weeks, Weeks said. "There are lots of really big questions at the moment," he added. "Like how many people will come, how soon they will come, what routes they are going to take. No one is in a position to be very precise at the moment, which is a very big challenge for us.

"As soon as they reach areas outside Mosul, we can help. We've got prepositioned supplies, and will be providing food, clean water and hygiene kits... The main thing is recognising the emotional and psychological needs of children. It's been a tough two and a quarter years of occupation under ISIL [ISIS]."

Many of the children who fled Mosul two years ago are still displaying signs of severe trauma, Weeks said. "There's no doubt it's a long process."

Dr Nezar Ismet Taib, director of health for Dohuk governate, told Christian Today that it is vital the international community help Iraq with the long-term psychological consequences of ISIS' brutal campaign. The breakdown between different communities will be difficult to rebuild, he said, and those fleeing cities like Mosul will have suffered deep trauma as a result of living under occupation.

The immediate concerns are stopping outbreaks of diseases such as measles and cholera, Dr Nezar added, and medical teams are being dispatched to the various camps to help with the demand for vaccinations. But more health centres are needed, and Iraq needs the help of international governments to cope.

Weeks and his team are also concerned about overcrowding in displacement camps, as the influx from Mosul begins. About 200 people a day are arriving in one camp not far from Erbil, and it's already struggling to cope with demand. The Iraqi government is setting up new camps for those fleeing Mosul, and aid agencies are poised to help with however many people arrive. But according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Iraq, only around 60,000 spaces are currently available in emergency sites and camps and 250,000 more are planned or under construction  nowhere near the amount needed. Dr Nezar warned that the number of people expected is likely to exceed the capacity of the camps by half, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without shelter.

As for the future of Mosul, and whether Iraq will be able to rebuild the city as place where people of different faiths can live side by side, however, Weeks is positive. "It raises more questions than answers, there will be a vacuum in the city, without question," he says.

"The only thing I can say, is that we work with most of the communities we've talked about  Yazidis, Sunni Muslims coming from Mosul, Syrian refugees. We work alongside all these people. It gives us hope."

Dr Nezar was in the UK supported by AMAR, which has launched a Mosul Appeal to raise emergency funds to help people fleeing the city. For more information, click here.


What Lies Behind The Release Of The Nigerian Schoolgirls Held By Boko Haram?

There is no way of knowing exactly why there appears to be something of a breakthrough in the release of some of the 220-270 Chibok schoolgirls, most of them Christian, who were kidnapped by Boko Haram militants in April 2014.

One factor is surely the pressure being applied by the government and the new Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, elected last year having promised to "crush" the terrorist organisation.

Another, however, is apparent divisions within Boko Haram itself.

In recent days, which have seen the release of 21 of the girls and speculation from government sources that a further 83 could be freed, there have been reports that a splinter group, allied to Islamic State, has said that the rest of the kidnapped Chibok girls were being held by the part of Boko Haram under the control of its figurehead Abubakar Shekau.

In other words, according to Reuters, Boko Haram has apparently split, with a large grouping departing from Shekau, over his failure to adhere to guidance from the Iraq and Syria-based Islamic State, which in August named Musab al-Barnawi as its new leader for West Africa.

Experts believe that the apparent breakthrough for at least some of the kidnapped girls  40 of whom have reportedly been married and many forced to convert to Islam  has come about because of both national and international pressure.

Nationally, there are mixed reports of prisoner swaps. Military officers have said that the girls were exchanged for four detained Boko Haram commanders. But the statements were later denied by civilian officials. There are separate reports of a significant ransom being paid.

Internationally, there is a sustained outcry at the plight of the girls, of which Boko Haram leaders must be aware.

The deal which secured the release of 21 of the girls last Thursday was, after all, brokered by the Red Cross and the Swiss government.

The girls were brought from the north-eastern city of Maiduguri to the capital Abuja to meet state officials. And according to a spokesman for President Buhari, Garba Shehu, the 21 "are supposed to be tale bearers to tell the Nigerian government that this faction of Boko Haram has 83 more Chibok girls."

Shehu added: "The faction said it is ready to negotiate if the government is willing to sit down with them".

The state, it seems, is also willing to negotiate.

However, as hopes grow for a further tranche of released schoolgirls, there must also be fears for the fates of the girls who remain with the wing of Boko Haram led by Shekau.

The girls' capture was part of Boko Haram's seven-year-old insurgency to set up an Islamic state in the north of Nigeria, which has seen fighting that has killed some 15,000 people.

More than 910 schools have been targeted by the Islamist group, whose name means "Western [or non-Islamic] education is a sin". At least 611 teachers have been deliberately killed and another 19,000 forced to flee. At least 1,500 schools have closed.

In a video released in May 2014, then-Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, said women and girls would continue to be abducted to "turn them to the path of true Islam" and ensure they did not attend school.

The fighting has sparked a largely unreported refugee crisis with an estimated 2.2 million people, including 1.4 million children, displaced. Only around 10 per cent are in government-recognised refugee camps where there is some schooling. The other 90 per cent are living with friends and family members with little or no access to education.

The militants controlled a swathe of land around the size of Belgium at the start of 2015, but Nigeria's army has recaptured most of the territory. The group still stages suicide bombings in the north-east, as well as in neighbouring Niger and Cameroon.
There's less love these days for Tony the Tiger, Cap'n Crunch and Lucky the Leprechaun.

U.S. sales of breakfast cereals have turned as flat as soggy corn flakes amid heightened concerns among consumers about cereal's nutrition and lack of convenience.

Sales of cold and hot cereals combined are expected to total $10.6 billion this year, down 17 percent from $12.7 billion in 2009, the research firm IbisWorld estimates. The firm also foresees sales hardly budging for the next few years and totaling $10.4 billion in 2020.

"The cereal category has undoubtedly had a challenging few years," said Craig Bahner, president of U.S. morning foods at Kellogg Co.

That's forced Kellogg and the industry's other big players, including General Mills Inc. and Post Holdings Inc., to roll out new products and bolster their marketing while paring their operating costs in order to increase sales and profits.

"Today's consumer is changing quickly, so we're putting all our effort towards understanding and responding to these changes," General Mills Chairman Kendall Powell said at an investor conference in July.

The changes are coming on two main fronts: Many consumers increasingly want healthier choices for breakfast, and they want foods they can carry out the door instead of taking the time to pour cereal into a bowl at the breakfast table, analysts said.

On the health side, there's nothing new about cereal being attacked as less than nutritious and too high in calories. Critics for years have said some cereals are laced with too much sugar, with the likes of Kellogg's Honey Smacks and Post's Golden Crisp being favorite targets.

But consumers' push for healthier cereals now goes much further.

Shoppers are looking for "high protein and fiber content and natural ingredients," the research firm Mintel Group Ltd. said in a report. "Consumers today believe cereal is overly processed and doesn't contain enough nutrients."

That means cereal faces steeper competition from fresh fruit, yogurt, breakfast bars, protein-rich bars and drinks, sandwiches and even all-day breakfast options at McDonald's Corp. and other fast-food chains.

"Consumers are increasingly seeking products that match their personal definition of real food, and that can mean foods that are less processed and have simple labels with recognizable ingredients," Powell told the investors. "These consumers are looking for transparency from manufacturers, so they can know how their food was sourced, produced and delivered to them."

Cereal makers have responded by reformulating many of their brands, boosting the protein and whole-grain content while lowering or eliminating sugar, gluten, sodium, carbohydrates and artificial flavors.

Jim Murphy, president of General Mills' cereal division, said those steps are starting to pay off. One example: Sales of gluten-free Cheerios were up 2 percent in the company's fiscal first quarter, which ended Aug. 28, he said.

Kellogg recently rolled out two new versions of its mainstay Raisin Bran that include clusters of granola. General Mills introduced Tiny Toast flavored with real strawberries and blueberries and contains no artificial colors or sweeteners.

Tiny Toast, in fact, was General Mills' first new cereal in 15 years, and Murphy acknowledged that one factor behind the industry's sales downturn was "not enough innovation from the branded manufacturers."

But Murphy contended that new products and stronger marketing have led to "improvement in the cereal category" this year and General Mills expects "this will continue."

How consumers eat breakfast is the industry's other big challenge, with the emphasis now on satisfying time-squeezed lifestyles, especially those of harried parents.

"Americans don't necessarily have the time to enjoy a sit-down breakfast anymore, and they're looking for portability," said Amanda Topper, food analyst at Mintel. "Convenience is more important to parents with lifestyle shifts and hectic day-to-day schedules."

In addition, "people see eating cereal as time-consuming because it's not something you can do on the go, like eating a protein bar," said Rory Masterson, who tracks the industry for IbisWorld.

The desire for convenience seems to be especially pronounced among millennials, the generation aged 18 to 34. When Mintel surveyed consumers about cereal a year ago, 39 percent of millennials said cereal was inconvenient because you have to clean a dish afterward.

"Millennials want something quick and simple in the morning, and they love variety," Kellogg's Bahner said.

In response, cereal makers are adding more portable options. Kellogg promotes its new granola Raisin Bran as a snack or sit-down cereal, and it sells a Special K egg, spinach and cheese breakfast sandwich. Kellogg also has a variety of breakfast and protein bars.

General Mills sells "on the go" snack versions of its Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Golden Grahams and Fruity Cheerios cereals. The company two years ago bought Annie's Homegrown, a maker of organic snacks and cereals.

Post last year introduced breakfast biscuits made with its popular Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, along with its first breakfast shake called Post Goodness-to-Go.

There's also the issue of price. Brand-name cereal prices jumped after the financial crisis in 2008, owing largely to higher prices for grains and other ingredients, but prices have stabilized in the last two years.

"If you think about a box of cereal, most boxes have about nine servings to 10 servings in them, and they retail for $3 to $4 each," Kellogg Chairman John Bryant told an investor conference last month. "So (that's) roughly 30 cents to 40 cents per occasion."

Even so, spending $4 on a box of cereal can be onerous for some families with limited grocery budgets, which is why lower-priced generic and grocery store brands remain strong competition for Kellogg and the others.

But cereal makers and industry analysts said that if the companies can keep adapting to changing consumer needs, especially among millennials, the business can grow again.

"While millennials may look at breakfast differently, they are still eating a lot of cereal, just not always for breakfast," Murphy said.

"According to Nielsen data, ready-to-eat cereal is in 90 percent of all households and nearly 94 percent of millennial households," he said. "For this group, cereal is more than just a breakfast item, it is also a popular snack option."

Or, as IbisWorld's Masterson put it: "There will always be a place for cereal at the table."
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Texas-based fast casual startup VERTS Mediterranean Grill is getting some national love as the chain eyes a nationwide expansion, which should see their Mediterranean fare in states all over the country.

The eatery was recently profiled by Fortune magazine, hailed as possibly "the next Chipotle," for its variety of ingredients and fast-food casual vibe.

They'd like to have four VERTS locations on the East Coast early 2017, and aim to have over 250 locations in all within three years.

READ MORE: Business Insider names top Texas fast food chain, and its from Beaumont

The chain was founded by two University Of Texas MBA graduates, Michael Heyne and Dominik Stein, just five years ago. The pair are young too, with Heyne just 29 and Stein all of 31, and native Europeans.

They stumbled upon the Turkish concept while freshmen in college in Frankfurt, Germany where doner kebap was a common dining choice, and affordable for college kids and others on the move.

The restaurant name stems from "Vertskepap" (or "kebab") in English.

READ MORE: How 20 Texas icons got their names

A 2011 Austin Chronicle article tells the VERTS origin story, as they were making waves with two brick-and-mortar locations.

That same year they debuted a Guinness World Record-holding Smallest Food Truck, operated out of a 2011 Smart Car, for promotional purposes.

There are now a total of 13 locations in Austin, two in San Antonio, seven in Dallas, and 11 in Houston, including the Heights and the West Gray area.

Back in March 2016 the name was shortened from VertsKebap to simply VERTS and the chain celebrated its fifth anniversary by giving away free full-sized entrees.

READ MORE: Houston restaurant chain has a new owner and national ambitions

Whereas something like Chipotle offers up large burritos with your choice of toppings, VERTS menu is filled with items like hummus, falafel, pita, grilled meats and vegetables, plus a list of sauces that customers choose. The whole thing can be put into a rice bowl, salad, pita or a wrap. Most meals, depending on options, come out to less than $10, much like Chipotle.

Heyne told the Houston Chronicle in June that he attributed the growth of Verts to a new generation of fast-casual diners  fast-casual 2.0, he calls it  who place value in things like local sourcing and food that is healthy, nutritious and sensitive to allergy restrictions. Additionally, the menu prices appeal to a broad audience.

New dishes, seasonal menu items, chef-driven entrees and a greater use of seasonal vegetables are all being introduced. Heyne said he wants Verts to be "the culinary leader of Mediterranean fast-casual."

READ MORE: VertsKebap opens new store in Pearland

Fortunes piece ponders whether or not other markets around the country will seek out Mediterranean flavors  which are slowly gaining traction with a changing population  the same way that they look for burgers, subs, burritos, fried chicken or pizza. American fast food tastes are slowly moving away from those standbys as younger consumers look for something different for lunch or dinner.

Right now the VERTS team is seeking out additional funds from investors for future expansion plans. According to Forbes they already have around $35 million in funding to play with.

READ MORE: Houston's most reviewed sandwiches

Theyve also become a sought-after employment option, offering a higher hourly wage and management opportunities for the motivated.

There are now over 30 locations in Texas so it appears that Texans and transplants alike have taken a shine to falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, and tzatziki.

Wait until they discover banh mi and spring rolls!
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Hundreds of pounds of marijuana are showing up in south Florida waters, keeping border patrol agencies busy.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agents and the U.S. Coast Guard have gathered nearly 400 pounds of marijuana on the coastline near the Florida Keys and eastern Florida. The 15 separate drug seizures occurred from Miami to Key West.

READ MORE: Vladimir Putin arrested at Florida grocery store

The marijuana was found in a span of 27 days, from Sept. 15 to last Wednesday. The total street value of the marijuana is $306,400.

"There has been a significant spike in drugs washing up on shore," U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector Division Chief Todd Bryant said in a press release. "This is at least partially attributable to improved partnerships across the state but potentially also to a shift in smuggling methods."

From October 2015 to September, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has recorded 95 similar seizures. That's up from October 2014 to September 2015, when 49 seizures were recorded.

READ MORE: Florida man keeps BMW inside home during Hurricane Matthew

Bryant urges people to report similar packages if they find them in the ocean.

"If you are out on a boat or on the beach and you see a suspicious package, call local law enforcement immediately," Bryant said. "Attempting to keep the suspicious package can place you in danger, as violent criminal networks will attempt to recover their narcotics."

Marijuana and other drugs found in open waters can be reported by calling 877-772-8146.
GREAT FALLS  "Crisis line. How may I help you?" asks Jackie Fitzgerald when she answers the phone for Voices of Hope, a suicide hotline.

On a recent day, she received two calls in a matter of minutes.

Both were fairly routine, but for some callers, her warm, compassionate voice might be the first ray of hope they have heard in a long, long time.

Fitzgerald started working for Voices of Hope as a volunteer on the hotline's database 14 years ago and is now the executive director.

It is incredibly rewarding, Fitzgerald said, remembering the times when she got off the phone knowing that she saved a life.

"If it only happens once, it's something that can never be taken away," she said. "And it happens on a daily basis. We do sometimes get calls thanking us. I wish it happened more often because it brings the morale of my staff up."

Over the last 30 years, Montana has ranked in the top four states for the highest rate of suicides. Among Montana teenagers, suicide is a leading cause of mortality, second only to vehicle crashes, according to a media release from United Way Cascade County, which helps fund the hotline with a $24,000 grant.

Every hour of every day, people in crisis have someone they can call for help thanks to Voices of Hope. The Cascade County nonprofit provides a 24-hour crisis line to anyone who calls 1-800-274-TALK or 453-HELP (453-4357).

Voices of Hope has four full-time and four part-time employees and a team of volunteers, who all go under rigorous training to handle very stressful jobs. About 1,000 calls come in each month, but the load varies.

Poor weather and the holiday seasons can see a sharp increase.

"Holidays are busy, but it's often the days after the holidays," Fitzgerald said. "Because even though we don't like crazy Aunt Martha, we're still going to invite her to Christmas, but then she goes home. And she's alone again."

And holidays don't always show up on calendars and have greeting cards. They can be the date of a divorce or the anniversary of a spouse's death.

"I know on certain dates, I'll hear from certain people," she said.

Beyond recruiting and training volunteers and answering phones, Voices of Hope does community outreach to both prevent suicide and help the victims of sexual violence. The nonprofit provides educational services to staff members and students at Great Falls Public Schools, to service members and civilian family members at Malmstrom Air Force Base.

Fitzgerald said a big part of her job is to cut down on the stigma associated with mental illness and depression.

"It used to be the word sex," she said of a topic that once was taboo. "In my day and age, my father probably had a heart attack, the first time I said it. Now? It's not a big deal. Has it stopped teenage pregnancies? No, but it has reduced them."

She believes that taking away the stigma of talking about it will help cut into the number of suicides. She has hopes to get Montana out of the top 10 and then top 20, but she knows it will take time.

The state's long winters, relative lack of wealth and the fact that it's so rural, all make it hard to move the needle.

Fitzgerald also mentioned Montanans willingness to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, and then guns.

"And I'm not in any shape or form trying to take our guns away," she said. "I'm a hunter. I have ranch animals."

But she said that when she talks to students, she challenges them and asks how many could get a gun and bring it back within an hour.

"Ninety-eight percent say they can," she said. "Should they have the access? If they are trained, yes."

But it gives Fitzgerald pause since guns are, Fitzgerald points out, the most lethal form of suicide.

Women attempt suicide at a much higher rate than men (in fact, they make up the majority of callers), but men are more successful because men use guns.

Voices of Hope also is part of this collaborative effort that works specifically with Native American youth throughout Montana to help prevent suicide.

The crisis response team coordinates services to help develop a plan to manage and treat people with mental illness in crisis. Voices of Hope also can connect sexual assault victims with a survivor advocate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

"The services that Voices of Hope provides our community are critical to advance two of United Way's health goals," United Way President Gary Owen said. "The Crisis Line service helps vulnerable people make it through times of personal crises in their lives. People have shared stories of times when they or a family member were contemplating suicide who called the Crisis Line and were able to reach a stable point and get further assistance for their lives."

Fitzgerald remembers one high school girl who called the line five or six years ago.

The memory still brings chills up and down her spine.

The young lady said she was going to keep the conversation short since she knew it was being traced. In that conversation, she laid out a detailed plan to kill herself and told Fitzgerald, "'If I hear sirens, I'm just going to do it.' That young lady called me more choice names."

Fitzgerald only reports calls to authorities if she feels the caller is in imminent danger, such as in this case. They came without sirens and when the police broke into the area of the girl's home, "She was mad at me, mad at the line for breaking her confidence. She called me names I didn't know the meaning of. But I knew I had saved her life."

The girl was institutionalized.

Fitzgerald said she got a letter from the young lady a short time later, and she was still mad.

"I had a hard time with that," she said. "But I could understand why she was mad: I broke her trust."

Months later, the girl wrote again and thanked Voices for saving her life. She was on medication and getting counseling and had plans to attend college.

Not every call ends so well.

It can be stressful, Fitzgerald said, but her staff band together to support one another.

There is no script or one-size-fits-all manual. Instead, everyone answering calls handles them to the best of their abilities.

"The one thing we can do wrong is do nothing," she said.
Florence C. Monauer

A Houston woman shared surveillance video of a man she says tried to abduct her daughter.

On her Facebook page on Sunday, Florence Monauer posted video of an encounter she said occurred at H Mart on Bellaire. A man is seen walking up to her daughter while she has her back turned and is looking at groceries. The man lifted the child out of the basket as soon as Monauer turned around. She's seen talking to the man as he's holding her daughter.
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This year, there's a long list of retailers closing on Thanksgiving to allow employees to spend the holiday with their families.

Others are staying open from Thanksgiving Day through Black Friday.

It's become a controversial topic of conversation around the holiday season, whether stores should be operating on this holiday. On social media, the overwhelming response is that shop owners should prioritize the personal lives of their employees over their revenue.

RELATED: Thanksgiving traditions people can't live without

"Thanksgiving isn't for shopping. It's for time to spend with your family. If businesses are so hard up to keep their shops open during this day then they need to reevaluate their marketing strategies and their bottom line," one Houston Chronicle commenter recently wrote in response to an article about retailers that are staying closed. (Story continues below.)

>>Click to see the retailers that will be open and closed this Thanksgiving in the gallery above.

That hasn't swayed too many shoppers, as can be attested by the throngs of crowds that convene on Houston-area malls and outlets.

At least one major retailer has already announced that it will remain open an hour earlier Thanksgiving Day.

Macy's will open at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving, and most locations will remain open until 2 a.m. The stores will reopen at 5 a.m. for Black Friday.

In a statement issued to the Associated Press, a spokesperson for the retailer explained that it won't require employees to work through the holiday.

"We are working diligently to staff Thanksgiving with associates who volunteer," Macy's told the Associated Press. "Doing so means that our employees are able to make their own decisions about how they contribute to our most important and busiest weekend of the year."
Few basic scientists today are as celebrated as MD Anderson Cancer Center's Jim Allison, but back in the day, contemporaries did not exactly welcome his big discovery.

It was the 1990s, a time when researchers were racing to demonstrate that a newly identified protein's function was to stimulate the immune system. Working with mice, Allison determined the protein actually inhibits the system, reining it in so it doesn't run wild. Rather than a gas pedal, he proposed, the protein acted as a brake.

"Everyone thought I was crazy," says Allison, now 67.

Undeterred, Allison developed an antibody that freed the immune system to attack tumors. It worked great in mice, but it took years of shopping the idea to skeptical pharmaceutical companies before a small biotech invested in the approach, years more before a major firm found it promising enough to acquire and many more still before the investment was vindicated.

More Information through the YEARS 1970s Jim Allison, who grew up in South Texas, lands a job with MD Anderson in Smithville after completing his postdoctoral fellowship near San Diego. 1980s Allison's work with T cells lays important basic science groundwork toward his later discoveries. The University of California at Berkeley recruits Allison. 1990s In California, Allison explores the hypothesis that the protein CTLA-4 turns the immune system off, not on. In March 1996, the journal Science publisheshis research. 2000s Allison applies his finding to cancer treatment, which eventually has patients thriving years later. He moves to Sloan Kettering in New York in 2004. 2010s Allison is lured back to Texas in 2012, taking a job as part of MD Anderson's "Moon Shots" initiative to cure some of cancer's most deadly tumors. See More Collapse

But by the mid-2010s, it was clear Allison's approach had jump-started a new pillar of cancer treatment: immunotherapy.

OCT. 1, 2018: Houston scientist Jim Allison awarded Nobel Prize

Immunotherapy's roots date to the 1890s, but by the late 20th century it had become a forgotten stepchild, thanks to a series of flops. Allison's breakthrough revived the field - initially with the Food and Drug Administration's 2011 approval of Yervoy, which targets the brake Allison deciphered; then with its approval of three drugs that target a second immune system brake subsequently identified by other scientists; and, finally, with new impetus given failed approaches that now seem promising again.

The breakthrough made a star of Allison, a native Texan who was always one of the scientific world's more colorful figures, despite toiling in anonymity for decades. A self-described child of the '60s, rumpled and scraggly haired, he was rebellious enough to battle high school teachers who taught creationism, creative enough to play harmonica so adeptly Willie Nelson has brought him onstage.

Despite an extraordinary run of cancer deaths in his family, Allison says that he never set out to cure the disease, that he was motivated instead by "the selfish desire to be the first person on the planet to know something." Still, when he saw the possible application to cancer, he seized the opportunity, which earned him a raft of honors, most notably the 2015 Lasker Award for clinical medical research, one of science's most prestigious prizes.

"Allison's work cracked open a brand new therapeutic world capitalizing on the body's inherent capacity to quash malignant cells," reads the Lasker statement. "His discoveries are transforming cancer treatment and the prognosis for individuals with these life-threatening diseases."

Allison grew up in Alice, an agricultural and oil center 40 miles west of Corpus Christi. The son of a country doctor whose footsteps he figured to follow, he refused to take the high school biology course with a religious agenda, instead satisfying the requirement by taking University of Texas-Austin's course by correspondence.

At 11, he lost his mother to lymphoma. He'd go on to lose one uncle to melanoma and another to lung cancer, then years later a brother to prostate cancer and a cousin to ovarian cancer. At some point, he figured there had to be a better option than chemotherapy and radiation.

Allison graduated high school at 16 and went to UT, where he quickly lost interest in medical school, soured first by all the memorization it would require, then by the realization doctors have a lot of responsibility.

"As a scientist, you make mistakes all the time - that's how you learn," says Allison. "But a physician has to be right all the time. I prefer the scientist's life - get an idea, devise an experiment, learn if it checks out. You only have to be right some of the time."

In his 20s, as a postdoctoral fellow at Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation near San Diego, Allison found time to indulge his love of music. Always something of "doodler" on the harmonica, he became more serious during those post-doc nights, for a couple of years playing regularly with Clay Blaker and the Texas Honky Tonk Band, whose front man went on to write songs recorded by George Strait. Fate even allowed him to join Nelson on "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" at a local club where the young country star had gone to pick one night. (Forty years later, Allison got the thrill of his life, when Nelson invited him to play at a paying gig.)

For all the good times, Allison had no illusions. Asked by Blaker to accompany the band when it left southern California to play Texas clubs, Allison opted to keep his day job.

After the fellowship's conclusion, he returned to Texas. He got a job as a biochemist at MD Anderson's then-new science campus in Smithville, where he had free rein to study the immune system, then in its research infancy. He was fascinated by T cells, the system's little-understood soldiers that "do all the killing."

In the next decade, Allison's work laid important basic science groundwork. He identified, first, the T cells' ignition switch, a receptor that has to recognize proteins on tumor cells; then the gas pedal, a co-stimulatory molecule necessary to activate the T cells. They would provide key insights that helped facilitate the big discovery still to come.

The big discovery came at University of California-Berkeley, which lured him from Smithville in the early '90s. In Allison's experiments, tumors disappeared in 90 percent of mice treated with the break-releasing antibody, though sometimes it took time for the immune system to rev up. The phenomenon delayed the drug's acceptance in human patients, as early researchers deemed it a failure when it exhibited little initial impact. Only when patients reported dramatic improvement months later did scientists realize the drug was working.

More than 10 years later, one thing is clear: the class of brake-releasing drugs, known as checkpoint inhibitors, doesn't work in all patients but produces lasting results in those it does, unheard of in almost all treatment of late-stage tumors. Its most high-profile success came in 2015, when it wiped out cancer that had spread to former President Jimmy Carter's brain.

"Because of Allison's persistence, patients and the medical community at large now have effective immunotherapies that deliver significant and durable responses in a variety of cancers," says Jill O'Donnell-Tormey, CEO of the Cancer Research Institute, an immunotherapy advocacy and funding group.

In 2012, Allison returned to MD Anderson as chairman of immunology and leader of the immunotherapy piece of the center's "Moon Shots" initiative to cure some of the most deadly tumors. His primary mission: extend immunotherapy's benefits to additional patients and additional cancers.
Two Baylor College of Medicine professors were named Monday to the National Academy of Medicine, a prestigious panel of doctors that advises federal officials on health issues.

Dr. Malcolm Brenner, who pioneered research on gene therapy to treat cancer, and Dr. Cheryl Walker, a renowned molecular biologist, were among 79 scientists  and the only ones from Texas named to the academy at its annual conference Monday.
A mother told police she was kidnapped and gruesomely raped by four men for two terrifying days in Muskegon, Michigan.

Police later found out that the woman made up the entire story.
Just last week came news that chef Lyle Bento was suing his Southern Goods partner, Charles Bishop, with whom he had planned to open 60 Pioneers this fall in the former Java Java space, at 911 W. 11th Street in the Heights.

In the wake of that split, Pax Americana chef Adam Dorris will team up with Bishop to open a restaurant called Presidio in that space instead. Contractor Taylor Lee, another partner with Bishop in Southern Goods and Ladybird's, is the third member of the Presidio triumvirate, overseeing the extensive remodeling of the 1940s building.
In the race for Montanas sole U.S. House seat, incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke leads his challenger, Democrat Denise Juneau, according to a statewide poll commissioned by Lee Newspapers.

Despite record fundraising and polling solid support among Democrats, Juneau, the current state superintendent of public instruction, will need to make big moves in the final weeks of campaigning to close the gap with the freshman Republican, analysts said. Among registered and likely Montana voters polled, 40 percent said theyd cast their ballot for Juneau and 53 percent for Zinke. Only 6 percent reported being undecided in the race, and the poll has a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points.

Its hard to see a Juneau win from these numbers, University of Montana political scientist Christopher Muste said upon reviewing the results of the Mason-Dixon poll conducted last week. She would need a major surge in support and that probably includes some new negative information coming out about Zinke that changes voters minds.

If Zinkes apparent lead holds, it would deliver a blow to an ambitious national Democratic effort to gain control of the U.S. House by taking over dozens of seats from Republicans. Juneaus campaign had been highlighted by several Democratic groups and some independent analysts as a race to watch earlier this year. Although incumbents typically have a strong advantage when running for reelection, freshman congressmen like Zinke are the easiest to unseat and some had wondered if his endorsement of Donald Trump a candidate other Montana Republicans have distanced themselves from  could push independent voters to Juneau.

Shes getting killed among Independents, Montana State University political scientist David Parker said, pointing to Zinkes 54-37 lead. No Democrat can overcome the fact 40 percent of the electorate (in Montana) is Independent.

The numbers on Independents parallel those in the presidential race, where Trump leads Hillary Clinton 50-28 among those voters. Another 13 percent said they would vote for Libertarian Gary Johnson.

In the House race, only 2 percent of Independents polled said they support Libertarian Rick Breckenridge, who joined the race earlier this month after Mike Fellows, a well-known party leader, died in a car wreck. Some analysts wonder if voters unfamiliarity with Breckenridge, a surveyor from rural Proctor, has led them to support Zinke.

Analysts also pointed to the top issues named by voters as a possible reason for Zinkes lead. Among those polled, 26 percent named the economy and jobs as the most important issues, closely followed by national security and fighting terrorism at 25 percent.

Juneau has focused much of her campaign on attacking Zinkes votes on public lands and forest management bills, sometimes with misleading suggestions he had supported the sale or transfer of federal public lands. Zinke, a retired Navy SEAL, has been vocal in his first term about military decisions, anti-terrorism tactics and the vetting process for refugees.

If people believe national security is a major issue, this poll suggest people feel safer with Zinke  even among women, Parker said, noting that 48 percent of female voters said they support the Republican. Even though Juneau is a woman.

Juneau campaign manager Lauren Caldwell questioned the polls accuracy, noting internal campaign polling has shown the race as much tighter. She criticized the polling company, Mason-Dixon, for incorrectly predicting the outcome in two tight statewide races in 2012.

The group has had a consistently good record of being close to the final results of Montana races since the 1990s. The sample size of the poll four years ago was about half as big as the one conducted last week, which also included a larger list of cell numbers.

The polls have trended in her direction. The last poll we saw has Denise within the margin of error, Caldwell said of the campaign's internal polls. The fact that Congressman Zinke has been running negative attack ads since the beginning of September shows that hes seeing the same numbers, and hes scared.

Zinke spokeswoman Heather Swift disagreed, saying the Lee Newspapers poll fit their own internal polling that had recently shown him with an 11-point lead.

Were definitely not taking this for granted, she said. Were going to shore up support in other areas, like Butte-Helena where were at 45 percent. You can count on us visiting folks there some more.

Lee Banville, a political researcher and journalism professor at the University of Montana, said it is normal to see candidates release conflicting poll results.

Essentially every campaign will roll out in the last few weeks, especially as people are getting ready to vote, a poll that says they are behind but think they can close the distance. The other campaign will release a poll saying theyre pulling away, he said. I will say I was surprised at how big (the gap) is. I was expecting something in the 8 percent range.

He and other analysts cautioned that polls only provide a snapshot of a moment in a campaign and that as candidates release their strongest ads in the final weeks, numbers can shift. They all, however, agreed that the poll presented a dim outlook for Juneau.

That 40 percent support is about what John Lewis got in 2014, Parker said. John Lewis up to that point had raised more money than any other Democrat in the U.S. House race since 2000. Juneau has raised more money than John Lewis and even though I think shes run a more efficient campaign, that gap is going to be very hard to overcome.

If Democrats turn out in higher numbers than previous years or comparatively more so than Republicans, Banville said the races results might be closer than the poll suggests, although he doubts a strong base turnout alone is enough for Juneau to win.

In a statement, the Juneau campaign argued the poll did not accurately reflect what they expect to be record turnout among American Indian voters, who traditionally have favored Democrats.

Juneau, an enrolled member of the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes who grew up on the Blackfeet Reservation, has spent significant time campaigning in Indian Country and has been involved in efforts to register more voters there. The state and counties also have, for the first year in most places, planned to open voting centers on the states reservations for Election Day rather than forcing residents to drive to sometimes distant polling locations.

Banville said the way the poll is split into five large geographic areas makes it difficult to draw any conclusions about the reservation vote.
In what the Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart has called the "Super Bowl of Elections," a large number of residents are expected to turn out, with early voting beginning Oct. 24 for the Nov. 8 general election.

According to the county clerk's office, 1,400,000 voters are anticipated to vote in the election with 60 percent of these voters expected to vote early and more than 9,000 ballots have been requested by those wanting to vote by mail.

"The Super Bowl of Elections has kicked-off," Stanart said.

As the race between Presidential nominees Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton continues to be contentious, local political party officials are urging residents to vote.

The upcoming election has fired up the local political action groups such as the Kingwood Area Republican Women and the Kingwood Area Democrats.

"This election is very serious," said Janie Branham, president, Kingwood Area Republican Women. "Republicans are always very motivated, but this year they are more motivated than ever to vote and participate in this election. The differences between our candidates are huge in every election."

Kingwood Area Democrats membership chairman Marc Croes agrees.

"Every election is important but this election is particularly important because of the stark differences in qualifications and philosophy between the two candidates," Croes said.

All voters must have an photo ID, such as a Texas Department of Public Safety Texas driver license, Texas election identification certificate, Texas personal identification card, Texas license to carry a handgun, or a United States military identification card containing the person's photograph, United States citizenship certificate containing the person's photograph or a United States passport.

VOTE BY MAIL

"There are approximately 392,000 voters in Harris County who meet the age requirement to vote by mail. I would not be surprised if the number of mail ballot requests for this election exceeds 100,000," Stanart said."Voters who have submitted a request to vote by mail will be receiving their ballot in the coming days. Requests to vote by mail, which are received before the Oct. 28 deadline, will be promptly processed and dropped in the mail for delivery."

Texans can vote by mail if they are registered to vote and are away from the county of residence on Election Day and during the early voting period; sick or disabled; 65 years of age or older on Election Day; or in jail, but eligible to vote.

Voters receiving mail ballots are encouraged to vote and return the ballot without delay.

Harris County

Harris County residents may go to www.harrisvotes.org to find a sample ballot for their area, as well as other pertinent information.

The hours for early voting in Harris County are Oct. 24-28: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Oct. 29: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Oct. 30: 1-6 p.m. and Oct. 31-Nov. 4: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Early voting will take place:

Humble: Octavia Fields Branch Library, 1503 South Houston Ave, Humble, 77338

Mercer Park: Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library, 22248 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, 77338

Kingwood: Kingwood Branch Library, 4400 Bens View Lane, Kingwood, 77345

Atascocita: Lone Star College-Atascocita Center, 15903 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Houston 77044

Crosby: Crosby Branch Library, 135 Hare Road, Crosby 77532

Wallisville Road: North Channel Branch Library, 15741 Wallisville Road, Houston 77049

Baytown Community Center: 2407 Market Street, Baytown, 77520

East Montgomery County

East Montgomery County residents may go to www.mctx.org/election/ to find a sample ballot as well as other pertinent information.

The hours for early voting in Montgomery County are Oct. 24-28: 8 a.m.-5 p,m.; Oct. 29; 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Oct. 30: noon-5 p.m.; Oct. 31-Nov. 4: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Early voting will take place at the East Montgomery County Courthouse Annex at 21130 U.S. 59.

Turn right onto Justice Drive, the Annex building will be on the left.
Katy ISD warned about 78,000 of its students and staff members that their personal data  including social security numbers, names and birth dates  may have been accessed during a security breach.

Katy officials notified parents in a letter dated Oct. 7, more than a month after it learned of the breach on Aug. 31. The data affects students and staff who were at the district during the 2013-2014 school year.

SunGard K-12, a third-party company that works with Katy ISDs student data management system, told Katy officials that an employee accidentally copied student information and uploaded it to a software application used by 29 other school districts. Hackers were not involved.

In its letter to parents, the district said it does not believe the data was viewed or accessed by officials in other school districts. The only officials who would have access to the records in the 29 districts were information technology staff.

Maria Corrales DiPetta, a spokeswoman for the Katy ISD, said SunGard K-12 initially notified the district of the breach on Aug. 18. But the company did not provide the district with a full report of the breach until Sept. 15.

The data was never viewed by any users, it was on a server that can only be viewed by several administrative staff members, usually in the IT department. It was not something that kids or mom and pop could see, DiPetta said. SunGard told us they dont have any evidence that (those staff members) were even aware of the presence of these files.

A SunGard K-12 employee mistakenly copied a file containing Katy ISD data from a database into a standard installation pack for an information security software application. That installation pack was accessible to technology personnel at several other school districts. SunGard K-12 told Katy officials it did not believe the data was viewed or access by anyone in the other school districts.

SunGard K-12 also said it removed the Katy student data from its installation package to prevent anyone from accessing the data in the future.

Since the breach, DiPetta said the district has restricted SunGard K-12s access to its data systems. Employees with the company can now only access district records if they are helping district staff troubleshoot a technological problem.

Brenda Leong, senior counsel and director of operations for the Future of Privacy Forum, said its very common for schools to use third-party vendors for a variety of data management systems that can oversee everything from social security numbers to grades on recent assignments.

Katy ISD used SunGard K-12 to manage its student information system  a database of student data including zip codes, dates of birth, email addresses, names and social security numbers.

But even if another company is handling the student data, Leong said its ultimately the districts responsibility under federal law to ensure that data is protected.

Its the schools responsibility for collecting and keeping this data. If they contract with a third-party data company, they still control the students education records under FERPA (Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act), Leong said. They have the responsibility to make sure that data is only used for educational purposes and that the vendor handling it within the confines of FERPA.

But DiPetta said there was nothing the district could have done to prevent the breach.

The agreement with this vendor explicitly states they cant use our data for any other purposes, DiPetta said. But the vendor took this information without the districts permission and knowledge and took an action that was out of our hands.

These types of employee-error data breaches are much more common for school districts than an attack by hackers, Leong said.

Such an error happened in Houston ISD in 2013, when the district accidentally released its employees Social Security numbers to a public university and four businesses, including the Houston Chronicle. The Chronicle returned the records it received.

But Houston ISD was hacked in 2010, when someone was able to obtain access the private data of all students, employees and some vendors dating back 10 years prior.

Leong said concerned parents should ask the district whats in their students records, who that information has been shared with, which third-party data vendors the district uses, and what has been done to remedy the situation.

The parent always has the right to go to the school for this kind of information, Leong said.
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Being back in the Crosby community is like a dream come true for Turner Chevy's General Sales Manager David Mendez.

"In 1995, I worked here at the dealership which was John Keating Chevrolet at the time; I was green into the car business and had just started selling cars," Mendez said. "On July Fourth weekend in 1996, I sold a car to a lady, who was in college and was looking for a new car. She ended up being my wife so I have a history with this community and this dealership. I worked here for 11 years, worked my way up through management and eventually made the decision to move on to another dealership."

When Robert Turner was offered the opportunity to purchase the dealership, he got in touch with Mendez.

Mendez jumped at the chance to be the general sales manager for the Crosby dealership in June 2014 and has worked with Turner to rebuild the dealership and provide state-of-the-art service for their customers.

"I first tried to buy this dealership location in the 2004-2005 time frame but it wasn't for sale," Turner said. "Again in the 2009-2010 time frame, I tried to purchase the dealership and it was eventually sold to another group. I continued to focus on the additional operations I had with the Chevrolet dealership in the Beaumont/Port Arthur area when I was approached by the owners of the property about a partnership to which I said no. Eventually, the owners sold all of their assets and General Motors awarded the franchise to us and Turner Chevy was born."

Turner has been in the automobile industry for most of his life.

He began his career at a business called Cole's Garage in the 1970s until 1976 when he moved to Dallas and worked at an Oldsmobile dealership where he learned what it takes to run a successful business.

Eventually, Turner wanted to go out on his own and purchased John Keating Chevrolet in Beaumont.

For Mendez, he worked at Ron Craft Chevrolet in Baytown for 10 years and then went to work with a friend in another business, which gave him more time to spend with his two children.

"I enjoyed that work but realized I needed something else, more interaction with people and the satisfaction of working with people," Mendez said. "Not long after that, I received a call saying that Turner purchased the Crosby dealership and was interested in speaking with me. Because of my connection to the community and history, the first email I ever had was crosbychevyman@aol.com and I've never gotten rid of it; it's still my personal email today."

Turner joked about Mendez' email, saying he didn't have to go any farther when he was looking for a general sales manager.

The new showroom that features a customer waiting area and a chance to see some of the newest cars, up-close-and-personal, can be see by passerby on Highway 90 and is a welcome sight for the community, Turnery Chevy employees and future car buyers.

Previously the sales, service and parts department were all in one building so the renovations will help for all departments to better function and utilize space more efficiently.

Turner Chevrolet is located at 21001 Crosby Freeway in Crosby.

Details: www.turnerchevroletcrosby.com.
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Students and alumni are using social media to publicize racist comments and other instances of feeling marginalized on Texas A&M Universitys campus.

The universitys NAACP chapter urged Twitter users to share their experiences as people of color on campus on Sunday, and students immediately responded.

Hispanics should just do everyone a favor and go back to Mexico, one student said she heard.

I dont believe whites and non-whites should be together, but youre OK, an alumnus recalled hearing from a fellow Corps of Cadets member when he was a sophomore.

There have been hundreds of posts using two hashtags  #beingaPOCatTAMU and #racismatTAMUfeelslike  on Twitter since Sunday evening. Several people wrote about hearing racial slurs and seeing Confederate battle flags on and around campus.

Texas A&M University's NAACP chapter decided to use the hashtags to kick off a week of programming, said chapter president Bryce Randall, 21, of Houston.

Immediate popularity indicated that "these issues are real," he said. "These are real things that people are dealing with on a daily basis."

"This isn't us trying to bash the students or administration or say we hate our school," Randall said. "We love our school and we want to hold people accountable. We want things to become better. The way we get there is by talking."

Texas A&M University is predominantly white, with 19.8 percent of students enrolled this fall identifying as Hispanic or Latino, 6.5 percent of students identifying as Asian and 3.8 percent identifying as black or multiracial with a black parent.

A&M has said that it needs to narrow disparities between races and ethnicities in retention and graduation rates. In a recent diversity report, it said that students have reported harassment and subtle insults based on race to the university, and it has condemned reports of racial slurs on campus as "unacceptable."

The university "welcomes the conversation" and has worked to "continually improve" diversity on campus, said spokeswoman Amy Smith, who added that she was "surprised and saddened" by several of the accounts.

"We're paying attention to the tweets and not disputing anybody's experience," she said.

The sheer number of posts was striking to Clarence Jerome, a 19-year-old sophomore from Houston. I realized how much racism was going around without being known," he said in an interview.

Jerome, who is African American, wrote that a fellow student called him one of the good ones. You should teach young boys so they grow up like you.

Certain comments, he said, he ignores. But after that, he recalls responding, A person's race doesn't reflect a person's actions, mostly their character judges what makes a person good or bad."

Will Fisher, 27, of Jacksonville, Fla., wrote the tweet about hearing a fellow Corps of Cadets member reject integration. He recalled sitting in a fellow corps members room more than five years ago, shining shoes to prepare for the day, when he heard the comment.

Im a biracial kid  his one sentence invalidated my existence, said Fisher, who earned his bachelors and masters degrees from Texas A&M University.

Fisher, whose parents are both multiracial, said he saw the hashtag on Facebook and spent the morning reading about others experiences.

It makes me worried for Aggies, he said. A&M is a Tier 1 research university. Were at the forefront of many different industries. But we cant figure out multiculturalism.
West University Place Police Department

The West University Place Police Department has reported at a missing teen has been located and is now home.

On Friday, Oct. 15, the West U Police previously reported that 16-year-old Sloane G. Soler was last seen Thursday, Oct. 13, in the 6400 block of Brompton and was seeking the public's help in locating the Lamar High School student.
A Houston father who lost his daughter to sex trafficking through Snapchat is pushing lawmakers to crack down on kidnappers and pimps.

John Clark recovered his 18-year-old daughter in May after she went missing in April. Clark told KHOU that his daughter was taken by a man in his 20s that she met on Snapchat.

READ MORE: Lawyer: Backpage.com CEO will fight sex trafficking charges

In May, the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office asked the public to help find her. Before she was recovered, she was last seen by her family on April 30. She told her parents she was going to Lifetime Fitness. Later, Clark's daughter left her vehicle and cellphone at the gym parking lot to go to a party with a friend.

Clark told the Chronicle at the time, "She's said that she doesn't want to come home. We don't know what is behind her choice." Clark also said she told her family to call of the search and dropped off social media.

To get his daughter back, Clark set up a website, 800-number and a Facebook page to gather information on where she might be. Clark told KHOU that he found his daughter and her alleged captor at a Houston apartment building.

Now Clark is looking to strengthen anti-human trafficking laws and penalties for those who force people into the sex trade. He's met with Texas lawmakers since she was recovered and has started an online petition to crack down on pimps. Clark says the legal system should treat pimps like drug dealers.

READ MORE: 2 women nabbed in prostitution sting at north Harris County massage parlor

"The police don't focus on pimps in the first place, but even when pimps get caught, prosecuted and convicted, they receive punishment much less severe than drug dealers," Clark wrote in the petition.

With his petition, Clark aims to change the minimum age for sexually orientated businesses from 18 to 21. Clark also wants increased penalties for anyone convicted of compelling or promoting prostitution of anyone under the age of 21.

Clark also wants to extend parental guardianship to girls over the age of 18, in certain circumstances. Clark said he and his wife were not allowed to talk to doctors and counselors about their daughter since she was 18 and legally an adult.

Clark is hoping his petition will inspire new legislation in January when state lawmakers meet for a new session. He points to Louisiana as a possible model, where strip clubs are required to have dancers who are 21 and older as of Oct. 1.

READ MORE: More than 50 people pulled from stash house

In another Facebook post, Clark wrote sex trafficking often starts with a man or woman a few years older than the targeted teenage girl. The groomer takes the teenager to new places, is fun and acts like a mentor, according to Clark. The groomer then introduces the teenage girl to drugs and alcohol while trying to isolate her from her parents. The teenage girl is then introduced to new people and brought to adult places like clubs.

Eventually, the teenager meets a pimp, usually disguised as a musician, club owner or something else exciting to the teenager. After building some rapport, the pimp usually invites the teenager to a party after she turns 18, Clark wrote. That's the point a teenager is most likely forced into sex trafficking.

"If she is 18, law enforcement is handcuffed," Clark wrote in the post. "Unless there is clear evidence of a crime, she is just another young adult who decided to leave her home."

READ MORE: You can help stop human trafficking by using the TraffickCam app

Clark warns that teenage girls can be taken from even the most cautious of parents.

"We went through her phone several times a week. We didn't even let her have her phone upstairs," Clark wrote about his daughter. "We had all her passwords. I had a GPS tracker installed on her car and monitored it every time she left the house. We Facetimed her every time she went out to make sure she was where she was supposed to be, and she was with the people she was supposed to be seeing."

Clark warns other parents to watch for any signs of groomers and to talk to their daughters about the danger of sex trafficking. He also adds to beware of Snapchat, as he and his wife found it difficult to monitor.
AUSTIN -- Texas state officials have dismissed a complaint by an agent of Turkey accusing a Houston-based network of charter schools of funneling contracts to Turkish-owned vendors who have ties to the organization's leadership.

The Texas Education Agency has closed the complaint filed in May by Amsterdam & Partners LLP, a firm with offices in London and Washington, D.C., hired by the Republic of Turkey to the tune of $50,000 a month to investigate Harmony Public Schools.
RIVERTON  Weather forecasters are telling people in Yellowstone National Park to prepare for up to two inches of snow and warning of a high risk of wildfires in eastern Wyoming.

In Colorado, nearly half the state is under a red flag warning, with winds nearly 50 miles an hour through Monday evening that could cause wildfires to spread rapidly.

The National Weather Service says areas of northeastern Montana can expect high winds that could tip over boats on lakes.

Wildfire monitors reported no major fires in the three states on Sunday.
SHERIDAN  Sheridan police say a man was killed in a home intrusion early Sunday.

Police say they got a call about 3 a.m. from a woman in the home who told them an unknown intruder broke in.

Police say a man in the home tried to get the intruder to leave, but the man refused.

According to the Sheridan Press, the man in the home got a shotgun and tried to force the intruder to leave.

Police say when the intruder refused to go, the man with the shotgun fired and killed the intruder.

Authorities have not released the names of the people involved.
The Wind River Reservation tribal court remains open despite an end to federal funding and an escalating disagreement over its status.

When the federal contract that funded the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribal Court ended Sept. 30, the Northern Arapaho began funding the court independently.

But Shoshone Business Council chairman Darwin St. Clair Jr. wrote in a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs last week claiming that the expiration of federal funding for the court has has caused relations to reach a boiling point and create an environment where no credible law and order exists.

The Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone have been embroiled in tribal court litigation since just before the end of federal funding. The Arapaho claimed in court documents that the Shoshone sought to shut down the court in the days before federal funding expired.

On Sept. 29, Chief Judge John St. Clair wrote an order barring the Shoshone from unilaterally interfering in the operations of the court.

All shared programs need permission from each [tribal] Business Council for any action pertaining to funds, personnel, management and any other operational decision, St. Clair wrote.

On Oct. 7, St. Clair issued a decision holding members of the Shoshone Business Council in contempt of court for continuing to attempt to exert control over the operations of the court.

Members of the council face sanctions including fines up $150 and 30 days in jail. A hearing on the matter will be held Wednesday in tribal court.

On the same day as the contempt judgment was released, Shoshone chairman St. Clair Jr. sent his letter to the BIA requesting that either the agency set up an independent court on the reservation or restore the previous funding model.

St. Clair Jr. said the Shoshone no longer recognize the authority of the tribal court.

NAT is now paying the Judge and having him enter orders as the puppet of NAT, he wrote, referring to the Northern Arapaho Tribe.

The Shoshone assert that Chief Judge St. Clair was an at-will employee and that the tribe ended his employment on Oct. 3.

Arapaho chairman Dean Goggles fired back in his own letter last week, arguing that the BIA was barred from establishing its own court on the reservation. He said the Shoshones claim that the tribal court no longer had authority was false.

The Shoshones arguments are untethered from any notion of separation of powers, and therefore a violation of that Tribes own laws, Goggles wrote.

In a further complication, Superintendent of the BIAs Wind River Agency Norma Gourneau wrote a letter to both tribes on Oct. 4 informing them that the BIA intended to set up a Court of Indian Offenses -- essentially an independent BIA court -- on the reservation effective Oct. 1.

But as of Friday, no BIA court had been established, and the tribal court was open and continuing to hear cases.

BIA officials did not respond to questions about the status of the tribal court.

The Shoshone and Arapaho Tribal Court has administered the joint tribal legal code since 1987. The court was overseen by the Joint Business Council that the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho used to manage services on the reservation, which they share.

But in 2014 the Northern Arapaho left the Joint Business Council, an act the tribe said effectively ended the council and its authority over reservation programs. The Arapaho subsequently sought to receive federal funding to independently run services -- including a court, a game and fish department and water program -- to serve its membership.

The Eastern Shoshone maintained that the JBC retained its authority even without Arapaho participation and continued to use the council to negotiate with the federal government and private companies.

The BIA also proved reluctant to recognize the dissolution of the joint council and has highlighted the difficulties of having, for example, two distinct hunting codes on in a single geographic region.

In a February lawsuit the Arapaho claimed the federal government was failing to respect its tribal sovereignty. That case is awaiting a ruling in U.S. District Court.

The case centers around a series of 638" contracts, through which the Bureau of Indian Affairs covers the cost of a variety of programs that the federal government is mandated to provide Indian tribes. The contracts help those tribes administer the services independently.

All the 638 contracts on the reservation, which had been negotiated with the JBC, expired Sept. 30. Programs including the court remain in flux until the district court rules on whether the federal government is required to enter into separate 638 agreements with the Shoshone and Arapaho.
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A man is in the hospital battling for his life after he was critically wounded in a shooting during a possible road rage confrontation Sunday night in southwest Houston.

The shooting happened about 11 p.m. in the 13700 block of South Post Oak near Orem, said Terrance Jackson, a homicide investigator with the Houston Police Department.

Jackson said the victim, later identified as Luis Alberto Diaz, 22, and a friend were in a dark-colored Dodge Charger when someone in a white Scion sedan, pulled up next to them and fired gunshots at their car.

Diaz, of Houston, an active-duty Army soldier home on leave, was behind the wheel of the Charger when he was wounded in the gunfire, police said. He was rushed to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he was in critical condition. The wounded man's friend was not injured.

The young soldier remained in critical condition Tuesday morning, a relative said in a Facebook message.

The Army confirmed in an email Tuesday that Diaz is an active-duty specialist serving with the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, which is based in Vilseck, Germany.

Police said witnesses told investigators the suspect's car was driving erratically before the shooting. It was not known if the suspect and victim had a confrontation before the gunfire, but police said the incident may be related to road rage.

No further descriptions of the suspect's car or description of the suspect were available. HPD investigators planned to review surveillance video from nearby businesses.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS or the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.
A suspected drunk driver has been accused in a traffic crash that left a 62-year-old woman dead and injured another woman and a teenage girl recently on U.S. 59 in southwest Houston.

Stephen Alan Cook, 45, a former officer with the Missouri City Police Department, is charged with intoxicated manslaughter and two counts of intoxicated assault following the crash about 8:10 p.m. Saturday in the 10900 block of the Southwest Freeway.

Police said Cook was driving a green Mercury Grand Marquis in the shoulder area of the freeway when he told investigators he saw two Nissan Altima cars parked on the side of the freeway and people standing outside of them.

When Cook pulled back into the main lanes of the freeway he collided with a Chevrolet van. The impact forced Cook's car to slam into one of the Nissans, injuring women who were standing outside of the cars. The women, who were the Nissan drivers, along with a teenage girl, who was a passenger in one of the Nissans, were taken to a nearby hospital. One of women died. Her name has not been released.

The other woman, 30, and the teenager, 15, had non-life-threatening injuries. Their conditions were not released.

Cook was taken into custody at the scene. Police determined he was intoxicated and later charged him in the case.

Missouri City police said Cook worked at the department from April 2003 to April 2007, when he resigned. No information was available about what led to Cook's resignation.
A ridge of high pressure that has brought near-record high temperatures to much of the Houston area the past couple of days is about to get chased out of town.

A hint of the cooler weather we've all been waiting for is expected to show up Wednesday as an upper-level storm system arrives from the west, bringing a 30-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and overnight, according to the National Weather Service.
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Send out the clowns.

Target will stop selling clown masks amid a rash of reported clown attacks - real and fake - that have terrorized the United States in recent months, a company spokesman said.

"Given the current environment, we have made the decision to remove a variety of clown masks from our assortment, both in stores and online," Joshua Thomas, the spokesman, said in an email.

The Minneapolis-based retailer has 1,799 stores in the United States. The company did not clarify Monday whether the decision would affect all of its stores.

But Target seemed to have quietly stopped selling clown masks on its website entirely. On Monday morning, searches for "clown masks" on Target.com turned up nothing. Links from search engines to clown masks that Target previously stocked simply led to a message that said, "Product not available."

Clown costumes for children, oversize clown suits and "sexy clown" outfits are, however, apparently still available for sale.

The retail giant's decision, just two weeks before Halloween, comes as the frenzy over "creepy clown" sightings and threats has reached a fever pitch.

Across the country, scary-clown rumors have led to school lockdowns and arrests.

Lynne Sladky/STF

As The Washington Post's Ben Guarino reported in early October:

"South Carolina was creepy clown Ground Zero in August, when emergency calls from residents of Greenville County prompted deputies to search an apartment complex and the nearby forest for criminal clowns. A clown, or someone dressed like one, was "trying to lure children in the woods," warned the property manager of Fleetwood Manor Apartments in Greenville. . . .

"What began as reports from concerned parents to police mutated into memes, pranks and, in some cases, felonious hoaxes. Although there is little evidence that clowns are stealing children or planning attacks, clowns (or at least clown images and paraphernalia) have been associated with a recent rash of mischief and violent threats."

The madness reached such a height that renowned horror author Stephen King had to step in on Twitter and, of all things, try to soothe people's fears. He tweeted, "Hey, guys, time to cool the clown hysteria--most of em are good, cheer up the kiddies, make people laugh."

The corporate retailer is not the first to hit the brakes on clown-mask sales this year because of the creepy-clown scare.

In Michigan, Crypt Keepers Halloween Emporium boxed up all of its less expensive clown costumes, lest customers get hurt - or try to hurt someone else - while wearing them, the Detroit News reported.

"It's not worth the sale," owner Dave Douglas told the newspaper. "These people are causing an epidemic."

That has not stopped people from buying clown masks wherever they can. Sales of clown masks, especially "evil" or "scary" ones, have spiked 300 percent this year, Halloween Express operations manager Brad Butler told the Wrap.

"As to why we're selling more clown masks this year than last, I could speculate, but frankly my opinion doesn't matter," Butler told the site. "Truth is, I don't know."

The creepy-clown craze has unnerved professional clowns, who say the pranks and threats have harmed their image. World Clown Association President Randy Christensen recently addressed the reports, saying that "whoever is doing this crazy stuff is not a clown."

"We try not to focus on the negatives but try to provide a positive image of clowning," Christensen said. "If somebody dresses like a doctor . . . and comes at you with a chainsaw, he is not really a doctor."

A few weeks ago, a woman in Tucson scheduled a "Clown Lives Matter" march in response to the social media frenzy, the Arizona Republic reported.

Organizer Nikki Sinn told the paper that she wasn't a professional clown but was worried about the recent clown scares.

"We want to make it be a fun, safe, upbeat night," Sinn told the paper. "I'm just trying to make it a little bit light so it isn't scary for anyone."

But the march, scheduled for Saturday, had to be canceled after the event's Facebook page was bombarded with "numerous death threats and harassment," Sinn said.
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Ted Cruz's birthplace in Canada nearly became a joke for Hillary Clinton's camp early in the presidential election cycle.

In emails hacked from Clinton confidante John Podesta and published by WikiLeaks, Clinton's team briefly discussed what to make of Cruz and whether there could be any fun to be had with his background.

The Texas senator's presidential bid came up in a March 23, 2015 email between several Clinton staffers.

READ MORE: 9 truly awful things Donald Trump and Ted Cruz said about each other

"What do you guys think about HRC saying something about Cruz today? Some kind of light hearted contrast? Would make news," wrote Jake Sullivan a top foreign policy analyst for the Clinton campaign.

"Mulling Cruz, could be good if we had something meaningful or really funny to say," Clinton's director of communications, Jennifer Palmieri replied.

Long-time Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines got in on the act, suggesting a form of birtherism.

READ MORE: The Ted Cruz citizenship controversy explained

"1st candidate jumped into the race today. Really early announcement. Didn't realize Canada also had an election coming up," Reines wrote to Palmieri and Sullivan.

Cruz was born in Calgary, Canada to an American mother and a Cuban father. Rafael Cruz had fled the Fidel Castro regime in Cuba.

It would have been a less racially charged version of the false charges GOP nominee Donald Trump and others leveled at President Barack Obama - that he wasn't born in the United States and may not be eligible for the presidency.

Trump did raise the issue of Cruz' birth briefly in the GOP primaries and questioned Cruz's eligibility to be president. Cruz's mother was an American citizen, settling the question.

READ MORE: Cruz and Clinton feel pressure in final stretch

Clinton's staff, though, decided to forgo the line of attack, leaving it to comedians instead.

"Senator Ted Cruz was born in Canada, so while we were worried about Iran, China, and North Korea, a Canadian shut down the U.S. government. Well played, Canada," said Seth Meyers, the host of "Late Night."
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While most people view Texas as fossil fuel country, away from the hundreds of refineries and chemical plants that dot the coast, wind farms are becoming a trademark of the Lone Star State.

According to the MIT Technology Review, if Texas were a country, it would be the sixth-largest generator of wind power in the world. Similarly, the U.S. Energy Information Administration puts Texas as the top wind power state in the nation, producing twice as much wind energy as the next leading state, Iowa.

READ MORE: Amazon invests in massive Texas wind farm

But all of this green energy has a price. Texas wind farms kill between 123,000 and 146,000 birds a year, reports The Monitor.

"They're pushing for carbon-free energy really hard, and obviously wind is a big part of that, and to some degree they're turning a blind eye to the slaughter that entails," Jim Chapman, chairman of the Sierra Club's Lower Rio Grande Valley Group, an environmental group, told The Monitor.

Chapman lives in an area of Texas where wind farms are becoming more common. In 2014, Ikea bought a large wind farm in the region capable of powering 90,000 households.

While Chapman is a fan of the alternative energy, he thinks there should be more regulations and oversight about where these wind farms are built.

READ MORE: GE is building America's first offshore wind farm with turbines twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty

"There are no precautions, there are no siting requirements, and not even a requirement that mortality on birds and bats needs to be collected and submitted," Chapman said.

Still, it's a bittersweet conversation. We can be thankful that the debate for wind energy in Texas has come far enough to start considering its damage to birds. After all, deciding where to place a wind farm is an easier task than the challenge of cleaning up an oil spill or tackling emissions.

Click through above to see how wind turbines are made.
Criminal charges filed against a journalist, who covered a pipeline protest, were dropped Monday after a judge refused to sign the complaint against her. Judge John Grinsteiner did not find probable cause that Amy Goodman had engaged in a riot while reporting on a clash between protesters and private security in September.

Goodman told the Tribune she was "deeply relieved" to find out the charge was dismissed.

"But it just strengthened my resolve that we have to fight to ensure that the First Amendment is protected," Goodman said. "It's not just for journalists. It's for everyone, because freedom of the press means that there is a way for people to get information so they can make informed decisions."

Goodman said she took the arrest warrant issued for her in September as a "clear message" that North Dakota officials did not want her to return to the state.

"This is clearly meant to intimidate, and I think the judge saw that clearly today," said Goodman, who indicated she will keep covering the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Prosecutor Ladd Erickson had asked the judge to charge Goodman with engaging in a riot after dropping a criminal trespass charge against her, due to legal problems proving the charge.

Erickson said in an email over the weekend the change in charge was based on his review of evidence from a larger investigation into the Sept. 3 incident conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Investigations.

"There is a lot more evidence now against the people charged than there was initially," he wrote.

Goodman's attorney Tom Dickson said the judge's decision "redeems the North Dakota legal system."

"It was never a case. The trespass charge was frivolous," said Dickson, who said the new rioting charge "was beyond salvation."

Goodman was one of six people accused of engaging in a riot, based on the new evidence, according to the Morton County Sheriff's Department. The judge found probable cause for charges against one of those people. Additional charges related to the incident are under review.

Criminal trespass charges against six people in the incident were dropped, according to the Morton County Sheriff's Department. One of the charges was against protest organizer Cody Hall.

In interviews last week, Erickson told the Tribune he thought Goodman was acting more as a protester than a journalist, a point she and Dickson have continually refuted.

"I think she put together a piece to influence the world on her agenda, basically. Thats fine, but it doesnt immunize her from the laws of the state," Erickson said Thursday.

Dickson said last Tuesday,"She wasn't picnicking or on a summer lark. She was reporting the news to the American people."

Goodman is the host and executive producer of Democracy Now, a radio/news program that airs on 1,400 stations worldwide. She has won several prestigious awards for her reporting.

Nearly 200 people came to the courthouse to support Goodman. They sang, beat drums and called out "Mni Wiconi," meaning "water is life."

After spilling into the street, about 50 officers in riot gear emerged from the police station and urged everyone to stay on the sidewalk or risk getting arrested. One person was taken into custody for disorderly conduct and disobedience of a public safety order under riot conditions, according to North Dakota Highway Patrol Lt. Tom Iverson.

The crowd was filled with people who follow Goodman's show and wanted to show their support.

Ethan Petersen drove to North Dakota from Utah on a whim last night when he heard about the charges against Goodman.

"We couldn't just chill at home when First Amendment rights to assemble and petition were on the line," Petersen said.

Rindy Daughters came to Standing Rock from Billings, Mont., this weekend, inspired by what she learned in Goodman's reports.

"She's the reason I know about it," Daughters said. "I think they're grasping for whatever they can, because they're not happy with her coverage."

The criminal prosecution of a journalist has ignited outrage in North Dakota and across the country.

"I have felt all along that it left the wrong impression when you charge a reporter and not many other people that happen to be participating at the same time," said Steve Andrist, executive director of the North Dakota Newspaper Association, in an interview Monday. "Whether it's the law enforcement or the general public, maybe we have some educating to do to make people aware that the First Amendment protects even speech that you may not like or agree with."

Journalist Matt Taibbi, author of the 2014 book, "The Divide: American Injustice in the Age of Wealth," wrote an open letter to Erickson last week condemning his characterization of Goodman and demanding the trespass charge be dropped.

On Sept. 3, Goodman reported on a clash between protesters and private security at an active construction site south of Mandan that the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe said contained historic artifacts. Three guards were reportedly injured, and several protesters said they were pepper-sprayed and bitten by dogs handled by the security personnel. Her coverage of the incident was broadcast on major networks and viewed online more than 14 million times, she told reporters.

Goodman told the Tribune she was following protesters up the road from the main camp towards a ceremony, when they saw pipeline workers bulldozing the land.

"They were shocked. At first they were praying, then they started saying no, 'stop excavating the site,' and it went on from there," she said.
-- THE LEAD: Dems, GOP hoping record voter registration boosts turnout, by the Houston Chronicles Mike Ward and the SA Express-News Peggy Fikac

Republicans are hoping conservatives flood the polls to vote against Hillary Clinton. Democrats hope that women and minority voters show up in droves to sink Donald Trump. But political experts and history say predictions of a deluge of voters at the polls tend to be off the mark. Texas owns one of the lowest voter-turnout rates in the country. About four out of every 10 voters usually stay home.

Both sides concede that the upcoming election could be unpredictable, since the major-party presidential candidates have the lowest favorable ratings in recent history. Republican insiders quietly are predicting they could get slammed in some parts of Texas because too many GOP voters disgusted with Trump will stay home or cross over and vote for Clinton. That may not be confined to the presidential race, but also local elections, where GOP incumbents fear a rerun of 2008, when Republicans lost in significant numbers. MORE

>> A history lesson amid Texas Dems hopes of a blue November, by the Texas Tribunes Ross Ramsey

-- ICYMI: Trump allegations spark evangelical dilemma: For Trump, the stakes in this clash of Christian ethics are enormous. Evangelicals  one of the largest single blocs in the GOP coalition  normally break heavily for the Republicans in national elections. An online poll released Tuesday put Trumps support among evangelicals at 55 percent. Although only about 2 percent would vote for Hillary Clinton, the rest said they may sit out the election or write in other candidates, writes the Chrons Kevin Diaz.

-- Curtain raiser for Wednesday debate, the third and final  In reality, voter fraud is rare and extremely difficult, if not impossible, to orchestrate on a broad enough spectrum to sway a national election - even as efforts to boost turnout have indeed increased opportunities for fraud at a local level.  In addition to high-tech gadgets, local precinct judges and volunteers who oversee the voting areas would have to be involved, as would lawyers, political operators and party-poll watchers across the country.

Election processes differ by state. Some have centralized systems, which are more vulnerable to hacking. Though some 20 states have reported attempted hacks of their voter registration files, officials at the Texas Attorney General's Office and with state police who have investigated such allegations in the past said Sunday there has been no indication of such a compromise here, writes the Chronicles Lomi Kriel, Mike Ward and Andrea Rumbaugh.

-- Pelosi and Ryan are shadow figures in District 23 race, per SAENs Gilbert Garcia

The shot at Ryan was a rare detour from Gallegos relentless push to remind Latino voters in District 23  which runs from South San Antonio to El Paso  that Hurd belongs to the same party as the man who branded undocumented immigrants as rapists and criminals: GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Ryan, a policy wonk known to his colleagues as The Budgeteer, doesnt go for Trumpian incendiary rhetoric, but, in his own way, he has become nearly as polarizing as Pelosi. The difference is that Pelosi is at least popular within her own party, while Ryan finds himself at odds with his own partys presidential nominee.

-- Dont miss this: What is clear one year later, however, is that roughly 12,000 low-income women in Texas are still obtaining services from Planned Parenthood through the Medicaid program, which is mostly federally funded. And state leaders who spearheaded the charge to cut off funding have little to say about their failure to do so. A spokeswoman for the governor said Abbott was disappointed and troubled by the lack of progress in defunding the womens health organization but that he still expects the issue to move forward, writes the Tribs Edgar Walters and Alexa Ura.

-- Texas money has played an important part in Donald Trumps campaign for president. Texans provided nearly 35 percent of the contributions to Trump Victory in the second quarter of the year when the general election fundraising operation was just getting underway. For the third quarter, Texas accounted for just under 14 percent of all its contributions. Texas donors also gave $7 million directly to Republican nominee through the end of August  more than any state, although less than half of what Democratic rival Hillary Clintons campaign raised in the Lone Star State, per the Statesmans Jonathan Tilove and Sean Collins Walsh

>> Dozen people charged in $100M health care scheme in Texas, AP

CAPITOL DAYBOOK

HOUSE

9 a.m.  Public Education [E2.036]

SPEED READ

Adults who skip vaccines cost $8.9B, Houston Chronicle

How to tell if a company does more good than bad, Houston Chronicle

Fikac: Cruz timing might have been impeccable, San Antonio Express-News

In District 134, incumbent Davis touts clout while challenger Rose sells change, Houston Chronicle

Mayor Taylor faces social media backlash over SAPD Trump hat statement, Express-News

A hush-hush half-billion-dollar divorce goes public, Houston Chronicle

Black doctor accusing airline of racial bias speaks out after viral post, Houston Chronicle

Green Party leader calls Trump "sexual predator" at Houston stop, Houston Chronicle

Where rhetoric meets reality: Texans have lived with a border wall for years, San Antonio Express-News

In election season in Rio Grande Valley, watchful eyes at the polls, Austin American Statesman

Hays County Prop 1 has $106.4 million for EMS, law enforcement, Austin American Statesman

State investigating allegations of voter fraud in Tarrant County, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Lab techs integrity imperils DWI cases, AP

RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE

-- Fears mount on Trumps rigged election rhetoric: Donald Trump is laying the groundwork to lose on Nov. 8, refuse to concede the election, and teeter the country into an unprecedented crisis of faith in government. Republicans and Democrats, in Washington and beyond, fear that the aftermath of the 2016 election will create a festering infection in the already deep and lasting wound that the campaign is leaving on America. And, they say, only Republican leaders who speak up will have any chance of stopping it. (POLITICO)

--  Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is leading her Republican rival Donald Trump by eight points among likely voters, according to the most recent CNN Poll of Polls, released Monday. The poll average shows Clinton has 47% of support from likely voters, Trump at 39% support, Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson with 7% and Green Party nominee Jill Stein getting 2%. The Poll of Polls averages result from the four most recent publicly-released national polls that meets CNN's standards for publication. All of the polls included the four-way match-ups with the third party candidates. The poll of polls does not have a margin of sampling error. (CNN)

-- Criticism of news media takes on a more sinister tone, NYTs Jim Rutenberg

>> Something to watch: As Democrats aim to capitalize on this years Republican turmoil and start building back their own decimated bench, former Attorney General Eric Holder will chair a new umbrella group focused on redistricting reformwith the aim of taking on the gerrymandering thats left the party behind in statehouses and made winning a House majority far more difficult. (POLITICO)
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
A shooting death at a rifle range south of Bismarck Sunday appears to have been an accident, according to the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department.

Major Kelly Leben, of the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department, identified the victim as Jaide Tosseth, 14, of Bismarck.

Tosseth was target shooting with family at McLean Bottom Shooting Range when the incident happened, according to Leben, who indicated no direct negligence appears to have been involved and Tosseth was in an area of the range where she was supposed to be when the incident happened.

"It's a very, very sad and unfortunate situation," Leben said.

Police, North Dakota Highway Patrol, Metro Area Ambulance Service and Bismarck Rural Fire Department responded to the incident around 9:49 a.m. A medically trained bystander provided aid until emergency personnel arrived.

Tosseth was transported to a local hospital, where she was declared dead.

The sheriff's department and North Dakota Game and Fish Department, which operates the gun range, are jointly investigating the incident. The range is video monitored and tape is being reviewed to verify witness statements.

Police are waiting to release information on the type of weapon involved until the investigation is complete.
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A school at a protest camp near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation has raised some unprecedented questions about home education in North Dakota.

The school  which started in early September  has been functioning as a home-school setting for parents and their children, many who have traveled from other states to protest the Dakota Access oil pipeline in the past several months.

Those running the school maintain that parents are aware of the option of sending their children to schools in Solen or Mandan school districts, which have indicated they have or will take additional students from the camps that fit in the districts' boundaries. But some parents have chosen an alternative education: home schooling.

The camp's school, called the Defenders of Water School, is situated in a long tent lined with books and supplies. Students learn about subjects, such as math and reading, but also learn the Lakota language and Native American traditions and history.

State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler recently raised concerns about the school, which has been operating without state approval. Last week, she formally sent the tribal council a letter stating the school must seek approval, and, in the meantime, requested that students enroll in an approved school nearby.

Baesler said she has been in contact with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, starting around the time the school began and was aware that many students there were being home-schooled.

We gave them options for children that were living at the camp," Baesler said earlier last week.

Children at the camp could enroll in an approved school or, if parents wanted to home educate their child, they would have to follow North Dakota's home education law, she said.

Baesler said the law is "very clear" in stating that parents may home school their children, but they must be the ones doing the teaching.

Setting up a school and turning over the educational responsibilities to someone who happens to be also living at the camp and a parent is not allowable under our state law," she said.

Two primary teachers at the camp's school said they are surprised by Baesler's comments and say they operate as a resource for parents who are home schooling their children.

The kids that are here long term, their parents have done their home-school paperwork. We work with the families and function as a home-school resource center, said Teresa Dzieglewicz, a former certified teacher who has been working with the school resource program since it started in early September, when it became clear that the Dakota Access Pipeline protest camp was seguing into a semi-permanent situation for many families.

About 25 to 30 kids, ages 7 to 13, get help with the basics and more.

The parents choose how much time the kids spend with us. Its all up to the parents. Were here to support what they need to do for their home districts, but the verification and policing is not up to us," said another school leader, Blaze Starkey, who has a bachelors degree in language arts.

Theresa Deckert, office administrator for the North Dakota Homeschool Association, said a parent wishing to home-school their child in North Dakota must fill out a document called a statement of intent and file it with the district in which they are residing, which, at the protest camp, means either Solen or Mandan.

Mandan Superintendent Mike Bitz said he's been in contact with the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction since August after learning about the school at the protest camp.

Here in Mandan is the home-school district for a lot of these kids," Bitz said, explaining anything north of Cannon Ball is his district.

Solen Superintendent Justin Freyer said the southern protest camp is in his school district. He said he's been working with DPI and has taken around 14 students from the camp to Solen schools.

Theyre in our district, and we just want to educate the kids," Freyer said.

Neither Bitz nor Freyer said they've received statements of intent from parents at the camp. Bitz said he reached out to the tribe and those at the camp offering to bring in children, but communication has been limited.

The frustrating part for us  and when I say us I mean, DPI, Mandan, Solen  we just want to work together, and we just want the kids to be in school," Bitz said. I just want to make sure these kids are getting an education. It can be public school and their school. They can do both."

Baesler and Deckert said those who fill out home-schooling documentation must be the one who do the educating. Deckert said, in other states, it's different, which is why she thinks there may be some confusion.

"Sometimes thats the problem when people come in from out-of-state; they assume it will be the same as their own state," Deckert said, noting Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem wrote a letter of opinion on this in 2007.

Dan Beasley, a staff attorney with the Home School Legal Defense Association, a nationwide advocacy organization that assists parents looking to home school, says North Dakota's law isn't exactly precise about who must provide the education.

Does the parent have to provide some education? Thats a separate question from does the parent have to provide all of the instruction?" said Beasley, adding he thinks the statute doesn't put any limitation on the parent utilizing other resources.

To Beasley, who works with the organization handling legal contacts in 13 different states, including North Dakota, the situation with the school at the protest camp is unheard of.

Its interesting," Beasley said. This could certainly be an educational opportunity for the children.

-- Lauren Donovan contributed to this article.
Donald Trump's gutter talk about women shows yet again that he is bad news. The problem is that Hillary Clinton is far worse.

Trump's talk is indefensible. But Hillary Clinton's actions as secretary of state, carrying out the Obama administration's foreign policies, have cost many lives in many places, including the American ambassador and others killed in Benghazi.

Women have a right to be offended by Trump's words. But women have suffered a far worse fate from Secretary Clinton's and President Barack Obama's actions. Pulling American troops out of Iraq, despite military advice to the contrary, led to the sudden rise of ISIS and their seizing of many women and young girls as sex slaves.

A message from one of these women urged the bombing of ISIS. She said she would rather be dead than live the life of a sex slave. Some women who tried to commit suicide and failed have been tortured for trying.

Meanwhile, Obama tried to downplay ISIS with flippant words, by calling them the junior varsity. His half-hearted, foot-dragging military response has allowed ISIS to parade before the world as triumphant conquerors, appealing to disgruntled people in Western countries to carry out terrorist attacks in support of their cause.

That is a lot worse than some stupid and gross words by Trump, which even he has had to repudiate. Make no mistake about it. Neither party has a good candidate for president. The choice is between bad and disastrous.

Are women more in danger from Trump's words or Hillary's actions? Are Americans in general more in danger from Trump's shallowness on issues or Hillary's ruthless grabs for money and power  a track record that goes all the way back to the days when Bill Clinton was governor of Arkansas?

Mrs. Clinton's own announced agenda attacks the very foundation of American constitutional government, on which Americans' own freedom depends. She has already said that she will appoint Supreme Court justices who will specifically overturn a recent Supreme Court decision, Citizens United v. FEC.

That decision said that both corporations and labor unions have freedom of speech, including the right to contribute money toward political campaigns.

Hillary Clinton's determination to pick judicial appointees on the basis of their willingness to overturn that decision is a more brazen extension of the political left's other attempts to stifle the free speech of those who oppose their agenda.

Demands that various advocacy organizations reveal the names of all their donors are an obvious attempt to scare off those donors, with harassment by everyone from vandals to rioters to the Internal Revenue Service and other government bureaucrats.

Without the right to free speech, none of the other rights is safe. Government officials can get away with all sorts of abuses, if others are not free to talk about those abuses.

Despite Clinton's claims to be a champion for black people, her political agenda threatens the education of black children, the employment of black adults and the physical safety of black communities.

Clinton is on the side of the teachers' unions that want to stop the expansion of charter schools, even though these are among the very few places where black children can get a quality education to prepare them for a better future. Here, as with other issues, her public statements are contradicted by her actions.

No law has done more damage to the employment prospects of young blacks than the federal minimum wage law. But nothing is easier, or more popular, than for some politician to raise the minimum wage  despite the fact that unemployment rates among black young people have skyrocketed to several times what they were before.

You don't get any wage at all when you are unemployed. And if you are young and unemployed, you don't get any job experience to help you rise up the ladder, when you don't get on the ladder.

As for safety in the black community, Clinton has allied herself with those who demonize the police. The net result has been a sharp increase in the number of blacks killed by other blacks, as criminal elements take control of the streets when the police are not allowed to.

Do you choose a president by talk  or by actions and consequences?
Most of the critical comments in the pressand almost all of the hostile insinuations from our politiciansabout the arrival of refugees from the Middle East have focused on the newcomers Islamic faith. The persistent question being asked is, What are the implications of a growth in the numbers of Muslims in our country? This might be a legitimate concern, but its obscuring immediate issues about the health of these refugees. That subject is either ignored or presented in hysterical terms.

While the New York Times hasnt published a single story this year on the health of refugees entering the United States, Breitbart.com regularly runs pieces on the subject with alarming headlines. Typical of the latter was a story from late May: Syrian refugees spreading flesh-eating disease, polio, measles, tuberculosis, hepatitis. To be fair to the author of that piece, the actual text of the story was factual and accurate, and part of the headline is correct. Many Syrian refugees may be entering the United States infected by a parasite that can cause a highly treatable but disfiguring skin disease called cutaneous leishmaniasis. The piece also rightly noted that there is little evidence that any refugees entering the country had or have polio.

For residents of New York City, afflictions affecting refugees are unlikely to have much immediate consequence. Thats because the federal agency coordinating refugee resettlement is bringing roughly 95 percent of refugees entering the state to locations outside the city. In addition, all refugees entering the country receive two medical screenings. One, which is intensive, is undertaken three to six months before arrival. A much briefer follow-up examination is done just before the refugee comes to our shores. This is consistent with traditional U.S. immigration policy. Authorities at Ellis Island routinely sent would-be entrants home if they showed signs of illness. Particularly concerned with tuberculosis and venereal disease, U.S. screeners sent 80,000 people back to their homelands for medical reasons between 1891 and 1930.

Many refugees now arriving in the United States are affected by potentially serious communicable ailments. Indeed, since at least 2001, health authorities in Minnesota have known that more than one-third of those in the state with active tuberculosis cases were Somali immigrants. This problem has existed among many other immigrant groups as well, according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, including patients from Ethiopia, Laos, Mexico, Vietnam, Mexico, Liberia and India. Thus, by 2014, 73 percent of tuberculosis cases in Minnesota affected the foreign-born, and approximately two-thirds of TB cases nationally are found among immigrants. Studies undertaken in the summer of 2014 showed rates of tuberculosis were three times as high among Syrians as Jordanians. While these levels have recently been declining, they are well above those found among native-born Americans. The infected may develop the disease later or act as carriers of the bacillus.

Measles has become endemic in Syria, and Syrians show high rates of infection with highly communicable hepatitis A. Refugees wishing to come to the United States must demonstrate that they have been immunized for these diseases. Of greater concern is the incidence of parasitic infections among refugees. Large numbers of immigrants from Syria test positive for parasites such as leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, and giardia. A study of Syrian refugees in Germany concluded that 22 percent of those examined had at least one parasitic infection, and this included 7 percent infected with giardia, which affects the bowels. In Syria alone there may be 100,000 people infected with leishmaniasis. Such parasites are quite rare in the United States. American doctors are unused to diagnosing and treating them.

There are other potential public health concerns related to accepting large numbers of refugees. In 12 Middle Eastern nations, more than one-fifth of all Islamic weddings take place between first cousins. The overall rate of marriage among first cousins in Syria is over 35 percent, and it approaches 40 percent in rural areas. This is leading to a perverse frequency of metabolic disorders, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, and blood diseases.

Regardless of their views of secularism, constitutionalism, or jihad, refugees entering the United States from the Middle East may be vulnerable to or carrying an array of potentially serious ailments. Thoughtful reporting on this aspect of the refugee debate is long overdue.

Photo by Erich Schlegel/Getty Images
After suggesting in March that President Ronald Reagan had taken action to help the gay community during the AIDS crisis, a campaigning Hillary Clinton found herself pilloried by gay activists and others certain that he had done nothing of the sort. They were mistaken. In dealing with AIDS, Reagan did what he so often did wellhe appointed people who shared his political convictions but could be relied on to make sound decisions based on apolitical facts and solid science. These appointees framed and announced such decisions in ways that would not result in politically polarizing effortsin this case, efforts to fight a disease that disproportionately afflicted the gay community.

To begin with, Reagan appointed Dr. C. Everett Koop as surgeon general. When Koop addressed the public about AIDS, he declared: This is a battle against the disease, not our fellow Americans. And as the Washington Post noted shortly after his death in 2013, Koop was an unsung hero and a pivotal figure who saved many lives by persuading key members of Congress to set aside their hostility to the gay community and focus on the broader threat that the contagious disease presented.

More important, both of the two Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioners Reagan appointed during his presidential tenure were doctors who made the right calls in leading the assault on AIDS. As the policies they implemented would demonstrate, both understood that doctors could play an invaluable role in getting the right drugs into patients to beat this dreadful new disease. This marked the beginning of an important learning process that has recently resurfaced. The future of molecular medicine now depends largely on our willingness to give todays doctors as much flexibility and responsibility as was given to doctors engaged in the early battle against AIDS.

The first report of patients suffering from what would be called AIDS appeared in June 1981, when the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported five cases, two fatal, of a rare form of fungal pneumonia that had struck young men living in Los Angeles. A month later, a second CDC report described clusters of Kaposis sarcomaa rare, aggressive form of skin cancer caused by a strain of herpes virus. At the time, no FDA-approved treatments existed for the viral infection itself, or for fungal pneumonia, Kaposis sarcoma, and many other obscure diseases on the long list of afflictions that assailed patients when their immune systems collapsed and bacteria, protozoa, and viruses invaded to feast on their brains, lungs, blood, liver, heart, bone marrow, guts, skin, and eyes. And it was unlikely that any would be approved soon.

The key clauses of the federal drug law had been put into place after the world learned a brutal lesson about drugs. A drug called thalidomide had been marketed in other countries as a gentle, effective sedative recommended for use by pregnant women suffering from morning sickness. But thalidomide, it turned out, had a diabolical power to stop a fetus from growing ears, arms, legs, and other body parts. The thousands of thalidomide babies born in Western Europe and elsewhere helped move major amendments to the federal drug law through Washington in late 1962.

One amendment specified that the FDA could approve a new drug only if substantial evidence of its efficacy had been obtained in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials. The trial protocols that the FDA subsequently developed required that a new drug demonstrate positive clinical effects, which meant conducting trials that couldnt be completed any faster than the targeted disease typically progressed to the point of causing clinical symptomsusually about five years, for HIV infections. The delays associated with conducting such large and long trials would have been a death sentence for many AIDS patients.

Alongside the drug companies, the most important players in the AIDS saga were the front-line doctors.

As the gravity of the AIDS threat became clear, the Reagan FDA began writing new rules that spelled out when significant parts of the old rules wouldnt be fully or rigorously enforced. By doing so, the agency accelerated patient access to desperately needed drugs. Pharmaceutical companies quickly began coming on board once new policies were in place that would speed up the approval of their drugs. In short order, the firms delivered a slew of powerful new drugs, using the new tools for designing precisely targeted drugs that were coming of age at that time. As the National Academy of Sciences later noted, the extraordinarily fast development of drugs that ended up in the cocktails now used to control HIV had a revolutionary effect on modern drug design.

Alongside the drug companies, the most important, if least celebrated, players in the AIDS saga were the front-line doctors, whoendangering their own lives as they handled sharp instruments while treating their infectious patientswere determined to save lives, one life at a time, using any drug they could obtain that they believed might help, regardless of what, if anything, had yet been done to get the drug approved by the FDA.

Some doctors had started down that road even before Washington first recognized that a new epidemic was under way. The CDCs 1981 cluster report, pointing a first official finger at the as-yet unnamed epidemic, described the treatment of five patients who had contracted the rare form of fungal pneumonia that infects about three out of every five AIDS patients. The first of the five had been treated with pentamidine, a drug developed 40 years earlier to treat Gambian sleeping sickness but never approved by the FDA. In the early 1970s, the CDC, which sometimes dispenses non-FDA-sanctioned drugs approved in other countries when a tropical disease lands in a U.S. hospital, had started supplying pentamidine to treat fungal pneumonia as well, apparently on the strength of a few reports from doctors using it to treat organ-transplant patients with immune systems deliberately suppressed by drugs.

Then there was the leprosy drug. The FDA hadnt approved it, either, but at some point in the mid-1970s, the Public Health Service (PHS) began making it available to U.S. doctors. Soon after AIDS surfaced, some patients concluded that the drug might help them, too, and, unable to get it from the PHS, they began organizing buyers clubs to smuggle it in from Brazil, where it had been approved. The drug was then used to treat oral and genital canker sores, wasting syndrome, and Kaposis sarcoma, and it had positive effects on all three of these AIDS-related disorders. When Washington threatened to prosecute, the clubs brazenly declared that they would keep doing business with Brazil until the federal government offered them a better deal. The FDA relented, quietly reaffirming its existing policy of not prosecuting patients who smuggled in foreign drugs for personal use. Not long after, the PHS began making the leprosy drug available to U.S. doctors to treat AIDS-related conditions.

The FDA transformed an ad-hoc process of dodging its own rules, one drug at a time, into a diverse set of modest, uncontroversial policies to bypass older rules. Under normal FDA procedures, the sponsor of a drug that is ready to undergo clinical trials is granted an investigational license that authorizes use of the drug under FDA-approved protocols in the tightly controlled treatment of a limited number of patients, with half the patients typically receiving a placebo. But the FDA has broad discretion, for compassionate or other reasons, not to enforce its rules or to authorize other federal agencies, hospitals, and even individual doctors to investigate unlicensed drugs far outside the bounds set by the agencys standard trial protocols.

The treatment-investigation policy was applied almost immediately in the fight against AIDS. Soon after AIDS surfaced, Washington began begging drug companies and researchers with virus-killing expertise to send in whatever they might have on the shelf for testing in the governments secure HIV labs. A biochemist at Burroughs Wellcome (today GlaxoSmithKline) sent a drug called zidovudine (AZT) to scientists at the National Cancer Institute and Duke University. In lab tests, the drug looked promising. A clinical trial of AZT was then launched, but had to be terminated prematurely when the placebos dead-patient ratio reached 19 to one against the drugs. Doctors cant ethically keep prescribing a placebo just to run up the score once it becomes clearto them, at leastthat the drug being tested works. The FDA immediately authorized a treatment protocol for broader use of AZT. More than 4,000 AIDS patients were treated with AZT before the FDA finalized its approval as the first AIDS drug, now sold under the brand name Retrovir, in 1987.

Collectively, the various regulatory loopholes that the FDA then went on to create or broaden allowed doctors to start treating patients with some drugs (typically ones licensed in other countries) before they had even entered the FDA licensing process, and other drugs before FDA-approved trials had assessed anything much beyond short-term safety issues (and sometimes not even that), and still others before the drug sponsor had completed the last phase of the FDAs standard, three-phase testing script. The FDA would start accepting off-script investigation just as soon as we have the information to make a reasonable judgment. For patients with immediately life-threatening conditions, that would typically mean as soon as the initial, short-term safety testing had been completed and some evidence of therapeutic benefit was obtained. Patients in merely serious trouble would have to wait longer, but not for final approval. The overarching objective was to let doctors treat as many patients as possible, as early as possible, with every promising drug available. The FDA conceded that the treatment-investigation approach was not primarily to gain information . . . but to treat certain seriously ill patients.

Alongside the CDC, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) emerged as the main designated dodger of the usual drug-approval process. In the late 1980s, NIAID began funding community-based AIDS researchstudies of not-yet-approved drugs in doctors offices, clinics, community hospitals, drug-addiction treatment centers, and other primary-care settings. One objective was to offer greater treatment access for groups of AIDS patients who had not always had full opportunity to participate in existing studies: intravenous drug users, blacks, Hispanics, women (including pregnant women, whose babies are at risk of being born with AIDS), and patients not living near major research facilities. A second objective was to catch up with medical scofflaws. Treat-and-learn programs could involve drugs or therapies currently in wide usewhether theyve been formally studied or not.

The first drug that NIAID began distributing was Neutrexin, for use in treating fungal pneumonia in AIDS patients who couldnt tolerate pentamidine. The FDA would license the drug five years later. A NIAID-sponsored consortium of 300 San Francisco doctors then established that by using a nebulizer to administer a monthly puff straight to the lungs, the drug worked prophylactically; the FDA expanded pentamidines license to cover that mode of delivery, too. The FDA acknowledged that the long-term risks of inhaling the drug were unknown and probably would never be investigated in the usual way. The San Francisco crowd had learned too much, the word had spread, and neither HIV-positive patients nor their doctors would be willing to participate in standard, placebo-controlled trials.

By 1995, the FDA had granted treat-and-learn licenses for 29 drugs, 24 of which eventually completed the standard FDA licensing process successfully.

The process of learning how or when to use the leprosy drug followed a different trajectory. It would end up bridging the old world of pharmacologyheavily reliant on guessworkand the new world of precision medicine, firmly anchored in molecular biological science.

The drugs utility in treating leprosy had been discovered in 1964 by Jacob Sheskin, an Israeli physician, after he admitted to his ward a frantic woman suffering from the excruciatingly painful eruptions that often develop in the later stages of the disease. In an attempt to calm her, he prescribed a leftover sedative that he found on his shelf. Overnight, to his astonishment, her skin lesions and mouth ulcers were dramatically reduced. Brazil began using the drug widely in 1965, and Sheskin conducted successful clinical trials in Venezuela, where leprosy was also common. But no one yet knew how the drug worked.

The drug, it turned out, didnt attack the leprosy bacterium; it alleviated symptoms that develop when the infection sends a patients immune system into overdrive. Gilla Kaplan, an immunologist at the Rockefeller University in New York, tracked the drugs mechanism of action to tumor necrosis factor (TNF), one of three intercellular signaling proteins that the drug suppresses. TNF plays important roles in the communication system that the body uses to fight germs as well as cancerous human cells. But when engaged in a losing battle, the body sometimes produces too much TNF, which can then cause painful lumps and lesions on the skin. TNF overloads can also cause wasting syndrome, a common condition in the late stages of AIDS.

Other indications that the leprosy drug was calming down patient immune systems were emerging at the same time, and AIDS doctors, knowing that their patients often developed autoimmune diseases, began prescribing the drug to treat other AIDS-related disorders. In 1990, French doctors reported that the drug had proved effective in treating painful oral and genital canker sores in 73 AIDS patients. In 1994, several teams reported that it had reversed wasting syndrome. Other doctors began looking for additional TNF-related problems and were soon investigating the drugs effects on various skin disorders and other inflammatory conditions, as well as autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

The PHS, which had begun making the drug available to U.S. doctors not long after other countries started using it to treat leprosy, extended that policy to AIDS-related conditions shortly after doctors first reported success in prescribing it to treat them. NIAID sponsored studies and trials to explore the drugs molecular and clinical effects, among them some conventional, placebo-controlled trials. In 1995, the FDA, in an action that set the stage for the most brazen dodging of its own rules yet, asked several companies to consider cashing in on a leprosy epidemic that wasnt sweeping across America. Celgene responded, and conducted a small study in the Philippines; the drug was quickly approved for sale in the United States in 1998but only to treat leprosy. As everyone knew would happen, sales boomed anyway, overwhelmingly to AIDS patients whose doctors prescribed it off-label. Thus, a drug that no one had ever expected to see again reappeared on the market.

The sedative that Sheskin had plucked off his shelf 40 years earlier was thalidomide.

By that point, AIDS patients had come to trust the judgments of the doctors treating them more than the FDAs. They had seen how doctors on the front lines had been willing cautiously to explore new uses of old drugs in treating AIDS-related disorders and had discovered effective new treatment options that saved many liveswhich may explain why some patients were dismayed when Washington legalized the use of thalidomide and, in an attempt to prevent its use by pregnant women, began closely tracking who was using it and for what purposes. Once the FDA approves a drug, the agency often exercises its authority to limit or forbid the promotion of off-label uses. We are concerned that removal of thalidomide from the buyers clubs will make it more difficult to explore new possible uses for the drug, one observer wrote in 1995. Official clinical research is usually years behind the leading front-line scientists, physicians, and patients.

Meanwhile, other doctors had discovered that thalidomide inhibits the development of healthy new blood vessels. To starve cancerous tumors, oncologists began adding the drug to some of their multidrug treatment therapies. The first reports of good results were published in 1999. A medical report describing the successful use of thalidomide in treating Kaposis sarcoma came out not long after Celgene secured the leprosy license, and, until overtaken by other drugs, thalidomide would play an important role in fighting that affliction in AIDS patients. In 2005, the FDA licensed thalidomide to treat a bone-marrow disorder that often causes severe anemia and leads to a form of leukemia in about a third of those patients. A 2006 license covers use in treating another blood and bone-marrow cancer that kills more than 10,000 Americans a year. Even before the license was issued, thalidomides annual salesstill, officially, exclusively as a leprosy drughad risen to $300 million.

Doctors today often do what other doctors did in the early battle against AIDSbut they do it much better, without resorting to trial and error. They search for an already-approved drug that targets a molecular pathway that drives one disease and, if precise modern diagnostic tools reveal that the same pathway is involved, prescribe it to treat a new patients different disease. The FDA has acknowledged that off-label uses or treatment regimens may be important and may even constitute a medically recognized standard of care.

Unfortunately, Reagans successors didnt see to it that FDA commissioners would continue to build on the treatment-investigation policies and start developing a new process in which the trials required to win approval of a drug are integrated into the process of treating patients. For its part, the Reagan FDA never seized the opportunity to have doctors systematically gather information on why the as-yet unapproved drugs that they were prescribing to AIDS patients performed well or badly.

The precision in precision medicine is obtained by working out how complex arrays of molecular factors, which often vary widely across patients, can drive a disease and affect its response to drugs designed to target one of the driver molecules. That usually means developing and analyzing very large databases that include a broad range of molecular and clinical information collected from large and diverse groups of patients. Over time, the patient-by-patient collection and analysis of both molecular and clinical effects enable medicine to zero in on the molecular factors (biomarkers) that define each biologically distinct form of a disease, along with other factors that can influence a drugs performance, such as those that affect how a drug is metabolized or interacts with the patients body to cause unwanted side effects. And because biology is endlessly variable and keeps changing, the study of how these factors will have such effects must, to remain complete, continue for as long as the drug is prescribed.

Clinical trial protocols that include procedures to start developing these databases, as well as the complementary analytical tools that identify biomarkers that affect the drugs safety and efficacy, take medicines ability to predict how a drug will perform in a patient far beyond what is learned from one-dimensional clinical trials and statistical correlations normally relied on by the FDA in the drug-approval process. The federal drug law directs the FDA to certify a drugs future safety and efficacy only insofar as the drug is used under the conditions of use prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the labeling thereof. The FDA-approved labels that currently accompany most drugs provide almost no scientific information to address conditions of use.

Because HIV mutates so fast, the importance of studying the disease itself, as well as patient responses to drugs prescribed to treat itand then monitoring and adjusting treatment protocolswas recognized early on. As of late 2011, the largest implementation of a precision HIV treatment strategyEuropes EuResist networkwas using data from 49,000 patients involving 130,000 treatment regimens associated with 1.2 million records of viral genetic sequences, viral loads, and white blood-cell counts. As described by its manager, the network is continuously updated with new data in order to improve the accuracy of the prediction system. In a study dubbed Engine Versus Experts, the IBM computer that manages the network and analyzes the data was presented with 25 case histories not already in its database; EuResist beat nine out of ten international experts in predicting how well the treatments had performed.

The first opportunity to begin systematically investigating how patient chemistry will affect a drugs performance comes in the clinical trials required to bring a new drug to market. The data-collection procedures needed to develop biomarker science, however, are not included in the FDAs standard trial protocols. Well-formulated adaptive trials, by contrast, conduct on-the-fly studies of molecular biomarkers that account for different patient responses and then develop and analyze databases. By doing so, these trials come up with precise scientific criteria for identifying patients who will respond well in the future. So far, the FDA has expressed little willingness to accept trials of this kind.

Experts in the field have suggested that, because of the limits that the standard trial protocols place on what the doctors involved in those trials may do, better information could be obtained by integrating the drug-approval process with the treatment of patients. On Propelling Innovation in Drug Discovery, Development, and Evaluation, a 2012 report by the Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, stated: Most trials . . . imperfectly represent and capture . . . the full diversity of patients with a disease or the full diversity of treatment results. Integrating clinical trial research into clinical care through innovative trial designs may provide important information about how specific drugs work in specific patients. The British government recently announced plans to integrate clinical treatment into drug-development efforts on a national scale. As described by life-sciences minister George Freeman: From being the adopters, purchasers and users of late-stage drugs, our hospital we see as being a fundamental part of the development process. The U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information has concluded that cancer research is . . . poorly served because of the many existing clinical trials from which we currently learn almost nothing. . . . It is transformative to consider the possibility of linking the efforts of physicians, researchers, and patients in advancing cancer research. . . . Increasingly, randomized trials will be forced to share the stage with innovative trials that deeply investigate cancer within individuals.

Powerful analytical tools now available, or under development, can use data networks to recommend treatments.

Here again, doctors and other experts have taken the initiative by embracing rapid learning health care, a term coined in 2007 by a group of health-care experts convened by the Institute of Medicine. In brief, the workshop participants proposed a process for continuously improving drug science using data that doctors collect in the course of treating patients, with a particular focus on groups of patients not usually included in drug-approval clinical trials. By 2008, as discussed in a recently published paper authored by two experts in the field, several major cancer centers had established networks for pooling and analyzing data collected by doctors in their regions. These systems are being used to identify new biomarkers, analyze multidrug therapies, conduct comparative effectiveness studies, recruit patients for clinical trials, and guide treatments. Several commercial vendors now offer precision oncology services.

As noted in the same paper, the powerful analytical tools and protocols now available, or under development, can use data networks to recommend treatmentsboth on-label and offthat would avoid unnecessary replication of either positive or negative experiments . . . [and] maximize the amount of information obtained from every encounterand thus allow every treatment to become a probe that simultaneously treats the patient and provides an opportunity to validate and refine the models on which the treatment decisions are based.

Oncologists often prescribe cancer drugs off-label, guided by matching what the drug was designed to target with what an analysis of the tumor reveals to be active in the patient. In such cases, the treating doctors are prescribing drugs without relying on the FDAs approval process, other than what was learned about the drugs safety and side effects in the original trials. The success that oncologists have had with this approach suggests a fundamental change in the drug-approval process that would, as in the battle against AIDS, accelerate the delivery of new drugs to treat patients, while establishing much stronger foundations for prescribing the drug safely and effectively to future patients.

Oncologists are leading the way because they must. Cancers are extremely complex and endlessly variable diseases, the treatment of which is the epitome of personal medicine. But numerous studies have revealed that at the molecular level, many common disorderscommon as conventionally defined by their clinical symptomsare, in fact, clusters of biochemically distinct disorders. So the rapid learning process need not be confined to cancer patients. Other diseases can be equally lethal, and many other patients would benefit from drug-approval protocols centered on allowing skilled doctors to use the new drug to treat them and collect data to develop the foundations of high-precision prescription protocols. Ideally, the comprehensive analysis of how the patient-side chemistry can affect a drugs performance will lead to a large database that grows as more patients are treated with the drug and as doctors keep gathering molecular and clinical data from each patient.

By failing to develop the best molecular science for identifying the conditions in which a new drug performs well, existing clinical trial protocols increase the likelihood that a drug that helps some patient cohorts involved in the trial will be rejected because it doesnt perform well in others whose chemistry interacts badly with the drug. In well-formulated adaptive trials, the trial converges on patients who respond well and develops scientific criteria for determining which patients will respond well in the futurebefore the drug is prescribed. The new drug that would otherwise have been rejected gets approved because criteria for prescribing it to patients who will respond well are progressively developed during the trial.

Adaptive trials are much more efficientthey can obtain statistically robust results even when they involve fewer patients. They cost less and are more likely to culminate in the approval of the drug. Smaller adaptive trials can be shorter than conventional trialsmany years shorter, by at least one estimate. These differences almost certainly mean that lower prices will follow because current clinical trials account for an estimated 50 percent or more of drug-development costs.

Faster trials, when successful, mean earlier patient access to new, potentially lifesaving drugs. They can thus address the increasingly vocal right to try demands from patients suffering from serious diseases who desperately want immediate access to any drug that might help. With serious diseases, earlier access can have an enormous effect. A recent study conducted by a team of U.S. and Canadian researchers of the clinical trials of drugs that targeted incurable cancers, published in 20002015, found that the median range of the time elapsed between drug discovery and approval was 12 years and calculated that in North America, the approval delays cost more than 240,000 life years. Taking into account lives saved by the additional safety-related information obtained in longer trials reduced the losses by about 0.0010.002 percent.

Critics of proposals that drugs should be prescribed to patients without first convincing the FDA that they are safe and effective often insist that this means using patients as guinea pigs. But conventional clinical trial protocols already do so. Doctors do so again when they prescribe drugs off-label. The debate cant be about whether patients should be involved, because they must be. Its about whether we learn as much as possible when they are involved. The unethical option is to cling to outdated drug trial protocols.

The Reagan FDA demonstrated that it is possible to find substantial numbers of doctors with the skills to prescribe drugs effectively, even when those drugs havent first been evaluated in lengthy FDA-choreographed trials. The tools of precision medicine greatly extend what doctors can do and learn in the course of treating patients. Given the authority to collect data from consenting patients, doctors participating in todays rapid-learning implementation of treatment-investigation can do much more than treat and save lives sooner. The databases that they build and the analytic engines that get developed to pluck information from the databases will guide the precise prescription of the drugs to future patients, helping to save lives for decades to come.

Top Photo: Activists, like those pictured here, have long claimed that the Reagan administration didnt do enough to fight AIDS. (LEE SNIDER/THE IMAGE WORKS)
Vice co-founder Shane Smiths interview with John Boehner, which aired last Tuesday on Vice News Tonight, opens with b-roll footage of the former House Speaker mowing his lawn, then pensively smoking a cigarette as he peers into the distance. Its the portrait of a suburban dad in retirement. It also serves as a reminder of the onetime tagline of Vices weekly HBO program, an ethos it now hopes to adapt to a daily format: The world is changing.

The corollary to that statementAnd what does it all mean?is one of Vices implicit editorial missions with its new show. That is, at least if Smiths line of questioning is any indication. Boehner begins the interview by scoffing at those seeking his political analysis as an elder statesman: People think that I can explain this to them? Ha! But Smith will not be denied.

When Boehner mentions Bernie Sanderss popularity, Smith responds, Why did that happen, though?

On the longtime congressmans support of Donald Trump, despite the candidate not being conservative: What does that mean?

When Boehner adds that the US is not in a sane electoral cycle: What cycle are we in now? And then, seconds later: And whats going to happen?

A final attempt, after Boehner throws his hands up over what the hell has happened to American politics: And what did happen?

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No one knows yetand certainly not Vice News Tonight viewers after watching the segment. But hey: We got to see Boehner in his element, first wearing above-the-knee shorts, then popping a bottle of red wine and grunting, There you go. It was also oddly satisfying to watch a former Republican leader, unshackled from day-to-day politics, stare into the camera and unapologetically explain his support for Trump.

The scene gets to the essence of Vice News Tonight: At times shallow or rife with cliche, it is ultimately satisfying. The journalism is not groundbreaking. But like the companys other offerings, the weeknight HBO program presents more compelling storytelling than many of its competitors. If that stylized interpretation of news ultimately draws more interest to current events, then it will ultimately be a worthwhile addition to a media and public all grappling with the same set of perplexing questions.

Related: Vice shows how not to treat freelancers

Addition is a key word here. Nightly news and cable shows present themselves as comprehensive reports: A well-coiffed suit sits behind a desk and authoritatively directs traffic between segments. Its a model meant to convey what you need to know when you arrive home from work each evening. Vice News Tonight is not that, and it shouldnt try to be.

The HBO show is a decentralized program with no host, just a verbal narrator. Each episode begins with a quick-hit rundown of global events and a then a handful of feature-y snapshots of the world, strung together with slick graphics and music.

The form not only relinquishes the institutional Voice of God that younger audiences seem more likely to distrust, but also suggests an understanding of how such viewers are likely to tune in. Theyve already been following the news of the day, all day; Vice News Tonight is a tasty supplement, fit for winding down at the end of the night, binging on weekends, or periodically tuning in for 25-or-so minutes of nonfiction video. Indeed, it is already an exceedingly watchable program.

The only wrinkle is that Vice News must compress its trademark gonzo-lite reporting into segments usually lasting five minutes or less. The first week saw Vice correspondents watching the second presidential debate with Glenn Beck; following a Filipino photographer documenting anti-drug crackdowns under the countrys new regime; visiting a Vermont town where the debate over Syrian refugees has become a major issue; embedding with fighters in Ukraine; and reflecting with Afghan villagers on the past 15 years of American nation-building. Even when such stories failed to offer new information or analysiswhich was oftenthey did add value with Vices characteristically sleek visuals and high production value.

The program is at its best when it stays true to the companys smashmouth instincts. A feature on prison strikes in Alabama featured an inmate interviewed on a contraband phone. A quick hit on Desert Tripessentially a Lollapalooza for Baby Boomersdescribed the festival as a resounding success for anyone still nostalgic for a time when white dudes enjoyed a near-monopolistic domination of pop culture. On Thursday, the show even attempted to make an objectively boring subject, the North Carolina state board of elections, appear interesting by highlighting awkward interactions between local officials of opposing parties. Find me a journalist who can fault Vice for this attempt at the impossible.

There are some downsides to the shows format, as there are with Vices presentation in general. First-person reporting naturally limits the scope of individual stories, and that effect is only amplified in visual media. The production style also lends subjects a sort of Brooklyn chic. Take its profile of Breitbart writer and alt-right provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos. Though the piece gives many examples of why Yiannopoulos is the worlds biggest assholewheres PolitiFact when you need it?its framing ultimately rewards him with a veneer of humor and charisma.

Related: Vice sends memo in response to CJR freelancer report

A reliance on features also raises practical and philosophical questions for a daily news program. The Wednesday show, shorter than its counterparts at just over 20 minutes long, included a nearly four-minute recounting of how legendary rock promoter Shep Gordon, whos out with a new book, branded Alice Coopers music in the 70s. Thats certainly a Vice story, though why it was on the nightly HBO program is less clear.

No one needs another nightly video recap of current events, though some connection to the news is of course necessary to accomplish its editorial mission. Vice largely succeeded in finding that balance over its first week on HBO. The larger question it faces going forward is not whether it can maintain that balance to show viewers how the world is changing, but whether it can go a step beyond and explain what that change means.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

David Uberti is a writer in New York. He was previously a media reporter for Gizmodo Media Group and a staff writer for CJR. Follow him on Twitter @DavidUberti.
Lawmakers from the New York and New Jersey region and beyond want the federal government to step in to help address safety concerns at New Jersey Transit in the wake of last months deadly train crash in Hoboken.

New Jerseys congressional delegation sent a letter Friday to U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx asking the government to fulfill the transit agencys $10 million request to help it install the GPS-based positive train control system. The transit agency said in a filing in June that it hasnt made any additional progress on installing the system while approaching a December 2018 deadline.

Foxx said at a news conference in New York that he wasnt ready to commit to the $10 million, but that the government believes very strongly in positive train control.

We think it is a lifesaver, Foxx said. But we have a process that we have to go through. I cant make that commitment right this second.

The crash and other safety concerns  including an Associated Press analysis this week showing NJ Transit had more accidents than any other commuter railroad in the country in the past five years  has raised criticism of the transit agency. State lawmakers in New Jersey are preparing to launch an investigation into safety and financial issues.

Three Democrats on the U.S. House transportation and infrastructure committee also sent a letter to Foxx on Friday raising concerns regarding the Hoboken crash and what it describes as New Jerseys blatant neglect of New Jersey Transit infrastructure and trains.

The Democrats, including Rep. Albio Sires from New Jersey, requested details from an ongoing Federal Railroad Administration audit that has not been released publicly.

At some point there is no excuse. And I find it inexcusable when there are 100,000 lives riding every day on New Jersey Transit lines, that we dont have the top safety record  the record at one time we did have  thats what we need to aspire to, not less, Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, of New Jersey, said at the news conference.

The Democratic leaders of New Jerseys Legislature announced that they will conduct a joint investigation into the agency and safety concerns.

Senate President Steve Sweeney and oversight committee chairman Sen. Bob Gordon cast the Hoboken train crash as a catalyst to dive deeper into NJ Transits woes. In particular, they say, theyre concerned about underfunding of the agencys capital budget and the delay in implementing automatic train control technology.

Investigators say positive train control is one of the things theyre looking at in their review of the Sept. 29 crash, in which a train was traveling more than double the speed limit before crashing into the station, killing a woman standing on the platform and injuring more than 100.

State Department of Transportation Chairman Richard Hammer, who chairs NJ Transits board, on Thursday gave newly appointed executive Steven Santoro 30 days to issue a report on the agencys progress toward implementing the technology.

The engineer on the Hoboken train hit the emergency brake when the train hit 21 mph, seconds before crashing into and then over a bumping post. Investigators are looking into whether the alert system kicked in. Its unclear whether it would have slowed the train in time.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the throttle on the train went from idle to the fourth position, about half-power, 38 seconds before impact, and the speed increased to 21 mph. The throttle went back to idle and the engineer hit the emergency brake about a second before hitting the bumper.

A crash at Hoboken Terminal in 1985 with a train hitting the bumper at 10 mph caused considerably less damage than last months, with images from the time showing a buckled concrete platform and a few toppled gates. That crash injured 54 people, but no one was killed.

The railroad industry has said installing positive-train control technology would be impractical and cumbersome, given the high volume of trains arriving and departing at what is normally a low speed and the multitude of signals and other infrastructure already in place.

Although low-speed collisions do occasionally occur in these environments, the consequences are low; and the rate of occurrence is very low in relation to the exposure, the FRA stated in a 2010 regulatory filing on positive train control.

New Jersey Transit said Friday it would restore full service to the Hoboken Terminal on Monday morning, although two tracks will remain closed for repairs.

(Balsamo reported from New York. Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak in New York, and David Porter in Newark contributed to this report.)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Airline passengers who try to carry Samsung Electronics Co. Note 7 smartphones on flights will have them confiscated and may face fines under an emergency U.S. order that significantly expands restrictions on the devices linked to almost 100 incidents of overheating and fires.

The devices wont be allowed aboard passenger or cargo aircraft even if theyve been shut off, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration announced Friday. Flight restrictions will be extended to each of the 1.9 million Note 7s sold in the U.S. starting at noon New York time on Saturday.

We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement. We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident in flight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.

Samsung on Tuesday said it was halting production and sales of the device following the latest spate of smoke, overheating and fire incidents in what was supposed to be a version that replaced a faulty lithium-ion battery with a safe one. The company estimates the crisis will cost it $5.3 billion in profits.

Criminal Prosecution

The government urged passengers not to side-step the order. Passengers who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident, the DOT said in a release. Anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines.

People in the midst of travel who have the phones were urged by the government to contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to arrange for a replacement phone.

The government now considers the Note 7s forbidden hazardous material under U.S. law. Anyone observed with one of the phones will be prohibited from boarding an aircraft, the release said.

Airlines and an industry trade group were notified of the impending ban by the FAA on Friday.

CPSC Recall

Samsung is working with U.S. officials and airlines to notify owners of the phone about the emergency order, SungIn Cho, a spokeswoman for Samsung Electronics America, said in an e-mail.

We have encouraged airlines to issue similar communications directly to their passengers, Cho said. We realize this is an inconvenience but your safety has to remain our top priority.

The action by aviation regulators follows the Consumer Product Safety Commissions announcement on Thursday it was almost doubling the number of Note 7 phones covered under a U.S. government-sanctioned recall. The consumer agency has received 96 reports of overheating batteries in the U.S., including 23 since the first recall was announced on Sept. 15.

At least 13 people reported being burned by the devices and in 47 cases there was damage to property, according to the consumer agency.

American Airlines

Consumer agency Chairman Elliot Kaye on Friday also renewed calls to consumers to take advantage of the recall.

The fire hazard with the original Note 7 and with the replacement Note 7 is simply too great for anyone to risk it and not respond to this official recall, Kaye said in the Transportation Department statement. I would like to remind consumers once again to take advantage of the remedies offered, including a full refund. Its the right thing to do and the safest thing to do.

For passengers who arrive at the airport with a Note 7, and cant return it to their car or hand it to someone not flying, American Airlines will place the device in an area for storage of hazardous materials. The person can reclaim it after the trip, said Ross Feinstein, a spokesman for the carrier.

The airline also is updating announcements for passengers checking baggage, before clearing security, at airport gates and on board planes about the ban, he said.

Aviation regulators in September ordered passengers and airline crews to power off any recalled Note 7s that were carried aboard flights and forbid the devices from being charged. The Note 7s were also prohibited from checked bags.

The expanded action completely bans the devices from all airline flights and applies to all smartphones covered by the latest recall.

Cargo Carriers

FedEx Corp. and United Parcel Service Inc., two major delivery services in the U.S., had already said they wouldnt ship the phones via planes, restricting them to ground vehicles. The devices also have to be packed in special boxes designed to safely house recalled batteries.

Delta Air Lines Inc. is adding special containment bags for phones or other electronic devices that overheat or catch fire to at least some of its aircraft, the carrier said on a conference call Thursday. Southwest Airlines Co. is in the process of selecting a vendor for similar bags and hopes to have them on its planes in early 2017, spokeswoman Lori Crabtree said Friday.

A number of foreign-based airlines adopted the U.S. ban on Saturday, including Sydney-based Qantas Airways Ltd., Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. and Rome-based Alitalia.

Lithium-based batteries power millions of devices, from smartphones and laptops to power tools. They hold enough energy to create heat and sparks if they fail, which can ignite the highly flammable chemicals inside.

The initial wave of Note 7 failures were linked to batteries made by one of two suppliers to Samsung. The cells had been squeezed into a container pouch so tightly that when they were installed in the phones they became pinched, damaging the interior. That led to short circuits that triggered the failures, Kaye said in September.

More recent incidents involving replacement phones containing batteries built by a second manufacturer appear to result from a different flaw, a person familiar with discussions between government agencies and Samsung told Bloomberg.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.
Arkansas Supreme Court said Thursday that voters wont be able to consider award limits in medical liability cases because the language outlining the plan on the November ballot doesnt fully describe what the proposal would do.

Ballots have already been printed, so the court directed that no votes be counted on the proposal. Under the plans provisions, legislators would have been allowed to cap non-economic damages against health care providers for medical injuries at a minimum of $250,000.

Proposal supporters argued that the limits were needed to control health care costs. But in a unanimous decision, the court said the proposals supporters never said what non-economic damages meant and ruled that it would be wrong to ask voters to take a stab at a definition.

We have disapproved the use of terms that are technical and not readily understood by voters, such that voters would be placed in a position of either having to be an expert in the subject or having to guess as to the effect his or her vote would have, Justice Paul E. Danielson wrote in the ruling.

The court noted that most voters dont explore ballot issues until immediately before voting. Justices reasoned that a voter wouldnt be able to reach an intelligent and informed decision with only the language placed before them.

The court gave the proposals supporters five working days to request a rehearing before its order becomes final.

The measure had been placed on the ballot by petition. A special master appointed by the court raised questions about the signature-gathering process, but justices concentrated on the language and didnt decide questions about the petition.

Danielson also said that while the attorney generals office had approved the language, the court wasnt required to follow along.

Two lawsuits were filed against the proposal. Justices ruled in both of them Thursday, citing the same reason in both.

Early voting begins in Arkansas on Oct. 24.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Waist-deep floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew coursed down the street in Pooler and seeped under Lori Galemores doors, swamping the carpets and furniture as she and her three sons retreated upstairs, where they stayed until firefighters arrived by boat.

Galemore and her neighbors in Pooler, a community about 35 miles inland from the evacuated Georgia coast, were deluged not by seawater driven ashore by the hurricane, but by rain and runoff that overwhelmed a drainage ditch at the end of their cul-de-sac.

Everybody said, `Youre not in a flood plain. You dont need flood insurance, Galemore said Wednesday as her husband and sons threw out soggy furniture, waterlogged books, towels and blankets and wet chunks of drywall. And flood insurance is expensive. Who wants to pay that?

Galemores story is all too common. Many Americans dont have flood insurance, some because they dont want to pay for it, some because they dont see the need for it.

Even in high-risk flood zones where homes are required to have such coverage, the compliance rate nationally was only 53 percent as of 2015, according to the governments National Flood Insurance Program.

Industry officials say it is a troubling situation, especially since the risk of flooding appears to be on the rise.

We seem to be having more and more flooding events, be it climate change or other things. Were seeing areas that are experiencing flooding events that may not have experienced them in the past, said Cynthia DiVincenti, a vice president at Aon National Flood Services.

Ordinary homeowner insurance typically covers wind damage  torn-off roofs, fallen trees  but not flooding. Banks require homes in high-risk flood zones to buy flood insurance, but even then the percentage of properties that are covered is well short of 100 percent. It was 57 percent in Florida, 72 percent in South Carolina and 81 percent in Louisiana, the National Flood Insurance Program reported.

Worse, lots of flooding takes place outside those designated hazard areas. That was the case when heavy storms flooded parts of South Carolina last year and an unnamed storm recently inundated the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, area. The damage in Baton Rouge was put at $660 million, and most people there had no flood insurance.

Flooding is the most common and costly disaster we see in the United States, said Federal Emergency Management Agency spokesman Rafael Lemaitre. Flood claims have averaged more than $1.9 billion per year since 2006, according to federal officials.

Flood insurance in low- to moderate-risk areas averages $400 to $600 a year, according to FEMA. FEMA, through the National Flood Insurance Program, offers flood insurance because its generally not profitable for private insurers to sell it.

Matthew sideswiped Florida and Georgia last week before blowing ashore briefly in South Carolina and unloading more than a foot of rain on North Carolina, where it triggered disastrous flooding. The U.S. death toll is well over 30.

Walter Cokers fish camp on the Matanzas River in Crescent Beach, Florida, was inundated. The 4-foot surge destroyed a warehouse on the property where he stores furniture imported from Indonesia. The boat slips he rents out were torn apart, with the huge wooden pilings used to hold the docks jerked out of the river bottom. Floodwaters inundated his bait and tackle shop, ruining the coolers that hold bait and beer.

Coker didnt have flood insurance.

I did look into it. It wouldve been very expensive, he said. Its one of those things you dont buy it on something you dont think will happen.

The floodwaters were waist-high inside Kathy Fingers elegant two-story brick home with crystal chandeliers in Nichols, South Carolina. Now she is unsure how to proceed without flood insurance.

I wouldnt imagine that hardly anyone had it, the 67-year-old said of her town near the Lumber River. The river had never overflowed before, and no one had any reason to fear it would, she said.

Homeowners without flood insurance may qualify for federal grants for shelter and food, but those are typically small sums and arent meant to replace all losses. Homeowners can also apply for low-interest disaster loans, which must be repaid.

Paul Mueller estimated his Pooler home has up to $80,000 worth of damage from the foot of water in his house. Like his neighbors, Mueller doesnt have flood insurance either.

Were all in the same boat here, he said. If we had trees to come down on our houses, wed have been covered. Thats the sad truth.

(Kennedy reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Associated Press writers Jason Dearen in Crescent Beach, Florida, and Meg Kinnard in Nichols, South Carolina, also contributed to this story.)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron husband and wife held a burglary suspect at gunpoint until officers arrived to arrest him, police said.

DeJuan McCraney, 38, of Akron, is charged with aggravated burglary and having weapons while under disability in the Sunday incident at a house on Cordova Avenue.

The 61-year-old husband and 43-year-old wife had been asleep in their bedroom when they heard a noise. The couple believed a family member had arrived home and ignored it until McCraney entered their bedroom, police said.

The husband and wife grabbed guns they kept in the house and forced McCraney to stay put as they called 911.

Officers searched the house and found a loaded 9 mm handgun inside a jacket that had been left on the couch. Investigators said McCraney brought the jacket with him.

McCraney's criminal history includes a 2001 conviction for attempted murder. A Summit County judge sentenced him to nine years in prison, court records show.

No other details from that case were immediately available.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Monday's crime and courts comments section.
Our economy, despite being more diverse than ever, is still largely commodity based: agriculture and oil. When global events impact the value of these commodities negatively, North Dakota finds herself with less income and in difficult economic straits. And that is where we find ourselves today.

Passing Measure 2 will allow the Legislature to access the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund. The FASF was passed by voters in 1994 to bring stability to K-12 funding. Prior to its implementation, our school districts would frequently experience uncertainty of funding during tough economic stretches. A yes vote on Measure 2 will ensure that North Dakota's schools and the students and communities they serve will not have to relive those bad old days.

North Dakota United and our partners at the N.D. Council of Education Leaders, the Greater North Dakota Chamber, the N.D. Farmers Union, and the N.D. AFL-CIO are strongly recommending a yes vote on Measure 2. But we want all voters to understand the facts prior to casting their votes. So here they are:

1. Passing Measure 2 will not result in a raid on the FASF. By the time the Legislature meets on Jan. 3, 2017, the FASF will contain over $600 million. Measure 2 mandates that 15 percent of general fund expenditures for education, based on current funding levels, would have to remain in the fund as a safety net. What that means is that, based on current funding, nearly $300 million would have to stay in the fund.

2. The claim that the language of Measure 2 is so broad that the Legislature will raid the FASF and spend it on things unrelated to K-12 education is unfounded. During the special session of the Legislature, we met with the governor and legislative leaders and received assurances that legislation would be introduced that clearly defines the parameters of "education-related spending." That legislation will state unequivocally that this money will be used only for K-12 education.

3. In the two instances when the FASF has been tapped, for $5.5 million in 2002 and for $120 million in 2016, the fund has been replenished. This is so because the FASF collects 10 percent of the Oil Extraction Tax each month. The Oil Extraction Tax deposits into the FASF this year amounted to $150 million, which was more than enough to replenish the $120 million utilized this year to bridge the K-12 funding gap.

4. If Measure 2 fails to pass, K-12 education will indeed be impacted. Opponents of Measure 2 have said that there is nothing to worry about because the Legislature will always fund education. What they do not say is how. The N.D. Department of Public Instruction's enrollment projections indicate that to maintain current funding levels for K-12 education necessitates an increase of $164 million. If Measure 2 does not pass, then there are only two other options available: lowering foundation aid payments to our schools, which will result in fewer services and teachers, or increase property taxes to maintain current funding levels. For some school districts, the latter option does not exist because they already levy at the maximum allowed by law.

North Dakotans have an important decision to make on Nov. 8 about their schools. Will we take appropriate and responsible action to utilize what would otherwise be a very large stranded asset? Or will we be like the beggar sitting on a pile of gold, willing to deny our schools the funding they need to continue to provide great public schools for every child in North Dakota? Please join us in voting yes on Measure 2.
Nathan & Patty Bassett DSC07159 (1).JPG

Nathan Bassett and his wife, Martha (Patty) Bassett, share their life stories with visitors during a cemetery tour on Oct. 16.

(Carol Kovach/special to cleveland.com)

BAY VILLAGE, Ohio - For more than 200 years, a 1/2-acre parcel of lakefront land on what is now Lake Road has served as a cemetery. The first burials were Rebecca Johnson Porter and her infant son, David, who drowned in April 1814 when returning by boat from a trip to Cleveland.

Two cemetery visitors stop at the graves of Rebecca Porter and her infant son, David, the first two people buried at Lakeside Cemetery.

According to local history, Porter's sister, Sarah Osborn, and her husband, Reuben, were devastated by the deaths and donated a portion of their land next to Rebecca's house for a public cemetery. Now known as Lakeside Cemetery, it is the final resting place for more than 270 people, including many of the earliest settlers of Dover Township (Bay Village, Westlake and part of North Olmsted). The first settlers, Joseph and Lydia Cahoon and their eight children, arrived the morning of Oct. 10, 1810. That afternoon, Asahel Porter and his brother-in-law, Reuben Osborn arrived.

Cathy Burke Flament, a longtime Bay Village resident and member of Bay Village Historical Society, wrote a nearly 400-page book about the cemetery, "Retracing Footsteps," which is a compilation of family notes, newspaper articles, letters, historical sketches, recipes, vital records, two autobiographies and more. Flament said it took more than a decade to research and write the book.

Stories from her book, as well as other local history, provided a basis for historical interpretations and portrayals of several people who are buried at Lakeside Cemetery during the third annual Lakeside Cemetery Tour on Oct. 16. Ida Maria Cahoon, Emma Darby, Nathan Bassett and his wife, Martha (Patty) Hall Bassett, Caleb Eddy, his wife, Margaret Smith Griswold Eddy, and George Pickering, were featured on this year's tour. Actors from Bay Village Community Theater portrayed the early settlers. Costumes for the re-enactors were provided by Clague Playhouse in Westlake.

Catherine Burke Flament of the Bay Village Historical Society, displays "Retracing Footsteps," a book she wrote detailing the history of Lakeside Cemetery in Bay Village and those who are buried there.

Ida Maria Cahoon, March 17, 1852 to Nov. 28, 1917, talked about living at Rose Hill, the Cahoon family home, in what is now Cahoon Memorial Park, across the street and just east of the cemetery. She and her three sisters, all school teachers in Cleveland, never married.

"We had some wonderful times in that house. It was a fine house," she recalled. "As the youngest and the last survivor, the family property passed to me. I was pleased to deed it to the city." Cahoon said her will stipulates that no recreational activity can take place at Cahoon Park. She said the will also includes a provision that Lakeside Cemetery is not to be moved.

Caleb Eddy, Sept. 25, 1791 to May 21, 1869, talked about life in the early days of Dover Township. He outlived his first wife and married widow Margaret Smith Griswold Eddy, May 12, 1802 to May 25, 1869.

It was a marriage of convenience, but Mrs. Eddy said, "We lived happily for 19 years until a fever hit the township. Caleb took sick and I nursed him until his death. Four days later, I died from a fever."

Nathan Bassett, June 29, 1785 to March 30, 1842, and his wife, Martha (Patty) Hall Bassett, Feb. 20, 1790 to July 10, 1835, were the parents of the first white child born in the township, daughter Vesta, born in 1812. They had seven daughters. Bassett, a beekeeper and furniture maker, made a crib for the baby that remains in the Bassett family. He was struck by lightning during a rain storm while standing in the doorway of his barn.

Ida Maria Cahoon stands in the family burial plot next to the memorial for her parents, aunt and uncle.

George Pickering, Oct. 1, 1858 to May 2, 1914, is buried in the northern part of the cemetery. A native of Canada, Pickering moved to the United States at age 26, became a citizen and settled in Dover Township, where he grew grapes. He also worked in Cleveland as a machinist. He did not return from a fishing trip with friends. His body was found a short time later. The cause of death was listed as accidental drowning.

The last person portrayed was Emma Darby, Aug, 12, 1877 to May 2, 1957. Raised in Berlin Heights in a farming family, Darby answered a newspaper ad at age 16 and spent more than 50 years as a companion and housekeeper for Augusta Hinz in Avon Lake. She also cared for the Hinz children. Her devotion led to the family providing a grave for her in their plot at Lakeside Cemetery.

The cemetery tour is dedicated to Ed and B.J. Schwartz, who lived across from the cemetery for 38 years. B.J. spearheaded the committee to replace the cemetery fence. The couple died within a month of each other in 2014.

For more information on the cemetery or Bay Village history, visit bayhistorical.com.
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This week's taste: Three Pinot Noirs from New Zealand: Giesen, Kim Crawford and Matua.

(Marc Bona, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - We head to New Zealand for this week's Wine Buy. The wines have different prices and three vintages, but are the same varietal - Pinot Noir.

Marlborough is a region in the Pacific island nation. There are two probables when you buy a bottle of wine from New Zealand: First, it's almost certain to have a screw cap - the wineries have been huge proponents of that for years. And there's a good chance it will come from Marlborough.

The nation is actually two main islands, and Marlborough sits on the northern tip of the southern island. While the nation a might be associated mostly with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir is one of the grapes grown, and the varietal tends to be fruity from this region.

Giesen.

Giesen

Origin: Marlborough.

There's a wonderful creaminess to this extremely smooth Pinot. A little cocoa comes out. It's a rich-tasting wine. It's difficult to find a Pinot from anywhere under $20, and good ones often exceed $25.

Info: $30, screw cap, giesen.co.nz, 2013.

Kim Crawford.

Kim Crawford

Origin: South Island.

Tart cherry and a little vanilla come across this wine, with moderate tannins showing for a Pinot Noir. The finish dissipates fairly quickly, but it's a pleasant sipper. Grapes come from Marlborough and Central Otago, a region on the southern end of the south island.

Info: $19, screw cap, kimcrawford.com, 2015.

Matua.

Matua

Origin: Marlborough.

Like the Kim Crawford, a tartness emerges here amid notes of cranberry, cherry and raspberry. Overall on the thin side, but a bit of breathing time helped this wine.

Info: $16, screw cap, matua.co.nz, 2014.

My pick: Giesen. The most expensive wine doesn't always win out among our tasting-panel sippers, but with Pinot it often does.

Marc Bona reviews and writes about wine for cleveland.com. Wines reviewed should be readily available in Northeast Ohio. Email him with news of any upcoming wine-related events.
Regarding Two ballot measures to cost millions if implemented.

If voters approve Measure 5, North Dakota will be the 26th state enacting a compassionate, workable medical marijuana law. Half the U.S. population lives where medical marijuana is legal so there is significant data about the impact.

No states medical marijuana laws have been repealed. Well crafted programs such as Measure 5, help suffering patients without creating problems. And they do so at either no cost to the state or even result in a surplus.

Deputy Health Officer Arvy Smith claimed Measure 5 start up costs would be $1 million to $2.4 million and $7.35 million over the next two years. This estimate make several inaccurate assumptions.

Smith claims to need 32 new employees and 15 new full-time BCI officers. There is no evidence any other state hired additional officers for medical marijuana programs.

Rhode Island has 500,000 more people than North Dakota, no additional staffers were hired. Existing health department employees absorbed the extra work. Michigan is 10 times larger and hired 16 full-time and seven part-time employees. Far less than the North Dakota estimate.

Smith concedes that the fees would raise about $4.85 million, covering the cost of the program. In 2014, New Mexicos program, (twice North Dakotas population) cost $780,000 but revenue was $1.45 million. States that have implemented regulated medical marijuana programs find it pays for itself and usually results in a surplus.

Medical cannabis programs actually save states money by reducing law enforcement resources used arresting patients. They can lower a states healthcare costs by replacing/reducing expensive prescriptions, helping reduce opioid addiction costs and overdose deaths. Measure 5 can help thousands of North Dakota patients including my son who suffers from severe epilepsy. Patients should be the focus of this debate.

Measure 5 is a vote for compassion.
Brexit hurt short-term returns at Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, but it hasn't changed U.K. investment plans, said Andrew Claerhout, the fund's senior vice president of infrastructure and natural resources.



"A 100 percent of our liabilities are Canadian-dollar denominated. So as the pound is dropping precipitously, that has hurt our short term performance in Canadian dollars," Claerhout told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Monday.

The fund, which is Canada's largest pension plan, had $171.4 billion in net assets at the end of 2015, with more than $15 billion in infrastructure assets.

In the wake of the late June referendum vote to exit the European Union, the pound has tumbled. At 10:13 a.m. HK/SIN, the pound was fetching $1.2151, compared with a high of $1.5018 before the vote.

But that's not dampening the fund's enthusiasm for British assets.

"The vote to leave the [European Union] has had short-term impacts on the pound, but it has not had a long-term impact on the desirability of the U.K. market," he said.

"If you look at the reason we've invested in the U.K. historically  the fact that it is an open market, the fact that it is very transparent and that the rule of law is secure, the fact that the regulatory oversight to the extent that it's a regulated asset is very strong  These things have not changed," he said.

Claerhout noted that the pound's drop could make U.K. assets more attractive, as the fund was a long-term investor, willing to hold asset for decades.

He said the fund was currently working on a deal in the U.K., although it wasn't motivated by the pound's drop.

"It's an outstanding asset, but if we happen to buy it at a time of weakness in the pound, that's a bonus," he said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi branded Pakistan a "mother-ship of terrorism" at a summit of the BRICS nations on Sunday, testing the cohesion of a group whose heavyweight member China is a close ally of India's arch-rival.

Modi's remarks to a meeting of leaders from the BRICS - which include Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa - escalated his diplomatic drive to isolate Pakistan, which India accuses of sponsoring cross-border terrorism.

Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors have been running high since a Sept. 18 attack on an army base in Kashmir, near the disputed frontier with Pakistan, killed 19 Indian soldiers in the worst such assault in 14 years.

India later said it had carried out retaliatory "surgical strikes" across the de facto border that inflicted significant casualties. Pakistan denied any role in the attack on the Uri army base, and said the Indian operation had not even happened, dismissing it as typical cross-border firing.

"In our own region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development," Modi said in remarks to BRICS leaders who met at a resort hotel in the western state of Goa.

"Tragically, the mother-ship of terrorism is a country in India's neighborhood," the 66-year-old prime minister said, without directly naming Pakistan, in a series of tweets of his remarks issued by the foreign ministry.

Pakistan accused Modi of misleading his summit partners and of seeking to conceal what it alleged was India's own brutality in the part of Kashmir that it rules, where dozens have died since separatist protests broke out in July.

"The people of Indian Occupied Kashmir are being subjected to genocide by India for demanding their fundamental right to self determination," said Sartaj Aziz, foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Modi's hostile comments were not reflected in the closing summit statement he made to reporters, but still made it possible for him to present himself at home as being tough on national security.

"Modi is aware that such language wouldn't get the consensus necessary to make it into the final communique. Including it in his speech ensures it gets wide circulation anyway," said South Asia expert Shashank Joshi.

The summit achievements were incremental, and included establishing an agricultural researchinstitute and speeding up work on creating a joint credit ratings agency.

Also on Sunday's program was an outreach session with leaders from a little-known group of countries from the Bay of Bengal region whose key attribute, from India's point of view, is that Pakistan is not a member.
Macy's is holding firm with its decision to open on Thanksgiving Day, and is expected to greet shoppers an hour earlier than it did in 2015.

BestBlackFriday.com, which tracks retailers' holiday deals and hours, received confirmation from five U.S. shopping centers that their Macy's locations would open at 5 p.m. Thursday. That compares with 6 p.m. in both 2014 and 2015.

A spokeswoman for Macy's did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. She said last week that the company would not announce its Black Friday hours until later this month.

Retailers have been kicking off their holiday sales earlier in recent years, as they try to get an edge on the competition. Macy's opened for the first time on Thanksgiving in 2013, at 8 p.m. J.C. Penney and Kohl's , among others, followed suit.

But the tide looked like it was beginning to turn this year, after several retailers and major mall operators said they would once again close their doors for the holiday. That includes the Mall of America, in Minnesota, and Tennessee-based CBL & Associates , which is shuttering 73 of its properties until 6 a.m. Black Friday.

"We think that for our employees and for the store employees, they deserve the day off and to be able to spend the day with their families," CBL CEO Stephen Lebovitz told CNBC last week about the company's decision.



He added that Thanksgiving Day openings were not accretive to sales, and simply spread them out.



The following five shopping centers confirmed Macy's Thanksgiving hours to BestBlackFriday.com via phone and email. (Copies of the first two centers' emailed responses were shared with CNBC):

Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, Hawaii: 5 p.m. Thanksgiving to 10 p.m. Black Friday

Scottsdale Fashion Square in Scottsdale, Arizona: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thanksgiving and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Black Friday

Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill, New Jersey: 5 p.m. Thanksgiving to 10 p.m. Black Friday

Moorestown Mall in Moorestown, New Jersey: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thanksgiving and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Black Friday

Christiana Mall in Newark, Delaware: 5 p.m. Thanksgiving to 10 p.m. Black Friday
Donald Trumps recently revealed comments in which he brags about sexually assaulting women must be the last straw. Trumps comments expose his character, including a consistent lack of respect for women, minorities, the disabled and so many other Americans.

Trumps latest example of inexcusable behavior has driven some Republican leaders to join scores of others who had already rejected their partys nominee for president. Sen. John McCain has unendorsed Trump. Sen. Kelly Ayotte has unendorsed Trump. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the third-ranking Republican in the Senate, has called for Trump to be replaced on the Republican ticket.

The question for North Dakota voters is: How long will it take Sen. John Hoeven and Rep. Kevin Cramer to withdraw their support for a man who bragged about sexually assaulting women?

How long will it take them to join more than 50 former Republican national security professionals in recognizing that Trump is a danger to the nation?

How long will it take them to join former Republican presidents George H.W. Bush and George Bush, former Republican presidential nominees Mitt Romney and McCain, and former Republican Secretary of State and Gen. Collin Powell in rejecting Trump?

How long will it take Hoeven and Cramer  one of Trumps most ardent cheerleaders  to conclude, as 30 former Republican members of Congress have, that Trump lacks the competence, intelligence, judgment and temperament to be president?

Think about that. Trump lacks the competence, intelligence, judgment and temperament to be president. Those are not my words; they are the words of Hoeven and Cramers colleagues.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Sunday it was "highly likely" that Scotland would hold a new independence referendum before 2020 after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

Asked on ITV's Peston on Sunday program whether she would anticipate a second Scottish referendum before 2020, Sturgeon said: "I think it is highly likely given the situation we're in ... If anything what has happened since then has probably made me think that even more so than I did the morning after the referendum."

Scotland voted by a large margin to remain in the European Union, while overall Britain voted to leave in a referendum that has reignited talk of a split between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom. Scots rejected independence two years ago.

Sturgeon told her Scottish National Party's annual conference last week the devolved government was preparing for all possibilities including independence after Britain leaves the EU.

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Thai Prime Minister, General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, attends the royal bathing ceremony at The Grand Palace on October 14, 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand after the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Borja Sanchez Trillo | Getty Images

Thailand has sought to dispel any concern about a royal succession after Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn said he would delay his ascension to the throne while he mourns his father, and the government stressed on Sunday it was working as normal. King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on Thursday after seven decades on the throne. He was 88. The prospect of complications in the succession in the politically divided country could alarm financial markets, but the military government has been quick to quash any such speculation. The crown prince has requested that his succession be delayed for an unspecified period, so he can grieve with the people, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has said. The government has not set a date for the royal cremation but a deputy prime minister said the prince had asked that it be held after a year of mourning, and the coronation would take place after the cremation.

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The formal procedure for him to become king, which involves the president of the legislature inviting him to ascend the throne, can happen at any time before his coronation. In the meantime, the head of the royal advisory council, a 96-year-old former army chief and prime minister, Prem Tinsulanonda, will stand in as regent. A semi-official biography of King Bhumibol has a short section on Prem, noting that he was accused of involvement in a 2006 coup that removed populist prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from power. On Saturday, the prince held an audience with Prem and Prayuth and asked them to pass on his reassurance to the people, Prayuth said in a televised address. "He asked the people not to be confused or worry about the country's administration or even about the succession," Prayuth said. "He said at this time everyone is sad, he is still sad, so every side should wait until we pass this sad time ... When the religious ceremony and funeral have passed for a while, then it will be an appropriate time to proceed."



Maha Vajiralongkorn, crown prince of Thailand, attends a ceremony in Sanam Luang park in May 9, 2016. Dario Pignatelli | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd told reporters on Sunday the prime minister wanted to reassure the public about the government's work and a cabinet meeting would go ahead as normal on Tuesday so administration "can continue seamlessly".

King Bhumibol, who was the world's longest-reigning monarch, was revered as a father figure and symbol of unity in a country riven by political crises over the years, most recently by a power struggle between the military-led establishment and populist political forces. Lese-majeste laws Many Thais worry about a future without him. Thailand's strict lese-majeste laws, which have been applied rigorously since a military government took power in a 2014 coup, have left little room for public discussion about the succession. Mourners dressed in black from across Thailand have flocked to Bangkok's gilded Grand Palace to pay homage to the only king most of them have ever known. Buddhist monks have been chanting prayers beside his coffin in an imposing throne hall, and they will chant for 100 days as part of the funeral rites. Though the mood is somber, and almost everyone is dressed in black, shopping malls, markets, cinemas and even some bars have been open. Thailand's battered stocks recovered ground on Friday on hope for a smooth transition and shares were likely to rise again on Monday, said Kasem Prunratanamala, head of research at CIMB Securities. "The market should continue to rebound," he said. "Nobody would dare do anything that causes problems for the country."

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There's always a business risk for corporate leaders who come out in support of a presidential candidate, said Andy Puzder, CEO of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's parent CKE Restaurants.

But in this election, he said he feels strongly about voicing his support of Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton  based on what he sees as the billionaire's ability to help spur the economy and a business friendly environment.

Puzder, a senior policy advisor to the Trump campaign, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Monday that chief executives have a right to express their own political views.

"If didn't feel that way, I couldn't go to the movies because there's hardly a movie star out there whose political positions I support," he said. "It's America. You're allowed to support the candidates to you and believe what you want."

Avoiding a question about whether Trump's lewd talk on the leaked 2005 "Access Hollywood" video swayed his views, Puzder said: "I'm not here to be a Donald Trump apologist." He said he came on CNBC to talk about Trump's economic ideas, not tabloid fodder.

He did acknowledge that both candidates "are not perfect."



In a Sunday op-ed on CNBC, Puzder  along with fellow Trump advisor former Nucor CEO Dan DiMicco  wrote they're among more than 100 business leaders, entrepreneurs and executives issuing an open letter of strong support for the GOP presidential nominee.



While critical of Clinton, Puzder and DiMicco said Trump's economic plan would "incentivize both small and large business growth by lowering the corporate tax rate" as well as encouraging businesses to invest in America and to bring their foreign earnings to the U.S.


When Islam Karimov suddenly died last September after 25 years at the helm of Uzbekistan, a veteran emerging market expert told anxious portfolio investors that he remained confident about his assets in that small Central Asian economy.

Events since then seem to have vindicated that view - an interesting counterpoint to purveyors of instability scenarios in the region known for "great power games" and, more recently, for "grand chessboard" geopolitical pontifications.

That emerging market expert will probably be also rubbing his hands when he sees that Bangladeshis are now building a 6.15 kilometer (4 mile) "dream bridge" on the Padma River to "Sonar Bangla"  a dream of the country's strength and prosperity. In a nation of 250 rivers, this bridge will make obsolete, accident-prone ferry transportation (which takes hundreds of lives each year) between the capital Dhaka and the southern regions of Bangladesh.

Vast development efforts

This $3 billion bridge is part of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, and one of the key projects underpinning the country's ambition to become a middle-income economy by 2021 and a developed economy by 2041. And that is Bangladesh, with a per capita GDP currently estimated at $3,600.00, and a country expected to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030.

Emerging market investors can also think of the rapidly developing Central and East Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Mongolia. All these economies are benefiting from trade and investments generated by China's Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative, and the markets of 625 million people in the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and 182 million people in the Eurasian Economic Union (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan).

Several attempts are currently under way to enlarge and strengthen the flows of trade and finance within that vast economic system that will also include India and Iran.
Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:

Bank of America  Bank of America earned 41 cents per share for its latest quarter, beating estimates by seven cents, with revenue also beating forecasts. Strong trading results helped make up for weakness in some of the bank's consumer businesses.

Hasbro  The toymaker reported quarterly profit of $2.03 per share, easily beating estimates of $1.74, with revenue also topping analyst estimates. Hasbro did especially well in its partnered offerings, such as the Disney Princess and "Frozen" product lines.

Supervalu  The supermarket operator is selling its Save-A-Lot business to an affiliate of Canadian private equity firm Onex Corporation for nearly $1.37 billion.

Tesla  German officials are asking the automaker to stop including the Autopilot function in its ads. The country's transport minister is concerned that drivers might feel their attention is not needed while behind the wheel of the vehicle. Separately, a product announcement scheduled for today has been pushed back to Wednesday, with CEO Elon Musk tweeting that the unnamed new product needed a few more days of refinement.

Deutsche Bank  Deutsche Bank is considering changes to its U.S. strategy, according to Reuters. The bank is not likely to abandon the U.S. market, but it may considering scaling down its activities here. Deutsche Bank is currently fighting a proposed $14 billion Justice Department fine over financial crisis era mortgage bond sales.

McDonald's  The restaurant chain is losing a number of senior executives, including chief field officer Karen King and senior vice president Erik Hess. That comes on the heels of other departures, including soon-to-retire McDonald's USA President Mike Andres, chief administrative officer Pete Bensen, and high-growth markets division chief David Hoffmann.

Mentor Graphics  Mentor has hired Bank of America to explore strategic alternatives including a potential sale, according to Reuters. Activist hedge fund Elliott Management has an 8.1 percent stake in the software maker and feels Mentor's shares are significantly undervalued.

Constellation Brands  The spirits maker is near a deal to sell its Canadian wine business to the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan for about $760 million, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Walgreens Boots Alliance  Walgreens has been upgraded to "buy" from "hold" at Jefferies, which has also increased its price target for the drug store operator's stock to $95 per share from $87. Jefferies feels investors are underestimating both the fundamental positives as well as the incremental benefits that will be provided by its acquisition of Rite-Aid .

Wells Fargo  Wells Fargo was downgraded to "market perform" from "outperform" at Keefe Bruyette & Woods, which cut its price target to $48 from $57. Keefe Bruyette does not feel the price is low enough to reflect the uncertainty surrounding the change in the bank's sales practices.

Dunkin' Brands  RBC downgraded Dunkin' to "sector perform" from "outperform," saying the stock's price already reflects the donut chain's acceleration in sales, the introduction of new beverages, and the launch of its "On-The-Go" mobile ordering platform.

Groupon  Wedbush upgraded Groupon to "outperform" from "neutral," as the site sees increased customer traffic and expands its deal inventory.

Whirlpool  MKM downgraded the appliance maker to "neutral" from "buy," based primarily on a rise in steel prices.
Despite Donald Trump's increasingly troubling campaign, Paypal co-founder and Facebook board member Peter Thiel continues to support the U.S. Republican presidential candidate.

Late Saturday night, the New York Times reported that Thiel is now donating $1.25 million to the Trump campaign in the final leg of the race.

This isn't out of character for Thiel, a billionaire who has recently spent a nontrivial amount of money towards political ends, bankrolling several lawsuits against Gawker Media over a personal vendetta, including one that ultimately led to the demise of Gawker.com. He also endorsed Trump at the Republican National Convention in July.

More from Recode:

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Why Ashton Kutcher passed on investing in Snapchat, twice

Dronesare playing a new role in the recovery efforts after HurricaneMatthew

But Thiel's financial support of Trump sticks out when compared to how the technology industry and other Silicon Valley elite are spending money this election cycle. One tracker, Crowdpac, says the technology industry has donated almost $8 million to the Clinton campaign, versus $300,000 to Trump's.

According to Federal Election Commission records, staffers from Google have donated more than $335,000 to the Clinton campaign in the past three months alone  more than from any other employer. Employees from Apple, Microsoft and IBM also account for significant Clinton campaign contributions.

Among well-known tech donors:

Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz and his wife Cari Tuna committed $20 million last month to boost Clinton and other Democratic campaigns. (Update: Moskovitz notes via Twitter that he's made a second announcement for even more money.)

Reid Hoffman, the founder of Linkedin

Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook, an outspoken Clinton supporter, has also contributed over $200,000 to Democratic electoral campaigns this year.

Marc Benioff of Salesforce

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky has spent more than $10,000 to support the Democratic ticket this year.

Reed Hastings of Netflix

Elon Musk has also contributed to Democratic campaign funds.

John Doerr of Silicon Valley venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins has donated more than $600,000 to Clinton-related super PACs, and Brook Byers of the same firm has donated more than $100,000 to Democrat campaign funds, according to the money-in-politics tracking website opensecrets.org.

Earlier this summer Clinton released a list of prominent business leaders who support her bid for the White House, which reads as a list of VIPs from some of the most important technology companies in the world.

In that context, Thiel's support of Trump is fittingly contrarian.

It also seems too late to help much, and somewhat strange. Neither Thiel nor a rep has responded to Recode's request for comment and explanation.
Finnair, the government backed airline of Finland, will make its inaugural flight between Singapore and Helsinki Monday.

With a flight time of just 11 hours and 30 minutes, it claims to be the fastest way to get between Singapore and Europe.

The new route uses its new fleet of Airbus A350 XWBs, a widebody aircraft that claims to use 25-percent less fuel compared to its aluminum long-range competitors, like Boeing's B777. The aircraft, which first entered the market last year, offers passengers 18-inch wide seats as the standard in economy.

Finnair is the first European airline to fly the aircraft between Europe and Asia. As part of its marketing strategy, Finnair is boasting that the route provides regional travelers with the shortest connection between Asia and Europe, with layovers as little as 35 minutes to major hubs including London, Paris and Amsterdam.
Sylvia Acevedo, interim CEO of Girl Scouts, launched her first rocket into the clear skies of New Mexico when she was just a child to earn her science badge in Girl Scouts.

That experience triggered a lifelong passion for science, and led her to earn an MBA in engineering from Stanford and become a rocket scientist. She is also the White House commissioner on the presidential initiative for Hispanic educational excellence.

In an interview with "Mad Money" host Jim Cramer, she said she aims for Girl Scouts to not only instill the mission of leadership into girls, but to become more technology-focused and teach how to code.

"It is part of our culture to do technology, to learn how to code, to have hands on projects  whether it's creating fashionable wearables, or creating robots," Acevedo said.

From a business perspective, many associate Girl Scouts with its $800 million cookie business. But Acevedo said there are more than just cookies cooking behind the scenes at Girl Scouts. She recently visited a Girl Scout troop of girls making robots, creating lava volcanoes and building mechanical prosthetic arms.
A young girl waits in line to get a chance to have Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton sign her book after Clinton addressed a packed audience in the Eagle's Nest gymnasium at Adams City High School on August 3, 2016 in Commerce City, Colorado.

Nevertheless, the topic could be on the table, if the second debate is any indication. In that matchup on Oct. 9, Trump responded to questions related to a 2005 videotape in which he talked about using his celebrity status to grope women. He also brought up President Bill Clinton's past philandering and the accusations of sexual assault against the former president.

The debate, scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, comes on the heels of allegations from multiple women that Trump made uninvited sexual advances in the past. Trump has categorically denied the reports.

"The kinds of things being discussed in this election pose a new issue for authority figures who are trying to teach children about the election process," said psychologist Susan Lipkins, CEO of Reel Psychology.

With the next and final debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton scheduled for Wednesday night, many people find themselves wondering whether kids should watch, given the unpredictability of the candidates' treatment of each other and whether salacious topics will come up.

"My students say the candidates should be held to a higher standard," said Teresi, who teaches language and social studies at William Paca Elementary School in Baltimore. "I tell them I agree with them. The fact is, all adults should be modeling better behavior."

Experts say that despite the atypical nature of this election cycle, there are effective ways for parents to include children in the process.

"You get to choose how you want to use the information," Lipkins said. "How much do you want to use it as a teachable moment and have a meaningful discussion about, say, how to treat women or about a policy issue? You want to reflect your own values and teach your children what values are important to you."

For very young children  preschool and early elementary age  experts advise excluding them from watching.

"What might be said in the debate is fairly unpredictable," said Rick Ostrander, director of pediatric medical psychology and an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "You just don't know where it's going to go, and it's already been tawdry."

Ostrander also said parents should be censoring themselves, not just what's on the television.

"Make sure you watch what you're saying, in your own commentary of things," he said. "Young children are very concrete thinkers and can easily misconstrue what you say."

Additionally, be cognizant of each child's capacity to understand what they could see and hear during the debate. Even as children move toward upper elementary school, some adult concepts are beyond their emotional maturity to grasp.

"If it will cause more confusion than enlightenment, parents might want to give their child a [summary] after the debate," Ostrander said.

He also advises giving no more information than requested.

"Kids typically ask a discreet question, and a parent can read too much into it," Ostrander said. "So answer the question and let the child ask for elaboration if they need it. You don't have to give a lengthy dissertation."

For older kids, experts emphasize the teaching opportunity the debate presents, whether you focus on policies, behaviors or cultural issues.

"A lot of times we ask our kids to think, but what we're really saying is, 'Think what I think, and parrot it back,'" said David Palmiter, professor of psychology at Marywood University. I think this is a great opportunity to teach them how to think independently."

For instance, Palmiter said, a parent could use many aspects of the debate as a leaping-off point for thoughtful discussion, such as what is the best way to confront past mistakes, or why there has never been a female U.S. president.

In addition to exploring the candidates' policy positions with children old enough to understand them, experts say, the vitriolic nature dominating this election is a chance to reinforce parents' own values about how to treat people.

"I think the hardest thing in this election is that it's unleashed people's ability to speak and express themselves however they want and whenever they want," Lipkins said. "That undermines a lot of what schools have been teaching about respect, bullying and treating people with dignity."

In Teresi's Baltimore classroom soon after the first debate, students talked about the amount of interrupting that occurred, and discussed why it was impolite.

"They also picked up on the body language  the eye rolling," Teresi said. "They were like, 'You tell us not to do that, but they're doing it.'"

After the second debate, Teresi found herself in the classroom discussing Trump's description of the 2005 leaked video as "locker-room talk."

The boys in her class shook their heads, telling her, "We don't talk about women like that."

A survey earlier this year by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that roughly 80 percent of Americans think that political leaders should be held to a higher standard of behavior than other people.

The poll also found that just 15 percent of people think it's OK for political candidates to not worry about upsetting people when choosing their words.

Pros agree that it really is up to parents to set the tone for acceptable behavior regardless of what kids see on TV or elsewhere.

"The younger the kids are, the more they're looking to their parents for clarification and for setting standards," Ostrander said. "Kids aren't as influenced by these people on TV as parents think they are. You just say, 'That might be how they do it, but it's not how we handle things in our family.'"
As a licensed mental health professional in the state of North Dakota, I know that personality disorders are conditions in which people have traits that cause them to behave in socially unacceptable ways, limiting their ability to function. Narcissistic personality disorder is one of several types of personality disorders.

The current, recognized diagnostic guide is the DSM-5. Its outline of narcissistic personality disorder features include the following: having an exaggerated sense of self-importance; expecting to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it; exaggerating your achievements and talents; being preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate; believing that you are superior; requiring constant admiration; having a sense of entitlement; expecting special favors and unquestioning compliance with your expectations; taking advantage of others to get what you want; having an inability to recognize the needs and feelings of others; believing others envy you; and behaving in an arrogant or haughty manner.

Underlying the above bravado is difficulty handling anything perceived as criticism, as well as feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation. The Mayo Clinic website provides additional information on narcissistic personality disorder and those so-characterized deserve understanding.

Although some of the features of narcissistic personality disorder may project a person of confidence, if all 12 features above are present in any one candidate, be careful who you vote for.
Former Attorney General Eric Holder will be chair of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, a new organization that aims to redraw district maps for future elections, Politico reported on Monday.

"American voters deserve fair maps that represent our diverse communities  and we need a coordinated strategy to make that happen," Holder told Politico.

President Barack Obama plans to focus on these efforts after he leaves office and "strongly endorsed" Holder's appointment, Politico reported. In his State of the Union address, Obama called for the end of gerrymandering, when district maps are drawn in a way to favor one party over the other. This process makes it easier for one party to win a majority in the House of Representatives.

"I think we've got to end the practice of drawing our congressional districts so that politicians can pick their voters, and not the other way around," the president said.

Read the full report on Politico.
Indra Nooyi, the CEO and chairman of PepsiCo, is an Indian woman. That's not the reason that one of the company's 10-year performance objectives is to increase the diversity of its ranks, however. Nooyi says that increasing the diversity of the team is a "business imperative."

"Whether you are a male CEO or a female CEO, it is a business imperative," said Nooyi in an interview with CNBC's Sara Eisen. "Because if you look at graduating seniors from colleges, more than 50 percent are women. More than 50 percent!" Currently, 27 percent of senior executives at PepsiCo are women, and 36 percent are people of color, according to a roadmap of the company's 10-year professional goals.

"And if you look at the best grades, they are being gotten by women," said Nooyi. "So if you really want companies to be successful, we have got to draw from the entire pool, not just try to say, 'Hey, we are going to exclude a portion of the population.'" One reason why corporate executive ranks do not match the general population is because there are not adequate policies to support women after they enter the workforce, she said. Indeed, the U.S. is one of the only developed nations in the world that does not have a paid maternity leave policy.


RBS Chairman Howard Davies is concerned that customer trust will be hit on the back of ongoing investigations into alleged misconduct that dates back to the financial crash of 2008.

The bank has been accused in the last week of purposely crippling thousands of businesses during the recession in an attempt to bolster its own balance sheet. The accusations come from a BBC Newsnight/BuzzFeed News investigation of thousands of confidential documents but RBS has denied deliberately causing struggling businesses to fail.

Davies told CNBC on Monday that RBS is concerned about the impact of such investigations, explaining that it has adopted a "major program of culture change" to overcome any potential impact on its reputation.



"(Customer trust) is something we take extremely seriously. Since Ross McEwan has been chief executive, he has led a major program of culture change, we removed all bonuses from frontline bankers in the branches, for example, which we believed was distorting their attitude to customers and pushing them, incentivizing them to sell products, I think we are the only bank who have done that," he said.

Davies admitted that the bank has had to deal with a "wave" of distressed businesses but it has not hurt individuals on purpose.

"We have looked in the past carefully at the way in which distressed businesses were handled in the aftermath of the recession. We did of course have a wave of distressed businesses in 2008 and 2009 and beyond. And we accept that in some cases that was not done as well as it should be, that people were not communicated to properly, people did not understand what was happening to them, so we accept all that," he said.

"What we don't accept is that there was any kind of systematic attempt to put people out of business for the benefit of the bank. But it is for the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) to judge all this and we hope they will do so fairly soon," Davies told CNBC.

Davies also said that it is inevitable that institutions will have to deal with the fines rather than individuals.


Spending some time to search for better Medicare coverage can cut your monthly expenses by hundreds of dollars next year, even though the program doesn't make it easy for retirees to find the best deals. Open enrollment for Medicare started Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. If you are happy with your Medicare coverage, you can keep it. If you are enrolled in Part D, Medicare's drug coverage, or a Medicare Advantage plan, an alternative to traditional Medicare provided by private insurers, you can switch your insurance during this period. "Everyone should double-check their coverage. Don't assume your coverage will stay the same," said Katy Votava, president of Goodcare.com, a health care consulting firm and author of "Making the Most of Medicare: A Guide for Baby Boomers."

A senior signing up for Medicare. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images

Apparently, few Medicare participants use open enrollment to improve their coverage. Only about 10 percent of people switch Medicare Advantage plans and 13 percent adjust their Part D plans, according to Kaiser Family Foundation. For a little investment of time, the savings can be worth it. The Kaiser foundation found that the average Medicare Advantage enrollee saved $190 annually on their premiums and lowered their out-of-pocket expenses by about $400 when they switched plans during the 2014 open enrollment period.

Thirty-one percent of Medicare's 57 million beneficiaries were enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan this year.



The lowest premiums aren't a good proxy for picking the best plan. It's about what you will pay in total costs. Tricia Neuman director of the Kaiser Family Foundation's Medicare policy program

Enrollees can also find extra savings by changing their Part D prescription drug plans. A Kaiser analysis found that 46 percent of those who switched plans from 2006 to 2010 reduced their premiums by 5 percent or more, whereas only 8 percent of those who didn't change experienced the same drop in their premiums. Meanwhile, 78 percent of those who did not switch plans paid a premium at least 5 percent higher than the year before, compared with only 46 percent of those who switched plans. Additional savings matter to retirees because health care costs can devour Social Security benefits. "The lowest premiums aren't a good proxy for picking the best plan. It's about what you will pay in total costs," said Tricia Neuman, director of the Kaiser Family Foundation's Medicare policy program.



How to find the best plans
The "Fast Money" traders debated whether it's better to invest in "new tech" companies like Netflix or "old tech" companies like IBM after both companies reported earnings that bested analyst estimates.

Netflix saw quarterly sales pass $2 billion for the first time thanks to original series like "Stranger Things" and "Narcos." Revenue from IBM's "strategic imperatives," which include the company's cloud and analytics businesses, grew 16 percent year over year.

Trader Dan Nathan said that Netflix's plan to license its content in China rather than launch its service there is a "great business model."

Trader David Seaburg said that although Netflix's Monday earnings report may "alleviate" some of the fears in the near term, investors have to wait and see what happens in 2017.

Trader Brian Kelly said that if IBM starts to see growth in Watson, its artificial intelligence business, that would be "the future of this company." He said that given the stock's current valuation and price, it's probably worth holding.

Nathan disagreed and said that he would have to see a substantial ramp up in Watson's revenue to justify IBM's valuation.

IBM has been "long thrown out the window essentially for being a legacy company," Seaburg said. "But they bolted on some strategic initiatives that have allowed this company to sort of have a second life."

 CNBC's Anita Balakrishnan contributed to this report.
Courage, perseverance, resiliency, and fiscal prudencethese are a just a few of the attributes we see in successful entrepreneurs every day. Their passionate desire to bring their ideas to life, to provide for their families, and to build thriving communities makes small business owners the lifeblood of the American economy. This is also what inspires us to start our businesses.

Like so many entrepreneurs across this country, I had to become my own CEO  Chief Everything Officer  decrypting confusing permitting processes, mastering expensive health care packages for employees, and competing against "the big guys" for clients. As small business owners we require confidence, and certainty that our government leaders have our backs. We want them to cut red tapeeliminating burdensome government requirements and streamlining complex processes.

For a more robust economy, the small business community deserves to have capital unlocked on a more equitable basis, correcting the gross inequity of 78 percent of venture capital being concentrated in three states; sadly, only six percent is going to women and one percent to African-Americans and Latino-Americans each.

We need a level playing field with a fair and simple tax code. We must have access to new markets, including our fair share of the federal marketplace, corporate supply chain and international commerce. Thankfully, there is a candidate running for president who understands these priorities and has made it abundantly clear that she will be the "small business president."

As an entrepreneur and first-generation American, my love of country runs deep. This love has been driving my long-standing desire to give back to our nation that has provided so much for so many. While running my first business, an unexpected opportunity presented itself to serve my state.

I had the honor of being appointed to serve in California's state cabinet as the Secretary of Business, Transportation, and Housing, becoming the first Latina to serve at the cabinet level. After leaving office, I saw the need to start a bank serving small- and medium-sized businesses, becoming the founding chairwoman of a Latino-owned community bank in Los Angeles. I became a small businesswoman whose small business served small businesses every day.
A fire Sunday night destroyed a livestock feed business in the grain elevator in Medina, but Kenny Hoffer, general manager at Diamond W Feeds, indicated business operations would continue as usual.

Hoffer said Diamond W will continue to operate out of another location until the business can be rebuilt. Feed delivery trucks were not in the building at the time of the fire.

Ive taken six or seven feed orders today, he said early Monday afternoon. We are going to continue business as usual.

Hoffer said the building, as much as 60,000 bushels of corn and some Purina feed products were destroyed in the blaze. He did not know the value of what was lost.

The business had an up-to-date heat detection system that went off around 7 p.m. Sunday, according to Hoffer. The panel showed heat on the main floor and smoke was coming through grates in the grain dumping area. Flames started coming through the floor when firefighters tried to find the source of the fire, he said.

Medina Fire Chief Brian Rau said firefighters believe the blaze started in the basement or first level of the building. The building had been compromised by the time firefighters entered Sunday night, so they backed off to defend nearby homes and structures.

Rau said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Medina Ambulance treated one firefighter for a burn on his face from an ember, Rau said. Embers started small fires in the area surrounding the elevator. Brad Moser, who works for the city of Medina and serves with the fire department, said flames were about 250 feet in the air Sunday night and early Monday morning.

Diamond W Feeds has been in business at the Medina elevator since 2003. The company ships bulk livestock feed throughout North Dakota and into neighboring states.

Since this season's corn harvest hasnt really gotten going yet, Rau said the business did not have as much grain inside as it could have. Two 60,000-bushel bins at the building are still standing, and the small amount of corn inside was not damaged, Hoffer said. The bins will be tested to see if they were damaged by the heat from the fire.

Hoffer said there had been plans prior to the fire to start filling the bins with corn on Monday, but, for now, newly harvested corn will be stored at another location.

Corn from inside the business was smoldering Monday morning, along with what was left of the building. Rau expects the debris to burn for several days.

A grain leg protruding from a metal grain bin at the elevator was damaged and had to be pushed over Monday morning. It came down on part of the railroad track next to the elevator but did not block the main track used by BNSF Railway. The main road that crosses the tracks through Medina, First Avenue South, remained closed Monday morning but Rau expected it to open later in the day.

Rau said mutual aid from fire departments in Woodworth, Tappen, Streeter, Cleveland and rural Jamestown assisted at the blaze. The Red Cross and the Stutsman County Sheriff's Department also responded.

According to the Medina Centennial Committee's 1999 book on the history of the town, the original elevator began in the early 1920s, doing business under the name Medina Farmers Co-operative Elevator Company. The elevator closed for a time in the 1930s because of a failure to show profit, but a group of farmers bought the elevator from Wm. Dalrymple Co. in 1939 and began doing business as the Medina Farmers Union Grain Company.

It's not the first time the elevator in Medina has been destroyed by fire. A fire in 1949 destroyed the elevator, but an elevator, annex and Quonset were rebuilt at a cost of $60,000, the centennial book said. A grain dryer and grain handling system were added later, followed by a digital scale and computer systems.
An employee, left, assists a customer as he looks at smartphone cases inside a Samsung Partnership retail store in Hong Kong. Justin Chin | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The process seemed to further aggravate some Samsung customers, many of whom were returning their Note 7 for the second time in a matter of weeks. At Best Buy , a customer told Money Magazine that the "ill-equipped" employees there caused him to lose trust in Samsung.

After carriers had already begun pulling the phone from shelves, Samsung announced an expanded official recall last Thursday, offering $100 bill credits to customers that exchanged for another Samsung phone, and a $25 bill credit for customers that asked for a refund. It also offered thermally insulated boxes so customers could safely return their phones, recalled amid reports of batteries overheating and catching fire.

But the announcement followed a dramatic and confusing few weeks for customers, who had already begun dealing with third parties. "I'm not saying that third parties are not going to do their best, but if you walk into an AT&T store, you have Samsung devices, Apple devices and other devices, the full lineup," said Andres Mendoza-Pena, a partner in the retail practice of at A.T. Kearney, a global strategy and management consulting firm. "For a mobile operator, assuring that a customer is satisfied with the mobile service is the first objective. Their secondary objective is their satisfaction for the device."

Despite the complaints, all four major U.S. carriers  Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint  told CNBC that customers would be able to exchange their phones without fees. Sprint and T-Mobile quickly responded to online complaints, saying consumers would also be able to keep their upgrade eligibility and be refunded the difference for lower-end phones. Though Samsung's approach is no different than most phone manufacturers, Samsung phones are more expensive and naturally draw comparisons to the "premium" treatment that Apple's customers get. The mobile manufacturer's recent recall highlights the advantages Apple reaps by investing in branded retail locations.



Whatever works best, that's what they're doing. David Marcotte Senior vice president of retail insights at Kantar Retail.
As expected, Far Eastern bank notes showed enormous strength at Dix Noonan Webbs auction Oct. 3 in London. Asian issues led the way in the 397,122 or $493,920 (including buyers commission) auction.

An extremely rare Bank of Taiwan Fifty Yen in Silver note dated 1901 and estimated at 10,000 to 15,000 went to a Chinese bidder for 48,000 ($59,700). Bidding began at 16,000, after which a battle ensued between participants on the telephone and the internet. Finally, the low estimate was eclipsed by a factor of almost five.

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Far Eastern bidders also forced the pace on bidding for notes from Malaya and British North Borneo, Hong Kong and Singapore. A $10 note dated March 21, 1953, issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency in Malaya and British North Borneo, slayed its 1,000 to 1,500 estimate when it sold for 6,000 ($7,462). Its companion $50 note with the same date and estimate brought 5,520 ($6,865), and a 1901 $5 of the Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, expected to reach only 600 to 800, fetched 5,760 ($7,164). A Singapore $10 note issued in 1970 and 1971, also with a 600 to 800 expectation, settled at 4,320 ($5,373).

The first appearance on the market in recent years of a comprehensive Iranian collection drew multiple bidders. Called the property of a gentleman, it totaled 48,444 or $60,250. The highest individual price was 4,800 ($5,970) for a 1924 20-toman note issued by the Imperial Bank of Persia, estimated at 1,500 to 2,000.

DNWs Chris Webb saw two noticeable general trends  the popularity of notes from around the Commonwealth bearing the head of Queen Elizabeth II, and that American collectors are bidding in a number of sectors of the market, such as the British Caribbean, and not only buying U.S. paper money.
The Battle of Hong Kong is remembered with a Proof 2016 .9999 fine silver $20 coin from Canada.

One of the first battles in the Pacific Theater during World War II is the subject of a new silver $20 coin, the second in a series from the Royal Canadian Mint.

The RCM issued the coin To honor the soldiers of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and the Royal Rifles of Canada who valiantly fought to defend Hong Kong from enemy invasion in December 1941, according to an RCM statement. Even though the soldiers of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and Royal Rifles of Canada had not seen combat before the Battle of Hong Kong, they stood firm in the face of aggression and showed a courage that will never be forgotten.

Canadian artist Joel Kimmel designed the reverse of the coin, which features two Canadian soldiers in Pacific Theater uniform fighting on the rugged terrain of Hong Kong Island as Japanese ships massed in the waters below evoke the scale of the enemy invasion facing Commonwealth troops. Japan ultimately prevailed, forcing the colony to surrender.

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The obverse of the coin features the effigy of King George VI, the monarch who reigned throughout World War II.

The Proof 2016 Battle of Hong Kong .9999 fine silver coin weighs 31.1 grams and measures 38 millimeters in diameter. It has a mintage limit of 10,000 pieces and retails for $89.95 Canadian.

Dealer Talisman Coins offers the coin at a fixed price in U.S. funds, for $64.95 each.

To order, visit the distributor website.
The two primary teachers at the Defenders of the Water School say it is a resource for parents who are home schooling their children and make no pretense of operating as an accredited institution.

They say they wish that North Dakota Department of Public Instruction head Kirsten Baesler had visited the school in the Sacred Stone overflow camp before calling it illegal.

Baesler, in an email regarding the school to Standing Rock Sioux tribal councilman Robert Taken Alive, said she has offered to visit the school several times but the members of the tribe we worked with were never able to find a date to meet me there. I hope that can happen soon.

Teresa Dzieglewicz, a former certified teacher and current masters of fine arts degree student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., along with Blaze Starkey, who has a bachelors degree in language arts, have primarily been responsible for the day-to-day work with the students.

We understand there are pressures (on Baesler), but the amount of knowledge in this camp is so much more than any public school could expect. They are learning the Lakota language, we have artists who teach them how to work with river clay, we have had an ethnobotanist here, weve had people talk to them about art and history. This school is really special," she said.

Just in the past few days, the 25 to 30 students at the camp school heard a special performance by David Matthews, lead vocalist for the Dave Matthews Band, and had an art demonstration by Steven Tamayo, winner of the 2014 Governors Arts Heritage Award in Nebraska. Some students, as was the case Thursday, stay late into the afternoon working on writing projects, mostly with pencil and paper since the lack of electricity means the kids are not often using laptops or other electronic devices.

Baesler told Taken Alive the school can serve as an enrichment center, but students should be enrolled in an approved school.

I believe there may be some amazing learning opportunities at the school, which is why I am eager to work with the tribe to make sure all requirements are met to meet approval, she said to the councilman.

Dzieglewicz and Starkey say they provide all parents with information about public school options in nearby Cannon Ball, Solen and Mandan. They also say they work to instill skills the children need to excel in home school, or any school.

We want them to think critically about those systems. We want them to advocate for themselves and tell their story and stand up for themselves, said Dzieglewicz, adding that, as a graduate student, shes learning what it really means to create a school that is truly good for children.

Meanwhile Starkey said Baeslers remarks cut deep.

It feels like theres no value or support for these kids to get a beautiful education. They say were not qualified, or that the best thing we could do is go back into the (Indian) boarding school environment when thats been proven to not serve native students, he said.

Dzieglewicz said it was discouraging to read Baeslers concerns without a chance to respond.

Nobody spoke to us, there was no request for a face-to-face meeting. Our students are doing some beautiful work here, she said.
Farr named city's next fire chief

Clayton Farr Jr., who has served in the Columbia Fire Department for 24 years, will be its next chief.
Donna James Leads a Bold Plan to Revive Victorias Secret

James has a proven record as a C-suite executive and adviser. Now, shes guiding the lingerie giant toward a more inclusive, financially sound future.
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Ltd., RBCP Fund 1-A Vapor Blocker LLC, RBCP Platform Vapor Blocker I LLC, REPL Consulting LLC, REPL Consulting Limited, REPL Digital Limited, REPL Group K.K., REPL Group Pty Ltd, REPL Group Worldwide Limited, REPL Pte Ltd, REPL Software Limited, REPL Technology Limited, Radiant Services LLC, Random Walk Computing Inc., Reactive Media Pty Ltd., Real Protect, Realworld OO Systems Ltd., Redcore, Redcore (New Zealand) Limited, Redcore Group Holdings Pty Ltd, Redcore Pty Ltd, Revolutionary Security, RiskControl, Root LLC, Rothco, Rothco Limited, S3 TV Technology Ltd., SALT Solutions GmbH, SEC Servizi, SOPIA Corp., Sagacious Consultants, Salt Solutions, Sandbox Studio LLC, Sapling Bidco Limited, Sapling Midco Limited, Sapling Topco Limited, Schlumberger Business Consulting, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace (UK) Limited, Seabury Consulting, Seabury Corporate Advisors LLC, Seabury Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Search Technologies BPO Inc, Search Technologies International LLC, Search Technologies LLC, Search Technologies Limited, Securiview SAS, Sentelis, Sentor Managed Secuirty Services AB, Servicios Tecnicos de Programacion Accenture S.C., Seven Seas Business Ventures LLC, Shackleton, Shackleton Chile S.A., Shackleton S.L.U., Shanghai Baiyue Advertising Co. Ltd., Shun Zhe Technology Development Co. Ltd., SigInt Technologies LLC, Silveo, Silveo Consulting India Private Limited, Simian Pty Ltd, SinnerSchrader, SinnerSchrader AG, SinnerSchrader Content GmbH, SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, SinnerSchrader Praha s.r.o., Sirvart S.A., Sistemes Consulting S.L., Skylink SAS, Soltians Limited, Solutions IQ LLC, SolutionsIQ, SolutionsIQ India Consulting Services Private Limited, Somers Ventures Ireland Limited, Somers Ventures LLC, Spacelink SAS, Storm Digital, Structure Consulting Group LLC, Sutter Mills, Synership LLC, Systor AG, T.A. Cook, TXF LLC, Tambourine, TargetST8, Tech - Avanade Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Tecnilogica Ecosistemas S.A., Tecnilogica, The Brand Learning Partners Limited, The Callisto Integration Corporation, The Monkeys, The Monkeys Pty Ltd, The Myrtle Group, Total Logistics, Tquila, Trivadis, Trivadis AG, Trivadis Austria GmbH, Trivadis Denmark AS, Trivadis Germany GmbH, Trivadis Holding AG, Trivadis Partner AG, Trivadis Services AG, Trivadis Services SRL, Troop Studios Pty Ltd, VanBerlo, Vector Acquisition Company LLC, Vector Topco LLC, Verax Solutions, Vertical Retail Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd, Vertical Retail Consulting Ltd, Vivere Brasil Servicos e Solucoes SA, Vivere Brasil Solucoes De Credito Ltda., Wabion GmbH, WaveStrike LLC, White Cliffs Consulting LLC, Wire Stone, Wire Stone LLC, Wise Partners SAS, Wolox, Wolox Colombia S.A.S, Wolox LLC, Wolox Mexico S.R.L de C.V., Wolox S.A., Wolox SpA, Workforce Insight, Workforce Insight LLC, Yesler, Yesler LLC, Yesler Limited, Yesler Singapore Pte Ltd, Zag, Zag Australia Pty Ltd, Zag Limited, Zag USA LLC, Zebra Worldwide Australia Pty Ltd, Zebra Worldwide Group Limited, Zebra Worldwide Media Pty Ltd, Zenta, Zenta Global Philippines Inc, Zenta Mortgage Services LLC, Zenta Recoveries Inc, Zenta US Holdings Inc, Zestgroup, Zielpuls, Zielpuls (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zielpuls GmbH, avVenta, designaffairs, designaffairs Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., designaffairs GmbH, designaffairs group China Co. Ltd., dgroup, i4C Analytics, iDefense, solid-serVision.com GmbH, and umlaut.

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Whether you were in your house, or visiting someone in another house or even an apartment, you would surely not believe that cops could bust in and demand the fingerprints and thumbprints of every person there that they suspected might own a smartphone with a fingerprint sensor. Thats right, not accused of having committed any crime, but of simply owning a smartphone which can be unlocked with fingerprint biometrics. Nevertheless, in what is believed to be a first, that is exactly what a court filing in California asked for.

Federal prosecutors wanted to search a location in Lancaster, California. A May 2016 memorandum in support of a search warrant asked for authorization to depress the fingerprints and thumbprints of every person who was at the location so long as law enforcement reasonably believed the person used a fingerprint sensor-enabled device.

EFF senior staff attorney Jennifer Lynch told Forbes that the EFF had never seen anything like this.

The location is simply referred to as the subject premises. The actual warrant or other documentation was not available to the public. If the subject premises were a house, then the search would cover every person living there or happening to visit at the wrong time; the mass biometric scanning would be even worse if the location were an apartment building.

Collect-it-all mentality

The memorandum states:

While the government does not know ahead of time the identity of every digital device or fingerprint (or indeed, every other piece of evidence) that it will find in the search, it has demonstrated probable cause that evidence may exist at the search location, and needs the ability to gain access to those devices and maintain that access to search them. For that reason, the warrant authorizes the seizure of passwords, encryption keys, and other access devices that may be necessary to access the device.

Not only was the government unsure about who might be at the subject premises, but it also had no way of knowing which fingers or thumb of which person(s) would unlock the device. Yet prosecutors pointed out that in any event all that would result from successive failed attempts is the requirement to use the authorized passcode or password.

They want the ability to get a warrant on the assumption that they will learn more after they have a warrant, criminal defense attorney Marina Medvin told Forbes. Apparently the government hoped waving around a warrant would be enough to induce compliance by people they decide are suspects later on. This would be an unbelievably audacious abuse of power if it were permitted.

There was also no way to know what phones might be there; the memorandum specifically mentioned Apple, Motorola, HTC and Samsung phones having a fingerprint sensor before honing in on Apple and its Touch ID feature.

Government swept aside Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights

When faced with such a demand to hand over biometric information, password and encryption key which would completely open your smartphone, surely you would be protected from unreasonable searches and seizures by the Fourth Amendment, or even from self-incrimination by the Fifth Amendment?

But the government swept aside those rights, arguing that neither applied.

Compelling a person to provide his or her fingerprint does not implicate, let alone violate, the Fifth Amendment. The prosecutors then cite cases to support that as well as noting that the Fifth Amendment protects the accused, and as of this point, no person is being accused.

Regarding the Fourth Amendment, law enforcement would only collect biometric data from people believed to have a phone which could be unlocked with a fingerprint. Fingerprinting, they argue, is permitted so long as there is reasonable suspicion that the suspect has committed a criminal act. Everyone at the location with a smartphone surely could not be suspected of committing a criminal act?

Thats not how the Fourth Amendment works, Medvin said. You need to have a reasonable basis before you begin the searchthat reasonable basis is what allows you to search in the first place.

Lynch too expressed concern to Forbes which first uncovered this memorandum to mass-scan everyone with modern smartphones at a location in order to bypass security that locks phones. If this kind of thing became law then there would be nothing to preventa search of every phone at a certain location.
The New York Police Department has finally entered the 21st century, and they have done it with...Windows Phones?

That's right. The largest municipal police force in the United States has issued a smartphone to each of New York's finest, who have incorporated the devices into their daily policing duties. But why Windows Phones? And what benefits have they brought the department?

In IT Blogwatch, we call 911.

What exactly is the deal? Matt Weinberger has the details:

In 2014, the New York Police Department announced an initiative to give...its 36,000 officers a Windows Phone, as part of an effort to modernize the force.

...

That deployment is complete as of this week: All 36,000 NYPD officers are now rocking a Lumia 830...or a Lumia 640 XL...running the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system.

But why Windows Phones? Horia Ungureanu gives us the background:

The police force['s]...use of...smartphones...[is] helping them to solve crimes faster. One internal statistic shows that the response time accelerated by 12 percent after the handset handout.

...

Choosing Microsoft's ecosystem was far from a random act...The department underlines that Windows Mobile overpasses Android or iOS because of its security and user friendliness.

Faster response times is good. In what other ways have the phones been useful? Alfred Ng is in the know:

Just as the advent of smarter phones brought improvements to regular folks' daily lives, these handsets have...made it easier for the city's finest to fight crime. Officers are able to respond to 911 calls faster, solve crimes more efficiently and create stronger ties to their community.

...

The phone's most basic function -- calling -- is what has helped community relations the most...Before the phones were issued, officers didn't have a work email or phone number they could give out to people who needed their help in follow-up incidents.

Besides calling, how is the NYPD using the phones? Turns out, they have a number of dedicated apps to use. Jane Danes tells us about a couple:

One of those apps is 911. It allows the officers to get 911 calls directly, rather than receiving the reports from their dispatchers...Apart from 911, Microsoft also developed Search app for officers. It...allows NYPD officers to browse names, license plates and other details stored in the police database. You can call it as NYPDs Google.

...

Another useful app...is the crime information center. Its a bulletin board with missing persons and safety alerts. During a burglary...suspects were caught after a precinct commander used the app to tell all officers within the area to look for a white van.

And those are just a few of the apps being used. So, overall, this seems like a good thing for NYPD and Microsoft. Are there any downsides? And are there any plans to upgrade to a more recent OS? Williams Pelegrin fills us in:

The switch has introduced some headaches...such as damaged and lost devices. Furthermore, some officers...worried about being tracked through their phones.

...

Even so, every NYPD officer is now equipped with a Windows Phone...with the force looking to upgrade to a Windows 10 Mobile...by 2017s summer months. Whatever phone it opts for, the NYPD wants officers to be able to tap into New York Citys security cameras and to have two-way digital dispatches with other officers.
Shortly before Theresa May was elected as the new Conservative leader, we said that the new Prime Minister should call an early general election. May swiftly made it clear that she doesnt want one, and we promptly stopped our call in its tracks  because she has set out her stall as a woman of her word, and breaking faith with her view would be a clear breach of it.

Now that the conference season is over and Parliament has returned, however, it has become clear that an pre-2020 poll cant be ruled out. The Government has a formal majority of 16. On the one hand, it is larger in practice, because May has the backing in practice of the DUP. On the other, every Conservative Government in recent memory has seen at least 20 members of the Parliamentary Party at loggerheads with the leadership.

The reasons are sometimes personal and sometimes political  Britains place in Europe being the usual causus belli. For Bill Cash, Peter Bone and Bernard Jenkin now read Anna Soubry, Nick Herbert and Nicky Morgan. And the seismic nature of Brexit simply raises the stakes, although reports this morning of rows between Philip Hammond and other Cabinet members illustrate less a crisis than how departments positions can be a drag on clear aims. In this instance, the Treasury is bound to be sympathetic to higher immigration, because it is an easy means of boosting growth  and many employers have got used to relying on it at the lower-paid end of the scale. But matters might reach a point at which although Brexit is not blocked, orderly government becomes impossible, and rebellions in the Commons and resistance on the Lords combine to leave May unable to get key legislation through.

Above all, senior Tories are bound continuously to be tempted by the sheer unelectability of Jeremy Corbyn. The Fixed Terms Parliament Act makes engineering an election very difficult, but not actually impossible. The Government could slap down a motion of no confidence in itself. Admittedly, this would be a very odd thing to do and there is no real precedent for it.

None the less, it would be hard for Labour not to back a motion of no confidence in the Conservatives. Corbyn could only wriggle out of it by effectively conceded that he would be trounced in a poll. May might reach a point where she could argue, with some conviction, that she didnt want an election but one has been forced on her, since her Government cant get its business. Tory MPs in marginals would be nervous, but there you go.
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Huntsville, AL October 17, 2016 - Benjamin B Gamble from the Huntsville General Office of New York Life recently joined a select group of agents who are authorized to offer AARP members a range of financial solutions through AARP Life Insurance, Annuity and Long-Term Care Options from New York Life. To become part of this group of agents Mr. Gamble followed a certification process established by New York Life, which includes extensive training on products and regulations, education on evaluating client needs, state licensing and a commitment to service. AARP Services, AARP's for-profit subsidiary, provides quality control over the certification process and training.

Ben, his wife, Anna, and his son, Samson, reside in Huntsville, AL and are members of Rivertree Church in Owens Cross Roads, AL. Mr. Gamble is a member of the YP Committee of 100 and the Financial and Estate Planning Council of Huntsville.

New York Life has been offering AARP-branded products to AARP members since 1994. Since then, the relationship has grown to include a portfolio of annuity products (added in 2006) and now most recently long-term care options in [2016].

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Espanol, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

About AARP Services Inc.

AARP Services Inc., founded in 1999, is a wholly-owned taxable subsidiary of AARP. AARP Services manages the provider relationships for and performs quality control oversight of the wide range of products and services that carry the AARP name and are made available by independent providers as benefits to AARP's millions of members. The provider offers currently span health products, financial products, travel and leisure products, and life event services. Specific products include Medicare supplemental insurance; credit cards, auto and home, mobile home and motorcycle insurance, life insurance and annuities; member discounts on rental cars, cruises, vacation packages and lodging; special offers on technology and gifts; pharmacy services and legal services. AARP Services also engages in new product development activities for AARP and provides certain consulting services to outside companies.

About New York Life

New York Life Insurance Company, a Fortune 100 company founded in 1845, is the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States* and one of the largest life insurers in the world. New York Life has the highest possible financial strength ratings currently awarded to any life insurer from all four of the major credit rating agencies: A.M. Best (A++), Fitch (AAA), Moody's Investors Service (Aaa), Standard & Poor's (AA+).** Headquartered in New York City, New York Life's family of companies offers life insurance, retirement income, investments and long-term care insurance. New York Life Investments*** provides institutional asset management. Other New York Life affiliates provide an array of securities products and services, as well as retail mutual funds. Please visit New York Life's website at www.newyorklife.com for more information.

*Based on revenue as reported by "Fortune 500 ranked within Industries, Insurance: Life, Health (Mutual)," Fortune magazine, 6/17/16. For methodology, please see http://fortune.com/fortune500/.

**Individual independent rating agency commentary as of 6/9/16.

***New York Life Investments is a service mark used by New York Life Investment Management Holdings LLC and its subsidiary, New York Life Investment Management LLC.

The products offered under AARP Life Insurance, Annuity and Long-Term Care Options from New York Life include individual and group life insurance products, individual annuity products and individual long-term care insurance products.

Individual annuity products and universal life insurance products are underwritten by New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation (NYLIAC), Newark, DE 19713, a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company (New York Life), New York, NY 10010. The policy form numbers for NYLIAC Asset Preserver, a combination universal life and long-term care insurance product, are ICC 13314-60, 314-60 or state variation [898-60 or state variation]. These products are available to the public.

Individual term life and whole life insurance products and long-term care insurance products are underwritten by New York Life. These products are available to the public.

AARP group life insurance products are available under the AARP Life Insurance Program and are underwritten by New York Life. AARP Membership is required for Program eligibility. Specific products, features and/or gifts not available in all states or countries. AARP has established the AARP Life Insurance Trust to hold group life insurance policies for the benefit of AARP members. Complete terms and conditions are set forth in the group policy issued by New York Life to the Trustee of the AARP Life Insurance Trust (Group Policy forms AA-08, AA-66, AA-67, AA-68).

New York Life Insurance Company pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, producers or brokers.

None of the products are issued or provided by AARP or its affiliates.
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Channel programs News

Power At Every Position: Dell Fills Exec Lineup With Seasoned Channel, Sales Veterans

Matt Brown

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Dell Technologies has put together a strong lineup of channel and sales executives, drawing mostly on longtime Dell leaders and bringing on former EMC channel chief Gregg Ambulos as North America channel chief. The lineup was solidified just a couple of months after John Byrne was made global channel chief in July and given the task of choosing which executives would push the $74 billion company's channel agenda.

Ambulos will report to Byrne, and his appointment came along with a host of other executive moves designed to streamline and unify the Dell Technologies sales and channel operations. Byrne reports directly to Marius Haas, Dell COO and president of commercial solutions.

Ambulos' appointment is also another sign that Dell, after closing its landmark $58 billion acquisition of EMC, intends to lean heavily on EMC's channel expertise. The company has made several program changes, including a move toward partner-led customer engagements, that mirror EMC's program.

[RELATED: CRN's Coverage Of Dell EMC World 2016]

Here's a rundown of the executives leading Dell Technologies' sales and channel operations.

John Byrne: Byrne was brought into Dell as global vice president of sales strategy and operations a year ago on the advice of Chief Integration Officer Rory Read, who had previously worked with Byrne at AMD. Byrne, a Scottish tech entrepreneur who began his career in London, spent about nine years at AMD in a variety of international executive sales and channel positions. His title is president of global channels.

Gregg Ambulos: Haas said choosing Ambulos to run the company's North America channel operation was "absolutely the right decision." Ambulos is a 20-year EMC veteran and spent the better part of 15 years as that company's channel chief, implementing portions of EMC's channel program that are beginning to take hold at Dell, including a "hard deck," a threshold below which all deals are handled by channel partners.

Jim DeFoe: Byrne called DeFoe a "sales warrior with outstanding customer relationships" when he told CRN about his appointment as head of global distribution. DeFoe is a 20-year Dell veteran, and has spent almost all that time as vice president of global sales channels and programs. As head of global distribution, DeFoe will assemble his own team of regional distribution leaders.

Cheryl Cook: The former global channel chief has taken a role as head of partner marketing, reporting to Nina Hargus, senior vice president of global field marketing. Cook was the face of Dell's channel operation for nearly three years after spending more than two years as Dell vice president of enterprise solutions. Before joining Dell, Cook spent about 15 years as a sales executive at Sun Microsystems and Nuance Communications.

Kimberley DeLeon: At Dell only about a year, DeLeon is one of very few new channel or sales executive appointments who hasn't been with Dell or EMC for a long stretch. DeLeon was hired last January and worked directly for former channel chief Cook as executive director of global channel planning and programs. Prior to joining Dell, she spent about 10 years at AMD, where Byrne was once an executive. As head of global channel programs at Dell Technologies, DeLeon will be responsible for channel processes, including governance, and ensuring partners are achieving the appropriate level of certification and financial objectives, Byrne said.

Randy Huey: A 17-year Dell veteran, and an economist by trade, Huey has held several planning, marketing and strategy positions at Dell in a number of the company's divisions. Most recently, he worked directly for Haas as executive strategist. Now, as head of channel strategy, Huey will lead channel strategy and planning. He and Byrne will map out plans for partner spending and coverage across Dell and EMC, Byrne said.

Pilar Schenk: For the past year, Schenk has been working on the integration of Dell and EMC as executive director of integration. She's been with Dell for more than a dozen years in a number of sales roles, including almost five years as chief of staff, global sales operations. Byrne appointed her head of channel sales planning and operations.

ROUNDING OUT THE GLOBAL TEAM

Byrne also named a group of experienced Dell veterans to lead Dell Technologies' regional channel organization, including Tian Beng Ng as head of Asia-Pacific and Japan channel sales. He has been with Dell 17 years, most recently as vice president and managing director, South Asia and Korea. Alvaro Camarena was made head of Latin America channel sales. Camarena has been with Dell eight years as executive director of Latin America channel programs. Michael Collins will head Dell's EMEA channel sales operation. The 14-year Dell veteran was most recently vice president of strategy and channel, EMEA.

MARIUS' HOUSE

In addition to Byrne, Haas named a slate of senior sales executives who will report to him, including leaders for several regions of the world and specific product lines. Like Byrne's appointments, Haas' are mostly longtime Dell executives.

Bill Rodrigues: Haas named Rodrigues president of North America commercial sales. Rodrigues has been at Dell for about 18 years, and was previously president of North America and global sales.

Jay Parker: Parker was a marketing executive at Dell between 2003 and 2007 before spending more than seven years at Lenovo, two of them as North America president. Amid upheaval in Lenovo's executive ranks last year, Dell lured Parker back to Austin, Texas, as general manager of North America enterprise systems and part of what solution providers called Haas' enterprise dream team. Now, Parker will take on a role as head of global server and networking sales.

REGIONAL POWER

Haas' regional team includes Amit Midha, a 20-year Dell employee, as head of APJ commercial sales. Midha was most recently president of APJ and chairman of global emerging markets. Haas also tapped Diego Majdalani as head of Latin America commercial sales. Majdalani has been with Dell 10 years and has been vice president and general manager of Latin America for the last four. Haas made Chenhong Huang head of Greater China commercial sales. He has been with Dell about two years, and spent about 14 years at Nortel Networks. As head of EMEA commercial sales, Aongus Hegarty 's job doesn't change. Hegarty has been a regional sales executive at Dell for more than 11 years. Haas also named Prakash Jothee as head of sales strategy planning and operations.
Cloud News

Michael Dell: The Channel Is Becoming More Important In Hybrid Cloud Era

Matt Brown

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Make no mistake: Michael Dell sees the channel playing a more prominent role in the future  even as cloud services reshape the competitive landscape.

The first Dell EMC World conference in Austin this week will be for many partners the first opportunity to learn about the newborn $74 billion IT conglomerate's developing channel vision.

In a recent interview with CRN, Dell, the founder, chairman and CEO of his namesake company, said it's clear that as the industry and the portfolio it offers evolve, the role of channel partners will also evolve and become bigger and more important.

"These solutions require a fair amount of expertise, and partners play a big role in that, in applying these solutions," Dell told CRN. "When you think about the role of a partner today, the winning partners are always evolving their capabilities to be contemporary and relevant. Whether its intelligence, Internet of things, data science, converged and hyper-converged infrastructure, software-defined data center, security  all the things to address the digital transformation and the challenges end customer have  successful partners are the ones that figure out how to evolve with the changing requirements."

The vote of confidence in the channel signals Dell's intention to bet big on its partners. The company got out of the gate fast on the day its landmark acquisition of EMC was finalized by grandfathering EMC partners into the Dell channel program.

Michael Tanenhaus, president of Mavenspire, an Annapolis, Maryland-based solution provider that works with Dell EMC, said that while the information Dell EMC has shared about changes to its program is encouraging, the conference is likely to be a real coming-out party.

"A lot of this stuff is still being written," Tanenhaus said. "I think Dell EMC World will be the first time a lot of people hear this stuff, including people who work there. They've been quiet about it. They're taking opinions. They need to go out and listen to people, and I think they've been doing that. There are many different partners with many different needs. There are different products, different technologies. It'll be kind of interesting to watch."

Dell, in a departure for the company that began selling PCs direct to consumers, also adjusted its rules of engagement to favor partners that have gained traction and loyalty in commercial accounts. Dell is evaluating its customer base going back three years, and customers identified as buying through partners will effectively become partner-led accounts indefinitely.

When asked if the channel is becoming more important to Dell and its customers, the CEO replied, "It's becoming a larger part of our business, so therefore, it's more important. That's pretty simple."
Storage News

Lenovo Launches Converged Infrastructure Solution With Nimble Storage

Joseph F. Kovar

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Server vendor Lenovo and flash storage vendor Nimble Storage are partnering on a new converged infrastructure solution that Lenovo hopes will be its first, big step down the road to becoming a data center powerhouse.

Partnering with San Jose, California-based Nimble Storage will give Lenovo a tier-one storage offering, said Stuart McCrae, director of the Lenovo storage product group.

"Lenovo storage is still young and growing," McCrae told CRN. "We started with file and block storage, and added software-defined storage. Now we're offering tier-one, all-flash and hybrid flash storage."

[Related: How We Got Here: Lenovo's Blockbuster IBM Server Deal]

Lenovo's march into the data center started with its 2012 strategic agreement with EMC to jointly develop VSPEX reference architectures for converged infrastructure. That effort expanded with Lenovo's 2014 acquisition of IBM's x86-based server business. However, the Lenovo-EMC relationship ended even before the purchase of EMC by Lenovo arch-rival Dell.

The new relationship with Nimble Storage is starting out with ThinkAgile, Lenovo's new brand for converged infrastructure. The solution includes Lenovo servers, Nimble storage, and Lenovo network technology it got with the IBM x86 server business acquisition, McCrae said.

The different parts are tied together with Lenovo's XClarity infrastructure management software, he said.

The ThinkAgile offering will be pre-integrated by Lenovo in its own facilities and sold by Lenovo's channel partners, McCrae said. It will not be sold by Nimble Storage channel partners, said Dan Leary, vice president of corporate development for the storage vendor.

While Nimble Storage has converged infrastructure partnerships with other vendors, they are more along the lines of meet-in-the-channel relationships, Leary told CRN. "We don't have any other pre-integrated converged infrastructure relationships," he said.

ThinkAgile is expected to be only the first of a growing relationship between the two vendors, Leary said.

"What's really unique is the longer-term ramifications of our relationship," he said. "This is a collaborative technology partnership that will lead to further developments."

McCrae said that Lenovo is committed to delivering more flash storage solutions, with dedicated Lenovo-branded storage products based on Nimble Storage technology expected to come to market starting in the first half of 2017.

"From an enterprise data center perspective, storage has been our biggest gap," he said. "That's why, for us, this is a huge announcement. It fills that gap, and gives us that end-to-end solution."

A couple of Lenovo channel partners, for now, feel that the vendor still has a lot of work to do to be a serious player in the data center business.

One Lenovo partner, who requested anonymity, said the new ThinkAgile offering is probably better for Nimble Storage than it is for Lenovo.

"Lenovo's channel strategy is still focused on a volume play, and not a value play," the solution provider told CRN. "We sell Lenovo when customers ask for it. But we actually sell what customers demand. When compared to what other vendors have, especially Dell, Lenovo is still seen as a me-too server vendor."

Another Lenovo channel partner, who also preferred to remain anonymous, said the ThinkAgile offering is an interesting play.

"I see Nimble Storage gain traction in the market," the solution provider told CRN. "But I don't know that this combination is the right answer."

Lenovo needs a converged infrastructure play because the tier-one vendors like Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Cisco have one, and it is important for second-tier vendors to get a piece of the action, the solution provider said.

"We sell relatively little Lenovo," the solution provider said. "But I'm not sure the Nimble Storage play will change our direction, or Lenovo's direction."

McCrae said Lenovo sees an opportunity now that it did not have when it had a storage relationship with EMC and Iomega before that.

"The Nimble Storage relationship is targeted at the sweet spot of the storage market," McCrae said. "The opportunity and demand from customers is great. Part of the market is moving to software-defined. But the bulk of the market is focused on flash storage. From a go-to-market perspective, this is a force multiplier for both of us."

The ThinkAgile relationship with Nimble Storage is just part of an overall storage offensive Lenovo is on, said Radhika Krishnan, general manager of modern IT at Lenovo and, until seven months ago, the vice president of marketing, solutions and alliances at Nimble Storage.

ThinkAgile is expected to start shipping on October 28 and compete with Dell EMC's VCE Vblock offering and the FlexPod line from NetApp and Cisco, Krishnan told CRN.

Lenovo also has a strong partnership with Nutanix for hyper-converged infrastructure with the development of a new hyper-converged rack solution similar to the Dell EMC VxRack solution, Krishnan said.

"We are introducing a Lenovo rack solution with Nutanix software and Lenovo networking," she said. "This will be a 42U rack with up to 40 1U or 20 2U Lenovo server nodes in a single cluster with Lenovo top-of-rack networking. We're expected this to be available by year-end."

Lenovo next year will introduce a separate rack-based hyper-converged infrastructure solution based on the OpenStack cloud and Ceph software-defined storage for the China market which is more open to open source, she said.

Lenovo last month used the Microsoft Ignite conference to introduce Lenovo Cloud Configuration for Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct which allows customers develop an on-premises variant of Azure that reached out to the Azure cloud, Krishnan said. That offering will also get the ThinkAgile brand name, she said.

Lenovo also offers, and over time will work with VMware on its software-defined data center strategy.
Theres no arguing that Jack Mas Alibaba, the Chinese ecommerce giant, is on a mission to dominate global ecommerce. In August, we wrote of the companys plans to open offices in Melbourne, Australia as part of their globalization strategy.

Now Multichannelmerchant.com reports they have opened the doors to Canadian ecommerce, giving Canada a permanent e-home on the worlds biggest online shopping site and access to over 400 million Chinese consumers.

Jack Ma and Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, unveiled the new cooperation at a ceremony at Alibaba Group head office in Hangzhou early in September. They also announced the launch of the Canadian Pavilion on Alibabas shopping platform, Tmall Global. Canadian businesses, regardless of size, will be able to sell directly to Chinese consumers via the platform. At launch, 30 Canadian businesses had already set up shop on Tmall Global where they have been selling over 100 products.

In an effort to promote tourism to Canada, Air Canada, the countrys biggest airline, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Alitrip, Alibabas online travel booking platform. This will open up opportunities for Chinese travelers to access a range of travel and vacation packages to Canada, as well as visa application services online.

Tmall Global, which also offers pavilions for 18 countries including Japan, Korea, Holland, United States, New Zealand, Switzerland, France, UK, Spain, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Turkey. It aims to provide the enormous Chinese consumer market with a one-stop shop for popular products from any of these countries.

Alibaba has simultaneously formed a strategic partnership with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service in China (TCS) to facilitate the flow of goods and services between the two countries, especially by way of ecommerce.

An April 2016 report on cross-border ecommerce by Accenture, states that China is expected to become the worlds biggest cross-border B2C market by 2020.

For more information, please see: Alibaba Group Strikes a Deal With the Canadian Government.
A senior Anglican archbishop from the Global South called for the Church to be ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of Christ in the face of persecution, restrictions, terrorism, and violence carried out in the name of religion.

Archbishop Mouneer Anis of Cairo was addressing archbishops and bishops from some of the most difficult places in the world in which to practise the Christian faith: Sudan, Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, Southern Africa, West Africa, Indian Ocean, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South East Asia.

More than 100 delegates also discussed the importance of ecumenical and inter-faith dialogue. Guests* at the opening session included representatives of the Vatican, Coptic Orthodox Church and Al Azhar University in Cairo, the seat of Sunni learning.

The leaders of the Anglican Communions Global South (the worlds third largest Christian denomination, after the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches)  which is home to 72 per cent of the worldwide Anglican population, or about 62 million people  discussed critical challenges facing them, including poverty, the refugee crisis and religious violence.

Archbishop Anis said the Church in the Global South had many challenges and weaknesses, and highlighted the prevalence of disease and polygamy, tribalism, corruption, and harsh treatment of women, as well as false teaching of the prosperity gospel, and the teaching of the Jehovahs Witnesses and Mormons.

He also warned of an ideological slavery resulting from some Western churches and organisations us[ing] their wealth and influence to push their own agendas in the Global South. He continued: We need to be aware of this, and resist all kinds of slavery, whether financial or ideological, or else face cultural defeat and captivity.

While the archbishop and other speakers stressed fidelity to the teachings of Christ and criticised provinces they accused of departing from them, Anis added: We cannot continue to focus on the faults of others while neglecting the needs of our own people.

A former Bishop of North Africa, Bill Musk, noted that North African Christians were persecuted in the early centuries of Christianity as they are now, and said unity was vital to withstand such challenges. A communique from the talks reported: The Arab invasions eventually overwhelmed the Church [in North Africa], but the seeds of its demise were sown long before.

Bishop Emeritus Musk also praised the fifth-century Council of Carthage, which took place in what is now Tunisia, at which it was decided that no diocese had the right to discipline leaders in another, despite a deep cultural divide within the Church. Bishop Musk described the Church at that time as being riven between a Latin elite that advocated a compassionate response to Christians who denied their faith under persecution, and local Berbers, who insisted upon faithfulness to Christianity until death.

Speakers at the conference emphasised the Churchs North African heritage, challenging the view of the Church as a foreign imposition foisted on Europes former colonies. American Canon Dr. Ashley Null, highlighted the deep dependence of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, one of the architects of Anglicanism, on St. Augustine, whose bishopric of Hippo lies in modern-day Algeria.

Dr. Null, who is writing a five-volume study of the private theological notebooks of Archbishop Cranmer, noted that in his day, Augustine was derided as the son of a Berber who spoke Latin with an African accent.

On the second day of the conference, the bishops had a 90-minute audience with President Fatah Al-Sisi, who told them Egypt was keen to guarantee freedom of belief and worship for all its citizens. Egypts Coptic Christians have complained of targeted attacks worsening again this year.

*(Bishops from North America and Australia joined the six-day conference (3-8 Oct.) in the Egyptian capital. Four bishops from the UK, including the Bishop of Durham Paul Butler, were there as guests, with the knowledge of the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby).

Courtesy: World Watch Monitor

Publication date: October 17, 2016
Carnival Cruise Line has signed an agreement with landlord Urban Commons and the City of Long Beach, Calif., to expand the Long Beach Cruise Terminal facility to accommodate larger ships in the future and enhance its terminal operations, it said in a prepared statement.

The deal will nearly triple the size of Carnivals current terminal facility from approximately 66,000 square feet to 142,000 square feet.

Carnival has operated the Long Beach Cruise Terminal since 2003 using a partial area of the Geodesic Dome that was the former museum housing Howard Hughes Spruce Goose attraction. The agreement gives Carnival 100 percent use of the Dome, allowing for larger ships and providing additional space needed to accommodate two-way operations, enabling embarking guests to access the terminal prior to completion of disembarkation.

Construction is to be completed in late 2017.

For years we have been working toward reaching an agreement to expand the Long Beach Cruise Terminal to accommodate larger ships on the West Coast, and were thrilled to finally be able to move forward with our plans to assume full usage of the Dome, making Long Beach one of our largest homeport facilities, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. We would like to thank the City of Long Beach and Urban Commons for their efforts in facilitating this expansion that will ultimately enhance the guest experience and build upon our leadership position as the number one cruise operator from the West Coast.

The expansion of the Carnival Cruise terminal is great news for Long Beach and great news for visitors to our city, said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. The added capacity will bring more tourism and economic activity to Long Beach, and were pleased to continue working with Carnival for many years to come.

Added Taylor Woods, co-founder of Urban Commons, Carnival Cruise Line is a tremendous asset for the Long Beach community, and we are pleased to reach an agreement with their team that will support the exciting expansion of their operations immediately adjacent to The Queen Mary. We have big plans for the facility and the surrounding land, and Carnivals success will only add to the vitality and energy of what promises to be one of the top destinations in California. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Carnival for many years to come.

Plans also include expansion of portside cold-ironing capacity to accommodate larger vessels.
There are some days when I feel grateful to have landed my dream job as a writer, but there have been few days over the past 20 or so months that I haven't missed being in the classroom.

Friday was one of those difficult days that gave me pause and made me think that perhaps the teacher in me is still hopeful she might some day make a comeback.

I was invited to attend an event at IBM's Watson Health as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it was the first time that I, as a journalist, sat watching students engage in the learning process.

Approximately 20 eighth grade girls from the Curley School of Jamaica Plain, accompanied by their teacher Alissa Ferro, gathered around a conference table at IBM's office in Cambridge to learn what a career in cybersecurity can look like for them.

But the day didn't start by launching into career topics. Instead, the women of IBM including Catherine Webb, security systems acquisitions operations manager and Heather Ricciuto, academic initiative leader for IBM Security, grabbed the girls' attention by showing them how their privacy can be exploited in today's digital world.

After a tutorial of the current threats to which anyone could easily fall victim, Webb divided the group into five teams and introduced a digital board game to challenge their understanding of how to protect themselves online.

"Is your online ID secure?", a game reminiscent of both Sorry and Monopoly, required that each member of the team be able to correctly answer a series of challenge questions in order to both advance on the board and earn points for purchasing power. The ultimate goal was for an entire team to make its way around the board into the safety zone.

Each team played with a deck of cards, some of which were 'chance' cards that would allow them to flip a coin and either move forward or backward. The team took their chances on questions like, "You received a SPAM message on Instagram," by landing on heads or tails, the player either did something positive, like delete the message and moved forward on the board, or clicked on it, causing them to go back some spaces.

Teams could also earn points which allowed them to buy anti-virus software or password testers. Other cards applauded, "You set a 2FA on your gmail account, move forward five spaces and get 15 points."

As the teams played, one of the women in the room asked, "Does anyone like math?" to which one young lady exclaimed "ME!" as she shot her arm up in the arm. Others confidently responded to the team activity challenge, which asked, "A phishing attack is under way. List three things to look for."

Don't click on any links Check to see if there are obvious errors in the English grammar Look at the email address--if it's from someone you know, verify with them first that they actually sent the message.

"I was so impressed that they even knew what a phishing attack was," said Natasha Engan, vice president of security for financial services market at IBM. "There are a lot of adults who wouldn't be able to answer that question."

When Engan asked the room of girls, "How many of you think you may want to try something in cybersecurity, not a career, but a class or coding or something?" nearly every hand in the room went up.

That's when she shared her own background with the girls, noting that she never intended to end up working in the cybersecurity industry. "I tried different things," she told the girls, "and I would encourage you to do the same. Take some classes that you wouldn't necessarily take."

What followed was a barrage of questions from the young ladies that went on for nearly 20 minutes. "Are you a vice president? What if you hacked a hacker back? Why would someone want to hack me?"

The girls talked about their passions and hopes for future careers, and those in the room who had said they wanted to be engineers, lawyers, journalists, and teachers started to see that they can both pursue their dreams and grow in the cybersecurity industry.

I didn't want to leave. I felt a room filled with excitement and energy. IBM had reached out and grabbed these girls, because they can. Driven by their passion, intellect, curiosity, and energy, these girls and all the others that are encouraged to see themselves as potential leaders in STEM will change the course of the future in IT.

Though I envied Ms. Ferro and wanted to engage more with the girls, I did feel a sense of pride in being able to tell them that I am a journalist who writes about cybersecurity.
HATTIESBURG, Mississippi -- Authorities say the man who shot himself when pulled over for a traffic stop in Hattiesburg early Wednesday morning has died.

Forrest County Coroner Butch Benedict told The Hattiesburg American 22-year-old Jevon Tyrone Perry, of New Orleans, died Saturday at Forrest General.

Benedict says Perry died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Because the death was from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Benedict says Perry's body will not be sent to the state crime lab for autopsy.

Police says the incident occurred just after 2 a.m. Wednesday on the Hardy Street off-ramp for Interstate 59.

Police spokesman Lt. Jon Traxler during the traffic stop, the driver suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Welcome to Enemy at the Gates!

This inaugural post and those that follow will use real-world and hypothetical cybercrime, cyber-espionage, and cyber-terrorism examples to comprehensively explore this question:

What is the true real-world identity of the living, breathing human being standing at the intranet or internet gate and is that living, breathing human being an enemy or a friend?

The goals are to offer the reader different ways of thinking about how vulnerabilities are exploited by criminal, nation-state, and terrorist hackers and, more importantly, suggest paths forward to effective solutions.

Through many years of studying the cyber identity problem, Ive noticed that cybersecurity discussions often focus on identity verification technologies and techniques in a context disconnected from the living, breathing human being standing behind passwords, multi-factor authentication procedures, and even biometric measures.

Most serious cyber breaches start with an anonymous living, breathing bad actor sending a malware-laden email to a target company employee. Just this month, the cybersecurity company Symantec announced that a second group of hackers targeted banks that use the SWIFT global financial transfer system. The report suggests the attackers used phishing emails containing malicious file attachments to deliver malware payloads into their target banks computer networks. To illustrate the seriousness of this incident, the first group of SWIFT hackers successfully stole $81 million from the Bangladesh Central Bank.

The criminal hackers involved in the more recent attack may have used simple email phishing where they had only general knowledge of the banks operations or spearphishing where they may have used social engineering techniques to gather specific information about bank employees to design a very convincing email. Certainly the focus of investigators is finding an answer to this question: Which of the worlds 7.5 billion living, breathing human beings really clicked send?

Email is the cyber equivalent of a ballistic missile carrying a nuclear warhead and is a devastatingly effective hacker tool. Consider that the human being sending the email can be anyone operating from any location with no authentication mechanism available to the email server receiving the phishing or spearphishing email. The email technology in widespread use does not, as part of the protocol, demand that senders identify themselves in any context much less one in the real-world.

But none of this is new. The vulnerabilities baked into conventional email technology are well known. The amazing thing is that newer, more secure messaging systems havent yet killed it off.

Setting aside the question of why email is still around, we can conclude that hackers will always have the advantage as long as 40+ year-old conventional email technology remains in widespread use. The only effective solution is to adopt a top-to-bottom replacement for conventional email messaging. Critically, any such replacement must comprehensively address the anonymity problem.

It will be a very long and difficult process but the way forward is a focused, coordinated effort involving government standards agencies, legislatures, private companies, and cyber insurance providers. Government standards agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) should strongly promote security-focused guidelines for email replacement technologies; legislatures can use tax credits to encourage faster adoption of new messaging systems; insurance companies can use cyber policy rates to further boost the economic benefits of change.

Large businesses may hold the key to quicker adoption of new messaging technologies by using their size and economic influence to incentivize supply chains to adopt secure messaging technologies for business-to-business communication. Such action on the part of coalitions of large businesses can accelerate the successful retirement of SMTP email messaging throughout the broader economy since employees will become familiar with messaging alternatives and begin to use them when not at work.

[ RELATED: How to craft a security awareness program that works ]

Pushback from those who say this task is too difficult, expensive, or disruptive must be challenged with the unarguable fact that current email technology cannot be made secure and hackers are a very determined species.

Until email replacements are widely adopted and before focusing exclusively on the relative merits of anti-malware systems and other technologies designed to deal with attacks after the phishing email attachment is opened, security professionals should always ask Who are the living, breathing human beings sending emails to my companys employees? Are they friends or enemies at the gate?
Republicans who gave money to the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) this year, in order to help support incumbent Republican senators, might want to check their credit card statements.

Those who donated to the NRSC between March 16 and October 5, 2016, conducted their transaction on a platform that was compromised by malicious code designed to steal credit card details and personal information. The NRSC quietly corrected the problem sometime around October 6, 2016.

The hacked storefront, which powers the NRSC donation system, was discovered by Willem de Groot  a Dutch developer who discovered thousands of compromised websites running vulnerable versions of the Magento e-commerce platform.

The compromised NRSC transactions included the donors first name, last name, email address, billing details (address, city, state, and zip code), employer details, occupation, card type, card number, card expiration, and security code.

Once the data was collected by the malicious code, the compromised transactions were then sent to one of two different domains.

Earlier this year, the criminals responsible for skimming the card data were using jquery-cloud[.]net to receive the compromised records. Later, the code on the NRSC website was altered to send skimmed transactions to jquery-code[.]su .

The malicious .su domain is still operational, and its hosted on a network (Dataflow) with some suspicious, if not outright criminal clients  including those that deal with drugs, money laundering, Phishing, and spam.

It isnt clear who is behind the attack, as anyone can register a domain and obtain hosting. One interesting observation made by de Groot during his research, was that Dataflow and jquery-cloud[.]net came online together during the same week in November of 2015.

As for impact, its hard to tell how many transactions on the NRSC website were compromised. Going by traffic, de Groot said that upwards of 3,500 compromised transactions per month were possible.

Based on reporting to the Federal Election Commission, the NRSC collected more than $30 million in contributions since March 2016, when the card skimming code was first observed on their domain. But again, this total is for all funds collected, and doesn't single out credit card donations.

As mentioned, once the issue became public earlier this month, the NRSC quietly replaced the compromised storefront with a new one powered by WordPress. The criminals behind this particular compromise targeted Magento in this case, but they've also targeted OpenCart and Powerfront CMS.

Salted Hash attempted to reach out to the NRSC over the weekend, but the committee hasnt responded to queries. As of October 17, the NRSC website makes no mention of the new storefront, or the compromised e-commerce platform. [See update below]

Unfortunately, this means GOP supporters who had their credit card information compromised could be caught by surprise once their accounts show signs of fraudulent activity, and left completely unaware of the problem's root cause.

During his research, de Groot determined that more than 5,400 storefronts were compromised by the same type of malicious code used on the NRSC domain. So far, he has discovered nine variants of the skimming code, suggesting that multiple people (or groups) are involved.

When de Groot reached out to victims, in an attempt to alert them about their compromised domains, many of the website owners failed to understand the full impact of the situation.

Some responded to the warnings by arguing to de Groot that the code added by the criminals didnt matter because  our payments are handled by a 3rd party payment provider or our shop is safe because we use HTTPS.

Those responding like this are missing the bigger point; if the code running the payment processing system is compromised, 3rd-party processing and HTTPS will not prevent a criminal from obtaining your card data or personal information.

A full list of the storefronts compromised by the skimming code is available on GitLab. Over the weekend, GitLab removed the list in error, but theyve since restored the list with an apology.

A video demonstrating how the NRSC hack worked is below:







Update: Salted Hash came across a NRSC statement made to Reuters on October 6. In it, the NRSC said the issue impacted a small number of supporters (0.0018 percent) and they would contact them directly. They didn't share any additional details. In addition, the NRSC said they found no evidence that its primary donation system was hacked.
DANBURY - A proposal by Metro-North to revitalize portions of the Maybrook rail line, which runs to Derby from Beacon, N.Y., has renewed interest among local rail proponents for passenger service west of town.

For decades, rail proponents have talked about using tracks from the century-old line to connect the Danbury branch line with the Harlem line, which provides direct access to Grand Central Terminal. The route would provide additional options for commuters traveling from the Danbury and New Milford areas to New York City.

The Connecticut portion of the Maybrook line, which is also called the Beacon, is owned by Housatonic Railroad and is used by the company for freight service. Metro-North, which owns the section of track in New York State, occasionally uses the line to transfer equipment between the Harlem and Danbury lines.

Ed Rodriguez, vice president of the Housatonic Railroad, said the company was caught by surprise late last week when Metro-North released a request for expressions of interest in developing the line.

We are still very interested in instituting passenger service west of Danbury to the Harlem line, Rodriguez said Monday. But at this point we dont know much about what Metro-North is planning.

Housatonic had proposed passenger service from Danbury to the Harlem line more than five years ago when studying the feasibility of passenger service north to New Milford.

Metro-Norths request said it is looking for those interested in revitalizing the line from Beacon to the Putnam County line, which is just short of the Harlem line. The aim, it said, is to generate additional revenue for the company while providing opportunities for economic development and public use.

Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton said Metro-Norths limited request might represent an opportunity to take the idea further, for a Danbury connection.

There is a large cost that would be associated with improving the line, and it would likely have to be a phased approach, but its something we should definitely be taking a look at, Boughton said. Any options we can give commuters to take their cars off the road, they will happily take.

State Sen. Toni Boucher, ranking Republican on the legislatures transportation committee, said passenger service along the Maybrook line should be part of the the states long term plan.

We want to expand the line as much as we can, and we should have long-term plans to do it, she said. If New York state can do it, then we should be looking at it as well.

dperrefort@newstimes.com
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There are three kinds of Republican candidates running in Connecticut this year: Those who openly support Donald J. Trump, the few who dont, and the vast majority who ducked the question, according to a Hearst Connecticut Media survey of GOP hopefuls in southwestern Connecticut.

In the Hearst survey of 63 GOP candidates for state Legislature or Congress, 37 declined to answer yes or no when asked whether they support Trump for president, 21 said they continued to support their partys candidate and five said they did not support him.

Id prefer not to answer, said state Rep. Laura Hoydick, of Stratford, mainly because we need to be focusing on the state deficit, which now stands at an astounding $173 million.

I dont see how it is relevant to my campaign, said Rick Varrone, who is challenging third-term state Rep. Kim Rose, of Milford. I would rather not be asked that question.

Trump isnt running to be a role model, but his statements are reprehensible and have sullied the race for chief of the executive branch, said state Rep. John Shaban, of Redding, who is running for the U.S. House in the 4th District against U.S. Rep. Jim Himes. While I and others may reconsider supporting Trump, his economic policies are still superior to Secretary (Hillary) Clintons and President (Barack) Obamas, and precisely what we need after the last eight years of stagnation and failure.

Scott McLean, a Quinnipiac University politics professor who has closely studied the 2016 election, said that asking Republicans where they stand on Trump is totally fair, but he can understand why many are dodging the issue.

More Information WHERE THEY STAND ON TRUMP These 37 GOP candidates refused to take a stand on Trump US Senate Dan Carter Congressional District 4, John Shaban State Senate 14, Milford, Pat Libero Senate 17, Woodbridge, Derby, George Logan Senate 22, Bridgeport, Trumbull, Elaine Hammers Senate 25, Norwalk, Darien, Greg Ehlers Senate 26, Wilton, Westport, Sen. Toni Boucher Senate 30, New Milford, etc, Craig Miner Senate 32, Seymour, Oxford, etc Sen. Rob Kane Senate 36, Greenwich/Stamford, L. Scott Frantz Senate 27, Stamford, Gino Bittino State House, 2 Bethel William Duff House 67, New Milford, William Buckbee House 69, Southbury, Rep. Arthur O'Neill House 104, Ansonia, Joseph A. Jaumann House 107, Brookfield, Rep. Stephen Harding House 109, Danbury, Veasna Roeun House 111 Ridgefield Rep. John Frey House 114, Derby, Rep. Themis Klarides House 117, West Haven, Milford, Rep. Charles Ferraro House 118, Milford, Rick Varrone House 119, Milford, Rep. Pam Staneski House 120, Stratford, Rep. Laura Hoydick House 123, Trumbull, Rep. David Rutigliano House 124, Bridgeport, Jose A. Quiroga House 127, Bridgeport, Ruben A. Coriano House 130, Bridgeport, Melissa Borres House 132, Fairfield, Rep. Brenda Kupchick 1House 34, Fairfield, Rep. Laura Devlin House 135, Easton, Adam Dunsby House 136, Westport, Catherine A. Walsh House 137, Norwalk, Darline Perpignan House 138, Danbury, Michael S. Ferguson House 142, Norwalk, Rep. Fred Wilms House 143, Wilton, Rep. Gail Lavielle House 146, Stamford, Arkadiusz Jakubowski House 149, Greenwich, Rep. Livvy Floren These 21 GOP candidates are backing Trump Cong. District 1, Matthew Corey Cong. District 2, Daria Novak Cong. District 3, Angel Cadena Jr. Cong. District 5, Clay Cope State Senate Senate 21, Stratford, Shelton Sen. Kevin Kelly Senate 23, Bridgeport, Trumbull Mike Garrett Senate 24, Danbury, Sen. Michael McLachlan State House House 105, Seymour, Nicole Klarides-Ditria House 106, Newtown, Rep. Mitch Bolinsky House 108, New Fairfield, Rep. Richard A. Smith House 113, Shelton, Rep. Jason Perillo House 122, Shelton, Rep. Ben McGorty House 125, New Canaan, Rep. Tom O'Dea House 126, Bridgeport, Anthony Pizighelli House 128, Bridgeport, Ethan Book House 129, Bridgeport, Peter Perillo House 131, Oxford, Rep. David Labriola House 133, Fairfield, Raymond Neuberger House 148, Stamford, Phil Balestriere House 150, Greenwich, Rep. Mike Bocchino House 151, Greenwich, Rep. Fred Camillo These five GOP candidates do not support Trump House 110, Danbury, Emanuela Palmares House 112, Monroe, Rep. J.R. Sredzinski House 141, Darien, Rep. Terrie E. Wood House 144, Stamford, Steven Bartolo Kolenberg Senate 28, Fairfield, Newtown Sen. Tony Hwang See More Collapse

Voters are not just voting for individuals, they are voting for individuals on a party ticket, McLean said. The top of the ticket affects those on the bottom of the ticket. If you dont support the nominee, say it and run on that, and accept those consequences as well.

Traditionally, its a no-brainer for state party members to support their presidential candidate. But the 2016 election, with its scorched-earth insults, threats, email revelations and X-rated video clips, is unlike any other. And many local Republicans seem worried about being seen as either too closely linked to a controversial presidential candidate or as disloyal to their party.

Embracing Trump

Not state Sen. Kevin Kelly, of Stratford, who is among those expressing unequivocal support for the real estate developer turned reality-TV star, who is the partys divisive national standard bearer.

Im on the Republican line with Donald Trump, Kelly said. Im supporting our partys nominee."

Yes, 100 percent Trump, state Rep. Ben McGorty, of Shelton, said.

Raymond Neuberger, an oil trader who is challenging first-term state Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey in Fairfields 133rd House District is more than willing to go on record as a supporter.

Yes, I do support Donald Trump, Neuberger said. I believe Donald Trump is going to surround himself with the right people and will take us in the right direction. Ultimately he knows how to build a business and hell know how to build a better America.

Still, its an uncomfortable question for many Republican candidates to answer in moderate Connecticut, and the Hearst survey shows a general reluctance to even speak the name Trump.

I will support our Republican nominee, said Nicole Klarides-Ditria, who is running against state Rep. Theresa Conroy for the district that includes Beacon Falls, Seymour and Derby.

Voices against Trump

State Sen. Tony Hwang, of Fairfield, whose district also includes Easton, Newtown, Weston and Westport is one of five local Republicans who said that Trumps insults of women, racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants and the disabled has turned him off completely.

Trumps comments are unacceptable under any circumstances, Hwang said. It perpetuates the potential cycle of violence. I cant say it strong enough that I condemn them. I have never supported him because of those comments.

Four other Republicans running for state House seats also said they would not support Trump: Rep. J.R. Sredzinski, 112th District; Emanuela Palmares, 110th district; Rep. Terrie E. Wood, 141st district; and Steven Bartolo Kolenberg, 144th district.

Not our problem

Many GOP candidates for state office seem to disavow themselves entirely from national politics.

I think I, along with many Americans, arent happy with either of the choices for president this year, said incumbent state Rep. Brenda Kupchick, R-Fairfield. Its a choice between someone who offends me and someone I cant trust to be truthful. Im honestly not sure how Im going to vote on Election Day, but I would never vote for Hillary Clinton.

I remain focused on the issues that face Connecticut and the residents of Bridgeport, Trumbull and Monroe, said Elaine Hammers of Trumbull, a former House member challenging state Sen. Marilyn Moore, D-Bridgeport, in the 22nd District. While I certainly don't condone Donald Trump's words, I am more concerned about Hillary Clinton's actions.

I have absolutely nothing to do with the presidential election, said George Logan, who is running against longtime state Sen. Joe Crisco, D-Woodbridge, whose 17th House District includes Ansonia, Beacon Falls and Derby. My focus is entirely on the state race.

Third-term state Rep. Dan Carter, of Bethel, who is running against U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, said Trumps recent sexist, misogynistic comments are disgusting, and made even worse by the underlying notion that women are objects.

My concern however, is about who will Connecticut send to the U.S. Senate to provide balance in Washington, Carter added. Regardless of who wins the presidency, I'll do what Dick Blumenthal has failed to do in the Senate, and thats hold the president accountable. I won't be afraid to stand up to the White House, regardless of whos in it.
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Voters may not make it out to the polls for a number of reasons: scheduling, not feeling informed, apathy. The list goes on.

Perhaps appealing to those apathetic voters, WalletHub recently sought to find out which states had the most and least powerful voters for presidential elections.

If their findings are to be believed, Connecticut may not have the strongest of voters.

Check out the slideshow above to see which voters are the least and most powerful, according to WalletHub.

Connecticut ranked at the tail end of the ten least powerful, at 42nd. The Nutmeg State, which boast seven electoral votes, has voted for the Democratic candidate in six of the last 10 presidential elections.

The last time the state voted for a Republican candidate was in 1988, for former president George H.W. Bush.

Because of this predictability, WalletHub said it's safe to say the state's voters aren't as powerful as that of a swing state's.

"In a presidential election, voter power varies widely by state. While all votes are theoretically counted equally  one person, one vote  the choices of swing-state citizens are more influential," WalletHub said. "It's safe to assume that Alabama will vote Republican and California will vote Democratic in the upcoming election. But the electoral results of swing states are up in the air, giving their voters more impact."

Related: The characteristics of Connecticut voters

The website 270towin.com, which compiles presidential election and electoral vote history, currently has Connecticut listed as fairly "safe Clinton." In a recent Emerson College poll, the website shows support for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton at 50 percent to Republican candidate Donald Trump at 35 percent.

Polls results from Emerson College, Quinnipiac University, and Washington Post have shown Clinton leading since Oct. 2015, making Connecticut less of a "battleground state" and more of a guarantee for Democratic electoral votes.

But, as the 2016 election season has shown voters, anything can happen. The deadline to register to vote online or by mail in Connecticut is Nov. 1. You can also register in person on election day, Nov. 8.

The least powerful states, according to WalletHub, are California, Maryland, and Washington D.C. The report's most powerful states were Arizona, Iowa, and Alaska.
LIBERTY, Mississippi -- The remains of a fallen World War II soldier have returned to Mississippi after more than 70 years.

News outlets report James Samuel Smith's body was brought back to his home in Liberty on Saturday. His remains were discovered in 2012 on a South Pacific island. DNA linked the remains to Smith.

Smith, who was born in 1924, joined the Marines and left for service in August 1942. Family members said they received their last telegram in October of that year.

In that letter, Smith said he was headed to battle on the Gilbert Islands. It's believed he died in November 1943 during what was called the "Assault on Beach Red Two." He was 19 years old.

A memorial service is planned for Monday.
Pakistan donates 15 000 tons of rice to Cuba

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan gave Cuba on Friday a donation of 15 000 tons of rice, a gesture that reflects solidarity with the Cuban nation, the easternmost area of which is recovering after the passage of Hurricane Matthew.

During the delivery ceremony in this capital, Antonio Carricarte, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment (Mincex), thanked the Pakistani government for its help, which arrives in a timely moment to contribute to the speedy recovery of the municipalities hit by the hurricane in the province of Guantanamo, a priority task of the Cuban government.

He pointed out that the donation opens the possibility to increase relations between the two nations in the economic and cooperation sectors.

Pakistans ambassador to the island, Kamran Shafi, expressed that there are possibilities of strengthening commercial bonds, affected by the extraterritorial effects of the commercial, economic and financial blockade of the United States against Cuba.

The CMB ADRIEN ship docked on October 9 at the Hai Pong pier and began unloading the donation at the warehouses belonging to Havanas Enterprise for Port Services of the West.
Publicado por: Juana



10 / 17 / 2016



A second ship of the Venezuelan Navy was received in the port of Santiago de Cuba by General Ramon Espinosa Martin, deputy minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR by its Spanish acronym) and member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).

He was accompanied by Lazaro Exposito and Beatriz Johnson, president and vice president of the Provincial Defense Council in Santiago de Cuba, and Manuel Quevedo, People's Minister of Habitat and Housing in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and Major General Juan de Jesus Garcia, Venezuelan Army Commander General.

We bring about 400 tons with much love and patriotism for the Cuban brothers said captain Henri Javier Gamar, who reaches the city of Santiago for the first time after five days of sailing with good wind and calm sea.

The cargo carries 600 electric transformers and 15 000 square meters of light steel roofs, and 1 125 electro-welded meshes used as reinforcing steel.

It also includes four front chargers and four trucks, plus components of the wet mortar plant, unloaded in this port last Thursday by Tango-63 vessel.

Manuel Quevedo ratified on behalf of his constitutional President that the people and authorities of Cuba can count on the support of Venezuelans, and communicated Nicolas Maduros decision to activate the 251st international corridor of the Vivienda Venezuela Great Mission, as a geographical space to assist in the repair of houses.

He added that, similarly, in the coming days it will also be open the 252nd corridor in the Republic of Haiti to jointly support the recovery in that country.

Quevedo, Major General Juan Jesus Garcia and Rogelio Polanco, Cuba's ambassador to Venezuela, together with local authorities, flew over municipalities Imias, Maisi and Baracoa, and shared directly with affected people.

Speaking to the press, Major General Garcia said that during the tour he met the mission of the Venezuelan government to inspect the Toa River Bridge, which collapsed due to force of the water.

From next week, he added, engineers of the Venezuelan army and technical teams, along with FAR, will work together to make the project in the shortest time possible and rebuild the important step for transporting passengers and goods between the municipalities of Baracoa and Moa, in Holguin.
STORY LINK British Pound to Euro Exchange Rate: 'Brexit? Tensions in UK Government

Pound Sterling (GBP) Exchange Rates Fluctuate over Cabinet Dispute on Brexit

Weak Pound May Pave Way for US Takeovers

Euro (EUR) Exchange Rates Bolstered by Consumer Price Index Growth

GBP to EUR Exchange Rate Forecast: Pound May Rise on Positive Domestic Data

Current Interbank Exchange Rates

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A report from the Daily Telegraph has indicated that there may be tensions at the very top of the UK government as chancellor Philip Hammond has been accused of attempting to undermine Brexit by pushing for delays to immigration policy.His cabinet peers have supposedly complained that Hammond is arguing like an accountant as he pushes for the UK to retain access to the single market post-Brexit, while claiming that his is overly influenced by his Treasury officials who think it is a catastrophe that Britain voted to leave the EU.Downing Street has been quick to deny rumours that the split could see Hammond quit as Chancellor while insisting that the Prime Minister Theresa May has full confidence in him. This has done little to alleviate the worries of investors however with the Pound trading around half a cent lower at the time of writing.The Pound was also weakened as Liberty Global Plc Chairman John Malone warned that the low value of the Pound could spur a number of US companies to take over UK businesses. Speaking to Bloomberg he said;Some U.K. companies really look cheap to a U.S. Dollar investor, I wouldnt be surprised to see a lot of M&A activity by U.S. private equity or corporates when they think that the pound has kind of bottomed.The news is unlikely to help current market sentiment towards the Pound as investors worry about the uncertainty surrounding UK businesses in the wake of Brexit.The Pound Euro (GBP EUR) exchange rate was further dented by the release of Septembers Eurozone consumer price index, which matched predicted growth from 0.1% to 0.4%, continuing the recent recovery after it plummeted in July following the UKs vote to leave the EU.The UKs Rightmove house price report also grew from 0.7% to 0.9% in October causing a small spike in the exchange rate earlier this morning but the Pound was unable to capitalise on it and quickly fell again.The GBP EUR exchange rate may rise on Tuesday with the release of the UKs consumer price index report which is forecast to rise to 0.9% for the month of September, hopefully providing the Pound some respite against the Euro.Meanwhile the Euro may gain following the European Central Bank meeting on Thursday as some analysts predict will see the ECB announce an early end to its quantitative easing programme.At the time of writing the GBP/EUR exchange rate is currently around the 1.11193 level.

International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements.

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Most of us are tired of telemarketers by now, particularly those who hide behind the cloak of legal exemption. Recently, a cruise line and a set of other firms tried to use those legal exemptions to their own benefit, and wound up on the bad end of a class action lawsuit, which the companies agreed to settle before it even hits trial.

The companiesincluding Caribbean Cruise Line, the Berkley Group, Vacation Ownership Marketing Tours and othersoffered a settlement of up to $76 million, with up to $24 million going to plaintiff attorneys, to settle the litigation. The settlement offer was recently put before a federal judge in Chicago, and preliminary approval was subsequently granted. That kicked off a 45-day period that allowed the potential plaintiffs of the class action suit to instead claim a share of the settlement fund. Should the settlement go through accordingly, it would shut down a consolidated legal action that was pending since clear back in 2012.

Impact of the case was surprisingly far-reaching; reports suggested just short of a million mobile and landline numbers were hit by calls from the Economic Strategy Group, offering users a free cruise to the Bahamas in return for political survey work. Following the call, a further connection was offered to Caribbean Cruise Line, and though the cruise was free, the taxes and fees connected with it were not. Similar offers were posed from a Berkley facility's timeshare offer; those who took a tour were offered a different package.

In turn, the defendants argued that, since the calls were from not-for-profit survey companies, the calls were exempt from the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). When summary judgment went to the plaintiffs back in April, however, it became fairly clear the defendants wouldn't get far with that reasoning.

While there are exemptions built into the TCPA for things like political surveyswho need the ability to access the electorate to generate factual news about the political stateas well as not-for-profit agencies soliciting money, it should be a matter of good practice for such agencies to take the federal do-not-call list as seriously as for-profit entities are required to by the same law. Think about it: if people don't want to be called by businesses who will at least offer a good or service in exchange for the money those callers ask for, how far will the not-for-profit solicitor get? Most won't just change their mind because there's a good cause on line one.

The TCPA, and by extension the do-not-call list, is there for a good reason; these people aren't interested in being called. It doesn't matter who's on the other end. Those people don't want to hear it. So regardless of the TCPA's exemptions, everyone should take the lists seriously just to have the best chance of a worthwhile result, and to stay out of a suit like the one recently described.

Edited by Alicia Young
In a letter that I received today, LePage cannot stop stewing about the HSUS role in trying to stop bear baiting, hounding, and trapping in Maine by ballot initiative in 2014. Photo by Frank Loftus/The HSUS

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Its quite amazing that Maine governor Paul LePage, in successive, three-way races, won two gubernatorial elections  in the conservative wave election in 2010, with 38 percent of the vote, and then in 2014, by getting 48 percent in the mid-term election. Even though he never got a majority, youve got to give the man credit for winning with pluralities. Hes obviously got some political talent.

But of all of the nations governors  Republican or Democrat  theres no question that he gets the prize for being the most intemperate, inarticulate, and retrograde.

No governor has sent me personal letters the way LePage has  ranting about The HSUS after we conducted an undercover investigation at a laying hen confinement facility owned by the notorious Jack DeCoster, who is serving prison time for his role in the biggest egg food safety crisis in the nations history (related to a factory farm he owned in Iowa). In that letter, and in a subsequent letter that I received today, LePage cannot stop stewing about our role in trying to stop bear baiting and hounding and also bear trapping in Maine by ballot initiative in 2014. When the votes were counted on Question 1, we came up slightly short for the second time in 10 years, getting just shy of 50 percent of the vote both times.

During the campaign, LePage unleashed the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to actively campaign against the measure. He used state dollars to write fact sheets, appear at debates, star in television ads, and work hand-in-hand with the trophy hunters, trappers, and hunting guides who make a boatload of money by all but guaranteeing a kill of a trophy bear. Most people in the state, according to just about every survey, oppose hounding and trapping, but the citizens of Maine were not prepared to ban baiting, mainly after hearing from state fish and wildlife authorities that it was an essential management tool.

It was hardly a reach for us to urge a ban on baiting, since voters had outlawed it in Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington by ballot initiative (voters rejected anti-bear baiting measures in Idaho and Michigan). Putting dump sites in the woods to lure bears within shooting range flies in the face of conventional wildlife management principles, which urge no habituating of animals with human garbage and food. And it defies the conventions of sportsmen who urge fair chase, giving the animals a chance to get away. Baiting isnt allowed for deer or moose hunting, and it seemed a basic matter of ethical consistency to forbid the practice for bear hunting, too.

LePage, who excoriated a Democratic state legislator earlier this year and challenged him to a duel, thinks it was some offense for an animal protection group with a decades-long track record to stop unsporting and inhumane hunting practices, and to campaign in a state where he happened to get elected. But I feel like we are in good company in earning his umbrage. LePage basically doesnt talk to the press in Maine, because theyve called him out for his racist statements, his threats of violence, and his self-dealing ways. The Washington Post, among others, called on him to resign, calling him unhinged after he made comments about who is involved in the drug trade in the state and referred to blacks and Hispanics as the enemy, adding that the enemy right now, the overwhelming majority of people coming in, are people of color or people of Hispanic origin.

Is it any surprise that a guy who threatens journalists and state legislators, and who wears racist views on his sleeve, is also an opponent of animal welfare? Most people who abuse animals, or embrace those types of practices, are bullies, and their targets may be animals one day but vulnerable classes of people the next.

Yes, LePage has vetoed almost every animal bill thats made it out of the state legislature. The people of Maine, if he chooses not to resign, will have to deal with this volcanic, unpredictable political act for two more years. He can send me all the letters he wants, but his rants only have the opposite effect on me and The HSUS  inviting us to come back and work with our supporters in the state to address the unethical hunting practices that bears and bobcats are subjected to, along with other unacceptable practices like extreme confinement of laying hens in small cages.

The mission of the HSUS is to protect all animals. Except one, I wrote in my reply to LePage. The only animal we dont defend is the high horse that certain shrill politicians ride to try and trample the good deeds of decent people.
These real PA creatures could become cryptids if we don't save them
UPDATED

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is officially calling for a ban on new charter schools.

During its national meeting in Cincinnati Saturday, the NAACPs national board ratified a proposal which was put forward by its members this summer. Members cited concerns over discipline and segregation within charter schools , among many other issues, and the national board agreed.

The NAACP has been in the forefront of the struggle for and a staunch advocate of free, high-quality, fully and equitably-funded public education for all children, said Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the National NAACP Board of Directors, in a statement . We are dedicated to eliminating the severe racial inequities that continue to plague the education system.

Charter school advocates, led by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and the Black Alliance for Educational Options, have been pushing hard to pressure the NAACP board to reject the proposed moratorium.

African-American students make up a significant share of enrollment in the nations charter schoolsand in some areas, they dominate.

Banning new charter schools will only widen the achievement gap for Black children by reducing the number of high-quality options available and increasing the number of names on existing waiting lists, said Jacqueline Cooper, the president of the Black Alliance for Educational Options, or BAEO, in a statement. Low-income and working-class Black families deserve more choice, not less.

BAEO and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools assembled a list of high-profile surrogates to send a letter to the NAACP, including Cheryl Brown Henderson , the youngest daughter of the named plaintiff in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case which ended legally-sanctioned school segregation.

Having one of the nations most powerful and prominent civil rights organizations say that charter schools are bad for African-American students and should not be allowed to expand has been a blow to the charter movement and exposed a rift in opinion among African-Americans on charter schools.

A separate coalition of civil rights groups, including Black Lives Matter, issued a separate call over the summer to halt the spread of charter schools for many of the same reasons cited by NAACP members.

Related stories
It was already palpably clear that in its 116-year history, the Labour Party had rarely  if ever  been at such a dangerous low.

Yesterday, with the publication of a devastating Commons report, it seems to have achieved the impossible by plumbing new, even more cavernous depths.

For the party that crusades under a banner of fairness and equality is revealed to have anti-Semitism running through it like a virus  and Jeremy Corbyn himself is blamed for an utter failure to tackle it.

Be in no doubt, the language of the Home Affairs Select Committee  which has Labour as well as Tory members  was savage and its verdict unanimous.

The Labour Party is revealed to have anti-Semitism running through it like a virus  and Jeremy Corbyn (pictured) himself is blamed for an utter failure to tackle it

It brands Labour as 'institutionally anti-Semitic', saying it provides a home for people with 'vile attitudes' towards Jews.

Withering criticism is also levelled at the internal inquiry chaired by former Liberty boss Shami Chakrabarti, who was ennobled and made shadow Attorney-General by Mr Corbyn shortly after obligingly concluding that the party didn't have any serious problems.

Unable to disguise his contempt for this whitewash, committee chairman Tim Loughton said the report was 'not worth the paper it was printed on'.

Of course, Mr Corbyn refuses to recognise any of the criticisms, risibly accusing the committee of a politically-motivated attack on his leadership. But he can't escape responsibility.

Lady Chakrabarti took her seat in the House of Lords in September this year (pictured)

The Chakrabarti report was launched after a flood of anti-Semitic comments by Labour members on social media, culminating in the suspension of Bradford West MP Naz Shah, who suggested that Israel and its population should be 'relocated' to the US.

She has now been reinstated and there are no signs of further action against her or anyone else. It's a case of nothing to see here. Back to business as usual.

This naked bigotry is a black stain on Labour's reputation. By turning a blind eye, Mr Corbyn  to his lasting shame  is part of the problem.

Farce of MiliClegg

Could there be a more absurd political alliance than Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband, the men who were humiliated at the last election and almost destroyed their parties? Just when you thought they'd been seen off, they're back  joining other embittered Remainers in a bid to sabotage Brexit.

If these two monumental failures had any decency, they would make a quiet exit from the public stage. Instead, they cling on to their Parliamentary salaries, while trying to undermine the democratic will of the people.

Is it any wonder the British political class is held in such low esteem?
Puzzles may come and go, but hide and seek images showing expertly camouflaged animals will always baffle the web.

And the latest batch might be the most frustrating yet - with one photo showing an owl perfectly concealed in a wood.

The nocturnal creature was seamlessly disguised against a mass of branches and leaves.

Providing some stiff competition, an owl led a masterclass in disguise as it nestled amid a thick mass of leaves and branches

Upon extremely close inspection - and a healthy dose of squinting - the nocturnal creature was discovered perfectly camouflaged against the actual trunk of the tree

Upon extremely close inspection - and a healthy dose of squinting - the owl can be detected perfectly camouflaged against the actual trunk of the tree.

Another puzzling brainteaser to hit the internet includes animals hidden inside an optical illusion.

The brainteaser, which features a variety of beasts, is inspiring confusion as social media users argue over how many creatures it shows.

While the elephant is easy to see, other hidden animals are harder to locate.

This image looks like an ordinary photo of a mass of green leaves

In fact the photo hides a Malabar flying frog nestled amongst leaves

Not everyone can see them - with some arguing for the inclusion of beasts that others can't see at all.

The image was uploaded yesterday on the Facebook page S*** Happens and has divided opinions. Answers about how many creatures it shows range from four to a surprising 16.

After close inspection, it appears that the picture shows an elephant, a donkey, a dog, a cat, a rat, a snake, a dolphin, a turtle and a fish.

But one user revealed their 16 answers in a clear diagram, however some of them seem to a bit tenuous, including a shrimp, a swordfish and a snake that seems to just be the elephant's tail.

The brainteaser, which features a variety of beasts, is inspiring confusions as social media users argue over how many creatures it shows

One user revealed their 16 answers in a clear diagram, however some of them seem to a bit tenuous, including a shrimp, a swordfish and a snake that seems to just be the elephant's tail

It comes after an image of a ballet dancer hidden among a flock of flamingos also left the internet well and truly stumped.

The mind-bending puzzle features dozens of the brightly-coloured birds against a green background but the figure hidden among them is deceptively difficult to spot.

Internet users are claiming to spend anything from 30 seconds to five minutes trying to locate the dancer, which is well hidden due to her bright pink dress. So can YOU spot her?

Scroll down for reveal!

Can you spot the ballet dancer? The mind-bending puzzle features dozens of the brightly-coloured birds against a green background but the hidden figure is difficult to spot

Internet users are claiming to spend anything from 30 seconds to five minutes trying to locate the dancer, which is well hidden due to her bright pink dress (circled bottom left)

The puzzle, designed by Dancewear Central, was created to raise awareness of ballet and dance.

It is just the latest of a series of brainteasers sweeping the web. Earlier this week, a creepy photo of something lurking in a dark basement caused more than a few people to jump out of their skin after being shared on Imgur.

The sinister black and white photo features a red circle and viewers are urged to zoom in on the photo to find out what's in it.

However, the image - which has been viewed more than 120,000 times - left people baffled when they can't see anything untoward within the circle.

Scroll down for reveal

An image that tricks people into thinking there's something sinister lurking inside the red circle caused much confusion after being shared on Imgur and viewed 120,000 times

'I honestly can't see anything,' LLQPM2 commented. The resolution on the image is just blurry.'

Gglower1 asked: 'I double clicked and nothing happened, am I doing something wrong?' and Blackhawk777 wondered if anyone else could see a Mario Mushroom.

However, others admitted to feeling scared once they finally spotted what was wrong with the image.

'I'M BROWSING AT NIGHT GOD DAMN IT,' SkellyMonster wrote, while Insertintellectualnamehere recalled: 'First time my boyfriend showed me this, I was in McDonald's. I screamed and threw my fries in the face of the lady opposite us. Everyone laughed.'

In fact, there is nothing troubling within the red circle, but if you look to the left of the photo you will see a creepy face peering around the corner.

Ghost42981 wrote 'Took a moment, that's a good trick. I can appreciate a good diversionary scare!'

And Beefcat was not afraid to admit that he'd jumped once he spotted the scary face.

The optical illusion snap has been shared before but has recently resurfaced online.

It turns out that the circle is a red herring, and there is a creepy face peering around the corner in the left hand side of the picture

And last week, a seemingly mundane photo of three women sitting on a park bench left people in a similar state of confusion.

At first glance the photo appears to show the trio pausing for a sit down during a sunny stroll.

But there's something wrong with the image that only become obvious on closer inspection.

An optical illusion image of three women sitting on a park bench that's recently resurfaced online has been causing confusion

The photo, which was originally shared on Imgur, has recently resurfaced online to cause confusion.

On close inspection, there appears to be no seat on the bench and the women are hovering mid air. The most likely explanation is that the bench features smaller pull out seats.

The snap is the latest in a long line of optical illusion photos to leave people baffled.

A photo of a bed with a part of the duvet circled in red went viral this week - with many not realising that the picture is really an optical illusion.

Within the red ring there's a section of a white duvet covered in a black floral pattern, as well as part of the carpet.

A photo of a bed with a part of the duvet circled in red has been confusing people online - with many not realising that the picture is an optical illusion

However, people who spotted the image - which was shared on Reddit - struggled to work out what the circle signifies.

The image was posted by Imgur user Idon'tevenknowwhat'sgoingon yesterday, and has received more than 63,500 views.

Optical illusions are increasingly popular online. At first glance the below picture looks like a regular selfie of a woman striking a seductive pose on her bed.

However, if you look closer you will see that something is not quite right with the black and white image.

The shot has been driving the web to distraction ever since it went viral, with puzzlers unable to figure out the oddity.

Scroll down for the reveal!

At first glance this picture looks like any normal selfie you might see. However, if you look closer you will see that something is not quite right

The image has recently resurfaced on Facebook after it first originated in 2003, when it was posted by Deviantart user Missmiserystock. It was titled 'Look-carefully'.

At closer inspection it is revealed that the woman actually has six fingers instead of five.

The subtle abnormality is likely to be a clever trick of Photoshop, designed to confuse.

One internet user, Bogina, wrote: 'Hahaha thats insane it took me a while to catch it good job!' [sic]

But are your eyes sharp enough to solve this brain teaser driving the web crazy?

The woman in the image actually has six fingers, instead of the usual five

Similarly an image of a floral carpet, uploaded by Jeya May Cruz from Pasig, the Philippines, was shared nearly 16,000 times and reached 120,000 reactions.

Why? Because the photograph contains a camouflaged mobile phone that is devilishly hard to spot.

If you are struggling, the phone has a floral pattern which does not quite match the carpet.

Scroll down for the reveal!

Can you spot the phone? The image was shared 16,000 times and reached 120,000 reactions

Confused? The handheld device lies just beside the right side table leg at the top of the photo

The phone has a floral pattern which does not quite match the carpet but is still a devilishly hard spot

Still confused? The device is just beside the right side table leg at the top of the photo. It may seem a simple find, but it has left thousands bewildered.

Jeya captioned her image: 'Since I can't sleep, let's play a game. Look for the cellphone.'

She works as a sales representative at Dell, and studied Banking and Finance at Far Eastern University.

Sometimes the easiest-sounding brain teasers are the most difficult ones. And another puzzle to recently sweep the web certainly plays by those rules.

Scroll down for the reveal!

Created by a PlayBuzz user, this colour photo depicts a grey car seat with a mysterious object hidden on it that it's up to you to find

At first, the secret object is impossible to find. However, after a more detailed search you can spot a grey iPad lying flat on the back on the seat

Created by a PlayBuzz user, this colour photo depicts a grey car seat with a mysterious object hidden on it for you to find.

At first, the secret object is impossible to find. However, after a more detailed search you can spot a grey iPad lying flat on the back on the seat.

The iPad is well-camouflaged because it's the same colour as the seat, with similar markings.
For many years, women have been encouraged to do regular self examination of their breasts to check for lumps or changes.

This, women have been told, is a way to ensure early detection of breast cancer.

However now research shows that self examination does not prevent deaths by breast cancer and might actually have negative effects.

An Australian doctor has responded to research that shows breast self-examination does not decrease the number of deaths from breast cancer

HOW COMMON IS BREAST CANCER? Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australian women 28 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in women are breast cancer More than 3,000 Australian women die every year from breast cancer Two-thirds of women diagnosed with breast cancer are aged 40-69 Advertisement

Dr Brett Montgomery, a general practitioner and academic at the University of Western Australia, wrote in The Conversation that there's a 'paradox of breast self-examination'.

Pointing to studies conducted in Russia and Shanghai, Dr Montgomery said that the call for women to self examine may be misguided.

'The combined results from nearly 400,000 women are disappointing: encouraging women to examine their own breasts does not prevent any deaths from breast cancer,' he wrote.

'But does cause false alarm and an increase in the need for biopsies (involving needles or surgical excision).'

Dr Brett Montgomery (above) wrote for The Conversation that sometimes breast self-examinations cause false alarms and stress

The results show that self checking may be inefficient at identifying cancer early on, and in fact may cause stress for women who see natural lumps as cancer.

'Picking the signal of cancer from the noise of normal lumpiness can be tricky,' Dr Montgomery said.

However, most women who have breast cancer discover it accidentally or spontaneously after noticing a change in their breasts.

Experts are now recommending general breast awareness rather than specific self examination

The solution, according to Dr Montgomery and the Cancer Council, is not specific self-examination, but instead encouraging women to be casually aware of changes in their breasts.

'As a sort of compromise, guidelines now talk about breast awareness  having some self-awareness of ones breasts, and knowing the importance of presenting quickly to a doctor if a change is noted,' the expert wrote.

This also includes regular mammograms for women over 50, which are offered free of charge every two years.
This means the film can be shown in high schools for education

Now the Australian Classifications Board has changed the rating to M

The film was originally given an MA15+ rating, like 50 Shades of Grey

She went on to make a documentary about body image,

Her 'after' photo showed her happy and healthy as a size 12

In 2012 Taryn Brumfitt shared her before and after photos with a twist

An award-winning documentary by the founder of the Body Image Movement, Taryn Brumfitt, has had its rating changed by the Australian Classifications Board.

The body positive film, Embrace, had originally been given a MA15+ rating, meaning only people over the age of 15 could legally see it.

This resulted in the film being unable to be shown in schools, despite being aimed at a teen audience.

Scroll down for video

everyBODY: The body positive film Embrace had its rating changed by the Classifications Board

Before and after: Taryn Brumfitt (above) made the film after a before and after photo she uploaded went viral on Facebook

The Classification Board originally found that a sequence in the film contrasting the representation of womens vulvas in close-up photographs as part of a discussion around body acceptance warranted a MA15+ classification with consumer advice of strong nudity

It led to Ms Brumfitt and her organisation dubbing it 'vulvagate'.

'Due to the poor decision making of the Classifications Board Embrace now sits in the same classification rating as 50 Shades of Grey,' she wrote at the time. 'This is an outrage.'

The term vulvagate got some traction online, and at the film's premiere there were even vulva shaped cookies for guests.

Censored: The film was originally given an MA15+ rating, meaning no one under 15 could see it

Restricted: This led to the film's makers dubbing it 'vulvagate' and even making vulva cookies for the launch (above)

Now, however, the classification has been overturned and instead Embrace has been given an M rating.

This means the film can now be shown in High Schools, something Ms Brumfitt believes is extremely important.

'I am thrilled that the right decision has been made. With the rates of labiaplasty on the rise, particularly in teens, I knew how important it was to include the educational and informative vulva section in the film,' she told Pedestrian TV.

'This is an outrage': Ms Brumfitt said that it was ridiculous that Embrace was the same rating as 50 Shades of Grey

Happy ending: Now the film has been given an M rating, meaning it can be shown in High Schools

The film became a reality after Ms Brumfitt, had a photo of herself go viral on Facebook and founded the Body Image Movement.

In the side by side pictures, the mother-of-three showed her 'before and after' body, but with a twist.
Animal rights group PETA Australia has slammed an Australian label for using fur in their designs.

The group launched an online campaign against the fashion house Ellery, demanding the label's owner Kym Ellery stop using fur.

'Even though PETA informed Kym Ellery... the fashion designer has yet to join the many Australian designers and retailers who have pledged not to use fur or angora,' PETA wrote.

Australian Label Ellery has come under fire from PETA Australia for using fur as part of their designs. Pictured is a 'Genuine Fox Fur Stole' by the label

The animal rights group went on to urge people to sign their petition and contact Ellery via email to urge them to stop using fur.

Ellery has fur stoles available as part of their collection.

Online retailer Nordstrom.com advertises a 'Genuine Fox Fur Stole' by the label for AUD$3,432 made with '100 per cent red fox fur (Finland)'.

The Ellery Pre-Fall '16 collection also advertises a 'Bouchet Long Fur Stole'.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ellery for comment.

The animal activists group urged Kym Ellery (pictured) to stop using fur in her designs

The PETA campaign has prompted many people to take to Ms Ellery's Instagram page to slam the designer for using fur.

PETA Australia campaign coordinator Claire Fryer told Daily Mail Australia they were urging fashionistas to give the label the 'wake up call' it needs.

'Ellerys designs include fox fur and yet her homepage features an image of a model clutching a live fox,' she said.

'Surely the message here is clear  fur is only beautiful on its original owners, animals.'

One of the designs by Ellery is said to be made with 'Genuine Fox Fur'

The animal rights group said so far more than 11,000 people had emailed Ellery about the use of fur in their garments.

This is not the first time PETA has lobbied a label to discontinue the use of animal products in their designs.

Ms Fryer said many Australian designers, including Wayne Cooper and Jenny Kee, had assured PETA they would not use fur in their designs.

Other fur-free designers include Camilla Franks, Aje, Ginger & Smart and One Teaspoon.
The mother of a transgender six-year-old girl says the controversial Safe Schools progamme turned her depressed son into a happy daughter.

Briella Carmichael began her transition a year ago after becoming so upset at being identified as a boy she tried to rip her penis off.

Since starting at a Safe School in Melbourne this year, Briella found other children no longer shunned her and were more accepting of her gender, mother Kirra said.

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Safe: Briella Carmichael had made new friends since starting at a primary school which offered the Safe Schools programme

Comfortable: Although she was shunned by other kids at kindergarten, Briella (pictured) now has plenty of friends at her primary school

Safe Schools is a nationwide educational programme that aims to reduce homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools.

Parents Kirra and Scott Carmichael said the programme at Cranbourne South Primary School in Melbourne had a huge impact on their daughter's happiness.

'All the kids were really excited for her to come to school and Safe Schools said ''What would you do if you had seen Briella sitting by herself or feeling sad?''.

'The kids were like ''I will go up and cuddle her and say she can play with me'',' Mrs Carmichael told Sunday Night.

Mrs Carmichael added that parents who did not accept her daughter's transition should mind their own business.

She said: 'She's a little girl. What is in between her legs is her business, nobody else's.'

'Nobody's business': Briella's mother Kirra hit out at parents who criticised the Safe Schools programme as 'disturbing'

Happy: Briella was so uncomfortable being identified as a boy that she tried to rip off her penis. After transitioning to Briella she had become a lot happier, her mother said

In February Mrs Carmichael described the heart-wrenching moment she knew her son Baylin was meant to be a girl.

WHAT IS THE SAFE SCHOOLS PROGRAMME? Safe Schools is an educational programme that aims to combat homophobia and transphobia. It aims to equip schools to provide inclusive environments for gay, intersex and gender diverse students. The Safe Schools programme is taught in hundreds of schools across Australia. Critics of Safe Schools say the concepts it teaches are inappropriate for young children in primary school. Source: Safe Schools Coalition Advertisement

'She started to harm herself downstairs. It was over a period of time and I don't know how long for.

'She tried to rip (her penis) off and it swelled up and got infected,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'She was also off school for a week for being dehydrated.

'She stopped drinking because she didn't want to use the boy's toilets. She was so dehydrated her lips were all chapped.'

Briella's parents started attending transgender information sessions before they decided to see a gender specialist with their child.

She was then diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

'At home we were calling her Briella and the family started using female pronouns - she requested us to. Slowly over time we started buying girl stuff. It made her so happy,' Mrs Carmichael said.

'Disturbing': Mother-of-four Cella White (pictured) said Safe Schools taught children about overly-sexualised concepts

Excited: Since starting at a Safe School Briella (pictured) had made new friends and had become a lot happier, mother Kirra said

Despite the positive effect Safe Schools has had on Briella, some parents remained strongly opposed to the 'disturbing' programme.

Melbourne mother-of-four Cella White said Safe Schools taught children about highly sexualised concepts they had no right to know at such as young age.

Ms White was so opposed to the programme she had withdrawn her children from their primary school when it started to teach it.

'Safe schools has highly sexualised content and I don't believe that that's the schools place,' she told Sunday Night.
A Colorado middle school principal has been chosen as the 2017 National Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Thomas Dodd has been principal of Lesher Middle School in the Poudre School District in Fort Collins, Colo., for the past 11 years.

The NASSP said it was impressed with Dodds focus on equity and his success in changing the school climate at Lesher.

The association highlighted Dodds Anchor Down school motto, which emphasizes the role of teachers as stabilizing forces in the school and as advocates for all students.

Tom Dodd believes deeply that student equity is the true path to schoolwide success, and he lives that belief in his priorities and decisions, JoAnn Bartoletti, NASSPs executive director said. His passion for personalizing the school and meeting the needs of each studenta key element of the Professional Standards for School Administrators 2015marks his leadership throughout his tenure at Lesher, and NASSP is proud to recognize him as a model for school leaders.

Dodd also expanded the rigorous International Baccalaureate program to include the entire school, the organization said. Under his leadership, the school, of about 750 students, landed on the MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough Schools list in 2012. The joint program by the MetLife Foundation and the NASSP honors high-achieving middle schools that serve large numbers of students in poverty.

Lesher has also appeared on the National Schools to Watch list annually since 2012, the NASSP said. The program by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform highlights high-performing middle schools.

Dodds superintendent, Sandra Smyser, said the district was thankful to have him as one of its principals.

Toms upbeat, engaging leadership style resonates with staff and students alike, Smyser said. He has positively impacted thousands of lives during his time at Lesher.

The other finalists were Melissa Hensley, principal of Central High School in Woodstock, Va., and Stephanie Johnson, principal of Maynard H. Jackson High School in Atlanta, Ga.

As the winner, Dodd will enroll in the McKinsey Management Program for School Leaders. (We wrote about this joint program between the NASSP and McKinsey & Co. earlier this year.) He will also represent the NASSP at education policy discussions.
He's the model du jour with 2.6 million followers on Instagram and a global career that most teenagers can only dream about.

Lucky Blue Smith, the Utah model turned actor who's set the fashion world alight with his sinewy limbs and his otherworldly blue eyes, has published his first autobiography - at the tender age of 18.

Mormon-born Lucky Blue, who's family hail from remote Spanish Fork, has revealed that while he might be a tad young to be telling all, his story of growing up in an extraordinarily beautiful family is worth telling.

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Very Bowie: With chiselled cheekbones and a lanky physique, Lucky Blue Smith, from Spanish Fork, Utah has taken the modelling world by storm - and now he's published his first self-penned autobiography

Family affair: Lucky Blue's band, Atomic, which features his three sisters has caught the eye of LA music producers

Stay Golden is published this week and was co-written by Lucky, who's recently ditched the dyed blond hair, and his father, Dallon, who used to own a company that made guitar strings but is now focused on the glittering careers of his offspring.

The picture-led book documents life growing up with sisters Starlie Cheyenne (20), Daisy Clementine (20) and Pyper America (19) and his parents Dallon and Sheridan and is likely to be a festive must-have for legions of teenage girls.

While there's plenty of shots of his rangey 6ft 2.5 inch frame to keep his following more than happy, there's also some fascinating insights into what the world's hottest male model makes of his much written-about faith.

In an interview with The Times, he dismisses the idea of having more than one wife, something which was commonplace in Mormon families until the early 20th century and is still practiced unlawfully by fundamentalists of the religion.

One person's cool: The model du jour says just one partner is enough when asked about the mormon community's erstwhile polygamous practices

A childhood in the wild: The handsome young starlet said he was raised to run free, with 'his top off for half the time' and long hair down his back

'One person's cool' he says, before revealing that he does still go to church and prays regularly before meals.

His childhood saw him running around Spanish Fork with long hair and 'my shirt off half the time'.

His blond locks were finally shorn off for charity, when he donated ten inches of his golden hair for Locks of Love, a charity that makes wigs for cancer patients.

In a band, Atomic, with his sisters, and about to unleash his acting career - Love Everlasting is released this month - Lucky Blue is certainly happy to be riding this particular wave while it lasts.

The actor, drummer and model, pictured in Cannes earlier this year with Barbara Palvin, has described the last two years of his life as 'crazy'

With a new film released this month and multiple catwalk appearances for the world's biggest designers this year, Lucky Blue's star is in the ascendance

Last month, Lucky Blue starred alongside Pyper America, in Calvin Klein's new Black Series Limited Edition campaign and has modelled for Tom Ford and Tommy Hilfiger and walked in a dozen runway shows this year alone

And of his fans? Millions of whom are in the Far East and swarm around him when he ventures to China or Japan.
While still found in bathrooms across the land, soap has long been besmirched by beauty experts as too harsh for the delicate skin on the face.

However, Instagram beauty bloggers have rediscovered the humble bar of soap - not to wash themselves with, but to perfect their brows.

The trend for 'soap brows' is gathering pace as more and more beauty fans - always on the quest for a bolder, stronger pair - turn to their soap dish for help in styling brows.

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Beauty guru Anastasia Soare shared this photo of a moodel armed with a bar of soap, preparing to transform her brows

After rubbing in the soap to create a feathering effect, the model then colours in the brow as normal

To ensure there's a bold look, she then adds a neutral skin shade below the brow

US beauty guru - and founder of make-up brand Anastasia Beverley Hills - Anastasia Soare has even shared the trick, once said to be used by make-up artists working in Hollywood, a thumb's up that has seen the trend go viral.

HOW TO GET THE PERFECT SOAP BROWS Use a cotton bud to run along the side of the soap

Brush your brows using the soap in the direction that you want the hairs to go in

Use your usual brow or gel pencil to add any additional colour to the brows Advertisement

So, how does it work? Well, quite simply the soap acts like a waxy product that boosts volume and creates a feathered look.

Achieved simply by running a brow brush on a bar of soap - including in the foam - and then pushing the hair on brows in the direction you want them to go in with said bud.

When they're suitably plumped up by the soap, simply colour them with a gel pencil as you'd ordinarily do and you'll find yourself the proud owner of a pair of soap brows.

Blend it in and the soap brow look is almost there

Looking good: The model's brows look suitably voluminous

On their soap box! Stylesnatcher loved her thicker brows

dluvsmakeup86 showed off her soap and brush...and a fabulous pair of brows

Misskasoogi offered a step-by-step analysis of how she soaped up

Those trying to beef up their brows have been suitably impressed so far.

makeupbygeorgiagray wrote: 'So I first saw this being done by @jamiegenevieve on YouTube and wanted to try it and omg it makes your eyebrows stay put all day!'
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It was a royal girls' day out in Stockholm today as the women of the royal family attended a new exhibition to celebrate wedding couture.

Princess Sofia, Crown Princess Victoria and Queen Silvia, all of whom have donated their stunning bridal gowns to the display at the Royal Palace, which opens tomorrow, looked happy to be re-living the memories of their special days.

Unsurprisingly, none of the Swedish royals chose to wear anything close to white to the opening, with Crown Princess Victoria coming closest in a vibrant blue and white long-sleeve dress by Whyred with black heels.

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Here come the brides! Princess Sofia, a stylish red Gucci dress, Crown Princess Victoria, wearing Whyred and Queen Silvia gather at the Royal Palace in Sweden to celebrate the opening of the Royal Wedding Dresses exhibition; all of their gowns feature in the new show, which opens to the public tomorrow

The exhibition celebrates the 40th wedding anniversary of King Carl Gustav and Queen Silvia and includes Silvia's own wedding gown. Right, bridesmaid dresses from the wedding of Princess Sofia of Sweden are seen on display

Crown Princess Victoria, wearing a striking long-sleeved Whyred dress in white and blue peruses the royal wedding couture on display. Right: The Swedish royals share a joke as they get an early glimpse at the exhibiton

Princess Sofia opted for a stylish deep Gucci red dress with pleated skirt detail and a pussybow collar while Queen Silvia looked regal in a dark grey taffeta dress with matching jacket and pearls.

Absent from the preview was Princess Madeleine of Sweden, whose dress also featured, as her two children Leonore and Nicholas were ill.

As well as the exquisite white gowns, the royals donated the other dresses they wore on the big days and their accessories such as Sofia's Charlotte Olympia stilettos with their signature heart-shaped sole.

The Swedish royal family are showing off five of the European country's regal wedding dresses in the lavish showcase.

Couture dress fans will get the chance to glimpse the often extravagant gowns in more detail when they go on display to the public tomorrow to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.

Among the headline-stealing exhibits at the show is Queen Silvia's modest long-sleeved white Dior wedding dress from her 1976 nuptials to King Carl XVI Gustaf.

Quite a train! The wedding dress of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, which featured a four-metre-long train is likely to prove a big hit with the general public who can view the exhibition from tomorrow

A chance to see their gowns shown off like museum pieces: The Swedish royals applaud the exhibition's curator

The three women listened intently as the exhibition was announced, while their own gowns were lit up in cases around them

An Italian flourish: The wedding dress of Princess Madeleine of Sweden, designed by Valentino Garavani, is seen on display during an exhibition at the Royal Palace

And the bridesmaids looked just as resplendent: Princess Madeleine's bridal party's dresses are also on display

The exhibition is likely to draw huge visitor numbers in the coming months

The most recent wedding dress to be worn by a member of the Swedish royal family was Princess Sofia's 2015 dress for her marriage to Prince Carl Philip. Her lace gown will join the special exhibition at Stockholm's Royal Palace to mark the 40th wedding anniversary of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia

Elegance: The lace and ivory couture gown worn by Princess Sofia, Duchess of Varmland, and created by designer Ida Sjostedt is to be included

Fans of the Swedish royals will get a chance to glimpse the dresses up close and marvel at the finer details of Sofia's gown

Prince Carl Philip of Sweden at his wedding to Princess Sofia in 2015; the pair now have a son together - Prince Alexander, born April 19th 2015

Silvia's couture outfit will sit alongside a dress from the most recent Swedish royal wedding ceremony; Princess Sofia's fairytale lace frock, created by Swedish designer Ida Sjostedt, which she wore at her 2013 wedding to Prince Carl Philip.

The Swedish Royal Court will host the beautiful quintet of wedding dresses, which also includes frocks by Crown Princess Victoria, Princess Madeleine and Princess Lilian, in celebration of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia's four decades of marriage.

Fans of the European royals will have plenty of opportunity to glimpse the lavish collection; it runs from 18th October until 12th March 2017.

King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden marries Silvia Sommerlath at Stockholm Cathedral on June 19, 1976. Silvia wore a minimalist white gown created by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior

Standing the test of time: The beautiful gown, now four decades old, with its trailing train still looks pristine

Silvia's 1976 dress had simple details including piping on the shoulders. She wore the Swedish Cameo Tiara with the gown

Still going strong: Queen Silvia And King Carl XVI Gustaf on their wedding day; the couple celebrate 40 years of marriage this year

1976 saw two royal weddings in Sweden, with remarkably similar dresses reflecting the minimalist bridal fashions of the time.

German-born Silvia Sommerlath wed King Carl XVI Gustaf at Stockholm Cathedral in a long-sleeve, floor-length dress straight from the era, designed by Marc Bohan for Dior. She finished the look wearing the Swedish Cameo Tiara, a show-stealing family heirloom.

Later that year, King Carl XVI Gustaf's paternal uncle, Prince Bertil, married Welsh-born divorcee Lilian Davies; the couple were married in the Royal Chapel at Drottningholm Palace after newly crowned Carl Gustaf gave the controversial wedding his blessing.

Heir to the Swedish throne, Crown Princess Victoria wed personal trainer Daniel Westling on 19 June 2010 and also opted to wear the Swedish Cameo Tiara. Her dress was the sartorial handiwork of famous Swedish designer Par Engsheden.

A new generation: Princess Madeleine of Sweden and her banker husband Christopher O'Neill during their wedding on June 8th 2013

Princess Madeleine's breathtaking lace detail flowing gown is one of the quintet of Swedish royal wedding dresses to go on display next month

Madeleine's frock was the handiwork of Italian couture designer Valentino and included silk organdies, ivory Chantilly lace and a four-metre train

The stunning dress has intricate lace detail and features in the Royal Wedding Dresses exhibition at the Royal Palace

Princess Madeleine's wedding gown, from her nuptials to American-British businessman Christopher ONeill on 8 June 2013, will also appear in the collection. Italian designer Valentino created the dress for her, which she wore with a Modern Fringe Tiara.

Sweden's most recent royal wedding was in 2013, when Prince Carl Philip and Sofia Hellqvist were married on 13th June 2015. While Carl Philip wore his country's full military regalia, Sofia was dressed by Swede designer Ida Sjostedt.

Royal Wedding Dresses begins at the Royal Palace on 18 October 2016 and runs until 12 March 2017.

Crown Princess Victoria's satin dress, which she wore to marry husband Prince Daniel

The satin dress had a lace veil and was complemented by a pretty hanging bouquet of white flowers

The scoop-neck dress is arguably the most stylish in the collection, and was designed by Swedish designer Par Engsheden

The back of the ivory satin dress sees a seven-button belt with a scoop-neck collar

A closer look at the back of the gown reveals a pair of pleats. The rear of the image sees Queen Silvia's Dior gown and shows the contrasting styles from different decades
Since the letter was published on Saturday, it has attracted numerous comments online

The letter to the editor was published in Pennsylvania newspaper The Williamsport Sun-Gazette

A Pennsylvania newspaper published a letter to the editor suggesting that Hillary Clinton cannot be president because women menstruate.

A letter published in The Williamsport Sun-Gazette questions what would happen if the 68-year-old Democratic presidential candidate was sick and had a period 'at the same time'.

The letter, entitled 'take our country back', claims: 'They call us sexist just because we are critical of Hillary Clinton and her health.

Outrage: A Pensylvannia newspaper published a sexist letter suggesting Hillary Clinton, pictrued last week in Miami, Florida, cannot be president because women menstruate

Nonsensical: The letter to the editor, pictured left, was published on Saturday in Pennsylvania paper Williamsport Sun-Gazette

'What if that time of month comes and she is sick at the same time?'

The author, Carl Unger, from Montgomery, Pennsylvania, then declares his support for Hillary's Republican rival, adding: 'We need to take our country back and an outsider like Donald Trump is the only one who can do it.

'He is not a politician but an everyday guy like all of us patriots who love our country.'

Since the letter was published on Saturday, the letter has attracted numerous comments online.

BillyPenn.com reporter Anna Orso tweeted a photograph of the newspaper clipping with the caption: 'This letter actually ran in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, a real newspaper, today.'

She added: 'It actually wonders what might happen if Hillary Clinton gets her period while also being sick.'

Hundreds of people have liked and commented on her tweet, with many criticizing the author of the letter.

Critics: Since the letter was published, the letter has attracted numerous comments online, pictured on Twitter

'None of his business': Twitter users criticized the man, who declared his support for Republican Donald Trump, for his sexist comments and ignorance about mestruation

One user, Donna Johns, from Des Moines, Iowa, wrote: 'It'll be OK. When we have a pre-menopausal woman president, it will still be none of his business.'

Another user from Phoenix, writing under the name 'SCK', added: 'I'm guessing this Carl Unger Montgomery's family is happy he made it all the way up to the fourth grade.'

Others were more concerned with the author's grasp of biology after he appeared to not be aware of the menopause.

'I hope Carl Unger is not a gynecologist!' wrote Gary White.

Christine Baker, from Indiana, added: 'We need better sex ed. Do none of these people understand about menopause?'

Kiran Opal hit back at people commenting on her age, saying: 'To responders: instead of the "she's post-menopausal so it's fine" maybe don't spread sexist menstruation myths also.'
Women aged 40 or over are less likely to have babies with birth defects if they conceive by IVF, a study has found.

The risk of defects such as Downs syndrome and cerebral palsy is greater when would-be mothers pass 40.

But research suggests IVF children born to these women have less than half the risk of major birth abnormalities than those conceived naturally.

The findings also showed they had fewer birth defects than the children of mothers aged under 29.

Women aged 40 or over are less likely to have babies with birth defects if they conceive by IVF, a study has found

The authors said this implies that a previously undescribed protective mechanism is in action, the details of which we can only speculate.

The study, published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, looked at births in South Australia from 1986 to 2002.

There were 301,000 natural births and 3,600 from assisted reproduction methods  2,200 from IVF, where eggs and sperm are mixed in a lab dish, and 1,400 from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which involves sperm being directly injected into the egg.

Researchers did not know why IVF produces more favourable biological conditions.

The findings cannot be explained by the use of donor eggs from younger women as this was excluded from the study.

They found birth defects in 3.6 per cent of babies born to women aged 40-plus using IVF. This compared with 5.7 per cent for all naturally conceived births, 7.1 per cent for all IVF births and 9.9 per cent for all ICSI births.

For natural conceptions, the rate was 5.6 per cent in young women and 8.2 per cent in those aged 40 or over.

Professor Michael Davies, of Adelaide University, said: Theres something quite remarkable occurring with women over the age of 40 who use assisted reproduction.

We know from our previous studies that women who undergo assisted reproduction have an increased rate of birth defects compared to women who conceive naturally.

But research suggests IVF children born to these women have less than half the risk of major birth abnormalities than those conceived naturally

We also know that, among women who conceive naturally, the rate of birth defects increases exponentially from age 35 onwards.

Therefore, it was widely assumed, but untested, that maternal age would be a key factor in birth defects from assisted reproduction. However, our findings challenge that assertion. He said the study, released ahead of the congress of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine in Salt Lake City, could have broader implications for infertility treatment.

Professor Davies said they also found ICSI, which accounts for about 70 per cent of assisted reproduction treatment, is particularly adverse if a woman has never had a pregnancy  with a birth defect rate of 11 per cent, compared with 6.2 per cent for mothers with a previous birth.
They revealed she had an

It had returned just 4 months later and doctors removed her voice box

A mother who had her voicebox removed to battle her cancer has been told she may never speak again - after it caused her throat to double in size.

Heather Longdon, from Nottingham, was told by her GP she was suffering from a cold because she had a constant cough and sore throat.

But after six months of persistence, doctors finally diagnosed her with stage three laryngeal cancer.

Seven weeks of treatment left the 27-year-old cancer free, but unfortunately it had returned just four months later.

After having her voice box removed, she was left with a swollen throat and unable to talk as a result of suffering complications.

Doctors revealed it was an infection that caused her to be bedbound as her friends and family have began to fundraise for a voicebox transplant in the US.

Heather Longdon, from Nottingham, thought she was suffering from a cold because she had a constant cough and sore throat. But after a trip to the doctors last August, she was diagnosed with stage three laryngeal cancer

Ms Longdon, who can only communicate via email from her hospital bed, said: 'I felt destroyed inside when I was first diagnosed.

'All I could think of was my son, I thought I wouldn't make it but I had to put my feelings aside and get on with it.

'It was the most awful thing in my life and the treatment was so draining and then going home to my son took its toll on me.

'It's the scariest thing ever to happen. It makes you see life a lot differently.'

Mrs Longdon was first diagnosed with cancer in April 2015 and underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy every day for seven weeks.

The 27-year-old underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy every day for seven weeks in an attempt to rid her of the disease. But after the grueling treatment regime, she was left with a swollen throat and unable to speak as a result of suffering complications

She was given the all clear in February this year.

However, after suffering from pains four months later - which doctors said were routine side effects of her treatment - she demanded a biopsy.

It revealed the cancer had returned and they were forced to perform a laryngectomy - the removal of her voice box.

Doctors expected her to stay in hospital for around 10 days recovering from the surgery.

But as she suffered an infection which caused her entire throat to puff up she spent seven further weeks in there.

In two further operations, she had to have a drainer in her neck because of complications.

Then surgeons compressed her jugular veins to try and combat the swelling of her face.

In February, she was given the all clear. However, just four months later the cancer was found to have returned and she had to have her voice box removed

But pressure is once again building up in her veins, but because she keeps getting infected surgeons are unable to operate.

She is unable to speak and is desperate to tell her son that she loves him.

Mrs Longdon added: 'If I could get to somewhere that I could get a better voice box that would mean the world to me.

'To be able to tell my son I love him, just little things like that, it means so little to some people as they have a voice.

'But mine's been taken away and I didn't realise how much is taken it for granted until it was gone.

'I'm just thankful to still be here to watch my son grow and make plenty of memories.'

Doctors said her cancer had never gone and if the biopsy had not been performed she wouldn't have lived to see Christmas.

She was expected to spend 10 days in hospital recovering but after she suffered an infection which caused her entire throat to puff up she spent seven further weeks in there

She had to have a drainer in her neck because of the procedure and then surgeons compressed her jugular veins to try and combat the swelling - but neither worked

However, Ms Longdon said there are still no signs of her being allowed to go home for another month.

Her options remain limited, but her family have found a specialist in California who may be able to offer her a voicebox transplant.

Her husband, Ben, 28, said: ' She's just been so strong throughout, it's been really incredible.

'There were so many times when she could have given up, but she didn't.

'She could have said she wouldn't have her voice box removed, she could have said that's enough, but she battles on.

'It makes me stay strong too. We haven't been given a time when she might be sent home, as they still need to operate as something went wrong when they removed her voice box.

'It would mean so much if we got the money towards this surgery in California.

'We've had two years of terrible news and we just want it to start getting better now.'

Now her friend, Chantelle White has set up a fundraising page to take some financial pressure off the young mother.

She revealed her frustration that Mrs Longdon's cancer wasn't diagnosed earlier.

However, Ms Longdon said there are still no signs of her being allowed to go home for another month (pictured before her surgery with boyfriend Ben, 28, and their one-year-old son, Kian)

Her options remain limited, but her family have found a specialist in California who may be able to offer her a voicebox transplant and allow her to speak again

She added: 'We'll never know what would have happened if the cancer had been discovered earlier. It could have been so different.

'Small things that we do every day and take for granted are the things that Heather is hoping she can one day do herself.

'To you and I, singing in the shower or talking to ourselves would be classed as a bad habit.

'But to Heather those are luxuries that she would love to experience just one last time.

'A lot of people idolise celebrities or other reputable people but I can honestly say there isn't anyone I look up to more than Heather herself.

'Throughout her whole journey she has continued to show endless amounts of courage and determination.

'Heather genuinely does deserve a break from reality and I'd love to show her how much of an inspiration she is to everyone who knows her and her story.'
A new implant for chronic back pain that lasts for 25 years also allows patients to have hi-tech scans.

Tina Mulchandani, 35, a procurement co-ordinator from London, was one of the first to have it, as she tells ADRIAN MONTI.

THE PATIENT

Five years ago I began feeling shooting pains down each leg and used my private health insurance to have it examined.

My X-rays and an MRI scan revealed I had a deformity in both hips, probably from birth and I underwent keyhole surgery to repair the joints.

Tina Mulchandani, 35, a procurement co-ordinator from London, was one of the first to have the new implant for chronic back pain

Unfortunately this left me with nerve damage and chronic back pain  its one of the risks of the procedure as the sciatic nerve, the major nerve that runs from the lower back, can be damaged or compressed as the leg is stretched so the surgeon can reach the hip joint.

I was told the nerve should recover, but it didnt. I felt angry as my lower back was in constant agony and it really disrupted my life.

I was prescribed painkillers  naproxen and tramadol, and pregabalin which treats nerve pain  and had regular physiotherapy but the pain always returned.

I even had surgery in May 2015 to try and release what might be compressing my nerve.

But by the end of last year I was in so much pain I felt like an invalid. I cancelled business trips and often had to work from home.

I couldnt go dancing or swimming, or even walk short distances.

Then in April this year, I went back to see Dr Nigel Kellow, whod been in charge of my pain management since my hip diagnosis.

He told me about spinal cord stimulation, where an implant in the back sends electrical impulses to stop pain signals  the patient can control the electrical pulses using a remote control.

Dr Kellow said he was testing a new, smaller device, which has a special capsule around it so patients can still have MRI scans once its fitted  that was important for me because I needed regular MRIs to monitor my hips.

By the end of last year Tina was in so much pain she says she 'felt like an invalid.' She cancelled business trips and often had to work from home

I was slightly scared about anything going wrong near my spine, but keen to try it. Dr Kellow said it could be removed if I didnt like it.

The implant was fitted in August, with a week-long trial to see if I got on with it.

The operation was done with a local anaesthetic (I was also sedated); I remember being woken mid-procedure so Dr Kellow could adjust the devices settings by asking me if I could feel tingling in my legs; that was a sign the device worked.

Then I was put back to sleep while the 90-minute procedure was completed. When I woke my back felt slightly uncomfortable where the implant was, but it wasnt painful.

The next day I went home with wires coming out of my back attached to a phone-sized battery  all held in place with a dressing.

I used a remote control to alter the frequency but only realised what a big difference the device made when the battery died and needed recharging after three days.

I was at work when I felt a sudden shooting pain down my legs that caught me off guard; I immediately took painkillers.

The very next day after having her surgery, Tina went home with wires coming out of my back attached to a phone-sized battery  all held in place with a dressing

To recharge it you wear a belt with a pouch that holds another powered up battery.

Via wireless technology, this battery charges the stimulators one. It can take five hours if the battery is totally drained, so I usually do it overnight.

I went back a week later to have the device fitted properly.

The battery and electrodes were inserted under the skin at the top of my buttock; you can see the very slight outline of the battery under my skin but nothing obvious.

I went home the next day and was back at work at the end of the week. Its still early days, but Im reducing my medication slowly and hope to be off them completely early next year.

Now Im much happier and more active. I can swim again and will be gradually building up my fitness over the next few months. Ive got my life back.

THE SPECIALIST

Dr Nigel Kellow is a consultant in spinal and neurological pain at The Wellington Hospital and Nuada Medical clinic, both in London.

Chronic back pain is very common and is often caused by damage to the spinal nerves.

The compressed or damaged nerve fires irregular, frequent signals to the brain which responds with pain signals  its a protective mechanism.

We can prescribe specific nerve pain medication but these dont tend to work well for large damaged nerves such as the sciatic and spinal nerves.

X-ray of a human spine, illustrating back pain caused by compressed or damaged nerves

We can also try releasing or removing whatevers compressing the nerve surgically but often this is not enough.

Spinal cord stimulators were first developed in the Eighties  these work by interrupting and dampening down the irregular signals to the brain, stopping it responding with pain.

Conventional spinal nerve stimulators are bulky and obvious under the skin, and patients often experience a constant tingling feeling as the device emits low frequency signals.

The device batteries also need replacing every five years, which involves additional surgery.

But the biggest hindrance is that anyone with a stimulator fitted can never have MRI scans  which are heavily relied on in modern medicine to diagnose and monitor many conditions  because the scanners powerful magnetic field would damage the device.

A new spinal stimulator overcomes all of these issues  Tina is only the second person in the UK to have it fitted.

The Precision Montage is about a third smaller than other devices so is less obtrusive under the skin; and it has rechargeable batteries which last up to 25 years.

Like other stimulators it also comes with a remote control so patients can increase and decrease the signals as they see fit, but the maximum frequency is higher than other devices so patients dont feel the constant tingling any more.

It has a protective casing around the battery to protect it from magnetic rays and the electrode leads are coiled which means they do not get so hot under an MRI scanner. If they did they could damage the spinal cord.

We fit it in two stages, the first procedure is a trial run to make sure it is suitable for the patient.

the biggest hindrance is that anyone with an ordinary stimulator fitted can never have MRI scans, which are heavily relied on in modern medicine to diagnose many conditions

With the patient under sedation, we make a 6cm incision in the lower back and then wires are fed into the epidural space  the space between the bone and the spinal cord inside the spine  until they reach the faulty nerve.

We use X-rays to check theyre in the correct place. The patient is then woken up so we can test the stimulation.

Its important that we locate exactly where the patient feels pain and what setting to put the stimulator on.

The patient is then sedated again so we can tunnel the leads out of the body and connect them to an external battery as a temporary measure.

A week later if the patient is happy with the device, we insert the battery and wires under the skin and close the incision properly.

Many NHS hospitals now offer the Precision Montage, including Guys and St Thomas in London and The Walton Centre in Liverpool.

Were also getting better results using spinal cord stimulators on patients with back pain without obvious nerve damage: this technology could potentially change how we manage all back pain.
LATEST ON ZIKA: WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS

HOW DO PEOPLE GET IT?

MOSQUITO BITES

Zika is transmitted to people through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

It is the same type that spreads dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are found in all countries in the Americas except Canada and continental Chile.

Zika will likely reach all countries and territories of the region where Aedes mosquitoes are found.

SEX

The virus can also be transmitted through sex, from either a male or female partner who has been infected.

BLOOD TRANSFUSION

A few cases of apparent infection via blood transfusion have been reported.

PREGNANCY

A mother can pass the virus to her unborn fetus.

Current research indicates the greatest microcephaly risk is associated with infection during the first trimester of pregnancy, but health officials have warned an impact could be seen in later weeks.

Recent studies have shown evidence of Zika in amniotic fluid, placenta and fetal brain tissue.

HOW DO YOU TREAT ZIKA?

There is no treatment or vaccine for Zika infection.

Companies and scientists are racing to develop a safe and effective vaccine for Zika.

However, a preventative shot is not expected to be ready for widespread use for at least two or three years.

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS?

BIRTH DEFECTS

Microcephaly

The CDC concluded that infection with the Zika virus in pregnant women is a cause of the birth defect microcephaly.

Microcephaly is a condition defined by unusually small heads that can result in developmental problems, and other severe brain abnormalities in babies.

The CDC said that since the causal relationship had been established, several important questions must still be answered with studies that could take years.

The World Health Organization in an updated assessment said the 'most likely explanation' is that Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of congenital brain abnormalities including microcephaly.

Brazil recently reported 1,949 confirmed cases of microcephaly believed to be linked to Zika infections in pregnant women.

It is investigating more than 3,030 suspected cases of microcephaly.

Guillain-Barre syndrome

The WHO also updated its guidelines to say the infection is a trigger of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder that can result in paralysis.

Its previous statement, based on a rapid assessment of evidence, said there was strong scientific consensus that Zika virus caused GBS, microcephaly and other neurological disorders.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

People infected with Zika may have a mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain and fatigue that can last for two to seven days.

But as many as 80 per cent of people infected never develop symptoms.

HOW CAN ZIKA BE CONTAINED?

Efforts to control the spread of the virus focus on eliminating mosquito breeding sites and taking precautions against mosquito bites such as using insect repellent and mosquito nets.

U.S. and international health officials have advised pregnant women to avoid travel to Latin American and Caribbean countries, sections of Miami, Florida in the United States and Singapore where they may be exposed to Zika.

They are also advising that men and women who have traveled to Zika outbreak areas use condoms or abstain from sex for six months to prevent sexual transmission of the virus.

HOW WIDESPREAD IS THE OUTBREAK?

Active Zika outbreaks have been reported in at least 59 countries or territories, most of them in the Americas, according to the CDC. Brazil has been the country most affected.

Africa: 1 country

Cape Verde

Americas: 49 countries

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saba, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelmy, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Eustatius, St. Maarten, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Venezuela.

Asia: 1 country

Singapore

Oceania/Pacific Islands: 8 countries

American Samoa, Fiji, Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga.

HISTORY OF ZIKA

The Zika virus is found in tropical locales with large mosquito populations.

Outbreaks of Zika have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia and the Western Pacific.

The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys and was first identified in people in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania, according to the WHO.

ANY OTHER ZIKA-RELATED COMPLICATIONS?

Zika has also been associated with other neurological disorders, including serious brain and spinal cord infections.

The long-term health consequences of Zika infection are unclear.
In a few days, we will hear all the details behind the groundbreaking procedure that created the world's first 'three-parent' baby.

The boy, born in Mexico in April, has DNA from his mother and father, as well as a tiny segment from a donor to avoid inheriting a life-threatening disease.

Now, as fertility experts gather in Utah for a conference, lead surgeon Dr John Zhang, medical director of New Hope Fertility Center in New York, has spoken out to defend the controversial operation.

'I just feel that I am bringing a gift. I really think it's just a wonderful thing,' Dr Zhang told Reuters on Monday.

Dr John Zhang, head of the New York City embryonic team, holds the world's first 'three-person' baby after the boy was born in Mexico in April

HOW DID THEY CREATE THE FIRST 'THREE-PARENT BABY' The technique could be used for anything - from avoiding disease to altering a baby's appearance. For now, disease is the focus. The world's first 'three-parent' baby was created to prevent him inheriting a genetic condition his mother carries in her mitochondria. The disease - Leigh's syndrome - would have killed him within a few years. HOW IS THE PROCEDURE DONE? 1. Take eggs from a mother with damaged mitochondria. 2. Take eggs from a donor with healthy mitochondria. 3. Remove and save the nucleus from the mother's egg. This contains the majority of her genetic material. 4. Remove and discard the donor's nucleus. 5. Place the mother's nucleus in the donor's egg with the healthy mitochondria. 6. The egg can then be fertilised by the father's sperm. Advertisement

'Eighty per cent of the time there is criticism, and 20 per cent of the time maybe in favor. I think what happened is very healthy and very encouraging,' he said.

The procedure, which the U.S. government has forbidden due to perceived risks to the mother and child, is designed to help families with mitochondrial diseases passed down maternally, affecting around one in 6,500 children worldwide.

The treatment uses the genetic (DNA) material from the parents and an egg donor to create an embryo.

Some stem-cell scientists say Mexico lacks the regulatory oversight and clinical expertise to carry it out safely.

'This new technology, the first time in human history, a healthy live person that is created by two eggs recombined it together with one sperm,' Zhang told Reuters during a fertility conference in New York.

'This not even has happened in nature.'

The mother of the Jordanian boy has a genetic condition known as Leigh's syndrome.

The parents have already lost two children to the same condition - their first at the age of six; their second at eight months.

Leigh's syndrome is a severe neurological disorder which attacks the nervous system.

It gradually inhibits a child's mental and physical abilities from the moment they are born.

Sufferers typically die by the age of three due to lung failure.

Tests revealed that, in this case, the boy's mother carries genes for the disease in her mitochondria.

Mothers pass down a melting pot of DNA. The majority is 'nuclear DNA' passed down in each cell's nucleus.

But 37 maternal genes are passed to the child in each cell's mitochondria - the cell's 'battery'. Father's never (or at least barely ever) pass down mitochondria.

Mitochondria carry just 37 genes. In this case, one in four of the mother's mitochondria have the mutation that causes Leigh's syndrome.

Devastated by the loss of their two children, the couple flew to America to meet with Dr Zhang at New Hope, a facility which focuses on training in new innovations.

With strict regulations in the United States, the team went to Mexico.

The boy was born through a technique called spindle nuclear transfer.

Dr Zhang removed the nucleus from one of his mother's eggs. It was then inserted in a donor egg that had its nucleus removed.

This egg was then fertilized with sperm from the baby's father.

Five eggs were created with this technique, only one of which survived. The findings will be showcased at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine's Scientific Congress in Salt Lake City next month.

The technique was carried out in Mexico because it would not be approved in the US by regulators.

This explains how parents with hereditary diseases use the technique (as opposed to parents with infertility issues). (1) Take eggs from mother with damaged mitochondria (2) Take eggs from donor with healthy mitochondria (3) Remove and save nucleus from mother's egg (4) Remove and discard donor's nucleus (5) Place mother's nucleus in donor's egg (6) Fertilised egg with father's sperm

Echoing both the fears and excitement of the entire medical community, Dr Zhang pointed out: 'This is just the start.'

For now, embryologists are focusing on the technique as a way to avoid hereditary diseases that prevent many adults with genetic mutations from having children.

Down the line, however, Dr Zhang said its application could be 'unlimited', even to the point of altering an unborn child's DNA to edit their appearance or skill set.

'It's all possible. It just depends how you use the technique.

'This technique is a new platform. How far it can go, I really cannot imagine. But it's totally possible to accomplish [cosmetic editing].

'As with any development of new techniques, you always need to bear in mind efficacy and safety. Even with IVF.'

I just feel that I am bringing a gift. I really think it's just a wonderful thing Dr John Zhang

Professor Simon Fishel, Founder and President, CARE Fertility Group, and Professor of Human Reproduction, said:

'This is a devastating disease that we do not wish children to be born with, and what's more, we would wish to eradicate from any family lineage  and this technology will help achieve this.

'However, any first-time medical procedure moving from successful animal studies to the human, that will take several years until we understand its impact, is a necessary experimental step forward, which we hope and believe should be totally safe and utterly effective.

'Congratulations to this team and all those hoping to help these unfortunate families; and we should proceed with caution and due regulation.'
Working under the constant threat of a terrorist attack, the Delhi Police has proposed to set up a strike-proof, underground control room which will keep a parallel data and communication network ready in the event of an emergency.

The proposal came up at a recent security review meeting of top police officers after the terrorist attack on Uri Army base in which 19 soldiers lost their lives.

Top-level sources told Mail Today that the proposed bunker control room will be equipped with flash sensors for detection of any nuclear radiation or biological agents, decontamination facility and communication system, an indication of city polices war-time preparation.

The Delhi Police has proposed to set up a strike-proof, underground control room which will keep a parallel data and communication network ready in the event of an emergency

"The bunker control room will maintain the communication network and data of entire police department.

"The idea is that in case there is a major attack, this underground PCR will maintain coordination with all the security wings," said a senior officer, adding that the proposal is at a "very initial stage" but a detailed project report is in the works for approval.

According to the senior officer, the proposed control room will act as a parallel emergency facility in the case of a terror attack

A police team is in the process of identifying land for the project and has zeroed in two properties where the bunker can be set up.

The police will consult other central agencies, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), to set-up the proposed underground control room, the senior officer said.

According to the senior officer, the proposed control room will act as a parallel emergency facility which can immediately shift the central operations in case of a terror, including aerial, strike.

Delhi Police headquarters which houses its control room at ITO is on the radar of terrorists and any attack.

Working under the constant threat of a terrorist attack, the Delhi Police has proposed to set up a strike-proof, underground control room

The underground facility will also act as an integrated field shelter in case of attacks by weapons of mass destruction like nuclear, chemical and biological besides strengthening the police force in the city.

Police is also planning to create an isolated room which can accommodate over a few dozen people for over a week along with requisite stores, equipment and beds in case of a chemical, biological, radioactive or nuclear (CBRN) warfare.

The aim is to build a structure which is completely sealed and has positive air pressure.

The shelters have their own source for power, water and sewage disposal. "It should have automatic CBRN warning system with change over facility, electrification including generator sets and fittings, water supply and water disposal, decontamination facility, communication system," the officer said.

The idea to get a secured underground network was discussed during a security review meeting of senior officials after Indias surgical strike across PoK.

Security agencies have already placed two missile-tracking radars in Delhi as the first part of a planned effort to give the city a missile attack shield.

If the bunker control room idea gets a green signal from Central authorities, Delhi would be the first city in India to do it.

A similar proposal was planned by Chandigarh but the project could not see the light of the day.

A similar 24x7 underground Police control room is functional at Singapore.

Although nobody has yet had a chance to study a low-yield nuclear blast - as the threat of a terrorist attack or a nuclear strike grows - it is crucial for cities to have contingency plans in place.

Delhi Police headquarters which houses its control room at ITO is on the radar of terrorists and any attack

In case of any mass attacks or natural disasters, this control room will play a crucial role as it will keep all data secured and communication network active.

CBRN-protected mobile shelters are made available during key global events including at the meetings of top leaders, and also sporting events like the Olympics.

In others nations, including the US and some European countries, safe houses are built for the community near hospitals and schools to the guard civilian population.

Mail Today last week reported that unidentified persons attempted to access the Delhi Police control room recently but could not break into the high-tech system.
With more than 140,000 English-learners enrolled in New York Citys K-12 public schools, the district has more ELLs than all but five states: California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and, of course, New York.

Thats why a recently released study from the Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast & Islands on English-learner reclassification patterns may hold value for ELL educators and policymakers across the nation.

Noting that the citys English-learners speak about 150 home languages and arrive to school from a host of educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds, the researchers said the district provides a unique opportunity to build knowledge about English learner student reclassification patterns.

The study has several key findings, including:

Slightly more than half the students who entered kindergarten in New York Citys public schools as English-learners were English-proficient by the end of 3rd grade. But a quarter ended up becoming long-term English-learners, meaning they werent reclassified by the time they started middle school. For students who fall into this category, graduation is often an elusive goal .



. Students who entered the district as English-learners in 6th or 7th grade took about a year longer to be reclassified as English-proficient than those entered the school system as kindergarten students.



How much English a child knows when they begin school plays a significant role in how quickly students are able to shed the English-learner label . The median time to reclassification for students with above average initial English-proficiency was roughly three years. The median time to reclassification for students with below average initial English proficiency was almost five years. The findings illustrate why building ELLs early literacy is crucial .



. The median time to reclassification for students with above average initial English-proficiency was roughly three years. The median time to reclassification for students with below average initial English proficiency was almost five years. The findings illustrate why building ELLs early literacy is crucial . English-learner students with specific learning disabilities took roughly four years longer to reach English proficiency than peers without learning disabilities. And nearly two-thirds of students with learning disabilities become long-term English-learners. A 20-state review of research and policies found that states often struggle to identify and support ELLs with learning disabilities .

For a broad look at the some of the challenges facing English-learners, take a look at Education Weeks special report, Teaching Americas English-Language Learners . Available in English and Spanish, the report examines how well schools are serving this growing population of students.

Only Los Angeles Unified has more English-learners than New York Citys school system, according to a 2015 report from the Migration Policy Institute . For those who want to comb through the New York City report, heres a copy .
The people of Delhi did not elect Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung to represent them. A bureaucrat with no notable accomplishments, his last post was that of Vice Chancellor, Jamia Millia from 2009.

The Congress appointed him Lt. Governor of Delhi (L.G.) on 9th July 2013. It cannot be said he was the best man for the job but drew favour through his influence.

After an undistinguished career as an IAS officer in the Madhya Pradesh cadre, with some expertise in the Petroleum Gas sector, he rose to the level of Joint Secretary.

Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung has frequently clashed with the ruling AAP party in Delhi

Post retirement in 1995, he was associated with Reliances research foundation. Not quite the credentials for an L-G.

Inquisition

The BJPs rise to power in 2014 presented Jung with options: resign, defend the Delhi government from the Centre or take on the role of hatchet man for Modis government.

Governors dealing with an elected government are expected to be sages not saboteurs.

The classic formulation is he should "encourage and warn" - certainly not put down, interfere and destroy.

Jungs role with the AAP government, with a mandate of 67 out of 70 Assembly seats, is to embarrass, restrict and oppose.

Delhi is a hybrid  still a UT but a full democracy with some federal restraints. The Constitution Delhis Act of 1991 both declare that the Delhi Cabinet shall "aid and advise" the L-G.

The Supreme Court says this advice is binding. Apart from police, public order and land, Delhi is like any popular government.

Unfortunately a Delhi High Court judgment of 4th August 2016, under appeal to the Supreme Court, seems to favour the Centre and the LG.

But this does not require Jung to avoid smooth functioning and take the elected government head on.

On 30th August, Jung decided to appoint a committee consisting of former Comptroller General V.K. Shunglu, former Chief Elections Commissioner N. Gopalaswami and former Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar to examine the files submitted after the High Court judgment, determine the legal violations, assign blame (including on loss the exchequer) and virtually decide by recommendation what the L-G should do.

This framework is illegal, overly broad and unworthy. There is no power under which such a committee can be appointed. We do not know what its perks are?

The Committee has become the hitmans hit-team. Even a Lokayukta does not command this kind of power.

The Congress controversially appointed Jung Lt. Governor of Delhi in 2013

It is like an Inquisition.

On 14th October 2016, the Committee, which is examining 400 files, has been given an extension.

According to the LGs office, these files are those which the "elected government has itself admitted it has not followed constitutional provisions. these rules, laws, conventions (and) these matters need to be regularized (G)rave misdemeanours are evident from these files".

A pre-conceived view? The LGs office also says there is no order to stop work on any area.

That is, you can continue to work without files. Is that possible? Would that no be in violation of rules and practice?

Purpose

The L-Gs challenging reply seems a political street response: "If everything as claimed is according to the rule, then why is the elected government afraid of the truth coming out".

This both begs and trivializes the question. The crucial question is how can a head of state, (albiet an L-G), order an inquiry into the workings of his government without a statutory basis.

The LGs has ben accused of embarrassing and attempting to bring down the Delhi government

Is it really appropriate for the LG to reduce constitutional discourse to the level of street fight and accuse his government "of taking shelter behind officers with whom the ministers misbehaved consistently for the past 18 months?"

Assuming that the L-G needs to examine the files referred to him, he cannot delegate this power to a committee, however distinguished.

Why did this league of extraordinary gentleman accept this assignment? The LGs purpose is clearly to investigate, embarrass and bring down the democratic government.

Why should a self-respecting committee get involved in this unforgiving game?

Just because the committee has been given an extension does not mean it has to take it?

Emergency

There may be an insidious purpose in this.

The Constitution permits Presidents Rule on the Delhi Government (Article 239AB) where "the administration of the National Capital Territory cannot be carried in accordance with the provisions of the Article 239AA or of any law in pursuance to that article" or, that for the proper administration of the National Capital Territory it is necessary or expedient to do so".

There is no parliamentary supervision as for Presidents Rule in the States. Is this what Jung is trying to create - The grounds for an Emergency to do away with Delhis democracy?

We the people of Delhi, have a right to question Jungs game.

If he genuinely believes that this is function that goes with his job, he needs to equally genuinely visit his delusion.

Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal has frequently clashed with L-G Jung

Under the Constitution, he is bound by the aid and advise formula which is further reinforced by the provision that the cabinet is collectively responsible to the Assembly.

He is not just controlling the excepted area of police, public order and land, but holding the elected AAP government to ransom.

One conclusion remains: Jung should be made to resign  if not by the BJP government, then on demand by the people of Delhi.
An India Today TV investigation has found that female students are dropping out of Uttar Pradesh schools due to a toxic cocktail of conservative patriarchal attitudes, rising male intolerance and criminality.

Bijnor district recently saw rioting after reports that a number of Hindu boys had taunted Muslim girls.

Three people were killed in the clashes, and many others were injured.

An India Today TV investigation has found that female students are dropping out of Uttar Pradesh schools due to conservative patriarchal attitudes

On July 16, paramilitaries were called out after communal tension swept through Aligarh over the alleged harassment of a woman.

The India Today TV investigation in poll-bound UP found that that anti-woman attitudes were deeply damaging to the states female education index.

Official data show around 6.08 per cent of girls drop out of school every year in UP whose Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav, has launched a special safety helpline and a financial scheme for female residents.

Rita Devi (name changed) said she had to marry off her minor daughter because of social pressure after the girl allegedly eloped with a male friend from a different community.

"Police found her and the next day we married her off. Village elders said the girl had defiled our neighbourhood," said the mother.

Devi wanted her daughter to complete her education. But communal tension and pressure from the local village council forced her hand.

Uttar Pradesh recorded 35,527 criminal acts against women in 2015, almost 11 per cent of offences registered across the country under the same categories.

According to the NCRB data, more than 3,020 cases of rape were filed in the state in 2015.

Female kidnappings stood at 1,435. Three months after Aligarhs Babri Mandi flared up in religious trouble, India Today TV spoke with several female school and college students.

Many of them complained about rising incidents of harassment by men on the streets. A teenager said she is missing classes because she lost her father. "Earlier, my father would drop me to school," she said, her eyes filled with tears.

"I miss my classes now because hes not there to accompany me. I am scared of teasing, but I have exams coming up soon."

Her aunt is worried. Women in Babri Mandi are now seeking special security deployments for female students.

"We had to send our niece to a college outside of Aligarh because this place is no longer safe," said another female local resident.

The India Today TV investigation in poll-bound UP found that that anti-woman attitudes were deeply damaging to the states female education index

India Today TV also visited the police station under whose jurisdiction the alleged incident had occurred.

Unaware that they were being filmed, officers on duty were joking about complaints regarding kidnapping of young women in the city.

"Its not men who run away with women, but women who take them away," laughed a police official.

At Aligarhs DS College, male students blamed women and their dresses for crimes against them.

"They should dress decently. They dont have control over their outfits," said a man. Other students around him echoed his views.

Political leaders in Aligarh seemed to be leaving no opportunity to communalise anti-women crimes.
Gurugram police have arrested 10 people, including two women from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, for being allegedly involved in a prostitution racket in sector 51.

Police raided Ashiyana guest house following a tip-off about a high-profile prostitution racket that was operating from the building on plot number 186.

Vijay Kumar, SHO of Sadar police station in Gurugram, told reporters: "Ahead of Prime Minister Modis rally here on November 1, we started raiding hotels and guest houses to track unwanted foreigners and other guests, and ascertain their identities.

Gurugram police have arrested 10 people, including two women from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, for being allegedly involved in a prostitution racket

"We had received information that some foreign nationals were staying in the Ashiyana guest house and were possibly involved in immoral acts".

He added that a 'decoy customer' was sent to the guest house and when he signaled that the information about prostitution was true, police raided the guest house along with a team of women officers.

Prime Minister Modi is set to attend a rally in Gurugram on November 1

Five men and five young women were caught in compromising situations in the rooms.

Three women among them were from Delhi.

Police recovered 19 condoms and some tablets from the guest house.
Seeking to scale-up their economic engagement, India and Brazil finalised the text of a bilateral investment deal and decided to expand overall ties.

The details come as the two countries sought united global action without distinction or discrimination to deal with terrorism.

After holding wide-ranging talks with Brazilian President Michel Temer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India deeply appreciated Brazil's support its actions in combating terror, noting both countries will work for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention Against International Terrorism (CCIT) by the UN.

India and Brazil have finalised the text of a bilateral investment deal and decided to expand overall ties even as the two countries sought united global action on terrorism

In the talks, Temer supported New Delhis bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and conveyed to Modi that Brazil will work with other member countries of the elite bloc to facilitate Indias entry into it.

In a statement to the media after the talks, Modi said both countries have finalised the text of the bilateral investment agreement which will provide much needed momentum to increased bilateral business and investment linkages.

"President Temer and I have reviewed the full range of bilateral cooperation. Noting the potential for much more, we have agreed to scale up our engagement. This is in line with our mutual desire for a reinforced strategic partnership, Modi said in presence of Temer."

On NSG issue, Modi thanked Brazil for understanding Indias aspiration for membership of the group.

In a statement to the media after the talks, Modi said both countries have finalised the text of the bilateral investment agreement

Brazil's support and its desire to help India was conveyed by its President Michel Temer to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their talks here.

The Prime Minister conveyed to President Temer India's desire and its aspiration to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Secretary (East) in the External Affairs Ministry Preeti Saran told reporters while briefing on the meeting.

Referring to the threat of terrorism, Modi said We deeply appreciate Brazils support for India's actions in combating terrorism.

"We agreed that the world must come together to fight this menace without distinction or discrimination.

Talking about Brazils priority to reviving the domestic economy, Modi said India can be a valuable partner in it.

BRICS is the acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa

Chinese balm for Pakistan after Modis mothership jab

By Ananth Krishnan

China has mounted a strong defence of Pakistan and called for the international community to recognise its great sacrifices in fighting terror, a day after Prime Minister Modi described the country as the mothership of terrorism at the BRICS Summit in Goa.

Striking a discordant note from Indias diplomatic push, including at the BRICS Summit - to apply pressure Pakistan for its support of certain terror groups - China jumped to its allys defence and said that "both India and Pakistan are victims of terrorism".

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in Beijing on Monday when asked to respond to the PMs comment at the weekends BRICS Summit: "In combating terrorism Pakistan has made great sacrifices. This needs to be recognised by the international community".

China has called for the international community to recognise Pakistan's great sacrifices in fighting terror, a day after Prime Minister Modi described the country as the 'mothership of terrorism'

When questioned about Pakistans continued support of weapons, training and finance to anti-India terror groups, which the PM flagged at the BRICS Summit, Hua said: "I understand your concern. But as I said, on counter-terrorism Chinas position is consistent."

"We oppose linking terrorism to any country or religion, she added.

"Whatever country or organisation is involved in terrorism should be seriously tackled by the international community."

Yet in Beijings estimation, Pakistan doesnt appear to be among those countries; On September 30, China extended by three months a technical hold preventing the sanctioning of Pakistani terrorist Masood Azhar at the UNSC 1267 sanctions committee.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that in its view "problems between India and Pakistan, both close neighbours of China" could be resolved "in a peaceful way through dialogue and consultation so that India Pakistan relations can develop."
If the customary declarations of commitment, intent and belief, issued at the end of bilateral or multilateral conferences, were ever scrutinised, most would prove to be worth less than the paper on which they are printed.

This is largely because of the fluff in which lies hidden what is often described as the sense of the house - elusive to untrained eyes that are easily distracted by stilted diplomatese.

Possibly, thats the way it is intended.

BRICS is the acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa

Purpose

So to comb through the lengthy and verbose Goa Declaration issued after the weekends BRICS summit and look for specifics endorsing Indias position, especially on the issue of trans-national and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, would be akin to missing the woods for the trees.

Or, to put it more bluntly, it would be silly.

The main purpose behind Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to come together on a common platform was to jointly pursue, to the extent possible, the goals of emerging economies.

The main purpose behind Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to come together on a common platform was to jointly pursue the goals of the emerging economies

To facilitate that objective, BRICS was to create an alternative to the antiquated Bretton Woods financial architecture that does not quite meet the needs of these five countries representing 50 per cent of the global population and 25 per cent of the worlds GDP.

Everything else, especially collaboration on geopolitical and geo-strategic issues, remains no more than dressing on the salad.

Each of the member-states has its own national and regional concerns; their national interests do not coincide; and, multilateral action is not necessarily the sum total of bilateral relations.

So to presume that Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, like Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley and Lauderdale, would think and act like a cabal, united in ideology and purpose within the larger global council of states, would be entirely misplaced.

As would be to attach extraordinary importance to the Goa Declaration in determining who stands with India in its opposition to Pakistans use of cross-border terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

Declaration

The Goa Declaration stating, "We strongly condemn the recent several attacks, against some BRICS countries, including that in India" is, frankly, as meaningless as "We are deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East and North Africa."

The strange phraseology recent several attacks is sufficiently vague not to pin accountability on the attacker, just as expressing concern over "Middle East and North Africa" is vacuous moralising.

Russia and China, let us not forget, have more than a finger in the MENA pie; Brazil, India and South Africa have no role in either exacerbating or taming the situation, much as all three of them may want to see an end to the conflict and death of the Islamic State.

On the other hand, it is only to be expected that China would at best allow the mention of recent several attacks and not the specifics of those attacks.

It has too heavily invested in Pakistan to deviate from stated positions like blocking the listing of names like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed in the UN Security Council.

The Goa Declaration stating, 'We strongly condemn the recent several attacks, against some BRICS countries, including that in India' is frankly meaningless

Isolation

Chinese intransigence and Russian hazing need not deter us from forcefully and forthrightly stating our case. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did precisely that, mincing no words in describing Pakistan as the mother-ship of terrorism.

At every bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS and BIMSTEC conferences, he drove home the point. This was in continuation of Indias aggressive stance after the Pakistan-sponsored attack on the Army base in Uri.

Since then, New Delhi has sought to isolate Islamabad with commendable success.

The collapse of SAARC is the most visible impact. Less visible is the gathering revulsion towards Pakistan among its benefactors, most notably America.

China is an exception.

These are still early days in New Delhis attempt to forge a regional and larger global coalition that would hopefully force Pakistan to abandon its policy of inflicting a thousand cuts on India.

There is no guarantee that this effort will yield immediate results, there never was.

Used as the world is to an India willing to compromise its national interest to accommodate Pakistani belligerence, it will take time to convince others that it is a new India, a resolute India, not the artificially projected limp-wristed caricature they have dealt with till now.

Looked at from this perspective, the Goa Declaration may not be brimming with support for India against Pakistan, it is not a washout either.
Repeated terror attacks, especially after the Pathankot strikes, have made the residents of towns and villages in Punjab hyper-sensitive.

Dozens of incidents were reported during the last one year in which people supposedly saw terrorists attired in an Army fatigue and carrying weapons, but nothing was heard of them thereafter.

In fact, in many cases, the probe led to ridiculous findings. For instance, the bag spotted outside a cantonment in Pathankot belonged to a jawan who was posted there.

Repeated terror attacks, especially after the Pathankot strikes, have made the residents of towns and villages in Punjab hyper-sensitive

Likewise, an unclaimed bag found on a train in Pathankot in January this year was inadvertently left by a passenger.

This particular bag was treated like a bomb and placed under sand bags.

When the bomb disposal squad arrived, it found that the bag only contained clothes!

In another case, the joint-combing operation launched by the Punjab and Himachal police failed to trace the four suspicious men spotted near Pathankot last month.

People ahave claimed to have sighted suspected terrorists outside Mohali, Chandigarh and in Ambala cantonment recently (file pic)

The police search led to the discovery of army uniforms, some of them were even put on fire.

Later, Pathankot SSP Rakesh Kaushal revealed that these uniforms were thrown away and destroyed by the Army staff themselves after they got new ones.

In January this year the Army and police combed fields near a cantonment in Pathankot after two suspects were spotted in the area.

Such was the panic that an unmanned aerial vehicle was also pressed into service.

The results were embarrassing as the terrorists were not humans but a couple of pigs!

People also sighted suspected terrorists outside Mohali, Chandigarh and in Ambala cantonment recently.

While those spotted in Ambala and Mohali remained a mystery, those traced in Chandigarh were found to be the CISF men who were moving in a vehicle registered in Uttar Pradesh.

Two recent terror alerts about the movements of terrorists in cars from Jammu and Kashmir also proved to be a hoax.

What has helped create the panic is the easy availability of an Army uniform.

For, its a common knowledge that these uniforms are openly sold by private vendors under the nose of the local administration.

Be it the Akhnoor Bazaar in Jammu or the Kabadi Bazar of Ambala, one can buy the complete dress of an Army officer/jawan by just spending Rs 500.

Residents of village near India's border area filling their vehicles following the surgical strikes across the LoC

It is this easy availability of the Army uniform that makes people believe such terror-related theories.

Also, adding to such theories is the fact that the Army and the Air Force base in Ambala has always been on the target of terrorists.

Several people have been arrested from the military area on spying charges.

Pakistan had also attacked the Ambala Indian Air Force base in 1965 and 1971.

Whenever there is a terror alert or an attack, the district administration asks the shopkeepers to maintain a record of people buying Army uniforms.

As per the instruction issued by the civil administration, Army personnel buying dress from these shops have not only to write their name but also their mobile number, along with the unit name and number.

Now, this is quite sensitive an information to be shared with any civilian.

"Which unit is posted where or who is working in a particular unit is very sensitive information. If this information is accessed by the enemy, they can contact the army personnel buying the uniform and even mastermind a terror attack by fleecing the jawans," says a senior Army officer.

While the sale of Army combat uniform continues unabated in the civilian market despite ban, the sensitive security alerts when leaked only benefit anti-social elements.

Its time the authorities strictly enforce ban on the sale of Army uniform to civilians.
Overseas collectors took advantage of the weak pound to snap up a selection of British classic cars at auction last week - including no fewer than 10 Jaguar E-Types.

H&H Classics said its recent car auction at the Imperial War Museum 'brought in additional new foreign buying interest' as overseas investors jumped at the opportunity to strike with the pound plunging.

The sale, held at the Duxford museum, had a standing room only crowd of 800 bidders, though much of the activity took placer over the phones and online, the auction house claimed.

Included in the sale, held last Wednesday, was a barn-find 1964 3.8-litre Jaguar E-Type Coupe that sold for double its estimate.

E-buying E-Types and auction: H&H Classics said it saw a new wave of bids from overseas investors at the latest Imperial War Museum Duxford vehicle auction on Wednesday, which included all 10 of these classic Jaguars

In total, the vehicle auction of 138 cars and 61 motorcycles made 5 million, with 70 per cent of the lots finding new owners.

Many of the vehicles available were British icons - this included 10 Jaguar E-Types, six Aston Martins and an array of classic Bentleys, Rolls-Royces and MGs.

An official statement from H&H Classics said: 'The sale showed an ongoing interest in classic cars from both collectors and investors.

'Interestingly, the relatively weaker pound brought in additional new foreign buying interest.

'Strong bidding in the room was matched by online and telephone bidding from around the world.'

The most expensive model to sell was a 1924 Bentley 3/4.5-litre Tourer, which went under the hammer for just shy of 300,000.

A 1959 Jaguar XK150SE 3.4-litre DHC also sold for over 250,000 while a DB2 Aston Martin built in 1959 fell just a few thousand pounds short of the 200,000 mark.

This collectible E-type Jaguar which had been left to rust for 40 years could still be worth in excess of 150,000 when fully restored

The classic 1964 model was purchased by its last owner in 1970 as a gift for his wife, who enjoyed driving the two-seater sports car - with a top speed of 150mph - for around five years

The Jaguar remained in this garage for a further 40 years having covered just 52,000 miles

Of the 10 E-Types for sale, it was a neglected one that was most eagerly anticipated.

The car in question was a 1964 3.8-litre hard top that had been stranded in a shed for years, gathering dust and moss after 40 years of non use.

The rather sorry looking E-Type sold for 80,800 - significantly more than its pre-sale estimate of 35,000 to 45,000.
Unilever said that increased demand for its Ben & Jerrys ice cream helped summer sales

BUY THIS: Unilever

Unilever was on the buy list at The Share Centre despite a spat with Tesco last week sending shares lower.

Analyst Graham Spooner said sales growth at the consumer goods firm had been better than expected in its third-quarter results, and it is on track to meet its full-year targets.

Unilever said that increased demand for its Ben & Jerrys ice cream helped summer sales.

Spooner said the group offers a diverse range of brands and pays a healthy dividend.

SELL THIS: Hargreaves Lansdown

Analysts at Liberum said it was time to sell shares in the UKs leading stock broking firm.

Last week, a tie-up between two smaller rivals created Interactive Investor, making it the UKs second-largest online broker with more than 300,000 customers and assets of 18billion.
Ladbrokes and Coral have agreed to sell more than 350 betting shops as part of their 2.3billion merger.

Rivals Betfred will buy 322 shops for 55million and Stan James will purchase 37 sites for 500,000.

The deal comes after the Competition And Markets Authority said the merger between Ladbrokes and Coral could go ahead only if they sold hundreds of sites to ensure the enlarged company does not monopolise local areas.

Stores sale: But Ladbrokes and Coral will still have about 3,700 betting shops

Ladbrokes chief executive Jim Mullen said: The sale of these shops will clear the last significant hurdle to delivering on the merger with Coral and paves the way for our focus on completion and quickly delivering on the opportunities the merger offers.

Ladbrokes and Coral will still have about 3,700 betting shops following the sale of the 359 sites. The 55.5million it will get for them will be used to repay debt.

The merger between Ladbrokes and Coral comes amid a wave of consolidation in the betting industry.

Paddy Power has joined forces with Betfair and William Hill is in talks with Canadian poker firm Amaya to create a 5billion gambling giant.

However, William Hill is now locked in a battle with its largest shareholder, Parvus Asset Management, which said the proposed merger with Amaya had limited strategic logic and would destroy shareholder value.

Ralph Topping, who stepped down in 2014 after eight years as chief executive of William Hill, said he fully supported Parvuss opposition.
Industry chiefs are piling pressure on ministers to ensure steel produced in the UK is used to build the High Speed 2 rail link.

Liberty House Group and British Steel are pushing to become key suppliers in the scheme linking London with the Midlands and the North.

The 56billion rail link  which will require 2m tons of steel  won Government approval last week, and a guarantee that British-made steel will be used in the project would provide a lifeline for the struggling industry.

'Huge potential': Sanjeev Gupta, executive chairman at Liberty House

Higher energy prices and cheap foreign imports have taken their toll in recent years and led to the loss of more than 5,000 jobs. It is feared the Government may use foreign steel to build HS2 after a key contract to supply steel for the next generation of nuclear submarines was awarded to the French earlier this month.

Experts have warned that if British steel is not used in major projects such as Trident and HS2 then the industry will be unable to maintain capacity for the future.

Liberty House and British Steel bought former Tata Steel plants after the Indian-owned company decided to withdraw from the troubled UK steel sector earlier this year.

Liberty House, which already had a steelworks in Newport, stepped in to save sites in Lanarkshire. Sanjeev Gupta, executive chairman at Liberty House, told the Daily Mail: This is an exciting project with huge potential for UK-made steel. We would expect the scheme to generate major demand which will include steel plate for bridges, gantries and similar structures as well as the many concrete structures involved. As a British-based steel producer, Liberty would certainly want to be considered.

British Steel was spun off from Tata Steel in April after investment firm Greybull Capital bought the Scunthorpe steelworks for 1, reviving the British Steel brand and saving 4,000 jobs.

Future: A computer generated image of the proposed HS2 station at Euston, London

Peter Smith, managing director for British Steels rail arm, said: HS2 has the potential to make a huge difference to the transport and economy of this country, and we can play a significant role in this.

We have the capacity to make the rail for this project and will also be interested in supplying other steel products into the rest of the project.

The Government has so far failed to guarantee that British-made steel will be used in the project, but it has said steel contracts will not go abroad if the most competitive bid is British.

A Department for Transport spokesman said: We positively encourage bids from British companies to build HS2 and are holding discussions with UK suppliers to make sure they are in the best possible position to win contracts for the steel that will be needed.
Donald Trump Jr. suggested that women who cant handle sexual harassment should become kindergarten teachers in a 2013 radio interview. And, predictably, teachers are not happy.

BuzzFeed uncovered the radio clip with Donald Trumps son today, in the midst of swirling accusations that the GOP nominee has sexually harassed or assaulted numerous women.



During a discussion on the Opie and Anthony radio show about sexual harassment in the workforce, Trump Jr. said: If you cant handle some of the basic stuff thats become a problem in the workforce today, then you dont belong in the workforce. Like, you should go maybe teach kindergarten. I think its a respectable position. You cant be negotiating billion-dollar deals if you cant handle, like, you know. But listentheres a place where you have to draw the line. But today the stuff you get in trouble for...

The quote immediately set off a firestorm among kindergarten teachers. The quote, critics said, was a triple insult: It suggested that teaching kindergarten isnt a real job, that kindergarten teachers dont get sexually harassed, and that women should be able to tough out sexual harassment in the office.

As a kindergarten teacher I know Trump and his son wouldnt last a week in my job. #trump -- Luanne Williams (@lwpoovy) October 14, 2016

As a kindergarten teacher, I can say that Donald Trump Jr. clearly failed to learn the most important lessons of kindergarten. //t.co/8qAsTJ9ARo -- Ariel Aver Matasar (@arielamatasar) October 14, 2016

@SophiaBush @HuffPostPol As a kindergarten teacher I think teaching kids how to respect each other is more important than those deals. -- Cynthia Coppinger (@CynthiaAnne81) October 14, 2016

I was a kindergarten teacher and guess what? I can handle harassment of any kind. What I wont do is tolerate it. -- Simply Perfect Girl (@SimplyPerfGirl) October 14, 2016

I suspect a class full of kindergarten kids would eat him alive. //t.co/Eq0jJxKaSu -- Rob Garver (@rrgarver) October 14, 2016

being a kindergarten teacher isnt something to scoff at..takes patience, strength, compassionate and hard work to wrangle and teach tots! //t.co/uNsXwJghhD -- Kristen Holmes (@KristenhCNN) October 14, 2016

@PoliticsK12 Setting aside the dismissal of harassment, as a former kinder teacher, perpetually affronted whenever someone assumes its easy -- Alyssa Schwenk (@alyssaschwenk) October 14, 2016

@PoliticsK12 I taught kindergarten and definitely experienced unacceptable conduct at work during those four years. So, its a no from me. -- Hailly T.N. Korman (@HaillyKorman) October 14, 2016

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, also weighed in on Twitter , saying: He equates not working to teaching kindergarten. Talk to any kindergarten teacherits hard work.

(Dont we know it. My colleague Christina Samuels reported just last year that the expectations of kindergarten are increasing, with a larger focus on academics and curriculum.)

During his speech at the Republican National Convention in July, Trump Jr. criticized schools as being out of the Soviet era because they served school employees instead of students. He also praised school choice as a way to improve educational outcomes.

For more of a teachers perspective on the sexual misconduct scandal surrounding Donald Trump, see Christina Torres recent Education Week Teacher blog post: On Being a Female Teacher in Trumps America.
A new book of his work, Provocateur, will be published around Christmas this year

The photographer's ever-expanding circle of celebrity friends and fans led to GQ declaring his work more popular than graffiti artist Banksy last year

He has photographed everyone from a knife-wielding Lindsay Lohan to a breastfeeding Tamara Ecclestone

Shields says people come to him when they want to do 'something crazy' - but says he'd never shoot Kim Kardashian

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There aren't many photographers who would risk the wrath of Hollywood hard man Bruce Willis.

But although he just snapped Bruce's 22-year-old daughter Tallulah half-naked with her hand down her undies, Tyler Shields isn't worried.

'I only want to work with people who want to do something different,' the 34-year-old former rollerblader said.

'People when they come to me, they want to do something interesting, something crazy, something where they're pushing themselves.'

Tyler Shields, rollerblader turned photographer, has captured Tallulah Willis, the 22-year-old daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore as his latest subject

Tallulah stripped down to just her underwear for the shoot with Shields

Tallulah, who according to Shields declared herself 'obsessed' with her masturbation portraits, also features in his latest book of photography

Shields, 34, was an inline skater who fell into photography

Shields has photographed everyone from a knife-wielding Lindsay Lohan to a breastfeeding Tamara Ecclestone. Many of his subjects will appear in his impressive new book Provocateur, available in December. He has given DailyMail.com and its readers an exclusive peek at some of the electrifying images.

Provocateur features some of Shields' his most compelling work to date. Tyler pushes his subjects often the young elite of Hollywood and himself, to the limits, going well outside usual comfort zones.

Today he is sanguine about any reaction from Die Hard star Bruce - because he says, the actor was married to Demi Moore, who is known for her own racy snaps.

Shields's ever-expanding circle of celebrity friends and fans led to GQ declaring his work more popular than graffiti artist Banksy last year in Hollywood

'I think if he [Bruce] had had a problem with that, he couldn't have been married to her [Demi] and been OK with all of that,' Shields said.

Although, he concludes thoughtfully, 'it might be a bit different with his daughter though.'

Shields, who grew up in a down-at-heel family in Jacksonville, Florida, has been in Hollywood for a decade.

He arrived at photography only after a stint as a professional inline skater alongside legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk  a man he still describes as one of his inspirations.

His upbringing and love of the alternative could have made him an outsider but, ten years after stepping off the plane, Shields is now the ultimate Hollywood insider.

In recent times he's thrown Emma Roberts off a building, set fire to a Louis Vuitton trunk (price $15,000) and has spent the last week encouraging alligators and pythons to chew and crush Hermes Birkin bags.

Last year, he sparked outrage with a photo of a naked black man 'lynching' a member of the Klu Klux Klan.

Shields's snap of an alligator and actress Ana Mulvoy-Ten gnawing on a Birkin bag worth around $100,000

Shields with Tallulah Willis on set. Tallulah's older sisters Rumer and Scout Willis have also posed for the photographer

Willis dons a latex catsuit for one sultry shot

Shields courted controversy last year with this photo of a naked black man 'lynching' a member of the KKK

And in 2011, he raised eyebrows with a portrait of actress Mischa Barton with a chunk of raw meat.

'At the time, I was like, nobody is going to care about this [the photo of Barton],' says Shields.

'Then I started getting emails from people saying I'm going to hunt you down and club you like a baby seal, feed you to yourself  they were vegans or whatever.'

Still, his ever-expanding circle of celebrity friends and fans led to GQ declaring his work more popular than graffiti artist Banksy last year in Hollywood's homes.

Lohan and actress Mischa Barton are 'the sweetest people' says Shields, while Roberts has become an unofficial sounding board.

'I'll send it [work] to her and she'll look at a lot of the stuff I make,' he explains. 'I can always tell when something is going to be big by her response.

'I'll know it's going to be big when I send it to her and she'll write back in all caps 'DEAD'  that's all she'll write. It means people are going to freak out about this one.'

Tallulah, who according to Shields, declared herself 'obsessed' with her masturbation portraits, also features in his latest book of photography.

The Tallulah Willis images appear in Shields's upcoming book entitled Provocateur

'I was going to save them [the Tallulah photos] for the book but decided to put them out.

'So I called her and she was like, oh, make sure you put this particular one out. It's partly her choice to put photos out. In the end, it's a collaborative effort.'

Tallulah's older sisters Rumer and Scout Willis have also posed for Shields, with the latter doing the honors in a new Polaroid series the snapper is working on.

But while the Florida native likes variety ('I love how my job is different every day'), there's one Hollywood clan he doesn't fancy working with  the Kardashians.

'You can photograph anyone and bring something new to it because that's the fun of it. So if I shot Kim Kardashian, I wouldn't shoot her like anybody has ever shot her. I just don't want to shoot her.

'I don't have a problem with her at all, I don't have a problem with Kanye. They do their thing and that's fine.'

If he did get Kim into his downtown Hollywood studio though, Shields says the results might break the internet  but in a very different way to last year's infamous Paper magazine shoot.

'I'd have to do something like Kim Kardashian in a fat suit eating a bucket of fried chicken at a bus stop,' he says.

'But you know, with people now, it's also a weird time [to take outrageous photographs, because people are so image conscious, their whole life is a brand.

'People don't want to go too off brand. Back in the day, that wasn't a thing.'

in the book is a series dealing with the ultimate celebrity royal  the doomed French queen Marie-Antoinette

Shields describes Marie Antoinette as 'the first person brought down by gossip'

The sets, modeled on the Palace of Versailles, were designed by Shields

A model poses in bunny ears. Shields says he 'would love to shoot the Queen'

Also in the book is a series dealing with the ultimate celebrity royal  the doomed French queen Marie-Antoinette, who Shields describes as 'the first person brought down by gossip'.

The sets, modeled on the Palace of Versailles, were designed by Shields who has a passion for Roald Dahl-esque fantastical detail. He says Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a childhood favorite, remains a big influence.

Next year's work is going to involve sets that 'are bigger and better' still, although he hasn't quite figured out all the details.

In the meantime, he's spending the next week shooting models in bondage gear parading the streets of LA at night; the previous weekend he was taking Polaroids of another girl wielding a machine gun in the middle of a building site.

Outlandish though some of this may seem, Shields' dream is far more strait-laced  following in his hero Annie Leibovitz' footsteps and photographing the Queen and Prince Charles.

'I would love to shoot the Queen,' he says. 'I would actually like to do a portrait of Prince Charles. I've seen photographs of him but I haven't seen that sort of iconic one of him in this time.'

So would Her Majesty be abseiling down Tower Bridge, or perhapps hanging off the side of Buckingham Palace with lipstick smeared all over her face?

Shields says that his work next year is going to involve sets that 'are bigger and better' still

'I only want to work with people who want to do something different,' says Shields of the provocative photos

'People when they come to me, they want to do something interesting, something crazy, something where they're pushing themselves,' Tyler tells DailyMail.com

'It depends on what they're down for,' says Shields, grinning. 'Charles might be down for a few things, the Queen maybe not so much. But I will happily go to the Tower [as a punishment] if I have to.

'I actually read a story about how at the end of World War II she went out and had a crazy night, that was on DailyMail.com, and that was epic. She might be a little game.'

If the Queen isn't available, Shields has his eye on supermodel Cara Delevingne who he describes as 'a wild one but I think she'd be fun.'

He adds: 'A lot of these models are interesting. When you look back at Kate Moss  she's the best-selling model ever in fine art. People just collect the s*** out of her.

'She did a lot of ads and things like that but she made a lot of art with photographers.

'Now, I don't want to do anything too crazy but I want some of these girls coming up to do something just for the fun of it  just to make a statement.'
The brother of a Syrian ISIS bomb plotter found hanged in a German jail has vowed to come to Europe as a refugee to avenge his sibling.

Terror suspect Jaber al-Bakr killed himself in his prison cell after three fellow Syrians he met in Leipzig handed the 22-year-old over to police.

In an interview, his brother Alaa al-Bakr issued a warning to the three men, telling a German newspaper: 'My reaction as an Arab is revenge.'

The brother of Syrian ISIS bomb plotter Jaber al-Bakr (pictured) who was found hanged in a German jail has vowed to come to Europe as a refugee to avenge his sibling

In an interview, Alaa al-Bakr issued a warning to the Syrian refugees who turned his brother Jaber over to police, telling a German newspaper: 'My reaction as an Arab is revenge'

When asked to explain what he meant by the remark, he told Die Welt: 'You understand. I have nothing more to say about it. I will come as a refugee.'

Al-Bakr said his brother had been in Syria two months before his arrest with a group of Islamists.

The suspect, Jaber al-Bakr, arrived in Germany from Syria in 2015 and gained refugee status, but returned to Syria earlier this year, his brother told the German daily.

'The last time that we spoke was two months ago, he was in Idlib (northwest Syria). He told me then that he was very angry and sad because of the war,' he told the paper from his house in the Damascus region.

He said his brother, 22, was involved in 'humanitarian aid' with the hardline Islamist Ahrar al-Sham rebel group in Syria, a rival to ISIS.

Jaber al-Bakr was arrested in the city of Leipzig late on Sunday after a manhunt that began some 48 hours earlier when police raided his apartment and found explosives

Jaber al-Bakr may have joined ISIS, although he believed the group 'did not represent Islam,' Alaa al-Bakr said.

He said his brother was radicalised in Germany and may have been influenced by a Muslim leader or a mosque in Berlin or near Berlin.

He also told Die Welt he did not believe his brother's death was suicide.

'I'm sure it was the police who killed him,' he claimed.

Jaber al-Bakr was arrested in the city of Leipzig late last Sunday after a manhunt that began some 48 hours earlier when police raided his apartment and found explosives.

But on Wednesday he was found hanged in his cell after an apparent suicide.

The death sparked cries of outrage and concern that Germany may never learn the plans for an attack he was suspected of planning against a Berlin airport.
Still fights threats while continuing to provide services to those in need

Planned Parenthood has been attacked with guns, bombs and arson

Planned Parenthood celebrated a milestone anniversary as the organization rang in its 100th year over the weekend.

The organization says its founder Margaret Sanger first opened the doors of Planned Parenthood on October 15, 1916.

Before women even had the right to vote, Sanger created the nation's first birth control clinic in Brooklyn.

Sanger would later be convicted of disseminating birth control, which would be approved by the FDA just six years before her death in 1966, after the site was raided.

Planned Parenthood, which provides birth control, health services and abortion, is celebrating its 100th anniversary

A century of service: Margaret Sanger (left) first opened the doors of Planned Parenthood on October 15, 1916. Today, Cecile Richards (right) is at the helm of the organization

But undeterred, she opened two more clinics, which later merged to become the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Despite a controversial existence, which continues to this day, Planned Parenthood has survived a century intact and provides birth control, sex education and abortions, and other health services.

Intensive efforts in Congress and efforts in many states to cut its funding and vilify its practices have created a stigma around Planned Parenthood that has resulted in several close calls for the establishment.

Cecile Richards, Planned Parenthood's president, told USA Today: 'The attacks have only strengthened our resolve. I do believe we are in a stronger place today than a year ago, or five years ago.'

Before women even had the right to vote, Sanger created the nation's first birth control clinic in Brooklyn (pictured)

Sanger would later be convicted of disseminating birth control, which would be approved by the FDA just six years before her death in 1966, after the site was raided (children pictured outside a Planned Parenthood in 1965)

There's been some adverse impact: In Texas and Wisconsin, for example, some Planned Parenthood facilities closed after the states cut off funding streams.

Protests against the organization by those who believe Planned Parenthood has only harmed the nation through its providing of abortions, have been a constant throughout its existence.

Eleven anti-abortion groups have decried the 100th anniversary of Planned Parenthood as a 'tragic milestone for our nation and a reminder of the millions of unborn children who will never have a birthday', USA Today reported.

But most of the Republican-led defunding efforts have been thwarted, and multiple investigations related to the disposition of fetal tissue have thus far failed to prove wrongdoing on Planned Parenthood's part.

Meanwhile, the organization has received strong backing from the Democratic Party, including presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and says support from the public is robust.

Despite a controversial existence, which continues to this day, Planned Parenthood has survived a century intact and provides birth control, sex education and abortions, and other health services

'The attacks have only strengthened our resolve. I do believe we are in a stronger place today than a year ago, or five years ago,' Richards said (protesters in favor of Planned Parenthood march in this 2004 photo)

Most of the Republican-led defunding efforts have been thwarted, and multiple investigations related to the disposition of fetal tissue have thus far failed to prove wrongdoing

The organization has dedicated $30 million to Clinton's campaign as it believes it will be safe from attacks under her administration.

If Donald Trump is elected, Planned Parenthood leaders fear more ferocious attacks will be eminent.

Planned Parenthood now provides one third of America's one million abortions each year.

Because of this, several clinics have been the targets of bombings, arson, shootings and protests.

Last November, three people were killed when a shooter entered a Colorado Planned Parenthood.

Alleged shooter Robert Dear Jr said he opened fire because he is against abortion.

In 2015, tensions continued to escalate after a series of secretly recorded videos from anti-abortion group Center for Medical Progress purported to show the organization sold fetal tissue to researchers for profit.

However, Eleven anti-abortion groups have decried the 100th anniversary of Planned Parenthood as a 'tragic milestone for our nation'

They go on to say the anniversary is 'a reminder of the millions of unborn children who will never have a birthday'

Last November, three people were killed when a shooter entered a Colorado Planned Parenthood

Alleged shooter Robert Dear Jr said he committed the attack because he was against abortion

If found to be true, Planned Parenthood would have been in violation of federal law.

However, investigations by several states and congressional panels were able to show no evidence of this, USA Today reported.

One probe is ongoing.

The video sparked an effort to cut Planned Parenthood's federal funding, despite the lack of evidence of any wrongdoing.

Although politicians in about 24 states have attempted to create legislation to defund Planned Parenthood, the cuts have been unsuccessful, typically because Planned Parenthood has sued and won.

Although politicians in about 24 states have attempted to create legislation to defund Planned Parenthood, the cuts have been unsuccessful, typically because Planned Parenthood has sued and won

Now, the organization has started a $30 million program to back presidential nominee Hillary Clinton (pictured)

If Donald Trump is elected, Planned Parenthood leaders fear more ferocious attacks will be eminent, which is why they are firmly backing Clinton (Cecile Richards pictured in January with Clinton)

Most of the money given to the organization goes to cover birth control and medical services for low-income women, USA Today reported.

Federal funds are not used for abortions except in rare cases.

As Planned Parenthood looks to the future, it hopes to be able to provide its services through advanced technology.
Crown Resorts' share price has taken a dive as the arrest of 18 employees in China scares Australian stock market investors and causes James Packer to lose $500 million in one hour.

Three top Australian executives with the billionaire's casino company were among those arrested in China on Thursday and Friday as part of a crackdown on illegal gaming activity in Macau.

Crown shares were $1.53, or 11.81 per cent, lower at $11.42 - less than one hour after the Australian Securities Exchange opened on Monday, causing Mr Packer to lose $500 million in early trade.

Jason O'Connor is one of three Australian Crown Resorts executives detained in China

The sharp share price fall came as Crown Resorts confirmed it had yet to speak with its arrested employees, including Australian Jason O'Connor, the company's executive general manager of international VIP services.

'To date, Crown has not been able to speak with its employees and is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to urgently make contact with and ascertain the welfare of its employees,' the company said in a statement on Monday.

'Crown is endeavouring to provide support to the families of its employees in China and Australia.

'Crown is yet to be provided with details of why its employees have been detained.'

Mr O'Connor was in charge of attracting Chinese high rollers to Crown Melbourne and was reportedly arrested as part of a crackdown on illegal gambling activity in Macau, where Crown has three resorts.

Crown's biggest shareholder James Packer lost $500 million in the first hour of trade

James Packer with partner Mariah Carey at opening of Crown's Studio City in Macau last year

Crown's biggest shareholder James Packer, who owns a 48.2 per cent stake, saw the value of his investment fall by $500 million on Monday morning.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Chinese authorities were due to notify Australian consular officials on Monday.

'We are aware of reports of the possible detention of a number of Crown International Group employees across China overnight on 13-14 October, including three Australians,' a spokesman said.

'Chinese authorities have three days in which to notify of the detention of Australians according to the terms of a bilateral consular treaty.'

IG market strategist Evan Lucas said the arrests in China had spooked Crown investors.

'There is a suggestion that the Chinese are gearing up to increase regulation even harder on gambling in general,' he told AAP.

'That is what the market is probably reacting to.'

Under Chinese law, it is illegal to organise for more than 10 people to gamble overseas.

People can be detained for up to 28 days in China without charges being laid.

Leonardi DiCaprio and Robert De Niro join Packer at opening of Macau casino last year

China's Foreign Ministry said the Australians were arrested for allegedly organising illegal gaming activity.

'Australians are under criminal detention  for suspected involvement in gambling crimes,' they said in a statement to The Australian Financial Review.

'At this stage the case is under further investigation.'

Three of Crown's eight casinos are in Macau.

Crown Resorts shares finished the Australian trading day $1.80, or 14 per cent, weaker at $11.15.
Four boys, one as young as 10, allegedly went on a vandalism rampage in Kalgoorlie, including trashing a school hours after a $45 million upgrade.

Windows were smashed, computers thrown across classrooms, chalk smeared across carpets, shelves ripped out and supplies dumped everywhere.

WA Education Minister Peter Collier, who on Friday unveiled new facilities including 24 brand new classrooms at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School, said he was 'devastated'.

Four boys, one as young as 10, allegedly went on a vandalism rampage in Kalgoorlie, including trashing a school hours after a $45 million upgrade

Windows were smashed, computers thrown across classrooms, chalk smeared across carpets, shelves ripped out and supplies dumped everywhere

'It's extreme, there was hardly a window that was left unbroken, then even got into the wiring in the ceiling - it was like a war zone,' he told 7 News.

The damage was expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The group was finally arrested on Saturday night after they allegedly hit another school and tried to smash their way through the front door of a Target store at about 11pm.

The damage was expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars

The group was finally arrested on Saturday night after they allegedly hit another school and tried to smash their way through the front door of a Target store at about 11pm

They couldn't get through and gave up to climb onto the roof where police found them and arrested two of them in the car park.

The others fled to a nearby construction site and were tracked by police dog Storm, who was released to chase them after they refused to give up.

One of them was grabbed by Storm, receiving bits to his face, thigh and buttocks. He was taken to Kalgoorlie Hospital for treatment.

After seeing what happened to his friend, the other boy surrendered without incident.

WA Education Minister Peter Collier unveiled new facilities including 24 brand new classrooms at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School on Friday

He said he was 'devastated' when thew school was vandalised only hours later

The four youths, three of them aged 13, face 21 charges between them including stealing, burglary, damage and vandalism.

The 10-year-old was charged with aggravated burglary and stealing, and released into the care of a responsible adult.

Police said they found items linking the children to the break-in and vandalism at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School and also at Eastern Goldfields College.
Police in Northern California shot and killed a man who attacked officers with a metal rake in the backyard of a home in Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz Police Department says a resident of the house called police Sunday around 3:30am to report a man 'pounding' on his front door.

While officers were in route, the resident called police a second time and said the man was now at the back door of the residence and yelling he wanted to kill everyone inside.

Officials say that while trying to take the 32-year-old man into custody, he attacked the officers with a metal bow rake.

Officials say the man, who may have been mentally disturbed, attacked them with a metal rake, possibly the one photographed above at the crime scene

A 32-year-old man described as mentally unstable was shot in the backyard of a house in the 200 block of Chace Street near Getchell in Santa Cruz

Police cordoned off the house where a man is said to have tried to break inside with a rake

Police said they had to shoot the man who would not drop the rake despite warnings and being Tasered

The department says officers gave 'repeated demands' to the man to drop the rake and used Tasers but were not able to stop him.

As he continued to attack the officers with the rake, one of the officers shot him and police rendered aid on the scene, according to ABC7, but the man was pronounced dead on the scene. Police didn't release his name.

A neighbor said that the man was 'mentally unstable' and had broken into the house a couple of days before the incident, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

At that point, the neighbor said, the man had been Tasered and taken into custody, but later released.

The paper confirmed a similar incident had happened at the address on October 11 but police would not elaborate.

A neighbor described the man as mentally unstable and said he had broken into the house once before

The District Attorney's office will lead the investigation as per law since a police officer was involved in the shooting

A neighbor said the man had broken into the house once before and was mentally unstable

Another neighbor said his wife had reported hearing two or three shots on the night the officer killed the man.

Because the shooting involved a police officer, the District Attorney's Office will be the lead investigative agency, per the county's Critical Incident Protocol, which is enacted to ensure an independent investigation.

Texas and California are the only states that require reporting to the attorney general's office of all in-custody and police-involved shootings, according to CBS News.

But a study by Texas State University in San Marcos found that about 220 use-of-force fatalities in Texas and 440 in California were not reported from 2005-2015, according to The Houston Chronicle.
He also faces charges of interference with official acts, police said

Jarquin was booked on charges of

Alfredo Mendez Jarquin (pictured), 26, led an officer on a brief foot chase before stripping off his clothes and biting a tree

A 'highly intoxicated' man, who police attempted to stop for blocking traffic, led an officer on a brief foot chase before stripping off his clothes and biting a tree.

Alfredo Mendez Jarquin, 26, of Des Moines, Iowa, was arrested after the incident that took place on Saturday afternoon.

He faces charges of interference with official acts, disorderly conduct and consumption/intoxication, the Des Moines Register reported.

Police said Jarquin was blocking traffic in the 1400 block of University Avenue at around 2.20pm.

When an officer approached him, the suspect started walking away, according to a police report.

The officer was able to grab Jarquin's hands to try and arrest him, but he pulled away and started running, the Register reported.

Jarquin ran into an alley between 14th Place and 15th Street, where he took off all of his clothes and started biting a tree, the report noted.

'The suspect's behavior was completely erratic and unpredictable,' the officer wrote.

Jarquin ran into an alley between 14th Place and 15th Street (pictured), where he took off all of his clothes and started biting a tree, the report noted. He was tased by officers before they were able to arrest him. He was booked into the Polk County Jail

Jarquin was tased by officers before they were able to arrest him.

Police said in the report that his behavior 'was consistent with someone under the influence of PCP or meth', the Register reported.

However, the report does not conclude how Jarquin reached his 'high level of intoxication'.

The officer injured his left ankle during the chase, according to the Register.

Jarquin was booked into the Polk County Jail.
my country I'll kill you', he said in his first interview

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was sexually abused as a child by a Catholic priest, a traumatic experience which now drives his bloody war on drugs.

In his first interview since taking office 100 days ago, President Duterte told Al Jazeera that his tumultuous childhood shaped his current beliefs and policies.

'It's what you get along the way that shapes your character'.

Scroll down for video

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was sexually abused by a Catholic priest as a child

He said this drives his war on drugs, in which over 3,700 people have died so far

Known as 'the Punisher', Duterte first spoke about being sexually abused as a child during a press conference in December 2015.

He claimed he was 'fondled' by a priest in the late 1950s, while attending the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Davao High School.

At the same time he made the suggestion that he was not the only one to have fallen victim to his attacker, but said he did not report the abuse out of fear.

'I was young then and I was afraid of what would happen... How could we complain? We were scared,' Duterte said, Crux reported.

During his most recent interview, he also defended his 'brutal' war on drugs - which has so far lead to the death of 3,700 people - saying it was crucial if the next generation were to survive.

'We have three million drug addicts, and it's growing,' he told Al Jazeera.

'So if we do not interdict this problem, the next generation will be having a serious problem.

'We have three million drug addicts, and it's growing', the Philippine president said

Duterte spoke candidly in his first interview since taking office 100 days ago

'You destroy my country, I'll kill you. And it's a legitimate thing. If you destroy our young children, I will kill you. That is a very correct statement.

'There is nothing wrong in trying to preserve the interest of the next generation,' Duterte added.

During the interview Duterte also touched on the fact that innocent children and bystanders had been killed in the crossfire, calling them 'collateral damage'.

'These lives lost - some of them were lost during legitimate encounters with the police,' he said, hinting at something untoward.

'You destroy my country, I'll kill you', he said while talking about the drug-related deaths

The death toll stands at around 3,700, with 1,377 shot by police in operations

When pressed about his allusion - Duterte went on to explain that it was not illegal to threaten criminals with death.

'I do not care about what the human rights guys say, I have a duty to preserve the generation', he later said.

'If it involves human rights, I don't give a sh**'.

Duterte has drawn criticism from around the world for his tough and deadly stance on drug crime in the Philippines.

It was his signature policy and is popular among Filipinos who elected him in May by a huge margin.

The death toll stands at around 3,700, with 1,377 shot by police in operations.
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From countless religions to cult shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the idea of reaching hell through a portal on Earth has been around for thousands of years.

Almost every faith features the concept of an underworld, where the souls of sinners are banished.

Some believe that the afterlife is a spiritual place reached after death  but others have thought that hell can be reached more directly through an entrance on Earth.

Atlas Obscura collected a series of these purported gates to hell  and some of their locations are somewhat surprising.

Theres a purported gate to hell in the otherwise pleasant town of Hellam Township in Pennsylvania, but the traditional hell of Christian scripture can apparently be reached through places in Greece, Ireland and Rome.

Or you could travel to a Mayan cave, Japanese swamp or a fiery pit of lava in Iceland.

Regardless of whether you believe the legends, take a look at some of the stunning locations around the planet that people thought (and some still do) lead straight to hell

THE SEVEN GATES OF HELL IN HELLAM TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA: The gateways to Hell are rumored to exist in a forest off Trout Run Road near this friendly town. One myth ties the entrance to hell to an insane asylum that burned to the ground in the 19th century while another claims a local doctor designed a series of gates on his land. The stories say that those who pass through all seven gates end up in the underworld, however only the first one is apparently visible during the day

HEKLA, ICELAND: A stratovolcano in the southern mountains of Iceland has long been linked to the hellfire in Christian scripture. Cictercian monks in the Middles Ages told tales of 'Hekla Fell' and local folklore still says witches gather around the volcano's peak at Easter

CHINOKIE JIGOKU IN BEPPU CITY, JAPAN: A portal to hell reportedly exists in a suitably hell-ish pool of red slime (due to natural iron oxide deposits) in the Far East. Beppu City has nine hot springs, each a different color, but this one is called Chinoike Jigoku, or the 'Bloody Hell Pond', and is guarded by sculpted demons . In the past, the pond - where water reached 78 degrees Celsius - was sometimes used to torture prisoners before they were boiled alive

CAVE OF THE SIBYL IN NAPLES, ITALY: This cave was described in Virgil's epic poem The Aeneid more than 2000 years ago as one with a hundred entrances that led deep beneath the Earth and even reached the underworld. In 1932, the reknowned archaeologist Amedeo Maiuri discovered the hell portal Virgil described

PLUTO'S GATE IN DENIZLI PROVINCE, TURKEY: The ancient Greek site known as Pluto's Gate or the 'Ploutonion' has recently been found in Turkey after an archaeological dig revealed the remains of an ancient temple on a thermal spring. This hell gate also has toxic fumes that come from the tunnels beneath which Greek philosopher Strabo said meant 'any animal that passes inside meets instant death'

ST PATRICK'S PURGATORY IN LOUGH DERG, IRELAND: St Patricks Purgatory is a small monastery on Irelands Station Island founded in the 15th century. Stories say that when St. Patrick visited the island, he was sent visions of the torment of hell by Jesus. The cave he was in was later said to be an entrance to hell, so the monastery was built to plug it

LACUS CURTIUS IN ROME, ITALY: In the heart of the Roman Forum is a small stone well that was once thought to be an entrance to the underworld. The name Lacus Curtius or the 'Lake of Curtius' comes from a Roman legend that tells of an oracle who said Rome would fall unless the city made the ultimate sacrifice - and centurion Marcus Curtius gave his life to save Rome by riding his horse into a pit that opened in the center of the Forum

THE GATES OF GUINEE IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA: Voodoo mythology says the recently dead are sent to a purgatory known as Guinee presided over by a loa called Baron Samedi. Some followers believe the gates to Guinee exist on Earth and are located at a sigil for Baron Samedi at the crossroads of Canal and Basin Streets in the city's French Quarter

CAPE MATAPAN CAVES IN CAPE MATAPAN, THE MANI, GREECE: This was one of the entrances that the Ancient Greeks attributed to Hades, and the one that Orpheus was said to use to travel down to the underworld to rescue Eurydice. Visitors can enter the caves today, but a boat is needed to pass through the mouth of the hellgate

FENGDU CITY OF GHOSTS IN CHONGQING, CHINA: This 2,000-year-old settlement is located on Ming Hill and is tied to Naraka, the underworld of Chinese mythology. The city is filled with statues of ghosts, demons and the punishments that await sinners in the afterlife and 'The Ghost King' - a giant sculpture carved into a rock face - looks down at the city
The huge fire ripped through a block of flats after starting at around 8pm

An 'absolutely massive' fire that ripped through a partially built block of flats in Manchester forcing the evacuation of nearby homes has been brought under control.

Witnesses described being able feel the scorching heat from the blaze as it torched the top floors of the timber framed high rise and belched smoke into the sky above Gorton on Sunday evening.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said it sent five fire engines to the construction site on Pottery Lane at 8.05pm after receiving 'in excess of 40' calls from concerned locals.

Scroll down for video.

A fire has torn through what appears to be a block of partially built flats in Manchester

Flames could be seen engulfing the building and sending smoke billowing into the sky in video shot by bystanders and posted to social media

The fire was put out quickly with emergency services attending the scene swiftly, according to a witness

Firefighters tackled the blaze in Gorton, which started around 8pm, according to a worker at the Mecca Bingo across the road

Local roads were closed and nearby houses evacuated due to the heat caused by the fierce blaze.

Matthew Thomas drove past the fire at about 8.10pm and said he was concerned the fire would cause the building's walls to give way onto the road.

The 43-year-old from Denton, Greater Manchester, told the Press Association: 'We pulled up by the traffic lights and then we saw this huge fire - I didn't know whether to stop or just carry on and get out the way.

'You could really feel the heat - it was absolutely massive. I've never seen anything like it.

'It is a new build so I don't think anyone was actually living there, so in terms of stuff in the flat there probably wasn't much in there.

'It was really quite intense but burnt through quite quickly.'

Incredibly, nobody was injured in the fire

The area was cordoned off while emergency services dealt with the blaze

Pictures showed the scale of the inferno, which could be seen from across the city

Flames could be seen engulfing the building and sending smoke billowing into the sky in video shot by bystanders and posted to social media.

Pictures showed the scale of the inferno, which could be seen from across the city.

Emergency services were quick to arrive on the scene, according to a worker at a Mecca Bingo opposite the site.

'The fire service is only a few minutes down the road, so if there's going to be a fire this is where you want to have it,' they said.

Incident Commander Ben Levy said firefighters arrived to find the top two floors were 'well alight', adding: 'Given the fact it's timber framed and open to the elements the fire spread quite quickly.'

GMFRS said around midnight that the fire had been contained and crews would remain at the site to damp down the wreckage.
Pacemaker Defect or Injury Lawsuits: Who and When Can You Sue?

Having a pacemaker put in requires heart surgery, which is a very serious operation. Pacemakers are little devices that keep the heart beating in proper rhythm. Generally, the device is surgically implanted in the shoulder, stomach, or near the heart, and wires are attached from the device to the heart. The device works by constantly measuring the rhythm of the heartbeat and using little electric shocks to keep the heartbeat at the proper rhythm.

The main concern for people with pacemakers is that the device will just stop working or fail. When that happens, a person can lose consciousness, and it can be potentially fatal. When there is a problem with a pacemaker, or it stops working, the patient may be completely in the dark about what is going on because the device is inside their body.

How a Pacemaker Fails Will Determine Who to Sue

When a medical device fails, or causes injury, a patient may be able to file a lawsuit to recover damages if the failure was the result of another person's action or inaction. Generally, there are three situations wherein a person may be able to file suit when a pacemaker fails:

If your pacemaker fails because of a defect in the actual device, then the manufacturer is who should be held liable.

If your pacemaker fails because it was installed improperly, then the hospital and doctor who performed the procedure should be held liable.

If your pacemaker fails because a third party, such as a security guard, did something to cause it to fail, then that third party should be held liable.

In the first two situations, there may not be any apparent problem with the device until years after the procedure. Additionally, a component in the device, such as the leads (or wires) may fail, and if those components were manufactured by a company other than the device manufacturer, they will also be liable and should be sued as well. Additionally, in these first two situations, there is a difference in the type of claim being brought. Claims against the manufacturer are generally product liability claims, while claims against the hospital and doctor will be a medical malpractice or negligence claim.

In the last situation, the problem with the device will generally occur at the time of the action that caused it to fail. In these situations, it may be necessary to sue both the relevant actor, as well as the device manufacturer, doctor and hospital, as it may be a combination of the bad action and a device defect or installation error that caused the problem.

When Can You File a Lawsuit?

Because a defective device or improper installation may not be discover-able until a problem arises, the statute of limitations, or the time within which a lawsuit must be filed, can be extended beyond what is normally allowed for injury actions. Extending the statute of limitations for defects or injuries that are unknown is known as the discovery rule.

When a pacemaker or other medical device fails due to a third party's actions, the lawsuit will have to be filed within the state's statute of limitations for personal injury cases. These vary from state to state, but generally are at least one year, if not two or more.

Related Resources:
Half of the NSW's ambulances have stretchers that can hold obese patients

Paramedics without help expose themselves to career ending injuries

They are call police, firefighters and SES volunteers to help with

Paramedics are increasingly calling other emergency services such as police, firefighters and SES volunteers to assist with lifting obese patients, across New South Wales

Only half of the state's ambulances are fitted with specially-made stretchers to hold obese patients, The Courier Mail reported.

Gary Wilson, a paramedic based in Gundagai and the secretary of the Australian Paramedics Association, told Daily Mail Australia that paramedics are under increased physical stress and pressure when having to care for obese patients.

Paramedics are calling emergency services such as police, firefighters and SES volunteers to assist with lifting obese patients (stock image)

Only two ambulances in NSW cater to lifting patients weighing up to 500kg (stock image)

'It's not an unusual for their job to lift heavy patients,' Mr Wilson said.

'[But] an ambulance has two paramedics and there's no way two paramedics can remove a 100kg patient, especially in the country,' he added.

There are only two ambulances, worth $800,000, that cater to patients lifting patients up to 500kg, based in the Sydney area.

While in Penrith, Coffs Harbour, Hamilton, Wagga Wagga and Port Macquarie, there are 10 ambulances, worth $120,000, that can lift patients that weigh up to 300kg.

Mr Wilson said that more outside services were called on for help with obese patients, while their own resources were not increased.

'While it may not cost NSW Ambulances to get SES volunteers to help. It costs the SES volunteers, their time and takes them away from their jobs,' he said.

'I think everyone would agree that we could do with a few more police and a few more paramedics,' he added.

Gary Wilson, a paramedic based in Gundagai and the secretary of the Australian Paramedics Association said paramedics, particularly in regional areas, are exposing themselves to career ending injuries when caring for obese patients (stock image)

Mr Wilson said paramedics are exposing themselves to physical injuries when caring for obese patients that could end their careers such back, shoulder and knee pain.

'A lot of what we do requires lifting, if we cannot lift anymore, we can no longer be paramedics,' he said.

He also added that NSW ambulance has very limited roles to offer injured paramedics as alternative aside from education roles at their headquarters in Roselle, which mean regional paramedics would have to uproot their family.
Theresa May, pictured, could be questioned by the home affairs committee over what she knew about allegations of racism against former historic child sex abuse inquiry chairman Dame Justice Lowell Goddard

Theresa May could be hauled before MPs to explain what she knew about allegations of racism and bullying levelled at the former head of the troubled inquiry into historic child sex abuse claims.

Tim Loughton, acting chairman of the Commons home affairs committee, yesterday said MPs would consider summoning the Prime Minister if they failed to get answers from officials over the abrupt departure of Dame Justice Lowell Goddard as the inquirys third chairman.

Dame Lowell, a former New Zealand judge, was at the heart of explosive claims last week that she made racist remarks about Asian men and treated staff with contempt.

Labour was last night weighing up whether to demand a Commons statement on the affair from Home Secretary Amber Rudd today.

Inquiry sources told the Times that the concerns had been raised repeatedly with Home Office permanent secretary Mark Sedwill, and Mrs Mays special adviser Liz Sanderson.

Dame Lowell denies the allegations, saying they are totally untrue.

On Friday night, the Home Office confirmed it had been made aware of concerns about the professionalism and competence of Justice Goddard on July 29  five days before she quit the role.

Mrs May, who set up the inquiry, had left the Home Office by that point.

But Mr Loughton said she could still have questions to answer, if Mr Sedwill fails to clarify the situation when he appears before the committee tomorrow.

Referring to tomorrows hearing, he told Sky News: On the back of that, the committee will then decide whether to call Theresa May, rather than Amber Rudd, as she was home secretary when the whole thing came to a head about Lowell Goddard.

Dame Lowell, pictured, was accused of making racist remarks about Asian men but denies the allegations

Mr Loughton said Mr Sedwill must have been aware of concerns coming out of the inquiry, adding: Forty Home Office staff are seconded to the inquiry and I would be very surprised if the permanent secretary didnt make his then home secretary aware that there were rumblings about the chair.

Miss Sanderson is also being lined up as a potential witness to the probe into the wider handling of the child abuse inquiry.

Downing Street sources have pointed out that the Home Office statement suggests Mrs May had left the Home Office before the claims about Dame Lowells conduct were passed on.

But the statement appears to contradict claims in the Times that Miss Sanderson was told personally about the allegations, as she left the Home Office at the same time to work with Mrs May in No 10.

Last month, Miss Rudd told the committee Dame Lowell had quit because she felt a long way from home and found it too lonely.

She added: Thats all the information I have.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd, pictured, previously said Dame Lowell left because she 'found the role too lonely'

The comment could see her questioned over whether she misled Parliament by failing to tell the full truth.

Senior sources say Mrs May remains fully committed to the child abuse inquiry despite losing its first two chairmen in short order over alleged links to the Establishment, which is partly the subject of the inquiry.

But a legal source said: We will get an order from court for the inquiry to go back to its original scale.

'We dont want to be [the] ones jeopardising this inquiry  the ones who derail it  but it has been a disaster. It is cursed.

'The Home Secretary has got to get to grips with this. She is doing nothing.

End the police witch-hunts, demands Leon Brittan's widow

By Stephen Wright for the Daily Mail

Leon Brittans widow will today call for an end to police witch hunts when she speaks for the first time about how her husband was hounded in life and death over baseless child sex abuse claims.

Diana Brittan will speak about the pain experienced by those falsely accused of horrendous offences  and the suffering of their families.

She is expected to join a group of high profile people accused of child sex allegations at the House of Lords today, including Sir Cliff Richard, the comedian Jimmy Tarbuck and BBC 2 presenter Paul Gambaccini.

It is expected Lady Brittan will say police should not be allowed to go on fishing expeditions to gather evidence and that a suspects anonymity should be protected until they are charged.

Diana Brittan, right, is expected to urge the House of Lords to bring an end to 'police witch hunts' after her late husband Leon Brittan, left, was hounded over baseless child sex abuse claims

Her intervention  seven months after police announced they had found no evidence her late husband was part of a murderous VIP child abuse ring in the 1970s and 80s  will pile pressure on Scotland Yard chiefs.

A number of senior Metropolitan Police officers are facing criticism in a forthcoming report into Operation Midland, the forces 2million disgraced inquiry into the baseless claims against former Tory home secretary Lord Brittan.

The peer died before being told police had dismissed the allegations and separate baseless claims he raped a mentally ill Labour Party activist when she was a teenager in the 1960s.

Others falsely accused of being in the paedophile ring included Lord Bramall, ex-head of the armed forces, former prime minister Sir Edward Heath and ex-Tory MP Harvey Proctor.

Lady Brittan, who kept her dignity as politicians, fantasists and internet conspiracy theorists smeared her husband before and after his death from cancer in January last year, has never spoken publicly of her ordeal. But she will not hold back today.

It is understood she will reserve her strongest criticism for police, saying that tactics such as fishing expeditions and witch hunts have no place in policing in the UK.

The London and Yorkshire homes of Lord Brittan were raided weeks after his death from cancer aged 75 last year.

Police removed clothes, diaries, pictures, computers and phones as his widow grieved.

In March this year, the Met finally admitted it found no evidence to support claims, made by a man known as Nick, that Establishment figures were responsible for killing three boys in the 1970s and 1980s.

Police previously described his allegations as credible and true.

A redacted summary of an independent report into the fiasco, written by former High Court judge Sir Richard Henriques, is due next month.

But victims of the Operation Midland witch hunt want Met chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe to release the whole report, which is expected to be scathing of police procedures, decision making and the forces indulgence of Nick.

Victims of the police 'witch hunt' want Met chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, pictured, to release an independent report into the investigation of Lord Brittan in full

The man, whose real identity cannot be revealed for legal reasons, is now widely regarded as a fantasist and a number of people who suffered from his baseless allegations are angry he has not been prosecuted for perverting the course of justice.

In March, Lady Brittan, 75, issued a statement attacking police and MPs for hounding dead VIPs over baseless child sex allegations.

She said Scotland Yard still had many outstanding questions to answer with regard to the conduct and strategic direction of Midland.

Lady Brittan also queried why warrants were issued to search the homes of people who had already died and therefore could never be prosecuted.

In comments seemingly directed at Labour deputy leader Tom Watson and Tory MP Zac Goldsmith  who had both repeated allegations about a former Cabinet minister  she accused politicians of unfounded claims against her late husband. Neither man commented.

It was extremely painful for me and my family to witness Leons good name dragged into the public domain and I feel that using parliamentary privilege to publicise opinions that are not based on fact is a serious abuse of public office, she added.

Lady Brittan has agreed to meet Sir Bernard to discuss the report, on the condition she has prior full disclosure of matters in it which relate to her husband.

She has made no final decision on legal action against the Met but it is thought to be unlikely.
Shami Chakrabarti (pictured) has refused to say whether she was offered a peerage by Jeremy Corbyn before producing a 'whitewash' report on Labour's anti-Semitism

Shami Chakrabarti was under fire from MPs last night after refusing to say whether she was offered a peerage by Jeremy Corbyn before producing a 'whitewash' report on Labour's anti-Semitism crisis.

The powerful cross-party Commons home affairs committee condemned Labour's shadow attorney-general for refusing to come clean about the issue, which it said had 'completely undermined' her report into anti-Semitism in the party.

In a withering verdict, MPs said Lady Chakrabarti's decision to accept a peerage and a job from Mr Corbyn 'have thrown into question her claims that her inquiry was truly independent'.

They added: 'It is equally concerning that Mr Corbyn did not consider the damaging impression likely to be created by this sequence of events.'

The findings came in a damning report in which MPs accused Mr Corbyn of allowing 'institutional anti-Semitism' to thrive in his party.

The committee said he had made Labour a 'safe space for those with vile attitudes towards Jewish people'.

Lady Chakrabarti, a former director of the civil liberties group Liberty, joined Labour in April, on the day she was appointed to head an 'independent' inquiry into anti-Semitism in the party.

The inquiry was heavily criticised for pulling its punches when it was published at the end of June, particularly over its rejection of calls for anti-Semites to be banned from Labour for life.

Lady Chakrabarti took her seat in the House of Lords in September this year (pictured)

MPs said Lady Chakrabarti's decision to accept a peerage and a job from Mr Corbyn (shown) 'have thrown into question her claims that her inquiry was truly independent'

Six weeks later, Mr Corbyn handed her a peerage, and earlier this month she was appointed to the Shadow Cabinet.

The report was signed off unanimously by the committee, including two senior Labour MPs, Chuka Umunna and David Winnick. A third Labour member, Naz Shah, took no part in the inquiry after she was suspended from the party over anti-Semitic social media posts.

The report reveals that MPs wrote to Lady Chakrabarti twice during the summer asking whether she had been offered a peerage in return for running the inquiry.

In her reply to the first letter, on August 8, the report says 'she responded to say that she had accepted the peerage after the publication of her report, but did not disclose when the offer was made'. MPs sent another letter on August 18 asking for 'greater clarity around her appointment'. That letter was never answered.

Lady Chakrabarti told the BBC last month: 'Jeremy Corbyn is not a corrupt man and I am not a corrupt woman. I stand by the report. There was nothing remotely transactional about it.'

Chakrabarti, a former director of the civil liberties group Liberty, joined Labour in April

Tim Loughton, the Tory chairman of the committee, said: 'I'm afraid there are serious question marks about whether the Chakrabarti independent report is worth the paper it's written on.'

Fellow Tory Mike Freer said: 'Baroness Chakrabarti's decision not to answer the committee's questions raises serious concerns about whether her nomination by Corbyn as a Labour peer, a few weeks after the publication of her totally inadequate report into anti-Semitism, were linked.'

Yesterday's report savaged Mr Corbyn's handling of Labour's growing problem with anti-Semitism. It said he had failed to show 'consistent leadership' in dealing with the abuse suffered by Jewish MPs and members,

SHAMEFUL TIDE OF BIGOTRY Ten allegations of Labour anti-Semitism: Jewish MP Ruth Smeeth received 25,000 anti-Semitic messages after criticising Corbyn. Activist Jackie Walker said Jewish people were the chief financiers of the slave trades. MP Naz Shah posted on social media: Relocate Israel into the United States. Councillor Aysegul Gurbuz described Adolf Hitler as the greatest man in history. Former London mayor Ken Livingstone was suspended after saying Hitler supported Zionism. In 2005, Mr Livingstone likened a Jewish reporter to a Nazi concentration camp guard. Activist Malia Bouattia described the University of Birmingham as a Zionist outpost. Councillor Andy Slack shared a Facebook post which claimed the modern state of Israel was created by the Rothschilds, not God. In May, three councillors were suspended after posting allegedly anti-Semitic comments. In March, former parliamentary candidate Vicki Kirby tweeted that Jews have big noses and slaughter the oppressed. Advertisement

It also questioned whether he 'fully appreciates' the scale and nature of the problem. And it accused Labour of 'incompetence' over its handling of anti-Semitic comments by former London mayor Ken Livingstone and activist Jackie Walker.

'The failure of the Labour Party to deal consistently and effectively with anti-Semitic incidents in recent years risks lending force to allegations that elements of the Labour movement are institutionally anti-Semitic,' the committee found.

The scale of Labour's problem was highlighted at the launch of the Chakrabarti report when Jewish MP Ruth Smeeth was abused by a Corbyn-supporting activist. She later received 25,000 pieces of abuse on social media, including death threats.

Mr Corbyn hit back angrily at the report yesterday, saying the criticism of Labour and Lady Chakrabarti was 'unfair'. He said MPs had placed a 'disproportionate emphasis on Labour'.

Mr Loughton said: 'I'm afraid he's still in denial and that sort of response is deeply disappointing for all members of the committee.'

Jewish Labour Movement chairman Jeremy Newmark said the 'litmus test' of the party's response to anti-Semitism was whether it expelled Mr Livingstone, who was suspended in April after saying Hitler had supported Zionism.

Lady Chakrabarti faced fresh claims of hypocrisy last night after it emerged her son attended an 18,000-a-year prep school. The boy, now aged 13, was a pupil at Newton Preparatory School in Battersea, South London, before going to one of Britain's top private schools.

Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon signalled that the SNP was ready to join forces with Labour and Tory rebels to scupper the plans for new grammar schools.
He 'wants a Department of Veterans Affairs set up to help soldiers' cases'

Harry served two tours of duty in Afghanistan in 2008 and 2012

Prince said to be 'deeply concerned' about accused soldiers' ordeals

Prince Harry has 'blasted' an ongoing investigation 'hounding British soldiers' over alleged war crime committed during fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It is understood the royal has labelled both the Iraq Historic Allegations Team and Afghan War-centric Operation Northmoor a 'joke'.

He is said to be 'deeply concerned' about the ordeal soldiers are being put through as they face claims of wrongdoing while on active duty.

The Prince served two tours of duty in Afghanistan and served as a forward air controller in Helmand Province in 2008 before retraining as a military helicopter pilot and returning for a second tour in 2012.

Prince Harry, pictured on a tour of Afghanistan in 2012, is believed to view the investigation into alleged war crimes against British troops as a 'joke'

A senior source close to the Prince told the Sun: 'Harry is furious at the treatment of some British troops.

'He thinks the whole thing is a joke and is very concerned about the support these men and women are getting.

'He's frustrated he can't intervene, but knows he would get in trouble as it would be seen as political interference if he spoke out.'

More than 1,500 cases of mistreatment are being investigated by the publicly-funded lhat, which has cost around 57million so far.

It is believed Prince Harry would support the creation of a Department of Veterans' Affairs to support troops in their legal cases and stop them 'being treated like common crooks'.

It comes as the Ministry of Defence launched an investigation into his mercy killing of Iraqi soldiers 13 years ago.

Sources close to the Prince, pictured on a tour of Afghanistan in 2008, say he wishes he could speak out but fears it would be seen as 'political interference'

Sergeant Colin Maclachlan, who starred in the Channel 4 series Who Dares Wins, could be jailed after he admitted shooting dead two or three mortally wounded Iraqi troops during a bloody ambush behind enemy lines.

The 42-year-old war hero, who has a record of selfless courage on covert Special Forces operations, is being investigated by military police after revealing harrowing details of the 2003 battle in a new book.

The Mail on Sunday revealed that he was coldly informed of the police inquiry in an email from MoD officials last week.

Maclachlan, who left the SAS and the Army in 2006, says he has not been offered any support or legal advice by either the MoD or his former regiment.

As reported by MailOnline, Ihat agents have turned up on family doorsteps and at barrack gates demanding information or threatening arrest over incidents from years ago.

The Mail revealed last month that six soldiers have been arrested and 20 questioned under caution during the Iraq probe.

A Daily Mail campaign to end the hounding of troops has revealed that soldiers  often suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder  have faced as many as five inquiries into a single incident.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has previously defended the taxpayer-funded inquiry as a way of preventing them from facing prosecution at The Hague.

Prince Harry, pictured on patrol in Helmand Province in 2008, is also believed to want a 'Department of Veterans' Affairs' created to support troops in legal cases

He insisted troops had to face multiple probes in the UK to stop them being tried for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

He admitted there had been a bucketful of patently false claims against UK forces, but said work was under way to eliminate all but a handful of serious cases.

Asked if he would apologise to innocent soldiers who have fallen victim to a witch-hunt, he suggested the investigations were necessary.

He replied: Ihat (the Iraq Historical Allegations Team) was established in order to prevent this country being hauled in front of the International Criminal Court. We have to investigate these allegations.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: 'The Sun front page carries a story claiming Prince Harry had told 'pals' that he had strong views about a government policy issue around prosecutions of soldiers.

'Prince Harry is passionate about work to support veterans and it will be a cause he champions for the rest of his life.

'He will always have been proud to have worn an Army uniform and knows first-hand the sacrifices servicemen and women make to protect their country.

'He has not expressed views on this topic to anyone and he does not believe it would have been appropriate for a member of the Royal Family to have done so.

'Prince Harry does not comment on issues like this because to do so would actually undermine his ability to support veterans both in the UK and overseas.'
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His promise to build a wall across the border to keep Mexican migrants from crossing in to the US has been one of the most divisive components of Donald Trump's campaign.

But it seems one group is already quietly addressing the Republican candidate's wish for increased security.

A group of vigilante former military and police men and women have been patrolling the border for years.

Armed with their own weapons and an unsolicited desire to maintain the US's border security, Arizona Border Recon monitors the state's 311 mile border with Mexico.

Arizona Border Recon is a group of vigilante patrol men and women who monitor Arizona's border with Mexico. Members, who wish to remain anonymous, had their portraits taken earlier this year in the field

The group is made up mostly of former servicemen and women or retired law enforcement officers. They carry AR-15 rifles and dress in camouflage as if going to war

While the group describes its official duty as to report intelligence to border agencies, all of its members are armed in the field and often encounter people they believe have crossed the border illegally

Unassigned to any government agency, its officers pass along any information they glean from their outings to official law enforcement.

Members of the group carry AR-15 rifles and, according to High Country News, are 'firm but polite' when dealing with people who have crossed the border illegally.

They vow in their 'Rules of Engagement' not to use excessive force or any where it is unnecessary.

'Only the minimum amount of force reasonably necessary to accomplish any task is authorized.

'The deescalation of any situation is the optimal result and should be the goal of any contact or action,' reads one of its stipulations.

Portraits of its members were taken by photographers Neil Kremer and Cory Johnson, who observed them in action earlier this year.

Speaking of the project, Kremer told Creative Boom each member of the group had their own personal motivation for joining it.

Members have different reasons for joining the group, said a photographer who accompanied them on one mission. Some have lost relatives to drugs and violence and wanted to become part of a deterrent to narcotics smuggling

Some of the group feel they are 'heroes' while others take a more subdued stance on the issue, Neil Kremer, who captured their portraits alongside photography partner Cory Johnson, said

'We make no judgement on whether what they're doing is right or wrong, good or bad. Our only agenda for the project was to show each member's own personal truth.

'Some feel they're heroes, some are more humble. Some miss the camaraderie of the military, while others long to satisfy the sense of duty they felt when they served.

'Some lost family to drugs or drug-related violence, and others are angry about lost jobs. Some want to 'protect the American way of life', while others are more thoughtful.

'They all welcomed us with open arms and, for that, we are grateful,' he said.

On Saturday the organization's leaders weren't available for interviews having recently returned from a 'long trip out of town'.

A spokesman told DailyMail.com however that its members enjoyed sharing their work on the road.

On the group's website it describes itself as an organization dedicated to gathering information.

'Our mission is to provide intelligence to the public in matters relating to the trafficking activities originating from the international border in Arizona.

We maintain our respect for the rule of law, and as mentioned previously, we are not here to replace enforcers.

The group considers the influx of illegal immigrants into the US an 'invasion', others who have observed their work said

Arizona Border Recon insists that it treats every person members' encounter 'humanely'. They administer medical help, food and water

Armed with their own weapons and an unsolicited desire to maintain the US's border security, Arizona Border Recon monitors the state's 311 mile border with Mexico

Officers on the ground welcome intelligence the men have picked up on their patrols, especially when visiting houses along the border.

The group regularly works on missions spanning several days. They speak to residents of houses scattered along the border for information

'We have, and will continue to operate within the bounds of the law, and expect all personnel participating with us to do the same. There are no exceptions to our standards. '

'We value human life, and to that extent we will do what we can to help anyone we encounter. Any individuals we come across are treated humanely: food, water, and medical aid are given.'

It is not the first time the group has allowed photographers to accompany them on missions.

Last October, Johnny Milano accompanied them for one of their outings. He described at the time how they considered the influx of illegal immigrants an 'invasion'.

However US Customs and Border Protections does not appreciate the Arizona Border Recon, the photographer said, at least at federal level.

Officers on the ground do welcome intelligence the men have picked up on their patrols, however, especially when visiting houses along the border.
Sally Faulkner's estranged Lebanese husband had pressured her to abort their first child, years before she botched an abduction with a 60 Minutes television crew.

The Brisbane mother said she left Ali Elamine in Dubai and returned to Australia when she fell pregnant with Lahela, now five-years-old.

Elamine then began pressuring her to have an abortion, before he surprised her with a marriage proposal, Faulkner claimed to ABC's Australian Story.

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Sally Faulkner is pictured with her Lebanese husband Ali Elamine and their two children, Lahela and Noah, before Faulkner botched an abduction in Beirut

Lahela, Elamine and Faulkner are pictured together before the parents separated

Her friend, Gordana Raljevik, remembered: 'He was calling me, [sending] emails and messages to her family, to herself  just asking her not to have this child.

'Ali didn't want to have a bar of it.'

When Faulkner was about six months' pregnant, she saw Elamine for the first time since their breakup.

'After one of my scans, I came home,' she said.

'I looked down, and there were all these rose petals, literally from the front door to the kitchen. I hadn't seen Ali since I'd said goodbye to him in Dubai. And her got down on one knee and pulled out a ring and said: "Will you marry me?"

'I nearly fell over ... I was sort of starting to stumble on my words and he went: "Well, yes or no?" And I said: "Oh, yes, yes, yes, OK, I guess so" ... and that was it.'

Lahela, five, and Noah, three, now live with their father in Lebanon

Faulkner is pictured with their two children, Lahela and Noah

The Brisbane mother claims Elamine pressured her to have an abortion before he surprised her with a marriage proposal

The pair were married at Brisbane's registry office ten days after Lahela was born.

About three-months later, Elamine said he wanted to move back to Beirut.

'And I just thought: "My home is wherever he is, and wherever Lahela is." So I packed up with him and [went] over there to support him.'

The move was hard on Faulkner, who did not speak Arabic. After having their second child, Noah, who is now three-years-old, the pair split and lived in the separate countries.

In April, the Brisbane mother attempted to snatch her children back from Elamine in Lebanon who refused to return them after they went over for a two-week visit.

Faulkner and Elamine were married ten days after Lahela was born (pictured)

Noah and Lahela are pictured in Lebanon, where they now live with their father Elamine

Elamine is pictured on a flight with Noah (left) and Lahela (right)

Faulkner, the Nine Network 60 Minutes crew and child recovery agents were all jailed.

She said every part of her 'wanted to fall apart' when she realised her estranged husband had no intention of returning their two children to Australia.

'When he answered the Skype call, I could just see his face and I said to him, "what's wrong?" And he looked at me and he said, "plans have changed".

'I said, "what do you mean?" I didn't quite believe it and he said, "plans have changed, Sal. The kids aren't coming home."'

Australian Story: When Plans Change is a two-part special airing Monday October 17 & 24 at 8pm on ABC & iview.

Sally Faulkner (right) is set to appear in a new tell-all special with ABC's Australian Story about the attempted abduction of her children from estranged husband Ali Elamine (left)
after being shot in the torso

A man, 54, is in a critical condition in

A man is in a critical condition in hospital after being shot in the torso at a caravan park in Brisbane on Monday morning.

The 54-year-old was asleep in an onsite caravan in Sunnybank Hills Caravan Park when the incident took place.

Queensland Police said they were called to the park on Hellawell Road about 5am on Monday morning after reports a man had been shot.

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A man is in a critical condition in hospital after being shot in the torso at a caravan park (pictured) in Brisbane on Monday morning

The 54-year-old was asleep in an onsite caravan in Sunnybank Hills Caravan Park when the incident took place

Queensland Police said they were called to Sunnybank Hills Caravan Park (pictured) on Hellawell Road about 5am on Monday morning after reports a man had been shot

Police said two unknown men, one with a firearm, are believed to have arrived at the caravan park and argued with the man, before shooting him.

Channel 7 reported the men made demands for money for the shot was fired.

The pair are then believed to have left the scene in a vehicle.

Police said two unknown men, one with a firearm, are believed to have arrived at the caravan park (pictured) and argued with the man, before shooting him

Another man, who was living with the victim, was not injured and is assisting police with inquiries reported the ABC.

The 54-year-old man was taken to Princess Alexandria Hospital in a serious condition with a gunshot wound to his body.

Police at the scene said: 'One of the victims was shot with a firearm, he's got severe life threatening internal injuries at this point in time.'

Caravan park resident Ross Kelley told the ABC said he heard 'about four gunshots' this morning.

'I was sitting here having a coffee and I though 'gee, it sounds like someone was hitting something',' he said.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Channel 7 reported the men made demands for money for the shot was fired. The pair are then believed to have left the scene (pictured) in a vehicle
Labour was created as a force to combat inequality. What bitter irony, then, that the party finds itself engulfed by accusations of growing anti-Semitism.

That charge was set out powerfully in the report released at the weekend by the Home Affairs Select Committee, which highlighted the extent of prejudice against Jewish people across the UK. The cross-party committee exposed a tidal wave of abuse.

What was particularly appalling, however, were the findings that a significant amount of this bigotry is occurring right in the heart of Labour, facilitated by the absence of consistent leadership from Jeremy Corbyn and his allies.

Former politician Trevor Phillips (shown) says he is 'appalled' at the bigotry in the heart of the Labour Party

The committee was scathing about the shallow, ineffectual investigation conducted in June by Shami Chakrabarti  the human rights campaigner made a Labour peer by Corbyn  into anti-Semitism within the party.

According to the MPs, she had been unable to deliver a comprehensive set of recommendations to provide a definition of anti-Semitism or to suggest effective ways of dealing with anti-Semitism.

Those words might be damning, but they hardly come as a surprise, given the recent catalogue of scandals within Labours ranks, such as the suspension of Ken Livingstone for offensive, historically inaccurate remarks linking Adolf Hitler to Zionism, or the vile abuse suffered by prominent Jewish Labour MPs such as Luciana Berger and Ruth Smeeth.

Despair at the report was compounded yesterday by the predictably inadequate response of Jeremy Corbyn.

He said the Home Affairs Select Committee was 'scathing' about the shallow, ineffectual investigation conducted in June by Shami Chakrabarti (pictured)

He complained that the Home Affairs Committee had put a disproportionate emphasis on Labour. Corbyn has a duty to cleanse the stables. Instead he is allowing more filth to accumulate.

As an equality campaigner and veteran Labour member who served for a lengthy spell as the Labour chair of the Greater London Authority, I feel only despondency at his attitude.

But he is a symptom rather than the cause of Labours hypocrisy on this issue. The climate of denial is widespread and represents a serious danger to political life in this country.

I write that as a strongly pro-Jewish Labour activist. When my family moved from the Caribbean to North London in the early Fifties, the Jews and the Irish were the only people in our neighbourhood who did not display open hostility towards us.

While many locals decided to move out when the blacks moved in, the Jews were willing to rent to new migrants like us.

My involvement in the Labour movement reinforced my respect for Judaism.

Many key Labour historical figures were Jews, while the defence of Jewish rights at the Battle of Cable Street in 1936 against Sir Oswald Mosleys fascists was a crucial moment in resistance to extremism.

Yet there was another face to the working-class culture that Labour once represented. I discovered this when I was at primary school and got into a serious fight.

Unusually, despite being the only black boy in my class, I received the overwhelming backing from the other boys. It was only later that I got the point my opponent was Jewish.

Lady Chakrabarti took her seat in the House of Lords in September this year (pictured)

That opened my eyes to the innate anti-Jewish prejudice that existed beneath the surface in our society. I further picked up on this problem in 1993 when, as chairman of the Runnymede Trust, the leading race relations research organisation, I commissioned an analysis of anti-Semitism in Britain, the first major study of its kind.

Again, this revealed how much ingrained anti-Jewish bigotry lurked below the veneer of British politeness.

So I have become attuned to the subtleties of that prejudice within Labour.

I believe the problem in the party is more pervasive and dangerous than when we compiled that report.

One aspect is the dismissal of any charges of anti-Semitism by claiming Labour has a proud record of fighting racism, so there is nothing to worry about.

Another is to shout there are plenty of Jews who are anti- Zionists, as if fulminating hatred of Israel should be acceptable.

A third, much favoured by Team Corbyn, is casually to lump anti-Semitism with all other forms of xenophobia, then issue a blanket condemnation of them all.

But none of this will wash. It is profoundly insulting to Jews because it fails to address the unique nature of the savage, at times genocidal, hatred against them. Tragically, this is happening all the more frequently on the Left.

One lunatic theory, especially prevalent since the 2008 financial crash, is to blame a shadowy Jewish financial network for the iniquities of global capitalism.

Another far more common theme is to imbue the state of Israel with pariah status. In Left-wing circles, its links to the U.S. are hated, its very right to exist is challenged.

The momentum for this approach comes from a combination of support for the Palestinian cause and reflex anti-Americanism, but the result is a blinkered outlook where Israel and its citizens are regarded as a force of savage colonial oppression who deserve to be crushed.

Labours determination to win support from Muslim communities has meant too often a blind eye has been turned to inconvenient attitudes, such as the unfair treatment of women or hostility to Jews. But then that is the sorry story of my party in recent years.

Through a mix of supine political convenience and misguided ideology, the party has set aside the moral purpose that made it a natural home for progressives.

And Jeremy Corbyn, who I have known since my teenage years, has become the prisoner of the wildest, most paranoid factions of the far-Left.

Nothing exemplifies his reign more graphically than the squalid anti-Semitic episodes engendered by Baroness Chakrabarti and Ken Livingstone.

Ms Chakrabarti may have been regarded as a doughty campaigner, but the shabby circumstances in which she received a peerage following her underwhelming report brought shame on her and on the party.

Presumably the aim was to pave the way for the return of Livingstone, currently suspended over his comments.

I have a lot of time for Ken. He is a brilliant politician. But he has a blind spot about Israel and the Jews, which makes him not only dangerously offensive but an embarrassment to the Left.
Cadbury's American owners were under fire last night after it emerged they paid no UK corporation tax last year  despite generating over 1.7billion in sales.

Parent company Mondelez UK made profits of 177million in 2015, which under the standard tax rate would be billed at 36million.

However accounts filed by the US giant  which controversially took over Cadbury's for 11.5billion six years ago  reveal it lawfully avoided any payment to HMRC last year.

Critics said it showed that large firms were still able to avoid paying tax while small companies are hammered. They called on the Government to clamp down on the tactics.

Cadbury's American owners were under fire last night after it emerged they paid no UK corporation tax last year  despite generating over 1.7billion in sales

Mondelez avoided paying corporation tax in Britain thanks to a series of legal accounting techniques.

These included a combination of interest payments and a one-off 42million accounting gain from the sale of its coffee business, which was exempt from tax.

Mondelez said it complies 'with all applicable tax legislation in the UK'. But the TaxPayers' Alliance said the situation 'highlights our complex, confusing tax code'.

John Christensen, from campaign group the Tax Justice Network, said: 'Britain is a huge market for big companies like Cadbury.

Parent company Mondelez UK made profits of 177million in 2015, which under the standard tax rate would be billed at 36million

'We should be pursuing them to pay tax like any other company  we are far too lenient on the big firms while we hit the small companies hard. This is wrong. These companies should all be treated the same.'

He added: 'The Government needs to build capacity in HMRC to take on the big companies.'

Mondelez also paid no corporation tax in 2014, by citing the interest payments on billions of pounds of debts which are listed as a bond in the Channel Islands.

It comes amid growing anger at tax avoidance by multinationals. The tax affairs of global companies such as Apple, Google and Amazon have all come under fire in recent years.
Michael Orchard, 43, was high on LSD when he thought his neighbor's house was on fire and broke inside to save their dog, police said

It was like a scene out of an action movie: A man runs into his neighbor's burning house, breaks down the door and rescues their poor trapped dog.

That's exactly what Michael Orchard believed had just happened as he heroically held his neighbor's dog in his arms on the front lawn of their Halfmoon, New York home on Thursday.

Except there was no burning house, there wasn't even a fire. Orchard, 43, was actually hallucinating on LSD, according to police.

Authorities said Orchard admitted to police that he had mixed LSD with cough medicine before he imagined that his neighbor's house had gone up in flames.

Orchard first went around his neighborhood and banged on doors, begging people to help with the so-called fire, residents of the development told WNYT.

When no one answered, Orchard got into his black BMW sedan and drove right through his neighbor's fence.

Orchard then smashed down their sliding glass back door and took the large white dog that was sitting inside.

Orchard got into his black BMW sedan and drove right through his neighbor's fence (pictured)

He then smashed down their sliding glass back door and took the large white dog sitting inside

No one was injured during the attempted rescue, including the dog.

Orchard has since been charged with second degree burglary and third degree criminal mischief.

He was taken into custody at Saratoga County Jail after failing to post the $15,000 bail.

Orchard is not facing drug charges because no illegal substances were found on his possession, according to Trooper Mark Cepiel.

Cepiel added that Orchard was never on an actual roadway and had only driven 'over yards and through the fence'.

Neighbors told the news station that this isn't the first time Orchard has damaged property in the community.

Troopers have since ordered the family a new door.
The Tribal Huk gang who gave meth dealers 24 hours to get out of town have claimed their ultimatum a success.

A gang source has declared the New Zealand town of Ngaruawahia was 'P [methamphetamine] free' after 10 'meth houses' were purged, according to Stuff.co.nz.

Five or six dealers had packed up and were escorted out, while others were given a 'hand' to leave, the source said.

'Those that listened were escorted out. Those that didn't were handled and escorted out. There are no more P dealers in [Ngaruawahia].'

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Tribal Huk president Jamie Pink, who delivered his ultimatum to Ngaruawahia meth dealers on Thursday

Pink with fellow members of the Tribal Huk gang, which has been operating since at least the 1950s

The gang (pictured are members) gave meth dealers 24 hours to leave the North Island, New Zealand town

The claim was made as reports came in from the central North Island town, which has a population of about 5,100, that at least one dealer had been assaulted during the clear-out.

Last Thursday Jamie Pink, the notorious leader of New Zealand's Tribal Huk gang, gave methamphetamine dealers in the town until 6.30pm Friday to leave before they started getting visits.

When it's time to go, it's time to go... There are no more P dealers in [Ngaruawahia]

A grandmother from the town told Stuff she saw the gang give one dealer a 'twack' on Saturday.

'He bloody went down, I can tell you that. He's going to have a mamae [sore] head when he gets up.

'I'm not going to tell you who did the hitting, because it's none of your business, but I can tell you now - I'd hate to be a bloody wacky cracky dealer in Ngaruawahia.'

On Friday, patched members of the gang had been spotted patrolling the town, but it had been quiet that evening, reports said.

A New Zealand Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia they were 'not aware of any incidents being reported to Police following the comments by Mr Pink'.

A member of the Tribal Huk gang from Ngaruawahia wearing gang colours

On Thursday, Jamie Pink (pictured) told meth dealers they had 24 hours to leave the town

Senior Sergeant Mike Henwood, Western Waikato Area Prevention Manager said in a statement that police did not condone threats of violence or intimidation and any reported would be taken seriously.

'We urge members of the public to assist us by passing on any relevant information they may have so that it can be properly investigated, and we reinforce people should not take matters into their own hands.

'Police run targeted activity based in response to particular issues in their communities, and prioritise and focus their resources accordingly based on the needs of their local area.'

Pink had said at a community meeting on Thursday: 'For a lot of years, the Huks have kept a lot of other gangs out of here in Ngaruawahia and we are always going to do that, but we haven't kept their poison out of here. We are a bit sorry about that.

'From this second on, without disrespecting, we know who they are - some of them are whanau (extended family), but they've got to go. They have 24 hours to stop. We ask nicely first, then they've got to go. We've got no choice. The kids are asking for it. They'll be asked nicely the first time.'

The central North Island, New Zealand, town of Ngaruawahia

In 2007, incensed that a drug dealer had offered his then 13-year-old daughter methamphetamine [known as Ice in Australia] he turned up at a Ngaruawahia property owned by an alleged dealer and smashed in two garage wall panels and several glass panels.

He pleaded guilty to charges of possession of an offensive weapon, failing to stop, disorderly behaviour and two charges of wilful damage.

He appeared in court again in December last year on one count of marijuana possession.

In 2015, Pink told SBS's Dateline he had been jailed for 'bashing people, a few assault charges, the odd GBH'.

Dubbed the 'sandwich gang' by local media, they gained international attention in late 2014 for making lunches for needy schoolchildren.

'We're not exactly the pillars of society, we understand that... we're doing something good, and that's true. No matter what people say, you can't take that away,' Pink told SBS.

Dubbed the 'sandwich gang' by local media, the Tribal Huks gained international attention in late 2014 for making lunches for needy schoolchildren
In July Mr Holland was charged with drink driving and failing to stop

Mr Holland then pointed his finger at her before speeding off

Court documents show he hit a car with a mother and two

A candidate in the recent mayoral election in Auckland, who shouted 'Allahu akbar' during a debate, has dismissed his drink driving conviction in the months before the election, describing the legal drinking limit as 'absolutely pathetic'.

Adam Holland ran for mayor of Auckland as leader of The Cannabis Party, campaigning to legalise cannabis in Auckland.

Mr Holland appeared in Te Kuiti District Court on April 28 earlier this year, charged with driving with excess blood alcohol and failing to stop and ascertain injury, after an incident on Te Kumi Rd near Te Kuiti on March 30, reported TVNZ.

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Pro-cannabis satirical mayoral election candidate Adam Holland was convicted of drink driving in June, months before he disrupted an election debate in Auckland by yelling 'Allahu Akbar' into the microphone

He was convicted of both charges in July and banned indefinitely from driving.

In a Facebook post he wrote: ' E verybody has a DIC charge these days. The limit is absolutely pathetic. 250 and you get 60 demerit points, 400 and you're stung with 6 months loss of license plus a hefty fine. Only a lightweight can't handle 400. I blew 1054 and felt fine - the crash wasn't even my fault and if I could relive the events, I'd have acted in exactly the same way.'

New Zealand Police said Mr Holland drove into the rear of a Nissan driven by a woman with two children in the car, who was waiting to turn into a driveway.

Court documents reveal Mr Holland then pulled up alongside the vehicle, pointing his finger at the driver, and driving off north onto State Highway 3.

Police said Mr Holland was later found standing in front of the damaged Mazda he was driving.

His blood alcohol reading was 259mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

The limit in New Zealand is 50mg/100ml.

He was convicted of both charges on July 28 and sentenced to 150 hours of community service, nine months of supervision and was disqualified from driving indefinitely.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Holland for a comment regarding the incident.

Pro-cannabis Auckland mayoral candidate Adam Holland started shouting 'Allahu akbar' as his rivals Alezik Heneti (right) and David hay (out of shot) were arguing

In late September Mr Holland was involved in a debate at the Auckland University Students' Association's bar, which descended into chaos after candidates started brawling and Mr Holland repeatedly yelled 'Allahu Akbar' into the microphone.

Independent candidate David Hay turned up late to the hustings but was given permission to speak for 30-seconds by a moderator, Stuff reported.

But this infuriated his rival Alezik Heneti, who claimed that Mr Hay should not be allowed to speak because he had already thrown his weight behind another candidate.

'You don't deserve the 30 seconds. You pulled out. You don't deserve the right to be here. You need to leave,' she shouted into a microphone.

Mr Hay insisted that did not matter and asked the barman to switch off her microphone as he tried to continue with his speech.

'I have not pulled out of the race,' he said. 'You cannot withdraw from the mayoral race unless you go mad or you die. I am not dead but I might be mad.'

Just as it appeared the debate could not get any more farcical, Cannabis Party candidate Adam Holland leaped to his feet and took over the microphone.

The fracas started when candidate Alezik Heneti (left) claimed her candidate David Hay (right) should not have been allowed to speak

'Vote for me! Vote for me! vote for me!' Who cares about them? Vote for me! Look, I can do this. I can be your mayor,' he told the baffled crowd.

'That deteriorated pretty quickly didn't it?' Mr Holland, who was dressed in an Islamic tunic and later admitted to being 'incredibly drunk', continued.

He called on Mr Hay and Ms Heneti to be removed from the venue as they appeared to start pushing each other as they remonstrated with a moderator.

Mr Holland shouted at the pair: 'Don't assault him. Don't assault him. Do not. That's asssault. That is assault. You don't want to do that. You don't want to do that.

'You've turned this into a circus. Oh my, there's going to be a brawl. I can feel a brawl.'

Mr Hay (in a suit, centre) insisted asked the barman to switch off Ms Heneti's microphone as he tried to continue with his speech

The satirical pro-cannabis campaigner refused to leave the stage and continued to shout, before burping into the microphone.

A moderator eventually managed to intervene, telling the audience that the debate was over and admitting that it 'kind of deteriorated there at the end pretty quickly'.

But Mr Holland was not done, jumping around the stage chanting and repeatedly shouting 'Allahu akbar' - Arabic for 'god is great'.

He later defended his actions and told Stuff that he was 'incredibly drunk' at the time.

Mr Holland, who also said he was wearing a Saudi Arabian desert hat at the start of the debate but said he removed it because he was hot, said he thought 'screaming some utter nonsense' might 'defuse the situation'.

'It really wasn't as serious as a lot of people try to make out. I probably did inflame the situation looking back but what can I do about it now?' he asked.
Police are investigating a possible murder-suicide after a married couple were found shot dead inside their home.

Officers were called to a home on Bailey Avenue in Tamworth, a regional town in northern New South Wales, at about 10.30pm on Sunday after a family member raised concerns about the welfare of a man and his wife.

The woman and man, who have not yet been identified, were found inside with gunshot wounds and a crime scene was established, the ABC reported.

Two bodies were found after police were called to a home on Bailey Avenue (pictured) in East Tamworth, a regional town in northern New South Wales, at about 10.30pm on Sunday

'Family members raised concerns and police attended and made those inquiries locating them there,' NSW Police Inspector Phil O'Reilly told the ABC.

A gun was also found inside the home, with police advising no other parties are being sought in relation to the deaths.

Detectives are investigating if one of the parties shot the other before turning the gun on themselves, with a police spokesperson confirming to Daily Mail Australia the deaths are a suspected murder-suicide.

The man and woman are expected to be formally identified on Monday.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The Duchess of Norfolk, was reunited with her husband Edward earlier this year

Deeply saddened by the divorces of three of her children, the Queen is keen to celebrate marriage wherever she can.

I hear that the Duchess of Norfolk, who was reunited with her husband earlier this year after splitting up in 2011, has been appointed as one of Her Majestys representatives.

Georgina Fitzalan-Howard will be a Deputy Lieutenant for West Sussex, where she lives with her husband at Arundel Castle.

They had occupied separate wings during their estrangement.

Georginas role will involve her assisting with royal visits to the area.

This is a great honour for Georgina, says one of her friends. The Queen was very pleased to hear that she and the Duke were reunited.

Her split from her husband, Edward, was so acrimonious they missed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges wedding to avoid being in the same room as one another  and to spare the Queen any embarrassment.

As hereditary Earl Marshal, Georginas 59-year-old husband is responsible for organising ceremonial events, including the State Opening of Parliament.

The couple, who have five children, are staunch Catholics, with the Duke being the most senior lay member of the Roman Catholic Church in Britain.

Deeply saddened by the divorces of three of her children, the Queen is keen to celebrate marriage wherever she can

Though they were not expected to divorce, their separation had looked permanent. However, this summer it was disclosed they had rekindled their relationship while planning the wedding of their eldest son, Henry, which took place in July at Arundel Cathedral  just as theirs had done back in 1987.

Friends were said to be delighted and the Queen was reportedly absolutely thrilled by the news.

The divorces of Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Prince Andrew have been some of the lowest points of the Queens life.

She memorably described 1992, when Anne divorced Captain Mark Phillips, Charles separated from Diana and the Duchess of York was pictured having her toes sucked by her financial adviser, as her annus horribilis.

Georgina, 54, was nominated for her new role by the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Susan Pyper, and her appointment was approved by the Queen. Her friend adds: She is back in the royal fold.

The 34-year-old actress sported a set of ostrich-trim chinoiserie pyjamas

Sienna goes out in her pyjamas

Sienna Miller was once acclaimed for her boho chic sense of style. But at the premiere of her latest film, The Lost City Of Z, in New York at the weekend, she looked as if shed rolled out of bed.

The 34-year-old actress, who has a daughter with her former partner Tom Sturridge, sported a set of ostrich-trim chinoiserie pyjamas (pictured).

The outfit, by Italian designer Prada, features red piping on the collar, along with large, fluffy cuffs that resemble a pair of feather dusters.

I dress for me, Jude Laws former fiancee once declared.

I tend to love the outfits that end up on the worst pages anyway  theyre my favourite.

Diarist Alan Clark rhapsodised about Margaret Thatchers dainty ankles  and our second woman Prime Minister appears to hold similar allure.

Writer Hunter Davies admits: I am fascinated by Theresa May. Its not her politics, but her looks.

We always knew she had good legs, and so did she, otherwise she wouldnt have drawn attention to them with all those sexy shoes. But suddenly, she looks so much more attractive.

The Beatles biographer adds: Power is an aphrodisiac. Her skin is glowing and even the bags under her eyes seem softer.

Serpentine spin doctor Roland Rudd was an outspoken leader of the Remain campaign, but the brother of Home Secretary Amber should continue to prosper after Brexit.

New accounts for his PR agency, Finsbury Group, reveal the wages of its highest-paid director  almost certainly Rudd  leapt to nearly 5.4 million from 4.4 million the previous year.

Anthea's ex loses more yet cash

Will former bankrupt Grant Boveys business struggles ever end?

His consultancy business, Skydance Media, has reported ongoing losses of more than 53,000 in its latest accounts  46,000 worse than the previous year.

Television presenter Anthea Turners former husband  who was paid 100,000 to appear on this years Celebrity Big Brother  tells me: The company suffered a serious sort of bad debt, which meant, on paper, it suffered a loss. Skydance is completely solvent.

Anthea was granted a divorce last October after Boveys year-long affair with a young socialite was exposed. He was declared bankrupt in 2010 when he admitted he couldnt repay 50 million in debts and was discharged a year later.

He confessed at the time: Its humiliating and I feel Ive let Anthea down, Ive let my children down and everyone who had faith in me.

Now Hollywood beckons for Tom Parker Bowles...

Prince Charles will soon have a Hollywood star for a stepson.

The Duchess of Cornwalls son, Tom Parker Bowles, has been given a role in the spy action movie sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle.

Its only a very small part, insists modest food writer Tom, who declines to elaborate on the role. Im sure Ill end up on the cutting room floor. No chance of that: the director is Toms chum Matthew Vaughn, husband of supermodel Claudia Schiffer.

Lets hope the role is not too controversial, though.

The first film, Kingsman: The Secret Service, caused a furore with its risque dialogue.
A martial arts champion who almost killed his stepdaughter, 11, by choking her during an drug and alcohol-induced psychosis will not be jailed.

Graham Samuel Downey had taken prescription painkillers, meth, cannabis and alcohol, before he choked the girl until she blacked out.

The 43-year-old had put her in a choke hold and left her in her Perth bedroom about 3am in July this year, Yahoo 7 reported a court heard.

Martian arts champion Graham Samuel Downey, 43, almost killed his 11-year-old stepdaughter when he choked her during a drug and alcohol-induced psychosis

The 43-year-old had put his stepdaughter in a chokehold and left her in her Perth bedroom about 3am in July this year (Downey and stepdaughter pictured together)

Downey has won honours at national and international wushu, or kung-fu, competitions.

He had been suffering a psychotic episode and believed unknown assailants, including his stepdaughter, were about to attack him, the Armadale Magistrate's Court heard on Friday.

Downey gripped her neck so tightly he burst several blood vessels in her eyes.

He left her slumped in her room until he came to his sense and shook her awake.

Downey pleaded guilty to assault and was 'totally remorseful', his lawyer said

When police arrived, they found Downey dressed in a wetsuit, his lawyer told an earlier hearing.

Prosecutors told the court the 11-year-old girl's eyes 'were like that of dead people' and she had been close to death.

Downey's lawyer Sutherlan Scudds said she had recovered and had forgiven her stepfather.

He pleaded guilty to assault and was 'totally remorseful', his lawyer said.

Magistrate Stephen Wilson said jailing Downey would 'inflict more pain [on the girl] than she had gone through already'.
Police believe the man was fatigued when he drove over the cliff

He had climbed out of ravine and up embankment with serious

After two hour search, unidentified man, 41, was found by troopers

who saw accident flagged down a car and had driver call 911

A Utah man miraculously dragged himself out of a 40-foot ravine after sustaining serious injuries when his car plummeted over the cliff.

The unidentified 41-year-old was driving a 2014 Dodge Ram and towing a boat when his vehicle veered off of the cliff near Strawberry Reservoir in Herber City.

A driver called 911 at 5am on Sunday to report the accident but didn't stay in the area to help emergency responders locate the vehicle.

A Utah man dragged himself out of a 40-foot ravine after crashing this 2014 Dodge Ram over the cliff

A driver called 911 after a pedestrian flagged him down and said the man went over the edge near Strawberry Reservoir (bottom, right). The man later dragged himself out and got help

The driver said he had been flagged down by a pedestrian who witnessed the man go over the cliff, according to Utah Highway Patrol.

Because no one had remained in the area of the accident, troopers spent two hours searching for the man with no luck.

As they searched, the severely injured man got out of the banged-up car, and began climbing the embankment.

Finally, he reached the top and stopped a passing car and asked for help.

Troopers believe the man was fatigued when he went over the ravine and had been down there since 2am

The emergency responders made contact at 7.10am and said the man had serious damage to his legs and back and possibly had internal damage, according to Deseret News.

He was airlifted to Intermountain Medical Center for treatment.

Troopers believe the man was fatigued when he went over the ravine and had been down there since 2am.
Wants $2.7m of the winnings. His case is before the NSW Supreme Court

He had been a member of another group of 15 at the factory he worked in

Brendan King says he was unfairly left out of a Powerball syndicate at work

A father-of-five who missed out on a $40 million win by his workplace Powerball syndicate has gone to the Supreme Court to try and get a $2.7m portion.

A judge has been asked to 'right a wrong' and order that Sydney man Brendan King, who says he was unfairly left out of the win, be paid the money that could change his life.

Mr King says he was part of a syndicate of 15 southwest Sydney factory workers who hit the jackpot on May 5 and is owed $2.7 million.

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Father-of-five who missed out on a $40 million win has taken his workplace Powerball syndicate to court to try and get a $2.7m portion

A message posted after $40 million was won in a Powerball draw in May 2016

His barrister Lachlan Gyles SC told the Supreme Court Mr King was one of 12 people who purchased a ticket in the Mother's Day draw.

But syndicate organiser Robert Adams did not ring Mr King to ask if he wanted to chip in extra for an additional $600 worth of tickets, despite calling another worker by phone, the court heard.

The winners say the fruitful tickets were purchased as part of a one-off syndicate.

Mr Gyles said a syndicate member was part of a purchase unless they opted out, and that it would hardly be 'unfair or unjust' if King was paid the money.

But syndicate organiser Robert Adams (pictured) did not ring Mr King to ask if he wanted to chip in extra for an additional $600 worth of tickets, a court heard

Brendan King was a member of a Powerball syndicate at his southwest Sydney workplace, Prysmian factory

'Your Honour has an opportunity to right a wrong that has occurred,' he said on Monday.

The court has heard the winning members, who included two more people than usual, say a worker had to pay in advance and have a copy of a ticket to be included.

Mr Gyles told the court that had not previously been a requirement, and that Mr Adams owed Mr King more than $80 anyway.

On the stand, Mr King said he did not know about the extra Powerball purchase until the morning after the jackpot was won.

He won $12 on the draw, the court heard.

Mr Gyles said workers paid to be in syndicates to avoid a situation where other workers were able to put down their 'ear muffs and goggles' and leave them behind.

'The workplace Lotto syndicate is a common and enduring part of modern Australian life,' Mr Gyles said.

'They represent a common bond between workers... (as well as) a common dream and hope.'

The hearing continues.
Sonny Listons death has long been attributed to an accidental heroin overdose.

But now, a new book poses the theory that the death of the legendary boxer in 1971 was actually foul play.

In The Murder of Sonny Liston: Las Vegas, Heroin and Heavyweights, investigative journalist Shaun Assael treats the boxers death like a cold case.

Assael writes that by the late 1960s, Liston - who had gone from being a thief with no education to a household name when he became the heavyweight champion before falling from grace - was using heroin.

He was also working as an enforcer for a drug dealer called Robert Chudnick  who was also a famous jazz musician known as Red Rodney, according to the New York Post.

Chudnick became a drug dealer because his career never hit the levels he wanted and he enlisted his teenage son Mark to work with Liston as a collections team.

Sonny Listons death was long attributed to an accidental heroin overdose - but now, a new book poses the theory that he was murdered

One night in February 1969, Liston was at the home of a beautician and drug dealer named Earl Cage when it was raided by police and officers from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD).

Everyone present was arrested but Liston was immediately released.

Chudnick began to believe that Liston was not to be trusted and told his son to stop working with him.

But one night in 1970, Liston came to Chudnicks house while he was away looking for drugs.

Liston barged into the home and searched for drugs - and slammed Mark against the wall.

Then, on January 5, 1971, Listons wife Geraldine found the boxer dead with heroin paraphernalia beside him. He had been dead for some time.

Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali stands over Sonny Liston and taunts him to get up during their title fight in 1965

The initial autopsy declared the cause of death inconclusive, and said heroin may have been a factor.

But in 1982, Irwin Peters, a police informant, claimed that Larry Gandy, a retired Las Vegas cop, had killed Liston.

Peters said Gandy had become a burglar and was about to pull off a job.

He suggested that a bookie called Ash Resnick hired Gandy to kill Liston with an overdose after they fought over money.

A police sting found Peters was definitely telling the truth about Gandys descent into a life of crime  he was arrested and sentenced to 10 years in jail.

Gary Beckwith, the officer Peters spoke to, had been called to the scene when Liston died  and he remembered seeing Gandy there as well, according to Assael.

Liston is pictured in sparring pose during training circa 1965. By the late 1960s, he was using heroin and never returned to his former glory

But they found no evidence for murder.

But Peters received a mysterious postcard with a picture of a desert and an ominous threat: This is where youll be.

He was found dead in 1987 in his garage with his car running.

His death was declared the result of a leaky exhaust system  but his nephew told Assael that the entire family believes the death was suspicious.

Two years ago, Assael tracked down Gandy on Facebook and asked for an interview, which he granted.

Before Assael could say anything, Gandy told him: So youve come to ask me if I killed Sonny Liston.

In The Murder of Sonny Liston: Las Vegas, Heroin and Heavyweights, investigative journalist Shaun Assael treats the boxers death like a cold case

He denied it and said he believes Cage killed Liston. The beautician died in 2000, but Gandy says he would have believed Liston - who was let go on the spot while the others were taken in - set him up.

Bill Alden, the BNDD agent involved in the raid that night, also believes it was murder.

Knowing Las Vegas like I did, and knowing Sonnys history, I always felt he was murdered. There was just too much there, he said.

But Craig Lovato, the agent who found Listons drugs when he died, thinks its most likely that Liston by himself.

Assael names numerous suspects who had motives, including Gandy, Cage, Chudnick and Resnick.

The only conclusion he draws, however, is that solving Peters death would solve Listons as well.

Before his untimely death, Liston was the heavyweight champion of the world, until he lost it to Cassius Clay in 1964.

He was born in Arkansas, in the 1930s  although the exact date is not known  the 24th child of 25, born to a sharecropper father.

As a teenager with no education in St. Louis, he stole from restaurants and gas stations before landing in prison, where he learned to box.

When he was the top challenger to heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson by 1960, Congress even debated if a man with a criminal record like his (he broke a police officer's leg in 1956) should enter the ring.

He testified before a Senate committee about it. He told them that he had no education, couldn't write and worked as a child to help feed his 24 siblings.

But in 1962, he won the first heavyweight title fight ever decided in the first round from Patterson.

He faced Clay again in a 1965 rematch when he had changed his name to Muhammad Ali.

According to Assael, there were rumors that Resnick  on Listons behalf, made a deal with the Nation of Islam to lose in exchange for a share of Alis future earnings.

A gambler linked to Resnick told the FBI that he had been told by Resnick a few days before the fight that Liston would win in the second round, according to the Post.

But then he claims he got a call a few hours before the face-off saying to forget it.
Hillary Clinton's aides wanted her to apologize publicly for deleting thousands of emails and described her 'inability to show remorse' as a 'character problem'.

John Podesta, the chairman of her campaign, said he wanted the candidate to express remorse over the scandal but had trouble 'getting her there'.

Emails written in August 2015 and released by Wikileaks on Saturday shared his exchange with another adviser on the subject.

Neera Tanden, hailed in the past as Clinton's 'political guru', said an apology would 'take the air' out of the scandal.

Hillary Clinton's aides tried to convince her to apologize for her disastrous handling of thousands of emails last year but had trouble 'getting her there', leaked emails reveal

In an email to Podesta titled 'Emails - my thoughts', she wrote: 'Her inability to just do a national interview and communicate genuine feelings of remorse and regret is now, I fear, becoming a character problem (more so than honesty).

'People hate her arrogant, like her down. It's a sexist context, but I think it's the truth.

'I see no downside in her actually just saying, look, I'm sorry. I think it will take so much air out of this.'

Tanden continued: 'I see no way of moving on until October otherwise.'

Podesta, who has taken aim at Wikileaks founder Julian Assange this week for publishing the emails, agreed in his response.

'Jen and I are in the same place. Trying to figure out how to get her there and best way to execute,' he said.

John Podesta, Clinton's campaign Chairman, agreed with Neera Tanden's adviser's view Clinton needed to apologize for the emails

The pair aired their views on the subject in an email chain on August 22, some two weeks before Clinton apologized for the scandal

Tanden, who has been described as Clinton's 'political guru', said her failure to publicly express remorse was becoming a 'character problem'

Clinton refused to apologize last year after it was revealed she had been using a private email account and server while she was Secretary of State.

On September 2, two weeks after Podesta and Tanden discussed trying to get her to apologize for it, she appeared on MSNBC and said while it wasn't 'the best choice', it had been 'allowed' by the State Department.

Days later she did apologize, telling ABC news: 'As I look back at it now, even though it was allowed, I should have used two accounts. That was a mistake. Im sorry about that. I take responsibility.'

The FBI last year ordered her to hand over some 15,000 exchanges that were not included in a collection previously given to the State Department.

Clinton has maintained somewhat of a stubborn position on the issue ever since and even as recently as the second presidential debate on October 9 tried to brush off criticism on the subject from her opponent Donald Trump.
Two suspects were arrested on Sunday in connection with a shooting that left three people dead and 12 others wounded at a restaurant operating out of a converted home in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles police arrested Mowayne McKay, 33, and Diego Reid, 25, both of whom are Jamaican nationals.

McKay and Reid are expected to be booked for investigation of murder.

Los Angeles Police Department Officer Mike Lopez described the location of the shooting as 'a residence with an underground restaurant'.

An unspecified dispute between a man and at least two other men led to gunfire around 12.30am Saturday during a birthday celebration attended by about 50 people in a house that hosts parties for people in the Jamaican community.

Mowayne McKay, 33, and Diego Reid, 25, were arrested on Sunday in connection with a shooting that left three people dead and 12 others wounded at a restaurant operating out of a converted home in Los Angeles. They are expected to be booked for investigation of murder

An unspecified dispute between a man and at least two other men led to gunfire early Saturday during a birthday celebration attended by about 50 people in a house that hosts parties in the Jamaican community

Investigators believe that once the man was shot, several other shots were fired indiscriminately in the crowd. Some of the shots appeared to be return fire from other party-goers in the direction of the shooters who fled the scene

Investigators believe that once the man was shot, several other shots were fired indiscriminately in the crowd.

Some of the shots appeared to be return fire from other party-goers in the direction of the shooters who fled the scene.

Detectives believe McKay and Reid opened fire after the initial shooting, and that the gunfire from the two men and possibly others left two more men dead and others wounded.

Police Capt Peter Whittingham told the Los Angeles Times that evidence, including video footage, led police to McKay and Reid, who were found and detained at hospitals in the area, where they had sought treatment for gunshot wounds.

Authorities are still working to identify the deceased.

The wounded sustained minor to critical injuries. One of them remained hospitalized in extremely critical condition on Sunday.

The restaurant owner told the Times he runs a Jamaican catering business out of the house and was hosting a birthday party when the shooting broke out.

A man who had gone to the house to ask that a car be moved from his brother's driveway told the newspaper there were dozens of people in the house and yard and that a DJ was playing music.

Shortly after they left, Paul Elen said he heard 15 to 20 shots.

Detectives believe McKay and Reid opened fire after the initial shooting, and that the gunfire from the two men and possibly others left two more men dead and others wounded. Pictured is the home with a restaurant where the shooting occurred

The wounded sustained minor to critical injuries. One of them remained hospitalized in extremely critical condition on Sunday

The restaurant owner said he runs a Jamaican catering business out of the house and was hosting a birthday party when the shooting broke out. A woman fainted when she discovered that her partner and her child's father was among the three people killed

'My brother thought it was fireworks,' Elen said. 'I said, "No, ain't no smoke in there. Them ain't fireworks, them gunshots."'

Police who arrived at the scene in a working-class neighborhood found shell casings and blood throughout the house west of downtown Los Angeles.

Blair Hamilton, 58, who lives a block from the shooting, told the Times that when he came out of his house, he saw an older woman with a bloodied face, sitting on a curb next to two other women, one of whom also appeared to be injured.

A girl lay on the curb, attended by another girl.

Some of the wounded were taken by ambulance to hospitals. Others drove themselves, authorities said.
The threat comes a day after reports of a failed mid-range missile launch by the secretive country

North Korea says it is prepared to launch a preemptive nuclear strike on the United States if need be.

'A preemptive nuclear strike is not something the US has a monopoly on. If we see that the U.S. would do it to us, we would do it first. ... We have the technology,' Lee Yong Pil, a top North Korean official, told NBC News in an exclusive.

The threat comes a day after a failed mid-range Musudan missile launch by North Korea.

US military first reported the launch was attempted at 11.33pm EDT Friday (12.03pm Saturday local time) and that the missile didn't pose a threat to North America. South Koreans are pictured watching a news broadcast after the failed missile launch

Lee Yong Pil, a top North Korean official, told NBC the country was prepared to launch a preemptive nuclear strike against the US

This undated picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 23, 2016 shows a test launch of the surface-to-surface medium long-range strategic ballistic missile Hwasong-10 at an undisclosed location in North Korea.

Lee said North Korea is rankled because the US is targeting the country with nuclear weapons and believes military exercises the country held on North Korea's borders over the summer were aimed at removing Kim Jong Un.

'The US has nuclear weapons off our coast, targeting our country, our capital and our Dear Leader, Kim Jong Un,' he said, according to the outlet. 'We will not step back as long as there's a nuclear threat to us from the United States.'

South Koreans watch a television news broadcast at a station in Seoul - according to media reports, North Korea had a failed ballistic missile launch the day before

A ground deployment type ground-to-air guided missiles PAC3 is seen in position at the Defence Ministry in Tokyo on September 12, 2016 in preparation of a ballistic missile launch by North Korea

Samantha Power, US Ambassador to the UN, said on NBC News of the fighting words: 'We need to ramp up the pressure. Because this isn't just a threat to the United States or the Republic of Korea, this is a threat to mankind.'

American officials don't believe the country has nuclear weapons with the capacity to reach the United States.

Under Kim Jong Un, who took power in 2011, the country has carried out its fourth and fifth nuclear tests this year.

This undated picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 13, 2016 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un inspecting a farm

Lee said the country would not hesitate to carrying out 'a sixth, seventh, or an eighth' nuclear test.

Lee said the stance is driven by the US and South Korea becoming 'increasingly aggressive' with off-the-coast drills.

Lee said additional sanctions would not stop the country.

'We have to have nuclear weapons to protect our country, and it's our policy to go nuclear,' he said.

NBC News said another official told the outlet that the country does indeed have the capability of reaching the US with a long range rocket and that the Pentagon is lying if it says the country doesn't.

The country also bragged it has rockets that it has launched to carry satellites into space, and one day they will reach other planets.

US scientists disagree and believe North Korea has not yet launched any satellites into space.

The US and South Korea said Sunday that the latest missile launch by North Korea ended in a failure after the projectile exploded soon after liftoff on Friday.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the military believes the North unsuccessfully attempted to fire a mid-range Musudan missile.

It said the failed launch was made near an airport in the North's North Pyongan province.

South Korea strongly condemns the launch because it violates U.N. Security Council resolutions that bans any ballistic activities by North Korea, the statement said.

It's the latest in a series of moves by North Korea aimed apparently at displaying a show of force.

As recently as last month, it fired three ballistic missiles off its east coast, timed to get the attention of world leaders including President Barack Obama who were visiting the region for a series of summits.
A Family First senator has quit parliament after his housing business went bankrupt.

Bob Day, a key supporter of the government in the Senate, announced on Monday he will resign after his Home Australia Group of companies went into liquidation.

The South Australian Senator will sell off his family home in order to pay back the debts, he said.

Senator Day was first elected in 2013 after running for the Liberal Party in 2007.

Family First will be able to nominate a replacement.

Family First's Bob Day in the Senate marking the start of the 45th Parliament in Canberra on August 30

'I am incredibly sorry for the pain, stress and suffering I know this will cause,' Senator Day said.

'Having been in business for over 40 years, I am naturally devastated by what has happened and will do whatever I can now to assist those affected by this closure,' Senator Day said in a statement on Monday.

Construction on more than 200 unfinished homes has been ceased. All were covered by home owners warranty insurance, he said.

'As I have always agreed to sign personal guarantees to creditors, this closure also has serious implications for me and my family.

'As for my role as a senator, I will of course resign.'

Anyone who is bankrupt or insolvent is disqualified from serving in parliament, according to Section 44 of the Constitution.

Senator Day's private company, B&B Day Pty Ltd, had donated $758,000 to Family First in 2010-11 and $381,775 between 2012 and 2013, Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Senator Day is pictured at Parliament House in February this year

The Home Australia group includes Homestead Homes (SA), Collier Homes (WA), Newstart Homes (Qld), Ashford Homes (Vic) and Huxley Homes (NSW).

Huxley Homes had faced eviction from its headquarters over unpaid rent and has been evicted from the HomeWorld display site, SBS reported.

Senator Day said while four members of the group posted a profit in 2015/16, problems and losses associated with Huxley Homes and the high price paid for the company in 2003 had 'seriously undermined the group's balance sheet and ability to continue trading'.

Senator Day said he had considered a number of proposals from local, national and international groups which culminated in the signing of a contract to sell a 75 per cent stake in Home Australia to Goshen Capital Resources, a company based in the Philippines.

Home Australia was one of a number of Melbourne-based deals valued at approximately $200 million in total by Goshen.

One of the projects is the $130m Regent Square re-development in Southbank.

Senator Day said the funds from Goshen would have provided the Home Australia Group with enough liquidity to trade out of its current difficulties given the more than $100 million in forward orders Home Australia has in its pipeline.

Tony Abbott on Monday said he had always 'liked and respected' Senator Day

He said Goshen's chief executive Anselmo Nolasco produced documentation purportedly from HSBC Manila to CBA Melbourne.

'The funds to invest in Home Australia should have been transferred last week but each day there was a different excuse,' Senator Day said.

'After several high-level inquiries over recent days it became clear the HSBC-CBA document was fraudulent.

'I had based all creditor payment plans and commitments on this deal going ahead.'

Given the strict trading-while-insolvent rules that apply in Australia, it would not be possible for the business to continue operating until another buyer is found, Senator Day said.

McGrathNicol is the liquidator of the company group.

The South Australian businessman built his first house in Adelaide in 1979 and by 1990 Homestead was the state's largest home builder.

'I made two big mistakes - buying Huxley Homes and going into politics without putting in place a proper management structure for the business,' he said.

In September, Senator Day said he returned to his business after other people's 'poor management decisions'

'I will be working closely with the liquidator and offering a proposal to enable me to find a way to pay back every debt fully, no matter how long it takes.'

McGrathNicol said the five companies had a total of 207 homes under construction in South Australia, WA, Queensland, Victoria and NSW.

'Customers with homes under construction should contact the insurer per the insurance certificate, which was issued with their home building contract.

'In cases where no insurance certificate has been issued, customers may have a claim against the relevant Home Australia entity which they contracted with.'

A meeting of creditors will be held on November 4 or earlier.

Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister and member for Warringah, said he had always liked and respected Senator Day.

'He built up a very successful business. Obviously, it's disappointing that, with Bob necessarily busy in the senate and unable to give it much attention, the business is now in trouble,' Mr Abbott wrote on Facebook.

'He has taken the honourable course. He hasn't sought to avoid responsibility or blame anyone else.'
One of Australia's most venomous reptiles has been captured on slow-motion video striking the camera.

Dan Lynch from the Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7, was called out to a property in Rosemount, west of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, where the home owner's reported an eastern brown snake in their shed.

Mr Lynch discovered two eastern brown snakes curled up together and spent about an hour on trying to coax them out.

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Dan Lynch from the Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7 was called to a property Rosemount where he caught two eastern brown snakes

Mr Lynch was able to catch both snakes and released them back into the bushes

In a Facebook post, he wrote: 'one was an absolute monster, thickest brown I've seen!'

Mr Lynch released both snakes and during the release he was able to get footage of the smaller of the two behaving defensively.

The small snake can be seen slithering across the grass, coiling up and then launching itself towards the camera.

'It's important to note, he isn't chasing me! I'm getting right up in his personal space, and he's flaring up to get me away, and as I move back, he turns away to make an escape, until I approach him again,' he said.

While releasing them, he was able to record footage of the smaller snake slithering across the grass

The video shows the snake coiling itself up (right) and then launching itself towards the camera (left)

On Facebook many of their followers, we in awe of the venomous creature's ability.

One woman wrote: 'amazing snakes would not want to meet one, but still beautiful to watch... we don't need to kill every living thing.. just be aware.. they are scared too.. and react.'

A man said: 'what an incredible animal!!! See the way it moves!!! That's a truly awesome sight!! One best viewed on film granted, but awesome!!'

'Thanks for the explanations of their behaviours. It helps to demystify things and realise they aren't just mindless animals attacking,' another man said.
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A Connecticut home that looks straight out of a horror film has scared the internet just in time for Halloween.

The five bedroom, four bathroom bath on 24 Brentwood Dr in Avon is on the market and may sound like a steal at first thanks to its $340,000 price tag.

That is until you walk inside and see the paint that makes the kitchen look like its covered in blood, the dining room's vomit-green walls and the bedroom meant to reflect 'Life after the Last Judgement'.

This home in Avon, Connecticut has gone viral after its Zillow ad gave people a peek inside its creepy interior design

The paint of the kitchen almost looks like blood smeared all over the walls. Author Roxane Gay tweeted: : 'Glad we found the set for American Horror Story Season 8' after seeing the ad

This room, covered in sheets with embellishments on the wall that resemble the fake cobwebs purchased at Halloween stores, was inspired by a poem called 'Life after the Last Judgement'

The five bedroom, four bathroom bath on 24 Brentwood Dr, which also includes this gazebo, is on the market for $340,000

The home's Zillow ad quickly went viral this week, with author Roxane Gay tweeting: 'Glad we found the set for American Horror Story Season 8'.

But the house isn't a film set or a preserved crime scene from the 1950s. It's art or, as the listing describes it, a home with 'one of a kind finishing completed by a professional!'

That professional is artist Nikolay Synkov who, along with his wife and three children, moved into the home in 2001.

Synkov remodeled the house, almost doubling its original size, and redesigned every room to reflect the paintings of the Russian abstract artist Wassily Kadinsky.

But the house isn't a film set or a preserved crime scene from the 1950s but rather art created by owner Nikolay Synkov

Synkov remodeled the house, almost doubling its original size, and redesigned every room the reflect the paintings and poetry of the Russian artist Wassily Kadinsky

He named and wrote a poem for each room, which he said were inspired by Kadisnky's beliefs in everything from 'war to the future to politics to love'

He then embellished each room with 'details from the world of his mind's inner fantasy', according to Home Living Magazine.

Synkov named and wrote a poem for each room, which he said were inspired by Kadisnky's beliefs in everything from 'war to the future to politics to love'.

They include the aforementioned 'Life after the Last Judgement' room, painted a greenish-grey complete with white netting on the wall that resembles the fake cobwebs purchased at Halloween stores.

There is also the foyer dubbed 'Pink Ice', the 'Illusion of Marble in Squares' bathroom - meant to reflect television of the 20th century - and the living room that shows the 'Life and Chronicle of Don Quixote', among others.

He then embellished each room with 'details from the world of his mind's inner fantasy'

The nearly 3,000 sq ft property was originally listed for $1.4million in March 2013, but the price has drastically dropped as the house has failed to find a new owner in the last three years

Wood ornamentation features heavily in the house's design, with large structures filling the backyard to represent the 'Landing Wharf of the Inoks', a people Nikolay describes in his poem as being the first to come to America.

The nearly 3,000 sq ft property was originally listed for $1.4million in March 2013, but the price has drastically dropped as the house has failed to find a new owner in the last three years.

Free tours of the house are offered every Saturday, giving anyone whose interested a chance to peek inside the now notorious house of horrors.

Although the internet has given it a scary reputation, Nikolay wants the world to know his house inspired by the 'idea that peace is more honorable than the tragedy of war'.

Even if that means including some of the bloodshed on the walls.

Wood ornamentation features heavily in the house's design, including in this dining room

Free tours of the house are offered every Saturday, giving anyone whose interested a chance to peek inside the now notorious house of horrors
A Clinton insider offered his scathing critique of the family's prodigal daughter in leaked emails revealed on Saturday, accusing Chelsea of giving 'a kiss on the cheek while 'sticking a knife in the back'.

Doug Band, who served as an adviser to Bill Clinton and founded the Clinton Global Initiative, delivered the cutting insult in January 2012, a new dump of Wikileaks emails has revealed.

In an email chain with members of the Clinton Foundation board he let rip on the former first daughter, ridiculing a note she had sent to another member of her parents' close circle.

'She sends me one of these types of emails every few days/week As they say, the apple doesn't fall far... A kiss on the cheek while she is sticking a knife in the back, and front,' he told Hillary's campaign Chairman John Podesta and Cheryl Mills, a lawyer who defended Bill Clinton during his impeachment trial.

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A Clinton insider accused Chelsea of giving 'a kiss on the cheek while sticking a knife in the back and front', adding cuttingly: 'The apple does't fall far' in a leaked email

It's not clear whether he was likening the 36-year-old to her mother or father.

Band's unkind remarks were in response to an email, written by Chelsea under the pseudonym Diane Reynolds, which had been passed along to him.

'Hi Doug and Justin - Just met Clark Winter on our BA flight and he had terrific things to say about Dad and you Doug and CGI generally and it was nice to hear as ever so I wanted to pass along.

'Sorry for brevity. We're taking off. Hope alls well in Davos Justin. Chelsea,' she wrote.

It was published on Sunday alongside hundreds of others by Wikileaks which has been gradually releasing thousands of hacked messages from Podesta's email account.

The emails are allegedly stolen by Russian hackers from Hillary Clinton's campaign chair personal account and Wikileaks is sitting on 50,000 messages.

Doug Band made the scathing remarks in response to an email sent by Chelsea in 2012 under the pseudonym 'Diane Reynolds'

It is not the first time Band aired his unfavourable view of his bosses' daughter.

In another email he berated Chelsea for pressuring her father to heed another Clinton Foundation staffer's request that the charity work its annual conference around the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.

Band works with the Clinton Foundation and Clinton Global Initiative

'This is the 3rd time this week where she has gone to daddy to change a decision or interject herself in the process she says is so important to maintain,' the email said.

Band told the group, which included Justin Cooper, the aide who maintained Hillary's basement server, that Bill 'decided to keep cgi as it always was.'

The staffer who requested that the Clinton Global Initiative be moved 'is jewish/didnt like that decision and went to cvc and thus it will be changed,' Band opined.

'Wjc will say I never said it shouldn't be changed.. Sad because it will hurt cgi but the larger problem is that cvc has spent 7 days in her office to date and people will go to her with self interested choices to be made and she will side with them thus hurting the organization.
Tips for Hillary ahead of debate against Bernie Sanders also revealed

Addressed to or sent by Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta

Sunday brought the latest wave of leaked emails written by Hillary Clinton's most trusted aides, exposing yet more intimate details of her campaign to date.

Among the hundreds to be shared over the weekend were friendly notes exchanged between her campaign chairman John Podesta and his team.

In one exchange given the subject line 'Girls night', Podesta told Deputy Communications Director Kristina Schake he would have to 'bail' on their plans.

'You like prosecco as much as I do so sorry to miss you!' she responded jovially.

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More emails from Hillary Clinton's campaign were published on Sunday by Wikileaks

Campaign chairman John Podesta is the sender or recipient of most of the emails that were leaked. In one, he talks of having to 'bail' on 'girls night' and miss out on prosecco with deputy communications director Kristina Schake

The email, dated November 15, 2015, revealed the pair's plans once released on Sunday

Another glimpse of their hot-fingered correspondence came when discussing arrangements for a meeting between the candidate and the rapper Q-Tip.

The musician's request to sit down with Hillary to discuss her policies was released last week but her campaign's conferral, and enthusiasm about their pairing, has only just become known.

'I've actually see Q-Tip in concert,' remarked Schake enthusiastically.

Sara Latham, Podesta's chief of staff, spoke of arranging a collaboration between Q-Tip and an 'older act'.

'A Q-Tip collaboration w/an older act could be interesting... bridge the general gap and keep us hip!' she wrote.

The campaign staff also discussed setting up a meeting between Clinton and the rapper Q-Tip (above)

In one email, Podesta's chief of staff Sara Latham spoke of a collaboration between Q-Tip and an 'older act' to 'keep us hip!'

Designer Kenneth Cole is an avid Clinton supporter. He was also involved in the emails and is pictured above (far right) with the candidate in 2005

Cole and Podesta exchanged friendly emails about his input, with Podesta thanking the designer for helping arrange a meeting with Q-Tip

The meeting was arranged, it appears, by shoe designer Kenneth Cole. An avid Clinton supporter, he threw a fundraising event for her in July last year.

Podesta, whose emails revealed their polite friendship, thanked him for the introduction.

'Well that took ages but good outcome. Thanks for lighting the fuse.

'How do you think we are doing other than better?' he said.

'Happy to hear. All looks and feels better. Let's chat when you have a few minutes,' Cole replied on November 19, 2015.

In a thread passed around before Clinton had been given the Democratic nomination, staffers compiled a list of 'To Do's' ahead of her debate against Bernie Sanders in Flint, Michigan.

In other emails, tips for Hillary to follow while debating Bernie Sanders at the Democratic debate in March (above) were revealed

Her aides warned her 'don't giggle' and 'laugh at yourself' in a word document that was leaked

Their standoff took place on March 6, four months before Clinton was given the nomination.

In her notes, her advisers told her to 'laugh at herself' and 'don't wiggle!'.

The leaks are the latest to have been published by Wikileaks. Calling them The Podesta Emails, they gave an unprecedented glimpse into the inner workings of the Clinton campaign.

Podesta attempted to take aim at Wikileaks founder Julian Assange after the first batch were released.

Poking fun at his refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, Podesta wrote on Twitter photograph of food prepared by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud: 'I bet the lobster risotto is better than the food at the Ecuadorian Embassy.'

Others revealed division in the campaign over Clinton's initial refusal to apologize for using a private email server while she was Secretary of State.

Podesta told a fellow adviser he agreed the candidate's lack of 'remorse' was a 'character flaw' and said he had been trying to 'get her there'.

Doug Band gave a scathing characterization of Chelsea. 'A kiss on the cheek while she is sticking a knife in the back, and front,' it said

He appeared to compare the 36-year-old to one or both of her parents, writing: 'As they say, the apple doesn't fall far'

Another revealing exchange exposed the scornful view some key insiders have of Chelsea Clinton.

Doug Band, an executive of The Clinton Foundation and member of the Clinton Global Initiative, said she would 'kiss on the cheek while twisting the knife in the back, and front.'

'The apple doesn't fall far,' he remarked snidely in a damning assessment of one or both of her parents.

In a sharply worded back and forth, one worker at the Clinton Foundation complained furiously when it was suggested she might not need a personal assistant.

Laura Graham complained that she 'would not' go without an assistant in a ranting email after it was suggested there might be cutbacks at the Clinton Foundation

Graham (above with Clinton in 2011) has worked with the family for years

Outraged by the suggestion that they cut back on outgoings, Laura Graham, who was Bill Clinton's post-presidency Chief of Staff, fumed: ' I need an assistant. I won't go wo (without) one.

'I cannot do this all by myself...Plus she's my sister so you're suggesting we fire her and so then I just got a paycut of what she makes since I would then have to support her and her family.

Cheryl Mills hinted the Clintons were not as financially comfortable as once thought, writing: 'How much they've made and how little they have saved'

'Everyone else had there (sic) demands. These are mine and they are more than reasonable.'

She removed the disclosure of one employee's salary from a budget- '$80k or $87k' - because it was 'personal'.

Her comments were directed to Cheryl Mills, the lawyer who defended Bill Clinton through his impeachment trial and who served as Hillary's Chief of Staff while she was Secretary of State.

Mills replied to paint the couple as generous people who, having 'given so much and saved so little'.

'wjc and hrc do a lot of giving, to their family, to their staff, and to their friends.

'They are trying to be better partners to the foundation and save some of their resources -- not an unreasonable thing for them to choose to do given where they are, how much they've made and how little they have saved.'
A 'psychopathic' inmate known for violently assaulting other prisoners and throwing his faeces at guards claims to have been rehabilitated since becoming a Buddhist.

Stephen Jay Breen, 34, told the Brisbane District Court, via videolink, that he had not thrown faeces or urine at guards for the last six months as he started practising Buddhism, the Sunshine Coast Daily reported.

Breen, who has hepatitis C, had thrown a mix of faeces or urine at officers in protest of the inhumane prison treatment on August 29, 2015.

Stephen Jay Breen, 34, threw a mix of faeces or urine at officers in protest of the inhumane prison treatment (stock image)

The officers who were hit were wearing protective gear as they were aware of his past behaviour.

The inmate is currently serving two life sentences for the attempted murders of two inmates in 2009 and 20011 at the Woodford Correctional Centre, a maximum security jailed near the Sunshine Coast.

In addition, Breen is also serving a 10 year sentence for an armed robbery and number of assault charges in 2004.

He said that being allowed out of his cell for only two hours a day has caused him mental health issues.

'I've been diagnosed as a psychopath,' he told the court.

'I'm not able to directly associate with other prisoners,' Breen added.

He told a the Brisbane court said he has since been practising Buddhism and that it has rehabilitated him (stock image)

Judge Michael Shanahan extended Breen's parole eligibility until 2036 (stock image)

Judge Michael Shanahan said he would consider the strict conditions Breen was being kept in but that he needed to be disciplined for his actions.

Breen's parole eligibility was extended until July 2036.
A grotesque mermaid figurine made from wood, paper-mache, fish and possible monkey parts has been long forgotten since the days it was paraded around the country by circus founder P.T. Barnum.

But the 'Feejee mermaid' was dusted off and returned to the public eye at Harvard University's Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology last weekend for its 150th anniversary.

To celebrate one of the world's oldest museums dedicated to anthropology, curators are taking the opportunity to exhibit some of its more unusual pieces, including a bear claw necklace and a 90,000 year-old human skull.

A grotesque mermaid figurine made from wood, paper-mache, fish and possible monkey parts was once a coveted attraction peddled by PT Barnum. It will return to the public eye

The museum also displayed a precious bear claw necklace like the one pictured, one of the only seven remaining Native American objects collected by Lewis and Clark

Curators at Harvard University's Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology celebrated the 150th anniversary by exhibiting some of its more unusual pieces

Last week, the museum exhibited a few of its prize pieces to mark the day in 1866 when philanthropist George Peabody committed $150,000 to help found the museum.

The event was a preview of an exhibition planned to open in April of roughly 600 objects that will be taken out of storage to explore Peabody's role in anthropology.

Officials hope to show a greater range of the museum's more than 1 million items, only a fraction of which are on display now.

The Feejee Mermaid (also known as Fiji Mermaid), which dates back to the 1800s, is said to have belonged to a sailor who purchased it in Japan for $6,000, the Boston Globe reported.

It eventually made its way to London, before it ended up in the hands of Moses Kimball, a proprietor of the Boston Museum, who leased the unusual object to Barnum.

Barnum ingeniously stirred up publicity for the mermaid before he exhibited it in New York and other parts of the country as proof of an existing creature.

The museum also displayed a precious bear claw necklace, one of the only seven remaining Native American objects collected by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's famed expedition to the Pacific coast.

The necklace, consisting of 38 claws strung on a piece of fur, was recovered in 2004 when it was accidentally found in a storage room, incorrectly labeled as a piece from the South Pacific collection.

The piece had been missing since 1899, and Gaylord Torrence of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, told the NYTimes: 'It's like finding a Vermeer in the attic.'

The necklace, which carried a great sign of status as they were typically worn by warriors, is thought to have been given to Lewis and Clark by a Native American chief in an exchange of gifts.

Castle McLaughlin, Museum Curator of North American Ethnography, poses among enlarged Lakota Indian drawings, recovered from the battle of Little Big Horn in 1876

Ancient body armor and a shark tooth sword from the South Pacific are displayed as part of the Arts of War exhibit

A man walks past towering ancient stela's, cast from sites in Latin America

The new exhibition will also highlight curiosities collected by American ship captains that traveled to the Far East from the late 1700s to mid-1800s, of which the 'Feejee Mermaid' is a prime example.

Curator Castle McLaughlin said the display will be the largest and perhaps most ambitious the museum has attempted since the museum opened in 1877.

The museum will shine a light on its famed excavations, as well as its role in the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, which took place in Chicago, celebrating the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' first voyage to the Americas

The Peabody's director at the time, Frederick Ward Putnam, scoured the globe for unique artifacts and helped introduce the principles of anthropology to the wider public through the fair.

Jeffrey Quilter, the Peabody's current director, said the World's Columbian Exposition highlights the dual legacy of anthropology during those early decades of the profession.

On one hand, he said, it exposed more people to the diversity of world cultures. On the other, it inadvertently helped bolster advocates of colonialism and imperialism.

As the Peabody turns 150, Quilter said, the museum continues to play a vital role in navigating the complex cultures humans have created.

'We're not just an anthropology museum. We're interacting with so many other disciplines, from literature to political science to the study of ancient DNA,' he says.

'These collections are never dead. They're constantly being revitalized by people who come back with new ways to study them.'

Jeffrey Quilter, the Peabody's current director acknowledged the legacy of antrhopology to bolster advocates of colonialism and imperialism
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From New York City to London, these eloquent dancers were captured striking poses in the nude at hundreds of locations in the US, Canada and Europe.

The stunning photographs of the nude group of dancers were snapped by Manhattan portrait photographer, Jordan Matter, for his new book Dancers After Dark.

One of the breathtaking images was captured in Washington Square Park in front of the iconic arch, with 25 dancers who Matter instructed to to 'drop your clothes and run into position', the New York Post reported.

The dancers held their poses in front of the arch for 43 seconds until Matter yelled: 'Break!'

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From New York City to London, these eloquent dancers were captured striking poses in the nude in Washington Square Park in front of the iconic arch (pictured), with 25 dancers who Matter instructed to to 'drop your clothes and run into position'. The dancers held their poses in front of the arch for 43 seconds until Matter yelled: 'Break'

The stunning photographs of the nude group of dancers were snapped by Manhattan portrait photographer, Jordan Matter, for his new book Dancers After Dark. The male dancer was captured in Times Square and the female dancer was photographed in Harlem

This acrobatic dancer was captured posing on a lampost in London in front of the city's Great Bell of the clock, also known as Big Ben and in front of the Houses of Parliament

Matter, who is also the author of the New York Times bestseller titled Dancers Among Us, shot the dancers without clothes at many locations in the US, Canada and Europe. This group of acrobatic dancers posed on a street in Chicago

It was snapped shortly before midnight, and right before police arrived to close the park. The image was the final photo needed to complete his new book.

Matter, who is also the author of the New York Times bestseller titled Dancers Among Us, shot the dancers without clothes at several locations across the US, Canada and Europe, the Post reported.

Many of the US photos were captured at or near New York City landmarks.

Houston Ballet dancer Harper Watters posed for Matter as a human statue at the Rockefeller Center.

Throughout his many photo shoots for Dancers After Dark, police interrupted him more than 40 times.

In the book, Matter says that he has a 'streak of zero arrests', despite police presence at several photo shoots.

Many of the US photos were captured at or near New York City landmarks. Houston Ballet dancer Harper Watters also posed for Matter as a human statue at the Rockefeller Center. During this photo shoot it was raining on a chilly New York City night

In this breathtaking photo, two dancers hang from a tree as snow blankets the ground in Montreal, Canada

Throughout his many photo shoots for Dancers After Dark , police interrupted him more than 40 times. Two dancers (left) pose in and on top of a telephone box in London. The other two dancers (right) pose gracefully on a ledge overlooking a body of water in Amsterdam, Netherlands

For each photo shoot Matter instructed the group of dancers to practice the poses with their clothes on, so they would only need to pose naked for less than a minute for the shots. These dancers were photographed in New York City

On his website, Matter writes that his new book is 'about a willingness to say yes to the unlikely, the outrageous, the impractical'. A woman (right) poses effortlessly on the top of a wine bottle in front of the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. A male dancer (left) leaps through the air in Cotswolds, UK

The cover of the book. On his website, Matter writes that his new book is 'about a willingness to say yes to the unlikely, the outrageous, the impractical'

For each photo shoot Matter instructed the group of dancers to practice the poses with their clothes on, so they would only need to pose naked for less than a minute for the shots.

On his website, Matter writes that his new book is 'about a willingness to say yes to the unlikely, the outrageous, the impractical'.

'There is no obvious reason why any of these amazing performers would volunteer for this project. It was frequently very cold; it was usually late; it was dangerous, illegal, exhausting, and, of course, theyre naked.

'Yet they still said yes. Why? Because they shared my belief that if we leap, the net will appear.'

He went on to write that the project represents 'our willingness to throw ourselves into the streets without fear of failure'.

On his website, Matter also takes interested viewers behind the scenes of some of his shoots, including one shoot that featured nine ballerinas during a cold New York City night.

The expressive, dynamic and artistic images in Matter's new book will be available to the public on Tuesday and is being published through the Workman Publishing Co.

Matter wrote on his website that the project represents 'our willingness to throw ourselves into the streets without fear of failure'. A dancer poses on huge rocks near a San Francisco beach

Some dancers put their bodies through elements to capture these breathtaking photos taking during the winter in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, (left) and in Montreal, Canada (right)

The expressive, dynamic and artistic images in Matter's new book will be available to the public on Tuesday and is being published through the Workman Publishing Co. These talented dancers are posing on a street in Montreal, Canada

Three dancers stack themselves on top of each other as the other two keep the base dancer balanced in a street of Stockholm, Sweden (left). A man holds up a female dancer with one arm as she gracefully poses midair in Amsterdam, Netherlands (right)
An Australian woman and her British boyfriend accused of murdering a Balinese police officer on a beach have been taken to the Indonesian island's notorious Kerobokan Prison as they await trial.

Sara Connor, 45, a mother-of-two from Byron Bay, and David James Taylor, 34, from Stoke Newington who also goes by the name 'Dj Nutzo', were handed over to Indonesian prosecutors on Monday.

The couple are charged with three separate charges of murder, torture and assault leading to the death of policeman Wayan Sudarsa, who was fatally bashed on Kuta Beach in early hours of August 17.

Taylor, a DJ, told police he struck Sudarsa with a pair of binoculars during a late-night altercation at the tourist hotspot on Bali island.

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British man David Taylor (middle) and Australian woman Sara Connor (left) escorted by police officers as they arrive in Kerobokan Prison in Bali on Monday

British national David Taylor (pictured) looked remarkably different as he arrived at jail with his long dreadlocks shaved off in exchange for a short crew cut

The Briton believed the policeman had attacked Connor, his girlfriend from New South Wales, and tried to steal her bag.

Police say he flew into a rage and hit the policeman repeatedly over the head with a beer bottle, although his defence lawyer says he was first pushed by the officer.

The pair fled the scene, but were later tracked down after witnesses reported the incident to police.

Police have finalised their case against the pair, meaning their trial can now proceed.

If found guilty of murder, they face a maximum sentence of 15 years behind bars. The separate charges of assault leading to death and torture carry maximum sentences of 12 years and seven years, respectively.

The pair - who had been staying at Denpasar Police Station since their arrest - were taken via tactical vehicles to the district's prosecutors' office on Monday.

After the pair were processed by prosecutors they were taken to the notorious Kerobokan prison where they will await trial.

The conditions inside the jail are said to be overcrowded, squalid, and incredibly dangerous.

Australian Sara Connor (C) is escorted by police officers as she is handed over to prosecutors in Denpasar, Bali

Connor (left) and Taylor (right) are charged with the murder of Balinese police officer Wayan Sudarsa

Connor and Taylor (pictured) - also known as DJ Nutzo - are accused of murder and destroying evidence

Australian mother Sara Connor (pictured) and her British boyfriend David Taylor have been handed over to Bali prosecutors

Connor looked tense, wearing a grey t-shirt and long pants, as she was escorted

The Australian mother is seen here in handcuffs being handed to prosecutors on Monday

A former inmate of the jail - where Australian members of the Bali Nine including Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were held before their execution - claimed he had seen people get murdered inside the prison walls.

'I've seen people get murdered in there, I've seen people get bashed, I've seen drug overdoses, one guy died in my arms from sickness,' Conibeer told New Zealand's Campbell Live in 2015.

'You could never kick anything in there - you take two steps forward and you get smashed back 25.'

He also claimed that despite some of the inmates serving life sentences for drug offences, the prison was full of illegal substances.

On Monday, ahead of Connor and Taylor being taken to the notorious prison, Denpasar Police Chief Hadi Purnomo said they had been a 'little late' in handing the pair over to prosecutors as DNA tests had taken longer than expected to complete.

'We had to send the DNA (sample) to Jakarta to make sure,' Colonel Purnomo told reporters.

As well as handing over the accused pair, he said police had also brought a number of other key pieces of evidence, including the clothes they were allegedly wearing during the killing and later burnt in a bid to cover their tracks.

On August 31 David Taylor was asked to re-enact the alleged 'scene' on Kuta beach as a police officer posing as alleged murder victim lay starfished in front of him

David Taylor is pictured here being escorted back to the cells at Denpasar Police Station after re-enacting more than 50 'scenes', including the alleged killing of Bali police officer Wayan Sudarsa

Mr Sudarsa's broken phone which Connor and Taylor are said to have tried to destroy after the alleged murder was also handed over.

Connor and Taylor were taken to prosecutors in two separate vehicles.

When the Australian mum was put into the first tactical vehicle at the police station she looked tense, wearing a grey t-shirt and long pants in traditional batik print.

Taylor, who was loaded in the vehicle behind her, was wearing glasses and looked more relaxed. His long dreadlocks have gone, replaced with a crew cut.

Taylor's lawyer, Robert Khuana said on Friday they could face court as early as next month.

They were taken from Denpasar police station before being moved to Kerobokan Prison

'I've seen people get murdered in there, I've seen people get bashed' a former prison said

A former inmate claimed Kerobokan was corrupt and full of illegal substances

Members of the Bali Nine including Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were held before their execution
On the mid-September 2016, the villagers were informed by officials from the Ministry of Energy and from the cement plant about the plan in changing of electricity supply running the plant from gas to the coal power.

U Kaindasara, the abbot of Zayat Phyu temple, who is one of the religious leaders opposing the plant, told Karen News that meeting with press is to get the issue out as they dont want the plant.

There must be a clear accountability in any work to be done. There must be public consultation about the plan. U Kaindasara said, coal power plants are very dangerous. You cant tell villagers only about the benefits, you should also tell them about the negative consequences.

Abbot U Kaindasara recalled that before the building of the Myaing Galay cement factory, the authorities made promises to locals that they still have not met.

Villagers affected by the cement factory were promised compensation. Many villagers had to move away and the authorities said they would compensate, but they failed to do so. This time, we will not let them do this to us again. Said U Kaindasara form his temple less than a mile away from the factory.

The Myaing Galay Cement Plants are owned by the Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC) which is a major conglomerate and holding company operated by the Burmese military under the Defense Ministry.

However, Mahn Kyaw Htet Khaing, a villager from Hlakar village and many other villagers like him, vowed to fight against the proposed plan if their voices are not being heard.

If they [cement plant officials] move ahead with their plan, we will continue oppose it. We had suffered with the cement plants and now we have no more trust in their promises.

At the community press conference, villagers held posters with hand written phrases such as Absolute Opposition, We dont want coal power that will have negative impacts for generation, and we dont want coal power that will pollute our air and water.

Saw Kyaw Win, the administration chief of Hlakar village said that the proposed plan lacks transparency.

There is no clear information about the proposed project being explained to the people. The cement plants chief summoned village administration heads in the areas and gave them 50 sacks of cement for each village and then, they were informed about the proposed coal power plan. I think they are trying to give incentive not to oppose the plan.

According to village sources, they have submitted a petition letter to the Chief Minister of Karen State about the losses and violations they face with the cement plants and if the cement plant is to be operated by coal power, then the impact on locals will worsen.

An initial inquiry team that includes State member of parliaments, engineers and township chief administration made a visit to the Myaing Kalay no.2 4,000 tons capacity cement plant to assess the site on the October 1st, 2016.

Member of Parliament have said out that if people do not agree with the plan, they wont allow it to happen.

Nan Than Than Lwin, a member of the house of representatives (Pyithu Hluttaw), who was included in the initial inquiry team, told Karen News that without the agreement of the villagers, they [MPs] cant agree with the plan as they are peoples representatives.

Speaking to Karen News, Nan Than Than Lwin said.

When I asked the cement plant officials about permission from the government, they said that they hadnt yet applied for it. They told us how much it would save energy by using coal power, but they didnt explain about the negative impacts of the coal power. If there is no benefit for the people and the people do not agree with it, we cant let them proceed with the plan.

Villages sources estimated that a total of 27 villages around the Myaing Galay cement plant will be affected if the coal power plant is to be built.

Mahn Kyaw Htet Khaing, who is involved in the signature campaign against the proposed coal power said that they have collected as many as 3,000 signatures from villagers from 27 villages who dont want the coal power plan.

Mahn Kyaw Htet Khaing said that they have submitted it to the Karen State Chief Minister.

We submitted the signatures and U Aung Soe Lwin from the Chief Minister office received it. Villagers are worried. Now we hear that machines and materials used for the coal power plants are already being brought in. This make us worry more.
Vanished: Six-year-old Etan Patz disappeared on May 25, 1979, in SoHo, Manhattan, in a case that shocked America

The haunting disappearance of first-grader Etan Patz is to be revisited in court this week as the man accused of his kidnapping and murder goes to retrial.

Six-year-old Etan disappeared on May 25, 1979, the first day parents Stan and Julie allowed him to walk the two blocks from their New York home to his bus stop alone.

It was only in 2012 that a suspect was taken to court: Pedro Hernandez, then 51, had confessed to strangling Etan.

But in May 2015, after three months of testimony and 18 days of deliberations the jury was left deadlocked.

Now Hernandez is to go to trial again, with the opening statements expected to be read to a new jury this week.

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Loss: Parents Stan and Julie Patz (left in 1980) had allowed to walk to his school bus stop for the first time that day. Pedro Hernandez (right) was arrested in 2012 after confessing to cops

After his disappearance from a New York City school bus stop, Etan became one of the first missing children whose face was put on milk cartons, and his case caused many parents to stop letting their children roam their neighborhoods alone.

Prosecutors will have to reassemble a murder case that was already complicated by faded memories, the deaths of witnesses and the fact that no trace of Etan has ever been found.

The defense goes in knowing the last jury voted 11-1 to convict in May 2015.

And Etan's parents face revisiting both their child's disappearance and suspect Pedro Hernandez's account of choking him, given in recorded confessions that defense lawyers say were false.

Still, Etan's father has said the first trial succeeded in providing long-sought answers for the Patzes, if not in resolving the case.

Now, finally, 'we hope it will be over soon', Stanley Patz said by email last month, declining to elaborate ahead of the retrial.

Hernandez was then a teenage stock clerk at a corner store near the Patzes' SoHo home at the time of Etan's disappearance.

But he didn't become a suspect until 2012, when his brother-in-law told police that Hernandez had told a summer 1979 prayer group he had killed a child in New York.

His ex-wife and a neighbor later said he'd also made similar statements to them.

Murder: Stan Patz (pictured in 2015) had to listen as Hernandez described strangling Etan in a store basement. But the defense said Hernandez is mentally ill and suffers delusions

Detectives then got a confession from Hernandez himself, who told them how he choked the boy.

'I wanted to let go, but I just couldn't let go,' he told them in a videoed confession. 'I felt like something just took over me.'

He claimed to have killed Etan after luring him to the convenience store basement with the promise of a soda. Prosecutors suggest the motive was sexual.

Hernandez's defense says the Maple Shade, New Jersey, man has mental problems that made him imagine he attacked Etan.

A defense psychiatrist diagnosed Hernandez, now 55, with schizotypal personality disorder; symptoms can include delusions, which Hernandez's family says he has had.

'Pedro Hernandez is the only witness against himself,' defense lawyer Harvey Fishbein told jurors last year. 'Yet he is inconsistent and unreliable.'

Deadlock: The jury at the May 2015 trial was deadlocked. Hernandez's retrial begins this week. Julie Patz (pictured in 2014) will have to relive the terror of those early days over again

After the first trial, many jurors said they felt Hernandez's confession was compellingly detailed and supported by his earlier admissions. Some jurors attributed his mental problems to a guilty conscience.

But the lone holdout said he felt that Hernandez's mental health history was a big factor and that there wasn't enough non-circumstantial evidence to convict him.

Prosecutors' and defense lawyers' central arguments and evidence haven't changed, but both sides are approaching the retrial mindful of the deadlock and the growing passage of time.

During jury selection this month, the defense asked prospective members to vouch that if they ended up becoming a lone holdout for or against conviction, they wouldn't change their minds just because no one else agreed.

Suspect: Child molester John Ramos (pictured) was a suspect in the 1980s and knew the Patzes, but after Hernandez's trial they no longer believe Ramos killed Etan

And the prosecution asked whether any potential jurors felt the 37-year-old case was 'enough already' and shouldn't be pursued further. None said yes.

Hernandez's defense also argued that a different, longtime suspect was the more likely killer.

Jose Antonio Ramos was a convicted child molester who was friends with Etan's babysitter and had been accused by boys in the neighborhood of trying to lure them into a drainpipe.

When police investigated the pipe, they found photos of Ramos and of a young boy resembling Etan.

Ramos had allegedly told a US states attorney that he took a boy to his apartment to rape him on the day Etan disappeared, and a jailhouse informant said Ramos had said he knew what happened to Etan, and even knew his bus route.

However, police could not charge Ramos in the 1980s. He was held liable in a civil wrong death suit in 2004 and a symbolic sum of $2.7million was awarded.

But that judgement was overturned in July this year after the Patzes became convinced of Hernandez's guilt during his time in court.

About five percent of felony trials end in hung juries, and roughly one-third of them are retried, rather than plea-bargained or dismissed, researchers have found.

Officials and court groups don't have statistics on the outcomes of retrials.

But anecdotally most end in convictions, as do most trials in general, sathose id James A Cohen, a Fordham University School of Law professor who specializes in criminal defense.
Robin Williams was an avid cyclist and a passionate advocate for people with disabilities  and now, his children are auctioning off 87 of his bikes to raise money for a cause dear to his heart.

Eighty-seven of the beloved actor's bikes  some of which are rare collectibles are up for auction on Paddle8.com.

They were donated by Williams' children Zak, Zelda and Cody with proceeds from the auction going to the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

Robin Williams' children are auctioning off 87 of his bikes to raise money for charities close to their late father's heart. Pictured left, the actor at a cycling event and right, Williams going for a bike ride

'Though bright, skin-tight spandex still remains one of the more embarrassing outfits to regularly witness your Dad wearing growing up, the sport of biking and the people Dad helped through his love of it, will always hold a special place in the hearts of our family,' the Williams family said in an statement, according to SF Gate.

'Causes like the Reeve Foundation, championed by his longtime friends Chris and Dana Reeve, and the Challenged Athletes Foundation, in whose triathlons he often biked, were both deeply important to him and we're honored to be able to continue to support them both in Dad's name.'

They added: 'We hope these bikes will bring their new owners as much joy as riding them, and helping these causes, always brought him.'

The comedian's children also offered buyers a suggestion to honor the memory of their father, who often rode around the Bay Area in bold spandex.

Eighty-seven of the beloved actor's bikes  some of which are rare collectibles are up for auction. Above, Williams Zipp '2001' - one of the fastest time trial bikes ever manufactured, making it a piece of road biking history

They were donated by Williams' children Zak, Zelda and Cody. Above, the Serotta 'Ottrott', a handmade custom endurance road bike

As well as owning almost a hundred bikes, Williams attended the Tour de France and biked in many events. Above, his Fondriest 'TF2 Carbon', a competitive carbon road bike

'Though not required, may we suggest wearing the loudest, most vibrant and brightly-patterned, skin-tight biking gear possible when riding them?' they said. 'Keep the tradition alive.

As well as owning almost a hundred bikes, Williams, who died in August 2014, attended the Tour de France and biked in many events.

The auction, which runs until October 25, includes custom-made and rare bikes  and even a unicycle.
WikiLeaks continues to release damaging information about Hillary Clinton from the hacked emails of her campaign's chairman John Podesta

Now he claims that state agents have 'severed' his embassy internet link

Many on Twitter believed the tweets, which referenced John Kerry, Ecuador and the UK Foreign Office, were triggered by Assange's death

Said Assange joked she had 'tortured' him by bringing only vegan food

julian assange says his internet link was 'severed' by the country granting him asylum just hours after claims he was poisoned by a Pret vegan sandwich brought to him by Pamela Anderson.

The WikiLeaks founder's only connection to the outside world from his Ecuadorian embassy hideout in London was cut today, with supporters saying America was behind the cyber attack.

But the organisation has since confirmed it was actually Ecuador who cut off his internet access shortly after Saturday night's publication of what appeared to be speeches Hilary Clinton was paid to deliver to financial giant Goldman Sachs.

Wikileaks tweeted this evening: 'We can confirm Ecuador cut off Assange's internet access Saturday, 5pm GMT, shortly after publication of Clinton's Goldman Sachs speechs.'

Revealed: Julian Assange, pictured on October 4, is alive but WikiLeaks claim his internet connection was cut by 'state' agents this morning

Visit: Rumours started that Julian Assange died after eating a poisoned vegan Pret a Manger meal that was brought to his room by Pamela Anderson on Saturday (pictured)

But Wikileaks revealed this morning that Assange's internet link had been 'intentionally severed by a state party'

It is not clear why Ecuador severed the connection but a source at the Ecuadorian Ministry in Ecuador previously said it would not respond to Twitter speculation but reiterated its commitment to Assange.

The source said: 'We don't respond to speculation circulating on Twitter.

'Ecuador will continue to protect Julian Assange and uphold the political asylum granted to him in 2012.'

The controversial anti-secrecy website has been busy aggravating Washington - in particular the Clinton family - this month by methodically releasing damaging information about the prospective First Family from the hacked emails of Hillary's campaigns chairman John Podesta.

The Clinton campaign has called the hacking akin to a modern Watergate and has blamed the Russians for trying to influence the presidential elections, which WikiLeaks denies.

It came as bizarre rumors spread that Mr Assange may have died over the weekend after a visit from Pamela Anderson, 49.

On Saturday the former Baywatch star walked into the Ecuadorian embassy in London clutching bags from Pret A Manger, the popular UK sandwich shop.

HOW SUN-STARVED ASSANGE'S HEALTH HAS SUFFERED IN EMBASSY The hacker has endured a self-imposed imprisonment in a single room after being given diplomatic asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy in Londons Knightsbridge. The embassy  strewn with red, yellow and blue Ecuadorian flags  takes up a single floor of an imposing block behind Harrods. Initially, Assange slept on an inflatable mattress donated by embassy staff, who are described as having become like family to him. But when it became clear his stay was not going to be temporary, a small room was transformed into his living quarters and a bed installed. He is thought to have stood in direct sunlight for only about 20 minutes during his incarceration, when he emerged on the balcony to address his supporters in August 2012. He has a specially adapted lamp to mimic sunlight in his room  which measures just 15ft by 13ft. Near a Victorian fireplace he has a treadmill donated by the Left-wing film-maker Ken Loach and in his first year at the embassy he notched up 744 miles on the running machine. Sources have said his health has suffered ever since he walked in four years ago, and there is a suspicion Assange, still unapologetic about his role in leaking government secrets, had pushed to leave because of illness. Advertisement

She said afterwards she was worried for his health and when a series of mysterious tweets were sent by WikiLeaks on Sunday his fans feared that he had perished after eating her food.

Assange, 45, who has been hiding in the London embassy since 2012 to avoid sex crime allegations in Sweden, is alive and well according to the embassy and now appears to be the victim of a cyber attack.

At 6.30am this morning WikiLeaks tweeted: 'Julian Assange's internet link has been intentionally severed by a state party', with conspiracy theorists claiming that it is linked to John Kerry's visit to London to meet Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

WikiLeaks say they 'have activated the appropriate contingency plans' as they try to restore his internet link.

It all began when Anderson paid Assange a visit on Saturday at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he has been hiding out for more than four years to avoid a rape investigation in his native Sweden.

In her hands were two bags from Pret, a popular sandwich shop chain based in the UK.

Anderson, an advocate for animals' rights, later said that she brought Assange 'a nice vegan lunch'.

'He said I tortured him with bringing him vegan food,' she then joked.

The former Playboy model said the WikiLeaks founder was doing 'really well' but expressed concern for him and his family.

The Australian has been living in the embassy for over four years and has been granted political asylum by Ecuador.

He is due to be questioned over a sex allegation in Sweden - which he denies. Mr Assange believes that if he goes to Sweden he will be extradited to the United States for questioning over the activities of WikiLeaks.

The ex-Baywatch star told the Press Association: 'I really believe in him and think he's a good person, and I'm concerned about his health, his family, and I just hope that by some miracle he's set free.'

Assange has been hiding out at the Ecuadorian Embassy (pictured here on a balcony in the embassy in February) for four years to avoid a rape investigation in his native Sweden

Twitter was alight with the conspiracy theory on Sunday night after these three tweets that appeared to be coded were posted on the WikiLeaks account and branded a 'dead man's switch'

Twitter was alight with the conspiracy theory on Sunday night after a series of tweets that appeared to be coded were posted on the official WikiLeaks account.

The three tweets were headlined 'pre-commitment 1: John Kerry', 'pre-commitment 2: Ecuador' and 'pre-commitment 3: UK FCO', the latter appearing to refer to the United Kingdom's Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Each tweet was then followed by a series of numbers and letters, causing many on the social media site to believe they were a 'dead man's switch' meant to be activated if Assange is killed.

The conspiracy theories were also fueled by the fact that WikiLeaks dumped more than 1,000 emails leaked from the account of John Podesta, Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman, to the public on Saturday.

But Twitter users weren't only speculating on whether Assange was alive or dead - they believed they knew who his alleged killer was as well: A certain Baywatch blonde bombshell.

But many on Twitter took Anderson's words seriously - and they weren't laughing.

'Don't trust unconfirmed reports of Assange being alive. The Clinton machine is capable of body doubles,' wrote one user.

'ARREST PAMELA ANDERSON NOW', they added.

'GET ASSANGE OUT OF THERE AND INTO HIDING,' a user named Rosa Marzullo frantically tweeted to citizen journalist James Albury.

'How do we know that Pamela Anderson isn't working 4 (sic) someone to set him up?'

Roosh V, the controversial blogger who has called for the legalization of rape, tweeted out an article about Anderson bringing Assange lunch.

'If he's dead, I'd have that food tested,' he added.

Each tweet was then followed by a series of numbers and letters, causing many on the social media site to believe they were a 'dead man's switch' meant to be activated in case he is killed

But fashion designer Vivienne Westwood revealed on Sunday that Anderson had met with Assange to discuss a new trust she wants to set up.

'I was supposed to take Pamela Anderson to see Julian in the embassy but she got the date wrong, so she went on her own the day after me,' Westwood told the Mail On Sunday.

'She told me afterwards that they got on very well. Julian was just brilliant.'

'Pamela's trying to help people with her new trust and he gave her some ideas on how to do that.'
Neville Ayers, 78 (pictured) of Pakefield near Lowestoft, Suffolk, who was found dead at the home of a Serbian woman in Malta

Two elderly British tourists may have 'partied to death' after overexerting themselves with the same younger woman while holidaying in Malta.

Dragana Mihalykovic, 45, is said to have had boozy nights with the pensioners at Shaggy's Bar in Qawra where she was lavished with drinks and cigarettes.

Neville Ayers, 78, was found dead at the Serbian's nearby flat in St Paul's Bay, Qawra, last Wednesday with up to 10,000 in cash near his body.

He had told his partner at home in Britain he had missed his flight just before he died - while it appears Ms Mihalykovic was unaware he was in a relationship.

An autopsy found that Neville, a retired digger driver, had suffocated but was unable to conclude for sure if he died of natural causes.

Pictured, the interior of Shaggy's in Malta, where Dragana Mihalykovic is said to have had boozy nights with two pensioners later found dead

In February David Grant, 68, was found dead in the same flat but experts found that there were no suspicious circumstances.

Ms Mihalykovic was arrested by police after Mr Ayers' death but detectives are believed to have ruled out that any crime was committed.

One local source told The Sun: 'She's a big handful of a woman. She'd make a beeline for boozy, old Brits in Shaggy's. She seemed to have a thing for them. Some looked so frail I thought she'd give them a heart attack. Perhaps it's how they would've wanted to go.

Neville Ayers, 78, was found dead in the flat of Ms Mihalykovic, who was arrested and later bailed. Above, the bar where she is thought to have picked up the men

Mr Ayers was found a few months after David Grant, her love of five years, died suddenly. His body was also found in the flat. Above: Shaggy's, Qawra, Malta

Mr Ayers' partner Jasmine, from Lowestoft, Suffolk, has said that Neville had been due home to celebrate his 78th birthday at home but missed his flight.

When she asked where he was, and where he would stay, his phone cut off, she said.

According to TV Malta Mr Ayers had known Dragana for nine years and came to Malta for a holiday at the start of October where he invited her to stay in his hotel. After he missed his flight he then stayed at Dragana's flat and died on Wednesday evening.

Her lover of five years David Grant also died suddenly eight months ago.

Ms Mihalykovic told The Sun: 'I was in a long-term relationship with David.

'It was a shock when Neville collapsed. I did all I could to save him. I ran to the police station to get help and called an ambulance.

'Neville said Jasmine was his sister, not his partner. I feel terrible.'
His victims have lodged a case for compensation against the 90-year-old

One victim recalled being abused on the dentist chair, a court heard

Dentist locked children in his surgery and molested them in the late 1950s

A dentist who locked his young patients in his surgery and molested them has avoided jail.

Hartley Davey, 90, pleaded guilty to five assault charges relating to three children who were sexually assaulted at his clinic in Prahran, in Melbourne's south-east, in the late 1950s.

One male victim recounted being locked in the room and assaulted on the dentist chair, the Herald Sun reported.

Hartley Davy, 90, pleaded guilty to five assault charges relating to three children in the late 1950s

'I remember thinking, "Where's the nurse, where's the nurse, who's going to rescue me?",' he said.

'I was always sworn to silence. I just knew that what was happening was not right.'

The respected church organist also sexually abused one of his victims in a church, the court heard.

Davey was also a photographer and reportedly assaulted a child in a photo dark room, Melbourne Magistrates Court heard on Monday.

The magistrate noted Davey, who has never married and has no children, breached the trust of his patients and parents.

Davey, was given an 18-month wholly suspended sentence and his victims have now lodged for compensation.
Nearly half of all autistic children in England have been illegally excluded from school because teachers 'cannot cope with their behaviour', figures reveal.

Around 20,000 children have been illegally put on a reduced timetable, sent home early or asked not to go into school on days when tests or trips were happening.

These exclusions, if they happen without the school providing the proper paperwork, are illegal.

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The report, by Ambitious About Autism  a charity dedicated to improving opportunities for young people with autistic spectrum disorder  found that nearly half of all autistic children in Britain have been illegally excluded from school (file picture, posed by model)

The report, conducted by Ambitious About Autism  a charity dedicated to improving opportunities for young people with ASD (autistic spectrum disorder)  surveyed 745 families in the UK.

It found that children with autism are four times more likely to be permanently excluded from school than any other child  with nearly a quarter of respondents (45 per cent) being formally dismissed at some point.

The report found: 'Not only do children with autism miss out on vital school time because of illegal exclusions, but by going unrecorded or reported the scale of the problem is hidden, making it harder for families to stand up for their children's rights.

'We know that illegal exclusions are commonplace, with 33 per cent of school leaders confirming that they knew at least one child with autism who had been excluded from their school illegally in the last year.'

Children with autism have difficulties with social interaction and anxiety and may suffer with sensory processing disorder which includes being sensitive to touch, and hearing or seeing noises and lights more intensely.

The vast majority of children with autism in Britain attend mainstream schools, academies and special schools.

According to government guidelines, a pupil can only be legally excluded for a set number of days or permanently, and any exclusion must be formally recorded. Sending pupils home early or for a 'cooling off' period is deemed unlawful.

Elizabeth Archer, of Ambitious About Autism, told The Times: 'If our sample is reflective then around 20,000 children in England are being illegally deprived of some parts of their education this year.

'Official exclusions are supposed to trigger the school and local authority to look again at whether needs are being met. We believe that if children with autism had their needs met in school these exclusions would be nowhere near this level.'

In people with autism, genetic mutations in their sensory nerve cells means they might feel touch at a heightened or exaggerated level, triggering anxiety and behavioural problems

WHAT IS AUTISM? Autism is a serious lifelong developmental disability. It affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. Autism can be viewed as a spectrum disorder and is often referred to as ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). At one end, the mild form is characterised by an individual finding it difficult to engage with people or cope with everyday interactions. They may have repetitive and limited patterns of behaviour and be stuck in a strict routine and be resistant to change. At the other end of the spectrum, an individuals behaviour may be disruptive, aggressive and unpredictable, both to themselves and to others. These sufferers may never speak and seem to be locked away in their own world. They are in a state of constant stress and their families are often driven to desperation. - The Fred Foundation Advertisement

The report also found that nearly three quarters of parents find getting the right support in school for their autistic child so stressful it causes them to lose sleep.

Meanwhile, 80 per cent of children with autism find school so stressful they experience anxiety about attending every day. More than half of these find this anxiety so debilitating that they miss school days as a result.

Jonathan Andrews, chair of the charity's youth council, said he was 'shocked and appalled' that young people with autism 'could be let down in this way'.

He told the report: 'Every child deserves access to a good quality education, and children with autism are no exception.

'Many show great interest in learning, and have great skills to offer the world which education is instrumental to developing  but they need to be supported properly through this.

'Awareness of autism and other special educational needs among teachers is vital if we want to provide young people with autism a strong start in life, rather than repeating the examples of poor practice.

'It is only then that young people with autism can feel truly understood, avoid being excluded and stigmatised because of who they are; and grow up happy, confident, and able to both enjoy and make the most of their education, and to use the skills it grants to benefit society.'
FBI director James Comey has said people have 'no idea' whether police shootings are getting worse despite outrage over the killing of black people.

He said dramatic videos of fatal police encounters and the lack of reliable data about how often police use force have fueled a belief that 'biased police are killing black men at epidemic rates'.

'It is a narrative driven by video images of real and gut-wrenching misconduct, by images of possible misconduct, by images of perceived misconduct,' he said.

'It's a narrative given force by the awesome power of human empathy.'

FBI director James Comey said videos of deadly law enforcement encounters has led people to think 'biased police are killing black men at epidemic rates'

The FBI director's comments come at a time when parts of the nation are restless due to the rising number of videos showing law enforcement using deadly force.

A string of fatal police shootings - from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to St Paul, Minnesota - has left many Americans demanding law enforcement reforms and greater accountability.

The 'Black Lives Matter' motto was coined in 2013, but ignited when Michael Brown, 18, was fatally shot by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, in August 2014.

That was followed by other high-profile killings of black men and boys by police in other American cities including Baltimore and Cleveland.

The various shootings has sparked racial tensions and violent protests in the US about alleged disparities in policing.

The FBI director's comments come at a time when parts of the nation are restless due to the rising number of videos showing law enforcement using deadly force

But speaking at a gathering of police chiefs in San Diego, Mr Comey said Americans have 'no idea whether the number of black people... being shot by police is up, down or sideways' in recent years.

He added: 'They have no idea of these things because we [in federal government] have no idea of these things.'

He said that 'in the absence of information we have anecdotes' and a 'small group of videos serves as an epidemic.'

That narrative creates a wedge between law enforcement and the public, keeping 'good officers in their car'.

He added: 'Our officers see the videos. They desperately do not want to be in one. They think about that all the time.'

While there are 'bad cops', such people exist in all industries, he pointed out.

He added: 'The truth is this: police officers are overwhelming good people... they want to help people.'

He said the videos shared widely across the internet also lead to distrusting people in the community staying quiet instead of sharing information with police after a crime.

This 'gap of distrust' led to 'more dead young black men', he said.

He added: 'In places like Chicago, we know what the chasm looks like and how much pain it causes.'
Flying the ISIS flag is perfectly legal in Sweden and does not constitute a hate crime, a prosecutor has decided.

Prosecutor Gisela Sjovall said it was not a hate crime because ISIS detest everybody, and not just one identifiable group.

Last week she decided not to prosecute a 23-year-old Syrian migrant who put the infamous black ISIS flag on his Facebook page in June.

The black ISIS flag has become a symbol of terror in the Middle East, as feared as the swastika was during World War II

Police in Laholm, near Gothenburg, launched a criminal investigation into the man on suspicion of committing 'hate speech'.

The Local reported that Ms Sjovall said: 'Put simply, one can say that he is expressing contempt for "all others" and not against a specific ethnic group.'

She said while the swastika was a symbol of anti-Semitism, the same could not be said of the ISIS flag as the organisation, sometimes known as Daesh, hated Christians, Shia Muslims, Yazidis, gays and numerous other groups as well as Jews.

Flying the ISIS flag on your Facebook page (pictured) is not a hate crime in Sweden, it has been ruled

She told the Hallandsposten newspaper: 'Up until now, we haven't come to that point. That could change in ten years.'

For an image or statement to represent 'incitement to hatred' under Swedish law it needs to threaten or disparage a group of persons in connection to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religious belief or sexual orientation.

Sjovall said: 'If there had been anything in the text with more specific formulations about certain groups, for example homosexuals, the ruling could have been different.'

When police arrested the man and questioned him he told them he did not support ISIS and said the flag was used more widely among Muslims.

The black flag mostly commonly used by ISIS fighters features a line of white text above a white circle which carries black writing.

When the man was questioned in June, he told police he did not in fact support Islamic State.

'He claims that this is not an IS flag, but instead a symbol which has is used within Islam, and which has been used for many hundreds of years before it was misappropriated by IS,' his lawyer Bjorn Nilsson told Hallandsposten newspaper.

The black 'Banner of the Eagle' was banned from a public demonstration in the Netherlands in August 2014, and is forbidden in Germany.

In October 2014 British police arrested a man, Ali Iqbal, who was flying a black Islamic flag in a shop in Walthamstow, east London.

But they dropped charges after accepting his argument that it was a traditional Islamic flag, which had been hijacked by ISIS.
Seven prisoners have been beheaded and another six burned to death in horrific clashes between rival gangs at a prison in Brazil.

The police say at least 25 inmates have been killed in the bloody fighting at the Monte Cristo prison in the city of Boa Vista, capital of rural Roraima state in northern Brazil.

Brazil's prisons are notoriously over-crowded and brutal.

The rioters took to the roof of the prison after the violence inside

The commander of the Police Special Operations Battalion, Captain Falkner Ferreira, said trouble broke out during visiting hours when some inmates broke padlocks and attacked those in another wing, who are believed to have been members of a rival gang.

The rioters also took 100 women visitors hostage.

The BBC said the hostages had been freed and the riot ended, although it did not make clear if the police had quelled it.

The Roraima state government said it was waiting to confirm the death toll.

Captain Ferreira said prisoners had been armed with knives and wooden sticks.

The violence at Monte Cristo prison led to 25 deaths. The jail was terribly overcrowded

Brazil has the fourth largest prison population in the world, with 600,000 inmates packed into a number of increasingly ramshackle jails.

At Monte Cristo 1,400 inmates were being held in a prison which was supposed to have a capacity of half that figure.
A funny clip has been released of a former marine flaunting his big, luscious lips - that he got after being stung by wasps.

Jose Rivas, from League City, Texas, posted the footage on Facebook after he was stung in the mouth by two yellow jackets.

The video has now been viewed more than 11million times on social media with some 38,000 comments.

In the clip, the amateur comedian said: 'Ladies, instead of spending thousands of dollars on those collagen injections just to get those vibrant, luscious lips you've always wanted, here's an easy tip, just have two wasps sting you.'

He joked: 'Kim Kardashian going to be looking at your lips for days. Can't handle all this.'

Rivas said he was reaching for his keys when he was attacked by the flying pests.

Viewers were quick to find the funny side of the footage.

A funny clip has been released of a former marine flaunting his big, luscious lips - that he got after being stung by wasps

Katie Carter said: 'This totally made my day'.

Sanda Rivera wrote: 'That is funny!'

On a more serious note Patrick Lutali, from Michigan, said: 'Hate those yellow jackets. Overly aggressive in the fall.'

Jose Rivas, from League City, Texas, posted the footage on Facebook after he was stung in the mouth by two yellow jackets

On a more serious note Patrick Lutali, from Michigan, said: 'Hate those yellow jackets (pictured). Overly aggressive in the fall' (File photo)
The Karen National Union said it its letter that it was deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. On this sad occasion, the Karen National Union would like to express its deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Family, the government and the people of Thailand.

The KNU praised the work of the King and said that His Majesty was a remarkable King, who dedicated his entire life to the betterment of the country and the people of Thailand, and the wellbeing of the hill tribes without discrimination as to their status, ethnicity or religious persuasion.

The KNU said that His Majesty had brought peace and prosperity to the people of Thailand, His Majesty had devoted his life and worked tirelessly for improvement of life of the common people. There is no doubt that His Majestys wisdom and devotion were an enduring source of strength and comfort for the people in the Kingdom.

The KNU paid tribute and offered thanks for His Majestys wise leadership and graciousness will be remembered by the KNU forever, especially with regard to the fact that thousands of innocent Karen, Karenni and Mon peoples are still able to find refuge and security, and over a million migrant workers from Burma have been able to find decent work and care in Thailand.
A jealous ex-boyfriend smashed up his former partner's sex toy in a rage and later claimed 'she loved that thing more than me'.

Rich Moore, 33, destroyed the 30 'bullet' sex toy and a pair of Sarah Mills' sunglasses when he went to her home to collect his things after the break-up.

Miss Mills, 34, complained to the police and he was charged with criminal damage after the episode, shortly after the couple - who have two children together - split.

Rich Moore smashed up his former partner's sex toy in a rage and later claimed 'she loved that thing more than me'

Mr Moore said he 'ripped' up the sex toy, which he had bought for her for 30. Stock image

After appearing in court, Mr Moore told The Sun: 'I was fed up. She moved another fella in pretty much straight away after I paid for her to go on holiday to Lanzarote.

'Ive gone to get my stuff and I came across the glasses and smashed them. Then I found the dildo and I just ripped it up. It was one of those bullet ones.

'She loved the dildo more than me, thats why I got the hump with it. I bought it, it cost me 30.'

The couple had been together for seven years and had moved away to Canada, returning to London in 2014.

Miss Mills, 34, complained to the police and he was charged with criminal damage after the episode and Mr Moore appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court (pictured)

Mr Moore, a builder from Orpington, south London, called the case 'ridiculous' and a 'waste of taxpayers' money' after the hearing at Croydon Magistrates' Court.

He claims he offered to pay for the sex toy when interviewed by police, but the case was brought to court anyway.

Mr Moore admitted smashing the sex toy and the sunglasses, but disputed the cost of them, claiming they cost 20 instead of Miss Mills' report that they were 200.
Gennifer Flowers has released further snippets of secretly recorded phone conversations with Bill Clinton in which she brands him an 'equal opportunity f*****'.

Flowers claims she had a 12-year affair with Clinton, beginning in 1977, and recorded their phone calls between December 1990 and December 1991 after they stopped seeing each other.

In one phone conversation, aired on Aaron Klein Investigative Radio, Clinton spoke to Flowers about rumors he had a relationship with a 'beautiful' woman as they discussed a jingles company that the woman worked for.

When Flowers mentioned the woman's name, Clinton asked: 'The one I allegedly had an affair with?'

When Flowers confirmed, Clinton laughed: 'The only time I ever saw her was at the inaugural. She was so good looking I wished it was true.'

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Gennifer Flowers held a news conference on January 27, 1992 with her lawyer to allege that she had a 12-year affair with Bill Clinton beginning in 1977

Flowers claims her relationship with Clinton started in 1977. Pictured above is Clinton in 1978

BILL'S PHONE CALL ABOUT A 'BEAUTIFUL' WOMAN Gennifer Flowers: I talked to David Watkins. I have a little company with a guy named [name deleted] and [name deleted] called Concepts Plus, that does jingles Bill Clinton: Yeah. Beautiful [name deleted]. GF: Yes, beautiful BC: The one I allegedly had an affair with? GF: B.B., [name deleted], uh, anyway. Beautiful [name deleted] anyway. BC: The only time I ever saw her was at the inaugural. She was so good looking I wished it was true. GF: Well shes very, shes very talented, too! BC: Is she? Advertisement

Flowers replied: 'Well she's very, she's very talented, too!'

Clinton decided to run for president in October 1991 and allegedly phoned Flowers as he attempted to put to bed rumors of affairs that could discredit his campaign.

'First of all understand when these tapes were made Bill and I were no longer seeing each other I felt several times he was trying to make me jealous,' Flowers told Breitbart.

In another conversation, after a lawsuit for improper dismissal was filed by former Clinton staffer Larry Nichols, Clinton boasted he had 'good taste' in women.

Nichols named Flowers along with four other women in his lawsuit, including former Miss America Elizabeth Ward Gracen and former Miss Arkansas Lencola Sullivan. He claimed Clinton had affairs with all five women but later dropped the lawsuit.

At the time Clinton called Flowers to talk about the list of names and said: 'Bill Simmons read me the list. I said, "God, Bill, I kinda hate to deny that!"'

Gennifer Flowers claimed on Friday that in the first year of her alleged 12-year affair with Bill Clinton, he personally paid $200 for her to get an abortion

On January 23, 1992 - before Clinton was elected president - tabloid The Star named Flowers as Clinton's mistress

THE LIST OF RUMORED AFFAIRS Bill Clinton: Bill Simmons read me the list. I said, God, Bill, I kinda hate to deny that!. Gennifer Flowers: You know what I said? I said, At least hes an equal op opportunity f*****! Bill Clinton: Ive got good taste. Advertisement

Flowers laughed: 'You know what I said? I said, "At least he's an equal op opportunity f****r!"'

Clinton replied: 'I've got good taste.'

Flowers made her recorded tape public back in the 90s before Clinton became president in 1993.

Now, as his wife Hillary Clinton makes her bid to become America's first female president, Flowers - a Trump supporter - is releasing more segments from the tapes.

On Friday, she told the same radio show that her 'heart sunk' when she realized that Bill Clinton was going to stay married instead of be with her after she allegedly became pregnant with his baby.

The now-66-year-old alleges that Clinton personally paid $200 for her to get an abortion that same year, which was also when she says she learned that Hillary Clinton was aware of the alleged affair.

Clinton was already married to Hillary Clinton (the couple pictured together in the 1970s) when his alleged affair with Flowers began

Hillary and Bill married in October 1975. Clinton and Flowers allegedly began their affair two years later, in 1977

Speaking to Aaron Klein Investigative Radio, Flowers described her abortion as 'not only physically painful but it was very psychologically painful'.

In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com in 2013, Flowers spoke of her deep regret at allegedly turning down Clinton's pleas to talk ten years ago and revealed her belief that they would still be together today, were it not the birth of Clinton's daughter, Chelsea.

She said: 'We have some unresolved issues that it would be nice to sit down and talk about now. He was the love of my life and I was the love of his life and you don't get over those things.'

It has been 24 years since Flowers' allegations of a long-running affair with then Democratic candidate Bill Clinton became the most sensational event of the 1992 campaign.

On January 23, 1992 tabloid The Star named Flowers as Clinton's mistress. Three days later Clinton and wife Hillary appeared on 60 Minutes, side by side, flat denying the claim.

Clinton and wife Hillary appeared on 60 minutes, side by side, flat denying the affair after The Star named Flowers as Clinton's mistress in January 1992

Flowers (right) gave a deposition in Paula Jones' sexual harassment lawsuit against Clinton. She's pictured above along with her attorney Rugger Burke, arriving at a Dallas law firm for the deposition

Following her alleged affair with Clinton, Flowers found a career singing. She used to own a cabaret club where she used to perform nightly

Six years later Clinton admitted to having sexual relations with Flowers 'one time' in 1977 in his deposition to lawyers representing former Arkansas State employee Paula Jones in her sexual harassment lawsuit against him.

By then Flowers was already well and truly defined by the scandal which had made her a household name.

Apparently driven on by the belief that the 'truth will set you free,' she proceeded to tell her story in a best-selling book and pose for Penthouse magazine.

Penthouse alone reportedly earned her close to $1million in the aftermath of the scandal.

She said: 'I was singing in nightclubs, wearing very sexy outfits and gowns, a very independent liberated woman. I was the Madonna of my day  in Little Rock.'

Today Flowers lives in New Orleans and sings regularly,though no longer owns the cabaret club where she used to perform nightly.

'I love singing,' she said. 'It's who I am. That's who I am today I've had the opportunity as time has gone on to put things in their place in my head and move forward.

'But,' she admitted. 'I'm still affected by it, the Clintons in some way every day and every day something happens that sparks a memory.

'It was a defining moment in American culture absolutely and to an extent I paid a high price for my honesty.'
Turkey has warned the world will be plunged into a global conflict with America and Russia on opposing sides if the war in Syria cannot be resolved.

Turkish deputy prime minister Numan Kurtulmus made the comments as tensions between Washington and Moscow surged in the last week with the US pulling the plug on Syria talks and accusing Russia of hacking attacks.

It comes as his country and Western allies have been calling for Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to step down, while Russia is a key backer of the regime in Damascus alongside Iran.

A young Syrian boy trapped in rubble waits to be rescued from a building following an airstrike in Aleppo

A member of the Syrian Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, rescues a young Syrian boy in the rebel-held Qaterji neighbourhood

The young boy was then taken to hospital for treatment. It comes as there has been warnings the Syria conflict could plunge the world into a global conflict

Mr Kurtulmus said: 'If this proxy war continues, after this, let me be clear, America and Russia will come to a point of war.'

He then warned that the Syrian conflict had put the world 'on the brink of the beginning of a large regional or global war.'

Relations between the Russia and the U.S were already at their lowest since the Cold War over the Ukraine conflict.

Last week, US Secretary of State John Kerry called for a war crimes investigation after accusing Moscow and the regime of deliberately bombing hospitals as a Russian-backed assault on Aleppo in northern Syria continues.

Turkey has warned the world will be plunged into a global conflict with America and Russia on opposing sides if the war in Syria cannot be resolved. Pictured are rescuers searching through rubble after an airstrike in Aleppo

While earlier this month, Russia said it was suspending joint research with the United States on nuclear energy projects earlier this month.

The Turkish Deputy Prime Minster's warning comes as it was reported that at least 12 civilians in Aleppo were killed in airstrikes, bring the number of dead in 24 hours to 45.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said five children were among the dead on Monday in the rebel-held district of Marjeh in east Aleppo. Dozens more people were wounded or still trapped under rubble.

The US and Britain acknowledged, the Western world's weak support for any military action against Syria's government

Of the 45 civilians killed, the highest number of dead were in Qaterji, where Russian raids claimed 17 lives overnight, said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.

Meanwhile yesterday the US and Britain acknowledged, the Western world's weak support for any military action against Syria's government.
Clip taken in Mosul captures five 'spies' being shot in the back of the head

This is the moment jihadists spray-painted a prisoner and blasted him to death with a shotgun for daubing anti-ISIS graffiti on a wall in Iraq.

Fanatics filmed themselves spraying the top of a man's head and using the black paint as a target before shooting him at close range in Mosul.

The gruesome killing is followed by a mass execution of men accused of being spies with some of the footage captured by a drone hovering above.

The video emerged as a huge military assault - backed by coalition airstrikes - was launched in a bit to recapture the northern city.

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Gruesome: Video shows jihadists spray-painting a prisoner and blasting him to death with a shotgun for daubing anti-ISIS graffiti on a wall in Iraq

Fanatics filmed themselves spraying the top of a man's head and using the black paint as a target before shooting him at close range in Mosul

The gruesome killing is followed by a mass execution of men accused of being spies with some of the footage captured by a drone hovering above

In an 11-minute film called 'Deterring the Hirelings 2', men are forced to kneel with their backs to a wall before a jihadist approaches with a spray can.

The 'first person-style' video then shows the fanatic spraying black paint on the head of one of the prisoners before the executioner uses a shotgun to murder him at point blank range.

Later in the same video, five blindfolded men dressed in orange jumpsuits are dragged to the middle of a road in Mosul surrounded by crowds of residents.

Drone footage shows the men, who had been accused of being part of a resistance movement, kneeling in the street while extremists dressed in military outfits stand behind them with hand guns.

Moments later, close-up video shows them being shot in the back of the head.

In an 11-minute film called 'Deterring the Hirelings 2', men are forced to kneel with their backs to a wall before a jihadist approaches with a spray can

Five blindfolded men dressed in orange jumpsuits are dragged to the middle of a road in Mosul surrounded by crowds of residents

The video was a chilling warning to Mosul residents as the terror group prepared to dig in against Iraqi government and Kurdish forces.

A long-awaited offensive, backed by US-led coalition air and ground support is underway to liberate the city.

Convoys of Iraqi, Kurdish and U.S. forces moved east of Mosul along the front line as airstrikes sent plumes of smokes into the air and heavy artillery rounds could be heard.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the operations on state television, launching the country on its toughest battle since American troops left nearly five years ago.

Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, has been under ISIS rule for more than two years and is still home to more than a million civilians according to UN estimates.

'These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity. They are there for your sake,' al-Abadi said, addressing the city's residents and using the Arabic language acronym for ISIS.

At one point the video shows a jihadist ranting at prisoners in an ISIS jail in Mosul

The men, who had been accused of being part of a resistance movement, were forced to kneel in the street before being executed

'God willing, we shall win,' he added, flanked by military commanders.

The push to retake Mosul will be the largest military operation in Iraq since American troops left in 2011 and, if successful, the biggest blow yet to the Islamic State. Al-Abadi pledged the fight for the city would lead to the liberation of all Iraqi territory from the militants this year.

In Washington, Defense Secretary Ash Carter called the launch of the Mosul operation 'a decisive moment in the campaign' to deliver a lasting defeat to ISIS.

Iraqi forces have been massing around the city in recent days, including elite special forces that are expected to lead the charge into the city, as well as Kurdish forces, Sunni tribal fighters, federal police and Shiite militia forces.

South of Mosul, Iraqi military units are based at the sprawling Qayara air base, but to the city's east, men are camped out in abandoned homes as the tens of thousands of troops massed around the city have overwhelmed the few military bases in the area.

The video was a chilling warning to Mosul residents as the terror group prepared to dig in against Iraqi government and Kurdish forces

Graphic video shows the men being gunned down in front of a crowd of people in Mosul

Kurdish forces are stationed to the north and east of Mosul, a mostly Sunni city that has long been a center of insurgent activity and anti-central government sentiment after the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Iraqi officials have warned that the Mosul operation has been rushed before a political agreement has been set for how the city will be governed after IS.

Lt. Col. Amozhgar Taher with Iraq's Kurdish forces, also known as the peshmerga, said his men would only move to retake a cluster of mostly Christian and Shabak villages east of Mosul and would not enter the city itself due to their concern for 'sectarian sensitivities.'

'To eliminate the threat we must eliminate (ISIS) from Mosul,' Taher said at a makeshift base in an abandoned house along the front line, some 30km east of Mosul.

Iraqi special forces Lt. Col. Ali Hussein said the Kurdish forces are leading the first push on Mosul's eastern front. His men were also anxious to move out to the front line, though he said he expects they will wait near the town of Khazer for another day or two.

The video emerged as a huge military assault - backed by coalition airstrikes - was launched in a bit to recapture the northern city

A long-awaited offensive, backed by US-led coalition air and ground support is underway to liberate the city

Mosul fell to ISIS fighters during the militants' June 2014 blitz that left nearly a third of Iraq in the extremists' hands and plunged the country into its most severe crisis since the US-led invasion.

After seizing Mosul, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi visited the city to declare an Islamic caliphate that at one point covered nearly a third of Iraq and Syria.

But since late last year, the militants have suffered battlefield losses in Iraq and their power in the country has largely shrunk to Mosul and small towns in the country's north and west. Mosul is about 225 miles northwest of the capital, Baghdad.

The operation to retake Mosul is expected to be the most complex yet for Iraq's military, which has been rebuilding from its humiliating 2014 defeat.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, said in a statement that the operation to regain control of Mosul could take 'weeks, possibly longer.'

Earlier, Iraqi Brig. Gen Haider Fadhil told The Associated Press in an interview that more than 25,000 troops, including paramilitary forces made up of Sunni tribal fighters and Shiite militias, will take part in the offensive that will be launched from five directions around the city.

The role of the Shiite militias has been particularly sensitive, as Nineveh, where Mosul is located, is a majority Sunni province and Shiite militia forces have been accused of carrying out abuses against civilians in other operations in majority Sunni parts of Iraq.

Fadhil voiced concern about potential action from Turkish troops based in the region of Bashiqa, northeast of Mosul. Turkey sent troops to the area late last year to train anti-ISIS fighters there.

Mosul fell to ISIS fighters during the militants' June 2014 blitz that left nearly a third of Iraq in the extremists' hands and plunged the country into its most severe crisis since the US-led invasion

But Baghdad has seen the Turkish presence as a 'blatant violation' of Iraqi sovereignty and has demanded the Turkish troops withdraw, a call Ankara has ignored.

Military operations are also predicted to displace 200,000 to a million people, according to the United Nations. Just a few kilometers from the eastern front line, rows of empty camps for displaced civilians line the road, but aid groups say they only have enough space for some 100,000 people.

In Geneva, a senior U.N. official said he's 'extremely concerned' for the safety of civilians in Mosul. Stephen O'Brien, the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said that as many as '1 million people may be forced to flee their homes in a worst-case scenario.'

He warned that families are at 'extreme risk' of being caught in crossfire, and that tens of thousands may end up besieged or held as human shields and thousands could be forcibly expelled.

Aleksandar Milutinovic, the Iraq country director for the International Rescue Committee, said the population of Mosul is not all supporters of ISIS, 'they're just people who had no other opportunity or a place to go' and urged Iraqi forces to 'show will and a very serious commitment to protecting civilians and ensuring their wellbeing.'

In the midst of a deep financial crisis, the Iraqi government says it lacks the funds to adequately prepare for the humanitarian fallout of the Mosul fight. In some cases commanders say they are encouraging civilians to stay in their homes rather than flee.
An 11-month-old baby girl found unconscious on the floor with horrific injuries was in the care of her aunt's de facto who said she fell from her cot.

Police were called to a home on Landa Street in Lithgow, NSW, to reports a baby girl had fallen from her cot, just before 8.50pm on Sunday, 9News reported.

The baby was treated at the scene before being airlifted to Westmead Hospital with serious head injuries where she underwent emergency surgery.

An 11-month-old baby girl is fighting for her life after emergency services found her unconscious on the floor with serious head injuries

She was taken to hospital were she suffered a cardiac arrest and was then flown to Westmead Hospital with serious head injuries to undergo emergency surgery

The infant is believed to have underwent major surgery to relieve pressure on her brain and could be left with permanent damage.

'Detectives are conducting investigations to establish how the girl sustained her injuries and urge anyone with information to contact police,' a NSW Police spokeswoman said.

The baby was found on the floor, the 11-month-old was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics and taken to Lithgow Hospital where she went into cardiac arrest.

She was then airlifted to Westmead Hospital and remains in a critical condition with head injuries.

The baby (left) was in the care of her aunt's de facto (right) when emergency services were called

The baby was treated at the scene before being airlifted to Westmead Hospital where it is understood she is having emergency surgery

After she was found on the floor, the 11-month-old was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics

Detectives established a crime scene at the Lithgow home to try and determine how the little girl sustained her critical injuries.

Police are questioning a man and a woman who are believed to be cooperating with police.

'Police are still continuing forensic examination of the house in relation to ongoing investigations,' Sergeant Darryl Goodwin said.

The baby girl remains in a critical condition with her parents at her bedside.

Just before 8.50pm on Sunday, police were called to a home on Landa Street in Lithgow

After she was found on the floor, the 11-month-old was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics and taken to Lithgow Hospital

The infant underwent major surgery to relieve pressure on her brain and could be left with permanent damage
A mother who was left 'devastated' after her dream trip to Disney World was cancelled due to Hurricane Matthew got a surprise visit at home from Mickey Mouse.

Charlene Casha, from Bowmanville in Ontario, Canada, broke down in tears after receiving a knock on the door from the Disney character.

Daughter Cynthia had organised for Mickey to visit to cheer up her mother, who was unable to fulfill her long-held desire to go to the Orlando resort.

Charlene Casha, from Bowmanville in Ontario, Canada, broke down in tears after receiving a knock on the door from Mickey Mouse

Footage shows Mickey Mouse appearing at their family home, saying: 'As I didn't get to see you there, I came here to see you.'

Charlene hugs the character and bursts into tears as she is handed a bouquet of flowers.

When her mother asks why her daughter arranged this, Cynthia explains: 'You didn't get to see Mickey in Florida so he came to see you'.

Cynthia said her mother, who has suffered a stroke in the past, had dreamed for decades of visiting Disney World and finally saved up to book the four-day holiday.

She had been left 'devastated' after her dream trip to Disney World was cancelled due to Hurricane Matthew

But she was forced to cancel it due to Hurricane Matthew, which wreaked havoc in Florida.

She said: 'Mum was absolutely devastated so I decided to try and cheer her up.

'After looking online for Mickey Mouse costumes, I came across a lady who rents them out.

'I made arrangements with my grandma to make sure mum answered the door and there were instant tears.

'Having Mickey surprise her more or less made up for her dreams not becoming reality like she had hoped.'
A Thai farmer has been killed after he inflated a tyre on his tractor with too much air and it exploded in his face.

The farmer, named as Bunrot Khamkasikan, 56, had been trying to inflate the tyre on the left hand side of his tractor when he was killed in the freak accident.

It is believed the explosion caused the wheel rim on the vehicle to become detached and it flew off, hitting him in the face and killing him instantly.

The accident happened in the north western Thai province of Nikhom Thung Pho Thalee, pictured, last week

The accident happened in the north western Thai province of Nikhom Thung Pho Thalee last week.

According to Thai Visa, the farmer's sister-in-law said that he had been out in his tractor before the incident fertilising his fields.

She added that he came back to his house for lunch and told her he wanted to do some maintenance on his vehicle.

However, soon after she heard a massive explosion and rushed outside to find him dead in a pool of blood.

He had suffered multiple fractures to his arms and fatal injuries to his head.

His body was also found two metres away from the tractor due to the force of the explosion.

The accident is also said to have happened while his wife was away visiting relatives nearby.

Police have been investigating his death but have suggested it was an accident.
Scotland Yard is to hand out 22,000 body cameras to its frontline officers.

The 10million project will effectively turn every London officer into a roving CCTV camera by next summer.

Senior police say the cigarette pack-sized devices will reduce complaints against the force and capture evidence to help convict violent criminals. It is thought the Metropolitan Police initiative will be followed by other forces.

But critics fear the cameras could change the way the public interacts with the police if people believe their every word and action is being captured.

Scroll down for video.

More than 22,000 Met Police officers will soon be wearing Body Worn Video (BWV) cameras like this officer today outside Lewisham Police Station

The cameras will be issued to London's 32 boroughs and to a number of frontline specialist roles, including overt firearms officers. Pictured: PC Thomas Cupid wears a Body Worn Video

There are also concerns about how the footage is stored and whether police could try to combine it with controversial facial or voice recognition software. This would give analysts the opportunity to identify anyone caught on camera, but would trigger a fierce legal row over intrusion.

Many police forces are already experimenting with body-worn video cameras but the high-profile Met initiative underlines the technologys importance.

A deal has been signed with Axon, part of the Taser stun gun group, to equip neighbourhood and response officers in every one of the capitals 32 boroughs.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (second from right) and the Met's commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe (second from left) joined officers wearing the cameras on their first beat in south-east London

They will be worn by officers in various roles, including firearms officers who patrol the capitals transport hubs and landmarks.

The camera is constantly running and will secure 30 seconds of silent footage prior to a large record button being pressed, which is located on the front.

The 3oz devices can be switched on to record at any time and can hold between four and 13 hours of footage. Officers have been told to inform people they are being filmed as soon as possible and a red flashing light will be visible on the unit.

The images will be automatically uploaded to servers operated by Microsoft and subsequently deleted within 31 days unless flagged for use as evidence.

Anyone filmed by an officer will be able to apply within this period to view it under freedom of information legislation.

The Met hopes the cameras will help restore trust among communities angered by stop and search and tragedies such as the police shooting of Mark Duggan in 2011.

The 10million roll-out is expected to help the police obtain evidence and lead to faster justice as well as transparency

The cameras will be phased in between now and next summer.

Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said a picture paints a thousand words and the devices could help defuse potentially violent situations.

He added: Our experience of using cameras shows that people are more likely to plead guilty when they know we have captured the incident on a camera.

Renate Samson, of Big Brother Watch, said more thought needs to be given to how body-worn cameras affect everyday interactions.

The police are changing their behaviour just as the public are who are being filmed, she said.
Said the they need to 'control' rather than respond to '

Hacked emails released by WikiLeaks show Hillary Clinton's campaign staff worried about bringing up her health or finances because she regarded them as 'hyper sensitive' issues.

Clinton's campaign manager Robby Mook asked campaign chairman John Podesta, whose emails were recently hacked, if he had spoken to the Democratic candidate about taxes and health.

The email was sent via Mook's Gmail account on March 14, 2015 before Clinton's decision to run had been made official.

'Have you talked with her at all about taxes and health? I'm [sic] know both are hyper sensitive but I wonder if both are better dealt with very early so we control them--rather than responding to calls for transparency. What do you think?,' Mook wrote.

Leaked emails show Hillary Clinton's campaign team were hesitant to ask her about her taxes and health because both are 'hyper sensitive' issues

Campaign manager Robby Mook sent an email to campaign chairman John Podesta asking him if he'd spoken to Clinton about the 'hyper sensitive' issues

Podesta's response has not - as of yet - been leaked.

Along with his message, Mook forwarded on a conversation he'd had with other members of Clinton's circle about questions the press might ask.

Nick Merrill, Jennifer Palmieri, Kristina Schake, Tony Carrk, and lawyer Marc Elias were all in on the thread.

Carrk wrote: 'Any mention that she is using her personal money to pay for costs could lead some to use that as an opening to either a) dig deeper into the paid speeches; or b) demand her tax returns to know who is funding the campaign.

'I don't know how likely that is but the press is on a transparency kick. I do remember in 08 after it was announced she put $5million into the campaign before Super Tuesday, the press wanted WJC's [i.e. Bill Clinton's] paid speeches and their tax returns.

'Our answer then was she was using money from her $8million advance on [her book] Living History. In any case, could be nothing but wanted to raise just the same.'

In the same thread Elias included a draft response to the press about Clinton's decision to run for President and how it's being funded.

Clinton's Campaign Chairman John Podesta had his Gmail account hacked and his emails are being released by Wikileaks

'Secretary Clinton has not made any final decision about running for President. She is currently engaged in what the FEC calls "testing the waters".

'Like all people who consider running for office, she has the support of many individuals who have agreed to volunteer their time to help her make this important decision.

'Any actual expenses incurred in this effort are being paid by her personally, and do not require registration or reporting at this time. If and when she becomes a candidate those expense will be reported,' the draft said.

Another email thread from July 31, 2015 shows how Clinton's team then decided to give information out about her health and tax records.

Clinton's director of speechwriting Dan Schwerin proposed a 'proactive disclosure strategy'.

He suggested sending out information from a letter written by Clinton's physician Lisa Bardack to established media outlets.

'We expect the stories that pop at 2 pm to have headlines such as CLINTON IN "EXCELLENT HEALTH," MEDICAL RECORDS SAY  CLINTON RELEASES HEALTH REPORT CLINTON CAMP AIMS TO ONE-UP BUSH IN DISCLOSING FINANCES,' the strategy said.

The candidate's health became a major political issue last month when she collapsed shortly after leaving a 9/11 memorial event because she felt overheated.

Clinton's press secretary Brian Fallon sent an email in July 2015 about the order in which information on the democratic candidate's health and taxes would be released

Fallon and his team hoped that releasing details about Clinton's taxes would give them 'the best possible, fighting chance of promoting the most helpful storylines'

Clinton's press secretary Brian Fallon sent an email about the order in which information would be released.

'We will provide the travelers list with the toplines of Clintons 2014 tax returns, emphasizing their effective tax rates (both federal and state-federal, combined).

'We will also provide advance text of the statement from HRC about how the wealthy  a category in which she includes herself  ought to pay their fair share, not seek to shrink or shirk their obligations. We will provide these materials on embargo until 4 pm. We expect the headlines from this round to include: CLINTONS PAID xx% RATE IN 2014  CLINTON, RELEASING RETURNS, SAYS WEALTHY SHOULD PAY MORE.,' he wrote.

It was noted that once Clinton's tax records were released the media may write more negative stories but the team would have a 'fighting chance' at getting a good response.

'Based on the framing performed in the earlier rounds of stories, we will have given ourselves the best possible, fighting chance of promoting the most helpful storylines (i.e., the superlative of being the first candidate to release her health records, the Clintons high effective tax rate, their call for a more progressive tax code that asks wealthy individuals like themselves to pay more, the heightened transparency of HRCs tax returns as compared to Jebs, etc),' Schwerin wrote.

Also among the hacked emails released this weekend are threads showing Clinton's campaign staff were worried about a response to the gay community's backlash over a comment concerning former First Lady Nancy Reagan and AIDS.

The documents also include transcripts of Clinton speeches and question-and-answer sessions that Goldman Sachs hosted in 2013, appearances for which she received hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The documents were among thousands of emails hacked from the accounts of Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta.
A grieving father says his dying baby daughter was denied a potentially life-saving test because it was too expensive.

After being born prematurely at 25 weeks, Summer Palmer lost her short life 19 days later.

Her parents, Simon Palmer and Lisa Standen, say the blood infection she picked up was not treated, and further tests to identify the disease were not carried out because they were costly.

Simon Palmer (right) and Lisa Standen (left), from Kent, with their baby girl Summer (centre) who died after 19 days

Summer Palmer was born 25 weeks prematurely and picked up a blood infection that left her fighting for her life

They are now demanding answers from Medway Maritime Hospital, in Kent, who looked after Summer in the final days of her life.

Health chiefs at the hospital say a full review will be being carried out.

Mr Palmer, who has taken advice from lawyers, said: 'I feel very angry.

'Weve been told the tests were too expensive. A consultant said that in front of both of us.

'Theyre putting a price on a life, and thats not right.'

Summer was born at Kings College Hospital in London after Miss Standen went into premature labour.

Mr Palmer, 36, said because Summer was premature they expected some health problems but nine days after she was born, weighing just under 2lb, she was well enough to be transferred to Medway to be closer to home.

Summer was born at Kings College Hospital in London (pictured) and the couple were warned to expect some health problems

Miss Standen noticed bruising on Summers feet at Kings, but she was told it was because she was premature and her feet had been rubbing on the bed.

But a test carried out at Medway on September 21 revealed she had neonatal sepsis, a blood infection.

The parents, who held their baby for only a few precious moments, said they were told such infections were generally monitored on a 48-hour basis.

WHAT IS NEONATAL SEPSIS? Neonatal sepsis is a type of neonatal infection. It specifically refers to the presence in a newborn baby of a bacterial blood stream infection, that are also found with meningitis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, or gastroenteritis. It is more common in premature babies. Signs are multiple, nonspecific, and include diminished spontaneous activity, less vigorous sucking, apnea, bradycardia, temperature instability, respiratory distress, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distention, jitteriness, seizures, and jaundice. If caught early it can be treated with antibiotics. Advertisement

But they claim tests, which check how fast the infection spreads, were not done and Summer died on September 25, at 19 days old.

Mr Palmer, from Snodland, Kent, said: 'On the 21st, they happened to randomly do a test. Theyd had their suspicions I guess. Summer had a high reading. But they didnt treat her, they did nothing. It should be treated within 24 hours. And further tests should be carried out 48 hours later.

'On the day she passed away they did another test and the reading was really high.

'Were finding out more and more. Its coming down to medical neglect.

'We want answers and for them to admit they were wrong.

'The hospital say they are going to investigate internally. But we also want to raise awareness of neonatal sepsis.

'There needs to be more training, so nurses know the symptoms and it can be picked up.

'If they catch it in time it can be treated, with antibiotics.'

The post-mortem examination results will not be available for another six weeks but the couple, who have another three children, are now in the process of arranging Summers funeral.

Karen McIntyre, deputy director of nursing (Women and Childrens Directorate) said: 'Naturally, we are extremely concerned to hear of the issues that have been raised.

Medway Maritime Hospital, in Kent, are now carrying out a full review and deputy director of nursing, Karen McIntyre said 'naturally we are extremely concerned and in the meantime we would like to pass on our condolences'

'We understand this is an extremely difficult and distressing time for Simon and Lisa, following the loss of their child.

'In keeping with our normal procedures concerning the death of a child, we will be conducting an urgent review to look at and carefully examine the circumstances surrounding this case.

'We have already met with Simon and Lisa to discuss their initial concerns and will be aiming to meet with them once again, upon completion of our review.

'In the meantime, we would like to pass on our sincere condolences.'
"You can't tell who is craziest: the refugees, the police or those women," said a local shopkeeper. He made a cross over his chest, to express his sincere Serbian bewilderment.

He had just witnessed ten shabby Afghan and Syrian refugees walking past, escorted by ten Women in Black from Serbia, Italy and Spain, themselves escorted by ten policemen and a police car.

By the railway station in downtown Belgrade, the temporary citizens-from-nowhere are living their nomad existences in the the rubble of the so-called Belgrade Waterfront construction project. The refugees loiter all day, hoping for something to happen, between the city bus yards and huge trash-cans full of boxed food that the aid workers supply on a regular basis.

Around five pm there is a kind of tea ceremony where about 800 people gather, most of them arriving from the organized camps where they sleep. They arrive to be heard, to be seen. We Women in Black went to join them to show this Belgrade political scene to our international colleagues.

It' s been now two years since the Syrian refugee crisis seized headlines, but the refugees are not entirely Syrians, but a global peoples' market of Afghans and Nigerians as well. In the beginning there were many more refugees, and far less aid from the locals and the Serbian state. The migrants were simply collapsing on flat surfaces anywhere in Belgrade, urban nooks, parks and lots where they ate, drank and slept.

Now the bus-station square, a favorite place to cluster for obvious reasons, has been fenced and organized. The police are everywhere and a routine has been invented for the nomads. Its scope is international: border walls are being erected around Serbia, blocking the paths into Schengen Europe, where of course the refugees long to go. They come from the perilous South, the imagine safety in the West, and Balkan Serbia is only a transit zone.

I spoke to some : they are 90 percent young men. They aspire to reach France, Germany, Italy and Spain. They have addresses and phone numbers of relatives and allies in those countries, but they have no transit papers and no money.

A Nigerian young man confided me: "Money is the only real problem. If I had the money for travel, trust me: no walls or police could stop me." I believed him, because, although money cannot buy you a happy life, it can swiftly bail you out of misery, in war and in peace.

I remember how I myself smuggled chocolate into wartime Serbia from Hungary by handing cash to the customs officers. Chocolate was pure joy for Serbian children living under sanctions. The same applied to toilet paper, diesel fuel, gasoline, cigarettes, liquor

In the nineties in Serbia, my country was being punished, but nobody thought to build walls around our national borders. On the contrary, in those heady days they built shopping malls, instant ramshackle markets that welcomed the smugglers, mostly everyday people who crossed the borders and illegally brought back suitcases stuffed with subsistence goods for a population in dire straits.

The entire economy had been de-legitimated, so we were all smugglers. The locals from countries around us made plenty of money, for their governments officially supported the sanctions while the population broke them.

Today, by historical contrast, it's Serbia is playing the warm-hearted good cop role. The former villains in the story are generously taking in the refugees, while the international community, morally pinched by the ever-growing breakdown of world-order, pays a lot of the bills. The refugees are not a novelty any more, they are escorted here and there to wherever some shred of bureaucracy or activism will take them.

The official camps were packed long ago, overcrowded with women and children, so many of the more venturesome young men end up as street vagrants, lurking under the bridges, lighting trash-fires in barrels and building makeshift showers and latrines.

I joined a Syrian group at their five o'clock tea-time. Very polite and neat brothers made us tea and poured it into genuine glasses, not plastic containers, as a sign of respect. Syrian refugees in Europe are particularly well educated, as my friend Faisa from Morocco told me: "They are the elite." Here in Serbia the Syrians are the most envied by other refugees, because they are genuine war refugees and the official recognition of their dire situation is a kind of privilege.

It follows that the Syrians sometimes get roughed up in the squats for other refugees and the Belgrade police have to intervene. I asked my tea-drinking hosts, and the other young men who gathered around me: where are your women?

They could not understand my English or Italian, but they had learned some scraps of Serbian. They all knew the word "Mamma!" Everybody' s mamma was either back in the home country, or off in a camp. A few children were visible, but not many.

Belgrade Women in Black never come empty-handed, so they brought the useful, lightweight treats that true refugees appreciate: cigarettes and bananas. We left the covert obscurity under the bridge and began a march with some sick to the local first aid.

>

> The women activists walked in the center, the refugees gathered around them and the police escort formed an outer circle. A police car was a kind of cavalry escort. The Serbian police were the same age as the refugees, but with somewhat lighter skin color and in uniforms.

>

> I talked to the cops. "Where are the refugee women?" I asked. The chief answered me with a sly secretive smile: "You noticed that fact, madame," he said. "You are bright," he complimented me. "Because these are men fit for army service. They came here to conquer Europe, they are on a secret Muslim jihad, they left their women safe behind!"

When I asked the refugees the same question, they echoed the policeman's compliment: "You are very bright madame. Our women are at home hungry, we are here to earn money to help them. But they won't let us make a living; they keep us behind the barbed wire."

The refugees and policemen had one great point of agreement in their paranoid stories. They knew that the same people who had destroyed their nations were the ones attacking them for being transnational. They were punished for the crime of becoming victims.

I guess they blamed the big powers, those with the power to bomb them rather than their own militias and factions, but I didn't want to inquire into the details. As a woman, as an activist, I've seen enough warfare to know its situations. It doesn't take genius to see that a war-shattered society can't integrate its men and women; the genders get scattered and there aren't a lot of women around.

Wars and refugee crises are business as usual for someone, just like the situations in stark situations in barracks, prisons, and hospitals. When there is money involved, it's human trafficking; when even the money fails, then it's sheer disaster.

I have no recipe to solve a world with 60 million refugees in it, but I see more coming. The whole planet is becoming a nomad zone, for various reasons of war, oil, climate, ethnicity, religion, and everyone, especially including the most privileged, is scared that they might be next. The one percenters who own the hot investment money are perhaps the most nomadic among us, so they cannot play the geostrategic game properly any more. Their money cannot by them any security, while the refugees were ardent patriots until their burned their neighbors homes or had them blown up from above. Utopia and dystopia have the same postal code.

So who are the craziest on the street? The refugees, women or the police? A good question, and I think I know the answer, do you?
Guilty: City boss Anthony Constantinou (pictured) assaulted the women at or near his office in the heart of London's Square Mile

A City finance boss sexually assaulted a woman after ramming wasabi into her mouth in an atmosphere likened to the hit Hollywood film Wolf Of Wall Street.

Anthony Constantinou, 34, is facing jail for molesting two women during after-work drinks at or near his firm's high-rise headquarters in the City of London's Heron Tower.

The chief executive of corporate business and solutions company CWM was convicted of two counts of sexual assault and cleared of one count relating to a third woman following a retrial at the Old Bailey.

Constantinou wiped his brow and appeared distressed as the jury delivered guilty verdicts by a majority after deliberating for 14 hours.

The verdicts last month could not be reported until the prosecution announced it would not be seeking another retrial on three more charges of indecent assault on two of the three women on which the jury could not decide.

Constantinou has been photographed socialising with Princess Beatrice and showing Princess Anne around his company premises after agreeing to sponsor the London Boat Show in 2015.

The court heard that in October 2014, Constantinou pushed a woman up against the frosted glass of the reception area and went on to grope and kissed her against her will.

Then in February last year, he assaulted another woman during drinks after a business meeting.

During the meeting, Constantinou threw her mobile against a wall and told her: 'Don't answer phones in my meeting.'

Offices: Constantinou (right), 34, was accused of assaulting the women during after-work drinks at or near his offices in the Heron Tower (pictured left) in the heart of the Square Mile

Constantinou is facing jail for molesting two women during after-work drinks in an atmosphere likened to the hit Hollywood film Wolf Of Wall Street (pictured)

He has been photographed socialising with Princess Beatrice and showing Princess Anne (pictured) around his firm's premises after agreeing to sponsor the London Boat Show in 2015

THE SHOOTING OF 'WOLF OF WALL STREET' GROPER'S FATHER Aristos Constantinou with his wife Elena At around 10pm on New Year's Eve 1984, Aristos Constantinou drove his wife to a party with friends. He took his Range Rover, one of the many symbols of his extraordinary success. The son of a Greek Cypriot master tailor, Aristos had turned his flair for clothes into a multi-million pound business. He came to Britain in the early 1960s and enrolled at the London School of Fashion. Soon he was working out of a back room in Carnaby Street, creating the kind of styles that came to define Swinging London. His brother Achilleas joined him and together they created Ariella Fashions, still a successful brand today. As the business grew, the brothers became seriously rich. They bought large homes next to each other: Achilleas's house was at the top of Hampstead Lane, Aristos's house was on the same corner in The Bishops Avenue. It has seven bedrooms, numerous reception rooms and bathrooms and stands in 2.5 acres. It would probably sell for more than 20 million were its current owner, a Nigerian businessman, to place it on the market today. The brothers married and settled down. Aristos had fallen in love with one of his salesgirls, a captivatingly beautiful 17-year-old known then as Helen. One of the first things he did when she accepted his proposal was to tour the West End buying up copies of the girlie magazines for which she had posed. The home in Bishop's Avenue, Hampstead owned by fashion designer Aristos Constantinou He was 14 years older than her, but it didn't seem to matter. At least, not then. Helen, who has Greek Cypriot roots, changed her name to Elena. They moved into the house in Hampstead and, with their three children and servants, appeared to be a contented family. But when they set off for that party on New Year's eve, the Constantinous were anything but happy. Aristos had learned that his wife was having an affair with one of his young shop managers. She was telling friends that her husband was watching her, having her followed and photographed. Achilleas revealed that after his brother's death, it was discovered he had bought eavesdropping equipment. He is convinced Aristos had decided to divorce Elena. Achilleas, 58, has an impressive memory. He reels off times, dates, names, facts - he has been over the murder and the subsequent investigations so many times he knows it all by heart. He says he will never abandon his efforts to get justice for his dead brother and some might imagine him to be an obsessive, tragic figure who simply cannot get over his grief. Advertisement

Later that night, he picked up a big chunk of hot wasabi paste and shoved it in her mouth, remarking to colleagues that she had a 'cracking arse and tits'.

The woman immediately left the room but was followed by Constantinou, who pinned her against a partition and assaulted her in what she described as a 'disgusting' manner, jurors were told.

She told police that he shoved his tongue in her mouth as if she was 'a piece of meat'.

On the Hollywood film about New York traders, she said: 'It's literally like the film Wolf Of Wall Street.

Constantinou (pictured) remains on bail ahead of his sentencing on November 11

'I just cannot believe it because you never ever think stuff - you never hear - you hear about trading floors but you never see it. So I am kind of going like this is getting out of hand.'

Constantinou, of Barnet, north London, denied all the accusations against him but declined to give evidence.

His legal team put the wasabi incident put down to brash behaviour and said it had been exaggerated by the woman.

Constantinou remains on bail ahead of his sentencing on November 11.

During a brief hearing at the Old Bailey, prosecutor Eloise Marshall explained why the Crown was not going ahead with a further retrial in the new year.

She told the court: 'Initially, we had intended to proceed but the complainants, having time to reflect, do not want to go through the experience again.'

She said the Crown would request that the three remaining counts against Constantinou lie on file.

The City boss was three years old when his fashion tycoon father Aristos Constantinou, was gunned down in his Bishops Avenue mansion in 1985.
Vladimir Putin says Western powers can 'screw themselves' over the threat of more sanctions against Russia.

Putin had been attending a summit in Goa, India, of BRICS nations, where they discussed emerging economies.

However, during an interview with journalists he said that the West could 'get lost' and that sanctions would not solve anything but supress Russia's power.

Vladimir Putin, who says Western powers can 'screw themselves' over the threat of more sanctions against Russia

He told RT: 'Regarding sanctions against Russia, whatever they are said to be linked to, be it events in Ukraine or Syria, I assure you, the aims of those who formulate such a policy [of restrictions] do not solve any concrete problem.'

Putin also added that the Kremlin has no plans to ease it retaliatory measures of boycotting Western food imports. He later said: 'No way, the can get lost.'

But despite the outburst, the official transcript of the interview has now been removed from the Kremlin website.

His comments came as he talked to journalists on a range of other topics including the United States and the upcoming election.

According to the Moscow Times, he said that America had ramped up international problems in a bid to distract voters there from domestic problems.

He explained that 'creating an enemy' was a common tactic to distract voters.

Putin also added that the Kremlin has no plans to ease it retaliatory measures of boycotting Western food imports

Putin added: 'Iran and the Iranian nuclear threat did not work well for that purpose.

'Russia is a more interesting story. In my opinion, this card is being played now.'

However, he stopped short of saying who he was backing in the election although did say he appreciated Donald Trump for his 'calls for co-operation'.

Putin explained: 'Mrs Clinton chose her aggressive rhetoric and aggressive stance with regard to Russia, and Mr Trump, on the contrary, is calling for cooperation, at least against terrorism.

'We will certainly welcome anyone who wants to work with us.'

Putin attended the BRICS summit along with the leaders of Brazil, India, China and South Africa.

Putin attended the BRICS summit along with the leaders of Brazil, India, China and South Africa. Pictured are Brazil's president Michel Temer, Putin, Indian PM Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Africa's President Jacob Zuma

BRICS was formed in 2011 with the aim of using its growing economic and political influence to challenge Western hegemony.

The nations, with a joint estimated GDP of $16 trillion, set up their own bank in parallel to the Washington-based International Monetary Fund and World Bank and hold summits rivalling the G7 forum.
Brisbane and parts of south-east Queensland have been battered by fierce 90km/h winds which left a man injured after a tree branch fell on top of him.

More than 14,500 homes were without power on Monday night after the storm downed power lines as the weather system swept across to the east coast.

Terrifying footage captured by one resident caught up in the chaos showed a trampoline taking off as it was picked up by the winds, while rain could be seen lashing down sideways.

Brisbane and south east Queensland have been battered by fierce 90kph winds, with this trampoline swept along by the storms

Terrifying footage captured by residents caught up in the chaos showed trampolines taking off as they were picked up by the winds, while rain could be seen lashing down sideways

A man was injured when a tree branch fell on top of him as the winds hit Toowoomba

A man in his 40s was injured when a gum tree branch near came down and landed on top him, 7 News reported.

The man, who lives near Toowoomba, was taken to hospital with internal chest injuries but was in a stable condition.

Meanwhile as many as 14,500 homes are without power, including 2,000 in Brisbane.

The entire town of Warwick was without electricity on Monday evening following the powerful storm, according to the ABC.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning earlier in the day. These have since been lifted as they storm has passed.

Fire officials warned residents to stay inside during the storm.

More than 14,500 homes were without power on Monday night after the storm downed power lines as it swept across to the east coast

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning earlier in the day as the storm struck

While it is now safe to go outside, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has warned people to look out for fallen trees and power lines.

Motorists have also been advised to avoid driving through any floodwaters.

The storm is now expected to hit Gold Coast and head further south throughout the evening, with 90kph winds expected there too.
MPs and peers are recruiting a full-time 'personal security adviser' amid fears over the growing threat they face away from parliament.

In an apparent sign that politicians are not satisfied with the level of support from local police forces, the new role is being created by the Houses of Parliament.

The duties of the 60,000-a-year post will include providing 'tailored practical advice to Members of both Houses and their staff regarding their security away from the parliamentary estate'.

The House authorities have been concerned at the level of security on offer for politicians and their unwillingness to take it up

The move comes after the Commons awarded a contract to Chubb Fire and Security to supply a 'standard' package of protection.

The firm is currently contacting all MPs to install measures, thought to include locks and alarms, at their main homes, constituency homes and offices.

Previously members were able to request such safeguards but the take up had been low.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) announced an 'enhanced' package for politicians off the parliamentary estate in January, which can be accessed if police assess there is a heightened threat to individuals.

A survey carried out by the Commons authorities last year revealed extreme concern about their own safety and that of their staff.

The threat from terrorism and members of the public is believed to have escalated, with some female MPs facing a wave of misogynist abuse on social media.

The dangers were thrown into sharper relief by the brutal killing of Labour MP Jo Cox outside a library in her constituency in June.

Labour MP Jo Cox was brutally killed outside a library in her constituency in June

Senior sources told MailOnline a 'great deal of progress has been made in a very short space of time'.

More than 224,000 was spent on security through Ipsa between the day of the killing and the end of August, according to details revealed under Freedom of Information rules.

That compared to 347,000 spent over the whole of 2015.

But the House authorities are still concerned about the quality of security on offer for MPs.

Local police forces are responsible for assessing risks for the politicians in their areas.

The Personal Security Advisor will be based in the Parliamentary Security Directorate at Westminster, with a salary listed as up to 61,868.

Among their responsibilities will be liaising with police, Ipsa and Chubb to ensure safety is prioritised, according to a job advert.

They will also provide 'briefings and training to Members and constituency staff on personal security, working closely with the police and other stakeholders'.
Boss: Russia Today editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan claimed NatWest has frozen the broadcaster's bank accounts

Wealthy Russians are preparing to remove their money from NatWest in protest after the bank froze the accounts of Kremlin-backed TV channel Russia Today, it has been claimed.

Margarita Simonyan, 36, editor of the news network, said she has been contacted by a number of customers who are pledging to bank elsewhere in solidarity with the channel.

She had earlier taken to social media to reveal that all of Russia Today's UK bank accounts had been closed, adding: 'Long live freedom of speech!'

It comes as the governments in Britain and the US said they are considering economic sanctions against Russia and Syria if the Aleppo bombing continues.

The British government has denied any involvement in the move which has been slammed as a 'violation of press freedom' by Russian MPs.

Ms Simonyan took to Facebook on Monday to share an email which she claims she received from a frustrated NatWest customer who had been with the bank since 2003.

'According to press reports, you have arbitrarily decided to close the RT NEWS bank accounts.

'Since this is my favorite news media, I am going to arbitrarily refuse your services. I sincerely hope that my example will follow thousands of other account holders who share my beliefs.

'Perhaps you can recommend me another bank - one that is engaged in banking activities and will not go into politics?'

Frozen accounts: RT published a letter it claimed to have been sent by NatWest, which said: 'We have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us'

Ms Simonyan (right) once received flowers from Vladimir Putin on her 25th birthday

NatWest, which is part of the Royal Bank Scotland Group, today claimed the broadcaster's bank accounts remain open.

'We are reviewing the situation and are contacting the customer to discuss this further,' a spokesman said.

'The bank accounts remain open and are still operative.'

The spokesman added: 'These decisions are not taken lightly'.

RT earlier published a letter it claimed to have been sent by NatWest, which said: 'We have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us.'

The letter - said to have been sent to the channel's offices at the Millbank Tower in Westminster - added that the bank had 'reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities'.

The bank said that the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, of which NatWest is part and is 73 per cent owned by the Government, would not service RT - and that this was final.

The watchdog Ofcom has ruled against RT previously over what it claimed were biased or misleading shows on Syria and Ukraine that flouted broadcasting codes.

Twitter post: Ms Simonyan said: 'Our accounts in the UK have been closed. All accounts. 'The decision is not subject to revision'. Long live freedom of speech!'

Some Twitter users suggested those who defend RT's free speech should 'expect to be laughed at', and it was ignorant to suggest the channel is part of the 'free press'.

Others on social media described the freezing of its accounts as the 'end of free speech in UK' and suggested that RT has been 'sailing too close to the truth'.

Meanwhile former Respect MP George Galloway today led calls for Russia to take retaliatory action against the BBC following the bank account freeze.

RT reported that the letter was sent to its London office and that RT has been with NatWest for more than 10 years, calling the letter 'very vague, very British'.

Ms Simonyan told the RBK business news site that she had 'no idea' of the reason for the closure of the accounts.

But she suggested it could be linked to the fact that 'we are expecting new British and US sanctions against Russia', adding: 'Possibly it's linked to this.

She told Rossiya-24 state television that 'there can be no reason, we have absolutely transparent work, absolutely transparent financing'.

She said the decision included some personal accounts of senior staff working in Britain. The bank said in the letter that it will close RT's accounts by December 12.

RT, formerly known as Russia Today, has the slogan 'Question more' and was set up to present news from the perspective of the Kremlin.

The foreign-language network that is primarily aimed at audiences in Europe and the United States broadcasts 24-hours a day in English, Arabic and Spanish.

Reaction: Some Twitter users suggested those who defend RT's free speech should 'expect to be laughed at', and it was ignorant to suggest the channel is part of the 'free press'

The organisation has a British outlet called RT UK that broadcasts from London.

RT is known to be favoured by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn - who has appeared on air, called for closer ties with Russia and tweeted in 2011 that he liked how it was 'free of Royal Wedding and more objective on Libya than most'.

Our accounts in the UK have been closed. All accounts. 'The decision is not subject to revision'. Long live freedom of speech! Margarita Simonyan, Russia Today editor-in-chief

Reaction to the news, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova said on Facebook today: 'It looks like, as it leaves the EU, London has decided to leave behind all its obligations towards freedom of speech. As they say, best to start a new life without bad habits.'

The move is likely to make it harder for RT, which often features guests who criticise the West while presenting the Kremlin's point of view, to operate in Britain.

Four years ago Iranian news network Press TV had its licence revoked by Ofcom after it breached several broadcasting rules and failed to pay a 100,000 fine.

The bank's decision came as ongoing legal action involving claims against Moscow from shareholders of defunct oil firm Yukos founded by Mikhail Khodorkovsky has led to freezes of Russian assets abroad including those of state media.

Support: The channel is known to be favoured by Labour's Jeremy Corbyn (pictured on air)

Praise: Mr Corbyn tweeted in April 2011 that he liked how it was 'free of Royal Wedding and more objective on Libya than most'

Moscow and London relations are strained by differences over Syria and Ukraine.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson last week angered Russia with a call for people to protest outside the Russian embassy over Russia's air strikes on Aleppo.

The Russian government accused Barclays of censorship last year after the British bank accounts of state news agency Rossiya Segodnya were shut.

The agency's head, Dmitry Kiselyov, is on an EU sanctions list related to Russia's actions in Ukraine. The Treasury and NatWest have been asked for comment today.

Yesterday i t was claimed that Russia had set up a propaganda factory were at least 400 people are employed to spread damaging lies about Britain online.

The English-speaking internet trolls were said to receive around 600 a month to post comments on websites in the UK with claims to stir readers.
A terror suspect accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks has undergone rectal surgery for an injury inflicted while he was in CIA custody.

Mustafa al Hawsawi suffered a rectal prolapse more than 10 years ago after being subjected to 'rectal re-feeding' - a process which his lawyer described as 'sodomy'.

On Friday night he was briefly allowed out of Guantanamo Bay to receive reconstructive rectal surgery. The operation lasted two hours.

'All they said is there was minimal bleeding and he is recovering,' his attorney Walter Ruiz told the Miami Herald.

Alleged 9/11 terror plotter Mustafa al Hawsawi underwent rectal surgery this week for an injury inflicted while he was in CIA custody, his lawyer said

The Saudi national reportedly sustained his injuries after he was force-fed via the 'nutrient enema' process when he went on hunger strike at a CIA 'black spot'.

Ruiz announced that Hawsawi would be having surgery during the suspect's pre-trial hearing.

Hawsawi is being tried along with four other men accused of planning the September 11 terror attacks in 2001 that left nearly 3,000 people dead.

He stands accused of providing supplies, money and clothing for the 9/11 hijackers.

His lawyer said the terror suspect has suffered for the past decade because he has to 'reinsert parts of his anus back into his cavity' when he has a bowel movement.

Mr Ruiz added that this 'causes him to bleed and causes him excruciating pain'.

The Saudi national, who is now being held at Guantanamo Bay (shown), was force-fed in the 'nutrient enema' process after he went on hunger strike at a CIA 'black spot'

Hawsawi (pictured) is being tried along with four other men accused of planning the September 11 terror attacks in 2001

He described the treatment as 'sodomy', according to the Miami Herald.

'Mr. Hawsawi was tortured in the black sites. He was sodomized,' Mr Ruiz said.

Hawsawi was captured in Pakistan in 2003 and faces the death penalty if found guilty of involvement in the attacks.

Before being transferred to Guantanamo Bay in 2006, al Hawsawi was detained for three years at CIA black sites.

The Senate intelligence committee's investigation into torture at these black sites found that Hawsawi was exposed to 'rectal exams that were conducted with 'excessive force.

Hawsawi was diagnosed with chronic hemorrhoids, an anal fissure and rectal prolapse, according to a December 2014 summary.
Terrified teachers and students were barricaded in classrooms as several schools in Germany were placed on lockdown due to threats of a mass shooting.

Schools in the cities of Leipzig and Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt were sent chilling emails this morning, warning of shootings.

Police officers were then quickly dispatched, while the teachers and children were ordered to stay inside.

Police stand in front of the Reclam High School in Leipzig after it was sent chilling emails warning of a mass shooting

A police officer outside a grammar school in Leipzig. A police spokesman confirmed that the schools had been threatened but did not say what the emails contained

At one of the schools, the Reclam High School in Leipzig, officers armed with guns and wearing bullet proof vests were pictured outside.

At a grammar school in the district of Stotteritz children were told to remain in classrooms while at two schools in Magdeburg police officers stormed the buildings to investigate.

After the threats, some schools decided to continue with lessons while others told children to go home for the day.

A police spokesman confirmed that the schools had been threatened but did not say what the emails contained.

Officials also added that they did not believe the threats constituted a serious danger.

Germany is on high terror alert after a wave of attacks this year, heaping pressure on chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door immigration policy

Germany is on high terror alert after a wave of attacks this year, heaping pressure on chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door immigration policy.

A bloody week of violence that rocked Germany began on July 18 when Pakistani teenager Riaz Khan Ahmadzai, 17, posing as an Afghan refugee, hacked at passengers on a train in Wurzburg with an axe, wounding five. He was shot dead by police.

Four days later mentally unstable German-Iranian teenager Ali Sonboly shot nine people dead during a rampage through a shopping centre in Munich before taking his own life.

Sonboly claimed he was taking revenge for being bullied at school with no political motive to the murderous rampage.

Two days later a Syrian refugee, 21, hacked a pregnant woman to death in Reutlingen and on the same night Mohammed Daleel, 27, injured 12 people when he detonated a rucksack packed with metal shards and screws.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has thrown his support behind the Tribal Huk gang leaders who are ridding meth dealers from their town.

Mr Key said their efforts to address the methamphetamine crisis were welcome as long as their actions were within the boundaries of the law, News Hub reported.

A gang source has declared the New Zealand town of Ngaruawahia was 'P [methamphetamine] free' after meth dealers were given 24 hours to get out of town.

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New Zealand Prime Minister John Key supports gang's efforts on ridding meth dealers from his town

Tribal Huk president Jamie Pink, who delivered his ultimatum to Ngaruawahia meth dealers on Thursday

'Obviously we welcome any support to do something like that so long as it's legal of course,' Mr Key said on Monday.

It came as Mr Key announced $15 million boost for anti-drug initiatives as well as admitted methamphetamine has become 'the drug of choice' for New Zealanders.

A gang source declared the ultimatum a success after 10 'meth houses' were purged, according to Stuff.co.nz.

Five or six dealers had packed up and were escorted out, while others were given a 'hand' to leave, the source said.

Pink with fellow members of the Tribal Huk gang, which has been operating since at least the 1950s

The gang (pictured are members) gave meth dealers 24 hours to leave the North Island, New Zealand town

'Those that listened were escorted out. Those that didn't were handled and escorted out. There are no more P dealers in [Ngaruawahia].'

The claim was made as reports came in from the central North Island town, which has a population of about 5,100, that at least one dealer had been assaulted during the clear-out.

Last Thursday Jamie Pink, the notorious leader of New Zealand's Tribal Huk gang, gave methamphetamine dealers in the town until 6.30pm Friday to leave before they started getting visits.

When it's time to go, it's time to go... There are no more P dealers in [Ngaruawahia]

A grandmother from the town told Stuff she saw the gang give one dealer a 'twack' on Saturday.

'He bloody went down, I can tell you that. He's going to have a mamae [sore] head when he gets up.

'I'm not going to tell you who did the hitting, because it's none of your business, but I can tell you now - I'd hate to be a bloody wacky cracky dealer in Ngaruawahia.'

On Friday, patched members of the gang had been spotted patrolling the town, but it had been quiet that evening, reports said.

A New Zealand Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia they were 'not aware of any incidents being reported to Police following the comments by Mr Pink'.

A member of the Tribal Huk gang from Ngaruawahia wearing gang colours

On Thursday, Jamie Pink (pictured) told meth dealers they had 24 hours to leave the town

Senior Sergeant Mike Henwood, Western Waikato Area Prevention Manager said in a statement that police did not condone threats of violence or intimidation and any reported would be taken seriously.

'We urge members of the public to assist us by passing on any relevant information they may have so that it can be properly investigated, and we reinforce people should not take matters into their own hands.

'Police run targeted activity based in response to particular issues in their communities, and prioritise and focus their resources accordingly based on the needs of their local area.'

Pink had said at a community meeting on Thursday: 'For a lot of years, the Huks have kept a lot of other gangs out of here in Ngaruawahia and we are always going to do that, but we haven't kept their poison out of here. We are a bit sorry about that.

'From this second on, without disrespecting, we know who they are - some of them are whanau (extended family), but they've got to go. They have 24 hours to stop. We ask nicely first, then they've got to go. We've got no choice. The kids are asking for it. They'll be asked nicely the first time.'

The central North Island, New Zealand, town of Ngaruawahia

Dubbed the 'sandwich gang' by local media, the Tribal Huks gained international attention in late 2014 for making lunches for needy schoolchildren

Jamie Pink, leader of the Tribal Huk, has admitted they aren't the 'pillars of society'

In 2007, incensed that a drug dealer had offered his then 13-year-old daughter methamphetamine [known as Ice in Australia] he turned up at a Ngaruawahia property owned by an alleged dealer and smashed in two garage wall panels and several glass panels.

He pleaded guilty to charges of possession of an offensive weapon, failing to stop, disorderly behaviour and two charges of wilful damage.

He appeared in court again in December last year on one count of marijuana possession.

In 2015, Pink told SBS's Dateline he had been jailed for 'bashing people, a few assault charges, the odd GBH'.

Dubbed the 'sandwich gang' by local media, they gained international attention in late 2014 for making lunches for needy schoolchildren.
A bigamist hanged himself after his third wife kicked him out when she discovered he was looking for relationship number four, an inquest has heard.

Adrian Linham, 44, was jailed for 18 weeks after he was exposed as a bigamist when his second wife Liz saw photos of his third wedding on Facebook.

Mr Linham's third wife Hayley Totterdell had stood by her cheating new husband and waited for him to be released from prison.

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Adrian and Liz married in May 2007 (pictured) before travelling to Mexico for their honeymoon

Adrian Linham wed third wife Hayley Totterdell in Mexico, pictured, while still married to Liz

But she kicked him out of the house after finding out he had struck up a relationship with another woman from Cornwall after his release.

Mr Linham suffered depression during his imprisonment, the inquest was told, and moved back home with his mother Anthea after Ms Totterdell ended their relationship.

On the day of his death on March 28 this year, Mr Linham left the house telling his mother: 'I love you so much mum. You don't have to worry about me any more.'

Police called Mrs Linham later that evening to say dogwalker Susan Yeo had found her son hanged at a remote farm.

In recording a verdict of suicide, Assistant Coroner Dr Peter Harrowing, criticised the mental health care offered to Mr Linham.

The inquest heard his concerned mother had contacted the mental health helpline and a routine appointment was set for 28 days time.

He said: 'In light of all the risk factors in addition to the significant and serious overdose, I consider on the balance of probabilities that he should have been seen much sooner than a routine appointment.

'Mrs Linham was at a loss. She was looking for help. Realised her son needed urgent help. Greater cognisance should have been taken of the concerns raised by Mrs Linham.

Mr Linham's third wife Hayley Totterdell (pictured) had stood by her husband. But she kicked him out of the house after finding out he had struck up a relationship with another woman

'Adrian left home and I think Mrs Linham knew what the outcome was going to be on that day.

'On the balance of probabilities he was someone in a dependent position. There was more than a simple error and I have heard the evidence and the risk to himself.

'I'm not satisfied that goes as far as a gross failure although I have to say the failure was itself significant.

'I have heard evidence today that Mrs Linham believes she failed her son, nothing could be further from the truth. She did absolutely everything she could to help him.'

Scuba diver Mr Linham, who was the youngest of four brothers, was reported missing by his mother earlier on the day he was found dead.

Officers called at her address in Bristol and found a note written in blood on top of the chest of drawers in his bedroom which read 'sorry'.

Just days before his death, Mr Linham was taken to Dorset County Hospital by the coastguard on March 20 after worried bystanders saw him leaning over a cliff edge.

He had overdosed on tablets, and was admitted into intensive care, where Mr Linham told ward staff he had tried to take his own life.

Mr Linham had the same best man, Mark Stapleton (pictured left), at both weddings, but Mr Stapleton is believed to have been completely unaware he had not divorced Liz

But he was discharged from hospital three days later after a mental health nurse deemed him safe to return home following a 90 minute interview.

The inquest in Flax Bourton, Bristol, heard Mr Linham told mental health staff he was no longer feeling suicidal, but his family described him as a 'compulsive liar'.

Mental Health Liaison Nurse Andrew Pinder said: 'He was able to engage throughout the interview. He said he had made some mistakes in relationships.

'And that he had taken the overdose as a cry for help. He didn't explain to me that he had wanted to take his own life.

'He had expressed during the assessment how helpful he had found talking therapy. He said he was happy to engage with services.

Prison: Mr Linham was jailed for 18 weeks in February last year for marrying his third wife while still legally wed to Liz (pictured)

'At the time I felt he was being open and honest because he engaged so well and was willing to follow the steps we discussed. I don't think I would make a different decision.'

Mr Linham had less than 1 in his pocket on his release and his worried mother had to pay 150 for a taxi firm to drive him back from Dorset to Bristol.

He had secretly dated Ms Totterdell for three years, telling his second wife of seven years that he was 'working away' as a scuba diver - often in Bangor, North Wales.

He married Ms Totterdell in 2014 on the same Mexican beach where he had whisked second wife Liz away on their honeymoon in 2007.

The mother-of-one, 37, discovered his deception when she received a letter from her mother-in-law saying she was sorry to see they had divorced and Mr Linham had remarried.

His second wife then found a catalogue of photographs showing her grinning husband posing with his new bride while browsing Facebook.

Unemployed Mr Linham was jailed for 18 weeks in February last year for marrying his third wife while still legally wed to Liz.

But his new wife vowed at the time to stick by her two-timing husband.

The inquest heard Mr Linham was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder after being bullied in jail and witnessed two brothers hang themselves in the cell next to him.

His depression started when he divorced his first wife after discovering she was having an affair, and she made it difficult for him to see their two children.

His mother said: 'He found out his wife had been having an affair and it broke him.

He married Ms Totterdell (left) in 2014 on the same Mexican beach where he had whisked second wife Liz (right) away on their honeymoon in 2007

Mr Linham is pictured with his third wife Hayley Totterdell and her family at their wedding

'A year later he remarried on the rebound. I believe he started going on websites in 2012 where he met a wonderful young woman - they were the perfect couple and we adored them.

'He was never married to her in this country therefore saw no harm. When the second wife found out it was the beginning of the end.

'He was a broken man when he was released, had no self-esteem and started lying about himself.

'I told him I would help him but he didn't answer. He got changed and went down into the hallway.

'I said, 'Where are you going?' and he replied, 'I love you so much mum. You don't have to worry about me any more'. I never saw him again.

'I could not stand the wait so I reported him as a missing person. I have lost my son and I have failed him.'
A man reportedly shot his wife dead before turning the gun on himself inside their home in a suspected murder-suicide.

Police forced their way into the Tamworth property in a regional town in northern New South Wales on Sunday night where they discovered the bodies of Rainee Abberfield, 51, and her husband John, 67.

The married couple of nearly 30 years were found with gunshot wounds after a concerned associate contacted police about the welfare of the pair.

Rainee Abberfield (pictured on her wedding day 28 years ago) and her husband John (left) were found dead in their Tamworth home on Sunday following a suspected murder-suicide

The 51-year-old (pictured) may have been shot dead by her husband of nearly three decades

The Bailey Avenue property was locked up when officers attended earlier that evening after the first alarm was raised - but left when they thought there was no one home, The Daily Telegraph reported.

But after 'further inquiries', police returned to the home where they made the grim discovery of the dead couple and a firearm nearby.

It is reported Mr Abberfield was a registered firearm owner.

The couple's grieving daughter has taken to social media to express her shock over her parent's horrific deaths.

'As most would have heard it has been a really hard day for me my brother and both sides of my family,' she wrote on Facebook on Monday afternoon.

'I appreciate all the love everyone has sent me though it honestly means so much.'

Two bodies were found after police were called to a home on Bailey Avenue (pictured) in East Tamworth, a regional town in northern New South Wales, at about 10.30pm on Sunday

The gun was also found inside the home, with police advising no other parties are being sought in relation to the deaths.

A NSW police spokesperson confirmed to Daily Mail Australia the deaths were a suspected murder-suicide.
Mary Forgione, a US citizen, was stopped and detained by Turkish border patrol when she attempted to reenter Turkey while on vacation. She wrote about her interesting experience for the LA Times. Takeaway: the State Department won't help you if you get detained in another country because a border agent forgot to stamp your passport.

Were's your other passport?" the border agent at Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen airport snapped as he waved my U.S. passport.

He was annoyed, but so was I. I didn't have another passport. The one in his hand was it.

"You came to Istanbul, you didn't exit and now you are re-entering," he said slowly, his tone serious. "Where were you?"

But I had exited. Eleven days earlier, I had sailed from the city's Karakoy port with a group of college friends on a Mediterranean cruise bound for Rome, I told him.

He shook my passport again and said, "Show me! Where does it say that?"

I looked in vain at the pages as he kept hold of my precious U.S. passport. He was right. I didn't see any stamp that showed I had left Istanbul.

I didn't understand how this had happened, but he did  or at least he thought he did: He decided I had a second, secret passport that I was hiding. But I didn't.
Cabinet ministers are due to debate whether to expand Heathrow when they meet tomorrow but a long-awaited decision will not be made public.

No 10 today insisted a decision on whether to expand Heathrow or Gatwick would be reached 'soon' and insisted there had been no change to plans.

But expectations had risen of an imminent verdict amid speculation a free vote could be offered to both Conservative and Labour MPs.

Heathrow, pictured, is one of the busiest airports in the world but a decision over its expansion has been long delayed by the Government. Cabinet is reportedly to discuss it again tomorrow

Adding a third runway at Heathrow is a controversial decision that is opposed by several senior ministers, including Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Education Secretary Justine Greening.

Backing Heathrow would also prompt Zac Goldsmith, the Tory MP for Richmond, to resign and trigger a difficult by-election for Mrs May.

The Prime Minister's official spokeswoman said today: 'The Government is very clear on the importance of making a decision and the need there is to address problems around airport capacity and the huge potential economically.

'It's decision it's important to get right so the future generations can benefit.

'There is no change on the timing.'

The BBC reported today airport expansion would be on the agenda for tomorrow's weekly Cabinet meeting.

More than a year ago, the Davies Commission recommended expanding Heathrow over Gatwick but the report was kicked into the long grass ahead of the general election.

Boris Johnson has long been an opponent of expansion at Heathrow and it is thought likely if the plan does go ahead he will be given a free vote to publicly oppose it

Gatwick insists its plan costs less and will be much easier to deliver but Treasury officials are thought to favour Heathrow because of its relative proximity to other population centres.

Tory MP Zac Goldsmith has vowed to quit Parliament and force a difficult by-election if the Government backs Heathrow expansion

One unnamed Cabinet minister told the BBC: 'I would do both Heathrow and Gatwick - that would tell the world Britain is open for business.'

Mrs May is not thought likely to back expansion at both airports.

Tory MP Adam Afriyie said he would vote against Heathrow expansion in defiance of party whips if there was no free vote on the issue in the Commons.

Asked whether he would oppose a third runway on BBC One's Sunday Politics show, the Windsor MP replied: 'Oh, 100 per cent yes. I'm going to fight tooth and nail.'

Meanwhile, fellow Tory MP Kwasi Kwarteng said reports that there are 60 opponents within the party are 'way off the mark', telling the programme there are about '20 hardcore people'.

'I think it may well be a free vote,' he added.

Theresa May, right campaigning in Witney on Saturday, is working toward a decision on whether to expand Heathrow after it was delayed by David Cameron, left, while he was PM

It is believed Jeremy Corbyn is likely to offer Labour MPs a free vote if Mrs May plumps for Heathrow, with many in favour of a third runway in opposition to the leader and shadow chancellor John McDonnell.

Opposition MPs and peers are set to debate the issue at tonight's meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP), according to the Guardian.
Free woman: Kay Hooper was handed a suspended sentence and a six month electronically monitored curfew last week for the 55,000 cruise fraud, but can now go on her holiday to Mexico with her mum

A bogus travel agent who conned her way on to eight free cruises has had her electronic tag removed after just a week so she can go on a three week holiday to Mexico.

Kay Hooper, 58, from Devon, was handed a suspended sentence and a six month electronically monitored curfew last week for the 55,000 fraud.

But she returned to court days later to ask for it to be lifted and a judge agreed after hearing the Mexico holiday had been booked and paid for by her frail 87-year-old mother who did not know of her daughter's fraud at the time.

Hooper's mother is too unwell to travel without her support and would have had to abandon the trip of the judge did not agree to lift the curfew.

Recorder Mr Timothy Rose said the request was 'beyond irony' but agreed it for the sake of Hooper's mother.

He also added an extra three weeks to the end of the six month curfew to make up for the time.

Retired nurse Hooper, 58, of Great Torrington, Devon, received the curfew and a 20 month suspended sentence when she admitted fraud at Exeter Crown Court last week.

She swindled eight luxury trips worth 55,493.05 out of Norwegian Cruise Line by creating a bogus travel agency which she used to book them.

She stayed in penthouse state rooms on all inclusive deals and spent up to ten days a time cruising in luxury in the Mediterranean, the West Indies, Bermuda and Canada.

Fraud: Hooper travelled on cruises in the Mediterranean, the West Indies, Bermuda and Canada, including on the luxury Norwegian Epic ship, pictured

She devised the scheme to take revenge on the cruise company after she was bumped off a cruise which she had paid for after losing her passport in Rome.

She planned to carry on the scam and had booked a total of 54 cruises costing more than 300,000 in total running all the way through 2016 and into 2017.

The cruise company only realised what was going on after she had been on eight different cruises on ships including Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Star between April and September 2015.

She appeared in person before the Judge to ask for the curfew to be varied to allow her to accompany her mother on the three week, 7,000 British Airways holiday to Mexico this week.

She said she had hidden her offending from her mother, who had booked the trip without knowing of the court case.

She told the judge: 'My mother has never been to Mexico. I have, but she has never been. She is funding the holiday and I am going to help her. My mother knew nothing about the case.

'She has had a cancer removed and does not want to postpone the trip because she does not know how ill she is going to be in six months time.'

The judge told her: 'A lot of people never go to Mexico. In the context of the outrageous stream of holidays you took last year, this application is almost beyond irony.

'The only saving grace is the evidence I have been shown that she has paid for this. I am willing to amend the order. I would not do so if there was any suggestion you had booked this holiday.
He and his mother were taken to the hospital and are both in good health

Baby boy was delivered just 28 minutes after couple called the police

The mother, who hasn't been named, was in labor in pulled over vehicle

A woman gave birth to a boy on the side of the Massachusetts Turnpike Sunday evening.

A couple from Framingham called the state police at 7.07pm after pulling over near an exit on the interstate.

The woman, who hasn't been named, was in labor.

State police sent officers and paramedics. The couple had pulled into a tandem parking lot near a toll booth.

A Framingham couple called the police on Sunday evening as an unnamed woman went into labor. They are pictured with the newborn boy and Massachusetts State Trooper Joe Hilton

Two officers began helping the woman, who was in active labor. Paramedics arrived shortly afterwards.

The mother gave birth to a baby boy in the ambulance at 7.35pm, just 28 minutes after the couple had called for help. There was no time to get her to the hospital.

The mother and baby were then taken to Massachusetts General Hospital.

State police released a photo of the couple with their newborn son next to Trooper Joe Hilton, who was the first to arrive at the scene.

Authorities declined to identify the family. They praised the 'excellent work by all involved'.
The first migrant children have arrived in Britain from Calais as a fast-track system is launched to move youngsters from the Jungle camp before it is demolished.

Fourteen children aged 14 to 17 arrived by coach at the head office of UK Visas and Immigration in Croydon, south London, to register with the Home Office.

The youngsters, who are understood to come from war-torn countries including Syria and Sudan, will be processed at the centre before they are reunited with relatives already living in Britain.

They are the first of some 100 children who are expected to make the same journey this week as French authorities prepare to raze the Jungle camp to the ground.

Aimal Khan, 14, dressed in a grey 'hoodie' and jogging bottoms is escorted to the Home Office branch in Croydon, south London, after arriving from the Calais Jungle camp. Some 14 youngsters are believed to have made the journey today

Aimal had an emotional reunion with his brother Asif, left, 25, a chef who has lived in the UK for 11 years and is the reason his younger brother qualifies for asylum here

The youngsters (one pictured centre in a green jacket and another in a red jacket) are the first of dozens of children who are expected to make the same journey this week as French authorities prepare to raze the Jungle camp to the ground

The children, one boy pictured in a grey jacket and white top, will be reunited with relatives already living in Britain

They are being moved from the Jungle camp, pictured, ahead of its impending demolition by French authorities

In total more than 140 unaccompanied children have been accepted into the UK under the Dublin Regulation, with more than 80 from France.

A team of British officials were sent to Calais to help French officials speed up the transfer of minors ahead of the demolition.

Under a law known as the Dublin Regulation, children with close relatives in the UK can seek asylum in this country regardless of whether they have sought asylum elsewhere.

A number of other 'at-risk' unaccompanied children are also allowed following the Dubs Amendment to the Immigration Act that was passed in May.

A Home Office spokesman said 'essential checks' have been carried out on these young people, including security checks, verifying their ages and confirming their identities and eligibility to come to the UK.

The youngsters now face further screening by the Home Office before they are reunited with family members. Some might be housed in specialist accommodation while these safeguarding checks take place, the spokesman said.

Asif, right, said all he had been thinking about was 'giving his little brother a hug' and that it was a 'blessing' he got out of Calais to the UK

Other migrant children looked delighted as they were seen through a window, pictured, of a Home Office processing centre in Croydon

A Home Office spokesman said: 'This is the start of the process to transfer as many eligible children as possible before the start of the clearance, as the Home Secretary set out in Parliament.'

Chef Asif Khan, 25, said his 14-year-old brother Aimal was among those who arrived today. The brothers have not seen each other for more than a decade after Asif fled their home in Afghanistan.

Asif, who has lived in Britain for 11 years, said he was simply looking forward to giving his little brother a hug.

He said: 'I really appreciate this. My brother was in Calais for the last six months.

'It was a blessing to receive him from there. Im really happy. His journey was so difficult, it was by walking, by bus to Calais.

'He gets a new life now, because there are many people who died in Calais.'

Supporters welcomed the group's arrival but warned there was still work to be done. Pictured is a smiling teenager wearing a dark shirt and jeans

Two of the youngsters, one wearing a long-sleeved blue top and another in a dark patterned shirt, are escorted off the bus and taken to the Home Office base

A man smiles with one of two unidentified young migrants, one pictured in a black hooded top and jeans and another in a denim jacket, as they arrive in Britain by coach

An estimated 1,000 unaccompanied children are currently living in the Jungle of which around 180 have been identified as having family ties to Britain.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS The law which governs EU asylum claims states migrants should claim asylum in the first EU country reached. However there is a clause which allows minors to apply for asylum in another European country if they already have family living there. Lord Dubs, who came to Britain on the Kindertransport programme for Jewish children fleeing Nazi Germany, brought an amendment to the Immigration Act which was passed in May. This states the UK will take 'vulnerable unaccompanied child refugees' who arrived in the EU before March 20. These child refugees must be travelling on their own and fleeing conflict in their home country. Exceptions also apply to children under 13, girls and orphans. More than 80 unaccompanied children have so far been accepted to Britain under EU asylum law this year, according to the Home Office. It is not yet clear how many children will be accepted from Calais this week, although some figures suggest it will be around 100. Advertisement

Last week Home Secretary Amber Rudd said she intended to transfer as many children as possible under the Dublin Regulation before the Jungle is cleared.

Children who are eligible to come to the UK under the Dubs Amendment to the Immigration Act 2016 must be supported in France while their cases are considered.

If it is in the best interests of children who meet the Dubs criteria they will be transferred to the UK.

The arrival of the first group of children was welcomed by the charity Citizens UK.

Lord Dubs said: 'In the coming days, Citizens UK's Safe Passage team will be working round the clock to ensure that all children with a legal right to sanctuary in the UK are brought to safety.

'This includes the children eligible under the Dubs amendment, for whom there is still no official process in place. No child must be left behind in the chaos of demolition.'

He added: 'Looking ahead we must never allow a repeat of Calais.

'The Government must learn lessons from this situation and realise that it has a duty to make the Dublin mechanism work across Europe, as well as establishing a clear procedure for children without family eligible for sanctuary under the Dubs amendment.'

A boy looks out of the bus window as he arrives at the Home Office in Croydon, south London

A team of British officials were sent to Calais to help French officials speed up the transfer of minors ahead of the demolition of the migrant Jungle camp. Pictured, a teenager who arrived in London today wearing a blue jacket and grey trousers

UK Border Force staff escort the first group of unaccompanied minors, pictured in gret hooded tops, to the Home Office

Actress Juliet Stevenson said it was a 'proud moment' for Britain.

She added: 'We did the right thing. The arrival of hundreds of vulnerable children from Calais to the UK in the coming days is in no small part due to the tireless campaigning of community leaders, the hard work of Citizens UK's lawyers, and the Safe Passage team in Calais who have been working to safeguard children for over a year.

'Many children will sleep safely in warm beds tonight but in the coming days we must make sure every last child with a right to sanctuary here is brought to safety.'

Campaigners say they have identified hundreds of children in the camp who have a right to come to the UK, either because they have family ties here under the so-called Dublin regulations, or through the Dubs amendment.

Claims of asylum must normally be made in the first safe country a migrant arrives in - but children can have applications transferred to any country a relative is living in.

The Government has faced criticism over efforts to identify and transfer youngsters. Pictured, some of the unaccompanied children wearing grey tops arriving at the Home Office centre in south London

One young man clapped as he stepped off the bus in London after the journey from Calais

The children, including this teen wearing a white top and blue trousers, have been moved as the French authorities prepare to demolish the Jungle

Border Force staff were on hand to escort the youngsters, pictured centre in hooded tops, from the coach to the office

The Government has faced criticism over efforts to identify and transfer youngsters through the routes.

Last week Home Secretary Amber Rudd told the Commons that more than 80 unaccompanied children had been accepted for transfer under the Dublin regulation so far this year.

Under the rule, asylum claims must be made in the first safe country a person reaches but children can have their application transferred to another country if they have family members living there.

The Home Secretary also said that more than 50 children had been taken, largely from Greece, under Lord Dubs' amendment to the Immigration Act.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams said he is 'delighted' to welcome the children to the UK, but cautioned that this is the first step and more children need help urgently.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams speaks to the media today

The Home Office centre at Lunar House in Croydon, south London, where the migrants arrived

Lord Williams has called for the Government to do more to protect around 400 unaccompanied children currently at the Jungle camp and has accused Whitehall of 'foot-dragging'.

He has been working with social justice charity Citizens UK on the issue and appeared at a media briefing in Croydon today in conjunction with the first arrival of migrant children.

Lord Williams said: 'Today is the beginning of what I hope will be, in the next couple of weeks, a serious, shared enterprise for Government and voluntary organisations in this country.

'We welcome the development. We do want to remind everyone, public and Government, that time is short.

'This is a matter of urgency and we want to see some progress not only on those children who already have the legal right to be here, but on those others who are covered by the Dubs amendment and whose needs can be considered by this country.'

Meanwhile notices have been posted in shops in the the Jungle warning they must be evacuated within two days, before the demolition of makeshift buildings in the shanty town.

The port city's police commissioner Patrick Visser-Bourdon has visited the slum where legal notification of the order to leave the shops was posted in French.

The 'Jungle', pictured, currently has more than 10,000 migrants living in it but French authorities have not yet settled a date for its demolition

An estimated 1,000 unaccompanied children are currently living in the Jungle, pictured, of which around 180 have been identified as having family ties to Britain

Migrants are pictured here moving their possessions out of the southern half of the camp ahead of its demolition

Mr Visser-Bourdon said similar notices would go up once the French courts had given the go-ahead to clear the rest of the Jungle, where some 10,000 inhabitants are camped.

He said: 'In two days I could come back and destroy the shops. I'm not saying I'm going to do that, but I have to notify the legal decision.'

Mr Visser-Bourdon said it was unclear when the site will be demolished, adding: 'When we get a date I will come back here and say, "We have a decision and you have to leave in one or two days", but we don't have a date.'

Meanwhile, amid reports that migrants and refugees may attempt last-ditch bids to cross the English Channel, Kent Police said plans had been drawn up to cope with any incidents.

A spokesman said: 'Kent Police, together with a number of partner agencies, are monitoring events in northern France and are coordinating the development of appropriate contingency plans should it be necessary to minimise any subsequent impact on our communities.'

The Jungle closure plan will see 40 to 50 people being held at reception centres in regions across France for up to four months while authorities investigate their cases.
A fraudster with a glib tongue who conned elderly women out of nearly 100,000 by placing adverts in a high society magazine has been jailed for four years and nine months.

Persuasive conman James Condliffe placed an advert in Britains longest-running womens weekly The Lady, which was launched in 1885, offering care for pensioners in need.

The 34-year-olds convincing advert in the magazine, which is known for its domestic service and care advertisements, promised elderly women a complete care package.

James Condliffe, 34, from Wales, conned elderly women out of nearly 100,000 by placing adverts in a high society magazine and has been jailed for four years and nine months, whilst one of his victims looked on

Vulnerable Margaret Beader, 78, from Hampshire, was duped by the fraudulent scheme and gave the conman her 75,000 life savings after seeing the advert in The Lady, which was mentioned on several occasions in TV series Downton Abbey.

Part of Condliffes cunning ruse was to treat Mrs Bearder as a grandmother - having her over for dinner at his home, visiting her three times a month and calling her every day.

He promised the wheelchair-user a complete care package and a quaint Welsh cottage home as well as taking her to see land at Pen Y Rhos, Llanerfyl, Powys, Wales, where he lived.

He promised wheelchair-user Margaret Beader, 78, from Hampshire, he would take her to see land at Pen Y Rhos, Llanerfyl, Powys (pictured), Wales

However Condliffe, who has a previous fraud conviction, never owned the land, never had planning permission and was being chased by debt agencies.

At Portsmouth Crown Court, Mrs Bearder sat in her wheelchair and watched on as Condliffe was jailed for four years and nine months.

Condliffe also duped another pensioner out of 18,000 in a similar fraud.

She trusted him and felt he was like a grandson as he got her to pay towards an imaginary quaint Welsh cottage they could stay in

The court heard charity worker Mrs Bearder is 'devastated and feels like shes lost a grandson' after sending Condliffe huge sums of money - which she had saved all her life for - over a period of four months.

Prosecutor Matthew Jewell said: 'Shes devastated and feels like shes lost a grandson.

'What hurts the most is the loss of trust because the defendant knew how important the money was to her. Shes amazed at how anyone can behave in that way and be so convincing.

'Mrs Bearder paid the defendant significant sums of money, which she understood was to go towards that cottage and care package.

'She received, as far as that was concerned, nothing at all and lost as a result a significant part of her life savings.'

He added: 'Shes also had to move from her flat as its no longer fit for her needs and she doesnt know what to do.

'Shes in a very dark place and cries on the inside.'

Condliffe was arrested as he arrived in Mrs Bearders flat in Hampshire when a vigilant neighbour became suspicious and called police.

Officers found paperwork linked to another victim, Shirley Drake-Brockman, 81, from Portishead, Somerset, who lost 18,000 in two bank transactions when she responded to another of Condliffes adverts in March this year.

Sentencing, Judge Ian Pearson said: 'Despite your protestations to the contrary you are arrogant, you are crass and youre a cruel exploiter of elderly ladies using what is obviously a glib tongue to bamboozle them to hand over their money.

Youre a cruel exploiter of elderly ladies using what is obviously a glib tongue to bamboozle them to hand over their money

'Their hopes and their dreams really have been shattered.'

Condliffe took the unusual step of reading out a letter instead of his barrister Rory Keene mitigating on his behalf.

Over a video link from prison in Winchester, he said hed taken a deal with the prosecution to admit two counts of fraud, but added he cared for his unwell sister, looked after children and was going to lose his fiancee.

Portraying his actions as bad business decisions, he added: 'Ive made mistakes, none bigger than this. I did not benefit from my actions.

'Im not a serial fraudster, Im a loving, caring family man that has lost everything.'

Judge Ian Pearson at Portsmouth Crown Court (pictured) said he did not believe Condliffe's letter that he read out in court and said he was 'cruel and arrogant'

But judge Pearson dismissed his claims, saying: 'It was all pie in the sky and you allowed that money to be carted away for whatever purpose.

'It was completely unrealistic and the money was used for your own purposes.
Filipino president Rodrigo Duterte has defended his controversial anti-drugs strategy claiming innocent children are 'collateral damage' and absolved the police if civilians are caught in the crossfire.

The president, who has been dubbed 'Duterte Harry' because of his vigilante-style crackdown on drugs, claimed the police are justified in killing civilians if it is in self defence.

Duterte has faced strong international criticism with more than 3,500 people being killed within his first 100 days in power. About half of those deaths are down to police operations, while the rest are a result of armed gangs of vigilantes.

Filipino president Rodrigo Duterte has defended his clampdown on drugs gangs which has so far claimed more than 3,500 lives within the first 100 days of his controversial administration

Speaking in advance of a trip to China, Duterte claimed his police officers will not be prosecuted if they shoot civilians and even children during operations against drug dealers

The clampdown has faced heavy criticism with accusations that Duterte's police are operating a system of extra-judicial killings, but gunning down suspects instead of arresting them

Duterte used the example of an officer confronting an pistol-wielding gangster and said even if the officer kills 1,000 people 'it could not be negligence or recklessness' just self defence

In an interview with al-Jazeera, Duterte used the hypothetical example of a police officer who is confronted by a drug dealer holding a pistol.

He said: 'When they meet, they exchange fire. With the policeman and the M16, its one burst, brrr, and he hits 1,000 people there and they die.

'It could not be negligence because you have to save your life. It could not be recklessness because you have to defend yourself.'

Duterte compared his war on drugs to the US conflicts in Vietnam and Afghanistan

He described innocent civilians shot dead during anti-drugs operations as 'collateral damage'

Duterte claimed it cannot be murder if his officers were simply trying to defend themselves

His war on drugs was a central part of his election campaign which swept him to power

Duterte compared his campaign to the Vietnam war and the conflict in Afghanistan citing the deaths of innocent civilians.

He added: 'When you bomb a village you intend to kill the militants but you kill the children there ... Why do you say it is collateral damage to the west and to us it is murder?'

He said his clampdown was necessary to deal with the country's estimated population of three million drug addicts.

He said he 'does not care about human rights' and wants to 'strike fear' into the hearts of drug dealers and addicts.

The controversial leader's actions have caused problems his country's relationship with the United States.

The Philippines has faced international pressure because of the growing death toll

Duterte has attacked the critics, describing President Obama as a 'son of a whore'

Tomorrow, Duterte will fly to China in order meet with President Xi Jinping.

He has indicated he is willing to move away from the Philippines' long term policy of military co-operation with the US and engage in war games with China.

He said: 'It's only China (that) can help us.'

He told Hong Kong's Phoenix Television war games with both China and Russia were a possibility.

'Yes, I will. I have given enough time for the Americans to play with the Filipino soldiers. This will be the last [US war games]. It has been programmed. I do not want my soldiers to be humiliated.'

He has branded US President Barack Obama a 'son of a whore' and told him to 'go to hell'.

He told Chinese news agency Xinhua: 'China never criticises. They help us quietly.'

Duterte admitted he wants to buy Chinese fast attack boats to protect the waters around the Philippines.
A 19-year-old who was arrested for shooting dead another man during an argument flaunted his pistols on social media hours before.

Zachary Rico has been accused of killing Jacob Vidaurri, 20, who was pronounced dead around 1.40am Sunday in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Rico posted a photo of himself on Snapchat, posing with a pistol in one hand hours before Vidaurri's death.

Zachary Rico (left) has been accused of killing Jacob Vidaurri, 20, (right) who was pronounced dead around 1.40am Sunday in Grand Prairie, Texas

Rico posted a photo of himself on Snapchat, posing with a pistol in one hand hours before Vidaurri's death

The 19-year-old also posted another photograph showing two guns neatly arranged on a table

Police responded to the shooting near the 1800 block of South Santa Clara Court, where Vidaurri was found with a gunshot wound and pronounced dead.

Rico, who was still at the scene when police arrived, was taken into custody at the Grand Prairie Detention Facility on a murder charge.

Witnesses said the two were arguing before Vidaurri's death, the Dallas News reported.

In addition to the selfie on Snapchat, the 19-year-old also posted another photograph showing two guns neatly arranged on a table, along with a lighter and a wooden cutout in the shape of Texas.

Vidaurri's GoFundMe page, set up by his mother's best friend Teresa Sauceda, has raised more than $3,700 for his funeral.

Sauceda called Vidaurri's death a 'senseless shooting' as his friends paid tribute to him on Facebook.

His friend Stephanie Rico wrote: 'A life cut so short for no reason. May you rest in peace...such a great big heart the sweetest person you could meet. I still can't believe it we will miss you fam.'
Samuel Carl Richardson (pictured), 48, attacked his two bosses with a knife at an accounting firm in Moe on Monday morning

The friend of a financial planner who stabbed his two bosses during a violent rampage at his workplace has insisted the doting father had no animosity towards his fellow colleagues.

Samuel Carl Richardson, 48, went on the attack within half-an-hour of arriving at the offices of RGM Group Accounting in Moe, south-east of Victoria, around 9am on Monday.

The father-of-two was armed with a knife and a gun, when he confronted two directors of the business Joe Auciello, 30, and Pearse Morgan, 58, a witness told Daily Mail Australia.

His friend, who has known Richardson for 40 years, has spoken out, telling The Age the suspect was a 'down-to-earth lovely bloke' who has 'never been in trouble in his life'.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said the terrifying ordeal has left his baffled wife and children shocked.

'They can't understand what happened,' the friend said, adding: 'None of us know why.'

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Joe Auciello (left) is fighting for his life and Pearse Morgan (right) in a stable condition

Mr Morgan (pictured) who was stabbed, is a member on the board of Racing Victoria

This comes as Mr Auciello is fighting for his life in the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, while Mr Morgan, a prominent member of Racing Victoria and sits on the board of the organisation, is in a stable condition.

Richardson stabbed both men multiple times in the face, throat and stomach before fleeing the office in a car.

He was later found dead at his property on the outskirts of the country town after reportedly turning the shotgun on himself.

Earlier on Monday, a witness told Daily Mail Australia they recalled hearing 'a loud scream coming out of the toilets' moments leading up to the stabbings.

'We sort of walked out to see what the scream was,' the witness said.

Richardson entered RGM Group Accounting (pictured) on Kirk St, Moe as usual at around 8.30am on Monday, before going on the attack at close to 9am. An office full of somewhere between 15-25 staff were forced to flee for their lives

'Next thing the door opened and this guy came out and he had blood all over his shirt, I didn't know he was the attacker because I didn't see the knife in his hand.

'We just hightailed it out of there and grabbed a couple of girls in the car, told next door businesses to lock their doors and we got out of there.

'I felt like I was in a scene from America.'

It is believed Richardson locked Mr Auciello with him in a bathroom and began violently attacking him with a knife, including slashing his throat.

Mr Auciello was rushed to Latrobe Regional Hospital, but was later air lifted to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne where he is in a critical condition.

Richardson then turned on Mr Morgan, a director at the company, who he is believed to have also stabbed multiple times in the torso, arm and eye.

He is currently under observation at Latrobe Regional Hospital and is expected to undergo surgery on Monday night.

Mr Auciello was air lifted to the Alfred Hospital in a critical condition on Monday afternoon

Richardson fled the office building in a car and was later found dead on the outskirts of town

Despite his injuries, Mr Auciello managed to make his way to a nearby Woolworths-Caltex service station after the attacker had fled, where he raised the alarm.

Richardson was a current employee at the office and known to both men, however the motives for his attack are currently unclear.

Approximately 15-25 employees were believed to be in the building at the time of the attack.

'Everyone that was in the property is very shaken up, very distressed because this was completely out of the norm,' Victoria Police inspector Dean Thomas said.

A number of schools in the area were initially locked down as a result.

Mr Auciello managed to make his way to the carpark of nearby a Woolworths-Caltex petrol station where he raised the alarm
His mother had spent time talking about her son's life, case and legacy

Spent two years in solitary confinement; the charges were later dropped

Kalief was kept in custody for three years after being accused of stealing

Her son Kalief hanged himself in June 2015 aged 22 after Rikers Island stay

Venida Browder, 63, died Friday of a heart attack in the Bronx, lawyer said

The mother of a man who killed himself after being held for three years on Rikers Island has died.

Venida Browder, 63, died Friday of complications of a heart attack at a hospital in the Bronx.

Her son Kalief hanged himself in June last year. He was 16 when a teenager accused him of stealing his backpack.

Kalief spent three years on Rikers Island awaiting trial, including two years in solitary confinement. His case was delayed 31 times, until the charges against him were dropped.

Jay-Z announced earlier this month he is producing a documentary on Kalief's case.

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Venida Browder, 63, died Friday of complications of a heart attack at a hospital in the Bronx. She is pictured discussing her son's case and death in January

Venida's son Kalief hanged himself last year after three years on Rikers Island. She is pictured earlier this month next to Jay-Z, who is producing a documentary about Kalief

Kalief (pictured) was 16 when a teenager accused him of stealing his backpack. He spent three years awaiting trial on Rikers Island, including two years in solitary confinement

Venida had spent time discussing her son's case and legacy. She was pictured next to Jay-Z after he announced his upcoming documentary.

'The stress from this crusade coupled with the strain of the pending lawsuits against the city and the pain from the death were too much to for her to bear. In my opinion she literally died of a broken heart,' her attorney Paul Prestia told the New York Daily News on Sunday.

Prestia called Venida 'a woman of incredible grace and compassion' who fought 'tirelessly' to get justice for her son.

Kalief was arrested and taken to Rikers Island in 2010 after being accused of stealing a backpack - a crime he said he did not commit.

Venida (pictured earlier this month next to Jay-Z) had spent time discussing her son's case and legacy. Her attorney said she had died of a 'broken heart'

Footage published by the New Yorker in April last year shows Kalief in handcuffs as a guard violently shoves him to the floor.

'I just felt him tighten a grip around my arm,' Kalief told the New Yorker. 'In my head, I was wondering why he tightened it so tight, like he never usually does, and that's when he swung me and kept trying to slam me.'

According to Kalief, the guard told a captain that Kalief had tried to run. 'I was on the floor going crazy: "He's lying! I didn't do nothing!"'

Another clip shows several inmates attacking Kalief after he punched a gang member who had spat in his face.

Kalief was released in 2013 when charges were dropped. He enrolled at a community college but suffered from depression and had spent time in the hospital.

He died at his home in the Bronx in June 2015 aged 22. His body was discovered by his family.

Rikers Island, one of the largest municipal jails in the United States, houses 14,000 inmates on average.

Most of them, like Kalief, are in pre-trial detention.

Footage published in April last year shows Kalief in handcuffs inside the Rikers Island jail as a guard violently shoves him to the floor (pictured)

Another clip shows several inmates attacking Kalief (pictured) after he punched a gang member who had spat in his face

Rosie O'Donnell, who met and interviewed Kalief, posted a poem titled 'Venida Browder And Her Baby Boy' on her website Saturday. She is pictured next to Kalief on The View

Prosecutors last year uncovered 'a pervasive and deep-seated culture of violence' at the jail and said guards use excessive force against its youngest inmates.

US attorney general Eric Holder said in December he was taking legal action to push vital reforms.

Kalief's case prompted New York Mayor Bill de Blasio to stop solitary confinement for young inmates.

Rosie O'Donnell, who met and interviewed Kalief, posted a poem titled 'Venida Browder And Her Baby Boy' on her website Saturday.

It reads in part:

'she had me in her home for tea

and now she is gone

her already cracked heart  broke for good

how could it not?

no  u cant steal my kid

lock him up

no reason

no proof

i am so beyond sad 

a mothers son

stolen off nyc streets placed into hell
A missing woman's ex-boyfriend has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping in relation to her disappearance, after another woman he dated vanished a decade ago.

Typhenie Johnson, 25, was last seen on October 10 at the Post Oak East Apartments in northeast Fort Worth, Texas, police say.

Her ex-boyfriend, Christopher Steven Revill, 32, was the last person to see her, and police suspect foul play was involved in her disappearance, Fox4 News reported.

The woman's sock, phone and car keys were found in the parking lot at the apartments, Fort Worth Police Officer Jimmy Polozani told the Star-Telegram.

Missing: Typhenie Johnson (left) was last seen on October 10 in northeast Fort Worth. Her ex-boyfriend, Christopher Steven Revill (right), was the last person to see her alive

Police say Typhenie's sock, phone and car keys were found in the parking lot at the apartments where she and Revill argued before she disappeared. They are pictured together above

Typhenie's twin brother, Asher, and two other people were inside the apartment as his sister and Revill were outside talking before it escalated into an argument in the parking lot the night she disappeared.

'It had kind of escalated from a regular conversation and making Chris leave here because he was gathering up his stuff,' he told Fox4 News.

'Chris had come back up, and I asked him where my sister went. And he said she jumped into another car.'

Asher said that it was out of his sister's character to leave without telling him, so he went downstairs to check on her.

'That's when I had seen his car backed in right back here with the trunk open,' he said.

Asher said Revill drove off in a white 2003 Ford.

Revill was arrested Tuesday afternoon on suspicion of kidnapping due to the evidence and witness statements. He is being held on $50,000 bond. Typhenie and Revill are pictured above

Authorities say they found women's clothing at Revill's mother house, and Asher told police it was the tank top that Typhenie (above) was wearing the night she disappeared. Her family is desperately worried about her

Authorities say they found women's clothing at Revill's mother house, and Asher told police it was the tank top that his sister was wearing the night she disappeared.

Revill was arrested Tuesday afternoon on suspicion of kidnapping due to the evidence and witness statements.

He is being held in jail on $50,000 bond, and police are still searching for Typhenie.

'We have substantial information basically on the initial crime scene of the apartment complex that would lead us and the detectives to believe that he was the last person around her at the time of her disappearance,' Pollozani said.

The woman's family, friends and co-workers searched for her over the weekend, as they are hoping she will be found alive.

The woman's family, friends and co-workers searched for her over the weekend and they are hoping she will be found alive. Above people gather for a vigil for Typhenie

Asher said: 'I can't sleep in my own bed knowing the fact that my sister is outside somewhere sleeping.' Above people gather for a vigil for Typhenie

'I can't sleep in my own bed knowing the fact that my sister is outside somewhere sleeping,' Asher said.

Their mother, Deborah Johnson Strub, also joined the search for her daughter over the weekend in the Fort Worth area, as they also held a prayer vigil for her.

'We just want to bring her home,' Deborah told NBC Dallas while sobbing. 'Hopefully we find Typhenie and find her safe.'

Revill is a father to a son with ex-girlfriend, Taalibah Islam. She was last seen in January 2006, and he told police back then he was the last to see her alive.

Revill told authorities that she left his residence, leaving their son behind and got into a car with an unknown person and left.

He said he thought she would come back for their son, but she didn't.

Revill is a father to a son with a missing woman named Taalibah Islam (above). She was last seen in January 2006 and he told police back then he was the last to see her alive

Pollozani would not comment on the disappearance of Islam, and instead said they are 'focusing their attention on trying to locate' Typhenie.

Revill has a criminal record, starting from being arrested in 2007.

According to Tarrant County court records, Revill was convicted of burglary of a habitation charge and sentenced to five years in prison.

He was released in July 2015 on parole. In addition, he as also convicted of aggravated robbery in 2008 in Dallas count.
Occasionally I come across articles mentioning roses from Syria as a precious ingredient in perfumes. One of the pieces even appeared in a newspaper that runs daily reports on the war in Syria. But real world events dont enter into the fantasy bubble of beauty writing, with absurd and morbid results. Were conditioned to think of perfume as something so rarefied and intangible that for all we know angels pick the flowers and blend essences in their celestial realms. The thought that a country, which has been at war for five years, might have difficulty growing roses doesnt cloud the writers imaginations.

Until the war, which started in 2011, Syria produced 80 tonnes of roses, some of which were distilled on site and some exported to be processed in Europe. Syria wasnt as large a producer as Turkey, Bulgaria or Morocco, but its roses had a delicious raspberry nuance. The last commercial sample I was able to get in 2011 still smells of sun warmed fruit and spicy honey. Damascus and the other rose growing provinces have suffered tremendously during the war, especially the area held by the revolutionary army and targeted in the heavy bombing campaigns by the Syrian regime. People have fled from the fighting, leaving plantation owners with few work hands and resources. As a one-time distiller told a reporter of The Express Tribune, Today there are barely 250 grams (half a pound) of oil available to buy in the whole market. What are the chances that it makes its way into a perfume produced by a luxury brand?

At first, seeing references to Syrian roses made me puzzled. A query among fragrance companies confirmed my suspicions that the writers were simply confused by the terminology. There is no rosa damascena from Damascus in your perfumes. It most likely comes from either Turkey or Bulgaria.

Rosa damascena (damask rose) is one of the two main types of roses used in perfumery, the other being the green and citrusy rose de mai, rosa centifolia. Its origins are probably in Central Asia, but when it was brought to Europe from Syria in the Middle Ages, it began to reference one of the greatest contemporary cities, Damascus. So, when press releases or perfume notes mention rosa damascena or damask rose, all they mean is a type of essence, rather than a place of origin.

The massive loss of lives and cultural heritage in Syria is a great tragedy and so is the loss of Syrian roses. There is a tendency to speak of Syria and other places in the Middle East as being in some other, dark and hostile universe, and reports of war tend to flatten and distort the image of the countries further. But East and West are false categories. The Syrian Ummayad dynasty was in Europe for over three centuries, and the contributions of Islamic scholars to algebra, medicine, mathematics, physics, agriculture, and arts are hard to overstate.

In perfumery, for instance, we are still using the same methods developed by the Persian polymath Avicenna (Ibn Sinna) to distill rose essence and some of the accords we favor in so-called oriental perfumery have origins in the courts of Cordoba. When Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani writes, I have come to you . . . from the history of the Damascene rose that condenses the history of perfume, he speaks the self-evident truth.

P.S.

One of the best history books Ive read lately is Aleppo : The Rise and Fall of Syrias Great Merchant City by Philip Mansel. It shows many layers of Aleppo that cant be glimpsed through newspaper reports. Without romanticizing its past, Mansel presents a vivid portrait of a city and its inhabitants. One of the most cosmopolitan cities in the region, Aleppo has always been a true melting pot, with commerce and trade as the glue that brought people from different religions and communities together. This resulted in one of the most sophisticated cultures, not to mention splendid cuisine and architecture. Paris, cest joli, mais ce nest pas Alep, comments an Aleppo lady in response to a question about her vacation. Paris is pretty, but its not Aleppo. Since we are living through the complete obliteration of the citythe most recent Russian bombardments have laid waste to the oldest parts of Aleppo, Mansels book can make for heart-wrenching reading, but for this reason, its even more important to understand what exactly we are losing.

Photography by Bois de Jasmin, rosa damascena
Mr Keller became the Dutch Ambassador to China and Mongolia in December, 2015

A Dutch diplomat has been suspended after his secret relationship with a female employee was exposed, according to Dutch media.

Ron Keller, the Dutch Ambassador to China, has been removed from his post because of a love affair he had with a Chinese national who worked at the embassy, reported De Telegraaf, a daily newspaper in the Netherlands.

The article said Mr Keller, 58, is currently in the Netherlands and the chances of him returning to his post seemed slim.

De Telegraaf said the alleged love affair had only come to light recently.

Although Mr Keller was not married, the affair was likely to make his position in China 'vulnerable', the article claimed.

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched an investigation into Mr Keller.

A statement issued today by the Ministry to MailOnline read: 'Currently a complaint regarding the Netherlands Ambassador in China is being investigated'.

It went on saying: 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs always takes complaints seriously. Therefore an enquiry into this case has been opened.

'It was agreed that the Ambassador in the course of the enquiry would not perform any function for the Embassy. '

Exterior shot of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Beijing

However, the Ministry did not confirm whether or not the complaint was regarding a love affair.

It said: 'The integrity of the complaint procedure requires that at this stage the Ministry can not share further details regarding the enquiry.'

Mr Keller was appointed as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to China and Mongolia in December 2015, according to the website of Netherlands Embassy and Consulates, China.

He had represented his government in Turkey, Russian Federation and Ukraine before taking up the position in Beijing.
An active-duty US Navy serviceman is facing DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges after the pickup truck he was driving plunged off a San Diego bridge, killing four people and injuring nine at a festival below.

Richard Anthony Sepolio, 25, who was stationed at the naval base on Coronado Island across the bay from San Diego, was alone in the truck at around 3.30pm Saturday when he lost control, struck a guardrail and fell 60 feet onto a vendor's booth at Chicano Park, California Highway Patrol Officer Jake Sanchez said.

Sepolio remained hospitalized Sunday with serious injuries. His rank or job description was not immediately available.

Four people were killed and nine were injured on Saturday after an out-of-control pickup truck plunged off the San Diego-Coronado Bridge and plowed into crowd a gathered for a festival below.

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Serviceman: Navy active-duty service member Richard Anthony Sepolio, above, 25, is facing charges after his truck plunged off the San Diego-Coronado Bridge into a crowd below

This screenshot from a Facebook Live video appears to show Sepolio being dragged from his mangled vehicle after the deadly crash

The Navy man is seen lying on the ground screaming in pain. At the same time, police officers repeatedly ask him if he was alone in the truck

Courtesy of Guillermo A Gonzalez

'It's horrible. It's horrific. We had innocent people down here having a good time, and now they're gone,' Sanchez said after the crash.

The people who were killed were Cruz Elias Contreras, 52, and Annamarie Contreras, 50, of Chandler, Arizona; and Andre Christopher Banks, 49, and Francine Denise Jimenez, 46, both from Hacienda Heights, a suburb east of Los Angeles, the San Diego County Medical Examiner said.

Witnesses had said four people in the booth were crushed by the truck.

Eight people on the ground were injured. One suffered major trauma, and seven others had minor to moderate injuries, said Lee Swanson, a spokesman for the city's Fire-Rescue Department.

Witnesses said the GMC pickup truck with Texas license plates landed on a vendor's booth set up for La Raza Run, a motorcycle ride that begins in downtown Los Angeles and ends with a celebration at the park. The crash took place steps away from a stage where a rockabilly band was playing.

A Facebook Live video has emerged showing the chaotic aftermath of the crash. The footage, uploaded on Saturday by festival goer Guillermo Gonzales, appears to show the moment the suspect, Richard Sepolio, was extracted from his overturned truck.

Police stand near the pickup truck that landed at Chicano Park after it flew off a bridge

Police cover the bodies of people that were killed when a pickup truck landed on them after it flew off a ramp to the San Diego Coronado Bridge as paramedics prepare to put an injured man on a gurney, background, at Chicano Park in San Diego on Saturday

The car came off the ramp to the San Diego Coronado Bridge in San Diego on Saturday

The clip shows the 25-year-old screaming in pain on the ground, flanked by police officers who repeatedly ask him if he was alone in the truck.

On Sunday, mourners gathered at the park to lay flowers and candles and say prayers for the victims.

The mother of crash victim Francine Jimenez traveled from Los Angeles to attend the candlelight vigil, telling the local NBC station that she needed to see for herself the place where he daughter had drawn her last breath.

Jimenez and Andre Banks were a girlfriend and boyfriend who lived together in Hacienda Heights, California.

The family of the other two victims, Cruz and Annamarie Contreras, have lunched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover their final expenses.

According to the description of the online fundraiser, the couple were married for 35 years and had three daughters and two grandchildren.

Mrs Contreras had worked for many years as a teacher's aide, and she and her husband had raised multiple foster children in Arizona. In their spare time, the couple enjoyed riding their motorcycle.

Couple killed: Cruz Contreras, 52 (right), and his wife of 35 years, Annamarie Contreras, 50 (left), were killed in the crash, leaving behind three daughters and two grandchildren

Deceased victims: Andre Banks, 49 (left), and his girlfriend, Francine Jimenez, 46 (right), were among the four people who were crushed by the truck

Sepolio's crumpled truck is seen resting on its side at Coronado Park after the crash

Chaos broke out after the vehicle plunged from the bridge into the crowd below

A woman appears to be receiving first aid after injuring her foot in the accident

Witness Tina Camarillo told the San Diego Union-Tribune she and her daughter were in a booth next to the one that was hit.

'To see such tragedy in an instant . . . ,' she said. '[The truck] fell and all I saw was darkness, the glass blew, the canopy fell on my head. My daughter was running to get my mom. It was horrible.'

Iris Jimenez, 29, told the newspaper she got out of the way just in time.

'I saw the truck coming at me, and if I hadn't run, I'd be dead,' Jimenez told the newspaper. Her companion, Pedro Sanchez, was one of several men who rushed to lift the pickup off the victims.

Another witness, Dolores D'Angelo, said she was scheduled to perform with a band at the festival when she saw chaos.

'We were trying to get in to see if we could maybe lift up the car, move the car out of the way to see if we could get the people out. There were so many people crowded by then. I was trying to call 911 and I think I called it like four times and I dont know that I ever hit send properly because I got really nervous; I got really scared.'

She added that she didn't see anyone driving the car and 'it looked like as if Superman had thrown a car right off the bridge. It was just flying down.'

The car lost control and flew over the side of the bridge plunging onto the park below

'I saw a truck come right off the freeway. It was going so fast it flew over the stage and landed in front of the stage on a tent, a booth that was set up,' Chase Dameron told The San Diego Union-Tribune.

He said four people in the booth were crushed by the truck.

'It was like a movie. It was like in slow motion,' Dameron said. 'Where it hit, there was dust and debris and instant chaos and panic. People running crazy.'

Photos from the scene show the truck's front end crumpled and its mangled hood popped open.
Refugees inside reveal the conditions are worse than where they fled

Horrific stories from asylum seekers detailing the inhumane suffering at Nauru detention centre has led Amnesty International to claim the conditions are 'torture'.

The Federal Government has kept Nauru Detention Centre - located off a remote Pacific island - guarded in years past with little access allowed to media.

But an Amnesty International researcher has interviewed more than 100 asylum-seekers, refugees and current and former staff revealing the epidemic of self-harm and despair inflicted after living in camp.

There is a wide-spread self harm epidemic among refugees and asylum-seekers in Nauru Detention Centre, according to the Amnesty International report

Children face unimaginable conditions in Nauru after escaping conflicts in their home country

Refugees and asylum-seekers attempt to hurt themselves to possibly escape the conditions of Nauru Detention Centre, according to the Amnesty International report

An Iraqi man, known as Edris, said the conditions in Australia's detention centre were so deplorable they were worse than the war that caused him to flee Iraq.

'I cannot go back. But here I am dying a thousand times,' Edris said.

'In Iraq, you get just one bullet or a bomb, and it's over, and here I am slowly dying from the pain.'

Ali Kharsa, a 19-year-old boy who had been in Nauru for three years, said nothing he had experienced compared to the horrors of the camp.

'We fled Syria, but Nauru was the hardest thing I ever had,' he said.

Australia is keeping more than 800 asylum-seekers on Manus Island

Children are playing inside one of Australia's detention centres - with Nauru conditions labelled torturous under International Law, according to a report

The human rights agency allege widespread abuse and an 'epidemic of self-harm' had been revealed at Nauru.

Amnesty International said Australia's detention of Asylum-seekers 'amounts to torture' under international law, according to their report.

The Federal Government sends asylum seekers who try to reach Australia by boat to detention centres on the Pacific islands of Nauru and Papua New Guinea's Manus.

The Nauru facility - which holds just over 400 men, women and children - has been slammed for thousand of alleged incidents of abuse leaked to the Guardian Australia in August.

Contributing to their feelings of despair at the camp were inadequate medical care, exposure of children to abuse, and attacks and threats by some Nauruans outside the centre

Anna Neistat, Senior Director for Research with Amnesty International, talks about a report she co-authored titled 'Island of Despair'

The researcher behind the report, senior director for research Anna Neistat, said interviews she conducted with more than 100 people - including asylum seekers, refugees, and detention staff - 'paint a picture of people driven to absolute despair'.

The report said there was an 'epidemic of self-harm' the detainees held on Nauru.

It also revealed nearly all the asylum-seekers interviewed had reported mental health issues that had developed after arriving at the camp.

Contributing to their feelings of despair were inadequate medical care, exposure of children to abuse, and attacks and threats by some Nauruans outside the centre, it said.

Only a handful of journalists and refugee advocates, including Neistat, have gained access to Nauru in recent years

Asylum seekers on Nauru have been free to roam around the tiny nation since last year.

Even though they are no longer forced to remain locked up, the report alleged some who venture outside the camp were attacked and raped.

'Australia's offshore processing regime fits the definition of torture under international law,' Amnesty said in a statement.

Australia was accused by Amnesty of running the camp, 'behind a fortress of secrecy'.

Only a handful of journalists and refugee advocates, including Neistat, have gained access to Nauru in recent years.

The rights group's report said there was an 'epidemic of self-harm' among those held on Nauru

The report found nearly all the asylum-seekers interviewed reporting mental health issues that many said started after being transferred to the camp

The Federal Government was not immediately available for comment.

But the government has strongly defended its tough policies towards 'boat people' in the past, saying it has prevented deaths at sea and secured the nation's borders.

The Nauru Government in August dismissed the leaked incident reports that asylum seekers faced violence, abuse and humiliating treatment as 'fabricated'.

Just over 800 asylum-seeker men are held in the Manus camp, with Australia in August agreeing to close it following a Papua New Guinea Supreme Court ruling declaring that holding people there was unconstitutional and illegal.

A map showing Australia's immigration detention facilities and the total in detention

Human rights activists have condemned Australia's immigration policy of placing refugees in indefinite detention on remote Pacific islands Saeed Khan (AFP/File)
Conservative councillor Christian Holliday has launched a petition to make opposing Brexit treason

Opposing Brexit should be made an act of 'treason' punishable by life in prison, a petition to Parliament signed by hundreds of people has warned.

The protest was launched by a Conservative councillor and shortly after 4pm had been signed by 1,500 people.

It demands amending the 19th Century Treason Felony Act to include new offences of supporting the EU or trying to force Britain back into the trading bloc.

The petition was branded 'downright frightening' by the Liberal Democrats, who warned against 'turning the clock to mediaeval Britain'.

No 10 stopped short of condemning the petition at a Westminster briefing but his local Tory party leader suspended him from the Conservative whip on Guildford Borough Council.

The petition will be presented to MPs for possible debate if it reaches 100,000 signatures. The Government will offer a written response if it is signed by 10,000 people.

Explaining his initiative, Guildford councillor Christian Holliday said: 'It is becoming clear that many politicians and others are unwilling to accept the democratic decision of the British people to leave the EU.

'Brexit must not be put at risk in the years and decades ahead.'

Treason felonies are less serious than high treason, but still carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The petition had been signed by more than 1,500 people by shortly after 4pm. It needs to accrue 10,000 signatures to get a response from the Government

The Act states that it is a treason felony to 'compass, imagine, invent, devise, or intend' to deprive the Queen of her crown, levy war against the Queen, or 'move or stir' any foreigner to invade the United Kingdom or any other country belonging to the Queen.

Mr Holliday's petition got a hostile response from some social media users on Twitter, with one describing it as 'more than a little undemocratic' and another saying: 'You don't seem to quite have the hang of this democracy thing.'

Asked if Theresa May supported the view that those who wanted to stay in the EU should be guilty of treason, her official spokeswoman said: 'Different people will chose their words differently.

'The Prime Minister is very clear that the British people have made their decision.'

Gina Miller, pictured today, has launched court action to try and stop Theresa May invoking the clause in the EU treaties that would begin the Brexit process

Paul Spooner, the Conservative leader on Guildford Council, said: 'It is illogical nonsense from someone who clearly needs ''support''.'

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Tom Brake said: 'It's bad enough that a Conservative Councillor is trying to shut down any democratic debate about Brexit as treason, but it's downright frightening that the Prime Minister has so far refused to condemn him.

'People did not vote to turn back the clock to medieval Britain.

'The Lib Dems will be the real voice of opposition and fight against a reckless Brexit that takes us out of the Single Market.'
A self-styled 'meninist' has been widely mocked online after telling women to 'close their legs and control their bladder' in a rant about why tampons should not be free.

Student Ryan Williams, from London, received widespread backlash from hundreds of Twitter users after suggesting women should learn to control their bladder.

Appearing to be confused about the female reproductive system and bladder, the 19-year-old ranted: 'Tampons should not be free, why does everyone keep saying they should be?? if u can't control ur bladder then that's not taxpayers problem!

Student Ryan Williams, 19, from London (pictured left alongside X Factor star Rylan), received backlash from hundreds of Twitter users after suggesting women should 'learn to control their bladder' in a bizarre rant about why tampons should not be free for females in the UK

Appearing to be confused about the female reproductive system and bladder, he ranted: 'Tampons should not be free. If u can't control ur bladder then that's not taxpayers problem!

'Pay for ur own tampons, if u can't hold it until u get to a toilet. I don't urinate everywhere and expect free nappies #selfcontrol.

' And just for the record, I don't think condoms should be free either... close ur legs and hold ur bladder, end of discussion (sic).'

Williams' tweets prompted hundreds of comments from other users who were quick to point out the problem with his argument.

One user wrote: 'Imagine being this stupid to think that women can force their uterus to shed off all the blood.'

Another, @CraftyRenate, wrote: 'Rude AND ignorant. Your parents must be so proud. So I guess you think women PEE out babies then too. LMAO (sic).

Mr Williams faced backlash from other Twitter users who pointed out the error with his rant

Ruth, using the handle @hvckleberries, added: 'It's not feminism, it's literally just biology. Girls don't control their periods and blood doesn't come from their bladder.'

While Youtuber and musician Emma Blackery said: 'Want to sarcastically tweet #ImWithRyan #HoldYourPee but I fear people will genuinely think I'm this level of f***wit'

He describes himself as an 'avid meninist'

On his profile, Williams claims he is a 'politician and youth adults spokesperson', as well as a self-styled 'meninist' - a movement that takes a stand against feminism.

He appeared on the televised Brexit debate and has been interviewed by national newspapers over the matter.

Some of his comments have been shared over 800 times since he posted last night.

Following the backlash, he added: 'Yo I'm so lucky my girlfriend isnt crazy like these feminists and she never bleeds lol always clean.

'Wow I gotta go, my girl waiting for me and I'm here reading all these single bloody b****** tweets to me. Need to get my priorities right (sic).'
Senator Richard Di Natale called Donald Trump a 'repulsive human being' in a heated rant on Q&A on Monday.

The leader of the Australian Greens unleashed on the Republican Party nominee for his now infamous comments about hitting on women and '[grabbing] them by the p***y,' which were recorded behind the scenes of a television appearance in 2005.

Mr Di Natale was asked by an audience member during ABC's Q&A program if he thought Mr Trump's 'admittedly horrendous remarks about his pursuit of women' could be included when considering the entrepreneur's policies and ability to hold the office.

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Greens leader Richard Di Natale (pictured) called US presidential candidate Donald Trump a 'repulsive human being' in a heated rant on ABC's Q&A program on Monday night

The senator unleashed on the Republican Party nominee (pictured) for his now infamous comments about hitting on women and '[grabbing] them by the p***y,' made in 2005 but revealed in a recording in early October

'Absolutely. I'm staggered that he is still a candidate for President, to be honest. That stuff should have disqualified him straight out. What a repulsive human being this guy is,' Mr Di Natale said.

The senator argued Mr Trump should be disqualified from the US presidential race and said his comment is included in a long list of offensive and 'wacko' statements.

'The problem is the man is an election away from becoming the President of the US. I mean, it's not just that he's a vile human being, he's also potentially very, very dangerous. And so of course he should be judged.'

'I just hope in a few weeks' time he's a footnote in history and we can move on.'

The senator (pictured) argued Mr Trump should be disqualified from the US presidential race and said his comment is included in a long list of offensive and 'wacko' statements

Mr Trump's (left) remarks were recorded in a behind-the-scenes conversation with Access Hollywood host Billy Bush about actress Arianne Zucker (pictured)

Labor MP Tim Watts, from Victoria, said later during the discussion Mr Trump is 'the death knell of international conservatism.'

'He's been able to enter the scene in the US because conservative ideology has imploded. There was a time when conservatives believed in things. What's happened in the US is they've invited people who have subverted these conventions, trashed these institutions into the mainstream,' he said.

'The Sarah Palins and the Tea Parties of the world. There is nobody of any political authority in the conservative movement who is able to say, 'This isn't us. Get out.' There's a lesson for Australian conservatives in this.'

John Roskam, executive director for the Institute of Public Affairs, disagreed and said Mr Trump hasn't ended international conservatism because he doesn't believe Mr Trump is a conservative.

'Trump wouldn't have been my candidate, he would not have been the candidate, I think, of a lot of conservatives, of a lot of liberals, of a lot of libertarians but we have what we haveand if I was in America I would not know how to vote.'

Labor MP Tim Watts, from Victoria, said later during the discussion Mr Trump is 'the death knell of international conservatism'
Howard Stern is speaking for the first time about the reemergence of interviews he has done with Donald Trump over the past two decades.

On his eponymous radio program Monday morning, Stern said that he was upset that the interviews were being used against Trump and that he himself would never re-release the old interviews.

'I feel Donald Trump did the show in an effort to be entertaining and have fun with us, and I feel like it would be a betrayal to any of our guests if I sat there and played them now where people are attacking him,' said Stern, who was on vacation last week when some of the most damning interviews were released.

He also said that the interviews were never done in the hopes he would 'f*** someone over.'

Stern said this despite the fact that he is a vocal supporter of Trump's opponent, Hillary Clinton.

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Weighing in: Howard Stern spoke for the first time about the recent re-release of old interviews he did with Donald Trump (l to r: Donald and Melania Trump with Beth and Howard Stern in 2005)

Stern also took issue with the fact that the tapes were being used because he encouraged 'locker room talk' with Trump.

'A lot of the show that I've been doing for my entire life, radio show publicly, is an effort to sort of do "locker room talk," to express all kinds of s*** and just not even care what anyone thinks' said Stern according to The Hollywood Reporter.

He then added that the great thing about Trump was the fact that he 'loved to talk about sex' and 'loved to evaluate women on a scale of 1-10,' which was a great way to 'entertain the audience.'

'I wasn't imagining that I would be in the middle of this election and literally so prominently mentioned,' said Stern.

'Quite frankly, as someone just said, I'm surprised they didn't find these earlier.'

In one interview, from 2004, Trump imagined what sex with Lindsay Lohan would be like, despite the fact that she was only 18 at the time.

'She's probably deeply troubled and therefore great in bed,' said Trump.

In a 2006 interview, in which he was joined by his daughter Ivanka, he laughed and shrugged when described as a 'sexual predator.'

He then mouthed: 'That's true.'

And in 2007 he mocked Anna Nicole Smith's appearance on the show, just days after she died of a drug overdose.

Keeping quiet: Stern (above with Trump in the 90s) said he would not play any of the old interviews himself because it would be a 'betrayal to any of our guests'

In an interview this past August, Stern told The Washington Post that he told Trump why he was supporting client early on in the election.

'Before Trump even got in the race, way before he got in the race, I had announced I was supporting Hillary. I believe she would be an extremely powerful president,' said Stern.

'I dont dislike Trump as a candidate but I am absolutely enamored by Hillary. And Ive told Donald that.
Footage has emerged showing the moment a young man slapped a woman across the face on the New York subway.

The video, which was uploaded on Sunday and quickly spread on social media, appears to show the woman telling the man to quiet down.

The man moves to walk away but, when he is followed by the woman, he spins around hits her with his left hand.

Heated: The video captures the moment the woman speaks with the young man before he hits her on a New York train

Wack: The video, which was uploaded on Sunday, appears to show the woman telling the man to quiet down on a New York train, before he hits her across the face

The woman, with long red hair, is thrown backwards by the slap, but quickly composes herself and chases after her attacker, hitting him back.

Many commuters are seen moving out of the way as the melee unfolded in the video, which appeared on YouTube.

However it is unclear when the clip was recorded and what train the incident occurred on.

In a separate incident, authorities are looking to question a man in connection to a menacing incident on a Manhattan-bound E train from Queens on Friday morning.

The man sat next to a woman on the train and threatened to slap her, police said.

The woman gets herself together and chases after the young man. It's unclear whether police became involved

The woman moved, and told authorities the man then approached her and lifted his shirt to show the handle of a gun.

The 33-year-old woman got off the train, and the man stayed on.
She says she saw 'pure fear' on the face of a Russian policeman when she told him Colin did not 'like boys' and had a girlfriend back home

But an American pathologist has 'found suspicious marks' on the body

Russian authorities initially opened a murder investigation but later claimed he died from hypothermia while under the influence of drugs

An American pathologist has 'found suspicious marks' on the remains of a U.S. student whom the Russian authorities claimed had died in Siberia from hypothermia while under the influence of drugs.

The body of Colin Madsen, 25, of Jefferson City, Missouri, was found on April 4, eight days after he went missing, in a mountainous region where he was on a hiking trip with friends.

His mother Dana Madsen-Calcutt, 55, says the discovery suggests that the American, who was studying at a Siberian university, was struck over the head with a blunt object.

She believes the new findings from forensic examinations now underway will provide hard evidence that her son was murdered, and that Russian law enforcement personnel sought to cover-up his homicide.

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The body of Colin Madsen, 25, of Jefferson City, Missouri, was found in April, eight days after he went missing in a mountainous region of Siberia. His mother Dana Madsen-Calcutt, 55, says he may have been murdered

The student left the guest house in the village of Arshan, Republic of Buryatia, between 2-5am on 27 March, possibly after getting up to use an outside toilet. Russian authorities say he died from hypothermia while under the influence of drugs but his mother disputes that claim

She voiced the suspicion that her son and his companions may have been seen - wrongly - as gay by local Russians, and that this could have contributed to an attack.

A detailed forensic examination has been conducted by American experts on the marks found on his body, with the results expected 'soon', she said.

She revealed, too, that a U.S. test failed to find evidence of drug-taking on her son's remains, while the initial Russian toxicological analysis did not discover significant traces of marijuana or a synthetic designer drug that the Investigative Committee - the equivalent of the FBI - later said he had taken.

Mrs Madsen-Calcutt also claimed that the U.S. embassy in Moscow has sent four diplomatic notes to the Russian authorities which were not properly answered.

'The pathologist deemed Colin's death suspicious and it is now being reviewed by a forensics expert here,' his mother told The Siberian Times.

'I hope it won't be much longer as it has been very difficult for all of us.'

The student left the guest house in the village of Arshan, Republic of Buryatia, between 2-5am on 27 March, possibly after getting up to use an outside toilet.

She claimed the Russian accusation of drugtaking 'is a lie to try and deflect from what happened', she alleged.

The finding did not explain who 'beat him with a blunt object or put identical marks around both wrists' .

Nor did it account for who 'hit him on the head'.

A police flier with Colin's description. 'The [American] pathologist deemed Colin's death suspicious and it is now being reviewed by a forensics expert here,' his mother was quoted as saying by The Siberian Times

'I believe the whole affair is a cover up, and a poor one at that,' his mother said. She has appealed via Facebook for new Russian witnesses to come forward

Dana says she had 'a very disturbing conversation with a policeman' in Russia, who she claims 'kept trying to get me to say Colin liked boys'. She told him Colin had a girlfriend back home in Missouri

The Russian autopsy did 'not even examine his coronary arteries', said the mother, from California, Missouri.

'I believe the whole affair is a cover up, and a poor one at that.'

She blamed 'the police or someone related or known by the police - but it has been a bumbled cover up from the beginning.'

When her son's body was returned from Russia it was when 'the funeral home removed his heavy make up, suit, and white undergarments that they noted the suspicious marks, and called forensics'.

Calling the investigation a 'sham', she has appealed via Facebook for new Russian witnesses to come forward.

'This is foul play and I believe the police are involved. I wrote my uncharacteristic Facebook plea for help as I knew things were not right.'

Mrs Madsen-Calcutt revealed that when she arrived in Russia - before her son's body had been found - she had 'a very disturbing conversation with a policeman' which she found the be 'inappropriate and frightening'.

'I knew Colin would not be found alive after I talked to him,' she said.

'He was spitting with hatred and contempt as he thought those men should not be staying together without girls or alcohol.

'He kept trying to get me to say Colin liked boys and wondering how much money he spent per month and where it came from.

'When I was exhausted and in utter disbelief, I told him Colin had a girlfriend at home - and I saw pure fear.'

The Facebook post in which she pleads for witnesses

Colin's possessions found at the crime scene

Colin's body was discovered in the Siberian village of Arshan, which sits in a mountainous region of Russia

The guest house in Arshan where Colin was staying. His mother says he would not have voluntarily walked into the mountains at night without being properly dressed

She also claimed that her son would not have voluntarily gone out onto the mountainside inappropriately dressed, and said that she, other members of her family, and embassy staff, were barred by the Russians from seeing the spot where the body was eventually found, less than one mile from the village despite a supposed intense eight-day search of the vicinity.

Colin knew this area of Buryatia, and would not have voluntarily walked into the mountains at night without being properly dressed, she said.

'Colin had also had bilateral ankle surgery the year before and could not hike or walk very far without socks,' she said.

'The boots rubbed on the scars without socks and it really bothered him.

'Yet he was found with unlaced shoes and no socks, completely clean shoes, I might add.

'His bladder was very full on autopsy. I know he was going out to the bathroom.'

Despite initially launching a murder investigation, the Russian authorities concluded his death was down to drugs.

'The official version of what has happened is that Colin Madsen while under the influence of drugs left the house and died of hypothermia,' said local IC official Budazhap Budaev.

Rocks and crags close to where Colin's body was found. Despite initially launching a murder investigation, the Russian authorities concluded his death was down to drugs

A note left for Colin by his friends on the door of the guest house. It reads 'Colin stay here. We'll be right back. Get in touch with a neighbour if you leave. Go to the Police. We're searching for you!'

They suggest he left the guest house on his own initiative, inadequately dressed, in the middle of a cool night when temperatures were close to freezing.

The IC concluded that he died under the influence of marijuana and that tests 'confirmed traces of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and PB-22 (synthetic 'designer' drug) in the urine of the deceased'.

But Mrs Madsen-Calcutt said the initial Russian toxicological results - which she has obtained - were 'statistically negative for THC in his urine and completely negative in the blood, hair, and nails', despite the later claim about drug use.

The US embassy declined to tell The Siberian Times that it was satisfied with the Russian investigation into Madsen's death.

'We have closely monitored local authorities' investigation into the cause of death,' said a spokesperson.

'We refer you to the Russian authorities on their investigation. We have no power to conduct investigations on Russian territory.

'Out of respect for Mr Madsen's family during this difficult time, we have no further comment.'
Target has pulled 'killer clown' masks from its physical and online stores amid a growing wave of incidents involving masked pranksters.

The past few weeks have seen a growing number of reports about people dressed in clown masks and facepaint harassing and frightening adults and children in the US, UK and Australia.

'Given the current environment, we have made the decision to remove a variety of clown masks from our assortment, both in stores and online,' Target spokesperson Joshua Thomas told CBS Monday.

Scared off: Target has removed 'killer clown' masks similar to these ones from its stores and website after internet pranksters caused a worldwide wave of hysteria

Not clowning around: 'Given the current environment, we have made the decision to remove a variety of clown masks from our assortment, both in stores and online,' the company said

Fears: Fears about creepy clowns have been spread via viral photos like this one, which was picked up from Facebook by Tennessee Highway Patrol, who warned of dangerous clowns

Despite Halloween being just two weeks away, the store's site features no gruesome clown masks - a staple spooky item.

However, there are still more colorful, friendlier clown costumes available on the site.

The move comes a week after McDonald's Corp announced that actors portraying its clown mascot, Ronald McDonald, would keep a low profile as a result of the 'current climate.'

That climate has seen stories of creepy clown sightings proliferate on Facebook and in the media, joined by videos from mask-wearing pranksters.

On Friday a 53-year-old man was arrested in New York for allegedly chasing a teen through the subway with a knife while dressed as a killer clown.

Thomas Smith is accused of menacing the 16-year-old and chasing him out of a Harlem station.

Also on Friday two men were accosted by police in Menasha, Wisconsin, after wandering their neighborhood dressed as clowns.

No arrests were made because of the costumes, but one of the men and his female partner, who was watching from a car, were arrested for leaving their four-year-old at home alone.

Clown and out: A Menasha, Wisconsin, police officer accosts two men on Friday for dressing up as clowns to menace their neighborhood

Worldwide: The craze has gone global. On the left is a clown spotted in Queensland, Australia. On the right is Thomas Smith, who allegedly menaced a teen in New York dressed as a clown

And on Wednesday video emerged of a Chicago man threatening a clown with a gun in broad daylight. The footage was shot from the gunman's point of view.

'Look at this clown,' says the man in the car, who then waves a pistol out of the window. 'Get your a** out of there, motherf**ker  leave these kids alone, b***h,' he yelled. The clown then runs off.

That same day another video emerged showing a person dressed as a clown clinging to the back of a Detroit bus.

The creepy craze may have begun in August when children in Greenville County, South Carolina, encountered clowns who tried to lure them into woods offering large amounts of money.

In September the Tennessee Highway Patrol warned citizens to beware of clowns lurking in the woods

Warning: This viral video shows a Chicago man apparently threatening a clown with a gun for frightening people on the street

Gripping: Another video from Detroit shows a person dressed as a clown holding on tight to the back of a bus

Since then the phenomenon has spread around the world, with sightings in the UK and Australia.

A ghoulish pretending to be Ronald McDonald frightened customers at a McDonald's fast-food chain in Blackburn, England.

But some instances have been more sinister than others.

A teenager in Queensland, Australia, now sleeps with a knife after being menaced by a machete-wielding clown.

And a man in a clown mask in Adelaide, Australia, went on a daylight rampage with a non-clown accomplice, smashing windows, stealing a safe and holding up a service station with axes and knives.

Others have used the clown craze in other illegal ways.

On Thursday another man in Blackburn, England, was fined for wasting police time after he said a clown had slashed his hand down to the bone. Police said he had just fallen on glass.
Donald Trump's son-in-law shopped a 'Trump TV' channel to an investment bank that specializes in acquisitions.

New York Observer owner Jared Kushner secretly met with the head of LionTree about the possibility of such a channel 'within the past couple of months,' the Financial Times reports.

Three people with knowledge of the conversation say Kushner disused the media venture the with the firm's founder, Aryeh Bourkoff. They have not talked about it since, FT's sources said.

Donald Trump's son-in-law shopped a 'Trump TV' channel to an investment bank that specializes in acquisitions. Jared Kushner, pictured, is married to Trump's eldest daughter, Ivanka, also pictured

Trump has said he's not looking to launch a media company if he fails to win the White House.

'I have no interest in a media company. False rumour,' he told the Washington Post this summer after Vanity Fair wrote that he was pursuing the creation of a media empire.

The magazine said in a June article that Trump had enlisted Kushner's help with the venture.

Kushner is married to Trump's eldest daughter, Ivanka. He's played a significant role in the behind-the-scenes operations of his father-in-law's presidential campaign.

A Vanity Fair source said the idea was to capitalize on the audience Trump had built in the course of election.

'Win or lose, we are onto something here. Weve triggered a base of the population that hasnt had a voice in a long time,' the source said of the billionaire's thinking on the matter.

Interest in Oval Office run 'brings him to the conclusion that he has the business acumen and the ratings for his own network,' the same person said.

Trump's campaign spokeswoman denied that any talks had taken place. 'There is absolutely no truth to this whatsoever,' she told Vanity Fair at the time. 'This hasnt been even uttered. Not even thought about.'

Trump has said he's not looking to launch a media company if he fails to win the White House. His claims that the media 'rigged' the election in Clinton's favor could have him thinking about an upstart, though

The New York Times reported in August that Kushner had enlisted Bourkoff's advice on the possible creation or acquisition of a media outlet.

Bourkoff's firm was involved in Verizons $4.4 billion buyout of AOL. He was also involved in Charter Communications $78 billion takeover of Time Warner Cable.

He's advised Kushner in the past, the Financial Times notes, helping the businessman and investor when he sought to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers four years ago.

Trump is down in nearly every national poll, and most election forecasters are predicting that Hillary Clinton will win the White House.

This weekend, the billionaire ramped up complaints against the media and government officials who oversee the election process who he says have 'rigged' the process against him.

'Election is being rigged by the media, in a coordinated effort with the Clinton campaign, by putting stories that never happened into news!' he said in a Sunday tweet.

FIRST HIRE? Fox News stars on friendly terms with the GOP nominee for president could cut ties with the network and join a Trump television channel such as Sean Hannity (pictured)

His belief that existing national media outlets are partly responsible for his anticipated loss could have Trump considering his own upstart.

Former Fox News executive Roger Ailes is said to be advising Trump's campaign. The terms of his exit from Fox would dictate that he could not be part of a Trump TV channel, however, the Financial Times reports.

But other Fox stars on friendly terms with the GOP nominee for president could cut ties with the network and join a Trump television channel such as Sean Hannity.
Heart-wrenching images show a screaming young woman flogged in front of a jeering crowd for breaking Islamic laws as floggings reportedly spike in Indonesian province.

An unidentified woman screamed out in pain as she was caned 23 times in Indonesia's Aceh for breaking the province's strict Islamic law forbidding intimacy between unmarried couples.

Aceh is the only province in Indonesia that enforces sharia law and people face floggings for a range of offences, including gambling, drinking alcohol and gay sex.

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A woman was punished and flogged 23 times for getting too close to a male counterpart

The woman's cries could be heard from a jeering crowd who gathered outside the mosque to watch the lashings

A Muslim woman is caned in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, on October 17, after she was found guilty of breaking sharia law - pertaining to bans on intimacy between unmarried people

She was one of 13 people - aged between 21-30 - to be flogged on Monday at a mosque.

The woman was allegedly caught standing too close to her boyfriend.

The six couples were found guilty of breaking Islamic law that bans intimacy - no touching, hugging and kissing - between unmarried people.

One man was even caned for spending time with a member of the opposite sex in a private location, which could lead to adultery.

One of the offenders, a 22-year-old pregnant woman, was not flogged on Monday but was warned the punishment will be enforced after she has given birth.

A Muslim woman is caned in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, for breaking sharia law

The six couples were found guilty of breaking Islamic law that bans intimacy - no touching, hugging and kissing - between unmarried people

With a reported increase in floggings of women, Daily Mail reported Nur Elita was marched to the yard of Baiturrahumim Mosque in Banda Aceh at the end of last year and received five lashes.

Ms Elita keeled over in pain at the end of her lashings as she had to be carried off stage and taken to hospital.

She received her harsh floggings for getting to close to a fellow university student - who was also whipped.

Nur Elita was marched to the yard of Baiturrahumim Mosque in Banda Aceh at the end of last year and received five lashes
Kalgoorlie-Boulder mayor John Bowler (pictured) calls for parents to be given the power to cane misbehaving children

A mayor has called on laws for parents to be given the power to cane misbehaving children following the latest arrests on youths who allegedly went on a vandalism rampage.

City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder mayor John Bowler said he believed the state should reintroduce corporal punishment so parents could discipline rowdy children by smacking them.

His comments followed three 13-year-old boys and a 10-year-old who were charged after they allegedly broke into Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School in Western Australia, and left a trail of destruction over the weekend.

'If the parents agreed that their son was getting out of control, that the court was only left with punishment and that was to send him off to juvenile detention, where too often they just go away and come back better criminals,' Mr Bowler said, according to The West Australian.

'Maybe as a circuit breaker the magistrates would have the authority, with the consent of the parents, to give the child a couple of whacks over the bum or the hand.

'It might turn the kid's life around.'

His comments come after vandals broke into Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School (pictured) and left a trail of destruction. Four young boys have been arrrested

Windows were smashed, computers damaged and shelves were ripped out of the walls

On Friday, Education Minister Peter Collier opened facilities including 24 brand new classrooms at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School.

But vandals broke into the school ground, causing extensive damage just hours after the first stage of the $45 million redevelopment was unveiled.

The group were arrested on Saturday night after they allegedly targeted another school and attempted to smash their way through the front door of a Target store.

They were told the group had been unsuccessful and climbed onto the roof.

Police rushed to the store, arresting two teenagers in the car park while two others fled from the roof to a nearby construction site.

Police dog named Storm tracked a scent to an area under a building within the site and was let off his leash after officers shouted out a warning and received no response.

One boy was detained by Storm, who bit the child's face and around the buttock and thigh area, while another 13-year-old boy surrendered himself.

Vandals broke into the school ground, causing extensive damage just hours after the first stage of the $45 million redevelopment was unveiled

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School (pictured) was closed for repairs on Monday

The injured teen was taken to Kalgoorlie Hospital for treatment.

Police say they found items linking the children to the break-in and vandalism at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School and also at Eastern Goldfields College.

A 10-year-old boy who was with the trio has been charged with aggravated burglary and stealing, and has been released into the care of a responsible adult, police say.

Collectively, the four youths face 21 charges.

An education department spokeswoman said damage at Eastern Goldfields College was minor and the school resumed as normal on Monday.
A new yeti 'sighting' has been made in Siberia, along with pictures of 'footprints' of the legendary creature, it is claimed.

The head of the village council in Kulyaba, Novosibirsk region, claimed he had a 'close encounter' last month that left him 'greatly scared' while also frightening the local cows.

Separately, the alleged footprint was found by a hunter and fisherman more recently some 36 miles away in the same Kyshtovsky district.

Siberian locals claimed they saw a yeti emerging from these woods near Kulyaba

They said the beast, which left behind these footprints, scared a herd of local cattle

Shadrin said: 'I would have never believed it unless I had seen it with my own yeses;

Local politician Alexander Shadrin said he was on his motorbike riding close to Kulyaba at around 10pm when he saw a herd of cows stampeding towards him.

'I would never believe this if I had not seen with my own eyes,' he said.

'After work, it was already 10 pm. I was riding on a motorcycle in my district.

'I suddenly saw the cows running towards me.

'They should have been sleeping.

'After the cows ran away, I saw glowing eyes in the dark.

'At first I thought it was a calf that had lagged behind.

'And when I was some 15 metres from this creature and lit it with my headlight, I realised what it really was - and even my heels turned cold.'

The Siberian Times quoted him saying of the 'yeti': 'Its height was roughly 2.5 metres, all hairy - light silver hairs.

'I was greatly scared...'

Yesterday it was claimed a Bigfoot was filmed walking through a waterfall in Indonesia

Separately, alleged yeti footprints were found beside the Chyoka River, close to the village of Eryomino in the same district.

Fisherman Alexei Kovalenko told he had run out of worms as bait and went to dig some more.

'I went along the river to dig some, and I saw a footstep,' he said.

'I initially thought that it was a human's. I looked closer and realised that it did not look like a human's .

'It also did not look like bear's footprint.

'I'm a hunter, and I know what a bear's mark is like.

'It has a different shape and claws...

'And this one has no claws. And judging by the footsteps it walked strangely - toes inside, and the step is wide.

'The footsteps were strongly pressed into the ground, obviously because of the weight of the creature.

'The footsteps went to the water.

'Obviously the creature had come from Bespyatovka [abandoned village], crossed the Chyoka River and went on to the creek on the other side.'

The trail led to a sandy area nearby.

'The footstep was clear as the sand was wet... The step width is big, meaning the creature was high,' he said.

'I rushed to my wife, she took a camera and we made pictures.'

Another fisherman Alexander Goloburdo, from Kyshtovka village, also a hunter, said: 'They are not human. The toe are pressed, and the trace of the heel is barely noticeable.

'Apparently, he is walking quietly, almost silently.'

These are reported to be the first claims of the evidence of yeti for more than a year in Siberia.

Most alleged sightings or finds of 'footprints' or 'hair' have been made in neighbouring Kemerovo region, where officials claimed five years ago to have found 'indisputable proof' of the yeti's existence.

However, foreign experts debunked the claims with DNA tests in 2013.

Oxford University genetics expert Professor Bryan Sykes, of the Wolfson Institute, found that three samples of suspected 'Yeti hair' from the region belong to other animals.

One was from a horse, another a racoon and a third from an American Black Bear.
Eight members of an Asian sex gang in Rotherham were today convicted of sexually exploiting teenage girls after making them suffer degrading and violent acts.

Sageer Hussain, 30, openly boasted that he was racist and told his distraught 13-year-old white victim: All white girls are good for is sex and they are just sl*gs.

Sageer was convicted of four rapes and one indecent assault and his elder brother Basharat, 40, of indecent assault against the same girl at Sheffield Crown Court.

Brothers: Sageer Hussain (left), 30, was convicted of four rapes and one indecent assault and his elder brother Basharat (right), 40, of one indecent assault against the same 13-year-old girl

Six other members of the gang were also found guilty of a further ten charges of sexually abusing the three girls  and face jail when sentenced next month.

Sageers victim - who is now 27 - told police, their MP and the then home secretary David Blunkett that she had been repeatedly raped by Sageer.

But the allegations were dropped after men threatened to burn down the family home and gang-rape her mother.

The clothes she was wearing when she was raped by Sageer were lost by South Yorkshire Police days later and the force later gave the girl 140 compensation.

She had a cut lip and bruised thighs and bottom but forensic samples taken from the victim at the time were not retained because the rape allegation was dropped.

Tapes of Sageers 2003 police interview were also apparently destroyed.

Files belonging to the youth support group Risky Business compiled at the time of her complaint were also lost as well as phones seized during the police probe.

The girls family tried unsuccessfully to get help from the local social services and took the girl out of school.

Facing jail: Mohammed Whied (left), 32, was found guilty of one count of aiding and abetting rape, while Waleed Ali (right), 34, was found guilty of one rape and one indecent assault

She was treated by psychologists and the family were so desperate to escape her abusers they temporarily moved to Spain in 2005.

She received 20,400 in compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority in 2011 over her earlier rape complaint

Her father told the court previously she was a lovely, happy child who was no trouble until she came home with a red, swollen cheek.

She told her father she had fallen but later confessed the truth to her mother. They have been raping me, she said.

The girl - the victim in 13 of the 16 charges - told the court Sageer hit and slapped her and held her by the hair. He doesnt like girls saying no to him, she said.

She kept associating with his gang out of fear. You feel like scared and stuff, she said. Sageer is like evil, mean and his friends are scared of him because of his brothers.

Sageer was said by Michelle Colborne QC, prosecuting, to have played a key role in the sexual abuse of girls in Rotherham who were targeted and sexualised.

His brother Basharat performed a sex act on the 13-year-old girl on multiple occasions.

Also involved: Ishtiaq Khaliq (left), 33, was found guilty of one rape and three indecent assaults. Masoued Malik (right), 32, was found guilty of one rape, one count of conspiracy to commit indecent assault and one of false imprisonment

The Hussains were among eight men accused during the month-long trial of sexually exploiting three girls aged 13 or 14 at the time.

Girls were lured by the excitement of friendship with a group of older Asian youths and Sageer was instrumental in befriending the alleged victims.

But after a few weeks he became domineering in his treatment of the 13-year-old girl and used her for his own gratification then passed her onto his friends and older brothers or associates, said the prosecutor.

He was helped in differing ways by the other defendants each willingly engaging in exploitative behaviour and using the girls to their own ends.

The girl and her friends met Sageer and other older Asian boys in Rotherham town centre and they became her life.

Miss Colborne said: They dressed better and seemed more approachable. Initially they were pleasant and they had fun with them.

But the victims were soon groomed with cigarettes, alcohol and cannabis.

Gang: Asif Ali (left), 30, was convicted of one rape, and Naeem Rafiq (right), 33, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit indecent assault and one of false imprisonment

Her mother watched the 13-year-old turn from a lovely girl to horrible and was powerless to control it, said Miss Colborne.

By the time she had turned 14 the girl had been repeatedly raped by Sageer in an alleyway at the side of the Boots store in Rotherham and the towns Clifton Park.

The first time when she was still a virgin he made her look at him and told her to scream in front of his watching friends who said it would be their turn next.

The victim said Sageer had been taking drugs before the second rape in the alleyway during which he pulled her hair and grabbed her neck.

His cousin Mohammed Whied, 32, sat on his car bonnet and watched Sageer have sex with the girl in the car at Clifton Park.

Sageer was banging her head against the window telling her to scream and he called her a white sl*g, said Miss Colborne.

WHAT WERE THE 8 GANG MEMBERS CONVICTED OF? The jury retired to consider verdicts on October 11 and today convicted all eight gang members on all counts after deliberating for almost 18 hours. Ringleader Sageer Hussain, 30, of Clough Road, Rotherham, was convicted of four rapes and one indecent assault. Mohammed Whied, 32, of Psalters Lane, Rotherham, was found guilty of one count of aiding and abetting rape. Ishtiaq Khaliq, 33, of Cherry Brook, Rotherham, was found guilty of one rape and three indecent assaults. Waleed Ali, 34, of Canklow Road, Rotherham, was found guilty of one rape and one indecent assault. Asif Ali, 30, of Clough Road, Rotherham, was convicted on one rape. Masoued Malik, 32, of Bridgewater Way, Rotherham, was found guilty of one rape, one count of conspiracy to commit indecent assault and one of false imprisonment. Basharat Hussain, 40, from Goole, was convicted of one indecent assault. And Naeem Rafiq, 33, of Clarendon Road, Rotherham, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit indecent assault and one of false imprisonment. They were remanded in custody for sentencing on November 4. Advertisement

The fourth rape occurred when Sageer pulled the girl from Whieds car and had sex with her in some bushes near Rotherham Museum.

She cried and he called her a big baby before flicking cigarette ash into her hair.

She saw Sageer for the last time in Whieds car when Sageer turned nasty and punched her in the mouth causing it to bleed.

He set light to a can of deodorant which he waved in her face before threatening her with a crowbar.

Other Asian males, including Sageers brothers, goaded the 13-year-old into performing sex acts on them - once with five men at a Kosovan refugees flat.

In police video interviews shown to the jury, the victim said: It was like we were sex objects. There was no respect or care. It was like we were there for a certain reason.

She said an unknown Asian male once held a gun to her head in Clifton Park and told her she would be shot if she spoke to police about the sexual abuse.

He said if you tell anyone whats happening, I will shoot you in three seconds. He counted down from three to one then pulled the trigger and started laughing saying there was nothing in it.

She told why she did not pursue her 2003 allegation, saying: I withdrew it because they (the police) wouldnt give me any protection and had already lost my clothes so there was no DNA and it was my word against his.

After her mother got threatening phone calls the family believed they were in real danger and had a panic alarm fitted at home.

The victim finally summoned up the courage to complain again to the police in September 2013.

Sageer did not take the witness stand in the trial but in a police interview said he used to go to the mosque every day and hung about with his father visiting furniture and car auctions.

I was kicked out of school when I was 15 for messing about, my family werent happy, he said.

He claimed never to have been down the Boots alleyway or raped the complainant. Basharat denied knowing the girl.

Speaking after the verdicts, Detective Chief Inspector Martin Tate said: The verdicts today are of massive importance to the young women who have come forward to report years of horrific sexual abuse at the hands of these criminals.

They had to endure what no child should and have shown remarkable bravery throughout our inquiry.
St Mary's City was the capital of Maryland; now it's an

The secret life of a 300-year-old infant boy has finally been uncovered thanks to a series of scientific tests that revealed he was the sickly son of a colonial Maryland governor.

The child's body was found in a lead-lined coffin near those of governor Philip Calvert and his first wife Anne in a field that was once part of the colonial town of St Mary's City.

Thanks to investigations by forensic experts, they now know what life for the child was like - and it was hard indeed,The Washington Post revealed.

Mystery: Coffins (left) found in what was St Mary's City, the ex-capital of Maryland, contained former governor Philip Calvert (right), his wife and the body of an unknown infant

Discovery: The lead coffins were found in 1991 beneath the floor of a long-demolished church. St Mary's City dissipated in the 1700s and was turned into farming fields, but bodies remain

St Mary's City was established in 1634 as the first colonial settlement in Maryland, and quickly became a designated area of 'tolerance' for both Protestants and Catholics.

But the city faltered due to conflicts between the two groups in the mid-1600s, and lost its reason to exist when the capital moved to Annapolis in 1695.

The town dissolved and was turned into farmland in the 1700s, and is now the focus for many archaeological digs that turn up the city hidden beneath the topsoil.

One of those digs in the field where the city once stood, performed in 1991, unearthed the caskets of the Calverts as well as the tiny coffin of the mysterious infant.

But the body was so tiny and underdeveloped - even the skull was just paper-thin - that it wasn't even clear whether it was a boy or a girl, much less who it had been.

Douglas Owsley, a physical anthropologist from the Smithsonian Institute who had been examining the bodies, turned to Harvard geneticist David Reich to examine the child's DNA.

Owsley took samples of its bones, along with those of Philip and Anne Calvert, whose coffins were found near the child's, to Boston for Reich to examine.

And Reich was able to confirm that the baby was indeed Calvert's son.

Expensive: The infant was found to be Calvert's son, probably from his second wife, using DNA tests. Other tests revealed the maladies he had been afflicted with: scurvy, rickets and more

He was unable to get DNA from Anne's bones, but it seems likely that she died before the child - whose name is unknown - was even born.

More likely, he came from Calvert's second marriage, to Jane Sewell - which would have made him the heir to Calvert's sprawling colonial mansion, had he lived.

Calvert's house, named St Peter's, was the biggest in colonial America - a sign of his immense wealth and position as a governor.

It was the size of the Governors Palace at Williamsburg, which was built in the 1700s had three stories of 3,380sqft each.

Recreated: This is holographic recreation of Philip showing his bones. Scientific testing has revealed much about the lives his family lived in the former city

But all the riches in the world could not have saved the child from the terrible conditions of colonial life, as further tests discovered.

The baby was likely born in November 1682, four years after Anne died and Calvert remarried. Just two months later Calvert himself died, leaving Jane to raise the child.

The child's rib-bones had the familiar deformities associated with rickets, a softening of the bones in children caused by a deficiency of vitamin D.

That was most likely caused by a lack of access to sunlight, which is needed to generate the vitamin in the human body - probably a product of swaddling.

Scurvy could also be seen, suggesting a vitamin C deficiency.

And there was evidence of anemia in the child's bones - most likely the result of bleeding, which was used as a cure-all solution by doctors of the day.

Examination of the expensive casket - lined with lead that would have been shipped over from the British mainland - revealed oak and pine pollen, indicating the child died in the springtime.

A year or so later, Jane left America forever, leaving behind the bodies of Calvert, Anne and the child beneath the stone floor of a small brick chapel - a rare honor.

That chapel was dismantled as St Mary's City evaporated, and what was once the hub of Maryland politics became fields and farmlands.

But beneath that still earth lay the Calverts - and perhaps 400 or 500 others.

And though the mystery of the infant is settled, experts continue to comb the land for clues about the other colonists and their world.
When Miranda Valles and her friend Matthew Summers were killed in a horrific motorcycle crash last year after Summers crashed into a median while speeding, their friends and family learned of their deaths not from the police or the medical examiner's office, but from social media.

Photos showing the gruesome aftermath of the June 2015 accident in Chicago that ended the lives of the 21-year-old woman and her 41-year-old friend showed up on Facebook, leaving the victims' loved ones both shocked and saddened.

Now, they are backing a new initiative to ban photographs and video depicting accident scene with injuries and fatalities.

Tragic pair: Miranda Valles, 21, and her friend Matthew Summers, 41, were killed in a horrific motorcycle crash in Chicago in the summer of 2015

Deadly crash: Police said Summers lost control of his bike while driving along the Eisenhower Expressway and slammed into a median

Smashed up: This image shows Summers' bike resting on the ground after the collision that killed the two friends on impact

Kaley Sullivan, a friend of Valles and Summers, launched a petition on Change.org last month asking state lawmakers in Illinois to pass legislation that would protect the rights of accident victims and their families.

ALL people should be remembered for the people they were not by how they died, reads Sullivans petition. People are paralyzed for life from tragic accidents everyday and graphic photos are shared.

News crews do NOT photograph or video injuries or fatalities. Medical examiners and coroners do NOT release photos of claimed bodies to the public or the media. Others should respect the victim's and families privacy as well.

As of Monday morning, 678 supporters have signed the online petition.

Police in Chicago said Matthew Summers was speeding when he lost control of his motorcycle and slammed into a median on the Eisenhower Expressway on the evening of June 28, 2015, reported CBS Chicago.

Adding insult to injury: Valles' mother says gruesome photos of her daughter's lifeless body surfaced on social media a short time after the crash

A picture of Summers' (left) severed body made it onto someone Facebook page, along with a photo of Valles (right). Fourteen months later, the graphic images are still searchable on Google

Both Summers and Valles, who was riding with him, were pronounced dead at the scene. The man's body was severed on impact.

Rob Summers, the motorcyclists brother, tells the Chicago Tribune that he learned of the existence of a grisly photo showing his deceased sibling a day after receiving notice of his death.

Later, at Matt's funeral, Rob asked his other brother to show him the image taken by someone at the scene of the crash and shared on social media - a decision he regrets to this day, 14 months later.

Matt's dead, and I'm trying to figure out how to get past those images, said Rob Summers. I see that picture every day.

Miranda's mother, Dawn Valles, said that she began receiving condolences from friends even before police notified her of her daughters death, which was also captured on film and splashed all over Facebook.

Beautiful soul: Valles' mother says seeing the 21-year-old's post-mortem shots has been upsetting to her sisters, who wish to remember her as she was in life

Shocking news: Mrs Valles had begun getting condolences from Miranda's friends even before police had a chance to notify her

Nobody should ever have to find out that way, Valles said. People think [accident photos are] cool to look at, but it's not so cool when it's your family. (That photo is) always going to be on Google.

The disturbing images featuring the bodies of the two friends were eventually removed from Facebook after their loved ones reached out directly to the users who had put up the photos on their pages, but then they popped up on another social media site, and the pictures are still searchable on Google.

Mrs Valles says Miranda's three surviving siblings want the 21-year-old remembered for the person she was in life, not for the victim of a ghastly crash.

'That's not the way she should be know,' she told the paper.

In her petition, Kaley Sullivan proposes a ban that would prohibit people from taking photos and recording video within 500 feet of accident scenes where there are severe injuries or fatalities.

Taking initiative: Valles and Summers' friend Kaley Sullivan has launched a petition on Change.org pushing for a ban on photos and video at deadly accident scenes

'Photographing or filming deceased or injured victims is NOT a matter of public interest,' she argues. 'People are not only photographing the first responders who are trying to help the victims but also the victims and their vehicles.

'People are crowding the sites to get a closer look or a better picture. Some blocking or in the way of the first responders. Every second counts.'

However, legal scholars tell the Tribune that the kind of law being proposed by Ms Sullivan could pose serious constitutional questions revolving around the First Amendment, which guarantees the right to free speech.
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Mystery mourners paid tribute today to a Second World War hero after he died aged 97 with no family members.

Richard 'Dick' Norris, who fought in the famous 1942 Battle of El Alamein in Egypt, passed away two weeks ago.

But despite his lack of relatives, hundreds of kind-hearted strangers turned out to pay their respects to him today.

Around 200 people filled All Saints Parish Church in Driffield, East Yorkshire, for Mr Norriss funeral.

And a guard of honour was performed outside after a social media appeal was launched to find mourners.

Guard of honour: The funeral of Dick Norris at All Saints Parish Church in Driffield, East Yorkshire, was well attended today

Coffin: Despite Mr Norris's lack of relatives, hundreds of kind-hearted strangers turned out to pay their respects to him today

Taken in: Mr Norris, who fought in the famous 1942 Battle of El Alamein in Egypt, passed away two weeks ago

Arrival: Around 200 people filled All Saints Parish Church in Driffield, East Yorkshire, for Mr Norriss funeral

Members of the public, veterans and military association standards were in attendance for the service.

There was representation from the Royal Tank Regiment Association and the Royal British Legion.

Also involved were the Royal Armed Forces and the Prince of Waless Own Regiment of Yorkshire.

Robin Ellwood, who served in the RAF from 1971 to 1976 as an air photography operator, was at the funeral.

He had taken two buses and a train to travel alone from Darlington in County Durham  a round trip of 140 miles.

The 63-year-old, who now works as an actor and is also a member of the RBL, said: I live in Darlington.

But I am self employed and I had some free time today so it's nothing to come here and pay my respects.

I was surprised by the turnout. There were a few people outside when I arrived and I thought that would be it.

Respects: A guard of honour was performed outside after a social media appeal was launched to find mourners

Turning up: Members of the public, veterans and military association standards were in attendance for the service

Standing in line: There was representation from the Royal Tank Regiment Association and the Royal British Legion

In attendance: The Royal Armed Forces and the Prince of Waless Own Regiment of Yorkshire were involved at the funeral

But when I walked in after the coffin, there were people who were already sitting in the church.

I probably could count on both hands how many people there were who actually knew him in there - two friends and five carers.

Mr Ellwood, a divorced father-of-one, runs a Facebook group called 'Veterans Honoured'.

This encourages people to attend funerals of ex-members of the armed forces.

He said: We often do not know if there is going to be a family representative there.

Mr Norris, born in Leeds, joined his local Territorial Army group in 1939.

Carried in: Mr Norris, who was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, joined his local Territorial Army group in 1939

Proud past: Mr Norris fought Rommel's Afrika Korps at the Battle of El Alamein in 1942 in Egypt

Biker's jacket: Mr Norris was with the 8th Army in Egypt - and many people paid their respects today following his death

Gathering: The funeral at All Saints Parish Church in Driffield was well attended after a last-minute push on social media

He fought Rommel's Afrika Korps at the Battle of El Alamein in 1942 in Egypt.

He was then stationed with the 8th Army in Egypt before moving to Palestine as an instructor in the base workshops with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After the war, he returned to his role as a type operator with the Yorkshire Post newspaper before retiring in 1982.

Two members of the Royal Tank Regiment Association drove together from Leeds to hold their standards at his funeral.

Among them was Kevin 'Hocky' Haque, who served in the First Royal Tank Regiment from 1975 to 1983.

He said: I think the amount of different standards there were great. Dick would be really pleased that his regiment was there. We are all one big family.

Married couple: Mr Norris, who died two weeks ago aged 97, is pictured in 2007 with his wife Sybil, who died in 2010

Mr Norris, pictured with his wife Sybil, was a type operator with the Yorkshire Post newspaper before retiring in 1982

Foreign postings: Mr Norris is pictured while he was stationed in Tel Aviv, Israel

The 59-year-old, who works as a freelance photographer, added: A few years back, there would only be a few people who would come to these types of funerals.

But now there are more who would come and pay their respects to those who served for their country.

Attitudes have started to change a lot in the past few years.

Paul Ramsay, who is the branch secretary of the Scarborough branch of the Royal Tank Regiment Assocation, said: I wasn't surprised by the turnout today.

Social media has changed everything. But, I also expected a good turnout because that is what military people do - we are a family.

The 63-year-old added: Dick would be extremely proud, especially because members of his regiment were here.

It is believed a second cousin of Mr Norris was also in attendance at the funeral, but they had never met each other.
This is the shocking moment a police officer appeared to drag a terrified 13-year-old girl in handcuffs across the ground 'like a piece of meat'.

The drama unfolded minutes after a trivial row at the school gates.

The Metropolitan Police has now been accused of brutality after Katelynn Murphy King was allegedly forcibly restrained and handcuffed by a policeman outside the gates of Wapping High School in east London.

Restrained: This is the shocking moment a police officer appeared to drag a terrified 13-year-old girl in handcuffs across the ground 'like a piece of meat'

The Met Police has been accused of brutality after Katelynn Murphy King was allegedly restrained and handcuffed by a policeman outside the gates of Wapping High School

The footage, obtained by the East London Advertiser was captured on an iPhone by her twin sister.

It appears to show the Bethnal Green Academy pupil being hauled across the pavement on her knees with her hands in cuffs.

The schoolgirl's family claim police used unnecessary force and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been called on to investigate.

Joan Whittaker, 51, Katelynn's grandmother, said: 'This policeman wasn't tackling a grown man, this was a little girl of 13.

'It was extreme force and it absolutely was not justified.'

The youngster was restrained after arguing with a 16-year-old pupil from Wapping High School who had allegedly goaded her and branded her 'a slag' before trying to kick her.

The twin sisters were visiting the secondary school in Commercial Road to meet a friend when the row broke out.

'My grand-daughter lifted her hand as if to slap this girl,' said Mrs Whittaker.

'But there was no physical contact with these two kids, it was just two kids having a dispute and the policeman went too far.

The schoolgirl's family claim police used unnecessary force and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been called on to investigate

'He came up behind my grand-daughter.

'Katelynn didn't know he was there and he restrained her on the ground and on her side in handcuffs. She's not struggling, she's compliant.

'She tries to get up and he just drags her like a piece of meat.'

Mrs Whittaker branded the officer's actions 'out of all proportion to the incident'.

Katelynn's family released the video to their local newspaper, the East London Advertiser, in the hope of receiving an apology from the Met.

'I believe the way he handled himself was disgusting,' insisted Mrs Whittaker.

'I think it's really important that the whole thing is made public. It was very excessive.

'I would even say that it was a borderline assault.'

Katelynn was taken home badly shaken after the incident at 4.15pm on October 5 and was not arrested or questioned

Her family, of Bethnal Green, said the policeman also tried to threaten Katelynn's twin sister into deleting the footage from her mobile phone minutes after the bust-up

Katelynn was taken home badly shaken after the incident at 4.15pm on October 5 and was not arrested or questioned.

She was said to have been left with badly bruised and swollen knees, a lump on her head, and severe bruises to her arms and torso.

Her family, of Bethnal Green, said the policeman also tried to threaten Katelynn's twin sister into deleting the footage from her mobile phone minutes after the bust-up.

They complained to police and the IPCC has today decided an investigation should be carried out internally by the Met Police's professional standards team.

A spokesman said: 'The IPCC received a referral from the Metropolitan Police concerning an incident outside Wapping High School on October 5.

'Following a careful assessment we have decided that the incident should be locally investigated by the Metropolitan Police.'

The family complained to police and the IPCC has today decided an investigation should be carried out internally by the Met Police's professional standards team

A statement from Wapping High School said: 'The police were called to an incident outside of school concerning the conduct of a student from another school in order to safeguard our students and members of the public.

'The matter is currently in the hands of the police.'

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'On Wednesday, 5 October police were called at 4.15pm to Commercial Road, Wapping, to reports of disturbance.

'Officers attended and arrested a 13-year-old girl on suspicion of affray and for a breach of the peace.

'She was de-arrested at the scene for the affray and taken home to prevent a further breach of the peace. Once there she was subsequently de-arrested for the breach of the peace. The girl sustained minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

'On Friday, 7 October, a complaint was received from a member of the public in relation to the arrest of the 13-year-old girl.
Hillary Clinton's campaign manager smacked down Donald Trump today for claiming that the election is 'rigged' in favor of the former first lady.

'Donald Trump's campaign is spiraling,' Robby Mook proclaimed during a conference call with reporters. 'He is desperately trying to shift attention from his own disastrous campaign. He knows he's losing and is trying to blame that on the system.'

Assailing Trump, Mook said, 'This is what losers do. And we're not even going to give it any credit by amplifying it.

'It's not true. The system is not rigged,' Mook stated.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Hillary Clinton's campaign manager smacked down Donald Trump's claims that the election is being 'rigged' against him this morning.

Trump has been forewarning his followers that the election could be 'rigged' for some time. He's stepped up his accusations of election tampering as women began to accuse him of assault in The New York Times, Washington Post and elsewhere.

'The election is being rigged by corrupt media pushing completely false allegations and outright lies in an effort to elect her president,' he said at a Saturday rally in New Hampshire.

He railed against the process in a series of tweets Sunday, as well.

'The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD,' he said.

Trump characterized a Saturday Night Live sketch as a 'hit job' in one tweet that ended with him claiming, 'Media rigging election!'

Several times in recent days Trump has said the Times and other media outlets publishing allegations of sexual misconduct against him are tentacles of his opponent's political operation.

'Election is being rigged by the media, in a coordinated effort with the Clinton campaign, by putting stories that never happened into news!' he declared in another tweet on Sunday.

Democrats are also planning to commit voter fraud in Pennsylvania and Illinois, Giuliani insisted. 'Dead people generally vote for Democrats rather than Republicans,' he told Jake Tapper.

Trump has been forewarning his followers that the election could be 'rigged' for some time. He's stepped up his accusations of election tampering in the last several days

Trump, meanwhile, kept at the claims, saying in a morning Morning missive, 'Voter fraud! Crooked Hillary Clinton even got the questions to a debate, and nobody says a word. Can you imagine if I got the questions?'

The Republican presidential candidate was not amused by the sketch and responded on Sunday morning calling Alec Baldwin's portrayal of him a 'hit job'

'Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!'

He took aim at House Speaker Paul Ryan, who split with him last week after a lewd video of Trump boasting that he can fondle women's genitals without recourse came out.

'The Democrats have a corrupt political machine pushing crooked Hillary Clinton. We have Paul Ryan, always fighting the Republican nominee!' he said.

The Republican presidential candidate was not amused by a Saturday Night Live sketch this weekend. He said Alec Baldwin's portrayal of him was a 'hit job' - and offered it as proof of a rigged election

Robby Mook, right, said on his Monday call that Trump is 'becoming more unhinged by the day.' Mook is Clinton's campaign manager

Mook said on his Monday call that Trump is 'becoming more unhinged by the day.'

His 'erratic behavior' has caused a civil war within the GOP and has put Republicans running for federal office 'in a real bind,' the Clinton campaign chief said.

'We think the system has been working incredibly well,' Mook said of the election-rigging rhetoric.

Trump 'can make excuses for his own spiraling campaign,' he said. 'We're going to focus on talking about what Secretary Clinton is going to do to make a difference in peoples' lives and focus on reminding our supporters to go vote.'

He also addressed protesters showing up at Hillary Clinton rallies accusing her husband of rape'. They've been shouting down Bill, as well, and once they interrupted President Barack Obama.

Infowars' Alex Jones has offered to pay anyone who shouts that Bill Clinton is a 'rapist' if they're able to get on TV for more than five seconds. The prize money increases if they wear a shirt accusing the former president of the same thing.

'This is part of the Trump campaign's scorched-earth policy,' Mook said today.

The senior Clinton aide said the interjections are meant to distraction from Trump's 'lack of a real plan.'




*M*ake what you will of this. In the modern era of partisan polarization, which can be dated back to the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980, only the presid...
A senior State Department official pressured the FBI to declassify one of Hillary Clinton's emails related to the Benghazi terror attack so he could use a loophole in the Freedom of Information Act to make sure it would never see the light of day, according to notes from an FBI interview released Monday.

State Department Undersecretary for Management Patrick Kennedy, the FBI file shows, discussed the possibility of approving the FBI's request for funding 'to place more agents in countries where they are presently forbidden.'

The FBI agent who interviewed him during the investigation into classified documents housed on Clinton's now-infamous secrt email server called the proposal a 'quid pro quo.'

The fallout from the bombshell revelation threatens to turn the presidential race upside down. The Obama administration rushed to deny the FBI's claim, and Donald Trump's campaign called it new evidence of a criminal conspiracy to hide the truth.

BUSTED: State Department Undersecretary Patrick Kennedy, a newly released FBI file shows, discussed the possibility of approving the FBI's request for more personnel funding of the agency helped him get rid of one of Hillary Clinton's problematic emails

'NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN': Kennedy asked the FBI to help him bury the Benghazi-related emails by declassifying it so he could use a loophole in the Freedom of Information Act to keep it from public view

NO SALE: The FBI ultimately told Kennedy that it wouldn't help him declassify the email

'The classification of the email was not changed, and it remains classified today,' the State Department said in a statement. 'Although there was never a quid pro quo, these allegations were nonetheless referred to the appropriate officials for review.'

Separately, State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner said the FBI's 'allegation is inaccurate and does not align with the facts.'

FBI interviews are generally not recorded, leaving individual agents' notes as the only records from which final case reports are written.

Classified documents are generally redacted  blacked out  in whole or in part when they are released to the media and the public. But portions that remain can still be damaging to public officials who author them.

But authority to release documents that are unclassified or declassified rests with the cabinet agency that produced them, meaning the State Department would have had the power to invoke one of the FOIA laws' exemptions to ensure that the document would always stay hidden.

'Kennedy told [redacted] that the FBI's classification of the email in question caused problems for Kennedy and Kennedy wanted to classify the document as "B9",' The FBI report says.

'Kennedy further stated that the 'B9' classification would allow him to archive the document in the basement of DoS [Department of State] never to be seen again.'

TROUBLE: Hillary Clinton kept a secret private email server in her basement, which housed thousands of documents later determined to be classified, and her deputy at the State Department flagged one about the Benghazi terror attacks as especially problematic

'UNBELIEVABLE': Donald Trump tweeted his one-word reaction to the news, which will fuel his message that Democratic elites have 'rigged' the election despite Clinton's 'criminal' conduct

The 'B9' FOIA exemption known is a rarely invoked option that protects geological and geophysical data, information and maps. It's normally used to keep information about oil and gas wells secret.

That could indicate that the email Kennedy sought to shield from the public had something to do with oil reserves in Libya.

'The e-mail of Kennedy's concern was classified by the FBI Counterterrorism Division (CTD),' the FBi report says, 'and was related to the attacks on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi.'

Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn blasted Clinton and her inner circle on Monday in a statement circulated by the Trump campaign.

'These FBI documents provide undeniable proof that Hillary Clinton colluded with the FBI, DOJ and State Department to cover up criminal activity at the highest levels,' Flynn said.

'Hillary Clinton has recklessly put our national security at extreme risk. We have men and women putting their lives on the line for this country. If any person had done a fraction of what she has done with our sensitive information they would be criminally charged and those in our military would be court-martialed.'

Trump himself tweeted a breaking-news article accompanied by a single word: 'Unbelievable.'

THE ASK: Kennedy pressed the FBI about whether agents could 'see their way to marking the email unclassified' so the State Department would have full discretion about what to do with it

COVER-UP? The Benghazi, Libya terror attack in 2012 is already the subject of numerous Republican claims that Clinton sought to hide the truth from voters and Congress

The Republican presidential nominee's spokesman, Jason Miller, told reporters that the FBI document 'should be distressing for anyone who cares about keeping classified information safe.

'The Clinton campaign must immediately disavow Kennedy and give the American people a full accounting of any communication relating to the request to change the classification levels on certain emails,' he added.

The Clinton campaign has made no comment on the swirling controversy.

Utah Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who chairs the powerful House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, hinted on Saturday at the news to come.

'In return for altering the classification, the possibility of additional slots for the FBI at missions overseas was discussed,' Chaffetz said on the Fox News Channel, saying he was 'infuriated' and promising a series of four public hearings on the matter.
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An American plane flown by Soviet forces during the Second World War could one day fly again, after it was crash landed in Siberia in 1947.

Captain Maxim Tyurikov brought the plane down after encountering stormy weather and amazingly, there were no casualties among the 32 passengers on board.

But nine people, including the captain and two crew members, died as they trekked through icy conditions to find the nearest settlement and rescue the other passengers.

Now, the wreckage of the Douglas C-47 is to be recovered in a joint Russian and American expedition and examined in the hope it could be restored to its former glory and flown again.

Part of the wreckage includes a message written in indelible ink by the captain, explaining when he took off, crashed, and that there were no casualties.

The wreckage of the Douglas C-47, which has been in Siberian tundra since 1947, is to be recovered and examined

The expedition is a joint Russian and American venture, as the plane was US built and lent to the Soviet Forces in the Second World War

The diary reads: 'I'm Tyurikov's board. There are 3 women and 6 children onboard. On 22.04.47 at 00:30 we took off from Kozhevnikovo and headed for Krasnoyarsk. At 5:30 was the emergency landing. No casualties.'

Those who remained with the aircraft were eventually rescued but they faced a tough three weeks in the freezing conditions and ran out of food.

They did not lose heart, even marking May Day during their wait for rescue.

The diary kept in the fuselage read: ''I'm Tyurikov's board. There are 3 women and 6 children onboard. On 22.04.47 at 00:30 we took off from Kozhevnikovo and headed for Krasnoyarsk. At 5:30 was the emergency landing. No casualties.'

The plane was dissembled and moved from the remote Arctic to Kransnoyarsk city by the barge Kislovodsk on the Yenisei River in August but not before the daughter of the pilot was able to see the wreckage for herself.

Above left, a photo of the heroic captain held by his daughter Avelina Antsiferova at the crash scene. Above right, Viktor Pismarev, a mechanic who went with the captain to try to find help for the survivors

When the plane crashed, the 32 survivors were met with icy conditions and snow storms. The pilot, plus eight people, went out into the freezing cold and died as they tried to find help for the others

Those who were left had to wait three weeks before they were found by Vladimir Malkov and Fedor Shatrov. Pictured above left, Vladimir Malkov, pilot-rescuer, and pictured above right, Fedor Shatrov, pilot-rescuer

Avelina Antsiferova is the daughter of the heroic captain and has been at the forefront of the mission to bring the crashed plane home.

She was six when she last saw her father, and lived her life determined to see and touch the plane he landed before his death, 70 years ago.

She told the Siberian Times: 'I have been waiting for this moment all my life. I studied the story of my father, and searched the documents in archives.

'If I can touch this plane, then my life is not lived in vain.

'You can understand my deep feelings, when I saw this silver-coloured airplane from above. It was like a bird lying outspread in tundra.

'All my feelings awakened in me. There was quite a cool, northern wind. This is the far north, after all, and we even saw a reindeer running in the tundra far away.

'I climbed into the cabin, where my father had been at the helm. I touched all this, I felt everything. All this was so dear to me. I had dreamed for so long of seeing his plane, but I was so lucky to be able to get inside it. It was such an emotional moment.'

Avelina Antsiferova with Glen Moss(right) and Igor Spiridenko (first from the left). Glen Moss is an American pilot and Douglas expert who dismantled the plane

A man walks through the Douglas C-47, which was built in Long Beach, California before it was used by Soviet Forces

The remains of the captain were found six years after the dramatic plane crash and he was identified by a book in which his daughter had inscribed her own name

Sadly, the remains of the other eight people who went to look for help for the passengers were never found. Above, the wreckage of the Douglas C-47

The remains of Captain Tyurikov were not found for six years, until a reindeer herder was in the area and spotted them.

Remarkably, he was identified by documents he carried, including a book which his daughter had inscribed her name on, meaning they were able to confirm it was him.

The remains of the others in his group were never found.

All the crew and survivors stayed with the craft for four days before the group decided to make their way out, as there had been no sign of help coming

Alexei Semenov, radio operator, pictured above left, was one of those who went out in the hope of finding help. Above right, Captain Maxim Tyurikov, who managed to crash land the plane without losing any casualties

Mechanics and Douglas aircraft experts work on dismantling the huge machine to bring it back piece by piece. It will be displayed in a museum

Avelina said: 'You can understand my deep feelings, when I saw this silver-coloured airplane from above.' She spent her life working to see the plane and recover it

Crews make their way out to the site where the plane is being recovered, with pieces being brought in by helicopter

Avelina said: 'I had dreamed for so long of seeing his plane, but I was so lucky to be able to get inside it. It was such an emotional moment.' Above, part of the wreckage

Avelina Antsiferova was only six years old when the aircraft - received from the US under the wartime Lend-Lease Agreement and captained by her father Maxim Tyurikov - crashed as it landed in 1947. She never saw her father again

Above, a map of the route where the Douglas C-47 crashed in 1947. Nearly 70 years later, it is being recovered
Pc Emilio Sabatino allegedly brandished his warrant card and mocked bouncer Gurmeet Singh

A police officer called a bouncer a 'P***' after he urinated on a friend at a cocktail bar, a hearing was told.

Pc Emilio Sabatino allegedly brandished his warrant card and mocked bouncer Gurmeet Singh when he discovered the officer and another man urinating at each other at Dirty Martini, in Mayfair, London.

Mr Singh claimed the officer was aggressive towards him and made fun of his SIA (Security Industry Authority) pass, asking 'why are you wearing that?'.

The doorman told a Metropolitan Police misconduct hearing he found Sabatino in the toilet standing three feet away from his friend and aiming urine at each other on August 29, 2015.

Mr Singh said door staff checked the toilets every 20 minutes to check there was 'no alcohol or broken glass on the floor.'

He said: 'I saw two men urinating in the toilet facing each other. They were doing it in mid-air towards each other.

'I asked them to stop doing that and said I had to call the manager. He said he was a police officer and showed me his badge.

'He said "Can I vouch for my friend?", then he showed his ID card to me.

'I said "I don't know what you are showing me your badge for". He didn't say anything so I called my manager.

'He was asked to come out of the premises and make his way upstairs. As we came outside, he asked if he could come back inside. Then he questioned why I had my SIA badge on.

'He said 'I can show my [police] badge to whoever I want to. I said 'I haven't committed a crime.'

Mr Singh continued: 'He was a little bit aggressive because he wanted to get back downstairs.

'He stuck his middle finger up and said 'P***' and I said I would make a complaint.

Mr Singh said one of Pc Sabatino's friends apologised to him, before shouting at the policeman 'Why did you say that?'

'I was quite shocked. You wouldn't expect that from anyone. I think it's bullying.

'I was hoping that someone should tell him that. It was wrong.

'It's the first time I have come across someone flashing a badge at me or being racist to me.'

Robert Morris, representing Pc Sabatino, asked Mr Singh if he made any notes of the incident before writing his statement on October, 29 2015. Mr Singh replied he had not.

Mr Morris suggested Mr Singh had been concerned about Sabatino and his group of friends throughout the night, but Mr Singh replied: 'No, they were a nice group.'

Mr Morris asked if Sabatino and his friend ended up 'covered in urine'. Mr Singh replied: 'No, I don't think so. I know it was falling on the floor..'

Pc Emilio Sabatino was at Dirty Martini, in Mayfair, London when the alleged incident occured

Mr Morris suggested Mr Singh had originally told his manager that the two men were urinating 'in the same urinal' and that he had 'exaggerated that to make it sound worse'. Mr Singh denied the claims.

Pc Sabatino later denied calling the bouncer a 'P***' and described it as a disgusting term.

He denied urinating on the toilet floor but said he and his friend Tim Blunn - the fiancee of his girlfriend's sister - had joked about 'crossing streams' as they relieved themselves.

Pc Sabatino also denied showing his warrant card to gain an advantage and said he was simply trying to defuse the situation.

He arrived at the Dirty Martini around 8pm and had been drinking for five hours at the time of the incident, although he said he was only 'seven' out of ten drunk.

Describing the incident in the toilet of the Dirty Martini cocktail bar he said: 'I was at the urinal. Tim has then come in behind me. I don't know for what reason, but he thought it would be funny to start urinating in my urinal.

'He did that for a few seconds, then went back to his urinal.'

'As Tim finished, he turns towards Mr Singh. Mr Singh then got quite close to him and said 'you can't be doing that. Why are you urinating on the floor?'

'Because of his big stature in quite a small confined space, it did seem a bit intimidating.

'As he was about to explain what was going on, he said 'I'm calling the manager and you are all going out.'

He added: 'I heard Mr Singh say that [we were urinating at each other] and it is just ridiculous. I don't know why we would urinate on each other and then carry on with our night.'

Sabatino denied using any racist language towards Mr Singh as he has an Italian father and colleagues from 'all different faiths' but admitted to swearing at him by lifting his middle finger and saying 'f*** ***'.
The Ukip leadership candidate who got in a fight with a fellow MEP has tonight quit the party claiming it has no future as it is 'ingovernable' and 'riddled with infighting'.

Steven Woolfe, 49, announced his decision as he filed a complaint with French police claiming his former colleague Mike Hookem punched him during the scuffle at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

The North West MEP, who got into the row after he admitted to Ukip MEPs that he had been in talks with the Tories about defecting, said he would keep his seat as an independent.

Steven Woolfe, pictured right with Nigel Farage, tonight sensationally quit the party two weeks after a scrap with a fellow MEP

Mr Woolfe said: 'It is with deep sorrow and regret that I am aborting my leadership campaign and announcing my resignation from Ukip with immediate effect.

'I believe that a strong Ukip would hold this government's feet to the fire and make sure it delivers a clean Brexit.

'However, I have come to the conclusion that Ukip is ungovernable without Nigel Farage leading it and the referendum cause to unite it.

'The party is riddled with infighting, proxy wars between rival camps and is run by a national executive committee that is not fit for purpose.

'Once my recovery is complete, it is my intention to sit as an independent MEP in the European Parliament.'

Mr Woolfe initially said he would not report Mr Hookem to police, but tonight said he had done so after the 63-year-old claimed in the Mail that he had staged his 'pure Hollywood' collapse following the fight.

He said: 'With regards to the highly regrettable events in Strasbourg, I will reiterate my position that I received a blow from Mr Hookem that knocked me back into the meeting room and caused my subsequent injuries.

'I have made a police complaint. Iam now seeking legal advice in respect of the investigations.'

Mr Woolfe was left collapsed face down in the Strasbourg European Parliament building, pictured, just hours after announcing he would run for the party leadership

The details of the scrap between Mr Woolfe, left in hospital after the incident, and Mike Hookem, file picture right, are hotly disputed by both men

The two men got into a row a fortnight ago during a meeting of Ukip MEPs to discuss claims Mr Woolfe had been secretly planning to defect before Nigel Farage's successor Diane James quit after just 18 days triggering a leadership contest.

Two hours later Mr Woolfe collapsed outside the Parliament chamber an spent three days in hospital under observation.

Mr Woolfe said tonight: 'The events at the meeting in Strasbourg led to me later being treated by doctors for two seizures, partial paralysis and loss of feeling in my face and body.'

Mr Hookem, who represents Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, has dismissed Mr Woolfe's account of the fight as a 'pack of lies' and threatened legal action for defamation.

Mr Woolfe will now not be a candidate to follow Diane James, pictured after winning her election, as Ukip leader after she lasted just 18 days in the post

Mr Hookem launched a fresh attack on Mr Woolfe claiming he had continued signing in to the European Parliament in order to get expenses despite his ongoing recovery.

He said: Steven Woolfe's political career was over once he showed disloyalty to Ukip and its membership by holding talks to join the Tories.

Steven has been warned about inappropriate behaviour by senior Ukip personnel for a year now. We wish him well and hope he can get his life sorted out.

Ukip is united in working for a full democratic Brexit and especially challenging the Labour party in the North of England.

Mr Hookem said Mr Woolfe has signed in at the European Parliament on three days last week.

Ukip tonight said it would elect a new leader by November 28 in a quick-fire contest after nominations close on October 31.

Hustings will be held in the first two weeks of November, with ballots issued to party members on November 11.
Police say Adam Powell, 41, wore body armor and ambushed two cops on a coffee break

A gunman wearing body armor targeted two California police officers who were taking a break at a coffee shop in an ambush that failed when his gun malfunctioned, authorities said Monday.

Adam Powell, 41, appeared in the doorway of a Starbucks and 'attempted to assassinate' the two officers on Sunday, Vallejo Police Chief Andrew Bidou said.

The officers were not injured because the battered weapon, its butt covered with duct tape or foil, appeared to jam. Powell of Suisun City was in critical condition after being shot by the officers during a foot chase.

It was the latest attack on police across the country. Earlier this month, a man in body armor shot and killed two officers in Palm Springs who were responding to a domestic disturbance call at the home of an ex-convict's family.

Adam Powell, 41, appeared in the doorway of a Starbucks in Vallejo, California, and 'attempted to assassinate' two police officers on Sunday

That shooting occurred just three days after Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Steven Owen was shot and killed in Lancaster while answering a burglary call. Owen was the victim of 'a calculated execution' by a parolee with a long history of arrests who pumped bullets into his body as he lay wounded, Sheriff Jim McDonnell said.

Bidou said he attacks have led to a heightened sense of alert among police.

He gave no further information on a motive for the attack in Vallejo, where the gunman kept trying to fire the assault-style weapon as he fled from the officers, police said, noting that the man was also carrying a loaded handgun.

The officers 'were ambushed by somebody who has superior firepower,' Bidou said.

Police say Powell fled when he could not get the weapon to fire.

Officers said they caught up with Powell about 100 feet from the Starbucks and he was shot three times in a neighborhood of small houses next to a freeway on-ramp.

Jazmin Addison, who lives next to the intersection, said she heard more than a dozen shots. 'It was scary. I made my kids get down on the floor,' she said.

Police says the officers 'were ambushed by somebody who has superior firepower.' But Powell's weapon (pictured) failed to fire

She later saw the suspect on the ground, with numerous police around him.

Authorities said Powell had served prison time for robbery and drug-related offenses and was barred from possessing guns.

Bidou said Powell is the father of a 2-year-old boy who may have accidentally shot himself earlier Sunday in Suisun City, about 50 miles north of San Francisco. The child was taken to a hospital for a gunshot wound.

Police said preliminary information indicates the wound was accidental and self-inflicted. Powell was present when the child was shot and left the home before officers arrived, police said.

In Palm Springs, prosecutors say a gang member killed two police officers and wounded a third.

John Hernandez Felix, who has pleaded not guilty to murder charges, wore body armor and used armor-piercing ammunition when he opened fire with an AR-15 rifle on officers who came to the door, prosecutors said.
Retired Marine General James Cartwright has pleaded guilty to making false statements during a federal investigation into a classified information leak about the Stuxnet cyber attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Cartwright lied and told investigators he was not the source behind journalist David Sanger's reports in the New York Times, which confirmed suspicions that the US and Israel engineered the computer virus.

Cartwright, who was appointed the second-highest military officer by George W. Bush and dubbed Barack Obama's favorite general by Robert Woodward, was investigated in 2013 after Sanger named him as a key player in the operation code-named Olympic Games.

Stuxnet, designed to attack industrial facility systems, was deployed in 2009 and 2010 to set back Iran's nuclear program by temporarily disabling thousands of centrifuges used to enrich uranium.

Cartwright entered the plea at a hearing before U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, convened just a few hours after the Justice Department announced the charges.

James Cartwright (pictured entering court on Monday) has pleaded guilty to making false statements during a federal probe after classified information was leaked to New York Times journalist David Sanger

Cartwright entered the plea at a hearing before U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, convened just a few hours after the Justice Department announced the charges

Cartwright, who was appointed the second-highest military officer by George W. Bush and dubbed Barack Obama's favorite general by Robert Woodward, was investigated in 2013 after Sanger named him as a key player in the operation code-named Olympic Games

The plea ends a Justice Department investigation that began after the 2012 leak to reporters of information about use of a computer virus called Stuxnet that disabled equipment the Iranians were using to enrich uranium.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Maryland announced the case on Monday.

The offense carries a maximum of five years in prison, but under a plea agreement, the government is recommending a sentence in the range of zero to six months.

Cartwright is scheduled to be sentenced on January 17, and it will be up to Leon to decide the sentence.

Cartwright, 67, falsely told investigators that he did not provide or confirm classified information contained in a news article and, later, in a book by New York Times journalist David Sanger, according to charging documents unsealed by prosecutors.

Neither the book nor the classified subject is identified in court papers. But Sanger wrote in his 2012 book 'Confront and Conceal' about the classified operation to attack Iran's nuclear facilities.

The charging documents also say Cartwright misled prosecutors about classified information shared with another journalist, Daniel Klaidman.

Wearing a dark suit, Cartwright stood with his attorney and answered a series of procedural questions from the judge.

'You're pleading guilty because you are in fact guilty, is that right?' Leon asked.

'Yes, sir,' Cartwright said.

Sanger's reports confirmed suspicions that the US and Israel engineered the computer virus Stuxnet to set back Iran's nuclear program (pictured, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmedinejad at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility in 2008)

In a written statement released to reporters after the hearing, Cartwright stressed that he was not the initial source of the leak about Stuxnet but spoke to reporters about material they already knew.

'It was wrong for me to mislead the FBI on November 2, 2012, and I accept full responsibility for this,' Cartwright said. He added that his only goal in talking to reporters was 'to protect American interests and lives.'

Cartwright's attorney, Gregory Craig, said in a statement that his client 'was engaged in a well-known and understood practice of attempting to save national secrets, not disclosing classified information.'

The plea agreement said that between January and June of 2012, Cartwright 'provided and confirmed classified information' to Sanger. Cartwright also confirmed classified information in February 2012 to Klaidman that was included in an article for Newsweek magazine, the agreement said.

U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein of Maryland declined to comment after the hearing.

Sanger (pictured) wrote extensively about Stuxnet in a book and multiple reports in the Times

Sanger's book and the classified subject were not identified in court papers.

But Sanger has written extensively about Stuxnet, with the New York Times naming Cartwright as the mastermind behind the virus.

Cartwright, who was known for taking unconventional strategies, presented George W. Bush in 2006 with the idea of using a 'sophisticated cyberweapon' to reach the computer system controlling Iran's Natanz plant, according to the NYTimes.

According to the Times, Obama preserved the operation after Bush's departure and ordered the cyber attacks sped up.

In 2010, Stuxnet successfully disabled 1,000 centrifuges that the Iranians were using to enrich uranium.

The virus, initially delivered through a thumb drive inside the plant, would cause the centrifuges enriching nuclear fuel to spin out of control.

But what set Stuxnet apart from any other virus, was its ability to adapt.

The bug would remain undetected as it spied on the targeted system, and then provide false feedback when it attacked, so it would appear as if things were running normally.

Each attack was different, and the virus could also access the internet to download more recent versions of itself.

Former chief of the CIA Michael Hayden told the Times: 'Previous cyber attacks had effects limited to other computers.This is the first attack of a major nature in which a cyber attack was used to effect physical destruction [...] Somebody crossed the Rubicon.'

The Times said Cartwright was one of the crucial players who had to break the news to Obama and Vice President Joe Biden that Stuxnet at one point had escaped onto the Internet.

An element of the program accidentally became public in the summer of 2010 because of a programming error that allowed it to escape, the Times reported.

When that happened, top administration officials met to consider whether the program had been fatally compromised and Obama decided to proceed.

When reports about Stuxnet emerged, congressional leaders demanded a criminal investigation and Obama said he had zero tolerance for such leaks.

George W Bush started the operation code-named Olympic Games, and Obama preserved and expanded the program, leading to Stuxnet's deployment before it escaped onto the internet

The virus would cause the centrifuges to spin out of control in the plant (pictured) while providing false feedback so it would appear as if things were running normally

Cartwright, a four-star general, was cleared in February 2011 of misconduct involving a young aide.

An anonymous accuser had claimed Cartwright acted inappropriately during a 2009 overseas trip on which the aide traveled as a military assistant. Several sources confirmed that the former aide was a young woman.

The Pentagon inspector general quickly cleared Cartwright of the most serious allegations, which involved claims that he may have had an improper physical relationship with the woman.
It's been a little over two years since Tracy Morgan was involved in a deadly car accident in Delaware and on Friday, the comedian returned back to the state and put on an inspiring stand-up set.

Morgan, 47, hit the stage to a sold out audience at Dover Downs - the exact same stage he performed at before being involved in a fatal traffic accident.

On June 7, 2014 the luxury Sprinter van that Morgan was riding in after the show with other comedians and his assistant was rear-ended by a Walmart tractor-trailer on the New Jersey Turnpike.

His friend and fellow comedian James 'Jimmy Mack' McNair died in the accident.

Welcome back: Tracy Morgan (above) hit the stage to a sold out audience at Dover Downs - the exact same stage he performed at before being involved in a fatal traffic accident in 2014

Prior to the show starting, Morgan shared a photo (left) to Instagram, where he is seen kneeling and bowing his head over the empty chair dedicated to James 'Jimmy Mack' McNair (right) who died in the 2014 accident

Prior to the show starting, the Saturday Night Live cast member shared a photo to Instagram, where he is seen kneeling, clasping his hands and bowing his head over the empty chair with a big golden bow dedicated to McNair.

The caption reads, 'Back @ DoverDowns. Miss you Jimmy Mack. Tonight will be magical.'

While on stage, he said: 'We lost a brother, but he's here with us right now.'

He then pointed to the empty chair, placed in the front row of the venue, Delaware Online reported.

Morgan hugged it out on stage with the other passengers in the vehicle from the night of the accident, including his assistant, the driver, comedians Harris Stanton and Ardie Fuqua.

The audience gave a standing ovation, as the group took center stage, which is the last stage McNair ever performed on.

Morgan, who suffered a broken leg, several broken ribs, and a brain injury in the devastating accident, spoke about how he had to learn how to talk and walk again following the medically induced coma doctors placed him in.

Morgan (center) welcomed fellow comedians, Ardie Fuqua (left) and Harris Stanton (right), on stage with him Friday night. Fuqua and Stanton were involved in the fatal accident with Morgan in 2014

While speaking about his two and a half years of rehabilitation and recovery, Morgan said that he was inspired by his daughter, Maven.

He said that he watched his little girl, who is now 3 years old, take her first steps and that encouraged him to do the same.

The New York native joked how they would run inside of his home together with dirty diapers.

Morgan kicked off his comeback tour eight months ago, and on Friday night's show, he was 'sharp, outrageous, sensitive, angry, inspired and, of course, hilarious,' according to Delaware Online.

During the show, a few hecklers tried to distract Morgan, who immediately shut them down.

'I'll come down there myself. I'm from Brooklyn. You're gonna look bad when a n***a wearing a jacket like this whoops your ass!' Morgan shouted at them. 'A WalMart truck couldn't do that and you aren't going to do that.'

The 30 Rock veteran settled a lawsuit against Walmart in May 2015 over the fatal accident.
An Alabama teenager testified that she exchanged sexually explicit messages with Justin Ross Harris, the man accused of intentionally leaving his 22-month-old son to die in a boiling hot SUV in the summer of 2014.

'C' was 15 years old when she and Harris began texting each other, sending explicit images of their genitals over their mobile phones.

The woman, now 19, testified Monday that she and Harris found each other on Whisper, an anonymous website, in May 2014.

Harris's son Cooper was discovered dead a month later. Harris faces charges of first degree murder, as prosecutors believe he deliberately left his son to die because he wanted him out of his life.

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Justin Ross Harris in court Monday. A teenage girl, who could not be identified for legal reasons, said that she had sexted with Harris in the weeks before the death of his son

Jaqueline Robledo (pictured in court on Monday) also described using multiple apps to communicate with Harris in 2013. She said she was 19 when they first started sexting after she posted on the app Whisper about the Fifty Shades of Grey movie

On Monday, the young woman identified as 'C' said she had initially lied about her age to Harris, posing as an 18-year-old.

'I love older guys,' she posted on the website.

Harris soon responded with a photo of himself as well as a graphic image of his penis, which was introduced as evidence Monday.

'I apologize,' Cobb Prosecutor Chuck Boring told the jury as he displayed the image of Harris' genitals to jurors.

The teen girl told the court: 'He told me he wanted me to make him a naughty old man.'

During testimony, prosecutor Chuck Boring showed jurors the photo of Harris' penis that was sent to the girl.

Jaqueline Robledo also described using multiple apps to communicate with Harris in 2013 when she testified on Monday.

Justin Ross Harris with his son Cooper, who died aged 22 months after being left in his father's car

Doerr (pictured) distinctly remembered Harris as a 'repeat' client when police showed her his photograph, she testified on Friday during the seventh day of Harris' murder trial

She said she was 19 when they first started sexting after she posted on Whisper about the Fifty Shades of Grey movie.

Robledo told the court their conversation quickly turned sexual and they eventually agreed to meet at her apartment, where they had sex.

She said they only met in person once, but carried on talking to each other.

Last week Daniela Doerr, a former prostitute, told the court that Harris had sex with her three times in the weeks before his son died.

Harris, 35, had contacted her after finding an ad that listed her services, she said.

Police located her after discovering her number on Harris' cell phone following his arrest for Cooper's death.

'He had no presence, he was just dumpy. It was vanilla sex,' she told the court.

Detective Ray Yager testified that if Harris had used his computers to search for information on 'hot car deaths' neither he nor his colleges could confirm it, despite investigators' claims

The alleged searches of 'children dying in hot cars' that Harris had reportedly admitted to police couldn't be verified on any of his numerous computers, cell phones or external hard drives, Yager explained to the jury

Cooper's death came under public scrutiny after investigators said they found evidence Harris had researched child deaths inside vehicles just weeks before his son perished.

But on Friday Detective Ray Yager testified that if Harris had used his computers to search for information on 'hot car deaths' neither he nor his colleagues could confirm it.

Yager, a computer forensics expert for the Cobb County police, had been alerted that Harris and his wife Leanna had researched child deaths online.

But the alleged searches of 'children dying in hot cars' that Harris had reportedly admitted to police couldn't be verified on any of his numerous computers, cell phones or external hard drives, Yager explained.

'No notable files' were detected with key words including 'murder, child, cruelty to or in-car deaths, surviving prison, murder, homicide, divorce, alimony or legal defense,' according to Yager.

The only topic revealed was a Reddit link to 'child free,' he added.

And on Monday Harris' college friend revealed that the story behind that link may not be as terrible as it first seemed.

Defense attorney Maddox Kilgore cross examines teen girl. 'He told me he wanted me to make him a naughty old man,' the girl told the court on Monday

Harris faces life in prison if he is convicted

James Alex Hall, who also works with Harris at Home Depot, testified that he sent Harris the link.

Harris clicked on the site and quickly replied 'Grossness', defense attoney Maddox Kilgore showed the jury.

That evidence contradicts the prosecution's assertion that it was Harris himself who initiated the search, court observers noted.

In opening statements two weeks ago, prosecutor Chuck Boring told the jury Harris wanted a new life without children, and that desire may have served as motivation to allow his son to die in his hot car.

Prosecutors previously said Harris was messaging six women the day Cooper died and reportedly told one woman on Whisper: 'I love my son and all but we both need escapes.'

They are arguing that Harris intentionally killed Cooper by leaving him for more than seven hours in a vehicle parked outside his workplace.

Harris' lawyers called the death accidental.

An indictment filed against Harris in September 2014 listed the following eight charges: malice murder, two counts of felony murder, cruelty to children in the first degree, cruelty to children in the second degree, criminal attempt to commit a felony of sexual exploitation of children, and two counts of dissemination of harmful material to minors.
A married 25-year-old high school teacher from Washington state has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a male student.

The Snohomish Country Sheriffs Office said Olivia Sondheim was taken into custody last Wednesday after detectives served a search warrant at her Bothell residence.

Sondheim, who was in her second year teaching choir at Lynnwood High School, has been charged with first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor.

Teacher jailed: Olivia Sondheim (left and right), 25, who teaches choir at a Washington state high school, has been charged with having sex with a 16-year-old student

Rookie educator: Sondheim had passed background checks before she was hired to teach choir part time at Lynnwood High School (pictured) in 2015

According to officials, the victim in the case was 16 years old at the time of his alleged tryst with the teacher.

Sondheim was booked into the Snohomish County Jail after her arrest. She has been placed on leave at the high school pending the outcome of the investigation.

Administrators with the Edmonds School District first learned of the allegations against Sondheim last week and relayed the information to a school resource officer who, in turn, contacted the authorities, leading to the teachers arrest, reported the Seattle Times.

During the course of the investigation, detectives allegedly uncovered evidence that Sondheim and her male student developed a relationship which, over time, became sexual. The boy is now 17 years old.

School district spokeswoman Debbie Joyce told the station KGMI that Olivia Sondheim had passed background checks before she was hired to teach choir part time at Lynnwood High last year.

Married woman: According to a Facebook post from last year, Sondheim married her husband, Daniel (left) in May 2014 after a year-long engagement

As of Monday afternoon, Sondheim's name still appeared on Lynnwood High School's website.

'I am excited to get to know each and every one of you,' the teacher wrote on a page dedicated to the school choir.
But authorities want to demolish it and could do so within two days

It is thought there are more than 10,000 migrants living in the slum

Officers have been in the Calais camp today to warn its inhabitants

French police have posted eviction notices in shops in the Jungle

Police in France have posted eviction notices in shops in the Calais 'Jungle' camp warning people to evacuated within two days before buildings are demolished.

The port city's police commissioner Patrick Visser-Bourdon has visited the slum where legal orders to leave the shanty shops were posted in French.

Mr Visser-Bourdon said similar notices would go up once the French courts had given the go-ahead to clear the rest of the Jungle, where some 10,000 inhabitants are camped.

French police have been in the Calais 'Jungle' camp today to issue eviction notices to shops, pictured

A large force entered the 10,000-strong migrant camp, pictured, ahead of its expected demolition later this week

Shop-runners have been warned by police, pictured, to abandon their premises within two days before the buildings are razed to the ground

He said: 'In two days I could come back and destroy the shops. I'm not saying I'm going to do that, but I have to notify the legal decision.'

Mr Visser-Bourdon said it was unclear when the site will be demolished, adding: 'When we get a date I will come back here and say, "We have a decision and you have to leave in one or two days", but we don't have a date.'

Meanwhile, Kent Police said plans had been drawn up to stop last-ditch attempts by migrants and refugees to cross the English Channel.

A spokesman said: 'Kent Police, together with a number of partner agencies, are monitoring events in northern France and are coordinating the development of appropriate contingency plans should it be necessary to minimise any subsequent impact on our communities.'

At the camp, Laura Griffiths, of Citizen UK's Safe Passage project, said more needed to be done quickly to bring unaccompanied migrant children to Britain to be reunited with their relatives.

She said: 'With demolition on the horizon, there are more than 300 children eligible to go safely and legally to the UK.'

Many migrants and refugees who have fled war, poverty and persecution from countries including Afghanistan and Iraq have risked their lives to try to reach the UK.

It comes as several migrants, including children, pictured, are attempting to have their rights to asylum transferred to the UK due to relatives already living there

French president Francois Hollande announced last month that the camp, pictured, will close before winter

Despite efforts to reduce numbers by dismantling the slum's southern section earlier this year, migrants from countries including Sudan, Syria and Eritrea returned to the camp, pictured

The death toll among migrants in Calais this year stands at 14.

The latest fatality was an Eritrean man killed after being struck by a vehicle driven by a Briton on the A16 motorway.

French president Francois Hollande announced last month that the camp will close before winter, with its estimated 10,000 inhabitants dispersed around the country.

The site has become a symbol of his government's failure to tackle Europe's migrant crisis and a target of criticism from conservative and far-right rivals seeking to unseat him.

Homelessness charity Emmaus called for a postponement to the closure as it said 'all conditions are not met for an efficient humanitarian operation to take place'.

The Right Reverend Trevor Willmott, the Bishop of Dover, said the situation in the Jungle was 'intolerable'.

He said: 'The human tragedy that is the Calais 'Jungle' camp has been a constant cause for concern and prayer in the diocese.

'Being but a few miles from our own coastline, its devastating impact on those that live and volunteer there, the local French community, lorry drivers and port workers, holiday-makers and security staff, has been impossible to ignore.'

Despite efforts to reduce numbers by dismantling the slum's southern section earlier this year, migrants from countries including Sudan, Syria and Eritrea returned to the camp.

The Care4Calais refugee crisis charity has predicted the camp will re-emerge following any demolition as refugees and migrants will continue to arrive in the northern French port city.

The Care4Calais refugee crisis charity has predicted the camp will re-emerge following any demolition as refugees and migrants will continue to arrive

The Jungle closure plan will see 40 to 50 people being held at reception centres in regions across France for up to four months while authorities investigate their cases

The huge camp, pictured, houses around 10,000 people but will soon be levelled

The Jungle closure plan will see 40 to 50 people being held at reception centres in regions across France for up to four months while authorities investigate their cases.

Those who do not seek asylum will be deported.

The move has prompted vehement protests from many local conservative and far-right politicians, saying they fear the consequences of having migrants in their towns.

People traffickers have gone to extreme lengths in Calais, with reports of trucks being torched, petrol bombs thrown and trees being cut down to block roads before drivers are threatened with chainsaws and machetes.

Gangs are paid thousands of pounds by vulnerable people to get them to Calais, from where some are smuggled to Britain to work to pay off huge debts to people traffickers.

The actions of migrants attempting to enter Britain via the French port has caused relentless problems for British truckers and also led to repeated cross-Channel disruption for travellers.
The adult version of Tannen was inspired by Trump, screenwriter has said

One features Biff Tannen, the tyrannic villain from Back To The Future saga

The Clinton campaign has compared Donald Trump to several movie bullies in a new ad.

The video, released Monday, superimposes clips of the Republican nominee's speeches and movie extracts.

Trump's words seem to echo the bullies', especially as the fictional characters tell their victims that they're fat, order them to sit down or insult their intelligence.

Biff Tannen, the main antagonist of the Back To The Future saga, makes several appearances in the ad. The adult version of Tannen was inspired by Trump himself, according to screenwriter Bob Gale.

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An ad released Monday by the Clinton campaign compares Donald Trump and Biff Tannen, a bully and the main antagonist in the Back To The Future saga (pictured in the first movie)

Tannen's adult version (pictured in the saga's second movie), a billionaire who owns a casino, was inspired by Trump himself, according to screenwriter Bob Gale

The Clinton ad also likens Trump to Regina George, played by Rachel McAdams in Mean Girls, and includes excerpts from The Karate Kid and A Christmas Story.

The ad begins with a definition of the word bully, which reads: 'a blustering, overbearing person who puts down or intimidates others.'

Soon, Biff Tannen appears in the first Back To The Future movie, slapping Marty McFly's father George.

Another extract shows Regina George telling Lindsay Lohan's character: 'You're so stupid.'

The video superimposes clips of the Republican nominee (pictured Thursday, left) and movie extracts, making it look like Trump's words seem to echo that of the bullies. The Clinton ad also likens Trump to Regina George, played by Rachel McAdams in Mean Girls (right)

The ad cuts to a video of Trump saying during a speech: 'How stupid are the people in the country?'

In Back To The Future Part Two, Tannen becomes a billionaire, owner of a 27-floor casino, who uses his wealth to infiltrate politics.

Screenwriter Bob Gale told the Daily Beast in October last year that this version of Tannen had been inspired by Trump himself.

'We thought about it when we made the movie! Are you kidding?' Gale said. 'You watch Part II again and there's a scene where Marty confronts Biff in his office and there's a huge portrait of Biff on the wall behind Biff, and there's one moment where Biff kind of stands up and he takes exactly the same pose as the portrait? Yeah.'

Under Tannen's influence, the town of Hill Valley, California, becomes a center of corruption and crime - even though Tannen encourages others to call him 'America's greatest living folk hero'.
Illegal alien: Mexican citizen Tomas Martinez-Maldonado, 41, who was deported from the US 10 times since 2010, is charged with raping a 12-year-old girl

An illegal immigrant from Mexico who had been deported from the US 10 times in the last six years has been charged with raping a child on a bus in Kansas.

Tomas Martinez-Maldonado, 41, remains jailed in Geary County on $100,000 bond on a charge of raping the child last month.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which was asked by Geary County to look into the allegations, said the matter was reported to police in late September.

The agency said Martinez-Maldonado was detained immediately and turned over to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until charges were filed.

Public defender Cole Hawver was appointed to represent the rape suspect at his initial court appearance on October 6.

The criminal complaint filed September 30 against Martinez-Maldonado said the rape is alleged to have occurred on or about September 27.

The alleged rape took place on board a Greyhound bus in Kansas City, Kansas, in September (stock photo)

Hays Post reported that the suspect, who lives in Georgia, is alleged to have sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl on board a Greyhound bus when it made a stop along Interstate 70 in Kansas City, Kansas.

ICE said in an email that Martinez-Maldonado, a citizen of Mexico, has been deported back to Mexico from the US 10 times since 2010.
Huma Abedin and Anthony Weiner's son Jordan had a big few days over the weekend, spending time with his mother and his paternal grandparents in New York City - but his father was nowhere to be seen.

Four-year-old Jordan spent Friday with Weiner's mother, Frances, Saturday with Abedin, and Sunday with Weiner's father, Morton.

As Abedin and Jordan had an eventful weekend out on the town, Weiner kept a low profile following the revelation of a months-long online sexual relationship he carried on with 15-year-old girl.

Jordan's Friday kicked off when Frances took him to school in Manhattan, where she stayed with him all day.

Huma Abedin and Anthony Weiner's four-year-old son Jordan spent Friday with his father's mother, Frances

Frances took young Jordan to school on Friday, where she stayed with him for the rest of the day

Abedin took care of Jordan on Saturday, taking him to the Hillary Clinton Campaign headquarters in Brooklyn

Abedin brought several bags into Hillary Clinton's campaign office on Saturday as she prepared to be in the office all day

Abedin took care of Jordan on Saturday, taking him to the Hillary Clinton Campaign headquarters in Brooklyn.

The pair left their apartment in the Ford Escape that Abedin shares with Weiner at about 10.20am and reaching the office less than half an hour later.

They went into the building - with Abedin appearing to forget to pay for the one-hour parking ticket she needed to reserve the space.

Two hours later, while the pair were still inside, a traffic warden issued Abedin a ticket for violating the parking rules.

While Abedin continued to work inside, a campaign worker took Jordan to a nearby Barnes and Noble for the afternoon. The young boy walked out of the store with a Lego spaceship set and headed back to he and the staffer campaign office.

Abedin and Jordan emerged from the campaign headquarters at 4.22pm, and headed home - it was then that Abedin discovered the parking ticket.

Abedin smiled at passersby in Brooklyn as she walked into the campaign office with Jordan on Saturday morning

Abedin and Jordan arrived in the Ford Escape that she still shares with her estranged husband

While Abedin continued to work inside, a campaign worker took Jordan to a nearby Barnes and Noble for the afternoon

Following the Barnes and Noble trip, Jordan walked out of the store with a Lego spaceship set and the pair headed back to he and the staffer campaign office

Abedin opted for a casual look in jeans and flats as she worked at the campaign office on Saturday

She and Jordan emerged from the Brooklyn campaign office in the late afternoon and headed home

As of 8pm Saturday night, there was still no sign of Weiner at his and Abedin's shared apartment.

The following morning, Abedin took Jordan to Weiner's father Morton's home, where the boy spent the day with his grandfather.

Jordan and a young girl spent the afternoon on a play date in Prospect Park before Morton picked the boy up from an unidentified woman.

That evening, Morton took Jordan back to his family's home, where Weiner's mother Frances took over caring for the young boy.

It has now been almost two months since Abedin announced she was ending her six-year marriage to Weiner.

Her decision came after it was revealed that Weiner had sent another woman a photo of his crotch with his four-year-old son lying next to him.

Weeks later, it was revealed that he had a months-long online sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl.

But while Abedin was hard at work, a traffic warden issued her a parking ticket for violating the one-hour parking signs

It appeared that Abedin forgot to pay for the one-hour parking ticket she needed to reserve the space all together

Prior to grabbing the parking ticket, she secured young Jordan in the back seat of the vehicle

She then made her way around to the front of the car, where she picked up the parking ticket on her way to the drivers' seat

Abedin read the information on the parking violation ticket before heading home for the evening

Throughout the day Weiner was nowhere to be seen. It has now been almost two months since Abedin announced she was ending their six-year marriage

The child services probe into Weiner's handling of Jordan came after the previous scandal concerning his photo with Jordan.

'Anthony and I remain devoted to doing what is best for our son, who is the light of our life,' Abedin said in the statement announcing her divorce.

Weiner confirmed in early September that child welfare authorities were looking into him.

He is now also under investigation in two states for sexting the unnamed 15-year-old.

Authorities in New York and North Carolina launched an investigation on the disgraced congressman.

The 15-year-old said the online relationship began last January while she was a high school sophomore and lasted for several months.

On Sunday, Abedin took Jordan to Weiner's father Morton's home, where the boy spent the day with his grandfather

Morton took Jordan to Prospect Park, where he spent about an hour on a play date with an unidentified girl

Jordan appeared to enjoy himself throughout the day on Sunday, as he ran and played in the park

Morton left Jordan with the girl and an unidentified woman during the play date and later picked him up

At one point during a Skype chat Weiner asked her to undress and touch herself, the girl said.

In one message, Weiner told the teen: 'I would bust that tight p***y so hard and so often that you would leak and limp for a week.'

Weiner did not deny exchanging 'flirtatious' messages with the girl.

'I have repeatedly demonstrated terrible judgement about the people I have communicated with online and the things I have sent,' he told the DailyMail.com in a statement.

'I am filled with regret and heartbroken for those I have hurt.

'While I have provided the Daily Mail with information showing that I have likely been the subject of a hoax, I have no one to blame but me for putting myself in this position. I am sorry.'

Weiner, a Democrat, resigned from Congress in 2011 amid a previous sexting scandal.

Following his day at the park, Jordan returned to his family home, where Morton left him the care of the boy's paternal grandmother, Frances
A senior Met Police officer may receive a six figure sum after he was discriminated against when one of the Yard's most senior female officers accused his unit of having a 'macho culture.'

Chief Inspector Adrian Denby won his sex discrimination case at a Central London Employment tribunal after it was held he was 'unfairly punished' for failings while a female in a similar role was not.

CI Denby joined the Met Police in January 1993 and had been a chief inspector for eight years, serving with the Iraqi police in 2004 to 2005 and then in Kabul, the Afghan capital from 2008 to 2009.

Chief Inspector Adrian Denby, pictured, could receive a six-figure sum in compensation after a tribunal found he was discriminated against on grounds of his sex

He was awarded nine commendations, worked with counter terrorism units and planned security arrangements for the Royal Family, including the Queen.

But the officer, who is seven years away from retirement, claimed he was unfairly punished for failings, while a female colleague in a similar position was not.

The hearing was told that Deputy Assistant Commissioner Maxine de Brunner arrived at the unit in September 2014 where CI Denby, 47, was in charge, 'on a mission to drive out the macho culture'.

Shortly after arriving she encountered an unnamed male colleague in the corridor wearing only a towel around his waist on his way to the locker room.

Miss de Brunner was so incensed following the incident that Mr Denby feared he was going to be removed from his position.

He was placed under investigation for alleged malpractice by officers in his unit including fiddling overtime hours and operating an off-licence from inside the police station.

But a female of similar rank in another unit, who also came under investigation, was not subjected to similar measures.

At the time of the incident CI Denby was in charge of the Territorial Support Group (TSG) unit in Paddington, west London.

At a remedy hearing today the tribunal heard CI Denby maybe too sick to ever return to working with the Met Police.

The tribunal found CI Denby was discriminated against over his gender when he was removed from his post in October 2014 and five restrictions were placed on him.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Maxine De Brunner, pictured, witnessed men under CI Denby's command 'walking around the office in just a towel' and was 'on a mission to drive out the macho culture'

He was also not allowed to apply for promotion to superintendent.

The judgement stated: 'Cressida Dick (then Acting Commissioner) had made remarks about the negative culture of the TSG at a senior leadership event. In TSG1 only 10 out of 140 officers were female.

'The claimant had encouraged career progression of his female officers and several had gone on to bigger and better posts.

'Moreover he had not addressed the practice of male staff walking across the office with only a towel wrapped around their waists following a shower.

'This was because there were no changing facilities next to the shower rooms.

'Because of the poor design it was not unusual to have police officers therefore crossing the workplace in towels to get to a changing area.

'Miss De Brunner told the tribunal she felt uncomfortable and was 'disappointed' to have encountered the man in the towel.

'Several witnesses were aware of her strong feelings on the point. It is likely she was angry, we accept it was her pet hate.'

Suspension notices were served on an acting inspector and three sergeants after a raid by the Department of Professional Standards which found 'beer in the fridge and a price list on the front of the fridge'.

The Met claimed officers failed to complete tours of duty as recorded on the computerised system, some officers had claimed overtime which had not been worked, vehicle stops had been carried out when they had not taken place and there were allegations of homophobic bullying.

None of the allegations were proceeded with.

In her judgement Tamara Lewis said Mr Denby's case was 'striking for its unfairness' and concluded that his treatment was down to his sex.

The judgement adds: 'We have found this case marked by lack of transparency..

'The treatment of the claimant is striking in its unfairness in a great many respects.

'Dealing with the issues does not indicate discrimination. Nor does holding a manager to account or presiding over an unrepresentative workforce.

'But it would not be legitimate to treat a man less favourably because of his sex, whether consciously or unconsciously.

'Considering all these factors including his progressive ill-health we have allowed these claims as a continuing discriminatory state of affairs.'

CI Denby, who had worked for the Met Police since 1993, was found to have been 'unfairly punished' for failings while a female colleague facing similar problems was not

Referring to the 'towel' incident the judge adds: 'The claimant was left with the clear impression that DAC de Brunner had decided to remove him from TSG1 because of the cultural failing which she felt existed.

'She had shown no interest in the improvements and initiatives which he had tried to tell her about.'

Referring to the raid Judge Lewis adds: 'In the claimant's case it was assumed the wrongdoing by those junior to him would implicate him.

'In another case involving a female colleague it was assumed it was a minor matter which would be dealt with locally.

'In the absence of any explanation, direct sex discrimination occurred and decision-makers consciously or unconsciously, viewed the claimant as a man as part of the problem in a way in which they would not have viewed him had he been a woman.

'When we ask ourselves whether the respondents had proved that placing the claimant under a criminal and full investigation was in no sense whatsoever because of his sex. We find that they did not.'
Melania Trump has broken her silence on her husband's 'p****' tape - to say that Billy Bush 'egged on' the Republican candidate to say 'dirty and bad stuff'.

In an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper, Trump had a message for people who pity her: 'Don't feel sorry for me. I can handle everything.'

The Republican candidate's wife discussed Donald Trump's recent hot mic tape release and the numerous allegations of sexual assault brought forward by several women in his past.

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In an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper, Melania Trump had a message for people who pity her: 'Don't feel sorry for me. I can handle everything'

Trump said tapes and allegations have all been orchestrated by the 'left-wing media' and the Clinton campaign to deflect from Clinton's emails, Benghazi and Wikileaks

Trump added she and her husband knew tapes would come out because of Donald Trump's past working on various shows

Trump said tapes and allegations have all been orchestrated by the 'left-wing media' and the Clinton campaign.

She said its Hillary Clinton's way of deflecting from her emails, Benghazi and Wikileaks.

Trump added she and her husband knew tapes would come out because of Donald Trump's past working on various shows.

She attributed the lewd hot mic tape to 'boys talk'.

'Sometimes I say I have two boys at home. I have my young son, and I have my husband,' Trump said.

Cooper reminded her that her husband was 59 at the time he made the comments about grabbing women's genitals to Billy Bush in 2005.

'Sometimes I say I have two boys at home. I have my young son, and I have my husband,' Trump told Cooper

Cooper reminded her that her husband was 59 at the time he made the comments about grabbing women's genitals to Billy Bush in 2005

She told Cooper when it comes to the women alleging Donald Trump made unwanted sexual contact that she believes her husband and not the women

When Cooper asked if she felt her husband was describing sexual assault, she said it wasn't and that women also behave inappropriately toward her husband all the time.

She even said it happens in front of her.

'It wasn't sexual assault. He didnt say he did it. And I see many, many women come to him and give him phone numbers and, you know, want to work for him or [sic] unappropriate stuff from women.'

'They know hes married. It was in front of me, and I said, like, "why you need to give your number to my husband?"'

She told Cooper when it comes to the women alleging Donald Trump made unwanted sexual contact that she believes her husband and not the women, and that this controversy has been a collaboration between the Clintons and the media.

'I believe my husband. I believe my husband. This was all organized from the opposition. And with the details that they got  did they ever check the background of these women? They dont have any facts,' she said.

Trump told Cooper that allegations in general should be taken seriously but handled in a court of law.

When Cooper asked about Donald Trump talking about women's looks, Trump said it's just a part of who he is but that he still respects women.

'Well thats him. Hes raw . Hell say it as he feels it. I know he respects women but hes defending himself because theyre (lying),' Trump told Cooper.

When it comes to sex scandals, Melania Trump said Bill Clinton's past is fair game, and implied Hillary's campaign was linked to the release of pictures which showed her naked and kissing another woman while she was a model.

It is her first an on-camera interview since her husband was exposed as saying he liked to grab women 'by the p****' on an 11-year old Access Hollywood tape.

He was lead on. Like egg on from the host to say dirty and bad stuff Melania Trump

Melania, who has been at his side at many of the televised highs of his presidential campaign and spoke at the Republican National Convention, also sat down with Fox & Friends host Ainsley Earnhardt.

She told CNN's Cooper that what had happened on the tape was 'boy talk' which she was not happy about.

'I said to my husband that you know the language was unappropriate [sic],' she told the anchor.

'It's not acceptable and I was surprised, because that is not the man that i know.

'And as you can see from the tape, the cameras were not on. It was only a mic.

'And I wonder if they even knew that the mic was on. Because they were kind of - ah - boy talk.

'And he was led on. Like egg on from the host to say dirty and bad stuff.

'I, I said to my husband that you know the language was unappropriate [sic]. It's not acceptable and I was surprised, because that is not the man that i know.'

Shortly after extracts from the interviews were released by CNN and Fox News, Bush was revealed to have agreed severance from the Today show, where he had moved from his long-running Access Hollywood role two months ago.

Trump sat down for an interview with Cooper for the first time since the airing of the explosive 'p****' tape featuring lewd comments by her husband

PHONING IT IN: Melania Trump also sat down with Fox News host Ainsley Earhardt for an interview that will air on Fox & Friends Tuesday

He's to blame: Melania Trump said Bill Bush 'egged on' her husband. Bush is involved in severance discussions with NBC in the wake of the leak.

In the Fox interview that is part of the coordinated blitz, Trump got asked whether it was fair for Donald Trump to bring up Bill Clinton's past, as he did by bringing accusers to the debate and in his repeated speeches.

'Well, if they bring up my past, why not?' Trump shot back.

'So they  they're asking for it?' Earnhardt asked.

'They're asking for it. They started.'

Then she apparently referenced publication of racy photos from early in her modeling career.

'From the beginning of the campaign putting my  my picture from modeling days. That was my modeling days and I'm proud what I did. I worked very hard,' she said.

Melania Trump hadn't given a TV interview since the Washington Post revealed p****gate

AWKWARD: Cooper posted a photo with Melania Trump on his Instagram page

Asked about the now infamous tape of her husband, Trump responded: 'This is not the man that I know. This is  we could see, as I always said, as my husband said, as well, for a successful businessman, entrepreneur, entertainer to achieving so much in his life, being in so many shows, so many tapes, it's very hard to run for public office.'

'And he did this anyway. He said, I want to help American people. I want to keep America safe. I want to bring back jobs, bring back economy, so our children, our futures will be the best way possible.'

On Thursday, after People magazine reporter Natasha Stoynoff wrote a personal account of what she claims were Trump's efforts to force himself on her during an interview she was conducting with him at Mar-a-Lago in 2005, Melania Trump sent out a letter her lawyer had sent to the magazine demanding a retraction.

The article described Stonyoff as having run into Melania Trump after the interview.

Cooper has interviewed Trump previously during debates. Last week, he asked him about the infamous p**** tape

Melania Trump attended the second presidential debate wearing an outfit with a feature known as a 'pussy bow'

Melania Trump appeared with her husband after he delivered his acceptance speech in July

' The true facts are these: Mrs. Trump did not encounter Ms. Stoynoff on the street, or have any conversation with her. The two are not friends and were never friends or even friendly," her attorney, Charles Harder, wrote in the letter to People.

The businessman apologized after the Washington Post published the tape.

On Friday, t he GOP nominee and his wife went to St Patrick's Cathedral for a private meeting with Archbishop of New York Timothy Cardinal Dolan.

Trump requested the meeting a 'few weeks ago', according to the cardinal's spokesman Joe Zwilling.

CNN teased the event by sending out a photo of the host and Melania Trump seated inside the Trump's gilded Trump Tower apartment. The network pitched the interview as one 'everyone has been waiting for.'

Melania Trump's media blitz comes after the Clinton camp has made hay out of the leaked tape. Hillary Clinton has kept her distance even as she has referenced Trump's treatment on the stump.
A girl who was forced into an arranged marriage at 14 has died in labour after suffering a brain hemorrhage.

According to Huriyet daily news, Derya B was married in a religious ceremony and gave birth a week ago, aged 15.

Derya B, a child bride forced into marriage at 14, has died after complications from childbirth, aged 15, in Turkey

She died of complications related to giving birth at such a young age, it is believed.

Derya died in a private hospital in Batman, east Turkey, on October 17.

Police are investigating the circumstances of her death.

Gynecology expert Professor M.D. Aydan Biri told the Turkish paper: 'It is dangerous for a child bride to get pregnant. The mortality rate is higher in adolescent pregnancies.

It comes just days after reports that 12-year-old Lan Lan, in blue, from China, was trafficked and became pregnant

'The risks of high blood pressure, early birth or an intervention in the birth are higher. The pregnancies of children who have not completed their physical development and whose organs have not yet completely developed often end in death.'

According to charity Girls not Brides, there are 15 million girls married before the age of 18 every year, amounting to one every two seconds.

The United Nations says one woman dies every two minutes in labour.
The two young boys who were made orphans in 1953 with their parents' execution for spying are now graying men on a mission to clear their mother's name.

Robert, 69, and Michael Meeropol, 73, the sons of executed Soviet spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, recently sat down for an interview with CBS'60 Minutes, to publicize a new campaign to exonerate their mother.

The Rosenbergs were executed on the same day in 1953, for organizing a spy ring that stole secrets on the atomic bomb.

But their sons, who were 10 and six years old at the time of their executions, say that the evidence clears their mother of any capital offence and they want President Obama to acknowledge this before he leaves office.

Scroll down for full video

Michael, 73 (left), and Robert Meeropol, 69 (right), are the sons of executed Soviet spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. They are speaking out in an attempt to clear their mothers' name

The Rosenbergs were executed in 1953, for running a spy ring that sent atomic bomb secrets to the Soviet Union

Michael was 10 years old (right) and his brother Robbie (left) was six years old when their parents were executed (pictured above in the year of their parents' execution)

'Our mother was killed for something she did not do. She was taken away from us. That's as personal as it can get,' Robert Meeropol, now 69 years old, told Anderson Cooper.

Their mother's death is personal for the Meeropol brothers (who took their adopted parents' last name), but they say the consequences are something that every American should care about.

'The fact that the government facilitated the invention of evidence in order to convict someone of a capital crime - that is something that should concern everybody,' Robert added.

Michael still remembers the day in 1950 that his father was arrested. He was listening to the radio when there was a knock on the door of their New York City apartment. The young boy thought it was just some of his father's friends coming over, but he knew something was wrong when his mom yelled 'I want a lawyer!'

When they became adults, the brothers started searching through government records, trying to exonerate their parents, but found that their father (right) was indeed guilty

However, the brothers say there is no evidence that their mother Ethel (right) was involved in their father's (right) spy ring, as prosecutors had argued

About a month later, the FBI agents returned to arrest their mother. They wouldn't see either again outside of a jail.

After their parents' arrest, the brothers lived with their maternal grandmother for some time, but she grew to find them a burden, and so sent them to live in a boy's home which felt not unlike the real prison where their parents were locked up.

Being the Rosenbergs' children in 1950 was almost like being Osama bin Laden's kids here after 9/11 Robert Meeropol

The brothers say that relatives were afraid to take them in, for fear of how it would damage their reputations. At the time, no one was more hated in the U.S. than the Rosenbergs, and their trial was dubbed the trial of the century.

'Being the Rosenbergs children in 1950 was almost like being Osama bin Ladens kids here after 9/11,' Robert said.

Not long after their parents were killed, the boys were taken in by Abel and Anne Meeropol, school teachers who sympathized with the Rosenbergs. The Meeropols gave the boys their last name and raised them as their own. To this day, the brothers say that they had four parents growing up, their biological parents and the Meeropols.

The brothers pictured above outside of the White House a few days before their parents execution, in a last ditch effort to get the execution stayed. From left to right: Rabbi Abraham Cronbach, Michael Rosenberg, Julius' mother Sophie Rosenberg and Robert Rosenberg

With the Meeropol last name, the brothers were able to grow up in relative obscurity. They went to college, Robert becoming a lawyer and Michael an economics professor. At a young age they also married and had two children each - something they admit is no coincidence to their own upbringing.

'I think it's no accident that we both got married young. That we both had two kids each. As early as we could we recreated the family that was torn apart,' Robert said.

Once they reached adulthood though, the two came back into the spotlight, as they fought with the governmet for records on their parents case, believing that they would be able to exonerate both.

While the evidence ultimately proved that their father had indeed led a spy ring that stole secrets on the atomic bomb for the Soviets, they say that nothing in the evidence shows that their mother was a part of the scheme.

After their parents death, the brothers were taken in by school teachers Abel (left) and Anne Meeropol (right). The brothers took the Meeropol last name.

During the case, the prosecution's main weapon was David Greenglass, Ethel's brother who sent sketches of the atomic bomb to his brother in law.

Years after the case, Greenglass admitted that he had been pressured by prosecutors to turn on his sister and brother-in-law in order to get a lighter sentence and save his wife, who had been a courier for the Russians, from ever serving jail time.

The biggest lie he told, Greenglass says, is that his sister typed up his notes on the atomic bomb. Neither Greenglass or his wife Ruth mentioned these notes in either of their grand jury depositions, which were unsealed years later. And it didn't appear in the trove of Soviet messages obtained by the U.S. at the time. Ethel didn't even have a code name.

Historians are in general agreement that Ethel was convicted as a tactic to get her husband to talk. They figured that as their execution drew nearer, Julius would crack and give the FBI more names to save his wife. But he never did.

So that's why the brothers are banding together once again to help clear their mother's name. Already they have secured signatures from 13 members of the New York City council, who have said that Mrs Rosenberg was wrongfully executed. And they've also started an online drive, petitioning President Obama to exonerate their mother before he leaves office.
Former Democratic Party chairman Howard Dean made the same claim about Trump snorting coke after the first debate, and later withdrew it

The White House mocked Donald Trump on Monday for suggesting he and Hillary Clinton should be drug tested before the final debate on Wednesday  suggesting that he might not come up clean.

Trump said Saturday in New Hampshire that Clinton was artificially 'pumped up' during their second debate in St. Louis, and a reporter asked White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest for a response.

'You're telling me that the candidate who snorted his way through the first two debates is now accusing the other candidate of taking drugs?' Earnest asked through a smile.

'That's a curious development in the campaign.'

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEOS

BAD JOKE: White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Monday that Donald Trump 'snorted' his way through two debates and shouldn't suggest a drug test for no. 3

LET'S FIND OUT: Trump said Saturday in New Hampshire that he and Hillary Clinton should be tested for illegal substances before their final debate on Wednesday

'That's your response?' the dumbfounded journalist asked Earnest as gasps were heard throughout the press briefing room.

'That's my response,' he replied.

Trump drew head-scratching and brow-furrowing for sniffing audibly into his microphone during the first two debates; his campaign never offered an explanation.

Minutes after Earnest put his oar in, he thought better of it  telling another reporter that he had been joking.

'I was expecting more chuckles. It was probably just my flawed delivery,' he offered.

'Just trying to have a little fun. You guys are so serious today!'

Earnest's comment marked the second from a Democrat who said Trump was taking illicit drugs, and then walked it back.

Trump accused Hillary Clinton (above) of being on some kind of drug during the last debate

Former Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean, a retied doctor, said after debate no. 1 that the Republican presidential nominee's sniffles could be a symptom of a something serious.

'That is actually a signature of people who use cocaine,' Dean said on MSNBC. 'I'm not suggesting that Trump does, but I'm suggesting we think about it.'

'He sniffs during the presentation, which is something that users do,' the Democrat observed, before turning vicious. 'He also has grandiosity, which is something that accompanies that problem. He has delusions.'

Dean added later that he had made the claim 'on purpose.'

Trump said Saturday that Clinton was 'all pumped up at the beginning' of debate no. 2, but could 'barely reach her car' by the end of the 90-minute clash.

'At the end it was like, "Oh, take me down",' he said.

'So I think we should take a drug test,' he said. 'Anyway, I'm willing to do it.'

'Star Wars' actress Carrie Fisher also accused Trump of being on coke after hearing his second-debate performance.

'I'm an expert & ABSOLUTELY,' she replied to a fan who tweeted her asking if Trump's sniffle was the result of being on coke.

And Stephen Colbert mocked Trump in a live episode of 'The Late Show' right after the debate aired.
Using the drugs was said to be required to complete initiation, letter stated

A University Of Missouri fraternity is accused of teaching new members how to use date rape drugs on women.

Allegations against Mizzou's Delta Upsilon chapter, based in Columbia, surfaced Saturday. The fraternity was suspended last month after some of its members were accused of shouting racial slurs at black students.

Delta Upsilon brothers 'allegedly provided each new member with three pills and instructed them to drug women for the purpose of incapacitating them prior to engaging in sexual activity,' disciplinary records obtained by the St Louis Post-Dispatch state.

The accusations are mentioned in a letter from Mizzou's Title IX administrator Ellen Eardley, who said her office had received the report in August.

Allegations against Mizzou's Delta Upsilon chapter (whose house in Columbia is pictured) surfaced Saturday. Disciplinary records show members were accused of teaching new members how to use date rape drugs

'It has been alleged that new members are required to engage in such conduct in order to complete the initiation process,' Eardley's letter stated.

The report was not under investigation by the school, Eardley wrote.

'Should my office receive information indicating that there is any veracity to the allegations that Delta Upsilon promoted sexual misconduct and hazing, an investigation will begin immediately,' she added in another part of the letter published by the St Louis Post-Dispatch.

A request for disciplinary records by the St Louis Post-Dispatch rendered 79 pages of documents. They show the fraternity was accused of several alcohol violations.

'The allegations that fraternity associate members received pills to be used to incapacitate and rape women were rumors found to be unsubstantiated by the university,' Delta Upsilon national executive director Justin Kirk said in a statement.

'No formal charges were filed against the chapter. Such rumors are disgusting and egregious.'

The fraternity remains under investigation regarding the racial slurs accusations.
She has been vocal about her feelings in the past, but Amber Tamblyn has taken her disdain for Donald Trump to a new level for a performance on Lip Sync Battle.

The actress teamed up with her Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants co-star and friend, America Ferrera, to lampoon the Republican presidential candidate while miming the Color Me Badd song I Wanna Sex You Up.

The performance, which will air in full on the Spike show Wednesday night, is a clear reaction to the recent allegations of sexual assault that have been leveled against Trump.

Twerking like Trump: Amber Tamblyn takes aim at Donald Trump while performing on Lip Sync Battle with her friend, fellow actress America Ferrera

Gross: In a preview shared by Spike TV, Tamblyn humps and gyrates on Ferrera

Tamblyn, dressed in a suit and tie and with fake tan-style makeup, humps and gyrates on a sitting and cringing Ferrera, dressed in a pretty red dress, while miming the lyrics to the classic song.

A woman dressed up as the GOP nominee's wife Melania can also be seen walking around the stage, looking confused.

In the background, two large signs read 'I [love] Hispanics,' and 'Make [America Ferrera] great again'.

Ferrera, 32  who is of Honduran decent  has been a big Hillary Clinton supporter and has also spoken out against Trump.

At the Democratic National Convention in July, the Ugly Betty star said: 'Im America Ferrera, and according to Donald Trump, Im probably a rapist. Look, Donalds not making America great again. Hes making America hate again.'

Amber Tamblyn dons a golden wig and orange make-up to mock Donald Trump in a clip from her upcoming Lip Sync Battle appearance

Dancing it off: Amber Tamblyn, 33, slammed Donald Trump, 70, in the performance

Tamblyn wore a wig and men's suit as she mimes the words to the Color Me Badd song, while dancing provocatively and grinding on laughing and cringing actress America Ferrara

A slew of women came forward to make the claims against Trump after a recording of the billionaire from 2005 was made public, in which he lewdly talks about grabbing women 'by the p---y'.

Tamblyn, 33, was one of a few high-profile stars who shared personal stories of their own sexual assaults in the wake of the tape being released.

'I need to tell you a story. With the love and support of my husband, I've decided to share it publicly,' Tamblyn posted to Instagram on the day of the townhall debate.

She went on to describe how she was once in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship, which she ended. Shortly after the break-up, she was out with friends listening to a DJ, when her ex showed up and approached her in the crowd.

'He's a big guy, taller than me. The minute he saw me, he picked me up with one hand by my hair and with his other hand, he grabbed me under my skirt by my vagina my p***y? and lifted me up off the floor, literally, and carried me, like something he owned, like a piece of trash, out of the club,' she wrote.

Tamblyn's Lip Sync Battle with American Ferrera airs on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on Spike

She continued: 'His fingers were practically inside of me, his other hand wrapped tightly around my hair. I screamed and kicked and cried. He carried me this way, suspended by his hands, all the way across the room, pushing past people until he got to the front door.'

'My friends ran after him, trying to stop him. We got to the front door and I thank God his brothers were also there and intervened. In the scuffle he grabbed at my clothes, trying to hold onto me, screaming at me, and inadvertently ripped off my grandmothers necklace, which I was wearing.'

The rest of the evening, she said, was a blur. She somehow was able to escape, but never went back for the necklace.

Last week, Tamblyn shared her feelings about Trump's Access Hollywood video and also described being sexually abused by an ex-boyfriend

'That part of my body, which the current Presidential Nominee of the United States Donald Trump recently described as something hed like to grab a woman by, was bruised from my ex-boyfriends violence for at least the next week,' she said.
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About Censored News Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell. Since 2006, Censored News has received more than 20 million pageviews. As a collective of writers, photographers and broadcasters, we publish news of Indigenous Peoples and human rights. Contact publisher Brenda Norrell: brendanorrell@gmail.com

From the publisher Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell, a journalist in Indian country for 40 years. Norrell created Censored News after she was censored and terminated as a staff reporter at Indian Country Today in 2006. She began as a reporter at Navajo Times during the 18 years that she lived on the Navajo Nation. She was a stringer for AP and USA Today and later traveled with the Zapatistas through Mexico. She has been blacklisted by all the mainstream media for 14 years. Contact brendanorrell@gmail.com

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There have still been no suspects named in the case, which

The masked men who robbed Kim Kardashian of millions in jewels spent close to an hour inside her Paris residence.

A police source told US Weekly that three of the five individuals responsible for the crime 'clearly knew the security code' when they made their way into the building at 2:18am on October 3, followed soon after by two more men.

They then left the building at 3:07am according to the source - after 49 minutes inside.

'They acted like they had all the time in the world,' said the source.

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Extended stay: A police source claims that the men who robbed Kim Kardashian spent close to an hour inside her apartment building (Kardashian above hours after the robbery upon returning to NYC)

Gaining entrance: The insider is also claiming that the three men who first entered the residence (above) 'clearly knew the security code'

The investigation continues two weeks after the robbery, with no one being publicly named as a suspect at this point.

Police said that there was possible DNA evidence of the robbers at the scene which they were examining shortly after the incident.

Investigators had also hoped to find DNA on a $33,000 necklace belonging to Kim that was dropped on the street by one of the robbers and later found, but it turned out to contain no traces that could link it to a possible suspect.

Two mobile phones belonging to the 35-year-old multi-millionaire were also stolen during the holdup in the chic Madeleine district of Paris, near the city's main department stores and foreign embassies.

Police said the robbers held a gun to Kim's head, bound and gagged her and shut her into a bathroom in the biggest jewelry robbery of an individual in France in more than 20 years according to AFP.

The star's bodyguard, Pascal Duvier, was not with her at the time because he was providing security for Kim's sister Kourtney at a Paris nightclub.

Kim has not spoken publicly since the incident and stayed off of social media.
A former member of Hillary Clinton's security detail while she was serving as secretary of state said she frequently and 'blatantly' disregarded security and diplomatic protocol during her tenure.

An interview with the ex-agent was part of the FBI's newest document release pertaining to the investigation into Clinton's private email server she used while working at the State Department.

The source, formerly a member of the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security, explained how the secretary was to ride in an armored limousine with the local U.S. ambassador while traveling abroad, but Clinton 'refused to do so,' the agent said, 'instead choosing to be accompanied in the limousine by her [deputy] Chief of Staff, Huma Abedin.'

'This frequently resulted in complaints by ambassadors who were insulted and embarrassed by this breach of protocol,' the security official told the FBI.

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Hillary Clinton (middle left) reportedly 'insulted and embarrassed' ambassadors by choosing to ride in a limousine with aide Huma Abedin (middle right) while secretary of state

The FBI made public documents about the investigation into Hillary Clinton's (left) private email server, which included stories about the outsized influence of Huma Abedin (right)

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (right) would choose to ride in the limousine with her deputy chief of staff Huma Abedin (left) over local U.S. ambassadors - embarrassing them

The ex-FBI agent suggested Huma Abedin (left) had more influence in her State Department serving for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (right: in 2011) than her predecessors

Huma Abedin (left) has been working with Hillary Clinton (right) since she served as first lady. Here they are together in 2000 as Clinton was running for U.S. Senate

Clinton was also supposed to arrive at events with the local U.S. ambassador, something she also skipped in lieu of riding in the limo with Abedin, who is currently separated from disgraced ex-congressman Anthony Weiner, due to yet another sexting scandal.

The agent pointed fingers at Abedin, who interned for Clinton during her days as first lady, and is now the vice chairwoman of the presidential campaign, and said she possessed 'much more power' over the rest of the staff and the secretary of state's schedule than previous people in that position.

The agent 'believed Abedin herself was often responsible for overriding security and diplomatic protocols on behalf of Clinton.'

The same FBI source thought that Clinton was using her post at the State Department to prematurely begin her presidential campaign.

The agent believed that she would travel with 'hand-picked media who would present her in favorable light in order to garner political support.'

The agent also suggested Clinton 'disregarded security and diplomatic protocols...in order to gain favorable press.'

An example the agent gave the FBI happened in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2009, when Clinton's security wanted a photo-op at a clean cooking stoves initiative struck from her schedule because of the problems it presented.

The area, the professionals argued, 'could not be secured and was lined with dangerous circumstances and individuals.'

The team was informed, however, that 'it was going to happen because "she wanted it,"' the FBI's interview notes said, quoting the agent source.
The estranged husband of Brisbane mum Sally Faulkner has hit back following a TV special focusing on the botched kidnapping of the couple's children.

On Monday night the first of a two-part Australian Story special aired, and Elamine - who is living in Lebanon with the couple's two children - has responded by accusing the Australian media of siding with his former partner.

'From day one she was going on her own and the media took her side while I was concerned about the kids' state of mind, and how they should recover from the trauma they went through during the kidnapping,' Elamine told Fairfax from Beirut.

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Sally Faulkner is pictured with her Lebanese husband Ali Elamine and their two children, Lahela and Noah, before Faulkner botched an abduction in Beirut

Sally Faulkner (right) appears in a new tell-all special with ABC's Australian Story about the attempted abduction of her children from estranged husband Ali Elamine (left)

The surf instructor added that he would not be drawn on allegations made on the show, following a botched abduction attempt with Channel Nine's 60 Minutes in Aprtil.

'I [would] rather not comment about what Sally has to say,' he said.

'I believe the story is over and what is most important now is the wellbeing of the kids.

The show revealed that when Elamine took the couple's children to Lebanon in May 2015, this was not the first time he had separated them from their mother.

When Lahela was just ten months old, Ms Faulkner was visiting her mother-in-law's home at Chakra, two hours from Beirut.

The mother-of-three said she handed a tradesman a glass of water, but this was perceived as 'inappropriate' and sparked a fight with her husband.

'I was blamed for being inappropriate, provocative, flirting and that it was all my fault, even though I tried to explain to Ali that I hadn't done anything except give him a glass of water,' she said.

Later that day as Elamine and Ms Faulkner were leaving, the Brisbane woman was instructed to hand her daughter to her mother-in-law for a hug goodbye.

Lahela, Elamine and Faulkner are pictured together before the parents separated

However the child was taken away from her and into the house.

'My eyes widened, my heart started beating faster and I say "what's going on?", and he said "come on we're getting in the car, Lahela is staying here",' Ms Faulkner said.

For the next two weeks Ms Faulkner claimed she was left alone in the couple's apartment, with no sim card in her phone or passport - as Elamine had taken them from her.

He disabled the internet and left her with just $100, before he told her to leave Lebanon.

'He chucked my passport at me and said "you're going, Lahela is staying here",' Ms Faulkner said.

'It was only in that moment when I got my passport physically in my hand I thought "oh my God this is my only chance of possibly getting out".'

Lahela, five, and Noah, three, now live with their father in Lebanon

Faulkner is pictured with their two children, Lahela and Noah

Earlier it was revealed Elamine had pressured her to abort their first child, years before she botched an abduction with a 60 Minutes television crew.

The Brisbane mother said she left Ali Elamine in Dubai and returned to Australia when she fell pregnant with Lahela, now five-years-old.

Elamine then began pressuring her to have an abortion, before he surprised her with a marriage proposal, Faulkner claimed to ABC's Australian Story.

Her friend, Gordana Raljevik, remembered: 'He was calling me, [sending] emails and messages to her family, to herself  just asking her not to have this child.

'Ali didn't want to have a bar of it.'

When Faulkner was about six months' pregnant, she saw Elamine for the first time since their breakup.

'After one of my scans, I came home,' she said.

The Brisbane mother claims Elamine pressured her to have an abortion before he surprised her with a marriage proposal

Faulkner and Elamine were married ten days after Lahela was born (pictured)

'I looked down, and there were all these rose petals, literally from the front door to the kitchen. I hadn't seen Ali since I'd said goodbye to him in Dubai. And her got down on one knee and pulled out a ring and said: 'Will you marry me?'

'I nearly fell over ... I was sort of starting to stumble on my words and he went: 'Well, yes or no?' And I said: 'Oh, yes, yes, yes, OK, I guess so' ... and that was it.'

The pair were married at Brisbane's registry office ten days after Lahela was born.

About three-months later, Elamine said he wanted to move back to Beirut.

'And I just thought: 'My home is wherever he is, and wherever Lahela is.' So I packed up with him and [went] over there to support him.'

The move was hard on Faulkner, who did not speak Arabic. After having their second child, Noah, who is now three-years-old, the pair split and lived in the separate countries.

Noah and Lahela are pictured in Lebanon, where they now live with their father Elamine

Elamine is pictured on a flight with Noah (left) and Lahela (right)

In April, the Brisbane mother attempted to snatch her children back from Elamine in Lebanon who refused to return them after they went over for a two-week visit.

Faulkner, the Nine Network 60 Minutes crew and child recovery agents were all jailed.

She said every part of her 'wanted to fall apart' when she realised her estranged husband had no intention of returning their two children to Australia.

'When he answered the Skype call, I could just see his face and I said to him, 'what's wrong?' And he looked at me and he said, 'plans have changed'.

'I said, 'what do you mean?' I didn't quite believe it and he said, 'plans have changed, Sal. The kids aren't coming home.''

Australian Story: When Plans Change is a two-part special airing Monday October 17 & 24 at 8pm on ABC & iview.
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British warplanes played a key role in the battle for Mosul today, with fleets of Typhoon jets targeting Islamic State positions in a bid to cripple the terror group's last major stronghold in Iraq.

RAF heroes supported the Iraqi army during the major attack which has already inflicted 'heavy losses of life and equipment' on ISIS southeast of the city, according to military chiefs.

More than 40,000 Iraqi and Kurd troops are leading the offensive, backed by air and ground support from a 60-nation US-led coalition, in what is expected to be a difficult assault that could take weeks or even months.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said with UK help, Iraqi forces 'will prevail' as ISIS is on the 'back foot'.

British warplanes have played a key role in the battle for Mosul today, pictured is an explosion seen from the top of Mount al-Shourah

RAF heroes supported the Iraqi army during the major attack which has already inflicted 'heavy losses of life and equipment' on ISIS southeast of the city, according to military chiefs

Footage earlier emerged showing the moment a giant explosion rocked the Mosul battlefield as ISIS terrorists detonated a suicide car bomb next to Iraqi forces after trying to ram a tank

RAF Typhoon jets (stock) and Reaper drones fired missiles and dropped bombs at IS targets around Mosul, paving the way for local forces

More than 40,000 Iraqi and Kurd troops are leading the offensive, backed by air and ground support from a 60-nation US-led coalition, in what is expected to be a long and difficult assault

'The beginning of the encirclement of Mosul today is a big moment in our efforts to rid Iraq of Daesh,' he said, according to The Sun.

'Mosul is a large and complex city and operations there will be tough but with Coalition support Iraqi forces will prevail.

'The UK will continue to play a leading role in the air and on the ground, including through our strike missions, specialised surveillance, humanitarian support and the mentoring and training of Iraqi forces.'

RAF Typhoon jets and Reaper drones fired missiles and dropped bombs at IS targets around Mosul, paving the way for local forces.

Kurdish peshmerga fighters also played a crucial role and advanced in armoured vehicles along roads laden with booby traps and roadside bombs.

'We have achieved a lot of success so far,' said Masoud Barzani, president of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government.

Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga fighters are pictured watching smoke billowing from the Iraqi city of Nineveh on Monday

Footage taken from the south east of Mosul shows ISIS terrorists in a car come speeding towards Iraqi tanks and ramming into one

The explosion comes as residents in Mosul say ISIS fighters are planning to use suicide bombers and chemical weapons during the battle for Mosul

The Pentagon added that Iraqi forces are ahead of schedule for the first day - but he warned it was unknown how long the battle would last.

Despite the progress, concerns have been raised for the hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped in Iraq's second-largest city, with aid groups warning of a massive humanitarian crisis.

Footage earlier emerged showing the moment a giant explosion rocked the Mosul battlefield as ISIS terrorists detonated a suicide car bomb next to Iraqi forces after trying to ram a tank.

The footage comes amid warnings that jihadis are planning to fight back with suicide bombs and even chemical weapons as the offensive to reclaim and liberate the city from the terror group got underway earlier today.

A video from the scene, to the south east of the Iraqi city, shows a car carrying the suicide bombers speeding towards the Iraqi government forces positions before ramming a tank.

As it gets closer, the Iraqi troops begin to drive away as they continue their advance towards Mosul.

However, one of the vehicles suddenly explodes sending a a fireball in the air and a plume of smoke.

Afterwards a blanket of smoke can be seen hanging in the air as the other vehicles continue to flee.

The Iraqi Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi spoke this morning to confirm troops had moved in to the northern city to liberate it from the control of the terror group.

Convoys of Iraqi, Kurdish and U.S. forces moved east of Mosul along the front line as U.S.-led coalition airstrikes sent plumes of smokes into the air and heavy artillery rounds could be heard.

Peshmerga forces attack ISIS positions in the Bertela region with a rocket launcher attached to the back of a pick-up truck

The Peshmerga troops cover their ears as the launch missiles from the rocket launcher during the offensive to liberate Mosul

Convoys of Iraqi, Kurdish and U.S. forces moved east of Mosul along the front line as U.S.-led coalition airstrikes sent plumes of smokes into the air and heavy artillery rounds could be heard

A Peshmerga convoy drives towards a frontline in Khazer,east of Mosul as the battle to liberate the city from ISIS began

Peshmerga forces located at Mosul's Zardak mountain attack ISIS with howitzers during an operation to retake the Iraqi city

The Peshmerga forces in the north are being aided by Iraqi government troops who are advancing on Mosul from the south

Already Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces have taken control of seven villages east of Mosul and they also control the main road linking the city with the Iraqi Kurdish regional capital, Irbil.

It is also believed that two would-be ISIS suicide bombers were 'neutralized' during the operations this morning.

And now civilians inside Mosul have reported that in recent days the terror group has prepared booby traps under bridges and hidden them inside potholes in the road.

Several areas have been blocked off with cement blast walls to funnel civilians into areas, where they can be used as human shields.

In addition the militants have also created a range of underground tunnels to shield fighters and transport equipment.

Peshmerga forces stand guard at Kargali village during an operation to liberate Mosul as they advance from the north east of Iraq

Smoke rises at Tercille village following an ISIS suicide car bomb attack as Peshmerga forces deployed on the Khazir front

The troops run and jump for cover after the suicide bombing. It is also believed that two would-be ISIS suicide bombers were 'neutralized' during the operations this morning

Kurdish security forces take up a position as they fight overlooking the Islamic State-controlled in villages surrounding Mosul

Smoke rises from Mosul's Bertela region after a coalition forces air strike on ISIS targets during the battle for Mosul

In response to the advancing troops, ISIS jihadists set fore to oil wells in the Kayyara region in Mosul

civilians inside Mosul have reported that in recent days the terror group has prepared booby traps under bridges and hidden them inside potholes in the road. Pictured are Peshmerga troops advancing on Mosul

Iraqi forces flash the sign for victory as they deploy in the area of al-Shourah, south of Mosul as they advance on the city

Peshmerga forces stand guard at Kargali village during an operation to liberate Mosul as they await their next orders

There are also fears ISIS could use mustard gas and 50,000 gas masks have been issued to Iraqi troops as a precaution.

The offensive was launched as it was reported that one of the main bridges in Mosul had been taken out in an airstrike.

According to CNN, witnesses warned the strikes took out al-Hurriya Bridge, but it is not clear who was responsible for the airstrikes.

Amaq, the news agency associated with ISIS, blamed American bombers.

A convoy of Kurdish Pesmerga vehicles drive towards the front line of battle today ahead of the operation to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul

The Iraqi military and the Kurdish forces say they have began operations to recapture the city from the south and the east

The Peshmerga troops line up their vehicles, many of them were driving regular cars and pick-up trucks rather than military vehicles

The Kurdish troops sit on the back of their pick-up trucks as they prepare to advance towards villages on the outskirts of Mosul

Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga fighters stand on top of a tank earlier today as their vehicles head closer into the centre of Mosul

The Peshmerga troops set up their weapons this morning so they can hold their lines when the operation to retake Mosul begins

Last night, the Peshmerga troops gathered around a fire as they discussed the preparations to retake Mosul from ISIS

Mosul is a key city in the ISIS network and the last bastion of power for the group in Iraq. Pictured are Peshmerga forces last night

The bridge is one of five connecting the two main parts of the city and its partial destruction makes any attempt of ISIS escape more difficult.

Meanwhile, people have been warned to seal their doors and windows and told the final battle could be a bloody one.

Four page leaflets were dropped across the city by Iraqi forces telling people to avoid certain parts of the city and declaring the offensive signals 'victory time'.

Mosul is a key city in the ISIS network and the last bastion of power for the group in Iraq.

The push to retake the city will be the largest military operation in Iraq since American troops left in 2011 and, if successful, the biggest blow yet to ISIS.

Ahmed al-Assadi, a lawmaker and spokesman for the militias, said: 'We promise you that victory is near and that it will be a great victory fitting with the greatness of Iraq and its history and its people.'

After lining up their vehicles last night in preparation for the battle, many of the troops slept on top of the tanks to get some rest

A Peshmerga fighter smokes a cigarette before the battle for Mosul. Iraqi forces began moving into Nineveh province to surround Mosul in July

The fighting is likely to become messy and boil down to street battles.

Iraqi forces began moving into Nineveh province to surround Mosul in July, when ground troops led by the country's elite special forces retook Qayara air base south of the city.

Thousands of Iraqi troops assembled there ahead of the planned operation. Iraqi troops are also being deployed east of Mosul in the Khazer area, along with Kurdish Peshmerga forces, and to the north of the city near the Mosul Dam and Bashiqa areas.

In addition to the Iraqi army, Kurdish Peshmerga forces, Iraqi special forces and Sunni tribal fighters, Shiite militia forces are also expected to play a role in the Mosul operation.

Iraqi forces gather in their vehciles in Irbil yesterday ahead of an operation to regain Mosul from ISIS in northern Iraq

A Sunni Iraqi policeman prays at the Qayyarah military base, about 35 miles south of Mosul yesterday while preparing for an offensive

Iraqi policemen inspect their weapons and make preparations yesterday, including drawing up key tactics, as they get ready for the next few days work

Smoke rises in the background from burning oil wells that were set on fire yesterday ahead of the battle for Mosul

While Iraqi forces have won a number of territorial victories against ISIS over the past year, the Mosul fight is expected to be the most complex yet for the country's military.

Elsewhere, rebel fighters on Saturday also captured the town of Dabiq in northern Syria - which holds huge symbolic value - from ISIS.

Turkish troops, part of what is known as Operation Euphrates Shield, and planes helped various rebel groups push ISIS - sometimes referred to as Daesh - out of Dabiq.

Dabiq holds crucial ideological importance for ISIS because of a Sunni prophecy that states it will be the site of an end-of-times battle between Christian forces and Muslims.

A US-made armoured combat vehicle is seen parked at the Qayyarah military base yesterday as tanks are lined up ready for battle

Iraqi policemen clean a weapon yesterday as 30,000 pro-government troops prepare to launch an attack on Mosul in Iraq

But Ahmed Osman, head of the Sultan Murad group, a faction of the Free Syrian Army, said: 'The Daesh myth of their great battle in Dabiq is finished.'

Some reports said ISIS put up 'minimal resistance' but others said there were 'fierce clashes'.

The town itself has negligible military value compared with the strategic ISIS-controlled cities of Raqqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq.

A commander of the Hamza Brigade, a Syrian rebel group, said ISIS fighters put up 'minimal' resistance to defend Dabiq before withdrawing towards al-Bab, further south.

Saif Abu Bakr said 2,000 of his men pushed into Dabiq with tank and artillery support from the Turkish Army.

The Free Syrian Army were also involved in the operation.

The people of Mosul have been warned to prepare for the battle ahead by sealing their doors and windows or leaving the area

The battle is expected to be fought on the streets as militia groups take back the ISIS controlled city. Pictured is an Iraqi policeman yesterday unloading his ammunition

The key city of Mosul has been controlled by ISIS, sometimes called Daesh, for two years. Pictured are Iraqi policemen standing at attention with gas masks yesterday

According to Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency, the rebel fighters were working to dismantle mines laid in the town by retreating ISIS fighters.

Anadolu said nine Syrian rebels were killed and 28 others wounded during clashes on Saturday.

In the seventh century the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have said 'the last hour will not come' until Muslims vanquished the 'Romans' at Dabiq on their way to conquer 'Constantinople' (Istanbul).

Such is the significance of the town that ISIS's English language magazine is named Dabiq.

Iraqi policemen unload ammunition yesterday as they prepare for an offensive to retake Mosul from the Islamic State

Pictured, policemen yesterday inspect the weapons before the movement. The militias have regained much of the territory lost to ISIS in 2014 and 2015

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said rebels backed by Turkish planes and artillery 'captured Dabiq after ISIS members withdrew from the area'.

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said the fighters also captured the nearby town of Sawran.

One Turkey-backed rebel faction, the Fastaqim Union, also said Dabiq had fallen 'after fierce clashes with Daesh.'

It published pictures on Twitter of a group of fighters on the back of a small white truck waving assault rifles in the air, with the town of Dabiq apparently in the background.

An Iraqi policeman tries on a gasmask at the militia base. A bridge in Mosul was taken out in an airstrike on the city on Sunday

An Iraqi policeman in his gasmask, as they prepare for the battle ahead, which government official say will be 'bloody'

It is not clear who took out the bridge, but the news agency associated with ISIS blamed US forces. Pictured, smoke billows in the background yesterday as Iraqi forces gather at the Qayyarah military base

Iraqi forces gesture and wave the V for Victory sign as they gather at the base. It has only been a short time since they took the symbolic town of Dabiq in Syria

Flags are waved from the military vehicles yesterday on the way to Mosul as the soldiers warn that there could be a bloody final battle
Hollywood stars sent up presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton venomously in song last night at a breast cancer charity event.

But it was Republican Trump who took the bigger comedic battering with jokes about his alleged sexual attacks, homosexual tendencies and desire for fame.

Back To the Future's Lea Thompson and sitcom actor Richard Kind both got rousing receptions for mocking the candidates in musical tribute numbers at the 16th Annual Les Girls Cabaret in Los Angeles.

Both stars changed the words from famous stage show tunes to have the audience in stitches mocking the political giants, who are gunning for the White House in the most controversial race of all time.

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Hollywood stars Lea Thompson (right) and Richard Kind (left) sent up presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton venomously in song at a breast cancer charity event

Kind, famous for his work in sitcoms Mad About You and Spin City, sang I'm Still Here, from Follies, dressed as Trump with a wig for his trademark whisky blond hair.

Former Dancing With The Stars contestant Thompson performed Maybe This Time, from the film Cabaret, dressed in all white with a Hillary wig.

As the audience howled with laughter, Kind stuck the knife into Trump by presenting him as a self-centered, bisexual liar, the New York Daily News reported.

He also joked that as Trump he had engaged in oral sex with white nationalist David Duke.

The actor, as Trump, started off with a short speech saying: 'I know all of you have been helping me through upsetting things. They are smears, fabrications, and facts - which are the worst kind of smears.

'So I have written this song to assure you.Yes I write songs. My opponent will say this song was written by Stephen Sondheim it is wrong, That is a lie - I wrote the words and the lyrics.'

Kind, famous for his work in sitcoms Mad About You and Spin City, sang I'm Still Here, from Follies, dressed as Trump with a wig for his trademark whisky blond hair

Former Dancing With The Stars contestant Thompson performed Maybe This Time, from the film Cabaret, dressed in all white with a Hillary wig

Then in cleverly rewritten lyrics, Kind held the stage for almost five minutes, while pacing to and fro like Trump and mimicking his famous hand gestures.

He switched lyrics from the original to replace them with spiky words reflecting Trump's campaign behavior and issues.

Included in one verse, Kind sang: 'I have grabbed vagina with my fist - but I am not a gynecologist. Footloose and frisky testing how low I could sink, but I am here.

'I tried debating who I'd nuke. I tried fellating David Duke. Treating each increasingly stunned rebuke, with a sneer.

Kind also joked that as Trump he had engaged in oral sex with white nationalist David Duke (above)

'But white people said he is sincere - so I am here.'

He continued in another verse: 'Pissed off Hispanics, Muslims, the press and the Pope - but I am here.

'I love drama, stunts and sleaze -said "hey, Obama papers please." Is he a liar or lion still not clear?

'My hair is two thirds hair spray but I am here.'

In his tune, he mocked Trump saying that sexual allegations with 'the reporter' were a 'total disgrace.'

'I faced accusers, I been defamed and been hurt, but am here. Fat angry losers, smearing my name, cause I slurp but I am here. That there trainee no-one buys, they are cockamamie low down lies, claiming I quote' enormous thighs.' that's the smear. I am not the Prince I appear - but I am here.

'I been divisive, contemptible please, so damn divisive I left my party in flames, but I am here.

'Said stuff that is crackers so berserk, told Russian hackers - love your work.'

At the end of the tune, he mocked Trump's future too, singing: 'I got in this race 'cause I love entertaining, I never wanted the job.

It comes after actress Amber Tamblyn (above, as Trump) mocked the Republican nominee on Lip Sync Battle

'Screw this election five minutes after I lose. But you'll see my bouncing back with glee, proudly announcing Trump TV. I'll make deplorables cheer every year.

'As long as there is hatred and fear I'll be here.'

Seconds after Kind finished, Lea Michele came out all in white as Hillary with an altered version of Maybe This Time.

In her tune, Michele acting as Hillary fired off gags about the email scandal and how she is long term loser.

She sang: 'There will be facts, little warning not lies from hacks - it is just whatever.

'Not a loser anymore, like 2008 and the time before.

'Everybody loves a winner - so nobody loved me. Lady POTUS not Lady FLOTUS that is what I want to be. Oh, the odds are in my favor. My term is bound to be good.

'It's gotta happen, happen sometime, Maybe this time I'll win.

Then in cleverly rewritten lyrics, Kind held the stage for almost five minutes, while pacing to and fro like Trump (above) and mimicking his famous hand gestures

'Everybody loves a winner, so nobody loves me. Lady Secretary, Lady Senator twice, makes me qualified today. All the polls are in my favor, Trump is about screw up again.'

Then for the rousing finale, she was joined by dancers and Michele started high kicking

Lea sang: 'It is gonna happen, happen some time, maybe this time I will win.'

The political tunes were one of the highlights of the annual cabaret benefit Les Girls which was in its 16th year.

All proceeds from the star studded bash at The Avalon went to support the National Breast Cancer Coalition Funds Breast Cancer Deadline 2020, a strategic plan of action with a January 1, 2020 deadline for knowing how to end the disease.
James Packer says he is 'deeply concerned' for the welfare of 18 Crown Resorts staff who were arrested in China and are expected to be charged for illegal gambling activities.

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday Packer, the major shareholder in Crown Resorts, said: 'I have sought regular updates on this issue and have asked Crown to do everything possible to contact our employees and to support their families, as we await further details from Chinese authorities'.

Three of the staff arrested are Australians, including executive Jason O'Connor.

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James Packer says he is 'deeply concerned' for the welfare of 18 Crown Resorts staff who were arrested in China. Here, he is pictured at an event in 2014

James Packer's Macau casino, which opened in 2015

Jason O'Connor is one of three Australian Crown Resorts executives detained in China

Crown Resorts employee David Dai Bin is one of those arrested in China and expected to be charged

Jiang Ling, a Crown Shanghai-based administration assistant and husband, American expatriate Jeff Sikkema. Ms Ling has been arrested by Chinese police

'I am respectful, that these detentions have occurred in another country and are therefore subject to their sovereign rules and investigative processes.

'Crown will do whatever it can to support our employees and their families at this difficult time. Our number one priority is to be able to make contact and to ensure they are all safe.'

The Crown Resorts staff were arrested late last week and are expected to be charged with organising gambling activities for mainland nationals overseas.

Police have focused on sales and marketing by the staff used in a bid to attract and help rich Chinese 'whales' to gamble in Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday Packer said: 'I have sought regular updates on this issue and have asked Crown to do everything possible to contact our employees and to support their families'

The Crown Resorts staff were arrested late last week and are expected to be charged with organising gambling activities

Leonardi DiCaprio and Robert De Niro join Packer at opening of Macau casino last year

James Packer with partner Mariah Carey at opening of Crown's Studio City in Macau last year

A source who declined to be named said: 'Under our country's laws, it is not just gambling and opening casinos in China which fall under gambling crimes.

'If you organise or introduce our country's citizens to go overseas to gamble, if it's more than 10 people then you will face criminal liability.'

According to Fairfax, during an average week Crown aided as many as 20 people in Shanghai applying for Australian visas.

Casino staff are reported to have acted on the edge of the law by promoting cities and their attractions rather than their own venues.

Lawyers were set to meet families of those arrested on Monday.

After the news of the arrests, Crown shares were $1.53 or 11.81 per cent lower at $11.42 less than one hour after the Australian Securities Exchange opened on Monday, causing Mr Packer to lose $500 million in early trade.
A man in Union, Missouri, has been arrested after he allegedly convinced several women to buy him expensive cars as a part of a dating app scam.

Timothy Rossell, 28, was taken into custody on Thursday and charged with one count of impersonating a federal officer and four counts of identity theft.

Rossell was allegedly convincing women across the country to buy him cars on the dating app Plenty Of Fish.

After driving the cars for a while, Rossell would sell them and tell the women the vehicles had been stolen, KMOV reported.

Timothy Rossell, 28, of Missouri, was taken into custody on Thursday after he assumed fake identities and convinced several women to spend thousands on luxury cars for him

The 28-year-old was living under the identity of U.S. marshal Austyn Gardner with a 27-year-old fiancee, the St Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

With his assumed identity, Rossell convinced his finacee to buy him a Cadillac Escalade, a Shelby Mustang, and a Can-Am Spyder. He also opened credit cards in her names and accumulated thousands in debt.

When the woman discovered the charges, along with federal IDs for Rossell under varying names, she confronted him.

Rossell then fled in a 2014 Lamborghini Gallardo, valued at $200,000.

The luxury vehicle had been purchased for Rossell by a 27-year-old woman in Ft Myers, Florida.

A woman in Fort Myers, Florida, bought Rossell a white 2014 Lamborghini Gallardo (stock image, pictured), valued at $200,000. When the woman he was living with confronted him about other identities he had assumed, he fled in the car before police caught him

The woman in Florida had purchased Rossell several cars, including a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (stock image, pictured), valued at $96,000, after meeting him on Plenty Of Fish

That woman knew Rossell as deputy U.S. marshal Austyn Labella and had purchased him a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, valued at $96,000, and had also loaned him $27,000 in addition to the Lamborghini.

A third woman in Pennsylvania had also fallen victim to Rossell.

All three women met the Missouri man on the Plenty Of Fish daring app.

After fleeing in the Lamborghini, police arrested Rossell in Effingham, Illinois, as he attempted to buy a bus ticket.

The car had blown a tire.

Rossell has an extensive criminal history and has assumed numerous identities.
They claim she threatened to slit Crowe's throat with her wine glass

Eyewitnesses have said Banks was the real

Azealia Banks has gone to the police after alleging Russell Crowe assaulted her at a dinner party in his hotel room on Saturday night.

Banks, 25, filed a battery report against the actor at the Beverly Hills Police Department on Sunday.

The rapper decided to report Crowe that afternoon after he refused to apologize for physically removing her from his hotel room, sources told TMZ.

Banks wrote in a Facebook post that Crowe had 'called me a n****r, choked me, threw me out and spat at me'.

Shocking allegations: Azealia Banks claimed Russell Crowe assaulted her on Saturday night, however eyewitnesses claim otherwise

A different kind of story: Eyewitnesses at the party say Azealia was the aggressor and Crowe was forced to carry the rapper out of his room during a private party due to her becoming violent (the actor pictured at Cannes this year)

The actor's representatives said he refused to apologize because he maintains he did nothing wrong.

Banks deleted her Facebook post as other claims emerged telling a completely different story from her own.

According to a source, eyewitnesses at the party claimed Azealia was the aggressor and Crowe was forced to carry the rapper out of his room during a private party after she became violent.

The eyewitnesses claim Banks made a bizarre statement directed toward Crowe about slashing his throat and that of another guest with her wine glass.

He said, she said: The 25-year-old rapper took to her Facebook to explain her side of the story

'I want to f***ing die': She has since deleted this strong of posts on her Facebook

Banks then allegedly cocked her glass back and Crowe intervened, sources said.

Reps for both Russell Crowe and Azealia Banks have been contacted by DailyMail.com for comment.

It is claimed that Crowe had invited about 10 people over to his room to listen to music, including rapper RZA - who brought Banks.

The 47-year-old Wu Tang Clan member had previously worked with Crowe on The Man With The Iron Fist and recently signed Banks to his record label.

Dynamic duo: She was reportedly a guest of rapper RZA, who is pictured with Crowe at The Man With The Iron Fist screening in October 2012 as they worked on the flick together

According to sources for TMZ, it all began when Azealia snickered at Russell's music selection and called him and another person in the room 'boring white men.'

Then when a female party guest jumped to his defense, the 212 rapper went on a threatening diatribe.

According to their insider, Banks said: 'You would love it if I broke my glass, stabbed you guys in the throat, and blood would squirt everywhere like some real Tarantino s***.'

Witnesses say she used the n-word numerous times and Crowe remained calm until she reached for a glass and cocked it back.

Ouch: According to a report from TMZ, the 25-year-old rapper went on a threatening diatribe and reportedly reached for a glass and cocked it back

Had enough: The 53-year-old Gladiator star then reportedly grabbed her and carried her out of the suite before calling security guards to remove her from the grounds

The 53-year-old Gladiator star then reportedly grabbed her and carried her out of the suite before calling security guards to remove her from the grounds.

At least four guests/witnesses who gave statements during the investigation used the word 'erratic' to describe Azealia's behavior according to TMZ. They also claim that RZA said she used the N-word and not Crowe.

In Azealia's since-deleted posts on social media, The Big Beat hitmaker has a much different story as she wrote: 'To recap my night, I went to a party at Russell Crowe's suit, at which he called me a n*****, choked me, threw me out and spat at me.

'Last night was one of the hardest nights of sleep I've had in along time.

Courting controversy: Azealia (pictured in court earlier this year) did not show up to her court case in New York last month, and the judge was less than impressed warning a bench warrent will be issued if she does not show next time

Scene stealer: On the few times Azealia has appeared at court, she has ensured there was no missing her from taking to selfies to lashing out at photographers outside the building

'The men in the room allowed it to happen. I feel terrible today.'

She also posted two other statuses on Facebook, in which the rapper talked about being depressed and that 'I wish I had someone to beat him up for me.'

Banks is no stranger to controversy.

Last month a judge was not too pleased as she failed to appear at her court case in New York after allegedly attacking a bouncer at a nightclub last year.

Serious allegations: The rapper is charged with misdemeanor assault, attempted assault and disorderly conduct after the incident at the Up&Down in Chelsea on December 16, where she allegedly bite a female bouncer on the breast

Banks was charged with misdemeanor assault, attempted assault and disorderly conduct after the incident at Up&Down in Chelsea on December 16, where she allegedly bit a female bouncer on the breast.

The bite caused 'redness, swelling and bruising' and 'substantial pain', according to the criminal complaint, but the woman declined medical attention at the scene.

Banks is infamous for her Twitter rants against other rappers, as well as politicians - she once suggested Sarah Palin be gang-rapped.
Five children under the age of six may be at 'significant risk' after they disappeared from a home in north Queensland on Monday morning.

Police are searching for a 31-year-old man, Zane Smallwood, who they believe may be with the children.

The children are a boy aged six and four girls aged five, four, one, and two months.

Queensland Police said they believe the group could be travelling in a grey coloured 2002 Ford Falcon sedan with Queensland registration 947-WKD.

Police are searching for a 31-year-old man, Zane Smallwood, after five children under six disappeared from a home in Home Hill, north Queensland

They believe the group could be travelling in a grey coloured 2002 Ford Falcon sedan with Queensland registration 947-WKD
Aides to Hillary Clinton considered a ban on bundling from lobbyists representing foreign interests, decided against it and forgot to tell the candidate.

Senior staff decided to bar lobbyists registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, FARA, from raising money for the campaign in a leaked email chain that began the day after Clinton announced her presidential bid.

They were persuaded to reverse their position after members of the finance team and a campaign lawyer pointed out how much money was at stake.

'Take the money!!' Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri advised.

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OOPS: Aides to Hillary Clinton considered a ban on bundling from lobbyists representing foreign interests, decided against it and forgot to tell the candidate

The discussion was included in a batch of emails stolen from campaign chairman John Podesta's account and published on the Wikileaks website Sunday.

Marc Elias, general counsel to the fledgling campaign, told his colleagues early in the April 2015 conversation, 'This is really a straight up political call.'

He later argued that bundlers in that category should be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Jesse Ferguson, a senior spokesman for Clinton, wanted to know just 'how much money we're throwing away' if they pursued an outright ban.

A staffer on the finance team determined that quite a few of the campaign's prospective fundraisers would be ineligible under the policy - nearly 10 percent.

'We're consistently flagging more FARA registrants daily,' said Karuna Seshasai. 'In terms of # - we're at 27 out of 370 prospective bundlers.'

Included on her list of potentially problematic financiers: Podesta's brother, Tony, a principal at the lobbying shop they founded together, the Podesta Group.

Tony had interests in Iraq, Azerbaijan and Egypt, the aide pointed out.

Other lobbyists whose work raised red flags had clients in Libya and the United Arab Emirates.

Campaign manager Robby Mook convened a call with Podesta, Huma Abedin and others and concluded that lobbyists currently repping foreign actors would be disallowed from joining the campaign's finance team.

The group wanted Elias' opinion, however, before moving forward.

' A total ban feels arbitrary and will engender the same eye-rolling and ill will that it did for Obama,' he weighed in.

Elias said it made more sense to screen each possible fundraiser and weed out the ones with especially concerning ties to foreign entities.

Campaign manager Robby Mook (right) convened a call with John Podesta (not pictured), Huma Abedin (center) and other senior aides and concluded that lobbyists currently repping foreign actors would be disallowed from joining the campaign's finance team. He ultimately changed his mind. Communications director Jennifer Palmieri, (left) said they should definitely 'take the money!!'

Factors he said should be considered: 'The relationship between that country and the United States, its relationship to the State Department during Hillary's time as Secretary, and its relationship, if any, to the Foundation.

'In judging the individual, we would look at their history of support for political candidates generally and Hillary's past campaigns specifically.'

Finance Director Dennis Cheng was among the aides involved in the discussion who came down on the side of accepting the money.

'I feel like we are leaving a good amount of money on the table,' Cheng wrote. 'How do we explain to people that well take money from a corporate lobbyist but not them; that the Foundation takes $ from foreign govts but we now wont.'

Mook finally wrote back that Elias 'made a convincing case' to him 'these sorts of restrictions don't really get you anything...Obama actually got judged MORE harshly as a result.'

'So...in a complete U-turn, I'm ok just taking the money and dealing with any attacks. Are you guys ok with that?' he asked.

Only one aide responded on the chain - Palmieri. 'Take the money!!' she said.

And that was that. Or so it seemed.

A week later Abedin told the group that a key decision-maker had been left out of the conversation: Clinton.

The Democratic candidate found out through a newspaper article, Abedin informed them.
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More than half a million children and their families are expected to flee Mosul over the next few days as Iraqi troops and coalition forces carry out a major offensive on Islamic State's last major stronghold in Iraq.

Powerful photographs show hundreds of families who have already escaped the city to find shelter at refugee camps in Syria.

Humanitarian agencies have warned the battle to retake Mosul could unleash the 'worst man-made humanitarian crisis' seen in modern times as they prepare to help those fleeing their homes as winter sets in.

'In a worst-case scenario, we're literally looking at the single largest humanitarian operation in the world in 2016,' said Lise Grande from the UN.

'In Mosul, depending on what happens militarily, a million people could move in a time span of a couple of weeks.'

More than one million people are expected to flee Mosul as Iraqi troops and coalition forces carry out a major offensive, pictured are refugees who escaped the fighting and found shelter at a refugee camp in Syria

Children are seen playing at a refugee camp in Syria which houses Iraqi families who fled fighting in the Mosul

Powerful photographs show hundreds of families who have already escaped the city to find shelter at refugee camps in the northeastern town of al-Hol in Syria's Hasakeh province

If even a sixth of that number of people flee at the same time, it would overwhelm any capacity to help them.

An estimated 1.5 million people still live in the Mosul area and the fighting could displace up to one million, according to the UN.

'In a worst-case scenario, we're literally looking at the single largest humanitarian operation in the world in 2016.

More than 40,000 Iraqi and Kurd troops are leading the offensive, backed by air and ground support from a 60-nation US-led coalition, in what is expected to be a long and difficult assault.

Those who flee Mosul will likely be able to bring little or nothing with them, meaning basic necessities such as food, water, shelter and clothing will have to be provided.

'Many of them are expected to leave Mosul with only the clothes on their backs,' said Becky Bakr Abdulla of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

A child is seen playing with makeshift toys at a refugee camp housing Iraqi families who fled fighting in the Mosul

A sea of tents could be seen at a refugee camp housing Iraqi families who fled fighting in Mosul as humanitarian agencies said they were preparing to help those fleeing their homes

A woman walks hand-in-hand with a young girl through a refugee camp in Syria while carrying another child in her other arm

Despite the massive scale of the humanitarian operation needed to assist people fleeing Mosul, funding is a major problem and less than half of the $367million requested has been received so far.

The International Organisation for Migration has announced that it will build 'emergency sites' that will provide shelter and basic services for 200,000 people, but said last week that it still needed additional funding.

Iraqi forces will have to fight their way through IS-held territory to reach the city, then surround it and launch an assault to retake it.

Depending on how long that takes, major displacement from the city could come as winter sets in, leaving people with limited shelter in the freezing desert nights.

Mosul civilians will be in grave danger during the fighting, caught in the middle of shelling, air strikes and firefights, and may also be held as human shields by IS.

'Worst-case scenario, in the densely populated districts of the city... there could be tens of thousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands of civilians at extreme risk, depending upon what Daesh does,' said Ms Grande,.

'If Daesh rings districts with (bombs), if they put snipers at key points, we could see a situation where civilians become human shields,' she said.

Of three Iraqi cities that have been recaptured from ISIS, only Fallujah had a substantial civilian population.

A man cradles a baby at a refugee camp housing Iraqi families who fled fighting in the Mosul area

A woman sits amid rubbish at a refugee camp in Syria after fleeing the fighting in Mosul which is expected to trigger the 'worst man-made humanitarian crisis' seen in recent years

More than half a million children and their families are expected to flee Mosul over the next few days as Iraqi troops and coalition forces carry out a major offensive on Islamic State's last major stronghold in Iraq

Tens of thousands of people fled the city and surrounding areas in an exodus that appeared to catch the aid community flat-footed, leaving displaced Iraqis in squalid, overcrowded camps.

After people escape Mosul, 'hopefully, the humanitarian society will then be able to provide these people with the help they need, so that they don't step from one hell into another hell,' Ms Abdulla said.

Turkey has said it is ready for hundreds of thousands of refugees to arrive from Mosul, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Monday.

Turkey has said it is ready for hundreds of thousands of refugees from Mosul, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Monday.

'If the Mosul operation is handled correctly, there won't be a refugee wave into Turkey,' he told a news conference in Ankara.

'(But) if something goes wrong in Mosul, hundreds of thousands will put their migrant bags on their backs, they will be miserable and worn out, and come with their belongings to the only place they can go to, which is Turkey,' he said.

The United Nations refugee agency said up to 100,000 Iraqis may flee to Syria and Turkey to escape the assault on Mosul, a city of 1.5 million people where in 2014 Islamic State proclaimed a 'caliphate' in Iraq and Syria.

British warplanes have played a key role in the battle for Mosul today, pictured is an explosion seen from the top of Mount al-Shourah

Convoys of Iraqi, Kurdish and U.S. forces moved east of Mosul along the front line as U.S.-led coalition airstrikes sent plumes of smokes into the air and heavy artillery rounds could be heard
Billy Bush was given a brief sendoff on Today by host Matt Lauer on Tuesday morning, the day after he announced he would be leaving the morning show.

'NBC News announced last night that Billy Bush would be leaving the Today show effective immediately, noting that he was a valued colleague and longtime member of the broader NBC family,' said Lauer, reading from a teleprompter.

Lauer closed out by saying: 'All of us here at Today wish Billy the very best.'

Tamron Hall also acknowledged Bush's departure later in the show, saying: 'As a longtime member of the NBC family, we wish Billy all the best as he moves forward.'

Bush said in a statement on Monday night: 'I am deeply grateful for the conversations I've had with my daughters, and for all of the support from family, friends and colleagues. I look forward to what lies ahead.'

His exit comes one week after he was suspended by NBC for comments he made during a 2005 Access Hollywood interview with Donald Trump. Bush, 45, had just started his new job in August.

A report on Friday claimed that Bush could be walking away with $10million, but his lawyer said in a statement that this figure was inaccurate.

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Over and out: Billy Bush (above) confirmed Monday night that he was parting ways with NBC after 15 years with the network

Well wishes: On Today Tuesday morning, host Matt Lauer (above) announced that Bush was leaving and said that the entire staff wished Bush the best

A note was sent to staff at NBC on Monday afternoon confirming Bush's departure from the network.

It read: 'Dear Colleagues, Billy Bush will be leaving the Today show's 9am hour, effective today.

'While he was a new member of the Today team, he was a valued colleague and longtime member of the broader NBC family. We wish him success as he goes forward.'

Exact details of the settlement are not known at this time. It does not include a non-compete clause, so Bush can look for jobs at rivals stations according to an individual with knowledge of the settlement agreement.

Bush joined NBC's flagship morning show in August after signing a deal that was said to be worth $3.5million a year.

Bush's attorney Marshall Grossman spoke with The Hollywood Reporter last week about the 2005 interview with Trump over, saying that his client would have been risking his job if he had not laughed at Trump's statements and made lewd comments of his own.

'If Billy had been passive or responded 'Shut the f*** up' to Trump, Billy would have been out of a job the next day,' said Grossman.

That was not the case however according to Trump's wife Melania, who said that Bush 'egged' her husband on and got him to say 'dirty and bad stuff' in an interview with Anderson Cooper on Monday evening.

According to TMZ, NBC had been sitting on the tape in hopes of releasing it before the second debate on Sunday to have the biggest possible impact on the election.

Many executives at the network have an 'open disdain' for Trump according to the report.

That plan was changed however with Hurricane Matthew and the tape release was pushed back to Monday, a move that reportedly made at least one individual inside the organization so angry that they decided to leak the audio to The Washington Post.

A source at NBC told DailyMail.com that the network at no point tried to edit Bush out of the damning tape, despite reports to the contrary that have emerged over the past few days.

Bad move: Hot mic caught him joking with Donald Trump about groping women and saying that Days of Our Lives soap star Arianne Zucker was 'hot as s***' (Trum;, Zucker and Bush above)

In the tape, Bush can be heard calling actress Arianne Zucker, who was then on Days of Our Lives, a 'hot as s***,' and also saying nothing while Trump goes on about his co-host Nancy O'Dell.

'I did try and f*** her. She was married,' Trump tells Bush on the tapes, the transcript of which was first published by The Washington Post on Friday.

'And I moved on her very heavily. In fact, I took her out furniture shopping. She wanted to get some furniture. I said, "Ill show you where they have some nice furniture."'

Trump went on to say: 'I moved on her like a b****, but I couldnt get there. And she was married.

'Then all of a sudden I see her, shes now got the big phony tits and everything. Shes totally changed her look.'

Bush later apologized, but according to one insider that was not enough for the network.

'What is stunning is how self-important Billy is. He bragged about this in Rio and many people believe Access Hollywood management knew about this for much longer than they are saying and they were protecting Billy while not doing the right thing and informing NBC News,' the source told DailyMail.com.

That individual went to to say that Bush was 'never a fit' for the program.

'What angers a lot of people is that before Billy even started on the show, he was trying to position himself as the heir to Matt, but hes not even close to being in Matts league. Billy is a presenter, not a journalist and NBC was never going to let that happen,' said the source.

Different story: Melania Trump said that Bush 'egged' her husband on and got him to say 'dirty and bad stuff' in an interview with Anderson Cooper on Monday evening (above)

Bush, who is married with three teenage daughters, released a statement shortly after the 2005 tape surfaced two weeks ago.

'Obviously Im embarrassed and ashamed. Its no excuse, but this happened eleven years ago. I was younger, less mature, and acted foolishly in playing along. Im very sorry,' said Bush, who was 33 at the time.

Zucker, the Days of Our Lives actress who Bush referred to as 'hot as s***' also released a statement at that time.

'My name is Arianne Zucker and I am a strong, independent, hard working mother, business woman and partner to a great man. I have grown to learn that the words of others cannot effect the value of my self worth or define the content of my character,' said Zucker.

'How we treat one another, whether behind closed doors, locker rooms or face to face, should be done with kindness, dignity and respect. Unfortunately, there are too many people in power who abuse their position and disregard these simple principles and are rewarded for it.'

She closed out her statement by saying: 'In understanding the magnitude of this situation, I choose to stand tall with self respect and use my voice to enrich, inspire and elevate the best of who we are as people.'

Bush also did a poor job trying of distancing himself from Trump after the release of the tape.
This is the emotional moment a Chinese girl clutches her terminally ill father, telling him she will do anything to save him.

Qiao Xin from Xinye, China's Henan province, was diagnosed with Uremia on July 18 after he felt a sudden weakness in his limbs, reports Huanqiu, an affiliation with the People's Daily Online.

Images have captured his strong bond with his daughter as she cries and offers him her kidney.

Tragic: The father was diagnosed with Uremia on July 18 and needs a kidney transplant

Emotional: Two of the man's daughters have been tested however they were not a match

Sad: The daughter could be seen crying telling her father she wanted to give him her kidney

34-year-old Qiao Xin was diagnosed with Uremia in July and as a result has to receive kidney dialysis every two days.

He is the sole breadwinner in the family of eight which includes a five-year-old child and his 82-year-old grandmother.

The former mechanic is now unable to work.

Uremia is a condition that gradually leads to kidney failure with a kidney transplant offering the only hope of a cure.

Hard working: The 11-year-old is a diligent student with outstanding test results

Heart-breaking story: The father has to undergo dialysis every two days

Qiao Xin's two sisters visited the hospital to check if they are suitable to donate a kidney however they were told that they were not a match.

In the pictures 11-year-old Qiao Die can be seen crying in front of her father. She is responsible for taking care of him.

She was heard telling him: 'Dad, I don't want you to die, let me give my kidney to you. Your recovery is the key to out happiness.'

Qiao Die says she is willing to give a kidney to her father.

The 11-year-old is a sixth grader and is known as a diligent student with outstanding results.

The heart-breaking story is being discussed on social media site Weibo.

One user commented: 'She is such a great daughter. I wish that the provincial government and hospital can offer timely help.'

While another wrote: 'I feel helpless every time I see news like that.'
State media has claimed 'it's time for gentlemen to enjoy

An airport in Guangzhou, southern China has opened special channels for male passengers as state media claim 'it's time for gentlemen to enjoy some privilege'.

Guangzhou Baiyun International airport, the third busiest airport in China has introduced special security check lanes for male passengers, reports the People's Daily Online.

The airport claims that the new channels are to respect the customs of foreigners and people from various ethnic groups.

Single file: The airport has introduced male only channels to help speed up security checks

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the third largest in China (File photo)

The airport claims the channel aims to improve its services and become more passenger friendly.

A staff member at the airport told reports that one of the reasons for opening the male-only channel is to respect the customs of foreign tourists and people from various ethnic groups.

According to the airport's regulations, female passengers should only be checked by female security inspectors.

Guangzhou Baiyun International airport, the third largest in China, have solved queuing problems by allowing male passengers to have designated inspectors.

The airport handled 55 million passengers in 2015.

State media claimed that 'now is time for gentlemen to enjoy some privilege (File photo)

The airport also claims it wants to make the process easier for foreigners

State media have claimed that 'now is time for gentlemen to enjoy some privilege.'

People have been discussing the new measures on social media site Weibo.

One user commented: 'I've been there before. Girls had to queue up for a very long time.'

While another wrote: 'How about a mother with a small son? Are the kids allowed to follow their opposite sex parent?'
Since Tesla launched its Autopilot function last year, the system has come under scrutiny following two fatal crashes.

Now Germany wants Tesla to stop advertising it as the Autopilot function, because it leads to false customer expectations, the regulators have said.

The drive-assistance system requires drivers to pay attention and operate the car at all times, but some drivers involved in crashes have admitted to thinking their cars were 'self-driving'.

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Since Tesla launched its Autopilot function last year, the system has come under scrutiny following two fatal crashes. Now Germany wants Tesla to stop advertising it as the 'autopilot' function on its cars because it leads to false customer expectations

The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has written to Elon Musk's company with the request to no longer use the 'misleading' term Autopilot for the driver assistance system of the car.

'In order to prevent misunderstandings and false expectations from clients, we are asking that the misleading term "Autopilot" no longer be used in advertisements for the system,' the letter said.

Tesla's Autopilot, introduced last October, helps drivers steer and stay in lane and is intended to assist, but not replace, drivers.

Tesla says it has always made clear the Autopilot is a driver assistance system that requires the driver to pay attention at all times.

A spokeswoman for the ministry, confirmed the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) had written to Tesla to make the request.

The Model S features a radar, a forward-looking camera, 12 long-range ultrasonic sensors positioned to sense 16ft around the car in every direction at all speeds, and a high-precision digitally-controlled electric assist braking system. The lane-changing feature is illustrated

'It can be confirmed that a letter to Tesla exists with the request to no longer use the misleading term Autopilot for the driver assistance system of the car,' she said.

A Tesla spokeswoman said the Autopilot term, describing a system operating in conjunction with a human driver, had been used in aerospace for decades.

She added the company had always made it clear to customers that the assistance system required drivers to pay attention at all times.

TESLA AUTOPILOT'S FUNCTIONS Autosteer: This feature, which is currently in beta, keeps the car in the current lane and engages Traffic-Aware Cruise Control to maintain the car's speed. Tesla requires drivers to remain engaged and aware when Autosteer is enabled and drivers must keep their hands on the steering wheel. Auto Lane Change: When the driver flicks the indicator switch and turn signal, the Model S will move itself to the adjacent lane when safe to do so. Automatic Emergency Steering and Side Collision Warning: Side Collision Warning alerts drivers to objects, such as cars, that are too close to the side of Model S. When the car detects an object close to its side, fluid lines will appear around an image of the Model S image in the instrument panel. Autopark: When driving at low speeds around cities, a 'P' will appear on the instrument panel when the Tesla detects a parking spot. The Autopark guide appears on the touchscreen along with the rear camera display, and, once activated, Autopark will begin to park itself by controlling steering and vehicle speed. Advertisement

'Just as in an airplane, when used properly, Autopilot reduces driver workload and provides an added layer of safety when compared to purely manual driving,' she said.

But the system has been the focus of intense scrutiny since a Tesla Model S driver was killed while using the technology in a collision with a truck in Florida in May.

On Friday the KBA wrote to owners of Tesla cars, warning them their vehicles could not be operated without their constant attention and that under traffic regulations they must remain alert.

Germany's Transport Ministry is conducting studies into the Autopilot function on Tesla's Model S electric car.

An internal report seen by magazine Der Spiegel called the function a 'considerable traffic hazard.'
It has three known chambers and was built as a

Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza could contain two previously unknown 'cavities'.

Experts confirmed the existence of the mysterious cavities on Saturday after scanning the millennia-old monument with radiography equipment.

It follows an announcement by the antiquities ministry on Thursday that 'two anomalies' were found in the pyramid built 4,500 years ago under King Khufu.

They said they were conducting further tests to determine their function, nature and size.

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A 3D cutaway view of the Great Pyramid of Giza revealing its interior chambers. Experts confirmed the existence of the mysterious cavities on Saturday after scanning the millennia-old monument with radiography equipment

The north face of the Khufu pyramid which was 4,500 years ago. Two previously undiscovered cavities have been detected inside the structure

Experts from the Operation ScanPyramids team investigate the inside of the ancient structure

At 146 metres (480 feet) tall, the Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, named after the son of Pharaoh Snefru, is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

It has three known chambers, and like other pyramids in Egypt was intended as a pharaoh's tomb.

'We are now able to confirm the existence of a 'void' hidden behind the north face, that could have the form of at least one corridor going inside the Great Pyramid,' scientists from Operation ScanPyramids said in a statement.

Another 'cavity' was discovered on the pyramid's northeast flank, said the researchers who are using radiography and 3D reconstruction for their study.

Egyptians ride their carts past the Great Pyramid of Cheops, aka Pyramid of Khufu or the Great Pyramid of Giza. Two previously unknown cavities have been uncovered inside the structure

Researchers work on muons emulsion plate setup in the Khufu pyramid's lower chamber

A 3D graphic shows what the he Khufu pyramid would have looked like when it was constructed 4,500 years ago

A 3D graphic shows the known structures inside the Khufu pyramid

'Such void is shaped like a corridor and could go up inside the pyramid,' Mehdi Tayoubi, founder of the Paris-based Heritage Innovation Preservation Institute, told Seeker.

He said that currently no link can be made between the two cavities.

Operation ScanPyramids began in October last year to search for hidden rooms inside Khufu and its neighbour Khafre in Giza, as well as the Bent and Red pyramids in Dahshur, all south of Cairo.

The project applies a mix of infrared thermography, muon radiography imaging and 3D reconstruction - all of which the researchers say are non-invasive and non-destructive techniques.

Previous scans using muons at the Bent Pyramid, 25 miles south of Cairo, gave the first detailed scans of the pyramid's internal structure. The 3D images show the internal chambers of the 4,600-year-old structure, as well as clearly revealing the shape of its second chamber, 60 feet above it (illustrated)

The Bent Pyramid in Dahshur (pictured), is distinguished by the bent slope of its sides. It has two entrances, which opens onto two corridors leading to two burial chambers arranged one above the other

Egyptian and foreign experts have begun unraveling their mysteries with the help of space particles. The team are using 'cosmic rays' to create maps that show the internal structures of these ancient wonders - and they say they could hold some surprises

Thermal 'anomalies' were detected on the Great Pyramid. the three stones with greater temperatures than the surrounding stones (shown in red) first raised hopes there may be a hidden chamber inside

Dr Zahi Hawass (pictured outside the Great Pyramid), a leading Egyptian archaeologist and Egypt's former head of antiquities has been working with a team of French researchers who have been conducting the scans

Scientists have been using a muon detecting machine (pictured) to scan the internal structure of the Great Pyramid of Giza

The project will begin south of Cairo with the scanning of the so-called Bent Pyramid at Dashour, followed by the nearby Red Pyramid. Later, the two largest pyramids on the Giza plateau will also be scanned. The structures are over 4,500 years old

HOW ARE SCIENTISTS PEERING INSIDE PYRAMIDS? Infrared thermography - Infrared detects infrared energy emitted from object, converts it to temperature, and displays an image of its temperature distribution to reveal objects that may be hidden. 3D scans with lasers - Lasers bounce narrow pulses of light off the interiors of a structure to map it in detail. Once the scanning is complete, the data can be combined into a highly detailed 3-D model. Cosmic-ray detectors - This detects muons that are created when cosmic rays hit the atmosphere. Muons pass harmlessly through people and buildings. Muons traveling through rock or other dense material will slow and eventually stop. The idea is to catch the muons after theyve passed through an pyramid and measure their energies and trajectories. Researchers can then compile a 3D image that reveals hidden chambers, Advertisement

Muons are 'similar to X-rays which can penetrate the body and allow bone imaging' and 'can go through hundreds of metres of stone before being absorbed,' ScanPyramids explained in a statement.

'Judiciously placed detectors - for example inside a pyramid, below a potential, unknown chamber - can then record particle tracks and discern cavities from denser regions.'

The research team carries out analysis during scanning of the Khufu pyramid

Engineers describing the muon telescope technology to Egypt Antiquities Minister Dr. Khaled El-Enany (left) and Dr. Zahi Hawass (second left), who heads up the egyptologist committee

An in-depth thermal survey was conducted by Laval University (Canada) to confirm that this area of the pyramid was a point of interest

The ScanPyramids team inspecting the north face of the pyramid

Aluminum plates containing emulsion films that are sensitive to Cosmic Muons were installed at the bottom of the descending corridor in order to see potential voids above them. The films collected Muon information during 67 days before being analyzed at Nagoya University

In May, archaeologists revealed 3D scans taken using muons of the 4,500 year old Bent Pyramid at the royal necropolis of Dashur.

These scans revealed the pyramid's internal structure, clearly showing a second chamber around 60 feet above a lower chamber.

'For the first time ever, the internal structure of a pyramid was revealed with muon particles,' Mehdi Tayoubi, co-director of the ScanPyramids andpresident of the Heritage Innovation Preservation Institute told Discovery in May.

Some had suggested pharaoh Sneferu was buried inside the pyramid in a hidden chamber, but the latest scans have ruled out that possibility.

THE MYSTERY OF THE PYRAMID OF GIZA For more than 4,500 years, Egypt's pyramids have kept their secrets hidden deep within the labyrinth of passages and chambers that lie inside their towering stone structures. But the long-running row over whether the Great Pyramid of Giza is hiding a network of previously undiscovered tunnels behind its stone walls has now been answered. The researchers confirmed the find using cosmic particles known as muons to scan the Great Pyramid of Giza. They used the scans to create maps to reveal the internal structure of the 479 feet (146m) high pyramid. Archaeologists and physicists used subatomic particles known as muons to scan the Great Pyramid of Giza (pictured) in an attempt to image the chambers and tunnels hidden beneath its stone Last year thermal scanning identified a major anomaly in the Great Pyramid, the largest and oldest of the pyramids at Giza and one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Those scans identified three adjacent stones at its base which registered higher temperatures than others. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo on Thursday began putting on display the country's oldest papyruses, which date back 4,500 years, detailing the daily life of the pyramid-builders. This led to theories that they may be hiding a secret chamber that had yet to be discovered. A team of experts then set up the ScanPyramid's project to use muons, tiny subatomic particle that are typically produced by cosmic rays smash into atoms on Earth, to peer through the Pyramid's huge stone blocks, some of which weight up to 15 tons. Dr Hawass has in the past been sceptical of the usefulness of conducting such scans. He recently clashed publicly with British Egyptologists over their theory that a secret burial chamber may be hidden behind the walls of Tutankhamun's tomb in his pyramid in the Valley of the Kings. Advertisement

In late 2015, Egypt started radar scans of Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings in southern Egypt, after a British archaeologist theorised that Nefertiti was buried in a secret chamber there.

Nicholas Reeves suggested that Tutankhamun's tomb was in fact Nefertiti's, and when the boy king died unexpectedly at a young age, he was rushed into her tomb's outer chamber.

But Egyptologists have since disagreed on whether there is a secret chamber in the tomb and further analysis is expected.
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After months of preparation, China has launched two astronauts into space this morning on a mission to its orbiting laboratory.

The Shenzhou-11 spacecraft blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi desert.

Astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong will take two days to reach the Tiangong-2 space lab, or 'Heavenly Palace-2', which was launched in September.

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The Shenzhou-11 spacecraft blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi desert, the official Xinhua news agency reported

CHINA'S SPACE STATION China could start building its space station starting as early as next year, Xinhua quoted Zhou Jianping, chief engineer of the manned spaceflight programme, as saying. 'Once the lab mission comes to an end, China will start building our own space station,' Zhou was quoted as saying. The station would be more economically efficient than the International Space Station and use 'more data', he said. China will launch a 'core module' for the station some time around 2018, a senior official said in April, part of a plan for a permanent manned space station in service around 2022. China was prevented from participating in the International Space Station, mainly due to US concerns over the security risks of involving the increasingly assertive Chinese military in the multinational effort. Advertisement

They will remain on board for 30 days - the longest stay so far by Chinese astronauts - to conduct tests on spacecraft-related technologies and scientific and engineering experiments.

Mr Haipeng, the mission commander, was on his third trip into orbit and will celebrate his 50th birthday in space.

'Although the job is challenging, risky and dangerous, there is nothing else I'd rather do,' he said, according to the China Daily.

China is pouring billions into its military-run space programme and working to catch up with the US and Europe, with hopes to have a crewed outpost by 2022.

Beijing sees the programme as symbolising the country's progress and a marker of its rising global stature, but so far China has largely replicated activities that the US and Soviet Union pioneered decades ago.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the mission today, urging them to aim at taking great leaps for the Chinese nation, Xinhua said.

The mission should work to ensure 'the Chinese people will take bigger steps and march further' in space, and contribute 'to the building of China into a space power', Xinhua cited him as saying.

The Tiangong-2 lab is in orbit 244 miles (393km) above Earth and has two cabins - an hermetically sealed experiment chamber that doubles as the living quarters, and a resources store holding supplies such as solar panels, engines and batteries.

Russian space system design expert Aleksandr Zheleznyakov told Xinhua that the lab's structure indicated China's design plans for its future space station, which he expected would have a core cabin with multiple docks for different modules.

Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng (pictured left) and Chen Dong (pictured right) salute during the send-off ceremony of the Shenzhou-11 manned space mission, at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in north-western Gansu Province

The two astronauts on the Shenzhou-11 ('Divine Vessel') mission will test their own health in zero gravity, cultivate rice samples, and conduct research on cold atomic space clocks that use laser cooling technology to improve accuracy, among other projects, China Daily said

The two astronauts on the Shenzhou-11 ('Divine Vessel') mission will test their own health in zero gravity, cultivate rice samples, and conduct research on cold atomic space clocks that use laser cooling technology to improve accuracy, among other projects, China Daily said

The two astronauts on the Shenzhou-11 ('Divine Vessel') mission will test their own health in zero gravity, cultivate rice samples, and conduct research on cold atomic space clocks that use laser cooling technology to improve accuracy, among other projects, China Daily said.

They will be allowed a two-hour break every evening to watch movies, listen to music and make video calls home, it added.

'We prepared more than 100 kinds of food and beverages for them in space,' deputy director of China's manned space engineering office Wu Ping told the paper, adding that they had access to a treadmill and exercise bike.

The Long March-2F carrier rocket, carrying China's Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft, is seen before take off from the launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre

China is pouring billions into its military-run space programme and working to catch up with the US and Europe, with hopes to have a crewed outpost by 2022

Chen Dong (pictured left), a 37-year-old from central Henan province with twin sons, idolised his older colleague earlier in his own career

Chen, a 37-year-old from central Henan province with twin sons, idolised his older colleague earlier in his own career.

'I used to watch Jing on television and he always seemed so far away,' he said.

'But when I met him in person, my worries and anxieties disappeared.'
Last month, archaeologists used a 'virtual unwrapping' technique to see hidden text on a burned 1,500-year-old Hebrew scroll without opening it.

The En-Gedi ancient book had untouchable, disintegrating sheets, making it extremely difficult to see the ink-based writings within.

The researchers now believe that the same technique could be applied to other ancient scrolls, giving us a glimpse into an undiscovered past.

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Last month, archaeologists use a new digital analysis technique on a burned 1,500-year-old Hebrew scroll, allowing them to see hidden writings without so much as opening it

THE DIGITALISATION OF ANCIENT SCROLLS The virtual unwrapping involves a two-stage process of digitalisation techniques, to 'see' ink-based text without the need for physical handling. 1) X-ray microtomography is used - a technique that uses x-rays to create cross-sections of a physical object that can be used to recreate a virtual 3D model. 2) After this, a process called 'segmentation' can be applied, in which a 'page' is digitally created. Advertisement

The virtual unwrapping involves a two-stage process of digitalisation techniques to 'see' ink-based text without the need for physical handling.

Firstly, X-ray microtomography is used -a technique that uses x-rays to create cross-sections of a physical object that can be used to recreate a virtual 3D model.

After this, a process called 'segmentation' can be applied, in which a 'page' is digitally created.

Previous studies have successfully identified text within ancient artefacts, but the En-Gedi manuscript represented the first severely damaged scroll to be virtually unrolled and non-invasively read, line by line.

Ms Phnina Shor, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority's Dead Sea Scrolls Project, said: 'The discovery of text in the En-Gedi scroll absolutely astonished us; we were certain it was a shot in the dark, but the most advanced technologies have brought this cultural treasure back to life.'

Traditionally, scrolls must be unrolled and pressed flat in order to duplicate the text.

But that was not an option for the En-Gedi scroll which has been burned and crushed into lumps of charcoal.

Piece by piece, the team managed to recreated over 100 scanned segments of the scroll by hand, to unveil the text written on each. The resulting image shows two distinct columns of Hebrew writing that contain lines, words, letters and spacing

WHAT DID THE SCROLL SAY? The scroll shows two distinct columns of Hebrew writing that contain lines, words, letters and spacing. This includes the phrases: - 'If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, a male' - 'without blemish he shall offer; to the entrance of the tent of meeting, he shall bring' - 'it is for acceptance on his behalf before the Lord. 'He shall lay his hand upon the head...' Further analysis revealed the scroll's writings to be the book of Leviticus, which makes it the earliest copy of a Pentateuchal book ever found in a synagogue. Advertisement

Last year the researchers from the University of Kentucky revealed the first eight verses of the Book of Leviticus in the scroll, but due to the scroll's charred condition, it was not possible to either preserve or decipher it.

However, their new research using high resolution scanning and virtual unwrapping has allowed the team to recover substantial ink-based text at high quality.

Piece by piece, the team managed to recreate over 100 scanned segments of the scroll by hand, to unveil the text written on each.

The resulting image of the virtually unrolled scroll contains 35 lines of text, of which 18 have been preserved and another 17 have been reconstructed.

This includes the phrases: 'If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, a male', 'without blemish he shall offer; to the entrance of the tent of meeting, he shall bring' and 'it is for acceptance on his behalf before the Lord. 'He shall lay his hand upon the head...'

Traditionally, scrolls must be unrolled and pressed flat in order to duplicate the text. But that was not an option for the En-Gedi scroll which has been burned and crushed into lumps of charcoal

The En-Gedi scroll was found in in the ruins of an ancient synagogue in Ein Gedi on the west coast of the Dead Sea

A charred piece of parchment found at the site of an ancient synagogue on the coast of the Dead Sea in Israel has been read for the first time since its discovery after it was scanned and analysed using a 3D CT scanner. The image above shows a researcher at the Israel Antiquities Authority holding the burned scroll

OTHER SCROLLS THAT COULD BE DECIPHERED The scanning technique could be use to decipher other scrolls including: The Book of the Dead - The 'Book', used for over 1500 years between c. 1600 BC and 100 AD, is not a single text, but a compilation of spells thought to equip the dead with knowledge and power which would guide them safely through the dangers of the hereafter and ultimately ensure eternal life. The Herculaneum scrolls - More than 1,800 papyri found in Herculaneum in the 18th century. The scrolls were burned and carbonised by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Advertisement

Further analysis revealed the scroll's writings to be the book of Leviticus, which makes it the earliest copy of a Pentateuchal book ever found in a synagogue.

Professor William Seales, from the University of Kentucky who led the study, said: 'This work opens a new window through which we can look back through time by reading materials that were thought lost through damage and decay.

'There are so many other unique and exciting materials that may yet give up their secrets - we are only beginning to discover what they may hold.'

Professor Seales has set his sights on The British Museum's Book of the Dead.

According to The Times, in 2005 the museum was very eager to work with him, telling him 'the possible contents have long been a source of great speculation among Egyptologists', with its size suggesting it was a 'major copy'.

Professor Seales has set his sights on The British Museum's Book of the Dead. In 2005 the museum was very eager to work with him, telling him 'the possible contents have long been a source of great speculation among Egyptologists', with its size suggesting it was a 'major copy'

And since Professor Seales' latest discovery, the museum has again begun investigating the technique.

Other scrolls that could be analysed using the technique include the Herculaneum scrolls - which were burned and damaged when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.

Professor Seales told The Times: 'It literally could be the biggest corpus of writing from antiquity discovered ever.'

Other scrolls that could be analysed using the technique include the Herculaneum scrolls - which were burned and damaged when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD

Work has already begun deciphering these mysterious scrolls at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble.

But Emmanuel Brun, who has been leading the project, said progress was slow.
Tesla's much-anticipated new product announcement has been delayed by two days.

Elon Musk was due to unveil an 'unexpected product' later today.

But the Tesla CEO said the big reveal will now take place on Wednesday as the secret product still needs some work.

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While Tesla is best known for its electric cars, the company has new products on the way. But fans will have to wait an extra two days to hear what Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla (pictured) has up his sleeve next

WHAT COULD IT BE? Many people on Twitter have speculated at what the new product could be. One user, called Keng, replied to Mr Musk's tweet, saying 'Model 3 Part Deux'  hinting that it could be a new vehicle. Others have suggested that Tesla has been working on an electric two-wheeler, such as Edward Patel, who tweeted: 'Time for a motorcycle maybe?' Autopilot 2.0 could be the next generation of Teslas semi-autonomous driving system called Autopilot. Tesla recently released an update to its Autopilot 8.0 system, but it could also be planning to announce new features. Advertisement

Musk's tweet read: 'Tesla product unveiling on the 17th (unexpected by most), followed by Tesla/SolarCity on the 28th.'

But his latest tweet suggests Tesla will be revealing the unexpected new product on Wednesday.

Musk said the product 'needs a few more days of refinement.'

This delay comes as German regulators are calling for Tesla to stop using the 'misleading' term autopilot for the driver-assistance function.

The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has written to Elon Musk's company with the request to no longer use the 'misleading' term Autopilot for the driver assistance system of the car.

'In order to prevent misunderstandings and false expectations from clients, we are asking that the misleading term "Autopilot" no longer be used in advertisements for the system,' the letter said.

Many people on Twitter have speculated on what the new product could be.

One user hinted it could be a new vehicle, like an updated version of the Model 3.

The Tesla CEO has previously said the event would happen today. But his latest tweet (pictured) suggests Tesla will be revealing the unexpected new product on Wednesday. Mr Musk said the product 'needs a few more days of refinement'

Others have suggested that Tesla has been working on an electric two-wheeler, for example Edward Patel, who tweeted: 'Time for a motorcycle maybe?'

Autopilot 2.0 could be the next generation of Teslas semi-autonomous driving system called autopilot.

Tesla recently released an update to its 'Autopilot 8.0' system, but it could also be planning to announce new features.

With this updated version, Tesla is expected to add more sensors to the vehicles to give them more self-driving capabilities.

Tesla recently released an update to its 'Autopilot 8.0' system, but it could also be planning to announce new features. With this updated version, Tesla is expected to add more sensors to the vehicles to give them more self-driving capabilities

The firm has recently faced criticism from customers in Norway about its Model S P85D cars.

The model is best known for its stomach-churning acceleration during 'Insane mode,' allowing the car to go from 0-60 mph in just three seconds.

But it appears that customers in Norway are not happy, and claim the acceleration is not as fast as advertised.

Some 126 owners of the car are seeking money back from Tesla, and it looks like they could get as much as 50,000 kroner (5,750 in UK and $6,155 in US) each.
An almost limitless supply of clean energy has been brought one step closer to reality after a team in the US set a new record for nuclear fusion.

By smashing the previous record for plasma pressure - one of the core components of the fusion process - engineers and scientists have nudged the process further along the road towards a viable source of energy production.

While using nuclear fusion to power homes and businesses may still be some way off, the work proves that the burning of star-like fuel can be achieved and contained using the current approach.

Engineers and scientists at MIT have nudged nuclear fusion power another step closer to reality, by setting a new world record for plasma pressure inside a specially designed Tokamak reactor (pictured)

FUSION: HARNESSING THE POWER OF STARS Scientists are looking to nuclear fusion as a potentially limitless source of clean energy. It works on the same principle as the reactions inside the sun's core, nuclear fusion. Using intense heat, magnetic fields and pressure, hydrogen atoms are fused together to create heavier atoms of helium, releasing energy in the process. The MIT team achieved pressures of 2.05 atmospheres, breaking the previous record by 15 per cent. Within a volume of just one square metre, the temperature inside the reactor reached more than 35 million degrees Celsius (63 million degrees Fahrenheit), with trillions of fusion reactions taking place each second. Advertisement

Nuclear fusion is being looked to as a potentially limitless source of clean energy, created by the same core processes inside the sun.

Using intense heat, magnetic fields and pressure, the nuclei of lighter elements are fused together to create heavier elements, releasing energy in the process.

By containing this star-like process in specially designed reactors, engineers can fuse hydrogen atoms together to produce helium, harnessing the clean energy produced and potentially cutting dependency on fossil fuels.

In order for the reaction to take place, the super-heated gas  in a plasma state  is subjected to pressure, which essentially squeezes the atoms together and forced them to react.

The work, carried out at the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, pushed the pressures involved up to two atmospheres  breaking the previous record by 15 per cent.

They achieved the pressures using MITs custom Alcator-C Mod Tokamak reactor, which uses intense magnetic fields to contain the reaction within a fixed volume.

With the pressure maintained at 2.05 atmospheres of pressure  equivalent to 10 metres below the surface of the ocean  the temperature inside the reactor reached more than 35 million degrees Celsius (63 million degrees Fahrenheit), more than double the temperatures achieved in the suns core.

Tokamak reactors use strong magnetic fields (illustrated), pressure and intense temperatures to fuse the nuclei of lighter elements in a fixed volume, releasing energy in the process

According to MIT News, the conditions inside the reactor generate hundreds of trillions of fusion reactions every second inside a single cubic metre.

This is a remarkable achievement, Dale Meade, former deputy director at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, not directly involved in the experiments, told MIT news.

The record plasma pressure validates the high-magnetic-field approach as an attractive path to practical fusion energy.

The findings were presented today at the International Atomic Energy Agency Fusion Energy Conference in Kyoto, Japan.

The reactors work on the same principle as the reactions inside the sun's core, nuclear fusion

HOW DOES FUSION POWER WORK? A simulation of plasma inside the tokamaks Fusion involves placing hydrogen atoms under high heat and pressure until they fuse into helium atoms. When deuterium and tritium nuclei - which can be found in hydrogen - fuse, they form a helium nucleus, a neutron and a lot of energy. This is down by heating the fuel to temperatures in excess of 150 millionC, forming a hot plasma. Strong magnetic fields are used to keep the plasma away from the walls so that it doesn't cool down and lost it energy potential. These are produced by superconducting coils surrounding the vessel, and by an electrical current driven through the plasma. For energy production, plasma has to be confined for a sufficiently long period for fusion to occur. Advertisement

Aside from the pressures involved, which are seen as a significant technical challenge, the main hurdle for fusion reactors is the energy they take to get the reactions going.

Super-heating gasses to reach plasma states, producing the pressures to boost the reactions and generating the intense magnetic fields to contain it all, requires millions of watts of power  far more than the reactions themselves currently produce.

In order for the process to be an economically viable, the output has to be vastly increased beyond the input.

Other groups outside the US are looking to push the energy producing capacity of the technology even further, such as the ITER reactor currently under construction in France.

It will be the largest Tokamak-style reactor ever built and will be 800 times the volume of MITs reactor.

Engineers on the project hope to achieve pressures of 2.6 atmospheres of pressure when the reactor is fully operational, and generate temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius.
Business / International

by Business Reporter

The 2nd Financial Markets Indaba, an investment summit on Zimbabwe is taking place on the 27th of October 2016 at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.With +20 C-suite speakers from South Africa and Zimbabwe participating on 5 lively panels, this is not a conference to miss if you are interested in learning about opportunities, risks and outlook of the Zimbabwean investment landscape from the people making decisions.Themed "Zimbabwe - a contrarian Bet?" this conference draws the most active decision makers including private equity firms, law firms, banks and fund managers operating and investing in Zimbabwe. With co-panellists comprising South African executives investing and advising in Africa, this event evaluates Zimbabwe's attractiveness relative to sub-Sahara Africa Peers.The Panellists will respond to some of the toughest questions on Zimbabwe such as: what are investors doing to manage risks, and how are successful Zimbabwean companies able to buck the trend of a weakening economy; and what catalysts will likely turn the economic tide.The Financial Markets Indaba targets individuals and institutions with an interest on Zimbabwe, including Corporate Finance firms, analysts and DFIs, Fund and Asset Managers, Investment Brokers and Advisers, Private Equity and Venture Capitalists, Corporate Executives and Senior Managers as well as Senior ConsultantsThe event will allow for networking with up to 200 decision makers in investment markets involved in investing and advising on Zimbabwe, while capturing the risk and opportunity sentiments of top investors and deal makers doing business in Zimbabwe. It will be an opportunity to learn how advisors and successful corporates are managing risk and navigating the Zimbabwean economic environmentKey speakers at the conference include; among others: Dr. Lance Mambondiani, CEO, Steward Bank George Guvamatanga, Managing Director, Barclays Zimbabwe Dr. Adrian Saville; Chief Strategist: Citadel Asset Management & Cannon Asset Managers George Manyere, CEO & CIO, Brainwork's Capital Dr. Eric Levenstein, Director, Head of the Insolvency, Business Rescue & Restructuring practice area, Werksmans Attorneys Alban Chirume, CEO, Zimbabwe Stock Exchange Graham Stokoe; Executive Director, Ernst & Young Advisory Services - Africa Private Equity Leader John Taylor, Managing Director  Fieldstone AfricaFinancial Markets indaba is hosted by Emergent Research and co-organised with Enrich Media & Communications. Emergent Research is a unit of Emergent Capital management a firm that invests and advises companies investing in Zimbabwe while Enrich Media is a diversified media holding business with interests that include publishing, digital media and corporate events.Visit the Financial Markets Indaba website on www.indabaafrica.com
Since 1986 when Nasa's Voyager 2 probe flew past Uranus, we have thought the cold and windy planet has 27 moons.

While this is far fewer than the 67 and 62 satellites its neighbours Jupiter and Saturn have, this difference had been put down to the icy blue planet being much smaller than the other giants.

But researchers now think there could be two extra moons lurking within an icy ring surrounding Uranus, orbiting far closer than any moon seen before.

Since 1986 when Nasa's Voyager 2 probe flew past Uranus (pictured), we thought the cold and windy planet has 27 moons. While this is far fewer than its neighbours Jupiter and Saturn, this difference had been put down to the icy blue planet being much smaller than the other giants

WHAT'S BENEATH URANUS? They are vast, icy worlds composed almost entirely of dense clouds of gas. But the giant planets Neptune and Uranus could also have cores composed of exotic materials, research published last month shows. Scientists studying the strange compounds that form at the high pressures found in the hearts of these icy gas giants claim they may have interiors made from strange crystals. Among these compounds are the highly unstable substance orthocarbonic acid, also known as Hitler's Acid due to the Swastika shape the atoms form. Advertisement

This new finding opens up the idea Uranus is surrounded by far more moons than previously thought, as they might be hiding in this close orbit of the lesser-explored Uranus.

Only one spacecraft has flown past Uranus and none have orbited the planet, unlike the larger Saturn or Jupiter which have both hosted orbiting spacecraft - Cassini and Juno, respectively.

Researchers from the University of Idaho in Moscow took a closer look at the data gathered by Nasa's Voyager 2.

They found wavy patterns in two of Uranus' icy rings, called Alpha and Beta, which could be explained by the presence of moons.

'These patterns may be wakes from small moonlets orbiting exterior to these rings,' the researchers wrote, in a paper published on the pre-print server arXiv.

The patterns resemble those caused by the pull of Uranus's other moons, for example Cordelia and Ophelia.

'These moons are pretty tiny,' Rob Chancia, a co-author of the paper, told New Scientist.

The dark moons would be between 2.5 and 8.6 miles (4 and 14 kilometres) in diameter, if they did exist.

A recent Hubble Space Telescope view reveals Uranus surrounded by its four major rings and by 10 of its known satellites. The new moons would be between 2.5 and 8.6 miles (4 and 14 kilometres) in diameter, if they did exist

The Voyager spacecraft launched in August and September of 1977 and spent more than 11 years exploring the likes of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Artist's impression pictured, The proposed moons would have been too small for the satellite to spot when it flew past

This would make them too small for Voyager 2 to have seen when it flew past.

The Voyager spacecraft launched in August and September of 1977 and spent more than 11 years exploring the likes of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

For now, this discovery is far from confirmed, and the researchers are still in the process of publishing in a peer-reviewed journal.

In the next few months, Mark Showalter of the SETI Institute and his colleagues plan to study observations of Uranus by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Hubble spotted Pluto's four smallest moons years before the New Horizons spacecraft visited in 2015.

THE RINGS AROUND URANUS When two teams of scientists set up to watch Uranus pass in front of a star in 1977, they expected the chance to observe a distant planet. Instead, they made a major discovery: Uranus, like Saturn, is encircled with a band of rings. As the observers in the Kuiper Airborne Observatory and the Perth Observatory in Australia watched, the star appeared to blink out briefly several times. The blinking was caused by the rings blocking the starlight. The Australian team was so surprised they missed three rings as they tried to figure out why the starlight signal kept disappearing. The Kuiper team had a better vantage point and were first to publish the surprising news that Uranus was encircled by five narrow rings, which they named Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Epsilon in order of increasing distance from the planet. After careful analysis and a closer view courtesy of the Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1986, scientists have now identified 13 known rings around Uranus. Source: Nasa Advertisement
Many people will probably remember the moment they lost their first milk tooth.

But what they may not have noticed as a child was the lack of roots attached to the pearly white covered crown.

While scientists know the tooths anchor is absorbed as a permanent tooth grows from beneath it, how this ingenious system of tooth replacement evolved has been a mystery.

Now researchers have shown the phenomenon of stacking teeth dates back to before the time of the dinosaurs.

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Researchers in Sweden have shown the phenomenon of stacking teeth dates back to before the time of the dinosaurs. The 424-million-year-old fossil reveals how this ingenious system of tooth replacement, which replaces children's milk teeth, has evolved

Teeth are subject to a lot of wear and tear, so it makes sense to be able to replace them during the lifetime of the animal.

Surprisingly, however, the teeth of the earliest jawed vertebrates were fixed to the jaw bones and could not be shed.

Tooth shedding eventually evolved independently on two occasions, using two quite different processes.

In sharks and rays, the fibres that anchor the tooth to the skin of the jaw dissolve and the whole tooth simply falls out, while in bony fish and land vertebrates, the developing tooth becomes attached directly to the jaw bone by a special tissue known as bone of attachment.

A computer-generated scan reveals that replacement teeth (coloured gold) are stacked at the back above resorption surfaces, revealing the tooth site has been replaced four times. The other areas such as tooth-like odontodes (red) and gap-filling odontodes (pink), never experience basal resorption and won't be shed

LOOKING INSIDE THE TOOTH Researchers examined the 424 million-year-old jaw bone of fossil fish Andreolepis, found in Gotland in Sweden. They used tomographic scans to reveal the bones perfectly preserved microstructure and its growth history. This method captures the same amount of microscopic details as cutting thin sections of a specimen and placing them under a microscope, without damaging it  and has the added advantage of showing internal structures in 3D. After years of 'dissecting' the scan data, Donglei Chen, first author of the study, was able to build a computerised 3D map of the entire sequence of tooth addition and loss. The work revealed up to four of these buried resorption surfaces, like scars under each tooth that were stacked on top of each other, showing the teeth were replaced again and again during the life of the fish. Advertisement

When it is time for the tooth to be shed this attachment must be severed and specialised cells come in and resorb the dentine and bone of attachment until the tooth comes loose.

To investigate the clever process origins, a team of researchers from Uppsala University and the ESRF in France examined a 424 million-year-old jaw bone of fossil fish Andreolepis, found in Gotland in Sweden.

It is close to the common ancestor of all living bony fish and land vertebrates.

Despite measuring less than one centimetre in length, the experts used tomographic scans to reveal the bones perfectly preserved microstructure and therefore its growth history.

This method captures the same amount of microscopic details as cutting thin sections of a specimen and placing them under a microscope, without damaging it  and has the added advantage of showing internal structures in 3D.

After years of 'dissecting' the scan data, Donglei Chen, first author of the study, was able to build a computerised 3D map of the entire sequence of tooth addition and loss - the first time an early fossil dentition has been analysed in such detail.

Every time a tooth was shed, the resorption process created a hollow where it had been attached, he explained.

When the succeeding replacement tooth was cemented in place by bone of attachment, the old resorption surface remained as a faint buried scar within the bone tissue.

I found up to four of these buried resorption surfaces under each tooth, stacked on top of each other like plates in a cupboard.

This shows that the teeth were replaced again and again during the life of the fish.

This is the earliest known example of tooth shedding by basal resorption, and it seems to be most similar to the process of tooth replacement seen today in primitive bony fish such as gar (Lepisosteus) and bichir (Polypterus).

Like in these fish, new replacement teeth developed alongside the old ones, rather than underneath them like in humans.

Per Ahlberg, one of the leaders of the project remarked: The amount of biological information we get from the scans is simply astonishing.

We can follow the process of growth and resorption right down to cellular level, almost like in a living animal.
While crocodiles are known for their menacing teeth, it appears that the animals haven't always had their distinctive grin.

Researchers have discovered a strange fossil of an ancient species of crocodiles, with mammal-like teeth.

The curious creature was discovered in the dinosaur-rich fossil beds of Morocco, and dates back to about 100 million years ago.

To study the specimen, the research team from the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, looked at high-resolution CT scans to study the bones' internal structure without having to destroy any of the fossil

THE ANCIENT SPECIES This little crocodile-relative would have been less than two feet (60 cm) in length. The crocodile had complex teeth for crunching through the exoskeletons of insects, much like a small mammal would. Modern crocodiles have relatively simple conical teeth and cannot chew their food, instead swallowing their prey whole or in large chunks. But the ancient crocodile-relative had far more specialised teeth. Advertisement

The fossil found was of an upper and lower jaw preserved together, with oddly shaped teeth.

At first, researchers thought it was the snout of a small mammal, but later determined that it belonged to a member of the crocodile-line of evolution.

Hardly a monster, this little crocodile-relative would have been less than two feet (60 cm) in length.

The crocodile had complex teeth for crunching through the exoskeletons of insects, much like a small mammal would.

Modern crocodiles have relatively simple conical teeth and cannot chew their food, instead swallowing their prey whole or in large chunks.

But the ancient crocodile-relative had far more specialized teeth.

To study the specimen, the research team from the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, looked at high-resolution CT scans to study the bones' internal structure without having to destroy any of the fossil.

While crocodiles are known for their menacing teeth, it appears that the animals haven't always had their distinctive grin. The skull of a modern crocodile is pictured left beside the fossil skull of the new crocodile-relative, and the unusual teeth of the new 'crocodile'

The fossil found was of an upper and lower jaw preserved together, with oddly shaped teeth. The crocodile had complex teeth for crunching through the exoskeletons of insects, much like a small mammal would

The fossil was found in the Kem Kem Beds - a geological formation along the border between Morocco and Algeria in southeastern Morocco, that dates back to the Late Cretaceous period

THE KEM KEM BEDS The Kem Kem Beds is a geological formation along the border between Morocco and Algeria in southeastern Morocco, that dates back to the Late Cretaceous period. The formation has yielded a wealth of extinct creatures, mostly large animals. But with this discovery of a small crocodile, researchers are realising that part of the ecosystem remains untapped, especially when it comes to small-bodied terrestrial vertebrates. Advertisement

The team also looked at the teeth under very high magnification to see the wear pattern and understand how this odd 'crocodile' used its teeth.

The researchers gave the animal the name 'Lavocatchampsa sigogneaurussellae' after the French paleontologist Rene Lavocat who worked extensively on African fossils, as well as Dr Denise Sigogneau-Russell and husband Dr Donald Russell who acquired the fossil.

Dr Jeremy Martin, who led the study, said: 'The Kem Kem Beds in Morocco have yielded a wealth of extinct creatures, mostly large animals, but with this discovery we realize that part of the ecosystem remains untapped, especially when it comes to small-bodied terrestrial vertebrates'.

The Kem Kem Beds in Morocco have yielded a wealth of extinct creatures, mostly large animals, but this discovery suggests that part of the ecosystem remains untapped

The Lavocatchampsa sigogneaurussellae would have lived alongside giant carnivorous dinosaurs, as well as larger and highly carnivorous crocodile-relatives, making it difficult to survive.

Dr Martin added: 'The next step will be to understand their place in this peculiar ecosystem and understand how the ecosystem as a whole was functioning and evolving.
Baby animals are being created without the need for eggs from a female.

Instead the eggs are grown from skin cells, fertilised in a laboratory and implanted into the mother.

The fertility breakthrough  hailed as remarkable by British experts  gives hope that the method could be used in humans to help infertile women have babies.

But it also raises the prospect of babies being created using genes from two men, although such an embryo would still need to develop in a womb

For the first time, stem cell scientists have created viable mammalian eggs from scratch in the laboratory and used them to produce healthy offspring. The research was conducted in mice, but could one day offer new hope to women who have lost their fertility. Stock image of IVF

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? The success rate was low - just 11 out of 316 two-cell embryos ended up delivering live births. Nevertheless, British scientists working in the same field praised the Japanese achievement. Professor Richard Anderson, from the University of Edinburgh, said: 'Although we are a long way from making artificial eggs for women at the moment, this study also provides us with a basis for experimental models to explore how eggs develop from other species, including in women. 'One day, this approach might be useful for women who have lost their fertility at an early age, as well as for improvements in more conventional infertility treatments,' he added. Martin Johnson, Professor of reproductive sciences at Cambridge University - who described the research as 'remarkable', said: 'The data are primarily of interest to scientists, although potentially of clinical interest to those patients who lack eggs of their own.' Advertisement

Japanese scientists developed the method using mice. Tissue cells from the tip of a mouses tail were reprogrammed as stem cells and turned into eggs, which were fertilised and implanted in female mice. They went on to give birth to 11 healthy pups, the scientists reveal in the journal Nature.

It is the first time the stem cells have been used to create mature eggs outside a mouses body. If the process can be made to work for humans, it could eventually offer hope to women who are infertile, for instance as a result of cancer treatment.

But Jacob Hanna, a stem cell biologist at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, and a gay rights activist, said that the approach could also one day mean eggs are produced from a mans skin cells  doing away with the need for a womans egg cells.

Professor Hanna, who was not involved in the research, said such a method, giving a baby two biological fathers but no biological mother, was legitimate to explore when the right time comes, Nature.com reported.

Such a prospect is years away, however, experts admit.

The researchers, led by Professor Katsuhiko Hayashi at Kyushu University, used cells from the tips of mouse tails to create pluripotent stem cells, which have the ability to transform into many different tissues.

The stem cells were treated with a specific cocktail of chemicals and biological signals, including mingling them with gonadal somatic cells, taken from mouse embryos, which aid egg development.

The researchers say that although the somatic cells had to be taken from an embryo they expect these, too, might eventually be developed from skin cells. Once this is done, there would be no need for any embryonic tissue. Although only 11 of 316 embryos the researchers created in the lab resulted in live births, British scientists working in the same field praised the achievement.

Martin Johnson, professor of reproductive sciences at Cambridge University, described the research as remarkable, while Professor Richard Anderson, of the University of Edinburgh, said: This is the first report of anyone being able to develop fully mature and fertilisable eggs in a laboratory setting right through from the earliest stages of oocyte [egg] development.

In the experiments, the Japanese team - led by Professor Katsuhiko Hayashi, from Kyushu University - used stem cells both obtained from embryos and generated from mature cells taken from the tips of mouse tails. Stock image

Although we are a long way from making artificial eggs for women at the moment, this study also provides us with a basis for experimental models to explore how eggs develop from other species, including in women. This is extremely challenging at the moment due to the difficulties of getting eggs to study.

One day, this approach might be useful for women who have lost their fertility at an early age, as well as for improvements in more conventional infertility treatments.

But the very careful analyses in this paper show the complexity of the process and how it is a long way from being optimised.

Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, from the Francis Crick Institute in London, said the work should be considered as a beginning, albeit a very promising one, and not an end.

He added: Clearly, if applied to humans [the method] would have importance in overcoming female infertility but it also opens up many other uses in research, in regenerative medicine, and potentially in avoiding genetic disease.

But there are still many practical and ethical challenges to be resolved, he said.
With its famously short arms and ferocious teeth, the Tyrannosaurus rex is possibly the most well-known dinosaur in the world.

Now visitors to the Natural History Museum in Leiden will be able to see one of the most complete skeletons of this astounding creature, as a new installation goes on display today.

Trix is a a 6-tonne, 43ft (13 metre) long female T-Rex whose complete skeleton was discovered in Montana, and remains extremely well-preserved.

Trix, is a huge female T-rex, whose complete skeleton is extremely well preserved and on display in the Dutch museum. With all essential bones in place, Trix places in the top three ranking of the most complete T-rex skeletons in the world

WHERE DID THEY FIND TRIX? Trix lived 66 million years ago in what is now western North America, on what was then an island continent known as Laramidia. The fossil - one of the best-preserved dinosaur skeletons in the world - was transported from Chicago's O'Hare Airport to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport by Dutch national airline KLM. The female T-Rex, nicknamed 'Trix', was hauled onto the Boeing 747 after she was excavated in the US state of Montana by a team from the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre in the Dutch city of Leiden. Advertisement

With all essential bones in place, Trix places in the top three ranking of the most complete T-rex skeletons in the world.

The skeleton was excavated in 2013 in Montana, by the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre.

From there, Trix was hauled onto a Boeing 747 set for the Dutch city of Leiden.

Perhaps the most unusual cargo ever to be transported on a plane, it shared the remarkable flight with some 250 ordinary passengers.

The fearsome creature was even given a brand-new passport by the Dutch authorities.

Marcel de Nooijer, Executive Vice President of KLM Cargo said it was a great honour to transport 'the historic queen of dinosaurs.'

He said: 'Our specialised employees took the utmost care transporting Trix.'

Trix lived 66 million years ago in what is now western North America, on what was then an island continent known as Laramidia.

Naturalis Director, Edwin van Huis said: 'If there is one dinosaur that everyone wants to look in the eye, it is the fierce predator Tyrannosaurus Rex.'

Dr Anne Schulp, head of the Tyrannosaurus rex research department at the museum was pleased to finally welcome the skeleton to the Dutch city of Leiden.

With almost 80 per cent of her bones found and their unique quality, Trix is said to rank in the top-three of best Tyrannosaurus skeletons in the world

Trix, pictured left, lived 66 million years ago in what is now western North America, on what was then an island continent known as Laramidia. The skull, jaw and teeth of Trix the female T-Rex is shown right

T-rex is one of the biggest predators to have ever walked the planet. A display of the Maiasaura (Ornithischia, Ornithopoda) and Dromaeosaurus albertensis, theropod dinosaurs which lived during the Late Cretaceous period, pictured at the museum

She said: 'When we started the search for a Tyrannosaurus Rex, I could not have imagined us finding such a remarkable and distinctive individual.'

With almost 80 per cent of her bones found and their unique quality, Trix is said to rank in the top-three of best Tyrannosaurus skeletons in the world.

T-rex is one of the biggest predators to have ever walked the planet.

Dr Anne Schulp, head of the T-Rex research department at the museum was pleased to finally welcome the skeleton. She said: 'When we started the search for a Tyrannosaurus Rex, I could not have imagined us finding such a remarkable and distinctive individual'

A display of the Deinonychus antirrhopus, a genus of carnivorous dromaeosaurid coelurosaurian dinosaurs and the Tenontosaurus, a genus of ornithopod dinosaur. Tenontosaurus tilletti and Tenontosaurus dossi are pictured in front of Trix

The fearsome creature was even given a brand-new passport by the Dutch authorities. The passport given to the dinosaur for its trip on KLM across the Atlantic to Holland is pictured

The skeleton was excavated in 2013 in Montana, by the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre
Anything under 12C resulted in juicy looking fruit with a weaker taste

Storing tomatoes in the fridge washes out the flavour, according to US scientists.

The cold temperature, anything below 12C, has been found to hamper enzymes that help develop the taste.

The net effect is that while tomatoes kept in cold storage may look red and juicy, the taste is likely to be insipid.

A study in the US has found that keeping tomatoes in chilled storage can impair their flavour. Researchers found that chilling below 12C interferes with enzymes which produce volatile flavour compounds

The discovery by academics at the University of Florida goes a long way to explaining why a sun-ripened tomato from a market stall in Spain or Greece taste so much better than those on supermarket shelves.

It also demonstrates that value of growing your own in this country and eating them straight off the vine.

Increasingly, farmers and wholesalers use technology to extend the shelf life of fruit in an effort to boost profits and reduce waste.

Cold storage and using certain gas compounds can effectively halt the ripening process.

Researchers found that these volatile compounds were reduced by 65 per cent when tomatoes were stored in the cold of a fridge for seven days and failed to return to normal levels after being stored at room temperature for days

CHILLED TOMATOES A study by researchers in the US has found that the flavour of tomatoes can be affected by how the fruit is stored. Chilling tomatoes to less than 12C can impair the production of volatile compounds which give the fruits their flavours. Researchers found that these compounds were reduced by 65 per cent when tomatoes were stored in the cold of a fridge for seven days. Crucially, the levels of these key compounds failed to bounce back to normal levels after three days of recovery at a higher room temperature. Advertisement

But the research from the US suggests this comes with a downside in terms of flavour.

A team led by Professor Harry Klee stored both traditional and modern tomato varieties at 5C for one, three or seven days.

They were then transferred to 20C for one or three days, which should kick-start ripening.

They measured the volatile compounds associated with flavour and found that these were reduced by 65 per cent when tomatoes were stored in the cold of a fridge for seven days.

Significantly, these key compounds did not return to a normal level after three days of recovery at a higher room temperature.

The academics carried out blind taste tests with a panel of 76 consumers who judged those tomatoes which had been chilled for seven days were much less flavourful than fruits harvested a day before consumption.

They concluded: Chilling fruits at temperatures below 12C hampers enzymes that help synthesize flavour-imparting volatile compounds, resulting in relatively fresh but insipid fruits.

It seems likely that the evidence from the research with tomatoes will apply to many other types of fruit and veg that are put in cold storage or fridges in the home.

The findings tally with a consumer study by Britains Good Housekeeping Institute. A spokesman for the Institute said: A low temperature halts the ripening process, which is the very thing that gives tomatoes their delicious flavour and aroma.
that the Galaxy S8 could have a dual-camera lens design

New chips have 30-percent increase in area with 27-percent higher performance or 40-percent lower power consumption

Samsung's system chips business has started mass production of semiconductors using 10 a revolutionary nanometre technology to cram more components on a chip.

The chips are expected to be far more powerful and energy efficient that current designs, and Samsung is the first company in the industry to mass produce them.

Samsung said in a statement a tech product launching early next year will use chips made with its 10-nanometre production technology - as rumours swirl its Galaxy S8 could be the first recipient.

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Numerous reports are surfacing about what may be Samsung's saving grace, particularly new renders that suggest it will incorporate a dual-lens camera design and remove the home button for an edge-to-edge screen

WHAT WILL IT MEAN? The new 10nm chips will have 27-percent higher performance or 40-percent lower power consumption. By comparison, Apple's latest chip, the A10, uses a 16nm chip die size. Advertisement

South Korea's Electronic Times reported this month that Samsung will be the sole contract manufacturer of Qualcomm Inc's high-end Snapdragon 830 chips using 10-nanometre production technology, and these processors will be used in half of Samsung's next Galaxy S smartphones expected to launch in early 2017.

'The industry's first mass production of 10nm FinFET technology demonstrates our leadership in advanced process technology,' said Jong Shik Yoon, Executive Vice President, Head of Foundry Business at Samsung Electronics.

'SoCs with 10nm process technology will be used in digital devices launching early next year and are expected to become more widely available throughout 2017,' the firm said.

'We will continue our efforts to innovate scaling technologies and provide differentiated total solutions to our customers.'

The new chips allows 'up to 30-percent increase in area efficiency with 27-percent higher performance or 40-percent lower power consumption,' Samsung said in a press release.

The death of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has put huge pressure on the firm for a new flagship device.

And it's rumored that what could be called the Galaxy S8 will be announced in just a few months  with claims it could feature a radical new design with no bezel.

Multiple reports say it will incorporate a dual-lens camera design and remove the home button for an edge-to-edge screen.

The leaked renders were revealed by Vaibhav Jain of Techdroider, who said a report from South Korea predicts the Samsung Galaxy S8 will be designed with a 'completely bezel-less display'.

WHAT ARE THE SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 RUMORS? New renders of what could be Samsung Galaxy S8 have surfaced and they suggest the device will incorporate a dual-lens camera design and remove the home button for an edge-to-edge screen. It's speculated that Samsung could design a fingerprint-sensing display or place the feature behind the tempered glass. Because levels of concentration will be increased with a 'full screen', pictures and videos should be much clearer and even go so far as to produce a 3D effect. Rumors suggest that pixels of the dual-cameras will support 16 megapixels and 8 megapixels. Another new addition to the Galaxy S8 could also be an upgraded Application process (AP) that corresponds to handset's brain. Sources say Samsung is going to start mas-producing 10-nano Snapdragon 830s, which will be used for Galaxy S8, at the end of this year at the earliest. The artist impression also shows the handset in four vibrant shades of red, blue, purple and yellow - another feature yet to be seen by Samsung users. Advertisement

It's also believed that the handset will have sleek, curved side-edges that could extend from the top to the bottom.

As many hope the Galaxy S8 will put the Apple's 10 year anniversary smartphone to shame, many rumors suggest that the Korean firm will actually follow its lead.

With the removal of the iconic home button, Samsung will have no choice but to design a fingerprint-sensing display or place the feature behind the tempered glass  two strategies Apple has been parading around for quite some time.

The renders for what could be the Samsung Galaxy S8 also hint at a smartphone that users have yet to experience and most of the changes will be in the design, reports Yun, Keonil with ET News.

And because levels of concentration will be increased with a 'full screen', pictures and videos should be much clearer and even go so far as to produce a 3D effect.

Not only could this device be Samsung's first bezel-less phone, but it would also be the first to have rear-dual cameras.

'Currently Samsung Electronics is deciding whether to use all-in-one dual-cameras or separated dual-cameras.' a representative for a component industry told ET News.

With the removal of the iconic home button, Samsung will have no choice but to design a fingerprint-sensing display or place the feature behind the tempered glass. because levels of concentration will be increased , pictures and videos should be much clearer

Not only could this device be Samsung's first bezel-less phone, but it would also be the first to have rear-dual cameras. Rumors suggest that pixels of the dual-cameras will support 16 megapixels and 8 megapixels

'It already finalized a decision to use dual-cameras.'

Since people are telling stories with pictures more and more, Samsung feels this new technology will be a hit among its users by by improving the quality of their photos.

BRITAIN'S ROYAL MAIL REFUSES TO TAKE NOTE 7 RETURNS The Royal Mail in Britain has already said it will not accept Samsung's Galaxy Note 7. Customers should contact the company where they purchased their Note 7 - whether it's Carphone Warehouse, EE, Vodafone, Three, 02 or Samsung - to arrange a full refund or to swap it for another model. What could be called the Galaxy S8 might be announced in just a few months  a smartphone said to rival the iPhone 7 and surpass the iPhone 8. But the firm still has to gather up the Galaxy Note 7 handsets - which are being sent back in fire proof boxes A spokesperson for the Royal Mail said: 'In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7, Royal Mail and ParcelForce are unable to accept the posting of earlier versions of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 phones. 'For several years, there have been Government restrictions in place around the transport of lithium batteries, which are also present in the Galaxy Note 7. 'All customers are asked to detail what is in each package so that we can make sure that we are not carrying items that are hazardous. 'Faulty lithium batteries are prohibited in the mail by transport regulations to all destinations.' Advertisement

Rumors suggest that pixels of the dual-cameras will support 16 megapixels and 8 megapixels - the iPhone 7 Plus only supports 12 megapixels.

Another new addition to the Galaxy S8 could also be an upgraded Application process (AP) that corresponds to handset's brain.

According to Samsungs' DS (Device Solution) System LSI Business Department's Foundry Business Team, it is going to start mas-producing 10-nano Snapdragon 830s, which will be used for Galaxy S8, at the end of this year at the earliest.

According to Samsungs' DS (Device Solution) System LSI Business Department's Foundry Business Team, it is going to start mas-producing 10-nano Snapdragon 830s, which will be used for Galaxy S8, at the end of this year at the earliest

WHY ARE LITHIUM BATTERIES SO DANGEROUS? Lithium batteries are use in a range of consumer electronic devices, favored by manufacturers because they are lightweight and pack much more energy into a small space than other power cells. But storing so much energy in a tiny space, with combustible components separated by ultra-thin walls, makes them susceptible to overheating if exposed to high temperatures, damage or flaws in manufacturing. With the nightmare of Note 7 smartphones bursting into flames (pictured), many are sure that the Galaxy S8 will make an appearance much earlier. But, if the South Korean firm is too hasty with manufacturing process, they may experience the same blunders If the separators fail, a chemical reaction can quickly escalate out of control. Koh Dong-jin, Samsung's mobile president, told reporters in Seoul: 'The flaw in the manufacturing process resulted in the negative electrodes and the positive electrodes coming together.' It is unclear how Samsung failed to discover the battery problem before launching the Note 7. Advertisement

The artist impression also shows the handset in four vibrant shades of red, blue, purple and yellow - another feature yet to be seen by Samsung users.

With the nightmare of Note 7 smartphones bursting into flames, many are sure that the Galaxy S8 will make an appearance much earlier.

However, if the South Korean firm is too hasty with the design and manufacture process, they may experience the same blunders.

The artist impression also shows the handset in four vibrant shades of red, blue, purple and yellow - another feature yet to be seen by Samsung users

The firm still has not disclosed what caused the Note 7 to smoke and catch fire  or even whether it knows what the problem was.
The International Space Station is about to get its first delivery from Virginia in two years - and giver the East Coast a show in the process.

Orbital ATK, one of NASA's shippers, aims to launch its own cargo ship for the first time in two years from Wallops Island, after its launch exploded on the pad on Oct. 28, 2014.

Liftoff is set for 7:40 p.m, and weather permitting, the launch should be visible along much of the East Coast, including Washington, New York and Boston.

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Liftoff is set for 7:40 p.m, and weather permitting, the launch should be visible along much of the East Coast, including Washington, New York and Boston.

WHERE TO WATCH Sky gazers along much of the East Coast  Washington and New York included  are in for a treat. Weather permitting, the launch should be visible as far south as Charleston, South Carolina; as far north as Boston; and as far west as Pittsburgh. However, Nasa did warn local to the Wallops area, Arbuckleneck Road and Assateague Island have been closed to the public by area officials and will not be available for viewing the Antares rocket launch. Advertisement

'Welcome back to Wallops,' beamed Frank Culbertson, Orbital ATK's space systems president.

An Antares promptly exploded the last time one took off, on a space station supply run for NASA on Oct. 28, 2014.

Orbital ATK spent the past two years redesigning the unmanned rocket  replacing the old-time Russian engines with newer ones, among other things  and rebuilding the launch pad.

It also made good on two station deliveries using another company's rockets in Florida.

'This is a very exciting time for us at Orbital ATK,' Culbertson said. 'A lot of hard work has gone into this.'

The deputy manager of NASA's space station program, Joel Montalbano, couldn't help but get personal.

THE CYGNUS MISSION: WHAT IT WILL DO Cygnus is loaded with about 5,100 pounds of science investigations, food, supplies and hardware for the space station and its crew. When Cygnus arrives to the space station, on Sunday, Oct. 23, Expedition 49 Flight Engineers Takuya Onishi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Kate Rubins of NASA will grapple the spacecraft. They will use the space stations robotic arm to take hold of the Cygnus, dubbed the S.S. Alan Poindexter. More than 130 VIPs were expected from Capitol Hill for the launch at 8:03 p.m. on Sunday. After Cygnus capture, ground controllers will command the stations arm to rotate and install it on the bottom of the stations Unity module. The Cygnus spacecraft will spend about five weeks attached to the space station. Cygnus will remain at the space station until November, when the spacecraft will depart the station and initiate the second spacecraft fire safety investigation, Saffire-II, and then dispose of approximately several tons of trash during its fiery reentry into Earths atmosphere. Advertisement

'We've missed these guys and we've missed seeing launches from here,' he told reporters.

More than 130 VIPs were expected from Capitol Hill for the launch at 8:03 p.m. on Sunday.

In fact, sky gazers along much of the East Coast  Washington and New York included  were in for a treat.

Weather permitting, the launch should be visible as far south as Charleston, South Carolina; as far north as Boston; and as far west as Pittsburgh.

The latest Cygnus is packed with more than 5,000 pounds of goods, including presents for the space station astronauts.

'We're very excited ... to have the biggest show back in town,' said Sarah Daugherty, test director at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility.

The Antares will carry up a Cygnus cargo carrier, named after the swan constellation.

Altogether, five Cygnus ships have delivered food, clothes, equipment and science experiments to the space station since 2013.

AN EXPLOSIVE ROCKET An Antares promptly exploded the last time one took off, on a space station supply run for NASA on Oct. 28, 2014. Orbital ATK spent the past two years redesigning the unmanned rocket  replacing the old-time Russian engines with newer ones, among other things  and rebuilding the launch pad. It also made good on two station deliveries using another company's rockets in Florida. Advertisement

'Every cargo mission is like Christmas, right, and they never know what they're going to find when they open the hatch,' said Culbertson, a former astronaut who lived on the space station more than a decade ago.

The latest Cygnus is packed with more than 5,000 pounds of goods, including presents for the space station astronauts.

The current crew of three will double in size with the launch of three more astronauts from Kazakhstan on Wednesday.

In this Friday, Oct. 14, 2016 photo, an Orbital ATK Antares rocket carrying the Cygnus spacecraft is raised into the vertical position on launch Pad-0A at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. The Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016 scheduled cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station would be the companys first Antares launch since an explosion seconds after liftoff in 2014, which destroyed the rocket and space station supply ship, and damaged the launch complex.

Culbertson and others acknowledged they were nervous going into Sunday's launch, but stressed their confidence in the changes to the Antares. Everything seemed to be going well at the pad over the weekend, following a succession of rocket tests in recent weeks and months.

Even better, forecasters were calling for a 95 percent chance of good flying weather  this after Hurricanes Matthew and Nicole caused a slight flight delay.

Matthew held up work at the Virginia pad a week ago, while this week Nicole threatened a tracking station in Bermuda that's necessary for the launch. Fortunately, the station was not damaged.

Matthew held up work at the Virginia pad a week ago, while this week Nicole threatened a tracking station in Bermuda that's necessary for the launch. Fortunately, the station was not damaged.

As it turns out, now NASA's other supplier, SpaceX, is grounded. During a test last month at Cape Canaveral, a SpaceX rocket exploded on the pad; the company is still trying to figure out exactly what happened.

NASA hired the private companies to keep the space station stocked following the shuttles' retirement in 2011.
Firm is also working on AI to boost battery life and

First it was the headphone jack, and now Apple wants to get rid of paper money.

CEO Tim Cook told the Nikkei Asian Review that the firm believes consumers want to live in a cashless society and will use Apple Pay to make it happen.

Cook made these comments just a month after the iPhone 7 became the first iPhone to support FeliCa, the contactless payment standard used in Japan.

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CEO Tim Cook told the Nikkei Asian Review that the firm believes consumers want to live in a cashless society and will use Apple Pay to make it happen. Cook made these comments just a month after the iPhone 7 became the first iPhone to support FeliCa in Japan

HOW APPLE PAY WORKS Apple Pay works by holding the phone up to a card reader and pressing a finger on the TouchID button. This confirms the person's identity, and the payment is made as if the user had presented and signed their card. All details are encrypted and the system stores payment information securely. If an iPhone is lost, users can suspend all payments via the Find my iPhone service. Advertisement

'We would like to be a catalyst for taking cash out of the system,' Cook told Waichi Sekiguchi with Nikkei.

'We don't think the consumer particularly likes cash.'

Apple Pay is a mobile and digital wallet service that lets users with certain Apple devices, such as iPhones and Apple Watches, make contactless payments.

Investment in contactless debit and credit card payment technology has already paved the way for Apple Pay, as much of the necessary infrastructure is already in place.

Apple Pay was first released to US iPhone owners in 2014 and it hit the UK market just last year.

Once a card is connected and verified, the phone's NFC chip can be used on contactless card readers in certain stores, restaurant, for public transportation and even at Walt Disney World.

Experts have also revealed that Apple Pay is as safe as using a chip and pin card - if not safer, as it is harder to fake a fingerprint than guess a PIN code.

Apple Pay was first released to US iOS owners in 2014 and it hit the UK market just last year 'We would like to be a catalyst for taking cash out of the system,' Cook told Waichi Sekiguchi with Nikkei. 'We don't think the consumer particularly likes cash'

HOW TO SET UP APPLE PAY To use Apple Pay, iPhone owners need to update to the latest iOS software. This is accessed in the Settings menu, under General and Software Update. To update, make sure the phone is connected to Wi-Fi, plugged into the mains and all data on it has been backed up. Apple Pay is a mobile and digital wallet service that lets users with certain Apple devices, such as iPhones and Apple Watches, make contactless payments. Experts have also revealed that Apple Pay is as safe as using a chip and pin card Once updated, go to the Passbook app and the option to set up Apple Pay should appear at the top. Click 'Add Credit or Debit Card'. Users can then manually enter their credit or debit card details, or take a photo of the front of the card using the phone's camera. Once a card is connected, the phone's NFC chip can be used on contactless card readers in stores, in tube stations and on buses where available. It works in the same way as a contactless card and the money is deducted from the connected account automatically. The service is compatible with the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, iPhone 6S, 6S Plus, 7, 7 Plus, iPhone SE, iPad Air 2, iPad Pro and the Apple Watch. Users with iPhone 5, 5C, 5S, 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, 7, 7 Plus and iPhone SE can use the service through an Apple Watch, though it lacks Touch ID security. Advertisement

Your card details are not stored on your phone, watch or iPad, so if a thief gets hold of one of them they cannot access your bank account.

Instead, your bank, MasterCard, Visa and Apple create a unique, encrypted code that is sent to your phone.

There will also be no record of your card details on Apple's databases, so if the company computers are hacked, your money is not at risk.

The technology is also clever enough to spot if you are making an unusual or large transaction.

Apple Pay is only accepted at certain stores, restaurant, such as Starbucks (pictured) and even at Walt Disney World. Cook also revealed that Apple is working on more advanced AI that can improve your phones' battery life, recommend music and help you find parked your car

During the same interview with Nikkei, Cook touched on more technology Apple foresees in the near future that can improve our lives - artificial intelligence (AI).

Cook said Apple has plans to open a research and development center in Yokohama, Japan to work on'deep learning' technologies.

However, the CEO declined to tell Nikkei any specifics or details of the work.
Computers should be allowed to patent their inventions, experts have claimed.

They say without a change in the law, the findings warn that there will be less innovation, caused by uncertainty, which would prevent industry from capitalising on the huge potential of creative computers.

They say the future will bring more disputes over inventorship, with individuals taking credit for inventions that are not genuinely theirs, they say.

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Researchers say uncertainty could stifle innovation unless the changes are made. We are also likely to see disputes over inventorship, they say.

Artificial intelligence is playing an ever larger role in innovation - with major players such as IBM, Pfizer and Google investing heavily in creative computing - but current patent law does not recognise computers as inventors.

The new study, published by the University of Surrey in Boston College Law Review is calling for inventions by computers to be legally granted patents.

'While some patent prosecutors say the ability of machines to create patentable inventions on their own is well off in the future, artificial intelligence has actually been generating inventive ideas for decades,' said Ryan Abbott, Professor of Law and Health Sciences at the University of Surrey's School of Law.

The new study, published by the University of Surrey in Boston College Law Review is calling for inventions by computers to be legally granted patents.

Abbott proposes that non-humans should be allowed to be named as inventors on patents as this would incentivise the creation of intellectual property by encouraging the development of creative computers.

Soon computers will be routinely inventing, and it may only be a matter of time until computers are responsible for most innovation

By assigning ownership of a computer's invention to a computer's owner, he argues, it would be possible to reward inventive activity which happens before the invention itself.

In just one example, an artificial intelligence system named 'The Creativity Machine' invented the first cross-bristled toothbrush design.

'Soon computers will be routinely inventing, and it may only be a matter of time until computers are responsible for most innovation.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

The Joice Mujuru led ZimPF has challenged the Zimbabweans to save the nation from Zanu PF abuse which the party blames for economic crisis rocking the country.Through Facebook hall the party said after looting an estimated US$11,3 billion between 1993 and 1998, the Nigerian dictator Sani Abacha was previously thought to be the greatest thief in post-independence Africa.The party said that was before Zimbabwe's looting frenzy gained momentum at the turn of the millennium."Let me put my head on the block here and argue that, compared to the industrial-scale pillaging by Zimbabwe's ruling elite, Abacha's embezzlement seems like chicken change. The Zanu PF government is now by far the greatest kleptocracy on the continent. Taxpayer dollars are stolen in broad daylight in the name of "patriotism" while public hospitals are so poorly funded they cannot even dispense basic painkillers," said ZimPF."By his own admission, President Robert Mugabe says diamonds worth US$15 billion cannot be accounted for. Last week, Transparency International revealed that Zimbabwe is losing at least US$1 billion annually to corruption. Every year, Auditor-General Margaret Chiri unearths astonishing cases of corruption in the country's 75 parastatals. Even in the presence of overwhelming evidence, nothing happens to the thieves. It is no coincidence that all state-owned enterprises are loss-making."ZimPF said the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund saga has been an eye-opener. If officials can loot hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, in such a brazen manner and in the blink of an eye, can you imagine the millions being stolen in dozens of parastatals?"This government is dominated by mafia types who pretend to be honest, yet in reality their sole mission is to steal from the masses and retain power through cronyism, patronage and nepotism. Zanu PF's scandalous transformation from a mass-based, rule-regulated party into a feeding trough for the pampered elite provides us remarkable insights into the neo-patrimonial character of authoritarian regimes," ZimPF said."It is tragic that the Zimbabwean state has morphed into a predatory criminal enterprise controlled by a network of thieves who loot public resources, divert taxpayer funds and deploy lethal force against anyone who stands in their path. Bogus projects, such as the "million-man march", are designed for the sinister purpose of plundering public funds. Money which should be financing the education of orphans is stolen by criminals in neat suits who masquerade as champions of the poor."The party said contrary to the visionary leadership Zanu promised the world in 1980, we are seeing a violent kleptocracy which lacks the moral credibility, organisational acumen and technocratic gravitas to spearhead economic development."This disastrous brand of leadership is facilitating organised crime by systematically subverting Zimbabwe's Constitution and eroding the legal and institutional frameworks which ought to safeguard public resources."
of last 12 months to break temperature record

This makes it the 11th

September 2016 was the warmest September in 136 years of modern record-keeping, Nasa has revealed.

September 2016's temperature was a razor-thin 0.004 degrees Celsius warmer than the previous warmest September in 2014.

The record-warm September means 11 of the past 12 consecutive months dating back to October 2015 have set new monthly high-temperature records.

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September 2016's temperature was a razor-thin 0.004 degrees Celsius warmer than the previous warmest September in 2014.

HOW THEY DID IT The monthly analysis by the GISS team is assembled from publicly available data acquired by about 6,300 meteorological stations around the world, ship- and buoy-based instruments measuring sea surface temperature, and Antarctic research stations. The modern global temperature record begins around 1880 because previous observations didn't cover enough of the planet. Monthly analyses are updated when additional data become available, and the results are subject to change. Advertisement

The new monthly analysis of global temperatures is collated by scientists at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York.

The September margin is so narrow those two months are in a statistical tie.

Last month was 0.91 degrees Celsius warmer than the mean September temperature from 1951-1980.

Updates to the input data have meant that June 2016, previously reported to have been the warmest June on record, was in facers, in GISS's updated analysis, the third warmest June behind 2015 and 1998 after receiving additional temperature readings from Antarctica.

The late reports lowered the June 2016 anomaly by 0.05 degrees Celsius to 0.75.

'Monthly rankings are sensitive to updates in the record, and our latest update to mid-winter readings from the South Pole has changed the ranking for June,' said GISS director Gavin Schmidt.

'We continue to stress that while monthly rankings are newsworthy, they are not nearly as important as long-term trends.'

Monthly temperature anomalies with base 1980-2015, superimposed on a 1980-2015 mean seasonal cycle.

Just weeks ago August tied July as the hottest month ever recorded, keeping up an alarming trend that has seen eleven consecutive months of record-breaking temperatures.

Last month was hotter than the previous warmest August, in 2014, by .16C according to Nasa  and it's passed the mean temperatures from 1951-1980 by nearly a full degree.

The researchers have created a new visualization to show how dramatically the temperatures have climbed since scientists began tracking this data, revealing a long-term warming trend over the past century.

The Nasa Earth Observatory chart created by Joshua Stevens reveals how temperatures have risen since scientists began keeping records in 1880

CLIMATE CHANGE ALREADY CAUSING DEATHS A new study has revealed the dangers of climate change are already affecting humanity and led to the death of hundreds of people across Europe sixteen years ago. A heatwave in 2003 killed 506 people in Paris and 315 in London, experts have said in a new study. A fifth of those deaths can be blamed on man-made pollution. The study led by University of Oxford scientists said there were 315 heat-related deaths in London as Europe experienced its hottest summer on record, out of which 64 were caused by climate change. The study was the first to calculate the number of premature deaths and it's link to air pollution and warned heatwaves will become more common and more severe in the future. Advertisement

The animated graph reveals the temperature anomalies dating all the way back to 1880, when the global temperature record began.

This past August marks the hottest month in 136 years of observation.

'Monthly rankings, which vary by only a few hundredths of a degree, are inherently fragile,' says Gavin Schmidt, director at the Nasa's Goddard Institute for Space Studies.

'We stress that the long-term trends are the most important for understanding the ongoing changes that are affecting our planet.'

Seasonal temperatures usually reach their highest in July, the researchers explain, but this year, August was so warm that the two months tied, with last month being .98C warmer than the mean August temperatures from 1951-1980.

The analysis was conducted with data from roughly 6,300 meteorological stations around the world.

August has now tied July as the hottest month ever recorded, keeping up an alarming trend that has seen eleven consecutive months of record-breaking temperatures. The map reveals August temperature anomalies compared to the 1951-1980 mean

According to the researchers, 2016 is set to be a record-breaking year entirely given the January-August trend.

In a tweet, Schmidt says there is more than 99 percent chance that this will be the case.

This comes after it was revealed that July was the hottest month on record, despite the fading of a strong El Nino, which causes global temperatures to rise.

Seasonal temperatures usually reach their highest in July, the researchers explain, but this year, August was so warm that the two months tied, with last month being .98C warmer than the mean August temperatures from 1951-1980

According to the researchers, 2016 is set to be a record-breaking year entirely given the January-August trend, illustrated in the graph. In a tweet, Schmidt says there is more than 99 percent chance that this will be the case

The month was 1.51F (0.84C) warmer than the global average between 1950 and 1980, and they say it was 0.18 degrees warmer than the previous records seen in July 2011 and July 2015.

Nasa declared the first half of 2016 to have been the warmest six months on record, as many parts of the world experienced 'oppressive' levels of heat this summer, according to Nasa's Earth Observatory.

In June and July people living in Siberia, the Middle East and large areas of North America faced extreme heatwaves.

The US's three largest metropolitan areas  New York, Los Angeles and Chicago  all experienced heatwave alerts in July as well.

Nasa has found that the global temperatures were 1.51F (0.84C) warmer than its instrumental record in July 2016 (illustrated). It marks another record breaking month in a trend that has seen temperature records tumble in the past year

California is also in the grips of its worst drought in decades.

Parts of Siberia, where the weather is normally relatively cool, saw temperatures more typically found in the tropics.

Hot weather melted the permafrost in the Yamal Peninsula to reveal an infected carcass of a reindeer, triggering a major outbreak of anthrax.

Kuwait recorded a temperature of 129.2F (54C) on July 21 in what may be the hottest temperature on record in the Eastern Hemisphere if it is confirmed.
Smartphone manufacturers selling their products through major US carriers all put their batteries to the test at external labs approved by the CTIA  that is, except for Samsung.

In the midst of the firms massive recall of the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7, which is set to cost at least $5.3 billion and has been called an environmental disaster, it has been revealed that Samsung tests its products at an in-house lab.

Though the facility is certified by the CTIA, the move makes Samsung the only such manufacturer that does not use an independent battery testing site, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.

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A Samsung Note 7 handset is positioned for testing in the lab (left), then later catches fire after pressure is applied to its fully charged battery (right). The testers later claimed that the same would happen to 'any phone' under these conditions

MILLIONS OF PHONES RECALLED The faulty phones have been recalled and officially discontinued as of last week. This effects 1.9 million Note 7 phones issued in the United States, along with 200,000 devices in China and roughly 500,000 in South Korea. In the US alone, there have been 96 reports of overheating batteries in the Note 7, with 13 reports of burns and 47 reports of property damages. Advertisement

Smartphone manufacturers selling in the US all go through one of 28 labs certified by the US wireless industrys trade group, the CTIA, according to the report.

Other tech giants, including Apple, use third-party CTIA labs.

On Friday, Samsung said it will be making significant changes in its quality assurance process to improve the safety of its devices.

The firm, however, did not elaborate on how this would be done.

When manufacturers test their own products rather than going through a third party, they often run the risk creating conflicts of interests, Eddie Forouzan, of the IEEE committee that developed the battery standard, tells WSJ.

Doing this, however, can help to protect company secrets and even get the product out faster.

Customers whose devices spontaneously set on fire have shared their pictures since the first incidents were reported in August

In the CTIA testing process, the smartphone batteries are examined on their own and inside of a device.

This goes to ensure the battery functions properly during charging or calls, when they are most likely to heat up, the report explains.

We also put batteries in high temperatures that simulate summer conditions to monitor potential overheating or combustion hazards, Kim Tae-young, director at the Jorea Testing Laboratory, the only other CTIA-certified battery testing lab in South Korea, told WSJ.

Back in September, Samsung began conducting an internal review of the Galaxy Note 7 devices after reports of overheating and even exploding batteries.

HOW THE SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 7 HAS BEEN PLAGUED BY TROUBLE SINCE ITS LAUNCH IN AUGUST Aug. 2 - Samsung unveils the Galaxy Note 7 at a New York media event. Aug. 19 - Samsung starts Galaxy Note 7 sales in 10 markets including United States and South Korea. Aug. 24 - Report of a Note 7 explosion surfaces in South Korea. Sept. 2 - Samsung announces global recall of 2.5 million Note 7 phones, citing faulty batteries. Sept. 8 - U.S. Federal Aviation Administration advises passengers to not turn on or charge Note 7 smartphones aboard aircraft or stow them in plane cargo. Sept. 9 - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges Galaxy Note 7 users to stop using their phone. Sept. 15 - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission formally announces recall of about 1 million Note 7 phones. Oct. 6 - A Southwest Airlines plane in the United States evacuated due to smoke from a Note 7 device on board. Oct. 10 - Samsung says it is adjusting Note 7 shipments for inspections, quality control due to more phones catching fire. Oct. 11 - Samsung asks customers to stop using all Note 7 smartphones, halts production, sales and exchanges of the device globally. Advertisement

But to date, engineers are still unable to pinpoint the exact cause of the malfunction  and reports from consumers reveal even the replacement phones are prone to catching fire.

The faulty phones have since been recalled and officially discontinued as of last week.

It's a move that environmentalists have called disastrous, as the devices will not be refurbished or reused.

Photos showing the aftermath of the explosive test reveal the charred remains of the smartphone and its battery

Instead, they will be disposed of, putting the majority of the 50 elements used in the devices to waste.

The recall effects 1.9 million Note 7 phones issued in the United States, along with 200,000 devices in China and roughly 500,000 in South Korea.

In the US alone, there have been 96 reports of overheating batteries in the Note 7, with 13 reports of burns and 47 reports of property damages.
It has made heavy weather of its predictions in the past  failing to warn us about the Big Freeze of 2009.

But the Met Office says it can now forecast our winter weather a year in advance after unlocking the mysteries of a weather system that controls our climate.

British winters are notoriously unpredictable, driven by chaotic meteorological processes that follow few patterns.

Met Office scientists had thought it impossible to forecast the phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), which drives the winter weather in Europe and North America.

The Met Office say they believe they can predict winter weather a year in advance after solving the mysteries of a weather system that controls the climate. Pictured is traffic chaos in York caused by a 'big freeze' in 2010

The NAO is a see-saw in weather systems in the North Atlantic. It has two states  positive and negative, and both bring very different weather. The positive phase happens when air pressure is low over Iceland, but high down south over the Azores islands off West Africa

But they now believe they can forecast the phenomenon caused by the pattern of high and low pressure above Iceland and the Azores, an archipelago in the North Atlantic west of Portugal.

The NAO goes through two phases, with a large pressure difference between Iceland and the Azores bringing mild, stormy and wet winter conditions to the UK.

A smaller difference in pressure usually means a big freeze  like the one of 2009-10 that caused transport chaos in Britain and was blamed for 90 deaths in Europe.

The Met Office used its 100million supercomputer, which weighs as much as 11 double decker buses and performs 16,000 trillion calculations a second, to look back at previous winters and make hindcasts in what is described as back-testing.

Using weather data going back 35 years, they discovered they could predict what the weather was going to do each time with 62 per cent accuracy.

The Met Office used its 100million supercomputer, which weighs as much as 11 double decker buses and performs 16,000 trillion calculations a second, to look back at previous winters and make hindcasts in what is described as back-testing

Its forecasters famously failed to predict the serious cold weather that struck Britain in 2009 and 2010 (pictured in Kent) that was blamed for 90 deaths in Europe

WHAT IS THE NORTH ATLANTIC OSCILLATION (NAO)? The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is a see-saw in weather systems in the North Atlantic. It has two states  positive and negative, and both bring very different weather. The positive phase happens when air pressure is low over Iceland, but high down south over the Azores islands off West Africa. Theresulting pressure difference drives strong westerly winds and weatherfronts that crash into us, whipping up storms and sometimes causingfloods. Strong positive phases of the NAO tend to be associated with above-normal temperatures in the eastern US and across northern Europe and below-normal temperatures in Greenland and often across southern Europe and the Middle East. But when the pressuredifference is low, the weather systems slow down and getblocked by what meteorologists call blocking highs  big zones ofhigh pressure that spread down from Greenland in winter or up from theAzores in summer, and stick around for weeks at a time. This is the negative phase. During particularly prolonged periods dominated by one particular phase of the NAO, abnormal height and temperature patterns are also often extend into central Russia and north-central Siberia. Advertisement

The results have been published in journal Nature Geoscience and the Met Offices lead author Dr Nick Dunstone said they showed a modest but significant skill in predicting the phase of the NAO one year ahead.

This is an exciting first step in developing useful winter climate predictions on longer timescales, he said.

Understanding and predicting the changes in the North Atlantic Oscillation could have significant economic benefits, including potential boosts in climate services for a range of sectors including transport, energy, water management and the insurance industry.

More advanced forecasts could mean better weather warnings for sub-zero temperatures and winter storms.

Snow is a common sight in the north of England each winter, including Kendal (pictured). More advanced forecasts could mean better weather warnings for sub-zero temperatures and winter storms

A couple brave the frozen and snowy ground to walk their dog in Epping Forest, Essex. For the coming winter, forecasters are predicting a cooler and drier season in the UK

This would be a lifeline for transport firms, or local authorities planning how much grit to buy.

Using its new computer capacity last year, the Met Office was able to advise people of the flooding threatening coastal communities.
The lights runs on two batteries for about 10 minutes with a single charge

He placed the unit on a Freefly Alta drone for an

It could be mistaken for a hovering UFO, but this DIY flashlight consists of ten separate 100-watt LEDs mounted on a Freefly Alta drone.

Daniel Riley of Stratus Productions designed 'the world's brightest flashlight' last year and recently updated the creation with new lights that are much more accurate and brighter.

The filmmaker replaced the cheap eBay LEDs with Yuji high CRI LED chips, which illuminates the night sky with a flying spotlight.

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Daniel Riley designed 'the world's brightest flashlight' last year and recently updated by replacing the cheap eBay LEDs with Yuji high CRI LED chips, which are bright enough to light up the sky in the dead of night

HOW WAS IT MADE? Riley's original creation was awarded the title of 'world's brightest flashlight' in 2015 by the Guinness Book of World Records. The design is an ultra-powerful 1000W light that puts out a whopping 900000 lumens. Recently, he replaced the cheap eBay LEDs with Yuji high CRI LED chips, which are bright enough to light up the sky in the dead of night. The system was also attached to a Freefly Alta octocopter. Riley's creation is powered by two batteries that can run for about 10 minutes on a single charge. Advertisement

Riley's original creation was awarded the title of 'world's brightest flashlight' in 2015 by the Guinness Book of World Records.

The design is an ultra-powerful 1000W light that puts out a whopping 900000 lumens, reports Peta Pixel.

It weighs just 10 pounds and uses a giant heat sink for dissipating the heat from the lights  the light system is powered with two batteries and runs for about 10 minutes on a single charge.

But recently the filmmaker has had his eyes on the sky and decided to make some changes to the 'flashlight'.

'While I was building the 1000 watt LED light bar a little over a year ago I never imagined it would be flying on a drone,' Riley said in a recent YouTube video.

'But then I went to free flight systems and got my hands on an Alta and realized it would be pretty easy to setup for aerial use.'

And now the 10-pound rig makes one big bright light in the night sky.

'I attached some landing gear to it and installed the server to switch it on and off,' says Riley.

'I also replaced the cheap eBay LEDs with Yuji high CRI LED chips that have extremely accurate color and are brighter than the previous chips.'

'To power the light I attached a 6S 8-amp-hour lithium-polymer batteries above the two 6S 10-hour flight patterns.'

'With this setup the Alta and the light can both run for about 10 minutes.'

The design is an ultra-powerful 1000W light that puts out a whopping 900000 lumens. The design weighs just 10 pounds and used a giant heat sink for dissipating the heat from the lights  the light system is powered by two batteries that can run for about 10 minutes

Riley attached some landing gear to the drone and installed the server to switch it on and off. To power the light, he added two 6S 8-amp-hour lithium-polymer batteries above the two 6S 10-hour flight patterns

He continues to explain that the Alta drone was the perfect choice for this project, as it already has bright navigation LEDs on each arm.

Users can also change the colours with the drone's accompanied app via a smartphone.

'The synapse flight controller is super predictable and reliable this means the Alta is super easy to fly at night especially well in GPS mode,' says Riley.

The five minute clip ends with some of footage Riley shot while testing the drone.Viewers are presented with an almost pitch black screen and in just a few seconds, you can see the extraordinary light of the copter creeping into the frame

'I've been shooting with this LED on the Alta for the last couple months.'

The five minute clip ends with some of footage that Riley shot while testing teh drone.

Viewers are presented with an almost pitch black screen and in just a few seconds, you can see the extraordinary light of the copter creeping into the frame.

As more and more drones take to the sky, more pilots are worrying about possibly colliding with the aerial vehicles.

Now, drones are set to be deliberately smashed into passenger jets as part of a radical testing program triggered by fears of a catastrophe in British skies.

Ministers ordered the tests after a series of near misses, some near major airports.

He continues to explain that the Alta drone was the perfect choice for this project, as it already has bright navigation LEDs on each arm. Users can also change the colours with the drone's accompanied app via a smartphone

THE US AND UK DRONE RULES In August, the US Federal Aviation Administration unveiled long-awaited new rules that clear the way for small, commercial drones to operate across US airspace. Under the FAA's rules, drone operators will be allowed to fly commercial craft weighing less than 55 pounds (25kg) during daylight hours, provided they can maintain a clear view of the drone at all times. Limit drone operations to the hours from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. Limit speed to no more than 100 mph and drones are not allowed to fly higher than 400 feet. While that effectively precludes the sort of robo-delivery services being developed by Amazon and other major vendors, the new rules will nonetheless ensure drones become increasingly commonplace in the skies. The White House cites industry estimates suggesting drones could generate more than $82 billion (63 billion) for the US economy over the coming decade, creating some 100,000 jobs. Wal-Mart Stores said last month it was six to nine months from beginning to use drones to check warehouse inventories in the United States, suggesting drones will soon become part of our everyday lives. But in the UK, drones are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority. These rules apply to unmanned vehicles not more than 44 pounds (20kg) without their fuel, and states they can be flown up to 400 feet in the air. 'A person must not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger any person or property,' the regulation says. Some experts say this regulation is not enough. But Amazon said its UK partnership aims to understand how drones can be used safely and reliably, and identify the best regulations to put in place. Advertisement

They have committed more than 250,000 to pay for a private study of what would happen if a drone struck a window or the fuselage of a plane.

The secretive tests were ordered by the Department for Transport, in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Ministry of Defense.

They are being carried out by Qinetiq, whose experts have the run of 5,000 square miles of restricted airspace in Snowdonia, Wales.

It might be mistaken for a hovering UFO, but this DIY flashlight consists of ten separate 100-watt LEDs mounted on a Freefly Alta drone for a one of a kind light show

The move is in response to growing concerns from pilots that drones, which contain heavy lithium batteries, could pierce a plane windscreen.

It comes as the Department for Transport prepares to finally publish a long-awaited consultation on the future of drones.
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In Bram Stoker's famous novel, Dracula, the protagonist finds himself desperate to escape the bloodthirsty vampire's lair - but would you brave it all and spend a night at the very same castle?

On October 31, the night of Halloween, Bran Castle in Transylvania - the inspiration for Count Dracula's home - will welcome two overnight guests, marking the first time since 1948 that anyone has slept in the 15th century fortress.

As part of a promotion by home-sharing website, Airbnb, guests will be wined and dined, then left alone to lie down in red velvet-trimmed coffins just as Dracula did in Stoker's horror novel that popularized the legend.

On October 31, the night of Halloween, Bran Castle in Transylvania, the inspiration for Count Dracula's castle will welcome two overnight guests marking the first time since 1948 that anyone has slept in the Transylvanian fortress

As part of a promotion by home-sharing website Airbnb, guests will be wined and dined, then left alone to lie down in red velvet-trimmed coffins just as Dracula did in Stoker's horror novel that popularized the legend

The castle is famous for its connection to Vlad the Impaler, a real-life prince who stayed there in the 15th century and had a cruel habit of using stakes to impale his victims. Vlad inspired Stoker's story of Count Dracula.

The Airbnb contest to find guests for the night launched today. Applicants were asked to use their 'vampiric wit' to imagine what they'd say to Count Dracula if they met him.

Winners will be flown to Romania and taken to the castle set dramatically in the Carpathian Mountains. If they're too spooked to sleep in the coffins, beds are on hand.

The castle is one of Romania's top tourist attractions, with more than 630,000 visitors a year. Hosting the one-off Airbnb event is the great grand-nephew of Bram Stoker, Dacre Stoker.

'I want to make it both realistic and show the legend in the wonderful country that birthed the whole thing,' Stoker said.

He'll play the role of Jonathan Harker, a character from the novel who encounters Dracula at the castle. When the winners arrive in a horse-drawn carriage, he plans to greet them using the same words Dracula used in his ancestor's story: 'Welcome to my house! Enter freely. Go safely, and leave something of the happiness you bring!'

The castle is famous for its connection to Vlad the Impaler (whose portrait can be seen on the wall) - a real-life prince who stayed there in the 15th century and had a cruel habit of using stakes to impale his victims. Vlad inspired Stoker's story of Count Dracula

The winning pair will tour the castle, then be treated to a candlelight dinner of chicken paprikash, the same meal described in the novel

Airbnb's rules for the night are simple: no garlic or silver jewelry - both believed to ward off vampires. And there is also a reminder that 'the count is not a fan of mirror selfies'. According to legend, a vampire's image cannot be seen in mirrors

The castle is one of Romania's top tourist attractions, with more than 630,000 visitors a year. Hosting the one-off Airbnb event is a descendant of Bram Stoker, Dacre Stoker. 'I want to make it both realistic and show the legend in the wonderful country that birthed the whole thing,' Stoker said

Stoker added that staging 'Halloween night in Dracula castle' was a way of 're-creating the book, and giving people a good experience and a good scare.'

The winning pair will tour the castle and then be treated to a candlelight dinner of chicken paprikash, the same meal described in the novel.

Airbnb's rules for the night are simple: no garlic or silver jewelry - both believed to ward off vampires - and this reminder: 'The count is not a fan of mirror selfies.' (According to legend, a vampire's image cannot be seen in mirrors.)

Bran Castle was originally a military fortress, strategically set on a highway that links Transylvania to southern Romania. Vlad the Impaler did not own the castle, but is believed to have used it briefly during his incursions in Transylvania.

He is also believed to have been imprisoned in the castle for two months in 1462 when he was captured by a rival Hungarian king.

Vlad impaled his victims as punishment for wrongdoing. His victims reputedly included all the elderly residents of one community to avenge the deaths of his father and brother.

Blood or ink? Vlad impaled his victims as punishment for wrongdoing. His victims reputedly included all the elderly residents of one community to avenge the deaths of his father and brother

Bran Castle was originally a military fortress, strategically set on a highway that links Transylvania to southern Romania. Vlad the Impaler did not own the castle, but is believed to have used it briefly during his incursions in Transylvania

Stoker added that staging 'Halloween night in Dracula castle' was a way of 're-creating the book, and giving people a good experience and a good scare'. Pictured is the castle's inner courtyard

Following World War I, the castle was given to Queen Marie in gratitude for her role in unifying Transylvania with the rest of Romania. She bequeathed it to her youngest daughter Princess Ileana. In 1948, the Communists seized it from Ileana.

In 2006, years after communism ended, the castle was returned to Ileana's son Dominic Hapsburg, a retired New York architect. His sisters spent their childhood there.

Today a Romanian company manages the castle which is rented for weddings, soirees and corporate events. Hapsburg plays an active role in the site, but nobody has stayed overnight there since Hapsburg and his family were exiled from Romania.

Unsurprisingly the castle is very popular with tourists. 'We just love Halloween, so what drew us to Romania was Transylvania,' said Gina Ricciardi of Boca Raton, Florida, visiting with her husband and friends. 'We wanted to see Dracula's castle and just experience the whole Dracula.'
Airports are perhaps one of the worst places to sleep in while you're travelling - the lights are always on, there's a constant stream of passengers and the seats are generally far from comfortable.

But some hubs around the world do try to make the experience more comfortable by providing facilities like quiet zones, sleeping pods or even hotels - but the availability and quality of what's on offer varies greatly.

For those transiting through an airport and wondering whether they need to fear being delayed there - or book a hotel to retreat to - travel site Sleeping in Airports has conducted a survey that reveals the best and worst hubs to sleep in. You're in luck if you're passing through Singapore's Changi, but the likes of Venice, Luton and Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport are, according to the report, a nightmare for anyone wanting 40 winks.

The best airports for sleeping in

1. Singapore Changi International Airport

As one of the best airports in the world, Singapore Changi Airport offers its passengers plenty of sleeping options

Singapore Changi Airport regularly wins awards for being the best airport in the world so it's no surprise that it has also been voted the best place to sleep in.

As well as plenty of hotel and lounge options to choose from, there are also plenty of free spaces for sleeping.

For example, you can head to one of the rest zones where there are reclining loungers or try one of the complimentary massage chairs.

2. Seoul Incheon International Airport, South Korea

Passengers travelling through Seoul's Incheon Airport are able to shower for free if they end up spending the night there

Seoul's Incheon International Airport is another hub that offers its guests access to rest zones.

There are reclining chairs in these areas but there is also plenty of arm-rest free seating in other parts of the airport where you can simply take a nap.

But perhaps one of the best facilities are the free showers where you can refresh before your next flight.

3. Tallinn International Airport, Estonia

Tallinn International Airport offers its passengers a variety of seats, including bean bag chairs and free sleeping pods

Tallinn International Airport is self-proclaimed to be the coziest airport in the world and the travellers say it feels like home, according to Sleeping in Airports.

For budget-conscious travellers, there are free sleeping pods for a nap.

But, unusually, there are also a variety of other seating options, including bean bag chairs.

4. Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan

Tokyo Haneda Airport offers its passengers padded seats and benches for rest and some even have privacy screens

Tokyo Haneda International Airport doesn't have flashy amenities but it offers plenty of quality essentials according to Sleeping in Airports.

There are many padded seats and benches to choose from around the airport.

And in some cases, the seats are even partially sheltered by screens to offer passengers extra privacy.

5. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finland

Airports are perhaps one of the worst places to sleep in while you're travelling but some are more comfortable than others. Above, the sleeping pods in Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

At Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, it was the sleeping pods that won the hub its praise from travellers.

As well as a space for rest, they are also spacious enough for people to store their belongings in.

Aside from the sleeping pods, passengers could also rest on the long padded benches or the reclining seats.

The worst airports to sleep in

1. Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport, Saudi Arabia

Overcrowding and lack of seating at Jeddah King Abdulaziz Airport is one of the biggest problems for the Saudi airport

Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia was voted the worst airport for sleeping in.

Passengers complained about the lack of seating and the crowded atmosphere in the survey results.

Even the floor wasn't an option. According to Sleeping in Airports, the ground was not only cold but also dirty.

2. London Luton International Airport, England

There are few benches that passengers can use for rest at London Luton Airport but there are at least 24-hour dining options

London Luton International Airport, which serves a number of low-cost airlines, also offers few sleepable benches.

While the passengers were being surveyed, there was also construction work that started at 3am.

However, on the plus side, there were 24-hour dining options.

3. Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport, Iceland

Passengers have reported that Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport is now prohibiting passengers from sleeping at the airport

In the 2015 survey, Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport was voted the worst hub to sleep in.

But according to Sleeping in Airports, there are now a number of signs that tell passengers that sleeping in the airport is prohibited.

And, to make matters worse, there are said to be security guards that enforce the no-sleeping policy as well.

4. Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport, Italy

Passengers hoping to spend the night at Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport will be booted out as the airport closes between the hours of 12am to 4am

Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport is actually closed between the hours of 12am to 4am.

This means that any passengers arriving the night before for an early morning flight will be booted out.

And while some passengers are known to sleep outside the airport, there might be a chance that you'll get soaked by the sprinkler system according to the survey results.

5. Venice Marco Polo International Airport, Italy

Passengers complained that their rest at Venice Marco Polo Airport was disturbed by several different things

Passengers surveyed by Sleeping in Airports complained that the seats were very uncomfortable at Venice Marco Polo Airport.

Some have also said that they were woken up by police officers demanding to see their tickets.

There were even reports of homeless people staying in the airport overnight, according to the survey results.

MailOnline Travel has contacted Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport, London Luton International Airport, Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport, Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport and Venice Marco Polo International Airport for comment.

70 OF THE BEST AIRPORTS TO SLEEP IN Singapore Changi International Airport, Singapore (SIN) Seoul Incheon International Airport, South Korea (ICN) Tallinn Lennart Meri Airport, Estonia (TLL) Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan (HND) Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finland (HEL) Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan (TPE) Osaka Kansai International Airport, Japan (KIX) Munich Airport, Germany (MUC) Vancouver International Airport, Canada (YVR) Vienna International Airport, Austria (VIE) Porto Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport, Portugal (OPO) MinneapolisSt. Paul International Airport, USA (MSP) New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, India (DEL) Doha Hamad International Airport, Qatar (DOH) Zurich Airport, Switzerland (ZRH) Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates (DXB) Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, India (BOM) Warsaw Chopin Airport, Poland (WAW) Portland International Airport, USA (PDX) Indianapolis International Airport, USA (IND) Hong Kong International Airport, China (HKG) Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia (KUL) Athens International Airport, Greece (ATH) BeirutRafic Hariri International Airport, Lebanon (BEY) Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Norway (OSL) Tokyo Narita International Airport, Japan (NRT) Amsterdam Schipol Airport, Netherlands (AMS) Bogota El Dorado International Airport, Colombia (BOG) LyonSaint-Exupery Airport, France (LYS) Brisbane Airport, Australia (BNE) Copenhagen Kastrup Airport, Denmark (CPH) Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, Vietnam (HAN) Wellington International Airport, New Zealand (WLG) Denver International Airport, USA (DEN) Lima Jorge Chavez International Airport, Peru (LIM) San Francisco International Airport, USA (SFO) Prague Vaclav Havel Airport, Czech Republic (PRG) Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand (BKK) Brussels Zaventem Airport, Belgium (BRU) Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, USA (DFW) Dublin Airport, Ireland (DUB) Salt Lake City International Airport, USA (SLC) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, USA (PHX) Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport, France (NCE) Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Sweden (ARN) Frankfurt am Main Airport, Germany (FRA) Orlando International Airport, USA (MCO) Auckland Airport, New Zealand (AKL) Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport, Argentina (EZE) London Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom (LHR) Lisbon Portela Airport, Portugal (LIS) Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada (YYZ) Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Ecuador (UIO) Atlanta HartsfieldJackson International Airport, USA (ATL) Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France (CDG) Charlotte Douglas International Airport, USA (CLT) SeattleTacoma International Airport, USA (SEA) Manchester Airport, United Kingdom (MAN) Madrid Barajas Adolfo Suarez MadridBarajas Airport, Spain (MAD) Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport, Russia (SVO) Panama City Tocumen International Airport, Panama (PTY) Sao PauloGuarulhos International Airport, Brazil (GRU) Abu Dhabi International Airport, United Arab Emirates (AUH) Shanghai Pudong International Airport, China (PVG) Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport, Thailand (DMK) Milan Malpensa Airport, Italy (MXP) San Diego International Airport, USA (SAN) London Gatwick Airport, United Kingdom (LGW) Istanbul Ataturk Airport, Turkey (IST) Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, Australia (MEL) Source: www.sleepinginairports.net Advertisement
An 11-month-old baby had to be rushed to hospital after contracting a highly-contagious disease while on a four-star family break in Menorca.

Lily Connor and her father, Lee, suffered painful spots and sores after an outbreak at their hotel with the tot undergoing treatment from the effects of hand, foot and mouth disease.

The pair, also on holiday with pregnant Emma Connor, 27, from Solihull, West Midlands, were staying at the Family Life Mar de Menorca resort in the Canutells area of Spain last month, when they became ill.

Lily Connor and her father, Lee, suffered painful spots and sores after an outbreak at their hotel with the tot undergoing treatment from the effects of hand, foot and mouth disease. The pair, also on holiday with pregnant Emma Connor were staying at the Family Life Mar de Menorca resort in Spain

Mrs Connor, a housewife, said their break, which was booked through Thomson, was ruined by the outbreak of the highly contagious infection. Pictured, Lily's face speckled with spots

The family of three were going on their last holiday ahead of Mrs Connor's due date and were hoping to make the most of the sun.

But Mrs Connor, a housewife, said their break, which was booked through Thomson, was ruined by the outbreak of the highly contagious infection. It is spread person-to-person through direct contact with unwashed hands or surfaces contaminated with faeces.

Mrs Connor, who was just 11 weeks pregnant at the time and suffering with morning sickness, said hotel staff 'downplayed' the outbreak after her husband, also 27, expressed his fears about his baby and pregnant wife staying in the hotel.

The family flew to the Balearic Island of Menorca on September 14 and stayed at the four-star property for a week, spending just short of 1,000.

She said within two days of arriving a sign was put up in reception warning that there had been an outbreak of cases of hand foot and mouth disease - but no efforts were made to move people to other hotels.

By the fourth day Lily was so ill that a doctor referred her straight to the hospital where she was treated for eight hours until Mrs Connor discharged her and they returned to the hotel, where they were ordered to stay in their room in order not to infect other guests.

By the fourth day Lily was so ill that a doctor referred her straight to hospital where she was treated in a room for eight hours until Mrs Connor discharged her and they returned to the hotel, where they were ordered to stay in their room

She said she believes that dozens of other residents at the hotel were also infected, and some were hospitalised.

Mrs Connor said: 'It was our last holiday before we have our new child. We wanted to have another week with Lily all to ourselves until she has a brother of sister.

'The first few days Lily was fine and then the second day we were there we were told Thomson put the notice up.

'My other half asked if it would be a problem because of me being pregnant and having a baby with us. They said it was fine. We expected them to move us elsewhere under the circumstances.

'By day four she was really not herself, she had a high temperature was falling asleep where ever she was and wouldn't eat or drink, it was terrifying.

'We took her to the doctors on site and they sent her straight to the hospital. They thought it was because she fell over the day before but I knew it wasn't - you can tell when your child really isn't well.

'We were then in a room for eight hours, in the end I made the decision to discharge her.

Later Mr Connor also came in spots. Mrs Connor said: 'We went back to the doctors and were told to stay away from everywhere. They were saying that Lee had the hand, foot and mouth disease and that Lee caught it off Lily

'I decided that if we discharged her we could look after her in the hotel and make sure she was trying to eat and drink.

'We felt so guilty all holiday that we were putting Lily through it. We were so glad to get home, we just couldn't wait. We had to apply for a 'fit to fly' form for Lily to actually get back.

'We felt helpless, we had never seen her like that before. She is usually really happy and I have to fight to get her to sleep.

'I was so worried about her, she was falling asleep literally all the time and was just completely out of it. It was horrible, we were ringing home panicking which meant that everyone at home was panicking.

'It was horrible being so far away. It was awful as well because they can't speak to you either because she's so young.

'She started picking up a bit once we were back at the hotel and that's when we noticed the breakout in spots.

'The next thing my partner was coming out in them. On the Monday both of them woke up with spots everywhere. We went back to the doctors and were told to stay away from everywhere.

'We had to stay in the room then and I was pregnant trying to look after them both. The next day Lily had tripled in spots.

'The doctors were saying that Lee had the hand, foot and mouth disease and that Lee caught it off Lily.

'It was all so frustrating, we were in the doctors about five or six times.

'It ruined the holiday, the second day we were there the notice went up and we found out it was going round, from then we didn't allow Lily to go near other children, or in the baby club room,' Mrs Connor said. Pictured, Mr Connor and Lily in the hotel pool

'We go on holiday with Thomson regularly, we got married with them abroad last year. For a big company like that you don't expect it. We thought they would have offered us a different hotel because we had a baby with us.

'We spoke to a few families while we were waiting to go in the doctors, some were hospitalised and some were not, they woke up covered in spots like Lily and Lee.

'There's now been a Facebook page set up for all of the families that were affected.

'We paid around 1,000 for the holiday in total and booked it at the beginning of June, we had been looking forward to it for a few months.

'With me being pregnant and ill we really needed this break but we have come back more stressed than when we went.'

She added: 'I had been suffering from bad sickness, so was looking forward to the family break and had my 12 week scan the day after we returned.

'It was the doctor that told us to stay in our room and only when the spots were really visible. The Thomson representative told us we could go to get food and take it back to our room from all inclusive restaurant.

Mrs Connor said: 'We felt so guilty all holiday that we were putting Lily through it. We were glad to get home. We had to apply for a 'fit to fly' form for Lily to get back'

'It ruined the holiday, the second day we were there the notice went up and we found out it was going round, from then we didn't allow Lily to go near other children, or in the baby club room.

'We were constantly cleaning her hands and worrying. Nevertheless she got it anyway, so did her dad, from that Sunday we couldn't wait to go home.

'It was horrible sitting in our room while on holiday all day, she was ill for the four days then continued to be ill another eight days after coming home.

'She was screaming and we took her the doctors again on the Saturday after coming home and they said it was due to the illness.'

The couple have now currently pursuing a no win no fee claim for holiday illness in Spain following their experiences at Family Life Mar de Menorca.

Anne Thomson head of travel law at Your Holiday Claims, a division of Farnworth Rose solicitors which are pursuing the case, told MailOnline Travel: 'This outbreak is incredibly concerning.

'We were first made aware of the presence of hand, foot and mouth disease at Family Life Mar de Menorca in late September 2016 and we have received an influx of enquiries since this date.

'Many of our clients, like the Connors, have suffered severely and sought medical treatment in resort.

'Tour operators have a duty of care to ensure that their customers are provided with the highest standards of hygiene and are protected from harm during their stays. Thomson must ensure that they work to safeguard guests at this resort.'

A spokesman for Thomson told MailOnline Travel: 'We were made aware of a small number of cases of the Hand, Foot and Mouth virus at the Family Life Mar de Menorca hotel.

'Our resort team were fully briefed to assist guests and proactively displayed information on how to spot and prevent the spread of the illness.
Sofia Vergara and the cast of Modern Family are close on and off-camera.

The Colombian beauty, 44, who plays Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the hit ABC show, proved her love for her co-stars by taking to Instagram on Saturday night.

The multiple posts revealed that although the cameras had stopped rolling, most of the cast came together to celebrate Jesse Tyler Ferguson's 41st birthday a week early.

Cozy co-stars: Sofia Vergara took to Instagram sharing a photo with her Modern Family co-star Jesse Tyler Ferguson while celebrating his 41st birthday a week early with the cast

Close-knit crew: Another Instagram post by Sofia showed she and many of the cast members enjoying a 'special night' and intimate dinner party in honor of Jesse Tyler

The close-knit cast honored Ferguson with a candle lit outdoor and intimate dinner party in Los Angeles.

The image, which received nearly 97,000 likes, showed Ferguson surrounded by the cast including: Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Sarah Hyland, Nolan Gould, and Ed O'Neill.

Sofia captioned the shot, 'Special night.' While Ferguson shared the same image on his own Instagram page along with the words: 'A very modern dinner party.'

Justin Mikita, Ferguson's husband of three years, who sat across from the birthday boy during the festivities, hosted the special gathering.

'He is just fluffy': Sofia joked about Ferguson's husband, Justin Mikita, who hosted the special gathering. Her husband, Joe Manganiello, didn't appear to be at the party

'Partyyyy': The actress also shared another photo of the man of honor, who couldn't have appeared happier, surrounded by his cast mates at the lavish seated dinner

Sofia, who looked beautiful in a black off-the-shoulder blouse, even uploaded a shot of her cozying up to Ferguson's lawyer hubby, who donned a brown fur coat.

'He is just fluffy,' she wrote and included an emoji of a cat.

Meanwhile, Sofia's husband Joe Manganiello, whom she will be celebrating her one-year anniversary with in November, didn't appear to be there.

'I got confused': Sofia shared this throwback picture of she and Ferguson on Saturday only to realize later that his birthday is actually on October 22

Make a wish! '@jessetyler bday is next Saturday not today, but I'm going to be out of town #Igotconfused,' Sofia added.

The actress also shared another photo of the man of honor, who couldn't have appeared happier, surrounded by his cast mates at the lavish seated dinner.

The photo which was captioned with, 'Partyyyy,' also showed off the beautiful white table setting which included fresh flowers, printed menus, and fancy dinner ware.

Sofia lavished more love onto Ferguson as she posted a throwback picture of the pair at an unknown event.

'Los Amigos': On Friday, Sofia spread the social media love around to other members of the cast, including Ty Burrell and Eric Stonestreet (right), whom she sat on set with while filming

Modern Family: 'With my babies on set.' Sofia shared this shot on Thursday with actors Rico Rodriguez and Pierce Wallace, who play her children on the hit ABC show

Set life: Burell, Vergara and Stonestreet filmed another scene, which Vergara shared to Instagram this week

'Feliz Cumpleanos @jessetyler I don't know where we took this picture, but we look good.'

Realizing that she was a week early with the birthday wishes (Ferguson's birthday is actually on October 22) she later shared another shot of him on Saturday blowing out birthday cake candles.

'@jessetyler bday is next Saturday not today, but I'm going to be out of town #Igotconfused,' Sofia added.

'This is what @itsjuliebowen and @jessetyler do when u ask them to look sexy for a picture,' Sofia wrote alongside the funny image of her cast mates

On Friday, Sofia spread the social media love around to other members of the cast, including Eric Stonestreet and Ty Burrell, whom she sat on set with while filming.

She captioned the candid shot with: 'Los Amigos' with a heart emoji.

Earlier in the week she shared more images from set with Rico Rodriguez and Pierce Wallace, who play her children on the hit ABC show.

In another upload, she shared a funny picture of Ferguson and Julie Bowen doing their best 'sexy look.'

Sofia also shared a few photos of herself as Gloria 'fake cooking' on set and another shot of her while filming the Thanksgiving episode posing on a bale of hay with a chicken.

Modern Family is currently in it's 8th season, airing on ABC on Wednesday nights.

'My favorite': 'Fake cooking!' Sofia humorously captioned the shot from set she shared three days ago to Instagram
They're one of the golden couples in Hollywood who this year celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary.

However, speculation is rife Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's marriage may be on the rocks after the actress and her country crooner husband haven't been spotted together in public since August 13.

Woman's Day Magazine is reporting friends close to the couple think they're heading for a split, given the pair have previously said they spend no more than five days apart.

Scroll down for video

On the rocks? Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's friends believe the couple's ten year marriage is on the rocks and the pair could be headed for a split, according to Woman's Day

A source told the publication: 'You have to wonder if there are fresh problems in their marriage, especially as they always make a big noise about how they hate spending time apart.'

The insider added: 'There have been plenty of opportunities for them to be together lately and they certainly haven't been rushing into each other's arms.'

The Nashville-based couple share two young daughters together, Sunday Rose, eight, and Faith, five.

Speculation: The pair haven't been spotted together in public since August 13 (pictured), where they took their two young daughters out in New York

Academy award winner Nicole, 49, meanwhile also has two adopted children, Isabella, 23, and Connor, 21, who she shares with ex husband Tom Cruise, 54.

It comes as Nicole has been seen making glamorous red carpet appearances recently without Keith by her side.

A source told the publication Keith, 48, decided to not go with his wife to London - where she was on the promotional trail for her new film Lion.

She was in Asia promoting Lion while Keith jetted to Australia to perform at the NRL Grand Final.

He's also on his Rip Cord World Tour.

It's reported that if a split is on the horizon, they'll announce it straight away while the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie split takes the limelight.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Nicole and Keith's representatives for comment in relation to this story.

Flying solo: A source told the publication Keith, 48, decided to not go with his wife to London (pictured on October 12 in London) - where she was on the promotional trail for her new film Lion

Earlier this year, the Moulin Rouge star told Marie Claire magazine that she and her man don't spend more than five days apart.

'We spend five days apart at the most and that's it,' Nicole said.

'Once you commit to that, everything becomes simple because we make all of our decisions around that priority  I don't want to be away from him for one night, and I love that we both still feel that way.'

She also said in 2010 that they don't like to be more than three days apart for the sake of their family.

'I think I've reached a point in my life where I've slowed down a lot, so it's not difficult. My priority is very much keeping my family together and not being away from them.'

Priorities: Earlier this year, the Moulin Rouge star told Marie Claire magazine that she and her man don't spend more than five days apart

Nicole and Keith celebrated ten years together earlier this year, having tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Sydney's Manly in June 2006.

They had met a year earlier.

Keith has been open about his battle with alcohol and drug addiction and has been in rehab three times.

His uncle Paul previously told New Idea that his family worried about Nicole and Keith's marriage after they first wed, when he 'relapsed.'

'After the wedding he went back to dope and booze and had a relapse,' Paul told the publication.

Milestone: Nicole and Keith celebrated ten years together earlier this year, having tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Sydney's Manly in June 2006 (seen in Los Angeles in January 2015)

'I thought the marriage would fall apart after that point but he went to rehab and managed to kick it.'

He added: 'None of us expected it to last....That's credit to her. It's as much for Nicole and his love for her.'

In May, Keith spoke about their milestone anniversary, telling Today: 'I think it's about 30 in Hollywood years. I feel incredibly grateful.'

Still loved up? In May, Keith spoke about their milestone anniversary, telling Today: 'I think it's about 30 in Hollywood years. I feel incredibly grateful'

He said how he hoped his family would come on his tour which kicked off in Kansas City on June 2.

'We're trying to figure that out right now, there's a few things going on with scheduling, imagine that,' he said.

'We're just working that out.'
They have access to Hollywood personal trainers, treatments and the California lifestyle.

And these stars seem to be benefiting from it, as these pictures taken 10 years apart show.

Perhaps Cate Blanchett has the magic of the elves on her side, and Ewan MacGregor relies on the force to banish potential wrinkles.

Barely a blemish or line in sight makes it hard to guess which picture was taken more recently - can you tell?

Sandra Bullock was People magazine's Most Beautiful Woman only last year

Cate Blanchett played Galadriel, Fairest of the Elves - her beauty regime is surely magical

The Star Wars force is definitely with Ewan 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' McGregor

A second baby and a divorce separate these snaps of Gwyneth Paltrow

Even Jennifer Aniston's Friends would struggle to tell these pictures apart

Leonardo DiCaprio was savaged by a bear in The Revenant, but does is show?

Fighting evil aliens as Agent Jay in Men in Black has not aged Will Smith

Jennifer Lopez is an ambassador for L'Oreal because she is obviously worth it

Playing Iron Man has helped Robert Downey Jr smooth out any wrinkles

Uptown Girl Christie Brinkley pictured in her 50s and 60s - how does she do it?

Picture research: Claire Cisotti

Answers:

1. Sandra Bullock, top, 51, bottom, 42.

2. Cate Blanchett, top, 37, bottom, 46.

3. Ewan MacGregor, top, 44, bottom, 33.

4. Gwyneth Paltrow, top, 43, bottom, 33.

5. Jennifer Aniston, top, 47, bottom, 36.

6. Leonardo DiCaprio, top, 41, bottom, 32.

7. Will Smith, top, 38, bottom, 47.

8. Jennifer Lopez, top, 46, bottom, 37.

9. Robert Downey Jr., top, 51, bottom, 41.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere is reportedly under probe for his role in facilitating the illegal sale of 85 tonnes of ivory in China.Government sources said that Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa had been leading the investigation through the Office of the President and Cabinet.Police are said to be involved in the investigations.Another source said claimed Mnangagwa handed over a damning dossier to President Robert Mugabe relating to the cyanide poisoning of elephants in 2015 and the subsequent shipping of tusks to China before the veteran politician left for Malaysia last week.Meanwhile Kasukuwere has claimed that further exposes about under fire Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo are ill-conceived and damaging the ruling party.Prof Moyo and his deputy Godfrey Gandawa are accused of swindling the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) of close to half a million dollars to fund party and personal programmes.Kasukuwere who is himself embroiled in a residential stands scandal said further exposure of Minister Moyo could damage Zanu-PF, which he said was already dealing with the matter internally.
Christina Hendricks and Geoffrey Arend's seventh wedding anniversary festivities from Tuesday bled into Saturday with a romantic movie date under the stars.

The 41-year-old actress clutched their surrogate daughter - four-year-old dog Zouzou - as they cozied up in the VIP area of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

The Top Chef Masters couple caught Cinespia's sold-out screening of the 1992 Beverly Hills zom-com Death Becomes Her starring Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep.

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Still going strong! Christina Hendricks and Geoffrey Arend's seventh wedding anniversary festivities from Tuesday bled into Saturday with a romantic movie date under the stars

Side eye: The 41-year-old actress clutched their surrogate daughter - four-year-old dog Zouzou - as they cozied up in the VIP area of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Hunter's Supermoon: The Top Chef Masters couple caught Cinespia's sold-out screening of the 1992 Beverly Hills zom-com Death Becomes Her starring Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep

The 38-year-old actor tweeted: 'Thank you @cinespia for another wonderful night in the #hollywoodforevercemetery. Death Becomes Her was awesome under a full moon!'

'Thank you @cinespia for another wonderful night in the #hollywoodforevercemetery. Death Becomes Her was awesome under a full moon!' the 38-year-old actor - who boasts 8K followers - tweeted.

To Christina, little Zouzou was her 'idea of starting a family' since they don't plan on having children.

'We've decided that we are not really interested in having children,' the six-time Emmy nominee told Health back in 2014.

'It seems like it's expected that you'd want to have kids. It's just very normal for people to say, "Well, when you guys have kids..." And then when I say, "Actually I don't think we're going to do that," people will say, "Oh, you say that now..." It doesn't bother me, though. And, you know, there's a small chance I could change my mind.'

Mad Men alum: To Christina, little Zouzou was her 'idea of starting a family' since they don't plan on having children

The six-time Emmy nominee told Health back in 2014: 'We've decided that we are not really interested in having children...[but] there's a small chance I could change my mind'

Small-screen synergy: Surprisingly, the acting pair's only onscreen collaboration thus far was a 2011 episode of ABC's medical drama Body of Proof

Surprisingly, the acting pair's only onscreen collaboration thus far was a 2011 episode of ABC's medical drama Body of Proof.

Geoffrey currently portrays speechwriter Matt Mahoney in the third season of political drama series Madam Secretary, which airs Sundays on CBS.

The half-Pakistani star will also play Patient #086 in the rotoscoped series Dream Corp, LLC premiering October 23 on Adult Swim.

Political drama series: Geoffrey (L) currently portrays speechwriter Matt Mahoney in the third season of Madam Secretary, which airs Sundays on CBS

Trippy: The half-Pakistani star (L) will also play Patient #086 in the rotoscoped series Dream Corp, LLC premiering October 23 on Adult Swim

Meanwhile, Hendricks will next play Diane in the holiday comedy Bad Santa 2, which hits US/UK theaters November 23.

The rude and raunchy flick also features Tony Cox, Kathy Bates, Billy Bob Thornton, Octavia Spencer, and Brett Kelly.

And the Neon Demon star will reprise her role as Celine in the third season of Comedy Central's Another Period, which premieres next year.

Ho ho ho! Meanwhile, Hendricks will next play Diane in the holiday comedy Bad Santa 2, which hits US/UK theaters November 23
He's one of the five contestants left in the running for Georgia Love's heart.

And it looks like Lee Elliott may very well be in with a good chance of taking out The Bachelorette winning title.

Speaking to NW magazine, 27-year-old Georgia said she 'instantly' had feelings for 35-year-old mechanical plumber Lee, and can envision a lifetime together with him.

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Connection: The Bachelorette Australia Georgia Love says she 'instantly' had feelings for Lee Elliott, who is currently in the top five on the Channel Ten reality show

'A future with Lee is very easy for me to picture - I really had feelings for him instantly,' Georgia said.

Her comments come as pictures emerge of the hunk filming The Bachelorette finale in Singapore, along with fan favourite Matty J.

This week the beauty will be taking the hunk on his second single date, and if the promotional clips are anything to go by, sparks will fly.

The preview shows the handsome plumber recreate the iconic dance 'lift' from Dirty Dancing with the ex-newsreader.

But it doesn't quite go to plan, with the tradesman dropping his partner onto the ground.

She knows: 'A future with Lee is very easy for me to picture - I really had feelings for him instantly,' Georgia has said

Second chance: Lee will be going on a second single date with the ex-newsreader this week

Romantic: A preview shows the the genetically-blessed pair attempting to recreate the iconic "lift" from Dirty Dancing

In true Bachelorette tradition, the pair end up on a couch surrounded by flowers, champagne and candlelight as they pour their hearts out.

Lee takes the opportunity to remind Georgia of the reality they're faced with.

'It's hard for me to sort of switch off and forget that you are still dating four amazing guys,' he says.

Also in the top five is Cameron Cranley, Jake Ellis and Courtney Dober.

Back to reality: The mechanical plumber opens up to Georgia, admitting he's still coming to terms with the fact that she's 'still dating four amazing guys'
Beyonce suffered a nip slip on Saturday night.

The diva stepped out in a blazer without a bra as she performed with T.I. and Nicki Minaj at the Tidal X: 1015 NYC Benefit Concert in New York.

But the 35-year-old's risque attire nearly cost her a bit of embarrassment as she walked to her car.

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Wardrobe malfunction! Beyonce suffered a nip slip when she stepped out in New York City on Saturday

However, the fashion pro recognized the malfunction and promptly covered up.

Queen Bey looked majestic in a luxurious two-piece ensemble which included a plunging suit jacket.

Her satin wardrobe consisted of shimmering hues including gold, copper, teal and lavender.

Nicki Minaj opted for comfort in black leggings with a matching printed sweatshirt.

Majestic! The 35-year-old Formation star looked radiant in a luxurious two-piece ensemble with plunging jacket

Tied up! The Grammy winner made sure to take caution when exiting the vehicle with her high braided ponytail

Doting hubby: Jay-Z, 46, was by his wife's side to escort the beauty inside Italian eatery Pasquale Jones

99 Problems but a nip slip ain't one: Jay Z was beaming despite his wife's wardrobe malfunction

Da bomb: The rapper rocked a trendy bomber jacket with floral pattern on the sleeves for his evening out

The 33-year-old Anaconda hit-maker styled her long silky raven locks parted down the centre for a dramatic look.

She kept concealed behind dark oversized movie star shades and carried a bright crimson leather handbag for an added pop of colour.

Both Jay-Z, 46, and T.I., 36, looked after the ladies as the foursome enjoyed a late night dinner at Italian eatery Pasquale Jones.

Laid-back look: Nicki Minaj opted for comfort in black leggings with a matching printed sweatshirt

Details: The 33-year-old Anaconda hit-maker rounded out her all black attire with a bright red handbag and copper sneakers for an added pop of colour

The trio were performing at the all-star charity gig, along with Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, Robin Thicke, Common and Lil Yachty.

Held at the Barclays Center in New York City, the event raised money for Robin Hood, which fights poverty, essentially taking from the rich to give to the poor.

This year's show is a continuation of last year's Tidal X: 1020 concert, where the Lemonade favourite and Super Bass star performed on stage together.

Big Pimpin': Jay-Z, 46, was a hunky husband in all black, complete with trousers and dark coat

Going green: Hip hop artist T.I., 36, donned a camouflage coat with distressed denims and red cap embroidered with his initials
A former bodyguard for Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie revealed today that the estranged couple feared their children would be kidnapped and held for ransom.

Mark Billingham, a decorated former British Army soldier from Walsall, spent nearly 18 months as head of security for the Mr & Mrs Smith stars and their six children.

And he has told of the painstaking measures they took to ensure they were safe, as well as the numerous run-ins with stalkers of the former A-list king and queen.

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Opening up: Mark Billingham, pictured on Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins, has spoken about working with celebrity couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt and their children

Security: Mr Billingham is pictured (left) with the family at Chicago's Field Museum in 2007

Mr Billingham walks with Pitt and his children Zahara and Pax in Prague in May 2007

According to The Sun journalist Jen Pharo, Mr Billingham said: 'The biggest concern for them was the kidnapping of the kids, its all about money.'

He added that the couple were extremely focused on protecting their six children - Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, ten, and twins Vivienne and Knox, eight.

Mr Billingham said Pitt, 52, and Jolie, 41, trusted him with the children so much that as he bonded with them, he 'could take the kids anywhere I wanted to on my own.'

He also said that the former power couple were constantly uneasy about who would go near their children, to the point that they were mindful of security professionals.

Pitt walks with Mr Billingham and his children Maddox, Zahara and Pax in New York in 2007

Mr Billingham with Jolie, Pitt and children Maddox, Pax, Zahara and Shiloh in Chicago in 2007

Mr Billingham carries Pax into a school at the American Embassy compound in Prague in 2007

'Even when I wanted to bring in extra people, they wouldnt let any of those near the kids,' he said.

The added guards 'could look out for them from a distance but they couldnt physically touch them'.

Mr Billingham spent so much time around the children, he said he felt like he 'fathered them, basically.'

DailyMail.com has contacted spokesmen for both Pitt and Jolie. Representatives for Pitt have declined to comment.

Pitt smiles with Mr Billingham as he collects Zahara and Pax from a school in Prague in 2007

Constantly there: Mr Billingham spent so much time around the children, he said he felt like he 'fathered them, basically'. He is pictured with the family in Chicago in 2007

Careful: Pitt, 52, and Jolie, 41, were fearful their children could be kidnapped or held for ransom, according to their ex-bodyguard. They are seen here in February in Los Angeles

Defensive: Pitt and Jolie, pictured here in 2011 in New Orleans, were wary of security professionals being around their children, Mr Billingham said

Mr Billingham - who also has provided protection for Russell Crowe, Sean Penn and Tom Cruise - said he spent much of his time keeping Pitt and Jolie protected from stalkers.

He recalled a chilling situation that even reminded him of the murder of John Lennon in December 1980 at the hands of crazed fan Mark David Chapman.

'Angie was filming in a crowd and everyones got smiles on their faces except for one guy: He looked angry,' Mr Billingham said to The Sun.

'A few days later we were coming off set and this guy came running down the road with photos to be signed.

An eye out: The couple was 'very worried about who goes near their children' throughout Mr Billingham's nearly 18 months as their security ace

Bonded: Mr Billingham said he felt like he fathered the children after spending plenty of time with them

Special connection: Mr Billingham said the couple and their children immediately took to him

The security guard said that Jolie wanted to get out of the vehicle to do it but he denied her and instead got the photos himself and took them to her.

After seeing them, he said she was surprised how personal the snaps were.

Mr Billingham said when he confronted the man, 'the guy ran off - [but] then reappeared days later near the hotel - so I [had] him arrested.'

He later learned that the man had been 'following Angie all over the states.'

Mr Billingham also explained to The Sun that the Fight Club star needed more protection than the Maleficent beauty.

Scary: The ex-guard recalled a terrifying tale involving a stalker focused on Angelina, seen here in 2014 in Los Angeles

'People love her but hate him,' he said. 'You have to figure out a way of protecting them from all that. It was challenging, but interesting.

Mr Billingham, who also has six children, said he eventually had to quit the job because he 'lost direction in [his] own family life' amid the endless hours keeping an eagle eye on the famous family.

'I never had a private life - I was exhausted,' he told The Sun, adding he still does occasional freelance work for the stars, who parted ways amid Jolie's filing for divorce from Pitt last month.

Mr Billingham said: 'In 17 months, I was only home for six weeks - it was just too full-on.'

Strange dynamic: The security expert said that while people generally like Jolie, there's some hostility toward Pitt. He added: 'You have to figure out a way of protecting them from all that'

Separately, Mr Billingham told The Times journalist Ben Machell how he operates, saying: It's mostly word of mouth. I'll get a call from Angie.

She'll say, Hey Billy, I've got this thing in Baghdad. Can you come and help me out? Yeah, no problem at all.

I'll fly out to Jordan, meet her and the kids there, then take her to meet the UN. Just sort her out.

He also spoke of lighter moments and that Pitt once played a practical joke, explaining: It was Angie's birthday and we were all sitting in a frigging Audi Q7.

I hadn't been working with them long and suddenly Brad has locked the doors and farted and we couldn't get out. He won't have a problem with me telling you.
Robin Thicke debuted a much thicker frame during his Tidal X: 1015 performance onstage Brooklyn's Barclays Center on Saturday night.

The 39-year-old R&B crooner - whose waistcoat strained over his larger midsection - appeared to have gained weight since last year.

Even the four-time Grammy nominee's face looked puffier, with his double chin continuing past his groomed beard-line.

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Blurred (waist) Lines: Robin Thicke debuted a much thicker frame during his Tidal X: 1015 performance onstage Brooklyn's Barclays Center on Saturday night

Before/after: The 39-year-old R&B crooner - whose waistcoat strained over his larger midsection - appeared to have gained weight since last year

It's not too surprising Thicke put on a few pounds considering he's admitted to overindulging in alcohol and Vicodin in the past.

The Get Her Back belter debuted his new single Deep featuring Nas, which is about police violence against unarmed African-American men.

Perhaps Robin overdid it during the breakfast-themed September 11 taping of Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg's Dinner Party.

Sex symbol? Even the four-time Grammy nominee's face looked puffier, with his double chin continuing past his groomed beard-line

Familiar pattern: It's not too surprising Thicke put on a few pounds considering he's admitted to overindulging in alcohol and Vicodin in the past

Serious side: The Get Her Back belter debuted his new single Deep featuring Nas, which is about police violence against unarmed African-American men

The 44-year-old rapper and the 75-year-old homemaker - both of whom served hard time in prison - will soon kick off their 10-episode VH1 cooking show.

The divorced father-of-one recently returned from Paris with his 21-year-old girlfriend of two years, April Love Geary.

Thicke began dating the IMG Model just nine months after his separation from ex-wife Paula Patton, whom he began romancing at age 15.

Food festivities: Perhaps Robin overdid it during the breakfast-themed September 11 taping of Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg's Dinner Party

Alongside DJ Khaled (L): The 44-year-old rapper (2-R) and the 75-year-old homemaker (2-L) - both of whom served hard time - will soon kick off their 10-episode VH1 cooking show

In June, the 40-year-old SAG Award nominee revealed that their six-year-old son Julian is already following in Robin's musical footsteps.

'He's taking after his father now, as he loves to sing and play the piano,' Paula gushed to Haute Living New York.

The nepotistically-privileged son of Alan Thicke will next perform November 5 at California's Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.

18-year age gap: The divorced father-of-one recently returned from Paris with his 21-year-old girlfriend of two years, April Love Geary

She calls him 'Papi': Thicke began dating the IMG Model just nine months after his separation from ex-wife Paula Patton, whom he began romancing at age 15

'He loves to sing and play the piano!' In June, the 40-year-old SAG Award nominee revealed that their six-year-old son Julian is already following in Robin's musical footsteps

And in August, Thicke and his songwriting partner Pharrell Williams filed to overturn their 2015 copyright infringement case at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The guilty verdict awarded the Marvin Gaye estate $5.3M and 50 percent of royalties of Blurred Lines since it was too similar to his 1977 song Got to Give It Up.

Philandering hitmaker: The nepotistically-privileged son of Alan Thicke will next perform November 5 at California's Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio

Tacky move: And in August, Thicke and his songwriting partner Pharrell Williams filed to overturn their 2015 copyright infringement case at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
She's the Victoria's Secret beauty getting ready to launch her Hollywood film career.

But Shanina Shaik is still every inch the supermodel in her latest glamourous photo shoot for the November issue of InStyle.

The 25-year-old looked effortlessly chic while posing in various outfits for fashion photographer David Mandelberg.

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Sizzling! Shanina Shaik flaunted her flawless model physique in a retro-style bikini for the latest issue of InStyle

One of the shots saw the Shanina showing off her sculpted arms and taut tummy in a retro-styled bikini top and bottoms.

Shanina's ample cleavage was highlighted by the off-the-shoulder top, while the high-waisted bottoms hugged her slender waist perfectly.

The taupe-coloured bottoms featured dozens of floral appliques attached to sheer material.

Bronzed goddess: The 25-year-old was every inch the supermodel as she flaunted her endless pins for the poolside shoot

Another image from the poolside shoot showed the lingerie model lounge on a white chair while showing off her slim pins.

With her raven locks worn in voluminous curls, the exotic beauty accentuated her striking looks with bronzed eye make-up and defined brows.

Shanina sported a deep red shade of lipstick on her pout as she worked her best angles.

Sheer delight! The Australian stunner smouldered in a sheer black dress as she posed for fashion photographer David Mandelberg

In another shot, the Melbourne-born beauty smouldered in a sheer black dress worn underneath a paisley-printed shirt.

In contrast to the brooding inside shots, the cover photo had Shanina wearing a sparkly silver dress with colourful floral embellishments.

Shanina showed off her curves in the figure-hugging long sleeve frock as she cast a sultry gaze at the camera.

Glowing: The brunette showed off her curves in a figure-hugging sequined dress for the cover

In the magazine interview, Shanina revealed her dreams to become an action movie star as she prepares for her on-screen debut.

With a small role in the new Mummy film starring Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe, the aspiring actress said she'd like to land more roles in the future.

'I'm a real action girl, so I would love to be in action movies,' she explained.

Quiet on set! The supermodel is set to make her film debut with a small role in the newest Mummy film, also starring Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe

New ventures: Shanina admitted to the publication 'modelling is not forever' as she revealed her dreams for a movie career

'Modelling is not forever, but I will definitely see it as a platform to move into other things, maybe acting and hopefully starting my own brand,' she added.

Meanwhile, Shanina has plenty of things to keep her busy - including planning for her wedding to DJ Ruckus.

Shanina, who has modelled for the likes of Seafolly and Chanel, recently spoke about their wedding to Who magazine.

Keeping busy! Meanwhile, Shanina has plenty of things to keep her busy - including planning for her wedding to DJ Ruckus

She told the publication about her wedding dress, saying it will be 'simple and sleek and a bit bohemian'.

'For me the most glamorous day of my life will be my wedding day. I just want to look beautiful and feel like a goddess,' Shanina said.

Earlier this year, she claimed they will have a 'location wedding', telling Daily Mail Australia it will most likely be on a beach.
It was a heartbreaking episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey on Sunday night, as Joe Giudice was sent to prison for 41 months.

His wife Teresa and their four young daughters tearfully mourned his departure and offered prayers for his safe return.

On their first night without Joe the girls climbed into bed with their grieving mother.

Sad: It was a heartbreaking episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey on Sunday night, as Joe Giudice was sent to prison for 41 months

Prayers: On their first night without Joe the girls climbed into bed with their grieving mother and tearfully mourned his departure and offered prayers for his safe return

Please God, make my daddy come home quick, said Milania, 10, before bursting into tears.

His other children Gia, 15, Gabriella, 11 and Audriana, 6, also sobbed, as they cuddled their mother in bed.

Bring my husband home, my daughters need their daddy, agreed Teresa, 44, who has already served her own spell in prison, for her role in Joes tax fraud crimes.

Please God, make my daddy come home quick, said Milania, 10, before bursting into tears

His other children Gia, 15, Gabriella, 11 and Audriana, 6, also sobbed, as they cuddled their mother in bed

Bring my husband home, my daughters need their daddy, agreed Teresa, 44, who has already served her own spell in prison, for her role in Joes tax fraud crimes

The show had opened with the Giudice family baking cupcakes together.

Joes going away in a few days so he wanted to do something special with the girls, said Teresa, who was scared that her husbands absence would scar her daughters for life.

Im doing everything in my power to make sure that doesnt happen, she said wearily.

Sweet moment: The show had opened with the Giudice family baking cupcakes together

Joes going away in a few days so he wanted to do something special with the girls, said Teresa, who was scared that her husbands absence would scar her daughters for life

Im doing everything in my power to make sure that doesnt happen, she said wearily

Fatherly advice: Dont be dating nobody, Joe warned his eldest daughter

Dont be dating nobody, Joe warned his eldest daughter.

Meanwhile Jacqueline Laurita was baby shopping with her pregnant daughter Ashlee, 25.

They discussed the birth.

You want to do it natural? Why? asked Jacqueline incredulously before they hugged in a bonding moment of mutual appreciation.

Meanwhile: Jacqueline Laurita was baby shopping with her pregnant daughter Ashlee, 25

Baby talk: You want to do it natural? Why? asked Jacqueline incredulously

Bonding moment: Later they shared a tearful hug in a moment of mutual appreciation

Melissa and Joe Gorga were also preparing for Joe Giudices departure.

Its almost like a funeral, because youre not going to see this person for 41 months, what do you say to them? pondered Joe.

Car talk: Melissa and Joe Gorga were also preparing for Joe Giudices departure

Its almost like a funeral, because youre not going to see this person for 41 months, what do you say to them? pondered Joe

Rosie Pierri went bowling with her new girlfriend Laura, whom she met while she was on a date with another woman.

We exchanged numbers and then started dating, she giggled.

Rosie and Jacqueline were conspicuously absent from Joes leaving party.

This time I really dont know what to do, shrugged Rosie, 45.

Rosie Pierri went bowling with her new girlfriend Laura, whom she met while she was on a date with another woman

New lady love: We exchanged numbers and then started dating, she giggled

Regarding Joe: This time I really dont know what to do, shrugged Rosie, 45

Joe who? Jacqueline and her husband were also conspicuously absent from Joes leaving party

Joes goodbye bash was going off with a bang, despite the depressing circumstances.

I think thats what Joe really wanted, said Teresa, calling it bittersweet.

But Teresa was beginning to fret about her husbands departure.

Ive known Joe my whole life, his father was at the hospital when I was born, we grew up togetherhe was at my sweet 16, she explained.

Savoring last moments: Joes goodbye bash was going off with a bang, despite the depressing circumstances

I think thats what Joe really wanted, said Teresa, calling it bittersweet

Flashback: Ive known Joe my whole life, his father was at the hospital when I was born, we grew up togetherhe was at my sweet 16, she explained

Whatever mistakes we made, you paid your dept, Im ready to pay mine, said Joe, vowing to become a better person while locked up.

Everyone cried on the day he left.

Its a terrible situation, said Joe Gorga.

Its been emotionally exhausting and Im just drained, said Teresa, who looked fraught.

Melissa said she couldnt be happier to be a support for Teresa.

The night before: Whatever mistakes we made, you paid your dept, Im ready to pay mine, said Joe, vowing to become a better person while locked up

Emotional night: Joe and Teresa shared a bottle of wine and a long embrace as they discussed his going away

The day arrives: Its been emotionally exhausting and Im just drained, said Teresa, who looked fraught

It's time: Joe and Teresa left in an SUV while family stood in the driveway

Tearful goodbye: Everyone cried on the day he left, including Melissa

Family support: Melissa said she couldnt be happier to be a support for Teresa

Jacqueline, Siggy and Dolores were left to watch Joes departure on the news, as they spooned fake poop into diapers for plastic baby dolls.

They lamented their falling out with Teresa.

If she ever were to call me, which I know she wont anyway, and she needed me, I would be there for her, said Jacqueline.

Oblivious: Jacqueline, Siggy and Dolores were left to watch Joes departure on the news, as they spooned fake poop into diapers for plastic baby dolls

Gossip: They lamented their falling out with Teresa

If she ever were to call me, which I know she wont anyway, and she needed me, I would be there for her, said Jacqueline

Over to Siggy Flicker, who was swigging red wine with her family.

They discussed plastic surgery.

Ive had every part of my body done, 49-year-old Siggy told her parents.

Siggys mother gave her a guilt trip about not spending enough time with them.

I dont think I deserve it, she said.

I dont think I deserve it': Siggy Flickers mother gave her a guilt trip about not spending enough time with her parents

All this unnecessary fighting, its sad: Over lunch with Dolores Catania, Siggy vowed to spend more time with her family

Over lunch with Dolores Catania Siggy vowed to spend more time with her family.

All this unnecessary fighting, its sad, she said.

With that in mind they visited the Holocaust Memorial in Brooklyn together.

Siggys father Mordecai told his story of escaping the nazis during WW2 in Switzerland.

The RHONJ continues next week on Bravo.

Good on her word: With that in mind they visited the Holocaust Memorial in Brooklyn together

Family history: Siggys father Mordecai told his story of escaping the nazis during WW2 in Switzerland
They've been anxiously counting down the birth of their first child together.

And on Monday, The Block's Kyal and Kara Demmrich announced the birth of their baby son, Ziya Christopher.

The married couple shared a hospital selfie on Facebook, as Kyal wrote in the caption: 'It just feels like a dream.'

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Just the three of us! On Monday, The Block's Kyal and Kara Demmrich announced the birth of their newborn son, Ziya Christopher

'Introducing our beautiful baby boy Ziya Christopher Demmrich,' he added.

The couple revealed Ziya Christopher was born on Sunday night weighing 3.85 kg.

Kyal wrote: 'Kara was nothing short of amazing. I'm still buzzing from helping guide our baby out!'

Apple of their eye: The couple revealed Ziya Christopher was born on Sunday night weighing 3.85 kg

She's glowing! Throughout Kara's pregnancy, the pair had been sharing plenty of pictures of her growing baby bump

'So lucky and blessed to have watched this miracle happen before my eyes! Thanks to all those lovely people who have sent us messages leading up to the birth.'

In the snap, Kara appeared to be make-up free and glowing shortly after giving birth.

The baby was wrapped in a black and white blanket and was sleeping in a white beanie hat.

Kyal also shared another shot online of their son, with part of the caption saying: 'Best miracle I've ever seen.'

In awe: Kyal previously praised his partner for how she was handling the pregnancy

'Extra special being able to help guide him out then cut the cord! Kara was a legend through the whole thing. Admiration levels are now through the roof.'

Throughout Kara's pregnancy, the pair had been sharing plenty of pictures of her growing baby bump.

Kyal previously praised his partner for how she was handling the pregnancy.

'Can't say enough how amazed I am at the woman's body to go through the process of growing a human,' Kyal wrote.

'This woman in particular she's coolest cutest thing even when she snores at night. Seriously can't wait to meet our baby.'

Good timing: Kyal and Kara have been married for eight years and were expecting their baby this month

Kyal and Kara have been married for eight years and were expecting their baby this month.

In April, they announced the pregnancy on social media.

'Bun is in the Oven! Very excited to meet our little one in October,' they wrote.

'Bun in the oven': In April, they announced the pregnancy on social media

Kyal and Kara rose to fame on The Block's eighth season.

Kara, a qualified physiotherapist, put her career on hold after the couple was selected for the Fans Vs Favourites series.

After their success on the TV show, they have launched a career in renovations and currently work together on Diverse Construct.
Bonnie Sveen is taking her relationship to the next level.

The ex-Home And Away actress met boyfriend Nathan Gooley while filming the TV soap and now they are going into business together.

Bonnie, 28, told New Idea that she and Nathan are launching an app for freelance TV and film professionals called CrewUp.

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Loved up: Bonnie Sveen (L) and Nathan Gooley (R) have been together for over year after meeting on set of TV soap Home and Away

Meanwhile, Bonnie claimed she's not worried about the prospect of working with her partner because of how they fell in love.

'We are sweet, because we met through working on Home and Away. What better way to get to know someone than at work?

'We just jam together and think up ideas,' she added.

Famous face: The actress won Most Popular New Talent at the 214 Logie Awards for her role in Home And Away

Moving on: Bonnie left her role as Ricky Sharper earlier this year, saying the part had 'shaped me forever'

'The app's not a Hollywood blockbuster, but at the same time it's worthwhile and it's something we're passionate about.'

Having left her role as Ricky Sharpe earlier this year, the Tasmanian-born actress has since thrown herself into a new character in The Secret Daughter.

Bonnie plays the role of Layla, and her dedication to the part has even seen her learn to play the piano.

Double act: Bonnie stars alongside Jessica Mauboy (R) in family drama The Secret Daughter

'I had a beautiful teacher who I worked with long distance,' she revealed.

'She was based in the country so I would put down videos and she'd Facetime me. She'd break it down for me.'

The Secret Daughter airs Monday at 8.40pm on Channel Seven
As the niece to Kylie Jenner, founder of her own Lip Kit enterprise, it's no wonder she's curious about cosmetics.

And North West, aged three, got the chance to have her 19-year-old aunt apply a dark coat of lipstick.

The two were attending a birthday party thrown by Kylie and her rapper beau Tyga for his son, King Cairo, who turned four on Sunday.

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Pucker up! North West, aged three, wore a dark coat of lipstick as she attended a birthday party for King Cairo's fourth birthday on Sunday

'Okay, you want black, yes?' the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star asked the daughter of her sister Kim Kardashian, 35, and husband Kanye West, 39.

As the precious little girl squealed with excitement, Kylie agreed and took a snapshot of North in the black gloss.

She humourously captioned the photo: 'What happens at auntie Kylie's stays at auntie Kylie's.'

'Okay, you want black, yes?': North's auntie Kylie Jenner, 19, applied black lipstick to the daughter of sister Kim Kardashian and husband Kanye West

'Oh my God, Northy!': The little girl delighted while gliding down backwards on a huge, bright red bouncy slide, with Ferrari logo flags hanging from above

Precious! North looked adorable in a blush-coloured dress layered over a white tee andkicked off her Vans to go on the slide

North looked precious in a blush-coloured dress layered over a white tee and her raven locks in high pigtail buns.

After a mini makeover, North headed for an afternoon of fun at a Ferrari-themed birthday party thrown by Kylie and Tyga for his son with ex, Blac Chyna, 28.

There was a balloon Ferrari floating in the pool, an enormous replica Ferrari racing track for remote-controlled cars - Ferraris, obviously.

'World's best dad': Kylie and her rapper beau Tyga threw a Ferrari-themed birthday party for his son, King Cairo, who turned four on Sunday

Riding high! There was a balloon Ferrari floating in the pool, an enormous replica Ferrari racing track for remote-controlled cars - Ferraris, obviously

There were Ferrari inflatable slides, a bungee trampoline, Ferrari horses and of course, the birthday cake was Ferrari-themed too.

And North was not shy as she anxiously waited first in line to grab a slice from the double-tiered cake.

She also delighted while gliding down backwards on a huge, bright red bouncy slide, with Ferrari logo flags hanging from above.

Decked out! There were Ferrari inflatable slides, a bungee trampoline, Ferrari horses and of course, the birthday cake was Ferrari-themed too

Let them eat cake! North was not shy as she anxiously waited first in line to grab a slice from the double-tiered delight

North's parents were likely not in attendance as the party came on the heels of Kim's attack earlier this month where she was robbed at gunpoint by five men in a $11 million heist during Paris Fashion Week.

Meanwhile Snapchat queen Kylie documented the special day on the popular social media mobile app.

'He did such a good job,' she captioned one shot of her beau. 'Worlds best dad.'

Circus act! Tyga and Kylie made sure to not miss a single detail for Cairo's fourth birthday

The day before Cairo's mom, Blac Chyna also threw a party for the former couple's son in a similar-themed Lego Ferrari party.

Tyga and his baby momma are obviously not comfortable enough around each other to consolidate the festivities into a singular Ferrari-themed day.

This is despite the fact that Cairo's mom is about to have a baby for his dad's girlfriend's brother Rob, making Blac both his mother and his auntie.
News / National

by Staff reporter

PRESIDEDNT Robert Mugabe's government will have to convince the international community that it is committed to reform, with tangible proof before any budgetary support can begin to flow in, the European (EU) ambassador to Zimbabwe, Philippe van Damme has said.Van Damme was addressing participants in a discussion hosted by social media news platform 263Chat in Harare yesterday, where he denied government claims that the EU supported "regime change" agents in Zimbabwe."The government has put on the table the Lima Plan. It is an ambitious and homegrown plan that, if implemented, will help this country. But we were not involved in crafting it. However, it is important that the plan is implemented," he said."If they can provide a detailed reform agenda and we have not seen that, then we can begin to mobilise resources.Without that, we have never said we will help the government with a bailout. But we will help with expertise in constitutional reform."We are also insisting on not only economic reform, but also the political side. I would love to see things moving a lot quicker in terms of reforms and constitutional alignment. We were faced with suspicion on trying to deal with mending relations with Zimbabwe, but it's more relaxed now."Van Damme said as long as corruption was not credibly tackled, the EU would not inject any money."[It] would be waste we can't justify. There is nothing worse than impunity, say; recent exposes have not led to any action like prosecution! The reason why we insist on reforms is to help the government to grow out of its problems," he said."Poor regulations, lack of rule of law and contempt of court are fuelling corruption in Zimbabwe. Address that and we are willing to help the government in implementing reforms in Zimbabwe."Opposition parties have accused the international community of double-standards and cutting deals with Mugabe's government, especially following the conclusion of the 2013 general elections, questionably won by Zanu-PF.But Van Damme yesterday said the EU had not changed the way it deals with Zimbabwe's government, despite the wholesale removal of top Mugabe aides from its sanctions list, leaving the 92-year-old leader and his wife, First Lady Grace Mugabe."We have not changed our implementation modalities. The money we bring still goes through development partners. There is no ambiguity around that. The partial lifting of the targeted measures was to create space for dialogue. At first, there was a lot of suspicion, a lack of trust. There has been dialogue, especially with the line ministers at Justice (VP Emmerson Mnangagwa), Finance (Patrick Chinamasa) and Agriculture (Joseph Made)," the EU envoy said.Responding to allegations that the EU, along with other Western countries, supported activities aimed at forcing Mugabe out of power, Van Damme said: "We are surprised that the accusations are that we are propping up the government and supporting activities that are meant to remove it. The truth is the EU has never funded any form of regime change activity and we challenge those who are accusing us to come forward with the evidence."
The X Factor judges are in the process of forming their teams of three.

And as if she wasn't spoilt for choice already, Groups judge Iggy Azalea pulled a sneaky manoeuvre on Monday night's episode to get herself an extra group.

The Fancy hit maker stole four rejected contestants from fellow judge Adam Lambert's team to form a boy band, who were then given just a week to prove their worth against the already established groups.

Sneaky: Groups judge Iggy Azalea pulled a sneaky manoeuvre on Monday night's episode to get herself an extra group

Speaking directly to the camera as the reality talent show began, the 26-year-old showed she would be doing whatever it took to win the competition.

'A group has never won Australian X Factor thus far - but I really want to be the one to change that,' she said.

The Australian rapper clearly believes she can do that with her newly formed boy band, because when they appeared to audition, she replaced crowd favourites, stepsisters IndiElla with the foursome.

Boy band: As the newly formed Time And Place hit the stage, Iggy asked Adam if he recognised the boys

As the newly formed Time And Place hit the stage, Iggy asked Adam if he recognised the boys.

'I do,' he responded.

'I cut them all! They weren't ready!'

Dressed in black and white, the four men performed You Don't Know Love by Olly Murs, to Adam's delight and surprise.

'Individually, you didn't have enough to get through,' he told them.

'But together I think you make each other stronger.'

Look familiar? When asked by Iggy if Adam recognised the group he said: 'I cut them all! They weren't ready!'

Doing all white! Dressed in black and white, the four men performed You Don't Know Love by Olly Murs, to Adam's delight and surprise

It wasn't the only shock of the episode - 15 and 16-year-old duo The Dennis Sisters were cut from the show - despite leaving a judge in tears.

As they performed their own take on Fire and The Flood by Vance Joy, judge Guy Sebastian wept.

'I am so embarrassed right now,' he said when the cameras turned to him at the end of the song.

' I have a thing for siblings that sing - my sons sing and it kills me.

'I was fighting back tears - I love watching you guys holding each other up, it's really honest and pure.'

Tears: The Dennis Sisters were cut from the show - despite leaving a judge in tears. As they performed their own take on Fire and The Flood by Vance Joy, judge Guy Sebastian wept

Emotional: Guy wept: 'I was fighting back tears - I love watching you guys holding each other up, it's really honest and pure'

The duo: The Dennis Sisters who left Guy in tears

Iggy congratulated the girls on making a grown man cry, but lamented she could not let them through as she didn't find them to be versatile enough.

Female trio Beats were another shock departure from the show.

First to perform, the girls wowed the crowd with a polished redition of Meghan Trainor's Me Too.

But the judges were not as impressed, and told the girls they needed a makeover.

'I'm looking for someone to fill that chair who isn't dated,' said Iggy.

She gave them a seat, which they held on to until the very last audition, but unfortunately a vampy Ariana Grande cover from the newly renamed Montage pushed the girls off their seats and out the door.

Beats would not be defeated though, and told the camera on their way out: 'It will never be the last of us'.

Missing the beat: Female trio Beats were another shock departure from the show

Ousted: A vampy Ariana Grande cover from the newly renamed Montage pushed the girls off their seats and out the door

Undefeated: Beats would not be defeated though, and told the camera on their way out: 'It will never be the last of us'

The Brentwood Duo make up the final part of Iggy's three-group team, though both Adam and Guy expressed grave concerns about the future of the group.

Siblings Isla and Finley performed an acoustic version of Zara Lawson's Lush Life, which all the judges found was flawless vocally - but left room to improve in terms of style.

'Your voice is so unique, it's so amazing... but I don't think you should dress up like an accountant,' Guy told Finley.

Brentwood: The Brentwood Duo make up the final part of Iggy's three-group team, though both Adam and Guy expressed grave concerns about the future of the group

Flawless: Siblings Isla and Finley performed an acoustic version of Zara Lawson's Lush Life, which all the judges found was flawless vocally - but left room to improve in terms of style

Adam agreed with his co-star, and told the group the song they chose was 'cool', but received 'the lounge treatment' from the group.

Viewers could be treated in the next few weeks, with the Brentwood Duo immediately turning to Iggy to 'make us cool'.

Iggy's team for the Live Shows is: Montage, Brentwood Duo and Time and Place.
She recently announced her return to the cobbles of Coronation Street.

So Helen Flanagan is naturally keen to squeeze in as much relaxation time possible ahead of her return to work as she enjoyed a sun-drenched Dubai getaway with her boyfriend of seven years, Scott Sinclair, 27, and their 16-month-old daughter Matilda.

The 26-year-old soap star showed off every inch of her stunning figure in a barely-there blue bikini adorned with sparkling sequins over the cups and bottoms.

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Stunner: Helen Flanagan is naturally keen to squeeze in as much relaxation time possible ahead of her return to work as she enjoyed a sun-drenched Dubai getaway with her boyfriend of seven years, Scott Sinclair and their 16-month-old daughter Matilda

Helen first soared to fame in the beloved soap playing Rosie Webster in 2000 and she is set reprise her famed role after leaving in 2012.

Since leaving the show, she gave birth to Matlida who she shares with Celtic F.C. winger Scott - her boyfriend since 2009. The family live in Prestbury, Cheshire.

While she is set to make her impact on the cobbles once more, she was certainly making an impact on the sandy shores of Dubai earlier this month.

Her blue two-piece did every thing to exhibit her sensational physique, with the dazzling sequins helping highlight every element of her stunning figure.

Glittering: The 26-year-old soap star showed off every inch of her stunning figure in a barely-there blue bikini adorned with sparkling sequins over the cups and bottoms

A vision in blue: While she is set to make her impact on the cobbles once more, she was certainly making an impact of the sandy shores of Dubai earlier this month

Tender moments: It was clear to see just how loved up the family are

Proving herself to favour the natural look, Helen scraped her brunette tresses into a high bun with little styling involved.

She opted to go for a full on beachy look as she shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of over-sized aviator sunglasses.

Helen's seaside look was enhanced with her tattoos which included a Marilyn Monroe inking on her arm as well as a rose design on the inside her thigh.

Holding on tight: Proving herself to favour the natural look, Helen scraped her brunette tresses into a high bun with little styling involved

A vision in blue: Helen's figure looked phenomenal as she strutted down the beach

Kiss, kiss: It's plain to see that Helen and Scott are enamoured with their adorable tot

Proving herself to be every inch the sun-safe mummy, Matilda was totally covered up in a protective swimsuit while also wearing a sun shielding bucket hat.

She will reprise her famous Coronation Street role at the end of the year - with her first scenes airing in February 2017.

Helen, who played Rosie Webster for 12 years, is due to start filming scenes at the end of the year.

Happy families: The trio were having a wild time as they cosied up on the beach while having a giggle

Cooling off: Helen took a dip in the waters as she chilled out in the cooling shores

The look of love: The couple could not take their eyes off each other

The vivacious brunette will come bouncing back into her mother and father's lives when she arrives back in Weatherfield from Miami alongside younger sister, Sophie.

Speaking about her return to the soap, Helen said: 'I'm so excited to be returning to Coronation Street and being part of the Webster family again.'

Corrie boss Kate Oates said that it was the 'ideal time' to bring the character back, explaining: 'The Websters have missed Rosie and so have we.

'With Sophie away on holiday with her sister it seemed like the ideal time to bring Rosie back home with her for a visit.

She's back! The vivacious brunette will come bouncing back into her mother and father's lives when she arrives back in Weatherfield from Miami alongside younger sister, Sophie

Way back when: Helen first soared to fame in the beloved soap playing Rosie Webster in 2000 and she is set reprise her famed role after leaving in 2012
Her latest film role is that of an ancient mystical sorcerer.

But Tilda Swinton was working her own unique brand of fashion magic as she walked the red carpet with Benedict Cumberbatch at the Doctor Strange film premiere in Shanghai, China, on Sunday night.

The actress, 55, stole the show in a kooky ankle-length silk gown, hemmed with vintage beaded lace and sporting fierce square cut shoulder pads.

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Elegant: Tilda Swinton was working her own unique brand of fashion magic as she walked the Doctor Strange red carpet in Shanghai, China, on Sunday

Never afraid of standing out, the Scottish siren paired the cream creation with silver silk heels, given extra height with a bold cork wedge.

With her platinum blonde hair swept up away from her face, enhancing her elfin features with shaven side panels, Tilda posed for selfies with fans.

A shimmering pearl and diamond ear cuff echoed the ornate beading on the hem and arms of her gown as she worked her magic on the red carpet.

Leading man: Wearing a lead grey suit and black tie, Benedict Cumberbatch chose smart black suede shoes to complete his look

Dynamic duo: Tilda stole the show in an ankle length silk gown, hemmed with vintage beaded lace and sporting fierce square cut shoulder pads

Gentleman: Benedict, who plays the titular role in the Marvel Comic caper, lent Tilda his hand as the pair descended the premiere stairs to make their way into the screening

A touch of blush and fuchsia pink lipstick added a dash of colour to her pale signature look.

Ever the gentleman, Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays the titular role in the Marvel Comic caper, lent Tilda his hand as the pair descended the premiere stairs to make their way into the screening.

Wearing a lead grey suit and black tie, the 40-year-old actor chose smart black suede shoes to complete his look.

Controversy: There have been accusations that the Marvel film had been 'whitewashed' after casting Tilda rather than an Asian actor in the role of the Ancient One

Only choice: Kicking off the press tour in Hong Kong last week, director Scott Derrickson (far left) revealed the role was actually written with the actress specifically in mind

For the fans: A touch of blush and fuchsia pink lipstick added a dash of colour to Tilda's pale signature look

Tilda is playing the Ancient One in the forthcoming Marvel blockbuster, who trains Cumberbatch's character Stephen Strange - a brilliant surgeon who is injured in an accident - in the ways of magic.

Doctor Strange is forced to use his newfound powers for good, most pertinently to take on the evil Kaecilius, who is played by Hannibal star Mads Mikkelsen.

Doctor Strange also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams and Benjamin Bratt and is in UK cinemas on October 25.

Learn from the best: Tilda's alter-ego trains Cumberbatch's character Stephen Strange - a brilliant surgeon who is injured in an accident - in the ways of magic

Good vs. evil: Doctor Strange is forced to use his newfound powers for good, most pertinently to take on the evil Kaecilius, who is played by Hannibal star Mads Mikkelsen
Some clubs like to play old school tracks; but there is one night spot in Greece that is purely 'scold school'.

Lindsay Lohan told punters who had turned up for the opening night of her nightclub to 'shut the f*ck up'.

Speaking from the DJ booth, the 30-year-old was trying to address the crowd who had the audacity to talk while she was speaking.

'Everyone shut the f**k up': Lindsay Lohan scolded crowd at her new Greek nightclub for talking over her on Saturday night

'This is really a important thing, I just want everyone to...' she began before suddenly snapping: 'Everyone shut the f**k up, please!'

So began an awkward exchange as the actress scolded the uninterested revelers, who of course paid her no attention.

'No seriously please, stop talking and just listen for a second,' she demanded to cheers and jeers.

'I'm not going to speak until you stop,' she threatened, oddly oblivious that nobody cared.

Bright like a diamond! The 30-year-old looked as glamorous at the opening of her namesake club in Athens, Greece

Hero to zero: But she soon lost whatever credential she had built by admonishing the crowd for daring to make noise on a night out

With her warnings ignored, she then preceded to shush and irritating tut into the microphone, which had the exact same effect once again.

The DJ, who unlike Lindsay had realised she had lost the crowd, started to play music, but the Parent Trap star was having none of it.

'Turn it off,' she said, grabbing for his mixer. 'Turn the whole thing off.'

Saturday night was the grand opening of the glitzy venue, which was named for her by her new boyfriend Dennis Papageorgi.

Lilo is speaking: 'This is really a important thing, I just want everyone to...' she began before suddenly snapping: 'Everyone shut the f**k up, please!'

Sealed with a kiss: Saturday night was the grand opening of the glitzy venue, which was named for her by her new boyfriend Dennis Papageorgi

According to TMZ, Lindsay will receive 'a chunk of the profits' for the 'abandoned factory-style' space.

And the Mean Girls star is expected to make two or three personal appearances there each month.

She took to Snapchat to show off some of the preparations before the grand opening got underway.

The venue features a large bar and a raised DJ plinth with flat screen TV's arrayed behind it.

Shhh! With her warnings ignored, she then preceded to shush and irritating tut into the microphone, which had the exact same effect once again

Lindsay is said to regard Dennis as the man who 'saved her' from abusive ex Egor Tarabasov.

A source recently said: 'Lindsay initially met Dennis at her 30th birthday party on Mykonos, but she only had eyes for Egor at that point.

'But Egor showed his true colours in a series of blazing rows, and Dennis did too with how he stepped in to help. Lindsay says they are very serious and she's been referring to him as the man who saved her from Egor.'

Dennis is said to have dumped his long-term model girlfriend Noelle Koutra to be with Lindsay.

Namesake: According to TMZ, Lindsay will receive 'a chunk of the profits' for the 'abandoned factory-style' space

Replacement: Dennis is said to have dumped his long-term model girlfriend Noelle Koutra to be with Lindsay
She's not known for taking fashion risks.

But Ferne McCann decided to play around with her style with surprising results as she headed to the Xtra Factor studios in London on Sunday.

Opting for an eye-catching ensemble, the 26-year-old TOWIE star ensured she would turn heads as she donned an outfit to rival the glamour of the performers.

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Taking a risk: Ferne McCann decided to play around with her style with surprising results as she headed to the Xtra Factor studios in London on Sunday

Highlighting her svelte curves, the reality starlet donned a shimmering bronze shirt with fluted sleeves that nipped in at her small waist.

Featuring a low-cut neckline, the blouse offered a look at her decotellage, which she drew more attention to with a chunky embellished necklace.

She teamed the quirky top with a pair of cropped jeans that bore a distressed, tasseled hem.

All eyes on her: Opting for an eye-catching ensemble, the 26-year-old TOWIE star ensured she would turn heads as she donned an outfit to rival the glamour of the performers

Injecting some more glamour into her ensemble, she donned a pair of strappy black heels and slung a leopard print handbag over her shoulder.

Sweeping her chestnut coloured locks away from her face, she braided the front section of her mane into a french plait, whilst the rest of her glossy tresses cascaded down her shoulders.

She finished off the look with a bold make-up palette that saw her jade coloured peepers lined with orange eye shadow, and her plump pout painted a rich shade of purple, although she appeared to have been a tad heavy-handed with her highlighter.

Going for gold! Highlighting her svelte curves, the reality starlet donned a shimmering bronze shirt with fluted sleeves that nipped in at her small waist

Fashionista: Featuring a low-cut neckline, the blouse offered a look at her decotellage, which she drew more attention to with a chunky embellished necklace

Ferne showed the power of cosmetics on Friday evening, when she stepped out in Essex looking drastically different.

Sporting some heavy make-up, the reality starlet boasted a very full looking pout and enviably chiselled cheekbones as she headed out for a night on the town.

The I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star looked near unrecognisable as she stepped out, but was contoured to perfection.
Her dress sense is far from demure with the motto less is more resounding in all her sartorial choices.

And Chloe Khan proved her fancy dress sense is at scanty as her day-to-day looks as she shared a collage of her Halloween costumes over the years on Instagram on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Celebrity Big Brother star sought advice from her 917,000 followers as to what she should wear for this year's All Hallows' Eve having previously dressed as Princess Jasmine from Aladdin, a school girl, Catwoman and Superwoman.

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Hello Miss Khan! Chloe Khan proved her fancy dress sense is at scanty as her day-to-day looks as she shared a collage of her Halloween costumes over the years on Instagram on Sunday

Chloe, then using the moniker Chloe Mafia, soared to fame in 2010 during an ill-fated stint on The X Factor in which she was ejected from the show for being caught up in a cocaine scandal.

She went on to appear on this year's Celebrity Big Brother where she grew intimate with eventual winner Stephen Bear when they were accused of having sex in a toilet in the house - despite Bear having a girlfriend on the outside.

Since leaving the house the stunner, who is reportedly dating Ex On The Beach star Ashley Cain, has returned to her social media best by littering her Twitter and Instagram accounts with steamy selfies.

Her throwback snaps of past Halloween costumes proved her style has always been super sexy when it came to the scariest night of the year - with one stand out look being her Jasmine costume.

I can show you the world... The 25-year-old Celebrity Big Brother star sought advice from her 917,000 followers as to what she should wear for this year's All Hallows' Eve having previously dressed as Princess Jasmine from Aladdin, a school girl, Catwoman and Superwoman

Seeing double? Chloe and her pal likened themselves to Ariel and Belle from Disney movies The Little Mermaid and Beauty And The Beast respectively

Miaow! Another of her sexy looks was Catwoman, where she put on a busty display in a skin-tight catsuit which clung to every inch of her tiny frame while showing off her surgically-enhanced assets

The cat who got the cream: Chloe's raunchy look was undoubtedly eye-catching

Looking worlds away from the Disney princess in the 1992 movie, Chloe opted to turn up the sex appeal of the look by sporting a tiny blue bikini top with matching sheer trousers.

She clutched the instantly recogisable lamp, which houses the genie in the movie, while also layering gold jewellery to enhance her regal appearance.

Another of her sexy looks was Catwoman, where she put on a busty display in a skin-tight catsuit which clung to every inch of her tiny frame while showing off her surgically-enhanced assets.

Continuing with the superhero theme of her ensembles was her Superman looks which comprised of both a T-shirt and vest adorned with the S logo associated with the comic book character.

Superhero: Continuing with the superhero theme of her ensembles was her Superman looks which comprised of both a T-shirt and vest adorned with the S logo associated with the comic book character

Superhero stunner: Her Superman top struggled to contain her ample assets

Glamourpuss: Chloe's Hollywood siren look was undoubtedly one of her best

Not quite the same... Putting a saucy spin on another Disney star, Chloe dressed up as Minnie Mouse in a white corset with a red and white polka dot skirt with an over-sized bow on her head

All tied up: Her corset did very little to contain her ample cleavage

A sexy school girl look was next in her bevvy of raunchy outfits as she opted for a tiny white bikini top with a red tartan skirt and a tie before later pulling on a white shirt to perfect the raunchy look.

Putting a saucy spin on another Disney star, Chloe dressed up as Minnie Mouse in a white corset with a red and white polka dot skirt with an over-sized bow on her head.

Other looks included a biker chick, Cleopatra and a vintage Hollywood siren with a feathered trim.

Biker babe: Chloe perfected her biker babe pose as she sat on a Harley Davidson

Cleopatra, coming atcha: Her golden Cleopatra ensemble left very little to the imagination
They both jetted home from Marbella heartbroken, after his explicit texts to several other women came to light.

But Pete Wicks vowed to win his girl Megan McKenna back on Sunday's episode of TOWIE after he came face-to-face with his love after a night out in Essex.

Uniting with the 24-year-old beauty at a breast cancer event Pete, 27, declared his absolute love for her, and expressed huge regret over his actions by promising to fix their estranged relationship.

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Devastated: Pete Wicks declared his love for girlfriend Megan McKenna and vowed to win her back on Sunday's episode of TOWIE - after his sexting scandal emerged last month

Megan was seen admitting inside that she found it too difficult to be in the same place as the tattooed - after it emerged that he had sent sexual messages to his ex model Jacqui Ryland during their holiday to Marbella, Spain last month.

As the heartbroken brunette waited for her dad to pick her up in the pouring rain, a determined Pete followed her - taking the opportunity to speak to Megan.

After asking her if she had left because of him, Megan sadly admitted: 'I'm not used to being in this situation with everyone else and not standing with you.'

Clearly frustrated with himself, Pete confessed: 'I need you to know that I love you. I asked you to take your guard down, but I never did mine.'

Heartbroken: Devastated, Pete tearily admitted to the beauty: 'I've probably lost the best thing that has ever happened to me'

Before continuing: 'I am totally and utterly in love with you, I want you back, Im not going to stop.'

'I one hundred per cent want to fix this, no matter how long it takes.'

He also touched on a past argument of the couple where he had said he did not want to settle down and get married - confessing this belief had now changed.

Devastated in realising this only after the relationship broke down, Pete tearily admitted: 'I've probably lost the best thing that has ever happened to me.'

Emotional: Megan then delivered a final blow of 'I'm not sure I be with someone who I'm always going to worry about', before escaping into her dad's car for home

Obviously torn between her thoughts and her emotions, a tearful Megan admitted that it may just be the end for them.

Struggling to speak and with tears in her eyes, she told him: ' I love you. You know I love you, but I dont know if I can ever trust you again.'

Pete's face falling, she then delivered a final blow, revealing: 'I'm not sure I can be with someone who I'm always going to worry about.'

The beauty then made a quick escape as her father pulled up in his car - leaving Pete on the corner of the rain-soaked street as Megan drove far away from him.

Not impressed: Megan's dad gave Pete a stern look as he picked his daughter up from the tense meeting

Megan further admitted to her dad in the car: 'I just cant be in the same place as him at the moment. It's too soon.'

As the cast of TOWIE settled back into life back home after the explosive Marbella trip during the episode - it became clear Megan and Pete's troubles were all anyone could talk about.

While Pete sought advice from his devoted friend Chloe Sims, Megan was given some choice words to consider from her mother Tanya and a returning show original, Lauren Goodger.

Is it too late to say sorry? As the cast of TOWIE settled back into the grind of life back home, Megan McKenna and Pete Wicks were all that anyone could talk about

As Pete looked like a broken man as he stomped about the streets of Essex on his own, he turned to Chloe Sims for some advice.

Declaring he'd been in 'hibernation' since it was revealed he'd been texting another woman behind his girlfriend's back, Pete admitted he had hurt Megan.

'Shes angry and upset and humiliated,' he declared. 'I think that she doesn't believe I love her.'

She's back: As Pete saught advice from Chloe Sims, Megan was given some choice words to consider from her mother Tanya and a returning show original, Lauren Goodger

And turning his mind to the state of play, he muttered contritely: 'Its a mess. Its made me realise how much I do love her.

'Shes exactly what I want and I hope its not too late for me to make her see that.'

However Megan was stuck between a rock and a hard place, as her mother Tanya gave a forthright opinion on the whole mess.

'You don't deserve this,' she told her daughter as they enjoyed a quiet walk. And venting her frustrations about the whole affair, she snapped:

Can anyone help him? Meanwhile Pete looked like a broken man as he stomped about the streets of Essex on his own, turning to Chloe Sims for some advice

'Its a mess. Its made me realise how much I do love her': The TOWIE hunk was inconsolable as he thought about the mistakes he'd made

'Pete the Pirate, more like Pete the p***!': Megan's mother Tanya was in no mood to forgive Pete - telling her daughter he'd pulled the wool over the whole family's life

'He [Pete] completely pulled the wool over our eyes. Pete the Pirate, more like Pete the p***!'

But while her family were urging Megan to do some hard thinking, a returning Lauren Goodger played cupid.

Sitting down with a devastated Megan, the show original doled out some conflicting advice from the heart.

'I think you should stay with Pete,' she declared. 'Obviously my loyalty lies with you, but I want to see you with him because I think hes good for you.'

She's back: While her family were urging Megan to do some hard thinking, a returning Lauren Goodger played cupid
We've come to know Nikki Gogan, Faith Williams, Janey Birks and Rachael Gouvignon, after appearing on reality TV series The Bachelor.

And, the groups latest filtered bikini-clad snaps from Bali have some fans questioning the 'real' in their reality starlet status.

Fans of the ladies took to social media over the weekend to comment: 'I thought you were 35', 'Your figure is unreal', and 'Slaying Insta in Bali.'

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'Slaying Insta in Bali': Fans of the former Bachelor girls claim their Instagram game was strong as they posted enviable bikini-clad shots last weekend, including Rachael Gouvignon's (left) in a skimpy black bikini poolside - a markedly more flattering angle to the pic on the right

One of the first bikini uploads to hit social media from the girls' trip was by Perth support worker Rachael.

She flaunted her incredibly toned figure in a skimpy black bikini poolside, as she posed with her legs bent on the reclined tanning bed and her hand in her hair.

She was spotted later that weekend lounging around the resort pool in less flattering positions and performing strange yoga poses for the fellow TV stars.

Hairdresser Faith chose to upload to Instagram a pic showing off her slender post-show frame while leaning back on the edge of the Bali pool in an aqua string bikini.

Working the angles! Bachelor reject Faith chose to showcase her slender post-show frame with a flattering angle that highlighted her ample cleavage on Instagram, again a different look to the picture taken on the right

The photo, taken from above the 26-year-old, drew attention to her ample cleavage, while resting her left hand on her head to keep her oversized sunglasses in place.

Her hair, much like Rachael's, was perfectly styled as she posed in the Bali sunshine.

Disney-obsessed Janey was also in on the bikini-clad displays, and looked super excited to be wearing a swimsuit inspired by The Little Mermaid as she posted the upbeat pic to Instagram.

It's unclear whether she swam in the cute clam shell bikini top and scale-frilled bottoms, as she was spotted looking downcast checking her phone near the pool later in the weekend.

A Disney dream! Children entertainer Janey gleamed with excitement in her adorable swimsuit inspired by The Little Mermaid, but was later spotted looking downcast as she checked her phone on the right

The trip to Bali brought up confusion with fans in recent weeks.

People didn't understand why the group chose to return to the country where Richie broke it off with Nikki at the devastating final rose ceremony.

Janey, Faith and Rachael have all documented their trip on social media in poolside shots, while Nikki only shared a tame meme to mark the end of her 'treasured time'.

It appears Nikki made her way to Bali to join the girls separately, with the starlet being spotted at Denpasar airport days later.
He's making his return as a director after ten years with his war epic film Hacksaw Ridge.

And father-of-eight Mel Gibson has made the film a family event, casting his son Milo as one of the troops in the WWII movie.

Speaking to Channel Nine, The 60-year-old who is expecting his ninth child with Rosalind Ross, 25, said that although he doesn't encourage his children to act, that he supports their decisions.

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Support: Mel Gibson has admitted that he doesn't encourage his children to act after casting son Milo as an extra in his return to directing for Hacksaw Ridge

'I don't encourage [my kids] to get into acting or anything. But you know, if that's what he wants to do, I'm behind it. It's good.'

Milo is set to play an extra named Lucky ford biographical war film based on U.S. Army medic Desmond T. Doss.

When speaking about his return as a director, Mel admitted that it felt really good to be back behind the camera.

'If people like what it is that you do and you don't make films for an elite, it's very gratifying,' he said.

Blossoming career: Milo is set to play an extra named Lucky ford biographical war film based on U.S. Army medic Desmond T. Doss

The film stars Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer and Vince Vaughn among dozens of Australian actors and actresses.

Hacksaw Ridge reportedly garnered Oscar buzz after a standing ovation at its debut at the Venice Film Festival last month.

Meanwhile, Mel was joined by girlfriend Rosalind on the red carpet of the Australian premiere of the film where the pair held each other close as they posed for the cameras.

'If that's what he wants to do, I'm behind it': The 60-year-old who is expecting his ninth child with Rosalind Ross, 25, said he does however support his sons decision to act

Mel wore a navy suit paired with a dark blue and light blue striped tie as he held Rosalind by the waist.

While Rosalind opted for an elegant black figure hugging dress paired with shiny black heels.

The Oscar winner and Rosalind first went public with their romance at this year's Golden Globe Awards in January and are said to be expecting their first child together.
Mel Gibson's new film Hacksaw Ridge is widely considered worthy of an Oscar award.

But the acclaimed director and filmmaker is keeping a lid on things, saying he just wants people to 'take something' from the much-anticipated film.

'You can't listen to that. You hear it. It is somewhere in the back file but one can't put much stock in that. It's a funny old world,' he told Fairfax Media.

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'You can't listen to that': Mel Gibson's new film Hacksaw Ridge is widely considered worthy of an Oscar award, but he is trying to keep a lid on things

'I just want it to do well and for people to enjoy the experience and take something from it.'

Filmed in Sydney last year, the Braveheart star's first movie as director in a decade has even the staunchest of critics raving.

The Guardian's Andrew Pulver said Hacksaw Ridge 'couldn't be more perfect'.

Admirers: Mel signs autographs at the premiere of Hacksaw Ridge during the 73rd Venice Film last month

'As repellent a figure as many may still find Gibson, I have to report he's absolutely hit Hacksaw Ridge out of the park,' the film editor wrote.

The Daily Telegraph in Britain echoed the views of critics the world over.

'Hacksaw Ridge is a fantastically moving and bruising war film that hits you like a raw topside of beef in the face  a kind of primary-coloured Guernica that flourishes on a big screen with a crowd.'

Star-studded: The film's cast includes Hugo Weaving, Andrew Garfield, Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington and Luke Bracey

The 60-year-old actor and filmmaker told Fairfax he was thrilled with the film's acclamation.

'It is always gratifying that people enjoy what it is that you have done. They can throw raspberries at it, but you know. You don't make films for the elite because you want as many people to see them as possible and if they dig it, yeah, that's great.'

Hacksaw Ridge is based on the true story of conscientious objector Desmond Doss, who saved 75 men in the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa in World War II - without ever firing a gun.

No shots fired: Desmond Doss saved 75 men in the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa in World War II

Its star-studded cast includes Hugo Weaving, Andrew Garfield, Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington and Luke Bracey.

'It's about a man who wouldn't touch a weapon and wanted to be part of saving lives in the worst place on earth,' director Mel said last year.

'I mean Okinawa was a horrific place... there were over 300,000 casualties, mostly civilian.'

Hacksaw Ridge will hit cinemas across Australia and New Zealand on November 3 and in the US the following day.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Allies of under-siege Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo - who is facing a slew of damaging corruption charges - have hit back at the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), declaring defiantly that they will continue to use State resources in service of the country, President Robert Mugabe and Zanu-PF.The declaration comes as a Harare vendor has filed a High Court application seeking to have Moyo arrested over the corruption allegations, which have sharpened Zanu-PF's tribal, factional and succession divisions, while also exposing the ruling party's gross abuse of State resources.Meanwhile, the Tsholotsho North legislator, who is said to be a key member of the ruling party faction going by the moniker Generation 40 (G40) - which is bitterly opposed to Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa succeeding Mugabe - has accused Team Lacoste (Mnangagwa faction) and key players at Zacc of waging a factionally-driven war against him.Speaking at a campaign rally in Norton on Thursday, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko and Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere, both of whom are linked to the G40, told gathered party supporters that it was wrong for Zacc to charge Moyo with corruption.."Shefu kana muchitisungira kutora mari ku-defender hurumende (If you arrest us for using money to defend the government) we are prepared to go to prison. Arrest us now."But we will never be afraid to defend Zanu-PF, to defend Mugabe and to defend the revolution," Kasukuwere declared at the rally to drum up support for the party's parliamentary candidate for next weekend's keenly-contested by-election."(Goodson) Nguni you are a sell-out. I am saying it here and if there is a problem I am saying it now. Nguni you are a sell-out. You want to come out with dockets against your own party members?  We are watching you."Wakanga uri we MDC (you once belonged to the MDC). You are not a Zanu-PF man. We are not going back. We are angry and we are warning you," the fuming Kasukuwere added.Mphoko told the same gathering that Zacc was being disrespectful to Mugabe by pursuing Moyo, also launching a withering attack on Nguni and describing him as a thief."This Nguni being talked about who is he? He is a crook, a thief, a wanted someone wanted by Interpol  and then that man wants to arrest a Zimbabwean."To arrest someone who is supporting Zanu-PF, you cannot do it unless you are a Rhodesian. Chekai munhu uyu (watch and vet this guy). How can you challenge your president? You cannot do that unless you are a Rhodesian," Mphoko thundered.Interestingly for political watchers, Mnangagwa - who doesn't see eye to eye with Moyo - bluntly told his Cabinet colleagues in Parliament on Wednesday that they were not above the law and that they would be prosecuted when there were reasonable grounds to suspect that they had committed crimes."There is no other means to fight corruption except the laws of this country. We do have an Anti-Corruption Commission which is a product of this House and they were empowered to fight corruption."Apart from that law, we have several other laws that deal with people who commit offences. If you murder someone you are arrested, if you fight you are arrested, if you steal you are arrested."What the Honourable Member (MP) should bear in mind is that . . . no one has immunity except the president. Everyone else in this country is fair game. They are not above the law. There is no one who is above the law," Mnangagwa said, while responding to questions regarding the Zimdef scandal that has made Moyo's life a living hell over the past few weeks.On its part, Zacc itself said on Thursday that it was stepping up its plans to prosecute Moyo, while also making damning allegations against some of the country's top journalists, claiming that they were recipients and beneficiaries of unexplained large sums of money from Zimdef."We have sent a letter to him and expect him to respond to us immediately by coming to our offices. He should come here so that he responds to our allegations. We are not going to go to his offices or house."He had promised that he was going to come to our offices so that we could put the allegations to him and hear his comments, but he has been running away from us, preferring to give interviews to the media," Nguni, the tough-talking Zacc chairperson of investigations told journalists in Harare.Moyo and his deputy Godfrey Gandawa face serious fraud, money laundering and criminal abuse of office charges, including claims that the Zanu-PF politburo member benefited from Zimdef donations that involved the purchase of bicycles which he donated to his Tsholotsho North constituency -all of which Zacc alleges was not done above board.The ensuing graft storm has not only exposed Zanu-PF's nasty tribal, factional and succession fissures, but also the former liberation movement's gross abuse of State resources to advance its interests and those of its senior officials.There have since been growing calls for Moyo to be prosecuted for the alleged corruption with both opposition parties and ordinary Zimbabweans furiously wading into the saga.A Harare vendor, Hardlife Mudzingwa, has also filed a lawsuit at the High Court seeking to have Moyo arrested over the allegations that he swindled Zimdef out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.Mudzingwa wants police commissioner-general Augustine Chihuri to be compelled and directed to arrest Moyo, whom he says has admitted to stealing from Zimdef by likening himself to Robin Hood."I must make the point that first respondent seems to plead guilty to the allegations raised. He calls himself Robin Hood. I understand that Robin Hood is famed for stealing from the rich and distributing the proceeds to the poor."He also seems to suggest that he is not the only one involved in this kind of misconduct. He sees a tribal hand in the fact that the allegations have been made. This is unfortunate."The upshot of his response is to confirm the fact that a prima facie case against him exists," Mudzingwa says in his court papers.
X Factor Australia star Sheldon Hernandez came out as being gay when he was 15 years old.

And the now 17-year-old has revealed he lost plenty of friends in the process.

'A lot of people didn't expect it, so they took it in a way of just not talking to me,' he told TV Week.

'I lost a lot of people': X Factor Australia star Sheldon Hernandez has revealed he lost plenty of friends when he came out as gay two years ago

'I lost a lot of people... but from the journey I've been on of accepting who I am, I've made more friendships that what I've lost.'

The teenager also revealed his family were far more understanding when he opened up about his sexuality.

'It didn't come as a shock to my family, but they were thankful I could be comfortable in my own skin,' he told the publication.

Rising star: Sheldon has impressed X Factor judges Guy Sebastian, Iggy Azalea and Adam Lambert

Earlier, the high school student described his struggles with coming to terms with his identity while speaking on the hit reality show.

'The struggles really came for me when I realised, ''hey these things that I'm doing, they're not what everyone else wants to do and I really secluded myself,'' Sheldon revealed.

'Coming out two years ago was the biggest thing that I ever did.

'They were thankful I could be comfortable in my own skin': The teenager revealed his family were far more understanding when he opened up about his sexuality

'It unlocked this chain that was wrapped around me,' he added.

Meanwhile, Sheldon's long-term passion for singing and stagecraft inspired him to audition for the show.
She finally reached a $7million divorce settlement with Johnny Depp earlier this year after enduring a bitter separation in the spotlight.

But Amber Heard appeared happier and more care-free than ever on Monday, as she enjoyed a lunch date with a mystery man in California.

The 30-year-old actress looked truly stunning in a chic red kimono and blue jeans as she and her companion headed for an alfresco lunch at Cafe Roma in Beverly Hills.

Who's the lucky guy? Amber Heard, 30, enjoyed a lunch date with a mystery man in California on Monday

The beautiful blonde looked incredibly elegant but stylish in a soft red kimono-style jacket, which fell gracefully to knee length.

Layering only jeans and a black T-shirt underneath, the striking number took centre stage with its delicate floral pattern and glittering gold and red striped lining at the hem.

Perhaps a vintage item, the jacket also featured a number of rips and slashes at the back and on the sleeves, which only added to its quirky style.

The actress paired the eye-catching piece with a pair of slim fitting high-waisted jeans, which elongated her already long and lean pins as she stepped out in luxurious Beverly Hills.

Stunning: The beautiful blonde looked incredibly elegant but stylish in a soft red kimono-style jacket, which fell gracefully to knee length

She swept her hair up into a loose low bun which she later took down - letting it fall naturally to complement her fresh-faced and glowing complexion.

Adding a pair of classic black leather heels with a cut-out side and layering delicate gold necklaces on top, the star looked truly classy and glamorous as she headed for a bite to eat with her mystery man.

Her friend matched her standout style in a brown fedora, decorated with a multi-coloured feather as he walked by her side.

After indulging in a tasty Italian meal, the pair then returned to the Peninsula Hotel to relax for the rest of their afternoon.

Off-duty: After indulging in a tasty Italian meal, the pair then returned to the Peninsula Hotel side by side to relax for the rest of their afternoon

Amber evidently took a day off to relax after a busy few weeks filming and promoting her new film Justice League - which is set for release in November.

While her part Mera, wife of Aquaman, is expected to be small in this installment, she will play a much bigger role in the standalone Aquaman movie slated for 2018.

However more prominently, her relaxed appearance comes in light of a very stressful year so far - with the star remaining under the radar in recent weeks after her turbulent divorce with Johnny Depp.

She married the 43-year-old actor in February 2015, after meeting him on set of Rum Diary four years previously.

Back to her best: Amber evidently took a day off to relax after a busy few weeks filming Justice League (in which she plays Mera, above), set for November release

The marriage followed his split from longtime love Vanessa Paradis, with whom he has two children Lily-Rose and Jack.

However Heard filed for divorce in May of this year, just one day before the court hearing for the temporary restraining order Heard had been granted, after claiming the actor had been physically and verbally abusive.

Heard claimed that Depp had thrown the actress' iPhone at her face while he was 'inebriated and high'.

TMZ later obtained a video of the actor seemingly turning violent after being asked by Heard if he had drunk the a bottle of wine that morning.

Moving on: However her relaxed appearance comes in light of a very stressful year so far - thanks to her turbulent divorce with Johnny Depp

At one point, he is accused of saying to her, 'You want to see crazy, I'll show you something crazy' as he's seen smashing up their home.

The actress then withdrew her allegations and the couple released a joint statement exclusively to Daily Mail Online at the time.

The statement read: 'Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have agreed to resolve their divorce proceedings privately.'

'They are issuing this joint statement: "Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love."'

Getting back out there: Amber was also seen at London Fashion Week last month, having finally reached a $7million divorce settlement with Depp in August

'Neither party has lied nor made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm.

'Amber wishes the best for Johnny in the future. Amber will be donating financial proceeds from the divorce to a charity.'

The actress revealed she is donating the money equally to both the American Civil Liberties Union and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, where she says she has worked as a volunteer for 10 years.

Heard said about the bitter divorce battle with her famous ex-husband: 'Money played no role for me personally and never has, except to the extent that I could donate it to charity and hopefully help those less able to defend themselves.'

Doing good: In a joint statement from the couple, it was revealed that 'Amber will be donating financial proceeds from the divorce to a charity'
They made the surprising decision to reunite eight years after they divorced - Phil Collins admits that his third wife Orianne Cevey didn't give him a penny of the 25 million he paid her during their divorce battle when they got back together.

The 65-year-old musician confirmed earlier this year he was back in a relationship with the 43-year-old jewellery designer, almost a decade after forking out the record-breaking sum - Britain's largest settlement at the time.

The news comes after Phil posted a picture of a huge black eye to his Facebook on Friday after bumping his head two days before.

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You can't hurry, love: Phil Collins admits that his third wife Orianne Cevey didn't give him a penny of the 25 million he paid her during their divorce battle when they got back together

Reunited: The 65-year-old musician confirmed earlier this year he was back in a relationship with the 43-year-old jewellery designer (above), almost a decade after forking out the record-breaking sum - Britain's largest settlement at the time

He jokes that he now only likes to think he has been divorced twice.

Speaking at a press conference at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday to announce his Not Dead Yet: Live 2017 Tour, Phil said: 'I'm back with my third wife so I've only really been divorced twice you could say, if you were being generous.

'And she didn't give me the money back.'

Phil and Orianne - who was left partially paralysed with spinal disorder Brown-Sequard syndrome following an operation in 2014 - have two kids together, Nicholas, 15, and Matthew, 11.

He's soldiering on: His revelation comes three days after he shared a picture of a black eye on Friday - after he bumped his head two days before

They married in Switzerland in 1999 but split in 2006 and divorced two years later and he started drinking heavily.

Phil - who has a son, Simon, 40, from his first marriage to Andrea Bertorelli from 1975 to 1980, during which he adopted her daughter Joely, 44, and daughter Lily from his 12-year marriage to Jill Tavelman, which ended in 1996 - has been having therapy recently to deal with his medical issues.

He added: 'I had back surgery because 60 years of drumming messed my back and hips up. It's left me as of now, a year on, with a dropped foot, my right foot doesn't have any feeling.

'I'm hoping in time that will get better as nerves regenerate. So getting some physical stuff done is at the top of my to do list.

'I'm doing a lot of therapy which is very good. Divorces and drinking don't really get in the way of this.'

Love conquers all: They married in Switzerland in 1999 but split in 2006. The couple share two sons, Nicholas (above) and Matthew

Still alive! Phil has come out of retirement after 10 years to announce his next run of gigs, including a five-night residency at London's Royal Albert Hall next June

Phil's son Nicholas has followed in his footsteps and become a drummer, as did his eldest son Simon, and the teenager is set to play alongside his father on the Easy Lover hitmaker's upcoming European tour.

He added: 'Nicholas who is 15 is a fantastic drummer, my oldest son Simon is too but he has his own career and very firm views about what he wants to do.

'Nicholas is in the learning stage. We did three shows in Europe and he played and all the band were very impressed. He'll go out with me and he'll be 16.'

Phil has come out of retirement after 10 years to announce his next run of gigs, including a five-night residency at London's Royal Albert Hall next June.

He will then head to Cologne, Germany, and Paris, France, for two dates apiece.

Talking about his decision to get back on the stage, he says: 'I thought I would retire quietly.

'But thanks to the fans, my family and support from some extraordinary artists I have rediscovered my passion for music and performing. It's time to do it all again and I'm excited. It just feels right.'
She has built a wildly successful career off her incredible figure.

So Rhian Sugden is naturally keen to capitalise on her sensational curves - most recently delighting fans with sexy images from her forthcoming 2017 calendar.

The 30-year-old glamour model abided by the less-is-more rule as she slipped into a barely-there bikini and later a hot pink lace body for the sexy shoot.

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Stunning: Rhian Sugden is naturally keen to capitalise off her sensational curves - most recently delighting fans with sexy images from her forthcoming calendar

Rhian paid homage to America in her first getup which comprised of a star-spangled high-waisted bikini with a striped halterneck top which made the most of her assets.

The bottoms sat high over her taut abs while boasting a blue and white hue adding to the patriotic nature of the stylish two-piece.

Clearly a seasoned poser, Rhian sat on a kitchen worktop in front of a sign reading 'Chinese Restaurant' while raising her arms above her head.

Her choppy, feathered tresses were worn in a dead straight style with peroxide colour perfectly worked through.

Raunchy: The 30-year-old glamour model abided by the less-is-more rule as she slipped into a barely-there bikini and later a hot pink lace body for the sexy shoot

Rhian's make-up was perfectly applied with a heavily lined eye adding to the sultry feel of the look and a dab of pink gloss highlighting her plump pout.

Her next outfit was even sexier than the last as she wore a lace body with an extremely high-rise leg which left little to the imagination.

The blonde beauty's ample bosom was barely contained in the sexy top which tumbled provocatively off her shoulder.

Rhian's calendar shoot came just months after she was embroiled in a second sexting scandal with married DJ and TV presenter Vernon Kay.

Troubles: Rhian's calendar shoot came just months after she was embroiled in a second sexting scandal with married DJ and TV presenter Vernon Kay

Speaking about their relationship, Rhian claimed the pair had got back in touch in December, after a break of six years, which felt like an 'old friendship coming back'.

Back in 2010, Vernon was forced to make a public apology to his wife Tess Daly on Radio 1 and subsequently promised he would no longer contact Rhian or four other women he had been caught messaging at the time.

But earlier this year, the busty blonde revealed she was still speaking with the star, and even claimed he had asked her to meet up.
His character on Hollyoaks seems to be cursed with perpetual bad luck.

But luckily for Ayden Callaghan, the 35-year-old actor appears to be living a real-life fairy tale after tying the knot with his beloved Sarah-Jane Honeywell.

Speaking to OK! magazine, the star - who plays Joe Roscoe on the Channel 4 soap - revealed the intimate heart warming ceremony took place at Nunsmere Hall in Delamere Forest as he lavished his new bride with praise.

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Cute couple: Ayden Callaghan, 35, appears to be living a real-life fairy tale after tying the knot with his beloved Sarah-Jane Honeywell at Nunsmere Hall in Delamere Forest

Ayden told the publication: 'Sarah looks beautiful to me all the time, but she did look exceptionally beautiful in her dress.'

He added: 'I knew very early on. I think I knew from the first time we met that we could end up here [married].'

Meanwhile, Sarah - who admitted the most nerve-wracking moment of the big day was slipping into her 'girly' wedding dress, added: 'I never thought Ayden would go for someone like me. I knew how much I liked him, but it took a good few months to realise we were going somewhere.'

She continued: 'Ayden has supported me through some really difficult times, hes an incredible person.'

Meant to be: Ayden revealed that he knew from the moment he met Sarah that they would end up married, as he gushed that she looked 'exceptionally beautiful' on their wedding day

The couple announced their engagement in 2014, and welcomed their first child - a son named Phoenix - in August last year.

And Ayden revealed they were already planning on expanding their brood as he explained their son helped take their relationship to 'a whole new level.'

He confessed: 'We would definitely like at least one more in the near future. Phoenix took our relationship to a whole new level, so it would be lovely to add another child to our family.'

Family unit: The couple announced their engagement in 2014, and welcomed their first child - a son named Phoenix - in August last year before getting married

More to come! Ayden revealed he and Sarah already planning on expanding their brood as he explained their son helped take their relationship to 'a whole new level'

Before the birth of their son, Sarah devastatingly suffered a miscarriage with her first pregnancy, a traumatic experience that caused Ayden to refuse to take part in a Hollyoaks' storyline surrounding stillbirth.

His character was due to go the scenario at the same time the pair were expecting in real life, and Ayden admitted his 'heart sank' when producers broke the news.

The star confessed he feared losing his job after he asked to be removed from scenes in which Jennifer Metcalfe's character Mercedes McQueen lost her child in November.

Fans of the show will know that it was Jennifer's brother John-Paul who was filmed at Mercedes' bedside when she lost the child she was expecting with Joe.

Fearful: Ayden confessed he feared losing his job after he asked to be removed from Hollyoaks scenes which saw his character's girlfriend suffer a stillbirth

'Sarah had a weird feeling that I might have a storyline coming up involving a baby, so she asked me to speak to the writers about what they had planned. When they told me, my heart sank,' Ayden told OK!

He continued: 'I knew the emotional impact it would have on Sarah. During the time of our miscarriage, my Hollyoaks character was becoming a dad and I knew how upsetting that was for her.'

Sarah added that she felt 'totally overwhelmed', explaining: 'Ayden told me that he'd be filming the stillbirth scenes around the same time as my due date.

Out now: Read the full interview in this week's edition of OK! magazine

'At that point I ran out of the house in tears.'

I'd never even considered the fact we could have a stillbirth, but after that it was all I could think about.'

She continued: 'I was so stressed out that I stopped putting on weight. When I'm stressed I lose weight  from week 20 of the pregnancy I only put on 2lb. At points I couldn't even look at Ayden.'

Worried about what to do for the best, Ayden explained: 'As an actor it was a wonderful opportunity for me to be involved in such a big storyline, but it became obvious that Sarah wouldn't cope if I went ahead with it.'
She has vowed to be a proud single mum after former lover Jeremy McConnell denied he was the father of her child.

Now Stephanie Davis has insisted she believes her ex 'doesn't deserve' to be at the birth of her son.

Speaking to OK! magazine, the former Hollyoaks star says: 'He doesnt deserve to be there. I dont think he wants to be there either. I dont think I could ever forgive him for how hes been.

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Defiant: Stephanie Davis has insisted she believes her ex 'doesn't deserve' to be at the birth of her son as she talks to OK! magazine during a 'babymoon' in Tenerife

Stephanie - who fell for Irish model Jeremy during a whirlwind romance in Celebrity Big Brother at the beginning of the year - insists she is happy to be just a unit with her baby boy after the tattooed reality star cut off all contact with her.

She adds: 'I used to send him scan photos but he doesnt care and he never has. Its just me and my son now. I never thought hed be that type of guy.'

The star has just been on a 'babymoon' to Tenerife in a bid to de-stress as she counts down to the birth.

Bumpy road: Stephanie - who fell for Irish model Jeremy during a whirlwind romance in Celebrity Big Brother at the beginning of the year - insists she is happy to be just a unit with her baby boy after the tattooed reality star cut off all contact with her

Upset: She adds that she feels a failure because her and Jeremy couldn't make their romance work

Something to tell us? Meanwhile, Jeremy appears to have got close to another Big Brother alumni as he was spotted sharing a kiss with Charlie Doherty last week

Showing off her bump in a white swimsuit for the magazine shoot, she adds that she feels a failure because her and Jeremy couldn't make their romance work.

The full interview is in OK! magazine, out now

She continued: I really did love Jez and I tried to reach out so he wouldnt regret missing out with his son.

'That kills me. But I can give our son the life Jez never had and hope that hell be a better person.

'Its easier to let go of Jeremy because Ive still got part of him with me in our son.

'Its heartbreaking because I feel like Ive let my baby down because I couldnt give him both parents.'

Meanwhile, Jeremy appears to have got close to another Big Brother alumni.

He was spotted sharing a kiss with Charlie Doherty as he greeted her on the doorstep of his Dublin home last week.
He was unceremoniously dumped by his girlfriend after he was rumoured to have enjoyed a casual fling with married Loose Women panellist Katie Price.

But it seems Scotty T was able to work through his differences with Francesca Toole as the pair were spotted putting on a passionate display in Newcastle on Sunday.

Leaving a casino in the early hours of the morning, the lovebirds looked cute and comfortable together as they shared a kiss under the streetlights.

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Back on? It seems Scotty T was able to work through his differences with Francesca Toole as the pair were spotted putting on a passionate display in Newcastle on Sunday

Showing off her shapely pins in a leather skirt and heeled ankle boots, Francesca was a vision of beauty as she tottered along after her beau.

Layering up with a baby blue coat, the pretty star wore her brunette locks in a centre parting that framed her beaming grin.

Meanwhile, Scotty looked stylish in a pair of distressed jeans that he teamed with a navy bomber jacket.

MailOnline have contacted a representative for Scotty T for comment.

It's never too late to say scotty! Leaving a casino in the early hours of the morning, the lovebirds looked cute and comfortable together as they cuddled under the streetlights

The Geordie Shore lothario revealed he had been ditched by his girlfriend of a year and a half earlier this month, as he wrote in his Daily Star column: 'Got dumped by my girlfriend and had to change my number, buzzing.'

It came after he was pictured visiting a hotel with Katie Price for two hours - although they claim they were simply getting a sunbed.

Shes genuinely just my pal. I literally took her for a sunbed at my friends salon and that was it, he told Radio Aire while rehearsing for an appearance in new panto Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

Katie also strenuously denied claims her marriage to husband Kieran Hayler is on the rocks following reports she met with the Geordie Shore hunk.

Just friends: Scotty was unceremoniously dumped by his girlfriend this month after he was rumoured to have enjoyed a casual fling with married Loose Women panellist Katie Price

Still going strong: Katie strenuously denied claims her marriage to husband Kieran Hayler is on the rocks following reports she met with the Geordie Shore hunk

Cheeky: An old tweet of Scotty's from 2015 has also resurfaced, in which he tells Katie to ditch her husband Kieran for him

The mother of five took to social media to lash out at rumours her husband was threatening to walk out on her after the 'humiliation'.

Scotty previously denied claims of a secret hotel tryst with Katie in his Daily Star column, writing: 'Yes, of course I would bang her, she is FIT.

'She is also a wicked woman and a laugh to be around. But she is married with kids and I respect that'.

Elsewhere an old tweet of Scotty's from 2015 has also resurfaced, in which he tells Katie to ditch Kieran for him.

He wrote: '@MissKatiePrice needs to bin that k**b off and just get with me like #PuaMilf'.

Unimpressed: Scotty may have got back into Francesca's good books, but he's no doubt out of Megan McKenna's after he dubbed her an 'absolute f***ing nightmare'

Meanwhile, Scotty may have got back into Francesca's good books, but he's no doubt out of Megan McKenna's after he dubbed her a 'nightmare.'

Playing a game of Snog, Marry Avoid with The Sun, Scotty said he would avoid former flame Megan as she is an 'absolute f***ing nightmare'.

However, he did stand up for the star when discussing her latest drama with boyfriend Pete Wicks - who was caught sexting a host of girls.

Scotty explained: 'He shouldnt have been sending pictures of his chopper to his ex bird. No good that, if youre going to do that dont get caught.

'Saying that Megan is ruthless like. Shes an absolute f***ing ratchet c***, I wouldnt get on the wrong side of her man. Liberty.'
With a fashion-loving bride and a hipster groom, Dianna Agron and Winston Marshall were never going to have a cookie-cutter wedding.

And if the first photos from the Glee star's nuptials to the Mumford & Sons banjoist are any indication, their guests were not disappointed.

Riding on camels in traditional style, the pair spared no expense on their lavish ceremony.

In the images, actress Dianna looks stunning in a $20,500 Valentino gown, straight off the runway.

Man and wife: Dianna Agron, 30, and Winston Marshall, 27, got married Saturday in Morocco, they are seen with friend Jordan Brown, left

Lavish: The bride and groom rode on camels during their fairytale nuptials

Forgoing traditional white, the blonde beauty sparkled in the sheer nude chiffon , delicately embroidered and bedazzled with sequins that glittered in the African sunlight.

Her hair was braided into an updo, with a crown of silver stars in place of a veil.

Her groom wore an embroidered jacket and silk turban, with a white shirt unbuttoned to show his chest hair.

From the runway to the aisle: Fashion lovers spotted that the gown was one shown during Valentino's Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2016/2017 show

Dianna, 30, exchanged vows with her musician lover at the Beldi Country Club in Morocco.

Actress Carey Mulligan was also in attendance and the entire event lasted three days.

A popular spot for dreamy magazine photoshoots, the venue was a picture perfect choice.

Strike a pose: Among the guests was Vogue Magazine's Accessories Director Selby Drummond, who wore a grown from the Altuzarra Fall 2016 collection

Idyllic: A popular spot for dreamy magazine photoshoots, the venue was a picture perfect choice

Scene of the nuptials: Rob Fishman, co-founder of Niche, posted this image with a blonde friend; here the camels with pink, orange and red cloths can be seen in the background

'To Win and Di!' The couple's friends make a toast during the wedding reception

With endless scented rose gardens for the guests to wander through, traditional Moroccan architecture combined withtouches of artfully faded glamour, and rooms full of carpets and cosy nooks, guests couldn't resist taking to Instagram.

Winston 'is the nicest guy and treats her like a princess,' the source said.

'He is so thoughtful and flies her family everywhere they go and to see them whenever she wants. He is also so good to her friends.'

Three-day event: Dianna has fun with her friends during the extended celebration

The rising stars were initially tabbed a couple in July 2015, when they were seen holding hands in the romantic city of Paris.

Marshall and Agron, who shot to fame on Fox's Glee, followed up their Parisian romance with another PDA-laden outing the following month at the after-party for the premiere of the Jennifer Aniston film Shes Funny That Way, held at West Hollywood's Sunset Tower.

Three ladies waiting: Pal Tracy Dubb posted this photo from the trip. That's Agron in the white headdress in the middle

Another look: Kyle Hotchkiss Carone captioned this photo: 'Pretty girls in pretty dresses'

During that outing, an insider told the magazine that 'Dianna was smiling and laughing a lot, and seemed really happy.'

In the wake of news about their engagement making the rounds, Agron stepped out at Erdem's London Fashion Week showcase sporting a huge diamond sparkler with a gold yellow band and a rose-cut diamond in February.

Both young talents remain on the way up in their work: Marshall is coming off the summer release of his group's EP Johannesburg, while Agron has completed four movies (in different stages of production) on their way to the theater.

Amour: Both Agron and Marshall had been involved with other stars before, as he dated Firework singer Katy Perry, while Agron had been involved with actor Alex Pettyfer

Bling: Agron wore her stunning engagement ring to a London Fashion Week show in February

Among them: Hollow in the Land, a thriller which she has a leading role in; The Crash, with Maggie Q and Minnie Driver; Headlock, co-starring veteran Andy Garcia; and Novitiate, a period piece about religion.

Both had been in starry relationships before: Winston was tied to pop star Katy Perry, while Agron had been in relationships with her I Am Number Four co-star Alex Pettyfer, Australian actor Thomas Cocquerel and Dave Franco, the 21 Jump Street star whose older brother is A-lister James Franco.
He sensationally quit Strictly Come Dancing last week citing 'personal reasons' and 'anxiety'.

But Will Young was back on stage only a few days later, singing at a Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender event on Friday.

The 37-year-old Pop Idol winner, who is gay, was performing for Barclays Spectrum  the bank's LGBT employee network  at the Savoy in London.

He's back! Will Young made his first public appearance since quitting Strictly on Friday night - he sang at a Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender event at London's Savoy hotel

Looking dapper in a crisp white shirt and waist coat, he wowed fans with his classic hits Leave Right Now and Light My Fire, and also offered a cover of the late David Bowie's Let's Dance.

The fact that Will returned to the stage so quickly after quitting Strictly is likely to fuel rumours that he bowed out because of reasons specifically related to the show.

For example, a source told the The Mirror he had become 'fed up' with his partner Karen Clifton and that he was sick of her telling him what to do - resulting in the pair 'squabbling' during rehearsal.

It was also reported that Will expected the BBC show to be 'easy' and that his clash with judge Len Goodman over his Salsa was the 'final straw'.

Happier times: A source told the The Mirror he had become 'fed up' with his partner Karen Clifton and that he was sick of her telling him what to do

Len said: ' For me, not enough Salsa. I loved the dance it was entertaining it was fun... but it's a Salsa, and I would have liked more'.

Will hit back: 'There are 24 counts of Salsa in the routine.' Raising his eyebrows, Len replied: 'Well I must say, most of them I didn't recognise.'

A source told The Sun that after the clash Will told a member of the Strictly production team: 'I just don't need this s**t' prior to his departure.

I think I'd better sing right now: Will appeared in high spirits as he got back to doing what he does best

MailOnline has contacted Will Young's reps for comment.

The LGBT event on Friday, which was attended by Olympic gold medal winning couple Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh and dancer Wayne Sleep, raised money for Terrence Higgins Trust's Work Positive programme, which supports unemployed people living with HIV back to work.

Will said: 'I really enjoyed performing at the Barclays Spectrum Dinner and it's so rewarding to know the money raised is going to help people living with HIV get back to work. I am so pleased to support the work of Terrence Higgins Trust.'
Amber Rose was spotted arriving for dance practice on Sunday with her Dancing With The Stars partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

The model and activist wore a tight black backless ensemble that provided a generous view of her cleavage.

Their day out on the town comes days after the 36-year-old told The Daily Dish he had 'zero interest in coming back as a dancer' after the current 23rd series.

Ready for work: Amber Rose and Maksim Chmerkovskiy were spotted on Sunday arriving to train for Dancing With The Stars, on which they're partners

Amber's outfit allowed a glimpse of her midriff as she crossed the courtyard. Large hoop earrings dangled about the 32-year-old's face.

Her black dress emphasised her derriere, and she completed her look with a pair of gleaming buckled boots. A large pale grey purse hung from her left shoulder.

Meanwhile, the Odessa native bared his musclebound arms in a white tank top, his navy sweats tightening about his toned legs. He'd pulled a midnight blue beanie on his head, matching his trainers.

His decision to leave the ABC hit, he revealed, came as a result his fiancee Peta Murgatroyd's pregnancy with their first child.

When you got it: The model and activist's black dress emphasised her busty physique

'Trust me, I really don't care how this comes across, but there's no money on the planet that can replace me missing out the three, four, five months of my baby's life,' he said. 'Zero chance. I can't wait for all of this, diapers, and all of this stuff.'

Chmerkovskiy's return to the programme for its 23rd series ended a lengthy absence, which he began after he and Olympian Meryl Davis won the Mirror Ball Trophy at the end of the 18th series.

Meanwhile, Murgatroyd, herself a professional dancer on the show, has taken the 23rd season off, having announced her pregnancy with her husband-to-be to People this June.

Speaking to The Daily Dish last week, he said: 'I can't wait for Peta to pursue her goals and whatever and I just want to be a stay-at-home dad.'
News / National

by Staff reporter

Industry minister Mike Bimha has sensationally - claimed that southern African countries have made peace with Zimbabwe's imports ban regulations.This was after Sadc member states - led by South Africa - had vowed to slap Zimbabwe with punitive and retaliatory measures after the country gazetted the controversial Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 (SI 64) which regulates the importation of certain goods.Bimha, however, said he met with his regional counterparts and they had "come to an understanding that the measures were important for the country"."South Africa now understands the motive behind the measures; this understanding is on a government level. Of course, businesses do not really get the point since they were benefitting from the import and export business," he said."However, overall from a Sadc point of view there is now an understanding and appreciation of the SI and why it is important for us as a country and as a member of that trading bloc," the minister said at his offices in the capital while unveiling a monitoring and evaluation committee set to trace the SI's progress.The instrument basically seeks to promote local production through blocking the importation of 42 select basics.Bimha noted that while the SI had been met with horror from most partners since the country is heavily depended on imports -after importing goods and services worth over $3,8 billion in 2015 alone - it had also seen several regional companies coming to set up shop locally.This comes after Bimha's import restrictions saw South Africa's Industry and Trade minister, Rob Davies, slapping the minister with a three-week ultimatum to justify the controversial piece of legislation.In retaliation to the SI, South Africa also submitted a priority list of 112 products that it wanted Zimbabwe to excuse from import duty obligations as Sadc demanded a presentation justifying the country's move.Zambia - the country's second biggest regional trading partner -was also riled about the move with Zambian businesses urging their government to consider increasing import taxes on Zimbabwean goods in reaction to the SI.Meanwhile, Lesaffre - formerly Anchor Yeast - boss, Mike Nyabadza was appointed chairman of the SI 64 monitoring and evaluation committee deputised by Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries chief economist Daphne Mazambani.The other members of the 14-member committee include Buy Zimbabwe's chief executive Munyaradzi Hwengwere, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe boss Rosemary Siyachitema, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industry's Gift Mugano as well as Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Takura Mugaga.Organisations with representation in the committee span from the Standards Association of Zimbabwe, Harare Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises, Knowledge Transfer Africa, ZimTrade, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, FemCom and the Ministry of Industry."This team will be tasked with reporting issues ranging from the employment generated as a result of the SI, the re-tooling, if any, company efficiencies and also monitoring growth of capacity utilisation in local companies," he said, adding the committee was also expected to encourage the export of surplus products.
She has reportedly been spotted looking at 1million houses with her co-star and beau Tom Hughes.

And Jenna Coleman, 30, looked in good spirits as she attended the photocall for Victoria at MIPCOM in Cannes on Monday, wearing a red patterned gingham dress.

The outing comes as The Hollywood Reporter reported the drama, from PBS and Britain's ITV Studios has sold to more than 150 countries following its success.

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Lady in red! Jenna Coleman looked in good spirits as she attended the photocall for Victoria in Cannes on Monday, celebrating their global success

The site reports: 'ITV Studios Global Entertainment said it has closed deals for the series with more than 150 countries worldwide, including with Sky Germany, Spain's Movistar and UTV Ireland.

'It pulled in 6.1million viewers and a 30 percent share on its premiere on ITV, the highest share for a new drama on any channel in Britain this year.'

Meanwhile, Jenna's semi-sheer frock showed off a glimpse of skin, and was embellished with an array of vibrant flowers.

Flaunting her slender midriff, she cinched in her waist with a slim black waistband, and accentuating her stature she wore a pair of chunky velvet platform sandals.

Her Royal Highness! The British actress, 30, turned heads in a red checked ankle-length dress

Triumph! The outing comes as The Hollywood Reporter reported the drama, from PBS and Britain's ITV Studios has sold to more than 150 countries following its success (Jenna as Victoria)

Showcasing her natural beauty the actress wore her chestnut tresses loose on her shoulders.

Going for bold brows and a touch of bronzer, she added a dab of nude lipstick.

And accessorising with delicate jewellery, her ensemble was complete.

Killer heels! Accentuating her stature she wore a pair of chunky velvet platform sandals

She is busy promoting hit period drama Victoria, in which she portrays Queen Victoria.

The series premiered in August and concluded on 9 October 2016.

In September, ITV renewed their contract for a second series, followed by a Christmas special, both set to air in 2017.

Toned: Flaunting her slender midriff, she cinched in her waist with a slim black waistband

Meanwhile the real-life romance between co-stars Jenna Coleman and Tom- who plays Prince Albert, is said to be hotting up.

After secretly dating for a year, the couple are searching for a house together close to Jennas rented home in trendy Hampstead, North London  and there is even speculation that Tom will pop the question before the end of the year.

The stars, both 30, have reportedly viewed a number of properties valued at more than 1 million.

As The Mail on Sunday revealed last month, Jenna and Tom fell for each other last summer, shortly before they began filming their roles as Victoria and Prince Albert.

The relationship came shortly after Tom had broken up with actress Ophelia Lovibond, a close friend of Jenna. The two women have not spoken to each other since.

Loved up: Meanwhile the real-life romance between co-stars Jenna Coleman and Tom- who plays Prince Albert, is said to be hotting up
In the fast paced world of celebrity often important things fall by the wayside.

But Michelle Williams is not about to let one of those things be family, so she headed out with daughter Matilda Ledger and mom Carla Swenson.

The three generations stepped out together in Brooklyn, New York, on Thursday for a bite to eat and a stroll.

Three generations: Michelle Williams headed out with daughter Matilda Ledger and mom Carla Swenson in Brooklyn, New York, on Thursda

The 36-year-old actress and her loved ones were spotting enjoying some family time in the Red Hook neighborhood.

As they strolled along, it was impossible not to notice that 10-year-old Matilda is growing up fast and may soon dwarf her actress mother.

Matilda looks more and more like her late father, Heath Ledger, as each days go by.

The 10-year-old is obviously an avid reader - and a reader of the classics - as she walked along carrying an old hardcover version of The Marvelous Land Of Oz.

Time flies: As they strolled along, it was impossible not to notice that 10-year-old Matilda is growing up fast and may soon dwarf her actress mother

Once upon a time: The 10-year-old is obviously an avid reader - and a reader of the classics - as she walked along carrying an old hardcover version of The Marvelous Land Of Oz

Originally published in 1904, the book tells the story of the continued adventures of the Scarecrow and the Tin Man.

Clinging hold of the book, Matilda ran ahead of her mom and grandmother.

His legacy: Matilda looks more and more like her late father, Heath Ledger, as each days go by (pictured 2006)

For their breakfast, the young girl wore a pair of white shorts and red flannelette.

Mom Michelle looked casually chick in a black and white dress with a denim jacket and little brown booties.

Grandma Carla meanwhile rugged up a bit more wearing leggings, a grey t-shirt and a big green jacket.

The family are very close, and no doubt that sadly has to do with the tragic lose of Matilda's dad Heath.

Matilda is the only child of Michelle and Heath, who fell in love while working together on their film Brokeback Mountain.

The pair started dating in 2004 and welcomed their daughter in October of the following year.

Michelle and Heath ended their relationship in September 2007, four months before he died at the age of 28 from cardiac arrest brought on by prescription drug intoxication.
Melissa Gorga is ready for some Halloween fun.

The 37-year-old beauty was seen with her sons on Sunday as they showed off their pumpkins in the backyard of their New Jersey mansion. She also modeled a stylish Coalition LA faux fur vest.

That same day the brunette beauty was seen breaking down in tears on The Real Housewives Of New Jersey as her brother-in-law Joe Giudice, 44, headed off to jail.

Happy it's Halloween! Melissa Gorga modeled a Coalition LA faux fur vest as she decorated her backyard with pumpkins on Sunday

Her boys: Also with the 37-year-old reality star were her sons Joey and Gino

On Sunday, Melissa looked pretty in her faux vest that she paired with ripped jeans and to-the-knee boots.

Her sons Joey and Gino had on grey and blue track suits and looked like mini me versions of Melissa's husband Joe Gorga. She also has a daughter Antonia who is not pictured.

The family dog, dressed in a pumpkin jacket, looked ready for a walk.

Like a model! Melissa looked pretty in her faux vest that she paired with ripped jeans and to-the-knee boots

Family: Melissa is married to Teresa Giudice's brother Joe Gorga

Up and down: The sisters in law used to not get along but now they support each other

Sunday night's episode of RHONJ was not easy for Melissa.

She was seen breaking down in tears as Joe was sent off to serve his 41 months in prison for fraud.

Its almost like a funeral, because youre not going to see this person for 41 months, what do you say to them? pondered Joe.

Tearful goodbye: Everyone cried on the day he left, including Melissa

Family support: Melissa said she couldnt be happier to be a support for Teresa

Joes goodbye bash was going off with a bang, despite the depressing circumstances.

I think thats what Joe really wanted, said Teresa, calling it bittersweet.

But Teresa was beginning to fret about her husbands departure.

The day arrives: Its been emotionally exhausting and Im just drained, said Teresa, who looked fraught

It's time: Joe and Teresa left in an SUV while family stood in the driveway

Ive known Joe my whole life, his father was at the hospital when I was born, we grew up togetherhe was at my sweet 16, she explained.

Whatever mistakes we made, you paid your dept, Im ready to pay mine, said Joe, vowing to become a better person while locked up.

Everyone cried on the day he left.

Car talk: Melissa and Joe were also preparing for Joe s departure

Its almost like a funeral, because youre not going to see this person for 41 months, what do you say to them? pondered Joe

Its a terrible situation, said Joe Gorga.

Its been emotionally exhausting and Im just drained, said Teresa, who looked fraught.

Melissa said she couldnt be happier to be a support for Teresa.

Teresa was seen in bed with her kids as she broke down in tears. The star asked all of them to pray for Joe who sits in prison.

Teresa has already served her jail term.

Sad: It was a heartbreaking episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey on Sunday night, as Joe Giudice was sent to prison for 41 months

Prayers: On their first night without Joe the girls climbed into bed with their grieving mother and tearfully mourned his departure and offered prayers for his safe return

Please God, make my daddy come home quick, said Milania, 10, before bursting into tears

His other children Gia, 15, Gabriella, 11 and Audriana, 6, also sobbed, as they cuddled their mother in bed

Please God, make my daddy come home quick, said Milania, 10, before bursting into tears.

His other children Gia, 15, Gabriella, 11 and Audriana, 6, also sobbed, as they cuddled their mother in bed.

Bring my husband home, my daughters need their daddy, agreed Teresa, 44, who has already served her own spell in prison, for her role in Joes tax fraud crimes.
Channel Nine has reportedly issued a 'media ban' on its major presenters so they don't answer questions about Karl Stefanovic's personal life.

Several arranged photo shoots and interviews with the network's on-air talent have been cancelled recently, The Courier Mail reports.

The 'blackout' is an attempt to keep Karl out of the headlines amid his separation from wife Cassandra Thorburn, sources claim.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Channel Nine denied the reports in a statement to Daily Mail Australia.

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Ssh! Channel Nine has reportedly issued a 'media ban' on its major presenters so they don't answer questions about Karl Stefanovic's split from wife Cassandra Thorburn

Sylvia Jeffreys, Karl's colleague on Today and soon-to-be sister-in-law, cancelled a press trip for a local business last week.

The News Corp publication reported that Channel Nine stepped in, although the organisers blamed time constraints.

Sonia Kruger, known for making controversial remarks about immigration in the past, is also said to be part of the 'media ban'.

No questions! Several arranged photo shoots and interviews with Channel Nine's on-air talent have been cancelled recently. Pictured (L-R) Karl, Sylvia Jeffreys and Tim Gilbert

Back for good: After news of his separation broke, Karl was notably absent from Today - but he has since returned to presenting duties alongside longtime co-host Lisa Wilkinson

The claims, which Nine also denied to The Courier Mail, follow a difficult few weeks for Today show host Karl.

Last month, the Herald Sun reported that Karl was splitting from his wife Cassandra after 21 years of marriage.

The 42-year-old moved out of the family home to stay at his friend James Packer's $20million Bondi apartment, it was claimed.

Damage control? Today Extra co-host Sonia Kruger, known for making controversial remarks about immigration in the past, is also said to be part of the media ban

Karl was notably absent from Today the morning after news of the separation broke, and Nine explained he was working on a 60 Minutes story.

He has since returned to presenting duties alongside longtime co-hosts Lisa Wilkinson and Richard Wilkins.

Karl and Cassandra share three children - Jackson, 16, Ava, 11, and 10-year-old River.
She's been busy dancing her way towards the Strictly Come Dancing final.

And Daisy Lowe enjoyed some well-deserved time out as she attended the Grand Journey event launch in London's trendy Shoreditch on Monday.

The brunette beauty, 27, cosied up up to fellow model David Gandy, who also made an appearance at the bash.

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Down-time: Daisy Lowe attended the Grand Journey event launch, held by Bombay Sapphire, in London's trendy Shoreditch on Monday

Showing off her stylish side, Daisy wore a red knee-length satin pencil skirt teamed with a cropped cream sweater.

Accentuating her stature with matching stiletto court shoes, the model added a rock chic edge in a leather jacket.

Wearing her hair in its trademark fringe style, she completed her look with a bold red lip.

Model behaviour: The brunette beauty, 27, cosied up up to fellow model David Gandy who also made an appearance at the bash

Stylish: Showing off her stylish side, Daisy wore a red knee-length satin pencil skirt teamed with a cropped cream sweater

Meanwhile David, 36, looked dapper in a fitted white T-shirt which showed a hint of his rippling muscles.

Teaming it with grey trousers and a camel trench coat, he proved why he has modelled for the likes of Dolce and Gabbana.

David split from on-off partner of five years Mollie King in February, and the 28-year-old Saturdays star recently released a new single- rumoured to be aimed at her ex.

Suave: David, 36, looked dapper in a fitted white T-shirt which showed a hint of his rippling muscles

The songstress, 29, revealed to The Sun that her debut single Back To You, which includes the lyrics 'I'm going through hell', was a cathartic experience, allowing her to voice her feelings.

She sings: 'And I wonder what you're thinking right now, cause I'm going through hell. And I wonder why we're doing this now, I keep asking myself.'

Speaking about the track, she said: 'It's a very personal song to me. A lot of my writing inspiration has come from what I've been through over the last couple of years.

Elegant: Accentuating her stature with matching stiletto court shoes, the model added a rock chic edge in a leather jacket

Suave: Teaming his T-shirt with grey trousers and a camel trench coat, he proved why he has modelled for the likes of Dolce and Gabbana

'In a band it's sometimes difficult to write about personal experiences because there's a lot of members. My solo material is the kind of music that I love, stylistically this is me and I'm saying things that I want to say.'

Meanwhile Daisy has said that taking to the stage in Strictly Come Dancing has turned her into a 'big bag of nerves'.

Preparing for Saturday night's show with partner Aljaz Skorjanec, she told Press Association: 'This is completely different and so much more nerve-racking than photoshoots, because there you are in one room with one camera and it's intimate.

Rock chic: Wearing her hair in its trademark fringe style, she completed her look with a bold red lip

Single ready to mingle: David split from on-off partner of five years Mollie King in February, and the 28-year-old Saturdays star recently released a new single- rumoured to be aimed at her ex

'This (Strictly) is the most nerve-racking thing I have ever done. I'm a big bag of nerves - and a very clumsy one at that.'

The model-turned-dancer also spoke of fellow contestant Will Young's recent shock departure from the show after making it through to this week.

'We all have a WhatsApp chat group together and we've all said we love him and he said he is really excited to watch us all dance on Saturday.'

Commenting on the other dancers she revealed a particular soft spot for politician Ed Balls.

'I love Ed Balls,' she said, 'He is so much fun.

'He is so fearless and he is such a laugh, he just goes for it. He is a real lesson for never judging a book by its cover.'

Therapeutic: Molly, 29, revealed to The Sun that her debut single Back To You, which includes the lyrics 'I'm going through hell', was cathartic, allowing her to voice her feelings
Call The Midwife star Helen George showed off a new pink do when she attended the Red Women of the Year Awards held at the Skylon restaurant in London.

The 32-year-old managed to pull off the daring look after the trip to the salon, giving her usually blonde locks in slight edge.

She was pictured wearing a lingerie-inspired lace dress to the star-studded bash and carried a pretty vintage bag on her arm.

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Ready for bed? Actress Helen George debuts pink hair dye job as she wears low-cut lingerie inspired lace dress to Red's Women Of The Year Awards

Experimenting a little: Helen was sporting bright blonde hair just a month before

Adding some height to her frame, the star wore a pair of light pink satin strappy sandals which had delicate ankle straps and showed off her perfect pedicure.

Later that evening, the lovely lady was pictured posing for snaps as she sipped on a glass of champagne.

Thrilled with her latest look, she shared a snap of her outfit on Instagram, along with the words:

Suits her: The 32-year-old managed to pull off the daring new dye after the trip to the salon, giving her usually blonde locks in slight edge

Stunning: Adding some height to her frame, the star wore a pair of light pink satin strappy sandals which had delicate ankle straps and showed off her perfect pedicure

Star: Helen shared this snap ahead of the even, writing: 'Off to Red Women of the year awards.. Thank you @catherine__deane the dress and @jamesganh for the  @redmagazine'

'Off to Red Women of the year awards.. Thank you @catherine__deane the dress and @jamesganh for the  @redmagazine.'

She was in good company on the night as also leading the fashionable arrivals was 35-year-old Radio 1 star, Fearne Cotton, who opted for a retro-inspired monochrome mini dress - ensuring her lithe legs were firmly on display.

Slipping her slinky frame into the black and white thigh-skimming number, the Celebrity Juice regular channeled a sassy yet modest vibe.

Featuring sheer detail extending from an off-the-shoulder neckline, the dress played up to Fearne's quriky but chic sense of style.

She rounded the outfit off with a pair of towering heels which highlighted the mother-of-two's svelte frame.

Say cheese: The lovely lady was pictured posing for snaps on the red carpet earlier on in the night

To dye for: Her locks had a darker strand of pink running through the front

Clutching on: She showed off her natural beauty as she held on tightly to her bag

THE WINNERS: RED MAGAZINE WOMEN OF THE YEAR 2016 The Style Award presented by Samantha Cameron - Anna Orisini and Niamh Tuft The Community Award presented by Joanne Froggatt - Taban Shoresh The Pioneer Award presented by Melanie C - Hope Powell The Women To Watch Award presented by Amanda Abbington and Edith Bowman - Sammy Payne, Michaela Coel and Clementine Chambon The Clinique Difference Maker Award presented by Victoria Pendleton - Claire Throssell The Stem Award presented by Red's Philippa Perry - Praminda Caleb-Solly The Creative Award - Ammah Asante The Pioneer Award - Hope Powell The START-UP Award - Kathryn Tyler and Nikki Cochrane of Digital Mums The Community/Charity Award - Jayne Senior The Lifetime Achievement Award - Joan Burstein CBE Advertisement

Wearing her blonde locks carefully styled into gentle waves, the DJ and presenter allowed her hair to fall around her pretty face.

Former Made In Chelsea star Millie, 27, went for an equally retro look and donned a midnight black velvet jumpsuit.

Keeping her look chic and simple, the healthy living guru went for a one-piece with a cinched-in waistline and a low-cut V-shaped neckline.

Fashionable females: Fearne Cotton, Millie Mackintosh and Joanne Froggatt (L-R) all upping their style game for an evening out at the Red Women of the Year Awards

Pins on parade: Leading the fashionable arrivals was 35-year-old Fearne, who opted for a retro-inspired monochrome mini dress - ensuring her lithe legs were firmly on display

Retro chic: Former Made In Chelsea star Millie, 27, went for an equally retro look and donned a midnight black velvet jumpsuit

Subtly sassy: Keeping her look chic and simple, the healthy living guru went for a one-piece with a cinched-in waistline and a low-cut V-shaped neckline

Simply the best? Opting for the age-old addage that 'less is more', the former E4 reality beauty kept her look uncluttered and only wore a pair of matching killer heels to round things off

Opting for the age-old addage that 'less is more', the former E4 reality beauty kept her look uncluttered and only wore a pair of matching killer heels to round things off.

She wore her light brown tresses in a carefully dishevelled manner, allowing her long locks to cascade down and around her shoulders.

Joanne Froggart, who shot to global fame in Downton Abbey, looked worlds away from her former period character, Mrs. Bates.

Mr. Bates will be surprised! Joanne Froggart, who shot to global fame in Downton Abbey, looked worlds away from her former period character, Mrs. Bates

Quirky yet chic: Showing off her own fashion credentials the 36-year-old actress donned a fitted white dress, which featured pattern detail and cut-away sections

Showing off her own fashion credentials the 36-year-old actress donned a fitted white dress, which featured pattern detail and cut-away sections.

The Yorkshire-born star's figure-flaunting garment featured a metallic blue and red pattern across the mid-section and shoulders, while cut-out detailing at the waist and shoulders helped to accentuate her frame.

She rounded off her look with a pair of towering silver peep-toe heels, which she complemented with a small clutch.

Another famous face: Another famous fashionista at the event was Samantha Cameron, the wife of former Prime Minister David

Simply stylish: The 45-year-old style guru opted for an understated yet seriously stylish maxi dress

Fashionable freinds: Samantha (pictured with Sarah Bailey) showcased her trim figure, while a bright yellow shirt-style collar and big button detailing caught the eye

Chinwag: Samantha also exchanged words with entrepreneur Dame Natalie Massene

Joanne wore her long blonde hair tied up, leaving her famous features clear as day.

Another famous fashionista at the event was Samantha Cameron, the wife of former Prime Minister David.

The 45-year-old style guru opted for an understated yet seriously stylish maxi dress.

Spicing things up: Mel C showed off her incredible figure in a fitted black dress

In the pink: Model Amber Le Bon arrived in a seasonally chic ensemble, teaming a pink sweater with a floral layered mini skirt

It runs in the family: Amber was accompanied by her fashionable mother Yasmin

The long fitted number clung to Samantha's slender curves showcasing her trim figure, while a bright yellow shirt-style collar and big button detailing caught the eye.

Mrs Cameron rounded off her stylish ensemble with a pair of black stilettos.

Mel C showcased her own trim and toned figure in a fitted maxi dress which clung to her slender curves.

Other famous faces at the awards included the model Amber Le Bon and her mother Yasmin and award-winning artist Grayson Perry.

Glamour gals: Designer Jasmine Guinness and model Jade Parfitt arrive in an Audi at the RED Women of the Year Awards

Turning heads: Amanda Berry stunned in an exotic dress along side singer Melanie Chisholm and cyclist Victoria Pendleton (right)

L to R: Blogger Jasmine Hemsley, Red Magazine editor Sarah Bailey and presenter Lisa Snowdon

Catching the eye: Cross-dressing artist Grayson Perry donned some snazzy heels while fashion designer Savannah Miller stunned in a patchwork dress

Embrace: Actress Amanda Abbington (L) and Melanie Chisholm bore beaming smiles at the event

Boozing: Ann Scott (L) and model Jade Parfitt seemed delight as they held their wine

L-R: Fashion mogul Joan Burstein and Natalie Massenet, Jasmine Hemsley and Lisa Snowdon

Geelful: Sam flashed a beaming smile as she clapped alongside Ferne at the award ceremony

Delight: They exchanged kisses on the stage, smiling all the while

Focussed: Ferne said a few lines into the microphone

Gleaming: She dazzled as she gave her speech to the crowd

Matching shoes: Jasmine Hemsley and Lisa Snowdon sported very similar footwear

Having a good time: Lisa Snowdon, Millie Mackintosh and Jessica Moloney posed for the cameras

Stunner: Millie wowed in her black jumpsuit as she stalked the drinks bar

Overjoyed: Jasmine Hemsley, Sarah Bailey and Lisa Snowdon flashed beaming smiles
Forces operating in Iraq's Mosul theatre

A wide array of Iraqi and international forces are involved in the fight to retake Mosul from the Islamic State jihadist group, which overran the country's second city in 2014.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced early Monday that operations to retake Mosul had started.

These are the main forces that may operate in the Mosul theatre, though not all will play a role in the fighting inside the city:

A wide array of Iraqi and international forces are involved in the fight to retake Mosul from the Islamic State jihadist group Mahmoud al-Samarrai (AFP/File)

- Islamic State group -

Heavily-armed jihadists who have had years to prepare their defences in Mosul, which IS seized before sweeping through cities and towns to the south in 2014.

Iraqi forces have since regained significant ground, and Mosul is the last city the jihadists hold in the country.

- Counter-terrorism service -

The most elite forces in the country who have spearheaded most key battles against IS. But constant reliance on these troops over the past two years has taken a toll.

- Army -

The Iraqi army has begun playing a more successful role in operations against the jihadists since it was revitalised by US-led training following several of its divisions collapsing during the IS offensive in the north two years ago.

- Police -

Includes special forces units, paramilitary federal police and local policemen. Many Iraqi police forces have played roles more akin to those of soldiers in the war against IS.

- US-led coalition -

A US-led international alliance is carrying out air strikes against IS in Iraq and Syria, and providing training, arms and equipment to forces opposing the jihadists.

There are more than 7,500 coalition military personnel deployed in Iraq, over half of them from the United States.

Most are in advisory or training roles, but special forces soldiers who have fought the jihadists on the ground have also been deployed and coalition forces near Mosul have also targeted IS with artillery.

- Peshmerga -

Security forces of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region who nominally answer to the federal government but in practice operate independently, battling IS along a long front in the country's north.

- Hashed al-Shaabi -

An umbrella organisation created in 2014, which includes a dizzying array of paramilitary forces who vary widely in skill and in the degree to which they are actually under government control.

The main groups in the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) are Iranian-backed Shiite militias including Ketaeb Hezbollah, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Badr.

The Hashed has played a major role in stopping IS's advance as well as regaining ground from the jihadists, but forces within it have also carried out abuses including summary executions and kidnappings.

- Iranian advisers -

Iranian forces have provided advice and other assistance including funding for various militias fighting IS in Iraq.

Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards foreign operations wing, has been repeatedly pictured in Iraq during the war.

- Turkish troops -

Deployed at a base near Mosul from which they have carried out artillery strikes against IS, Turkish troops are also present inside Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region.

The federal government has demanded their withdrawal, with the prime minister vowing that they will not take part in the operation to recapture Mosul, but Turkey has declined to do so.
Retaking Iraq's Mosul: a complex offensive

A complex offensive is taking place to recapture Mosul, the Islamic State group's last major stronghold in Iraq and the country's second city.

Questions of timing

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced Monday that operations to liberate Mosul had begun after already calling an operation to retake Nineveh province, of which Mosul is the capital, in March this year.

The battle for Mosul is expected to be difficult, involving street-to-street fighting with the 3,000-4,500 IS jihadists the coalition has estimated are in the area Mahmoud al-Samarrai (AFP)

The timing of Abadi's announcement is in line with predictions by Western officials, including US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joe Dunford, that an offensive would be launched in October.

A key requirement was the cooperation of peshmerga forces from the autonomous Kurdish region. Their leader Massud Barzani said on Saturday that the time had come to begin operations.

Abadi remains on target to keep his promise that Mosul would be liberated in 2016 but it is still unclear when Iraqi forces will be in a position to move into the city proper.

Paramilitary forces known as the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) will also take part in fighting in the Mosul theatre. While they are ostensibly under Abadi's control, the most powerful groups operate with a great deal of autonomy and with input from Tehran.

Baghdad decided to retake Fallujah, an IS-held city west of the capital, before moving on to the northern city of Mosul, and that operation was the main focus until its completion this summer.

Iraqi forces have since retaken the Qayyarah base, which will serve as a main supply and logistics hub for the Mosul operation, and have also recaptured Sharqat, an IS-held town that was a potential threat to their supply lines.

Many players

The battle for Mosul is expected to be difficult, involving street-to-street fighting with the 3,000-4,500 IS jihadists the coalition has estimated are in the area.

IS is faced with an array of forces: the US-led coalition, Iraqi soldiers, police and mainly Shiite Muslim Hashed al-Shaabi forces -- and Kurdish peshmerga fighters.

This coalition of myriad and sometimes rival Iraqi forces will have to fight through IS defences -- in some cases over distances of dozens of kilometres (miles) from their current positions -- to reach the city.

The operation will be supported by the US-led coalition, while Iranian forces will work with some Shiite militia groups, and Turkey also has troops at a base near Mosul which it has declined to remove despite Baghdad's demands that it do so.

The issue of the role of the Hashed al-Shaabi militia forces is a contentious one, and Sunni politicians oppose their entry into Sunni Arab Mosul.

Hashed forces may ultimately be diverted to retake the town of Tal Afar west of Mosul, giving them a role in the operation while keeping them out of the city.

There is also the contentious issue of post-Mosul territorial control, with Iraqi Kurdistan wanting to maintain control of areas that are claimed by both it and the federal government in Baghdad.

Humanitarian catastrophe feared

The Mosul offensive could affect more than one million people, according to the United Nations. These displaced people would come on top of some 3.38 million Iraqis who have already left their homes since January 2014.
Crown shares dive as China detains high-roller chief

Shares in billionaire James Packer's Crown Resorts plunged on Monday after 18 sales and marketing staff were detained in China, including an executive in charge of luring high-rollers to Australia.

The gaming company's stock fell 13.9 percent to close in Sydney at Aus$11.15.

It followed news that three Australians were among those hauled in for questioning by Chinese authorities on Thursday and Friday last week, with the company unable to contact them.

Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex, on the south bank of the Yarra River in Melbourne Indranil Mukherjee (AFP/File)

"In relation to media reports on the weekend, Crown Resorts Limited believes that Crown's executive vice president VIP International, Jason O'Connor, is one of 18 Crown employees that have been detained by Chinese authorities," the company said in a statement.

"To date, Crown has not been able to speak with its employees and is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to urgently make contact with and ascertain the welfare of its employees.

"Crown is yet to be provided with details of why its employees have been detained."

China's foreign ministry said in a statement to AFP that Australian nationals had been "criminally detained by Chinese authorities for suspected gambling offences".

"The case is under investigation," it added.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation said it understood they were seized over soliciting Chinese high-rollers to gamble in overseas casinos.

The Australian Financial Review reported they may have been targeted as part of "Operation Chain Break", aimed at stopping the illicit flow of funds into foreign casinos.

Gaming companies are not allowed to explicitly advertise gambling in China.

The newspaper said police raided houses in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Chengdu.

Crown operates casinos across Australia and the world, including in Macau, where revenues have been hit hard by a Chinese corruption crackdown which has driven away many big-spenders.

Graft has become endemic in China and President Xi Jinping launched a much-publicised anti-corruption drive after he came to power in 2012.

The Australian government said consular officials were seeking more details from Beijing.

"Chinese authorities have three days in which to notify of the detention of Australians according to the terms of a bilateral consular treaty," a spokesperson said, indicating that official notification was expected later Monday.

Packer, who is engaged to pop diva Mariah Carey, owns 53 percent of Crown Resorts but resigned as chairman in 2015.

James Packer, Executive Chairman of Crown Resorts, pictured in 2015 Ted Aljibe (AFP/File)
News / National

by Staff reporter

Anti-President Robert Mugabe activists - including exiled musician Thomas Mapfumo are next week headed for the United Kingdom (UK) where they will next week, mobilise Diasporans to bring back the troubled southern African nation into the spotlight.This comes as pro-democracy activists are now devising new strategies to confront 92-year-old Mugabe - Zimbabwe's only president since independence 36 years ago - after his government's repressive and brutal clampdown on demonstrations and imposition of a ban on protests in the capital, Harare.According to UK-based Free Zimbabwe Advocacy (FZA) group, prominent activists such as Patson Dzamara, USA-based Evan Mawarire, Sten Zvorwadza as well as Linda Masarira and Mapfumo will address gatherings in Leicester and Dunstable to drum up support for their cause.Mawarire is famed for the #ThisFlag campaign while Dzamara is popular for the #OccupyAfricaUnitySquare anti-Mugabe crusade - started by his abducted and still missing brother, Itai.The activists will also be joined by various artists for a concert dubbed "Rise up Zimbabwe UK Tour".According to a letter from FZA's Arthur Janjawa to Zvorwadza, seen by the Daily News, the programme is targeted at reviving the momentum gained during the mass protests in the country, before the repressive police protests ban."The poverty faced by millions of Zimbabweans needs addressing now because left unabated, the malaise will spread and have serious consequences on ordinary Zimbabweans," he said."We believe, with the momentum that has been registered from initiatives created by your combined mobilisation efforts with the masses for protests, shutdowns, demonstrations, expressions of dissatisfaction to the government on the state of the economy, continued injustices of the rule of law and corruption, the citizens have responded by rallying behind your movement," Janjawa said.Citizen groups such as Tajamuka and vendor unions, led by Zvorwadza, have spearheaded the anti-Mugabe demonstrations that have rattled the ruling party to its foundations.Mapfumo left Zimbabwe in 2002 after composing songs against the Mugabe regime and foretelling gross corruption that was to take place in the country at the hands of the nonagenarian leader and his ruling Zanu-PF party."We roped Mapfumo into the campaign to effectively use his appeal and impact to reach out to a larger audience and create international visibility for the programme.""The ultimate goal and objective of the concerts is to harness the synergies at play and mobilise a global audience to rally behind the movement for change sweeping the country and bring about a return to a democratic," Janjawa said.Zvorwadza and other social movement leaders have proved to be a thorn in the flesh for authorities and their efforts to push for democratic change have been brutally thwarted by police.On several occasions, the movement leaders have been arrested.Masarira spent nearly two months locked up at the infamous Chikurubi Maximum Prison and was only released after a High Court judge ruled that her continued incarceration was illegal.The Chimurenga music icon, with most of his songs banned on national radio, participated in the anti-Mugabe protests at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September.
Russian student who followed IS lover to Syria faces 'terrorist' trial

Police in bullet-proof vests guard a military court for the terrorism trial of Varvara Karaulova, a slim 20-year-old with braided hair who clutches a page of handwritten notes.

Karaulova was studying philosophy at the renowned Moscow State University when she tried to enter Syria last year after falling in love online with an Islamic State fighter.

Karaulova's trial on terrorist-related charges is the most high-profile yet of a Russian heading to Syria -- where Moscow warplanes are bombing in support of ally President Bashar al-Assad -- and supporters say authorities are using her to send out a warning.

Moscow State University student Varvara Karaulova sits inside a defendants' cage during a hearing at the District Military Court on October 13, 2016 Vasily Maximov (AFP)

A large number of the foreign fighters with the jihadist IS group in Syria are from Russia, and Moscow claims 2,700 of its nationals and citizens from other ex-Soviet republics have been killed in the anti-IS operation.

But most of those from Russia fighting in Syria come from Muslim communities principally in the volatile North Caucasus region.

- 'I didn't join anything' -

As an ethnic Russian woman from a privileged background, Karaulova is a rarity.

She is charged with preparing to participate in a "terrorist organisation" and if convicted faces up to five years in jail with the verdict expected in a week or two.

She is pleading not guilty, arguing she never intended to fight but simply wanted to be with the man she loved. In court she is known as Alexandra Ivanova after changing her name to try to avoid media attention.

"I didn't join anything, I'm not a terrorist and absolutely never intended to become one," she said at the opening of the trial on October 5, quoted by Interfax news agency.

Her defence lawyer Sergei Badamshin told AFP the justice system is making an example of her, even though "families of terrorists are not punished in our country."

"This is undoubtedly a show trial," he said. "Unfortunately, they chose a victim who has nothing to do with IS's terrorist activities."

"Why it was her -- I can't say."

- 'Winner in life' -

Karaulova grew up in a middle-class family in a leafy area of Moscow and left school with all A grades, Badamshin said.

"She's a winner in life."

Then Karaulova became interested in Islam and began wearing a headscarf, and on May 27, 2015, she disappeared.

Her father reported her missing and traced her to Turkey, where she and a group of other women were caught by border guards as they attempted to cross into Syria.

After her return to Russia in a blaze of publicity, investigators initially said she had committed no crime. But almost half a year later, she was detained and charged.

She is being held in the notorious Lefortovo jail under tight supervision, her lawyer said.

At the trial held in Moscow District Military Court, Karaulova speaks clearly but briefly, and keeps a copy of the Criminal Code on the seat in her glass cage.

At one point a witness described her as weighing around 75 kilogrammes and she flares up: "Did the witness weigh me?"

She refuses to answer questions about her religious views, but is now bareheaded and wears colourful dresses, her eyes ringed in dark liner.

- First love -

She says she got to know a man through a social networking site, who used various names including Vlad, Artur Sokolov and Adam, but whose real name is reportedly Airat Samatov, a Russian citizen, who investigators say is fighting with IS.

Her lawyer says Karaulova was going through a period of teenage low self-esteem that made her vulnerable to such tactics.

"She's a closed, reserved person... No one knew what was going on inside her, not her parents, not her friends," Badamshin said.

For her, it was first love, he says, while raising the possibility that the messages to her were not even all written by the same person, due to stylistic differences.

The prosecution is using other women who tried to reach Syria along with Karaulova as witnesses -- but they remain at liberty.

Wearing a hijab, one woman, Regina Velimetova, spoke via video link from Dagestan's Supreme Court.

She recalled travelling to the Turkish border with Karaulova.

"She was crying, she was missing her parents," Velimetova said, adding that her companion told her she was going to Syria because she had "fallen in love" with a guy who lived there and he had "invited her to get married".

Such women "all want to get married under sharia rule," said Velimetova, adding she also went "to seek married happiness."

She insisted: "That doesn't mean we went there to take part in military action and to blow ourselves up. Our aim was just to live where the law of Islam is observed."
Disgraced All Black Smith sits out Bledisloe clash

All Black halfback Aaron Smith has voluntarily stood down from Saturday's Bledisloe Cup tie with Australia in the wake of his toilet tryst scandal, New Zealand Rugby said on Monday.

NZR said Smith offered to sit out the blockbuster tie against the Wallabies in Auckland at a disciplinary hearing into his conduct.

The 54-Test veteran was also issued with a formal warning over the incident last month, when he entered a disabled toilet cubicle with a woman at busy Christchurch Airport the day after the Test against South Africa.

All Black halfback Aaron Smith has voluntarily stood down from Saturday's Bledisloe Cup tie with Australia in the wake of his 'toilet tryst' scandal Michael Bradley (AFP/File)

NZR said Smith's action was "serious misconduct" that affected the reputation of the All Blacks and their commercial partners.

"Aaron presented himself as genuine, honest and incredibly remorseful," it said in a statement.

"We have also taken into account the fact that the very public nature of this incident has had a significant impact on him personally."

The Auckland Test will be the second Smith has missed over the scandal after he was suspended from this month's match against South Africa in Durban.

Smith made no comment in the NZR statement but offered a tearful apology earlier this month, saying the liaison with the mystery woman was a "huge mistake".
6.9-magnitude quake hits off PNG: USGS

A strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Papua New Guinea on Monday, officials said, but no Pacific-wide tsunami warning was issued with little damage expected due to the remote location.

The tremor was estimated at a depth of 35 kilometres (22 miles) on New Britain island, 418 kilometres northeast of the capital Port Moresby, the United States Geological Survey said.

The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center ruled out a widespread tsunami.

A strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Papua New Guinea on October 17, 2016 Ted Aljibe (AFP/File)

"Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake," it said.

Australian seismologists estimated the quake at 6.8-magnitude and said damage was highly unlikely with few inhabitants in the area.

"Luckily it is a very, very remote part of New Britain," Geoscience Australia duty seismologist Dan Jaksa told AFP.

"It's highly unlikely there is any damage given the remoteness."

New Britain, the largest island of the Bismarck Archipelago, is east of mainland New Guinea and has a population of around 500,000 people.
Russia says 'goodwill' is behind its decision to announce a temporary ceasefire over Aleppo - a day after dozens of civilians were killed in a wave of deadly airstrikes.

The Kremlin said it had stopped bombing the war-ravaged Syrian city this morning ahead of plans for an eight-hour truce on Thursday.

The decision was a 'manifestation of goodwill', according to Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Rescuers found a Syrian child desperately clinging to the ruins of a crumbling block of flats in Aleppo a day after deadly airstrikes killed 20 members of one family

The 12-year-old boy, called Maarouf, was left hanging from the upper floor of a residential building in the Qaterji neighbourhood of the city

He was found with his legs trapped under rubble a day before Russian and Syrian air forces temporarily stopped bombing Aleppo

Peskov said: 'This is an obvious continuation of Russian efforts, on the one hand, to fight terrorists in Syria, and on the other, to unblock the situation in Aleppo. It is exclusively a manifestation of goodwill by the Russian military.'

It comes a day after harrowing images emerged showing the moment rescuers found a Syrian child desperately clinging to the ruins of a crumbling block of flats in Aleppo.

The 12-year-old boy, called Maarouf, was left hanging from the upper floor of a residential building in the Qaterji neighbourhood of the city.

He was found with his legs trapped under rubble a day before Russian and Syrian air forces temporarily stopped bombing Aleppo - ahead of a planned eight-hour truce later this week.

Activists said last night that 20 from the same family - including two six-week old babies - perished on Monday in heavy bombardment of east Aleppo despite Western warnings of sanctions against Syria's regime over attacks on the city.

Bombardment stopped at 7am GMT today, Russia's defence minister said, in a move designed to pave the way for an eight-hour truce on October 20.

In the video, a volunteer from the White Helmet rescue group could be seen in a crane trying to reach the boy, who was wriggling in vain to get himself free.

Maarouf, who was wearing a dust-covered shirt with the words 'Don't shoot' on it, was extracted and his injured right leg treated at a field hospital.

It came after ferocious airstrikes overnight in the neighbourhood which, according to the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights, killed civilians.

In the video, a volunteer from the White Helmet rescue group could be seen in a crane trying to reach the boy, who was wriggling in vain to get himself free

Maarouf, who was wearing a dust-covered shirt with the words 'Don't shoot' on it, was extracted and his injured right leg treated at a field hospital

The brutal government offensive against rebel-held eastern Aleppo backed by Russian airpower has plunged Syria into some of the worst violence since the conflict erupted in March 2011

Once Syria's thriving commercial hub, Aleppo has been ravaged by bombing raids and intensifying clashes as President Bashar al-Assad's forces fight to capture rebel-held parts of the city.

Russian air support for the onslaught - which has destroyed hospitals and other civilian infrastructure - has spurred accusations of potential war crimes and threats of punitive sanctions.

World powers are expected to follow up Monday on last-ditch efforts at the weekend aimed at ending Syria's five-year conflict.

The deaths brought to 47 the number of people killed since Sunday morning in east Aleppo, the Observatory said.

Bombardment has been so heavy in recent days that streets have been blocked off by massive piles of rubble from destroyed buildings, an AFP correspondent said.

This morning Russia's defence minister said bombing had stopped.

An injured Syrian man cries out in pain as he receives medical treatment at a field hospital after war plames belonging to the Russian army carried out air strikes over Aleppo

Once Syria's thriving commercial hub, Aleppo has been ravaged by bombing raids and intensifying clashes as President Bashar al-Assad's forces fight to capture rebel-held parts of the city

A Syrian father mourns next to the lifeless body of his child at a field hospital in Aleppo

Devastation: Syrians inspect the destroyed buildings after jets pounded buildings in the city

Destroyed buildings are shown after the Russian army carried out air strikes in Aleppo

'Strikes in the Aleppo region by the Russian and Syrian air forces are stopping today starting at 10:00 am (local time),' Sergei Shoigu said in a televised briefing.

'The early cessation of air strikes is necessary to introduce a 'humanitarian pause' on October 20. This guarantees the security of civilians' exit through six corridors and prepares the evacuation of the sick and injured from eastern Aleppo.'

Russia's defence ministry said Monday that its forces and the Syrian regime would halt fire in Aleppo on Thursday for eight hours amid mounting criticism of the Moscow-backed assault against Syria's second city.

Shoigu on Tuesday called on countries that 'have influence on armed groups in eastern Aleppo' to convince group leaders to cease hostilities and leave the city.

Shoigu said the initiative could 'contribute to the success' of international military talks in Geneva on Wednesday on efforts to distance Syrian opposition fighters from jihadist group Fateh al-Sham Front, which changed its name from Al-Nusra Front after renouncing its ties to Al-Qaeda.

America has dismissed plans for an eight-hour pause in attacks by Russian and Syrian forces on rebel-held eastern districts of Aleppo as 'too little, too late'.

US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said the people of Aleppo 'have been subjected to near constant bombardment and air strikes' that have killed many civilians and levelled much of the city's infrastructure in an effort 'to starve out and to drive out the opposition and civilians'.

Members of the White Helmets search for victims amid the rubble of a destroyed building following reported air strikes in Aleppo, on October 17

Bombardment has been so heavy in recent days that streets have been blocked off by massive piles of rubble from destroyed buildings

Members of the Syrian Civil Defence, known as the White Helmets, search for victims amid the rubble of a destroyed building following reported air strikes in the rebel-held Qatarji

People remove belongings from a damaged site after an air strike Sunday in rebel-held besieged al-Qaterji

People bury relatives whom died in an airstrike yesterday in the rebel held besieged al-Qaterji

'If there is actually an eight-hour pause in the unremitting suffering of the people of Aleppo, that would be a good thing. But frankly, it's a bit too little, too late,' he said.

Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, said Monday that Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have agreed to take part in talks on distancing rebels from the Syrian jihadist group.

Russia has repeatedly demanded that the Syrian rebels break off from Fateh al-Sham Front, which the United Nations considers a terrorist group, as a condition to revive a ceasefire in Aleppo.

The brutal government offensive against rebel-held eastern Aleppo backed by Russian airpower has plunged Syria into some of the worst violence since the conflict erupted in March 2011.
South Korea flags long wait for Sewol ferry salvage

South Korea says efforts to lift the Sewol ferry that sank more than two years ago may drag on into next year, with salvage operations hampered by poor visibility and the sheer scale of the undertaking.

The 6,825-tonne vessel was carrying 476 people when it capsized and sank off the southwestern island of Jindo in April 2014.

In what swiftly became one of the country's worst maritime disasters, 304 people died -- the majority of them high-school students on an organised trip.

A giant crane that will lift up the sunken Sewol ferry is seen during a salvage project in the sea off Jindo in June 2016 Yonhap (Yonhap/AFP/File)

The salvage project, carried out by a Chinese-led consortium, began in mid-June with the ambitiously optimistic target of bringing the ferry to the surface by the end of July.

With work suspended numerous times due to bad weather and other issues, the timeline for raising the Sewol was repeatedly put back to August, September, and then October.

In an interview with KBS TV aired Sunday, Maritime Minister Kim Young-Suk suggested further delays lay ahead.

"In the worst-case scenario, we may not be able to complete the process this year," Kim said. "So we are in the process of readjusting the timing of the lift."

Workers so far have attached 20 steel "lifting" beams to the ship, but installing another six in the stern -- which is partly buried in the sea bed and heavily silted up -- has proved "extremely difficult," Kim said.

The sunken vessel is lying 40 metres (130 feet) under the surface and visibility is poor at the best of times, the minister added.

"I understand the pain of the victims' families ... but we assure you that we will lift the ship by any means necessary," he said.

Salvaging the Sewol was a key demand of the families who hope nine bodies still unaccounted for may yet to be recovered.

Once all 26 beams are installed, a giant crane is expected to lift the Sewol to a floating dock.

Probes into the Sewol disaster concluded it was largely a man-made tragedy -- the cumulative result of an illegal redesign, an overloaded cargo bay, inexperienced crew and cozy ties between the ship operators and state regulators.

Captain Lee Jun-Seok was sentenced to life in prison for "murder through wilful negligence" and sentences ranging from two to 12 years were handed down to 14 other crew members.
EU not considering Russia sanctions over Syria: Mogherini

The EU is not considering sanctions against Russia for its role in Syria but further measures against its ally Damascus are possible, the bloc's foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini said Monday.

"This has not been proposed by any member state," Mogherini said as she arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers dominated by the Syrian crisis when asked about steps against Moscow.

"But we have sanctions on the Syrian regime... and there are discussions on that, for sure, (expanding) that could be possible," the former Italian foreign minister added.

Syrian civilians and rescuers gather at the site of an air strike by government forces in the rebel held neighbourhood of Al-Shaar in Aleppo Karam al-Masri (AFP/File)

Mogherini's comments came despite a warning by the United States and Britain on Sunday that Western allies were considering imposing sanctions against economic targets in Syria and Russia over the siege of Aleppo.

The EU is already embroiled in an acrimonious stand-off complete with damaging sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis, and many member states are reluctant to make matters worse by adding more.

"I do not think it would be fruitful if we discuss now for hours if and how and when we are going to decide on sanctions against Russia," Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said.

"Fristly, we will not find a consensus and secondly I believe as well, that it is not the right time and it would be counter-productive," he said.

Others said it was imperative to increase the pressure on Russia and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in order to halt the carnage in the country's second city Aleppo.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who met Kerry on Sunday night, said events in Aleppo "should shame humanity" and that Monday's talks should focus on "how to keep the pressure on the Assad regime and its puppeteers, the Russians."
Bangladesh accelerates trials as Islamist hanged

Bangladesh said Monday it is fast-tracking trials of Islamist extremists, hours after a senior leader of a militant group was hanged for a 2005 blast that killed two judges.

Asadul Islam, also known as Arif, was a senior leader of the banned group Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), which the government has blamed for a deadly siege on an upmarket Dhaka cafe on July 1.

Bangladeshi security forces launched a crackdown against Islamist extremists following the cafe attack, which shook the image of Bangladesh as a moderate Muslim nation.

Bangladeshi prison security personnel stand guard in front of Khulna jail on October 16, 2016

Since July, police have shot dead nearly 40 suspected extremists including JMB's new leader Tamim Chowdhury, a Canadian citizen of Bangladeshi descent who allegedly masterminded the cafe carnage.

Bangladesh's courts have also accelerated the prosecution of Islamist extremists, sparking concern among rights activists who say such actions may be politically motivated.

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam told AFP the government was "trying to fast-track all the militant-related cases", including bomb attacks on a court complex outside Dhaka, a cultural function in a northern town and a new year's festival in the capital.

Police spokesman A.K.M Shahidur Rahman said there were "at least 64" Islamist extremists on death row and their appeals were being heard in the higher courts.

But Human Rights Watch said there was no conclusive evidence the death penalty acted as a deterrent.

"When terror attacks happen, governments often feel under pressure to show that they are doing something," South Asia director Meenakshi Ganguly told AFP.

"What is needed instead is careful investigation to identify and prosecute perpetrators with proper evidence."

JMB was founded in the late 1990s and seeks to impose sharia law on Bangladesh, a Muslim majority but officially secular nation of 160 million people.

It shot to prominence when it carried out a coordinated bombing attack in August 2005, that involved more than 400 small blasts across the country.
Ethiopia limits diplomats' movements, media access

Ethiopia has banned access to foreign-based opposition media and restricted foreign diplomats' travel, in new provisions of a state of emergency.

The government declared the six-month state of emergency eight days ago, stepping up its response to an unprecedented wave of protests against its authoritarian rule which has left hundreds dead.

New restrictions published in local media on Sunday also include a 50-kilometre (30-mile) "red zone" adjacent to the country's borders in which it is illegal to carry firearms. The areas around several key roads have also been declared red zones.

Oromo regional police officers patrol in pick-up truck during the Oromo new year holiday of Irreechaa in Bishoftu, southeast of Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, on October 2, 2016 Zacharias Abubeker (AFP)

Foreign diplomats are forbidden from travelling more than 40 kilometres outside the capital, Addis Ababa, "for their own security".

"This is a state of emergency and we expect repressive measures," a Western diplomat told AFP on condition of anonymity on Monday.

"But we also expect an opening of the political space for the opposition as stated by the president in front of the parliament. This is not what seems to be happening," the diplomat added.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is following developments in Ethiopia "with concern", his spokesman said Monday.

The UN chief urged Ethiopian authorities to uphold human rights and called for calm and urged "inclusive dialogue to resolve all grievances."

- Internet access cut -

The new measures include a 6:00 pm to 6:00 am curfew around factories, farms and government institutions, which have come under attack from protesters in recent weeks.

Political parties are "banned from giving press statements that incite violence" and religious leaders are forbidden from making political statements.

Security forces are banned from going on holiday or resigning their jobs.

The measures also make it illegal to watch television stations set up by the diaspora such as Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT) and the US-based Oromia Media Network (OMN).

Posting links from these organisations' websites onto social media has also been declared a "criminal activity".

Cellphone internet access has been cut for almost three weeks in most parts of the country, including the capital.

"There is a pressing concern that the Ethiopian authorities will need even less of a pretext to prevent foreign journalists from doing their work during the state of emergency," said Will Davison, head of the Foreign Press Association, an informal gathering of foreign correspondents in Ethiopia.

On Friday an AFP photographer was stopped in the central town of Sebeta -- in the restive Oromia region -- and taken to the police station before being released.

The country's Oromo and Amhara communities -- which together make up 60 percent of the population -- have been protesting for nearly a year against marginalisation by a government largely made up of minority Tigrayans, which controls power and the economy.

The latest surge in violence came after police fired tear gas at protesters attending an Oromo religious festival on October 2, sparking panic in a massive crowd and triggering a stampede that left over 50 dead.

International rights groups estimate the government crackdown has left more than 500 dead.

Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn promised last week to reform the electoral system and "open up political space".
Philippine leader open to war games with China, Russia

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is willing to hold military exercises with China but not longtime ally the United States, Chinese media quoted him Monday as saying on the eve of a state visit.

Duterte heads to Beijing on Tuesday for a four-day trip that appears set to cement his dramatic foreign policy tilt away from United States, which he has railed against for criticising his deadly war on crime.

"It's only China (that) can help us," China's state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Duterte as saying in an interview ahead of his visit.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said his country would no longer hold joint exercises with the United States, its main defence ally and supplier of military hardware Manman Dejeto (AFP/File)

Duterte also told Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television he was willing to hold joint military exercises with China and Russia.

"Yes, I will. I have given enough time for the Americans to play with the Filipino soldiers," Duterte said when asked if he was open to war games with those two nations, as he reiterated he would no longer hold any more with the United States.

"This will be the last. It has been programmed. I do not want my soldiers to be humiliated," Duterte said, in reference to one set of war games in the Philippines that ended last week.

Duterte has sought to reshape his nation's foreign relations since taking office on June 30 by pivoting towards China and Russia while moving away from the United States, the Philippines' former colonial ruler and mutual defence ally.

Duterte has repeatedly expressed anger over American criticism of his war on crime, which has claimed more than 3,700 lives and raised fears of mass extrajudicial killings.

He has branded US President Barack Obama a "son of a whore" and told him to "go to hell".

But, signalling his shift to China is also for pragmatic reasons, Duterte has repeatedly ridiculed the United States for what he sees as its weakening economic and military influence around the world.

In the Xinhua interview Duterte again thanked China for not criticising the crime crackdown as he held out the Philippines' hand for soft loans and other forms of financial help.

- 'China never criticises' -

"China never criticises. They help us quietly," Duterte said, according to Xinhua.

Duterte is bringing an entourage of hundreds of businessmen with him to Beijing, and Philippine media have said deals worth billions of dollars are expected to be announced during the trip.

Asked if he would seek to buy military equipment from China during his visit, Duterte told Phoenix Television: "Yes, but not really in (large) numbers."

Duterte said he would also need small, fast attack boats from China to fight "terrorism".

"If China does not help us in this endeavour, we will have a hard time fighting terrorism," he said without elaborating, according to Phoenix Television.

Bilateral relations worsened under Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino, who tried to challenge China's expansionism in the South China Sea.

China claims nearly all of the strategically vital sea, even waters approaching the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, and has in recent years built artificial islands in the disputed areas that are capable of hosting military bases.

To counter China, Aquino allowed a much greater American military presence in the Philippines and started joint patrols in the sea with US forces.

He also filed a legal case at a UN-backed tribunal, which ruled in July that China's claims to most of the sea had no legal basis. Beijing refused to accept the ruling.

Duterte has said he does not want to use the verdict to pressure China. In recent weeks he has also cancelled the joint sea patrols with the United States and said he may cancel a pact that allows a greater US military presence in the Philippines.
EU threatens DR Congo sanctions, urges early elections

The EU on Monday warned the Democratic Republic of Congo it faced sanctions if it does not hold early elections and condemned recent deadly violence between opponents and supporters of President Joseph Kabila.

More than 50 people died in clashes in the capital Kinshasa in September as the opposition called on Kabila, in power since 2001, to step down amid fears he wanted to stay in office after his term ends in December.

European Union foreign ministers said the bloc was "deeply concerned by the political situation (and)... strongly condemns the acts of extreme violence."

More than 50 people died in clashes in the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, in September as the opposition called on President Joseph Kabila to step down Eduardo Soteras (AFP/File)

"The EU will use all the means at its disposal, including individual restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations, those who promote violence and those who would try to obstruct a consensual and peaceful solution to the crisis," a statement said as the ministers met in Luxembourg.

EU foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini will now study the issue, it added.

Diplomatic sources told AFP last week the bloc was looking at people close to Kabila as possible sanctions targets.

Shortly after the September killings, Washington put two Kabila allies -- army commander Major General Gabriel Amisi Kumba and former inspector of police General John Numbi -- on its sanctions blacklist for undermining democracy.

Kabila first took office in 2001, and in 2006 a new constitutional provision limited the presidency to a two-term limit which expires in December.

At the beginning of this month, the DRC's electoral commission said it would seek to delay a vote until November 2017.

The foreign ministers said Monday that a political "dialogue must lead to the holding of presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible in 2017."

Their statement did not mention a specific date but said the issue must be resolved by December 19 when Kabila's term official ends.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

MUREHWA Magistrate Learnmore Mapiye has discharged and acquitted Obert Masaraure, the President of the Rural Teachers Union in Zimbabwe (RTUZ), who had been on trial for allegedly contravening some provisions of the Public Order and Security Act (POSA).Masaraure, who was represented by Gift Mtisi of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, was acquitted at the close of the State case after his lawyer filed an application for discharge in which he argued that the State failed to establish a prima facie case upon which a reasonable court might convict him of any offence.Masaraure was arrested on 18 August 2016 in Murehwa in Mashonaland East province together with RTUZ board member Lynette Mudehwe, RTUZ Secretary-General Robson Chere, Spokesperson Robson Ruhanya, Brighton Makunike, the RTUZ National Coordinator and RTUZ Programmes Officer Pride Mkono as they participated in a sponsored walk to hand over a petition outlining teachers grievances at the district education offices of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.The RTUZ protesters were charged with committing criminal nuisance as defined in Section 46 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.Mudehwe, Mkono, Ruhanya, Makunike and Chere were set free on the criminal nuisance charge together with Masaraure, who had to stand trial for allegedly breaching Section 25 (5) of POSA. Prosecutors charged that Masaraure breached POSA provisions when he allegedly convened a gathering without notifying the Zimbabwe Republic Police as the regulatory authority.In their petition, the RTUZ demanded an improvement of their poor working conditions and implored President Robert Mugabe's government to arrest the country's agonising economic and political crisis .
Bangladesh arrests suspect in secular activist murders

Bangladesh police said Monday they have arrested the main suspect in the murders of a gay activist and a secular blogger who wrote against radical Islam.

They say Rashidun Nabi is the main suspect in the murder of 26-year-old law student and blogger Nazimuddin Samad and gay activist Xulhaz Mannan, who were brutally hacked to death in April.

Bangladesh has seen a spate of gruesome attacks on secular activists, religious minorities, bloggers, gay rights activists and foreigners, many of whom have been hacked to death with machetes.

Bangladesh security forces have launched a deadly new crackdown against Islamist extremists following the cafe siege, which has shaken the image of Bangladesh as a moderate Muslim nation

Counter-terrorism officers said they detained Nabi at a bus station in the capital Dhaka, alleging he was the ringleader in Samad's killing.

"Five people including Rashidun Nabi took part in Samad's killing," said Monirul Islam, head of Dhaka police's counter-terrorism unit.

"They all carried sharp weapons and one carried a firearm. They hacked Nazimuddin with the sharp weapons and later shot him when people started to gather around," he told reporters.

Dhaka police spokesman Masudur Rahman said Nabi was also a suspect in Mannan's murder, and in an attack on publisher Ahmedur Rashid Tutul.

A police statement said Nabi was a member of Ansar al-Islam, also known as Ansarullah Bangla Team, which purports to be the Bangladesh branch of Al Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent.

Ansar is one of two homegrown extremist outfits accused in the recent wave of murders, and had claimed responsibility for Samad's killing.

Nabi's arrest was announced hours after Bangladesh executed a militant leader of the outlawed Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) over a 2005 blast that killed two judges.

The government has blamed JMB for a deadly July 1 attack in an upmarket Dhaka cafe where 22 people, mostly foreigners, were killed by suspected militants.

Bangladesh security forces have launched a deadly new crackdown against Islamist extremists following the cafe siege, which has shaken the image of Bangladesh as a moderate Muslim nation.
E. Guinea urges UN court to freeze case against leader's son

The UN's top court Monday opened three days of hearings into a plea by Equatorial Guinea to order France to suspend a corruption case against its vice president.

France accuses Vice President Teodorin Obiang -- the son of the country's leader -- of embezzlement and the misuse of tens of millions of public funds.

He is due to appear before a Paris court on October 24 on charges of plundering his country's coffers to fund his jet-set lifestyle.

France accuses Equatorial Guinea's Vice President Teodorin Obiang -- the son of the country's leader -- of embezzlement and the misuse of tens of millions of public funds Abdelhak Senna (AFP/File)

But Malabo was angered by the "unfair and insulting manner in which our country is currently treated by France," its Netherlands envoy Carmelo Nvono Nca told the International Court of Justice.

"The potential damage to Equatorial Guinea's sovereign rights is serious and imminent," he told the tribunal, which is based in The Hague.

Malabo has already appealed to the court to rule in the case, alleging that France has violated Obiang's right to diplomatic immunity.

His father President Teodoro Obiang Nguema has ruled the small central African country with an iron fist since 1979 and is the continent's longest-serving leader. He extended his rule in April when he was re-elected with 93.7 percent of the vote.

He appointed his son as vice president in June -- two years after the first charges were first brought in France.

Equatorial Guinea is now demanding the French proceedings are frozen until the UN tribunal, set up to rule in disputes between states, hands down its ruling.

- 'Irreparable harm' -

"The ongoing criminal proceedings against the vice president of Equatorial Guinea, charged with national defence and state security, represent a real and imminent risk" to the country's rights, said lawyer Michael Wood.

He said the case would cause "irreparable" harm to Equatorial Guinea's "standing in the world" and its international relations.

At this stage of the proceedings, French authorities could "at any time and without advance notice... issue an arrest warrant that could be executed in France or abroad" meaning Obiang was "unable to travel freely abroad to carry out his official functions."

In 2012, French authorities swooped on the Obiang family's six-storey mansion on Avenue Foch -- one of the most upmarket addresses in Paris -- seizing it along with a fleet of luxury cars including two Bugatti Veyrons and a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Police also took away vanloads of valuables, including paintings, a $4.2-million clock and fine wines worth thousands of euros per bottle.

But Equatorial Guinea is demanding that France be ordered to recognise that the building on Avenue Foch is a diplomatic mission.

Equatorial Guinea has become sub-Saharan Africa's third-biggest oil producer in recent years, with oil revenues accounting for more than 70 percent of national income.

But the wealth has not trickled down. While per capita national income stands at over $10,000 for a population of less than a million, more than half the people live on less than $2 a day.
Suicide car bomb blast kills 10 south of Baghdad

A suicide car bomb attack claimed by the Islamic State group and targeting an Iraqi army checkpoint south of Baghdad Monday killed at least 10 people, security and medical sources said.

The blast in Yusufiya, a frequently targeted area just south of the capital, also left at least 17 people wounded, an interior ministry official said.

A medic at the nearby Mahmudiyah hospital said at least four soldiers were among those killed in the blast.

A suicide attack on an Iraqi army checkpoint, south of Baghdad, came as government forces launched an offensive to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group Ahmad Al-Rubaye (AFP/File)

It came just hours after Iraqi forces launched an offensive to retake second city Mosul, in the north of the country, from IS.

The group claimed the attack on the checkpoint between Yusufiya and the Baghdad district of Dora in a statement posted on social media and named the bomber as Abu Ishaq al-Iraqi.

Observers had warned that IS might seek to attack civilians in Baghdad and elsewhere as Iraqi forces launch their bid to wrest back the jihadists' last major stronghold in the country.
At least 60 killed as fighting surges in South Sudan

At least 56 rebels and four government troops were killed in heavy weekend clashes in northeastern South Sudan, in a worrying surge of violence in the world's youngest nation.

Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) spokesman Brigadier General Lul Ruai Koang said Monday that rebels aligned with former vice president Riek Machar attacked government troops near the country's second largest city of Malakal.

Violence between Machar's supporters and troops loyal to his bitter political foe President Salva Kiir, has blighted the nation for much of its hard-won independence from Sudan, achieved in 2011.

Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) forces guard a checkpoint in Alole, on October 16, 2016 Charles Atiki Lomodong (AFP)

"The rebels of Riek Machar attacked us in two places of our defence, that is Wajwok and Lelo, and we heavily impacted on them. The dead bodies of the rebels confirmed after count was 56," the spokesman said, adding that the clashes began Friday evening and ended on Saturday.

"On our side we lost four SPLA fighters and twenty were wounded."

Forces loyal to Kiir invited journalists to the region on Sunday to show they were in control of the area, and an AFP photographer reported seeing up to 40 bodies in the places he could access.

However Major Dickson Gatluak with the rebel SPLA In Opposition (SPLA-IO) insisted his forces were in control of the two towns as well as the northern part of Upper Nile state.

"What we are trying to do now is, our forces are trying our level best to try to march to Malakal town. So our forces are not yet displaced from those areas and this is not true," he said.

Malakal is the closest town to the oil fields in the Upper Nile region which bring in government's biggest revenue, and has changed hands several times since fighting broke out in 2013.

- 'On the edge of a precipice' -

Gatluak said fighting was ongoing, although the AFP photographer reported it was calm on Sunday.

"It is just a matter of time (before) our forces will take Malakal ... we have realised that there is no political settlement in Juba, there is not any political space in Juba so we have to organise ourselves because the government has failed," he said.

South Sudan, which gained independence in July 2011, descended into war just two and a half years later when Kiir in December 2013 accused Machar -- who he had sacked as his deputy -- of plotting a coup.

Kiir is a member of the Dinka tribe, while Machar is a Nuer, and fighting has split the country along ethnic lines.

Numerous attempts to shore up a fragile 2015 truce have failed, and in a major setback to peace efforts, fierce clashes erupted in Juba on July 8 this year between Kiir's forces and those loyal to Machar.

The international community has expressed deep concern over a spread in violence since the July clashes, which pushed the number of refugees from the war-scarred nation past the one-million mark, according to the UNHCR.

In a further blow to peace hopes, Machar last month urged "a popular armed resistance" against his rival's government.

Machar, who fled to Khartoum after the July fighting, last week left for South Africa for medical tests.

An influential group of South Sudanese politicians known as the 'former detainees' after their arrest when war broke out in 2013, warned last week that "the country is on the edge of a precipice".

And in a sign of growing frustration in the region with the warring leaders of South Sudan, Kenyan lawmakers last week threatened sanctions.

Defence and Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Ndung'u Gethenji, said lawmakers were mulling sanctions "against those who are perpetuating war-like activities, genocide and killing (so that they) may no longer enjoy having their assets in our country, their children studying in our schools in relative comfort in peace and security while they continue to destroy the lives of their people back in their own country.

"Kenya can no longer afford to have another failed state on its border," he said.

South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar Zacharias Abubeker (AFP/File)
Niger troops repel attack on prison holding 'terrorists'

Armed forces in Niger repelled a pre-dawn attack Monday on a top security prison where "terrorists" are being held, the interior minister said.

The attack, which took place around 4:00 am (0300 GMT), saw gunmen attacking a prison in Koutoukale, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of the capital Niamey, Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum said.

But troops guarding the facility "repelled" the attack, prompting an exchange of fire in which one gunman was killed and two guards were injured, he said.

Soldiers guard a checkpoint in the Niger capital Niamey Issouf Sanogo (AFP/File)

"There are two prison guards wounded and one dead among the enemy," Bazoum said, amending earlier remarks in which he said there were "several dead wearing explosive belts".

Considered to be Niger's most secure prison, the facility holds the country's most dangerous detainees, including jihadists from groups active in the Sahel area and Islamist militants from Nigeria's Boko Haram.

It also holds security prisoners from neighbouring Mali.

The attack took place just hours after officials confirmed that a US aid worker had been kidnapped and taken across the border to Mali, in the first such abduction of an American in this West African country.

Outside the bullet-marked walls of the prison, an AFP correspondent saw the body of one of the attackers, two explosive belts and three charred motorbikes.

"This is proof of the terrorist nature of the operation," an interior ministry statement said.

"An unknown number (of gunmen) who were heavily armed... fled and our forces are searching for them."

Speaking to AFP, a source in the security services said the gunmen had been spotted by troops guarding the facility, prompting an exchange of fire.

"They were unable to get near the jail because a gunfight broke out with soldiers who are guarding it," the source said.

The prison is located in a bushy area which is linked to the country's main highway by a dirt track which runs for several kilometres and has been left deliberately unpaved to make access difficult.

Initial reports said the attackers arrived on motorbikes but failed to get into the facility.

- On the run -

Outside the prison, the body of the attacker was clothed in a grey robe and a turban. Around his waist was an undetonated explosive belt.

Another explosive belt was visible on one of the motorbikes.

Speaking to AFP, the security source said troops were hunting for several other attackers who had fled the scene, saying the number involved in the attack "remains unknown."

Security was considerably stepped up at checkpoints leading into Niamey, an AFP correspondent said.

Attacks on prisons are common in this arid west African nation, which is one of the world's poorest countries.

In October 2014, gunmen attacked a jail at Ouallam, 100 kilometres north of Niamey, freeing several prisoners.

In June 2013, another armed group stormed a civilian prison in the capital, killing two warders and freeing 22 "terrorist" prisoners, among them Boko Haram fighters.
Tactics in the battle for Iraq's Mosul

Iraqi security forces have launched a final push to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group, which seized the country's second city more than two years ago.

Here are some of the tactics that will likely be employed by Iraqi security forces, and those IS may use against them:

- Encirclement then assault -

Iraqi forces deploy in the area of al-Shourah, some 45 kms south of Mosul in northern Iraq, as they advance towards the city to retake it from the Islamic State (IS) group jihadists, on October 17, 2016 Ahmad al-Rubaye (AFP)

Iraqi forces will fight their way to Mosul and then seek to encircle the city before launching an attack inside it -- tactics they have used in operations to retake other IS-held cities including Ramadi and Tikrit.

The eventual assault into Mosul will likely be led by Iraq's elite counter-terrorism service, which has spearheaded most operations against the jihadists.

To reach Mosul, Iraqi forces will have to advance through several dozen kilometres (miles) of IS-held territory, including multiple villages.

The US-led anti-IS coalition will carry out strikes against IS with various types of aircraft, possibly including Apache attack helicopters. The coalition has also deployed artillery including cannons and rocket launchers to provide fire support from the ground.

The operation will involve a coalition of sometimes rival Iraqi forces including soldiers, police, peshmerga forces from Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, and various pro-government paramilitary groups.

The exact role of the various forces has not been publicly announced, but there have been reports of an agreement under which neither the peshmerga nor Iran-backed Shiite militia forces will enter Mosul, leaving that assault primarily to the Iraqi army.

Iraqi forces are equipped with assault and sniper rifles, light and heavy machineguns, mine-clearing charges, armoured personnel carriers, tanks, various types of artillery, attack helicopters and aircraft including Su-25 and F-16 jets.

- Bombs, berms and human shields -

IS will be vastly outnumbered in the battle and will seek to use hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, snipers, bombs, berms and trenches to slow down and bleed Iraqi forces.

The jihadists have littered other cities with thousands of bombs, placing them in roads, buildings and houses.

The large civilian population inside Mosul may have limited the locations they could place explosives, but bombs will still play a major role in IS's defences.

Obstacles such as earthen barriers -- sometimes with bombs inside -- will be used to slow down Iraqi forces who will need to clear them to advance, exposing them to ambushes.

IS will target Iraqi troops with suicide bombers wearing explosive vests or belts, and others driving bomb-rigged vehicles. The jihadists may equip attackers with rifles as well as bombs, allowing them to attack with guns and then blow themselves up.

The jihadists will likely seek to use Mosul civilians as human shields to limit air strikes against them, and have also previously lit fires in an attempt to provide cover from attacking warplanes.

IS seized a large number of armoured vehicles, trucks, arms and other equipment when they overran Mosul and other areas in June 2014, but it is unclear how much of it has been lost in previous battles that have driven the jihadists out of much of the territory they seized.

IS fighters will be armed with assault and sniper rifles, light and heavy machineguns, armoured vehicles, possibly including tanks, mortars, and a wide array of bombs -- some planted to be triggered by Iraqi forces, and others set off by suicide bombers.
Daughter of former Philippine dictator Marcos urges forgiveness

The daughter of late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos called for forgiveness on Monday as she led a rally at the Supreme Court urging it to approve a controversial hero's burial for her father.

About 1,000 supporters gathered with Imee Marcos at the court, which may announce on Tuesday whether it approves President Rodrigo Duterte's order to allow the burial at Manila's National Heroes' Cemetery 27 years after the strongman died.

Imee, governor of the family's northern stronghold of Ilocos Norte, cited Pope Francis as she called for human rights victims and other critics of the dictatorship to abandon their campaign against the burial plan.

Imee Marcos, daughter of the late Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos and governor of the family's northern stronghold of Ilocos Norte, at a vigil in front of the Supreme Court in Manila on October 17, 2016 Ted Aljibe (AFP)

"To those who are criticising and who are not allied with us, I hope you set aside your grievances. All of us have anger and bitterness in our hearts but we should set that aside because, as the pope said: 'When we forgive, you will be free and happy'," Marcos told reporters outside the Supreme Court.

However she maintained her family's longtime position that her father, accused of plundering billions of dollars and overseeing widespread human rights abuses during his 21-year rule, was a positive force for the country.

"If in our view my father was great, others have many criticism, but let us no longer debate," she said.

The dictator and his wife Imelda led their family into US exile in 1986 after a military-backed "People Power" revolution toppled him from power.

Marcos died in Hawaii three years later. His embalmed body was brought back to the Philippines in 1993 and placed in a glass-topped casket at his northern Philippine home.

Presidents since then refused family requests for him to be buried at the heroes' cemetery, even as the Marcos clan enjoyed a remarkable political comeback.

Imelda Marcos is a congresswoman and her son, Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, remains a powerful politician with presidential ambitions after narrowly losing the election for the vice presidency this year.

Duterte, who was elected in a landslide this year, has close ties to the Marcos family and has pushed for the burial.

Opponents of the Marcos regime have insisted this would just help to whitewash his crimes, and filed the petition with the Supreme Court to ban it.

One prominent opponent who was detained under the Marcos regime, Satur Ocampo, on Monday dismissed Imee Marcos's appeal for forgiveness.
Unrest cripples weak school system in Myanmar's Rakhine

Buddhist teachers have been airlifted and trucked out of northwestern Myanmar to escape a new surge of violence in the ethnically divided region, another blow to persecuted Muslim Rohingyas already marginalised by a lack of opportunity.

Residents have fled their homes in the area near the Bangladesh border on military helicopters and other army vehicles over the past week, fearing a repeat of widespread bloodshed between Buddhists and Rohingya that ravaged Rakhine state in 2012.

Poor education has long been cited as one of the many ways that Myanmar sidelines the Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority in the Buddhist-majority nation who are considered one of the most persecuted peoples in the world.

Ye Aung Thu (AFP)

In the northern region of Maungdaw, where Rohingya are the overwhelming majority, Buddhist schoolteachers who fear becoming targets for their pupils are among those fleeing -- a potential death blow to an already crippled school system.

Reports of Rohingya students killing their Buddhist schoolteachers in 2012 already meant few had returned to the area.

"We are scared because there are many Muslim villages around us. We don't dare to go out," said Aye Aye Oo, 28, a Buddhist middle school teacher among evacuees huddled inside a monastery in Maungdaw town.

"Many people have already left the town. I still don't know what to do, I only know I'm frightened," she said tearfully.

More than 400 schools have been closed since raids on border guard posts on October 9, which the government has blamed on Islamist insurgents.

- 'Shell education system' -

State media said security forces have killed at least 29 people in a subsequent military crackdown.

More than 1,300 teachers had been evacuated from around Maungdaw as of Friday, said district administrator Ye Htut. He did not know when they would return.

"We might not be able to reopen all schools in the region," he said, adding that examinations due in a few weeks were in jeopardy.

"We have to try to reopen schools as soon as possible.... We are also planning security for educational staff."

The 2012 bloodshed in Rakhine left more than 100 people dead and drove tens of thousands of Rohingya into squalid displacement camps.

Some 60,000 children in the camps have no access to formal teaching, aid groups estimate.

Those who do attend school are effectively barred from moving on to university in the state capital Sittwe, since only Myanmar citizens can enrol.

Rohingya are viewed as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and denied citizenship.

While not technically banned from becoming teachers themselves, few gain the necessary qualifications and even fewer are appointed to state schools, leaving Muslim areas chronically understaffed.

"There are not many Muslim teachers because it's up to the government to appoint them," said Hla Tin, a local Muslim leader.

In the Maungdaw region, less than half of the villages have schools, and teachers are so scarce that at primary level each has on average 123 pupils, according to a study released last year by Reach, a UN-backed NGO.

In Muslim areas "government teachers reportedly attended schools so infrequently due to security concerns that a parallel education system staffed by volunteers was effectively operating within the shell of basic education," it said.

One of these local teachers was shot and wounded by unknown assailants on Saturday, residents and border police told AFP.

For parents of either religion, a collapsing education system could be one of the worst casualties of the recent unrest.

"More than half the people from the town left already. Schools are closed," said Mra Khaing, a 51-year-old Maungdaw housewife who fled her home to take refuge in the monastery.

She fears the disruptions will set back her childrens' education.

"We have no place to go as this is my hometown. We have no relatives and no money to move out. We are waiting here to die," she said.

Teachers and displaced residents are evacuated by military troops to a Buddhist monastery in Maungdaw, located in Rakhine State, on October 15, 2016 Ye Aung Thu (AFP)

An abandoned primary school in Myothugyi village in Maungdaw, located in Rakhine State. The sign for the primary school reads, "Basic Education of Myo Thu Gyi village, Maung Daw" Ye Aung Thu (AFP)
Caterpillar to get new CEO as mining slump persists

Caterpillar announced Monday that its chief executive was stepping down as the heavy equipment maker suffers from a prolonged slowdown in the mining sector.

Doug Oberhelman will hand over reins as chief executive to Caterpillar group president Jim Umpleby on January 1.

Oberhelman took over at Caterpillar in 2010 amid a booming commodities market. But he has been criticized for engineering an $8.8 billion 2011 takeover of mining-equipment maker Bucyrus shortly before the downturn. The Wall Street Journal on Monday called the investment "spectacularly mistimed."

Caterpillar's results have been ravaged the last couple of years by the depression in the mining sector around the world, due primarily to slower growth in China and the crash of oil prices Abdelhak Senna (AFP/File)

Oberhelman will step down as chairman on March 1, to be replaced by David Calhoun, a current board member who will become non-executive chairman.

Caterpillar's results have been ravaged the last couple of years by the depression in the mining sector around the world, due primarily to slower growth in China and the crash of oil prices.

In response, Caterpillar has announced repeat rounds of job cuts and facility closures. In July, Caterpillar said it expected additional job cuts in the second half of 2016 as it reported a 31 percent call in second-quarter earnings to $550 million.

Headcount at the end of the quarter was 100,0000, down about 10 percent from a year ago.
Moscow announces 8-hour Aleppo ceasefire

Russia said Monday its forces and Syrian regime troops would briefly halt fire in Aleppo on Thursday, as criticism mounted of the ferocious Moscow-backed assault on the Syrian city.

"We have taken a decision not to waste time and to introduce 'humanitarian pauses', mainly for the free passage of civilians, evacuation of the sick and wounded and withdrawal of fighters," senior Russian military officer Sergei Rudskoi said at a press briefing.

The ceasefire would run from 0800 to 1600 local time (0500 GMT to 1300 GMT) "in the area of Aleppo", Rudskoi said.

A member of the Syrian Civil Defence -- known as the White Helmets -- stands amid the rubble of a destroyed building in Aleppo, on October 17, 2016 Karam Al-Masri (AFP)

"During this period the Russian air force and Syrian government troops will halt air strikes and firing from any other types of weapons," he said.

Rudskoi said that the initiative comes as Russia, the United Nations and "countries with influence" were continuing to work on a plan for getting jihadists from the Fateh al-Sham Front, formerly known as Al-Nusra Front and Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria, to leave Aleppo.

Russia is currently conducting a fierce bombing campaign in support of a regime offensive to capture rebel-held eastern Aleppo, drawing fierce condemnation from the West.

The European Union blasted Russia for causing "untold suffering" and said that air strikes by Moscow and Damascus in Aleppo "may amount to war crimes".
News / National

by Staff Reporter

President Robert Mugabe is on his way to Madagascar for the 19th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa heads of state and government summit.The session kicks of Tuesday, state media has reported.Mugabe (92) who rarely misses an international engagement jetted off soon after chairing a cabinet meeting.Cabinet normally convenes on Tuesdays.The summit is held under the theme "Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialisation".
ICC sends mission to DR Congo to urge 'restraint'

The chief prosecutor of the world's only permanent war crimes court said Monday she has sent a team to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to urge restraint after weeks of deadly unrest.

More than 50 people died in clashes in the capital Kinshasa in September as the opposition called on President Joseph Kabila, in power since 2001, to step down.

There have been growing fears that Kabila intends to stay in office after his term ends in December. And the European Union on Monday warned the country could face sanctions if it does not hold early elections.

International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said, "For a number of weeks now, I have been deeply concerned by the critical situation and recent incidents of violence" in the Democratic Republic of Congo Vano Shlamov (AFP/File)

"For a number of weeks now, I have been deeply concerned by the critical situation and recent incidents of violence" in the country, said the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda.

She said in a statement that she has deployed a delegation to the vast central African nation from October 16 to 20 to meet with "official representatives of the DRC, members of political parties, civil society, and the press."

The aim of the mission was to reiterate a call for "restraint" by all those potentially involved and to ensure they "refrain, at all times and in all locations, from committing any act of criminal violence against individuals and property".

Bensouda repeated that her office was "closely monitoring the situation on the ground" and warned again that anyone committing war crimes or crimes against humanity was "liable to prosecution".

The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes in the DR Congo since 2004, leading to the conviction of two former Congolese warlords, who are both serving jail terms.

The trial of a third Congolese former rebel commander, Bosco Ntaganda, opened in September 2015 and he is facing 18 charges for his role in the northeastern Ituri conflict.
Mosul offensive provides a pre-election boon for Obama

The battle for Mosul is a chance for President Barack Obama to claim an election-year victory over the Islamic State group in Iraq and offset failures in Syria.

Ask the White House about the slow motion catastrophe in Syria and, more likely than not, officials will talk about the different -- if related -- problem of the Islamic State group.

With the battle to retake Mosul kicking off Monday, the Obama administration now really has something to talk about.

Smoke billows as Iraqi forces hold a position on October 17, 2016 in the area of al-Shura, some 45 kms south of Mosul, while advancing towards the city to retake it from the Islamic State group jihadists Ahmad Al-Rubaye (AFP)

US efforts to stop the Syrian-Russian bombing of civilians in Aleppo have come to nothing, another black mark against Obama's vexed policies in the Middle East.

Libya is in chaos, Egypt is run by the military, while Yemen offers ever-more bloodshed and embarrassment. And Obama's refusal to intervene in Syria's war, which has already killed 300,000 people, will likely have repercussions for generations to come.

But from Aleppo, head 375 miles (600 kilometers) east across the Syrian-Iraqi border, and there is better news.

After two years and some 5,634 strikes against the Islamic State group, Mosul, the jihadists' last major redoubt in Iraq is in the crosshairs of a ground campaign.

Retaking Iraq's second largest city is unlikely to be quick. But it would be a major victory over the Islamic State group in its own right, and would help Obama greatly.

- Obama's struggle -

The bitter 2016 US presidential election campaign has taken place against a backdrop of jihadist-inspired attacks from Paris to San Bernardino, California.

Polls show Americans are more concerned about terrorism today than at any time since the aftermath of 9/11.

In a TIME/SurveyMonkey poll of 5,478 voters released this month, 58 percent said terrorism and national security should be among the top three priorities for the next president.

Donald Trump, the Republican who wants the job, has gained electoral traction with a simple -- if functionally questionable -- pledge to "bomb the shit out of ISIS."

He has repeatedly accused Obama and his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton of "founding" the IS group -- of withdrawing US troops from Iraq too quickly and creating a vacuum that allowed the extremists to thrive.

The Islamic State group's rapid retreat from towns like Jarabulus and Raqa is likely to fuel questions about why the jihadists were not confronted with more military strength on the ground sooner.

Meanwhile, Obama has at times struggled to find Trump's levels of clarity.

He has tried to show the myriad of actions his administration has taken to counter IS -- from diplomacy to special ops -- while at the same time trying not to overstate their strength and importance.

Privately, aides argue the group is far from an existential threat to the United States, and can only be successful if Americans respond by weakening their own values and institutions.

- Ending the endless war -

For much of his eight years in office, the 44th president has also tried and failed to fulfill a campaign promise to draw US troops out of Iraq.

The main obstacle has been the inability of leaders in Baghdad to extend their writ to the whole country -- by force or by politics deft enough to bring together rival sectarian and tribal groups.

The White House will be hoping the Mosul offensive can shore up Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, even as opponents oust key ministerial allies from his cabinet.

In the run-up to the long-anticipated Mosul operation, the White House has put the onus firmly on Abadi, refusing to even confirm the offensive until the Iraqi prime minister had done so.

The clear message from Washington has been that -- despite the pivotal role of US intelligence, air support and strategic guidance -- Abadi is in charge.

"The Iraqi central government is the one that's calling the shots. And they should, it's their country. They're a sovereign nation," said White House spokesman Josh Earnest.

Earnest rejecting accusations that the timing of the offensive was not motivated by the US election: "He's not gonna be distracted by the American political calendar."

Political or not, the White House hopes a victory will give a boost to the Iraqi army after the humiliation of losing Mosul two years ago.

Managing competing interests of Kurds, Turks and Arabs, Sunni and Shia will be a proving ground for the much harder task of taking the Islamic State "capital" at Raqa.

Ultimately, strengthening the Iraqi state could be the key to Obama belatedly keeping his promise to withdraw from Iraq and degrade and destroy groups like the Islamic State.

Iraq: the battle for Mosul Iris Royer De Vericourt, Alain Bommenel (AFP)

For much of his eight years in office, US President Barack Obama has tried and failed to fulfill a campaign promise to draw US troops out of Iraq ALEX WONG (Getty/AFP)
Mali governor visits troubled region for first time in years

The governor of Mali's troubled Kidal made an official visit to his own region for the first time in more than two years Monday, underscoring the state's fragile efforts to reassert itself across vast swathes of northern territory.

Kidal's governor Koina Ag Ahmadou said his presence at a back-to-school event was a "strong symbol" of the state's willingness to reinstate a presence across territory dominated by former rebels and threatened by jihadists.

"I presided over the back to school ceremony myself in a class (flying) the national flag. It's a good sign for the whole of Mali," Ag Ahmadou told AFP.

French soldiers of the Barkhane counter terrorism operation patrol in a street of Kidal, on October 3, 2016

But the visit required the green light of the former rebels of the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA), the Tuareg group that runs Kidal and whose members rose up against the government in 2012 before signing a peace deal last year.

Kidal has been rocked by deadly fighting for control between armed groups which were party to the peace deal.

The CMA said the decision to allow the visit "showed its willingness to help with the return of an administrative presence in conformity with the peace accord" in a statement last week.

The governor was appointed in March but has since been unable to confirm when he would take up his position full-time in the region.

A UN secretary-general report said as recently as October there was "no government presence in the regions of Kidal and Taoudenni."

State services have been absent since May 2014 when a visit by former prime minister Moussa Mara ended in him being chased from Kidal as several troops were killed in clashes with former rebels, meaning the military also deserted the area.

Last year protests prevented a minister from attending a similar ceremony or any national flags being displayed.

The back-to-school event will likely be largely symbolic for the area's pupils, many of whom cannot attend school for security reasons.

In December 2015, one in six schools in northern Mali was closed, according to UNICEF figures, rising to 79 percent in Kidal.

The figures for this year's intake are not yet available but around 380,000 children aged 7-15 missed school last year in northern Mali, some for the second or third year running.

Tuareg-led rebels who have spearheaded insurrections against the government for decades joined forces with jihadists in 2012 to overrun key northern cities.

They were quickly sidelined by the Al-Qaeda-linked groups, who were then routed by an ongoing international military intervention launched in January 2013.
Tunisia union calls for action against draft budget

Tunisia's powerful UGTT labour union on Monday called on workers to mobilise against the government's draft budget for 2017 which stipulates a public sector salary freeze.

The government on Friday approved a draft budget for next year that forecasts 2.5 percent growth and a civil service pay freeze lasting at least a year.

The draft has yet to be approved by parliament.

Tunisia's powerful UGTT labour union criticised the new government of Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, for failing to make good on a pledge to tackle corruption Fethi Belaid (AFP/File)

But the UGTT cried foul on Monday, saying in a statement that it "categorically rejects all the measures it had warned against... including postponing pay rises".

It also called on "all workers from all sectors to mobilise to defend their rights" and urged unions nationwide to "mobilise and prepare to fight for the rights of workers by all legal means".

The UGTT also criticised the new government of Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, which took office at the end of August, for failing to make good on a pledge to tackle corruption.

It said there has been "no real will to fight corruption and contraband and face fiscal evasion", adding that it held the government responsible for any future "social destabilisation".

While Tunisia is considered to be a rare success story of the Arab Spring, the authorities have failed to resolve the poverty, unemployment and corruption that preceded the ouster in 2011 of veteran strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

In a rousing speech to parliament after taking office, the new premier spoke of the dire state of the economy and said "we are all responsible" and "we will have to make sacrifices".

"If nothing changes by 2017 austerity will follow," Chahed warned.

Tunisia's battered economy grew by just 0.8 percent last year compared with 2.3 percent in 2014.

A wave of jihadist attacks, including two last year that killed dozens of foreign tourists, has further exacerbated problems in the economy, which relies heavily on tourism.
Assange's internet cut by 'state party': WikiLeaks

WikiLeaks on Monday accused a "state party" of cutting the internet connection of its founder Julian Assange, claiming the connectivity problem was related to the group's publication of documents related to US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton.

"Julian Assange's internet link has been intentionally severed by a state party. We have activated the appropriate contingency plans," WikiLeaks said on Twitter.

The anti-secrecy website subsequently told AFP it was "aware of the state concerned" but did not name the nation it suspected of cutting Assange's internet connection.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has spent more than four years living in Ecuador's embassy in London, to avoid arrest and extradition to Sweden over an allegation of rape Steffi Loos (AFP/File)

"It relates to our ongoing publications revealing the associations and positions of US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton," a WikiLeaks spokesperson told AFP.

Three of Clinton's paid speeches to Goldman Sachs were released by WikiLeaks on Saturday, followed by the publication of further documents on Monday.

Clinton's campaign did not contest the authenticity of the remarks, part of a huge trove of documents hacked from the emails of campaign chairman John Podesta by WikiLeaks.

The campaign has blamed the Russian government for the hacks, a view shared by the US government, and accused the anti-secrecy website of seeking to help Clinton's Republican rival for the presidency Donald Trump.

Assange has spent more than four years living in Ecuador's embassy in London, to avoid arrest and extradition to Sweden over an allegation of rape.
DR Congo talks agree to push back vote to 2018

Participants in the Democratic Republic of Congo's "national dialogue" agreed Monday, in the absence of the main opposition coalition, to push back to April 2018 the presidential election due to take place before the end of the year.

The accord was announced after the EU threatened sanctions if the country did not hold elections in 2017, and condemned recent deadly violence between opponents and supporters of President Joseph Kabila.

The deal, reached during talks in Kinshasa, envisages Kabila remaining in power until 2018 despite the fact that his mandate is due to end in December.

A broken billboard showing the face of Congolese President Joseph Desiree Kabila during an opposition rally in Kinshasa in September 2016 Eduardo Soteras (AFP/File)

"The presidential, legislative and local elections (will be held) six months after they are convened on October 30, 2017," former Togolese prime minister and talks facilitator Edem Kodjo said in a statement.

"The presidential election will take place on April 29, 2018 and the transfer of power from the outgoing president to the incumbent will take place on May 9," opposition negotiator Vital Kamerhe told AFP.

The leader of the parliamentary group representing Kabila's People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) confirmed the announcement.

"The election will be held in 2018," Ramazani Shadari said, adding that "all the details" of the deal would be disclosed on Tuesday.

The main opposition coalition -- "Rassemblement" (Gathering) -- has boycotted the talks, however, branding them a ploy by Kabila to stay in power beyond the end of his term.

Even prior to Monday's accord, the coalition had made clear that it would not accept any decisions announced by dialogue representatives.

It has also called for a general strike on Wednesday across the vast central African nation, to give Kabila a "yellow card".

- Threat of sanctions -

Should the agreement hold, a new government would be set up, with the key post of prime minister handed to an opposition figure, chief negotiator Kodjo said.

Protests against Kabila have also seen demonstrators chant down Kodjo -- seen as biased towards the president.

Kabila's ex-campaign director Kamerhe, who was expelled from the ruling party in 2008 when he was speaker of parliament, is seen as the favourite for the post.

Political tension has gripped the country since Kabila's disputed re-election in November 2011.

The national dialogue began on September 1 between the ruling majority, representatives of civil society and a minority fringe of the opposition to try to sketch a way forward.

Later that month more than 50 people died in clashes in the capital Kinshasa as the opposition called on Kabila to step down.

- 'Deeply concerned' -

European Union foreign ministers on Monday said the bloc was "deeply concerned by the political situation (and)... strongly condemns the acts of extreme violence."

A "dialogue must lead to the holding of presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible in 2017", a statement said, as the ministers meeting in Luxembourg threatened sanctions.

"The EU will use all the means at its disposal, including individual restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations, those who promote violence and those who would try to obstruct a consensual and peaceful solution to the crisis," the statement added.

EU foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini will now study the issue, it added.

Diplomatic sources told AFP last week the bloc was looking at people close to Kabila as possible sanctions targets.

Shortly after the deadly September violence, Washington put two Kabila allies -- army commander Major General Gabriel Amisi Kumba and former inspector of police General John Numbi -- on its sanctions blacklist for undermining democracy.

Kabila first took office in 2001, and in 2006 a new constitutional provision limited the presidency to a two-term limit which expires in December.
Venezuelan donates 100 Latin American works to New York museum

The Museum of Modern Art has acquired 102 pieces of Latin American art, thanks to a donation from Venezuelan-born collector Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, the New York museum said Monday.

The artworks include paintings, sculptures and other pieces from Brazil, Venezuela and the Rio de la Plata region of Argentina and Uruguay.

They were made between the 1940s and 1990s by 37 artists, 21 of whom are entering the museum for the first time.

The Museum of Modern Art acquired 102 pieces of artwork from previous art donor Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, which included paintings, sculptures and other pieces from Brazil, Venezuela and the Rio de la Plata region of Argentina and Uruguay Mandel Ngan (AFP/File)

"The breadth of this gift is unprecedented," the museum said in a statement, without disclosing the financial value of the donation.

"We are profoundly grateful to Patty Cisneros, whose longstanding and unwavering dedication to art and artists from Latin America continues to transform and expand our understanding and appreciation of that region's significant role in the history of modern and contemporary art," museum director Glenn Lowry said in a statement.

The new works join 40 pieces previously given to the museum by Cisneros and her husband Gustavo and will be used in establishing a research institute at the museum for Latin American art, which is expected to open within a year.

"This gift and the establishment of a dedicated research institute represents a major milestone in our goal to provide a broader context to the history of art from Latin America," said Cisneros, a longtime museum trustee.
Yemen president says ready for 72-hour truce

Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire that could be extended, the war-torn country's foreign minister said Monday, a day after international calls for a truce.

The announcement comes after the United States, Britain and the UN peace envoy to Yemen on Sunday urged the warring parties in the country's civil war to declare a ceasefire they said could start within days.

"The President agreed to a 72 hrs ceasefire to be extended if the other party adheres to it", activates a truce observing committee and ends the siege of third-city Taez, Abdulmalek al-Mekhlafi wrote on Twitter.

Yemeni fighters from the separatist Southern Movement, loyal to the government forces, arrive for a rally on October 13, 2016, in the southern city of Aden Saleh al-Obeidi (AFP/File)

Al-Arabiya news channel meanwhile cited Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir as saying that the kingdom is willing to see a ceasefire take effect in Yemen without providing details.

Saudi Arabia's impoverished neighbour has been rocked by a deadly war since pro-Iran rebels overran the capital Sanaa in September 2014.

The conflict, however, escalated after an Arab coalition, led by Riyadh, launched a bombing campaign against the Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies in March 2015.

On Sunday, UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said: "We are here to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which will be declared in the next few hours."

The envoy said he had been in contact with the Huthi militia's lead negotiator and with Hadi's government.

But he warned that he hoped for "clearer plans" for a ceasefire in coming days.

"We reiterate our support for the efforts of UN Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed," Mekhlafi tweeted, adding that his government will deal "positively" with international calls for peace.

The conflict in Yemen has killed almost 6,900 people, wounded more than 35,000 and displaced at least three million since March last year, according to the United Nations.

- New peace plan -

On Sunday US Secretary of State John Kerry met in London with the UN envoy and his opposite numbers from Britain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the Yemen conflict.

"This is the time to implement a ceasefire unconditionally and then move to the negotiating table," US Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters after the talks.

Kerry said that he agreed with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and the UN envoy that the ceasefire should begin "as rapidly as possible, meaning Monday, Tuesday".

Previous attempts to enforce a ceasefire in the country have so far failed with the war intensifying after a round of peace talks in Kuwait ended in August without achieving breakthrough.

The Saudi-led coalition has stepped up its air raids following the breakdown of talks and cross-border attacks from Yemen have also intensified.

A ceasefire that was announced in conjunction with the start of the Kuwait talks was hardly observed on ground, with both sides trading blame for violating the truce.

Earlier this month, the UN envoy had said that a 72-hour ceasefire was expected soon adding that he was hoping to draft a new peace plan for Yemen.

The coalition has carried out hundreds of air strikes and provided ground troops to support Hadi's forces.

But it has failed to dislodge the Huthi rebels, who are allied with forces loyal to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, from key areas including the capital Sanaa.

The rebels still control large parts of the north, their historic stronghold areas, and other regions of western and central Yemen.

Taez, the country's third city, is almost completely surrounded by the Huthis and their allies and loyalist forces have for months tried to break the rebel grip on the southwestern city.

Government forces have recaptured the south and east but failed to make any significant advances.
Goldman Sachs Asia chairman to step down

Goldman Sachs is losing an architect of its Asia-Pacific division at the same time it confronts slowing activity in the region and a probe over its dealings in Malaysia.

Mark Schwartz, 62, has decided to retire from his post as chairman of Goldman Sachs Asia Pacific, according to a memo Monday from chief executive Lloyd Blankfein and president Gary Cohn reviewed by AFP.

Beijing-based Schwartz, a 27-year Goldman veteran, will leave his post at the end of 2016. He will serve as a senior director at Goldman following his departure from China.

Facing a slowdown in initial public offerings and merger advisory in Asia, Goldman plans to cut 30 percent of its staff throughout the region with the exception of Japan Spencer Platt (Getty/AFP)

Schwartz played an "instrumental role" in building Goldman's business in Asia, as chairman of Goldman Sachs Asia Pacific in Tokyo in the late 1990s and reprising the role again in 2012 from Beijing, said the memo.

Facing a slowdown in initial public offerings and merger advisory in Asia, Goldman plans to cut 30 percent of its staff throughout the region with the exception of Japan, a person familiar with the plan told AFP last month.
German painter Max Beckmann returns to Manhattan in new show

In December 1950, the painter Max Beckmann ventured out of his New York home to see his "Self-Portrait in Blue Jacket," then on view at the city's Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The German artist never made it: he suffered a fatal heart attack steps from Central Park at age 66.

On Wednesday, the museum will open a new exhibition called "Max Beckmann in New York" to celebrate his connection to the city where he settled in September 1949 and lived out the last months of his life.

A woman looks at "Self-Portrait in Blue Jacket" (1950) during a press preview for the exhibition called "Max Beckmann in New York" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on October 17, 2016 Thomas Urbain (AFP)

Before the Nazi regime labeled his works "degenerate" and removed them from German museums in 1937, Beckmann (1884-1850) enjoyed great acclaim in his home country, with top art dealers presenting his work to private collectors.

He left his native land for Amsterdam, where he lived for a decade, before heading to St. Louis, Missouri for a temporary teaching position.

He ultimately landed in New York, his third residence in exile.

The painter described the city -- then evolving into a major art center -- as "a pre-war Berlin multiplied a hundredfold," and painted the major works "Falling Man" and "The Town (City Night)."

The artist's oeuvre included self-portraits, interiors, landscapes and triptychs. His rich blocks of color are brought into stark relief by thick, black lines.

New York had already known Beckmann for more than two decades before he arrived, thanks to two Berlin art dealers who sold his art to New York collectors.

The Met exhibition, on display until February 2017, will feature 14 paintings the artist created while living in Manhattan, as well as 25 additional works from New York collections dating from 1920 to 1948.

"New York is really grandiose," Beckmann once wrote. "But it stinks of burned fat, just like the sacrificial meal of the slain enemies among the savages."

"But nevertheless -- crazy, crazy, crazy!"
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Zanu PF outspoken youth member Energy Mutodi has described the late Cephas Msipa who was a former Zanu PF Politburo member as a true son of the soil who fought for the liberation of the country.Cde Msipa died early morning on Monday at Westend hospital where he has been hospitalized for the past two weeks."A passionate administrator and politician, Cde Msipa participated in the liberation of Zimbabwe and represented the ANC and ZAPU during negotiations such as the Geneva conference that aimed at bringing independence to Zimbabwe," Mutodi said."He was born on 7 July 1931 and trained as a teacher at Dadaya in 1951. He became a school headmaster between 1959 to 1964 and headed several schools in Salisbury including Mufakose and Highfield. In 1961, he became President for the Rhodesian Teachers' Association and also joined ZAPU the same year."He said in 1964, due to his political activism, the Rhodesian government dismissed him from the teaching profession."In 1971, he was appointed shadow Foreign Affairs Minister of the ANC and in 1975 he became secretary of Education and participated in the Geneva Conference representing the ANC in 1976," Mutodi said."After Zimbabwe independence, President Mugabe appointed Cde Msipa to various cabinet posts including the Deputy Minister of Youths & Manpower Development, Water Resources & Development Minister and later as Governor of Midlands apart from being a politburo member. Cde Msipa retired from active politics in December 2014. There is no question about his hero status. The politburo is expected to confer him with a national hero status."He said Msipa had remained one of the most outstanding politicians of our time, speaking out his mind and has been popular in his last days for urging President Mugabe to retire and make way for a successor."Msipa is an outstanding son of the soil, a true nationalist, fair minded elder and revolutionary who will be missed by all Zimbabweans from across the political devide," he said.
Man who attacked Trayvon Martin shooter is jailed

A man who opened fire on George Zimmerman, the ex-Florida neighborhood watchman who killed unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin, was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday, court officials said.

Matthew Apperson was sentenced to the minimum required sentence for using a firearm in the incident, according to Michelle Kennedy, spokeswoman for the 18th Judicial Circuit for Florida's Broward and Seminole counties.

Apperson, 37, was found guilty of attempted second degree murder with a firearm, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and aggravated assault with a firearm, for the May 11 attack.

Cars are parked outside the 7-Eleven store where Trayvon Martin picked up candy before he was shot by George Zimmerman while on Neighborhood Watch patrol March 20, 2012 in Sanford, Florida Roberto Gonzalez (Getty/AFP)

"The crux here is Mr. Apperson's blatant disregard for my life, any life," Zimmerman told the judge.

The former volunteer watchman, now 33, claims that in the Martin case, he acted in self-defense but the teen's family and friends claimed it was a murder driven by racism.

Zimmerman is the son of a Peruvian mother and American father; his Florida trial and subsequent acquittal exposed deep racial divides in US society, and nationwide protests erupted over the shooting.

While serving as a neighborhood watch volunteer in a gated community in Florida, Zimmerman fatally shot high school student Martin as he was walking home with iced tea and candy in February 2012.

Zimmerman insisted he had been following the teenager on suspicion he was involved in robbery, and that he shot him in self-defense.
Floods kill 24 in Vietnam as Typhoon Sarika looms

HANOI, Vietnam (AP)  Floods triggered by heavy rains have killed 24 people and left four others missing in central Vietnam, disaster officials said Monday, as Typhoon Sarika approaches after leaving at least two people dead and displacing more than 150,000 in the Philippines.

In the worst-hit province of Quang Binh, 18 people died and authorities are searching for three others who are missing, disaster official Tran Le Dang Hung said.

Six people died and one was reported missing in three other central provinces.

"We are worried. We have instructed district governments to outline plans for evacuating people from high-risk areas to cope with the Typhoon," Hung said by telephone from Quang Binh.

Heavy rains of up to 90 centimeters (3 feet) on Friday and Saturday submerged 125,000 homes in the region, temporarily disrupted the North-South Highway and damaged infrastructure, crops and fish farms.

Hung said the floods have receded in most areas in Quang Binh.

In the Philippines, fast-moving Sarika Typhoon blew out of the northern Philippines on Sunday after leaving at least two people dead and displacing more than 150,000, though the region was spared a major disaster due in part to the storm's speed.
Grief after Thai king's death spills into anger

BANGKOK (AP)  A Thai woman accused of insulting the country's late king was forced to kneel before his portrait at a police station on the tourist island of Samui as several hundred people bayed for an apology.

The woman's arrest and public shaming on Sunday was the latest of several such incidents since King Bhumibol Adulyadej died last week after a reign of 70 years, plunging Thailand into intense mourning.

Two police officers led 43-year-old Umaporn Sarasat to a picture of Bhumibol in front of Bophut police station, where she knelt and prayed, both on the way into the station and the way out.

In this image made from video taken on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, Umaporn Sarasat, 43, pays respects in front of a portrait of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Koh Samui, Thailand. She is accused of insulting the country's late king and was forced to kneel before his portrait outside a police station on the tourist island of Samui as several hundred people bayed for an apology. (AP Photo)

The crowd, some of whom held aloft portraits of the revered monarch, jeered when she first appeared. A line of police officers linked arms to keep them from surging forward.

It is likely that Sarasat, a small business owner who is alleged to have posted disrespectful comments online, will face charges of insulting the monarchy.

"We are going to proceed with the case as best we can," district police chief Thewes Pleumsud told the crowd. "I understand your feelings. You came here out of loyalty to his majesty. Don't worry, I give you my word."

Authorities are also urging calm as social media throbs with criticism of people who aren't wearing black and white clothing to mourn the revered monarch and some arch-royalists take to reprimanding people in public.

A government spokesman said some Thais can't afford mourning clothes and stressed the need for tolerance. High-profile figures such as Bhumibol's eldest child, Princess Ubolratana, and a daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister who lives in exile after being ousted in a 2006 coup, used social media to urge Thais not to rush to judgment.

There have been reports of price gouging as demand for such clothing has surged since Bhumibol's death on Thursday.

Tens of thousands of Thais have descended on the Grand Palace in Bangkok where Bhumibol's body is being kept, and a year of mourning has been declared by the government.

Several foreign governments have warned citizens traveling in Thailand to avoid behavior that could be interpreted as festive, disrespectful or disorderly.

On Friday, police and soldiers on the Thai resort island of Phuket dispersed a mob of several hundred people seeking a confrontation with a man they believed insulted the king.

A video showed the crowd blocking the road outside a soy milk shop and waving placards with slurs such as "buffalo," a slang word for stupidity. Some shouted for the man to come out.

Thailand has a draconian lese majeste law that imposes stiff prison sentences for actions or writings regarded as derogatory toward the monarch or his family.

The operator of Thailand's main cable TV network has blocked foreign news broadcasts deemed insensitive to the monarchy since Bhumibol's death.

Separately, Bhumibol's second daughter, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, appeared Monday at her first public event since the king's death. She was named a special ambassador for "Zero Hunger" for the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization to mark World Food Day. Although all official events have been canceled, the fact that Sirindhorn attended showed the importance she attached to the cause.

Sirindhorn's acceptance of the role "will greatly improve awareness of both policymakers and the public of what, collectively, we must do to achieve a world without hunger," said Kundhavi Kadiresan, the FAO's regional representative for Asia and the Pacific.

FAO estimates there are nearly 800 million undernourished people in the world. The Asia-Pacific region is home to most, with 490 million not receiving enough calories to live healthy lives.

In this image made from video taken on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, a woman holds a portrait of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej as they publicly shame Umaporn Sarasat as she arrives at a police station to face charges of insulting the monarchy in Koh Samui, Thailand. A Thai woman accused of insulting the country's late king was forced to kneel before his portrait outside a police station on the tourist island of Samui as several hundred people bayed for an apology. (AP Photo)

In this Friday, Oct 14, 2016, photo, a vendor arranges black clothing for sale on a sidewalk in Bangkok, Thailand. Authorities are urging calm as social media throbs with criticism of people who aren't wearing black and white clothing to mourn the death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and some arch-royalists take to reprimanding people in public. (AP Photo/Penny Yi Wang)

In this Friday, Oct 14, 2016, photo, a worker arranges black clothing for sale at a shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand. Authorities are urging calm as social media throbs with criticism of people who aren't wearing black and white clothing to mourn the death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and some arch-royalists take to reprimanding people in public. (AP Photo/Penny Yi Wang)

In this Saturday, Oct 15, 2016, photo, mannequins display black clothing for sale at a shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand. Authorities are urging calm as social media throbs with criticism of people who aren't wearing black and white clothing to mourn the death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and some arch-royalists take to reprimanding people in public. (AP Photo/Penny Yi Wang)
Homegrown fashion industry bursts onto scene in Cuba

HAVANA (AP)  Like so much else in Cuba, shopping for clothes isn't easy.

Buying a simple pair of socks or a T-shirt means choosing between the wildly overpriced, shoddy offerings of state-run stores and the bales of low-priced clothing illegally imported by "mules" traveling from the United States, Ecuador or Panama.

This year, a third option is bursting onto the scene after years of growing quietly in backroom workshops and bedroom studios. A small homegrown fashion industry is winning renown and an increasing share of Cubans' limited clothing budget with simple but fun-and-stylish clothing produced on the island with natural fabrics and sold at competitive prices.

In this Oct. 14, 2016, photo, Cuban fashion designer Mario Freixas poses for a photo as he walks among vintage american cars on a street in Havana, Cuba. Freixas, a well-known designer who dresses many of the stars of state-run television, sells shirts for $20 and mens and womens pants for $30. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Hundreds of private designers are turning out gauzy wedding dresses, brilliantly decorated bathing suits, linen pants and even uniforms for state businesses. Last week, dozens of designers displayed their wares at the five-day Havana Fashion Week at Cuba's most elegant theaters, where hundreds turned out for runway shows, private fittings and cocktail parties.

"The changes that have taken place in this country, the openings, make things easier," said Jesus Frias, a designer who put on a swimwear runway show on Friday. "There's a fashion renaissance in Cuba but it can't be a priority for the state, so it's we private designers who are bringing it back."

The growth of the artisanal fashion industry comes thanks to free-market reforms put in place by President Raul Castro after he took power in 2008. Unlike some new private businesses, the fashion industry is receiving a relatively warm welcome from the communist bureaucracy, perhaps because it doesn't directly compete with the state. After successful runs in the first decades of Cuba's socialist revolution, state-run clothing businesses were hurt by the collapse of the Soviet Union and had largely disappeared by the mid-1990s.

Celebrities and fashionistas have made Havana a hot destination over the last two years amid a boom in tourism set off by detente with the United States. In May, French label Chanel took over Havana's Prado boulevard for a runway show that garnered global attention, and anger among many Cubans for its privatization of one of the main thoroughfares in the capital of a country that has declared socialist equality as its guiding principle.

Privately designed clothes remain out of reach for Cubans on state salaries of about $30 a month, but those with private-sector jobs or help from family overseas can afford them. Mario Freixas, a well-known designer who dresses many of the stars of state-run television, sells shirts for $20 and men's and women's pants for $30.

Alongside the domestic market, Cuba's own designers are hoping that their lightweight blouses and fringed swimsuits will become popular items for visitors to take home.

"We all have high hopes for the tourism boom," Frias said. "I don't think anyone comes to Cuba to buy imported clothing."

Havana Fashion Week began in 2015 with 30 designers, organizer Catherine Dorticos said. This year's edition had twice as many.

"It's a way to motivate people, for people to see other options and for artisans to produce more and feel inspired to do new things," she said.

___

Correspondent Michael Weissenstein contributed to this report.

---

Follow Andrea Rodriguez on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ARodriguezAP

In this Oct. 14, 2016 photo, models present the collection of Cuban fashion designer Analu during Havana Fashion Week at the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater in Havana, Cuba. Cubas designers are hoping that their lightweight blouses and fringed swimsuits will become popular items for visitors to take home. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

A model wears a swimsuit during Havana Fashion Week at the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater in Havana, Cuba, Friday, Oct. 14, 2016. A small homegrown fashion industry is winning renown and an increasing share of Cubans limited clothing budget with simple but fun-and-stylish clothing produced on the island with natural fabrics and sold at competitive prices. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

In this Oct. 14, 2016 photo, Cuban fashion designer Analu, center, walks down the catwalk with a model during Havana Fashion Week at the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater in Havana, Cuba. Analu is one of Cuba's hundreds of private designers are turning out gauzy wedding dresses, brilliantly decorated bathing suits, linen pants and even uniforms for state businesses. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

In this Oct. 14, 2016 photo, a person records a model walking down the catwalk during Havana Fashion Week at the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater in Havana, Cuba. Designers displayed their wares at the five-day Havana Fashion Week at Cubas most elegant theaters, where hundreds turned out for runway shows, private fittings and cocktail parties. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)
Aleppo to the Ivy League: Syrian doctor preps for end of war

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP)  Khaled Almilaji coordinated a campaign that vaccinated 1.4 million Syrian children and risked his life to provide medical care during the country's civil war. Now he's in the Ivy League, learning about how to rebuild Syria's health system when the war finally ends.

He is one of three Syrian scholars studying at Brown University, which said last year it would welcome Syrians after dozens of governors attempted to block refugees. Almilaji, 35, received a scholarship to earn a master's degree in public health and moved to Rhode Island in August on a student visa with his wife.

He said he feels lucky because many other Syrian doctors have had to give up their work after sacrificing for five years, watching their families suffer and seeing their children go without an education.

In this Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016 photo, Khaled Almilaji, who coordinated a campaign that vaccinated 1.4 million Syrian children and risked his life to provide medical care during the country's civil war, stands for a portrait on the campus of Brown University in Providence, R.I. Almilaji is now in the Ivy League, learning about how to rebuild Syria's health system when the war finally ends. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

"Every time I go inside Syria, I see the smile on the face of families and people. They say, 'We will stay here. We will never go out, and we will still fight this regime,'" he said. "You cannot go out with less energy, just to continue supporting those people."

Almilaji was born in Aleppo, now the epicenter of Syria's conflict. He studied in the coastal city of Latakia to treat disorders of the ear, nose and throat. He was preparing to go to Stuttgart, Germany, for a residency in March 2011 when anti-government protests sparked the conflict.

He treated protesters who likely would have been arrested or killed if they went to government-run hospitals, he said, and set up field hospitals.

"They accept to be killed if this is the way to show the world we are in a revolution here," he said. "But I cannot accept that those people will never go to a protest because they don't have any hospitals to receive them in case they are injured."

Almilaji said he was arrested in September 2011 in Damascus, interrogated and tortured. The savagery he witnessed during six months in prison convinced him he was "one thousand percent correct" in opposing the regime, he added.

Almilaji returned to Aleppo after his release and cared for protesters' families, considered a crime. A friend who was helping those families was arrested in April 2012. Almilaji escaped to Gaziantep, Turkey, and his parents soon followed.

A U.N. commission found government forces in Syria deliberately target medical personnel to gain a military advantage, by depriving the opposition and those perceived to support them of medical assistance. The commission called the targeting of medical personnel one of the most insidious trends of the war.

Almilaji translated for Syrians in Turkish hospitals and worked to equip Turkey with ambulances to transfer Syrians from the border. He made trips into Syria to work in a medical clinic in Aleppo and deliver medical supplies. He successfully pushed for the building of underground hospitals because he expected health facilities to come under increasing attack, a fear that proved true.

He said he joined the humanitarian arm of the opposition and began monitoring the spread of communicable diseases in northern Syria by setting up an early warning response and alert network.

The first case of polio was discovered through the network in October 2013 in eastern Syria, he said. Almilaji planned the vaccination campaign as the administrative director. Teams went house to house and vaccinated 1.4 million Syrian children.

He is working with Canadian doctors to establish safe health facilities in Syria, train medical workers and connect hospitals. The group formed the Canadian International Medical Relief Organization, and Almilaji reviews the projects from Providence.

If insurgents are still fighting President Bashar Assad's forces when he graduates in two years, Almilaji plans to work from Turkey on relief efforts that can later facilitate redevelopment. When Syria is stable enough, he wants to return and work on preventing diseases and other health problems, since resources for treating ailments will continue to be scarce.

More than 60 U.S. and international colleges provide scholarships for Syrian students to complete their degrees in North America and Europe. The consortium, led by the Institute of International Education, has supported more than 300 Syrian students to date.

Brown is a consortium member. Almilaji was recommended to the university by an alumnus, while the institute helped connect the other two Syrian scholars with Brown.

Brown Provost Richard Locke said it was a humanitarian statement, not a political one. School administrators wanted to help and show how a school could successfully host Syrians so other colleges would, too, he said.

Locke said it's important to "lead through our values, so that other people would at least have an alternative narrative to the one that was being disseminated by some of those governors."
Pennsylvania's US Senate candidates spar over Trump, police

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey and Democratic challenger Katie McGinty went after each other in their first debate, with him sharpening an attack accusing her of enriching herself with taxpayer money and her pressing him over his refusal to say whether he'll vote for GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

The Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race has become increasingly nasty, and Monday's debate showed it, with a range of clashes, including on health care and energy policy. Toomey argued his criticism of Trump makes him independent of his party's presidential nominee and accused McGinty of being too partisan to criticize Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

McGinty, who has endorsed Clinton, said Toomey made up a "story line" to accuse her of enriching herself with state grants a decade ago while she was the state's environmental protection chief. She countered Toomey is the country's only U.S. Senate candidate who hasn't told voters whether he'll vote for Trump, who has referred to Mexicans as "rapists" and been accused of groping women, something he denies.

This photo taken Oct. 4, 2016, shows U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., listening as he talks with Ettore DiCasimirro, president of Skytop Fuels, Inc., during a campaign stop in New Boston, Pa. The first debate is set of a hotly contested Pennsylvania Senate race that could decide whether the GOP hangs onto its Senate majority. Toomey will square off against Democratic challenger Katie McGinty Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (Jacqueline Dormer/The Republican-Herald via AP)

McGinty even ceded her response time on one question to Toomey to put the spotlight back on him. Pressed repeatedly by moderators at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh to say whether he'll tell voters how he's going to vote in the presidential election, Toomey finally said "at some point I probably will."

The first-term Toomey is among the Senate's most endangered Republicans, running for re-election in a state where registered Democrats hold a 4-3 ratio advantage over Republicans. The GOP is struggling to keep its 54-46 Senate majority, and the neck-and-neck race could tip control to Democrats.

The hour-long debate was taped Monday afternoon and was to be broadcast at 7 p.m. A second debate is set for Oct. 24 in Philadelphia.

Toomey has repeatedly sought to distance himself from Trump, and on Monday he rejected Trump's suggestions the Pennsylvania election will be rigged, saying, "Our elections ... are legitimate."

Perhaps the sharpest exchange in the debate was after a question about whether police officers' bias poisons their relationships with communities. Toomey accused McGinty of helping to propagate a narrative police are "rogue racists causing violence."

McGinty, the daughter of a former police officer, took exception to that.

"There's only one of us on this stage who kissed her dad goodbye in the morning not knowing, after he walked his beat for 35 years, 25 as a Philadelphia police officer, whether dad was coming home for dinner, and he has suggested that I or any of my family would do anything other than revere our law enforcement officers," McGinty said. "It's really unacceptable."

She accused Toomey of voting to "severely defund" a community policing program she wants to expand.

Toomey was unbowed.

"It sounds like more of how Katie was the first in her family to go to college," he responded, referencing a campaign gaffe by McGinty, who had repeatedly said she was the first in her big family to go to college even though an older brother graduated from college years before her.

This photo taken Oct. 8, 2016, shows U.S. Senate candidate Katie McGinty delivering remarks at a rally in support of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at Scranton High School in Scranton, Pa. The first debate is set of a hotly contested Pennsylvania Senate race that could decide whether the GOP hangs onto its Senate majority. Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey will square off against Democratic challenger McGinty Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (Christopher Dolan / The Citizens' Voice via AP)

U.S. Senate candidate Republican Sen. Pat Toomey speaks to members of the media following the debate with Democrat Katie McGinty in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidate Republican Sen. Pat Toomey speaks to members of the media following the debate with Democrat Katie McGinty in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidate Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, left, speaks to members of the media following the debate with Democrat Katie McGinty in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidate Democrat Katie McGinty speaks with members of the media following the debate with Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidate Democrat Katie McGinty speaks with members of the media following the debate with Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidate Republican Sen. Pat Toomey speaks to members of the media following the debate with Democrat Katie McGinty in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidate Republican Sen. Pat Toomey speaks to members of the media following the debate with Democrat Katie McGinty in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidate Republican Sen. Pat Toomey speaks to members of the media following the debate with Democrat Katie McGinty in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidate Republican Sen. Pat Toomey speaks to members of the media following the debate with Democrat Katie McGinty in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidates Democrat Katie McGinty, left, and Republican Sen. Pat Toomey prepare for their debate in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidates Democrat Katie McGinty, left, and Republican Sen. Pat Toomey prepare for their debate in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidate Republican Sen. Pat Toomey prepares for a debate with candidate Democrat Katie McGinty in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidate Democrat Katie McGinty speaks with members of the media following a debate with Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidate Democrat Katie McGinty, right, speaks with members of the media following the debate with Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

U.S. Senate candidate Democrat Katie McGinty speaks with members of the media following the debate with Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

This photo taken Oct. 4, 2016, shows U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., listening as he talks with Ettore DiCasimirro, president of Skytop Fuels, Inc., during a campaign stop in New Boston, Pa. The first debate is set of a hotly contested Pennsylvania Senate race that could decide whether the GOP hangs onto its Senate majority. Toomey will square off against Democratic challenger Katie McGinty Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (Jacqueline Dormer/The Republican-Herald via AP)

U.S. Senate candidates Democrat Katie McGinty, and Republican Sen. Pat Toomey prepare for their debate in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
Two wildlife issues have collided in Hawaii, pitting one group of animal defenders against another in an impassioned debate. The point of contention? Deadly cat poop and the feral felines that produce it.

Federal researchers believe feces from the legions of feral cats roaming Hawaii is spreading a disease that is killing Hawaiian monk seals, some of the world's most endangered marine mammals. Some conservationists advocate euthanizing those cats that no one wants, and that's got cat lovers up in arms.

'It's a very difficult, emotional issue,' said state Sen. Mike Gabbard, chairman of a committee that earlier this year heard and then abandoned a proposal to ban the feeding of feral cats on state land after an outcry. 'It struck a nerve in our community.'

Researchers believe feral cat feces is killing the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Above, Chris Allejo, the director of operations for the spaying and neutering program run by the animal welfare group Poi Dogs and Popoki, pets cats at a feral cat colony near Honolulu on Thursday, September 15, 2016

Conservationists are concerned about the number of feral cats roaming Hawaii because cat feces washing into the ocean can spread toxoplasmosis, which can be deadly for the seals. Above, a Hawaiian monk seal lies on a Waikiki beach in Honolulu on Thursday, September 15, 2016

The problem stems from a parasite common in cats that can cause toxoplasmosis, a disease that has killed at least five female Hawaiian monk seals and three males since 2001, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

'While eight seals may not sound like a lot of animals, it actually has pretty large ramifications for an endangered population where there's only about 1,300 seals in existence at this point in time,' said Michelle Barbieri, veterinary medical officer for NOAA's Hawaiian monk seal research program.

Scientists believe monk seals become exposed to toxoplasmosis by ingesting contaminated water or prey.

Many cities struggle with feral cats, but the problem is particularly acute in Hawaii because of its sensitive ecosystem and at-risk native species, experts say. Above, cats are shown eating at feral cat colony near Honolulu on Thursday, September 15, 2016

Cats are lined up at a mobile spay and neuter clinic run by the animal welfare group Poi Dogs and Popoki in Haleiwa, Hawaii on Friday, September 16, 2016

Felines are the only animals that can shed Toxoplasma gondii eggs, or oocysts. The parasites enter their digestive tract through infected prey then multiply in the small intestine and produce the eggs.

Outdoor cats excrete the eggs in their feces, which researchers say washes into the ocean.

The eggs accumulate in invertebrates that live along the sea floor, where monk seals often feed. They can survive in fresh water, saltwater and soil for up to two years.

Any warm-blooded animal can become infected. California sea otters have died from toxoplasmosis, and it's one of the major reasons the Hawaiian crow, alala, is extinct in the wild. Toxoplasmosis is rarely problematic for people with healthy immune systems, but it's why doctors advise pregnant women not to handle kitty litter.

Many cities struggle with feral cats, but the problem is particularly acute in Hawaii because of its sensitive ecosystem and at-risk native species, experts say. Only two mammals are native to Hawaii: the hoary bat and the Hawaiian monk seal.

'Everything else here - deer, sheep, goats, cats, mongoose - they're all invasive, they're all introduced,' said Angela Amlin, NOAA's acting Hawaiian monk seal recovery coordinator, adding cats have no predators in Hawaii to control their population.

Marketing research commissioned by the Hawaiian Humane Society in 2015 estimated some 300,000 feral cats roam Oahu alone.

Marine debris, climate change, predation and human interaction all threaten the survival of Hawaiian monk seals. But feral cats present their greatest disease concern, Amlin said.

'As conservationists, what we really have to look at is this is what Hawaii's native ecosystem includes, and cats are unfortunately not part of that,' Amlin said. 'When it comes to the feral cat population, there should be a program in place to bring in these animals, adopt the ones that are adoptable and humanely euthanize those that are not.'

Others take offense to that notion.

Classifying animals with labels such as native and invasive creates a 'hierarchy in which the protection of certain animals comes at the suffering of others,' Hawaiian Humane Society President and CEO Pamela Burns wrote in a letter opposing the state Senate bill that would have banned cat-feeding on state land.

She contended the 300,000 figure overstates the problem because the study looked at how many cats people were feeding and might have missed instances where multiple people fed the same outdoor cat.

Those who care for stray cats advocate trapping, neutering and spaying to help control their population.

The University of Hawaii's Manoa campus, in Honolulu, started a feral cat management program - with authorized feeders trained in tasks like trapping and feces disposal - after the stench and mess from hundreds of cats prompted complaints, especially when children at a campus daycare center got flea bites, said Roxanne Adams, director of buildings and grounds.

The program started in 2011 and appears to have reduced the number of felines, she said.

Euthanizing cats is unacceptable unless they're extremely sick, said Alicia Maluafiti, board president of animal welfare group Poi Dogs and Popoki.
EU scolds Russia as it urges Moscow to stop bombing Aleppo

LUXEMBOURG (AP)  The European Union urged Russia to bring about a swift end to the bombing of Aleppo in Syria but refrained from imposing any sanctions on Moscow even though it said the attacks on the city could amount to war crimes.

At a regular meeting of foreign ministers from the EU's 28 member states on Monday, several ministers said sanctions against Russia would have no impact and could even be counterproductive in the search for an overall settlement to the conflict in Syria.

"At present, I don't see how sanctions with a possible long-term effect are supposed to contribute to improving supplies to the civilian population," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, left, speaks with Romania's foreign minister Lazar Comanescu, during a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the EU Council building in Luxembourg, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. European Union foreign ministers debated Monday whether to extend sanctions against the Syrian regime as political efforts to secure a cease-fire and access for humanitarian aid falter. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)

"So I am not the only one who, in this case, is rather skeptical about sanctions."

Russia has been heavily involved along with the Syrian regime in the onslaught of Aleppo over the past few weeks since a cease-fire broke down.

In a statement following their meeting, ministers said the Syrian "regime and its allies, notably Russia," had used "clearly disproportionate" violence in Aleppo. It said the offensive targeting hospitals, schools, were part of attacks that "may amount to war crimes."

While EU ministers were discussing Syria, the head of Russia's military general staff said Russian and Syrian forces are preparing a "humanitarian pause" for the besieged city on Thursday.

Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying Monday that Russian and Syrian forces will halt their fighting from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 in order to allow civilians and rebels safe passage out of the city as well as for the evacuation of the sick and wounded.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini described the apparent Russian move as "a positive step" but noted that UN agencies have indicated that at least 12 hours would be needed for such an operation to be successful.

"I believe that there will be a little bit of work to be done to find the common ground," she said.

The EU is looking for a lot more than just a temporary pause and in a common statement ministers called on Russia to demonstrate "all efforts, in order to halt indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian regime, restore a cessation of hostilities, ensure immediate and expanded humanitarian access and create the conditions for a credible and inclusive political transition."

Even though Russia was not threatened with measures, the ministers are targeting more Syrians. They said the EU will act "swiftly, according to established procedures, with the aim of imposing further restrictive measures against Syria targeting Syrian individuals and entities supporting the regime as long as the repression continues."

The EU sanctions are likely to include travel bans and a freeze of assets belonging to political figures and top military officials accused of crimes.

EU sanctions on Syria were extended at the end of May until June 2017. More than 200 people and 70 entities including companies and associations have been targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze over the violent repression of civilians.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Russia can count on the West to help in counter-terrorism efforts but insisted at the same time that "everything possible must be done to stop the bombing and allow humanitarian aid ... to get to the population."

Likening the attacks on Aleppo to Russia's destruction of the Chechen capital Grozny in 1999 and 2000, Ayrault said Russia is locked in "the logic of destruction, alongside the Assad regime."

Talks involving Russia, the U.S. and other Western powers over the weekend failed to secure any breakthrough likely to lead to a fresh cease-fire or open up access for humanitarian aid.

But like the major powers directly involved in Syria talks, EU countries are divided over the best way ahead.

And possible sanctions against Russia showed that division.

Austria's Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz said that "sanctions against Russia don't ease the suffering of the civilians in Aleppo. Rather the contrary. This can lead to a further escalation."

___

Geir Moulson in Berlin, Lorne Cook in Brussels and Pablo Gorondi in Budapest contributed.

Slovakia's foreign minister Miroslav Lajcak, left, speaks with EU Council High Representative Federica Mogherini during a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the EU Council building in Luxembourg, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. European Union foreign ministers debated Monday whether to extend sanctions against the Syrian regime as political efforts to secure a cease-fire and access for humanitarian aid falter. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)

Belgium's foreign minister Jean Asselborn background reacts with French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, during a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the EU Council building in Luxembourg, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. European Union foreign ministers debated Monday whether to extend sanctions against the Syrian regime as political efforts to secure a cease-fire and access for humanitarian aid falter. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)
Russia sets brief cease-fire for Aleppo as strikes kill 36

BEIRUT (AP)  Russian and Syrian forces will halt hostilities for eight hours in the eastern districts of Aleppo, Russia's military announced on Monday, a day on which opposition activists said their airstrikes killed at least 36 people, including several children, in and around the divided city.

The two militaries will observe a "humanitarian pause" between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 to allow civilians and militants safe passage out of the city, Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi of Russia's general staff said in Moscow. Militants, the wounded and sick would be allowed to evacuate to the neighboring rebel-held province of Idlib.

U.N. humanitarian officials have pleaded with combatants to observe weekly 48-hour cease-fires to allow humanitarian relief into the city's besieged eastern districts, but Russian and Syrian forces have only escalated their aerial and ground assault on the rebel-held areas in recent weeks. The airstrikes have claimed hundreds of lives, wounded many, flattened apartment buildings and laid waste to the already crippled medical sector.

In this photo released early Monday, Oct. 17, 2016 and provided by the Syrian Civil Defense group known as the White Helmets, rescue workers trying to remove a boy stuck in the debris of a building in the neighborhood of Qaterji in rebel-held east Aleppo following an airstrike in Aleppo, Syria. Syrian activists are reporting that airstrikes on a rebel-held, eastern neighborhood in the city of Aleppo have killed at least 13 people, including children. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the airstrikes hit the Marjeh neighborhood. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP)

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York that the eight-hour pause was a unilateral halt to fighting. A 48-hour or 72-hour cease-fire "will require some sort of mutual arrangement," he said.

Russian and Syrian leaders are now capitalizing on a proposal made by the U.N.'s envoy earlier this month to allow al-Qaida-linked militants to leave in exchange for peace and local administration for the eastern districts.

Rebels in the east, along with many residents, spurned the proposition, citing their distrust of the government side. And Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution mandating an immediate cease-fire.

Russia's Churkin said that at a meeting Saturday co-chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar said they would work to separate moderate opposition groups from the former al-Qaida affiliate once known as the Nusra Front in rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

Military experts from all these countries were scheduled to meet Monday, he said.

If the separation succeeds  which is a key Russian and Syrian demand  there are two options, Churkin said. Nusra fighters must leave Aleppo or they will be defeated, he said.

Churkin said "the understanding" reached at Saturday's meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, is that once Nusra is gone the moderate opposition and the Syrian government will agree on a cease-fire to end the bloodshed.

U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner, speaking to reporters in Washington, noted that the people of Aleppo "have been subjected to near constant bombardment and air strikes" that have killed many civilians and leveled much of the city's infrastructure in an effort "to starve out and to drive out the opposition and civilians."

"If there is actually an eight-hour pause in the unremitting suffering of the people of Aleppo, that would be a good thing. But frankly, it's a bit too little, too late," Toner said.

Monday's Russian announcement did not include any promises of an extended cease-fire or local administration. It followed a bloody day of airstrikes on rebel-held districts in and around Aleppo.

At least 23 people were killed in airstrike that also wounded dozens in the village of Oweijel, just west of Aleppo, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Another monitoring group, the Local Coordination Committees, said the air raid was carried out by Russian warplanes and put the death toll at 30.

More than a dozen people were also killed in the Marjeh neighborhood in eastern Aleppo. The Aleppo Media Center, an activist collective, said those killed included 11 people with the same family name of Qabs ranging from a six-week-old baby girl to a 25-year-old man.

The Observatory said at least 50 civilians, including 18 children, were killed in airstrikes on the eastern part of the city in the 24 hours before the Russian announcement.

Monday's airstrikes coincided with the launch in neighboring Iraq of a major operation by Iraqi and Kurdish forces, backed by the U.S.-led coalition, to retake the northern city of Mosul from the Islamic State group. There have been concerns the government in Damascus could use the timing of the Mosul offensive to press its onslaught in Aleppo while world attention is diverted to developments in Iraq.

Also Monday, Syrian state media claimed 49 rebels were killed and wounded in fighting in the neighborhoods of Sheikh Saeed and Shurfa on the southern edges of Aleppo.

In the nearby province of Idlib, a U.S.-led coalition drone struck a car in the provincial capital that carries the same name, killing all inside, according to the Observatory and a jihadi official. It was not immediately clear who was in the vehicle, but such attacks have previously targeted officials with al-Qaida's affiliate in Syria, known as Fatah al-Sham Front.

The Observatory said the attack targeted a faction commander. An official with Fatah al-Sham Front, formerly known as Nusra Front, said all those in the car were "martyred." The man, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said it was not clear if members of his group were targeted.

Earlier this month, a drone attack killed top al-Qaida official Ahmed Salama Mabrouk.

The United States and Britain on Sunday acknowledged the Western world's weak support for any military action against Syria's government as they seek ways to pressure Syrian President Bashar Assad and his chief backer, Russia, to halt the deadly Aleppo offensive.

After a meeting of 11 governments opposing Assad's rule, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson each insisted that all options were on the table. But their stark explanations about the danger of resorting to military force appeared to rule out such a move.

The government in Damascus, meanwhile, appears to be trying to improve relations with Egypt, the Arab world's most populous nation, following the first public meeting between Egyptian and Syrian security chiefs.

Maj. Gen. Ali Mamlouk, head of the National Security Bureau and one of Assad's top aides, visited Cairo Sunday at the head of a delegation to coordinate with Egypt in the fight against "terrorism" in the region, Syria's state-run news agency SANA said.

SANA said the Syrians met with top intelligence officials, including deputy chief of Egypt's intelligence agency. It said both sides agreed on "coordinating political standpoints" and strengthening the "cooperation in fighting terrorism." Egypt's pro-government Sada al-Balad and other news websites reported on Sunday that six Syrians arrived on a private jet from Damascus.

Earlier this month, Egypt voted for rival French and Russian draft resolutions on Syria at the U.N. Security Council, arguing that both called for a truce and for aid for besieged Syrians in the rebel-held areas of the northern city of Aleppo.

The move angered Egypt's major financier Saudi Arabia, which supports rebels fighting against Assad's Moscow-backed government.

Egypt and Syria are both fighting extremists, including members of the Islamic State group. Both countries also have poor relations with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

____

Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria, James Heintz in Moscow, Philip Issa in Beirut and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.

In this photo released early Monday, Oct. 17, 2016 and provided by the Syrian Civil Defense group known as the White Helmets, rescue workers try to remove a boy stuck in the debris of a building in the neighborhood of Qaterji in rebel-held east Aleppo following an airstrike in Aleppo, Syria. Syrian activists are reporting that airstrikes on a rebel-held, eastern neighborhood in the city of Aleppo have killed at least 13 people, including children. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the airstrikes hit the Marjeh neighborhood. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP)

In this photo released early Monday, Oct. 17, 2016 and provided by the Syrian Civil Defense group known as the White Helmets, rescue workers try to remove a boy stuck in the debris of a building in the neighborhood of Qaterji in rebel-held east Aleppo following an airstrike in Aleppo, Syria. Syrian activists are reporting that airstrikes on a rebel-held, eastern neighborhood in the city of Aleppo have killed at least 13 people, including children. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the airstrikes hit the Marjeh neighborhood. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP)

Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi of the Russian military's General Staff speaks to the media, with a map of the area around Aleppo seen in the background, at the Russian Defense Ministry's headquarters in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Rudskoi was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying Monday that Russian and Syrian forces will halt their fighting from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 in order to allow civilians and rebels safe passage out of the city as well as for the evacuation of the sick and wounded.(AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)
News / Religion

by Staff reporter

The United Family International Church (UFIC) has distanced itself from a convicted fraudster who withdrew $1 000 worth of airtime after Standard Chartered (Standard Chartered) Bank mistakenly linked his phone number to their client's bank account.James Saunyama, 38, told Harare magistrate Arnold Maburo in mitigation that he miraculously had access to the Standard Chartered account after attending a church service at UFIC."I want the court to pardon me because I did not commit this offence intentionally but it was a matter of my faith in what I had been promised at church," Saunyama told the court this week during sentencing where he received a suspended sentence.But UFIC distanced its leader Emmanuel Makandiwa and the church from Saunyama's claims."There was never any such prophecy given to him and from what he says it shows that he is a person who does not understand how . . . Makandiwa operates and there's every likelihood that he may not have attended even one UFIC service," said UFIC spokesperson Prime Kufa."If it was true that such a prophecy was given, the accused would have asked for such a recording to back up his evidence. Even when the Prophet meets people one on one, the sessions are recorded."I believe this is why our esteemed court never asked for any evidence because they knew the accused was making one big joke of himself. You will be shocked that this guy has never seen the Prophet at close range and that is why he was able to make such a joke. Besides, there would have been thousands of witnesses to such a prophecy," added Kufa.Saunyama, was a beneficiary of a mobile banking error by Standard Chartered Msasa whose accounts mistakenly linked his phone number to Ranganai Muguti's bank account instead of their customer's legitimate Econet mobile line.When Saunyama's number was linked to Muguti's account, he automatically gained access to his banking services as they were offered on mobile banking platform.It was also established that when the error occurred, Saunyama also got Muguti's password, which he later changed although fully aware that he was tempering with another person's bank account.Kufa said it was malicious and desperate to try and link the claimed miracles to Makandiwa and UFIC, adding that Saunyama's claims were laughable."Because it is not your ordinary prophet that can see such things but men like Prophet Makandiwa. It would obviously require a prophet that can pick a particular number alone from all other numbers and obviously such bank transactions cannot be stage-managed," said Kufa."So he has to pick a name that would cause the courts to believe him and, unfortunately, the name of the man of God was dragged into the mud because of his gift."
Notorious warlord killed in bombing in eastern Ukraine

MOSCOW (AP)  A notorious warlord has been killed in a bombing in the rebel stronghold of Donetsk, separatist officials said.

The separatist Donetsk News Agency said that Arsen Pavlov, also known as Motorola, was killed on Sunday in Donetsk when a bomb exploded in an elevator in an apartment building where he was staying. He is one of several prominent warlords who have been killed in bombings in the past year which Ukraine watchers attribute to infighting among the separatists. Pavlov once admitted killing 15 prisoners of war.

Separatist officials have blamed previous bombings on Ukrainian saboteurs operating in the rebel-controlled areas.

FILE - In this Sunday, May 18, 2014 file photo, Donetsk People's Republic platoon commander Arsen Pavlov, also known as Motorola, rides a bike at a checkpoint blocking the major highway which links Kharkiv, outside Slovyansk, eastern Ukraine. Separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine say a notorious warlord has been killed in a bombing in the rebel stronghold of Donetsk. The separatist mouthpiece Donetsk News Agency said on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, Arsen Pavlov was killed in Donetsk when a bomb went off in an elevator in the house he was staying. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

The conflict between separatists and Ukrainian government forces has been raging since April 2014, killing more than 9,600 people.

Russian-born Pavlov, 33, worked in a car wash before he crossed the border and joined the separatists in 2014 before becoming one of the most recognizable faces of the Donetsk separatist movements.

Ukraine still has not adopted a law which under peace accords signed in 2015 will grant amnesty to Donetsk separatists. Pavlov was one of the figures that the Ukrainian government has used to back up its assertion that people implicated in war crimes should not be allowed to get away with it.
10 Things to Know for Today - 17 October 2016

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:

1. IRAQI FORCES LAUNCH MILITARY PUSH IN MOSUL

The offensive to retake Iraq's second largest city from Islamic State militants, backed by the U.S.-led coalition, is the toughest battle since American troops left nearly five years ago.

Kurdish Peshmerga fighters stand on top of a military vehicle as they advance towards villages surrounding Mosul, in Khazer, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Mosul, Iraq, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. The Iraqi military and the country's Kurdish forces say they launched operations to the south and east of militant-held Mosul early Monday morning. (AP Photo/Bram Janssen)

2. 'THERE'S A CLOUD OVER MAR-A-LAGO'

Charity consultants and event fundraisers say they expect the Palm Beach, Florida, venue owned by Trump will be a harder sell to charities in future years, AP finds.

3. GRIEF AFTER MONARCH'S DEATH SPILLS INTO ANGER

A Thai woman accused of insulting King Bhumibol Adulyadej is forced to kneel before his portrait as several hundred people demand an apology.

4. ETAN PATZ CASE TO BE RETRIED

The disappearance of the first-grader in New York City 37 years ago reshaped American parenting and the pursuit of missing children.

5. SENATE CONFIRMATION OF OBAMA'S NOMINEES SLOW

More than 90 vacancies in the federal courts make it difficult for Americans to seek legal recourse, and legal experts warn of judicial emergencies.

6. WHAT MAY BE A BOON TO MYANMAR'S ECONOMY

The end of most U.S. sanctions is raising hopes western businesses will invest in a country that up to now has been dominated by Asian countries.

7. CHINA LAUNCHES MISSION TO EXPERIMENTAL SPACE STATION

Two astronauts will remain aboard for a month in preparation for the start of operations by a full-bore facility six years from now.

8. HOW TO GET BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF PYONGYANG

For about $150, you can take a 25-minute, mile-high flight aboard an ultralight aircraft to see what was only available by a 492-foot tower a few months ago.

9. A HALLOWEEN TREAT

Dracula's castle will have overnight guests on the spooky holiday, marking the first time since 1948 that anyone has slept in the Transylvanian fortress.

10. DODGERS EVEN NLCS WITH CUBS

Clayton Kershaw pitches seven sparkling innings, Adrian Gonzalez homers and Los Angeles beat Chicago 1-0.

In this image made from video taken on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, Umaporn Sarasat, 43, pays respects in front of a portrait of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Koh Samui, Thailand. She is accused of insulting the country's late king and was forced to kneel before his portrait outside a police station on the tourist island of Samui as several hundred people bayed for an apology. (AP Photo)

An ultralight aircraft flies over the city of Pyongyang on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in North Korea. Until a few months ago, if you wanted a bird's eye view of North Korea's capital there was basically only one option: a 150-meter tall tower across the river from Kim Il Sung Square. Now, if you have the cash, you can climb into the backseat of an ultralight aircraft. With the support of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has vowed to give North Koreans more modern and "cultured" ways to spend their leisure time, a Pyongyang flying club has started offering short flights over some of the capital's major sights. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

In this picture taken Oct. 9, 2016, two coffins are lit before a photo shoot in Bran Castle, in Bran, Romania. Airbnb has launched a contest to find two people to stay overnight in the castle on Halloween, popularly known as Draculas castle because of its connection to the cruel real-life prince Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the legend of Dracula. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
High school graduation rates have reached a record high of 83.2 percent, continuing a steady increase that shows improvement across all ethnic groups, the White House said Monday.

President Barack Obama planned to talk about the gains when he visits a Washington, D.C. high school on Monday morning.

Increases in the graduation rate for the 2014-2015 school year were seen for all ethnic groups, as well as for disabled students and students from low-income families.

GRADUATION RATES BY SUB-GROUP OF STUDENTS

2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 Change from 2010-2011 to 2014-2015 Total 79 80 81.4 82.3 83.2 4.2 American Indian/Alaskan Native 65 67 69.7 69.6 71.6 6.6 Asian/Pacific Islander 87 88 88.7 89.4 90.2 3.2 Hispanic 71 73 75.2 76.3 77.8 6.8 Black 67 69 70.7 72.5 74.6 7.6 White 84 86 86.6 87.2 87.6 3.6 Low income students 70 72 73.3 74.6 76.1 6.1 English learners 57 59 61.1 62.6 65.1 8.1 Students with disabilities 59 61 61.9 63.1 64.6 5.6

Still, there were significant differences among groups. Asian Americans had a 90.2 percent graduation rate, while whites were at 87.6 percent, followed by Hispanics at 77.8 percent, African-Americans at 74.6 percent and Native Americans at 71.6 percent.

The growth in graduation rates has been steady since states adopted a uniform way of tracking students.

In 2008, the Bush administration ordered states to begin using a formula that is considered a more accurate count of how many actually finish school.

President Obama is slated to speak at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School (pictured) in Washington, DC on Monday about the graduation rate reaching a new high of 83.2 percent

Obama frequently cites the increase when he talks to groups about progress made during his presidency

The White House said that the graduation rate has increased by about four percent points since the 2010-2011 school year.

Obama frequently cites the increase when he talks to groups about progress made during his presidency.

The White House said that money invested through a grant program called Race to the Top has helped improve some of the nation's lowest-performing schools.

The administration also said millions of students have gained access to high-speed broadband in their classrooms and that the states and federal government have helped hundreds of thousands more children gain access to preschool education programs.

The White House said that the District of Columbia made the most progress in 2014-2015 compared to the previous year.
China launches its longest crewed space mission yet

BEIJING (AP)  Two Chinese astronauts began the country's longest crewed space mission yet on Monday, blasting off on a spacecraft for a 30-day stay on an experimental space station as China steadfastly navigates its way to becoming a space superpower.

Ahead of the launch, one astronaut shouted: "We are ready! Please give instructions!" in front of dozens of people dressed in colorful dress representing China's ethnic minorities, in footage shown prominently on Chinese TV. The commander-in-chief of the manned space program, Gen. Zhang Youxia, replied: "Proceed!" followed by blaring marching music as the astronauts boarded a bus to take them to the launch pad.

China, Russia and the United States are the only countries that have independently launched humans into space, and while the others have more experience in manned space travel, China's military-backed program has made methodical progress in comparatively short time.

In this photo provided by China's Xinhua News Agency, the Long March-2F carrier rocket carrying China's Shenzhou 11 spacecraft blasts off from the launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. China has launched a pair of astronauts into space on a mission to dock with an experimental space station and remain aboard for 30 days. (Li Gang/Xinhua via AP)

The launch is China's sixth manned mission, the previous longest being about two weeks.

For this mission, the astronauts will dock their spacecraft with the Tiangong 2 station within two days, conduct experiments in medicine and space-related technologies, and test systems and processes in preparation for the launching of the station's core module in 2018. A fully functioning space station is on course to begin operating six years from now and slated to run for at least a decade.

The Shenzhou 11 space capsule blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northern China at 7:30 a.m. (2330 GMT) aboard a Long March-2F carrier rocket.

Zhang declared the launch a success 16 minutes later. Defense Minister Fan Changlong then read a congratulatory message from President Xi Jinping calling for China's astronauts to explore space "more deeply and more broadly."

Since China conducted its first crewed space mission in 2003, it has staged a spacewalk and landed its Yutu rover on the moon. The Tiangong, or "Heavenly Palace," space stations are considered stepping stones to a mission to send a rover to Mars by the end of the decade. Administrators suggest a crewed landing on the moon may also be in the program's future.

The Shenzhou 11 astronauts are Jing Haipeng, who is flying his third mission, and 37-year-old Chen Dong.

"It is any astronaut's dream and pursuit to be able to perform many space missions," Jing, who turns 50 during his time in space, told a briefing Sunday.

China was excluded from the International Space Station mainly due to U.S. concerns over the Chinese space program's strongly military character. Chinese officials are now looking to internationalize their own program by offering to help finance other countries' missions to Tiangong 2, which, at 60 tons when completed, would still be considerably smaller than the 420-ton ISS.

China's space program also opened a fourth spacecraft launch site at Wenchang on the island province of Hainan in June. It was inaugurated with the launch of the newly developed Long March 7 rocket that was hailed as a breakthrough in the use of safer, more environmentally friendly fuels.

China is developing the Long March 5 heavy-lift rocket needed to launch the Tiangong 2's additional components and other massive payloads.

A source of enormous national pride, China's space program plans a total of 20 missions this year at a time when the U.S. and other countries' programs are seeking new roles.

Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng, right, and Chen Dong, left, wave farewell to the crowd before getting on Shenzhou 11 spacecraft at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China Monday Oct. 17, 2016. The spacecraft will dock with the Tiangong 2 space station within two days and the astronauts will stay there for 30 days to test the complex's ability to support their life. (Chinatopix via AP)

In this photo provided by China's Xinhua News Agency, the Long March-2F carrier rocket carrying China's Shenzhou 11 spacecraft blasts off from the launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. China has launched a pair of astronauts into space on a mission to dock with an experimental space station and remain aboard for 30 days. (Li Gang/Xinhua via AP)

China's Shenzhou 11 spaceship onboard a Long March-2F carrier rocket takes off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu province on Monday Oct. 17, 2016. China launched a pair of astronauts into space Monday on a mission to dock with an experimental space station and remain aboard for 30 days in preparation for the assembly of a full facility six years from now.(Chinatopix via AP)

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, the Long March-2F carrier rocket carrying China's Shenzhou 11 manned spacecraft blasts off from the launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Jiuquan, northwest China's Gansu Province, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. China launched a pair of astronauts into space Monday on a mission to dock with an experimental space station and remain aboard for 30 days in preparation for the assembly of a full facility six years from now.(Ju Zhenhua/Xinhua via AP)
Iran offers 50 oil and gas fields to foreign bidders

TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Iran's national oil company said Monday that it has offered 50 oil and gas fields to international bidders, the first time it has done so since last year's landmark nuclear deal with world powers.

Also Monday, the country's deputy oil minister welcomed a preliminary agreement by OPEC nations to limit output to between 32.5 million and 33 million barrels per day. The deal by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries was reached in late September, with the aim reducing a global glut that has depressed oil prices for over two years.

The deputy minister, Amir Hossein Zamaninia, told reporters in Tehran that the agreement was "small step, but in the right direction."

Iran has been trying to restore its oil industry since emerging from international sanctions over its nuclear program earlier this year. The country, with an oil output of 3.85 million barrels per day, initially said it would only consider a ceiling after it reaches 4 million barrels per day, its pre-sanctions level.

Meanwhile, Iran's Oil Ministry announced Sunday it will invite foreign companies to bid for oil and gas projects for the first time. On Monday, the ministry released details, saying this would include 29 oil fields and 21 gas fields.

The ministry has said foreign companies should submit their applications by Nov. 19, and that successful companies would be announced on Dec. 7.

Iran had previously said that priority for exploration and production for foreign companies would be given to neighboring countries with which it shares border fields. The country has 28 joint offshore and onshore gas and oil fields with those countries.
The Latest: US says Aleppo pause 'too little, too late'

BEIRUT (AP)  The Latest on the developments in Syria's civil war (all times local):

1 a.m.

A U.S. State Department spokesman says an eight-hour pause in attacks by Russian and Syrian forces on rebel-held eastern districts of Aleppo "would be a good thing," but he cautions that "it's a bit too little, too late."

Spokesman Mark Toner, speaking to reporters in Washington, said the people of Aleppo "have been subjected to near constant bombardment and air strikes" that has killed many civilians and leveled much of the city's civilian infrastructure. He said the goal is "to starve out and to drive out the opposition and civilians who've held on there for so long."

The Russian and Syrian militaries say they will observe a "humanitarian pause" between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 to allow civilians and militants safe passage out of the city.

___

11:30 p.m.

Russia's U.N. ambassador says military officers from the U.S. and Russia were meeting experts from Saudia Arabia, Turkey and Qatar to work out ways to separate Syria's moderate opposition from former al-Qaida-linked fighters in rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

Vitaly Churkin told reporters that the meeting was to be held Monday as a follow-up to Saturday's talks in Lausanne, Switzerland where U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov were joined by representatives of several countries with influence on moderate opposition groups.

He said Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar "did express their intention to work with those moderate opposition groups" to separate them from the Nusra Front extremists now called the Fatah al-Sham Front.

If they do, Churkin said, either the Nusra fighters will leave the city "or they will have to be defeated."

At Lausanne, Churkin said, "the understanding" was that the moderate opposition and the Syrian government will then enter into a cease-fire to prevent further loss of life and suffering.

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8:25 p.m.

The United Nations says it would welcome any pause in fighting in the besieged city of Aleppo, after Russian media reported that an official of Russia's military general staff said a "humanitarian pause" in hostilities was being prepared.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters at U.N. headquarters in New York Monday that he has no confirmation of the announcement that Russian and Syrian forces are preparing an eight-hour "humanitarian pause" for Aleppo on Thursday.

But Dujarric said that "any lessening of the violence, lessening of the fighting, any pause that's actually implemented would be very much welcomed."

He noted the United Nations has been calling for at least a 48-hour cessation of hostilities to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid.

"We will use whatever pause we have to do whatever we can," Dujarric said. "Obviously there is a need for a longer pause to get trucks in."

___

6:40 p.m.

An official of Russia's military general staff says Russian and Syrian forces are preparing a "humanitarian pause" for the besieged city of Aleppo on Thursday.

Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi said Monday that Russian and Syrian forces will halt their fighting from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 in order to allow civilians and rebels safe passage out of the city as well as for the evacuation of the sick and wounded.

He said there will be two corridors by which people can leave the city.

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3:52 p.m.

Syrian opposition monitoring groups say an airstrike on a rebel-held village in northern Syria has killed at least 23 people.

The activists said the attack on the village of Oweijel in the northern province of Aleppo occurred on Monday.

The Local Coordination Committees said 30 people were killed and dozens wounded when Russian warplanes attacked the village. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the death toll at 23, and said several others were missing.

The northern province of Aleppo has been the center of violence in Syria over the past week, with hundreds of people killed in rebel-held areas by Russian and government airstrikes.

____

3:20 p.m.

A Syrian opposition activist group and a jihadi official say a U.S.-led coalition drone has struck a car in the northwestern city of Idlib, killing all inside.

It was not immediately clear who was in the vehicle but such attacks have previously targeted officials with al-Qaida's affiliate in Syria, known as Fatah al-Sham Front.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Monday's attack targeted a faction commander.

An official with Fatah al-Sham Front, formerly known as Nusra Front, said all those in the car were "martyred." The man, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said it was not clear if members of his group were targeted.

Earlier this month, a drone attack killed top al-Qaida official Ahmed Salama Mabrouk.

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1:55 p.m.

Syrian opposition activists are reporting that airstrikes on a rebel-held, eastern neighborhood in the city of Aleppo have killed at least 13 people, including children.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the airstrikes hit the Marjeh neighborhood on Monday and that five children were among the casualties.

The Aleppo Media Center, an activist collective, also reported the airstrikes and gave the same death toll. It says 11 of the victims have the same family name of Qabs and ranged in age from a month-and-a-half-old baby girl and a 25-year-old man.

Rebel-held parts of Aleppo have been subjected to the worst aerial attacks since a cease-fire brokered by the U.S. and Russia collapsed in September. The air raids have killed hundreds, wounded many others and demolishing entire buildings.

___

10 a.m.

A top aide of Syrian President Bashar Assad has visited Cairo to coordinate with Egypt in the fight against "terrorism" in the region.

Syria's state news agency reported on Monday that Maj. Gen. Ali Mamlouk, head of the National Security Bureau, led a delegation that visited Egypt the day before.

SANA says the Syrians met with top intelligence officials, including deputy chief of Egypt's intelligence agency. It says both sides agreed on "coordinating political standpoints" and strengthening the "cooperation in fighting terrorism."

Both countries are fighting extremists, including members of the Islamic State group. Egypt and Syria also have bad relations with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Egypt's pro-government Sada al-Balad and other news websites reported Sunday that six Syrians arrived on a private jet Sunday from Damascus.

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Mourning Thais dye clothes as prices for black apparel surge

BANGKOK (AP)  Pop-up clothes dyeing centers are a new phenomenon in the Thai capital as black apparel becomes too expensive for many following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Thai government has declared national mourning for Bhumibol, who died Thursday, and some clothing sellers have been quick to hike prices for black garments. Others have run out of stock.

Vats of black dye were boiling nonstop Monday at a free dying station set up in downtown Bangkok by a tractor importing company.

Clothes are dyed black, the color worn by Thais mourning the death of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, by members of Krung Thai Tractor, a tractor and heavy machinery importing company, at the free dying station in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Pop-up clothes dyeing centers are a new phenomenon in the Thai capital as black apparel becomes too expensive for many following the king's death. The Thai government has declared national mourning for Bhumibol, who died Thursday, and some clothing sellers have been quick to hike prices for black garments. Others have run out of stock. (AP Photo/Natnicha Chuwiruch)

Volunteers rushed to write down names and contact information from a stream of visitors bringing in colored clothes.

"Some people don't have black clothes or don't have enough to wear," said Kanokporn Tantranont, a Krung Thai Tractor employee helping out at the center. "If you go out to buy more clothes, the prices are so high," he said.

His employer says the dyeing station will stay open until the end of the month and people can also donate old clothes to be dyed black.

Bhumibol's death after a reign of 70 years has triggered an intense outpouring of grief in Thailand, where the monarchy is revered. And some people have taken to criticizing others who don't strictly conform to the mourning dress code, which allows black or black with white.

Department stores have dressed up their mannequins in all-black attire, and anything flashing red, green, pink or the like has been moved or hidden.

But for some, restocking their closet is not an option.

Waiting for his newly dyed black clothes, Kamol Samutsal, a 43-year-old office worker, said some dye shops in Bangkok have been profiteering as well.

"It has become as expensive as buying new clothes," said Kamol. "I think it's good that they provide a free service to the public here."

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said people shouldn't be criticized for not wearing black or white because feelings of grief come from the heart, not what clothes are worn.

Government workers are required to wear black mourning attire for one year. State events are also under a 30-day moratorium, and all public offices and schools will fly flags at half-staff for 30 days.

Clothes are dyed black, the color worn by Thais mourning the death of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, by members of Krung Thai Tractor, a tractor and heavy machinery importing company, at the free dying station in Bangkok Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Pop-up clothes dyeing centers are a new phenomenon in the Thai capital as black apparel becomes too expensive for many following the king's death. The Thai government has declared national mourning for Bhumibol, who died Thursday, and some clothing sellers have been quick to hike prices for black garments. Others have run out of stock. (AP Photo/Natnicha Chuwiruch)

Clothes are dyed black, the color worn by Thais mourning the death of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, by members of of Krung Thai Tractor, a tractor and heavy machinery importing company, at the free dying station in Bangkok Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Pop-up clothes dyeing centers are a new phenomenon in the Thai capital as black apparel becomes too expensive for many following the king's death. The Thai government has declared national mourning for Bhumibol, who died Thursday, and some clothing sellers have been quick to hike prices for black garments. Others have run out of stock. (AP Photo/Natnicha Chuwiruch)

A woman walks in front of a display of mannequins wearing black and white clothing at a shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Authorities are urging calm as social media throbs with criticism of people who aren't wearing black and white clothing to mourn the revered monarch and some arch-royalists take to reprimanding people in public. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A woman watches a display of mannequins wearing black and white clothing at a shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Authorities are urging calm as social media throbs with criticism of people who aren't wearing black and white clothing to mourn the revered monarch and some arch-royalists take to reprimanding people in public. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Indonesia prosecutors seek prison for Uighur accused of plot

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  Indonesian prosecutors on Monday demanded an eight-year prison term for a Chinese Uighur accused of involvement in plots to attack Jakarta's ethnic Chinese governor and minority Shiite Muslims.

In a sentencing request, prosecutors said Nur Muhammet Abdullah, known as Ali, was guilty of violating Indonesia's Anti-Terror Law. State Prosecutor Ika Salim said leniency was considered after Abdullah expressed remorse and cooperative with authorities.

The verdict in his case is scheduled to be delivered next month.

Prosecutors say Abdullah was preparing to be a suicide bomber and had given $2,000 to a militant group under the guidance of Bahrun Naim, an Indonesian fighting with the Islamic State group in Syria.

Abdullah, 30, was arrested in December on the outskirts of the capital with another militant, Arif Hidayatullah.

Police found a suicide bombing vest, explosive materials and a map of a government building they planned to attack.

Hidayatullah was sentenced on Oct. 3 to six years in prison for plotting to assassinate Indonesian officials, including Jakarta's governor, who is an ethnic Chinese Christian, and Shiite Muslims during holidays at the end of 2015.

Last year, four men believed to be members of China's ethnic Uighur minority were sentenced by an Indonesian court to six years in prison for conspiring with Indonesian militants.
Polish court at heart of conflict marks 30th anniversary

WARSAW, Poland (AP)  A top legislative court at the heart of Poland's political turmoil and Europe's concern about the nation's rule of law ceremoniously marked its 30-year anniversary on Monday.

Poland's beleaguered Constitutional Tribunal also received support from some European Union leaders during the observances in the northern city of Gdansk, the birthplace of the pro-democracy Solidarity freedom movement in 1980.

Solidarity laid the groundwork for the constitutional court's creation, but the tribunal was established under communist-imposed martial law and was initially unable to act with complete independence. Its first verdict came in 1986.

A man walks past the Constitutional Tribunal building, in Warsaw, Poland, Friday, Oct. 14, 2016. An international human rights body, the Venice Commission, has criticized Friday the new legislation in Poland regulating the Constitutional Tribunal, the nation's top legislative court, saying the new law "gives excessive power to parliament and the executive over the judiciary." (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Defying the government on Monday, Gdansk Mayor Pawel Adamowicz invited the tribunal's judges to observe the anniversary after Poland's parliament cut the court's budget.

The agenda included a conference on the role of the tribunal, which is charged with examining legislation for its constitutionality and can block provisions it finds illegal.

"Every public servant, and I am one of them, stands up in the defense of a democratic rule of law," Adamowicz said.

"If a government is failing in its mission and is not functioning correctly, then its other part, the local government, assumes its functions," he said.

The ruling conservative Law and Justice party has passed legislation giving the government more control over the court and preventing judges from blocking government-proposed legislation.

Alarmed, European Union leaders have expressed concern about Poland's adherence to democratic principles.

A European human rights watchdog, the Venice Commission, has repeatedly criticized changes that the ruling party has made to the laws regulating the tribunal.

Thousands of Poles have marched in protests against the 1-year-old government's actions.

The president of the European Court of Justice, Koen Lenaerts, and Venice Commission President Gianni Buquicchio were among the 300 people attending the Gdansk meeting at the 14th century Artus Hall.

Buquicchio said the tribunal has earned a reputation for independence and the government actions were an "attempt to make its work harder ... as a guardian of democracy, rule of law and human rights,"

None of Poland's ruling politicians accepted the invitation, Adamowicz said.
Bank of America's profits rise 6 percent, beats estimates

NEW YORK (AP)  Bank of America's third-quarter profits rose nearly 6 percent from a year earlier, helped by strong results in investment banking and trading as well as lower expenses. The profit growth came from all four of the bank's businesses and despite continuing low interest rates.

The consumer banking giant said Monday it earned $4.45 billion in the three months ending in September after paying dividends to preferred shareholders, up from $4.178 billion in the same period a year earlier.

The per-share figure rose to 41 cents versus 38 cents a year ago, easily beating the 34 cents per share analysts were expecting, according to FactSet.

This Monday, July 18, 2016, photo shows the top of a Bank of America ATM booth, in Woburn, Mass. Bank of America is scheduled to report financial results, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

BofA's consumer banking division earned $1.81 billion in the quarter, up from $1.76 billion from a year earlier. While revenue was relatively flat year over year, largely due to lingering effects of near-zero interest rates, BofA was able to cut expenses from $4.711 billion in the third quarter 2015 to $4.37 billion this quarter.

Investors took that as a positive sign, since BofA is primarily a U.S. consumer banking company that is more exposed to low interest rates than other banks with larger investment banking franchises.

Part of the cost savings came from closing branches and laying off staff. BofA's branch count fell to 4,629 in the quarter from 4,741 a year earlier. The number of full-time employees fell to 209,009 from 215,193.

Noting the ongoing Wells Fargo sales practices scandal, Bank of America executives said they have seen no evidence of similar behavior at their bank.

"It's not the number of products we open, it's how they are used," Paul Donofrio, Bank of America's chief financial officer, said in a call with reporters.

Bank of America's global markets division reported net income of $1.07 billion, up from $800 million a year earlier. BofA's bond trading desks had a strong quarter, up 39 percent from a year earlier. Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase had reported similar gains in bond trading last week.

BofA's balance sheet continued to recover as well. The bank's net charge-off ratio, or the proportion of loans the bank considers uncollectable, fell to 0.4 percent from 0.43 percent a year earlier. The portion of loans that are in arrears or in collections fell to 0.97 percent from 1.18 percent a year earlier.
Opinion / Columnist

At a time when some political nomads continue wandering in the jungle politicality, firebrand Madzore simply retraced his steps to where it all began.A founding member of the democratic movement, Paul has rejoined the Mdc T at a time when some politicians of fortune have elected to join the Zanu PF surrogate with the sole intention being to feast on the carcasses of the missing diamond $15billion.In his usual humility, Mr. Madzore confirmed his decision without believing it to be a headline issue whereas it is a political tsunami of a huge magnitude enough to send Mugabe into panic.Madzore Paul: "Indeed I have gone back home (MDC T) . We all make mistakes. I have never been a rich man in all my life. I live a straight life. Yes I struggle like any other normal Zimbabwean but its nothing to make a story out of. So yes Doc Mazodze. ..I resigned and bid farewell to the PDP family last night. I am a member in the MDC T now. And I am happy to be back home."The return of Madzore considering his political quantum is testimony to the fruition of President Tsvangirai's big tent call.Speaking from London, exiled activist, Shepherd Yuda saluted President Tsvangirai's leadership that is seeing the unity of all Zimbabweans in removing Mugabe.The Mdc T family have received the news with excitement as this is the herald of the impending return of many more veterans of the democratic struggle.
Russian broadcaster RT says UK bank suspends its accounts

LONDON (AP)  Tense relations between Britain and Russia came under further strain Monday as Kremlin-backed broadcaster RT accused the U.K.'s NatWest bank of shutting down its accounts without explanation.

The editor of the government-funded television channel, Margarita Simonyan, tweeted: "They've closed our accounts in Britain. All our accounts. 'The decision is not subject to review.' Praise be to freedom of speech!"

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova posted on Facebook: "Looks like, while leaving the EU, London has left all its freedom of speech obligations there."

RT, formerly known as Russia Today, published what appears to be a letter from NatWest informing the broadcaster that "we have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities." The letter said the firm's bank accounts would be "cancelled and closed" on Dec. 12.

Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which owns NatWest, said such decisions "are not taken lightly"  but indicated it might not be set in stone.

"We are reviewing the situation and are contacting the customer to discuss this further," RBS Group said in a statement. "The bank accounts remain open and are still operative."

Britain's Treasury  which was not told of the bank's decision in advance  declined to comment. Britain has imposed economic sanctions on a number of Russian individuals, but has not introduced any new measures since February 2015.

On Sunday, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said he wanted to increase pressure on Russia over its military campaign in support of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

After meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss ways of ending the violence in Syria, Johnson said the West should use the diplomatic tools at its disposal "to make President Putin and the Russians feel the consequences of what they are doing."

RT has been chastised by Britain's broadcast regulator for breaches of the U.K.'s broadcasting code, including a story alleging the BBC staged a chemical weapons attack in Syria.
At least 18 dead in Brazilian prison mutinies

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  At least 18 inmates died in clashes in two separate penitentiaries in Brazil's Amazon region and more than three dozen escaped after a third prison riot caused a large fire in a complex outside Sao Paulo, officials said Monday.

Authorities were investigating a possible connection between the first two uprisings in the jungle states of Rondonia and Roraima, police said. Ten prisoners died in the mutiny in Roraima, while eight others were killed in a similar riot about 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) away in the penitentiary in Rondonia.

Roraima's justice secretary Uziel Castro said at least seven of the bodies were piled up and burned after the Sunday prison mutiny in that state. At least two other bodies were found in a different section of the Monte Cristo prison, but it wasn't immediately clear where the tenth was found. Castro says at least three of the bodies were beheaded and efforts to identify them have been slow.

The secretary said the clashes erupted between rival crime gangs. "Every penitentiary system in Brazil was aware that something was about to happen," Castro told a news conference. But he said authorities were surprised when the riots erupted on a day the prisoners had visitors.

Officers said Monday that about 50 people who were visiting the penitentiary in Roraima, on the border with Venezuela and Guyana, were held hostage. They were later released unharmed.

Hours later, police confirmed that a similar riot killed at least eight inmates in Rondonia state's capital of Porto Velho in the Santos Pinheiro penitentiary. A police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity because the uprising was still under investigation told The Associated Press there was evidence that the riot was started by "the biggest criminal organization of Sao Paulo state."

The organization known as Primeiro Comando da Capital is a powerful Brazilian prison gang that has been expanding into other states and even into Bolivia and Paraguay.

The motive behind the third prison riot was not immediately clear. Sao Paulo's corrections department said police officers managed to recapture 18 of 55 inmates who had escaped the psychiatric ward Monday evening in Franco da Rocha, a suburb of greater Sao Paulo. Broadcaster Globo showed images of flames billowing from the prison complex.

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Lithuania wants Gorbachev to testify in war crimes trial

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP)  A Lithuanian court has called former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to testify in a mass trial related to the 1991 crackdown on the country's independence movement.

Gorbachev and Russian authorities haven't answered previous requests so it's unlikely he would comply with Monday's request from the Vilnius district court.

The case involves more than 60 former Soviet officials charged with war crimes and other offenses for their roles in a crackdown on pro-independence demonstrators that left 14 people dead in January 1991, when Gorbachev was still in power.

FILE - In this Jan. 14, 1991 file photo, Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev says in Moscow that a local military commander ordered the use of force in the breakaway republic of Lithuania, where an assault by Soviet troops on Jan. 13, 1991 claimed 14 lives. On Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, a Lithuanian court has called on Gorbachev to testify in a mass trial related to the 1991 crackdown on the countrys independence movement. (AP Photo/Boris Yurchenko, File)

The judges approved a request by one of the plaintiffs in the case to call Gorbachev to the court as a witness.
Records: Phone failed to trigger bomb outside police station

DENVER (AP)  A man suspected of leaving a backpack bomb outside a police station in a small Colorado mountain town tried several times to remotely detonate the homemade device using a cellphone but failed, according to court documents released Monday.

David Michael Ansberry, 64, of San Rafael, California, was arrested this weekend in Chicago after surveillance video captured him at the stores where he bought the cellphones that he expected to trigger the explosive in the town of Nederland, investigators said.

He was easily recognizable because he is 3 feet 6 inches tall and 100 pounds and wore a ponytail, a ball cap and using crutches. The Nederland police chief told investigators he spotted a man matching Ansberry's description leaving a hotel as it was being evacuated during the Oct. 11 bomb scare.

In this Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016 photo, the exterior of the police station is shown in the town of Nederland, Colo. The U.S. attorney's office in Colorado officially confirmed Monday that a California man was arrested in connection with a homemade explosive left outside the police station in Netherlands. (AP Photo/Sadie Gurman)

Ansberry was charged with a federal explosives count. U.S. Justice Department counterterrorism prosecutors are handling the case. Court documents don't indicate a motive.

No attorney for Ansberry was listed in court records, and his relatives did not return calls or emails seeking comment.

The bomb scare rattled the mountain-ringed town of 1,500 people southwest of Boulder. Residents said they felt safer after the arrest but were still baffled by Ansberry's presence in their community, an artists' refuge which has long thrived on its embrace of outsiders.

Ansberry said he was in town to visit an old friend who was a professor but did not elaborate, said J.P. Farrell, a front desk agent at The Boulder Creek Lodge. Ansberry stayed at the hotel, which is within sight of the police station, for about two weeks, then left and returned, Farrell told The Associated Press, describing him as a pleasant guest.

Ansberry was staying there the day of the bombing, authorities said.

A detective found the backpack and brought it into the police station, believing it was lost property. After opening the bag, the detective discovered a cellular device with protruding wires that connected to a battery and a suspicious powder, the newly released documents say.

Robots searched the explosive, and it was eventually detonated in the parking lot of the town's main retail complex, a strip mall that houses the five-officer police department.

Authorities have not said what kind of destruction the bomb might have caused.

"The community knows there has been an arrest, and that goes to calming people's fears," said Alisha Reis, administrator for the town best known for its love of legal marijuana and its annual celebration of a frozen corpse that draws tens of thousands of revelers. "But folks are still confused as to why it occurred. Who is this person? And why would he have done it here?"

Residents have recently complained about homeless campers and wanderers who live off the land. Two people camping near an area popular with transients attracted to the laid-back community were charged this summer with accidentally sparking a fire that destroyed eight homes.

But if there is anti-police sentiment, longtime residents said it's hard to immediately spot.

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Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Michael Tarm in Chicago contributed to this report.

In this Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, photo provided by The Mountain-Ear, a bomb retrieval unit works near the police station in Nederland, Colo., after a homemade explosive was found outside the station located in a strip mall in the small town. (Barbara Lawlor/The Mountain-Ear via AP)
Judge drops charge against 'Democracy Now' reporter

MANDAN, N.D. (AP)  "Democracy Now!" reporter Amy Goodman won't face a riot charge stemming from her coverage of a protest against construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North Dakota, with a judge saying Monday that there was no cause for it.

Judge John Grinsteiner refused to sign off on the misdemeanor riot charge, which prosecutor Ladd Erickson had pursued after dismissing a misdemeanor criminal trespass charge against the journalist on Friday. However, authorities would not rule out the possibility Goodman could face other charges.

Erickson has said Goodman was acting like a protester when she reported on a clash between protesters and pipeline security last month. Her defense attorney, Tom Dickson, maintains Goodman was doing her job.

Police officers line up as a protest grows outside the Morton County Courthouse in Mandan, N.D., Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. A judge dismissed a complaint Monday against Democracy Now journalist Amy Goodman, who reported on a clash between pipeline protesters and private security in September. (Mike McCleary/The Bismarck Tribune via AP)

The protests have drawn thousands of people to the area where Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners is trying to wrap up construction on the $3.8 billion, 1,200-mile pipeline from North Dakota to Illinois. Opponents of the pipeline worry about potential effects on drinking water on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation and farther downstream, as well as destruction of cultural artifacts.

Goodman is one about 140 people who have been charged in recent weeks with interfering with the pipeline's construction in North Dakota.

After the judge's decision Monday, Erickson referred questions to Morton County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Donnell Preskey. Asked whether authorities would pursue other charges, Preskey said, "It's all under review." She would not elaborate.

Goodman told reporters outside the courthouse that Grinsteiner's decision was a "vindication for all journalists and a vindication for everyone."

Dickson said prosecutors are wrong to continue to pursue charges against Goodman.

"The first charge was frivolous and the second charge was even more frivolous," Dickson said. "Enough is enough. They need to let it go."

An arrest warrant was issued for Goodman after she reported on a clash on Sept. 3, when Standing Rock Sioux officials said crews bulldozed several sites of "significant cultural and historic value" on private land. Energy Transfer Partners denies those allegations.

Law enforcement officials said four security guards and two guard dogs received medical treatment. A tribal spokesman said six people were bitten by guard dogs and at least 30 people were pepper-sprayed.

Goodman, who is based in New York, said she "came to North Dakota to cover this epic struggle ... what we found was horrifying."

About 200 protesters gathered outside the county courthouse Monday as Goodman was set to appear for a hearing that never happened. Many held signs that included, "This is not a riot." About 100 officers in riot gear were stationed outside the courthouse to monitor those protesters.

Morton County sheriff's spokesman Rob Keller confirmed one man was arrested on charges including disorderly conduct.

Authorities said pipeline protesters earlier Monday briefly blocked a Bismarck-Mandan bridge across the Missouri River. They dispersed when ordered by law officers.

Carlos Lauria, senior Americas coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said any charges against Goodman are an attempt to intimidate reporters from covering protests of "significant public interest."

Goodman's show airs daily on hundreds of radio and TV stations and over the internet.

It's not the first time Goodman has had a brush with the law while covering events. She and two of her producers received $100,000 in a settlement over their arrests during the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota.

St. Paul and Minneapolis agreed to pay a combined $90,000 while the federal government agreed to pay $10,000. The lawsuit named the federal government because a Secret Service agent confiscated the journalists' press credentials.

Goodman said at the time the money would go "to support independent, unfettered" journalism about such events.

Excavators are in place as work resumed Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, on the four-state Dakota Access pipeline near St. Anthony, N.D. A federal appeals court ruling on Sunday cleared the way for work to resume on private land in North Dakota that's near a camp where thousands of protesters supporting tribal rights have gathered for months. (AP Photo/ Blake Nicholson)
German doctor convicted of raping, filming patients

BERLIN (AP)  A German court has convicted a senior doctor of sexually assaulting and secretly filming almost a dozen female patients at a hospital in the Bavarian town of Bamberg.

Judges at Bamberg's regional court sentenced the 51-year-old to seven years and nine months in prison Monday.

Prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence for Dr. Heinz W., whose full name wasn't released because of German privacy laws.

Court spokesman Leander Broessler said the defendant was convicted of six counts of rape, five counts of sexual assault, 11 counts of grievous bodily harm for drugging the patients and one case of sexually abusing a defenseless person.
US judge: Indictment of Turkish businessman can go to trial

NEW YORK (AP)  The United States can continue to prosecute a well-known Turkish businessman on charges that he helped Iran evade U.S. sanctions, a judge ruled Monday.

U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman in Manhattan rejected a request by Reza Zarrab to throw out charges on the grounds that he committed no crimes and he is beyond the reach of U.S. law.

Zarrab, 33, has pleaded not guilty. He has been held without bail since his March arrest at a Miami airport, where he had arrived on vacation with his family.

Zarrab is charged with conspiring to process hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of financial transactions for Iranian businesses or Iran's government. Authorities say those transactions are banned by U.S. and international sanctions.

Prosecutors say Zarrab and two others used a network of companies in Iran, Turkey and elsewhere to launder the proceeds and defraud several financial institutions, including U.S. banks, by concealing the true nature of the financial moves. Zarrab is a well-known personality in Turkey partly because he's married to Turkish pop star and TV personality Ebru Gundes.

In a written ruling, Berman said prosecutors had sufficiently described the charges against Zarrab and shown enough of a connection to the U.S. that he can go to trial in New York.

He noted that the indictment alleges Zarrab and others provided false and misleading statements and stripped material information from wire transfer instructions to influence the decision-making of U.S. banks.

"The court finds that the indictment adequately alleges that Zarrab and his co-conspirators intended to and did victimize the U.S. banks and exposed them to actual or potential losses," Berman wrote.

Defense attorney Paul Clement argued at a recent hearing before Berman that Zarrab acted legally. He called the prosecution unprecedented and a "radical expansion" of the law.

In 2013, Zarrab was arrested in a Turkish government corruption case. He maintained his innocence, and the charges were dropped.
The Latest: Bridge defendant describes 'cover story'

NEWARK, N.J. (AP)  The Latest on the fifth week of testimony in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing trial (all times local):

3:30 p.m.

A defendant in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing trial says people at the upper levels of New Jersey state government and the authority that runs the bridge knew about or had a hand creating what prosecutors say was a false narrative that traffic jams at the bridge were caused by a traffic study.

Prosecutors contend former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey executive Bill Baroni lied when he told a state legislative committee the September 2013 traffic jams were the result of a traffic study rather than a political revenge.

Baroni and a former staffer to Republican Gov. Chris Christie are charged with causing gridlock to punish a Democratic mayor who didn't endorse Christie. He testified he believed the jams were caused by a legitimate traffic study.

Baroni testified Monday people who were aware of his impending testimony or prepared him and provided materials included the Port Authority's chairman and Christie's chief attorney.

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11:20 a.m.

A defendant in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing trial says Republican Gov. Chris Christie wasn't told about an alleged political revenge plot using traffic jams.

Bill Baroni, a former executive with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is on the witness stand Monday.

He told jurors Christie was told of traffic jams in Fort Lee during a Sept. 11 memorial event at the World Trade Center in 2013. But he says there was no mention of political retaliation against the town's mayor.

That contradicts earlier testimony by former Port Authority official David Wildstein, who has pleaded guilty and testified Christie was told that Fort Lee's mayor's calls weren't being returned.

Baroni and another former Christie aide are charged with fraud, conspiracy and other offenses.

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9:55 a.m.

Jurors in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing trial are hearing from one of the defendants.

Bill Baroni, a former executive with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is testifying Monday. He and Bridget Kelly, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's former deputy chief of staff, are in the fifth week of their fraud and conspiracy trial.

They face up to 20 years in prison on the most serious charge.

They're alleged to have concocted the lane closures to create traffic gridlock to punish the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee for not endorsing Christie, a Republican, in 2013.
Elmo's World returning to 'Sesame Street' in January

NEW YORK (AP)  Preschoolers can explore an updated version of Elmo's World when the new season of "Sesame Street" debuts next year.

Sesame Workshop says it's making new episodes of the popular segment for the first time since 2009. Also returning is Tony Award-winning performer Bill Irwin, who played Elmo's friend, Mr. Noodle.

Sesame Workshop says 25 5-minute Elmo's World segments will be produced in which Elmo will teach kids through matching, sorting and counting games. Repeats of original Elmo's World segments will also be included in some episodes of the upcoming season.

FILE - In this Jan. 24, 2011, file photo, Elmo of the film "Being Elmo" poses for a portrait in the Fender Music Lodge during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Sesame Workshop said Oct. 17, 2016, that it is producing new episodes of the popular Elmo's World segment. (AP Photo/Victoria Will, File)

"Sesame Street" will include a new "kindness curriculum" this year aimed at fostering "behaviors that can have significant outcomes throughout a child's life."
The 3 stars of 'Moonlight' share a role and a breakthrough

NEW YORK (AP)  The three Chirons of Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight' are sitting around a table, examining each other's eyes.

Trevante Rhodes, 26, Ashton Sanders, 20, and Alex R. Hibbert 12, play the same character across three distant chapters in his life, growing up black, gay and confused with his drug addicted mother (Naomi Harris) in Miami. The three actors didn't properly meet until well after the film was finished.

Yet they somehow add up to one of the fullest coming-of-age portraits in years. Tenderly lyrical, exhilaratingly intimate, "Moonlight" and its trio of Chirons capture the tidal swells and recesses of an identity in the midst of discovery, one warped by pain and lifted by fleeting moments of transcendence.

In this Oct. 3, 2016 photo, actor Trevante Rhodes, a cast member in the film, "Moonlight," poses at A24 offices in New York. Rhodes, 26, Alex Hibbert, 12, and Ashton Sanders, 20, play the same character at various ages in Barry Jenkins film about a kid growing up black, gay and confused with his drug addicted mother in Miami. (Photo by Brian Ach/Invision/AP)

The only link between the three actors, Jenkins says, was their eyes. "I really wanted them to be different people. Same character, different people," says Jenkins. "But there was this spiritual, cosmic connection through the eyes."

Rhodes, Sanders and Hibbert gathered together for one of the first times recently in Manhattan. They are excited  man, are they excited  about collectively sharing a singular character and splitting "Moonlight" (one of the year's most acclaimed films even before it opens Friday) in thirds between themselves.

Tenuous though their connection may be, Rhodes, Sanders and Hibbert could hardly feel more related. Even though they didn't film one scene together, sharing Chiron has made them something like brothers. They see bits of themselves in each other, even if they don't all agree with Jenkins about their eyes.

"I get it," says Sanders, a college student.

"I don't," says Hibbert, while munching on gummy bears.

They laugh. Rhodes tries to explain it. "It's the essence, man," he says. "Chiron is a very truthful person. He's putting up this facade, but can't hide the eyeballs."

Rhodes and Sanders met briefly as Sanders was finishing his shoot and Rhodes was starting his. But they didn't all get together until the film played at the Toronto International Film Festival.

"I heard about them and I was like, 'Oh my gosh, bro, they're dope!' says Hibbert.

Each was plucked from auditions. Sanders, an aspiring actor in Los Angeles who had a small role in "Straight Outta Compton," was the first to be cast. Hibbert, encouraged to go out for it by his drama teacher, came out of local auditions in Miami. Rhodes, a New Orleans native transplanted to Texas, is the most established of the trio, with a number of credits including Terrence Malick's upcoming "Weightless" and the HBO series "Westworld."

As if making up for lost time, they're exceptionally supportive of one another, playfully cheering each other on during a photo session and complimenting each other's answers. Hibbert, who speaks with a confidence and maturity beyond his years, utters a wise pronouncement and Rhodes exclaims, "This guy!"

They're a talkative bunch, in contrast with their quietly powerful performances in "Moonlight," each of which bubbles with inner turbulence.

"There's a lot of scenes where I'm watching, just reacting," says Hibbert. "When I saw the movie, I was all like: 'I don't talk.' My mom was all like: 'Don't you get it? You talk with your face.'"

Jenkins didn't allow them to share notes, so each came to embody Chiron in his own way.

"At the time when I got this part, my mother had just relapsed on drugs," says Sanders. "She's been on and off drugs for my entire life. I do this thing often where I bury things in the back of my mind until I have to be confronted with them. So this film, in the scenes with Naomi Harris, allowed me to deal with that. It was like therapy for me."

"This is the movie where I fell in love with acting," says Rhodes. "I felt like I was becoming an artist because I wasn't putting on a coat, I was inhabiting another skin."

"I had to move so my dad wasn't there in my life a lot," says Hibbert. "And Chiron, he didn't have a dad. It's OK now because I'm here in New York and I'm going to see him today."

The three breakout stars of "Moonlight" may have filmed separately but they're together experiencing the film's rapturous response and the spotlight of an international publicity tour.

"The response we got from the trailer alone, I feel as if I really underestimated America in regards to how people would receive the project," says Rhodes. "You'd think the black community would really shun something like this because it is perceived as taboo to be effeminate and black because we have to be the physical, most imposing guy in the movie. For people to receive a film that shows so many different layers to people  not just black people  and really receiving that with open heart and open eyes, that shows me where we are as a world."

"Even if they go to the movie and they think, "Aw, it's going to be about these black people or these gay people," says Hibbert. "When you watch the movie, your mind's going to be changed."

"Straight up," agrees Sanders.

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Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP

In this Oct. 3, 2016 photo, actor Ashton Sanders, a cast member in the film, "Moonlight" poses at A24 offices in New York, New York. Sanders, 20, Alex Hibbert, 12, and Trevante Rhodes, 26, play the same character at various ages in Barry Jenkins film about a kid growing up black, gay and confused with his drug addicted mother in Miami. (Photo by Brian Ach/Invision/AP)

In this Oct. 3, 2016 photo, actor Alex Hibbert, a cast member in the film, "Moonlight," poses at A24 offices in New York. Hibbert, 12, Trevante Rhodes, 26, and Ashton Sanders, 20, play the same character at various ages in Barry Jenkins film about a kid growing up black, gay and confused with his drug addicted mother in Miami. (Photo by Brian Ach/Invision/AP)

In this Oct. 3, 2016 photo, actor Ashton Sanders, a cast member in the film, "Moonlight" poses at A24 offices in New York, New York. Sanders, 20, Alex Hibbert, 12, and Trevante Rhodes, 26, play the same character at various ages in Barry Jenkins film about a kid growing up black, gay and confused with his drug addicted mother in Miami. (Photo by Brian Ach/Invision/AP)

In this Oct. 3, 2016 photo, actor Trevante Rhodes, a cast member in the film, "Moonlight," poses at A24 offices in New York. Rhodes, 26, Alex Hibbert, 12, and Ashton Sanders, 20, play the same character at various ages in Barry Jenkins film about a kid growing up black, gay and confused with his drug addicted mother in Miami. (Photo by Brian Ach/Invision/AP)

This image released by A24 Films shows Alex Hibbert in a scene from the film, "Moonlight." (David Bornfriend/A24 via AP)

This image released by A24 Films shows Alex Hibbert, left, and Mahershala Ali in a scene from the film, "Moonlight." (David Bornfriend/A24 via AP)
Battle over school toilet paper breaks out in Spanish town

MADRID (AP)  A row over a public's school's toilet paper supply has broken out in a Spanish town, prompting local officials to step in.

The government-run Rafael Garcia Valino primary school in Yepes, a town 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Madrid, recently sent out a list of supplies students need for class this year. Among the pens, notebooks and erasers was an unexpected item: six rolls of toilet paper.

One parent, Carmen Contreras, complained on her Facebook page that the requirement was "totally surreal." She said the school told her it didn't have enough money for toilet paper.

The ABC newspaper says Yepes town hall has offered to resolve the shortage by supplying rolls for the whole school.
High school graduation rate hits record high of 83.2 percent

WASHINGTON (AP)  The nation's high school graduation rate has reached a record 83.2 percent, continuing a steady increase that shows improvement across all racial and ethnic groups, according to federal data released Monday.

President Barack Obama welcomed the higher rate as good news, but the gains come against a backdrop of decreasing scores on national math and reading tests.

Education Secretary John B. King Jr. acknowledged worries about sagging achievement. "A higher graduation rate is meaningful progress, but certainly we share the concern that we have more work to do to make sure every student graduates ready for what's next," he said.

President Barack Obama speaks to students, teachers and invited guests at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Washington, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, to highlight the progress his administration has made over the last eight years to improve education across the country. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Obama visited Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, a magnet school in the District of Columbia, to tout the graduation rate for the 2014-2015 school year. "More African-American and Latino students are graduating than ever before," he said.

Gains also were seen for disabled students and those from low-income families.

The District of Columbia made the most progress in the U.S. in 2014-2015 compared to the previous year, improving its graduation rate by 7 percentage points.

Obama applauded the high school for graduating all its seniors. "It's been a while since I did math, but 100 percent is good. You can't do better than that," Obama told the audience, which included King, former Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Mayor Muriel Bowser and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

At the same time, he also warned the students they would need more than a high school diploma to succeed in today's job market. He said that repetitive work done in factories or offices can now be done by machine. They would need critical thinking skills.

"We live in a global economy," Obama said. "And the best jobs are going to go to the people who are the best educated, whether in India or China, or anywhere in the world."

Before the president spoke, King said the graduation rate was more than just a number. "It represents real students in real cities, towns and rural communities who are better prepared for success in college and careers," King said during a conference call with reporters.

The administration said the graduation rate has increased by about 4 percentage points since the 2010-2011 school year. Obama frequently cites the increase when he talks to groups about progress made during his presidency.

Despite the increase in the graduation rate, test scores are declining.

Last year, math scores for fourth and eighth graders dropped for the first time in 25 years on the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress  also known as the Nation's Report Card. Reading scores were not much better: flat for fourth graders and lower for eighth graders compared with 2013. Average scores on SAT and ACT college entrance exams have also shown declines.

The growth in graduation rates has been steady since states adopted a uniform way of tracking students. In 2008, the George W. Bush administration ordered states to begin using a formula that is considered a more accurate count of how many students actually finish school.

Several groups campaigning for a 90 percent graduation rate by 2020 welcomed the progress, but said much work remains.

"Too many young people are still being left behind," said an array of education groups leading the GradNation campaign.

The groups said that nearly 700,000 16-19 year olds are not in school and do not have a high school diploma, and they called for a redoubling of efforts to close graduation gaps among minority and poor students, English-language learners, homeless students and students with disabilities.

Obama also emphasized there was more work to do. He said too many states have cut education funding and many still aren't working seriously to raise learning standards.

"In too many school districts, we still have schools that despite the heroic efforts of a lot of great teachers are not fully preparing their kids for success because they don't have the resources to do it, or the structure to do it," Obama said.

The administration reported significant differences in graduation rates among groups. Asian Americans had a 90.2 percent graduation rate, while whites were at 87.6 percent, followed by Hispanics at 77.8 percent, African-Americans at 74.6 percent and Native Americans at 71.6 percent.

The White House said money invested through a grant program called Race to the Top has helped improve some of the nation's lowest-performing schools. The administration also said millions of students have gained access to high-speed broadband in their classrooms, and that state and federal governments have helped hundreds of thousands more children gain access to preschool programs.

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Associated Press writers Jennifer C. Kerr and Darlene Superville contributed to this report.

President Barack Obama greets students after speaking at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Washington, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, where he highlighted the steady increase in graduation rates. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

President Barack Obama speaks to students, teachers and invited guests at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Washington, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, to highlight the progress his administration has made over the last eight years to improve education across the country. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Students listen as President Barack Obama speaks during a visit to Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Washington, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, where he highlighted the steady increase in graduation rates. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Omnicare to shell out another $28M on kickback litigation

Omnicare will pay more than $28 million to resolve allegations that the drug distributor accepted kickbacks for pushing an anti-seizure medication on doctors treating nursing home patients.

The Department of Justice said Monday that the deal resolves claims that Omnicare sought and received the kickbacks from drugmaker Abbott Laboratories several years ago for sales of the drug Depakote. Omnicare runs the nation's largest nursing home pharmacy and was purchased last year by drugstore giant CVS Health Corp.

The DOJ says the kickbacks undermined the role of medical personnel in putting the health of patients first and protecting them from unnecessary drug use.

This May 21, 2015, photo, shows Omnicare Inc. headquarters in Cincinnati. Omnicare will pay more than $28 million to resolve allegations that the drug distributor accepted kickbacks for pushing an anti-seizure medication on doctors who were treating nursing home patients, the Department of Justice announced Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. (Kareem Elgazzar/The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)

The kickbacks were disguised in a variety of ways, according to federal officials, including as payments from Abbott that were described as "grants" and "educational funding."

CVS Health spokesman Mike DeAngelis said in an email that all the allegations occurred before his company bought Omnicare. He added that CVS Health agreed to settle the case to avoid the expense and uncertainty that comes with a lengthy legal battle.

An Abbott representative said the drugmaker resolved its case with the DOJ in 2012.

That year, Abbott agreed to pay the government a $700 million criminal fine and forfeiture for promoting Depakote, approved for bipolar disorder and epilepsy, for use in patients with dementia and autism. That was on top of civil settlements with numerous states and the federal government totaling $800 million.

About $20.3 million from the settlement announced Monday will go to the federal government. Former Abbott employee Meredith McCoyd will receive $3 million of that after filing a lawsuit under a whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act that permits individuals to sue on behalf of the federal government and then share in any recovery.

Approximately $7.8 million from the settlement will go to the state and federally funded Medicaid program, which covers nursing home care.

Omnicare has spent hundreds of millions of dollars resolving kickback litigation in recent years. In 2014, it agreed to pay more than $124 million to settle lawsuits alleging it gave kickbacks to some facilities so they would keep the company as their drug provider for elderly Medicare and Medicaid recipients.

In 2009, Omnicare said it would pay $98 million to settle allegations that it solicited or paid a variety of kickbacks. That included an accusation that it received kickbacks from Johnson & Johnson for recommending that doctors prescribe to nursing home patients the antipsychotic Risperdal, which can hasten death in elderly people with dementia.

Woonsocket, Rhode Island-based CVS paid more than $10 billion for Omnicare in a deal that gave it national reach in dispensing prescription drugs to assisted living and skilled nursing homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals and other care providers. CVS Health also runs prescription drug coverage for employers and other big clients as one of the nation's largest pharmacy benefits managers.
Police: Man shot by officer in DC faces charges

WASHINGTON (AP)  Police in Washington are identifying a man they say was shot by an officer after he brandished a gun during a pursuit.

Police spokeswoman Karimah Bilal identified the man in an email Monday as 23-year-old Mark Donte James George of Washington. Bilal says George is being charged with assault on a police officer and carrying a pistol without a license.

A police report states that when officers investigating a report of gunshots near a school late Friday tried to make contact with a group nearby, George fled. As officers chased him, he brandished a handgun and an officer shot him. Police said Saturday that George was critically injured, but his injuries weren't thought to be life-threatening.
Exxon tries to quash NY subpoena of climate-change documents

DALLAS (AP)  Exxon is expanding its counter-attack against critics and is now seeking to quash a New York subpoena of the company's documents related to climate change.

Exxon said in a court filing Monday that it has already given New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman more than 1 million pages of documents. It said that it is increasingly clear that the attorney general's investigation is politically motivated.

The Irving, Texas, company asked a federal district court in Dallas to throw out the New York subpoena. It is fighting in the same court to quash a subpoena from Massachusetts attorney general Maura Healey. Both officials say that the company deceived investors and the public by hiding what it knew about the link between burning fossil fuels and climate change.

Exxon said in a company release that Schneiderman and Healey "are incapable of impartial investigations and are attempting to silence political opponents who disagree on the appropriate policies to address climate change."
Donors behind $2M check to Missouri's Greitens still secret

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP)  A mysterious political action committee that gave nearly $2 million to Missouri's Republican gubernatorial candidate Eric Greitens remains shrouded in secrecy after a recent Federal Election Commission report revealed little about its sole donor.

The report filed Friday showed super PAC SEALs for Truth is funded by American Policy Coalition, Inc.  another mystery group. The committee did not immediately respond to requests for comment submitted Monday by The Associated Press. The website americanpolicycoalition.com shows a logo and no other information.

The super PAC has fallen under scrutiny for not disclosing the individuals behind the money it has funneled into this year's gubernatorial election between Greitens and Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster. SEALs for Truth avoided reporting its donors before a contentious, four-way Republican primary Greitens won in August through a procedural quirk, leaving voters in the dark about the sources behind the donation.

FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2016 file photo, Republican gubernatorial candidate Eric Greitens speaks during the first general election debate in the race for Missouri governor at the Missouri Press Association convention in Branson, Mo. Greitens faces Democrat Attorney General Chris Koster in the November general election. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

Missouri law requires political donations of more than $5,000 to be reported online within 48 hours. Federal law also requires PACs to disclose who cuts them checks, such as American Policy Coalition Inc. But committees don't need to provide details beyond that to shed light on what interests are seeking to influence politics.

The more than $1.9 million contribution to Greitens' campaign in July broke records at the time as the biggest single donation in Missouri history, although it's since been overshadowed by bigger seven-figure checks to Greitens.

Greitens' campaign manager Austin Chambers told AP in an email that the candidate was not available to comment Monday. Chambers did not directly answer AP questions about SEALs for Truth and American Policy Coalition Inc., but stressed the campaign has received support in Missouri and across the country.

During a question-and-answer session with Missouri Farm Bureau members in August, Greitens responded to a member question about the donation by describing the committee as an example of "SEALs around this country who have stepped forward to support me."

"I come from a world where when people say that they're going to have your back, they have your back," Greitens said during the event. "And the SEALs got together  SEALS and Naval Special Warfare, also SWCCs, Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen  they got together and said we're going to support Eric."

Koster spokesman David Turner in a Saturday statement said Greitens is "running a campaign with no regard for ethics or integrity." He criticized the Republican's frequent pledge to fight corruption in Jefferson City as "a complete and utter joke."

Greitens also has received millions of dollars from the Republican Governors Association since he won the primary.

The group gave Greitens $2.5 million on Monday, and last week cut two checks for $4 million and $1 million to support Greitens' campaign.

The latest campaign finance reports showed Greitens trailed Koster with only about $2.7 million in cash to the Democrat's roughly $6.6 million at the end of September. Greitens raised about $4.2 million total from the end of August through September, while Koster brought in about $3.3 million.

Both candidates are blowing through millions of dollars in the final weeks of the campaign, much of that going toward advertising. Reports show Greitens spent $4.7 million in that time period, of which close to $4 million went to media. Koster used about $4.9 million for advertising of the roughly $6.2 million he spent total.

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Associated Press writer David A. Lieb contributed to this report.

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This story has been corrected to show political donations of more than $5,000, not $5,000 and over, must be reported online within 48 hours.
Bomb attack near Shiite mosque kills 1 in southern Pakistan

KARACHI, Pakistan (AP)  Pakistani police say attackers have thrown a hand grenade near a Shiite mosque in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, killing a 13-year-old boy and wounding 12 other people.

Karachi police spokesman Sohail Jokhio said Monday the attackers escaped on a motorcycle after throwing the hand grenade near the mosque where a congregation was in progress. Jokhio said four women and three children were among the wounded. They had been heading to the main gate of the mosque, located in a densely populated area of central Karachi.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but the banned organization Lashker-e-Jhangvi has claimed most past attacks on Shiite Muslims in Pakistan.
Ohio dad of girl who was starved, beaten gets death sentence

CINCINNATI (AP)  The father of a 2-year-old girl who was starved and badly beaten before she died was sentenced to death Monday for aggravated murder.

Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Megan Shanahan followed the jury's recommendation that 34-year-old Glen Bates should be executed for the death of his daughter Glenara.

Bates' attorney said he wants to appeal the sentence. Bates didn't speak at the sentencing hearing.

Glen Bates, right, leaves court Monday Oct. 17, 2016, in Cincinatti, after he was sentenced to death by Judge Megan Shanahan in the killing death of his two-year-old daughter, Glenara, who was starved and badly beaten. (Cara Owsley/The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)

The jury in Cincinnati convicted Bates on multiple charges in Glenara's death. His attorneys had argued that he should get life in prison and that such a sentence would force him to think about what happened every day.

Glenara was pronounced dead in March 2015 after her mother took her to a hospital. Prosecutors said Glenara had belt and bite marks, bruises, missing teeth, broken ribs, head trauma and other injuries.

Glenara weighed 13 pounds when she died. The average 2-year-old weighs more than 20 pounds.

"This man is a murderer who needs to pay for what he did to this innocent baby," Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters said in a statement. "My heart breaks for this little girl. She died in one of the most horrific ways imaginable."

Glenara's mother, Andrea Bradley, has pleaded not guilty in the case. She has a plea hearing scheduled for Tuesday.

Authorities said her other six children are in the custody of relatives or family services.

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This story has been corrected to show that the child's mother's first name is Andrea, not Angela.
State battles are hot; election isn't just about White House

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP)  Years of losses have left Democrats at historic lows in state legislatures. But now they're seeking to wrest control of as many as a dozen chambers from Republicans, a key step in gaining more influence in redistricting.

The battle for statehouse control is playing out in more than half the states with tens of millions of dollars of planned political spending before the Nov. 8 general election. Democrats are hoping the turmoil surrounding Donald Trump's presidential campaign can boost their fortunes in down-ballot races, although Hillary Clinton remains unpopular in many Republican-leaning regions.

"When you go district by district, when you look at where all these races are, we're in a highly competitive environment," said Matt Walter, president of the Republican State Leadership Committee.

FILE- In a Dec. 12, 2012 photo, the statue of Gov. Austin Blair, the war governor (1861- 1864), is silhouetted against the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich. After years of losses left them at historic lows in state legislatures, Democrats this year are seeking to wrest control of as many as a dozen chambers from Republicans. Its a first step in Democrats longer-term goal of rebuilding their political strength ahead of the next round of redistricting in five years. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

"A volatile environment" is how it's described by his counterpart Jessica Post, executive director of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

Money spent on TV advertising for state House and Senate races is up more than 50 percent compared with the same point in 2014, according to an analysis conducted for The Associated Press by the Center for Public Integrity of data from the media-tracking firm Kantar Media/CMAG.

With gridlock in Washington, states increasingly are where policies are adopted on major issues such as gun rights, marijuana use, minimum wages and the regulation of businesses in the new economy, such as ride-sharing services and online fantasy sports.

Also at stake is redistricting control. The party that controls legislatures and governorships during the 2020 Census will have the upper hand in redrawing congressional and state legislative districts in those states. Controlling those boundaries can ensure a political advantage for the next decade.

Republicans now control 69 of the 99 state legislative chambers  their most ever. (Nebraska is the only state with just a single legislative chamber.)

That GOP advantage also means more seats to defend.

National Democratic and Republican groups are particularly focused on 27 states where they hope either to flip control of a chamber or cut into the opposing party's majority with an eye toward greater gains in the future.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee says it expects to win control of between eight and 12 new chambers and has highlighted 52 "essential races," including many in presidential battleground states.

The GOP's Walter acknowledges Republicans may see a slight overall decline, but he says they still could win several new chambers, including the Kentucky House, the lone Democratic-led chamber in the Southeast. The Republican State Leadership Committee has been running TV ads portraying Democratic Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo as a Clinton ally intent on putting coal miners out of work.

At the top of the target list for Democrats is the Michigan House, where dozens of Republicans elected in the wave of 2010 are now barred by term limits from seeking re-election. Adding to Democratic hopes: Clinton is ahead in the polls there, and Republican Gov. Rick Snyder's popularity has tanked following his administration's handling of the lead-tainted water in Flint. Democrats must gain nine seats to reclaim the chamber, meaning they likely need victories in some blue-collar districts where Trump figures to fare better.

Several states with split-party control in their legislatures are being targeted by both parties, including Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, New Mexico and Washington.

Republicans currently hold a precarious single-seat advantage over Democrats in the Colorado Senate, while Democrats hold just a three-seat lead in the House. One of the most pivotal races is in Denver's western suburbs, where Republican Sen. Laura Woods faces a rematch against Democrat Rachel Zenzinger, who held the seat in 2014.

Woods says a Democratic-backed political group has targeted her in automated phone calls linking her to Trump. But Woods, a self-described Christian conservative, says she has forgiven Trump for his sexual comments and will not abandon him.

"I think if Donald Trump wins my district, I'm likely to," Wood said. "And if Hillary Clinton wins my district, my opponent is likely to win."

Former Attorney General Eric Holder was announced Monday as chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, a newly created alliance of Democratic leaders, unions and progressive groups with a goal of boosting Democrats' chances in time for the 2021 redistricting.

Republicans made big gains in state capitols in 2010, just in time for the last round of redistricting. During the 2012 elections, Democratic candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives actually received about 1.4 million more votes than their Republican opponents, yet the GOP won a 33-seat House majority, partly because Republican-dominated state legislatures had drawn districts to their favor. Republicans made even more gains in 2014.

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Bumble vs. Tinder: Which Is Better?

Which of These Popular Dating Apps Deserves Your Time?

With so many sites and apps out there focused on dating, it can be tough at times when deciding how to approach the concept. The pure proliferation of these digital dating options might even have you wishing for the return of analog ones, like IRL speed dating or personals in the local newspaper. But lest you get discouraged before even taking a shot at all, you might want to consider what are perhaps two of the top apps in the online dating game at the moment: Tinder and Bumble.

RELATED: All the Best Online Dating Sites and Apps, Reviewed

Though Tinder was launched in September 2012, a little over two years before Bumbles December 2014 launch, its younger app sibling has covered a fair amount of cultural ground in recent years. While Tinders raw user numbers dwarf Bumbles  in no small part because of its success outside the United States, making it a truly global app  Bumble is still the second highest-grossing dating app in the world, boasting over 12.3 million monthly active users, according to SensorTower.

One noteworthy aspect linking the two apps is the fact that Bumbles founder, Whitney Wolfe Herd, is an ex-Tinder employee who left the company determined to start her own app after her negative experiences at Tinder. But perhaps the most salient reason to compare the two is the fact that Bumble has been billed as an alternative to Tinder since it first launched  specifically, its often referred to as feminist Tinder.

Thats because the basic mechanics of the two apps are essentially identical  you swipe through a seemingly endless stack of other users profile photos (right to indicate your interest in them and left to indicate your non-interest), then when two users have both swiped right on each other, theyre notified and given the opportunity to chat with one another. Now, heres where we see one simple but impactful difference: On Bumble, straight men cant message women until the woman has initiated the conversation.

So what does that mean for you? Will you have a better success rate on Tinder or Bumble? Well, it depends on what youre looking for. Read on to discover which app offers the better online dating experience for you.

1. Tinder's Features vs. Bumble's Features

When Tinder launched in 2012, its popularity was in large part the product of three noteworthy features:

A geolocating feature that showed you only users within a certain radius of you

The ability to swipe on other users profile pictures to indicate your interest

The fact that unless you matched, you couldnt message anyone

While the geolocating feature was similar to the one that had driven the incredible success of Grindr, the hookup app for gay men launched in 2009, Tinder was the first time it had been used in a dating app for people who identified as straight.

That aspect, along with the other two aforementioned features, help shift online dating from a tedious, reading-heavy process into something that felt more like a fun, instantly responsive mobile game.

The app was addictive, and its success led to established competitors like OkCupid designing Tinder-like versions of their own site, as well as the creation of brand new apps with similar layouts. The most prominent of those has been Bumble, which replicates the profile pic-swiping mechanism and the geolocation-based aspect as well.

Since their creation, however, both apps have added myriad new features and options in an attempt to improve to keep things fresh and exciting.

RELATED: The Ultimate AskMen Guide to Tinder

You can now link your Tinder and Bumble profile with your Instagram and Spotify accounts, for instance, allowing people to see what your photos are like outside of the ones youve uploaded, as well as sample your taste in music.

Both and Tinder also now allow users to undo an accidental left-swipes, though both apps embed this feature within their paid memberships. And in the last two years, both apps added the ability to conduct in-app video calls, without having to share personal information like a phone number or last name.

Winner: Tie

Bumble

2. Tinder's Sign-Up Process vs. Bumble's Sign-Up Process

Unlike the lengthy sign-up processes of online dating sites in the early 2000s, well-run apps in todays day and age have A/B tested the sign-up process into oblivion, and have largely concluded that the faster, the better. As a result, signing up for either app is pretty straightforward, and doesnt involve filling out any forms or conveying much personal data or preferences. In order to discourage fake accounts, both Bumble and Tinder ask you to sign up using some means of identity-verification  your phone number, in Tinders case, or your phone number, Facebook account or Apple ID in Bumbles.

RELATED: How to Use Bumble to Get a Date

After creating the account, youre prompted to build your profile.

On Bumble, you'll share your first name and then add a minimum of two (and maximum of six) photos, either from Instagram, Facebook, or your camera/camera roll. You'll also have to share your date of birth with Bumble (only adults 18+ can use Bumble), though they'll only show your age to potential matches. Next, you'll select your gender (woman, man or non-binary), or click "more gender options" to access an extensive list of gender identities  including trans identities, gender-fluid identities, gender-questioning, etc  sourced in conjunction with GLAAD, HRC and other LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups (major props to Bumble!).

Once you've shared this personal info with Bumble, you'll be prompted to choose one of three ways to use the app: Bumble Bizz for professional networking, Bumble BFF for finding friends, and Bumble Dating for making romantic connections. If you choose the dating option, you'll be asked which gender you're interested in connecting with, as well as to say what you're looking for on the app: "something casual," "not sure yet," "a relationship" or "prefer not to say." Finally, you'll be asked to supply a recovery email address, in the event that you somehow lose access to your account, as well as agree to Bumble's Registration Pledge, essentially stipulating that you'll be on your best behavior while using the app or else they'll reserve the right to kick you off. This is part of Bumble's commitment to removing the toxicity that tends to seep into online dating, and we're all for it.

I'd also like to add an aside about Bumble's Photo Verification software. When I was supplied with a free premium account for the purposes of this review, I initiated my account by uploading photos of my dog (because I'm not currently looking for romance). Maybe five minutes passed before the software alerted me that my photos weren't valid and I'd have to upload photos of my face. Bumble even takes things a step further: you can get a blue "safety shield" icon added to your account if you complete their photo verification process, to help minimize catfishing.

Tinders process is slightly different  after adding your name, your birthday and identifying yourself as either man or woman, youre given the opportunity to add the school youre attending before uploading any pictures. Swiping starts right after you select your sexual orientation and gender preferences (men, women or everyone).

One of the longstanding criticisms of Tinder was safety, as their fast signup process made it easy for bots, catfishers and other unsavory people to use the app, but in 2020 they addressed these concerns through their own Photo Verification software, enabling users to trust that the person they're matching with is who they say they are. Users who verify, by taking a series of real-time selfies in specific poses, will be granted a blue check in their profiles.

Both apps allow for more details to be filled in later on, but you can basically jump into using the apps to their full capacity within a minute or two at most. That having been said, because of its slew of extra options, and its straight forward approach, we give the edge to Bumble.

Winner: Bumble

Tinder

3. Tinder's Pricing vs. Bumble's Pricing

Since their respective launches, both apps have been free to download and use, meaning you can match and exchange messages with real people without ever paying a dime. However, as with many ostensibly free apps  dating or otherwise  Tinder and Bumble monetize their platforms by charging for certain bonus features and restricting what free users can do in some cases.

Tinder, in particular, has clamped down on the free usage of its app in recent years by limiting the number of swipes users can make in a single day, allowing for 100 right swipes per day. That might sound like a lot to the uninitiated, but depending on how picky you are and how quickly you go through profiles, you could easily burn through them in just 15 minutes or so.

Tinder now offers three subscription tiers, in ascending order of price and features: Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, and Tinder Platinum, with the prices varying by your region. The basic Tinder Plus account hides ads, gives you unlimited likes and Rewinds (undoing an accidental swipe), and the ability to use their Passport feature to swipe internationally. Tinder Gold gives you all of these features, plus free Super Likes (allowing the person to know you've liked them), a curated list of potential matches ("Top Picks"), a list of people who have liked you, and a free profile boost each month, making you more visible to singles in your area. Tinder Platinum adds all the aforementioned features, plus the ability to send messages to people before matching with them, plus Priority Likes, which causes your Likes and Super Likes to show up faster than non-subscribers.

Bumble offers just two subscription tiers: Bumble Boost and Bumble Premium. Bumble Boost starts at $7.99 per month in the United States, and can be purchased in periods of one week, one month, three months or six months. Boost offers unlimited likes and "Backtracks" (the ability to undo an accidental left-swipe), plus it gives users the ability to extend the shelf-life of matches past the 24-hour cutoff point (Extend), one Spotlight (a profile visibility boost) per week, and 5 SuperSwipes (lets someone know you liked their profile) per week.

Bumble Premium adds all of the above features, plus the ability to swipe without people seeing your profile (Incognito), the ability to swipe in other cities and countries (Travel mode), the ability to see who has liked your profile (Beeline), and unlimited "advanced filters," allowing you to filer matches based on religion, politics, attitude towards pets, fitness, and even astrology signs.

Is there a clear winner here? We don't think so.

Winner: Tie

4. Tinder's User Base vs. Bumble's User Base

Tinders approach when discussing its user base has been to publicize the number of swipes and matches occurring, rather than the raw number of daily, monthly or total users. Its site currently boasts that its users generate 2 billion views per day, 1.5 million dates per week, and over 65 billion total matches across over 190 countries and 40 languages since it was founded. With numbers like that, it might be easier to just list the number of singles who arent on Tinder.

However, that crowd of users doesnt necessarily work in your favor. Since the concept of Tinder is built around you deciding what you like rather than an algorithm, the majority of people you swipe through will be people youre probably not that interested in. If you live in a major metropolitan area and are really picky, you might just have to devote serious amounts of time to swiping through them all.

Bumble, meanwhile, benefits from having a slightly less popular app thats geared to a specific population. Based on reading reviews, the stereotypical Bumble user is college educated, attractive and polite, so while youve got fewer options to choose from, youre also probably spending less time left-swiping people youre not interested in.

Winner: Tinder

5. Tinder's Aesthetics/Interface vs. Bumble's Aesthetics/Interface

Tinder and Bumble both make use of an interface thats primarily composed of two modes: the image-focused swiping mode and the text-like chat mode where you interact with your matches (though both apps have since added video calling as well). Since swiping mode is so intuitive (left for dislike, right for like on both apps) and the chat mode so closely resembles standard text-messaging functionality for iOS and Android phones, the interface is easy to adapt to.

However, there are a few differences in terms of how the swiping works between the two apps: On Tinder, you swipe through your potential matches photos, whereas on Bumble you scroll down. And, most importantly, Tinder allows for instant conversation once a match is made, while Bumble conversations (in heterosexual relationships) can only begin when the woman makes the first move. Tinder matches are also permanent (unless one of the members deletes the match), whereas Bumble matches expire after 24 hours, so there's a sense of urgency on Bumble.

Regardless, both apps are well-designed  easy to use and regularly updated to keep up with the times. Compared to the rest of the online dating game, Tinder and Bumble are the cream of the crop ...at least for the time being.

Winner: Tie

6. Best for Hooking Up: Tinder or Bumble?

When looking for hookups, Tinders big user base and ease-of-use approach works in your favor. Not only is it jam-packed with an incredible number of people who appear to be looking for the dopamine rush from a match notification, the apps focus on surface-level interactions is distinctly hookup-friendly.

You swipe on people based on how they look, not who they are, and matches can start chatting immediately in every case. That mentality syncs up nicely with what people might be looking for in a no-strings-attached hookup, which is a base physical attraction with no delays.

In this arena, Bumbles unique conversational mechanism  which insists the woman send the first message, deleting matches that dont speak within 24 hours  is something that often means matches go nowhere without any actual conversation. On the flip side, of course, many Tinder matches go nowhere despite conversation, so you might not be losing much.

As well, Bumbles reputation for being a bit classier, stocked with people with high-minded and forward-thinking ideals, might actually work against its success as a hookup option. Sure, modern progressivism tends to be very sex-positive, but the people you find on the app might be choosier, more interested in relationships or even people you dont want to have a simple hookup with.

At the end of the day, Tinders vaguely seedy reputation is actually an asset when it comes to hookups. Since theres a lower expectation of quality matches, people dont go there expecting the same level of courtship. That means youre more likely to run into a fellow hookup-seeker on Tinder than on Bumble, even if it also means youre also more likely to swipe through a lot of people youre not interested in (and who arent interested in you).

Winner: Tinder

7. Best for Relationships: Tinder or Bumble?

When it comes to finding relationships, however, youre confronted with the same issue that people have been dealing with since the advent of online dating  is it better to meet a large quantity of potential partners, or a smaller, more curated number?

If you take the former approach, youre likely to slog through a lot of people with whom youre totally incompatible. That could mean hours and hours and hours of swiping (over months or even years), or spending time and money going on some seriously bad dates.

If you take the latter approach because youre holding out for a soulmate, its hard to argue that either app is necessarily better. Now, if youre looking for someone you could realistically date and introduce to your friends and family, Bumble is probably the better bet.

For starters, its gender numbers are much closer to being equal than Tinders  at least, according to the available data  with Bumble boasting 46 percent women. Tinder keeps their gender breakdown under wraps, but studies have put it at closer to one-third women  meaning if youre looking for a relationship with a woman, youre dealing with less competition.

If you bring that sext-first, ask-questions-later mentality that you see from some guys on Tinder, youre unlikely to have a high success rate on Bumble. But if you approach it with patience and a sense of respect for the people you right swipe on, you and Bumble could be a match made in heaven.

Winner: Bumble

8. Best for Men: Tinder or Bumble?

If you're a guy, you might be wondering, "OK, but which one is better for me?" Truth be told, you can't really answer that question for all men. For starters, gay guys use both apps  but they're less popular in the queer community than dating apps dedicated for gay men  so whether you're looking for men, women, non-binary people or some combination of all of the above won't necessarily impact which you prefer.

Second, whether you prefer to send the opening message or sit back and wait for the messages to roll in depends on what kind of guy you are. Depending on how comfortable you are in your masculinity, and how likely you think you are to get matches and messages without initiating, you might prefer Bumble.

On the flip side, if you're all about crafting a killer opening line and you want to spend all of your free time swiping on people regardless of whether it'll lead to a date, Tinder might be the app for you.

The tenor of a dating app can very much change over time, but at least right now, two options are so closely matched (pun intended) in so many ways, it's hard to name a clear winner when it comes to the male experience. If you're genuinely not sure which to try out, you could flip a coin  or download them both and give them a test-swipe.

Winner: Tie

9. Alternatives If You Dont Like Bumble or Tinder

Neither Tinder nor Bumble sounding that good to you? Thats totally understandable. As popular as theyve been in recent years, the swipe-first model isnt for everyone. If youre one of those people who still likes finding love  or a lover  the old fashioned way, by filling out a detailed profile, keep reading for some good alternatives.

Match

Looking for something a little classic in the face of the Johnnies-come-lately of the online dating game? Match.com is the dating site for you. Theyve been around for about two decades, but rather than being some dusty relic of dating days gone by, theyve remained at the top with state-of-the-art features and a beautiful and easy-to-use interface. You really cant go wrong with Match.

Check i out

Zoosk

That being said, maybe youre looking for something a little more zippy. Zoosk might be just that. While they dont have Matchs pedigree, Zoosk has established a name for themselves with great usability and a large and date-able database. Theres a reason they received the highest rating in AskMens dating site reviews  go check them out and see why.

Check it out

XMatch

Unless you were looking for something that was a little less relationship and a little more sex? If so, dont be ashamed. Tinder has a reputation for being a hookup app, but these days its full of people looking for love, too. XMatch, however, has retained its sex-first, ask-questions-later mentality: Its user base is there for short-term arrangements, not long-term engagements.

Check it out

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Construction starts on boat nearly named Boaty McBoatface

LONDON (AP)  Construction has begun on the vessel that could have been called "Boaty McBoatface" if that name hadn't been quashed by British officials.

Instead, they called it "The RRS Sir David Attenborough"  and the well-known naturalist and broadcaster was there Monday for the maritime ceremony in Merseyside, northwest England.

The 90-year-old Attenborough laid the first piece of keel  part of a tradition said to bring good luck to a ship. The 200 million-pound ($243 million) survey vessel will have a crew of 30 and up to 60 scientists.

Boaty McBoatface topped a "name our ship" poll in April with over 124,000 votes but was not chosen.
West Texas sheriff's officials: 2-year-old girl fatally shot

SAN ANGELO, Texas (AP)  Sheriff's officials say a 2-year-old girl has been shot and killed at a mobile home in West Texas.

The Tom Green County Sheriff's Office says deputies responding to a 911 call Sunday found the girl's body at the home in San Angelo. The office statement sent Monday doesn't name the girl or detail the circumstances of her death.

The statement says the girl's mother and three siblings aged 1, 3 and 6 years were also at home when deputies arrived.

An autopsy has been ordered.
Macy's to open an hour earlier on Thanksgiving Day

NEW YORK (AP)  Don't count on Thanksgiving reverting to its traditional status of feasting on turkey and giving thanks.

Macy's announced Monday it was staying committed to Thanksgiving Day shopping, saying it'll open an hour earlier this year. The move dampened hopes that other key stores will back away from the "Christmas Creep."

The retailer plans to open at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving, with most Macy's stores closing at 2 a.m., and then reopening at 6 a.m. Friday. It cited "ongoing customer interest in shopping on Thanksgiving, both at Macy's and at many other retailers."

FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 27, 2015, file photo, shoppers carry bags as they cross a pedestrian walkway near Macy's in Herald Square, in New York. Macy's announced Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, it is staying committed to Thanksgiving Day shopping, confirming that it will open an hour earlier on Thanksgiving Day. The move comes as several stores and a mall operator have decided to close for the turkey feast. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

The department store chain has been open on Thanksgiving evening since 2013, but had remained open through the night.

In a statement emailed to The Associated Press, it said it surveyed store employees well in advance about their preferences.

"We are working diligently to staff Thanksgiving with associates who volunteer," Macy's said. "Doing so means that our employees are able to make their own decisions about how they contribute to our most important and busiest weekend of the year."

The Friday after Thanksgiving had long served as the kickoff to holiday shopping. But over the past few years, more stores have opened earlier and earlier on Thanksgiving itself to lure early shoppers and amid online competition. The move has been a controversial one, as many workers complained that stores were putting profits over workers' time with their families.

The trend had appeared to be reversing as several stores including Staples and consumer electronics chain hhgregg, as well as the Mall of America and mall operator CBL & Associates announced recently that they will be closed on Thanksgiving. They said they wanted to give back the day to employees. In reality, many of the stores also said it doesn't make good business sense as sales continue to be stretched out for the week  and the month.

But Macy's announcement shows that many major chains will probably stick with the Thanksgiving opening and may even open earlier than last year as they try to avoid being trumped by the competition. Macy's is under pressure to do well, after six straight quarters of declines for a key revenue measure. Target, Best Buy and J.C. Penney have not yet announced their Thanksgiving strategy.

J.C. Penney opened at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving last year, three hours earlier than its department store rivals, a move that helped boost its business. Best Buy suffered over the Thanksgiving weekend in 2012 because it didn't open until midnight, while others opened earlier in the evening. The following three years, the nation's largest consumer electronics chain opened Thanksgiving evening.

CBL & Associates Properties Inc. said last week most of its 89 shopping centers will be closed on Thanksgiving. However, department stores, movie theaters, restaurants and retailers with exterior entrances have the option to open on Thanksgiving. When the Mall of America, based in Bloomington, Minnesota, announced its Thanksgiving strategy, it said some tenants may choose to be open. So it will have security and other key personnel on duty to ensure smooth operations.

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Follow Anne D'Innocenzio http://twitter.com/ADInnocenzio

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Bill Clinton campaigns for Hillary in New Hampshire

HANOVER, N.H. (AP)  Former President Bill Clinton said Monday his wife's supporters should reach out to Donald Trump fans after Election Day.

Campaigning for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and down-ballot candidates in New Hampshire, the former president told a crowd at Dartmouth College they should remain optimistic about the nation's future.

"You ca not give this country's future away to people who think anger is better than answers, that resentment is much better than empowerment, that endless conflict is better than cooperation," he said.

While Hillary Clinton recently apologized for saying half of Trump's supporters are "a basket of deplorables," Bill Clinton said many of them have good reason to feel alienated. But he said their anger will not take them where they want to go. Telling a joke suggesting Trump, the Republican nominee, would drive the nation off a cliff, Clinton said if voters give Hillary the keys, she'll fit everyone in and drive them to "a new mountaintop."

"One of the things I think we have to do when this election is over  every one of us, each in our own way  is not treat the people on the other side the way they and their candidate have treated us," he said. "We should reach out."

Clinton limited his criticism of Trump  whom he didn't mention by name  to rejecting Trump's view that "everything's a disaster  except his campaign" and there's nothing good happening in the world.

He did not mention the recently released 2005 video showing Trump boasting that he could "do anything" to women because of his fame, or the women who've come forward since to accuse the billionaire candidate of groping them and kissing them without their consent. He also did not address Trump's recent claims that Hillary Clinton "viciously" attacked women who accused her husband of sexual assault and impropriety.

Clinton did mention his longtime fondness for New Hampshire, where he dubbed himself "the Comeback Kid" after surviving one of those scandals to finish second in the 1992 New Hampshire primary.

"New Hampshire is a special place to me and my family for reasons that are obvious and some that aren't," he said. "I have kept the friends I made here more than 25 years ago. The leaves never turn  not in all these years since I went to the White House  that I don't wish I had one or two fall days in New Hampshire."
Suspect in beer tossing no longer works for media company

TORONTO (AP)  The man suspected of throwing a beer can at Baltimore outfielder Hyun Soo Kim during a playoff game in Toronto is no longer employed at the media company for which he worked.

Ken Pagan was charged with mischief for allegedly throwing the can in the seventh inning of the AL wild-card game.

A Postmedia spokeswoman said Monday that Pagan, a 41-year-old copy editor, had left the news organization. Georgia Sourtzis wouldn't elaborate on the circumstances of Pagan's departure, but the company had said earlier that it was conducting an internal investigation following the beer-tossing incident.

Toronto police detective Pat Alberga has said security camera footage inside the stadium helped identify the suspect.
Mosul is more than a potentially climactic military battle

WASHINGTON (AP)  More is riding on the battle for Mosul than the recapture of the Islamic State group's main stronghold in northern Iraq. Also on the line is the Obama administration's theory that the extremists can be defeated in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere without American ground troops doing the fighting.

For more than two years, the administration has stuck to its argument that the only path to a sustained victory over the Islamic State group is for locals, not Americans or other outsiders, to bear the main responsibility for the fighting and for governing after the extremists are removed.

President Barack Obama has taken a lot of political heat for that approach, which critics say has allowed IS to expand its international reach and influence.

Kurdish security forces take up a position as they fight overlooking the Islamic State-controlled in villages surrounding Mosul, in Khazer, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Mosul, Iraq, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Iraqi government and Kurdish forces, backed by U.S.-led coalition air and ground support, launched coordinated military operations early on Monday as the long-awaited fight to wrest the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State fighters got underway.(AP Photo)

The viability of Obama's strategy has been widely doubted. In May 2015, after months of U.S. bombings in Iraq and while in the midst of Americans training and advising Iraqi ground troops, the Iraqis lost the city of Ramadi. Defense Secretary Ash Carter publicly said he doubted the Iraqis' will to fight. Since then, the U.S. support role has grown and the Iraqi security forces have managed to retake key parts of western and northern Iraq, including Ramadi.

Mosul is different, not least because it is the place where Islamic State leaders in 2014 announced their intent to create an Islamic-run state after taking a large swath of Iraq and Syria in a lightning surge.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest on Monday called Mosul a new measure of Obama's strategy.

"And I think the president would be the first to acknowledge that this is a significant test," he said, given the size of the city and its importance to IS. "Dislodging them from the city would be a significant strategic gain," Earnest said.

U.S. airpower played a key role in the run-up to the fight for Mosul by taking out Islamic State defenses, cash resources, supply routes and some of the group's leaders. The U.S. is now providing air cover as Iraqi security forces and members of the Kurdish militia begin their attempt to retake the city over the next several weeks. American advisers are working with Iraqi troops, but the outcome will be determined largely by the Iraqis.

Mosul may answer the question: If IS loses a crown jewel of its so-called caliphate, will that be a decisive and sustainable victory for Iraq? Or will Baghdad once again falter, allowing sectarian and political divisions to destabilize the country and permit a return of extremists?

That likely won't be known before Obama's successor takes office. The next president also will inherit the broader problem of Syria  not just the IS presence there, including in its self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa, but also the civil war with its complications involving Russia, Iran and Turkey.

Iraq remains deeply divided, and the grievances among the country's Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish populations that allowed IS to rise to power in the first place have not been resolved. Even if the Mosul campaign is successful militarily, there is a risk of violence erupting again in the form of revenge killings or clashes between groups once allied against a common enemy.

Seth Jones, a defense and security expert at the RAND Corp., says the combat phase of the battle for Mosul, while difficult, will be "much easier" than the aftermath.

"I think there's a strong possibility that a lot of the political grievances actually get accentuated," he said in an interview Friday.

David Petraeus, the former Army general who commanded U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq in 2007-08, calls the Obama approach in Iraq and Syria "a new way of fighting."

"It's much more sustainable in terms of blood and treasure than obviously having our forces have to do it," Petraeus, who also served as Obama's CIA director, said Sunday on ABC's "This Week."

Obama began sending small numbers of U.S. military advisers to Iraq in the summer of 2014, after the Islamic State had swept into Mosul and also captured much of western Iraq, including cities like Ramadi and Fallujah where American ground troops had spilled much blood before all U.S. troops left Iraq in 2011. The rise of IS in Iraq was a stinging blow to Obama, whom critics accused of giving up hard-fought gains.

He initially insisted there would be no U.S. "boots on the ground," but he authorized a gradual expansion of the U.S. training and advising effort to complement a U.S.-led coalition air campaign. He was supported in his cautious, go-slow approach by his top military adviser at the time, Gen. Martin Dempsey, who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff when IS moved into Iraq and when Obama began returning U.S. advisers to Baghdad.

Dempsey counselled patience. Give the Iraqis time to heal their internal divisions and fight their own battles, he argued. Resist the temptation to grab control of the contest against the Islamic State. Dempsey believed an enduring victory would require a unified Iraq supported by neighbors.

"If we were to take control of this campaign, I mean literally seize control of the campaign, then there's no doubt in my mind we would probably defeat ISIL on, let's say, a faster timeline," but it would not last, he said in June 2015. "Maybe ISIL goes away, maybe they're defeated militarily, and two years from now another group with another name and another ideology ... will just be back," he said.

In the Obama view, Iraq is more likely to regain, and retain, control of its territory if it is not relying on U.S. troops to do the fighting. Mosul is the biggest test of that theory.

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AP National Security Writer Robert Burns has been reporting and writing about Iraq since 1990. AP Radio correspondent Sagar Meghani contributed to this report.

A peshmerga convoy drives towards a frontline in Khazer, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Mosul, Iraq, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Iraqi government and Kurdish forces, backed by U.S.-led coalition air and ground support, launched coordinated military operations early on Monday as the long-awaited fight to wrest the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State fighters got underway.(AP Photo)
Prosecutor: Trump Foundation says NY fundraising has stopped

NEW YORK (AP)  New York's attorney general says Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's charitable foundation has said it has stopped fundraising in the state as it prepares financial reports.

Democrat Eric Schneiderman (SHNEYE'-dur-muhn) told the Donald J. Trump Foundation last month it wasn't properly registered in the state to solicit money. He gave the foundation until Monday to file audited financial statements.

Schneiderman's investigation follows a series of reports by the Washington Post examining whether Trump used his foundation's money for his own benefit.

Schneiderman spokesman Eric Soufer says the Trump Foundation confirmed Monday it had stopped fundraising activities in New York. He says foundation officials have been given more time to file the required forms.
Violence blamed on herdsmen kills 40 in Nigeria, group says

KADUNA, Nigeria (AP)  A farmers*organization in northwest Nigeria says 40 people were killed in attacks believed to have been carried out by Fulani herdsmen over the weekend.

Solomon Musa, president of the Southern Kaduna Peoples* Union, said Monday that some of the victims had been burned beyond recognition in attacks on Saturday and Sunday in Godogodo town, located in Kaduna state.

Clashes between local farmers and herdsmen are common in Nigeria, especially in the country*s Middle Belt.

Barnabas Bala, Kaduna*s deputy governor, called the violence "unjustifiable" and said authorities were looking to restore calm in the area, where a 24-hour curfew has been imposed.
Indiana GOP Rep. Stutzman faces ethics scrutiny

WASHINGTON (AP)  The House Ethics panel is evaluating whether to launch an official investigation into Indiana GOP Rep. Marlin Stutzman.

The committee has received a submission from a separate, independent ethics panel called the Office of Congressional Ethics recommending a probe into Stutzman. The independent panel has submitted a report outlining potential infractions but it won't be made public for 45 more days.

Stutzman is leaving the House after losing a GOP primary to replace retiring GOP Sen. Dan Coats.
Donald Trump's Son-In-Law Begins Informal Talks For Trump TV Network

Trending News: Here Are 10 Ideas For Shows On Trump TV If He Loses

Why Is This Important?

Because Trump has a backup plan if he loses.

Long Story Short

Ivanka Trump's husband Jared Kushner has reportedly shopped the idea of Trump TV to media top dogs if his father-in-law fails to win the election. As a result, Twitter had some creative ideas for what shows we could see on the network.

Long Story

What? You thought Trump would just fade into the horizon if he loses the election? Ha!

As predicted, the Donald has a backup plan, and it involves  you guessed it  staying in the spotlight. The Financial Times reports that Trump might be vying for a television network, Trump TV. FT came to this conclusion after sources said Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner has approached a top dealmaker in the media industry, Aryeh Bourkoff, the founder and chief executive of boutique investment bank LionTree.

The Trump campaign has yet to respond and the Donald himself has denied rumors of a Trump TV network, which started to gain steam following a report in Vanity Fair in June.

Despite the denials, this would make a lot of sense. By flinging stones at the mainstream media and highlighting issues most important to the far right during the campaign, Trump has carved out a niche of supporters similar to those who get their 'news' from places like Breitbart or Fox News when Roger Ailes was in charge. In fact, Breitbart's Chairman Stephan Bannon chairs Trump's campaign and Ailes is Trump's close ally.

But while Trump is focused on the final stretch of the campaign, Twitter has made his job easy if he does end up losing and starting Trump TV. Users have come up with some great ideas for shows starring the many colorful characters who've popped up during Trump's run for president, and here are some of their best ideas:

1. Actor Scott Baio had vanished from the pop culture spotlight, but then we suddenly heard about him again and again after speaking at the Republican National Convention. A show starring Baio and a guy who Trump has a lot in common with, oh say, Bill Cosby (sexual assault), would be perfect.

News that Trump TV is really happening means the Scott Baio/Bill Cosby sitcom you've always dreamed of is coming soon!  Frank Conniff (@FrankConniff) October 17, 2016

I hope Scott Baio gets a show on Trump TV so we can continue to make fun of him after the election  Gentle Robot (@gentle_robot) October 17, 2016



2. Trump loves the word, rigged. Why not make a show about it?

Trump TV: "Coming up... should sex assault allegations only be allowed inside a courtroom? That's up next here on 'So Rigged'!"  Dan Winter (@Winter4America) October 17, 2016



3. Trump wants to 'Make America Great Again,' so why not regurgitate old movies and pad his ego at the same time?

"Trump TV" to feature Back to the Future Part II depicts blond Biff as a rich casino magnate on his third wife in a dystopian 1985.  GKoury (@GKoury) October 17, 2016



4. Don't you wonder what Melania Trump is thinking throughout all this? I sure do. Give her a show.

Moments with Melania "Trump TV" pic.twitter.com/LbCfJSu9Fz  Brain Storm (@GetTwitMe) October 17, 2016



5/6/7. Sarah Palin loves geography (she can see Russia from her house), 'Cooking with Christie' is such a good show name it's pretty much ready for production and Rudy Giuliani needs a show. Personally, I think a drag show would be much more suitable and entertaining.

Trump TV line up: 6pm: "Geography with Sarah Palin"

7pm: "Healthy Eats by Chris Christie"

8pm: How to Get away with racism by Rudy Giuliani  Simar Ahluwalia (@sahluwal) October 17, 2016



8. Of course, Ben Carson needs his own doctor's show. Call it "Carson's Anatomy." Trump TV should probably slot it during late night, though, cause it'll definitely be a sleeper.

On the news of Trump TV talks being underway behind the scenes, a reminder of what youll get. pic.twitter.com/GW4BZlGQEw  Ben Howe (@BenHowe) October 17, 2016

9/10. Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity have a clause in their Fox contracts that allows them to leave if Roger Ailes leaves. Now that Ailes is gone following sexual assault allegations, these two will surely have spots waiting for them over at Trump TV.

So there you have it, Trump TV's starting program lineup.

Hey Trump, you can have all these ideas free of charge.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Will Trump TV be another failed venture like his steaks and vodka?

Disrupt Your Feed

The last two years have been Trump TV, if you really think about it.  Mr. Unreasonable (@cbtheduke) October 17, 2016

Drop This Fact

Jared Kushner already owns the New York Observer weekly newspaper.
Melania Trump does not believe husband's accusers

NEW YORK (AP)  Melania Trump on Monday dismissed her husband's sexually aggressive language as "boy talk," insisting his remarks do not reflect "the man I know," and said she does not believe that he has assaulted any women.

Trump's wife, in a series of media interviews, said she has accepted her husband's apology and the couple is "moving on." The comments come more than a week after the release of a 2005 video in which Trump brags about kissing women and grabbing their genitals without their permission.

"I said to my husband that, you know, the language is inappropriate. It's not acceptable. And I was surprised, because that is not the man that I know," she told CNN.

She suggested that Trump may not have known his microphone was on, calling it "kind of a boy talk" that "Access Hollywood" host Billy Bush was encouraging. And she suggested that the women who have claimed in recent days that Trump made unwanted advances were attention-seekers who were making "damaging and unfair" accusations.

"I believe my husband," she said in the interview that aired Monday night. "My husband didn't do anything."

Mrs. Trump also said it is fair game for her husband to appear with women who have accused former President Bill Clinton of sexual assault, claiming the Democrats fired the first volley into the increasingly ugly war about the couples' private lives.

"They're asking for it. They started. They started from the beginning of the campaign putting my picture from modeling days," she said in excerpts released by Fox News ahead of the interview's broadcast. "That was my modeling days and I'm proud what I did. I worked very hard."

Melania Trump's image was used in a negative ad campaign during the Republican primary, but there is no evidence that the Clintons were involved. At the time, Donald Trump accused former rival Ted Cruz of being involved and responded by tweeting an unflattering image of the Texas senator's wife. Cruz also denied involvement.

The interviews are Melania Trump's first moments in the public eye since the accusations over the last 10 days that have sent her husband's White House bid reeling.

First, a 2005 video leaked of Trump using vulgar language to describe women and apparently boasting of sexual assault. And in recent days, several women have come forward to say that Trump had groped or sexually assaulted them.

The Republican nominee has denied the claims, calling the women liars and belittling their appearances.

In the interviews, Melania Trump deemed the celebrity businessman's comments on the leaked tape "offensive to me and they were inappropriate."

"And he apologized to me," she said in an interview with CNN airing at the same time the crowd at her husband's rally in Wisconsin was chanting "CNN sucks." "And I expect  I accept his apology. And we are moving on."

She said something similar in a statement released by the campaign after the video's release. She has also demanded retractions from a People Magazine writer who profiled the couple in 2005 and last week accused Donald Trump of an assault at the couple's Florida home, Mar-a-Lago, while Melania was out of the room. And she repeated her husband's assertion, which he makes without supporting evidence, that the media and Clinton campaign are working in tandem to sink the Republican nominee's campaign.

Melania Trump has never filled the role of the traditional political spouse, only making rare appearances on the campaign trail. Her speech at July's national convention was initially praised until it was discovered that passages of it were lifted from Michelle Obama's 2008 convention address.

Trump, who attended each of the first two presidential debates, was also lampooned on this week's Saturday Night Live. The long-running sketch show ran a video in which actresses playing Melania Trump, her two step-daughters and two of the candidate's most visible female allies did a version of Beyonce's feminist manifesto "Lemonade" in an act of rebellion against the candidate.

The video ends with the Cecily Strong, the comedian playing Melania Trump, suggesting she wrote the song herself.

____
Mexican federal judge slain in city outside capital

MEXICO CITY (AP)  A Mexican federal judge was slain Monday in the state of Mexico, which borders the capital.

Vicente Antonio Bermudez Zacarias was a district court magistrate for appeals and civil judgments in the city of Toluca, according to a statement from the Supreme Court. He was killed in nearby Metepec.

President Enrique Pena Nieto, speaking to an international gathering of judges in Mexico, lamented the news and said he had instructed the attorney general's office to lead the investigation.

Various Mexican media outlets reported that he was shot in the head while exercising outdoors. There was no immediate word on a possible motive.
Former general pleads guilty in false statements probe

WASHINGTON (AP)  A former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff pleaded guilty Monday to making false statements during an investigation into a leak of classified information about a covert cyberattack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Retired Marine Gen. James Cartwright entered the plea at a hearing before U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, convened just a few hours after the Justice Department announced the charges.

The plea ends a Justice Department investigation that began after the 2012 leak to reporters of information about use of a computer virus called Stuxnet that disabled equipment the Iranians were using to enrich uranium.

Retired Marine Gen. James Cartwright arrives at US District Court in Washington, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Cartwright has been charged with making false statements during a federal investigation into a leak of classified information, the Justice Department announced. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

The offense carries a maximum of five years in prison, but under a plea agreement, the government is recommending a sentence in the range of zero to six months. Cartwright is scheduled to be sentenced on January 17, and it will be up to Leon to decide the sentence.

Cartwright, 67, falsely told investigators that he did not provide or confirm classified information contained in a news article and in a book by New York Times journalist David Sanger, according to charging documents unsealed by prosecutors.

Neither the book nor the classified subject is identified in court papers. But Sanger wrote in his 2012 book "Confront and Conceal" about the classified operation to attack Iran's nuclear facilities.

The charging documents also say Cartwright misled prosecutors about classified information shared with another journalist, Daniel Klaidman.

Wearing a dark suit, Cartwright stood with his attorney and answered a series of procedural questions from the judge.

"You're pleading guilty because you are in fact guilty, is that right?" Leon asked.

"Yes, sir," Cartwright said.

In a written statement released to reporters after the hearing, Cartwright stressed that he was not the initial source of the leak about Stuxnet but spoke to reporters about material they already knew.

"It was wrong for me to mislead the FBI on Nov. 2, 2012, and I accept full responsibility for this," Cartwright said. He added that his only goal in talking to reporters was "to protect American interests and lives."

Cartwright's attorney, Gregory Craig, said in a statement that his client had spent "his whole life putting the national interest."

"That's why he talked to the reporters in the first place  to protect American interests and lives in a story they had already written," the statement said. "In his conversations with these two reporters, General Cartwright was engaged in a well-known and understood practice of attempting to save national secrets, not disclosing classified information."

The plea agreement said that between January and June of 2012, Cartwright "provided and confirmed classified information" to Sanger. Cartwright also confirmed classified information in February 2012 to Klaidman that was included in an article for Newsweek magazine, the agreement said.

U.S. Attorney Rod Rosenstein of Maryland declined to comment after the hearing.

In a statement Monday, the Times said it would not discuss the sourcing of any information published in the newspaper or by Sanger.

"We are disappointed that the Justice Department has gone forward with the leak investigation that led to today's guilty plea by General Cartwright," the Times said. "These investigations send a chilling message to all government employees that they should not speak to reporters. The inevitable result is that the American public is deprived of information that it needs to know."

Cartwright was vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2007 until 2011 and was considered a key adviser to President Barack Obama. A former fighter pilot, the Marine general was known for his expertise in the more highly technical areas of cyberwarfare and America's nuclear enterprise.

The New York Times reported in 2012 that Cartwright was a crucial player in the cyber operation called Olympic Games, started under President George W. Bush.

The Times had said that Obama ordered the cyberattacks sped up, and in 2010 an attack using Stuxnet temporarily disabled 1,000 centrifuges that the Iranians were using to enrich uranium.

Iran has publicly blamed the United States and Israel for the computer virus, but neither country has officially acknowledged a role in the attack.

Congressional leaders had called for a criminal investigation into who leaked the information, and some Republicans said senior administrational officials had disclosed the details of the cyber operation to bolster the president's national security credentials during the 2012 campaign. Obama said he had zero tolerance for such leaks.

The Justice Department's investigation into the disclosure of classified information was one of several national-security leak probes conducted during the Obama administration, including ones involving The Associated Press and Fox News.

___
Competency evaluation sought for mom in Amber Alert deaths

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP)  The attorney for an Indiana woman accused of smothering her two children after abducting them is seeking a competency evaluation for her.

Amber Pasztor's public defender filed a motion Monday seeking the evaluation. The 29-year-old Fort Wayne woman faces two murder counts in the Sept. 26 killings of 7-year-old Liliana Hernandez and 6-year-old Rene Pasztor.

The abduction of the children from their custodial grandparents' home that morning led authorities to issue an Amber Alert.

Pasztor said in a jailhouse interview with WANE-TV last week that she decided to kill her children after hearing of the Amber Alert. She also admitted fatally shooting 65-year-old neighbor Frank Macomber. She has not been charged in Macomber's death.
Chief: California officers spared when gunman's weapon jams

VALLEJO, Calif. (AP)  A man wearing body armor pointed an assault rifle at two police officers in a California Starbucks, only to have the weapon malfunction before he fled and was shot by the officers nearby, police said Monday.

Vallejo Police Chief Andrew Bidou called it an "attempted assassination" of the two officers, who were on break when the confrontation occurred.

The officers were caught off-guard and "were ambushed by somebody who has superior firepower," the chief said.

Vallejo Police officers work at the scene of a shooting in Vallejo, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016. Andrew Powell targeted two Northern California police officers who were taking a break at a coffee shop in an ambush that was foiled when his gun malfunctioned, a police chief said Monday. Powell, who was wearing body armor, fled when he could not get his weapon to fire, and the officers gave chase, shooting him three times, authorities said at a news conference. He is in critical but stable condition. (Chris Preovolos/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

It marked the latest attack on police across the country, including two incidents in California in recent weeks that left a total of three law enforcement officers dead.

Police in Vallejo said Adam Powell, 41, had passed by the Starbucks six minutes earlier, apparently planning the attack.

Video from a nearby security camera showed a man walking up to the coffee shop and then sprinting away seconds later, with at least one officer chasing him.

Police said Powell appeared to keep trying to clear his weapon as he ran. Officers shot him three times about 100 feet from the Starbucks.

Resident Jazmin Addison said she heard more than a dozen shots at the corner outside her home. Addison later looked out to see a man lying on the ground, surrounded by officers.

Powell was in critical condition but stable on Monday. Police Lt. Jeff Bassett said authorities expect to arraign him within the next few days.

Police said Powell's weapon never fired. A photo provided by police showed an assault rifle bearing wear marks and duct tape. Bassett said the gun was operable except for the jam.

The man also carried a loaded handgun, police said. They described his body armor as "police-style."

Six hours before that confrontation, police responding to a shooting in Suisun City, 20 miles away, found Powell's 2-year-old son critically wounded in a family home. Powell was not there when police arrived, and other relatives told police the child had accidentally shot himself.

Police want to question Powell about the boy's shooting and about the confrontation with police in Vallejo.

Police said they did not know if Powell, who had a felony record of robbery and drug offenses, had expressed any anger toward police.

Powell's step-daughter, Breauna Bower, said he may have been trying to commit suicide after seeing his son hurt.

"He's a really good man. I don't know what would've went through this mind, but he's really good man," Bower told San Francisco television station KGO-TV (http://bit.ly/2dnMh0K).

"I assume he possibly thought his son was dead and was just distracted. And just wanted to commit suicide in a certain way. Who knows, who knows," Bower said. "He saw his son the way he did."

The Vallejo shooting came amid growing national attention to police shootings of suspects, and to attacks on police.

On Tuesday, a memorial service will honor two officers killed in Palm Springs, California, while responding to a domestic disturbance at the home of an ex-convict.

The Palm Springs shooting occurred just three days after a Los Angeles County sheriff's sergeant was shot and killed in the high desert town of Lancaster while answering a burglary call.

"Officers I think around the country are at a heightened state of alert now," the Vallejo chief said.

In this undated photo provided by the Vallejo Police Department, Andrew Powell, 41, is seen. Powell targeted two Northern California police officers who were taking a break at a coffee shop in an ambush that was foiled when his gun malfunctioned, a police chief said Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Powell, who was wearing body armor, fled when he could not get his weapon to fire, and the officers gave chase, shooting him three times, authorities said at a news conference. He is in critical but stable condition. (Vallejo Police Department via AP)

Vallejo police Chief Andrew Bidou discusses the Sunday, Oct. 16 shooting shooting of Andrew Powell, 41, during a media conference at Vallejo City Hall on Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. A gunman targeted two Northern California officers who were taking a break at a coffee shop in an ambush that was foiled when his gun malfunctioned, a police chief said Monday. The man, who was wearing body armor, fled when he could not get his weapon to fire, and the officers gave chase, shooting him three times, authorities said at a news conference. He is in critical but stable condition. (AP Photo/Chris Preovolos via the San Francisco Chronicle)
Teen testifies to sexting with man in hot car death case

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP)  An Alabama teenager exchanged sexually explicit messages with a Georgia man accused of intentionally leaving his 22-month-old son in a hot SUV to die, she testified Monday.

The 17-year-old girl said she and Justin Ross Harris exchanged photos of their genitals and sexual messages weeks before the death of his son, Cooper, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported (http://on-ajc.com/2dZvqFe ).

They began exchanging messages a couple of years ago, the girl testified.

During testimony, prosecutor Chuck Boring showed jurors the photo of Harris' penis that was sent to the girl.

Prosecutors say Harris intentionally killed Cooper by leaving him for hours in a vehicle parked outside his workplace. Harris' lawyers called the death accidental.

Harris moved from Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Georgia in 2012 to take a job with The Home Depot's corporate office. He faces life in prison if convicted of murder.

Allegations that Harris had sexually explicit online conversations with an underage girl are completely unrelated to the murder and child cruelty charges he faces in the death of his son, defense attorney Maddox Kilgore has said previously.

But prosecutors contend that those alleged actions can provide evidence of a motive for the murder charges and can demonstrate Harris' state of mind leading up to and on the day of the boy's death.

The 17-year-old, whose identity was shielded by Judge Mary Staley Clark, was 15 years old at the time she and Harris began exchanging sexual messages, according to Monday's testimony.

They first began communicating with one another on the anonymous service called Whisper and later on another service called Kik, the Journal-Constitution reported.

Eventually, the girl told Harris she was actually 15 years old, but that didn't deter him from continuing their conversation, she told jurors.
UK and US consider economic sanctions against Russia and Syria

Britain and the United States are considering economic sanctions against Russia and Syria as there is no appetite among Western powers for a military solution to protect civilians from their bombardment in the civil war.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who spoke last week of the need to discuss "more kinetic options", said military solutions such as a no-fly zone or no-bombing zone over Aleppo are "extremely difficult".

Speaking after talks with US secretary of state John Kerry and other allies in London, Mr Johnson said Britain and its allies must work with the diplomatic "tools we have".

Boris Johnson, left, has said it may be time to consider 'more kinetic options' in Syria before a meeting with John Kerry in London

He insisted that Russia was "feeling the pressure" from the international community over its military support of the Bashar Assad regime.

Alongside fresh sanctions, Mr Johnson said other measures such as threatening those responsible for committing war crimes with justice at the International Criminal Court "will eventually come to bite".

Mr Johnson's comments indicate his call to consider a potentially more forceful solution to stop the Russian and regime bombing of civilians in Aleppo does not command the support of Western allies.

Speaking after the four-hour meeting at Lancaster House, the Foreign Secretary said: "No option is in principle off the table but be in no doubt that these so-called military options are extremely difficult and there is, to put it mildly, a lack of political appetite in most European capitals and certainly in the West for that kind of solution at present.

"So we've got to work with the tools we have - the tools we have are diplomatic.

"I think the most powerful weapon we have at the moment is our ability to make president Putin and the Russians feel the consequences of what they are doing."

Mr Johnson and Mr Kerry confirmed they were moving towards introducing fresh sanctions against "the Syrian regime and their supporters".

The Foreign Secretary also described as "very significant" the French move to turn a visit from Vladimir Putin to Paris into a discussion about Syria, at which point the Russian president pulled out of the trip.

"They are starting to feel the pressure and it is vital that we keep that pressure up," Mr Johnson said.

Mr Kerry made it clear that US president Barack Obama has ruled nothing out but backed Mr Johnson's assertion that support for military solutions is weak.

Mr Kerry said: "It could stop tomorrow morning, tonight if Russia and the Assad regime were to behave according to any norm or any standard of decency, but they've chosen not to.

"Instead we see what can only be described as crimes against humanity taking place on a daily basis, and hospitals are bombed and children are bombed or gassed."

The pair called for a fresh ceasefire, just days after Mr Johnson said the US-Russia dialogue aimed at brokering a pause in hostilities appeared to have "run out of road".

But after a meeting between Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and Mr Kerry in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Saturday, Mr Johnson joined his US counterpart in calling for a truce.

The Foreign Secretary also insisted Russia and the Assad regime would not be successful in their "barbaric siege" of Aleppo, where 275,000 civilians are living under daily bombing raids, including alleged gas attacks and the use of highly destructive barrel bombs.
Mauricio Pochettino hopes to have Toby Alderweireld available again next week

Mauricio Pochettino believes Toby Alderweireld could make a surprise return next week as Tottenham prepare to face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League without their key defender.

Alderweireld was carried off on a stretcher during Saturday's draw against West Brom with what appeared to be pain in his knee, prompting fears the Belgian could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The problem, however, is not as serious as first feared. Spurs were yet to receive the results of a scan on Monday but Pochettino believes Alderweireld could recover next week, putting him in line to play against Leicester in 11 days' time.

Toby Alderweireld was stretchered off at West Brom on Saturday

"We need to wait for the scan but we believe it's not a big issue," Pochettino said.

"He got a knock on his leg but it was better yesterday and today. We need to wait for the results of the scan but I hope it's nothing important.

"In the moment he went down it was tough and from our position it was difficult to see what had happened.

"But it wasn't a big issue, a big knock, a heavy knock in his leg but we hope it's not a big problem for the next week."

Alderweireld's absence in the short-term, however, is a major blow for Tottenham, given he has been a star performer under Pochettino and integral to the team boasting the Premier League's best defensive record so far this season.

The most likely replacement in Germany is Eric Dier, who replaced his injured team-mate against West Brom, and whose place in midfield has become less essential due to the excellent form of Victor Wanyama.

Dier, who only recently recovered from a hamstring strain, has endured an underwhelming start to the campaign but he would appear the safest choice on Tuesday.

Kevin Wimmer is out of favour and more comfortable in Jan Vertonghen's left side of central defence while Pochettino admitted it would be "difficult" to throw 18-year-old Cameron Carter-Vickers into such a high-pressure situation.

On Dier, Pochettino said: "The important thing is we trust in him. It's not important the position he will play - midfield, centre back or full back - we believe and trust in him.

"We trust him as a person and his skills. For me, Eric is a player who can develop his game in different positions."

Tottenham can ill-afford a slip-up against Leverkusen, who have drawn both of their opening two games in Group E but can climb above their opponents with a victory.

Avoiding defeat at the BayArena and a win in the reverse fixture at Wembley next month would leave Spurs in a commanding position to qualify.

"It's important, we must win," Pochettino said. "If we want to go to the next round this is key to take three points from this game and to play at Wembley the same way.

"The next two games against Leverkusen for us hold the key to the possibility of going to the next round."

Kyle Walker has not travelled with the squad as he is being rested, meaning Kieran Trippier is likely to start at right-back.

Mousa Dembele has overcome a foot problem and is available while Harry Kane is still recovering from an ankle ligament injury.

Son Heung-min was rested at the Hawthorns, but is likely to start against the club he left to join Spurs for 22million in August last year.

"It's a special game for me because I played there for two years, I had some great times there and made so many friends also. I am very excited to be going back," Son said.

"If I score against them I will not celebrate. I respect them too much.

"My two years there was a good time for them and also a good time for me. I am really happy for them. I want to show respect."

Son scored 21 goals in 62 league games for Leverkusen, but first broke through at Hamburg, the club he joined as a 16-year-old.

There, he gleaned tips from former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart and Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

"When I was at Hamburg, 17 or 18, Ruud van Nistelrooy signed and he helped me a lot," Son said.

"He saw my first training session and he talked to me. He told me I was a good player. He gave me confidence and I want to thank him for that.
British spy agencies 'breached privacy rules over personal information'

Britain's spy agencies breached privacy rules on powers used to collect and hold troves of personal information over more than a decade, a tribunal has found.

Senior judges said the security service MI5, intelligence agency MI6 and listening post GCHQ "failed to comply" with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) when collecting and using large databases of individuals' details.

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) made the finding in its latest judgment as part of a case brought by campaign group Privacy International over the gathering of both personal and communications data in bulk.

The way spy agencies obtained personal data was in breach of the ECHR's Article 8

The way spy agencies obtained personal data was in breach of the ECHR's Article 8 - the right to a private life - for more than a decade before it was revealed in March last year.

And the means by which MI5 and GCHQ secured large amounts of communications information, under the previously little-known section 94 the Telecommunications Act 1984, was also not compliant between 1998, when the provision was initially used, and November 2015, when it was officially confirmed in public for the first time.

Bulk personal data, referred to as BPD, includes information extracted from passports, travel records, financial data, while bulk communications data (BCD) is the "who, where, when and how" of a person's telephone calls and emails but not the contents.

Much of the data held relates to individuals who are "unlikely to be of any intelligence interest", according to the judgment.

Tribunal judge Justice Burton, in the judgment published on Friday, said: "The BPD regime failed to comply with the ECHR principles ... throughout the period prior to its avowal in March 2015.

"The BCD regime failed to comply with such principles in the period prior to its avowal in November 2015, and the institution of a more adequate system of supervision as at the same date."

The judgment also found that the agencies' methods since March and November respectively were compliant with Article 8 as a result of improved oversight and the publication of how data is handled.

Privacy International said the judgment was a "long overdue indictment" of the spy agencies.

Millie Graham Wood, the group's legal officer, said: "The public and Parliament deserve an explanation as to why everyone's data was collected for over a decade without oversight in place and confirmation that unlawfully obtained personal data will be destroyed."

And Mark Scott, of Bhatt Murphy Solicitors - who represents Privacy International in the legal challenge, said: " This judgment confirms that for over a decade UK security services unlawfully concealed both the extent of their surveillance capabilities and that innocent people across the country have been spied upon."

The Government said: " The powers available to the security and intelligence agencies play a vital role in protecting the UK and its citizens. We are therefore pleased the tribunal has confirmed the current lawfulness of the existing bulk communications data and bulk personal dataset regimes.
Best Pocket Watches

Eight Stylish Timepieces That Prove Pocket Watches Are Still Cool

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Pocket watches cant exactly be considered de rigueur, especially in an age where some men are even eschewing the standard wristwatch for the smartwatch, or just ditching the idea of wearing a watch altogether. It takes a man of confidence and individual style to carry (not wear) a pocket watch convincingly. You may even wonder whether or not pocket watches are even available anymore. The answer is a resounding yes, and the variety and styles are wider than youd think.

The array of pocket watches also doesnt mean you have to dress to the nines like Mr. Peanut to get away with this method of timekeeping. You can choose a style thats far more casual or, of course, one thats full-on black tie with tails. Whatever the case, youre sure to get plenty of attention, so go bold or go home.

Here are ten pocket watch choices that will please the wallet as well as the eye.

Regent Hills Mechanical Open Face Pocket Watch

Its hard to imagine a more artful pocket watch for the price. The breathtaking dial is skeletonized with three subdials, including a day/night dial, and the transparent display back shows off the mechanical movement thats housed within the coverless brass case.

$328.98 at Amazon.com

Charles Hubert Paris 3918 Premium Collection Mechanical Pocket Watch

The 3918 is both simple and elegant with a crisply etched stainless steel case that resists tarnishing and an open face skeleton dial that reveals its intricate mechanical movement. It even has a space on the cover where you can get your initials engraved, making the 3918 both personal and unique.

$130.00 at Amazon.com

Gotham Silvertone Pocket Watch

If youre a show-off, this is the pocket watch that has it all, with dual covers to expose movements in the front and back through scratch- and impact-resistant mineral crystal, contrasting blue hour and minute hands. and an intricate engravable face cover. The piece de resistance is a solid brass stand from which you can display the watch for all to behold.

$179.95 at Amazon.com

Charles Hubert Paris 3599 Quartz Pocket Watch

Sometimes the dark-faced pocket watch is the most noticeable since you dont often see the dial in this hue, especially with military-style numerals and a date window. The 3599 also comes with a chain, engravable cover, and belt loop clip.

$84.93 at Amazon.com

Stuhrling Mechanical Vintage Pocket Watch

Stuhrling doesnt just make great, affordable wristwatches, they craft a good pocket watch, too. This one is hand wound like the old school versions and comes with a white skeleton dial, protective crystal, and a handy chain with requisite belt clip.

$84.99 at Amazon.com

PeleusTech Spovan SPV600

Part pocket watch, part stopwatch, and part fishing watch, the Spovan is ready for action. Not only does it provide a clear digital time readout, it also has within its skill set a barometer, altimeter, thermometer, weather forecast, fishing location and air pressure tracking, and smart fishing time notification. Youll have no excuse for missing anything anymore.

$49.99 at Amazon.com

Tissot Savonnettes Stainless Steel Pocket Watch

Tissot should always be an ideal choice for watch connoisseurs. The Switch watchmaker's portable timepiece is one for the ages thanks to its timeless appearance and minimalist design. Designed from stainless steel with brass case and cover, its just the kind of pocket watch you'll consider passing down from one generation to the next. Look past the mineral crystal case to appreciate the white face with thin black markers and Roman numerals, plus the square date window parked at the 6 oclock position.

$198.00 at Amazon.com

Avalon Imperiale Series 17 Jewel Hand Wind

Hard to believe this silvery mechanical beauty is such an affordable steal. This skeletonized watch features an ornate dial that showcases its movement  donned within a highly polished intricately designed case and scratch resistant mineral crystal lens. The intricate Roman numerals around the dial's edge make indicating time seamless. Adding to its finesse is a stainless steel chain with belt clip.

$124.95 at Amazon.com

Related Reading

Best Watches Under $500

Best Watch Winders

Best Watch Cases

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Somali government shuts down newspaper, arrests editor

By Abdi Sheikh

MOGADISHU, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Somali security forces shut down a newspaper and arrested an editor, the Somali journalists' union said on Sunday, the latest crackdown in what reporters say is a climate of intimidation.

Intelligence officers stormed the offices of Xog Ogaal, confiscating computers and cameras, and detained an editor, Abdi Adan Guled, on Saturday night, the National Union of Somali Journalists said.

It was unclear why Guled was arrested, but the union said it was the first time the government had acted against the paper, which has been publishing since 1991.

Somali authorities did not return calls seeking comment. Security forces and officials frequently detain or threaten journalists whose coverage has offended them.

Many media houses are concerned that intimidation will increase when twice-delayed presidential elections are finally held. They are currently scheduled for Nov. 30.

Somalia has been convulsed by instability, violence and lawlessness since early 1990s following the toppling of military dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.
U.S. officials step up rhetoric on Russia link to email hacks

Oct 16 (Reuters) - Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence said on Sunday that evidence implicated Russia in recent email hacks tied to the Nov. 8 U.S. election, contradicting his running mate, Donald Trump, who has cast doubt on Russia's involvement.

Pence's comments came after U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said in an interview that aired on Sunday that the United States would be sending a message to Russia "at the time of our choosing" about the email attacks. Obama administration officials initially refused to say if they thought Russia was behind the attacks, before accusing Moscow for the first time earlier this month.

JULY 26

President Barack Obama said in an interview with NBC News that "anything's possible" when asked if Russia hacked into the Democratic National Committee. "What we do know is the Russians hack our systems, not just government systems, but private systems," Obama said. "But what the motives were in terms of the leaks and all that, I can't say directly, but what I do know is that Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin."

JULY 28

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, speaking about the hack of the DNC emails, said the U.S. intelligence community was not ready to "make the call on attribution" as to who was responsible.

AUG. 15

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson offered state officials help from hacking threats or other possible election tampering, in the face of unsubstantiated allegations by Trump that the system is open to fraud.

SEPT. 7

Speaking at a conference in Washington, Clapper said that "the Russians hack our systems all the time," but he did not officially blame them for the intrusions into Democratic Party organizations.

SEPT. 20

During a live interview with the Washington Post, Clapper said Russia had a tradition of trying to interfere in elections in other countries. He added that his biggest concern was not that a foreign power would try to affect the outcome of the U.S. election but instead "cast doubt on the whole process."

OCT. 7

The U.S. government for the first time formally accused Russia of a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organizations.

"We believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russia's senior-most officials could have authorized these activities," the Obama administration said in a statement.

OCT. 16
GRAINS-Corn, soybeans rise for 3rd day on strong demand, short-covering

By Naveen Thukral

SINGAPORE, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Chicago corn and soybean futures rose for a third consecutive session on Monday, with prices underpinned by short-covering and strong demand.

Wheat was little changed as the market took a breather after climbing more than 6 percent in the last two sessions in an exports-driven rally.

The Chicago Board of Trade's most-active corn contract had added 0.6 percent to $3.56-1/4 a bushel by 0157 GMT, having gained 1.4 percent on Friday to its highest in nearly three months at $3.58-3/4 a bushel.

Soybeans rose 0.6 percent to $9.67-3/4 a bushel and wheat was unchanged at $4.21 a bushel.

"Investors still hold a very large short position (in the corn market)", said Tobin Gorey, director of agricultural strategy at Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

"Any further price strength today is likely to prompt another wave of short covering."

Large speculators trimmed their net short position in CBOT corn futures in the week to Oct. 11, regulatory data released on Friday showed.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission's weekly commitments of traders report also showed that noncommercial traders, a category that includes hedge funds, trimmed their net short position in CBOT wheat and raised their net long position in soybeans.

There was additional support for the soybean market on Friday from higher soyoil values.

U.S. corn export sales this season were off to their strongest start in nearly a decade as low prices and limited export competition have expanded U.S. market share after years of ceding sales to suppliers like Brazil and Ukraine. Prices of the grain almost halved over the past three years.

The wheat market has been driven higher by strong global demand.
Myanmar ferry sinks, killing at least 14, with scores missing

By Aung Hla Tun

YANGON, Oct 17 (Reuters) - A ferry sank in a river in northwestern Myanmar, killing at least 14 people with scores missing, a rescue official said on Monday.

About 150 people had been rescued from the Chindwin river in the Sagaing region after the ferry capsized on Saturday, said Sa Willy Frank, head of the regional relief department.

"We've just found the exact location of the sunken boat and now we're trying to salvage it using heavy-duty cranes," Sa Willy Frank told Reuters.

"A total of 14 bodies have been found and 85 are still missing."

Kyaw Htay Lwin, a lawmaker in the Sagaing regional parliament, said the number of missing could be higher.

"I heard from witnesses that the boat was packed with at least 300 passengers, despite its official capacity of around 120," he said.

The ferry was travelling from Homalin to Monywa when it sank at about 5 a.m. on Saturday close to Kani, about 85 miles (137 km) northwest of Myanmar's former royal capital, Mandalay.

Marine accidents are common in Myanmar, where many people rely on crowded boats that are often in a state of disrepair for transport.
Slovak Republic - Factors To Watch on Oct 17

BRATISLAVA, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Slovak financial markets on Monday. ALL TIMES GMT (Slovak Republic: GMT + 2 hours) =========================ECONOMIC DATA======================== Real-time economic data releases.................. Summary of economic data and forecasts......... Recently released economic data................ Previous stories on Slovak data.......... **For a schedule of corporate and economic events: http://emea1.apps.cp.thomsonreuters.com/Apps/CountryWeb/#/1C/events-overview =========================EVENTS================================ BRATISLAVA - Start of two-day energy investment conference, speakers include EU Energy Union chief Maros Sefcovic and Czech energy group EPH's head Daniel Kretinsky. Related stories: =========================NEWS================================== INDUSTRIAL ORDERS: New industrial orders in euro zone member Slovakia jumped by 45.2 percent month-on-month on a seasonally adjusted basis in August, following a revised 23.7 percent fall in July, statistics office data showed on Friday. Story: Related stories: MIGRATION: Five Slovaks are facing charges of smuggling at least 300 illegal migrants last year from Hungary to western Europe, mostly to Germany and Italy, Slovakian police said on Friday. Story: Related stories: For real-time stock market index quotes click in brackets: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX Main currency report TOP NEWS -- Emerging markets News editor of the day: Jason Hovet on +420 224 190 476 E-mail: prague.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (Reporting by Prague Newsroom)
China to help Cambodia modernise its armed forces - government

By Prak Chan Thul

PHNOM PENH, Oct 17 (Reuters) - China has agreed to help modernise Cambodia's military, Cambodia's defence minister said on Monday, after the two countries signed new agreements to boost military aid.

Cambodia is China's loyal ally in Asia, routinely backing Beijing's position at international forums in a region where China and United States vie for influence.

Cambodia has shielded China from criticism by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) over the South China Sea. ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei are in disputes with China over rival claims to the waters.

"We signed some protocols with each other in providing supplies in order to modernize our work and as a contribution to strengthen stronger capacity of our national defence," Defence Minister Tea Banh, who returned from an official visit to Beijing over the weekend, told reporters on Monday.

His comments follow a visit to Cambodia by Chinese President Xi Jinping last week in which Xi praised the close ties between the two countries. China and Cambodia signed 31 agreements during the visit, including soft loan deals worth around $237 million.

The Chinese leader also cancelled around $89 million in debt and pledged another $14 million in military aid to Cambodia.

Banh said that Cambodia plans to acquire fighter jets from China in the long term but that the military needs to focus now on strengthening its airspace.

Cambodia has had border disputes with neighbouring Vietnam and Thailand. A border dispute with Thailand has in recent years resulted in sporadic exchanges of fire.
European Union prepares sanctions over Congo vote delay

By Robin Emmott

LUXEMBOURG, Oct 17 (Reuters) - The European Union will prepare economic sanctions on the Democratic Republic of Congo unless it holds its delayed presidential and parliamentary elections next year, foreign ministers agreed on Monday.

President Joseph Kabila was due to leave office at the end of his mandate in December but authorities have postponed the votes until April 2018, citing logistical problems. The delay sparked two days of protests in the capital Kinshasa last month that killed dozens of people.

"There is a delay to elections that is not acceptable and I hope elections can take place in 2017," Belgium's Foreign Minister Didier Reynders told reporters.

"We need an inclusive dialogue and not to resort to violence," said Reynders, whose country is Congo's former colonial power.

EU foreign ministers said in a statement: "The EU will use all the means at its disposal, including individual restrictive measures" - diplomatic language for travel bans and asset freezes.

Any sanctions would target "those responsible for serious human rights violations, those who promote violence and those who would try to obstruct a consensual and peaceful solution to the crisis".

Foreign ministers tasked EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, who coordinates the bloc's diplomacy, to draw up sanctions. Diplomats said these could target senior police and other members of the security forces, and potentially government officials at a later stage.

The EU, a major donor of foreign aid as well as a big foreign investor and trade partner, is seeking an independent inquiry into the violence last month and wants talks on a new timetable for presidential and parliamentary elections.

EU governments will also reduce the duration of diplomatic visas issued to officials, after Belgium cut its visas to six months. "Member states are already in agreement on the need to coordinate their approaches to the issuance of visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports," the statement said.

Kabila, who came to power in 2001 when his father was assassinated, says he will respect the country's constitution but has yet to rule out attempting to change laws to enable him to run for a fresh term.

Opponents fear he will follow the example of the presidents of neighbouring Rwanda and Congo Republic, who changed their constitutions last year to allow themselves to stand for a third term. Hundreds of people have also died since last year in Burundi, where the EU has also imposed sanctions, after its president Pierre Nkurunziza pursued and won a third term in office that his opponents say is unconstitutional.
Ahead of China visit, Philippine leader says no sense in war

By Ben Blanchard

BEIJING, Oct 17 (Reuters) - There is no sense in going to war over the disputed South China Sea as talks are far better, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told China's official Xinhua news agency, praising China for not criticising his country, unlike Western nations.

Duterte goes to China on Tuesday with at least 200 members of the Philippine business elite to pave the way for what he calls a new commercial alliance, amid deteriorating ties with longtime ally the United States.

On Sunday, Duterte said he would raise a controversial arbitral ruling on the South China Sea with China's leaders and vowed not to surrender any sovereignty or deviate from the July award by the tribunal in the Hague.

The ruling dealt a blow to China's extensive claims in the South China Sea. Beijing has refused to recognise the case and has chided any country telling it to abide by the ruling.

In the Xinhua interview published on Monday, Duterte said he wanted negotiation, not confrontation, over the South China Sea.

"There is no sense in going to war. There is no sense fighting over a body of water," Duterte said.

In Brunei, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said the South China Sea issue was not the sum total of the relationship between China and the Philippines, but the time was not yet right to discuss resolving it.

"We still have to build up the lost trust and confidence that was weakened or eroded during the past administration," Yasay told reporters.

"But then we should not also miss out on the opportunities for trade and economic relationship that we would need as much as China."

Duterte also expressed gratitude to China for not criticising his war on drugs, which has sparked concerns in Western capitals about extrajudicial killings, with Philippine police saying it has killed nearly 2,300 people.

"China never criticises," Duterte said in the Xinhua interview. "They help us quietly."

The unpredictable president's moves to engage China, just a few months after the arbitral award sparked fears in the region of a backlash by Beijing in the South China Sea, mark a striking reversal in Philippine foreign policy since he took office on June 30.

Duterte told Xinhua his grandfather is Chinese.

"It's only China (that) can help us."

China's Foreign Ministry earlier sought to downplay Duterte's Sunday remarks on the arbitration.

Asked about his comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Duterte would make his policy in the best interests of his country and people.
Iraq launches Mosul offensive to drive out Islamic State

By Babak Dehghanpisheh and Ahmed Rasheed

EAST OF MOSUL/BAGHDAD, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Iraqi government forces launched a U.S.-backed offensive on Monday to drive Islamic State from the northern city of Mosul, a high-stakes battle to retake the militants' last major stronghold in the country.

Two years after the jihadists seized the city of 1.5 million people and declared a caliphate from there encompassing tracts of Iraq and Syria, a force of some 30,000 Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces and Sunni tribal fighters began to advance.

Helicopters released flares and explosions could be heard on the city's eastern front, where Reuters watched Kurdish fighters move forward to take outlying villages.

A U.S.-led air campaign has helped push Islamic State from much of the territory it held but 4,000 to 8,000 fighters are thought to remain in Mosul.

The Pentagon said that Iraqi forces were meeting objectives and were ahead of schedule on the first day of the offensive.

Residents contacted by phone dismissed reports on Arabic television channels of an exodus by the jihadists, who have a history of using human shields and have threatened to unleash chemical weapons.

"Daesh are using motorcycles for their patrols to evade air detection, with pillion passengers using binoculars to check out buildings and streets," said Abu Maher, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

He and others contacted were preparing makeshift defences and had been stockpiling food in anticipation of the assault, which officials say could take weeks or even months. The residents withheld their full names for security reasons and Reuters was not able to verify their accounts independently.

The United States predicted Islamic State would suffer "a lasting defeat" as Iraqi forces mounted their biggest operation in Iraq since the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

But the offensive, which has assumed considerable importance for U.S. President Barack Obama as his term draws to a close, is fraught with risks.

These include sectarian conflict between Mosul's mainly Sunni population and advancing Shi'ite forces, and the potential for up to a million people to flee Mosul, multiplying a refugee crisis in the region and across Europe.

"We set up a fortified room in the house by putting sandbags to block the only window and we removed everything dangerous or flammable," Abu Maher said. "I spent almost all my money on buying food, baby milk and anything we might need."

The United Nations' humanitarian coordinator for Iraq said the military had told the U.N. it expected the first significant population movement to begin in five to six days, suggesting that is when the assault would move to the city itself.

Lise Grande said Iraqi security forces would transport fleeing civilians, who would be vetted to ensure Islamic State fighters could not hide among them, following residents' reports that militants had shaved off their beards to escape detection.

Video showing rockets and bursts of tracer bullets across the night sky and loud bursts of gunfire was shown on Qatar-based al-Jazeera television after Prime Minister Haider Abadi announced what he called "the heroic operations to free you from the terror and oppression of Daesh".

"We will meet soon on the ground in Mosul to celebrate liberation and your salvation," Abadi said in a speech on state television in the middle of the night, surrounded by commanders of the armed forces.

KURDISH FIGHTERS

The commander of the coalition, U.S. Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, said the operation to take Iraq's second largest city would likely continue for weeks, "possibly longer".

The Pentagon played down any new role for U.S. forces in the battle saying American personnel were behind the forward line of troops and acting in an advisory role to support Iraqis.

"Americans are again playing an advisor role, an enabler role for these Iraqi forces ... Most of the American forces in Iraq are not anywhere close to the front line," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook told a news briefing, saying many U.S. troops were on advisory or logistical support missions.

If Mosul falls, Raqqa in Syria will be Islamic State's last city stronghold.

"This is a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver ISIL a lasting defeat," U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a statement, using another acronym for Islamic State.

"We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISIL's hatred and brutality."

Islamic State has been retreating since the end of last year in Iraq, where it is battling U.S-backed government and Kurdish forces as well as Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi'ite militias.

But in a blow to the anti-IS campaign, last week the jihadists crushed a planned rebellion in Mosul intended to ease the recapture of the city.

The Iraqi Kurdish military command said 4,000 Peshmerga were taking part in an operation to clear villages held by Islamic State to the east of Mosul, in an attack coordinated with a push by Iraqi army units from the southern front.

Massoud Barzani, president of Iraq's Kurdistan region, said the operation was the first time the two forces had fought against Islamic State together and had taken about 200 square km of farm land and villages east of Mosul from the militants.

The IS-linked Amaq news agency said the group had launched 10 suicide attacks on advancing forces near Mosul and that Peshmerga forces had encircled five villages but failed to take them. None of the reports could be independently verified.

A column of black smoke was rising from one IS position on the eastern front, a Reuters correspondent said, apparently from burning oil being used to block the path of the Kurds and obscure the jets' view.

"We are the real Muslims, Daesh are not Muslims, no religion does what they did," said a young Kurdish fighter in battle dress as he scanned the plain east of Mosul from his position on the heights of Mount Zertik.

As he spoke a Humvee drove by with the word Rojava, or Syria's Kurdistan, painted on the machine gun turret.

"This is all Kurdistan," Major Shiban Saleh, one of the fighters onboard, said. "When we're done here, we will chase them to Raqqa or wherever they go," he said.

He said about 450 Syrian Peshmerga fighters were involved in the offensive, which aimed to take back nine villages on Monday.

Abdul Rahman Waggaa, a member of the exiled Provincial Council of Nineveh of which Mosul is the capital, told Reuters the advancing forces had yet to enter the city: "Activities are still outside of Mosul and the operation is not at full strength yet."

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS FEARED

Early on Monday, Abadi sought to allay fears that the operation would provoke sectarian bloodletting, saying that only the Iraqi army and police would be allowed to enter the mainly Sunni city. He asked Mosul's residents to cooperate with them.

Local Sunni politicians and regional Sunni-majority states including Turkey and Saudi Arabia warned that if Shi'ite militias take part in the assault they could spark sectarian violence.

The Iraqi army dropped tens of thousands of leaflets on Mosul before dawn on Sunday, warning residents the offensive was imminent, assuring them it "will not target civilians" and telling them to avoid known locations of Islamic State fighters.

Reflecting authorities' concerns over a mass exodus that would complicate the offensive and worsen the humanitarian situation, the leaflets told residents "to stay at home and not to believe rumours spread by Daesh" that could cause panic.

Resident Abu Abdullah said he had wanted to witness the beginning of the offensive.

"We heard repeated explosions at a distance, so I went to the rooftop to see fireballs, even if it was dangerous. I was happy that the operation to liberate Mosul started," he said.

In 2014, Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed a "caliphate" in Iraq and neighbouring Syria from Mosul's Grand Mosque. The group faced little resistance but has employed brutal methods to maintain control. On Monday, it circulated photographs showing children executing alleged spies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticised over the level of civilian casualties during Syrian government operations backed by Moscow in and around the city of Aleppo, said on Sunday he hoped the United States and its allies would do their best to avoid hitting civilians in the attack on Mosul.

The United Nations has said the battle would require the world's biggest and most complex humanitarian effort, which could leave up to 1 million people homeless and see civilians used as human shields or even gassed.

There are already more than three million people displaced in Iraq as a result of conflicts involving Islamic State and up to 100,000 Iraqis may flee Mosul to Syria and Turkey. Medicine is in short supply in Mosul and food prices have risen sharply.

"Families in Mosul started stockpiling food yesterday in case the fighting reaches our streets and we can no longer go out," said Saeed, a resident.

"Daesh are still in Mosul and it's not true that they left. They are continuing to erect blast walls in the streets to obstruct any advance."
Kenya Airways pilots halt strike plan - airline source

NAIROBI, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Pilots at Kenya Airways have halted plans to strike this week, a source at the airline said on Monday, after a court ruled last week that the action was illegal and the company said a stoppage would further hurt the loss-making airline.

"It is deferred," the source told Reuters when asked about the indefinite strike that had been due to start on Tuesday. The source did not give further details.
Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

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..Commentary Magazine..16 October '16..It was business as usual at the United Nations on Friday as the Security Council devoted a session to criticizing Israel . Just to make sure that the argument was skewed the event was titled Illegal Israeli Settlements: Obstacles to Peace and the Two-State Solution. So rather than a debate about the legality of settlements or whether they (as opposed to Palestinian intransigence) are really the main obstacle to peace, what occurred was a Star Chamber proceeding with the one Jewish state in the dock. The usual suspects decried the presence of Jews in the West Bank, lamented the lack of a Palestinian state, and counseled that unless Israel changes its ways, it will face unspecified consequences.But there was one thing that differentiated this day from all the Israel-bashing sessions that preceded it: the presence of two left-wing Jewish organizations to add their voices to the chorus of condemnation. Representatives from Americans for Peace Now and BTselem, an organization that bills itself as a human-rights group while working to undermine the efforts of the Israeli Defense Forces, showed up at the UN to join the gang tackle of the Jewish state.The testimony provided by the two groups was correctly contradicted by Israels UN representative, who pointed out the conflict is driven by Palestinian hate rather than Israeli home-building. But their decision to appear raises a serious question about the ethics involved in taking an active part in an effort designed to delegitimize Israel on the international stage. Its fair to ask whether it is appropriate for any organization that identifies as either Jewish or Israeli to assist a world body that is riddled with anti-Semitism in conducting a kangaroo-court procedure in which the Jewish state is judged guilty beforehand.The most egregious aspect of the presence of these two groups is the assertion made by Peace Nows Lara Friedman that her participation at the meeting was due to what she said was the harsh climate in Israel for human-rights groups. Their work was, she said, too important to be silenced. But no one is silencing Peace Now or BTselem in Israel.Its true that left-wing non-governmental organizations that seek to support the Palestinians against Israel are not particularly popular there these days. The 23 years of Palestinian terrorism and rejection of peace since the signing of the Oslo Accords have caused popular support for these groups to collapse. In particular, activities of outfits like BTselem and Breaking the Silence, which have taken steps to frustrate the IDFs efforts in responding to the current stabbing intifada, have brought them into general disrepute.In the past year, the backlash has led to a debate over a proposed law that would have required NGOs that get a majority of their financial support from hostile foreign governments (as is the case with BTselem) to be more transparent about their funding. The law would also have required that NGOs representatives who lobby the Knesset wear badges identifying themselves, much like lobbyists who work on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.One can argue that the bill was unnecessary, but the notion that it was a threat to democracy, free speech, or the ability of these groups to go on functioning is risible. Far from silenced, they continue to thrive with the help of European governments. They also receive more publicity for their efforts from both the generally liberal-leaning Israeli media (such as the left-wing), as well as from an adoring international press corps. The claim that Peace Now and BTselem had to go to the UN to be heard is ridiculous.The debate over the settlements and security policies continues in Israel with no restraints. Yet these left-wing groups remain unpopular because they seek to thwart Israeli democracy instead of defending it. The goal of their testimony at the UNSC was to encourage the world to enact measures that will isolate Israel and to force it to adopt policies that its government and the overwhelming majority of its people consider suicidal. That will remain the case so long as the Palestinians are committed to Israels destruction and the eviction of Jews from not just the West Bank but also Jerusalem. That point was emphasized by the vote they won at UNESCO yesterday, which denied the connection between Israels capital and the Jewish people.Peace Now and BTselem have the right to say what they like wherever they choose to say it. But those who join with Israels outright foes at the UN, of all places, in an effort to overthrow the verdict of Israeli democracy or to deny Jewish rights and security should not expect anything but contempt from Israelis and those who care about the Jewish states survival.
Sweden proposes measures to strengthen carbon prices

BRUSSELS, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Sweden has proposed measures to strengthen carbon prices from 2020, the country's climate minister told Reuters on Monday, seeking to soak up the glut of credit in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

A European bill to reform the ETS system to make big polluters pay for emissions is being debated by EU lawmakers and member states, but Sweden's climate minister Isabella Lovin has presented new proposals to 13 EU environment ministers with the aim of putting a ceiling on emmissions.

"The ETS system is not working now and we don't see that the (European) Commission's proposal is sufficient in making sure that the price signal is strengthened," Lovin said after a meeting with the 13 ministers who call themselves the Green Growth Group.

Prices under the ETS scheme have plummeted to 6 euros from highs above 30 euros in 2008 and are well below the level companies say is needed to spur investment in technology to cut emissions.

Lovin's proposals included a firming up of the Market Stability Reserve (MSR) to remove some of the surplus allowances, scrapping permits above a set ceiling and the possible introduction of an expiration date to cancel surplus permits after five years.

France has also announced plans for a carbon price mechanism to help to fix the ETS, but other EU nations fear that tougher pricing could push industry to relocate abroad.

While the Swedish proposals touch on a plan to tighten the rate at which permits should be removed from the market from 2020-2030, Lovin said doing so is politically difficult.

The European Parliament's industry committee have backed keeping what is known as the linear reduction factor at the 2.2 percent annual rate proposed by the Commission.

The chamber's Environment Committee, which has the main responsibility for reforms, favours a faster pace of reduction to take into account the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change, which was thrashed out by 195 nations last December.

It will vote on its amendment to the proposal in December.

Ian Duncan, who is shepherding the EU bill through the European Parliament, said last week that he was considering potential tweaks to the MSR, which would have a bullish effect on prices.

"I want to look at the market stability reserve again. I want to look at it now. Take allowances out of it now," he told the Carbon Pulse Carbon Forward conference.

In its drive for a more ambitious ETS, Sweden is also pioneering a programme to purchase and then scrap 30 million euros of carbon credits a year -- equating to about 10 percent of its total emissions -- from 2018 to 2040.
Venezuela probes reports of prison cannibal deaths

By Anggy Polanco

SAN CRISTOBAL, Venezuela, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Venezuelan authorities are investigating gruesome accusations that two men were murdered, mutilated by a confessed cannibal then fed to fellow prisoners in a riot at a police detention center.

Families of the two victims, Anthony Correa and Juan Carlos Herrera, said they died earlier in October towards the end of a month-long disturbance and siege at the overcrowded jail in the western city San Cristobal.

"They stabbed my son, hung him to bleed him, then called this man to cut him up. They did the same with the other young man," Herrera's father, also called Juan Carlos, told reporters, saying other prisoners had described it to him.

Correa's mother, Luz Sepulveda, said at the end of the siege, she noticed her son was neither in the list of detainees nor in a group being transported away.

"A public prosecutor came out and said he had to tell me something very painful: 'Your son was one of those they killed and ate'," she told Reuters from a house where she was in hiding for fear of reprisals for telling the story.

Both families said a self-confessed serial killer Dorangel Vargas, known to Venezuelans as "People-Eater" because of reports he cannibalized victims, had been used by a gang at the jail to dismember the bodies of their rivals.

The government has confirmed two deaths but not the circumstances. It has also arrested six policemen accused of helping prisoners.

Local opposition member of congress Franklyn Duarte said he has a video proving the cannibalism and would hand it to authorities with other evidence.

Prisons Minister Iris Varela suggested the cannibalism claims might be exaggerated. "The criminal investigation bodies must say what happened, based on scientific proof," she was quoted as saying in local media.

An official investigator in the town, however, told Reuters that interviews with prisoners had given credence to the families' version.

"The detainees we spoke to said Dorangel ate some body parts," he told Reuters, asking not to be named.

"They (the gang) cooked the (remaining) flesh and gave it to the rest of the inmates with rice. They ate without realizing it was two of their companions," he said, adding the men's intestines were tossed in pipes and bones burned.

The gang also force-fed some body parts to captured rival prisoners and cut the fingers off five inmates who refused to eat the flesh.
European Union condemns Russia bombing of Aleppo, says may be war crime

LUXEMBOURG, Oct 17 (Reuters) - The European Union condemned on Monday Syrian and Russian air strikes on the rebel-held part of Aleppo, singling out Moscow for deliberately targeting hospitals and medical personnel.

"Since the beginning of the offensive by the regime and its allies, notably Russia, the intensity and scale of the aerial bombardment of eastern Aleppo is clearly disproportionate," said the statement agreed by the EU's 28 governments.
Critics of Italy's constitutional reform worry over Senate, electoral law

ROME, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Italy holds a referendum on Dec. 4 on the government's proposed overhaul of the constitution.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's reform programme says the changes will bring greater political stability to Italy by curbing the powers of the upper house Senate and streamlining the lawmaking process.

Opponents argue that it will undermine democracy and say the reform is poorly written, leaving unanswered questions that risks sowing confusion if they are approved.

Here are some of the main criticisms levelled at the reform.

MAKE-UP OF THE SENATE

A lot of the angst focuses on the future role of the Senate. Under the reform, the number of senators will be cut from 315 to just 100. The senators will no longer be directly elected. Instead, five senators will be appointed by the president, 74 will be regional councillors and 21 mayors. There are some 8,000 mayors in Italy and it is has not been established how they will pick just 21 to be senators.

Critics say the mayors and regional councillors already have full-time jobs and will not be able to give the necessary attention to their new roles as senators.

The senators will be appointed following regional elections, which have a different cycle from the national ballots. This means that the political make up of the Senate could very well be different from that of the lower house.

Critics say this could create friction in those areas where the Senate will still have a legislative say.

SENATE POWERS

Under the current system the Senate and lower house have identical powers. They both have to approve all laws and they can both bring down governments with no-confidence votes.

The reform strips the Senate of most of its powers, turning it into mainly a consultative assembly. However, its approval is still needed for laws that change the constitution, the electoral system, the organs of government, laws on referendums and EU-related issues.

In addition, the Senate has to examine the annual budget law within two weeks of its approval. Its observations are passed back to the lower house, where they can be accepted or rejected.

The Senate can request to review other laws, but again, any changes it proposes can be ignored by the lower house.

Critics say a confrontational Senate could review every law, creating constant tensions with the government and significantly raising the political temperature in Italy.

Supporters of the reform dismiss this, saying ending the automatic back-and-forth passage of bills between the two houses will speed up the legislative process. Critics say Italy already passes more laws that neighbours such as France and Germany. They argue that Italy needs more coherent, better written laws.

ELECTORAL LAW

Although a 2015 electoral reform is not part of the constitutional overhaul and is already law, it looms large in every debate on the merits of the referendum. Critics say the two measures taken together will place too much power in the hands of the party leader who wins an election.

Under the two-round electoral law, called the Italicum, whichever party wins a second round run-off ballot is guaranteed to take 55 percent of seats in the lower house of parliament. This should, in theory, enable it to rule for a full five-year term - something that has not happened since World War Two.
Yemen ceasefire set to start on Wednesday night -U.N envoy

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 17 (Reuters) - A 72-hour ceasefire in Yemen is due to start on Wednesday night, the U.N. envoy for Yemen said on Monday after he received commitments from all of the country's warring factions.

U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said the cessation of hostilities would begin at 2359 local time (2059 GMT) on Wednesday and could be renewed after the initial three-day period, the United Nations said in statement.

"The Special Envoy welcomes the restoration of the Cessation of Hostilities, which will spare the Yemeni people further bloodshed and will allow for the expanded delivery of humanitarian assistance," the statement said.

Earlier on Monday, Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdel-Malek al-Mekhlafi said on his official Twitter feed that President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi had agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire with the possibility of it being extended.

"The President agreed to a 72 hrs ceasefire to be extended if the other party adheres to it, activates the DCC (De-escalation and Coordination Committee) and lifts the siege of Taiz," he said.

The DCC is the United Nations-backed military commission responsible for overseeing ceasefires in Yemen.

Hadi's exiled government has been requesting humanitarian access for Taiz, a divided city largely encircled by the Houthi rebels who overran Yemen's capital, Sanaa, in 2014. Government forces maintain control of only one of four access routes.

The Iranian-aligned Houthis and their allies, forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, hold most of Yemen's northern half, while forces loyal to the Saudi-backed Hadi share control of the rest of the country with local tribes.

Houthi officials could not immediately be reached for comment about the ceasefire.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said on Monday that Saudi Arabia was prepared to accept a ceasefire if the Houthis agreed to one, but that he was sceptical about peace efforts after previous ceasefire attempts failed.
(L-R): Vinesh Athukorala - Group Chief Executive Officer, Blue Mountain, Ridma Madawatte - Chief Executive Officer, Blue Mountain Apartments, Dr. Hiran Hettiarachchi - Group Chairman, Blue Mountain, Thilan Anuradha - Group Director, Blue Mountain, Praneetha Navaratne (Head of Research & Development-Blue Mountain)

Sri Lankas foremost real estate group, The Blue Mountain Group, has won five prestigious awards at the South Asian Partnership Summit & Business Awards hosted by World HRD Congress and endorsed by the Asian Confederation of Businesses. South Asian Business Awards recognise the prestige of the outstanding companies, organizations, and leaders in South Asian Region business world. The awards won by Blue Mountain are: Property Consultant of the Year  Residential; Emerging Developer of the year - Commercial  Luxury; Best Real Estate PR Company of the year; Luxury Project of the year; and Residential property of the year  Luxury. The prestigious award ceremony followed by a gala dinner was held at the Waters Edge on the 13th October 2016.

Since its inception, Blue Mountain (Pvt) Ltd has revolutionized the local real estate market by infusing a professional ethos by leveraging on its expertise in conceiving and executing a profusion of urbane real estate projects encompassing luxury residential plots and commercial properties. The company is focused on delivering innovative design, exclusive standards of construction, superior customer service and deep community values.

The South Asian Business Excellence Awards ceremony was attended by 200 senior leaders and bureaucrats from various countries in the South Asia. Senior officials from the Government of Sri Lanka were also part of this event. The Jury consisted of prominent senior leaders, researchers and academicians, namely, Dr. Arun Arora, Ex President and CEO, The Economic Times, Edvance Pre-schools Pvt. Ltd. & Emeritus Chairman - World HRD Congress; Dr. Harish Mehta, Chairman & MD - Onward Technologies Ltd, Emeritus Chairman - World HRD Congress & Founder Member  NASSCOM; Jack Jones, Global Chairman, World HRD Congress; Prof. Indira Parikh, Ex Dean of IIM Ahmedabad & President  Antardisha; Dr. R L Bhatia, Founder, World CSR Day and World Sustainability; and Nina E. Woodard, President & Chief "N" Sights Officer, Nina E. Woodard & Associates, a division of NDPendence Inc.
Arjun Fernando  CEO of DFCC Bank exchanging the agreement with Tilak Gunasekera  Managing Director/CEO of DFCC Bank along with other senior members from DFCC Bank and Sathosa Motors

DFCC Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sathosa Motors on 7th October 2016 at the DFCC Head office. The CEOs of the two institutions signed the MoU, which will facilitate the leasing of Isuzu branded vehicles for DFCC Banks customers. Sathosa Motors is the sole authorised agent in Sri Lanka for Isuzu Commercial vehicles, which is the No.1 Japanese brand for commercial vehicles in the world. The reputation for quality and reliability that both DFCC Bank and Sathosa Motors hold in the market will ensure a successful collaboration that offers the Banks customers the opportunity to purchase a good quality vehicle at a lower cost.

Arjun Fernando, CEO of DFCC Bank commented on the partnership with Sathosa Motors: We are pleased to sign an MoU with Sathosa Motors as this arrangement enables us to offer multiple benefits to our customers, while at the same time expanding our leasing portfolio significantly. As the market leader in the light commercial segment, Sathosa Motors Isuzu range of vehicles will be the ideal choice for several of our customer segments in terms of both price and durability. DFCC Bank is committed to meeting the aspirations of our customers by entering into such enriching partnerships.

The Managing Director/CEO of Sathosa Motors, Mr.Tilak Gunasekera added: Sathosa Motors is delighted to enter into a partnership with the highly reputed DFCC Bank to offer unbelievable discounts for Isuzu vehicles through DFCCs leasing facilities. We are confident that attractive discounts from between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 150,000 on our range of vehicles will attract new customers to DFCC Bank and drive sales of our vehicles. We are also excited to introduce the new one cube Tipper for the first time in Sri Lanka to the Banks customers during the period of the MoU. Sathosa Motors will also serve DFCC Bank customers by taking the trucks, pickups and buses to many of the Banks selected branches around the island for the benefit of its customers.

DFCC Bank continuously strives to create sustainable value for all stakeholders and provide its valued customers with a comprehensive range of innovative financial solutions.
Thirukumar Nadesan, a relative of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) in connection with the 16 acres of land at Mapitigama in Malwana which was said to have been owned by former minister Basil Rajapaksa.

Mr. Nadesan is married to the former presidents niece Nirupama Rajapaksa. The arrest was made after the FCID recorded his statement with regard to the land.

Earlier, Pugoda Magistrate and Additional District Judge D. A. Ruwanpathirana ordered that the block of land be auctioned in the case filed by the FCID against the former minister under the Money Laundering Act.

The controversy deepened after the former minister claimed that he was neither the owner of the block of land nor of the house that was built on it.(DS)

Video by Buddhi
President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and said Sri Lanka is willing to strengthen coordination and communication with China in international and regional affairs.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the eighth BRICS summit in India. President Sirisena said the time-tested relations between the two countries have gained a stronger momentum under the new situation.

According to CCTV News, Chinese President Xi had said China-Sri Lanka relations have seen positive and healthy development momentum and that China will work with Sri Lanka to carry forward the traditional friendship.

To further their relations, Xi suggested the two sides maintain high-level contacts and political communication, and continue to show mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests.

He called on the two sides to deepen cooperation in the sectors of trade, port operation, infrastructure construction, port-vicinity industrial parks, production capacity and people's livelihood.

Sri Lanka is a member of the Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a regional mechanism that is aimed at connecting South Asian and Southeast Asian countries and also groups Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand.

On the margins of the BRICS summit in Goa, Xi and other BRICS leaders held dialogues with the BIMSTEC leaders and representatives.
Kuwaiti Ambassador in Sri Lanka Khalaf Bu Dhhair said his country is willing to help Sri Lankas development plans with required investments.

The envoy conveyed this when he made a courtesy call to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) recently and held talks with Chairman Samantha Ranatunga.

Kuwait is keen to engage in oil exploration and distribution activities in Sri Lanka, Dhhair revealed. He also said Kuwait is willing to engage in the fields of construction and tourism in the country.

The ambassador observed that people to people movement and more business-to-business meetings between the Kuwaiti and Sri Lankan businesses will help enhance commercial ties between the two nations.

In response, Ranatunga said, The Ceylon Chamber is ever willing to help Kuwait and its business firms to conduct business in Sri Lanka, in whatever way we can.

He also cited the upcoming trade agreements as ideal platforms for investors to start up projects in Sri Lanka to capitalize on the trade agreements.

CCC Deputy General Secretary Alikie Perera, Senior Assistant Secretary General Lilakshini De Mel and Chief Economist Anushka Wijesinha were present during the meeting.

Trade between Sri Lanka and Kuwait during the year 2015 has totalled to a sum of US $ 68 million, with Sri Lankas exports accounting for US $ 39 of it, with coffee, tea and spices earning the highest share out of the total exports.
Miss Puerto Rico Heilymar Rosario, was crowned Miss Intercontinental 2016 at the pageant at Stein Studios in Ratmalana last evening.

Miss Sri Lanka Tracy Zylva, emerged 1st runner up, while the 2nd runner up was Miss Ghana Silvia Commodore.

Title holders from over 60 countries were in Sri Lanka for this event.

This was the first time that a reputed global pageant was held in Sri Lanka and the first time in 20 years that a major pageant was held in South Asia. Pix by Nisal Baduge
Security has been enhanced at the Tiruchi international airport in India in view of President Maithiripala Sirisenas impending transit halt at the airport on Monday, the Hindu reported.

President Sirisena will arrive in Tiruchi around 1.45 p.m. by an Air India chartered flight from Goa where he had come to attend the BRICS- BIMSTEC outreach summit.

He will be accompanied by a 25-member high-level delegation from Goa on board the special flight.

Upon arrival, he would be given a red carpet welcome as per protocol and he would be received by Collector K.S. Palanisamy and other top officials.

Police sources said President Sirisena will be taken in a bullet-proof car to the terminal building where he would be staying for nearly two hours in the VIP lounge.

He will leave for Colombo by a Sri Lankan Airlines flight from here at around 3.30 p.m. accompanied by his entourage.

Anti-sabotage teams have already been deployed inside the airport and at vantage points. Separate teams to mount surveillance would be deployed. Security would be augmented on Monday to check vehicles at the entry gate of the airport, which is guarded round-the-clock by Central Industrial Security Force personnel.

The check post near airport would be strengthened and an additional check post would be set up.

A coordination meeting convened by Collector K.S. Palanisamy on Sunday was attended by senior officials of city police, intelligence, CISF and other agencies.
here were two disturbing developments last week. First, it was President Maithripala Sirisenas speech at an event held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, where he expressed his displeasure and disgust at the hauling before the court of the former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and three former commanders of the Navy, in a case filed by the Bribery Commission.

The Presidents speech sent shivers across the country, for it implied a clear departure from the pledges, he made during the election - and had tried to live by with a varying degrees of success since in power.

Many observers viewed it as a growing rift between the President and the UNP, the main constituent party of the Unity Government, being played out in public. The President later said he had been misquoted and quoted out of context.

The other was the deepening rot involving the Perpetual Treasuries, the controversial bond dealer connected to the family of the former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran.

A leaked Central Bank draft report revealed that the primary dealer of which Arjun Aloysius, the son-in-law of the ex-Central Bank Governor was a founding director had made a whopping after-tax-profit exceeding 10 billion rupees for the 14 months from April 2015 to May 2016.

That is also the period corresponding to Mr. Mahendrans tenure at the Central Bank. During the same period, the cumulative after-tax profit of the rest of the bond traders in the market was just Rs. 544 million. This defies basic logic and one needs not to be an economist to feel something is fishy.

The Monetary Board of the Central Bank itself has expressed concern on the sharp disparity in the performance of primary dealers, as well as certain issues related to the pattern of trading activities.

Last week the court ordered the auctioning of a multi-million rupee house and land, allegedly belonged to former minister Basil Rajapaksa, of which ownership he had denied.

However, the Governments response has been muted. There are two explanations.

The optimistic scenario is that the authorities are awaiting the final report of the Monetary Board. The monetary board in a media statement said the future course of action would be decided upon the completion of on-site-investigation reports.

However, the other disturbing prospect is that after all the hullabaloo , the politically connected would get away with a slap on their wrists to enjoy their ill- gotten wealth- while the poor are sent to jail for the theft of a coconut.

" The disturbing prospect is that after all the hullabaloo , the politically connected would get away with a slap on their wrists to enjoy their ill- gotten wealth- while the poor is sent to jail for the theft of a coconut."



This is on-your-face crony capitalism. The UNP has a past record of it- though some of which were inevitable fallouts of the initial stage of capitalism, a malady seen in most later successful economies in South East and East Asia during their early days.

However, the same excuse cannot be peddled now.

That such abuses are revealed and investigated is a sign of change. But, since we have channelled our energies to deliberate on those abstract matters  secularism, devolution, constitutionalism -as we have been doing since the independence, and tend to think corruption ended with the former regime, real economic concerns risk being relegated. However a corrupt democracy is not the change the people voted for.

Yahapalanaya is also faced with another familiar dilemma that countries encountered in their democratic transition.

When the President spoke out last week about his discontent at certain actions undertaken by the Bribery Commission, he perhaps unintentionally, highlighted this predicament. Countries from Indonesia to Chile, which underwent democratic transition after protracted autocratic regimes did not choose to lock up the entire old guard, because, that was a recipe for disorder.

When the President , as the commander- in- chief raised concerns over the indictment of military commanders or the prolong detention in remand custody of military personnel, he is making a point for stability - and he echoes the concerns of many thousands of officers and other ranks- and a sizeable portion of the Sinhalese majority.

"We live in an imperfect world among imperfect people in an imperfect time, in which too much idealism, at best, exploded as harmless windbags"



On the other hand, the Bribery Commission is acting on its constitutional mandate and with the good intentions of its activist staff. Their intentions are noble, however, Sri Lanka which ended a brutal war with means at its disposal, cannot behave like Sweden.

Our circumstances are different and we were not born yesterday. It takes years for the democratic transition to complete, and those who are overseeing the process should be mindful of potential drawbacks if they try to overdo certain things.

It would be wonderful if all the perpetrators be held accountable for their past crimes. That is what the rights groups, civil society activists, diplomats and many others are rooting for, though for different reasons, some of which are noble, some less so.

However, we live in an imperfect world among imperfect people in an imperfect time, in which too much idealism, at best, exploded as harmless windbags and, at worst , created killing fields and Gulags.

The Government should be cognizant of the past we try to leave behind, and in the process, not let it to haunt the present and the harm the prospects of the future. Instead, it should put more emphasis on the present. Dwelling too much in the past in order to appease some, would antagonize many others, who are numerically large. Perhaps, the president is making that point.

Follow RangaJayasuriya @RangaJayasuriya on Twitter
ote to Regret - be it North or South. Blame attaches to the Vote, tailed by regret,directed at the candidate that succeeds in picking your vote. Time for jubilation was short as the expectations were too high: fallout was rapid.

Did you fault yourself in voting for a regime change or otherwise, overthrowing a regime that was corrupt to the rim and brought another to office, corrupt to the edge? Watched, in vain, your valued vote that courageously dispatched home, over-baked parliamentarians: returned to a higher office of ministerial rank in a government of Mr. Good Governance via the national list. He trusted defeated candidates for disloyalty to Rajapaksa matters little  since you have learnt to suffer any indignity gracefully.

Realised your folly belatedly, too late to revise or rectify. Fire burns in the loins with seething anger as prices rise in the market square that makes them non-affordable.

Would you vote again to punish the regime that cheated you to restore good governance: by bringing a discredited bunch back to office? Are you a subscriber to lax governance?You rightfully wanted to teach a lesson that you never learnt? That is the nature of democracy, silly!

Dont plead for lack of options -- (what could we do? Who else is to vote?) You are the master of your own household, use your grey cells, if any.

Elections are orchestrated and the results manipulated by the party in office. It is important to set a trend by winning early rounds at local authority elections. It creates a drift, as it did at the miniscule cooperative election results, inching towards the Joint Opposition.

"Poor MR has placed his last trump in his depleted hand of aces to the minorities- (a) to do away with the concurrent list and (b) of a bonanza to the Muslims. On this issue he has lost much of the Sinhala Buddhist votes, his last bastion "



Now the voters in the North, again, have no option - but to show a preference for Sampanthan or Wigneswaran. Problem is self-created. An unholy coalition is in power without a credible opposition, with a weird leader C.V. Wigneswaran, on show, with no clout, which he searches desperately for, by shifting positions testing the most - vantages. South misreads the message. Are you for peace through reconciliation or for the resuming of hostilities at an opportune moment?

Tamils in the North have no spokesmen to speak their minds and the communication gap continues. MR used the security situation to select two provinces most favourable to him for early local government elections amidst protest from the UNP. It set a winning pattern that encouraged his forces to dominate the field and discouraged the opposing from surfacing prematurely to display preferences - message received by the voters in the neighbouring provinces; soon it became infectious as provinces at regular intervals fell to MR.

"Realised your folly belatedly, too late to revise or rectify. Fire burns in the loins with seething anger as prices rise in the market square that makes them non-affordable. "



Our generation did their duty by the country by eliminating terrorism. Now the ball is with the next generation to hunt for sunshine. Do they have the spunk, guts and grit? Are they belching human rights industry and burping discarded western values of mixed- up kids?

Chief Minister Wigneswaran walks to a controversy with his talk, in search of headlines that would propel him to be the next leader of the TNA. Tamils have an opportunity of jettisoning CV and joining the mainstream on the results of the coming elections.Their fate is in their hands as South keeps watch.

Notwithstanding previous protests, for its survival, UNP has no option but to pick two provinces for the local elections - may hold elections in the Central [Districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Matale] and Eastern [Districts of Batticoloa, Trincomalee and Amparai] Provinces exclusively in the first round but UNP should not postpone the Southern provincial elections too close to a national election, as it had stayed strongly with MR at the worst of times. However, Presidential and General elections were held and results released island-wide within 48 hours. Another hoax is in offer?

Rajapaksa held the Uva PC and lost to the UNP with Badulla District bringing the votes just prior to the Presidential elections displaying a trend that enabled UNP to get off to a jump-start. A wiser man would have held Uva elections earlier and held the Southern PC elections just prior to the Presidential elections to display that he carried the winning streak. A similar error was made by President D.B. Wijetunga to hold the Southern and Western PC elections prior to the national elections that brought Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaranatunga (CBK) to the forefront; she leapt over a bemused Anura Bandaranaike to become the Oppositions Presidential candidate.

"Gotabhaya [Gota] Rajapaksa is the formidable candidate for the Opposition at the moment; he is the unseen new boy that has displayed positive results in every task he undertook. He is attractive to the young and the urbane unlike the populist aged MR. "



Gotabhaya [Gota] Rajapaksa is the formidable candidate for the Opposition at the moment; he is the unseen new boy that has displayed positive results in every task he undertook. He is attractive to the young and the urbane unlike the populist aged MR.

The political grapevine is suggesting that President Sirisena has serious issues with the UNP and would prefer to install Gotabhaya as his Prime Minister ahead of Ranil Wickremesinghe. This could be loose conjecture but Gota should consider running as the prime candidate for the Matale district [electorates of Dambulla, Laggala, Rattota and Matale] on the Opposition slate at the coming elections to stay focussed. There would be an electrifying surge for thenew force that leads to a merger of forces within the SLFP with a new leader in the making.War heroes would be his prime assets speaking to the nation on his platform.

He should not make a pitch for Chief Minister: wait till it falls into his lap. Local councillors of varied political complexions are swifter pole-vaulters than parliamentarians.

However, this move may not be attractive to the JO hierarchy, who may be grooming other candidates for high office. Flashing is the red alarm for Gota, as he has to attract voter confidence with an early showing, as did CBK: enabled her to overtake her brother/mother in a leadership quest and to plot a fresh route and gave the SLFP, a novel direction with a new team. Gota would lose his momentum to his brother, if he stands and stares; MR would gladly fill the vacuum. Gota is too loyal to his elder brother and may loose the opportunity.

An impetus is the need of the moment. Many SLFP stalwarts would realize the folly of running a consecutively twice -- defeated MR -- a prime cause for the SLFP to remain divided and for its defeat due to the tolerated antics of the family.

MR needs the artful mind of his smart brother Basil to pull a rabbit out of the hat. Yet, he has more to gain if another brother leads the SLFP to victory more surely than him.

Rajapaksas are a close clan and highly bonded. MR may be the first to give way to a brother in the making.

"MR needs the artful mind of his smart brother Basil to pull a rabbit out of the hat. Yet, he has more to gain if another brother leads the SLFP to victory more surely than him. "



Gota has two hazards to overcome -- the minority vote and a lesser evil, the attachment to Duminda de Silva, (lovable as Saradiel to the masses in distributing freebies from sources questionable), with his largeness. A weird relationship for a disciplined military man!

Was he not the (invisible) appointed advisor, to the Defence Ministry while Sajin Vaz Gunewardane held a similar (visible) position in the Foreign Ministry? Who cares in this corrupt sleazy criminalized society?

Most elders in the SLFP would sprint to the winning side to become the early birds. Others would join in this steeplechase overcoming any hurdle to be on the winning side as its pioneers.

Poor MR has placed his last trump in his depleted hand of aces to the minorities- (a) to do away with the concurrent list and (b) of a bonanza to the Muslims. On this issue he has lost much of the Sinhala Buddhist votes, his last bastion. He, for sure, will not gain the Northern votes, either, remembering his 13 plus loose talk. The available avenue for the SLFP is to change its stance and state the three lists (Reserved, Concurrent and Provincial) would be re-arranged, but who would believe them? It would be more of a disarrangement.

MR cannot lift a campaign without the mastermind of Basil but his running out of the country on the night of the lost election was fatal. None is smarter than Basil in the SLFP but carries more minuses than pluses.

Gota is not a political animal; carries an incurable deficiency of not playing to the gallery, fortunately gets his priorities correct. Surely, like his more illustrious brother, Gota will not sell the country that he recovered from the terrorists.
While hailing the transformation taking place in Sri Lanka, Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured President Maithripala Sirisena that Russia was always willing to support Sri Lanka.

The two leaders met last evening during the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit in Goa, India.

President Sirisena, who was warmly welcomed by President Putin,expressed his gratitude to Russia for its unconditional support given to Sri Lanka at the UNHRC Summit.

He stressed the importance of strengthening ties between the two countries.
Only need to lay down powers for centre and provinces

There is agreement in principle on electoral reforms

MP Dr. Jayampathi Wickramaratne, who plays a pivotal role in the Constitution- making process, says he is optimistic about the process this time. In an interview the Dailly Mirror had with Dr. Wickramaratne, who served in the drafting committee of the 2000 Constitution, he spoke about the meaningful and extensive devolution of power. Excerpts of the interview:



How far have you progressed in the Constitution-making process at the Steering Committee?

The Steering Committee has been meeting very regularly. I do not have permission from it to disclose the content of discussion. I can say that the committee has issued a statement. The reports of sub-committees are now in. We have not still gone into the sub-committee reports. The Steering Committee is dealing with certain subjects directly, such as electoral reforms, the nature of State, devolution, the executive and so forth. Thus far, no finality has been reached on any of these. We have actually discussed three issues in main. There is some agreement on electoral reforms - a mixed member proportional system. Details have to be worked out because there are different views. In principle, there is some understanding. On the executive, the Presidents position is clear that it has to be abolished. The President has to make a public statement. Then, we should look at how the present executive should be replaced with. The principles of devolution are under discussion by us. Things like the nature of State and the place for religion have not even been touched.



In terms of electoral reforms, how far have you agreed upon in your view?

It is not in my option. There is now a movement towards a mixed member proportional system. The Prime Minister too said this in New Zealand. We are looking at the New Zealand system. Overall, it is a proportional representation system, but into it, inbuilt is the First Past the Post System. Every voter will have his or her own MP for his electorate. The composition of parliament will be very close to the proportional representation system.



Does it mean there is agreement among the two major parties?

I am not saying that. Please dont put words into my mouth. I am only saying we are moving towards that. But, a number of issues have to be ironed out. Basic agreement is there.



What about the executive presidency?

I want to emphasize that this is my personal position. It is also the stance of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) to which I belong - the partys majority group. We are for the complete abolition of the executive presidency. In fact, a majority of people are. We are also very happy that the president has made it very clear that he is for the abolition of it. The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) too agrees with the presidents current position. The United National Party (UNP), which introduced it, is also for the abolition of it. What we discuss is how and what it should be replaced with - whether we go back to the traditional Westminster model we had before 1978, or should there be a variation.

In a traditional Westminster system, the Prime Minister is the person who commands the support of the majority of MPs in Parliament. That person will be asked to form the government by the Head of State, the Governor under the Soulbury Constitution and the President under the 1972 Constitution. If he or she loses the majority in Parliament, then the government will fall.

"We are strongly for an undivided, indivisible country. Our position is that if a Provincial Council takes steps against the indivisibility of the country, the centre must have the power to intervene. At the same time, we say that power to intervene must not be abused"



There is a school of thought. People are against frequent elections and that the incoming Prime Minister must be given a fair trial of two years. The government cannot be brought down within these two years. I have no major objection to such an agreement. We need such a provision. We need to discuss it further. In other countries like Germany and Spain, when a no-confidence motion is moved against the government, it must be mentioned in the same motion as to who the next Prime Minister is. We can think about such things. I agree that people dont like frequent elections.

In the present backdrop, major parties must be encouraged to work with each other, or otherwise definitely with smaller parties. Coalitions are good, as you can get wide consensus, especially when the country is going through a crisis or else has emerged from one.



There is a perception that the abolition of executive presidency will pave way for Provincial Councils with devolved power to move towards being independent units. How do you respond?

Whatever power that remains with the centre regarding Provincial Councils will remain with it despite the abolition of the executive presidency. Whatever power the president would have in respect of Provincial Councils would reside with the Head of State. The only difference is that he will act on the advice of the Prime Minister. That is a fallacy as a result. For example, the central powers for acting in case of an emergency, dissolution of a Provincial Council moving towards separatism will remain as they are. I must tell you that the present Constitution does not empower the centre to dissolve a Provincial Council, unless on the advice of the Chief Minister concerned. In the case of North-East Provincial Council Chief Minister Varatharajah Perumal, special legislations had to be brought. I am for the Constitution having such special provisions to act in an emergency situation. Also, there must be safeguards against the misuse of such powers by the centre. Some people tend to think that the centre does not misuse the powers vested upon it.

The successive governments in the centre have been misusing power. We must have safeguards.



What about the character of the Constitution?

My position is that we should not cling on to these labels. First, it is because people have different notions about this nomenclature. For example, if you go outside my house and ask ten people if they wanted a unitary state, they would say yes. If you ask them to define it, they will say an undivided, indivisible country. In traditional Constitutional law terms, a unitary state is one in which the centre can take back powers that have been devolved. That is how it is changing. Take the United Kingdom for example. It is the mother of all unitary states. There, Scotland, Ireland and Wales have been given different levels of devolved power. The Good Friday Agreement with the Republic of Ireland provides that if a majority of people in Northern Ireland someday decide to join the Republic of Ireland, it will be respected. There are so many indivisible unitary states in the United Kingdom.

If there is a referendum in Scotland and it decides to go away, England is not going to stop it. The Westminster Parliament is supreme. There is an MoU which binds the government of the UK and the devolved units. The Westminster Parliament will not exercise its sovereign power of making legislations on devolved power, unless with the consent of Northern Ireland, Scotland and so forth.

In the UK also, things are changing.

"We are for the complete abolition of the executive presidency. In fact, a majority of people are. We are also very happy that the president has made it very clear that he is for the abolition of it"



What is the actual position of the LSSP you represent?

We believe that we should not use labels. We are strongly for an undivided, indivisible country. Our position is that if a Provincial Council takes steps against the indivisibility of the country, the centre must have the power to intervene. At the same time, we say that power to intervene must not be abused. There must be safeguards against the abuse of power. We are not for using labels such as Unitary or Federal. These concepts are also changing all over the world. Rather than having labels, what is important is to lay down the powers of the provinces and the central government. In the Steering Committee, the nature of the State has not been discussed even.



What is your position on devolution of power?

We, the left parties, are for extensive and meaningful devolution of power.



How do you compare it with the power devolved under the 13th Amendment?

What is the experience of power devolution over the last 28 years? We have seen that successive governments have been using virtually every full stop and comma in the 13th Amendment to take back powers unconstitutionally. A good example is agrarian services. If agrarian services cannot be devolved, what can be devolved then? It is an area so close to tenant cultivators. When the Provincial Councils were set up, during the first three years, there were Departments of Agrarian Services there. Then, misinterpreting a Supreme Court judgment, the government of the day in 1991 took over all the departments. In 2003, in a case in which I also appeared, the Supreme Court clarified those agrarian services should continue to be a power of the Provincial Councils. Up to now, the subject has not been handed back to Provincial Councils. That is the experience.

Of course, the 13th Amendment has faults. One is the power to take over. In the guise of making national polices, it leaves room for taking over power. Under the Divi Neguma Act, a large number of powers have been taken over.

"What is the experience of power devolution over the last 28 years? We have seen that successive governments have been using virtually every full stop and comma in the 13th Amendment to take back powers unconstitutionally"



I am not against national standards being made by the centre such as the national health policy, education and so forth. Nor am I against national framework legislations being formulated by the centre. That must be done with the participation of provinces.

We can see how provincial schools have functioned. If you take the results of the last Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, who topped? It is mostly students from provincial schools. There were a few national schools with better performance. This should be an eye-opener to show that provinces can do better with devolved power.



What is your opinion on the Northern Provincial Council?

The North Provincial Council has not done enough work. Their statute making is very slow. They could have done much better. People in the North also expected much more. They are entitled to take any position regarding national issues. They should produce something without trotting out excuses. People do agree that provincial councils could have done better even with limited power.

I agree that the centre is not supportive of the Provincial Councils as such in general.



Many Constitutional proposals were evolved at different points of time. What is the best set of proposals?

We cannot say any particular model because things keep changing. There has been the 2000 draft. There has been the report by the APRC. Some can be applicable today, and some not. It is difficult to say which is better than the other. We have to get the best out of all these proposals.



What is your comment on the 2000 draft which you were involved in?

I think it is a very good draft. I am proud that I was in the drafting committee. It came towards the tail end of that government. Can you make a Constitution during the last few months of a parliamentary term?

If you delay the process, other political factors come into play. At the same time, we should not go too fast.



How optimistic are you of the current process?

I am very optimistic. In 1972, the United Front government imposed a Constitution. In 1978, the UNP imposed a constitution. Neither the UNP nor SLFP has a simple majority. Together, they have a comfortable majority. The budget was passed last time with the support of the TNA. They must be flexible.
There are wars and there are the TV wars and it is the second variety that has been raging over the last few weeks in the media studios throughout the land. The September 18 attack on Uri Army headquarters provided the trigger for TV anchors, ruling politicians and sundry other warmongers itching to declare war on Pakistan.

The luminaries of the political and defence establishment, who, despite Pathankot, had ignored security and were guilty of facilitating 19 soldiers' deaths by the gross negligence of lodging them in inflammable tents, escaped all scrutiny. All lapses were well hidden behind a smokescreen of war clouds of their own making.

The shrillness of the war cries yet shows no signs of abating. A variety of war games are being played out on prime time. Many media outlets had, even before the announcement by the Indian Army of surgical strikes, already invented and announced surgical strikes of their own.

As the media sets up televised war rooms complete with maps and digital models, every actual, notional or imagined step of the armed forces is being chalked out and projected  more surgical strikes, Indian fidayeen units, hot pursuit, and implementation of doctrines of cold start, and even limited nuclear war. The "war" with Pakistan is being fought out in full media glare even before it actually begins.

A make-believe war

An actual war with Pakistan is yet a remote possibility. Military confrontations in these times are usually proxy wars, with one or the other big power backing each of the sides. Both India and Pakistan being well within the same American camp, the likelihood of the US consenting to declarations of war on each other is extremely low. Meanwhile, major military moves contrary to Washington's wishes are not options either country's ruling class is willing to contemplate.

But a make-believe war too has its fair share of backers. The party in power can reap a rich harvest of votes; a jingoistic anchor and his channel can rake in the TRPs; a corporate house entering armaments can speed up the contracts.

So, war or no war, the business of warmongering will carry on. Under the camera glare, politicians will thump their chests and anchors will shout themselves hoarse, creating choruses from all corners.

Real and lethal internal wars

But TV wars are not the only type of wars. There are some very real and very lethal wars being waged by the Indian state in various parts of the country. Some of them have been on for decades with death counts far surpassing anything on the Line of Control (LoC). The news of these, however, rarely makes it to the newspaper headlines or prime time TV.

In just the last three months of protests in Kashmir, the casualty count has been 92 dead and over 12,000 injured.

One such war is the one waged against the almost three-decade-long mass insurgency for self-determination in Jammu and Kashmir, which has caused a death toll between 44,000 and 1,10,000 as per various estimates.

In just the last three months of mass protests against the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Burhan Wani, the casualty count has been 92 dead and over 12,000 injured, including 1,000 blinded in firing and shot-gun pellet attacks by security forces. These figures far outstrip the numbers of Indian citizens killed and injured in all the external conflicts waged by India since 1947.

Another conflict is the five-decade-old attempt by the Indian state to wipe out the Naxalite movement. The toll here too runs to several thousand. While the estimates for earlier years are disputed, government figures for the last 20 years run to around 14,000.

In the last seven months, Chhattisgarh's Bastar region alone has seen more than a 100 adivasis killed in encounters shown by civil rights groups to be fake.

Jammu and Kashmir figures in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most militarised zone.

Jammu and Kashmir figures in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most militarised zone. It has seven lakh military and paramilitary personnel in comparison to a population of only 125 lakh giving a soldier-people ratio of 1:18. A similar situation exists in the Bastar division of Chhattisgarh, which has one lakh paramilitary forces for a population of 31 lakh, that is, a soldier-people ratio of 1:31.

A report submitted to the United Nations by the Working Group on Human Rights in India points to similar intensified militarisation in the northeastern states. It has been a conflict zone right since 1947, with many groups fighting for self-determination. Government statistics admit to 21,400 fatalities from these conflicts in the last 25 years.

Wars without witness

As the body counts in such war zones grow grimmer, information flows from these parts get scantier. In fact, there has been a concerted attempt by the state and mainstream media to ensure that news and views on these wars remain highly restricted and are even fabricated.

The recent resignation by Naseer Ahmed, a senior Kashmir journalist with the Ambani-owned TV channel IBN7 brought to light the role of the Delhi-based media centres in fabricating news reports as per state directives and preventing factual reporting of the killings and unrest.

Raids on Kashmiri newspaper offices, Facebook censorship and a ban on the Kashmir Reader newspaper were some of the methods used to curb the local media. Well-known human rights activist Khurram Parvez was first prevented from traveling to Geneva to attend a session of the UN Human Rights Council and then was placed under arrest.

The wars that the state wages on its own people are kept far away from the media glare.

In Bastar, the tool of arrest has been used rampantly by the state against journalists who refuse to toe the police line. The last year has seen at least four journalists being forced to spend months in jail on cooked-up charges. One of them is yet behind bars.

On October 15, two Mumbai-based writers were picked up from a Bastar jail merely for attempting to meet a woman Maoist prisoner with the jail superintendent's permission. Lawyers and rights activists too have been systematically hounded and even evicted from the area. Amnesty International India has documented what it calls a near-total information blackout in the state in a report titled "Blackout in Bastar: Human Rights Defenders Under Threat".

Thus, unlike the jingoistic TV wars with Pakistan, which the ruling classes relish and revel in, the wars that the state wages on its own people are kept far away from the media glare.

These are the wars which lay bare the lie of the democratic credentials of the Indian state. The dark designs of these wars must therefore be planned in secret. Their brutal consequences must be blacked out.

They must be wars without witness.
NASDAQ is an acronym for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations. The NASDAQ stock exchange is owned by Nasdaq, Inc. and serves as an international electronic marketplace where investors can buy and sell securities. It is the second largest stock exchange in the world.

The NASDAQ exchange lists stocks from virtually every sector of the economy. Although they are heavily weighted in technology, you will also see them as a leader in fields such as healthcare and biotech, energy and industrials and financial services.

And the NASDAQ is also an index which is referred to as the NASDAQ Composite. When you hear that the NASDAQ was up or down, they are referring to the index.

This index measures over 3,000 stocks listed on the NASDAQ exchange and includes the worlds leading tech stocks including the FAANG stocks. The index is a mathematical average of the stocks that are listed. The NASDAQ index cant be traded. However, investors can purchase an index fund that is similar to a mutual fund or an ETF and is made up of the stocks in the index.

The purpose of this article is to provide a brief history of the NASDAQ, explain how its different from the NYSE and the Dow Jones Index, and why the NASDAQ is important to investors.

What Were the Origins of the NASDAQ?

The NASDAQ started trading on February 8, 1971. It was created as an alternative to the NYSE so as to give new, emerging companies a way into the stock market. Since the NYSE is made up of primarily blue-chip companies with a large market capitalization, many financially sound companies with modest assets had to look for alternate means to raise capital.

At first, the NASDAQ only provided quotations and matched buyers and sellers with dealers. As it started trading, it became a source for speculative, over-the-counter (OTC) stocks to raise capital. However, when it became the first U.S. stock market to conduct online trading, it soon became the go-to exchange for technology stocks that saw it as a more modern way to list their stocks. In a way, it reflected the innovation that those companies represented.

What Are the Listing Requirements for the NASDAQ?

For starters, the NASDAQ is a company. So every company that wishes to be listed on the NASDAQ has to pay an initial listing fee. This fee can be between $50,000 and $75,000. In addition, there is an annual fee to remain as a member. This fee can be as lows as $42,000 or as high as $155,000 depending on the companys size.

But being part of an exchange is not just a matter of paying dues. To be listed, a company must meet a set of requirements. These include but are not limited to:

Quantitative financial requirements (earnings, market cap, and assets)

Corporate governance standards that give clear guidance about issues like shareholder rights and annual meetings

Once a stock is listed, they must continue to meet regulatory requirements by making financial information about the company and the stock available to the public. And, the companies listed on the NASDAQ must meet SEC requirements, including the filing of financial reports. All of this is done to provide transparency to investors. For this reason, as the NASDAQ has grown up it is no longer the domain of speculative over-the-counter stocks.

How is the NASDAQ Different from the NYSE?

Initially, the primary difference between the NYSE and NASDAQ was in the way trades were conducted. The NYSE is an auction market. As the word auction implies, trades occur between buyers who offer a bid price for a stock and sellers who have an ask price. The highest bidding price is matched with the lowest asking price. The NASDAQ, by contrast, started as a dealers market where these dealers served as middlemen between buyers and sellers.

With the advent of trading technology, the difference in methodology between the two exchanges is more subtle. The NASDAQ now automatically matches buyers and sellers similar to an auction system. And the NYSE relies heavily on computers to facilitate their trades. One of the differences remains the presence of human brokers who still man the trading floor of the NYSE.

Another subtle difference comes with how the exchanges ensure liquidity and security. On the NYSE, each security has a Designated Market Maker (DMM) who serves as an auctioneer of sorts. Unlike the NYSE, each security on the NASDAQ has multiple Market Makers to help ensure liquidity. Apple, for example, has 54 registered Market Makers.

Yet another difference can be found in the size and profile of the companies listed with each exchange. As of June 2022, the NYSE includes approximately 2,400 companies with a market capitalization of over $28.2 trillion. The NASDAQ has over 3,300 listings with a total market capitalization of $11 trillion dollars. Why is this significant? The NYSE has been around since 1792 making it the oldest stock exchange and for almost 200 years the only game in town. As a result, it is home to many of what are seen as the blue-chip companies. The NASDAQ, by comparison, generally consists of stocks that are more volatile and growth oriented. In recent years, it is for housing the FAANG stocks (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google/Alphabet).

How is the NASDAQ Different from the Dow?

Both the Dow and the NASDAQ are predictive indicators of the market direction. In the case of the Dow, the stocks can be listed on the NYSE or the NASDAQ exchanges.

The Dow Jones (also known as The Dow) is an index of what are considered the 30 biggest companies in terms of scale and firm returns. When stock reports are given you usually hear reference to The Dow was up X number of points or The Dow was down X number of points. This is referring to the average of these 30 stocks. It is considered to be a broad view of the market in general. You may also hear the phrase advancers versus decliners. This refers to how many stocks in the Dow 30 made gains for the day (advancers) and how many had losses (decliners).

The companies in the Dow 30 make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). Some investors may buy an index fund which contains only the securities that make up the Dow 30.

The NASDAQ is also an index, but it is also an exchange that is made up of over 3,400 individual securities. Many of these securities are in the technology sector. Some of these securities may be part of the Dow 30, but the index as a whole is separate from the Dow. Like the Dow, many investors choose to invest in index funds that are tailored to stocks in the NASDAQ. The USAA NASDAQ 100 Index Fund (USNQX) is one such fund. This fund includes the 100 biggest stocks (non-financial) that are listed on the NASDAQ exchange.

What Does the NASDAQ Say About Investor Sentiment?

The NASDAQ offers growth investors a cue to how much risk the market is willing to absorb at a given moment. For example, when you hear that the Dow is up (which usually means the NYSE is up), it typically signals a time of where investors may be less inclined to take risks. But when the NASDAQ is up and the Dow is down or trailing, it usually signifies that investors are more confident about the overall economy and are willing to assume more risk.

And as we stated earlier, the NASDAQ still plays a critical role in how many young companies go public. There were 34 initial public offerings (IPOs) posted on the NYSE in 2016. This was just three percent of the total volume of IPOs worldwide. By contrast, in that same year, the NASDAQ held 77 IPOs which was seven percent of global IPOs, more than double that of the NYSE.

Some Final Thoughts on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange

The arrival of the NASDAQ stock exchange in the 1970s created a choice for investors that meant more than just choosing Coke or Pepsi. By offering a lower cost of entry and welcoming start-ups with a focus on innovation, the NASDAQ gave these companies a stock exchange that looked like them.

Today, the NASDAQ is the largest electronic stock market with over 3,000 companies listed. And ironically, the five largest companies in terms of market cap are listed on the NASDAQ. However, although this stock exchange has grown up a bit, it still retains its rebellious cache. With its focus on technology stocks, many of the worlds most nimble and innovative companies look to get listed on the NASDAQ as a way to raise capital. It is almost synonymous with technology and serves as a predictor of the broader markets appetite for risk.
Royal Bank of Canada operates as a diversified financial service company worldwide. The company's Personal & Commercial Banking segment offers checking and savings accounts, home equity financing, personal lending, private banking, indirect lending, including auto financing, mutual funds and self-directed brokerage accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, credit cards, and payment products and solutions; and lending, leasing, deposit, investment, foreign exchange, cash management, auto dealer financing, trade products, and services to small and medium-sized commercial businesses. This segment offers financial products and services through branches, automated teller machines, and mobile sales network. Its Wealth Management segment provides a suite of advice-based solutions and strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, and institutional clients. The company's Insurance segment offers life, health, home, auto, travel, wealth, annuities, and reinsurance advice and solutions; and business insurance services to individual, business, and group clients through its advice centers, RBC insurance stores, and mobile advisors; digital, mobile, and social platforms; independent brokers; and travel partners. Its Investor & Treasury Services segment provides asset servicing, custody, payments, and treasury services to financial and other investors; and fund and investment administration, shareholder, private capital, performance measurement and compliance monitoring, distribution, transaction banking, cash and liquidity management, foreign exchange, and global securities finance services. The company's Capital Markets segment offers corporate and investment banking, as well as equity and debt origination, distribution, advisory services, sale, and trading services for corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, private equity firms, and governments. The company was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells. The company operates through five segments: U.S. Drilling, Canada Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running, wellbore placement, directional drilling, measurement-while-drilling (MWD), equipment manufacturing, and rig instrumentation services; and logging-while-drilling systems and services, as well as drilling optimization software. The company also offers REVit, an automated real time stick-slip mitigation system; ROCKit, a directional steering control system; SmartNAV, a collaborative guidance and advisory platform; SmartSLIDE, an advanced directional steering control system; and RigCLOUD, which provides the tools and infrastructure to integrate applications to deliver real-time insight into operations across the rig fleet. In addition, it manufactures and sells top drives, catwalks, wrenches, drawworks, and other drilling related equipment, such as robotic systems and downhole tools; and provides aftermarket sales and services for the installed base of its equipment. As of December 31, 2021, the company marketed approximately 301 rigs for land-based drilling operations in the United States, Canada, and in 20 other countries worldwide; and 29 rigs for offshore platform drilling operations in the United States and internationally. Nabors Industries Ltd. was founded in 1952 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Updated at 8:28 p.m.

A Virginia state trooper was shot at Saturday afternoon during a high-speed chase in Louisa County but was unharmed as bullets struck the grille and passenger-side mirror of the police cruiser.

At about 3:30 p.m., Trooper S.A. Gaultney tried to pull over a Honda Civic heading west on Interstate 64 after Gaultney clocked the car at 84 mph in a 70 mph zone, according to a police news release.

The Honda sped away at more than 100 mph, and a male passenger identified as 32-year-old Paul Zamorano began shooting at the troopers Ford Taurus, authorities said. The female driver, 33-year-old Mistri Griffith, lost control of the Honda and crashed the car into several trees when she attempted to take the Shannon Hill exit, police said.

Gaultney took the duo into custody without firing his weapon, authorities said. Griffith has since been charged with reckless driving and possession of a stolen vehicle. Zamorano has been charged with shooting at an occupied vehicle, reckless handling of a firearm, maliciously shooting at an occupied law enforcement vehicle, attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer, felony eluding, possession of a stolen vehicle and abduction.

Griffith and Zamorano, both from Kingsport, Tennessee, were taken to University of Virginia Medical Center with injuries that were not life-threatening. A gun was found in the Honda, police said.
The University of Virginia surely hasnt been corrupted by contact with a company now being accused of fraudulently enhancing students college applications.

But the burgeoning scandal proves once again the value of the old wisdom: Its important to pick your associates with care.

UVas name has been linked to the scandal because it accepted free plane tickets for an employee to attend a conference sponsored by Dipont  an education company founded in Australia that allegedly engaged in massive college application fraud, according to an undercover investigation by Reuters.

To cite one example, the news service reports that a student was given access to his high school records so that he could change his bad grades. Dipont also is accused of writing application essays for students, among other misdeeds.

UVa says it did not have a special relationship with Dipont and that Chinese students do not receive preferential treatment in being considered for admission.

Indeed, UVa potentially finds itself in the role of victim  at the very least, by being associated with a company whose reputation is now under scrutiny; at most, by accepting Chinese students based on faulty applications.

UVa would not have had to give preferential treatment to have taken in students who were not up to standard if their applications for admission had been improperly boosted.

At this stage, there is no word on whether UVa accepted Dipont-recommended students or whether, if so, the students were among those whose applications had been enhanced. But the question must be on everyones mind  including UVas.

At present, the most damage to the university seems to be coming from the fact that it accepted the free plane tickets from Dipont.

UVa was only one of several universities that, according to Reuters, sent employees to personally advise Chinese students on admissions procedures.

Meanwhile, its important to understand that China exists as a vast market for all manner of U.S. companies and organizations, including universities. Indeed, the hope has always been that interactions between China and the wider world would have a positive impact on Chinas progress, both in improving its economy and softening its attitude toward democracy.

We doubt very seriously if UVa sold its soul for a mere plane ride. Accepting the fare to a conference is hardly shocking  especially if the gift occurred only once and if, as a university spokesman says, the gift was within UVas policy guidelines.

But we do wish the university had not done so. It then would be figuring in the burgeoning scandal as a wise and careful participant in the search for Chinese students, instead of one of a number of colleges and universities caught in the glare of the headlines.
So Charlottesville wants to relocate or lock away the statues of two Confederate leaders because they fought in a war that supported slavery?

I have a modest proposal. If the idea is to banish admiration for those who supported a pro-slavery government, let's do away with every reminder of a major slave owner who supported one at the very highest level and never openly opposed slavery.

I refer, of course, to George Washington, who at his peak owned more than 300 slaves at Mount Vernon  and apparently never freed any of them.

We will then, of course, have to replace all statues and textbooks that honor Washington, as well as all coins and currency that bear his image.

Oh, and we obviously should rename the Washington Monument, as well as the capitol city itself. Perhaps the seat of national government could be called Ulysses Grant, D.C.

Tom Doran

Buckingham County
Robert "Bob" G. Hansen, 77, of Culpeper, died peacefully on Friday, October 14, 2016, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. Bob was born August 29, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Roy Christian Hansen and the late Thelma Elizabeth Bang Hansen.Bob was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed the beauty of the nature that surrounds us all. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Senior Chief Electricians Mate were he consulted for the Navy working further with electronical repairs and installations. Bob was genuine caring man who would assist others in their time of need, dedicated to the comradery with his friends and family at the Culpeper American Legion Post 330 having held various officer positions and collateral duties. When he was given a task to perform, he would complete the task above and beyond desired expectations.Bob is survived by his wife, Inge H. Hansen; their daughter, Dina Marie May and her husband, Eric of Goochland; four grandchildren, Stefanie MacDonald and her husband, Joshua of Christiansburg, Va., Ashley Lynn Woods of Richmond, Va., Brittany Woods and Tyler May both of Goochland, Va.; as well as two great grandchildren, Alex and Luke MacDonald of Christiansburg.He was preceded in death by two siblings.Funeral service will be held 12 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at Found and Sons Funeral Chapels of Culpeper with Chaplain Johnny Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.Interment will be private for the family at Culpeper National Cemetery.In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Legion Post 330,to help sponsor "Boys and Girls State", P.O. Box 122, Culpeper, VA 22701An online guestbook and tribute wall are available at www.foundandsons.comFound and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
Last Tuesday, Dalhousie professor and celebrated bioethicist Francoise Baylis capped off an incredible year of honours by receiving the Order of Nova Scotia.

Dr. Baylis, professor in the Faculty of Medicine and the Canada Research Chair in Bioethics and Philosophy, was announced as one of this year's five recipients of the Order of Nova Scotia back in September, alongside two other prominent Dal individuals: Nobel Prize-winning scientist and alumnus Art McDonald and Elder in Residence Doug Knockwood.

Dr. Baylis was celebrated both for her world-renowned bioethics research and her efforts to translate her work outside of the medical profession. In addition to the Order of Nova Scotia, this year alone Dr. Baylis has recieved the Order of Canada, the Royal Society of Canada's McNeil Medal for public awareness of science, and the Distinguished Academic Award from the Canadian Association of University Teachers.

Art McDonald (BSC'64, MSC'65) was co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2015. After completing two degrees at Dalhousie, he eventually made his way to Queens University where his research at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory changed our understanding of the innermost workings of matter. He came to campus for a capacity-crowd public lecture earlier this year.



Doug Knockwood is part of the Dalhousie Elders in Residence program. He is a respected elder from Sipekne'katik First Nation (formerly known as Indian Brook) and is a recipient of the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Senior Memorial Elder Award. His story is one of resilience, surviving homelessness and alcoholism and subsequently using his MiKmaw spiritual teaching and personal experience to help others overcome addiction across Canada.

The three joined Jim Morrow, Mermaid Theatre director, and Donald Reid, the fossil hunter famous as the "keeper of the cliffs" in Joggins, at the ceremony on Tuesday. The Order of Nova Scotia is the highest honour in the province, recognizing Nova Scotians for outstanding contributions or achievements.

(Photos: Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia)
Even the waiting period for the car has shot up to four months for certain variants.

With the competition increasing by leaps and bounds in a fast-growing market like India, the country's largest automobile manufacturer  Tata Motors  wanted a product that could be its mojo. And its latest product in the passenger car segment  the Tiago  has turned things in favour of the manufacturer. The Tiago was launched in April this year and the bookings for the hatchback have already surpassed the half-a-lakh milestone.

President of Tata Motors passenger vehicle business unit, Mayank Pareek, in an interview, said that the sales of the Tiago have been climbing up every month. Even the waiting period for the car has shot up to four months for certain variants.

At present, we are doing around 5,000 units. Our impact design philosophy has been widely accepted by our customers. The main trigger behind the success of Tiago is the design. We are seeing a different set of customers for Tiago. Young executives and young families are buying Tiago," he added.

The Tiago is the homegrown manufacturers first car to feature its Impact design language that is also set to make its way into future Tata offerings like the Hexa, Kite 5 and Nexon. With this, Tata aims to plug the gaps in its portfolio that covers only 60 per cent of the total market space right now, according to the company.

As a result of its recent success, the Sanand-based manufacturer has been able to stay abreast with its rivals. In September, the company sold a total of 14,601 units, at a 24 percent YoY growth, to end up as the fifth bestselling carmaker in India. And with more new launches on the cards for Tata Motors, the purple patch might well continue for a little longer.

Source: CarDekho.com
Italian motorcycle brand DSK Benelli has long-term plans for its expansion in the Indian market. The company has opened its new dealership, Ishna Automotive Pvt. Ltd., in the Mumbai region.In future, the company plans to launch two more dealerships in Thane and Worli in the same city. The new dealership marked its opening day by delivering 25 DSK Benelli superbikes to its customers.

DSK Benelli have had quite a success streak in the past two years since their official entry into the Indian market with the Jogeshwari dealership being their 18th dealership. As far as sales are concerned, DSK Benelli has managed to sell over 5000 bikes over this period making them one of the most successful superbike manufacturers out here. Considering that the premium marquee has very less presence in tier 3 cities and the bulk of their sales emanating from Tier 2 cities, that is quite an accomplishment. Most of this can be attributed to the aggressive marketing taken up by the brand and the sheer number of dealerships hat have come up all over India over the past months, a tactic, Benelli has been bullish on. In fact, they are set to open a new dealership in Bhubaneshwar and another one in Pune in the coming weeks.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Krishna Malge, Associate Vice President, DSK Motowheels, said, In line with our commitment to quality and excellence, we are delighted to hand over the baton for our Jogeshwari (East) showroom to Ishna Automotive. With its extensive market understanding, we are confident that the new dealership will facilitate greater consumer engagement and will bring a veritable thrust in terms of sales and growth to the showroom.

For prospective DSK Benelli customers in Mumbai, the showroom will showcase the entire line-up of superbikes. Here is the range with their respective ex-showroom, Mumbai prices.

DSK Benelli TNT 25  Rs 1,75,000

DSK Benelli TNT 300  Rs 3,14,000

DSK Benelli TNT 600i (ABS)  Rs 5,95,000

DSK Benelli TNT 600 GT  Rs 6,23,000

DSK Benelli TNT 899  Rs 9,89,000

DSK Benelli TNT R  Rs 12,31,000

Like all other DSK Benelli showrooms, the Jogeshwari facility is a 3S setup which means it has sales, service, and spares under one roof. In addition, the brand offers 24x7 on-call breakdown service and a 4-year unlimited kilometers extended warranty on its entire range of superbikes.

Source: Bikedekho.com
Mahindra has been selling EVs in India and the United Kingdom, and also supplies parts to other EV makers.

The electric arm of Mahindra & Mahindra, Mahindra Electric, wants to manufacture and sell electric vehicles in China. For this, it wants to launch a joint venture in China. Mahindra has been selling EVs in India and the United Kingdom, and also supplies parts to other EV makers.

Denying that the company is already in talks with potential partners in China, CEO of Mahindra Electric, Arvind Mathew, told Bloomberg, We are continuously looking at the Chinese market to build up scale, and added, The Chinese market is an attractive market as it has all range of electric cars, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars and buses.

To be able to avail tax benefits on EVs in China and bypass the 25 per cent custom tax that is levied on imported cars, Mahindra needs to have a local manufacturing partner in order to set foot in China. But once successful, the joint venture will face off against more than 200 Chinese companies, backed by billionaires, which have capitalised on the swelling demand and increasing support from the government.

Chinese authorities have identified new-energy vehicles, including all electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles, in order to promote their goal of energy security and pollution control. They have set a target of at least five million EVs on roads by 2020 and are doing everything in their control to achieve it.

Talking about the companys electric portfolio, it currently sells the newly launched e-Veritosedan in India along with the e2o small car that it had also launched in the United Kingdom earlier this year. The carmaker had also revealed in July that it will launch no less than two new products by the end of this year. The first of them is set to be the e2o Plus four-door small car that was teased this month.

Source: CarDekho.com
Currently, DBSI is operating from an incubation centre at Karle Town ahead of moving to a purpose built, state of the art permanent facility in the same centre, before the end of the calendar year.

New Delhi: World's largest spirits maker Diageo on October 17, 2016, announced opening of a new business services centre in Bengaluru, which will start operations in October 2016 and employ around 1,000 people by the end of 2017. To be known as Diageo Business Services India (DBSI), it will initially build a global (Diageo) finance and accounting footprint, Diageo said in a statement.

The centre, which will be located at the Karle Town Special Economic Zone (SEZ), will start operations on October 17, 2016, it added. DBSI will focus on the fields of finance and accounting, and plans to move fast into other areas such as business intelligence, analytics and data services among others, the company said.

"The centre is expected to employ around 1,000 people by the end of 2017," it added.

Commenting on the plans, DBSI Managing Director Tracey Barnes said: "At Diageo, culture, diversity and inclusion are integral to our ways of working.

We believe that our organisation should fully reflect the communities we work in and serve. This is particularly important in Bangalore, where we are creating so many opportunities for great talent and aiming for an equal balance of female and male employees."

The centre has already started recruitment and reached the first hiring landmark of 100 employees. Currently, DBSI is operating from an incubation centre at Karle Town ahead of moving to a purpose built, state of the art permanent facility in the same centre, before the end of the calendar year, the company added.
GDP expanded 6.9 per cent in 2015 - its weakest in a quarter of a century - and the government has targeted growth in a range of 6.5-7.0 per cent for this year.

Beijing: China's growth slipped to a seven-year low of 6.6 per cent in the third quarter, according to a survey, despite ample stimulus and a red-hot property market in the world's second-largest economy.

The median forecast for expansion in gross domestic product (GDP), based on a poll of 18 economists, represents an easing from the second quarter's 6.7 per cent. It would be the slowest quarterly growth since the first three months of 2009, in the middle of the global financial crisis.

As the world's biggest trader in goods China is crucial to the global economy and its performance affects partners from Australia to Zambia. GDP expanded 6.9 per cent in 2015 -- its weakest in a quarter of a century -- and the government has targeted growth in a range of 6.5-7.0 per cent for this year. The AFP poll forecast China will just meet the goal, with the median full-year prediction at 6.6 per cent.

"Our expectation is that growth will continue to slow. The largest headwind on the horizon is the housing sector, which peaked in April 2016 and thus is now in the correction phase of its cycle," Brian Jackson of IHS told AFP.

Beijing is trying to execute a difficult structural transition away from dependence on low-end exports and heavy industry toward consumption and services, but entrenched interests have slowed progress.

At the same time, authorities have sought to combat a slowdown through hefty fiscal stimulus and loose home-buying policies that have fuelled property market booms in urban areas.

"Economic growth in the third quarter was better than market expectations," Rong Jing, a Beijing-based analyst with BNP Paribas, told AFP, but pointed to possible risks arising from the real-estate boom.

"The property bubble risk will continue to balloon if the government does not take tightening measures, as it would cause a very negative impact on the economy and the financial system," she added.

"The biggest restraint this year that prevents monetary easing is the real estate market."

In recent weeks lawmakers have unveiled tighter home-buying regulations in major cities to cool down galloping property prices. Recent indicators have painted a mixed picture of China's economic health.

An official measure of manufacturing activity maintained its strongest level in nearly two years in September while auto sales grew at their fastest rate in three years in the world's biggest car market.

Data Friday showed that the price of goods at the factory gate rose in China for the first time in more than four years in September, a positive sign for demand after years of dropping prices battered manufacturers and put a damper on growth.
Jio has been alleging that Airtel, Vodafone and Idea are denying it required number of interconnection points.

New Delhi: Newcomer Reliance Jio has again asked its rivals Vodafone and Idea Cellular to release interconnection ports while alleging that poor quality of service on its network is due to incumbent players' "unlawful and illegal delay" in providing more connections.

Referring to the regulator Trai's directions issued to telecom operators on October 7 for resolving the service quality issue, the Mukesh Ambani-led firm in separate letters to Vodafone and Idea said, "In deference to Trai's directions, RJIL therefore demands immediate release of the shortfall in E1s."

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has given a deadline of October 17, 2016 to mobile operators to resolve the matter so that customers do not experience poor quality of service.

Trai has observed high level of congestion in telecom networks leading to call failure on Reliance Jio's network. Jio has been alleging that Airtel, Vodafone and Idea are denying it required number of interconnection points.

However, the incumbents have said that they have provided sufficient points of interconnection (PoIs) to meet requirement of Jio as per industry average. In the letter dated October 12, marked to Telecom Secretary and Trai Chairman, Jio alleged average call drop experienced by its customer as on October 8 was as high as 87 per cent on Vodafone and 67 per cent on Idea network for NLD service.

The company has sought interconnection facility for supporting 100 million mobile subscribers by March 2017. As per the list sent by Jio, Vodafone has to allocate 7614 and 1844 more PoIs for access and national long distance services while Idea needs to provide 6060 and 1230 additional PoIs for access and national long distance services respectively.

Jio said that it provided schedule of estimated subscriber growth on its network since June 21 along with required number of PoIs. "As you are aware, you never adhered to the schedule for providing E1s (interconnection ports) under one pretext or the other and this continues as at date.

The details of shortfalls in E1s are due and yet to be provided for up to 100 million subscribers," Jio said. Jio has projected that subscriber base on its network is estimated to reach 50 million by September 2016, 75 million by end of 2016 and 100 million by March 2017.

"Please be informed that any non-compliance with QoS (quality of service) requirements on the traffic originating from RJIL's network is solely owing to your unlawful and illegal delay/ denial to adequately augment the PoIs," the letter said. It further said Vodafone and Idea that "any continued delay/denial in providing the requisite E1" would be breach of their licence and QoS rule and they will be held "responsible for all consequences thereof." No immediate comments could be received from Vodafone and Idea Cellular.
Some netizens begged to differ on the cause of the turnaround.

Visakhapatnam: Air India has made an operating profit of Rs 105 crore for the first time in nine years, during the 2015-16 fiscal. The Telugu Desam, which is the governments alliance partner both at the Centre and in the state, was quick to take credit for it.

While the better showing with regard to the operating profit has been attributed to plummeting global crude oil prices by many, a post on Telugu Desams official page on the social networking site Facebook, read: Much credit for the amazing turnaround goes to our very own Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Civil Aviation Minister. The post is accompanied by a photograph of the minister.

Some netizens begged to differ on the cause of the turnaround. One Adamvalli Mangapatnam posted this comment: All because of lower fuel prices...all the airways (sic) India are doing better with profits...there is nothing spl with Air India.

In support of the minister, though, was Durga Prasad who posted: There are some major decisions he has taken... Be aware and speak... Pulla virupu maatalu aapudaam dude. Pani chesthey, adi oppukovadam valla manaki em loss ledu.

Crude oil prices account for around 50 per cent of the operating cost of the airlines in India. The government-run Air India, which merged with Indian Airlines in 2007, has never made any profit post the merger.

The national carriers Turn Around Plan (TAP) was finalised in 2011 and was approved by the then UPA government in 2012. The TAP was revised by the current government, advancing various targets, among them the operating profit.

Merchant banker SBI Capital Markets Ltd has revised Air Indias TAP and its Financial Restru-cturing Plan (FRP). No doubt its a moment to rejoice, but it cant be attributed to any one individual. The fuel prices also came down drastically and might have played a major role in securing operating profit. It cant be seen as an individuals achievement, but rather as a collective achievement, said D Varada Reddy, president of the Air Travellers Association of India.

He added, I admire and appreciate Mr Ashok Gajapathi Rajus leadership and administrative skills. He was responsible for the introduction of many domestic flights from Vizag and Vijayawada. Air India also opened several new intenational routes including the one to Australia, Iran and some European countries, That might have also helped the airlines in registering the much sought-after appreciation in the operating profit.
Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma's upcoming Imtiaz Ali directorial, 'The Ring,' has been in the news since a while now owing to the massive hysteria surrounding the film, and the crew's globetrotting.

Pictures from the sets of the film, that's already traversed through Prague, Lisbon, Amsterdam and Budapest have been taking social media by storm and the fans have been lapping them up whole-heartedly.

On Monday, a very bubbly actress posted a film from the sets of the film, alongside Shah Rukh, almost hinting at the possibility of a role in the highly anticipated film.

The actress is none other than the 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' siren, Evelyn sharma!

The actress raved about her interaction with SRK and was every bit the stra-struck fan.

SRK himself took to his Instagram feed to post a Boomerang session, which almost has become a routine now, for his fans to expect one from him.

'The Ring,' scheduled for a 2017 release, has SRK playing a tourist guide, paired opposite Anushka's touring Gujarati girl.
The actor-comedian had recently taken to twitter to sensationally reveal about a BMC official seeking a 5 lakh bribe from him in exchange for permission to construct the aforementioned office.

Mumbai: Kapil Sharma has challenged the BMCs decision to demolish supposedly illegal portions of his Versova office, by moving the Bombay high court.

Sharma, in his petition, claimed that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) notice was 'bad in law' and issued with 'malafide intentions'.

"In March and April 2010, the civic body issued commencement certificate to the developer granting permission to construct the 18 floors. On November 6, 2013, the corporation issued Full Occupation Certificate to the building," Sharma said in his petition.

However, on November 14, 2014, BMC's assistant engineer from Building and Factory department issued notice to Sharma claiming that he had made some illegal constructions in his flat in the building, and sought his reply.

Sharma, in his reply to the BMC, said no unauthorised construction was carried out at his flat in the building.

The civic body on December 1, 2014, however, replied refusing to accept the actor's clarification.

Sharma then filed an application in Dindoshi sessions court against the notice. On December 28, 2014, the sessions court granted interim relief and directed the civic body not to initiate any action pending hearing of the application.

"Despite the sessions court order, the corporation issued another notice on April 28 this year directing razing of the building," Sharma said in his petition.

The actor-comedian had recently taken to twitter to sensationally reveal about a BMC official seeking a 5 lakh bribe from him in exchange for permission to construct the aforementioned office.

Kapil had tagged prime minister Narendra Modis twitter account, and had created quite a furore, until Maharshtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, intervened and promptly asked for details regarding the BMC official.

Following this, the BMC had claimed that the actor had flouted norms not only in his Versova office building but also at his apartment in suburban Goregaon.

On April 28 this year, the civic body had issued a notice to Sharma under section 351 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, claiming that certain constructions in the 18-storey residential building 'DLH Enclave' in Goregaon, in which the actor has a flat, were illegal and hence will have to be razed down.

Sharma had allegedly initiated internal changes within premises sans official permission from BMC, back in May, 2016.

The BMC had also issued a stop-work notice to Sharma for said changes, in July. An ultimatum of 24 hours had been given to the comedian to pull down illegal extensions.

This was followed by the BMC going ahead and demolishing segments in August.

Sharma, in his petition, sought the notice to be set aside and direction to be issued to the corporation not to act upon the notice pending hearing of this petition.

The petition is likely to come up for hearing in due course of time before a division bench of Justices Ranjit More and Anuja Prabhudessai.
Mumbai: After the Jio MAMI Mumbai Festival announced its plan of screening Pakistani film Jago Hua Savera under the special section called Restored Classics Section, a Mumbai-based NGO filed a complaint against it for going against the national sentiment.

The NGO President, Prithvi Maske, even threatened to stage protest against the festival. The organising body has now decided to drop the film from their list of movies scheduled for screening. In a statement, MAMI organisers revealed, Given the current situation, the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star has decided not to programme 'Jago Hua Savera' as part of the Restored Classics Section."

Jago Hua Savera, shot in the then-East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), was Pakistans official entry to the 1960 Oscars. The film revolves around the aims and aspirations of fishermen.
New Delhi: Looks like Shahid Kapoor, who recently welcomed a baby daughter, is taking a professional break from his bonding and paternity session.

The 35-year-old star was seen trying on some stunts for an ad campaign, according to reports.

Looking pretty engrossed in his work and quite determined, the 'Udta Punjab' star sported his usual bearded look wearing black outfits and sporty shoes.

Ever since the birth of his daughter Misha Kapoor in August this year, Shahid has been busy spending quality time with her.

The handsome father was spotted carrying his little bundle of joy on more than one occasion.

The 'Jab We Meet' star will be seen next in 'Rangoon', which also features Saif Ali Khan and Kangana Ranaut.
Mumbai: The songs of Ajay Devgns Shivaay, the title track, Raatein, Darkhaast and Tere Naal Ishqa have been receiving a good response, with each song displaying a different facet, from romantic to intense, to the characters and the storyline. While the trailer of the film that released several weeks ago saw Ajay speaking a few lines in the background, the first dialogue promos of the film are out.

In one of them, Ajay shares an intense moment with his daughter, played by Abigail Eames, and how he lied about the whereabouts of her mother who's in Bulgaria. And in the other, in keeping with the tagline of the film, There will be destruction, Sayyeshaas character asks Ajay why was he killing people and he responds that he hasnt killed anybody but would start doing so if anybody would block him. And in the other promo, he is also seen breaking the shackles on him and also performing intense stunts on the car as well as on the snowy mountains.

Watch the videos here:

The film, also starring Erika Kaar, Vir Das and Girish Karnad is gearing up for release on October 28.
Pune: Even in times when mankind is facing violence and despair with value of human life seeming to fade away, some people emerge as a light at the end of tunnel by helping people out. Then there are those who spread hope by helping people even in their death.

Dedicating every bit of your life for the well being of others is a metaphor for tireless service by many, but some people do it literally and one of them is a 65-year-old woman from Maharashtra.

The mother of a Kolhapur based radiologist, the brain dead woman saved five lives by donating her organs last week. The decision came from her family after she was moved to Aster Aadhar Hospital on losing mobility in her limbs and was later declared brain dead.

The eyes, kidneys and liver were then removed from Mrs Sarudkars body and taken to Pune where they were transplanted to change the lives of five people.

One of the patients who needed a liver urgently was a 42-year-old farmer who was suffering from the end stage of a liver ailment.
New Delhi: Dental health scenario in India is alarming and excessive consumption of sugary drinks and junk food is making matters worse as high sugar eating habit is causing addiction and dental ailments, doctors have cautioned. About 80-90 per cent of the adult population in the country suffers from mild gingivitis (gum disease), 60 per cent from moderate gingivitis and over 50 per cent people overall have dental caries.

Consumption of aerated drinks and junk food high on sugar, makes people unwittingly addicted to sugar, leading to craving for it, and eventually it wrecks their dental health. The addiction could be similar to that of tobacco, and hence a matter of worry, said Dr O.P. Kharbanda , chief of centre for Dental Education and Research (CDER) at the AIIMS.

Seeking to demystify the evidence on sugar consumption reaching levels of addiction akin to tobacco, the AIIMS is organising an international symposium here on  Is Sugar the New Tobacco  on November 11. Two international experts on dental health and nutrition from the UK would be attending the event, besides some experts from the AIIMS. The symposium would also deliberate on the global best practices on control of sugar intake and suitable guidelines needed in India context, he said. Dr Kharbanda said, Infants as young as 1-2 years old are getting dental caries. He added that about 25 per cent people suffer from malocclusion (imperfect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed), with the age group of 10-30 being the most susceptible. Oncologists in India have identified chewable tobacco as a major health scare.
New Delhi: Personalised and "evidence-based" treatment rather than a generic approach is the "way forward" for cancer cure across the world, including in India, international oncology experts have said.

Cancer experts from around 15 foreign countries had gathered in New Delhi for a global conference on head-neck cancer, which ended last evening.

During the four-day event, they exchanged domain knowledge and discussed ways to develop a universal model for cancer management, besides sharing the new technological developments in the field.

"In India head-neck cancer is more common than in the US where lung cancer and other cancer incidences are more. During a trial at our centre, we realised the tumour mutation was different in different cases. We did a genetic profiling and the treatment was given based on mutation."

"This trial and the general feel among cancer experts now is that the model of treatment should move from generic one to personalised, precision-based one. And, it holds for across the world, including India," says Nancy Lee, Vice-Chair at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York.

During the conference, organised by the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS) and Foundation for Head-Neck Oncology (FHNO), Indian experts presented research papers on two days, while foreign experts did on the rest two days.

"The event has given the impetus to start new studies to decide what is the best treatment and the way to do cancer management together."

"Lot of cancer cases in the US were detected at early stage, because of patient education and availability of care," Professor of Surgery at MSKCC, Ashok R Shaha said. "The key words now are personalised, evidence-based and precision, when it comes to treatment," he said.

Claudio Cernea, Professor of Surgery in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Sao Paulo's Medical School, says, "It has to be a multi-modality treatment."

"We need to reduce the aggressiveness of the treatment. The Tumour Board has a team of professionals, and it is important that we take special decision, eg in cases of thyroid cancer surgeries," he said.

Carol Bradford, Professor of Otolaryngology at the University of Michigan's Medical School believes, "While there may be epidemiological differences for India and the West, it comes almost to the same care."

"And, knowledge and skill of doctors here in India is very impressive. Also, oral cancer is by far the highest in India, so there is lot to learn from here." According to experts, the annual incidence of head and neck cancers worldwide is more than 550,000 cases, while in India, out of the 11 lakh incidences a year of cancer overall, 2.5-3 lakh are of head and neck cancer.
About 13 percent of men and 6 percent of women have moderate to severe undiagnozed sleep apnea. (Photo: Pixabay)

Obstructive sleep apnea is linked with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, new research shows.

The findings support recommendations from the International Diabetes Federation that patients with one condition be screened for the other, too, the research teams notes in the journal Sleep Medicine.

Sleep apnea occurs when a person's airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, and as a result, breathing intermittently stops and starts. About 13 percent of men and 6 percent of women have moderate to severe undiagnozed sleep apnea, the researchers say.

"Over the last two decades, evidence has been accruing that sleep apnea may be associated with insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and type 2 diabetes," study leader Mako Nagayoshi of Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Science in Japan told Reuters Health by email.

Past studies tying sleep apnea to diabetes were limited by a small number of participants and other factors, Nagayoshi and colleagues say. For the new study, they used data from 1,453 participants with an average age of 63. All participants underwent in-home sleep studies and did not have diabetes when the research began.

Based on the sleep studies, the researchers categorized the participants as being normal sleepers or having mild, moderate or severe sleep apnea.

After roughly 13 years, 285 people developed type 2 diabetes. Those with severe obstructive sleep apnea at the start of the study were about 70 percent more likely to develop diabetes than those classified as normal. The increased risk remained even when the researchers only included people who were obese.

About one in 10 adults have diabetes, according to the World Health Organization. Most have type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body cant make or process enough of the hormone insulin.

Obesity increases the risk of both sleep apnea and diabetes, said Paul E. Peppard, a sleep disorder researcher at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison.

The new study and past research suggest there is a direct link between obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes, but ironclad evidence that it's behind a significant portion of diabetes cases does not yet exist, said Peppard, who was not part of the new study.

These findings underscore the need to prevent sleep apnea and screen for sleep apnea in patients particularly at risk for developing diabetes  e.g., overweight and physically inactive people, he told Reuters Health by email. Behaviors such as healthy weight maintenance and reducing time in sedentary activities would simultaneously reduce the risk (of) developing sleep apnea and diabetes.

People with diabetes should also be screened for sleep apnea, and people with sleep apnea should be screened for diabetes, said Dr. Rashmi Nisha Aurora, a sleep medicine expert at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

Healthcare providers need to be aware of the association and educate their patients and the community," Aurora told Reuters Health by email. Ongoing research is still investigating whether treating sleep apnea reduces diabetes risk, said Aurora, who was also not involved in the study.
In South Africa, a region plagued by HIV, Ravi Reddy spearheads the South African National Blood Service, that sources life-saving blood and plasma. A third generation Indian, who traces his roots back to Hyderabad, Ravi has now been elected to head the International Society for Blood Transfusion (ISBT). His work in guaranteeing blood safety has been lauded world over. South Africa is among the worst regions hit by the virus with an estimated 6.3 million living with HIV in 2013. That year, there were 3,30,000 new instances of infection and 2,00,000 deaths from AIDS-related illnesses.

In its statement, shortly after his appointment to the new role, the SANBS noted: Ravi Reddy has played a key role in South Africas high level of blood safety. It added that there had been only one confirmed case of HIV caused by blood transfusion out of nine million units of blood donated in the past decade. Such a level of safety requires intricate systems in place. SANBS relies on a network of blood recruits  individuals picked to be a continuous, integral part of the programme. Reddy explains, Recruitment of new donors is focused on the 16 to 25 year age group. We approach schools, universities and colleges to recruit new donors. We then identify 14 donor educators that focus on education of donors on donating blood and living a safe lifestyle via presentations and workshops. The individuals then sign on to donate and we have blood drives at the institutions. We have a number of initiators such as peer promoters, where high-school students are recruited and trained by SANBS to promote blood donation among their peers. Then, theres Club 25. Students are encouraged to join this Club and donate 20 units by the age of 25.

Such a large operation also means some big numbers. We collect 8,23,000 units of blood every year. We have 87 site donor centers at shopping malls and also have about 90 mobile blood drives every day. The HIV rate in the 15 to 16 age group in South Africa is 17.5 per cent and by education and getting regular donors, the HIV rate in our blood donors is 0.21 per cent, adds Reddy.

Its because of this massive effort that South Africa today, can guarantee safe blood to a patient within a few hours. It is difficult but that doesnt mean it cant be done. There was a time when procurement of safe blood in South Africa was fraught with risks but now, due to better testing and vetting, the process has become faster and more reliable. Reddy started out as a volunteer with the SANBS over three decades ago and has since, served in various capacities. South Africa still has a long way to go in its fight against AIDS and HIV, but for now, the strategy to provide safe blood to patients seems to be working and were thankful for that, he says.
Many couldnt help but praise this Pakistani chai waala's sea-blue eyes and chiselled features. (Photo: Instagram/ @jiah_ali)

The internet has found a new crush. And no, its not some upcoming showbiz celebrity. The handsome man in question is actually a chai waala from across the border! It all started when someone on Twitter uploaded a photo of the Peshawari stunner that later started trending like crazy. The original photo was taken from the Instagram account of a woman called Javeria who runs a photography business.

A photo posted by Jiah Ali (@jiah_ali) on Oct 14, 2016 at 8:50am PDT

The picture of the dashing young man pouring tea in a utensil has caught the fancy of several ladies on social media. Many couldnt help but praise his sea-blue eyes and chiselled features. The photographer had spotted our guy at a Sunday bazaar in Islamabad.

And it looks like hes got quite a few online fans already.

I want this this chai wala in my header rn so hot dayyyymmmmm  pic.twitter.com/2LAorLWdVn  S (@Cheesyxball) October 16, 2016

Pakistan ka tou chai wala bhi kitna hot hai.. KhoObsurti tou hamari ragh ragh me hai.. pic.twitter.com/ivJdmQ5N0d  AnOoshaY Myla (@IamAnooshay) October 16, 2016

Even that #Chaiwala is sohna than my future   -Z (@ZaraBat00l) October 16, 2016

This Chai Wala In Islamabad is

More cute & Good Looking

Then the Whole Islamabad Itself.  pic.twitter.com/IxHFVL4XXD   (@gkOnHai) October 16, 2016

I hope the chai wala follows me back on his instagram when he's super famous.  Khalilah (@Albatrouz_) October 16, 2016
Sagar: A 32-year-old man on Monday allegedly beheaded his father over a property dispute in the district and was nabbed when he was running away with the hacked-off head.

The gruesome incident took place in the area under Baheriya police station limits, 15 km from the district headquarters, police said.

Manohar Lodhi had an altercation with his father Prahlad (67) last evening when the latter stopped him from cutting his standing crop of soybean over 16 acres of land at Semra Mojha village, City Superintendent of Police Gautam Solanki said.

Manohar beheaded his father this morning with an axe. When he was running away with the head, some people saw it and informed the police who arrested him, the CSP said.

He said that Manohar was nursing a grudge against his father, who had two wives and two sons from each, for a long time. Manohar was the first wife's elder son.

Prahlad had a total of 30 acres of land and had distributed 24 acres of it among his four sons, with each son getting six acres. He kept six acres with himself and bought another 10 acres some time ago. He tilled these 16 acres.

Manohar believed for long that Prahlad loved his second wife's elder son more than he loved him, the CSP said.

"We have booked Manohar under section 302 (murder) of IPC," Solanki said, adding that further investigation was on.
Mumbai: The Mumbai police on Monday arrested a former Congress corporator and his son in connection with the murder of a 72-year-old RTI activist in the city.

"Amjad Khan (53) and his father Razzaq Khan (78) were arrested Monday morning on charges of murder of Bhupendra Vira. Razzak was earlier a corporator in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. It looks like a land dispute led to the Khans killing Vira," Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Dudhe said.

Razzaq Khan is former corporator of Congress from Santacruz area.

Vira, who had been fighting against land mafia, unauthorized structures and encroachments in and around Kalina, was shot dead at point blank range on Saturday night when he was watching TV at his residence in suburban Santacruz.

The shooter is suspected to have used a silencer, as Vira'a wife, who despite being in the house claimed that she did not hear anything, a police official involved in the probe said.

Police had earlier said they were inquiring if Vira had approached them with any complaint - that he faced threat to his life.

The activist is survived by a daughter and two sons.

Social activist and former AAP leader Anjali Damania, who had worked with Vira, yesterday said he was attached to 'Voice of Kalina', an advanced locality management (ALM) body and a citizen's group.

Describing him as committed social worker, Damania had said, "Vira along with other members of the ALM were fighting against encroachments, illegal structures and land mafia in and around Kalina by filing RTIs. He had written several letters to authorities including, Lokayukta, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and police, seeking action against illegal structures."

According to her, several activists had received threats and many of them, including Vira, had filed several complaints at Vakola police station in this regard.

She said that on Saturday morning, Vira had persuaded the BMC authorities to issue four notices to a local goon living in the same area.
Mumbai: A single, unidentified assailant barged into the residence of a 72-year-old RTI activist and shot him dead at Kalina in Santa Cruz (east) on Saturday night. The police arrested two people in connection with the murder on Monday.

The victim, Bhupendra Vira, was a well-known activist who had raised his voice against several illegal constructions and exposed the local land mafias nefarious activities.

Viras family suspects the role of a former corporator, but the police has made no comments on the latters role, saying investigations are still at an initial stage.

The fact that there was no CCTV camera installed near the crime scene is proving to be a hurdle, the cops added, since footage from it could have yielded a clue about the assailants identity.

The familys suspicions lie on the corporator since Vira had opposed his irregular activities in the past. My father-in-law had made many enemies due to his activism. He would file RTIs, get documents and uncover details about the numerous illegal constructions in the area. He had also managed to anger an ex-corporator who had tried to encroach upon our land a few years ago," said Ms Sheela Vira, the victims daughter-in-law.

Vira was referring to an incident four years ago, when certain goons who allegedly owed allegiance to the ex-corporator had forcibly tried to take over a property in which Vira owned a gala. When Mr Viras elder son had tried to stop the goons, they had assaulted him with a knife. Subsequently, Vira began raising his voice against local land-grabbing incidents and approached the police with complaints.

The police said that the murder occurred between 8.30 pm and 9 pm on Saturday, when Vira was at his house in Razzaq Chawl behind Kalina Masjid. They stay in a one-room kitchen set-up and the victim was watching TV when the incident took place. The assailant allegedly barged into the house, shot him and fled, said an officer from Vakola police station. He added that Viras wife, Ranjanben, was present in the house during the incident.

She was in the kitchen and claims to have been unaware about when the assailant entered the house, saying she rushed out only after hearing her husband's yell, said an officer.

Deputy commissioner of police (zone 8) Virendra Mishra said, A murder case has been registered against an unknown person. We are trying to make a sketch of the accused.

Meanwhile, other activists have now sought pro-active policing to protect them. Several activists who stay in the citys western and eastern suburbs met on Sunday morning to demand immediate action on all the complaints lodged against land-grabbers and other anti-social elements. The activists will meet the city police commissioner with their demands on Monday.

Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of attacks on RTI activists ever since the Act was enforced 11 years ago. According to data put together by the Commonwealth Human Rights initiative, more than 60 activists have been killed, harassed or assaulted in the state since 2005. Most of the cases were related to land scams.
Ghaziabad: Two persons have been arrested and another booked for allegedly thrashing and injecting petrol in the private parts of four persons, including two teenagers, on suspicion that they stole a mobile phone, police said here.

One of the accused, Rizzu, is the brother of a local Samajwadi Party leader and runs a milk dairy under Loni police station area.

On October 14, he lost his mobile phone and suspected Zaheer Baig (17), Gulzar (16) Fimo and Firoz (both 25), all from the same neighbourhood, of stealing the phone, Superintendent of Police (Rural area) Rakesh Pandey said.

Later Rizzu called the four to his dairy where he along with his associates, including Akil and Nadeem, thrashed them before injecting petrol with a syringe in their private parts, the SP said.

The victims were rushed to the primary health centre from where they were referred to the district hospital.

The condition of Zaheer and Gulzar remained critical and they were further referred to GTB hospital in Delhi for treatment where the doctors bypassed their stool passing track by operating their intestines, he said.

An FIR has been lodged at Loni Kotwali police station under section 323 (causing hurt), 504 (insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation), 377 (unnatural offences) and POCSO Act, the SP said.

Rizzu and Akil have been arrested while Nadeem is still at large, he added.
All India Muslim Personal Law Board has been defending the triple talaq system and termed the filing of the affidavit as 'un-islamic.' (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The All Indian Muslim Personal Law Board and various other outfits opposed the Law Commission's questionnaire on Uniform Civil Code and on Thursday announced their boycott of the move, accusing the government of waging a "war" against the community.

Addressing a press conference here, they contended that Uniform Civil Code (UCC), if implemented, will paint all people in "one colour" which will threaten the country's pluralism and diversity.

Trashing government's stand on the issue of triple talaq, the outfits instead claimed the community has reported lesser number of divorce cases vis-a-vis other communities, especially the Hindu community which, they said, has reported higher divorce ratio according to Census 2011.

AIMPLB general secretary Wali Rehmani, Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani and representatives of other bodies said all the Muslim sects and its women were "one" on these issues.

They said the outfits will launch a campaign to create awareness amongst Muslims from today, beginning with a gathering in Lucknow.

The Board said that there are "flaws" in the personal laws governing Muslims and they are being addressed from time-to-time.

They said the country is facing problems on various fronts including the LoC and issues like killings elsewhere. "This is all destructive. The government should try to fix this and ensure peace than seeking views on issues like UCC," Madani said.

Contrary to the Commission's claim that the step is an "endeavour" to address discrimination against vulnerable groups and harmonise the various cultural practices, Rehmani said when implemented the UCC will bring to an end country's pluralism and paint all in "one colour" and end diversity and pluralism.

"People of different cultures stay in this country. If the UCC is implemented, attempts will be made to paint all in one colour, which is not in the interest of the country.

"Also, we don't want the practice of triple talaq to be abolished. There are more divorces in other communities. Rather the highest rate, which is double that of Muslims, is among Hindus," he claimed.

When pointed that some Muslim community members have raised the issue of triple talaq, Rehmani curtly said that "they have all the right to do so in a democracy".

Madani termed as a "trap" the Commission's claim that the move is an attempt to address discrimination. "The government is trying to divert attention of people from its failure. We hope it withdraws the move. If it doesn't, we will decide on our future course of action. At present, we are trying to create awareness among Muslims in the country," he added.

Meanwhile, women members of the Board stressed that contrary to perception, the personal law balances rights of Muslim women and men "very well" and that there is no need for reforms in it.

"There is no need for any reform in the law. Triple talaq is not an issue and the government's move to impose UCC intends to snatch our religious freedom guaranteed in the Indian Constitution. That's the reason we are fighting for our rights," Aasma Zehra, a Board member, said.

Making perhaps the first such move, the Law Commission had on October 7 sought feedback from public on whether the practice of triple talaq be abolished and whether a uniform civil code should be optional.
New Delhi: A Pakistani newspaper close to the government and military establishment on Tuesday warned the Nawaz Sharif government that international isolation seems to be looming over the country.

A hard-hitting editorial in The Nation, the second in a week, said that the government needs to indiscriminately crack down on all non-state terror actors, and back its words with action. It cited the fact that even China, a close ally of Pakistan, had expressed concern about the inaction against terrorists, to emphasise that action must be taken against terrorists.

"Modi's statement shows just how committed New Delhi is when it comes to isolating Pakistan globally. From canceling the SAARC summit to boycotting Pakistani artistes, the Modi regime is hell-bent on weakening Pakistan at every international forum... When and if isolated, the impact would be drastic, and Pakistan would never want that," said the editorial.

The newspaper directly attacked the Pakistani government and security agencies, calling them on to have the decency to admit that Pakistan still isn't 100 per cent sure which non-state actor is good or bad.

Citing the example of a ruling party lawmaker who demanded action against non-state actors, the editorial asked Pakistan to clearly define its policies, and act on them.

Pakistan has to realise that what really is in its national interest is the complete elimination of nefarious elements, without any discrimination, the editorial said.

It also slammed the government for taking action against a journalist, Cyril Almeida, who reported that the civilian Pakistani government clashed with the military over the latter impeding efforts to crack down on terror. Pakistan placed Almeida on its Exit Control List after repeatedly rubbishing his story, which he claims had been cross-checked thrice.

Labeling the Pakistani establishment immature, the editorial ridiculed talk of national security. It stated that Almeidas story was never a threat to national security as claimed by security agencies.

The editorial also questioned why taking action against Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar brought the countrys security under threat.

"Worry a great deal about Pakistan's image abroad - some of our actions and inactions as a country are indefensible - everyone knows it, no matter how much we may pretend otherwise," The Nation's editorial said.
Coimbatore: An AIADMK councillor and DMK worker have been admitted to a hospital in Pollachi in the district after they came to blows following an altercation over the remarks on the health status of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, police said on Monday.

DMK local functionary Lingadurai reportedly made critical remarks about the health condition of Jayalalithaa in an inebriated condition Sunday night. AIADMK Councillor James Raj, who was passing by, got angry over the remarks and entered into an argument leading to fistfight, police said.

Lingadurai got admitted to the Pollachi government hospital in the early hours of Monday, claiming assault by the councillor.

James also was admitted to the same hospital, complaining that Lingadurai had assaulted him, police said.

Jayalalithaas health has been a matter of much debate, owing to the secrecy maintained by the hospital authorities and the party leaders regarding her status, giving way to rumours and speculations.

A 70-year-old AIADMK functionary ended his life last week allegedly upset over the ailing Chief Ministers health.

He was aggrieved on reading the news reports about the Chief Minister and consumed poison on Thursday in his house in Sholayur in Tirupur district, police said.

The Tamil Nadu police had also arrested many people across the state in a crackdown over rumour mongering on Jyaalalithaas health status, many of them hailing from the traditional rival party DMK, prompting senior DMK leader Stalin to cry foul.

Soon after Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo Hospitals on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration, rumours were going on about her health on social networking sites including Facebook and WhatsApp.
Ahmedabad: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said the Indian Army was giving a befitting reply to ceasefire violations by Pakistan even as he hit out at those seeking proof of cross LoC surgical strikes.

"Violations are regularly taking place for the last five-six years, you can take out figures. But the only thing that has changed now is that we are giving effective reply," he said.

To a question on security lapses, Parrikar said, "When you are doing things and if there are lapses in it, then mistakes should be rectified."

Surgical strikes, he said, have increased the sensitivity among Indians regarding national security in a very effective way. "From the day of strike till today some politicians are seeking proof," Parrikar said without taking any names.

"When Indian Army says something we should believe it. It (Army) is world's best, professional, brave and having a very high integrity. I do not feel that anybody will seek proof from them (Army) here in Ahmedabad," Parrikar said.

"Two good things have happened after the surgical strikes. First thing is except some politicians, every Indian is rising in unison and standing behind our brave soldiers. And the second thing is we (Indians) have acquired sensitivity regarding national security in a very effective way," he said at a function here of Nirma University, called 'Know my Army'.

Parrikar praised the university for organising such a programme and called upon youths to join the Army.

Later, Parrikar while talking to reporters, said one thing is clear that his government is serious about national security.

On the illegal sneaking-in of people in Gujarat from border adjoining Pakistan, Parrikar said, "BSF is tightening security at the border. You also know that this is a difficult area where we cannot put up fences as it is a marshy area. But we will use technology and fill the gaps to ensure no unauthorised person enters our territory."
The police said that the baby was shifted to the maternity ward and when Hassan visited the ward on Saturday (Photo: AFP/Representational)

Jammu: In a shocking incident, a newborn was nibbled by rats in the maternity ward of a government hospital in Kishtwar with parents claiming that the baby died due to rodent bites.

Ghulam Hassan, a resident of the remote Chhatru village of the district, had taken his wife to the hospital where she delivered a baby boy on Thursday, a police officer said.

The police said that the baby was shifted to the maternity ward and when Hassan visited the ward on Saturday, he found the baby dead with rat bites visible on his body.

There was blood all over the body and the rats were still nibbling him when Hassan went to check on him, he said. Gurjeet Singh, Director of Health Services in Jammu, said that a probe has been launched into the matter.

I have already ordered an inquiry and the chief medical officer of the district will be conducting the inquiry. However, preliminary inquiry suggest that the baby had already died due to some illness and was nibbled by rats after his death, Singh said. Mr Singh, however, said that if anybody in the health department is found guilty, strict action would be taken against them.
The police barricade the spot where RSS worker Rudresh was murdered on Kamaraj Road (Photo: Shashidhar B.)

Bengaluru: BJP and RSS workers on Monday staged a protest here against the gruesome murder of a local RSS functionary and demanded a fair probe into the case and immediate arrest of the culprits.

Rudresh, a 35-year old RSS worker, was hacked to death by two motorcycle-borne men who struck him with machete on Kamaraja Road on Sunday, when he was returning home on a bike after attending an RSS event.

Read: Bengaluru: RSS worker murdered in broad daylight in Shivajinagar

RSS had called for a bandh on Monday in Shivajinagar area, where the murder took place following which prohibitory orders have been clamped in four police station limits of the eastern zone of the city Commissionerate limits till midnight.

Police said elaborate security arrangements had been made all over the city as a precautionary measure, adding that central forces have also been deployed.

Platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police, City Armed Reserve, Rapid Action Force and Central Industrial security Force have been deployed, police said.

BJP and RSS workers led by former Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka and Members of Parliament Shobha Karandlaje and P C Mohan and others, marched from Shivajinagar towards Police Commissioner's office, but were stopped midway.

Linking Rudresh's murder to killing of BJP and RSS functionaries in different part of the country, Karandlaje said "there is a feeling that these killings are part of a planned conspiracy."

Ashoka said the culprits should be nabbed first before they fled out of the city or state.

Home Minister G Parameshwara said, "Four to five teams have been formed to investigate. Police will do their job. A few persons have already been taken into the custody, inquiry is on."

He said "Rudresh happens to be an RSS worker, other than that, we are not aware of anything about him. We will get to know the exact reasons for his killing only after the investigation."

Assuring BJP and RSS workers that police will conduct a fair investigation into the case, city Police Commissioner N S Megharikh said, "We will nab the culprits soon."
Jammu: Warning that Muslims across India would not tolerate any "interference" with Muslim Personal Laws, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the religious panel has the veto to look into the issues concerning the Sharia law.

"Every religion has its way. If someone forces something on Hindu religion, will they accept it? In Islam, there is a committee that looks into the matters of Sharia law. If someone wants to force anything, Muslims will not accept it," he told reporters here.

For the first time in India's constitutional history, the Centre had on October 7 opposed in the Supreme Court the practice of triple talaq, 'nikah halala' and polygamy among Muslims and favoured a relook on grounds of gender equality and secularism.

Many Muslim bodies, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, have opposed the Centre's stand.

The National Conference president also reiterated his demand for holding talks between India and Pakistan in the wake of heightened tension on the borders.

"A way for dialogue has to be found, Atal Bihari Vajpayee did it. There is a no way forward but only talk, we have fought four wars. At present, borders have been vacated and people are suffering. Dialogue has to be started if not today, but after sometime," he said.

On asked about his son Omar Abdullah being subjected to secondary immigration check upon his arrival in US today, the NC leader said the US cannot catch real terrorists, but harass innocent people.

"They (US) cannot catch real terrorists, but harass those who have nothing to do with terrorism," he said.

Farooq said that in the past too, the US had done the same with former President APJ Abdul Kalam and former defence minister George Fernandes, who were subjected to extra screening during their visit to that country.

In a series of tweets, Omar Abdullah earlier said that he had to spend two hours at the airport upon his arrival in New York as the US authorities subjected him to "random secondary immigration check".

"Thrice in three visits, the randomness is growing tiresome now. I just spent TWO hours in a holding area and this happens EVERY time. Unlike @iamsrk I dont even catch Pokemon to pass the time," he said.

Omar is in New York to speak at an event organised by students of New York University.
Modi said India will continue to work with Brazil as an important partner in early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). (Photo: AP)

Benaulim (Goa): India on Monday appreciated Brazil's support for its actions to combat terrorism and said the two countries agreed that the world must come together to fight the menace without distinction or discrimination.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also thanked Brazilian President Michel Temer for "understanding India's aspiration" for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

"My country deeply appreciates Brazil's support for India's actions in combating terrorism," Modi said after a bilateral meeting with Temer, who is here for the 8th BRICS Summit which concluded on Sunday.

"We agreed that the world must come together to fight this menace without distinction or discrimination," the Prime Minister said.

Read: Brazil President extends support to Indias NSG bid during meet with Modi

He said India will continue to work with Brazil as an important partner in early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

"Both bilaterally and multilaterally, the partnership between India and Brazil is filled with possibilities that we are keen to harvest," he said.

Modi said the two countries made progress in opening new areas of cooperation in drug regulation, agricultural research and cyber security during Temer's visit.

"I am happy to note that India and Brazil are close to finalising the text of a bilateral investment agreement. President Temer and I have reviewed the full range of bilateral cooperation," he said.

He said that the bilateral relations between India and Brazil have grown for the better and there has been increased interaction at all levels.

"This visit (by Temer) takes place as both countries mark a decade of our strategic partnership," the Prime Minister said.

Modi and the Brazilian leader also witnessed exchange of four cross-sectoral MoUs between the two countries.

The first MoU is on genetic resources, agriculture, animal husbandry, natural resources and fisheries while the second one is on pharma products regulation. The third MoU is on cattle genomics and assisted reproductive technologies and the fourth is on investment cooperation and facilitation treaty.

"We thank Brazil for understanding India's aspiration for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. We've made progress in cooperation in new areas including drug regulation, agri research and cyber security. Will work closely at UN, G20, G4, WTO, BRICS and IBSA," Modi said.

He said he was honoured to welcome Temer to India. "I am delighted that Goa with its distinct Portuguese heritage is part of his maiden visit here," he said.

The Prime Minister said bilaterally and multilaterally, partnership between India and Brazil is filled with possibilities that the two countries were keen to harvest.

Modi thanked the Brazilian leader for positively considering request of greater market access and investment opportunities for Indian products and companies.

"President Temer and I met with our CEOs and are encouraged at steps they are taking to advance pragmatic collaboration.

"India can be a valuable partner in reviving Brazil's domestic economic agenda. I welcome Brazilian companies to invest and forge long term partnerships," he said Modi said the two sides have finalised text of a bilateral investment agreement and it will provide momentum to increased bilateral business and investment linkages.

"Noting potential, we have agreed to scale up our engagement. This is in line with our mutual desire for a reinforced strategic partnership.

"We mark a decade of our strategic partnership. We are also joined together in shaping international context to support our common pursuits and endeavours," he said.

Earlier, Modi welcomed Temer to Goa, saying, "We are natural partners linked by democracy, rule of law and shared aspirations for development, peace and prosperity."

"As part of our business-level meetings here, we noted that there is a keen interest on part of Brazilian business community to invest in India," Brazilian President Michel Temer said.

"We are also encouraging Indian investors to invest in Brazil," he said.

Temer also congratulated Modi for the "very successful" BRICS Summit.

"We all know that India in the past few years has experienced very substantial changes," he said, adding, it was another coincidence.

"Currently in Brazil, we are also setting out to changing our country beyond recognition," he said.

"Both our countries are among the world's largest democracies...We have a global presence," the Brazilian President added.

"Brazil and India have worked jointly at the UN level. We will send technical missions to visit India in areas of shared specific interest," Temer said.
Mumbai: Scholars and clergymen from different Muslim sects, under the banner of All India Muslim Majlise-e-Mushawarat, on Sunday registered their protest against the Law Commission's consultation on triple talaq and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

Recently, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), while announcing the decision to boycott the Law Commission's consultation, had criticised the Narendra Modi government for allegedly trying to divert attention from its "failures" by raising the issue of UCC.

The meeting in Mumbai was chaired by Maulana Sayed Mohamed Khalid Ashraf, the president of Daruloom Mohamdiya.

Prominent among those who attended the meeting were All India Ulema Council president Maulana Zaherudin Khan, Mushawarat president Naveed Hamid and general secretary Mujtaba Farooq, All India Muslim Personal Law Board executive committee member Maulana Sayed Athar Ali, All India Jamiat Islami vice president Maulana Nusrat, internationally-famous Haji Ali Dargah's Imam Maulana Mohd Islam, noted Shia scholar Maulana Asgar Imam Salfi (Ahlehadis) Maulana Asgar Haideri and others.

"Any interference in Muslim Personal Law will not be tolerated. Any efforts to impose a Common Civil Code in the name of social reform and gender justice will prove counter- productive," they said in a joint statement here.

"The government should respect this position of Muslims instead of conspiring to put an end to it. The government cannot force Muslims to follow other communities in issues related to personal laws as it would amount to an infringement of their fundamental rights.

"Those clamouring against triple talaq and demanding a ban on polygamy are a minuscule minority and are not representative of the Indian Muslim community," said Maulana Sayed Mohamed Khalid Ashraf.

All India Ulema Council president Maulana Zaherudin Khan said the move of banning triple talaq is a conspiracy to impose a Uniform Civil Code.

"We will boycott this questionnaire. No Muslim will respond to it because it is misleading and deceitful. The Uniform Civil Code is divisive and will lead to social unrest," he said.

All India Ulema Association president Maulana Sayed Athar Ali said the government should not interfere in the belief and religion of any citizen.

Muslims consider divorce, polygamy and other personal laws as an intrinsic part of their religion and are hence obliged to follow the Sharia in those matters, he said.
Hundreds of troops from the Army and jawans of Jammu and Kashmir police laid siege to the border town situated on the banks of River Jhelum at about 3 am. (Photo: AP/ Representational Image)

Srinagar: Security forces launched a massive search operation in the old town of Baramulla on Monday, 55-km northwest of Srinagar, following reports about the presence of militants.

Officials and residents said that hundreds of troops from the Army and jawans of Jammu and Kashmir police, including those of its counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG) and the CRPF laid siege to the border town situated on the banks of River Jhelum at about 3 am. Announcements were made through mike-fitted Army and police vehicles asking people not to venture out. With the first light, the security forces began house-to-house search which is underway, said a local reporter over the phone. The cordon-and-search operation has restricted the old Baramulla towns about 100,000 residents to their homes, he added.

Earlier on the weekend, the security forces conducted similar operations in Baramullas Azad Gunj and Kanli Bagh areas but no arrests were made. A meeting of top Army commanders and senior officers of various security forces and intelligence agencies held at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar last week had decided to resume counterinsurgency operations across the Valley, where the unrest triggered by the killing of Hizb-ul-Mujahedin commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani entered its 101st day on Monday.

Meanwhile masked youth torched two passenger vehicles in Srinagars Parimpora area on Monday morning. Witnesses said that the youth stopped the vehicles coming towards Srinagar at the Fruit Mandi crossing along the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Road at about 7.45 am, after thrashing their drivers and asking the passengers to get off torched them.

This apparently was to punish the drivers for violating the separatists protest calendar, which allows normal business only between 5 pm and 7 am. The police rushed to the spout but the attackers had already fled the scene, police sources said.

Earlier this month two auto-rickshaws and two private cars were also set on fire and dozens of other vehicles damaged by groups of youth in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley.

A report from southern Anantnag said that suspected militants snatched five rifles from the security guards at a Doordarshan low-power transmitter station in the districts Dalvash village late Sunday night. The snatched weapons include 3 SLRs, one INSAS and one Carbine. Such incidents have increased mainly in south Kashmir districts over the past couple of months.
Benaulim (Goa): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held bilateral talks with Brazil's President Michel Temer, following the BRICS summit in Goa.

The two leaders discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and ways to deepen ties between the two countries.

Delighted that Goa with its distinct Portuguese heritage is part of his maiden visit here, Modi said of the Brazilian President in his speech following the meeting.

The bilateral relations between India and Brazil have grown for the better. We have increased interaction at all levels, Modi added.

We thank Brazil for understanding India's aspiration for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, said Modi after Temer backed Indias bid to enter NSG.

Speaking about terrorism, Modi said India appreciates Brazil's support for its actions in combating terrorism. He stated that both countries had agreed that the world must come together to fight the menace of terror without distinction or discrimination.

Calling Brazil one of Indias most important economic partners in Latin America, Modi said India and Brazil are close to finalizing the text of a bilateral investment agreement.

Both bilaterally and multilaterally, the partnership between India and Brazil is filled with possibilities that we are keen to harvest, said Modi.

The PM encouraged Brazilian companies to invest in India and forge a long commercial partnership.

"Bridging distances with Brazil. PM @narendramodi and President @MichelTemer of Brazil lead delegation level talks," Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said in a tweet.

"Day 3 in Goa set aside for another Bilateral Summit. PM @narendramodi welcomes President @MichelTemer of Brazil," he said.

This was the last round of bilateral talks Modi held with BRICS leaders from major emerging national economies - Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa.
Rajgir: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was on Sunday formally appointed JD-U president, pushing him for a bigger role in national politics, though the party desisted from declaring him its prime ministerial candidate for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Nitish's appointment as JD-U chief was ratified at the party's national council meeting in Nalanda district of Bihar.

He was the sole candidate for the post after nominations were invited last month in Delhi and was declared "elected unopposed".

National council members from 23 states unanimously supported the resolution moved by Rajya Sabha member Haribansh to appoint the Bihar Chief Minister as JD-U chief.

Nitish had taken the rein from Sharad Yadav in April.

Briefing reporters on the deliberations of the JD-U national council, the party's general secretary, KC Tyagi, said Nitish was authorised to explore the option of forging "a strong alternative" of non-BJP parties nationally to defeat the "communal forces", the way he did it in Bihar.

Tyagi, accompanied by two senior Bihar ministers, Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Rajiv Ranjan Singh Lallan, said Nitish was the "most credible face" among a larger section of the people who saw him "with a hope to defeat the BJP and the RSS".

He, however, made it clear that the JD-U had "never declared" that Nitish would be the prime ministerial candidate in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"Although he is PM material with secularist, non-dynastic and non-casteist credentials, being a small party, the JD(U) has never officially declared him the prime ministerial candidate for the 2019 polls," Tyagi said.
Chennai: Farmers and opposition parties in Tamil Nadu staged rail roko agitation on Monday at various places in the state demanding the Centre to constitute the Cauvery Management Board immediately.

The protests were held against the stance of BJP-led Union government in the Supreme Court which opposed immediate setting up of the Board.

Thousands of protestors participated in the rail rook demonstrations, who courted arrest and were lodged in the community and marriage halls, police said, adding they were likely to be released later today.

The agitations marked the beginning of a 48-hour rail blockade by farmers outfits which has the support of opposition parties including the DMK, Tamil Nadu Congress, IUML, CPI(M), CPI, MDMK and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.

Farmer leader and chief of National South Indian Rivers Inter-Linking Farmers Association P Ayyakannu led the protest in Tiruchirappalli by squatting over the railway track in Kudamuratti bridge area.

Ryots squatted on railway tracks with green turbans and planted paddy seedlings in the narrow gap between railway tracks. They managed to block trains briefly but were removed later by police.

"We will continue our stir. Tomorrow too this will be held. We plan to block Vaigai Super Fast Express. We urge the Centre to not make us paupers, (by adopting a stance against CMB)" Ayyakannu said.

Similar protests witnessed huge participation of people in the entire Cauvery Delta region of the state including Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts.

DMK treasurer and Leader of Opposition M K Stalin led the protest at Perambur suburban railway station here in which scores of his party legislators and functionaries took part.

Leading the protestors, he blocked a suburban train, following which he along with party cadres was taken away by police from the railway station.

MDMK chief Vaiko and CPI(M) State Secretary G Ramakrishnan squatted on railway track at the busy Chennai Central Railway station. Similarly, CPI State Secretary R Mutharasan participated in a rail roko stir in Tiruvarur district.

Vaiko told reporters that the stir was to protect the rights of Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery issue. Blaming the BJP regime at the Centre for having a "hidden agenda," to "support Karnataka," he said, it was being done for "political edge."

Former Chennai Mayor and DMK legislator Ma Subramanaian (Saidapet), senior DMK leader Duraimurugan (Vellore Dt), former Union Minister TR Baalu (Tambaram), former State Ministers including EV Velu (Tiruvannamalai), K Ponmudi (Villupuram), and KN Nehru (Tiruchirappalli), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief Thol Thirumavlavan (Basin Bridge) led rail roko demonstrations as well.

"Central government should come forward to withdraw their stand in Supreme Court against setting up CMB," Thirumavalavan said.

In some places including Madurai and Cuddalore, police resorted to baton-charge to disperse a section of farmers and party workers who insisted on blocking train traffic.

Veteran CPI leader Nallakannu was detained at Virudhunagar near Madurai along with 300 others for blocking train.
Benaulim: In the wake of several SAARC nations coming out in support of New Delhi following the Uri attack and the subsequent cancellation of the bloc's summit in Islamabad, India, on Monday said Pakistan has been isolated due to its own policies and it has nothing to do with it.

"If someone has been isolated, it is due to the country's own policies. India has had nothing to do with it," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said at a press briefing after the 8th BRICS Summit here.

He was asked whether India had embarked on a drive to isolate Pakistan after the Pathankot attack as the decision to hold the BIMSTEC Summit alongside the BRICS Summit here was taken in April itself.

"All SAARC nations unitedly said the SAARC Summit cannot take place in Islamabad in an atmosphere of terror," Swarup said.

India stepped up efforts to mount international pressure on Pakistan after the September 18 Uri attack, in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed by terrorists with links to Pak-based Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Several SAARC member states subsequently decided to call-off the bloc's summit which was to be held in Islamabad last month.

Swarup said Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives were quick to condemn the attacks. They stressed that a "constructive dialogue" cannot take place in such an atmosphere.

However, he declined to comment on Sartaz Aziz's comments after the sharp criticism by the Prime Minister yesterday, saying he will give a reaction at his weekly press briefing as India had not had a bilateral with Pakistan like with countries from the BIMSTEC bloc here.
The Maharashtra government had earlier told the court that women should be barred from entering the inner sanctorum of Haji Ali Dargah only if it is so enshrined in the Quran. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Supreme Court on Monday, extended its stay granted by Bombay High Court to facilitate an appeal against its decision to lift the ban on entry of women near the sanctum sanctorum of the famous Haji Ali Dargah till October 24, when it will hear the matter.

As the case did not reach the board for hearing, the counsel for the Haji Ali Dargah Trust urged the bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur, Justice A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud to extend the stay until the next date of the hearing.

The bench accepted the oral plea of senior advocate Gopal Subramaniam in this regard.

The apex court had on October 7 expressed hope that the Trust, which has challenged the high court judgement, "will take a stand which is progressive".

Subramaniam had also assured the bench that he was on a "progressive mission" and said all holy books and scriptures promoted equality and nothing which is regressive in character should be suggested.

The bench had also remarked that "if you are not allowing both men and women to go beyond a point, there is no problem. But if you are allowing some to go beyond a point while others are not, it is a problem."

The bench, which recorded that an identical issue has been raised and was pending before the Supreme Court relating to the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, said "the problem is not only among Muslims, but among the Hindus also".

The counsel, appearing for a women's group which has challenged the practice of the Trust not to allow women near the sanctum sanctorum, had submitted that the position was different before 2011 than what it is today.

The Trust moved the apex court challenging the Bombay High Court order lifting the ban on women from entering the sanctum sanctorum of the renowned Muslim shrine in South Bombay.

The High Court on August 26 had held that the ban imposed by the Trust on women from entering the sanctum sanctorum of the Haji Ali Dargah, contravened Articles 14, 15 and 25 of the Constitution and said women should be permitted to enter the sanctum sanctorum like men.

The High Court had allowed a PIL filed by two women, Zakia Soman and Noorjehan Niaz, from NGO Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, challenging the ban on women's entry into the sanctum sanctorum of the dargah from 2012.

It had granted a six-week stay on the order on a request by the Dargah Trust to enable it to appeal before the Supreme Court.

The high court had held that the Trust had no power to alter or modify the mode or manner of religious practices of any individual or any group.

The High Court in its 56-page judgement had also noted that the "right to manage the Trust cannot override the right to practice religion itself".

It had said the trust has not been able to justify the ban legally or otherwise. Hence it cannot be said that the prohibition was an essential and integral part of Islam and whether taking away that part of the practice would result in a fundamental change in the character of the religion or belief.

It had also refused to accept the Trust's justification that the ban was imposed for safety and security of women, in particular, to prevent sexual harassment at places of worship.

The Trust had claimed that the ban was in keeping with an order of the Supreme Court wherein stringent directions have been issued to ensure that there is no sexual harassment to women at places of worship.

The court had noted that the aims, objectives and activities of the Haji Ali Dargah Trust were not governed by any custom or tradition and held that it was a public charitable trust and hence, open to people all over the world, irrespective of their caste, creed or gender.

The Maharashtra government had earlier told the court that women should be barred from entering the inner sanctorum of Haji Ali Dargah only if it is so enshrined in the Quran.
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir police on Monday arrested more than thirty people including some lower-rung activists of Hurriyat Conference and other separatist outfits after together with the Army and CRPF launching a massive search operation in the old town of Baramulla, 55-km northwest of Srinagar.

Police sources said that those arrested by it included several local youth allegedly involved in stone-pelting incidents and other desirable activities during the ongoing unrest in Kashmir Valley. The unrest triggered by the killing of Hizb-ul-Mujahedin commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani entered its 101th day on Monday.

They were evading arrest and, therefore, a cordon-and-search operation had to be conducted to get them, said the sources. However, the residents complained that the police also took with them close relatives like brothers and fathers of some of those who figured in the list of wanted people after they police could not find them during the search operation. A large number of people later gathered outside the Baramulla police station to seek release of the innocent people, witnesses said.

The officials and residents said that hundreds of troops from the Army and jawans of Jammu and Kashmir police including those of its counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG) and the CRPF laid siege to the border town situated on the banks of River Jhelum at about 3 am. Announcements were made through mike-fitted Army and police vehicles asking people not to venture out. With the first light, the security forces began house-to-house searches which ended at about 2.30 pm, said a local reporter over the phone. The cordon-and-search operation restricted the old Baramulla towns about 100,000 residents to their homes, he added.

An earlier report had said that the operation was launched on learning about the presence of militants in the town. At the weekend, the security forces conducted similar operations in Baramullas Azad Gunj and Kanli Bagh areas but no arrests were made.

Meanwhile masked youth torched two passenger vehicles in Srinagars Parimpora area on Monday morning. Witnesses said that the youth stopped the vehicles coming towards Srinagar at the Fruit Mandi crossing along the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Road at about 7.45 am and after thrashing their drivers and asking the passengers to get off torched them.

This apparently was to punish the drivers for violating the separatists protest calendar which allows normal business only between 5 pm and 7 am. The police rushed to the spout but the attackers had already fled the scene, police sources said. A statement issued by the police here in the evening said that six persons involved in the crime have been identified and manhunt launched for them.

Earlier this month two auto-rickshaws and two private cars were also set on fire and dozens of other vehicles damaged by groups of youth in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley.

A report from southern Anantnag said that suspected militants snatched five rifles from the security guards at a Doordarshan low-power transmitter station in the districts Dalvash village late Sunday night. The snatched weapons include 3 SLRs, one INSAS and one Carbine. Such incidents have increased mainly in south Kashmir districts over the past couple of months.
New Delhi: In an unprecedented order, the Supreme Court on Monday summoned one of its former judges, Markandey Katju, to appear in person before it to point out the "fundamental flaws", as claimed by him in the sensational Soumya rape case.

"He (Justice Katju) is a respected gentleman. We request him to come in person and debate his Facebook post criticising the judgment. Let him come to the court and let's debate over the fundamental flaws in our verdict," a bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and U U Lalit said and issued a notice to Justice Katju.

Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, who was assisting the top court in the matter, said "I think it is for the first time that the Supreme Court has asked its former judge to appear in person before it in connection with any matter".

In his Facebook post, Justice Katju had criticised the apex court saying it had grievously erred by "not holding" the convict, Govindachamy, "guilty of murder" in the case.

The bench also kept the review petitions filed by Kerala and Soumya's mother in abeyance saying it would debate with Justice Katju on his facebook post.

"Though arguments have been elaborate and stands concluded, we do not consider it appropriate to express any opinion on the contentions advanced at this stage. This is so because we are of the view that a connected issue which has arisen needs to be resolved in the first instance," the bench said referring to the blog of Justice Katju.

"Such a view coming from a retired judge of this Court needs to be treated with greatest of respect and consideration. Office to register a suo motu review petition," the bench said in its order.

"We issue notice to Justice Markandey Katju, former judge of this Court and request him to appear in Court in person and participate in the proceedings on November 11...as to whether the judgment and order dated September 15 passed by this Bench...suffers from any fundamental flaw so as to require exercise of the review jurisdiction," the bench said.

While issuing notice to Justice Katju, the bench also quoted his Facebook post criticising the Soumya case verdict, which said "It is regrettable that the Court has not read section 300 carefully. The judgment needs to be reviewed in an open court hearing".

In another post on the same issue, Justice Katju had written "I submit that the Supreme Court has erred in law in not holding the accused guilty of murder, and its judgment needs to be reviewed to this extent".

Justice Katju, through his Facebook post on September 15, had criticised the verdict commuting to life the death sentence awarded to Govindachamy for raping 23-year-old Soumya on February 1, 2011, after pushing her out of a train in Kerala.

Following the apex court order, the state as well as Soumya's mother had filed review petitions.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court will on Monday hear the bail petition of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu.

A medical board of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) had on October 3 told the apex court that the health condition of Asaram Bapu was stable.

Asaram, accused of rape, had refused to undergo several tests, the seven-member board also said in its report filed before the bench of Justices AK Sikri and NV Ramana.

On August 11, the top court had denied interim bail to Asaram in a rape case and directed AIIMS to set up a medical board to ascertain his health condition before taking up his regular bail plea.

The Rajasthan High Court had earlier rejected Asaram's bail plea citing that the case had reached its "fag end" and thus it was not "appropriate" to grant him bail.

This was his ninth regular bail application to be rejected.

In 2013, a minor girl had alleged that Asaram had sexually assaulted her at his ashram in Jodhpur.

The self-styled godman was subsequently arrested on August 31, 2013, and has been in jail since then.

Asaram's counsel had sought bail citing that the accused has been suffering several ailments.
BHUBANESWAR: The Mahanadi water dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha has given a shot in the arm to the Congress to revive its political fortunes. As Raman Singhs BJP government in Chhattisgarh and Naveen Patnaiks BJD government in Odisha spar over the Mahanadi issue, the Congress says both the parties were responsible for unchecked construction over the river that now threatens livelihoods of lakhs of people living downstream the river.

When the Raman Singh government was busy in construction of barrages over Mahanadi river, the Naveen Patnaik government surprisingly kept mum. In the Assembly also, it said that even if the Chhattisgarh government constructs 100 barrages there would not be any impact of water flow to Odisha. Now when Chhattisgarh government has almost completed construction of a number of barrages resulting in significant decline in the water flow to Odisha, the Naveen Patnaik government is crying foul. It is making noise that Odisha has been betrayed by Chhattisgarh with support from the NDA government at the Centre, senior Congress leader Tara Prasasd Bahinipati said on Sunday.

Mr Bahanipati also blamed the NDA government for not asking the Chhattisgarh government to halt construction on Mahanadi. The Congress led by Odisha PCC president Prasad Harichandan and leader of the Opposition in Odisha Legislative Assembly Narasingha Mishra has been assiduously working to ensure that the BJD does not score any political points from Mahanadi water issue.

As the BJD continues its month-long Jana Sampark Yatra to highlight the role of Chhattisgarh government and the NDA government in the Mahanadi water issue, the Congress on Saturday took the matter to Delhi. A delegation of 16 Congress MLAs led by Mr Mishra apprised the issue to party vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

The Delhi exercise, as viewed by the political analysts, would help the grand old party revive its old fortune to some extent in Odisha as a large section of people in the state believe that both the BJD and BJP did not take into consideration at right time the adverse impacts the states farmers and common people were going to suffer due to decline in the volume of water flow to Odisha following construction works by Chhattisgarh.
Mr Rao had said in January 2015 that a new Secretariat was required because the existing one suffers from dangerous Vaastu defect.

Hyderabad: A roadmap has been devised for shifting of the TS Secretariat so that the existing four blocks (A, B, C and D) can be demolished and Secretariat can be completed within a year.

The designs submitted by noted architect Hafeez Contractor envisaged a built-up area of 8 lakh sq.ft. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao favours five lakh sq.ft. in a single 10-storeyed tower. Fresh designs have thus been called for with the cost pegged at less than Rs 200 crore.

Mr Rao had said in January 2015 that a new Secretariat was required because the existing one suffers from dangerous Vaastu defect. The other reason cited was that all offices should be housed in a single location for better administrative and public convenience.

The entire BRK Bhavan will be used to accommodate the Secretariat during the construction period. The top ninth floor will be allotted to the CMO. The current B-Block will be shifted to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors, A-Block to the 5th, 6th and 7th floors and C-Block to the 8th and 9th floors.

D-Block will be accommodated in HoD offices located in BRK Bhavan. The existing offices in BRK Bhavan will be shifted to other government buildings such as Gruha Kalpa, Maithri Vanam and even Hotel Expotel at Lower Tank Bund. Mr Rao has also asked the Chief Secretary to write to the AP government, urging it to hand over its vacant premises in Hyderabad.

Once AP hands over its blocks (J, K, L, H), the government plans to shift all offices located outside the Secretariat into these premises. Meanwhile, Mr Rao is learnt to have briefed Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan about the Secretariat building plan and sought re-allotment of AP Secretariat blocks to TS.

Mr Rao is also learnt to have brought to the notice of the Governor that since the AP Secretariat had been shifted to Velagapudi, all the four blocks (J,H,K,L) allotted to AP had become vacant. If the AP government needed accommodation for a few more years, the TS government was willing to provide alternative buildings.

The CM is learnt to have urged the Governor to ensure the vacant blocks allotted to the AP government are allotted to TS. As per AP Reorganisation Act, 2013, the Governor is empowered to take a decision on the allotment of buildings to TS and AP in the common capital Hyderabad.

The Governor allotted A, B, C and D blocks to TS and J, H, K and L Blocks to AP after bifurcation. There is no clarity whether the TS government would go for demolition of AP blocks or accommodate the TS Secretariat the A,B,C and D blocks to build new Secretariat.
New Delhi: In a jolt to India, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Pakistan the mothership of terrorism, China on Monday strongly defended its all-weather ally, saying it is against linking any country or religion with terror and asked the world community to acknowledge Pakistans great sacrifices in the battle against terror. The statement made in Beijing  merely hours after Chinese President Xi Jinping left India after the Brics Summit in Goa  is being seen as a response to Mr Modis veiled message to China at the summit, cautioning Beijing against selective approaches to terrorist individuals and organisations.

The Chinese statement shows that Beijing has not changed its mind despite Indias persuasion. China has major economic interests in Pakistan including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that will connect China to the Pakistani port of Gwadar and give it direct access to the maritime area near West Asia.

In a sharp reaction to a question about Mr Modis characterisation of Pakistan at the Brics Summit, the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry Hua Chunying said that India and Pakistan are all victims of terrorism.

China says Pakistan did lot to curb terror

In a sharp reaction to a question about Mr Modis characterisation of Pakistan at the Brics Summit, spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry Hua Chunying said Islamabad has made a great sacrifice to combat terrorism and this needs to be recognised by the international community.

Answering a question on Mr Modis criticism of Islamabad in aiding and abetting terror groups opposed to India, she said on counter-terrorism, Chinas position is consistent.

It is the same way we oppose linking terrorism with any specific country or religion, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said. We oppose terrorism in all forms and we believe that international concerted efforts are needed to ensure stability and security of all countries, she was quoted by news agencies, as saying in Beijing, adding, We oppose linking terrorism with any specific ethnicity or religion. .

To another question about Indias criticism that the Pakistan state apparatus continues to support anti-India terrorist groups by giving them arms, training, and financial and logistical support Hu said: I understand your concern.
Bhubaneswar: A major fire broke out on Monday evening at Sum Hospital here in Khandagiri area. At least 22 patients were killed and more than 20 were injured in the mishap.

The death toll is likely to increase as details regarding the casualties were not available by the time this report was filed.

According to reports, the fire broke out at around 6.30 pm in the dialysis intensive care unit (ICU) located in the first floor of the hospital. Seven fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the flames. Besides, 13 vehicles of 108 Ambulance Services were engaged to evacuate patients to other hospitals. A few patients who suffered burn injuries were rushed to Capital Hospital and a few other hospitals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack for immediate attention. Reports said some attendants and patients got injured as they tried to save their lives due to suffocation by jumping from the first floor of the building after breaking open windowpanes.

The mishap occurred due to electric short-circuit, said the hospital authorities. Short circuit seems to be the reason of the fire we are looking onto it. However, we are examining how the fire mishap occurred, said Basant Pati, deputy SP of Sum Hospital. Deputy Commissioner of Police Satyabrata Bhoi along security personnel has rushed to the hospital for crowd control and to assist the rescue teams.

Meanwhile, the Odisha government ordered for a high-level probe into the fire accident. In 2011, six board members of the AMRI hospital in Kolkata were arrested for culpable homicide after fire in which 89 people  85 patients and four staff members  died.

There were 160 people inside the hospital in Dhakuria, south Kolkata, when the fire began. Families of the victims and the government had accuse the privately-owned and posh hospital of ignoring basic fire safety laws.
Chennai: Three fishermen among 11 who made the roadsides of Kuwait their home for over a year reached Chennai airport on Sunday morning. While another six of them took a direct flight of Thiruvananthapuram, two of them are still stranded at Kuwait, looking for help. All the nine fishermen had to pay Rs 1 lakh each to the contractors, in order to get their passport back.

The three fishermen  Aneesh (24) from Thiruvannathapuram, John Kamil (41) and Shibin (25) from Kanyakumari thanked the Tamil and Malayalee associations from Kuwait for rendering continuous support.

Eleven fishermen belonging to Tamil Nadu and Kerala went to Kuwait in May last year after the contractors promised them a good income. The contractors who stuck to the promise for three months started paying them very meagre amounts which were not sufficient to meet their basic needs of food and shelter. Narrating the tragic experience, John Kamil said, When we confronted the contractor, he said that we had taken money in advance, which is completely untrue. They confiscated our passports and refused to return it, without paying them money.

They were thrown to the streets in no time. The Indian embassy refused to help us stating that it is a financial issue. Through the Tamil and Malayalee associations, we contacted our family members and paid the contractors, said Shibin.

We were also arrested when we confronted the contractor about our pay, a moist-eyed Shibin added. They were released after taking them into the custody for a month. We were cheated. It is distressing that neither the state nor the central government supported us, they said.
The cultural unit of RSS, Sanskar Bharti, is behind the idea of 'Naimishya Samman'. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The cultural unit of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is all set to introduce awards in the fields of Peace, Human Rights, Literature, Visual and Performing Arts, Science, Education and others, calling it Indias own Nobel Prize.

According to a report in DNA, the Ministry of Culture has given the go ahead to the RSS to institute Naimishya Samman, and a grand extravaganza in the form of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsava, will be held in Varanasi next month, to kick start the first edition of the awards.

The jury for it will comprise of prominent International and Indian artists like Sonal Mansingh, said the report.

The budget for the extravaganza has been set at a whooping Rs 220 crore, out of which around Rs 70 crore have been kept for the awards and the rest for the event.

The Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsava, an initiative of the Ministry of Culture is currently going on in the national capital and will also be held in Bengaluru and Kashmir.

However, the Mahotsava in Varanasi will be different as it will be attended by an assembly of scholars and artists from all over India.

The cultural unit of RSS, Sanskar Bharti, is behind the idea of Naimishya Samman, said the report. "The idea was proposed to the Ministry of Culture by us. We thought that Indians working in the field of arts, culture and literature should also get their due. Why should the great Indian writers wait to win a Nobel Prize, we should honor them with our own award that is equally respectable," theatre and cultural coordinator for Sanskar Bharti, Shailesh Shrivastava was quoted as saying by DNA.

The awards will be presented annually, starting in November this year.
Bareilly/Badaun: BJP will not project a chief ministerial candidate for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections which are a few months away, party's state unit chief Keshav Prasad Maurya said on Monday.

"All political parties are waiting for the chief ministerial candidate of BJP...It is clear policy of our party that we will contest the Assembly elections without projecting anyone as our CM candidate," he told news persons in Bareilly.

"BJP had projected CM faces in Assam and Delhi Assembly polls...While we succeeded in the former, we lost the latter ...We fought Haryana and Jharkhand without projecting any CM candidate and won," Maurya said.

He said BJP will win over 300 of the 403 seats in UP and the party's central parliamentary board will decide who has to be the chief minister.

Earlier in Badaun, Maurya accused BSP chief Mayawati of degrading religious leaders for which, he said, the electorate will teach her a lesson in the coming polls.

Reacting to Mayawati's charges that RSS and BJP workers were presented as Buddhist monks in the 'Dhamma Chetna Yatra' in Kanpur last week, Maurya said, "Her mental balance appears a little disturbed as a large number of her party men have deserted her.

"By making this statement, she has degraded religious leaders and Lord Buddha as well and she will see its result through the EVMs," he said.

To a question as to whether BJP will accept Akhilesh Yadav in its fold if he quits SP, Maurya said no member of the Saifai family has any place in his party. Saifai is the native place of SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.

When his attention was drawn to controversial SP leader Azam Khan facing sediton charges in a Badaun court, Maurya said only BJP government can arrest him in connection with various cases and charges.

Terming 'triple talaq' as anti-women, he said it needs to be done away with.

Maurya also warned Pakistan to desist from anti-India stance or "else Indian forces will unfurl the tri-colour in Islamabad soon".
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said the deployment of paramilitary forces in the Valley was a compulsion and they will be sent back to the barracks as soon as the situation returns to normal.

CRPF personnel have been deployed in view of vandalism by miscreants as they target vehicles, she stressed.

"In one such incident, a girl was killed at Parimpora in the city. Once there is improvement in situation, the vandalism decreases, the role of security forces will decrease. They will go back to their barracks," she told reporters.

"Deployment of (paramilitary) CRPF is not done out of pleasure but due to security apprehensions of the people who want to carry on with normal lives," she said.

The Chief Minister appealed to the parents to help the government in normalising the situation keeping in mind the future of their children.

On the protests over holding of board examinations as per schedule next month, she said the board exams will be held in time to avoid loss of academic time of students.

"The students will have more options (in terms of questions to answer) as they have not been able to complete the studies due to situation in Kashmir.

"We will also make arrangements for tuitions for students in government schools wherever possible so that they can prepare for examinations. We will also consider reducing the syllabus but examinations will be held on time," she added.

Mehbooba enlisted the measures taken by her government for the betterment of the women and girl students in the state.

"We have started separate buses, police stations and launched Ladli scheme for the women. My government's focus has been to provide more facilities to the women and girls. That is why we kept provision of scooty scheme in the budget for those girls who cannot afford autorickshaws.

"We are giving 50 per cent subsidy for these girl students for buying scooty. It will help in education of girl child coming from economically weaker sections," she said.

The Chief Minister said the government has launched this scheme in Jammu and more scooties will be handed out to girl students in coming days.

"However, we have not been able to do it in Kashmir yet due to the ongoing situation. It is good that poor girls are demanding this facility here (Kashmir) also," she said.
Thiruvananthapuram: Having tasted blood with the resignation of Industry Minister E. P. Jayarajan, the Congress is keen to take on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the nepotism row. The Congress is also taking out a protest march to the Assembly on Monday, which could result in a showdown.

After 12 days of hiatus, the remainder of the first session of the 14th Assembly, will begin on Monday. When the session had dispersed for the Pooja break, the UDF leadership was at the receiving end when their indefinite fast against the self-financing private medical college management fee structure did not work out. Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala has already said that they would intensify their protest against the left Government in the self-financing college issue as well as on the nepotism row.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said in Kottayam on Sunday that the role of Pinarayi Vijayan should also be probed over the controversial appointment of relatives.

The controversy has not ended with the resignation of Jayarajan. The appointment of those appointed by Jayarajan has been cancelled. Others who have been appointed are still continuing in their posts. A detailed probe should be conducted. The self-financing issuewould be raised in the assembly again, said Chennithala.

The CPM leadership will put on a brave face before the Oppositions attack. They have agreed privately that they have lost the Number Two in the Pinarayi government. But the LDF government would be maintaining that Jayarajan did not cling to power the way the UDF leaders did citing the case of former finance minister K. M. Mani who resigned later. At the same time, when former excise minister K. Babu gave his resignation to the then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, he did not accept his resignation. Jayarajan who used to sit next to Pinarayi, will now sit in the second row.

Demands for grants of various departments will be considered during October 17  25. Though the session is until November 10, it is most likely to be cut short if the Opposition triggers more trouble for the LDF Government on the nepotism row.
Chennai: New TNCC chief Su Thirunavukarasar on Sunday met DMDK chief Vijayakant and discussed general issues like local body elections fuelling speculation that the national party is slowly drifting away from its long-time ally DMK.

The courtesy meeting at the DMDK headquarters in Koyambedu here comes days after Mr. Thirunavukarasar, who seems to enjoy good rapport with Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, openly contradicted himself with statements made by DMK chief M Karunanidhi and his son M.K. Stalin on health condition of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

Todays meeting and actions of Mr Thirunavukarasar, who was a Minister in the M G Ramachandran Cabinet, is being keenly watched by the DMK for whom the DMDK has become an anathema after Vijayakanth formed an alliance with PWA, which was dubbed as the B team of the ruling AIADMK.

It was a courtesy call. I have known Vijayakanth for several years and hence I came to meet my friend. We discussed about general political scenario and local body elections, Mr Thirunavukarasar told reporters after the meeting.

The Congress is already in an alliance with the DMK, replied the TNCC chief, when asked whether he discussed possibility of an alliance with the DMDK chief. The TNCC chief's meeting with Vijayakanth comes at a time when the actor is fuming against the DMK and has accused its leaders of trying to annihilate his party. Several second-rung leaders and district secretaries of the DMDK have joined the DMK in the past couple of months.

The new TNCC chief's actions of criticising the DMK within and outside the party forums have supporters and opponents alike in the party. While addressing the district leaders recently, Mr Thirunavukarasar is understood to have used strong words to criticise the DMK and has been saying openly that he is not under any compulsion to toe the ally's line on all issues.
Bengaluru: Miffed at being dropped from the ministry, senior state Congress leader V Srinivas Prasad on Monday resigned as Member of the Legislative Assembly.

He submitted his handwritten resignation letter to the Assembly Speaker K B Koliwad at Vidana Soudha, the state secretariat here.

After receiving the resignation letter, the Speaker as per procedures asked Prasad about the reason for his resignation and whether he was quitting under any kind of pressure and was aware of its consequences.

Koliwad said he has only received the resignation but has not yet accepted it and would take a decision after examining it.

Prasad later talked to reporters and attacked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for "betraying" him.

Reminding that he had helped Siddaramaiah politically in the past, Prasad said, "Though I was along with him, I was not even given a hint about being dropped from the ministry".

"This betrayal has severely pained me. The Chief Minister, who was along with me, who took help from me, who knew every thing about me, did this and it has pained me. So I have resigned. I will now decide on my next course of action very carefully," he said.

Prasad, who represented Nanjangud constituency, was serving as the Revenue Minister until he was dropped from the ministry along with 13 other ministers, when Siddaramaiah did a major 'surgery' to his cabinet in June.

He said that he will also be resigning from the primary membership of the Congress party soon.

To a question about Prasad's purported statement that his aim was to defeat Siddaramaiah in the next elections, the Chief Minister said "...Many people have made similar statements. let's see. It is the people who will decide."
New Delhi: Speculation today raged over the possibility of former Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi joining BJP ahead of the assembly polls in the state.

Sources in BJP said on the condition of anonymity that there have been talks between Joshi, daughter of former Chief Minister late Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, and its leaders. A decision on her joining the party can be taken soon, they said.

67-year-old Bahuguna, currently an MLA from Lucknow Cantonment, could not be reached for her comments on the reports.

Bahuguna is said to be unhappy with the Congress leadership over projection of Sheila Dikshit as the party's chief ministerial face and feels increasingly marginalised since Raj Babbar was made the UP party chief.

She believes she had better credentials to be projected as a Brahmin chief ministerial face than Dikshit. She also faces a tough electoral prospect as Congress candidate in the coming state elections.

Samajwadi Party has announced that Aparna Yadav, daughter-in-law of its chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, will contest the assemly poll from Lucknow Cantonment seat.

Bahuguna's brother and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had joined the BJP a few months back.

Her joining the BJP will be a shot in its arm as it will help the saffron party consolidate Brahmin votes, eyeing which the Congress had declared Diskhit as its chief ministerial pick.

At the AICC briefing, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said some television channels have been running this with a question mark but party spokespersons do not answer speculation. "We would not respond to any kind of speculation," he said.

The speculation was triggered by reports that Bahuguna had a meeting with a BJP leader, said to be party chief Amit Shah, recently.

"She has not denied it (meeting with Amit Shah)," a senior Congress leader said on condition of anonymity. He said Bahuguna, who is also Congress spokesperson, is unwell and is convalesing in New Delhi.

Congress leader Dwijendra Tewari when contacted said he was sure that she will take a decision which will be in the interest of the party and the situation will be clear soon.

Congress is already facing a steady flow of its MLAs to rival camps before the 2017 Assembly polls and this could be a major blow to the party.
Ever since reports of her joining the BJP started doing the rounds, Dr Joshi has switched off all her phones and gone into an incommunicado mode.

Lucknow: The Congress in Uttar Pradesh may receive a major jolt in the coming days. Former UPCC president Dr Rita Bahuguna Joshi, according to sources, is all set to join the BJP.

Dr Joshi is said to be upset at being sidelined in the party and has not been given any major responsibility. She was not asked to join any of the yatras that the Congress recently took out in the state.

Congress sources, however, said that with Sheila Dikshit already named as the party chief ministerial candidate, two Brahmin women could not be made to lead the party at the same time.

Ever since reports of her joining the BJP started doing the rounds, Dr Joshi has switched off all her phones and gone into an incommunicado mode.

Surprisingly, the former UPCC chief, who is normally very active on the social media, did not deny the reports on Facebook or Twitter which gave further credence to the rumours.

UPCC spokesman Surendra Rajput, tho-ugh, denied that she was quitting the party, but did not say why Dr Joshi did not issue a denial on the issue. Dr Joshi, 67, is the Congress MLA form the Lucknow Cantt seat and is said to be keen on a ticket for her son Mayank Joshi too.

Sources said that Dr Joshi has been feeling uncomfortable ever since the Samajwadi Party announced the candidature of Aparna Yadav, younger daughter-in-law of Mulayam Singh Yadav from the Lucknow Cantt seat.

Dr Joshis position in the Congress came under cloud after her brother Vijay Bahuguna engineered split in the Congress in Uttarakhand and defected to the BJP with 9 MLAs. Though Dr Joshi distanced herself from her brothers decision, her detractors used the opportunity to question her loyalty.
As with many issues that come wrapped in controversy, the origin of the dispute is relegated to the margins, and politics takes over. This is what happened in a bundle of cases on Muslim divorce effected through the instantaneous utterance of the word talaq thrice that have come up before the Supreme Court. There are at least three cases being mentioned in media reports. The first is of Shayara Bano from Uttarakand, the other by Ishrat Jahan from Uttar Pradesh, where their respective husbands used the triple talaq mode to effect immediate divorce, with drastic consequences, financial and social, for the wives. They were even barred from seeing their children. There is a third petition by Farah Faiz, a lawyer fighting the divorce cases of women from poor homes who had filed a Supreme Court petition questioning the triple talaq and the locus standi of the All Indian Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) in setting themselves up as arbiters.

The court, meanwhile, asked the Centre to state its viewpoint, which it did in an affidavit opposing the triple talaq practice as being un-Islamic. What, however, dominates public debate is the suspected intentions of the BJP-NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that is perceived as hostile to religious minorities, including Muslims. This perception was strengthened by the fact that hoodlums from outfits flaunting themselves as protectors of the cow, the cultural and religious symbol of traditional Hinduism, have been initimidating and assaulting Muslims. There were a few incidents reported extensively in the media: the first from Dadri, on Delhis outskirts, in Uttar Pradesh, where a Muslim villager was killed on suspicion of eating beef; a second from Mewat in Haryana, that was under social vigil during Id-ul-Fitr for possible use of beef in biryani.

Going by the public jousting over the issue, it appears the two main contestants are the Narendra Modi government and the AIMPLB, and that there is an attack on the personal laws of Muslims. All Muslim organisations, most of them conservative like the Jamiat-ul Islam-e-Hind, that is also a member of AIMPLB, feel all Muslims should join hands to resist the governments move to try tamper with the communitys personal laws. They object to the Centres affidavit opposing triple talaq.

The Modi government, however, cant be faulted on the triple talaq issue as it is not the original disputant, and it hadnt even impleaded itself in the matter. It is the court that sought the governments views. But through mere coincidence or possibly sheer mischief, the government asked the Law Commission to elicit public opinion about the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which is part of the non-justiciable Directive Principles of the Constitution.

The UCC is also part of the BJPs core agenda along with Article 370 and the Ram Mandir issue, though the party is keeping tacitical silence on them. But it seems it wants to push its agenda on UCC. This raised the hackles of the communitys leaders as represented in the AIMPLB. Most among the liberal Muslim middle class, whose existence is usually ignored by political parties and the media on the assumption that they dont represent the majority of nearly 200 million Muslims in India, oppose triple talaq and many other degenerate social practices that have become part of the communitys life and which have nothing to do with religion. But they find themselves in a tight spot due to the Modi governments passive stance towards the partys hotheads and goons on the prowl, intimidating Muslims in many parts of the country, particularly in the north.

Even some AIMPLB members accept that triple talaq is an odious practice and it is not endorsed by their religion. But they dont want the State, as represented by the courts and the government, to take the matter into their hands. They argue the community should sort out the issue. In their loud protestations against the States bid to have a say in community issues, they give the impression that they support triple talaq. But their stand on instant talaq is so subdued that it seems they are supporting it.

It is also a fact that they dont see the directive to the Law Commission to explore views on UCC as separate from the governments affidavit on the triple talaq matter. The governments protestations that these are two separate issues fall on deaf ears. The fault really lies with the Modi government as it has not been able to convince people that it doesnt subscribe to a fanatical nationalist ideology that has no place for differences and diversity. It is really an image problem.

As a consequence, the debate on triple talaq and UCC has become the veritable clash between Hindutva, the BJPs unstated ideology, and, ironically, the defence of secular ideals by the reactionary sections of the Muslim community. It is possible that the triple talaq cases pending before the Supreme Court could be disposed of without jettisoning personal laws. Triple talaq is an unfair and unjust practice, both in terms of Islamic jurisprudence as well as civil law. The Supreme Court can deliver justice to Shayara Bano, Ishrat Jahan and scores of other hapless Muslim women without any reference to UCC. Triple talaq can be shown to be untenable according to the Shariat itself. What seems to come in the way of resolving a strictly legal matter is the politics surrounding it. The BJP is showing mischievous fervour in the matter, and certain blinkered Muslims are digging their feet on an issue which does more harm to Muslims than to anyone else.
The recent Brics summit hosted by India in Goa, and along with it the outreach to the seven Bimstec (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) nations that were represented at the summit level (except Thailand) was sought to be designed by India to suit its current foreign policy imperatives. The results can said to have been mixed at best.

Indias effort was to emphasise that terrorism emanating from Pakistan is an international scourge. The Brics communique devoted several paragraphs to condemning terrorism. It named outfits such as ISIS and Al Qaeda, but not the Pakistan-based groups that wreak havoc inside India, though there was a reference to terrorist organisations named by the UN, of which Pakistans Jaish-e-Mohammed is one.

On Monday, the day after the conclusion of the summit, the Chinese foreign ministry noted that Beijing was not in favour of blaming a country or a religion for terrorism. This was an insouciant attempt to defend its strong relationship with Pakistan. Beijing also reiterated that Pakistan was its all-weather friend. Its evident that its stakes in Pakistan have increased phenomenally with the pledging of $46 billion for infrastructure development that would culminate in the building of Gwadar port.

Given this context, India may expect little by way of solicitude from China on matters like NSG membership. Their cold bilateral vibes could impact Brics economic agenda. In fact, the Goa summit may be seen as Chinas attempt to scuttle Indias anti-terrorist agenda and diplomatically give it a shove in a conference of countries that only weeks ago rejected Islamabads invitation to attend the Saarc summit. Of the eight Saarc countries, all except three (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives) are in Bimstec. In Goa, they spoke out strongly against terror attacks against India. Of course, they also court China.

Deliverance for India came in the shape of Russia. Moscow signed defence deals worth thousands of crores of rupees with India. These include the supply of five S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft systems, a joint venture for manufacturing 200 Kamov light helicopters, and four guide missile stealth frigates, and agreements in space, security, railways, energy, and smart cities. Moscow recently held an anti-terrorism military exercise with Pakistan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi bent himself to woo President Vladimir Putin. It remains to be seen, though, how Indias recently stamped strategic convergence with the United States plays with Moscow, though the two can do much together, including in Afghanistan and Central Asia despite Russias proximity to China.
As gaffes go, Donald Trump mistaking Hindu for India shouldnt rate too highly. The Republican candidate isnt known for his knowledge of the world, nor did the 5,000 Hindu Republicans he addressed in New Jersey worry too much about mixed metaphors. It also didnt seem to matter much to those who gathered more for a Bollywood event that 70 per cent of the three million-plus US Indians have committed to Hillary Clinton. The fact remains they were made to feel important by one candidate, even if hes the one whose campaign is in a bit of a tailspin.

There was no assurance from Mr Trump that Indians will get more H-1B visas, that is more relevant to the issue of IT jobs in the US and elsewhere, against which Mr Trump made several promises aimed at white male voters, who he hopes will pick him on November 8. The demographic dividend the real estate mogul with investments in western India may have hoped to gain from Indian-Americans is very limited. The one trend emerging from the run-up to the 2016 polls is that India figures in US calculations more than ever. Indians may not have as much influence over who gets into the White House, but they know they have made strides in their adopted land. Mr Trump may simply have recognised that.
Hyderabad recently celebrated the 425th anniversary of its inception when Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah (1580-1611 CE), the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda laid the foundation of its iconic Charminar to symbolise the founding of Hyderabad. Hyderabad was intended as a citadel of Muslim power in the Deccan. Qutb Shah was an accomplished poet and wrote his poetry in Persian, Telugu and Urdu. His famous ghazal Piya baaj pyaala piya jaye na, piya baaj ek din jiya jaye na is still a favorite in soirees. In 1589, CE Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah married a Hindu woman, Bhagmati, reputed to be a courtesan and she remained with him as his Queen till his death in 1611 CE. The sultan bestowed the title of Hyder Mahal on Bhagmati and hence the name of the new city as Hyderabad.

Muslim power came to dominance in the Deccan after the defeat of the Vijayanagar forces under the septuagenarian King Rama Raya at Talikota in 1564 by an alliance of the sultanates of Ahmednagar, Bijapur and Golconda. In the next few decades Golconda emerged as the most-powerful sultanate in the Deccan and was the last to fall to Aurangazeb in 1687. After the death of Aurangazeb in 1707 and as the Moghul Empire weakened, the Viceroy of the Deccan, Mir Qamruddin Siddiqui assumed the title Nizam-ul-Mulk in 1724 and declared independence. He founded the Asaf Jah dynasty that extended from the Narmada in the north to Trichinopoly in the South and Masulipatnam in the east to Bijapur in the west.

Both the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi kings employed Hindus in important positions in their courts. Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah notably employed the brothers Akkanna and Madanna as his viziers. The two brothers employed their nephew Kancharla Gopanna, better known as Bhakta Ramadasu, as the Tehsildar of Palavancha Taluq in the present-day Khammam district of Telangana. Ramadasu was a devotee of Rama and expended large sums mulcted from the sultans treasury to expand and endow the historical Rama temple at Bhadrachalam on the north bank of the Godavari. For his pains he was rewarded by incarceration at the dungeons of the Golconda fort. With plenty of time on his hands he composed many kirtanas to Ramas glory for which he is now famous.

These kirtanas were mostly laments to his chosen God about his plight owing to his devotion and commitment to glorify him. In one famous kirtana Ishvaku kula tilaka Ramadasu actually lists out how much he spent on every construction and item of jewellery to adorn the deities. The story ends with a fable. The deities one night appeared before the Qutb Shah and urged him to release Ramadasu, which the entranced Sultan promptly did. This and the fact that his beloved Bhagmati, later on Queen Hyder Mahal, as well as the favorite courtesans of his grandson Abdullah Qutb Shah being two Hindu ladies called Taramati and Premamati, who are now immortalised with a dancing pavilion and mosque named after them, gave the Qutb Shahi kings a reputation for cultural and philosophical syncretism.

The early Asaf Jah kings were made of sterner stuff in keeping with the traditions established by Aurangazeb, but soon they came to rely on noblemen from the north who found their way to the Deccan escaping the ruins of the great Mughal Empire and later from the dwindling fortunes of the rulers of Oudh. Even though several Hindu courtiers reached high positions in the Asaf Jah dispensation they were exceptions. The Deva Raya kings of Vijayanagar and the Maratha courts, too, had Muslims holding high offices, but they, too, were exceptions. The point here is that despite the extravagant talk of Ganga-Jamuna tehzeeb that suffuses the hindsight view of this period, the two communities largely stood apart. Where the rulers were of one, the other was the subject community.

At the time of Indias independence, Hyderabad was the largest Indian princely state in terms of population and GNP. Its territory of 82,698 sq. miles was more than that of England and Scotland put together. The 1941 Census had estimated its population to be 16.34 million, over 85 per cent of them Hindus, with Muslims accounting for about 12 per cent. It was also a multi-lingual state consisting of those speaking Telugu (48.2 per cent), Marathi (26.4 per cent), Kannada (12.3 per cent) and Urdu (10.3 per cent). Its diversity and broad heritage could be seen in the historical monuments at Ajanta, Ellora and Daulatabad in Marathwada, Bijapur, Bidar, Gulbarga, Anegondi and Kampili in Karnataka, and Warangal and Nagarjunakonda in Telangana.

Hyderabad not only had its own Army, but also its own Railways, Airline, Postal Service, Radio Broadcasting network and Currency. The Nizam and his court ruled over it with the British Resident keeping a close and watchful eye over everything. The British Army also had a permanent garrison, just in case the faithful ally of the King Emperor was found lacking in faith.

As can be imagined it was a Muslim-dominated state. Typically in 1911, 70 per cent of the police, 55 per cent of the army and 26 per cent of the public administration were Muslims. In 1941 a report on the Civil Service revealed that of the 1,765 officers, 1,268 were Muslims, 421 were Hindus, and 121 others, presumably British, Christians, Parsis and Sikhs. Of the officials drawing a pay between Rs 600-Rs 1,200 pm, 59 were Muslims, 38 were others, and a mere five were Hindus. The Nizam and his nobles, who were mostly Muslims, owned 40 per cent of the total land in the kingdom. Quite clearly it was too much of a good thing for so few and the time for its end had come.

If Hyderabad was to be a citadel of Muslim power in the Deccan, that ended in September 1948 when the Indian Army quickly scattered the ragtag forces opposing union with India and with dreams of hoisting the Asafia flag on the ramparts of the Red Fort. This is the first time in over 350 years Hyderabad and the state that bore its name came under non-Muslim rule. Nothing epitomised the change of elite than the change of guard at the elite Secunderabad Club. In March 1949, the President Maj. Gen. El Edroos who surrendered to the Indian Armys Maj. Gen. J.N. Chaudhry surrendered the presidentship of the club also to him.

For a brief period till 1956 Hyderabad had a national elite at its bureaucratic and social pinnacles. Senior civil servants drawn from all over the country were at the helm of government. My father who joined the civil service in the early 1930s in the Hyderabad Revenue Service and then joined the Indian Army to serve in the war, returned to the bureaucracy as a member of the new national elite, the IAS. When he joined the HRS he had to perforce wear a sherwani and fez for all official functions. The official languages were Urdu and Persian. I recently found an old official photograph in formal attire of the revenue officers serving in Warangal. My father is third from the left in the second row. When he returned to the civil service the bush coat and solar topee was in vogue for the new elite. Government was now conducted in English, and from 1956 in some part in Telugu.

But that changed in 1956 when Hyderabad state was dismembered following the re-organisation of states. Hyderabad became the capital of a composite state of the Telugu-speaking people. It was several centuries before that that the Telugu people had lost power at Orugallu (Warangal) and Vijayanagar. Hyderabad now began to lose its Muslim character and the culture, which its Muslim elite fostered and cherished, and gave the city its unique identity. Along with the change of guard the city lost more. It lost its clean streets, skyline of elegant buildings and a genteel lifestyle. It grew pell-mell to become India's fifth largest metropolis and fastest growing urban area in India. Many people miss the old Hyderabad. But most didn't even notice.

Email: mohanguru@gmail.com
Google is reportedly working on ways to enhance smartphone users experience. The company recently introduced its faster Accelerated Mobile Pages (Amp) for mobile search results in India.

In a similar effort of improving the user experience, the search giant is now working on a new search index especially made for smartphones. The smartphone search index will be separate from the desktop one which wont be as up-to-date as the mobile search index. According to a report in Search Engine Land, users can expect this update in the coming months.

Google first revealed their plans of working on a new mobile search index at the SMX East event last year. No specific details about the project were revealed back then except for what the purpose of such an implementation will be. According to the report, the search giant through this would be able to provide users with specific mobile content rather than extracting the data from desktop content in order to create mobile rankings.

Googles Trend Analyst Gary Illyes has also confirmed that the new mobile index will be released in a few months.

Googles recent survey suggested that 53 per cent of the users are most probable of leaving a website if it hasnt loaded in up to 3 seconds.

In fact, Googles recently introduced AMP Project addresses the issue of slow site loading on the internet. It apparently takes less than one second for an AMP page to load from Google Search thereby saving 10 times more data as compared to an equivalent non-AMP page, said Google in a blog post.

Googles AMP page was announced last year and there have been over 600 million AMP documents since then. The companys overall objective to deliver a better mobile search experience with the implementation of a new search index thus, comes across as a natural move.

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Numerous regulators and airlines have imposed restrictions on Note 7 and some have even banned the carriage of the device on flights.

Reports of Samsung Note 7s battery catching fire initially prompted the company to recall the devices. After exchanging the devices, Samsung claimed that the replaced devices were safe to use. However, Samsung was forced to officially scrap off its Note 7 project after reports that the replaced phones too, were catching fire.

Since then numerous regulators and airlines have imposed restrictions on the device and some have even banned the carriage of the device on flights.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently issued guidelines on the matter enacting a ban on the carriage of the device. Many regulations have followed similar footsteps ever since.

For instance, Japans transport ministry called for a complete ban on all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices from airplanes. The same was carried out by a South Korean airline, Asiana.

Korean Air, on the other hand required Note 7 users to turn off their phones in flight and store the devices in their luggage.

Australian airlines Qantas and Virgin Australia too have imposed total ban on the devices. Other airlines include Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Hong Kong Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Emirates, AirAsia, Hong Kong Express and Etihad Airways.

Taiwans China Airlines and EVA Air have also banned the smartphones. According to several reports, European airlines like Berlin Air, Finnair and Alitalia also imposed a ban on the Samsung Note 7 smartphones.

In fact, according to a report by Times of India, all flights operated by the AirAsia group including AirAsia India, AirAsia Malaysia, AirAsia Thailand, AirAsia Indonesia, AirAsia Philippines, Thai AirAsia X, Indonesia AirAsia X will also be following similar norms from October 17 onward.

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New York: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump dug deeper in his efforts to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the US election, saying on Twitter on Sunday that he believed the results were being "rigged" at many polling places.

His tweet came hours after his vice presidential running mate, Mike Pence, said Republicans would accept the outcome of the Nov. 8 contest between Trump and his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

"The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD," Trump wrote on Twitter, in the latest of a series of comments he has made over the past several days calling into question the fairness of the election.

Trump, who is trailing Clinton in opinion polls, did not provide any evidence to back his allegations of impropriety at the voting booth. Early voting and voting by mail have begun in many states.

In another tweet later on Sunday, Trump blamed "animals representing Hillary Clinton" and Democrats in North Carolina for an overnight attack on a local Republican Party headquarters in that state.

Local authorities said the building in Hillsborough, North Carolina, had been struck through a front window with flammable material and an adjacent building wall was spray-painted with a swastika and the words "Nazi Republicans leave town or else."

"Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning," Trump tweeted.

Clinton denounced the attack as "horrific and unacceptable" in her own tweet, adding: "Very grateful that everyone is safe.

'COORDINATED EFFORT'

Trump, a New York businessman, who has never held elective office, has often said the electoral process is skewed against him, including during the Republican nominating contests, when he disputed the method for winning delegates to the Republican National Convention.

His latest complaint of media bias stems from allegations by women that he groped them or made other unwanted sexual advances, after a 2005 video became public in which Trump was recorded bragging about such behavior. He apologized for the video but has denied each of the accusations.

"Election is being rigged by the media, in a coordinated effort with the Clinton campaign, by putting stories that never happened into news!" Trump tweeted on Sunday, a sentiment he also expressed in posts and during rallies in Maine and New Hampshire on Saturday. The comments raised questions both from Republicans and Democrats about whether he would accept the outcome should he lose to Clinton .

Trump said after the first presidential debate in September that he would "absolutely" accept the election outcome. But a few days afterward, he told the New York Times: "We're going to see what happens."

He has also urged his supporters to keep an eye on voting locations to prevent a "stolen" election, which some critics interpreted as encouraging them to intimidate voters.

Pence said on Sunday he and Trump would respect the will of the voters.

"We'll respect the outcome of this election," said Pence, the Indiana governor. "Donald Trump said in the first debate that we'll respect the will of the American people in this election. The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of American history."

In a weekend statement quoted by media, a spokeswoman for U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, the top U.S. elected Republican, said: Our democracy relies on confidence in election results, and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity.

'CONSEQUENCES TO RUSSIA '

On Sunday, Pence for the second time in recent weeks broke from Trump on Russia, this time on that country's possible involvement in email hacks tied to the U.S. election, saying Moscow should face "severe consequences" if it has compromised U.S. email security.

"I think there's no question that the evidence continues to point in that direction," Pence said. "There should be severe consequences to Russia or any sovereign nation that is compromising the privacy or the security of the United States of America ," Pence said on "Fox News Sunday."

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week his country was not involved in trying to influence the U.S. election.

Trump, who has been criticized for appearing too close to Russia after he publicly praised Putin's governing style, has questioned the reports of Moscow 's involvement. "Maybe there is no hacking," he said during last week's second debate with Clinton .

Trump also contradicted Pence on Russia during that debate. Pence had said the United States should use military force in Syria if Russia continued air strikes to prop up President Bashar al-Assad, but Trump said he disagreed.
Hillsborough, US: Authorities are investigating after a local Republican Party office in North Carolina was vandalized and set on fire in what a state GOP official called an act of "political terrorism."

A bottle filled with flammable liquid was thrown through the window of the Orange County Republican Party headquarters overnight, damaging the interior before burning out, according to a Sunday news release from the town of Hillsborough. The office was empty and no one was injured.

Also, someone spray-painted "Nazi Republicans leave town or else" on a nearby wall.

There were no new developments overnight in the investigation, Hillsborough Police Chief Duane Hampton said in an email Monday morning.

The violent act in the key battleground state has been condemned by public figures across the political spectrum.

A tweet from Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Sunday said the attack "is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe." An hour later, Trump tweeted: "Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning."

The North Carolina GOP tweeted thanks to both Clinton and Trump for their words of support.

In tweets of their own, North Carolina's Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and his Democratic challenger, state Attorney General Roy Cooper both described the violence as a threat to democracy.

"I will use every resource as governor to assist local authorities in this investigation," McCrory's added, and Cooper's said "the culprits must be caught and brought to justice."



The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was working with local investigators to solve the crime, which was discovered Sunday morning by another business owner.

Republican offices around the state are re-examining their security, state GOP executive director Dallas Woodhouse said. People sometimes work after-hours in the office, and the bottle appeared to have landed on or near the couch where volunteers sometimes take naps, he said.

"They are working around the clock. It is a miracle that nobody was killed," he said in an interview, calling the fire an act of "political terrorism."

On Sunday afternoon, the walls of the multi-room office were covered in black char, and a couch against one wall had been burned down to its springs. Shattered glass covered the floor, and melted campaign yard signs showed warped lettering. The graffiti had been covered in paint.

At a news conference, Woodhouse urged Republicans to respond peacefully by turning out to vote in November. He said he'd received messages of support from Democrats.

Democrats also joined a campaign to raise $10,000 to reopen the GOP office, meeting the goal in less than 40 minutes and "showing that Americans are thirsty for civility and decency, and that we love our democracy above all differences," said the GoFundMe drive's creator, David Weinberger, a researcher at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University.

Orange County GOP chairman Daniel Ashley told reporters no one had previously made violent threats against the office, several miles from the town's historic square.

Tom Stevens, mayor of the town about 40 miles northwest of Raleigh, said the act doesn't represent the character of Orange County, which also includes much of Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina campus. Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 3-1 margin in the county that picked President Barack Obama by a lopsided margin in the 2012 election.

"I'd like to believe we aspire to respect hearing differing views," Stevens, a Democrat, said in an interview. "This is very troubling."
Washington: US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter has said that operations to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State group were key to defeating the jihadist group.

"This is a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver ISIS a lasting defeat," Carter said in a statement on Sunday.

"We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISIL's hatred and brutality."

Carter promised continued support for Iraq.

"The United States and the rest of the international coalition stand ready to support Iraqi Security Forces, Peshmerga fighters and the people of Iraq in the difficult fight ahead," he stressed.

The northern city was where IS supremo Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi publicly proclaimed a "Caliphate" straddling Iraq and Syria in June 2014.

With the support of Iran and a US-led coalition, Iraqi forces have since regained much of the ground lost to IS and Mosul is the extremist group's last major stronghold in Iraq. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said only government forces will enter Mosul, a Sunni-majority city that IS seized with relative ease partly amid local resentment towards the Shiite-dominated security forces.

Shiite militia groups have been accused of serious abuses against Sunni civilians in the course of operations to re-conquer territory from IS.
Washington: Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence contradicted running mate Donald Trump on Sunday by saying evidence points to Russian involvement in email hacks tied to the US election and that Moscow should face "severe consequences" if it has compromised US email security.

Pence, appearing in television interviews, also said he and Trump would respect the outcome of the Nov. 8 election. But later the same day Trump stuck by his contention that the race is being "rigged" by the media and at voting locations.

"The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD," Trump wrote on Twitter on Sunday.

US intelligence officials believe Russia is behind recent email hacks targeting Democratic Party officials, including the continuing dumps by Wikileaks of documents stolen from the email account of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta.

"I think there's no question that the evidence continues to point in that direction," Pence said. "There should be severe consequences to Russia or any sovereign nation that is compromising the privacy or the security of the United States of America."

US Vice President Joe Biden said in an interview that aired on Sunday that the United States would respond but he gave no details. "We're sending a message," he said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Russian President Vladimir Putin this week said his country was not involved in trying to influence the US election.

Trump, who has been criticized for appearing too close to Russia after he publicly praised Putin's strong governing style, has questioned the reports of Moscow's involvement. "Maybe there is no hacking," he said during last week's second debate with Clinton.

Trump also broke with Pence on Russia during that debate. Pence had said the United States should use military force in Syria if Russia continued airstrikes to prop up President Bashar al-Assad, but Trump said he disagreed.

"Rigged" election

Trump this week has said the election is being rigged against him by the Clinton campaign and the media, raising questions from both Republicans and Democrats about whether he would accept the outcome should he lose to Clinton.

Trump, a New York developer in his first political race, often has said the electoral process is skewed against him, including in the primaries, when he disputed the method for winning delegates to the Republican National Convention.

His current complaint of media bias stems from reports of allegations by women that he groped them or made other unwanted sexual advances, after a 2005 video became public in which Trump was recorded bragging about such behavior. He apologized for the video but has denied each of the accusations.

"Election is being rigged by the media, in a coordinated effort with the Clinton campaign, by putting stories that never happened into news!" Trump tweeted on Sunday, a sentiment he also expressed in posts and during rallies in Maine and New Hampshire on Saturday.

Trump said after the first presidential debate in September that he would "absolutely" accept the election outcome. But he later revised himself, telling the New York Times, "We're going to see what happens."

He has also urged his supporters to keep an eye on voting locations to prevent a "stolen" election, which some critics interpreted as encouraging them to intimidate voters.

On Sunday, Pence said on CBS's "Face the Nation" Republicans would accept the election result.

"We'll respect the outcome of this election," he said. "Donald Trump said in the first debate that we'll respect the will of the American people in this election. The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of American history."

The third and final debate between Trump and Clinton will be on Wednesday in Las Vegas.
Washington: The last king of Rwanda, Kigeli V, who ruled the east African nation for less than a year before being forced into exile, finally settling in the United States, has died according to his official website. He was 80.

Born Jean-Baptiste Ndahindurwa, King Kigeli came to power in 1959 and was forced to leave the country the following year after clashing with the Belgian colonial power. In 1961, the monarchy was abolished.

The king began a life of exile in east Africa, including Kenya and Uganda, before leaving for America, where he settled in the suburbs of Washington in 1992.

Details of his death early yesterday were not immediately known.

"It is with a very heavy heart that we announce that His Majesty King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, the last King of Rwanda, died early this morning," read a statement on his website.

"He was a devout and dedicated believer and the last anointed African Roman Catholic king to reign over a full country."

Funeral arrangements, and details on the heir to the throne will be announced at a later date, the statement said.

King Kigeli had come to power after succeeding his half- brother Mutara III, who died in unclear circumstances on the eve of the Hutu "social revolution" which sent hundreds of thousands of ethnic Tutsi fleeing.

Most of them did not return home to Rwanda until after the 1994 genocide, which left some 800,000 dead, mostly from that minority.

Kigeli V is a Tutsi, but the tradition is that the monarchy represent all Rwandans of all ethnicities.

In September 1961, the monarchy was abolished by referendum and Rwanda gained independence the following year.

While in the United States, the exiled monarch led the King Kigeli V Foundation to aid Rwandan refugees.

A 2013 profile in Washingtonian magazine, found him living in subsidised housing, on food stamps and donations, in Oakton, Virginia, happy to hand out chocolates to neighbors' children.

"They call me the King of Africa," Kigeli said of the neighbours, in that report. "Ah, it's good."

For decades he spoke of returning to his east African homeland -- a tiny, landlocked country that ranks among the world's poorest nations -- but as monarch.

Since 1994 and the rise to power of current President Paul Kagame's Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) -- which emerged from a former Tutsi rebellion -- the issue of a potential return by the king was regularly brought up.

Yet every effort failed: the RPF authorities have always said they were ready for him to return, yet only as a private citizen. The former monarch held out hope he could return to the throne.
Six people died and one was reported missing in three other central provinces. (File photo)

Hanoi, Vietnam: Floods triggered by heavy rains have killed 24 people and left four others missing in central Vietnam, disaster officials said Monday, as Typhoon Sarika approaches after leaving at least two people dead and displacing more than 150,000 in the Philippines.

In the worst-hit province of Quang Binh, 18 people died and authorities are searching for three others who are missing, disaster official Tran Le Dang Hung said.

Six people died and one was reported missing in three other central provinces.

"We are worried. We have instructed district governments to outline plans for evacuating people from high-risk areas to cope with the Typhoon," Hung said by telephone from Quang Binh.

Heavy rains of up to 90 centimeters (3 feet) on Friday and Saturday submerged 125,000 homes in the region, temporarily disrupted the North-South Highway and damaged infrastructure, crops and fish farms.

Hung said the floods have receded in most areas in Quang Binh.

In the Philippines, fast-moving Sarika Typhoon blew out of the northern Philippines on Sunday after leaving at least two people dead and displacing more than 15,000, though the region was spared a major disaster due in part to the storm's speed.

The Typhoon is over in the South China Sea and was moving at the speed of 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) to 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) per hour heading toward northern Vietnam, according to Vietnam's national weather forecast center. 170221 GMT Oct 16.

That leaves older PAC-3 Patriot missiles protecting major cities including Tokyo as a last line of defence. Their upgrade program will not deliver the first improved batteries until the 2020, in time for the Tokyo Olympics.

Warheads from missiles such as Pyongyang's Rodong, with an estimated range of 1,300 km (810 miles), travel at speeds of up to 3 km (2 miles) a second. Payloads on rockets like the Musudan, that can fly as far as 3,000 km (1,860 miles), plunge from space at least twice as fast.

Japan next year plans to acquire a more powerful version of the SM-3 it is jointly developing with the United States, dubbed the Block IIA. It has not, however, said when the first will be deployed.
Tokyo: Experts on a government-commissioned panel are set to hold their first meeting to study how to accommodate Emperor Akihito's apparent abdication wish.

Japan's modern imperial law doesn't allow abdication. Allowing Akihito to do so raises legal and logistical questions, ranging from laws subject to change to the emperor's post-abdication role, his title and residence.

Six panel members meeting Monday - five academics and a business organization executive - are to compile a report early next year after interviewing specialists on the Constitution, monarchy and history.

Akihito, 82, suggested his wish in August, citing concern about his age.

The government reportedly wants to allow Akihito's abdication as an exception and enact a special law to avoid dealing with divisive issues such as possible female succession and lack of successors.
Tokyo: Japan may accelerate around $1 billion of planned spending to upgrade its ballistic missile defences in the wake of rocket tests suggesting North Korea is close to fielding a more potent medium-range missile, three government sources told Reuters.

The outlays, currently in a budget request for the year starting April, includes money to assess a new missile defence layer - either Lockheed Martin Corp's Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system or Aegis Ashore, a land-based version of the ballistic missile defence system used by vessels in the Sea of Japan.

It also covers money to improve the range and accuracy of PAC-3 Patriot batteries, said the sources familiar with the proposal, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorised to talk to the media.

Any rollout of THAAD or Aegis Ashore could, however, still take years, the sources noted. Accelerated spending on Patriot missile batteries is also unlikely to deliver upgrades much quicker because of the limited capacity of the companies involved - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Raytheon Co - to speed up already tight production schedules.

"It nonetheless has symbolic value," said one of the sources.

As much as 300 billion yen ($2.9 billion) of defence funding will be included in a third supplementary budget, the Sankei newspaper reported earlier. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government has yet to say whether it will ask lawmakers to approve additional outlays before deliberations begin on next year's budget.

Officials at Japan's Ministry of Defence were not immediately available to comment.

Arms Race

Pyongyang's apparent technological progress on missiles has been faster than anticipated, exposing Japan to a heightened threat, a senior Japanese military commander told Reuters earlier this month.

Tokyo and Pyongyang have been locked in an arms race for two decades after North Korea fired a missile over Japan in 1998.

North Korea has test fired at least 21 ballistic missiles and conducted two nuclear tests so far this year. On June 22, a medium range Musudan rocket reached an altitude of 1,000 km (620 miles) on a lofted trajectory, potentially beyond the range of Aegis destroyers the Sea of Japan that are armed with SM-3 missiles designed to hit warheads at the edge of space.
First unveiled as an indigenous missile at a military parade in Pyongyang in October 2010, the Musudan has a theoretical range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometres. (Photo: AFP)

Seoul: An explosion almost immediately after launch was behind the failure of North Korea's latest test-firing of a powerful medium-range missile, the South Korean military confirmed Monday.

North Korea tested a Musudan missile -- capable of hitting US bases as far away as Guam -- shortly after midday Saturday near an air base in the northwestern city of Kusong.

Such launches are usually reported within a few hours or even minutes by South Korean and US military monitors, but the news of Saturday's test only came out around 16 hours after the event.

"North Korea's missile launch failed shortly after lift-off so a considerable amount of time was needed to analyse it," a South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff official told reporters Monday.

A defence ministry spokesman confirmed the missile exploded soon after lift-off, in the very initial stage of the launch.

First unveiled as an indigenous missile at a military parade in Pyongyang in October 2010, the Musudan has a theoretical range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometres (1,500 and 2,500 miles).

The lower estimate covers the whole of South Korea and Japan, while the upper range would include US military bases on Guam.

After a string of five failed launches, North Korea test fired a Musudan in June that flew 400 kilometres into the Sea of Japan (East Sea). Saturday's test weas the first since then.

The June flight had been hailed by leader Kim Jong-Un as proof of the North's ability to strike US bases across "the Pacific operation theatre".

US weapons analysts say successful Musudan testing could help the nuclear-armed North develop an operational intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of striking the US mainland by 2020.
Kabul: The Taliban militants ambushed the convoy of Afghanistan's First Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum in the northern Faryab province as he is leading a counter-terrorism operation against the group in the region.

The incident took place yesterday when General Dostum was on his way towards Ghormach district accompanied by a convoy of the security forces, reports Khaama Press.

General Dostum confirmed the attack and said the militants were in police uniform and ambushed the convoy of the security forces.

The Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the report so far.

General Dostum arrived in Faryab province last week after the Taliban militants launched a coordinated attack on Ghormach district and seized its control from the security forces.

Last week, the Taliban militants also launched a coordinated attack on the strategic Kunduz city and managed to infiltrate into some parts of the city, including the central Kunduz city square.

Meanwhile, General Dostum said the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group plans to deploy at least 7,000 fighters in northern parts of the country.

He said the ISIS terrorist group is attempting to deploy foreign militants mainly the citizens of Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Chechnya.
People can face floggings for a range of offences -- from gambling, to drinking alcohol, to gay sex. (Photo: AP/ Representational Image)

Banda Aceh, Indonesia: A young woman screamed in pain as she was caned Monday in front of a jeering crowd in Indonesia's Aceh, the latest person to be punished for breaking the province's strict Islamic laws.

Aceh is the only province in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country that imposes sharia law. People can face floggings for a range of offences -- from gambling, to drinking alcohol, to gay sex.

The woman was among 13 people -- seven men and six women aged between 21 and 30 -- who were caned Monday at a mosque in the provincial capital Banda Aceh, as a baying crowd cheered the spectacle.

Six couples were found guilty of breaking Islamic laws that ban intimacy, such as touching, hugging and kissing, between unmarried people.

A man was caned for a less serious offence described as spending time with a member of the opposite sex in a hidden location in a fashion that could lead to adultery.

One 22-year-old woman due to be flogged was given a temporary reprieve as she was pregnant -- but Aceh Deputy Mayor Zainal Arifin pledged: "The punishment will be handed down after she gives birth."

The official added that he hoped the canings would serve as a deterrent: "We hope there are no more people in Banda Aceh who break the law in future."

More and more people are being caned in Aceh, with a particular increase in recent times in the number of women being flogged.

Aceh, on Sumatra island, began implementing sharia law after being granted special autonomy in 2001, an attempt by the central government in Jakarta to quell a long-running separatist insurgency.

Islamic laws have been strengthened since the province struck a peace deal with the central government in 2005.

More than 90 percent of Indonesians describe themselves as Muslim, but the vast majority practise a moderate form of the faith.
It was the latest eruption of gruesome violence to hit the country's underfunded and overcrowded prison system. (Representtaional Image, Photo: AP)

Rio de Janerio: Eight inmates were killed and burned Monday in a fresh prison riot in Brazil, police said, a day after clashes between rival factions in another jail left 25 detainees dead.

"There are thought to be eight people dead but the bodies are burned and the medical authorities will have to confirm" the toll, a local police spokesman told AFP after Monday's riot at a jail in the northwestern state of Rondonia.

It was the latest eruption of gruesome violence to hit the country's underfunded and overcrowded prison system.

Police said the Rondonia riot was thought to be linked to one on Sunday in the far northern state of Roraima, where 25 inmates were killed and women visitors taken hostage.

In the first riot in the Roraima state capital Boa Vista, seven of the dead were beheaded and six burned to death, the news site G1 reported, citing local police.

Human rights groups have long complained about the deplorable conditions in Brazilian prisons, where fights and riots are frequent amid overcrowding.

At the end of 2014, there were 622,000 people imprisoned in Brazil, according to a Ministry of Justice report, which added that most of the prisoners are black males.

Brazil has the world's fourth-largest prison population, after the United States, China and Russia, the report said.
Moscow: Russia said all participants in talks in Lausanne had agreed Syrians should decide their own future through inclusive dialogue and that the country should remain whole and secular, after the meeting ended without a breakthrough.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that in order for a US-Russian ceasefire agreement to succeed and to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries, Syria's moderate opposition must separate from Jabhat Fatah al Sham, previously known as the Nusra Front, and other "terrorist groups" affiliated with it.

"At the same time, it should be understood that operations against terrorists of Islamic State (ISIS) and the Nusra Front will be continued," the ministry said.

Saturday's talks, convened by US Secretary of State in John Kerrythe Swiss city, failed to agree on a common strategy with Russia to end the conflict in Syria, now in its sixth year.

Kerry hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and seven foreign ministers from the region - from Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt - weeks after the collapse of a painstakingly crafted US-Russian ceasefire plan that many saw as the last hope for peace this year.

Western powers have accused Russia and Syria of committing atrocities by bombing hospitals, killing civilians and preventing medical evacuations in Syria's largest city Aleppo, as well as targeting an aid convoy with the loss of around 20 lives. Syria and Russia say they are only targeting militants.

Europe was not represented at the Lausanne meeting. But France's Foreign Ministry confirmed that Kerry and foreign ministers of like-minded nations planned to meet in London on Sunday to discuss Syria.
The coalition is concerned that IS will attempt to move fighters and military equipment from Mosul to Syria as the offensive intensifies. (Representational Photo)

Paris: Defence ministers from the international coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Mosul and elsewhere in Iraq and Syria will meet in Paris on October 25, France said on Monday.

US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter will be among 13 ministers who will assess progress in the battle to drive IS jihadists from Iraq's second-biggest city, which Iraqi forces launched on Monday.

"The aim is to take a look at the progress of the Mosul plan," an aide to French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

The ministers are also expected to stress the importance of the next step in the battle against IS -- routing the jihadists from their Syrian stronghold of Raqqa.

The coalition is concerned that IS will attempt to move fighters and military equipment from Mosul to Syria as the offensive intensifies.

"We must prevent (fighters) based in Mosul from moving easily to Raqqa and we need to ensure that those who are currently able to roam around freely in Syria can be tracked down," the aide said.

Although the coalition includes around 60 countries, the meeting will only comprise Western nations providing air support.

They are: United States, France, Britain, Canada, Australia, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Norway, Denmark and New Zealand.
London: British lawmakers from across the political spectrum will press their bid to force Prime Minister Theresa May to give parliament a vote on her negotiating strategy for leaving the European Union (EU), saying she had no mandate for a "hard Brexit".

As Britain embarks on some of its most complex diplomatic negotiations since World War Two, Nick Clegg, former deputy prime minister, said May's plan to invoke Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty by the end of March - triggering the formal Brexit procedure - would hand power to the other 27 EU members.

"Whilst the government has a mandate to pull us out of the European Union they don't have a mandate how to do that," Clegg told the BBC's Andrew Marr programme on Sunday. "That is why it is important that the government strengthens its own hand and also just subjects its own ideas to the sort of scrutiny of the parliament before they go to the negotiations elsewhere in Europe."

Lawmakers from the ruling Conservative Party, opposition Labour Party and Clegg's Liberal Democrats said they accepted Britain had voted to leave, but have called for a debate and vote in parliament to try to influence the terms of the divorce.

May, who was appointed prime minister shortly after the June referendum, last week said parliament would have every opportunity to debate plans to leave the European Union, but ruled out letting it vote on triggering Article 50.

Clegg said he backed a "soft Brexit" in which Britain stays in or close to the EU's lucrative single market, and urged May to try to "square the circle" over whether Britain will have to sacrifice full participation in the single market to restore control over immigration.

May has said she will deliver Britain's vote in the referendum to reduce the numbers of EU migrants arriving in the country and restore British sovereignty, but she has also been careful to say she wants the "best deal" for business.

Uncertainty over what kind of deal Britain will pursue has unsettled investors and markets. The British currency is particularly sensitive to any suggestion that the country might be heading towards a "hard Brexit", or a clean break from the EU's single market of 500 million consumers.

Priti Patel, the minister for international development who campaigned to leave the EU, said parliament already had the opportunity to debate and discuss Britain's divorce from the EU. "The job of government is to deliver the result of the referendum," she also told the BBC. "This is not about using parliament as a vehicle to subvert the democratic will of the British public."
The man blew himself up on the territory of the TV centre. (Representational Image)

Moscow: Russian news agencies say a man has blown himself up at a television station in the capital of Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia.

Interfax on Monday quoted local Interior Ministry officials saying the man, who has not been identified, set off the bomb at the entrance to the Abkhazian State Television in Sukhumi.

Authorities stopped short of calling the incident a terrorist attack with the self-proclaimed president Raul Khadzhimba telling Interfax the investigation is ongoing.

Despite tension with Georgia Abkhazia has no history of terrorist attacks on its turf.

Abkhazia broke away from Georgia in the early 1990s as the Soviet Union collapsed. Russia effectively gained complete control over it and a second breakaway Georgian region, South Ossetia, after a brief war against Georgia in 2008.
Moscow: Police in bullet-proof vests guard a military court for the terrorism trial of Varvara Karaulova, a slim 20-year-old with braided hair who clutches a page of handwritten notes.

Karaulova was studying philosophy at the renowned Moscow State University when she tried to enter Syria last year after falling in love online with an Islamic State fighter.

Karaulova's trial on terrorist-related charges is the most high-profile yet of a Russian heading to Syria -- where Moscow warplanes are bombing in support of ally President Bashar al-Assad -- and supporters say authorities are using her to send out a warning.

A large number of the foreign fighters with the jihadist IS group in Syria are from Russia, and Moscow claims 2,700 of its nationals and citizens from other ex-Soviet republics have been killed in the anti-IS operation.

But most of those from Russia fighting in Syria come from Muslim communities principally in the volatile North Caucasus region.

'I didn't join anything'

As an ethnic Russian woman from a privileged background, Karaulova is a rarity.

She is charged with preparing to participate in a "terrorist organisation" and if convicted faces up to five years in jail with the verdict expected in a week or two.

She is pleading not guilty, arguing she never intended to fight but simply wanted to be with the man she loved. In court she is known as Alexandra Ivanova after changing her name to try to avoid media attention.

"I didn't join anything, I'm not a terrorist and absolutely never intended to become one," she said at the opening of the trial on October 5, quoted by Interfax news agency.

Her defence lawyer Sergei Badamshin told AFP the justice system is making an example of her, even though "families of terrorists are not punished in our country."

"This is undoubtedly a show trial," he said. "Unfortunately, they chose a victim who has nothing to do with IS's terrorist activities."

"Why it was her -- I can't say."

'Winner in life'

Karaulova grew up in a middle-class family in a leafy area of Moscow and left school with all A grades, Badamshin said.

"She's a winner in life."

Then Karaulova became interested in Islam and began wearing a headscarf, and on May 27, 2015, she disappeared.

Her father reported her missing and traced her to Turkey, where she and a group of other women were caught by border guards as they attempted to cross into Syria.

After her return to Russia in a blaze of publicity, investigators initially said she had committed no crime. But almost half a year later, she was detained and charged.

She is being held in the notorious Lefortovo jail under tight supervision, her lawyer said.

At the trial held in Moscow District Military Court, Karaulova speaks clearly but briefly, and keeps a copy of the Criminal Code on the seat in her glass cage.

At one point a witness described her as weighing around 75 kilogrammes and she flares up: "Did the witness weigh me?"

She refuses to answer questions about her religious views, but is now bareheaded and wears colourful dresses, her eyes ringed in dark liner.

First love

She says she got to know a man through a social networking site, who used various names including Vlad, Artur Sokolov and Adam, but whose real name is reportedly Airat Samatov, a Russian citizen, who investigators say is fighting with IS.

Her lawyer says Karaulova was going through a period of teenage low self-esteem that made her vulnerable to such tactics.

"She's a closed, reserved person... No one knew what was going on inside her, not her parents, not her friends," Badamshin said.

For her, it was first love, he says, while raising the possibility that the messages to her were not even all written by the same person, due to stylistic differences.

The prosecution is using other women who tried to reach Syria along with Karaulova as witnesses -- but they remain at liberty.

Wearing a hijab, one woman, Regina Velimetova, spoke via video link from Dagestan's Supreme Court.

She recalled travelling to the Turkish border with Karaulova.

"She was crying, she was missing her parents," Velimetova said, adding that her companion told her she was going to Syria because she had "fallen in love" with a guy who lived there and he had "invited her to get married".

Such women "all want to get married under sharia rule," said Velimetova, adding she also went "to seek married happiness."

She insisted: "That doesn't mean we went there to take part in military action and to blow ourselves up. Our aim was just to live where the law of Islam is observed."
London: Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Sunday it was "highly likely" that Scotland would hold a new independence referendum before 2020 after Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU).

Asked on ITV's Peston on Sunday programme whether she would anticipate a second Scottish referendum before 2020, Sturgeon said: "I think it is highly likely given the situation we're in ... If anything what has happened since then has probably made me think that even more so than I did the morning after the referendum."

Scotland voted by a large margin to remain in the European Union, while overall Britain voted to leave in a referendum that has reignited talk of a split between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom. Scots rejected independence two years ago.

Sturgeon told her Scottish National Party's (SNP) annual conference last week the devolved government was preparing for all possibilities including independence after Britain leaves the EU.
Doreen Mann became stuck in her bath and kept herself warm by topping it up with hot water. (Photo: Pixabay)

London: An 86-year-old woman in the UK, who was stuck in her bathtub for four days, was rescued by an alert waitress who realised she had not come in for her usual lunch and wine.

Doreen Mann became stuck in her bath and kept herself warm by topping it up with hot water.

Fortunately, Sonia Congrave, 39, became concerned when Mann did not appear at Tomassi's cafe in Essex for a couple of days.

She called the police who helped the elderly out of the bathtub last week, the Southend Echo reported.
Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) said that Aziz reacted strongly to Modi's statement during his address at the BRICS summit in Goa in which he called Pakistan a "mothership" of terrorism. (Photo :PTI)

Islamabad: Strongly reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that Pakistan is the "mothership of terrorism", Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Sunday accused the Indian leader of "misleading" the BRICS countries over the issue.

"Mr Modi is misleading his BRICS and BIMSTEC colleagues," Aziz said.

He also alleged that the Indian leadership is "desperately trying to hide its brutalities" in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) said that Aziz reacted strongly to Modi's statement during his address at the BRICS summit in Goa in which he called Pakistan a "mothership" of terrorism world-wide.

Aziz said Pakistan joins all the members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and BIMSTEC in condemning terrorism and reaffirms its full commitment to fight the menace of terrorism without discrimination, "including against the Indian state-sponsored terrorism on Pakistani soil".

Aziz said the UN Human Rights High Commissioner in Geneva and the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have called for sending a fact finding mission to Kashmir.

He said The UN and OIC have "rejected Indian attempts to equate Kashmiris' movement for self-determination with terrorism."

He said the UN has repeatedly emphasised that people fighting for their self-determination cannot be categorised as terrorists by the occupying state.

Accusing India of "terror financing", Aziz said "India has no moral ground to even talk about counter-terrorism efforts let alone do the finger pointing."
An ambulance leaves Khulna Jail carrying body of Asadul Islam after he was executed in Khulna. (Photo: AFP)

Dhaka: Bangladesh said on Monday it is fast-tracking trials of Islamist extremists, hours after a senior leader of a militant group was hanged for a 2005 blast that killed two judges.

Asadul Islam, also known as Arif, was a senior leader of the banned group Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), which the government has blamed for a deadly siege on an upmarket Dhaka cafe on July 1.

Bangladeshi security forces launched a crackdown against Islamist extremists following the cafe attack, which shook the image of Bangladesh as a moderate Muslim nation.

Since July, police have shot dead nearly 40 suspected extremists including JMBs new leader Tamim Chowdhury, a Canadian citizen of Bangladeshi descent who allegedly masterminded the cafe carnage.

Bangladeshs courts have also accelerated the prosecution of Islamist extremists, sparking concern among rights activists who say such actions may be politically motivated.

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said the government was trying to fast-track all the militant-related cases, including bomb attacks on a court complex outside Dhaka, a cultural function in a northern town and a new years festival in the capital.

Police spokesman A.K.M Shahidur Rahman said there were at least 64 Islamist extremists on death row and their appeals were being heard in the higher courts.

But Human Rights Watch said there was no conclusive evidence the death penalty acted as a deterrent.

When terror attacks happen, governments often feel under pressure to show that they are doing something, South Asia director Meenakshi Ganguly told AFP.

What is needed instead is careful investigation to identify and prosecute perpetrators with proper evidence.

JMB was founded in the late 1990s and seeks to impose sharia law on Bangladesh, a Muslim majority but officially secular nation of 160 million people.

It shot to prominence when it carried out a coordinated bombing attack in August 2005, that involved more than 400 small blasts across the country.

Arifs body was buried amid tight security in his home town shortly after his execution, local police chief Pankaj Chandra Roy said.
Counter-terrorism officers said Nabi was held at a bus station in the capital Dhaka, alleging he was the ringleader in Nazimuddin killing, local media reported. (Representational image)

Dhaka: Bangladesh police have arrested the main suspect in the murder case of a law student and secular blogger who was killed by militants after he posted comments against radical Islamists on Facebook in the Muslim majority country.

A joint team of Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit and Detective Branch of Police held Rashidun Nabi from Sayedabad in the capital last night in connection with the murder of blogger Nazimuddin Samad, who was hacked by machete-wielding militants before being shot dead in April, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Masudur Rahman said today.

Counter-terrorism officers said Nabi was held at a bus station in the capital Dhaka, alleging he was the ringleader in Nazimuddin killing, local media reported.

Nabi was today sent on three-day remand by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Maruf Hossain after police produced him in court with a 10-day remand prayer.

Nazimuddin, 28, a masters student of the state-run Jagannath University's law department, had been on a hit list of 84 atheist bloggers that a group of radical Islamists prepared and sent to Bangladesh's interior ministry.

A day before the murder, Nazimuddin had expressed concerns over the country's law and order in a Facebook post. He was known to have been critical of state religion in the Bangladeshi constitution.

Nazimuddin was the information and research secretary of Sylhet district unit of Bangabandhu Jatiya Jubo Parishad. He was also an activist of Gonojagoron Moncho's Sylhet wing.

Bangladesh has seen a spate of gruesome attacks on secular activists, religious minorities, bloggers and foreigners, many of whom have been hacked to death with machetes.
Bangladesh has blamed the JMB for the July 1 attack on an upmarket Dhaka cafe in which 22 people, mostly foreign hostages, were killed. (Photo: File)

Dhaka: Prison authorities in Bangladesh's southern city of Khulna on Sunday executed a senior Islamic extremist whose banned group has been linked to the murder of foreign hostages, police said.

Asadul Islam, 42, a leader of the outlawed Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), was hanged for his role in a 2005 blast that killed two judges.

Bangladesh has blamed the JMB for the July 1 attack on an upmarket Dhaka cafe in which 22 people, mostly foreign hostages, were killed.

"He was hanged to death at 10:30 pm (1630 GMT) in Khulna jail," Khulna Police Commissioner Nibhas Chandra Majhi told AFP, adding that there was heavy security around the jail to prevent any violence.

Islam, also known as Arif, was one of seven senior JMB officials, including founding leader Shaikh Abdur Rahman, sentenced to death for a bomb attack on a minibus that killed two lower court judges on November 14, 2005.

Six of the men, including Rahman, were executed in March 2007 by a military-backed caretaker government as part of a nationwide crackdown on Islamic extremists.

Arif was sentenced in absentia and was not detained until July 2007. He has been held in Khulna jail ever since. In August the Supreme Court dismissed his final appeal.

His execution comes as Bangladeshi security forces push a deadly new crackdown against Islamist extremists following the cafe attack that has shaken the image of Bangladesh as a moderate Muslim nation.

Since July, police have shot dead nearly 40 suspected extremists including JMB's new leader Tamim Chowdhury, a Canadian citizen of Bangladesh descent who allegedly masterminded the cafe carnage.

As part of the crackdown, Bangladesh's courts have also fast-tracked prosecution of Islamist extremists, scores of whom were already facing death sentences and languishing in the country's jails.

Majihi said hundreds of police and the elite Rapid Action Battalion have been deployed in Khulna, the country's third largest city, and key roads leading to the jails had been blocked to prevent any violence.

A prison official told AFP that Arif had refused to seek presidential clemency -- his last chance to stop the hanging -- which prompted the authorities to prepare for his execution.

Founded in the late 1990s by Islamists who fought in the Afghan wars alongside the Taliban, the JMB seeks to impose sharia law on Bangladesh, a Muslim majority but officially secular nation of 160 million people.

JMB first shot to prominence in Bangladesh when it conducted a coordinated bombing attack on August 17, 2005, with more than 400 small blasts in 63 of the country's 64 districts.

Many of those bombs targeted secular courts.
Beijing: China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday it would retaliate after the President of Slovakia, Andrej Kiska, met visiting exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, a man accused by Beijing of promoting independence for the Himalayan region.

China regards the 80-year-old, Nobel Peace Prize-winning monk as a separatist, though he says he merely seeks genuine autonomy for Tibet, which Communist Chinese troops "peacefully liberated" in 1950.

The Dalai Lama, who is on a trip to Europe, met President Kiska on Sunday over lunch in Bratislava, the Slovak capital, according to the Dalai Lama's official website. The site showed a picture of the two men chatting.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Kiska had ignored China's "strong opposition" to the meeting, which was contrary to the "one China" policy the Slovak government has promised to uphold.

"China is resolutely opposed to this and will make a corresponding response," Hua told a daily news briefing in Beijing, without giving details.

A posting on the Slovak president's Facebook page on October 16 carried pictures of the meeting with the Dalai Lama, and a note from President Kiska describing it as "a privilege".

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua said the Dalai Lama has long tried to separate Tibet from China and the government opposes any foreign official having any form of contact with him. The meeting has "broken the political basis of China-Slovak relations", Hua said.

"We demand the Slovak side clearly recognise the anti-Chinese separatist nature of the Dalai Lama clique and earnestly respect China's core interests and major concerns."

Slovakia should take steps to eliminate the negative impact of this meeting, she added.

China also expressed anger last month and threatened countermeasures after the Dalai Lama spoke at the European Parliament in the French city of Strasbourg and met its president, Martin Schulz.

Few foreign leaders are willing to meet the Dalai Lama these days, fearful of provoking a strong reaction from China, the world's second-largest economy.

The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against the Chinese.

Rights groups and exiles accuse China of trampling on the religious and cultural rights of the Tibetan people, charges strongly denied by Beijing, which says its rule has brought prosperity to a once backward region. was ousted in 2014.
Islamabad: The IMF has warned Pakistan that China's growing investments in the country, including the USD 46 billion economic corridor, have the potential to lift the cash-strapped economy's potential output, but the repayment obligations that come with it will be serious.

"During the investment phase, as the 'early harvest' projects proceed, Pakistan will experience a surge in FDI and other external funding inflows," says the IMF in a short evaluation of the impact of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CEPC) related investments on Pakistan.

However, the import requirements of these projects "will likely offset a significant share of these inflows, such that the current account deficit would widen" within manageable levels during these years, the international lender was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper.

The report estimates that CPEC related imports could reach 11 per cent of total projected imports by 2020, equal to just over USD 5.7 billion, while inflows under the corridor will touch 2.2 per cent of projected GDP in that year.

Gross external financing needs of the country will jump almost 60 per cent by then, from a projected USD 11 billion for the current fiscal year, to USD 17.5 billion in 2020.

Pakistan will see USD 27.8 billion in "early harvest" projects under CPEC in the next few years, with the remaining USD 16 billion coming over a longer timeline stretching out to 2030.

"Pakistan will need to manage increasing CPEC-related outflows," warns the IMF, once the Chinese investors begin repatriating profits, adding that the amounts involved "could add up to a significant level given the magnitude of the FDI".

Outflows will also come in the form of repayment obligations on the loans taken from Chinese banks for these projects, which are expected to rise after 2021. Both of these, repayments and profit repatriation, "could reach about 0.4 per cent of GDP per year over the longer run".

The IMF acknowledges that CPEC related growth could cover these payments over the longer term, but warns that this is not guaranteed.

"Reaping the full potential benefits of CPEC will require forceful pro-growth and export-supporting reforms" the report says, citing improved business climate, governance and security as necessary preconditions to enable CPEC investments to generate the resources required to cover their own associated outflows. In addition, "allowing greater downward exchange rate flexibility" will also be necessary.

The 3,000-km-long CEPC, which is part of China's Silk Road project, officially called Belt and Road is aimed at connecting the two countries with rail, road, pipelines and optical cable fiber network.

It connects China's Xinjiang province with Pakistan Gwadar port, providing access to China to the Arabian Sea. The project, when it is completed, would enable China to pump its oil supplies from the Middle East through pipelines to Xinjiang cutting considerable distance for Chinese ships to travel to China.

India has already protested to China over the project as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The matter of rising CPEC related outflows was discussed between the Fund staff and the government during the discussions prior to the review, the report said.

The Pakistan government told the IMF that "additional Chinese investment over the longer term, building on CPEC as a platform, could also help cover the projected CPEC related outflows," according to the report.

For the IMF, CPEC outflows are one of the medium to long term risks facing Pakistan's economy. It calls for "sound project evaluation and prioritisation mechanisms based on effective cost-benefit analysis and realistic forecasts of macroeconomic and financing conditions" to help mitigate the risk.

It points out "a need to ensure transparency and accountability in project management and monitoring", pointing specifically at the power purchase agreements being signed with Chinese IPPs, calling on the government to ensure that the cost of power purchase "remains favourable" for the distribution companies and consumers.
Shahbaz was kidnapped near his company's head office in Gulberg on August 26, 2011.

Islamabad: Six Taliban terrorists, including the alleged kidnapper of the son of slain governor of Punjab Salmaan Taseer, have been killed in an encounter with security personnel in Pakistan's Punjab province.

Acting on a tip off, a team of Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday raided a house near Sheikhupura bypass where nine to ten members of banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were hiding.

They tried to escape by using a car and two motorcycles and were chased up to a branch road where they opened fire at the cops, forcing the security personnel to retaliate, the CTD spokesperson said.

"When the shootout ended, six of the terrorists were dead and the rest had fled," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by 'Dawn'.

The CTD men seized arms and ammunition, including three Kalashnikov rifles, three pistols, 2 kilogrammes of explosives, prima cords and a cache of bullets, the report said.

The bodies were taken to a hospital to identify the slain terrorists.

Separately, the police launched a combing operation in the area to arrest the escaped suspects.

The CTD's investigation team had identified one of the deceased as Haji Muhammad alias Pathan, who was accused of being involved in the abduction of Shahbaz Taseer, son of the late governor Salmaan Taseer, a senior police official was quoted as saying.

He said Pathan had been declared a proclaimed offender and his name was listed in the Red Book (a list of most wanted militants).

Pathan had rented a house in Valencia Town in Lahore, where Taseer's kidnappers had kept him for several days before taking him to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

An FIR against Pathan was registered with the Gulberg police in Lahore.

The official said that Pathan belonged to two banned organisations TTP and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. "Efforts are under way to identify the remaining five terrorists," the official said.

Shahbaz was kidnapped near his company's head office in Gulberg on August 26, 2011. He was released earlier this year.

His father Salmaan Taseer was killed in 2011 for criticising the blasphemy laws.
Iraqi forces have launched a campaign to retake Mosul, the self-declared capital of the Islamic State, the prime minister said today in what the US hailed as a "decisive moment" in the battle to crush the jihadist group.





Up to 1.5 million civilians remain in the city, the United Nations said, voicing fears the vastly outnumbered Islamists could use them as human shields as they seek to repel the assault on its last major stronghold in the country.



"Today I declare the start of these victorious operations to free you from the violence and terrorism of Daesh," Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in a televised address, using an alternative name for the IS group.



Mosul fell to IS fighters two years ago as they marched through Iraq and Syria, where the civil war left a power vacuum that they easily exploited. Its recapture would shatter the group's claim to be running a "caliphate" and would all but end its presence in Iraq as a land-holding force.



That claim received another body blow yesterday when Syrian rebels retook the town of Dabiq from the group. The anti-IS alliance - including the US-led coalition, Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi government forces - has recently been tightening the noose around Mosul, and the assault has long been predicted.



But they will have to fight their way through IS defences to reach the city. Some groups are still dozens of kilometres from Mosul. When they get there, the fighting is expected to be fierce.



UN deputy Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Stephen O'Brien said civilians in the city were in real danger.



"I am extremely concerned for the safety of up to 1.5 million people living in Mosul who may be impacted by military operations to retake the city from ISIL," he said.



"Depending on the intensity and scope of the fighting, as many as one million people may be forced to flee their homes in a worst-case scenario," O'Brien said in a statement. Children and elderly are among those at greatest risk.



"Tens of thousands of Iraqi girls, boys, women and men may be under siege or held as human shields. Thousands may be forcibly expelled or trapped between the fighting lines," O'Brien added.



In the two years since IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed a "caliphate" straddling Iraq and Syria, Iraqi forces, with the support of Iran and a US-led coalition, have battled to win back lost territory.



Prime Minister Abadi today vowed that only government forces will enter Mosul, a Sunni-majority city that IS seized with relative ease partly due to local resentment towards the Shiite-dominated security forces.



Shiite militia groups have been accused of serious abuses against Sunni civilians in the course of operations to reconquer territory from IS.
Swaraj India, the party launched by breakaway group of Aam Aadmi Party led by Yogrndra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan, Anand Kumar and Ajit Jha, has decided to contest Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) which will held in early 2017.





In a statement on Sunday, the party has said that it will give an alternative to the people because they are fed up with theatrics. The party has also said that it will explore possibilities of contesting assembly elections slated next year in five states.



The party sources, however, said that the party remained undecided about contesting Punjab elections where its rival AAP is said to be gaining strong ground and might spring surprises.



Party general secretary Ajit Jha will head the team for municipal elections in Delhi. The team has started selection of candidates, said the party after the meeting of the Presidium of the party in Palampur in Himachal Pradesh.



Delhi is now without anyone to look after it. The Delhi government, the Lt Governor and the MCD, all are indulged in manipulations and political game. The people are fed up with theatrics. We are entering into polls to provide a meaningful alternative, said Yadav in the statement.



The statement has quoted Bhushan as saying that every caution will be taken in selecting candidates. There would not be any personality cult in the party, he said. The eminent lawyer has obviously targeted AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal.



Party sources, however, the party Presidium could not decide on what should be done in Punjab. Many rebel leaders of AAP in Punjab have joined the new party and are willing to contest elections. But, the party is moving slow because of the local factors.



It is in search of a strong team of local leaders who could take on both AAP and other political forces including Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP combine.
Farmers and opposition parties in Tamil Nadu today staged rail roko agitation at various places in the state demanding the Centre to constitute the Cauvery Management Board immediately.



The protests were held against the stance of BJP-led Union government in the Supreme Court which opposed immediate setting up of the Board.



Thousands of protestors participated in the rail roko demonstrations, who courted arrest and were lodged in the community and marriage halls, police said, adding they were likely to be released later today.



The agitations marked the beginning of a 48-hour rail blockade by farmers outfits which has the support of opposition parties including the DMK, Tamil Nadu Congress, IUML, CPI(M), CPI, MDMK and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.



Farmer leader and chief of National South Indian Rivers Inter-Linking Farmers Association P Ayyakannu led the protest in Tiruchirappalli by squatting over the railway track in Kudamuratti bridge area.



Ryots squatted on railway tracks with green turbans and planted paddy seedlings in the narrow gap between railway tracks. They managed to block trains briefly but were removed later by police.



"We will continue our stir. Tomorrow too this will be held. We plan to block Vaigai Super Fast Express. We urge the Centre to not make us paupers, (by adopting a stance against CMB)" Ayyakannu told PTI.



Similar protests witnessed huge participation of people in the entire Cauvery Delta region of the state including Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts.



DMK treasurer and Leader of Opposition M K Stalin led the protest at Perambur suburban railway station here in which scores of his party legislators and functionaries took part.



Leading the protestors, he blocked a suburban train, following which he along with party cadres was taken away by police from the railway station.



MDMK chief Vaiko and CPI(M) State Secretary G Ramakrishnan squatted on railway track at the busy Chennai Central Railway station. Similarly, CPI State Secretary R Mutharasan participated in a rail roko stir in Tiruvarur district.


A Mumbai businessman who 'mentored' Sagar Thakkar alias Shaggy, the alleged mastermind of the multi-million dollar fake call center racket, wherein US-based taxpayers were allegedly conned by Indian tele-callers, has been arrested, police said today.





The 33-year-old man, identified as Jagdish Kanani was arrested from suburban Borivali last night, a senior police officer said on the condition of anonymity.



According to police, Thakkar, who is on the run, has worked under Kanani in the past at Ahmedabad and Mumbai, where he and some of his associates picked up the tricks of trade from his 'Guru'.



In fact, Kanani started out working in a BPO firm abroad where he learnt the methods of collection through outsourcing firms and brushed up his knowledge to build a lucrative business and then set up fake call centres across the country to earn a quick buck by extorting money from US victims, the officer said.



Kanani came on the police radar after leads during interrogation of the arrested accused in the racket, he said.



Kanani is a prized catch for the Thane Police as it will help the cops dig more into the con syndicate which has spread its tentacles nationwide including in cities like Gurgaon, Ahmedabad and Thane, he said.



The officer said that Kanani was the brain behind the fake call centres across the country including the one at Mira Road which was raided by Thane Police earlier this month. He is suspected to have helped Thakkar in shaping and setting up his ventures.



"Now that we have arrested him, we will get to know the whereabouts of Thakkar and others, whom he also mentored," the police officer added.



Crime Branch (Thane Police) have so far arrested 70 persons after it raided seven call centres operating illegally in Mira Road here. Another 630 people were booked under IPC sections 384 (extortion), 419 (cheating by impersonation), 420 (cheating) and under relevant sections of IT Act and Indian Telegraph Act.



The callers used to make calls to people in the US and speak to them in American accent by posing as officials of US Internal Revenue Service. Subsequently, police teams also raided and shut down five call centres in Ahmedabad which were a part of the racket.



Also, investigations into the racket has led Thane Police to suspect involvement of the son of a senior IPS officer from Gujarat in running these illegal call centres in Ahmedabad.



Investigators found that the call centres in Ahmedabad, which were raided by local police recently, resumed their operations soon afterwards. Thane Crime Branch is probing why no concrete action was taken against these call centres.



During interrogation of several arrested accused, investigators got information about illegal call centres running in Pralhad Nagar in Ahmedabad since 2009.



Police also found a huge server installed in one of these call centres (in Ahmedabad) which had the entire data base generated from the call centres which were part of the racket, including the ones in Mira Road.



Haider, one of the arrested men, has told police that Thakkar allegedly gave 30 per cent of the ill-gotten income to his agents in the United States who provided him data base of US tax-payers.



Of the remaining amount, 40 per cent went to Tapesh Gupta, Akhilesh Singh, Rahul Dogra, Jimmy (all absconding accused) and Haider, while Sagar kept the 60 per cent share.



The daily turn-over from the call centers in Mira Road was around Rs 2 crore, police said.



Call executives were designated as 'dialler', who made the call and 'closer', who carried out final 'negotiations'. Dialler got two rupees per every US dollar earned by the racketeers, while the 'closer' got three rupees per every US dollar as incentive, over and above the salary, they said.



As the unearthing of this mammoth racket which was going on for several years could harm India's reputation as a hub of BPO and outsourcing industry, the authorities were taking the matter very seriously, the officer added.
Two persons, including a former corporator, were arrested this morning by Mumbai Police in connection with the murder of a 72-year-old RTI activist.





"Amjad Khan (53) and his father Razzaq Khan (78) were arrested today morning on charges of murder of Bhupendra Vira. Razzak was earlier a corporator in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. It looks like a land dispute led to the Khans killing Vira," Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Dudhe told PTI.



Razzaq Khan is former corporator of Congress from Santacruz area. Vira, who had been fighting against land mafia, unauthorized structures and encroachments in and around Kalina, was shot dead at point blank range on Saturday night when he was watching TV at his residence in suburban Santacruz.



The shooter is suspected to have used a silencer, as Vira'a wife, who despite being in the house claimed that she did not hear anything, a police official involved in the probe said.



Police had earlier said they were inquiring if Vira had approached them with any complaint - that he faced threat to his life. The activist is survived by a daughter and two sons.



Social activist and former AAP leader Anjali Damania, who had worked with Vira, yesterday said he was attached to 'Voice of Kalina', an advanced locality management (ALM) body and a citizen's group.



Describing him as committed social worker, Damania had said, "Vira along with other members of the ALM were fighting against encroachments, illegal structures and land mafia in and around Kalina by filing RTIs. He had written several letters to authorities including, Lokayukta, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and police, seeking action against illegal structures."



According to her, several activists had received threats and many of them, including Vira, had filed several complaints at Vakola police station in this regard.



She said that on Saturday morning, Vira had persuaded the BMC authorities to issue four notices to a local goon living in the same area.
A day after a jawan was killed in firing by Pakistani troops, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said the Indian Army was giving a befitting reply to such ceasefire violations.





"Ceasefire violations have taken place in hundreds for the last five-six years...Check out the figures. The only difference is that if they do it now, we give a befitting reply," he said.



An Indian Army jawan was yesterday killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire twice along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.



Parrikar had earlier equated the Indian Army to 'Hanuman' and made a reference to the Ramayana in which the monkey God crossed an ocean in a single stride after he was reminded about his extraordinary powers by Jamwant.


Speaking about surgical strikes, Singh said, "Our army crossed the LoC not to attack Pakistan. It went to carry out pre-emptive anti-terror surgical action against dangers of terror lurking on the border. We had information that there were some terrorists at launching pads wanting to carry out attacks in India."



The Union Minister said that at the BRICS Summit, the participating nations have also strongly condemned "those who shelter terrorism".



He also stressed on creating physical barriers like floodlighting in areas along the border with Pakistan to thwart any terror activity.



Physical barriers have been put up along 2,034.96 km of the 2,289.66 km-long Indo-Pak border, he informed.



"The rest of the boundary is 254.80 km-long. It includes riverine areas and tough terrains. We have decided to create physical barriers wherever possible. Where physical barriers like erecting fencing is not possible, non-physical barriers should be created," he said.



"For non-physical barriers, there are solutions like sensors, radars and laser wall. These all will be used," he said, adding a pilot project in this direction is being implemented by BSF in Jammu, Punjab and Gujarat.



"The use of non-physical barriers on experimental basis will help ascertain up to what extent it is helpful and what sort of loopholes are there which need to be addressed. A report in this regard is expected to come by the end of the year," he said.



In a blistering attack on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said its entire establishment is engaged in fueling terrorism in India and warned that "those who rear snakes would be bitten".India is against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, but does not hate" its people, the minister said and offered help to conduct anti-terrorism campaign in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir for the "closure of terror factories".The Home Minister's attack on Pakistan comes a day after Prime Minsister Narendra Modi dubbed it as the mothership of terrorism.Addressing the the two-day Regional Editors Conference from north and northeast states here, he said, "Pakistan's entire establishment is engaged in fueling terrorism in India and that's why, the management of areas along the Indo-Pak border has become a challenging task...But those who rear snakes should know they would bite them."By adopting terrorism as its state policy, Pakistan is getting isolated not only in South Asia but also in the international community, Singh said."Pakistan is so much obsessed with some issues that neither it can benefit others nor it can see its own welfare. Its obsession with Kashmir has reached such a level that it cannot tell apart a terrorist from a freedom fighter," the Minister said.He termed Pakistan's flexible attitude towards terrorism as "the biggest hindrance" in the bilateral relationship."As far as the relationship between India and Pakistan is concerned, the biggest hindrance is Pakistan as its attitude towards terrorism is quite flexible. As far as India's intention is concerned, we want to eliminate terrorism from the entire region," Singh said.He said the logic of state and non-state actors which used to be given in connection with Pakistan has now turned "hollow".The Home Minister stressed that India "hates" Pakistan sponsored terrorism and not its people."No hatred towards people of Pakistan. We do not hate people of Pakistan and we do not want to keep a distance from them. We hate Pakistan-sponsored terrorism only."If its intentions remain clear, India can help Pakistan carry out an anti-error campaign in PoK. If Pakistan wishes, it can seek our help and India is ready to help it. It can also take help from anyone in the global community. But its intentions are not clear," he said.Singh said that with the closure of "terror factories in Pakistan, peace and harmony will prevail in South Asia and a way to development and prosperity will open."
Six Taliban terrorists, including the alleged kidnapper of the son of slain governor of Punjab Salmaan Taseer, have been killed in an encounter with security personnel in Pakistan's Punjab province.





Acting on a tip off, a team of Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday raided a house near Sheikhupura bypass where nine to ten members of banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were hiding.



They tried to escape by using a car and two motorcycles and were chased up to a branch road where they opened fire at the cops, forcing the security personnel to retaliate, the CTD spokesperson said.



"When the shootout ended, six of the terrorists were dead and the rest had fled," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by 'Dawn'.



The CTD men seized arms and ammunition, including three Kalashnikov rifles, three pistols, 2 kilogrammes of explosives, prima cords and a cache of bullets, the report said.



The bodies were taken to a hospital to identify the slain terrorists.



Separately, the police launched a combing operation in the area to arrest the escaped suspects.



The CTD's investigation team had identified one of the deceased as Haji Muhammad alias Pathan, who was accused of being involved in the abduction of Shahbaz Taseer, son of the late governor Salmaan Taseer, a senior police official was quoted as saying.



He said Pathan had been declared a proclaimed offender and his name was listed in the Red Book (a list of most wanted militants).



Pathan had rented a house in Valencia Town in Lahore, where Taseer's kidnappers had kept him for several days before taking him to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.



An FIR against Pathan was registered with the Gulberg police in Lahore.



The official said that Pathan belonged to two banned organisations  TTP and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.



"Efforts are under way to identify the remaining five terrorists," the official said.



Shahbaz was kidnapped near his company's head office in Gulberg on August 26, 2011. He was released earlier this year.



His father Salmaan Taseer was killed in 2011 for criticising the blasphemy laws.
The contentious issue of Ram temple was suddenly back in the political discourse in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh today, a day ahead of Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma's visit to Ayodhya tomorrow to inspect the proposed site for setting up a Ramayana musuem, a move seen as an attempt to woo pro-Hinduvta elements.



BSP supremo Mayawati, a major contender to power in the key battleground state, Congress and the DMK criticised the move, saying it was being made for "electoral benefits".



The land for the proposed museum has been provided by the Uttar Pradesh government.



"Developing tourism in Ayodhya is good but, how come the Narendra Modi government thought of developing the Ramayana Sangrahalay (museum) and the state government of Ramleela theme park just before the Assembly polls," she said in a release in Lucknow.



"Linking religion with politics and electoral gains by these governments is condemnable...had they really been so concerned about these issues, they would have thought about them long ago," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said.



Congress leader and former Union minister R P N Singh accused the Modi government and BJP of invoking Ram months ahead of the assembly polls due early next year for deriving political mileage out of it.



"We shouldn't be surprised. Every five years we see the same drama unfolding. Whenever polls are in the state, they talk of Ram, Ram temple, Ram sangrahalaya. They repeatedly raise these issues," he said.



"Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks of development but what about action....When there is election, he goes to Lucknow to participate in Dussehra festivities and chants 'Jai Shri Ram'. Did he say Jai Shri Ram during Dussehra events last year wherever he went?" he said.



The proposed museum revived the demand for construction of Ram temple, with BJP hardliners like Union Minister Uma Bharti and Vinay Katiyar pitching for it.



Katiyar went on to demand tabling of a legislation in the Lok Sabha where the BJP-led NDA has a "massive majority".



"Why only Subramanian Swamy, every devotee of Ram wants the temple to be constructed soon. Until that happens we cannot live in peace. Be it through a bill in Parliament, through dialogue or a court verdict, the government has to find a solution.



"Of course, we don't have a majority in the Rajya Sabha, but a bill for construction of the temple can be brought in the Lok Sabha where we have a massive majority. The Ram temple was also a part of BJP's election manifesto," he said, adding "no deadline can be set for the government on this issue".



Uma Bharti, another stormy petrel of the Ram temple movement, said, "The issue is what we, the agitators, were claiming as the place where Lord Ram was born was indeed that place or not. A three-judge bench (of Allahabad High Court) agreed with our contention.



"What is under challenge is the dispute over land between the Waqf Board and Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, not that whether Ram was born there or not," she said.



Mahesh Sharma, however, insisted his visit to Ayodhya had nothing to do with the UP polls, but said he would be visiting the makeshift temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex.



"My visit to Ayodhya has nothing to do with UP Assembly elections. I am visiting there as a Tourism Minister. It should not be linked to politics but is part of government's effort to improve tourism in Ayodhya and all over the country. The visit is part of developmental agenda," he said.



DMK chief M Karunanidhi also deprecated attempts to rake up the Ram temple issue ahead of UP assemly polls.



"There are reports that BJP is trying to rake up the Ram janmabhoomi issue to garner Hindu votes in Uttar Pradesh," he said in a statement in Chennai.



The DMK patriarch took exception to Prime Minister Modi chanting 'Jai Sri Ram' at a Ram Leela event in Lucknow last week.



Karunanidhi, who had earlier triggered a row with his critical comments about Lord Ram made at the height of the Ramasethu controversy, also criticised the move to set up a Ramayana museum.



Sharma, while insisting that the project had nothing to do with politics, said the museum will be a part of the Ramayana Circuit for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the circuit.



"Ram is in the heart of millions of people. As the Tourism Minister, I have to see how Ayodhya can be developed, how Ramayana circuit can be developed from tourism point of view," the minister said.



He said the government has identified three circuits-- Ramayana Circuit, Krishna Circuit and Buddhist Circuit-- to boost religious tourism.



Sharma will also hold a meeting with Ramayana Circuit Advisory Board during the visit. The meeting would discuss routes for connecting Ramayana-related sites in Nepal and Sri Lanka with the proposed museum.



The Union Minister would also deliberate on plans for an International Ramayana Conclave, which would be held either in Ayodhya or Chitrakoot district. The conference is likely to be attended by delegates from about 12 countries, sources said.



Sharma is likely to hold meetings with religious leaders on building the museum which would portray the epic journey of Lord Rama.



He said his Ayodhya visit was planned two months back and had nothing to do with the UP assembly elections, which were "planned five years ago".



When asked if the museum will be inaugurated ahead of the UP polls, Sharma said,"It is a continuous process. It will involve development of ghats, infrastructure etc."



Asked to comment on Katiyar's demand for bringing a bill in Parliament for construction of the temple, he said,"I am an Indian first. I am going there as a trourism Minister. Ram temple is on (BJP's) agaida, but (commenting on Katiyar's demand) is not within my purview as Tourism Minister."



On whether he would visit the makeshift temple during his visit, the Minister said,"Well, the Ramlalla site...there is my spiritual devotion to the place. Millions of devotees visit there for that purpose....I will be going there."



Though the BJP has been insisting that Ram temple will not be an electoral plank in the UP elections to be held early next year, the proposed Ramayana museum and related activities are being seen as an attempt to keep pro-Hindutva elements in good humour.



On Dusshera, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in a departure from tradition, participated in the festivities in Lucknow where he started and concluded his speech with chants of "Jai Shri Ram, Jai Jai Shri Ram".
Calling him a "butcher" of Gujarat and Kashmir, Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was blaming Pakistan only to divert attention from "atrocities" being committed in the Valley.





Speaking at a rally in Karsaz here yesterday, Bhutto said Modi is an "extremist".



"I have said that Modi is an extremist and there should be no hopes attached to him," Bhutto said.



He said Modi was blaming Pakistan only to divert attention from "atrocities" being committed in Kashmir.



He called Modi the "butcher of Gujarat and Kashmir", 'Geo news' reported.



Highlighting the "plight" of Kashmiris, Bhutto, 28, said the people of the Valley were struggling for their "right to self-determination."



Bhutto also put forth four demands, threatening that he would announce a long march on December 27 that if they were not fulfilled.



The demands include formation of a parliamentary committee on national security, passage of his party's bill on Panama Papers, implementation on former President Asif Zardari's resolution on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the immediate appointment of a foreign minister.



Bhutto also took a dig at Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's policies, saying they were the reason Pakistan had been weakened.



"Mian sahib you have failed in implementing the National Action Plan...We will change Pakistan if the public supports us," he said.



In his address at the BRICS summit yesterday, Modi called Pakistan a "mothership" of terrorism world-wide which shelters not just terrorists but nurtures a mindset that proclaimed that terrorism was justified for political gains.



"In our own region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development. Tragically its mothership is a country in India's neighbourhood. Terror modules around the world are linked to this mothership," he had said, attacking Pakistan for supporting cross-border terrorism.




This unprecedented temperature rise was only temporary, but still caused widespread concern among scientists. Climate change is definitely occurring, but we were not expected to cross the two degree Celsius mark for many years. That mark has long been declared to be the point above which climate change would be directly hazardous for our species and many others. Now that we have temporarily touched this higher temperature, it brings a level of urgency to our battle against this threat.





Decoding the impactProfessor N H Ravindranath from the Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc), Bengaluru and his team have studied the effects of climate change on Indian forests since 2006. In one of their studies, they used climate change models to determine the fate of forests in the future. They predicted that forests in India would undergo major shifts in vegetation type because of the variations in the temperature and levels of rainfall. Temperature spikes of 1.5 to 2C more than the normal will not greatly impact forests in any way in the short term. However, if the mean increases on a long-term basis, it will definitely impact biodiversity and wildlife, cautions Professor Ravindranath.





But that is not all. Even on a short-term basis, such temperature spikes can wreak havoc on entire ecosystems. In case of a drought the previous year, such temperatures can bring about extreme water scarcity, explains Professor Ravindranath. This translates to reduced plant growth, which leads to a drop in prey numbers. The last two years have been especially hard on Indian forests, what with the El Nino phenomenon reducing rainfall and raising temperatures. Water holes and ponds are drying, and this has caused problems to almost all species of wildlife in the country.





The research team has predicted that by 2030, we will be faced with a mean warming of 1.5 to 2C. This could be devastating for natural ecosystems and may even cause extinction of several species of animals that are unable to adapt to the change in temperature. By 2080, we can expect to look at a temperature rise of about four to six degree Celsius. Unless global patterns of fuel generation and use change, this is the bleak future we can look forward to.





So, how do we begin to tackle this mammoth issue? Professor Ravindranath says, We have to start working on short-term as well as long-term measures. Climate change is a long-term environmental concern. Immediately, we need to look at measures to conserve oil and water and build resilience in communities, as well as prevent degradation of natural ecosystems.





Climate change is an issue that all nations have contributed to, and one that all of us are struggling to mitigate now. But do we know everything about it? We still do not know exactly how the phenomenon will affect wildlife, or what exactly will happen. But what we do know is that there will be major shifts in forest types in the world. For example, the Western Ghats could undergo a complete shift in vegetation type in the next 6-100 years. What happens to wildlife then? wonders Professor Ravindranath.





He regrets that unfortunately, neither the forest department nor the government is too keen to address this threat. They talk about the issue from global and political perspectives, but on the ground, very little is being done, he adds. Educating the public about climate change and implementing laws that are already in place is the way to go forward now.





(The author is with Gubbi Labs, a Bengaluru-based research collective)

For thousands of years, the global temperature has remained almost constant, up until the industrial revolution of the 19th century. The industrial revolution caused the average temperature to go up by about 0.3C. But in February 2016, there was a temperature spike of 2.76C in the northern hemisphere, as reported and confirmed by NASA.




But in recent times, many questions are being raised about Dampa. One of the main ones is regarding the human-wildlife conflict in the region. Many wonder as to why people in fringe villages talk so much of wildlife-human conflict in a landscape where population pressure is significantly less compared to other tiger reserves? Wildlife-human conflict in this landscape has had multiple shifts in recent years. From jhum (shifting cultivation) being prevalent in the landscape earlier, we now have people moving towards cash crops, oil palm being the major culprit today. As a corollary, conflict which was primarily seasonal has now become a year-round phenomenon.





Also, confusions exist on the compensation mechanism for these cash crops. People have complained of the compensation amount being disproportionate to their losses, of inordinate delays in receiving the payments and of management not adhering to a uniform policy. As if the decreased tolerance on account of high investment was not enough, we have representatives of oil palm-promoting companies advising people to shoot wildlife that harm the plantation.





Under threatThis makes us wonder if hunting is the biggest threat to Dampa. But the reality is that habitat loss is a far bigger threat. If we continue to rid the landscape of natural vegetation, we will  in the short run, be left with a wildlife sanctuary, which is an island amidst unfriendly to conservation plantations; in the long run, fail to protect the wildlife sanctuary itself. If we lose the sanctuary, people from fringe villages may not have any other place to get bamboo and other forest products from. Then there is the water that the oil palm coming up in the landscape will need.





Eco-development programmes dont seem to have helped the cause. Today, there is a need to go beyond the norm. People could be encouraged and enabled to grow bamboo. It may sound funny to ask people to grow bamboo in Mizoram, a place often referred to as the bamboo state of the country. But in some villages within the tiger reserve, people are facing acute shortages of bamboo. Bamboo is not only indispensable but also intricately connected to the lives of people inhabiting the landscape: Mizos, Brus (Reangs) or Chakmas. They need to be able to get bamboo from village lands, else the wildlife sanctuary is the only option. A system to incentivise these vanishing refuges of biodiversity in village lands needs to be put in place before we lose them.





Many also wonder about the effects of Bru repatriation on this precious landscape. Local newspapers report that around 4,000-4,500 Bru (Reang) families are keen to return to Mizoram from Tripura after leaving the state during 1997, following ethnic violence over killing of a Mizo official by Bru militants.





These villages typically consist of at least 500 households. Hypothetically, even if three of these villages (or 30% of the families) were to settle in the landscape without a proper plan that looks into their needs, there is little doubt where the resources would come from. Recently, newspapers reported that the Mizoram government and the Ministry of Home Affairs have approved the Roadmap V for the repatriation of Brus; the plan proposed resumption of repatriation from November this year. So, the threat looms large.





Apart from these issues, the Indo-Bangladesh Border Road, a portion of which will cut through the tiger reserve, has been under discussion for a decade. This stretch, approximately 60 km in length, is currently one of the critical gaps in the border road, which in this portions will include fencing and border outposts at regular intervals. The proposed road will restrict access to the river (which forms the border) and habitat beyond the river. The revised plans also include installing floodlights along the road, construction of helipads and digging of borewells at each border outpost. Their combined impact on the habitat would be devastating.





Given the recent developments in Bangladesh, the chances of this gap being addressed immediately appear high. Even the wildlife community seems to be supporting the road. The report of Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserves in India: Process and Outcomes brought out by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) states, Fencing should be put in place along the Bangladesh border, over a distance of 62 km, expeditiously to stop infiltration by poachers as this stretch is the only gap in an otherwise completely fenced border. Given the number of issues Dampa Tiger Reserve is facing, one can only hope the decision makers keep in mind the wellbeing of animals before taking any concrete step.

Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizorams largest protected area and one of the regions older tiger reserves, is famed for being home to primates, lesser cats and forest-birds. Spread over 500 sq km area, Dampa Tiger Reserve is not easily accessible. For instance, here, unlike other national parks, one cannot hitch a ride of a four wheeler. Instead, one has to walk through the forest if he or she wishes to sight animals.




Among the belongings he left behind were blood samples used to diagnose three patients in the 1940s. Now those samples, each just one or two drops of blood smeared onto a microscope slide, may have solved a long-running mystery: how some strains of the malaria parasite arrived in Europe and in the Americas.





Malaria has not been endemic in Europe for more than half a century, but the continent once was a hot zone. The European strains are now extinct, however, so it has been difficult for scientists to figure out exactly how the disease evolved and spread across the globe.





In a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers report that they retrieved DNA from malaria parasites in Ildefonsos old blood samples: Plasmodium vivax, found today in Asia, the Middle East, South and Central America, and parts of Africa; and its more virulent cousin, Plasmodium falciparum, which accounts for 90% of malaria deaths.





Looking backAn extinct version of P. vivax in the samples was closely related to strains seen today in Central and South America, the researchers found. A strain of P. falciparum was identical to one currently found only in India. Together with historic data, the findings suggest that some strains of malaria closely followed the migrations of people: from India to Europe around the fourth and fifth centuries BC, and then from Europe to the Americas after Christopher Columbus arrival.





Malaria closely related to the human type was already present in the New World some 15 to 20 million years ago, George Poinar, a biologist who studies the origins of malaria and has traced the parasites back to dinosaurs, wrote in an email. The new research, he said, fills in some of the map of malarias travels with humans. Ildefonsos son-in-law offered the samples to Raul Escosa and Carles Aranda, two researchers working on mosquito control who were searching for records of the doctors work. The researchers asked Carles Lalueza-Fox, a paleogeneticist at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Barcelona, Spain, if hed be interested in extracting genetic information about malaria parasites from the blood.





In the leftoversCarles Lalueza-Fox studies ancient humans and extinct hominid species, not extinct pathogens. But his family has some history with malaria. It happened that my father  during the Spanish Civil War  contracted malaria while crossing the Ebro region in 1938, he said.





Carles Lalueza-Fox knew that most of the small amount of DNA on each microscope slide would be human. He relied on a method normally used to pull ancient human DNA from bones and teeth, only this time he reversed it: he looked for DNA in the leftovers  and found the parasites.





With just a few drops of dried blood, Carles Lalueza-Fox was able to reconstruct the genomes of the European parasites  the full genome of P. falciparum and nearly 70% of the genome of P. vivax. And with that, he said he had more than enough information to make the historical and geographical connections. Carles Lalueza-Fox is now searching for more old European samples to gather enough data to reconstruct the whole genome of P. vivax from decades ago, before its more recent evolutionary changes.





By doing this, he and other scientists may be able to identify the mutations that allowed the parasite to develop resistance over the years to a growing number of drugs. By looking at even older samples, they may discover how the disease originated in the first place.

In 1925, the Spanish government hired a doctor named Ildefonso Canicio to head up a malaria research centre in the Ebro Delta, where the disease was endemic. Ildefonso worked with patients from the surrounding rice fields for several decades, until he contracted malaria himself. He died of unrelated causes in 1961, the year malaria was eradicated from Spain.




The Goa summit was dominated by the terrorism problem. This was inevitable given the fact that the meeting was held in the shadow of a major terror attack on the summit host  India. Without naming Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew attention repeatedly to the problem of cross-border terrorism. Indias diplomacy at Goa was preoccupied with getting BRICS on board its effort to isolate Pakistan on the question of its support of anti-India terrorism. However, Indias strategy met with limited success only. While the Goa Declaration used strong language to condemn terrorism and called on countries to ensure their territory is not being used for terrorist activities, it did not name Pakistan or terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba, which have repeatedly targeted India. Indeed, the declaration refrained from even using the term cross-border terrorism. All these apparently because the multilateral grouping did not want to get bogged down with bilateral differences coming to the fore.





While Indias concern over cross-border terrorism is understandable, using the BRICS forum to isolate Pakistan was not a well-conceived strategy. Did Delhi expect China to abandon Pakistan to get on board the Indian move to isolate Pakistan among BRICS members? When Chinese obstruction was expected, India could have avoided making Pakistan the single focus of its diplomatic energies in Goa. That way, the Goa BRICS summit could have been a bigger success.

The just-concluded eighth summit of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) group of emerging economies at Goa ended with mixed results. On the plus side, BRICS members had reason to celebrate with the groupings New Development Bank announcing the approval of the first set of loans worth US$ 1 billion for renewable energy projects in BRICS countries and the issuance of the first set of green bonds in Chinese RMB. The operationalisation of BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangements, which was also announced at the Goa meet, is another reason for satisfaction as it is aimed at strengthening the global financial safety net. This is not a small achievement. The Association of South East Asian Nations Chiang Mai initiative is yet to begin disbursing loans, although it is far older than BRICS. At the Goa summit, BRICS leaders were on the same page on several global issues, including terrorism, ending the war in Syria, the situation in Afghanistan etc. Disappointingly, the Goa summit did not witness the signing of an agreement on the setting up of a BRICS credit approval agency. However, this was not because of unbridgeable gaps in positions of member nations. While BRICS members remain keen and committed to free their economies from the monopoly of western credit approval agencies, more talks are needed before they sign the pact.
Former MLA Raghupathy Bhat accused District In-charge Minister Pramod Madhwaraj for responsible for artificial scarcity of sand in the district.



Speaking to mediapersons here on Monday, he said the acute shortage of sand in the district in the past four to five months has bad affected the developmental activities in the district and has also made the labour class struggle for livelihood.



The minister is reckless and has been simply blaming others for his failures. He cannot handle the problems, Bhat charged.



He said the man who has approached the Green Tribunal in Chennai over the irregularities in the sand mining activities is the permanent employee in the fish meal industry owned by the district in-charge minister. The minister should have spoken to Uday Suvarna and convince him to withdraw the petition, Bhat said.



The increasing sand mafia has created a vacuum, where the construction labourers have stopped working and the construction of houses under various housing schemes has been massively affected. The sand is also being illegally transported to the neighbouring district, he added.



He said the artificial scarcity of sand has been created by the minister himself. The new sand policy is totally unscientific. Even after three-and-a-half years in power, the Congress government has failed to formulate separate sand policy to the coastal districts, he charged.



Bhat threatened that the BJP members would take law into their hands and involve in sand extraction if the minister fails to sort out the problem by this month-end. The sand would be extracted through traditional mining, he added.



The minister has also failed to provide kerosene, which is offered at subsidised rates, to 13,000 country crafts, Bhat charged. The subsidised kerosene has not been supplied for the last two months. The DC is also not responding to the grievancess. More than 2,000 to 3,000 families involved in the country craft fishing activities, he stated.



Statements flayed



Heavily coming down upon the minister for his remarks on Rama, Krishna and Valmiki as non-vegetarians, he said the minister, who is in a responsible position, should maintain the decorum of his position.



Talking nonsense and creating controversies do not go well with his political and administrative stature. The minister should utter similar remarks against the gods of other religions. Why does he have to criticise only Hindu gods and why not other religious divine powers? he asked.



Bhat questioned how the minister is sure about the food habits followed by Rama and Krishna. Was he present when the Lords existed? he questioned. He should stop issuing such irresponsible statements, he added.



Probe demanded



Bhat also demanded a thorough enquiry into the suicide of Chaitra Poojary, who ended her life recently by jumping into Swarna River at Santhekatte. The accused should be charged under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) as the victim was a minor. The case should be investigated by an IPS cadre officer, he demanded.



Ridiculous claim



He also termed the Udupi Chalo activists claim of laying siege to the Sri Krishna temple as ridiculous. Slamming the activists, he said they would not be allowed to enter the town itself, forget the temple. He added that the Maoists who live outside the forest are into all these senseless activities and deeds.


The CPM workers staged a protest against the decision of the state government to privatise Udupi Government Maternity and Childrens Hospital, here at Clock Tower.





Addressing the protesters, psychiatrist P V Bhandari said the hospital is the only affordable health care facility for people below poverty line.



The hospital is not neither located in a backward or remote area nor is it part of a poorly performing public health care system. The district tops the state on maternal health indicators. In 2015-2016, the district reported only two maternal deaths. A majority of the facilities are in good and above average categories by the governments own assessment, Bhandari said.



Despite the evidence of the damaging results of the of public-private partnerships healthcare model, the state government seems to have determined to pursue public-private partnerships. The proposed handing over of the Udupi government hospital does not fit the governments prescription for such an arrangement, he said.



Bhandari said BRS Ventures, a company owned by NRI businessman B R Shetty, will be allowed to construct a 200-bed maternity and childrens hospital, a 400-bed super-speciality hospital and an urban community health centre. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) allows BRS Ventures to run the facilities for 60 years under the build-own-operate-transfer model.



The fact that the government is keen to sell out a well functioning and efficient government facility is worrying. Greedy private and corporate business interests have captured policy making at the central and the state-level through unconstitutional means, he charged.



He called upon political parties to condemn the governments decision to privatise the hospital. The condemnation should come from all irrespective of party affiliations. The land was offered in charity by philanthropist Haji Abdulla some 85 years ago. The land should not be used for any purpose, other than the reason mentioned in the will of the philanthropist, he added.



Bhandari said he has also tweeted to BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa and has requested for his opinion. CPM leader Balakrishna Shetty said if at all B R Shetty is keen on helping out the poor, let him donate the sophisticated health care machineries to the hospital. This would also improve the health care facilities offered at the hospital, he added.


The city police have been successful in arresting five persons in connection with the theft in the house of Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple priest Vasudeva Asranna at Kateel.



All the five arrested are the ones who plotted the theft. Speaking to reporters on Monday, City Police Commissioner M Chandra Sekhar said that the arrested are Sudeendra Rao H K alias Sudeendra alias Sushilendra Rao (33), a resident of Barebail Road in Mangaluru; Chidananda (33) of Thenka Ekkaru; Sooraj Kumar (35) of Ekkaru; Suresh Kumar (40) of Punacha; and Sadashiva Shetty (49) of Thenka Ekkaru.



The prime accused Sudeendra Rao is a businessman and a real estate owner. He had taken a loan from various sources and could not clear the loan. Hoping that the house will have a huge amount of cash and gold ornaments, Rao, along with four others planned the theft. Liju, who executed the plan with five others, is still at large, said the commissioner.



Of the arrested, Suresh Kumar is an employee at the Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple and a relative of prime accused, while Sadashiva Shetty is the driver of Rao.



The commissioner added that Rao was frequently visiting the Kateel temple and was acquainted with Asranna. It may be recalled that, on October 4, about eight unidentified persons, armed with weapons, had forcibly entered the house of Asrannas son and decamped with 80 pawns of gold ornaments, cash and three mobile phones. The arrested had disposed of the stolen gold ornaments. The police have recovered cash of Rs 4,25,000 (received from selling the ornaments), a gold pendant with the picture of Kateel Durgaparameshwari goddess weighing 3.91 gram, five mobile phones and a car.



The Police Commissioner had formed four teams to crack the case. Acting on a tip-off, the CCB unit inspector Sunil Y Nayak and Bajpe police inspector T D Nagaraj and others arrested five persons when they had parked the car at Hunsekatte bus stand at Thenka Ekkaru on Monday. Lauding the efforts of the team in nabbing the accused, the City Police Commissioner said that the team will be rewarded suitably.


At a time when the cyber crime rate is on the rise, a group of budding engineers of various colleges in the city, have come together to sensitise common people and students about the emerging trends in cyber crime and assisting them with tools regarding cyber safety.



Fifteen final year engineering students have established a startup RevEngg to create awareness about various cyber crimes. The budding engineers are conducting workshops and hands-on training programmes on handling software, which help avert hacking.



The participants were explained about social media like facebook crimes, online banking fraud, smartphone offence, crime based on internet and computers. According to co-founder of RevEngg Sharath P Patil, a majority of the victims of cyber crime are youths and people who do shopping online. Awareness regarding cyber safety is less and people, including students, need more information about the dos and donts, he says.



D P Smithendu, a software engineer of a private company said, Awareness programmes about cyber security are much needed as the future in technology has arrived, when physical things are controlled through internet from a remote place, making access easy as well as prone to internet hacking. A majority of the users of social sites are unaware about private security and thus upload personal details and photos, and walk into the trap set by fraudsters.



Cyber security is necessary in todays ever changing digital world, where retrieval of digital data is important, loss of which can be of a serious concern, especially when it comes to solving criminal cases, she says.



Hackathon



The team members have conducted 17 awareness programmes in nine colleges across the state. The team has visited colleges in Hassan, Mandya, Shivamogga, Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Davangere and has provided hands-on training to the students. The team members also organise Cyber Security Hackathon.



Samarth B Bhat, founder of RevEngg, is a certified hacker. There are three types of hackers - black hat (non-ethical), grey hat and white hat (ethical). While black and grey hackers are illegal and frauds, white hackers are ethical computer hackers, security experts, who ensure the security of information systems.



The most expensive information in the world today is personal information and it is necessary to educate people on how to stop misuse of their personal information. If one shares personal information online, it is no longer private and chances of hacking are high.



Sharath said, To learn about cyber safety, one need not be an expert in computers or internet. Simple techniques can avert one from being a victim of cyber crime. Cyber security is the technique of protecting computers, networks, programmes, data and devices which can be accessed through internet from unauthorised access or attacks that are aimed for exploitation of data.



The awareness programme serves two purposes  it gives a wide exposure to students on various methods of preventing hacking and also inform them how digital data can be accessed through internet or by any means, which serves the necessity for the person to know how to hack the digital data and prevent it, said a participant.


With the election in Uttar Pradesh round the corner, leaders of several political parties are seen jumping ships for perceived greener pastures.



While senior leaders Swami Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak deserted the BSP to join the BJP, speculation is now rife that senior Congress leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi, too, will join them in the saffron party.



Congress leaders said Joshi had not been in touch with them of late, a silence that has triggered talk about her being upset over the neglect by the party leadership.



Sources close to Rita said she was unwell and down with fever. We would not respond to speculation, was the refrain of Congress leaders Manish Tewari, Raj Babbar and Sanjay Sinh. Former Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Rita found her role in party affairs diminished with the projection of Sheila Dikshit as the chief ministerial candidate for the Assembly elections early next year.



Wooing communities



Like Sheila, Rita too is a Brahmin, a community the Congress has been wooing in Uttar Pradesh. Rita had shared stage with Congress president Sonia Gandhi in July when the latter flagged off the 27 saal, UP behaal yatra from the AICC headquarters here.



Daughter of former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, Rita entered active politics after being nominated by the Samajwadi Party as its mayoral candidate from Allahabad. She won that election but later quit the party to join the Congress. Ritas brother and former Uttarakhand chief minister Vijay Bahuguna joined the BJP earlier this year after a failed coup to unseat Chief Minister Harish Rawat.



Reinductions



Meanwhile, the Congress on Sunday reinducted Obaidullah Khan Azmi, a firebrand Islamic scholar into the party. About 10 days ago, prominent BSP leaders Brijlal Khabri and Dhuru Ram Lodhi joined the Congress.



In August, three MLAs expelled by the Congress and a BJP legislator had joined the BSP, which was reeling under the shock defection of Swami Prasad Maurya to the BJP.




Chosen as a smart city a year ago, Jaipur has now become the first in the country to install environmentally friendly smart lighting on its streets.



Following the examples of smart cities in US and Europe, the pink city has installed the first 320 street lights along the Mahal Road.



Jaipur Development Authority Commissioner Shikhar Agarwal told Deccan Herald, "This is an innovative idea to save energy and manpower. The lights will be controlled by the network operating centre and does not require any manual intervention round the clock. We are aiming to save energy and, in the first phase, will install streetlights where there is no lighting.



Controlled by the network operating centre in JDA headquarters, the streetlights would be managed by the web machine according to the lighting requirements. After the current testing phase, 1,800 more smart lighting nodes will be installed in seven places such as Bassi, Baran Padan Pura, Chandlai Lake, Sawai Gatore, Mahal Road, and two stretches in Vidhyadhar Nagar.



If installed fully, the JDA hopes to save 70 per cent of its energy costs. We use 280 watt LED bulbs, but these lights are only 120 watts, with the ability to brighten and dim according to the requirement, JDA Additional Chief engineer Madan Choudhry said.



Referred to as intelligent lighting in UK, smart lighting is a kind of public lighting system that adapts itself to the movement of pedestrians, cyclists and cars. IT brightens when the movement is larger and dims when the street is virtually empty.



In 2006, Europe had the first large scale implementation of a controlled network in a street lighting application.






Hospital sources said, two female physiotherapists from Singapore visited Apollo, studied Jayalalithaa's treatment and held consultations with the other doctors, including AIIMS specialists and UK expert Richard John Beale, who have been monitoring the chief minister's health for the past one week.





Sources said, since the chief minister is responding well to the treatment, the experts from AIIMS and other specialists, who thoroughly examined Jayalalithaa and gave the required medical aid, left Chennai.





Jayalalithaa is still under the observation of a panel of doctors consisting of intensivists, cardiologists, respiratory physicians and infectious disease specialists, among others, said hospital sources, adding that her health condition is continuing to improve.





Accordingly, necessary antibiotics, nutrition, supportive therapy and passive physiotherapy are being given to her. Meanwhile, BJP party sources here said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was likely to visit Chennai this week to enquire about Jayalalithaa's health. Senior BJP leader and union minister Pon Radhakrishnan said the PM was keen to know the progress made by the chief minister.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who was admitted to a hospital here with fever and dehydration, continues to get treatment, which entered the 26th day on Monday. Expert physiotherapists from Singapore joined the team of doctors attending on her and examined Jayalalithaa for the second day.




Addressing a media conference after a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Union Social Justice and Empowerment department here, on Monday, Gehlot said that Karnataka was far ahead of other states in providing benefits to the people from Scheduled Castes, socially and educationally backward classes, denotified tribes, economically backward classes, senior citizens and physically challenged persons.





It was the fourth meeting of the committee on National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC). Karnataka has also adopted technology to ensure that the beneficiaries get the benefits directly, weeding out the interference of both officials and middlemen. The scholarship schemes and residential schools are also worthy to be replicated, he said. NSFDC, set up on February 8, 1989, was incorporated as a fully-owned government company and has been entrusted with the task of financing, facilitating and mobilising funds for the economic empowerment of persons living below Double of the Poverty Line (DPL).





It provides financial assistance for income-generating schemes for the target group through state channelising agencies (SCAs), nominated by respective state or Union Territory governments.





NSFDC has 11 loan schemes and one grant scheme. The loans range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 30 lakh for SC entrepreneurs. Under grant scheme, 100% grant is provided for skill development training programme and the beneficiaries get a stipend of Rs 1,500 per month.





It also implements a green business scheme, where the target groups can take up income generating activities, which would tackle climate change and mitigate the Green House effect. The scheme includes provision of polyhouse, e-rickshaw, solar energy gazettes, and compressed air vehicle.





The corporation has released Rs 33 crore to the state for paying scholarship to SC students out of its total outlay of Rs 2,757.04 crore. The share of Karnataka in 2015-16 was Rs 38.74 crore and Rs 62 crore in 2014-15.





Karnataka has got Rs 42.30 crore for post-matric hostels for OBC students and Rs 6.07 crore for pre-matric hostels. Out of Rs 3,300 crore disbursed for 22 lakh beneficiaries across the country, 2,14,332 beneficiaries of Karnataka have availed of Rs 344 crore.





A total of 768 manual scavengers have been identified across the nation in the initial survey and Rs 95.80 crore has been released as one-time cash assistance (OTCA) to 239 beneficiaries under NSKFDC schemes.





Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishna Pal Gurjar, State Minister for Social Welfare H Anjaneya, MPs K H Muniyappa, Dr Mumtaz Sanghamitra, Ahmed Hassan, Ashok Sidharth and Prathap Simha, Social Justice Secretary Anita Agnihotri and Social Welfare Secretary P Manivannan took part in the meeting.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Tawar Chand Gehlot has said that some initiatives of the Karnataka government in education for empowerment of the deprived classes could be a model to be replicated in other states.




At a press conference after submitting his handwritten resignation as MLA to Speaker K B Koliwad on Monday, he said he told the Speaker he was quitting because people in his constituency were not happy with the way Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was running the government.





Prasad, who said he would sever ties with the Congress, added that he would be cautious while deciding his future course of action. He said he has offers from both the JD(S) and the BJP. He ducked a question on whether he would contest elections. The election commission would have to hold a by-election to the Nanjangud (reserved for SC) constituency in the next six months following his resignation.





Prasad said the six-member group had the final say in the state Cabinet reconstitution. Party leaders and workers are aware how much a payment seat in the Cabinet costs, he added.





Recalling how he had helped Siddaramaiah win from the Varuna constituency, Prasad said Siddaramaiah, after joining the Congress, had contested the Assembly by-election. He had realised that his poll prospects were bleak. He had sent Kharge, Kagodu Thimmappa and Dharam Singh to my house. They said Dalits were not supporting the Congress. These leaders, as well as Siddaramaiah, pleaded for my support. How come these leaders have forgotten my help while removing me from the Cabinet without even letting me know? he said.

Former minister V Srinivas Prasad has charged that a group of six ill-intentioned people is running the state government and controlling the party. The six -- Digvijay Singh, Siddaramaiah, Mallikarjun Kharge, G Parameshwara, K J George and D K Shivakumar -- are regularly bribing the party high command, he said.
Islamic scholars and clergymen of all Muslim sects came under one umbrella on Monday to register a strong protest against the Centres views on triple talaq.



Gathering under the banner of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, nearly 350 to 400 scholars and clergymen of various sects, including Sunnis, Shias, Barelvis, Deobandis and Ahlehadis, held extensive deliberations in Mumbai throughout the day.

The meeting was chaired by Maulana Sayed Mohamed Khalid Ashraf, the president of Daruloom Mohamdiya, and there were representations from all sections, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).

The move comes close on the heels of the stand taken by AIMPLB, which has strongly opposed the Centres move, and also asked the government to go in for a referendum on the issue. Besides, they also expressed concern over Finance Minister Arun Jaitleys statement that personal laws need to be Constitutionally compliant.

Jaitley also sought to differentiate between the issue of triple talaq, which is before the Supreme Court, and the debate over the Uniform Civil Code, a subject on which the Law Commission has initiated an academic exercise.

Any interference in the Muslim Personal Law will not be tolerated. Any effort to impose a Common Civil Code in the name of social reform and gender justice will prove counterproductive, read a joint statement after the meeting.

The government should respect this position of the Muslims instead of conspiring to put an end to it. The government cannot force Muslims to follow other communities in issues related to personal laws as it would amount to infringement of their fundamental rights. Those speaking against triple talaq are a minuscule community, said Ashraf.
Slamming Pakistan for adopting terrorism as its state policy and harbouring militants, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday offered Pakistan help to counter terrorism flourishing on its soil.





Singh said India is ready to help Pakistan take action against terrorists, including in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. At the same time, he said Pakistan should close down its factory of terrorism. This will open vistas of development and help in ensuring peace in South Asia, he said.



Singh, who was in Chandigarh to attend the regional editors conference on Monday, said Pakistans obsession with Kashmir has reached such a level that it fails to distinguish between terrorists and freedom fighters.



Commenting on the recent surgical operations, the home minister said these strikes were pre-emptive action against Pakistan, and India does not have any ill will against the people of Pakistan. He said Pakistan has been isolated not only in South Asia, but also in the world. He said the government has decided to completely seal the international border with Pakistan by physical and non-physical barriers by December 2018.



There is a 182-km stretch in which the construction of a physical barrier is not feasible due to geographic constraints like riverine, low-lying, creek and marshy areas. In this stretch, advance technology solutions, including cameras, sensors, radars and lasers, among others will be deployed, he said, adding that the Border Security Force is testing the available technologies through pilot projects in Jammu, Punjab and Gujarat.



Border security, he said, was a very sensitive issue and India is engaging all neighbours, except Pakistan, diplomatically to ensure peace along the borders.



He added that because of development work, transgression incidents at the China border have also come down drastically. On the insurgency in the Northeast, Singh said the government is continuing dialogue with all the groups and claimed that such incidents have come down.



On Jammu and Kashmir, the minster expressed hope that normalcy will return in the state soon. To a media query, he said radicalisation was not a major challenge in India as people have a sensible approach towards the issue.
The Siddaramaiah governments efforts to hush up details of the controversial steel flyover project have been proved once again: It has silently accorded approval to collect toll from the users of the flyover that will connect Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal.



Right in the middle of the controversy, the government has in an order dated October 13 given approval to the Bangalore Development Authority to collect toll after completing the Rs 1,791-crore steel flyover. Though the BDA is yet to finalise the rate of toll for different kinds of vehicles, it is bound to be on the higher side, going by the high cost of the project. People are already paying a hefty toll in order to reach Kempegowda International Airport by using the elevated road.



The government, which has been resisting disclosing information on the project that has attracted widespread criticism in the state capital, has kept everyone in the dark about its decision to impose toll. While briefing the media on the state Cabinets decision on the project on September 28, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra had said the government was yet to take a decision in this regard. But, ironically, the government order authorising the BDA to collect toll has been issued based on the Cabinet decision.

This is not all. It has now emerged that L&T, which has bagged the project, has entered into a joint venture with NCC Ltd, which is not a listed company. The government had kept the joint venture agreement between the two companies under wraps.



Contradictions galore



Government documents accessed by DH have also established that the government has contradicted its own statements on the length of the steel flyover. Bengaluru Development Minister K J George and Additional Chief Secretary to Urban Development Department Mahendra Jain had been claiming that the Cabinet had on September 28 approved extending the steel flyover till the elevated road to the airport (near Esteem Mall). On the contrary, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Monday, admitted that the decision to extend the flyover by 1.6 km (from Hebbal flyover till Esteem Mall near Kodigehalli) was taken after the Cabinet meeting.



The October 13 order of the government states the project connects the Hebbal flyover. The order neither mentions the National Highways Authority of Indias elevated road nor Esteem Mall. Interestingly, the order does not mention the total length of the flyover. The distance of the steel flyover between Basaveshwara Circle and Hebbal flyover approved by the Cabinet was 6.7 km.



Sources in the government said the cost of the project was likely to shoot up by about Rs 450 crore once the Cabinet officially approves the decision to extend the flyover by 1.6 km. The cost per km of the steel flyover is estimated at Rs 260 crore.


The proposed Metro line along the Outer Ring Road (ORR), which is part of Phase-II (A), is likely to accommodate 13 stations from Central Silk Board to Krishnarajapuram. However, the final decision is yet to be taken.



For now, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has deployed in-house resources to prepare a detailed project report (DPR). Pradeep Singh Kharola, BMRCL managing director, told DH that the preparation of DPR is in the final stages.



There are roughly 13 stations. The project report, which is expected to be ready by October-end, will be forwarded to the state and Union governments for approval, he said.



Covering an 18-km stretch on the congested ORR, the elevated Metro corridor may accommodate stations at 14th Main Road of HSR Layout, Agara, Iblur junction, Bellandur (after flyover), RMZ Infotech, New Horizon College, Rainbow Hospital, Kadub-eesanahalli, Marathahalli and Mahadevapura. A BMRCL official, however, said the exact location of the stations, which will be based on many factors including land availability, will be finalised in a few weeks.



Under Namma Metro Phase II, Krishnarajapuram is part of the extension of the 15.5-km line between Baiyappanahalli and Whitefield. Silk Board junction is part of the 18.82-km line between RV Road and Bommasandra.



Rs 3,600-crore project



The state government, for the first time, has proposed to raise funds for the Rs 3,600-crore project through Innovative Financing Model. Several companies on the ORR have come forward to support the project and push for its early execution. We will introduce premium floor space index (FSI), betterment charges, Metro access charges and providing building space above the Metro station to raise funds, a BMRCL source said.



R K Mishra, vision group member noted that the government can raise a minimum of Rs 2,000 crore through these four components of innovating financing mechanisms.



This project does not need much land except at two stations. BMRCL has promised to complete the project in three years from now. I am hoping to see the construction work begin from April next year, he said. He also mentioned that BMRCL will have to come up with internal resources to fund the project initially, as the funds raised through innovative model from the companies may take some time.



Kharola said the BMRCL can move faster with the project by raising funds through innovating finance models than depending on the international money lenders.


Thousands of anganwadi workers staged a protest in Freedom Park demanding that the government reschedule the timings of the workers as it had become extremely difficult for them to handle the children.





B Nagarathna, secretary of Karnataka Rajya Anganwadi Workers Mahamandali, said that the government has extended the timings of anganwadi centres till 4 pm without any order and this had become a huge problem not only for the workers, but also the children who are held back.



The remuneration paid by the government is also very less, as a worker gets Rs 6,000 per month and a helper is paid Rs 3,000 per month. This amount is not enough for us to sustain our livelihood. We are also demanding for BPL card to be issued to us and to give us Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) for our medical needs, she added. If their demands are not fulfilled in the next two months, they are planning to protest in front of the house of Umashree, Minister for Women and Child Welfare.


Kyle Wesendorf took a slightly unusual path to her current career as a vegetarian personal chef  before deciding to attend culinary school and take up cooking for a living, she worked in the legal field, specifically as an attorney handling the appeals of death row inmates.

Its a weird resume, said Wesendorf, who runs her own business, a personal chef service called Brio.

Even though the 63-year-old Solana Beach resident no longer practices law, she hasnt left her passionate opposition to the death penalty behind  earlier this year, she joined a cause near to her heart by enlisting as a volunteer for Prop. 62, a measure on Californias November ballot that will, if approved, abolish the death penalty in this state.

Ive always been against the death penalty, said Wesendorf, who retired from her legal career in 2003 after practicing in Illinois and California. Its my abiding passion. I feel very strongly its wrong. A great country like ours should not be killing people.

Wesendorf is a member of the board of directors of the Yes on 62 committee. In that capacity, she has helped organize the campaign, from raising funds and gathering signatures, to getting the word out about the ballot measure.

California voters last considered the death penalty question in 2012, when, by a margin of 52 to 48 percent, they rejected an initiative that would have replaced the death penalty with a maximum sentence of life without possibility of parole.

This time around, Wesendorf is optimistic that the outcome will be different, and that voters will abolish the death penalty in California. Prop. 62 also calls for the imposition of life without parole instead of capital punishment.

Complicating things is a competing ballot measure, Prop. 66, which seeks to fix a broken death penalty system and speed up the process, streamlining appeals procedures and setting a five-year time limit for the completion of death penalty appeals.

The last execution carried out in California was in 2006, due to legal issues surrounding the states lethal injection procedures. More than 700 inmates currently remain on death row in California.

Among the reasons for abolishing the death penalty in California, said Wesendorf, are that it does not work as a deterrent, it is expensive (the states legislative analyst estimated that elimination of the death penalty will save $150 million per year in legal and prison costs), and that its application is racially biased.

Many nations around the world have abolished capital punishment, and in the U.S., 24 states have either abolished the death penalty or put it on hold, according to the Death Penalty Information Center web site.

When you look around the world at countries which continue to execute people... were in very bad company, with such nations as Iran, China and North Korea, said Wesendorf.

But proponents of Prop. 66, which promises to streamline and maintain Californias death penalty, said the goal should be to mend, not end the law.

San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, a Prop. 66 supporter, said she believes Californians want to keep the death penalty on the books in a way that protects the legal rights of defendants while speeding up the process.

Its not working because those who dont want the death penalty have been part of the cause for how much it costs and how long it takes, she said.

Currently, she said, it takes more than two decades for a death penalty case to work its way through the appeals process. We want to fix that.

The death penalty, said Dumanis, is reserved for the worst of the worst, for such crimes as killing a police officer, or in the case of murder with aggravating factors such as lying in wait, torture, kidnapping or sexual assault.

She said race doesnt enter into the decision of whether to seek the death penalty; instead, she said, prosecutors consider the circumstances of the crime, the defendants criminal history and other factors.

The legislative analysts office concluded that Prop. 66 could save money by reducing the number of death row inmates in California and distributing those inmates to other prisons instead of housing them all in single cells at San Quentin Prison. But due to other changes in the appeals process, the total fiscal impact is unknown and cannot be estimated.

The vote likely wont hinge on dollars and cents, according to Dumanis. The bottom line is its probably a moral decision. Either you believe in the death penalty or you dont believe in the death penalty. Californians have said for some crimes we believe in the death penalty.

If both measures receive majority approval on Nov. 8, the one with the most votes will win. A September poll by the Field Poll and UC Berkeleys Institute of Governmental Studies found that 48 percent of voters supported Prop. 62, 37 percent opposed it, and 15 percent were undecided. The poll found that 35 percent supported Prop. 66, 23 percent opposed it, and a plurality of 42 percent was undecided.
16 October 2016 (UN)  To mark World Food Day 2016, the United Nations is highlighting the close links between climate change, sustainable agriculture, and food and nutrition security, with the message: The climate is changing. Food and agriculture must, too. As the global population expands, we will need to satisfy an increasing demand for food, said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message commemorating the Day. Yet, around the world, record-breaking temperatures, rising sea levels and more frequent and severe droughts and floods caused by climate change are already affecting ecosystems, agriculture and societys ability to produce the food we need, he added. Mr. Ban pointed out that the most vulnerable people are worlds poorest, 70 per cent of whom depend on subsistence farming, fishing or pastoralism for income and food. Without concerted action, millions more people could fall into poverty and hunger, threatening to reverse hard-won gains and placing in jeopardy our ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he emphasized. According to the UN chief, agriculture and food systems must become more resilient, productive, inclusive and sustainable. To bolster food security in a changing climate, he continued countries must address food and agriculture in their climate action plans and invest more in rural development. The Secretary-General explained that targeted investments in those sectors would build resilience and increase the incomes and productivity of small farmers  lifting millions from poverty. They will help to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and safeguard the health and well-being of ecosystems and all people who depend on them, underscored Mr. Ban. Next month, the historic Paris Agreement on climate change will enter into force  providing a much-needed boost to global efforts to reduce global greenhouse-gas emissions, limit temperature rise and promote climate-compatible sustainable agriculture. On this World Food Day, I urge all Governments and their partners to take a holistic, collaborative and integrated approach to climate change, food security and equitable social and economic development, stressed Mr. Ban. The well-being of this generation and those to come depends on the actions we take now. Only by working in partnership will we achieve a world of zero hunger and free from poverty, where all people can live in peace, prosperity, and dignity, he concluded.

Food security and nutrition top international agenda

Food is the most basic human right said Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva at a dedicated special event Friday in Rome, yet nearly 800 million people still suffer from hunger in the world. He noted that without food security and adequate nutrition for all, sustainable development simply could not be achieved, which is why the 2030 Agenda called for the eradication of hunger and all forms of malnutrition, as well as the promotion of sustainable agriculture. But these objectives are clearly at risk, as climate change advances, he continued. Droughts and floods are more frequent and intense. We have seen first-hand their terrible impacts in the past months, as El Nino hit Africa, Asia, and other parts such as the Dry Corridor of Central America. We have also just witnessed the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti, he added. Echoing the Secretary-General, the top FAO official, natural disasters and extreme weather events are more likely to happen  and yet more difficult to predict, with the poorest suffering most. The vast majority of them are small holders and family farmers that live in rural areas of developing countries, elaborated Mr. da Silva. They are the least equipped to deal with the threats. Even under normal circumstances, these people barely manage to survive, he added. Mr. Griaziano da Silva revealed that FAO would propose to its Council Session next December the establishment of a new Department on Climate Change. He also shared news that FAO had been accredited to the Green Climate Fund. We cannot allow the impacts of climate change to overshadow our vision of a world free of hunger and malnutrition, where food and agriculture contribute to improving the living standards of all, especially the poorest, he concluded. No one can be left behind.

Climate change is not waiting. Neither can we

Speaking at the event, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi linked the fight against hunger to politics. Italy maintains that the fight for food security is, at this point in history, a question of politics with a capital P, he said in an FAO COP22, said the talks would be action-oriented and geared towards implementing the Paris Agreement with a special emphasis on adaptation, primarily for countries of the South and for small island States. In a special message read out at the event, Pope Francis linked the impact of climate change to people migrating from rural areas of developing countries. The most recent data tell us that the numbers of climate refugees are growing, swelling the ranks of the excluded and forgotten, who are being marginalized from the great human family, the pontiff said. For her part, Executive Director of the World Food Ertharin Cousin Programme (WFP) said that climate change was already stretching the international humanitarian system financially and operationally, so moving beyond disaster relief to managing risk is an urgent task for all of us. Climate change is not waiting, neither can we. UN Special Envoy on El Nino and Climate, Macharia Kamau, spoke about building stronger solidarity and better partnerships while Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) stressed the need to bolster rural smallholder producers against the impacts of climate change.
Poland, Bytom, October the 17th, 2016 -- Digital Core Design, an IP Core provider and a System-on-Chip design house from Poland, has introduced the newest IP Core. The DUSB2-ULPI is a hardware implementation of a full/high-speed peripheral controller that interfaces to an ULPI bus transceiver. It contains USB PID and address recognition logic, state machines to handle USB packets and transactions, endpoints number recognition logic and endpoints FIFO control logic.

The DUSB2-ULPI is a hardware implementation of a full/high-speed peripheral controller that interfaces to an ULPI bus transceiver. DCDs IP Core contains a USB PID and address recognition logic, state machines to handle USB packets and transactions, endpoints number recognition logic and endpoints FIFO control logic.

"It supports 12 Mb/s "Full Speed" (FS) and 480 Mb/s "High Speed" (HS) serial data transmission rates" explains Tomek Krzyzak, VP of DCD "of course we know that some might ask why not USB 3.0?  but honestly speaking in 99.9% of embedded applications, USB 2.0 is more than enough".

The design is technology independent and thus can be implemented in a variety of process technologies. This core strictly conforms to the USB Specification v 2.0 and ULPI v2.0. It is delivered with fully automated test bench and complete set of tests, allowing easy package validation at each stage of SoC design flow.

DCDs USB IP Core portfolio includes also: Audio Platform USB 2.0 - Audio Devices Design Platform, USB 2.0 HID Platform - USB 2.0 Human Interface Devices Design Platform, USB 2.0 MS Platform - USB 2.0 Mass Storage Devices Design Platform, USB 2.0 DUSB2 - USB 2.0 Device Controller USB 2.0 (UTMI interface).

More information: http://dcd.pl/ipcore/1250/dusb2-ulpi/

Key features:

Full compliance with the USB 2.0 specification

Full-speed 12 Mbps operation

High-speed 480 Mbps operation

Software configurable EP0 control endpoint size 8-64 bytes

Software configurable 15 IN/OUT endpoints: configurable number of endpoints configurable type of each endpoint: INTERRUPT, BULK or ISOCHRONOUS configurable direction of each endpoint configurable size of each endpoint: 8-1024 bytes

Supports ULPI Transceiver Macrocell Interface

Synchronous RAM interface for FIFOs

Suspend and resume power management functions

Simple interface allows easy connection to the 8-, 16-, 32-bit CPUs

Allows operation from a wide range of CPU clock frequencies

Fully synthesizable

Static synchronous design

Positive edge clocking

No internal tri-states

Scan test ready

Information about Digital Core Design:

The company founded in 1999, since the beginning stands in the forefront of the IP Core market. High specialization and profound customer service enabled to introduce more than 70 different architectures. Among them is the worlds fastest 8051 IP Core, the DQ80251, which is more than 75 times faster than the standard solution. The same, D32PRO, which is a royalty-free and fully scalable 32-bit CPU creates new possibilities for modern projects. As an effect, over 300 hundred licensees have been sold to more than 500 companies worldwide. Among them are the biggest enterprises like e.g. Sony, Siemens, General Electric and Toyota. But a lot of DCDs customers are small businesses, R&D laboratories or front/back end offices, which require exact solution tailored to their project needs. Rough estimations say that more than 500 000 000 devices around the globe have been based on Digital Core Designs IP Cores.






Nokia and Bharti Airtel are to expand the deployment of 4G technology across nine circles in India as the country prepares itself for the next boom in mobile data demand.

In the 2016 MBiT Index, Nokia reported an eightfold increase in India's 4G LTE device ecosystem for 2015, while other statistics show that access to news, video content, gaming and social media accounts for 60% of India's total mobile data traffic - and it is rising.

To address this growth, Bharti Airtel has acquired more mobile broadband spectrum. The new agreement with Nokia will see it expand the deployment of 4G technology in three new circles in addition to six circles it already serves, enabling launch of new services that started in September. Bharti Airtel will be able to provide improved coverage and faster mobile Internet access, while laying the foundation for the delivery of enhanced video services and other on-demand applications.

Nokia will deploy its 4G FDD-LTE & TD-LTE technology across nine of Bharti Airtel's circles in India including the regions of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rest of Bengal, Odisha, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Kerala and UP East, serving major cities such as Lucknow, Ahmendabad, Patna and Siliguri

Nokia will also expand the operator's 3G network in eight of the territories as part of this rollout and modernisation of legacy 2G BTS. The rollout uses Nokia's radio access with Single RAN technology for FDD-LTE and TD-LTE, and the vendor will provide professional services including network integration and network planning and optimisation.

Bharti Airtel said in a statement: "We are pleased to continue to leverage Nokia's leading radio access technology and services expertise to expand 4G capacity and coverage and further increase the quality of service for subscribers."

Sanjay Malik, head of India Market at Nokia, said: "We have a long history of working with Bharti Airtel and with this latest agreement we have become the largest supplier of 4G for the company. This network expansion will provide the capacity, coverage and speeds the company needs to meet the next wave of data demand in India."
Gold, copper and silver producer Anglo Asian Mining announce a new gold discovery named Ugur on Monday, within its Gedabek licence area in western Azerbaijan.

The AIM-traded firm said it fell in line with the company's strategy to continue to expand the potential resource at the Gedabek Licence, with Ugur providing significant potential upside to the company's future gold production.

It said the gold exploration target was discovered 3 kilometres north-west of the company's agitation leaching plant and heap leach facilities at Gedabek.

Positive assay results were returned from chip samples and reverse circulation drilling, with all drill holes ending in oxide mineralisation and preliminary test work results yielding an average gold recovery of 87%, suggesting the oxide zone is amenable to leaching.

An initial Phase II core drilling programme has commenced to determine the overall depth and style of mineralisation with a view to increase resources, the board said, with detailed geological structural and alteration mapping also starting with additional trenching also planned before the end of 2016.

There was significant upside potential, the company said, as the target had only been partially drilled and initial field mapping suggested that the area is open along the strike.

An additional exploration target had been defined in the expanded Ugur area, based on a similar alteration and geomorphological position to the Ugur deposit and located approximately 1,500 metres south of the current Ugur drilling area.

Further evaluation was planned as part of the 2017 field work programme.

In line with our strategy to increase our gold production, we are constantly evaluating the upside surrounding our producing mines and the discovery of the Ugur deposit has the potential to add significantly to our gold resources and reserves and hence our future production at Gedabek, said Anglo Asian CEO Reza Vaziri.

Having recently returned to profitability, and following the completion of several operational initiatives to improve efficiencies and lower costs at Gedabek, I believe Anglo Asian is now well positioned to expand its mineable reserves which will lay the foundations for long term and sustainable production from multiple deposits at Gedabek.

This is an exciting time for the company and I look forward to updating shareholders on our progress as we look to unlock the potential from this new target and increase value for our shareholders in the process.
UK Oil & Gas and its partners in the Horse Hill Developments (HHDL) company drilling for oil close to Gatwick Airport, have applied for planning permission with Surrey County Council for a further round of drilling.

The HHDL group, in which AIM peers Alba Minerals, Doriemus, Gunsynd (until recently called Evocutis), Stellar Resources, Regency Mines and Solo Oil all have a stake, has applied for further "significant" appraisal testing and drilling at the oil discovery in the PEDL137 licence area, which they expect to take around 13 weeks.

If approved, the companies intend to extend production testing of four zones to confirm the commerciality of the discovery, and to examine a previously untested area.

The planning application includes a possible two-well drilling phase to see how much further the oil field spreads out, with a deviated sidetrack to be drilled from the existing HH-1 borehole, together with a new well, called Horse Hill-2.

"In order to minimise impact to the locality, feedback from both a public consultation and engagement process, undertaken in July, and subsequent meetings with local residents' representatives, was incorporated into the envisaged development design and planning application," the companies said in a statement.

UKOG executive chairman Stephen Sanderson said the application is "designed to move these assets into near term oil production and the monetisation of our core recoverable resources".

"It is also one of the next key steps in furthering our industry leading knowledge of the Kimmeridge limestone play that lies beneath our extensive acreage holding in the Weald. We look forward to further engaging with stakeholders and to a successful planning outcome," he said.

HHDL owns a 65% working interest and operatorship of PEDL137, with the remaining 35% interest held by Magellan Petroleum (UK) Limited.

UKOG owns a 48% beneficial shareholding in HHDL, which equates to a 31.2% net working interest in the licences, while Alba owns 15% of HHDL, Doriemus, Stellar and Solo each own 10%, Regency owns 5% and Gunsynd owns 2%.

Broker Shore Capital noted that, across three productive horizons, Horse Hill-1 has already seen the highest stabilised rate of dry oil flow seen in any exploration well onshore UK, "and we are pleased to see submission of this planning application as the partners aim to fully appraise the project and generate near term production revenues".
Lok'nStore has hiked its full-year pretax profit to 5.5m from 2.7m a year earlier, and said its rapid-development programme can be financed from cash flow and existing banking facilities.

Adjusted net asset value per share rose 27.6% to 386p, from 302p. Annual dividend was 9p a share, up 12.5% from 8p a share.

Its net debt was down to 23.5m, from 25.2m, while its loan-to-value ratio was now 20.8%, from 25.8%.

Chief executive Andrew Jacobs said 2016 was an exciting year for Lok'nStore, with the company executing on all of its strategic objectives.

"Our adjusted net asset value per share has increased by 28% this year as a result of strong trading in existing stores, in combination with new store openings and the market's increasing appetite for well-located landmark self-storage centres," he said in a statement.

"Our new store development programme continues to change the balance of our store portfolio with new and purpose built stores accounting for around 63% of the portfolio. During the year we opened three new stores which are all trading well and acquired sites for four further new landmark stores which will increase space a further 14%.

"Lok'nStore's low level of debt, our new banking facility on significantly improved terms and the strong growth of the business means that this rapid development programme can be financed from cash flow and existing bank facilities, while increasing the dividend by 12.5%."
Specialist cancer drug discovery and development company Sareum announced on Monday that the Japan and Singapore Patent Offices have issued notifications that patents will be granted for inventions associated with its Aurora+FLT3 kinase inhibitor programme.

The AIM-traded firm said the patents describe compounds that inhibit the activity of Aurora and FLT3 kinase enzymes and the medical use of these compounds, particularly in the treatment of cancer.

It said the granting of the patent in Japan means that Sareum will now have approved patent protection in all major territories for its Aurora+FLT3 kinase inhibitor programme.

The company announced that similar patents were to be granted in the USA and Europe in September 2015 and in China in August 2016.

Sareum's Aurora+FLT3 kinase inhibitor programme targets acute myeloid leukaemia, its board explained, as well as other leukaemias and lymphomas.

These notifications of patent grants in Japan and Singapore complete the protection of the intellectual property associated with Sareum's Aurora+FLT3 programme in all the major territories, enhancing our negotiating position with potential licence partners, said Sareum CSO Dr John Reader.
Starcom has launched an appeal after a court in Israel found in favour of a 1m claim filed almost two years ago.

The AIM-listed vehicle tracking company had previously been advised by lawyers that the claim by Top-Alpha Capital, a boutique financial services company based near Tel Aviv, was unlikely to affect the company due to the weak foundations of the case.

Moreover, chief executive Avi Hartmann and chief operating officer Doron Kedem had in 2012 signed an agreement with Top Alpha to the effect that they would personally discharge any liability or obligation falling upon members of the Starcom Group.

The Top Alpha claims relates to a loan agreement with Starcom Israel in 2011, which contained a provision requiring Starcom Israel to use the services of Top Alpha if it listed on a stock exchange prior to July 2013, in return for a commission of 9% of funds raised.

But as Starcom said in its February 2013 AIM admission document, the requirement to use Top Alphas services was

terminated in an agreement dated 28 June 2012 in exchange for a payment of $80,000, repayment of the loan and grant of an option over 1% of Starcom's Panama subsidiary.

On Monday, Starcom revealed that the court judgment in Israel had concluded that "there may be a claim", though the amount remained unquantified, "in apparent ignorance" of the above agreements.

"The company's legal advisors have re-confirmed their previous advice and their strong view is that the substantive part of the court judgement is without merit and will be overturned in a higher court. The court's decision has therefore been appealed."

Starcom's directors said they consider it likely that the appeal process will take "many months if not years" to be resolved.
Shares in AIM-listed StratMin Global Resources soared nearly 17% on Monday, as the resource and commodity investment company announced it had received the final regulatory permission needed for its Madagascar graphite project.

The company received an environmental permit from the Madagascar government for the Tirupati Venture Vatomaina graphite project, which is the 98% owned subsidiary of Tirupati Resources Mauritius, a joint venture between the company and Tirupati Carbons & Chemicals Private, a manufacturer and supplier of natural crystalline graphite.

Chief executive Brett Boynton said: "The joint venture partners are progressing the Vatomaina project at a steady pace and we are very happy with the progress being made by the in-country team. With this final regulatory requirement now in hand, we can move into on-site development.

The current hydro studies are of particular interest as initial assessment indicates potential for hydroelectric power production which could significantly improve project economics by supplementing diesel power generation with clean, low cost hydro-power."

At the Vatomaina site, which has a 12,000 tonne per year large flake high grade graphite mine and processing facility, topographic and hydrogeological studies are currently being carried out and once finished, an infrastructure development programme will start.

Shares in StratMin Global Resources were up 16.92% to 1.90p at 1348 BST.
Chemicals company BASF has shut down some production facilities in Germany after explosions at two of its plants left several people injured and others missing.

BASF said it was probing the cause of the explosion at Ludwigshafen about 10:30 BST, which resulted in the injuries and missing workers.

It said was shutting down its two steam crackers, large facilities that make important basic chemical components, as well as some other units in response.

BASF's 10 sq km Ludwigshafen hub is the world's biggest chemical complex. It employed about 39,000 workers there.

Meantime, Reuters reported that BASF said four people were injured in a separate explosion at its Lampertheim site about 7:30 BST today.
UK's relationship with the European Union needs to be sorted out before it can open talks with the US about any kind of post-Brexit trade deal, US Trade Representative Michael Froman said.

Until that time, it was impossible for the UK and US to have "serious conversation about knowing what kind of trade agreement you can have with the UK separately", Reuters reported Froman as stating.

"Is it (UK) part of the customs union or not? Is it part of the single market or not? What areas does it have sovereignty over? Does it have sovereignty over tariffs? Does it have sovereignty over regulation?"

Froman was speaking at Geneva's Graduate Institute.

"Until those sorts of questions are further clarified, it's hard to have a serious conversation about what the nature of what a future US-UK trade relationship might look like," he was quoted by Reuters as saying.

UK voted in a non-binding referendum in June to quit the EU.
Employers' body the Confederation of British Industries has said that "name-blind" job applications should be used in order to guard against bias in recruitment processes.

A report from the CBI published on Monday regarding improving a lag in productivity in Britain is expected to make the recommendation.

President of the body Paul Dreschler told the Guardian that many candidates are receiving an "unconscious bias" from the first moment their CV is viewed by employers.

"One of the ways of tackling this is name-blind applications, removing criteria that could unintentionally bias managers and give under-represented groups confidence that their application will be fairly considered," Dreschler said.

The report also discusses the flailing productivity in Britain, which currently stands around 30% lower than the likes of France, the US and Germany.

"With UK productivity second from bottom of the G7, employee engagement is now more than ever crucial to driving productivity," he added. "But here too there's a problem. Of the worlds 12 largest economies the UK ranks ninth for levels of engagement."

"Raising engagement isnt about slapping another zero on the budget for the staff Christmas party. It's a complex process which takes time and hard work."

Some major companies in Britain have already got the ball rolling in terms of name-blind applications, including HSBC, the BBC and KPMG. The CBI report will make the move to ensure that this becomes common practice in workplaces throughout the country in years to come.
A German motor authority has told US carmaker Tesla to drop the Autopilot name for its cars which use self-driving technology.

The Federal Motor Transport Authority has told Elon Musk's company that the brand name is misleading for prospective customers, who will have "incorrect expectations" for their cars.

Tesla has consistently maintained that their Autopilot system is not designed to let the driver relinquish control of the car, but is a mere aid to those behind the wheel.

However, there has been some isolated incidents involving the use of the technology in which drivers have been hurt, or killed, whilst using Autopilot.

One such incident occurred in Florida in May in which Joshua Brown was killed in a crash.

"It can be confirmed that a letter to Tesla exists with the request to no longer use the misleading term Autopilot for the driver-assistance system of the car," a KBA spokeswoman told Reuters.

Tesla responded to the letter from the KBA to defend its naming of its system, saying that it had been used various times before by other companies.

"Tesla's Autopilot operates in conjunction with the human driver to make driving safer and less stressful. This is how the term has been used for decades in aerospace: to denote a support system that operates under the direct supervision of a human pilot," the carmaker said.

"We have always been clear with our customers that Autopilot is a drivers assistance system that requires the driver to pay attention at all times."

Elon Musk was due to make an announcement for new software on Monday, but that is now expected to be pushed back to Wednesday at the earliest.
The Isis-controlled city of Mosul in Northern Iraq was under siege on Monday as Iraqi military forces combined with members of the Kurdish Peshmerga in a bid to reclaim the city.

The offensive has been planned for months, and was announced to the Iraqi people via the prime minister on state television on Monday morning.

The so-called Islamic State has taken over large areas of Iraq and Syria during a long-running conflict, and there are an estimated 4,000-8,000 fighters defending the city against the 30,000 pro-government forces.

Prime minister Haider al-Abadi said on Monday that he hoped to defeat Isis sooner rather than later.

"We have been battling Isis for more than two years," he said. "We started fighting Isis in the outskirts of Baghdad, and thank God we are now fighting them in the outskirts of Mosul, and God willing the decisive battle will be soon."

Both Peshermga and the Iraqi captured many villages on the first day of #Mosul Operation#TwitterKurds #Iraq pic.twitter.com/yafptk4IBp  Syrian Civil War Map (@CivilWarMap) October 17, 2016

The city has been under control of the "caliphate" for the last two years, and al-Abadi has promised that it will be liberated.

"These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity. They are there for your sake," he said.

Firing began on Monday in the outskirts of the city, and now tanks from the Iraqi and Kurd forces are making their way towards the city.

Special forces from the USA, Britain and France are also on the ground advising the forces and will be available to call in airstrikes to the city.

Iraq's second largest city is seen as vital in the conflict in the country, and has been surrounded by the 30,000-strong forces for the last number of days.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sovereigns' cumulative funding requirement could total up to $560bn between 2015 and 2019, creating uncertainty about coverage of their fiscal deficits, warns S&P Global Ratings .

"The resulting imbalances and their likely impact have been central to our view of a significant deterioration in the region's creditworthiness over the past 18 months," the ratings agency said.

It added that although most governments' balance sheets remained at rating strength, the related assets were finite.

"Furthermore, international liquidity sources could start to dry up at a time when foreign inflows are most needed and the liquidity of domestic banking systems is diminishing.

"This creates uncertainty about how, and at what price, GCC sovereigns will cover their fiscal deficits."

S&P Ratings said that as a proportion of gross domestic product (GDP), it expected that in the period 2016-2019 these deficits would average around 10% a year in Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, and 4% on average in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

"In our view, GCC sovereigns' financing needs will likely remain substantial over the next several years, given the region's almost uniform dependence on hydrocarbons."

S&P Ratings opined that the consequences of the sharp fall in oil prices were clearly visible in GCC sovereigns' fiscal and external accounts.

"The region's funding requirement has been mounting since 2015, when the drop in oil-related revenue turned fiscal surpluses into deficits, although these differ among the sovereigns in scale and duration," the ratings outfit said.

"We estimate that, in nominal terms, GCC sovereigns' combined fiscal deficit will reach $150bn (12.8% of combined GDP) in 2016 alone."
US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has intensified allegations that the upcoming election is being rigged in favour of his opponent Hillary Clinton , as he slips further behind the Democrat in a variety of polls.

Trump has fallen dramatically in surveys since a leaked tape showed him bragging about sexual assault in an interview with Access Hollywood presenter Billy Bush.

He accused Clinton and the US media of making a joint effort to scupper his campaign.

"The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD," Trump tweeted on Sunday evening.

The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

At a campaign rally in New Hampshire on Saturday Trump also told his supporters that the election was rigged.

"Remember, it's a rigged system. It's a rigged election," he claimed.

The latest poll from NBC News/Wall Street Journal showed an 11-point lead for Clinton ahead of the third and final televised debate in Las Vegas this Wednesday.

Former GOP House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich also attacked the role of the media in the election thus far, telling ABC News that it had waged an "unending one-sided assault" against the New York businessman.

In response to the allegations from Trump and Gingrich, Democrat vice-presidential candidate Tim Kaine referred to them as "wild, kind of scorched-earth tactics".

The US presidential election takes place on November 8.
The cabinet is to discuss the expansion of Heathrow and Gatwick airports on Tuesday before a decision is officially made, according to BBC News.

The Economic Affairs Transport sub-committee, which is chaired by Prime Minister Theresa May, will make the final choice later on whether to go ahead with building a third runway at Heathrow, a runway extension there or a new runway at Gatwick.

It is understood that a third runway at Heathrow airport is favoured as it would bolster Mays pro-business credentials and help ailing business confidence since the Brexit vote.

The decision has previously been put off to avoid clashes with Londons mayoral election, to consolidate votes in constituencies in west London close to Heathrow and opposition from environmental groups.

The cabinet is reportedly divided over airport expansion, with education secretary Justine Greening and foreign secretary, and former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson opposed to a third runway at Heathrow.

According to the Telegraph, May has been warned by her ministers that she would be making a mistake by backing Heathrow as the new runway would be tied up in legal challenges for decades.

Former Chancellor George Osborne took to Twitter to lobby for a Heathrow expansion on Friday.

"Time for a decision on airports and go for Heathrow. Economic case overwhelming; connects Northern Powerhouse; ensures Britain is open to the world.

"If we want Britain to be outward-looking, free-trading and global, we must expand the great airport that connects us to that world and that trade."

A new runway is expected to cost around 18.6bn, more than half of what a new runway at Gatwick will cost around 9.3bn.

In 2016, 75m passengers were forecast to use Heathrow and it is currently operating at 99% capacity, with both airports handling 45% of Britain's passengers.
Scottish energy company SSE has agreed to sell a stake in Scotia Gas Networks to subsidiaries of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority for 621m.

The FTSE 100 company will sell 16.7% of its stake and retain 33.3% equity in SGN by the end of the October, with the proceeds used to return value for shareholders or invested, which will be announced on 9 November.

After the sale SSE will have an interest in five economically-regulated energy networks with regulated asset value of over 7bn, which is expected to increase to 8.5bn by March 2018 with continued investment.

SSE chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies, said: "Over the last decade, SGN has become a leading gas distribution business for the benefit of customers and investors alike.

The sale of a 16.7% stake confirms SSE's ability to deliver value for shareholders through focused, timely disposals while at the same time retaining a diverse range of regulated and unregulated businesses in order to support long term dividend growth."

In 2005, SSE bought a 50% stake for 505m in SGN, which distributes gas to almost 6m properties in Scotland and southern England and paid dividends and other distributions worth 750m to SSE.
The second-highest ranking politician in Northern Ireland has said that the region should be able to push for a special case membership of the European Union after it voted clearly to stay in the bloc.

While a slight majority of the UK voted to leave the EU, both Scotland and NI had clear majorities which voted for Remain.

In an interview with the Guardian, Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness said that the governments in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have a responsibility to act to ensure the former does not lose the benefits of staying in the EU.

"As things sit at the moment we are going to suffer big time," McGuinness said. "Theresa May says Brexit means Brexit, but so far as we are concerned Brexit means disaster for the people of Ireland."

Initially nationalists in Belfast preferred to stay within the bloc, and unionists were for a strict Brexit, but McGuinness said both sides of the community agree on the need for special status.

"There is a large amount of discontent, including within the unionist community, about how this Tory-led Westminster administration is being so cavalier in disregarding the impact of what they are planning."

McGuinness also called upon the Irish government to back their neighbour's case, amid fears that the ongoing peace process in the area could be jeopardised by NI's exit from Europe.

"There has to be an island of Ireland solution that we can live with, and it is critical that we have an Irish government fighting our corner, so the big challenge in the next few weeks is whether the government in the north and the south can come to a common position."

The British government is currently deliberating as to the correct course of action take before prime minister Theresa May triggers Article 50 some time in the new year.
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OSU doctors speak in patients' native language to improve health care

A new Ohio State program connecting doctors who speak the same language as their patients improves patient trust and medical outcomes.
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SEATTLE (AP)  The owner of a company that provided federally mandated training for construction firms that work with asbestos has pleaded guilty to giving certifications to people he knew had not taken his course.

U.S. Attorney Annette Hayes says Isaac Cole owned a company that provided asbestos training courses. According to his plea agreement, Cole certified various asbestos workers between 2013 and 2016 even though they had not completed the safety courses.





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Hyundai's luxury brand doesn't disappoint

It's a gamble because no South Korean car manufacturer has had a luxury brand in the U.S. before.



By ANN M. JOB

For The Associated Press

[enlarge] Starting at $69,050, the Genesis G90 undercuts the competition like the Lexus LS460 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class and has more standard features. The refined 2017 Genesis G90 luxury sedan is Hyundai's foray into the luxury brand market and the first new entry in the U.S. since Tesla in 2004.



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Engineers India, Gazprom to jointly prepare blueprint for Russia-India gas pipeline

Engineers India Ltd and Russia's Gazprom PJSC will jointly undertake a study to prepare a blueprint for laying a gas pipeline between Russia and India as the two countries step up cooperation in the energy sector.

Russia hopes to tap the vast Indian market to stabilise gas prices while New Delhi intends to enhance the use of natural gas in the country's its energy mix and increase trade with Russia.

The two countries are also actively involved in the implementation of a international North-South transport corridor which would fasten delivery of Russian supplies to South Asia and beyond to Middle East and West Asia.

''The companies will examine whether the pipeline between the countries could pass through either China or through the Commonwealth of Independent States (former Soviet republics),'' reports quoting a government official said.

India, which is planning to increase the share of natural gas in its hydrocarbon use from 7 per cent to 15 per cent over the next two or three years, also plans to increase sourcing of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia.

By partnership in the oil and gas sector and engagement in renewables India hopes to create an 'energy bridge' with Russia, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gazprom, which owns the world's largest gas transmission system with a total length of 171,200km, is the main supplier of natural gas to Europe.

Meanwhile, Alexi Miller, CEO of Gazprom, said on Saturday that he hoped to renegotiate a deal to supply liquefied natural gas to India's Gail (India) Ltd within the next six months.

"We will make a decision in the near future, in the course of six months," Miller said.

The two companies are discussing a change to the period in which Gail has to increase its off-take to 2.5 million tonnes of LNG per a year, as agreed under a previous contract, Miller told reporters.

India's oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Russia's energy minister Alexander Novak on Saturday also signed agreements for cooperation in the energy sector for 2017-18 and for cooperation in the area of education and training between ONGC Videsh Ltd and Rosneft Oil Company PJSC.

Both the countries agreed to further work towards boosting bilateral engagement in the hydrocarbon sector.


PepsiCo to cut sugar content in range of soft drinks

Amid accusations that cola makers are fuelling a global obesity and diabetes epidemic, PepsiCo will announce plans to reduce sugar content to 100 calories or less in at least two-thirds of its drinks

PepsiCo has set a target for reducing the amount of sugar in its soft drinks around the world as part of a suite of goals aimed at tackling problems ranging from obesity to climate change.

The New York-based company will announce on Monday that by 2025 at least two thirds of its drinks will have 100 calories or fewer from added sugar per 12 oz serving, reports Reuters.

The move, which it plans to achieve by introducing more zero and low-calorie drinks and reformulating existing drinks, comes as PepsiCo and rival Coca-Cola are under increasing pressure from health experts and governments who blame them for fuelling epidemics of obesity and diabetes.

PepsiCo says the new global target is more ambitious than its previous goal of reducing sugar by 25 per cent in certain drinks in certain markets by 2020.

''The science has evolved,'' Mehmood Khan, PepsiCo's chief scientific officer of research and development, told Reuters.

He gave an example of new flavour ingredients that require less sweetening, saying, ''It's not just about sweeteners, it's about understanding the flavor ingredients and having proprietary knowledge and access to them.''

The World Health Organization this month recommended taxes on sugary drinks, as France and Mexico have done, to curb consumption and improve health. The soft drinks industry opposes such taxes.

Despite its name, PepsiCo generates only 12 per cent of its $63 billion in annual revenue from its famous cola brand. It makes 25 per cent from carbonated soft drinks such as Mountain Dew, with the rest coming from waters and juices including the Tropicana brand, plus snacks and dips such as hummus and guacamole.

Its 2025 goals also include targets for lowering sodium and saturated fat.

''These are good steps. But when we have an obesity crisis, I think there is more that we can be doing,'' said Mindy Lubber, president of non-profit organization Ceres, which pushes companies and investors to take action on sustainability.

''If a food and beverage company is not looking at nutrition, they are not looking at the direction the world is going in,'' he told Fortune magazine.

Coke has said that by 2020 it would offer low-calorie or no-calorie options in every market as part of its sustainability goals.

Saving costs

PepsiCo is building on goals set out 10 years ago, which targeted nutritional, environmental and social improvements. Khan said there has also been financial progress.

He said the company has saved $600 million over the past five years from reduced water, packaging and energy use, as well as a reduction in waste. He added that, over the past decade, average returns on investments in this area have been better than the cost of capital.

Khan expects similar returns in future, which might be good news for investors, who generally don't base investment decisions on sustainability.

''It might not be the driving factor, but it might a filter,'' said Morningstar analyst Philip Gorham.

Other targets include a 15 per cent improvement in the water efficiency of PepsiCo's direct agricultural supply chain in water-stressed areas by 2025 and a 20 per cent drop in greenhouse gas emissions across its supply chain by 2030.
A new project to be launched this week seeks a collective approach to addressing the environmental challenges facing Errigal and six other northern European upland areas.

The Ascent project, for Apply Skills and Conserve our Environment with New Tools, will be launched on Thursday, October 20, at the Dunlewey Community Centre, at the base of Errigal.

Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Terence Slowey, will launch the three-year initiative, which will see the county council as the lead partner working collaboratively with Metsahallitus Park and Wildlife in Finland; Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Mourne Trust in Northern Ireland; Hordaland County Council in Norway; and the Soil Conservation Service of Iceland.

Charles Sweeney of Donegal County Council, the project manager for Ascent, said, The key objectives are to undertake international learning and to transfer that collective knowledge across the partner regions, in an effort to design practical solutions and to trial new initiatives and concepts for sustainable environmental management.

Unregulated access to upland sites, and natural erosion, has led to degradation of some areas of natural beauty, as well as the loss of unique biodiversity and bioresources. Ascent sets out to development management plans and implement measures to address future economic and environmental sustainability.

Associated partners in the project include Udaras na Gaeltachta, Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, Mossfellsbaer Municipality and Skaftarhreppur.

Liam Ward, county council director of community, enterprise and planning control, welcomed funding for the project from Interreg VB Northern Periphery & Arctic Programme (2014-2020) with support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The landscape quality of our mountain areas must be maintained and conserved and in bringing together all of the stakeholders, project partners and engaging with our local communities Ascent will make a very positive contribution towards the sustainable management of our upland areas, Mr. Ward said.

Visiting delegates from Iceland, Finland, Norway and Northern Ireland will participate in the inaugural steering committee meeting on October 19th in Donegal.
October is National Bullying Prevention month. We have all heard the phrase bullying, but what does it actually mean? Bullying is defined as unwanted aggressive behavior; observed or perceived power imbalance; repetition of behaviors or high likelihood of repetition.

Bullying is unfortunately a reality for far too many in our communities both young and old. Much like any other form of violence, bullying is not isolated to any particular age group, gender or demography. Just about everyone of us can look back in our lives and recall a time where either we were personally bullied or witnessed one of our friends or schoolmates being bullied. Its hard to believe that with all of the advancements and awareness, this type of behavior still exists, but it does and with the advent of social media, it had actually gotten much worse. This is because unlike in the past, the bully not only impacts your life on the playground or classroom; they now are able to follow you into your personal life due to the constant presence of social media.

There is good news in that we have learned a great deal about what creates these bullies and how to neutralize their ability to isolate and intimidate. The key is for those in authority to respond to reports of bullying immediately to show without question that bullying will not be acceptable. That message needs to follow to our homes with the messages we send our children not only by what we say but by our own actions in how we treat fellow adults. Bullying is without question a learned behavior. It is learned on the playground, in the classroom and follows through to the workplace and social interactions as adults. We need to send a strong message to our own children, a message of empathy and compassion not of ridicule and rumor.

Who are at risk of bullying the most? Typically those who are bullied have one or more of the following risks:

Are perceived as different from their peers, such as being overweight or underweight, wearing glasses or different clothing, being new to a school, or being unable to afford what kids consider cool

Are perceived as weak or unable to defend themselves

Are depressed, anxious, or have low self esteem

Are less popular than others and have few friends

Do not get along well with others, seen as annoying or provoking, or antagonize others for attention

However, even if a child has these risk factors, it doesnt mean that they will be bullied. The important lesson is that we as adults set the tone for how the next generation will interact with each other. Chances are if we show acceptance of others, our children will show acceptance of others. If we engage in demeaning others or spreading rumors, our children will follow suit. So often we as adults underestimate the influence, we have not only on our own children but even those who dont know us but witness our behavior.

While school or workplace policies are an important component, the only way to truly decrease bullying is by denying the bully their victim. We do this by raising strong, confident, resilient children, and speaking out and supporting those who find themselves on the receiving end of this type of behavior. We are all teachers in life lessons and we teach by our actions. Lets all be aware of what we teach.
Home Four wheelers Do Not Advertise Autopilot Function  Germany Tells Tesla oi-Rajkamal

The German Transport Minister, Alexander Dobrindt has asked American electric carmaker Tesla, not to advertise its electric vehicles with an Autopilot function, as it could suggest that a driver's attention is not needed while driving.

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Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana (UAM) and Dutch research institute Deltares will contribute to the Resilience strategy for Mexico City. The contribution involves a plan for Mexico's borough Xochimilco to overcome its future water problems.

Xochimilco faces severe subsidence and poor water quality.

As a whole Mexico City faces a shortage of clean water and the regular occurrence of floods create many health problems.

Artificial islands

Xochimilco is one of the boroughs of Mexico City. Its old canals and traditional Chinampas - artificial islands - dating from the time of the Aztecs, are listed as a Unesco World Heritage site.

Today, however, Xochimilco has major problems with its water management. The original water system has totally changed and the traditional use of land has come under great pressure due to urbanisation and lack of sanitation. The latter results in poor water quality.

Severe subsidence

The area is regularly flooded and often suffers water shortages. Many of the residents of Xochimilco therefore have no running water or other facilities.

Following years of groundwater pumping, the land has subsided considerably causing a great deal of damage to houses and infrastructure.

Integral water models

With the existing knowledge and data about Xochimilco available from Mexican knowledge institutes, local governments and other interested parties, Deltares plans to produce integral models of the ground and surface water system.

With these models, the borough will be able to improve its future water management.

The integrated approach focuses on flood prevention, water supply, water quality, drinking water supply, waste water treatment, subsidence prevention and urban planning.

Alongside a representative from Mexico City, Deltares will also be presenting the Deltares contribution to the resilience strategy for this mega city. Just prior to Habitat III, Deltares and Mexico City reached agreement about this plan.

This news item was originally published on the website of Deltares (also in Spanish).

Read also on this website

 Deltares officially opens big data iD-Lab to assess and visualize global water issues, 29 March 2016

 Deltares presents composition of flood maps using satellite data through Google Earth Engine, 17 December 2015

 World water forum 7: K-Water and Deltares sign MoU on joint projects on integrated water management, 14 April 2015

 Country: Mexico



More information

Deltares

Delft, the Netherlands

+31 88 335 8273

www.deltares.nl
Entrepreneurs start businesses to solve problems facing customers or to improve the way customer needs are satisfied. In the event that on-hand funding is insufficient to fully realise the potential of their proposed business, an entrepreneur will need to seek assistance from investors.

Finding the right financial partner can be challenging. There are key things you should ask to ensure youre working with the right one:

1. Have you done this before?

This question sorts out the newbies from the veteran investors. Put another way, family, friends and fools, the famous three Fs, fall into the newbies category. You would be very brave to accept an investment made by any of the three fs. Such investment comes with many emotional strings attached and can be a major distraction to you and your business, far outweighing any advantage. Professional investors are slower to sign up but will have a professional relationship with you as an investor and nothing more.

2. Your investment, short, medium or long term?

All investments are really loans waiting to be repaid with interest. The waiting part is called the term, which must be discussed and agreed upon. Both parties could have wildly different views of when the investor is likely to get their money back. The answer should be clearly expressed in the business plan with time frames showing the link between the investment and the actual scaling up of the business. With the scaling up of the business there must be a consequent increase in returns or profit that allows the investment to be returned to the investor.

3. Shares wanted

Nothing is for nothing. What percentage of the business are you prepared to relinquish in return for an investment to grow the business. This will be a big challenge for a passionate start-up entrepreneur. Ownership gives you freedom in decision making. However, when you want an investor the serious bits start. How big do you want this business to grow? Better that you own 60% of a business than 100% of a start-up that, due to a lack of investment, died.

4. Plan B

Having agreed on the percentage of shares that the investor will have in return for their investment, the next question is what if the business does not perform as planned and the investor cant get their money out as committed in the business plan? Emotions may run high. Plan B will now be implemented. Best that you understand what the investors Plan B is before you take the investment. The investor may take legal action to recover the investment, claiming that your business plan was misleading. All start-up expenses may be reviewed and challenged for any personal usage that is common in a start-up. Accusations will fly as most start-ups have messy paper work. A legal cat fight is now on the cards. Moving to the end of this scenario we see two obvious outcomes. If the business has not performed as hoped then it may need more investment. The investor may be the only person interested in further investment so as to recover sunk costs. This would usually be in exchange for a controlling interest in your company. This may be a blessing for all parties or a sad ending to your promising start-up. Often emotions have run so high, and the lawyers have been paid so much, that the parties go their own separate ways, proving again that there is never a lack of risk when you venture to set up a start-up.

5. How much is needed?

Most start-ups need twice as much investment, take twice as long as the business plan states and are twice as hard as anyone ever thought to make successful. That takes us back to the business plan. The investor should be aware that start-ups are a risk investment and several tranches of investment may be needed depending on how the business operates or to accommodate changes in the business environment. A business plan that covers a spread of outcomes from poor to medium, and of course exceeding the projections, needs to be discussed and agreed.

Start-ups are never short of excitement or risk, and investors should be told the full story and must sign a written agreement that they understand that it is a high risk investment. Now is the time to exploit the curiosity that made you bold enough to risk a start-up. You must now ask every question conceivable before selling any shares. Hopefully, you as an entrepreneur, will have enough street smarts to keep the maximum possible of your start-up and still give a great return to any investor daring enough to invest in your start-up.

About the author
Improvements in workplace and personal technology are enabling SMEs to operate with a more mobile workforce. According to IDC, in 2015, more than one third (37%) of the worlds workforce were considered mobile or of no fixed location. By 2020, IDC predicts a staggering 73% of the same workforce will be mobile.

Most people today own or have access to smart devices, and coupled with the increase in workforce mobile applications, small businesses are able to operate in an entirely different way. Workers can now communicate, perform tasks, and check-in with their employers and work colleagues from almost any location on earth. Business owners also have the ability to better manage and minimise the risks associated with a workforce on the move.

Globalisation is also a key criterion in the increasing mobile workforce as more companies look to enter global markets. Employees and contractors can now work from any location, often setting up virtual offices where they can report in and collaborate seamlessly using the available technology. More and more companies are using this mobile working strategy as an incentive to attract millennial talent, who are more open to travel opportunities on the job.

While some areas of the workforce have always been mobile as a necessity of the role, such as manufacturing, construction and healthcare, todays typical knowledge workers  such as those usually confined to an office  have a significantly different attitude towards workplace flexibility. They understand that most work can be performed from any location, and more and more we are seeing this expectation impact career decisions, as they seek out employers utilising this communications technology.

With the continued growth of the mobile workforce, developing an associated infrastructure is crucial for those SMEs looking to get on the front foot by attracting new talent and extending their reach either nationally or internationally. But redesigning a workplace structure doesnt come without its challenges. There are five critical themes that all business leaders need to consider in enabling a mobile workforce:

1. Communications technology is key:

Having a team or contractors working remotely can present logistical challenges. Implementing mobile workplace technology that supports this shift is the first step in resolving these issues. Cloud-based tools enable staff to access data, collaborate and connect with team members and even report back in to management.

2. Management skills need to evolve:

Managing a mobile or global team is fast becoming a prerequisite of the job, and one that should form part of management training processes  while those already in senior positions need to evolve to suit the new structure. Building trust is the number one concern for those managing a virtual team. But this has to go two ways. Instilling values of accountability in the team will in turn enable management to trust the work is being completed to a high standard. Cloud-based reporting tools help to create transparency in this area, while some mobile workforce technology offers gamification that can be used to incentivise staff.

3. Out of sight does not equal out of mind:

Knowing where workers are at any point in time and if they are safe is a significant problem for organisations globally. With the increase in worker mobility and associated travel accidents, personal attacks, missing persons, terrorism and global catastrophes, businesses have a duty of care not only to their workers, but to their workers families.

With less control over where and when our staff are working, performance (or output) based management becomes critical. There are now some great options for staying connected and up-to-date on work and work milestones, including travel movements.

4. Structure the use of BYO devices:

Around 80 per cent of Australians currently own a smartphone and that number is expected to further increase. SMEs can often allow employees to use their personal devices for work purposes, such as making phone calls, perhaps with a reimbursement plan in place or an agreement that the employee will add this into their personal tax expenses.

With a mobile workforce, smart devices will prove integral to the plan, so think about adding more structure around the responsibility of payment and upkeep of these devices. You may wish to consider replacing BYO devices with a company-owned product should sensitive work-related data need to be accessed and stored on the device.

5. Work within the letter and the spirit of the law:

As an employer, you are responsible for workplace safety wherever that workplace may be. Increasingly, this obligation is now law. Under Australias harmonised WHS laws, employers are required to manage risks to the health and safety of remote or isolated work and implement control measures that include effective communication with remote and isolated workers.

As an SME employer, it is essential to stay up-to-date with any legal or compliance issues regarding your workplace team. Regardless of your legal obligations, best-practice employers are always looking out for their team members safety and wellbeing on the job.

About the author

Joe Hoolahan is Co-founder and CEO of JESI. JESI is a is a mobile workforce solution that supports the safe movement of workers tracking and reporting time, date, transport type, local trips or travelling nationally or international.
Businesses with 19 or fewer employees have less than two weeks to transition to SuperStream  the new, mandatory electronic standard for paying superannuation contributions.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is pleased that more than 75 per cent of small businesses are already SuperStream compliant however, there is still a way to go to ensure everyone has made the switch, said ATO assistant commissioner, Nicole Dykstra.

If small businesses havent adopted SuperStream by the deadline (28 October), they are at risk of being non-compliant.

The ATO provided a four-month period of compliance flexibility for small businesses that were unable to meet the original 30 June deadline; however, we will not be granting any further extensions for businesses who have not implemented SuperStream.

Setting up SuperStream is a one off task and while initial set up may take some time, in the long run, it can provide considerable time savings for businesses that pay super to multiple funds.

The ATO has identified a few steps small businesses should take to start paying super the SuperStream way. 

Step 1: Choose an option that suits your business

A payroll system that meets the SuperStream standard

Your super funds online system

A super clearing house, including the ATOs free Small Business Superannuation Clearing House

A messaging portal

You can also ask your accountant or bookkeeper to help you with one of these options.

Step 2: Collect information and update records

Step 3: Start using SuperStream

If youre not sure what option to choose, or if your business is not yet SuperStream ready, the ATO has developed a handy decision tree to help guide you. The ATOs step-by-step employer checklist can also help small businesses with their preparations or register for a webinar.

[Editors note: For further guidance on how to become SuperStream compliant, read Still paying super by cheque? Time to get digital by ATO deputy commissioner James OHalloran]
How the EBRD is helping cities go green

Visit the EBRD Green Cities website

Cities face many environmental issues, ranging from local air quality concerns, traffic congestion and limited land resources to pressure on water resources and the challenges associated with municipal solid waste.

Now climate change is challenging cities both to mitigate their impacts and adapt to changing conditions - given that, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), around two thirds of energy use occurs within urban systems.

The scale of investments needed to establish green cities is enormous. The IEA estimated in 2012 that for climate change mitigation alone, over the next decade, nearly US$ 600 billion annually in additional investments are required globally to avoid catastrophic climate change effects.

The need to act to make cities greener is acknowledged on the global stage. Goal 11 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals is to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

This goal will be the focus of the forthcoming UN Habitat III Conference (the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, set to take place in Quito, Ecuador, from 17  20 October 2016), where the heads of all MDBs, including the EBRD, are to issue a joint statement committing to increased action and investment for green cities.

Still, it is important to invest the money wisely, and this is what the EBRDs work on Green Cities is trying to achieve.

In response to the pressing environmental issues and the global call for action, several EBRD teams and offices in the countries where we work have developed the Green Cities Programme (GrCP).

The Green Cities Programme builds on the EBRD's two decades of experience investing in municipal and environmental infrastructure  representing over 700 million and 800,000 tonnes of CO 2 mitigated annually and multiple local environmental benefits helping address public health issues and improve citizens well-being.

Using this experience, the programme will apply the EBRDs business model, combining bankable investments with technical cooperation and policy dialogue.

The Green Cities Programmes approach will allow beneficiary cities to prioritise between several sectors when targeting the most effective ways to address its environmental challenges (and make the best use of their money).

Key to the programme is the Green City Action Plan (GCAP). This is a document that articulates a particular citys sustainable development vision, strategic objectives and actions and investments to address priority environmental issues and meet the plans objectives.

Beyond prioritising investments and reforms, the GCAPs are also expected to be a good policy paper helping to promote awareness and additional financing for greener cities.

The Green Cities Programme is being piloted in Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova, with a Green Cities Framework expected to be approved by the EBRD Board of Directors in November.

An example of a project to be financed under the framework is the Yerevan Metro III extension. This project involves energy-efficiency upgrades to the Armenian capitals existing metro system. This project goes beyond business as usual because, crucially, the loan document requires the city to undertake a Green City Action Plan.

The aim is that through this plan and the associated priority investment list, the city can identify further innovative investment opportunities that could benefit from EBRD or other finance.

At a September meeting to discuss the GCAP with the EBRD, Yerevan Deputy Mayor Vahe Nikoyan praised the plan, saying, in the conditions of constant growth of Yerevan's population, it is very important for the city to provide a balance between the environment and our citizens. Working out a Green City programme is highly important. We expect significant positive influence on the environment, reduction of the volumes of emissions and effective use of natural resources. Yerevan Municipality is ready to help implement the programme."

Another example is the Chisinau public buildings project in Moldova. Public buildings provide significant potential to improve energy and resource efficiency as well as an opportunity for public leadership in greening the city.

Together with the European Investment Bank (EIB), the EBRD is targeting a 20 million public building renovation programme. As with the Yerevan metro project, the Chisinau public buildings project will require the city to develop a GCAP.

The EBRD is making the switch in Moldovas capital, Chisinau from conventional high-pressure lanterns to low energy LED lights.

The investment is also supported by the EIB and TaiwanICDF. More videos

If successful, the EBRD plans to expand the Green Cities Programme to other countries, with the Western Balkans being a potential target area.

With the help of investment, technical assistance, and transformational policies such as GCAPs, the programme shows how it is possible to answer the call to significantly increase green city investments.
Focus on implementation with streamlined and more efficient public administration framework

The Government of Ukraine - with the support of international donors as well as the EBRD and the EU - is strengthening its drive to #MakeReformsHappen with the introduction of dedicated teams to help with reform delivery and implementation of Ukraine's Public Administration Reform Strategy 2016-2020.

The Reform Support Teams (RSTs) are formed of professionals from outside the Ukrainian civil service and will work in ministries on a temporary basis to implement priority reforms and transform the ministries themselves. The programme will first be rolled out at the Ministries of Finance, Economic Development and Trade, Infrastructure and Agrarian Policy and Food. Following a pilot phase, other ministries and state agencies are encouraged to join the programme on the basis of sectoral strategies.

The Government of Ukraine - with the support of international donors, the EBRD and the EU - is strengthening its drive to #MakeReformsHappen. More videos

The aim of the RSTs is to support the implementation of reforms through increased capacity, improved coordination and close oversight, combining strong commitment of Ukraines leadership with national and international experts advice.

The cornerstone of this effort is the Ukrainian authorities commitment to public administration reform, aimed at upgrading the competences and working conditions in the civil service as well as enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the public administration. The goal is to lay the foundations for a new generation of reform-oriented Ukrainians working in the civil service.

Ambassador Hugues Mingarelli, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, said: "Today Ukraine is undertaking difficult, but necessary steps to modernise its civil service and to make government more efficient, transparent and responsive to the demands of citizens. We are proud to assist Ukraine by hiring highly talented individuals in order to accelerate reforms in the fields of public finance, agriculture and infrastructure and also by bringing in world-known reformers in order to provide strategic advice and best practice for Ukrainian political leadership."

Francis Malige, EBRD Managing Director for Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, said: This is a major step forward on Ukraines reform path. Over the past two years the country has passed many important reforms and laws and now this new initiative will help accelerate implementation. The support framework will be an effective instrument to transform reform concepts into tangible actions with all stakeholders responsible for its success. There is now a coherent and powerful architecture to drive and implement reform in Ukraine, for which I am very pleased.

The Reform Support Teams are part of an effort to create a coherent and efficient framework for reform implementation in Ukraine. The framework will also include a Reforms Delivery Office under the Prime Minister, with a focus on ensuring the consistency and efficiency of reform delivery across the Government.

Olexander Sayenko, the Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers, said: "Ukraine requires a systemic reform of public administration as the foundation for any other reforms, but this takes time. We are rebuilding the bureaucratic system on the move and have no time to wait until this process is fully complete. However, we will be able to achieve a tangible strengthening of the institutional capacity of the public administration system already in one or two years. The Reforms Delivery Office is the tool that must ensure productivity of reforms at this stage by strengthening the coordination of activities and streamlining the planning, monitoring and achievement of specific results".

A high-level international Strategic Advisory Group for Support of Ukrainian Reforms will provide strategic advice to the President and the Prime Minister of Ukraine. The group will advise on the effective implementation of reforms, based on first-hand successful experience, offering best practice and linkage to international resources. The committee will be headed by two former senior statesmen, Leszek Balcerowicz (former Deputy Prime Minister of Poland) and Ivan Miklos (former Minister of Finance of the Slovak Republic).

The National Reform Council (NRC) Project Management Office will be transformed into a support team and continue to assist the committee with technical support, ensure adequate coordination with the other bodies in the reform architecture and provide regular reporting on the progress of reforms.

The elements of the reform architecture are financed by the Ukraine Stabilisation and Sustainable Growth Multi-Donor Account, established at the EBRD in November 2014 to support Ukraines efforts to reform its economy, improve its business climate and return to a path of sustainable growth. Contributors to the fund are Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The European Union has earmarked a contribution of 8 million to the account.

Furthermore, a large EU programme aiming at supporting Ukraine in implementing a comprehensive Public Administration Reform (PAR) Strategy for the period 2016-2020 is planned to be launched by the end of 2016. This programme foresees a total EU budget contribution of 104 million, including 90 million for budget support and 14 million for complementary technical assistance. According to an indicative disbursement schedule, a first budget support payment amounting to  10 million is expected early next year.

Background

Since the signature of the EU Association Agreement in 2014, Ukraine has made progress towards the implementation of reforms. Supported by the European Union, it has embarked upon adoption and implementation of comprehensive PAR, one of the Ukraine's short-term commitments under the Association Agenda. Reforms in the public administration will result amongst other things in merit-based recruitment in civil service, introduction of performance measurement and better public service delivery, which will accelerate overall reform process.
Perhaps still reeling from whats widely viewed as the bruising he took in a debate watched by more than 80 million people on TV earlier this week  countless more online  Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Wednesday opened a campaign rally with a previously discredited attack.

Trump began his speech at the Waukesha, Wisconsin, event by touting an online Google poll that showed him up two points nationwide  but then followed that by saying Googles search engine was biased in favor of his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

Google was manipulating search results to suppress negative stories about her, Trump claimed.

Trump did not elaborate on the basis for his accusation or indicate whether his campaign had made any formal complaint about the issue. Campaign officials did not respond to our request for further details.

Debunked Conspiracy Theory

The allegation echoes a conspiracy theory that surfaced after Clinton clinched the Democratic nomination earlier this year. In brief, it accuses Google of meddling with its autocomplete algorithm to prevent negative results from turning up in response to searches of Hillary Clintons name.

However, Googles autocomplete feature is designed to avoid completing name searches with offensive or inappropriate material regardless of who is the subject of the search, explained Tamar Yehoshua, vice president of product management for Google Search, in a post published in response to those charges.

Autocompletion is not an exact science, and the output of prediction algorithms depends in part on the popularity and freshness of search terms, Yehoshua wrote.

Those making the accusations had suggested there was a conspiracy between the Clinton campaign and Eric Schmidt, chairman of Google parent Alphabet and a supporter of President Obama.

A Google spokeperson declined to comment on Trumps Wednesday remark but pointed to the companys earlier denials of bias and its explanation of the autocomplete feature.

Clinton campaign officials did not respond to our request to comment for this story.

Difficult to Pin Down

Trumps accusation is so vague, it is hard to say just what we are talking about, let alone whether it has any merit, Rick Edmonds, media business analyst at the Poynter Institute, told the E-Commerce Times.

It is unlikely that an outside party can predict with any degree of accuracy whether Googles algorithms are biased one way or the other, suggested Kevin Krewell, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

Googles news aggregation service also is based on algorithms, as are a great many online information services.

Its impossible to make a definitive analysis of whether Googles news feed has a bias against Donald Trump, Krewell told the E-Commerce Times, but Googles news feed is based on an algorithm which likely weighs the relative importance of the sources.

The news algorithm, therefore, would favor widely read sources and more reliable sources over smaller, less established niche sites.

Facebook Brouhaha

A controversy over Facebooks alleged algorithm-tampering erupted earlier this year, following publication of an inside story accusing staff of manipulating its Trending Topics.

Human team members were curating the feed, according to the report, downplaying certain information that came from politically conservative outlets.

The company conducted an internal investigation and found no systematic effort to manipulate trending topics. However, after sitting down with a group of conservatives, including media pundits and officials, CEO Mark Zuckerbergagreed to make several changes in how it compiled the Trending Topics.

For example, Facebook ended the policy of relying on outside websites or news outlets to determine whether stories were worthy of inclusion.
Verizon last week indicated that its US$4.8 billion acquisition of Yahoo could be in jeopardy in light of the companys delay in disclosing a massive 2014 data breach that compromised about 500 million account holders.

Verizon may need some additional assurances about the effects of the breach, suggested General Counsel Craig Silliman at an event in Washington, D.C.

I think we have a reasonable basis to believe right now that the impact is material, and were looking to Yahoo to demonstrate to us the full impact, he said. If they believe that its not, then theyll need to show us that.

Those comments followed an earlier New York Post report that Verizon had demanded a $1 billion discount on the acquisition price after Yahoo disclosed the extent of the data breach, which was kept under wraps for months after its discovery.

Yahoo expects the acquisition to move forward in spite of the stumbling block. It is scheduled to close by the first quarter 2017.

We are confident in Yahoos value, and we continue to work towards integration with Verizon, the company said in a statement provided to the E-Commerce Times by spokesperson Suzanne Philion.

Earnings on Tap

Yahoo will release third-quarter earnings results after the close of business on Oct. 18, it said, but it will not hold an earnings call or host a webcast for investors due to the pending Verizon deal.

Yahoo had been under enormous pressure from investors and analysts to develop a strategy to compete in the modern world of social media, Web content and analytics.

A perception has taken hold that under the leadership of Marissa Mayer, Yahoo completely failed to develop products that would grow user engagement, fell further behind Google in the Internet search area, and spent way too much money on corporate expenses and noncore assets.

Yahoo confirmed in late September that it had been the victim one of the biggest data breaches ever  a 2014 hack that compromised a wide range of personal data belonging to at least 500 million Yahoo account holders: names, email addresses, dates of birth, hashed passwords, telephone numbers, and in some cases encrypted or unencrypted security questions.

The hack was state sponsored, Bob Lord, chief information security officer at Yahoo, wrote in an online post last month.

Russia was suspected of being behind the massive data breach, according to multiple reports.

The yahoo hack showed a level of sophistication consistent with a state-sponsored hack, but it is too early to draw any definitive conclusion, a law enforcement source familiar with the case told the E-Commerce Times.

Show Cards

Verizon should be able to walk away without any liability if need be, according to attorney Peter Vogel, a partner at Gardere Wynne Sewell.

During the due diligence period, it has the right to investigate the companys financial statements and intellectual property, he pointed out, and that gives the parties the right to make changes in the sales price and scope of the deal.

So it seems to me that Verizon could conclude that Yahoos business was so badly damaged by the cyberintrusion that the value of the business is greatly diminished, and if Yahoo disagrees that the deal could end at that point, Vogel told the E-Commerce Times.

Verizon is likely to renegotiate a better deal or walk away entirely, said industry analyst Jeff Kagan.

Before, acquiring Yahoo seemed like a good idea from Verizons point of view, he told the E-Commerce Times. However, now Yahoo is a double-sided coin, full of both good and bad.
SAN FRANCISCO  US denim brand Levi Strauss has announced an expansion of its Worker Well-being initiative which will mean the programme will soon reach more than 300,000 workers. The company is also introducing the programme to strategic vendors, with the aim being that more than 80 per cent of its products will be made in Worker Well-being factories. The initiative sees Levi Strauss partnering with local and national non-profits and NGOs to provide health, educational and other types of support to workers.
A North Dakota judge today refused to authorize riot charges against award-winning journalist Amy Goodman for her reporting on an attack against Native American-led anti-pipeline protesters.

This is a complete vindication of my right as a journalist to cover the attack on the protesters, and of the publics right to know what is happening with the Dakota Access Pipeline, said Goodman. We will continue to report on this epic struggle of Native Americans and their non-Native allies taking on the fossil fuel industry and an increasingly militarized police in this time when climate change threatens the planet.

District Judge John Grinsteiner did not find probable cause to justify the charges filed on Friday, Oct. 14 by States Attorney Ladd R Erickson. Those charges were presented after Erickson had withdrawn an earlier charge against Goodman of criminal trespass. Goodman had returned to North Dakota to turn herself in to the trespassing charge.

The charges in State of North Dakota v. Amy Goodman, stemmed from Democracy Now!s coverage of protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. On Saturday, Sept. 3, Democracy Now! filmed security guards working for the pipeline company attacking protesters. The report showed guards unleashing dogs and using pepper spray and featured people with bite injuries and a dog with blood dripping from its mouth and nose.

Democracy Now!s report went viral online and was viewed more than 14 million times on Facebook and was rebroadcast on many outlets, including CBS, NBC,NPR, CNN, MSNBCand the Huffington Post.

On Sept. 8, a criminal complaint and warrant was issued for Goodmans arrest on the trespassing charge.

These shifting charges were a transparent attempt by the prosecutor to intimidate Amy Goodman and to silence coverage of the resistance to the pipeline, said Reed Brody, an attorney for Goodman. Fortunately, these bully tactics didnt work and freedom of the press has prevailed.

The pipeline project has faced months of resistance from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and members of more than 100 other tribes from across the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

Goodman is the host and executive producer of Democracy Now!, a national, daily, independent, award-winning public television/radio news program that airs on over 1,400 stations worldwide. Goodman has co-authored six New York Times bestsellers and won many of journalisms highest awards in more than three-decades working as a reporter.

Reposted with permission from our media associate Democracy Now!
By Clara Chaisson

What on Earth have you photographed?

This open-ended question, asked annually by the BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition, invites predictably diverse submissions: A leopard prowling around Mumbais Aarey Milk Colony, a Chilean volcanos violent eruption, and the surprisingly peaceful relationship between a blackfish and a venomous Portuguese man o war, just to name a few.

But out of some 5,000 images, it was White Rhino, by Maroesjka Lavigne of Ghent, Belgium, that snagged the grand prize.

White Rhino, photographed by Maroesjka Lavigne in Etosha National Park, Namibia. Maroesjka Lavigne

I love the camouflage and the textureyou can almost feel the cracked mud, wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas, who chaired the panel of expert judges, said in a press release. This photograph also has a poignant, ghostly quality that reflects how rhinos are slipping away before our eye.

For the last six years, the number of rhinos poached for their horns has been climbing and the International Union for Conservation of Nature said poachers killed 1,338 of the endangered animals in 2015. The photo competition hopes that capturing the natural worlds incredible variety on film will inspire us to save it in real life.

The BigPicture exhibit, on display at the California Academy of Sciences through Oct. 30, features 48 photographs from 27 countries. The judges this year awarded prizes in seven categories: Human/Nature; Terrestrial Wildlife; Landscapes, Waterscapes, and Flora; Aquatic Life; Winged Life; Art of Nature; and Photo Essay: Coral Reef.

Explore the prize-winning images below:

Big Cat in My Backyard! photographed by Nayan Khanolkar in Mumbai, India. Nayan Khanolkar

The Courageous Crossing, photographed by Manoj Shah in Kenyas Maasai Mara National Reserve. Manoj Shah

The Awakening: Landscape of Fear, photographed by Francisco Negroni in Comuna de Fresia, Region de los Lagos, Chile. Francisco Negroni

Deep Sky, photographed by Eduardo Acevedo in Los Gigantes, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Eduardo Acevedo

Pelicans Composition, photographed by Marco Urso in Lake Kerkini, Greece. Marco Urso

Microscopic View of Sulfar Crystals in Polarized Light, photographed by Peter Juzak in Wennigsen, Germany. Peter Juzak

The Coral Triangle, photographed by Eric Madeja in Coral Triangle. Eric Madeja

Reposted with permission from our media associate onEarth.
On Saturday, hundreds of people temporarily stopped work at multiple construction sites at the site of the $3.8 billion Dakota Access Pipeline. One person reportedly delayed work for up to six hours by locking to an excavator. At least 14 people were arrested.

Democracy Now! began covering the action just after dawn, from the main resistance camp in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Watch here:

A federal appeals court recently rejected a bid by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to permanently halt construction on part of the Dakota Access pipeline, paving the way for the Dakota Access company to resume construction on private lands adjacent to Lake Oahe on the Missouri River.

A decision on whether the pipeline can proceed under the river rests with the Army Corps of Engineers. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe argued that construction of the $3.8 billion pipeline is destroying cultural artifacts and sacred sites, including a sacred tribal burial ground that was bulldozed on Sept. 3, Labor Day weekend, when Dakota Access pipelines guards unleashed dogs and pepper spray on the Native Americans. Since then, members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and others have set up a permanent encampment across the street from the bulldozed burial ground. They call it the Sacred Ground Camp and say theyll continue to fight the Dakota Access pipeline.

We are joined by Dave Archambault II, chair of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Watch here:

Democracy Now! is broadcasting live from Mandan, North Dakota, across the street from the Morton County Courthouse, where more than a half-dozen people will appear in court today on charges related to the ongoing resistance to the construction of the $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline. At least three people are due in court today on felony charges after locking themselves to heavy construction equipment.

Morton County also issued an arrest warrant for Democracy Now!s Amy Goodman on Sept. 8, five days after we released our on-the-ground video report from Labor Day weekend showing the Dakota Access pipeline companys security guards physically assaulting nonviolent, mostly Native American land protectors, pepper-spraying them and unleashing attack dogs, one of which was shown with blood dripping from its nose and mouth.

The original charge against Goodman was criminal trespass, but due to lack of evidence, States Attorney Ladd Erickson has filed a new charge against Goodman: riot. If Judge John Grinsteiner approves the new riot charge, she will be appearing in court today at 1:30 p.m. CT to challenge it. Watch here:

Reposted with permission from our media associate Democracy Now!
In one of the remaining four states that explicitly ban third-party solar sales, a small nonprofit is continuing its fight against the nations biggest utility over the right to sell solar power to churches and other nonprofits without the utilitys involvement.

North Carolina Waste Awareness and Reduction Network (NC WARN), a 28-year-old environmental nonprofit with an annual budget of around $1.1 million, is fighting Duke Energy, a massive energy company that raked in $23.5 billion in revenue in 2015 and is valued at $54.4 billion.

Last year, the nonprofit wanted to clarify state law regarding third-party sales, so it picked a fight with the utility Goliath to spark a test case. NC WARN installed solar panels on the roof of a Greensboro church for free and started selling the energy back to the church at significantly lower rates than Duke Energy would charge. In typical power purchase agreements, customers pay the owner of the solar array less per watt than theyd have to pay a utility company, making residential solar more affordable and thus more accessible for customers.

NC WARN installed solar panels on the roof of this Greensboro church for free and started selling the energy back to the church at significantly lower rates than Duke Energy would charge. Photo credit: NC WARN

The energy giants lost profits from NC WARNs arrangement with Faith Community Church are minuscule, yet Duke Energy asked the North Carolina Utilities Commission last October to fine NC WARN up to $1,000 per day for selling energy to the church. At that time, it would have cost the nonprofit as much as $120,000.

On April 15, the utilities commission fined NC WARN $200 per day, amounting to roughly $60,000 and the nonprofit suspended its sales of solar electricity to the non-denominational, largely African-American church pending an appeal.

NC WARN will donate the solar array to the church if a final decision deems its actions illegal. But the group still has another chance to convince the commission to side with its vision for affordable renewables.

NC WARN argues in its appeal filed on May 16 that it is neither acting as a public utility, which would violate North Carolina law, nor competing with Duke Energy.

Duke Energy obviously sought the unprecedented penalty in order to stifle NC WARN in various fights against the corporate behemoth, wrote NC WARN Executive Director Jim Warren in a statement.

A Solar Company Operating in a Hostile State

Duke Energy Communications Manager Randy Wheeless cited Raleigh-based Baker Renewable Energy as an example of a company that operates legally, offering solar financing plans without selling the energy back to its customers.

But without third-party sales, Theres no good way for churches, synagogues, town halls or schools to get clean energy if they want it right now because they cant take the tax credit, Jason Epstein, executive vice president and general manager of Baker, told DeSmog.

He said that beginning with a model that deals with nonprofits would be best, at first, so as not to open up the spigot all at once. Then the state could roll out residential third-party sales once the market is established.

Solar installers such as Baker would definitely get on board if third-party solar ever becomes legal in North Carolina. If thats an option available wed team up with financing teams. Of course, said Epstein.

Bakers former sample purchase and payback model (archived here) included a state incentive for residents and businesses to purchase solar panels, a 35 percent tax write-off, which the North Carolina legislature let expire in 2015. Duke Energy failed to take a position on the measure, despite receiving a letter from Baker and other energy companies begging the energy giant to support the credit.

Without the state incentive, solar buyers only have the federal credit to work with and a solar system from Baker now costs more than $15,000, according to Bakers numbers. Even those who could afford to purchase the panels wouldnt break even for 18 years.

Instead of selling $21,000 systems, the market has shifted towards people with greater means who can afford $60,000 systems that offer a quicker return on investment, said Epstein.

The expiration of the tax credit has affected our sales, Epstein sad. I think any solar company in the state would say it has. Our residential and light commercial work is down 40 percent.

Wheeless said that Duke Energy has approximately 4,000 customers who use rooftop solar. But while North Carolina currently ranks third in the nation in installed solar capacity, 93 percent of that capacity comes from utility-scale operations due to the states ban on third-party sales.

Conflicting Stances on Renewable Energy

While Duke Energy has fought third-party solar sales in North Carolina and in Florida, it has taken different stances on the practice in other states. In South Carolina, for example, the company actually took part in a compromise agreement that expanded residential solar in the state.

As a result, Baker is doing significantly more work in South Carolina, said Epstein. It saddens me because my company is based in Raleigh, Ive been here for seven to eight years and employ people who work here. I want to work in North Carolina.

However, Epstein said several times that Baker has a good relationship with Duke Energy.

Wheeless told DeSmog he wants stakeholders in North Carolina to get together, as they did in South Carolina, to discuss a wide range of solar options and that just focusing on third-party sales is a nonstarter, something he has said previously to the media.

Warren said this line is a recipe for delay. It came [first] at a time where Duke was clearly very concerned about third-party sales. They were spending a lot of money on lobbyists to try to beat back that Energy Freedom Act [of 2015], which would have legalized third-party sales.

Duke also purchased a majority stake in REC Solar last year, which makes money from third-party solar sales in California and Hawaii, states that permit these agreements and where Duke Energy does not directly operate.

Despite holding back residential solar in some states, Duke Energy, Wheeless said, is absolutely concerned about environmental pollution. He said the company has invested $4 billion in wind and solar across 13 states and has retired about 40 coal units in the past five or six years. But Duke has replaced these coal plants with natural gas facilities and natural gas contributes large amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon, into the atmosphere.

Duke wants to build up to 15 new natural gas plants in North and South Carolina alone and NC WARN is challenging them on this, too. Duke will likely acquire Charlotte-based Piedmont Natural Gas as it hopes to pipe gas 554 miles from West Virginia, through Virginia and into eastern North Carolina.

We believe natural gas is going to be the backbone of energy generation going forward, said Duke President and CEO Lynn Good.

When DeSmog asked Wheeless about the dangerous methane that comes from natural gas, he had no direct response, only citing Duke Energys work with hog operations to capture that methane and burn it at our own plants, taking out harmful emissions.

In contrast, Warren said, The people on this planet are in a world of hurt and we need to be expanding solar and cutting emissions as fast as we can.

Duke Energy plans to invest $3 billion in renewables over the next five years. We dont have an absolute [percent of total output] target for renewable energy over those years, said Wheeless, but we feel like we know where were going.

Yet Duke does have a target for solar, wind and biomass energy for 2029: a measly 4 percent, as Greenpeaces Monica Embrey described it.

Keeping Up the Pressure

Warren and NC WARN have no plans to relent in their campaign against the big polluter, Duke Energy.

Its hard to say if well win our appeal, said Warren. We feel strongly that this project is in accord with the state constitution, which prohibits monopolies, but also state policy that promotes the expansion of renewable energy 

We want to clarify that Duke doesnt get to lock off these rooftops and prevent competition, especially when youve got an industry that wants to be involved with upfront solar in this state.

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Just how much benefit must a student receive through special education to meet the goals of the key federal law?

Four decades after the passage of what was to become the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the U.S. Supreme Court plans to take up that question in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District.

Experts in special education law say the courts decision could mean as much to educators as the landmark case Rowley v. Hendrick Hudson Central School District, which in 1982 defined the central question of special education law: What is a free, appropriate public education?

Endrew F. potentially will be as important as Rowley to shape what we do in special education for years to come, said Antonis Katsiyannis, the president of the Council for Exceptional Children and a professor at Clemson University with a focus on special education law. "[Its] very exciting to have the Supreme Court addressing the meaning of [free, appropriate education] again.

Meaningful vs. Some

In Rowley, the Supreme Court said that the IDEA requires instruction that is reasonably calculated to enable the child to receive educational benefit. The court intentionally declined to say just how much benefit would be adequate. "[C]ourts must be careful to avoid imposing their view of preferable educational methods upon the states, Chief Justice William Rehnquist wrote for the six-justice majority.

But lower courts have grappled with that question and come up with different terms. Should the educational benefit to students be meaningful? Are schools required to offer just some benefit? Or can the standard be met if educational benefits are little more than trivial?

Thats the question that the newer case is intended to answer.

Endrew, called Drew in court briefs, is now a 17-year-old student with autism living in suburban Denver. In 2010, his parents pulled him out of the 66,000-student Douglas County district because they said he wasnt making any meaningful educational progress in public school. The parents argued that the district should be required to pay for Drews private school tuition.

An administrative-law judge, a federal district judge, and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals all decided against the parents. The appeals-court ruling in August 2015 said that Drew was gaining some educational benefit from his individualized education program. Referring to an earlier case in the same circuit, the court also said the IDEA requires that special education only offer a more than de minimis, or trivial, benefit.

While the parents lost at the lower-court levels, they gained a powerful supporter when they appealed to the Supreme Courtthe federal government.

No parent or educator in America would say that a child has received an appropriate or a specially suitable or proper education in the circumstances when all the child has received are benefits that are barely more than trivial, wrote the U.S. solicitor generals office, urging the Supreme Court to take the case. That is particularly true when a child is capable of achieving much more.

The 10th Circuit Court is among several that have said educational benefits under special education need be only more than trivial, the solicitor generals brief said. Other circuits, however, have stated that educational benefits must be meaningful, a more robust standard. That is a disagreement that only the U.S. Supreme Court can resolve, the solicitor generals brief says.

Setting a Standard

Paula Hans, a spokeswoman for the Douglas County district, said in a statement that it would be inappropriate to discuss the specifics of the case while it is still being litigated, but the courts decision is not a decision on the merits, and we look forward to addressing the issues before the court.

Ronald Wenkart, the general counsel for the Orange County education department in California, explored those differing circuit-court standards in a 2009 article for Wests Education Law Reporter. Some circuits have at times used both meaningful educational benefit and some educational benefit, his paper says, leaving even the judges in those circuits questioning the ambiguity.

The impact of the high courts decision could rest on how broadly the justices decide to interpret the question, Wenkart said in an interview.

They could set a standard and explain what the standard is, Wenkart said, a move that he believes would lead to more harmonious meetings between parents and school officials. Conflicts over educational progress currently arise all the time, he said.

This actually might be better for the courts to decide. Congress could add to the law, but thats probably going to be a huge political fight. I dont know if Congress could actually agree, Wenkart said.

Having the Conversation

Kathleen Sullivan, the chief counsel for the Colorado Association of School Boards, agrees that the case is significant, because there are only a handful of Supreme Court cases interpreting the law. However, Sullivan said she doesnt see the conflict among the circuits that the parents have alleged.

School districts across the country really talk about providing a free, appropriate public education to students with disabilities and do not talk about there being a higher or lower standard in certain jurisdictions, she said.

She also noted that Congress has amended the special education law several times since Rowley was decided in 1982. If Congress wanted to tell the Supreme Court that it was wrong in Rowley, Congress knows how to do so, and it hasnt, she said.

Jack D. Robinson, the lawyer representing the parents, said he has two objectives in the suit: first, to convince the high court that the IDEA requires more than trivial educational progress; and second, to articulate a coherent standard to the Supreme Court for them to adopt and flesh out and for the nation to apply.

What are we investing these millions and millions of dollars on? Are we serving the purpose of the IDEA by requiring some meaningful benefit in light of the childs potential? Robinson asked. Its important, regardless of the outcome, to have this conversation.
A couple of years ago, I used to ponder a question. As an educator, how could I emphasize and model empathy, compassion, and service in such a self-centered, social-media influenced society? Reading about the problems of the world and soothing our consciences through poster boards and PowerPoint presentations to bring awareness was not enough. More specifically, how could I use my role as a school librarian to teach our students those values, and then help awaken them to current, challenging issues by collaborating with other local and global communities? Without even realizing it, the answer was right in front of me.

At that time, I was an adviser of the Principals Ladies Club, an organization of young women at our school. We focused on etiquette, leadership, and community service. Our projects made us feel good about lending a helping hand to the community and earned accolades for our students. However, these achievements never fully represented the mission or possibilities of the organization.

What could I do to help? Somehow, I had overlooked the connection between my role as a librarian and an empowered learner and the collaboration opportunities between the school and our larger communities. The school curriculum was a set of tools to teach students and meet their academic needs; however, there were other potential opportunities to influence students, both personally and socially. Of course, they needed concrete ways to demonstrate growth, hard work, and discipline, but I wanted to help them increase their understanding of the world around them. Students needed to experience more than simply feel-good momentsI felt that was part of my role as an educator.

So last year, our young womens organization set out to become empowered. Our students wanted to affect change in local and global communities. We sponsored several activities, including a visit to the Ronald McDonald House, numerous bake sales, a mentor day at a middle school, a movie night, and several career cafe days. But, there were two events that proved to be the most impactful because we strengthened our efforts through collaboration with other organizations, and we developed compassion for marginalized populations.

Knowledge and Action

Our first project involved a collaboration with The Twin Rivers, Ohio, chapter of the Links Incorporated , a national service learning organization dedicated to womens empowerment. Since our geographic location was listed among the top 10 locations for human trafficking, we knew this was an important, timely topic. We held a conference at our school for all young women in grades 9-12. Preparation for the conference included conducting surveys, researching information, organizing the program, and contacting guest speakers who were experts in the fields of law enforcement, social work, and self defense. Afterwards there were small-group discussions led by student leaders and adult volunteers.

Before the conference, we distributed a survey to find out what students already knew about the topic, and if increased learning would motivate them to action. While our student leaders were somewhat informed about this topic, they definitely expanded their knowledge during the various presentations. The attendees learned how human trafficking has been redefined to include not only vulnerable women from afar or those who play fictional roles in movies, but also those who live within our own communities. Presenters shared ways to identify red flags and unhealthy relationships that can serve as catalysts for human trafficking. Perhaps the most powerful part of the conference was the final presentation by a survivor. In follow-up evaluations, our student leaders acknowledged that their classmates learned a lot, and they requested future empowerment sessions.

Our second project was a global effort that included collaboration with C.G. Womens Empowerment , a locally based, global organization led by Dureti (Mimi) Tadesse, a native of Ethiopia who now lives in the Columbus, Ohio, area. Through this organization, Mimi offers resources and services to neglected women and children in rural Oromia, Ethiopia. Our introduction to the organization included meeting the director who shared her passion for generating revenue for women living in poverty. The funds are used to promote entrepreneurship by helping women develop small businesses to take care of their families.

Beyond School Walls

One student from our young womens organization was so moved by the presentation that she interned in the field and developed a series of marketing materials and literature to educate others about the work thats necessary to help women earn wages to support their families. She became a global collaborator who understood the power of building communities. As a result of her internship, we raised $1,000 by conducting a coin drive at our school. The funds went towards the purchase of 50 sheep for the small village. The Ethiopian women utilized those sheep to produce milk, cheese, yogurt, and other products that were then sold for profit. The project was ultimately presented at a city service learning fair, and later recognized by the local Rotary Club. Our student leader also received a college scholarship for her exemplary role in the organization.

Our young womens experiences with community service locally and globally were important lessons in how to network and engage in learning environments beyond the four walls of a school building. More importantly, our students gained skills that allowed them to empathize, not just sympathize, with other citizensand then move to action. In essence, they experienced what it means to be change agents. While the school library has traditionally been a place for fact finding, analysis, and technology presentations, I learned to expand my role as a school librarian. Now, rather than simply teaching academic skills, I know how exciting it is to include teaching those important skills our students need to help engage communities, collaborate with others, and solve problems beyond our school walls.
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
Manx public urged to get online

Manx residents are being encouraged to use digital technology as part of Get Online Week.

The Isle of Man Government is backing the campaign, which aims to show people how the internet can make life easier, save money and be fun.

A number of businesses and charities will be holding events to encourage the public to get online, including Onchan library, Age Isle of Man and the Chamber of Commerce.

The Government is also urging organisations to sign up to its Digital Inclusion Charter during the week, which is encouraging Islanders to develop digital skills.

Get Online Week begins today, with details of the Isle of Man events available on the Government's website.
New endoscopy unit fully operational



Noble's Hospital

The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed the Island's new 1.9m Endoscopy Unit is now fully operational.

The facility opened at Noble's Hospital last month almost two years after work started on the site.

Over 3,500 endoscopies are performed at the hospital each year, screening for a variety of conditions affecting the throat, stomach and bowel.

Charity Bowel Cancer Isle of Man has provided funding to decorate and furnish the treatment rooms and reception, as well as a recovery room.

Endoscopies involve using a tube with a miniature camera to see inside the body.
'We Are Anonymous' is the largest group of hidden hackers in the planet. It consists of skilled hackers who illegally penetrate digital structures to reach confidential information and they have struck again!

It recently blew up the news as updates from 'Anonymous' started surfacing on the digital web. They claimed that they sucessfully penetrated The Pentagon. The group also claims that the entire Pentagon organization believes that World War III is upon us.

Not only that, they say that it is unavoidable at this stage. Of course as we all know that if it was to happen, the biggest players would be Russia and America as they can be seen as the two world powers currently.

According to the International Business Times, things have gotten so bad that there are reports coming that the USA might declare war on Russia and Syria just so they can implement a no fly zone over syria.

According to Anonymous Head Quarters, it is also said that the Chinese officials are asking their citizens to shelter themselves and prepare for a war at sea.

On the 22nd of September the United States ended all their contracts with Russia and following that, they increased their forces in Syria which seems to be the center of conflict currently. People are also saying that right now tension between the two world powers is as high as it has been since the cold war era.

China, being alongside with Russia is said to have been testing nuclear weapons with Russia in certain testing sights. Even Moscow is started to tell people to prepare for what could be a possible war of the Nuclears with the United States of America.

So far these have been the updates. No country has taken any drastic moves yet but everyone is on the edge of their seats. What's going to happpen? Only time will tell.
American BDS organization takes its case to Capitol Hill By Dan Diker

The "US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation," a national coalition of anti-Israel organizations, held its annual conference on October 14-17 in Arlington, Virginia. The final day of the conference is designated as a congressional Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, during which US Campaign members will be urged to meet with their representatives to further the organization's agenda. The US Campaign is a pro-BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) organization that denies the legitimacy of Israel's existence, demonizes the Jewish state, and calls for cutting all ties between the United States and Israel. Its leadership and members are supporters of terror groups (in some cases are tied to outlawed terror organizations) and have a record of violence. Given the US Campaign's full-throated support for the BDS campaign (which calls for the boycott of Israeli academics, cultural figures, and businesses based solely on their Israeli nationality), it is possible that those who facilitate the organization's work may run afoul of U.S. anti-discrimination and anti-BDS legislation. Members of Congress might consider whether they wish to provide an audience to members of a discriminatory organization tied to terror and violence. Opposition to Israel's Existence and Calls for Its Destruction as a Jewish State The US Campaign was set up in the spring and summer of 2001 by activists looking to end U.S. support for Israel  in parallel to the wave of Palestinian suicide bombing attacks against Israeli civilians known as the "Second Intifada." The coalition now consists of several hundred anti-Israel organizations. Its work is overseen by an 11-person Steering Committee and carried out by an eight-person staff. According to the organization's website, "The US Campaign endorsed the Palestinian call for BDS shortly after it was issued in July 2005. Academic and cultural boycotts were endorsed in 2009." The BDS campaign which the US Campaign endorses and promotes aims for the destruction of Israel as a Jewish state. In the words of the founder and most prominent leader of the BDS campaign, Omar Barghouti, "Definitely, most definitely we oppose a Jewish state in any part of Palestine." The BDS campaign also makes clear its opposition to the U.S. policy of support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Barghouti declaring, "Going back to the two-state solution, besides having passed its expiry date, it was never a moral solution to start with." The US Campaign's Co-founder and Director of Organizing and Advocacy, Anna Baltzer, has likewise declared that she is not opposed merely to any supposed Israeli occupation but to the very existence of Israel itself, explaining, "I recognized that the problem was not simply occupation, but rather the creation and maintenance of an ethno-nationalist Jewish entity.I realized occupation was just one step in a much longer process, and I couldn't simply oppose one and not the other." While some BDS organizations including the US Campaign occasionally try to maintain ambiguity as to whether their opposition is to Israel's existence or to its presence over the Green Line, they make little real effort to hide their ultimate goals. One of the most experienced and well-known anti-Israel figures in the United States, Norman Finkelstein, criticized his fellow activists for occasionally trying to hide their true goals, insisting, "I mean we have to be honest, and I loathe the disingenuousness. [The BDS activists] don't want Israel. They think they are being very clever.You know and I know what the result is. There's no Israel!" Ending Diplomatic Ties between the United States and Israel  Malaysia as a Role Model The US Campaign works to end U.S. military, diplomatic, financial, corporate, and all other forms of support for Israel. Baltzer recently held up Malaysia as a role model for the United States in this context. In a 2015 lecture, she opined, "Malaysia has been a leader in having no diplomatic ties with Israel, which is extraordinary. In many ways [Malaysia's] status quo is something that [we] dream about achieving in our context. It is our holy grail." Support for and Ties to Terror and Violence The US Campaign leadership and members have shown consistent support for (and ties to) terrorism and a track record of violence and incitement. Baltzer flagrantly whitewashes the terrorist activities of Fatah's Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, one of the most violent Palestinian armed groups, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, EU, and Canada. In a March 2007 article written from Nablus meant to convey the "truth" about events in Palestine to American readers, Baltzer claims, "It's worth noting that [Israeli] soldiers are the very targets of the wanted men, not Israeli civilians. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade plans attacks against armed fighters." In truth, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades have carried out dozens of terror attacks targeting Israeli citizens in Israeli cities within the pre-1967 lines, in which hundreds of civilians have been murdered or injured. As just one example, on January 5, 2003, two Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades suicide bombers blew themselves up outside the Tel Aviv Central Bus Station, murdering 23 Israeli civilians and injuring over 100. In fact, less than three months before Baltzer published her article, a Martyrs Brigades terrorist walked into a bakery in the Israeli city of Eilat and blew himself up, murdering three Israeli civilians. Baltzer, however, chose to unquestioningly convey the propaganda of a Martyrs Brigades commander who claimed (after being asked by Baltzer whether he had a message for the American people), "I am opposed to violence against any civilians, whether they are Palestinian or Israeli, Muslim or Jewish." Baltzer is hardly alone in her support for terror and violence among the US Campaign leadership and membership. US Campaign Steering Committee member Bekah Wolf is married to convicted Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist Mousa Abu Maria. US Campaign Steering Committee member Abe Greenhouse was charged in 2007 with criminal mischief and unlawful possession of a weapon after he took part in an assault on a couple and 64-year-old man in New Jersey, allegedly throwing steel cylinders and shattering the rear window of the couple's vehicle. Greenhouse first gained notoriety when he threw a pie in the face of former Soviet refusenik and Israeli minister Natan Sharansky while Sharansky was delivering a lecture at Rutgers University in 2003. US Campaign's Hamas-Supporting Partner One of the "Member Groups in Good Standing for 2016" in the US Campaign is the organization "American Muslims for Palestine" (AMP). In April 2016, former U.S. Treasury terror finance analyst Dr. Jonathan Schanzer testified before Congress regarding the numerous connections between AMP and three organizations that were shut down or held civilly liable by the U.S. government for providing financial support to the Hamas terrorist group. For example, the Holy Land Foundation (HLF) was designated by the U.S. Treasury as a terrorist-supporting entity in 2001 for having channeled approximately $12.4 million to Hamas. One of HLF's officers was identified by Hamas' top official as "the Hamas leader for the U.S." While a number of HLF officials fled the United States or were convicted, at least three have transferred to central positions in AMP. Whether they are still involved via AMP in terror financing is unknown. What is clear is that AMP has become one of the most significant funders of the violent campus BDS group "Students for Justice in Palestine," providing money, speakers, training, and even "apartheid walls" to SJP activists on campus. This penchant for violence and terrorism extends beyond the leadership of the US Campaign to the invited guest speakers at its upcoming conference. For example, one guest speaker is Abir Kopty, a Christian Arab citizen of Israel, former member of the city council of Nazareth, and BDS activist, who in 2013 was investigated by the Israeli police for incitement to violence. The investigation was triggered by her call for the Christian Arab organizer of a meeting to discuss Christian enlistment in the Israel Defense Forces to be defamed and branded as a "collaborator." Another session at the upcoming conference will be led by Al-Haq, a Palestinian NGO headed by Shawan Jabarin. Jabarin has admitted to being part of the U.S.- and EU-designated terrorist organization Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). While he claims to have ended his PFLP connections during his student years, the Israeli Supreme Court determined in 2007 that "[Jabarin] is apparently active as a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In part of his activities, he is the director of a human rights organization, and in another part he is an activist in a terrorist organization which does not shy away from acts of murder and attempted murder which have nothing to do with rights, and on the contrary deny the most basic of all human rightswithout which there are no other rights  the right to life." BDS Discrimination and Anti-Semitism The BDS campaign calls for the boycott of Israeli academics, cultural figures, and businesses, based solely on the criterion that they are Israeli. As such, it is widely seen as being discriminatory. Furthermore, as BDS singles out and demonizes the world's only Jewish state, and in practice often targets Jewish supporters of Israel, it has also frequently been described as anti-Semitic. For that reason, thirteen U.S. states, as well as Congress, have passed legislation aimed at combating BDS. The upcoming US Campaign BDS conference will take place at the Westin Arlington Gateway hotel in Arlington, Virginia. The Virginia Human Rights Act explicitly declares that it is the policy of the Commonwealth to "Safeguard all individuals within the Commonwealth from unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin in places of public accommodation." It further notes, "The provisions of this chapter shall be construed liberally for the accomplishment of its policies." The BDS conference will conclude with a Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. It should be noted as well that the type of discrimination inherent in the BDS campaign is prohibited in Washington, D.C., as well. The Washington, D.C. Human Rights Act states, "It is the intent of the Council of the District of Columbiato secure an end in the District of Columbia to discrimination for any reason other than that of individual merit, including, but not limited to, discrimination by reason of race, color, religion, national origin." Conclusion Due to the discriminatory and anti-Semitic nature of the BDS campaign, more and more countries and states are taking concrete steps against it. As mentioned, 13 American states have passed anti-BDS legislation; Congress has passed two pieces of anti-BDS legislation and is considering several more. President Obama, as well as both the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates, have strongly condemned efforts to promote boycotts of Israel. Beyond the United States, anti-BDS legislation and legal decisions have come into effect in the UK, France, and Spain, and bank accounts of BDS organizations have been shut down in Germany, Austria, France, the UK, and Ireland. Members of Congress, regardless of their stance regarding Israel's presence in the West Bank, must carefully consider accepting requests to be lobbied by representatives of an organization that calls for the destruction of a U.S. ally, supports terror and violence, and promotes discriminatory and anti-Semitic policies. Dan Diker is a foreign policy fellow at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs and a research fellow at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism at IDC Herzliya. He is a former secretary-general of the World Jewish Congress. Home
Hillary  spare us your faux indignation By Mark Alexander

Three weeks from this week we will finally know the outcome of the most absurd and deeply troubling presidential campaign in the history of our nation. This is a contest between two profoundly flawed candidates, and it is therefore both a condemnation of our current national political process and a harbinger of dark days ahead. Despite some enthusiastic Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump supporters, an informal survey of companies that produce campaign bumper stickers and yard signs indicates relatively few Americans are inclined to advertise their support for either Clinton or Trump in their yards or on their vehicles. Can you blame them? The majority of Clinton voters view her like most Trump voters view him: "the least of two evils." Unbowed by her long record of malfeasance and abject corruption, she used lies and deception to narrowly defeat a fringe socialist septuagenarian opponent, Bernie Sanders. Since then, she's played every divisive card in the Demo deck to build back her base, including deploying Al "Jazeera" Gore this week to win back some of Sanders' youthful and naive supporters. Lies and deception are her trademark, and she is a master. It was 20 years ago, when she was "co-president" with Bill Clinton, that Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist William Safire tagged her as a "congenital liar," noting, "She is in the longtime habit of lying; and she has never been called to account for lying herself or in suborning lying in her aides and friends." The only thing that's changed in the last two decades is that Clinton has become much more proficient at lying to achieve her goals and to advance her elitist statist agenda. Now, Clinton, with plenty of help from her adoring leftmedia propagandists, is swamping Trump in an endless loop of political polls. But make no mistake: Her support isn't borne of affection; it's the by-product of her opponent's self-inflicted wounds and record-high negatives. (Donald, before you become completely "unshackled," please relinquish control of your social media accounts to an adult, and find your shut-up switch.) Over the last 16 election cycles for which we have accurate polling data, only once has a candidate trailing in popular polls a week before the election won both the popular and Electoral College votes in that election  and that, of course, was Ronald Wilson Reagan, who handily defeated the hapless Jimmy Carter in 1980. It's worth noting that in that election, Reagan had a four-point deficit to overcome, and only 4.3% of votes were cast early. In 2012, 35% of all votes were cast early. I caution, however, to be careful to not read too much into the leftmedia "pollaganda effect," which floods media consumers with outcome-based poll results to advance a particular bias, and the resulting "bandwagon effect" propagating that bias. Caveat emptor, fellow Patriots. After all, the only poll that counts is the one on Election Day. As for last week's second presidential debate, the real winner was Clinton's media machine, which forced Trump to use the debate as a placeholder rather than a means of closing the gap. They managed to do so by releasing, two days before the debate, a decade-old recording of Trump making vulgar references toward certain Hollywood femme fatales  not that anyone assumes such comments would be out of character for Trump today. This was red meat for the notoriously foul-mouthed Hillary Clinton. (Oh, did her media forget to mention the numerous instances of her unbridled profanity, including Secret Service accounts?) In the debate, Trump deflected the reference to his lewd remarks, saying, "If you look at Bill Clinton, far worse. Mine are words, and his was action. ... There's never been anybody in the history of politics in this nation that's been so abusive to women. ... Bill Clinton was abusive to women. Hillary Clinton attacked those same women and attacked them viciously." He's right, of course. Not since JFK has our nation had a more tireless debaucher of women than Hillary Clinton's meal-ticket husband. While Clinton's media minions feign apoplexy over Trump's comments, their collective silence about her attacks against Bill Clinton's numerous rape and assault victims is deafening. Just before Sunday's "town hall debate," Trump hosted a press conference with Clinton victims Paula Jones, Kathleen Willey and Juanita Broaddrick. The last of these women is the most notable, since she long ago put forth a highly credible allegation of rape. Hillary, for her part, viciously defamed each of them in order to protect her own political aspirations. "Slick Willie" was impeached in 1998 for perjury and obstruction of justice after falsely insisting that he "did not have sexual relations" with a 22-year-old female White House intern. But recall that once Monica Lewinsky produced DNA evidence of the affair, Hillary assailed her character and infamously claimed that the scandal was fabricated by "a vast right-wing conspiracy that has been conspiring against my husband since the day he announced for president." Joining Jones, Willey and Broaddrick at Trump's press conference was Kathy Shelton, who, as a 12-year-old, was raped by a 42-year-old drifter. Hillary Clinton defended Ms. Shelton's rapist, and Clinton was later caught on tape laughing about how her client had passed a polygraph even though she knew he was guilty. (What, the MSM has not mentioned that?) Earlier this year, Clinton brazenly declared, "To every survivor of sexual assault ... you have the right to be heard. You have the right to be believed. We're with you." Really, Hillary? Are you really "with" Juanita Broaddrick? Shelton says, "Hillary put me through something that you would never put a 12-year-old through. And she says she's for women and children." Not only is Hillary a consummate hypocrite, but here is the broader point: Every woman who voted for Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996, and who is now supporting Hillary, personifies the very definition of hypocrisy. Nobody would ever have heard of "Hillary Rodham" if Bill Clinton hadn't brung her to the dance. Manhattan Institute fellow Heather Mac Donald writes in Trumped-Up Outrage, "The sudden onset of Victorian vapors among the liberal intelligentsia and political class at the revelation of Trump's locker-room talk is part and parcel of the left's hypocrisy when it comes to feminism and sexual liberation." As for Trump's "locker room talk," it wasn't just Democrat Party hacks who feigned being appalled. Prior to the debate, House Speaker Paul Ryan tempered his endorsement of Trump, giving Republicans in marginal districts license to free themselves from the liability at the top of the ticket. Ryan was roundly criticized by members of his own caucus, though, and the RNC, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and others are sticking with Trump. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a Republican turncoat who long ago threw in with Barack Obama, offered a rather caustic assessment of both Clintons, which came to light after his email was hacked: "I would rather not have to vote for her, although she is a friend I respect. A 70-year-old person with a long track record, unbridled ambition, greedy, not transformational, with a husband still [redacted] bimbos at home." All that being said, we should brace ourselves. There is surely more Trump dirt, true or not, to come, like last week's "revelation" in a USA Today hit piece about a handful of lawsuits against Trump and his companies for gender discrimination over the last 40 years. Allow me to offer a final observation about the banter between Clinton and Trump in round two... Trump said, "If I win, I'm going to instruct the attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation because there's never been so many lies, so much deception." Clinton responded, "It's just awfully good that someone with the temperament of Donald Trump is not in charge of the law of our country." Then came Trump's best line of the night: "Because you'd be in jail." I note this because in the after-action rhetoric, Democrat operatives accused Trump of acting like a third-world banana republic dictator. Clinton's campaign manager, Robby Mook, declared, "It's chilling that Donald Trump thinks that the presidency is like some banana republic dictatorship where you can lock up your political opponents." But in fact, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have demonstrated their propensity for dictatorship by assuming not only that they're the sole arbiters of the law but that they're also above it. Clinton recently declared, "I want to appoint Supreme Court justices who understand the way the world really works"  meaning those who'll do her bidding rather than abide by their obligation to render opinion based on constitutional Rule of Law. And in one of her secret big money Wall Street donor meetings, Clinton declared, "My dream is a hemispheric common market, with open trade and open borders." Let that sink in for a moment. No Constitution, no borders, no country. That on top of Clinton's political platform: Leftist Supreme Court justices who rule on judicial diktat, bigger government, more regulations, higher taxes, extending Obama's failed economic and feckless foreign policies, using executive fiat to erode the First and Second Amendment, single-payer health care and unmitigated corruption. This is a very difficult election season, but this should not be a difficult election choice between corrosive Clinton and the Trump-Pence ticket. However, if Trump maintains his current trajectory, Republicans will not only lose the presidency, but he may take down the majorities won in the historic 2014 midterm election  the Senate being the last gauntlet between our Constitution and an outlaw executive and judicial branch. Those of us who are military families  who have blood on the line  consider the outcome of this election with an extra measure of concern. Mark Alexander is the executive editor of the Patriot Post. Home
Can the hair be convinced to train like the tortoise? By Michael R. Shannon

Instead of trying to turn Donald Trump into Mitt Romney, I suggest the campaign junta stop trying to construct a Debatetron 5000 and instead get Trump to utilize the assets that won him the nomination: Humor, the ability to connect with an audience and a willingness to say what programmed politicians wont. Hes not trying to convince the New York Times subscriber base to vote for him. Trump is trying to persuade independent voters who arent obsessed with politics to support him and, equally important, go to the polls. Thinks of it this way: Trump isnt after the people who stay in his hotels. Hes after the people who built and work in his hotels. (Assuming theyre citizens.) And speaking of the Times, theyve found another group of anonymous Trump staffers whore going to singlehandedly whip him into shape for the next debate. The term used is rigorously prepare. Good luck, I cant see them making a silk tongue out of a rabblerousers ear. The campaign cant make Trump what he isnt. Hes not going to sit still for some memorizetheKoran debate workout. Instead of trying to make him into Meryl Streep, accept the fact hes John Wayne and try to find a role that fits the venue. Trump debate preparation should be fun, if the junta expects his willing participation. The bulk of it can consist of him watching his favorite person  Donald Trump  in one of his favorite activities: Speaking to adoring crowds at rallies. Explain to him that when Hillary talks about crime or a crimerelated question comes up he should respond with an illegal alien crime sound bite and then play the rally footage. Ask him to repeat what he just heard. The next day rearrange the order of the topics and clips. Instead of treating the debate like Masterpiece Theatre, treat it like a sitcom. Trump can be engaging and funny. Bring those sides out. One of the most memorable occasions in the Bush Vs Gore debates was when Albert the 1st invaded Bushs personal space and George W. looked at the camera and made a face. It connected with the audience and expressed what all normal viewers were thinking. Trump should do the same. The debate audiences dont help him because they are so stodgy. Trump feeds on the energy of the crowd. (Hillary feeds, too, but more like what happens in The Strain.) Absent a loud crowd, let him look at the camera  since hes on a split screen anyway  and try some nonverbal communication. Its a technique Hillary is constitutionally incapable of adopting (also the only known instance of Hillary obeying any type of constitution). The next debate is where the media will really be looking to trip Trump and make him look callous or insensitive as he relates to the MillennialintheStreet. This is the Town Hall session that consists of a crowd of angry leftists moderated by two condescending leftists. The debate commission will assemble probably the only people in America who know less about the Constitution, the federal governments' role and how government functions than Trump does and invite them to ask inane questions. These questions typically consist of two parts. The beginning where the independent voter looks at the camera and hopes mom remembered to set the DVR and the conclusion where the independent puts her vote up for auction and the candidates then compete to see who can spend more tax dollars on her behalf. You never see a questioner ask how long it will take to deport all the illegal aliens. Instead they ask why the government hasnt flown the rest of their family up from Bogota. Its a hostile venue with a hostile audience and Trump will have to be better prepared. Right now Trump supporters boast he won the first part of the debate, but being proud of winning the first 30 minutes of a 90minute debate is like being proud of winning the flat stages of the Tour de France. Hillary probably couldnt have passed the test at doping control after the race, but she crossed the finish line first. Michael R. Shannon is a public relations and advertising consultant with corporate, government and political experience around the globe. He is a dynamic and entertaining keynote speaker. He can be reached at mandate.mmpr (at) gmail.com. He is also the author of Conservative Christian's Guidebook for Living in Secular Times (Now with added humor!). Home
Iranian missiles in Houthi hands threaten freedom of navigation in Red Sea By Lt. Col. (ret.) Michael Segall

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have been waging war against the Yemeni army and the Saudi-led Arab coalition in Yemen for several years. Since the beginning of October 2016, the conflict has assumed a new naval and international dimension that could endanger civilian freedom of navigation in the Red Seas Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which serves as a gateway for oil tankers headed to Europe through the Suez Canal. On October 1, the Houthi-allied Yemeni Republican Guard launched what appears to have been a Chinese-made C-802 anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) near the Red Sea port of Mocha in the strategic Bab el-Mandeb shipping lane. Another possibility is that it was a Noor guided missile (the Iranian version of the C-802) that Iran supplied to the Houthi rebels as part of its extensive military and political assistance to them. Iran supports Houthis in their struggle to take control of Yemen, including their firing of missiles at Saudi Arabia. The maximum range of the advanced version of the missile is 170 km. (apparently Iran supplied the 120-km. version). The missile struck an HSV-2 Swift hybrid catamaran belonging to the United Arab Emirates navy operating in the area as part of the Saudi coalition. The ship was carrying a humanitarian cargo as well as people injured in the combat areas of the city of Aden  the temporary capital for the Yemeni government since the Houthi conquest of Sanaa. This is not the first time the Houthis have claimed they are acting against ships of the Saudi-led Arab coalition in the area of Bab el-Mandeb. The UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement: The targeting of the civilian ship in an international channel has serious implications for freedom of navigation, and is an act of terror. The United Nations also condemned the act. It is worth noting that, during the Second Lebanon War in 2006, a Noor missile that Iran supplied to Hizbullah struck the Israeli naval vessel INS Hanit and killed four crew members. The Houthi rebels claimed to have fired the missile that destroyed the UAE ship. They also posted videos on social networks that document the surveillance, the launch of the missile, the moment it hit the ship, as well as rocket fire toward rescue boats that came to the area. They said the ship was advancing toward Mocha. Earlier, on September 26, Houthi forces encamped on the Hanish Islands and fired artillery shells at Eritrean forces at the seaport and the military airport at Assab in Eritrea. The Houthis claimed that the attack was a response to the aid Eritrea is giving to the Saudi-led Arab coalition by allowing it to use the port, which is very near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. After the October 1 incident, the damaged ship was able to reach the port of Assab. A few days after the missile was fired at the UAE ship, the Houthis, under the name Yemeni Navy Coastal Defense, issued a warning to any vessel belonging to the Saudi-led coalition not to take action against Yemen, with a reminder about the strike on the UAE vessel. The vessels were warned not to approach Yemeni territorial waters without permission from the Yemeni authorities. The statement cautioned: In case of witnessing any uncoordinated movements near Yemens territorial waters or trespass of our sea border, the vessels of Saudi Arabia and its allies will be destroyed." Houthis Issue Warning against Trespassing Following the firing of the missile at the UAE ship, the United States dispatched three naval ships to the area. The ships  the guided-missile destroyers USS Nitze (DDG-94) and USS Mason (DDG-87) and the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (AFSB (I)-15)  are on station off Yemen near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Spokesmen of the American fleet said the United States was acting with allies in the region to ensure freedom of navigation and trade. It appears the warning was also meant for U.S. Navy vessels operating in the area. On October 9, two presumed cruise missiles, launched within 60 minutes of each other from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, targeted the USS Mason (DDG-87) in the same area; on October 11, Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired two more cruise missiles within a 60-minute window at the USS Mason. The ships crew employed a variety of onboard defensive measures to defend the guided-missile destroyer and nearby USS Ponce. Mason launched two Standard Missile-2s (SM-2s) and a single Enhanced Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM). In addition to the missiles, the ship used its Nulka anti-ship missile decoy. No damage or injuries were reported. The attack marks the first time in recent memory that a U.S. Navy vessel was forced to engage its on-board defense systems. Bryan Clark, a naval analyst at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments and former aide to retired former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert, said following the incident that It might be the first time the SM-2 was used against an actual threat for which it was designed.Its definitely the first time ESSM has been used.This is obviously a huge deal. In retaliation, the USS Nitze launched Tomahawk cruise missile strikes knocking out three coastal radar sites in areas of Yemen controlled by Iran-aligned Houthi forces that were active during previous attacks and attempted attacks on ships in the Red Sea, said an American official. The areas in Yemen where the radars were located were identified near Ras Isa, north of Mukha, and near Khoka. President Obama Authorized Strikes against Houthi Radar The strikes, authorized by President Barack Obama, represent Washingtons first direct military action against suspected Houthi-controlled targets in Yemens conflict. Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said, Anybody who takes action, fires against U.S. Navy ships operating in international waters, does so at their own peril.Were going to find out who did this and we will take action accordingly. He added that the incident is being reviewed up and down the chain of command and that military intelligence specialists are tracking the individuals responsible. On the day the missile was fired at the UAE ship, Iran was holding an annual ceremony for those who have contributed to the resistance. The first place among the resistance movements was taken by Houthi leader Abd al-Malek Houthi. The personal certificate of merit for Resistance 2016 was given to his assistant by Ali Jafari, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Arab media saw the award as further evidence of Irans growing involvement in the Yemeni conflict. Notably, unlike in the past, Iran is no longer concealing its involvement in Yemen and the aid it is providing to the Shiite Houthi rebels. The firing of guided shore-to-sea missiles at U.S. and UAE ships constitutes an escalation in the Yemeni conflict and could pose a threat to a key international sea lane in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The ability to fire guided missiles, along with their long range (120 km.), endangers not only the coalitions freedom of action and ability to enforce the Arab embargo but also civilian vessels, including tankers that operate in the area. Irans aid to the Houthi rebels has apparently increased beyond Tehrans ongoing assistance to fighting at the different fronts in Yemen. Iran is prepared to provide tie-breaking weapons that could help the Houthis breach the naval blockade that Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners have imposed on Yemen. In the past, weapons-smuggling ships have been intercepted as Iran was trying to transfer arms to the Houthi rebels. It appears, however, that with the Houthis holding their own in the battles, the embargo is ineffective and Iran has found other lanes for transferring weapons to the Houthis. The ceasefire in Yemen collapsed at the beginning of August. Despite attempts to renew the dialogue (with the involvement of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and the UN envoy to the region) between the Houthis, who are Irans proxies, and the Yemeni government headed by Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, which is backed by the Saudi-led Arab coalition, the war is continuing and even expanding. This war constitutes an additional arena for the Battle of the Titans between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which is also being waged in other venues including Syria, Iraq, and Bahrain, and is part of the realignment of the Middle East in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. Iran Fills the American Vacuum A solution in Yemen appears distant. International interest in the conflict is almost nonexistent, especially in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. The departure from Yemen of most of the American Special Forces left a vacuum; it has been filled by Iran and the terror organizations Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State, which is active in southern Yemen. From time to time, unmanned American drones fire missiles at these groups, but they remain active in the absence of international concern. Significantly, the UAE is playing a central role in the Arab coalition in Yemen. Along with its forces military activity, mainly against AQAP near the port cities of Al-Mukalla and Aden in southern Yemen, the UAE provides extensive humanitarian aid to the residents of the area as part of the struggle against terror. The UAE is also trying to get the tribes in the area to support the Yemeni central government, which is important to shore up. Also apparent in Yemen are the absence of the American player and the weakening of its overall policy in the Middle East. Not far from Yemen in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian fast boats continue to harass and provoke American warships, which operate without any appropriate response. Meanwhile, Iran continues to build its naval and missile power, with which it can project force in the Arabian Gulf and beyond to the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea  where Iranian ships are active as part of the war on pirates, but also as a signal to the United States that Iran views these areas as a natural zone of influence. Iran views the maritime domain as an important channel for its influence. It enables it to protect its borders as it develops a special battle doctrine, swarming, to confront technologically superior (American) naval forces. It also enables Iran to ship aid to its proxies including the Houthis in Yemen, the Palestinian terror organizations, and Hizbullah. The ongoing war in Yemen serves as a perfect venue for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN), IRGC missile forces, IRGC Quds forces, and Hizbullah to battle-test some of their new weapons against Irans enemies  Saudi Arabia and its Arab-coalition and its arch enemy, the Great Satan, the United States. For Iran, Yemen is a perfect venue for such tests. Iran is preparing for future engagement with the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf where the IRGCN frequently provokes and sometimes humiliates American naval presence in the area. The Americans reaction to launching the missiles against its ships may change the dynamics. Playing the incident down will again play into Iranian propaganda and bolster Irans already overconfident and defiant stance. IDF Lt.-Col. (ret.) Michael (Mickey) Segall, an expert on strategic issues with a focus on Iran, terrorism, and the Middle East, is a senior analyst at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs and at Alcyon Risk Advisors. Home
For how long can OPEC talk up oil prices? By Julianne Geiger





Not a day passes without OPEC making oil and gas headlines, and today is surely no exception. Seemingly in lockstep with OPEC, the market is once again pacified on the promise that changes to the global oil supply glut are a' comin'.



Last week the Wall Street Journal quoted anonymous sources close to the matter who had it on good authority that the Saudi's were willing to cut "up to" 400,000 barrels per day (and that they had planned to do so all along, with or without an OPEC agreement). We can assume this figure is off August or September levels, which are near-record highs for the oil-rich country.



Of course, there are 400,000 different possible production cut figures included in this "up to 400,000" rangeincluding a big fat zeroso fundamentally speaking, like so much of the OPEC speak, this could mean nothing.



But this isn't the first time OPEC chatter or supposition or guesswork has moved markets, and it won't be the last. Because, as Oilprice contributor Rakesh Upadhyay pointed out back in August, just a month before the freeze was announced, fundamentals aren't what's driving the oil marketspeculation is. And nothing feeds speculators like OPEC.



As Upadhyay wrote, "Though most analysts agreed that a production freeze was not going to alter the fundamentals, prices rose sharply, with the hedge funds adding record long positions," as evidenced by the chart below, which shows what happened in February when OPEC cuts were on the table for Doha. Fundamentals didn't changethe glut wasn't easingyet hedge funds and speculation on OPEC rumors drove up prices. The hope quickly faded when the Doha meeting fell short of expectations, but prices continued to climb. Then, the market found new hope in the Vienna meeting. We then wonderedthis time quite wistfullyif a freeze could maybe, possibly happen in that meeting over the summer, much in the same way one might hold onto hope that we might someday win the lotto. Our hopes were dashed yet againbut not before the market reflexively inched up again.



Soon after, Saudi comments, which indicated that a new spirit of cooperation among OPEC members might be taking shape, sending prices upward yet again. An unofficial meeting was announced. Algiers, they said. "Stabilize the market" they said (which can apparently be done with talk, rather than production cuts). Russia chimed in, vacillating between joining the "market stabilization" efforts and not. We asked ourselves, this time ever more cautiously, dare we hope again? Most thought not, but speculators threw caution to the wind, moving markets this way and that on almost a daily basis in response to every utterance regarding the freeze.



Then the announcement came that OPEC had reached a deal. The earth shook, moving markets again this time by a large percentageand this time backed up by a more tangible hope.



Meanwhile, the industry scrambled to make sense of what it all meant. How big would the cut be? Which members would do the cutting? How did Saudi Arabia and Iran reach any kind of consensus when they were worlds aparton multiple fronts? And then there was the ultimate question that had every analyst from here to Venezuela furiously figuring and calculating and refiguring and recalculating: just how high could prices go?



Speculators continued to largely disregard the ins and outs of the deal, which were absent at the time, and we saw markets tick up happily in response.



When the size of the production cutbetween 240,000 and 740,000 barrels per daywas announced, one could feel the weight of the disappointment within the industry overall. The analysts wanted more; wanted deeper. Most OPEC members had been scrambling to reach record high oil production leading up to the meeting, some successful. Given current production levels, the small cut was seen by most analysts as a mere token gesture that would do very little to address what most would agree is the reason behind the price "problem"the global supply glut.



And further skepticism surfaced over the fact that no specific member had agreed to any specific cutthey just agreed that as a group, "they" would do some cuttingsome months down the roadand that the "they" in that equation wouldn't be Iran. And it wouldn't be Nigeria. And it wouldn't be Libya.



And still, amid all this ambiguity and mystery, and with some distant promise to shave a mere 240,000 barrels of oil per day off OPEC's record production figures, oil climbed above $50 a barrel. Today, Brent is trading at $52.64, which is a 12-month high-a monumental swing on mere talk.



And sure, some minor fundamentals have changed, such as five weeks of crude oil inventory draws in the U.S., but those inventory numbers are still way too high. In reality, OPEC hasn't actually done anything to ease the glut. They've just talked about talking two months from now. In fact, the only actions that OPEC has taken is to pump oil at record paces, adding to the glut, and hoping that speculators will lap up what they're dishing out in rhetoric. That's what OPEC is doing today.



So happy are the markets on this wispy nothingness, in fact, that some are suggesting the oil markets are poised for a major meltdown, as speculators buy up contracts that are equal to a year's worth of U.S. consumptionamounts that can't possibly be delivered and will be pushed off to next month's contracts or cancelled. To put this in perspective, there are 480 million barrels of oil on order for delivery in November to Cushing, Oklahomaa facility that is capable of handling only 50 million per month.



What will also be pushed aside are some other cold, hard facts, such as Libya's production increases, or Iraq's, or Iran's, and how fundamentally, this means the remaining OPEC members would have to make deeper cuts to offset these increases and still meet the organization's promised cut. Deeper cuts that could hurt whichever member is tasked with taking on this burden.



But to keep the market's eye on the OPEC ball despite market saturation, the Algerian Energy Minister, desperate to save his country from an economic collapse, made yet another announcement on behalf of OPEC that the bloc would be willing to cut yet another 1% "if we need to" on top of the cuts proposed out of the meeting in Algiers, adding that there would be even more meetings forthcomingthe first of which will be in Istanbul on Oct 9-13, again, on the sidelines of another energy meeting, the World Energy Congress. But this time, the informal talks about the freeze will include non-OPEC Russia and non-OPEC Azerbaijan.



As Reuters reports, the meeting signals that OPEC "is more serious now about managing the global supply glut." Russia apparently doesn't share this perceived seriousness, with Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak saying on Friday that he doesn't expect to sign a deal with OPEC during this meeting. Just more talk.



And yet another meeting is scheduled in Vienna for October 28 and 29, according to OPEC sources, followed by a "long-term strategy" meeting on November 1-4, and a technical meeting again in Vienna on November 23 and 24, and possibly a follow-up meeting of the High Level Committee a day later on November 25. Finally, recommendations will be presented at the previously disclosed and much anticipated meeting on November 30.



That's plenty of evenly spaced talk that is sure to keep OPEC in media headlines, and give the oil speculators something to play with until that time. After that, it's anyone's guess as to how long prices will hold, but it's likely that regardless of the outcome of the 30 November recommendation meeting, OPEC will continue to feed the beast with talkand the market will readily accept the handout, even if it's in lieu of the fundamentals. Julianne Geiger is a writer for Oilprice.com where this originally appeared. Home
Why Republicans continue to lose By Scot Faulkner

Republicans always seem to fight the wrong battle, the wrong way, at the wrong time. Republicans inevitably break ranks at the first sign of trouble. Republicans shoot their wounded, even if the injury is just a cut or sprain. Democrats never break ranks. Democrats lock arms and deny, dismiss, defy and defend, no matter what. Democrats will always rescue one of their own  no matter the odds, or how gravely wounded, or how despicable or criminal the offense. The hot mic tape of Donald Trumps boorish locker room talk now dominates the 2016 Presidential Campaign, stealing attention away from critically important issues. Its a safe bet the Democrats, and their media allies, have a stockpile of embarrassing Trump material ready to roll out in the coming weeks. Trump and his supporters are confronting asymmetrical warfare. His offensive words are considered more damning than any of Hillary Clintons actual actions, misdeeds and derelictions of duty. But then the Democrats have always played dirty. In 1980, Speaker Tip ONeil withheld a Washington, DC police report on conservative Congressman Bob Baumans sexuality for eighteen months, in order to release it five weeks before Election Day. Its timing was designed for maximum damage with minimum recovery time, since Republican voters were more likely to punish immorality. Democrats want to win at all costs. Democrats want to gain, maintain, and above all expand their power. Democrats never waiver from these goals. Democrat spokespeople coordinate their talking points and stay on message. They tackle anyone who tries to lift the curtain on truth. They destroy anyone who challenges the liberal Democrat hold on government. Perhaps the most infamous and extreme example from the Democrat win at all costs playbook is covering up Ted Kennedys misdeeds. On July 18, 1969, Senator Ted Kennedy killed 28-year-old Mary Jo Kopechne in a tragic car accident on Chappaquiddick Island near Marthas Vineyard. Liberals in politics and media suppressed the incident by ignoring Kennedys multiple lies and inconsistencies. Kennedy went on being a liberal icon. The media continued to dismiss and minimize Kopechnes death, and Kennedys countless sexual affairs. Then, earlier this year, in the propaganda film about Clarence Thomas confirmation, Hollywood portrayed Kennedy as a defender of abused women. The other side of the Democrats playbook is character assassination of Republicans. In 2012, they and the media portrayed Mitt Romney as a callous, clueless elitist. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) actually bragged that he had blatantly lied when he accused Romney of not paying taxes, boasting It worked, didnt it? Romney lost! Honesty, decency and facts never get in the way of a good Democrat attack. Over the past few months, Democrats have never talked about the substance of leaks that were so damaging to Hillary Clinton. In lock-step, Democrats immediately attacked the veracity of the leaked material, while the Obama Administration blamed the leaks source on Russia. By the time the truth of the leaked statements was demonstrated, the media had moved onto to other things. In 2012, bin Laden is dead and Detroit is alive was the mantra that defied the facts. The Benghazi attack was drowned out with the bogus claim that a video caused a spontaneous protest at the embassy. Debate moderator Candy Crowley did her duty and maintained the lie, by throwing a body block against Mitt Romney in the second Presidential Debate  when she claimed that President Obama had said it was a terrorist attack, when he had said no such thing. In 2016, America is safer and more prosperous than ever is another phony Democrat mantra. Every terrorist attack on American soil is stifled or obscured with bogus alternative motives and explanations. Economic reports are cooked or spun. Nothing must stand in the way of Obamas Third Term. Some Republicans, and many in the conservative media, do their best to counter the Democrat onslaught. However, they are constantly crippled by numerous Republicans who turn tail and run when the first shots are fired in anger. During Bill Clintons Presidency, Republicans bungled their investigation of Chinese campaign donations to Clinton in exchange for trade concessions and ownership of part of the Port of Los Angeles. That was treason by the Clintons and gross incompetence by the Republicans. Instead of focusing on this, though, Republicans impeached Clinton on sexual issues and his countless lies. And even then, despite overwhelming evidence, five Republicans voted not guilty on perjury and ten voted not guilty on obstruction of justice. Republicans further bungled impeachment by self-immolating over their own sexual affairs, including the resignation of Congressman Bob Livingston on the cusp of his becoming Speaker. Republicans had hoped to shame Clinton into resigning or at least confessing. They forgot that Democrats have no shame; and if they didnt have double standards, theyd have no standards. Simply put, too many Republicans are more focused on remaining part of the Washington Establishment, than on cleaning up the festering cesspool. But the 2016 stakes are enormous. A Clinton Presidency means, for at least a generation, the Supreme Court will be turned over to activist liberal justices who will vivisect the Constitution in the name of reshaping society. It means open borders and open immigration, overwhelming Americas culture with Islamic fundamentalism and welfare for Third World refugees. A Clinton Presidency means expansion of government spending and regulatory control beyond even Obamas wildest dreams. If Republicans stand accused of wanting to control what Americans do in the privacy of their bedrooms, Democrats are clearly intent on imposing centralized control over everything Americans do outside their bedrooms. A Clinton Presidency also means continued disarray in American foreign policy and continued decline in Americas ability to defend itself and its allies. A Clinton Presidency means increasingly bolder confrontations of the West by Radical Islamists, Iran, Russia and China. A Trump loss will tear the Republican Party apart. Establishment and Faith-based factions will annihilate each other with I told you so arguments for Bush or Cruz or Rubio. Democrats will laugh as they prepare a Texas Castro brother (Julian or Joaquin) to take the presidency in 2024, using the slogan Time for a Hispanic! from the same playbook that employed Time for an African American! and Time for a woman! It is only a few precious weeks before Americans choose their path. Is there enough time for Republicans to wake-up? Scot Faulkner served as the first Chief Administrative Officer of the U.S. House of Representatives and on Reagans White House Staff. He advises global corporations and governments on strategic change and leadership. Home
Indias public sector banks (PSBs) are in a state of drift of the sort we have not seen in the past two decades. Credit and deposit growth at PSBs have slowed down sharply. Many of the PSBs are poorly capitalised. They face a serious erosion in senior and top management in the next two or three years.

What do these bode for the economy? What role does the National Democratic Alliance government envisage for PSBs? These are among the most pressing policy issues that the government has to face up to. If the government has a view on these matters, it is keeping it strictly to itself.

Slow Credit and Deposit Growth

Let us begin with credit growth. There is a perceptible slowing down of credit and deposit growth in the banking system. The deceleration is driven overwhelmingly by the slowdown in growth in PSBs (Table 1).

Bank credit growth slowed from an annual rate of 13.2% in June 2013 to 9.4% in June 2016. Deposit growth came down from 13.5% to 9.2%. In the years preceding 2013, credit had grown for several years in the range of 18%20%.

PSBs and private banks exhibit divergent trends in credit growth. In the State Bank of India (SBI) group, the deceleration is relatively modest, from 15% to 9.7%. At nationalised banks, credit growth is down to 1.4%. One would suppose that in some banks, the balance sheet has shrunk. These trends are mirrored in deposit growth at PSBs.

At private banks, credit growth has spurted from 17% to 25.9%. This cannot be ascribed merely to the lower base at private banks in 2013, their base was even smaller but they were growing at just 2 percentage points more than the SBI group.

The correlation between growth in bank credit and gross domestic product (GDP) appears to have broken down in recent years. As Table 1 shows, credit growth was higher in 2013 than in 2016 but the growth rate of the economy was lower in 2013 than in 2016.

We have an explanation for this phenomenon: the importance of bank loans in overall credit has been falling (Mundra 2016). Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are providing more credit than before. Banks themselves are making funds available to companies in ways other than loans, such as investment in corporate debt instruments or commercial paper. So are others such as mutual funds. It is total credit deployment we should look at, not just bank credit.

The share of banks in total credit deployed (by both banks and non-banks) has fallen from 84% in 2014 to 80% in 2016 (Table 2). Should we expect this trend to continue, so we do not have to worry too much about the deceleration in credit growth at PSBs? Maybe the industry will find other ways to meet its credit needs.

One should be careful not to jump to conclusions. Today, banks may have to compete with mutual funds and others in investing in commercial paper and corporate debentures even though the yields are low. However, defaults in these instruments could cause the current trend to reverse quickly. Then, the deceleration in bank credit could become a serious problem.

No Credit Growth in Key Sectors

Moreover, the sectoral deployment of credit matters, not just the trends in aggregate credit (Table 3, p 11). Non-food credit growth decelerated from 13.5% in 2013 to 9.1% in 2016. The deceleration in credit to industry was even sharper, from 15.1% to 2.8%. Personal loans (a category that encompass various kinds of retail credit) accelerated from 14.7% to 19.4%.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) website provides aggregate data for sector-wise credit, but it does not provide the data by bank category, that is, PSBs, private banks, etc. We have indications of the trends in each category from another source (Rajan 2016). In April 2016, private sector credit growth to industry (which tends to be mostly short-term loans) was over 20%. PSB credit growth to industry had turned negative. Growth in retail at PSBs has been converging towards that in the private sector.

Now, we get the picture. Not only has credit growth decelerated, it is being driven by retail loans and short-term loans to industry, not lending for investment. This was always true of lending by private sector banks. Today, PSBs too have veered towards retail loans. In the boom period of 200408, PSBs had borne the burden of project finance. The shift in lending priorities at PSBs is worrying.

Retail finance and short-term loans may sustain economic growth as long as there is unutilised capacity in industry. Over the longer term, however, we need credit for investment to revive. RBI deputy governor S S Mundra (2016) believes that overall credit growth needs to be in the range of 12%15% in order to sustain our medium-term growth targets. It is hard to see this happening without a revival in long-term credit to industry by PSBs.

Low Cost of Recapitalisation

What is keeping PSBs from stepping up credit to industry, especially project loans? Lack of capital is undoubtedly the biggest factor. The capital adequacy ratio at PSBs is currently 11.82% compared to 15.68% at private banks.

The average for PSBs masks differences among various banks. Some nationalised banks may be operating close to the minimum prescribed level of 9%. For banks to be able to take risks with lending to industry and especially with project finance, they need a cushion of at least 4 to 5 percentage points above the minimum. This means they should be having a capital adequacy of around 13%14%.

The principal failure today is thus of adequately recapitalising PSBs. Many PSBs are in no position to raise equity capital from the markets. The government, for its part, is unwilling to provide the necessary capital. We keep hearing that the government does not have the fiscal space to provide the necessary capital. This contention needs to be squarely refuted.

First, the government does not have to infuse cash from its budget. It could subscribe to PSBs equity and the banks could invest the proceeds in Recapitalisation Bonds offered by the government. In the year in which such an exchange takes place, the government bonds are not treated as part of the fiscal deficit. It is the interest payment in future years that counts towards the fiscal deficit.

Second, the fiscal cost of recapitalisation in Indialess than 1% of GDP in over two decadesis probably the lowest in the world, so we can afford to spend more.

Third, recapitalisation in the past has served to improve the governments own returns from PSBs, so recapitalisation is not money down the drain.

Fourth, the cost of recapitalisation must always be weighed against the loss of economic output on account of inadequate credit.

Management Needs Attention

Turn now to the third issue at PSBs today, the impending wave of exits at the top management level. One post of chief executive officer (CEO)/chairman and managing director (CMD) is lying vacant at the moment. In 2017, eight retirements of CEOs/CMDs are due and another 10 retirements are due in 2018. At the executive director (ED) level, five retirements are due in 2016, seven in 2017, and 10 in 2018. More than 73% of staff in deputy general manager/general manager cadre are over 55 years of age (Mundra 2016). The neglect of succession planning, which has happened over several years, is now showing up.

We do not see the requisite urgency in tackling the issue of managerial manpower. The immediate challenge is to select persons to fill the top management vacancies and give them a clear mandate to plan for vacancies down the line. The Bank Board Bureau (BBB) has been tasked with recommending names for the posts of CEO/CMD and ED with the final decision vesting with the government. The entire process appears to be taking longer than it should, else we would not be seeing a CEO-level vacancy at a PSB.

The BBB is said to be asking for the power to make appointments of CEOs and independent directors to be devolved to itself, as recommended by the P J Nayak Committee in 2014. There is also a clamour for appointments to be devolved further to the boards of PSBs themselves.

These changes are unlikely on past record. If they do happen at all, it will be over a very long period. Until then, the onus is squarely on the government to expedite appointments of top management as well as of independent directors.

It is hard to miss the broad message underlying the state of drift at PSBs. The government appears to have concluded that the best way to deal with the governance challenges posed at PSBs is to reduce the number of PSBs. That would, in principle, leave the government with fewer PSBs, and stronger ones at that. If this means that the market share of PSBs in bank credit and deposits must fall, so be it.

The dangers in this approach should be obvious. Over the medium term, credit growth may not be adequate and there may not be enough credit for industry and infrastructure. Reducing the number of PSBs through mergers could end up weakening, not strengthening, PSBs. The government needs to ask itself a basic question: can an economy grow at 8% when 70% of the banking system is left to muddle along?

References

Mundra, S S (2016): Setting the Priorities Right, address at the 3rd SBI Banking and Economics Conclave, 28 September, Mumbai.

Rajan, Raghuram G (2016): Policy and Evidence, address at the 10th Statistics Day Conference 2016, Reserve Bank of India, 26 July, Mumbai.
David Klinghoffer responded earlier to a Science Daily article where evolutionists from U.C. Riverside said that their findings about a certain species of gecko serve as good evidence against intelligent design ideas. The toes of this gecko, they say, are not as advanced as those on tokay geckos. Therefore, they must have evolved by gradualistic Darwinism. We argued that simpler tools, like screwdrivers, are not evidence that they and more complex tools, like power drills, originated by unguided natural processes.

Now with the full paper in hand, what do we find in support of this claim? We dont find the word design or creation anywhere. Higham et al. do, however, have a lot to say about evolution. They use the toes of this gecko as props to support sweeping ideas about innovation and the tempo and mode of evolution.

Innovations often involve complex and hierarchical systems of integration of physiology and anatomy. They likely begin, however, with a trigger that provides the focus for further integrated change. Such triggers are generally difficult to identify but can be regarded as key innovations. We have shown that a rather modest morphological transformation, the elaboration of epidermal spinules into frictional adhesion-promoting setae, can serve as the key innovation that acts as the foundation for more complex and elaborate subsequent changes. [Emphasis added.]

Thats a pretty grandiose extrapolation from a lizards toe. Many better examples in nature of complex and hierarchical systems of integration of physiology and anatomy could be adduced. Some of them, like powered flight in birds and the male reproductive system of whales, have been showcased in Illustra Medias films. Those all-or-nothing systems with multiple interacting parts are the real challenges to the Darwinian story.

Its not even clear that gecko toes fit the criteria for irreducible complexity. Recently, Ann Gauger argued on ID the Future that natural selection can work by breaking things. A microbe that can no longer import an antibiotic, for instance, will survive and proliferate, because its import machinery is broken. Thats not really innovation; its just luck.

Nonetheless, lets entertain their arguments. To support neo-Darwinism, they need to prove the following:

This species preceded the tokay geckos that have fully-developed adhesive footpads. (Otherwise, it might represent a degenerative form.) The spinules represent a true innovation, not just a broken piece of toe skin. The spinules emerged by mutation: i.e., by chance, with no foresight. The spinules were heritable when they emerged. There is a continuous, gradual transformation of the toes over time from simple to complex, each version being adaptive. Genes flowed between members of the ancestral series (i.e., it wouldnt serve neo-Darwinism if this species never had contact with tokay geckos). Each transitional form has been preserved by natural selection to the point where all individuals lacking the trait died out; they could not survive without it. Intelligent design is incapable of explaining this set of observations.

The authors cite forty-year-old work that says the advanced gecko toe pads involve musculoskeletal, tendinous and vascular modifications to work, but its not clear this statement supports neo-Darwinism. All lizards already had muscles, tendons, and circulatory systems, whether or not they had adhesive toes. Think of it this way. If you found pieces of adhesive tape stuck to the bottoms of your feet that you couldnt remove, you might alter your gait to maneuver. You might peel your foot from the heel to the toe and step differently. That doesnt mean that your muscles, tendons, and blood vessels all evolved when the tape first appeared. Besides, other lizards, such as Anolis, lift their feet in similar ways. Its not unique to tokay geckos.

Strangely, the authors next claim that Multiple instances of reduction and loss of the adhesive apparatus have been identified. Good thing they arent planning to argue for evolution by subtraction again:

Despite the plethora of examples that illustrate transitions towards secondary loss of frictional adhesion, a demonstration of the transition from frictional to frictional adhesive attachment has remained elusive. Although it has been noted that some groups of geckos possess enlarged subdigital scales that bear small setae (Russell, 1976), no functional data associated with such presumed transitions are available.

And now! They present their transitional form  a primitive gecko with hopeful beginnings of adhesive pads, promising to bloom into fully-fledged setae for which the ceiling-walking geckos are famous. But, lo and behold, we learn that these geckos already possess pretty advanced setae. Compared to other members of its genus, its epidermal spinules in the vicinity of the digital inflections are longer and are elaborated into branched, spatulate-tipped setae located on the free distal margin of the sub-inflection scales. So what makes them think this is an incipient innovation rather than a degeneration? If so many geckos lost adhesion, how do we know most species in this genus lost theirs, and this one is a holdout, like a partially blind cave fish?

They say that it lacks the modifications of the digital musculotendinous, circulatory, and skeletal systems that are generally considered to be essential for the operation of a gekkotan adhesive apparatus, but thats the opinion of one of the co-authors, Anthony P. Russell, who has been working on the problem for over forty years. Again, all lizards today have muscles, skeletons, tendons, and circulatory systems, with or without the adhesive toe pads. Its not a case of irreducible complexity. You can lose the toe pads and the other systems will still work, just like you can remove the tape from your foot and still walk. The authors even claim, furthermore, that all lizards exhibit digital hyperextension, the toe-lifting behavior corresponding to adhesion.

From there, they showcase their phylogenetic analysis and their lab tests of the walking and climbing abilities of G. humeralis. But failing to establish that this innovation is an irreducibly complex system, their case is already weak. And if the extant species in this genus lost their adhesive toe pads by devolution, that fact wouldnt likely be evident from the fossil record.

Additionally, they have to assume evolution to claim that the fossil and living species in their tree are related by Darwinian common descent. The software used to build phylogenetic trees requires inputting many assumptions. As we have shown, one can get contradictory results in such exercises depending on which genes or molecules are compared. They also dont establish that there was gene flow between all the species included. So we dont find the ancestry argument convincing, especially since their tree shows G. humeralis sitting out there all by itself, disconnected from other contemporaneous genera possessing adhesive toepads. Where did it evolve from? Where is it evolving to?

Gecko adhesion, finally, is not an all-or-nothing innovation on which survival depends. The authors point to another lizard in the same environment that has well-developed adhesive toe pads, yet G. humeralis did not go extinct in competition with it. Other members of the genus without the toepads seem to get along just fine in their specific niches. Given this background, the authors paragraphs of data about body masses, frictional forces, and movies taken with high-speed cameras, while admirable, are irrelevant to the Darwinian, anti-ID claims.

The results of the present study are consistent with G. humeralis exhibiting the initial stages of a key transition from friction-enhanced to frictional adhesion-enhanced traction, thus providing a window into the evolution of the adhesive system of geckos.

But how can this be, since another species in the same genus survives just fine, despite not being able to climb as steep a slope as G. humeralis? The conclusion is not coming from the data, but rather from the authors desire to demonstrate a transitional form to shame ID.

Informatively, we found G. humeralis to sometimes occupy vertical bamboo shoots in its natural habitat (Fig. 2), whereas other species in the genus generally employ rough tree trunks, rocks, fallen palm trees, and fronds, as well as even the ground. Thus, the present study reveals not only the existence of a morphologically and functionally intermediate stage between frictional and frictional adhesive attachment, but also the ecological and biomechanical implications of such a transition. The adhesive system of G. humeralis not only is structurally simple relative to that of other geckos, but also is indicative that slight modifications in form can dramatically influence functional outcomes and the ecological niches that can be exploited.

OK, perhaps so. But its hard to call this Darwinian survival of the fittest when this lizards cousins are doing just fine in the same habitat. Its not a case of Run for the vertical bamboo shoots or die! The stars of the show only sometimes occupy the vertical shoots.

Looking over the eight requirements to prove their case, not one has been demonstrated to our satisfaction. It seems highly audacious for them to compare this to the origin of terrestrial locomotion in vertebrates, appealing to Neil Shubins fish-a-pod Tiktaalik as a comparable demonstration of evolution. Embarrassingly, they admit that

Evidence for intermediate forms during the loss of a structure (or structures) is prevalent. Fewer examples, however, are known that highlight intermediate forms during the evolutionary gain of novel structures, especially those that can be regarded as key innovations.

Heres their claim in a nutshell: tiny setae on one species of lizard in Trinidad, which allow it to climb steeper angles than other members of its genus which survive just fine in the same environment, demonstrate evolution in action. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is how bacteria became humans.

Now, the fine print:

We are not advocating that this intermediate form will necessarily lead to a fully developed adhesive apparatus, although it can be taken to represent middle ground between the absence of frictional adhesive capability and its full expression as exhibited by pad-bearing geckos. Overall, Gonatodes offers a number of attractive possibilities for assessing the origin of evolutionary innovations.

And yet the world should be filled with billions of clear transitional forms if Darwinian evolution were true. They shouldnt even need to scramble to find attractive possibilities here and there. Let them tackle the origin of life and the Cambrian explosion before suggesting they have good evidence against intelligent design ideas.

Photo: G. humeralis in Trinidad, by Timothy Higham, U.C. Riverside.
Foreign exchange investors have been warned of potential heavy losses for the British Pound to Euro conversion rate (and vs the US dollar) should Scotland break away from UK after a Brexit.

The Pound to Euro exchange rate today: -0.27pct at 1.11777, best GBP/EUR in month 1.1667.

The Pound to Dollar exchange rate today: -0.2% at 1.22758, best GBP/USD in rolling 30 days 1.3079.

The British pound rallied against the Euro on Tuesday afternoon and indulged in some solid advances against the US Dollar too, as market hopes that Parliament would have to agree to a Brexit deal led to a surge in Sterling sentiment.

US inflation data came in largely as expected on Tuesday afternoon. Yearly CPI rising from 1.1% to 1.5% in September also slightly bolstered hopes that the Fed would have to tighten monetary policy soon.

Despite UK inflation surprising to the upside in September investors have been piling back into the Pound, driving it higher across the board.

Even though inflationary pressure looks set to overshoot the Bank of Englands 2% target in the near future investors are confident that policymakers will not cut interest rates further, providing that domestic data continues to hold up

GBP continued to drop against both the Euro and the US Dollar on Monday afternoon, but the single currency emerged as the victor of the three currencies by the end of the day as the latest US data failed to impress markets.

An improvement in US industrial and manufacturing production prints in September from -0.5% to 0.2% (for both prints) kept the Greenback afloat, but the currency was held back by Empires October manufacturing score  which came in at a disappointing -6.8.

Demand for the Pound Dollar (GBP USD) exchange rate was hit at the start of the week by rumours that Chancellor Philip Hammond could be considering resignation, due to tensions with Brexiteer colleagues.

Although these have been denied the mood of markets has remained jittery, with Hammonds push for continued membership of the single market clashing against the general Cabinet drive for greater migration controls.

Jim Rogers, who founded the Quantum Fund with renowned currency market participant George Soros, has once again weighed into the debate on how low Pound Sterling (GBP) exchange rates could go.

The legendary currency investor has been heavily negative regarding the GBP EUR, GBP USD exchange rates prospects since the 23rd June vote by the British people to quit the European Union.

Pound Sterling (GBP) Exchange Rate Forecast Downbeat

Rogers International Commodities index (RICI)  has remained decidedly downbeat in his Pound Sterling (GBP) forecasts in recent weeks and he revisited this theme on Friday, noting that,

If Scotland leaves (the UK) they are going to take their oil with them and the Pound could go down a great deal. It would certainly go down under one US dollar, before going on to state that the UK has, got a lot of debt, you've got a serious balance of trade problem which shows no signs of being corrected. I don't see anything to make sterling go up.

Current Pound Sterling (GBP) Exchange Rates

On Monday the Euro to British Pound exchange rate (EUR/GBP) converts at 0.862

Today finds the pound to euro spot exchange rate priced at 1.16.

The GBP to USD exchange rate converts at 1.147 today.

The live inter-bank GBP-AUD spot rate is quoted as 1.793 today.

Please note: the FX rates above, updated 31st Oct 2022, will have a commission applied by your typical high street bank. Currency brokers specialise in these type of foreign currency transactions and can save you up to 5% on international payments compared to the banks.

Rogers also warned that the City of London  for decades the UKs cash cow  risked losing a substantial amount of its massive financial service industry to European Union competitor cities including Frankfurt, Paris and Dublin if the British government insists on negotiating a Hard Brexit with Brussels.

Scottish Independence Campaign Pressuring GBP/EUR, GBP/USD Exchange Rates

Developments in Scotland also weighed on Pound Sterling to Euro, US Dollar exchange rates.

Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon ramped up her campaign for independence from Westminster over the weekend, telling delegates at the Scottish National Partys conference in Glasgow that they should,

Make no mistake, the growth of our economy right now is threatened not just by the prospect of losing our place in the single market - disastrous though that would be. It is also the deeply damaging - and utterly shameful - message that the Tories' rhetoric about foreign workers is sending. And the uncertainty that message brings to our public services and Scottish employers. More than ever, we need to tell our European friends that Scotland is open for business.

Universal Forecasts for Further Pound to Euro, US Dollar Exchange Rates Decline

The Pound Sterling (currency : GBP) ended the week trading at 1.1100 GBP EUR versus the euro (currency : EUR) and in the high 1.2100s GBP USD against the US Dollar (currency : USD).

Analysts are universal in forecasting that there could be further losses to come for the UK unit.
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A Dallas developer has bought the Northeast Side estate of the late philanthropist Robert L.B. Tobin to build a mixed-use project  a sale that will raise millions for charity while intensifying neighborhood concerns about density and traffic.

The Tobin Endowment sold the heavily wooded 44-acre estate last week for an undisclosed price to Rosewood Property Co., a national developer known in San Antonio for building two upscale apartment projects near The Rim. Rosewood is still working on its plans for the development, but will likely build a mixture of apartments, townhomes, single-family rentals, retail and perhaps some office space, President Bill Flaherty said in a phone interview.

Tobins midcentury mansion in the center of the property, which is now the office of the Tobin Endowment, and two surrounding acres arent part of the sale and will be preserved. The development is expected to break ground early next year and will probably take at least seven years to finish, Flaherty said.

Where the Pearl is largely commercial with some residential, this will be largely residential with a very small commercial element  maybe a unique restaurant or two or three, maybe a boutique office building, he said. This will honor the nature of the estate and turn into itself as opposed to being out on a major roadway.

Residents of the Oakwell Farms neighborhood  which was developed by Robert L.B. Tobin in the 80s  fiercely opposed the Tobin Endowment last year when it asked the city Planning Commission to approve plans for 956 residential units on the property. Like many residents of north San Antonio, they were concerned that the more densely built homes would cause drainage issues and increase traffic congestion.

At a June 2015 meeting, the commission took three hours to approve the Tobin Endowments proposal on a vote of 7-1 after 74 residents spoke against the project.

Residents of the neighborhood say they will support the development as long as it reflects the composition of the surrounding area: mostly single-family residential, with some small-scale retail and office buildings.

Weve known this development and extension of the neighborhood is coming, and were welcome to that, as long as its amicable and similar to the environment we already have, said Beverly Alcott, president of the Oakwell Farms Homeowners Association.

Alcott said shes concerned that Rosewood hasnt yet reached out to neighborhood representatives. For his part, Flaherty said Rosewood has been planning sort of off-radar and will very much look forward to getting involved with the community.

That will be something well be doing in the coming months, he said.

The Tobin Endowments chairman and trustee, J. Bruce Bugg Jr., pointed out that developing the estate will generate more property tax revenue, because the property was tax-exempt when it was owned by the nonprofit endowment. He said the project is true to the vision of Robert L.B. Tobin, who had the estate zoned for multifamily and commercial in 1987.

The value of the estate rose fast in recent years as San Antonios real estate market heated up, Bugg said. A few years ago, executives at the endowment realized they had a fiduciary duty to sell the property to create more revenue for charitable giving, he said.

We can generate more income and thereby increase our charitable giving, which is the whole purpose that the Tobin Endowment exists, Bugg said.

Since Tobins death in 2000, the Tobin Endowment has donated or pledged more than $55 million to various charities, including a $15 million naming gift to the nonprofit Tobin Center for the Performing Arts downtown.

The development has a working name of Legacy Estate but will likely end up with a different name connected to the Tobin family, Flaherty said. It wont be similar to Ventura Ridge and Pecan Springs, the two luxury apartment complexes that Rosewood co-owns near the booming intersection of Loop 1604 and Interstate 10, he said.

The way the buildings are set, and the way the beauty of the land is honored, will be different from anything weve done, Flaherty said.

The residential portion will likely have high-end rental rates similar to those seen around the lower Broadway corridor, Flaherty said. Plans submitted to the city indicate it will have a gated entrance, but he said Rosewood is still studying whether to make it a gated community.

For retail, Rosewood is looking for unique local restaurants, Flaherty said; other ideas include a coffee shop or a grocery such as Austins Royal Blue Grocery chain. If the developer decides to add office space to the project it will be boutique space.

The development will be surrounded by a buffer of undeveloped land that might be linked to the nearby Salado Creek Greenway.

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Before the Planning Commission battle last year, the Tobin Endowment presented a plan to Oakwell Farms for developer David Weekley to build more than 400 detached town homes on the property. But the neighborhood rejected the plan, saying it was too densely packed.

Robert L.B. Tobin broke ground on the Oakwell Farms master-planned community in 1982, building $250 million of luxury homes, multifamily dwellings and office buildings on his 500-acre estate. At one point in the late 80s, he planned to put a satellite location for the Cooper Clinic, an aerobics center in Dallas, on the estate property. But an economic downturn killed that plan.

Following Tobins death in 2000, the Tobin Endowment donated 81 acres of other Tobin property along Salado Creek to the city to create Robert L.B. Tobin Park.

rwebner@express-news.net

Staff Writer David Hendricks contributed to this article.
My eldest daughter has another seven years before she begins college, but Im a planner. The financial burden of my kids college tuition looms large, like those spaceships in the Independence Day movies, threatening to block out the sun, and with them, all hope on Earth.

Before abandoning everything, running for the hills, and calling Will Smith, I decided to put on my journalists hat and call up an expert source.

Um, hey, Mom? I need to learn about how parents pay for college in this era of extraordinarily expensive tuition.

My journalistic sourcing is way more legit than it may at first appear. Mom has been a college guidance counselor at a private school in Massachusetts for 30 years.

Moms first piece of advice for parents of college-bound children is this: While the child is still a freshman in high school, go online to look up the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  aka FAFSA  to figure out your eligibility for financial aid. What you learn from that can help guide your financial strategies for the next few years.

I did that. I learned in about four minutes that Im not eligible  meaning my kids are not eligible  for a federal Pell Grant.

Moms second piece of advice was to go online to the net price calculator of a private four-year college. It turns out, all colleges have these online now. The College Board website helpfully provides a link to 200 such school calculators, or you can go to the sites of individual colleges directly.

I picked my alma mater and entered some data on our savings and family income. This took me only another four minutes.

After carefully inputting our household income and savings, I saw that, realistically, we should start playing Powerball every week.

Im kidding, never play the lottery. Cmon, man, you should know that the lottery is just a tax on people who are bad at math.

But I realize this four-year college idea sure started to look terrible, at least financially, unless your kids have corporate sponsors for their Instagram feed.

Hey, kid, cant you just make a living curating Instagram selfies like everyone else does these days, instead of taking Daddys money for college?

I think my Moms point, without having to spell it out for me, was to demonstrate how terrible the cost of private four-year colleges can be.

Indeed, one message she would like middle-class families to know is this: Parents have her permission to JUST SAY NO to paying for private four-year colleges. And she has her good reasons. A middle class family with some savings might have been able to shoulder this burden a generation ago, but no longer. Im not suggesting your child shouldnt go to college, but rather that financial reality makes a private four-year college a bad deal for most.

I went to a five different net price calculator websites to compare the process across schools: a couple of private universities in Texas, where I live; a couple in Massachusetts, where I grew up. In the process I included a very wealthy four-year college with a reputation for scholarship generosity, and another of a school recently featured for having a terribly small endowment and some financial trouble.

I learned that financial aid questions vary greatly depending on the school.

One school asked about the value of our house and how much we still owed on our mortgage, while other schools did not. Some asked whether I owned my own business, or whether I owned real estate besides my home. One asked for my daughters GPA, presumably to take merit aid into account in our automatically generated estimate.

Consistently, all schools exempted retirement savings from household assets in their net price calculators. I conclude from that fact that if you want to hide your assets from colleges for the purposes of getting your kid the most generous financial aid possible, stuffing your retirement account can be a pretty cool move.

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Another cool idea, which I mentioned last week, is to be born into the right family. Grandparents surplus does not count against a colleges financial aid formulas in any of the calculators.

The bigger picture remains that the extraordinary amount of debt parents and their children now take on rarely makes financial sense in the long run. Parents should not raid their retirement savings. Neither parents nor a child should take on high five-figure debt for college. Low five-figure debt, OK, fine, maybe.

Apart from a small handful of the very richest and most highly selective universities, which do offer generous financial terms for lower- and middle-class families, the aid packages of most private colleges render the traditional four years on campus, best years of your life idyll an unaffordable luxury. Just because we can take on massive federal student loans does not mean we should.

Instead, Mom advocates flexibility and a hybrid approach. In-state tuition at a public four-year college is one approach, although even that has become less affordable as the price of public universities has soared over the past decade.

My mom frequently tells her clients that a few years worth of affordable community college, followed by a transfer to a more prestigious college for the final two years before graduation can be a pretty cool financial move.

By now youve probably realized the most important takeaway from this financial column: Never have children.

But if you do have children, strongly encourage them to build a moneymaking career on Instagram or with their own YouTube channel instead of going to college. Im just trying to save you some money here.

Michael Taylor is a former Goldman Sachs bond salesman and writes the finance blog Bankers-Anonymous.com.

Twitter: @BankerAnonymous
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DALLAS  Exxon is expanding its counterattack against critics and is now seeking to quash a New York subpoena of the companys documents related to climate change.

Exxon said in a court filing Monday that it has already given New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman more than 1 million pages of documents. It said it is increasingly clear that the attorney generals investigation is politically motivated.
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As Texas largest insurer eliminated hundreds of thousands of coverage plans for some of the states sickest patients and asked for double-digit rate increases last year, its Chicago-based nonprofit parent company rewarded 10 top executives with a combined $48 million in bonuses.

Patricia Hemingway Hall, the now-retired CEO at Health Care Service Corp., the largest customer-owned insurer in the nation, with Blue Cross and Blue Shield divisions in five states including Texas, earned the most. Her $16.57 million in pay included a $14.9 million bonus, according to 2015 compensation records obtained from the Illinois Department of Insurance.

That 42 percent pay bump from the previous year came at a time when the company and its divisions were complaining of devastating losses in the individual market because of the Affordable Care Acts mandate that insurers cover everyone no matter their health.

When 2016 arrived, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, HCSCs second-largest division, raised rates 20 percent and eliminated 367,000 plans that gave in-network access to many of the states top-tier hospitals and specialists. The company said the benefit had become unsustainable.

Now, with just weeks to go before enrollment opens for 2017, HCSCs five Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have asked state regulators for another round of rate increases, some as high as 82 percent, for ACA individual plans.

The insurer insisted in an email to the Houston Chronicle last week that executive compensation and our marketplace participation are unrelated.

At the most transformational period the health care industry has faced, compensation needs to recruit and retain top talent who can manage the complexities of this business and advocate for a health care system that works for our 15 million members not just for today, but for years to come, the statement said.

No executives at either the Texas division or parent company were made available for interviews.

The optics are clearly bad, said Lawrence Mishel, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Economic Policy Institute, who studies executive pay. The company may want to draw distinctions, but consumers do not. We know how this kind of medicine goes down with the public.

He pointed to recent outrage when it was revealed that the price of the EpiPen, a medical device commonly used to treat childrens allergic reactions, rose 400 percent between 2007 and 2015 as the CEOs salary jumped to $18.9 million from $2.4 million.

Last week, the Texas Department of Insurance allowed to stand rate increases of nearly 60 percent for three Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas exchange plans, agency spokesman Ben Gonzalez said. Federal data show the plans could affect more than half a million Texans.

Texas is one of five states that does not do its own rate review. It can check plans only for compliance with state law and to make sure they are actuarially justified, Gonzalez said. Rate reviews for Texas exchange plans are done at the federal level, but Stacey Pogue, a senior policy analyst for the Center for Public Policy Priorities, said little can be done to stop rate increases.

Most details of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas rate filing remain sealed, as the insurer marked it confidential. The Chronicle has asked the states attorney general to make it public.

Elsewhere, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico has asked for an 82 percent rate increase on its 2017 individual exchange plans. The insurer told the state the increase is justified because it is over a period of two years since the company did not participate in the exchange last year. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico pulled out of the exchange last year after being denied a 51 percent rate increase by the states Office of Superintendent of Insurance, officials there said.

In Oklahoma, the 2017 rate increase request was initially 51.6 percent. But in August, when other major insurers announced they were leaving the exchange in the state, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma upped its request to 76 percent, said Mike Rhoads, deputy commissioner of life and health insurance.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois asked for increases of 23 percent to 45 percent for its individual exchange plans. That request is pending.

In Montana, the first request for individual plan exchange rates averaged 65.4 percent. Monica Lindeen, commissioner of securities and insurance there, called for public hearings and an assessment by an independent actuary before determining it unreasonable. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana then reduced its request to 58.4 percent, said Sanjay Talwani, the state regulators press secretary.

Lindeen believes it is still too high but does not have the authority to do much more, Talwani said. The rate filing has been sent to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for inclusion on the exchange marked with her objection.

Officials with the U.S. Health and Human Services Department have tried to reassure a nervous public that most coming rate increases will be offset by subsides to lower the price. That likely wont help hundreds of thousands of people in states such as Texas that did not expand Medicaid. These low-wage earners make too much for existing Medicaid but not enough to qualify for the subsidy. They must pay the full price of rising premiums.

The fact (that Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies) are a monopoly in many states just compounds the problem, said Mishel of the Economic Policy Institute.

In one of every three Texas counties next year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield will be the only insurer available on the exchange.

In April, UnitedHealthcare announced that it would not offer any exchange plans in the state next year. Four months later, Aetna said it, too, was leaving the exchange in Texas. Then came the announcement from regional insurer Scott & White Health Plan that it would offer individual plans only off the exchange next year.

Cigna, in a Sept. 30 email to the Chronicle, confirmed that it will not participate on the Texas public marketplace in 2017 but will offer plans off the exchange.

Humana has not made public its final determination for Texas, but a company spokesman said in an email this month that it would have a reduced presence.

All the insurers have cited losses tied to the Affordable Care Act as the reason behind cost-cutting decisions, including exiting the exchange or narrowing networks.

Health Care Service Corp. said it lost $1.5 billion on its individual ACA plans in 2015. But the nonprofits overall earnings rose 13 percent from the previous year to more than

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$31 billion.

The net loss in 2015 was

$66 million  substantially less than the $282 million net loss for 2014, financial records show. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas lost $321 million last year in the individual market. That is also less than the $400 million it lost in 2014, according to a statement from the company.

The coming year could remain challenging as provisions in the law designed to help counteract losses by insurers are set to expire.

More fundamental, insurers have said, is that premiums were priced too low in the early years of the law and customers enrolled on the exchange have been sicker and costlier to insure than expected. That has led to an industrywide movement to limit the networks of doctors the insured seek.

You cant afford to have broad networks, Ken Avner, HCSCs former chief financial officer, said in a March interview with Modern Healthcare. You get killed on the selection.

Avner retired as the companys second-highest-paid executive. Last year, he earned

$4.6 million, mostly from a nearly $3.9 million bonus, which represented a 29 percent raise from the year before, according to the 2015 Illinois Department of Insurance report.

HCSC said in its statement to the Chronicle that its executive compensation is determined by our board of directors with the guidance of expert outside advisors and is based on comparisons to companies in health care, insurance and across other comparable business sectors. It followed up with a statement adding, Only a small fraction of a cent from every dollar we receive goes toward paying our executives.

Last year, CEO Hall was by far the highest-paid top executive at any of the nonprofit Blues insurers in the country. The next-highest-paid CEO, at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, earned $7 million less, according to a report by Atlantic Information Services, which compiles executive salaries.

Halls salary was fourth-highest of all insurance CEOs in the nation, including for-profit insurance companies, the report said.

Without going into what I personally think of it, Michael Morrisey, professor and head of the Texas A&M University Department of Health Policy and Management, said this of the big paychecks: Given all the turmoil that insurers have faced over the last three years, their boards have decided to reward them.

jenny.deam@chron.com

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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.s biggest shareholder and noisiest critic still holds a grudge, even after his investment almost quadrupled.

Sardar Biglari, who began an ultimately unsuccessful campaign to take control of the restaurant chain in 2011, is showing no signs of dropping his now largely symbolic votes against the companys directors and executive pay, winning little support from fellow investors. His next opportunity comes in November at the annual shareholders meeting in Tennessee.

Neither Cracker Barrel nor Biglari responded to requests for comment, but how owner and operator feel about each other is obvious from the war of words theyve waged in filings and public letters since the activist investor took a 9.7 percent stake in 2011.

Biglari is a historically dissident shareholder and a threat with a questionable governance track record, according to Cracker Barrel filings.

The companys board is disingenuous and undertaking a costly, misleading campaign against its largest shareholder, Biglari said in a presentation last year.

The investors San Antonio-based Biglari Holdings Inc. had already helped turn around Western Sizzlin Corp. and Steak N Shake Inc. by June 2011, when he first disclosed his stake in Lebanon, Tennessee-based Cracker Barrel. Before the year was out, he had slammed the companys management and demanded a seat on the board. Investors voted him down  and have rejected all of his subsequent attempts.

The rancor belies the fact that Cracker Barrel, whose comfort food and gift shops are fixtures along U.S. highways in the South, has returned 284 percent over the past five years. Thats almost triple the gains of the S&P 500 index during the same time, making it a home run for Biglari, who styles himself as a value investor in the image of Warren Buffett.

Since Biglari bought his shares, the 47-year-old company has cut costs, replaced managers and directors, and increased dividends. Biglaris 2015 presentation takes credit for the changes, although analysts arent convinced.

He provided the spark, said Stephen Anderson, who covers Cracker Barrel for New York-based Maxim Group LLC. But it was CEO Sandy Cochran who led the effort. Cochran became chief executive officer in September 2011.

Even if Biglari deserves some of the credit, shareholders are better off keeping him at a distance, said Jake Bartlett, an analyst with SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. His MO is to get on the board, take it over and orchestrate a big payment for himself, Bartlett said.

Investors appear to be reaching the same conclusion. When Biglari, whose holding company bought Maxim magazine two years ago, first tried to join Cracker Barrels board in 2011, 23 percent of votes were cast in support. For the third and final time he aimed for a seat, in 2013, only 6 percent backed the attempt. The next year, when Biglari asked shareholders to demand the board immediately pursue all potential sales, only 5 percent voted with him.

Biglaris presentation suggested that Cracker Barrel shares would plummet if he sells. Bartlett disagrees. The company has low debt and good cash flow, Bartlett said, adding that it would like to buy back stock to boost earnings-per-share but cant without triggering a poison pill put in place in April 2012 to thwart Biglaris takeover efforts, he said.

I think it would be a good thing if he sold shares, Bartlett said. The stock would go up.

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Biglari has argued that the pill is unnecessary: Tennessee law prohibits investors from voting more than 20 percent of shares without approval from other owners.

Support for the companys pay practices has averaged 71 percent during the past five years, thanks largely to Biglaris stake, which has grown to just under 20 percent. Seven percent of investors voted with him last year. The result was well below the 91 percent average among companies in the S&P 500.

Cochran was paid

$6.6 million for running Cracker Barrel, which had $2.9 billion in revenue last year. Cheesecake Factory Inc., with

$2.1 billion of revenue, paid its CEO $5.9 million, and Texas Roadhouse Inc., with $1.8 billion of revenue, paid its chief $8.6 million.

Typically after shareholders register such low levels of support, boards undertake campaigns to elicit thoughts on how to make them happier.

But after accounting for the dissident votes from Biglari, the company believes there is considerable shareholder support for its pay practices, Cracker Barrel said in its Oct. 3 proxy statement. It doesnt plan to make any changes.
SHEFFIELD, Vt.  Once it was just another cabin on a Vermont hillside. Now its an emblem in the debate over noise from the growing wind energy industry.

Studies have repeatedly found no evidence connecting noise from wind power turbines to human health problems. But critics question the soundness of those studies. Among them are Steve and Luann Therrien, who say a wind farm near their home made their lives hell.

The case has created a fissure among environmentalists in this liberal state with a reputation for green thinking, pitting those who see wind energy as key to reducing reliance on pollution-spewing fossil fuels against those convinced audible noises and inaudible infrasound present health threats to those living nearby. And each side questions the objectivity of the others research.

The Therriens old cabin is up 5 miles of dirt road from town but just a quarter-mile from a rural stretch of Interstate 91. The highway noise largely didnt bother them.

But after the 16 turbine towers of the Sheffield Wind Project went up on a nearby ridgeline in 2011  the closest about three-quarters of a mile away and five within a mile  things changed, the Therriens say.

Deep in the night, when things were quiet on the highway, a low hum came from the opposite direction, punctuated occasionally by louder noises, the Therriens say. Soon, they say, they and their two small children were plagued by sleeplessness, nausea and other problems.

The vertigo was pretty much all the time, but if we had a lot of noise, the dry heaves would be more often, Luann Therrien said.

Steve Therrien gave up his job as a trash truck driver  too sleepy to drive, he said. They abandoned their home in 2014 and have been unable to sell it.

A group opposed to large-scale wind projects, Energize Vermont, is planning to set up sound-monitoring equipment at the Therriens former home to try to document their concerns with data.

Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin and fellow Democrats who control the Legislature have promoted renewable energy. Three big wind-power projects  all of which have drawn complaints similar to the Therriens  have been built on Vermont mountains during Shumlins six years in office, with five more in planning or construction. The state is pursuing a goal of 90 percent renewable energy by 2050.

Luann Therrien said the couple has not sued turbine owners because they cant afford to hire a lawyer and have not found one willing to take the case for free.

But another person living near the Sheffield Project, Paul Brouha, has sued, saying the noise is out of character with the surrounding area, is excessively loud and continues unabated for long periods of time both day and night.

Brouha declined to comment, citing the pending lawsuit. Lawyers for the turbines owners have denied his claims in court filings.

The Therriens  he is 54, she is 47  and their two young children now live in nearby Derby and receive government assistance. The toll from his years of work as a trash collector, coupled with the more recent health problems, means he cant work, Steve Therrien said. Luann Therrien said she has been depressed since the symptoms took hold.

A psychiatric nurse practitioner who has treated the Therriens wrote in a letter this year that both suffer from a form of trauma-induced and stressor-related disorder. The nurse compared their condition to post-traumatic stress disorder, saying the wind turbines caused lasting sleep and mental health issues.

The Therriens are now activists. They founded the group Victims of Industrial Wind and post frequently on social media. Luann Therrien traveled to the Statehouse last winter to testify to a Senate committee, and they go occasionally to testify at public hearings in other communities.

Vermonts health commissioner, Dr. Harry Chen, told lawmakers this year that no scientific research has been able to demonstrate a direct cause-and-effect link between living near wind turbines, the noise they emit and physiological health effects.

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Studies commissioned by public health agencies in Canada and Australia have reached similar conclusions, though Australias National Health and Medical Research Council suggested more research could be done on possible health effects for those living closest to wind farms.

Since July, more than 100 doctors, other scientists and activists worldwide have signed a letter urging the World Health Organization to recommend new sound guidelines for wind turbines.

State regulators in Vermont have adopted a standard acceptable wind turbine noise level averaging 45 decibels during the course of an hour, quieter than a normal conversation.

Supporters of renewable energy, including the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, have attacked the plan for sound-monitoring research at the Therriens, saying it wont be objective.

Energize Vermont is sponsoring the research.

Separately, lawmakers this year appropriated $50,000 for sound-monitoring equipment to be used by Lyndon State College, provided the college finds matching funds.

Supporters of renewable energy also argue there would be a conflict of interest because Ben Luce, the professor expected to lead the research, is on the board of Energize Vermont.

Luce said it has not been determined whether the Therriens property would be used in the colleges research. And, he added, he would have no personal financial stake in the outcome, unlike industry consultants.
SAN FRANCISCO  Paying for things online can be cumbersome. Even the man who invented the web, Tim Berners-Lee, says he frequently throws up his hands.

Sometimes I will think that I bought something and I press the button, Buy this, and I dont realize it didnt go through, Berners-Lee said. We are long overdue for a payments user interface for the web.

Responding to the frustrations of Berners-Lee and hundreds of millions of online shoppers, the webs governing body, the World Wide Web Consortium, or W3C, has brought together the giants of the internet including Google, Facebook and Apple to fix the clumsiness of paying for things online.

Now, a new global standard for online payments  a sort of Amazon one-click payment system for the entire internet  is being completed by the consortium and its members.

Google, one of the authors of the standard, recently introduced it in certain new versions of its Chrome browser. Other browser companies have said they intend to follow.

The standard will provide a uniform way for users to input their credit cards and payment systems to any web browser so they can be used for any purchase on the web.

After the card details are entered once, they automatically will be called up as choices for all future transactions.

This will be somewhat like the existing auto-fill functions that browsers have. But with the new standard, all the data fields will be filled in invisibly, requiring just one click.

On the security side, rather than sending along all the credit card details, the browser will generate a one-time payment token that will avoid leaving your credit card number in countless databases around the world.

Numerous efforts to modernize the payment system have failed to take off. And this one could fizzle, too, if online merchants, web browsers or consumers fail to adopt the new standard.

That standard also will face competition from the Amazons and PayPals of the world, as well as from the credit card networks, all of which want to be the primary destination for payments, rather than just one option.

But payment analysts are hopeful about the new effort because it will not require consumers or merchants to use a new method of payment.

Instead, it will be equally open to any existing card or payment app, and it will channel them into a single place that most consumers already use  the web browser  where everything can be stored and used.

Instead of simplifying the world, we have been fragmenting it into a million apps, said Eric Shea, a payments consultant at Kurt Salmon Digital. If we can get back to that single integrated solution that everyone has on their phone and their desktop, that is the way to move forward and get adoption.

Dave Birch, a consultant who has been working on electronic payments for more than two decades, said the web browser stood the best chance of providing a unified and more secure portal for payments.

Theres a convergence going on, said Birch, who works for Consult Hyperion. In the future, you will have one experience  it wont matter if you are at the store or on the phone. It will pop up on your phone, you will put your thumb on it and you will be done.

The W3C project represents a challenge to PayPal and Amazon, the current giants of online payments. Both have gained business and fees with their more streamlined checkout processes.

Neither company has participated in the current W3C effort, and they are likely to continue to provide an alternative to customers who dont want to enter their details into their browser.

But the W3C has managed to bring in about 40 of the biggest players in online commerce, including Apple, Microsoft, Facebook and American Express as well as Chinese companies such as Alibaba and Tencent.

All met last week in Portugal to put the finishing touches on the specifications that they will introduce on different time frames to users around the world.

In the version Google released, when customers shopping at participating merchants hit the buy button, they are given a drop-down menu of their stored shipping addresses and credit cards.

The customer can click on the address and card they want to use, enter the three-digit security code on the card and hit pay now. Other browser companies may choose to use a fingerprint instead of the security code.

We wanted to remove what we jokingly call the NASCAR effect of checkout, where you see five or seven logos for the different cards and payment methods you can use, said Zach Koch, the top Google executive on the project. This is really fast, where a user can say, Tap, tap, buy.

The fees from transactions will still go to existing financial institutions such as credit card companies and banks, unless customers choose a new online payment method such as ApplePay or SamsungPay, which take a piece of each transaction.

But the bigger goal behind the W3C project is to create a standard, seamless and secure way to pay for things electronically in a future that will most likely include virtual reality stores, chat-based transactions and machines making payments to other machines (an autonomous car paying for a parking spot, for instance).

The standard also will make it easy to include new payment methods such as Bitcoin or Tencent, the Chinese payment provider.

This involves quite radical changes to the way people think about payments said Ian Jacobs, the W3C staff member leading the effort. As a standards body, it is our job to be sure it is an open playing field.

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The need to create a better way to pay for things online was evident from the webs beginnings in the 1990s, Berners-Lee said. At some of the earliest meetings of the W3C, which he founded, there were discussions about creating a way to pay for things online that didnt require people to send credit card details over the internet.

The failure to come up with a standard and secure way to do this led to the hodgepodge of payment screens consumers encounter today. It also made an opening for PayPal, which created a way for shoppers to pay on different sites using a single password.

Birch said the main hurdle to accomplishing more seamless payments in the past was online merchants, who did not want to give up control over any part of the checkout process.

But merchants have expressed increasing frustration with the high rate of abandoned online transactions and the frequency of credit card fraud.

More than half of online purchases now happen on mobile phones, but Shopify has said that only 40 percent of the customers who start filling a shopping cart online finish their transaction.

Shopify, which manages the online stores and checkout processes for 300,000 merchants, has been closely involved with the W3C effort and is planning to immediately offer the new standard to its merchants, as is Groupon.

We are betting a lot on it, said Jason Normore, director of engineering at Shopify. Even though it cuts out a piece of our offering, it makes commerce better for everyone.

Apple will be one of the most interesting players to watch, given that it has both the Safari browser, which is taking part in the W3C effort, and Apple Pay, which could be seen as a competing offering.

In the new operating system that Apple released last week, it is possible, for the first time, to shop online using the companys browser, Safari, and check out with Apple Pay. After hitting Pay With Apple Pay, the customer is asked to provide a fingerprint on their phone, and the transaction is complete.

The W3C standard will provide a similar experience on any browser  on a computer or phone  but will also allow customers to choose from any credit card or payment method they have entered into their browser.

Apple has been a part of the W3C group writing the standards, which will allow it to integrate non-Apple Pay choices into its browser.

Berners-Lee said he hoped that more standardized payments would open up new types of online commerce that arent possible now. He has long been interested in micropayments that would allow newspapers or small producers of content to be paid a few cents at a time, which isnt possible in a world with only credit cards.

Different things call for different payments, he said. If they are all interoperable, you can separate the market for goods being sold from the payment back end.
Career Point College is closing immediately, according to a letter sent to students and teachers from its president and CEO, Larry Earle.

The school, a two-year, for-profit college, is shutting its doors after management discovered that three long-term employees had collaborated to violate the rules related to student aid funds.

Founded in 1984, the school now has about 1,400 students at three campuses in San Antonio, Austin and Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was unclear in the letter whether the San Antonio campus was the only location closing.

In the letter emailed to students and teachers Sunday, Earle blamed the schools shuttering on the federal Education Department, to which Career Point self-reported the violation. The department reportedly rejected Career Points plan to pay back the inappropriately received funds and restricted further government funds from going to the school, effectively cutting off any chance for Career Point to continue operations.

The school is attempting to arrange various teach-out opportunities for its students, as well as to provide transfer assistance to other schools.

Student Norman Jackson, 18, started Career Point's 12-month Licensed and Vocational Nurse program in September. Jackson, who already has sunk $5,000 of his own money into the $30,000 program, said he was shocked.

This is just so sudden, said Jackson. My future is up in the air now  I don't know what to think. I can only imagine how the students who were closer to graduating felt.

Like many other students in the nursing program, Jackson is looking to transfer to another school like Galen or Kaplan.

Problem is, if all of us are looking to transfer at once, is there going to be room, he added

While most U.S. colleges and universities are nonprofit, for-profit schools such as Career Point have risen in both number and attendance since the 1970s. About 95 percent of the 1.5 million students enrolled at for-profit schools take out loans to attend the institutions, compared with 13 percent of students at similar two-year community colleges, according to a report by the U.S. Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in 2012.

In recent years, the for-profit education industry has come under fire as an increasing number of students  as high as 22.7 percent in 2008  have defaulted on their loans within three years of leaving the schools, according to the report. Thats compared with 11 percent of students at public, nonprofit schools.

While statistics for Career Points student body were not immediately available, the institution showed previous signs of financial trouble this year, on Sept. 30 shuttering a child care service offered to students.

jgerlach@express-news.net
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WASHINGTON  Campaigning in the GOP primaries earlier this year, Donald Trump liked to brag that he was the only Republican with broad enough appeal to put states in play that had not been competitive in ages.

He pointed to his native New York and to California, coastal states that typically go Democrat. He did not mention deep-red Texas, which last went for a Democrat in 1976.

But as Trumps campaign stumbles in the polls, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is expanding her efforts in a slew of traditionally Republican states, including Texas, where she is only six points down in the polls.

Citing last months landmark endorsement by the Dallas Morning News, which had not backed a Democratic presidential candidate since World War II, the Clinton campaign is making a one-week ad buy in Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Dallas, touting the newspaper editorial.

Though Clinton still is a long shot in Texas, political analysts see it as a sign of her recent strength nationally and in the critical battleground states of Pennsylvania and Florida.

I dont think its knowable at this point what a Texas ad buy would accomplish, veteran Texas Democratic operative Harold Cook said. But I will say this: If the Democrat is buying ad time in Texas in a presidential election, it aint a good year for the Republican.

The ad buy  estimated at about $1.5 million  is a modest investment for a state the size of Texas, but Democratic allies say it could represent a shift to a 50-state strategy designed to expand on the 270 electoral votes needed to get to the White House.

As Trump faces a multitude of allegations focused on his behavior toward women, Clintons new push into Texas and other Republican states also is seen as a chance to use her momentum to help Democrats in competitive House, Senate and other down-ballot races.

Donald Trump is becoming more unhinged by the day, and that is increasing prospects for Democrats further down the ballot, because of higher-than-expected turnout and enthusiasm, Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook said Monday in a conference call with reporters.

Mook also announced that the campaign would be adding $2 million in new spending on ads and direct mail in Arizona. Campaign aides said another $1 million is being deployed in Missouri and Indiana, the home of Gov. Mike Pence, Trumps running mate.

I think theyre playing with house money right now, said Craig Goodman, a political scientist at the University of Houston in Victoria, citing reports that the Clinton campaign is flush with cash compared to Trump, who has taken in less than half of the $373 million reported so far by the Democrat. Theyve got excess resources.

The new ad comes as First Lady Michelle Obama and Chelsea Clinton will campaign in Arizona. Vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine spent time last week in Utah, where Trump faces a tough third-party challenge and Clinton received the endorsement of the Salt Lake Tribune. In Georgia, civil rights activist Jesse Jackson recently campaigned for Clinton.

Texas Republican Party Chairman Tom Mechler declined to comment on the Clinton ad buy. A state GOP aide, however, questioned the impact of television ads running for a limited time in largely Democratic urban markets. While the ads may demonstrate some muscle-flexing on the part of the Clinton campaign, Republicans consider them a play for the more pervasive earned media of news and social media reaction.

Some campaign analysts estimate that a serious effort to compete in an expensive media state like Texas would require a push of more than $2 million a week from now until the Nov. 8 election. So far, the Clinton campaign has given no sign that it is ready to make an investment of that size, notwithstanding the six offices that Clinton and the Democratic National Committee have opened in the state.

Texas Democrats see it as a hopeful sign that the national party is prepared to help make gains in the state legislature, with at least eight competitive seats in the markets covered by the ads. Democrats, working on a big turnout effort, also are hoping to pick up a congressional seat in a Texas border district that includes parts of San Antonio, one of the markets where the Clinton ad will appear.

In 2016, Texas Democrats have been laser-focused on building the permanent infrastructure necessary to make a stronger Texas, Texas Democratic Party Deputy Executive Director Manny Garcia said in a statement. Were proud to have Secretary Clintons campaign investing in that long term vision. Every bit of support by national Democrats to help us make our case to Texas families helps get out the vote.

The Clinton ad appears to be timed for the beginning of early voting in Texas next Monday. It also comes on the heels of a very tumultuous two weeks for Trump, who has been battling accusations of sexually inappropriate behavior going back decades.

While many analysts see the Texas ad buy as a sign of a widening playing field, an aide to the Clinton camp emphasized that it highlights Clintons unique endorsement by the Dallas Morning News.

The ad highlights the newspapers opinion that Trump plays on fear and shows a dangerous lack of judgment.

Trump currently leads in the state by nearly six percentage points, according to a RealClearPolitics average. While significant, it is a much smaller advantage than Republicans candidates generally have enjoyed in recent presidential elections. President Barack Obama lost the state by 16 points in 2012.

While the new ad is unlikely to reverse Clintons fortunes in the state, it could present a challenge to Trump strategists deciding how to allocate their resources in the waning weeks of the campaign.

Its an interesting little chess play, Cook said.

kevin.diaz@chron.com
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A Muslim woman at the second presidential debate asked Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton how they would help millions of Muslims in the United States "deal with the consequences of being labeled as a threat to the country."

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, said that Muslims have to report problems, because "if they don't do that, it's a very difficult situation for our country." And Clinton, his Democratic rival, wont use the term "radical Islamic terrorism," Trump said, which we have said is misleading.

Clinton said she wanted Muslims to feel included in the country, "part of our homeland security."

"We've had Muslims in America since George Washington," Clinton said. "And we've had many successful Muslims. We just lost a particular well-known one with Muhammad Ali."

We wondered about Clintons remarks about Muslims being in America since the nations first president, more than 200 years ago.

There are about 2.75 million Muslims in America, according to estimates by Pew Research Center. Islam is the second-largest religion in the world after Christianity and the fastest growing.

Muslims were singled out this election cycle when Trump in December 2015 called for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States," until U.S. representatives "can figure out what is going on."

Trumps statement came a few days after a husband and wife in San Bernardino, Calif., fatally shot 14 people and wounded more than 20 others. The woman was from Pakistan and on the day of the attack pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, a terrorist group also known as ISIS.

In June 2016, Trump said he was revising his plan, and would suspend immigration from areas with "proven history of terrorism against the United States, Europe or our allies, until we fully understand how to end these threats."

After the mass shooting in California and other attacks in Paris, hate crimes against Muslims spiked in the United States, the New York Times reported.

Given statements about banning Muslims from coming to the United States and the attacks some already in the country are facing, Clintons comment about their presence in the country dating back hundreds of years seemed relevant.

Clintons campaign pointed us to a Feb. 9, 2015, opinion piece in the New York Times by Peter Manseau, who has written about American history and religions.

"No matter how anxious people may be about Islam, the notion of a Muslim invasion of this majority-Christian country has no basis in fact," Manseaus New York Times piece said.

Manseaus piece discusses a man called Estevanico who was raised in Azemmour, a Moroccan city that was once a "Muslim stronghold against European invasion." In 1528, an enslaved Estevanico and Spanish explorers were shipwrecked near present-day Galveston, Texas. Estevanico eventually escaped his Christian captors and lived in the Southwest, Manseau wrote.

In the 1700s, Louisiana plantation owners "made it a point to add enslaved Muslims to their labor force, relying on their experience with the cultivation of indigo and rice," the New York Times piece said.

Arabs in America, a project at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, also says scholars believe Estevanico was a practicing Muslim, "though he nominally converted to Catholicism to appease his Spanish masters."

The Clinton campaign also sent over a Q&A page on Tolerance.org about Muslims that says they arrived in America more than 400 years ago as slaves and that many practiced their faith in secret. They also pointed to a PBS feature on Islam in America that says 10 to 15 percent of African slaves were believed to be Muslims.

Experts also backed up Clintons claim.

Kambiz GhaneaBassiri, a professor of religion and humanities at Reed College, also noted that the National Portrait Gallery includes a portrait of Yarrow Mamout, identified as an African-American Muslim man and former slave.

"His portrait reminds us that Muslims have been a part of the fabric of this nation since the beginning," Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery, said in a July 2016 press statement when it was announced the portrait would be added as part of the museums annual rotations.

Scholars also referred us to a post about the Founding Fathers and Islam by James H. Hutson, chief of the Manuscript Division at the Library of Congress.

"Readers may be surprised to learn that there may have been hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Muslims in the United States in 1776  imported as slaves from areas of Africa where Islam flourished," Hutson wrote. "Although there is no evidence that the Founders were aware of the religious convictions of their bondsmen, it is clear that the Founding Fathers thought about the relationship of Islam to the new nation and were prepared to make a place for it in the republic."

Washington said he would welcome Muslims to Mount Vernon (his home) "if they were good workmen," Hutson said. Washington also "suggested a way for Muslims to obtain proper relief " from a proposed bill in Virginia levying taxes to aid Christian worship, according to Hutson.

Our ruling

Clinton said, "We've had Muslims in America since George Washington."

History scholars, studies and information from the Library of Congress say Muslims have been in the United States for hundreds of years, certainly dating back to Washington. Though Muslims were brought to America as slaves from Africa, experts believe many were not able to freely practice their religion. The Founding Fathers eventually outlined freedom of religion, among other rights.

We rate Clintons statement True.
Decrying Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons lawsuit seeking to halt plastic bag fees in Brownsville, statewide environmental groups are promising organization efforts and legal fights.

Weve got evidence on the ground of how successful these bag ordinances have been, said Robin Schneider, director of Texas Campaign for the Environment. But, unfortunately, it has become an ideological crusade by the attorney general and the governor to prevent local governments from exercising their democratic options.

Paxton sued the city of Brownsville last week, claiming that its $1 fee for single-use plastic bags at groceries and retailers was an illegal sales tax.

Schneider said it was particularly galling that the Attorney Generals office press release announcing the action incorrectly asserted Brownsville was charging one dollar per bag. The city actually charges one dollar per retail transaction. AG office spokeswoman Kayleigh Lovvorn said Monday the agency will not issue a corrected press release.

Schneider said Paxton has support from many, but not all, retailers, plus the chemical industry and major bag makers, such as Dallas-based Novolex, one of North Americas largest manufacturers of the flimsy bags that critics say litter the landscape, choke drainage pipes and harm aquatic life.

Doesnt the state have anything better to do than to crush the will of the people and their locally elected officials to suit just a few business interests? asked Tricia Cortez, director of the Rio Grande International Study Center, in a press release.

Among the Texas environmental groups hoping to thwart Paxtons legal move against bag ordinances are various wildlife groups, including Sea Turtle Inc. and the Turtle Island Restoration Network, which believe bag pollution along the Gulf of Mexico could harm the states population of endangered or threatened sea creatures.

Schneider said the list of Texas cities with bag ordinances on the books includes: Brownsville, South Padre Island, Laguna Vista, Fort Stockton, Laredo, Austin, Freer, Sunset Valley, Kermit and Port Aransas.

She said that Laredo, which had its bag ordinance overturned by a state appeals court, plans to take its case to the Texas Supreme Court.

bselcraig@express-news.net
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Responding to a call from a good Samaritan one cool morning, Animal Care Services Officer Gabe Rodriguez spotted the black-and-white dog that had been reported roaming near Camargo Park on the Southwest Side.

Once the dog was secured, however, she kept tugging at the leash, trying to lead Rodriguez up an easement near woods where javelinas rustled in the brush.

The determined dog took Rodriguez and other officers through high weeds and clinging burrs to a 5-foot-high mound made of flood debris and timber washed up from Leon Creek. Yelps echoed through the woods. The officers, after digging through a patch of dry grass, found out why the dog had dragged them up the pasture: Her three pups were hidden in a hollowed-out den.

She was a true stray dog that started getting domesticated, ACS Officer Joseph Flores said, because people started to feed her.

Thousands of dogs roam the streets and overgrown areas of San Antonio each year, but animal experts estimate that only 1 out of every 5 can be considered truly homeless. Many of the roaming dogs, feral and semi-domesticated, travel along a series of creek beds, greenbelts and drainage culverts known as the dog highway, giving them access to water and the ability to traverse largely unseen between neighborhoods.

In fiscal year 2015, the citys animal shelter received 102,855 service calls for dogs; 10,680 were for locations within 500 feet of a waterway.

There are a lot of green spaces surrounding the waterways, by virtue of the fact that people are drawn to the scenery and nature, ACS Chief Field Operations Officer Shannon Sims said. So are the animals. Its a natural inclination for them to want to be near water.

It happens all over the city.

Alazan Creek runs out of Woodlawn Lake in District 7, down through a large swath of the West Side in District 5, and south of San Fernando Cemetery No. 1. It meets up with Apache Creek and San Pedro Creek before flowing to the San Antonio River, by the missions area and the new World Heritage Site on the Southeast Side. Leon Creek flows through District 6 into District 4. Salado Creek runs through the East Side in District 2.

ACS officers find dogs roaming in all those areas, with heavier concentrations in the areas of Leon Springs and Balcones Heights and on the East Side, on South New Braunfels Avenue.

Most of the dogs seen roaming loose on the streets are essentially community dogs because theyre provided food and water by someone or have some other kind of friendly human contact, said Katie Jarl, Texas senior state director for the Humane Society of the United States. Studies show those dogs return to the area they consider home every night.

There are very few that are not relying on a human or going to a human, Jarl said.

She said roaming dogs often feed off trash or bowls of food set out by well-meaning animal lovers. At Southside Lions Park, for example, people leave buckets filled with water and bowls of scraps of food for the roaming dogs.

So many times, well see that the truth is that dog has been walking that street for quite a long time, Jarl said.

While some animal lovers may romanticize the roaming dogs as free spirits who are happier living outdoors, animal experts note the semi-domesticated roaming dogs tend to die younger and often fall victim to abuse and illness. Theyre also more likely to get rabies or other diseases from wild animals they encounter in overgrown areas.

I think the ultimate goal is to have pets inside, being cared for, and people and animals of San Antonio having a great lifestyle, Jarl said.

ACS director Heber Lefgren said the shelter has seen a decrease in resident-initiated calls and that officers have been more proactive in identifying new ways to address the many loose dogs across the city who arent truly strays.

Thats where the focus has been the last couple of years and will continue to be, he said. We still need to try to educate, inform and promote the change in behavior that pets owners need to have in these areas.

According to a city ordinance, anyone who cares for an animal for more than 30 days, including leaving food out for roaming dogs, is legally responsible for that animal.

Janice Darling, executive director of the Animal Defense League of Texas, said many of the dogs brought to the organization and that it picks up from ACS are in good shape physically.

They dont have any sort of identification, collars or microchips, she said. Youre not supposed to let your dog roam, and if we could just encourage people at a minimum to get a microchip, thats really going to help recover your animal.

Animal advocates said feral dogs often have matted fur and flea bites and scavenge for food. Several ACS officers said theyve seen wild dogs hop in the air, like a gazelle, pouncing on field mice. Wild dogs, they said, rarely come around people, often seeking cover in underbrush and wooded areas. Theyre survivalists and tend to adapt to injuries.

In fiscal year 2015, 29,727 animals were brought in to ACS. Of those, 21,046 were dogs, with 13,529 brought in by ACS field officers. In fiscal year 2016, ACS brought in 31,811 animals. Of that number, 23,598 were dogs, and 15,005 were brought in by field officers.

ACS spokeswoman Lisa Norwood said that, overwhelmingly, people who are bitten by dogs are bitten by animals that belong to somebody; theyre not ferals. Wild dogs dont come near people, she said. In the course of an investigation into a dog bite, neighbors often confirm where a dog lives or an area it frequents.

Residents input is essential to controlling the roaming dog population, Norwood said.

When ACS Officer Robert Lopez drove toward the Salado Creek Greenway one recent evening, a motorist stopped him, saying hed seen 10 dogs along the edge of the park. Minutes later, Lopez saw two adult dogs and a pup resting in tall grass. As soon as he approached, the trio slipped into the brush.

Holding a forearm in front of his face, he plowed through patches of thick brush, only to find empty dens burrowed into the earth beneath slabs of crumbled concrete in the overgrown area.

As Lopez returned to his truck, Kim Ramirez, 63, flagged him down. Holding the leashes of her two terriers, Yucca and Brooks Dale, she told him about another loose dog sighting. Two years ago, she had found the terriers wandering along the greenway and adopted them as her pets.

Ramirez said people regularly dump animals in the area. She said there have been times when loose dogs have attacked pets in the neighborhood.

I wish there was a big sign that said, Spay/neuter your animals, she said. If you cant love them, dont have them.

A week earlier, in a grove on the West Side, ACS Officer Sabrina Oyervides had pushed through clawing branches and saplings to investigate a reported sighting of roaming dogs. Finding homes for loose dogs is what Oyervides has wanted to do since she was a high school volunteer at ACS.

Instead of canines, she found Luis Lopez, a 59-year-old homeless man who lived in a tower made of old blankets, remnants of furniture and tree limbs. Lopez said hed seen a pack of dogs on the other side of the woods, along Acme Road. Oyervides found seven or eight barking dogs behind the chain-link fence of a nearby business. The young officer left an excess-animal warning for the business owner.

According to city ordinance Section 5-109, there can be no more than five dogs at one place. A pet owner who would like more dogs must apply for an excess animal permit that would be valid for one year, depending on the circumstance.

Before dusk, Oyervides stopped by Monterrey Park, where a black Labrador stopped for his daily meals. At the start of summer, workers at the park would leave chicken and hamburgers for him and a brown-and-white Lab.

ACS Field Operations Supervisor Aimee DeContreras has since captured the brown-and-white Lab, but the black one remains at large.

DeContreras has gone back to the area several times. A crafty canine, the black Lab readily accepts food from visitors but wont go near an officer. The last time she saw him, DeContreras spotted the black dog in a grassy area, but before she could get to the curb, he had put a good distance between himself and the truck. Before she could park, the dog was already at the corridors edge. By the time she had opened her door, he had made his way to the creek bed, ambling down the dog highway.
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WASHINGTON  Outside money flooding the San Antonio-area rematch between U.S. Rep. Will Hurd and Pete Gallego likely will push total spending beyond $10 million for advertising, establishing their race as one of the most expensive congressional contests ever in Texas.

In quarterly finance reports filed over the weekend, Hurd, R-San Antonio, again crushed Gallego by nearly 2-1 in receipts, perhaps reflecting Republicans renewed drive to hold on to Congress amid diminished prospects of victory for GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Hurd took in $906,000 from July through September, compared with Gallegos $474,000. Hurd had $1.1 million cash on hand for the last weeks in one of the nations most-watched congressional contests.

Amidst all the volatility of this election cycle, Texass 23d District has remained a constant  one of the true toss-up races, said analyst Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of the nonpartisan Rothenberg and Gonzales Political Report.

Both parties agree that this district is a top race, but party officials have a different view of who has the advantage in the final sprint, he said.

The new reports to the Federal Election Commission again show Hurds fundraising prowess. He has brought in over $3.6 million this cycle in his quest to hold on to the notoriously swing district, last held by Gallego.

But Gallego, of Alpine, isnt hurting for financial backing. Democrats view the expansive district  which stretches from San Antonio nearly to El Paso  as a prime opportunity to pick up a seat in the GOP-held House.

Already, Democrats nationally and Gallego have spent $2.9 million for advertising up to now and have an additional $2.4 million booked in air time, according to interviews and media tracking sources. Republicans and Hurd have spent $2.7 million to date, with $2.3 million more reserved in broadcast and cable TV time.

All that spending assures that viewers could find it hard to escape the boasts and belittling of a bare-knuckles contest.

According to spending projections, the rematch would exceed $10 million in total, the most expensive congressional contest in Texas since 2004, when heavyweight incumbents Pete Sessions and Martin Frost battled for survival in a redrawn district in suburban Dallas. Nearly $11.4 million was spent in that race, won by Sessions, R-Dallas, who remains in Congress.

Hurds haul of $900,000-plus, his biggest for a three-month period, might also reflect worries by allies about the difficulty Trump poses for Hurd in a Hispanic-majority district. Trumps hard-edged stand on immigration and his series of insults directed at Latinos have fueled widespread anger in the Latino electorate.

Former President George W. Bush ($2,700) was among a host of GOP leaders and officeholders donating to Hurd, while key backers increased their investments in his campaign, among them the National Rifle Association, which had contributed $11,900 so far.

Hurd, who has developed a reputation as one of the main cyberexperts in the House, received additional financial backing over the summer from Facebook, Google, Amazon and an assortment of technology companies. Together, tech companies have donated more than $50,000 to his re-election effort.

Gallegos $474,000 in receipts from July through September paled by contrast to Hurds, but Gallegos campaign observed that it was the Democrats biggest quarterly haul yet.

Gallegos contributions have been bolstered this election by $133,000 from ActBlue, which transmits earmarked contributions to Democrats after raising money online. The League of Conservation Voters ($8,500 this cycle) and Planned Parenthood ($4,000) also boosted their assistance to Gallego, his report to the FEC showed.

Meanwhile, labor union PACs gave Gallego nearly $40,000 recently, bringing their totals to more than $60,000 this year.

Among new ads financed by outside spending is one that began Friday from the Democrats House Majority PAC that includes a video clip of Hurd asserting that Trumps proposed wall along the Southwest border absolutely makes sense.

A recent Gallego ad that used an identical Hurd phrase was judged mostly false by nonpartisan Texas PolitiFact, given that it did not include the rest of the quote by Hurd, who in the past has been critical of Trumps wall plan and said recently that he doesnt support the GOP nominee.

Jeb Fain, a House Majority PAC spokesman, said, Will Hurd said on national television that a border wall absolutely makes sense, and our ad simply allows voters to hear Congressman Hurd in his own words.  As Trump based his campaign on building a wall with Mexico, Hurd stood by and even left the door open to voting for him.

bill.lambrecht@hearstdc.com
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McALLEN  The unrelenting flow of immigrant children and families caught crossing the Southwest border in 2016 continues to challenge the U.S. immigration system as their numbers surpass the dramatic surge of Central American immigrants that overwhelmed immigration officials two years ago.

The total number of 408,870 immigrants caught at the border climbed significantly in the 2016 fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, driven largely by the 77,674 families and 59,692 children unaccompanied by a parent caught along the Southwest border, according to the latest figures published Monday by the Department of Homeland Security.

More families and unaccompanied children are fleeing poverty and violence in Central America, said Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson on Monday. In 2014, Central Americans apprehended on the southern border outnumbered Mexicans for the first time. In 2016, it happened again.

While total immigrant apprehensions increased 23 percent this year, family apprehensions increased nearly 95 percent, and were 13 percent higher than the unprecedented surge of 2014. Border agents also picked up 19,722 more minors this year, or an increase of nearly 50 percent from the previous fiscal year.

More Information Immigrant apprehensions By fiscal year 2013 - 414,397 2014 - 479,371 2015 - 331,333 2016 - 408,870 Source: Department of Homeland Security See More Collapse

The total number of apprehensions were lower than in fiscal 2013 and 2014.

As the U.S. attempts to balance immigration enforcement with humanitarian relief, it has also come to rely heavily on Mexico to help stem the flow from Central America's Northern Triangle. Enforcement in Mexico was credited with the precipitous decline in immigrant apprehensions at the U.S. border during the 2015 fiscal year.

And yet, the swift crackdown at Mexicos southern border has done little to deter Central Americans fleeing rampant violence and poverty, especially as migrant smugglers adapt their tactics to evade authorities.

This is clearly a longer term trend that we have to deal with in the region and the border, said Doris Meissner, director of the U.S. immigration policy program at the Migration Policy Institute. The administration has come to the realization within this past year that this was really partially a refugee situation.

In a scene reminiscent of the pressing swell of migrants that flooded the Rio Grande Valley in 2014, McAllens Sacred Heart Catholic Church once again is taking in as many as 200 immigrants each day for temporary food and shelter after their release from and Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility.

Over the summer, Costa Rica announced a protection transfer arrangement with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration to offer protection to 200 refugees fleeing Central America.

For its part, the Obama administration plans to establish a referral program that will give people in the Northern Triangle region the option of being considered for refugee protection in the United States after they are screened by the Department of Homeland Security.

The administration has also expanded the categories of people eligible for the Central American Minors program to include older siblings, the biological parents and caregivers of a qualified child.

Meanwhile, Johnson said the solution to curbing future migration from Central America will be long-term investment, noting the $750 million Congress approved in 2016 to combat violence and promote social programs in the troubled region.

Still the results of a report commissioned by DHS released earlier this month by the Associated Press, found that immigration authorities in 2015 caught just over half of the people who illegally entered the country illegally.

But to secure the U.S. border, Johnson urged the next administration and Congress to invest in border security technology, equipment and other resources.

Border security alone cannot overcome the powerful push factors of poverty and violence that exist in Central America, Johnson said. Walls alone cannot prevent illegal migration.

anelsen@express-news.net

Twitter: @amnelsen




The Wedgwood Senior Apartments, a 1960s 11-story building damaged by a fatal fire in 2014, has been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places.

Gregory Smith, national register coordinator with the Texas Historical Commission, said the owner hopes to secure historic tax credits to pay for repairs to the structure at 6701 Blanco Road in Castle Hills.
KERRVILLE  A local Republic of Texas official convicted here last year over the issuance of phony court documents is back behind bars  without bond  on three charges of violating the terms of her probation.

Susan R. Cammack, who bills herself as Bexar Countys representative in the pro-independence groups government, was forcibly fingerprinted and photographed by staffers at the Kerr County jail following her Oct. 7 arrest.

She was refusing to be booked, claiming that she was not a U.S. citizen and we could not book her, period, Sheriff Rusty Hierholzer said Monday. She did resist, but she was fingerprinted and photographed.

The Republic of Texas doesnt recognize Texas as legitimately in the union and therefore maintains that it doesnt need to secede to establish its independence.

This is the second time that Cammack, of Hunt, has been jailed for allegedly violating her probation. A jury convicted her nearly a year ago of three misdemeanor counts of simulating legal process, and she was sentenced then to two years probation and a $500 fine.

The charges stemmed from court orders issued on Cammacks behalf in early 2015 by David J. Kroupa, who billed himself as the Republic of Texas chief justice in Harris County. The papers summoned a Kerrville lawyer and a state district judge to appear at the groups international common law court in Bryan to explain their actions in a foreclosure case against Cammack in Kerr County.

Neither the judge nor the lawyer attended  but local, state and federal officers raided the Feb. 14, 2015 meeting and seized computers, phones and documents from group members. Only Cammack and Kroupa were charged and prosecuted by the Texas Attorney Generals Office.

Kroupa, 60, pleaded guilty in August 2015 to one count of simulating legal process under a plea deal that dropped two other similar charges. He was sentenced to 50 hours of community service and 15 months deferred adjudication probation and fined $500. He also agreed to testify at Cammacks trial in October 2015.

Cammack, 55, launched an appeal of her conviction but later dropped it. Prosecutors dropped an attempt to revoke her probation in July because, the court found, the dismissal of the appeal had not been finalized when the alleged violations occurred, so she was not officially on probation at the time.

In freeing Cammack, retired state District Judge Robert Barton advised her to abide by the law and to cooperate with probation officials to avoid future problems.

However, the states latest motion accused her of failing to report in August to the community supervisions department and to sign required forms, refusing to submit to drug testing or report to the sheriffs department to be fingerprinted, failing to pay $1,213 in fines and fees ordered by the court, failing to pay three months of probation fees totaling $90 and failing to complete 100 hours of community service.

The Oct. 5 motion also alleges that Cammack committed new offenses by failing to maintain vehicle registration and liability insurance.

In a 12-page document filed with the court Aug. 11, Cammack accused Sheriff Hierholzer and others of kidnapping, assaulting and imprisoning her. Authorities engaged in the theft of my property, with their extortion racket, and then held a show trial in their so-called court, before their (bought-and-paid-for) clerk masquerading as a judge.

John Jarnecke, president of the Republic of Texas, said he visited Cammack in jail Sunday. He said Cammack was still sore from being manhandled during the forced booking.

I think Kerr County just has a vendetta against her and the Republic of Texas and I believe theyre going to do their dangest to ensure that they wind up on top, that they win, Jarnecke said Monday.

He said Cammacks latest arrest occurred at a Kerrville restaurant as she tried to have new papers served on an individual, documents he suspects may spark a new, separate investigation.

Hierholzer denied Cammack was mistreated and said theres no investigation underway into the latest paperwork served by her.

Cammack is expected to remain in jail pending her next court appearance, the date of which has not been set.

zeke@express-news.net
The San Antonio Water System is considering ways to soften a section of its Vista Ridge contract, making it easier for the company building the pipeline to meet a key financial deadline.

Garney Construction in June took control of the pipeline project SAWS hopes will begin delivering up to 16.3 billion gallons of water per year in 2020. To make that happen, Garney must meet a series of requirements that range from taking out loans to buying easements along the pipeline route.

The deadline to meet these requirements is known as financial close. According to the water supply contract, Garney has until May to fulfill the requirements, but SAWS officials have said it is trying to meet them by the end of December.

Asked why SAWS wants to help Garney reach financial close five months before the deadline, SAWS Vice President of Water Resources Donovan Burton said, We want to build the project. Were excited about getting the project moving.

The contract specifies that Garney, its lenders and the other companies involved in the project would make their money back through payments from SAWS customers over 30 years. SAWS would then own the pipeline in 2050.

SAWS has already amended the contract once to make some of the financial close requirements easier. In May, the utility quietly posted hundreds of pages on its website with new contract language three days before the SAWS board of trustees voted to make the changes.

Perhaps the most significant was a change to how much of the pipeline route Garney would need to possess. Instead of requiring the company to have substantially all the 142-mile route in hand, SAWS changed the language to require only 35 miles.

SAWS now wants to amend the contract a second time. Burton described the changes at the utilitys October board meeting:

1. Who will operate the pipeline?

SAWS would give Garney until 18 months before the water begins flowing  roughly late 2018 or early 2019  to say what third-party entity would actually operate the pipeline for 30 years. SAWS will have the ability to consent to that choice.

2. Location of groundwater wells

Garney would have until next summer to determine the exact locations of the wells that will tap the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer below Burleson County. The company had the sites secured and groundwater permits in place but might want to move the locations, Burton said.

We think its appropriate to give them a little bit more time to continue working with those landowners and continue looking at the hydrology to make sure those well sites are in place, Burton said.

3. Water-shipping permits

Permits from the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District allow the company to ship water out of the district only until 2034, 16 years before the end of the contract. SAWS wants to create some incentives for Garney to get that permit extended until 2050.

Wed like a little more clarity of that, and I think the banks would, Burton said.

In August, Post Oak Savannahs attorney sent a letter saying that amending the transportation permit is unnecessary. As long as the permit is in good standing, state law compels Post Oak Savannah to renew it, the attorney said.

Its not an acute issue with us until later on, Burton said, but SAWS wanted more protections just in case.

The risk continues to be with the project company, Burton said. If they dont deliver the water, were not going to pay them.

4. Changes to endpoint

SAWS will allow Garney to continue making tweaks to the design plan and location of the place where the pipeline ends in Bexar County. There might be some opportunities for cutting costs, Burton said.

We are suggesting we continue that discussion with them, he said. As soon as we find a more appropriate alternative, well come back to (the SAWS board).

SAWS President and CEO Robert Puente said the board is expected to vote on these amendments at its November meeting or during a special meeting.

bgibbons@express-news.net

Twitter: @bgibbs
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Buoyed by a raucous San Antonio rally Sunday, Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein said Texans have gotten the message that there are more than two candidates in the race for the White House.

Texas is rising up strong, Stein said, recounting her weekend campaign events in the Alamo City, Houston and El Paso that drew large crowds.

People are not drinking the Kool-Aid here thats telling them to be good little boys and girls and just keep voting for the same two-party system thats throwing people under the bus, Stein said.

Its time to throw the bums out who are standing in the way of environmental and social justice, she told several hundred Green Party supporters at Galeria EVA, in the 3400 block of South Flores Street.

Addressing a major concern for many voters, Stein disputed arguments that a vote for a third party is a wasted vote. There is no greater waste of a vote than to vote for a failed, two-party system, she said.

Stein, 66, of Lexington, Mass., is a Harvard-trained physician who became involved in politics as a health and environmental advocate. In 2002, she was the Green Party candidate for governor of Massachusetts, competing with Republican Mitt Romney. A decade later, Stein challenged Romney again, in the 2012 presidential race, after winning the Greens nomination over comedian Roseanne Barr.

More Information More information: www.txgreens.org See More Collapse

In her only elected role, Stein served on the Lexington Town Meeting from 2005-11. She also made a failed bid for secretary of state in Massachusetts.

In August, at their national convention held at the University of Houston, about 300 Green party members selected Stein as their 2016 nominee, with vice presidential running mate Ajamu Baraka. Delegates spoke out against fracking, racism, poverty and voter suppression as they tapped Stein, who touched on those issues at the San Antonio event.

Its time to move on from fossil fuels, she said. Her partys Green New Deal platform turns the tide on climate change and it makes the friggin wars for oil obsolete, she said.

Stein assailed Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton as well as Republican foe Donald Trump over their immigration, energy and foreign policies, and lamented the Green Partys exclusion from the series of presidential debates that concludes Wednesday. The bipartisan commission in charge of the debates said she never reached the polling threshold to be included in the three debates.

Steins attacks on the commission and media drew loud support from the San Antonio audience that included Native Americans, senior citizens, and young adults, including minorities.

Even with their enthusiasm, Stein supporters are accustomed to predictions that Stein will finish no better than fourth on Nov. 8, behind the major-party candidates and Libertarian Gary Johnson.

The Green Party, founded in 1984, has captured as much as 2.7 percent of the national vote  in 2000, when consumer advocate Ralph Nader challenged Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Al Gore. That watershed election yielded a record 2.8 million votes for the Green party.

In 2012, Stein nationwide got 0.36 percent  470,000 votes  less than half of the Libertarian candidate but a general-election record for a woman seeking the White House.

In Texas, Stein garnered 24,657 votes, or 0.31 percent of the 2012 statewide total. Stein got 1,765 votes in Bexar County that year, or .23 percent.

The latest Texas Lyceum poll, taken in early September, pegged the third-party candidates well behind Trump and Clinton, with Johnson at 9 percent and Stein at 3 percent. Greens statewide, including dozens of down-ballot candidates around Texas, are hoping to improve on that percentage. They hope to exceed 5 percent for a statewide candidate, the level that guarantees them ballot spots in the next election.

In addition to the presidency, Green candidates also are on the ballot for Congress, Texas Railroad Commission, Texas Supreme Court, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Bexar County sheriff and justice of the peace. Early voting starts Oct. 24.

jgonzalez@express-news.net

Twitter: @johnwgonzalez
Up until the last two weeks of her life, Choco Meza was still fearless, still moving forward with energy, focus and drive. She had no second to spare, way too much to do and the clock was ticking so loudly.

She slowed only when her body forbade movement. When she died of advanced liver cancer, diagnosed just days before, she had already requested a mail-in ballot in hopes of a viable treatment that was not to be.

Friends say that was just like her to be thinking ahead, forever looking on the positive side. Shell be eulogized this morning at San Fernando Cathedral, where so many will have their own stories of her.

The longtime activist, leader and Democratic Party stalwart spent her life working for social justice and voting rights, but before her death she was working on getting Hillary Clinton elected president of the United States. A taskmaster at heart, she was directing volunteers to mobilize voters.

Friend Rosie Castro said Meza had the ability to bring different people together and get them marching in the same direction.

Her story is quintessentially American. She arrived in Texas from Zaragoza, Coahuila, at age 2, the youngest of five children born to hardworking, hopeful parents.

Her father was deported several times, moving in and out of the country until he got papers. A ranch hand, he dug irrigation ditches and eventually brought his family to Uvalde, then Eagle Pass.

Meza spent her early years in shacks with dirt floors. But she always felt rich, said her husband of 44 years, Daniel Meza. Her parents were so dynamic; there was so much energy and passion to succeed.

She showed grit even as a girl, surviving an accident in which she was run over by a truck. Hospitalized for months, she recovered and went back to being her cheery, self-determined self.

Mezas political involvement started as a teen, when Chicano students were walking out of schools in protest of unequal educational opportunities, unprepared teachers, crumbling facilities and a lack of textbooks.

She traveled with friends to Del Rio schools to participate in a walkout. It would lead to involvement in the Chicano movement and the Raza Unida Party. She and her husband were equally involved, but he says she was the leader.

The Mezas met in a stairwell at Memorial High School, where she was student-teaching in physical education. She was then on the womens varsity volleyball team at St. Marys University, he said. It was spring 1973. By November, they were married. She was just a junior.

Meza will be most remembered for her early research work under St. Marys President Emeritus Charlie Cotrell, then a political science professor. She and Castro collected and analyzed voting data for use in court cases waged by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. It was in line with her parents own grass-roots work. They fund-raised to help friends and neighbors pay their poll taxes to be able to vote, Mezas husband said.

Her research helped draw redistricting maps for the citys single-member districts. Her fieldwork in small South Texas communities did the same. She and her husband trained candidates seeking to run for office.

Meza was the Southwest Voter Registration Education Projects first national research director. She was executive director of a YWCA. At the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under Henry Cisneros, she served as deputy assistant secretary for intergovernmental relations.

Meza came home to work as senior vice president of the San Antonio Housing Authority and managed several campaigns, including that of District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, whom she served as chief of staff.

Meza was known for saying, No problem. Castro gave her a wooden carving with that motto. She viewed life that way, Castro said. She saw a barrier and figured she could go under it, over it, through it or around it.

When you think about the dirt floor, the accident, she never let anyone or anything get in her way, Cotrell said.

She never got to see the entire PBS documentary Willie Velasquez: Your Vote Is Your Voice, in which she appeared so magnificently. She heard her voice in the film and tears came to her eyes.

Mezas death leaves a vacuum. Many will sense it now and for years to come. Gonzales will miss the nightime drives around the district with her, most recently looking for spots in need of more lighting. Shed say, Ive spent my life here, right here on the West Side, Gonzales said.

This afternoon Choco Meza will be laid to rest there, in San Fernando Cemetery No. 2, in her beloved West Side, an area and a people to which she devoted her life.

eayala@express-news.net

Twitter: @ElaineAyala
AUSTIN  U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz's late-in-coming, half-hearted backing of Donald Trump may have looked like the epitome of bad timing when the Republican presidential nominee subsequently was peppered with accusations of sexually predatory behavior.

But the move might have saved Cruz from a messy fight in his next GOP primary, where state races long have been decided in Texas.

If he hadn't backed Trump  no matter how unsavory the nominees words, and the later accusations against him  Cruz would have been open to attacks from the right in his 2018 re-election bid, targeted for being disloyal to the GOP and at least indirectly helping Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Buzz started about potential Cruz challengers soon after he failed to endorse Trump at the Republican National Convention in July, even though the nominee had insulted Cruzs wife and father. Cruzs Facebook announcement that hed vote for Trump finally came in late September, two weeks before a 2005 video surfaced in which Trump is heard bragging about groping women. The video was followed by accusations from multiple women that he did just that.

Cruz looks a little foolish and certainly a little too politically calculating, but when we get to December of 2017 and candidates are filing for the GOP Senate primary, this will all have worked out well for him, predicted Rice University political scientist Mark Jones.

The political calculation helps explain why top Texas Republicans by and large haven't publicly fled Trump the way a number of national Republicans have, although there are some holdouts and some who have eased their positions.

U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, locked in an unusual general-election battle with Democrat Pete Gallego in which Trump has emerged as an issue, issued a statement saying he cant support a man who degrades women, insults minorities and has no clear path to keep our country safe. Hurd urged Trump to step aside, but later faced criticism from some Republicans.

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, has refrained from endorsing Trump, pointing out last week, Ive had serious concerns about the nominee throughout this entire process.

State Comptroller Glenn Hegar more than three weeks ago at the Texas Tribune Festival said he would vote for Trump. But Hegar gave a different answer when queried last week during a conversation moderated by Texas Politics Project Director James Henson at the University of Texas at Austin.

Theres not any way whatsoever that Im voting for Hillary Clinton, Hegar said, but he didnt repeat his assertion that hed vote for Trump in the face of the latest controversy.

Hillary Clintons not the role model that I want for my two daughters. But I will also say this, Donald Trumps not the role model for my son, Hegar said.

Other Texas officeholders are sticking with Trump, or appear to be so far.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said he is supporting the nominee, citing his respect for those who voted for him.

Gov. Greg Abbotts office hasnt responded to questions about whether he has altered his support for Trump.

After the video was released, Abbott called Trumps rhetoric deeply disturbing, saying on social media, Absent true contrition, consequences will be dire. Abbott later posted a Biblical quote that advises being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God deserves.

State Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller reiterated his support for Trump Friday, saying on Facebook, The stakes for this election are simply too high to stay at home or even worse, support someone other than our Republican nominee.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, chairman of Trumps state campaign, appeared with him at fundraisers in San Antonio and Dallas last week. Patricks holding course, his consultant said Friday.

So far in Texas, its the safe thing to do. And Cruz, however it looks now, may be in a good position in 2018.

Cruz in some ways has the best of both worlds now, Jones said. He really doesnt need to un-endorse because he initially was so opposed to Trump, his endorsement was about as lukewarm and middling as you can get and still call it an endorsement. And now he looks vindicated. He can sit back and say, Look, I fell on my sword for the party, but hey, yall know I was right back in July.

pfikac@express-news.net

Twitter: @pfikac
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Sister Martha Ann Kirk, a Catholic nun and member of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, doesnt flinch in the least when she predicts that Catholic women will be ordained deacons in the Catholic Church.

Now 70, Kirk is a professor at the University of the Incarnate Word and author of The Prophetess Led Them in Praise, which explores the selection, editing and exclusion of women from the Catholic lectionary, or Scriptures read during daily and Sunday Masses.

Since the 1970s, Kirk has been part of the Womens Ordination Conference, now part of a worldwide movement that supports the integration of women in the diaconate, priesthood and hierarchy of the church.

It will happen, she says of women deacons. In our lifetimes, in my lifetime, in your lifetime.

To be clear, the Catholic Church maintains an all-male clergy, and a deacon is a cleric. But in August, Pope Francis created a commission to examine that issue, following a promise he made in May to a gathering of women religious.

After intense prayer and mature reflection, he directed the commission to study women leadership in early church history.

Since then, some involved in the debate have suggested Pope Francis was backed into a corner.

If approved, women deacons could do what male deacons do: administer some, but not all, sacraments. In some ways, deacons are a short step from the priesthood, though they cant hear confessions, offer absolution, celebrate Mass or anoint the sick.

They undergo years of academic and pastoral preparation. The great majority are married, and their wives undergo much of the same preparation.

The Second Vatican Council instituted a male diaconate in the early 1960s.

Kirks book opens with mentions of Miriam, Martha, Ruth, Neomi and Mary Magdalene, the apostle of the apostles, and with stories of women in Exodus, all of whom have been left out of the Catholic lectionary or relegated to weekday Masses.

Kirk tells of brave midwives who defied the law ordering them to kill Hebrew boy babies and the woman prophet Huldah, to whom a king and high priest turn to for authentication of scrolls. Shes considered the first canonist.

Scholar Phyllis Zagano of Hofstra University, who sits on the papal commission, writes that although Phoebe is the only deacon mentioned in the Bible, given the many evidences of women deacons throughout history, the restoration of women to the diaconate seems to be something Francis could do easily.

Those who disagree include Tom Fox and his wife, Mary Jane Fox, co-founders of the Pilgrim Center of Hope, an evangelization ministry. A deacon for 28 years, Tom Fox believes Pope Francis was pressed into creating the commission but ultimately wont change the all-male nature of the clergy because the person of Christ was male.

The real need in the church is evangelization, he said. People waste a lot of energy in not finding what is in place right now. We should be asking, What can I do right now? not what could I do if things were different.

If the Vatican changes its position, I would change my mind, Fox said, but until then, he thinks it would be pointless for women to prepare for the diaconate. Still, he knows that if not for women, our church would be in a difficult place.

From the time of Christ until the end of time, women have been a necessary part of the church, he said.

Other Catholics have asked Mary Jane Fox if she would serve as a deacon if allowed to. She says its unnecessary.

I dont have to become a deacon to be a servant in the church. Through my baptism Im already serving as a priestly person to build up the church, she said.

Women already are sustaining a lot of parishes right now, said Maria Antonietta Berriozabal, a former San Antonio city councilwoman who also has been asked whether shed consider the diaconate.

She says its not her calling, but there are women in my family who are like priests. Women are conducting rituals and communion services, rosaries at funerals. What women are doing now is incredible.

The San Antonio Archdioceses Office of Diaconate Ministry and Formation has ordained 380 deacons since the 1970s, said Monsignor Patrick J. Ragsdale, who runs the program.

It has 67 candidates in preparation now. Each must complete a five-year plan of study at the Mexican American Catholic College, which covers the theological, scriptural and moral teachings of the church. They take six hours of coursework a week, which their wives also undertake. MACC now offers a Spanish-language track for deacons.

Theyre almost as well-prepared as a priest, Ragsdale said, and after theyre ordained they can witness marriages and preside over baptisms, funerals, vigils, rosaries and burials. During Mass, deacons can proclaim, or read, the gospel and can preach the homily, or Catholic sermon.

Many are tasked with parish administrative duties and are assigned to parishes by the archbishop to various other duties, Ragsdale said.

In the 1970s, Kirk was among those women who wanted to be ordained a priest. She said shes now fulfilled as a scholar and sees neither the priesthood nor the diaconate in her future.

But given the steady decline in the numbers of priests and women religious, she continues to support the transformation of the church. Women have been ordained  illegally and in secret  by bishops throughout the world, she said, especially during times such as World War II.

We should work in all sorts of ways. We should train disciples, Kirk said. We need deacons, and heres a resource waiting to give.

I love the Catholic Church, she said. For 51 years, Ive been an Incarnate Word sister. I tell myself I need to be patient, but we must lovingly and perseveringly ask questions about this, because so many people in the world need ministry.

Shes not sure she will live to see women become priests.

I will leave the Holy Spirit in charge of the time for priests, she said. But I see women doing priestly work all the time, and thank God for them.

eayala@express-news.net

Twitter: @ElaineAyala
Al Kauffman, professor at St. Marys University School of Law, has done many a public service in his illustrious career, including arguing cases in which he thwarted erosion of precious rights. Add one more service.

I commend for your reading pleasure  displeasure when you grasp the enormity of what Texas has done through the years  an op-ed he wrote for these pages a Sunday ago (Halt Texas pattern of voter discrimination, Opinion, Oct. 9).

And while youre at it, read Robert Brischettos history of gerrymandering (Democracy distorted by gerrymandering, Opinion, Oct. 2).

There is a tendency, when history reveals heinous acts, for folks to shrug and say, That was then, this is now. Weve evolved, in other words.

But what Kauffman did was draw a bright line from early 20th-century efforts to keep minority voters from the polls to present-day efforts to do the same. He demonstrated that suppressing the vote isnt only history, it is an ongoing current event.

Heres the pattern: Texas implements discriminatory policies, suffers their overruling in court, complains about court and national overreach, and then designs new ingenious ways to reinstitute the discriminatory policies.

Given unlimited space to write, Kauffman could have started earlier when it comes to Texas at war with its own citizens of color, but he started in 1927. That was when the U.S. Supreme Court said it was unconstitutional to deny African-Americans a right to vote in the Democratic primary. Democrats were then the party in power  and such shenanigans are always about preserving power.

After that 1927 ruling, Texas passed a law allowing the political parties to choose who gets to vote in their primaries. Guess who was denied? Right, African-Americans.

Five years later, the high court ruled that unconstitutional. Texas then allowed parties to choose their own members  African-Americans again excluded. It took a 1944 ruling to put an end to the nonsense.

Texas history also includes this:

The states were asked to ratify the 24th Amendment, which repealed the poll tax in federal elections. Poll taxes disproportionately disenfranchised poor blacks and Mexican-Americans.

In their ratification vote in 1963, Texans rejected a repeal of the poll tax, 56 percent to 43 percent.

This, no matter how old I am, is not ancient history. And the irony was that many poor blacks and Mexican-Americans were unable to vote on their ability to vote in federal elections.

The 24th Amendment came to be anyway in 1964 because enough states ratified the measure. Wonder of wonders, the poll tax could still be applied in Texas state and local elections  until the Supreme Court banned the poll tax altogether in 1966.

To say Texas is dragged kicking and screaming into progress is not at all understatement.

And, as Kauffman wrote, the pattern persists. Texas voter ID law has been rejected three times. And this last time, folks who challenged the law had to go back to court because it appeared the state was not doing its part to educate voters that they dont need photo IDs to vote.

Even now, Texas says it will appeal the latest voter ID ruling by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Texas leaders persist in their insistence that the voter ID law is about in-person voter fraud, which is virtually nonexistent. Federal overreach? No, voter discrimination is about state overreach to preserve a partys continuing dominance, changing demographics be damned.

Kauffman advocates restoration  legislatively or by the courts  of federal preclearance. Certain states, because of past discriminatory practices, had to get changes to voting law approved by the federal government. Texas was among them. Preclearance had been a part of the Voting Rights Acts Section 5 but was weakened by the Supreme Court.

Yes, restoring preclearance would indeed be a move forward.

Another, however, starts with grasping how Texas elected officials have advocated discrimination. When you go to the polls for this extremely important election, remember that not everyone wanted to allow this. And then act accordingly.
Transcultural Memorial Forms: Contemporary Remembrance of War, Displacement and Political Rupture

Tallinn University (Estonia), 1719 March 2017

The research network Narrative and Memory: Ethics, Aesthetics, Politics is pleased to announce the call for its first symposium to explore the role of transcultural memorial forms in the articulation of memories and contemporary experiences of war, displacement and political conflict.

From Andreas Huyssens idea of the Holocaust memory as the trope for other traumatic histories and Michael Rothbergs work on multidirectional memory to Ann Rigneys idea of the scarcity of memorial forms scholars of memory have in the past decade drawn attention to the fact that in order to be voiced past experiences need the support of other memories. Further, Alison Landsbergs work on prosthetic memory has highlighted how memories travel across vast geographical and historical distances with the help of the technologies of mass culture and are adopted by people and communities who do not have any experiential link with them. This symposium is interested in the ways in which narrative strategies and memorial forms developed primarily in the context of the Holocaust memory and postwar migration have contributed to the representation of other histories of war and political conflict in the Nordic region and across Europe, and also how they are currently being used to make sense of contemporary experiences of war and displacement.

We invite reflections on the ethical and political questions related to the use and abuse of artistic, political, and intermedial storytelling practices that function as transcultural memorial forms and that may facilitate or hamper the articulation of regional differences and the historical specificity of different conflicts. What gains and dangers are involved in adopting the narrative memories of others? Our hypothesis is that in contrast to the competing political discourses on twentieth-century totalitarianisms the arts have developed more productive comparative approaches that negotiate national and regional differences and address the ethical complexity of narrating traumatic experiences of war, conflict, displacement, and political rupture. Also important to the ethical potential of artistic narrative practices is their linking of memory to imagination in such a way that allows us to envision a future-oriented ethics of memory.

Keynote speakers:

Ann Rigney (Utrecht University)

Michael Rothberg (University of California, Los Angeles)

Please send an abstract (max 300 words) and a short biographical statement to Eneken Laanes (elaanes@tlu.ee) and Hanna Meretoja (hailme@utu.fi). The registration fee will be 100 EUR (60 EUR for full time students). The deadline for submission is 15th November 2016.

Narrative and Memory: Ethics, Aesthetics, Politics is a three-year international research initiative funded by the Nordic Summer University (http://nordic.university/study-circles/4-narrative-memory) with the aim of investigating how different storytelling practices of literature, audiovisual arts, social media and oral testimonies address the legacies of twentieth-century European conflicts and how they travel across national borders. It is an interdisciplinary network that brings together scholars of narrative and memory from the Nordic and Baltic countries and Great Britain. The research circle aims to contribute to public debate on issues of memory, war, displacement and the future of Europe in the current political context of the refugee crisis.

The Nordic Summer University (http://nordic.university) is a Nordic network for research and interdisciplinary studies. NSU is a nomadic, academic institution, which organises workshop-seminars across disciplinary and national borders. Since it was established in 1950, Nordic Summer University has organised forums for cultural and intellectual debate in the Nordic and Baltic region, involving students, academics, politicians, and intellectuals from this region and beyond. Decisions about the content and the organisational form of the NSU lay with its participants. The backbone of the activities in the NSU consists of its thematic study circles. In the study circles researchers, students and professionals from different backgrounds collaborate in scholarly investigations distributed regularly in summer and winter symposia during a three-year period.



The symposium is being held in collaboration with Tallinn University and the Under and Tuglas Literature Centre of the Estonian Academy of Sciences.
Prairie Fare: As meals have evolved, so have their names

Depending on where and when you grew up, your usage of the word "dinner" might vary from others.
A hen charity has been given the green light to build a new re-homing centre which will transform its work.

The British Hen Welfare Trust was given the go ahead by North Devon Council on Friday to push ahead with plans for the centre which will be built at its base near South Molton, known as Hen Central.

The centre will serve as a dedicated re-homing site for hundreds of hens every four to six weeks.

This will allow the charity to transform its work, and it is hoped building work will begin in spring 2017

It will also provide a space for educational talks, training days and much more  something the charity has been striving towards for years.

Charity founder, Jane Howorth MBE, said: We are over the moon to have been given planning permission for our centre, which will mark a new era for the charity.

As well as re-homing, education is a key part of what the BHWT does and the centre will allow us to expand on this in ways we havent been able to before.

Personally I am hugely excited by the opportunities this will bring and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us get to this point.

The re-homing and education centre will cost around 200,000 to build and the charity launched its fundraising appeal for this on British Hen Welfare Day, held on Friday, 23 September.

More than 5,000 was raised on that day and it is hoped building work will begin in spring 2017.
Last week a group of intrepid charity staff and supporters climbed the 420 steps, or 235ft, to the top of the highest peak on The Big One rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, all in the name of raising funds and awareness for farmers.

A range of plucky YFC members, R.A.B.I staff and committee members took part.

Three Regional Managers, Georgina Lamb, Lucy Bellefontaine and Becky Davies, led the way. The team were kitted out in yellow wellies and yellow hats to draw attention to the Farm Safety campaign.

The yellow hats were donated by the Farm Safety Foundation, and the yellow wellies were donated by Kramp UK.

"We were lucky with the weather in that it was a completely still night with no rain which is rare in these parts"

Afterwards the team celebrated in traditional British style  with fish and chips and a cup of tea, followed by a lots of Blackpool rock.

Co-organiser, Georgina, said: The view from the top over the Blackpool Illuminations was breath taking!

We were lucky with the weather in that it was a completely still night with no rain which is rare in these parts.

We got some great photos, thanks to Ed Sykes, but it was quite difficult to get good shots as there was a huge red light at the peak to warn aircraft!

Regional Manager for the East, Lucy, was just pleased that it wasnt as scary as she thought. Its just a giant staircase really! The whole experience was fab and it is a great way to draw attention to what R.A.B.I do and share the farm safety message.

Becky, RM for the West Midlands, was keen to be involved, not only to raise funds but also because her family have been affected by a farm accident recently and she spread awareness: I enthusiastically agreed to the challenge.

Partly because it seemed like a fun, but slightly daunting, way to raise money for R.A.B.I, but also because it was something a bit different!

I wanted to maximise the uniqueness of this event, so when David Fellows from the West Midlands area of Young Farmers suggested conquering the big one in YELLOW wellies to highlight the farm safety campaign, I was all for it.
By 2020 all businesses in the UK will be expected to file their tax details online using HM Revenue & Customs (HMRCs) new digital tax system.

But the financial sector fears most farm businesses wont be ready.

During last years Budget the Chancellor declared that tax was going digital. Now more than a year on, the true impact of this change can be seen in the governments Making Tax Digital paper.

Whilst these proposals are still under consultation, certain things are already clear, the main issue being that all businesses with a turnover exceeding 10,000 will have to provide details of their financial affairs every four months.

The government has stated that these are unlikely to be as detailed as annual returns.

However, despite the governments attempts to reduce the impact of this change they are still likely to create an additional burden for business, especially within labour intensive industries such as farming.

'Quality of internet connection'

Paul Laird, a specialist in the financial affairs of farmers and a Director at Buckinghamshire-based Fish Partnership, said: The Making Digital Tax proposals are going to create both an administrative and potential financial burden that many farm owners will struggle with.

The last thing any farmer wants to do is come in from a long day in the fields or on his farm and sit down to a computer to input his tax details.

He said that while HMRC would use some of its real time information gathering from banks and other financial institutions to help taxpayers, much of the work would still fall on the individuals managing a business.

The timeline for this project is very short and there is already growing concern about whether HMRC has the necessary resources to meet the demand of such a complex system, Paul added.

There will also be a number of farmers out there concerned about the quality of their internet connection, as there are already those in remote  and not so remote areas  that struggle to do even the most basic task online due to the outdated infrastructure available to them.
Game meat is now the focus of an innovative project which will see it being brought to the forefront for consumers in Wales.

Game meat, such as pheasant, venison and duck, has become more widely available and consumed over recent years.

The new venture, managed by Four Cymru and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), will seek out all aspects of the Welsh game meat supply chain by joining forces with people from across the industry and beyond.

The project will support greater coordination and sharing of knowledge from the primary producers, ranging from small local shoots to larger commercial businesses, to a variety of suppliers such as local butchers to businesses buying game meat for processing and selling on to shops, restaurants and other hospitality providers.

The potential for increasing the value of this food source to the Welsh economy will be examined and further opportunities created for more people in Wales to enjoy game meat.

'Sustainable and thriving Welsh game meat'

This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities  Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Tim Russell, Director of Conservation for BASC, said: As we develop a wide-angle view of the size, scale and value of existing and potential local markets, we will aim to draw together as many people as possible to understand the challenges and opportunities and uncover ways in which together we can develop a sustainable and thriving Welsh game meat supply chain.

To help us reach and involve as many people as possible, we are bringing together a group from across the shooting community with wider countryside organisations, land-based and environmental bodies, rural skills development agencies, agricultural unions, land owners and managers and of course the primary producers and suppliers.

Drawing together private and public sector, this is an exciting opportunity to develop this industry and add value to the rural economy in Wales."
Glencore Grain is to launch a new animal feed products marketing business in the UK, providing feed compounders and manufacturers with direct access to the companys global resource of raw materials.

Globally, Glencore Agri-Products is one of the worlds major crushers of soya bean and oilseed rape, along with the production of crush co-products, including soya bean meal and hulls. The company is actively expanding its crush capacity, particularly in South America.

High-quality co-products of the crush will now be readily and consistently available for UK buyers, through large-scale panamax deep water ports, in Portland, Dorset on the south coast and new bespoke import and storage facilities at Teesport in the North East.

The company will be working with the well-established Portland-based, Mercury Commodities, to develop the market in the UK.

Glencore Grain UK Managing Director, James Maw, highlighted that the opening of dedicated import facilities and a direct distribution channel into the UK, now gives a fully accredited and assured supply chain for quality products, right through from the crush to UK consumers.

'Reliable distribution network'

We already supply whole grains to leading UK animal feed compounders and manufacturers. Working with the market knowledge and experience of Mercury Commodities, we can build on that business to now offer feed compounders and manufactures a complete offer for the bulk of their raw materials.

Glencore has a reliable distribution network, full governance procedures and the proven reputation to assure the consistent delivery of high-quality products direct to the end-user, he said.

The company already has direct supply chains to feed compounders, including most parts of Europe, North and South America, Australia and Asia; which we have now extended into the UK.

Mr Maw highlighted the selected high-capacity import and distribution sites would give quick and cost-effective access to the prime livestock producing centres of the UK, including the major pig and poultry markets of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Humberside, along with cattle production in the south west, north west and Scotland.

Frank Nickel, Director of Mercury Commodities, believed the new direct supply chain, from Glencores global production right through to UK feed businesses, offered an exciting opportunity to market the supply of high quality feed products.

The long-term direct supply of Glencore products allows us to further invest in cost-effective facilities, he said.

That will ensure we can continue to improve the service to our existing customers, and to work with an increasing new customer base of feed businesses across the UK.

We look forward to working with Glencore to further develop the feed business in the future, Mr Nickel added.
An investigation has been launched after a man died in a suspected farming accident in County Tyrone.

It is believed the man died following a slurry accident in Coagh, County Tyrone on Friday 14 October.

In a statement, the HSE said its "deepest sympathies are with the man's family at this most difficult time".

DUP MLA Keith Buchanan said the man's death was "another tragic loss within the farming community".

The Mid Ulster MLA said: This is another tragic loss within the farming community. It once again reminds us all of the dangers associated with slurry.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at the time of such devastating loss. I would also urge everyone working on farms to follow all recommended safety procedures, particularly when working with slurry.

Farmers are very aware that the closed period for slurry spreading is due to commence at midnight on 15th October.

"The Agriculture Minister has said however that farmers are able to put a case forward in exceptional circumstances to spread slurry beyond the closed period.
Bird flu: Poultry housing order to be introduced in England
Gunns Hill Wind Farm Project Generates Power

By Denise Faguy, Farms.com

The Oxford Community Energy Co-operative celebrated the inauguration of the Gunns Hill Wind Farm Project on Saturday, October 15th.

Gunn's Hill Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Champagne Toast

While seeing 10 wind turbines with the rotors turning amongst the rolling hills on Ontario may no longer be unique in Ontario, the Gunns Hill wind farm is different because the Gunns Hill Windfarm is the first Community wind project in Canada. Oxford County is unique in that it has set a goal of sourcing 100% of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2050.

The project began in early 2014 as a Limited Partnership with the Six Nations in Grand River and Prowind. Less than 3 years later, the wind turbines are operational, and will be feeding power into the grid as of November.

Behind us is our first turbine rotating and I feel good, said Helmut, outgoing CEO, during the opening ceremonies. There where many roadblocks to overcome, but we kept our promise: with every rotation of the blades you are reducing the burden on our environment and at the same time creating a profit from your investment.

According to some expert calculations, approximately 400 households are supplied by each turbine, with each household having an average of 4 people. Since Oxford County has a population of 110,000, the 10 wind turbines at Gunns Hill represent between 10-15% of achieving Oxford countys goal of 100% renewable energy?

For more information about the Oxford County Energy Co-operative: http://www.oxford-cec.ca/
Warrenton, VA (20186)

Today

A steady rain early...then remaining cloudy with a few showers. Low 54F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

A steady rain early...then remaining cloudy with a few showers. Low 54F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Proactively From the Sea; an agent of change leveraging the littoral best practices for a paradigm breaking six-sigma best business case to synergize a consistent design in the global commons, rightsizing the core values supporting our mission statement via the 5-vector model through cultural diversity.
Gray's Creek neighborhood takes a hit as mom and pop restaurant closes

Everybody eats at The Creek Bar & Grill, owner Casper Critchfield said  but Nov. 13 is the restaurants last day in operation.
On October 14, after four years of work involving the active participation of experts from 37 countries, the International Organization for Standardization issued ISO 3700, its standard for anti-bribery management systems.

To a large degree, the components of the standard mirror many of the steps set forth in the FCPA guidance (pdf) issued by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Adequate Procedures (pdf) document issued by the UK Ministry of Justice.

Nevertheless, because it provides a globally accepted approach to anti-corruption compliance, ISO 37001 will likely be heralded as a significant step in the continued globalization of anti-corruption compliance, especially in countries where corruption could be considered part of the culture. Companies can now employ a tool that raises both the bar for compliance activities and the awareness of the risk of corruption.



For both U.S. enforcement authorities and the companies subject to their jurisdiction, the issuance of ISO 37001 should be seen as a positive development; it provides a single global standard for anti-corruption compliance. As such, it can facilitate a systematic review of FCPA-friendly compliance programs at businesses headquartered in the United States, especially those with outposts in developing countries.

The issuance of the new standard can also address one of the chief criticisms of aggressive FCPA enforcement  that it leaves U.S. companies at a competitive disadvantage by holding them to a higher standard than their international peers. Now there is one standard for all.

As is the case with other standards issued by the International Organization for Standardization, ISO 37001 includes a provision allowing for an independent third party to issue a certification (for a fee) stating that a companys anti-corruption program complies with the standard. But is it worth it for U.S. corporations to get certified when their existing compliance programs are already held to the gold standard of the DOJ?

Yes, because the standard ensures a companys efforts are up to or exceeding par and signals compliance equality to the global market, especially for individuals and entities in developing countries with which U.S. companies may wish to do business. Of course, the fact that a companys anti-corruption program has received an ISO certification alone will not be a sufficient, standalone defense to shield it from prosecution, should the DOJ come knocking. But prosecutors typically do consider the state and effectiveness of a companys compliance program when determining whether a company should be charged with crimes committed by those acting on its behalf.



For example, the U.S. Attorneys Manual lists the prior existence of an effective compliance program as a factor to be considered when determining whether to charge a business organization, and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines list it as a mitigating factor to be considered at sentencing. While federal prosecutors will certainly continue to execute independent discretion, a company may be able to point to an ISO 37001 certification as evidence that it made every effort to implement an effective anti-corruption program, and therefore deserves lenient treatment. Of course, by the same token, the authorities may start to point to the absence of a certification as a basis for denying leniency.

Outside the United States, ISO 37001 is perceived as a tool that can create a globally competitive advantage and an effective mechanism to fight against corruption. For U.S. companies operating internationally, through a subsidiary, distribution center, or other representatives, ISO 37001 can be a key tool in markets where the risk of corruption is high or culturally normal, and it can be an equally powerful tool for locally based conglomerates. For example, if a government official asks for any type of extraordinary grant or special benefit, adopting ISO 37001 can empower local staff to refuse. Under the standard, they can reject the request on the grounds that by paying, they run the risk of losing their job, and their company risks losing its certification  and the trust it fosters with international partners. If bribe requests remain an ongoing challenge, ISO 37001 can guide the company in preparing the right processes and mechanisms to address these issues.



Latin American countries with significant economies are showing interest in the standard, and the result is an uptick in demand for skilled personnel in compliance markets. ISO 37001 requires executives to own anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) activities within corporations; U.S. companies often have compliance teams that could continuously monitor adherence to the standard. However, for suppliers, distributors or representatives in high-risk countries, depending on their size, compliance staffing can be a challenge, especially where the compliance professionals and market are not well developed or structured.

Due to its many corruption scandals, the number of compliance professionals in Brazil has been multiplying at a tremendous rate, and Brazil has taken the lead in sharing knowledge, experience, and capabilities in this area with other countries such as Mexico. As a result, international certifications and programs focused on Latin America have been launched in Mexico through prestigious universities and private institutions based in Brazil.



There is no doubt that the U.S. and the UK remain leaders in this sphere. They house mature markets with clear compliance laws and experienced enforcement bodies, which makes ISO 37001 a useful tool but not the critical opportunity for competitive evolution that it embodies in high-risk countries.

Emerging markets are adapting to the global trend of fighting against bribery and corruption in order to improve economic prospects. Latin American governments in particular are increasing efforts by allocating additional resources to ABC activities, but credibility is often still lacking due to low enforcement. There too, ISO 37001 can provide guidance on how to address bribery through reporting to local authorities and advise on how those authorities should address corruption. However, with ABC issues saturating Latin Americas business environments, it is good to remember that changing the business cultures will require significant communication and commitment from the public and private sectors. In the end, ISO 37001 is an international standard and an excellent certification, but it is not a magical recipe for success.

Keep in mind that companies that want to adopt ISO 37001 need to have the right experts to assist in both preparation and the execution. According to the standard, auditors are not to certify a company before its compliance program has operated under ISO 37001 for at least three months.

Additionally, if implemented successfully, companies may also utilize the ISO 37001 certification process as a way of managing the corruption risk presented by third parties. In a manner similar to what many large banks are doing with the anti-money laundering risk created by non-traditional financial institution clients, such as money services businesses, companies can require that a vendor obtain an ISO 37001 certification prior to being engaged.

There is still a lot of work to do before the potential effects of this standard are truly felt across regions. In the end, for enforcement authorities and businesses alike, the true test of ISO 37001 will be the extent to which is becomes a global standard adopted by large multinational corporations as well as mid- and small cap companies with global operations. If there is early proof that certification can deliver increased earnings due to improved international business relationships, widespread success over time may herald a new era of global business.



_____



Fernando Cevallos the Director of Compliance, Forensics and Intelligence for Control Risks in Mexico City. He is also the global coordinator of the communications task group of ISO 37001 and a member of the Mexican technical advisory group. He can be contacted here.



Brian Mich is a Partner within the Compliance, Forensics, and Intelligence practice in Control Risks New York office. A former prosecutor, he has over 30 years of experience in the private and public sectors conducting fraud and corruption investigations. He can be contacted here.
Kim Kardashian West's Paris robbers were inside her apartment for 49 minutes prior to holding her at gunpoint.

Kim Kardashian West

A police source claims the group of men, who raided the 35-year-old beauty's apartment in the French capital and stole $10 million worth of jewellery, "knew the security code" to the property.

The insider said: "They acted like they had all the time in the world. It is quite incredible that they managed to hang about for so long without anyone calling us."

They also state that three of them arrived at 2.18am and CCTV footage showed it wasn't until 3.07am that the five of them departed the building.

Talking about three of the suspects, who wore dark clothing, the insider told Us Weekly magazine: "They clearly knew the security code of the main doors, and let themselves in without any problem at all."

The 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' star's lawyer says Kim is "very calm and very determined" to help catch those responsible.

Jean Veil said: "She is very calm and very determined over a matter that was particularly violent.

"If she is summoned to France. she will come to France, but judges also have the possibility of moving [to the United States]."

Meanwhile, it was previously reported that the fivesome used a decoy to escape.

Police investigating the theft reportedly discovered a tiny gemstone close to the residence, which they thought might have been used to make police "believe that they were amateurs".

A police official previously told the publication: "They wanted us to believe that they were amateurs, but all the real clues point to them being extremely sophisticated professionals. There is no way a gang like this would drop stuff and fall off bicycles -- all that was done for any cameras that might be in the area. It is far more likely that they played around on bikes for a few minutes after stealing the jewels, and when they still had their masks on, before they all got into a van and disappeared."

Kim - who has children North, three, and Saint, 10 months, with husband Kanye West - is still very nervous following the robbery and has been unable to be alone since returning to the US hours after the raid.

A source previously said: "Kim is completely shell-shocked and has told her family that her life has changed forever. She is jumping at the smallest sounds and can't be alone at the moment."
Kris Jenner branded Kim Kardashian West a "f***ing traitor" for helping style Caitlyn Jenner.

Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian West

The 60-year-old matriarch called her daughter to express her disapproval that the 35-year-old beauty had assisted her former spouse - who was previously known as Bruce Jenner - in her preparations for the ESPY Awards earlier this year.

In a new trailer for the upcoming series of 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians', fuming Kris said: "Kim, you are a f***ing traitor! You're not going to f***ing play this game anymore!"

Earlier in the short clip, Kim's younger sister Khloe Kardashian, 32, had explained why Kris was so angry.

She told her friend Malika Haqq: "She's so pissed that Kim was dressing Caitlyn Jenner for the ESPYs."

Elsewhere in the trailer, Khloe considered having breast implants and was seen trying out a number of temporary options as she debated the size she wanted to go.

She said: "We're in LA. People get their boobs done like they fill up a car with gas."

Scott Disick gave Rob Kardashian, 29, a hilarious lesson in childcare as he prepares for the arrival of his first child with Blac Chyna, but the 33-year-old entrepreneur seemed to run into trouble with his former partner Kourtney Kardashian over his closeness to Kris.

Following clips of them taking exercise classes together, Kourtney questioned him: "Why are you hanging out with my mom?"

Kendall Jenner, 20, was filmed teaming up with will.i.am to star in the video for an updated version of Black Eyed Peas' 'Where is the Love', but she was warned by her brother Rob that she risked getting "a lot of hate" for endorcing the anti-gun violence campaign.

Later in the trailer, she was seen losing her temper over her family not taking her health concerns seriously.

She said: "I'm done arguing with people because I don't feel fine.

"I promise one day when I'm rushed to the hospital, then you guys are going to wake up."

Kim - who has children North, three, and Saint, 10 months, with husband Kanye West - previously opened up about assisting Caitlyn, 66, with her ESPYs look.

She said: "She wanted advice on what to wear. She gave me three days and said, 'Can you get me something?' I looked online. I shopped all over."

And the brunette beauty envies how her stepfather always looks good, but admitted finding something to suit her height was a challenge so she opted to secure a bespoke gown for Caitlyn instead.

She said: "I called Michael Costello. He was on Project Runway, so he has a studio in LA. So he whipped up five things in two seconds.

"I sent her measurements. And she wore this white number ... Really everything [looks good on her]. She's super slim. She definitely likes to be age appropriate. But then she'll like really short things. She seems to love clothes."

'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' returns on October 23.
Phil Collins' third wife Orianne Cevey didn't give him a penny of the 25 million he paid her during their divorce battle when they got back together.

Phil Collins at the Royal Albert Hall

The 65-year-old musician confirmed earlier this year he was in a relationship with the 43-year-old jewellery designer again, eight years after forking out the record-breaking sum - Britain's largest settlement at the time - and now likes to think he's only been divorced twice.

Speaking at a press conference at the Royal Albert Hall today (17.10.16) hosted by Jools Holland to announce his 'Not Dead Yet: Live 2017 Tour', Phil said: "I'm back with my third wife so I've only really been divorced twice you could say, if you were being generous.

"And she didn't give me the money back."

Phil and Orianne - who was left partially paralysed with spinal disorder Brown-Sequard syndrome following an operation in 2014 - have two kids together, Nicholas, 15, and Matthew, 11.

They married in Switzerland in 1999 but split in 2006 and divorced two years later and he started drinking heavily.

Phil - who has son Simon, 40, from his first marriage to Andrea Bertorelli from 1975 to 1980, during which he adopted her daughter Joely, 44, and daughter Lily from his 12-year marriage to Jill Tavelman which ended in 1996 - has been having therapy recently to deal with his medical issues.

He added: "I had back surgery because 60 years of drumming messed my back and hips up. It's left me as of now, a year on, with a dropped foot, my right foot doesn't have any feeling.

"I'm hoping in time that will get better as nerves regenerate. So getting some physical stuff done is at the top of my to do list.

"I'm doing a lot of therapy which is very good. Divorces and drinking don't really get in the way of this."

Phil's son Nicholas has followed in his footsteps and become a drummer, as did his eldest son Simon, and the teenager is set to play alongside his father on the 'Easy Lover' hitmaker's upcoming European tour.

He added: "Nicholas who is 15 is a fantastic drummer, my oldest son Simon is too but he has his own career and very firm views about what he wants to do.

"Nicholas is in the learning stage. We did three shows in Europe and he played and all the band were very impressed.

"He'll go out with me and he'll be 16."

Phil has come out of retirement after 10 years to announce his next run of gigs, including a five-night residency at London's Royal Albert Hall next June.

He will then head to Cologne, Germany, and Paris, France, for two dates apiece before having "a lie down".
Russell Crowe threw Azealia Banks out of his hotel suite after she threatened to "stab" his guests in the throat.

Russell Crowe

The 'Noah' actor had invited around 10 people to have dinner and listen to music, and the '212' hitmaker arrived as a guest of his pal, rapper RZA.

Sources told TMZ the trouble began when Azealia laughed at the 52-year-old actor's music selection and called him and at least one other guest "boring white men".

A female friend then jumped to their host's defence and suggested the rapper be quiet, prompting an astonishing tirade from the 25-year-old star.

She allegedly said: "You would love it if I broke my glass, stabbed you guys in the throat, and blood would squirt everywhere like some real Tarantino s**t."

She is also reported to have used the n-word a number of times, but her host remained "surprisingly calm".

When Azealia reached for her glass and raised it as if she were about to throw it, the 'Gladiator' star grabbed her in a bear hug and carried her out of the suite, before carrying hotel security to remove her from the grounds.

Though four guests have given statements claiming Azealia was behaving "erratically" and confirming she was the one using racist terms, the rapper took to her Facebook account to accuse Russell of choking her, throwing her out of his room and spitting on her.

In a now-deleted post, she wrote: "To recap my night, I went to a party at Russell crowe's suite, at which he called me a n****r, choked me, threw me out and spat at me.

"Last night was one of the hardest nights of sleep I've had in a long time.

"The men in the room allowed it to happen. I feel terrible today."

Another deleted post read: "Just feel so low and mishandled and alone and f*****g depressed right now. I wish I had someone to beat him up for me."
Duchess of Cambridge is "immensely proud" of her grandmother.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The 34-year-old royal has admitted she is highly impressed with her grandparent, Valerie Glassborow, who used to work at Bletchley Park and would break the enemy codes throughout World War Two.

The brunette beauty announced how impressed she was of her ancestor in the foreword of a GCHQ puzzle book, which will see proceeds go towards Heads Together campaign, and has since been reported on the Daily Express website.

She said: "I have always been immensely proud of my grandmother, Valerie Glassborow, who worked at Bletchley Park during the Second World War. She and her twin sister, Mary, served with thousands of other young women as part of the great Allied effort to break enemy codes."

And Catherine has revealed despite the taboo around talking about the war, she knows her relative and all of the men and women working at the time endured "the hardest problems" that faced Britain.

She added: "They rarely talked about their wartime service, but we now know just how important the men and women of Bletchley Park were, as they tackled some of the hardest problems facing the country."

And Catherine - who has three-year-old son Prince George and 17-month-old daughter Princess Charlotte with her husband Prince William - is honoured her paternal grandparents "intellectual tradition" is being carried on.

She said: "Like their Bletchley predecessors, they have become well known for valuing neuro-diversity and understanding the importance of mental wellbeing.

"William, Harry and I are very grateful that this book is supporting our Heads Together Campaign. Those who buy this book and support the Heads Together campaign will be playing a part in helping people get the important mental health care they deserve."
Prince Harry has slammed the treatment of British troops as a "joke".

Prince Harry

The 32-year-old royal - who served a s a former attack pilot in two tours of Afghanistan - is upset by the way the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) and the Operation Northmoor, who were set up to divulge more information about alleged abuses, as ridiculous, and urges for more support to be invested on the heroes who face prosecution.

However, Harry has had to keep his opinion to himself because of strict rules, which have been set up to bar royals from having their input on political situations.

Speaking to The Sun newspaper about Harry's thoughts, a source said: "Harry is furious at the treatment of some British troops.

"He thinks the whole thing is a joke and is very concerned about the support these men and women are getting.

"He's frustrated he can't intervene, but knows he would get in trouble as it would be seen as political interference if he spoke out."

And IHAT are believed to be investigating over 1,500 cases of alleged abuse, which occurred during the Iraq War, whilst Northmoor are concentrating on 550 reports of abuse in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, it has been reported Harry is in support of a new Department of Veterans' affairs, to protect soldiers from "vexatious claims".

The insider explained: "Men and women who served courageously are enduring this ordeal seemingly with no support.

"They should be backed to the hilt, not treated like common crooks.

"Harry's view is that a Department of Veterans' Affairs is a sensible way to achieve this. But he's not able to say so."

This news comes after the report that two British soldiers are allegedly being criminal investigated for detaining two Iraqi people who are believed to have killed British soldiers 13 years ago.
Prince William is "very wise beyond his years", according to musician Jon Bon Jovi.

Prince William

The 34-year-old royal has been credited as "very engaging" and highly intelligent by the 54-year-old music legend, after the pair met at a charity concert for Centrepoint three years ago.

Speaking to the Mirror Online about William, the 'Livin' On a Prayer' hitmaker said: "We were talking about his kids and his charity work.

"He is very engaging and very wise beyond his years."

However, Jon has revealed he told William he was disappointed he didn't have the honour of meeting the Duchess of Cambridge, which left him "cranky".

Bon Jovi, who married his wife Dorothea in Las Vegas 27 years ago shares the same wedding anniversary as the royal couple on April 29, explained: "I told him how cranky we were that we didn't meet his wife."

Meanwhile, Bon Jovi has admitted his spouse was the key in helping him overcome his demons.

Speaking previously, he said: "There was a lot of darkness, really. I was going through a difficult period and it felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders.

"It was a very, very difficult time that I haven't fully rebounded from yet but my wife has been phenomenal. Without her, I am not sure how I would have coped."

The couple - who have four children, Stephanie, 23, Jesse, 21, Jacob, 14, and Romeo, 12 - married in secret in Las Vegas and Jon considers himself to be a lucky man.

He shared: "She is very wise. She gave me four great ... she is great and undyingly loyal."
There is no happy ending when it comes to Wolf Creek. That's not a major spoiler - it's something you find out just mere minutes into the first episode of the six-episode series. Those who have seen one or both of the Wolf Creek movies will also know this to be the case. Those who come across Outback murderer Mick Taylor never get away unscarred; whether that be physically or mentally. That is of course if they get away at all. Taylor is an unhinged individual who cannot stand tourists coming into Australia, and so does his very best to eradicate those he comes across by murdering them and chopping up their bodies. The character is played brilliantly by Aussie actor John Jarratt. With his trademark laugh and sinister look, he's definitely a character that's going to go down in horror history.

John Jarratt as Mick Taylor in Wolf Creek

A Wolf Creek television series is something that seemed to creep up on prior fans. Its announcement came about suddenly after months of rumours, and it was on the small screen before very long at all. Though it may have worried the most loyal of its fan-base, there was no need for caution when approaching the show. It's every bit as scary and disturbing as the original movie that birthed it.

19-year-old tourist Eve (Lucy Fry) is a troubled young adult. Taken out of the States by her family - her father, mother and younger brother - into the Outback to try and enjoy nature and peace to keep her clean from the drugs and addiction she's struggled with, it doesn't take long for the family to bump into survival expert Mick Taylor.

At first, Taylor masquerades as a man who is looking to keep the family safe, shooting dead a crocodile from long-range when it threatens to take the life of one of the family members. Invited back to their camp where he enjoys a burger cooked by the mother however, it doesn't take long for things to take a sinister turn. When Eve heads back into the campervan for some alone time - headphones in and deaf to the world outside - Taylor gets out his knife and kills both the father and mother, before shooting dead the young son. Heading to the camper, he takes his time with Eve, allowing her to run before he shoots her down. When he goes to claim her body however, she's gone. He assumes she's washed away and will become 'croc bait', but he couldn't be more wrong.

Eve is later found, taken to a hospital and sets off on a journey of finding the man who murdered her family. It's the ultimate tale of revenge, but it's not going to be an easy-to-walk path for Eve, who seemingly comes across mega obstacles at every single turn.

The cast here do a really great job. Jarratt and Fry especially, but also Dustin Clare who plays cop Sullivan Hill, and Andy McPhee who takes on the role of 'Beard'.

This is a show that really knows its audience and does well to tell its story through its six episodes. With just six hours to tell its story, it does a great job of doing so with just a few moments where you may flick through Twitter or Facebook on your phone.

Other than that I was glued to my screen. Does Eve get her revenge? Is Mick Taylor finally taken down? That would be telling. One thing's for sure - when it's all over, you'll be glad you watched.

Wolf Creek: TV Series is available now on DVD, Blu-ray and video on demand.

by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk

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They are undoubtedly Bollywood's most gorgeous couple and an enviable jodi on screen, too. But even as Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are gearing up for their next epic love story on celluloid, there's news of trouble in their paradise. This is not the first time that murmurs of a rift between the two have surfaced. Earlier this year, things seemed to have been sorted out when they attended an awards show in Spain. However, rumours are that recently, Deepika and Ranveer have had differences that are pulling them apart.



In February this year, the actor flew to Canada where his lady love was shooting for her Hollywood debut with Vin Diesel. A couple of months later, Deepika discreetly flew to Paris to spend time with Ranveer, who was shooting his next film there. Soon, stories of how they would be going on a holiday with their families also surfaced. However, they could not match their date diaries.



Sources tell us that Ranveer, who wears his heart on his sleeve, is upset that Deepika doesn't reciprocate the excitement and enthusiasm he invariably shows for her career achievements. While he has been posting messages to her on social media, proudly sharing news about her Hollywood debut and other achievements, she didn't do the same after the trailer of his upcoming film released.



Apparently, Ranveer has expressed his disappointment to her, but will the two tide over their differences remains to be seen. We tried contacting both Ranveer and Deepika for their side of the story. While there was silence on Deepika's end, Ranveer's spokesperson refuted the rumours.



Listen to 'Bajirao Mastani' songs on Gaana.com





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Intelligent fire and suppression systems from global leader Advanced, have been chosen to protect the flagship branch of DSK, one of Bulgarias leading banks.

DSK was founded in 1951 and privatised in 2003. It has grown to be one of the largest banking groups in the country, winning several awards for its services and reliability.

Following a recent refurbishment and upgrade of the flagship branch in Bulgarias capital Sofia, long-time Advanced partner FireTech Engineering Ltd specified a new system that included Advanceds Axis EN (EN54) fire system, three ExGo suppression control panels and an IP Gateway, for remote internet control and monitoring.

Stoyan Grozdanov, spokesperson for FireTech Engineering Ltd, said: We selected an Advanced system as Axis EN and ExGo set the industry benchmarks for fire alarm and extinguishant release. The panels are very reliable and, due to the importance of this particular branch, we needed a high level of protection and reliability, with assurance against false alarms and an intuitive interface for programming and monitoring.

Axis EN is EN54 2,4&13 approved and its panels can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into high speed, multi-loop panels in 200 node networks covering huge areas. Advanceds legendary ease of installation and configuration and wide peripheral range make it customisable to almost any application and it is supported by a complete range of wired and wired devices.

Advanceds Axis EN fire systems support two new technologies, the TouchControl touch screen repeater and AlarmCalm complete false alarm management system. TouchControl is a 10 HD touchscreen that offers dynamic reporting and control via a unique interface that includes Active Maps and zone plans. AlarmCalm uses Advanceds fast hardware, updated config software and optional loop verification devices to deliver a system that allows the false alarm strategy for any building to be quickly and easily programmed and managed, increasing safety and reducing false alarms.

The ExGo extinguishing control panel range from Advanced, has been developed specifically for sensitive and strategic assets such as server rooms and data centres, historic and cultural attractions and control rooms. It is suitable for almost all single-flooding area applications, includes a range of control options and devices and includes a large LCD screen for easier programming and management.

ExGo is approved to EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13 and EN12094-1. It is among the industrys first to combine these with EN12094 Part 3 in a single solution. EN12094-3 relates to the integrated manual release on the front of the panel. ExGo can be easily integrated into Advanceds MxPro and Axis EN fire systems or any third party fire alarm system.

Etienne Ricoux, Advanceds Export Sales Manager for Europe, added: DSK Bank in Sofia is the latest high profile financial institution to be protected by Advanced and is the result of our product leadership and the expertise of our partners.

Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. Its legendary performance, quality and ease-of-use sees its products used in locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large multi-site networks. Advanceds products include complete fire alarm and detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control and fire paging systems. More details can be found on the website at www.advancedco.com.

The above content is a press release and does not necessarily represent the views of the FIA
Net profit at Japanese apparel marketer Fast Retailing dived 56.3 per cent year over year to 48 billion in the fiscal ended August 31, 2016. Reasons for the steep fall in net profit include; a foreign exchange loss of 11.0 billion in fiscal 2016; a 13.8 billion impairment loss at its J Brand denim brand and 9.3 billion in impairment losses.However, consolidated revenue increased 6.2 per cent from a fiscal ago period to 1.7864 trillion in fiscal 2016.

Net profit at Japanese apparel marketer Fast Retailing dived 56.3 per cent year over year to 48 billion in the fiscal ended August 31, 2016. Reasons for the steep fall in net profit include; a foreign exchange loss of 11.0 billion in fiscal 2016; a 13.8 billion impairment loss at its J Brand denim brand and 9.3 billion in impairment losses.#

Although fiscal 2016 operating profit touched 127.2 billion, down 22.6 per cent, the Japanese company experienced a significant 94.3 per cent year on year growth in operating profit in the second half of the fiscal.According to Fast Retailing, the growth in operating profit was achieved in the second half of the fiscal, due to a recovery in sales at Uniqlo Japan and Uniqlo International, which also includes a concerted cost cutting drive. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Applied DNA, a provider of DNA-based supply chain, anti-counterfeiting, genotyping, and anti-theft technologies, has appointed Robert B. Catell to its Board of Directors. As a globally recognised leader of major energy utilities, Catell will assist in Applied DNA's expansion into the protection of critical infrastructure in power grids and railways.Catell currently serves as chairman of the New York State Smart Grid Consortium and chairman of the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) at Stony Brook University. He served on the Board of New York State Energy Research & Developmental Authority and is on the NYS Economic Development Power Allocation Board. He has been chairman of Applied DNA Sciences' strategic advisory Board since its inception in February 2016. His appointment to Applied DNA's Board of Directors increases the size of the Board to seven members.

Applied DNA, a provider of DNA-based supply chain, anti-counterfeiting, genotyping, and anti-theft technologies, has appointed Robert B. Catell to its Board of Directors. As a globally recognised leader of major energy utilities, Catell will assist in Applied DNA's expansion into the protection of critical infrastructure in power grids and railways.#

Catell received his bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from the City College of New York and is a registered professional engineer. He has attended Columbia University's Executive Development Program as well as the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.James Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA Sciences said, Having worked with Bob throughout the past several months, we have been impressed by his knowledge and insight into important markets that include protecting critical infrastructure as well as power grids and railways. With Bob now a member of our Board of Directors, we look forward to his continued leadership and contributions as we work toward expanding our presence in these markets. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
One of the finest muslin textile fabrics produced in Bangladesh, Jamdani is going to get the country 's first Geographical Indication (GI) registration this month. This was revealed by Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, senior secretary in the industry ministry, while addressing the annual meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Geneva.The GI registration tag will be given by the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks under the industry ministry to the Jamdani fabric.

One of the finest muslin textile fabrics produced in Bangladesh, Jamdani is going to get the country's first Geographical Indication (GI) registration this month. This was revealed by Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, senior secretary in the industry ministry, while addressing the annual meeting of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Geneva.#

In his address, Bhuiyan said Bangladesh offers high importance to preserving intellectual property rights, for which the country has already formulated laws to provide GI products registration. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Saifeena's Wedding

Kareena Kapoor's fan club had shared this beautiful picture on Twitter.

Wedding

Saif Ali Khan-Kareena Kapoor's wedding had taken place at Saif's Bandra residence in the form of a registered marriage, after which the couple had exchanged vows at a Mumbai hotel and hosted a post-wedding party there.

Sharmila On Saifeena's Wedding

Talking about Saifeena's wedding, Sharmila Tagore had said, "Bless the couple and join in our happiness. The venue, the decor is not important. What I am wearing is not important, the marriage is.''

Kareena With Karisma

An inside picture of Kareena Kapoor with sister Karisma Kapoor taken on her wedding. Both the sisters are looking stunning in their Indian dresses in the snap.

Saifeena's Marriage

After a five-year relationship, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor finally decided to tie the knot on October 16, 2012.

When Love Happened

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor fell in love on the sets of the movie Tashan. Though their chemistry on-screen was not that powerful, people loved to read about their real life romance.

Wedding Ceremonies

The wedding ceremonies of the couple started with a grand sangeet ceremony. Only the close friends and family members of the bride and the groom were invited.

Dance Performances

It was reported that Karisma Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Malaika Arora Khan and Amrita Arora had performed on special songs on the wedding of Saif and Kareena Kapoor.

Happy Married Life

Well, we really want Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor to stay happy always. They have proved that marriages do last in Bollywood!
Ranveer-Deepika First Meeting

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone met on the sets of Ram-Leela and fell for each other. Before Deepika, Ranveer was linked to Anushka Sharma.

Ram-Leela

It was Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who wanted them to know each other very well before the shooting of Ram-Leela. He also suggested them to spend some time alone with each other.

Rumours About Their Affair

Soon after the release of Ram-Leela, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were often spotted together. The rumours of their affair also started doing the rounds.

Movies

Ram-Leela was a blockbuster and the fans loved the amazing chemistry between Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. Soon, Sanjay Leela Bhansali signed them for Bajirao Mastani.

Bajirao Mastani

Just like Ram-Leela, even Bajirao Mastani was a huge hit. And the sizzling chemistry between Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone was the highlight of the movie.

Engagement Rumours

A few months ago, it was reported that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone got engaged in a private ceremony.

Marriage Reports

A report in a daily had claimed, ''A few months ago, when the Singh (Bhavnani) and Padukone parents met, marriage was very much on the agenda. The Punjabis call this a 'rohka', but since neither of the two is from Punjab, we'll just call it 'hush hush'.''

Deepika's Reply

However, Deepika Padukone had said,, ''I think this is the right opportunity for me to clarify to everyone who has been waiting to hear of my marriage that there's no such plan anytime soon.''

Deepika On Marriage

She had added, ''I am not pregnant, I am not going to have a baby, I am not engaged and I am not planning to get married anytime soon.''

On The Work Front

On the work front, both Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh will soon start the shooting of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati.
Evening at Pickle Barrel Fallen Celestial Beneath the Waves Land Previous Next

The membership at In-Town Gallery gets into a festive mood just before the holidays as they prepare the gallery for the reveal of new work. As one of the oldest, continuously operating cooperative galleries, the tradition has been to keep things fresh by removing work shown for the previous six months. Artists and crafts people work from May to November to create new pieces for the changeover show. The opening reception for the new work will be held Friday, Nov. 4, from 5-8 p.m.

The changeover show also welcomes the new members. One wall will be devoted to examples of their work wile other examples will be interspersed throughout the gallery.

Here are the reviews for the artists:

Miki Boni, a New York City native began her career in Manhattans East Village drawing street portraits. With a degree in Fine Arts she relocated to Mexico to teach and exhibit. With an insatiable appetite for travel her work often reflects her experiences and a list of shows and accolades too lengthy to list. Miki and husband moved to Chattanooga as recipients of an ArtsMove grant moving to Chattanoogas Southside where she paints an endless parade of fantasy characters in her Otherworldlies series.

Native Chattanoogan Lee Glasscock graduated from UTK with a BS Degree in Special Education. Her artistic interest was sparked by her watercolorist grandmother. Beginning in the 1990s she studied watercolor and china painting, moving on into jewelry design, acrylic and mixed media painting. A charter member of Mixed Media Inspired Artists, she is part of a group begun by instructor, Sandy Paynter-Washburn. As part of this group Lee has exhibited in shows throughout East Tennessee and Georgia. Lee is also an active member of Tennessee Watercolor Society.

Victoria Kile makes objects of clay that will enrich the lives of those who use them. A BFA in Sculpture and an ME concentrated in severe disabilities from UTC led to teaching in area colleges and other arts centered venues. Her pieces are decorative as well as utilitarian and quite a number of them are purely sculptural. Her aim through the esthetics of her craftsmanship is to build relationships between maker and user of each individually created piece.

Linda Kerlin and family moved to Jasper, Tn. from Wilmington, N.C. in 2001, purchasing some acreage and a home over 100 years old. To the several outbuildings they added a rustic studio from which come the paintings inspired by the natural surroundings. An accomplished member of Tennessee Watercolor Society, she has won awards and as an acrylic painter she tries to balance realism with abstraction. My work expresses the memories of nature and the many places I have lived, says Ms. Kerlin.

I was fortunate to spend my childhood with adults who had a deep appreciation of of both Gods creations and the best of what mankind has made, says Janice Kindred. Add to that the beauty of music, art and culture and you have the inspiration for her approach to art. I pull together many materials, like a collection- gathered, thoughtfully arranged and reapplied until after many layers I arrive at a point of satisfaction. This mixed-media artist is a founding member of MMIA and has been featured in shows throughout the area.

Tracey Paden says, From the day I discovered silk and painting on silk with dye, I felt I had found magic. This love led her to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree at University of Tennessee followed by several years of teaching in New Orleans and Aspen, Co. While teaching at Colorado Mountain College she met and married a Chattanoogan after which they moved to Lake Chickamauga and built their house. Bright colors and pattern are the hallmark of the wearable art created by this artist who is also represented by many galleries including one in Laguna Beach, Ca., and several smaller ones from Jupiter, Fl. to Anchorage, Ak.

James Tucker was born in Connecticut but spent most of his life in the South. A graduate of University of Georgia he has also studied art at the Atlanta College of Art and Callanwolde Art Center in Decatur, Ga. An active artist since 1976 he enjoys painting people in ways that suggest the stories in their lives, usually providing some context for the figures but with intentional ambiguity. My goal is to have the viewer enter the image and form a personal narrative. Once the viewer connects with the painting the artists intent becomes irrelevant he says. James and his wife live on the Cumberland Plateau near South Pittsburg.

Fiber artist, Karen Viser grew up in Richland, Wa. then went to University of North Carolina majoring in piano performance. From early childhood she learned dressmaking, quilting, beading, dyeing and knitting. Teaching music and playing the organ for church services went hand in hand with fiber schools until she retired and now continues her art full time. Traveling often to Baltimore, Md. where she studies French couture design, her use of dyeing, quilting and surface design makes for unique pieces. I do my fabric dyeing in an old airport hangar, says Karen with a laugh.

Well known area artist Sandra Paynter-Washburn brings a depth of knowledge and boundless energy to the gallery. Long time instructor in public schools and art venues throughout the Southeast she has inspired countless artists to achieve their best potential. Her medium of choice presently is Acrylic Mixed-Media both abstract and representational. Teaching at Art Creations inspired Sandy to organize a core group of advanced students to found the MIMA organization which, in addition to doing shows throughout the area, supports Second Life, an outreach program that helps women who have been exploited in sex trafficking.

Meet the new artists, see all the new works and enjoy an evening with many artists at In-Town Gallery, 26A Frazier Ave. on the North Shore. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday and until 8 p.m. on First Fridays, year round except major holidays. Call 267-9214, visit www.facebook.com/iintowngallery.






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"It's those little moments that make life what it is! What a wonderful person you are @iamsrk looking forward to more of this fun soon! #lovemyjob #blessed #budapest"

Lucky Girl

Evelyn Sharma would star alongside Shahrukh Khan in Imtiaz Ali's upcoming movie The Ring. It's so cool right?

Wonderful Person

Evelyn Sharma called the Baadshah of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan as "A wonderful person".

Evelyn Sharma

Evelyn Sharma is having the time of her life and everything as of now is on the right direction.

Holidaying!

Evelyn Sharma keeps going on holidays to Europe and loves the sun, sand and the beaches.

Happy Girl

"So happy just being here! Loving Budapest #budapest #blessed #happy #lovemyjob #traveldiaries #shootlife"

Bikini Babe

Evelyn Sharma has an amazing body and anything she wears looks way too hot on her!

Little Girl Evelyn

Evelyn Sharma calls herself as a "little girl". Well looking at the picture, we can agree she certainly is!

Garage Sale

Evelyn Sharma held a garage sale last week and a lot of people had purchased her outfits and other fashion accessories.
Sonam With Her Alleged BF

The picture is being shared by Rhea Kapoor on her Instagram page and she wrote, "Crew Love." In the picture, Sonam can be seen holding hand of her alleged boyfriend, Anand Ahuja while, her siblings look on the camera.

The Kapoor Sisters

Here's the another picture of Sonam & Rhea from the wedding, posted by the latter on her Instagram page. She wrote, "About last night. Stealing Anamiks saris straight out of her closet. Kapoors for @akshaymarwah22 bash in@anamikakhanna.in "

A Picture Clicked By Arjun

Arjun Kapoor, who was also present at the faimly wedding function, posted this picture on his Instagram account and wrote, "If u can make them laugh, nothing else will ever matter!! #sisterlove @rheakapoor @anshulakapoor @shanayakapoor19."

The Handsome Arjun

"Wearing @miteshlodha for my cousins Roka yesterday in Delhi !!! Thank u @alliaalrufai for this custom made suit...," posted the Ishaqzaade actor on his Instagram account.

Arjun-Sonam's Cousin Shanaya

Here's the gorgeous picture of Sanjay Kapoor's daughter Shanaya Kapoor. The picture is being shared by her mommy Maheep Kapoor on Instagram.

Isn't She Beautiful?

However, Shanaya is too young to join Bollywood. But one thing is sure that she hails from a filmy background and after a few years, she might be seen doing a film under her dad's production banner!

Shanaya Kapoor

Even Shanaya's proud daddy, Sanjay Kapoor posted a picture of himself with Shanaya and wrote, "#myangel."
TV actor Rahul Raj Singh, who is accused of abetting the suicide of actress-girlfriend Pratyusha Banerjee, is again in news. But this time, he has filed a defamation case against Shakti actress Kamya Punjabi.

According to a leading daily's report, the actor has slapped a one crore defamation case against Kamya. He was quoted by the leading daily as saying, "I have filed a case against Kamya and three others in Ranchi High Court as I come from there. I want a public apology from all those who took advantage of the situation and hurled accusations at my family and me."



He further added, "Kamya claims to be Pratyusha's friend. If she wanted to help solve the case, she would have gone to the police and not the media. I want her to prove all the allegations she had levelled against me in court now."

On why he took so long to respond after Pratyusha's death, Rahul said, "I needed time to gather evidence."

Kamya said that she hasn't received any legal notice yet, and will decide on what has to be done after she receives the same. She added that she is not scared of anybody.

It has to be recalled that Rahul is creating headlines for one or the other reason. Previously, he was arrested for drunk driving.

Pratyusha's suicide case still remains a mystery. The accused, Rahul is out on bail, while Pratyusha's parents are fighting (waiting) for justice!
CUPERTINO (dpa-AFX) - Apple Inc. (AAPL) aims to make the next iPhone better, brighter and with a longer battery life by finally adopting organic screens. However, that could be make it or break it for some Japanese manufacturers of OLEDs, Bloomberg reported. The Cupertino, California-based company will have to get its hands on millions of OLED screens to adopt the new technology for the next major upgrade to its flagship product. As a result, Japanese suppliers are under pressure to build up manufacturing operations. Apple, which usually prefers to have multiple suppliers, is in negotiations with Sharp Corp. to procure OLEDs. Japan Display Inc. is moving to build up its own OLED production capabilities. Initial costs could reach $2 billion for each, stretching their finances even before they get any firm orders. Even so, they may not have a choice. Apple is said to be in talks with Samsung to secure OLED displays. Sharp's capital investment in OLED is part of 200 billion yen that the manufacturer had already committed to OLED technology, part of a strategic plan it adopted with new owner Foxconn Technology Group, itself a key contract manufacturer for Apple. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
SINGAPORE -- (Marketwired) -- 10/16/16 -- The Singapore Bullion Market Association (SBMA) today announced the launch of a joint feasibility study between the SBMA, LBMA and ICE Benchmark Administration (IBA). The study will focus on customers' needs for a LBMA Pre-AM Gold Price at 14:00 Singapore Time (06:00 GMT). This initiative is supported by International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, the government agency driving international trade. It catalysed the development of Singapore as a leading centre in the precious metals market.

Singapore is today an established global trading hub in Asia with a complete ecosystem for the energy, agri-commodities and metals & minerals trading clusters, including precious metals like gold. Currently, Singapore is a well-established price discovery centre for Asian oil products and natural rubber.

The new price would be in addition to the existing LBMA Gold Price "AM" and the LBMA Gold Price "PM." IBA will be the administrator of the LBMA Gold Price Pre-AM and will provide the auction platform and methodology as well as oversight and governance. As such IBA would be the administrator for all three price benchmarks, bringing continuity and a consistent approach to the auction process for all three prices.

The introduction of the LBMA Gold Price Pre-AM would make the benchmark prices truly global by bridging the gap between the close of the US market and the opening of the London market. The new benchmark would therefore provide customers with a daily price at 14:00 Singapore time (06:00 GMT), in addition to the current 10:30 and 15:00 (London time) prices.

Like the existing AM and PM LBMA Gold Price Benchmarks, IBA would operate a physically settled, electronic and tradable auction process. The auction would be set in dollars per ounce for loco London gold and benchmark prices would be set daily at 14:00 Singapore Time in multiple currencies: USD, SGD, CNY, CNH, AUD, CAD, CHF, INR, JPY, SAR, EUR and GBP. Benchmark prices will be published in both per ounce and per gram.

The feasibility study will determine the need for an additional Pre-AM benchmark and gold auction from existing market participants and the wider Asian based precious metals community.

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EQS-News / 17/10/2016 / 11:44 UTC+8 Greater China Appraisal ('GCA'), a leading professional valuation services provider in Hong Kong, was appointed by China Packaging Holdings Development Limited ('China Packaging'; 01439.HK), to provide value opinion on the business of Binghe (Xiamen) Information Technology Company Limited ('Binghe (Xiamen)') in supporting the 100% Binghe (Xiamen) equity acquisition project with a consideration of HK$ 440 million. The valuation report prepared by GCA was based on the Guideline Merger and Acquisition Method ('GMAM') under the market approach. Details of the transaction: http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/SEHK/2016/0229/LTN20160229302.pdf [1] The buyer, China Packaging, is engaged in the design, manufacturing, printing and sale of paper-based packaging products. The target, Binghe (Xiamen) is engaged in research and development, distribution and operation of online mobile games. According to the 2016 China Mobile Game Report issued by iResearch, the total revenue in China mobile games market has made its record high of RMB 21 billion in 2016 Q1. Under the current momentum, the market is expected to show strong growth over the next couple of years. Kingnet Technology, being one of the Chinese game developers, is now powering up for global expansion with its first mobile naval game Thunder Fleet released for western markets while the location-based mobile game, Pokemon Go, is trying to get into the China market. A two-way window for both Chinese and international game developers could be built for mutual benefit, and fueling the opportunities in the peripheral markets. The transaction, which involved a Hong Kong listed company acquiring the control of a PRC mobile game company through contractual arrangement, is one of the few successful cases approved since the release of the consultation draft of the new PRC Foreign Investment Law by the Ministry of Commerce of China in January 2015. SPDB International Capital Limited, acted as the financial adviser in this case, critically assessed the legal issues involved and the potential risks arisen therefrom and fully assisted the company to liaise with the related regulatory authorities of Hong Kong. Commenting on the valuation project, Mr. Max Tsang, the Head of Business Valuation and Transaction Advisory Division of GCA, said "We are pleased to have this opportunity to contribute our expertise in mobile games world with this strategic acquisition project and we appreciate the trust from the management of China Packaging. Recently we have also been engaged for valuing various cloud platforms and providing solution for potential capital market actions. Fund raising enquires from mobile game companies are frequently received this year. We expect the ongoing investment in the technology sector by the large enterprises would economically add value to these enterprises. As such, the sentiment for technology sector will stay strong." GCA was engaged in discussion with the management of the both companies for full understanding of the background, technical capability and vision towards the mobile game development. GCA liaised with the auditor and the related regulatory authorities and addressed the queries regarding on the data assumptions and methodology applied; and also provided detailed analysis and research of China's economy and market condition in order to address the auditors' queries on the basis of our valuation report. *About GCA* Established in 1997, GCA provides business and intangible asset valuation, real estate and industrial assets valuation, financial instruments valuation, mineral and energy valuation as well as business consulting services. It has undertaken valuation for over 400 listed companies in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Australia, United Kingdom, United States and Germany. GCA is a corporate member of The International Valuation Standards Council ('IVSC'), a regulated firm under The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors ('RICS'), an associate member of China Appraisal Society ('CAS') and a valuation institute recognized by State-owned Enterprises under the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission ('SASAC') of the State Council. For further information, please contact Mr. Max Tsang at max.tsang@gca-group.com or +852 2511 6868. 17/10/2016 Dissemination of a Press Release, transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com 511841 17/10/2016 1: http://public-cockpit.eqs.com/cgi-bin/fncls.ssp?fn=redirect&url=9ecfbc067249bcb48a66357bff27064d&application_id=511841&site_id=vwd&application_name=news

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 16, 2016 23:45 ET (03:45 GMT)
In patients with moderate to severely active ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, review of real-world data supports outcomes of vedolizumab clinical trial program

OSAKA, Japan, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited [TSE: 4502], ("Takeda") is presenting data on the real-world effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) during the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week in Vienna, Austria, October 16 to 19, 2016. Findings indicated notable clinical remission rates, reductions in disease activity scores and improved mucosal healing in more than 5,000 patients with UC and CD receiving treatment with vedolizumab in real-world clinical practice.

Real-world data are information reported and collected from use of a medication in uncontrolled clinical settings. A systematic review identified 51 reports of real-world studies of vedolizumab. The poster presentation entitled 'Systematic literature review of real-world effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab in adult UC and CD patients' included 51 independent cohorts published up to April 2016 describing 5,775 patients treated with vedolizumab, the majority of whom were refractory to prior anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies. Clinical remission at week 14, measured across a range of definitions, was in the range of 24-55 percent in patients with UC (6 studies) and from 14-38 percent in patients with CD (7 studies). Safety data are consistent with previous vedolizumab clinical trial results in patients with moderately to severely active UC or CD.

"Given that ulcerative colitis and Crohn's are chronic diseases affecting more than 5 million people worldwide, it is important that we evaluate a treatment's effectiveness and safety in real-world practice to assess benefit for patients from vedolizumab. These data further support the use of vedolizumab and should give physicians confidence in vedolizumab for both biologic naive and TNF experienced patients," said Stefan Schrieber, MD, Translational Inflammation Research, Christian Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany.

Additional Data Presented at UEGW

Comparative real-world data with infliximab were also presented at the congress, highlighting key treatment outcomes that are important for patients. Findings from a matched, multi-center retrospective cohort study suggested that patients with moderately to severely active UC or CD receiving biologic treatments for the first time treated with vedolizumab were less frequently hospitalized, compared to those receiving infliximab (mean number of IBD-related hospitalizations: 0.11 vedolizumab vs. 0.29 infliximab; P=0.048) and may be less likely to discontinue their treatment (HR: 0.86 [95 percent CI: 0.63, 1.16]).

Further findings from a U.S. health records database also showed that patients with UC or CD treated with vedolizumab were less likely to experience an increase in dosage compared to those treated with infliximab during the first 6 months of treatment (4 percent vedolizumab vs. 21.5 percent infliximab; P<0.05). This could, in part, reflect the guidance in the U.S. label to increase the dose for patients with CD treated with infliximab who initially respond and then lose response. It is important for treating physicians to consider the impact of dose escalation on patients' quality of life and health economics in the management of chronic inflammatory conditions such as UC and CD.

"With vedolizumab now approved in more than 50 countries in addition to more than 50,000 patient-years of clinical experience, the real-world data on vedolizumab presented at UEG Week continue to support and build physician confidence in its effectiveness in the management of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease," said Sharon O'Byrne, MD, Vice President, Global Medical Head, Specialty GI, Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

About Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are marked by inflammation in the GI tract. UC impacts the large intestine only, which includes the colon and the rectum. The most common symptoms of UC include abdominal discomfort and blood or pus in diarrhea. CD can impact any part of the digestive tract and common symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fever. There is no known cause for UC or CD, although many researchers believe that the interaction between genes, the body's immune system, and environmental factors play a role. The aim of UC and CD treatments is to induce and maintain remission, or achieve extended periods of time when patients do not experience symptoms.

About Entyvio (vedolizumab)

Vedolizumab, developed for the treatment of UC and CD, is a humanized monoclonal antibody that is designed to specifically antagonize the alpha4beta7 integrin, inhibiting the binding of alpha4beta7 to intestinal mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1) and fibronectin, but not vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). MAdCAM-1 is preferentially expressed on blood vessels and lymph nodes of the gastrointestinal tract. The alpha4beta7 integrin is expressed on a subset of circulating white blood cells. These cells have been shown to play a role in mediating the inflammatory process in UC and CD. By inhibiting alpha4beta7, vedolizumab may limit the ability of certain white blood cells to infiltrate gut tissues.

Therapeutic indications

Ulcerative colitis

Vedolizumab is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who have had an inadequate response with, lost response to, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFA) antagonist.

Crohn's disease

Vedolizumab is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease who have had an inadequate response with, lost response to, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFA) antagonist.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

Special warnings and special precautions for use

Vedolizumab should be administered by a healthcare professional prepared to manage hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, if they occur. Appropriate monitoring and medical support measures should be available for immediate use when administering vedolizumab. Observe patients during infusion and until the infusion is complete.

Infusion-related reactions

In clinical studies, infusion-related reactions (IRR) and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, with the majority being mild to moderate in severity. If a severe IRR, anaphylactic reaction, or other severe reaction occurs, administration of vedolizumab must be discontinued immediately and appropriate treatment initiated (e.g., epinephrine and antihistamines). If a mild to moderate IRR occurs, the infusion rate can be slowed or interrupted and appropriate treatment initiated (e.g., epinephrine and antihistamines). Once the mild or moderate IRR subsides, continue the infusion. Physicians should consider pre-treatment (e.g., with antihistamine, hydrocortisone and/or paracetamol) prior to the next infusion for patients with a history of mild to moderate IRR to vedolizumab, in order to minimize their risks.

Infections

Vedolizumab is a gut-selective integrin antagonist with no identified systemic immunosuppressive activity. Physicians should be aware of the potential increased risk of opportunistic infections or infections for which the gut is a defensive barrier. Vedolizumab treatment is not to be initiated in patients with active, severe infections such as tuberculosis, sepsis, cytomegalovirus, listeriosis, and opportunistic infections until the infections are controlled, and physicians should consider withholding treatment in patients who develop a severe infection while on chronic treatment with vedolizumab. Caution should be exercised when considering the use of vedolizumab in patients with a controlled chronic severe infection or a history of recurring severe infections. Patients should be monitored closely for infections before, during and after treatment. Before starting treatment with vedolizumab, screening for tuberculosis may be considered according to local practice. Some integrin antagonists and some systemic immunosuppressive agents have been associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which is a rare and often fatal opportunistic infection caused by the John Cunningham (JC) virus. By binding to the A4B7 integrin expressed on gut-homing lymphocytes, vedolizumab exerts an immunosuppressive effect on the gut. Although no systemic immunosuppressive effect was noted in healthy subjects, the effects on systemic immune system function in patients with inflammatory bowel disease patients is not known. No cases of PML were reported in clinical studies of vedolizumab however, healthcare professionals should monitor patients on vedolizumab for any new onset or worsening of neurological signs and symptoms, and consider neurological referral if they occur. If PML is suspected, treatment with vedolizumab must be withheld; if confirmed, treatment must be permanently discontinued. Typical signs and symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body, clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes. The progression of deficits usually leads to death or severe disability over weeks or months.

Malignancies

The risk of malignancy is increased in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Immunomodulatory medicinal products may increase the risk of malignancy.

Prior and concurrent use of biological products

No vedolizumab clinical trial data are available for patients previously treated with natalizumab. Caution should be exercised when considering the use of vedolizumab in these patients. No clinical trial data for concomitant use of vedolizumab with biologic immunosuppressants are available. Therefore, the use of vedolizumab in such patients is not recommended.

Vaccinations

Prior to initiating treatment with vedolizumab all patients should be brought up to date with all recommended immunizations. Patients receiving vedolizumab may receive non-live vaccines (e.g., subunit or inactivated vaccines) and may receive live vaccines only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Adverse Reactions include: Nasopharyngitis, Bronchitis, Upper respiratory tract infection, Influenza, Sinusitis, Headache, Oropharyngeal pain, Cough, Nausea, Rash, Pruritus, Arthralgia, Back pain, Pain in extremities, and Pyrexia.

Please consult with your local regulatory agency for approved labeling in your country.

For U.S. audiences, please see the full Prescribing Information including Medication Guide for ENTYVIO.

For EU audiences, please see the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for ENTYVIO.

Takeda's Commitment to Gastroenterology

Takeda is a global leader in gastroenterology. With expertise spanning more than 25 years, the company's dedication to innovation continues to evolve and have a lasting impact. ENTYVIO (vedolizumab) demonstrates Takeda's global capabilities and expansion into the specialty care market in gastroenterology and biologics. Designed and developed specifically to target the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, ENTYVIO was launched in 2014 for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. TAKECAB (vonoprazan fumarate) is Takeda's potassium-competitive acid blocker and was launched in Japan in 2015. Takeda also markets motility agent AMITIZA (lubiprostone), which originally launched in 2006 for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation, and received subsequent approval to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and opioid-induced constipation. Preceding these notable launches, Takeda pioneered gastroenterological breakthroughs in proton pump inhibitors beginning in the 1990's with lansoprazole. Through specialized and strategic in-house development, external partnerships, in-licensing and acquisitions, Takeda currently has a number of promising early stage GI assets in development, and remains committed to delivering innovative, therapeutic options for patients with gastrointestinal and liver diseases.

About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited is a global, R&D-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its research efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas. It also has specific development programs in specialty cardiovascular diseases as well as late-stage candidates for vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as its presence in emerging markets, fuel the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news.
PETAH TIKVA (dpa-AFX) - Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., (TEVA) announced the company has obtained approval from the European Commission for an indication extension of Trisenox (arsenic trioxide). The indication extension is for newly diagnosed low to intermediate risk Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in combination with retinoic acid. Teva Pharma noted that this marks an important advancement in treatment for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia patients in Europe, as it is the first time that a form of acute leukemia can be effectively treated with a regimen that is entirely chemotherapy-free. The decision by the European Commission grants marketing authorization for first line use of Trisenox in the 28 countries of the European Union. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
EQS-News / 17/10/2016 / 12:20 UTC+8 *Acornea Conquers the Darkness* *Innovation brings light to the blind around the world* Chicago, Illinois, October 16th *An Eye-Opennijg innovation: *Acornea makes a breakthrough in regenerative medicine as an innovation with the world's first bio-engineered cornea that brings light to the blind. The product is named as Acornea by China Regenerative Medicine International, a medical group based in Hong Kong. *The product: *Cornea is the clear outer covering of the eyeball. Acornea is a bio-engineered product that can be used as a replacement of human cornea for the blind to see again. The main body of Acornea is derived from other animals such as pigs and biologically treated to make it compatible to humans. Other advantages of Acornea are the following special features: great transparency, less likely to get affected, easy to store and transport, and it does not require any kind of preserving fluid or complicated storage conditions. Moreover, the greatest benefit to the patients is that patients do not have to use lifelong immunosuppressive drugs after Acornea procedure in contrast with the human cornea transplant. Acornea has already been successfully used in curing patients. *It proves to be working.* The past 2 years witnessed 200 patients who have received Acornea transplant in China ranging from 11 month infant to 70-year-old adult. The result turned out to be successful. What is more inspiring is that the technology has been repeatedly proven to be effective, and it is now ready for global market. *The scientist: *So much appreciation should go to Dr. Shi, weiyun, professor from China Regenerative Medicine International. Dr. Shi is the Chairman of China Medical Association and the director of Cornea Medicine and Studies. As a world famous scientist at the top, Dr. Shi has been practicing eye medicine for more than 30 years and has conducted more than 10,000 eye surgeries. Dr. Shi is truly one of the creators of this revolutionary technology by CRMI. *The manufacturer: *China Regenerative Medicine International Limited ("CRMI") is a 20-year-old medical institution. Located in Hong Kong, CRMI has invested billions of dollars in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering products. With more than 10 year's persistent efforts in medical research, CRMI has become the #1 business entity in both regenerativemedicine and tissue engineering, as well as stem cell and other health care products. CRMI has a good number of production facilities all over china such as Xi'an, Shengzhen, Tianjing and Suzhou, etc. *CFDA approval: *With over 10 years painstaking effort, Acornea was finally Approved by China FDA in April 2015, CRMI is the sole patent owner of Acornea products and ready to commercialize the products for the benefit of those who suffer from the blind world, and Acornea will bring light back to their life again. *Final words:* As the Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Gilbert once said: "Within the next 50 years, the mankind will be able to develop all human organs." The China Regenerative Medicine International is now just doing that! Acornea, an absolute innovation, will bring light to the blind. Acorena transplant may also unprecedentedly eliminate the remedies of lifelong immunosuppression. For more information, please visit: crmi.hk/s/about_group.php China Regenerative Medicine International Telephone: (852)3966-8388 Fax: (852)2802-0026 E-mail:info@crmi.hk Address:10th floor, Dah Sing Financial Center,108 Gloucester Road Wanchai, Hong Kong Please also contact: XiaoLu Li: Tel: (337) 326-4691 Mobil:(646)287-1688 Email: lcbal3c@gmail.com Chan Chun Fung: Tel: (852)90617622 Email: Anthony.chan@ CRMI.hk Zhengkang Shao: Tel:(852)39668388 Mobil: (852) 59195330 Email: Shao Zhengkang@CRMI.hk Document: http://n.eqs.com/c/fncls.ssp?u=OXEUIGSHCY [1] Document title: CRMI: Acornea Conquers the Darkness Innovation brings light to the blind around the world 17/10/2016 Dissemination of a Press Release, transmitted by EQS Group. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com 511845 17/10/2016 1: http://public-cockpit.eqs.com/cgi-bin/fncls.ssp?fn=redirect&url=201f37f7bfe4408bc5c883e037dd0f2c&application_id=511845&site_id=vwd&application_name=news

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 17, 2016 05:21 ET (09:21 GMT)
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Donald Trump has blamed the Hillary Clinton Camp for the attack on a Republican Party office in North Carolina. An explosive device was thrown through a window of the party's Orange County office in Hillsborough overnight. The image of a swastika and the words 'Nazi Republicans, leave town or else' were spray painted on a nearby building, reports quoting GOP officials said. Trump criticized the attack by saying 'Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning @NCGOP.' 'All safe in Orange County, North Carolina. With you all the way, will never forget. Now we have to win. Proud of you all,' the Republican presidential nominee said on Twitter. But Hillary Clinton tried to steer clear of the blame by speaking out against the attack. 'The attack on the Orange County HQ @NCGOP office is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe,' the Democratic presidential nominee tweeted. North Carolina's Republican Governor Pat McCrory said the firebombing of a local political headquarters in Orange County is clearly an attack on US democracy. 'We will not be silenced nor suppressed by this evil act. We will pray for those who seek to harm us,' NCGOP tweeted. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
10/27/2022

NOTICE: The Hamilton County Registers Office did not publish this data. All information in the Registers Office is public information as set out in T.C.A. 10-7-503. For questions regarding ... more
Tallinn, Estonia, 2016-10-17 15:30 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --AS Merko Ehitus has started the construction of the third building of Paepargi development project, located at Paepargi 53 at Lasnamae district in Tallinn. The 14-storey building with 60 apartments will be completed at the end of 2017.Paepargi development project (merko.ee/paepargitornid/) includes three 14-storey apartment buildings at Paepargi 49, 51 and 53. Merko has sold all apartments in the first building, completed in December 2015; there are less than ten apartments available in the second building, which will be completed in spring 2017. Apartment buildings are surrounded by parking lots, greenery and sidewalks, taking people comfortably to Paepargi health trails, playgrounds and pedestrian bridge.The apartment building has energy class B, the energy efficiency is provided by water carrier floor heating and heat recovery ventilation. The apartments are very soundproof against interior and external noise; the balconies have operable glass panels for weather protection. The exclusive penthouse apartments on the top storey feature high ceilings, spacious balconies, great views and air conditioning system. The architect of the apartment buildings is AB Luhse & Tuhal and interior architects are Mr. Eerik Olle and Mr. Ahti Peetersoo. Homebuyers can choose from different interior finishing packages for living room and bathroom. The price per square metre of the apartments in the new development phase ranges from 1,750-2,375 euros.Paepargi area has been transformed into a scenic pond where Merko has developed complete living environment, where new apartments have become homes to hundreds of families. To ensure the best quality and convenience for home buyers, we manage all phases of the development: planning, design, construction, sales and service during the warranty period.Additional information: AS Merko Ehitus Eesti, Director of the Residential Construction Division, Mr. Tiit Kuusik, phone: +372 680 5105.Merit Kullasepp Communication and Marketing Manager AS Merko Ehitus Phone: +372 650 1250 E-mail: merit.kullasepp@merko.eeAS Merko Ehitus (www.group.merko.ee) consists of Estonia's leading construction company AS Merko Ehitus Eesti, the Latvian-market-oriented SIA Merks, UAB Merko Statyba that is operating on the Lithuanian market and the real estate development business unit along with real estate holding companies. As at the end of 2015, the group employed 791 people and the company's 2015 revenue was EUR 251 million.Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=589361
Regulatory News:

SoLocal Group (Paris:LOCAL):

The President of Commercial Court of Nanterre has dismissed today, by order, the Regroupement PP Local association which had asked for a deferment request of the extraordinary part of the General Shareholders' Meeting convened on 19 October 2016.

SoLocal Group confirms the holding of its Combined General Shareholders' Meeting on 19 October 2016 at 5:00 pm at Dock Pullman1

Jean-Pierre Remy, Chief Executive Officer of SoLocal Group declared:  I take note of the decision of the Commercial Court of Nanterre that is in the best interest of the company. Allowing the Combined General Shareholders' Meeting of SoLocal Group to be held, is to enable the exchanges between shareholders that we defend. On next 19 October, our shareholders can fully exercise their responsibility by expressing a decisive choice for the future of the leader of the French local digital.

Moreover, SoLocal Group took note of the declaration of the Regroupement PP Local association, as of 14 October 2016, the thresholds crossing up six and seven percent of the Company's capital and voting rights.

About SoLocal Group

SoLocal Group, European leader in local online communication, reveals local know-how, and boosts local revenues of businesses. The Internet activities of the Group are structured around two business lines: Local Search and Digital Marketing. With Local Search, the Group offers digital services and solutions to clients which enable them to enhance their visibility and develop their local contacts. Thanks to its expertise, SoLocal Group earned the trust of some 530,000 clients of those services and over 2.2 billions of visits via its 4 flagship brands (PagesJaunes, Mappy, Ooreka and A Vendre A Louer) but also through its partnerships. With Digital Marketing, SoLocal Group creates and provides Internet users with the best local and customised content about professionals. With over 4,400 employees, including a salesforce of 1,900 local communication advisors specialised in five verticals (Home, Services, Retail, Health Public, BtoB) and Internationally (France, Spain, Austria, United Kingdom), the Group generated in 2015 revenues of 873 millions euros, of which 73% on Internet and ranks amongst the first European players in terms of Internet advertising revenues. SoLocal Group is listed on Euronext Paris (LOCAL). More information may be obtained at www.solocalgroup.com.

1 87, avenue des Magasins Generaux,93300 Aubervilliers

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005826/en/

Contacts:

SoLocal Group

Press

Delphine Penalva, +33 (0)1 46 23 35 31

dpenalva@solocal.com

or

Edwige Druon, +33 (0)1 46 23 37 56

edruon@solocal.com

or

Investors

Elsa Cardarelli, +33 (0)1 46 23 40 92

ecardarelli@solocal.com

or

Sebastien Nony, +33 (0) 1 46 23 49 03

snony@solocal.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/17/16 -- Northquest Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: NQ) (FRANKFURT: N3Q) (the "Company") and Nord Gold SE (LSE: NORD) ("Nordgold") are pleased to announce the successful completion of the previously announced statutory plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), whereby Nordgold acquired all of the outstanding common shares of the Company (the "Shares") that it did not already own. The Arrangement became effective on October 14, 2016 (the "Effective Date").

Under the terms of the Arrangement, each former holder of the Shares will receive $0.26 in cash per Share, and each former holder of the outstanding warrants to purchase Shares (the "Warrants") will receive $0.10 in cash per Warrant.

Nordgold has delivered to Computershare Investor Services Inc., the depositary for the Arrangement, sufficient funds to enable the depositary to make the payments in accordance with the terms of the Arrangement.

It is anticipated that the Shares will be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the coming days, and that the Company will subsequently cease to be a reporting issuer in the jurisdictions in which it is currently a reporting issuer.

About Northquest Ltd.

Northquest is a Toronto based gold explorer which owns the Pistol Bay project in eastern Nunavut territory, Canada. The Pistol Bay property consists of 860 square kilometers of mineral rights within the underexplored Rankin-Ennadai greenstone belt. Within Arctic Canada, the project is favourably located with relatively easy access and existing infrastructure. For further information, please visit www.northquest.biz.

About Nordgold

Nordgold is an internationally diversified low-cost gold producer which is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol "NORD". Nordgold has a proven track record of operational excellence and benefits from a significant international development pipeline. In 2015, Nordgold produced 950 thousand ounces of gold with all-in sustaining costs of US$793 per ounce, maintaining its position at the lower end of the global cost curve. Nordgold operates 9 mines (5 in Russia, 2 in Burkina Faso and one each in Guinea and Kazakhstan). It has 2 active development projects (Bouly in Burkina Faso and Gross in Russia), 4 advanced exploration projects and a diverse portfolio of early-stage exploration projects and licences in Burkina Faso, Russia, French Guiana and Canada.

For further information on Nordgold please visit Nordgold's website: www.nordgold.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. In some cases forward-looking information can be identified by terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "projects", "potential", "scheduled", "forecast", "budget" or the negative of those terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the anticipated timing for the delisting of the Shares and statements regarding the Company ceasing to be a reporting issuer, are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Contacts:

Igor Klimanov

Director and Chief Executive Officer

(416) 306-0954




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/17/16 -- Mundoro Capital Inc. (TSX VENTURE: MUN)(www.mundoro.com) ("Mundoro" or the "Company") is pleased to report drilling has commenced on the Company's 100% owned Byalo exploration license which is located in southeastern Bulgaria in the Rhodopean region of the Tethyan metallogenic belt (see Figure 1: Location Map - Byalo and Zvezda Projects)

HIGHLIGHTS

-- The Chuka porphyry drill program will include 1000 m -- Systematic exploration by Mundoro defined the Chuka porphyry copper-gold target with results including: -- Stockwork mineralisation with banded quartz veins in an area 200 x 250 m in size outcropping at surface -- A historical drill hole with reported assay interval of 18.8 m @ 0.42% Cu; 0.108 g/t Au from 25.40 m to 44.20 m -- Mundoro surface rock sampling from stockwork returned values from single samples up to 0.39% Cu, 0.55 g/t Au and 580 ppm Mo with average 0.158 g/t Au, 35 ppm Mo and 267 ppm Cu from a 200 x 250 m outcrop -- Mundoro holds approximately $5.5 mln in cash as of September 30, 2016 and is debt free

Teo Dechev, CEO and President of Mundoro commented, "Having closed the $1 million private placement in September 2016, we are using these funds to drill test five target areas, the first of which is the Chuka copper-gold porphyry target in Bulgaria. Given the compelling copper-gold-molybdenum soil geochemistry, stockwork viening on surface, trenching results and coincident ground magnetic bulls-eye style anomaly, we believe the current drilling program at Chuka will give us a better understanding of the scale of the porphyry and the controls of mineralization. The Company believes the historical drilling, surface sampling and mapping along with the geophysical interpretations to-date suggest the potential for discovery of bulk porphyry copper-gold mineralisation at Chuka."

The Chuka Drill Program

This initial drilling program at Chuka is designed to test the stockwork grade at depth, and determine if there is a transition from sericitic to potassic alteration and correspondingly higher copper and gold grades . The Company plans to drill 1000 meters among three drill holes. (Figure 2: Chuka Target Drill Hole Locations).

The Chuka target has been identified through a systematic program completed by Mundoro comprising of detailed mapping, geochemistry, alteration mapping, ground geophysics, regional geophysics and historic drill testing. This previous systematic exploration showed strong evidence for porphyry style mineralisation. Historical drill holes showed molybdenite, chalcopyrite, trace bornite mineralisation in quartz veinlets in the upper levels. Historic Drill Hole #1018 had a reported assay interval of 18.8 m @ 0.42% Cu; 0.108 g/t Au from 25.40 m to 44.20 m. It is noteworthy that none of the historical drilling reached the potassic core of the system in order to demonstrate primary mineralisation. Soil sampling and alteration mapping show well defined soil geochemical anomalies with porphyry alteration style zoning. A chargeability anomaly is consistent with upper level phyllic (quartz-sericite-pyrite) alteration, while a deeper defined magnetic bulls-eye anomaly could be the preserved mineralised magnetite-bearing potassic alteration.

Overview of Byalo License

The Chuka target is located in the Byalo license which is a 161 sq.km area located within the Rhodope mountains in southeastern Bulgaria, 250 km southeast of Sofia. Byalo is contiguous at the south end with Mundoro's 100% owned Zvezda license. The two licenses together surround a third-party owned project which is host to an operating gold mine where Mundoro is a small shareholder.

Additional Exploration Target in Bulgaria Projects

Systematic exploration by Mundoro, and limited historic State drilling, highlighted two targets areas, 1) the Chuka porphyry target currently being drilled, and 2) the Angel Vyvoda ("AV") epithermal gold target, to be drilled upon receipt of drilling approval which is expected in Q4/16.

At the AV, target mineralised zones are hosted in Eocene sediments and are expressed on surface as discrete fault controlled breccia and veinlets. Soil geochemical anomalies highlight an area of 2.7 x 1.5 km area anomalous in Au-Ag-Sb-As-Mo suit of elements (epithermal) and delineating at least three sets of E-W to NW-SE structures. Previous work identified low-sulphidation style gold mineralisation hosted in Eocene sediments resembling the Ada Tepe gold deposit. Rock and soil sampling results returned 1 to 3.3 g/t Au in rock outcrops and three gold bearing structures in soil anomalies trending NW from 1.3 km to 2.7 km long.

For the AV target, the Company believes the historical drilling, surface sampling and mapping work and geophysical interpretations to-date suggest the potential for discovery of low sulphidation vein style gold mineralisation.

On behalf of the Company,

Teo Dechev, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

About Mundoro Capital Inc.

Mundoro is a Canadian mineral exploration and development public company focused on building value for its shareholders through directly investing in mineral projects that have the ability to generate future returns for shareholders. The Company currently holds a diverse portfolio of projects in two European countries as well as an investment in a producing gold mine in Bulgaria and a feasibility stage gold project in China. The Company holds eight 100% owned projects in Serbia, the four Timok North Projects are in option to JOGMEC, and the four Timok South Projects are being advanced by Mundoro. Mundoro's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "MUN".

Qualified Person

Technical information contained in this Press Release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. G. Magaranov, P. Geo., Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Sampling and Analysis

All rock samples are assayed using 50-gram fire assay with atomic absorption finish and ME-MS61 by ALS Romania prepared by ALS Bor, Serbia. Quality Assurance and quality control procedures include the systematic insertion of standards and duplicates into the sample streams. Field duplicate samples are taken every 25 samples and standards and blanks are inserted after every 20th sample. All data collected in the field and assay results from the laboratories are routinely verified and entered in an Access database.

Soil samples were collected from "B" horizon of the soil media by hand digging a hole from 0.1 to 0.5m. Material of approx. 500 grams was collected, sealed and send directly to the ALS laboratory in Bor. Samples were dried at less than 60 degrees C/140F, sieve sample to -180 micron (80 mesh) and assayed using 30gram fire assay with atomic absorption finish and ME-MS41L - 51 elements by aqua regia acid digestion and a combination of ICP-MS and ICP-AES.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe" or "continue" or similar words or the negative thereof, and include the following: completion of the earn-in expenditures and options by JOGMEC; and completion of a definitive joint venture agreement by the parties. The material assumptions that were applied in making the forward looking statements in this News Release include expectations as to the mineral potential of the Timok North Properties, the Company's future strategy and business plan and execution of the Company's existing plans. We caution readers of this News Release not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements contained in this News Release, as there can be no assurance that they will occur and they are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include general economic and market conditions, exploration results, commodity prices, changes in law, regulatory processes, the status of Mundoro's assets and financial condition, actions of competitors and the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities. The forward-looking statements contained in this News Release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this News Release are made as of the date of this News Release and the Board undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and for a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Mundoro Capital Inc.

Teo Dechev, CEO, President and Director

+1-604-669-8055




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/17/16 -- Attn: Assignment Editor

Months of sparring in the media may come to an end this week as Health Ministers from across Canada meet to discuss a new Health Accord. This morning, representatives of the Canadian & Ontario Health Coalitions, Canadian Doctors for Medicare and the Council of Canadians gathered outside the King Edward Hotel where Health Ministers from across Canada are meeting. The public interest advocates outlined the criteria required to protect and improve public health care for all Canadians in a new Health Accord and stated that they would measure any proposed deal against these criteria.

"Canadians need our federal and provincial leaders to pull together to make concrete commitments to improve access to care for Canadians in a new Health Accord," noted Adrienne Silnicki, national coordinator of the Canadian Health Coalition. "An agreement to national standards is essential, including commitments by the provinces to eliminate user fees for patients in private clinics and to expand capacity in the public health care system. We are encouraged by the recent promise to abolish extra user fees for patients in Quebec. The same must be done in other provinces."

For months, Provincial Premiers and the federal Health Minister have been at odds over funding, with the provinces calling for more and the federal government holding to the reduced funding formula put in place by the Harper government. Health Coalition advocates stressed that both sides need to come to the table with concrete commitments.

"Health care needs do not go down in economic recessions," noted Natalie Mehra, executive director of the Ontario Health Coalition. "A new Health Accord must include an improved commitment for federal dollars to meet the real health care needs of Canadians or we will see more service cuts and privatization."

But the provinces are not off the hook either. "Provinces must commit to spending federal funding on improving access and quality in public health care services and not shift them into general revenues while cutting and privatizing services," she continued.

The Health Coalitions are calling for a new 10-year Accord to include the following:

-- A six per cent funding escalator so that federal support for health care will be sufficient to restore fiscal balance and maintain existing programs to meet needs resulting from economic growth, population growth and aging. -- A commitment to uphold and enforce the principles of the Canada Health Act, including the right for patients to access needed medical care on equal terms and conditions without user fees or extra billing. Private clinics are violating the Canada Health Act by charging patients hundreds or even thousands of dollars for diagnostics and surgeries. -- Concrete commitments to improve access across the continuum of care, including reducing wait times in public hospitals, as well as improved access to primary health teams and public home- and continuing care. -- A re-establishment of the federal-provincial-territorial working groups on pharmacare and home/continuing care that were abandoned by the Harper government, with the goal of establishing a national public drug program and a plan to meet the health needs of aging Canadians. The federal government should commit to fifty per cent of the costs of any new programs while the provinces should commit to national standards that establish equity and access for all.

Contacts:

Ontario Health Coalition

Natalie Mehra

(416) 230-6402 (cell)

www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca



Canadian Health Coalition

Adrienne Silnicki

(613) 402-6793




IQALUIT, NUNAVUT -- (Marketwired) -- 10/17/16 -- The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, will be in Iqaluit on October 18 and 19.

Please note that all details are subject to change. All times are local.

The details are as follows:

EVENT: The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, will host an event in Iqaluit on Tuesday as part of the Cross-Canada Official Languages Consultations. Media representatives will have an opportunity to take photographs and b-roll footage at the beginning of the round table. Media representatives who wish to attend the consultations may do so as observers. DATE: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 TIME: 2:00 p.m. PLACE: The Franco-Centre 981 Nunavut Drive Iqaluit, Nunavut EVENT: The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, will host an event organised in Iqaluit on Wednesday during the All Arts Summit with representatives from a variety of cultural sectors, as part of the consultations on Canadian Content in a Digital World. Representatives from the media are invited to take pictures and b-roll footage at the beginning of the event. DATE: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 TIME: 10:30 a.m. PLACE: Frobisher Inn Astro Hill Terrace Koojesse Room (South) Iqaluit, Nunavut EVENT: The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, will make an announcement in Iqaluit on Wednesday about three Canada 150 projects. Representatives from the media will have the opportunity to ask Minister Joly questions regarding all events during a media availability afterwards. DATE: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 TIME: 1:30 p.m. PLACE: Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum 212 Sinaa Street Iqaluit, Nunavut

Stay Connected

Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr.

Contacts:

Pierre-Olivier Herbert

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage

819-997-7788



Media Relations

Canadian Heritage

819-994-9101

1-866-569-6155

PCH.media-media.PCH@Canada.ca




According to the latest market study released by Technavio, the global immunohematology marketis expected to grow at a CAGR of around 5% during the forecast period, 2016-2020.

This research report titled 'Global Immunohematology Market 2016-2020' provides an in-depth analysis of the market in terms of revenue and emerging market trends. This market research report also includes up to date analysis and forecasts for various market segments and all geographical regions.

Molecular testing of blood groups is the latest trend gaining traction in the market. It executes RBC genotyping that helps to estimate the type of antigen present in the blood. Molecular testing helps to address the restrictions of serologic testing and has become an indispensable tool in diagnosis owing to its automated technology. Vendors in the healthcare market are increasingly making investments in molecular immunohematology. At present, Immucor and Quotient are the leading companies that deal in molecular immunohematology.

Srinivas Sashidhar, a lead analyst at Technavio for research on in-vitro diagnostics says, "Molecular analysis helps in the detection of the molecular and genetic basis of any antigen. The procedure helps the physicians to understand the molecular basis of blood group antigen and blood typing. At present, the adoption rate of molecular immunohematology has increased coupled with serological typing and HLA typing. Several blood banks and hospitals across the world are using this method

Request a sample report: http://www.technavio.com/request-a-sample?report=53764

Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more.

Based on end-users, the report categorizes the global immunohematologymarket into the following segments:

Hospitals

Blood banks

Diagnostic laboratories

Global immunohematology market by end-users 2015 (%) Hospitals 50.12% Blood banks 28.17% Diagnostic laboratories 21.71% Source: Technavio

Hospitals

Hospitals are the key end-users of immunohematology that significantly influence market growth. Large hospitals, such as multispecialty hospitals and hospital groups, work under government sponsorship or through private entities. Accommodating more than 500 hospital beds, these hospitals offer a large number of inpatient and outpatient services and generate more revenues for the market. They purchase medical products and consumables on bulk and collaborate with many suppliers, reimbursement authorities, and government organizations to increase their shares. In these hospitals, diagnosis and monitoring of most of the surgical events are executed in outpatient settings. The sales of immunohematology analyzers, instruments, and reagents in hospitals will increase steadily owing to the increased number of hospital admittance for surgical care. The Tier 1 and Tier 2 hospitals are the key end-users of immunohematology in the market.

Medium-sized hospitals require third-party laboratory testing support and medical equipment for their healthcare services. They have a limited budget and administration of these hospitals is often decentralized. However, the number of mid-sized hospitals is higher than large hospitals as they are easily accessible to people. This will augment the sales of immunohematology analyzers in medium-sized hospitals in the coming years.

Blood banks

In Tier 1 hospitals, it has become a routine to match the genotype of the blood before blood transfusion. Such specific requirements have increased the demand for immunohematology in the market. The growing awareness about diseases and public-private funding to establish blood banks have also increased the use of immunohematology. Annually, more than 21 million blood components are transfused in the US. The surging number of community-based program and engagement of various non-profit organizations such as American Red Cross can boost the applications of immunohematology to offer better patient safety. Moreover, rising demand for RBCs and platelets has resulted in an increased demand for HLA typing, which has subsequently accelerated the need of immunohematology. Screening of donor blood tests, such as HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, and malaria, are the conventional tests performed in blood banks. To have a better comprehension of the blood typing, presence of Rh factor and to check the antibodies, the use of immunohematology is increasing.

Diagnostic laboratories

For the purpose of immunohematology testing, the diagnostic laboratories are categorized into clinical diagnostic laboratories and reference laboratories. Clinical diagnostic laboratories carry out the test for individuals who are pertaining to diagnosis. These laboratories can work on the single operation or can be controlled by hospitals. The use of reference laboratories for immunohematology is a growing trend in this market. These laboratories provide reference testing of serology, type of extensive antigens present in blood, and molecular blood group determination.

"With the European region opting for advanced immunohematology studies such as transfusion medicine, manufacturers like Grifols serves the need of reference laboratories and hospitals. Similarly, reference laboratories in APAC countries like Singapore such as 24-hour Cross-Match Laboratory help to deliver services to various hospitals. The 24-hour Cross-Match Laboratory offers full-time services to hospitals for ABO and Rh-type determination and pre-transfusion screening," says Srinivas.

The top vendors highlighted by Technavio's research analysts in this report are:

Bio-Rad Laboratories

Grifols

Immucor

Ortho Clinical Diagnostic

Browse Related Reports:

Global Blood Culture Tests Market 2016-2020

Global RFID Blood Refrigerator and Freezer Market 2016-2020

Blood Screening Market Global Market Research 2015-2019

Do you need a report on a market in a specific geographical cluster or country but can't find what you're looking for? Don't worry, Technavio also takes client requests. Please contact enquiry@technavio.com with your requirements and our analysts will be happy to create a customized report just for you.

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies.

Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161017005492/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 630 333 9501

UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 10/17/16 -- Yorbeau Resources Inc. (TSX: YRB.A) (the "Company" or "Yorbeau") is pleased to announce that it has completed the final tranche of its previously announced private placement (see press release dated July 19, 2016) by issuing 850,000 additional flow-through common shares at a price of $0.125 per share for gross proceeds of $106,250. The Company has raised total gross proceeds of $1,281,250 under this financing.

The Company will use the proceeds raised from the issue of the flow-through common shares to incur Canadian exploration expenses on its properties.

About Yorbeau Resources Inc.

The Company's 100% controlled Rouyn Property contains four known gold deposits in the 6-km-long Augmitto-Astoria corridor situated on the western half of the property. Two of the four deposits, Astoria and Augmitto, have substantial underground infrastructure and have been the focus of NI 43-101 technical reports that include resource estimates. Yorbeau and Kinross Gold Corporation ("Kinross") have recently signed a letter of intent providing for the grant to Kinross of an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Company's Rouyn Property (see press release dated June 22, 2016).

The Company has recently expanded its exploration property portfolio by acquiring strategic base metal properties in prospective areas of the Abitibi Belt of Quebec and Ontario that also feature infrastructure favourable for mining development. The newly acquired base metal properties include Scott Lake which hosts important mineral resources, and Beschefer where, regionally, exploration interest has been increasing.

More information on the Company may be found on the Company's website at www.yorbeauresources.com.

Forward-looking statements: Except for statement of historical fact, all statements in this news release, without limitation, regarding new projects, acquisitions, future plans and objectives are forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Contacts:

Yorbeau Resources Inc.

Gerald Riverin, Ph D., P. Geo

President

819-279-1336

griverin@yorbeauresources.com



Yorbeau Resources Inc.

G. Bodnar Jr.

Vice President

514-384-2202 or Toll free in North America: 1-855-384-2202

gbodnar@yorbeauresources.com

www.yorbeauresources.com




BOSTON, MA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/17/16 -- Aberdeen Group Europe has been awarded 'highly commended' status in the Outstanding Data Provider category at the Database Marketing Awards, held in London on September 29, 2016.

The award recognizes one of the core elements behind Aberdeen Group's data and content solution, the Ci Technology Data Set. The account-based data asset is one of the largest repositories of intelligence on the tech industry tracking 90 percent of global IT spend and information on over three million company sites and more than 10 million technology installations.

The award recognizes the significant strides Aberdeen Group is making to enhance the precision and scale of their data set, which now tracks more than $2 billion in global B2B technology spending at the company and individual/role levels.

Recent innovations also include:

Install-based tracking doubled - a total of 8,878 installed technologies are now monitored and reported on around the globe.

'Elite' technology profiles increased threefold to nearly 10 million contacts across the IT buying centres most important to sales, marketing and business intelligence professionals. These profiles contain up to 520 field attributes, and provide a broad, highly actionable picture of technology contacts and companies.

Real-time, purchase-monitoring solution CI Pipeline is now tracking more than 3,000 net-new, in-market purchasing initiatives per month across more than 35 technology categories to provide 'active leads'.

An added 300 technology-focused digital interest classifiers enable interrogation of companies and contacts based on their digital and online profiles.

The recent additions to Aberdeen Group's Ci data set coincide with major updates to its flagship Lead Essentials product. The application is the B2B industry's first to combine account data and content. Aberdeen Group designed Lead Essentials to help marketers more efficiently find active, in-market buyers looking for specific technology products, and engage them with relevant content trending within their category.

Aberdeen Group Europe Managing Director Judith Niederschelp says the award is testament to her team's commitment and skill as well as the capabilities of CITDS, a dataset which provides information on B2B technology spend and buyer behavior.

"We already know that clients value the quality of our data and the high levels of service we provide," said Niederschelp. "However, it is very exciting to see this acknowledged at an industry level. We introduced significant improvements to CITDS in 2015, so it is wonderful to see them coming to fruition."

For more information on Aberdeen Group solutions, go to www.aberdeenservices.com.

For information on the award and Aberdeen Group's global data solutions, go here http://aberdeenservices.com/archives/6708.

Aberdeen Group is the leader in account data and content for the technology industry, helping companies get to success faster by supplying timely intelligence on the best accounts that are actively in-market, along with trending content that is guaranteed to accelerate engagement.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/17/16 -- Martinrea International Inc. (TSX: MRE) announced today the ground-breaking of a new technical center at 2100 Opdyke Road in Auburn Hills, MI. The project is expected to be completed by summer 2017.

The 108,200 sq. ft. facility will allow Martinrea to combine its sales and engineering office currently located in Troy with its testing labs into a single location. The new building will also allow the company to expand its research and development activities.

"This is an exciting time for our company," said Pat D'Eramo, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We believe that sustainable competitive advantage for our company and our people comes from operational excellence in serving our customers and in technology that supports solutions for them. Our new technical center, emphasizing expanded research and development, engineering and testing capabilities, will help both. We are combining our US based sales, engineering and R&D teams in one state of the art facility. We have significantly grown our business and employee base in the United States and Michigan over the past decade, we are proud to be here, and we want to thank the city, the county and the state for their support."

The project is supported by a $420,000 performance-based grant from the state of Michigan and an eight-year property tax abatement valued at $852,000 from the city of Auburn Hills. The new facility will house 160 employees initially and is expected to create 60 additional jobs.

"We are thrilled that Martinrea has chosen to locate this technical center in Auburn Hills and appreciate its investment in our community," said Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin R. McDaniel. "Businesses are continuing to make strategic investments in Michigan and in today's competitive global environment, world-class businesses expect a world-class commitment from the communities in which they operate."

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said "Martinrea's expansion in Oakland County boosts our Emerging Sectors initiative which promotes job growth in the top 10 sectors of the knowledge-based economy, including advanced manufacturing. We are pleased Martinrea selected a site along the I-75 corridor where we are seeing robust investment from automotive technology companies."

ABOUT MARTINREA

Martinrea International Inc. (TSX: MRE) is a leader in the development and production of quality metal parts, assemblies and modules and fluid management systems and complex aluminum products focused primarily on the automotive sector. Martinrea currently employs over 14,000 skilled and motivated people in 44 operating divisions in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Slovakia, Spain and China. Additional information about Martinrea can be found at www.sedar.com.

Martinrea's vision for the future is to be the best, preferred and most valued automotive parts supplier in the world in the products and services we provide our customers. The Company's mission is to deliver: outstanding quality products and services to our customers; meaningful opportunity, job satisfaction and job security to our people through competitiveness and prudent growth; superior long term investment returns to our stakeholders; and positive contributions to our communities as good corporate citizens.

Contacts:

Martinrea International Inc.

Jim Parks

Director of Communications

(248) 878-0359

jim.parks@martinrea.com



Martinrea International Inc.

Fred Di Tosto

Chief Financial Officer

(416) 749-0314

fditosto@martinrea.com




CHICKAMAUGA AND DURHAM RAILROAD, 1892

Originally chartered in 1889 as the Chattanooga and Gulf Railroad, the Chickamauga and Durham Railroad (C&D) had the mission of bringing coal from the Durham Mines atop Lookout Mountain to be turned into coke in the Chickamauga Ovens in Chickamauga, Georgia. Until 1936, it also provided passenger service. It began operating in 1892 with two locomotives. The owner of the railroad, James English, also owned the Durham Coal and Coke Company. After a foreclosure in 1894, it reorganized as the Chattanooga and Durham Railroad. It was sold to the Chattanooga, Rome, and Southern Railroad (CR&S) in 1900, and CR&S was in turn bought the next year by Central of Georgia Railroad (COG), which operated this line until 1951.

English built his railroad and operated his mines with convict slave labor under the same system in Georgia which Tennessee used.

Although not a Chattanooga railroad strictly speaking, it was first chartered with Chattanooga in its name and operated for six years with the citys name as part of its title. Its later connections to both CR&S and COG gave it direct connections to the city also.

The stations on the Chickamauga and Durham Railroad and its successors were as follows.

Chickamauga

The headquarters for the railroad. It was also the junction with the CR&C and its successors.

For more information, see the entry for this station in the section on the Chattanooga, Rome, and Columbus Railroad (CR&C), the predecessor of the CR&S.

Wallaceville

This station two-and-a-third miles out stood in a community that has been incorporated into the city of Chickamauga.

The post office of Wallaceville operated from 1892 to 1904.

Harp Switch

This station three miles out from Chickamauga primarily serviced a side-track here. It most likely would have been at the Harp Switch Road crossing of the railway, but since the tracks have been taken up is now impossible to locate more accurately.

Durham Junction

This station stood at the junction of this railroad with the CS, in the later community of Cenchat.

For more information see the entry for Cenchat under the Chattanooga Southern Railway.

Eagle Cliff

Although this station bore the same name as a station on the CS line, this one a little over four miles from Durham Junction probably stood at the base of the actual cliff.

Lula Lake

A notable attraction of Lookout Mountain and once the intended terminus of the Lookout Incline and Lula Lake Railway. Clearly this railroad carried passengers who were tourists and pleasure seekers as well as employees of the mines.

Masseys Station

This station stood two miles south of Lula Lake in what is now the Hinkle community.

The post office of Hinkle operated here from 1914 until 1930.

Garys Camp

This station a little over a mile further south could have either been a work camp or a resort; today it is the community of Vulcan.

Durham

This station was the end-of-the-road at the Durham Coal Mines and its company town, which was actually called Pittsburg. According to John Wilson, besides the mines and homes for employees, it had a commissary, a school, a ball field, and a post office. None of that exists now, and the land belongs to the Lula Lake Land Trust.

The post office of Pittsburg operated here from 1900 until 1946.

Chuck Hamilton

<natty4bumpo@gmail.com>
@BizWireTV

Featuring AltSchool, CariClub, Carrobot and Tecovas

On the latest BizWireTV Accelerator Report, AltSchool enters the next phase of its mission: to enable all children to reach their full potential by announcing the availability of a new personalization platform to schools nationwide in 2017.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161024005246/en/

Now you can watch BizWireTV on any screen you want by downloading the new app through the Apple TV and iPhone App Store and Google Play for Android devices.

Also featured in the episode is this week's startup standout, Carrobot, announcing the launch of an Indiegogo campaign around its new voice-controlled heads-up display (HUD) tech.

Now available on BizWireTV's new home on Tempo, the show serves as a preview of upcoming IPOs, scheduled earnings announcements, recent funding announcements, and trends to watch in the upcoming week.

This week's episode features:

AltSchool to begin offering its personalization platform to schools nationwide

On the VC Watch:

CariClub closes Seed Round from prominent investor group

Tecovas raises $1.8M in funding from strategic investors

This week's startup standout:

Carrobot introduces voice-controlled heads-up display (HUD) with launch of Indiegogo campaign

BizWireTV and BizWireTV Accelerator Report are hosted by Erin Ade. Tune in to watch Erin's reports for BizWireTV each Sunday and Friday on BizWireTV's new home on Tempo.

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View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161024005246/en/

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WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - November 07, 2016) - Yesterday, in a clear show of the growing international support for Moroccan sovereignty in the Western Sahara as well as the success of the country's African foreign policy, Morocco's King Mohammed VI delivered his annual speech marking the anniversary of the Green March -- when some 350,000 Moroccan citizens peacefully reclaimed the territory from Spanish colonizers in 1975 -- from Dakar, Senegal. It was the first time a Moroccan King had celebrated the anniversary outside of Morocco and came just two months after the country officially applied to rejoin the African Union (AU).

"Today I am addressing you, on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of the Green March, from Dakar, the capital city of the sister nation Senegal, and I know that this move will not surprise you," said the King, explaining that "This beloved country has always been at the forefront of advocates of the Kingdom's territorial unity and lofty interests."

While the King acknowledged that Morocco's return to the AU will "enable us to defend our legitimate rights" on the Moroccan Sahara, he described the territory's "potential, in terms of security, stability and infrastructure, to become an integrated development hub... as well as a platform for economic cooperation between Morocco and Africa" as just one of many reasons why Morocco's "returning to its natural place" would benefit the continent.

"As far as the continent's major issues and problems are concerned, the return of my country to its institutional family will enable Morocco to help make the voice of Africa heard in international forums," he said. He noted as an example that "I have made sure that the Climate Conference which opens in Marrakech this week, is a conference for Africa. Accordingly, I have called for an African summit to be held on the sidelines of this conference in order to develop a common vision to uphold our continent's demands, particularly in terms of funding and transfer of technology."

The King also spoke of Morocco's ability to "further contribute to consolidating security and stability in the various war zones and hotspots and to finding peaceful solutions to conflicts." Rejoining the AU, he explained, "will enable Morocco to become more involved in the continent's efforts to fight extremism and terrorism, which compromise the future of Africa." It would also, he continued, be "the culmination of our African policy and the outcome of Morocco's solidarity-based field action in a number of African countries, in terms of economic and human development aimed at serving African citizens."

To this end, the King urged Morocco's newly elected Parliament -- which is in the process of negotiating a governing coalition -- to "adopt a comprehensive, integrated policy towards Africa and deal with the continent as one bloc."

"A government should have a clear program and well-defined priorities, both for home and foreign affairs, particularly as far as Africa is concerned. The government should have the ability to deal with the difficulties inherited from past years, with respect to Morocco's obligations towards its partners."

Since ascending the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI has made Africa a foreign policy priority, visiting 35 African countries and signing more than 320 bilateral agreements, most recently in Rwanda and Tanzania. Beyond his many trips, in late 2013 the King established a program to train imams from across the continent. In March 2015 in Rabat, he formally opened the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Morchidines, and Morchidates, which has already welcomed students from Mali, Tunisia, and France, among other countries. In April 2015, Morocco signed a memorandum of understanding with the Millennium Challenge Corporation "with the goal of reducing poverty in Africa, including a focus on promoting adoption of new technologies and innovative business models to promote entrepreneurship." Some thirty countries have already voiced their support for Morocco's AU bid, including Benin, Gabon, Liberia, Senegal, Egypt, and Ghana, to name just a few.

The Moroccan American Center for Policy (MACP) is a non-profit organization whose principal mission is to inform opinion makers, government officials, and interested publics in the United States about political and social developments in Morocco and the role being played by the Kingdom of Morocco in broader strategic developments in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

This material is distributed by the Moroccan American Center for Policy on behalf of the Government of Morocco. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/11/7/11G121076/Images/Green_March_speech_closeup-e90abcdc6f188f35b7ae3cfe2c82575c.jpg

CONTACT:

Jordana Merran

202.470.2049

jmerran@moroccanamericancenter.com
YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES -- (Marketwired) -- 12/05/16 -- Department of Justice Canada

The Government of Canada supports programs and services that respond to the immediate and ongoing needs of victims and survivors of crime and help ensure a just, fair and compassionate Canadian justice system for all Canadians.

Today, Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, accompanied by the Honourable Louis Sebert, Minister of Justice, Government of the Northwest Territories, announced funding of $3.75 million over five years to advance victim services and access to justice for victims and their families in the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories will use this funding to provide services that better meet the needs of victims, including funding to help victims cover costs resulting from serious violent crimes, enhance direct service delivery to victims, and guide victims through the criminal justice system.

Quotes

"We are working with all the provinces and territories to better assist victims and survivors of crime and their families by improving the capacity of victim service providers, fostering the establishment of referral networks, and increasing awareness of the services available to victims in communities across Canada."

The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

"I am pleased to be in Yellowknife to announce this investment that will enhance services and programs for victims and survivors of crime in the Northwest Territories. We are working to improve justice services for those who have been impacted by crime, so that victims are supported in their recovery."

Sean Casey, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

"The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to supporting residents of the NWT who have been victims of crime. By providing support and helping people deal with the emotional, physical and financial impacts of crime, Victim Services helps individuals heal. This work is essential to both individual and community well-being, and we are thankful that it is recognized and supported by our federal partner."

Louis Sebert, Minister of Justice of the Northwest Territories

Quick Facts

- According to the most recent Statistics Canada data, 3,348 violent crimes were committed in the Northwest Territories in 2015. This funding contributes to the Victims of Crime Emergency Fund (VCEF) which helps cover emergency costs incurred by victims of serious violent crimes. Eligible expenses include emergency counselling, crime scene cleaning, childcare and temporary accommodations.

- The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights gives victims rights related to information, protection, participation and restitution. This funding will help train Victim Services workers and other professionals in guiding victims through the criminal justice system, including helping them prepare victim impact statements, assisting them in providing testimony, and helping them apply for restitution.

- This funding will help enhance programs that serve communities in the Beaufort Delta and the South Slave regions.

- This funding is made available through the Department of Justice Canada's Victims Fund. In 2016-17, the Victims Fund will make more than $21 million available to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to increase awareness and knowledge of victim issues, legislation, and services available, as well as to develop and deliver victim programs, services, and assistance to meet gaps in services for victims of crime. To date, Justice has also announced Victims Fund agreements with the provinces of British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Related Products

- Backgrounder: Improving services for victims of crime in the Northwest Territories

Associated Links

- Victims Fund project funding

Stay Connected

- Follow the Department of Justice Canada on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

- Follow Minister Wilson-Raybould on Twitter: @MinJusticeEn.

- Subscribe to receive our news releases and more via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit http://justice.gc.ca/eng/news-nouv/rss.html

Backgrounder

Improving Services for Victims of Crime in the Northwest Territories

The Department of Justice Canada is providing $3,75 million over five years to the Government of the Northwest Territories to support victims' access to services. The contribution includes:

-- Outreach Victim Services Program - $288,750 per year to enhance existing victim services programs that serve remote communities. -- Canadian Victims Bill of Rights - $250,000 per year to undertake activities that support implementation of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights including helping victims prepare impact statements, provide testimony and apply for restitution. -- Victims of Crime Emergency Fund - $77,000 per year for the management of the Victims of Crime Emergency Fund, which provides emergency funding to victims to cover costs resulting from serious violent crimes. -- Victims Services staff - $75,000 per year towards a half-time Manager, Crime Prevention, Policing, and Victim Services, and a full-time Victim Services Coordinator dedicated to implementing federal victim initiatives and advancing victim initiatives in the Territories. -- Training and Publications - $59,250 per year to build the capacity and leadership of victim services providers through various training initiatives and to update all public education documents about victim services to reflect new best practices and legislative changes.

The contribution is made available through the Victims Fund, a grants and contributions program administered by the Department of Justice. Funds are made available each year to provinces, territories and non-governmental organizations whose projects and activities support the objectives of the Federal Victims Strategy.

The Victims Fund supports projects and activities that:

-- enhance victim assistance programs across Canada; -- promote access to justice and participation in the justice system and the development of laws, policies, and programs; -- promote the implementation of principles, guidelines, and laws designed to address the needs of victims of crime and articulate their role in the criminal justice system; -- contribute to increased knowledge and awareness of the impact of victimization, the needs of victims of crime, available services, assistance and programs, and legislation; and -- promote, encourage and/or enhance governmental and non-governmental organizations' involvement in the identification of victims' needs and gaps in services, as well as in the development and delivery of programs, services and assistance to victims, including capacity building within non-governmental organizations.

In 2016-17, the Fund will contribute more than $21 million to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to increase awareness and knowledge of victim issues, legislation, and services available, as well as to develop and deliver victim programs, services, and assistance to meet gaps in services for victims of crime.

More information is available on the Department of Justice Canada's website.

Contacts:

Valerie Gervais

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Justice

613-992-4621



Media Relations

Department of Justice Canada

613-957-4207

media@justice.gc.ca




ARLINGTON, VA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/17/16 -- Lean Construction Institute once again brought the Lean Construction community together October 3-7 for its 18th annual LCI Congress in Chicago, Illinois. There, hundreds of organizations came together to further the mission of enhancing stakeholder value and eliminating waste through Lean project techniques. Among LCI's goals for this annual conference was to increase construction industry demand and capacity for Lean and other integrated approaches.

"This was our biggest Congress event ever, in terms of both programming and attendance," said Dan Heinemeier, Executive Director. "Lean Design and Construction continue to expand in recognition and acceptance, as more and more organizations become aware of the benefits of deploying Lean in the built environment. This was clearly reflected in this year's record attendance of over 1,300 individuals, a 32% increase over 2015."

Chicago was selected as this year's Congress destination due to the significant and growing number of stakeholder firms that are implementing Lean in that market for public and private owners alike. In addition to its two primary general session days, the event featured three days of deep-dive training sessions and "Gemba" walks of Lean construction project sites. The Congress general sessions included speakers' panels designed specifically for owners, the design community, general contractors and trade partners. "Because networking is truly the hallmark of Congress, attendees also benefit heavily from conversations with peers about how to obtain improved project performance through Lean Project Delivery," said Heinemeier.

Conference attendees heard from the thinkers, doers, and companies that are driving the next generation of Lean processes in their projects and organizations, including:

Chris Fussell, former Navy SEAL Officer and the current Chief of Network Management at McChrystal Group

Shawn Achor, author, The Happiness Advantage

Brad Frank, President, Tulsa Tube Bending

Attendees leave the event each year with a better understanding of how to deliver better project outcomes in less time and with lower costs, while significantly increasing owner and team satisfaction.

Learn more about the event and view recap videos at http://www.lcicongress.org.

Save the Date: LCI's 19th Annual Congress will take place October 16-20, 2017 in Anaheim, California.

About the Lean Construction Institute: LCI is a non-profit organization created in 1997. Its purpose is to transform the design and built environment through reforming production management in design, engineering and construction for capital facilities. The organization's Lean Project Delivery System (LPDS) applies Lean principles pioneered in manufacturing to construction. LPDS tools facilitate planning and control, maximize value, and minimize waste throughout the design and construction process. LCI's national headquarters is located in Arlington, VA.

Contact:

Joan Piccariello

Director, Program Development

Lean Construction Institute

(703) 387-3046

Email Contact




AUBURN, WA--(Marketwired - October 17, 2016) - Raymond Handling Concepts Corporation (RHCC), a leading materials handling equipment supplier in Northern California and the Northwest, today opened its third annual "Pink Pallet Jack Project" online auction in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The auction is currently live on eBay and will remain open until Thursday, October 27 at 12 p.m. PST. All proceeds raised from this year's auction will benefit the Tina Fund in Greene, New York and the HERS Breast Cancer Foundation in Fremont, California. Those interested in supporting the breast cancer charities can bid on the Raymond pink pallet jack here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/172378267945

The pallet jack up for auction this year is Raymond's pink 8210 Electric Pallet Truck, ideal for retail store, wholesale delivery and food processing applications that require more precise maneuverability in tight and/or congested areas.

"Raymond Handling Concepts Corporation has received remarkable support for our annual Pink Pallet Jack Project in the previous two years from our employees, customers, partners and local communities," comments Steve Raymond, President. "We are devoted not only as a market leader, but also as individual leaders within our communities, to continually advancing our efforts in the fight against breast cancer and the search for a cure."

Raymond Handling Concepts began its fundraising efforts early this year with its first "Beat Breast Cancer" rummage sale held in August at its offices in Auburn, Washington, where additional funds were raised for the Tina Fund and HERS Breast Cancer Foundation. Since 2014, Raymond Handling Concepts Corporation has raised more than $109,000 for charity, a large portion of this amount coming from the Pink Pallet Jack Project.

Open House

In addition to the auction, the company is opening its Fremont, California facility located at 41400 Boyce Road to the public for an open house on October 20, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be live music and a raffle for various prizes including a manual pallet jack. The company's partners, customers and neighbors are invited to attend, meet Steve Raymond and see the pink pallet jack.

For additional information on the company, please visit www.raymondhandling.com. Connect with Raymond Handling Concepts on Twitter @RaymondHandling, on Facebook, on Google + and on LinkedIn.

About Raymond Handling Concepts

Raymond Handling Concepts provides high-density storage, order-picking systems and associated services to companies engaged in warehousing and distribution as well as material handling of all kinds. The company was established in 1987 as a family-oriented company that fosters close, long-lasting customer relationships. Raymond Handling is certified as a great workplace by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work, the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. "At Raymond Handling Concepts, it's not just business. It's personal."

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For more information, contact:

Raymond Handling Concepts

Dani LaMarche

510.279.1340

dlamarche@raymondhandling.com



or



Ashton Maxfield

949.289.6493

ashton@masterplanpr.com
Hello Im Carolyn Herbert from the Finance News Network and joining me from explorer and future developer, SolGold PLC (LON:SOLG) is CEO, Nick Mather. Nick, welcome to FNN.Thank you very much Carolyn.Can you start by giving us an introduction to the company, your strategy and your key projects?SolGold is a named London Stock Exchange listed company. We have a market capitalisation of about 250 million, the share price is 20p as of last night, its very liquid. We turn over on average 14 million shares a night. And the company has one of the worlds best copper/gold porphyry discoveries in Northern Ecuador, on the gold rich northern end of the Andean copper belt.Now to your Cascabel project in more detail. Where is it located and what does it contain?Its in Northern Ecuador about four hours drive north of the capital Quito, and only 1.5 hours from the Pacific port of San Lorenzo and Esmeraldas. Its got 14 different targets that we defined over the 50 square kilometre tenement area. In 3.5 years weve spent $35 million, found 14 targets, drilled just one of those Carolyn and thats taken 23,700 metres of drilling over 18 holes, of which 16 have hit the ore body. And four have delivered world-class intersections, over a kilometre in length at economic copper and gold grades.Whats been taking place at Cascabel thats generated such excitement?Weve had two drilling rigs working there last year and we keep hitting these long intersections of consistent porphyry copper/gold mineralisation. Around about 0.7 grams gold and 0.7 per cent copper, but up to four per cent copper and eight grams gold and the very high-grade cores. And its those high-grade cores that provide our company with the opportunity to look at developments, with low capital expenditures, low mining rates but are very profitable. And it enables us to develop the project in a step like fashion, without the need to resort to value depletive joint ventures with majors.Youve recently announced a US$33 million capital raising to advance Cascabel. Where will the funds be going and are you fully funded for FY17?Were fully funded for the rest of calendar 16, all of FY17, the rest of calendar 17 and the first half of calendar 18. As a result of that, well be drilling about 46,000 metres of drilling. Well get up to six or seven drilling rigs onto the property and itll grow from there.Who participated and what were the terms of the raise?The lead financier is a very impressive firm of Toronto based investment bankers, headed up by Bob Sangha, Maxit Capital. And Maxit understands the value proposition in this company. So the first raising that he did was $16.5 million, we contributed $6 million to it as well. That was at double the share price, which was 3p at the time; we raised the money at 6p. And then tranche two, that Newcrest Mining Limitedand Maxit are doing, is the US$33 million that youre talking about. And thats been done at US16 cents or 12p per share, unless something else more spectacular comes along.What attracted Newcrest to the register and will they be providing any technical expertise?The attraction for Newcrest is that the discovery that we have at Alpala, which is the prospect that we have drilled; one of the 14 targets that weve outlined is very similar in all of its characters, to the Golpu project that Newcrest has in Papua New Guinea. And theyve recently published a $1.1 billion net present value assessment on. So they see a lot of similarities between Golpu and Alpala, but theyre more attracted to the fact that this is a cluster of targets. Therere potentially 14 different porphyries that may yield ore bodies.What about the offer from BHP Billiton LimitedBHP just wanted to take the project off us pretty much in a 70 per cent earn-in. They did offer $30 million at 22 cents a share. We think that theres a lot more value in this project, and we want to make sure that we retain the value for our shareholders in SolGold. Weve unravelled the geological problems at Cascabel and we can see a lot of upside that can be applied to those 13 other targets.Finally Nick. Where would you like to see SolGold 12 months from now and whats your long-term ambition for the company?Long-term ambition for the company Carolyn is to see it go into development in Ecuador. Were developing a strong and consultative relationship with the Ecuadorian Government. And theyre showing very strong trend towards understanding the mining industry and helping it develop. So we think Ecuadors a good place to develop a mine. Theres certainly good capital and operating cost advantages there, in terms of the locational advantages and low cost of labour and electricity.So using those features and the high-grade core aspects of the Alpala project, were aiming to take this company through to development. And theres a lot of other targets there that we can also take the project along.Nick Mather, thanks for the update of SolGold.Thank you very much Carolyn.
European technology growth capital investor 3TS Capital Partners has expanded its operations into the US.

The firm opened a new office in Washington D.C. In conjunction with it, 3TS appointed Sever Totia as Partner to head US activities, new investments and participating in the development of the existing portfolio.

Totia is joining the boards of 3TS-backed companies Piano Inc. and Take the Interview Inc., and will also work with Catalyst Romania, a fund initially sponsored by 3TS Capital Partners, focusing on early stage investments in high growth tech companies in Romania.

He brings over 15 years of investment experience, most recently as Partner with Edison Partners, a growth equity firm that invests in East Coast based software and technology-enabled companies. At Edison, Totia focused on investments in enterprise software companies, having led fifteen financings and served on the board of eight Edison investments including Presidium (acquired by Blackboard), Notable Solutions (acquired by Nuance), Salsa Labs and VoxMobile.

Prior to joining Edison, he was with Lazard Technology Partners (LTP), a $400M venture fund. There, Totia co-led ten software investments, including companies such as Vocus, Managed Objects (acquired by Novell), Intellitactics (acquired by Trustwave), Cyveillance (acquired by QNetiq), BoxTone (acquired by Good Technologies) and Interwise (acquired by AT&T). Before joining Lazard in 2000, he held operating leadership roles at Primark, an equity research software company based in the D.C. area, which expanded to over $500M before being acquired by Thomson Financial.

Originally from Romania, Totia received his B.S. in Finance from Virginia Tech and is a CFA Charter holder. He also serves on the Board of Mid Atlantic Venture Association.

Led by Pekka Maki, Managing Partner, 3TS Capital Partners provides expansion capital and buyout funding for small and medium-sized businesses in growth sectors including Technology & Internet, Media & Communications and Technology-Enabled Services.

Investors in the current and past 3TS funds totaling over 300m include EIF, EBRD, Cisco, OTP, Sitra, 3i and KfW among others.

FinSMEs

17/10/2016
Quark Venture Inc., a Vancouver, B.C.-based venture capital firm, and GF Securities Company Limited, a Chinese investment bank, are jointly establishing a new US$500m global health sciences venture fund.

Based in Vancouver, the fund will invest globally in a diversified portfolio of innovative biotechnology and health sciences companies.

Investments have already started with the first close of US$100m.

Led by Chief Executive Officer Karimah Es Sabar and Chairman Jesson Chen, Quark Venture has just announced a US$30m investment in Vancouver-based Methylation Sciences, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that is advancing a therapy for adjunctive treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.

FinSMEs

17/10/2016
Snapsheet, a Chicago, IL-based provider of virtual claims technology and services, closed a $20m series C funding round.

The round was led by F-Prime Capital and IA Capital Group, with strategic participation from Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures, Intact Ventures Inc. and a USAA subsidiary.

The company intends to use the funds to grow its engineering, marketing and sales headcount as it develops its customizable platform for virtual auto claims.

Led by Brad Weisberg, CEO, Snapsheet provides virtual claims technology and services now serving over 35 insurance clients. The platform tracks and manages the customer experience, allowing carriers to adapt to their customers needs by the minute throughout the lifecycle of receiving and processing a claim.

With the new investment, the company will begin licensing its virtual claims processing technology, including white-labeled self-service applications and virtual CRM suite, directly to insurance carriers.

FinSMEs

17/10/2016
ThoughtSpot, a Palo Alto, CA-based enterprise search-driven analytics platform, expanded its Series C funding round with a new investment from Hewlett Packard Pathfinder.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate the adoption of its Relational Search technology within the Fortune 500 globally, recruit new people and advance its technology.

Along with the investment, ThoughtSpot enters the Hewlett Packard Pathfinder program, a venture investment and partnership program designed to identify startups great potential, connect them with enterprise customers and elevate their solutions to scale.

Through this strategic partnership, ThoughtSpot and HPE will co-sell a joint solution, where ThoughtSpots Relational Search software will run on HPE infrastructure. HPE will become a reseller of ThoughtSpots search-driven analytics solution.

Led by Ajeet Singh, co-founder and CEO, ThoughtSpot provides a relational search engine that leverages data characteristics and company usage patterns to guide users to a single, accurate answer.

Customers include Bed Bath & Beyond, Primary Capital Mortgage, RichRelevance, Automated Financial Systems, Collegis Education, SterlingBackcheck, Batteries Plus Bulbs, Nutanix, and Hightail.

In September, the company new offices in Seattle, Washington.

FinSMEs

17/10/2016
Supply chain experts from Kenco Logistics are traveling around North America and Europe this fall as speakers and presenters at key logistics conferences. These appearances include:





Oct.  Greg Boring, vice president sales, speaking about Creating Greater Value in Value-Added Warehousing/Contract Logistics at the Armstrong & Associates 3PL Value Creation Summit in Chicago;





Nov. 34 in Chicago;  Ann Christopher, Kenco vice president and general counsel, participating in several panels and programs at the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) Legal Practice Symposium She will be a key presenter for the session on Protecting Your Interests in Your Business Relationship and a member of a panel discussing Transportation Liability. The symposium will be heldin Chicago;





Nov. 79 at  Matt McLelland, innovation research manager for the Kenco Innovation Labs, will be in London,at JDA Focus Connect to speak about Kencos research with drones in the supply chain; and




The tenth season of Bigg Boss went on air on Sunday night with Deepika Padukone featuring as the first guest on the show. The actress was on the show to promote her Hollywood debut xXx: Return of Xander Cage in which she stars opposite Vin Diesel.

Deepika even released the second trailer of the film on the show. The Indian audience were not greatly impressed by the first trailer, as it did not have enough of Deepika. But this newly-released trailer will make up for all that as it gives the actress ample screen time.

Said to be a special trailer with Deepika Padukone's Indian fans in mind, the trailer was released in Hindi. However, unlike the first trailer, this one completely focuses on Deepika's character.

The actress is seen carrying off some serious action scenes with knives, guns and some killer lines too.

This was the Bajirao Mastani actress' second appearance on the show after she promoted her film Tamasha on Bigg Boss' previous season.

In a special video posted on the official Facebook page of Colors channel, Deepika says she would like to relive the whole shooting experience with the cast while inside the house.

"I think I would like the entire cast of xXx... in the Bigg Boss house because I think we had so much fun while making this movie. Four months in Toronto, we had such an amazing time and I wish that all of us could go into the house and relive the entire experience again," Deepika said.

Deepika wants the entire cast of @xxxMovie to be in @BiggBoss house  Catch her in the first episode of BB10 this sunday on ColorsTV pic.twitter.com/usQKcCNCL9  Deepika Malaysia FC (@TeamDeepikaMY) October 12, 2016

Directed by DJ Caruso, xXx: The Return of Xander Cage is a sequel to the 2002 film xXx and 2005 film xXx: State of the Union. Also starring Nina Dobrev, Ruby Rose, Chinese superstar Donnie Yen, Thai action-star Tony Jaa and Samuel L Jackson the film will release on 20 January 2017.

Watch the trailer here:

 With inputs from IANS
Fall Food Drive in partnership with Southern Heritage Bank this week and next week. For more information contact Whitney Harden, wharden@clevelandschools.org Cleveland High School staff and students will be collecting canned food for thein partnership with Southern Heritage Bank this week and next week. For more information contact Whitney Harden, 423-478-1113

Dad's Night on Tuesday , 5:30-7:30 pm . 423-472-4541,rstephens@clevelandschools.org . Mayfield Elementary hosts

Visiting Author Heather Montgomery on Wednesday . Ms. Montgomery, a scientist from Alabama and children's author, once dissected a rattlesnake she found on the side of the road. She has written several nonfiction books for children who are wild about animals. Ms. Montgomery will share her experiences and books with Ross students. For more information contact Lisa Earby, 423-479-7274 learby@clevelandschools.org E.L. Ross Elementary hosts. Ms. Montgomery, a scientist from Alabama and children's author, once dissected a rattlesnake she found on the side of the road. She has written several nonfiction books for children who are wild about animals. Ms. Montgomery will share her experiences and books with Ross students. For more information contact Lisa Earby,

.

Senior Interviews on Wednesday , 8:30 am - 12:00 pm . Local business professionals will conduct mock job interviews. Seniors submit resumes and receive feedback from the professionals. For more information contact Whitney Harden, wharden@clevelandschools.org Cleveland High School partners with the Chamber of Commerce for. Local business professionals will conduct mock job interviews. Seniors submit resumes and receive feedback from the professionals. For more information contact Whitney Harden, 423-478-1113

Spirit Night at Dos Bros on Thursday . Mention Yates Primary all day and Yates will receive 30% of purchases. For more information contact Mike Collier, mcollier@clevelandschools.org. Yates Primary PTO will hostat Dos Bros. Mention Yates Primary all day and Yates will receive 30% of purchases. For more information contact Mike Collier, 423-479-1723

Scream on the Green this Friday , 7:30 pm at Ross. Bring your blankets and chairs for Hotel Transylvania 2 on the big screen. Free popcorn and drink. Ross/Yates families are invited toat Ross. Bring your blankets and chairs for Hotel Transylvania 2 on the big screen. Free popcorn and drink. Click here for more information.

Family Movie Night on Friday , 7:00 pm . Students and families can bring blankets and chairs to the Arnold lawn to watch Minions. There will be free popcorn and soda; Kona Ice and candy will be available for purchase. For more information contact Mike Chai, mchai@clevelandschools.org. Arnold Memorial Elementary hosts. Students and families can bring blankets and chairs to the Arnold lawn to watch Minions. There will be free popcorn and soda; Kona Ice and candy will be available for purchase. For more information contact Mike Chai, 423-472-2241

County Fair will be Friday , 4:30-6:30 pm . Students and their families are invited for games, food, arts & craft booths, pumpkin patch, live performances and more. For more information contact Richelle Shelton, 423-476-8246 rshelton@clevelandschools.org. George R. Stuart Elementary'swill be. Students and their families are invited for games, food, arts & craft booths, pumpkin patch, live performances and more. For more information contact Richelle Shelton,

Costume Bash on Friday , 6:00-7:30 pm . Sponsored by the CMS Student Council, the dance is a fundraiser to support the annual Food Drive. The money raised will provide a Thanksgiving meal to deserving CMS families, and the Caring Place receives the extra canned foods. The cost is $5 plus a canned food. For more information contact Anne Woody, awoody@clevelandschools.org. Cleveland Middle School students are invited to the. Sponsored by the CMS Student Council, the dance is a fundraiser to support the annual Food Drive. The money raised will provide a Thanksgiving meal to deserving CMS families, and the Caring Place receives the extra canned foods. The cost is $5 plus a canned food. For more information contact Anne Woody, 423-479-9641

Cheer Clinic on Saturday , 9:30 am - 12:00 noon . All little Raiders (ages 3 to 5 th grade) are invited to attend a day of cheering, dancing, and fun! Cleveland High Cheerleading Squads host a. All little Raiders (ages 3 to 5grade) are invited to attend a day of cheering, dancing, and fun! Click here for more information or contact Melissa Barnett, mbarnett@clevelandschools.org

Parent Teacher Conferences:

Yates Primary - Tuesday

Cleveland Middle School - Tuesday , 4:00-7:00 pm

Cleveland High - Thursday , 5:00-8:00 pm

PTO Meetings:
Indian higher education system has collapsed and quantity has replaced quality. While some parents and most students are aware of the state of affairs, the government is not concerned. The beginning of this systemic failure can be identified as the time private sector was given a free hand to enter this sector. I have written about the collapse of this sector here. So, will not dwell about the problem here but look at the solutions.

Acknowledging the problem

The education system at all levels -- government, administration and even college levels, needs a wake-up call. The government needs to realize the seriousness and enormity of the problem and its repercussions on the future of the country. The government, at both central and state level, need to acknowledge the depth of this problem, that is the beginning of the solution. Most college administrators and even faculty know that they have been dishing out drivel to students. Acknowledging this would mean an existential crisis for them. They are unlikely to be the reason that the system will change. Students already acknowledge it as a problem but they have not tried to change the system. Instead, they have become part of caste-based reservation stirs, and this will only grow if the higher education system is not corrected immediately.

The demand for caste-based reservation agitations are gaining ground as the education system does not prepare students to be employed. This is a dangerous trend and it shows the dissatisfaction brewing in the aspirational class. The problem of higher education has been ignored for so long that it is accepted as one of the things Indians believe they have to live with. Prosperous parents look at foreign alternatives and do not see it worth their while to change the system.

There is no evaluation of the quality of education done at college level. At the school level, Pratham does a great job of evaluating standards. There is absolutely nothing at the undergraduate or post-graduate level. This is needed at this stage -- maybe an organization like Central Square Foundation or even some of the founders of Ashoka University, ISB should look into this. Till we acknowledge and measure the state of current affairs, there is no way that we can move to the next step of improving or reforming it.

Systemic blindness

The higher education system comprises of both the undergraduate and post graduate courses, but for the purpose of this discussion we will look at the undergraduate courses. This is where the deeper malaise has crippled the system. From a systemic view there are four components -- students, college or university administration, faculty and the government. All these four constituents of the system work and function in a vacuum of sorts. Students know the problem well, as they are the ones who face the job market, they are ones who are the most affected. Students are the ones most ignored in this system, primarily a didactic and geriatric system that looks down on them.

Unfortunately, students also do not realize or exercise their rights to demand a better quality of education. Student leaders are busy building a path to political careers and are little interested in education. Which is why student elections do not really serve the cause of students but are a mobilization exercise for political parties. As students have given up their right to reform or to improve the higher education system, it is left to the other three constituents to exercise them.

College and University administration has very little incentive to change the status quo. Higher education is also one of the areas where the private sector has failed miserably. All that is wrong with private sector comes out in its worst form in higher education. Private colleges have mushroomed exponentially over the last two decades, thanks to largese of politicians like Arjun Singh who opened the doors. As Minister of HRD, Arjun Singh allowed any moneybag to set up a college or even a University. This practice was followed at the state-level by even more corrupt politicians. As a result, a large number of private colleges are owned by political families.

The private ownership of higher education in the hands of politicians is a big reason that the government has not responded to this problem. The bigger danger is that the current political leadership will lose its relevance with its biggest voter base, the aspirational class, if it does not address this problem.

The government is the third and the most important constituent of the system, It regulates the sector poorly but is the only constituent that has the most to gain. Competitiveness is directly related and connected to the education system of a country as it is the reflection of the capability of its work force. Unfortunately, the government is obsessed with the IIMs, NMIMS, IITs and NITs of the country. Higher education to them always mean an IIT or IIM. These institutions are fine not because of any systemic efforts or even because of their own administration. They are good because they attract a brilliant set of students, the so-called creme de la creme. These are highly motivated students who do not depend upon the system for their learning. The industry has already recognized this aspect and does not hire them for learning but identifies these institutions on the basis of pre-selection.

The IITs or IIMs should not be taking the credit for the accomplishment or success of their students. An IIT taking credit for an IITian is akin to the tea shop outside AIIMS taking credit for the recovery of patients inside the hospital. Or the dhaba outside JNU taking credit for the political leaning of its students. Better still, the internet provider in IIT hostels taking credit for the computer science prowess of IITians. The government needs to act on higher education on a war footing if it any of its programs have to succeed in India.

Undue credit is given to IITs or IIMs as the government does not have anything else to showcase beyond these institutions. Faculty is the fourth and an important constituent of the higher education system. Here, poor quality is only matched by the huge demand. Good teachers want to work with public universities and colleges. There is prestige associated with working with an IIT and IIM that cannot be matched by any other. Though there is hardly any match for salary scales in some of the private colleges and universities -- the pay is poor if not downright insulting, the workload punishing. Most private colleges are inadequately staffed with faculty handling multiple tasks, classes and even administrative responsibilities. Colleges do not want to pay anything to adjunct faculty as they seem as a fickle lot. While it is the adjunct faculty that is the solution to improving the quality of the faculty. But the biggest opposition to it will come from the existing faculty. This is where the gridlock starts and curbs any change of reform.

In a way the system acts against itself. The current world experience for students will not come from existing faculty but from the practitioners. Here the system calls it the industry interface, but it does not look at this interface as adding quality it looks at it as an placement exercise. Corporates also look at it as a marketing exercise. Chip design tool maker Cadence will tie-up with colleges to give its tool free. Cisco will train engineering students on its technology, IBM will do a server training exercise. The college become dependent on free faculty and training aids from these organization who are looking for conversion of students to its technology. As a result the college never builds its own capability or a capability of free agents who could plug into experiential gaps.

The job market has changed. There are more consultants and free agents now then any time before, long-term jobs are more a chimera than ever. In such an environment, how many public or private universities have created a process for attracting, compensating these free agents? There are several issues connected with higher education that need attention. Hopefully a bigger debate can start on this subject.

(K Yatish Rajawat is a digital strategist and policy commentator based in Delhi, he tweets @yatishrajawat)
By Nate Raymond

A Boston-based real estate entrepreneur was convicted on Monday of engaging in insider trading with two friends after learning of India-based Apollo Tyres Ltd's (APLO.NS) planned attempt to buy Cooper Tire & Rubber Co (CTB.N) in 2013.Amit Kanodia, 49, was found guilty by a federal jury in Boston on 11 of the 19 counts he faced, including conspiracy and securities fraud. He was acquitted of the other eight counts of securities fraud, prosecutors said.The verdict was confirmed by a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Boston. Kanodia, who had pleaded not guilty, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 18.Kanodia's lawyers did not respond to requests for comment.Prosecutors said Kanodia, of Brookline, Massachusetts, learned details about the proposed merger between Apollo and Cooper Tire from his then-wife, who was Apollo's chief legal officer, more than two months before the deal was announced.

Prosecutors said Kanodia tipped off two of his friends, including Iftikar Ahmed, a general partner of Greenwich, Connecticut-based Oak Investment Partners.Prosecutors said Ahmed and the other friend, Steven Watson, traded on the confidential information before the deal was announced and shared about $245,000 of their more than $1.17 million in illegal proceeds with Kanodia.Z

Those payments were made to an account Kanodia opened for a charity, Lincoln Charitable Foundation, ostensibly to raise money for flood victims in India, even though he used much of the money for his own financial investments, prosecutors said.The merger was abandoned in December 2013 after an acrimonious legal battle between Apollo and Cooper Tire.Both Kanodia and Ahmed were charged in connection with the insider trading scheme in April 2015, and Watson pleaded guilty that August as part of a cooperation deal with prosecutors.

Ahmed fled the United States for India in May 2015. Prosecutors have since separately accused him of embezzling $54 million from Oak Investment Partners.The case is U.S. v. Kanodia et al, U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, No. 15-cr-10131. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Richard Chang)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
(Story refiles to correct typo in first paragraph)SHANGHAI China launched its longest manned space mission on Monday, sending two astronauts into orbit to spend a month aboard a space laboratory that is part of a broader plan to have a permanent manned space station in service around 2022.The Shenzhou 11 blasted off on a Long March rocket at 7:30 am (2330 GMT) from the remote launch site in Jiuquan, in the Gobi desert, in images carried live on state television.The astronauts will dock with the Tiangong 2 space laboratory, or "Heavenly Palace 2", which was sent into space last month. It will be the longest stay in space by Chinese astronauts, state media reported.Early on Monday, Fan Changlong, a vice chairman of China's powerful Central Military Commission, met astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong and wished them well, state news agency Xinhua reported."You are going to travel in space to pursue the space dream of the Chinese nation," Fan said."With all the scientific and rigorous training, discreet preparation, and rich experience accumulated from previous missions, you will accomplish the glorious and tough task... We wish you success and look forward to your triumphant return."

Shenzhou 11 is the third space voyage for Jing, who will command the mission and celebrate his 50th birthday in orbit.In a manned space mission in 2013, three Chinese astronauts spent 15 days in orbit and docked with a space laboratory, the Tiangong 1.Advancing China's space program is a priority for Beijing, with President Xi Jinping calling for the country to establish itself as a space power.

China insists its space program is for peaceful purposes.Shenzhou 11, whose name translates as "Divine Vessel", will also carry three experiments designed by Hong Kong middle school students and selected in a science competition, including one that will take silk worms into space.The U.S. Defense Department has highlighted China's increasing space capabilities, saying it was pursuing activities aimed at preventing other nations using space-based assets in a crisis.

China has been working to develop its space program for military, commercial and scientific purposes, but is still playing catch-up to established space powers the United States and Russia.China's Jade Rabbit moon rover landed on the moon in late 2013 to great national fanfare, but soon suffered severe technical difficulties.The rover and the Chang'e 3 probe that carried it there were the first "soft landing" on the moon since 1976. Both the United States and the Soviet Union had accomplished the feat earlier.China will launch a "core module" for its first space station some time around 2018, a senior official said in April, part of a plan for a permanent manned space station in service around 2022. (Reporting by John Ruwitch and Ben Blanchard in BEIJING; Editing by Michael Perry)

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By Huw Jones

| LONDON

LONDON European financial centres are stepping up a charm offensive, saying they expect banks to start moving some operations from London next year to ensure continued access to the EU market after Britain leaves the bloc.Frankfurt, Paris, Luxembourg and Dublin are among the centres hoping to attract banks and other institutions from London, Europe's biggest financial centre. Hubertus Vaeth, chief executive of Frankfurt Main Finance, which promotes Frankfurt as a financial centre, said the aim was not to inflict "as much damage as we can" on the City of London, but to siphon off some of Britain's "entrepreneurial spirit"."We already see small teams, explorative teams looking into certain aspects," Vaeth told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in London on Monday on how Brexit will affect investment. "We see options for real estate, and we have very, very clear indications that things will be moved, however, not entire operations," he said. "We expect them in the second half of next year. The big moves will start in the second half of 2017."Britain has said it will open formal divorce talks with the European Union by the end of March, but banks say they are already starting to look at relocating some staff and operations in case future access to the EU market turns out to be restricted, a scenario known as a hard Brexit."We can only plan on the basis of a hard Brexit," said Ronald Kent, a managing director at the British Bankers' Association (BBA) said.BBA members say some business could move to continental Europe or New York, or stay in Britain, Kent said, reflecting comments made by U.S. banks and the Bank of England last week.

THOUSANDS TO PARIS

Arnaud de Bresson, chief executive of Paris Europlace, the French financial district, said banks have told him there are only two choices when it comes to relocating operations from London - France or Germany."Our estimate is that close to 10,000 people involved in the financial sector could move from London to Paris in the next few years, and Paris is getting fully organised for that," de Bresson said.Paris's financial district has launched an advertising campaign in London with the slogan "Tired of the fog? Try the Frogs! Choose Paris La Defense", referring to the Parisian business district.

Brexit was "bad news" for Europe in terms of global financial market competitiveness, but Paris was working hard to make itself more attractive by cutting taxes for foreigners working in finance, de Bresson said.He was also in talks with political parties ahead of French presidential elections next year on follow-up reforms to make Paris attractive to bankers."We will continue to push vigorously for new tax and social improvements for companies," de Bresson said.Vaeth said London still has a major role in finance and there was a need to avoid disruption to the industry.

"We believe that Europe needs a global financial centre... but we feel uniquely positioned. We want to do it in a way that is constructive, to build a new London bridge into the euro zone," Vaeth said.Mark Boleat, head of policy at the City of London Corporation, which runs the British capital's "Square Mile" financial district, said financial firms might need to establish a reasonably sized presence on the continent. "Applications for licences are being made, property options being looked at, but the big pressing of the button, that is going to come a long way down the line," Boleat said."A regulator will want to ensure that the thinking people are there. It's not good just having a few people in Paris. It will require a separate board, senior staff," he said.Rupert Peters, a senior account manager at Britain's trade and investment ministry, said Frankfurt lacked both the liquidity of Britain's financial markets and its cluster of support services.Bankers in London have also sometimes complained that Frankfurt would be boring after life in the British capital."I am sometimes struck by the fact that Frankfurt is portrayed in the media as something between a cemetery and a backward country. I am getting irritated by that," Vaeth said. (Reporting by Huw Jones; Editing by Carolyn Cohn and Susan Fenton)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Doina Chiacu

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON Republican candidate Donald Trump said on Monday he expected widespread voter fraud in the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election, ramping up his warning of a rigged election without providing any evidence and despite numerous studies that show the electoral system is sound.Trump has tried to whip up fears of a flawed election as he has fallen back in opinion polls against Democrat Hillary Clinton. He is also strongly denying allegations from multiple women that he has sexually assaulted or otherwise behaved inappropriately with them."Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!" Trump said on Twitter on Monday.Trump, a New York businessman making his first run for public office, has worried a number of Republicans over his allegations of election fraud. Some of them have urged him publicly to show proof or drop the assertions. Early voting and voting by mail have begun in many states.While Trump's vice presidential running mate, Mike Pence, and his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, have tried to reshape the candidate's comments as being aimed at an unfair news media, Trump's own words have targeted the legitimacy of the election system.Even after Pence said in a televised interview on Sunday that Trump would accept the results of next month's election, Trump tweeted that the "election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD." Trump has tried to portray Clinton, a former U.S. senator and secretary of state, as a corrupt lifelong politician who is vested in preserving the status quo. His campaign pounced on the release Monday of FBI documents that cited an FBI official as saying a senior State Department official sought to pressure the bureau in 2015 to drop its insistence that an email from Clinton's private server contained classified information. Clinton's decision to use a private server while secretary of state from 2009-13 has drawn criticism that she was careless with national security.REPUBLICANS BALK AT TRUMP FRAUD CHARGES

The country's top elected Republican, House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, has tried to counter Trump's message about election fraud. Spokeswoman AshLee Strong said on Monday that Ryan "is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity." Ryan last week distanced himself from Trump, saying he was going to focus his election campaign efforts on trying to preserve the Republican majorities in Congress.In the traditionally closely fought state of Ohio, the top elections official, a Republican, said concerns about widespread voter fraud were simply not justified. "I can reassure Donald Trump: I am in charge of elections in Ohio and they're not going to be rigged, I'll make sure of that," Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted told CNN. Numerous studies have shown that voter fraud in U.S. elections is very rare, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law. In a report titled "The Truth About Voter Fraud," the center cited voter fraud incident rates between 0.00004 percent and 0.0009 percent.

An August study by The Washington Post found 31 credible cases of impersonation fraud out of more than 1 billion votes cast in elections from 2000 to 2014. Arizona State University studies in 2012 and 2016 found similarly low rates."Despite this overwhelming evidence, claims that voter fraud is rampant consistently garner media attention, because perceived threats to electoral integrity  even those with no basis in fact  frighten voters by striking at the core of our democracy," Brennan Center counsel Jennifer Clark wrote in a blog last month.'NOT RIGGED'

Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook told reporters that Trump's assault on the voting system was an act of desperation.

"He knows he's losing and is trying to blame that on the system. This is what losers do," Mook told reporters. "Its not true. The system is not rigged."The RealClearPolitics average of national opinion polls put Clinton currently leading Trump by 5.5 percentage points, at 47.7 percent support to his 42.5 percent.Trump's campaign has been struggling with sexual misconduct allegations from several women since a 2005 videotape emerged on Oct. 7 showing him boasting about groping and making other unwanted sexual advances on women."Can't believe these totally phony stories, 100% made up by women (many already proven false) and pushed big time by press, have impact!" Trump said in another Twitter post on Monday.Trump has repeatedly denied the allegations but has not provided any proof they are false.On Sunday, night Trump blamed "animals representing Hillary Clinton" and Democrats in North Carolina for an overnight attack on a local Republican Party headquarters in Hillsborough.Local, state and federal investigators were sifting through evidence on Monday, trying to narrow the time frame of the incident and looking for clues about who was behind the attack. (Additional reporting by Luciana Lopez and Jonathan Allen in New York, Susan Heavey and Susan Cornwell in Washington; Editing by Frances Kerry)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
I think Ashoka University is extremely relevant because this kind of broad-based learning in the humanities and social sciences contributes to the making of a democratic citizenship. Our country needs informed citizens who can question the status quo. This is what teaching at Ashoka meant for me, encouraging students to ask questions and find answers for themselves. It also helped me to explore my own ideas with the active collaboration of the students...We should keep in mind the objective of a liberal education, which, ultimately is an education and preparation for democratic citizenship.

 Professor Andre Beteille, Chancellor, Ashoka University quoted on The Vision page of the universitys website.

If Ashoka University encourages its students to question, is expressing opinion undemocratic in institutions of higher learning like this one, built on the lines of American universities encouraging liberal, democratic and free speech?

The recent turn of events in the Ashoka University campus speaks otherwise and has raised debate in the academic circle, especially after two of its staffers tendered resignations.

The students in the universities do have the freedom to express their opinions, but it all depends on the style of functioning of every individual university. For example, our university is much more open, said Shiv Visvanathan, social observer and professor at Jindal School of Government and Public Policy.

However, the incident that took place at Ashoka University is a question of technical issue. The media reports have mentioned that universitys letter head was used to express an opinion by the students and three staff members. The vice chancellor has mentioned about the misuse of authority. Things will be clear once more information comes out, he added.





Ashoka University case

A 25 July petition signed by 88 members of the university, addressed to the J&K government and the Centre, condemned violence after militant Burhan Wanis death and called for de-militarisation of the state and the conduct of a plebiscite. Signatories included students, alumni, two employees and one faculty member.

7 October: Two university staff members-- Saurav Goswami, deputy manager of academic affairs, and Adil Mushtaq Shah, programme manager of academic affairs, of the Young India Fellowship (YIF) sent farewell emails to the current batch of 225 YIF fellows. YIF is a one-year postgraduate diploma programme in liberal studies.

9 October: 168 YIF fellows wrote to Vice-Chancellor Rudrangshu Mukherjee expressing their concerns over the resignation.

10 October: The VC replied the group, promising to hold a meeting with the students soon to discuss the matter with pro-vice chancellor Vineet Gupta and other senior faculty members.

According to The Indian Express report, The duo stated that the resignation was on personal grounds, but many on campus say the management had made its displeasure known to them after the petition went public It seems too much of a coincidence that the only two employees who signed the petition resign together and leave the university the same day.

The faculty and the students community at Ashoka University are virtually tight-lipped and no one is ready to utter a single word on record. There is a massive internal pressure from the top on the three staffers including the assistant professor of Mathematics to quit for signing the petition. The management has been questioned on how 88 members could endorse an anti-national issue, a source close to the developments told Firstpost on condition of anonymity.

According to The Quint:

On this petition, which was eventually signed by 88 members of the University, the official name of Ashoka University was used. A polite mail from the vice-chancellor soon forbade the students from using the name of the university in an official capacity if only the views of some students are to be expressed At no point has the university stopped its students from expressing its views in solidarity of a cause they think needs their voice, it simply asked for its official name not to be used on a petition that did not uniformly represent the views of all faculty, management, administration, students and alumni Its largely without justification to say that a liberal arts university is violating fundamental rights under pressure from a Hindutva government.

Political scientist and professor emeritus, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Zoya Hasan said, Freedom of speech is the essence of democracy and any attempt to curb free speech diminishes democracy and academic freedom. The right to question and freedom to explore are absolutely essential for learning and the academic development of young minds. She maintained that it was not just the new-age high-profile private universities, but the public ones as well that enjoyed free speech.

Until recently, most public university students enjoyed complete freedom. These new private universities in India structured similar to the US universities certainly value political and academic freedom. Curbing freedom of speech in a liberal arts university like Ashoka University is unacceptable and the reasons offered so far dont cut ice, added Hasan.

Ashoka University is a private educational institution built through collective public philanthropy. It is backed by big names in business and academia including Sanjeev Bikhchandani of naukri.com; Sid Yog, managing partner, Xander Group; Puneet Dalmia, MD and CEO, Dalmia Bharat Cement; Pramath Raj Sinha, founding dean, Indian School of Business; and sociologist Andre Beteille who is the chancellor of the university. Ashoka started the YIF programme six years ago and its undergraduate programme began in 2014.

When Firstpost spoke to faculty members of some of the new international private universities like Shiv Nadar University, OP Jindal Global University, Manipal University, etc, they said that there has been no problem with free speech. With lots of foreign students studying on these campuses, no limitation has been set on staffers and students on their freedom of expression. Even students from Jammu and Kashmir are comfortable here and focussed on their studies. There is no issue as such, a senior member of the managing committee at Manipal University shared.
Terrorism was apparently the focus of the just-concluded Brics Summit in Goa.

And to an extent, it was.

After all, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked tough on the awful phenomenon in all his speeches over the course of the weekend, going so far as to refer to Pakistan as 'the mothership of terrorism'. It's almost a certainty that he brought up terrorism, particularly the sort gift-wrapped and sent across the border from our considerate neighbours to the North West, over the course of all his bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Brics and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) summits.

TV news channels and news websites ran excerpts from the joint statement  known as the Goa Declaration  issued by the leaders of Brics countries, highlighting this part:

We strongly condemn the recent several attacks, against some Brics countries, including that in India. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic or any other reasons. We agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating international terrorism both at the bilateral level and at international fora.

Other sections of the Goa Declaration went into great detail about specific aspects. The Islamic State, Jabhat al-Nusra and 'other terrorist organisations designated by the UN Security Council' received a mention. So too did 'terrorist activities in Afghanistan', terrorism in Africa, chemical and biological forms of terror, 'foreign terrorist fighters', 'International Standards on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation' and so on.

It was a lot like a symposium on climate change, where everything under the sun is discussed and noted, except greenhouse gases. And no, it is not the intention of this piece to refer to terrorism emanating from Pakistan as a greenhouse gas.

The intention is, however, to point out that these pronouncements on terror are nothing new and do little to indicate that India has prevailed upon the group to examine  much less seek a crackdown on  the biggest source of terror attacks in India. The intention is also to point out that a failure to get Pakistan, whether in name or in the form of a reference to the Uri/Pathankot attacks, is actually something of a setback from India's point of view. The simple mention of "recent several attacks, against some Brics countries, including that in India (emphasis added)" is frankly insufficient.

Here's one question that will arise at this point: Modi more than made his views clear to all the countries at the Brics and Bimstec summits, so why does India need that to be part of a joint statement  which in itself, is not legally binding?

Let's address the second part first. A Brics joint statement is largely a set of goals that all five countries will strive to achieve. It is not legally binding. However, what it does project is a sense of unity and agreement on a an issue. It sends the world a message that all five of these countries  that together account for over half the world's population and more than a quarter of its GDP  stand together on a particular issue. By daintily stepping around a particular issue, the statement betrays the notion that not all members agree on a particular point, in this case, Pakistan's role in fomenting terror.

But, the statement spoke at great length about terrorism, you may well reiterate. And that is true. But none of these aspects of terrorism are contentious. No one disagrees that the Islamic State must be wiped out. No one disagrees that chemical and biological weapons in the hands of terrorists are a bad thing. No one disagrees that terrorism in Africa  perpetrated by the likes of Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab and their ilk  must be stamped out. These are truisms.

It's instructive, at this point, to look at previous Brics declarations to see how little the grouping's view of terrorism has truly changed since the first summit.

Yekaterinburg (Russia), 2009

"We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterate that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism anywhere or for whatever reasons. We note that the draft Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism is currently under the consideration of the UN General Assembly and call for its urgent adoption."

The Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism (CCIT) has only really faced opposition from the US, Israel, a handful of Latin American countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation bloc. None of the Brics members are opposed to it and so, this part of the statement didn't really add all that much.

Brasilia (Brazil), 2010

"We condemn terrorist acts in all forms and manifestations. We note that the fight against international terrorism must be undertaken with due respect to the UN Charter, existing international conventions and protocols, the UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions relating to international terrorism, and that the prevention of terrorist acts is as important as the repression of terrorism and its financing. In this context, we urge early conclusion of negotiations in the UN General Assembly of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and its adoption by all Member States. Brazil and China express their sympathy and solidarity with the people and Governments of Russia and India which suffered from recent barbaric terrorist attacks. Terrorism cannot be justified by any reason."

A slightly more elaborate section on terrorism found its way into the second ever Bric (South Africa was yet to become a member) joint statement. However, aside from lip service that condemned terror attacks in Russia and India (presumably referring to the Germany Bakery blast in Pune), there was nothing new. The CCIT made a return.

Sanya (China), 2011

"We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism. We believe that the United Nations has a central role in coordinating the international action against terrorism within the framework of the UN Charter and in accordance with principles and norms of the international law. In this context, we urge early conclusion of negotiations in the UN General Assembly of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and its adoption by all Member States. We are determined to strengthen our cooperation in countering this global threat. We express our commitment to cooperate for strengthening international information security. We will pay special attention to combat cybercrime."

Information security and cybercrime made their debuts in the 2011 edition of the Brics Summit. Opinion on whether or not Russia and China are the right candidates to speak about 'combat(ing) cybercrime' will be reserved. But again, it was much of the same.

Delhi (India), 2012

"We reiterate that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any act of terrorism in any form or manifestation. We reaffirm our determination to strengthen cooperation in countering this menace and believe that the United Nations has a central role in coordinating international action against terrorism, within the framework of the UN Charter and in accordance with principles and norms of international law. We emphasise the need for an early finalisation of the draft of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN General Assembly and its adoption by all Member States to provide a comprehensive legal framework to address this global scourge."

Most notably, the language used in the Delhi Declaration was far more dramatic than the previous joint statements: 'Emphasise the need', 'countering this menace' and 'global scourge'. Great copy, no doubt, but what did it really do to push the agenda along?

Durban (South Africa), 2013

"We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism. We believe that the UN has a central role in coordinating international action against terrorism within the framework of the UN Charter and in accordance with principles and norms of international law. In this context, we support the implementation of the UN General Assembly Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and are determined to strengthen cooperation in countering this global threat. We also reiterate our call for concluding negotiations as soon as possible in the UN General Assembly on the Comprehensive Convention on International terrorism and its adoption by all Member States and agreed to work together towards this objective."

The UN General Assembly's Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy found a mention in this particular joint statement, but a clear pattern had already emerged by the fifth Brics Summit: Keep it general and keep pushing for CCIT.

Fortaleza (Brasil), 2014

The Fortaleza Declaration was an interesting change from the norm as it spent around four or five pages on the violent (and verging on, if not directly related to, terrorism) problems in Africa, West Asia (Syria and Iraq) and Afghanistan. And while Al-Qaeda was named, the usual throwaway line  which one assumes is meant to cover India  also made an appearance for good measure:

We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic, or any other justification...

Ufa (Russia), 2015

With the Syria eyeballs-deep in chaos and the purview of the Islamic State having spread to Europe and beyond, this statement appropriately spent a lot of time on the situation in Syria. The Al-Nusrah Front and Islamic State were mentioned by name and several crises in Africa were highlighted. But those hoping to see the insertion of something relating more closely to India in the statement had to make to with the usual:

"We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification-..."

You get the idea.

It's worth noting here that the number of mentions that 'terror' has found in joint statements has gone up over the past three summits, which is encouraging. Unfortunately, a large part of this is linked to the turmoil in West Asia that is spilling over across the world, and the intensification (in intent, if not action) of international condemnation of the Islamic State.

Getting back to Indian interests, while the Goa Declaration was incredibly detailed in its identification of sources of terrorism (37 mentions of 'terror' is testament to that), the fact that neither Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad nor Jamaat-ud-Dawah found any mention in the statement should have come as a surprise to no one. China, the country that refuses to recognise Masood Azhar (JeM leader) or Hafiz Saeed (JuD leader) as terrorists, is after all a key member of Brics. Therefore, getting the grouping to agree on anything meaningful regarding the source of terrorism that targets India was always going to be a tough task.

Perhaps the bar of expectations had been set too high  maybe unfairly so  after India's resounding success of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Summit boycott, wherein Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka joined India in refusing to go to Islamabad (to protest against Pakistan's use of terror as an instrument of foreign policy) for the annual high-level meet of the grouping. But, Saarc is no Brics. Both groupings must be seen as what they are.

Saarc is a regional grouping where all matters that affect South Asia are discussed. India enjoys a great deal of support within Saarc.

Brics is a non-regional grouping where the primary agenda is to create an alternate financial architecture that seeks to give equal opportunities to developing economies  something, it has been argued, the present Bretton Woods institutions do not. The New Development Bank, launched by Brics, is a step in that direction. Acting on terrorism aimed at India, however, is not part of the grouping's raison d'etre. India enjoys the support of Russia and to an extent, South Africa and Brazil. But China, among whose allies Pakistan features highest, is a different kettle of fish. Competing interests mean New Delhi will never have the backing of Beijing in issues that also relate to Pakistan.

And so, terrorism may well have been the focus of the summit, but terrorism aimed at India will never figure that high on the Brics agenda.
The newest Habitat homeowner has lived through many turbulent tragedies over the past 20 years. Her father and two brothers were killed in a war in her homeland of Congo, Africa; her oldest sister succumbed to malaria; her family was displaced after the closing of refugee camps and her marriage ended in divorce after moving to Chattanooga with the help of Bridge Refugee Services in 2007.

Death, disease, and divorce couldnt hold her back, instead it motivated her to provide a pathway for her sisters daughter who lived in an African orphanage for 18 years, said officials. With the assistance of American Red Cross, she was reunited with her niece and began the journey of becoming homeowner through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.

Having no children of her own, Habitats newest owner conveys that the greatest gifts that she has in her life now are the joy of being a mother and positive role model to her niece and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream through Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area.

The home was funded by the Department of Economic & Community Development, city of Chattanooga, Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency.



Habitats 263rd homeowner, her niece, and friends, along with Habitat for Humanity staff and volunteers, and officials from the city of Chattanooga, will dedicate the home and give a mock key to Habitats newest homeowner on Saturday at noon.
Beijing: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Pakistan a "mothership of terrorism", China on Monday strongly defended its all-weather ally, saying it is against linking any country or religion with terror and asked the world community to acknowledge Pakistan's "great sacrifices".

In a sharp reaction to a question about Modi's characterisation of Pakistan at the Brics Summit in Goa, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Hua Chunying said China is opposed to linking any country to terrorism.

Answering a question on Modi's criticism of Islamabad in aiding and abetting terror groups opposed to India, she said "on counter-terrorism, China's position is consistent".

"It is the same way we oppose linking terrorism with any specific country or religion," she said.

"We oppose terrorism in all forms and we believe that international concerted efforts are needed to ensure stability and security of all countries," she said.

"We oppose linking terrorism with any specific ethnicity or religion. This is our long-standing position. China and Pakistan are all-weather friends."

Noting that India and Pakistan are "all victims of terrorism", she said Islamabad has made "great sacrifice to combat terrorism and this needs to be recognised by the international community".

To another question about Modi's criticism that Pakistan continues to support anti-India terrorist groups giving them arms, financial support and helping them to cross the border to carry out attacks in India and whether it is China's view that international community should not take a stand on Islamabad's support to terrorists, Hu said: "I understand your concern."

"But, as I said on counter-terrorism China's position is consistent. It is the same way we oppose linking terrorism with specific country or religion," she said.

"As per the problem between India and Pakistan, both the two countries are close neighbours of China. We truly hope that they can resolve these differences in a peaceful way through dialogue and consultation, so that India and Pakistan relations can develop. This serves the interest of the two countries and the region," she said.
New York: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was subjected to a "secondary immigration check" upon his arrival in the US due to which he had to spend two hours at the airport.

"Another random secondary immigration check upon landing in the US. Thrice in three visits, the randomness is growing tiresome now," Abdullah tweeted.

In another tweet he said, "I just spent TWO hours in a holding area & this happens EVERY time. Unlike @iamsrk I don't even catch Pokemon to pass the time," a reference to actor Shahrukh Khan, who was "detained" in August at the Los Angeles airport, third time in seven years that he had been stopped by US immigration officials at the country's airports.

Another "random" secondary immigration check upon landing in the US. Thrice in three visits, the randomness is growing tiresome now.  Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) October 16, 2016

I just spent TWO hours in a holding area & this happens EVERY time. Unlike @iamsrk I don't even catch Pokemon to pass the time.  Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) October 16, 2016

Khan too had tweeted that while he fully understood and respected security protocols, "to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks".

Abdullah said he is in the US to speak at an event at New York University "but almost wish stayed at home instead".

"Ah well, that's two hours well & truly wasted!!" he said.

I'm here to speak at an event organised by NYU but I almost wish I'd stayed at home instead. Ah well, that's two hours well & truly wasted!!  Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) October 16, 2016

He is scheduled to speak at the event organized by the students of New York University on 21 October which is expected to be attended by former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy.
New Delhi: A day after a jawan was killed in firing by Pakistani troops, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday said the Indian Army was giving a befitting reply to such ceasefire violations.

"Ceasefire violations have taken place in hundreds for the last five-six years...Check out the figures. The only difference is that if they do it now, we give a befitting reply," he said.

An Indian Army jawan was on Sunday killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire twice along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Parrikar had earlier equated the Indian Army to 'Hanuman' and made a reference to the Ramayana in which the monkey God crossed an ocean in a single stride after he was reminded about his extraordinary powers by Jamwant.
Whatever maybe the challenges, human beings are likely to journey to Mars in the 2030s. The Red Planets average distance from the earth is 225 million kilometres and India sent forth its own spacecraft Mangalyaan which is presently orbiting the Martian atmosphere and sending back information regarding Mars surface features, morphology, mineralogy and of course the Martian atmosphere which does not have an ozone layer to protect human beings from ultraviolet radiation.

But Ritu Karidhal, one of the speakers at 'Josh Talk' and deputy director of ISROs Mangalyaan programme believes this interplanetary mission will open the door for further significant space explorations including sending human beings to Mars. Karidhal said, "I believe Nasa is working on sending astronauts to [R1] Mars and they have made progress in this field. I believe they will be able to reach there in the 2030s.

"Of course they will have to prepare a suitable capsule to ensure pressure control and proper amounts of oxygen. But I am confident that under a controlled environment, human beings will be able to step out of the spacecraft and walk on the Martian surface soon," she added.

Advanced entry, descent and landing techniques that reduce the G-forces on landers will also need to be developed to ensure astronaut and spacecraft safety. India is presently not planning to send a man to Mars but rather, is in the process of preparing to send a manned flight to the moon. "Several challenges will have to be overcome before a manned flight can reach Mars from India but we are the fourth country to send a spacecraft in an interplanetary mission, said Ritu who has been involved with this process every step of the way. I was involved with the process from 2012 and this implied developing and mastering several technologies. We had to demonstrate that we could break free of earths gravity and then endure interplanetary space before entering Mars atmosphere," Karidhal explained.

Once the Indian government took the decision to go to Mars, Isro had no time to lose as the nearest launch window was only a few months away and it could not afford to lose the chance, given the next launch would present itself after over 780 days, in 2016. Indias Mars Mission is the cheapest in the world and has cost only Rs 450 crores in comparison to the billions of dollars being spent by NASA. It was also completed in a record ten months time. It has meant travelling a journey of 660 million kilometres in 300 days with the spacecraft armed with five payloads including a methane sensor and a tri-colour Mars Colour Camera with the spacecraft costing $70 million in comparison to a Nasa mission cost of $671 million.

Karidhal said, "We had eighteen months in which to conceptualise and realise the project. We had to be precise in drawing up the perfect trajectory for the spacecraft and to ensure it cruised in the correct direction. In the past, both Russia and NASA have had failed attempts while sending their spacecraft to Mars." From 51 missions to Mars, only 21 have been successful so far.

Everything, from mission planning, manufacturing the spacecraft and the launch vehicle and readying the support systems took place at a rapid pace.

"We spent a great deal of time testing the space craft. We had to build extremely sensitive antenna for deep space communications and navigation-guidance-control capabilities," said this eminent woman scientist. "My main role was to ensure that the systems were capable of taking the right decisions. We had to conceptualise and ensure the execution of the crafts onward autonomy system which can be explained as the brain of the satellite. This is a coded software system that functions on its own and can decide to detach anything that must be infracted," she said .

To explain in easier language, if there is a malfunction, the system needs to be designed well enough to correct and recover on its own when it is moving in outer space., said Karidhal. Ritu was deputy director operations and she along with her team of scientists, had to ensure all the configurations were right because a single anomaly could have jeopardised the entire operation.

Mangalyaan continues to revolve around the Mars. "The missions life was six months but it has already crossed two years," she said.

Mangalyaan, she pointed out, has already sent back huge amounts of data which is being presently analysed by physicists and scientists. On the key question of whether there is water in Mars, Ritu believed there could be water but more evidence was required on this subject.

All this information is going to be of prime significance if humans decide to set up colonies in the Mars. Private players have also stepped in and want to beat NASA in this race. Already a Dutch NGO Mars One is planning to send two men and two women to the red planet with their spacecraft expected to take off in 2024.

But before they do so, they plan to send a lander to Mars in 2018 as something of a trial run which will be followed two years later by an intelligent rover whose job will be to determine a good landing site and also find a place which has sunlight and water. And then two years later, six cargo missions will set off for Mars which will have two living units and two life support units that hopefully will provide an environment in which people can breathe.

For this Lucknow girl, who went on to become an aeroscope engineer, being part of Mars Mission Mangalayaan program has been the most challenging event of her life. She sees her future only getting more exciting as humans race to live on Mars, which is the second closest planet to the earth.

"It will happen," she says with quiet confidence as she along with hundreds of scientists march forward into the world of intergalactic travel.
The civilian unrest in Kashmir valley has raised a question mark on the forthcoming board exams with a newly floated students' body and scattered student groups demanding deferment of the annual exams which are set to start next month.

Anti-exam protests have erupted across Kashmir with hundreds of students hitting the streets to demand cancellation of the government order which set the ball rolling by announcing dates for Class 10 and Class 12 exams.

The announcement comes in the middle of a siege in the valley which has left at least 91 civilians dead, more than 14000 injured while around 7000 protesters have been detained to bring normalcy on the simmering streets.

Many students were confined to their homes due to the situation of the last three months. They need time to cover the whole syllabus. If they don't, they may fall behind in percentages which will impact their eligibility for appearing in various competitive exams. This way, the careers of students will take a hit in the long run, Danish, a Class 12 student at a prominent school in Srinagar said.

Our sessions began in March 2016. We have covered just forty percent of the syllabus. Our internal practicals are pending. We are not in a position to qualify for the examinations, Najeeb, the classmate of Danish, said.

Every day hundreds of students take out protests rallies against Jammu and Kashmir government decision to conduct 10th and 12th class examinations slated for next month across Kashmir valley.

Syed Tajamul, president of All Jammu and Kashmir Students Union (AJKSU), says the state government has politicised the issue and in asking students to prepare for exams, they will also ruin their future.

There is a political uncertainty. Schools and colleges remain closed. Students were not able to attend even their tuition due to curfew and hartal. In such situation, how can students prepare for the exam in a short span of time Tajamul says.

He termed the decision to go-ahead with the exam as "unfortunate". Citing an example, he said one the students was asked by his teacher to download the material at a time when the mobile internet service has been suspended.

Students are not only unprepared academically, dozens of them across the nook and corner of the Valley are reportedly injured during the present turmoil in Kashmir", he said

Anti-exam protests have been reported from Baramulla in north Kashmir, Shopian, Pulwama and Anantnag in south and Ganderbal in central Kashmir. Recently a group of students, majority of them girls, staged a protest in the capital Srinagar and chanted anti-government slogans over the issue.

With one eye blindfolded, the students said they were protesting to express solidarity with those who were maimed and blinded in the last 100 days of unrest. Holding placards reading boycott exams, no exams until Kashmir issue is resolve and blood and ink cant flow together, they said their future has become uncertain.

Hundreds of students have been maimed and blinded. How is it possible for them to appear in the exams? They will never see the world again, then how can they sit in the exam. What is the governments stand on that? Will they return their eyesight?, Syed Asma, a student said.

All the students and parents who called me insisted that exams must go on in accordance with the published date sheet. That is the decision of the government as well, he added.

Protests were held in the city centre Lal Chowk where dozens of students marched on Residency Road up to the Clock Tower before the Kashmir police shoed them away.

There are various competitive examinations. Most of the students wish to qualify them to be a doctor or engineer or to be in other professions. If we fail to obtain required percentage and subsequently are ineligible to appear in these competitive tests, our careers would be at stake, said Asjad Nisar, a student.

Students says they need time to complete the syllabus and also prepare for examination. Government shouldnt force examinations on us. Its our humble appeal. Please don't make your political careers at the cost our careers, Asjad said.

However, the state's education Minister Naeem Akhter is unwilling to budge. Yesterday, he took to the Facebook to ruled out any postponement for now. There is no plan to postpone exams beyond 14th and 15th November, Akhter said.

The announcement has now sparked a political row with Ghulam Hassan Mir, a minister in the previous Omar Abdullah-led government, saying that the decision to go ahead with the exam "lacks logic and conviction".

He suggests that "instead of holding students at ransom", the government can extend the academic session by providing logistic support at its schools across the region. He also demands deferment of exams till March as the first best step so that the students get enough time to prepare for exams.
The Chattanooga Chambers Diversity & Inclusion department hosts Minority Enterprise Development Week 2016 Monday-Thursday, Oct. 24-27.

The weeks events connect minority entrepreneurs with minority business owners. All events are free, open to the public and geared toward business owners, community leaders and individuals who support the Chambers economic inclusion goals.

The Chattanooga Chamber also partners with the Nashville Minority Business Center to encourage local business owners to attend Nashville MED Week 2016 Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 1-3.

These events, held at the State Capitol, focus on best practices from other cities and conversations with Tennessee legislators on how to increase state contracts for diverse firms.

2016 Chattanooga MED Week Event Schedule

Monday, Oct. 24

9 a.m.  noon

INCubator - Business Development Center: 100 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37405

Want to Bid on a Contract? Get the Right Certification

Minority, women and service-disabled veteran business owners  nows your chance to learn from the experts how to apply for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certifications. These certifications are a must have for eligible small businesses bidding on contracts for construction or to provide supplies and professional services to local, state and federal governments and private firms. The seminar includes a panel discussion and breakout groups for step-by-step instructions on completing the applications. Want to bid on UTCs construction projects? Seeking a maintenance contract with the City of Chattanooga? Interested in landscaping for Erlanger Health System? How about getting a contract with the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport or U.S. Department of Energy? Attendees are asked to bring a laptop, I-Pad or other mobile device with internet access. Learn which certification best fits your firms growth plan:

 U.S. Small Business Administrations 8(a) certification

 Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification

 Tennessee Governors Diversity Business Enterprise (Go-DBE) certification

 Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) certification

 City of Chattanoogas NEW Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE) certification

Monday, Oct. 24

6 p.m.

City Hall, Third Floor - Veranda Room: 101 E. 11th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Doing Business with the City

Are you a local, small, minority, woman, service-disabled veteran and/or LGBT business owner? If so, the city of Chattanooga wants to do business with you. Join us for an information session on how to improve your chances of getting a city bid or contract. This evening seminar, hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, will walk you through the purchasing process and introduce you to new developments in City supplier diversity, like internal DBE certification, business incentives, Kiva micro-financing and updates from the Mayors Minority Business Task Force.

Tuesday, Oct. 25

6 p.m.

Bessie Smith Cultural Center: 200 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37403

How to Keep the Family Business Going and Growing

Join us for a panel discussion between minority business owners and their children taking over family businesses. This intergenerational session will show how local business owners survived  and sometimes thrived  through decades of discrimination, economic decline and family challenges. Youll also hear from the next generation of business owners on how they plan to move these businesses forward in a technology driven economy. Have times really changed? What advice can each generation give to todays business owners? Panelists include:

 Bobby Adamson and son, Charles Adamson  Adamson Developers, LLC

 Carolyn Jones and son, Charles Kimbrough, Jr.  CJ Enterprises, Inc.

 John Edwards III and son, Adrian Edwards  Chattanooga News Chronicle

Wednesday, Oct. 26

11:30 a.m.1 p.m.

Bessie Smith Cultural Center: 200 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37403

MED Weed Luncheon

Keynote Speaker: Albert Woodard

Chattanoogas first MED Week honoree, Albert Woodard, recently sold his healthcare IT company, Business Computer Applications Inc., reported to be one of the largest minority owned software development companies in the U.S. As board chairman of KaZee, another information technology company, he continues to provide healthcare IT products and services. Hear his unique journey from working as a software engineer in Chattanooga to launching with a college classmate one of the nations fastest growing small businesses that impacted global underserved populations by using technology to improve patient healthcare. This Chattanooga area native has been recognized as a seasoned entrepreneur and pioneer of the information technology age.

Thursday, Oct. 27

11:30 a.m.1 p.m.

INCubator - Business Development Center: 100 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37405

Small Business Contracts: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Presenter: Amanda Jelks, Attorney and Owner at Jelks Law Firm

When it comes to negotiating or enforcing contracts, many small business owners make the same mistakes, costing them more money than expected. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls of contracts at this lunch and learn seminar. Youll find out what you want, dont want and need before signing a contract, and there will be time for any contract-specific questions you may have.

To sponsor an event, get more information or register for MED Week 2016 events, contact Maria Noel, Chattanooga Chamber, at 763-4338 or mnoel@chattanoogachamber.com.

Sponsored by SunTrust Bank, Tennessee Valley Authority, city of Chattanoogas Office of Multicultural Affairs, Hamilton County Government, Bessie Smith Cultural Center, and the University of Tennessee Procurement Technical Assistance Center

2016 Nashville MED Week Event Schedule

Nov. 1-3

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tennessee State Capitol House Chambers

Tuesday, Nov. 1

Business Equity in Purchasing and Contracting: Best Practices from Seattle and Houston

Take notes from Nancy M. Locke, Director of the Department of Finance and Administrative Services for the City of Seattles Purchasing & Contracting Services, and Marsha E. Murray, Esq., Deputy Director of Houstons Office of Business Opportunity, on the practices both cities use to ensure minority, small, veteran and women-owned businesses are awarded government contracts.

Wednesday, Nov. 2

Holding Ourselves Accountable: Lessons from Baltimore and the State of Maryland

The city of Baltimore and the State have made great strides in improving diverse businesses access to lucrative government contracts. Hear from Franklin M. Lee, Esq. and Anthony W. Robinson, Esq. on how they worked with city officials, business leaders, and more to leverage existing policies and procedures to improve the outcomes for diverse businesses in the government contracting process.

Thursday, Nov. 3

Diverse Business Policy Forum

Engage with state agencies, minority business officials and state legislators in a roundtable policy discussion. Participants will have the opportunity to breakout into business industry groups to take part in hands on policy discussion input for the 2017 Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators agenda. The goal is to develop a legislative agenda that eliminates systemic barriers and creates sustainable economic development opportunities for diverse businesses in the State of Tennessee.

For more events and to register, visit nashvillemedweek.org.

Sponsored by HCA/TriStar Health, Crosslin & Associates, Google Fiber, Regions Bank, RH Boyd Publishing Corporation and The Ryman Hospitality Properties Foundation

Brief History of MED Week:

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring National Minority Enterprise Development Week in October. MED Week, celebrated in cities throughout the U.S., recognizes the contributions of minority-owned businesses to the national economy.

In 1983, Chattanoogas first MED Week was organized by Maria Noel, formerly employed by the Tennessee Office of Minority Business Enterprise and now director of Diversity and Inclusion at the Chamber. The luncheon speaker was her father, the late Roy Noel, who months earlier co-founded Chattanoogas African-American Museum and Research Center, now located in the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.

Years later and for more than two decades, Chattanoogas MED Week was organized by the late Charles Payne, an African-American entrepreneur and community newspaper publisher who expanded the celebration to include support from the broader business community. Some 33 years later, Maria once again organizes MED Week.
There are, no doubt, striking resemblances between the Shah Bano case of 1985 and Shayara Bano case of 2016 as regards the plights of the victims. But the social outcome of the Shayara Bano case this year could be strikingly different from that of the Shah Bano case three decades ago when the high expectation of the reformation of the Muslim Personal Law had come to a naught.

Both the cases pertained to Muslim women. Both the Muslim women had moved the court to seek gender justice. In both the cases, these women were asking for the courts intervention against certain provisions of Muslim Personal Law that discriminated against women.

Shah Bano had asked for maintenance from her husband (they were married for four decades) who divorced her (after uttering talaq thrice at the same time) on account of inheritance dispute among his children from his multiple marriages. Shah Banos maintenance plea was as per the Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) that states: a First Class Magistrate could order a husband to provide a monthly allowance to his wife\divorced wife (as long as she has not remarried) if he neglected to maintain her and she was unable to maintain herself. This provision is religion-neutral. It is a benign provision enacted to ameliorate the economic condition of neglected wives and discarded divorcees, as a court judgement had said.

Shah Banos husband pleaded in the court that he  along with his divorced wife -- were primarily governed by the Muslim Personal Law (given the fact that they were Muslims) which did not provide for maintenance beyond the iddat period (three months following the divorce). He argued that he was only obliged to pay Mahr ( gift given to a Muslim bride in consideration of marriage) and as he had done the same, he had no further obligation to maintain her. All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which impleaded itself in the case, argued that Section 125 of the CrPC could not override the provisions of the Muslim Personal Law.

Shayara Bano was subjected to the same misery of instantaneous divorce based on triple talaq by her husband in October last year after 15 years of marriage. In her case, adequate maintenance was not the issue; she went on to challenge the very provision of instantaneous triple talaq (talaq-e-bidat) and two other evils associated with it  polygamy and nikah halala (a debased practice that forces divorced women willing to go back to their husbands to consummate a second marriage before returning to the original fold). Her petition wants the Supreme Court to declare all three discriminatory practices as illegal and unconstitutional as they violate the rights guaranteed by the Constitution under Article 14, 15, 21 and 25.

Shayara Banos husband has opposed her plea on the same ground that Shah Banos husband had done  being Muslims, they were governed by the Muslim Personal Law and triple talaq, polygamy and nikah halala are sanctified provisions under Muslim Personal Law.

In both the cases, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has taken the patriarchal view and justified that no maintenance to a divorced wife and triple talaq as a mode to divorce wife were integral norms of the Muslim Personal Law. It made the preposterous contention that if the provision of triple talaq was banned, the Muslim husbands would be forced to kill or burn their wives! (Do such men deserve to live in a civilised community?) In any case, the AIMPLB insisted that it was beyond the purview of the court to adjudicate on the personal and family matters of Muslims.

In the Shah Bano case, all the three courts  the lower court, the high court and the supreme court  adjudicated that Section 125 of the CrPC did not make any exception for the Muslim community and therefore, it would override the provisions of the Muslim Personal Law.

In the Shayara Bano case, as the Supreme Court is hearing the matter, no decision has been taken yet. No decision is likely to be taken soon unless the Supreme Court constitutes a Constitution bench and holds its hearing on a priority basis. Given the Supreme Courts predilections and earlier judgments in similar cases, the judicial outcome of the Shayara Bano case is most likely to go the Shah Bano way.

The societal outcome is, however, likely to be different in both the cases on several counts: in last three decades, the number of Muslim women who want Muslim Personal Law to be reformed has increased manifold. In 1985, when Shah Bano case became a major bone of contention between the Muslim clerics and the judiciary, the All india Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) was able to mobilise hundreds of thousands of Muslims on the streets who defended the obscurantist provisions of the law. But supporters of Shah Bano within the Muslim community who hit the streets were just a few hundreds.

That is why Rajiv Gandhi, the then prime minister, who had initially supported the Supreme Court judgement and had fielded Arif Mohammad Khan, a progressive Muslim MP, to defend the decision on the floor of Parliament, later changed his stance when he came to realise that his party would lose the major chunk of the Muslim vote bank. He pushed through a new law in Parliament to override the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment in the Shah Bano case. Ironically, the Act was named Muslim Women (Protection of Rights in Divorce) Act, 1986 where as it actually undermined the very rights the Muslim women had been granted by the Supreme Court in its Shah Bano judgement the previous year.

Like in 1985\86, AIMPLB still retains a large base among the orthodox Muslims who refuse to get out of the antiquated tradition (they are impervious to the fact that many Muslim-majority countries including Pakistan have reformed the Muslim Personal Law and have banned triple talaq and have provided for maintenance for the divorced Muslim women).

But, at the same time, the number of Muslim women and men supporting Shayara Bano today is many times larger compared to the corresponding figure during the Shah Bano case. The Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA), which has impleaded itself in the case in the Supreme Court in support of Shayara Bano, has more than one lakh registered members.

The Muslim clerics must know that the time has come for them to realise that they are not the sole spokesmen of the Muslim community. They succeeded in pressurising Shah Bano to disown the Supreme Court verdict and give up on maintenance in 1986, but they cannot repeat the feat in 2016. One-lakh strong Muslim women have come out in the open to challenge their authority. They have the support of the silent millions of oppressed Muslim women.

Shayara Bano case is most likely to be the catalyst to reform the Muslim Personal Law in India. That would be a blow for gender equity and justice. That would be a just victory for the underprivileged Muslim women over the patriarchal orthodoxy of the Muslim clerics.
Islamabad: Strongly reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that Pakistan is the "mothership of terrorism", Nawaz Sharif's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Sunday accused the Indian leader of "misleading" the Brics countries over the issue.

"Mr Modi is misleading his Brics and Bimstec colleagues," Aziz said.

He also alleged that the Indian leadership is "desperately trying to hide its brutalities" in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) said that Aziz reacted strongly to Modi's statement during his address at the Brics summit in Goa in which he called Pakistan a "mothership" of terrorism world-wide.

Aziz said Pakistan joins all the members of Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and Bimstec in condemning terrorism and reaffirms its full commitment to fight the menace of terrorism without discrimination, "including against the Indian state-sponsored terrorism on Pakistani soil".

Aziz said the UN Human Rights High Commissioner in Geneva and the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have called for sending a fact finding mission to Kashmir.

He said The UN and OIC have "rejected Indian attempts to equate Kashmiris' movement for self-determination with terrorism." He said the UN has repeatedly emphasised that people fighting for their self-determination cannot be categorised as terrorists by the occupying state.

Accusing India of "terror financing", Aziz said "India has no moral ground to even talk about counter-terrorism efforts let alone do the finger pointing."
Benaulim: Pakistan has been isolated because of its own policies and India did not have to play any role in it, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said on Monday.

He said the Saarc countries acted on their own in deciding not to participate in the summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad this year, citing lack of requisite conditions for a constructive dialogue.

"We do not speak about such issues. If someone is isolated, it is because of the policies followed by that country. India did not have to do anything, because the countries in one voice said there cannot be constructive dialogue in the terror-tainted atmosphere in the context of Saarc," Swarup said.

"... the first letter (on non-participation in Saarc summit) came from Afghanistan, followed by Nepal, then by India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Nepal also said it on its own. So when all Saarc countries express the same opinion in one voice  that the Saarc summit cannot happen in Islamabad in this atmosphere  you can draw your own conclusions," the MEA spokesman said.

He was responding to a query if India had been successful in isolating Pakistan following the 18 September terror attack on Uri army camp in Jammu and Kashmir.

The 19th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) Summit, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November, was postponed after India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka pulled out, citing terrorism concerns in the region.
Islamabad: A top Pakistani aide, accusing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "misleading" Brics and BIMSTEC nations, has asserted that New Delhi has no moral ground to talk about counter-terrorism as it is itself involved in terrorism in Kashmir.

"Modi is misleading his BRICS and BIMSTEC colleagues and has no moral ground when his own government is involved in state terrorism in Kashmir," Radio Pakistan quoted Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, as saying on Sunday.

Aziz's remark came in response to Prime Minister Modi's statement at the BRICS Summit in Goa in which the Indian Premier said Pakistan was the "mothership of terrorism".

"The Indian leadership is desperately trying to hide its brutalities in Jammu and Kashmir, an internationally recognised dispute on the UN Security Council agenda, where innocent people are being killed and injured by security forces daily with impunity," said Aziz.

The Kashmir valley has been gripped with violence for the past 100 days following the 8 July killing of top militant Burhan Wani in a clash with the security forces.

More than 90 persons have been killed and over 12,500 injured since the violence  the worst since the 2010 unrest  began on 9 July between the security forces and protestors in Kashmir.

Aziz said the people of Kashmir Valley were being "subjected to genocide by India" for demanding their fundamental right to self-determination, as promised in the relevant UNSC resolutions.

He said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva and the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have called for sending a fact-finding mission to Kashmir.

"The UN and OIC have rejected Indian attempts to equate Kashmiris' movement for self-determination with terrorism," the adviser said, adding that the UN has emphasised that people fighting for their self-determination cannot be categorised as terrorists.

According to Aziz, Pakistan joins all the members of Brics and BIMSTEC in condemning terrorism and reaffirms its full commitment to fighting the menace without discrimination.

"Pakistan's sacrifices in the war against terrorism are well acknowledged and repeatedly appreciated by the leadership of most countries in the world," he said.

Aziz further said that Islamabad is a victim of Indian "interference and subversive activities" which, he claimed, were aimed at destabilising Pakistan.

"Unfortunately, in complete disrespect of international law and the UN Charter, the Indian government is pursuing its hegemonic designs."

The adviser called upon the international community, especially the Brics leaders, to "ask India to stop the bloodshed in Kashmir immediately, release Kashmiri leaders and thousands of Kashmiris taken away forcibly and address the humanitarian crisis" in the valley.

Earlier on Sunday, while addressing Brics leaders in Goa, Modi called for a strong united stand against the "mothership of terrorism in South Asia", a reference to Pakistan.

"In our region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development," Modi told the leaders at the Brics Summit.
New Delhi: Uproar over reports that two alleged absconding killers of scribe Rajdev Ranjan were seen alongside Bihar Health Minister Tej Pratap Yadav and RJD strongman Shahabuddin on Monday came under the scanner of Supreme Court, which sought a judicial report to ascertain whether the accused were "proclaimed offenders" on the day they had met.

The apex court, which granted three months time to CBI to conclude probe in the sensational case, also directed that six accused, including Mohammad Kaif and Mohammad Javed who were seen alongside the RJD leaders, cannot seek statutory bail on the ground of non-filing of charge sheets in the matter.

"The Sessions Judge, Siwan (Town), Bihar, shall submit a report along with order sheets with regard to status of Mohd Kaif and Mohd Javed as regards they are proclaimed offenders or whether there was issue of non-bailable warrants of arrest from the court or any other aspect relating to the case concerned," a bench comprising justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy said.

"As the charge sheet has already been filed by the state police and further investigation is in progress by CBI, the accused persons who have been charge sheeted shall not claim any benefit for enlargement on bail under proviso to Section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal procedure," it said.

Yadav, elder son of RJD leader Lalu Prasad and a cabinet colleague of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, took the plea that "there were chance meetings" and in any case, the accused were not proclaimed offenders on the day. RJD Vice President Shahabuddin, who has recently been sent back to jail by the apex court, took the same plea that Mohd Kaif and Mohd Javed were not the proclaimed offenders on the day they were allegedly seen along with the RJD leaders.

Advocate Gopal Singh, appearing for Bihar, supported the contention of RJD leaders and said the accused were not proclaimed offenders on that day, prompting the bench to seek a judicial report along with trial court's order sheets from the Sessions Judge of Siwan by 28 November. Ranjan, 42, a senior journalist working with a vernacular daily, was shot dead on the evening of 22 July in Siwan town in Bihar.

Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Pinky Anand, appearing for CBI, said the agency has taken over the probe and needed six months more to conclude investigations. "No. You do it within three months," the bench ordered. During the hearing, the ASG submitted the report of the CBI with regard to probe conducted so far in the case.

"Immediately after registration of the case by CBI, a team headed by SP, CBI along with Chief IO, Assistant IO and other support staff reached Siwan on 16 September, 2016 and has been camping there for the purposes of expeditious investigation," CBI said in its status report.

The CBI team inspected the crime scene and other relevant places in attendance of the IOs of the local police and also discussed details of the case and collected relevant information, it said. "CBI team collected the case files/records from local police.

Scrutiny of the records revealed that Siwan Police had filed charge sheet against six accused persons, namely Azaharuddin Beig alias Laddan Miyan, Rohit Kumr Soni, Vijay Kumar Gupta, Rajesh Kumar, Sonu Kumar Gupta and Rishu Kumar Jaiswal in the court of CJM, Siwan on 20 August,2016. However, they had kept open further investigation in the matter," it said.

CBI said it has collected "exhibits including arms and ammunition, clothes of the deceased, mobile instruments of the accused persons and deceased" and the mobiles have been sent to the expert for retrieval of data including deleted data. "CFSL team from New Delhi were called and scene of crime was recreated with the help of local police IOs and the persons who had seen the body and the place of occurrence," the agency said.

"Call details of the accused, suspect, deceased and other relevant person were collected which are under scrutiny," it said, adding "the hard disk of computer being used by the deceased was collected and sent to the expert to find any relevant material to the case."

"Around 40 witnesses have been examined which included the complainant and his family members, IOs associated with the case, doctors who conducted post mortem, persons connnected with print media and others to know the details and motive for killing the deceased," it said.
Chandigarh: In a blistering attack on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said its entire establishment is engaged in fueling terrorism in India and warned that "those who rear snakes would be bitten".

India is against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, but does not hate "its people", the minister said and offered help to conduct anti-terrorism campaign in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir for the "closure of terror factories".

The Home Minister's attack on Pakistan comes a day after Prime Minsister Narendra Modi dubbed it as the mothership of terrorism. Addressing the two-day Regional Editors Conference from north and northeast states, he said, "Pakistan's

entire establishment is engaged in fueling terrorism in India and that's why, the management of areas along the Indo-Pak border has become a challenging task...But those who rear snakes should know they would bite them."

By adopting terrorism as its state policy, Pakistan is getting isolated not only in South Asia but also in the international community, Singh said. "Pakistan is so much obsessed with some issues that neither can it benefit others nor can it see its own welfare.

Its obsession with Kashmir has reached such a level that it cannot tell apart a terrorist from a freedom fighter," the Minister said. He termed Pakistan's flexible attitude towards terrorism as "the biggest hindrance" in the bilateral relationship.

"As far as the relationship between India and Pakistan is concerned, the biggest hindrance is Pakistan as its attitude towards terrorism is quite flexible. As far as India's intention is concerned, we want to eliminate terrorism from the entire region," Singh said.

He said the logic of state and non-state actors which used to be given in connection with Pakistan has now turned "hollow". The Home Minister stressed that India "hates" Pakistan sponsored terrorism and not its people.

"No hatred towards people of Pakistan. We do not hate people of Pakistan and we do not want to keep a distance from them. We hate Pakistan-sponsored terrorism only. "If its intentions remain clear, India can help Pakistan carry out an anti-terror campaign in PoK. If Pakistan wishes, it can seek our help and India is ready to help it. It can also take help from anyone in the global community. But its intentions are not clear," he said.

Singh said that with the closure of "terror factories in Pakistan, peace and harmony will prevail in South Asia and a way to development and prosperity will open."

Speaking about surgical strikes, Singh said, "Our army crossed the LoC not to attack Pakistan. It went to carry out pre-emptive anti-terror surgical action against dangers of terror lurking on the border. We had information that there were some terrorists at launching pads wanting to carry out attacks in India."

The Union Minister said that at the Brics Summit, the participating nations have also strongly condemned "those who shelter terrorism". He also stressed on creating physical barriers like floodlighting in areas along the border with Pakistan to thwart any terror activity.

Physical barriers have been put up along 2,034.96 km of the 2,289.66 km-long Indo-Pak border, he informed. "The rest of the boundary is 254.80 km-long. It includes riverine areas and tough terrains. We have decided to create physical barriers wherever possible. Where physical barriers like erecting fencing is not possible, non-physical barriers should be created," he said.

"For non-physical barriers, there are solutions like sensors, radars and laser wall. These all will be used," he said, adding a pilot project in this direction is being implemented by BSF in Jammu, Punjab and Gujarat.

"The use of non-physical barriers on experimental basis will help ascertain up to what extent it is helpful and what sort of loopholes are there which need to be addressed. A report in this regard is expected to come by the end of the year," he said.
Coimbatore: An AIADMK councillor and DMK worker have been admitted to a hospital in Pollachi in the district after they came to blows following an altercation over the remarks on the health status of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, police said on Monday.

DMK local functionary Lingadurai reportedly made critical remarks about the health condition of Jayalalithaa in an inebriated condition last night. AIADMK Councillor James Raj, who was passing by, got angry over the remarks and entered into arguments leading to fisticuffs, police said.

Lingadurai got admitted to the Pollachi government hospital in the early hours of Monday, claiming assault by the councillor.

James also was admitted to the same hospital, complaining that Lingadurai had assaulted him, police said.

This comes after 20 cases have been registered against some people, including a DMK councillor in Pollachi, for allegedly spreading rumours on the health of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa who is undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital in Chennai, police said on Monday.

Pollachi Municipal Chairman and AIADMK town secretary, Krishnakumar lodged a complaint that DMK councillor Naaneethakrishnan had posted some verses on the social media, on the health condition of the Chief Minister, police said.

Some 20 people had shared these verses on Facebook, the complainant said, based on which police registered cases against them under IPC sections including 153 (A) (promoting enmity and disharmony), they said.

On Sunday, a 24-year-old man from Tuticorin district, was arrested for allegedly posting rumours on the social media on Jayalalithaa's health. With his arrest, the number of persons taken into custody in the state in this regard has gone up to seven.
Harbert Realty Services (HRS) announced the acquisition of the 34,000 square foot FSG Bank Building at the corner of Broad Street and 6th Street in downtown Chattanooga. This is a great asset to own and we like the investment opportunity that the Chattanooga market provides, said David Williams, CEO of HRS. We are excited to be part of the on-going revitalization of the downtown Chattanooga market.

This Class A office building, built in 2006, currently serves as the Chattanooga headquarters for FSG Bank, a division of Atlantic Capital.

Harbert will handle both leasing and management of the building.
Mumbai: Two persons, including a former corporator, were arrested on Monday morning by Mumbai Police in connection with the murder of a 72-year-old RTI activist.

"Amjad Khan (53) and his father Razzaq Khan (78) were arrested today morning on charges of murder of Bhupendra Vira. Razzak was earlier a corporator in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. It looks like a land dispute led to the Khans killing Vira," Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Dudhe told PTI.

Razzaq Khan is former corporator of Congress from Santacruz area.

Vira, who had been fighting against land mafia, unauthorized structures and encroachments in and around Kalina, was shot dead at point blank range on Saturday night when he was watching TV at his residence in suburban Santacruz.

The shooter is suspected to have used a silencer, as Vira'a wife, who despite being in the house claimed that she did not hear anything, a police official involved in the probe said.

Police had earlier said they were inquiring if Vira had approached them with any complaint - that he faced threat to his life.

The activist is survived by a daughter and two sons.

Social activist and former AAP leader Anjali Damania, who had worked with Vira, said on Sunday that he was attached to 'Voice of Kalina', an advanced locality management (ALM) body and a citizen's group.

Describing him as committed social worker, Damania had said, "Vira along with other members of the ALM were fighting against encroachments, illegal structures and land mafia in and around Kalina by filing RTIs. He had written several letters to authorities including, Lokayukta, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and police, seeking action against illegal structures."

According to her, several activists had received threats and many of them, including Vira, had filed several complaints at Vakola police station in this regard.

She said that on Saturday morning, Vira had persuaded the BMC authorities to issue four notices to a local goon living in the same area.
Lucknow: Signalling widening of the rift within the leadership of the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Monday reportedly started functioning from the recently inaugurated Janeshwar Mishra Trust office.

Akhilesh's new political office is situated at 7, Bandariya Bagh, and houses the team of young leaders who were recently expelled from the party by state SP chief Shivpal Singh Yadav and are considered close to the Chief Minister.

No senior SP leaders had attended the inauguration of the Trust office on 9 October.

Shivpal Yadav had reportedly banned the entry of these young leaders from the SP headquarters on Vikramaditya Marg, and its affiliate offices.

On Monday as Akhilesh went to his new 'working office', sources said, senior ministers Ahmad Hasan, Rajendra Chowdhary, Shiv Pratap Yadav, Ram Govind Chowdhary and Abhishek Mishra  who was recently elevated as cabinet minister  were by Akhilesh's side.

Sources also said that a 'permanent team' of Chief Minister's security detail, which was stationed at Vikramaditya Marg was withdrawn and stationed at the new Bandariya Bagh political office.

Incidentally, the Trust office is situated adjacent to the back gate of the SP headquarters on 19, Vikramaditya Marg.

On Friday, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav said the party's legislators after the Uttar Pradesh elections will pick the new Chief Minister, in a clear indication that his son and incumbent Akhilesh won't be the face of the party in the polls. Flanked by state party chief and younger brother Shivpal Singh Yadav and minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, both daggers drawn with Akhilesh Yadav, Mulayam Singh said the legislators always elected their Chief Minister.

"The elected legislators and the Samajwadi Party's Parliamentary Board will pick the next Chief Minister," he told the media in Lucknow. This would mean that unlike in 2012, when the Samajwadi Party swept the assembly polls, the party won't portray the young Akhilesh as its Chief Ministerial candidate.
The Shiv Sena is gearing up for a massive show of strength ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, scheduled for February 2017. The cordial relation between BJP and its ally Sena has not hit the happy notes in a while and the two parties have decided to go solo in the upcoming civic polls. In Mumbai, there are 36 MLAs, out of which Sena has 14 MLAs and BJP has 15.

With the polls coming up in not more than 100 days, Shiv Sena is pushing its youth wing president Aaditya Thackeray, party chief Uddhav Thackeray's son, to lead the party by focussing on youth and civic issues. With Aaditya fighting for causes like a happening night life in Mumbai, the party has decided to tap on the youth voters in the city. In Mumbai, there are 227 corporators  Sena has 75, Congress has 52, BJP has 36 and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has 28. Sena, this time, wants to concentrate on all wards with special attention on the youths.

In 2010, Aaditya was introduced by the late Balasaheb Thackeray during a rally at the Shivaji Park and officially inducted the fourth generation of the family in politics. The 26-year-old Aaditya is not a born leader but he definitely is learning. And the party thinks he also elicits faith in young voters because they can connect with a younger leader. Slowly becoming the star campaigner for the party, Aaditya, in the last five years, has concentrated on crucial issues that directly concern students  fee structure, syllabus, weight of school bags  to name a few.

Aaditya-led Yuva Sena is solely concentrating on young and fresh voters this time around. Before March 2017, there are 10 Municipal Corportation elections and Sena chief Uddhav is the main campaigner for most of the rallies but son Aaditya has stepped up and is sharing the responsibility by attending rallies across the city.

On Saturday, Aaditya led a rally from Girgaum Chowpatty to Islam Gymkhana in Marinelines, to protest against state government's "flawed" education policy. More than 10,000 Yuva Sena members, parents of students and majority of Sena leaders participated in the rally. Saturday's rally was crucial as it was the first protest against the BJP-led government which targetted Education Minister Vinod Tawde which was led by Aaditya.

The agitation  called Deta ka Jaata (grant our demands or go)  focussed on the overall mess in the education sector. In his speech, Aaditya attacked the BJP government and said, "Is there any difference between the Congress-NCP government and the current BJP government?" Interestingly, BJP and Sena are allies in Maharashtra. But that has not deterred Sena leaders in being extremely critical of the BJP government in the state.

"The education department has become worse. With every new government, we hope the situation will change, but it doesn't. We need rapid and radical change which will improve the general scenario of education in the state. The mess is everywhere  admission, examination and graduation. We are raising our voice against the mishandling of the education sector and despite repeated assurance, Vinod Tawde has done nothing for the sector," Aaditya said on Saturday. Raising the issue of donations in schools and colleges, lack of sport facilities, bad canteens, and lack of good governance, Aaditya said, there are no acche din for the education sector in Mumbai.

The youth leader dismissed questions which suggested that he held the morcha to prove his leadership. "I don't need to prove anything. In 2010 on Dussehra, my grandfather (Balasaheb) handed me over the sword in presence of lakhs of shivsainiks. He has faith in me and whoever receives a sword from Balasaheb doesn't have to prove their leadership," he told the media at the rally.

Tawde, on the other hand, downplayed Aaditya's rally. "The issue related to first to tenth standard comes under BMC jurisdiction. Shiv Sena and BJP are in power in BMC. The higher education MOS portfolio is with Sena. Government is serious about the issue and most of the issue are resolved," Tawde told Firstpost.

Thackeray family has always focussed on the youth voters, said the media and public relation chief Harshal Pradhan. Speaking to Firstpost, Pradhan said that Balasaheb was a big hit with the youth and so is his son Uddhav. "Uddhav is the main face of the party and his son Aaditya has come up as a successful youth leader. 'In the last five years, Aaditya has led many agitations and Yuva Sena is playing a veyr important role in the BMC elections across the state," Pradhan said.
Rahul Gandhi, Congress vice-president told his online supporters that the must refrain from using abusive language "as it is not in line with the Congress' tradition", in a meeting last week, said a report by The Economic Times. A week after a war of words on social media discussing his 'jawanon ki dalali' comment, he met privately with the the party's online activity drivers, heads of every state's social media activities.

He is reported as saying that even extreme Right-wingers turn into liberals in the end, quoting LK Advani as an example, and thus the focus of the Congress party should now be to convert online right wingers to moderate thinking by not stooping to their level while responding to them. Allegedly, he was also asked why he was called "Pappu", on social media, to which he said that it happened because of the Bhatta-Parsaul incident, when he challenged corporate big shots.

According to The Telegraph, Salman Khurshid advocated engaging in dialogue with trolls in the meeting. P Chidambaram too, re-emphasised the importance of dismissing trolls and went on to speak about internal security. Anand Sharma spoke on the economy. Rahul claimed that Congress had not been ready to counter BJP after the 2014 elections because of elite and status-quo enforcing groups facing loss when the UPA was busy putting in efforts to uplift the lowest level of society, in reference to the food security schemes and the RTI act, conceding that taking on BJP online would be difficult owing to their army of trolls. The Congress party is likely to constitute social media teams in every district constituency and Assembly constituency.

Rahul had accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of indulging in political exploitation of the sacrifices of soldiers in remarks after the cross-LoC surgical strikes on terror launch pads in PoK. "Jo hamare jawan hain jinhone apna khoon diya hai, Jammu and Kashmir mein khoon diya hai, jinhone Hindustan ke liye surgical strike kiye hain, unke khoon ke peeche aap chhupe hain. Unki aap dalali kar rahe ho. Yeh bilkul galat hai. (You  Modi  are hiding behind the blood of soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir and those who carried out the surgical strikes for India. You are exploiting their sacrifices, which is very wrong)," he said in a rally at the end of his 'Deoria to Delhi kisan yatra' in UP.

This comes after Sonia Gandhi claimed that Modi was a "maut ka saudagar (trader of death)", according to a Livemint report. His comments invited strong censure from many on social media along with political parties, causing him to clarify that he supported the surgical strikes but didn't support the use of the Indian Army to further political interests.

According to another LiveMint report, similar efforts were made before the 2014 elections, where the need to use social media was recognised. An event held in July 2014 saw the exchanging of communication strategies. Just as the moniker given to Rahul was "Pappu" meaning simpleton, Congress had come up with a nickname for Narendra Modi  "Feku".

Bhatta and Parsaul made the headlines when Congress had, much earlier, launched an agitation against the land acquisition ordinance with a meeting of farmers in the villages of Bhatta Parsaul and accused the Narendra Modi government of snatching away all the rights given to the people by the erstwhile UPA regime. According to The Hindu, Rahul had started his 'kisan sandesh yatra' from Bhatta and Parsaul villages in 2011, where he launched his protest against land acquisition which, it is said led to the Land Acquisiton, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. An ordinance by the BJP government later gave repealed the measures constituted by the Act, by giving absolute power to the government.

Rahul's 26-day Kisan Yatra across poll-bound Uttar Pradesh culminated at Delhis Parliament Street on 5 October. A report in Hindustan Times said that it is still rather uncertain if Rahul Gandhi would be able to revive its fortunes in UP and Punjab, ahead of the next elections.
New Delhi: Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma will visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to inspect the proposed site for setting up a Ramayana museum, a move seen as an attempt to woo pro-Hindutva elements ahead of assembly election in Uttar Pradesh.

Sharma, however, played down the political agenda behind the visit, saying it is part of the tourism development plans of the Modi-government and should not be linked with elections in the politically crucial state, which goes to polls early next year.

"My visit to Ayodhya has nothing to do with UP Assembly elections. I am visiting there as a Tourism Minister. It should not be linked to politics but is part of government's effort to improve tourism in Ayodhya and all over the country. The visit is part of developmental agenda," he said.

Sharma said the museum will be a part of the Ramayana Circuit for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the circuit.

"Ram is in the heart of millions of people. As the Tourism Minister, I have to see how Ayodhya can be developed, how Ramayana circuit can be developed from tourism point of view," the minister said.

He said the government has identified three circuits  Ramayana Circuit, Krishna Circuit and Buddhist Circuit  to boost religious tourism.

The state government has identified a 25-acre plot for the museum which is some 15 km away from the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex, a source said.

Sharma will also hold a meeting with Ramayana Circuit Advisory Board during the visit. The meeting would discuss routes for connecting Ramayana-related sites in Nepal and Sri Lanka with the proposed museum.

The Union Minister would also deliberate on plans for an International Ramayana Conclave, which would be held either in Ayodhya or Chitrakoot district. The conference is likely to be attended by delegates from about 12 countries, sources said.

Sharma is likely to hold meetings with religious leaders on building the museum which would portray the epic journey of Lord Rama.

Tourism being a state subject, Sharma also sought help from Uttar Pradesh government for development of the circuits to give boost to tourism which, he said, has great potential to earn foreign exchange, employment generation and women empowernment.

Though the BJP has been insisting that Ram temple will not be an electoral plank in the UP elections to be held early next year, the proposed Ramayana museum and related activities are being seen as an attempt to keep pro-Hindutva elements in good humour.

On Dusshera, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in a departure from tradition, participated in the festivities in Lucknow where he started and concluded his speech with chants of "Jai Shri Ram, Jai Jai Shri Ram".
Retro Television, Inc. announces the return of Retro TV to Oklahoma City (DMA 41).

KOHC, owned and operated by Sunshine State Television Network, Inc., plans to launch Retro TV on Monday. Viewers in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas will be able to find "The Best in Classic Television" over-the-air on channel 45.3.



Jorge Rossi, president and CEO of Sunshine State Television Network, said, Retro TV is a staple in the multicast industry and I am proud to offer our audience the original classic diginet.



Tim Krass, Lukens vice president of Affiliate Sales West, said, Oklahoma City viewers have been clamoring for Retro TVs return and we couldnt be more pleased to partner with KOHC and Jorge Rossi to answer their call.



"With an assortment of vintage comedies like Mystery Science Theater 3000, The Lucy Show and The Beverly Hillbillies, as well as classic dramas including Doctor Who, The Doctors and Route 66, Retro TV truly offers The Best in Classic Television," officials said.

Retro TVs newest acquisitions include Haven, Murdoch Mysteries, The Border, The Collector and Acorn TV Presents, featuring classic series like I, Claudius and Poldark, as well as more recent, award-winning shows such as Anzac Girls.


Bengaluru: An RSS worker was hacked to death on Sunday by two motorcyle-borne men on an arterial road, police said.

The incident took place on Kamaraja Road when Rudresh was returning home on a bike after attending a RSS meeting at a nearby area, they said.

Rudresh, a realtor, was first knocked down from his bike and then attacked by the duo with a lethal weapon, police said.

The attackers managed to escape despite some members of the public giving chase, they said.

Rudresh was rushed to Bowring Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, police said.

Police said they suspected that personal rivalry could be the reason behind the murder.

However, RSS city spokesperson Rajesh Padmar alleged that it was a continuation of an 'organised elimination' of the organisation's workers.

"This is just continuation of an organised elimination of our workers. Such an attempt was made also against a RSS worker sometime back here. Hence we suspect it is nothing but continuation of killing and targeting our workers," he said.

Padmar said RSS would stage a protest in Bangalore on Monday against the murder.

Former Chief Minister and State BJP President B S Yeddyurappa said the incident and the assailants' escape "is a telling comment on the law and order situation in the state."

He said the murder was a litmus test for the government "to demonstrate its seriousness, sincerity and will in nabbing the killers and taking the issue to its logical end."

He alleged that in recent attacks on two RSS workers, the two men arrested were released on bail within a few hours.

"In the earlier two instances, government failed. I demand home minister Dr G Parameshwar come clean on this issue," he added.

He warned that BJP would launch an agitation to mount pressure on the government over the issue of attacks on RSS swayamsevaks and BJP workers.
Ram Brahma Parmarath rupa, Avigat, alakh, anadi, anoopa!

The above verse, borrowed from Goswami Tulsidass Ramcharitmanas (the story of Lord Ram), describes the God-incarnate king of Ayodhya as 'indescribable, unseen, umpteen and unique'. The sixteenth century poet immortalised himself by recounting the tales of Lord Ram in a language that was accessible to the people of Hindi-speaking regions of the country.

And just like Tulsidass description of Lord Rams indescribable nature, Prime Minister Narendra Modis full-throated cry of Jai Jai Sri Ram on the occasion of Dussehra at Lucknows Aishbagh has set the tongues wagging. Which Ram did he refer to? Was it the new 2017 version of Ram for the UP elections et al?

But unlike Tulsidass unrequited devotion for Lord Ram, that culminated in the creation of the most popular religious text of North India, Modis pursuit is in politics and not literature. With the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections around the corner, it would not be wrong to view Modi's chant from the prism of politics.

Nobody can know it better than Modi that bringing Lord Ram and Ayodhya into the political discourse has yielded diminishing electoral returns for the BJP ever since 6 December, 1992  the day the Babri Mosque was demolished. In all UP Assembly elections since 1993, BJP has found less and less traction with the Ayodhya issue and has shunned the practice of using Lord Ram for electoral gains.

In one of BJP's latest surveys conducted for internal consumption, a senior leader pointed out that the party leadership should shun polarisation lest it would adversely affect the party's poll prospects in the state. Apparently, the BJP leadership has been dissuading, at times unsuccessfully, its firebrand leaders from stoking fires on communal lines. Although, this should not be taken as BJPs discovery of secularism as a virtue. Far from it. The party simply regards polarisation as a bad electoral strategy in the present scenario.

But then, how can one explain Modis full-throated cry of "Jai Jai Sri Ram" in Aishbagh?

Perhaps Modi knows it better than most that Rams imagery evokes a universality that no other deity can, at least in North India. And his own experience as one of the chief architects behind LK Advanis Ayodhya Rath Yatra came in handy, helping him understand the deep religio-cultural influence of Ram on the Hindu society across India.

By his own admission, Advani was initially a sceptical charioteer who was not quite comfortable with the religious rituals and symbolisms attached with the Rath Yatra. On the other hand, Modi has been quite adept with Hindu rituals right from the beginning and has never shied away from them, even in his role as the prime minister.

Recall the manner in which he has been regularly attending rituals of puja in Varanasi and other temples, not only in India but across the world to propitiate the gods. Even in his role as the prime minister, and the head of the countrys political executive, Modi has never been coy about his Hindu identity.

But the manner of his chant in Aishbagh was substantially nuanced to mark a difference from the past. Unlike the 'Jai Sri Ram' slogans of the 1990s, that stoked riots across Uttar Pradesh, Modis cry of "Jai Jai Sri Ram" was borrowed as an extreme devotional expression by the monkey-god Hanuman from the epic TV serial Ramayana.

Similarly, his simile of vulture-king Jatayu as the first casualty of terrorism was intended to put across a message of empathy to those belonging to the lower-run of the social order. In peoples perception, Ram found unstinted assistance from this section of the society on his final assault on the demon-king Ravana.

But does this kind of symbolism matter during election time? The answer to this question, of course, is not easy. In a deft and astute move, Modi used the slogan at Dussehra to restore the universality associated with Ram. At the same time, he associated himself with a mythology which is the standard-bearer of an ideal social and political life.

In his essay on 'Ram, Krishna and Shiva', socialist ideologue Ram Manohar Lohia, says, The story of their lives must not be tested by ordinary standards of plausibility. What can be more plausible than the fact that this story has been engraved on the minds of succeeding generations in India for fifty centuries, probably a hundred."

In the Hindi heartland of UP, Ram is firmly entrenched in peoples psyche as a cultural symbol, though there have been many attempts to confine him to religious or casteist grooves. But the magic of Rams symbolism has always transcended those barriers. At Aishbagh, Modi carefully tried to appropriate the universality of Ram without referring to the divisiveness attached to it in the recent past.

For instance, though Modi described Ram as a symbol of humanity there was no mention of either Ayodhya or the Ram temple. In a deeply religious society such as UP, Ram, bereft of the Ayodhya bickering, would be more of a powerful symbol than a contentious deity. That is the precise reason why Ayodhya remains a peripheral issue for the BJP during these elections.

There is no doubt that Modis "Jai Jai Sri Ram" chant was certainly not as innocuous a slogan as it was made out to be. But politics is not like literature where even gods can be defined in an easy language, as Tulsidas had done with Lord Ram.
Lahore: At least 27 people were killed on Monday and over 60 others injured when two passenger buses collided in Pakistan's Punjab province, rescue officials said.

The accident took place in Khanpur area of Rahim Yar Khan, some 600 kms from Lahore.

One of the buses was en route to Bahawalpur from Faisalabad while the other was heading from Karachi to Rahim Yar Khan, rescue services spokesperson Deeba Shahnaz said.

The incident occurred due to overspeeding and claimed the lives of at least 27 people besides leaving over 60 people injured, rescue officials said.

The accident was so serious that the bodies and the injured could only be recovered after cutting through the vehicles, Zafar Iqbal, district coordination officer of Rahim Yar Khan said told Dawn News.

At least 22 people have been reported dead, he said, adding that the death toll may rise.

Rahim Yar Khan police spokesperson Arshad Nawaz said at least 40 other passengers were injured.

The wounded have been shifted to hospitals in Khanpur and Rahim Yar Khan hospitals. Condition of some injured persons is stated to be serious, Radio Pakistan reported.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the accident and directed the authorities concerned to provide best medical treatment to the injured, it said.
KABUL Afghan Vice-President Abdul Rashim Dostum escaped unhurt from an ambush by Taliban insurgents as his convoy returned from overseeing fighting at a northern battlefield, Afghan officials said on Monday.In their effort to topple the Western-backed government in Kabul, Taliban fighters have battled their way into the outskirts of Lashkar Gah, the capital of the southern province of Helmand, in recent weeks. Sunday's ambush took place during a frontline visit to Faryab province by Dostum, who has recently been spending more time on his northern home turf than in the capital, Kabul, officials said."General Dostum was on the way back from overseeing the fighting when his convoy came under ambush," in the Ghormach district of the province, said Bashir Ahmad Tayanj, a spokesman for Dostum."Both sides received casualties, but General Dostum was not hurt," he added.There was no immediate comment from the Taliban.Taliban militants have spread their insurgency from the southern strongholds to the once peaceful northern parts of the country in recent years.

Afghan troops launched an operation in Faryab at the weekend as the Taliban fighters have gained ground in remote areas from where they frequently stage attacks on government forces. Dostum, a war-hardened ethnic Uzbek, was in an armoured vehicle, accompanied by well-armed security forces, when dozens of insurgents attacked the convoy, another official said. Five men on Dostum's side and several insurgents have been killed, said a security official who did not want to be identified, because he is not authorised to talk to the media.

It is not the first such attack in the same area on Dostum, whose convoy was also targeted last year, when about 20 insurgents opened fire on it. Dostum, who has close protection from hundreds of bodyguards and leads personal militias, is accused of war crimes by human rights groups.He joined the political mainstream as President Ashraf Ghani's running mate in bitterly contested presidential elections in 2014.

Since then he has swapped his suit for a military uniform to accompany Afghan security forces and militiamen against the Taliban fighting in his northern heartland. Afghanistan's government has been investigating alleged abuses by militiamen loyal to Dostum and Atta Mohammad Noor, the acting governor of the northern province of Balkh, following repeated clashes between both sides in recent months.Areas of the north have descended into chaos and lawlessness, according to a confidential report drafted by the investigators and seen by Reuters in July. (Reporting by Hamid Shalizi; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By David Brunnstrom

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON In spite of the apparent failure of another North Korean missile test at the weekend, the country's aggressive testing schedule could see its Musudan intermediate ballistic missile entering operational service sometime next year - much sooner than expected, a leading U.S. expert said on Monday.The U.S. military said on Saturday it had detected a failed launch of a Musudan, the latest in a series in violation of United Nations resolutions.The U.S. Strategic Command said the missile failed in a launch near North Korea's northwestern city of Kusong. South Korea's military said the missile failed immediately after launch, but neither it nor the Pentagon suggested reasons.The Musudan has range of some 3,000 km (1,860 miles), posing a threat to South Korea and Japan, and possibly the U.S. territory of Guam. Pyongyang claims that it has succeeded in miniaturizing a nuclear warhead that can be mounted on a missile, but this have never been independently verified.John Schilling, an aerospace engineer specializing in rocket propulsion, said it was noteworthy that North Korea had launched the missile from its west coast, rather than from its purpose-built test facility.

"Moving to a roadside near Kusong is like taking the training wheels off the bicycle, seeing if you really have mastered something new," he wrote on the 38 North website that monitors North Korea. Schilling said the move showed that in spite of only one successful launch to show for seven attempts this year, North Korea was not simply repeating old failures.

"They are continuing with an aggressive test schedule that involves, at least this time, demonstrating new operational capabilities. That increases the probability of individual tests failing, but it means they will learn more with each test," he wrote."If they continue at this rate, the Musudan intermediate -range ballistic missile could enter operational service sometime next year - much sooner than had previously been expected," Schilling said The latest test comes ahead of a meeting on Wednesday in Washington of U.S., Japanese and South Korean defense and foreign ministers expected to focus on North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.

The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said last month Washington would speed up deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system to South Korea given the pace of North Korea's missile tests.Japanese government sources told Reuters Japan may accelerate around $1 billion of planned spending to upgrade its ballistic missile defenses. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Alistair Bell)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Washington, United States: Donald Trump fired off an erratic new broadside at Hillary Clinton on Sunday, making more explosive claims that American media and a conspiracy to commit voter fraud are rigging the presidential election against him.

Amid the latest Twitter blasts from the Republican White House nominee, his running mate Mike Pence sought to lower tensions by insisting his camp would accept defeat if that's what voters decide on 8 November.

Two polls out on Sunday  and carried out in time to gauge voter reaction to the slew of sexual misconduct allegations against Trump that emerged last week  put Clinton ahead.

But they did so by vastly different numbers: an ABC News/Washington Post survey had Clinton four points ahead while an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll put her margin at 11 points.

Trump, in a long stream of tweets on Sunday, said repeatedly that US media are rigging the election by hammering away at what he calls fabricated accounts of him making unwanted sexual advances on women.

Trump has denied those allegations, which burst into the race last week in a steady, damaging stream.

"Polls close, but can you believe I lost large numbers of women voters based on made up events THAT NEVER HAPPENED. Media rigging election!" Trump wrote.

Dead voters

In another tweet, he suggested  without offering evidence  that voter fraud will be a problem on election day.

"The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD," he said.

Top Trump advisor Rudy Giuliani told CNN on Sunday that Democratic districts are known for counting the votes of dead people.

"You want me to (say) that I think the election in Philadelphia and Chicago is going to be fair? I would have to be a moron to say that," he said.

"I've found very few situations where Republicans cheat. They don't control the inner cities the way Democrats do. Maybe if Republicans controlled the inner cities, they'd do as much cheating as Democrats do," Giuliani said.

Trump has been insisting for months that the election is rigged  and has repeated the charge like a mantra since Clinton started to pull away in the polls a few weeks ago.

"He is swinging at every phantom of his own imagination because he knows he's losing," Clinton's running mate Tim Kaine told ABC on Sunday.

Trump's assertions have been criticized as dangerous as it seems to raise the prospect of his supporters lashing out if he loses.

After the first debate Trump said he would respect the election result. But he backtracked in an interview with the New York Times last month, saying, "We're going to see what happens."

Pence tried to put the issue to rest Sunday, telling CBS News, "We will absolutely accept the results of the election."

Pence was asked about a Trump supporter who told a newspaper he planned to go to polling places and make voters "a little bit nervous."

Pence said he did not condone such behavior.

"I don't think any American should ever attempt to make any other American nervous in the exercise of their, of their franchise to vote," he said, adding that those concerned about voter fraud should volunteer at their local polling stations.

'Handed me' the election

The nation's top elected Republican, House Speaker Paul Ryan, who has declared that he would no longer "defend" the party's nominee, rebuked Trump over his comments questioning the validity of the election process.

"Our democracy relies on confidence in election results, and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity," his spokeswoman AshLee Strong said in a statement.

Trump lashed out at Ryan on Sunday evening, saying "The Democrats have a corrupt political machine pushing crooked Hillary Clinton. We have Paul Ryan, always fighting the Republican nominee!"

"Paul Ryan, a man who doesn't know how to win (including failed run four years ago), must start focusing on the budget, military, vets etc."

As Trump and Clinton prepare for their third and last debate on Wednesday, Clinton is lying low, with the apparent strategy of letting Trump self-destruct.

But these are also delicate times for Clinton. As sexual misconduct claims against Trump dominate the campaign, is it hard for Clinton to speak out because she stayed beside her husband Bill even as he was mired in the Monica Lewinsky and other sex scandals, humiliating her on his way to being impeached.

But there is no question the race is shifting in her favor.

The CBS News Battleground Tracker Poll out Sunday found that, because of a surge in support for Clinton among women, she now leads by six points in a dozen crucial swing states.

Underscoring the campaign's divisiveness, a Republican Party office in the southern state of North Carolina was firebombed overnight Sunday, with the message "Nazi Republicans leave town or else" sprayed on an adjacent building. No one was hurt in the attack.

Trump even took time Sunday to target late night comedy show "Saturday Night Live," which has parodied him mercilessly in recent weeks.

He called the show "boring and unfunny" and said the actor who plays him  Alec Baldwin "stinks."

"Media rigging election!" he added.
By Mark Hosenball

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON Anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks said on Monday that its founder Julian Assange's internet was shut down by the government of Ecuador, deflecting blame from the U.S. or British governments who have sparred with Assange for releasing sensitive material."We can confirm Ecuador cut off Assange's internet access Saturday, 5pm GMT, shortly after publication of (Hillary) Clinton's Goldman Sachs speechs (sic)," the statement from WikiLeaks said.Assange has lived and worked in Ecuador's London embassy since June 2012, having been granted asylum there after a British court ordered him extradited to Sweden to face questioning in a sexual molestation case involving two female WikiLeaks supporters.WikiLeaks said Assange lost internet connectivity on Sunday night.

"We have activated the appropriate contingency plans," added the Twitter message on Monday. People close to WikiLeaks say that Assange himself is the principal operator of the website's Twitter feed.Over the last two weeks, Democratic Party officials and U.S. government agencies have accused the Russian government, including the country's "senior-most officials," of pursuing a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organizations ahead of the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election.

WikiLeaks has been one of the most prominent internet outlets to post and promote hacked Democratic Party materials. While denying any connection with a Russian hacking campaign, Assange has refused to disclose WikiLeaks' sources for hacked Democratic Party messages. Sources close to both the Democratic Party and WikiLeaks say they believe WikiLeaks has acquired as many as 40,000-50,000 emails hacked from the personal accounts of John Podesta, the former White House advisor who now chairs of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

Despite Assange's complaint that his internet connection was cut, WikiLeaks posted on Monday afternoon what it said was a fresh batch of Podesta's emails.According to a summary of the latest emails posted on Russia Today, a media outlet with close links to the Russian government, highlights include campaign staff discussions about "galvanizing Latino support" and about how to handle media queries about Clinton's "flip-flopping" on gay marriage. (Reporting by Mark Hosenball; Editing by Julia Edwards and Sandra Maler)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
The end of the Islamic State (IS) is near. If not dead, its Caliph would soon become a homeless tyrant armed with a radical ideology that threatened doomsday, but in the end brought about its own downfall.

Countdown to the end of the state  though, not the terror organisation-started with two contemporaneous events during the past few hours. One, Syrian rebels made a lightening advance to their north, driving straight up Homs, to capture Dabiq, a village crucial for the terror outfit's propaganda. And two, Iraqi army and Kurdish militia began their battle to liberate Mosul from Daesh fighters.

While the fight for Mosul may go on for a few days, the fall of Dabiq has shattered many myths linked to the Daesh (IS) propaganda and their Islamist prophesies.

Soon after Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and his fighters established their rule in large swathes of Iraq and Syria, Daesh announced that the capture of Dabiq, a village west of the self-proclaimed caliphate's capital al-Raqqa, was the beginning of a fight between Islamists and forces of Rome (read West).

Daesh claimed that it is predicted in the Hadith that a crucial battle would be fought at Dabiq between the Caliphate, helped by Jesus Christ, and armies of Rome led by the anti-Christ Dajjal that would culminate in complete destruction of the world. Only a few loyal soldiers of the so-called caliphate would survive to establish the reign of Islam.

But, on Sunday, when Syrian rebels blitzed their way to Dabiq under the cover of heavy shelling and strafing by Turkish forces, Daesh fighters fled the village, leaving behind deserted streets and huge caches of arms and ammunition.

The Daesh myth of their great battle in Dabiq is finished, Ahmed Osman, the head of the group that captured the village, told Reuters after the successful operation.

The propaganda around Dabiq and the end-of-days battle had helped Daesh recruit thousands of fighters from across the world dreaming of a life in a world where only Islam and sharia would survive. Drawn by the myth, hundreds of families had left their homes in Europe to await the day when Christ and the self-proclaimed caliphate would destroy Rome and Dajjal.

Now that the Dabiq is gone, Daesh would be left red-faced and humiliated, unable to justify its own existence as an army of the Allah. This would hopefully drill some sense into the head of radicalised Muslims who were drawn towards its false propaganda and visions of Armageddon.

Two years ago, when Daesh had captured major portions of Iraq and Syria, it had announced its intention to expand and grow in the entire Middle-east. But over the past one year, its fighters have been forced to flee more than 50 percent of the captured territory.

This year alone, as The Guardian pointed out, the caliphate has instead lost the historic city of Palmyra and the town of Manbij, north of Aleppo, as well as much of its holdings in northern Syria. In Iraq, it lost its stronghold of Falluja in the summer along with much of Anbar province.

The final blow to Daesh could come in a few days as a coalition led by the Iraqi army advances on Mosul. Once the largest Iraqi city under al-Baghdadi falls, it would hasten the process of Daesh turning into an ideology in exile and its believers having no land under their feet.

The battle for Mosul, which has been planned for months by Iraqis and Kurdish pesh merga, began on Sunday night. According to the strategy worked out by the coalition and US forces assisting them from behind battle lines, Daesh would be squeezed from two directions in Mosul. While the pesh merga would close in from the east, Iraqi army would advance from the other side to ensure Daesh doesn't get an easy exit.

According to the The New York Times, around 4000 Kurdish pesh merga and 30,000 Iraqi soldiers are participating in the attack. They would be helped by US warplanes over the Mosul skies. The operation is expected to take several weeks since Daesh would not give up its prized-possession easily. But, the liberators are optimistic about their chances and hope to liberate Mosul by the end of winter.

Once it retreats from Mosul, Daesh would get confined to pockets of Syria and territory on the margins of Iraq. The only major city left under its control would be Raqqa. The way the battle against Daesh is going, Raqqa may fall sometime in 2017, ending the self-proclaimed caliphate.

While the caliphate would cease to exist, the challenge, of course, would be to contain its ideology. Several reports indicate the terror group has branched out across the world. According to NBC news, it has fully functional branches in 18 countries; in six more countries  Egypt, Indonesia, Mali, the Philippines, Somalia and Bangladesh  it is taking roots.

It is quite possible that Daesh, like al-Qaeda, will disintegrate into different branches after the fall of Dabiq and Mosul. But the days of the self-proclaimed caliphate, its model sharia kingdom, myths and dreams of a war to end all "kaafirs" is near.

The IS, as we know it, is about to die.
Million Women Mentors held the second annual MWM Summit and Gala where over 350 leaders from industry, education, and government came together for a day of learning and celebration.

During the Summit, attendees heard best practices for mentoring and supporting girls and women in STEM from Fortune 500 Companies like BP, PepsiCo, and TATA Consultancy Services as well as top MWM partners like AAUW, Air Force, Mind Research, and NASA. Lt. Governors from Alabama, Arkansas, New Jersey and Maryland shared their perspectives on the state of women and girls in STEM.



The day ended with an awards ceremony during the MWM Gala where standout individuals, companies, organizations and state leaders were recognized for their efforts within the Million Women Mentors movement. The MWM-TN State team was recognized receiving the Outstanding State Achievement Award. The TN State team was given this honor after being awarded the most votes by other state teams across the country for their accomplishments over the last year.



The MWMTN Steering Committee, co-led by Lawrence Blank-Cook, Deloitte; Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross, MTSU; Lulu Copeland, Chattanooga State Community College and Ronna-Renee Jackson, ChaTech Council; expanded their efforts over the last year, growing regionally with the launch of their Middle TN team in May of 2016.

MWM-TN has engaged several major companies and organizations across the state such as Deloitte, Eastman Chemical, TVA, Cisco, Chattanooga State Community College, MTSU, Vanderbilt, ETSU, TN STEM Innovation Network, and many others. This year, through the Be Counted! Campaign, MWM-TN surpassed their original pledge goal of 10,000 STEM mentoring relationships with over 17,000 STEM mentoring relationships completed across the state! MWM-TN held several events and was the first state to host a co-fundraising event, working with the Girl Scout Council of Southern Appalachians, resulting in funds for both groups.



Co-chairing the MWM state effort with the Lt. Governor of Iowa Kim Reynolds, Sheila Boyington, president-CEO of Tennessee-based Learning Blade recognized the state; Tennessee is an exceptional model for the Million Women Mentors effort by engaging a wide variety of stakeholders to work collaboratively to move the needle on girls and women pursing STEM careers. We are proud to recognize that.
SAO PAULO Prison clashes between rival gangs killed at least 18 inmates in two penitentiaries in remote parts of northern and western Brazil, including six men who were decapitated and their bodies set on fire, local media reported on Monday.About 100 relatives of inmates were taken hostage in the first clash on Sunday in Boa Vista, in the northern state of Roraima bordering Venezuela, in which 10 prisoners died, officials told Globo TV's website G1.The hostages were later freed by police, according to G1, which earlier had reported 28 dead in the facility.Eight inmates died and two were injured in another clash between gangs early on Monday in the state penitentiary in Porto Velho, a western city on the border with Peru.

The dead were asphyxiated by smoke when inmates set fire to mattresses, prison director Jobson Bandeira told G1.

In a separate uprising in a penal facility for psychiatric patients, inmates burned to the ground a wing of the prison and began to escape, G1 reported. Police used helicopters to chase the escapees. No deaths were reported.Violent fights and riots are common in Brazil's overcrowded prison system, which has long been criticized by human rights organizations for its bad conditions.

(Writing by Bruno Federowski and Anthony Boadle; Editing by Alison Williams and Cynthia Osterman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Alana Wise and Doina Chiacu

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON Republican lawyers said on Monday it was impossible for the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election to be "rigged" against Donald Trump, despite such allegations by the Republican nominee in recent days.Trump, a New York businessman making his first run for public office, has sought to raise fears of a flawed election as he has fallen in opinion polls against Democrat Hillary Clinton."Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!" Trump said on Twitter on Monday.Republican campaign lawyer Chris Ashby said Trump's charges, which were not backed by any evidence, could foment unrest and were unfounded and dangerous."When you say an election is rigged, youre telling voters, your supporters, their votes do not matter, Ashby said in an interview. "I think some of Donald Trumps comments could cause unrest at the polls."Some Republicans have urged Trump to show proof publicly or drop the assertions. Early voting and voting by mail have already begun in many states.Mark Braden, partner at Baker and Hostetler and former chief counsel for the Republican National Committee, said that any sort of election rigging at the national level just is impossible, citing the various systems in place that would make such an endeavour complicated and unfeasible. Our system is principally a system based upon each side watching the other side, Braden said in an interview. Our system is dependent on local volunteer participation. Our system has worked very well because we have people who get involved in the process and perform these functions.MELANIA TRUMP SPEAKS OUT

Trump's vote-rigging accusations come after his campaign was damaged by the release of a tape showing him lewdly bragging about kissing and touching women without their permission. A series of women have come forward with allegations about his behaviour, but he has denied those accusations.

The RealClearPolitics average of national opinion polls shows Clinton currently leading Trump by 6.9 percentage points, at 45.9 percent to 39 percent.On Monday, Trump's wife, Melania Trump, who has not played an active role in his campaign, weighed in.She told Fox News Channel that Trump, a former reality television star, was committed to running for office even though it was difficult because he had been "in so many shows, so many tapes" over the years."Those words, they were offensive to me and they were inappropriate. And he apologised to me," Melania Trump said in an excerpt released by Fox News Channel."I accept his apology. And we are moving on," she said.

'NOT GOING TO BE RIGGED'

Trump's vice presidential running mate, Mike Pence, and his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, have tried to portray the candidate's comments as being aimed at an unfair news media. But Trump has also pointed to fraud "at many polling places."The country's top elected Republican, House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, has also tried to counter Trump's message about election fraud. Spokeswoman AshLee Strong said that Ryan "is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity." In the traditionally hard-fought state of Ohio, the top elections official, a Republican, said concerns about widespread voter fraud were simply not justified. "I can reassure Donald Trump: I am in charge of elections in Ohio and they're not going to be rigged, I'll make sure of that," Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted told CNN. Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook said Trump's assault on the voting system was an act of desperation.

"He knows he's losing and is trying to blame that on the system. This is what losers do," Mook told reporters.Numerous studies have shown that voter fraud in U.S. elections is very rare, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law. In a report titled "The Truth About Voter Fraud," the centre cited voter fraud incident rates between 0.00004 percent and 0.0009 percent.An August study by the Washington Post found 31 credible cases of impersonation fraud out of more than 1 billion votes cast in elections from 2000 to 2014. Arizona State University studies in 2012 and 2016 found similarly low rates.A number of Republican-led states, citing the need to prevent voter fraud, have passed laws with stricter ID requirements. But several have been struck down by courts that ruled they were designed to hinder minority voting.Ashby said Trump seemed to be conflating isolated instances of voter fraud with widespread election rigging. The election is not rigged and it cannot be rigged," he said. "I have investigated numerous reports of irregularities, Ashby said. "That is not the same thing as an election being rigged. Thats saying the election is a sham.Trump has tried to portray Clinton, a former U.S. senator and secretary of state, as a corrupt lifelong politician who is vested in preserving the status quo.His campaign pounced on the release on Monday of Federal Bureau of Investigation documents that cited an FBI official as saying a senior State Department official sought to pressure the bureau in 2015 to drop its insistence that an email from Clinton's private server contained classified information..Clinton's decision to use a private server while secretary of state from 2009 to 2013 has drawn criticism that she was careless with national security. (Additional reporting by Luciana Lopez and Jonathan Allen in New York, and Susan Heavey and Susan Cornwell in Washington; Writing by Doina Chiacu and Roberta Rampton; Editing by Leslie Adler and Peter Cooney)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Pracha Hariraksapitak and Patpicha Tanakasempipat

| BANGKOK

BANGKOK The death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej will not affect plans to hold a general election in 2017, media reported on Monday, dismissing speculation that the military government would delay the poll as the country enters a year of mourning.Thais continued to flock from across the country to the Grand Palace in Bangkok to pay their respects to the king, a beloved father figure who died on Thursday after seven decades on the throne.Officials said they expected tens of thousands every day at the palace and, with so many arriving in Bangkok from the provinces, the city administration has ordered youth centres and public gyms to provide free accommodations.The death of the world's longest-reigning monarch had raised questions over whether the junta would delay elections paving the way for a return to civilian rule. However, the Bangkok Post newspaper reported the poll would proceed as planned."The government has reaffirmed its commitment to following the roadmap for general elections scheduled for late next year," the newspaper said.Weerachon Sukondhapatipak, a spokesman for the military government, declined to comment."This is not the time to discuss politics," he told Reuters.The government has stressed since the king's death that the economy and government will work as normal, and it has sought to dispel uncertainty over the succession.Thais voted overwhelmingly in August to accept a military-backed constitution, which critics say could enshrine military power for years to come.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam told reporters the constitution would be sent to the palace for approval - considered a formality - no later than early November."The crown will have 90 days to consider it," Wissanu said.King Bhumibol earned the devotion of Thais for his efforts to help the rural poor, including agricultural development projects. He was also seen as a stabilising figure in a country often racked by political turmoil.FEAR FOR THE FUTURE

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is expected to be the new king but he does not command the same adoration his father earned over a lifetime on the throne.The head of the royal advisory council will stand in as regent for an unspecified period until the crown prince is invited by parliament to become king, Wissanu told reporters on Saturday. The prince's formal coronation will take place after the king has been cremated following a year of mourning, he said.The Thai baht and the stock market, which fell sharply last week as investors worried about the country's stability after King Bhumibol, were stable on Monday."We think that market volatility will ease as the government continues to communicate clearly and cautiously to the public on how the transition will be, and reaffirms that general elections will continue under the roadmap," Pimonwan Mahujchariyawong, deputy managing director of Kasikorn Research Center, said.

Media have stuck to rigorous reporting guidelines since the king's death, and strict lese-majeste laws that forbid insults to the monarchy have discouraged discussion of the succession.On social media, however, some Thais voiced anxiety. "I'm afraid for only one thing: Thailand's future," @SABENZZ said in a post on Twitter.The government has heightened censorship of foreign media since the king died. Coverage on Thailand by BBC World television was repeatedly blocked over the weekend.Thailand's foreign ministry in a note at the weekend criticised foreign journalists' coverage, describing some reports as "manipulative and provocative".The cabinet has asked that "festivities" be avoided for 30 days and requested people to wear black during this period.Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said he had asked garment manufacturers to accelerate production of black shirts and other clothes, and the finance ministry said state banks would cover the cost of producing 8 million black T-shirts. (Additional reporting by Amy Sawitta Lefevre, Andrew R.C. Marshall, Aukkarapon Niyomyat and Panarat Thempgumpanat; Writing by John Chalmers. Editing by Nick Macfie and Bill Tarrant.)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Doina Chiacu

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON Republican candidate Donald Trump said on Monday he expected widespread voter fraud in the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election, ramping up his warning of a rigged election without providing any evidence and despite numerous studies that show the electoral system is sound.Trump has tried to whip up fears of a flawed election as he has fallen back in opinion polls against Democrat Hillary Clinton. He has also strongly denied allegations from multiple women that he sexually assaulted or otherwise behaved inappropriately with them."Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!" Trump said on Twitter on Monday.Trump, a New York businessman making his first run for public office, has worried a number of Republicans over his allegations of election fraud. Some of them have urged Trump to show proof publicly or drop the assertions. Early voting and voting by mail have already begun in many states.While Trump's vice presidential running mate, Mike Pence, and his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, have tried to reshape the candidate's comments as being aimed at an unfair news media, Trump's own words have targeted the legitimacy of the election system.Even after Pence said in a televised interview on Sunday that Trump would accept the results of next month's election, Trump tweeted that the "election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD." Trump has tried to portray Clinton, a former U.S. senator and secretary of state, as a corrupt lifelong politician who is vested in preserving the status quo. His campaign pounced on the release Monday of FBI documents that cited an FBI official as saying a senior State Department official sought to pressure the bureau in 2015 to drop its insistence that an email from Clinton's private server contained classified information. Clinton's decision to use a private server while secretary of state from 2009-13 has drawn criticism that she was careless with national security.

REPUBLICANS COUNTER FRAUD CHARGES

The country's top elected Republican, House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, has tried to counter Trump's message about election fraud. Spokeswoman AshLee Strong said on Monday that Ryan "is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity." Ryan last week distanced himself from Trump, saying he was going to focus his election campaign efforts on trying to preserve the Republican majorities in Congress.Since then, Trump has repeatedly sent out remarks via Twitter slamming Ryan.In the traditionally closely fought state of Ohio, the top elections official, a Republican, said concerns about widespread voter fraud were simply not justified.

"I can reassure Donald Trump: I am in charge of elections in Ohio and they're not going to be rigged, I'll make sure of that," Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted told CNN. Numerous studies have shown that voter fraud in U.S. elections is very rare, according to the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law. In a report titled "The Truth About Voter Fraud," the centre cited voter fraud incident rates between 0.00004 percent and 0.0009 percent.An August study by The Washington Post found 31 credible cases of impersonation fraud out of more than 1 billion votes cast in elections from 2000 to 2014. Arizona State University studies in 2012 and 2016 found similarly low rates."Despite this overwhelming evidence, claims that voter fraud is rampant consistently garner media attention, because perceived threats to electoral integrity  even those with no basis in fact  frighten voters by striking at the core of our democracy," Brennan Center counsel Jennifer Clark wrote in a blog last month.

"NOT RIGGED"

Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook said Trump's assault on the voting system was an act of desperation."He knows he's losing and is trying to blame that on the system. This is what losers do," Mook told reporters. "Its not true. The system is not rigged."The RealClearPolitics average of national opinion polls shows Clinton currently leading Trump by 5.5 percentage points, at 47.7 percent support to his 42.5 percent.In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest was asked if he was concerned about voter fraud. "Not at all," he said. "Neither is Mike Pence ... neither is Paul Ryan."Earnest listed states that he said would be key in the presidential election and that have Republican governors, including Georgia, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana and Iowa."Presumably all those governors have confidence in the ability of their states to manage these elections fairly," Earnest said. We have seen these kind of suggestions in the past but any time there's been an effort to actually conduct a study and investigate suggestions of widespread voter fraud there's never been evidence to substantiate it." (Additional reporting by Luciana Lopez and Jonathan Allen in New York, Susan Heavey and Susan Cornwell in Washington; Editing by Frances Kerry and Leslie Adler)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
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Southern Adventist University invites the public to celebrate the institutions 100th year in Collegedale, Tn.

A fall festival and centennial celebration will be held on Sunday, Oct. 30, from 2-5 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park in Collegedale.



The free event will feature many activities for all ages, including live music, games, gymnastics performances, food vendors, and an antique car show.



Southern, founded in 1892 in Graysville, Tn., first moved to Collegedale in 1916. Then known as Southern Training School, the college enrolled 57 students that first year in Collegedale. Now the school is a nationally accredited university with nearly 3,000 students pursuing degrees ranging from associate to doctoral.



Ranked Top Tier by U.S. News & World Report for 15 consecutive years, Southern was named a top ten institution for Best Value in Tennessee.

In case of poor ground conditions, the festival will be moved to the Collegedale Community Churchs parking lot at 9305 Four Corners Place in Collegedale. If rain persists, the event will be cancelled.

For more information about this event, contact Ben McArthur at 423-236-2418.
Lenovo launched the Z2Plus, successor of last years ZUK Z1 in India last month exclusively on Amazon.in starting at Rs. 17,999. This was originally introduced in China as ZUK Z2 back in May. With a 5-inch 1080p screen, Snapdragon 820 processor and a unibody glass and metal design, the specifications of the phone look good on paper. Let us dive into the review to find out whether that impressive specifications translate to an impressive all round performance in real life as well.

Unboxing

We unboxed the smartphone recently, check out the video below.

Box Contents

Lenovo Z2 Plus smartphone in Black color

2-pin charger (5V-2A)

USB Type-C cable

SIM ejector tool

Matte Black Stealth Case (Worth Rs. 699)

User manual

Display, Hardware and Design

The ZUK Z1 had a 5.5-inch 1080p screen, the successor has a slightly smaller 5-inch 1080p LTPS 2.5D curved glass screen with a pixel density of about 441 ppi (pixels per inch). It also has Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. The display is glossy and is prone to fingerprints. The display is bright, colors are vibrant, viewing angles and the sunlight legibility are good as well. With a 5-inch screen, it has about 70% screen-to-body ratio, so it is really compact to use for one-handed usage.

There is an earpiece above the display along with an 8-megapixel camera with 1.4m pixel size, f/2.0 aperture and 78.9-degree wide viewing angle. It is pretty good for selfies and video chats. There is also a tiny notification LED on the right side of the earpiece that glow in white color. Apart from the usual set of proximity and ambient light sensors, it also has gyroscope and magnetic sensor otherwise known as magnetometer.

It has a home button below the display that also houses a fingerprint sensor. But it doesnt have capacitive touch buttons, so you have to use on-screen buttons. We will discuss about the fingerprint sensor and the customizable home button later.

The phone has a metal frame and is 8.45mm thick. The volume rockers, power button and the SIM slot are present on the right side. The 3.5mm audio jack, primary microphone, USB Type-C port and the loudspeaker grill are crammed on the bottom.

You need to use the bundled SIM ejector tool to remove the SIM slot that fits two nano SIMs in a single tray. The phone doesnt have a microSD card slot, which might be a problem since for most since the phone comes in 32GB and 64GB storage options to fulfill the storage needs.

On the back there is a 13-megapixel camera along with single LED flash and a secondary microphone.

The phone has a glossy glass back so it is prone to fingerprints. It also comes in white color in which the fingerprints are not visible. Even though the sides of the phone are not slippery, the back is quite slippery so it is recommended to use the bundled Stealth Case that also protects the sides of the phone. The phone is 141.65mm tall and 68.88mm wide that is slightly more compact compared to the Xiaomi Mi 5 with a slightly bigger 5.15-inch screen. It weighs just 149 grams even though it packs a huge 3500mAh battery.

There is a Lenovo branding on the bottom part of the back. The ZUK Z2 had a ZUK branding on the back. According to Lenovo that phone has a roll cage design that doesnt damage the internals when the phone falls. Overall the phone has a good build quality.

Camera

The Z2 Plus has a 13-megapixel rear camera with ISOCELL Sensor, f/2.2 aperture, PDAF and CAF auto focus, 1.34um pixels single LED flash and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera with 1.4um pixels and f/2.0 aperture.

The camera UI is simple with option to toggle flash, HDR, video camera, front camera and view images. Settings option lets you switch to slo-mo mode, time-lapse, choose aspect ratio (1:1 and 4:3) and panorama. You can also choose grid and location from the settings. It lacks RAW (.DNG) shooting and also doesnt have manual mode. You cant even control the exposure and white balance.

Coming to the image quality, daylight shots are good with all the details. HDR shots are good as well, but sometimes it is hard to focus for macro shots even with PDAF and CAF options, otherwise it takes less than a second to focus. Images with flash are good since it is not over powering but low-light shots are poor and have a lot of noise.

Check out some camera samples (Click the image for full resolution sample)

Front Camera

It can record videos at 4K resolution at 30 fps. Videos have good details and the audio is crisp, thanks to the secondary microphone. It has slow motion video recording at 120 fps, 240 fps and 960 fps at 720p. It just reduces the frame rate from the original video, so the quality is not that good. It doesnt have OIS and only has EIS, which is software stabilization.

Check out the 4K and 120 fps slow motion video samples.

Check out the complete set of Lenovo Z2 Plus samples here.

Software, UI and Apps

The smartphone runs on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) with Lenovos own ZUI 2.0 on top. The Indian version comes with the Google Now launcher compared to the default launch of ZUI, but still the settings and the other things are same. Lenovo has not announced its Android 7.0 (Nougat) roadmap yet.

One of the main drawbacks in the ZUI is that the notifications do not expand, so you cant delete an email or reply to a WhatsApp message directly from the notification.

It also doesnt have quick settings in the drop-down notification like the other Android phones, you will have to swipe from the bottom of the screen to launch the quick switch panel that shows 8 icons in two screens. You can also replace with other icons from the settings. This needs some time getting used to.

The U-Touch home button is highly customizable from the settings. You can touch it once to back, press to go to homescreen and double press to view recent apps history. You can also slide it left or right for multitasking. You can also customize the home button to make it go to sleep, view app history, open notification centre or launch any particular app when you press home button twice, long press the home button or long touch the home button. This doesnt work when the screen is off since the home button houses the fingerprint sensor. You can set it to open an app by swiping left or right.

In the 4GB RAM variant with 64GB storage, you get 3.7GB of usable RAM and 52.86GB of storage out of the box. You really cant see the free RAM in the ZUI. It uses SanDisks i7232 NANDflash storage with SmartSLC architecture for faster data transfer.

Other than the usual set of utility apps and Google apps, it comes pre-loaded with 9Apps, Amazon, Hasoffer, Hotoday and Superb Clean.

It also has U Health app that keeps track of your steps, calories burnt and distance. You need to input age, height and weight, and it calculates BMI and recommends a daily goal of steps. The trends tab lets you view steps, active time and active burn based on day, week, month or year.

It uses a dedicated sensor processing unit (SPU) to monitor these. If you dont have a fitness band, you can rely on this to use it as activity tracker since this can clearly distinguish between a walk, run and commute.

Fingerprint Sensor

The fingerprint sensor is present below the display. Placement of the sensor below the display is good for a compact phone since it can be used easily when holding the phone. It is quick to unlock the phone most of the times as soon as you place your finger on the sensor and offers haptic feedback if detects a wrong fingerprint. It unlocks the phone even when the screen is off, so you dont need to unlock the phone for the fingerprint recognition to work. You can add up to 5 fingerprints.

Lenovo says that this has a self-learning algorithm that detects irregularities (skin peel, wound, dry skin, etc.) and adjusts accordingly. It also says that it has CAC algorithm to unlock wet and oily fingers, but it doesnt detect if the finger is too wet.

Music Player

Google Play Music is the default music player for playback and it also has an equalizer, but it lacks FM Radio. It can play 1080p Full HD videos smoothly. The bottom-facing speaker is good, but it could have been better. Audio through third-party earphones is good as well.

Calling and Messaging

The dialer and messaging apps are stock, so you dont find any difference. You can choose either SIMs when calling or sending SMS. We did not face any issues or call drops. The earpiece is loud enough, even though it is small.

Dual SIM and Connectivity

It has Dual SIM option in the settings that lets you customize each SIM cards. It has 4G connectivity with support for LTE bands for India and also supports VoLTE (Voice-over-LTE) out of the box. Both the SIM slots have 4G support, but you can use 4G on only one SIM at a time, while the other goes to 2G. Other connectivity options include, WiFi 802.11 ac (2.4GHz + 5GHz), Bluetooth 4.1 and GPS. It also has USB OTG (on-the-go) support, but lacks NFC support.

Performance and Benchmarks

It is powered by a Quad-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 64-bit 14nm processor that has two custom Kryo cores clocked at 2.15GHz per core and two smaller Kryo cores are clocked at 1.59GHz per core. It has 624 MHz Adreno 530 GPU and 4GB LPDDR4 RAM. The performance is good without any lags. We tested several games, which were smooth and graphics is also good. The phone gets heated quickly during intensive gaming and when using the camera, even though the company says that it has good thermal management. Check out some synthetic benchmark scores.

AnTuTu Benchmark 6

It scored 129827 points in the AnTuTu Benchmark 6 and lies above the Galaxy S7.

Vellamo 3 MultiCore

It managed to clock 3357 points in the Vellamo 3 MultiCore benchmark.

It managed to score 5111 points in the Geekbench 3 Multi-Core benchmark.

GFXBench 3.0 Manhattan (On screen)

It clocked 48 fps or 2967 frames in the GFXBench 3.0 Manhattan OnScreen benchmark.

3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited

It scored 29741 points in the 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited GPU benchmark. Check out the complete set of Lenovo Z2 Plus benchmark scores here.

Battery life

The Z2 Plus packs a 3500mAh built-in battery, slightly smaller than the ZUK Z1s 4100mAh battery. With average use it lasts easily for 2 days, with heavy use such as gaming, 4G and music playback, it lasts for a day mainly due to small screen and good battery management. You can enable battery saver to extend the battery life when the battery is low. Even though it doesnt come with quick charger in the box, it has Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 that can charge the phone fully in less than 1 and half hours. The phone gets heated when using the charger, which is common in fast charging.

Lenovo says that it has intelligent charge cut (ICC) off feature which intelligently prevents unnecessary charge cycles extending the battery life.

In our battery test the Lenovo Z2 Plus achieved a One Charge Rating of 13 hours and 54 minutes, which is good compared to the ZUK Z1 that achieved rating of 14 hours and 41 minutes even with a 4100mAh battery, but it less than the One Charge Rating of Xiaomi Mi 5 that has a rating of 18 hours and 19 minutes. Check out the complete set of battery test results here.

Conclusion

Lenovo has priced the second-generation ZUK smartphone competitive at a starting price of Rs. 17,999, similar to its predecessor. The Lenovo Z2 Plus comes as the first choice under Rs. 20,000 for those who are looking for a compact smartphone that is powerful, offers good battery life and has a good build quality. The fingerprint sensor is fast, but it has minor heating issues. One of the main drawbacks is the poor low-light camera performance and lack of manual control.

If you need a better camera with OIS, manual camera mode and an Infrared sensor, the close competitor is the Xiaomi Mi 5 that usually gets a temporary price cut during festive sales.

The Lenovo Z2 Plus is currently available exclusively from Amazon.in. To summarize, here are the pros and cons of the smartphone.

Pros

Good display

Good performance

Good build quality

Fingerprint sensor is fast

Good battery life

Cons

Gets heated occasionally

Average Low-light camera performance
Samsung has launched CFG70 quantum dot curved monitor. Unveiled at IFA 2016 in September, the monitor comes in 24-inch and 27-inch models.

Samsung claims the monitor provides accurate colors across a 125 percent sRGB spectrum with a 3,000:1 contrast ratio. The display features 1800R curvature and a uniform 178-degree wide viewing angle. The monitor comes integrated with AMD FreeSync technology that allows for synchronization of the screens 144 Hz refresh rates with users AMD graphics cards to minimize input latency, image tearing and stutter. The CFG70 features a gaming interface with intuitive settings and a series of hotkeys on the front and back of the display for easy adjustment of gameplay settings.

The CFG70 produces a 1 ms moving picture response time (MPRT) which reduces display transitions between moving and animated objects thereby eliminating potential visual distractions. It is compatible with the FPS, RTS, RPG and AOS genres.

Seog-gi Kim, Senior Vice President, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics said,

With the introduction of quantum dot technology to our pioneering curved monitors, Samsung offers a look into the future of gaming, along with a level of picture quality like the industry has never seen before. The CFG70 makes gamers feel as if they are part of the action, and represents Samsungs most powerful and visually-compelling curved monitor to date.

The Samsung CFG70 quantum dot curved gaming monitor has been launched globally. There is no word on pricing and availability.

Source
Vodafone India has created a 62 ft 5.5 inch by 40ft 1 inch (2503.53 sq ft or 232.32 sq mtr) paper recharge voucher in Agra. The telecom operator has created a Guinness World Record with this initiative.

Vodafone says it has created the huge paper recharge voucher to celebrate the assortment of offers available through paper recharges of varied denominations. This achievement by Vodafone UP-West, was certified by Swapnil Dangarikar, Adjudicating Officer, Guinness World Records.

Dillip Kumar Ganta, Business Head- UP-West, Vodafone India said,

We have made significant investments on ramping up our network in UP West and Uttarakhand for Vodafone SuperNet, Vodafones best network ever. With Vodafone SuperNet our customers in cities, towns and villages in the circle can remain confidently connected with their loved ones at all times through voice and mobile internet. UP West has a significant pre-paid base and it has been our endeavour to ensure our basket of offerings cater to the unique needs and usage patterns of different customer categories. Creating the worlds largest voucher is one way of highlighting this customer centricity and reflects our dedication to provide best services to the stakeholders.
It's not often a company lowers its full-year organic revenue guidance but increases its EPS guidance, but that's exactly what happened with Illinois Tool Works (ITW -0.24%) when it last gave results in July. In short, the company's stock-price performance has trumped its peers' thanks to its ability to expand margin.

Can the stock keep up its impressive run? With the earnings release coming up on Oct. 20, let's look at what the company needs to do.

Pressure building on Illinois Tool Works stock

As we shall see shortly, the company's performance in 2016 has exceeded expectations. After a rough period at the end of 2015, in which full-year 2015 earnings guidance was cut, management has flipped the script in 2016 and raised its 2016 guidance twice in the past two quarters.

That said, the stock's price appreciation has now left it looking absolutely and relatively expensive. It's now more expensive than 3M Company (MMM -0.64%), a stock it historically trades at a discount to. In short, the pressure is on Illinois Tool Works to deliver in the third quarter.

Food equipment and construction solid

The company reports out of seven segments. The following chart shows organic revenue growth for each segment in the first two quarters of 2016. Food equipment tends toward relatively stable growth -- organic revenue growth has ranged between 2% and 5% in every quarter for the past three years. Similarly, construction looks set to do well. The segment has reported at least 3% organic revenue growth in the past five quarters. In addition, Alcoa (AA) recently affirmed its expectation for the global construction industry to grow 4% to 6% in 2016.

3 things to look out for

The most important drivers of Illinois Tool Works' stock price will probably be its automotive, welding, and test and measurement and electronics segments. The latter two have been the most problematic in recent times. In fact, in the last quarter the full-year organic revenue growth target was reduced to a range of 1% to 2%, compared with 1% to 3% previously, because of negative market conditions in the welding segment.

Meanwhile, test and measurement has only just returned to organic revenue growth.

There are three key things to focus on.

First, welding's weakness is related to the slowdown in energy and heavy industry capital spending. The bad news is that stocks across the industrial sector continue to disappoint with their energy-related earnings. To pick just three companies, 3M Company reduced expectations earlier in the year, largely as a consequence of weakness in its electronics and energy segment, while General Electric Company and Dover Corp. have also reduced expectations because of weak oil and gas-derived revenue.

Second, automotive has been a strong area for the company, but Alcoa's recent full-year guidance for automotive production suggests North American production will grow less than previously expected, while China is expected to grow more than previously thought. If it's an accurate forecast, then there could be some consequences for automotive suppliers such as Illinois Tool Works -- the automotive segment generated 47% of its revenue from North America in 2015.

Third, test and measurement and electronics needs to confirm that it's back to growth after a period of cyclical weakness. The segment's margin expansion has been impressive, but as the preceding chart indicated, it's only recently gotten back to organic revenue growth.

Where next for Illinois Tool Works?

The stock's valuation is a reflection of the good work management has done to expand margin in the face of moderate growth conditions. However, in the next set of results the company needs to convince the market that the automotive segment's current growth rate is sustainable. Meanwhile, indications from other companies suggest that its welding segment could disappoint again.

All told, the stock's valuation is now putting a lot of pressure on management to deliver, and any disappointment could to lead to significant downside pressure.
Rogers Communications (RCI -0.57%) reported its third-quarter results a couple of days earlier than expected after announcing an unexpected CEO transition. The company said that Guy Laurence was stepping down as CEO effective immediately, with the current board chairman, Alan Horn, stepping into the role on an interim basis. The company has already appointed a successor in former Telus (TU -1.32%) CEO Joe Natale, who will transition into the role as soon as he is available. Because of the abrupt CEO change, Rogers Communications released its third-quarter results early to alleviate any questions about the quarter in light of the transition.

Rogers Communications results: The raw numbers

Metric Q3 2016 Actuals Q3 2015 Actuals Growth (YOY) Revenue $3.49 billion $3.38 billion 3.2% Adjusted operating profit $1.39 billion $1.35 billion 3% Adjusted earnings per share $0.83 $0.92 (9.8%)

What happened with Rogers this quarter?

Rogers' wireless division continues to drive growth.

Rogers' wireless segment delivered its best revenue performance and subscriber additions since 2010. Overall, revenue was up 3%, to more than $2 billion, while adjusted operating profit edged up 1%, to $884 million. Strong subscriber growth and the continued adoption of the company's Share Everything plans drove growth during the quarter.

The cable segment delivered its best net subscriber additions since 2011, adding 30,000 net subscribers, primarily from new internet customers. That said, cable revenue still declined by 1%, to $865 million, due to continued cord-cutting by TV customers. However, offsetting the decline in revenue was a 5% drop in operating expenses, which resulted in adjusted operating profit rising by 4%, to $431 million.

Rogers' business solutions segment was stable during the quarter, with revenue up 1%, to $95 million, while adjusted operating profit was flat at $31 million.

The company's media segment was strong with revenue rising 13%, to $533 million, while adjusted operating profit jumped 36%, to $79 million. Driving this growth was higher sports-related revenue, due in part to the success of the Toronto Blue Jays.

While the company's adjusted operating profit rose 3%, net income slumped 9.5%, or 9.8% on a per-share basis. Driving this decline were higher investment-related expenses due to the wind-down of the company's Shomi investment, which was its streaming-service joint venture with Shaw Communications SJR 2.97% ) Netflix NFLX -1.30% )

What management had to say

Given the current CEO transition, Rogers' management did not offer its usual commentary on the quarter. Instead, it provided some comments on Joe Natale, the soon-to-be CEO. The press release noted that Natale is a "highly respected executive" who is "well known to the Canadian telecommunications industry, bringing many years of experience to the company." During his time with Telus, the company maintained one of the highest growth rates as well as some of the best operating metrics in the industry. In addition, he was one of the key players behind Telus' "customer first" strategy.

That said, Natale's role as CEO at Telus was short-lived. He assumed the top spot in May 2014 before stepping down the next August citing that residing in Western Canada did not work for his family as he preferred living in Toronto, where he is deeply involved in the community. As part of that transition, Natale signed a non-compete agreement, which is why he is not immediately available to assume the CEO role at Rogers.

Looking forward

Despite the abrupt leadership change, the company will continue to move forward on the current initiatives of its Rogers 3.0 plan, which it implemented to restart growth and improve the customer experience. That latter aim is a strong suit of Natale's, and Rogers' management hopes he can replicate his success at Telus.
The global, multi-disciplinary challenge sees teams of students aged 9 to 19 deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature compressed air-powered balsa wood F1 cars.

The opening day of this years competition saw race times tumbling, with four teams going under a second. Australians Fast Payce were the first to challenge the world record of 0.977s - set by USA team, Union Racing International, last year - with 0.978s. Later in the day Infinite Racing from Greece were overjoyed when they broke it with a run of 0.942s. However, their jubilation was short-lived, as less than an hour later Infinitude blasted their car down the track for a new benchmark.

We hoped to break the record, but certainly didnt expect to do it by that much, said 16-year-old Nicole Kascak, Team Manager of Infinitude. The car had not been tested properly with the correct bearings and everything else, so we had no clue how wed do or where we would end up. I think our catamaran design style and our innovative extended canister housing which no one has done before are the two key factors that have given us the edge.

Andrew Denford, Founder and Chairman, F1 in Schools, said of the racing action: Its been a very special day in the history of F1 in Schools, as weve never had 11 race runs under one second. It was only a year ago that the world record ducked under a second and this year, its been broken twice already, with four teams cracking the one second barrier. I thought the honours were with Greece today, but then Australia pipped them to the record. Well done to the Aussies!

The 2016 F1 in Schools World Finals continues until Wednesday, with 39 teams from 23 countries participating. For more information on the competition, click here.
If you read the media reports, youd think Wells Fargos outgoing CEO, John Stumpf, robbed the company blind and escaped with a whopping exit package: Disgraced Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf set for $134M exit. Wells Fargo CEO walks with $130 million. Wells Fargo CEO Stumpf retires with $134M.

The Wall Street Journal actually pegs the figure at $120 million, but thats neither here nor there.

To say the headlines are overwrought and the rhetoric has reached lynch mob-like proportions, is putting it mildly. Everyone I talk to is ready to brand this guy a white collar criminal of the Jeff Skilling or Bernie Ebbers variety.

While I hate to put a damper on everyones favorite pastime of piling on the big bad corporate villain, many of the facts are being misrepresented by a click-hungry media that feeds off of executive train wrecks.

Regardless of the actual sum, Stumpfs long-term compensation is neither retirement nor severance pay. It isnt a golden parachute or an exit package. Rather, its the value of Stumpfs stock, pension and 401K accumulated over 34 years with the bank and Northwestern National Bank, where he worked prior to their 1998 merger.

For the vast majority of his tenure, Stumpf was a senior executive and for nine years the CEO of one of the worlds biggest banks. Considering how many CEOs earn more than that in a year (David Zaslav of Discovery Communications made $156 million in 2015 alone), $120 million for 34 years of service is not extraordinary.

Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren, who called for Stumpfs head during his little trip to Capitol Hill, tweeted that he is leaving with all of his ill-gotten millions. While none of us should expect Congress to pass up a golden opportunity to grandstand and gloat over a fallen CEO, it would help if their accusations were true.

In my view, not a penny of the $120 million in question appears to be ill-gotten.

On the contrary, Stumpf has voluntarily forfeited all of his unvested equity awards, valued at $41 million, as well as his 2016 bonus and salary. In addition, the vast majority of his long-term compensation  about $100 million in stock  already includes a drop in share value of about $25 million since the scandal hit.

Do the math. Stumpf has lost at least one third of the $200 million or so he would have walked away with had none of this happened. And according to a PwC analysis reported by the Journal, roughly 2% of the new accounts issued during the timeframe in question were fake, so their impact on Stumpfs compensation were negligible.

In other words, any ill-gotten gains have since been wiped out, and then some.

Of course Stumpf should hold himself accountable for what occurred on his watch, but contrary to media reports, by voluntarily stepping down and relinquishing at least $45 million, he seems to have done that. Meanwhile the medias mischaracterizations go well beyond the former CEOs compensation.

In For John Stumpf, the Buck Stopped Where It Should Have, New York Times columnist James Stewart calls the Wells Fargo situation an example of corporate governance working the way it should. He says the board moved swiftly and decisively on the $41 million claw back and by securing [Stumpfs] resignation.

While Stewart is usually on the money when it comes to this sort of thing, in this case, I dont believe his conclusions are backed up by facts, at least as we know them today.

I have seen no evidence to support the implication that the board initiated either the claw back or Stumpfs resignation. In testimony before the House, Stumpf said the claw back was his own recommendation, and a Journal report confirmed that. And its been widely reported that Stumpf voluntarily stepped down. Nobody refutes that.

If were going to hold the man accountable for the misconduct and overly aggressive sales culture that he presided over, we should also give him credit when its due.

In a TV interview on Friday, Stewart said Wells Fargos leadership was slow to see this coming and isolated, like an echo chamber. I couldnt agree more, but that goes for the board, as well. From what I can see, both the executive team and the board terribly mishandled this crisis. The latter deserves neither a pass nor accolades.

The facts behind this train wreck are bad enough. Theres no need to embellish.
Image source: Getty Images.

It's that time of year to celebrate all things spooky as Halloween-lovers share ghost stories, tour haunted homes, and don frightful costumes. But on Wall Street, spooky talk isn't confined to October. Traders and bankers often employ a number of eerie terms throughout the year. Read on to learn a few...if you dare!

Dead cat bounce:When a black cat crosses your path, it might mean bad luck. But when you encounter a dead cat bounce, it might mean something good, albeit very fleeting: a temporary rise in share prices. One of the more grisly terms used by investment pros, a dead cat bounce refers to the momentary rebound in the price of a stock after a major decline. The phrase originates "from the facetious notion that even a dead cat would bounce slightly if dropped from a sufficient height," according toMerriam-Webster.

Death play:A rather insensitive term in Wall Street's lexicon, a death play refers to the strategy of buying or short-selling a stock with the expectation that the move will prove lucrative should a company executive die. Investors who believea sick CEO's death, for instance, would be devastating to a company's performance may decide to short a stock, while investors who think the subsequent change of management would be a good thing might buy.

Ghosting:Those who dress as ghosts for Halloween might cover themselves in bed sheets from head to toe, but those who participate in ghosting schemes on Wall Street engage in an entirely different cover-up. Ghosting describes collusion between firms that try to illegally (and secretly) manipulate a stock's price for their own benefit.

Graveyard market:Contrary to what the name might imply, a graveyard market is not a market for trading graveyards. Instead, it refers to bear markets in which investors can't sell their holdings without suffering large losses, while other investors, wary of the bear market, decide not to invest at all. As Barron's Dictionary of Finance and Investment Terms explains, "Like a graveyard, those who are in can't get out and those who are out have no desire to get in."

Phantom stock:One of the definitions of the word "phantom," according to theCambridge Dictionary, is "something that appears or seems to exist but is not real or imagined." That doesn't mean, however, that phantom stocks are imaginary stocks. It's a little more complicated than that. This term refers to a form of employee or executive compensation that is related to the value or performance of an employer's stock, but differs from conventionalequity compensation. As theNational Center for Employee Ownershipexplains, phantom stock is "simply a promise to pay a bonus in the form of the equivalent of either the value of company shares or the increase in that value over a period of time." That bonus may be paid out in cash or stock at a predetermined date, but an employee receives no stock at the outset, when he or she is initially enrolled in a phantom stock plan.

Witching:You may be forgiven for wondering if some sorceress had, indeed, cast a spell on the markets on the third Friday of every month, when many future and options contracts are set to expire. The raft of expirations tends to spur high volumes of trading, and these periods are known as "double witching," "triple witching," and "quadruple witching," depending on how many types of contracts -- stock options, stock futures, index options, or index futures -- are set to expire.

Zombie banks or zombie companies:These morbid terms describe companies that are insolvent and yet are somehow able to keep operating. The phrase was used widely during Japan's so-called "lost decade" when, in the 1990s, the country helped some unprofitable firms stay alive through bailouts and guarantees. Many companies that should have been liquidated were "too complex and costly for their lenders to shut down," theFinancial Timesexplains. "Hence they remained half-alive, poisoning the corporate world by silently spreading a sense of stagnation and fear." On the bright side, unlike their eponyms, zombie companies didn't munch on anyone's brains -- at least, not that we know of.

An Alert Investor is a smarter investor.

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Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Joe Magyer, the chief investment officer of Lakehouse Capital in Australia, joins Gaby Lapera to talk about Australian banks and real estate. Property is expensive, banks are highly leveraged, and they have unusually high valuations considering a few potential risk factors. They also chat about how to buy Australian stocks or funds. Watch this segment ofIndustry Focus: Financialsto learn more.

A full transcript follows the video.

A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here.

This podcast was recorded on Sept. 15, 2016.

Joe Magyer: Up until recently, Australian bankswhere the most expensive banks in the world. They're still very expensive. Why are they so expensive? Well, default rates have been incredibly lowin Australia. The country hasn't had arecession in 25 years. Just think about that. To an American, you're like, "What?! 25 years? That's crazy!" It'salmost the longest streak ever. Australians havea lot of confidence as a result of this. Just imaginehow different your life perspective would beif you had not seen a recession. You have professional investorswho are in their early 40s who have not seen a recession. It's a very different worldview.

Gaby Lapera:That's so wild.

Magyer:Yeah. So,I think the banks tend to make loanswith a little bit more of an optimistic view than American banksdo, andinvestors tend to value thema little bit more optimistically. So,I'm actually rather bearishon the Australian banks. It's not because I'm expecting some cataclysmic event. But there are a few things. One,net interest margins are getting squeezed --to get back to that thing I was saying you shouldn't pay too much attention to before. Default rates are near record lows. They won't stay that way. I don't know when exactly they'll pop, but they won't stay that way. The banks are also paying up around 75% of their income as dividends, which does not leave...

Lapera:75%?

Magyer:Yeah. The yields are huge, andeverybody loves that and gets excited about it. But that doesn't leave much room for error, when you're levered 15:1. All you need is a slight down-tipin your profit. When you magnify that,there won't be a lot of gravy left over for dividends.

Lapera:Yeah. If they're smart, they'll cut their dividend instead of trying to hold on. Is the real estate marketsubstantially different than it is here? I realize, at the center of the country...

Magyer:No one is there.

Lapera:No one super-duper lives there. Like some kangaroos. But is it a lot tighter as a result? Is housing super expensive? Is it D.C. levels or Iowa levels? Or is it somewhere in between?

Magyer:It's regional, but overall, it's very expensive. There was some work done by Jonathan Tepper and John Hempton in the past year, a couple of hedge fund managers. They went around and basically pretended to be interested in buying homes, and went to dozens ofdifferent banks to see what they could get lent. One bank was willing to lend them -- they were posing as a couple -- 10 times their income to buy a home. That's lofty.I personally don't think I could afforda mortgage that's 10 times my income, or buy a property that's 10 times my income.I just think, overall, it's not as extreme as the U.S. was in terms of loose lending standards, overall. No doc loans, or NINJA loans -- no income, no job -- those aren't really existing in Australia.

Still, prices are high,just like we saw with the dot-com bubble. Just because assets are freely traded,and there's nothing illegal going ondoesn't mean an asset can't get overvalued. I think there's probably risk in the Australian property market today. If you're buying Australian property with a five- to 10-year residential viewpoint, it'snot something I would stress about. But there's a lot of people -- something like one in seven Australians -- own an investment property. Which is a crazy concept in America.I certainly don't know one in seven people that own aninvestment property. And most of those are what's called negatively geared. Thatbasically means they're losing moneyon a cash flow basis month to monthin anticipation of getting it backin capital gains.(laughs)When I heard that, I was like, whoa! That's apretty foreign concept to Americanproperty investment as well.

Lapera:I mean,the things you're describing, while they're not quite as bad as they were during the financial crisis, are things that were happening during the pre-financial crisis.

Magyer:Yes.I remember, back then, it seemed likea surprising number of my friends were budding real estate moguls. And I was like, "Actually, no ... " It just seemed odd, at the time. Anyway. Overall,I think property is expensive,and there's some risk there to be mindful of. If you're thinking about buying the banks, which are super levered to that and don't have much wiggle room with their payouts, and rich valuations. So,overall, I'm not predicting a crash, I'm just saying thatI think the banks are basically priced as though everything will stay great. But there are many ways to lose. And I try to avoid situations like that.

Lapera:Fair enough.I think our listeners will haveone question after hearing all that. Not that they're going to go out and buy Australian banks, but, is there a way for U.S.investors to buy Australian stocks?

Magyer:Yes. You can do itdirectly. You can alsolook at Australian funds. It should be clear that I'm not actively touting our fund, whichdoesn't even exist yet. I'm just saying, broadly speaking,you can look at active management. You can also look at ETFs. The trouble with ETFs inAustralia, though, is that the market is super top-heavy. There's thebig banks, a couple big retailers, and commodity companies. Something like 10 companiesmake up almost half of the index. There's another 2,000 that make up the other half.

Among those,you've got companies that don't look anything like the big players. There're a lot of small, fast-growing software companies that aredeeply profitable, strong recurring revenue, great balance sheets. Those are the kinds of things I get into. So, you could look for active management,but to be honest,it's kind of difficult, straight up. You could go direct, but active management, you wouldwant to find a fund that's based here in the U.S. so you could make the investment. It's hard to invest in funds that are basedoutside of America, because then you run intowhat's called PFIC rules. That's a long story short.

Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Morrie Low, a 27-year-old Seattle cocktail server, has found an unlikely new source of pleasure: credit card companies.

After working off card balances he built up during college, Low started collecting new cards in May specifically to reap the increasingly lucrative travel awards banks are offering to encourage spending on their cards.

In August, Low snagged a new Sapphire Reserve card, from JPMorgan Chase & Co, which has become a magnet for millennials willing to pay the $450 annual fee for a sign-up bonus worth as much as $1,500 in travel, plus $300 in annual spending credits and more freebies.

Now Low is planning a trip to Germany with his girlfriend on JPMorgans dime. "I have never been to Europe, so that is something pretty cool about this hobby," he said.

The Reserve card opens up a new front in the war among banks to build up their lucrative credit card businesses. While it may be fun for customers, investors and analysts worry that battle will eat away the fat profit margins that made the sector so attractive to banks in the first place.

"You have five or six big national players and they are going around killing one another," said Chris Kotowski, an analyst at Oppenheimer & Co.

METAL CARDS RUN OUT

Low illustrates the problem. JPMorgan won't know if he will become a profitable customer for another year because the up-front rewards are so great. He may drop the Reserve card before the next annual fee. He has already acquired two more cards and now is spending on those to meet their requirements for more sign-up bonuses. And he doesnt intend to borrow on his cards. That could be bad for JPMorgan because credit card companies historically have made about three-fourths of their revenue from interest. The rest has come from fees, which are being whittled away by the rising costs of the givebacks.

Still, JPMorgan executives say they are thrilled that many more young people applied for the Reserve card than they ever expected. That's especially true with millennials - people who reached adulthood around 2000 - who are the next generation of depositors and borrowers. "It has been a huge success," said Kevin Watters, the bank's chief executive for cards. The bank so underestimated the demand that it quickly ran out of its initial stock of metal cards and had to resort to plastic for a while.

To make money from the card, JPMorgan has to have the right mix of customer spending, annual renewals and borrowing with repayments, said John Grund, a partner at card industry consulting firm First Annapolis. Marianne Lake, JPMorgans chief financial officer, declined to say how much card debt the bank needs customers to take on.

I am not going to give you the details of our business case, but I will tell you that we obviously have a lot of experience in a number of different (card) products, Lake told reporters on Friday after the bank posted results.

Historically, airline travel award cards have been successful, with about 50 percent of customers borrowing, said Grund. High-fee cards used by the wealthy have worked with less borrowing, but with less valuable incentives than the Reserve card.

CARD WAR

Like JPMorgan, Citigroup Inc also has been spending hundreds of millions of dollars to encourage additional spending and borrowing on its cards.

The other two banks among the four biggest in the United States, Bank of America Corp and Wells Fargo & Co, have also been looking for more card business, but less aggressively.

Citigroup intensified the card war last year by giving retailer Costco Wholesale Corp such a sweet deal for running its Costco card that it took the business from American Express Co, which said the winning terms were uneconomical.

Citigroup said on Friday that its Costco deal drove spending on its cards to $73 billion in the latest quarter, 57 percent higher than a year earlier. JPMorgan said spending on its cards rose 10 percent to $139 billion.

On Monday, Bank of America said spending on its credit cards was up 8 percent, adjusted for some divestitures late last year. The bank's chief executive, Brian Moynihan, told analysts that "one of the great debates we have in the company" is over giving up too much, or too little, in incentives on cards.

The banks do not report clear and mutually comparable figures for actual profits from cards. But executives say cards are among the most profitable of any business, with returns on equity of as much as 25 percent, about twice banks' recent overall return.

Citigroup's Costco deal fueled a round of concessions by banks to renew contracts with other retailers, hotel and airline companies for co-branded cards. JPMorgans new deals with Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, online retailer Amazon.com and others, for example, will cut revenue by about $900 million annually, the bank said earlier this year.

Now, with the Reserve card, JPMorgan has fundamentally changed the calculus for what makes a premium credit card, said Sean McQuay, who tracks card offers at online personal finance website NerdWallet.com. Citigroup, he said, needs to respond with more givebacks on its Prestige premium card.

Citigroup Chief Financial Officer John Gerspach disagrees. The Prestige card is already a strong offering, he told reporters on Friday. JPMorgan, he said, has a very attractive offer on the table right now. We will see whether or not that is sustainable.

Earlier this month, American Express increased rewards on its Platinum card, the traditional leader among high-fee cards. American Express spokeswoman Charlotte Fuller said the move was not a competitive response, but a coincidental improvement for customers.

PERSONAL REDEMPTION

The intense competition over card rewards has its roots in the financial crisis of 2008. Post-crisis reforms reduced the profitability of other businesses such as mortgages and capital markets trading, encouraging banks to turn to cards for profits. And, within that business, the reforms pushed banks from people with lower credit ratings toward creditworthy customers who respond to incentives.

And lately, the banks have had the means to bid more for customers because loan losses have declined to record lows.

At the same time, cardholders have become more savvy about working the incentives.

Ivan Drucker, a New York City-based consultant to Apple computer users, recently used awards from a strategically managed mix of credit cards to travel in luxury to Finland.

Drucker, 46, said he borrowed on cards at high rates in years past, but he's determined not to do it again.

"For me, there's personal redemption in this," Drucker said. "They got the better of me. Now I hope to turn those tables."

(Reporting by David Henry in New York; Editing by Bill Rigby and Meredith Mazzilli)
Embraer rolled out the first E190-E2 earlier this year. Image source: Embraer.

Whenever an aircraft manufacturer introduces a new model, it risks cannibalizing demand for its existing products. This is aggravated by the length of development cycles in the industry -- it usually takes more than five years for production of a new model to ramp up. As a result, maintaining stable production rates during model transitions is very challenging.

Boeing (NYSE: BA) has learned this lesson the hard way with its 777 aircraft program. While it had hoped to maintain production at 8.3 aircraft per month through the transition to the 777X, Boeing has been forced to reduce production to seven per month in 2017 due to slow sales. Many analysts believe that Boeing will have to cut production further in 2018 or 2019.

By contrast, Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) is doing an excellent job of transitioning from the first-generation E-Jets to the new E2-series models. It isn't getting any credit for this success, though. Embraer shares have lost half of their value in the past two years.

Embraer Stock Performance, data by YCharts.

A tough transition

After a stretch of slow sales, by late 2012, Embraer's backlog had fallen to its lowest level in more than six years. Many analysts were worried that it would have to drastically reduce production.

The company reeled in a boatload of orders from U.S. regional airlines during 2013. However, Embraer also launched the E2 series of its E-Jets product line during the year. The new versions will offer up to 24% improvements in fuel efficiency, which clearly could deter airlines from buying the outgoing model.

Maintaining a smooth transition was particularly essential for Embraer because the E-Jets are its only commercial aircraft family in production. By contrast, Boeing can fall back on its other models to offset slumping 777 production.

Embraer pulls a rabbit out of the hat

Impressively, Embraer has managed to land order after order for its current-generation E-Jets over the past three years. Most of its orders have come from U.S. regional airlines looking to refresh their fleets with the market-leading E175, but it has also received dozens of orders from airlines in Europe and Asia.

U.S. regional airlines have ordered hundreds of E175s since early 2013. Image source: Republic Airways.

Thus, there has been more than enough demand for Embraer to hold production steady. In fact, Embraer has been ramping up its commercial jet deliveries lately. After delivering 92 E-Jets in 2014, Embraer delivered 101 in 2015 and expects further growth in 2016 to 105-110 deliveries.

To win these orders, Embraer has had to offer bigger discounts, but it has hardly faced drastic pricing pressure. Its commercial aviation segment continues to earn double-digit margins: something that Boeing hasn't been able to deliver in recent memory.

Looking ahead to 2017, Embraer has already locked in nearly all of its production, although it will probably end up delivering somewhat fewer aircraft than in 2016. Embraer has also sold about 65% of its planned production for 2018, the last year for which E1-series planes are likely to represent the majority of its output.

Other headwinds are fading

Embraer's weak stock performance over the past two years can probably be traced to disappointments outside its commercial jet business. The executive jet market has been weak for years. Overproduction has led to severe pricing pressure, undermining profitability.

Meanwhile, revenue for Embraer's defense segment plunged last year, due to a combination of budget cuts in Brazil and the impact of the weak Brazilian real. Finally, Embraer recently took a $200 million charge to reflect the cost of settling a years-long corruption probe.

However, all of these problems should fade in the next year or two. Embraer recently reduced its workforce by about 9% through voluntary buyouts, which will help offset margin pressure in the executive jet and defense businesses. Additionally, Embraer's new KC-390 multi-role military plane should be ready for its first delivery in 2018, driving a return to growth for the defense segment.

As Embraer gets its other business segments back on track, the strength of its commercial aviation business should start to shine through. With 272 firm orders and another 400 options and letters of intent, Embraer's E2-series E-Jets are on their way to becoming a big success.

Embraer has almost completed the difficult step of lining up a smooth transition to the new generation of jets. Sooner or later, investors are bound to recognize this achievement.

A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here.

Adam Levine-Weinberg owns shares of Boeing and Embraer-Empresa Brasileira. The Motley Fool recommends Embraer-Empresa Brasileira. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Maven, a GM-owned car-sharing service, is now available in nine U.S. markets including -- as of this week -- San Francisco. Image source: General Motors.

General Motors (NYSE: GM) said this week that its car-sharing program, called Maven, has expanded into San Francisco. The service, launched in January, is now available in a total of nine markets.

What is Maven?

Maven is a GM-owned car-sharing service. It's similar to Zipcar in that it's a short-term car-rental service aimed at urban folks who might not own a car themselves.

How does it stack up against Zipcar and other services?

Like rivals, Maven members use a smartphone app to reserve and locate vehicles. But Maven takes advantage of GM's OnStar infrastructure to offer a somewhat more sophisticated and streamlined experience than Zipcar and other car-sharing competitors.

Unlike rivals that require that members carry a special card with a chip embedded, Maven members can use their smartphones to unlock the vehicles. Members can also use OnStar to help find a destination or extend the length of a reservation while driving.

Not surprisingly, Maven offers only GM vehicles. It's organized as a GM subsidiary, so it buys vehicles from GM and pays for their upkeep. GM gets the revenue from the vehicles as well as the profits from Maven's car-sharing business.

Where is it available?

Maven has grown quickly since its launch at the beginning of 2016. It's now available in Ann Arbor, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Washington, New York City -- and as of this past week, San Francisco.

Why is GM doing this?

Maven is one piece of a broader effort by GM to explore technology-enabled alternatives to traditional car ownership -- and to build businesses in the most promising areas.

Maven has a few different goals. First and most obviously, it gives GM a (fast-growing) presence in the profitable urban car-sharing business. Second, Maven helps expose young urban folks to GM's newest and most technically sophisticated products, including the latest Chevy Volt and (soon) the electric Chevy Bolt EV. The hope is that when those folks eventually move to the suburbs and buy their own vehicles, they'll be drawn to GM offerings.

Maven also helps support GM's substantial investment in ride-hailing start-up Lyft. Earlier this year, GM and Lyft began a program called Express Drive that offers Lyft drivers the ability to rent a suitable vehicle at a low weekly rate. That program is operated by Maven, and it's another way for GM to expose urban consumers to its latest and greatest products.

What does it mean for GM shareholders?

GM CEO Mary Barra has talked at length about GM's desire to "disrupt" its own business before new high-tech entrants can do so. Maven is one of several ongoing efforts by GM to put real, meaningful action behind those words.

For shareholders, it's good news: GM is moving more aggressively than many rivals to establish profitable beachheads in emerging alternatives to traditional car ownership. While GM doesn't currently report financial results for Maven separately, the initiative appears to be thriving.

Not all automakers will survive the wrenching changes that technological disruption will bring to the industry in coming years. Maven is one of several signs that GM is positioning itself to thrive as our idea of "personal mobility" evolves.

A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here.

John Rosevear owns shares of General Motors. The Motley Fool recommends General Motors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
It's not often a company lowers its full-year organic revenue guidance but increases its EPS guidance, but that's exactly what happened with Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW) when it last gave results in July. In short, the company's stock-price performance has trumped its peers' thanks to its ability to expand margin.

Can the stock keep up its impressive run? With the earnings release coming up on Oct. 20, let's look at what the company needs to do.

ITW data by YCharts.

Pressure building on Illinois Tool Works stock

As we shall see shortly, the company's performance in 2016 has exceeded expectations. After a rough period at the end of 2015, in which full-year 2015 earnings guidance was cut, management has flipped the script in 2016 and raised its 2016 guidance twice in the past two quarters.

That said, the stock's price appreciation has now left it looking absolutely and relatively expensive. It's now more expensive than 3M Company (NYSE: MMM),a stock it historically trades at a discount to. In short, the pressure is on Illinois Tool Works to deliver in the third quarter.

ITW EV to EBITDA (Forward) data by YCharts.

Food equipment and construction solid

The company reports out of seven segments. The following chart shows organic revenue growth for each segment in the first two quarters of 2016. Food equipment tends toward relatively stable growth -- organic revenue growth has ranged between 2% and 5% in every quarter for the past three years. Similarly, construction looks set to do well. The segment has reported at least 3% organic revenue growth in the past five quarters. In addition, Alcoa (NYSE: AA) recently affirmed its expectation for the global construction industry to grow 4% to 6% in 2016.

DATA SOURCE: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS PRESENTATIONS.

3 things to look out for

The most important drivers of Illinois Tool Works' stock price will probably be its automotive, welding, and test and measurement and electronics segments. The latter two have been the most problematic in recent times. In fact, in the last quarter the full-year organic revenue growth target was reduced to a range of 1% to 2%, compared with 1% to 3% previously, because of negative market conditions in the welding segment.

Meanwhile, test and measurement has only just returned to organic revenue growth.

DATA SOURCE: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS PRESENTATIONS.

There are three key things to focus on.

First, welding's weakness is related to the slowdown in energy and heavy industry capital spending. The bad news is that stocks across the industrial sector continue to disappoint with their energy-related earnings. To pick just three companies, 3M Company reduced expectations earlier in the year, largely as a consequence of weakness in its electronics and energy segment, while General Electric Company and Dover Corp. have also reduced expectations because of weak oil and gas-derived revenue.

Second, automotive has been a strong area for the company, but Alcoa's recent full-year guidance for automotive production suggests North American production will grow less than previously expected, while China is expected to grow more than previously thought. If it's an accurate forecast, then there could be some consequences for automotive suppliers such as Illinois Tool Works -- the automotive segment generated 47% of its revenue from North America in 2015.

Third, test and measurement and electronics needs to confirm that it's back to growth after a period of cyclical weakness. The segment's margin expansion has been impressive, but as the preceding chart indicated, it's only recently gotten back to organic revenue growth.

DATA SOURCE: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS PRESENTATIONS. BP = BASIS POINTS, WHERE 100 BP = 1%

Where next for Illinois Tool Works?

The stock's valuation is a reflection of the good work management has done to expand margin in the face of moderate growth conditions. However, in the next set of results the company needs to convince the market that the automotive segment's current growth rate is sustainable. Meanwhile, indications from other companies suggest that its welding segment could disappoint again.

All told,the stock'svaluation is now putting a lot of pressure on management to deliver, and any disappointment could to lead to significant downside pressure.

A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here.

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Taco Bell has a diverse morning menu. Image source:Mike Mozart, Flickr.

When Yum! Brands'(NYSE: YUM) Taco Bell launched its breakfast menu in 2014, it promoted the new offering with a series of ads poking fun at McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) even while it tried to cash in on the same morning diners flocking to Mickey D's.

Now the chain appears to be considering taking another page out of its rival's book by considering making its morning menu available all day. That would put items like the Breakfast Crunchwrap and the Grilled Breakfast Burrito on the chain's menu alongside its traditional lineup of tacos, burritos, and various Mexican-like products.

Going all day with breakfast would make sense for a chain that caters to a young clientele. In addition, Taco Bell has pushed the idea of a late-night fourth meal and breakfast would fit well in the late night, when the line between a late dinner and an early morning meal starts to blur.

What is Taco Bell doing?

The company has apparently been testing its breakfast menu all day at one location in Dallas, according to Grubgrade, which got tipped off by one of its readers. A test at a single restaurant, though, does not necessarily mean it plans to take the idea nationwide.

Still, all-day Taco Bell breakfast fits its clientele and would be in line with what many fast-food restaurants have done. Jack in the Box, for example, recently launched an all-day "Brunchfast" menu, featuring breakfast-like items, and Sonic already offers its morning menu all-day long.

Why would this be a good idea?

All-day breakfast has been at least partly responsible for McDonald's turning its fortunes around. It had the advantage that its customers had clamored for the change for literally decades. When the company finally added Egg McMuffins, Hotcakes, and other breakfast staples to its all-day menu, it was not only increasing selection but meeting pent-up demand.

During McDonald's second quarter, comparable sales in U.S. restaurants rose 1.8%, with all-day breakfast citedin itsearnings releaseas one of the things driving growth. That success has led the company to double down on the all-day offering going forward.

"McDonald's U.S. begins the second half of the year focused on adding more breakfast sandwich favorites -- Biscuits, McMuffins and McGriddles -- to the All Day Breakfast menu this fall," the company wrote. "This platform extension will be complemented by initiatives around core menu enhancements and restaurant operations designed to deliver an outstanding customer experience."

This makes sense for Taco Bell

While it may not have the same pent-up customer demand that pushed McDonald's to quick success, Taco Bell does have an audience that would almost certainly respond to all-day breakfast. The chain has marketed itself with a bit of a rule-breaker image, and while ignoring traditional dayparts is not all that rebellious anymore, it does firm up its image.

Offering more choice simply makes sense, and not having a cutoff time for selling certain items removes a pain point in the customer service process. Taco Bell may be early in the testing phase for all-day breakfast, but it should move forward with adding it across the country because it seems a sure thing to drive sales and might keep late-day breakfast seekers from patronizing its burger-based rival.

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Daniel Kline has no position in any stocks mentioned. He had an arepa with chorizo last weekend and thinks some chains need to add them to their menu. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Image source: Altria.

When Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD) announced that it would seek to buy rival beer-maker SABMiller, tobacco giant Altria Group (NYSE: MO) found itself in the middle of one of the largest mergers of all time. With its 27% stake in SABMiller, Altria needed to figure out the best way to maximize the value of the merger offer while still accomplishing its strategic goals of keeping a foothold in the beer industry. Eventually, the two companies agreed to a structure that Altria initially expected would give it a 10% to 11% stake in Anheuser-Busch, but as it turned out, the ownership interest that Altria ended up with was noticeably smaller at 9.6%. Let's look more closely at why the disparity existed and what it says about the nature of the overall deal.

The original structure

When Anheuser-Busch first started courting SABMiller, most investors focused on the all-cash offer for the beer maker. Back in November 2015, Anheuser-Busch offered 44 British pounds per SABMiller share. Less publicized was what Anheuser-Busch called the Partial Share Alternative, which at the time allowed investors to choose instead to receive about 3.78 British pounds as well as just less than 0.484 restricted shares of Anheuser-Busch for each SABMiller share. At the time, the Partial Share Alternative was worth only 41.85 British pounds, and so most of those following the stock assumed that no ordinary shareholders would accept the offer. Nevertheless, Anheuser-Busch built in a maximum number of shares eligible for the Partial Share Alternative, in order to limit the amount of new stock it would have to issue in the merger.

The Partial Share Alternative was appealing to Altria because it was structured to avoid generating capital gains tax on the sale as well as allowing Altria to retain a substantial stake in the post-merger beer giant. Based on the idea that only Altria and fellow major shareholder BEVCO would accept the Partial Share Alternative, the tobacco giant expected to end up with a roughly 10.5% stake in Anheuser-Busch.

Brexit and the British pound's collapse

However, by the time the merger received approvals from various regulatory agencies around the world, the economics of the two choices had changed. After the U.K. Brexit vote to leave the European Union, the British pound fell sharply, cutting the effective value of the cash offer in foreign-currency terms. To appease SABMiller shareholders, Anheuser-Busch boosted its cash offer to 45 British pounds per share, and the Partial Share Alternative got a cash boost to almost 4.66 British pounds, along with the same number of restricted shares.

However, the rising price of Anheuser-Busch shares made the Partial Share Alternative look more attractive. In late July 2016, Anheuser-Busch said that the Partial Share Alternative was worth 51.14 British pounds per share -- well above the 45 British pound cash offer.

Of course, the downside for regular investors was that they had to accept restricted Anheuser-Busch shares. These shares would not trade on a public stock exchange, and they would be subject to transfer restrictions until the fifth anniversary of the closing of the deal. At that time, shareholders will be able to convert their restricted stock into ordinary shares of Anheuser-Busch. The inability to make trades before the five-year period ended would give some investors a reason to accept the cash offer, even though it was worth less than the Partial Share Alternative.

The results

In the final tally, Anheuser-Busch said that enough ordinary shareholders had voted to take the Partial Share Alternative that it was oversubscribed, exceeding the maximum total number of shares eligible. As a result, the number of shares of restricted stock received by those making the Partial Share Alternative election was scaled down by just over 11%. That explains the smaller stake that Altria received, as well as the additional cash the tobacco giant got in lieu of those shares.

For Altria, the shortfall in Anheuser-Busch shares didn't have a huge impact. Altria still got two seats on the beer giant's board of directors, and it will still have a respectable economic interest in Anheuser-Busch going forward. Now, it's up to Anheuser-Busch to make sure that it can live up to Altria's expectations by producing even better profits than SABMiller did.

A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here.

Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The 15-year-old daughter of U.S. Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay was fatally shot in Kentucky on Sunday. A bullet struck her in the neck during an exchange of fire between two vehicles in a restaurant parking lot.

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke joined the FOX Business Networks Varney & Co. to discuss the incident and inner city crime.

My first question is where is Black Lives Matter in this? Where is the President in this? Whos saying anything about this disgraceful happening here? Varney asked.

This is a daily occurrence in the American ghetto all across America It doesnt fit the ugly narrative of the cop hating slime Black Lives Matter and thats why you dont hear anything about it Its a black on black crime, its a bigger threat in the American ghetto than any police officer will ever be, answered Sheriff Clarke.

On Sunday FBI Director James Comey commented on the police shooting epidemic, saying the lack of statistics are leading people to believe that biased police are killing men at epidemic rates.

Clarke responded, It a ridiculous statement by Director Comey The liberal mainstream media has shown sympathy for this ugly movement and they have become the platform for which these myths propaganda and lies are being told about the American police officer.
Medical Examiner: 15-Year-Old Boy Was Burned Alive In Homicide

By Stephen Gossett in News on Oct 17, 2016 7:54PM



Demetrius Griffin Jr. / Facebook

Demetrius Griffin Jr. was discovered on Sept. 17 in a burning receptacle at 5524 W. Cortez St. The cause of death was thermal injuries due to incendiary fire in a garbage can, and the manner was a ruled a homicide, Becky Schlikerman, Public Information Officer at Cook County Government, told Chicagoist in an email.

A determination took additional time because the case required further study in order to reach a conclusion.

Griffin was a freshman at Steinmetz High School, according to the Chicago Tribune. ABC7 reports that community pastors have offered a $7500 reward for information leading to an arrest. So far police have no one in custody.

"Community, I need your help, said Polly Sykes, Griffins mother, according to ABC7. They killed my baby out here in this alley. I need somebody. If you know something, please come forward. They took my life.


Mark Billingham spent 27 years in the SAS, fought in Iraq and won the Queens Commendation for Bravery after capturing an IRA sniper by using himself as bait.

But his toughest gig was not on the battlefield  it was guarding estranged Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Mark, known by his nickname Billy, was their eyes and ears for 18 months and became so close to their children he reckons he was their unofficial father.

MORE: Melissa Etheridge talks 'nasty' Angelina Jolie

Now he is entering the world of showbiz as a new instructor for the UK Channel 4s "SAS: Who Dares Wins," which is back tonight.

He joins Anthony Middleton, Jason Fox and Matthew Ollerton to put 25 civilians through an SAS selection test in the Ecuadorian jungle.

Its not for the faint-hearted, and one thing is for certain: Brad Pitt should not apply.

Billy, 51, says: Brad wouldnt last long because he wouldnt have any cream to put on his face.

It would be too sweaty and uncomfortable for him. Hes too pretty!

But Angie could do it. Shed probably be the only one with balls at the end. She would stick it out.

Channel 4 signed Billy after being impressed by his credentials.

His depth of experience also landed him the gig with Brangelina.

Billy admits: I was Brad and Angelinas head of security. The military set me up perfectly for what I did with them.

The biggest concern for them was the kidnapping of the kids, its all about money.

MORE: Chelsea Handler calls Angelina Jolie a 'lunatic'

Working with the Hollywood stars meant Billy grew close to the couples six children  Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne  and he was one of the few staff members they trusted to be around the family.

He recalls: Angie and Brad are very worried about who goes near their children.

It was clear from the start we had a great chemistry and they trusted me with the kids.

We got very close, I was living with them all the time.

I could take the kids anywhere I wanted to on my own. No one else was allowed to do that.

Even when I wanted to bring in extra people, they wouldnt let any of those near the kids.

They could look out for them from a distance but they couldnt physically touch them.

I took them swimming. I fathered them, basically.

Stalkers were another big issue for the A-listers.

Billy recalls one particularly hairy incident involving Angelina.

He explains: We had stalkers in Chicago and New York which I had to deal with.

Angie was filming in a crowd and everyones got smiles on their faces except for one guy. He looked angry.

A few days later we were coming off set and this guy came running down the road with photos to be signed.

Angie wanted to get out of the vehicle and do it but I said no.

I went and got the photos and took them to her. She was like, Wow, these are personal photos.

The guy ran off then reappeared days later near the hotel, so I got him arrested.

Hed been following Angie all over the States.

To me, it was a John Lennon classic. Whenever she was on her own in pictures, he was smiling

Then whenever she was with Brad, he had this angry look on his face.

Billy reveals he was more worried about people attacking Brad than Angelina, saying: People love her but hate him."

Read the full story at The Sun.
Children born to women who took antidepressants during pregnancy may have an increased risk of language and speech disorders, according to a new study from Finland.

In the study, children born to mothers who had depression and bought antidepressants at least twice during pregnancy were 37 percent more likely to develop speech or language disorders over the course of the 14-year study, compared with children born to women who had depression but did not buy any antidepressants during pregnancy, the researchers found.

These children were also 63 percent more likely to develop such problems than children born to mothers who did not have depression and did not buy antidepressants during pregnancy, the researchers found. (In some studies on antidepressant use, researchers look at data on people's purchasing of antidepressants because although they can't tell for sure whether a person actually took the medication, this is good approximation.) [7 Ways Pregnant Women Affect Babies]

The results may be one factor to consider when pregnant women with depression decide, together with their doctors, whether they should take antidepressants during pregnancy, said lead study co-author Dr. Alan Brown, a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center. "But I don't think it should be the sole factor," because there are other things to consider, too, he said.

Another factor, for example, is the severity of the woman's depression, Brown said. If a woman with depression has been feeling suicidal or has lost touch with reality, then the health risks linked to going off antidepressants might outweigh the potential benefits of discontinuing the medication, he said.

In the study, the researchers looked at more than 56,000 children born in Finland between 1996 and 2010, and followed up with them for up to 14 years. The researchers looked at how many of the children developed speech or language disorders or other developmental disorders during the study period. The researchers also looked at data on the health of the children's mothers, as well as demographic information.

Moreover, to take a look at the mothers' antidepressant use before and during pregnancy, the scientists analyzed information from Finland's drug reimbursement register, a database that contains information on all reimbursed prescription drug purchases in the country.

Of all the children in the study, nearly 15,600 (about 28 percent) were born to women who had depression and bought antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) while they were pregnant. SSRIs are commonly prescribed antidepressants that are believed to alter the levels of the chemical serotonin.

In addition, about 9,500 children (about 17 percent) in the study were born to women who had depression but did not purchase SSRIs during pregnancy. The remaining children, about 31,200 kids (about 55 percent), were born to mothers who did not have depression during pregnancy.

It turned out that, out of all the kids, those born to mothers who took SSRIs during pregnancy had the highest risk of developing speech or language disorders over the course of the study.

Among those children who did develop such disorders, the average age when they were diagnosed was about 4 years, according to the study, published today (Oct. 12) in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

The study does not prove that using antidepressants during pregnancy directly causes these speech or language disorders but rather shows that there is a link between the two. [11 Big Fat Pregnancy Myths]

The explanation for this link is not yet clear, but one potential reason could be that antidepressants may affect a baby's brain development during pregnancy, including parts of the brain that are involved in language and speech, Brown said. But it is possible that maternal depression itself also contributes to the increased risk of speech and language disorders in the child, he said.

A previous study, published in 2015 in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, showed that children born to women who took SSRIs during pregnancy may face an increased risk of autism. Serotonin affects a person's mood, but it is also an important chemical in the brain cell development in a fetus, Anick Berard, an author of that study and a professor of pharmacy at the University of Montreal, told Live Science at the time.

However, in pregnant women with depression who don't receive treatment for their depression, there is an increased risk of miscarriage and birth complications, a review study published in 2005 found.

Originally published on Live Science.
Two New York City police officers are being credited with saving a 1-year-old childs life after hearing the cries of her mother who was running down the street. NYPD officers Felix Baez and Giovanni Laguna were in the Bronx when they saw a frantic Lilina Benigno, The New York Post reported.

She was running down 138th street and yelling Ayudame! Baez told the newspaper. Ayudame means help when translated from Spanish.

The baby, identified in the report as Ashley Dolores, had a weak pulse and was turning blue. Laguna performed CPR and relied on training tactics to stay calm.

I applied my training, he told The Post. I kept working on her. It was natural for me, and the most important thing for me was to stay calm.

They then transported both Benigo and Dolores to Lincoln Hospital where the child was listed in stable condition, The Post reported.

It feels great. I feel a great satisfaction knowing that the mother and daughter can have another day together, Baez told the newspaper.
Nick Walker Peters was first diagnosed with leukemia in the fifth grade and after relapsing twice, died in October. His classmates at Harlingen High School in Harlingen, Texas, named him homecoming king after his death.

Peters, 17, missed his entire freshmen and sophomore years and returned to school earlier this year but his health began to decline, Inside Edition reported.

Senior class president, Norman Torres, nominated Peters for homecoming king.

I am really proud of the community of the students who stood behind him during his battle, culminating with the homecoming king win, Peters mom, Judi Peters, told InsideEdition.com.

Torres, who had also been diagnosed with cancer, accepted the honor on behalf of Peters.

They asked if a family member wanted to accept. We thought it fitting that Norman accept on his behalf as he helped get him in the ballot and visited every month, Judi told Inside Edition. He was a true friend!

Peters sister, Ashley, had donated her bone marrow to her brother before his death. She wore his crown and sash at the schools homecoming celebration.

Harlingen High students had been supportive of Peters battle, Judi said. On Tuesdays in September, classmates wore gold in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and made signs of support for Peters.

Of course it was not the ending we hoped for, Judi told Inside Edition. But the fact that Nicks battle made so many people aware of childhood cancer. His fight is going to continue.
Before I unload on WikiLeaks, let me make myself clear:

I don't care much for Hillary Clinton.

I can't stand many of her ardent supporters, who frankly, can't stand me either.

As a buddy of mine said about the election: "I don't like Trump much, but I know Hillary hates me more."

We conservatives pride ourselves on calling something as it is. We harass President Obama daily for his inability to say "radical Islam." We openly mock the gender monsoon of pronouns offered to students; we deride politicians who call taxes "revenue." And yet, we're A-OK with calling theft of personal information, a "hack."

That's how I feel, and think, too. Why support someone who despises me, my beliefs, and my contributions to society?

But it still does not make WikiLeaks -- which is currently targeting Hillary's campaign -- okay.

"Hacking" is jargon for theft.

We conservatives pride ourselves on calling something as it is. We harass President Obama daily for his inability to say "radical Islam." We openly mock the gender monsoon of pronouns offered to students; we deride politicians who call taxes "revenue."

And yet, we're A-OK with calling theft of personal information, a "hack."

No kids, it's "theft." And, if it were happening to someone you like, you'd be screaming at the top of your lungs.

Lucky us, it's only happening to Democrats!

Thus we see the consequence of team sport politics. We hate goons on the other side, but we love our goons nonetheless. For now, WikiLeaks is our goon.

For now. Until that goon comes for you.

It's the crocodile that eats you last.

Now there are some lightweight thinkers who simplistically recite this common ruse: "if you have nothing to hide, then hacking should not bother you."

That is hardly the point.

First of all, if you have nothing to hide, then you're a hopeless bore. Every interesting person has stuff in their heads and in their pasts that make them perversely human.

Second, it is not up to you to decide whether their personal communications are YOUR property.

Emails are as private as private can get: it's when people talk about their lives, their loves, their hatreds, their petty opinions, their desperate pleas for forgiveness, their wild drunken boasts, their racy poems, their intimate grief, their sullen sign offs and boozy flirtations.

As to the argument that WikiLeaks is performing a service that our mainstream media has abdicated -- does that mean you'd prefer the mainstream media to steal people's emails, too?

What's offensive is not what's in those emails, but that one would be "offended" by private info you happen to be picking through as if it's a bargain bin at a record store. If you're upset about some stranger's feelings expressed in an email about religion, then that's on you for invading that persons privacy. You aren't God. You aren't supposed to see everything.

And ... how dare anyone comment on the "tone" of an email? So, are we now all supposed to adjust our private thoughts and feelings based on how someone else perceives our "tone?" It's none of anyone's business, and it's frankly creepy that anyone would care about tone in something that ain't your business.

Fact: if you're remotely interesting, this invasion WILL happen to you. Trust me.

As for the argument that we have a right to invade the personal sock drawers of public servants as an issue of transparency, then that means we can apply that to all arenas of work.

Take media. You could say that, "because we get our information from these servants of media, we should know what they really think behind closed doors." So, "hack them."

Take health care. We trust doctors and nurses with our lives, so "we have every right to see what they think behind closed doors." So "hack them."

Take gas, electric, auto, or oil company employees. The left might see them as causes of climate change, so "we have every right to see what they think behind closed doors."

You're in the military? If you're supporting the war industry, then I have a right, etc.

You can apply this logic to anyone, and everyone.

Ben & Jerry's products cause obesity -- which leads to premature death. -- I wonder if they ever discuss that in their private emails!

The Catholic Church claims their pope is infallible -- well, I want to see HIS emails!!

And, if you happily announce, for lack of a coherent argument -- that "who cares -- this is a new era! Privacy is dead!" -- you do so under a cloud of ignorance.

And, even more important: you are banking on your own failures as a human.

For if you think you're safe from the prying eyes of the media, political groups, spies and thieves -- it's only because you think your life is worthless. You somehow believe that no one would want anything from you: you're boring, insignificant, a piece of nothing floating in the atmosphere.

Yep, you conclude, people only "hack" important people.

The fact that you don't care about these violations is a reveal of how little you care about yourself.

And that's a big mistake. For if you communicate with others, about things, about life, about whatever -- someone will find value in it -- either on purpose or accidentally.

Look at Ken Bone, that seemingly decent nobody who happened to ask a question at the last town hall-style presidential debate. Catapulted to fame -- all 15 minutes of it-- he ends up being exposed as a guy who leaves comments on porn threads. Turns out he likes to talk about porn, and his vasectomy. And that's now a story that he must deal with because America suddenly took an interest in him, and therefore a prurient interest in him, too. It was as if Gawker never left us.

So, if you applaud WikiLeaks now for their decision to publicize the contents of stolen emails handed over to them, in all probability from Russian actors, pretend for a moment that those emails belonged to you, or your dad, or your mom.

If you state you have nothing to hide, then either you're lying or the least interesting person on earth.

I hope, for your sake, you're lying.
Typical thinking from the NeverTrumpers.

An article appearing on The Resurgent website on Sunday titled, The Hail Mary of an Election Decided By the House, daydreams of a scenario in which the House of Representatives, if given the chance, will pick someone whose name most voters dont know for president.

According to the article, for this to happen, NeverTrump candidate Evan McMullin has to carry Utah (6 electoral votes), and then hope that Donald Trump wins 263 electoral votes in order to hold Hillary below the magic 270 number required to win the election.

If no candidate gets 270 electoral votes, the race is kicked to the House for members of Congress to choose the next president.

The writer lives in Georgia. According to the article, Trump has to carry Georgia for McMullin to have a chance.

So is the writer voting for Trump? Is the writer urging voters in states other than Utah to vote for Trump in order to hold Hillary below 270? No, of course not. That would mean actually pursuing a strategy. Instead, the NeverTrumper strategy seems to work like this:

1. Insult Donald Trump and his followers

2. ????????????

3. Evan McMullin becomes president

Of course, this isnt much different from their strategy during the nomination process:

1. Insult Donald Trump and his followers

2. ????????????

3. Donald Trump loses the nomination

With this type of cracker-jack thinking, one can see why the GOP and the conservative movement are both doing so well.
ObamaCare is collapsing. Its utter failures become more obvious by the day.

We all remember the promises of ObamaCare, chief among them that the Affordable Care Act would lower health care costs. The opposite has occurred.

In his 2008 campaign for president, then-candidate Sen. Barack Obama repeatedly promised to cut annual health insurance premiums by $2,500. When he took office in 2009, annual family premiums for employer-provided coverage, the most common of private insurance coverage, cost $13,375 according to Kaiser. In 2016, those premiums are $18,142. Thats an increase of $4,767.

ObamaCare exchanges were setup with the intent of providing access to private health insurance to those Americans not currently offered health care coverage through an employer, Medicare, or Medicaid  a group otherwise left without any additional financial support to purchase coverage.

Younger, healthier individuals have little interest in paying exorbitant premiums for insurance plans that come with $5,000 deductibles. The result has been an unbalanced insurance pool where insurers must charge ever-increasing premiums to continue offering coverage.

Despite the offer of subsidies through the exchanges, enrollment in ObamaCare has been dismal.

Back in 2010 just before ObamaCare became law, President Obamas Department of Health and Human Services forecast there would be 24.8 million individuals in the exchanges by 2016. The actual figure at the end of 2016 according to Avalere Health will be 10.1 million.

In short, the exchanges are failing. The plans available are too expensive and come with too few choices. Younger, healthier individuals have little interest in paying exorbitant premiums for insurance plans that come with $5,000 deductibles. The result has been an unbalanced insurance pool where insurers must charge ever-increasing premiums to continue offering coverage.

Predictably, as the risk pools worsen, premiums skyrocket and insurers withdraw.

Just in the last two weeks, we have seen Minnesotas average 2017 premiums go up 56 percent. Oklahomas are up 76 percent. The average increase is 24 percent across the 37 states that have officially approved rates for 2017.

When pressed for a response to this affordability issue, one Obama administration official essentially said it is not a problem because people get subsidies to cover the increases. This mentality assumes, falsely, that taxpayer dollars are infinite, and that it is okay to ignore the dangerous dynamics that are leading to a failing insurance market. Bill Clinton was right to call ObamaCare a crazy system.

Not only are premiums skyrocketing, but individuals are also left with fewer choices in the ObamaCare exchanges.

Major insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Aetna have announced withdrawals from the exchanges. In fact, more than two-thirds of the 3,100 counties across the country are losing exchange insurers in 2017. Less than 1 percent of counties will be gaining coverage options. Choices empower consumers, but that power is rapidly disappearing under the Obamacare system.

The dwindling number of ObamaCare supporters repeatedly point to the fact that 20 million more Americans have coverage now than before ObamaCare.

The vast majority of those 20 million, however, have been dropped into a failing Medicaid program. Patients under our broken Medicaid system struggle to find doctors who see Medicaid patients.

It is a top-down system that has Washington dictating terms to the states that ignore the diverse needs of communities across this country. That is not a recipe for success, and studies have shown that Medicaids impact on the health status of enrollees is negligible.

Regardless, 31 states expanded their Medicaid programs under Obamacare. However, it is not going as promised. According to Dr. Brian Blase at the Mercatus Center, there are 50 percent more enrollees at a cost of 50 percent more per person than originally projected. These massive, unanticipated costs will only become more unaffordable in the coming years.

Those governors and state legislatures that rejected the Medicaid expansion have been vindicated. Not coincidentally, the non-expansion states have more pro-business climates, lower unemployment, and more robust economic growth  all of which contribute to more opportunities for more Americans to achieve success and provide for themselves and their families.

Hillary Clintons solution is to double down on ObamaCare with more government involvement in health care. She believes the fundamentals of the law are sound and it simply needs more taxpayer subsidies.

Her other scheme is to add a so-called "public option" plan even though weve already seen the disastrous ObamaCare co-op experience  the original compromise to a public option in the ACA. Under the law, 23 states setup co-ops (state-based public options) and accepted nearly $2 billion in federal loans, and yet 17 of these co-ops have collapsed with the rest on the verge of collapse, leaving hundreds of thousands of individuals without insurance while facing penalties under ObamaCares individual mandate. Notably, Clintons running mate Senator Tim Kaine is not among the 32 Democratic Senators cosponsoring Senate Resolution 561 calling for a public option.

Finally, as if ObamaCares total collapse is not imminent enough, Clinton also wants to add illegal immigrants to ObamaCare at the same time that Americas veterans arent getting the care they deserve.

One column is not nearly enough space to chronicle all of ObamaCares failures. Additional dishonorable mentions include the presidents illegal bailouts of big health insurance companies, as well as a finding by the Government Accountability Office that 100 percent of their investigators with fake documents were able to fraudulently enroll in ObamaCare.

You cant make this stuff up.

Next year with President Trump and a Republican Congress we will do better. We will fight for a patient-centered system where patients, families, and doctors are making medical decisions, not Washington.
The lawyer for retired Gen. James Cartwright defended the former top military official after it was revealed he is the target of a high-profile leak investigation, calling any suggestion of wrongdoing "preposterous."

Gregory Craig, the former White House counsel who is now representing Cartwright, put out a brief statement in response to the reports.

"General Jim Cartwright is an American hero who served his country with distinction for four decades. Any suggestion that he could have betrayed the country he loves is preposterous," he said.

Cartwright was until recently the second-highest ranking officer in the U.S. military, as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The probe into the retired Marine general became public in news reports late Thursday.

A senior U.S. official confirmed the investigation to Fox News, saying Cartwright was being investigated over alleged leaks to a New York Times reporter regarding a secret cyber-assault on Iran's nuclear program.

The official said the investigation has been ongoing for about a year.

The Times' David Sanger wrote about the so-called Stuxnet virus program in his book, "Confront and Conceal: "Obama's Secret Wars and Surprising Use of American Power," and a June 2012 New York Times article.

It is one of several high-profile leaks the administration has been investigating, though much of the attention lately has been on the case of Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who admitted to feeding classified documents to newspapers on the U.S. government's phone and Internet surveillance programs. Snowden is believed to be at the Moscow airport, where he's been stuck for days after catching a flight out of Hong Kong.

Cartwright was once considered a top contender for the top job of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but left the military in 2011.
When Chris Wallace takes up the moderators role at Wednesdays third and final debate of the 2016 presidential election, he will bring more than 50 years experience and an impeccable reputation to the task.

The debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton will air on Fox News Channel on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 9 p.m. ET.

Wallace, the anchor of "Fox News Sunday," moderated Fox News Channel's GOP primary debates alongside Bret Baier and Megyn Kelly and considers his role to let the candidates take center stage.

WEDNESDAY at 9p ET: It's the final #debate  fair and balanced! Fox News' Chris Wallace moderates from Las Vegas. #FoxNews2016 pic.twitter.com/4iueajyPIH  Fox News (@FoxNews) October 17, 2016

"If people say, 'it was a great debate and I don't remember you being there,' I will have done my job," said Wallace.

Wallace has announced the topics, which will be discussed in six 15-minute segments.

Debt and entitlements

Immigration

Economy

Supreme Court

Foreign hot spots

Fitness to be President

The chosen topics may be altered depending on news events leading up to the event.



Wallace has participated in coverage of nearly every major political event and has secured several high-profile interviews with dignitaries and U.S. leaders in his 13 years at Fox News Channel. Serving as moderator of the 90-minute session at University of Nevada, Las Vegas is the latest milestone in an illustrious career.

"I'm the first Fox moderator to do a general election debate and I'm very proud for the news organization, Wallace recently told Baier. I think it's a recognition of the fact that we do serious journalism. Some critics say no, but the fact is, you and I know we do. And here's the Commission on Presidential Debates recognizing that."

To watch, tune in at 9 p.m. to Fox News Channel.

The debate also will be streamed live on FoxNews.com and the Fox News app.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO WATCH THE DEBATE ON YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET



Wallace has interviewed presidents before, including an exclusive sit-down earlier this year with President Obama, his fourth interview with Obama. He has also handled moderating duties in the past, working alongside co-anchors Baier and Megyn Kelly in August 2015, during the first GOP presidential debate of the 2016 election.

Wallace also co-moderated the networks second and third debates of the 2016 cycle, held on Jan. 28 in Des Moines, and March 3 in Detroit.

In prior election years, Wallace served as a panel member and moderator of FNC's South Carolina, New Hampshire and Florida debates during the 2012 primary campaign season. He also played an integral role in Fox News' 2008 and 2004 election coverage.

It was 1964 when Wallace got his first taste of presidential politics, serving as news legend Walter Cronkite's "go-fer" at the RNC convention.

Over the next 50-plus years in broadcasting, Wallace has won every major broadcast news award for his reporting, including three Emmy Awards, the Dupont-Columbia Silver Baton, the Peabody Award and the Sol Taishoff Award for Broadcast Journalism, which was awarded to him by the National Press Foundation.

Most recently, he received the 2013 Paul White Award for lifetime achievement and service to electronic journalism from the Radio Television Digital News Association. Wallace has been described as an "equal opportunity inquisitor" by The Boston Globe, "an aggressive journalist," "sharp edged" and "solid" by The Washington Post and "an equal-opportunity ravager" by The Miami Herald.

Before joining FNC, Wallace worked at ABC News for 14 years where he served as the senior correspondent for Primetime Thursday and a substitute host for Nightline. During his tenure with ABC News, Wallace hosted multiple groundbreaking investigations and received numerous awards for his work.

Prior to joining ABC News, Wallace served as NBCs chief White House correspondent from 1982-1989. While at NBC, he covered the 1980, 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns as well as the Democratic and Republican conventions in those years. Wallace moderated Meet the Press from 1987-1988.

Wallace attended Harvard College.
Cultural shows and English games were among nearly 20 activities on offer to tens of thousands of visitors to the Beijing Foreign Language Festival 2016 over the weekend.

Since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics is a keyword for this year's event, citizens were able to learn about the history of the Olympics, in addition to language activities, according to a spokesperson with the city's foreign affairs office.

At one booth, in the cultural show zone, a woman from Krakow, Poland, whose English name is Anna, taught visitors some simple Polish phrases. "We designed games about the geography and customs of our country. Winners got traditional Polish desserts as prizes," she said.

Li Hua, 65, from Beijing, talked about her trip to Australia last year with Australian teacher Dick Hamilton. She is a regular participator of her community's English Corner.

"Learning English helps me stay young," Li said.

Chen Zhaochun, one of nearly 100 students from Beijing Tongzhou Taihu School who attended the festival, said she had never expected learning English to be so much fun.

"At school, it was just rote learning. But today, I played games and met new friends," Chen said.

Zhu Fang, a teacher with the school, said the event gave the students an opportunity to speak English in real life, as the rural school has no foreign teachers.

"Some of my pupils told me they now want to work as volunteers during the Winter Olympics in 2022," Zhu said.

Hamilton said the festival was the perfect atmosphere for practicing English.

The two-day event was jointly held by Beijing's foreign affairs office and the "Beijing Speaks Foreign Languages" campaign.

Chen Mingming, who heads an advisory group for the campaign, said the Olympics needs the support of China's citizens, and improved English proficiency will help make the athletes feel more welcome.
Already accused of "rigging" the election to help Hillary Rodham Clinton beat Donald Trump, America's journalists have reinforced that perception of bias by handing Clinton nearly $400,000 in donations so far, according to an explosive new report.

The watchdog Center for Public Integrity on Monday said that journalists favored Clinton 27-1 over Trump, who got a tiny $14,000.

Some 430 in the media business donated to Clinton compared to 50 to Trump.

Journalists from the ESPN, Vogue, Elle, the New Republic, Facebook, and many others coughed up cash for Clinton in record form. Even the Pulitzer Prize winning media critic for the New Yorker wrote a check for the Democrat.

Click for more from The Washington Examiner.
A former Al Qaeda militant who gained fame with the publication of a diary about life at the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was released Monday, and returned to Mauritania after nearly 14 years of detention.

Mohamedou Ould Slahi landed in the capital on a U.S. military plane, said Lemine Mohamed, the police chief in Nouakchott. Ould Slahi will speak with anti-terror police before heading to his home, said Mohamed.

The Mauritanian had been held without charges since 2002. On July 14, Ould Slahi was approved for release from the detention center at the U.S. base in Cuba.

The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed his transfer Monday.

Ould Slahi, who is about 46, received international acclaim for his "Guantanamo Diary," a memoir of his captivity including accounts of harsh interrogations at Guantanamo and other sites. It became an international best-seller after it was published in January 2015, and prompted an international campaign by human rights groups calling for his release, along with Guantanamo's closure.

U.S. officials have said in military and court files that Slahi traveled in the early 1990s from Germany, where he was attending college, to Afghanistan to fight with Islamic rebels against a communist government supported by the Soviet Union. He later trained with and swore allegiance to al-Qaida and had close contacts over the years with significant figures in the organization, including two men who became hijackers in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the U.S.

Ould Slahi was detained in Mauritania in November 2001 and questioned by FBI agents in connection with, among other things, the millennium bomb plot, which included a thwarted plan to set off explosives at the Los Angeles International Airport on New Year's Eve 1999.

The CIA rendered him to a prison in Jordan, and he was then sent briefly to a U.S. base in Afghanistan before being flown to Guantanamo. His handwritten memoir was eventually published with numerous redactions after a lengthy legal battle and negotiations to get the U.S. government to declassify it.

With his release, there are now 60 detainees at the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. That includes 19 who have been approved for release and are expected to leave in the coming months before President Barack Obama leaves office.

Obama had sought to close the detention center but was blocked by Congress, which enacted legislation forbidding the transfer of detainees to the U.S.
Melania Trump, wife of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, spoke out for the first time Monday since a videotape was released of her husband making lewd comments about women in 2005, saying, "we are moving on."

Trump made the comments to Fox News' Ainsley Earhardt in an interview Tuesday morning on "Fox & Friends."

Those words, they were offensive to me and they were inappropriate, Trump told Fox News. And he apologized to me. And I expect -- I accept his apology. And we are moving on.

Trump added that she believes the mainstream media wants to damage her and her family by saying lies about me, lies about my family.

She said in the interview that the comments that were made on the tape were not made by the person she knows and that any other allegation of Donald Trumps sexual misconduct should be handled in court.

Trump was then asked what she would tell women who were deterred because of the lewd tapes.

My husband is kind and hes a gentleman. He cares about people. He cares about women.

She also said that it's fair for the media and her husband to bring up former President Bill Clinton's infidelities amid his wife's presidential campaign.

They're asking for it. They started, Trump said, referring to nude images from the 1990s published by the New York Post earlier this year. They started from the beginning of the campaign putting my picture from modeling days."

"That was my modeling days and I'm proud what I did. I worked very hard, she added.

Melania Trump's image later was used in a negative ad campaign during the Republican primary.

At the time of its release, Donald Trump accused former rival Ted Cruz of being involved and responded by tweeting an unflattering image of the Texas senator's wife. Cruz denied involvement in the release of the photos.

As for any debate advice for her husband, Trump said that he should be himself and talk about the issues.
The Donald Trump campaign on Sunday heaped more blame on the media, accusing news organizations of rigging the election for Democratic rival Hillary Clinton but vowing to accept the Nov. 8 results -- win or lose.

"We will absolutely accept the results of the election," Republican vice-presidential nominee Mike Pence said on NBCs Meet the Press.

Pence made the comment amid two polls Sunday that showed Clinton with a solid lead and as he and Trump resumed their attack on the media -- after essentially nine straight days of headlines related to Trumps treatment of women over the past 30 years.

The American people will speak, Pence continued on NBC. But (they) are tired of the obvious bias in the national media. That's where the sense of a rigged election goes here.

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine told Fox News Sunday: From the beginning, Ive said this would be a very close campaign.

A Washington Post-ABC News poll shows Clinton with a 47-to-43 percent lead over Trump, essentially unchanged, compared the groups earlier polls.

And an NBC-Wall Street Journal poll shows Clinton with an 11 percentage point lead over Trump, her GOP rival, with 23 days before Election Day.

The media is piling on with unsubstantiated claims  while they ignore an avalanche of hard evidence about corruption, pay to play, political favoritism emanating out of Hillary Clinton's years as secretary of state, Pence told Fox News Sunday.

He cited the example of a hacked email recently released by WikiLeaks that shows that representatives from Qatar in 2012, while Clinton was secretary of state, apparently tried to get a quick meeting with Clintons husband, former President Bill Clinton, to give him a $1 million check for the family foundation.

Trump on Sunday continued his attack on the media via Twitter, after making his case in person Saturday at three campaign rallies.

"The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary -- but also at many polling places," Trump tweeted.

Trump tweeted earlier in the day: Watched Saturday Night Live hit job on me. Time to retire the boring and unfunny show. Alec Baldwin portrayal stinks. Media rigging election!"

On Saturday, Trump, a first-time candidate and wealthy New York businessman, suggested that Clinton, during their debate earlier this month, appeared to be on drugs -- acting pumped up, then exhausted at the end.

He suggested they each take a drug test before their third-and-final debate Wednesday and mocked Clinton for staying off the trail the entire weekend to prepare.

Pence declined to elaborate on Trumps remark, saying to Fox News, "All I know for sure is that Donald Trump is going to be ready for the debate.

The stories about Trump mistreating women started with the Oct. 7 release of a 2005 audiotape in which Trump is heard bragging about his celebrity status allowing him to kiss and fondle women without their consent.

Trump has apologies for the comments, and nine women have since come forward to say Trump acted inappropriately with them. Trump has denied the allegations, calling one woman a liar, while he and Pence work to find evidence to refute the allegations.

The allegations appear to have overshadowed WikiLeaks' recent release of hacked emails from Clinton campaign Chairman John Podesta.

Some showed the campaign worrying whether Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., might endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders in the party's primary, and wrestling with how to respond to revelations about Clinton's private email use. The emails also show aides lining up materials to respond to fresh accusations from a woman who accused Bill Clinton of raping her decades ago. The former president denied the accusation, which was never adjudicated by a criminal court.

Clinton campaign spokesman Glen Caplin on Saturday compared the Podesta email hack to the Watergate break in.

"Four decades later, were witnessing another effort to steal private campaign documents in order to influence an election, he said. Only this time, instead of filing cabinets, its peoples emails theyre breaking into  and a foreign government is behind it."

Top Trump surrogate Rudy Giuliani appeared Sunday on TV to try to downplay Trumps renewed argument about potential voter fraud and the potential need for poll monitors -- particularly in big, Democratic-run cities like Philadelphia.

"When he talks about a rigged election, he's not talking about the fact that it's going to be rigged at the polls," the former New York City mayor said on CNNs State of the Union. What he's talking about is that 80 percent to 85 percent of the media is against him."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Some of the toughest criticism leveled at Hillary Clinton in the emails released by WikiLeaks comes not from any Republican but the head of the liberal Center for American Progress  who is seen complaining about Clinton's vulnerabilities and calling her instincts "suboptimal."

Even as she was rooting for the campaign, Neera Tanden -- who replaced the target of the email hack, Campaign Chairman John Podesta, as head of the CAP in 2011 -- used pointed language to call out Clinton's initial refusal to apologize for using a private email server while secretary of state.

Everyone wants her to apologize. And she should, Tanden wrote in one September 2015 email. Apologies are like her Achilles heel.

Tanden's email was part of a conversation that took place shortly after Clinton gave a partial apology during a Sept. 4, 2015 interview with Andrea Mitchell of NBC News.

At the end of the day, I am sorry that this has been confusing to people and has raised a lot of questions, Clinton said when asked about communicating on private email during her time at the State Department.

Tanden observed in the email to Podesta that she didn't seem like a b---- in the interview and that she would get to a full apology in a few interviews.

In another August 2015 email, Tanden offered this particularly tough criticism of Clintons handling of the email scandal.

[Her] inability to just do a national interview and communicate genuine feelings of remorse and regret is now, I fear, becoming a character problem (more so than honesty.)

In January 2016, after the delivery of an apparently well-crafted tweet by Podesta, the campaign chairman complained to Tanden that he wanted to tweet it earlier, but it was held up.

Got held by who? Hillary. God. Her instincts are suboptimal, Tanden responded.

Tandens criticisms in the emails weren't just focused on Clinton. In one March 2014 exchange, she said of the White Houses handling of the ObamaCare rollout: I think it was a strategic error not to fire anyone in health care.

I'm trying to be artful herebut I do think in real life people would have gotten fired a long time ago. And not just people in the agency no one cares about, she wrote.

In March 2015, Tanden also expressed irritation with the White House for reportedly expressing concern at Clintons silence over the email issue, saying it was going to send the scandal into orbit.

But the WH crapping on her is going to send this into orbit. She needs to speak publicly tomorrow, she said.

Tanden did not immediately respond to a request for comment from FoxNews.com.

Tanden has a history of harsh words against Democrats she supports. In an interview with New York Magazine, she expressed surprise that Obama is in politics at all as he really doesnt like people.

The truth is, Obama doesnt call anyone, and hes not close to almost anyone. Its stunning that hes in politics, because he really doesnt like people. My analogy is that its like becoming Bill Gates without liking computers, she said.

Fox News Serafin Gomez, Ben Florance and FoxNews.com's Adam Shaw contributed to this report.
BEIJING - Two Chinese astronauts began the country's longest crewed space mission yet on Monday, blasting off on a spacecraft for a 30-day stay on an experimental space station as China steadfastly navigates its way to becoming a space superpower.

Ahead of the launch, one astronaut shouted: "We are ready! Please give instructions!" in front of dozens of people dressed in colorful dress representing China's ethnic minorities, in footage shown prominently on Chinese TV. The commander-in-chief of the manned space program, Gen. Zhang Youxia, replied: "Proceed!" followed by blaring marching music as the astronauts boarded a bus to take them to the launch pad.

China, Russia and the United States are the only countries that have independently launched humans intospace, and while the others have more experience in manned space travel, China's military-backed program has made methodical progress in comparatively short time.

The launch is China's sixth manned mission, the previous longest being about two weeks.

For this mission, the astronauts will dock their spacecraft with the Tiangong 2 station within two days, conduct experiments in medicine and space-related technologies, and test systems and processes in preparation for the launching of the station's core module in 2018. A fully functioning space station is on course to begin operating six years from now and slated to run for at least a decade.

The Shenzhou 11 space capsule blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northern China at 7:30 a.m. (2330 GMT) aboard a Long March-2F carrier rocket.

Zhang declared the launch a success 16 minutes later. Defense Minister Fan Changlong then read a congratulatory message from President Xi Jinping calling for China's astronauts to explore space "more deeply and more broadly."

Since China conducted its first crewed space mission in 2003, it has staged a spacewalk and landed its Yutu rover on the moon. The Tiangong, or "Heavenly Palace," space stations are considered stepping stones to a mission to send a rover to Mars by the end of the decade. Administrators suggest a crewed landing on the moon may also be in the program's future.

The Shenzhou 11 astronauts are Jing Haipeng, who is flying his third mission, and 37-year-old Chen Dong.

"It is any astronaut's dream and pursuit to be able to perform many space missions," Jing, who turns 50 during his time in space, told a briefing Sunday.

China was excluded from the International Space Station mainly due to U.S. concerns over the Chinese spaceprogram's strongly military character. Chinese officials are now looking to internationalize their own program by offering to help finance other countries' missions to Tiangong 2, which, at 60 tons when completed, would still be considerably smaller than the 420-ton ISS.

China's space program also opened a fourth spacecraft launch site at Wenchang on the island province of Hainan in June. It was inaugurated with the launch of the newly developed Long March 7 rocket that was hailed as a breakthrough in the use of safer, more environmentally friendly fuels.

China is developing the Long March 5 heavy-lift rocket needed to launch the Tiangong 2's additional components and other massive payloads.

A source of enormous national pride, China's space program plans a total of 20 missions this year at a time when the U.S. and other countries' programs are seeking new roles.
Samsung last week officially discontinued the Galaxy Note 7 following reports that even replacement units were prone to catching fire and exploding. Compounding matters is the fact that Samsung still hasn't been able to pinpoint the root cause of the problem, an issue which naturally has the higher-ups at the Korean-based tech giant worried.

Given that every Note 7 ever produced is presumably a potential fire hazard, the FAA last Friday banned all Note 7 devices from U.S. flights. The ban went into effect on Saturday afternoon and any passenger found to have a Note 7 in his or her possession will have the device confiscated.

"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a press release. "We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."

The all-encompassing ban not only precludes passengers from bringing the device on board, but also prevents passengers from checking in the device with their luggage. According to the FAA, the Note 7 is now officially categorized as a "forbidden hazardous material."

Following suit, a number of global airlines over the weekend announced similar bans on Samsung's Galaxy Note 7, including Qantas, Air Berlin, Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Emirates, Lufthansa, Finnair, Singapore Airlines, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, T, AirAsia, El Al, EgyptAir, Air New Zealand, Etihad Airways, HK Express, Cathay Pacific, Tigerair, Dragonair and Hong Kong Airlines.

Without question, this list will continue to grow in the days ahead.

If you happen to be a Galaxy Note 7 owner, you should immediately power off the device and take it in for a refund or exchange it for another smartphone. Galaxy Note 7 owners can read more about their exchange and refund options over here.

As to how the Note 7 fiasco will impact Samsung's mobile business going forward, well, that remains to be seen. Incidentally, a recent survey revealed that 40% of Note 7 owners will never buy another Samsung phone again while 30% indicated that they plan to leave the Android universe and purchase an iPhone instead.

For what it's worth, Samsung's mobile chief Koh Dong-jin last week said that the company will do everything in its power, no matter the cost, in order to "find the exact cause" behind exploding Note 7s and to "restore the trust of consumers so that they can use Samsung products without any safety concerns."
The U.S. Navy commissioned the stealthy, futuristic-looking battleship the USS Zumwalt on Saturday, a powerful new vessel that the Navy calls its most technologically advanced warship.

The ship is 610 feet long, weighs almost 15,000 tons, and cost a minimum of $4.4 billion, according to the Associated Press. Its distinctive, smooth appearance minimizes its radar signature.

"This ship is an example of a larger initiative to increase operational stability and give the U.S. a strategic advantage," Ray Mabus, the secretary of the Navy, said in a statement. "Our Navy and our Marine Corps, uniquely, provide presence -- around the globe, around the clock -- ensuring stability, reassuring allies, deterring adversaries, and providing the nation's leaders with options in times of crisis."

The highly-automated destroyer needs a crew of only 147 people, and the Associated Press reports that it will carry a variety of weapons, like cruise missiles and anti-submarine rockets. The Navy is proud of the ships integrated power system, which it said can produce about 78 megawatts of power, approaching the capacity of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. According to the Navy, the Zumwalts power system is robust enough to power its own systems and still generate enough electricity to power a small town.

The ship is named for Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr, who served in the Navy for more than three decades and died in 2000.

"This destroyer, like the others in our fleet, is capable of projecting power, no doubt," Mabus said, in the statement. "The Zumwalt-class is much larger than today's destroyers with a considerably larger flight deck -- enough space to operate host Joint Strike Fighters, MV-22 Ospreys, and unmanned systems and a Vertical Launch System second to none."

After being commissioned in Baltimore, Md., the ship will travel to San Diego, Calif.

The ships appearance isnt the only futuristic thing about it. Its captain has a name straight out of science fiction: James Kirk.
The HMS Britannic, a WWI era ship dubbed Titanic 2, has been resting at the bottom of the Aegean for almost 100 years.

But now the owner of a local diving club is considering redeveloping the wreckage into an underwater theme park that could generate tourist-driven capital into Greeces cash-strapped economy.

Yiannis Tsavelakos has been guiding dives throughout the Meditteranean for years. After recently attending a forum about the Britannic, the diver says he came up with the idea of creating a subterranean diving paradise, connecting the Britannic with other sunken wrecks in the Kea Channel, reports the Independent.

We have a unique diving area right on our doorstep, said Tsavelakos.

The Brittanic. Sunk by torpedo on 21 November 1916. Used as a hospital ship during #WWI. #history #HistoryInPictures pic.twitter.com/wWz2JVCTHh  Jessica Lane (@jesshlane) June 1, 2015

The Britannic was built by the White Star Line in 1911 and launched as a sister ship to the Titanic in 1914. After the disastrous sinking of the Titanic in 1912where thousands died due to a lack of lifeboatsBritannics Belfast-based builder Harland and Wolff fitted it with extra lifeboats, a double hull and added engine power. Still, many at the time believed the ship to be unsinkable.

Like the Titanic, the Britannic was designed as a transatlantic passenger liner. But at the outbreak of WWI, the vessel was transformed into a hospital ship.

On Nov. 21, 1916, the Britannic triggered an underwater mine while en route to pick up wounded British soliders on the isle of Lemnos in the northern Aegean Sea. All but 30 of the 1,065 people on board were rescued but the sinking marked the largest ship lost during the war.

The wreckage lay 400 feet below the sea until 1975 when it was discovered by French underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau.

Earlier this month, Grecian authorities organized a conference that drew a community of international influencers including historians, diving experts, oceanographers and relatives of the crew to discuss future plans for the vessel as the 100th anniversary of its sinking approaches.
On Friday, Southwest airlines announced a historic new route between Florida and Cuba. In November, the carrier will begin nonstop service to Cuba, making it the ninth country and 100th destination Southwest flies to with routes to Havana, Varadero and Santa Clara.

Southwest is offering special $59 one-way nonstop flights to and from Cuba to kick off the new offering. There are restrictions. But you will likely need a required 14-day advance purchase through Nov. 20, 2016, 11:59 p.m. in the time zone of the originating city, for travel Nov. 13, 2016, through April 24, 2017.

"Southwest Customers can book their tickets now to travel to Cuba with our low fares and no hidden fees, bags fly free, and the best employees in the industry," Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines' Chairman, President & CEO, said in a statement.

Southwest service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Varadero, Cuba is scheduled to begin Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, and Havana service is scheduled to start Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, from both Fort Lauderdale and Tampa International Airport, subject to requisite approvals of the Cuban government.

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Southwest officials said service details for flights to Santa Clara, Cuba will be released in the coming weeks.

"We're continuing to invest in the Sunshine State with relevant service in all eight of our Florida airports to connect Southwest customers to important things in their lives," said Steve Goldberg, Southwest Airlines' Vice President of Ground Operations, in announcing Cuba service details today at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Broward County's brand new, five-gate international concourse is scheduled to open next summer at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International. To celebrate Southwests new service the airline sent dozens of employees to surprise local residents with $100 Southwest Airlines gift certificates to spread awareness of the new flights.
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An annual theatre event kicked off on Thursday in Wuzhen, east Chinas Zhejiang province.

Photo taken by the author shows scenery in Wuzhen, east Chinas Zhejiang province.

Under the theme of Gaze Beyond, the Fourth Wuzhen Theatre Festival invited artists and performers from 13 countries and regions, with nearly eighty theater shows to be staged, according to its official website.

This years Wuzhen Theatre Festival consists of four parts: Reviving Classics, Celebrating Shakespeare, Physical Theatre and Incredible Discovery.

Besides, this festival will also hold competitions, dialogues and forums, providing platforms for young artists to roll out their shows and to exchange ideas about theatre performance.

This festival will last until Oct. 22.

Co-founded by several Chinese actors and directors, this festival has become a cultural symbol of Wuzhen, this 1,300-year-old water town.

Thanks to its protection and restoration, Wuzhen was named a candidate for the World Cultural Heritage List of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2001.

With various kinds of performance, the Wuzhen Theatre Festival has injects vitality into the town, as more and more artists, performers and audience in and out of China begin to arrive.

Meanwhile, Wuzhen itself has drawn worldwide attentions in recent years, due to its hosting of the World Internet Conference, an event participated by guests from over one hundred countries and regions.
A man believed to have fatally shot two young girls and then himself on Sunday was the father of the children, Phoenix police said.

A 36-year-old man and a 5-year-old girl were pronounced dead in the west Phoenix home and a 4-year-old girl died at a hospital, authorities said.

Sgt. Mercedes Fortune said a woman called police late Sunday night to say she was concerned about the welfare of her ex-husband and their two daughters. Another person called police to report shots being fired.

Fortune said officers believe the man shot the girls before killing himself.

No identities were released.
The hung jury that resulted in last week's mistrial of two Albuquerque cops charged with the 2014 shooting death of a homeless man has spurred fresh accusations that police nationwide are using deadly force with impunity.

An Albuquerque District Court jury voted 9-3, with three jurors strenuously advocating for a guilty verdict against former Albuquerque Police officers Dominic Perez and Keith Sandy in the shooting death of James Boyd.

At of the Bernalillo County Courthouse, where the verdict was read the day before, some 50 demonstrators expressed anger at the decision.

Kill killer cops, were among the chants heard during the demonstration that eventually blocked traffic and had a brief tense showdown with three bus loads of deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office in full riot gear. The marchers ultimately moved on to other locations in downtown Albuquerque where APD kept a close watch, even supporting the march by diverting traffic. There were no reports of injuries or arrests.

It is very rare for police to be charged with murder and the fact that even three jurors found them guilty says a lot, says Sayrah, a demonstrator who refused to give her last name. Jurors are reluctant to convict cops.

Arthur Bell and Terence Green represented Black Ops and said the tone for future trials of police involved in fatal shootings is already set.

"Police will see the consequences are the same- get indicted but not convicted, Bell says.

Standing off to the side were two women holding signs and balloons in support of the police and even had fake blood splattered on their feet by demonstrators.

When a police officer tells you to drop your weapon, you drop it, says Lavona Linson. This will set a precedent nationwide if police officers are going to be convicted then they will fear to do their jobs.

Experts in criminology see incidents such as Albuquerque and Baltimores lack of convictions in the Freddie Gray case as harbingers of future trials, however in August a Virginia police officer, Stephen Rankin, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the April 2015 shooting death of unarmed African-American man William Chapman. But even with the conviction which carried a sentence of up to 10 years, the jury only recommended two and a half years.

Philip Stinson, associate professor of criminology at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, has been tracking arrests and adjudications of police charged with questionable use of deadly force and the social impact these incidents are having.

We will continue to see unrest and disenfranchisement because now people of all walks of life are paying attention to police violence and, more specifically, fatal police shootings, Stinson says. This has always been a problem, but until around the time of the Michael Brown shooting in Ferguson, MO, in August 2014, most people  including the media  werent paying attention. 

Stephen Handleman, Director of the Center on Media, Crime and Justice at John Jay College in New York, and editor of The Crime Report, sees the era of real-time information gathering by citizens as a double edged sword.

"We've entered the era of 'citizen journalism,' where traditional media has begun to play a secondary role, as an echo chamber for social media, says Hendelman. A four-second video clip taken on an iphone too often replaces the hard work of checking accuracy and context--and obviously can make life difficult for prosecutors and juries.

Handelman says the the plus side is that many of these officer-involved shootings would otherwise never have come to light without it. And it has made reporters--and the general public--aware of questionable policing practices that have too often ignored."

Stinson went on to tell FoxNews.com that what used to be considered a local or regional news story is now more often a national or international news story. People are demanding police accountability.

Now people of all walks of life are paying closer attention and the national spotlight is now putting increased pressure on prosecutors to look closer at the incidents.

Stinson has found that since 2005, 77 police officers have been charged with shooting a suspect while on duty with either murder or manslaughter with 26 convicted, 13 with a guilty plea and 13 with a jury verdict.

It is unusual to have this much activity, Stinson said of the number of incidents resulting in indictments against cops.

Stinson was quick to say that while the numbers may appear staggering, many of the cases where deadly force was applied was justified. He said the use of technology such as body cameras has had an impact.

In 2015, 18 officers were charged with either murder or manslaughter, and 11 so far in 2016.

Stinson cautioned that because of the sample size he wouldnt categorize this as statistically significant rise in indictments.

We need more years of data to see if there is a trend of more officers being charged., Stinson says.

According to Stinson, with the ever present smartphone videos, it is possible that more officers will be charged each year moving forward, but sees little evidence of that resulting in any seismic shift so far.

The consequences of this increased scrutiny on policing has resulted in what are calling the Ferguson Effect whereby aggressive policing has taken a back seat to self-preservation.

I do not believe there to be a widespread Ferguson Effect, Stinson says.

FBI Director James Comey has staunchly defended his position that police are reluctant to aggressively enforce the law and has the numbers to back it up.

According to a Major Cities Chiefs Association survey, in the first three months of 2016, homicides increased 9 percent in the largest 63 cities and nonfatal shootings were up 21 percent. Chicago has seen a 60 percent increase in homicides this year compared to last year and a 95 percent bump since 2014, or post-Ferguson.

And the concern is that, even the perception, of lack of criminal accountability, will perpetuate this trend.

Stinson presented a pragmatic assessment of the issue by acknowledging that policing is violent. About 1,000 people are shot and killed by on-duty police offices in this country every year most of which are found to be legally justified.

Police are trained to kill if they feel as if their life is threatened, said Albuquerque police supporter Linson. If people wouldnt argue with police and just do what they are told these incidents wouldnt happen. Police arent here to kill people.
Authorities in Florida responded to a report of a fiery crash on a highway Sunday and when they arrived they saw nearly a dozen people frantically trying to rescue a driver who went over an embankment.

According to Fox 35 Orlando, the driver became combative during the rescue in Palm Bay on the Dixie Highway. Authorities said an SUV plunged into a ditch off the highway at around 11 a.m.

Police had to restrain the driver while trying to pull him back onto the road and away from the blaze. A group of bystanders formed a human chain to help get the man out of the ditch and into safety.

Tom Sais told WESH-TV that he went down to help the man after the crash, but the driver was telling people to leave him alone while he was trapped in his overturned vehicle and trapped by the seatbelt.

The driver was taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center for treatment. His condition was unknown.

Authorities said a few police officers and bystanders suffered minor bumps and bruises.

Click for more from Fox 35 Orlando.

Click for more from WESH-TV.
The attorney for an Indiana woman accused of smothering her two children after abducting them is seeking a competency evaluation for her.

Amber Pasztor's public defender filed a motion Monday seeking the evaluation. The 29-year-old Fort Wayne woman faces two murder counts in the Sept. 26 killings of 7-year-old Liliana Hernandez and 6-year-old Rene Pasztor.

The abduction of the children from their custodial grandparents' home that morning led authorities to issue an Amber Alert.

Pasztor said in a jailhouse interview with WANE-TV last week that she decided to kill her children after hearing of the Amber Alert. She also admitted fatally shooting 65-year-old neighbor Frank Macomber. She has not been charged in Macomber's death.

The state plans to seek a life sentence without parole for Pasztor if she's convicted.
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One of the defendants in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing trial took the stand Monday.

Bill Baroni, a former executive with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, began testimony Monday. He and Bridget Kelly, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's former deputy chief of staff, are in the fifth week of their fraud and conspiracy trial.

They face up to 20 years in prison on the most serious charge.

They're alleged to have concocted the lane closures to create traffic gridlock to punish the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee for not endorsing Christie, a Republican, in 2013.

Both defendants contend David Wildstein, a former subordinate of Baroni's at the Port Authority, conceived and carried out the scheme. Wildstein has pleaded guilty and has already testified at the trial.

Baroni, an attorney and former New Jersey state lawmaker, was appointed by Christie in 2010 to serve as deputy executive director of the Port Authority, the powerful bistate agency that operates New York-area bridges, tunnels, ports, airports and the World Trade Center.

Monday's testimony constituted Baroni's first public comments on the case since he made a statement in May 2015 after his indictment.

Wildstein testified earlier in the trial that Baroni and Kelly were active participants in the scheme to punish Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich for his decision not to endorse Christie's re-election bid in 2013. Christie wound up winning by more than 20 points at a time when he was considered a potential top Republican presidential candidate.

According to Wildstein's testimony, during a Sept. 11, 2013, memorial event at the World Trade Center, Baroni told Christie about the traffic jams and of the conspirators' efforts to ignore Sokolich's pleas for assistance, on a day when the gridlock was bringing traffic in Fort Lee to a standstill.

Patrick Foye, the Port Authority's executive director and an appointee of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, testified for the prosecution that Baroni twice urged him to close the lanes again after Foye had ordered them reopened on Sept. 13.

Baroni told him the closures were "important to Trenton," Foye testified, which Foye took to mean the governor's office. Christie, who hasn't been charged, has denied knowing about the scheme beforehand or during, and said in response to Wildstein's testimony about the Sept. 11 event that he wouldn't have found it extraordinary to hear about traffic jams at the bridge, considering it is the busiest crossing in the country.

Wildstein also testified Baroni and Kelly participated in a system of political back-scratching in which the Port Authority was used as a "goody bag" of political favors aimed at persuading Democratic lawmakers to endorse Christie.
Dozens of students were sent to local hospitals after two school buses crashed Monday afternoon on a parkway north of New York City, officials said.

New York State Police told Fox 5 that one bus rear-ended the other on an exit ramp on the Palisades Interstate Parkway near New City, NY.

Police said that 40 to 60 students were transported to two nearby hospitals, but that "injuries are minor."

The buses were from the Northern Valley Regional High School in New Jersey.

Click for more from Fox5NY.com.
The ex-boyfriend of a Texas woman reported missing was arrested Wednesday on a a kidnapping charge, even though she still hasnt been found.

Police told Fox 4 that 25-year-old Typhenie Johnson was last seen October 10 at an apartment complex in Fort Worth. Her friends told authorities they were immediately suspicious about her disappearance.

Police said that Typhenies ex-boyfriend, Chris Revill, was the last person to see her.

Johnson's twin brother, Asher, said his girlfriend and another friend said they were inside the apartment as the ex-couple talked outside in the parking lot the night she disappeared.

It had kind of escalated from a regular conversation and making Chris leave here because he was gathering up his stuff, Asher told Fox 4. Chris had come back up, and I asked him where my sister went. And he said she jumped into another car.

Asher said it was out of character for his 25-year-old sister to just leave without telling them, so he went outside to look for her.

That's when I had seen his car backed in right back here with the trunk open, he said.

Asher told the television station that when Revill took off in his white 2003 Ford, he found her sock and her cell phone, in addition to her car keys on top of her car.

Police said they found women's clothing at Revill's mothers house. When asked by police, Asher says it was the tank top Typhenie was wearing that night.

With all the evidence and witness statements, police were able to arrest Revill for Typhenies alleged kidnapping last week and are holding him on a $50,000 bond.

We have substantial information basically on the initial crime scene of the apartment complex that would lead us and the detectives to believe that he was the last person around her at the time of her disappearance, Fort Worth Police Officer Jimmy Pollozani told Fox 4.

Since she was reported missing, hundreds of police and volunteers have joined family members to search for Johnson.

Her mother told NBC 5 DFW she is so grateful that complete strangers would spend their time searching for her daughter.

"We've learned to love and trust everybody we meet," Strub told the television station. "Hopefully we find Typhenie and find her safe."

Click for more from Fox 4.

Click for more from NBCDFW.com.
Queen Elizabeth II has bestowed honorary knighthood on retired Gen. Martin Dempsey, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for being a staunch advocate of defense cooperation between the United States and Britain.

The British Embassy in Washington announced the award on Monday.

Dempsey says in a statement that he's been honored to serve alongside the British armed forces for 40 years. He says he accepted the honor on behalf of the men and women who have sacrificed for the two countries.

Britain's honors system recognizes exceptional achievement and service to the nation, and includes non-British nationals who receive honorary awards for their contribution to the country.
As one of the world's oldest museums dedicated to anthropology turns 150, it's undergoing some big changes to showcase its significant role in developing the discipline.

Leaders of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University hinted this month at changes to come when they trotted out  for one day only  some of its quirkier, rarely seen pieces as part of a birthday bash marking the day in 1866 when philanthropist George Peabody committed $150,000 to help found the museum.

Among the curiosities was a grizzly bear claw necklace from Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's expedition to the Pacific coast and a grotesque, 19th century "mermaid" made of papier-mache, wood and fish parts that showman P.T. Barnum once took on a national tour to fanfare.

The "FeeJee Mermaid" and other items long sitting in storage will find a permanent home in public view as part of a new exhibition exploring the Peabody's role in anthropology, said Castle McLaughlin, a museum curator.

When it opens in April, "All the World is Here: Harvard's Peabody Museum and the Invention of American Anthropology" will feature roughly 600 objects. Officials hope to show a greater range of the museum's more than 1 million items, only a fraction of which are on display now.

"Harvard was very much in the business of developing anthropology," said Jane Pickering, head of Harvard's science and culture museums. "It's a really interesting occasion to reflect on the Peabody and its role. Within its field, it's incredible. The size and quality of its collection is truly astonishing."

McLaughlin said the display will be the largest and perhaps most ambitious the museum has attempted, taking up an entire floor. The museum, which opened on Harvard's campus in 1877, currently has two levels of exhibit space open.

The new exhibition will highlight curiosities collected by American ship captains that traveled to the Far East from the late 1700s to mid-1800s, of which the "Feejee Mermaid" is a prime example.

The museum's many famed excavations  from the prehistoric earthwork in Ohio known as Great Serpent Mound to the Mayan ruins of Copan in western Honduras  will also be a focus, as will the museum's role in the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.

The Peabody's director at the time, Frederick Ward Putnam, played a leading role in planning the lavish fair, which took place in Chicago and celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' first voyage to the Americas. Putnam scoured the globe for unique artifacts and helped introduce the principles of anthropology to the wider public through the fair.

Jeffrey Quilter, the Peabody's current director, said the World's Columbian Exposition highlights the dual legacy of anthropology during those early decades of the profession.

On one hand, he said, it exposed more people to the diversity of world cultures. On the other, it inadvertently helped bolster advocates of colonialism and imperialism.

As the Peabody turns 150, Quilter said, the museum continues to play a vital role in navigating the complex cultures humans have created.

"We're not just an anthropology museum. We're interacting with so many other disciplines, from literature to political science to the study of ancient DNA," he says. "These collections are never dead. They're constantly being revitalized by people who come back with new ways to study them."
An Iraqi refugee who authorities say wanted to set off bombs at two Houston malls has pleaded guilty to trying to help the Islamic State group.

Omar Faraj Saeed Al Hardan pleaded guilty Monday to attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing Jan. 17.

The 24-year-old came to Houston from Iraq in 2009. He was indicted in January.

A federal agent testified earlier this year that Hardan was learning to make electronic transmitters that could be used to detonate explosives.

Prosecutors alleged Al Hardan was coordinating with another Iraqi refugee in California. They said the two men talked about getting weapons training and eventually sneaking into Syria to fight alongside the Islamic State.
Tate Taylor's "The Girl on the Train" may be technically set in the Westchester suburb of Ardsley-on-Hudson, but its cocktail of commuter trains, marital infidelity and alcoholism make its proper setting Cheever Country.

Rachel, played by Emily Blunt.

The unhappy, martini-stained lives of New York suburbanites have long been a rich vein for writers like John Cheever, Richard Yates and Paula Fox. "The Girl on the Train" is the trashier, paperback version.

Its old-school title may suggest Hitchcock or maybe Fincher (who himself is remaking Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train"). But Taylor's film, disappointingly, is nowhere near the league of either. Instead, it's closer to the kind of early 90s psychological thriller where bad things happen in slow motion and deadly instruments are drawn from kitchen drawers.

It's adapted from Paula Hawkins' popular London-set novel, the success of which was predicated on comparisons to Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl," a trio of unreliable narrators, all women, and the way it cleverly untwisted female cliches of domestic life: the bitter divorcee (Rachel, played by Emily Blunt), the sexy other woman' (Megan, Haley Bennett) and the unwitting wife (Anna, Rebecca Ferguson).

They are each introduced in their own chapter, but our central figure is Blunt's boozy, devastated Rachel, the so-dubbed "girl" who by all appearances is suspiciously like a woman. She spends her days riding the Metro North into and out of New York, cursing the suburban "baby factory" while mini liquor bottles fall off her lap. From the tracks, she obsessively gazes at a house where she spies who she believes is the perfect, impossibly handsome couple (Bennett, Luke Evans).

"I just know they know love," she says.

From the train she sees hints of an affair or possibly a crime, and begins involving herself like a drunk Jimmy Stewart, on the rails instead of confined to a wheelchair. But the tale adds another layer  an incredulous one  to her voyeurism. As it happens, Rachel used to live a few houses down, where her ex-husband (Justin Theroux) now lives with his current wife (Ferguson) and baby. A real coinkidink.

The mystery kicks in when Megan goes missing  another girl, gone. Her character is set up as a kind of slinky femme fatale, who (despite her million-dollar home) is working as a nanny for  you guessed it  Anna down the street. In scenes with her therapist (a woefully miscast Edgar Ramirez), she sounds like she's plotting a getaway. "I just can't be a wife anymore," she says.

Through a boozy fog, the blackout-plagued Rachel believes she knows something about the case. She, herself, is a suspect because of her frequent creeping around her old home and continuous phone calls to her ex. On the night in question, Rachel wakes up mysteriously bloody.

Blunt can't quite pull off the famously difficult task of believably playing drunk; her slurred words and blotchy face are overdone. But it's her steely presence that gives "The Girl on the Train" the veneer of a film better than it is.
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More is riding on the battle for Mosul than the recapture of the Islamic State's main stronghold in northern Iraq. Also on the line is the Obama administration's theory that the extremists can be defeated in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere without American ground troops doing the fighting.

For more than two years, the administration has stuck to its argument that the only path to a sustained victory over the Islamic State group is for locals, not Americans or other outsiders, to bear the main responsibility for the fighting and for governing after the extremists are removed.

President Barack Obama has taken a lot of political heat for that approach, which critics say has allowed IS to expand its international reach and influence.

The viability of Obama's strategy has been widely doubted. In May 2015, after months of U.S. bombings in Iraq and while in the midst of Americans training and advising Iraqi ground troops, the Iraqis lost the city of Ramadi. Defense Secretary Ash Carter publicly said he doubted the Iraqis' will to fight. Since then, the U.S. support role has grown and the Iraqi security forces have managed to retake key parts of western and northern Iraq, including Ramadi.

Mosul is different, not least because it is the place where Islamic State leaders in 2014 announced their intent to create an Islamic-run state after taking a large swath of Iraq and Syria in a lightning surge.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest on Monday called Mosul a new measure of Obama's strategy.

"And I think the president would be the first to acknowledge that this is a significant test," he said, given the size of the city and its importance to IS. "Dislodging them from the city would be a significant strategic gain," Earnest said.

U.S. airpower played a key role in the run-up to the fight for Mosul by taking out Islamic State defenses, cash resources, supply routes and some of the group's leaders. The U.S. is now providing air cover as Iraqi security forces and members of the Kurdish militia begin their attempt to retake the city over the next several weeks. American advisers are working with Iraqi troops, but the outcome will be determined largely by the Iraqis.

Mosul may answer the question: If the Islamic State loses a crown jewel of its so-called caliphate, will that be a decisive and sustainable victory for Iraq? Or will Baghdad once again falter, allowing sectarian and political divisions to destabilize the country and permit a return of extremists?

That likely won't be known before Obama's successor takes office. The next president also will inherit the broader problem of Syria  not just the IS presence there, including in its self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa, but also the civil war with its complications involving Russia, Iran and Turkey.

Iraq remains deeply divided, and the grievances among the country's Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish populations that allowed IS to rise to power in the first place have not been resolved. Even if the Mosul campaign is successful militarily, there is a risk of violence erupting again in the form of revenge killings or clashes between groups once allied against a common enemy.

Seth Jones, a defense and security expert at the RAND Corp., says the combat phase of the battle for Mosul, while difficult, will be "much easier" than the aftermath.

"I think there's a strong possibility that a lot of the political grievances actually get accentuated," he said in an interview Friday.

David Petraeus, the former Army general who commanded U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq in 2007-2008, calls the Obama approach in Iraq and Syria "a new way of fighting."

"It's much more sustainable in terms of blood and treasure than obviously having our forces have to do it," Petraeus, who also served as Obama's CIA director, said Sunday on ABC's "This Week."

Obama began sending small numbers of U.S. military advisers to Iraq in the summer of 2014, after the Islamic State had swept into Mosul and also captured much of western Iraq, including cities like Ramadi and Fallujah where American ground troops had spilled much blood before all U.S. troops left Iraq in 2011. The rise of IS in Iraq was a stinging blow to Obama, whom critics accused of giving up hard-fought gains.

He initially insisted there would be no U.S. "boots on the ground," but he authorized a gradual expansion of the U.S. training and advising effort to complement a U.S.-led coalition air campaign. He was supported in his cautious, go-slow approach by his top military adviser at the time, Gen. Martin Dempsey, who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff when IS moved into Iraq and when Obama began returning U.S. advisers to Baghdad.

Dempsey counselled patience. Give the Iraqis time to heal their internal divisions and fight their own battles, he argued. Resist the temptation to grab control of the contest against the Islamic State. Dempsey believed an enduring victory would require a unified Iraq supported by neighbors.

"If we were to take control of this campaign, I mean literally seize control of the campaign, then there's no doubt in my mind we would probably defeat ISIL on, let's say, a faster timeline," but it would not last, he said in June 2015. "Maybe ISIL goes away, maybe they're defeated militarily, and two years from now another group with another name and another ideology ... will just be back," he said.

In the Obama view, Iraq is more likely to regain, and retain, control of its territory if it is not relying on U.S. troops to do the fighting. Mosul is the biggest test of that theory.

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AP National Security Writer Robert Burns has been reporting and writing about Iraq since 1990.
A northern New Jersey community is outraged after a black bear that became a social media sensation after it was filmed walking upright on its hind legs was believed to have been killed last week during the states five-day bow hunting season.

The bear, known as Pedals, could be seen walking around through the wilderness. Wildlife experts believe the bear that was found dead spent a small amount of time in all four of its legs. A post on a Facebook page dedicated to the bear said an unidentified hunter brought the animal's body to a check station in Rockaway Township Monday.

According to CBS News, animal rights activists believe that a bow and arrow was used in the killing of Pedals. Chris Fox, a New Jersey resident, told CBS Newsthat he often saw the bear roaming around the neighborhood.

Every time I think about it, it makes me sick to my stomach. Its horrible, he said. Because hes an innocent bear minding his own business, just searching for food. Never got into trouble, never harmed anybody and you have this idiot who tracked him to hunt him, to kill him.

Fox wasnt the only one who was seething mad over the bears death. Debbie Mitchell wrote on the bears fan page on Facebook, This is just cruel. Someone hunting a handicapped bear that people enjoyed seeing! What is wrong with people?

Some have even gone as far as to make death threats against whomever the hunter was that killed the bear. The person hasnt been identified.

Pedals became an Internet favorite in 2014, when local residents began posting photos of him on two-legged jaunts through their yards. Experts suggested that the bear likely suffered from an injured leg or paw that didn't allow it to walk comfortably on all fours.

The bear was last spotted this past June, and officials said at the time that they expected Pedals to make it through the winter.

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife confirmed late Friday that a bear with "injured limbs" had been brought into the station on the day in question. However, spokesman Robert Considine cautioned that there was "no way of verifying the identity of any bear that has not been previously tagged or had a DNA sample previously taken."

The Bergen Record reported that Pedals had never been tagged by the department.

Activists had pushed for Pedals to be moved to a sanctuary in New York state, but New Jersey officials have said they won't allow the bear to be captured and transferred to the facility. The state Department of Environmental Protection said in June that they believed the bear would fare better in its natural habitat.

The New York Times reported that 487 bears were killed during last week's hunt, the first in New Jersey since the 1960s.
Prosecutors will seek a jail or prison sentence for former Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane in a perjury and obstruction case.

Kane faces sentencing next week after a jury convicted her of leaking grand jury material to a newspaper and then lying about it under oath.

The 50-year-old Kane has two school-age children and will push for probation or house arrest at the Oct. 24 hearing.

The first-term Democrat from the Scranton area stepped down after her August conviction on two felony and seven misdemeanor counts.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele argues in a memo Monday that Kane abused her power to settle a personal vendetta.

He says he will seek consecutive sentences on many of the counts. He says the maximum sentence is 12 to 24 years in prison.

___

This story has been corrected to remove an incorrect reference to Steele seeking a two-year minimum term.
In a vast pit of red earth, white stone and green ponds, excavators unearth precious copper in Eritrea's first large scale commercial mine.

In its third year of production, Bisha mine -- endowed with gold, copper and zinc -- is Eritrea's first major international investment, and one that promises enormous profit for the impoverished Red Sea state.

Despite criticism by rights groups -- who say large scale mining props up a hardline regime accused of a raft of abuses -- authorities hope the mine will draw investment in other industries to help boost Eritrea's otherwise struggling economy.

"The miners are the first people to take big risks with big money," said Alasdair Smith, a geologist and exploration expert in Eritrea.

"There will be a honeymoon period for the mining industry when they will lead the way and they will have a significant contribution to GDP, and then that will quickly get overtaken by other industries," added Smith, from New Zealand.

Bisha mine is 60 percent owned by Canada's Nevsun Resources and 40 percent owned by the Eritrean government, which took a loan from China to finance its initial investment.

The project has attracted major interest from foreign mining companies, with three companies -- from Australia, Canada and China -- planning on establishing operations for gold and potash in the next two years.

There are also 17 other exploration companies in the country, searching for gold, copper, zinc and potash.

Eritrea's government insists it is committed to using mining profits to develop other nascent sectors -- namely agriculture, fisheries and tourism -- in order to avoid the resource curse that plagues other mineral-rich resources in Africa.

It needs it: with a gross national income of $430, Eritrea is one of the world's poorest nations, according to the World Bank.

"This is going to be a major sector in the Eritrean economy, but from our policy point of view, we would like to make sure that Eritrea does not become a one-sector economy," said Woldai Futur, Eritrea's Minister for Investment.

Nevsun reported revenues of $71.1 million in the first quarter of 2013, with Bisha's general manager Kevin Moxham shrugging off World Bank reports ranking Eritrea as the third worst country out of 185 nations to do business in.

"If you look at Africa and the risk of doing work, the country risk (in Eritrea) in my opinion is much less than anywhere else," Moxham told AFP, sitting at his office at the mine, 150 kilometres (90 miles) west of Asmara.

"The government is really involved because they want to make it work...they put their money where their mouth is," he said, adding that he is confident the growth of the sector will boost spin-off industries and provide much-needed employment.

Still, infrastructure is limited, foreign exchange reserve are minimal, and United Nations-imposed sanctions imposed for Eritrea's alleged backing of regional rebels make it difficult to import much-needed equipment.

But is not without its critics.

Last January, Human Rights Watch accused Nevsun of using forced labour drafted in from a decades-long conscription programme run by Eritrea, claims rejected by Asmara.

Moxham said employees are all are hired willingly.

"Anybody who is employed here has to be released from the military... we have a whole lot of checks and balances," he said.

But many people in the capital Asmara question how mining revenues are being spent.

"Where?", said one man when asked whether the government was spending profits wisely.

Residents in Asmara routinely complain of chronic water and electricity shortages in the capital, and say jobs are scarce.

But Bisha employees say they are happy for skills they are learning and a regular salary, which is above the national average.

Local salaries range from $400 to $5,000 at Bisha Mine, where over 90 percent of the 1800 employees are Eritrean.

For Asmerom Habte, 47, his job as a lift operator is not only a key source of income, but a source of national pride.

"I wanted to work here, it is the first gold mine ever in Eritrea," said the former soldier, standing before his bright yellow machine in the copper pit, adding that his salary of some $500 a month is around seven times more than when he was a soldier.

While employment is an important benefit of the mining sector, Woldai insists that the industry will spur further broader investment, despite economic stagnation blamed on ongoing tensions with arch-foe Ethiopia following a 1998-2000 border war.

"We are passing though difficult times... but our people are united," he said. "The important thing is that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It may be farther than I'd like it to be, but it is there."
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With its cobblestone streets and colonial-era churches and plazas, picturesque Antigua has long been Guatemala's top tourist destination as an oasis away from the crime and chaos consuming the rest of the Central American country.

In recent months, however, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has seen the troubles of the outside world threaten its backpacker charm. Vehicle and home burglaries are up, and once-reliable public services such as water and trash collection have been left unattended across whole blocks.

Many blame political turmoil for the troubles in this city of about 53,000 people. Antigua hasn't had an elected mayor since September 2012 when Adolfo Vivar and several relatives and members of his administration were charged with establishing a criminal network that stole nearly $3 million from the city's treasury. Although an interim mayor was named, electoral authorities haven't yet said how Vivar and the council members will be permanently replaced.

That's left Antigua unable to attend to basic business and spooked some longtime townspeople, who say they're afraid their charming niche amid the volcanoes could see vital tourism revenue plummet.

Jose Reyes, a restaurant cashier, said robbers stole the phone and iPad of his English teacher, an American, who responded by leaving town.

"She lived here, but after that she left because she was really frightened," Reyes said.

Another resident, Magali Mendez, said that both her son and daughter have been robbed, and that her son almost died after his attacker stabbed him.

"You hear your family, your neighbors and tourists alike complain of robberies happening in touristy, popular places during the day," Mendez said. "The police and city governments are failing to provide security and enforce the law."

Government figures show the number of crimes have spiked this fall in Sacatepequez department, where Antigua sits, jumping from 148 in the Sept. 1-Nov. 16 period of last year to 181 in the same span this year. Antigua reported the most crimes in both totals.

Because of the jailing of the mayor and other officials, city budgets are awaiting approval and the government has come to a standstill, said Maria Eugenia Contreras, legal adviser to interim Mayor Edgar Ruiz.

"Antigua's administration continues working  the collection of taxes, police, water services  but everything still depends on budgets," Contreras said. "At the end of the year, it's always necessary to allocate budget funds, and who authorizes that is the city council. So it's likely that there are going to be more problems providing services, especially at the end of the year."

That comes on top of a wave of extortions and other crimes that have hit the region.

According to the latest data from the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, Guatemala's homicide rate came in at 38.5 per 100,000 residents, with 5,685 people slain in 2011, making it the seventh deadliest country in the world.

Deputy Interior Minister Arkel Benitez acknowledged the rise in crime in still largely safe Antigua but said the government is pushing back in Sacatepequez department. Hoteliers and other business owners in the city have donated security cameras, and more police commanders have been assigned to the area, Benitez said.

"From January to July, we reduced crimes in Antigua's historic district by 41 percent," he said. "We had a security plan in place but the police commander in charge of the program died and crime increased again."

Antigua, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) west of Guatemala City, attracts tourists from all over the world with its crumbling colonial charm and an elaborate procession that winds through the city's streets around Lent. Hundreds of thousands of Americans visit Antigua every year, among the more than 1 million tourists who come.

So far, the town's ills don't appear to have seriously touched hotels and other tourist areas, and its special tourist police force has been operating normally.

Yet Antigua residents are feeling the problems. Early in November, hundreds marched to demand the appointment of a new city administration, saying they were tired of water being cut off, trash not being picked up and stoppages on public transportation.

Bus drivers went on strike after one colleague was killed and another wounded in separate attacks because they refused to pay extortion money. The drivers didn't fully re-establish service until the government pledged to crack down on the extortions.

Despite such promises, some Antigua residents said they have already adjusted their daily lives to the new reality.

Paul Phillips, a 70-year-old retiree from Chicago who runs a bed and breakfast in the city, said he has heard about robberies, but has so far managed to avoid them.

"We haven't been affected, because we don't go out at night," he said.
Police say at least nine people have been killed at a Brazilian penitentiary in a clash between rival gangs of inmates in the northern state of Roraima.

The state's justice secretary Uziel Castro says in a statement that seven bodies were piled up and burned after the Sunday prison mutiny. Two other bodies were found in a different part of the Monte Cristo prison. Castro says at least three of the bodies were beheaded and efforts to identify them have been slow.

Officers said Monday that about 50 people who were visiting the penitentiary in the state on the border with Venezuela and Guyana were released unharmed after being held hostage.
EXCLUSIVE: It was the dead of night when an 11-year-old Nigerian orphan boarded an overloaded dinghy to take on the daunting task of crossing the Mediterranean Sea to a better life in Europe.

The boy, whose name is unknown, was among 175 strangers, all trusting their lives to a battered raft and the promises of ruthless men vowing to deliver them from danger.

Hours later, the boy and his fellow passengers were plucked from rough seas by the Responder -- one of many within the waters between Northern Africa, the Middle East, and Europe -- tasked with saving those in distress on the high seas as they search for safety in Europe and beyond.

He has no parents. No relatives. Nobody looking after him, Jenelle Eli, a relief worker with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, told FoxNews.com. He said he was running away from bad people in Libya. He could hardly look me in the eye, but was relieved to be out of that rubber dinghy and treated with kindness.

Eli has worked on behalf of refugees for more than a decade, but currently she volunteered to be a part of the organizations relief efforts in the Mediterranean in conjunction with the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS).

Watching these tragedies at sea unfold over the past few years has been nothing short of heartbreaking," she said. "I cant stop thinking about how bad things must be on land for people to risk the dangerous journey at sea.

Eli just boarded the Responder for a three-week mission. The ship has set out to rescue refugees and migrants in danger on the choppy waters and bring them to the shores of Italy -- the closest European port. They also address urgent medical needs and ensure refugees are kept warm and fed.

Many of the refugees who cross the Mediterranean do so in tiny wooden boats or rubber dinghies and face risk of drowning, dehydration, hypothermia or being crushed from over-crowding. Eli, along with her organization, provided FoxNews.com with exclusive photos of rescue efforts, as well as harrowing stories of those they saved.

We have welcomed more than 770 migrants onboard the Responder since I arrived, Eli said. The first rescue I experienced took place before 5:30 a.m. Using radar and binoculars, the crew spotted a wooden boat crammed with 31 people who were clearly in distress.

The new arrivals -- who were from Nigeria, Senegal, and Bangladesh -- had such anxiety on their faces, so part of my job was to help them feel secure and reassured right away, she said.

The Responder patrols the waters over 12 miles out from the shores of Libya in international waters, scanning the sea for the endless fleet of vessels laden with desperate human cargo. Once they rescue those on board, they help them complete their journey to Europe, traveling 24 hours to the shores of Italy, from where they move on to various places like Germany with the hopes of a new life.

More than 3,600 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year alone. Europe has felt the strain of those who made it, after allowing nearly 1 million refugees in, a number that is expected to triple in 2016.

According to figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the number of those displaced has reached 59.5 million worldwide at the end of 2014 -- numbers not seen since World War II.

A majority of the refugees are fleeing war and persecution in such places as Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. But their ranks have been swollen by economic refugees from African nations such as Sudan, Sengal and Eritrea, where torture and slavery are commonplace.

The influx has put a strain on the European Union. Since the crisis began, there has been growing strife between Greece, where many of the refugees have been entering Europe, and its partners in the EU. Greece saw more than 800,000 refugees arrive in 2015, or two-thirds of those bound for Europe last year.

Critics say allowing millions of refugees to cross into Europe threatens the continent's safety, economy and culture. The EU has had to make hard decisions on how to absorb the influx of refugees and migrants.

Eli and others who work to help those making the harrowing journey for a better life do not focus on the politics of the issue. Instead, they work to alleviate the suffering of the people caught playing out their bit parts in a dangerous drama.

One woman from Benin was balling her eyes out," she said. "When we tried to comfort her, she said of the sea crossing, I couldnt imagine that I would make it. When I stepped on this ship, I was overwhelmed.

Hers were tears of joy.
Talks to convince a small Belgian region to back a wide-ranging trade deal between the 28-nation European Union and Canada could spill over in this week's EU summit of leaders.

The fate of the deal hangs on the francophone region of Wallonia, which has a population of only 3.5 million people.

Under EU rules, trade deals require the support of all 28 members. The same applies for Belgium's six regional governments.

Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders says Monday that a deal could emerge "tomorrow." If not, one could emerge at the summit, allowing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to go to Brussels on Oct. 27 to sign the agreement.

The main discussion points at this week's summit, which starts Thursday, is Britain's exit from the EU and relations with Russia.
The China National Peking Opera Company returns to London on Oct. 13, bringing with them two more examples of classic storytelling from China: The General and the Prime Minister, and the much-loved Legend of White Snake. [Photo / China.org.cn]

London's stages rarely glitter so bright, but Chinese opera, which China's National Peking Opera Company performed at the Peacock Theatre from Oct. 13 to 15, is by nature a show of visual vibrancy.

The China National Peking Opera Company returned to London on Oct. 13, bringing with them two more examples of classic storytelling from China: The General and the Prime Minister, and the much-loved Legend of White Snake.

Performing as part of Sadler's Wells' Out of Asia 2 season, the Peking opera company started their short run of shows with The General and the Prime Minister.

This opera draws from China's rich history. It is set during the Warring States Period (475  221 B.C.), a time when the many kingdoms of China fought for supremacy.

The opera company started well with one of Peking opera's distinctive features: acrobatics. The first scene is a battle between the Qin (the villain) and Zhao (the hero) kingdoms. Owing to the minimalism of Peking opera and its small cast, these acrobats make an excellent representation of warrior might, of an exciting fray, of military prowess, that you wouldn't see in Western theatre.

From here the story follows the victorious General Lian Po back to the Zhao Kingdom where we meet the would-be-prime-minister Lin Xiangru. Lin is a man of quick wit and humble origins who will, over the course of the night, climb to the Zhao Kingdom's top administrative position.

Based on the first half, to call this story The General and the Prime Minister seems a slight misnomer. The first half of the play is less about General Lian Po and more about Lin's gradual rise to power, which he gains by outsmarting the enemy King of Qin in a war of words.
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European Union foreign ministers are debating whether to extend sanctions against the Syrian regime as political efforts to secure a cease-fire falter.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Monday that ministers could add more Syrians accused of rights abuses or war crimes to the sanction list, saying "for sure, that could be possible."

But she said no EU country has raised the idea of imposing sanctions on Russia, despite its support for President Bashar Assad in his offensive on the besieged city of Aleppo.

Talks involving Russia, the U.S. and other Western powers over the weekend failed to secure any breakthrough likely to lead to a cease-fire or the opening of humanitarian access.
The European Union is ready to step up pressure on the Democratic Republic of Congo, including imposing sanctions, to end the unrest in the east of the vast nation and to push for elections next year.

The 28 EU foreign ministers said in a statement Monday the bloc "will use all the means at its disposal, including individual restrictive measures" against those that commit violence and human rights abuses.

Dozens died in Kinshasa in September after security forces clashed with anti-government demonstrators opposed to delaying long-anticipated elections. Fighting in the east is also worry.

Congo's electoral commission says a national election, originally scheduled for next month, will likely take place at the end of 2018 but the EU ministers said the polls must happen "as soon as possible in 2017."
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Iraqi and Kurdish forces launched a long-awaited offensive Monday to drive the Islamic State group out of the country's second largest city, Mosul, but the operation could take weeks, if not months, and many fear a humanitarian crisis.

Columns of armored vehicles trundled down desert roads toward the city as U.S.-led airstrikes and heavy artillery echoed across the Ninevah plains.

Kurdish forces captured a number of small, largely unpopulated villages to the east. But their progress was slowed by roadside bombs left behind by the militants, and IS unleashed a series of suicide car and truck bomb attacks, one of which struck a Kurdish tank. It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties from that incident or fighting elsewhere.

FEARS OF A HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

Mosul, which fell to IS when the extremists swept across much of northern and central Iraq in the summer of 2014, is still home to a million people. Aid groups fear that the fighting could cause a mass exodus that would overwhelm nearby refugee camps.

The U.N. says the fighting could displace at least 200,000 people. Camps have been set up to receive the displaced, but aid groups say there is only room for around 100,000. Aid officials also fear that IS could use civilians as human shields.

"Civilians who attempt to escape the city will have little choice but to take their lives into their own hands and pray that they are able to avoid snipers, land mines, booby traps and other explosives," said Aleksandar Milutinovic, the International Rescue Committee's Iraq Director.

COALITION DIVISIONS

The Mosul offensive is the largest and most complex military operation launched in Iraq since U.S. forces withdrew in 2011. It involves an estimated 25,000 troops from the army, the Kurdish peshmerga, Sunni tribal forces and Shiite militias.

In the weeks leading up to the launch of the offensive, Iraq and Turkey became embroiled in a spat over the presence of some 500 Turkish troops near Mosul who have been training anti-IS fighters. Baghdad has demanded the Turkish troops withdraw, while Turkey has insisted it play a role in the liberation of the city.

For now the various forces are working together, but that could become more difficult as they close in on the city, and it remains unclear exactly how Mosul will be governed once IS is gone.
Iraqi government and Kurdish forces, backed by U.S.-led coalition air and ground support, launched coordinated military operations early on Monday as the long-awaited fight to wrest the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State fighters got underway. But the battle for Mosul is likely to be long and at was unclear at this early stage when the troops would enter the city itself.

Also, the fate of civilians trapped inside Mosul will also be critical as the battle intensifies in the days and weeks ahead amid concerns that the extremist Islamic State could use them as potential human shields.

In the morning hours Monday, convoys of Iraqi, Kurdish and U.S. forces moved east of Mosul along the front line as U.S.-led coalition airstrikes sent plumes of smokes into the air and heavy artillery rounds could be heard.

The move came shortly after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the operations on state television, launching the country on its toughest battle since American troops left nearly five years ago.

Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, has been under IS rule for more than two years and is still home to more than a million civilians according to U.N. estimates.

"These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity," al-Abadi said, addressing the city's residents and using the Arabic language acronym for the Islamic State group. "God willing, we shall win."

The push to retake Mosul will be the largest military operation in Iraq since American troops left in 2011 and, if successful, the biggest blow yet to the Islamic State. Al-Abadi pledged the fight for the city would lead to the liberation of all Iraqi territory from the militants this year.

In Washington, Defense Secretary Ash Carter called the launch of the Mosul operation "a decisive moment in the campaign" to deliver a lasting defeat to IS.

Iraqi forces have been massing around the city in recent days, including elite special forces that are expected to lead the charge into the city, as well as Kurdish forces, Sunni tribal fighters, federal police and Shiite militia forces.

South of Mosul, Iraqi military units are based at the sprawling Qayara air base, but to the city's east, men are camped out in abandoned homes as the tens of thousands of troops massed around the city have overwhelmed the few military bases in the area.

Kurdish forces are stationed to the north and east of Mosul, a mostly Sunni city that has long been a center of insurgent activity and anti-central government sentiment after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Iraqi officials have warned that the Mosul operation has been rushed before a political agreement has been set for how the city will be governed after IS.

Lt. Col. Amozhgar Taher with Iraq's Kurdish forces, also known as the peshmerga, said his men would only move to retake a cluster of mostly Christian and Shabak villages east of Mosul and would not enter the city itself due to their concern for "sectarian sensitivities." Taher spoke at a makeshift base in an abandoned house along the front line, some 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Mosul.

Later Monday, Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency said the Kurdish peshmerga forces have taken control of seven villages east of Mosul and that they control the main road linking the city with the Iraqi Kurdish regional capital, Irbil, further to the east.

Iraqi special forces Lt. Col. Ali Hussein said the Kurdish forces are leading the first push on Mosul's eastern front. His men were also anxious to move out to the front line, though he said he expects they will wait near the town of Khazer for another day or two.

Meanwhile, a suicide car bombing targeted security forces outside Baghdad, killing at least nine people and wounding up to 35 on Monday, officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to the media. Nobody immediately claimed responsibility for the checkpoint attack in town Youssifiyah, 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Baghdad, though it bore the hallmarks of the Islamic State group.

Mosul fell to IS fighters during the militants' June 2014 blitz that left nearly a third of Iraq in the extremists' hands and plunged the country into its most severe crisis since the U.S.-led invasion. After seizing Mosul, IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi visited the city to declare an Islamic caliphate that at one point covered nearly a third of Iraq and Syria.

But since late last year, the militants have suffered battlefield losses in Iraq and their power in the country has largely shrunk to Mosul and small towns in the country's north and west. Mosul is about 360 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of the capital, Baghdad.

The operation to retake Mosul is expected to be the most complex yet for Iraq's military, which has been rebuilding from its humiliating 2014 defeat.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, said in a statement that the operation to regain control of Mosul could take "weeks, possibly longer."

Earlier, Iraqi Brig. Gen Haider Fadhil told The Associated Press in an interview that more than 25,000 troops, including paramilitary forces made up of Sunni tribal fighters and Shiite militias, will take part in the offensive that will be launched from five directions around the city.

The role of the Shiite militias has been particularly sensitive, as Nineveh, where Mosul is located, is a majority Sunni province and Shiite militia forces have been accused of carrying out abuses against civilians in other operations in majority Sunni parts of Iraq.

Fadhil voiced concern about potential action from Turkish troops based in the region of Bashiqa, northeast of Mosul. Turkey sent troops to the area late last year to train anti-IS fighters there. But Baghdad has seen the Turkish presence as a "blatant violation" of Iraqi sovereignty and has demanded the Turkish troops withdraw, a call Ankara has ignored.

Military operations are also predicted to displace 200,000 to a million people, according to the United Nations. Just a few kilometers from the eastern front line, rows of empty camps for displaced civilians line the road, but aid groups say they only have enough space for some 100,000 people.

In Geneva, a senior U.N. official said he's "extremely concerned" for the safety of civilians in Mosul. Stephen O'Brien, the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said that as many as "1 million people may be forced to flee their homes in a worst-case scenario."

He warned that families are at "extreme risk" of being caught in crossfire, and that tens of thousands may end up besieged or held as human shields and thousands could be forcibly expelled.

In the midst of a deep financial crisis, the Iraqi government says it lacks the funds to adequately prepare for the humanitarian fallout of the Mosul fight. In some cases commanders say they are encouraging civilians to stay in their homes rather than flee.

"While we may be celebrating a military victory (after the Mosul operation is complete)," said Falah Mustafa, the foreign minister for Iraq's Kurdish region, "we don't want to have also created a humanitarian catastrophe."
The Latest on the developments in Syria's civil war (all times local):

1:55 p.m.

Syrian opposition activists are reporting that airstrikes on a rebel-held, eastern neighborhood in the city of Aleppo have killed at least 13 people, including children.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the airstrikes hit the Marjeh neighborhood on Monday and that five children were among the casualties.

The Aleppo Media Center, an activist collective, also reported the airstrikes and gave the same death toll. It says 11 of the victims have the same family name of Qabs and ranged in age from a month-and-a-half-old baby girl and a 25-year-old man.

Rebel-held parts of Aleppo have been subjected to the worst aerial attacks since a cease-fire brokered by the U.S. and Russia collapsed in September. The air raids have killed hundreds, wounded many others and demolishing entire buildings.

___

10 a.m.

A top aide of Syrian President Bashar Assad has visited Cairo to coordinate with Egypt in the fight against "terrorism" in the region.

Syria's state news agency reported on Monday that Maj. Gen. Ali Mamlouk, head of the National Security Bureau, led a delegation that visited Egypt the day before.

SANA says the Syrians met with top intelligence officials, including deputy chief of Egypt's intelligence agency. It says both sides agreed on "coordinating political standpoints" and strengthening the "cooperation in fighting terrorism."

Both countries are fighting extremists, including members of the Islamic State group. Egypt and Syria also have bad relations with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Egypt's pro-government Sada al-Balad and other news websites reported Sunday that six Syrians arrived on a private jet Sunday from Damascus.
North Korea said Monday that it wants Britain to pull out of upcoming military exercises in South Korea, calling the drills a "hostile act."

Britain has announced that it will send fighter jets and support planes to Asia, and that it will take part in exercises in South Korea together with South Korean and U.S. forces in early November.

"This is a hostile act, openly joining the U.S. and South Korean forces in moves for a new war against us," said North Korean Foreign Ministry official Pak Yun Sik. "Britain claims that this military exercise is not targeting us, but the U.S. and South Korea openly say that these military exercises are aimed at launching a strike against our military facilities and our command structure."

North Korea usually responds to regular South Korea-U.S. military drills with weapons tests and fiery warlike rhetoric. It views the drills as an invasion rehearsal, but Seoul and Washington say the exercises are defensive in nature.

North Korea has increased its opposition to military exercises in South Korea, and has conducted more than 20 missile launches and two nuclear tests this year.
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Separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine say a notorious warlord has been killed in a bombing in the rebel stronghold of Donetsk.

The separatist Donetsk News Agency said on Sunday that Arsen Pavlov, also known as Motorola, was killed in Donetsk when a bomb exploded in an elevator in an apartment building where he was staying. He is one of several prominent warlords who have been killed in bombings in the past year which Ukraine watchers attribute to infighting among the separatists. Pavlov once admitted killing 15 prisoners of war.

The conflict between separatists and Ukrainian government forces has been raging since April 2014, killing more than 9,600 people.

Russian-born Pavlov, 33, worked in a car wash before he crossed the border and joined the separatists in 2014.
Some US forces are currently located on the outskirts of Mosul and in harms way, but would remain behind the front lines with the Iraqis in the lead, according to a Pentagon spokesman during a briefing with reporters Monday.

I think it's fair to say that there are Americans at the outskirts of the city, but I'm not going to get into the disposition of every single American, said Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook, who declined to offer how many US forces are currently embedded close to Mosul. Cook later said a small number of Americans were advising the Iraqi forces on the ground.

Cook said the operation started at 6 am local time in Iraq. By days end the Iraqi forces were ahead of schedule, but he did not offer specifics.

Early indications are that Iraqi forces have met their objectives so far and that they are ahead of schedule for this first day. This is going according to the Iraqi plan, but again, it's early, said Cook.

Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook reiterated that the Mosul operation was an Iraq-led fight and the US military would be acting in a support role. One group Cook said the US military would not support are Iranian-backed Shia militias.

Cook said so far US Army Apache attack helicopters have not been used in Mosul.

This is their fight, said Cook of the Iraqi forces.

The Iraqis are at the front and Americans are providing in their advisory role, but they are behind the forward line of troops. And they are providing that same sort of advice and assistance that they have in Iraq previously and will continue to do so as this fight progresses, he added.

Cook said the United States has contributed $1B in humanitarian assistance ahead of the expected catastrophe involving the more than one million civilians located in Mosul.

Cook said up to 5,000 ISIS fighters could be in Mosul right now.


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A top aide of Syrian President Bashar Assad has visited Cairo to coordinate with Egypt in the fight against "terrorism" in the region.

Syria's state news agency reported on Monday that Maj. Gen. Ali Mamlouk, head of the National Security Bureau, led a delegation that visited Egypt the day before.

SANA says the Syrians met with top intelligence officials, including deputy chief of Egypt's intelligence agency. It says both sides agreed on "coordinating political standpoints" and strengthening the "cooperation in fighting terrorism."

Both countries are fighting extremists, including members of the Islamic State group. Egypt and Syria also have bad relations with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Egypt's pro-government Sada al-Balad and other news websites reported Sunday that six Syrians arrived on a private jet Sunday from Damascus.
The U.S. military has ramped up airstrikes against the Islamic State in Libya--doubling the number of strikes there in less than a month--according to the latest statistics provided by the U.S. military's Africa Command, which leads the operation.

As of Monday, there have been 324 airstrikes in Libya, a majority from drones and others from U.S. Marine Corps jets and attack helicopters stationed aboard a US Navy warship off the Libyan coast.

There were 161 US airstrikes against ISIS in Libya on September 21, according to the U.S. Africa Command. There were more airstrikes in Libya on Oct. 14 than there were in Iraq and Syria combined, according to U.S. military strike reports.

The U.S. military has been carrying out airstrikes in Libya since August 1, in support of the UN-backed Government of National Accord, or GNA based in Tripoli.

The U.S. airstrikes have been focused on a concentration of ISIS fighters located in the Libyan coastal city of Sirte, located halfway between Tripoli and Benghazi. At the start of the bombing campaign, a Pentagon spokesman said the U.S. operation would only last a matter of "weeks."

"We continue to work with GNA [Government of National Accord] aligned forces as they clear through Sirte and we now have better intelligence, " said a U.S. defense official, who spoke to Fox News on the condition of anonymity when asked about the sharp increase in the number of airstrikes.

Late last month, President Obama quietly extend the bombing campaign against ISIS in Libya for a second time.

Extending the bombing campaign through October meant the Navy had to keep two warships off the coast of Libya for a third consecutive month, according to defense officials. Drone strikes, which provide a majority of the strikes were also extended. The initial plan called for the two warships to remain off Libya for one month only.

One of the U.S. warships, the amphibious assault vessel USS Wasp, which houses dozens of Marine Corps Harrier jets and Cobra attack helicopters, had been scheduled to go to the Persian Gulf in September to begin airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, as well as keep an eye on Iran following recent incidents involving Iranian gunboats and U.S. Navy ships -- one of which resulted in warning shots being fired by a U.S. warship. The other, the destroyer USS Carney, was supposed to head to the Black Sea near Russia. But the Libya operation against ISIS has been deemed more pressing by senior military leaders.

The U.S. military is now conducting airstrikes against terror groups in six countries: Iraq, Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia. In May, the US military carried out a drone strike in a seventh country, Pakistan, to kill the head of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Akhtar Mansour.

The USS Wasp is serving as a key launch point for U.S. airstrikes in Libya. The USS Carney is serving as an escort ship and firing illumination rounds from its 5-inch gun to help a U.S.-backed Libyan ground force in Sirte.

"We cannot let radical Islamists establish sanctuary," retired Army Gen. Jack Keane told Fox News on Monday. "That was the major lesson of 9/11."

In addition to the airstrikes, U.S. special operations forces have been in and out of Libya for months advising local ground forces, according to defense officials.

When the Libya airstrikes began, a Pentagon spokesman said the strikes would only back ground the UN-backed Libyan government for a finite period of time and did not anticipate a long commitment.

The duration of this operation will be measured based upon the length of time it takes for them to do that objective, Capt. Jeff Davis said during a Pentagon briefing with reporters in early August.

The mission will likely take weeks not months, Davis said. This is a finite period of time and a very finite mission ... We dont envision this as being something thats going to be too long, he said.

Speaking at the White House in August, President Obama said supporting the Libyan government against ISIS was in America's national security interests.

A month ago, the number of ISIS fighters in Sirte had been estimated to be under 100, according to a U.S. official with knowledge of the latest intelligence.

The official said at the time that U,S, military operations in Libya could be ending soon. Its very close. ISIS is only in three neighborhoods [in Sirte], the official added.

In June, CIA Director John Brennan said there were 5,000 to 8,000 ISIS fighters in Libya.

In February, the US military bombed an ISIS training camp outside Tripoli in western Libya, killing a senior ISIS operative and 49 ISIS fighters.

In November, a US airstrike killed the then-head of ISIS in Libya, Abu Nabil, an Iraqi national and longtime Al Qaeda operative.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of congratulations on the successful launch of the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft on Monday.

Xi expressed congratulations and greetings to all researchers and staff engaged in the mission as well as the astronauts.

The mission of the orbiting space lab Tiangong-2 and the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft marks the first time that Chinese astronauts will stay in orbit for medium term, Xi said in the message.

Tasks of space science and application representing the frontier science and the future of high technology will be conducted during the mission, which Xi said symbolizes that China's manned space program has registered new and significant progresses.

Xi urged staff of the mission to carry on their work to guarantee that designated targets will be realized. He also encouraged them to "constantly break new ground for the manned space program, so that Chinese people will take bigger steps and march further in space probe, to make new contribution to the building of China into a space power."

Xi sent the message from the western Indian state of Goa where he attended the eighth summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
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The United States and Britain are acknowledging the Western world's weak support for any military action against Syria's government as they seek ways to pressure President Bashar Assad and his chief backer, Russia, to halt a deadly offensive in Aleppo. They are trying to present it as a possibility, nevertheless.

After a meeting of 11 governments opposing Assad's rule, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson each insisted Sunday that all options were on the table. But their stark explanations about the danger of resorting to military force appeared to rule out such a move.

The result was a somewhat schizophrenic threat that was unlikely to scare Assad's government or Russia as they move to crush the last rebel-held areas of Aleppo, Syria's largest city.

"When a great power is involved in a fight like this, as Russia has chosen to be by going there and then putting its missiles in place in order to threaten people against military action, it raises the stakes of confrontation," Kerry said after the meeting in London.

He said no one should be "lighting a fire" under a larger sectarian war in the Middle East or one drawing in superpowers against one another.

Johnson said Britain wanted to "ratchet up" pressure on Assad, Russia and Iran.

"No option is, in principle, off the table," he told reporters.

Quickly expanding his answer, Johnson: "Be in no doubt that these so-called military options are extremely difficult and there is, to put it mildly, a lack of political appetite in most European capitals and certainly in the West for that kind of solution at present."

"So we've got to work with the tools we have," he said. "The tools we have are diplomatic."

The gathering in London came amid mounting international frustration with the 5 year conflict, which has killed as many as a half-million people, sparked Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War II and enabled Islamic State militants to emerge as a global terror threat.

Kerry on Saturday launched a new diplomatic process with what he described as the major international players in the war  the U.S., Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt. The renewed effort replaces last month's U.S.-Russian cease-fire, which collapsed within days, and Washington's now-abandoned talks with Moscow on a military partnership against the Islamic State group and al-Qaida militants.

Sunday's gathering included America's Arab allies from the meeting a day earlier along with European countries that were left out. Not everyone sounded convinced about Kerry's effort.

"There is no step forward for a cease-fire," French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said.

Even the U.S. has expressed skepticism about the chances for a diplomatic agreement with Assad's military supporters, Russia and Iran.

But President Barack Obama doesn't seem likely to approve an American military intervention before leaving office. He has consistently rejected such action against Assad, including three years ago when the Syrian leader crossed Obama's "red line" by using chemical weapons.

Kerry tried to keep the threat alive Sunday.

"Let me make it clear," he said. "President Obama has not taken any options off the table at this point in time. So we'll see where we are in the next few days in the context of the discussions we're having."

Just a moment earlier, however, Kerry implied the opposite.

He emphasized that the U.S. and its partners must exhaust diplomatic possibilities, even if the situation in Syria becomes more dire. "Now, some people ask what happens to Aleppo if it were to fall," Kerry said. "Well, the Russians should understand, and Assad needs to understand, that that does not end the war. This war cannot end without a political solution.

"So even if Aleppo were to fall, even if they have utterly destroyed it, which they are doing, that will not change the fundamental equation in this war because other countries will continue to support opposition, and they will continue to create more terrorists and Syria will be the victim in the end, as well as the region."

Kerry said the U.S. and its partners were "discussing using every mechanism available to us" to stop the fighting.

"But I haven't seen a big appetite in Europe of people to go to war," he said, echoing Johnson. "I don't see the parliaments of European countries ready to declare war. I don't see a lot of countries deciding that that's the better solution here."

"It's easy to say, 'Where's the action?' But what is the action?" he asked. "I have a lot of people who have a lot of trouble defining that."
Innovative New Music School to Rock the Atlanta Area

Bach to Rock Hosts Free Grand Opening in Alpharetta on

October 29

October 17, 2016 // Franchising.com // Bach to Rock (B2R), Americas music school for students of all ages, announced today that its first Georgia location is now open in Alpharetta. To celebrate Bach to Rocks grand opening, the school will host an open house onSaturday, October 29 from 10 a.m.  2 p.m. at 12315 Crabapple Road, #118, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30004. The community is invited to tour the school, enjoy a free music lesson, learn about individual lessons and group classes, try out free toddler Mommy and Me classes, enter into prize drawings and giveaways, check out the recording studio, meet the teachers, and join in Halloween themed festivities.

With Bach to Rock, students get to play the music they love and they also get to play in groups, so its supportive and team-oriented. The enjoyment factor is much higher, the students are inspired by music, and the learning is more meaningful. You wont see solitary, boring music lessons. Check out our new school in Alpharetta and you can experience the difference, said President of Bach to Rock, Brian Gross.

Spearheading the Alpharetta venture is the husband and wife team of Carmen and Nancy Guinto, who became Bach to Rock franchisees in March 2016. Their new Bach to Rock school is the first in Georgia. We are thrilled to expand the success Bach to Rock has developed across the country to the Southeast, said Carmen Guinto. The Bach to Rock method encourages students to explore the kinds of music they love, and then play that music with other students in a band and perform in a public space. Students can become proficient and build their confidence in a very short time, he said.

The couple brings a wealth of experience to the endeavor and is eager to welcome students from across North Fulton County to their school. Nancy is a classically trained pianist and educator, and Carmen is an IT professional and business owner. Both share a love of music and Carmen is an aspiring vocalist, guitarist, bassist and harmonica player. We want our Bach to Rock school to be a place that everyone enjoys, from our employees to our students. Its like creating a new extended musical family, said the couple.

Bach to Rock Alpharetta will offer a variety of programs for students of all ages, including individual lessons, group classes such as Rock Band, early childhood programs for children as young as toddler and preschool age, summer camps and birthday parties. Studies have shown that learning to play music in a group helps students learn teamwork, develop social skills and build self-esteem, among other benefits. The school will also feature Bach to Rocks new Touch Screen Tablet Technology, which allows teachers to customize lessons; gives parents the ability to view their childrens progress and homework; and provides administrators with the necessary tools to ensure students are receiving a well-balanced music education.

Bach to Rock is expanding at a robust and steady pace. The franchise has repeatedly been named to EntrepreneursFranchise 500 and was listed in the Top Ten Trending Categories for 2016. Franchise Times has ranked it as one of the 500 Powerhouse Brands and on its Next 300 Franchise System list.

Bach to Rock is currently seeking qualified candidates to open franchise locations in major metropolitan markets throughout the country. Bach to Rock is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to build a business that is dedicated to helping children and adults learn to play the music they love. While music experience or ability is not necessary, candidates should bring strong business acumen and the ability to build teams to ensure the schools success.

To learn more about music school franchise ownership opportunities with Bach to Rock, as well as its veteran and franchise referral programs, contact Ralph Rillon, vice president of franchise development, at 1-855-227-7570 orfranchise@bachtorock.com, or visit www.bachtorockfranchise.com.

For more information or to register for classes at B2R Alpharetta:

Visit: 12315 Crabapple Road, #118, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30004

Call: 470-375-3960 Toll Free: 877-B2R-8558

Email: alpharetta@bachtorock.com

Web: https://alpharetta.bachtorock.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/B2RAlpharettaGA

About Bach to Rock

Bach to Rock (B2R) is a music education school for students of all ages from early childhood through high school and beyond. B2R knows learning music should be fun and students learn best when they play music they enjoy. Weekly ensemble instruction and band formations lead to public concerts, Battle of the Bands and recording sessions in B2Rs professional recording studios. B2R builds technique, fosters teamwork and enhances self-esteem through private lessons, band instruction, and public performances. Bach to Rock opened its first corporate-owned location in 2007 in Bethesda, Maryland. With the latest opening in Alpharetta, B2R has now grown to 17 with schools in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Texas. Ten franchised schools are scheduled to open in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia, with an additional 30 schools in development nationwide. Follow B2R on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BachtoRock and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BachtoRock. For more information, visit www.bachtorock.com or call 1-877-227-8558.

SOURCE Bach to Rock

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The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Sunday activated a level II emergency mechanism to cope with approaching Typhoon Sarika and Haima.

Fishing boats take shelter in a port of Sanya, Hainan Province. [Photo/www.hinews.cn]

Typhoon Sarika is expected to make landfall in Hainan on Tuesday morning, while Typhoon Haima will hit Guangdong in south China on Thursday.

Heavy rain and gales will affect the southern coastal areas in the coming days, according to the headquarters.

The headquarters urged local authorities in south China to take precautions and sent six work teams to Hainan, Guangdong, Guizhou and Yunnan provinces as well as Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to prepare for aid and relief.

China's State Oceanic Administration also issued a storm warning on Sunday, as coastal cities in Hainan and Guangdong will see heavy precipitation up to 180 centimeters from Monday to Tuesday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, South African President Jacob Zuma, Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and representative of Thailand pose for photo at a dialogue between BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) leaders on emerging economy cooperation in the western Indian state of Goa, Oct. 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Known for its exotic beaches, flora and fauna and numerous heritage sights and cultural richness, Goa is a place not to be missed. A favourite hunting ground for international tourists, for its sun and sand, fun-filled nightlife and laid-back atmosphere, for a change Goa is getting ready to transact serious business of hosting 8th BRICS summit.

A powerful grouping of five large emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, BRICS's 8th summit at Goa comes at a very critical time when the world struggle to build a solution and build common ground on host of issues mainly on trade, climate change, migration crisis and economic renewal and most importantly the solution to never ending conflict in Syria. The summit also assumes importance for host of new initiatives to be inked within BRICS's existing menu.

Other than the powerful presence of Xi Jinping, president of China, Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, Michel Temer, president of Brazil, and Jacob Zuma, president of South Africa, the Goa Summit witnessed the participation of more than 250 dignitaries invited from across the globe.

Issues on the table

While witnessing Goa's exotic beaches from the tarmac of famous Taj Exotica and salivating Goa's rich cuisines, BRICS leaders have plenty of issues at hand. While the host country has identified three key themes for the meeting; counter-terrorism, cyber security and energy security, the group can hardly wish away many pressing global issues such as Syrian conflict, Brexit, climate change, trade barriers and issues concerning South-South cooperation.

Furthermore, the meet is likely to take up development related issues with a decision to set up their own credit-rating agency. Similarly, there is plan to set up a think tank to shape international dialogues. There are also issues such as visa restrictions ease, funding for infrastructure, etc. Of course, the informal meeting of BRICS leaders in the side line of G20 meeting at Hangzhou had zeroed down on the key agenda for Goa summit.

Yet, as the host country, India is making every effort to bring up issues of cross-border terrorism to the center-stage of this important meet. As the border escalation between India and Pakistan reaches its break point and tensions are rising between two nuclear armed neighbors on the issue of cross-border terrorism, many analysts feel Goa summit would be a major casualty. Indo-Pak standoff would take away most sheen out of this important multilateral meeting. Yet, those who have been following BRICS meetings for years would know that BRICS has enough depth and resilience to weather such challenges. From setting up ambitious New Development Bank, offering an alternative narrative to International Monetary Fund to the possible setting up of a new global rating agency to challenge the domination of West backed Moody's and Fitch, BRICS has come a long way. And the host India knows well that it cannot push its bilateral matters beyond a point.

BRICS-BIMSTEC symphony

The real flavor of Goa meet lies in creating a conversation between globalism and regionalism. This is best illustrated in planned BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation or BIMSTEC, consisting of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand, is taking serious traction in the last few years. With major push coming from smaller members particularly Bangladesh and Thailand, BIMSTEC opens up limitless opportunities for these countries to thicken their trade and commercial relations. There are numerous points of convergence between these two groups. More importantly, by agreeing to accommodate another sub-regional summit within its two-day meet, BRICS has shown its dynamism and inclusive vision.

On the whole, Goa summit is set to take BRICS to new heights and towards a new horizon. The beauty of this group lies in its ability to anchor new narratives despite huge diversity and divergences among its members.

Niranjan Sahoo is Senior Fellow with Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
The results involved mice but researchers predicted this approach could soon be tested in patients. Thats because the same tiny receptor or tag that scientists integrated into the tested CAR T cells to trigger their demise in the mice has already been built into CAR T cells being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials, said Dr. Dirk Busch, an infection immunology researcher at the Technical University of Munich in Germany and the papers senior author.

Therefore, it would be possible to test the efficacy [of the approach]  very soon in patients, Busch said.

It's still unclear when the approach would be available for patients.

What we showed is that you can target this tag on the cells surface with an antibody, eliminate the CAR T cells and restore normal numbers of functioning B cells, said co-author Dr. Stan Riddell an immunotherapy researcher and oncologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

The promise of immunotherapy

CAR T-cell therapy represents some of brightest potential in cancer treatment research, fueling increasing hope for the premise that patients can tap their own immune systems to beat their cancers, a concept known as immunotherapy.

In September, Fred Hutch researchers, including Riddell, reported that many trial patients who had exhausted conventional treatments had their advanced non-Hodgkin lymphomas disappear completely after receiving CAR T cells following chemotherapy. In April, Hutch investigators reported that 93 percent of trial participants with B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia, or ALL, went into complete remission after they were infused with CAR T cells  even though multiple other treatments had already failed them.

In each of those previous, Hutch-led studies, scientists extracted disease-fighting T cells from patients bloodstreams and sent them to a specialized lab at Fred Hutch to be re-engineered with a synthetic chimeric antigen receptor, or CAR. These CAR T cells target a marker called CD19, found on the surface of B cells, including leukemia cells and some types of lymphoma cells.

To date, more than 200 patients have been treated with CD19 CAR T cells in trials designed by researchers at Fred Hutch and Seattle Childrens Hospital, Riddell said. The longevity of these CAR T cells is one of their assets; unlike a medicine that must be administered every few days or weeks, these cells have the potential to live and multiply in the patient. But since their target, CD19, is present on both cancerous and noncancerous B cells, the CAR T cells knock out the healthy as well as the diseased versions of the immune cells. Months after their tumors were eradicated, some trial participants still struggle with B-cell deficiency.

Replenishing B cells

People whose bodies cant make B cells for long periods cant mount a natural defense to new infections. (B cells produce antibodies that take on invaders in the blood). Vaccines also dont work for patients without B cells, Riddell said.

In patients with B-cell deficiency, doctors regularly monitor their levels of immunoglobulin, a family proteins used by the immune system to identify and wipe out pathogens like bacteria and viruses. If their levels are low, patients need to get monthly infusions of intravenous immunoglobulin, Riddell said.

At some point, we may want to get their B cells back, Riddell said. The danger in doing that is that you want the (CAR T) cells around long enough to make sure the tumor is gone," and thats the delicate dance many immune-compromised CAR T-cell recipients and their doctors may eventually have to face when the kill switch option enters the clinical trial phase.

In the study that Riddell and his colleagues at Fred Hutch and in Germany published Monday, the researchers gave mice CAR T cells that also carried a molecule called EGFRt (the eponymous capital letters stand for epidermal growth factor receptor; the little t means its a truncated, inert version). The marker was previously designed by Dr. Michael Jensen, a member of the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutch, a researcher at Seattle Childrens Hospital, and a co-author on the paper.

The mice were later infused with an antibody called cetuximab  typically used to treat metastatic colon cancer, metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, and head and neck cancer  that targets the EGFRt. When the cetuximab bound to the EGFRt, the CAR T cells were eliminated, resulting in complete and permanent recovery of normal functional B cells, without tumor relapse, the authors wrote.

'Broader implications'

Most importantly, we show that the selective elimination of (anti-CD19) CAR T cells can fully revert a chronic toxicity/side effect of this treatment, B-cell aplasia, Busch said via email.

"Thats a step in the right direction for being able to regulate the survival of CAR T cells but also any cell therapy that might be used," Riddell said. "It has broader implications for tissue engineering or cell engineering in general  you might want to think about having a tag on the cells that you can target so you can eliminate them if something went wrong."

Riddell and Busch have been working together since 2008 to find cancer cures. Together, they operate a Clinical Cell Processing and Purification Focus Group at the Institute for Advanced Study at the Technical University of Munich. Their group works to develop clinical cell therapeutics to treat infections and certain cancers.

Collaborative research teams like theirs  which is this both international and longstanding  are a cornerstone of Vice President Joe Bidens Cancer Moonshot, which seeks to break down scientific silos to speed creation of new cancer treatments. Riddell and Busch said they are working way ahead to make what is now a nascent, experimental treatment something effective and viable for patients in the long run.

Thats exactly what were all about, Riddell said.
Latest Version of Spin Rewriter 7.0 App for Bloggers & Writers Now Released

New upgrade to Spin Rewriter 7.0 App offers enhancement of its in-built Emulated Natural Language (ENL) article spinning technology to bloggers and article writers.

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Smiley Tech Solutions has announced a new upgrade to their popular Article Re-writing App, now known as Spin Rewriter 7.0.

Spin Rewriter 7.0 has multiple new features designed to make life easier for bloggers, freelance writers, article marketers, journalists, and students. These features include the following::

(1) Enhancement of the in-built ENL article spinning technology

The ENL Semantic Spinning Technology is the engine at the core of the Spin Rewirter App that is responsible for analyzing content and contexts of articles and churning out multiple spun unique versions of those articles. The enhancement of this engine means the production of premium quality human-readable article contents with zero or very minimal post spining review. As a result, the App produces easily comprehensible content that passes Copyscape and all other uniqueness and quality checks.

(2) Improvement in the understanding of the whole sentence structure of any seed article fed into the engine

With normal spinning, the original text: "John can relax and read a book, because his kids can book the vacation for him" will be spun as "John {can | is able to} relax and read a {book | novel}, because his kids {can | is able to} {book | novel} the vacation for him. However, with the ENL technology, the spun text will be: "John {can | is able to} relax and read a {book | novel}, because his kids {can | are able to} {book | make a reservation for} the vacation for him. This is because enhanced ENL tool understands that 'book' can have two different meanings and picks the right one. It also understands the difference between 'is' and 'are'.

(3) Enhanced sentence and paragraph-level spinning and new paragraph creation

Other spinners are limited to just changing words. Spin Rewriter 7.0 however understands phrases, sentences and even whole paragraphs, thereby yielding results that are more unique, and still read better. Also, the upgraded re-writer app can find additional information in existing paragraphs and create entirely new content. With completely new paragraphs, a new level of uniqueness is further achieved, producing content that would pass any uniqueness test, even a side-by-side comparison.

A full list of changes to Spin Rewriter 7.0 can be found on the company website, http://spinrewriter.com

The changes in this article re-writing software were brought about due to the increasing need to simplify writers' and bloggers' job of writing and re-writing of unique articles for distribution across multiple online platforms for their readers and tribes . As part of an ongoing effort to improve the user experience for Spin Rewriter 7.0, customers can expect regular updates both now and in the future.

San Antonio, The CEO of Mallery Online Marketing, a digital marketing services outfit that caters to local business and their leads generation needs, had this to say: "Spin Rewriter has greatly increased my productivity. I do a lot of content marketing, and being able to spin into unique articles without having to do much if any rewriting has made my process so much faster and efficient."

Current customers interested in learning more about the upgrade can do so directly on the website mentioned earlier. New customers can also use the site to purchase the latest version of Spin Rewriter 7.0.

For more information, please visit http://www.spinrewriter.com

Contact Info:

Name: Aaron L.

Organization: Smiley Tech Solutions

Address: 66, SI-4228



Release ID: 138547

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4Patriots LLC Donates Emergency Food to Palm Beach County Food Bank in Wake of Hurricane Matthew

4Patriots LLC has donated a three-month supply of its Food4Patriots survival food to the Palm Beach County (Fla.) Food Bank in Lantana, Fla., for the purpose of helping feed victims of Hurricane Matthew.

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Hurricane Matthew, the first Category 5 hurricane over the Atlantic Ocean since 2007 and the deadliest since 2005, caused incredible devastation and loss of life earlier this month, according to CNN and other media outlets. Following its rampage through Haiti and other nearby islands, the hurricane caused millions to lose power in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, and killed at least four people.

4Patriots LLC of Nashville, Tenn., has responded by donating a three-month supply of its Food4Patriots survival food to the Palm Beach County (Fla.) Food Bank. The delivery was made last week.

"Yet another natural disaster left people in the Southeastern portion of the United States without power, and some without food or clean drinking water," said Allen Baler, Partner at 4Patriots LLC, a company that provides a variety of products that help people become more self-reliant and independent.

"This tragedy is a reminder to all of us to be as prepared as possible for extreme weather events. But because so many people are not prepared, we want to do our part to help them. That's why we look for opportunities such as these to donate our survival food with a long shelf life."

The 72-hour, one-week, four-week, three-month and one-year emergency food kits from Food4Patriots have shelf lives of up to 25 years. The food in these kits can be prepared in less than 20 minutes and requires only boiling water. It's contained in easy-to-store Mylar pouches, which keep out air, moisture and light.

"Store shelves often empty quickly prior to, during and following these extreme weather situations, and even when they don't, it can be difficult for people to get to those stores," Baler said. "Being prepared with a stockpile of emergency food can bring great peace of mind during these events."

Other 4Patriots products include:

Patriot Power Generator, a portable solar generator designed to provide electricity for important devices and equipment during a power outage or disaster situation.

Water4Patriots, featuring the Alexapure Pro water filtration system and the Survival Spring personal water filter, both designed to provide the user with safe, clean drinking water in any situation.

Alexapure Breeze air purification system, which removes up to 99.97 percent of dangerous airborne contaminants from homes and offices, including allergens, dander, bacteria, viruses and odors.

Power4Patriots, a series of Do-It-Yourself videos and manuals (printed and electronic) showing how to build solar panels, a wind turbine, a solar water heater and a solar air heater.

SurvivalSeeds4Patriots, a seed vault containing approximately 5,340 survival seeds from 21 varieties of heirloom, non-genetically modified seeds, rated for five-plus years of storage.

Patriot Power Hub, a portable device that jumpstarts almost any vehicle, charges electronic devices, functions as a powerful flashlight and a flashing strobe light, and includes a steel, glass-breaking hammer.

Food4Patriots provides emergency food products that are shelf-stable for 25 years. Food4Patriots survival food kits are made with food grown, harvested and packaged in the United States, and all of the meals are made without any genetically-modified products, preservatives or fillers. The kits are available in 72-hour, one-week, four-week, three-month and one-year supplies.

For more information, please visit http://www.4patriots.com

Contact Info:

Name: Tim Boyle

Email: timm.boyle@4patriots.com

Organization: 4Patriots LLC



Source: http://marketersmedia.com/4patriots-llc-donates-emergency-food-to-palm-beach-county-food-bank-in-wake-of-hurricane-matthew/138504

Release ID: 138504

For more information visit r



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Going, Going, Argan: Maple Holistics Releases New Pure Argan Oil

Maple Holistics has announced the release of their Pure Argan Oil, available for purchase now.

--

Following previous oil releases such as Maple Holistics Avocado and Grapeseed Oil, Maple Holistics has announced the development and release of their latest oil: Pure Argan Oil For Hair, Skin, and Face. Available for purchase now through the Maple Holistics website or via Amazon.com, Maple Holistics Argan Oil is 100% pure and maximizes the effects of the oil and the vitamins within it in order to improve the vibrancy of skin, hair, face or nails.

Maple Holistics 100% Pure Virgin Argan Oil For Hair, Skin, and Face will allow users to take advantage of the natural healing properties of the Argan tree, endemic to Morocco. Argan Oil is perfect for taming unruly hair and giving hair a fresh, healthy, and moisturized look. Maple Holistics pure Argan Oil can be added to shampoo or conditioner, or it itself can be tried as a leave-in conditioning treatment.

Maple Holistics Argan Oil is also intended to help those suffering from weak or unhealthy nails. Pure Argan Oil gives new life to weak, dry, and dull nails, and it accomplishes this in just a few easy drops. The Oil can be applied for one treatment, or with consistency in a long-term regimen. The chemicals used in the process can dry out the nail and cuticles and repair various damages caused by cuts, cold weather, and more. Argan Oil can also be used to moisturize dry skin or hair, restoring moisture and vibrancy to otherwise dull or lifeless hair. Again, one time use or repeated applications can be chosen by the user, as both are proven effective.

About the Company

Maple Holistics provides industry leading, all-natural hair, body, and skin products. The company offers a natural, holistic range of premium products which can enhance hygiene, health and daily living. Company products are made in the USA.

For more information, please visit http://mapleholistics.com

Contact Info:

Name: Benjamin Ellis

Email: support@mapleholistics.com

Organization: Maple Holistics

Address: 603 Twin Oaks Drive

Phone: (844) 346-2753

Release ID: 138115

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Digital Hothouse Returns From Sydney With 5 Search Marketing Summit Takeaways

From Google's Accelerated Mobile Pages system to helping site crawlers work more efficiently, 2016 Search Marketing Summit talks included plenty of real interest, Digital Hothouse reports

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One of New Zealand's leading agencies has returned from Australia's top search marketing event with 5 seo conference takeaways. Representatives from Digital Hothouse Ltd made the trip to Sydney to attend the tenth annual iteration of the No Drama Media-hosted search marketing summit. A couple of the top talks for 2016, in the eyes of Digital Hothouse experts, were Gary Illyes' look at Google's Accelerated Mobile Pages initiative and Tim Ash's advice about paring down choices online.

Of equally great interest were Jeremy Cabral's strategy for improving return on investment from content marketing, Jason Mun's tips to encourage more efficient site crawling, and SEM Post founder Jennifer Slegg's tactics for claiming high-profile Google Snippets. Beyond these top five picks, attendees from Digital Hothouse were also particularly impressed by talks by Larry Kim, Patrick Kajarian, and Sha Menz covering Google's RankBrain algorithm, website domain migration, and link building in the age of Penguin, respectively. A full report on the conference and Digital Hothouse's detailed takeaways is available now at the agency's website.

"Even with a change of name for 2016, the recent Sydney Search Marketing Summit turned out to be every bit as enlightening as in the past," Digital Hothouse founder and Managing Director Paul Thornton said, "It's always a pleasure to head over and see what the top minds in the industry are thinking and doing. We felt that the presentations by Tim Ash, Gary Illyes, Patrick Kajarian, Larry Kim, and Sha Menz were especially insightful this year, standing out even within a schedule packed full of fascinating talks. We invite all who are interested in search engine marketing to read our report at our website."

Sydney's No Drama Media came together ten years ago with the goal of addressing a notable lack of search-engine marketing (SEM) events in Australia. After kicking things off with a boot camp aimed at beginners, the group hosted the first major Australian SEM conference in 2007. This year's event in Sydney included a change of branding back to the 'Search Marketing Summit' name that had been proposed at the very beginning, along with a world-class lineup of speakers and talks.

As one of New Zealand's top digital agencies, Digital Hothouse works constantly to stay abreast of every relevant development, strategy, and discovery. That made the 2016 Sydney search marketing conference a natural destination for the company's experts. In-depth takes on the top five talks from the event are available now at the Digital Hothouse website, along with other impressions.

About Digital Hothouse Ltd:

At Digital Hothouse, our client-first approach means making sure you do more business online. We provide the right mix of highly effective SEO, Google AdWords, and social media management to help you achieve your goals.

For more information, please visit http://www.digitalhothouse.co.nz/search-marketing-summit-2016/

Contact Info:

Name: Paul Thornton

Organization: Digital Hothouse Ltd

Address: Suite J, 69-89 Gulf Harbour Drive Gulf Harbour, Auckland, 0930 New Zealand

Phone: 0800 000 663

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/digital-hothouse-returns-from-sydney-with-5-search-marketing-summit-takeaways/138569

Release ID: 138569

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Navy Veteran Author Julia Maki Attends Honor Reception Warrenton, MO - Nov 15

Moms & Guns, organizer of the Honor Reception for Julia Maki Navy Veteran & Author to be held in Warrenton, MO, announced their event will be at the Faith Christian Family Church, Warrenton, MO on November 15, 2016, 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

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Military and civilian families, all ages welcome, looking for the latest information on Navy Veteran & Author Julia A. Maki Honor Reception in Warrenton, Missouri, can register to attend online at EventBrite scheduled for November 15, 2016.This event is no charge to the public and light refreshments will be served.

Moms & Guns is sponsoring this year's event, which will cover key issues such as:

Julia Maki Navy Veteran Served During 911 Attacks - Learn military personnel perspective behind the scenes when USA was under attack.

Julia visits with local Library and private schools sharing the message to all age children and teens: "There is nothing a person can not do."

Julia answers questions and shares her experiences using humor and uplifting stories.

Julia speaks about what inspired her to write children's books about the military and how these books are helping military families, especially their children, adjust to the realities of parental deployment.

Julia shares how her book "Still My Dad", with the friendly service dog, help children of military families deal with a disabled veteran parent.

Julia tells uplifting stories about what it is like to fly aboard the P-3C as a Aviation warfare Systems Operator through the Northern Lights and what a real rainbow looks like from the sky view.

Full details on the event can be found on the company website at http://momsandguns.com/juliamaki.

When asked about the reasons behind creating this event, the host of the event, Rebecca Alderman with Momsandguns.com said:

"This is an event for a rural community of military and civilian families to come together to honor those who have given some and others who have given all. This event provides opportunity to grow stronger as a community in support of local and nationwide military families. It also enables children to learn why it's important to always show honor and respect for the military."

The Moms & Guns website has full details about the evening's activities for this year's event. Interested parties can visit the website at: http://momsandguns.com/juliamaki.

For more information, please visit http://momsandguns.com

Contact Info:

Name: Rebecca Alderman

Email: rebecca@momsandguns.com

Organization: Moms & Guns

Address: 281 West Veterans Memorial Parkway #77, Warrenton, MO USA

Phone: (636) 791-0368

Release ID: 138518

For more information visit r



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Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday, vowing to deepen bilateral pragmatic cooperation within the Belt and Road framework.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena in the western Indian state of Goa, Oct. 16, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the eighth BRICS summit in the western Indian state of Goa.

China-Sri Lanka relations have seen positive and healthy development momentum, said Xi, noting that China will work with Sri Lanka to carry forward the traditional friendship cultivated by generations.

Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as well as the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Agreement on Rice for Rubber, he said, calling on the two sides to take the opportunity to cement traditional friendship and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to lift bilateral ties to a new high.

In 1952, Sri Lanka withstood the pressure from the United States and other Western countries and signed the famous rice and rubber agreement with new China, and in doing so, opening a chapter in the history of friendly exchanges between the two countries.

To further their relations, Xi suggested the two sides maintain high-level contacts and political communication, and continue to show mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests.

China appreciates Sri Lanka's support for and active participation in the Belt and Road construction, said Xi.

He called on the two sides to deepen cooperation in the sectors of trade, port operation, infrastructure construction, port-vicinity industrial parks, production capacity and people's livelihood.

He said the two sides should continue to advance their mega cooperative projects such as the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port.

Xi voiced hope that the two sides will make good preparations for the activities celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and encourage more exchanges among all sectors of society, including local affairs, Buddhist community, youth, think-tanks and media.

The Chinese president also suggested the two sides expand cooperation in the fields of tourism, ocean, security and disaster preparedness and mitigation.

He said the two countries should enhance coordination within multi-lateral frameworks and continue to support each other in international and regional affairs.

For his part, Sirisena said the time-tested relations between the two countries have gained a stronger momentum under the new situation.

He thanked China's assistance for Sri Lanka's development as well as China's support to his country on the international arena.

Sri Lanka adheres to the one-China policy and is willing to strengthen coordination and communication with China in international and regional affairs, he added.

Sirisena said Sri Lanka is willing to speed up the implementation of relevant economic and trade agreements with China as well as cooperation on maga projects. He welcomed Chinese enterprises to increase investment in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is a member of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a regional mechanism that is aimed at connecting South Asian and Southeast Asian countries and also groups Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand.

On the margins of the BRICS summit in Goa, Xi and other BRICS leaders held dialogues with the BIMSTEC leaders and representatives.
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The emerging-market bloc of BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, issued Sunday a joint declaration after a leaders' meeting, looking to play a bigger role in and contribute more to the global governance system.

The Goa Declaration was a result of the eighth BRICS summit that was held on Oct. 15-16 in the western Indian state of Goa, under the theme of "Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions."

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Michel Temer, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma attended the meeting.

The document said the BRICS members expressed satisfaction with the approval of the first batch of loans by the New Development Bank (NDB), particularly in the renewable energy projects in BRICS countries, and with the NDB's issuance of the first set of green bonds in RMB, as well as the initiation of BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) that has strengthened the global financial safety net.

Noting that BRICS countries represent an influential voice on the global stage, the leaders extended gratitude to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his contribution in the past 10 years and congratulated Antonio Guterres on his appointment as the next UN chief, pledging continuous support for the world body.

On the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the declaration urged developed countries to honor their commitments to achieve 0.7 percent of gross national income commitment for official development assistance to developing countries, adding that those commitments play a crucial role in the implementation of the sustainable development goals.

The five BRICS leaders, who just met last month in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou when China hosted the 11th summit of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies, welcomed the G20 Action Plan on the 2030 Agenda adopted during the Hangzhou Summit and committed to its implementation by taking bold transformative steps through both collective and individual concrete actions.

Commending China for the successful hosting of the Hangzhou summit and its focus on innovation, structural reform and development as drivers of medium and long term economic growth, the BRICS leaders emphasized the importance of the implementation of the Hangzhou summit's outcomes, which will foster strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth, contribute to improved global economic governance, and enhance the role of developing countries.

The bloc pledged to enhance consultations and coordination on the G20 agenda, especially on issues of mutual interest to the BRICS countries, and promote issues of importance for the emerging market and developing economies.

The BRICS countries will continue to work closely with all G20 members to strengthen macroeconomic cooperation, promote innovation, as well as robust and sustainable trade and investment to propel global growth,improve global economic governance, enhance the role of developing countries, strengthen international financial architecture, support industrialization in Africa and least developed countries, and enhance cooperation on energy access and efficiency, said the document.

On the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s reform, the bloc reaffirmed its commitment to a strong, quota based and adequately resourced IMF.

Noting that borrowed resources by the IMF should be on a temporary basis, the BRICS countries said they remain strongly committed to supporting the coordinated effort by the emerging economies to ensure that the 15th General Review of Quotas, including the new quota formula, will be finalized within the agreed timelines, so as to ensure that the increased voice of the dynamic emerging and developing economies reflects their relative contributions to the world economy, while protecting the voices of least developed countries, poor countries and regions.

The declaration welcomed the inclusion of the RMB into the Special Drawing Rights currency basket on Oct. 10, and urged advanced European economies to meet their commitments to cede two chairs on the Executive Board of the IMF.

On the security front, the bloc strongly condemned the recent attacks against some BRICS countries, and strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, while stressing that there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic or any other reasons.

The bloc agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating international terrorism both at the bilateral level and at international fora, and called on all nations to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism.

On environment protection, the BRICS countries welcomed the Paris Agreement and its imminent entry into force on Nov. 4. They urged developed countries to fulfill their responsibility toward providing the necessary financial resources, technology and capacity building assistance to support developing countries with respect to both mitigation and adaptation for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

They also emphasized that the comprehensive, balanced and ambitious nature of the Paris Agreement reaffirms the principles of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, including the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in light of different national circumstances.

India, South Africa, Brazil and Russia conveyed their appreciation to China for its offer to host the Ninth BRICS Summit in 2017 and extended their full support, said the declaration.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, which gathers the world's five major emerging economies.

The bloc's members have seen their cooperation growing over the past decade, especially the establishment of the NDB and the CRA in 2014.

Despite economic headwinds in the BRICS countries and external skepticism about whether the bloc is losing its power over recent years, the IMF said earlier this month in its latest issue of World Economic Outlook that in emerging market and developing economies, the 2016 growth will accelerate for the first time in six years.
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Fujitsu today announced the development of an AI-based enterprise chatbot(1) service, FUJITSU Services IT Solution Finplex Robot Agent Platform, which will be offered initially in Japan from January 2017, with plans for future availability in other markets.

The Finplex Robot Agent Platform enables support for automated product sales or customer assistance via a robot. The robot, which has knowledge gained through machine learning, offers support by conversing in a chat format with users of a messaging tool. By enabling customers to self-manage the machine learning process, which had up to now been considered a "black box" that contained machine learning that employed learning data or script development, it has become possible to have effective and efficient learning, at low cost.

This service uses the Fujitsu Human Centric AI Zinnrai(2) artificial intelligence technology, and is currently undergoing a trial in an early deployment at Sony Bank Inc. The service is being offered to financial institutions as a Finplex(3) financial services solution and will gradually be made available globally, with expansion over time to customers in a variety of fields beyond the financial services industry.

Background

In recent years, as a way of quickly obtaining required information from scattered data, instead of installing a specialized application for each respective service, chat-type messaging tools used on a daily basis are becoming more prevalent. With financial services, in particular, there is a growing need to obtain information through chat services given demand from the segment of users who normally use chat as a communications tool, and because up until now this industry has been slow to adopt such services due to high time and psychological hurdles. In light of these market trends, Fujitsu has now developed the Finplex Robot Agent Platform chatbot service.

Features

With the Finplex Robot Agent Platform, the set of functions needed to develop a chatbot service are provided through the FUJITSU Digital Business Platform MetaArc, Fujitsu's digital business platform.

Messaging function that enables chat interface An instant messaging feature is provided that represents the chat-style dialogue interface. Fujitsu plans to use task-oriented dialogue technology(4) from Fujitsu Laboratories for this feature. Thesaurus editing feature for managing training data A thesaurus editing feature is provided for data learned by machine that is uploaded and managed (adding, deleting, and editing). With this feature, customers themselves can freely control the level of machine learning. (Patent Pending) Script editing feature for generating service scenarios A script editing feature is provided that enables services to be built when needed to provide through a chatbot. This feature makes it easy for customers to generate and edit service scenarios on their own, enabling the quick launch of chatbot services. API Gateway for communicating with existing chatbot tools An API Gateway is provided that makes it easy to enable compatibility with chatbot tools provided by other companies. This makes it possible for customers to use the messenger applications they are already deploying.

Effects

By providing services that use messaging tools to financial service users, services can be used anywhere and at any time, and service providers can approach markets (customer segments) that they were not able to reach before.

In addition, in previous robot machine learning, the usual process was for engineers to analyze data provided by customers. However, with Finplex Robot Agent Platform, customers can now self-manage the machine learning process, enabling them to effectively control the robots at low cost.

Future Plans

Fujitsu will accelerate the expansion of the features of the Finplex Robot Agent Platform, link them with services from Fujitsu's insights, customers in the financial services industry, and from Fintech startup companies, and work to maximize value for customers and the financial services industry as a whole.

It is currently undergoing trial at Sony Bank Inc. to improve customer convenience.

In the future, rather than confining it to the financial services industry, Fujitsu will gradually expand the chatbot service globally and to customers in a variety of industries as a service platform for all industries and types of business.

Under the slogan, "Knowledge Integration for Big Change," Fujitsu will continue to leverage the knowledge it has accumulated with customers and partners to deliver new value to customers.

Related Links

"Fujitsu 'Finplex' to Systematize Financial Solutions and Accelerate Digital Transformation in the Financial Sector," (press release dated March 30, 2016)

"Fujitsu Takes Systematic Approach to Artificial Intelligence with 'Human Centric AI Zinrai," (press release dated November 2, 2016)

"Fujitsu Develops Task-Oriented Dialogue Technology with AI," (press release dated May 16, 2016)
A leading university has faced robust criticism from farming leaders campaigning against the decision to sell three performance-recorded flocks that are not commercially viable.

The news from Aberystwyth University has disappointed past and present students and could end 92 years of genetic progress, including 39 years of Beulah recording.

The 50-head Penglais Bluefaced Leicester, 50-head Bridfa Suffolk and 100-head Llanarth Beulah flocks are established from sheep donated to the Welsh Agricultural College, which was absorbed into Aberystwyth University in 1995, and will make way to potentially treble the universitys 1,000 head mule flock.

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Mike Gooding, director at Aberystwyth Universitys Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences (Ibers) told Farmers Weekly the university would not part with any stock it was not in a position to sell.

He said he was very happy to engage with breed societies and others to help maintain the integrity of the genetics and confirmed that 400 was received from the Beulah society this year from the breeding group.

My understanding is that us accepting 400 was part of the breeding group having to wind up an account and disperse the monies among its members, he said.

Surprise and a shame

The decision was labelled a surprise and a shame by National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker.

Mr Stocker said the university, as one of the leading names in UK agriculture, had research and educational responsibilities and that the flocks had a value of a different kind.

Commenting at the launch of the campaign against the universitys decision, Nick Fenwick, Farmers Union of Wales head of policy said it seemed rash to throw away what is one of only four performance-recorded Beulah Speckle Face flocks.

We look forward to discussing members concerns and the rationale behind the decision with the university, he added.

The Beulahs were offered in 1977 by about 10 breeders and the Penglais and Bridfa flocks formed in 1990, Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotion Wales) documents show.

Mule buying is astounding

Former student and Beulah breeder John Yeomans, Newtown, Powys, said he would be saddened if the flocks were to be sold.

Its astounding that they are buying mules at Builth when they have the tools on farm to breed their own recorded mules, said Mr Yeomans.

If they cant make performance recording viable then what kind of message is that to students?

If they cant make performance recording viable then what kind of message is that to students? John Yeomans, former student and Beulah breeder

Moss Jones, director of the Welsh Agriculture Organisation Society (WAOS), said it was a loss of an industry resource at a time when young farmers were becoming increasingly interested in performance recording.

He said: We are aware the university is facing a lot of challenges to many of its activities at this current time and while is it disappointing it is not unexpected.

He added Welsh mule buyers were encouraged to buy stock from performance-recorded Bluefaced Leicester rams and there could be scope for flock-recording support through the rural development plan.

Beulah breeder and Aberystwyth University Agriculture Society chairman Elizabeth Swancott said she was disappointed the university could lose a unique hill flock.

Not many hill farms are performance recording and the Beulah is a traditional Welsh breed, the agribusiness student told Farmers Weekly. It is well suited to our areas upland grazing.

University response

Professor Gooding reasoned the university farms cant be allowed to make recurrent deficits and that the decision was nothing to do with the institutions relationship with breeding company Innovis, which has seen Texels and Suffolks marketed at the Innovis Aberystwyth sale.

He said: Im not in favour of supporting inefficient farming operations on the back of student debt, adding the flocks were failing commercially and not delivering on a teaching or research basis either.

Commercial purpose

Farm manager Martin Davies told Farmers Weekly that the high-index Antur Texel flock could be downsized, admitting that performance-recording efforts had waned in recent years.

He said the farm targets a modest performance of selling 150% of lambs per ewe tupped at 65 a lamb and the high-index Texel flock would be play a key role in the future.

We are not selling performance-recorded tups from those flocks [Llanarth and Penglais] and if I cant get a breeding price for these sheep then there are question marks over them commercially as I am instructed to run a viable farm, said Mr Davies, adding he hoped to sell the flocks entire.

Our Suffolks have not performed as well in the sales this year. They arent commercially viable as a pedigree flock but our performance recorded Texels are.

Previous sale

Many in the industry have drawn parallels with the sale of the Llanarth Welsh cob stud in the 1980s and question marks once surrounding the future of the Pwllpeiran research centre.

The welsh ponies were bought at private treaty by owners the Bigleys, Herefordshire, where the genetic lines are being continued, confirmed Anne Bigley of the Llanarth stud.

Regarding the Pwllpeiran research centre, Mike Gooding said the centre was central to current research, teaching and extension.

He said: Ibers is doing much to expand its work in supporting Welsh Agriculture.

This can only be achieved if our farming operation is an exemplar of sound financial coherence, and where the farm manager is appropriately recompensed for the research and teaching provision that is provided.

Ibers strongly supports the practice of recording performance in sheep flock and demonstrated the value of this activity.

We will continue to record and demonstrate that value to our students with our Texels.
Story Highlights 34% of women worried, up from an average 30% in 2013-2015

Younger women worry more than older women

Increase was apparent before Trump tapes were released

PRINCETON, N.J. -- Thirty-four percent of U.S. women say they worry "frequently" or "occasionally" about being sexually assaulted. That percentage essentially matches the 33% average in Gallup's 17-year trend but is up slightly from an average 30% who worried from 2013 through 2015. Relatively few men (5%) worry about being sexually assaulted.

Gallup's annual Crime Poll was conducted Oct. 5-9, which included two days before and three days after the Oct. 7 release of audiotapes of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump making references in 2005 to kissing and touching women without their consent. The release of the tapes had no apparent immediate effect on women's worry about being sexually assaulted -- the percentage worried was already up from 2013-2015 levels in Oct. 5-6 polling and was no higher in Oct. 7-9 polling.

The audio recording of Trump has made sexual assault and the treatment of women more generally a major issue in the presidential campaign. Trump attempted to dismiss the conversation as nothing more than "locker room talk." Last week, however, several women came forward accusing Trump of making sexual advances on them without their consent. Trump has denied those accusations.

Younger women report a greater level of concern than older women about being sexually assaulted -- 42% of women under the age of 50 say they worry at least occasionally about it, compared with 25% of women aged 50 and older. That age gap has been the norm in Gallup's polling on the matter, with an average 38% of younger women and 26% of older women concerned since 2000.

Overall, 20% of all U.S. adults say they worry frequently or occasionally about being sexually assaulted. The current percentage is back up from a low of 16% last fall, and matches the historical average in Gallup's trend dating to 2000, mostly because of an increase in women's concern.

One Percent in U.S. Report Being Victims of Sexual Assault

As part of its annual Crime survey, Gallup also asks Americans whether they have been the victims of specific types of crimes, including sexual assault. Typically about 1% of Americans say they or a member of their household has been a victim of sexual assault within the past 12 months, and slightly less than 1% say they, personally, were the victim. That is a lower household victimization rate than for other violent crimes tested, including physical assault (3%) and armed robbery (2%).

Gallup data from 2000 to the present, encompassing more than 15,000 interviews, indicate that women -- particularly younger women -- are more likely to say they themselves or a member of their household has been sexually assaulted. Slightly more than 2% of women younger than 50 say a member of their household has been the victim of sexual assault, including just over 1% who say they were personally the victim.

Last 12 Months: Been Victim of Sexual Assault Based on aggregated data from 15 polls conducted between 2000 and 2016 Respondent personally Respondent or other household member N size % % All U.S. adults 0.6 1.2 15,197 Women 0.9 1.6 7,621 Men 0.3 0.7 7,576 Women 18 to 49 1.2 2.2 2,970 Women 50+ 0.5 0.9 4,504 Men 18 to 49 0.5 0.9 3,504 Men 50+ 0.2 0.5 3,985 Gallup

These data indicate that greater worry among women -- particularly younger women -- is consistent with their greater likelihood of being sexually assaulted.

Implications

Although the sexual assault issue has been prominent in the campaign this past week, the release of the Trump tapes does not appear to have affected women's concerns about their own risk of being a sexual assault victim, at least as of Oct. 9. More Americans, and more women, are concerned about sexual assault than in recent years, but that may just reflect a return to more normal levels of concern after those levels dipped between 2013 and 2015.

Typically, sexual assault has not ranked among Americans' top crime concerns -- with theft of credit card information, identity theft, burglary and car theft usually ranking higher. The lesser concern about sexual assault may have more to do with the frequency of the crime than the seriousness of it. Along these lines, Americans also worry less about being murdered than about crimes involving theft or damage of property, for example.

But Americans as a whole also worry less about sexual assault because it is primarily a concern held by women, with few men worrying about it, whereas for most other crimes the gender gap in worry is smaller or nonexistent.

Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics.

Survey Methods

Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted Oct 5-9, 2016, with a random sample of 1,017 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting.

Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 60% cellphone respondents and 40% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods.

View survey methodology, complete question responses and trends.

Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Latest News & Update: Users Will Get $100; Details On Other Options For Consumers

Samsung is now convincing users to voluntarily recall their original or replacement units of the Galaxy Note 7 that were sold or exchanged in the United States before and after September 15. After discontinuing the production of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 this week, when reports surfaced that the smartphone overheats and in some cases that it explodes.

Samsung, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in partnership with carriers and retailers has now come up with a refund and exchanger program. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 refund and exchange program let their consumers choose some options with additional incentives and refunds for the units.

One option, according to the official website, if the consumers want to exchange their Galaxy Note 7 with another Samsung smartphone the consumers can receive a $100 bill credit from select carrier of retail outlets. As a sign of their appreciation for the loyalty and patience of the users. However if the users has already exchanged their Galaxy Note 7 with a Samsung smartphone the user will receive a $75 bill credit in addition to the $25 that they previously received.

Another option is a refund for the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. The user will obtain the refund and will receive a $25 bill credit which will also be from selected carrier and retail outlets. Meanwhile if users wish to exchange their Galaxy Note 7 with a different brand of smartphone the users will also receive $25 bill credit.

Tim Braxton, president and CEO of Samsung electronics America said in a statement that the costumer's safety will remain a top priority and that he asks consumers to power down the Galaxy Note and take advantage of the remedies available.

Earlier this month, a Southwest Airlines flight was forced to evacuate when a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 started smoking. While a 13-year old, Minnesota teenager had a minor injury when Galaxy Note 7 melted the cover of her unit that cause a burn on her thumb. A couple in Kentucky also experience the same incidents from their replacement Note 7.

The US Department of Transportation has released a statement to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from any flight in the United States. Users attempting to avoid the ban will face criminal prosecution and additional fines.
'The Fall' Season 3 Episode 4 Latest Spoilers, News & Update: Spector Mentally Incapable? Gibson Cant Serve Justice To Victims?

"The Fall" Season 3 is now on its half way to saying goodbye as it only has three remaining episodes to be revealed. In the coming "The Fall" Season 3 Episode 4, "The Hell Within Him," BBC Two now revealed what in store in the life of Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan) and Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson).

"Gibson comes face to face with the depths of Sally-Ann's desperation, while Burns has to confront his guilt at pursuing Sally-Ann as a conspirator rather than a witness," "The Fall" Season 3 Episode 4's official synopsis read from BBC Two. "Gibson and Dr Larson clash over their different view of Spector - patient or prisoner? Meanwhile, Anderson and Ferrington are dispatched to London to discover if Spector can be linked to an old murder there."

According to MoviePilot, big changes are about to be seen in the coming "The Fall" Season 3 Episode 4. Previously, Paul Sector's advisers were finding a way to show that the offender was actually mentally incapable and he didn't know what he was doing. However, Stella Gibson and the other investigators are determined to prove that the criminal is on his right mind.

Hence, does this just prove that Stella Gibson will not get the justice that she wants for Paul Spector's victims? Meanwhile, as "The Fall" Season 3 Episode 4 is about to be aired next, the show hasn't returned yet to Netflix. With the things now going on in the crime drama TV series, it looks like the coming season finale will be surely interesting and epic, just like its previous seasons.

BBC Two noted that "The Fall" Season 3 Episode 4, "The Hell Within Him," will air in U.K. on Thursday, while its IMDb page cited that it will air on Oct. 16. "The Fall" Season 3 will start on Netflix on Oct. 29.
Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Release Date, News & Update: Early Launch Date Confirmed? Hybrid Laptops Specs, Features & Price Revealed

Tech fans have been waiting for the upcoming Microsoft Surface Pro 5 to come out this year; however, new reports are circulating that Microsoft's flagship laptop might not come out until 2017. These latest reports are definitely disappointing for the people who have been waiting for the Redmond-based company to launch the hybrid laptop in 2016.

Nonetheless, several industry experts still believe that Microsoft will launch the new Microsoft Surface Pro 5 sooner than expected. According to a report by Game N Guide, the American tech giant is expected to hold an event later this month. Rumor has it that the company is already planning to officially announce the new portable computer during the affair; however, this has yet to be confirmed by Microsoft. There are speculations suggesting that the upcoming Microsoft event is not meant to showcase the company's hardware products but rather its upcoming Windows 10 Redstone 2 operating system.

A 2016 release for Microsoft Surface Pro 5 might also sound unlikely as the company will reportedly use Intel's next generation core processor, the Kaby Lake, to power the upcoming device. Intel had already confirmed that they do not have any plan of rolling out the new chipset until the year ends, which suggests that Microsoft might launch the new portable computer early next year. However, if Microsoft decides to have an early release for the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 this year, the company will most likely use the current Intel Sky Lake processor.

Meanwhile, several industry experts have already predicted that the upcoming Microsoft Surface Pro 5 will come out with an $899 price tag, which is similar to the current Microsoft Surface Pro 4. If rumors prove to be true, the new hybrid laptop will certainly be a good buy for consumers considering it arrives with Intel's latest Kaby Lake chipset. Stay tuned for more news and updates about the upcoming Microsoft Surface Pro 5.
The Pirate Bay (TPB) Shutdown Latest News & Update: Website to be Taken Down; Kickass Torrents Making a Comeback? More Details Revealed

After the shutdown of the infamous Kickass Torrents (KAT) website, people expect The Pirate Bay (TPB) as the next to be taken down. However, following several rumors of the torrent site being shut down by authorities, The Pirate Bay is still accessible for people who are searching for some torrent downloads. Now, new reports suggest several Kickass Torrents and The Pirate Bay alternative sites have emerged all over the Internet.

The emergence of these websites certainly poses a serious problem to government agencies all over the world that have been fighting against piracy for quite some time now. Despite the effort to cripple the online torrent industry, authorities are definitely having a hard time to completely eradicate the business as it appears that for every website taken down, several more will surface. According to a report by Game N Guide, it is quite obvious that authorities are already planning on taking down the most popular torrent destination today, The Pirate Bay. Although the website is still up and running, Google had already blocked the site from being accessed on their Google Chrome web browser.

This recent move by the American search engine company would certainly help concerned agencies on their fight against piracy as it will result to less web traffic for the website. According to the report, users who will try to access The Pirate Bay will automatically get a message from Chrome that says: "Deceptive site ahead: Attackers on Thepiratebay.org may trick you into doing something dangerous like installing software or revealing your personal information."

Meanwhile, reports are circulating that the people behind Kickass Torrent are currently working on resurrecting the website under a different name. According to Mr. Black, an alleged Kickass Torrents spokesperson, just like The Pirate Bay, Kickass Torrents or KAT will continue and the company is working really hard to go live again. As of the moment, no report has emerged suggesting that the website will be back anytime soon; however, Mr. Black said that KAT will surely comeback stronger than ever. Stay tuned for more news about Kickass Torrents (KAT) and The Pirate Bay (TPB).
Kate Middleton, Prince William Divorce: Prince Harrys Brother Tired Raising Prince George, Princess Charlotte? Queen Elizabeth Wants Duke, Duchess To Split?

Kate Middleton and Prince William have been hitting the divorce headlines for quite some time now already. Most recent reports are saying that the brother of Prince Harry is now tired of being a father to Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Kate Middleton, Prince William Divorce: Prince Harry's Brother Hates Parental Duties? Duke of Cambridge Not Happy Being A Father To Prince George, Princess Charlotte?

Celeb Dirty Laundry reports that Kate Middleton and Prince William's alleged divorce could possibly be finalized soon after the Duke reportedly stated that he is not happy about being a father to his kids. Sources have claimed that the brother of Prince Harry is complaining about handling Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

According to Hello Magazine, as reported by CDL, Kate Middleton and Prince William are really having a hard time raising their kids well since they are so busy doing several charity works and other Royal duties. Insiders say that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are really fraught to get back Prince George and Princess Charlotte back to their normal schedule.

GamenGuide has previously reported that even Queen Elizabeth is not happy on the parenting skills of Kate Middleton and Prince William. Palace insiders suggest that Prince George is very spoiled and loud, which totally annoy most people surrounding the Royal prince.

"He slams doors, he takes things from fellow children and adults alike!" a Globe and Mail source said about the behavior of Kate Middleton and Prince William's son, Prince George. "Honestly, he's a nightmare. He makes so much mess. It's chaos!"

Though these reports could possibly be true, neither Kate Middleton nor Prince William has confirmed anything as of yet. Hence, followers of Prince George and Princess Charlotte's parents should take everything with a grain of salt until it has been proven true and correct.

Kate Middleton, Prince William Divorce: Queen Elizabeth Want Duke, Duchess of Cambridge? Her Majesty Slammed Royal Couple For Poor Parenting?

Meanwhile, previous reports have claimed that Queen Elizabeth wants to separate Prince William and Kate Middleton from one another. According to sources, Her Majesty wants the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to quit doing their commoner ways and should start to act like a true Royal as they are said to be the next King and Queen of the British monarchy.

There are also rumors stating that Queen Elizabeth is quite disappointed of how Kate Middleton and Prince William have raised Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are yet to comment on these divorce claims!
Canon EOS 5D Latest News & Update: Miniature DSLR-Based Satellite Set To Launch On March 2017!

Canon is set to launch into space a miniature satellite that is based on Canon EOS 5D. The trial mission is expected to highly boost the company's revenues in the years to come.

The miniature satellite weighs only 65 kilograms (143 pounds), and measures 85 x 50 x 50 centimeters (2.8 x 1.6 x 1.6 feet). On board will be a telescope device using Canon's top notch imaging technology found in EOS 5D DSLR.

Traditionally, satellites are used in the fields of broadcasting, communications and weather. With the photos taken by the Canon EOS 5D-based miniature satellite, it will hopefully benefit different industries like agriculture, commerce, disaster prevention, market research and surveying. It could also help companies to locate the best possible ports and parking lots. It is expected to orbit the planet Earth 15 times a day with an altitude of 500 kilometers (311 miles).

The trial period will start in March 2017 and will run for the next two years. During this time, Canon will test and calibrate the images taken by the EOS 5D-based miniature satellite. By this time, the company might possibly be accepting clients who can benefit from data gathered like numbers of specific objects, buildings, farms and even vehicles.

By 2020, Canon hopes to reach annual sales of $482 million and $1 billion by 2030. The production cost of a miniature satellite with EOS 5D on board is estimated at only $12.6 million per unit which is considered by experts as a bargain considering the revenues it is expected to grow.

The Indian Space Research Organization will supply the rocket to send the Japanese miniature satellite with EOS 5D into space. As it is, it will launch from the southeast India area. Space Works Enterprises, which is based in Atlanta, predicts that not only Canon will launch a miniature satellite in the next seven years. Around 3,000 satellites weighing 50 kilograms or less will be launched starting this year.
Last week Hurricane Matthews caused widespread devastation, crossing over Haiti, the Bahamas and then up the east coast of the United States. It caused direct damage from the high winds and waves, followed by severe flooding in the US, which is still ongoing. We have been impressed by the amount of imagery that has been made available. Planet Labs supplied imagery of Haiti from before the disaster to help emergency response teams. Then DigitalGlobe and Terra Bella provided imagery of Haiti, the Bahamas and the US from after the event via Google Crisis Response. And finally, NOAA has been supplying aerial imagery of the US coast and the inland flooding as the floods have progressed. You can see the satellite imagery in Google Earth with this KML file from Google Crisis Response and the NOAA aerial imagery with this KML file that we created.

As of this writing, fresh imagery continues to be added to both sets every day:



Les Irois, Haiti.



Greenville, North Carolina. October 15th, 2016. (NOAA imagery)



Kinston, North Carolina. October 15th, 2016. (NOAA imagery)

There have been several other natural disasters this year that had similarly fast responses with imagery.

In April this year, Kumamoto, Japan, experienced a series of large earthquakes. Google managed to capture aerial imagery the day after the first shock and again on the following day after subsequent, more powerful shocks. Whether Google had already been planning to capture imagery there we do not know. Google has since also updated the 3D imagery of Kumamoto.

In August this year, there was a large earthquake in central Italy. We saw some low resolution satellite imagery from Terra Bella, but there was also comprehensive aerial imagery captured almost immediately after the event organised by the Copernicus Emergency Management Service, although sadly that imagery was not made available in Google Earth.

In general, it seems like coverage of natural disasters has been improving. We believe this is due to a several factors:

 There are more satellite imaging companies, with more satellites than ever before.

 There are a number of emergency response programmes that have been getting better and better at obtaining and disseminating imagery, some of which are listed below:
Article

Protecting the worlds oceans  an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy

The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
MADISON  A pledge scrawled on Russ Feingolds garage door and featured in a quirky 1992 Senate ad assured Wisconsin residents that he would rely on them  not wealthy out-of-state donors  to bankroll his campaign.

Once the Wisconsin Democrat got to Washington he joined forces with Arizona Republican John McCain on efforts to deflate the influence of special interest money, passing a seminal campaign finance reform law that bears both senators names.

But now, with McCain facing a tougher-than-expected re-election and Feingold seeking to win back the seat he lost six years ago, the authors of McCain-Feingold are benefiting from the same sources of funding they once scorned.

The goal of their 2002 law was to shore up confidence in the political system and reduce the role of big money in elections. But it also allowed people and corporations to give their money elsewhere, to independent and third-party groups. Critics have argued that increased the power of those groups, weakening the role of political parties.

Feingold no longer abides by his 1992 garage door promise and doesnt spurn outside money to help his campaign. He defends his position as necessary in the wake of the landmark Citizens United Supreme Court ruling in 2010 that gave a green light for corporations, labor unions and other outside groups to spend unlimited cash on campaign ads as long as those activities arent coordination with a candidate or party.

(Citizens United has) completely changed the landscape, Feingold said during a campaign stop in late September. And were hoping we can overturn that decision and get back to some common sense. I dont want the outside groups. I never have. ... They have a right to do it, unfortunately.

Feingolds opponent, Sen. Ron Johnson, has branded him a hypocrite over the issue.

McCain declined repeated requests for comment. But longtime McCain backer Chuck Coughlin defended the senators use of super PAC spending while saying he believes the current system is undermining democracy.

The defense of what hes doing right now is hes using the law that is available to him that has evolved since the Citizens United decision, said Coughlin, a Republican political consultant who worked for McCain in the 1980s. Its my hope as a long-time McCain supporter and a loyal supporter that he will look at the wreckage of this landscape thats around us and choose to address it through reform.

Feingold almost lost his first re-election in 1998 because he refused to allow his campaign or any other allies to accept soft money to counter the millions that came in for his opponent. In 2010 Feingold found himself being challenged by Ron Johnson, a businessman with no prior political experience who was emboldened by the tea party movement. Feingold stood by his refusal to accept outside money, a spigot that Johnson was more than happy to turn on.

Independent groups spent about $3 million on the race, the vast majority of it going to help propel Johnson to victory.

This time Feingold proposed a Badger Pledge designed to blunt the impact of outside money. It was nearly identical to one Democrat Elizabeth Warren and Republican Scott Brown agreed to in Massachusetts U.S. Senate race in 2012.

Johnson has refused to sign it.

Outside groups are spending heavily in the race, with $6.5 million coming in by early October. Of that, $1.2 million was benefiting Feingold and almost $6.3 million has gone to help Johnson.

Outside money also is pouring in for McCain, thanks mostly to $3.7 million from his own super PAC and $1.5 million from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The $5.4 million McCain has gotten from outside groups far outpaces the roughly $900,000 that have gone to help his opponents, a former Republican state senator McCain beat in the primary and his general election opponent Democratic U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick.

Kelli Ward, who lost to McCain in the primary, said the super PAC spending is an example of establishment elitist political hypocrisy that we see on both sides of the aisle at every level of government.

The people who are in control like to make rules for the people they want to control but not for themselves, Ward said.

While Feingolds shifts on campaign finance is disappointing, its equally disheartening that Johnson has not disavowed outside money, said Jack Heck, director of the government watchdog group Common Cause of Wisconsin.

Im more disappointed that the system has changed so dramatically, Heck said.
(Ed. note: This is the first of the candidate profiles for the 67th Assembly District. Coming Tuesday: A profile of Republican Rob Summerfield.)

Providing access to good public education is part of what Assembly candidate Dennis Hunt sees as a way to bring higher wages to the 67th District.

The Chippewa Falls Democrat said wages will go up if the state improves public education, improves broadband internet for rural communities and fixes infrastructure to retain and attract businesses to the area.

If we tackle those things, they are going to create higher-paying jobs, he said.

Hunt, who operates an accounting firm, says during tax time he sees the pain of his clients struggling to get by.

We have to figure out a comprehensive approach to education to make sure its fair, Hunt said.

In the Nov. 8 election, Hunt is facing Republican Rob Summerfield for the 67th District seat now held by Republican state Rep. Tom Larson of Colfax. Larson, who was first elected in 2010, announced earlier this year he is not running for re-election.

Hunt, a veteran of the United States Air Force, is the former finance director for Chippewa County. He was fired from the position, and is currently suing the county, County Administrator Frank Pascarella and other current and former county officials over his dismissal. A jury trial on those lawsuits is scheduled for October 2017.

Hunt said he is willing to work with Republicans on finding a funding source to improve state roads and highways. He said state residents spend $2 billion to fix their cars that are damaged by bad roads.

We cant continue to just borrow money and let our roads deteriorate at the same time, he said, adding if the state does more routine maintenance it will eventually pay less for repairs.

About school vouchers, Hunt said: Im okay with funding school choice vouches only if (they are) funded by a source outside of the public schools.

Hunt, a graduate of McDonell Central Catholic High School, said some of the students using public vouchers to go to private schools were previously home schooled or are using the vouchers to continue their private school education.

He said it is incredibly important to roll back cuts in state aid to small, rural districts, including New Auburn and Lake Holcombe. Those rural schools are the heartbeat of those communities, he said.

Hunt believes that with shared services, government can be more efficient. He cited his work on consolidating the emergency call centers of Chippewa Falls and Chippewa County as an example. He said he worked with Chippewa Falls Treasurer Lynne Bauer in coming up with the financial details to make the merger work.
Sony Xperia XZ Review: The All-Round Performer! Reviews oi -Chakri Kudikala

Update: We have received another unit of the Xperia XZ from Sony and that unit was fine.

After being in disarray for more than two years, Sony revamped their product lineup by introducing the all new Xperia X series of smartphones at the MWC 2016.

Rating: 3.0 /5

PROS Beautiful Design

Gorgeous 1080p display

Water Resistant

Solid Camera Performance CONS Underwhelming Performance

Buggy Software

Poor Battery Life

Overheating while using camera app

Back is a Fingerprint Magnet

Not being able to move away from their previous flagship Xperia 'Z' series, the company, at the IFA 2016 launched a new smartphone- the Xperia XZ.

At the end of September, the same Xperia XZ came to India with a hefty price tag of Rs. 51,990 (best buy Rs. 49,990). Sony has been aggressively promoting the Xperia XZ in India. The highlights of the smartphone will be its design, 23MP rear camera, and the flagship Snapdragon 820 chipset.

SEE ALSO: 5 Things to Expect From Xiaomi Meri, the Company's Mid-Range Offering

We were at the launch event of the smartphone, and Sony has offered us a black review unit of the smartphone. The smartphone is available in two more colors as well- Platinum and Forest Blue. Here's what we think of the smartphone after using it extensively ( for a week).

Sony's trademark design language!

Starting off with the design, the Sony Xperia XZ is a good looking smartphone ticking all the right boxes. We must say that it's a rectangular slab, same as the Xperia X with a polycarbonate frame around the sides and metal plate on the back.

The Xperia XZ comes with traditional Sony's Omni-balance design language measuring 146 x 72 x 8.1mm and weighs at 161grams. This time, the company has added a loop surface design in XZ, where it comes with attenuated edges between the frame and adjacent surface, giving us comfy hold.

As said earlier, the rear panel is made up of metal. Sony used a new material called 'Alkaledo' to make it more premium, and boy, it looks superior than the previous Sony smartphones.

Up front, there is a 5.2-inch display with curved 2.5D glass and the Xperia XZ's fingerprint sensor is embedded into the power button itself. Rounding the device to its sides shows us the volume rockers below the power button on the right side and a dedicated camera shutter button below the volume rockets.

SEE ALSO: Now Generate Unlimited Reliance Jio Barcodes with these 5 Simple Steps

The hybrid nano- SIM card tray slot is present on the left side of the smartphone and the 3.5mm headphone jack on top leaving the USB Type-C port on the button portion of the device.

As always, Sony is keeping on improving themselves as the best smartphone designers in modern times and the Xperia XZ is one more beautiful addition to their well-designed product portfolio.

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Gorgeous 1080p display

Sony has their unique style of manufacturing smartphones. While every manufacturer is looking for a bigger screen smartphone these days, Sony just sticks to the basics and included a 5.2-inch display, which is a 1080p panel.

Devices released with Full HD panels such as the OnePlus 3; Xiaomi Mi 5 impressed us a lot. And the Sony Xperia XZ is no exception. Sony has done a great job with the LCD panel on the XZ as it is vibrant and text appeared punchy all the time.

It has got great viewing angles, and the sunlight legibility is far from better on any 1080p screen. All the Sony's traditional features such as the 'X-Reality,'; Triluminos' are present in the XZ as well.

Overall, the display on the Xperia XZ doesn't match the ones on the Galaxy S7 and LG G5, but best the job did all the time.

Click Here for New Android Smartphones Best Online Deals

Performance: Not the Best, But Gets the Job Done!

The Sony Xperia XZ is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 820 chipset with 3GB of RAM. With the top-notch hardware, the phone performed well in every situation. Gaming was fine, however, there were some overheating issues when playing graphic intensive tasks.

SEE ALSO: 5 easy steps to transfer your iCloud Drive files to Google Drive

The phobe blows away the day-to-day tasks with ease. Social media apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram ran well without any issues.

At first run, the phone ran the Asphalt 8 with no issues. However, we faced some frame drops in the 'Tokyo Drift' level. Speaking about other hardware specifications, the phone comes with 64GB of internal storage with support for expandable storage via a microSD card slot.

As said earlier, the phone has a fingerprint sensor embedded into the power button, which unlocks the device quickly. But, most of the time, when we tried to lock the device, we ended up with unlocking the phone as the button doesn't offer that much of tactile feedback, which is weird.

Click Here for New Android Smartphones Best Online Deals

Great Camera With Sony Add-ons

Sony' smartphones always provided great camera setup, and the Xperia XZ is no exception. The XZ comes with the same setup as the Xperia X but has undergone a subtle changes under-the-hood. Sony, for the first time, has used a 5-axis stabilization in any smartphone. Moreover, the Xperia XZ also has laser autofocus system and a dedicated color sensor for capturing real life images.

We are looking at the 23MP sensor on the rear with the company's Exmor RS sensor along with large f/2.0 aperture and LED flash. As expected, the camera performance on this phone is top-notch, depending on the situation. With the 5-axis hardware stabilization, the device performs well in the low-light conditions.

In bright sunlight conditions, the rear camera captures great images. However, we observed some blue hue around the corners. Apart from this, we haven't faced any issues with the camera, and the colors appeared punchy, and they are right to the real image as well.

Sony's camera app hasn't changed for a while now. I have used almost all the Xperia Z flagship phones, and the camera UI is the same till now. There are some dedicated Sony's modes such as the AR mode, 4K video, sweep panorama, Time-lapse Mode, Light Painting Mode, etc. and they are hilarious to play around.

Up front, there is a 13MP front-facing camera, which captures some excellent shots in good lighting conditions, but fails to inspire confidence in low-light conditions. The images shot under darker conditions are on the warmer side with less color gradient.

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Now, coming to the camera's biggest problem, the Xperia XZ heats a lot while using the camera app. Although, many Sony phones in recent past are plagued with the same issue. Besides this, the camera performance of the phone is top-notch and matches with the likes of Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and HTC 10.

Software

The Sony Xperia XZ runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with the company's own Xperia UI on top of it. Unlike Samsung's TouchWiz UI, Sony's Xperia UI doesn't feature many changes to the native Google's stock OS.

Diving into the OS, the notification panel is almost same as that of stock Android with quickly customizable toggles. The inbuilt app drawer comes integrated with Google Now feature, which is a good thing to see. The phone comes with Sony's gallery and music apps along with little bloatware such as the Facebook app, TrackID, etc.

Also, there are some additional display tweaks such as double tap to wake, double tap anywhere on the home screen to sleep. Features aside, the software on the Xperia XZ is a little buggy as we have noticed some lag while browsing through the apps, under the multitasking menu, etc.

The Xperia XZ unit which we received earlier was plagued with software issues, however, the second review unit was fine with no lags. However, this unit does even exhibit lag while on multitasking screen.

Mediocre battery life

The Sony Xperia XZ comes with a 2,900mAh battery, which barely runs a day with continuous 4G usage. We used the phone with Reliance Jio 4G SIM card, and the phone has support for VoLTE as well. The device offered us a screen-on time between three hours to 4 hours, which is average. Do make a note that, we used the device with 4G LTE all the time.

When used the phone with Wi-Fi network, it offered us a screen-on time just above four hours. Sony included some battery saver options such as 'Stamina mode' and 'Ultra-Stamina Mode' which extends the battery life little more.

An Over-Priced Product

After using the Xperia XZ for more than a week, we came to a clear conclusion that the smartphone is heavily overpriced and doesn't justify the price tag at all. The phone gets the job done most of the time, however, the price doesn't.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 7 Plus vs Google Pixel XL: Do they bring along the Innovation We Need

There are several other options such as the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge and the HTC 10, which recently received a price cut. And, more importantly, the Huawei P9 with a slightly better camera. Overall, Sony has got the things right with all the Xperia XZ, but they have to recheck their pricing strategy.

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Experts told the Senate Intelligence Committee on 30 March 2017 that Russia pulled off an unprecedented and wildly successful campaign to influence America's political conversation during the election campaign. "Russia hopes to win the second Cold War through the force of politics, as opposed to the politics of force," said cybersecurity expert Clinton Watts of the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Watts detailed Russia's use of cyberattacks and an elaborate disinformation campaign to confuse US voters and pit Americans against each other.

GEN (Ret) Keith B. Alexander [former Director, National Security Agency] testified that "Back in the Cold War era, if the Soviet Union sought to manipulate information flow, it would have to do so principally throughits own propaganda outlets or through active measures that would generate specific news: planting of leaflets, inciting of violence, creation of other false materials and narratives. But thenews itself was hard to manipulate because it would have required actual control of the organs of media, which took long-term efforts to penetrate. Today, however, because the clear majority ofthe information on social media sites is uncurated and there is a rapid proliferation of information sources and as other sites that can reinforce information, there is an increasinglikelihood that the information available to average consumers may be inaccurate (whether intentionally or otherwise) and may be more easily manipulable than in prior eras. It is likewise easier to generate buzz and hype about particular events or storylines (again, whether accurate or inaccurate) because of the speed at which news is conveyed amongst the population."

As ODNI made clear in 2008, the foreignintelligence services track[ed the] election cycle like no other and targeted thecampaigns [m]et with campaign contacts and staff[,] [u]sed human source networks for policyinsights, [e]xploited technology to get otherwise sensitive data, [and] [e]ngaged in perceptionmanagement to influence policy. [ODNI, Unlocking the Secrets: How to Use the Intelligence Community (Dec. 10, 2008), ] Indeed, Russia use of kompromat (compromisinginformation), maskirovka (military deception), and proxy assets to disseminate propaganda (bothofficial and unofficial) is likewise not new. By 2008, possibly even earlier, according to John Schindler, a National Security expert formerly at the NSA, Russia had placed moles in the highest levels of US counter-intelligence. Schindler is a security expert and former National Security Agency analyst and counterintelligence officer. A specialist in espionage and terrorism, hes also been a Navy officer and a War College professor. Hes published four books.

Schindler wrote in 2016 that "Its not exactly a secret that NSA has one or more Russian moles in its ranksnot counting Snowden. Now the mainstream media has taken notice and we have the another Snowden meme upon us. James Bamford, whos written a lot about NSA over the decades, has taken up this meme.... by penetrating NSA you get access not just to that agencys signals intelligence, the richest espionage source on earth, you can also crack into the top secret communications of the United States and its closest allies.... Snowden acted as cover for Moscows real star. A patsy, he was never the actual Russian mole inside NSA. That person or persons is still out there... "

The well-informed author of patribotics at wordpress wrote in January 2017 "... it is my surmise that some of the Russian moles inside US counter-intelligence work within the FBIs criminal division, and particularly, within the New York field office.... [Russian intelligence] .. contacted your moles inside the NYPD/ FBI NY and told them to suddenly find emails that, the expectation was, could not possibly be combed through in time before the election....

"... they illegally spoke to any friendly press and the Trump campaign about putative ongoing criminal investigations into the Clinton Foundation and the matter of her email server. They told Fox Newss Brett Baier that Hillary Clinton Would soon be indicted and this was reported on TV, and then retracted after the damage was done. They told your agents of influence, Rudy Giuliani and X Kallstrom, that a group of active FBI agents had demanded Comey release his letter. Both of them stated as much, Mr. Giuliani specifying active FBI agents.... to make absolutely certain that Trump-Russia was suppressed and Clinton was defeated.... although Comey is a natural Republican he appeared to have played it straight. In the summer he cleared Clinton of a criminal standard of negligence. In the fall, he had been sandbagged by Russian moles inside the FBI Field Office in New York.

" ... a corrupt FBI NY Field Office guards the interest of Russian mobsters, allows them to launder their money through Trumps failing casinos and building projects, makes sure that Trump being paid double for a Florida house doesnt get investigated, allows paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to keep a mansion in New York City, ensures that Trumps criminal taxes dont get investigated, and sits hard enough on the NYPD that Trump can commit crime after crime in plain sight, socializing with the FBIs most wanted mobsters, and never get charged with a damn thing. It ensures that Manafort and Stone can live in Trump tower, that Cohens trips on Russian-Registered private jets get washed.... "

The outgoing President of Bulgaria, Rosen Plevneliev, said in January 2017 that Russia was trying to destabilize Europe through the Balkans. According to Plevneliev, the Kremlin used various tools to undermine the EU's unity, including "propaganda" and "financing of ultra-left and ultra-right forces that are hostile to European integration." Officials in Poland and the Czech Republic expressed a similar point of view, saying that Moscow intended to destabilize Europe by triggering a refugee crisis.

In December 2016, reports emerged that the German government feared the potential influence of Russia on the 2017 parliamentary elections after the US Central Intelligence Agency accused Moscow of being behind cyberattacks against the Democratic National Committee (DNC) computer systems in an attempt to influence the November US presidential election in favor of Donald Trump.

German intelligence, in a January 2017 report prepared jointly by the Federal Intelligence Service and the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, accused Russia of systematically undermining relations between Europe and the US. BND and German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution came to the conclusion that Russia's influence in the EU could have been observed for years. In particular, Moscow tried to sharpen social conflicts, especially those existing in the West.

Americans have always been vulnerable to recruitment and targeting. During the Golden Age of Soviet espionage in America in the 1930s and 1940s, for example, many spies committed treason for ideological reasons, seeing the USSR as a true workers paradise and communism as the wave of the future.

Many of those Americans whose guilt was hotly debated were, in fact, guilty and the evidence so compelling that only the most obtuse or ideologically biased could continue to question the allegations. The USSR did indeed enlist Alger Hiss, the Rosenbergs, Harry Dexter White, Harry Gold, and many others to spy on the United States. The Communist Party USA, in spite of leader Gus Halls repeated denials, did receive funds directly from the Soviet Union.

Alina Polyakova, et al, writing for the Atlantic Council, November 2016, noted: "... some European politicians, experts, and civic groups have expressed support for  or sympathy with  the Kremlins actions. These allies represent a diverse network of political influence reaching deep into Europes core.... The Kremlin uses these Trojan horses to destabilize European politics so efficiently, that even Russias limited might could become a decisive factor in matters of European and international security. ... Moscow views the Wests virtuespluralism and opennessas vulnerabilities to be exploited. Its tactics are asymmetrical, subversive, and not easily confronted.... "

"Under President Vladimir Putin, the Russian government has reinvigorated its efforts to influence European politics and policy. The Kremlins strategy of influence includes a broad array of tools: disinformation campaigns, the export of corruption and kleptocratic networks, economic pressures in the energy sector, and the cultivation of a network of political allies in European democracies. The ultimate aim of this strategy is to sow discord among European Union (EU) member states, destabilize European polities, and undermine Western liberal valuesdemocracy, freedom of expression, and transparency  which the regime interprets as a threat to its own grasp on power.

"Since Putins return to power in 2012, the Kremlin has accelerated its efforts to resurrect the arsenal of active measures  tools of political warfare once used by the Soviet Union that aimed to influence world events through the manipulation of media, society, and politics."

The German non-fiction author Boris Reitschuster's new book "Putin's Hidden War: How Moscow is destabilizing the West," released in April 2016 claims that there is a kind of martial arts-trained secret "army" controlled by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Germany. " According to estimates made by intelligence services, there are 250 to 300 men involved. These units develop out of martial arts schools where "Systema" - a combat sport that is linked to the Russian special unit Spetsnaz - is taught.... several people have actually been recruited. They are sent to Moscow under the pretense of advanced training. That is where they are instructed in the Spetsnaz method for Russian special forces. They are taught hand-to-hand combat, how to use explosives and firearms, and how to carry out acts of sabotage. Then they return to Germany and wait for orders from Moscow. ... Most of them are German, or they have dual citizenship: German and Russian. Most of them speak Russian. Around four million people from the former Soviet Union live in Germany.... I realized that this is nothing new; the same was done in the GDR era. It is not Putin's brainchild; it is a continuation of KGB methods."

John Hinderaker reported 27 January 2015 that "... the California-based Sea Change Foundation, one of the principal sources of money for American environmental groups. In 2010 and 2011, Sea Change gave the Sierra Club $15 million, the Natural Resources Defense Council $13.5 million, and the League of Conservation Voters $18.1 million.... Beyond Simons, Sea Change has only one source of funds: Klein Ltd."

The Environmental Policy Alliance [ a front group operated by the PR firm Berman & Co. ] reported "There have been significant questions about whether foreign interests  particularly Russian  are funding attacks on U.S. natural gas because it would hurt the Kremlin. Here we have a major foreign funder of the U.S. environmental movement tied through its Bermuda office to Russian money laundering and the Russian government. ... Klein Ltd. Klein Ltd., a corporation that only exists on paper and is based out of a Bermuda law firm called Wakefield Quin, gave $23 million dollars to environmental bundler Sea Change Foundation from 2010 to 2011... "

Lachlan Markay reported January 27, 2015 that "A shadowy Bermudan company that has funneled tens of millions of dollars to anti-fracking environmentalist groups in the United States is run by executives with deep ties to Russian oil interests and offshore money laundering schemes involving members of President Vladimir Putins inner circle.... One of those executives, Nicholas Hoskins, is a director at ... a company called Klein Ltd. No one knows where that firms money comes from. Its only publicly documented activities have been transfers of $23 million to U.S. environmentalist groups that push policies that would hamstring surging American oil and gas production, which has hurt Russias energy-reliant economy."

Following the astonishing victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential election, the EU leadership faced yet another shock after pro-European candidates lost presidential elections in Bulgaria and Moldova, ceding power to pro-Russian opponents. The results of Moldovan and Bulgarian presidential elections have come as yet another unpleasant surprise for the EU leadership: two pro-Russian candidates have won their respective country's presidency. "It is a step in the right direction," Russian parliamentarian Franz Klintsevich told Sputnik. "I have come to a conclusion that Russia's consistent, competent and honest position on the world arena, its aspiration not to seek dominance but to try to solve the world's problem of international terrorism transparently, honestly and effectively [have played a substantial role in the elections' outcome]," Klintsevich emphasized. According to Klintsevich, the elections in the US, Moldova and Bulgaria have demonstrated that the nations are longing for peace. In this context their interests coincide with those of Russia, which is promoting peace.

Former CIA Director Michael J. Morell wrote August 5, 2016 of Donald Trump: "In the intelligence business, we would say that Mr. Putin had recruited Mr. Trump as an unwitting agent of the Russian Federation.... President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia was a career intelligence officer, trained to identify vulnerabilities in an individual and to exploit them. That is exactly what he did early in the primaries. Mr. Putin played upon Mr. Trumps vulnerabilities by complimenting him. He responded just as Mr. Putin had calculated."

Many right-wing European political parties are anything but shy when it comes to showing their pro-Russian sentiments. Millions of euros have also been deposited by Russian banks in the pocket of France's Front National. France's right-wing populist party, the Front National (FN), denied claims in a media report which stated that they wanted to borrow 40 million euros ($50 million) from a Russian bank. "This is fictitious, it's crazy," said party leader Marine Le Pen. "We have applied for nine million euros, and we got nine million euros." For a long time now, the Front National has been accused of receiving Russian financial support. The head of the bank is also close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin. With regards to political party funding in France, the National Front is in trouble, as they have allegedly received no loans from French banks. So the support from Russia has come in handy.

In EU parliament, it's not only Le Pen and members of the National Front who have advocated Putin. Leader of the British right-wing UK Independence Party, Nigel Farage, and MPs of the "Alternative for Germany" party have also made Russia-friendly comments. Although pro-Russian voices were previously heard more often amongst the EU parliament's left-wing parties, a study by Hungarian policy research institute Political Capital showed that 15 of the parliament's 24 right-wing populist parties were "open" to Russia.

Andrew Foxall, writing for The Henry Jackson Society, noted in October 2016 that "Over the past five years, there has been a marked tendency for European populists, from both the left and the right of the political spectrum, to establish connections with Vladimir Putins Russia. Those on the right have done so because Putin is seen as standing up to the European Union and/or defending traditional values from the corrupting influence of liberalism. Those on the left have done so in part because their admiration for Russia survived the end of the Cold War and in part out of ideological folly: they see anybody who opposes Western imperialism as a strategic bedfellow.

"When Russia seized Crimea in March 2014 ... Vladimir Putins behaviour broke what had seemed to be a very solid taboo.... Russias President found a ready-made supply of defenders, or at the very least apologists. They include those on the left who can be relied upon to stand up for the Wests enemies whoever and wherever they may be, and those on the right who see Moscow as a defender of conservative values. Many on the left and right have not been bribed, blackmailed or otherwise cajoled, but instead have taken the positions they have because of misguided ideology.

"... the Kremlin now embraces a fluid approach to ideology. This allows it to embrace activists, groups and movements who, on the face of it, have contrasting and competing aims  from the far-left, through antiglobalists, and greens, to conservatives, nationalists, and the far-right, and everything in between  but who collectively exacerbate divides and dissention in the West and, unwittingly or otherwise, create an echo chamber of Kremlin support."

Russian cyber-propaganda played a key role in favouring the pro-Kremlin 5-Star Movement during the December 2016 constitutional referendum in Italy, which resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, according to investigative reports. The 5-Star Movement has built a sprawling network of fake news sites spreading pro-Russian conspiracy theories and attacks on politicians such as Renzi,

The Kremlin denied on 14 February 2017 that it was behind media and internet attacks on the campaign of French presidential frontrunner Emmanuel Macron though his camp renewed the charges against Russian media and a hackers' group operating in Ukraine. Moscow looked favorably on the policies of far-right leader Marine Le Pen and center-right candidate Francois Fillon - both election rivals of Macron - and both had been "mysteriously spared" from Russian media criticism. Macron's strong pro-Europe stance was not to Russia's liking.

The issue of US diplomats and journalists being harassed by Russian and Soviet intelligence agencies dates back decades, though with varying degrees of seriousness. US officials have reported minor, if unnerving, incidents involving residences in Moscow and elsewhere being broken into and household items moved around, a gas stove left on, or a cigarette left burning. A 2013 report by the State Department's Inspector General said "employees face intensified pressure by the Russian security services at a level not seen since the days of the Cold War." Water faucets had been discovered mysteriously left running in apartments in the past. And on at least two occasions over the years, US officials have said diplomats have found human excrement on the floor of apartments. American diplomats were pulled over by Moscow traffic police dozens of times in early 2016, which is unusual in a city where diplomats are usually afforded leeway for minor traffic violations.

In June 2016, an accredited US diplomat was tackled outside the US Embassy in Moscow. Moscow claimed the American was a CIA officer working under diplomatic cover, a common technique used by many countries, including both Russia and the United States. In the aftermath, Moscow and Washington each kicked out two of the other side's accredited diplomats in tit-for-tat expulsions that were reminiscent of the Cold War.

Mike Eckel, writing for RFE/RL on 03 October 2016, reported that two US officials traveling with diplomatic passports were drugged while attending a conference in Russia, and one of them was hospitalized, in what officials have concluded was part of a wider, escalating pattern of harassment of US diplomats by Russia. The incident at a hotel bar during a UN anti-corruption conference in St. Petersburg in November 2015 caused concern in the US State Department, which quietly protested to Moscow. The drugged diplomats were part of a delegation of Americans attending the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, held on November 2-6 in St. Petersburg. It was the first official conference in Russia that US government representatives were allowed to travel to since the United States, the European Union, and their allies imposed sanctions on Russia for its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014.

One of the Americans was incapacitated and brought to a Western medical clinic in St. Petersburg for treatment, and to have blood and tissue samples taken in order to determine precisely what caused the sudden illness. However, while the person was at the clinic, the electricity suddenly went out and the staff was unable to obtain the necessary tissue samples. The response given by Russian officials to the investigators looking into the drugging was: Without more evidence, there's nothing more we can do.

WikiLeak founder Julian Assange's internet access was cut 17 October 2016 by an unidentified state actor. Few other details were immediately available. Julian had been hiding in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London for more than four years after skipping bail to avoid being extradited on sex crimes charges. The confinement hadn't prevented himg from working and WikiLeaks continued to deliver scoops, including revelations intended to damage Hillary Clinton's campaign.

The UK bank servicing RT gave notice that it will close the broadcasters accounts, without explanation. The UK government has denied any involvement in the bank's decision. RTs assets were not frozen and could still be withdrawn from the accounts. The National Westminster Bank has informed RT UK that it will no longer have the broadcaster among its clients. The bank provided no explanation for the decision. We have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities, NatWest said in a letter to RTs London office.

NBC News, citing anonymous sources, reported 17 October 2016 that the CIA would deliver ideas to the White House for "a wide-ranging clandestine cyber operation designed to harass and embarrass the Kremlin leadership... s to send a message to Russia that it has crossed a line. On 14 October 2016, Vice President Joe Biden met Meet the Press host Chuck Todd for an interview that raised serious concern in Russia. Todd opened the interview with a loaded question: Why havent we sent a message yet to Putin? After a moment of deafening silence, the VP responded: Were sending a message. We have the capacity to do it and it will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact. When Todd asked if the public will know a message was sent, Biden replied, Hope not.

Mark Galeotti's report entitled Hybrid War or Gibridnaia Voina, argues "The West is at war. It is not a war of the old sort, fought with the thunder of guns, but a new sort, fought with the rustle of money, the shrill mantras of propagandists, and the stealthy whispers of spies. This is often described as 'hybrid war,' a blend of the military and the political, but in fact there are two separate issues, two separate kinds of non-linear war, which have become unhelpfully intertwined. The first is the way-as the Russians have been quick to spot-that modern technologies and modern societies mean that a shooting war will likely be preceded by and maybe even almost, but not quite, replaced by a phase of political destabilization. The second, though, is the political war that Moscow is waging against the West, in the hope not of preparing the ground for an invasion, but rather of dividing, demoralizing and distracting it enough that it cannot resist ... The two overlap heavily, and maybe they could usefully be regarded as the two sides of a wider form of 'non-linear war.' The instruments which make up 'political war' are also crucial to the earlier phases of 'hybrid war.' ... What has emerged, if not wholly new, is certainly a distinctive way of war."

Cambridge Analytica Chief Data Officer Dr Alex Tayler and Managing Director Mark Turnbull told an undercover Channel 4 journalist that the company has been working in Mexico and was now targeting Brazil, among other countries. "If you're collecting data on people and you're profiling them, that gives you more insight that you can use to know how to segment the population, give them messaging about issues they care about, and language and imagery they're likely to engage with," Tayler said. "We use that in America and we use that in Africa, that's what we do as a company. We've done it in Mexico, we've done it in Malaysia, and now we're moving to Brazil Australia, China."

Brazilian prosecutors on 28 March 2018 opened an investigation into whether the London-based political consultancy acted illegally in Brazil, as controversy over the firm's data harvesting practices spread across the globe. The firm is suspected of having illegally used the data of millions of Brazilians to create psychographic profiles through its partnership with Sao Paulo-based consulting group A Ponte Estrategia Planejamento e Pesquisa LTDA.

The firm sealed a partnership with a phone application named Pig.gi and designed to provide free internet and phone credit in exchange for watching advertisements and reading sponsored stories. "Pig.gi has already been hugely successful in Mexico and Colombia," said CEO Alexander Nix 2017 in a communique, when the app recorded 200,000 users. "We're thrilled to be partnering with the app so that their partners can get the right message to the right people at the right time."

According to a map published on Cambridge's website, the company has also operated in Guyana, Peru and Argentina, although little information is available about the extent of the operations.

Channel 4 confirmed participation in the Kenyan elections of 2013 and 2017, running incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta's campaign through the use of incendiary messages and false news: Cambridge ran "every element of his campaign." He also discloses links to former MI6 agents and Israeli intelligence companies who provide Cambridge Analytica's clients with a report on "all the skeletons" in their opponents' closets.





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Navy's Most Advanced Warship, USS Zumwalt Commissions in Baltimore

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161015-08

Release Date: 10/15/2016 6:25:00 PM

From USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) Public Affairs

BALTIMORE (NNS) -- The Navy's newest and most technologically advanced warship, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) was commissioned into active service Saturday, Oct. 15, at North Locust Point in Baltimore.

Zumwalt, the lead ship of a class of next-generation multi-mission destroyers, features a state-of-the-art electric propulsion system, wave-piercing tumblehome hull, stealth design, and the latest warfighting technology and weaponry available.

Secretary of the Navy, the Hon. Ray Mabus, delivered the ceremony's principal address.

"This ship is an example of a larger initiative to increase operational stability and give the U.S. a strategic advantage," said Mabus. "Our Navy and our Marine Corps, uniquely, provide presence - around the globe, around the clock - ensuring stability, reassuring allies, deterring adversaries, and providing the nation's leaders with options in times of crisis."

The ship's co-sponsors, Ann Zumwalt and Mouzetta Zumwalt-Weathers, are daughters of former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr., after whom the ship is named. The sisters were an integral part of the ceremony, giving the order to "man our ship and bring her to life," in keeping with naval tradition.

The Zumwalt-class destroyer will be capable of performing a range of deterrence, power projection, sea control, and command and control missions while allowing the Navy to evolve with new systems and missions. It does all of this while maintaining its stealth - making this visually imposing ship difficult to find whether close to the shore or far out to sea.

"Today's ceremony marked the culmination of over three years of dedication and hard work by some of the finest Sailors I have had the pleasure to lead," said Capt. James A. Kirk, commanding officer of Zumwalt. "The only thing more impressive than the capabilities of the ship are the capabilities of its fine crew."

Zumwalt will challenge adversaries and their way of thinking about how we employ our forces, providing an asymmetric advantage. Working with Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, littoral combat ships, and amphibious ships to form adaptive force packages, Zumwalt-class destroyers will use its computing capabilities to make these groups more lethal through increased range, deception, computer integration, and data analysis from various platforms. With its stealth, size, power, and advanced combat systems, this warship will serve as a centerpiece for deterrence and stability in the maritime environment.

"This destroyer, like the others in our fleet, is capable of projecting power, no doubt," said Mabus. "The Zumwalt-class is much larger than today's destroyers with a considerably larger flight deck - enough space to operate host Joint Strike Fighters, MV-22 Ospreys, and unmanned systems and a Vertical Launch System second to none."

In addition to its size, the Zumwalt class will be the first Navy warships to utilize an integrated power system that will produce enough power to run current systems, as well as the power required for future weapons, computing, and sensor systems. Zumwalt generates approximately 78 megawatts of power, almost as much as a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. This means the ship can operate all of its systems and still generate enough electricity to power a small town, which provides the extra capacity to accommodate future weapons and computing systems. Combined with its size and power, Zumwalt will be able to integrate emerging technologies and new capabilities as they are delivered to the fleet.

USS Zumwalt embodies the legacy of warfighting excellence and innovation of Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr., a veteran of World War II and the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. He exemplified honor, courage and commitment during 32 years of dedicated naval service. Believing it was his job to "modernize and humanize" the Navy, Zumwalt chose to embrace change and to lead it from within.

"I witnessed as he [Zumwalt] transformed our Navy, one Z-gram at a time... removing demeaning and abrasive regulations and moving to eliminate the scourge of racism and sexism from within our Navy," said Mabus. "Among many initiatives, he opened flight training to women and increased recruiting of under-represented Americans. And, as has always been the case when we open opportunities in our Navy and Marine Corps, we got stronger."

As the nineteenth Chief of Naval Operations, Zumwalt embrace of innovation resulted in a number of successful new programs, including the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine and the F-14 Tomcat, all of which had lasting impacts on the warfighting readiness of the Navy.

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson, also spoke at the ceremony, commenting on the significance of the ship's namesake.

"Admiral Zumwalt, especially during his time as CNO, ensured that our institution lived by its values," said Richardson. "He was the 'The Sailor's Admiral,' looking at new ideas, acting to the limit of his authorities, and adjusting along the way to make his Navy ready for combat - but also with full cognizance of the impact on the Sailors that made up that Navy."

Perhaps most importantly, Adm. Zumwalt was a social reformer who recognized the primary force-multiplier of the U.S. Navy continued to be its Sailors, and as such began quality of life improvements throughout the Fleet. He was considered a "thinking officer" who was devoted to Sailors and creating an environment where everyone was treated equally - a legacy that can that can be seen today in the diversity of the fleet. His "one Navy" mentality reminds today's Sailors that taking care of our warfighters ensures the Navy remains tough, bold and ready.

"To say the Navy was transformed by Admiral Zumwalt is an understatement. Indeed, every leader on this stage and the great crew standing before us has benefited from Bud Zuwalt's passion to make the Navy even better," said Vice Adm. Tom Rowden, commander, Naval Surface Forces during the ceremony. "So today we welcome this revolutionary warship to the fleet. A ship that demonstrates daring design and cutting-edge capability."

"On behalf of the U.S. Naval Surface Force, I proudly accept ownership of the Navy's newest ship to the fleet," Rowden said.

Zumwalt is scheduled to begin her transit to San Diego, making several port visits along the way. Upon arrival in San Diego, USS Zumwalt will begin installation of her combat systems, testing and evaluation, and operational integration with the fleet.

Once fully integrated, Zumwalt's stealth, power and lethality will provide a vital link from the Navy's current needs to its future capabilities.

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U.S., Coalition Continue Strikes Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Oct. 16, 2016  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 13 strikes in Syria:

-- Near Abu Kamal, a strike engaged an ISIL supply route.

-- Near Raqqah, four strikes engaged three ISIL supply routes and destroyed a vehicle.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, a strike engaged an ISIL supply route.

-- Near Manbij, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a fighting position.

-- Near Mar'a, three strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two tactical units.

-- Near Palmyra, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle and a heavy machine gun.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, bomber, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft conducted six strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of the Iraqi government:

-- Near Haditha, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, damaged a tunnel system, and destroyed 11 rocket rails, six rocket systems, two vehicles, a weapons cache, and a mortar system.

-- Near Mosul, a strike destroyed an ISIL weapons cache.

-- Near Qayyarah, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit, suppressed a rocket system, and destroyed an ISIL-held building, a command and control node, an artillery system, and a remotely piloted aircraft.

-- Near Sultan Abdallah, a strike engaged an ISIL weapons factory.

Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is a strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.

Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

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Yemen's Ansarullah urges intl. probe into Saudi strike on funeral

Iran Press TV

Sun Oct 16, 2016 6:44PM

Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has called for an international probe into a recent Saudi airstrike on a funeral in the capital Sana'a that killed at least 140 people.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ansarullah urged the United Nations to form an independent committee to investigate the airstrike.

The outgoing UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon "should form an independent and international investigation committee headed by a high-profile, neutral and international personality as soon as possible to probe war crimes committed by the coalition in Yemen," the statement read.

In one of the deadliest single attacks on Yemen, Saudi warplanes bombarded the funeral hall packed with mourners in Sana'a on October 8.

The United Nations Security Council has so far failed to agree on a statement condemning the airstrike.

The Ansarullah statement further noted that the Riyadh regime's acknowledgement that it wrongly hit the funeral "does not clear its leadership of violating international humanitarian law and all humanitarian norms and conventions."

A statement by a Saudi investigative body said on Saturday that the kingdom had carried out the strike based on what it called bad information.

Saudi officials initially said their aircraft had not carried out any attack on the Yemeni capital that day.

The incident prompted global condemnation, with Human Rights Watch saying the airstrike was an apparent war crime.

The leading rights group on Thursday said Saudi Arabia had used its position in the Human Rights Council "to obstruct efforts to establish an international inquiry into ongoing violations in Yemen."

Therefore, the Saudi regime had "no place on the UN body," the New York-based group added.

The group called on both the United States and Britain to immediately suspend all arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

More than 10,000 Yemenis have been killed since the regime in Riyadh launched its deadly campaign against the impoverished country in March 2015.

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Kuwait's emir dissolves parliament, cabinet resigns

Iran Press TV

Sun Oct 16, 2016 2:33PM

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah has issued a decree dissolving the parliament and setting the stage for snap elections.

According to Kuwait's official KUNA news agency, the emir on Sunday ordered the dissolution of the parliament "given the circumstances in the region ... and the security challenges."

The state media also announced the resignation of the country's cabinet a few hours after government officials held an emergency meeting.

Kuwait's parliament speaker, Marzouk al-Ghanem, has called for early elections in the face of growing security and economic challenges.

Under Kuwait's constitution, early elections should take place within two months after the dissolution of the parliament.

Kuwaiti lawmakers elected in the 2013 elections largely sided with the government. The main opposition party and several Islamic political parties had boycotted the 2013 parliamentary polls.

Parliamentary elections were held after changes were made to the country's electoral law in 2012, which caused nationwide demonstrations in which the protesters said changes were to the disadvantage of the opposition.

In recent months, Kuwaiti parliamentarians had sought to grill the government for an unpopular decision to increase fuel prices as the country has seen a drastic fall in its oil revenues as a result of falling oil prices.

A series of amendments to the electoral law is expected to bar citizens who are against the emir from contesting the upcoming elections.

Kuwait's parliament has already overwhelmingly approved an amendment that bars any individual convicted of insulting the emir from standing in the national elections.

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Regent to rule Thailand before new king

Iran Press TV

Sun Oct 16, 2016 10:28AM

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has announced that a regent will stand in as monarch until late King Bhumibol Adulyadej's son formally succeeds him.

In a televised speech late Saturday evening, Chan-ocha said Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who has been the heir apparent to the throne since 1972, had met with the junta leader and the late king's confidante, Prem Tinsulanonda, to discuss matters.

The prince "asked the people not to be confused or worry about the country's administration or even about the succession," said the PM.

The prince said "at this time everyone is sad, he is still sad, so every side should wait until we pass this sad time" before cremation, the premier said.

"Once merit-making and the cremation has passed then it should be the right time to proceed" to coronation, the prince said, as quoted by the premier.

Meanwhile, no date has been set for the cremation. However, some officials have suggested it would be at least a year before it happens.

In the meantime, the body of late King Adulyadej will be kept at the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok's historic center in an ornate hall for the royal family members to pay their respects. The hall will be opened to the public on October 28.

For now, the 96-year-old Prem Tinsulanonda has been officially named as the regent pro tempore, managing the ceremonial duties of the monarch in the absence of a king.

He is a former prime minister and heads the country's influential Privy Council.

However, real power in the country lies in the hands of the military, which has been running the government since a 2014 coup.

The late monarch, who became king 70 years ago in 1946, was the world's longest-reigning monarch by the time of his death at the age of 88.

The majority of the country's 68-million-strong population viewed the monarch as a pillar of stability during rapidly-changing times.

The late king, during his long-lasting reign, witnessed 10 military coups, the most recent one being in May 2014 led by now-Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Many say the crown prince lacks the popularity of his father and a lengthy interim period will give the Thai people enough time to get used to the idea of a new monarch.

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.  If I were to distill a recent public discussion about the state of our nation to one word, it would be worried.

Not fearful, not angry, but worried  about the future; about an election season that has made evil-clown sightings seem weirdly apt; but mostly about what will happen after the election. How do we mend the deep divisions that have evolved during this thoroughly nasty  and, at times, X-rated  campaign season? How does the country salve its wounds and reunite in common purpose?

Audience members here at the Poynter Institutes Community Conversation, at which I was invited to speak last Thursday, posed these and other questions. The 150 or so attendees were a cross-spectrum mix of students, professionals, retirees and a few notables  a diverse group, in other words, with no protesters, rabble-rousers or armed combatants in search of a revolution. The latter may have been occupied in nearby Lakeland, where Donald Trump had pronounced a global conspiracy against him the day before.

Clinton supporters at the Poynter event told me privately that they were afraid to put Hillary signs in their yards for fear of retribution, not from roaming vandals but from once-friendly neighbors. My suggestion that this campaign was reminiscent of the run-up to the Iraq War, when politically opposite friends avoided each other, was received with nods of agreement.

Whether for Trump or Clinton, neither side can conceive of what compels the other. In this duplex of horrors, Clinton is a corrupt, lying, hypocritical career politician and Trump is a sleazy, lying, narcissistic, autocratic, (alleged) sexual predator. Neer the twain shall meet.

Once the votes are counted, who knows whats next? President Obamas final two months may require his coolest touch yet.

Meanwhile, the questions posed here did not readily present answers. Whats needed, I posited half-seriously, is a superhero. Someone to rise from the marshes and cut through the fog of our discontent, someone who can summon our better angels and help restore the countrys self-respect.

At least for now, one is optimistic without reason.

We can know with near certainty that a defeated Donald Trump will unleash the armies of Mordor, comprised of a fan base that will embrace his dark conspiracy theory that the election was rigged. To their minds, his loss couldnt possibly be linked to a very long list of objectionable, as well as dishonest, statements hes made, only one of which is the sex-talk video we neednt view again.

Talking dirty has become the new normal, as anyone walking down a city street can confirm. And the objectification of women isnt remotely limited to Trumps warped view. As disgusting as Trumps verbal (and possibly physical) assaults have been  and, yes, hurtful, too, as Michelle Obama so passionately said last week  a certain contingent of his supporters are reluctantly willing to overlook the nastiness for the sole reason that they dislike Clinton more.

Others aspire to loftier goals, such as preventing a liberal Supreme Court or reducing the tax burden with an eye toward economic growth. These are certainly legitimate reasons. But Trumps willingness to pave the way for a revolution were Clinton to win should be sufficient evidence that this man isnt fit for the office.

To what extent are Trump sympathizers willing to express their disappointment? Well, who knows? But many will have seen the interview with a woman at a Trump rally last week who said she and her comrades are prepared to take their country back, cheerfully reminding the interviewer that youre in the South. Were all Second Amendment pros.

Is she talking about a well-regulated militia, perchance?

This is the mindset Trump has nurtured these past many months. These are the people he will summon at the end. These are the reasons the less-emotionally taut are so worried.

More worrisome still is the opposite result: What if Trump wins? We can presume that Russian President Vladimir Putin will be delighted, his possible WikiLeaks alliance having paid off. North Koreas Kim Jong Un, who has called Trump a wise politician, will order extra platters of chicken wings to celebrate.

As the Japanese proverb goes: When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.

Remember, too, that Trump has vowed as president to make it easier for people to sue the media, which, constitutionally, he cant. But as all authoritarian figures tend to do, Trump has to blame someone else for his failures. The media are handy bait for the credulous and misinformed.

Dont be afraid, but be worried.
Montenegrins Voting In Election Billed As Russia Vs. West

RFE/RL October 16, 2016

Montenegrins are voting in a parliamentary election that is being billed as a choice between Russia and the West.

The long-ruling Democratic Party of Socialists is facing pro-Russian and pro-Serbian opposition groups that strongly oppose the country's NATO bid and path toward joining the European Union.

Pro-Western Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, who has led the tiny Balkan nation as president or prime minister for more than 25 years, is facing his toughest challenge yet to cling on to power.

"Everyone is aware that the fate of the state will be decided...whether Montenegro will become a member of the EU and NATO or a Russian colony," Djukanovic said on October 14 at an election rally.

Speaking on October 16, Djukanovic said he expects to win the election and that Montenegro will "steadily and dynamically move toward its European and Euro-Atlantic goals.

The opposition has accused Djukanovic of trying to scare voters by suggesting that chaos will prevail if his party loses the elections.

"The only chaos will be within Djukanovic's cabinet," said Andrija Mandic, leader of the pro-Russian Democratic Front, after he cast his ballot on October 16.

"I have no doubt that the opposition will show its strength and that the Democratic Front will become the future framework of the Montenegro government," Mandic added.

Some 530,000 registered voters will be voting for 17 lists, including a total of 34 parties.

The latest polls show that Djukanovic's party will win a majority in Montenegro's 81-seat parliament. However, if it does not get enough seats to rule alone, he might have difficulties forming a ruling coalition.

Montenegro is deeply divided between those who favor and oppose integration with the West. After seceding from Serbia in 2006, the country, which had been an ally of Russia, has taken a strong turn toward Euro-Atlantic integration.

The Democratic Front, a pro-Russian opposition group, organized huge and at times violent anti-NATO protests late last year, calling for unrest if the government joins NATO without a referendum.

Strahinja Bulajic, a leading Democratic Front official, told AFP that if his party wins the elections "we will abolish sanctions against Russia and develop the closest economic and political ties [with Moscow]."

Relations between Russia and Montenegro cooled in March 2014 when Montenegro joined the EU sanctions against Russia over the crisis in Ukraine.

Its relationship with Moscow took another turn for the worse in May when Montenegro signed an accession agreement with NATO to become its 29th member in the coming months. The government and other member states have yet to ratify the agreement.

The opposition has demanded a referendum on the divisive issue. Opinion polls show that less than 40 percent of Montenegrins want to join the military alliance.

Analysts say the election campaign has focused less on the programs the parties have to offer and more on whether Djukanovic should stay or go.

The opposition has accused Djukanovic of corruption, nepotism, and economic mismanagement.

In 2003, Djukanovic was named a suspect in an Italian cigarette trafficking enquiry dating back to the 1990s. He denied the allegations and the Italian court dropped the case in 2009 because of his diplomatic immunity.

Djukanovic's political ideology has undergone several transformations over the last two and a half decades in power. He first shed his communist, then nationalist, past to become a leading voice for EU and NATO integration.

Djukanovic has also accused the Kremlin of meddling in the election campaign by secretly financing the opposition parties in order to keep Montenegro from joining NATO.

With reporting by AP, AFP, Deutsche Welle, and Balkan Insight

Source: www.rferl.org/a/montenegro-russia-west/28056584.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Germany's Purchase of Five New Warships Seen as 'Signal to Russia'

Sputnik News

12:08 16.10.2016

At least five Braunschweig class corvettes will enter service with the German navy in the next few years, in what can be seen as a signal to Russia, according to the newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung.

The German Bundestag (parliament) has approved a purchase by the country's ruling coalition of five Braunschweig class corvettes worth a total of 1.5 billion euros, the newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung reported, citing Bundestag sources.

Germany's ruling coalition includes representatives of the center-right Cristian Democratic Union party (CDU), the conservative Christian Social Union party (CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

"To cope with the new security challenges in the Baltic region, the Mediterranean and in the world as a whole, the coalition of the CDU/CSU alliance and the SPD plans to purchase five new corvettes for the German navy worth 1.5 billion euros," the newspaper quoted the sources as saying.

The first two ships are expected to be put into service in 2019, while the other three vessels are due to become part of the German navy by 2023.

Right now, the country's navy has a total of five K 130 Braunschweig-class corvettes, according to Suddeutsche Zeitung.

These newest class of Germans corvettes is mainly used in coastal waters, including in the Baltic Sea, the newspaper said.

In this connection, Suddeutsche Zeitung suggested that the German navy's modernization, such as the current purchase of five Braunschweig class corvettes, could be perceived as Berlin's signal to Russia.

According to the website naval-technology.com, "the K130 [class] corvettes are designed with stealth features, low draft, and highly automated weapons and defense systems to support littoral warfare and particularly for the operations of a multi-national crisis reaction force."

Earlier this week, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Nikolay Pankov said that Moscow will establish a permanent naval base in the Syrian port city of Tartus, home to a Russian Navy maintenance and support facility which was established by the Soviet Union in 1977.

Pankov also said that the Russian Defense Ministry was looking into reestablishing Russian bases in Cuba and Vietnam.

In addition, media reports cited Russia's plans to return to a former Soviet air force base in the Egyptian city of Sidi Barrani.

 Sputnik

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USS Mason Fired On Again Off The Yemeni Coast

Sputnik News

03:40 16.10.2016(updated 12:06 16.10.2016)

US officials announced that two missiles have been fired at the USS Mason off the Yemeni coast late Saturday or early Sunday local time. This is the third attack on the ship this week.

One of the missiles were downed by the Mason's defensive missile system while the other dropped into the ocean, leaving the Navy destroyer unscathed. The attempted strikes comes days after the US launched a retaliatory missile offensive against three radar sites from Shia Houthi rebels who has attacked the American military before.

Yemen first attacked the USS Mason and the amphibious warship the USS Ponce in early October.The second missile attack against the Mason occurred on Wednesday and used countermeasures then as well.

The Houthis denied their involvement in the attacks on Thursday and said that US strikes were unacceptable. The fundamentalist,who are Yemen's main opposition force, have also been locked into a military struggle with the the government under President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.

In previous attacks from the Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, three missiles fell into the ocean, and it isn't clear whether they failed on their own or were downed by the destroyer's defensive countermeasures.

 Sputnik

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US Destroyer Again Targeted by Missiles Off Coast of Yemen

By VOA News October 16, 2016

A top U.S. admiral says a U.S. warship has again come under fire in the Red Sea from multiple cruise missiles fired from the coast of Yemen.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson said the guided missile destroyer USS Mason deployed electronic countermeasures to foil the attack and was not hit in Saturday's incident --the third such attack on U.S. naval vessels in the area in the past week.

U.S. authorities say neither the Mason nor the amphibious transport USS Ponce was hit in the October 9 attacks, and say the Mason and another U.S. vessel were unscathed by further missile fire on Wednesday.

On Saturday, the website Military.com said Richardson, speaking at a ship commissioning in the port city of Baltimore, offered few details of the latest attack and did not say how many missiles were fired.

The October 9 attack on the Mason and the amphibious transport USS Ponce, and Wednesday's failed attacks prompted a retaliatory barrage of missiles from another warship, the USS Nitze on Thursday. Those U.S. strikes targeted three radar sites in Yemen territory controlled by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

On Thursday, Iran deployed two warships to the Red Sea, but insisted the move was aimed at preventing piracy in the vital shipping lanes.

The U.S. military has been providing intelligence and logistics to Saudi-led coalition warplanes, which began targeting rebel Houthi positions inside Yemen earlier this year.

VOA's Steve Herman contributed to this report.

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Afghan Officials Claim Battlefield Advances in Lashkar Gah

By Ayaz Gul October 16, 2016

Security forces in Afghanistan claim to have pushed the Taliban from parts of a key southern provincial capital and inflicted heavy casualties on the opposition as insurgent hostilities appear to have subsided in other conflict-hit provinces.

The rebel group staged a major assault on Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province, a week ago, forcing their way into parts of the nearly besieged city.

Dozens of Afghan troops were killed in the ensuing days of clashes with many more wounded, prompting the U.S. military to conduct airstrikes in support of government forces.

The security forces have retaken some areas they lost to the Taliban with the support of artillery and airpower, the provincial governor told VOA Sunday.

The offensive killed 88 Taliban fighters, including foreigners, while about 90 of them were wounded, claimed Hayatullah Hayat.

"A number of explosives-packed vehicle prepared for suicide attacks were also destroyed," the governor asserted.

Security officials say that sporadic clashes were continuing in the area.

Taliban offensive

Some provincial officials told local and foreign media that Afghan forces lost more than 100 personnel since Monday when the Taliban launched its offensive on Lashkar Gah, while dozens more have gone missing. Afghan Defense Ministry officials disputed the figures, but have declined to release a casualty toll.

The government is said to be in full control of only a few of the 14 districts in Helmand, the largest of all 34 Afghan provinces. A Taliban spokesman has denied official claims, saying its fighters have not retreated from their positions and are making further advances in Lashkar Gah.

Commander of the U.S.-led foreign forces, General John Nicholson, said Saturday the Taliban has been attempting to seize control of an Afghan provincial capital before the end of the fighting season.

"Since they began their offensive in April they have not accomplished any of their objectives," the general said during a visit to the western province of Farah. He added that attacks on Lashkar Gah, Tarin Kot, the capital of southern Uruzgan province, and the key northern city of Kunduz are all part of the insurgent campaign.

The Taliban briefly captured Kunduz in the 2015 fighting season, dealing a blow to internationally-trained Afghan security forces. Earlier this month, the insurgents fought their way into the provincial capital and seized ground before they were evicted from Kunduz this past Thursday.

"They are frankly trying very hard at the end of the year to try and seize a city before the year is over. But this will fail because it gives us an opportunity to target them in large numbers to defeat them in the vicinity of these cities and to reassure the people of Afghanistan that we are with them," vowed Nicholson.

Intense fighting was reported in the northern Faryab province Sunday, but observers noted an abrupt decline in Taliban attacks particularly in southern and southeastern provinces that are known as their heartlands. The onset of winter and heavy casualties inflicted on Taliban fighters by Afghan forces with the support of U.S. airstrikes are being cited as possible factors for reduction in the hostilities.

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UN: 370,000 Afghans Returned Home From Pakistan

By Ayaz Gul October 16, 2016

The United Nations says around 370,000 registered and undocumented Afghan refugees have returned home from neighboring Pakistan this year, with a significant spike seen since mid-July.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Kabul issued the figures Sunday, saying nearly 52,000 Afghans crossed the border into Afghanistan last week alone, the highest single figure recorded in a seven-day period since 2009.

Tougher conditions

It stated that the spike in the number of returnees stems from "continued pressure by Pakistani authorities through new visa requirements, shorter extension of proof of registration cards, increased police raids, detentions and deportations, restricted access to livelihoods, health-care and education as well as lack of employment opportunities."

"In the past week, an average of 5,200 registered refugees and 2,160 undocumented returnees have crossed the border into Afghanistan from Pakistan each day. Based on current trends, a further 446,000 (both registered and undocumented) are expected to arrive before year-end," according to the OCHA.

It says that UNHCR - with the help of local authorities and partner aid agencies  is providing support to both caseloads amid significant resources shortages.

"Aid agencies are in a race against time to provide this assistance before the arrival of the wet and winter seasons in November," warned OCHA.

UNHCR officials in Pakistan acknowledge the exodus of registered Afghan refugees is "largely voluntary." They also note that the refugee agency's decision to double the cash grant for voluntary returnees from $200 to $400 per person in mid-June, and a newly-launched campaign by the Afghan government to encourage the displaced families to return to Afghanistan and take part in the nation-building are among major contributing factors for the unusual rise in the number of Afghans choosing repatriation.

Pakistan hosts around 1.5 million registered Afghan refugees while another at least one million are living illegally. Most of the displaced families have fled decades of Afghan hostilities.

Border security measures

Pakistani authorities defend stepped-up border security measures and strict monitoring of refugees' movements, saying anti-state militants use them for hiding and plotting terrorist attacks on both sides of the border.

Critics, however, say pressures on Afghan refugees stem from tensions in relations between Islamabad and Kabul over each country's allegations of sponsoring terrorism against the other.

The rise and spread of Taliban-led insurgency across many Afghan provinces since the withdrawal of U.S.-led international combat troops in 2014 had until now significantly slowed the UNHCR-funded voluntary repatriation of Afghans from Pakistan and Iran.

The United Nations recently launched a flash appeal of $150 million to meet urgent needs of more than one million Afghans it estimates will be on the move in Afghanistan by the end of 2016 because of continued displacements by the war and the unusually high number of refugees returning home.

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BRICS to Deepen Economic Engagement to Combat Terror

By Anjana Pasricha October 16, 2016

Amid fears of threats posed by protectionism, the BRICS countries have vowed to deepen economic engagement, tackle the global economic slowdown, and combat cross border terrorism.

The leaders of the five emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa wrapped up a summit Sunday in Goa, in western India.

Underlining the need for the BRICS countries to find common solutions, China's president Xi Jinping warned that "some countries are getting more inward-looking in their policies, protectionism is rising and the forces against globalization are posing an emerging risk."

The five countries that make up about half the world's population and contribute to about 25 percent of global gross domestic product were once seen as a rising economic force. But most of the BRICS nations are wrestling with a slowdown after a spell of torrid growth, raising questions about whether their economic clout is on the wane.

Pointing out the five emerging economies contributed to 50 percent of global growth in the past decade, the Chinese leader asserted the stature of the bloc has been rising.

India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, called for doubling trade within the BRICS bloc in the next five years to $500 billion, dismantling trade barriers and improving infrastructure.

Modi, who spearheaded a drive to put terrorism at the centerstage of the summit, said the BRICS leaders had been unanimous in recognizing the need to combat terrorism, which poses a global threat.

He said, "We agreed that the countries agreed that those who nurture, shelter, support and sponsor terror are as much a threat to us as the terrorists themselves."

The Indian Foreign Ministry tweeted that he had told the BRICS leaders that "tragically, the mother-ship of terrorism is a country in India's neighborhood."

Modi's reference was to Pakistan, which New Delhi alleges sponsors and supports terror groups that wage militant attacks in India. His emphasis on the issue of terrorism at the BRICS summit is part of a diplomatic offensive he has mounted to bring international attention to India's concerns.

But India's differences with China, a close ally of Pakistan, were apparent. New Delhi is upset that Beijing has blocked India's move at the United Nations to put Pakistan-based leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Maulana Masood Azhar, on a terror list.

In what analysts said was a reference to Beijing, Modi said, "Selective approaches to terrorists, individuals and organizations will not only be futile, but also counter productive."

In a joint statement, the BRICS nations said they will move quickly to establish a new credit ratings agency. The developing countries complain the existing credit agencies are biased against them, making borrowing more expensive.

They have already set up a development bank of their own as part of their efforts to reform the global financial architecture.

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Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIL in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Oct. 17, 2016  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted six strikes in Syria:

-- Near Abu Kamal, a strike destroyed six oil tanker trucks and an oil pump jack.

-- Near Raqqah, a strike destroyed two oil pump jacks.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes engaged four ISIL supply routes.

-- Near Manbij, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle.

-- Near Mara, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack, bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft and rocket artillery conducted 11 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of the Iraqi government:

-- Near Kisik, a strike destroyed an ISIL artillery system and a tunnel.

-- Near Mosul, four strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units, two staging areas, 12 assembly areas and a bridge; destroyed six tunnel entrances, five supply caches, four repeater-tower generators, four mortar systems, a repeater tower, four repeater antennas, four solar panels, two artillery systems, two vehicles, two tunnels and an anti-air artillery system, A trench tunnel network was damaged and three mortar systems were suppressed.

-- Near Qayyarah, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL-held buildings and two mortar systems.

-- Near Rawah, two strikes engaged an ISIL vehicle-bomb factory and destroyed a vehicle and a vehicle bomb.

-- Near Sinjar, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.

-- Near Tal Afar, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, two staging areas and a headquarters building. A mortar system was destroyed and two mortar positions were suppressed.

Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat it poses to Iraq, Syria, the region and the wider international community. The destruction of targets in Syria and Iraq further limits ISIL's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.

Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

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USS Mount Whitney Arrives in Constanta, Romania

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161017-16

Release Date: 10/17/2016 10:32:00 AM

By Seaman Ford Williams, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) Public Affairs

CONSTANTA, Romania (NNS) -- U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Constanta, Romania, for a scheduled port visit Oct. 17.

Strengthening alliances through port visits such as this reinforces the shared commitment to promote safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance interoperability with NATO allies and partners.

Quotes:

"During our visit to Constanta, Romania, we look forward to developing our relationship and broadening our cooperation with Romania, a valued NATO ally. As the USS Mount Whitney continues to operate in the Black Sea, we are very proud of the crew's performance and dedication to furthering U.S. Navy actions to support allies and partners, working together on common challenges with all contributions valued toward a shared vision of prosperity, peace, and stability. USS Mount Whitney continues forward, engaged, and ready." - Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello, commanding officer, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20)

Quick Facts:

Mount Whitney's port visit provides Sailors an opportunity to meet with naval counterparts in order to strengthen bonds for an enhanced partnership.

The ship's operations in the Black Sea are meant to enhance maritime security, stability, readiness, and strengthen partnerships with allies and partners.

Elements of the U.S. 6th Fleet staff are currently embarked aboard Mount Whitney to provide planning support to U.S. European Command's (USEUCOM) computer-assisted exercise, Austere Challenge 17. AC 17 will test the ability of USEUCOM and component staffs to conduct prompt coordination and synchronization with partner agencies and provide strategic access to various locations around the globe.

Mount Whitney is currently operating in the Black Sea, working with allies and regional partners to help develop and improve maritime forces, maintain regional security, and work towards mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

The U.S. Navy, on a normal and routine basis, operates ships in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and international Law.

Mount Whitney, forward deployed to Gaeta, Italy, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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Yemeni retaliatory attack leaves 5 Saudi soldiers dead

Iran Press TV

Mon Oct 17, 2016 9:6AM

Yemeni army soldiers, backed by fighters from allied Popular Committees, have reportedly launched a missile attack against Saudi military forces in the kingdom's southwestern border region of Jizan, leaving five of them dead.

A military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Arabic-language al-Masirah television that five Saudi soldiers were killed and 10 others injured on Monday morning, when Yemeni forces and their allies fired a barrage of missiles at al-Mosem base in the area.

The source added that a number of military vehicles were destroyed in the retaliatory attack as well.

The development took place only a few hours after Yemeni soldiers and Popular Committees fighters launched a number of Katyusha rockets at separate gatherings of Saudi forces north of al-Mahrouq military base and al-Qawiyah village in Jizan region, with no reports of possible casualties.

Yemeni Katyusha rockets also struck areas near the Alab crossing in Saudi Arabia's southern province of Dhahran al-Janoub on Sunday evening, but no reports of casualties were available.

Earlier on Sunday, a large number of Saudi-backed militiamen loyal to the former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi were killed and their armored vehicles destroyed, when Yemeni forces targeted their position in Wadi al-Rabia area of Sirwah district in Yemen's central province of Ma'rib.

Saudi Arabia has been engaged in the deadly campaign against Yemen since March 2015. The United Nations puts the death toll from the military aggression at about 10,000.

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Recent revelations that Wells Fargo fired thousands of employees for opening more than 2 million unauthorized checking and credit card accounts is infuriating for two reasons.

First, it is hard to imagine a community banker or credit union in Wisconsin allowing even one of their employees to engage in this kind of fraudulent behavior without quick and decisive action. Yet it took the firing of more than 5,300 employees over four years for Wells Fargo to come clean. Second, in the wake of the Great Recession and the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the agencies meant to protect consumers appear to have been asleep at the wheel.

Fortunately, there is a better way to hold Wall Street accountable, protect consumers and grow our economy: its called the Financial CHOICE Act.

Following the global financial crisis, which caused millions of job losses and sucked tens of billions of dollars from workers retirement savings, President Obama used his supermajorities in Congress to remake our financial system. However, instead of addressing the root causes of the crisis, he took the advice of his then-chief of staff Rahm Emmanuel to never let a good crisis go to waste. He enacted everything on his progressive wish list under the guise of crisis management.

The product, known as Dodd-Frank, is more than 2,300 pages and is expected to cost our economy $895 billion. Even though small community lenders had nothing to do with the crisis, Dodd-Frank thrust a tidal wave of new rules and regulations on them, forcing them to either shrink their balance sheets, consolidate with big banks like Wells Fargo, or go out of business. The outcome is Dodd-Frank doubled down on too big to fail bailouts so that if banks, like Wells Fargo, get into trouble, taxpayers could be left holding the bag. Worst of all, it has stalled meaningful economic growth.

Dodd-Frank also propped up the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a new agency meant to protect customers from the very kind of fraud committed by Wells Fargo. The CFPB was given unique and unprecedented powers for a government agency. Its nearly impossible for its all-powerful director to be fired and it receives all of its funds without Congressional appropriations or oversight. This stands in stark contrast to most other financial regulators, which are governed by a bipartisan commission that must seek funding from Congress.

This lack of accountability helps to explain the abusive behavior by the agency. The CFPB blacklists companies through an unverified public complaint database; it collects consumers private information without consent; and it has made it more difficult for Americans to get a mortgage or access to credit.

After the CFPB issued a $180 million fine for Wells Fargos fraudulent behavior, Democrats argued that this validated the good work of the CFPB in holding Wall Street accountable and protecting consumers. There is just one problem: As chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I have seen no evidence that the CFPB even knew about issues at Wells Fargo until 2013, after the Los Angeles Times exposed what was happening at the bank and the L.A. city attorney filed a lawsuit. Even though the CFPB had agents at the bank, it did nothing until 2015 and that was only because Wells Fargo self-reported.

Ultimately, it was the bank that committed fraud and customer theft, which its CEO was forced to admit publicly to me during a recent hearing. Wells Fargo should be held accountable, which is why I have launched a full investigation. While there is still much that we do not know, we know that more than 8,900 Wisconsin accounts may have been opened without authorization and across the country, and more than 115,000 incurred fees, which may have impacted an individuals credit scores. While the bank failed to live up to its own ethical standards, regulators appear to have done nothing to prevent or stop this egregious behavior from happening.

Last month, my committee passed the Financial CHOICE Act to address Dodd-Franks failures. Our bill will end taxpayer bailouts, impose the toughest penalties ever on Wall Street for fraud and theft and incentivize well-managed financial institutions to hold more capital by offering them relief from unnecessary regulatory burdens. Our bill also converts the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau into a bipartisan commission and makes it more accountable to the American people.

Nearly a decade after the Great Recession, we shouldnt be fighting the same fights we did eight years ago. Dodd-Frank was supposed to make our financial system safer. However, as evidenced by the fact that consumers could still be on the hook if a bank, like Wells Fargo, fails and that it can get away with consumer theft right under the nose of our regulators, the law is an utter failure. The Financial CHOICE Act offers a better way to grow our economy, promote financial independence for families, and a safer, more accountable, financial sector.
Yemen urges UN to put end to Saudi war

Iran Press TV

Mon Oct 17, 2016 7:23AM

Yemen's top governing body has called on the United Nations (UN) and the Security Council to intervene in order to put an end to Saudi Arabia's atrocious war.

Saleh al-Samad, the head of Yemen's Supreme Political Council, in two separate letters addressed to outgoing UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and President of the UN Security Council Vitaly Churkin on Sunday, said that the Saudi-led coalition has been committing "vicious and unprecedented" crimes against innocent Yemeni civilians over the past 18 months.

Samad pointed to the October 8 airstrikes against a crowded funeral ceremony in the capital Sana'a, saying that more than 700 people lost their lives and sustained injuries in the "horrendous massacre."

He expressed surprise at the UN and the Security Council's "indifference" toward such crimes, saying the apathy meant that the two institutions were shirking their responsibilities.

The senior Yemeni official argued that the inaction of the two bodies has further exacerbated the sufferings of the Yemeni people.

Samad also called on the two institutions to secure an immediate end to Saudi Arabia's aerial, naval and ground attacks against Yemen as well as its aerial and naval blockades on his country.

Saudi Arabia has been engaged in the deadly war against Yemen since March 2015. Riyadh's aggression, which the UN says has killed more than 10,000, was launched in an unsuccessful attempt to bring Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi  an ally of Riyadh who has resigned as Yemen's president  back to power.

Prerequisites for UN-backed peace talks

Meanwhile, the spokesman for Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has set preconditions for the resumption of UN-sponsored peace talks, which was earlier demanded by the US and the UK.

Mohamed Abdel-Salam said on Sunday that any ceasefire for Yemen must be all-encompassing and the Saudi-led blockades on the war-torn Arab country must be removed before the peace talks can be resumed.

Abdel-Salam said peace talks would be "a waste of time" if they are conducted when Saudi strikes on Yemen continue.

His remarks came in reaction to the US and Britain's call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Yemen.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday that UN Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed would work through the details of a ceasefire in Yemen and its implementation in case the warring parties reach a consensus and move forward with the goal.

On August 7, UN-brokered peace talks on the Yemeni conflict ended without an agreement in Kuwait.

The negotiations between delegates from the Houthi Ansarullah movement and the former Yemeni government had begun on April 21.

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Afghan Security Forces Seek Government Support to Prevail Over Terrorists

Sputnik News

21:18 17.10.2016(updated 21:21 17.10.2016)

Waging a long and exhausting campaign against terrorist groups that threaten Afghanistan, the local security forces urgently require the support of their own government.

Despite the ongoing efforts to restore peace in the country, Afghanistan continues to exist in a de facto state of war as local security forces continue to battle against terrorist groups.

Rahmatullah Nabil, former head of the National Directorate of Security of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, told Sputnik that in order to defeat terrorism in the country the national unity government needs to support the security forces that constantly clash with "terrorists who hung a chain on their neck, the links of which are the lives of civilians".

"It's no secret what the problems our country is facing are. The war has been raging for 40 years now. The economic infrastructure is destroyed, many civilians have been killed and discord is being deliberately sown between various clans and tribes. The nation's hope for peace keeps evaporating day by day," he said.

Nabil added that the Afghan security forces continue to display unwavering loyalty towards the citizens they're sworn to protect, even despite the fact that the government doesn't support the special forces members and "doesn't react to their needs."

"Essentially, the security forces play the role of that column, that force that unites all strata of the Afghan society in the face of a common threat. They fulfil a function that was delegated to them but wasn't implemented by the government," he explained.

All in all, the only way to bring peace to Afghanistan and to defeat rampant terrorist groups is for the Afghan government to provide whole-hearted support to the security forces, according to Rahmatullah Nabil.

"The security forces require national and international support, the support of the government. This is the only way to, one day, reach peace and stability in Afghanistan  things that Afghan land and Afghan society are deprived of right now," Nabil surmised.

 Sputnik

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Vilnius' Protest Citing Alleged Baltic Sea Incident Pre-Election Move

Sputnik News

16:12 17.10.2016(updated 16:46 17.10.2016)

Lithuania has expressed concern over an incident in the Baltic Sea, Russian Ambassador to Lithuania Alexander Udaltsov said on Monday.

VILNIUS (Sputnik)  A Lithuanian diplomatic note expressing concern over an incident in the Baltic Sea allegedly involving the Russian Navy was a part of the ongoing election campaign inside the country, Russian Ambassador to Lithuania Alexander Udaltsov said on Monday.

"This move by the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry can be explained, not so much by the the international situation, but rather by the political situation inside Lithuania. On the eve of the second round of parliamentary elections, some ministers are concerned if they will be included in the new cabinet, and now are trying to remind about themselves," the diplomat told RIA Novosti.

He stressed that the Russian side was ready to resume a productive, mutually respectful dialogue with the Baltic state and did nothing to deteriorate bilateral relations.

On October 12, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry handed a diplomatic note to Udaltsov that expressed concerns "over repeated violations by the Russian Navy of the rights and freedoms of the sovereign Republic of Lithuania." The ministry cited an alleged incident on October 10, when the Russian warships "demanded civilian ships in the exclusive economic zone of Lithuania to change course."

Responding to various similar accusations by Lithuania in the past weeks, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Russian aircraft and warships did not violate international law and did not cross the Baltic states' borders.

On October 9, Lithuania voted in the first round of national parliamentary elections. The second round is scheduled for October 23.

 Sputnik

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DRC 'Dialogue' Aims to Set Elections for April 2018

By William Clowes October 17, 2016

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, participants in an African Union-mediated dialogue are expected to unveil a controversial deal to hold elections in April 2018. The country's main opposition coalition has boycotted the talks and called for a general strike Wednesday.

More than six weeks after it started, the "national dialogue" between supporters of President Joseph Kabila and a faction of the Congolese opposition is set to conclude.

An accord finalized during the weekend is to be adopted and the forum is to be closed on Tuesday.

But a larger opposition coalition, known as the Rassemblement, has rejected the dialogue from the outset and is calling for a second, more inclusive forum. They say the opposition delegation at the talks, led by onetime presidential ally Vital Kamerhe, did not truly represent their interests.

Freddy Matungulu, a senior politician from the Rassemblement, told VOA that the accord simply represents the propositions of the presidential majority, the name given to Kabila's political alliance. He said Kamerhe's delegation is an integral part of the presidential majority and Kamerhe has rediscovered his political family.

Now that the presidential majority has finished its reflections, Matungulu claims, the inclusive dialogue should start as quickly as possible, and the Rassemblement is ready to make concrete proposals.

But for the dialogue's participants the agreement is a road map to a transitional government and credible elections.

Kabila buying time, main opposition claims

According to a statement from Kamerhe, the accord will allow Kabila to remain in office until the next presidential election, to be held in April 2018. In the meantime, a government of national unity will be formed, and Kamerhe is a strong favorite to be named prime minister.

The Rassemblement says Kabila should step down December 19 when his second and, according to the constitution, final term ends. The president's opponents argue he has delayed elections to gain extra time in office.

The proposed date of April 2018 for the next elections is also controversial. On October 1, Corneille Nangaa, the president of the electoral commission, said he would need until at least November 2018 to organize the polls, and repeated the statement two weeks later in Washington.

Matungulu says the electoral commission under Nangaa is not serious because he is in connivance with the presidential majority. He accuses Nangaa of creating confusion by saying one thing in Washington and another in Kinshasa, and of spreading, what he calls, a regime of lies.

The Rassemblement has called a general strike for October 19 to apply further pressure on Kabila. The strike date falls exactly one month after a demonstration in Kinshasa during which more than 50 people died, according to the United Nations.

On Monday, the European Union, which has been supporting the dialogue, said elections should be organized in the shortest possible time-frame during 2017. The statement said that the European Union "will use all the means at its disposal," including targeted sanctions against those responsible for serious human rights violations, and who "try to obstruct a consensual and peaceful solution to the crisis."

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Montenegro - Politics

The state of democracy in Montenegro in 2017 is the same as five years earlier when the negotiation process started, Jovana Marovic from Politikon Network said 22 December 2017, stating that reform processes did not affect the improvement of democratic standards. And this is manifested through strong political influence and non-democratic practices in employment, social welfare, state irresponsibility in cases of law violations and a strong populist language.

The main conclusion is that the reform processes in Montenegro do not have a positive impact on the state of democracy. All relevant reports show that in Montenegro democracy is stagnating, or even a downward trend is present. The main problem for the process of democratization are high-politicized institutions and a strong political influence on institutions, which stems from the long-standing rule of the same party. Because of the irreversibility of power, we have almost a sign of equality between the state and the party in Montenegro, Marovic said.

In the divisive late 1980s, the political position of Montenegro remained closer to that of Serbia than did that of any other republic. This was because of a close ethnic connection between the Serbs and the Montenegrin majority of the population, and because Montenegrins were the second Slavic minority "persecuted" in Kosovo--giving them an anti-Albanian nationalist cause similar to that of the Serbs. Montenegro's relatively weak economy made it dependent on the continued strength of the federation. Like Serbia, Montenegro was independent through most of the nineteenth century, a factor that influenced the Montenegrin view of nationalism in the twentieth century.

Montenegro was a strong supporter of Serbian constitutional amendments limiting provincial autonomy in 1989, and party speakers consistently criticized Slovenia's independent stance and its position on Kosovo. Internally, some progressive movement occurred in Montenegrin politics at the end of the 1980s. A traditionally conservative government was ousted in 1988, following mass protests of economic and political conditions by workers and students, who received strong support from the Montenegran Youth Organization.

Six months later the entire Central Committee of the League of Communists of Montenegro was forced to resign, and a new Central Committee was named following a second wave of demonstrations against government inaction. The average age of the new Central Committee was forty, and the party filled many positions with former protest leaders. This removed the remaining members of the Tito generation from power in Montenegro. Nenad Bucin, elected by referendum as Montenegrin representative to the State Presidency in 1989, advocated government participation by noncommunists. Alternative groups were nominally legalized in 1989, but did not immediately receive status or public access equal to that of the Montenegrin communists.

After the change of the ruling power in January 1989, Radoje Kontic was elected Prime Minister of Montenegro. At the first multiparty elections in Montenegro held in December 1990, the Union of Communists of Montenegro won (which very soon changed its name to the Democratic Party of Socialists), and Milo ukanovic was elected Prime Minister on 15 February 1991. He served three terms as Prime Minister successively, until 19 October 1997 when he won at direct elections for the President of the Republic of Montenegro. In February 1998, Filip Vujanovic was elected Prime Minister. After the parliamentary elections in October 2002, Milo ukanovic was elected Prime Minister.

After the restoration of the Montenegrin independence at the referendum held on 21 May 2006, the first parliamentary elections were held on September 10, 2006. Both domestic and international observers assessed the elections as being generally in line with international standards. Zeljko Sturanovic of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) was appointed as Prime Minister. The newly elected Montenegrin parliament began work on the country's first post-independence constitution, which was adopted on October 19, 2007. The constitution, among other things, changed the country's official name to "Montenegro." European and Euro-Atlantic integration has been one of the driving forces behind the reform process that led to the signing of a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union (EU) on October 15, 2007.

Following the resignation of Prime Minister Sturanovic due to health reasons in February 2008, President Vujanovic nominated (and parliament approved) the leader of the ruling DPS, former Montenegrin President and Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, as head of the government. Presidential elections were held on April 6, 2008, and incumbent President Vujanovic was elected for a second five-year term with 52% of the vote. Domestic and international observers assessed this election as being generally in line with international standards. On March 29, 2009, Montenegro held its second parliamentary elections, which according to international observers met almost all international standards. On June 10, 2009, the new parliament re-elected Prime Minister Djukanovic to a sixth term. Prime Minister Djukanovic's new government includes several new ministries and ministers.

The Government of Montenegro continued to promote reforms that will bring the country closer to Euro-Atlantic institutions. Despite considerable progress since independence and success in maintaining inter-ethnic harmony, some ethnic tensions remain. The country must also cope with rule of law issues and uneven regional economic development.

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Russia Criticizes 'Unprecedented' U.S. Threats Over Alleged Cyberattacks

RFE/RL October 16, 2016

Russia has criticized the United States for what it has described as "unprecedented" threats over alleged cyberattacks.

Moscow's objections came after U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said on October 14 that a "message" would be sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged Russian cyberattacks on American political institutions.

"The threats directed against Moscow and our state's leadership are unprecedented because they are voiced at the level of the U.S. vice president," RIA Novosti quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying on October 15.

"To the backdrop of this aggressive, unpredictable line, we must take measures to protect [our] interests, to hedge risks," Peskov also said.

In an interview with NBC News released on October 14, Biden was asked why the United States has not retaliated against Russia for meddling in the U.S. election by leaking the e-mails of top Democratic party officials and through other breaches.

"We're sending a message" and Putin will get it, Biden said. "We have the capacity to do it and the message will be sent. He'll know it, and it will be at the time of our choosing and under the circumstances that have the greatest impact."

NBC reported that the U.S. government was preparing a possible cyberattack against Moscow in response to Russia's alleged attempts to interfere in the U.S. election.

The American broadcaster, citing unnamed U.S. intelligence officials, reported on October 14 that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was preparing options for President Barack Obama for a "clandestine" operation to "embarrass" Moscow.

The sources did not provide details about the measures the CIA was considering but said the agency had selected targets and was making other preparations for an operation.

NBC News reported that the agency had gathered documents "that could expose unsavory tactics" by Putin.

Biden said that in retaliating, U.S. actions will be "proportional" to the impact from leaks of documents hacked by Russia in recent months.

At the same time, he questioned whether the Russian hacks have had "the capacity to fundamentally alter the election" on November 8.

Biden indicated that the U.S. response to Russia will be clandestine, saying he "hopes" the public will not know about it.

With reporting by NBC News, AFP, and dpa

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russia-washington- cyberattack-hacking/28056583.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Mexico Expects to Extradite 'El Chapo' to US in 2017

By VOA News October 16, 2016

A senior official in Mexico says jailed drug trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman could be extradited to the United States by no later than February.

American authorities want Guzman on drug trafficking and other charges.

"It was determined by the foreign affairs secretary, [that] there was an indirect protection put forward against extradition, until the district judge can review it. If asylum is denied, it could take the collegiate tribunal up to three months to resolve it,"Renato Sales, Mexican National Security Commissioner, said during an interview to TV network Televisa.

But Guzman's lawyer, Jose Rodriguez, said the extradition will be "very difficult for to happen between now and January" even though a court could rule on his extradition near the end of the year.

Rodriguez also told Televisa that Guzman will fight to the end and he had a chance to win the case "if not handled politically."

"Legally we would have to win the extradition, we have the elements necessary. If we don't do well in Mexico, it would not end there. We are able to go to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights because the United States is not in its jurisdiction," Rodriguez said during the Televisa interview.

The comment was debated by Televisa anchor who asked "But the Inter-American Commission is for cases of human rights violations, right?"

El Chapo's lawyer said "when it comes to an asylum sentence, it is very easy for fundamental rights to be violated. When? When you render a judgment against the law, or you violate due process.

"In this case, we bet on due process," Rodriguez added.

Authorities said Guzman is under special surveillance after his two previous prison breaks and is not allowed to mix with the general population.

"He's not in a five-star hotel," Sales said.

The drug trafficker faces charges that include murder and money laundering in Texas and another for drug distribution in California.

Guzman was recaptured in January and initially placed back in the Altiplano prison. Authorities later transferred him to a federal prison in the northern state of Chihuahua.

Guzman is a leader of Mexico's powerful Sinaloa cartel.

Some material for this report came from AFP.

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Kosovo Sees Drops in Foreign Fighters to Mideast

By Besim Abazi, Sirwan Kajjo October 16, 2016

The number of fighters joining extremist groups in the Middle East from Kosovo, once the highest per capita in Europe, has come to a virtual halt, according to government officials, analysts, and ex-fighters.

The turnabout comes after a government crackdown in Kosovo on extremist recruiting, an increased education campaign to show the ills of radical groups, and a waning appeal of Islamic State militancy, experts say.

"Kosovo has done great work in getting local Muslim communities directly involved in efforts to educate their members against the dangers of radicalization," said Sarah Bedenbaugh, a Balkan expert at the Atlantic Council, a Washington-based think tank.

Kosovo is the smallest country in the Balkan region with a Muslim-majority population. The country gained its independence in 2008 after a long-fought war with Serbia.

The landlocked nation has struggled with increasing radicalization of Muslim youth that increased after the start of the Syrian civil war in 2012. Roughly 93 percent of Kosovo's 1.7 million people are from Muslim family backgrounds. Young people in Kosovo were drawn to jihad as high youth unemployment and poor education left them wanting, analysts say.

According to Kosovar government statistics, 314 Kosovo citizens joined armed groups in Syria including extremist groups such as Islamic State, Fateh al-Sham Front (formerly al-Nusra Front), and Ahrar al-Sham. The government says it has no record of Kosovar foreign fighters leaving for the Middle East this year.

Roughly 75 fighters from Kosovo remain on the frontlines in Syria, Fatos Makolli, director of counterterrorism at the Kosovo police, told VOA's Albanian service. At least 57 Kosovo citizens have died in Mideast conflicts, he said.

But few now are leaving for Syria and at least a third have returned, officials say. At least 110 Kosovar citizens who fought in Syria with different Islamist groups came home, according to authorities.

"The cause for which many Kosovars thought they were fighting for did not turn out to be as "ideal" as in the beginning of the conflict when many have joined," said Shpend Kursani, an analyst at the Kosovar Center for Security Studies, a Pristina-based think tank.

Young Kosovars lured to IS by its radical Islamic values were later disappointed because "the so-called [IS] Caliphate did not live up to many 'idealists' expectations," he said.

Some former fighters are now helping to deter others from travelling to Syria and joining radical groups.

Albert Berisha, who in 2013 fought with a rebel group in Syria's Idlib province, recently help form a center for de-radicalization that hopes to raise awareness of the ills of extremist groups in the Middle East.

"Our first project is called Foreign Fighters Talk," Berisha said.

Through this project, "We encourage foreign fighters to talk [about their] experiences in order to understand the reasons of their disillusionment and their return in Kosovo and to see how much they're ready to be reintegrated in the society and what are their needs," he said.

But returning foreign fighters say they are finding reintegration difficult as many are facing prosecution under a law passed in 2015 that criminalizes fighting in foreign conflicts with prison terms up to 15 years for those convicted.

Berisha said he was sentenced to 42 months in prison. But like many former foreign fighters he has asked an appeals court to reconsider his case. Berisha said the government "should encourage their reintegration into the society" rather than punish former foreign fighters.

But government officials say their tough stance is working. Stiff sentences send a strong message that fighting with militants in Syria will not be tolerated, they say.

In a visit to Voice of America in March, Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga says her country has increased its efforts to arrest citizens who fought with IS.

Kosovo is the "only country in the region, and even wider," with a very well-organized police operation that has conducted several arrests of foreign fighters in Kosovo who at one time had joined IS, she said.

"Kosovo will not be held hostage by a small group of violent religious extremists whose absolutist interpretation of Islam is overwhelmingly at odds with our secular tradition," foreign minister Petrit Selimi wrote in a letter to the New York Times in May .

In a continuing crackdown, the government has recently detained more than 100 people, including several imams, who were attempting to recruit young Kosovars to fight with extremist groups in Syria.

"The government has worked hard to shut down illegal mosques and other meeting places for radical imams," said analyst Bedenbaugh.

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Maryland Man Indicted With Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, October 17, 2016



A federal grand jury charged Nelash Mohamed Das, 24, a citizen of Bangladesh residing in Landover Hills, Maryland, with attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Mary B. McCord, U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein for the District of Maryland and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office.

The indictment alleges that from October 2015 to Sept. 30, 2016, Das knowingly attempted to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization, namely ISIL. Further, the indictment alleges that Das knew that ISIL is a designated foreign terrorist organization and engages in terrorist activity.

According to court documents ISIL members and supporters have posted identifying information about U.S. military personnel in hopes that those inspired by ISIL would carry out attacks against them. Das allegedly planned to kill a U.S. military member in support of ISIL.

If convicted, Das faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

U.S. Attorney Rosenstein and Acting Assistant Attorney General McCord commended the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force for its work on the investigation and thanked the prosecutors that are handling the matter.

16-1207

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Maryland

Topic:

Counterterrorism

National Security

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DPRK's test-launch of mid-range ballistic missile ends in failure

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:55, October 16, 2016

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) had test-launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile, but it ended in a failure, Seoul's military said Sunday.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement that the DPRK fired what is believed to be a Musudan missile at about 12:33 p.m. local time on Saturday (0333 GMT) near an airport in the DPRK's northwestern North Pyongan province.

The test-launch, the JCS said, failed as the missile exploded soon after its liftoff.

The failed launch came on the day that the United States and South Korea wrapped up their joint naval exercises that kicked off on Monday in all of the three seas around South Korea.

The U.S. military mobilized its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan to participate in the week-long drill, which also involved seven U.S. warships and some 40 South Korean battleships as well as fighter jets, maritime patrol airplanes and helicopters.

The missile launch was the latest in a series of provocations by the DPRK following its fifth nuclear test last month. Pyongyang said on Sept. 9 that it successfully tested a nuclear warhead that can be mounted on ballistic missiles.

The DPRK has claimed it already secured a nuclear missile technology capable of striking the U.S. mainland. The medium-range Musudan missile is known to have a range of 3,000-4,000 km that can reach the U.S. military base in Guam.

On Sept. 5, Pyongyang launched three Rodong missiles from its east coast as part of efforts to enhance its capability to deliver nuclear warhead. Rodong missiles are known to be capable of striking U.S. military bases in Japan.

The DPRK is expected to attempt another launch of a Musudan missile as the latest test failed. After several failed attempts, the country conducted its first successful launch of the missile on June 22, flying as high as 1,413.6 km and traveling about 400 km.

The South Korean military has closely monitored the moves of DPRK forces, with all possibilities left open for another nuclear test and the launch of a long-range ballistic missile.

Increased activity was detected in the DPRK's main Punggye-ri nuclear test site, indicating preparations for another nuclear detonation in the near future.

In its Tonchang-ri rocket base, which Pyongyang calls Sohae Satellite Launching Station, the moves of personnel and vehicles were spotted. It boosted worries about the test-launch of a long-range rocket.

The DPRK's fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6 was followed by the launch on Feb. 7 of a long-range rocket. Seoul's military is worried about another long-range rocket launch by the end of this year following the fifth nuclear test in early September.

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GREEN BAY  Republican Donald Trump laid out proposals to combat government corruption here Monday in an effort to turn the glare of the presidential election spotlight back on Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump expressed confidence that he will become the first Republican presidential nominee since 1984 to carry Wisconsin -- despite trailing in several recent polls and lacking the enthusiastic backing of top state Republicans.

At least four protesters were removed from the raucous rally, which featured derogatory chants from the crowd about House Speaker Paul Ryan of Janesville, with whom Trump has been sparring in recent weeks.

But the billionaire real estate mogul didn't mention Ryan or urge support for U.S. Ron Johnson of Oshkosh, who is in a tough re-election rematch against Democrat Russ Feingold.

"Im here because everyones calling saying were going to win Wisconsin," Trump said.

Ryan, Johnson and Gov. Scott Walker didn't attend the rally.

Trump downplayed polling showing Clinton ahead in Wisconsin, claimed "the media is an extension of the Clinton campaign" and continued to insinuate the election outcome will be rigged.

He cited the many issues facing Clinton, including her use of a private email server while Secretary of State, deleted emails, allegations of favoritism to donors to the Clinton Foundation and the recent revelation that a state department official had offered a "quid pro quo" to the FBI to declassify a Clinton email.

"Hillary Clinton is the most corrupt person ever to run for the presidency of the United States," Trump said to applause from a not-quite-capacity 3,200-person crowd at the KI Convention Center. "This is worse than Watergate."

Declaring "we are going to end government corruption," Trump announced proposals to ban executive branch officials from lobbying for five years, including a permanent ban on lobbying for foreign governments. He also wants to expand definition of lobbyist to close loopholes that allow members of Congress to act as "consultants" for lobbying firms, and change campaign finance laws to limit foreign contributions.

Before Trump took the stage, there were chants of "Paul Ryan sucks" as state GOP chairman Brad Courtney spoke.

Courtney issued a statement after the event saying, "The Republican Party of Wisconsin is incredibly proud and fully supportive of Speaker Paul Ryan and the work he does for the conservative movement here in Wisconsin and across this great nation. He has always and continues to inspire Republicans all across our state with his principled leadership and bold conservative solutions."

Trump popular in NE Wisconsin

The Green Bay area is one part of the state where Trump has been leading Clinton in the Marquette Law School Poll  18 points in the latest poll, though that figure is based on a small 160-respondent sample. Statewide he is trailing Clinton by seven points among likely voters. The poll was conducted in the two days before and after an 11-year-old video surfaced showing Trump making predatory comments about women.

In response to the video, Ryan disinvited Trump from a previously scheduled campaign appearance in Elkhorn on Oct. 8. Ryan later said he wouldn't defend nor campaign with Trump, prompting Trump to respond with tweets critical of Ryan's leadership.

Trump tweeted over the weekend that Ryan -- whom he stiffly endorsed in August in Green Bay -- was a "man who doesn't know how to win" and a party leader who is "always fighting the Republican nominee."

"Paul Ryan does zilch!" Trump also tweeted.

In the speech Monday, Trump addressed allegations brought by several women in the last week that he touched them inappropriately.

"The media is trying to rig the election by giving credence to false stories that have no validity," he said.

Top Wisconsin Republicans have said Trump's comments were indefensible, but none has rescinded an endorsement. Democrats called on them to repudiate Trump.

Do they stand with the Republican Party of old? The party of Lincoln. The party of Teddy Roosevelt. Or do they stand with Donald Trump? said U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison. Too many of our Republican leaders in this country are failing that moral test.

Responding to the speech, Brad Woodhouse, president of pro-Clinton Super PAC Correct the Record, said Trump claiming elections are rigged is not only disrespectful to Americans, it attacks our country at its core.

It is dangerous for Donald Trump to peddle lies and conspiracy theories to mislead his supporters and cast doubt on our democratic elections, Woodhouse said. Its shocking that this type of rhetoric is now in the stump speech of a major presidential candidate -- Donald Trumps words are a threat to democracy.

'Pitchforks and torches time'

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, a nominal Democrat who has increasingly backed Republicans, told the crowd: "It is pitchforks and torches time in America."

Diane Cegelski, 55, an accounts receivable analyst from Green Bay, volunteered to hand out Trump-Pence signs at the rally, but was visibly emotional as she talked about the election. She's upset at Clinton and the media, but she's also upset at Trump, for not making her decision any easier by continuing to focus on himself. She said she's also upset at local officials like Johnson and Ryan for not supporting Trump by attending the rally.

"I'm to the point where I might vote for president, but not the down ticket because I'm just sick of them all," Cegelski said.

Susan Bloom, a psychologist in her late 50s from Mount Pleasant who got her "Wisconsin Women Love Trump" poster signed by Trump at the rally, said she thinks Ryan should support Trump more than he has been, but she doesn't blame the Speaker for his reticence.

"I think he wants to pull the team together, but he doesn't want to focus on all the bad stuff," Bloom said.

Sandy Duckett, 58, a nonprofit CEO from Green Bay and past president of Brown County Republican Women, said Trump is getting support in the Fox Valley area because "people are tired of business as usual."

She said in the wake of Trump's comments about women, she went to a local party office and was "pleasantly surprised" to see it still bustling.

"I think maybe people did take pause," Duckett said. "But looking at the choices we have and where he stands  I think many people are frustrated we're not learning more about those other things against the other candidate."

Contact State Journal reporters Matthew DeFour at 608-252-6144 or mdefour@madison.com and Molly Beck at 608-252-6135 or mbeck@madison.com.
North Korea missile launch fails at liftoff: US

Iran Press TV

Sun Oct 16, 2016 5:45AM

US military sources claim that North Korea has unsuccessfully fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile.

The United States Strategic Command's systems detected what is believed to have been a Musudan missile launch, which failed in liftoff near North Korea's northwestern city of Kusong, the Pentagon said in a statement on Sunday.

The US military said the launch would not have posed a threat to North America.

South Korean military sources also reported the failed liftoff of the missile at 0333 GMT on Saturday. Seoul did not speculate on the reason for the failed launch, either.

The reported incident coincides with the last day of the joint military drills between South Korea and the United States.

The five-day joint naval drill called "Invincible Spirit 2016" kicked off on Monday (October 10) in the waters surrounding the Korean Peninsula, according to the South Korean Defense Ministry.

The USS Ronald Reagan nuclear-powered aircraft carrier took part in the military drill.

North Korea has been testing different types of missiles at an unprecedented rate this year, and the capability to mount a nuclear warhead on a missile is especially worrying for its neighbors South Korea and Japan, as well as the United States.

North Korea conducted its fifth and biggest nuclear test on September 9, prompting the UN Security Council to announce that it would begin to prepare a fresh round of sanctions against Pyongyang in the wake of its recent nuclear test.

Despite sanctions and international pressure, Pyongyang has pledged to strengthen its military capability to protect itself from the threat posed by the presence of US forces in the region.

A recent source of tensions is the controversial deployment of the US Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system in South Korea. The system is scheduled to be installed by the end of 2017 to defend the South against what Seoul and Washington claim to be nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

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Pentagon Reports Failed Missile Launch by N. Korea

By VOA News October 16, 2016

South Korea has strongly condemned North Korea's latest missile launch attempt. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement Sunday the launch was "a clear violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions" and an "illegal act of provocation."

Earlier, the U.S. military reported that North Korea tried to launch an intermediate-range ballistic missile Saturday, but the effort failed.

The U.S. Strategic Command said its monitoring systems detected the launch attempt at midday Saturday in northwestern North Korea (at 0333 UTC Saturday / 2333 EDT Friday), and NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, said analysts determined the missile did not pose any threat to North America.

Officials in Washington, however, stressed the United States' continuing vigilance "in the face of North Korean provocations," and the nation's "iron-clad" commitment to working together with U.S. allies South Korea and Japan to maintain security in northeast Asia.

U.S. military officials said the North Korean missile was presumed to be a Musadan intermediate-range rocket, and its launch point was near the city of Kusong.

"We strongly condemn this and North Korea's other recent missile tests," said U.S. Navy Commander Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman. "We intend to raise our concerns at the U.N. to bolster international resolve in holding the DPRK accountable for these actions."

In addition to already conducting an unprecedented two nuclear tests this year, Pyongyang has advanced its land-based and submarine-based ballistic missile capabilities with numerous launches in the last six months.

VOA's Carla Babb contributed to this report.

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North Korean Missile Tests Reduce Prospects for Compromise

By Brian Padden October 17, 2016

Following North Korea's failed missile test over the weekend, South Korea has ruled out seeking compromise with the Kim Jong Un government.

And a potential candidate for U.S. secretary of defense if Hillary Clinton wins the presidential election said negotiations with Pyongyang at this time would be a "waste of time."

These hard-line positions seem to negate arguments by some that the current sanctions are not working and that Washington and its allies must offer Pyongyang incentives to bring a peaceful end to the increasingly tense situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Failed test

The U.S. military reported Saturday that North Korea tried to launch an intermediate-range ballistic missile. South Korea reported the missile exploded seconds after it was launched.

Analysts speculate a new rocket engine or type of fuel was being tested and could have caused the explosion.

The North Korean missile was presumed to be a Musadan rocket that has the range to reach the U.S. military installation in Guam.

It was launched from the city of Kusong, near the Chinese border, which is a different site than had been used in past missile tests.

"There is a high possibility that North Korea chose a third place other than previous missile launch sites because it needed to show that it can strike its target at anytime and anywhere it wants, even if (its enemy) deploys THAAD and utilize fighter bombers and carriers," said Chung Sung-yoon, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification.

North Korea has test fired at least 21 ballistic missiles and conducted two nuclear tests so far this year.

Saturday's launch was North Korea's seventh test of a Musadan intermediate-range missile. The first test on April 15 was fired from the east coast city of Wonsan.

The only successful launch, which occurred on June 22, reached an altitude of 1,000 km before falling into the sea near Japan.

President Park

South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Sunday denounced the Kim Jong Un government for pursuing nuclear weapons in defiance of international sanctions while neglecting the needs of the North Korean people.

"Although its people are suffering from a flood and economic trouble, North Korea is threatening the peace and future of Koreans by concentrating on nuclear weapons and missiles," said Park while speaking to North Korean defectors in a video message at a sporting event.

Severe flooding in North Korea this summer has left nearly 600,000 people in need of urgent assistance.

The South Korean president said her government "will not surrender to or compromise with them" and would work with the international community to increase the pressure on the Kim government to give up its nuclear arsenal in return for assistance, normalized relations and security guarantees.

Following North Korea's fifth nuclear test in September, the U.N. Security Council agreed to consider imposing further economic sanctions on Pyongyang.

Clinton hard line

Michele Flournoy, who some media outlets have reported as being considered for U.S. defense secretary in Hillary Clinton's administration if she wins the November presidential election, has also taken a hard line against North Korea.

Flournoy is co-founder of the national security and defense policy think tank in Washington: the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). She was also an undersecretary of defense during President Barack Obama's first term.

In a recent interview with the South Korean Yonhap News Agency, she said, without a commitment from North Korea to work toward denuclearization, negotiations would be "a waste of time."

A group of former U.S. officials and regional analysts recently recommended that Washington offer Pyongyang incentives like immediate food aid and a possible reduction in U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises in return for a moratorium on nuclear and missile tests.

Their recommendations are conditioned on North Korea demonstrating a commitment to address the denuclearization issue, and offer the possibility of further concessions in the future, including a formal peace treaty and the normalization of relations, if real progress is achieved.

Flournoy, however, emphasized during her interview support for increased military deterrence like the deployment of the U.S. THAAD anti-missile shield in South Korea, and said that "the focus of our policy should be to try to put through sanctions and other pressure, get the leadership to come back to the negotiating table and make good on their earlier promises of denuclearization."

Her views could indicate that under Clinton the U.S. would continue to support strong sanctions and deterrence against North Korea and maintain a close American military alliance with South Korea.

In contrast, the Republican candidate for president, Donald Trump, has said he may radically change Washington's security relationship with Seoul and Tokyo by pulling out the more than 75,000 U.S. troops in the region unless those nations agree to pay more for the U.S. military bases in their countries, and instead permit allies to develop their own nuclear deterrence.

Youmi Kim and Han Sang-mi in Seoul contributed to this report.

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Iranian flotilla leaves for Port of Baku for the first time

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Bandar-e Anzali, Gilan prov, Oct 16, IRNA -- An Iranian flotilla carrying the message of peace and friendship left here Sunday for Port of Baku in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Commander of Iran's fourth maritime zone said that the dispatch of the Iranian flotilla to Azerbaijan is taking place for the first time which is an indication of formation of changes in the Caspian Sea region.

Rear Admiral Afshin Rezaei Haddad said that sending the flotilla with messages of peace and friendship indicates that the Caspian Sea is secure, and mutual interaction has got the first priority in this region.

The presence of the Iranian ships in the Caspian Sea littoral states reflects Iran's belief that the ground is well prepared for establishing peace and friendship and holding talks on those issues, the commander said.

The flotilla is on way to Baku to practically show that it is the carrier of message of peace from the Iranian nation to their Muslim brothers in Azerbaijan, he stressed.

Apart from land border lines, Iran and Azerbaijan enjoy sea borders, the commander said hoping that the two countries would strengthen bilateral ties.

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Iran's Navy fleet sets sail for Azerbaijan's Baku: Official

Iran Press TV

Sun Oct 16, 2016 11:7AM

A senior Iranian Navy official says a fleet, comprising a domestically-built destroyer and a missile-launching warship, has departed for Azerbaijan's port city of Baku on the Caspian Sea coast.

Rear Admiral Afshin Rezaei Haddad told reporters on Sunday that Damavand destroyer and Joshan missile vessel with 200 navy forces on board headed to Baku in a 3-day operation.

The dispatch was aimed at conveying the message of peace and friendship from the Islamic Republic in the high seas, said the military official, stressing that Iran has sent several fleets with the same mission from the country's north and south to the high seas.

"The dispatch of the fleet is meant to demonstrate that the Islamic Republic of Iran is making efforts with all might to enhance security in the Caspian Sea," Rezaei Haddad stated.

He also noted that Iran plans similar missions in the next six months, while foreign fleets are also due off Iranian coasts in the future.

Iran has invariably asserted that it only uses its naval might for defensive purposes and to send across the Islamic Republic's message of security to other nations.

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Iraqi PM Signals Start of Mosul Offensive

By Jamie Dettmer October 16, 2016

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has announced the formal start of a military push to drive Islamic State extremists from the northern stronghold city of Mosul.

The announcement on state television early Monday signals the opening of the largest military operation in that country since U.S. forces left five years ago.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said this is a "decisive moment" in the campaign to defeat Islamic State and pledged support from the U.S.-led coalition.

"We are confident our Iraq partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISIL's hatred and brutality," he said in a statement.

In the hours before the announcement, the Iraqi Air Force dropped thousands of leaflets on Mosul, warning residents of the coming offensive to liberate the city.

The leaflet drop followed hours of an artillery shelling by Iraqi and Kurdish forces, and sparked widespread confusion over whether the full-scale assault on the country's second largest city had already begun.

For his part, Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani announced the start of the offensive in a statement posted online, saying The preparations for the operation to liberate Mosul have been completed and have paved the way to begin the Mosul operation." He added: It is my sincere hope that this operation will be successful and that we will collectively liberate the people of Mosul from the tyranny of the terrorists of the Islamic State."

The Kurdish leader later tweeted: The time has come to begin the liberation of Mosul."

The confusion over whether the offensive had begun in earnest highlighted the ethnic and religious rivalries of the fragile anti-IS coalition that have plagued the planning for the assault. Some analysts fear those rivalries could undermine the military campaign and prompt infighting later over control of the city and its wider region after IS has been ejected.

For weeks, the assault on Mosul has been expected, but disagreements have flared between coalition allies over how the greater Mosul region of Nineveh will be governed after liberation and who should be involved in the fight to get rid of IS. Kurdish claims earlier this month that any territory the Kurdish peshmerga capture will remain part of Kurdistan have infuriated the Shi'ite-dominated government in Baghdad.

On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rebuffed once again demands by Iraqi Prime Minister Abadi to withdraw about 2,000 Turkish "military advisers" from a base 20 kilometers from Mosul where they have been training local Sunni fighters in a militia called Hashd al-Watani. Erdogan has insisted Mosul should be controlled by Sunni Muslims, and along with local Sunnis he has warned Shi'ite militias to stay out of Mosul.

West and east Mosul were pummeled by an artillery bombardment Saturday. A round of airstrikes also hit the city as Iraqi special forces deployed in Mosul's suburbs. Analysts and observers on the ground said it looked as if Iraqi forces with the support of Kurdish peshmerga and Shi'ite militias would strike from three different directions into the city, which IS seized in June 2014 and is now the extremist group's last major urban stronghold in Iraq.

IS posted online Sunday photographs it says showed clashes in the Refaq and al Masarif districts of Mosul.

Some of the bombardment salvos targeting IS positions in the city were fired by the U.S. military, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency claimed. The agency quoted peshmerga commander Omer Huseyin, who said American howitzers based 20 kilometers from Mosul had opened up on IS positions and that U.S. and French warplanes had mounted sorties.

In response, Daesh (IS) terrorists started burning tires to block the view of the warplanes after international coalition forces struck the area," Huseyin said. Daesh terrorists also started burning the petroleum filled in their ditches, which they have dug around the city," he added.

On roads controlled by Iraqi and peshmerga forces leading to Mosul, there were reports Sunday of columns of artillery and heavy weaponry heading to the fronts.

The leaflets dropped by Iraqi planes on the city said the offensive to retake the city was imminent. It's victory time," read one of the leaflets. Time to celebrate a clean Iraq without "Daesh" or any dark belief." Humanitarian workers, though, say it is unclear what Mosul civilians are meant to do. They have criticized war planners for failing to mark out clear escape routes for civilians.

The four-page leaflets urge civilians not to panic, to avoid IS positions and to remain in their homes and seal windows and doors. A phone number to report jihadist activity is included.

The U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, has warned of a looming humanitarian disaster and predicts more than one million people could flee Mosul during the battle. So far six refugee camps able to shelter 50,000 people have been built and there are plans to establish another 11.

Mosul residents contacted by phone and Skype say IS fighters, many veterans from battles in neighboring Anbar province, have blocked major roads and bridges in and out of Mosul. The jihadists have fanned out throughout the city and planted mines and explosives and warned civilians not to attempt to leave.

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Suicide Bomber Claims More Lives in Baghdad

By Edward Yeranian October 16, 2016

A suicide bomber struck a Shi'ite Muslim religious observance Sunday in Baghdad, killing at least two people and wounding four.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but it is similar to other assaults carried out by the Islamic State.

Another suicide bomber in Baghdad killed more than 35 people and wounded 50 others Monday observing the same Muslim ritual.

A tweet sent in the name of the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for Saturday's attack, which it said was carried out by "the martyrdom-seeking brother Abu-Fahd al-Iraqi."

Bombing decried

The United States and Iran condemned Saturday's attack and extended condolences to the victims.

A statement issued in Washington denounced "the barbaric terrorist attack" as "yet another sign of [Islamic State's] cowardice and contempt for human life.

U.S. officials said the bombing was an "attempt to sow sectarian discord among the people of Iraq ... [that] only underscores the importance of coalition efforts to support Iraqi security forces."

"The United States remains committed to that goal," they added.

From Tehran, Fars news agency reported the Iranian foreign ministry called on the international community to support the Iraqi government "until the complete failure of the terrorists."

Many people there were commemorating the death of Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, in a seventh-century battle near the Iraqi town of Karbala. Others in the crowd were taking part in a funeral procession for a local resident.

Islamic State, most of whose members are Sunni Muslim extremists, considers Shi'ites to be heretics. Saturday's bombing was the deadliest attack in the Iraqi capital since early July, and it also came at a time when Iraqi government forces are making final preparations for a battle to retake the IS-held northern city of Mosul.

Hilal Khashan, who teaches political science at the American University of Beirut, told VOA the battle for Mosul is likely to stir up further sectarian tensions, including more suicide bombings.

"I think that once ISIS is defeated in Mosul, we will see more and more suicide attacks," Khashan said. "Even with the capture of Mosul it will be too early to celebrate victory against Islamic State. ISIS doesn't spare anybody, but needless to say they have a vested interest in targeting Iraqi Shi'ites."

Complex effort

The coming battle for Mosul is expected to be the most difficult and complex yet in the war against Islamic State. A coalition of diverse and sometimes rival Iraqi forces will have to fight through elaborate IS defenses to reach Mosul, which has a large civilian population.

The prospect of lengthy street fighting between Iraqi forces and die-hard jihadists has led many analysts and aid officials to warn of an expected humanitarian crisis, with up to a million people displaced by the fighting as winter sets in.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, visiting government-held areas near Mosul Saturday, urged Iraqis from all sectarian groups to unite to recapture the city and destroy Islamic State.

In addition to the suicide attack on Shi'ites marking Ashura, separate attacks by militants in two areas north of Baghdad Saturday killed another 12 people.

VOA's Steve Herman contributed to this report.

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Iraq Launches Operation To Retake Mosul From Islamic State

RFE/RL October 17, 2016

A long-awaited military operation to retake the northern Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) group has started.

Reports said artillery could be heard in the area early on October 17, as U.S.-led coalition air strikes sent plumes of smokes into the air.

Government forces were moving from the base of Qayyarah, some 60 kilometers south of Mosul, while Kurdish Peshmerga fighters advanced from the east.

Kurdish forces say they have gained control of a number of villages in their advance.

The battle to retake Mosul, which has been under IS control since 2014, is the largest military operation in Iraq since U.S. troops left in 2011. It has been planned for months.

If successful, it would be the biggest setback yet for IS militants.

The UN has expressed "extreme concern" for the safety of up to 1.5 million people in and around Iraq's second-largest city.

Announcing the launch of the operation, Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi said, "The hour of victory has come."

But the operation to regain control of Iraq's second-largest city "will likely continue for weeks, possibly longer," warned Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, commander of the coalition battling the extremist group.

Addressing the residents of Mosul, Abadi declared the "start of these victorious operations to free you from the violence and terrorism of Daesh," using an Arabic acronym for the extremist group.

Abadi, dressed in a military uniform and surrounded by Iraqi officers, vowed that only government forces would enter Mosul, a Sunni-majority city that been under IS control since June 2014.

"The force leading liberation operations is the brave Iraqi Army with the national police and they are the ones that will enter Mosul, not others," Abadi said, in reference to Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias that will not be involved in the operation.

Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias have been accused of serious abuses against Sunni civilians in the course of operations to reconquer territory from the IS group.

Before Abadi's announcement, Brigadier General Haidar Fadhil told the AP news agency that more than 25,000 troops would take part in the offensive.

The general command of the Peshmerga said the operation included up to 4,000 Kurdish fighters clearing IS-held villages east of Mosul.

It said the operation was coordinated with Iraqi federal forces moving from the south and had received extensive air support from the U.S.-led coalition.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the operation was key to defeating the extremist group.

"This is a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver ISIL a lasting defeat," Carter said in a statement, using a different acronym for the group. "We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISIL's hatred and brutality."

Carter promised continued support for Iraq.

The U.S. envoy to the U.S.-led coalition against IS, Brett McGurk, said on Twitter, "We are proud to stand with you in this historic operation."

It was from Mosul that IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a so-called caliphate in Iraq and neighboring Syria.

Thousands of leaflets have been dropped in the last few days warning residents that the operation would be under way soon.

The UN's deputy secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief, Stephen O'Brien, said as many as 1 million people could be forced to flee their homes because of the operation.

"Tens of thousands of Iraqi girls, boys, women, and men may be under siege or held as human shields," O'Brien said in a statement. "Thousands may be forcibly expelled or trapped between the fighting lines."

Thousands of leaflets were dropped in recent days warning residents that the operation would be underway soon.

With reporting by AFP and AP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/iraq-islamicstate- mosul-syria/28057848.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Kurdish Militia and Iraqi Army Start Large-Scale Operation on Mosul

Sputnik News

06:47 17.10.2016(updated 07:25 17.10.2016)

The Kurdish Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi army launched an offensive on the northern Iraqi city of Mosul controlled by the Daesh terror group on Monday at about 03:00 GMT, the General Command of Peshmerga said.

The US-led coalition will support the forces during the whole operation.

The command said that up to 4,000 Kurdish fighters were deployed to take part in the operation in accordance with an agreement between Iraqi Kurdistan and the government of Iraq.

"Global Coalition warplanes have pounded ISIL [Daesh] positions as of 16 October and will continue to provide close air support throughout the operation," Peshmerga added.

The Kurdish Peshmerga forces are not going to enter the northern Iraqi city of Mosul in accordance with agreements reached with the Iraqi government, Jamal Iminiki, Chief of the General Staff of the Peshmerga forces, said

"You can't make any predictions about a city like Mosul. ISIS [Daesh] has a considerable force in Mosul. Many militants who were defeated in Iraqi cities such as Ramadi, Tikrit and Baiji might be in Mosul now even though some of them might have gone to Syria. We've an agreement with the Iraqis and coalition that the Peshmerga won't be going to Mosul," Iminiki told the Rudaw news agency.

Earlier, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced that the long-awaited operation to retake the Daesh stronghold in Iraq has begun.

On Saturday, reports emerged that US howitzers deployed about 13 miles from the Mosul's city center opened fire against Daesh positions while the US-led coalition carried out a number of airstrikes.

Leaflets declaring "Victory Time" were reportedly dumped over the city on Sunday.

 Sputnik

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Iraqi Prime Minister Announces Launch of Operation to Retake Mosul from Daesh

Sputnik News

01:48 17.10.2016(updated 04:22 17.10.2016)

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced on Iraqi television early Monday that the long-awaited offensive to retake the Daesh stronghold in Iraq has begun.

The offensive, expected to be bloody, is predicted to last for weeks, if not longer, experts say.

Violence has sparked outside the city in recent days, and a strike on Sunday on one of Mosul's main bridges was seen as one of several indications the battle's launch was imminent.

On Saturday, reports emerged that US howitzers deployed about 13 miles from the Mosul's city center opened fire against Daesh positions while the US-led coalition carried out a number of airstrikes.

Leaflets declaring "Victory Time" were reportedly dumped over the city on Sunday.

US troops are said to be playing a "supporting role" in the offensive, with the Iraqi army and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters making up the bulk of the 30,000-strong force.

Washington recently announced the deployment of 600 additional US troops to help with the city's recapture, bringing the total number of US force management personnel to move than 5,000, according to the Pentagon.

"There are no more major objectives after that," Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said of the Mosul offensive. "This is it. This is the last big holdout in Iraq" for Daesh.

Around half of the city's original population of more than 2 million remain in Mosul, and UN refugee officials say most of them could flee once fighting begins, which would create what one representative has called "one of the largest man-made displacement crises of recent times," according to CNN.

Camps are reportedly being set up to accommodate those who leave the city.

Mosul, Iraq's second biggest city, along with a number of other northern and western Iraqi cities and towns, was seized in 2014 during a Daesh offensive.

 Sputnik

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Daesh Suppresses Uprising of Own 'Islamic Police' in Mosul

Sputnik News

17:40 17.10.2016

The Daesh announced through their information channels that the Islamic police uprising against its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had been suppressed, according to local media.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) terrorist group suppressed an uprising of the so-called Daesh religious police against the jihadist organization's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in Iraq's Mosul, local media reported on Monday.

"The Islam State group announced through their information channels that the Islamic police uprising against its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had been suppressed," a source in Iraqi Ninewa province stated, as quoted by Al Sumaria broadcaster.

The source added that the militant group had "fully regained control over all headquarters after violent clashes that lasted for several hours."

According to the source, the leader of the Daesh religious police was killed, along with a number of his aides, and the group "conducted mass executions of dozens of religious police militants in locations where the clashes took place."

Earlier on Monday, it was reported that al-Baghdadi had escaped airstrikes on a meeting of commanders a few minutes before the event.

Mosul, the second largest Iraqi city, is the main stronghold of Daesh in Iraq. The city was seized by Daesh, a jihadist group outlawed in Russia, in 2014 along with a number of other northern and western Iraqi cities and towns.

Late on Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi announced the start of the military operation to retake Mosul from Daesh militants. Iraqi troops and their allies, including local Sunni militias, and US-led coalition support are involved in the offensive.

 Sputnik

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Peshmerga Commander to Sputnik: Daesh Already Experiences Heavy Losses in Mosul

Sputnik News

17:21 17.10.2016(updated 18:57 17.10.2016)

Commenting on the ongoing offensive of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi army on Iraq's second-largest city of Mosul, Peshmerga unit commander Huseyin Yezdanpana told Sputnik Turkiye that Daesh is already experienceing heavy losses.

Peshmerga unit commander Huseyin Yezdanpana told Sputnik Turkiye that the Kurdish Peshmerga forces are now mostly concentrated on the eastern frontline in the Hazr region.

"The top priority of the operation in the Hazr region is to liberate the neighboring Kurdish settlements from Daesh militants. Then there will be an assault on Mosul," he said.

"Peshmerga fighters won't participate in the fighting in the center of Mosul," he added.

Huseyin Yezdanpana also said that the offensive is so far proceeding with success. Daesh is experiencing heavy losses.

"The jets of the US-led coalition are conducting massive airstrikes on the positions of the jihadists in Hazr, Bashiqa and south of Mosul," he said.

The commander added that the scale of the Mosul offensive will be expanded in the nearest future and new frontlines will be opened.

The General Command of Peshmerga has announced that the Kurdish Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi army launched an offensive on the Daesh terrorist-occupied northern Iraqi city of Mosul on Monday at about 03:00 GMT.

The command said that up to 4,000 Kurdish fighters were deployed to take part in the operation, in accordance with an agreement between Iraqi Kurdistan and the government of Iraq.

On Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi announced the start of the military operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State militants. According to local media, about 30,000 Iraqi soldiers are taking part in the operation.

 Sputnik

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Over 80,000 Troops Involved in Liberation of Iraqi Mosul From Daesh

Sputnik News

15:38 17.10.2016(updated 15:42 17.10.2016)

Over 80,000 troops are involved, including engineers and logistical support, in the operation to liberate the city of Mosul in Iraq from the Daesh terrorists, according to media reports.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Tens of thousands of troops are involved in the operation to liberate the city of Mosul in Iraq from the jihadist group Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh), media reported on Monday.

Over 80,000 troops are involved, including engineers and logistical support, in the operation, The Washington Post reported, citing a commander of Iraqi special forces, Maj. Salam Jassim.

Mosul, the second biggest Iraqi city, is the main stronghold of Daesh in Iraq. The city was seized by Daesh, a jihadist group outlawed in Russia, in 2014 along with a number of other northern and western Iraqi cities and towns.

Late on Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi announced the start of the military operation to retake Mosul from Daesh militants. Iraqi troops and their allies, including local Sunni militias, and US-led coalition support are involved in the offensive.

 Sputnik

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DDN Turkey Determined to Take Part in Mosul Operation  President Erdogan

Sputnik News

15:21 17.10.2016(updated 15:30 17.10.2016)

Turkey is determined to participate in the operation to free Iraq's city of Mosul from Islamic State (IS) militants, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared Monday.

ANKARA (Sputnik)  The Shiite-dominated Iraqi government launched an offensive early on Monday to liberate Mosul, the nation's second biggest city with a diverse population and a large Sunni Muslim presence.

"They say Turkey must stay out of Mosul. How could we possibly not enter? We have a 350-kiometer [217-mile] common border and that's where the threat comes from  There are our brothers in Mosul  Arabs, Turkmens, Kurds," Erdogan said at a congress in Istanbul.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus confirmed that Ankara was considering several action plans.

"It is vital to get rid of Daesh. Turkey has already explained to all parties concerned how it was going to get involved. We have Plans A, B, and C," Kurtulmus said.

He added it was equally important to avoid ethnic and religious strife in the city. The Iraqi army is cooperating with Kurdish Peshmerga forces and Sunni tribal militias. Baghdad promised earlier that only Iraqi forces would enter Mosul.

 Sputnik

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Kurdish Soldiers Report Initial Success in Battle to Re-take Mosul

By Jamie Dettmer October 17, 2016

Kurdish leaders reported some initial success as Iraqi forces launched a long-anticipated ground offensive Monday to retake the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State militants.

Since 6:00 a.m. local time, "200 square kilometers have been liberated" from Islamic State, according to Kurdish President Masoud Barzani, who spoke during a televised news conference.

"Mosul will be liberated," Barzani said, adding that his fighters are doing their best to keep Mosul from becoming "another Aleppo," a reference to the embattled Syrian city.

The operation is the largest military operation in Iraq since U.S. combat forces left five years ago, and is raising concerns about the safety of hundreds of thousands of civilians in the area.

It involves Kurdish fighters, federal police, Sunni tribal fighters and Shi'ite militia forces, as well as airstrikes and other support from a U.S.-led coalition that has been targeting Islamic State for the past two years in Iraq and Syria.

Iraqi and Kurdish forces are "ahead of schedule so far," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said Monday at a briefing. He said U.S. troops are on the outskirts of Mosul in a support and advisory role, behind forward lines. "Iraqis are in the lead," he said.

"Americans are in harm's way as part of this fight," he said, but most are far away from the front lines.

U.S. officials have described the mission as a "decisive moment" in the campaign against Islamic State, which has suffered a series of defeats and is largely confined to the Mosul area in Iraq. But they stress that the operation could last weeks or even longer.

"Mosul will be a hard fight, but the Iraqi security forces are ready," said U.S. Army Maj. General Gary J. Volesky, the top coalition general in Iraq. "The coalition is proud to support the Iraqis in the liberation of Mosul."

Iraq plans celebration

In a televised address, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared Monday his nation will "celebrate victory as one."

"Today I declare the start of these victorious operations to free you from the violence and terrorism of Daesh," he said, using an alternative name for Islamic State.

Iraqi forces have for weeks been converging on Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city, and greatly outnumber Islamic State fighters there. But suicide bombings, sniper attacks, and other guerilla tactics used by IS may complicate the offensive.

IS suicide operations

On Monday, Islamic State claimed multiple suicide operations through its 'Amaq news agency, targeting Iraqi troops and Peshmerga fighters, according to the SITE Intel Group. The number of fatalities, if any, is unclear.

Kurdish military officials said they are combing outskirts of Mosul before allowing Iraqi military units to move into the city from the eastern side.

"We will continue moving forward until we reach a point where the Iraqi military can take it from there," said Peshmerga commander Omar Rahim told VOA.

In the hours before the announced start of the offensive, the Iraqi air force dropped thousands of leaflets on Mosul to warn residents.

Humanitarian workers, though, say it is unclear what Mosul civilians are meant to do. They have criticized war planners for failing to mark out clear escape routes for civilians.

U.N. humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien said there is space for 60,000 people at camps for those displaced by the fighting, and soon those facilities will be able to accommodate 250,000 people. But he said in the worst case scenario as many as 1 million people may flee their homes.

"I renew my call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and ensure they have access to the assistance they are entitled to and deserve. Nothing is more important," he said.

The Norwegian Refugee Council highlighted similar concerns, saying it feared the humanitarian consequences of the fight for Mosul "will be massive." The group said the most important priority is making sure civilians have access to safe routes out of the city.

Roads, bridges blocked

Mosul residents contacted by phone and Skype say IS fighters - many veterans from battles in neighboring Anbar province - have blocked major roads and bridges in and out of Mosul.

The jihadists have fanned out throughout the city and planted mines and explosives and warned civilians not to attempt to leave.

Weeks of planning

For weeks, the assault on Mosul has been expected, but disagreements have flared between coalition allies over how Mosul, and the Nineveh region in which it lies, will be governed after IS is expelled and who should be involved in the fight.

Kurdish claims earlier this month that any territory the Kurdish Peshmerga captures will be part of Kurdistan have infuriated the Shi'ite-dominated government in Baghdad.

VOA National Security correspondent Jeff Seldin and VOA State Department correspondent Steve Herman contributed to this report.

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Ankara-Baghdad Tensions Escalate as Mosul Operation Begins

By Dorian Jones October 17, 2016

With Iraqi-led forces starting their operation to recapture the city of Mosul from Islamic State militants, diplomatic tensions have erupted again between Baghdad and Ankara over the operation.

Warning about dangers of ethnic cleansing, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched a verbal salvo against Baghdad, demanding a role in the offensive.

Why should Turkey not enter Mosul, Erdogan asked, arguing that his country has a 350-kilometer border with Iraq, and pointing to the fact that others who have nothing to do with the region are entering the city.

Ankara has a force of around 700 soldiers supported by dozens of tanks at the Bashiqa base close to Mosul. The force was set up ostensibly for training Sunni militia to fight IS.

Baghdad has ruled out any Turkish role and called for the removal of the Turkish forces from Bashiqa, warning they could be targeted.

Sinan Ulgen, a visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe in Brussels, says the dispute is about the nature of the forces involved in the Mosul offensive.

"I do not think it is realistic the Turkish military will intervene in Mosul. It is more a matter whether the different ethnic groups backed by Turkey will be the main force driving towards Mosul and capturing the city, rather than the Baghdad-backed and Iran-backed Shia militia," Ulgen said.

Local media reports a Turkish Foreign Ministry delegation is to hold talks in Baghdad. Turkey's military chief, Hulusi Akar, met on Sunday with his U.S. counterparts in Washington to discuss the Mosul operation and other issues.

The sectarian factor

Ankara is already claiming success, saying 1,500 members of the Sunni forces it trained in Bashiqa will be in the forefront of efforts to liberate Mosul.

The deputy head of the Ankara based Turkish Asian Center for Strategic Studies, Murat Bilhan, says Turkey's chief concern is the risk of sectarian tensions.

"The Shi'ite regime in Baghdad wants to cooperate with the Iranians to take over Mosul and to turn it into a Shi'ite stronghold. It is unacceptable for the original residents of Mosul, which will be just evicted and pushed towards the north, again another flow of refugees to Turkey and so forth. This is unacceptable," Bilhan said.

Aid agencies and the United Nations have warned efforts to retake Mosul could result in hundreds of thousands of refugees. Turkey is already hosting nearly three million refugees from Iraq and Syria.

Turkish government spokesman Numan Kurtulmus says Ankara will make sure ethnic politics do not dominate Mosul.

Ulgen says the prospect of an IS defeat is opening a growing power struggle.

"Who gets to control the territories that are going to be freed by the Islamic State, and... there is definitely a game of influence between Iran-backed members of the IS opposition as opposed to Turkey-backed members of the opposition, the Kurdish peshmerga, some of the Sunni Arab factions and the Turkmen," Ulgen said.

Turkish media report Iraqi Turkmen in the Mosul region are calling for autonomy. Observers warn as regional ethnic and sectarian rivalries grow, similar calls are also likely to grow.

Erdogan has done little to allay Iraqi concerns, ruling out any withdrawal of Turkish forces from Iraq and declaring his country will play a role in any negotiation over Mosul's future.

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Submarine exports to Pakistan officially confirmed

People's Daily Online

(CRI Online) 09:07, October 16, 2016

On Wednesday, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation confirmed a project to export 8 attack submarines to Pakistan, China Shipbuilding Online reports. The corporation held a conference to discuss the details of the arrangement.

The corporation's chairman, Hu Wenming, said the conference aimed to continue the spirit generated by Chinese President Xi Jinping's speeches on the Belt & Road Construction Work Symposium.

In addition, the conference was an action to promote timely and high quality export projects, Hu said.

Reuters reported back in April that Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif approved the deal and called the deal could be "one of China's largest overseas weapons sales once it is signed".

The deal could cost between 4 billion to 5 billion USD, Reuters quoted a Financial Times report.

Four of the eight submarines will reportedly be built at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) while the remaining four submarines will be built in China.

When being asked about the deal last year, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said:" China and Pakistan are neighbors of traditional friendship with close cooperation in various fields. The normal cooperation between the two sides in the field of military industry and trade is in line with their respective international commitment".

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India's Modi blasts Pakistan for serving as 'mother-ship of terrorism'

Iran Press TV

Sun Oct 16, 2016 1:24PM

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stepped up his drive to isolate Pakistan by highlighting the country's role in sponsoring terrorism.

In unprecedented and harsh remarks during a meeting on Sunday of leaders from the BRICS group of countries, which also include Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa, Modi said India's neighbor has become the main breeder of terror activities and branded Pakistan as 'mother-ship of terrorism.'

"Tragically, the mother-ship of terrorism is a country in India's neighborhood," Modi said without directly naming Pakistan.

The hostile comments, was addressed to BRICS leaders, who met at a resort hotel in the western state of Goa.

"In our own region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development," Modi said, adding, "We were unanimous in recognizing the threat that terrorism, extremism and radicalization presents, not just to the regional and global peace, stability and prosperity, but, also to our society, our way of life and humanity as a whole."

There was no immediate answer from Pakistan to the comments which were published on the official Twitter page of the Indian Foreign Ministry. Indian media praised the comments, although observers said they were mainly aimed at domestic audience and were meant to solidify the government's position regarding sensitive national security issues like the ongoing conflict in Kashmir.

Tensions have escalated between nuclear arch-rivals India and Pakistan since 19 Indian soldiers were killed in a September 18 attack on Uri army base in Kashmir, near the disputed frontier with Pakistan. India accused Pakistan of carrying out the attack, which was the worst such assault in 14 years. Islamabad denied any role and condemned later cross-border strikes by India which inflicted casualties.

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China defends Pakistan after Premier Modi's remarks

Iran Press TV

Mon Oct 17, 2016 1:25PM

China moves to defend Pakistan after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Islamabad of nurturing terrorists and sponsoring cross-border terrorism.

Responding to a question about Modi's remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a daily news briefing in Beijing on Monday defended Islamabad's record in fighting terrorism.

"Everyone knows that India and Pakistan are victims of terrorism. Pakistan has made huge efforts and great sacrifices in fighting terrorism. I think the international community should respect this," Hua said, adding, "We also oppose the linking of terrorism to any specific country, ethnicity or religion. This is China's consistent position."

In unprecedented and harsh remarks during a meeting on Sunday of leaders from the BRICS group of countries, which also include Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa, in the western Indian state of Goa, Modi said India's neighbor has become the main breeder of terror activities and branded Pakistan as 'mother-ship of terrorism.'

"Tragically, the mother-ship of terrorism is a country in India's neighborhood," Modi said without directly naming Pakistan.

In recent weeks, the Indian premier has stepped up his drive to isolate Pakistan by highlighting the country's alleged role in sponsoring terrorism.

Tensions have escalated between nuclear arch-rivals India and Pakistan since 19 Indian soldiers were killed in a September 18 attack on Uri army base in Kashmir, near the disputed frontier with Pakistan. India accused Pakistan of carrying out the attack, which was the worst such assault in 14 years.

The attack on the Indian army base has triggered a war of words between the neighbors. India says the attackers were affiliated with a militant group based in Pakistan. Islamabad has rejected India's claims as "unfounded and premature."

India has long accused Pakistan of backing militant groups operating in Kashmir with Premier Modi accusing Pakistan of "exporting terrorism."

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has accused India of engagement in an "unprecedented arms build-up" along the de facto border dividing Kashmir.

Kashmir has also witnessed an increase in mass protests over the killing of a pro-independence figure in early July. Tens of thousands of Indian government troops have been deployed to Indian-controlled Kashmir and over 80 people have lost their lives in the ensuing crackdown.

China has long been a strong military, economic and diplomatic supporter of Pakistan amid a border dispute between Beijing and New Delhi.

Last year, officials from Beijing and New Delhi pledged to settle the border dispute, which dates back to a brief border war in 1962.

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Russia's Putin censures Washington for cyber attack threat

Iran Press TV

Sun Oct 16, 2016 3:0PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken Washington to task for its threats to launch a cyber attack against Moscow, saying that US cyber threat rhetoric does not correspond to the norms of international relations.

Putin's remarks came in response to comments made by US Vice President Joe Biden, who in a recent interview said Washington would send a "message" to Moscow with cyber attacks for Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 presidential election in the United States, emphasizing that "we have a capacity to do it."

President Putin, who is attending the 8th summit of the BRICS emerging economies in India, also said, "One can expect just about anything from our American friends," stressing, "Russia does not want confrontation with the US, but it is up to our partners to decide."

The Russian president said US spying agencies were notorious for eavesdropping on friends and foes alike.

Their espionage activity is "well known to everyone, it's no secret," Putin said, adding, "The only novelty is that for the first time, on the highest level, the United States has admitted involvement in these activities."

Putin also stated that the anti-Moscow rhetoric used by officials in Washington as well as presidential candidates is aimed at distracting the attention of Americans from domestic issues and gaining political sway for the election.

The Russian president said that during election campaigns in the United States relations between the two countries were sacrificed, adding, "I hope that after the election period in the US, there will be a chance to restore relations between Moscow and Washington.... We do not know what will happen after the US elections, but welcome everyone who wants to work with us."

On the issue of Syria

The Russian president also commented on the stances adopted by Moscow and Washington on the conflict in Syria.

"You think our relations with the United States changed because of Syria? No, not because of Syria, but because of attempts of one side to impose its decisions on the whole world."

Russia and the United States have been at odds over the issue of Syria. Moscow supports the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and is for a political solution to the conflict. Washington, however, has been supporting militant groups operating against Damascus over the past years of turmoil in Syria.

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home World Dutch politician Geert Wilders to go on trial for inciting hatred

A Dutch court in The Hague ruled last Friday that Party for Freedom (PVV) leader Geert Wilders will be tried for inciting hatred based on a speech he made in 2014.

During a party rally in 2014, the Dutch politician asked the crowd whether they want fewer or lesser Moroccans in the Netherlands, to which the crowd replied, "Fewer! Fewer! Fewer!"

More than 6,400 complaints were filed against Wilders due to the incident, as reported by The Washington Post.

The trial began in 2014 but was suspended. A judge ruled that the trial can proceed again on Oct. 31, in which he will be tried on the "suspicion of insulting a group of people based on race and inciting discrimination and hatred."

Wilders has been tried previously for calling for the ban of the Quran and comparing it to Hitler's "Mein Kampf." He won the case in 2011 when a court ruled that the justice system should allow for the free expression of political ideas even those which are deemed repulsive.

According to The Economist, his accusers are now arguing that the speech he made in 2014 does not deserve the same protection because it is directed against an ethnic group rather than a religion.

In response to the ruling, Wilders tweeted, "Prosecuted for what millions think. #politicalprocess #goaway."

His lawyer, Geert-Jan Knoops, said the case is just an excuse for political repression.

"This discussion belongs in political debate, not in front of a court," he said to the judges in The Hague.

Maurice de Hond, a Dutch pollster, believes the case will not diminish Wilders' chances in the elections.

"If it has any effect, it will be positive for him," said de Hond. "It will confirm his followers' belief that he is being persecuted by the elite," he added.

The Sun reported that PVV is ahead in most opinion polls and is predicted to take 35 of the 150 available seats in the Dutch parliament. Wilders has promised to remove Holland from the European Union if he is elected.
Base Bluster: Doubts Cloud Russian Talk Of Far-Flung Military Outposts

Tom Balmforth October 16, 2016

MOSCOW -- As ties between Moscow and Washington plunge to new lows over the conflict in Syria, official rhetoric and Russian media reports suggest the Kremlin is busily working behind the scenes to ramp up its global reach with military bases from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia.

On October 7, Deputy Defense Minister Nikolai Pankov told parliament that Moscow is "calmly" taking a new look at its decision to close Soviet-era bases in Vietnam and Cuba in 2002.

"As far as our presence in distant areas is concerned, we are dealing with this," he said.

On October 10, citing unnamed Russian sources, the pro-Kremlin daily Izvestia reported that Moscow and Cairo are in secret talks for Russia to reclaim a Soviet-era air base at Sidi-Barrani by 2019 -- a move that would give the Russian military a permanent presence in North Africa.

The statements and reports came as parliament was ratifying legislation supporting an open-ended military deployment in Syria, where Russia has established an air base to aid its role backing President Bashar al-Assad in a brutal civil war and is planning to bolster its existing naval facility at Tartus.

Moves to expand Russia's global military footprint would be in keeping with President Vladimir Putin's efforts to portray the country as a resurgent power. Putin restarted long-distance voyages by Russian warships several years ago, and opening bases in Cuba, Vietnam, and Egypt would be a giant step to reverse the post-Soviet retreat of its military.

It would also be a big challenge to the United States, whose military has been dominant since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. It was Putin who decided to shut the bases in 2002 -- pragmatic moves that he is widely believed to have made in part to please Washington during his first term, at a time when relations were much warmer than they are now.

But analysts doubt that the expansive talk presages the actual establishment of major bases, particularly in Vietnam and Cuba, seeing the rhetoric instead as a salvo in mutual recriminations and warning signals between Washington and Moscow.

"I think it's all talk," says Fyodor Lukyanov, a Moscow-based foreign policy expert and editor in chief of the journal Russia In Global Affairs. "We are back to confrontation mode. Both sides. And now everyone will say a lot of interesting things just to, so to say, impress the other side."

'Harmless Exotica'

He and others said that in regions that are not crucial to current Kremlin foreign policy, ambitions for foreign bases will be restrained by the recession that has gripped Russia for nearly two years, prompting the Finance Ministry to aim to cut military spending by 6 percent over the next three years.

Syria is outside this calculus, analysts said, because Russia is using bases there rent-free -- and because the Middle Eastern nation is a key component of the Kremlin's foreign policy agenda and a central battleground in its confrontation with the West.

But in a column published by the news site slon.ru, Russian foreign policy analyst Vladimir Frolov described plans to reestablish bases in Cuba and Vietnam -- thousands of kilometers from foreign policy focuses Syria and Ukraine -- as "harmless exotica."

The Soviet Union established a major listening post around 250 kilometers from the U.S. coast at Lourdes in Cuba in 1962 -- the year of the Cuban Missile Crisis -- and the base remained there until Putin shut it in 2002.

There have been numerous rumors of Russian plans to return to the Caribbean as relations with the United States have worsened. In February 2014, as ties frayed badly amid Ukraine's Euromaidan protests against a Moscow-backed president, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia was actively seeking to expand its military presence and named Cuba, among others, as a possible venue.

In Havana a few months later, however, Putin seemed to dismiss the plans by saying that Russia is "capable of resolving tasks in the area of defense without this component."

Later that year, Washington and Havana embarked on a major thaw that has seen Washington ease trade restrictions on Cuba and open an embassy in the communist country after decades of distrust. Analysts doubt that Cuba would risk forsaking this normalization of relations -- and huge potential trade revenue -- by offering the Kremlin a major base on its territory.

"I am skeptical about Cuba," Frolov tells RFE/RL. "There has been talk about this intelligence base, relaunching the base. Perhaps there might be some modest installations and some resupply point for the Russian Navy and Russian Air Force. But not anything on the scale that the Soviets had in Cuba."

Despite the rising strategic importance of the Indian and Pacific oceans, analysts express doubt that Russia would try to stage a return to its naval base in Vietnam -- in part because such a move would be opposed by China.

The Soviet Union obtained its naval base at Cam Ranh Bay in 1979, after the brief Sino-Vietnamese War, when it was seen in Vietnam as helping to contain China. The base was downsized after the Soviet collapse, and Moscow withdrew entirely in 2002. Since late 2013, Russia has signed several agreements with Vietnam allowing Russian ships and submarines to refuel, resupply, and carry out maintenance at the site.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russia- military-bases-vietnam-cuba-egypt- syria-putin/28056793.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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RT to Continue Work in UK Despite Blocking of Accounts - Editor-in-Chief

Sputnik News

16:33 17.10.2016(updated 16:44 17.10.2016)

The blocking of the accounts of the RT broadcaster in the United Kingdom will not lead to the company halting its operations in the country, RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan said Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Following Simonyan's statement on Twitter earlier in the day, RT UK said it had been informed by the National Westminster Bank that it "will no longer provide" banking arrangements with the broadcaster.

"Not at the moment [ the company's work will not be suspended], but it is clear to us that this is not the last step the United Kingdom is prepared to take to limit our broadcasting," she told RIA Novosti.

RT operates a number of cable and satellite television channels in a number of languages and is directed at a foreign audience. The channels provide 24-hour news coverage, as well as airing documentaries, talk shows and debates.

 Sputnik

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All of RT's Accounts in the UK Blocked, Says Editor-in-Chief Simonyan

Sputnik News

13:38 17.10.2016(updated 16:28 17.10.2016)

RT editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan said that all the company's accounts in the UK have been blocked.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The RT broadcaster's accounts have been blocked in the United Kingdom, Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan said Monday, suggesting that the move stifles free speech.

"Our accounts in the UK have been closed. All Accounts. 'The decision is not subject to revision'. Long live freedom of speech!" Simonyan said in a Twitter post.

Following Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan's statement on Twitter earlier in the day, RT UK said it had been informed by the National Westminster Bank that it "will no longer provide" banking arrangements with the broadcaster.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commenting on the RT blocked accounts said that it seems like London has abandoned all of its freedom of speech obligations.

"It seems that leaving the EU, London has left all its freedom of speech obligations in Europe. As they say, a new life without bad habits," Zakharova said in a Facebook post.

RT UK added that National Westminster Bank said its parent organization Royal Bank of Scotland Group would refuse to service the broadcaster without "any discussion."

"We have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities," NatWest said in a letter to RT's London office.

 Sputnik

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Kremlin-funded RT Claims Britain Blocked All its Bank Accounts

By VOA News October 17, 2016

The editor-in-chief of Kremlin-funded television network RT claimed Monday that all channel's bank accounts in Britain have been closed.

Margarita Simonyan said via Twitter that RT had received a ruling that cannot be appealed, sarcastically adding: "Long live freedom of speech."

"Our accounts have been blocked in Britain. All of our accounts. 'The decision cannot be appealed'. Long live freedom of speech!" Simonyan wrote.

RT, formerly known as Russia Today, broadcasts round the clock in English, Arabic and Spanish. It was set up to present news from the perspective of the Kremlin.

The channel's target audiences are primarily in Europe and in the United States, and it has a British outlet called RT UK that broadcasts from London.

Simonyan did not say why the accounts had been blocked. However, there is an ongoing case involving claims against Moscow from shareholders of the now defunct oil firm Yukos, founded by Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a Kremlin's opponent and a former prisoner. That case has led to freezes of Russian assets abroad including those of state media.

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UK and US consider extra sanctions against Syria

Iran Press TV

Sun Oct 16, 2016 6:46PM

The United Kingdom and United States say they were considering more sanctions against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his supporters, and called on Russia and Iran to help end the 5-year conflict in the country.

"It is vital that we keep that pressure up and there is a lot of measures we're proposing, to do with extra sanctions on the Syrian regime and their supporters," British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told reporters on Sunday in London alongside US Secretary of State John Kerry.

"These things will eventually come to bite the perpetrators of these crimes and they should think about it now," said Johnson, who also said there was no appetite in Europe for "going to war" in Syria.

He called on Russia and Iran to show leadership to end the conflict. "It is up to them to show mercy, show mercy to those people in that city and get the ceasefire going."

Kerry confirmed that Washington and its allies were considering additional sanctions against the Syrian government.

Kerry had traveled to London on Sunday to hold talks with his French, German and British counterparts about the results of his meeting over the Syrian conflict on Saturday in the Swiss city of Lausanne.

The foreign ministers of nine countries attended the Lausanne meeting but failed to agree on a common strategy to end the conflict in Syria.

Several major international efforts have failed to secure a political solution to Syria.

A US- and Russia-brokered ceasefire in Syria ended last month. It had ushered in several days of relative calm, but violence began to creep back when a US-led airstrike killed more than 80 Syrian soldiers.

There are dozens of US special operations forces in Syria, who are working closely with a collection of various militant groups that are trying to topple the country's legitimate government.

The foreign-sponsored conflict in Syria, which started in March 2011, has claimed the lives of more than 400,000 people, according to a UN estimate.

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Putin criticizes France for not doing enough to solve Syria crisis

Iran Press TV

Sun Oct 16, 2016 3:51PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized France for not contributing enough to international efforts to settle the crisis in Syria, saying Paris has not properly responded to Russia's calls for joint action on Syria.

"France is not so deeply involved in the settlement of the Syrian conflict," Putin said on Sunday during a BRICS summit in India, adding that Russia is always ready to talk with "especially large and great powers like France with all its capabilities" on ways to end the five-year conflict in Syria.

Putin noted that France had backed down on its previous promises to cooperate with Russian forces in Syria.

"We remember when the (French) Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier approached the coast of Syria - and we had seemingly agreed to work jointly - but a few days later it turned away and headed toward the Suez Canal," Putin said, asking, "What does that say?"

Putin blamed France for the cancellation of a visit by the Russian leader to Paris on October 19, saying it was the French authorities who decided to change the agenda of the trip and raise the issue of Syria.

"We have other issues apart from Syria, we could have discussed other issues," he said.

Tensions have escalated between Paris and Moscow since Russia vetoed a French resolution at the United Nations Security Council which called for a halt to the bombing of the Syrian city of Aleppo.

Putin had accused France of deliberately pushing for the UN proposal to heap pressure on Russia as it knew that Moscow would veto the resolution. He said the move was aimed at "inflaming the situation and fanning hysteria around Russia".

Under the air cover provided by Russia, Syria has stepped up attacks on militant-held parts of the northwestern city of Aleppo over the past two weeks. That has angered France and other western allies who claim that Russian fighter jets indiscriminately target the civilians in the city.

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Rebels In Syria Said To Have Captured IS Stronghold Of Dabiq

October 16, 2016

Turkish-backed rebels have captured Syria's symbolically important town of Dabiq from the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, the rebels and monitors say.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on October 16 that the rebels, backed by Turkish warplanes and artillery, seized Dabiq after IS fighters "withdrew" from the area.

The rebels also captured Dabiq's neighboring village of Soran, rebels and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Rebels said Dabiq had fallen after "fierce clashes" with the IS group.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu confirmed later on October 16 that Dabiq is under the full control of Turkish-backed rebels.

Dabiq, some 10 kilometers from the Turkish border, had been occupied by IS militants since August 2014.

The small town is important to IS propaganda because of a prophecy of an apocalyptic battle between Muslims and infidels.

The group has named its English-language propaganda magazine Dabiq.

The advance on Dabiq is part of a wider offensive by Turkish-backed rebel groups in northern Syria, aimed at recapturing IS strongholds and stoping the advance of Kurdish militia, which Turkey sees as an extension of its Kurdish separatists.

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and dpa

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/dabiq-islamic- state-capture-turkey-syria/28056870.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Kerry Visiting London For More Syria Crisis Talks

RFE/RL October 16, 2016

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is traveling to London on October 16 to discuss the civil war in Syria with Washington's European allies.

Kerry is to brief his counterparts from Britain, France, and Germany following talks in Switzerland with countries who back opposing sides in the 5-year-old conflict.

On October 15 in Lausanne, Switzerland, Kerry met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the top diplomats of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey.

The talks, which followed the collapse of a U.S.-Russia-brokered cease-fire deal last month, ended with no agreement on any concrete steps to halt the violence.

Describing the meeting as a candid "brainstorming" session, Kerry said new ideas were discussed for reviving the truce.

He said that despite tensions between the parties, they had agreed on the urgency of continuing to work together to restore the truce.

Kerry told reporters that high-level contacts would continue on October 17 to discuss future steps.

The parties "might be able to shape some different approaches," the U.S. top diplomat added.

Lavrov said he had pressed for a "political process" to end the conflict to begin "as soon as possible."

"We agreed that we must prolong our contacts over the coming days while taking into account certain accommodations that can help promote peace in Syria," he also said.

On October 16, the Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated that in order for the U.S.-Russian cease-fire agreement to succeed, Syria's moderate opposition must separate from Jabhat Fatah al Sham -- previously known as the Al-Nusra Front -- and other "terrorist groups" affiliated with it.

Meanwhile, the ministry added, "it should be understood that operations against terrorists of Islamic State and the Al-Nusra Front will be continued."

Syrian forces, backed by Russia, have been bombing rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo in an offensive to capture the country's largest city.

The United Nations has warned that eastern Aleppo, where an estimated 275,000 people are besieged, could face "total destruction" within two months.

Western powers have accused Russia and Syria of committing atrocities by bombing hospitals, killing civilians, and preventing medical evacuations.

Last week, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution drafted by France calling for an end to the bombing in the city.

With reporting by AFP, AP, dpa, and Reuters

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/kerry- london-talks-syria-lavrov- russia-aleppo/28056746.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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US, Partners Mulling Syria, Russia Sanctions Over Aleppo

By Luis Ramirez October 16, 2016

In a move reflecting frustration over new efforts for a cease-fire amid escalating human rights abuses in Syria, the United States says it is "considering additional sanctions" against President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian supporters, an action that could come in the next few weeks.

"We are pursuing diplomacy because those are the tools we have," said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry after meeting Sunday with the foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany in London. "I do not see a big appetite in Europe for people to go to war."

Talks on the five-year-old conflict moved to London after Kerry had conversations Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Switzerland to brainstorm on finding a way forward after the collapse of a cease-fire in the embattled city of Aleppo.

There was not much movement in Kerry's meeting with European partners, either, other than a resolve to increase pressure on Syrian government forces and Russia to stop airstrikes on the city.

With European partners seeking to de-escalate the war, Kerry and his European partners said diplomacy remains the only option.

"We are trying to find a way forward in those circumstances," Kerry said.

Kerry launched his new, two-day effort Saturday in Switzerland, less than two weeks after Washington suspended bilateral talks with Moscow, following the collapse of the latest cease-fire in Aleppo.

The United States and its partners are concerned about the humanitarian toll of airstrikes by Russian and Assad forces that have killed hundreds of civilians in Aleppo and blocked aid supplies from reaching a quarter of a million people trapped in the city.

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IS Loses Control of Symbolic Syrian Border Village

By Jamie Dettmer October 16, 2016

Turkish-backed Syrian rebels have captured the symbolically important northern Syrian village of Dabiq from Islamic State militants.

The seizure of the village, 10 kilometers from the Turkish border, was announced by Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu as he met with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and other leaders in London as part of talks on the conflict in Syria.

Dabiq holds little tactical value for IS but is of major symbolic importance for the jihadists, according to Turkish leaders and political activists in the war-savaged country.

Dabiq holds religious significance for IS because of an eighth-century, end-of-times Sunni prophecy predicting it will be the site of an apocalyptic showdown between Islam and Christianity. Islamic State propagandists have encouraged supporters to believe doomsday is imminent, naming one of its major online English-language publications, Dabiq.

Every new edition of Dabiq opens with a quote by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the mentor of IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, claiming, "The spark has been ignited in Iraq, and its flames will grow until they burn the Crusader armies in Dabiq."

Before the final assault on the town, IS propagandists appeared to had been readying their supporters for a defeat at Dabiq, distancing the fight for Dabiq from the epic doomsday showdown, known as al-Malhamah al-Kubra, they once forecast. Last week, in an online pamphlet, the jihadist propagandists downplayed the current fight for Dabiq.

Anti-IS fighters and their Turkish backers "have amassed in Aleppo, announcing Dabiq as their major goal," the jihadists said, thinking they can score "a great moral victory against the Islamic State."

But "the great epic of Dabiq will be preceded by great events and apocalyptic omens," they added. "These hit-and-run battles in Dabiq and its outskirts -- the lesser Dabiq battle -- will end in the greater Dabiq epic." When that great showdown is likely to come, the propagandists don't explain.

The assault on Dabiq was part of Turkey's wider military intervention aimed at creating "a terror-free safe zone of 5,000 square kilometers" in northern Syria, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said.

Turkey launched the mission called Operation Euphrates Shield on August 24 and its goal is to push well back from the border not only IS jihadists but also the Syrian Kurdish militia, the People's Protection Units, or YPG.

Operation Euphrates Shield has dashed the Syrian Kurds' hope of linking all four Kurdish cantons along the frontier, undermining the YPG ambition of carving out an independent state.

Jarabulus and al-Rai became the first two towns to be captured from IS by the Turkish-backed Syrian rebels. "We are now advancing. Where? To Dabiq," Erdogan said in his televised comments Saturday, speaking from the Black Sea province of Rize.

He added that Turkey would like to see some of the 3 million refugees that have fled Syria to Turkey return home. "Let's create space for them," he said. "They can go to their own lands, we can make them live there safely."

Syrian political activists and NGO workers say many refugees would likely return.

"If the Turkish government and its allies can ensure safety in the zone they carve out, many refugees would go back," activist and NGO worker Eyad Kharaba said.

Rebel commanders say after Dabiq, they will target the town of al-Bab, northeast of Aleppo city. That move could lead to a confrontation with the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces. They have also announced their intention of targeting al-Bab.

A European diplomat told VOA last month that he suspected the Turkey-backed forces would also start moving not only south to the strategic town of al-Bab but also west "to the towns of Marea and Tell Rifaat," which is currently occupied by the YPG and adjoins Afrin, a Kurdish enclave the YPG hoped to link with three cantons east of the Euphrates River.

As Turkey expands its buffer zone with FSA boots on the ground, Ankara already is making clear how it intends to administer its northern Syria "protectorate."

Western NGOs have been tipped off by Turkish counterparts that Turkish and Syrian NGOs favored by Erdogan will be key in ruling the protectorate. The Turkish authorities are already in the process of establishing pro-Turkish town councils in the zone.

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home US Oregon church does not want "excessive weight" on its worship team

A church in Oregon is drawing criticism on social media when a Facebook page called attention to its guidelines that forbade people with "excessive weight" from joining the worship team.

The New Creation Church in Hillsboro, Oregon, initially posted the "Worship Team Guidelines" on its website but it was later removed. However, a copy was made available elsewhere.

The guideline emphasized that appearance is an important aspect in leading the congregation in worship.

The church listed its requirements regarding dress codes, grooming and hygiene, attendance, attitude and holiness. Under grooming and hygiene, it required that the members should have "no excessive weight" to participate in the worship team.

"No Excessive weight. Weight is something that many people have to deal with. Make sure that you are taking care of your temple, exercising and eating properly," the guideline stated.

The church also forbade excessive piercings, visible tattoos, sloppy hairdos and tight skirts. The guidelines also recommended the use of deodorant but forbade the use of excessive perfumes.

Under its requirement for dress code, it stated: "We want the worship team to look the best they can! Remember that the way we look is of utmost importance. We are the first thing the congregation sees."

The document started to receive negative comments on social media when it was posted on a Facebook page called Stuff Christian Culture Likes on Sept. 30.

"Nothing but Old Spice and Weight Watchers can wash away your sins," one commenter wrote.

New Creation Church Pastor Rebecca Sundholm said in an interview with Oregon Live that the guidelines had been on the website for a long time.

"What's funny is this has nothing to do with anybody else but our church," she said. "If anybody looked at our worship team, they would see they aren't all skinny," she added.

Sundholm stated that the guidelines had been written by the worship leader a few years back and added that it is not even being enforced anymore. She insisted that the church has its standards and said that critics have taken the guidelines out of context.
EU Push To Boost Pressure On Russia, Syria Over Aleppo Bombing

October 17, 2016

European Union foreign ministers have strongly condemned Syrian and Russian air strikes on civilian targets in rebel-held eastern Aleppo, saying they "may amount to war crimes."

A statement agreed by the EU's 28 members on October 17 says that, since the start of an offensive by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's "regime and its allies, notably Russia, the intensity and scale of the aerial bombardment of eastern Aleppo is clearly disproportionate."

The statement said the offensive involved "the deliberate targeting of hospitals, medical personnel, schools, and essential infrastructure, as well as the use of barrel bombs, cluster bombs, and chemical weapons."

Britain and France pushed for strong condemnation of Syria and Russia during the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg on October 17.

Calling Russia the Syrian government's "puppeteers," British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the bombardment of Aleppo's rebel-held districts "shames humanity."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the EU ministers examined "all the options to put much stronger pressure" on Assad and his allies.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the bloc was not considering sanctions against Russia for its actions in Syria. But she said there was a possibility of extending measures against Assad's regime.

Russia said on October 17 that Russia and Syrian government forces would halt their air strikes on eastern Aleppo for eight hours on October 20 for humanitarian considerations.

But the United Nations said eight hours was not long enough to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to some 250,000 civilians trapped in rebel-held parts of Aleppo.

Based on reporting by dpa, Reuters, AFP, TASS, Interfax, and the BBC

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/eu-russia-syria-britain- france-push-sanctions/28058726.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Interview: U.K.-Based Monitor Contrasts Russian, U.S. Air Campaigns In Syria

Mark Krutov October 17, 2016

MOSCOW -- The unrelenting bombing of rebel-held Aleppo by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian ally, Vladimir Putin, has drawn international condemnation and even calls from Washington and Paris for a war crimes investigation.

RFE/RL's Russian Service spoke to Chris Woods, director of Airwars, a London-based group monitoring international air strikes against the Islamic State extremist group in Iraq, Syria, and Libya, to get a better idea how Russia's air campaign in Syria compares with the one being conducted by a U.S.-led coalition.

RFE/RL: Can we compare the number of civilian casualties in Syria inflicted by Russian air strikes to those by U.S.-led coalition air strikes?

Chris Woods: There are many challenges in comparing the Russian and coalition campaigns in Syria. Partly because those countries report their conflict in slightly different ways, so we have different data sets, different tempos of air strikes. But there is, I suppose, some comparable data that we can look at that does indicate that the U.S.-led coalition and Russia appear to be fighting their wars in Syria in very different ways, and in ways which have quite significant implications for civilians on the ground.

RFE/RL: What are the differences?

Woods: When we look at the numbers for Syria, we think it's likely, based on Airwars' monitoring of reports of civilian casualties, that the U.S.-led coalition has probably killed about 900 civilians across the last 26 months since September of 2014. In just the last year, monitors suggest that Russian air strikes have killed in the region of 3,600 civilians, or more, in just the first year of Russian bombing. So the scale of civilian casualties from Russian air strikes is significantly greater than those we've seen from the coalition, even when you account for the higher tempo of Russian strikes in Syria compared to coalition action.

RFE/RL: What accounts for this difference?

Woods: We would assume that there are probably three reasons for the difference in numbers. One is the tempo. Russia carries out far more strikes than the Americans in Syria and, relatively speaking, one would expect that to lead to more casualties, including civilian casualties.

The second reason, and probably the most significant reason, is the munitions Russia is primarily using in Syria. Russia is still in the early stages of adopting so-called "smart bombs" -- that is, laser- and GPS-guided munitions -- which the coalition uses almost exclusively. The advantage of those bombs and missiles is they are fairly good at getting relatively precisely to where they are needed, which means that you need fewer munitions and fewer explosives to achieve the same effect. So, civilians generally are less harmed when precision munitions are used.

But as we understand it, more than 90 percent, perhaps an even higher proportion of Russian munitions, are still unguided bombs and missiles. Russian pilots appear to be good at getting those bombs to go to the areas they are needed to go. But the reality is that, in order to achieve the same effect, you need more bombs with more explosives to destroy your target. We've seen that repeatedly -- that military targets are hit by Russia but civilian casualties in the vicinity -- so-called collateral damage -- can be quite significant. We think that's the single biggest thing driving the high number of civilian casualties from Russia.

But there is another factor and this factor comes and goes depending on the stage of the campaign. There have been periods in Syria where Russia has very heavily targeted civilian infrastructure and civilian-occupied areas, and that has led to very significant civilian casualties at particular times. Of course, that is what has been causing such international upset, particularly on the question of Aleppo right now. This deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilian communities is very different as a tactic from what we've seen from the coalition, and does lead to these significant spikes in civilian deaths.

RFE/RL: Russian officials say they are targeting terrorists who are located in densely populated areas. Has the U.S.-led coalition faced the same challenge?

Woods: Absolutely. Mosul is bombed every single day by the coalition even though that city has a population of 1 million civilians, we think, under occupation by the so-called Islamic State. More air strikes have been carried out by the coalition in Mosul than anywhere else in their war. And more civilian deaths have credibly been reported in Mosul than anywhere else. At a minimum, we think that more than 500 civilians have been killed by the coalition in Mosul over the past two years.

You can't bomb in cities and towns from the air and not kill civilians. It's simply impossible. We know from extensive modeling of previous conflicts that civilians are at extreme risk from air strikes in these wars and it's the time when civilians are most likely to die in a conflict. It's when towns and cities are bombed in this way. Now, the coalition can somewhat reduce that risk for civilians by using precision strikes and lower-yield bombs, but both parties -- Russia and the coalition -- have without a doubt inflicted significant civilian casualties as they have tried to dislodge militant terrorist or rebel forces from particular cities or towns.

RFE/RL: How does information presented by parties in the conflict about their air strikes compare?

Woods: In the early stages of the war in Syria, Russia was very good at daily reports and saying roughly where it was bombing. Unfortunately, those reports have become much more intermittent now and we tend to only hear once a month from Russia, and it will tell us that it has bombed in a particular governorate, an area of Syria, but frankly, with thousands of air strikes going into Syria every month now from the U.S., Russia, the Assad regime, and others, it is not enough information to really understand from the official perspective when Russia is bombing. We would certainly welcome Russia returning to that early reporting when it tells us every day where and when it bombs.

It's important because in such a complicated war with so many foreign powers involved we think that civilians have a right to know who is bombing them and when things go wrong and civilians die they have a right know who has killed and injured their loved ones. With Russia's reporting right now, it's simply not possible to distinguish whether it was a Russian strike.

What I would say is that Russia is not alone in that. More than half the members of the U.S.-led coalition are very poor in their reporting, worse than Russia, certainly, in refusing to tell us where or when they bomb in Iraq and Syria. We don't think that's acceptable at all.

RFE/RL: Can you distinguish between Russian bombing and bombing conducted by Syrian aviation?

Woods: The reporting situation in Syria is getting more and more confused. We've tracked over the last years more than 14 nations external to Syria that have carried out air strikes in the country. It's incredibly difficult at times to distinguish who was responsible for what actions. The reports out of Aleppo are often confused. Most reports now can no longer distinguish between Russian and Assad regime air strikes, although sometimes assumptions are made based on the munitions that are dropped and the way that these locations are bombed.

But I think it's fair to say, and I don't think Russia has denied, that it is heavily involved in the air campaign in Aleppo right now. Perhaps it's blamed for too many of those strikes. But I think it is entirely fair to say that Russia is involved in a very targeted campaign primarily on civilian occupied neighborhoods of Aleppo that is killing a substantial number of civilians, probably the highest number of civilians Russia has killed during its entire campaign. And I think it's absolutely right that international organizations -- the UN, the ICRC [International Committee of the Red Cross/Red Crescent], and others -- have called Russia out on this.

RFE/RL: What can be done to reduce the number of civilian casualties from coalition, Russian, and other air strikes?

Woods: If the air strikes are going to continue, we have to see both the coalition and Russia foregrounding the reduction of harm to civilians on the battlefield. And crucially, in Russia's case, we think there's a significant public-interest need to switch as quickly as it is able from these dumb munitions dropped from high altitudes to more precise and guided munitions which we think will have a significant impact in terms of reducing civilian casualties.

RFE/RL: How serious are Western calls for war crimes investigations against Russia?

Woods: We are in a situation where four of the five permanent members of the Security Council are bombing Syria right now. When there is talk of a red line, I think the question always comes back to: Who's red line are we talking about? I do not see the international community as being capable of getting a grip on Syria right now with so many of the permanent five directly implicated in the conflict and frankly in the civilian casualties that are occurring in Syria. We leave red lines to others. Our red line at Airwars is: please, please, reduce the risk to civilians and reduce the number of air strikes on these occupied towns and cities.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/syria-russia -us-monitor-compares-bombing- campaigns/28059034.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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US Defense Secretary Welcomes Liberating Syrian Dabiq From Daesh Terrorists

Sputnik News

02:25 17.10.2016

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter welcomed liberation of the northern Syrian town of Dabiq from the Daesh terror group.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  He added that Dabiq had symbolic importance for the Daesh as the group claimed that the town would be the site of its final victory.

"I welcome today's news that Syrian opposition forces liberated the Syrian town of Dabiq from ISIL [Daesh] control, aided by strong support from our ally Turkey and our international coalition," Carter said on Saturday as quoted by the Defense Department's statement.

On Saturday, Turkish armed forces said that the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army gained control over Dabiq, located 25 miles northeast of Aleppo.

Syria's civil war between government forces and a wide range of insurgents, including opposition groups and terrorists, such as the Daesh and Jabhat Fatah al Sham (also known as the al-Nusra Front, or Jabhat al-Nusra), both outlawed in Russia, has raged for some five years and has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.

 Sputnik

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Daesh Militants Arrive in Syrian Raqqa After Start of Mosul Offensive

Sputnik News

21:39 17.10.2016(updated 21:44 17.10.2016)

Vehicles with Daesh militants that arrived from Iraq are concentrating in northern Raqqa, according to local sources.

DAMASCUS (Sputnik)  The Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) militants arrived in the Syrian Raqqa, presumably from Iraqi Mosul, following the beginning of the offensive there, local sources told Sputnik Monday.

Vehicles with Daesh militants that arrived from Iraq are concentrating in northern Raqqa, the city is now heavily fortified.

Earlier in the day, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi announced the start of the military operation to retake Mosul from the Daesh militants.

According to local media, about 30,000 Iraqi soldiers and 4,000 Kurdish Peshmerga fighters are taking part in the operation, backed by air strikes carried out by the US-led international coalition.

The city of Raqqa is the de facto IS capital and their major stronghold in Syria. It has been under control of the jihadists since August 2014.

 Sputnik

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New Aleppo Attack in Syria Kills at Least 23

By Ken Bredemeier October 17, 2016

A new aerial bombardment Monday in Syria flattened residential buildings in a rebel-controlled village in the northern province of Aleppo, killing at least 23 people.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the hardest-hit area was in Qaterji, where rescuers were working to pull survivors from the rubble. The new deaths brought the 24-hour toll to 45.

Both Syrian and Russian forces have been bombing rebel-held positions in Aleppo for weeks, as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attempts to regain control of the once-thriving city in the sixth year of the uprising against his government.

One ambulance driver said that in the latest attack Russian aircraft targeted a five- or six-story building. He said dozens of people were pulled from the debris and that hospitals "are full of casualties."

Syria talks

The bombardment came as world diplomats remain stymied in their efforts to end the Syrian fighting, which has claimed more than 300,000 lives.

Several cease-fires in Syria have collapsed, including a recent Russian-U.S. truce plan. Moscow said Monday that peace talks could resume in Lausanne, Switzerland, modeled after Saturday talks between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, and foreign ministers from Iran, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and Jordan.

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini says the EU is not considering sanctioning Russia over its actions in Syria.

"This has not been proposed by any member state," she told reporters Monday in Luxembourg.

Mogherini said there are discussions about sanctions against members of the Assad government, and stressed the need for those who have an influence on the various players in the conflict to find a way to talk and seek solutions.

Her comments came a day after Kerry warned of possible sanctions related to the situation in Syria and harshly criticized Russia's military actions there.

Syria was a focus during his talks Sunday with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and the Saturday meeting with Lavrov and the other diplomats.

US outraged by devastation

Kerry said Sunday the officials are disturbed and outraged by the devastation that has hit the northern city of Aleppo.

"This is the largest humanitarian disaster since World War II," he said. "And it could stop tomorrow morning, tonight, if Russia and the Assad regime would behave according to any norm or any standard of decency. But they've chosen not to."

Kerry said he and other diplomats have to exhaust every possibility to find a way to halt the fighting.

"We're going to continue to work at this because no one has a right to just walk away and allow Aleppo to continue to be bombed without making every effort possible in order to stop it," he said.

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Europe cautions Turkey on post-coup crackdown

Iran Press TV

Sun Oct 16, 2016 6:16AM

The chief of Europe's top human rights body says Turkey should observe legal and human rights principles in the prosecution of people suspected of links to a failed July coup attempt in the country.

The secretary general of the Council of Europe, Thorbjorn Jagland, told the Associated Press on Friday that Turkish authorities needed to be careful about prosecuting people and to ensure there is compelling evidence regarding their involvement in the coup.

"We shouldn't forget that this was a real threat to the Turkish state," Jagland said, referring to the coup attempt. "The only question is how broad it is, and how many you should accuse of being part of it."

The European official stressed that it is "incredibly important" for authorities in Turkey to allow their citizens to fight and appeal against the charges in the country's constitutional court, which decides cases based on European legal norms.

Too wide a net?

After the coup was largely suppressed on July 16, Turkey began a heavy-handed crackdown on those deemed to have played a role in the attempt.

Turkish officials have been offering various figures on the number of those arrested in connection with the coup, but at least 20,000 are certain to have been apprehended. Over 70,000 have been dismissed or suspended from their positions in the military and public institutions.

The crackdown has faced mounting criticism from rights campaigners, but Ankara says it will continue the purge to prevent a repetition of the attempt.

Jagland had earlier warned that the Turkish government and judiciary should not go "too wide" in casting the net they use for hunting the alleged plotters.

Turkey has blamed US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen for the coup bid. Gulen has, nevertheless, condemned the coup attempt and denied any involvement in it.

At least 246 people were killed and more than 2,100 others sustained injuries in the failed putsch.

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Separatists Vow Revenge After Top Commander Killed In Eastern Ukraine

Christopher Miller October 17, 2016

KYIV -- An unruly commander of Russia-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine who once boasted about having killed captive soldiers has died in Donetsk in an apparent assassination, the latest in a spate of killings that the separatists blame on Kyiv but that others suspect have been carried out by Russia.

A top Donetsk separatist leader vowed revenge, sparking concerns of new violence by separatists whose war with Kyiv's forces has killed more than 9,600 people in eastern Ukraine since April 2014.

Arseny Pavlov, a Russian citizen better known by his nom de guerre, Motorola, succumbed to "injuries incompatible with life" after an improvised explosive device detonated as he entered the elevator of his apartment building in the separatist stronghold of Donetsk on October 16, the Interfax news agency reported. It said a bodyguard also died in the blast.

The separatist leadership in Donetsk confirmed Pavlov's death and said an investigation was under way. Aleksandr Zakharchenko, head of the separatist group that calls itself the Donetsk People's Republic, blamed the Ukrainian authorities for the blast that killed Pavlov, who headed a fighting force called the Sparta battalion.

Zakharchenko said the killing amounted to a "declaration of war" by President Petro Poroshenko and vowed to retaliate against members of Ukraine's military and security services, as well as their families.

"All officers, lieutenant colonels, majors who operate on our territory, all your agents, families, are beyond the law as of now. Not only here but in Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk," Zakharchenko told a press conference in Donetsk, listing cities that are under government control. "And I would add: when we come to your home, there will be no mercy towards you, believe me."

Hours after Pavlov's death was reported, an unverified video showing four masked, armed men taking credit for the killing was shared online by Russian media and separatist supporters.

Standing in front of a Ukrainian flag as well as one representing a neo-Nazi group with roots in Ukraine and Russia, one man vows to come after Zakharchenko and Luhansk separatist leader Ihor Plotnitsky next, before the four men make a Nazi salute. The authenticity of the video could not be confirmed, and Russian media have used faked footage in the past during the conflict.

'Sad But Fair'

Neither Poroshenko nor his office immediately commented on Pavlov's death or responded to Zakharchenko's remarks. But Artem Shevchenko, director of communications for Ukraine's Interior Ministry, said Pavlov got what he deserved.

"It is a sad but fair end of such bastards on our Ukrainian land," Shevchenko wrote in a post on Facebook.

Other Ukrainians, many of whom view Pavlov as a war criminal, reacted on social media with relief and even delight.

Pavlov, 33, was born in Russia's northern Komi Republic and was reported to have once lived in Rostov-on-Don, near the Ukrainian border. He was married with two children, who were reportedly inside the family's Donetsk apartment at the time of the blast. The marriage, celebrated with guns and roses in Donetsk, was rumored to be his second and conducted without him having divorced his first wife.

Media reports say he fought in the second war between Russian forces and Chechen separatists, which began in 1999, and had worked as a lifeguard and a car washer.

In 2014, Pavlov traveled to the eastern Ukrainian city of Slovyansk to fight in an anti-Kyiv force led by Igor Girkin, another Russian who played a key role in the early stages of the conflict.

Pavlov later went on to fight in fierce battles against Ukrainian forces in Ilovaysk in August 2014 and Debaltseve in February 2015 -- separatist campaigns that Western intelligence and reporters on the ground said were backed by regular Russian forces.

Pavlov also led the Sparta battalion in the protracted battle for Donetsk airport, which left a once-gleaming new terminal completely destroyed, and boasted about having killed 15 Ukrainian combatants captured by his men there.

In another 2015 interview with RFE/RL's Current Time TV, however, Pavlov said he didn't kill the Ukrainian prisoners.

Nevertheless, Amnesty International has accused Pavlov of war crimes and the European Union imposed sanctions on him for his alleged actions in Ukraine.

There had been at least one reported attempt on Pavlov's life, on June 24, when a vehicle packed with explosives blew up outside a trauma center in Donetsk where he was reportedly receiving treatment for a battlefield injury. No casualties were reported.

Pavlov is one of several separatist military leaders to have been killed in apparent assassinations, but the first in the Donetsk region. Several in Luhansk -- the other province held in part by the separatists -- have been killed or found dead under mysterious circumstances. Others in Donetsk, including Zakharchenko, have been the target of assassination attempts.

Possible Moscow Role?

While the separatists have blamed Kyiv in all cases, many analysts believe Moscow could be behind such killings.

"Moscow may want to give the [separatist groups] more acceptable civilian faces not directly implicated in MH17 or war crimes," Alex Kokcharov, a Ukraine and Russia risk analyst at the London-based defense and security consultancy IHS Markit, told RFE/RL.

An international probe found that a Russian missile fired from separatist-held territory downed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014, killing all 298 people on board.

Kokcharov said that Russia might hope removing those seen as responsible could "put more pressure on Kyiv" to make concessions in efforts to end the conflict and resolve the status of the separatist-held areas under the Minsk agreement, signed in February 2015.

Kokcharov suggested the killing could further reduce the chances of implementation of the already frayed Minsk deal and lead to an increase in fighting. Regardless of who killed Pavlov, he said, his death "gives a pretext for [the separatists] to accuse Kyiv and escalate the conflict."

Using a colloquial name for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, a pro-Kremlin Russian analyst, Igor Korotchenko, said on Twitter: "In light of recent events, a new round of war in the Donbas, unfortunately, becomes almost inevitable."

Russian and Ukrainian leaders, along with their French and German counterparts, are considering meeting in Berlin on October 19 to seek progress on the Minsk agreement, but Moscow and Kyiv are locked in a stalemate over how and when the deal should be implemented.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine- motorola-assassination/28058166.html

Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Murder of Donetsk Militia Commander Threatens to Reignite Ukraine's Civil War

Sputnik News

16:38 17.10.2016(updated 16:44 17.10.2016)

On Sunday night, Donetsk People's Republic militia commander Arseny Pavlov, aka Motorola, was killed in an explosion of an elevator in a Donetsk high-rise. DPR leader Alexander Zakharchenko called the attack a declaration of war by Kiev. Analysts warn that the brazen attack could lead to a resumption of hostilities.

According to local media, Pavlov, the commander of the Sparta Battalion special forces unit, was killed after a remotely-detonated improvised explosive device blew up in an elevator shaft in the apartment building where he and his family lived. DPR authorities suspect Ukrainian saboteurs to be behind the attack.

Pavlov was threatened directly by President Petro Poroshenko just last month. In early September, in a ceremony dedicated to Ukrainian servicemen killed in eastern Ukraine, including Igor Branovitsky, who died in 2014 amid brutal fighting for Donetsk Airport, Poroshenko claimed that Pavlov had murdered the soldier in cold blood in captivity, and vowed that the DPR commander would "answer for the death of a Ukrainian hero."

There have been multiple attempts on Pavlov's life over the course of the two-and-a-half year civil war in eastern Ukraine, which began in April 2014 after Kiev moved troops to the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk to put down uprisings against new authorities in Kiev. The commander had survived two assassination attempts in just the last five months, and was twice wounded in fighting with Ukrainian forces in battles in 2014 and 2015. In other words, Pavlov had a price on his head long before Poroshenko decided to try to implicate him in the deaths of Ukrainian POWs.

Pavlov was born in 1983 in Ukhta, northern Russia. He served two tours in the Russian anti-terrorist operation in Chechnya, where he got his nickname 'Motorola' for his work as a signals operator. Before arriving in Ukraine, he lived in neighboring Rostov-on-Don. In 2014, observing the coup d'etat in Kiev, and hearing the threats made by nationalists against Ukraine's Russian minority, Pavlov came to eastern Ukraine, eventually joining the self-proclaimed Donetsk republic's militia. He and his unit were given numerous medals for the defense of DPR territory against Ukrainian forces. Pavlov held the title 'Hero of the DPR'.

Assassination Threatens to Destroy Shaky Peace

Given the deterioration of the security situation in eastern Ukraine in recent months, with recriminations on both sides about non-compliance with the Minsk agreements, experts are concerned that Pavlov's murder could result in a full-scale resumption in hostilities.

On Sunday night, shortly after finding out about the commander's death, DPR leader Alexander Zakharchenko stated bluntly that as he understood it, "Petro Poroshenko violated the ceasefire and declared war on us."

Ukraine expert and Vzglyad news site contributor Evgeny Krutikov warned that Pavlov's death may indicate that Kiev is now consciously planning to reignite the frozen conflict.

"The killing of charismatic leaders before the start of hostilities is a familiar story," the journalist lamented. "Fighting near Mariupol and the recent bombardment of the suburbs of Donetskin spite of the ceasefire, are more than enough proof that something big is being planned."

In any case, Kurtikov suggested that in light of Kiev's blunt refusal to abide by the provisions laid out in the Minsk accords, few hopes remain of a real and lasting peace emerging. In fact, "things can become a lot worse, and this is already happening."

On Saturday, Poroshenko told servicemen in Kharkiv that Kiev would not move forward with the peace process until it retakes control over the border between the Donbass and Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin slammed the Ukrainian leader's position, calling Kiev's hesitation little more than "a pretext not to fulfill the political part [of the Minsk deal]," which includes decentralization and special status for the Donbass.

Oleg Tsarev, parliamentary speaker of the Unity Parliament of the self-proclaimed Federation of the Donetsk and Lugansk, speculated that Pavlov was purposely killed, because "Ukrainian army attacks and terror always happens on the eve of international meetings which might influence the situation in Ukraine."

Commenting on the commander's death, Svobodnaya Pressa contributor Anna Golgareva, reporting from on the ground in Donetsk, noted that the security situation has already suffered a serious deterioration in recent days. This weekend alone, DPR reconnaissance spotted heavy military equipment being brought into Lugansk Village, and detained an unidentified man for illegally attempting to enter DPR territory. Northern and western areas of the city of Donetsk, the airport, and the villages of Yasinovataya, Gorlovka and Zaitsev were subjected to shelling by over 500 rounds of artillery and other weapons fire; one DPR serviceman was killed.

In the neighboring Lugansk People's Republic, Militia Chief of Staff Oleg Anaschenko reported Sunday that LPR intelligence had spotted several hundred mercenaries from countries including the US, Canada, the Baltics and Poland arriving near the contact line.

Ultimately, it will become clear soon enough whether Kiev's provocation is part of any coordinated effort to resume the fighting in eastern Ukraine, and what its purpose might be. Experts say there is little hope of Ukraine's demoralized military achieving a crushing defeat over Donbass militia, even with NATO training and the help of mercenaries. Accordingly, some DPR and LPR officials believe that Kiev's efforts to destabilize the situation are part of an effort to distract from mounting domestic problems, including a collapsing economy and growing social tensions.

 Sputnik

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Four Malaysian mobile operators say they have agreed to use the governments state-owned 5G network, paving the way for an increased rollout in the country.
home Tech 'Pokemon Sun and Moon' news: Type-changing Pokemon and more introduced

A crop of amazing new pocket monsters coming to "Pokemon Sun and Moon" have been revealed in the latest trailer by The Pokemon Company.

Type Null was shown in the clip and was revealed to be able to evolve to Silvally. With the RKS System as its ability, the Pokemon can transform into different types depending on the items it is wielding.

Silvally, as revealed in the "Pokemon Sun and Moon" clip, has a multi-form attack. Much like how it can change into a different type of Pokemon, it also tailors its move to the type of opponent it is up against.

Fans will see him in action in the "Pokemon Sun and Moon" preview tackling a Fire and Water-type Pokemon with poise and ease.

The Pokemon Company also showed a bit of the evolution for Jangmo-o. It first turns into Hakamo-o with the ability to deflect sound and bullets.

Hakamo-o will eventually transform into Kommo-o, who packs quite a wallop as seen in the "Pokemon Sun and Moon" clip. The Pokemon's unique move is called Clanging Scales, which gamers can see at work in the video.

"Pokemon Sun and Moon" also includes cool evolutions for Bouncesweet. First, the adorable Pokemon can grow into Steenee, who is equipped with the leaf guard and oblivious ability.

Steenee eventually becomes Tsareena, who possesses an additional ability known as Queenly Majesty. This unique move sees her knock the open out with the most finesse fans will ever see in a Pokemon in battle. She also does the Trop Kick, which usually seals the victory.

The "Pokemon Sun and Moon" video also showed Cutiefly evolve into Ribombee, who has the Honey Gather ability as well as the Shield Dust ability.

Grimer and Muk also get their Alolan forms in "Pokemon Sun and Moon." Both use their Poison Touch ability and the self-explanatory Gluttony ability.

Finally, the clip also introduced a couple of new trainersaOlivia and Ilima. The former is known as the Kahuna of Akala Island who specializes in training Rock-type Pokemon.

The latter will be known in "Pokemon Sun and Moon" as the Trial Captain of Verdant Cavern on Melemele Island whose specialty is of Normal types.

"Pokemon Sun and Moon" will be released exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS on Nov. 18.
In 2015, Perdomo Cigars launched a line known as the Perdomo Factory Tour Blend. Perdomo Cigars is a true vertically integrated company as the company has its own farms, factory, and controls its own distribution. Part of what Perdomo has done is offer tours to its retailers and consumers to its Nicaraguan operations covering the farm and factories. As a part of the tour Aristides Garcia, one of the production managers would provide special cigars to those visiting the Perdomo operation. Last year, Perdomo decided to take three of these blends and release it to the general market and thus the Perdomo Factory Blend line was born. Recently Ive had an opportunity to smoke the Perdomo Factory Blend Maduro offering in a Toro size. Overall this delivers an outstanding maduro offering and a very good price point.

When Perdomo Cigars releases a line, they are known to offer the line in different wrapper options over a core blend in a common set of vitolas. The Perdomo Factory Blend line is no exception. In addition to the Perdomo Factory Blend Maduro offering, there is also a Sun Grown and an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade offering. These three wrappers are very much staples of the Perdomo portfolio.

Without further ado, lets take a closer look at the Perdomo Factory Blend Maduro Toro and see what this cigar brings to the table.

Blend Profile

The Perdomo Factory Tour Maduro is a Nicaraguan puro. As with just about every Perdomo Maduro offering, the wrapper is a Nicaraguan one. In this case the wrapper comes from the Jalapa valley. As with all Perdomo Cigars, the Factory Tour Blend is made at companys Tabacalera Perdomo facility in Esteli, Nicaragua.

Wrapper: Jalapa Valley, Nicaraguan Maduro

Binder: Condega Valley, Nicaraguan

Filler: Esteli Valley, Nicaraguan

Country of Origin: Nicaragua (Tabacalera Perdomo)

Vitolas Available

The Perdomo Factory Blend Maduro is offered in four sizes. These sizes are offered in the same sizes for the Factory Blend Sun Grown and Factor Blend Connecticut offerings.

Robusto: 5 x 52

Toro: 6 x 52

Torpedo: 6 1/2 x 52

Churchill: 7 x 52

As a part of this release, Perdomo Cigars offers a 26 x 16 x 90 cigar rack for retailers that is reminiscent of a wine rack. The cigars are offered in either 24 count boxes or 24 count bundles. The bundles can be used to fill the cigar rack at the retailers shop.

Appearance

The Nicaraguan wrapper of the Perdomo Factory Blend Maduro had a classic coffee bean color to it. The wrapper itself was a smooth wrapper. It had some oil on the surface. There were some thin visible veins and thin visible wrapper seams.

Lately Perdomo Cigars has really been producing some very nice bands and the Perdomo Factory Blend is no exception. The band on this cigar is a large one. The upper 3/4 of the band has a light beige color to it. The center of the band has the gold, white, and black Perdomo sunburst logo in the center. Above the logo is the text PERDOMO arranged slightly curved in gold font. To the left of the logo is the text Hand Crafted in gold cursive script. To the right of the logo is the text Esteli, Nicaragua in gold cursive font. Below the logo is the text Factory Tour Blend in gold cursive font. There are various gold and black adornments on the band. In very small font to the lower left and lower right of the Factory Tour Blend text are the words Premium and Cigars respectively.

The lower part of the band looks almost like a green colored cigar box seal. This is surrounded by gold trim across the top and bottom. The middle of the band has a green Perdomo sunburst logo. There are two green shields on each side of the sunburst logo. Each shield has the name of a growing region in Nicaragua. From left to right the names are OMETEPE, CONDEGA, ESTELI, and JALAPA.

Preparation for the Cigar Experience

As I typically do, I went with my usual selection of a straight cut to commence the cigar experience of the Perdomo Factory Blend Maduro Toro. After clipping the cap, I moved on to the pre-light draw. The dry draw delivered a mix of earth and cocoa notes. While this was a simple pre-light draw, I still found it to be quite flavorful. Overall I was very pleased with the pre-light experience. At this point I was ready to light up the Perdomo Factory Blend Maduro Toro and see what the smoking phase would have in store.

Flavor Profile

The Perdomo Factory Blend Maduro Toro started out with a short blast of black pepper. This gave way to notes of cocoa, earth, and charred wood. The charred wood was quite an interesting flavor this produced and I found it be a positive throughout the smoke. Meanwhile, the pepper notes subsided into the background, but got somewhat more complex as I detected some red pepper notes mixed in with the black pepper. This mix of pepper notes was also prominent on the retro-hale.

By the middle of the first third, the charred wood and cocoa notes became the primary flavors.The earth and pepper notes were background flavors. There was a slight amount of natural maduro sweetness that also surfaced in the background. This mix of sweetness and spice provided a nice balance to the other flavors. From this point, the charred wood and cocoa began to alternate in intensity.

At the midway point of the Perdomo Factory Blend Maduro Toro, the charred notes started to have the edge over the cocoa notes. In the background the pepper, maduro sweetness, and earth notes remained, but I started to notice a slight increase in the pepper.

The last third of the Perdomo Factory Bland Maduro Toro saw the charred wood remained primary. The pepper notes were now quite prominent as well. I also saw a slight increase in the maduro sweetness. There still were some cocoa and earth notes but they were quite distant. Toward the end, there was a slight amount of harshness that surfaced but by this time it was time to put down the cigar. The resulting nub was firm to the touch and cool in temperature.

Burn and Draw

The burn of the Perdomo Factory Blend Maduro Toro maintained a straight burn path from start to finish. The burn line had a slight amount of waviness from time to time, but this didnt result in an increase in the amount of touch-ups. The resulting ash had a silver-gray color. This wasnt an overly firm ash, but it wasnt a loose, flakey ash either. The burn rate and burn temperature were both ideal.

The draw of the Factory Blend Maduro Toro maintained the right amount of resistance from start to finish  namely it wasnt too loose, nor too tight. I did find this cigar to produce a nice amount of smoke throughout the smoking experience.

Strength and Body

In terms of strength, I found the Perdomo Factory Blend Maduro Toro to start out medium. I found the strength stayed at this level for the first two-thirds of the cigar experience. By the last third, there was a slight increase in strength and this progressed the strength level to the medium to full level. As for body, the Factory Blend Maduro Toro was at a medium to full level. There also was a slight increase in body in the second half, but I still found this cigar to stay in the medium to full range for the duration of the smoking experience.

In terms of strength versus body, I gave a slight edge to the body.

Final Thoughts

Overall I was quite pleased with the smoking experience of the Perdomo Factory Tour Blend Maduro Toro. Each time I smoked this, I found the cigar to deliver everything I would expect from a maduro. I liked how it didnt go overboard with sweetness  something I dont like in general. The strength and body level also was ideal for this smoke. Overall this is a cigar Id recommend to an experienced cigar enthusiast, but its also a nice cigar for a novice to graduate to something medium / medium plus. At just under $8.00, I found this cigar to deliver great value and its one certainly worthy of a box purchase.

Summary

Burn: Excellent

Draw: Excellent

Complexity: Medium to High

Strength: Medium (1st 2/3), Medium to Full (Last Third)

Body: Medium to Full

Finish: Good

Assessment: 4.0-Box Worthy

Score: 91

References

News: Perdomo Factory Tour Blend

Price: $7.90

Source: Purchased

Stogie Geeks Podcast: n/a

Stogie Feed: n/a

Brand Reference: Perdomo
Lude Labieville spent last Tuesday holding her breath, waiting to hear when and how hard Hurricane Matthew would hit her country, Haiti.

In Danville on a student visa  she graduated from Averett University in May and is continuing her studies to become a dentist  Labieville said the hurricanes effect on Haiti has been devastating according to the few reports she has had from friends and family.

While her familys home was not hit with more than heavy rain and withstood most of the destructive force of the hurricane, Labieville has heard from people who said in some rural areas, children are naked after their family lost everything to the storm  sometimes even the clothes off their backs.

News out of Haiti reports varying death tolls, currently ranging from 500-900 dead, Labieville said she knows from past experience that the count will be higher once all of the rural areas can be reached.

Labieville is no stranger to natural disasters.

She was attending dental school in Port-au-Prince when the 2010 earthquake leveled Haitis capital city, shutting down the countrys ports and airport.

Even when relief organizations tried to help, they had trouble getting there. Often, Labieville said, they would have to land or dock in the Dominican Republic and make their way to Haiti from there.

But she eventually found Church World Services familiar logo in an area where the group had set up tents for people who lost their homes to live in and were supplying water and food to people.

Some of those tents still exist, Labieville said, and were all the protection people had when the hurricane struck.

The United Nations also sent help, flying helicopters into remote areas where people were still cut off and unable to find basic supplies and working in other areas to help people who lost so much.

Labieville said it upsets her to hear from friends that  though the death toll is not expected to reach the 200,000 level of the earthquake  in many ways the hurricane was even worse since it affected more people over a much larger area.

Much of rural Haiti consists of subsistence farms, where families have no jobs outside of crowing crops from themselves and to take to market to sell so they can buy other things they need.

CWS, she said, will get to them as quickly as they can and bring food as well as seeds to start their farms up again  and the most critical supply of all: clean water.

Cholera has already broken out in the country, and CWS will dig new wells as quickly as it can to start clean water flowing again, she said.

Helping out  from Danville

Labieville was thrilled to discover a CWS presence in Danville, though the annual Danville CROP Walk, which raises money for hunger relief, with one-quarter of the money raised remaining in the city to support Gods Storehouse and the rest going to other parts of the U.S. and to third-world countries.

They do so much good, Labieville said.

This years CROP Walk  done just two days before Hurricane Matthew struck Haiti  raised about $16,000, with donations still coming in, Beth Bauman, coordinator for the annual event, said.

Bauman said CWS maintains a permanent presence in Haiti, building wells, supplying food, medical supplies and countless other services around the country. The group even built houses after the earthquake  all of which survived the hurricane, she said.

Gods Pit Crew

Another organization in Danville that has been a presence in Haiti since the earthquake is Gods Pit Crew.

After the earthquake, Gods Pit Crew teamed up with other relief organizations to get food, water and their trademark Blessing Buckets to Haiti, founder Randy Johnson said.

Groups of volunteers traveled to the country, building eight houses and repairing others, including churches that lost their roofs. Currently, the group is building a school and continues their tradition of filling 1,500 boxes full of school supplies, toiletries, shoes and other items for Christmas distribution to school children, Johnson said.

We also make sure each box has at least a bag of rice or beans so the children can take it home and the whole family can eat that night, Johnson said.

Labieville said she has been impressed with what she has learned about Gods Pit Crews work since she has been in Danville, and is sure the Christmas boxes are appreciated  though she gave a soft laugh as she noted, In my country, the Christmas boxes are baffling since [Christmas gifts] are not a part of our culture  but they are appreciated.

Disaster relief efforts are compounded by the lack of infrastructure in the country, both Johnson and Labieville said.

We did build houses and are building a school, but they are different than the ones here, Johnson said, adding they are much smaller and have fewer of the modern conveniences most Americans cant imagine living without  in most of the country, there simply isnt electricity, for instance.

Labieville confirmed that, adding that even in areas that do have limited electricity, it is exactly that: limited.

We might get electricity six or 12 hours a day, then it gets cut off and another part of town gets electricity, Labieville said.

Johnson said his organization has been extremely busy responding to areas in North and South Carolina that were flooded by Hurricane Matthew, but hopes to be able to send some assistance to Haiti when the impact of the storm in the U.S. is cleaned up.

In the meantime, however, the school in Haiti will continue to be worked on as possible and the boxes of Christmas goodies packed up by volunteers last weekend are ready to go  as soon as they can be shipped to Haiti.

Thibodeau reports for the Danville Register & Bee.
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New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone.
All appears quiet on the House Bill 2 front when it comes to the fall High Point Market.

The semiannual trade show, the worlds largest for home furnishings, officially begins its five-day fall run Saturday. It is closed to the public.

Tom Conley, president of the High Point Market Authority, said Thursday he has not heard much discussion about HB 2 from exhibitors and buyers in terms of attending or staying away.

Bob Maricich, chief executive of International Market Centers, said he has not fielded any tenant complaints about HB 2. His group operates the main showroom facilities in High Point and all main showrooms at Las Vegas market.

They are focused on getting their showrooms market-ready, Maricich said. Preliminary registration numbers are looking strong  and thats all good news.

The lack of talk is intriguing given that the authority was one of the first North Carolina business groups to sound the alarm about HB 2.

The bill passed by the Republican-controlled General Assembly is known primarily for requiring individuals, including those who are transgender, to use public restrooms and locker rooms based on the gender listed on their birth certificates rather than gender identity.

The law also excludes sexual orientation and gender identity from statewide anti-discrimination protections, overrules local nondiscrimination ordinances and prohibits local government entities from requiring a set hourly wage from third-party contractors working on a project.

The authority issued a warning March 28 that dozens of customers had canceled plans to attend the spring market after Gov. Pat McCrory signed the bill into law March 23, and that the number potentially skipping the market could reach into the thousands.

Buyers for Williams-Sonoma Inc. retail outlets, including Pottery Barn and West Elm, were among prominent buyers boycotting the trade show.

We feel an obligation to inform the public and our government leaders in Raleigh of the significant economic damage that HB 2 is having on the High Point Market and on the North Carolina economy, market officials said in a statement.

Conley said March 28 that market officials have not commented on the bill and will not. We are just letting folks know the consequences of their actions.

The authority stressed, as it does now, the market does not discriminate, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

In May, the authority reported the April market experienced just a 1 percent decline in registrants to 79,376 compared with a year ago. As the authority has said previously, registration doesnt always signify attendance.

It is unclear how many buyers, exhibitors and industry representatives did not come to the spring market in protest of HB 2.

Back-burner issue?

The lack of discussion could signify that HB 2 has become a back-burner issue with exhibitors and buyers trying to conduct business at the market during a still uncertain national economy.

Since the March 28 warning, authority officials have been leery to publicly discuss HB 2s potential socioeconomic impact.

That could be in part related to concerns of potential pushback from key Republican legislative leaders that could lead to state funding cuts.

The authority receives nearly $3 million from the 2016-17 state budget: the N.C. Commerce Department will provide $1.75 million for marketing and the N.C. Transportation Department will provide $1.2 million for the market transportation hub.

Doug Bassett, president of Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Co. and the authoritys chairman, acknowledged April 25 that the authority has gotten feedback from supporters on both sides.

Bassett could not be reached for comment about current HB 2 discussions.

Worry about potential pushback is understandable given that in 2013 McCrorys first budget proposal would have cut $55,472 in market funding from the fiscal 2013-14 state budget and $355,472 from the fiscal 2014-15 budget.

An additional $500,000 would have been cut from the transportation funding in fiscal 2014-15.

However, McCrory changed his mind and eliminated the cuts. The governors office said at that time McCrory has heard from constituents and read media reports on the impact of the budget cuts.

Before McCrory reversed his position, a letter signed by 42 high-profile furniture executives was sent to legislature leaders asking them not to support McCrorys recommended cut.

Jerry Epperson, one of the nations foremost experts on the market, has said the market brings in people from 80-plus countries, I think, and all races and religions are there.

The gay community has always played an important and creative role in home decorating and design and are welcome in every showroom, said Epperson, managing partner with financial-services firm of Mann, Armistead and Epperson of Richmond, Va.

Challenging year

The annual economic impact of the market is about $5.39 billion, according to a 2013 Duke University study that broadened the markets circle of influence to 22 North Carolina counties  stretching to Catawba (Hickory) and Caldwell (Lenoir)  and eight Virginia counties, all within 75 miles of High Point.

Conley said the industry is hopeful it will gain an increase in sales from the slight increase in housing sales nationwide, along with the typical boost in sales related to recovery efforts from natural disasters. This has been a challenging year for our exhibitors and retailers, especially in casegoods, Conley said.

The effects of Hurricane Matthew, while devastating, should cause a favorable blip in home improvement and home furnishings sales from the affected areas.

Smith Leonard, a High Point-based accounting and consulting firm, reported that new industry orders were 5 percent lower in July 2016 than the year before. About 61 percent of survey participants reported year-over-year declines in orders.

Spillover effect

For Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, the main market spillover effect comes from hotel room bookings and restaurants. Richard Geiger, president of Visit Winston-Salem, has said the city averages about 5,600 hotel room nights from marketgoers.

Geiger said April 29 that the tourism group determined that hospitality venues in Forsyth had about 5,000 room nights associated with the spring market, about 800 fewer than typical. The cost of lost business in just daily room bookings could have been in the $160,000 to $250,000 range locally.

The lost bookings directly affect Visit Winston-Salem, because the bulk of its funding comes from the county hotel occupancy tax.

Geiger said last week that local hotels are expecting normal levels of bookings from market visitors. That includes the Kimpton Cardinal hotel receiving guests for its 174 rooms for the first time since it opened.

Kimptons bookings could serve as a measuring stick for market attendance given it is charging some of its highest room rates  ranging from $269 to $339  during the show.
Toronto, Oct 17, 2016 - Chilean Metals Inc. ("Chilean Metals," "CMX" or the "Company") (TSX.V:CMX, OTCQB: CMETF, SSE:CMX, MILA: CMX) is proud to announce its New Technical Advisory Committee and new Board of Directors. The Board changes will take effect, subject to shareholder approval, at the company's Annual General Meeting on November 10th in Toronto.Current Board Chairman, Ian Pirie is stepping down from the Board but we are very excited to announce Ian is joining our highly specialized & experienced Technical Advisory Committee. Chilean Metals is pleased to continue to benefit from Ian's 37 years of experience in the Mining Industry where Ian's responsibilities included General Manager, Latin America for Inmet Mining. During this time Ian was responsible for the acquisition, exploration & development of the Antamina Cu/Zn project in Peru up to the completion of basic engineering. Subsequently, as VP Projects for Inmet, he oversaw development of Cobre Las Cruces in Spain and the feasibility study and basic engineering for the Cobre Panama project in Panama.

Additional Board changes for consideration at our Annual General Meeting will include Current President & Director, Terry Lynch, will resign as President and is nominated for Chairman of the Board. Patrick Cruickshank, current CEO will become President & CEO. Chilean Metals is pleased to also nominate to the Board of Directors;

Thomas R Comfort, B. Sc. Eng., MBA After graduating from University of Texas with BSME, Tom was commissioned in the United States Navy and served 6 years. His specialty was as a Nuclear Propulsion Officer where he finished his career on the USS Carl Vinson. After leaving the Navy, Tom moved back to Austin and completed his MBA @ The University of Texas - Austin. For the past 10+ years Tom has excelled at Dell Computers running the Americas in Environmental Asset Recovery. His main focus now is Private Equity opportunities in alternative assets.

Greg McKenzie, LL.B, MBA Greg is a senior investment banker with 20 years of experience in financing, M&A, financial advisory, valuation, and strategic advice primarily to mid-cap companies. His transactions are valued in excess of $18 billion. Mr. McKenzie has worked in New York and Toronto and has held positions with Morgan Stanley, CIBC World Markets, Haywood Securities and Salman Partners. While at these firms, Greg advised managements and boards of companies in various sectors including: metals & mining, industrials, consumer products, technology and healthcare. Mr. McKenzie was also called to the bar in New York and Ontario and practiced law with a leading Canadian securities and M&A law firm.

Ian Pirie joins the following highly recognized & accredited Technical Advisory Committee members;

Dr Tony Belperio, Ph.D., B.Sc, IMM, F.Aus. Dr Belperio is the Executive Director & Exploration Director of Highly recognized Minotaur Exploration Australia. Dr Belperio served as Minotaur's Chief Geologist from 1996 - 2007 and was instrumental in the discovery of Prominent Hill IOCG, in Southeast Australia. He has received the University of Adelaide's Tate Memorial Medal, The Geological Society of Australia's Stillwell Award and AMEC Prospector of the Year Award. Currently, Dr Belperio & Minotaur recently announced their Cloncurry Cu-Au discovery and JV with Oz Minerals.

Dr Chris Hodgson, Ph.D.,P Eng. Dr. Hodgson has been the Geological Consultant and former VP of Exploration until 2016. Dr Hodgson has had an outstanding career to date, including Amax Exploration, Canamax Resources, Tungsten & Minera Inmet in Chile. Mr Hodgson is credited with the early recognition of the Santo Domingo IOCG deposit in Chile. Ultimately, Farwest developed the project & sold to Capstone for $700M. Dr Hodgson is fluent in Spanish and has been working in mining in Chile for the past 25 years.

Gary Lohman, P. Geo, B. Sc., VP Exploration & Director, Chilean Metals. Committee Chair Gary Lohman has over 30 years experience in both precious metals & base metals exploration within the Americas. He is skilled in most geological, geochemical & geophysical exploration techniques in a wide variety of settings and terrains. Gary's career has taken him on many projects early stages to advanced, in Canada, Mexico, California & Ecuador.

PJ Cruickshank, Chilean Metals CEO, commented "We are very excited & proud to announce the proposed changes to our board and announce our New Technical Advisory Committee. We believe our team is well constructed to lead our company in the exploration of IOCG Style deposits in Chile & Canada. We are honoured to have this group of highly accredited geologists and financiers join our team at Chilean Metals and we look forward to working with them to achieve success in the field."

About Chilean Metals

www.chileanmetals.com/

Chilean Metals Inc. is a Canadian Junior Exploration Company focusing on high potential Copper Gold prospects in Chile & Canada.

Chilean Metals Inc. is 100% owner of five properties comprising over 50,000 acres strategically located in the prolific IOCG ("Iron oxide-copper-gold") belt of northern Chile. It also owns a 3% NSR royalty interest on any future production from the Copaquire Cu-Mo deposit, recently sold to a subsidiary of Teck Resources Inc. ("Teck"). Under the terms of the sale agreement, Teck has the right to acquire one third of the 3% NSR for $3 million dollars at any time. The Copaquire property borders Teck's producing Quebrada Blanca copper mine in Chile's First Region. Chilean Metals Inc. is the 100% owner of four Copper Gold exploration properties in Nova Scotia on the western flank of the Cobequid-Chedabucto Fault Zone (CCFZ); Fox River, Parrsboro, Lynn and Bass River North respectively. Initial targeting and geophysics has been conducted on all properties, At Bass River North, airborne geophysics identified a major VTEM cluster on trend with the Pb/Zn/Ag mineralization exposed at surface and in drill holes to the southwest.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

Chilean Metals Inc.

"PJ Cruickshank"

PJ Cruickshank, CEO

Contact: patrick@chileanmetals.com

The Qualified Person for Chilean Metals Inc., as defined by National Instrument 43-101, is Gary Lohman, P. GEO., Vice President, Exploration.

Forward-looking Statements: This news release may contain certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that CMX expects to occur, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this document include statements regarding current and future exploration programs, activities and results. Although CMX believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration success, continued availability of capital and financing, inability to obtain required regulatory or governmental approvals and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements.



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Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.



Copyright (c) 2016 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.


VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 17, 2016) -

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. NEWS AGENCIES

Asante Gold Corp. (CSE:ASE) (FRANKFURT:1A9) (OTCBB:ASGOF) ("Asante" or the "Company") announces that it has entered into an agreement with BXC Company (Ghana) Limited ("BXC") to form the Kubi Gold JV, a 50:50 joint venture to develop the Kubi Mining Leases in Ghana towards production.

BXC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Beijing Fuxing Xiao-Cheng Electronic Technology Stock Co. Ltd. ("BFXC"), has agreed to provide C$19.5 million in funding to earn 50% of the Kubi Gold JV and a 30% equity interest in Asante. BXC will participate in a private placement (the "Private Placement") by purchasing 16,468,400 or such other number of common shares necessary to give BXC a 30% equity interest in the then issued capital of the Company, at a price of C$0.20 per share, subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). Asante will apply 10% of the proceeds of the Private Placement to its unallocated working capital, and the balance to complete its initial funding of the Kubi Gold JV. The agreement is subject to final due diligence and closing is expected by December 31, 2016.

BXC has also committed to provide additional funding to the Kubi Gold JV on reasonable commercial terms, for the construction of additional facilities such as a production shaft, full processing facilities or expansion.

BXC has the right to maintain a 30% equity interest in new equity financings announced by Asante, and up to two seats on the Board of Directors of the Company. The agreement is subject to all requisite governmental and regulatory approvals, including disinterested shareholder approval and closing of the Kubi acquisition from Goknet Mining Company Limited ("Goknet") such approvals expected at the Asante AGM to be held in Vancouver on December 28, 2016, and if required, the consent of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources of Ghana; and any shareholder, regulatory and stock exchange approvals required by BFXC (please see our previous news release on the Kubi acquisition, and Ghana property location map at:

http://www.asantegold.com/news/asante-gold-acquires-kubi-mining-leases-and-eight-prospecting-licenses-in-ghana http://www.asantegold.com/assets/img/goldentristruckeyhole.jpg).

Asante has agreed to pay from its share of the JV revenue the two underlying Kubi royalties: the Goknet 1% Net Smelter Returns royalty (recently re-negotiated to 1%NSR from previous 2%NSR); and the Royal Gold Inc. 3% Net Proceeds of Production royalty. New mining leases in Ghana also carry on behalf of the Ghana government a 5%NSR and a 10% interest in any dividends paid out by the operating company.

BXC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Beijing Fuxing Xiao-Cheng Electronic Technology Stock Co. Ltd. ("BFXC"), which is listed in China on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, with a market capitalization of US$580 million, and primarily involved in national power grid infrastructure in Asia, South America and Africa. BXC has been active in Ghana for a decade and has completed, or current contracts for over US$200 million including: the design, build and operation of the 20MW Mankoadze solar plant; two US$20 million projects pre-financed by BXC involving the upgrade and extension of power grid networks; and a US$170 million 10 year contract with the Electricity Corporation of Ghana (ECG) installing 450,000 smart meters to reduce distribution system losses. BXC is also developing two gold mining leases and two exploration projects in Ghana.

As a result of this agreement, the Company has suspended the previously announced $0.18 Unit private placement offering. Subscriptions that were received and accepted up to October 3, 2016 will be completed, totaling 2,125,311 Units for gross proceeds of $382,556. No Insiders or Directors of Asante, or principals or associates of BXC are participating in the placement. Finders fees of $15,000 and 41,667 warrants are payable.

Douglas R. MacQuarrie, President & CEO states, "We are extremely pleased to welcome BXC as our JV partner and major shareholder to move Kubi forward to production. Their successful operating history in Ghana and strong balance sheet will complement our strengths in gold exploration, discovery and development. Their commitment to secure future debt funding for the joint venture gives Asante a non-dilutive path forward to fully develop the potential of Kubi."

Yi Cheng, Group Chairman of BXC and President of BFXC, states, "Our financial and operating strength complements Asante's proven exploration and development expertise. We are committed to assisting Ghana to provide electricity at competitive rates - which will enhance our growing investments in the gold mining sector."

On behalf of the Board,

"Douglas R. MacQuarrie"

President and CEO

About Asante Gold Corporation

Asante Gold Corp. is a Vancouver based gold company, developing Kubi as a potential near term underground mine; and exploring the Betenase, Fahiakoba, Keyhole and Ashanti II concessions all adjoining or on strike with major gold mines near the centre of Ghana's Golden Triangle.

Scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Douglas R. MacQuarrie, P.Geo. (B.C.) Geology & Geophysics, the President and CEO of the Company, who is a "qualified person" under NI 43-101. Investors are cautioned that final closing of the Kubi, Ashanti II concessions, Betenase and Keyhole options are dependent on additional governmental renewals, approvals and consents, which though generally expected, may or may not be ultimately obtained.

This news release contains statements of forward-looking information (or "FLI") including those in respect of future exploration, joint venture development, permitting and mining at Kubi and the other properties in which the Company has an interest, financings, requisite shareholder approvals and timing for closing of the option agreements. FLI involves risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to vary from the FLI. The risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: the risk of failure to obtain sufficient financing; the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties; the uncertainties involved in interpreting drill results and other exploration data; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the geology, grade and continuity of mineralization; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; accidents, equipment breakdowns, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in production and operations; the availability and costs of suitable toll milling facilities; fluctuating prices of metals and other commodities; currency fluctuations; the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability and the lack of any assurance that the Company will receive all of the necessary governmental title and approvals to proceed with the development of its projects. The material factors and assumptions on which the FLI is based include the extensive Kubi drilling database and current mineral resource estimate, the previously successful permitting, mining, trucking and milling operations at Kubi, the local availability of skilled labor, plant and machinery, and the positive results from previous metallurgical tests on the Kubi Main deposit mineralization. The Company undertakes no obligation to update FLI except as required by applicable law. Such information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on FLI.

Additional information is available on our web site at: www.asantegold.com

Neither IIROC nor any stock exchange or other securities regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / TheNewswire / October 17, 2016 - Nevada Clean Magnesium Inc.. (TSXV: NVM; Frankfurt-M1V; OTC Pink Sheets: MLYFF) (The "Company") today announced the successful completion of the verification program with ferro silicon and an alternate reductant using dolomite from the Company's Tami-Mosi magnesium property, located near Ely, Nevada, USA.

The program was performed by the Department for Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado under the direct supervision of James Sever, P. Eng., COO and director of NCM. In addition to verifying the previous testing program, these test runs also assessed the viability of the Tami-Mosi dolomite to produce magnesium metal.

James Sever, P. Eng., COO and director stated, "Several positives came from doing this test work":

1.The Tami-Mosi dolomite deposit can produce magnesium metal under controlled conditions using the silicothermic reduction process. 2.It demonstrated the Tami-Mosi dolomite is 100% reactive. 3.Testing supported the alternate reductant is equally effective as Ferro silicon as a viable reductant. 4.Supported an alternate heat transfer medium that will enable efficient heat recovery. 5.Defined the configuration and dimensions of the blended dolime/reductant briquettes. 6.Identified the optimal calcination parameters. 7.Supported the probability of 3 process cycles per day versus the 1RIMA process of two 12 hour cycles or the original 2NI 43-101 Tami-Mosi base case of one 24 hour cycle. 8.Showed spent briquettes decrepitated to a fine powder indicating that the residue is dicalciumsilicate, a component of portland cement.

Edward Lee, Chairman & CEO states, "This test work is an important technical step forward for the company and its shareholders. It helps validate the Company's resource and expedites the need to complete the fabrication of the bench scale pilot furnace. These additional opportunities created are most reassuring for advancing the Tami Mosi project toward producing magnesium metal within the United States."

About Nevada Clean Magnesium, Inc.

Nevada Clean Magnesium is focused on becoming a major U.S. producer and distributor of primary, high grade, low cost magnesium metal extracted from its 100% owned Tami-Mosi property located in North Central Nevada. Based on the Company's NI 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment Report published in September 2011 and amended in July 2014, the Tami-Mosi Project has an inferred resource of 412 million tonnes with an average grade of 12.3% Mg for a contained metal content of 111 billion pounds of magnesium using a 12% cut-off grade contained within a high purity dolomite block. For more information, please visit www.nevadacmi.com.

This press release was prepared under the supervision and review of James Sever, P. Eng., president and COO for Nevada Clean Magnesium. Mr. Sever is a non-independent qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 standards.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statement

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "should", "may" or "will" occur. We may not receive additional subscriptions and we may determine that other needs must be paid rather than those we currently consider priorities. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, including the Company's dolomite reserves may not be mined because of technical, regulatory, financing or other obstacles, the market price for magnesium may make our resources uneconomic, and other risks associated with being a mineral exploration and development company. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

To Reach Nevada Clean Magnesium Please Contact:

Edward Lee, CEO at (604) 210-9862

For additional information please visit our website at http://www.nevadacmi.com

or view our profile at http://www.sedar.com.

You may also follow us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

1 2 cycles per day, as presented by RIMA Group at the International Magnesium Association meeting held in Prague, Czechoslovakia 2012.

2 Original NI 43-101Preliminary Economic Assessment revised July 04, 2014 states one 24 hour process cycle time.

Copyright (c) 2016 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 17, 2016) -

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Further to its news release of September 9, 2016, Resource Capital Gold Corp., (TSX VENTURE:RCG) ("RCG" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce completion of the acquisition of the Dufferin Gold Mine ("Dufferin") located in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Dufferin was acquired from an arm's length third party for total cash consideration of US$9.5 million plus a net smelter royalty ("NSR") of 1.0%. US$1.1 million of the cash consideration was paid at closing (with US$400,000 already paid in the form of a purchase deposit). The remaining US$8.0 million of the cash consideration will be paid by way of a secured promissory note, payable in equal installments over the five years following closing. The NSR will be payable from the fifth year following closing. The obligations under the promissory note are secured against all of the assets comprising the Dufferin project as well as the shares of Maritime Dufferin Gold Corp. ("MDGC"), the holding company which owns the Dufferin project.

MDGC acquired the right to purchase Dufferin through being assigned an exclusive term sheet from Highlands Geosciences LLC. As consideration for the assignment of the exclusive term sheet to MDGC, RCG paid Highlands US$30,000 and issued Highlands 1,300,000 common shares.

The Dufferin gold mine is a fully permitted operational underground gold mine. The project comprises 874 hectares in 54 mineral claims that are all in good standing. The property contains +17 known east-west trending "saddle reef" quartz vein structures, situated in a vertical assemblage, each hosting free milling gold. These saddle reef structures are open at depth and along strike for over 1.4 kilometers.

The mine is currently on care and maintenance with production last occurring in 2014. RCG has a project turnaround plan and team in place so that production can recommence in approximately 120 days. The mine has a 300 t/day gravity and floatation mill and, with certain upgrades and refurbishment, all necessary infrastructure is in place to conduct full-scale gold mining operations.

The Company has engaged MineTech International Ltd. of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Global Mineral Resource Services of Vancouver, British Columbia, to prepare a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) of the Dufferin project. Within these areas, drill intercepts have a weighted average grade of 6.1 grams per tonne gold. Grade-control samples taken during previous mining on these same vein structures indicate a weighted average grade of 34.3 grams per tonne gold, compared to the widely spaced drill hole samples of 6.1 grams per tonne. The Company undertook a program of re-assaying underground grade-control samples, which cut across the mineralized quartz vein structures in vertical channel samples taken at three-meter intervals along strike. Coarse rejects from these previous grade-control samples were sent to an independent laboratory (ALS Minerals) for analysis. All results have been received, with the new results validating the previous grade-control samples, in some cases returning higher values. With the grade-control validation testing now complete, the grade-control assay data are now being incorporated into the PEA and a new resource estimate is being prepared.

CORPORATE UPDATE

Debt Settlements

Further to the Company's announcement on August 19, 2016, the Company has now closed the shares for debt transactions whereby the Company issued 6,755,192 shares to ACT2 Pty Ltd ("ACT2), to settle CAD$810,623 of debt; 1 million shares to Cove Street Pty Ltd ("Cove") to settle CAD$120,000 of debt; 1 million shares to Mr. George Young to settle CAD$120,000 of debt; and 100,000 shares to Flintridge Holdings Limited to settle $12,000 of debt. Additional corporate debt was settled by the Company by the transfer to ACT2 of a 10% equity interest in Maritime Gold Corp., the Company's direct subsidiary which owns MDGC, in settlement of C$1,187,500 of debt owing from the Company to ACT2 (with the Company retaining a 90% interest in Maritime Gold Corp. post-transfer). ACT2 is currently the Company's largest shareholder and an insider of the Company, controlled by Gary Lewis, the Company's former Chief Executive Officer. Certain of the debt settlements, including those with ACT2, were considered related party transactions subject to TSX-V Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101. The Company is exempt from the need to obtain minority shareholder approval and a formal valuation as required by MI 61-101 as the Company is listed on the TSXV and the fair market value of those transactions do not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of David S. Smith, MS, MBA, CPG, who is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Resource Capital Gold Corp.

George S. Young, Chairman and CEO

About Resource Capital Gold

Resource Capital Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE:RCG) is an emerging precious metals developer and producer. The Company's focus is on gold and silver and it has a pipeline of late-stage exploration, development and previously producing assets in Nova Scotia and Nevada.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release include statements about the Company's plans for Dufferin.

All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 17, 2016) -

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Further to its press release of September 9, 2016, Resource Capital Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE:RCG) ("RCG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the acquisition of the Tangier and Forest Hill historic gold mines in Nova Scotia.

The Tangier Gold mine is located 30 kms from RCG's Dufferin Mine. It has mineral resources of 41,700 ounces gold in the indicated category (134,000 tonnes grading 9.67 g/t Au), and 131,500 ounces gold in the inferred category (271,000 tonnes grading 15.09 g/t Au) (Mercator Geological Services, 2004, technical report on mineral resource estimate, Acadian Gold Corporation, Tangier Property, Halifax County, Nova Scotia, Canada, effective date September 29, 2004). The mine sits on a project area of 2,187 hectares in 135 exploration claims.

The Forest Hill mine is located 70 kms from RCG's Dufferin Mine. It has a mineral resource of 173,800 ounces gold in the indicated category (225,000 tonnes grading 24.02 g/t Au) and 152,900 ounces gold in the inferred category (383,000 tonnes grading 12.42 g/t Au) (Mercator Geological Services, 2005, technical report on updated mineral resource estimate, Acadian Gold Corporation, Forest Hill Property, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Canada, effective date September 28, 2005). The Forest Hill mine sits on a project area of 3,398 hectares in 210 exploration claims.

To the best of the Company's knowledge, information, and belief, there is no new material scientific or technical information that would make the disclosure of the mineral resources above inaccurate or misleading.

The Company considers the mineral resource estimates to be current, and is working on a technical report in form 43-101F1 and a Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Forest Hill and Tangier projects. The technical report is expected to be completed during early 2017 and in any case, within 180 days of September 9, 2016.

The Forest Hill and Tangier mines are held through Maritime Gold Corp.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical data contained in this news release was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of David S. Smith, MS, MBA, CPG, who is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Smith reviewed the technical reports referenced above on behalf of the Company.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Resource Capital Gold Corp.

George S. Young, Chairman and CEO

About Resource Capital Gold

Resource Capital Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE:RCG) is an emerging precious metals developer and producer. The Company's focus is on gold and silver and it has a pipeline of late-stage exploration, development and previously producing assets in Nova Scotia and Nevada.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the use of proceeds of the Offering. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'believe', 'expect', 'anticipate', 'plan', 'intend', 'continue', 'estimate', 'may', 'will', 'should', 'ongoing', or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that is incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Contributed photo First Financial Bank of San Angelo employees  (left to right) Bettye Thornell, Reba Priddy, Brittany Jackson, and Edward Carrasco  help preparation at Meals for the Elderly on Oct. 10, a company wide day of service for First Financial Bank employees throughout Texas.

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First Financial Bank helps meals program

First Financial Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. conducted a companywide Day of Service on Columbus Day, Oct. 10.

In conjunction with its efforts to prevent financial exploitation of the elderly, First Financial has partnered with local nonprofit organizations to provide assistance to the senior population in each of the communities it serves. Day of Service initiatives took place in 27 locations across First Financial's footprint and projects included meal preparation and delivery, landscaping and painting, visiting homebound individuals and continued education surrounding the Bank's prevention of financial exploitation.

First Financial Bank in San Angelo volunteered to help at Meals for the Elderly, and 38 employees participated by delivering meals to San Angelo's elderly and homebound, and also by packaging frozen meals and food kits for future deliveries.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to make a difference in the communities we serve by providing assistance to local nonprofits and our senior community," Mike Boyd, CEO and chairman of the board, said. "We are so proud of our approximately 600 employees across the state who have chosen to serve our communities on this bank holiday."

For more information about First Financial's day of service, visit ffin.com/dayofservice. Company news and information is also available on social media by following @first_financial on Twitter or @firstfinancialbankNA on Facebook.

First Financial Bank, N.A. is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. Headquartered in Abilene. It operates 69 locations in Texas.

Shannon receives Ten-Step Program designation

Shannon Medical Center has received designation as a Texas Ten-Step Program facility from the Texas Department of State Health Services, a step toward improving the health of newborns and infants by promoting breast-feeding, Shannon said.

Shannon is currently the only facility in the Concho Valley to receive this designation, the medical center said.

According to medical experts, breast-feeding is the preferred method of nourishing newborns and infants, and Shannon joins a growing number of birth facilities supporting new mothers in their decision to breast-feed.

"This designation is important for our breast-feeding patients at Shannon," said Stacie Elizondo, BSN, RNC-MNN, Administrative Director of the Shannon Women's & Children's Hospital. "It reinforces our dedication to support them in their choice and ensures we have prepared, well-educated staff available to assist them."

The goal of the Texas Ten-Step Program is to increase breast-feeding initiation rates to 82 percent.

Texas Ten-Step facilities are asked to address the Ten Steps to Successful Breast-feeding, be designated as a Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite, evaluate their breast-feeding policies, maternity care practices and educate all health care staff routinely with evidence-based courses.

For more information on the Texas Ten Step Program, call Veronica Hendrix, Program Coordinator at 512-341-4592 or visit the website at www.texastenstep.org.

RSP Permian acquires Silver Hill

RSP Permian, an independent oil and gas exploration and production company, announced an agreement to acquire Silver Hill LLP in a cash and stock deal valued at $2.4 billion.

Both companies are active producers in the Permian Basin. RSP said the transaction will give it an additional 41,000 net surface acres in Loving and Winkler counties.

The deal is structured in two parts, both expected to close Nov. 1.
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More than 64,000 FFA members and guests from throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are on their way to Indianapolis for the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo, which opens Wednesday.

The convention will kick off with the National FFA Band leading a grand march down Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis, Wednesday. The march ends at Bankers Life Fieldhouse where it will usher in the start of the opening session.

The annual convention runs through Saturday in Indianapolis where it will be held through 2024 because of a $4.5 million agreement with the city and state officials. The FFA organization will receive $500,000 in incentives each year the event is held in the Hoosier state.

The FFA conference is expected to sprawl across downtown and includes events at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center. It also will include festivities at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and eight hotels.

The convention and expo brings an estimated economic impact of $36 million a year. Attendees stay in 135 hotels in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.

"FFA members transform their purpose into action by making their voices heard and by educating others on the importance of agriculture and growing our resources every day," said National FFA President Taylor McNeel, a student at Southern Arkansas University. "During the convention and expo, we can learn from one another how we can continue to grow leaders, strengthen agriculture and build our communities."

The convention has rotated between Indianapolis and Louisville, Kentucky. since the late 1990s. Before Louisville, the FFA convention was in Kansas City, Missouri.

For years, the FFA convention was at Kansas City Convention Center's Bartle Hall in November, the same time as the National Association of Farm Broadcasting held our annual meeting in the Westin Crown Center hotel. A number of us farm broadcasters divided our time between Bartle Hall and the Westin and filed stories from both conventions.

Those were exciting times starting when our airplane cabin from Dallas was sold out with a majority of FFA members dressed in their blue jackets. The streets and hotel lobbies of Kansas City were also crowded with a sea of blue jackets.

Leading the Texas FFA delegation this week is President Jake Traylor of Gilmer and First Vice President Conner McKinzie from Stephenville. Carlie Hollingsworth from Glasscock County or Area II is a member of the FFA Officer team.

The Texas FFA travel team, composed of Traylor and McKinzie, travel more than 40,000 miles annually visiting 400 schools within 365 days.

The Texas FFA is the nation's largest state FFA association with a membership of more than 115,000.

Back in 2013, Texas members took seven national titles in National FFA Agriscience Fair, with 13 of its 20 finalists finishing in the top three and 17 rated as gold in the four tier rating system (gold, silver, bronze and participant).

Texas FFA members won three national proficiency awards that year. FFA Proficiency Awards recognize achievement in student supervised agricultural experience programs, individualized hands-on career experiences which are an integral part of the agricultural education teaching model.

The National FFA Organization, founded as Future Farmers of America, changed its name to better describe the current image of the agriculture industry.

The changing face of agriculture evolved from farming to the diverse careers for 4-H and FFA students. No longer are college graduates returning to production agriculture on the family farm. As a matter of fact, many have never been on a farm  they are coming from city suburbs and entering agriculture fields such as biotechnology, bioengineering, turf management, food science and food distribution.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 649,355 student members who belong to one of 7,859 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Jerry Lackey is agriculture editor emeritus.

Contact him at jlackey@wcc.net.

Jerry Lackey is the agriculture editor emeritus. Contact him at jlackey@wcc.net.
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With all the debate over Donald Trump's tax-dodging, I've been wondering how taxes have played into presidential politics in the past.

For some answers, I turned to Bob McIntyre, head of the nonpartisan research and advocacy group Citizens for Tax Justice. For 40 years, McIntyre has been on the frontlines of efforts to make our tax code fairer.

When asked what American president he considers the worst on tax fairness, his initial response was "Yipes, there are so many."

After some consideration, he bestowed that honor on Ronald Reagan, whose 1981 tax act slashed taxes on the rich.

The top marginal tax rate dropped from 70 percent to 50 percent (before being cut even further to 28 percent in 1986). And, even more harmful, according to McIntyre, was the bill's vast expansion of corporate tax loopholes.

Ironically, though, when I asked what president has done the most to advance tax fairness, Reagan's name came up again  not as No. 1, but as the runner-up.

While Reagan is a big hero of anti-tax tea partiers, later in his presidency, he agreed to raise taxes several times to address mounting budget deficits.

McIntyre was particularly involved in the fight over Reagan's 1986 reform, after cranking out reports for a decade that documented rampant tax-dodging among America's largest corporations and wealthiest individuals.

The loophole-closing 1986 reform was still not enough to solve the problem of insufficient revenue to pay for federal spending. But by creating a broader tax base, Reagan set the stage for President Bill Clinton's increases in the tax rates on the highest earners.

The top marginal rate rose to 39.6 percent in 1993, where it stands today.

The combination of the 1986 and 1993 reforms was essential to the balanced federal budgets that occurred in the late 1990s, according to McIntyre.

But of course, then President George W. Bush blasted a cruise missile-sized hole through all that fiscal responsibility with a new round of tax cuts and a spike in war spending.

So who was the best president for the cause of tax fairness?

Again, the answer was surprising: Teddy Roosevelt, but not because he was a strong advocate of progressive taxes (which indeed he was). Instead, McIntyre says TR deserves the honor because of the unintended consequences of his pettiness.

To understand his argument requires a bit of a history refresher.

In 1912, Roosevelt, who'd held the nation's highest office from 1901 to 1909, decided to throw his hat back in the ring because he was dissatisfied with the presidential performance of his former protege, William Taft.

When TR failed to beat Taft for the nomination, he founded his own party  the progressive, so-called "Bull Moose" Party  and while he didn't win the election, he succeeded in splitting up the Republican Party.

This, McIntyre points out, led to Democratic takeovers of previously Republican state legislatures, which was critical to delivering the three-quarters of states necessary to ratify the 16th Amendment.

"Without Teddy's petulance," McIntyre told me, "the amendment authorizing a federal income tax would almost certainly have failed to be adopted."

So how does one stay motivated to keep fighting for fair taxation for 40 years? "Perhaps I have Sisyphus as my hero," McIntyre said.

Trying to stop big corporations and billionaires from rigging the system does indeed seem like pushing a rock up a hill over and over. But until we elect public servants willing to stand up to these powerful forces, we have no choice but to keep pushing.
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The following editorial appeared in Wednesday's Post and Courier of Charleston:

President Obama on Tuesday renewed the bold goal, first set by him in 2010, to send a manned spacecraft to Mars by the 2030s  "with the ultimate ambition to one day remain there for an extended time."

The history-altering trip, if it happens, will be the result of an unprecedented public-private partnership between NASA and one or more commercial space ventures that have thrived under the Obama administration's approach to space travel.

In an article published by CNN on Tuesday, President Obama writes:

"Getting to Mars will require continued cooperation between government and private innovators, and we're already well on our way. Within the next two years, private companies will for the first time send astronauts to the International Space Station.

"The next step is to reach beyond the bounds of Earth's orbit. I'm excited to announce that we are working with our commercial partners to build new habitats that can sustain and transport astronauts on long-duration missions in deep space. These missions will teach us how humans can live far from Earth  something we'll need for the long journey to Mars."

Indeed, several companies have announced their plans to participate in the Mars adventure. Last week, Boeing CEO Denis Muilenburg declared: "I'm convinced the first person to step on Mars will arrive there riding a Boeing rocket."

Last month, Elon Musk, head of SpaceX, unveiled plans for planting a colony on Mars.

And Orbital ATK is building rockets for a Mars journey. So is Blue Origin, a space company owned by Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos.

NASA recently issued a statement applauding "all those who want to take the next giant leap  and advance the journey to Mars."

It is awe-inspiring.

But in 2014 the National Research Council, an arm of the National Academy of Science, issued a cautionary report calling for a clearer focus and substantial additional funding for the Mars project.

In the congressionally mandated study, it warned:

"Pronouncements by multiple presidents of bold new U.S. ventures to the moon, to Mars, and to an asteroid in its native orbit ... have not been matched by the same commitment that accompanied President Kennedy's now fabled 1961 speech, namely, the substantial increase in NASA funding needed to make them happen. In the view of many observers, the human spaceflight program conducted by the U.S. government today has no strong direction and no firm timetable for accomplishments."

The sad reality is that NASA, like the Pentagon and all other functions of the federal government, is under congressional orders to cut spending in order to provide room for more growth in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

The Affordable Care Act, in effect another unsustainable entitlement program, adds to the fiscal challenge as the record national debt soars toward $20 trillion.

That ground-bound bottom line will increasingly hamper efforts to extend our space-travel reach.

So until Congress and a new president are ready to get the federal government's balance sheet in much better order, the American dream of putting people on Mars will remain stuck on the launching pad.
Calling existing rules obscene disenfranchisement, a federal judge in Tallahassee declared late Sunday that Florida must provide a method for voters to fix signature problems that might arise when they vote by mail in the presidential election.U.S. District Judge Mark Walkers ruling was a victory for the Florida Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee, which sued the state Oct. 3 arguing Florida canvassing boards shouldnt immediately reject a ballot if a voters signature doesnt match the one on file. The state gives voters who forget to sign their mail ballots a chance to fix the problem before Election Day  but doesnt offer voters with mismatched signatures the same opportunity.Walker ruled the bizarre double-standard was unconstitutional.It is illogical, irrational, and patently bizarre for the State of Florida to withhold the opportunity to cure from mismatched-signature voters while providing that same opportunity to no-signature voters, he wrote. And in doing so, the State of Florida has categorically disenfranchised thousands of voters arguably for no reason other than they have poor handwriting or their handwriting has changed over time.
One of the oldest environmental groups in the country threw its support behind Democratic gubernatorial candidate Sue Minter on Sunday, calling a vote for the former transportation secretary "an installment in a down payment for our clean energy future.""We need Sue Minter as our standard-bearer," said Aaron Mair, president of the Sierra Club.Mair spoke on the steps of the Vermont Statehouse alongside Bill McKibben, the environmental activist, journalist and founder of grassroots conservation group 350.org. The Sierra Club also announced support for many current and prospective state lawmakers, several of whom attended. The Sierra Club, founded in 1892, has pushed for major environmental legislation including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act.Speakers assailed Republican gubernatorial candidate Phil Scott for past statements on climate change and for connections with leading GOP fundraisers the Koch brothers. There are a couple degrees of separation between Scott and the billionaire Republican donors, but Koch money  about $600,000 of it  has flowed through the Republican Governor's Association to support Scott's bid for the governor's seat.Scott has also changed his position on climate change. Earlier this year, he said in an online forum that climate change is "a combination of man-made contributions as well as a natural phenomenon."
Detroit taxpayers have been fully paying for the living expenses of the city's CFO and his chief of staff -- including high-end downtown apartments and weekly flights to their out-of-state homes -- since at least March, despite claims that the expenses were partially funded from a grant, the Free Press has learned.In a Free Press story last week, Detroit Chief Financial Officer John Hill said the majority of his and his chief of staff's expenses were being reimbursed from a grant, and that he would release the breakdown later. Hill late Friday, however, told the Free Press the grant ran out of funds in March and that the city has been completely covering the expenses since.Hill's compensation package initially was negotiated by Detroit's former emergency manager Kevyn Orr in late 2013. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan kept Hill as his CFO after Orr's departure, and his expense allowances remained intact.Duggan said the city will continue its arrangement to reimburse Hill and his chief of staff, John Hageman, because they are essential to Detroit's compliance with post-bankruptcy requirements. As CFO, Hill's responsibilities include keeping the city's budget balanced, making sure the city can meet future pension obligations and restructuring several city departments related to finance.Duggan pointed out the city's improved financial condition under Hill's leadership. The city reached a milestone last month when the Detroit Financial Review Commission declared the city in substantial compliance with the terms of its exit from municipal bankruptcy -- a step toward ending state oversight."Mr. Hill and Mr. Hageman played a critical role in that extraordinary achievement and are essential to the city's ongoing legal compliance," Duggan said in his statement.The city reimbursed Hill $43,436 for expenses between March and August, including a $4,000-per-month apartment at the Fort Shelby Tower Apartments, weekly flights to his home in Washington, D.C., and a $54 per-day allowance to spend as he wishes, according to expense reports obtained by the Free Press.Hageman was reimbursed at least $25,215 over that time for an apartment costing $2,312 per month, plus $735 monthly furniture rental, airfare home to Chicago and other expenses.The full amount of Hill and Hageman's expenses covered by Detroit taxpayers, including before the grant was depleted, is still unknown.William Davis, president of the Detroit Active and Retired Employee Association, said it is outrageous that the city pays for Hageman and Hill's living expenses in Detroit while they reside elsewhere."If he's that essential, he should live here," Davis said of Hill. "You can't just keep the people of Detroit on the hook for somebody that doesn't live here."He questioned why the city couldn't find a CFO from the Detroit area and suggested money spent on Hill's apartment could be used instead to repay pensioners. Davis is among thousands of Detroit retirees whose pensions were reduced beginning in March 2015 as part of the city's bankruptcy, which allowed Detroit to shed $7 billion in unsecured liabilities.Hill said Friday that the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan provided a $300,000 grant in June 2014 that covered some of the costs for his and Hageman's living expenses. Hill did not answer questions about when the grant from the foundation was applied to his and Hageman's expenses."We started using city funding for these expenses with the March 2016 expense reimbursements," Hill wrote.In his e-mail, Hill did not address questions about how much of the grant was used for his expenses and whether the grant paid for other things. The grant's expenditures now are under review by his office to ensure items charged to it were appropriate, Hill wrote.A letter dated June 6, 2014, from Mariam Noland, president of the community foundation, to Orr indicates the funding was intended for Detroit's grants-management project. Noland did not respond to messages left Friday.In addition to reimbursements for living expenses, Hill makes a $225,000 salary, although he does not receive a city benefits package, including health and retirement benefits, which can add a cost of 40%. Hill appointed Hageman as his chief of staff in May 2015. Like Hill, Hageman kept the expense allowances he was given while working previously in Detroit as a contractor. Hageman's salary is $130,044, and he also does not receive a benefits package.Hill is a certified public accountant specializing in municipal finance. He previously served as executive director of the D.C. Financial Control Board, which the federal government installed in 1995-2001 to take over operations of that city's government as it faced a deficit of more than $700 million.Duggan appointed him as chief financial officer, and Hill was confirmed in early 2015 by the Detroit City Council and the Detroit Financial Review Commission, the post-bankruptcy state oversight panel.The compensation packages afforded Hill and Hageman are similar to expense allowances for two consultants Hill has hired: Larry A. King and Dexter Lockamy. The consultants' expenses and pay rates caught the eye of the City Council last month. Council President Brenda Jones is expecting responses from Hill this week to a memo she sent with questions about consultants and workers in his office and how they are paid.Hill will be in Quito, Ecuador, this week to discuss Detroit's challenges coming out of bankruptcy as part of Habitat III, the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development."My expenses are paid by the World Bank and Lincoln Institute that extended me the invitation," Hill wrote in an e-mail to the Free Press over the weekend.
When the issue of physician-assisted suicide has been put to voters in the past, it hasn't fared well. But on Tuesday, voters in Colorado overwhelmingly approved it.Proposition 106, which gives mentally competent adults with a medical prognosis of six months to live the right to request a prescription to end their lives, passed handily. With 54percentof the votes reported, 65 percent were in favor of the ballot measure.Colorado now joins California, Oregon, Vermont and Washington state in legalizing the right to die, which is also called aid in dying or death with dignity. In Montana, there's no right-to-die law, but thanks to a state Supreme Court ruling, doctors are legally protected to participate as long as they have the patients request in writing.The movement has been slow to gain momentum -- Oregon was the first state to legalize aid in dying in 1994. Six other states' voters have weighed the right to die, but only two of them -- Oregon and Washington -- adopted an aid-in-dying law. Voters in California, Maine, Massachusetts and Michigan all rejected the idea. Colorado state Rep. Joann Ginal, who watched her late brother battle a terminal illness for years, introduced a death-with-dignity bill in January, accompanied by companion legislation in the Senate. Both bills eventually failed along party lines, with Democrats in favor and Republicans against.If my dear brother had an option to take medication that would have ended his suffering, I dont know if he would have done it. But I wished he had that option, she said.But not everyone supports the idea.One of the more vocal opponents of the ballot measure was state Sen. Larry Crowder. He feels that a law allowing people to end their life is too drastic.I understand the pain and the suffering families endure, and I know it takes a lot of money to keep these people alive," he said, "but I think we should be focused on ways we can improve the lives of those terminally ill."Other critics argue that if physician-assisted suicide is legalized, then pharmaceutical companies will incentivize the lethal drug over the medications it would take to keep the patient alive. Prop. 106 actually prohibits that by criminalizing providers for trying to coerce patients to request the lethal drug.But that didn't alleviate critics' concerns.So out of fear of big pharma pushing deadly drugs, and the ballot measure's lack of a requirement for providers to report prescriptions, the states two biggest newspapers urged voters to reject the proposition.Still, the measure passed anyway."Its not about suicide," said Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. "These people are going to die anyway. Theyre terminally ill  I think they should have that right to have medical advice, medical supervision, be able to make sure they have the final say themselves."
Families of pediatric medical marijuana patients were joined by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy at Connecticut Children's Medical Center Thursday for a ceremonial signing of legislation to expand the state's medical marijuana program to include children."We don't always get it right on the first go-around but eventually we persevere," Malloy said. "The idea that we would ignore the obvious benefits of cannabis-based medication made no sense. And once we acknowledged that it might make sense for adults, the idea that we would deprive children of access made even less sense."Susan Meehan moved from Montville to Maine with her daughter, Cyndimae, so she could use medical cannabis to treat Cyndimae's seizures. Meehan was at the state Capitol earlier this year to testify in favor of the bill that allowed minors to participate in the medical marijuana program."Cannabis can provide a whole medicine cabinet worth of options to treat many profoundly difficult-to-treat conditions," she said at the ceremony Thursday.Cyndimae died in March from complications related to her seizure disorders. Months later legislators passed the bill changing the medical marijuana law, and beginning Oct. 1 patients under 18 were granted access to the drug."While clearly there's more research to be done ... it's become clear to me that some of our most vulnerable patients are children who would truly benefit from the use of medical marijuana," said William Zempsky, head of pain and palliative medicine at Connecticut Children's Medical Center.
On Friday, in the afternoon, at 110 Creek Street, Brisbane, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC attended the National Australia Bank Governors Luncheon.

Following, at the Royal Thai Consulate, Brisbane, the Governor signed the condolence book following the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Following, the Governor and Mrs Kaye de Jersey departed Brisbane for an official visit to Townsville.
On Sunday, in the morning, at The Ville Resort-Casino, Townsville, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, with Mrs Kaye de Jersey, hosted an Investiture Ceremony for residents of North Queensland, recipients of Australian honours and awards announced on Australia Day 2016 and by the Bravery Council in 2015 and 2016, and then the Governor addressed guests.

In the afternoon, the Governor and Mrs de Jersey returned to Brisbane.
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GIS - 17 October, 2016: As we embark upon a new lap of development while investing in digital technologies, infrastructure and facilities we should also be putting an unprecedented emphasis on developing Digital Citizenship.

The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, expressed this determination to transform Mauritius into a fully-fledged Digital Society at the launching of the Mauritius e-Registry System on 14 October 2016 at the Registrar Generals Department in Port Louis in the presence of the Minister of Civil Service and Administrative Reforms, and Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and Disaster, Mr Alain Wong.

Minister Pravind Jugnauth commended the Registrar Generals Department for this initiative which is in line with Governments vision of moving Mauritius towards a digital platform and called for other Government entities to follow same and adopt the digital strategy.

He underlined that the Digital Society with its network of information highway, open data, internet, social media and its multiplicity of components should be made accessible to each and every citizen and used in a responsible way adding that it is difficult to imagine our future as a country without a digital society.

On this score, he called for a concerted effort of one and all in attaining this endeavor while at the same emphasising the role of educational institutions and parents which he said have a great share of responsibility in promoting concept of digital citizenship. He recalled Governments vision in promoting the digital literacy which goes in line with the concept of Digital Citizenship with the distribution of tablets and relevant education software to students of grades 1 and 2.

According to the Minister, the pursuit of the digital society, which is crucial as a next step to build our nation and connect Mauritians to each other and to the rest of the world is not an end in itself. Hence, he stressed the need to harness the digital economy and society strategy which he said will help in job creation, fuel economic growth, accelerate innovation, improve productivity and efficiency and open access to new markets and give greater choice to consumers which in turn will lay the foundation for a more connected, productive and competitive Mauritius.

For her part, the Registrar-General, Mrs D. Sobarun, spoke on reforms undertaken at the Department in view of keeping pace with developments across the world and also in response to the demands of stakeholders and members of the public for a better service delivery.

She further stressed that in line with the set of reforms in transforming the Department from a registry service organisation to an e-registry service one, the time for the registration of documents has been reduced from 210 days to 15 days and with the implementation of LAVIMS in 2011, it has been further reduced to 2 days.

Mauritius e-Registry Project (MeRP)

The MeRP which has been funded jointly by the Government of Mauritius and the Investment Climate Facility for Africa has been implemented in 2 Stages. The first stage which went live in 2014, pertains to the modernisation of the Department by implementing a software called the Mauritius eRegistry System. In this stage, all services within the Department have been automated and RGD officers are providing services using sophisticated software tools.

The second stage which pertains to online services, was implemented in 2015. Customers have been provided with a dashboard to submit their documents for registration, for payment of fees and for the retrieval of registered documents online. The Search Online Module will soon be made available to Ministries/Departments, Professionals and Public Sector Bodies in the first instance.

A Call Centre and a Help Desk have also been set up to assist customers in using the online services. To date 58,575 documents have been registered through the Online Services.

Furthermore, an Application Programme Interface is available for professionals to interact with this Department through their System.
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GIS  17 October 2016: Some 5,000 social housing units fitted with social, leisure and economic facilities will be constructed based on the new integrated approach being implemented by the National Housing Development Company (NHDC) for beneficiary families.

The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Lands, Mr Showkutally Soodhun, made the announcement on Friday 14 October 2016 at Rabita Hall in Port Louis, during a ceremony where cheques were remitted to 195 families under the Roof Slab Grant Scheme.

The Vice-Prime Minister reiterated Governments commitment to cater for the vulnerable groups by ensuring that they have access to adequate decent housing so that they live with dignity. He recalled that the size of the new housing units to be constructed by the NHDC will now be 50 m2, instead of 39 m2, with individual yard and equipped with the required amenities. Provision for a childrens playground and a petanque court will also be made on the housing estates, he said.

While referring to Governments ambition to ensure that each Mauritian family has a roof over their head, the Vice-Prime Minister recalled of the increase in the grant for casting of roof slab from Rs 65,000 to Rs 75,000, as well as the broadening of the categories of households eligible for the grant to families earning between Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 monthly.

Governments determination to address the problem of residential squatting was also underlined by Mr Soodhun, who added that by December 2016 there will be no squatters in Port Louis. He further added that new cases of squatting will not be tolerated and will be severely dealt with.

The 2016-2017 Budget has earmarked some Rs 110 m for the Roof Slab Grant Scheme to enable families to complete the construction of their houses. Since July 2015, an amount of Rs 167 m has been disbursed under the scheme.
Waze Connected Citizens Program Partnership

SpeedUpLouisville.com

CityVoice

Crowdsourcing is an effective tool for governments to use to understand their community in new ways. In Louisville, we have embraced the philosophy of open government, as evidenced by our Citizens Bill of Rights , and we think that crowdsourcing is a logical extension of our open government work. Under Mayor Greg Fischer's leadership, we have worked hard to understand our community's challenges and create solutions to those challenges with measurable, targeted outcomes in partnership with our residents. We believe that crowdsourcing information from our citizens allows us to better understand our problems and help us create more impactful solutions for our community.Crowdsourcing is also a great way for citizens to connect with their government in today's hyperconnected world. It has forced us to change the way we, as government, do business with our citizens. It has also changed the way our citizens can contribute to their community. Through crowdsourcing, citizens can now passively or directly provide opinions and data to us on their own terms. By sharing data and direct feedback with the government, our citizens help us understand our community in new ways.In Louisville, we have three civic tech projects that showcase the full spectrum of civic crowdsourcing, from passively sharing aggregated data from smartphone applications to actively calling a toll-free number to provide direct feedback on a project.Below, I give a brief description of each, and what we have accomplished or hope to accomplish with the project.Waze is a free smartphone application that leverages crowdsourced data to route drivers around congestion. They aim to save the average user five minutes per day on their commute. The Waze application relies on regularly-updated information to get users to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible. Because they rely on accurate and timely data, they created the Connected Citizens Program, which works with local governments from around the world to collect (or even help create) data feeds including planned road closures, locations of parking lots, and speed limits on roads.Louisville joined the program in 2015. In return for the data about our roads, Waze shares anonymous, aggregated crowdsourced traffic data from the Louisville area with us at no cost. This traffic data comes in a form much different than traditional traffic data, but still gives us a new understanding of traffic in our community. We are learning how to use this data to identify traffic congestion hotspots in our community and to improve travel for drivers. We believe using this crowdsourced data will allow us to make significant improvements in traffic congestion. SpeedUpLouisville.com collects and shares crowdsourced data about local internet service speeds, rates, and service quality in our community  information that was not previously available. The website helps citizens, businesses and policymakers better understand where Louisville residents can access high-quality Internet service, and where there are gaps in service.Once residents input information about their internet service, an interactive map displays the data and makes it available for free download, with the goals of increasing transparency about Internet service quality in Louisville and continuing the conversation around fiber in our community.The more residents share their Internet speeds, the easier it will be for Louisville to attract competition into underserved parts of our community, and the more obvious it will be where residents are not getting the advertised service levels, said Ted Smith, the Metros former Chief of Civic Innovation. CityVoice was originally developed by Code for America (CfA) to collect feedback from residents about vacant properties in South Bend, Indiana. It is a place-based survey tool that gives residents a phone number to call to answer a short series of questions about a given property. The application logs the responses and then shares them with the appropriate staff.This year, the Civic Data Alliance, our local CfA brigade, modified the CityVoice application from the CfA GitHub to help us collect resident feedback about pedestrian safety coinciding with a revamp of a key corridor in our community, Dixie Highway. Through our deployment of CityVoice, we hope that we will be able to collect feedback from residents who might not be able to make it to a community meeting about the project. We will also be getting direct citizen feedback while they are physically in and experiencing the traffic corridor about which we want feedback. Through this more resident-friendly approach to community engagement, we hope to significantly increase the number of residents engaged in this project by meeting them where they are, rather than relying on them to come to us.As we continue on this open government journey in Louisville, we hope that our citizens will continue to crowdsource data and feedback that can help us get a better picture of our community. Based on our early successes, we believe that crowdsourcing in government is just getting started. It will only become more important and prevalent as our world becomes even more connected.
(TNS) -- A downtown Hartford workspace for start-up ventures is open for business, drawing the first entrepreneurs with ideas for phone apps, texting services and other enterprises.The concrete floors of the 27,500-square-foot space at 20 Church St., known as the Stilts Building, have yet to be polished, and a wall slated to come down still stands. But a temporary space elsewhere in the building has been put to use, bringing in business owners even before Innovate Hartford , as the high-tech hub is known, opens in mid-January."We're starting up. We're catering to an immediate need," said Shana Schlossberg, a New York entrepreneur organizing Innovate Hartford. "We want to be part of it, but we can't wait until January."Her goal is to bring in 100 high-tech companies  robotics, coding, communications and other products and services  and 500 people in a year. About 15 businesses have committed to moving in next January, she said Friday.Businesses will pay $300 a month for workspace, Wi-Fi,opportunities to meet and work with other start-up founders and free coffee.Higher monthly charges will apply for higher-level service, such as reserved space.Innovate Hartford will be open 24/7, offer a game room with a pool table and arcade games, a kitchen and perhaps a climbing wall."You have nothing of that when you're sitting at a Starbucks," Schlossberg said.Innovate Hartford, which Schlossberg says is a nearly $3 million project, has gotten a push from New York real estate developers who want to foster business and "deal flow," she said.Among those moving into Innovate Hartford is Gary G. Brandt, president and co-founder of TEN DIGIT Communications . He's developing a texting service connecting customers with customer service operations at insurance companies, government agencies, medical offices and other enterprises.The objective is to replace what is often a punishing experience for consumers trying by telephone to reach a doctor's office, a cable TV company and other businesses. It could also save a company money by reducing its reliance on call centers.The downtown Hartford office building provides Brandt with working space at an affordable cost, he said."We have been working virtually," he said. "Now we have space."An added benefit is a call center operating in the office building that Brandt hopes to sign up as a customer.Also working at the Stilts Building is the developer of a phone app for energy audits, working with utilities that currently perform time-consuming work at homes and businesses. Nick Sackandy, an Ellington entrepreneur whose business includes weatherization, learned about the app from Schlossberg, calling it a "perfect fit" for his business.Business advocates see Innovate Hartford as the start of an effort to make Hartford a high-tech hub, connected to the region's universities and colleges and professors, researchers and graduate students whose research leads to spin-off startups.Other business start-ups operate at the University of Connecticut and elsewhere, and Hartford benefits from UConn's business school downtown. Schlossberg said interns from area colleges and universities will be connected to businesses using Innovate Hartford, and she sees the possibility of many deals created by bringing together business developers."We haven't scratched the surface," she said.
(TNS)  MANCHESTER, N.H.  Last month, Manchester, N.H., police transmissions accessible to anyone with a radio scanner became unintelligible to those outside the department.After upgrading its citywide radio system, the department decided to encrypt its transmissions, making it impossible for citizens to listen to Manchester police broadcasts on scanners or smartphone apps.The reason, according to a statement the department released in September, is to protect police officers and the publics privacy.The department believes the identities of alleged crime victims, which can be revealed in some radio transmissions, should remain private, according to the statement.The department also started encrypting so the locations of on-duty officers wont be revealed over the radio. This will help prevent people from following officers and interfering with their duties at a time when police are increasingly becoming targets of violence, the statement said.But the move to radio silence raises questions.What exactly are the dangers posed by un-encrypted police communications? Are Monadnock Region departments considering encrypting their broadcasts? And what are the broader implications of cloaking information thats previously been publicly accessible?The statement by the Manchester Police Department described the radio system to which it had upgraded, the Motorola APX7000L, as state of the art technology being used across the country by many police agencies.But at least in New Hampshire, fully encrypting police radio communications appears to be uncommon.According to a Sept. 18 report from the N.H. Union Leader, few if any police departments in the state fully encrypt their radio communications or intend to do so after Manchesters decision.But improved scanner technology and smartphone apps with the ability to pick up police radio frequencies have become more accessible to the public in recent years, according to police officials. And this has led to a trend in some parts of the country for departments to use encryption.Most police departments that have the capacity to encrypt their radio communications do so with software that scrambles their transmissions. To radios outside the police department, the encrypted transmissions sound either silent or garbled.The Sentinel spoke with representatives from four police departments in Cheshire County. None of them fully encrypt radio communications, although two have at least a limited capacity to do so.None of these departments have immediate plans to fully encrypt their radio communications, though all see value in the ability to make certain police broadcasts private.Almost all radio broadcasts from the Keene Police Department can be picked up by police scanners, according to Chief Brian Costa.But the department has the ability to encrypt transmissions and does so on occasion, he said.Encryption can be turned on at the click of a button, according to Costa. Its a simple matter of activating software that does the job.Keene police use the technology only during certain tactical operations, or when revealing an officers or civilians location could put someone in danger, he said.Costa described a hypothetical hostage situation as a case when encryption might be used; if Keene police are setting up a perimeter around a house where a persons being held captive, they would likely encrypt the radio communications.Doing so would help prevent the criminal  who could be trying to listen for officers whereabouts on a police scanner  from being aware of their presence.For this same reason, specialized State Police units, including the narcotics and SWAT teams, use encrypted radio communications during all of their operations, according to N.H. State Police Sgt. Daniel Brow of the Keene-based Troop C.The rest of State Police radio communications can be heard over scanners, for the most part, he said.State Police, at least in Troop C, have the ability to encrypt their communications, but dont do so often, according to Brow.The encrypting technology is a hassle to use, he said, adding that he cant remember the last time he cloaked his own broadcasts.State Police officers must press a button in their cruisers at the same time to activate it, he said. Otherwise, the encrypted communications will sound garbled and unintelligible for those who havent turned on the feature.Logistically, it just becomes a nightmare, he said.Although State Police have no plans to fully encrypt radio communications, Brow said hed support the idea. He called the state of un-encrypted radio communications a major safety issue, giving a potential advantage to criminals listening on scanners or smartphones.We dont like people to know that were coming, he said.To avoid releasing sensitive information over the radio that might jeopardize someones safety, officers will communicate on their cellphones, he said.Like Brow, Rindge Police Chief Todd Muilenberg supports full police radio encryption.But today, his department isnt capable of doing it. And with an extremely limited budget, the Rindge department doesnt have any plans to upgrade its radio system to encrypt anytime soon, according to Muilenberg.He said the departments un-encrypted radio communications have left officers vulnerable in certain situations.The department has received tips in the past that juveniles lighting tire fires, destroying property and littering public spaces with toilet paper have used scanners on smartphone apps to try to evade police, according to Muilenberg.They are actually monitoring our channels to see where we are and how we are responding to that call, he said.Muilenberg said he doesnt see the importance of keeping police broadcasts available to the public.I dont think theres a need for everybody to be listening to emergency radio traffic.Adam Marshall, an attorney with the Washington-based Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said hes never heard of police radio encryption violating any public records or open meetings laws.However, hes heard that the number of departments in the U.S. that are fully encrypting their radio communications is rising, and he cited a police movement to do so throughout Alaska.A December 2015 article by the Washington Post about police radio encryption listed departments in Washington, D.C., New York, California and Florida using the technology.Although encryptions not illegal, Marshall said it can seriously restrict journalists ability to cover important news events in their communities. Reporters often rely on police scanners to stay aware of crime and public safety issues.Even if its not strictly a public records issue, that doesnt mean that theres no public interest in having access to police scanners, he said.Others also believe theres a public interest in keeping police communications un-encrypted.On Oct. 2, Carla Gericke, a candidate for N.H. Senate District 20 (Manchester and Goffstown) and a leader of the Free State Project, organized a rally against the Manchester Police Departments decision to encrypt.In a news release for the rally, she said un-encrypted communications are needed to keep the police department accountable.Hiding behind encryption while increasing the use of military tactics is dangerous to a free and open society, she said in the release. We have a right to know what our police department is up to.Jaffrey police Chief William Oswalt sees a different value in keeping police radio communications public.Like Rindge, his department has no encryption capabilities. Oswalt said his department often receives helpful tips from people listening to the police scanner who might know information about crimes or other unfolding scenarios.But he doesnt fully support un-encrypted communications and called them a double-edged sword.Occasionally, people listening to the scanner in Jaffrey, tipped off to the locations of police officers, will start to follow them around and try to initiate problems, he said.Keene police have experienced the same thing, according to Costa. But none of the resulting interactions have escalated or become dangerous for officers, he said.They also havent convinced him his department needs to fully encrypt its radio communications.But if the nature of these interactions changed, he said, so would his views on encryption.If it ever crossed the line where officers safety was in danger, we would consider it, Costa said.
(TNS) -- A lot of big brains came to Pittsburgh this week for the White House-hosted Frontiers Conference , creating what the United States chief technology officer Megan Smith called a big American barn-raising of ideas.But will anything tangible come out of all of those certainly interesting and educational panels, speeches and roundtables?Participants say yes, though you might not be able to notice anything right away.It is kind of too early to see that because it just happened, said Debra Lam, the city of Pittsburghs chief innovation and performance officer, who led a roundtable during Thursdays Local track, one of five sessions at the conference. I do think the communication will continue and we can hopefully follow through with action on the visions for the future we heard.It is not even clear whether there will be another conference like it in the future, despite U.S. Transportation Sec. Anthony Foxxs labeling it the inaugural White House Frontiers Conference during a panel on Thursday.Regardless of what form it takes, there is a real need to continue to have these multi-sectional conversations, said Tom Kalil, deputy director for technology and innovation in the White Houses Office for Science and Technology Policy.But a big part of President Barack Obamas hope was to provide some energy  if not some funding, which he also announced during the conference  to keep that work going, Mr. Kalil said.Part of what the president does in conferences like this is he also calls for an all-hands-on-deck approach, he said. We hope this helped maintain the level of energy and excitement in these innovations.Cristin Dorgelo, chief of staff for the Office of Science and Technology, said one definite outcome of the conference will be a follow-up report in the coming months on the artificial intelligence report that was released this past week , and reactions to it during the conference.The follow-up will look deep into those questions and reflect on all the different views were heard on it, she said.Mr. Kalil said one of the repeated themes during the five sessions at the conference  Personal, Local, National, Global and Interplanetary  was concerns about the perils of the technological advances we are experiencing, such as loss of jobs to technology, as well as why some segments of our nation dont have access to all the innovations we already have.Part of the impact of the conference will be to make sure those diverse set of views [about the perils and shortcomings] are at the table in future conversations, said Ms. Dorgelo.There are some direct benefits to Pittsburgh from the conference, though those benefits may not seem as obvious now.We dont often showcase ourselves in that kind of light like the conference did, Ms. Lam said, and this was our chance to do that.I dont think its fair yet to say This conference resulted in these five key investments, or This meeting will take place,  she said. But weve done the hard work to position us for a whole new level of attention in the technology world.At least one tangible benefit appears to be coming Pittsburghs way.A nonprofit organization in New York City, All Star Code, which trains young men of color to learn how to write computer code, is now looking to expand to Pittsburgh, said its founder and executive director, Christina Lewis Halpern.It was a little bit of kismet with the White House Frontiers Conference coming to Pittsburgh, said Ms. Lewis Halpern, who was one of the invited guests of the conference. We already had a short, internal list of cities we wanted to expand to and Pittsburgh was on it.But coming there and seeing the connections between the philanthropic and education communities and seeing how they connected with national organizations and STEM organizations, that impressed me.It helped that the Local track she chose to sit through Thursday morning allowed her to see and meet Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and Ms. Lam, who both told her they were interested in helping her find partners and funding.Ms. Lewis Halpern said if all goes well and she gets everything in place over the winter, All Star Code could set up a coding camp for summer 2017.If that is not tangible enough, Alexis Chidi, the University of Pittsburgh medical student who introduced Mr. Obama at Thursdays plenary session, said she emerged more hopeful and energized.I went to the Local track, and it was not directly health related, but I met a lot of people doing really, really cool stuff who I might work with in the future, she said, maybe in a new future we havent even thought of yet.
Exposed: The Stupid Things Workers Do 13%

let their colleagues use a device that can access their employers network; 9 percent allow their partners to access such a device.



20%

of employees share their work email password; 12 percent share passwords to other work applications. Nearly half of all employees are unaware of any company policy around password sharing.



One in five

employees do not have any security software on their mobile work devices, beyond what ships with the operating system.



Source: InformationWeek; research conducted by Arlington Research in 2016 on behalf of OneLogin





In 2014, a Durham, N.H., police officer opened what she thought was a digital fax attached to an email about an investigation she was working on. Earlier this year, an employee at the Lansing Board of Water and Light in Michigan opened what seemed to be a legitimate email attachment. In both cases, the government employees were victims of a type of phishing attack known as ransomware, which encrypted the victims computer files and sent them a digital ransom note, demanding money to decrypt them. Both agencies were able to resolve the issue without paying any ransom, but not before dealing with a costly cleanup.State and local governments continue to be victims of data breaches and cyberattacks, with unauthorized access to files and data as the most persistent problem, according to IBMs 2016 Cyber SecurityIntelligence Index. And the attacks are becoming more frequent. In 2015, government joined the ranks of four other industries  health care, manufacturing, financial services and transportation  as the most frequently attacked sector in the world, according to the report.Despite investments in intrusion detection software, firewalls and a host of other cybersecurity tools, attacks, breaches and extortions continue to plague states and localities. A chief reason why security fails is the human factor, say experts. Over 95 percent of all incidents investigated recognize human error as a contributing factor, according to a 2014 analysis of cyberattacks from IBMs worldwide security services operations. The most commonly recorded forms of human error include system misconfiguration, poor patch management, use of default user names and passwords or easy-to-guess passwords, lost laptops or mobile devices, and disclosure of regulated information via use of an incorrect email address.Thanks to personal information available on the Internet and via social media, hackers and data thieves have become extremely sophisticated at sending what look like emails from colleagues or businesses with the goal of gaining victims trust and having them open an attachment or click on a link that installs malicious software on a government agencys server. The technique is called social engineering, and over the past three years, most major cyberattacks on U.S. corporations have included it, according toCIOs and CISOs in both the public and private sectors realize that human error is perhaps the biggest weakness in any information security program. Not surprisingly, a fast-growing business has sprung up to deal with changing human behavior. Called security awareness training, the aim is to condition employees not to click or open anything that looks remotely suspicious.Michael Roling, CISO of Missouri, reported that every tax season, the states email system sees a spike in W-2 phishing campaigns. They go through the roof, he said. Data thieves, hoping to gain a crucial bit of personal information that can be used to file fraudulent tax returns, try to trick employees into sharing information. Sometimes the only thing that is suspicious might be a misspelled name, said Roling.Since 2009, Missouri has used awareness programs to train employees what to look for in a suspicious email, how to work with two-factor authentication or how to create strong passwords. The initial programs werent that effective, according to Roling, but recently the state switched to its latest training program, an online service from Security Mentor. Roling described it as more educational than past efforts, as well as interactive and consumable.Security Mentor is one of a burgeoning number of firms that specialize in awareness training. Its a business worth $1 billion a year and growing 13 percent annually, according to Gartner, the technology research firm. Other firms in the market include the SANS Institute, MediaPro, Wombat Security, Digital Defense and BeOne Development, to name just a few.Missouris program is delivered online monthly and is taken by 40,000 end users in 14 state agencies. Each lesson lasts 10 to 15 minutes and covers a specific security issue. In addition to explaining about phishing, authentication and passwords, the program also teaches employees about physical security, data loss prevention, whats acceptable to send over the state network and even how to keep data secure while traveling. The program also includes games and puzzles to keep it interactive, Roling said.The awareness program costs the state $4.68 per user, per year, but its well worth the investment, according to Roling. The effectiveness of employee awareness training is so high that it would be one of the last things to go if we had to cut, he said. Not only does it raise awareness, it keeps the security culture alive that we struggled to get going five years ago. Even cabinet-level officers have to take the training.Unlike security training, which focuses on teaching employees and testing their knowledge on a set of rules, awareness training focuses on changing human behavior and making security part of the workplace culture. Its all about changing behavior as it is about actual security training, said Lea Deesing, chief innovation officer of Riverside, Calif. Awareness is key because its the users who can put the integrity of our network at risk.Riverside used to perform awareness training as a classroom exercise, but this year the city began using an online program from the SANS Institute called Securing the Human. The training is now mandatory; if employees dont take and complete the one- to two-hour course within the designated time frame, they are locked out of the citys network. The training is modular and can be tailored to the type of data the employee works with, such as legal documents or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act forms, for example. Deesing described the training as interactive, and should an employee fail the short test at the end of the course, he or she must take it over again.Another program is Managed Online Awareness Training from Awareity, which is used by Loudoun County, Va. Wendy Wickens, the countys IT director, said all employees must take the training once a year; the session lasts 30 to 90 minutes and is also interactive, with videos, test questions and a review of the countys security policies. The program costs $39,000.Along with awareness training, the county has ratcheted up security by turning off employee access to personal email on the countys network. That has drastically reduced the instances of ransomware, which has become rampant, said Wickens. However, the county offers public Wi-Fi (separate from the county network) to employees who have a personal device and want to access personal email when theyre not working. Since we instituted that policy, we havent seen any instance of ransomware [on the county network], which is significant, she said.Not all state or local governments are investing in cloud-based awareness training programs from third parties. In Prince Georges County, Md., the 6,500 government employees receive their awareness education through a custom learning management solution that has been crafted by the county, according to CIO Vennard Wright. The training takes place annually and is both online and offline for certain workers who dont have access to a computer.Wright also has seen a big drop in employee-triggered malware attacks since the county made the awareness training mandatory, and bars employees from the county network who havent taken the training or failed to pass the course. The first year we made it mandatory, there was a lot of pushback, but now the training is accepted, he said.Not all security awareness programs are foolproof when it comes to changing behavior in the workplace. The programs can fail to perform as expected for a variety of reasons. Ira Winkler, president and co-founder of Secure Mentem, a consulting firm that focuses on security awareness, said problems can start with the basic objective. Theres a difference between awareness and training, and most people are providing training, not awareness, he said. Training is putting a fixed body of knowledge on employees and testing them. Awareness is about changing behavior. But most people dont know that. Showing employees a video is not going to work as far as changing behavior.Online awareness programs need to be part of a broader, more holistic approach toward security, according to Winkler. Making awareness ubiquitous requires a broad array of tactics, including pervasive messaging to workers through posters, newsletters, message boards, events and contests. Its up to CISOs to create a security culture, an environment where people do the right thing, he said.Awareness experts criticize the approach where security awareness training takes place once a year, with a short quiz at the end. Thats compliance and checking a box, not true awareness, said Winkler.In Missouri, making security awareness part of the employee culture includes the use of gamification techniques to maintain interest. Roling said his department will also periodically test employees by sending out fake phishing attacks, usually tied to a theme around a current event. Employees who fail to identify the fake phishing email and click on the link will find themselves at a website that explains what has happened and what they should have been looking for.Roling keeps track of which agency makes the lowest number of mistakes and which makes the highest. The rankings are posted, and agencies that struggle are encouraged to improve and increase their awareness ranking. Its part of a broader set of metrics Roling keeps on how employees fare with awareness training, and its considered an effective way to measure whats working and what isnt.By mixing gamification, a little competition and metrics with the overall awareness program, Roling said that state employees see the monthly exercises as less of a burden and understand that it is a regular component of work. Awareness training is one of the most important components of our security posture, he said. All the security tools out there will never be as sharp as the human mind.Its a point that more government CISOs agree with and has made them realize just how critical security awareness has become. In Riverside, security awareness has broadened into a larger education program for city workers, according to Deesing. We are educating our people about how to handle different types of data and whether or not they should even be storing different types of data. We are also scanning our data to ensure there arent any human errors that could put the city at risk.
Ohio House of Representatives

Ohio Senate

U.S. House of Representatives

U.S. Senate

(TNS)  COLUMBUS, Ohio  A local state legislator is working to address a uniquely 21st-century issue.: On Thursday, Cupp introduced legislation to provide a framework for determining what happens to a persons digital assets, such as Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox and other accounts, upon that persons death. Currently law is unclear when it comes to this issue.This bill, according to Cupps office, would give Ohioans the ability to maintain control of their digital assets and to enable better communication between Internet service providers, their subscribers and the subscribers next of kin. The bill would provide estate fiduciaries (executors, administrators and surviving spouses) authority to access these digital assets in the same way they have access to tangible property, unless the deceased person has otherwise provided.In todays world when many Ohioans post photos, comments, and personal communications online, it is important to ensure that our laws provide for after-death access to these treasures or otherwise fulfill the makers wishes, Cupp said. I am pleased to sponsor this legislation, in coordination with the Ohio State Bar Association, to ensure a persons online assets are properly handled after a persons death.Companion legislation is also being considered in the Ohio Senate.: On Thursday, Faber met with faculty, staff and students at Edison Community Colleges Darke County campus to celebrate the launch of the colleges new agribusiness program. The college had received $1.8 million in state capital funds this year for improvements and renovations.Im grateful for the investment Edison State is making in Darke County, Faber said. Because of their vision and leadership, educational opportunities are being created that mirror the economic needs of our community. Im particularly excited about the launch of their new agribusiness program. Its a testament to the partnership between our local schools, businesses and government to equip Ohioans with the tools they need to be successful.: On Thursday, Latta, along with Ohio Auditor Dave Yost, met with local stakeholders in Defiance to discuss Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, covering the recent audit conducted by Yosts office revealing structural weaknesses in the program.Preserving the integrity of the SNAP program is important so that taxpayers know that their money is not being abused, and those truly in need can access the program, Latta said. The audit performed by the Auditors office has shined a light on potential issues with the application of the program, and todays discussion was insightful. As Congress begins to prepare the next Farm Bill, it is vital to hear from those on the ground about ways to improve the program.Latta also met with local stakeholders in Defiance to discuss the impact of the Internet of Things on agriculture, including the connection of physical devices, such as vehicles and buildings, to the Internet.The Internet of Things has the potential to be a game-changer for a number of industries and agriculture is one that can reap the benefits, Latta said. Hearing from farmers about how they are currently using IoT, and the challenges they face in implementing it, is very helpful as we pursue policies that will help this technology grow. Whether its making it easier to maintain equipment, improving planting and harvesting efficiency, or growing crop yields, IoT can be very helpful to the agricultural community.: Speaking as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, Brown released a statement Friday following an announcement from Ohio Gov. John Kasichs office that the state would suspend dealings with Wells Fargo Bank after the bank was found to have used fraudulent practices with their customers, including using forced arbitration to prevent defrauded customers from pursuing legal action, according to Browns office.Wells Fargo cheated customers, and until it lays out concrete steps to make things right, it doesnt deserve the State of Ohios business, Brown said.Brown also announced plans to introduce legislation to give Wells Fargo customers the pathway to seeking legal action against the bank.: On Wednesday, Portman praised a ruling by the D.C. Circuit Court saying the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cannot constitutionally operate as an independent agency since it has a single director rather than a multi-member board.In 2013, I expressed concern that the CFPBs vast power is vested in a single director who is not removable at will by the President, and I am pleased that the D.C. Circuit has ruled that such an arrangement is unconstitutional, Portman said in a statement. This decision is a win for our constitutional system of checks and balances, which is an essential protection of individual liberty. Im glad that the court recognized what I have called for since 2013, robust oversight to ensure the CFPB accurately represents the will of the people.
Niki Lauda has backed Max Verstappen's driving during the recent Japanese grand prix.

Initially, Mercedes lodged a protest against the Dutchman's defensive move in his duel with Lewis Hamilton, in which Verstappen changed direction under braking.

The team referred to a generic rule forbidding dangerous driving, but Mercedes ultimately dropped the protest.

"This paragraph (rule) could be interpreted in all sorts of ways so it's worthless," Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda told Auto Motor und Sport.

"The two of them didn't even touch, so nothing happened. The protest would have been lost before it even began."

Lauda said he would even have driven in a similar way to Verstappen.

"If I was him, I wouldn't have let Lewis past on the penultimate lap either.

"For me, the action in Suzuka was much less dangerous than the one on the straight with Kimi in Spa," he said.

Also backing Verstappen in the wake of the latest Suzuka controversy is F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi.

The Brazilian called the young Dutchman "a phenomenon", and dismissed those who think Verstappen is too aggressive.

"No, it's just his way of fighting," Fittipaldi told Italy's Corriere della Sera. "And it's spectacular. He will be a champion, for sure."

(GMM)
GREENSBORO  One person is dead and three were injured in three separate shooting incidents Sunday, Greensboro police said.

Police responded to a call at 7:36 p.m. at 815 Rugby Street and found 43-year-old Raheem Samad Heading of Greensboro suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported by EMS to a local hospital and was pronounced dead.

An investigation is ongoing, police said in a news release.

In two other incidents, investigators responded to a call at 4:14 p.m. in the 2000 block of Randleman Road and found someone who had been shot. The victim was transported to a local hospital by EMS for treatment.

At 7:50 p.m. police responded to 803 W. Florida Street and found two people who had been shot. The victims were transported by EMS to a local hospital for treatment.

Police have not disclosed any other information about those victims or the shootings.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000 or text 274637 using the keyword badboyz. Tips are anonymous and may result in a reward of up to $2,000
While Americans ponder their choice for the next president of the United States, some potential voters may be planning to skip the election process all together. Why? Voter apathy, scheduling, not feeling informed enough; the potential reasons go on. WalletHub-perhaps appealing to apathetic voters-decided to see how powerful votes from each state are. Here's a look at which states wield the most power in presidential elections.
The silent slurp at Ichiran. Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

The Japanese ramen chain Ichiran, famous for serving only one kind of soup (pork-bone-broth tonkotsu) throughout its 61 locations, has been trying to open in New York for a decade. Finally, its arrived in East Williamsburg with an 82-seat restaurant adjacent to a production facility large enough to supply at least a half-dozen future branches (a second will likely open in Manhattan next year). But Ichiran is as well known for its service system as for its noodle soup. In Japan, diners buy a meal ticket at a vending machine, monitor a flashing seating chart, then seat themselves at individual flavor concentration booths. (In Brooklyn, theres no vending machine, and half the space offers customary group seating.)

These booths, which evoke library carrels and those glass-divided telephone booths inmates use in prison, take solo dining to the extreme. You fill out a menu, customizing the richness of your broth and the strength of your dashi, and push a call button. A faceless server retrieves the form  faceless because the booth is constructed to reveal only his or her torso  and then delivers the ramen and pulls down the shade, leaving you alone with your thoughts and your soup. The aim is to strip the meal of all unnecessary distractions, including social interaction, and enhance the sensory experience of ramen-eating. There is also the added benefit of a quick turnaround. According to spokesperson Hana Isoda, the average meal time in Japan is 20 minutes, which would be even shorter without all the dawdling tourists.

Pictured above: Each booth is equipped with a System Guide, an order form, and admonishments to please be quiet and silence your phones. The bamboo shade is lowered as soon as the ramen arrives. A call button summons a server, and placing a metal tray on the sensor indicates youd like a noodle refill.

The electronic seating chart indicates when a booth is available. A green light means a seat is open  no host required. Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

Slurpers row: On the left, wall-mounted tissue boxes, should the chile sauce prove too spicy. Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

You fill out your order form with as much privacy as you would a voting ballot. Photo: Bobby Doherty/New York Magazine

374 Johnson Ave., nr. Bogart St., East Williamsburg; 718-381-0491

*This article appears in the October 17, 2016, issue of New York Magazine.
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After initiating multiple license terms and patent infringement-related actions against Meizu in China back in June this year, Qualcomm announced this past weekend that it has now filed patent infringement complaints against the Chinese company in the United States, Germany, and France as well.

Specifically, in the US, a complaint with the country's International Trade Commission (ITC) has been filed, while in Germany a similar complaint has been filed with the Mannheim Regional Court. In France, Qualcomm has initiated an infringement-seizure action.

"Meizus refusal to negotiate a license agreement in good faith and its sales and distribution of infringing products around the world leave Qualcomm with no choice but to protect our patent rights through these additional legal proceedings," said Qualcomm's executive vice president and general counsel Don Rosenberg.

Source
Samsung announced today that it has started mass producing System-on-Chip (SoC) products with 10nm FinFET technology, which the South Korean company says is an industry-first.

"The industrys first mass production of 10nm FinFET technology demonstrates our leadership in advanced process technology," said Jong Shik Yoon, Executive Vice President, Head of Foundry Business at Samsung Electronics. "We will continue our efforts to innovate scaling technologies and provide differentiated total solutions to our customers."

The new 10nm FinFET process (10LPE) used by the tech giant adopts an advanced 3D transistor structure, and when compared to the company's 14nm predecessor, there are enhancements in both process technology and design enablement.

This allows "up to 30-percent increase in area efficiency with 27-percent higher performance or 40-percent lower power consumption," Samsung said in a press release.

The company also said that SoCs with the new 10nm process will launch in early 2017, while its second-gen 10nm process (10LPP) with performance boost is targeted for mass production in H2 2017.

Source
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Haiti - News : Zapping politics...





Ban Ki Moon disappointed

"I am disappointed by the response of the international community [...] I urge the major donors to lend their helpful hand," declared Saturday Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General at the Toussaint Louverture airport after his visit to the South of Haiti, adding "I know there's some fatigue on the part of some countries, but the current situation, the disaster that struck Haiti through this hurricane is indescribable." Note that on the flash appeal for $120 million launched Monday in Geneva by UN https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18897-haiti-flash-un-launches-a-$120m-flash-appeal-for-haiti.html , only 15.6 million (13%) of this amount were collected after a week.



New Dominican aid convoy announced

Silie Ruben Valdez, the Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Dominican Republic in Haiti, announced that a new convoy will arrive in Haiti in late October, to continue to rescue the victims of the hurricane Matthew in Haiti.



The DG of the PNH in California

This Weekend in California (USA), Michel-Ange Gedeon, the Director General of the Haitian National Police, attended the annual conference of the International Association of Police Chiefs. The identification of the immediate needs of the police after the passage of Hurricane Matthew, strengthening the capacity of SWAT, of the Coast Guard and the Brigade for the Fight Against Drug Trafficking (BLTS) were at the heart of discussions during the conference.



10 satellite phones to the Senate

In response to a request from Ronald Lareche, Senate President, Jean Marie Altema, the Director General of the National Council of Telecommunications (CONATEL) handed 10 satellite phones offered as loan by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).



95% of Catholic churches destroyed in Les Cayes

According to Cardinal Chibly Langlois, 95% of Catholic church infrastructure has been destroyed in the Diocese of Les Cayes.



Changes in the central administration of MENFP

Mary Louis Cador, the Director General of the Ministry of National Education has proceeded with the installation of two new directors : Mesilas Maxime replaces Job Maurice Joseph as Director in the Directorate of Secondary Education (DES) and Jose Joseph replaces Faubert Michel to the Human Resources Department (HRD).



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2016/10/16

My Korean Kitchen helps us make a delicious and nutritious noodle stir fry, hear what Korea's 'philosopher chef' has to say about eating and living well, Zen Kimchi puts local franchises in the spotlight, and the Best Ever Food Review Show explores the palatability of pupa on Korea's streets..

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"EASY CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI NOODLE STIR FRY"

Author, cook and photographer Sue from My Korean Kitchen shows us how easy it is to make a delicious chicken and broccoli noodle stir fry. This dish will take only around 15 minutes to make, and it's "loaded with savoury flavour and texture". Sue also assures us that, "after your first bite, you will fall in love with it instantly too!"

...READ ON MY KOREAN KITCHEN

"Zen and the art of Korean vegan cooking"

The 'philosopher chef' Jeong Kwan, a Buddhist nun, is interviewed by The Guardian about her approach to creating delicious and wholesome dishes that satisfy more than your taste buds. This "bona fide gastronomic prophet" has never worked in a restaurant before, but her skills and mindful approach is becoming increasingly popular at home and away. "Food is meant to nourish your body and help your mind find enlightenment", says Kwan.

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"8 Great Korean Restaurant Franchises (and bad ones)"

Over the past two decades Korea has seen a number of foreign food chains come into the country, but what about local chains? Are they any good? In this post from Zen Kimchi you'll discover which Korean franchises you'll definitely want to track down and dine at, as well as those restaurants you might want to skip.

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"Eating bugs in Korea! - South Korea [Best Ever Food Review Show]"

Here's a streetwise vlog from the Best Ever Food Review Show that takes a fun look at some of the usual foods to be found on Korea's streets. Korean cuisine is the number one reason tourists say they come to Korea, but how many are adventurous enough to try a cup of pupa? Have you ever tried eating Korean creepy crawlies? Be sure to let us know how it went in the comment section below...

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Harlow is a former New Town in Essex with a population of 86,000. Located in the upper Stort Valley, it was built in the decades after the Second World War to ease overcrowding and London and provide homes for people bombed out during the Blitz. It includes Britain's first pedestrian precinct and first modern residential tower block, The Lawn. Old Harlow, the historic part of the town, was mentioned in the Domesday Book. David and Victoria Beckham's former home, Rowneybury House, nicknamed 'Beckingham Palace', is nearby.

09:44, 30 OCT 2022
Two confirmed killed, one missing and six seriously injured after huge explosion at BASF chemical plant in Germany

An explosion at a chemical plant in western Germany on October 17 killed two, with another man confirmed missing. The blast happened at BASF's main site in Ludwigshafen at around 11.30am during work on a pipeline transporting chemicals and flammable liquids to the plant's northern harbour on the river Rhine, the company said.

The BASF site at Ludwigshafen - Shutterstock

At a news conference on October 18, BASF told journalists that the two people known to have died in the explosion were both members of BASF's own fire brigade. They were responding to a minor fire near the site's river harbour when the pipeline exploded.

One other person is still missing following the blast and six of the 25 people injured are still in intensive care, Ludwigshafen city official Dieter Feid said at the news conference.

"Things are not looking good for some of them," he said.

The resulting blaze took160 firefighters and emergency workers 10 hours to extinguish and forced BASF to shut down more than 20 facilities, including its two steam crackers which produce the basic hydrocarbon chemicals such as propylene and ethylene used to manufacture a wide range of plastics and other chemicals.

TV footage showed flames rising high into the air from the blast site and a massive column of black smoke. Residents in Ludwigshafen and neighbouring Mannheim were asked to remain inside and keep their doors and windows closed. Children were also kept inside at nurseries and schools, with local residents reporting breathing difficulties, according to the Rheinpfalz newspaper.



BASF said initial tests for contamination recorded "no elevated readings". Local police warned motorists in the area to avoid the towns of Oppau, Edigheim and Pfingstweide.

The BASF plant is the world's biggest chemical complex covering an area of ten square kilometres and employing 39,000 workers.



News of the explosion on October 17 came less than two hours after BASF said four people were injured in a gas explosion at its Lampertheim facility, a plant near Ludwigshafen that makes additives for plastics.

Update:

On October 19, divers at the BASF Ludwigshafen plant found a body, presumed to be that of the man reported missing after the explosion two days earlier. This brings the death toll to three, with six seriously injured and another 14 wounded to varying degrees.





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The May School of Nursing and Health Sciences held its first mock disaster simulation Wednesday, October 12.

The simulation took place in the rear parking lot of the May School of Nursing and Health Sciences building.

Faculty at the college has been working on the event since April 2016, said Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences and Director of Nursing Dr. Laura Fero.

Performing arts students played the role of burn victimsthe result of a large explosion.

Both nursing and emergency medical service and management students were made aware of the situation only moments before being asked to spring into action.

Senior nursing student Thelma Barraza said she heard what sounded like a large bang outside of her classroom and then, absolute chaos.

Thats when I knew something was going on, Barraza said.

Several students triaged patients in the parking lot, and several more began preparing the mock emergency room on the second floor of the building.

Victims were then brought in on stretchers and placed into beds.

With the guidance of their professors, nursing and EMSM students began to clinically assess, prioritize, clean prosthetic wounds and burns.

Volunteers playing the parts of panicked family members entered the emergency room shouting for their loved ones.

Nursing students calmed the parents by bringing them upstairs to a waiting room. They offered them comfort and something to drink before bringing them to the bedside and providing patient and family-centered care.

Over the course of about an hour, students cared for their patients and received consultations from their professors.

Giovanna Bumgarner, a senior nursing student, said that the experience will help her become a better nurse.

Ive grown now, and I know what I need to work on, she said. When I relive this again I will know what to do and it will be a cycle: I will learn some new things and find the things I need to work on.

Fero said the mock scenario was, integral for our experiential learning vision at the May School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Experiential learning is a large focus of the school.

It offers a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to active triage and emergency response that engages the students and challenges them to use advanced assessment, critical thinking, therapeutic communication, patient-family centered care, and technical skill, she added.

Plans are already underway for next years event.

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The Town of Boone and the High Country Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America are thrilled to invite the community to visit the future site of the Watauga County Veterans Memorial located next to Town Hall at 567 W. King Street in Boone.

Col. Ben Covington (USA Ret.), Lt. Col. George Brudzinski (USMC Ret.), along with Boone Mayor Rennie Brantz and Town Manager John Ward were downtown Friday, Oct. 14th at the site as the sign was erected by the Town of Boone Public Works Department.

The MOAA will be having their 10th Annual Veterans Day Program on Nov. 11 at the Boone Mall. The Watauga Community Band will perform at 10:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 11:00 a.m. There will be an update given on the Watauga County Veterans Memorial Project, along with a WCVM information table available at the event.

The Military Officers Association is a non-partisan, non-profit veterans association dedicated to maintaining strong defense and preserving the earned entitlements of the members of our uniformed services and their families. If you are interested in making a donation to this important project, please visit http://www.hccmoaa.org/ or facebook.com/HCCMOAA for more information.

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On Oct. 3, 2016, Terri Frances Smith, 53, plead guilty to trafficking in heroin by possession, possession with intent to sell and deliver heroin, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The District Attorneys Office also identified Smith as a habitual felon, thereby enhancing her sentence.

The case arose in July of 2015 when officers received information that a heroin transaction was expected to occur that day near the Blowing Rock municipal swimming pool. Officers from the Boone Police Department, Caldwell County Sheriffs Office, and State Bureau of Investigation conducted surveillance near the pool and witnessed the transaction. Further investigation led to a search of Ms. Smiths residence, which resulted in the discovery of nearly 12 grams of heroin, over $2,000 in U.S. currency, and digital scales.

The Honorable J. Thomas Davis, Superior Court Judge, sentenced Ms. Smith to serve a minimum of 9 years and a maximum of 12 years in prison. Smith was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine.

Heroin and those who sell it represent one of the greatest threats to our way of life in the High Country, District Attorney Seth Banks said in a statement. I am committed to doing everything in my power to stop the influx of this deadly drug into our community. I would like to thank Assistant District Attorney Matt Rupp for his work on this case. I also would like to commend the work of the Boone Police Department, the Caldwell County Sheriffs Office, and State Bureau of Investigation for their help in seeing that Terri Frances Smith was brought to justice

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By University Communications

Photos by Marie Freeman

Under Byron Hedgepeths direction, the Steely Pan Steel Band of Appalachian State Universitys Hayes School of Music will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 21 in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts on campus. Admission is free.

The program will boast a wide range of styles, from rock to opera. It will consist of music originally written for steel band or arranged for it.

Among the selections will be Len Boogsie Sharpes Birthday Party; Roy Holmans My Band; Reptilia by Julian Casablancas/The Strokes; and Under the Sea, which was composed by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.

Hedgepeth has also programmed Outkasts Hey Ya; Enrique E. Garcias Conga; Glory by Andy Sheafe and Mark Loquan; a medley from Pagliacci Ruggieros famed opera Leoncavallo; and Ellie Mannettes My Paradise.

The program will conclude with Alphonsus Cassells Hot Hot Hot. There will also be traditional numbers, including Marianne and Tamboo Bamboo to Steel.

The Steely Pan Steel Band consists of 22 Appalachian students performing 41 steel drums and other percussion instruments. The band performs often, not only at Appalachian but also at schools and arts festival around the state, delighting audiences with its vibrant sound.

About the Hayes School of Music

The Hayes School of Music prepares young musicians for professional lives as performers, composers, music educators, music therapists, conductors and music industry professionals, ensuring the next generation of musical leadership for the state, region and nation. Noted for quality instruction by national and internationally recognized faculty musicians, the school offers four undergraduate degree programs and three graduate-level programs.

About Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University, in North Carolinas Blue Ridge Mountains, prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The transformational Appalachian experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and embrace diversity and difference. As one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina system, Appalachian enrolls about 18,000 students, has a low faculty-to-student ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.

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Niinisto stated in an interview on YLE TV1 on Saturday that the demilitarised status of the autonomous string of islands outside the south-western coast of Finland could be re-examined, for example, in the context of the ongoing discussion about defence co-operation between Finland and Sweden.

Jussi Niinisto (PS), the Minister of Defence, has called for a re-examination of the demilitarisation of Aland.

The demilitarisation, he estimated, has a detrimental effect on the ability of Finland to fulfil its responsibility to defend the Aland Islands.

Jukka Tarkka, a researcher and non-fiction author, says he is delighted with the fact that Niinisto seems to not be afraid to examine the national security situation in light of historical evidence and recent events in the adjoining territories.

That's the kind of security thinking we need now, he writes in his personal blog.

His assessment is echoed by Charly Salonius-Pasternak, a researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs.

Niinisto made some good remarks about Aland. No country would be willing to approve of a defence obligation with similar limitations when it comes to preparations, he tweeted on Sunday.

Both Salonius-Pasternak and Tarkka have commented regularly on the position of the Aland Islands. Tarkka estimated recently that the islands would be a priority for any nearby military power in the event of a conflict in the Baltic Sea Region. Aland has been re-militarised after being stripped of arms whenever a war has broken out in the Baltic Sea, he pointed out.

Salonius-Pasternak, in turn, said last year the demilitarisation and non-alignment of the Aland Islands should be opened to debate especially because of recent changes in the security environment of Finland.

Niinisto contrastively received no support for his views from Mats Lofstrom (Aland Centre), the lone Member of the Finnish Parliament from Aland.

As the de-militarised status of Aland has been set forth in international treaties, which neither Finland nor Sweden can amend, it is rather harmful to call into question the demilitarisation in an attempt to score political points, he commented.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Jussi Nukari  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
Four people were killed and 14 injured when a balcony collapsed in Angers, western France, during a house-warming party, local authorities and media said.

Authorities in the Maine-et-Loire region said the accident occurred late on Saturday night, when a balcony on the third floor of the recently constructed building gave way.

A spokesman for the city's University Hospital said 10 people injured in the accident were admitted, one of whom was in a serious condition. Another four were treated at a clinic.

The Ouest France newspaper said the people standing on the balcony were young, and enjoying a house-warming party.

The duty manager at the hospital, Michel Pichon, told France Info radio that all the injured "were about 20 years old, certainly students".
Three Effective Ways to Enhance Your Staff and Retention Rate by Using Video Conferencing

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By Lindsey Patterson

Contributing Writer By Lindsey PattersonContributing Writer

Retaining your employees after hiring them is a common challenge in the staffing services sector. The strain of retaining temporary workers and external staff has caught a lot of media attention. However, there is also a significant decline in retention rates of permanent staff (internal employees). Effective communication is the foundation of business operations. Communication tools such as video conferencing can make a tangible difference in boosting business productivity and increasing employee retention rates. Keep reading and learn how you can leverage video conferencing to enhance your companys workforce.





1. Optimizing the recruitment process

Your company relies heavily on people (workforce) to achieve its goals. Although established businesses have focused on sourcing the ideal talent, only powerful industry leaders such as Google (News - Alert) have managed to prioritize this aspect. By capitalizing on video conferencing services, you can expand your search for best talents outside your local area. This move gives you unparalleled access to applicants for face-to-face meetings. Video conferencing offers interviewers ideal insight into prospective hires and eliminates the travel expenditures on flights and accommodation for earlier stage interviews.

By expanding the applicant pool, you are exposing your business to the highly qualified applicants who match perfectly with the corporate culture of your company. Additionally, you can interview candidates of diverse personalities, talents, and experience and come up with stronger teams that are more reliable and fruitful.

2. Improve the retention rate of first-class employees

Apart from effectively selecting, interviewing, and hiring qualified job applicants, you can utilize video conferencing to retain your current employees by permitting them to telecommute rather than showing up to the office on a daily basis. According to a recent study posted on Inc.com, more than 80 percent of workers aged between 35 and 44 prefer to work from the comfort of their home. The implication of this study is that this group of employees will not hesitate to send you their resignation letter once they land an opportunity to work remotely.

As a business owner, your primary aim should be to ensure the special needs and desires of your employees are addressed. For instance, you can utilize high definition video conferencing tools to communicate with workers who prefer to work remotely. That way, your employees will work from places they prefer and in return, your business will accrue immense profits. Thus, high employee retention rates serve as insurance for business prosperity. Video conferencing services form a virtual meeting space that allows face-to-face interaction, and with video sharing, slideshow, file, and document, workers can remotely carry out all their duties. Video conferencing coupled with the Internet has the power to foster the success of your business. http://thefutureofthings.com/8538-three-effective-ways-enhance-staff-retention-rate-using-video-conferencing/

3. Training sessions and business-wide internal meetings

Employees remain loyal to their employers once they see a significant development in their career. Through training, your workers can ascend from one position to the next, and eventually become part of the senior management team. The direct outcome of employees professional growth and increased productive is amplified returns for your business. Video conferencing allows your company to provide training sessions to employees irrespective of their geographical positions. However, you will need to come up with well-structured training sessions that your staff can easily grasp. You can deliver latest updates about your business by conducting a live meeting. Unlike basic email memo, a live session gives an opportunity for workers to participate in a debate.

Working remotely minimizes commute times and ensures employee satisfaction. In an interview posted on Harvard Business Review, the veteran entrepreneur and founder (James Liang) explains how expanding telecommuting opportunities was instrumental in the success of his company. James Liang and his team established those employees who worked remotely completed 13.5 percent more calls than those in the office did. Therefore, if you are interested in enhancing retention rates, offering training sessions to new workers, boosting employee morale, and guaranteeing compliance in the workplace, you should take advantage of video conferencing tools.

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Edited by Stefania Viscusi
Comings and goings: Boot Barn in the works; Clorox plant opens

New store could be the third to move into Valley Plaza this year.
As we know, Griff may or may not be a right-on activist but he certainly has some seedy-looking friends who are all going to a gig. Peter h...
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The five-nation BRICS grouping may have endorsed the strongest ever statement on terrorism but diplomatic observers are not sure if the outcome matched the hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised through a forceful pitch on the issue.

The Goa Declaration, adopted at the end of the summit in Goa on Sunday, mentioned terrorism 24 times and was more elaborate than past declarations in addressing specific aspects of terrorism. But New Delhis effort to nail Pakistan and terror groups based in the neighbouring country with a mention of cross-border terrorism failed to secure a consensus.

Each country is filtering the issue of terrorism through its immediate objectives and what it sees as its own challenges. When you start aggregating things, the specificity of terrorism becomes complex, especially for arriving at a consensus, said C Uday Bhaskar, director of the Society for Policy Studies, a New Delhi-based think tank. You shouldnt set a goal that isnt feasible.

The declaration named the Islamic State, Jabat al-Nusra, the Syrian Islamist rebel group that recently rebranded itself as Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, and other UN designated terror groups but didnt call for action against Pakistan-based terror groups such as the Jaish-e-Mohammed which New Delhi holds responsible for last months militant attack in Uri that left 19 soldiers dead.

I guess it doesnt concern all the BRICS countries. Perhaps, thats why we couldnt get a consensus on naming these groups, said Amar Sinha, Indias chief negotiator at the summit.

Underlining Indias challenges on the issue, China on Monday described Pakistan as an all-weather friend and said it was against linking any country to terrorism.

In a sharp counter to Modis charge against Islamabad, China also said that Pakistan has made great sacrifice to combat terrorism and this needs to be recognised by the international community. This view, in effect, makes both India and Pakistan victims of terrorism, which is not what Modi meant when he described Islamabad as the mother ship of terrorism.

Russia shares New Delhis concerns but it has lately been seeking to add a strategic dimension to its relations with Islamabad.

On Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping used stronger words to condemn terrorism but also emphasised on the need to find political solutions to regional hotspots and address the root causes -- an apparent reference to Kashmir.

On Saturday, Modi was unsuccessful in nudging Xi to support Indias call for the UN designating Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, as a terrorist. Beijing had blocked Indias move for the second time last month, saying it needs to see adequate evidence and a proper process followed.

This underscores how difficult it is going to be for India to get China on its side on Pakistan and cross-border terrorism, said C Rajamohan, director at research body Carnegie India.

That said, despite its support to Pakistan, China agreed to a significant addition to BRICS declaration in Goa, that a country is responsible for terrorism emanating from its soil.

China may not go as far as we would have wanted it to go, but there has been a progressive shift, said Ajai Sahni, executive director of the Institute for Conflict Management.

Others see Modis decision to make terrorism a core issue at the summit as a move that backfired.

Ultimately, what did India get out of its Pakistan-centric campaign?asked MK Bhadrakumar a former diplomat. The declaration said nothing on cross-border terrorism or state-sponsored terrorism.

Sundays huddle of BRICS leaders began with the Indian Prime Minister launching a scathing attack on Pakistan, without naming the neighbour, and calling it the mother ship of terrorismlinked to terror modules across the world.

Later, at the plenary session of the BRICS summit, Modi said selective approaches to terrorist individuals and organisations would not only be futile but also counter-productive.

His forceful call for action against Pakistan, however, failed to resonate with other leaders, most of whom refrained from talking about terrorism when their turn to speak came. Instead, they chose to speak on the core agenda of greater economic and development cooperation among BRICS countries.

Pakistan was quick to take a jibe at India.

Pakistan joins all the members of BRICS and BIMSTEC in condemning terrorism and reaffirms its full commitment to fight the menace of terrorism, said Sartaj Aziz, foreign affairs adviser to PM Nawaz Sharif.

Aziz described Modis statement as misleading and a desperate attempt to hide Indias brutalities in Kashmir.

By frontloading Pakistan-sponsored terrorism with BRICS, India lost a rare opportunity to showcase our country as an emerging power and aspiring permanent member of the UNSC, said Bhadrakumar. We have created a credibility problem from ourselves.

(Jayanth Jacob contributed to this analysis)
The killing of yet another RTI activist in Mumbai has brought into the question the weak mechanism of protection they have in order to defend themselves against people whose bugbear they become. In many cases, activists themselves had apprehended a danger to their lives. The latest among such killings, more than 40 so far in 10 years, occurred in Mumbai, where an RTI activist, Bhupendra Vira, was shot dead. It is suspected that a former corporator whose properties had been demolished as a consequence Viras RTI queries had a hand in the murder. The chief suspect and his son have been arrested.

Read: RTI activist murdered in Mumbai: Arrested duo remanded in police custody till Oct 24

RTI activist Shehla Masood was shot dead in front of her residence in Bhopal in 2011. She had barely stepped out and sat in the car parked in front of her house when assailants shot her in the neck. She died on the spot. Masood, 39, was to reach the Boat Club, where a signature campaign to support Anna Hazare and spread awareness regarding use of the RTI to mitigate corruption was scheduled. Inspector general of police (Bhopal Range) Shailendra Srivastava said the motive of the killers or their identities couldnt be ascertained.

The RTI has been an instrument in bringing in transparency and curbing corruption, thereby enhancing democracy at various levels. But unless there is a way to protect the activists, the purpose behind such openness will be defeated.

Read: Its our right to know

The late VP Singh as prime minister had talked about a law that would legally empower a person to ask for information on governmental matters. That was in 1989-90 and the country had to wait for 15 long years to get its Right to Information Act. Many irregularities such as the Adarsh Housing Society scam came to light because of the RTI. Similar had been the case with Maharashtras irrigation schemes.

It is also due to the RTI that we know that we do not know who called Mahatma Gandhi the Father of the Nation. A girl came up with this question. Neither the Prime Ministers Office nor the Union home ministry knew the answer. Tentatively she was told it could be Subhas Chandra Bose.

Read: Unclog the RTI process by making basic information public

This is not to say the RTI is working perfectly. Once HT had sought information from one department in Odisha under the RTI Act but got letters from scores of other offices under it, asking for more than Rs 9,000 before providing information.

There is another question here. If RTI activists cannot be protected, where is the guarantee that NGOs, which take on vested interests, can be protected? Or, for that matter, litigants to a dispute?

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When you spot a man playing percussion instruments with palpably high energy which is contagious, it has to be percussionist Ben Walsh. The Australian musician and composer who performed his solo project Remix Experiment in Hauz Khas recently, loves performing in the country.

Ive played many different kinds of concerts to all ages, and I can safely say that Indian audiences love their music, says Walsh, who was here for the seventh time.

His list of performances include one titled Fearless Nadia (the yesteryear Bollywood actor and stuntwoman who brought a touch of Australia to Hindi films). Im not a huge Bollywood fan as such; I tend to like art-house and independent films, to be honest. However, I love the music of RD Burman from the 60s and 70s, particularly when it comes to Bollywood, he confesses.

Ben Walsh.

Walsh says he prefers Indian classical music any day. Its Indian kayal, thumri, Carnatic and Hindustani classical music that really opens my ears, especially the old stuff. Theres something about the way people played and sang before 70s that makes me think it was a different world back then.

His love for classical music is evident as he says, Classical is deeply personal and spiritual music and I feel that it needs to be treated with care and sensitivity by the electronic community. It shouldnt be remixed unless you know music. As for the many remixes, he says, The artist should want to be remixed, and be willingly involved in some way. And when the remix comes out right, I love to hear classical electronic collaborations!

Perhaps that fusion is something one can look forward to as Walsh collaborates with Rajasthani master percussionists at the ongoing Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival). He confesses that he feels jitters but those of excitement. Walsh adds, I enjoy folk music very much. Its the root of most classical forms and Rajasthan has one of the richest folk music traditions; its influence spreads far and wide. Ill be playing at my best to try and keep up and understand the nuances, thanks to my dear friends Bobby Singh (tabla player) and his guru Aneesh Pradhan (tabla exponent)... Well, I keep getting asked back (to play in India) so I must be doing something right!

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The Madhya Pradesh government announced on Sunday to build a Hiroshima-like memorial for Bhopal gas tragedy victims on the premises of the defunct Union Carbide factory here, a decision welcomed by activists.

Minister of state for gas tragedy relief and rehabilitation Vishwas Sarang said the memorial would be constructed at a cost of Rs 180 crore.

I want the Bhopal memorial to be of international standards, like the one that has been built in Hiroshima, to remind people and the upcoming generations that such tragedies should not recur, Sarang said after inspecting the Union Carbide factory premises from where methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas spewed out on the night of December 2-3, 1984, maiming over 5.7 lakh people.

The Bhopal gas tragedy, considered the worlds worst industrial disaster, killed more than 5000 people, according reports. The state government considered the death figures to be over 15,000, said gas activists who put the toll at over 20,000.

The concept and the plan of the memorial are ready and the work will start in two to three months, Sarang said. In 2005, the state government came up with a national design competition for the memorial.

The minister said, The state government will request the Central Pollution Control Board for disposal of the toxic waste lying on the Union Carbide factory premises. Ramky Infrastructure Limited has incinerated 10 tonnes of toxic waste at Pithampur, near Indore.

Submitting an action plan to the union ministry of chemical and fertilizer a few weeks ago, Sarang demanded a `100-crore grant to improve infrastructure in gas-affected localities. The infrastructure facilities include roads, water supply, drainage system, yoga centres, and rehabilitation centres.

The state government is working hard to ensure that the the gas tragedy victims get justice, he said.

Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Udhyog Sangathan (BGPMUS), which works for the survivors of the tragedy, welcomed the announcement for the memorial.

When this memorial will be built, it will send a signal to the world that such a tragedy should not occur again, and inspire them to work for ensuring safety of people against such tragic incidents, BGPMUS leader Abdul Jabar said, adding that his organisation had been demanding a memorial for the last two decades.
Actor Manoj Bajpayee will soon be seen in a film in an Indo-American project alongside Hollywood actor Demi Moore, but unlike his contemporaries he does not plan to jump on to the Hollywood bandwagon anytime soon.

I am looking at projects as and when they come. Hollywood has never been a part of my plan or my life. Bollywood is where I want to be and this is what I am doing right now. If something interesting from any part of the world comes, then I will take it up, says Bajpayee.

The actor, who was born in Belwa, a small village in Narkatiaganj, Bihar, adds, I am a child who has grown up in a village. For me reaching Delhi was impossible. I could not think of anything beyond Delhi or Mumbai.

The Indo-American project also stars actors Frieda Pinto and Richa Chadha. Even though he does not share any scene with Moore, does he feel that with this project his global audience will increase? My films have been reaching global audiences - be it Pinjar or Gangs of Wasseypur or Aligarh. They have been noticed by people from all across the globe, he says.

Talking about his negative role in the film, the actor says that it was the characters darkness that appealed to him. He is cold blooded and does not leave anything grey in his life. That was difficult as well as exciting for me, says Bajpayee.

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Sunny Leone, a vegetarian, says her doctor has told her to stay away from alcohol, dairy products and spicy food.

(I am) not well and my blood needs to be purified from infection and there is too much heat in my body, Sunny, 35, posted on Twitter. So Im drinking special bad tasting tea.

Sad morning! My traditional Chinese medicine doctor has told me - no caffeine, no alcohol, no dairy, no meat (Im veg so thats fine) and no spicy food.

I believe in traditional Chinese medicine and I guess its Gods way of telling me Im turning into a vegan, no alcohol... Caffeine... No toxins, she added.

I believe in traditional Chinese medicine and I guess its Gods way of telling me I'm turning into a vegan,no alcohol...caffeine...no toxins  Sunny Leone (@SunnyLeone) October 16, 2016

Sunny was last seen in the film Beiimaan Love, directed by Rajeev Chaudhari. The film also featured Rajniesh Duggall.

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TP Aggarwal, the president of Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), on Monday slammed actor Priyanka Chopra for expressing her displeasure over the demand for a blanket ban on the Pakistani artistes in India in the aftermath of Uri attack.

Aggrawal said Priyankas comment was unfortunate given the fact that her father was a doctor in the Indian Army. Priyanka Chopra comes from an army background, her father was an army doctor and he himself must have seen so many dead bodies and must have taken care of all those patients. Now, if she says this, then it is unfortunate, he said.

If she wants to help those producers then she should also go to the high court and the Supreme Court and try to see that their movies get released, he added.

In IMPPA we have not banned Pakistani actors but we have told the producers that any producer who had already made the movie, then their movies should be released and they should make new movies only when India Pakistan relations get better, said Aggrawal over the IMPPA stand.

The Indian actor finally spoke about the ongoing controversy surrounding the ban on Pakistani artistes.

Speaking to a leading English news channel, the actor said that she backs the governments stand being a patriotic Indian.

I am extremely patriotic. So, whatever my government decides is important to keep the country safe, I go with that, said the 34-year-old star. The Quantico star, however, added that she did not believe in the artistes being a representation.

Raees marks Mahiras entry into Bollywood and features superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the lead, while Ae Dil Hai Mushkil stars Fawad with Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Anushka Sharma.

Its tricky, because first of all artistes and actors are always held responsible for every bigger political agenda that happens in the country, she said.

Why not business (men), politicians, doctors and why not anyone else except for public people who are not actors in the movie industry? she continued.

The Pakistani artistes working in Bollywood were the first to bear the brunt of the hostilities between India and Pakistan post the Uri terrorist attack.
Shah Rukh Khan is probably the perfect fit to play James Bond if the makers of the franchise ever decide to go ahead with an Indian protagonist. This might still be a distant dream, but nothing can stop the Badshah of Bollywood from posing like Bond, James Bond.

Khan has posted a photo on Twitter from Budapest, where he is shooting for director Imtiaz Alis upcoming film, The Ring.

The photo shows him with two kids with Anushka Sharma in the background. Sharma is the playing the female lead opposite Khan in the film.

Desi Bond with Videsi lil ladies.Kids of the lovely production team in Budapest. @AnushkaSharma seems not to approve pic.twitter.com/f9FXyaD6X5  Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) October 15, 2016

Earlier, he posted a photo on the social media and called it the first look of the film. Later, he dismissed it as a joke.

Just when u think u will go down, something will pull u up...always. #srkinstagyaan A video posted by Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) on Oct 16, 2016 at 4:24pm PDT

The Ring will hit the screens next year.

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I didnt have any intention of becoming a dancer, says Bharatanatyam exponent Leela Samson (65; right), who founded the Spanda Dance Academy in 1995. She also had overlapping appointments for the top posts at Kalakshetra, Chennai, Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), all of which she quit in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively.

read more These performance venues are changing Mumbais cultural landscape A shot in the dark: Why artistes love to perform with lights out

Ahead of Samsons performance, titled Past Forward, at the Nakshatra Dance Festival at the NCPA on October 23, we speak to her about freedom of expression, among other things.

You were heading CBFC and SNA simultaneously. Are you glad that phase of your life is over?

Totally (laughs)! I have done some things in life, but ultimately, its dance that gives me the maximum satisfaction. I conformed to the idea that if I am in these positions, there is a clash of interest [if you continue dancing]. But nobody else does that. Either before me or after me, everyone has continued to do their work. During that period, Spanda and my work was completely dead. But now, were adding to the repertoire and choreographing new things. I have no regrets [about leaving the CBFC and SNA] at all.

Popular Bharatnatyam dancer Leela Samon says that dance gives her maximum satisfaction.

You have performed your upcoming dance piece  Past Forward  several times. Have you made any changes for the Mumbai show?

Past Forward is not a piece; its just a theme. Spanda celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, and we have [done] a lot of work [since the company started]. Some of our earliest works seem absolutely new, while some of our latest works, which we consider new, are thought of as old. This dance show is a collection of our pieces that represent the present, the past and the future. We change the items [that are part of Past Forward] almost every time according to where we are [performing].

Leela Samson performing at NCPA in Mumbai. (Hemant Padalkar/HT Photo)

What are the major themes in the show this time?

Its a mixed bag. One piece is based on the descent of the Ganga. Im doing some solo work. The others are doing a group abhinaya. Since I revived Spanda in 2012, after I was done with all my work (at the Central Board of Film Certification and the Sahitya Natak Akademi), the show comprises some pieces I had worked on much earlier, and some of my work in the past five years.

Do you feel there is a lack of infrastructure for Bharatanatyam?

Not at all. Theres an increase in interest. Thousands of children are learning Bharatanatyam. They dont have very good teachers, though. Teachers, who have a true commitment and want to improve the pedagogy, are a scarcity. If you want to teach Bharatanatyam today, you should be able to conceive the techniques that suit todays children. If you do it (introduce them to the dance form) in the wrong way, theyll turn away. But if a teacher chooses to focus on any one aspect of Bharatanatyam, the child will imbibe that aspect. What is Bharatanatyam really? How do we know? Theres no proof. So Im quite comfortable with the range of this dance form. It appeals to different people at different levels, and thats the way it should be. It should be inclusive and not exclusive. Its the same with movies.

Leela Samson performing NCPA in Mumbai (Hemant Padalkar/Hindustan Times)

What about movies?

Every film cant be for everyone. People think, Arrey, ismey ye kar diya. Hum kaise le jayein apne bachhon ko? (They have added an objectionable scene. How do I take my children for the movie?) You dont have to take your kids to every film. I couldnt show my mother certain films. So I knew what I had to select in order to make her comfortable. The switch-on, switch-off [button] is in your hand. Its not the producer or the directors duty to say, Dont watch my film. Its got sexual innuendoes. Similarly, for dance and music, sophistication is on one end of the spectrum, and folk and tribal expressions on the other. They are beautiful as well. Its each person for themselves. Its (what you choose to watch) a journey of the self, and that is important.

Watch: Bharatnatyam dance Leela Samson performing Tillana

Do you think there should be a reasonable limit to the freedom of expression?

Nobody should dictate that to anybody else. [Free] expression is the character of a healthy nation. You can walk away from a situation if you dont like it. Thats what my parents said as well: If you dont like it, you have an opportunity to grow up and find your own life.

Speaking of freedom of expression, Leela Samson says that expression is the character of a healthy nation. She adds that people can walk away from a situation if they dont like it.

So, do you believe there should be any censorship at all?

I dont believe I was heading a censor board, but a film certification board. I insisted then and I also insist now, that certification is all we should be doing. We should say its an A-plus film or an X film. People who watch X films will watch them. Its not my duty to tell you what to watch. You cant censor anybody, but you can hope for an enlightened society that allows people to have different opinions.
Rising hostilities between India and Pakistan have brought their $822 million-a-year trade in cotton to a juddering halt, as traders who are worried about uncertainty over supplies and driven by patriotism hold off signing new deals.

The nuclear-armed rivals have seen tensions ratchet up in the past few months over the disputed territory of Kashmir, and cotton traders in both countries said they were watching developments along the de facto border with alarm.

Pakistan, the worlds third-largest cotton consumer, usually starts importing from September, but three Indian exporters said the number of inquiries had slowed to a trickle in the last two weeks.

In the clearest sign yet of souring relations affecting commerce, Pakistan-based importers also said they were not buying.

At the moment there is no cotton trade. Its at standstill. There is uncertainty that, God forbid, if war breaks out, what will happen? said Ihsanul Haq, chairman of the Pakistan Cotton Dealers Association.

Pakistan Cotton Commissioner Khalid Abdullah said a low quantum of trade activity is still taking place.

He said the Pakistan government had not directed traders to stop buying Indian cotton and expected trade to normalize when tensions eased.

Indian government officials said they had not yet noticed trading had stopped.

But some Indian officials said last week that Prime Minister Narendra Modis government was considering whether it should choke trade with Pakistan to put pressure on its neighbour, even though the trade balance is in Indias favour.

India Biggest Cotton Buyer

Trade between India and Pakistan, which have fought three wars since their independence from British rule in 1947, is small.

In the 2015/16 fiscal year ending on March 31, official trade between the two was $2.6 billion. Cotton is the largest component of that total.

It is not clear whether other goods and commodities traded between the two, such as jewellery and dry fruits, have been hit by the escalation in hostilities as well, but the disruption to cotton shipments is potentially significant.

In the crop year ended Sept. 30, Pakistan was Indias biggest cotton buyer after its own crop was hit by drought and whitefly pest.

It imported 2.5 million bales from India, and supported Indian cotton prices at a time when China was cutting imports, traders said.

Lower purchases by Pakistan this year could hurt exports from the worlds biggest producer of the fibre and put pressure on Indian prices, but could also help rival cotton suppliers like Brazil, the United States and some African countries.

Chirag Patel, chief executive officer of Indian exporter Jaydeep Cotton Fibers, said the country could export 5 million bales in the 2016/17 crop year, but exports could plunge to 3 million bales without Pakistani imports.

An exporter based in Mumbai estimated that Pakistan will need to import at least 3 million bales in 2016/17, and India will have a surplus of around 8 million bales.

As soon as the (political) situation improves, cotton trade will definitely resume between the two countries, said Haq of the Pakistan Cotton Dealers Association.

But for now, traders on both sides of the border said the environment was not conducive to doing business.

Many cotton exporters are not interested in selling cotton to Pakistan. They are trying to find other markets, said Pradeep Jain, a ginner based in Jalgaon in the western state of Maharashtra.

Shahzad Ali Khan, chairman of Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association, referred to a move by the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), a small filmmakers body, last week, banning their members from hiring Pakistani actors.

India is banning Pakistani artists, so how can it expect us to buy cotton from India? Khan said.

In various forums Pakistani traders are saying they will not buy cotton from India this year. Even if they need to pay extra, they will pay and buy it from other suppliers.
In a push to reinvent itself as a vibrant brand that resonates with the youth, Maruti Suzuki, Indias largest carmaker, will offer buyers of the Vitara Brezza, its compact SUV, the option of personalising their cars.

Personalisation as an option has been available in the country, but only in the luxury vehicle segment.

With the i-Create, Maruti is will offer 90 different combinations of exterior garnishes, body graphics, alloy wheels, seat covers, interior styling kits, infotainment options and mats, that will make your Brezza stand out in the crowd.

For instance, a red Brezza can come with seats with red stitches and dashes of red on the door trim, central console and dashboard. The car can also have exterior attachments to make it more bold, or prettier for a lady. A car can also be fitted with LED screen and five-amplifier speakers and woofer to give it a home theatre feel.

The move makes sense as India continues to grow younger, with more than half of the population aged below 30-years.

Every car that comes out of the factory looks the same It is uniqueness that we are looking at suiting the car owners personality, said RS Kalsi, head of sales and marketing at Maruti Suzuki.

So far, car buyers have been limited to generic accessories available at dealerships or at post-sales outfitters. But buying accessories from local shops, especially electronics, puts the warranty of the car at risk. Demand has been sinking, and over the last few years, hundreds of such shops have shut down.

Maruti dealerships, on the other hand, have seen people spending more on accessorising their cars, from an average of 3,000 per car five years ago to 10,500 now. For Brezza that number is already at 24,000, and the overall range is 5,000 to as high as 1 lakh or more, if the buyer opts for alloy wheels, leather seats, door trims and navigation systems, LCD screens for the rear seat and a 5-speaker sound system. All coming, mind you, from Maruti itself, not the dealership.

All the 90 combinations are specially designed for the Brezza at Maruti design studio in Gurgaon by a large team of designers (not car engineers) from the National Institute of Design, Kalsi said.

This is only the beginning. We will take it (customisation) to other models. We are democratising customisation, Kalsi claimed. Now to see how the competition responds.

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Mumbai

During a recent interaction with HT, Uday Kotak, chairman of the Kotak Mahindra group, and one of the countrys veteran bankers, told HT that business ownership in India is undergoing a radical change.

One of the closest observers of corporate trends, Kotak said he is beginning to see a slow but certain reduction in shareholding of promoters in Indian companies in favour of institutions, large investors and private equity firms, something more common in the US. A debt restructuring currently being implemented across companies and the need to raise more capital are driving the trend.

We are going through a transformation as a country and as people. I see a disproportionate role played by the promoter category in the building of the new India. Instead, well see more institutionalisation and the promoter class will be smaller than what they were in the past. I think lalas (read promoters) no longer have the ability to support infrastructure capital investment and companies will start depending on institutional money.

What he meant was that a restructuring of bank loans, which companies have been unable to pay back due to poor business conditions, is forcing promoters to cede shareholding to institutions.

OWNERSHIP ISSUES

Emergence of governance issues and the active role played by shareholder groups are leading to the change. Stricter corporate legislations and mandatory disclosure norms have also started altering the way families used to run their businesses.

According to a research by the Centre of Family Managed Businesses at Mumbais SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, around 90% of Indian businesses are family-owned (15 of the top 20 companies by market value). The trend is widespread From the Tatas, the Birlas, the Mahindras and the Ambanis to the comparatively small ones  Wipro (Azim Premji) and Bharat Forge (the Kalyani family).

Its a manifestation of poor governance and strategy on the part of companies that wanted to grow very fast by leveraging beyond reasonable levels, says Kavil Ramachandran, professor and executive director, Thomas Schmidheiny Centre for Family Enterprise at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad.

DEBT RESTRUCTURING

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the one which is indirectly driving the trend. Alarmed by the abnormally large quantum of bad loans denting banks profitability, the central bank, under the stewardship of former governor Raghuram Rajan, sought to clean up banks books. Strategic debt restructuring or SDR was introduced in June 2015, where a bank could convert loans it had given to a company, into equity. A recent RBI analysis showed that the debt of vulnerable companies  those unable to generate enough cash to meet debt payments  had ballooned to 691,400 crore.

But SDR did not take off the way the RBI wanted it to, and the central bank came up with another revamp scheme, S4A. The underlining problem was, however, clear  inefficient management.

Electrosteel Steels, Jaiprakash Associates, Alok Industries, Gammon India, Bhushan Steel and Visa Steel are some of the companies where lenders are exploring the option of changing ownership. The Umang Kejriwal family-owned Electrosteels Steel, the first company to be referred under the SDR scheme, will now be controlled by a SBI-led consortium. The company has a debt exposure of 11,000 crore, and lenders have decided to rope in Steel Authority of India to run it.

Jaiprakash Associates is another example. The Delhi-based group built up debts of  30,000 crore. It ultimately overshot the companys ability to service loans and turned it into a non-performing asset. Eventually, shareholders of Jaiprakash in September agreed to convert debt into equity, giving banks ownership of more than 51% of the company.

A PROFESSIONAL APPROACH

However, corporate leaders do not consider it as an all-pervasive change.

Some companies, especially in steel, infrastructure and textiles sectors, have seen a fall in shareholding and a corresponding rise in institutional shareholding, but Indian firms will not evolve like those in the US, says Harsh Goenka, chairman of RPG Enterprises. In the US, pension funds and investors hold more than 90% in a company. Indian promoters are extremely relevant as they bring the vision, risk-taking ability and ownership of the organisational culture to grow the company. Banks and institutions will not be able to effect such a change.

He, however, adds: We are seeing many cases where promoters are allowing professional CEOs to run companies. Earlier there was the karta system where a family elder took decisions. With too many members having different agendas, the composite structure is diluting.

Goenka has a point. Wipro and Marico are the two big examples of professional CEOs running companies.

The changing family structure is also evident in the way the eldest is no longer being asked to take over the business. From Kishore Biyani to Sunil Mittal, Indian families are looking at the right member with appropriate skill sets.

So its a good time to move to a professional governance model, according to Kotak.

We saw a whiff of that in the early 2000s with the (Narayan) Murthy-(Azim) Premji model. However, post 2004, we saw the lala model come back time into infrastructure projects, which resulted in 2G, Coalgate irregularities. I hope we dont slip back. We must move to a more transparent business model, he says.

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Living in New York City, Ive always experienced the later stages of an American presidential election as a spectacle happening far away, almost as if it were being held in another country. One of the many curious things about this election is that it hinges on voters in only a few places. Their decisions at the ballot box outweigh everybody elses. Millions of people here in New York will cast their votes on November 8, but their verdict is a foregone conclusion: According to forecasters, Hillary Clinton has a 99.6% chance of winning the state over Donald Trump. No Republican has won New York since Ronald Reagan in 1984. Since presidential elections are decided by the electoral college system (in which a victory in a given state, no matter the margin, hands all electoral votes to a candidate) and not a popular vote, neither Trump nor Clinton has any real incentive to mobilise voters in New York.

As a result, the candidates havent bothered to spend much time or money campaigning in the state they both claim as their home. In the past year, I have managed to listen to the radio and watch TV without enduring a single political advertisement. With the exception of a few graffiti caricatures of Trump, I can walk through the streets of the city and take the subway without seeing any billboards, flags, or posters to remind me that the nation is in the midst of an election. Compared to the way Indian cities and towns get tangled in partisan pageantry, New York seems serenely removed from the political frenzy.

Read | WikiLeaks releases Clintons emails, shows she tread lightly about Wall Street

Thats because in this system, votes in New York (and California, Texas, Alabama and other so-called safe states) matter less than votes in a handful of battleground or swing states like Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Colorado, where both candidates have a chance at victory. Every election cycle, reporters trudge out to these hotly-contested areas, interviewing blue-collar men in a diner or families in a bowling alley or members of a church group, making them a microcosm of the nation as a whole. The fate of the country (and, by extension, much of the world) is seen to rest on the delicate sensibilities of people in the suburbs of Philadelphia or a few bellwether counties in post-industrial Ohio. Unsurprisingly, both candidates will be touring almost exclusively in swing states in the coming weeks.

Ahead of the final debate between Clinton and Trump on October 20th, the Republican candidates prospects look bleak. Sexual assault accusations have crippled Trumps presidential bid and protected Clinton from the potentially damaging fallout of campaign emails released via WikiLeaks. Trump trails Clinton by seven points in national polls. The last candidate to win after trailing by a significant margin with one month to go was Reagan in 1980, and the deficit he overcame was just four points. Only an unprecedented reversal in fortunes will allow Trump to win in November. Crucially, Clinton leads Trump in most of the major swing states.

Read | Would love to see Pakistan and India get along: Donald Trump

The focus on a few swing states reveals a wider trend in American politics. The two parties have carved the nation into their own geographical fortresses. The Democrats hold sway over coastal, more densely populated urban regions in the northeast and west of the country; the Republicans are strong in the rural south and Midwest. This divided political cartography leads to a lack of competition. In the last election in 2012, the margin of victory was less than 5% in only four states (the median margin of victory was 16.9%). But back in 1976, the votes in 20 states were decided by a narrow margin (with an overall median margin of victory of 5.9%).

Thanks to this consolidation, Trump and Clinton can devote energy and resources to fighting over less than 10 states, while taking the votes of the rest of the country for granted.

Read | India, US would be best friends if I am elected president: Trump

Is this a healthy way to pick a president, to inflate the importance of certain areas to the detriment of all others? Constitutional lawyer and scholar Akhil Reed Amar has led a lonely campaign to push the archaic electoral college system towards something closer to a direct popular vote. Amar argues that presidents should be elected just as governors in each state are directly elected, where one person equals one vote.

In a popular vote, the concerns of inner cities and cosmopolitan urban areas couldnt be side-lined as they are now for the more rural, conservative politics of swing states. In 2012, 67% of registered voters in Ohio turned out to vote; only 49% of registered voters here in New York City (whose population is comparable to Ohios) went to the ballot box. There will be a similar difference in turnout this year, but it wont be a measure of indifference or civic virtuousness. In this electoral system, New Yorkers cant escape the depressing truth that their votes hardly matter.

Kanishk Tharoor is the author of Swimmer Among the Stars: Stories.

The views expressed are personal

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NEW DELHI: Armed with books for class 3 students, a group of 12 Delhi police sub-inspectors has been meeting at the police library every Sunday to take Hindi lessons.

As they waited in the classroom last weekend, assistant sub-inspector Jai Singh walked into the class at 11am carrying a set of test papers for the 12 officers.

Singh is junior in rank, but the officers address him as sir in the classroom.

The officers from the Northeast joined Delhi police in 2015 and soon realised their biggest drawback  fluency in Hindi. They met joint commissioner of police Robin Hibu, a native of Arunachal Pradesh who heads the police special unit for the Northeast, and requested for Hindi lessons. He helped.

Since August, for three hours every Sunday, Singh sir has been teaching them the language.

I wanted to learn Hindi long ago but never found the time or the opportunity. I am grateful now to get Hindi lessons here, sub-inspector Birjit said in Hindi.

In one of the classes, an officer asked Singh the meaning of sair karne gaya (gone for a walk). There was confusion, perhaps with the pronunciation, because he thought sair is the same as sher, the Hindi word for tiger.

Singh explained that the word sair in the given sentence means a walk.

They are improving. Initially it was very difficult but I am teaching them Hindi from the nursery level. They get homework and I evaluate them, Singh said.

After 16 years, a team of Delhi police officers visited the eight northeastern states, including Sikkim, in 2015 to recruit men and women for the city police. Around 450 men and women were picked. It is part of the central governments initiative to turn Delhi police into a cosmopolitan force.

We now read Hindi signboards and newspapers. Give us some time and we will be fluent, sub-inspector Lungfu said.

IPS officer Hibu described the pupils as a bunch of young enthusiastic officers who are learning to overcome their language barrier to serve the people in Delhi.

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Two youngsters died and three of their friends were injured when their car crashed into a road divider and hit a lamp post on Vikas Marg near ITO early Monday morning.

The five friends were returning from a wedding, which was also a reunion of sorts after three years. Kashish Anand, 23, and Ayushi Gulati, 24, died on the spot. They were with Shakun, Manik and Shubhojit, who are critical.

Eyewitnesses told the police that Kashish was driving. The car hit the divider while trying to save a biker who had come in front of their car.

Family members said the five, who had studied together, were good friends and lived in different cities. Kashish lived in Haryanas Yamunanagar and Ayushi was from Dehradun.

This (the wedding) was like a get-together for them. Kashish had called me and said he was excited to be back with his friends. Today, the police called to say he is dead, said Kashishs relative.

Kashish was driving and Ayushi was sitting next to him. The five were rushed to Lok Nayak hospital. Kashish and Ayushi were declared brought dead. They were taken to a private hospital by their relatives. We are probing if Kashish was drunk, said a senior police officer.

Eyewitnesses said they saw the car speeding from Laxmi Nagar and ramming a road divider on Vikas Marg.

It looked like the driver was trying to avoid a collision with the motorcycle. The two-wheeler raced ahead and the car fell behind. But then, suddenly, there was a loud sound. The car had smashed into the divider, said Amit Kumar, 45, who was sleeping on the pavement at the time of the accident.

Kashish Anand, one of the victims.

The car was mangled beyond recognition and the police had to use a gas cutter to take out Kashish and Ayushi.

Kashish, who had lost his parents a few years ago, lived with his paternal uncles family in Yamunanagar.

Kashish was popular among friends. Whenever we asked for help, he was always there for us. Kashish and I studied in the same school and became friends in Class 6, said Pranshu Bhardwaj, a friend.

Ayushi lived with her parents in Dehradun. She was preparing for competitive exams.
A 48-year-old government schoolteacher and her 18-year-old daughter were found hanging at their Najafgarh home in southwest Delhi on Monday morning.

The mother, Anita, left behind a three-page suicide note that she had pasted on a wall in the drawing room where she and her daughter, Siya, were found hanging from two different ceiling fans.

In the note, Anita requested that their last rites should be performed before the arrival of her husband Satpal Yadav and son Guddu from Jaipur. The two were in Jaipur for Aditya aka Guddus obesity ayurvedic treatment. HT has a copy of the suicide note.

The suicides were discovered around 7am when Satpals constant phone calls to his wife and daughter went unanswered and he asked a relative to go home and check on them. My brother (Satpal) asked me to check if everything was fine at home. I informed his nephew, Ishwar, who is a head constable in Delhi police, and we both went to the house, said Ramesh.

They broke open the main door as it was locked from inside and their repeated knocks had gone unanswered. Siya, a Class 12 student, and her mother were hanging from ceiling fans. We called the police, Ramesh said adding that Satpal and Guddu returned from Jaipur in the afternoon.

Although the initial autopsy reports confirmed death due to hanging and ruled out the possibility of any foul play, some shocking details related to the suicides have raised doubts among family members and the police. A senior police officer said that Siyas hands were tied from behind.

No table or chair was found near her body that she would have used to reach the ceiling fan. A wooden stool, however, was found near Anitas body. Family members told police that Anita was in depression for the past seven to eight years and was undergoing treatment for it.

It appears that Anita took the extreme step due to depression. But why Siya killed herself is still unclear, said the senior officer.

Satpal is a principal at a nearby government school. Guddu is a second-year MBBS student at a college in Karnataka. The family was financially strong.

The contents of the note suggested that it was Siya who first hanged herself. Apni mari bacchi ko gale lagaya pyar se khub pyar kiya(embraced my dead daughter out of love), the note read. Anita requested in the note that Siyas body should be cremated with honour as she was an innocent and adorable child and she deserved such respect.
The long wait of pensioners will soon be over as the North Corporation has announced that it will release dues of six months by November 15.

This development will benefit 80,000 pensioners who have not received pensions for the past 27 months. The announcement was made by North Corporation mayor Sanjeev Nayyar at the general house meeting amid high drama.

Although the matter of pending dues was raised by the opposition, BJP councillors supported it and demanded for immediate release of funds.

Every day, the pensioners approach us for their dues but we cant do anything to help them. This is really unfortunate. We should do something to help them in festive season, said Mukesh Goel, leader of opposition.

To this, commissioner PK Gupta assured to make the payment by November 15. However, he didnt clarify the exact time period for which the payment will be made. This infuriated the opposition and they started shouting slogans against the corporation for its dillydallying attitude and delayed action on the issue. The house was adjourned for five minutes due to the commotion.

Goel alleged,  The commissioner had filed an affidavit in the court saying that the north corporation is incapable of making payments due to a financial crunch. Thus, the court had asked the Delhi government to process the payment after receiving the lists of names from the municipal corporations. But nothing has moved so far.

At last Nayyar promised to clearing the dues of six months to all pensioners by November 15.

Under the pension scheme of the municipal corporation, each councillor is authorised to select 750 people in their ward under different categories such as old age, widow, differently abled and destitute. They are given an amount of Rs 1,200 monthly as pension.
In an attempt to promote the language of the Walled city, the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) will hold discussions, workshops, and cultural events with the help of art and culture conservation experts. Special focus will be laid on Urdu and calligraphers, who are residents of old Delhi.

During each session of an hour-long talk, participants will be given basic knowledge of Urdu, correct pronunciation, and history of the dying spoken language of Shahjahanabad.

Autobiographies of prominent residents of old Delhi like Ustad Chand Khan, Hakim Ajmal Khan, and Mirza Ghalib, and history of the region will be told through dastangoi and exhibitions.

This is to create awareness about heritage, revival of the language and calligraphy to outreach citizens for appreciation of Shahjahanabad, said a senior officer of SRDC.

The corporation plans to organise orientation workshops for artisans especially for calligraphers. The aim is to enable them to explore and adopt new mediums of art through which they can make sustainable livelihood.

Promotion of traditional livelihood being one of the objectives along with the conservation of cultural heritage, the SRDC took the initiative to support Centre for New Perspectives (CNPs), led by Dr Navina Jafa, a known cultural activist and academician, said Faiz Hashmi, managing director (MD) of SRDC.

Initially, one centre will be set up as a pilot project based on a report prepared by the CNP.

To prepare a draft for the plan, a workshop  sustainable development through traditional skills and conserving the linguistic heritage of Shahjahanaba  was organised by the SRDC and CNP on Monday.

The event was attended by Nitin Panigrahi, deputy general manager (project and administation) of SRDC, Jafa, former senior bureaucrats of Centre government, Sohail Hashmi, a history enthusiast, and a group of calligraphers from the Walled city.

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A Ghaziabad politicians brother thrashed two teenagers and injected petrol in their anus on suspicions of mobile phone theft, police have said.

The crime came to light after a WhatsApp video of the incident went viral and police arrested three men for the crime, including Rizwan Qureshi, the brother of Samajwadi Party politician Haji Ehsan Qureshi.

Sources said Rizwan and his accomplices picked up three people aged 16,17 and 24 on October 12 and taken to Qureshis dairy at Garhi Sablu in Loni on suspicion that they had stolen a mobile phone

The three were brutally beaten up. When they told Rizwans men that they did not steal the phone, one of them suggested using petrol. They injected petrol into my brothers private parts with syringes used on buffaloes, said Akram, the elder brother of the 16-year-old victim.

The two minors are admitted in a hospital in Delhi while the 24-year-old victim is admitted in a hospital in Loni.

The other two got the same treatment. Doctors say that my brother will require surgery, if he does not respond to medicines, he said.

Police have registered cases under sections that deal with causing grievous hurt by dangerous means and unnatural offences.

Doctors told us that both the minors might have suffered permanent damage to their organs due to petrol, said Anil Kumar Yadav, circle officer (Loni). The victims are under treatment. We have added stringent sections to the FIR and arrested two accused. The third will be arrested soon, said Yadav.

The 24-year-old victim said several men were taken to the dairy just because they were in the area when the politicians brother thought his phone got stolen.

Several men took us to Rizwans dairy around 9.30am on October 12. In all, 8-9 people were taken to the dairy and three of us were beaten and injected with petrol. Firoz, one of Rizwans friends, had warned us that they will inject petrol again, the victim said.

Ehsan Qureshi rejected the allegations and described it as a political conspiracy by his rivals. He said his brother was being implicated. He claimed that he made his brother surrender before the police on Monday.

These boys were standing near the dairy farm around 4am on October 12. After my brother got free, he found his mobile missing, said Ehsan.

I admit that he may have slapped or maybe beaten them with a stick. These boys were called to the farm around 11pm and they admitted stealing the mobile phone and promised to return it the next day. However, some local politicians has turned it into a conspiracy against me and implicated my brother, he said.

Read: 22-year-old woman held for abduction and murder of Ghaziabad doctor

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New cases of chikungunya and dengue almost halved last week compared to the week before, data released by the capitals civic body showed on Monday.

The new numbers will come as a relief to the AAP government battling the biggest outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease that causes debilitating joint pain, and an equally crippling dengue flare-up.

Data from the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) showed that in the week ending October 15, Delhi-NCR reported 713 chikungunya cases, down from 1,419 over the week ending October 8. With confirmed 7,425 cases, the city-state recorded its biggest ever chikungunya outbreak in 2016.

Though dengue registers its annual peak in October each year, new cases dropped to 298 from 578 in the week ending October 8.

Dengue cases were still going up in the same period in 2015, with 1,848 cases being reported during the same period.

Over the past fortnight, hospitals and diagnostic centres across the city have registered a 40-50% decline in fever cases, an official said.

But we can say that the annual cycle of mosquito-borne illnesses have ended only after the temperature drops below 16C for five to seven days, said Srikant Sharma, senior consulting physician in Moolchand hospital.

The state government had faced allegations of insensitivity after refusing to attribute the death of several people to chikungunya despite confirmation by experts.

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While the common sentiment to boycott Chinese goods seems to have brought quite a dip in the sales of Chinese lights and crackers in the pre-Diwali season, in the Capital, Chinese electronic items do not seem to have been hit at all. And sellers in grey markets like Gaffar Market, where Chinese electronic items such as mobile phones are sold at a much cheaper price than their branded counterparts, are doing brisk business, as usual.

Logon ko Chinese maal sasta paddta hai to kyu nahi khareedenge (Why wont customers buy Chinese products when they are pocket friendly?), says Anwar, a mobile repair man who has set up his stall outside a mobile phone store in the market, adding, Zyaada se zyaada customer middle class hote hain, who mehenge phones kaise khareedenge? Jab unko ek accha Chinese mobile Rs 1000 tak mein mil raha hai, toh woh mehenga branded phone kyu lenge? (Most customers are middle class, why will they buy an expensive branded phone when theyre getting a Chinese one for Rs 1,000?)

Among the list of Chinese products that are sold in the market, copies of branded bags, cosmetics, and home appliances are just a few. The shopkeepers say that the consumers often do not even ask if the products are Chinese, but sometimes they even specifically ask for Chinese goods.

Ye Chinese products waala campaign yaha nahi aaya hai abhi. Market mein lights ka sale toh kam hua hai, par yaha toh original product dene pe bhi Chinese maal maangte hain humse, phir chaahe woh mobile parts ho ya normal chai kettle. (The campaign to ban Chinese products hasnt had any affect here. The market for lights has dipped, but In Gaffar Market, people only ask for Chinese products, even if we show them branded products .) says Dinesh Yadav, shopkeeper at an electronics store in the market.

The reason for the sale of Chinese products, however, is not just the cheap prices. Some customers prefer them over branded items as there is hardly any quality difference, with Chinese products sometimes faring better than branded ones. Aayush Verma, who works in a call centre in Gurgaon, says, I prefer buying Chinese phones as they offer better features at cheaper rates. My current phone is Chinese and its battery lasts so long, that it can put a Samsung or Apple phone to shame!

Savi Aggarwal, a businesswoman who is a resident of Patel Nagar, is of the same opinion. I dont see any harm in buying Chinese products from Gaffar Market. Theyre easy on the pocket for youngsters like me, and theres hardly any quality difference between them and branded products, she says, adding, Also, why doesnt the government stop the import first? If were all so moved by the campaign, shouldnt the government also do something?

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In August, the Centre introduced the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, in the Lok Sabha. The Bill amends the Citizenship Act, 1955, to make illegal migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, eligible for citizenship. Last month, under pressure from MPs who objected to the governments move to grant citizenship to migrants from these nations on religious grounds, the Union home ministry decided to add the nomenclature discriminated to the Bill. The Bill, however, has no provision for Muslim sects like Shias and Ahmediyas who face persecution in Sunni-dominated Pakistan. The Bill was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for examination and presenting a report to the Parliament. According to a report, some Opposition party MPs cautioned that the move by India to grant citizenship to minorities from neighbouring countries on grounds of religious persecution was fraught with the risk of Pakistan offering a similar facility to Indian Muslims.

Read: Govt to give citizenship to persecuted migrant religious minorities

The public suggestions sought on the Bill by the House panel have reignited, as expected, the debate on foreigners in Assam, a state where immigration from Bangladesh always has a strong impact on politics and was the main plank from where the BJP rode to power. According to PRS Legislative Research, the Bill makes illegal migrants eligible for citizenship on the basis of religion and this violates Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees right to equality. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill also fails on the tenets of international refugee law. Moreover, although India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, granting refuge status based on humanitarian considerations is arguably a norm of customary international law.

Read: 70 years into independence, India is formulating uniform law for asylum-seekers

There are many reasons to question the Bill, but the fear of Opposition leaders that Pakistan will give similar offer cannot be a reason to deny citizenship to those who really need it. In fact, they should impress upon the government to ensure the country remains a safe place for all minorities and disadvantaged communities. Like many western countries, India has been always open to those who seek political asylum, and that is how it should remain.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has published the OMR sheets of the candidates and the answer key to the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) examination conducted on September 18.

Candidates who want to challenge any answer given in the key may do so by submitting their challenges online in the prescribed format by clicking the link available on CTET website. The last date for downloading OMR sheets and answer key and making a representation against answer key/keys is October 19 (midnight).

Challenges received online with valid documentary proof along with authentic source duly uploaded shall be examined by the board. The decision of the CBSE in the matter shall be final and binding.

Steps to download OMR sheet, answer keys and submission of key challenge

1) Go to CTETs official website

2) Click on the link Download of OMR Sheet, Answer Key and Submission of Key Challenge for CTET SEPT 2016

3) Enter roll number and date of birth on the login page that opens

4) The OMR sheet and answer keys will be displayed

Or click here to directly go to the login page.

The CBSE said 6,53,156 candidates registered for the CTET exam conducted at 851 centres in 91 cities in India and abroad.

Read more: Principals to pay for poor Class 12 result in KV schools

CTET scores apply to schools of the central government ( Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Central Tibetan Schools, etc) and those under the administrative control of Union territories of Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and NCT of Delhi.

These scores may also apply to those unaided private schools that may exercise the option of considering the CTET marks.

Schools owned and managed by the state government/local bodies and aided schools shall consider the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) conducted by the state government. However, if a state government decides not to conduct the state TET, it can also consider the CTET scores.

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A talk on trends with partner country of fashion week, Italy, hosted by Francesco Pensabene, Trade Commissioner to India, Embassy of Italy, and Sunil Sethi, president, FDCI, took place at NSIC grounds on Friday. The discussion, a part of the just concluded Amazon India Fashion Week, involved Salina Ferreti, VP, Assocalzaturifici, Orietta Pelizzari, trends analyst, Maria Soriano, fashion trend specialist, and fashion designers Sanchita Ajjampur and Rajesh Pratap Singh.

The participants spoke about the two-way exchange of craft and technology between Italy and India. Ferretti says, Footwear is more complex than other fashion accessories, and great designers and accessories can be found in Italys footwear districts. We hope Indian stylists become a part of it.

Ajjampur, who showed a video of her visit to Italy, believes that it takes a bit of magic to make a shoe. Shoes are an object of desire. My work starts from the bottom up; I look at feet and then move up. Shoemakers are no less than surgeons and a lot of components and people come together to make footwear.

The panel agreed that India can learn a lot from Italy about merging technology with creativity. Rajesh Pratap Singh says, We made some wrong policies in the 60s and 70s. We couldnt marry our craft with technology and discipline that Italy follows. Thats why they are on top. We are now trying to learn.

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The Bay of Bengal countries, five of whom are SAARC members, on Monday said terrorists should not be glorified as martyrs. But the strong statement still fell short on making a reference to cross-border terrorism or the Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

The leaders of BIMSTEC, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand had an outreach meeting between the BRICS leaders here on Sunday. The grouping is meeting at the highest level after a gap of two years.

There should be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs, the BIMSTEC leaders retreat outcome statement said. This is significant for New Delhi as Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had hailed Burhan Wani, the militant leader, who was killed in Kashmir in an encounter July this year. Wanis killing had triggered a massive unrest in Kashmir, further straining the Indo-Pak ties.

Sharif had described Wani as a martyr in his Independence Day speech in August and later at the UN in September.

Four of the BIMSTEC countries, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka had pulled out of the SAARC summit which was slated to be held in Islamabad in November.

We strongly believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but should also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against States who encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues, the BIMESTC leaders said.

Pared down, this reflects Indias concern about Pakistan sponsoring terror and using its territory for terror attacks against India.

The leaders also agreed to expedite the signing of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, and to early ratification of the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

Read| Talk on terror, trade, Bimstec: Five takeaways from the 8th BRICS Summit

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Opposition parties, led by the DMK, on Monday began a 48-hour state-wide rail blockade on the Cauvery issue, blaming the central government for its anti-Tamil Nadu stand by refusing to constitute Cauvery Management Board.

Protesters from different political parties and Tamil Nadu farmers associations began stopping trains but were being taken into custody.

There is heavy deployment of police forces at railway stations across the state, but in several railway stations DMK activists thronged the platforms.

Farmers organizations are also backing the rail roko to keep the pressure on the ruling AIADMK over the Cauvery conflict.

First among those detained by police included VCK chief Thol Thurumavalanan, at Basin Bridge station in Chennai for trying to stop local trains. It is on this line that major trains enter Chennai from North and Central India.

At Perambur station in North Chennai, DMK legislative party leader MK Stalin sat on the tracks along with several party workers. Holding DMK party flags, the protesters declared that they would not allow trains to and from Bangalore on this route to move. Nearly 200 police personnel present around the station could not prevent Stalin and his men from reaching the rail tracks.

Read: Crises like Cauvery will grow common without improved water management

Reports of similar noisy protests came from different parts of Tamil Nadu. At Tambaram in Chennai few local trains and Navjeevan Express were stopped by DMK activists. They climbed onto the train engine at the station and efforts were on to persuade them to get down, police said.

Senior DMK leader and former union minister TR Balu was among the activists at the Tambaram station.

In Tiruchirapalli, farmers leader Aiayyakannan, was detained. He launched a diatribe against the central government and blamed the BJP for being anti-Tamil Nadu in its approach and stance on the Cauvery issue. He accused the BJPs local leadership of failing to put across the sentiments and problems of the Tamil Nadu farming community to the central government.

Aiayyakannan also charged the Modi government with being anti-Tamil Nadu for its u-turn on the constitution of the Cauvery Water Management Board, which it had agreed to during previous hearings on the issue in the Supreme Court.

Read: Govt considering proposal to bring water under concurrent list

How can the BJP explain when the central government, headed by its own party, was playing favourites and helping Karnataka, the farmers leader questioned.

CPI leader Muthuarasan, echoing the sentiments and stand of the entire opposition parties, demanded that the Tamil Nadu government call an all-party meeting on the issue.

The BJP is engaging in double speak, he said and questioned the central governments u-turn, which he said was only with an eye on Karnataka assembly elections.

Rebuffing all these allegations, BJP state unit president Tamilisai Soundarrajan said there is no need for any protests. The central government is fully seized of the matter and Tamil Nadus interests would be protected at all costs.
The Centre is preparing to introduce reservation for Dalits, tribals and other backward classes (OBCs) in the appointment of district judges, a move that didnt find favour with the higher judiciary in the past.

Introduction of quota system in a section of the lower judiciary is part of the NDA governments move to constitute an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) to appoint district judges, a prerogative of the high courts at present.

The move could have political implications as it comes ahead of assembly elections in five states, including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab where Dalits and other so-called backward castes form a sizeable chunk of the electorate. The ruling BJP at the Centre is also battling allegations of being anti-Dalit, a charge magnified by recent incidents of atrocities on the lower caste group.

We are working out the details (of reservation), a senior government functionary told HT. After the Union Cabinet clears the proposal, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will be entrusted with the AIJS examinations, said sources.

There is no reservation for any social groups in the high courts and the Supreme Court, although the collegiums try to give representation to various regions and communities in the appointment of judges.

In November 2014, the Patna high court had struck down a Bihar government notification that sought to provide reservation for SCs/STs and OBCs in lower court judges. In December, the Supreme Court rejected a plea by a district-level judge from Uttarakhand, who demanded a direction to the high court to reserve seats for SC/ST judges.

Government officials involved in drafting the proposal made light of the earlier court pronouncements. We will go ahead with it. They (higher judiciary) are free to reject it. We had provided for reservation in the NJAC (National Judicial Appointment Commission) also, said a senior law ministry functionary.

The NJAC law, quashed by the Supreme Court, provided for a six-member commission for appointments in the higher judiciary; one of the members had to be from SC/ST/OBC or minority community or a woman.

During discussions on judicial appointments in Parliament last May, many parties including the Congress and the BSP had demanded reservation in higher judiciary.

Appointments in the subordinate judiciary fall within the purview of the high courts. You have to first see whether the government can constitute this judicial service, said Manish Tewari, Congress spokesperson and a Supreme Court lawyer.

Senior advocate Rajiv Dhavan, however, said the government was treading on dangerous grounds by contemplating reservation in judiciary.

In my view, a constitutional amendment would be required so that there is no further confusion. This is apart from the fact that it is neither desirable nor legal or constitutional. Electoral politics cant be taken to such extreme limits so as to undermine the independence of the judiciary, Dhavan said.
The son of a BJP leader in Chhattisgarh was arrested on Monday for his alleged involvement in the gang-rape of a woman on October 11 in Pirda village.

Two of the accused, Farid Ali from Pirda and Devendra Choudhury of Brahmanpuri, were arrested on Sunday. The third arrested is Prince Saluja, son of Jasvindra Singh Jassi, a zonal BJP leader.

According to police, the victim, a cook in a school, had stepped out with a relative when the accused abducted her in a Ford Ecosport car.

The trio gang-raped her and then dumped her on the Raipur-Basna road. Police said that they also made a video of her and threatened to make it viral.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh, taking note of the incident, had directed Mahasamund police to take stern action against the culprits.
Pakistan has made great sacrifices in fighting terror and the world community should recognise this effort, China said on Monday, mounting an all-out defence of its all-weather ally amid a campaign by New Delhi to isolate Islamabad over cross-border terrorism.

The Chinese foreign ministrys strong defence came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Pakistan as the mothership of terrorism at the BRICS Summit in Goa.

There was no mention of terrorism in the official statement issued by China after the meeting between Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit.

If that was an indication of Chinas position on Indias anti-Pakistan campaign, Mondays statement put the official stamp on things  Beijing will not allow Islamabad to be isolated diplomatically over the issue of terrorism.

According to the foreign ministry, not only India, but Pakistan too has been a victim of terrorism.

China and Pakistan all all-weather friends. India and Pakistan are both victims of terrorism. In combating terrorism, Pakistan has made great sacrifices. This needs to be recognised by the international community, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a regular news briefing.

We oppose linking terrorism to any country or religion, Hua said.

Chinas statement in support of Pakistan was the most unequivocal one since India stepped up its campaign to isolate Pakistan following a sharp increase in violence in Kashmir earlier this year.

Earlier this month, China extended its veto against Indias move to get Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar sanctioned by the UN Security Council for the second time since April.

Hua noted that the BRICS Summit declaration mentioned counter-terrorism. We have made our position on counter-terrorism very clear, she said.

She repeated Chinas stand on terrorism, using the usual words and phrases Beijing uses whenever there is talk of the menace, when she was asked about the allegation of Pakistan being the mothership of terrorism .

This is an issue about counter-terrorism. Our position is clear and consistent. We oppose terrorism in all forms and we believe that the international community (needs) to make more concerted efforts to ensure stability and security of all countries, Hua said.

We oppose linking terrorism to any country or religion (but) whatever country or organisation is involved in terrorism should be seriously tackled by the international community.

Hua said India and Pakistan should resolve their outstanding issues through dialogue.

As for problems between India and Pakistan, both countries are close neighbours of China. We truly hope they can resolve these differences in a peaceful way through dialogue and consultation so that India-Pakistan relationship can develop, she said. This serves the interests of the two countries and the region, she added.
The Bombay high court on Monday granted interim relief to actor and comedian Kapil Sharma by staying the Birhanmumbai Municipal Corporations (BMC) notice to demolish illegal portions of his flat in Goregaon till November 23.

Sharma started a row in September, with his tweet alleging some BMC officials had demanded from Rs5 lakh bribe for construction of his bungalow and office space in Versova. Soon after, the BMC retorted with allegations that Sharma flouted norms and parts of his property in Versova were illegal and hence were demolished.

The civic body also claimed Sharma had flouted construction norms and destroyed mangroves during the construction of his Goregaon flat. In April, it served notices to Sharma, actor Irrfan Khan, developer Dev Land and Housing Ltd (DLH), and 15 other residents of the 18-storey Goregaon building for destruction of mangroves, carrying out construction in the space meant for parking, and other violations under section 351 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act.

Sharma claimed the corporations notice was bad in law and it was issued with mala fide intention. He sought the notice be set aside and directions be issued to the corporation to not act upon the notice pending hearing of his plea in the HC.

Sharma booked a flat in the building in 2010. In March and April 2010, the civic body issued the commencement certificate, granting permission to construct the building. On November 6, 2013, the corporation issued a full occupation certificate. However, on November 14, 2014, an assistant engineer from the BMCs building and factory department issued a notice claiming a part of the building was illegal, the plea reads.

Sharma claimed he sent a reply to the corporation denying the charge. However, on December 1, 2014, the corporation rejected his reply.

Sharma then filed an application in the Dindoshi sessions court against the notice. On December 28, 2014, the sessions court granted interim relief and directed the civic body to not initiate any action pending hearing of the application. Despite the sessions courts order, the corporation issued another notice on April 28 this year, the plea reads.

A bench of justice Ranjit More and justice Anuja Prabhudessai will take up Sharmas plea for hearing, along with a petition by DLH, on November 23.
Congress on Monday hit out at the Modi government for its abject failure in getting terror emanating from Pakistan included in the joint declaration after the BRICS summit in Goa and attacked defence minister Manohar Parrikar for giving credit to the RSS for cross-LoC surgical strikes, calling him a national embarrassment.

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said the Modi government, despite its rhetoric on terror and isolating Pakistan, failed to convince BRICS member countries about including condemnation of the neighbouring country in the Goa declaration.

Where the government is supposed to speak, where its diplomacy is supposed to do the job, there the government is an abject failure. But the defence minister is very quick to credit everyone, from mythology to the RSS, for the operations along the LOC (surgical strikes).

This leads to two conclusions--Manohar Parrikar does not deserve to be the defence minister, this man is a national embarrassment.

The operations along the LOC were unfortunately targeted more for the domestic consumption rather than changing the behaviour of Pakistan, he said.

Tewari said to the best of everyones knowledge no other BRICS country is subjected to cross-border terrorism and while there is a mention to everything from ISIS, Syria and Afghanistan to Israel-Palestinian question, there is no reference to Pakistan in the entire Goa declaration.

We have an attack in Uri, we lost our soldiers, and the government is not even able to convince its interlocutors that it was a terrorist strike, he said.

Attacking the government, the Congress leader said, The difficulty is where the government has to speak, the government is completely and absolutely deafening in its silence and the Goa Declaration of BRICS is perhaps the most sterling example of governments absolute and abject failure.

He said, Despite all the rhetoric and the razor-sharp discourse of terror and of isolating Pakistan, what you have is one sundry remark. One little generic remark in the almost 20 paragraph Goa Declaration.

Tewari claimed incidents of terrorism had shown a significant decline under the UPA government due to strategic restraint adopted by the Congress after carrying out such attacks across the LoC.

He said Congress does want to allude to Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Pampore, Uri and various incidents that have taken place in the last two years and said, policy of strategic restraint and carrying out ops to change the behaviour of the deep state (a term used to refer to influential anti- democratic coalitions of high-level elements within the intelligence services, military, security, judiciary, and mafia) in Pakistan showed results.

Tewari hit out Parrikar for the remarks giving credit to everyone, from mythology to the RSS, for the surgical strikes.

Parrikar, while talking about the strikes had said, the Prime Minister from land of Mahatma Gandhi and Defence Minister from Goa were a different kind of combination and maybe RSS teaching was the basic core.

What kind of a defence minister do we have? For all the chest thumping of the BJP, the strategic restraint of the UPA, where we conducted operations but kept our lips zipped, actually yielded results, he said.

Read | BIMSTEC says terrorists not martyrs but keeps quiet on cross-border terror

Tewari claimed that in Jammu and Kashmir in 2004 alone, 2,565 incidents of terror took place and 281 security personnel, 700 civilians and 976 terrorists were killed. By 2009, incidents were down 1/5th to 599, with security personnel deaths down to 78, civilians 71 and terrorists 239 because infiltration was stopped.

In 2014, he said, the incidents were down to 222, with 47 deaths of security personnel, 28 of civilians, while 110 terrorists were killed.

Therefore, policy of strategic restraint and carrying out ops to change the behaviour of the deep state in Pakistan showed results, he said.

Why is the defence minister of India always so over the top. Today, he has credited the RSS for operations along LoC. Earlier he had said, like Hanuman, the army did not know their prowess until I pointed out to them their strength and capacity. He even said such an action has never been done before...and 30 years of helplessness has been lifted with this action and people erupted with joy.

Then they blame others for politicising the operations along the LoC. We would like to ask BJP and defence minister, did Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri go to an RSS Shakha? Did defence minister Yashwantrao Chavan go to an RSS Shakha? Did Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who created Bangladesh, go to a Shakha? Did defence minister Jagjivan Ram go to a Shakha? Did Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw go to a Shakha? Did Gen JS Arora go to a Shakha?, he asked.

Read | May be RSS teaching was at the core: Manohar Parrikar on LoC surgical strikes
At least 22 patients were killed and over 20 others injured in a fire that broke out at the Sum Hospital in Bhubaneswar on Monday evening, in one of the worst such incidents involving a medical facility in Odisha.

While 14 patients were received brought dead at the Capital Hospital, eight were brought dead to AMRI Hospital from the fire-struck private medical facility, officials said.

#WATCH: Fire broke out in ICU ward of Institute of Medical Sciences & Sum Hospital, Bhubaneswar.5 fire tenders at the spot. Fire fighting on pic.twitter.com/3iCMVSsQQz  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

The Capital Hospital superintendent Dr Binod Kumar Mishra said, We have received 14 dead bodies, while five other patients have been shifted from Sum Hospital.

Meanwhile, AMRI Hospital (Bhubaneswar) unit head Dr Salil Kumar Mohanty said, A total of 37 patients were received at our casualty ward. Our doctors have declared eight persons as brought dead.

Most of the victims were in the first floor ICU of the ill-fated Sum Hospital, a doctor at the Capital Hospital said.

Voicing serious concern over the fire incident at the Sum Hospital, chief minister Naveen Patnaik described the mishap as very tragic.

He directed the government hospitals to provide necessary treatment to patients shifted from Sum Hospital and requested all private hospitals to extend treatment to the patients from ill-fated medical facility.

The blaze was suspected to have been triggered by an electric short circuit in the dialysis ward on the first floor of the private hospital which spread to the nearby Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The fire rapidly spread to other areas on the same floor of the four-storeyed hospital building.

The commissionerate of police and fire brigade personnel along with volunteers and hospital staff launched a massive rescue operation as more than 500 indoor patients were trapped in the building, hospital officials said.

At least seven fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze and over a dozen ambulances deployed to shift the critical patients to other hospitals.

Many patients were rescued by breaking window panes, an eyewitness said.

Meanwhile, the state government has ordered a high-level probe by the Director, Medical Education and Training, into the incident.

Panic spread in the area as the ICU at SUM Hospital in Bhubaeshwar caught fire on Monday. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced deep anguish at the loss of lives in a massive blaze at a hospital in Bhubaneshwar, calling it mind-numbing.

Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families, Modi said on microblogging website Twitter.

Spoke to Minister @JPNadda (Health Minister) & asked him to facilitate transfer of all those injured to AIIMS. Hope the injured recover quickly.

Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2016

Also spoken to Minister @dpradhanbjp and asked him to ensure all possible help to the injured and affected, he said in a series of tweets.

Spoke to CM @Naveen_Odisha about the distressing hospital fire tragedy. Assured all possible support from the Centre.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2016

In 2011, a major blaze had engulfed AMRI Hospital in Kolkata, killing 89 people, including 85 patients.
The high-level central technical team, led by central water commission chairman G S Jha, will on Monday submit its findings and report to the Supreme Court.

The team was constituted as per orders of the apex court to assess the realities in Cauvery basin areas in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The case filed by Tamil Nadu regarding Cauvery river water sharing will come up for hearing before the top court on Tuesday.

The technical team had inspected Krishnaraja Sagar, Kabini dams in Karnataka, Mettur Bhavani Sagar dams in Tamil Nadu. It had also interacted with PWD officials and delta farmers in Thanjavur Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur.

Farmers in Tiruchirapalli and delta regions told the team that samba crops will be damaged if water is not released into Cauvery by Karnataka.

Read: Crises like Cauvery will grow common without improved water management

Meanwhile, opposition parties including the DMK have joined the state-wide rail blockade protest announced by a farmers federation over the Cauvery issue, urging the Centre to set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB).

DMK Treasurer and Opposition Leader in Tamil Nadu Assembly, MK Stalin was among those who had earlier participated in the protests held in different parts of the state including Chennai and the Cauvery delta districts.

A farmers federation had called for the two-day rail blockade starting Monday, urging the Centre to immediately constitute the CMB.

The protests come days after a high-level technical team, set up by the Supreme Court, completed its inspection of Cauvery basin region in Tamil Nadu to assess the situation in the state.

Read: Cauvery issue: TN BJP to call on Shah as opposition stir continues
Prime Minister Narendra Modi succeeded in getting BRICS members to make their strongest statement on terrorism but a consensus eluded Indias efforts to nail Pakistan-based terror groups.

Modi urged Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa to speak in one voice against terrorism and assign top priority to combating terror, including cross-border violence  a veiled reference to Pakistan.

Indias aggressive pitch found reflection in the summit declaration, which mentioned terrorism at least 24 times and was worded in a way that officials found satisfying.

For full coverage of the 8th BRICS Summit, click here.

Weve compiled below declarations from BRICS summits of the past for comparison on how the needle has moved on terrorism.

2016

Goa, India

We strongly condemn the recent several attacks, against some BRICS countries, including that in India. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic or any other reasons. We agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating international terrorism both at the bilateral level and at international fora.

To address the threat of chemical and biological terrorism, we support and emphasise the need for launching multilateral negotiations on an international convention for the suppression of acts of chemical and biological terrorism, including at the Conference on Disarmament.In this context, we welcome Indias offer to host a Conference in 2018 aimed at strengthening international resolve in facing the challenge of the WMD-Terrorism nexus.

We call upon all nations to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism, which should include countering violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism, radicalisation, recruitment, movement of terrorists including Foreign Terrorist Fighters, blocking sources of financing terrorism, including through organised crime by means of money-laundering, drug trafficking, criminal activities, dismantling terrorist bases, and countering misuse of the Internet including social media by terror entities through misuse of the latest Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).Successfully combating terrorism requires a holistic approach. All counter-terrorism measures should uphold international law and respect human rights.

We acknowledge the recent meeting of the BRICS High Representatives on National Security and, in this context, welcome the setting up and the first meeting of the BRICS Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism on 14 September 2016 in New Delhi. We believe it will further promote dialogue and understanding among BRICS nations on issues of counter terrorism, as well as coordinate efforts to address the scourge of terrorism.

We acknowledge that international terrorism, especially the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Daesh) and affiliated terrorist groups and individuals, constitutes a global and unprecedented threat to international peace and security. Stressing UNs central role in coordinating multilateral approaches against terrorism, we urge all nations to undertake effective implementation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and reaffirm our commitment on increasing the effectiveness of the UN counter terrorism framework. We call upon all nations to work together to expedite the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in the UN General Assembly without any further delay. We recall the responsibility of all States to prevent terrorist actions from their territories.

We reaffirm our commitment to the FATF International Standards on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation and call for swift, effective and universal implementation of FATF Consolidated Strategy on Combating Terrorist Financing, including effective implementation of its operational plan. We seek to intensify our cooperation in FATF and FATF-style regional bodies (FSRBs).

2015

Ufa, Russia

We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic, or any other justification. We are determined to consistently strengthen our cooperation in preventing and countering international terrorism. We stress that the UN has a central role in coordinating international action against terrorism, which must be conducted in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, international refugee and humanitarian law, human rights and fundamental freedoms. We believe that terrorist threats can be effectively addressed through a comprehensive implementation by states and the international community of all their commitments and obligations arising from all relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We call upon all states and the international community to adhere to their commitments and obligations and in this regard to resist political approaches and selective application.

China and Russia reiterate the importance they attach to the status and role of Brazil, India and South Africa in international affairs and support their aspiration to play a greater role in the UN.

2014

Fortaleza, Brazil

We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic, or any other justification. We call upon all entities to refrain from financing, encouraging, providing training for or otherwise supporting terrorist activities. We believe that the UN has a central role in coordinating international action against terrorism, which must be conducted in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, and with respect to human rights and fundamental freedoms. In this context, we reaffirm our commitment to the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We express our concern at the increasing use, in a globalized society, by terrorists and their supporters, of information and communications technologies (ICTs), in particular the Internet and other media, and reiterate that such technologies can be powerful tools in countering the spread of terrorism, including by promoting tolerance and dialogue among peoples. We will continue to work together to conclude as soon as possible negotiations and to adopt in the UN General Assembly the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. We also stress the need to promote cooperation among our countries in preventing terrorism, especially in the context of major events.

We reaffirm the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more representative, effective and efficient, so that it can adequately respond to global challenges. China and Russia reiterate the importance they attach to Brazil, India and South Africas status and role in international affairs and support their aspiration to play a greater role in the UN.

2013

Durban, South Africa

We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism. We believe that the UN has a central role in coordinating international action against terrorism within the framework of the UN Charter and in accordance with principles and norms of international law. In this context, we support the implementation of the UN General Assembly Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and are determined to strengthen cooperation in countering this global threat. We also reiterate our call for concluding negotiations as soon as possible in the UN General Assembly on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and its adoption by all Member States and agreed to work together towards this objective.

2012

Delhi, India

We reiterate that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any act of terrorism in any form or manifestation. We reaffirm our determination to strengthen cooperation in countering this menace and believe that the United Nations has a central role in coordinating international action against terrorism, within the framework of the UN Charter and in accordance with principles and norms of international law. We emphasize the need for an early finalization of the draft of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UN General Assembly and its adoption by all Member States to provide a comprehensive legal framework to address this global scourge.

2011

Sanya, China

We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism. We believe that the United Nations has a central role in coordinating the international action against terrorism within the framework of the UN Charter and in accordance with principles and norms of the international law. In this context, we urge early conclusion of negotiations in the UN General Assembly of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and its adoption by all Member States. We are determined to strengthen our cooperation in countering this global threat. We express our commitment to cooperate for strengthening international information security. We will pay special attention to combat cybercrime.

2010

Brasilia, Brazil

We condemn terrorist acts in all forms and manifestations. We note that the fight against international terrorism must be undertaken with due respect to the UN Charter, existing international conventions and protocols, the UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions relating to international terrorism, and that the prevention of terrorist acts is as important as the repression of terrorism and its financing. In this context, we urge early conclusion of negotiations in the UN General Assembly of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and its adoption by all Member States. 24. Brazil and China express their sympathy and solidarity with the people and Governments of Russia and India which suffered from recent barbaric terrorist attacks. Terrorism cannot be justified by any reason.

2009

Yekaterinburg, Russia

We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterate that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism anywhere or for whatever reasons. We note that the draft Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism is currently under the consideration of the UN General Assembly and call for its urgent adoption.
India and Nigeria are in talks on signing an agreement in December by which India will invest in refineries, as well as in exploration and production of oil and gas in the African country, the Indian petroleum ministry said on Monday.

Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan held talks in the Capital on Monday with Nigerian minister of state for petroleum Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, who is on a three-day official visit to India.

Both ministers agreed to work on a memorandum of understanding to facilitate investments by India in the Nigerian oil and gas sector and include areas such as term contract, participation of Indian companies in the refining sector, oil and gas marketing sector, upstream sector, development of gas infrastructure and training of oil and gas personnel in Nigeria, a statement said.

The Nigerian minister requested a potential investment by India of $15 billion, if the terms can be agreed to, in Nigeria, as upfront payment for crude purchase, it said.

The amount is to be repaid through crude oil sales to India over some years and in consideration for collaborating in refining sector, exploration and production activities.

Both agreed to strengthen the existing cooperation in oil and gas sector, and in particular to explore investment opportunities for Indian public and private sector companies in Nigeria, the statement added.

According to the ministry, Pradhan thanked Kachikwu for allocating term contracts to Indian public sector oil companies and requested Nigeria to extend similar long-term contracts to them.

In 2015-16, India imported nearly 23.7 million tons of crude (nearly 12 per cent of Indias overall imports) and over 2 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Nigeria, the statement said.

The MoU is expected to be signed in December during the Petrotech-2016 international conference here, it added.
Interpols environment crime wing has issued a red corner notice against international wildlife smuggler Jaiy Tamang alias Passang Limi following a request by the Madhya Pradesh wildlife department in a case pertaining to the smuggling of pangolin and tiger bones, said a senior forest official.

Tamang originally hails from Lhasa, Tibet according to the red corner notice.

In September 2014, pangolin poaching came to light in Balaghat and Chhindwara districts, following which the state forest department constituted a special task force (STF) to investigate the matter and bust the racket.

The STF started unravelling the poaching network, with 113 people arrested across ten states, busting the multi-layered racket which sources pangolins and tiger bones from MP and smuggles them into China through the North East and Myanmar.

Ritesh Sirothia, officer in-charge STF, who carried out the entire operation, told HT that they arrested the 42-year-old Tamang from Delhi in October 2015. We brought him here and took him on remand. But he managed to make bail in November 2015, following which he went absconding. In February, the high court rejected his bail. As he operates in the entire South Asia, especially Nepal, Tibet, China and Myanmar, we were not sure of his whereabouts. So we sent a request to the Interpol that a red corner notice be issued against him. Two days back we got a communique from Interpol about the notice they had issued against Tamang, he said, adding, Interpol had contacted the state government in January this year and sought details about Tamang.

Sirothia said it is perhaps for the first time a red corner notice has been issued against an international wildlife smuggler and trafficker.

Pangolin also called scaly anteater (Manis crassicaudata) is listed in the schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, according it the highest conservation status. It is killed by poachers as it has a high demand in countries like China, where its body parts are valued as medicine and aphrodisiacs.
Rats nibbled a newborn in the maternity ward of a government hospital in Kishtwar. The parents of the baby, however, claimed that the baby died due to the rodent bites.

Ghulam Hassan, a resident of the remote Chhatru village of the district, had taken his wife to the hospital where she delivered a baby boy on Thursday, a police officer said on Sunday.

He said that the baby was shifted to the maternity ward and when Hassan visited the ward on Saturday, he found the baby dead with rat bites visible on his body.

There was blood all over the body of the baby and the rats were still nibbling him when Hassan saw this, he said.

Gurjeet Singh, director of health services in Jammu, said that a probe has been launched into the matter.

I have already ordered an inquiry and the chief medical officer of the district will be conducting the inquiry. However, preliminary inquiry suggest that the baby had already died due to some illness and was nibbled by rats after his death, Singh said.

Singh, however, said that if anybody in the health department is found guilty, strict action would be taken against him.
The Swedish Academy says it has given up trying to reach Bob Dylan, days after it awarded him the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Right now we are doing nothing. I have called and sent emails to his closest collaborator and received very friendly replies. For now, that is certainly enough, the academys permanent secretary, Sara Danius, told state radio SR on Monday.

So far the American troubadour has responded with silence since he won the prize on Thursday.

He gave a concert in Las Vegas that very night, but made no mention of the accolade.

So -- as an early Dylan song may have put it -- how does it feel?

I am not at all worried, said Danius. I think he will show up.

Every December 10, Nobel prize winners are invited to Stockholm to receive their awards from King Carl XVI Gustaf and to give a speech during a banquet.

The Swedish Academy still does not know if Dylan plans to come to the event.

If he doesnt want to come, he wont come. It will be a big party in any case and the honour belongs to him, said Danius.

Dylan, 75, whose lyrics have influenced generations of fans, is the first songwriter to win the literature prize.

Other contenders for this years prize included Salman Rushdie, Adonis and Ngugi wa Thiongo.
A case was registered against five members of the organising body of a religious congregation in Varanasi during which the Rajghat bridge stampede took place, killing 25 people and injuring 60 others on Saturday.

The stampede took place when thousands of followers of the late spiritual leader Jai Gurudev were taking out a procession as part of the Jai Gurudev Adhyatmic Satsang Mahamanav-Sangam being held at Domari village.

The five people who have been named in the case are Awadhesh Mani, convener Benchu Prasad, spokesperson Baburam, co-convenor Jaswant Chaurasia and senior office bearer Charan Singh following an application by the station officer.

The case was registered at Ramnagar police station under Section 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly), Section 177 (furnishing false information), Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), and Section 304 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Confirming that a case was filed against five organisers, station officer Mulchand Chaurasia said: Sub-inspector Dileep Srivastava has been instructed to investigate the matter. He added that he was waiting for further instructions from the senior officers. He also said that all five organisers would be arrested soon.

While seeking permission from the local administration for the event, the organisers had claimed that only 3,000 people would attend it. But a crowd of over two lakh poured in to the city, causing heavy traffic jam on the Rajghat bridge. The stampede occurred reportedly after a rumour about bridge collapse.

A day after the stampede, Pankaj Maharaj, chairperson of the Jai Gurudev Dharma Prachakar Sanstha and a disciple of the late Jai Gurudev, addressed a huge gathering of followers.

During his discourse, he expressed grief over the incident but washed his hands of any mismanagement on the part of the organisation.

He also claimed that only 3,000 people were invited and what could he do if more people turned up. Maharaj left the city on Monday.
Pakistan has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misleading BRICS countries and alleged that India is desperately trying to hide its brutalities in Jammu and Kashmir, where over 80 people have died since protests broke out in July.

The people of Indian Occupied Kashmir are being subjected to genocide by India for demanding their fundamental right to self-determination, Sartaj Aziz, foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said in a statement on Sunday.

Pakistan joins all the members of BRICS and BIMSTEC in condemning terrorism and reaffirms its full commitment to fight the menace of terrorism without discrimination, including against the Indian state-sponsored terrorism on Pakistani soil, he added.

The strong reaction from Pakistan came after Modi launched a scathing attack on Pakistan, without naming the neighbour, and calling it the mother ship of terrorism  linked to terror modules across the world.

Modi urged Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa to speak in one voice against terrorism and assign top priority to combat terror, including cross-border violence  a veiled reference to Pakistan.

Read | Selective approach to terrorism will be futile: PM Modi at BRICS Summit

Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours have been running high after 19 Indian soldiers were killed in an attack on an army base in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18. India later said it had carried out retaliatory surgical strikes across the Line of Control that inflicted significant casualties.

Pakistan denied any role in the attack on the Uri army base, and also dismissed the surgical strikes as typical cross-border firing. India has since launched a diplomatic offence to isolate Pakistan, which India accuses of sponsoring cross-border terrorism.

Aziz said the UN Human Rights high commissioner in Geneva and the secretary general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have called for sending a fact-finding mission to Kashmir.

The UN and OIC have rejected Indian attempts to equate Kashmiris movement for self-determination with terrorism. The UN has repeatedly emphasised that people fighting for their self-determination cannot be categorised as terrorists by the occupying state, Aziz said in the statement.

With Indian state sponsored terrorism and terror financing on Pakistani soil proven irrefutably, India has no moral ground to even talk about counter-terrorism efforts let alone do the finger pointing. Pakistan is a victim of Indian interference and subversive activities, which are aimed at destabilising Pakistan.

Also read| Modi calls Pakistan mother ship of terror, fails to get consensus at BRICS

For full coverage on 8th BRICS Summit, click here
For 26-year-old Omprakash, his nationality has always been ambiguous.

According to government records, he is one of the 10,000 Pakistani Hindu refugees living at Bhil Basti, a massive ghetto at the heart of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. But there is one catch: He has never been out of India.

My parents migrated from Pakistan in the early 1980s and I was born here in India. But in spite of the fact that my family moved to India long back, we still live in refugee-like conditions, without any water or steady income to support our families, Omprakash says.

Most of the people here are engaged in menial labour and go to work either in stone quarries or on the land of other people as daily-wage labourers. Many politicians and activists visit us from time to time and have given assurances but their promises didnt amount to anything, he adds.

Time has remained stagnant in Bhil Basti that is home to an estimated 1,000 families who have migrated from Pakistan in the last three decades. The absence of sewage facilities and water connection has resulted in highly unhygienic conditions in the ghetto.

Children can be seen playing alongside pigs that have found the place to be an appropriate breeding ground with cringe-worthy sanitation facilities in the ghetto.

The 8-10 thousand people living in Bhil Basti source their water from a leaking public health engineering department (PHED) pipeline near the ghetto as theres no water connection in the area.

Even the PHED water supply is not regular and at times we have to make do without any water for bathing and washing. There is no sewage facility in the Basti and the toilets are actually pits dug inside our homes, Nathuram, who migrated from Pakistan in 1987 and is now a BJP councillor of the area, says.

In spite of being a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Nathuram says that his requests for better facilities in the settlement have fallen on deaf ears.

In the manifesto of the BJP before the elections, rehabilitation of Pakistani refugees was a major point but nothing has happened so far. Every month around 10 families are coming here from Pakistan and most of them have to live under the open sky, Nathuram says.

Kafirs vs caste politics

As one strolls across the shanty with houses many of which are tents or just cots under the open sky, furtive and suspicious glances greets you. A long history of religious persecution and their experiences from across the border have made Bhil Basti residents wary of strangers.

I came to India from Pakistan two years ago after one of my relatives, a highly educated and respected man, was killed by religious fanatics. I had an established source of income there but I couldnt live in fear anymore, Arvind Singh (name changed) says.

Singh fears that giving his real name could result in repercussions for his family members who still live in Pakistan.

Residents of Bhil Basti say that the inflow of Pakistani Hindus has gone up because of the increasing extremism and persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan. Most of the people living in the ghetto are from the Punjab province of Pakistan and come from cities such as Rahim Yar Khan.

At the time of general Pervez Musharraf things were comparatively better for us but now, under the Nawaz Sharif government, the people from the Jamaat and radical clerics regularly persecute Hindus. Everyone in a village knows that when a Hindu family is going to migrate. People take the opportunity to buy their lands for a pittance and they have no choice but to oblige, Puttaram, another resident who migrated in recent years, says.

He adds that at times it gets even worse as right after the families sell their lands, they are robbed of their money by members of extremist organisations, leaving them helpless.

India too has its fair share of problems for Pakistani Hindus and caste is one of them.

In Pakistan, we were all Hindus and were called kafirs regardless of our caste or creed. But after coming to India, we were made to realise that here also they have their own ways of classifying people. Now we know, that we are not only Hindus but further divided into general, SC, ST and OBC categories, Arvind Singh says wryly.

Generations pushed to poverty

Hindu Singh Sodha, an activist and founder of Seemant Lok Sangathan, says that Pakistani Hindu refugees in India face government neglect and bureaucratic hazards, resulting in poverty and destitution for such families.

There are currently 21,000 such people in Rajasthan who have migrated from Pakistan in recent years and the number is increasing every year. A total of 1,35,000 Pakistani Hindus have come to India from 1965 and now their population have increased to around 5 lakh, Sodha says.

Most of these people still live in inhuman conditions as very few thoughts have been spared by the government for their rehabilitation.

He adds clauses that say refugees have to produce proof of the fact that their parents were born in undivided India must be removed in order to make the process of rehabilitation easier.

We have proposed several changes in the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 which if incorporated by the government could substantially improve the situation of persecuted religious minorities from neighbouring countries who are coming to India, he says.

A joint parliamentary committee is currently examining the bill.

If only the various governments had paid any heed to the difficulties faced by these people then three generations of Pakistani Hindus wouldnt have been pushed to poverty and be living in a pitiable condition, Sodha says.

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India on Monday sought Brazils support to join the nuclear suppliers group (NSG) as it looked to address the Latin American countrys long-held position against the spread of nuclear arms and weapons technology.

Indias spirited campaign to get a seat on the global nuclear high table has run into trouble with some countries, especially China, which has called for a criteria-based approach on admitting new members. Brazils reservation stems from its historical position on non-proliferation. In addition to the NPT, Brazil is also a party to the treaty for the prohibition of nuclear weapons in Latin America.

India is not a signatory to the NPT, which it says is biased.

PM Narendra Modi thanked Brazilian President Michel Temer, in India for BRICS summit, for understanding Indias aspiration for NSG membership as the two countries inked four MoUs, including one on investment promotion.

Modi conveyed to Temer Indias aspiration to be part of the NSG and the Brazil President said he would work with other member countries in helping New Delhi move towards the goal, said Preeti Saran,

secretary, east, in the external affairs ministry.

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The Bombay high court on Monday granted relief to actor Kapil Sharma by staying a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) order to demolish illegal portions of his residence in suburban Goregaon till November 23.

Sharma had approached the high court challenging the BMC notice and claimed that it was bad in law and that it has been issued with malafide intentions. The hearing took place before a division bench of justice Ranjit More and justice Anuja Prabhudessai.

The actor said in his plea that he purchased a 1,000 square metre plot in Goregaon from Slide Developers in February 2010. An 18-storey building was constructed on the plot and he owns flats/s in the building.

In March and April 2010, the civic body issued commencement certificate granting permission to construct the building. On November 6, 2013, the corporation issued a Full Occupation Certificate. However, on November 14, 2014, an assistant engineer from the BMCs building and factory department issued a notice claiming that a part of the building was illegal, the plea read.

In April this year, the actor kicked up a row with his tweeted that some BMC officers had sought Rs 5 lakh as bribe for the construction of another flat in Versova.

Sharma, who has 63 lakh followers on Twitter, tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his post generated reactions from all major political parties, with an eye on the forthcoming civic elections.

Soon after, the BMC alleged that Sharma had flouted norms and destroyed mangroves during the construction of his Goregaon property. The municipal body issued a notice to Sharma under section 351 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act.

Sharma sent a reply to the corporation denying the charge. However, on December 1, 2014, the corporation rejected his reply.

Sharma then filed an application in the Dindoshi sessions court against the notice. On December 28, 2014, the sessions court granted interim relief and directed the civic body to not initiate any action pending the hearing of the application.

Despite the sessions court order, the corporation issued another notice on April 28 this year directing razing down of the building in response to my complaints over the bribe, the plea reads.

Sharma asked that the BMC notice is set aside and directions issued to the corporation to not act upon the notice pending the hearing of his plea in HC.

Sharma hosts the popular television comedy talk show The Kapil Sharma Show. He won The Great Indian Laughter Challenge in 2007 and later hosted the popular Comedy Nights with Kapil.

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Minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju on Monday slammed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap for seeking an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for visiting Pakistan.

A new fashion has developed in India. A student or a film person can put a question or speak against (the) PM without any logic to get into news, Rijiju tweeted without naming Kashyap.

He later clarified in another tweet: In democratic India one can ask questions to PM or comments freely but better if its with sense & without undermining our nations prestige.

I refuse to live in the fear created by blind fanatics that you cannot have a conversation with your PM or question him or expect from him  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

Actor and BJP member of Lok Sabha Paresh Rawal also criticised Kashyap saying instead of seeking an apology from the PM, the filmmaker should ask for a condemnation letter (on Uri attack) from Pakistani artistes.

Unwarranted utterances of Mr Anurag Kashyap infact is damaging KJos (Karan Johars) film and industry, cautioned Rawal.

Kashyap had on Sunday come out in support of filmmaker Karan Johar, whose upcoming film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (ADHM), featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, is facing trouble after cinema owners association decided to stall the release of movies starring artistes from the neighbouring country.

Kashyap in a series of tweets questioned PM Modi asking him to apologise for meeting his Pakistani counterpart the same time when Johar was shooting for his film.

Sir you havent yet said sorry for your trip to meet the Pakistani PM. It was Dec 25th. Same time KJo was shooting ADHM? Why? tweeted Kashyap.

He added that he was with Johar on the issue of his film.

But later Kashyap apologised to the PM: I am just trying to understand the situation because I am actually dumb and I dont get it. Sorry if you feel offended?

I would rather ask my questions directly to the PM than trying to impress him by fake nationalism of banning "what puts you in news"  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 16, 2016

Read | Madhur Bhandarkar, Shiv Sena slam Anurags Twitter rant about PM Modi
Rumours were swirling on Monday of former Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi joining the BJP ahead of the state elections due early 2017.

The Congress denied that the 67-year-old Lucknow Cantonment legislator would follow her brother, former party leader and ex-Uttarakhand chief minister Vijay Bahuguna, to the BJP.

Though the Joshi camp didnt comment, sources in the BJP said talks were on between the Congress leader and its leaders. A decision on her joining the party could be taken soon, they said.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee communications department chairman Satyadev Tripathi said there was no truth to the reports that Joshi, daughter of former chief minister late Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, was set to walk out of the party.

In Delhi, senior party leader Manish Tewari said he wouldnt comment on speculative reports.

She is ill and to the best of my knowledge she was not joining any other party, UPCC communications department vice-chairman Veerendra Madan said.

Bahuguna is said to be unhappy over the partys choice of Sheila Dikshit, the former Delhi CM, as the chief ministerial candidate and feels marginalised after Raj Babbar was named the state chief.

She believes she has better credentials to be projected as a Brahmin chief ministerial face than Dikshit.

The developments come at a time when the Congress is trying to revive its fortunes in the countrys most populous state where it has been out of power for 27 years and has been reduced to a bit player by regional parties.

Party vice-president Rahul Gandhi recently concluded a month-long tour of the state to win over farmers, who form a sizable chunk of electorate and are battling mounting debts.

(with agency inputs)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing but unnamed attack on Pakistan on Sunday, calling it the mother ship of terrorism.

Speaking at a plenary session of the BRICS Summit in Goa, Modi said the reach of terrorism was global and called for deeper engagement between the national security advisers of the five member nations  Brazil, India, China, Russia and South Africa.

Modis aggressive pitch found reflection in the summit declaration, which mentioned terrorism at least 24 times and was worded in a way that Indian officials found satisfying.

Below are the declarations from BRICS summits in Goa and Ufa comparing how the needle has moved on terrorism.

Goa

We strongly condemn the recent several attacks, against some BRICS countries, including that in India. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic or any other reasons. We agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating international terrorism both at the bilateral level and at international fora.

To address the threat of chemical and biological terrorism, we support and emphasise the need for launching multilateral negotiations on an international convention for the suppression of acts of chemical and biological terrorism, including at the Conference on Disarmament. In this context, we welcome Indias offer to host a Conference in 2018 aimed at strengthening international resolve in facing the challenge of the WMD-Terrorism nexus.

We call upon all nations to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism, which should include countering violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism, radicalisation, recruitment, movement of terrorists including Foreign Terrorist Fighters, blocking sources of financing terrorism, including through organised crime by means of money-laundering, drug trafficking, criminal activities, dismantling terrorist bases, and countering misuse of the Internet including social media by terror entities through misuse of the latest Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Successfully combating terrorism requires a holistic approach. All counter-terrorism measures should uphold international law and respect human rights.

We acknowledge the recent meeting of the BRICS High Representatives on National Security and, in this context, welcome the setting up and the first meeting of the BRICS Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism on 14 September 2016 in New Delhi. We believe it will further promote dialogue and understanding among BRICS nations on issues of counter terrorism, as well as coordinate efforts to address the scourge of terrorism.

We acknowledge that international terrorism, especially the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Daesh) and affiliated terrorist groups and individuals, constitute a global and unprecedented threat to international peace and security. Stressing UNs central role in coordinating multilateral approaches against terrorism, we urge all nations to undertake effective implementation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and reaffirm our commitment on increasing the effectiveness of the UN counter terrorism framework. We call upon all nations to work together to expedite the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in the UN General Assembly without any further delay. We recall the responsibility of all States to prevent terrorist actions from their territories.

We reaffirm our commitment to the FATF International Standards on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation and call for swift, effective and universal implementation of FATF Consolidated Strategy on Combating Terrorist Financing, including effective implementation of its operational plan. We seek to intensify our cooperation in FATF and FATF-style regional bodies (FSRBs).

Ufa

We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stress that there can be no justification, whatsoever, for any acts of terrorism, whether based upon ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic, or any other justification. We are determined to consistently strengthen our cooperation in preventing and countering international terrorism. We stress that the UN has a central role in coordinating international action against terrorism, which must be conducted in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, international refugee and humanitarian law, human rights and fundamental freedoms. We believe that terrorist threats can be effectively addressed through a comprehensive implementation by states and the international community of all their commitments and obligations arising from all relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We call upon all states and the international community to adhere to their commitments and obligations and in this regard to resist political approaches and selective application.

China and Russia reiterate the importance they attach to the status and role of 3 Brazil, India and South Africa in international affairs and support their aspiration to play a greater role in the UN.

For full coverage of the 8th BRICS Summit, click here
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Defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday appeared to give credit to RSS teaching for the decision to launch cross-LoC surgical strikes even as he slammed those seeking proof for the Indian Armys anti-terror operation in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

I wonder, with the combination of Prime Minister who comes from Mahatma Gandhis home state, and I, defence minister, coming from Goa which never had any martial race, and surgical strikes. May be the RSS teaching was at the core, but this was quite a different kind of combination, Parrikar said in remarks that may trigger a row.

Parrikar was speaking at a function, Know my Army, organised at Nirma University in Ahmedabad.

He said the Indian Army is the worlds best and should be believed.

From the day of the strike till today, some politicians are seeking proof, Parrikar said, without taking any names.

When the Indian Army says something, we should believe it. It is the worlds best, professional, brave and having a very high integrity. I do not feel that anybody will seek proof from them here in Ahmedabad, he added at a function here of Nirma University, called Know my Army.

Parrikar was referring to some sections which have been asking for proof about the surgical strikes. The army has said the strikes against terror launch pads across the LoC was carried out during the intervening night of September 28-29.

Two good things have happened after the surgical strikes. First thing is (that) except some politicians, every Indian is rising in unison and standing behind our brave soldiers. And the second thing is we (Indians) have acquired sensitivity regarding national security in a very effective way, he said.

With regard to the ceasefire violations by Pakistan, the defence minister said the Indian Army was giving a befitting reply.

Violations are regularly taking place for the last five-six years. You can take out figures. But the only thing that has changed now is that we are giving effective reply, he said.

To a question on security lapses, Parrikar said, When you are doing things and if there are lapses in it, then mistakes should be rectified.

Parrikar praised the university for organising such a programme and called upon youths to join the Army.

Later, Parrikar while talking to reporters, said one thing is clear that his government is serious about national security.

On the illegal sneaking-in of people in Gujarat from border adjoining Pakistan, Parrikar said, BSF is tightening security at the border. You also know that this is a difficult area where we cannot put up fences as it is a marshy area. But we will use technology and fill the gaps to ensure no unauthorised person enters our territory.
New Delhi received qualified support from the BRICS grouping for its efforts to counter terrorism but there was no consensus on Indias drive to nail Pakistan and its use of terror as an instrument of state policy.

Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Pakistan the mother ship of terrorism, other members of BRICS  including Pakistans iron brother China  were not willing to sign on the dotted line.

China remained the key factor in other issues too, such as Indias efforts to get backing from BRICS for its bid to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group. One positive was the fresh beginning with the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec).

Here are five takeaways from the BRICS and Bimstec meets:

1. Unanimity in fighting terror but not on naming and shaming Pakistan-based jihadi groups: The summit took place weeks after a terror attack on an army camp in Uri killed 19 Indian soldiers. India blamed Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed for the strike and launched a campaign to diplomatically isolate Islamabad. The BRICS Summit declaration used strong language on terror and said states had the responsibility to prevent terror activities from their soil, but it fell short on mentioning any Pakistan-based terror groups. The BRICS communique consistently mentions UN-proscribed organisations such as the Islamic State. India needs to work more on the grouping, especially China, to get it to agree to mention Pakistan-based groups such as the JEM, which too has been sanctioned by the UN.

2. Indias NSG bid gets acknowledged but bilateral task with China remains: The BRICS Summit communique acknowledged that nuclear energy forms an important part of Indias efforts to fight climate change, and that New Delhi will be better off with a stable regime that guides nuclear trade. These two arguments were touted by India to back up its efforts to get entry into the NSG, an elite club of countries that controls trade in nuclear technology and fissile materials. This is significant but what is crucial now is how India goes about getting the support of China since NSG works by consensus.

3. New bridge with Bimstec: Truth be told, Bimstec, a bloc comprising seven countries (five from South Asia  India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka  and two from Southeast Asia, Thailand and Myanmar) has great importance for both BRICS and India and China individually. The Bimstec region averages 6.5% growth and represents an emerging consumer market, an ideal lookout area for the BRICS Bank to invest in infrastructure. And all these countries, barring perhaps Bhutan, seek greater economic ties with China. For India, these countries are important for strategic and economic reasons because of their geographic location.

4. Move faster, as the economies of BRICs countries are not what they used to be: Trade among BRICS countries account for just 5% of the groupings global trade. It took the grouping eight summits to agree to a customs agreement to facilitate trade among members. Talks are yet to begin for a free trade pact. The BRICS grouping consists of politically divergent countries but that shouldnt come in the way of moving faster on economic cooperation.

5. Russian President Vladimir Putins idea of an energy cooperation agency: With falling oil and gas prices, and greater production by Iran, Iraq and African countries and the increase in production of US shale gas, Russia is looking for strong energy partnerships. China and India will need more energy resources to fuel their growth. Though it is an idea by Putin, it is worth following up for a win-win situation for both sellers and buyers.

For more on the BRICS summit, click here.

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Ayodhya is back on focus ahead of next years assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.

Union water resources minister Uma Bharti said on Monday there was no dispute over Ayodhya being Rams birthplace, but the actual disagreement was over the lands ownership.

Even the panel of three judges (of the Allahabad high court) have concurred that the land belongs to Ram temple. The challenge is the dispute between the Waqf board and the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas over possession of the land and not whether Ram was born there or not, she said.

Bharti promised the Ayodhya issue will soon be resolved without any hassles.

Her comments follow Union tourism minister Mahesh Sharmas announcement that he will visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to inspect the proposed site for a Ramayana museum, a move interpreted as an attempt to consolidate the Hindu votes.

Read | BJP allies, pro-Hindutva leaders pitch for Ram temple ahead of UP elections

For its part, the ruling Samajwadi Party tried to counterbalance the BJP move with a decision to construct an international theme park in Ayodhya.

BJP leader and parliamentarian Vinay Katiyar too raked up the issue and requested the Centre to introduce a bill in Parliament to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying the shrine is the BJPs priority.

Before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP had said it would explore all possibilities within the Constitution for construction of the temple in Ayodhya.

Opposition reaction

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Congress reacted sharply to the political jostle over Ayodhya, considered a political cornerstone after the Babri mosque there was destroyed by a mob in 1992 to build a temple in its place.

BSP chief and Dalit leader Mayawati accused the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government of linking religion with politics to gain electoral benefits.

Developing tourism in Ayodhya is good, but how come the Narendra Modi government thought of developing the Ramayana Sangrahalay and the state government of Ramleela theme park just before the assembly polls? she wondered.

Mayawati alleged that both parties were encouraging cheap publicity.

Linking religion with politics and electoral gains by these governments is condemnable ... had they really been so concerned about these issues, they would have thought about them long ago, she said.

But Sharma played down the political agenda behind the visit, saying it is part of the tourism development plans of the Modi government and should not be linked with elections in the politically crucial state.

My visit to Ayodhya has nothing to do with UP elections. I am visiting there as a tourism minister. It should not be linked to politics, but is part of the governments efforts to improve tourism in Ayodhya and all over the country, he said.

Sharma said the museum will be a part of the Ramayana circuit for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the trail. The land for the proposed museum has been provided by the state government.

Ram is in the heart of millions of people. As tourism minister, I have to see how Ayodhya can be developed, how Ramayana circuit can be developed from the tourism point of view, the minister said.

His visit comes days after Prime Minister Modi, in a departure from tradition, participated in Dusshera festivities in Lucknow where he started and concluded his speech with chants of Jai Shri Ram, Jai Jai Shri Ram.

The Congress took on the BJP for its Ayodhya agenda before the elections.

Whenever elections are near, BJP rakes up the Ram Mandir issue. BJP is a party that has the least devotion towards Ram. They remember Ram only when elections are scheduled anywhere in the country, party spokesperson Manish Tewari said.

DMK chief M Karunanidhi also deprecated attempts to rake up the Ram temple issue ahead of UP assemly polls.

There are reports that BJP is trying to rake up the Ram janmabhoomi issue to garner Hindu votes in Uttar Pradesh, he said in a statement in Chennai.

The DMK patriarch took exception to Prime Minister Modi chanting Jai Sri Ram at a Ram Leela event in Lucknow last week.

(With PTI inputs)

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Two former ministers of the Okram Ibobi Singh government joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday, days after another senior Congress leader and former minister jumped ship ahead of the assembly polls in the state.

Former irrigation and flood control minister Nongthombam Biren, who was elected three times in a trot from the Heingang constituency, and former rural development minister Francis Ngajokpa, who was elected twice on a Congress ticket from Tadubi constituency and held various ministerial portfolios, were the two leaders who joined the opposition party.

I resigned (from the ruling party) because of its dictatorship style of misgovernance, said former minister N Biren, who quit the Congress and resigned from the post of MLA on October 6. At the same time, I join the BJP for the equal development of every section of Manipuri society to bridge the existing gap.

Former minister Francis Ngajokpa, who tendered his resignation on October 13, following pressure from workers said, I join the BJP to work for the welfare of the constituency and the state.

Party workers had recently convened a meeting at Maram town  about 80km north of Imphal  during which it was resolved that they would continue to support the Ngajokpa only if he resigned from the party.

A formal reception function for the two political heavyweights was organised at the BJP state office here on Monday. The partys national secretary Ram Madhav, NE in-charge Ajay Jawal and state president Kh Bhabananda besides BJP legislators Th BIswajit and Kh Joykishan attended the function.

Prior to the resignation of the two former Congress leaders, former food and civil supplies minister Yumkham Erabot  who is the longest-serving MLA from Wangkhei constituency  had left the party on September 12 to join the BJP.

Earlier, former congress MLA Dr Kh Loken and former speaker Budhichandras son Dr Sapam Ranjan also joined the BJP.

During the function, Assams health and education minister Hemanta Biswas Sharma, the convenor of a newly floated North-East Democratic Alliance, pronounced that the BJP is committed for the development of the region.

He also expressed confidence that the BJP will come to power in Manipur after the 2017 polls.
In politics, intent is as important as the objective. Then comes the way a political move is timedand by whom?

On all three counts, leaving aside the Constitutional principle of equality, the NDAs stance on the retrograde practice of triple talaq lends itself to scrutiny. So does the Law Commissions public outreach on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

As is evident from the Muslim Personal Law Boards charge that the NDAs purpose was to trigger a war within, building a consensus on these vexed questions needed a better social ambience. In a modern society, such reforms are essential. But to acquire traction within the Muslim community thats the second largest in the country after the Hindus, the initiative needed credible stewardship.

The picture would become clearer if one juxtaposed with these issues the protracted ferment in Kashmir and the politics being played on the armys professionally executed surgical strikes across the Line of Control. One might shy away from accepting it. But the PDP-BJP regime hasnt exactly covered itself with glory in Kashmir, which is a faith-based conundrum bequeathed by history.

On account of the ongoing unrest, Kashmirs grave national security and human rights dimensions cannot be understated. Together with the RSS chiefs defense of cow vigilante-ism in his Dussehra address, the triple talaq-UCC debate is bound to be exploited by elements attempting a psychological secession of the Kashmiri youth.

The rest of the country has been India for a section of Kashmiris since Partition. On a recent visit to the Valley, one heard scores of them calling it Hindu India that offered them no social, political or emotional space.

Not that previous regimes were better, the post-2014 aggressive majoritarianism enduring images of which are the Dadri episode and Kashmiri students mistreatment in other stateshave deepened distrust. Even before the shocking Uri attack that became a counter-narrative to the Valleys pellet-riddled faces, Kashmir had become, or was made to look, part of the anti-Pakistan mosaic in the rest of India.

Irrespective of its progressive intra-community dimension, the triple talaq- UCC discourse is viewed as regressive by Muslims in Kashmir and elsewhere. They suspect not just the intent but also the timing of the debate that has found official resonance after the surgical strikes and before polls in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

The religio-military nationalist frenzy thats being unleashed is deeply polarising. It doubts our credentials, pits us against other countrymen by showing us as reason of their grievance, said a university teacher. He attributed his reluctance to get quoted by name to his psychological mowing down by a crescendo of discouraging voices.

For his part, Dr Subrata Mukherjee, former professor of political science in Delhi University, was upfront in his reading of the situation: The NDAs silent on disparities in the Hindu society but cites constitutional provisions to reform Muslims. The intention, he said, is political, not social; the objective electoral.
Vakola police have arrested ex-corporator Razzak Khan, 78, and his son Amjad Khan, 53, for their alleged involvement in the murder of 61-year-old RTI activist Bhupendra Vira.

The accused were remanded to police custody till October 24 by a magistrate court in the city on Monday.

Demanding their police custody, public prosecutor Ashok Medhe told the court, The complainant (Viras son-in-law) in this case has alleged that they were getting repeated threats from the family of the accused. They also have a property dispute. In the past, family members of the accused had also attacked Viras son. The police custody is required for detailed investigation, and maximum police custody be granted.

Viras wife was cooking in the kitchen, while he was sitting in another room watching television. Surprisingly, the gunshot was neither heard by his wife nor by the neighbours, leading the police to suspect that the accused used a firearm equipped with a silencer. (/HT PHOTO)

According to officials from Vakola police station, it was one of the neighbours who fist spotted Viras body lying in a pool of blood at his residence in Razzak chawl behind Kalina mosque and rushed inside to inform his wife. Viras wife was cooking in the kitchen, while he was sitting in another room watching television. Surprisingly, the gunshot was neither heard by his wife nor by the neighbours, leading the police to suspect that the accused used a firearm equipped with a silencer. His wife told the police that she heard a faint sound, but couldnt make out that its was a gunshot as the television was on. The chawl lacks CCTV cameras and the police are now searching for witnesses who might have seen a suspicious person in the area around same time.
With just three months to go for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray hit the ground running for his party, with visits to Sena shakhas, or local administrative units, to see what work was being done at the ground level.

Thackeray went to six Sena shakhas  Ambavadi, Chunabhatti, Gaothan and Kandarpada in Dahisar and two in Borivli. He spoke to workers, shakha pramukhs and assisants and Sena volunteers.

Sources said Uddhva began with Dahisar as the party is most likely to increase its tally here  not only are Sena corporators in a majority here, but there was also a rise in the number of seats in these wards after the recent delimitation exercise.

The Sena has headed the BMC for 20 years with BJP and draws most of its muscle from the countrys richest civic body. With the BJP making clear its ambitions of expanding in Mumbai, the Sena wants to ensure it retains control, sources said.

Uddhav saheb sat in every shakha for eight to ten minutes and interacted with all office-bearers to understand what the pulse of the people is, which areas voters lists are they handling, how corporators are working and how wards have been redrawn this time. He asked party workers if they felt confident enough of winning seats if the Sena fought the polls without the BJP, Abhishek Ghosalkar, a Sena corporate from Dahisar, told HT.

Ghosalkar said Uddhav Thackeray visited the shakhas not like the chief of a party would. He only told the shakha a few hours in advance and made an entry in the visitors registration, Ghosalkar said.

This is not the first time the Sena chief has uses this tactic. In the run up to the 2012 civic polls, Thackeray cemented his relationship with the party cadre this way, often going to shakhas unannounced, reminiscent of his father and former Sena supremo Bal Thackerays style.

During his annual Dussehra rally on October 11 this year, Thackeray announced he will visit all 227 shakhas of the party in Mumbai to interact with those working at the grassroots.

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NEW DELHI: The government will keep for seven years a record of all the services and benefits availed using the Aadhaar number, say new rules, prompting fears that the database could be used for surveillance.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which issues the 12-digit biometric identity to all Indian residents, will be required to preserve its record of verification of an Aadhaar number for the duration.

This is an unprecedented centralised data retention provision, said Sunil Abraham, director of the Bengaluru-based think tank, Centre for Internet and Society.

UIDAI chief executive officer ABP Pandey said the concerns were exaggerated. The agency was keeping records in case a dispute arose over a transaction.

The information will be retained online for two years and another five years in the offline archives, say the rules notified in September. Users will be able to check the records but only for two years.

This restriction wont apply to security agencies. Pandey, however, said the records would not be available to them without a district judges permission.

But, HT found that the rules allow designated joint secretary-level officers at the Centre to order access to information on the grounds of national security.

Once Aadhaar becomes mandatory for all services, it can be used by benign and malignant actors to conduct a 360-degree surveillance on any individual, Abraham said.

The UIDAI authenticates about five million Aadhaar numbers, which are quoted to avail LPG subsidy, cheap ration and even passport, a day against a capacity to verify 100 million requests daily.

You can think of it as Natgrid Plus, Abraham said, a reference to the National Intelligence Grid being built by the government.

A one-stop database for counter-terrorism agencies, Natgrid will collate information real time from databases of various agencies such as bank, rail and airline networks. we do not record the purpose for which an authentication request was received but only the details of the agency that sent it, UIDAIs Pandey said. But seven years is a long time. Only a select category of government files are kept for longer than five years.

Asked about two-year deadline for users, Pandey said it would have been a logistic nightmare to let people access the records once the information was offline.

The Supreme Court has a ruled that Aadhaar is not a must for availing welfare schemes and is to decide if collecting biometric data for the 12-digit number infringed an individuals privacy.

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BENAULIM (GOA): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday succeeded in getting BRICS members to make its strongest ever statement on terrorism but consensus eluded leaders of the five-nation grouping on Indias push to nail Pakistan-based terror groups.

Sundays huddle of the five emerging economies in scenic Goa began with the Indian Prime Minister launching a scathing attack on Pakistan, without naming the neighbour, and calling it the mother ship of terrorism  linked to terror modules across the world. Modi urged Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa to speak in one voice against terrorism and assign top priority to combating terror, including cross-border violence -- a euphemism used in reference to Pakistan.

This country shelters not just terrorists. It nurtures a mindset. A mindset that loudly proclaims that terrorism is justifiable for political gains, Modi said.

Later, addressing the plenary session of the BRICS summit, Modi said selective approaches to terrorist individuals and organisations will not only be futile but also counter-productive.

His comments came amid efforts to persuade China and Russia to join New Delhis campaign to diplomatically isolate Pakistan, which India blames for cross-border terror and fuelling unrest in Kashmir.

On Saturday, while Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, prompting Modi to say Moscows stand on the issue mirrors our own, Indian officials speaking about the prime ministers meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping used rather defensive language, signalling little progress in those talks.

Beijing gave no assurance on supporting New Delhis bid on a United Nations ban against Pakistan-based militant leader Masood Azhar, saying no more than that terrorism was a key issue and the two sides should strengthen their security dialogue and partnership.

Modis aggressive pitch found reflection in the Goa Declaration by BRICS leaders, which mentioned terrorism at least 24 times and was worded in a way that Indian officials found satisfying.

We recall the responsibility of all states to prevent terrorist actions from their territories, said the declaration, in what Amar Sinha, Indias chief negotiator at the BRICS, described as a new and significant addition.

If you look at what the joint statement says, I think, it is pretty clear we are talking about our neighbourhood, Sinha said. We were focused on the ideas we wanted included.

However, critics pointed out, the declaration fell short of Indias ambitions. While it named the Islamic State, Jabat al-Nusra, which is fighting in Syria and recently rebranded itself as Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, and other UN designated groups, it didnt call for action against Pakistan-based terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, which India holds responsible for the Uri attack that left 19 Indian soldiers dead.

Even as the summit was overshadowed by talks on terrorism, officials said, it also made significant progress in reviving economic cooperation between the member countries. Modi said the group agreed to double intra-BRICS trade to $500 billion and step up the work of the National Development Bank.

Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the need to fight protectionist policies and promised Beijing would continue to bolster trade and investment flow with other BRICS nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed new initiatives for cooperation in energy.
Senior officials of the Uttar Pradesh anti-terrorist squad (ATS) and of Noida police said they were surprised after people arrested from Hindon Vihar and Sadarpur areas of Noida had alleged Maoist links.

The arrests, which came after raids on Saturday night, also led to the recovery of detonators and gelatin rods from the possession of the accused.

A total of 45 gelatin sticks, 125 detonators, 88 cartridges, seven pistols and four cars, including two bearing Ghaziabad registration numbers, were recovered from the accused.

Officials from Uttar Pradesh ATS said that they were alarmed after the recovery of detonators and gelatin sticks that are used to carry out explosions. The officials, however, are still clueless about where how and where the explosives were going to be used.

Initially, we suspected that the accused were just involved with criminal gangs of western UP. But as the raids progressed, we recovered gelatin rods and detonators from Sadarpur. We suspect that they were planning something big during Diwali, said Asim Arun, inspector general (UP-ATS).

Read more: After 10 arrests, police suspect Maoists trying to build base in UP

We do not yet know the target of the arrested accused or their motive behind storing such a huge amount of material used in explosives. We are also trying to trace the origins of an INSAS rifle which was recovered from one of the accused who was nabbed from Chandoli in eastern UP on information provided by the accused. However, we do not think they arrested men are part of any terror organisation, said Arun.

The officials said that members of other Central agencies will soon arrive to grill the accused persons.

Six of the arrested accused were nabbed from Hindon Vihar and were residing in a rented flat whose owner hails from Indirapuram. Three other members of the group were arrested from Sadarpur.

The accused had a property dealing office at Noida and were using it as a cover. A tip off about the suspicious activities of the six persons was provided to Noida Police by a local resident. The police then put the men on surveillance. We decided to conduct raids and arrest them after finding out that they were planning to bring AK-47s from Bihar to Noida, Arun said.

Saturdays arrests have also brought to the fore the fact that Noida and adjoining areas, which are lagging in terms of tenant verification, had become safe havens for criminals.

Officials, however, said the tenant verification drive could not be completed as they did not have enough manpower.

Residents must stay alert and come forward if they notice any suspicious activities. The house owners should also approach police immediately whenever they rent their rooms or flats. We conduct special verification drives. In the present case, the accused had provided fake ids to their landlord, said Dharmendra Singh, senior superintendent of police.

Read more: ATS arrests 7 men with suspected Maoists links during raids in Noida

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It is hailed as Indias granary, but Punjab faces a drastic decline in agricultural output unless it halts the rapid depletion of its groundwater, experts warn. Groundwater irrigates almost three-quarters of Punjabs agricultural land, but groundwater levels are dropping by 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 inches) a year, according to Rajan Aggarwal, head of the soil and water engineering department at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).

That has left farmers like Ajmir Singh struggling as their irrigation wells dry up. We are not able to find water even if we go down to 200 feet (61 m) or more at some places, he said, having farmed for 35 years in Jalandhar, 150km north of Chandigarh, the state capital.

In video || The groundwater troubles of Punjab

His neighbour, Pawanjeet Singh, said lack of irrigation water has forced him to sell part of the land that has been in his family for generations to a large-scale farmer who has the resources to drill for water at much deeper levels. I took this decision with a heavy heart after I realised that drawing water for all my land is beyond my means, he said.

According to Aggarwal, groundwater has been overexploited in 110 of the states 138 administrative blocks. This is alarming given that more than 73% of irrigation is taken care of by groundwater.

Experts say dealing with the problem, in the region that led Indias Green Revolution in the 1970s, will require a rapid shift away from crops that require large amounts of water, such as rice and wheat, to less-thirsty pulses, maize, vegetables and sugarcane to safeguard the states agricultural economy.

Rice and wheat make up 81% of Punjabs irrigated crops, according to a report by PAU. Although the state accounts for only 1.5% of Indias geographical area, over the past two decades it has contributed 35% of the nations rice production and 60% of its wheat.

Also watch || VIDEO: FARM DEBT AND SUICIDES IN PUNJAB

LOW RAINFALL

According to Sunil Jain, regional director of the Central Ground Water Board for northwest India, groundwater started dropping in 1985 in Punjab, and has sunk to alarming levels in recent years.

Thirty years ago, farmers in most parts of the state could draw water at a depth of 10 metres (32 ft), but by 2015 this was 20 metres, while farmers in some central parts of the state are unable to find water even at 30 metres or deeper, he said. There has been a substantial rise in groundwater utilisation, which has mainly happened because of the fact that Punjab gets less rainfall. Since paddy (rice) requires a lot of water, the farmers resort to heavy usage of groundwater for irrigating the paddy fields.

Jain added that Punjab gets less than 700mm of rainfall annually. This compares to a national average of 1,083mm, according to the World Bank.

Amit Kar, an economist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, attributed the groundwater shortage to government policies such as free electricity for irrigation, credit facilities and subsidies for digging wells and buying pumping equipment, as well as heavily subsidised diesel fuel for pumps.

The PAU report said annual demand for irrigation in Punjab is 4.76 million hectare metres (mhm) against a total annual supply of 3.48 mhm from canal and groundwater resources. The deficit is met by overexploitation of deeper groundwater by farmers using nearly 1.4 million tube wells, which exacerbates the loss of more accessible groundwater.

According to the PAU report, 3.5 million of Punjabs 9.1 million workers make a living from agriculture or associated activities. Jain said the statistics suggest Punjabs agricultural success may not be sustainable. Punjabs exports of rice and wheat to other regions literally mean the export of its groundwater to those regions, he said.

Amitabh Kant, chief executive officer of the governments National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), predicted the present rate of withdrawal will lead to complete exhaustion of groundwater within a decade in the region. Kant said India, already water-stressed, is rapidly moving towards becoming water-scarce.

TIME TO SWITCH?

Switching to new crops is one way to ease the problem in Punjab, said PAUs Aggarwal. Rice requires about four times as much water as maize, pulses or oilseeds, for instance.

Vinod Kumar Singh, a scientist at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, said Punjab must make the shift at any cost. The government has to make some policy decisions like assuring the farmers it will procure their produce other than paddy (rice) and wheat. Only then will they be convinced to switch over to these crops, he said.

Under Indias state-sponsored Public Distribution System, the national government buys staple foods like rice, wheat and sugar from farmers and sells them to citizens at fair or cheaper prices. Commodities worth $2.25 billion, including rice and wheat, are sold annually to about 160 million families.

Jasbir Singh Bains, Punjabs director of agriculture, said that system makes farmers reluctant to cultivate other crops. We have started making efforts to popularise the cultivation of pulses, maize, vegetables and oilseeds, Bains said. For example, we have appealed to the central government to increase the procurement of pulses and are urging the farmers to grow vegetables, which also have a good market.

Farmers like Shamsher Singh, in Nakodar (Jalandhar), said they would switch to less thirsty crops with government help. We are ready for this, but the government should give the guarantee that it will procure our products like it is doing in the case of wheat and rice, he said.

(By Athar Parvaiz, Thomson Reuters Foundation)
The Border Security Force (BSF) has seized 3.75kg heroin from area falling under Pull Morran border outpost in Amritsar sector on Sunday morning. Seven packets of the contraband were recovered from a field ahead of the BSF fence, said the authorities.

With the seizure, the total amount of heroin recovered along the border in Punjab has crossed 200kg this year.

BSF inspector general (IG), Punjab Frontier, Anil Paliwal said: Around 11am, a BSF kisan guard party deployed ahead of the fence recovered seven packets of heroin hidden under straw in a field.

He said it is not known how the heroin reached the field and to whom the consignment belonged to. We have handed over the case to the police for investigation, he said.

The IG said keeping in view the vulnerability of border due to heightened activities of smugglers and anti-national elements, operational guidelines have been issued to all sectors and battalions under the Punjab Frontier for further strengthening vigil.

DIG, Amritsar sector, JS Oberai, directed field commanders to maintain extra vigil on the Indo-Pak border.

Tactical operations are being mounted to foil the attempts of smugglers and anti-national elements, he said.

The IG said the BSF troops are gearing up for the winter to ensure any other attempts of smuggling from across the fence are foiled.
Widows of debt-ridden farmers who committed suicide will flag off state Congress president Captain Amarinder Singhs three-day kisan bus yatra on Monday.

Amarinder will cover 500km in Moga, Faridkot, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Muktsar, Jalalabad and Ferozepur. He is expected to be joined by senior party leaders on different stretches along the route.

The state Congress president will travel in a specially designed bus, with the campaign message of Karza-Kurki Khatam, Fasal Di Poori Rakam.

The bus has a hydraulic platform from where Amarinder will address farmer meetings. A microphone and speaker system has been fitted inside to enable the bus to double up as a mobile public address platform for impromptu meetings.

The yatra will be launched at the Congress Bhawan where farmers widows have been invited to join the partys efforts to alleviate the sufferings of farmers in the state.

In a statement, the Punjab Congress said the move was more than a symbolic gesture and underlined the partys unwavering commitment to safeguard the interests of the farming community.

The bus yatra comes at a time when the state is reeling under a spate of farmer suicides, the statement read.

Amarinder had promised that once his party comes in power it would take immediate steps to alleviate the sufferings of the farmers.

(With PTI inputs)
Backed by technology, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) plans to extend the community kitchen, which serves around one lakh pilgrims round-the-clock every day, at the Golden Temple.

With the ever-increasing footfall, the SGPC has decided to employ technology-based equipment to expedite the working. It will also prevent wastage of the grocery items being donated in abundance and help feed the underprivileged besides the visiting devotees, say the authorities. The SGPC has decided to extend the kitchen area as well. Installation of lifts is already being undertaken on the premises besides expansion of the cooking area. Golden Temple manager Sulakhan Singh said they would be adding new utensils and equipment to make preparation and distribution of langar faster, and provide best facilities to devotees visiting the shrine.

How will extension help?

The extension will not only help serve more people but also make functioning of the community kitchen easier. It will give us sufficient space to have massive furnaces and keep huge utensils in which lentils are cooked. Also sanitation will be taken care of by bigger automatic machines that will be procured by the SGPC, said Sulakhan Singh.

The extension will not only help serve more people but also make functioning of the community kitchen easier. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

Singh said a team visited Sai Baba Mandir and was impressed to see equipment such as trolleys carrying raw veggies and utensils being used to serve the langar and employees being fully equipped with gloves while working near furnaces. They would be replicating the model in the Golden Temple kitchen, he said. Talking about conveyor belts for utensils being on the list, he said: We are thinking on those lines, but as a large number of devotees want to perform seva here, they dont want everything to be mechanised.

How community kitchen works?

The community kitchen at the Golden Temple is a perfect example of synchronisation and efficiency, which ensures thousands of people are served langar at the same time. There are about 500 employees working in the kitchen along with volunteers, who assist in food preparation. They peel garlic, roll out rotis and these days there is a group that applies desi ghee on every roti being served.

Baldev Singh, an honorary employee at the shrine who is associated with langar tradition for past decades, said: There was a time when due to scarce resources, people had to return without partaking of langar. Today, however, along with thousands of pilgrims, those belonging to deprived classes are able to have three meals at the community kitchen and also get some packed for those back home.

Baldev Singh said it is mandatory to serve lentils along with one vegetable and a sweet dish. Everything is cooked in pure desi ghee. All this is made possible with the truckloads of grocery being sent by devotees on regular basis, he said.

Baldev Singh, an honorary employee at the shrine who is associated with langar tradition for past decades, said: There was a time when due to scarce resources, people had to return without partaking of langar. Today, however, along with thousands of pilgrims, those belonging to deprived classes are able to have three meals at the community kitchen. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

Around Rs 10 lakh is spent on the langar every day, and with more and more people wanting to perform the seva, we are ready to serve more devotees, he said. Jasjit Singh and Charanjeet Singh, employed as cooks at the community kitchen, said theirs is a very technical job, with no scope for mistake.

One needs to be focused while adding spices, salt, water and other ingredients.

Whats on the cards?

Although the community kitchen has machines that cook around 20,000 chapatis in an hour and equipment to peel veggies and pressurised pipes to clean utensils used by the devotees, the SGPC now plans to employ bigger and more efficient equipment.

Sulakhan Singh said: Around 80,000 pilgrims visit the langar hall every day, but on Sunday the footfall is over one lakh. In the kitchen, we work hard to blend manual work and technology to serve the people. Now, more smart equipment will be added and the space will be extended.

Jasjit Singh and Charanjeet Singh said the authorities are working on procuring more equipment to make cooking more convenient and safe. Utensils, both the cutlery used by the devotees and the bigger ones used for cooking, will be cleaned steam dishwashers. Also pressure washers will be procured for the purpose, so that all leftovers can be sucked out.

There will be trolleys to carry utensils to increase efficiency. New machines will help cut veggies faster and uniformly. Also, there will be equipment that can pour lentils and kheer out of the big utensils automatically, avoiding spillage.

Daily on the plate

1 lakh devotes partaking of langar

Rs 10 lakh: total expenditure

3 lakh chapattis served

60kg tea leaves used

50-60 desi ghee tins

200-300 kg lentils cooked, up to 500kg during festivals

Taking it up a notch

1) Steam dishwashers

2) Pressure washers

3) Cutting equipment

4) Trolleys to carry utensils

5) Bigger machines for sanitation

6) Expansion of langar halls, kitchen

7) Installation of lifts

8) Providing gloves to volunteers to maintain hygiene

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Punjab governor VP Singh Bandore said on Monday that the media should develop a self-regulatory mechanism to bring forth a true picture of the issues concerning people before the government. The role of media is very important in raising and addressing issues concerning common people, he said at the inauguration of a two-day Regional Editors Conference (REC) in Chandigarh.

Citing incidents of paid news, Badnore, who is also administrator of Chandigarh union territory, said that media should take firm steps to check this menace.

He also invited public suggestions to improve the infrastructure in Chandigarh and added that media should play its role in getting these suggestion to the administration.

The government considers media as an important stakeholder in its agenda of development, PIB director general AP Frank Naronha said. The media has an onerous responsibility both as a facilitator and a watchdog to ensure that the fruits of development are distributed to the deserving, he said.

Naronha said the media, especially regional media, can play an important role in this venture. He said the conference has been organised with an objective to provide an opportunity to the editors of the regional press to interact directly with the ministers on the crucial issues concerning their respective ministries.

While the participants will get to know the relevant context and deeper background behind a particular initiative, programmes and policies, it will also help the policymakers in getting the feedback from the media which could be useful for further improvement, he added.

During the conference, six central ministries (home affairs, women and child development, road transport and highways, consumer affairs and public distribution, agriculture and farmers welfare, and development for North East region) are participating.

Editors from north and north-eastern states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and Chandigarh are participating in the conference.

Home minister Rajnath Sing was also among those present.
The strike by nurses and the ancillary staff demanding regularisation of their jobs has adversely affected medical services at the Rajindra hospital here.

Different wards of the hospital are being run by students of nursing courses.

The college offers two nursing courses; BSc and post-graduation in nursing.

The students, except BSc first year students, are performing duties of the nursing staff in attending the patients and assisting doctors. The nursing students have also been called from other institutes and have been working here since the first week of June.

We have to do almost double duty. Earlier, our shift was for four hours, and now we are working for seven hours. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to handle the situation due to lack of experience, said a nursing student. Nursing students are also taking care of work in emergency wards. Still there is a shortage of nurses in the hospital, said a doctor.

There are 18 patients in our ward and only a single nursing student is attending to all the patients. The hospital staff should ensure proper care by the students in the absence of experienced nursing staff, said Hari Lal, a relative of a patient.

BS Brar, medical superintendent (MS), said, We have issued instructions to the doctors to cooperate with the intern students for smooth working. We have also cancelled leave of the regular staff to ensure proper care of the patients.

Will continue strike till Oct 19

Karamjit Kaur, president, Nurses and Ancillary Staff Union, said, We have been working on contractual basis for many years. We are demanding regular jobs with proper pay scales like the regular nursing staff. The officials concerned have assured us of accept our demand by October 19. Till then we will continue our strike. 
While the news of Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) campus for an industry seminar has brought cheers to traders, students on campus are not too happy as they have been asked to remain inside their hostels on Monday and Tuesday due to the visit.

Modi is set to visit the PAU campus to attend the event for micro small and medium enterprises (MSME) on Tuesday. Students living in hostels were informed by their respective wardens that movement during the visit of the PM and a day before would be restricted.

Many students have already left the hostels due to the direction of the varsity administration and also due to the holiday declared by the varsity on both days due to the VVIP visit, university authorities revealed.

In an official order, PAU vice-chancellor BS Dhillon declared a holiday on October 17 and 18 on account of the PMs visit.

At least 20 examinations of mid-term that were going on were also postponed and have been slated for October 21 owing to the visit.

A girl student who lives in the hostel, on the condition of anonymity, said that the visit of the Prime Minister has lead to chaos for the students. We have been asked not to move out of the hostels when the PM would be delivering his speech. Moreover, we have also been asked to restrict our movement on Monday and Tuesday in general, said the student. Dean students welfare (DSW) RK Dhaliwal said that the students have been asked to ensure that they carry their identity cards with them for the coming two days.

Giriraj Singh reviews arrangements on campus

Minister of state for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Giriraj Singh on Sunday visited Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) to review the arrangements being made for the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PM Modi is scheduled to visit the varsity on Tuesday to take part in an event in which nearly 225 industrialists would be awarded.

Giriraj said that the visit of Modi would give a new direction to the industry of the state and added

that the PM would be the chief guest at the event where industrialists from across the state would come.

Giriraj along with deputy commissioner Ravi Bhagat and BJP district Chief Ravinder Arora came to PAU to take stock of the arrangements.

Besides big industries that are the focus of central government, small and micro industries are also being promoted as they are also a driving force for the economy of the nation said Giriraj.

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A day after a Punjab police aspirant died after being hit by a hammer at the multi-purpose hall in Guru Nanak Stadium, family members of the victim are alleging that it was a planned murder and not a mishap as is being stated by the athletes.

Raj Kumar, father of the deceased Istar (23), alleged that the accused Harjot Singh, who is a constable with the Punjab Police, had been harassing his daughter for some time now.

My daughter had told me that Harjot used to harass her when she went for exercise at the multi-purpose hall. I advised her to ignore it as any controversy could go against her, as she is preparing to join the police force, said Raj Kumar.

On Friday, one of her friends called me and said that Istar was hit by a hammer thrown by Harjot Singh and she had been rushed to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH). She told me that Harjot had intentionally thrown the hammer towards them. While she managed to escape unhurt, Istra was not as lucky and the hammer hit her head, he added.

On Sunday the family visited the multipurpose hall of Guru Nanak Stadium and claimed that the hammer could reach the point where the girls were present. It seems that the hammer was thrown at them from some other place.

The victims father said that he had been urging the police to lodge a murder case and not a case of accidental case but to no avail.

When contacted inspector Jagdeep Singh, SHO at police station division number 8, said according that according to prima facie evidence it seems to be a mishap. The investigation is on and the police will take appropriate action after investigating the matter, the SHO said.

Family says autopsy conducted only after repeated pleas

Raj Kumar added that the family was harassed by the police and staff of civil hospital. On Saturday, when the police sent the dead body to civil hospital, the staff refused to conduct autopsy claiming that it is too late. He said the autopsy was finally conducted after repeated pleas. He also added that the police called him to the police station on Saturday to fulfill formalities and kept him waiting for long.
Punjab police are in the process of drafting citations of 1,784 cops and officials killed during terrorism days in the state.

The decision to document the sacrifices made by police personnel was taken six months ago and teachers of Police DAV Schools across the state have voluntarily taken up the task. Children of martyred cops may have passed out of the school, but the subject is sensitive and close to our hearts, Rashmi Vij, manager of police-run schools, told HT. She is coordinating with Police DAV Schools in Patiala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar to get citations written by English and Punjabi teachers.

Vij said: Police authorities sought our help for writing citations and were willing to pay, but teachers offered to do the work voluntarily. We are part of the police department and dont want to earn extra money from the sacrifices made by our fellows, she said.

Police personnel from the rank of deputy inspector general to special police officers died fighting terrorism in Punjab, but there is no written record to tell the story of their valour, said additional director general of police BK Uppal.

He said work of writing citations would compete by October-end after which these would be posted on Punjab Police website in form of an e-book.

Vij said all first information reports (FIRs) of the killing to cops were supplied to Police DAV Schools. Punjabi teachers read out contents of the FIRs to English teachers, who initially translated FIRs and then wrote a small piece in the form of a citation that speaks about their martyrdom, she added.

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In a major breakthrough, Punjab vigilance bureau has busted a Bihar-based gang that was leaking question papers of entrance tests for various government jobs across the country.

Four members of the gang were arrested by VB sleuths from a house in New Delhi on Saturday where they had brought together 17 candidates due to appear in the Sundays entrance test for the posts of sub-divisional engineer (SDE) in Punjab irrigation department. The examination was conducted by the Thapar University, Patiala.

These 17 candidates, who had allegedly bought the question paper for Rs 22 lakh each, were waiting to be shown the question paper when they were rounded up by the VB. The questioning of the candidates is on. Nearly 5,500 candidates appeared in the recruitment tests for the 100 posts of SDE on Sunday.

The alleged kingpin of this gang has been identified as Kuresh Diwedi, chief of Congress partys Arwal district unit in Bihar. He is on the run, but his brother, Jai Diwedi, was arrested during the raid. Ravi Ranjan, Vinay Bhaskar and Mantoo Gupta were other three arrested during the raid. All are residents of Patna and related to the Diwedis.

Other than the examinations conducted for jobs in Punjab, the gang is suspected to have selectively leaked question papers of certain tests conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC); Staff Selection Commission, government of India; Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, among others, said Punjab DGP Suresh Arora.

In Punjab, other than the recruitment for SDE (irrigation), the gang was allegedly involved in selectively leaking question papers of examination conducted by Thapar University on October 9 to select 79 junior engineers in the Punjab Water Resource Management and Development Corporation.

The VB team recovered admit cards and original certificates of candidates with whom the gang had dealt with for the these examinations. Also, Rs 1.5 lakh was recovered from the accused.

When contacted, registrar, Thapar University, Gurbinder Singh, however, said the examination system of the university was foolproof and no leakage of question paper took place.

Linked with scams busted this year

The gang has links with the two recruitment scam modules busted by the VB in April this year. Modules running from Lucknow in UP and Najafgarh in Haryana were responsible for leaking question papers for jobs in Punjab government departments. Panjab University (PU), had conducted these examinations for the Punjab government in 2015.

Following the scams, PU was blacklisted and the affected examinations were cancelled. Recruitments were then outsourced to Thapar University. Of the 17 candidates rounded up on Saturday, four had been arrested for their alleged involvement in the earlier scams as well.

Vigilance officers heading the operation said investigations of these modules led them to a Mumbai resident, Mushtaaq Ahmed, an employee of the Oriental Insurance Company, who was arrested on October 7.

Mushtaaq was Diwedis point person. Based on his information, our team raided Diwedis residence in New Delhi on Saturday where candidates who had to appear in the SDE (civil) in the irrigation department were waiting for the question paper. Admit cards and certificates were with the gang. They were to take the examination on Sunday. Admit cards of some candidates who appeared for the SDE (mechanical) examination of the same department held on Sunday were also found with the accused. It is clear that question papers of both exams were leaked, said V Neeraja, director, vigilance bureau, Punjab.

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Even as the city is fast getting a not-so-welcome name for snatchings, its surroundings are also not that safe. Four unidentified miscreants with covered faces cut open the shutter of a Punjab National Bank (PNB) ATM kiosk at Dhapar, 20 km from the city, on national highway-21 near Lalru, around 1.30am on Sunday, before uprooting the machine that contained Rs 18 lakh and making off with it.

The point to which officials are gesturing had the ATM affixed to it. (HT Photo)

CCTV footage shows that a Jeep, a vehicle open from the rear, was used in the crime and that the miscreants stayed inside the kiosk for around 15 minutes. Police sources said the accused went about the heist in a quiet manner and no one around the crime site reported hearing any noise or any suspicious movement.

However, tyre traces have been found outside the kiosk and the police are scanning CCTV footage.

Investigating officer ASI Shamsher Singh said, We have registered a case of robbery and are scanning the CCTV footage for clues. SAS Nagar SSP Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the role of bank officials was not ruled out.

Previous incidents

February 16, 2016: Four miscreants unscrewed an ATM machine of Central Bank of India at Bhabat village in Zirakpur. They uprooted the machine using iron chains tied to a Mahindra Thar SUV, bundled it into the same vehicle and fled. A few hours later, cops recovered the ATM at a deserted spot. No headway has been made.

April 30, 2013: Unidentified thieves looted an unguarded SBI kiosk in Chunabhatti in Chandimandir and fled with Rs 15 lakh.

July 20, 2013: Robbers make an unsuccessful bid to loot a State Bank of India ATM in Sector 26. The machine had Rs 17.9 lakh.
Three people, including an unidentified woman and a Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) task force member Nirvair Singh, were killed and four injured in a head-on collision between an Innova and a Chevrolet on the Chamkaur Sahib-Neelon road at Bassi Gujran village on Sunday evening.

SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla, who was in the Innova, had a narrow escape in the mishap.

Chawla was on his way to Ludhiana from Anandpur Sahib. Chawla said he, along with his security guards and Nirvair, were to participate in a programme at the Nanaksar Kaleran gurdwara, on the Chamkaur Sahib-Neelon road, when the Chevrolet coming from the opposite direction collided with their SUV. The collision resulted in the death of two people in the Chevrolet.

Of these, one is the unidentified woman and the second is Hira Singh of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.

Another injured occupant of the car was referred to the Government College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh.

A security guard Harjinder Singh and Nirvair, who were travelling with Chawla, were also referred to the GMCH-32, Chandigarh. However, Nirvair succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.

Class-12 student killed, sister hurt in accident

Morinda: A Class-12 student was killed and her sister injured in a mishap at the Tehsil Chowk on Morinda bypass about 11.30am when an unknown vehicle hit their Activa. Pawanpreet Kaur (18) and her sister Simranjit Kaur (14), of Badwali village, were on their way to Morinda. Pawanpreet is dead and Simranjit has been referred to GMCH, Sector 32, Chandigarh. Pawanpreet studied at Government Senior Secondary School, Morinda. A case has been registered.
Stepping up their agitation demanding recruitment of unemployed elementary teachers training (ETT) and teachers eligibility test (TET) pass teachers, the protesting teachers blocked Bathinda-Badal village road and climbed atop a television tower of Doordarshan here on Sunday.

A group of the protesters who had been protesting atop a water-works tank in Jai Singh Wala village for past 145 days blocked the Bathinda-Badal village road at about 1pm which continued till evening amid presence of heavy police force.

Three women protesters also poured petrol on themselves with a motive to commit suicide but were prevented by fellow protesters. One of the protestor Paramjit Kaur from Patiala was admitted in a private hospital in Bathinda with skin problem after she poured petrol on herself and Monika was provided treatment on spot. The third woman, Harpreet Kaur, denied availing any medical help.

On the other hand, dodging the security guards at the Doordarshan centre here, four protesters entered the centres premises at about 4am and climbed atop the tower. The centre officials came to know about the development only after the protesters raised slogans in support of their demands after which, police were called. The protesters who climbed atop TV tower are Sandeep Kumar, Kamal Kumar, Jagdeep Singh and Aman.

Sanjeev Kumar, station engineer at Doordarshan centre said that four protesters entered the premises and climbed atop tower following which, administration was informed in this regard.

One of the union members who had climbed atop mobile phone tower in Badal village in Muktsar district on Wednesday continued his protest there. Five out of six protesters protesting on mobile-phone tower have already come down after developing health problems.

Amarjit Kamboj, state president of ETT, TET pass unemployed teachers union said that Bathinda administration had taken a delegation of union to meet chief minister Parkash Singh Badal in Mansa on Sunday but the talks havent been fruitful. The union is demanding recruitment of ETT, TET pass teachers on all 2,705 vacant posts in Punjab government schools.

Basant Garg, Bathinda deputy commissioner denied any such information and said he will check about the incident of protesting women pouring petrol on them.

Meanwhile, Suwidha Centre employees who had to face police lathicharge, teargas shells and water cannons while marching towards Badal village on demand of regularisation of their services on Friday, alleged that they are not being allowed to meet the arrested protesters in Muktsar jail.

Union member Tejinder Singh said that they were not allowed to meet their jailed members on Sunday as result of which, they raised slogans outside jail.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump dug deeper in his efforts to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the US election, saying on Twitter on Sunday that he believed the results were being rigged at many polling places.

His tweet came hours after his vice presidential running mate, Mike Pence, said Republicans would accept the outcome of the November 8 contest between Trump and his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD, Trump wrote on Twitter, in the latest of a series of comments he has made over the past several days calling into question the fairness of the election.

Trump, who is trailing Clinton in opinion polls, did not provide any evidence to back his allegations of impropriety at the voting booth. Early voting and voting by mail have begun in many states.

In another tweet later on Sunday, Trump blamed animals representing Hillary Clinton and Democrats in North Carolina for an overnight attack on a local Republican Party headquarters in that state.

Local authorities said the building in Hillsborough, North Carolina, had been struck through a front window with flammable material and an adjacent building wall was spray-painted with a swastika and the words Nazi Republicans leave town or else.

Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning, Trump tweeted.

Clinton denounced the attack as horrific and unacceptable in her own tweet, adding: Very grateful that everyone is safe.

Coordinated effort

Trump, a New York businessman, who has never held elective office, has often said the electoral process is skewed against him, including during the Republican nominating contests, when he disputed the method for winning delegates to the Republican National Convention.

His latest complaint of media bias stems from allegations by women that he groped them or made other unwanted sexual advances, after a 2005 video became public in which Trump was recorded bragging about such behaviour. He apologized for the video but has denied each of the accusations.

Election is being rigged by the media, in a coordinated effort with the Clinton campaign, by putting stories that never happened into news! Trump tweeted on Sunday, a sentiment he also expressed in posts and during rallies in Maine and New Hampshire on Saturday. The comments raised questions both from Republicans and Democrats about whether he would accept the outcome should he lose to Clinton.

Read | Trumps new charge: Hillary was pumped up for 2nd debate, take a drug test

Trump said after the first presidential debate in September that he would absolutely accept the election outcome. But a few days afterwards, he told the New York Times: Were going to see what happens.

He has also urged his supporters to keep an eye on voting locations to prevent a stolen election, which some critics interpreted as encouraging them to intimidate voters.

Pence said on Sunday he and Trump would respect the will of the voters.

Well respect the outcome of this election, said Pence, the Indiana governor. Donald Trump said in the first debate that well respect the will of the American people in this election. The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of American history.

In a weekend statement quoted by media, a spokeswoman for U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, the top U.S. elected Republican, said: Our democracy relies on confidence in election results, and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity.

Consequences to Russia

On Sunday, Pence for the second time in recent weeks broke from Trump on Russia, this time on that countrys possible involvement in email hacks tied to the US election, saying Moscow should face severe consequences if it has compromised US email security.

I think theres no question that the evidence continues to point in that direction, Pence said. There should be severe consequences to Russia or any sovereign nation that is compromising the privacy or the security of the United States of America, Pence said on Fox News Sunday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week his country was not involved in trying to influence the US election.

Trump, who has been criticized for appearing too close to Russia after he publicly praised Putins governing style, has questioned the reports of Moscows involvement. Maybe there is no hacking, he said during last weeks second debate with Clinton.

Trump also contradicted Pence on Russia during that debate. Pence had said the United States should use military force in Syria if Russia continued air strikes to prop up President Bashar al-Assad, but Trump said he disagreed.

The third and final debate between Trump and Clinton will be on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

For more on the 2016 US presidential elections, click here.
It was a one-way conversation on Saturday night. Donald Trump spoke at an event hosted for him by the Republican Hindu Coalition, proclaimed his love for Hindus, India and Indians, and left.

But if he had stayed to hear what some in the audience wanted to say to him, he might have a left a chastened man, or perhaps wiser about the people he loved: They strongly disapproved of his anti-Muslim rhetoric.

Most members of the audience interviewed by this reporter while waiting for Trump at the rally said they did not agree with his position on Muslims, and strenuously disapproved of it.

This was noteworthy for an audience that the organisers had hoped, and tried, to rally using regulation stereotypes, such as depicting terrorists as men in Middle Eastern-style dress, speaking with a strange accent in a skit that ended with their death and the singing of the American anthem.

Thats the most un-presidential thing he has done, Ari Rangnathan, a Hindu and Republican of 40 years, said about Trumps anti-Muslim remarks, making no attempt to conceal his distaste.

Rangnathan grew agitated as he spoke: I am only voting for him because I am one of those people who vote Republican down the ticket, anyone and everyone fielded by the party. Trump distressed him.

Read | Get Modi fliers given out at Trump rally, accuse Clinton of targeting the PM

Ramesh Desai, a Democrat who was considering voting Republican and had backed Ohio governor John Kasich before he conceded the race to Trump, is back with his old party, and will vote for Hillary Clinton.

Trumps position on Muslims was one of the reasons why Desai gave up on the Republican Party.Why paint the entire community black on account of a few? he said. There are a lot of good Muslims.

His wife, Kiran Desai, agreed, though she said she was willing to give Trump a pass on the 2005 tape that featured him bragging about kissing and groping women. Not sure what was the state of his mind then, 11 years ago, she said.

Trump started out by proposing a temporary ban on Muslims entering the US, seeking to tap a deep sense of insecurity that gripped the country in the aftermath of the San Bernardino terrorist attack in December 2015. He watered it down subsequently as even Republicans protested he had gone too far.

He is now sticking to extreme vetting to keep out people from areas of the world affected by terrorism.

But Trump has continued to stoke Islamophobia through muddled messaging and actions, such as the cringe-worthy public spat with Pakistani-descent Khizr and Ghazala Khan, parents of a Muslim soldier of the US Army killed in Iraq.

Read | Would love to see Pakistan and India get along: Donald Trump

Some Hindu Americans such as Shailesh Dave, a New Jersey businessman, did say they agreed with Trumps efforts to focus attention on terrorism emanating from Muslim-majority countries. You tell me where else they are coming from? he asked rhetorically, to make his point. But even Dave had trouble going the distance with Trump. Its not fair to go after the whole community.

A recent poll found 78% of Indian Americans  an estimated 51% to 81% of whom are said to be Hindus (there is no official faith-based census of Americans, numbers come from polls and surveys)  disapproved of Trumps position on Muslims.

As these numbers suggest, some do indeed support him on this issue, but most Indian Americans, and Hindu Americans, reject it.

Kiran Gandhi, a New Jersey businessman excited by Trumps business policy, was dismissive of the 2005 tape and allegations of sexual assault against him. He described this as propaganda and said he would vote for the Republican nominee. But even he wasnt with Trump on Muslims: I disagree with Trump  not all Muslims are bad.

Read | Why a Trump presidency may be good for India
Eighteen militants and 11 security officials, including eight policemen, were killed as the Egyptian army launched a retaliatory attack in North and Central Sinai against the Islamic State for their deadly assault that left 12 military personnel dead on Friday.

Egyptian military spokesperson Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said in a statement that the army killed 18 Takfiri militants in the operation on Sunday.

Three soldiers were killed and two others injured during the operation as the Air Force destroyed 16 shelters used by the Takfiri elements while artillery and ground forces attacked other targets which belong to the terrorists in North Sinai, he said.

Local media also reported citing security sources that eight policemen, including 3 officials and five conscripts were killed in the army campaign yesterday in different villages of Shiekh Zwayed city in North Sinai.

Four vehicles and 14 motorcycles used by the terrorists in their attacks were destroyed and a large number of weapons were also ceased, Samir said.

Read| Egypt retaliates against Islamist militants after North Sinai attack

He said the campaign was bolstered by ongoing airstrikes against militant positions where security operations are taking place.

This is the second comprehensive campaign launched by the army since the three-stage campaign of the Martyrs Right, the largest and most comprehensive military operation that aimed at rooting out militants based in the restive North Sinai.

The first stage of Martyrs Right was launched by the security forces in response to an attack in October 2014 that killed 33 security personnel.

Egypt has witnessed a series of terrorist attacks targeting policemen, judges and military personnel in different parts of the country.

Since the 2011 revolution that toppled the regime of then President Hosni Mubarak, North Sinai, which is the base of a number of extremist outlaw groups, became the main stage of many violent attacks by Takfiri gunmen.

The attacks increased after the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in 2013 following massive protests against his rule.

Over 700 security personnel have been reportedly killed since then. The military has launched security campaigns in the area, arrested suspects and demolished houses that belong to terrorists, including those facilitating tunnels leading to the Gaza Strip.
At least 25 inmates died in clashes between two rival factions in a prison in far northern Brazil, local media reported citing police.

Seven of the dead were beheaded and six burned to death in fighting at a prison in Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima state, the news site G1 reported, citing local police.

The bloodshed began when inmates of one wing of the Agricola de Monte Cristo prison broke into another wing on Sunday.

Inmates were armed with knives and wooden clubs, an inmates wife who was in the prison when the riot broke out told G1.

Roraima state Secretary of Justice Uziel Castro said that the fight erupted during visiting hours, and some 100 relatives of inmates were briefly held hostage.

The rioters demanded that a judge come to hear their demands. Instead Special Operations Police stormed the prison, released the hostages and regained control of the site by sundown.

All the hostages were released, Castro said, adding that most of them were women.

The prison, some 3,400 kilometres northwest of Rio de Janeiro, is in a state that borders Venezuela.

Police and state officials did not immediately respond to phone calls from AFP.
, In a globalised world, US workers are competing with people from India and China for jobs, President Barack Obama said today as he stressed on the need of furthering education past high school to prepare young Americans for such challenges.

We live in a global economy, and when you graduate, youre no longer gonna be competing just with somebody here in D C for a great job, Obama said in his remarks on education at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in the American capital.

Youre competing with somebody on the other side of the world, in China or in India, because jobs can go wherever they want because of the internet and because of technology and the best jobs are gonna go to people who are the best educated, whether in India or China or anywhere in the world, Obama said.

Obama said when he took office almost eight years ago, he knew that the education system was falling short when it came to preparing young people for that reality.

Our public schools had been the envy of the world, but the world caught up and we started getting outpaced when it came to math and science education, he said.

African-American, Latino students, in part because of the legacy of discrimination, too often lagged behind our white classmates, something called the achievement gap that by one estimate costs us hundreds of billions of dollars a year, he added.

We were behind other developed countries when it came to the number of young people who were getting a higher education. So I said when I first came in office, by 2020, I want us to be number one again. I want us to be number one across the board. So we got to work, making real changes to improve the chances for all of our young people, from the time theyre born all the way through until they got a career, he said.

Because of the steps being taken by him, Obama said the good news is, real progress has been made.

I just want to talk to you about the progress weve made because you are the reason weve made progress, some outstanding people all across the country, he added.

We recently learned that Americas high school graduation rate went up to 83 per cent, which is the highest on record. Thats good news. More African-American and Latino students are graduating than ever before. Right here in DC, in just five years, the graduation -- the graduation rate in the District of Columbia public schools went from just 53 per cent to 69 per cent, Obama said. PTI LKJ NSA
Asadul Islam Arif, a leader of the banned Jamatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh group, has been executed for killing two judges in 2005.

The execution took place on Sunday night in Khulna district jail in southwestern Bangladesh, police said.

Arifs body was handed over to his family after the execution, jail superintendent Kamrul Islam said.

Earlier on Sunday, Arifs family members including his wife, two daughters and six sisters met him inside the jail where he was held since 2008.



Six top leaders of the JMB, including its founder Shaikh Abdur Rahman were executed in 2007 for the murders of the judges, but Arif continued to be incarcerated.

Arif, who was absconding and was later arrested in 2007, filed a petition with the Supreme Court earlier this year, seeking a review of his conviction.

On August 28, the Supreme Court made a final decision for his execution.

The JMB was founded in 1998 by Shaikh Abdur Rahman, a religious teacher educated in Saudi Arabia.

The Bangladeshi government has blamed JMB for many attacks in recent years, including the July 1 terror strike on an upscale restaurant in Dhakas Gulshan diplomatic zone in which 20 hostages, including 17 foreigners, were killed.
At least four mid-level leaders of the banned New Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh militant faction, the group behind the July 1 Dhaka terror attack, have sneaked into India, Bangladesh police said.

The police, after raiding different places to arrest leaders and supporters of New JMB group, said that at least four out of 12 mid-level JMB leaders have sneaked into India while others remain out of their radar. The Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh follows the ideology of Islamic State.

Four of them left the country after the Gulshan attack and have now been staying in India, a high official of the polices Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, requesting anonymity, confirmed to the Dhaka Tribune.

Police also said the New JMB leaders have been recruiting fresh members amid a police crackdown that began after the July 1 Gulshan cafe attack.

Law enforcers have killed over three dozens of New JMB members including its military and operations chief Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury, mastermind of the Dhaka cafe attack, and his close associates since the Holey Artisan Bakery attack that claimed the lives of at least 24 persons, mostly foreigners.

Identities of the 12 mid-level leaders, including a woman, were found after interrogating several arrested members of the group and examining the laptop of Tamim Chowdhury recovered from his den in Narayanganj, police said.

The four who have fled to India are identified as Sohel Mahfuz alias Hatkata Mahfuz, Ripon, Khalid and so-called big brother Junayed Hasan Khan.

The others who are believed to be in Bangladesh include Iqbal, Manik, Mamun, Azadul Kabiraz, Badal and female wing leader Jebunnahar Shila.

Apart from these 12 leaders, the investigators are looking for three top-tier leaders - Gulshan attack coordinator Nurul Islam Marjan, IT wing in-charge Basharuzzaman alias Abul Bashar alias Chocolate and trainer Jahangir alias Rajib Gandhi.

However, the investigators have not been able to trace the chief of the New JMB, who is identified as Abu Ibrahim al-Hanif by the IS.

The matter of fresh recruitment came to light after the latest raid on a New JMB den at Patartek of Gazipur last week. Some of the seven militants killed during the raid were recruited after the Gulshan attack, police added.

Monirul Islam, chief of the CTTC unit, said that they had already taken different initiatives to stop New JMBs recruitment, but it cannot be done by the police alone. The relatives also need to be aware of the changing behaviour of their near ones, the Dhaka Tribune quoted him as saying.

Another high official of the CTTC unit said that they had not been able to arrest the top leaders of New JMB since they do not use any technological devices. So we have to work manually - interrogating arrestees and observing a certain area for a long.

Sanowar Hossain, additional deputy commissioner of the CTTC unit, suspects that after the death of Tamim in Narayanganj and Faridul Islam alias Akash in Patartek raids, the New JMBs operations wing leadership would now go to Marjan, a former student of Chittagong University linked to Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh.
Six terrorists, including one who was allegedly involved in kidnapping the son of assassinated governor Salmaan Taseer, were killed during an exchange of fire with security forces, police in Pakistans Punjab province said on Monday.

Shahbaz Taseer, the son of the slain Punjab governor, however, rebutted the police claim and said none of his abductors had been killed.

The terrorists were killed during a gun battle with personnel of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) at Sheikhupura on Sunday. According to the media, personnel from intelligence agencies and CTD conducted a raid after getting a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in the area.

The terrorists ambushed the security personnel when they reached the area, triggering an exchange of fire. Police recovered two kilograms of explosives, three pistols and three Kalashnikov rifles from the dead terrorists.

After the gun battle, the security personnel conducted a search operation late into Sunday night but three accomplices of the dead men managed to escape, officials said.

Shahbaz Taseer, who was freed by his abductors in March this year, more than four years after he was kidnapped from Lahore, took to Twitter to respond to media reports that one of his kidnappers had been killed.

Very careless of Pakistani media channels to put my life in danger to break a story that is not true. None of my kidnappers have been killed, he said. He added, As a matter of fact I dont know who they killed but my kidnappers had no link to TTP and no other organisation except the IMU was involved.

A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the CTDs investigation team had identified one of the dead men as Haji Muhammad alias Pathan, who was accused of involvement in the abduction of Taseer.

Pathan belonged to two banned organisations  TTP and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the official said.
At least one child was killed and dozens of people were wounded in a drive-by bomb attack at a Shia mosque in Karachi, police said.

Police said two men on a motorcycle lobbed the bomb as women and children sat outside the mosque in the Pakistani port citys densely populated Liaquatabad district.

Radical Sunni Islamists periodically target mosques frequented by minority Shias, whom they see as infidels. Shias make up about a fifth of Pakistans mainly Sunni population of around 180 million.

One boy has expired and another boy and a woman are in critical condition, Karachi police chief Mushtaq Meher told Reuters.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Soon after the blast, Shia men and woman gathered outside the mosque and chanted slogans to protest about the lack of security provided to them in the Islamic month of Muharram.

That marks the time when Shia Muslims around the world frequent mosques to mourn the slaying in battle of Prophet Mohammads grandson Imam Hussein.

The government pledged to crack down on all militant groups following the December 2014 massacre of 134 children at an army-run school in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

It has reintroduced the death penalty, set up military courts to speed convictions and widened its military campaign in lawless tribal areas.

But Pakistans religious minorities, among them Shias, Ahmadis, Christians and Hindus, say the government is still doing little to alleviate their daily struggle against discrimination and violence.
A complex offensive is taking place to recapture Mosul, the Islamic State groups last major stronghold in Iraq and the countrys second city.

Questions of timing

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced Monday that operations to liberate Mosul had begun after already calling an operation to retake Nineveh province, of which Mosul is the capital, in March this year.

Read: Iraq announces start of offensive to retake Mosul from the Islamic State

The timing of Abadis announcement is in line with predictions by Western officials, including US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joe Dunford, that an offensive would be launched in October.

A key requirement was the cooperation of peshmerga forces from the autonomous Kurdish region. Their leader Massud Barzani said on Saturday that the time had come to begin operations.

Abadi remains on target to keep his promise that Mosul would be liberated in 2016 but it is still unclear when Iraqi forces will be in a position to move into the city proper.

Paramilitary forces known as the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) will also take part in fighting in the Mosul theatre. While they are ostensibly under Abadis control, the most powerful groups operate with a great deal of autonomy and with input from Tehran.

Baghdad decided to retake Fallujah, an IS-held city west of the capital, before moving on to the northern city of Mosul, and that operation was the main focus until its completion this summer.

Iraqi forces have since retaken the Qayyarah base, which will serve as a main supply and logistics hub for the Mosul operation, and have also recaptured Sharqat, an IS-held town that was a potential threat to their supply lines.

Many players

The battle for Mosul is expected to be difficult, involving street-to-street fighting with the 3,000-4,500 IS jihadists the coalition has estimated are in the area.

IS is faced with an array of forces: the US-led coalition, Iraqi soldiers, police and mainly Shiite Muslim Hashed al-Shaabi forces -- and Kurdish peshmerga fighters.

This coalition of myriad and sometimes rival Iraqi forces will have to fight through IS defences -- in some cases over distances of dozens of kilometres (miles) from their current positions -- to reach the city.

The operation will be supported by the US-led coalition, while Iranian forces will work with some Shiite militia groups, and Turkey also has troops at a base near Mosul which it has declined to remove despite Baghdads demands that it do so.

The issue of the role of the Hashed al-Shaabi militia forces is a contentious one, and Sunni politicians oppose their entry into Sunni Arab Mosul.

Hashed forces may ultimately be diverted to retake the town of Tal Afar west of Mosul, giving them a role in the operation while keeping them out of the city.

There is also the contentious issue of post-Mosul territorial control, with Iraqi Kurdistan wanting to maintain control of areas that are claimed by both it and the federal government in Baghdad.

Humanitarian catastrophe feared

The Mosul offensive could affect more than one million people, according to the United Nations. These displaced people would come on top of some 3.38 million Iraqis who have already left their homes since January 2014.

The UN refugee agency has appealed for $584 million (520 million euros) to help those displaced, and has so far only received a part. Washington in mid-September announced aid of more than $181 million.
Bangladesh police has arrested a suspected member of a banned militant group for killing an atheist blogger in April.

Rashidun Nabi Bhuiyan was picked up from Sayedabad bus terminal area in Dhaka on Sunday night, police said on Monday.

The Ansarullah Bangla Team member was involved in the hacking to death of blogger Nazim Uddin Samad in April near Jagannath University, Dhaka polices counter-terrorism unit chief Monirul Islam said.

He was the leader of the operation team. They carried sharp weapons and hacked Nazim dead, said Islam.

Nabi joined the Ansarullah Bangla Team last year and is an active member of the group, police said.

Five men including Rashidun Nabi took part in Nazim Uddin Samads killing. They all carried sharp weapons and one carried firearms. They hacked Nazim Uddin with the sharp weapons and later shot him when people started gathering there, Islam said.

Nazim Uddin, a law student of Jagannath University, was killed on April 6 for his views against radicalism and advocating atheism. In his Facebook page, he used to criticise religious bigotry.

Islam said Nabi also had links to the attack on publisher Ahmed Rashid Tutul and the murder of gay rights activist and USAID official Xulhaz Mannan.

Bangladesh, a Muslim-majority nation of 160 million people, has witnessed the rise of militant activities in recent years, with dozens of atheists, members of minority groups and bloggers being their targets.

In a major attack, 20 hostages including 17 foreigners were killed on July 1 at a restaurant in Dhakas Gulshan diplomatic zone.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack but the government has rejected the claim, saying the IS has no existence in the country. The government said the Jamatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh was behind the attack.
Afghanistans first vice president Abdul Rashid Dostum sustained a minor injury when the Taliban ambushed his convoy in northern Faryab province, where he is leading an offensive against the group.

Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah on Monday confirmed that Dostum was injured and described his condition as satisfactory, Khaama Press reported.

Speaking at a meeting of the ministers council on Monday ahead of his visit to Saudi Arabia, Abdullah said Dostum suffered a minor injury in the attack on Sunday.

The Taliban ambushed Dostums convoy when he was accompanying security forces on their way to Ghormach district, which fell to the Taliban last week.

Dostum told the media that the militants who attacked his convoy were disguised as policemen.

The former warlord travelled to Faryab last week on the instructions of President Ashraf Ghani to help repulse attacks on the province by the Taliban.

Dostum has been attacked in the past by the Taliban militants and also escaped several assassination attempts by the group. When he joined security forces on the frontlines in Faryab province in August last year, he survived at least two assassination attempts by militant groups while he was leading counter-terror operations.

His convoy was ambushed by the Taliban in Qaisar district in August 2015 while a plot to assassinate him was thwarted by security forces and his guards a few days later. Three suicide bombers were arrested near Dostums residence in Qaisar district in connection with last years plot.
The UN deputy Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief voiced grave concern Sunday at risks faced by civilians as operations to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul began.

I am extremely concerned for the safety of up to 1.5 million people living in Mosul who may be impacted by military operations to retake the city from ISIL, Stephen OBrien said, referring to the Islamic State jihadist group.

He warned that families are at extreme risk of being caught in cross-fire or targeted by snipers.

The northern city was where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi publicly proclaimed a caliphate straddling Iraq and Syria in June 2014.

With the support of Iran and a US-led coalition, Iraqi forces have since regained much of the ground lost to IS. Mosul is the extremist groups last major stronghold in Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said only government forces will enter Mosul, a Sunni-majority city that IS seized with relative ease partly amid local resentment towards the Shiite-dominated security forces.

Depending on the intensity and scope of the fighting, as many as one million people may be forced to flee their homes in a worst-case scenario, OBrien said in a UN statement.

Indeed, children and elderly are among those at greatest risk, he said.

Tens of thousands of Iraqi girls, boys, women and men may be under siege or held as human shields. Thousands may be forcibly expelled or trapped between the fighting lines, OBrien added.

US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said the operation was key to defeating the jihadist group.

This is a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver ISIL a lasting defeat, Carter said in a statement.

We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from ISILs hatred and brutality.
Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire that could be extended, the war-torn countrys foreign minister said Monday, a day after international calls for a truce.

The President agreed to a 72 hrs ceasefire to be extended if the other party adheres to it, activates a truce observing committee and ends the siege of third-city city Taez, Abdulmalek al-Mekhlafi wrote on Twitter.

The announcement comes after the United States, Britain and the UN peace envoy to Yemen on Sunday urged the warring parties in the countrys civil war to declare a ceasefire they said could start within days.

We are here to call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which will be declared in the next few hours, said UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed.

The envoy said he had been in contact with the rebel Huthi militias lead negotiator and with Hadis government.

But he warned that he hoped for clearer plans for a ceasefire in coming days.

We reiterate our support for the efforts of UN Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Mekhlafi tweeted, adding that his government will deal positively with international calls for peace.

The conflict in Yemen has killed almost 6,900 people, wounded more than 35,000 and displaced at least three million since March last year, according to the United Nations.
EDISON, NEW JERSEY: Describing India-Pakistan tensions as a very, very hot tinderbox, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said he would love to be the mediator or arbitrator if it was necessary, and if the two countries wanted him to.

In an exclusive interview to Hindustan Times before his address to Indian-Americans at Edison, New Jersey, on Saturday, Trump spoke about several issues that hold significance for India, including its fight on terrorism, its relationship with Pakistan, and the H-1B visa programme.

We will have to be very, very strong with respect to radical Islamic terrorism. Its a tremendous problem. We have a president who doesnt want to use the term. We have to be very powerful, very strong on radical Islamic terror, Trump said, when asked what he would do about Pak or its neighbourhood. Trump had said these were the source of terrorist attacks in the US, such as the one at San Bernardino.

When pressed to disclose his plans for Pakistan, he said, Well, I would love to see Pakistan and India get along because thats a very, very hot tinderbox... That would be a very great thing. I hope they can do it.

Look at the recent problem that you (India) had, and other problems that you have had over the years, he added, making an oblique reference to the Uri terror attack and the flare-up in Indo-Pakistan tensions.

Asked if he would like to play a role in the negotiations, Trump said, If it was necessary, I would do that. If we could get India and Pakistan to get along, I would be honoured to do that. That would be a tremendous achievement... I think if they wanted me to, I would love to be the mediator or arbitrator.

India opposes third-party mediation on Kashmir  the main issue of contention between the two countries  and had expressed apprehensions when President Barack Obama suggested in 2008 that the US should probably try to facilitate a better understanding between Pakistan and India and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis. That was the last time he spoke about a role for the US in the matter.

Trump also addressed another big issue for Indians  the H-1B visa programme. Earlier in the year, Trump had taken a critical stand and said he would impose restrictions on the visa category because India and China were taking away American jobs. However, on Saturday, the Republican presidential candidate said he favoured the H-1B, but it has some big deficiencies that needed to be fixed.

The Republican nominee said that though he understood the countrys need for skilled workers, and he has used this programme himself, at the same time we have to take care of American jobs and I have always said America first at all levels  but we do need skill coming (to the US) when we need the skill we can do that... but I really do want to take care of American jobs and America first.

Indian IT firms are the largest recipient of H-1B, and a restriction would significantly impact the industry. The annual cap on the visa is 85,000 at present, Trump said, adding there were those who favoured it and others who wanted cuts.

We will look at it very carefully and we are going to be studying it over the coming months. The programme has some very big deficiencies, but also has some assets, he said.

He, nevertheless, took the opportunity to convey his feelings for India. I have great love for India because I have so many friends from India  the Hindu people, I will say, are amazing.

Trump later went on to build on this sentiment in his address to the Indian American community attending the charity event hosted by the Republican Hindu Coalition.

When asked about his view on India and China, he said, Its a rivalry, both in size and the economy, and you look at what is happening. These are massive countries.

If elected president, will he take sides?

Well, I am going to be an impartial president, but I love India. I have always respected India. I have got jobs in India, and you know I have buildings in India that are very, very successful  I have great respect for India, and the people of India.
EDISON: Republican nominee Donald Trump has called India a key strategic and natural ally, and promised Indian Americans he would take bilateral ties to a new level if made US president, and boost intelligence sharing in the fight against terrorism.

No relationship will be more important and the two countries will be best friends, he told an event on Saturday, sponsored by the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC) to raise money for victims of terrorism. Started in 2015, the RHC is modelled on the Republican Jewish Coalition, and was launched by Chicago businessman Shalabh Shalli Kumar. Trump spoke glowingly of Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- a great man whose energetic reforms he would like to emulate -- high praise from a candidate known for disparaging rivals.

Though he did not name Pakistan, Trump cited the 2001 Parliament attack and 2008 Mumbai attacks to say India is a victim of cross-border terrorism, and promised to stand shoulder to shoulder with India in sharing intelligence and keeping our people safe.

Scoring low in most polls and battling a series of allegations by women claiming he sexually assaulted them, Trumps rally was a direct pitch to Indian Americans. He even made history of sorts as the first presidential candidate to directly address the small but prosperous community. He began his speech by claiming he was a big fan of Hindus, and a big fan of India.

Trump is the only one to have spoken thus far about ties with India in such explicit terms. His Democratic rival Hillary Clinton has used surrogates, such as campaign chairman John Podesta and close associate Neera Tanden, for reaching out to Indian Americans. Trump may not be able to swing Indian Americans his way as the community has historically voted Democrat, but many in the audience said they wanted to give him a chance, a hearing at least. Nevertheless, they cited serious concerns about him, his style and his remarks about Muslims as reasons why they are unlikely to vote for him.

Trump grabbed whatever chance they were willing to offer, focussing on issues that move most Indian Americans -- the state of US ties with India, and Modi, who is hero-worshipped by many of them.

Modi has developed a friendly relationship with President Barack Obama, a Democrat who wants Clinton to win the November 8 election.

India is a key strategic ally, Trump said, I look forward to deepening diplomatic and military relationship that is a shared interest of both countries.

He then called India a natural ally, a variation of a phrase first used by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2000.

But the partisan nature of Trumps speech  he repeatedly proclaimed his love for the Hindus  tended to cast a shadow on the substance of his speech, that he was promising to scale up ties with India as never before.

FLIER ACCUSES CLINTON OF TARGETING MODI

A flier handed out at the rally accused Clinton of launching a Get Modi Policy to implicate Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2002 Gujarat riots case.

As secretary of state, Hillary Clinton created her Get Modi Policy to falsely accuse Narendra Modi of genocide for 2002 Gujarat riots, read the flier, photos of which were shared on social media.

The flier depicts Clinton and Congress party president Sonia Gandhi with ram-like horns and borderline hysterical expressions.

Clinton is also shown giving Modi, who has his hands up, the got-you gesture. Without citing any evidence, the flier claims that Clinton worked with Gandhi and non-governmental organisations to implicate Modi.
ISLAMABAD : A proposal to elevate Pakistans Army chief General Raheel Sharif to the rank of Field Marshal has reached the Islamabad High Court, weeks ahead of his retirement from the powerful post.

A lawyer has sought the high courts help to elevate Gen Raheel, 60, to the rank of Field Marshal in the greater national interest by taking into consideration his exemplary services and sacrifices rendered for the nation, The Express Tribune reported on Sunday.

Sardar Adnan Saleem, through his counsel, said such elevation is an emergent need in the present circumstances.

The counsel said the army chief should be promoted to the rank of field marshal for rendering services to protect national security and to safeguard the frontiers of Pakistan in accordance with the National Action Plan and for successful completion of the anti-terror campaign Zarb-e- Azab in an effective and efficient manner.

Gen Sharif had earlier promised to bow out at the end of his term in November this year.

Sharif, currently serving as the 15th Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army, was appointed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on November 29, 2013 for a three-year term. I dont believe in extension and will retire on the due date, Sharif had said in January.
LAUSANNE/ BEIRUT: Rebels backed by Turkey captured the emblematic northern Syrian town of Dabiq from the Islamic State group on Sunday, dealing a major symbolic blow to the jihadists.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Turkish state media and a rebel faction said opposition forces backed by Turkish warplanes and artillery had seized control of Dabiq on Sunday.

The town is of little strategic value but holds crucial ideological importance for IS and its followers because of a Sunni prophecy that it will be the site of an apocalyptic battle between Christian forces and Muslims.

The observatory said rebel forces captured Dabiq after IS members withdrew from the area.

The Fastaqim Union, an Ankara-backed rebel faction involved in the battle, said Dabiq had fallen after fierce clashes.

Fastaqim said rebels then went on to seize several nearby towns, including Sawran, Ihtimaylat, and Salihiyah.

Turkeys state-run Anadolu news agency also said the rebels had taken control of Dabiq and Sawran and were working to dismantle explosives laid by retreating IS fighters.

It said nine rebels were killed and 28 wounded during clashes on Saturday.

Dabiq has become a byword among IS supporters for a struggle against the West.

Earlier this week, IS downplayed the importance of the rebel advance on the town.

These hit-and-run battles in Dabiq and its outskirts -- the lesser Dabiq battle -- will end in the greater Dabiq epic, the group said in a pamphlet published online Thursday.

The fall of Dabiq came as a US-hosted meeting of major world and regional powers made only piecemeal headway on creating a new, multilateral track for ending the beleaguered countrys grinding war.

US Secretary of State John Kerry convened top diplomats from Russia and regional powers like Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran on Saturday for a 4 1/2-hour meeting in Switzerland.

Kerrys new approach comes after last months US-Russian bid to end the war collapsed in days as Syrian forces backed by Russian airpower launched an offensive on rebel-held parts of Aleppo.

Ministers put a brave face on the Lausanne meeting, which Kerry said was exactly what we wanted  a statement that testified mostly to low expectations.

The main result was pledges to resume contact on Monday.

Nobody wants to do this in a sloppy way, said Kerry, who only recently accused Moscow of war crimes.

Russia has put a priority on separating al-Qaeda-linked militants from moderate rebels backed by the US.
LAHORE: Six militants from the banned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Taliban group who were plotting to attack offices of Pakistani law enforcement agencies were on Sunday killed by security forces in Sheikhupura district of Punjab province in a shootout.

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WASHINGTON: The US military detected a failed North Korean test launch of an intermediate ballistic missile, the Pentagon said on Saturday. The test-firing was the latest in a series conducted by North Korea in violation of United Nations resolutions.

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NEW DELHI: Who will be Pakistans next Chief of the Army staff (COAS)?

Getting that right is more difficult than cracking the Rubiks Cube  without algorithms.

Sans the sporadically followed seniority principle, there are no time-honoured precedents to guide the selection of the new incumbent.

Many professional and extraneous factors will influence Nawaz Sharifs choice, unless, of course, General Raheel Sharif accepts an extension.

The sitting chief is due for retirement next month. He had earlier said incumbents shouldnt overstay their time in a disciplined force.

But the chances of Gen Raheel being persuaded to continue arent ruled out by analysts in Pakistan. They foresee instead a change of guard in the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to bring in the Karachi Corps Commander, Lt. Gen Naveed Mukhtar in place of Lt Gen Rizwan Akhtar.

The sitting ISI Director General was in the news for a showdown he had with Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif. Being moved to Karachi as Corps Commander wouldnt be a demotion for him. But the swap will place Gen Mukhtar (said to have family relations with the premier) in line for the army chiefs office.

Gen Mukhtar retires in October 2018. An extension in Gen Raheels tenure will open up space for his elevation. Others in the reckoning now will superannuate before the present incumbent demits office, said a Pakistani expert on military affairs.

Of the five Army chiefs he appointed over the years, Premier Sharif had troubled relations with four: Asif Nawaz Janjua, Abdul Waheed Kakar, Jehangir Karamat and Pervez Musharraf.

Though several times bitten and many times shy, hed be better advised against playing favourites. More powerful as they are than their appointers, army chiefs cant be seen as playing second fiddle to them.

Generals dislike being lackeys of civilians. Theyve to be accepted in their own right, said a veteran from the Zia era. On merit and seniority, Gen Raheels successor should be from among Lieutenants General Zubair Hayat, Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmed, Javed Iqbal Ramday and Qamar Javed Bajwa. One among them could be next chief and another, if senior to the chosen general, be made chairman, joint chiefs of staff committee.

If elevated, Gen Hayat, an infantry officer whos chief of general staff (CGS), will become very powerful. One of his brothers is a major general in the ISI and another, a lieutenant general, is chairman, Pakistan Ordinance Factories. That could go against him among his peers, leave alone the civilian bosses. Another minus: his proximity to former chief Ashfaq Kayani.

Unlike Gen Hayat who hasnt led operations in conflict zones, Gen Nadeem has enviable credentials. Now the Multan Corps Commander, he was CGS and director general, military operations. Under Gen Raheel, he planned the zarb-i-azab operation in North Waziristan.

The downside: his blunt demeanour, friendship with Gen Musharraf and reports of his spouses contretemps with a seniors wife. But soldierly traits he has aplenty.

The profile fits Gen Bajwa as much. Having commanded the 10 corps along the Line of Control, he holds the position from where Gen Raheel was elevated in 2013  Inspector General of Training and Evaluation.

For his part, Gen Ramday of the Bahawalpur corps has links with Premier Sharifs PML(N). Thatd make him look bad as the successor to Gen Raheel, who had no known political links. From our perspective, the change at the helm wont alter their armys approach to India.
SANAA: Yemens Shia Houthi rebels on Sunday demanded an international probe into an air strike that killed more than 140 people at a funeral, after a Saudi-led Arab coalition admitted wrongly hitting it. The October 8 raid was one of the deadliest since the pro-government coalition launched an air campaign against the rebels and their allies in March 2015. Earlier on Saturday, a US Navy destroyer was again targeted in the Red Sea in an apparent failed missile attack launched from the coast of Yemen. The missile attack, if confirmed, would mark the third time the USS Mason was fired upon in international waters in the past week from territory in Yemen.

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Several Mars missions have been conducted and planned so far in search of life. While is is still not clear whether the red planet could actually support humans, the US President Barack Obama believes that humans should go to Mars to make things and lives better on Earth.

Mars has always been the first choice of scientists, astronomers and alien hunters when it comes to searching for extraterrestrial life or evidence of whether the planet can support life at all. An experimental mission to Mars has already been planned by the US as the country plans to carry two humans to the red planet before 2030s to check whether it can act as a back-up Earth.

The eminent physicist Stephen Hawking once said that human species would not last for more than a thousand years, if they do not establish their footsteps into space. In a way, it means that humans would soon need a back-up Earth to sustain them, especially considering the rate at which the environment on Earth is getting degraded.

However, it is still unclear whether humans will actually be able to transform Mars to support human life when they cannot even make Earth continue to sustain humans, San Francisco Chronicle reports. According to Margaret R. McLean of the Santa Clara University, humans who wish to travel to Mars must follow some guidelines before they invade Mars.

First, Mars should be valued as a planet by itself and not as a back-up Earth. Secondly, humans should preserve Martian resources as they will be held responsible for whatever changes their actions have on the extraterrestrial environment. Lastly, Martial resources should only be looked forward to if there is no other option left to support humans.

Meanwhile, a space probe launched by the European Space Agency has initiated its three-day hunt for the search of extraterrestrial intelligent life, according to Daily Mail. The probe will take almost three days to descend to the surface of the red planet and collect samples to bring back on Earth.

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In 2014, Harrison Ford injury made the headlines as the actor was almost killed during the filming of Star Wars: Episode 7 "The Force Awakens".

The actor was filming at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire.

The veteran actor who played as Han Solo during the first Star Wars trilogy was reprising his role when he got involved in an accident.

Apparently, the actor was smashed by a closing metal door in the Millennium Falcon. The 74-year-old-actor was later airlifted to the nearest hospital for surgery.

Prosecutor Andrew Marshall said that Harrison Ford was smashed in the pelvic area by a metal door manipulated by a crew. Marshall said that there was definitely a great chance of death given the severity of the accident.

The force of the closing metal door was similar to the weight of a small car, HSE said.

Fortunately, an emergency stop was activated. Otherwise, Harrison Ford injury would be worse. The actor could have died in the set of Star Wars: Episode 7 "The Force Awakens".

The actor suffered injuries including a broken left leg.

A Disney owned company, Foodles Production (UK) Ltd., pleaded guilty on two criminal charges filed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The firm knew that there was some lapse on their side as they failed to communicate to the actor the risks involved.

Foodles deeply regretted the Harrison Ford injury that they were caught in.

As a response to the accident, Foodles implemented urgent additional safety protocols to the set of Star Wars: Episode 7 "The Force Awakens".

Foodles Production (UK) Ltd. was fined for a total of 1.6 million or $2 million.

Harrison Ford, on the other hand, is also rumored to be coming back for Star Wars: Episode 8. Hopefully, there are no more Harrison Ford injury in the much awaited sequel.
Not all is well between Jamie Dornan and Amelia Warner as the 'Fifty Shades Darker' actor's proximity to his co-star Dakota Johnson has reportedly caused a rift between the husband and the wife. Their marriage is in danger and rumors of their divorce are swirling around in media circles.

Dornan might be looking to divorce his wife, reports Parent Herald. His sizzling on-screen chemistry with Johnson has not gone down well with Warner and she is insecure about her marriage. Fueling the divorce rumors is the constant presence of Warner at the sets of the erotic movie.

For those who do not know, Warner was always present on the sets of 'Fifty Shades Darker' when Dornan and Johnson were filming intimate scenes. Though she did not watch the scenes during production, she would be present on the sets, waiting for her husband to wrap up the shoot and get back to her.

Well, Warner does seem to have her concerns and it is still not clear if they are really headed for divorce. However, Dornan has maintained a clean stand on the topic as he was reported to be saying that his life revolves around his wife and kids and he does not think of himself as a single man anymore.

As for Johnson, she has also kept quiet about her linkup with Dornan and recently, it came to light that Cara Develingne is showing interest in the sexy actress, claims Enstarz. According to sources, the two have been hanging out a lot, of late and seem inseparable. The 24-year-od model/actress is said to be leaning on Johnson for support in the wake of her breakup with St.Vincent.

The source further claims that Cara always looks happy when she is with Johnson. In case, both are into it, the relationship could turn into something significant in the due course of time. They appear comfortable with each other and it was Johnson who Develingne turned to when she recently ran into her ex, Vincent.

It is worth mentioning here that Cara broke up this August and Johnson too had a split with Matthew Hitt, this summer.

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A string of spurious and extreme global warming events identified as Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) has occurred on Earth around 55 million years ago. While a limited amount of information is known about the incident, there is reason to believe that the period has been contributory to the rise of mammals on the planet.

Experts have evidence that during that era, a comet plunges into the world. However, it remains unclear if this development is related to the planet's warming transition at that time.

Over the years, the PETM has been an interesting subject considering that today's climate change issue can be related to that foregone period. Around this era, carbon dioxide has quickly spiked. Global temperature, which has been pegged from five to eight degrees Centigrade, floats for the next 150,000 years.

Although the origin of massive carbon presence is not yet known, theories suggest that extraterrestrial existence and volcanic eruptions have instigated the element's release.

Researchers from New York's Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute plow through a part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain in order to investigate an area that has long been known to be affiliated with the glacier-formed Paleocene-Eocene border. Found on the locations are diminutive glass spheres with divergent designs.

According to research head Morgan Schaller, crystallites in glasses present internal textures that signify quick alleviation caused by extreme temperature.

The presence of microcraters in crystallites indicates that the particles solidified while in mid-air before settling on the ground. Based on this observation, experts point out that terrestrial items have their sediments thrown on the Earth's surface during a meteorite crash.

The spike in warm condition may have corresponded with the dispersal of mammals into three groups that continue to exist up to the present. First are the Primates to where humans belong. Second is the circle called the Artiodactyla which include the camels, giraffes, pigs and sheep. Perissodactyla is the last order which have the horses, rhinos and zebras under it.

However, the rapid evolutionary approach of mammals remains a mystery although the absence of ice during the PETM period may have been contributory. Ocean-dwelling animals become extinct but the mammals on land have found opportunities to thrive as these organisms move out towards the opposing poles.

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The recent airstrikes in Aleppo killed 14 members of the same family, among the victims were two infants and eight other children.

Since Sunday, 45 people were killed in two neighborhoods in Aleppo with 30 of the victims killed during Sunday night airstrikes in an offensive by the Syrian government.

Russia is siding with Assad, the head of state of Syria, and blocked a resolution of the Security Council to stop the military action of the government against the opposition.

Besides, humanitarian aid to the people in Aleppo was prevented. Western governments accused the Syrian president of crimes against humanity because his military actions have killed many people and devastated the city. The opposition blamed the governments of Russia and Syria for the atrocities.

At the same time, Iraqi and Kurdish military with the support of a coalition led by the United States try to recover the city of Mosul from the hands of the Islamic State.

Its supposed that Syria could try to take advantage of this situation and keep bombing Aleppo while the attention of the world is focused in the city of Mosul.

Syrian government claimed that 49 rebels were killed and hurt while fighting in Aleppo.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson declare that all options are on the table.

Syria is approaching Egypt, the most populated Arab nation, to fight against the opposition in the area. A short time ago, Egypt favored the Syrian government which angered Saudi Arabia - a nation that helps Egypt economically.

Saudi Arabia opposes the government of Assad and dislikes the Russian policy in the region.

United States and its allies accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his supporters of abuses. U.S. and UK could launch economic sanctions against Syria and Russia because of the airstrikes on the city of Aleppo.

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The campaign to retake Iraq's second largest city has commenced. It can be remembered that Mosul is currently the declared capital of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) organization inside the former Mesopotamia.

Considering that the city is the last urban center controlled by Al-Baghdadi's group, a strong offensive will, once and for all, weaken the ISIL's influence and resolve in Iraq. However, the battle has a huge loophole to begin with.

The United Nations (UN) is very much concerned about the 1.5 million civilians inside the oil-rich city since the possibility of using the population as human shields is highly likely. Judging from the fact that the ISIL forces are outnumbered and continue to reel amidst its recent losses during the past few months, it is perceived that the extremist organization will slug it out to the last man just so their last major stronghold will not fall.

Iraq's Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi declares that the moment of great victory is on hand in his speech broadcast on television.

While the government is keen in getting on with the offensive, the approach is another matter. Considering that a number of groups are involved in the campaign, it is perilous that long-standing cultural differences will get in the way of advancing towards Mosul.

Aside from the central government, rebel fronts, allied forces and the minority Kurds are also involved in the operation. What is more perplexing is the fact that Shia militias will also be there. Considering that Mosul is pre-dominantly a Sunni population, the presence of a rival clan can be at odds with the overall slant. However, preventing any sectarian-related complication will mean that the Iranian-backed Shiite forces will only be staying within the perimeter areas.

The road to Mosul will begin with the US-led Coalition providing air cover for the Iraqi campaign that is supported by armed tribes. Prior to the offensive, military troops have been assembling at the city outskirts.

According to one journalist, the battle in Mosul will be a long and complex one should the ISIL forces choose to stay.

Considering that the place is densely populated, street fighting will definitely ensue with a major concern that civilians will be caught in the crossfire inside the city.

Aram Shakaram, the Save the Children Foundation Deputy Country Director in Iraq, says that unless safe zones are established, humanitarian aid will not reach concerned families.

Although the Allied air campaign has been relentless in recent months, it is believed that around 4,000 to 8,000 ISIL troops are deployed in Iraq's second largest urban location.

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Volcanoes are incomprehensible things. They have a tendency to destroy everything in their way when they explode. However after their fiery debris settled, they are shockingly great at safeguarding archaeological remains - those not devoured by the fire.

They are also helpful in creating igneous rocks.

Pompeii and Herculaneum are incredible cases, yet as reported in a paper in the journal Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, human footprints can likewise be solidified in time.

At a newfound site in Tanzania, right alongside the world's most odd volcano, a group of specialists discovered 400 of them.

Radiocarbon dating has turned out to be helpful here - the best date run the specialists can give is that these footprints are anywhere in the range of 5,800 to 19,100 years of age.

The former harmonizes with a period when agriculture was developing and sorted out human civic establishments were starting to manifest far and wide. The latter would put these as being in the throes of the last glacial age.

The tracks uncover that, sometime in the distant past, a tremendous social event of people were mismatching the locale, with a large number of them moving towards an obscure goal toward the southwest. Some of these long-gone Homo sapiens were moving at strolling pace, while others seemed, by all accounts, to be at a jogging pace.

The findings of firmly dispersed footprints demonstrate that women and youngsters were travelling together. One especially tall individual was strolling somewhat oddly, with his engravings showing he may have had a broken toe.

"Human origins is a huge interest of mine: where we came from, and why we are who we are," lead researcher Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce, a geologist from Appalachian State University, told National Geographic.

"It was definitely emotional to see our own history in this."

"The first time we went out there, I remember getting out of the vehicle, and I teared up a little bit."

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Two Chinese astronauts were sent in a mission on space on Monday. They left Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The astronauts will stay 30 days on the experimental space station Tiangong 2.

Experiments related with space technologies, medicine and more will take place. This is the sixth time that China sent astronauts into space and the duration of this mission will be the longest so far.

Important government officials such as Premier Li Keqiang and Liu Yunshan, propaganda chief, congratulated the team behind this space flight.

The completed station will be completely ready in 2022 and itll run for at least ten years. The chinese space program advances very fast.

A previous experimental space station, Tiangong 1, was launched five years ago but it went out of service last March. The Tiangong stations are seen as key to the development of a future mission whose purpose is conquer Mars by the end of the decade. The success of these missions are extremely important to achieve that goal.

The Chinese astronauts are Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong.

"It is any astronaut's dream and pursuit to be able to perform many space missions," said Jing.

After Russia and the United States, China became the third country to send a crewed space mission in space. Its first mission happened in 2003.

China was blocked from participating in the International Space Station because United States suspected that it could have military ambitions. Now, China wants to popularize its own program by helping financially those countries that want to send missions to Tiangong 2.

China, Russia and USA are the only nations that have been able to send independently humans into space.

While Russia and USA have more experience in manned space travel, the Chinese program has made great advances in a very short time.

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The realm of organic search saw a very busy September marked by not just one, but two Google algorithm updates.

Background:

The realm of organic search saw a very busy September marked by not just one, but two Google algorithm updates.

First, on September 1st the local search community and hoteliers alike played possum with their Google My Business listings. Immediately after the update, many local businesses reported that their Google My Business listings were gone. This is not necessarily the case as the update may have just filtered the listing out of search results. The Possum update appears to have only impacted the ranking in the Local 3-Pack and Local Finder and according to Search Engine Land was created to diversify local results while preventing spam from ranking well. One of the core components that saw a change during this update was Googles filter (the tool that determines all the listings that appear in the Local 3-Pack and in Local Finder).

This update  the most significant to local search since Pigeon in 2014  has had a significant impact so far.

Then, just as hoteliers began to adjust to the new update Google announced the long-awaited update to Penguin. Penguin 4.0 was supposed to be released in March 2016 and digital marketing experts and hoteliers alike have been awaiting anxiously since.

On September 23rd, Google suggested that the new Penguin has been integrated into their core algorithm, meaning the update is now real-time. Penguin, initially introduced in 2014, is meant to filter out  and sometimes penalize  websites that spam search results with inorganic links or those that have been obtained via shady practices.

What Do These Google Algorithm Updates Mean to Hoteliers?

Heres what weve seen and recommend:

Businesses that fall just outside of city limits saw a huge spike in rankings for city related queries.

Analysis: If a hotel property falls outside of the physical border of a city but in a Census Designated Place nearby, they are now likely to rank higher for keywords with that specific city geo-modifier. This is the result of Googles intent to diversify local search results to bring users the best content.

Hoteliers Strategy for Success: Tracking targeted keywords will help hoteliers take advantage of opportunities in the marketplace which is likely to expand on a digital landscape as a result of the Possum update. Working with professional SEO consultants utilizing SEO management and optimization technology like BrightEdge can provide important insight into how your property website ranks which will help influence optimization decisions and potentially impact visibility in search results.

Googles filtering of duplicate content now extends further into local results.

Analysis: Business listings are now filtered based on address and affiliation. So if one of your businesses is the same as another listing in a same category, it is likely to be filtered out.

Hoteliers Strategy for Success: Since business listings that link back to the same website and use the same phone number are being filtered out, it is more important than ever to ensure that unique information is displayed across all business listings. This includes those for restaurants, bars and other business locations within a hotel property. Be sure that all Google My Business and directory listings are up-to-date, include rich content and are consistent across the web.

Search results vary even more based on physical location of the searcher and slight variations of the keyword searched.

Analysis: Someone searching for Hotels in New York City from Hoboken, NJ is going to get a very different result than someone searching for that same keyword query in Chicago, IL. The further you get from the city you are searching for, the more likely it is for listings to drop in ranking. Similarly, results across the Local 3-Pack are fluctuating more than ever before based on variations of the keywords searched. So Hotels in New York City, NYC Hotels, and Hotels in New York NY are likely to display greater discrepancies than ever before. Again, this is all part of Googles update to try and diversify the search results and weed out redundant business listings.

Hoteliers Strategy for Success: Not only should hoteliers identify keywords to target and track their organic visibility to heed fluctuations across a digital landscape but they should also identify keywords to target for future optimizations and content development based on search volume, competitiveness, and trends across local search engines.

Since the algorithm updates were announced, there was quite a bit of fluctuation across local search results and it is possible that Google is still A/B testing a variety of signals to determine what components to the update should stay and which ones should revert back to earlier versions of their algorithm. Regardless, having a robust digital marketing strategy with a core focus on SEO and content will help ensure that your local business remains present even after the Possum update.

Conclusion:

The good news here is that by following SEO best practices hoteliers can minimize the negative impact of the recent Google algorithm updates. This includes avoiding duplicate content, taking advantage of long-tail keyword terms that rank your property for nearby city or attractions searches, following best practices on white-hat link building and categorically rejecting link farms and other link-spamming initiatives.

Partnering with a professional SEO firm specializing in hospitality and utilizing SEO management and optimization technology like BrightEdge can help your property take full advantage of the recent algorithm updates, improve your website organic rankings on the search engines, outsmart the competition and increase direct bookings.

About HeBS Digital

Megan Harr is Manager, Copy & SEO Dept. at HeBS Digital. Founded in 2001, HeBS Digital helps hoteliers drastically increase direct bookings and lower overall distribution costs by deploying industry best-of-breed digital technology, consulting and marketing (www.hebsdigital.com).

The firm has won more than 400 prestigious industry awards for its digital technology, website design, SEO and marketing services, including numerous Adrian Awards, Stevie Award in the American Business Awards, W3 Awards, WebAwards, Magellan Awards, Summit International Awards, Interactive Media Awards, and IAC Awards.

A diverse client portfolio of top-tier major luxury and boutique hotel chains, independent hotels, resorts and casinos, franchised properties and hotel management companies, convention centers, spas, restaurants and bars, DMO and CVBs are all benefiting from HeBS Digitals direct online channel strategy and digital marketing expertise. Contact HeBS Digitals consultants at 1 (800) 649-5076 or success@hebsdigital.com.
284 Room Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya to Open in Early 2017

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Alshaya, a leading international retail franchise operator, today announced plans for a Four Seasons hotel in Kuwait. Located in downtown Kuwait City, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya will open in early 2017 as part of Alshaya's new Burj Alshaya mixed-use development.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Alshaya, a leading international retail franchise operator, today announced plans for a Four Seasons hotel in Kuwait. Located in downtown Kuwait City, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya will open in early 2017 as part of Alshaya's new Burj Alshaya mixed-use development.

Featuring two soaring glass towers, the 140,000 square metre (1.5 million square foot) Burj Alshaya complex will combine modern architecture, avant-garde luxury and bold design cues to create a prestigious backdrop for business and a new focal point of the city's elite social scene. A modern haven in Kuwait City, the 284-room Four Seasons Hotel will be located in the Burj Alshaya's 22-storey Eastern Tower.

"Kuwait City is one of the most important commercial centres in the Gulf States, attracting regional and international business travellers, and a natural choice for Four Seasons as we continue to extend our presence across the Middle East," says J. Allen Smith, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "We are excited to partner with Alshaya and mark our entry into Kuwait as part of the Burj Alshaya complex, a stunning addition to the Kuwait City skyline that will transform luxury hospitality in this city."

Continues Smith, "Soon Kuwaiti travellers, already very familiar with Four Seasons properties internationally, will have an opportunity to experience at home what they have come to know and love about Four Seasons  the highly personalised service and attention to detail that marks every Four Seasons experience."

The 43-storey Western Tower, set to open in 2018, will provide a new high tech corporate headquarters for the Alshaya group of companies, including offices for employees of its retail franchise business - which operates 70 international retail brands in over 3,000 stores across the Middle East, North Africa, Russia, Turkey, and Europe, and which employs more than 46,000 people.

"The creation of this combined hotel and office development is a reflection of Alshaya's continued investment in its home market of Kuwait," commented Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya. "We are delighted to be bringing the acclaimed Four Seasons brand to Kuwait, as well as creating a world-class office environment for our employees that will support our continued growth and expansion. We are proud to contribute to Kuwait's future in a number of ways, not only through our real estate investment in this iconic development, but also through our commitment to growing Alshaya's private sector and through the creation of employment opportunities for Kuwaitis."

Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya will offer both indoor and outdoor pools, creating an urban resort oasis complete with a poolside waterfall, lush greenery and outdoor cabanas. The Hotel will also feature a world-class spa, yoga studio and state-of-the-art fitness centre as well as two ballrooms and a range of conference and banqueting rooms able to welcome up to 2000 people.

Elevating Kuwait's dining scene, the Hotel will also include five dynamic food and beverage offerings, attracting local and international gourmands alike. A rooftop pan-Asian restaurant, open-kitchen Italian restaurant, sleek lobby lounge, and poolside restaurant are among the outlets that the Hotel will offer.
Netflix's Queen Elizabeth II biopic is nearly upon us. Take a look at the incredible work that went into the costume design.

This show looks great, and the costumes play an important part of that. As expected of a royal family, everyone wore a variety of glamorous and stylish outfits, so considerable care has been taken to make sure that the costumes on the show reflect that. Many real life outfits have been recreated.

Of particular note is Princess Margaret, a controversial, yet fashionable figure, who stylized many of her own clothes, in contrast to her sister, the queen. The costumes visually demonstrates the differences between the two sisters.

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The Crown releases on Netflix on 4 November. Watch the new featurette here.
Give that baby an espresso!

Traditionally, babies may not be able to talk, but Alec Baldwin gives a voice to this suited-up child. DreamWorks Animation recently released the teaser trailer for the upcoming comedy The Boss Baby.

Tim Templeton, the seven year old narrator, focuses on the impacts a newborn has on family dynamics. The wild tale covers his suspiciously mature baby brother and the frustrations that naturally follow when a new sibling comes along. Isn't it freaky that a diaper-clad human carries around a suitcase? Not to Tim's parents!

Steven Buscemi, Jimmy Kimmel, and Lisa Kudrow help bring to life the 2010 picture book by Marla Frazee by providing the voices for the villain, the father, and the mother.

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Glimpse at Baldwin embracing the role of bossing around his older brother in the teaser trailer.

The Boss Baby hits cinemas March 2017.
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My eldest daughter has another seven years before she begins college, but I'm a planner. The financial burden of my kids' college tuition looms large, like those spaceships in the "Independence Day" movies, threatening to block out the sun, and with them, all hope on Earth.

Before abandoning everything, running for the hills and calling Will Smith, I decided to put on my journalist's hat and call up an expert source.

"Um, hey, Mom? I need to learn about how parents pay for college in this era of extraordinarily expensive tuition."

My journalistic sourcing is way more legit than it may at first appear. Mom has been a college guidance counselor at a private school in Massachusetts for 30 years.

Mom's first piece of advice for parents of college-bound children is this: While the child is still just a freshman in high school, go online to look up the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, aka FAFSA, to figure out your eligibility for financial aid. What you learn from that can help guide your financial strategies for the next few years.

I did that. I learned in about four minutes that I'm not eligible - meaning my kids are not eligible - for a Federal Pell Grant.

Mom's second piece of advice was to go online to the "net price calculator" of a private four-year college. It turns out, all colleges have these online now. The College Board website helpfully provides a link to 200 such school calculators, or you can go to individual colleges sites directly.

I picked my alma mater and entered some data on our savings and family income. This took me only another four minutes.

After carefully inputting our income and savings, I saw that, realistically, we should start playing Powerball every week. I'm kidding. Never play the lottery. C'mon, man, you should know that the lottery is just a tax on people who are bad at math.

But I realize this four-year college idea sure started to look terrible, at least financially, unless your kid has corporate sponsors for their Instagram feed.

"Hey, kid, can't you just make a living curating Instagram selfies like everyone else does these days, instead of taking Daddy's money for college?"

I think my Mom's point, without having to spell it out for me, was to demonstrate how terrible the cost of private four-year colleges can really be.

Private schools?

Indeed, one message she would like middle-class families to know is this: Parents have her permission to JUST SAY NO to paying for private four-year colleges. And she has her good reasons. A middle-class family with some savings might have been able to shoulder this burden a generation ago, but no longer. I'm not suggesting your child shouldn't go to college, but rather that financial reality makes a private four-year college a bad deal for most.

I went to a five different "net price calculator" websites to compare the process across schools: a couple of private universities in Texas, where I live; a couple in Massachusetts, where I grew up. In the process I included a very wealthy four-year college with a reputation for scholarship generosity, and another of a school recently featured for having a terribly small endowment and some financial trouble.

I learned that financial aid questions vary greatly depending on the school.

One school asked about the value of our house and how much we still owed on our mortgage, while other schools did not. Some asked whether I owned my own business, or whether I owned real estate besides my home. One asked for my daughter's GPA, presumably to take "merit aid" into account in our automatically generated estimate.

Consistently, all schools exempted retirement savings from household assets in their "net price calculators." I conclude from that fact that if you want to "hide" your assets from colleges for the purposes of getting your kid the most generous scholarship possible, stuffing your retirement account can be a pretty cool financial move.

Another cool idea is to be born into the right family. Grandparents' surplus does not count against a college's financial aid formulas in any of the calculators.

The bigger picture remains that the extraordinary amount of debt parents and their children now take on rarely makes financial sense in the long run. Parents should not raid their retirement savings. Neither parents nor a child should take on high five-figure debt for college. Low five-figure debt, OK, fine, maybe.

Apart from a handful of the very richest and most highly selective universities, which do offer generous financial terms for lower- and middle-class families, the aid packages of most private colleges render the traditional four-years-on-campus-best-years-of-your-life idyll an unaffordable luxury. Just because we can take on massive federal student loans does not mean we should take on massive federal student loans.

Hybrid approach

Instead, Mom advocates flexibility and a hybrid approach. In-state tuition at a public four-year college is one approach, although even that has become less affordable as the price of public universities has soared over the past decade.

My mom frequently tells her clients that a few years worth of affordable community college, followed by a transfer to a more prestigious college for the final two years before graduation, can be a pretty cool financial move.

By now you've probably realized the most important takeaway from this financial column: Never have children.

But if you do have children, strongly encourage them to build a money-making career on Instagram or with their own YouTube channel, instead of going to college. I'm just trying to save you some money here.
NEW YORK - Young Americans with even just $1 saved for retirement are ahead of the pack.

Forty-eight percent of all Americans aged 18 to 30 have zero in retirement savings and no access to a traditional pension, according to a GenForward poll by the Black Youth Project at the University of Chicago with the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

The youngest in that group are more likely to still be in school, but the trend also holds for those in their late 20s. More than four in 10 of those aged 25 to 30 have nothing for retirement.

These same Americans are part of a generation whose retirements, if they happen at all, will be more dependent on their personal savings. That's because traditional pensions are becoming more and more rare. Only 7 percent of those surveyed say they're in line to get the coveted benefit, which promises to pay a set amount monthly after retirement.

Plus, young Americans are likely to get less in Social Security benefits than their parents or grandparents. The age to receive full Social Security benefits is climbing, up to 67 from 66. And most young Americans don't have much faith in the Social Security system to begin with. Only 5 percent say they're very confident in it, and 28 percent say they're somewhat confident.

Despite all that, a majority of young Americans still say they are confident that they'll have enough to retire when they want to. African-Americans, Asian-Americans and Anglo-Americans have similar levels of confidence, between 53 percent and 56 percent. Latinos are an exception. Only 43 percent say they're very or somewhat confident.

"I feel pretty good about our future," says Shavonne Henry, a 26-year-old who lives in Vancouver, Wash., with her 25-year-old husband and children. They have some money saved in a 401(k) through her husband's work and a rolled-over 401(k) account from her old job.

"The reason we got to saving at all was I took a finance class in college, and part of the course was: If you want to have the kind of retirement you want to have, you should start saving at 20," she says. "I don't think that's talked about enough."

More employers are looking to give their workers, young and old, a nudge to start saving for retirement by automatically enrolling them in 401(k) plans. At plans administered by Vanguard, 41 percent of employers did so last year, up from 27 percent five years earlier.

But to get that benefit, a worker needs a job that offers a 401(k) in the first place, and some younger Americans say it's difficult finding such a benefit.

Allison Riley, a 25-year-old in Monroeville, Ala., has built up her savings account at the bank by working nights waitressing.

But when she asked if the job came with a 401(k) benefit, "They said '401 what?' " she says. "I took that as a 'no.' "

She's using her savings now to help pay for classes she's taking, and she hopes to become a high-school teacher. She also says she's confident about the future.

"Once I get to a better job, I know how I like to squirrel away money," she says. "I think I'll be OK."

There is no magic answer for how much a person needs to have saved for retirement.

Two people with identical ages and incomes could need very different amounts, depending on how long they expect to work, how much they want to spend in retirement and other variables. Fidelity suggests saving 15 percent of your income each year. Financial advisers suggest saving enough so that your nest egg at retirement is 25 times the annual expenses you'll need to cover.

The GenForward poll did not ask how much young Americans had saved for retirement, only whether they had done so.

Aisha Ahmouda, a 30-year-old registered nurse, is optimistic about her future despite having little in retirement savings and less faith in the future of Social Security.

She's pursuing a master's degree to become a nurse practitioner, a job that comes with loan-assistance programs if she goes on to work in a medically underserved area. She also hopes that it puts her on a career track that will allow her to continue working into her late 60s or early 70s, even if her mobility starts to wane, giving her time to build up savings.

"Not everything is certain, even when you're putting away savings," she says. "I'm going to do the best I can and leave the rest up to a higher power."
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Praise be to retail stores and mall operators who are choosing to remain closed on Thanksgiving Day. May many follow your example.

The Mall of America, the nation's biggest mall, announced two weeks ago that it would remain closed on Thanksgiving Day, ending an experiment that began several years ago with stores opening in the evenings to compete with online shopping.

I joined many commentators in condemning the practice, which takes away one of the few opportunities for retail workers to spend a holiday with their family before the holiday shopping crush. Many retail experts questioned the strategy, arguing that opening on Thanksgiving was merely decreasing profits from traditional Black Friday sales.

The Mall of America's owners took heed.

"We've been talking about this for months, looking at the numbers, looking at the pros and the cons," Jill Renslow, the mall's senior vice president of marketing and business development, told the Minneapolis Tribune. "We're excited to give this day back to our employees so they can celebrate with their families."

A week later, mall operator CBL & Associates announced that 73 of its properties would remain closed until 6 a.m. on Friday, unless a movie theater, restaurant or retailer had exterior doors it could open without allowing access to the mall itself.

Even more retail chains and mall operators have followed suit, keeping doors closed until Black Friday, the traditional shopping frenzy that has become a national festival in itself.

The Galleria and Katy Mills Mall, though, will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Simon Property Group remains the Grinch who stole Thanksgiving for thousands of low-paid retailer workers.

Macy's announced Monday it was moving in the opposite direction, opening at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Of course, Macy's is in such dire financial straits, management is apparently willing to try anything to make a buck and will undoubtedly be disappointed as they lose more employees and those extras hours don't generate new revenue.

Perhaps if more of us stayed home with our families, or simply meditated on the true meaning of Thanksgiving rather than consuming conspicuously, Simon and its tenants would get the message.

I understand that online retailers are making it tough for brick-and-mortar stores to make a profit, but all the data shows this is not the way to do it. So take a lesson from Scrooge, it's not too late to do the right thing.
My favorite vehicle, ever, finally bit the dust, for real, at the intersection of Alabama and Dowling. Its end came suddenly.

I started at a small newspaper in Florida, back in the '80s. Soon after I arrived, my beat-up Mazda station wagon - with 200,000 miles, torn seats and an AM radio - broke down. I do have to say, though, the ladies dug it.

I bought a motorcycle, a Honda CM400A. It was used, but it had very low mileage. I think it cost $1,200.

Let me explain this motorcycle. The "A" in Honda CM400A meant "automatic," like an automatic transmission in a car. It had two gears, but no clutch. You didn't have to pump your left foot like you see motorcycle riders doing at a red light. You just jumped on it, pushed the start button and went. First gear took you to 40 mph, then you tapped a pedal into second and you were off to the races. I got it up to 75 mph on Interstate 95 between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

I loved this motorcycle.

Because the motorcycle was an automatic, a glorified moped, one step up from a Schwinn with training wheels, I didn't have much street cred with outlaw biker gangs in Florida. The Warlocks, Grim Reapers and Pagans wanted no part of me, although I would have made an excellent recording secretary or publicity chairman, given my journalism background.

Motorcycle riders have a sign when they pass each other. They point two fingers toward the ground. It symbolizes two wheels, the wind in your face, the fraternity of motorcycle riders.

From a distance, especially at night, you couldn't tell the difference between my silly Honda CM400A and a mean Harley-Davidson chopper coming at you. Many times, I'd get the two fingers from an approaching biker. Then I'd see the regret in the other riders when they saw my bike. Too late, no backsies.

I rode that bike rain or shine. If I got caught in a cloudburst on the highway, I'd stop under an overpass and wait it out. In Florida, it pours like a car wash for about 15 minutes and then it's sunny again.

For about a year, I had a 40-mile every day commute. Here's how I did it, and I swear this is true, even though I have trouble believing it myself now.

I would get on the motorcycle, stick a paperback book or magazine between my legs and read it - on a motorcycle - on I-95. I'd read one page, then shift my butt cheeks and read the opposite page.

Looking back, man, was that stupid. I would never let my kid, or anybody, do that. I was a maniac. At least I wore a helmet. It was the law in Florida back then. I finally got a car and only rode the motorcycle for fun after that. I never dropped the bike (let it fall) or had an accident or any trouble. I changed the oil, filled it with gas, that's all. I stuck it in the U-Haul and brought it with me to Houston in 1986.

That's when I sold my motorcycle to Clifford Pugh, who sat next to me at the old Houston Post. He says I charged him $300. I probably could have gotten him up to $400, but I figured he'd be a good owner.

And he was.

"I had never owned a motorcycle but always wanted to," Pugh said last week. "I guess it's the 'Easy Rider' in me, although, actually, I rode it for convenience, particularly as Houston got more crowded. It was always easier to find a parking spot at the downtown Y or other places."

Yeah, "Easy Rider." There's not an "Easy Rider" chromosome in his entire body.

Pugh, editor of Culture Map, kept that Honda CM400A for 30 years before wiping out.

"April 8 was one of those glorious spring days that are so rare in Houston, and I decided to go for a longer-than-usual ride," he said. "I usually drive real defensively, always looking around for cars that might not see me, stuff like that. I must have been daydreaming and ran a red light at Alabama and Dowling.

"I don't remember anything about the accident. I've totally blacked it out. But I got a ticket from HPD for running a red light. Luckily I was wearing a helmet , but it wasn't a full-face helmet, so I had facial fractures, as well as a separated left shoulder and broken left leg from the knee down. I was taken to Ben Taub Hospital where they did a great job of patching me up."

When I heard about Pugh's accident, naturally I was frantic with worry and contacted him, "Is the motorcycle all right?"

They both were busted up pretty good, Pugh worse than the bike.

After sitting in Pugh's garage since the accident ("I couldn't bear to part with it"), he's finally pulled the plug and said goodbye to his/our beloved, old motorcycle.

"John (Dascoulias, Pugh's husband ) and my friends would kill me if I got on another motorcycle again. At Ben Taub, they call motorcycle riders 'organ donors' because of the number of deaths they see," Pugh said.

Pugh and Dascoulias got married two weeks after the accident.

Any last words for our beloved motorcycle?

"It was an amazing bike," Pugh said. "It just ran and ran. Over the years, I had to replace the gas tank and have some lights repaired because it fell over in the parking lot a couple of times. I had the seat recovered in 2001. It looked cool, and it made me feel cool. Now that the weather is getting nicer, a part of me wants to get on it again and go for a ride. There's nothing like the feeling of riding the bike on a nice day."
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GALVESTON - If there is a lesson from the devastation of Hurricane Ike eight years ago, it is that the Houston-Galveston region is extremely vulnerable to a catastrophic storm surge, and the next hurricane could send the regional economy into a deep tailspin.

But plans to protect the region from such a storm surge have lagged as officials and experts argued about whether to build a major coastal barrier called the "Ike Dike" or a series of smaller projects that could be completed more quickly.

Now, there is strong support for building the $11.6 billion Ike Dike plan, designed to keep a massive storm surge from rushing into developed areas. A six-county storm surge district recently recommended a plan that calls for 277 miles of coastal barriers, including raised seawalls, levees and surge gates.

Hurricane Matthew provided a grim reminder of the devastating impact of tropical storms, spawning massive flooding in North Carolina and contributing to at least 30 deaths in the United States. Houston's massive role in world energy production and its exposure to storms that are increasing in intensity make it one of the most at-risk spots for a major hurricane.

"Nothing has been done since Hurricane Ike to fix this problem," said Bob Mitchell, president of the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership.

More Information Timeline Sept. 13, 2008: Hurricane Ike makes landfall at Galveston and Bolivar Peninsula. Texas A&M University Galveston professor Bill Merrell conceives of "Ike Dike" as he watches storm surge. 2010: Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District forms to study storm surge protection 2011: Rice University's SSPEED Center recommends quick, cheap storm-surge protection measures without an Ike Dike 2012: Texas A&M University Galveston President Robert Smith III travels to The Netherlands to show support for Ike Dike 2013: Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District finally receives $4 million to do study 2014: Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier meets in Galveston 2015: Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District publishes Phase 1 of three-phase study. January 2016: Army Corps of Engineers begins five-year coastal protection study February: Phase 2 published June: Phase 3 published See More Collapse

Whether the Ike Dike ever becomes a reality, though, depends on persuading Congress to pay for all, or most, of it. The current plan calls for the coastal barrier to be completed by 2035, a date that state legislators would like to see shortened with help from Congress.

"When (Hurricane) Katrina hit New Orleans, Congress funded it," Mitchell said. "That is a community whose gross domestic product is one-sixteenth of the Houston-Galveston area.

"Back here in Texas," he added, "We received no federal funding."

Planners have completed studies showing that the Ike Dike could prevent $38 billion in losses and save 151,000 jobs over a 50-year lifespan.

Seawall may be raised

Unlike earlier proposals, the plan now backed by the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District, also known as the storm surge district, recommends raising the Galveston seawall by 4 feet, building a levee on the bay side of Galveston and a gate at Clear Lake. A proposed gate at San Luis Pass on the west end of Galveston Island was eliminated.

Differences remain over how to block a storm surge inside Galveston Bay and how close to the beach to build the surge barrier. Some also worry about the environmental effect of a proposed surge gate between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula.

Larry Dunbar, project manager for Rice University's Severe Storm Prediction Education and Evacuation from Disaster (SSPEED) Center, told legislators that it was better to move ahead with smaller projects, such as the center's proposal for a gate inside Galveston Bay, that could be financed locally.

"Are we going to sit back and wait for the federal government to give us the $10 billion we need?" Dunbar asked. "We believe ... it can be built in pieces if necessary."

The push for action comes eight years after Hurricane Ike pounded Texas' Gulf Coast in September 2008, leaving three dozen people dead and up to $30 billion in direct damage, mostly in Galveston and southeastern Harris counties. Galveston's 17-foot seawall, built and raised after the catastrophic 1900 hurricane, did not protect the island from surge on the Galveston Bay side.

Although Ike was the third-costliest storm in U.S. history, news of the disaster was eclipsed by the national financial collapse days later. Congress appropriated about $3 billion for disaster relief, but nothing for coastal protection.

"We've got to come together and get one plan and start selling it," said state Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood and co-chairman of the Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier, at a recent hearing. "We haven't directed Congress to do anything because we don't have a plan."

Taylor and others testifying at a joint committee hearing this month said that Congress should do for Texas what it did for New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and for Greater New York after Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Strong support

The Ike Dike system, devised by Texas A&M Galveston marine scientist Bill Merrell after the 2008 hurricane, would essentially create a barrier to keep surges from hitting Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson and Orange counties. Gates have been proposed to blunt the storm surge in Galveston Bay and the Houston Ship Channel.

Strong support for the Ike Dike concept from business and a prominent environmental group was evident at the recent hearing, which followed a two-year study by the storm surge district.

As far back as 2011, there was disagreement over whether to build the Ike Dike or the series of smaller projects advocated by the SSPEED Center. The dike system prevailed and the SSPEED Center now supports the idea of a coastal barrier, but has not given up on urging smaller, locally funded projects to complement the Ike Dike.

Taylor said differences over whether to place a barrier inside the bay should be resolved after the district completes an environmental study. Once a clear proposal is ready, a state agency is needed to handle financial and construction dealings with the federal government. The joint committee will issue a report early next year that likely will result in legislation to establish such an entity, which Taylor said probably would include representatives from the General Land Office, the Texas Department of Transportation, the storm surge district and other agencies.

Funding options

There is skepticism about the willingness of Congress to pay for a coastal barrier.

Christopher Toomey, vice president at AECOM engineering, told the joint committee that Congress was unlikely to fund the Ike Dike unless Texas paid some of the cost.

"Securing congressional funding is becoming more and more challenging," Toomey said. "Our concern is that broad (congressional) support will only materialize after a disaster."

Toomey offered several ways to obtain local funding, including the Legislature's projected $10.4 billion rainy-day fund for fiscal 2017.

State Rep. Joe Deshotel, D-Beaumont, shot back: "I don't know that a direct hit on Houston would shake any rainy-day money loose from the Legislature."

Taylor said it was worth trying to get 100 percent federal funding. "We should give it a shot, then come back," he said.

The office of U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, R-Friendswood, said that House rules limiting earmarks, or legislation for specific projects, would make it difficult to get funding passed.

Courtney Weaver, a spokeswoman for Weber, said the earmark rules could be changed when the new Congress is sworn in next year.

A spokeswoman for U.S. Sen. John Cornyn referred to an opinion piece by the senator published in the Houston Chronicle saying that support of the entire region was needed.

One thing is assured: More study.

In addition to the storm surge district's report, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a study of storm-surge protection needs for the entire Texas Gulf Coast. Congress needs a recommendation from the Corps before it can appropriate money for the project.

Sheri Willey, the Corps' project manager for the upper Texas Coast section, said Congress is funding the study in annual appropriations rather than giving it a lump sum, as was the case with New Orleans.

Leonard Waterworth, a former head of the Corps' Galveston District who now teaches at Texas A&M Galveston, said the planning process could be shortened if Congress provided money up-front, as it did for the New Orleans project. "The Corps can build this but they need to be given the money ... and they will execute," Waterworth told legislators.

The Corps is scheduled to make a recommendation in 2018, Willey said. There is no guarantee that it will recommend a coastal barrier system like the Ike Dike. Willey said the Corps would base its recommendation solely on the science, although it has a close working relationship with the storm surge district.

Environmental study

The district has been sharing information with the Corps, and Chris Sallese, the storm surge district's program manager, is a former head of the Corps' Galveston district.

"I believe the Corps of Engineers will recommend the coastal spine," Waterworth said.

An environmental study that the storm surge district is conducting will answer questions about the environmental impact of a proposed gate between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula.

Scott Jones of the Galveston Bay Foundation told legislators that the gates would increase the velocity of water in and out of Galveston Bay. The storm surge district is proposing the use of lift gates that could close rapidly if a storm approached, but one other effect is that it would block some water flowing between the bay and the Gulf even when the gates are open. "We don't yet know the impacts to commercial and recreational fisheries," Jones said.
The owner of a south-side Houston nightclub is being sued over allegations of trying to force a waitress to prove that she didn't have HIV, a case attorneys with the federal government said they hope will remind companies that they cannot discriminate.

Leila Roberts, owner of Diallo's night club, is accused of asking waitress Felicia Parks twice to provide health records to disprove a rumor that she had HIV. Parks was fired after she failed to provide documentation.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, tasked with enforcing laws against workplace discrimination, filed suit against the club earlier this month, calling the case a clear violation of law. Parks, who is not HIV-positive, now qualifies for protection under the Americans with Disability Act as an individual with a disability by virtue of Diallo's assumption. Additionally, courts have determined that diseases qualify as disabilities.

"It is starkly unfair as well as unlawful to force an employee to prove that the employee does not have an ailment," said Rayford O. Irvin, district director of EEOC's Houston District Office.

The lawyer representing Diallo's, Ray Shackelford, declined to comment on the case.

With advances in HIV/AIDS education and prevention, a number of legal experts were surprised to see a lawsuit of this kind, especially given how few cases the commission litigates itself.

"I feel like I've stepped into a time warp," said Katherine Butler, an employment discrimination attorney at the Butler & Harris law firm. "Back in the '80s, you used to hear about cases where everyone was freaked out about someone being HIV-positive."

Part of a strategy

Still, other experts said the case represents a larger strategy across the federal government to protect those with HIV/AIDS.

The federal government in 2010 released its first comprehensive plan to address the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic, which includes strategies for eliminating discrimination associated with HIV status. The report was updated earlier this year.

"More than 30 years after the first cases of AIDS were identified, people living with HIV still face discrimination in many areas of life including employment," the National HIV/AIDS Strategy report reads. "This discrimination undermines efforts to encourage all people to learn their HIV status."

It also identifies emerging issues with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals under Title VII sex discrimination.

Experts believe the EEOC's decision to prosecute Diallo's is, in some part, influenced by the national strategy implemented by the Obama administration.

"The EEOC selects cases where they think it is important for them to add their weight, authority and credibility to a situation," said Scott Schoettes, senior attorney and HIV Project National Director at Lambda Legal. "There has been some desire to step up when it comes to HIV discrimination across the federal government because we recognize it as a real driver in the epidemic."

Cases relatively rare

Compared to other complaints, HIV-related allegations are relatively rare, according to data compiled by Brian McMahon, director of the National EEOC ADA research project at Virginia Commonwealth University.

From 1992 to 2011, there have been 6,077 closed HIV investigations by the EEOC under Title I of the ADA, accounting for just 1.1 percent of the 547,866 allegations filed in that time span.

Furthermore, McMahon said HIV-related allegations have progressively gone down over the past 25 years, likely due to a reduction in stigma, medical advances and a greater social acceptance of gays and lesbians.

Still, Richard Carlson, a law professor at Houston College of Law, said that the decision to prosecute in this case probably extends from a desire to publicly remind employers of the law.

"We went through a rash of these cases about 20 or 30 years ago when AIDS became widely discovered for the first time. There was a lot of fear," Carlson said. "It shows that there's still some irrational fear out there."

Connie Wilhite, the EEOC attorney in charge of the case, said that though attitudes have largely changed regarding HIV, cases regarding employment discrimination still exist.

"Employers are still rather ignorant of the law and the scientific information that's out there about such a condition," she said.
Like many Americans, Abi Gillespie is losing sleep and getting into arguments about the upcoming presidential election.

"It's terrible, isn't it? It's absolutely horrible," the 31-year-old said Saturday at a Green Party rally in downtown Houston. "It does keep me up at night. There is a lot of anxiety around it."

For more than a year, voters have endured a seemingly endless electoral brawl in one of the most acrimonious political campaigns in recent memory. Now in its final weeks, more than half of American adults report that the Nov. 8 election is a "very or somewhat significant" source of stress, according to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association.

And the stress of the Hillary Clinton-vs.-Donald Trump showdown crosses party lines, cited by 59 percent of registered Republicans, 55 percent of registered Democrats and even 46 percent of independents. It's amped up on social media, where negative messages feed into high anxiety levels for 4 in 10 adults, according to the APA findings.

"No other election has stressed people out as much as this one," said Debbie Grammas, who has a doctorate in counseling psychology and a private practice in Houston.

More Information Election stress? Feeling stressed about the upcoming Nov. 8 election? The American Psychological Association has some recommendations to ease your tensions. Limit media consumption. Read just enough to stay informed. Turn off the newsfeed or take a digital break. Take some time for yourself, go for a walk, or spend time with friends and family doing things that you enjoy. Avoid getting into discussions about the election if you think they have the potential to escalate to conflict. Be cognizant of the frequency with which you're discussing the election with friends, family members or coworkers. Channel your concerns to make a positive difference on issues you care about. Consider volunteering in your community. Vote See More Collapse

Grammas said the recent exposure of the video of Trump talking about women has compounded negative feelings, especially for those who have experienced unwanted sexual advances.

"It's hitting a lot of women at the core," she said.

But she also has clients stressed about Clinton. They don't think she's done a good job in previous positions, they think she's a liar or they don't want a Democrat in office.

Advice for relief

The election is now in a limbo period, she said, and that's the worst place to be. People will feel better once there's an outcome - even if it's not the one they wanted.

"Realistically, it's probably not going to affect your day-to-day life very much," she said.

Her advice to Houstonians? Turn off the TV and try to disconnect from the news.

This election is especially stressful because it's so polarizing, said Bethany Albertson, an associate professor at University of Texas at Austin who teaches political psychology.

It's not just that voters prefer one candidate over the other, but they believe the other candidate is unfit for office, she said.

As a political scientist and an author of "Anxious Politics: Democratic Citizenship in a Threatening World," Albertson is particularly worried about young voters. She's concerned they may be disengaged from politics because they favored Bernie Sanders and he didn't win the primary.

Anxiety, she said, motivates people to remove that uncomfortable feeling. In this scenario, they could remove that feeling by voting early. And they can turn their attention more toward local instead of national politics.

"There's really important things happening at the local level and the state level," she said.

Diane Vines, who has a master's degree in marriage and family therapy and a private practice in Houston, said people are being bombarded with political opinions by the 24/7 news cycle and social media.

"You can't get away from it," Vines said. "Everyone wants their opinion heard, and they want you on their side."

To lessen the stress, she said it's best to stay connected to the people who mean the most and to make a conscious effort to be kind.

'Very upsetting'

Despite the angst, Robbie Mansur, 37, and other Houstonians seem unable to tune out.

Mansur, who was working Saturday at a construction site in the Texas Medical Center, said he definitely plans to watch Wednesday's debate between Trump and Clinton.

"It's like a contact sport," he said.

Eric Olsen, who was taking a break from practicing parkour at a West University Place park, said the rhetoric has reached such a high level that he also plans to tune in to Wednesday's debate, even though he skipped the first two.

"Everyone is at each other's throats about who they want or don't want," he said. "Now I want to see for myself."

Jena Lopez, 21, a senior majoring in economics at Rice University, admits feeling frustrated by being left with what she characterized as two unpalatable candidates and a corrupt political system.

"I don't like either," Lopez said. "The sheer vitriol, the fact they can't even agree on facts is very upsetting."

Her friend, Morgan Upchurch, tried to find a silver lining.

"Maybe we'll be thankful," said the 21-year-old French major, who has occasionally sparred with relatives over the election. "It's shown me a lot about the people I fraternize with. And taught me how to disagree with (them)."

Keri Blakinger contributed to this report.
(EDS: REPEATING to RECODE as a Page 1 story; ADDS photo number and sidebar note.); (ART ADV: With photo XNYT7.); (With: SILICON-VALLEY-POLITICS, TRUMP-RIGGED, CAMPAIGN-SEXUAL-FOCUS, RUTENBERG-COLUMN)

As chief of staff and counselor to Hillary Clinton at the State Department, Cheryl Mills worked ceaselessly to help a South Korean garment maker open a factory in Haiti, the centerpiece of U.S. government efforts to jump-start the island nation's economy after the 2010 earthquake.

Mills took the lead on smoothing the way for the company, Sae-A Trading, which secured millions of dollars in incentives to make its Haiti investment more attractive, despite criticism of its labor record elsewhere. When she presided over the project's unveiling in September 2010, she introduced Sae-A's chairman, Woong-ki Kim, as the most important person at the ceremony, which included Clinton and the Haitian prime minister.

Kim would later become important to Mills in a far more personal way - as a financial backer of a company she started after leaving the State Department in 2013. The company, BlackIvy Group, is pursuing infrastructure projects in Tanzania and Ghana, the only African nations in the "Partnership for Growth," an Obama administration initiative that Clinton helped initiate that promotes investment in developing countries.

The partnership with Kim sheds light on the business activities of Mills - a longtime Clinton loyalist who is likely to play a significant role in any future Clinton White House - as well as the interlocking public and private relationships that have long characterized the Clintons' inner circle. A lawyer, Mills has been a target of Republican critics for her central role in determining which emails from Clinton's private server would be publicly disclosed, and for sharing information about Africa - later designated as classified - with the Clinton Foundation while working at the State Department.

During Mills' tenure at the department, Kim's company, Sae-A, became a donor to the Clinton Foundation, through its Clinton Global Initiative, and Mills remained involved in foundation matters. According to emails hacked from the accounts of Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta, and released by WikiLeaks, Mills helped draft memos and consulted on internal organizational issues at the foundation, though she used her personal Gmail account and not her government email.

Another close Clinton aide at the State Department, Huma Abedin, was for a time permitted to work for the foundation and an outside consulting firm while serving as a "special government employee." Mills was also granted the same special designation after leaving the department, during the period when she was getting BlackIvy off the ground. The unpaid, part-time government role was "solely focused on Haiti" and did not involve her activities at BlackIvy, according to her spokesman, Eric London.

Since teaming up through BlackIvy, Mills and Kim have maintained close business ties, appearing together last year for the opening of a new Sae-A factory in Costa Rica where they cut the ribbon alongside Costa Rica's president, Luis Guillermo Solis. In Africa, representatives of the United States Agency for International Development have consulted with BlackIvy and Sae-A about efforts to expand the textile trade in Ghana, where BlackIvy says the country's 23-cents-an-hour minimum wage "compares favorably" to higher wages in China, Bangladesh and Vietnam.

Federal officials are barred from using their positions to negotiate future employment or exchange services for something of value, and no evidence has emerged to suggest that occurred with BlackIvy. Both Mills and Kim deny that his investment was influenced by the substantial assistance she provided his company while serving as Clinton's right hand at the State Department.

Mills, 51, declined to be interviewed for this article, but London, a BlackIvy spokesman, said she had consulted with the State Department ethics office before accepting Kim's investment "to ensure it was consistent with any rules that applied to her because of her service."

"Ms. Mills and Mr. Kim met during her work for the State Department in Haiti during earthquake reconstruction," London said. "She had no personal business ventures and no discussions about any prospective business with Mr. Kim while she was at State."

Karen Seo, a spokeswoman for Sae-A, said the State Department's assistance in Haiti played no role in Kim's decision to invest in BlackIvy. His discussions about making the investment began in "late 2014," she said, more than a year after Mills had left the government.

(BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.)

Seo said Sae-A "currently has no plans to invest in garment and textile manufacturing facilities in Africa," and that Mills had no business relationship with Sae-A outside of BlackIvy, adding that her appearance with Kim at the Sae-A factory opening in Costa Rica was of a social nature.

"Ms. Mills was invited and came to the Costa Rica event as a friend, as did many others," she said.

Mills first gained public notice in the 1990s as a member of the legal team that defended then-President Bill Clinton during his impeachment trial. A graduate of Stanford Law School, she worked for Hillary Clinton's unsuccessful 2008 presidential campaign. While she has said she has no formal role with Clinton's current campaign for president, she remains a close confidante - she was one of the few people aware of Clinton's pneumonia diagnosis days before it was made public.

While at the State Department, Mills took the lead on a number of projects important to Clinton, perhaps none more so than Haiti.

Even before the January 2010 earthquake, the impoverished Caribbean nation was the focus of attention from the Clintons. Bill Clinton, whose foundation is active there, had been named a United Nations special envoy to Haiti, and as early as April 2009, just a few months after becoming secretary of state, Hillary Clinton was being forwarded emails from Mills containing economic development ideas.

Some of those ideas were from Jean-Louis Warnholz, an economist whose consulting business provided "intelligence on African markets." In emails and meetings with the Clintons and Mills, he advocated investment in textiles and agriculture as a way to create jobs, a theory that was fast-tracked in Haiti after the earthquake with a proposal for an industrial park anchored by a major garment factory.

Mills soon hired Warnholz as her own adviser at the State Department - he would later join her at BlackIvy - and the two worked closely to push the industrial park concept. After overtures to another South Korean garment company fell through, Hillary Clinton and Mills met with Sae-A Trading executives during a trip to Seoul to pitch the idea. Sae-A supplies clothing to some of the largest U.S. retailers, including Wal-Mart and Kohl's, and has been accused of illegal tactics against union organizers at a plant in Guatemala, charges the company disputes.

Ultimately, the United States provided about $124 million to develop a power plant, housing and other improvements for the Haiti industrial park, while an international development bank contributed $100 million and the Haitians provided the land. Sae-A agreed to invest $78 million. Sae-A was blunt about the need to make the deal worth the money.

"This is business," a company spokesman said at the time. "At the end of the day, it's about making a profit."

In addition to being good for Sae-A, the Haiti project recast the low-profile Kim as the sort of enlightened global capitalist the Clintons favor, earning him appearances at the Clinton Global Initiative and other international forums. When the industrial park opened for business in October, the Clintons were on hand for the celebration. Hillary Clinton thanked Kim "for everything that you and the leadership of Sae-A is doing," and she praised Mills for being the "real driver of our government's support for everything that we see here today."

Six months after she resigned from the State Department in February 2013, Mills incorporated BlackIvy Group. She has described it as a "private operating company that builds commercial enterprises in sub-Saharan Africa."

Kim was among a handful of prominent investors in BlackIvy, according to a description that was once on BlackIvy's website but has since been removed. The deleted page carried the heading "Our Team" and listed, in addition to Kim: Continental Grain, a multinational agribusiness with operations in Haiti; Steve Case, founder of AOL; Wall Street financier John Mack; hedge fund founder Raymond Dalio; and Beck, Mack & Oliver, an investment firm.

The executive chairman of BlackIvy is Anthony Welters, a retired health insurance executive and longtime friend and mentor to Mills who has raised money for Hillary Clinton's campaign. His son, Bryant, works for BlackIvy, and his wife, Beatrice Wilkinson Welters, was the American ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago from 2010 to 2012.

In July, two BlackIvy representatives, including Bryant Welters, met with government leaders in Trinidad, part of what the prime minister's office there said was a visit to explore "avenues for doing business with Trinidad and Tobago." Asked why BlackIvy was in the Caribbean, far outside its stated market areas in Africa, the company's spokesman, London, said it had nothing to do with Beatrice Wilkinson Welters' connections as a former ambassador.

BlackIvy, he said, was not actually seeking business in Trinidad, but met with companies there "to learn about their successes in the region and to explore opportunities for them to establish operations in Ghana and replicate those successes."

(END OPTIONAL TRIM.)

What BlackIvy has accomplished so far is not clear. It signed an agreement with officials in Tanzania to develop a transportation hub, but Tanzanian media reports suggest it is progressing slowly. A Tanzanian government audit in March questioned how BlackIvy was chosen, saying "there was no evidence" it was through a competitive bidding process. London said competitive bidding was not needed because BlackIvy's project is privately funded and there is no financial risk to the government.

In Ghana, where BlackIvy has been pursuing an industrial park project, a PowerPoint presentation prepared by BlackIvy cited the country's low minimum wage as one of several competitive advantages that made Ghana "an ideal entry point to the West African market."

Defending the model of attracting investment with promises of cheap labor, London offered an argument very similar to the one U.S. officials made when explaining why Sae-A's factory would be good for Haiti.

"The industrial park will increase manufacturing in Ghana - creating jobs and catalyzing growth - which benefits the country and investors," he said. "Wages usually rise when manufacturing sectors expand and produce higher-value goods, which is what we want to see in Ghana."

BlackIvy's rationale did not sway labor advocates like Scott Nova, executive director of the Worker Rights Consortium, who had criticized the Haiti project as a misguided U.S. relief effort that glossed over Sae-A's labor-relations history.

"When you urge garment manufacturers producing in countries like Bangladesh, where wages are far too low for workers to adequately support their families, to move production to countries with even lower wages, it undercuts the efforts of apparel workers across the Global South to persuade governments, employers and major apparel brands to lift wages to a decent level," Nova said.
ALBURGH, Vt. - An hour before sunset, Miguel Ramos waited in his gray minivan for three Guatemalans to walk undetected across the Canadian border and make illicit entry into the United States.

They walked around a gate to a wooded area, trying to evade security cameras, then quickly piled into the back of the van, and Ramos tried to drive off. But federal agents who had been tipped off about a suspicious vehicle swooped in to arrest him and his passengers. Ramos, 32, of the Bronx, was the only one who could produce proper identification.

While the Southern border with Mexico, about 2,000 miles, attracts much more attention, the 5,500-mile Northern border with Canada offers more opportunity for illegal crossing. In many places, like this Vermont border town, there are few signs of where one nation ends and another begins. In the past year, agents made 3,000 apprehensions along the Northern border, compared with 100 times that many along the Southwestern border with Mexico. They also seized 700 pounds of marijuana and cocaine in the North compared with 1.6 million pounds along the heavily gated Southern border.

But authorities acknowledge that they cannot say with certainty how much criminal activity occurs as a result of Northern border crossings because their means of detection are so limited.

Since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Homeland Security has increased the number of Border Patrol agents stationed along the Northern border to more than 2,000, from about 340, in addition to adding ground sensors, drones and other devices.

Nearly 18,000 agents patrol the Southwestern border with Mexico.

"The problem is that we don't know what the threats and risk are because so much attention is given to the Southwest border," said Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.

This area is a haven for smugglers and cross-border criminal organizations. Each year, agents catch hundreds of drug smugglers and human traffickers who use the sparsely populated and heavily wooded areas along the Vermont-Canada border to bypass the agents, cameras, sensors and other electronic devices that the Department of Homeland Security has installed to make up for the lack of personnel.

"No one is arguing that the Northern border is the same as what's happening down on the Southwestern border, but we can't forget about this area," said Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont. "If we take our eye off of that, they will go where the weakest link is."
Dmitry Lovetsky/STF

KIEV, Ukraine - A prominent commander of the Russian-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine has been killed by a bomb, rebel leaders and Russian news reports said on Monday.

Arsen Pavlov, the commander, who went by the nom de guerre Motorola after the brand of walkie-talkie he preferred, was blown up as he rode the elevator in his apartment building on Sunday in Donetsk, the larger of the rebels' two urban strongholds in eastern Ukraine, Russian news accounts said.
MUDS

Regarding "Conservatives authorize huge debt while no one is looking" (Houstonchronicle.com, Oct. 11), there has been some criticism of the process for creating municipal utility districts and the levying of taxes to retire bonds for essential infrastructure. It is important to recognize the facts regarding MUDs and other water districts in Texas and the critical role they play in accommodating growth.

While the Texas Association of Business works constantly to ensure fair and equitable property tax policies, we fully support the development of public infrastructure and utilities to meet the demands of the citizens of Texas. We understand that infrastructure is not free and that bonds are often the best and only mechanism to pay for capital improvements, not only for MUDs but for municipalities and other forms of local government as well.

A MUD represents the opportunity for private property owners to realize the highest and best use of their property and for potential residents to make informed, free-market choices as to where they want to live and what amenities are important to them and their families. Those elected officials who work to ensure that property owners and future residents have these opportunities should be congratulated, not criticized. Given that millions of Texas residents and thousands of Texas businesses have chosen of their own free will to make a MUD their home, we assume that many share our support.

Stephen Minick, vice president ofgovernmental affairs,Texas Association of Business

Deadly route

Regarding "Interstate 45 ranked as second-deadliest highway in U.S. (Houstonchronicle.com, Friday), I-45 is a complete mess. Much of the reason behind all the crashes is the dangerous combination of driving speeds. Drivers don't seem to understand that slower traffic must keep right and that the inside lane is for passing only. Therefore, we have slow drivers blocking the passing lane and drivers passing on the far right and everything in between, which creates a chaotic obstacle course.

There's no enforcement because traffic cops are focused on the low-hanging fruit: speeders.

Bobby Jones, posted via Houstonchronicle.com

Tough penalty

Regarding "San Marcos man sentenced to 99 years in prison for 8th DWI so "we can all sleep at night," (Chron.com, Friday), those who think it's too harsh should think of the potential victims of a possible ninth or 10th DUI. This guy is a multi-victim 911 call waiting to happen.

Ed J. Webo, posted via Facebook

Looking forward

Regarding "GOP exposed" (Page A35, Sunday), it is nice to think Republicans post-Trump will have political courage and reform the party. But what is more likely to happen is more fragmentation and in-fighting. The Never Trump factions will fight (the ones that believe he's backward-looking and the ones that think he was never a conservative to begin with); the tea party will fight (assuming they have the energy), and the current Republican officeholders will do handstands trying to curry favor with a plurality of all the combatants.

Charles Howard, posted via Houstonchronicle.com
Houston Independent School District voters face an unhappy choice this November - vote "YES" or "FOR" on Proposition 1 to authorize the state to recapture roughly $160 million of the school district's property taxes or just vote "NO" or "AGAINST."

It seems like a no-brainer. School board members, several other local officials and the Houston Chronicle editorial board are urging a "NO" vote, as a way to protest a state school finance system commonly referred to as "Robin Hood."

What folks aren't being told, though, is that a "NO" vote is a "YES" vote for higher taxes.

The election is required because the value of property relative to the number of its students has grown so rapidly that Houston ISD is now considered a "wealthy district" under the state's school funding mechanism. For Texas' school finance system to meet constitutional muster, revenues must be equalized - a system commonly referred to as "Robin Hood." Wealthy districts have to turn over a portion of their taxes so they can be used by poorer districts. The simplest way to do that is for Houston ISD to write a check to the state - something that must be authorized by local voters, and what Proposition 1 would allow.

Nobody wants their local tax dollars to leave the district, so "NO" seems like an easy vote. Unfortunately if "NO" prevails, the Commissioner of Education by law MUST detach approximately $20 billion of high-value business properties from Houston ISD and assign them to a less wealthy district. That equates to approximately 40 percent of all business property and 12 percent of the total taxable value of the district. This is not a one-time process. The commissioner will have to continue to detach more property each year as Houston's values rise.

Those properties obviously won't physically move, but they will send their tax dollars to a different school district. Houston ISD has a relatively low tax rate, so the detached properties will likely be assigned to a school district with a higher tax rate. As a result, the owners of detached properties could face as much as a $30 million tax increase.

However, properties left behind will see a tax hike, too. Houston ISD levies a property tax to pay off its bonded debt. That money is not subject to recapture. So if the commissioner detaches $20 billion of value, the tax base becomes that much smaller, and the district will need a higher tax rate to make its debt payments - 12 percent higher, or about 2 cents per $100 of value. For the owner of a $300,000 home, that amounts to about $50 a year in higher property taxes - an amount that will increase over time as more property is detached.

Folks advocating for a "NO" vote contend taxpayers have nothing to fear. The vote will "blow up" the school finance system and force the Legislature to "fix" it.

That may be a bad bet.

The Legislature has no good options. They could raise spending so that all districts get as much money as Houston. But lawmakers have no money and would have to raise $8 billion in new taxes  clearly a fantasy given a fiscally conservative Legislature, and an option most Houston and other voters statewide wouldn't like.

Lawmakers could make a special provision and allow Houston to keep the money while all other districts go wanting. That would be a bad vote for those five out of every six lawmakers who don't represent Houston, and could threaten the constitutionality of the current system.

Given the alternative, about 300 school districts today have chosen the lesser evil of recapture. Houston would be the first to say "NO." And should voters have buyer's remorse, the law doesn't allow a do-over.

Houston voters should make the choice they feel is best for them and for their school district. Whatever that decision is, though, I urge that it be an informed one.

Craymer is president of the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, a nonprofit, membership-supported organization of businesses and individuals interested in the state and local fiscal policies in Texas and the way those policies impact the economy.
County and state election administrators and experts across the country sought to reassure voters on Sunday that the democratic process works and that the November election would be legitimate, even as Republican nominee Donald Trump escalated claims this weekend that it was "rigged" against him.

His allegations were met by push back even within his own party, with a spokeswoman for the nation's highest-ranking GOP official, House Speaker Paul Ryan, saying he remained "fully confident" in the election system. Trump's running mate, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, similarly seemed to try instill voter confidence, saying on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday they would "absolutely accept the result of the election." The sense of a rigged election, he said, is in the "bias in the national media."

Just hours later, however, Trump intensified such assertions, saying it was not only because of a media campaign against him, as he has repeatedly claimed, but because corruption would also unfold in local precincts.

"This election absolutely is being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD," he wrote on Twitter.

Human error anticipated

Such accusations are unprecedented in modern American politics and sound like they belong in some Latin American countries such as Mexico or Venezuela that are still working out kinks in their democratic systems, said Mark Jones, a political scientist at Rice University.

"It plays to the worst fears of many voters," he said.

In reality, he said voter fraud is rare and extremely difficult, if not impossible, to orchestrate on a broad enough spectrum to sway a national election - even as efforts to boost turnout have indeed increased opportunities for fraud at a local level.

Nationally, however, "you would need technology that makes Jason Bourne and James Bond green with envy," said Brandon Rottinghaus, a professor of political science at the University of Houston.

In addition to high-tech gadgets, local precinct judges and volunteers who oversee the voting areas would have to be involved, as would lawyers, political operators and party-poll watchers across the country.

"The system anticipates human beings run the election and make mistakes and there is some dishonesty. The system provides multiple levels of visibility and protection against those types of occurrences," said Chris Ashby, a Republican lawyer in Washington, D.C., who specializes in election law. "In order for an entire election to be rigged, you would have to have the participation of so many people across so many polling places who represent both political parties and no parties at all."

Election processes differ by state. Some have centralized systems, which are more vulnerable to hacking. Though some 20 states have reported attempted hacks of their voter registration files, officials at the Texas Attorney General's Office and with state police who have investigated such allegations in the past said Sunday there has been no indication of such a compromise here.

254 different voting systems

In Texas, the entire voting process is managed and supervised by each of the 254 counties. As such, it would be "nearly impossible" to execute fraud on a statewide level, said Alicia Pierce, a spokeswoman for Secretary of State Carlos Cascos.

Counties here also use different voting methods, including various types of machines.

In Harris County, the voter registration database is kept offline and a backup is saved every day, said County Clerk Stan Stanart, who has tried to assuage voters about the process in recent weeks.

Terminals are also not connected to the internet. Instead each of the county's 765 polling locations will have up to 12 electronic tablets wired into a central terminal, along with a backup. They'll arrive each morning with a security seal. Records of all digital ballots cast at the location are kept.

Data from each terminal's memory card is uploaded from a separate laptop through a "secure county network" at four depositories across the county. Though critics have questioned the safety of such networks, no actual breaches are known. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has also announced it would have a special cyber security team overseeing this year's election.

To guard against partisan foul play, two election judges - one appointed by each major party - oversee each Harris County polling place, the depositories, and the final count at the clerk's office. In all, about 6,000 staff and volunteers help.

Still, human error does occur, said state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Republican from Harris County who previously served as tax assessor. He noted two election clerks were recently indicted and that one of his deputy voter registrars was convicted of altering over 100 existing voter registration applications. But he said the county's electronic voting system is one of the best in the country and subject to rigorous checks as well as ultimately approved by an official canvas.

'Farfetched scenarios'

Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir, who was accused last year of violating state law in the recount of a City Council election, cautioned voters not to be fooled or distracted by what she said were "farfetched scenarios."

The complaint against her was overruled after the judge found that defeated District 4 candidate Laura Pressley had not identified evidence sufficient to question or overturn the election result.

"There are many safeguards in our system," DeBeauvoir said. "The reality is that it's extremely unlikely that any voter will be effected by other people performing shenanigans."

A spokesman for Gov. Greg Abbott, who has championed curbing voter fraud in the past, had no immediate comment. But Abbott on Saturday tweeted a Fort Worth-Star Telegram story about a state investigation into voter-fraud allegations in Tarrant County.

"Texas will crack down at cheating at the ballot box," Abbott said in his tweet.

The focus of that inquiry is on mail-in ballots, which allow people to vote from their homes without any verification of identity. Supporters of mail ballots have insisted they are crucial for senior citizens, military personnel and other Texans living overseas, despite criticism that the practice could encourage fraud by allowing people to fill out and mail in another's ballot.

The Republican-controlled Texas Legislature has also extensively debated curbing voter fraud as a reason to enact a voter ID law that was recently invalidated by a federal court. Critics said the law illegally suppressed minority voting.

Robert Parten, a former elections administrator for Tarrant County who has been involved in the process for more than 40 years until he retired in 2013, said few allegations of voter fraud are ever serious enough to warrant an investigation.

"In that entire time, I can count on one hand the number of people who actually had some kind of suit filed against them," he said.

Clinton leading polls

A national NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released Sunday showed Trump trailing Hillary Clinton among likely voters by 11 percentage points, 48 percent to 37 percent. An ABC News/Washington Post poll Sunday showed a closer race with Trump trailing Clinton by just four points.

Clinton didn't have any public events this weekend, but her running mate Tim Kaine responded to Trump's assertions at a Miami rally Saturday.

"Now that he thinks he's going to lose, he's going around and saying, 'Oh, the whole thing's rigged,' " the Virginia senator said, calling on supporters to provide such a wide margin of victory that accusations of a stolen election won't stick. "We've got to make sure that the margin that he loses by is so big and so clear and so powerful and so unmistakable."

This report contains material from the Associated Press.
Last week, a poll by Texas television stations and SurveyUSA found that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump faces a statistical tie in Texas with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Theyre separated by 4 percentage points, 47 percent to 43 percent, even when two third-party candidates are included. The margin of error is 4 percent, which lead to this headline on SurveyUSA.com: A Blip on the Radar? Or Early Evidence of a GOP collapse?

Thats a topline question, but when you drill deeper into the numbers, the survey provides a telling example of why were here. For what seems like the entire race for president (and the one before it and the one before that), the campaigns have focused an inordinate amount of time and effort on wooing white women, especially those who are married, upwardly mobile and live in the suburbs.

Generally, African-American women are highly loyal to the Democratic Party and Latinas tend to trail them in support, but not by much. The poll doesnt have a category that considers race and age, but consider that, overall, Clinton trounces Trump among black voters (80 percent to 16 percent) and Hispanic voters (57 percent to 34 percent).

This week, some Trump supporters on Twitter advocated repealing the 19th Amendment, which extended the right to vote to women, after an Electoral College projection from FiveThrityEight.com showed that Clinton would win in a landslide if only women voted. The sites editor, Nate Silver, followed it up with another projection that showed a Trump win, though smaller than Clintons, if only men voted. Put aside the incredible stupidity it takes to even consider repealing the 19th Amendment, it is a political truth of our time that when Democrats win, it is largely a result of womens votes. In elections before 1980, in fact, the voter turnout rate for women was lower than the rate for men, according to the Center for American Women in Politics. The number of female voters has exceeded the number of male voters in every presidential election since 1984.

That is the national picture, of course, but it also speaks to politics in Texas in the last 30 years. The rise of Republican women at the statehouse, many of whom chair powerful committees, and elsewhere in local offices has built an adequate bench of GOP women who can run for office and win. Regardless of whether you think these women are effective advocates for all Texas women, it is also important to note that decades of Republican electoral domination here would be a pipe-dream if not for the votes of Republican women.

Look at the evidence of this in the poll. Texas women who live in the suburbs favor Clinton by just one percentage point, 47 to 46 percent. In rural communities, womens support for Trump jumps to 68 percent while Clinton takes a mere 27 percent. He wins among independent women too, getting 40 percent to Clintons 37 percent.

The regional breakdown, if you know anything about Texas political geography, should not surprise either. Trump dominates Clinton in the northern, eastern and western parts of the state. Clinton leads only in Central Texas (49 percent to 41 percent) and South Texas (51 percent to 42 percent).

In a topsy-turvy presidential race, there are some fundamentals that seemingly havent changed as much as youd think. Still, this presidential election cycle has challenged the fidelity of several core constituencies within the GOP, the kind of voters they expect to turn out every four years because, even if the partys nominee isnt their first choice, they know theyll be better than the Democrat. As Election Day nears, for example, there is increased chatter that Utah, a deep red state that has not gone blue in 50 years, could be competitive this cycle. There are also widespread concerns, which Democrats greet with glee, that Trumps comments on the 2005 Access Hollywood video  essentially bragging about sexual assault  will disgust women voters irrespective of their usual partisanship.

In Texas, among the population that actually turns out to vote, one of the most enduring constituencies is GOP-voting women. I am a red state woman because Republican women are the life of the party, state Sen. Jane Nelson, a Flower Mound Republican who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, says in a video for the group Red State Women.

Everything points to Clinton v. Trump being closer than we expect in Texas, where if he ekes out a small victory, as most expect, it may be in part because Republican women did not abandon him en masse.
For several years my Legislative colleagues and I have advocated for expansion of broadband and faster internet speeds in rural areas of Missouri. Late last year the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) began offering funding under the Connect America program. This program uses an FCC formula to determine areas of the country where the cost to provide broadband does not make economic sense for carriers. The state has no say in what areas are chosen for the program, nor does the Legislature.

These funds make it possible for expansion to happen without the costs being passed on to consumers. It is amazing to me that consumers currently pay taxes on their cell phone services only to have the federal government turn around and charge providers for funds received from the federal government to provide this expansion program. This practice hurts the consumer because less expansion is available due to being taxed twice, which makes less funds available.

By accepting Connect America funds, carriers are required to provide and operate broadband to those high-cost areas where consumers dont have choices of broadband providers or broadband service available. It is not feasible to provide this access to all rural areas, but many more will be covered with this expansion.

Im happy to report three Missouri carriers have accepted a statewide commitment to make broadband available in their service areas to just under 190,000 locations in rural Missouri. CenturyLink accepted the largest commitment of more than 150,000 households. Windstream and Fairpoint have also accepted the FCC offer. However, even with the Connect America funds, not all consumers will have broadband available under this program.

By accepting the Connect America funds, over the next six years, these carriers will offer broadband at download speeds of at least 10mbps and upload speeds of at least 1mbps to those areas identified by the FCC as high-cost areas. Additionally, they also must offer pricing in rural areas comparable to urban areas in Missouri. The FCC and the Missouri Public Service Commission will verify the expansion to ensure at least 40 percent of these new locations have broadband available by year-end 2017 and 20 percent increased expansion annually thereafter until the obligations are met.

CenturyLinks 2016 plans call for hundreds of miles of new fiber optic cables to be installed to serve more than 40,000 homes in 80 different communities across rural Missouri. I would like to recognize the SOAR group, which represents a ten-county area for advocating to CenturyLink to ensure the area is treated fairly in the expansion plan.

In my senatorial district, by the end of 2016 CenturyLink will be in the final stages of construction and installation of new equipment in high-cost areas including:

 Cabool, to serve 905 homes with 35 miles of fiber;

 Fordland, to serve 1,950 homes with 28 miles of fiber;

 Mountain View, to serve 1252 homes;

 Thayer to serve 297 homes

 Marshfield, to serve 2,670 homes with 105 miles of fiber; and

CenturyLink will notify impacted consumers when the new broadband service is available. In 2017 CenturyLink will work to add additional exchanges to be completed within the next six years.

Mike Cunningham is a Republican member of the Missouri State Senate, representing District 33. Contact him at 573-751-1882 or www.senate.mo.gov/cunningham
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Major breakthroughs in time to market, investment, piece cost, and quality come horizontally across the organization, not vertically through individual, isolated functions. And it is our business schools that have not taught how to manage process across functions.  Louis Lataif, Dean of the School of Management, Boston University quoted in, MBA: Is the Traditional Model Doomed? Harvard Business Review A group of sailors were out in an old boat. The boat hit a rock and sprung a slow leak. The group began to fight over whose fault it was that they hit the rock. Then they argued over whose responsibility it was to fix the hole. Those on the starboard side shouted that those on the port side, where the hole was, should be responsible for fixing it. All the while, the boat filled with water and floundered in the increasing heavy seas. As the shouting and finger pointing grew, a large wave swamped the boat. Everyone drowned at sea. Our traditional functional or vertically managed organizations force the people in them to act like those foolish sailors. Individual departments such as accounting, production, sales, service, or development and areas such as branch or field offices, work to optimize their own performance. Goals, objectives, performance measurements, and career paths move up and down within the narrow walls of these functional chimneys or silos. Managers and their teams focus on doing their own jobs or segment of the production, de...
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Obhoyaronno, also known as the Bangladesh Animal Welfare Foundation, and Humane Society International have formally launched a rabies prevention and humane dog population management program in Dhaka North today. The program, known as Shetu, which means a bridge in Bangla, seeks to sterilize and vaccinate 5,000 free-roaming dogs in zone 3 in one year.

In April 2016, Obhoyaronno, Humane Society International and Dhaka North City Corporation entered into a tripartite MoU, wherein the DNCC was responsible for providing space for a dog sterilization facility and two vehicles. HSI is contributing approximately US$ 200,000 for this project and has appointed a program manager to help Obhoyaronno in implementing this pilot effectively. Up until 2012, the DNCC culled the free-roaming dog population but in 2014, Obhoyaronno and HSI managed to get a complete stay on dog-culling in Bangladesh through a long, legal battle.

Rahul Sehgal, co-director, companion animals and engagement, HSI, said, Humane Society International is not only funding the cost of vaccination and surgery, but also providing expertise and guidance in carrying out an effective and a humane dog population management pilot. We are pleased to be working with Obhoyaronno and the Dhaka North City Corporation to make Shetu a success for both dogs and humans.

Help us improve the lives of street dogs around the world.

A dog population survey conducted by the HSI earlier this year found that approximately 37,000 dogs live in Dhaka, of which 24,000 are in Dhaka North and the rest are in South. Between 2012 and 2014, Obhoyaronno implemented a dog population management program that sterilized and vaccinated approximately 10,000 dogs. However, to break the transmission cycle of rabies and to receive the full benefits of this program, at least 80 percent of the citys total dog population have to be vaccinated and sterilized.

In the recent months, Obhoyaronno has also received a commitment from Bishal Foundation, for providing a branded vehicle to run a citywide community education program on rabies and street dog population management. This vehicle will be the first of a four vehicle convoy in Dhaka.

The groups held the launch of Shetu at a refurbished dog sterilization facility in the Mohakhali market area. The honorable mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation, Annisul Hoq; Maya Barolo-Rizvi, country director, HSI; and Mr. Abul Khayer Litu, chairman, Bishal Foundation, attended the event.

Media Contacts: Chetasi Kane, +91 98258 11190, ckane@hsi.org
Ontarios decision to place a moratorium on new wind farms in 2011 will cost Canadian taxpayers some $28 million, after a NAFTA tribunal ruled in favour of a U.S. energy company.

Windstream Energy sued the federal government in the wake of the provinces decision to place a moratorium on new wind farms five years ago.

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That moratorium resulted in dozens of projects being cancelled, including one Windstream wanted to build on Wolf Island in the St. Lawrence River, near Kingston.

The federal government represents Canada at NAFTA hearings, even in cases of provincial policy.

Windstream said that, unlike other cancelled projects, it had already signed a contract with the Ontario government when the moratorium was announced, and it had posted a $6-million security on the contract.

The company asked for $568 million in damages, but the Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration  which adjudicated the case  awarded the company $25.1 million, as well as $2.9 million in legal costs, according to Windstream, as cited at the CBC.

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The NAFTA trade deals chapter 11 includes an investor-state dispute settlement mechanism that allows foreign companies from the NAFTA area to sue governments through tribunals if they feel they have been treated unfairly.

These trade-deal dispute mechanisms have come into public focus in recent years, and its inclusion in the recently negotiated Canada-EU free trade agreement was one of the major reasons for protests against the deal across Europe.

Canada is reportedly the most-sued party to NAFTA through this process.

The tribunal ruled that Ontario didn't do enough to address the scientific uncertainty surrounding wind farms, even though the province cited those concerns as the reason for the moratorium, say documents cited by the Globe and Mail. The province also did little to address the legal and contractual limbo in which Windstream found itself."

"This award is an appropriate first step at remedying the challenges we have faced," said David Mars, co-founder director of Windstream Energy, in a statement. "We look forward to working with the government of Ontario to build this project in accordance with the contract."

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Maude Barlow of the Council of Canadians  a group known for its opposition to free trade deals  said the ruling is another outrageous example of taxpayers having to fund foreign corporations who do not respect the democratic rights of governments to regulate in the interests of their citizens."

The matter should have been settled in a Canadian court, Barlow added in a published statement.

This is another reason to reject investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms in NAFTA and other trade deals such as CETA [the Canada-EU deal]."

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The controversial Netflix tax may be off the table, but the federal Liberals are considering a number of potential new taxes as they seek to update how Canadian content is paid for in the digital age.

Among the options on the table are charging GST or HST on streaming services like Netflix; a surcharge on Internet service; and funnelling money from spectrum licence fees to fund CanCon.

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Streaming services that are based abroad, including Netflix, dont charge a sales tax in Canada. Unlike Canadian broadcasters, they dont pay into the Canadian Media Fund that supports the creation of Canadian content.

Many Canadian media organizations  along with the government of Ontario  pressured the federal government in recent years to institute a Netflix tax that would be paid into the CanCon fund. But the CRTC, Canadas telecom regulator, rejected that option last year.

"This is a broader question than just taxes, Heritage Minister Melanie Joly told CTV News. "It's about the participation of digital platforms to the system.

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"We're looking at all scenarios right now and certainly we want to engage with the different digital platforms in a conversation on how they can support Canadian content."

"The prospect of millions in new revenues may be too tempting to resist."  Michael Geist, University of Ottawa

Joly was noncommital in the CTV interview on whether the government is looking at charging GST or HST on streaming services, or whether it plans to institute a new tax on Internet services.

She previously rejected a Netflix tax that would see streaming services hand over a share of their revenue for the creation of CanCon, but the prospect of millions in new revenues may be too tempting to resist, wrote Michael Geist, a University of Ottawa professor who runs a prominent blog on media and digital technology.

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Geist says the government could alternately charge sales tax on streaming services from abroad, while funnelling money to CanCon from spectrum fees paid by domestic broadcasters  the solution he prefers.

But charging a tax on Internet service instead would make it less affordable, expanding the digital divide by placing Internet connectivity beyond the financial reach of more low-income Canadians, Geist wrote.

Some in the media industry have argued that Internet services should pay towards CanCon, since they provide access to media much like broadcasters do. But the Supreme Court of Canada rejected that argument in a 2012 case, saying Internet providers are not subject to rules for broadcasters.

Still, Jolys legislative overhaul could involve changing the law to allow for the imposition of new fees on Internet services, Geist wrote.
Conservatives are pushing the Liberal government to tell the world if Canada plans to vote against the re-election of China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Cuba to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

But when pressed on the matter in question period Monday, the parliamentary secretary to the foreign affairs minister spoke instead of Iran.

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Tory foreign affairs critic Peter Kent noted Canada will vote this month for the sardonically-named council. He bemoaned that the four notorious human rights abusers are again among the contenders for membership.

Though the vote is done by secret ballot in the General Assembly, Kent said trading favours is common at the UN. And the Liberal government, he charged, has an indecent appetite for a Security Council seat.

Will the Liberals tell Canadians and the world how Canada will vote on these four human rights abusers? he asked.

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Liberal MP Pamela Goldsmith-Jones ducked the question.

Engagement a 'harder path'

Canada would like to tell the world that we absolutely intend to lead the resolution on the situation of human rights in Iran at the UN General Assemblys 71st session, she said. We believe that engagement allows us to more effectively hold Iran to account, and I know thats one of their concerns.

Goldsmith-Jones said the Liberals' strategy is a much harder path than the one taken by the previous Tory government on the world stage.

We believe that we are advancing Canadian interests and the interests of our allies by engaging with them more, she said.

A voice from the Tory bench responded, No answer.

Ex-Liberal minister also wants government to take a stand

But its not just Tories who would like to see Canada publicly oppose the inclusion of those four countries on a council dedicated to human rights.

Earlier this month, former Liberal justice minister Irwin Cotler held a press conference in Ottawa to urge the government to vote against human rights abusers.

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People in these countries really see Canada as having the potential to be a leader in the promotion and protection of human rights, Cotler said, according to the National Post. We should leverage our involvement in the various forums to exercise leadership.

Cotler, an international human rights lawyer, founded the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights. He was joined in Ottawa by various activists, including Chinese dissident Yang Jianli.

Jianli told The Globe and Mail that voting to put China on the council would be like picking the fox to guard the hens house while he was still wiping feathers off his mouth from his last meal.

Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion kept his cards close to the vest, telling The Canadian Press the government would announce a decision on the matter in due time.

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What I can say is that the strong voice of Canadians speaking for human rights is something we also consider, especially when you have a champion like Irwin Cotler,'' Dion said at the time.

The General Assemblys vote to pick 14 new members for the 47-member Human Rights Council will take place on Oct. 28.

With a file from The Canadian Press

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This summer, some political observers  including filmmaker Michael Moore  suggested Donald Trumps presidential campaign has become a marketing blitz for a new media company he wants to launch.

Now the evidence is building this may be the case.

The Financial Times reports Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, has approached one of the media industrys top dealmakers to talk about the possibility of launching a Trump television network to capitalize on the populist movement that has sprung up around the billionaire presidential candidate.

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FT cited three unnamed individuals as saying Kushner  who owns the New York Observer and a real estate company  approached Aryeh Bourkoff, CEO of investment bank LionTree, about the idea some are dubbing "Trump TV."

The conversation between the two was brief and there haven't been any follow-ups, sources told FT.

Vanity Fair reported this summer that Trump was considering launching his own news channel targeting his core group of political followers. The magazine also cited Kushner as being one of the key figures in the effort. Kushner is married to Ivanka Trump.

"Win or lose, we are onto something here."  An unnamed source, explaining to Vanity Fair Trump's rationale for a media company

According to an unnamed source who talked to the magazine, Trumps rationale was that win or lose, we are onto something here. Weve triggered a base of the population that hasnt had a voice in a long time.

But Trump's campaign manager, media entrepreneur Stephen Bannon, denied the Vanity Fair report.

"I have no interest in a media company. False rumour," he told the Washington Post.

FT suggests the cable companies may be reluctant to carry another news network at a time when many consumers are cutting the cord.

Trump continues to trail Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the polls, but by how much depends on the pollster.

A recent NBC/Wall Street Journal poll suggests Clinton leading Trump by 11 points, 48 per cent to 37 per cent among likely voters, but a Washington Post/ABC News poll found Clinton leads Trump by only four points.

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18 Real Things Donald Trump Has Said About Women See Gallery
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are responsible for more than 8.1 million visits to health care professionals per year, partially because of the pain they cause but also because they're easily confused with other conditions like STIs.

UTIs are a result of bacteria travelling into your urine and bladder. According to the Urology Care Foundation, UTIs cause the lining of the bladder and urethra to become irritated. The irritation can cause pain in the belly and pelvis.

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Urologic surgeon Dr. Rajiv Singal tells The Huffington Post Canada other symptoms may include an increased urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination and even blood in the urine.

Check out the slideshow below for more UTI symptoms and discover why they are occasionally associated with STIs.
The end is near  well, at least it is for this latest iteration of the U.S. election cycle.

This year, Americans will head to the polls on Nov. 8  following a long tradition of election days being held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, every four years.

There are two main candidates vying to be the 45th president of the United States, though Green and Libertarian party representatives are also on the ballot in many states.

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Recent polls suggest Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton continues to maintain her lead ahead of Republican Party candidate Donald Trump. But how big or narrow the space between the two varies according to each pollster.

For example, three weeks before election day, an MSNBC poll suggests Clinton to be ahead of Trump with an 11-point lead. But polling from the Washington Post/ABC News released the day before suggests the former secretary of state to be ahead of the real estate mogul by only four points.

Lesser-known candidates such as Libertarian Party's Gary Johnson and the Green Party's Jill Stein are also on some ballots, but they have been polling with single-digit support.

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How does one become president, anyway?

There are some minimum constitutional requirements for presidential candidates: they must be natural-born citizens, at least 35 years old and be a U.S. resident for 14 years.

One of the quirks of the U.S. system is that there is no independent body equivalent to Elections Canada to oversee and conduct federal general elections.

Each state legislature is responsible for regulating its voters.

To complicate matters, winning the popular vote doesnt determine who wins the presidency. The drama surrounding the 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore is an example of just that.

Despite winning the popular vote, Gore lost the presidency after a close count of votes forced the Supreme Court to intervene and decide who would win Floridas electors  and the presidency.

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Wait, what are electors?

When registered American voters cast their ballots on Nov. 8, they determine which candidate receives their states electors.

This system is in place today thanks to the countrys founding fathers, who decided it would be a satisfactory compromise that the president be elected by popular vote as well as Congress.

The number of electors varies between states, and is determined by how many members the state has in Congress (House of Representatives and Senate). Its winner-take-all in 48 states.

How electoral votes are distributed across America:

So for example, if one candidate wins a majority in, say, California, he or she would take all of the states 55 electors.

Only two states, Nebraska and Maine, use proportional representation.

There are 538 electors in total in this system, dubbed the U.S. Electoral College.

435 representatives 100 senators + 3 District of Columbia electors 538 electors

The next president of the U.S. will be determined by who wins a majority of electoral votes  270 is the magic number  in the Electoral College.

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tyannar81 via Getty Images Street protest

For as long as I've been a student, I've heard experts, politicians and even some of my own classmates say that "free tuition" is a bad idea.

I've been told that free tuition is "wrong", or "self-interested". Why? Because those who get to college or university are already privileged. Why should our society subsidize them?

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I've never understood this argument, but that may have something to do with my own life story. My parents were refugees from Somalia, and I am a first-generation university student in Canada.

After I graduated high school I got rid of my entrance letters to universities I had applied to. I started a full time job that summer and took over the role as primary bread winner for our family. I was resigned to the reality that I could never afford post-secondary education, even with public loans.

A year later I won a full scholarship to attend the University of Manitoba and my whole family moved cities so I could attend. Even with this scholarship, I worked while in school, because scholarships only cover tuition. To pay the bills I worked at a full-time job while carrying a full course load and keeping my grades up to maintain my scholarship.

I spent many days going without breakfast or lunch, because my family's budget was stretched too far. Going to university did not feel like a "privileged" experience for me.

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Of course, those who oppose free tuition would likely consider me among the "deserving poor." Students like me deserve assistance, they'd say, while others who can afford to pay more must do so. In my case, for them, the public post-secondary system should cover the cost of education. But it didn't.

Here's the problem: tuition fees will always prevent students who can't pay from going to school. Unlike our progressive income tax system, tuition operates as a flat tax on individuals and families that's only balanced by a tangled mess of means-tested student aid programs. This approach doesn't meet what students actually need, even when -- as in Ontario and New Brunswick -- it is promoted as "free tuition" for "eligible families".

Meanwhile, student debt has never been higher, and tuition for many programs is has been super-sized to make up for a lack of public funding. This particularly hurts marginalized students-- Indigenous students, racialized students, international students, students with disabilities, or queer and trans students -- who face unique challenges.

Our "deserving poor" student aid solutions fall short for them, and for all students, because we have a bigger problem with connected insiders. Let me explain.

Today's high tuition fees come from funding cuts in the 1980s and 1990s. Politicians promoted tax cuts, the driving force behind funding cuts, and that meant less money for public services. Campus administrators then pushed for higher tuition to address government cutbacks. By 2015, we've seen a tripling of tuition revenue across the post-secondary sector, while federal public spending sits at its lowest level since 1946.

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The big winners of this situation were corporations whose tax rates were halved by 2015, and the wealthiest 1 percent who today pay less in taxes (on a per capita basis) than the poorest 10 percent. Canada's love affair with tax cuts has hurt public services, but lavished some with big windfalls.

Over $680 billion -- more than Canada's national debt -- now sits in surplus on the balance sheets of Canadian corporations, and that figure is only based on what is publicly reported to shareholders. Revelations around the Panama Papers also suggests up to $8 billion is lost in federal tax revenues each year.

This money could be spent eliminating tuition fees, funding strong public services, restoring treaty promises to Indigenous Nations, or creating the green jobs of tomorrow. Instead it is lavished on those with deep pockets.

This rewarding of insiders also happens in our post-secondary system, where we've seen a galling rise in executive compensation. University presidents now earn double or triple the compensation of Provincial Premiers. The top four salaries in Ontario's university sector went to officials from the University of Toronto's "Asset Management" team, and amounted to $3.1 million. With that money, we could eliminate tuition fees for college students in the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

Our post-secondary system is broken, and must be changed. At one time, a summer job could pay for one's college or university costs. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's yearly tuition bill in 1995 was $1,694, while Premier Kathleen Wynne paid $637 in 1967. That era is over thanks to a lack of political leadership. It is time for a new generation of students to fight for a better system.

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In 2010, my first encounter with student politics was born of necessity. I emerged from class after already having to skip breakfast and lunch, and noticed a free BBQ on campus hosted by my students' union. They were promoting a student day of action for lower tuition fees, and I signed up on the spot (for the free hot dog).

2016 will also see the rise of student activism, but our demands will be different. After decades of neglect, we are no longer calling for piecemeal reform. Following the lead of students in Quebec, Chile, Germany, and the United States, we are calling for free tuition.

Post-secondary education is no luxury. It is required for a decent job, a just society, and must be available to all. Post-secondary education must be strengthened and defended, like all public services, to grow our economy and invest in Canada's future.

This is the case that I am making, alongside students from coast to coast. We are not sitting idly by while this government does nothing to stop another year of tuition increases and the deferred dreams of students and their families who right now, are coming to terms with the fact that they can't afford the education they need.

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We are taking to the streets on November 2nd -- join us.

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KatarzynaBialasiewicz via Getty Images Horizontal view of depressed young woman crying

Lilly, a fictitious soldier, was corporal in the Canadian Forces (CF) when she was deployed to Afghanistan. Early in her deployment, she was attacked by another soldier as she was returning to her barracks one evening. As he groped her he whispered, "You know you want this," and tore at her clothes. She managed to escape. "He didn't hurt me so I didn't report it. I didn't want to be a problem. I tried to forget about it and do my job," she recalled.

Months later, a close friend died when she was ambushed while on patrol. Lilly was usually part of that patrol group, but she had been sick and stayed behind. When she learned of her friend's fate, she recalled feeling numb. "I was going through the motions after that, putting my time in, but I didn't really care what happened to me."

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Following her deployment, Lilly returned to Canada but no longer felt she belonged. "My friends were back in Afghanistan. I needed to go back and make things right." Unable to re-deploy, Lilly requested a release from the CF, much to the surprise of her superiors who saw her as a rising star.

Lilly couldn't stop thinking about her experiences in Afghanistan. The little time she did sleep was broken by terrifying nightmares. She became isolated, avoided friends and asked her husband to leave. He refused and told her he was worried she was ill. She ignored him. She was certain everyone would be relieved if she were no longer a burden. One day, Lilly took an overdose while her husband was at work.

When I worked as a psychiatrist at a military post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) clinic, I heard stories like Lilly's every day.

The diagnosis of PTSD requires that a person has "...experienced, witnessed or been confronted with an event or events that involve actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or others." The traumatic event must provoke intense fear, helplessness, or horror.

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PTSD symptoms include "re-experiencing" the trauma, through intrusive, disturbing memories and nightmares, "hyperarousal" symptoms like irritability, anger and insomnia, and "avoidance" of all reminders of the trauma.

I didn't learn about PTSD in medical school or during my residency. I learned through my patient's experiences, and some of what I learned challenged my own beliefs about how people react when faced with a horrible, terrifying event.

I have learned from my experience with soldiers and survivors of torture and sexual violence, that the vast majority of PTSD patients experienced previous trauma.

1.Most people exposed to trauma do not develop PTSD.

By some estimates, up to 90 per cent of us will have a traumatic experience that is severe enough to meet the criteria for PTSD. However, only about seven to eight per cent will ever develop PTSD.

2.The type of trauma matters

Trauma that is personal (perpetrator known to victim), protracted (repeated over an extended period), violent, or sexual heightens the risk of PTSD. This underscores the staggering impact of childhood physical or sexual abuse, which is often perpetrated by a friend or family member and may occur repeatedly, sometimes over many years.

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3.PTSD often results from accumulated trauma

Sometimes patients describe what many would consider a relatively minor incident, yet it provoked severe PTSD. I have learned from my experience with soldiers and survivors of torture and sexual violence, that the vast majority of PTSD patients experienced previous trauma. The event that provoked the onset of PTSD was "the straw that broke the camel's back," but the previous trauma in many cases was much more "severe."

I have learned that trauma is subjective.

My military patients were usually model soldiers with bright futures. When the severity of their impairment and suffering seemed out of keeping with the incident, I invariably learned they had experienced earlier trauma, often childhood abuse or the loss a parent at an early age, which made them more vulnerable to PTSD.

I learned to ask patients gently but repeatedly about previous trauma. Patients with PTSD struggle to trust, so it can take years for them to disclose past trauma, often due to a sense of guilt and shame and the fear of being judged.

4.What is traumatic to one person might not be traumatic to another.

Soon after I finished my psychiatry residency, Swiss Air flight 111 crashed off the coast of Nova Scotia. Like many helpful Maritimers, a family friend who lived nearby helped to pick up debris along the shoreline. Months later, he told me he was struggling with distressing memories of finding human flesh amongst the debris. My response was, "But it's just body parts."

My callous response was inexcusable. As a new doctor, I had recently dissected a human cadaver and was exposed to all manner of human suffering. I didn't consider that my friend was a plumber. He'd never seen a dead body, let alone pieces of a person being washed ashore. I have learned that trauma is subjective.

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5.The patients I have diagnosed with PTSD usually have additional diagnoses, most commonly depression and substance abuse.

6.Lack of control is a risk factor

Some CF peacekeepers were highly trained for combat, deployed to a zone of conflict, and then were not allowed to intervene. They were equipped with weapons they were not authorized to use. Unable to control their situation, some were forced to witness intolerable atrocities and human suffering. For some it was soul-destroying.

7."Critical stress debriefing" (CSD) may cause PTSD

CSD involves teams of caring nurturers descending on victims to help them cope with trauma. It has ultimately been found to provoke more PTSD than it prevents. There are several theories to explain this finding, but the lesson is clear: what seems like a good idea still requires scientific proof.

8.Social support is protective

A solid social support network will not immunize every person from PTSD, but supportive family and friends offer tremendous benefits, before and after exposure to trauma.

9. I am a better psychiatrist because of the trust and patience of my many brave and inspiring patients.

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PAUL J. RICHARDS via Getty Images (FILES) In this file photo dated October 9, 2016 Ken Bone (C) listens to US Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican nominee Donald Trump during the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. As the mud flew at Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton's second presidential debate Sunday, the American everyman became an instant celebrity by calmly asking a question about energy policy. Bone -- even his sturdy name has been a source of amusement on social media -- had been picked to represent undecided voters at the town hall-style debate in St Louis, Missouri. His heft, poise and polite manner offered a brief but refreshing respite from the 90-minute slug-fest between the Republican and Democratic candidates. / AFP / POOL / Paul J. Richards / TO GO WITH AFP STORY 'Ken Bone, everyman hero in a tawdry US campaign' (Photo credit should read PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images)

What's "a Boner"? Or, what happens when someone "pulls a Boner"?

Recall Ken Bone, the red-sweatered dude, who during the second presidential debate, asked Hillary and Donald about jobs and fossil fuels?

In his own words, Mr. Bone queried, "What step will your energy policy take to meet our energy needs while at the same time remaining environmentally friendly and minimizing job loss for fossil power plant workers?"

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As DeSmog is now discovering, it turns out that Mr. Bone works for one of the dirtiest coal companies around.

Is that a problem for Bone? Nope. Asked about his job by The Washington Post, Bone responded that, "We're one of the most environmentally-friendly coal power plants in the world. We're very recently built.'"

"Most environmentally-friendly coal power plants"? Quite a standard, one might initially think. Until you hear that his standard equates to the plant, each year, "[churning out] more than 13 million tons of heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere, an amount equivalent to adding 2 million cars to the nation's highways."

Gosh. Quite a exemplar of quality there, Ken.

So how did this red-sweatered troll, posing as an undecided voter, get selected to appear on stage at such an event to ask, "the question"? Typical, it turns out. For starters, he made no prior mention of his deep ties to the fossil fuel industry.

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Just a concerned, undecided voter.

Sure.

This is the same sort of subterfuge, non-disclosure, and out and out deception oozing out of the oil and gas industries these days. Most recently here in Canada, the conflict of interest was sussed out with the National Energy Board, who was looking into the Energy East pipeline project, TransCanada's proposed, 4,500 kilometre, $15.7-billion pipeline project.

Surprise! Turns out, as the National Observer reported, "the NEB board chairman and two review panelists met secretly with former Quebec premier and then-TransCanada consultant Jean Charest."

The problem? "Charest, who had retired from politics, was under contract at that time for TransCanada, the Calgary-based multinational energy company in charge of the Energy East pipeline project. The NEB, which has the powers of a federal court, is not allowed to privately discuss matters that are under review before the Board."

Whether on the national stage, or in local communities, whether on Facebook threads, "Comments" sections and Letters to the Editor in community newspapers, this tactic is omnipresent. Including here in British Columbia with the LNG promoters: apparently ordinary citizens telling us how much the oil and gas industries are so great; so important to the economy and employment.

Then we find out those writing the posts, posing the leading-questions, and explaining the glories of the oil and gas industries, along with LNG, are all done without conveniently disclosing a little fact: Those making the glowing reports have deep political and business ties to those very industries.

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Yes, a little fact, but one that's very important. "Conflict of interest" comes to mind.

Worse is the tactic of many fossil fuel proponents using pseudonyms while making their promotions, taking advantage of social media venues that don't require actual disclosure of the name of the person making the comments. Avoiding accountability and transparency, pseudonyms are perfect cover for anyone not wanting to be seen as a Ken Bone wanna-be lurking behind the computer.

People like that, hiding their political and business influences, or those refusing to come out from behind their online pseudonyms, we will now call, in honor of Ken Bone, "Boners."

So think about this next time someone, with or without a name, talks so enthusiastically about the fossil fuel industry. Make sure they aren't trying to, as a verb, pull a Boner on you. It could very well be that the motivation isn't at all factual, but one made out of dollars.

As they say, money really does talk.

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dulezidar via Getty Images Milk kefir grains on a wooden spoon overhead shoot

If you've been in a grocery store or a farmer's market, you've no doubt seen kefir. The product is a fermented drink made usually with milk or juice. It has been around for thousands of years and is imbibed worldwide. As the name, which is an ancient word for "good feelings", implies, the concoction provides a welcome effect on the tongue and the body.

The process of making kefir is a long-standing tradition. A series of congealed sugars and microbial biofilms, known as grains, are introduced into a liquid and then allowed to ferment. Depending on the type of grain, several species of bacteria -- and at times yeast -- gobble up the sugars and produce a variety of byproducts, usually acids. These in turn tickle the tongue and not long after, provide a biological effect in the body. Depending on the species used, the benefits can range from antioxidant activity to immune balance and in some cases, prevention of tumours.

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Yet, while these benefits continue to be discovered, there is a caveat. The microbiological composition of kefir grains differs around the world meaning no two are going to provide the same benefits. This could lead to incorrect assumptions of the positive effects on health.

There are ways, however, to get past this hurdle. The most convincing way to know the benefits of each kefir type is to undergo clinical trials. However, these are relatively expensive and for many kefir aficionados, be outside of their price range.

The other is to identify the species inside the grains and figure out the byproducts they produce. Many of these chemicals have already proven their benefits in other studies both in the lab and in clinical trials. If the molecules are present in the liquid, there's a good chance the associated effects may be seen.

Last week, a group of Irish researchers performed the latter task. Using kefirs collected from around Europe, they identified the microbes present and the chemicals produced by individual species. The results showed the incredible complexity of kefir and more importantly, why these drinks are so beneficial and enjoyable.

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For this study, three kefirs were chosen. One was from France, another from the United Kingdom and a third from Ireland. The team first allowed the kefirs to ferment over 24 hours so the microbial populations could grow and produce those beneficial chemicals. At different intervals, both the bacteria and the chemicals were identified in the lab. The goal was to link up various chemicals with their microbial producers.

When the results came back, the researchers were given a bit of a surprise. They expected a rather high diversity in the kefir over the 24 hour period. Yet, this rather large variety was only stable for a few hours. As time went on, a few species seemed to gain control of the environment and essentially took over.

Of the dominating species, most were associated with fermentation. Names such as Leuconostoc, Acetobacter, and Kazachstania were seen as the major players. Some of the species identified at the beginning were known to be probiotic in nature, such as Lactobacillus helveticus. Yet their numbers fell significantly by the end of the experiment.

This rather eclectic mix of microbes suggested the byproducts would not be the same as those found in other healthy fermented foods, such as yogurt. When the chemical analyses were performed, 39 different compounds known to provide aroma and flavour were identified. Most were associated with buttery and sweet flavours although some were known to provide fruity notes.

The real surprise came from the lack of major chemical changes between the three samples. Of the 39 chemicals, only a few differed greatly between the three samples. Yet, in taste tests, the authors confirmed these small changes were enough to give each concoction a different nose and flavour.

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As for those benefit-based molecules, only one showed up in any significant concentration: acetic acid, which is usually found in vinegar. This particular chemical is known to play a role in human health by helping to balance both human and microbial metabolic processes. As for the source of this particular chemical, the team found it was due to the aptly named Acetobacter species.

The results of this study reveal the rather complex nature of kefir and also how small changes can make a large different in both taste and smell. The information also shows the potential for health benefit although at least in these three cases, those positive effects may be due to a single molecule. Even so, there's little doubt kefir is both enjoyable both on the outside and also on the inside.

If you are interested in picking up some kefir, you should be aware of one note of caution. Some products attempt to sweeten the taste by adding close to two tablespoons of sugar for each serving. This amount would be less than a can of soda pop yet would still surpass what the World Health Organization suggests should be taken in each day. To be sure you are getting the most benefit, keep an eye on the label and make sure those sugar levels are low.
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images MOSUL, IRAQ - OCTOBER 17 : Peshmerga forces dispatch tanks and armored vehicles to Rabia and Karbali villages of Mosul as they attack on Deash targets during an operation to liberate Mosul from Daesh terrorist organization on October 17, 2016. A much anticipated Mosul offensive to liberate the city from Daesh began midnight Sunday, according to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. (Photo by Idris Okuducu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi went on state television to announce that the Battle of Mosul was finally starting.

"Today I declare the start of these victorious operations to free you from the violence and terrorism of Daesh," al-Abadi said, using the Arabic acronym for ISIL.

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While Canada pulled its fighter aircraft from the U.S.-led coalition earlier this year, the Canadian Forces still pull its share on the ground. Providing vital support to Peshmerga fighters through "advise-and-assist" operations, Canada has boots on the ground and is actively taking part in the battle.

As a matter of fact, soldiers from the Canadian Special Operation Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) are working alongside their Kurdish counterparts against ISIL. Deemed a non-combat mission, CANSOFCOM soldiers are constantly moving near the frontline to monitor the progress of the recently-trained Peshmerga fighters.

According to brigadier-general Peter Dawe, deputy commander of CANSOFCOM, the mission on the ground has evolved from defensive to offensive operations. Due to that Canadian operator on the ground often have to exchange fire with ISIL combatants to defend themselves and their allies.

"We are more engaged on the line -- there should be no doubt about that -- and, by extension, the risk has increased to our troops simply by virtue of time spent at the line and the work we're doing now in a more dynamic and fluid environment," Brig-Gen. Dawe said.

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During the last few months, Dawe confirmed no Canadian soldiers were wounded even with the recent augmentation of confrontation with ISIL fighters.

Canadian Forces' participation in the Battle of Mosul

Having conducted successful operations in the past, the Kurdish Peshmerga are now actively taking part in the battle of Mosul. That said, it is pretty obvious their Canadian advisers are also taking part in the battle. However, the Canadian soldiers are most likely playing a supporting role such as guiding U.S.-led coalition aircraft, assisting in medical evacuation and by providing a liaison between the Peshmerga and Western forces.

Recently deployed to replace the 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (SOAS), pilots and ground crew of the 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron will also take part in the Battle of Mosul . Based in Valcartier, Quebec, the 430 is equipped with CH-146 Griffon helicopters and will provide reconnaissance, troops and equipment transport, and will assist in the evacuation of wounded soldiers.

Although Canada is indirectly taking part in the battle of Mosul, its contribution still remains important to the success of the operation. Adding to the ground troops and helicopters, Canada still have a CP-140 Aurora providing intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISR) and a CC-150 Polaris for refuelling purposes to the U.S.-led coalition under Operation IMPACT.

Canada is also getting ready to deploy and operate a field hospital equipped with two operating rooms (OR) in the region to treat wounded allied soldiers. Our medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) helicopters will have the ability to extract the wounded soldiers to a Canadian-led field hospital, increasing interoperability between the two elements.

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It is my understanding that even if the Trudeau government has been constantly stating there was no combat mission being conducted in Iraq, Canadian soldiers are still moving on the frontline. That said, as a combat veteran of Afghanistan who spent several months embedded with the Afghan National Army, I know vital it is for the success of the operation to have the CANSOFCOM operators on the frontline along the Peshmerga to show our willingness to fight alongside them. By doing so, the Canadian soldiers are earning respect and their working relationship with the Peshmerga is much better.

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stevanovicigor via Getty Images Woman drinking coffee and making a diary note, top view of female hands writing in notebook, retro toned image with selective focus.

Dear America,

I write as a concerned neighbour but I'm not going to bum you out with more crap. Let's just say I'm worried and you need a pep talk.

About a year ago, I wrote a post about the Canadian election encouraging people to go for the brass ring and elect a leader who was a younger than the average voter and give the next generation a chance to make their mark.

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Let's face it, once you are past 50, you have to trust that society has raised capable, compassionate leaders even if they are younger. It's really our most important job.

In your case, that's not an option. Too bad really. We have much to learn from generations younger than ours. They keep us hip, humble and honest.

I remember when the first Clinton was elected. My parents watched a man younger than them get elected to the White House. They were young when Kennedy was president. I was little when Nixon won. As a teenager, I knew Jimmy Carter was a great leader in a terrible spot. It's amazing what teenagers are capable of understanding.

I won't share what my teenagers think about Trump. Except for this: the word "perv" and "a small loan of a million dollars" comes up often at dinner conversations. They are sharp. Sharper than they know. And it's a unanimous observation. I have yet to meet a teenager here who likes Trump.

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So be it. That aside. I think it's time we focused on what Canada (or at least this Canadian) loves about you.

1. Disney World. You have no idea. It's the duct tape that holds family memories together. Not just in Canada, but around the world. Except for Space Mountain. Sorry, that is the stuff of nightmares.

2. Florida beaches. So gorgeous. That sand, that heat. Those little seaside motels with kidney shaped swimming pools and palm trees. Dreamy. Not to mention the art deco of Miami Beach.

3. New York City. The bagels, the fire stations, the subway, the art, the museums, the noise, the spirit. It reminds us, forgive the cliche, that making it there, is making it. Oh, and the yellow cabs. Watch them, they don't stop.

4. Seattle. The world's best coffee. Thanks for that. We have Tim Horton's, but no offence to the double double, it doesn't hold up to your gorgeous rich espresso shots by the sea.

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5. The weekend edition of the New York Times. Larger than the average Canadian phone book. Wow. You guys are smart, thoughtful and insightful. We forget to tell you that.

6. The New Yorker cartoons. Truth be told, I don't always get them. But I love them all the same.

7. The Oregon Coast. OMG. You can see puffins and blue whales before breakfast. And Portland, where every day must feel like a food truck festival. Yum!

8. The San Juan Islands off the Pacific coast north of Seattle. Gorgeous and very special.

9. San Francisco. North Beach, cable cars, Chez Panisse (someday). Wild and wonderful.

10. The talent -- Brooklyn 99, Barney Miller, SNL, pretty much every late night comedy show current and past. You remind us that humour is a powerful persuader. The world needs that. Especially now.

12. There are ten of you for each of us. It keeps us humble, for the most part. Except for the Blue Jays who bolster our confidence lately. We wouldn't mind getting the Stanley Cup back. Seriously, it would be a really big deal. But we can sort that out after November 8th.

So chin up America. You've got this and we're with you. Oh, and thanks for Anthony Bourdain and Netflx too. We are lucky to have you. Please don't Trump it up.

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There's a poutine and a decent beer in it for you next time you visit. But get that vote thing sorted first eh?

Love from us,

A Canadian
peterspiro via Getty Images 'The main building of University College, building, built 1853, considered one of North America's finest buildings in the Norman style of architecture.(I work near the University of Toronto, and have many other photos available, including 8mp file sizes.)'

The University of Toronto, ranked as number one in Canada, 16th worldwide with the 12th ranked medical school internationally, has just established a scholarship for anti-psychiatry.

Called the Bonnie Burstow Scholarship in Antipsychiatry, it is being praised by Scientology. As a graduate with two degrees from the U of T, I'm offended as are many others.

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What next, a scholarship to study anti-evolution or anti-vaccination?

Actually, that is not that far fetched since the U of T was the recipient of a great deal of public outrage recently when it was discovered that a naturopath was teaching anti-vaccination theory at its satellite campus in suburban Scarborough. Beth Landeau-Halpern, the lecturer was cleared in an investigation by the university but her course was soon dropped.

This present scholarship is named after Bonnie Burstow, an associate professor of Adult Education and Community Development at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE) within the University of Toronto. She is a critic of institutional psychiatry.

OISE states in the scholarship announcement that they have "the largest single group of antipsychiatry scholars anywhere in North America" and they "are the members of the Burstow thesis support group".

Universities are diverse institutions with many different faculties focusing on their own particular areas of expertise. OISE was established in 1965 to offer graduate programs, conduct research and disseminate its findings, and to engage in field development activities in education.

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Yes, education not medicine and not science. They are, they claim, Canada's only all-graduate institute of teaching, learning and research. No mention of science, neuroscience or medicine.

Situated at the south end of the university's sprawling downtown Toronto campus two subway stops away from OISE is the Faculty of Medicine in the Toronto research Discovery District close to many large teaching hospitals.

Established in 1843, the school has more than 8000 faculty and 6900 students. Among the accomplishments have been the discovery of insulin, stem cells, pablum for infant nutrition, mobile blood transfusions, sprinkles for nutrition, the glycemic index and the first heart pacemaker.

In psychiatry, the U of T is home to Dr Philip Seeman, a professor emeritus in pharmacology and psychiatry. In 1975, he discovered the antipsychotic/dopamine receptor, now named the dopamine D2 receptor providing the experimental basis of the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia.

In 1999 he discovered that the atypical antipsychotics clozapine and quetiapine rapidly dissociate from D2, explaining why these antipsychotics are preferred by patients. This discovery led to the synthesis of new fast-off-D2 antipsychotics.

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The antipsychiatry bursary, I assume, will enable non scientists to disprove these discoveries.

I did say that Scientologists are ecstatic, and they are.

The Canadian chapter of the Citizens Commission of Human Rights (CCHR) announced on their facebook page "some very, very good news" and that Burstow is "a rock star."

CCHR was first established in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and Thomas Szasz (The Myth of Mental Illness) to promote its anti-psychiatry agenda.

Another ecstatic supporter of the scholarship is controversial psychiatrist, Dr Peter Breggin. He stated:

As a professional long heralded as the conscience of psychiatry, it is my pleasure to endorse the newly formed Bonnie Burstow Scholarship in Antipsychiatry. Science is demonstrating that psychiatric diagnosis and drugs, electroshock, and involuntary treatment are doing much more harm than good.

Breggin admits to having worked with Scientology in the early 1970s but states that he left. He did write a lengthy defence of Tom Cruise's anti-psychiatry rant according to a Huffington Post biography of him.

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That article points out that Breggin "is not certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, which is the recognized agency for certifying psychiatrists."

Breggin also appears as an expert witness in trials involving medications. In one trial, the judge has this to say of his testimony:

Dr. Breggin's observations are totally without credibility. I can almost declare him, I guess from statements that floor me, to say the he's a fraud or at least approaching that. He has made some outrageous statements and written outrageous books and which he says he has now withdrawn and his thinking is different. He's untrained. He's a member of no hospital staff. He has not since medical school participated in any studies to support his conclusions except maybe one. . . . I can't place any credence or credibility in what he has to recommend in this case.

The public and academic outrage over this scholarship is only just starting. I actually first heard of it on facebook from fellow advocates in the US who were not very impressed. One commented that the scholarship founders must be voting for Trump. According to California psychiatrist, Stephen B Seager, "anti-psychiatry really means anti-science."

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Hamilton psychiatrist, Dr David Laing Dawson had this to say:

Bonnie Burstow, your sniping from the sidelines does far more harm than good. Your university has a Faculty of Medicine and a Department of Psychiatry. You are already on salary I presume. Why don't you offer to participate in Faculty of Medicine seminars and lectures and workshops to promote your ideas and opinions? In that forum, to the extent any are valid, they would have an influence.

U of T spokesperson, Althea Blackburn-Evans however , told me over the phone that open debate is a fundamental mandate of a university and the university has no problem with such a scholarship. Each department within the university, she added, has jurisdiction over what they decide to fund. This scholarship is supported by the dean of OISE.

Dr. Benoit H. Mulsant, Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry, said in an e-mail to me via media spokesperson, Liam Mitchell that "Universities are places where free inquiry is encouraged and supported. The Department of Psychiatry will continue to prepare the next generation of psychiatrists. Doing so, we strive to uphold the highest standards of the profession, consistent with the latest research that ensures the well-being of individuals with mental disorders."
Donald Trump may be the best recruitment tool the women's movement has ever had.

That he remains standing as the Republican nominee for president, continuing to enjoy the support of millions of Americans, makes clear that the fight for women's right to be respected and treated equally is far from over.

But the release of his 2005 boys-on-the-bus conversation offered a peek behind the seemingly impenetrable curtain woven from the combined threads of American celebrity, financial power and privilege. And it has rallied not only Hollywood royalty (thanks Robert De Niro and Tom Hanks), but also an unlikely alliance of professional athletes, conservative Christians and Republican power brokers to the cause.

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Robert De Niro shares his opinion on Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/MnjJ0D8b0v  THE COVET (@thecovet) October 8, 2016

And although Trump's newest critics might not embrace the feminist label, and the moment feels like it's been humiliatingly slow to arrive, it's here, and should be exploited every bit as much as Trump himself exploited his inherited wealth and the influence and connections it bought him. Especially now that a number of women have dared to confirm that he was accurately describing his MO, as opposed to merely voicing his fantasies. (No one can convincingly characterize this as a case of "he said, she said;" it's clearly a case of "he said, he DID.")

So it is beyond galling that a woman widely recognized to be more qualified for presidential office than any other candidate in the history of her nation is still being expected to debate -- as if he were her equal, or even a credible alternative -- this man. Broadly acknowledged to be the least experienced candidate ever, he has matched her 30 years of public service with an unflagging commitment to increasing his own wealth and status, at the expense of his contractors, employees and the very taxpayers he's seeking to lead.

Here is my statement. pic.twitter.com/WAZiGoQqMQ  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2016

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Moreover, although the footage that captured him bragging about his penchant for serial sexual assault was released only a little while ago, his depraved attitudes towards women had been part of the public record decades before he began disparaging the looks of one primary opponent and the wife of another, and attempted to discredit a journalist with a crude reference to "blood coming out of her wherever."

Trump's legendary objectification of women had played out on the Howard Stern radio show over many years. On air, he regularly demonstrated his view of women as little more than a collection of body parts, describing how he'd have no problem "banging 24-year-olds" but when a woman hits 35, it's "check-out time."

It remains a teachable moment if there ever was one.

The man is a wolf in wolf's clothing, a sexual predator with a sense of entitlement so vast and unconscious that he has repeatedly broadcast his attraction to his great "piece of ass" eldest daughter, and even found a number of occasions during the campaign to refer to his "impressive" penis.

And yet this blatant misogyny, although condemned in progressive circles and tsk-tsk'ed in polite society, remained sufficiently normalized to permit him to secure the nomination of one of his country's two great political parties. It took undeniable evidence of him bragging about his prowess as a poster boy for rape culture to turn the tide decisively turn against him, and even then, the widespread rejection of his candidacy was as motivated by his free-falling polls and likely loser status.

However, it remains a teachable moment if there ever was one. Thoughtful and attentive people of all ages and affiliations now have chilling clarity about the depth of the double standard and breadth of unconscious bias and its impact on women -- even those who have, in fact, worked twice as hard to be thought half as good.

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This is horrific. We cannot allow this man to become president. https://t.co/RwhW7yeFI2  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 7, 2016

Here's a thought: as entire generations of decent men experience in a new way the sickened sensation their wives, daughters and mothers feel every time they're rated, harassed or assaulted, we need to keep up the pressure. So that #yesallwomen, #everydaysexism and #whyIstayed are understood and re-tweeted by male allies. So that men continue to decry loudly and clearly Trump's "locker room talk" defense, and reject his cowardly invective and pathetic version of masculinity as in no way representing their own.

It takes way more than a village to defeat such misogyny, and Hillary Clinton winning the U.S. election will be just the beginning.

Shari Graydon is the founder and catalyst of Informed Opinions, a non-profit project amplifying women's voices for a more democratic Canada.

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Goodshoot via Getty Images Spacious office with large windows

By Sonia Bell

Toronto has established itself as a hot market for residential condos, but more recently, the office-condo trend has started to make waves through the city, potentially becoming the next big investment opportunity.

Toronto has the lowest downtown office vacancy rate in North America. According to a recent report by commercial real estate firm CBRE Group Inc., Toronto's office vacancy rate continues to decline, dropping to 4.9 per cent in the second quarter of 2016, compared to 5.3 per cent in the first quarter.

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The steady decline of available office space has sparked a new trend in real estate development - builders and developers are increasingly starting to incorporate office space into their projects, allocating a certain number of units for commercial use. The demand for office condominiums is mainly coming from small- to medium-size business owners who hope to spare themselves monthly rent cheques and build equity in their business by owning office space in a bustling market such as downtown Toronto.

With office condos, investors would deal with a different type of tenant: one who is potentially more reliable.

But the low supply of commercial real estate and the growing demand for this space raises the question: Does this present a potential opportunity for savvy real estate investors?

The short answer is yes.

Office condos follow the same rule of thumb for all real estate -- premium location means higher prices. "The ones I'm selling at 117 Peter St. -- they're attracting some tech companies... they are roughly $500 per square foot," says Jim Burtnick, broker and senior vice-president of sales at Sotheby's International Realty Canada. "But the Yorkville project I'm selling, because of its location and exclusivity, is running at $1,000-plus a square foot."

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Investors can typically snap up an office condo at a lower price than a residential condo, for several reasons. For one, you don't always get a finished product. In the two projects Burtnick is selling, for example, buyers are purchasing a concrete shell with plumbing and hydro. This allows a business to easily redesign the space that is cohesive with their brand identity.

Another reason you might pay less for an office condo is the lower construction costs. In a residential unit, owners require their own kitchen and bathroom, but in an office setting, such facilities are usually shared -- for example, bathrooms are often located in the hallway.

A key takeaway for investors is that not only can you buy an office unit at lower cost, typically you can also demand higher rent. Burtnick explains that "(Residential) condos are renting anywhere around $2.50 to $3.00 per sq. ft. on a monthly basis. By that I mean if you have a 1,000-square-foot condo unit, it would rent anywhere from $2,500 to $3,000 per month. Whereas office space could land a higher price per square foot -- depending on location. There are office spaces that rent for more than $100 per square foot."

Additionally, with office condos, investors would deal with a different type of tenant: one who is potentially more reliable. When renting a residential condo, you get a wide range of tenants - students, first-time renters and families. However, when renting to a company, your tenant has cash flow and is generating income on an ongoing basis.

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Office condos do have their risks -- one of which is the mere newness of this product. "The concept is a bit newer in Toronto. Everyone understands residential condos here, but office condos require a bit more education... they're very popular in Europe and in Asia -- they've had them for a long time and people understand them. Office condos are treated just like residential condos, in the sense that they understand the ownership of them and the condominium rules, and how they operate."

There's also the issue of higher property taxes on commercial spaces, Burtnick points out that "residential is approximately one per cent of the assessed value, and it's almost three per cent on the assessed value of commercial space."

While business owners have been the first to jump on this opportunity, slowly adopting the age-old homeowners' "Why rent when you can own?" mentality, individual investors might be the next in line to tap into the office-condo trend. Says Burtnick, "the tale will be told over time on what type of ROI they're getting."

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"What is reli-gion?" Shaykh Babikir asks, his thick Sudanese accent curling the word out over his bottom lip.

"Man creates religion to suit himself. But it is nonsense, there is only one God."

I expect him to say "Allah", but he doesn't.

"To be spiritual, is to be a human being. It is to recognise the homeless person begging you in the street, who you think smells of sweat, alcohol, urine... So what! We all stink, we are all filthy. You think because you shower and put on your perfumes, you are clean?" He laughs. "We are all the same."

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I sit in his audience of 30 young leaders from many faiths and none. Despite our differences, we are united by one belief: We are all connected. It's a Thursday night and despite a long days work and an even longer week, we've all willingly made the pilgrimage to Willesden Lane, North West London.

We sit in the round, bums on the floor of Rumi's Cave, a community hub founded by Shaykh Babikir, and grown with love by spoken word artist Sukina Douglas. This is the first field trip on our leadership programme, 'Sacred Activists', devised by St Ethleburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace.

I am one of the ones without a religion. I identify myself, when asked, as spiritual, but not religious. In fact I have always viewed organised religion with suspicious eyes. As a child I attended a Church of England primary school, but at home my mother told me I was a pagan and highlighted holes in the bible stories I had been fed that day.

An astute child, always older than my years, I was barely in the junior yard before the penny dropped. I was here because it was the best school in our locality and education is freedom.

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The spoonfuls of Christianity stuck in my throat like lumps of lard. The unquestioning faith of my teachers, in stories which I knew could not be true, caused confusion and mild distain. Perhaps at the time I was missing untold nuances of their faith and beliefs, restricted by the set curriculum and school mandate. Or perhaps there is still a small part of me that wants to be able to respect them as my earliest mentors, and in order to do so I feel the need to create some common ground, real or imagined.

It wasn't long before I was watching The Craft on a weekly basis, changing the word God to 'Manon' in assembly hymns, and attending church with 666 scrawled along my arm under my school jumper, in a desperate attempt to mark myself as separate.

After primary school I never really mixed with anyone who strongly identified with a religion. Most of my friends were like me - spiritual rather than religious. Others were agnostic, or staunchly atheist. Religion and spirituality weren't topics of conversation we often broached. Far less often than say politics, love, or our plans for the weekend.

As I sit in Rumi's Cave it dawns on me that this is the first time I have engaged with the Muslim faith and I have little to no reference points. Of course I have dismissed the hatealism in the press as Islamophobia, but I have never felt welcomed in to form my own understandings of the religion.

In fact I've often felt the Muslim community to be somewhat distant, closed, and have wondered if this is a reaction to experiences of Islamophobia, or if Islamophobia is in some ways created by a lack of understanding and connection between Muslim and non-Muslim communities; or perhaps both are true. As I listen to my Muslim peers speak, I am surprised to hear that even they have found it hard to connect to their own religious communities through traditional channels.

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"The mosque has always felt very cold to me"

"I think because we go mosque to pray so often, it feels like it has a revolving door sometimes. People go in, pray, leave. There isn't the sense of belonging that I want."

Sukina Douglas project managed Rumi's cave in its early days and has invited us here this evening. She listens with an empathetic heart before responding, "Often we [women] would try to perform at Muslim events in the community and we would be told 'you can, but you can't have music', or 'you must do poetry only, but he can sing', or 'you must stand behind this screen when you perform so you cannot be seen'. We were like do you want us here or not?"

Sukina was born in Bristol to Jamaican parents and raised in a Rastafarian inspired environment. But in 2005 she converted to Islam and embraced the Sufi path four years later. When she started hosting events at Rumi's cave, one of her main motivations was to create a space where Muslim women and men felt welcome.

"It was led by women, so it had that feminine energy about it, fairy lights and nice decorations," she smiles, "sometimes a brother would come in and say 'Am I allowed in here?'. But everyone was allowed. That was one of Shaykh Babikir's earliest teachings to me, we never turn anyone away."

Despite Rumi's Cave providing a sanctuary to the community, welcoming people from all walks of life, regardless of religious background or otherwise, and providing food to those experiencing homelessness, Sukina and the team faced some resistance from the local Muslim community.

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"Sometimes people would come in and say 'What are you doing?' 'You can't host Friday afternoon prayer here, that is what the mosque is for.' So we would try to engage them in what we were doing and explain why we felt we had to do it."

I'm inspired by Sukina and by Rumi's Cave. I feel at home here and I know I am amongst friends, though we've barely met.

If I'm completely honest I have always held preconceptions of the Muslim faith as being restrictive, especially for women. And as someone who values freedom to such a high degree, that has never sat well with me. But in Sukina and the other young Muslims here this evening, I have found people who are redefining what it means to be Muslim for them, by living their faith the way they want to. It feels brave and empowering. It feels new, progressive and exciting.

I feel welcome here. I am coming away knowing that I have Muslim friends now. And that their religion does not define or restrict their faith. I am coming away knowing that at our core we believe in the same things: love, peace, justice, freedom.

Sukina and Shaykh Babikir have grown a space that is led by women, but also crucially supported by men. A space that welcomes absolutely everyone, whilst centring around Muslim teachings; which I find moving and relevant. In fact as I continue to listen to Shaykh teaching, I begin to think he sounds mostly like a socialist and I wonder if he has ever crossed paths with Jeremy Corbyn? I think they would get on.

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"The best of human kind are those who are of benefit to human kind." ~ [Daraqutni, Hasan] Hadith
If anyone can pull off the trick of breathing life into an inanimate object, it is sculptor Hamish Mackie. His latest exhibition, Life in Bronze 2016, at London's Mall Galleries contains some 80 works that confirm his reputation as one of the finest sculptors of animals in the country.

On show are wild and domestic creatures that range from a life-size camel to a tiny mole. Mackie has not only captured their outward appearance but has somehow managed to evoke an innate sense of dynamism and movement. You can almost smell the killer instinct of a stalking leopard, or taste the anxiety of a hare turning to check for a predator. A tuna fish leaps, an Arctic tern glides, roebucks jump, kangaroos bound while a giant owl with vicious claws perches ominously on a tree stump ready to pounce.

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Like those corny horror films set in museums, such is the tension inherent in many of his pieces, you feel that once the lights are turned off at the end of the day, the sculptures will burst into life and cause mayhem in the Mall.

For Mackie's works are no mere representations of the animal form. With his signature "loose" method of sculpting in clay, he can highlight different muscular formations within the animal's anatomy to an extraordinarily accurate level. Then he creates a silicon rubber mould negative to cover the clay, followed by a positive wax mould, a negative ceramic and, finally, the positive bronze casting in which even his fingerprints are often visible.

In this way, he can invest in each sculpture a personality. He is aided in the task by the 20-year relationship with Simon Allison and other employees of the Rockbound Foundry near his Oxfordshire home.

The importance of witnessing animals in the wild is vital to this process. "What I like doing is seeing an animal in its own habitat to actually feel what it's about and why it's like what it is because of its own environment," he tells me. "That's a really important part of understanding what's going on in the animal's head."

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The works on show in Life in Bronze 2016 are the fruits of the last 4-5 years' work. Most recently he has travelled to Africa, Asia and Australia. The elephants above were spotted at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya.

"What I wanted to do was to capture the family hierarchy, so you've got an old mother who's very chilled and docile and calm with a four-year-old calf in the front who is wild and boisterous and quite often they go out in the front act as an ascari (guard) and then a rather delicate and fragile youngster at the back."

Mackie would normally carry what he calls his studio box with him in the field. This comprises a plastic explorer case in which he can hang an armature, the framework on which he can build his sculpture, that he can bring out when studying an animal. Occasionally, he gets caught out.

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"They had a hand-reared Serval cat and I hadn't made an armature. I wasn't prepared for it so I actually made one out of an old gutter bracket and I had enough plasticine with me to make an impromptu study."

Once he has acquired the basic proportions, shape and understanding of the animal's behavioural characteristics, Mackie will then finish the final 20% of the composition through photographs and memory. On average, it takes him 10 days to make the original and around three months to cast it into bronze.

It took him a year to create perhaps his most publicly well-known and prize-winning sculptures, the six horses that seemingly gallop through the fountains of the piazza at Goodman's Fields in London, a commission by the Berkeley Group developers.

It's a nice touch that a scale model of one of these over life-size horses, the Goodman's Andalusian Stallion 2014 (above) now stands outside the British Council building adjacent to the Mall Galleries and greets visitors approaching from the Trafalgar Square end of the Mall. It will remain there for the duration of the exhibition and, unless sold, may return to the grounds of Blenheim Palace where it has graced one of the lawns for the past two years.

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Life in Bronze 2016 is showing at the Mall Galleries, the Mall, London SW1 until 22 October.
Willys de Castro (1926-88) was an artist in the broadest sense of the word. Before achieving fame as a painter both within and outside his native Brazil, his talents included composer, printmaker, theatre set designer, costume designer and poet. All this came after a university degree in chemistry.

His place in the art pantheon lies chiefly for his Objetos Ativos (Active Objects) which pushed the boundaries of painting in the late 1950s and early '60s. This exhibition is the current in a series put on by Cecilia Brunson Projects that aims to introduce London audiences to important Brazilian contemporary artists. It covers the period which traces the journey that resulted in de Castro's artistic and intellectual leap, and is presented in association with the Almeida e Dale Art Gallery in Sao Paulo.

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As his Pierrot (above) from 1953 illustrates, de Castro retained elements of figurative painting in his early work. There's the shape of a head and body with plenty of movement despite the defined shapes. It wasn't to last.

Latin America at the time was immersed in the ideas of rationalism - a form of abstract visual language based on geometrical patterns aimed to appeal to the mind rather than the emotions. It was a time in Brazil and other parts of Latin America of increasing industrialisation and technological change. Artists were rebelling against repressive regimes using figurative art as propaganda tools. They wanted a geometric art that had no political connotations.

The Brazilian movement called Concretism had become the orthodoxy but it was not enough for a new generation of leading artists and intellectuals such as Lygia Clark, Helio Oiticica and de Castro. Though they shared a similar interest in abstraction and the use of colour to convey scientific principles, they felt that it lacked a soul. The Neoconcretists, as they called themselves, wanted a more poetic aesthetic, more meaning and a greater sense of freedom in their work.

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Willys de Castro had first dabbled in abstract geometric forms during a graphic arts apprenticeship in 1950. In drawings such as Untitled (above), he added a sense of playfulness, something he believed rationalism lacked. He used the three ridges in the graph paper as a way to make the viewer's mind think through the simple patterns, associating the ridges together to complete the pattern. The philosophy was to involve the viewer as part of the work, merging art and life.

Soon Willys de Castro and his fellow Neoconcretists wanted to go further. Gallery owner and curator Cecilia Brunson takes up the story.

"One of the things inherited from the Renaissance was that there's a vantage point in painting where the viewer's perception and eye always want to go, so it's the horizon let's say. The history of art is based on that. Abstract Expressionism broke with that. They created big, flat canvases and there's no vantage point any more. So Willys de Castro asks can we re-think the vantage point, can there be a vantage point in a flat canvas, and he created the Active Object."

The Active Object (as above) maintained traditional artistic elements - paint, a canvas, a wall - but it was now in three dimensions. What's more it had to be "activated" by the viewer having to move to the right or left to grasp fully what the painting was about, to appreciate the dialogue formed between the opposing angles of each work. Time and movement became integral elements of what is essentially part painting, part sculpture.

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"It has an incredible three-dimensional quality to it", says Cecilia Brunson. "It is materialised physically, perceptually and mentally. This is one of the great moments in art history."

One should stress too that these are not just artistic statements. Each work is meticulously drawn and thought out. Though the shapes are geometric and well-defined, as with a lot of Castro's pieces in this exhibition, evidence of the artist's hand give them a personal quality.

Even before de Castro signed the Neoconcretist Manifesto in 1959, he was writing poetry. He began creating visual poems. The exhibition has two examples of work including Cartaz Poema (above) in which he is thinking spatially as well as succinctly. You can hear the voice going ever lower as you read it.

The exhibition, with more than 20 drawings, paintings and objects tells a story of a highly effervescent and experimental period in Brazilian art. Willys de Castro was to become a great influence for future artists both within Brazil and in the wider world. The show runs at Cecilia Brunson Projects, Royal Oak Yard, Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3GD until 9 December 2016.

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This was the dream:

Gaza, the West Bank. Today.

A wedding is being planned between two young lovers, their families excited and exhausted as the great day drew closer; the joining of two lovers, the joining of two families.

But there was the ongoing conflict (for all practical purposes, a war) that seemed endless, smoking fires burning near where the wedding was to take place.

Then the bomb, somewhere, close enough. Accusations. The usual. The bodies. The usual. The pain. And the curfew. No gatherings permitted. No one allowed outside. Always the men deciding. The wedding could not take place.

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The exhausted mother of the bride tried to console the crying daughter. Consolation was not possible. Explanations and rationalizations were no longer possible. The mother had run out of a lifetime of accepting what she could not change. She was too tired. Too old. Enough was enough.

But still the mother had to go out to do the laundry, to wash the clothes, the sheets, the towels for the wedding guests. Laundry basket tucked under her large, strong arm, she was stopped by the soldier. They argued. He became angry. The mother became angry. His gun was aimed. Always the gun. She retreated. He had won.

But no. She had had enough. She returned with a bucket of soapy water and sat on her porch step and proceeded to do the laundry as mothers had always done. The exhausted mother of the groom ran up to her as the soldiers came. She also had a basket of laundry under her arm. She had lost two sons to the endless war. She too had had enough. She sat down beside the mother of the bride, and they began to wash their laundry.

The soldiers arrived with their guns and their shouts. But women, mothers, stuck their heads from the dozens of windows and shouted down at the soldiers "Enough! Enough!"

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The nervous soldiers backed down, left for orders, for reinforcements against two women doing their laundry on a porch step.

They returned to find dozens of women doing their laundry in the street, dozens more hanging their clean laundry out their windows to dry, or suspending them across the streets like multi-colored flags. The soldiers halted, uncertain what to do. They were ordered to retreat, to let the women have their day.

But that day became another and another and then another, the women, the mothers, the grandmothers, and great-grandmothers doing their laundry in the streets. Joined by others preparing meals for the women, food placed on tables brought into the streets. The beds were pulled out and cots and chairs and the women slept outside as the soldiers watched, helpless. The women laughed and sang and danced as the men watched. The mothers would not go back in. Not again. Not anymore.

Then the news of these Palestinian women reached the Israeli mothers and sisters and wives who had suffered too long, long enough. And they started hanging pillow cases out their windows in support of the women of Gaza and Israel.

Like the mothers of the disappeared in Argentina. Like the mothers of the fallen children in Ireland.

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And soon men, sons and brothers and husbands of goodwill joined in.

The newspapers called it "The War Of Pillow Cases."

And the news spread, and soon thousands, then hundreds of thousands, then millions of women hung pillow cases out their windows in support of life, from the Middle East, to China, to Russia, to South America, to Europe, to the United States.

And these women became a political and economic army. They became a movement. And soon they became a nation without borders. And they made their demands.

And soon the battles ended. Soon the walls came down. And the world had changed.

And soon a long-delayed wedding in Gaza was celebrated. And the whole world held a glass of wine in a toast.
The 2016 election is potentially the most bizarre and widely reported presidential election ever. After many controversies from both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump's campaigns, polls have tightened in many states, albeit generally to Clinton's advantage. They currently poll equally in Utah, the state that most strongly voted Republican in 2012 - although Mitt Romney had home state advantage - and Clinton is only 4 points behind Trump in Texas, widely regarded as the largest, safe Republican state.

However, there has been very little discussion about Alaska, America's newest and largest state, and a state that has become increasingly blue since 2000. It is hard to imagine that a state that elected Sarah Palin for Governor in 2006 could become a battleground state in 2016, or at least 2020. As of October 16th, fivethirtyeight.com polls Trump at 45.7% and Clinton as 40.7% - Clinton is only 5 points behind Trump in a state that has only voted Democrat once, for President Johnson in 1964.

Around 300,000 voters vote in Alaska in the presidential election. If this holds, and Clinton is 5% behind Trump currently, she has a 15,000 vote deficit. 15,000 votes may be a lot in Alaska, but it is not enough to for a firm victory for Trump in America's largest state. 15,000 voters could easily not vote for Trump in protest, or vote for a third party candidate, in which Clinton would edge closer to winning Alaska's three electoral votes.

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So why is Clinton projected to do well in the state? There could be a number of reasons.

Alaska has swung toward the Democratic Party in Presidential elections since 2000. George W. Bush cleared 30.5% ahead of rival Al Gore in 2000 - a decisive victory for Bush. However, 4 years later this had shrunk to a 25.6% lead. John Kerry also won counties in southeast Alaska, its most populous area. Obama held this county and won parts of western Alaska in 2008, shrinking the lead to 21.53% despite Palin being the first Alaskan to run in a presidential race. In 2012 this shrunk further, to a 13.99% lead for the Republicans. With a 7.5% swing to the Democrats between 2008 and 2012, this was the largest swing to the Democrats that season, despite the Democrats having a sitting President.

Clinton may also favour well this election because of increased literature being printed in Native Alaskan language (Yup'ik and Gwich'in). This is likely to increase the percentage of votes by Native Alaskans, who like Native Indians are keen on Clinton's overall support for increased native rights and her opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline. Democrats have also put a lot of effort into understanding and attracting Native Alaskans and Native Americans for years, realising their Senate majority may depend the Native American vote. President Obama and President Clinton are the last two Presidents to spend much time on Native American land, demonstrating an appeal from Democrats to these tribes.

Native Alaskans often pick a candidate rather than their party. They elected Lisa Murkowski, a write-in candidate for Senate in 2010 and are likely to elect her again in 2016. However, this year they are faced with a choice between Clinton and Trump for President. Native Alaskan tribes are societies that tend to be matriarchal. The Trump tapes, in which he brags about sexual assault, could lead Trump into problems with Native Alaskan communities. In contrast, Clinton may benefit not only because of her policies but also because of her gender in a society that endorses matriarchy.

Alaska has around 88,000 Alaskan natives eligible to vote. No Presidential election in Alaska has been decided by more than 88,000 votes. Simply put, if Native Alaskans decided to fully support one candidate over another, and vote, that candidate is likely to win Alaska and their three electoral votes. Trump is unlikely to gain the support of this growing electorate and it is up to Clinton to earn it.

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After 'Brexit', British farmers will no longer receive funding from the EU where subsidies are currently vital in preserving the livelihoods of farmers. The UK's departure from the European Union will hinder many industries in the UK, but it can also be used as an opportunity to seize a chance to improve some of the problems that the country faces such as low productivity. In particular, farming in the UK must tackle the issue of efficiency where British farming is not sustainable without subsidies.

If no subsidies are pursued, subsidies could, in theory, be scrapped over at least a five year period in a shift that would see farming in the UK move away from dependency on subsidies and towards greater productivity. Britain's exit from the European Union, and thus a departure from CAP (Common Agriculture Policy) which maintains subsidies for farmers at a high level, would allow for a dramatic change in the UK farming industry in a bid to render farming more efficient and productive.

Currently, supermarkets in the UK seek to increase their market share and maintain artificially low food prices at the expense of British farmers. Supermarkets buy farmers' produce often at lower price than the cost of the farmer producing the food stuffs, for example a litre of milk costs a farmer 30p to produce, but supermarkets pay the farmer an average of 23p. British supermarkets' are engaged in a competitive oligopoly which drives down prices for consumers, but has hurt farmers and led them to rely on subsidies.

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A high level of subsidies can distort markets and make goods more expensive, for example in Switzerland, the government pays significantly high subsidies to farmers, which has held back productivity and led to high prices of meat in particular. Countries such as New Zealand and Australia have managed to reduce subsidies and ensure the survival of farming. In New Zealand this transition to a subsidy-free farming industry in 1984, did lead to a decrease in 1% of the total number of farmer. But New Zealand has been able to increase its productivity significantly, for example the number of sheep has been reduced from 70 million to 40 million but produce the same amount of sheep meat. The removal of subsidies led to New Zealand farmers cutting costs, increasing profits and improving efficiency, with a greater attention to the demands of the market by farmers. The removal of subsidies could increase exports and overall make the UK farming industry more competitive.

Temoving subsidies immediately would negatively impact the farming industry, where in 2015 UK farmers received around 2.4 billion in direct payments, according to the NFU. The UK government would be unable to maintain funding for farmers at the same level as CAP, where 55 percent of UK total income from farming comes from CAP. Farmers also have access to 4 billion worth of funding for rural development projects in the UK between 2014-2020.

Perhaps the biggest threat of 'Brexit' to the farming industry is the uncertainty created by the exit of the UK from the EU where the impact of the departure is difficult to predict and the importance of CAP funding will be undoubtedly felt. Consultancy Agra Europe warned that a British exit from the EU could lead to land prices dramatically falling with 90 percent of farmers forced out of the farming industry. Switzerland and Norway, both outside of the EU, rank high of countries that provide subsidies to farmers. Government subsidies in Switzerland totalled 57 percent of farm income in 2012, and in Norway agricultural subsidies was worth 63 percent of farm income in the same year. If the UK farming industry is to be sustainable, a move away from subsidies could potentially be more profitable and efficient.

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Technology. It's a wonderful thing. A source of fascination to me since childhood. Well, since my nursery school days to be precise. Two decades later, I'm using digital media to engage and interact with emerging young talent.

So, how did it all start?

As an energetic and inquisitive three-year-old, I was totally in awe of my uncle's computer system. The thunderous tapping of the keyboard and incessant clicking of the mouse were as amazing to listen to as they were to watch. MS-DOS was mind-blowing. You could press a few buttons and make things happen. It looked like so much fun that I wanted to have a go too! Before I knew it, I had successfully repaired my nursery school's computer. Shutdown and reboot; sorted. Back to joining the class and learning more nursery rhymes, but this was only the beginning of my journey into the world of digital technology and it went on to affect me in ways I never dreamed of.

My burgeoning interests in this domain diverted me towards media, after somehow navigating a path into my family's video equipment and editing software. I have retained a strong interest in video production ever since I was at primary school. Since then, I have created a short film series with one episode that was shortlisted for a national film award, and I have reported and presented for radio and online TV, catering to varied audiences and working with diverse content.

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This takes me to social media, a powerful and dynamic tool that has rapidly evolved over the last decade and continues to influence the lives of many. Over the last five years, it has enabled me to utilise various digital platforms to connect and positively engage with the youth through my own networks. Every day during Ramadan this year, I used Facebook's livestream feature to share my experiences and initiate discussions over a range of topics such as food, Euro 2016 and the result of the EU Referendum. I received positive reactions and comments from my viewers. I did not know anyone else from my hometown, Cambridge, who was doing this during the month - it was about offering a different alternative that people within my locality could interact with and look forward to.

In contrast, social media has also been a region of personal disappointment and frustration, knowing there are young and talented individuals who do exist and are not receiving the credit they deserve - particularly within the Asian communities. I wanted to address this and numerous issues involving the youth throughout the British Bangladeshi community.

Presenting the chat show web series Youth Corner (Photo credit: LB24tv)

A British Bangladeshi online TV network offered me the opportunity to present a chat show web series called Youth Corner. The aims of the series were to highlight the achievements of young and emerging talent in various fields, providing a platform for guests to share their experiences and inspiring stories, and discuss topics relevant to them such as education, career development and much more. It has so far reached tens of thousands of users via Facebook, numbers that are increasing on a daily basis.

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Abu Ali, a Clinical Data Manager from North London, was my first-ever guest of the series. "I was delighted to be the first guest," he said. "It was a great opportunity to explain to the younger community what opportunities you have, how you can achieve them and make a difference. It also led to presenting a new show myself, so I can be grateful to Youth Corner for that!"

Abu Ali, a Clinical Data Manager, was the first guest to appear on Youth Corner (Photo credit: LB24tv)

Amira Haque, a midwifery student from the University of the West of Scotland was a guest on Youth Corner. "The series is a fantastic initiative that exhibits the work and skills of lesser-known people," she explained. "It inspires young people to do good and succeed in their respective fields, showing that success isn't all about becoming a doctor, lawyer or engineer."

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Amira Haque, a midwifery student, was crowned Young Person of the Year for Cambridgeshire in 2015 (Photo credit: LB24tv)

Shuhel Ahmed, an East London-based filmmaker, was another to make an appearance on my show and explained the challenges he has faced with his work. "When this opportunity arose, I felt this was my best chance to express and discuss why I love what I do," he said. "It gave me conviction and belief that my work is getting noticed, and that all those hard long hours working away does really pay off. Appearing on Youth Corner allowed me to demonstrate to my family and friends that it is possible to achieve success in this industry."

Shuhel Ahmed, a filmmaker from East London, talked about his upcoming short film series for the first time on Youth Corner (Photo credit: LB24tv)

From my own personal experiences and what I have seen within my own community, it is clear to me that young talent is in abundance, but what concerns me is the lack of media platforms out there supporting them. Many Bangladeshi media outlets I have come across seem to promote the same faces time and again and I feel it is dispiriting for those hard-working individuals who are desperate to make a breakthrough, but get overlooked.

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Youth Corner enabled guests to feel empowered, instilling them with confidence and the belief that their work and achievements are being recognised and appreciated. Through Youth Corner, I have been able to network with young people from different walks of life and it has been a great learning experience for me.

I am especially grateful that I was given an opportunity to present my own show, but also to focus on issues that I am passionate about. The youth is the next generation and will ultimately be the ones who lead us into the future. There is still so much work to be done, but my recent encounters have filled me with optimism and belief that digital media can make a significant contribution, particularly for the youth. Attitudes within the British Bangladeshi community are changing steadily and this is encouraging.
Freedom of speech and freedom of expression, these are things that we take for granted here in the UK. However, upon closer inspection the facade of liberty fades away quickly. Lip service is always paid to these rights, but their words are hollow and void. They begin by saying "I'm for free speech" and I always sit precariously on the edge of my seat waiting for the disheartening and inevitable word "but" to follow. This renders the first half of the sentence completely null.

This rhetoric does not stand alone though, to its right stands restrictions written into law, restrictions that infringe on your human rights and to its left stands courts that will punish you for violating these restrictions. In this country, we do not have freedom of speech and we do not have freedom of expression. We need to stop lying to ourselves.

In the public order act of 1986 it states in part 1 section 4A that a person can be fined or imprisoned if they use insulting language that causes someone to be distressed. Insulting language! This is absurd! And indeed very frightening. What counts as an insult? Well according to the oxford English dictionary it can be defined as speaking to or treating someone with disrespect. You can have your liberty stripped from you if someone reacts negatively to disrespect. Never mind if disrespect is just.

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Also if we look at the Communications Act of 2003, section 127, it states that you can be prosecuted if you send a message that is indecent, obscene or menacing. Who decides what is indecent or obscene? Well that entirely depends on who you ask. If I were to ask a conservative Muslim, they might say that to them drawings of Mohammed are indecent and obscene. Just ask the thousands who protested against Charlie Hebdo after the brutal barbarism that took place there. It just shows that the terms used are far too pliable, they can be twisted and distorted so that pretty much anything said is prosecutable.

Also the wording of the section gives rise to the fact that no one even needs to be aggrieved or even offended by the statement to be illegal. The statements are intrinsically illegal by the fact that someone might find them obscene or indecent. With these written into law, we do not have freedom of speech.

Even our Human Rights Act of 1998 does not throw its full weight behind what it states to promote. For example, Article 10, paragraph 2 gives a list of reasons when freedom of expression may be prohibited. Out of the list I want to draw attention to two of the reasons given. Firstly, it states that freedom of expression may be prohibited to protect morals. First of all, whose morals? What morals? Every individual has their own set of morals. How can something this subjective be law? I don't have the words for how exasperated I am.

Secondly, the act says that your freedom of expression can be infringed upon to protect someone's reputation. Please note that it does not make any distinction between true statements or false statements. True statements that tarnish someone's reputation are just as fair game as false ones. I dare say that the revelations about David Cameron's fraternity antics somewhat tarnished his reputation. Under this act if the government wanted to penalize, punish or imprison you for sharing that news story, they would have been well within their rights to do so. Which to me is an outrage as it gives the government power to censor news that would otherwise be important to the public.

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narvikk via Getty Images

In the early hours of Friday the 24th June 2016, I and many other Remainers looked in horror as David Dimbleby confirmed our worst fears; Britain had voted to leave the European Union. Despite being heavily against the idea of Brexit from the outset, the referendum has by no means changed my opinion on the matter. However, I realise that we are in the large minority and so accept that Britain has to leave the EU. Nevertheless, this process has just begun, and the voices of 48% of the British people cannot be ignored.

First of all, there are 16 million people who didn't want Brexit to happen in the first place and so voted remain. If the government and right-wing press continue to suppress the voices of these people, it would simply equate to ignoring the democratic right of the electorate. Over the past few weeks, the Daily Mail and other pro-Brexit newspapers have labelled everyone who voted Remain as 'Remoaners' and 'Liberal elitists'. This kind of language is divisive and wrong. It further segregates our country and will result in an everlasting divide between Remain and Leave voters. It is the responsibility of the government to include everyone in Article 50 negations, and it is the responsibility of the press to stop trying to silence 48% of the British people.

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Since Theresa May moved into number 10, she and her government have been intentionally vague about what Brexit actually looks like. The infamous 'Brexit means Brexit' (or 'Breakfast' according to Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies) line has not developed any further and we are non-the-wiser than we were three months ago. Over the course of the referendum campaign, Vote Leave made pie-in-the-sky claims, such as the notorious '350m a week for the NHS', which ultimately won them the vote. The Prime Minister has not revealed anything about what kind of deal we might be getting, and with so many options available, the British people are being left in the dark.

This is exactly why Parliament should scrutinise and approve any Brexit settlement before it is implemented. MPs have a duty to represent their constituents, and with everyone wanting something different from Britain's departure, the views of the people must be listened to and echoed by their elected representatives in Parliament. The people voted Leave, but how we leave should not be left to Theresa May, Boris Johnson, David Davies, and Liam Fox.

The truth is, Brexit will be a case of either being able to control immigration and be free from European Legislation, or continuing to obey EU laws in order to save jobs and keep the economy moving forward. In a recent YouGov survey, 62% of people said they would not want to cut migration if it meant sacrificing any part of their income. All the head economists in the world agree that a Hard Brexit would result in a cut in income, especially for those on minimum wage, and so it seems unlikely that a deal resulting in a fall in net migration would not have the consequence of falling incomes. Brexiteers who insist that we must listen to the public who voted Leave must apply the same logic and listen to the majority of people who favour a Brexit deal which results in a close bond with the European Union.

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Let us not forget the main argument Vote Leave used to win the referendum: Parliament should take back control over British affairs. Using Vote Leave's own argument, surely Parliament should have the power to vote on any deal? After all, the unelected Prime Minister does not have complete power over the country. As the vote showed us, the people want Parliament to be sovereign.
European Council President Tusk meets Milo Dukanovic, Prime Minister of Montenegro - via Flickr

Not a day goes by without the European Union getting flack from London. However, while the UK is trying to get itself untangled from Brussels' bureaucracy, several other European countries are lining up and placing their hopes on the EU - seen at the same time as both a model worth following and a club worth joining. However, Eurocrats would be wise not to lick their post-Brexit wounds by accelerating the enlargement process and mistake some countries' enthusiasm for virtue.

Take Montenegro, a small south-eastern country feted as a longstanding partner of the West, and the current trajectory of its parliamentary elections, due take place on October 16th. Sadly, the poll is providing a startling reflection of both the country's democratic failings and the EU's own naivete. Despite having opened negotiations for EU membership since June 2012, and despite signing the Accession Protocol with NATO in May, Montenegro is grossly unfit for either.

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Over the last two and a half decades in power, Montenegro's long-time ruler Milo Djukanovic has ratcheted up quite the rap sheet. The seven-term Prime Minister has been accused of everything from strong arming political opponents and locking up dissidents, to creating "one of the most dedicated kleptocracies and organized crime havens in the world." In 2003, Italian authorities accused Djukanovic of "having promoted, run, set up, and participated in a mafia-type association," which made headlines at the time after the president himself was questioned in the southern city of Bari. The charges of participating in a cigarette smuggling operation were subsequently dropped, as Djukanovic claimed diplomatic immunity.

Adding more fuel to the fire, the legitimacy of the upcoming election has already been called into question. The government is suspected to have refused to update the electoral register, which is reported to contain thousands of duplicate voters or the names of already deceased citizens. Interior Minister Goran Danilovic refused to sign the electoral roll, accusing the regime of planning to commit electoral fraud on a massive scale. That wouldn't be surprising as demonstrations in late 2015 against corruption were violently suppressed, and one of the top leaders of the opposition movement was arrested. A May 2016 Eurobarometer poll revealed that 68% of those surveyed did not trust their government, while the national parliament was mistrusted by 65%. As such, the main opposition coalition, the Democratic Front, is running neck and neck with the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), enjoying 42% and 43% of the votes respectively according to polls.

Despite the many charges against Djukanovic, European and Atlantic integration were allowed to carry on apace. While in its 2014 Montenegro Progress Report the European Commission criticized delays in the implementation of various legislative reforms, particularly in the fight against corruption, Brussels still agreed to bankroll the regime to the tune of 207 million over the next few years. Worse, the European Commission has largely ignored the opposition parties, focusing solely on Djukanovic's DPS.

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And Montenegro isn't the only culprit. On a recent visit to Turkey, Boris Johnson reiterated that the UK "will help Turkey in any way" to successfully join the EU - despite his own starring role in leading the crusade against EU membership. What's more, the promise of help blatantly disregards Ankara's heavy-handed actions since the July failed military coup. With the state of emergency extended for three more months, more than 100,000 government workers dismissed or suspended, all of the country's 1577 university deans forced to resign, and scores of journalists arrested, Turkey's society truly is in a dismal state.

Then what explains the EU's continued interest in cozying up to such regimes? The truth is that both Erdogan and Djukanovic have catered towards a specific European grievance, all the while using the accession campaign as a means of consolidating power and engaging in corruption. Erdogan leverages his role in the refugee crisis, while Djukanovic presents himself as a European partner against Russian aggression.

Inviting these countries in the European Union would just repeat the mistakes made in the past with Central and Eastern European countries, some of whom are struggling even with the basic tenets of the democratic creed even after more than a decade of EU membership. Poland's democratic reversal has been probably the most sudden, after the populist Law and Justice party swept to power in 2015. The party embarked on an aggressive plan to remake Polish society by subverting and weakening the country's institutions.

In breach of the Council of Europe's norms to uphold the public interest in broadcasting, Polish President Jarosaw Kaczynski signed into effect this January the Law on Public Service Media Governance, thereby placing public TV and radio under tighter ministerial control. Similarly, Hungary's Viktor Orban has professed his unyielding desire to create an "illiberal democracy", modelled after Vladimir Putin's Russia or Erodgan's Turkey. In both cases, the EU sat by and resigned itself to wagging its finger at both leaders.
Here we are less than a month until voters in the USA take a decision in one of the most unprecedented elections ever to take place in the 'Land of the Free', a decision on the most powerful leader on the planet, a decision that will have global ramifications.

On one side we have Donald Trump, a man who nobody expected to win the Republican Party nomination to be president of the United States of America. A man whose name strikes genuine fear into the hearts of many people because of the very real possibility that he could be President Trump in a matter of weeks. This is an individual who has played to anger itself to get to the position he finds himself in now. He talks about unemployment rising when in fact it's actually been decreasing. He presents a guise of being a successful businessmen yet he inherited much of his money including an infamous 'small loan of a million dollars', and many of his ventures have failed such as Trump Steaks and Trump University. He has mocked the disabled, insulted Mexicans and proposed to ban Muslims from entering the United States. Yet he speaks in simple terms and he presents an apparent easy fix to complex problems and that is seductive. Who doesn't like an easy solution? This reels people in. The reality however is that the complex problems that face America cannot be solved with his solutions.

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One must hope that when it comes to Trump, if he is elected, much of what he says will fail to materialise or be implemented. The reality is for him to be able to pass legislation he is going to have to have the support of congress, but considering his unpopularity amongst elected Republicans, let alone Democrats, this will prove difficult. Congress also has the power to override his veto on matters if 66% of its members are opposed. This was illustrated recently when Obama was overridden on his stance towards families suing members of the Saudi Arabian government for their alleged involvement in the 9/11 attacks. Obama called this a 'dangerous precedent', but would we really regard it as dangerous if Trump was the one being overridden?

Hilary Clinton however is no angel. She is someone who has been very heavily embedded in a political establishment that people feel has failed them. As the First Lady, then a Senator, Secretary of State and now the presidential nominee for the Democrat Party. She is an individual who the majority of Americans do not trust and this is not without merit. One only has to look at the use of her own private server for emails whilst working as Secretary of State and her deletion of thousands of emails upon discovery, to see evidence of why this is. As a former naval flight officer rightly said on the Commander-in-Chief Forum on NBC questioning the candidates, if he had done what Clinton had done he 'would be in prison.'

The electorate face the two most hated nominees in history, a strong word to use but a reality nonetheless considering the language I have heard bandied around describing both of them. A lot of voters are making their choice with a heavy heart for what is regarded as the lesser of two evils, Hilary Clinton; nobody I have spoken to is voting for her with enthusiasm.
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Lady Barbara Judge is the first chairwoman of the Institute of Directors. She recently hit the headlines when she made some controversial comments about women and maternity leave. This is what she said:

"I know it's counter-cultural but I think long maternity breaks are bad for women...My mother used to say: 'When the baby is born it needs to be fed, bathed and diapered. An 18-year-old girl can do that. Your job is to get the money to pay the 18-year-old girl. When you have to be there is when the child gets smarter than the nanny'."

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Her comments sparked a backlash from women across the country raising counter arguments which include:

1) The extortionate cost of childcare in the UK making it impossible for some women to return to work. Only the very privileged few can afford a nanny.

2) The reluctance of many employers to offer flexible working, again making it impossible for many women to return to work

3) The plethora of research that shows babies need an attachment figure for at least the first 6 months of their life, the stronger that attachment, the more likely the child will grow up to be happy and successful. Parental leave also gives the parent the opportunity to bond with their child

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4) The plethora of research that shows women who take maternity leave are less likely to experience post-natal depression, are more likely to breastfeed their babies and are more likely to ensure their babies have their immunisations and health checks.

What is missing from this discussion is how maternity leave has been dismissed by Lady Barbara Judge as something an 18 year old can do. Not only is this disrespectful and patronising but it clearly shows that Ms Judge has reduced maternity leave down to a list of practical chores. The emotional aspect has completely escaped her. Her assessment that maternity leave is one continuous succession of feeding and bottom wiping is inaccurate and must be addressed if we are to value parental leave as something which has a benefit to society.

Giving birth to your first child is a big deal. You have a new identity, you are no longer an individual, you have serious, life-changing responsibilities. Looking after a child is one of the most complex endeavours a human can undertake. In addition to wiping bottoms, we are learning to bond, learning to love, learning to connect. We don't just do this behind closed doors, a major part of maternity leave (or more accurately, parental leave) is about connecting with your child by connecting with others. Parents who have taken time out to care for their child have invested some of that time in forging new local relationships. This activity is the social glue that ensures neighbourhoods function. Parents are deeply invested in well functioning neighbourhoods, they want their children to have friends, they want to mix with other parents and they want their local area to be the best it can be as it is where their child will grow up. This is the foundation for community and without community there is no unity, no social collaboration. Since having a baby I have a completely new relationship with my local neighbourhood, I don't just live in a house in Manchester, I am part of a community in Levenshulme. I invest in that community and nurture those relationships as raising a child is a social activity. Maternity leave afforded me the time and the headspace to be a part of my community. If every parent returned to a full time job straight after having a baby I believe this would have a negative impact on local relationships, ultimately eroding the communities which generate cooperative neighbourhoods.

More than all of this though, isn't it about the kind of world we want to live in? I love my job and I have never considered myself to be particularly maternal, but the idea of giving birth to my son and then immediately handing him over to a stranger goes against every fibre of my being.

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Lady Barbara Judge is the embodiment of neoliberalism, I am sure she sees her comments as a helpful way to ensure women can compete on an equal playing field, and in some ways, what she says is correct - women are punished for taking maternity leave. If we stopped taking maternity leave we would be less likely to endure maternity discrimination - but although this will solve one problem it will open up a pandora's box of problems for future generations, including less cohesive communities.
The proposals for penalising advisers are dangerous and should be dropped.

Ok, so what's the big deal? Sure, Monday was the final day for responses to the HM Revenue and Customs Consultation Paper "Strengthening Tax Avoidance Sanctions and Deterrents", but what has that got to do with the readers of the Huffington Post? What is a technical article doing in a natonal newspaper? Wake up editorial board! This is stuff for accountants and people like that to worry about, not a highly respectable readership who would sooner sell their grandmothers into slavery than avoid a penny of tax which was legally or morally due.

If you came from the Middle East, or one of those places where they read books and consultative papers backwards, you might, for a time, think that that was right. That is because some of the proposals towards the end of the document are perfectly sensible. For example, the idea that a taxpayer, if he gets things wrong in his tax return, should have the burden of proving that he exercised reasonable care if he is to avoid a penalty. After all, he is the one who knows the facts. Some of the suggestions about HMRC sending warnings to taxpayers about schemes may have theoretical attractions too, although HMRC will certainly have to beef up their firepower if they are to work successfully. Still all these concerns are for those who flirt with tax avoidance. They have nothing to do with us.

The early part of the document is much more worrying. That isn't because it bears hard on those involved in tax avoidance. Who cares about them these days? Nor is it that the proposals might make life difficult for professional firms. They have a way of looking after themselves. No, the reason that part 2 of the document is important is that the proposals contained in it threaten to undermine the UK's economy and, following the Brexit vote, that is a very serious matter indeed.

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I have your attention now, don't I? Well, let's take advantage of that and explain something of what the early part of the document actually does. Amongst other things it proposes penalties for those who advise on failed tax avoidance arrangements. Now "tax avoidance arrangements" sound pretty dubious; "yucky", yes that is the word. They are not, however, fraudulent. Concealing things from HMRC so that they can't tax you is already a criminal offence as is advising people on how best to do it. Tax avoidance is quite different. Tax avoiders are people who organise their affairs in a way which is legal but reduces the tax they pay. It becomes "defeated" tax avoidance if, in the end, the courts decide that it didn't work after all and the provisions under consultation would impose penalties on the advisers if the reason for that defeat is that the arrangements are shot down by one of the UK's many targeted anti avoidance rules - rules saying that you don't get a tax deduction if it would have been a main benefit of your transaction, that sort of thing.

With me so far? Then let's move to the boardroom of Meginvest Inc, an American company setting up in the UK. The time is late 2017.

John Meginvest III: "Say now, UK advisers, I'd like to use a structure which should reduce our UK tax bill. I circulated it before the meeting. Can we use it in a way which complies with UK law?"

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UK advisers: "We can't advise you on that"

John Meginvest III: "Hey, what do you mean, you can't advise me? I need to know if this is okay or whether it is barred by the UK's anti-avoidance rule. I run an honest company and would not want to do something that was against the law here. C'mon, you are expensive enough. You must be able to tell me if it is a 'no, no' or, if it is allowed, how to make sure it works."

UK advisers: "Yes, we think we know the answers but we can't tell you. It's a matter of our insurance."

John Meginvest III: "Insurance? Look I know that it isn't always possible to be completely certain and that you will qualify your advice accordingly, but I need your best shot on this. You know, what you really think and, if it is OK, how best to do it."

UK Advisers: "No you don't understand, Sir. Under the UK's new tax laws, advisers who advise on arrangements which they think are OK by the rules and turn out to be wrong have to pay penalties in proportion to the tax. Meginvest is a very big corporation and our insurers would not cover the risk. We simply daren't advise you on the arrangements."

John Meginvest III: "How in tarnation (yes, I believe that in some states, Americans still speak like this) do I find out whether I can use this structure in a way which complies with UK law or not? Do I have to toss a coin or do I deal with advisers who are beyond the reach of the UK Revenue authorities? That isn't the way I like to do business. I think I'll invest in Germany instead."

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Before you brush all this away as unimportant, give a thought to India, a country which, for reasons concerned with a domestic legal monopoly, for many years barred foreign law firms from practising there. The absence of firms able to deliver a high quality combination of local and international expertise is said to have cost India billions of pounds of investment and to have been a major factor in holding back its economy. No certainty: no investment.

The success or failure of post Brexit Britain will depend on our success in attracting international trade and one of the advantages that we rely on to help us do this is the fact that our laws are clear and fairly interpreted by the courts. However there is absolutely no point in having clear rules if people cannot get professional advice on how they apply. That loses the certainty on which business relies every bit as surely as unclear rules or bad courts. If the new Financial Secretary begins her term in office by shooting the basis of the country's prosperity in the foot, no one is going to forgive her.

Occasionally. when I eat too much, I suffer from nightmares. Last night it was that the Financial Secretary read this article and was told by her officials that there was no need to worry because advisers were protected by the provisions listed in paragraph 2.29 of the consultative document. Do not be fooled, Madam. These protect those whose advice is "benign" in that they have had no part in designing the arrangements. That is not good enough. The reality is that Mr Meginvest would ask his advisers not just whether his structure was legal but how, if it was, it should best be implemented. Advisers who reply "yes" or "no" in monosyllables are useless.

If the provisions are enacted in the manner contemplated they will undermine the clarity which investors are entitled to expect from a first world country. That will be hugely damaging. What about the alternative, then, of enacting the proposal but giving a much wider exemption for professional advice?

It would be possible to address the problem in this way at the cost of some legislative contortion. To do so, however, misses a bigger point. There is no doubt that UK tax avoidance reached an unacceptable level in the first decade of this century. A battery of legislation has now been enacted to counter that and, perhaps more to the point, avoiding tax is no longer regarded as respectable. The truth is that the job of stemming avoidance has already been done and the enactment of further legislation is now driven more by the need for politicians to strike at a fashionable villain than the need to curb an evil which is already dying.

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Certainly there are still some things that can usefully be done and the change in the burden of proof on reasonable excuse is an example of that. It is really not the time, however, to do things which will harm the nation's trading position when they are no longer necessary.
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It was already the case that the Scottish National Party's Nicola Sturgeon was the only political leader to emerge from the Brexit debacle with any credibility. During her initial public statement after the result of the EU referendum was confirmed on June 24, she extended the hand of friendship to EU migrants and other immigrants living and working in Scotland, assuring them they were welcome and would remain so. It was a powerful statement of solidarity with people who'd found themselves reduced to the status of 'the other' during the course of a political campaign over Britain's membership of the EU that plumbed new depths of indecency and mendacity. Strip away the embroidery and Brexit was driven by a tidal wave of xenophobic and British/English nativist hysteria, whipped by the the right wing of the Tory Party and UKIP.

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Now, four months on, Sturgeon has placed the prospect of a second referendum on Scottish independence back on the table, at the very point at which Brexit starts to make its presence felt economically and politically. In this the SNP leader's hand has been forced by a Prime Minister, Theresa May, who is no mood to compromise when it comes to wrenching Scotland out of the single market, regardless of the fact she has no mandate to do so.

As someone who opposed Scottish independence in 2014, writing numerous articles and appearing in public debates to put the case for unity across the UK on the basis of class, rather than division on the basis of nationality, I now believe that independence for Scotland is not only desirable but necessary. Not only is it necessary in the interests of people in Scotland, but even more significantly it is necessary in order to lift the banner of progressive politics out of the mud, where it currently lies, and raise it as a beacon of hope across a European continent engulfed by the ugly politics of racial and national exceptionalism to an extent not seen since the 1930s.

It is now inarguable that the dominant political culture in Scotland is at odds with its counterpart in England. Even while opposing independence in 2014, I did so while acknowledging the progressive character of a Yes campaign that was a tribute to political engagement, progessive ideas, and discourse. It was inclusive, idealistic, and driven by hope and the expectation of something better, more human and just than the Westminster status quo. Compare this with the ugliness of Brexit and how it unleashed a poisonous anti-immigrant and triumphalist white British nationalism, legitimising xenophobia as a political current.

If anybody had allowed themselves to believe that this explosion of right wing reaction was merely an aberration, the Tory Party conference in Birmingham confirmed it is the new normal. With their verbal broadside against immigration, Theresa May and the Tories have aligned themselves with the working class rump that constitutes the British jobs for British workers crew -- a demographic won to the fallacious argument that dwindling public services and the assault on jobs, wages, and conditions of the past six years is due to immigration and free movement rather than Tory austerity. The Tory Party conference confirmed that Brexit Britain has set sail for the 19th century, back to a time when Britain ruled the waves and Johnny Foreigner knew his rightful place as a lesser breed of a lesser culture.

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Whether we care to admit it or not, the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence raised and awoke a national consciousness that is not going back to sleep anytime soon. It dictates that politics in Scotland is now viewed through this national prism, with Brexit likewise raising its British and English counterpart. The result is that politics across Scotland and the UK has been distilled into a choice between two competing nationalisms.

Who in their right mind, either north or south of the border, could possibly argue which of the two is the more progressive?

As for Jeremy Corbyn, his attempt to return the Labour Party to something approximating to its founding values has only served to confirm that it is a party doomed to disunity and internecine war for years to come.

But even if that were not the case, it is too late for Corbyn to have any serious impact on politics in Scotland. The test of political leadership is one he failed during the EU referendum, fighting a dispassionate and lacklustre campaign of a type consistent with allegations that he wilfully sought to sabotage Remain and in truth supported Brexit. And even if he did not sabotage Labour's campaign to remain, he inarguably failed to understand the true character of this Brexit beast, which is unforgiveable for someone widely considered the most progressive leader Labour has ever had.

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The question now, then, is not if there will be another referendum on Scottish independence, but when. The case made in the 2014 White Paper was nowhere near strong enough and will have to be reconfigured in light of the proven volatility of oil prices and the need to rethink the issue of a national currency. Overall, the vision needs to be more radical and bold, signifying a clear break with the status quo politically, economically, constitutionally, and, not to be underestimated, also morally and ethically. Key, too,will be the role of the EU in supporting the prospect of an independent Scotland as a member of an EU that is long overdue for reform. If the Scottish government receives a pre-guarantee in this regard it will be game on.
This week I had the honour of being invited to mentor schoolgirls on the London Eye as part of the Southbank Centre's Women of the World Festival and the UN's International Day of the Girl celebrations. I have long admired Jude Kelly, the Southbank Centre's Artistic Director, and the work she does to champion women in the arts and fight for equality on a global scale, so I jumped at the opportunity to be involved in such an important initiative.

At the same time, I couldn't help but feel a bit of a fraud. Arriving at the London Eye I saw that the other mentors participating included MPs, celebrities, activists, authors, award-winning journalists... all manner of highly impressive women. I spotted Cherie Blair, Lily Cole, Jo Brand, Kerry McCarthy and numerous other recognisable faces of extremely successful women.

Among all of those, some poor girls were going to have to talk to me! Still, if all else failed, I could tell them about how I once sat next to Adele at an awards ceremony, or impress them with a photo of me and Stormzy... Oh god, I was out of my depth wasn't I?

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Of course, this wasn't the case, and what followed was an incredibly inspiring morning. The girls I mentored were intelligent, passionate and funny, and I came away feeling as if I was the one who had been mentored, not the other way around. I got to thinking about what advice I would give to my younger self, as I entered the music industry aged 20 with a shelf packed with Hanson CDs and a wardrobe full of crop tops. It would be the following...

1. You ARE smart/experienced/beautiful/qualified [delete as applicable] enough

At age 32 that quiet self-confidence and don't-give-a-monkeys-what-people-think-of-me attitude that everyone says women get in their thirties IS beginning to creep in, thank god. During my first few years in the music industry I regularly said barely a word in meetings for fear of my contribution being deemed silly, uninformed or simply unwelcome. I wish I had realised that the things I was thinking and the ideas I had were just as valid as those of the more senior, more male people sat across from me, and just piped up. Why wait to show what you're capable of? It can be daunting starting out in an industry or workplace where people seemingly have so much more experience and authority than you, but your contributions are valid. Whatever the situation, you ARE smart/experienced/beautiful/qualified enough. Speak up.

2. Your female support network is everything

In my early 20s the only relationship I invested significant energy in was the one with my boyfriend. Nowadays I have developed a network of friends who are other young women in the music industry and it has transformed my life and career in every possible way. It is so important to champion other women, and to have a support network. The music industry is notoriously dominated by older white men, but I am inspired daily by the achievements of the young women I know. They challenge, encourage and empower me to pursue my goals and remind me to laugh when it all goes pear shaped! Other women are not competition; they are your greatest allies.

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3. Trust your instincts

This follows on from the first point. There were countless times in my first few years in music when I felt something we were doing should be done differently, that something wouldn't work, when I had an alternative view or idea. But I assumed other people knew better. They were more experienced, more senior, more confident, so they must know better than me, right? Sure enough time and time again my gut instinct turned out to be right. Now I know to trust it. To speak up when I disagree. To pursue my ideas. Listen to other perspectives, work as a team player, but don't ignore your gut instincts.

4. Things get really interesting when you stop playing so SAFE

As a relatively introverted 20-something a lot of things scared me. So I didn't do them. Public speaking? No thanks! Living abroad? But I don't know anyone! Blogging on the Huffington Post? But I don't have anything to say! You get the gist.

At some point a few years a go a quiet little voice in my head said perhaps this is no way to live. Perhaps it would be more fulfilling and I could get more of a sense of achievement by challenging myself, by doing some of these things that scared me. I moved to New York for three months last year and it was the most transformative thing I have ever done. I hate it when people put inspirational quotes on Instagram and this sounds just like one of those, but yes, you should definitely do the things that scare you.

I started out planning to write some tips for young women entering the music industry, but really these four points apply to all young women, regardless of career path. At the Women of the World festival on Tuesday Jude Kelly spoke about how women are entitled to dream as big as they want to. If the girls I mentored that morning are anything to go by, the next generation are going to blow us away.

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On the morning of Wednesday 9 November 2000, Americans awoke, if they had been to bed, to deep confusion regarding who had actually won the US election. That confusion remained for 33 days, through local courts, state courts and recounts, until it was finally decided in the US Supreme Court by a 5-4 margin in a case which summed it all up, Bush v. Gore. This case effectively awarded Florida's 27 Electoral College votes to George W. Bush and therefore the election would go to him by the slimmest of margins in the Electoral College, 271-267. This was despite Al Gore receiving approximately half a million more votes than Bush.

America and the world became aware of what Al Gore has described as "You know the old saying: you win some, you lose some... and then there's that little-known third category." It wasn't the first time that the Electoral College produced an outcome different from the way the American people voted. It has happened on four occasions in total but before 2000 it hadn't happened since 1888. Roy Morris' book "Fraud of the Century" wonderfully describes the 1876 race between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden, where Tilden was robbed of his victory by an outrageous manipulation of the Electoral College. As a result, Hayes, the eventual winner, was known throughout his Presidency as Rutherfraud B. Hayes and His Fraudulency.

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The Electoral College came into being through the Founding Fathers, stopping direct elections for the President, ensuring that some power still remains essentially at state level. The 538 Electoral College votes are made up of the number of members of the House of Representatives (435) and the Senate (100) with three voters from Washington DC thrown in. Each state has two Senators regardless of size but the number of Representatives varies according to the size of the population. So a small population state, like Wyoming gets 3 votes (2 Senators +1 Representative) whereas a big state like California gets 55 votes (2 Senators +53 Representatives). As it is "winner takes all" for 48 of the states it is possible for a close election to produce a result that doesn't reflect the popular vote, if a candidate stacks up too many votes in a state they have already won. You only need to win a state by one vote, every vote in excess of that is irrelevant.

This type of anomaly isn't confined to the US; in February 1974 the Ted Heath's Conservatives got more votes than Labour but ended up with fewer seats. That's what can happen when the vote is close and local variations become very important. The advantage of the First Past the Post system is that once a candidate starts winning by a decent margin their lead exaggerates, giving them a stronger mandate. Reagan in 1984 won 58.8% of the vote, which enabled him to win 49 states; similarly, Nixon won 49 states with 60.7% of the vote in 1972.

This brings us onto Trump and Clinton. In the last two decades, the Democrat candidate has started with an advantage in the Electoral College. Democrats have won the popular vote five out the last six elections and they have a significant number of states that have consistently voted for them. Of the five biggest electoral vote-giving states, California, New York and Illinois are firmly in the democrat column; Florida has been a battleground state; and only Texas has been reliably Republican.

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Very little changed between Obama's two elections, where he built an impressive lead in electoral votes. Only two states changed between the two elections: Indiana, which was a surprise win for the Democrats in 2008, was historically Republican and returned that way in 2012; and North Carolina which seemed to be moving towards the Democrat column over the years with changing demographics, made a slip back to Republicans maybe for one last time.

So how are both candidates doing on this year's electoral map? Trump was hoping to make major headway in the mid-West taking states from Clinton like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin with his protectionist and anti-immigration message. Hillary Clinton seems to be firmly in control of the majority of Obama's states with the exceptions of Ohio and Iowa, where Trump's relative strength with working class white males which is helping him; in the others, she has a significant lead. In other places like Virginia, which was reliably Republican until the Obama elections, Hillary has a large lead and Trump is pulling resources from the state suggesting that he is resigned to losing there. If Trump can't expand from the states McCain and Romney won, then his campaign is doomed as the status quo is strongly Democrat.

Obama moved the electoral map significantly in the Democrats favour, leaving Hillary with few flip-flop states to make the next shift. If she does well then she should retake North Carolina easily. The next batch of states to look at where she could gain new territory are: Arizona, with its large Hispanic population alienated by Trump's anti-immigration message; Georgia, which is probably the next demographic domino in the South to follow Virginia and North Carolina; and Utah, one of the most Republican states in the country, where Trump's actions and language seem to be deeply offending the Mormon psyche. If Trump is truly overwhelmed then there is a chance that Texas could fall which would be devastating for the Republicans.

If nothing changes at this point, then Hillary could be heading for a win in the Electoral College on a similar scale as Obama. However, if Trump's share of the vote collapses even more, then she could make a seismic change in the way the map looks and the word "landslide" might come into play.

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Lone wolf terrorist attacks in Europe are becoming the norm or so Islamist terror groups would like us to think. It's a reflection of how terrorism is less the concerted work of an organisation or structured group and more worked out and initiated in the minds of individuals inspired by those terrorist groups. The terrorist groups then claim responsibility afterwards in a bid to look powerful and omnipresent. However, the notion of a lone wolf attack is largely a myth. All attacks require planning and reconnaissance, taking up the time of more than one person. But terrorist groups want us to think they can hit us anytime anywhere.

Nevertheless, in the last four months of 2016 there have been attacks in the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, Belarus, Serbia, and Turkey which at first appear to be the work of individuals.

At its root, the shift has not been from terrorist-directed attacks to lone wolves but something in-between. As terror groups, particularly Daesh and AQAP, lose their 'soldiers' to airstrikes and ability to plan attacks, so they seek to inspire attacks from disaffected individuals in targeted countries. But these disaffected individuals often need guidance to plan a successful attack and may or may not receive it. Material on the Internet helps give people's diffuse ideas a more concrete aim outside of - and in spite of - the principles of religious belief. It's also the effect of the Internet and social media and the way in which the disaffected and extremist thinkers are able to use the freedoms on Western culture against itself. Many jihadists run up credit card bills to get the necessary funding before their planned attacks.

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For state security forces it makes for a difficult situation, a major threat without a central base, no defined lines of communications or logistics to target. Being drawn into long-term military engagements with states and groups with terrorist associations - as per the war in Afghanistan - is also increasingly less viable politically and militarily.

What we've seen this year, has been a clear shift in tactics in the UK from a focus on prevention to one of resilience. There's been recognition of the limit to what prevention tactics - intelligence gathering, monitoring activities of known extremist groups and individuals - can achieve. What's become more important, given the protean nature of the threat, is ensuring that police, the military, and other emergency response services are equipped and in a state of readiness to deal with any kind of incident when it occurs, that there's the ability to minimise incidents and demonstrate a rapid, flexible response. The very public announcement of the Metropolitan Police's new heavily armed and rapid response elite counter-terrorism unit. in London is one example. The lesson from the upsurge in terrorist activity has been the importance of showing there's no such thing as a 'soft target', that national security forces are always ready to deal with any form of attack wherever it arises.

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I don't like Vladimir Putin. All his macho posturing. His authoritarian style. His apparent disregard for civilian casualties in Syria. His ugly and clumsy approach to politics and international diplomacy. It all leaves me cold.

Vladimir may very well be kind to little old ladies and pleasant to kittens in his private life but politically he can go to Room 101 as far as I'm concerned. He's emphatically not one of the good guys.

So, why then am I about to launch what some may (mistakenly) construe as a defence of Putin's Russia in the face of mounting criticism from the west?

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It has everything to do with stinking hypocrisy. The sort of 'do as I say, don't do as I do' attitude from Britain and America that exasperates onlookers from all over the planet.

Russia propping up the repugnant President Assad is a sickening sight to behold but the UK and the US have a very recent track record of turning a blind eye to a whole host of horrific behaviour from 'friendly' regimes. Rarely has this been better illustrated than in the past week or so following the latest Saudi Arabian civilian slaughter in Yemen. Sure, there were a few stern public words of admonishment from London and Washington but Saudi is a cash cow that neither Britain or America wishes to see stray too far from pastures under their control. When one of your biggest arms trading partners wipes out dozens of civilians in a far off place that's way off the radars of most of us, well, I guess they call that sort of thing 'collateral damage.'

Likewise, I may have missed it but I can't recall Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (I know. I know. It's almost too ridiculous to even type Foreign Secretary and Boris Johnson in the same sentence) calling for protests outside the Israeli embassy in the summer of 2014 when great friend of Britain and America - Israel - used its military hardware to blow large parts of Gaza to bits. According to the United Nations Human Rights Committee 1462 civilians were killed in Gaza during the 7 week onslaught including many children. A further 3000 children in Gaza were wounded and over a 1000 left permanently disabled. As a tragic postscript more than 300,000 children in Gaza have required psychosocial support in the wake of the bombardment.

The reaction from the UK and US governments? Barely a murmur of disapproval.

Now, I'm not someone who wishes to see the demise of Israel. I recognise it's right to exist and prosper but that prosperity cannot be built on the abject misery of others. It's something that Britain and America needs to be far more vocal about and, more importantly, take action over if anyone is to take this self styled worlds policemen shtick even remotely seriously.

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Unfortunately, very senior politicians on both sides of the Atlantic seem happy to keep lobbing stones at Putin's Russia when they should probably take a long hard look around the glasshouses from which they aim their projectiles. Whether it's the horrendous bloody aftermath of western military involvement in Iraq and Libya or nominating representatives from barbaric, head chopping misogynistic regimes for places of the UN's Human Rights Council, moral high ground is in short supply in The White House and Downing Street.
Part 2: Bricks and Mortar

The Western Ghats are spectacular. We drove through Sakleshpur as the sun was rising and Mahesh made me wear a blindfold as we meandered up the track towards our soon-to-be land. I removed my eye-wear as the car stopped. 'Wow!" It was truly magnificent. The panoramic views of the Western Ghats and bustle of life from the surrounding coffee estates took my breath away. We were in paradise. There were hundreds of trees, flowers, birds, butterflies, plants, coffee bushes, black pepper creepers, fruit trees and vegetable crops surrounding a small lake!

We'd both fallen in love with the place, but of course acquiring any land in India is a very complicated and drawn-out process and even more so when it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nevertheless, we decided to press on with construction. Our vision was to create a beautiful rustic farmhouse (in keeping with rural India), using local materials, reclaimed pillars, window frames, doors and crafted artefacts. Because so many wonderful old buildings are being pulled down in India (due to family disputes and people wanting to sell-up to properly developers), it's possible to pick up charming wooden doors, carved pillars, fabulous shuttered window frames and terracotta roof tiles for next to nothing. We both agreed that we wanted to design the buildings ourselves, rather than paying a haughty architect lots of money to come up with something unbefitting. I loved the idea of having a sweeping veranda all around the house and enormous bedrooms with heaps of natural light. Mahesh wanted a spacious kitchen and sizeable ensuite bathrooms. We both agreed that a church-like living room would be fun. So that's what we built. The old farmhouse that was already on the land became our living room and the walls were raised to over twenty feet, allowing us to create a picturesque tiled-roof, which slopes over our fifteen foot terrace. Around the living room we added three large bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and a huge veranda (part of which is now a dining area with a fireplace). My yoga shala looks out over the Western Ghats and next to Mahesh's outdoor kitchen is a fabulous wood-fired oven. We built a lovely cottage for guests and plan to construct a couple more. We have named our coffee estate 'Nirvrta' (which means 'joyful' in Sanskrit) and designed our homestay yoga retreat with the intention of creating an idyllic space in nature for free-spirited, like-minded individuals, to escape from urban living, practise Ashtanga yoga, feel connected and to revitalise the body, mind and spirit. The next phase will be to make a wonderful swimming pool at the top of the hill, which looks out over the Western Ghats.

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One of the most striking aspects of the Western Ghats, is its lush vegetation. For three months of the year there is torrential rain, so no construction work can happen. The other major challenge in South India is to find reliable, skilled workers, who will actually show up. We realised pretty early on that local construction labourers aren't dependable. They'd promise to come, but never appear. In the end we had to ferry a team of guys from Bangalore to Sakleshpur, but they would only stay for two weeks at a time and then need at least a month off. As a result, it took several years to build the house, cottage, outdoor kitchen, auxiliary buildings and to design the landscaping. The work ethic can be quite lackadaisical in India, with an overwhelming sense of self-deserving, without actually making any effort to do anything. If Mahesh was not project-managing every moment, our workers would literally sit and do nothing and if he was not overseeing them they would magnificently manage to do the job wrong. One day I explained to the mason that the shala floor must to be level. I took my Stanley tape measure and gave him the exact specs. I had to pop back to Mysore for a few days and when I returned the shala floor was dramatically sloping. "Ramesh! The floor is sloping, it must be level!" "Madam, for water drainage." "What water drainage, Ramesh?" It took another three days to re-do the floor. The plumber fitted the waste-water-pipe outlet along an upward slope, so the water couldn't drain away. The shower heads were fitted eight feet high, so only a giant could reach them. The electrician's make-shift wiring, blew up my lovely flat-screen TV and the painters splattered so much paint on our beautiful grey-stone veranda pillars and walls, that we ended up having to paint them too. The plumber dropped a hammer in my bathtub and cracked it and the workers forgot to remove the enormous water tank (that was being stored in the house), before building the final wall around it ... These are just a few examples of jobs that had to be re-done under constant supervision. Of course construction workers like to be paid by the day, rather than the project! After the carpenters put up more wonky selves and I rolled an orange from one end to the other, I had a bit of a meltdown. Miraculously Mahesh's uncle had been working with two very talented carpenters from Bihar and they agreed to help us out. They looked at the two kitchens that needed fitting, under-bed drawers and bathroom cupboards that needed making and gave us a quote for the whole project. Two weeks later they had finished and their craftsmanship was impeccable.
Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

When Amber Rudd recently announced that she would be continuing the purge of international students started by Theresa May, my heart sank. Brexit has already damaged universities and their ability to attract students and staff. What we needed was a positive, pro-student message, not more distrust and 'Go home' rhetoric. International students boost the UK's economy and skills and recent policies aimed at reducing their numbers have damaged local economies up and down the country at a time of economic hardship and austerity. These targets are not about 'a country that works for everyone.'

Amber Rudd doesn't want to target students. She joins a long list of Tory ministers that have begged Theresa May to end her program of academic cleansing. The Treasury, BIS and George Osborne have all told her about the financial benefit of international students; Philip Hammond asked to remove students from immigration figures in 2014 and again in 2015; Vince Cable and David Willetts, then Universities Minister, also begged for students to be taken off the targets because it was damaging our economy and universities. In each case, the only response has been Theresa May boasting about her success.

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The majority of politicians are against targeting students because international students are nothing but a gain to our economy. In 2013, Sheffield University released a report showing that their 8,222 international students brought a net gain of 136.8million to the local region every year. They noted that because students are most often young, single and without children, they take very little from public services and they spend a lot of money on local businesses. Just this week, the vice-chancellor of Sheffield made an earnest plea to welcome students, launching the #weareinternational campaign to raise awareness of the benefits students bring.

If we look at national figures for student immigration, we see how horrifically successful Theresa May has been. When she started as Home Secretary (2010-2011), the average annual student immigration was 235,000. As her policies have kicked in (2012-2015), the average has been 179,000. If we extrapolate the benefit that Sheffield reported to these national figures, it seems that Theresa May's student bashing has been costing the economy about 1billion per year.

Students aren't just a boost to the South East like so many economic benefits. From Fife to Falmouth, regional economies have been suffering because of Theresa May's immigration policies.

Theresa May's line has always been that there is widespread abuse of the system but this week the Times reported that the Home Office is wilfully sitting on a report that proves this not to be the case. Such interference is beginning to look like a pattern. Recent allegations said that before the EU referendum, Theresa May tried to alter a report to downplay the positive benefits of immigration and she has just been accused of covering up racism in official inquiries. The UK looks to be pushing the envelope of post-truth politics.

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Far from being dodgy chancers, international students are some of the highest achievers in the UK today. Students from other EU countries are 50% more likely to earn a first-class degree and twice as likely to go on to postgraduate study than their native British counterparts. More than half of UK PhD students are from overseas. The UK is incredibly successful at getting EU research starter grants but in 2016 two thirds of our winning researchers were international.

We should not be surprised that those who are willing to move abroad to study in a foreign language and strange culture are go-getters that are a real boost to their adopted countries. It seems like the public agree. A poll this year showed 57% in favour of removing international students from immigration targets.
For many individual's procreation is simply the result of sexual intercourse. However, this has not always been the case throughout the course of history. In ancient times it was believed procreation was controlled by certain rituals and spirits. For example, The Chukchi Eskimos of Western Chukota believed that children were created through sacred stones, rather than sexual intercourse. Other cultures such as the Batak community in Indonesia believed that pregnancy was achieved by placing umbilical cords and placenta underneath the house of the women trying to fall pregnant. Whilst some of these practices may be seem unconventional, however they are methods that people have lived by for many many years - some can still be around today!

In the 1700's infertility was believed to be treated with both medical and folk remedies. This continued through the century until the 1800's when infertility was deemed a pathology with anatomical causes. The 1900's saw the discovery of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. The discovery of these hormones and the monumental advances in science throughout the century has brought us to where we are today. In today's day and age, individuals struggling to conceive have the option to make use of a variety of treatments to help them conceive such as IVF and ICSI. But of course, these treatments have not always been around, so it makes you wonder what methods were utilised by people in the past to aid pregnancy? Many cultures may associate these difficulties to external forces such as witchcraft, others may encourage couples try alternative methods to aid conception and test their fertility. These methods have also developed through time...

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Ancient Egyptians believed fertility could be measured using a garlic or onion. The garlic or onion was placed inside the vagina overnight and by morning if the smell of garlic or onion couldn't be detected on the women's breath, she was deemed fertile. Alternatively, ancient Hindus placed great emphasis on worshipping a lingam or yoni, both of which are objects believed to represent genitalia in an attempt to aid conception. More recently, communities in China believed that eating animal genitalia can assist virility and fertility. Siberian women were also being encouraged to eat spiders in an attempt to aid conception. Other methods involved wearing amulets to encourage fertility and even eating the eye of a hyena mixed with liquorice and dill. Many women also believe sitting where your pregnant friend was sitting or waiting for the full moon to engage in intercourse can increase your chances of falling pregnant. Additionally, Feng-Shui suggests sweeping under the bed can prevent women from falling pregnant!
Takyiwa Danso was one of two UK youth delegates to the UN General Assembly in New York. She explains what it was like behind the scenes at the biggest political show on earth.

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'In time we will no longer be the silent majority there, but the loudest voice of peace' - Victor Ochen, youth activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee.

My name is Takyiwa, and from the 18th-25th September I travelled to New York to attend the 71st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as one of two UK youth delegates.

The General Assembly is the official forum of the United Nations, where all 193 member states come together to discuss and debate pressing issues in the international community.

The week of events I attended is known as the high level week, where heads of states and governments give speeches to the assembly while a packed agenda of fringe events runs parallel.

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We set ourselves three objectives for the time we would spend in New York.

Firstly, as youth delegates, we wanted to represent young people from the UK to ensure that youth voices were heard.

Secondly, we wanted to be advocates calling on governments to work better and more meaningfully with young people in these high-level spaces.

And finally, we wanted to share our experiences and views on the UN's sustainable development agenda to understand how we and other young people around the world can get involved.

The week was a great chance to understand how an organisation like the UN works

For me personally, I wanted to act as a role model for people in my own community to demonstrate that your passions can drive your ability to change the world, regardless of your background.

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In preparation for being a youth delegate, I held focus groups with young people in my local area in North London to listen and directly gauge their thoughts on the UN's 17 Global Goals adopted last September as well as more broadly on its role today.

As I expected, there was a significant knowledge gap in young people's perceptions of what the UN actually does and what the role of the UK is within this space.

The voices, opinions and ideas I gathered during these focus groups helped guide my own interactions at the General Assembly.

They drove me to highlight the need for not only greater transparency of UN processes but also a wider understanding of the Global Goals and their critical importance in taking on the global challenge of eradicating poverty and inequality.

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Here I am speaking at Plan UK's event on understanding girls' experiences

Over the week, there were many memorable moments, from speaking at Plan UK's 'Real Choices, Real Lives' event on understanding girls' experiences to taking part in a Countering Violent Extremism workshop.

But if I had to pick a favourite moment, it would have to be the High-Level Panel on Women's Economic Empowerment, as it was just an incredible atmosphere and environment!

The women were such strong and inspiring speakers, both on the panel and in the room, and when UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon came in to give his keynote (I couldn't quite believe my eyes!) I got a real sense of what he has been able to push through with UN Women and how much they've achieved as a movement within the UN's political mechanisms.

A personal highlight for me was meeting Ban Ki-moon's wife, Yoo Soon-taek

As well as being a real privilege and an honour, I found this week to be an eye-opening experience. I witnessed governments, businesses and civil society debate topical issues, with differing and opaque outcomes.

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I realised that although the UN is a truly global space, bringing together governmental representatives from 193 countries worldwide, at times it exists within its own bubble, detached from the wider world, and certainly wider New York.

Political gaps and differences became clear and seemingly unbridgeable during discussions on highly sensitive issues which are affecting the world today.

A year on from the launch of the SDGs, I wondered whether the position and perception of young people on a 'political level' had even changed at all.

Although there were different forums for youth to be heard through, it wasn't accessible to everyone. The youth agenda should no longer be a side event, but within the heart of the discussions.

Initially it's hard not to be slightly terrified at the prospect of sharing spaces with some of the most powerful people in the world while representing the youth of the UK.

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Being present in rooms while heads of governments and CEOs of big multinational corporations discuss crucial, politically sensitive issues, I noticed that we were often the only young people there.

There was a huge disparity. Young people really can and already are providing the answers to drive development forward.

Accompanying me to UNGA was my fellow youth delegate Minhaz Abedin

From spending three months in Kenya volunteering with the UK government-funded International Citizen Service programme, I saw first-hand the enthusiasm, creativity and willpower to create a better future from both my fellow UK volunteers and the inspiring young Kenyans we worked alongside.

We have the right mix of passion, determination and optimism to push for the change we believe in - yet this is not being fully recognised or accepted by a large (but slowly decreasing) proportion of those making the decisions at spaces like the UN.

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But engaging with other youth advocates from across the world as they shared their experiences, criticisms and successes of their own youth-led activities quickly crushed any doubts I had that the youth shouldn't hold a rightful place at the high-level table.

Plenty of photo opportunities!

Young people have always been leading campaigns without the permission of world leaders. The only way to make this change sustainable is to establish strong partnerships with decision-makers across all levels and develop a mutual respect for youth voices.

I believe we as society have reached a tipping point. The Global Goals are not only a target to reach, but a countdown of years for our generation to reverse the mistakes of the past.

It is our responsibility as members of civil society to enact change.

And I'd love to be a part of this change in championing strong female leaders who are actively improving the participation of women and girls in society.

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Now that I've returned, I also hope to keep the momentum going and work to narrow the gap in young people's perception and understanding of what the UN does and how they can influence this.
Juan Carlos Morales, Global Chief Creative Officer and Partner, PWC

I still remember the feeling when I first picked up a spray can. It was a sense of excitement, limitless possibility and the opportunity for pure artistic expression. The world, literally, was my canvas.

Back then I thought the corporate world was the antithesis of art. One was about rules, about confinement and standardization. The other was about freedom, individuality and rebellion. One was stagnant, and one was about forward-momentum and a view into the future. As a graffiti artist in my earlier years, one of those words was bad, and the other was my life.

Today my writing days are behind me, and I find myself in more business meetings than I ever would have expected. But Ive learned that these two worlds arent so distant. This notion that nothing corporate can be creative and that nothing creative can be corporate is false. Actually, solving the worlds biggest business problems usually require a healthy dose of creativity, business savvy and technology.

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This sense of creativity comes down to the power of perspective. Creativity involves being able to see things through an original lens, make previously unseen connections, and bring a fresh eye to generate novel ideas. In the business world, new and diverse perspectives are often the key to unlocking creativity.

Consider what a business person might learn from a graffiti artist: The power of a succinct message. The importance of making a name for yourself. The fact that sometimes, youve got to break the rules. And ultimately, nothing lasts forever.

This is just one example to show how each person in an organization can bring their own perspective to the table, and this is something that needs to be celebrated and valued. More and more, the challenges of business require specialists, not generalists. Whats needed is to take an approach thats multilingual.

The Multilingual Business Conversation

By multilingual I dont mean building a team of talent thats fluent in other countries native tongues (though that can be helpful at times as well). I mean being able to speak to creative, to understand technology and to live and breathe the core of the business. Having a multi-disciplinary talent pool, where each person retains their respective areas of expertise, opens the door for bigger thinking and new solutions.

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Being multilingual also means knowing how to break down barriers within your business to drive transformation. The biggest problems require approaching a challenge from multiple angles. By viewing any problem from a variety of perspectives, you can identify solutions that may not be intuitive when viewed through only one lens.

You might have heard the stat that over 70% of business transformation efforts fail. While each project is different, we can often point to a root cause of this failure: focusing too much on one area and ignoring other factors. A lot of companies struggling to figure out why theyre falling apart may acquire another company with more enviable skills, or try to transform by buying a new piece of tech. But what theyre missing is the multidisciplinary perspective that brings everything together. They need to speak in a voice that is fluent in the language of creative and tech and business strategy. At PwC, we like to call that the BXT Method.

The Need for Multilingual Consultancies

This multilingual mindset is driving a revolution in the world of consultancies as well. Just like our clients, we are growing in many directions and the traditional labels of consultancy and agency may not necessarily fit. Consultancies are feeling the same pressure as those we serve: to be not just business strategy-savvy, but to be able to develop a tech solution or to design a user experience. This is far from a bad thing; its a chance for those who are up to the challenge to truly shine.

To win, weve got to take the same advice we tell our clients  you cant focus on one piece of the puzzle and drop all others in the process. Youve got to be able to have a conversation in many languages.

PwC is one of few places that has elevated a graffiti artist creative to the level of Partner, if not the only. And thats the kind of thing thats integral to transformation and success. The rules for the consultancy of the future arent all that different from those that apply to the company of the future  be diverse, be innovative, be creative, but still know your business. Harness the Power of Perspective.

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About the Author

As a the Global Chief Creative Officer and Partner of PwC, Morales leads teams of visual designers, experience architects, and copywriters working on interactive multi-channel experiences for some of the largest brands in the world.

Before joining PwC in 2013, he was Executive Creative Director at SapientNitro Miami where he managed a creative department of 80+ creative professionals. He joined Sapient through a strategic acquisition of a digital boutique he co-founded named ichameleon/group/. Previously, he helped to establish the interactive department at Crispin Porter & Bogusky, where he was one of the original members of its interactive team. During his career Morales has worked with numerous name brands such as Burger King, Coca-Cola, Diageo, ESPN, Ikea, Toyota, Virgin and Visit Florida and received industry recognition for his efforts, including winning the Grand Prix award at Cannes as well as a Cannes Gold Cyber Lion.


Photo by Aimee Heckel

I touched the crystal ocean with my bare toes and gazed across the tiny island. I was the only person there, except for a dozen pink flamingoes, each balanced on a single leg, totally showing off, because seriously, why else would they do that?

Blue skies. Perfect temps. It felt surreal, and not only because I'd thought pink flamingoes were make-believe, like unicorns, until I was 30. This private island, Renaissance Island, part of the Renaissance Marina Hotel in Oranjestad, Aruba, was plucked out of a fantasy.

I saw a hammock waiting for me, draped between two palm trees at the end of a tiny inlet.

That's when I started to cry.

I stood in Aruba's warm salt water and sobbed, big, stupid, horrible tears that spooked the flamingoes, and I wondered if I was the first person ever to cry in the happiest place in the world.

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I had traveled across the country and far south in search of the definitive source of happiness. What was the key to an enjoyable life? What brings humans the most long-term, meaningful feelings of subjective satisfaction?

How could I find joy -- and never lose it?

I'd decided to ask the experts.

I signed up for the Happiness 360 Conference, held in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization. It presented world-renowned speakers on the topic of happiness, including arguably the world's foremost expert, Robert Waldinger, who heads up the world's longest-running study on happiness at Harvard University. You may recognize Waldinger from his TED Talk, "What Makes a Good Life? Lessons From the Longest Study on Happiness," the 20th most popular Ted Talk in history and the most viral TedX speaker in history of Ted. In six days, his video hit one million views. In just under three weeks, it landed on three million.

Obviously, I couldn't miss this opportunity, not even after I learned it coincided with my 10-year anniversary with my husband.

As an aspiring beach bum, it was hard for him to let me go to the Caribbean without him, over our big anniversary. Especially since I don't swim or like sunshine, because I am actually a nocturnal Gothic vampire corpse with transparent skin. But it was a work trip, and someone had to get our daughter to first grade, and I totally scored a one-on-one meeting with Aruba's Prime Minister Mike Eman; that doesn't just happen. I had to go.

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My husband let me go, because if you love someone, let them go to Aruba, for if they return, they were always yours, and if they don't, they never were.

The conference shared research from Aruba's five-year Happiness Index Study, which found 78 percent of Arubans were happy and 76 percent expressed longer-term satisfaction with life.

Compare this with the United Nations' 2016 World Happiness Report, which measured the happiness of 157 larger countries (tiny Aruba not included). Here, Denmark scored the highest, with 75.3 percent of residents reporting happiness. (The United States was ranked 13th, although as we draw nearer to Election Day, I'm feeling like we're on a sinking ship to last place.)

Aruba ranked higher than them all. This new data statistically backed up Aruba's long-time slogan, "One happy island."

And I felt it, firsthand.

You know how if you watch dancers perform, you can tell if they truly love doing it, even from your chair in the audience, even without a word exchanged? It's in their energy, in the subtlety of their movements and in everything they create. That's how it felt walking through the streets of Aruba.

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But the real question was why? What was the source of that emotional response?

That's what I asked Harvard's expert, Waldinger.

He told me about the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has followed two groups of people (one group from Boston's poorest neighborhoods and the other, advantaged Harvard undergrads) from their teenage years into old age. Today, a handful are still alive, and the average age is 96.

Over the course of their lives, researchers routinely surveyed them, checked their medical records, scanned their brains, drew their blood, talked to their family, filmed them interacting with their partners, asked them about their fears and worries.

"What we learned: It wasn't that the happiest were the wealthiest, the most famous or the hardest-working," Waldinger said. "The people who were the happiest -- and the healthiest -- were the people most connected to other people: to friends, family and community."

The study found that people who felt lonely or less connected developed illnesses sooner, their brains and bodies declined faster, and so did their memories.

It wasn't white sand beaches. It wasn't sunshine. It wasn't pink flamingos.The single key to happiness in life was the quality of a person's relationships.

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That's why I cried.

I had it all, right before me as I stood on magical flamingo island -- but I had nothing, because I had no one to share it with. No one to watch swimming while I cowered under the shade of the palm tree painted in SPF 1,000. No one to take my photo with the flamingos and probably unicorns around the corner.

I had flown across the world in search of happiness, only to learn I had left my own personal mainline alone at home. On my own one happy island in the mountains.

Luckily, irony and beer makes my husband happy. Because I brought him home my tears and 10 cans of every brew on the island, one for every year he's had to put up with me.
In an editorial last week the New York Times criticized the NAACP convention call for a moratorium accusing the organization of being "out of touch" with younger African-Americans. It wanted the Board of Directors to override the convention vote. Apparently New York Times editors think they have a better sense of what African-American parents want and need for their children.



The NAACP's call for a moratorium charged that the recruitment of academically higher performing students by charter schools helped undermined support and funding for public schools and education for the majority of children who remain in traditional schools. Cornell Brooks, President of the NAACP, described charter schools as one step in the "preschool to prison pipeline."



The Times especially praised New York City charter schools, ignoring a long history of problems with the city program. Success Academy Charter School Network is New York City's largest charter school network. About 11,000 children attend its thirty-six schools. The network receives federal and state funding and free space from New York City for all of its schools. Currently it is accused of discriminating against students with disabilities, at least according to a filed by parents and New York City Public Advocate Letitia James with the State University of New York, which licenses charter school in the state.



The Success Network is also accused of repeatedly suspending young children who have been difficult in an effort to push their families to transfer them out of the charter schools. In October 2015 the New York Times reported that at least one of the Success Academy Charter Network's schools maintained a "got to go" list that singled out students who were considered troublesome. The suspicion is that the "Suspension" network's harsh disciplinary practices are designed to boost their schools performance rate on standardized tests.



On Saturday, February 13, 2016, the New York Times reported on a Success Academy teacher seen chastising a first grade student on a video. In the video, filmed in fall 2014, we see a young African-American girl who is confused about a math problem. Her teacher then rips up her paper and sends her to the "calm-down chair," although the only one who is not calm in this sequence is the teacher. The teacher then addresses the entire class telling them in a loud and agitated voice, "There's nothing that infuriates me more than when you don't do what's on your paper."



The teacher shown in the video is what Success Academy considers a model teacher. Not only does she teach first-grade students, but she mentors other teachers in the Cobble Hill, Brooklyn school. After the incident surfaced, the teacher was suspended temporarily, but was returned to the classroom and her role as a mentor in less than two weeks. Success Academy CEO Eva Moskowitz dismissed the teacher's behavior in the video as an "anomaly."



The Times editorial made a series of points that actually support the NAACP call for a moratorium on charter schools. It effectively made the case for the NAACP Board of Directors to support its membership and approve the call for a moratorium until all of these issues are resolved.



According to the New York Times, "These schools [charter schools], which educate only about 7 percent of the nation's students, are far from universally perfect, and those that are failing should be shut down."



Although "When properly managed and overseen, well-run charter schools give families a desperately needed alternative to inadequate traditional schools in poor urban neighborhoods," the Times agrees that far to many are not "properly managed and overseen." The editorial cited a study by Stanford University's Center for Research on Education Outcomes that acknowledged that "that poorly run charters can be disastrous. In some areas, the study notes, not a single charter school outperforms the traditional school alternative -- and in some places, more than half are significantly worse. The city of Detroit, where more than half of students attend charter schools, has recently become an example of such a failure."



Carol Burris, executive director of the Network for Public Education, analyzed the results of the New York State Common Core English Language Arts test administered last April. Overall, charter schools in New York City did outperform public schools. Burris reported the proficiency rate for charter schools was 43% compared to 36% for the traditional public schools. However, if you do not factor in students with disabilities and English language learners, groups that are disproportionately attending the traditional public schools, the city's public school test performance surpassed the proficiency rate for charter schools by 50% to 46%.



In the Washington Post Carol Burris and Valerie Strauss have done a series of reports on failing and what appear to be fraudulent charter schools in California. A report issued by the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and Public Advocates, a nonprofit law firm and advocacy group, concluded that over 20% of California charter schools have enrollment policies that violate state and federal law.
By AsiaToday reporter Kim Ye-jin - Asian countries are taking measures against smoking.

Japan's health minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki said that the government will step up measures against passive smoking while seeking public understanding ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, reported NHK on Friday.

Previously, the country's Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry introduced passive smoking measures which completely ban indoor smoking at restaurants, hotels, and airports.

During the press conference, the health minister said, "A World Health Organization report says Japan's measures to prevent passive smoking are the weakest compared to other nations. Japan should take a historic step."

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has also declared war on smoking. Philippine's Assistant Health Secretary Eric Tayag revealed on October 12 that President Duterte will ban smoking in public this month, further strengthening some of the toughest tobacco regulation in Asia.

The upcoming law is in addition to legislation banning tobacco advertising and regulating smoking in indoor public places, as well as statute that requires graphic images of smoking health hazards to be printed on cigarette packaging.

Indonesia, which remains as a "smoker's paradise" for not ratifying the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), revealed its plan last month to increase excise on cigarettes sold in Indonesian by an average of 10.5 percent next year, as part of efforts to reduce smoking in the archipelago. Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani said, "The government has raised tax on cigarette to control cigarette consumption and production and to prevent the production of illegal cigarettes." However, some point out that this condition is rather more favorable to leading Indonesia's tobacco companies Philip Morris and British American Tobacco (BAT), which account for 65% of tobacco market in Indonesia.

China has already obtained good results after carrying out a massive anti-smoking campaign. The amount of tobacco sold in China fell last year for the first time in more than 20 years, reported Financial Times recently. According to data from Euromonitor, Chinese tobacco consumption dropped 2.4 per cent last year.

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Originally posted on AWHONN Connections.

by, Leslie Hsu Oh

You'll be fine. Don't be selfish. This was Ma Ma's last words to me. Even though she hadn't been able to eat anything for days and liver cancer caused by hepatitis B had coated the insides of her abdominal cavity, I still didn't believe it was possible that I could lose her. A year earlier, she had been diagnosed with liver cancer a week after my eighteen-year-old brother died of the same disease.

Dropping my college textbooks, I grabbed her hand and said, "I won't be fine. Today is your wedding anniversary. In a few weeks, I turn twenty-one. There's no way that God would take both you and Jon-Jon."

No matter what I said, her eyes remained closed against the crisp white hospital pillow. Desperate, I said the most hurtful thing I thought I could say, "If you die, I won't get married. I won't have kids without you."

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Her eyes fluttered. I knew the words upset her because she once told me that becoming a mother was the best thing that ever happened in her life. An hour later, a chocolate brown bubble escaped from her mouth and she was gone.

For years, I thought that Oath was meant to punish Ma Ma for leaving me. But when I finally realized it was because I was afraid hepatitis B would claim another person I loved, I understood that I was only hurting myself.

My two daughters (11 and 3) are as feisty as my mother and my son (8) dotes upon me the way I thought only my brother could. They are free of hepatitis B because nurses like those of you who belong to AWHONN worked with me to ensure that all my kids were given the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, even though I am not chronically infected with hepatitis B. This is something that parents need to request. I've spent the last 19 years since founding The Hepatitis B Initiative educating parents about how they can protect their children from hepatitis B.

Today, The Hepatitis B Initiative operates in several states preventing liver diseases caused by hepatitis B and C among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, African Americans and other high-risk groups. We have served Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai, Filipino, Nigerian, Ethiopian, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Indian, Pakistani, Egyptians, Sudan, Syrian, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesian, Ghanaian, Moroccan, Saudi Arabian, Brazilian, Nepalese, Burmese, Salvadorian, Guatemalan, Ecuadorian, Sri Lankan, Mexican, El Salvadorian, and Honduran communities who are not accessing health care due to a lack of affordable treatment options, employment in industries which expose workers to hepatitis (such as nail salons, health care work, etc.), language barriers, and a lack of culturally competent care.

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Because we bring services directly to places where the community gathers (51 events held in 2015) like mosques, schools, churches, temples, health fairs, ESL classes, clients are willing to share the reasons why they have never heard about or been screened or vaccinated for hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is an easily preventable disease and yet it kills 2 people every minute. In the United States, 1 in 10 Asian Americans is chronically infected with hepatitis B. It is one of the greatest health disparities.

First, most who are infected feel perfectly healthy. As many as 75% of the Americans living with hepatitis B or C do not know they are infected.

Second, even though like my family's situation, most Asian Americans contract hepatitis B from mother to child during birth, there is a stigma that it is a sexually transmitted disease and therefore most people living with hepatitis B choose to remain silent about their condition.

They are worried that they will lose their jobs or ruin their chance of finding a partner.

Immigrants believe they will be deported since hepatitis B is a reportable disease.

Many believe that it's better not to know whether they have hepatitis B or liver cancer or cirrhosis.

Or worse no one ever told them that hepatitis B was a serious disease.

Third, many cultures enforce silence. I've been told all my life not to talk about the bad stuff. Pretend everything is fine. Save face.

My mother was a photographer, journalist, and painter. She taught me that art could say the things that we are afraid to say, how it could heal long after the life of its creator. With the weight of a camera around our necks, my mother would ask as we waded through white waters or leaped onto the back of a horse: "What story are you trying to tell?" In nearly fifty national parks, my aesthetic developed in the natural world, places woven with indigenous knowledge, bled in streambeds, trapped in rock layers, eroded in the earth.

While The Hepatitis B Initiative has had a life-saving impact, I realized that the transformative power of art does more. People tell me that my story saves lives. That's why I'm working on a memoir which I hope will inspire others to find their voice. That perhaps together we can end the silence and stigma cloaking hepatitis B and other diseases.

On October 15, 2016, the Hepatitis B Initiative will be throwing a Gala at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. to celebrate 10 years as a nonprofit. For more information, please visit hbi-dc.org or contact janepan@hbi-dc.org.

Losing her mother and brother to hepatitis B at the age of twenty-one inspired her to found the Hepatitis B Initiative in 1997, which she later expanded to the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. area with Thomas Oh. Today, this award-winning nonprofit continues to operate in several states mobilizing communities to prevent liver diseases caused by hepatitis B and C among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, African Americans and other high-risk groups.
Dear Mr Secretary General,

I am writing to you to express my deep concern over the fate of the Rohingya people of Myanmar. I am certain you are familiar with their extremely precarious situation, as we have seen them teetering on the edge of genocide since at least 2012. Yet what prompts me to write this letter is the latest news coming out of Myanmar just in the last few days: a series of attacks against border guard outposts killed 9 Burmese policemen just over a week ago, the Rohingya were quickly deemed responsible, and the police and army in the local state of Rakhine/Arakan have already carried out over 100 indiscriminate extra-judicial killings of dozens of Rohingya - including old men, women and children.

The fear on the ground is that the violence may now escalate to at least the level of violence of 2012 or 2013, when dozens were killed, over 100,000 were displaced to internal camps and many more Rohingya were driven out of the country altogether, triggering the South East Asia Migration Crisis which culminated in the spring of last year. And that may be the optimistic scenario. This new upsurge of violence may ultimately prove to be the final trigger to outright genocide that the UN and many NGO observers have been dreading.

What makes the situation today the most perilous it has ever been is the fact that in this crisis the Rohingya are likely to be targeted by all parts of Burmese society. Historically, the dark-skinned, Muslim minority had been chosen as the favourite 'enemy within' of the succession of military regimes that governed Burma/Myanmar. Whenever these governments needed to invoke some 'dark forces' that undermined the success of their 'vision' for the country, they scape-goated the country's Muslims, particularly the Rohingya. Whenever they needed to distract attention from other national issues, some conflict with the Rohingya would suddenly materialise.

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Yet the violence of 2012-2013 had not been initiated by the federal state. Or indeed the local state. The decades of anti-Rohingya propaganda have been absorbed by the political culture of the country, and now the biggest threat to the Rohingya is actually their ethnic Rakhine Buddhist neighbours, in their native state of Rakhine/Arakan. Civil society groups, Rakhine nationalist political parties, even prominent groups of Buddhist monks are the perpetrators of dehumanising propaganda and incitement to anti-Rohingya violence. Indeed, in the last few years, the organs of the state have either been passive or have helped calm tensions down when they flared.

But now these attacks are driven by the law enforcement agencies of the local state. And the civil society groups that have carried out most of the attacks in the recent years are merely waiting their turn. The floodgates have not been opened just yet: but they are about to burst through.

The only thing that can stop the spiralling levels of violence from escalating into a full blown latter-day Rwanda scenario would be the intervention of the federal government of Aung San Suu Kyi to pacify Rakhine/Arakan and impose the rule of law. But as of yet, the federal government is making no haste to intervene, and Ms Suu Kyi does not seem to be moved by the gravity of the situation.

Fortunately, the situation is not beyond all hope. Ms Suu Kyi is known to be sensitive to international opinion, and indeed much of her political capital comes from the favourable view the West has had of her as a democracy campaigner for her country. We do have leverage to lean on her to confront this issue as a matter of urgency, and if we do, we know she has the political power and capital as the first democratic leader of her country in half a century to carry through what needs to be done.

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You are in a uniquely privileged position to help build the international pressure needed to move Ms Suu Kyi and her government to suppress the recent upsurge in violence before things get completely out of control. I urge you to take charge of this issue and help prevent yet another international humanitarian catastrophe. I realise that in the current news media cycle it can be difficult to get such a message through: between Trump, Brexit and Aleppo we barely have the energy to process everything else that is happening in the world today. But if we do not do something about the situation of the Rohingya as a matter of urgency, the issue will come back to haunt us as an even greater calamity - and one which we could have been able to prevent.

Should you need any help or support in this, from up-to-date information to contacts with on-the-ground sources, to contacts within the relevant UN and non-governmental agencies, I am at your service. Please do not hesitate to get back in touch.

Yours sincerely,
Concerns about the inner workings of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been mounting in recent months amid disclosures of cozy corporate alliances. Now a group of more than a dozen senior scientists have reportedly lodged an ethics complaint alleging the federal agency is being influenced by corporate and political interests in ways that short-change taxpayers.

A group calling itself CDC Scientists Preserving Integrity, Diligence and Ethics in Research, or CDC SPIDER, put a list of complaints in writing in a letter to the CDC Chief of Staff and provided a copy of the letter to the public watchdog organization U.S. Right to Know (USRTK). The members of the group have elected to file the complaint anonymously for fear of retribution.

"It appears that our mission is being influenced and shaped by outside parties and rogue interests... and Congressional intent for our agency is being circumvented by some of our leaders. What concerns us most, is that it is becoming the norm and not the rare exception," the letter states. "These questionable and unethical practices threaten to undermine our credibility and reputation as a trusted leader in public health."

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The complaint cites among other things a "cover up" of the poor performance of a women's health program called the Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Woman Across the Nation, or WISEWOMAN. The program provides standard preventive services to help 40- to 64-year-old women reduce their risks for heart disease, and promote healthy lifestyles. CDC currently funds 21 WISEWOMAN programs through states and tribal organizations. The complaint alleges there was a coordinated effort within the CDC to misrepresent data given to Congress so that it appeared the program was involving more women than it actually was.

"Definitions were changed and data 'cooked' to make the results look better than they were," the complaint states. "An 'internal review' that involved staff across CDC occurred and its findings were essentially suppressed so media and/or Congressional staff would not become aware of the problems."

The letter mentions that Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut, who has been a proponent of the program, has made inquiries to CDC regarding the data. A spokesman for her office, confirmed as much.

The complaint also alleges that staff resources that are supposed to be dedicated to domestic programs for Americans are instead being directed to work on global health and research issues.

And the complaint cites as "troubling" the ties between soft drink giant Coca-Cola Co., an advocacy group backed by Coca-Cola, and two high-ranking CDC officials - Dr. Barbara Bowman who directed the CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention until retiring in June, and Dr. Michael Pratt, senior Advisor for Global Health in the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) at the CDC.

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Bowman, retired after revelations of what the complaint called an "irregular" relationship with Coca-Cola and the nonprofit corporate interest group set up by Coca-Cola called the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI). Email communications obtained through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by USRTK revealed that in her CDC role, Bowman had been communicating regularly with - and offering guidance to - a leading Coca-Cola advocate seeking to influence world health authorities on sugar and beverage policy matters.

Emails also suggested that Pratt has a history of promoting and helping lead research funded by Coca-Cola while being employed by the CDC. Pratt also has been working closely with ILSI, which advocates for the agenda of beverage and food industries, emails obtained through FOIA showed. Several research papers co-written by Pratt were at least partly funded by Coca-Cola, and Pratt has received industry funding to attend industry-sponsored events and conferences.

Last month, Pratt took a position as Director of the University of California San Diego Institute for Public Health. Next month, ILSI is partnering with the UCSD to hold a forum related to "energy balance behavior," planned for November 30 to December 1 of this year. One of the moderators is another CDC scientist, Janet Fulton, Chief of the CDC's Physical Activity and Health Branch. Pratt is on annual leave from the CDC during his stint in San Diego, according to the CDC.

The forum fits into the messaging of "energy balance" that Coca-Cola has been pushing. Consumption of sugar-laden foods and beverages is not to blame for obesity or other health problems; a lack of exercise is the primary culprit, the theory goes.

Experts in the nutrition arena have said that the relationships are troubling because the mission of the CDC is protecting public health, and yet certain CDC officials appear to be close with an industry that, studies say, is linked to about 180,000 deaths per year worldwide, including 25,000 in the United States. The CDC is supposed to be addressing rising obesity rates among children, not advancing beverage industry interests.

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CDC spokeswoman Kathy Harben would not address what the agency might be doing, if anything, in response to the SPIDER complaint, but she said the agency makes use of a "full range of federal ethics statutes, regulations, and policies" that apply to all federal employees."

"CDC takes seriously its responsibility to comply with the ethics rules, inform employees about them, and take steps to make it right any time we learn that employees aren't in compliance," Harben said. "We provide regular training to and communicate with staff on how to comply with ethics requirements and avoid violations."

The SPIDER group complaint ends with a plea for CDC management to address the allegations; to "do the right thing."
Last week during Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, or, as I prefer, the Day of Forgiveness, when we need to forgive ourselves as well as those whom we've wronged, I lingered over this piyyut. This medieval poem is read during the latter portion of the late morning service when we remember those who paid the ultimate price due to murderous bigotry over the millennia. This poem is called The Destruction of Spanish Jewry.

Judah and Israel, know how bitter I am;

As I tremble for my sins, shuddering and shaken.

For gone is my song, and any possible joy,

Replaced by memories of Seville, now lost and forsaken.

Gone as well are the crown of Catalonia and Aragon;

Ruled are you now by a pillaging crew.

Gone are the splendid chant of Castille and Leon;

My tears could fill vessels, while weeping anew.

Gone the splendor of the Mishnah and Talmud,

Reviled by foes and by traitors negating You!

It reminded me, in a very visceral way, of how much I take for granted about my settled life. I've been very fortunate to have been born in postwar America, when anti-Semitism was on the wane and I could live a full, though, closeted life. I think back to the traumas and crises of my life, and however painful and threatening, I knew that they occurred in an environment where alternatives were possible, and would be possible, the next day and day after. There was an abiding hope and optimism in America that opportunity would become available, as long as one was self-disciplined and worked hard.

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I understand that sense of comfort was not shared by many black Americans, though I do believe that even in the face of racism they, too, knew that it was getting better and would continue to do so, as President Obama has reminded us at the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture:

The very fact of this day does not prove that America is perfect, but it does validate the ideas of our founding, that this country born of change, this country born of revolution, this country of we, the people, this country can get better.

It may not be easy, but it is possible.

But the poem described a different world, one which repeated itself time and again for my ancestors. The piyyut described the end of Jewish life in Spain as a result of the Inquisition and Expulsion, and in so doing reminded me of the glory that was Jewish life under Moslem rule in al-Andalus, from the 8th to the 15th century, before Ferdinand and Isabella.

That life was ended. People were killed, people were driven underground, and people were exiled. It's not as if one party took over the Spanish executive, appointed some new Supreme Court Justices and made life difficult for certain communities. Jewish life ended, for all intents and purposes.

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This is what faces us today in the United States. This is not politics as usual; we are in an era of anti-politics, that has been growing since Newt Gingrich became Speaker in 1994, and that seeks to undermine the constitutional republic we've grown to take for granted. With all the state-imposed cruelty over the course of American history, no candidate for president has ever threatened to destroy the political system. Until now.

I have written a number of times about the persistence of racism and bigotry in this country throughout its history. That there are racists and neo-Nazis is not new; that they're out and proud is. Trump has enabled and encouraged that phenomenon. The Teabaggers are now overtly a hate group, even if liberals have as yet not decided to call them that publicly.

Mother Jones recently did an in-depth report on Trump's alt-right, and here's the money quote for me:

In late August, Occidental Dissent's Brad Griffin mused about the possibility of a Trump win: "Can you imagine a world in which White Nationalists have come out of the closet, the charge of 'racism' elicits only a 'meh' and shrugged shoulders, and we have begun to openly organize? Don't underestimate the power of the presidency to legitimize marginalized people and deviant movements. If Barack Obama can legitimize gay marriage and transsexuals, Donald Trump can legitimize the Alt-Right.

These people are not going away after the election, because they've always been here. One was even elected to the Anne Arundel County Council, a county that includes Annapolis, last year. Soon they will have their own cable network, run by Roger Ailes and Trump, and I fear that mainstream outlets like CNN that long ago gave up any effort towards journalistic ethics and professionalism will feel obligated to welcome their new colleagues into American living rooms.

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We have an "unshackled" Donald Trump announcing on a daily basis that the election is rigged, inciting his supporters to visit polls in African American communities and take the law into their own hands, and continuing to use emails hacked by his patron, Vladimir Putin, to his advantage. Putin, who has been infuriated by the "revolutions of color" throughout Eastern Europe, now seems to be gleefully intruding in an attempt to create the same chaos here in the U.S.

He will fail, as will Trump, but this election will leave roughly 25% of the population convinced that their country has been stolen from them. They will not go quietly in the good night, and four years hence they will nominate a much less narcissistic and psychopathic, more attractive and articulate ethno-nationalist who will appeal to far more people after twelve years of Democratic leadership. Unless we do something about it, which will include rebuilding this country and putting the marginalized back to work, and publicly calling out bigotry whenever it rears its ugly head. Denial will not make it go away.

Less than four weeks after Hitler was sworn in as Chancellor of Germany, the Nazi party set the Reichstag on fire. That's how long it takes to destroy a democracy. In a world where Kiefer Sutherland tries to deal with the aftermath of a 21st century equivalent in Designated Survivor on network television, we need to remain on high alert to excise extremism from our country. Sutherland (Jack Bauer) modeled the post-9/11 zeitgeist very well for many; let's hope he's not doing it again.

Because if something similar does happen here, our lives as we know them may disappear as quickly as those of Weimar's Jewish community and the Jewish community of Muslim Spain.
More than 250 members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 111D, at two separate Jim Beam distilleries in Kentucky (one at Clermont, Kentucky, the other at Boston), have gone on strike to protest working conditions.

Jim Beam distillery employees have made it clear to management that the walk-off isn't primarily about wages and benefits; rather, it is in response to job and shift seniority issues, hours of work, and the use of temps and part-time employees.

The Japanese parent corporation--Suntory, Inc., which owns Jim Beam, the world's largest producer of bourbon whiskey--has made two offers to the union, both of which were resoundingly rejected by the membership. The first vote was 201-19, and the second vote was 174-46. Clearly, the company hasn't been listening to the union's concerns.

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According to Janelle Mudd, president of Local 111D, one of the critical issues involved here--one of the main components of the strike--is the tremendous amount of overtime being forced down the workers' throats. Because bourbon sales worldwide have soared dramatically over the last year or two, overtime has been required to meet demand. Working 60-80 hours a week is not only not uncommon, it's become the norm.

But instead of doing what other companies do--augmenting the workforce with additional people per the provisions of the labor agreement--the company is haphazardly hiring temps and part-timers, and circumventing the shift and job seniority language of the contract by utilizing these employees in any manner they choose.

Granted, it's always better to have too much "job security" than too little, but there are limits to everything, including one's work week. Enough is enough. As anyone who's ever pulled back-to-back-to-back double-shifts in a factory setting will tell you, by the time you finish a week of it, you don't whether you're coming or going. And as for family relationships and obligations, you can forget about it.

The state of Kentucky is the bourbon center of the globe. Thoroughbred race horses and whiskey. By itself, the state of Kentucky produces 95% of all the bourbon whiskey sold in the world. Indeed, last year alone, Kentucky filled more than 1.9 million barrels of bourbon. There have been reports that "hard liquor" (as opposed to beer and wine) is quietly making a comeback. Jim Beam's sales will attest to that.

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All we can do is wish UCFW Local 111D best of luck in its effort to secure a decent contract. Obviously, with the company seemingly unwilling to compromise, it's going to be tough. Also, there's another obstacle that's looming especially large. Among union negotiators and human resource creatures it's known as the "Third Vote Syndrome."

While it's not uncommon for union members to vote down an inferior contract, and not even that uncommon for them to vote down a second offer, things change radically when a third offer is brought back for a vote. Melancholia and torpor set in. When the company comes back with its third crappy offer, people subconsciously begin to think that maybe this is the best deal they're going to get, and that staying out on strike is counterproductive.
At the end of a Donald Trump rally in Portsmouth, NH on October 15, 2016, I was surprised to see dozens of his supports angrily confronting members of the media covering the event.

How did it come to this? For months, Trump used the real-time media as his most effective campaign strategy.

Leading up to the primaries, there's no question that Donald Trump had a better command of real-time social media than any other candidate for President. And that is a big reason that he secured the GOP nomination. Trump trained mainstream media reporters to follow his @realdonaldtrump Twitter feed for quotes on the news of the day. He used Twitter more often than other candidates and he is faster to respond to what's in the news than other candidates. And the media picked up on his take on the news, giving him tons of coverage.

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The media was Trump's key to securing the GOP nomination

In contrast to Trump, early front-runner Jeb Bush was playing by the rules that got his brother elected the 43rd President more than a decade ago. Other Republican candidates were doing the same. But that was a different era. Back then, massive amounts of money spent on television advertising significantly influenced voters.

Back in August 2015 when most pundits had written Trump off as not having a chance, I did a detailed analysis of Trump's use of Twitter and real-time media. Indeed, between my analysis that August and the early primary elections in the first part of 2016, Trump averaged 18 tweets per day and picked up a remarkable two million new followers in less than five months.

Trump's tweets were timely and tied to the news of the moment. According to Media Matters for America, Trump generated 22 hours and 46 minutes of free airtime from May 1, 2015 to December 15, 2015 on Fox News alone. That's more than primary candidates Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush, and Marco Rubio combined. And according to mediaQuant, near the end of the primary season in March 2015, Trump's campaign had totaled $2.4 billion in earned media value.

When the media is helping you, it's great. But in the past few weeks, Trump's relationship with the reporters and editors who propelled him to victory in the primaries has soured. Now they are writing and broadcasting stories that are harming his candidacy, such as his recorded conversations on the Access Hollywood bus.

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On the stump in Portsmouth on Saturday Trump had nothing but bad things to say about the press.

Trump says the media is corrupt

At 8:50 into his talk, Trump fired up his audience by painting the media as against them. "The election is being rigged by corrupt media," Trump said. Soon after, the audience broke into a chant "CNN sucks! CNN sucks! CNN sucks!" while Trump flashed a thumbs-up.

Later, 21 minuets in, Trump says, "Don't forget. I wasn't supposed to win. I was a businessman with no experience, but I was always very political. The geniuses back there," at this Trump is pointing to the press section at the back of the rally site. "Charles Krauthammer, there's a real winner, Charles Krauthammer says, 'Donald Trump has no experience and he has no chance.'"

Trump then calls members of the media "Total losers."
Florida has more than 2 million small businesses with over 3 million employees. I'm proud to be the President and owner of one of them, Total Wine & More. Small business is critical to the national economy, creating nearly two-thirds of American jobs. Starting and growing a business remains one of the main ways Americans are able to raise their economic status.

In recent years, however, small business has struggled. Nationwide, new business formation has declined 15% since 2007. One reason, of course, is that banks tightened their lending policies after the 2008 crash.

Other factors contribute to this stagnation. Large businesses are squeezing their small business customers with aggressive expansion and higher prices for the goods and services small businesses need. Meeting new tax and regulatory requirements raises the cost of starting and expanding a business. Competition for qualified workers has become more difficult and expensive than ever before.

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In this environment, the person elected President in November is vitally important to people who own and work for small businesses, and people who hope to start one in the next four years.

Many of these people probably share the common perception that Donald Trump would be the best candidate for small business. After all, he's a Republican, has a college degree in business from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and has been a visible member of the business community for almost half a century.

My examination of the candidates' plans for the economy in general and for small business convinces me that this impression is wrong. Hillary Clinton is the candidate who offers the best plan to help small business. In fact, it's not even close.

Trump's "Economic Vision" includes lots of rhetoric but few details. It has no meaningful discussion of how he might pay for his plans. If you expect a self-proclaimed "business candidate" to provide at least the outlines of a budget, you'll be disappointed by Trump. And his website includes nothing - ZERO - about policies for small business. We don't even get vague promises.

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But where Trump fails, Clinton excels. Her website dedicates an entire section to small business. On August 24, she released a detailed plan about how it would work, including concrete steps to

Make it faster and cheaper to start a business.

Make it easier to get financing and find investors.

Make it cheaper and faster to file taxes and pay for tax relief.

Make it easier to offer health care and other benefits to employees.

Make it easier to work with the federal government.

Make it easier to fight back when you're getting stiffed.

For each of these, Clinton provides specifics that make sense to people who operate in the real world. One caught my eye is her plan for tax relief. The average small business spends 20 times more per employee than large businesses to comply with federal tax regulations. To remedy this, Clinton proposes to create a new standard deduction for small business, permit "checkbook accounting" for businesses with less than $1 million in gross receipts, permit immediate expense deductions for up to $1 million in new investments, and expand the start-up tax deduction by five-fold.

Her plan includes similar commonsense specifics for every category.

In short, as a small business owner, I've studied the candidates' plans and concluded that - contrary to common perceptions -- Hillary Clinton is the best candidate for business. If you're a small business owner, work for a small business, or hope to start one, I hope you'll do the same.

* David Trone is President and owner of Total Wine & More, which has over 150 stores in 21 states nationwide, including 27 in Florida.
Mary Baldwin University (formerly known as Mary Baldwin College--more on that later!) is celebrating 175 years of educating women. As a writer whose work often focuses on the subject of women's colleges, I was both enthused and intrigued by this auspicious milestone. It compelled me to learn more about the institution's namesake: Mary Julia Baldwin.

As a part of my research, I read Dr. Mary Watters' book "The History of Mary Baldwin College 1842 - 1942." It left me feeling equally impressed.

Mary Julia Baldwin was born in Virginia on October 4, 1829, to William Daniel Baldwin and Margaret Sarah Sowers Baldwin. She attended the Augusta Female Seminary and graduated as valedictorian in 1846. Rufus W. Bailey, who also served as principal, founded the seminary in 1842. Mary's class was the first to graduate from the seminary. This humble institution ultimately became Mary Baldwin University.

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Mary returned to her alma mater in 1863 to accept the position of principal. But the task at hand presented many challenges. The Civil War loomed and the seminary was floundering. Nevertheless, Miss Baldwin was able to keep the doors open and steer the seminary back on track, while many other schools were forced to close their doors. Talk about grit, smarts, determination, and resilience!

Miss Baldwin remained in the top position for 34 years, until her passing in 1897. During her tenure, she accomplished much. She was forward-thinking, with excellent business sense, and she maintained a strong focus on the goal of educating women. Mary's mission, first and foremost, was to ensure that students received a quality education. To this end, she was always looking to expand the school's curriculum and create new programs. As a gesture of appreciation towards her effective leadership and dedication, the Board of Trustees chose to honor Mary by changing the school's name to Mary Baldwin Seminary in 1895.

In 1916, the seminary became a junior college. Then in 1923, it became an accredited four-year liberal arts institution. It was renamed Mary Baldwin College.

In 1977, the first co-educational program was added: an undergraduate Adult Degree Program, now known as Baldwin Online and Adult Programs. Co-ed Master level programs were introduced in 1992, with the first a being a Master of the Arts in Teaching (MAT). In 2014, the college established the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences. They introduced a doctoral degree in physical therapy: the first Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) in occupational therapy in Virginia; a master's level physician assistant program; and a pathway for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degrees. Mary Baldwin University also presently offers co-ed master's programs in Shakespeare and Performance, and graduate programs in education. Each of these new programs adds value to the undergraduate experience for the students in the core at Mary Baldwin College for Women.

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The college has grown considerably, and developed in terms of diversity. During the academic year of 2015-16, the student population totaled over 1,600 students: 667 undergraduate women in the Residential College for Women, 552 adult degree women and men, and 418 graduate-level women and men.

Recently, the school underwent another name change, this time becoming Mary Baldwin University. This renaming became effective on August 31, 2016, and more accurately reflects the academic programs offered today.

Earlier, I placed a spotlight on Victoria Rosborough, a 2012 physics alumna, and her story as a budding Photonics Engineer. This piece is part of my 2016 series illuminating the stories of STEM alumnae from women's colleges. In today's piece, you'll learn even more about the exciting present and future of Victoria's alma mater through a conversation I had with the current President, Dr. Pamela Fox. Below are highlights from our conversation.

This change to Mary Baldwin University (MBU) is the institution's fourth name since the founding of Augusta Female Seminary in 1842. What is this particular name change all about?

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"The transition to university is a joyous point of public metamorphosis -- publicly and proudly claiming our identity as the multifaceted university already created. We've been diversifying and expanding our academic programs since the 1970s. Since then we have extended the range of degrees and academic opportunity, from the pioneering Baldwin Online and Adult Programs, to flourishing pathways for teachers and a one-of-a-kind Shakespeare program integrating stagecraft with scholarship.

Our most recent programmatic expansion, the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, was a greater leap for us. Not only did we venture into a very different academic field; we started with creating our first doctoral degrees and built a state-of-the-art new campus. In keeping with our innovative track record, we created a groundbreaking interprofessional approach to educating health care providers that has already earned national acclaim.

In higher education, we think of a university as offering a range of graduate and undergraduate degrees, and of being organized into various colleges and schools. MBU has fit this definition for many years. But it's important to note that we have no intention of becoming a big university with 20,000-30,000 students. We deliberately remain a small university where students, whether online or on campus, undergraduate or graduate, have a personal experience working with faculty and fellow students.

It's a bonus that this moment of public transition coincides with our 175th anniversary year because it allows us to reflect on our rich history and also celebrate the exciting future we're creating. "



Photo Caption: President Pamela Fox addresses the crowd at Mary Baldwin University's Charter Day ceremony on August 31, 2016.

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What benefit can students of the undergraduate women's college expect with the new university status?

"Students in Mary Baldwin College for Women get all the proven benefits of a women's college education along with a broader range of opportunities. For instance, we are able to streamline the pathway for a student who wants to earn a graduate degree, so that she can earn the bachelor's degree plus a master's degree in a shorter period of time. Undergraduate students can participate in service trips to Haiti alongside graduate students. Our phenomenal faculty in Shakespeare and Performance direct undergraduate students in plays, multiplying the number of experts in this field that students have the opportunity to work with directly. These are just a few examples of how we are using the university's range of resources to benefit students."

Tell us more about the early college programs for girls: The Program for the Exceptionally Gifted (PEG) and Early College.

"It's hard to believe that our Program for the Exceptionally Gifted is already more than 30 years old. Since the mid 1980s, Mary Baldwin has offered a pathway to a college degree to bright girls as young as 12 or 13 who are ready to bypass most or all of high school to purse an undergraduate degree in a safe, supportive environment. One distinctive feature of our program, as compared to situations where a single gifted student is accepted into a university, is that PEG students have a built-in peer group. Some of our most impressive alumnae were PEG students, including physics major Victoria Rosborough '12, whom you highlighted recently. Another of our programs, Early College, is similar to PEG but is designed for students who are ready for college at 15 or 16."

Photo Caption: Program for the Exceptionally Gifted (PEG) Students

Tell us more about the Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership (VWIL).



"With the visionary leadership of then-president Cynthia Tyson, Mary Baldwin established VWIL 21 years ago with women's empowerment in mind. Starting from the foundation of a four-year degree at a women's college, VWIL additionally integrates both civilian and military leadership components, physical challenge, and additional academic requirements including leadership theory and practice. As the nation's only all-female corps of cadets it combines the proven benefits of single-sex education with co-educational experience in ROTC. When we developed VWIL, our promise was to offer superior leadership development for women that would serve them well no matter what career and civic engagement they pursue.

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A friend recently posted a status on Facebook about a pretty horrifying incident on a plane headed back home to NYC. A supporter of Donald Trump was apparently ripping into two passengers who were speaking amongst themselves about their excitement over Hillary Clinton. When my friend's face showed shock towards the comments, the Trump supporter quickly turned on him with an attack that ended with "faggot."

The day after the second Presidential debate, articles came forward showing a number of Trump supporters taking to Twitter to also call Anderson Cooper a "faggot," as a response of disapproval to the way he moderated the debate.

These two stories alone are enough to shock most people with the open use of such hate filled language, but sadly to many of us, it's a word that has been thrown at us for as long as we can remember. The true shock for me came with the phrases that accompanied these attacks.

"Get out of my country!"

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"Traitorous."

"We'll lock you in a dungeon!"

When I was born in 1982, I was born to parents who had emigrated to the United States from Cuba. Being that I was born here, I had that magical thing that so many crave and work so long for...citizenship. Upon taking my first breath in this world, I was promised "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

I was an American Citizen.

Eighteen years later, after my own self discovery, I came out of the closet and soon realized that this "citizenship" was actually something that was not yet mine and something that I would have to fight for. I would join millions of others in my community who've had to earn this right that is supposedly promised at birth in this country. And it's a sad history, but one that we had no choice but to live through...

It's the soldier that marched off to war to defend his country with pride and honor. The soldier who was found to be "homosexual" and given a dishonorable discharge with no pay or benefits, even though he enlisted to give his country the ultimate sacrifice.

It's the woman that was forced into a psych ward for having "unnatural thoughts" and was tested upon with electric shock therapy, leaving her mentally damaged forever and lost in a world of darkness.

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It's having your name listed as a "pervert" or "pedophile" in your local hometown paper because you were arrested for just being in a gay bar. A listing that lost you your job, housing and in most cases, your family.

It's the generation that was lost to a plague that could have been controlled. A plague that was ignored by a federal government that didn't want to involve itself in "gay matters" until the number became a staggering epidemic.

It's the bodies of children buried under every part of the soil of this land. Children who were taught that they were sick, damaged, unlovable and felt no other choice but to leave a world that deserted them because of feelings that were born within them.

And it's a country where, even in 2016, you can lose your employment in multiple states just for being gay.

So you see, though my birth certificate says that I am a citizen of the United States, I join millions that have had to fight to simply enjoy "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

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Yet there is one tool we do have that evens the playing field.

Our voice.

And this voice is powerful and has corrected and changed the course of the stories above. Our voice now allows us to defend this country freely and openly. Our voice has allowed us to marry the person we love in all 50 states of this amazing country. Our voice has allowed us to elect progressive leaders who fight day in and day out with us to continue to move the dial forward on full equality. And our voice will enlist the majority to get to the voting booth on November 8th and make certain that not even the toe of Donald Trump will ever cross the threshold of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
By Carlos Guiza and Xose Ramil

Carlos Guiza's passion is to find income-generating alternatives for disadvantaged people. At the Multilateral Investment Fund, he experiments with models to develop climate change resilience, and public-private alliances for corporate social innovation.

Twenty million people do not yet have access to electricity in Latin America. Around 90 million people are still dependent on solid fuels--mainly biomass and kerosene--to cover basic needs such as heating and cooking, which limits their access to lighting and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

This deficiency particularly affects rural areas, where two-thirds of the people have no access to electricity or gas. But there are several initiatives underway to reach the last mile in energy access.

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Altruistic entrepreneurs in Latin America are working on new energy technologies, financing mechanisms, and distribution systems that are increasingly accepted in Latin America's least populated areas. The innovations include photovoltaic systems that use solar power to generate electricity, pay-as-you-go services, and mini-grid energy networks.

A recent study by the Technical University of Madrid, Sustainable Energy Distribution in Latin America, presents a clear view of these models, proposed by innovators such as Technosol in Nicaragua, Ilumexico and Acciona in Mexico, Endev in Peru, Energetica and Phocos in Bolivia, and Guascor in Brazil.

All of these entrepreneurs have successfully developed their ideas to overcome the challenges of providing clean energy services in rural areas and still generating income--not only for themselves, but also for people in the surrounding areas who benefit by working as distributors and maintenance technicians for the new technologies.

As of the end of 2015, the energy entrepreneurs had strong results:

Energizing Development (EnDev) in Peru had fostered an ecosystem of around 20 entrepreneurs who sell improved cookstoves. Some of these entrepreneurs make at least twice the minimum salary in their area and employ as many as 20 salespeople each.

had fostered an ecosystem of around 20 entrepreneurs who sell improved cookstoves. Some of these entrepreneurs make at least twice the minimum salary in their area and employ as many as 20 salespeople each. ACCIONA Microenergia Mexico had installed 3,602 solar-power systems in villages with fewer than 100 inhabitants, and expects to have 7,500 systems installed by the end of this year.

had installed 3,602 solar-power systems in villages with fewer than 100 inhabitants, and expects to have 7,500 systems installed by the end of this year. Ilumexico in Mexico had trained 43 community engineers how to maintain solar-power systems in rural areas, and given them the opportunity to sell parts as a way to generate additional income. The company had sold systems to 5,600 rural households.

had trained 43 community engineers how to maintain solar-power systems in rural areas, and given them the opportunity to sell parts as a way to generate additional income. The company had sold systems to 5,600 rural households. Energetica in Bolivia had partnered with municipalities to host local fairs that built public awareness of and trust in solar power. In the meantime, Energetica developed its distribution networks for solar-power systems--salespeople that go door to door in rural areas.



Diego Perez, Innovation and Technology for Development Centre, Technical University of Madrid

Governments in Latin America and international donors are providing the energy entrepreneurs with positive incentives. For example, Nicaragua is granting tax exemptions for imported solar panels, and Peru is giving the entrepreneurs concessions to develop electricity sources in off-grid areas. Endev in Peru is fully funded by donors, with six countries providing money: Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Switzerland.

While energy entrepreneurs in Latin America are concentrating their efforts on the challenge of reaching the last mile, in time, the region's cities may become an attractive market for their innovations.

Since 80 percent of the region's population is concentrated in cities, and city residents are connected to large electricity grids, urban energy innovations will require changes in public policies to encourage alternative energy suppliers to enter these markets. In the long term, innovations must take into account the need for climate change resilience in cities.

Hydroelectric power is the current major source of electricity in Latin America and the Caribbean. But with recent scenarios forecasting growth of at least 28 percent in demand for electricity between now and 2040, there will be ample room for alternative energy sources, such as solar.

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Furthermore, there is opportunity in the market for residential energy: since 1971, residential energy consumption in Latin America and the Caribbean has not only grown at a higher rate than income, but also at a higher rate than energy consumption by other sectors.

The most lucrative route for energy entrepreneurs may turn out to be creating innovative models that are resilient to the effects of climate change in both rural areas and cities.

Is it too complicated to dream about mini-grid energy networks for neighborhoods as an alternative when traditional on-the-grid systems fail?



Xose Ramil

Xose Ramil is head of communications at the Innovation and Technology for Development Centre at the Technical University of Madrid. His areas of expertise include digital communication, crowdfunding, and information and communications technology tools to stimulate social engagement.
According to Deepak Chopra: most of us are fooled into believing that getting the next big thing is the answer to our happiness and yet studies continue to show it's not about the external rather the internal. This means that we have to learn new ways to be happy. To emphasize this point further, Denier says, Money can't buy you happiness, because happiness is not an "it." Interestingly, Millennials don't fall into this trap, they prefer to have experiences over things. They want work that has meaning and purpose and not just a paycheck. Furthermore, in 2016 Toy Fair trends show that Millennials want to go back to basics, play games by connecting face-to-face and spend quality time with friends and family. We can take a note about being happier from this generation.

Happiness is subjective and what works for you may or may not work for another which is why it's so important to be aware of what makes you feel happy at work. Most people who are happy at work enjoy what they are doing and are using their strengths on the job. As a communication and workplace strategist, I define strengths not just your skills and competencies, although you certainly need those to get the job, rather strengths are what energize you, your internal motivators. This allows you not only to do your job, you feel energized by it which ultimately leads to sustained peak performance. Gallup research shows "People who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged on the job and three times more likely to be happier with their lives in general."

In fact, "When Americans use their strengths more, they stress less," according to Jim Asplund, Author of Embedding Strengths in Your Company's DNA. He continues to say, "The more hours per day adults believe they use their strengths, the more likely they are to report having ample energy, feeling well-rested, being happy, smiling or laughing a lot learning something interesting, and being treated with respect."

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If you want to feel happier at work, find ways to utilize your natural strengths. When we are using our strengths, we are at our best. Ask yourself these questions. Be honest with yourself and commit to making one change that can positively impact your work life.

Do you feel challenged in a positive way by interesting projects, work and life experiences? Happiness experts suggest that it's necessary to have mental stimulation in your work life that energizes you. Are you using your strengths on the job? If not, how can you talk with your manager about your strengths - what energizes and what drains you? Discussing what energizes and drains us at work helps us clarify what makes us happy and productive. It gives meaning and purpose and allows us to contribute at a much higher level.

Are you in good health? Many positive psychology experts connect health with your emotional well-being, suggesting that the better your general health is, the happier you may be. According to a white paper "Think Better Neuroscience: The Next Competitive Advantage, by Steelcase a research company, numerous studies have proven that movement boosts attention by pumping oxygen and fresh blood through the brain and triggering the release of enhancing hormones. While the physical and emotional benefits of movement are well-established, neuroscience has proven it also enhances cognition. So, take time out during your work-day or after work to do some form of exercise, it lowers stress levels, increases focus and generally boosts the serotonin in our brains making us feel happier.

Do you find yourself complaining more often at work? Constant complainers are generally not happy people, and yet there is some benefit for the complainer. If you find yourself constantly complaining about your job, your boss, work environment etc., then it's time to make some real changes. Being a victim or martyr does not make you happy - focusing on all the reasons why your job sucks, takes away from seeing what is good and right about your work. Most of us complain when we are exhausted, stressed, and drained...to combat this negative behaviors, lean into your strengths, take a break during your day or rediscover what brings you joy.

It's up to each of us to be accountable for defining what happiness looks and feels like at work and then to take one brave step forward to making that change. Lastly, if you are still struggling, make a list of what you loved doing as a kid, what brings you joy and is considered priceless, like making a new friend, working on a detailed project, brainstorming ideas, learning something new, dreaming about the future, being a cheerleader, helping others, accomplishing a goal, or being the leader. Go ahead, try it, you might discover a few forgotten strengths - what makes you feel energized, motivated - that's the happiness inside you that you didn't know existed. Enjoy.
Last month, we wrote a blog, Last Tango in Riyadh, so why a follow up six weeks later with a title that sounds the same? Well, the New York Times has just published an article that captured some of what we posted, but the New York Times, foreign policy experts, politicians, and yes, presidential candidates simply will not connect the dots to the disasters that loom in Saudi Arabia and in the Persian Gulf.

A Middle Eastern reader of the blog best summed up our reasoning as "intuitive." In our earlier piece, we talked of King Salman turning the Saudi succession hierarchy on its head with ominous implications; of the young Saudi deputy crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman, embracing a program of reforms that had been denied by his family for over 50 years with little recognition of the land mines that lay ahead when it came to its implementation; and of American backing for the Al-Sauds, hailed by many as realpolitik, which in our view may be seen as the greatest American foreign policy blunder of our time.

We must begin by repudiating the view, popularly held in many quarters, that Islam is the reason for oppressive rule, dictatorships, injustice, enormous income and wealth inequalities, economic failure and backwardness in Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia. This is not the Islam that we know. The Qur'an preaches the opposite--the Unity of God's creation, social and economic justice, rulers (governments) that earn legitimacy by following rules and serving with the consent of their communities, the absence of opulence and poverty, absolute prohibition of corruption, and effective institutions (that include the rule of law with everyone equally subject to the law) as the foundation of a thriving and just community. Having said this, it is clear that fewer than a handful of Muslim countries (out of 56) could even approach such a description. Muslim countries have generally failed and Muslims have not held their rulers accountable.

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In Saudi Arabia the Al-Sauds have set aside everything that we have described as the religion of the Qur'an. They took over the land with knives and swords and now they see it as theirs. With this mindset, they see no need for getting any approval from the citizenry. They are above the law. There is no need for effective institutions, as these would only undermine their absolute (and un-Islamic) rule. There is no need for income and wealth equality as the land is theirs; so they take whatever they want (not need) from the treasury--a treasury that has only depleting oil reserves as its source of income--with ominous implications for all future generations of Saudis.

King Salman showed his opulent and un-Islamic lifestyle during his brief visit to Washington after ascending to the throne. We had naively felt that the young Deputy Crown Prince was more of an idealist, with reform as his goal, but that he failed to show an appreciation of the implementation difficulties that lay ahead. Wait....What? How naive we were! The king's young son is following in his father's footsteps. Earlier this year when he saw a yacht (439 feet compared to his yacht of only 258 feet) that he had to have in the South of France, he reportedly dispatched one of his attendants to buy the yacht, which he bought that same day from its Russian owner for about $550 million! It seems that we were absolutely wrong. He follows in his father's footsteps. We could possibly accept this IF the source of his wealth was his hard work and IF he were not asking ordinary Saudis to accept big cutbacks to their benefits in the face of low oil prices and dwindling government oil revenues. The landscape that we see in Saudi Arabia is not from Islam but one that has been created by and for the Al-Sauds. It is not a regime that can last long in its present form.

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The point of all of this is to ask three questions and to answer them. What does Al-Saud rule portend for the future and the stability of Saudi Arabia? What has our support for the Al-Sauds gotten us? What does this discussion and the state of affairs in the Muslim World show as the best course of our Middle Eastern policy?

The answer to the first question is straightforward. The Al-Sauds have wasted 50 years of oil revenues on unwarranted military expenditures, unproductive subsidies (that cannot be easily ended without ominous political and social upheavals), corruption and unimaginable opulence, ineffective political, social and economic institutions, and a very uncertain economic future for the general citizenry. Moreover, their regional aggression in Yemen with indiscriminate bombing of civilians, which might constitute war crimes, will further undermine their legitimacy in the Muslim world. Simply said, it would take a miracle to save them for more than 10 to 15 years if they continue on their current trajectory.

US support for the Al-Sauds has been historically defended on the basis of access to oil, stability and to contain Iran and Iraq. Access to oil has always been an empty argument. Oil producers must sell their oil for revenues. This they will do with or without our political and military support. American support for dictators with guns, prisons, torture chambers and indiscriminate bombing (with US refueling support and weapons) presents a threat to all peaceful opposition but does provide for short run quashing of dissent, but at what cost? Can this continue forever or is it the proverbial finger in the dam? As important, does our support of such oppressive rulers buy us the love of Saudis and of the Muslim world?

For further confirmation of what our support has gotten us, just look at the results of our popularity in the latest Pew Polls for the Middle East and North Africa. Today the US is being adversely implicated in Prince Mohammad's adventure in Yemen. The upheavals that are sure to come in Saudi Arabia and in the region will further damage US interests around the world. These upheavals will be much more deadly than if the underlying causes of dissension had been addressed with some instability along the way. We must accept some instability for meaningful reforms because we cannot expect decades of harsh rule that has suppressed all opposition to be replaced immediately and peacefully by enlightened rulers and governance.

Furthermore, an important issue in today's world is to what extent does our support for oppressive Muslim rulers fuel Muslim terrorism? It provides terrorists with recruits because terrorists emphasize America's support of unjust dictators and make false promises of how they would change this when they take over. As for Saudi Arabia being a pillar against Iran and Iraq, we hardly think that this would be the case if and when these two countries get their own houses in order. We must also add that American support for the Al-Sauds is facilitated by large consulting contracts to former very senior US officials, gifts to foundations and universities and heavy lobbying by corporations and others who support the Al-Sauds.

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So what should the US do?

The US should stop playing the music for the Al-Sauds. Instead, the US should make its support conditional on reforms before it is too late. If not, oppressive and corrupt rule and economic and social failure in Saudi Arabia and in the wider region will be increasingly associated with US support. This will only provide fuel to those who paint America's Middle East policies as a war against Islam and give increasing support for the likes of ISIS and Al-Qaeda. If we continue on this path, we may even have to turn to Iran to salvage a modicum of support among Muslims of the region!

We understand that foreign policy experts who preach realpolitik characterize our recommendations as naive. We, on the other hand, would characterize current US policy as immoral and shortsighted; we preach human rights and representative governance while supporting dictators who stand against everything we espouse and enrich themselves and their cronies at the expense of millions of Muslims in their countries and in the region. Do policymakers think that our support of Saudi Arabia is winning us support among the hundreds who have been killed in Yemen and their extended families who run into the thousands? Will Saudis love us as we support the Al-Sauds when peaceful citizens are locked up because they have demanded much needed change? Is it not better to endure some short-run instability that could prevent catastrophic upheavals later?
Ken Bone (R), a power plant employee from Belleville, Illinois, listens to a question along with Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump (L) and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton (C) during their presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S., October 9, 2016. Picture taken October 9, 2016. REUTERS/Rick Wilking

The second presidential debate made it painfully clear that the candidates' pasts echo forward for all of us. As 69 million Americans tuned in, both Trump and Clinton were forced to confront embarrassing scandals that occurred over a decade ago.

Much like the candidates, the CIA's dark past has reared its ugly head; however, these revelations have not seen the same mass consumption by the American electorate. With scandals breaking daily, the mainstream media have scrambled to feed our furious appetite for the latest, most up-to-date stories. This ratings-driven focus has not only left the election void of any serious policy discussions and their implications, but we have not been given the time to mediate each scandal. Scandals are forgotten as quickly as they are broken. We cannot allow this to occur with the most recent exposures about the CIA's systematic torture regime. In November, one candidate will win and our news cycle will quickly forget the victor's faults. As Americans and as human beings, we cannot afford to give the CIA this liberty.

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Recently, the New York Times ran a brilliant front page story on "How U.S. Torture Left a Legacy of Damaged Minds." Their piece illustrated the broken bodies and minds of detainees who faced the CIA's brutal torture.

Following this publication, the Washington Post ran an Op Ed. blog by Jacobsen and Margulies, two lawyers representing the Abu Zubaydah, the first US prisoner to be exposed to the CIA's enhanced interrogation practices. The Jacobsen and Margulies headline "The 'guinea pig' for U.S. torture is languishing at Guantanamo", highlighted the federal government's refusal to charge Zubaydah with any criminal infraction. Since his arrest in 2002, Zubaydah has remained in our nation's custody with no prospect of a criminal trial to decide his fate. Just as candidates need to own their histories, it is imperative the CIA admits its use of torture in many prisons around Europe and Asia and its lethal drone strikes, which have killed hundreds, maybe thousands, of innocents.

Whether the CIA tortured is not the question. Although President Obama confirmed torture in 2014, we knew it had been the case for years. The question is whether American torturers, along with those who approved of this evil practice, will ever face justice. Even as I ask this question, our nation moves further from the answer. Congress again recently blocked President Obama's effort to release more prisoners to other countries. If Trump is elected into office, we are promised the return of torture as a weapon and government sanctioned interrogation. If Clinton is elected into office, the CIA will continue to kill the innocents with drones. As the sounds of silence continue in the media, individuals face detention without charge, and unmanned aircraft, controlled by joystick from Florida or Nevada, rain fire down in the Middle East.

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As Director of Amnesty in the '80s and '90s, I often bemoaned the use of torture and the inability of nations to accept accountability and bring those responsible to justice. However, many of the nations I once scorned have sought transitional justice against their human rights violators and dictators. To name a few, Chile, Peru, Argentina, El Salvador and Guatemala have all chased their human rights abusers. These nations are not afraid of their past. America, the mighty human rights lecturer, has been unable to live up to the ideals we disseminated. Since our nation's colonial past, we have considered America a City upon a Hill; an example for the rest of the world to live up to; however, this is no longer the case in terms of human rights.

South and Central America face their past

Our South and Central American brothers and sisters know that it is healthy to look ahead as well as backward. Correcting the vile past just may correct the future. Why can we Americans not follow suit? Maybe because we never torture our own citizens? Thus, we can claim innocence or naivete about its horror and the damage to the body and mind of the victim. Some claim we pursued torture for "the greater good." Many have claimed that we leveraged torture as a means to gain vital information and protect American lives; however, the US Government has openly admitted that no valuable evidence was garnered through our barbaric acts.

While we know torture occurred, the sounds of silence continue to exist in the press and the government. This year's Presidential debates have not come close to broaching the subject of human rights. Why? It is common knowledge that the United States has tortured and held prisoners without trial. Why do we continue to allude our demons? We cannot allow denial of our wrongs to become our future; instead, I endorse chasing every human rights violator and imprisoning him or her after a fair trial.

But WHY has this not already occurred? Are we so mighty that we are above the law? Or are we so complacent that we believe if Americans do the torturing, it is somehow fine and blessed by God? My concern is even deeper.

Even after Senator Feinstein published 500+ page report on CIA's detention and interrogation program proving and detailing the CIA's savagery, we refuse to accept the truth. Even after countless headlines reporting the loss of innocent life from American drone strikes, we cannot discuss the scorched earth tactics deployed by our military and intelligence community. A departing POTUS promised to close Gitmo. It is open and working and our soldiers contain prisoners never charged. When will this charade stop? It is a human rights joke. The comedian is the USA but also the butt of the joke. In this paradox, the very soul of American democracy and what that means to so many billions of people, starving for decency and accountability, is damaged and our pompous pretense at innocence must be dropped.

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Unauthorized war

Americans are at war now with Yemen, the poorest nation in the Middle East. Do Americans know we are? Is it ever discussed? Has the money for that war ever been aired out to the public? War usually is serious business because, essentially, the nation going to war is asking its brave soldiers to fight with a sense of righteousness. Not our nation. Not this war. Our soldiers are told to go fight Al Qaeda in Yemen. But understand this, Al Qaeda is funded by the Sunnis, many of them Saudis. Saudis are also bombing the Houthis, the Shia and a minority in Yemen. All sides have human rights abuses by none compared to the bombing of the Saudis by the Houthis supported by American refueling planes and American planes and Abrams tanks manned by Saudis. Find righteous in all that. And we have channels of television that never stop talking and talking. But torture, drone policy, innocents killed, prisoners held without charge in a nation of far too many lawyers never does this subject come up. The sounds of silence.

Trump will have walked away from his history of bad deals, so will Hillary. The future is dark and not letting up.

Questions the media should ask

To help the media folks, namely Chris Wallace, moderator for the third debate, here are some human rights questions that must be pressed upon the candidates:

Do you approve of the death penalty and torture?

Do you approve of the drone strikes in 13 different Moslem countries?

Are you for prosecution of the torturers in the CIA and those who approved of that policy?

If we go to war (like we are in Yemen or Syria), does this need a vote of Congress?

What would you do with Gitmo? Close it or leave it open?

Should prisoners be held without trial be released immediately or given a fair trial?

Would you give Gitmo territory back to Cuba so that this inane pretense of holding prisoners on "foreign territory" rather than our own cannot be used again?

Would you approve of panel of truth and reconciliation ala South Africa for American violators of human rights abuses?

As the general election opened, Clinton used Paul Simon as a mouthpiece to unite her party during her convention. Simon performed "A Bridge a Troubled Water" in an attempt to bring the "Bernie or Bust" camp back into the folds of the Democratic Party. As the election ends, I am reminded of another Paul Simon song, The Sounds of Silence. If human rights are a lost art, then the least we Americans can do is to discuss the good old days, listen to Paul Simon's brilliant song, and let the dust of history settle on our wounded and lost consciousness.

The USA needs leaders who take human rights violators to the bar of justice, even if we lose every time. We need a leader with the courage to confront our dark past. Then at least, we can brag about the devoted few while singing that beautiful song of Paul Simon, The Sound of Silence. We cannot allow denial of our wrongs to become our future; instead, I endorse chasing every human rights violator and imprisoning him or her after a fair trial such as they are denying to others.

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We have all seen the recent headlines about mistreatment of women. Many readers are probably shocked, but for women who have gone through it, this is business as usual. As a retired lawyer who lived through physical and verbal domestic violence, I am appalled by the way the system treats women who are abused. It becomes a "he said, she said" situation, since there are usually no witnesses. Michelle Obama was correct when she said, "people often won't take our word over his."

While cursing is prohibited on television and senators are admonished for doing it, this is not treated as abuse by the courts. My ex-husband routinely sent me emails with abusive and vulgar language, including the "c-word," but my efforts to get this stopped were fruitless. My recent court order says, "It is true that some of the Plaintiff's email messages to Defendant in 2014 and 2015 contain objectively offensive language. While the court in no way condones the use of such language, Plaintiff cannot be held in contempt of court because he did not violate any court order of the court when he sent those messages."

A clever husband may file for divorce, which is a game changer. We see this with celebrity domestic violence cases all the time. The abuser can then claim that the allegations of domestic violence are an attempt by the wife to possess the house or gain custody of the children.

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In New York courts, even when criminal or Family Court orders of protection are issued, the matrimonial judge is a higher level judge and can modify or overturn the lower court's order, which is what the judge in my family's case did. The lower order becomes a joke.

The husband can also claim that his wife falsely pressed charges and seek legal fees in retribution. He can argue that the district attorney's failure to prosecute means that the wife lied, when it merely meant that there wasn't sufficient evidence.



The abuser is often the moneyed spouse and will thus pay his wife's attorney and any "experts." These so-called experts are no longer neutral, since they serve the client who is paying their bill.

Judges may even prevent evidence from entering the record. My request to subpoena medical records documenting prior abuse was denied because it was deemed to have taken place too long ago. But as the recent news documents, leopards tend not to change their spots...

Women who object can be held in contempt and threatened with jail time. I have routinely been told that I will be sent to Rikers Island for 10-20 days, but my ex-husband is solely sanctioned with monetary fines that are not enforced.

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If women who have been abused go to the media, they can be accused of ruining the abuser's career although it was actually ruined by his own behavior, as the recent New York Times letter indicated about Donald Trump.
Public affairs TV host Aaron Harber will moderate two debate-watch panels at Regis University Wed., discussing media coverage of the presidential campaign and the Oct. 19 presidential debate.

The panelists are former Denver news anchor Tamara Banks, Editor of The Denver Post, Lee Ann Colacioppo, KNUS Radio Host Krista Kafer, and yours truly.

A 6 p.m. panel, in the Mountain View Room of Peter Claver Hall at Regis, will address media coverage of the presidential race to date, as well as what can be expected going forward. An 8:30 p.m. panel will discuss the debate itself, which will be shown at 7 p.m. on a large screen with live tweeting.

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The event is free, and questions from the audience will be encouraged. Doors open and 5:30.

A livestream of both panels will be carried by Regis and made available to members of the Colorado Broadcasters Association.

A news release about the event quoted CBA President Justin Sasso:

We're very pleased to work with Aaron and his team as well as Regis University to bring this nonpartisan public affairs educational opportunity to Colorado television and radio stations across the state right at such a crucial juncture in the election cycle when citizens are receiving their ballots.

The release also quoted Colorado Press Association CEO Jerry Raehal:

Given the prominent print journalists on the panels and the fact many Colorado publications have Websites which can offer the live-streaming of the event, this is a great public service for everyone in Colorado. Colorado publications exist to serve their communities so we're delighted to partner with Aaron, a CPA member, to bring these discussions to our members' readers across the entire State.

John Hickey, Regis University Associate Dean and Chair of the Communications Department, stated via a news release:

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This is a wonderful opportunity for Colorado citizens to hear from and interact with some of the best-known and most insightful journalists in our state. We are especially grateful to have someone of Aaron's caliber --- who is known for his balanced and effective moderating skills in challenging debate situations --- leading this effort.

Moderator Aaron Harber stated,

We're delighted to work with Dean Hickey and everyone at Regis University to bring this opportunity to as many people as possible. By live-streaming the event, Regis is making this as accessible as possible to millions of Coloradans. I'm also honored by the incredible line-up of journalists that we have on our two panels.
Residents of Kashadaha village visit the Kashadaha Anando school in Kashadaha village, Bangladesh.  Dominic Chavez/World Bank

It may come as a surprise to some that I will celebrate the international day to end global poverty in Bangladesh - a country often associated with extreme poverty. Born from the ashes of its war for independence in 1971, Bangladesh has a history of famines and cyclones that have claimed countless lives.

But Bangladesh today is an example of how rapidly a country can emerge from the depths of poverty. When on Monday we mark End Poverty Day, we will join its people to celebrate the progress in Bangladesh, and share lessons about what has been achieved and what still needs to be done.

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Critically, Bangladesh recognized early on that empowering women is crucial to ending poverty. The national family planning program in the 1980s reached women in their homes through a model of door-step delivery of contraceptives by an army of female health workers. Fertility rates have fallen from 6.9 births per woman in 1971, to 2.3 births today - almost at population replacement level. In the 1990s, the female secondary school stipend program, one of the first conditional cash transfer program in the world, helped achieve gender parity in secondary education.

Others also innovated in ways that have spread around the world. Large organizations - including BRAC and Grameen that are known worldwide -- brought microfinance, investments in female-owned small businesses, and other initiatives to empower poor people.

Bangladesh recognized early that investments in people are just as critical as investments in hard infrastructure. Human capital investments can spur economic growth and enable a country to compete effectively in the short, medium and long term. Infant mortality and fertility rates in Bangladesh are lower than the average for countries at a similar stage of development. Access to sanitation, and immunization rates, and the number of years children spend in school are all higher than in India.

Bangladesh's private sector has played a huge role in the country's progress. Between 2003 and 2013, women's employment rose from 7 million to 17 million. Some 4 million women, mostly from poor rural areas, work in the ready-made garment sector, and this number is set to rise as jobs migrate from China to other countries.

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These economic and human development achievements have occurred amid challenging conditions. Bangladesh is in the most climatically vulnerable area to severe cyclones, accounting for 70 percent of all storm surges in the world.

Bangladesh has been a forerunner in adaptation and disaster-coping mechanisms, and these have reduced the impact of recent storms, cyclones, and floods.

In its quest to end poverty, Bangladesh got many of the basics right. Since 2000, the economy has been growing consistently at 6 percent, on average, every year, helping lift millions of people out of poverty. New data from the World Bank released earlier this month showed that 20.5 million Bangladeshis escaped poverty between 1990/91 and 2010.

Bangladesh's people also would be the first to recognize that much still needs to be done. The country still had 28 million poor people in 2010, our latest estimates from household surveys.

Bangladesh's ambitions remain extraordinarily high. Its goals are to become a middle-income country by 2021 and to end extreme poverty by 2030. To do this, the country needs to sustain its economic growth, create more and better jobs, focus on energy and transport infrastructure, make progress on improving the quality of health and education, and improve governance and strengthen anti-corruption measures.

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The World Bank Group is looking forward to working with Bangladesh to promote private sector investment by strengthening governance and improving the investment climate. Strengthening governance will be important for areas critical to job creation: infrastructure, diversifying exports, moving up the manufacturing value chain, and ensuring the health and safety of workers.

But when we take a longer view of the country, we see that Bangladesh has proven that a long list of hardships does not mean there's no hope. In fact, it has shown that innovation, commitment, and setting goals can accomplish feats that few dared imagine. I believe that Bangladesh will continue to build on this outstanding record and it will end extreme poverty by 2030 and continue to boost shared prosperity.
Unusual question: What will be the fate of Mosul's telecommunications infrastructure, such as it is, as an anti-ISIS military coalition moves to reclaim the city?

I've been thinking about it in light of research I conducted during a prior conflict: In 2001, shortly before the American-led invasion of Afghanistan, journalist Ted Rose asked for some help investigating telecommunications infrastructure in the country. There was an interesting angle to the story: In 1999, an American entrepreneur from New Jersey had won the bid for a contract with the Afghan Ministry of Communications to build a new point-to-point fixed network of 9,000 lines in Kabul and Kandahar, essentially so that Taleban elites would enjoy a more reliable alternative to the country's crumbling Soviet-era phone grid. The New Jersey man received a private assurance from Osama Bin Laden that the American engineers he deployed to the country could do their work unmolested and then be free to leave.

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Both before and during the aerial bombardment of Taleban strongholds, I conducted phone interviews in Dari with fixed line users on both networks -- the numbers dialed at random -- in Kabul and some of the country's towns. I also spoke to the new network's switchboard operator in Kabul. The upshot: Though coalition warplanes destroyed many lines in Kabul, most were left untouched. Damage to the infrastructure, moreover, was minimal -- and the new grid connecting Kabul and Kandahar remained intact. The situation contrasted sharply with the air raids on Iraq during the 1990 Gulf War, where the damage was considerably greater. Circumstantial evidence I had gathered suggested that in Afghanistan, the U.S. and NATO were employing munitions to short-circuit transformers and switching stations without destroying them. (The findings were covered by the New York Times here, and the Jordanian news service Al-Bawaba here.)

The care the coalition took with respect to the phone grid proved especially helpful after the war, as the new Afghan government and its allies began to rebuild damaged infrastructure. But the decision to protect the grid amid the fog of war also raised the question of why would coalition bombers would safeguard a network that benefited only their enemies. We asked a military affairs specialist in Washington. Simple, he replied. If we took out the phone lines, we'd lose the chance to listen in on their conversations.

How equivalent calculations might apply to the complex communications environment of present-day Mosul -- in which VSATs, mobile base stations, and aging fixed lines carry social media chatter as well as old-fashioned conversation -- is unclear. But I hope those tasked with executing the campaign are posing such questions, not only for the sake of winning their battles but also with an eye toward the future of that beleaguered city.
"It really is infuriating," said Steven, taking off his glasses and pinching the space between his eyes. "I've accomplished a lot in my life. And I still do. The last book, critically, I couldn't have asked for better reviews. And this new one, I'm really excited about this one. When I tell people about it, they think I've got something really special happening. And yet I still walk around feeling like... "

"You're a piece of shit," I said.

"Yes!" agreed Steven. "A piece of shit! Why? I'd like to get rid of that, I really would. Why do I still think this? Why do I still feel this way? Am I just hopeless? I've done enough in my life that I should have enough evidence to the contrary but no matter what I do... yes, a piece of shit. I'm doomed, right? Sorry, I'll let you speak."



Steven took a big gulp of water from his plastic cup and I waited until he was done. When he finished he looked back at me.



"You were going to say something," said Steven.

"Yeah," I said. "You ever heard of Walter Duranty?"

"Huh?"

Why do I still feel this way? Am I just hopeless?

In 1932 Walter Duranty, the New York Times Moscow correspondent, won the Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on Joseph Stalin's Soviet Union. Throughout Duranty's pieces he continually explained that, despite what one might have heard, there was no Stalin-induced famine causing the deaths of millions of Ukrainians. Though word spread across the globe that Stalin was starving people to death by the millions, Duranty won the Pulitzer Prize by telling the world that these were rumors, or at the very least gross exaggerations, and in no way accurately described what was happening in the USSR.

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The only problem? Duranty lied. (I take the charge of "liar" seriously. Disseminating false information does not automatically equate to lying. However, it is well documented that Duranty knew of the millions of deaths Stalin caused and reported differently.)

While Ukrainians were dying, Duranty put forth a powerful yet false narrative. And with a Pulitzer to add to his New York Times credibility, many believed the alternate reality he described.



Why did he do this? Why would someone depict a false reality, hiding and negating the real one? In one word: agenda.



It is clear that Walter Duranty thought positively about Stalin and Soviet Communism. Duranty, like other journalists and intellectuals of his time, made Communism his own personal religion, albeit secular. In order to stay emotionally connected and committed to what Duranty defined as "Stalinism," he had to construct a narrative of a country absent of genocidal-sized atrocities.

Why would someone depict a false reality, hiding and negating the real one? In one word: agenda

This is what we do when the thing that gives us our life force of ultimate purpose and meaning is wildly flawed. We erase those flaws, hiding them or putting them somewhere else in order to stay connected. Duranty's personal agenda was to stay emotionally connected to Stalin and the Soviet Union and he constructed a false narrative to make that possible.

The example of Walter Duranty can help explain the experience of many people like Steven, who believe themselves to be painfully flawed, no matter what they do or achieve in their current lives.



One of the most powerful and yet least recognized forces in human development is a child's need to preserve a deep connection and attachment with its parent at whatever cost. A child will often emotionally contort to whatever make or likeness a parent needs it to be if the payoff is the potential to be loved and cared for. Just like Walter Duranty and the Soviet Union, the child erases the flaws in the parent so they have something perfect to connect to.



The tragedy of all of this is that without realizing it, the child then puts all those flaws inside. Because our psychological agenda is to stay connected to Mom and Dad, we change reality and build a powerful yet false new narrative: the reason my most essential needs are not being met is not due to something missing in Mom and Dad but to something missing in me. There is something wrong with me and that is why I'm not getting all I need. But if I can fix what is broken in me, I can get all that beautiful stuff from Mom and Dad. This then becomes our psychological agenda: be intrinsically flawed. That way, there is something within our power to fix, and we will not have to give up hope of getting what we so crave.

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One of the most powerful and yet least recognized forces in human development is a child's need to preserve a deep connection

Unchecked, this narrative becomes our wiring and can go on for a lifetime. No matter what we do or achieve there will still be a gnawing feeling that we are built wrong; just like Steven, we're shit. We then constantly strive and do to erase feelings and beliefs that never go away. Underneath it all, we need to be broken because our early experience falsely teaches us that brokenness is built in and the only way we are ever going to get the connection and safe place that we need. And without that safety we die - literally.

"Well, now I feel thoroughly depressed. Thanks, Josh."

"Hey, that's what I'm here for," I said, sparking the beginnings of a smile from Steven.

"Why would he do that? Duranty. It makes me angry."

"Good. It should. And what about you?" I asked, causing Steven to raise a please-elaborate eyebrow. "Are you angry for you?"

With that Steven sighed.

"Can we make a dent in any of this?" he asked. "Can the narrative change?"

"Had you ever heard of Walter Duranty before today?"

"No... "

"What about the Ukrainian famine?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"It's part of history."
How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?

From an early age, my parents instilled in me the importance of believing you can be whoever you want to be. This belief gave me a great deal of self-confidence. If you try to learn as much as you can, listen carefully and work diligently, you can be successful in whatever you set out to achieve.



I originally thought I wanted to be an equine veterinarian. However, during college, I became interested in management consulting from a professor who taught the subject. This introduction led me to learn as much as possible about different companies and business models. At that point, I began gravitating toward business and never looked back.



How has your previous employment experience aided your tenure at Boyden?

When my brother and I were kids, we started a couple of businesses together, including a car wash, which did well. It was actually what today would be called a "car detailing service". I think that this enterprising spirit has stayed with me, along with the understanding that we had to divide and conquer the responsibilities in order to be successful.



As I began my career as a young professional in executive search, I wasn't the first person who would draw the attention of a client. Often, I was the last person the client acknowledged. That reinforced my belief that I needed to learn more about that client's business than anyone else in the room. Sooner or later that type of knowledge gets recognized and trusted relationships are established.



What have the highlights and challenges been during your tenure at Boyden?

One of the biggest challenges occurred a few years ago, when we observed that global and emerging global clients were becoming more focused on their executive search partners delivering higher quality service and a more consistent approach to talent and leadership solutions. They were requiring greater sector and functional expertise and deeper insights regarding their business and industries.



Boyden's business model enables us to respond quickly to these trends and offer greater value to our client relationships. We have always been focused on quality rather than quantity, and providing tangible results rather than abstract ideas and concepts. Our clients tell us this is the Boyden difference; how we stand apart and meet client needs at an increasingly more complicated level.



Partnerships are often more internally focused and concerned with practices and processes. We changed our internal mindset as an organization and evolved into a client-centric global business. We built the foundation for everything we did based upon what clients told us they needed and how we delivered against those needs.



What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry?

In the executive search industry, sector and functional expertise have become critical to clients. As a new partner, women need to make sure their voice is heard and that they consistently demonstrate their skills and talents. Never assume that your work will be appreciated by your senior leadership or that your achievements will speak for themselves.



What is the most important lesson you've learned in your career to date?

Do not be afraid to take risks. Understand the potential benefits and consequences and make a decision. If the decision you make is a win for your business, ensure it is everyone's success. If it is not, learn from it and move forward.



How do you maintain a work/life balance?

A CEO's job is 24/7 so I have to balance priorities while staying focused on our strategic goals. It is important to step back and re-set my perspective. I am a lifelong runner and have owned a Harley-Davidson for 10 years. Running clears my head and riding focuses my skills. I also believe very strongly in giving back to the community and am a passionate supporter of women's health.



What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?

Women's compensation has seen some incremental gains in the past decade. However, women's salaries are still not equal to men's, so there's still more improvement needed.



Additionally, there has been some progress in terms of women attaining more senior management and board roles, but there's still a long way to go. The facts are indisputable. Only 14 percent of the top five leadership positions at the companies in the S&P 500 are held by women, according to a CNNMoney analysis in 2015. It's even worse if you just consider the very top. According to Fortune, as of July this year, women held a mere four percent of CEO positions across Fortune 500 companies.
A wise teacher once told me that the only guarantee in life is that everything will change, and the only permanent relationship you will ever have is with your mind, breath, and body.

I was sitting in a large open aired wooden pagoda in the jungles of Sri Lanka, the year after the tsunami. A college project I designed after researching art therapy became a study abroad program. We worked with a group of children orphaned by the tsunami at the request of a Sri Lankan ambassador. At a Buddhist temple high on a hill, we would do art projects aimed at self expression, where I was a teacher. But in the mornings, at dawn, I was a student of yoga.

Harsha and I would meet at sunrise for our daily practice. This was my second summer working with this particular group of children, whose art was emotional and often depicted scenes of floating bodies. If anyone knew how quickly life could change, it was them. Meeting with Harsha and learning yoga transformed my relationship with my mind, and taught me the importance of being in the moment.

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When we are in the moment, and actively acknowledge we have no control over the past or future, but have full control of this moment right now, we have space in our minds to figure our who we truly are. Your true self is separate from your position at work, or your possessions. Your true self is strong enough to power through the rough patches life throws at us all too often. Personally, the practice of yoga has helped me in my journey to find my true self. And as I travel on my own journey of redefining who I am, lessons from my teacher in Sri Lanka still ring true. These three grains of wisdom below will help you on your journey towards finding yourself, through mindfulness.

Where is your mind?

This is a question my late and great teacher Harsha would ask at the beginning and end of every class. I urge you to ask yourself the same question: Where is your mind? Is it here with your body, or is it somewhere else? We spend the majority of our day with our mind being detached from our bodies. At work, our mind is focused on a task. At home, perhaps our mind is focused on caring for others. In this moment right now, bring your mind to your body, and just notice what it feels like to breathe.

Learn to love your body.

This is so much easier said than done. We are a society bombarded with products and services aimed at profiting off our lack of love for our bodies. Find a movement practice that helps you love being in your body. Maybe dancing and moving in your body makes you feel good. Maybe slow and steady yoga helps you feel strong. Perhaps distance running helps you realize your inner strength. The most important part of learning to love your body is loving being inside your body -- and to do this, you have to move in a way that feels good!

Live in the present.

Your anxieties are in your past or your future. Live this truth. Right now, you are reading this article on your phone or your computer. You are likely sitting somewhere in relative comfort. Any anxiety that you have lives in your past or your future. If you focus on the present moment with your full attention, you may notice the simple pleasures of being alive: the sensation of breathing, the texture of the fabric of your clothing, the comfort of being in your body. Work to stop defining yourself by your past, and worrying about your future. The easiest way for you to do this is to just breathe, notice what it feels like, and keep your mind in your body.

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Now is your time to live your truth. Stop worrying about what other people are thinking, and do what feels right in your gut. As the founder of an office yoga company, my job is to help people leave their stress and anxiety behind, getting one step closer to finding their true selves. I'm able to get people there through yoga. How will you get there?
Wells Fargo Shows Megabanks Are Too Big to Trust

By Lisa Gilbert and Michael Tanglis

Don't hold your breath waiting for Wells Fargo to do the right thing.

John Stumpf, Wells Fargo's recently retired CEO, admitted in a congressional hearing that he first learned about his own bank's problem with millions of fraudulent accounts in 2013. After three years of evasions and excuses, this week he resigned.

If the bank's deflection of blame onto more than 5,000 low-level employees is any indication, customers waiting for Wells Fargo to take responsibility for its mismanagement, pay back customers and repair damaged credit scores could be waiting a very long time. So here are some steps you can take to see if you've been a victim of Wells Fargo's fraud and what to do if you suspect foul play.

If you use Wells Fargo's online banking system, sign in and look for accounts or transactions you do not recognize. If you do not use their online platform, signing up is a good way to monitor your banking activity. If you see something that looks suspicious, get in touch with the bank. You can either contact customer service, visit a local branch to speak with a representative or call their dedicated hotline set up in the wake of the scandal.

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If you cannot achieve a satisfactory resolution, one option is to file a complaint with the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). If you suspect you have been the victim of fraud or a fake account was opened in your name, the CFPB wants to hear about it.

Another way to identify malfeasance is to obtain a credit report. If your credit score took a hit for unknown reasons and you are a Wells Fargo customer, it's worth investigating the possibility that it might be related to an account that was opened in your name without your permission. If that appears to be the case, you should contact your local law enforcement and report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

A final option is to close your Wells Fargo accounts. The widespread fraud was the result of a 16-year cross-selling frenzy in which bank management put enormous pressure on workers to open as many new accounts as possible, with a goal of eight per household. Since turnabout is fair play, it may be that the best response to the Wells Fargo scandal is for consumers to leave them with none at all.

If you close your current accounts, think carefully about where you want to open new ones. It is likely that community banks and credit unions may be safer and more trustworthy alternatives than another megabank because they are smaller and therefore closer and more responsive to their customer base.



This scandal happened in no small part because megabanks are simply too big to manage. In two congressional hearings, Stumpf demonstrated as much when he repeatedly pleaded ignorant in response to even the most elementary questions about his bank's operations and sales practices.

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Megabanks tend to copy each other's "successful" strategies and management practices, so it's entirely possible that other large banks may have indulged in a similar cross-selling frenzy with similarly fraudulent results.

In fact, The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Bank of America COO, Thomas Montag, attended a banking function wearing a hat and T-shirt with the words "Cross Sell" on them - the practice at the heart of the misconduct that led to the government imposing a $185 million fine on Wells Fargo.

We don't know what misdeeds regulators will uncover at other megabanks in the months and years ahead, but the 2008 financial crash demonstrated that these banks put profits ahead of what's best for their customers and the country.

If there's one lesson we can take away from the Wells Fargo scandal, it's that if banks are too big to fail, too big to jail and too big to manage, they're also probably too big to trust.

Gilbert is the director of Public Citizen's Congress Watch division. Tanglis is a senior researcher for Public Citizen's Congress Watch division.
How many times have you experienced frustration about the issue of climate change, and felt powerless to effect tangible change?

You're not alone.

According to a March 2016 study, Climate Change in the American Mind, 70 percent of Americans believe global warming is happening. (Tweet this) And they want to be proactive.

Now folks have a chance to make a difference.

In a decade where social good has teamed up with social media, a new digital platform, Cool Effect, has launched with a goal to connect individuals with carbon-reducing projects.

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Cool Effect: The Backstory

Richard and Dee Lawrence, along with daughter Skye, are at the helm. In the aftermath of the deadly 1998 Hurricane Mitch, which had a devastating impact on Central America, the family traveled to Honduras to be of help.

Although only 14-years-old, Skye picked up on the connection between poor ventilation inside homes and the high rates of respiratory illness. Traditional cooking methods were the cause. The family developed Project Mirador, a template for building clean cookstoves that would benefit the health and environment of those in rural Honduras.

From this experience, the Lawrences' saw how small actions could lead to large impacts. Cool Effect was developed to give the average person the opportunity to be an active part of a climate solution -- carbon emissions reductions.

How it works:

Employing a website that is robust, visually engaging, and instructive, information is detailed enough to convey the essentials, while offering additional facts for those who want to get into the weeds.

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Coollection is a "portfolio" concept, comprised of seven ventures vetted from over 10,000 projects around the globe. Donors can pick either a fixed dollar amount for a monthly gift, or give as a one-time contributor. The newest undertaking is in Malawi, where cookstoves use "75 percent less wood" than traditional cooking methods, protect the health of children, and diminish the rate of deforestation.

For those who want to support an undertaking that specifically resonates with them, they can give on a "tonne by tonne" basis. The structure of an ongoing payment or a one-off donation applies as well. A monthly subscription keys into a graphic that shows how many tonnes a year result from the contribution.

"Carbon Done Correctly"

This Cool Effect tag line underscores a commitment to transparency on everything from the verification process to the fact that "90.13 percent of all financial support [goes] directly to projects." Their name was coined to reflect "the big impact a group of individuals can have by taking small actions to cool the Earth."

Projects, outlined in complete detail starting with a humorous animated video, have a seven-part breakdown defining:

How the Project Saves the Planet

An Overview of the Project

Benefits

Challenges

Reasons for Choosing the Project

Due Diligence Documents

Project Verification

De Belloy pointed to how the cookstove initiative in Uganda has a tremendous impact in a country where the effects of indoor pollution is the leading killer of children under five. Eliminating open-fire cooking also reduces, by half, the amount of charcoal and wood consumed.

Equally important to note is that cookstoves reduce the amount of time young girls and women need to spend foraging for wood. This activity can take six hours daily. During this time period, they are at risk of rape or attack.

Skye, a presenter at the Climate Conference in Paris, wrote me via e-mail:

"Cool Effect offers my generation the chance to act in the fight against climate change. We care about our planet and want to be a part of the solution. Supporting projects through the Cool Effect platform gives us a way to have a tangible impact and make our voices heard."

De Belloy, a mother of four, emphasized, "We have a chance to save the planet. Mothers are a force for the long-term view of protecting their kids."

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Images: Courtesy of Cool Effect
"But daddy how are babies made?"

Last Friday, during Shabbat, our daughter, Mia, popped the question: "How are babies made?" Nina, my wife, is 24 weeks pregnant, and Mia, who is only 5, really wanted to know how babies were made.

You would think that question is hard to answer to such young a child. Uncomfortable. My first attempt was to try to simplify things. I went for the famous seed story.

"You know how at school you have been growing plants? You plant a seed, and then a few days later you see a sprout coming from under the dirt? Well, I planted a seed and mom has a baby in her belly," I said.

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"But how. daddy, how did you plant the seed?"

"Well, that," I said, "You will find out when you are older."

"You mean when I am 10?"

"Yes, Mia, when you are 10."

So, by now you are probably thinking that by the time she is ten we will have the "sex talk." But no, we won't. When she is ten, we will have the "lab talk," because Mia, like 5 million other children in the world so far, was made from Ninas eggs and my sperm at an in vitro fertilization lab. My seed was "planted" in a petri dish.

Mia's question was not only timely because of Ninas pregnancy, but because today we are launching Prelude, the company that will help thousands of people have healthy babies when they are ready (a feature in Forbes about Prelude, authored by Miguel Helft, is here). And as a result of Preludes strategy, we will transform the infertility industry into the fertility industry, and in coming years, many more parents will have the "lab talk" with their kids.

Why would Prelude encourage the "lab talk" and not the "sex talk"? Because sex fails too frequently for it to be the only means of procreation. In the 60s, with the invention of the pill, the sexual revolution was launched--a revolution that decoupled sex from procreation. In the 2010s, thanks to the invention of vitrification (mostly developed at Prelude labs) and genetic sequencing of embryos, we are launching the second sexual revolution and decoupling procreation from sex.

When women under 30 are asked how many children they would like, the most common answer is three. But by the time they are 45, which is the natural end of fertility, 19% had no children, 22% had one, 30% had two, and only 29% had three or more children. Moreover, of those who had children, around 3% of babies were born with a congenital illness, and to get there, 20% of known pregnancies ended up in miscarriage. And to add to the risk of starting a family, every year there are tens of thousands of clinical abortions on pregnant women whose amnios or NIPT results lead them to decide to abort. So if having babies by having sex produces these results, should we continue to trust sex as the only means of procreation? We don't think so. At Prelude, we think sex is great, sex is fun, but it is just too unreliable as the sole way to have babies during our 30s and 40s.

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Prelude is a complementary strategy to starting a family having sex; an alternative that only occasionally would be necessary if millennials had their children at the same age as baby boomers had theirs. By stretching youth into our 40s, we've squeezed maternity out of the equation. A large segment of women is ending up with no children, or just one or two, when they wanted more. Or, because of advanced maternal and paternal age, they are having babies with significant health problems.

So, how do we fix this?

It's why we developed The Prelude Method! The Prelude Method consists of freezing sperm and eggs when you are fertile, making embryos when you are ready, genetically sequencing parent's and embryos to reduce the frequency of congenital illness, and transferring one at a time to reduce multiple pregnancies.

So. while all Prelude babies develop in their mothers wombs, Prelude babies, like Mia, are not made having sex. And as opposed to people who solely rely on sex to make babies, people who rely on both sex and Prelude have a much greater chance of achieving their parental goals of having healthy babies when they are ready. Prelude uses the technology available to infertile people, on fertile people. At Prelude we believe that something as important as having a baby, and equally important, a healthy baby, should not be left to chance.

Today is a big day for us. Today, as Prelude, we announced that:

We raised 200 million mainly from a phenomenal group of investment professionals known as Lee Equity including Barry Baker, Yoo Jin Kim, and Collins Ward.

We have acquired the largest egg bank in North America, My Egg Bank, started by the scientist who perfected the vitrification technique in the U.S., Dr. Peter Nagy; and Dr. Daniel Shapiro, one of the nation's leading reproductive endocrinologists who developed the most reliable technique to avoid hyperstimulation and obtain many eggs from fertile patients.

We have acquired Atlanta-based RBA, one of the nation's best fertility clinics, whose CEO, Dr. Andrew Toledo, and COO, Ron Davidson, are also a stellar part of our team.

We have recruited two remarkable top managers, Tia Newcomer and Geoff Crouse, as Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Operating Officer, the former CBR team who convinced hundreds of thousands of new parents to preserve their baby's stem cells.

Allison Johnson, who worked for Steve Jobs and launched the iPhone and every other i-product from Apple during Steve's time, is helping us communicate Prelude to the world.

Joanna Rees, a well-known venture capitalist from San Francisco, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, Americas doctor, have joined our board as independent board members and are investors in Prelude.

From the outset, Prelude will have a sizable acquisition war chest [or bankroll] to partner with and acquire more fertility clinics around the country and to build a phenomenal embryo testing lab and cryogenic facilities.
All The Condo's A Stage

What I Learned In Today's Real Estate Market

My husband and I made an important decision a few months ago -- to sell our city condo, unload a lot of "stuff" and settle into a simplified lifestyle in our favorite Blue Ridge mountains.

But, of course, before anything, we needed to sell the condo. The time seemed right, the market was good and my naive worry was that it would sell overnight and I would be pressured into making instantaneous downsizing decisions.

It's been a long time since we've sold a home, so we signed on with a well-respected realtor. That's when we learned that the business has changed dramatically.

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First order of business, we were told, was photography. Before taking a slew of photos, worthy of House Beautiful, our realtor insisted we remove all personal effects from the scene. The prospective buyer, she explained, should not be distracted by pictures of family weddings and our perfect grandchildren. Okay, we got it.

When the pictures were up on Zillow and Trulia I was stunned. The rooms looked enormous, elegant and off-the-charts inviting. I passed the i-pad to my husband and we looked at one another. Are we crazy to want to sell this?

You need to know this about us: we love (love, love, love) the traditional, we love to collect, we love the feeling of our home's arms encircling us. And, as if you couldn't guess, we are, indeed, "older."

Ninety days have passed and we've only had a smattering of showings. The caravans of realtors were a little more plentiful, but were probably helped by the bottle of wine our agent gave to each viewer. But here's the dig: those realtors swigging that wine know that real estate today is an online business. The first introduction any prospective buyer has is on those websites I just mentioned.

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So, our realtor introduced a new player: The Stager. The concept is that with a few creative tweaks, we could establish a more desirable, visual on-line presence.

Her credentials arrived in an email before our appointment with her. Our stager has, among other things, two certifications in staging, including a certificate in color with over 100 (yes, 100) color boards and is an officer with the local staging association.

My husband looked up over his glasses. "You're kidding, right?"

Not by a long shot. Said stager arrived the next morning, looked around and immediately told us that while our apartment was lovely, it was "taste specific." That's code for "your chintz fabric, puddled draperies and rose medallion are positively nauseating".

Suggestions including painting the entire condo white, even the wallpaper and kitchen backsplash tile. But not just any white. While the stager's meter ticked, we pondered together the various properties of "Grecian White" vs. "Dove White" vs. "Museum White." We went Grecian White, all the way. Duh.

Another sticking point was our Oriental rugs, which are being rolled up as we speak, in order to show off the hardwood floors. Ditto the draperies, er, "window treatments", which take away from the view of the trees outside. My husband commented that if we didn't sell the place by winter the view would be brown stick trees, but by now, no one was listening to him and he knew it.

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I mentioned earlier that family photographs are anathema to a good showing as they stamp the property with a personality. It turns out the same philosophy applies to one's library. If we weren't willing to remove all the books from the built-in bookshelves, to better emphasize the fine bones of our home, we should turn them around, so that one only sees the pages of the books. I couldn't make this up, but perhaps if a particular library demonstrates a strong political bent, or a hankering for erotica, it gets the prospective buyer off course. Personally, I could never own a place with a lot of Richard Evans on the shelves, but that's just me.

We have also been advised to change a few "taste specific" light fixtures, eliminate the chrome borders around our shower door and load up on fluffy white towels to give the bathroom the feel of a spa.

I would be less than honest if I didn't say that all these requirements provoked a certain amount of the gnashing of teeth. But we are nothing now, if not resigned. We want to sell. We want to simplify. And it seems we can't do either without yielding and following our agent's direction.

The next 30 days will be interesting. We're told that if we have no offer it will be time to drop the price. But, wait a minute, couldn't we just have dropped the price and skipped over the reinvention of our home? We're trusting the pros that the answer is no.

My greatest fear is that a little old lady, carrying cash, will walk into our home and declare it too cold and stark for her tastes. Her hipster son would try to dissuade her, but she would hang tough.

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Oh, how she would have died for the floral valence that got away!

Earlier on Huff/Post50:
Wristbands for voters are seen at a polling station during early voting in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., October 14, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Young

Another week of early voting has passed and at least 1.4 million people have cast their ballots. More states are coming online, and patterns are beginning to emerge across the country that generally confirm the polling and campaign activities.

Again, my disclaimer: These are still early hints of the direction of the election. There is still much time left in the election, and these numbers can be affected by how election officials run the election, campaign strategies to mobilize voters, and voters' behaviors. We'll see a little of all three in this week's update.

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That said, here's the bottom line.

In the Southern states of Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, Hillary Clinton is poised to do better than Barack Obama did in 2012. This is apparent in the polling and early voting numbers.

In the Midwestern states of Iowa and Ohio, Donald Trump is poised to do better than Mitt Romney did in 2012. This again is apparent in the polling and early voting numbers.

A time traveler from 2000 would probably be as shocked to learn that the most likely 2016 Democratic pathway to victory runs not through the Midwest, but instead through the Southeastern seaboard, as they would to learn that the Cubs would play Miami in the 2015 World Series (okay, so that didn't happen).

Gender

In two states - Georgia and North Carolina - I have individual level data that permits me to examine how early voting activity by gender has been affected by the events that unfolded following the first presidential debate on Monday, September 26. Absentee ballot requests lag events. Although some states and localities have online portals to request ballots, often requests work at the speed of the post office as request forms are mailed from voters to election officials, who then enter the request into their election management systems.

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In Georgia and North Carolina, there was a surge of women requesting absentee ballots towards the end of the week of the first presidential debate. In Georgia, the surge began on Thursday and in North Carolina the surge began on Friday, and in both states it persisted through the following week. The percentage of women among those requesting absentee ballots peaked to their highest levels in the week from Monday, October 3 through Sunday, October 9. In Georgia, 59.3% of requests came from women and in North Carolina it was 59.4%.



It is not uncommon for early voting activity to rise as the election nears, yet the levels of ballot requests were higher this week than either the preceding or following week. In Georgia, there were 23,570 requests the week of the first debate, 28,842 in the following week, and 27,672 this past week. In North Carolina, there were 27,057 requests the week of the first debate, 33,011 the following week, and 28,373 this past week. (It is possible in both states that election officials have not entered all requests for the past week.)

It thus appears that women reacted to the events by exercising their right to vote. In the big scheme of things, these are small numbers relative to the total ballots that will be cast in these states. Still, I suspect that at least some of the movement towards Clinton in the polling is due to increased interest in the election among women, thus making them more often fit the profile of a likely voter. Indeed, the ABC/Washington Post poll suggests enthusiasm of Clinton and Trump supporters changed. There is still a long way to go, so we will have to see if this pattern persists.

Florida

With an assist from my University of Florida colleague, Dan Smith, we are tracking Florida election activity. In 2012 in Florida, registered Republicans had a 3.1 percentage point lead over Democrats in the 2.3 million mail ballots that were cast. Despite some misinformation floating around out there, this is not the entire early vote: Democrats led the 2012 in-person early vote and the overall mail plus early vote. They will likely lead the 2016 in-person early vote, if the past is a guide.

As of Sunday morning, Florida reported over 2.9 million mail requests (I add the unreturned ballots and the returned ballots to get this number). Although some of these requests will not result in returned ballots, I think it is safe to say that the 2016 returned mail ballots will exceed their 2012 levels. Importantly, Republicans lead these mail ballot requests by 1.5 percentage points. Republicans lead by only 1.1 points among the 477,912 returned ballots.

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The cautions for Florida is that the Hurricane-ravaged Northeast coast is understandably lagging behind their ballot returns, and this is a Republican region of the state. However, it also appears Palm Beach and Miami-Dade are also lagging behind entering their mail ballot data. Also, Florida changed its law so that a voter's absentee ballot request is good for two years; some counties even allow voters to check boxes on their return envelopes that serve as a new request. In 2014, the traditional advantage Republicans enjoy in mail ballots was narrowed, and we might thus expect a similar narrowing in 2016.

Still, the Clinton campaign is pleased with the improved performance of registered Democrats from 2012, both in narrowing the Republican margin and increasing the overall volume of mail ballots. Obama won Florida by +0.9 points in 2012, and the Pollster polling average has Clinton at +3.6 points. The early vote data so far does not contradict the notion Clinton is doing better than Obama, however, it will be important it see how well Democrats perform during the crucial in-person early voting period to be certain that the mail ballots simply don't represent a shuffling of when and how people vote.

Iowa

As I've continually reported, Iowa continues to be Trump's best prospect to flip from 2012. Registered Democratic absentee ballot requests and returns have lagged badly from 2012, particularly from the critical eastern part of the state, a region of typical Democratic strength in the upper Midwest. (If the eastern Iowa weakness bleeds over to Southwest Wisconsin, this could explain why Clinton leads in Wisconsin, but only by an average of +5.2 percentage points in the Pollster average, which is less than Obama's 6.9 point 2012 victory.)



That more registered Democrats have requested ballots and returned them does not signal Democratic victory. Iowa Democrats typically do much better than they are currently doing. There has been some modest improvement for Democrats in Iowa. They were off their 2012 level by 50,024 the previous Friday, but where down only 42,397 by last Friday. However, Republicans have also improved. They were down 14,099 as of the previous Friday, but were down only 2,221 by last Friday. Since returned ballots lag requested ballots, the downward trajectory in the 2012 comparison is not surprising.

Obama won Iowa by 5.8 percentage points in 2012, and the Pollster average has a Trump lead of 2.1 points. Unless Democrats start voting in greater numbers, Trump may win a narrow victory.

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Maine

There has not been much change to early voting patterns in Maine since the last update. Indeed, the state only provided a single update on Monday, so the state's data is a growing a little stale. That said, after a slow start, Democrats increased their activity such that early voting is running ahead of 2012 and there is now a similar partisan distribution both statewide and within the two congressional districts.





North Carolina

Since the start of the mail balloting on Sept. 9, registered Democrats have been running well ahead of their 2012 levels. Although Republicans have pulled ahead of the Democrats in their 2016 ballots requested and returned, Sunday's statistics show Republicans still lag behind their 2012 levels.



Romney won North Carolina by 2.0 percentage points, but the Pollster average gives Clinton a +1.6 lead. The early vote indicates Clinton will do better than Obama, but will it be enough?

Ohio

At the start of Ohio early voting period on Monday, the Secretary of State's office released a report of complete county absentee ballot request statistics for the current election. A similar release in 2012 permits an apples-to-apples comparison, and 'dem apples don't look too appetizing.

Ohio does not have party registration (the states identifies "party" from the last primary a voter participated in), so a geographic analysis is more informative of "party" in Ohio. Statewide, absentee ballot requests were down 2.6% from 2012. At first blush, Democrats look well-positioned, with 175,807 requests originating from Cuyahoga (Cleveland), which is 16.1% of all requests statewide. The problem is that this is down 16.1% from 2012. In Franklin (Columbus), requests were off 16.3% of their 2012 levels

The Democratic position has likely only gotten worse throughout the week. Cuyahoga and Franklin post their individual-level early voting data online (this includes mail and in-person activity), and Democrats are down from their 2012 levels by 18.1% in Cuyahoga and 31.9% in Franklin. In the remaining forty-nine remaining counties for which there is comparable 2012 public data, early voting levels are up 0.1%.

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There could be many reasons for this. As I noted last week, Republican weakness in North Carolina is particularly acute in the urban areas. It is possible some of the weakness in Cuyahoga originates from urban Republicans. Also, in 2012, Ohio in-person early voting was underway for a longer period at this point in the cycle.

Still I believe the Ohio early voting confirms that Ohio's polling is challenging for the Democrats, a state Obama won by 3.0 percentage points. The Pollster average is a +2.3 point lead for Clinton, even as she's opened a large lead nationally. Maybe Clinton will win a slim victory, but Ohio is another Midwestern battleground state that Trump stands a reasonable chance of flipping from 2012.

Virginia

Virginia in an excuse-required state, but its excuses are fairly lenient, so it tends to have higher early voting usage than other excuse-required states, like Pennsylvania. I thus believe the early voting numbers can be informative. Virginia, like Ohio, also does not have party registration. Helpfully, the Virginia Public Access Project created a portal visualizing the 2012 to 2016 change in early voting activity by region.

Early voting activity statewide is up 22.9% over 2012, but within the Democratic stronghold of Northern Virginia it is up 55.6%. Hampton Roads (the Norfolk area) is actually down 8.2% from 2012, although this could be due to a reduction in overseas military deployments.

Stick a fork in Virginia, it's done. The early voting numbers and polling numbers are looking so bad for Trump that the campaign pulled out last week, essentially conceded the state to Clinton.

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Summary

I believe early voting provides another signal along with the polling averages. When the two point in the same direction, we can have greater confidence in the polling averages than just the average alone. There have been fewer state polls than in in recent elections, so in some cases, early voting fills an important gap between quality polling.

To recap again:

In the Southern states of Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, Hillary Clinton is poised to do better than Barack Obama did in 2012. This is apparent in the polling and early voting numbers.

In the Midwestern states of Iowa and Ohio, Donald Trump is poised to do better than Mitt Romney did in 2012. This again is apparent in the polling and early voting numbers.
Please, please, all Catholic women out there who are planning to vote for the GOP presidential ticket because you think Hillary kills babies: harken to the revelation that Trump feels stars have the power to do "anything" they want. As a TV star and business celebrity, he felt he could treat women as objects to grope, be they friends, strangers, colleagues or employees. Please consider that the power of the U.S. President has morphed, despite Constitutional obstruction, to the power to declare unilateral wars of choice. And consider that worldwide arms merchants are always ready to flatter our leader into becoming a "war president."

Please consider your vote, if it is based on Sanctity of Life, in terms of war, peace, and policy that harms life -- or nurtures it.

I recently Googled ,to remind myself of presidential power and life, "Wounded Iraq Vets images." It seemed ghoulish, but I had to remember the effect on the lives of men and women who were sent to war by a Commander-in-Chief who said he had the "political capital" to do what he wanted. And though few who'd voted for him anticipated it, what he wanted turned out to be a war of choice. He once joked, from a press podium, that his job would have been easier if he were a dictator.

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The U.S. president is an ultimate media celebrity.

So please consider "anything" a president "wants" to do, if you value Sanctity of Life, in terms that are not just limited to abortion and women's reproductive choices. Romania had a total ban on abortion during Ceausescu's Catholic dictatorship, and all it did was create a culture of duplicity, fill orphanages with neglected babies who failed to thrive, and ruin the reproductive systems of desperate young women in that unhappy maternal generation.

Remember, please, my Catholic sisters, that Sanctity of Life means all life, not just life developing inside a woman who is to become a mother, ready or not. (I have long pleaded with our church to support contraception as the moral reproductive choice for couples, and the loving one for new life.)

Donald Trump's publicly stated support of Respect For Life law is belied by his behavior, his biography, and his business dealings. His running mate, Mike Pence, his beard in this regard, is smooth to look at and listen to, but I wonder how much his life has had to be inconvenienced by openness to life in practice? Has his career as radio host and politician been interrupted because he's had to take daily, hourly care of someone who's been solely dependent on him?

What must be said, loud and clear, by those who know from experience, is that Openness to Life is not just about all the reproduction a womb can bear. It's about being changed and directed, by these daily, repetitive nurturing tasks. They are mostly invisible, except to those who answer the call of babies, children, troubled teens, sick and wounded adults, all the loved ones who are ours to tend to in intimate care. Does Mike Pence or Donald Trump know, or help with, the intimate care of someone wounded to the point of immobility, as families of vets do? Have they stayed home for a few years with babies and toddlers? Have they tended someone with chronic, debilitating illness, someone robbed of speech, mobility, or sound mind?

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Tending to others who depend on us intimately is Respect For Life, is honoring Sanctity of Life, is being Open To Life. But this labor is rarely shown by the GOP as it holds the political Respect For Life banner and demands an abortion ban as the most important moral policy in society. in fact, this labor is undermined by Republican Party policies that cut funds to caregiving and caregivers, to children' needs and families' needs. Their "bootstrap" policies suggest that dependency is for "losers." They seem truly to respect lives that are vigorously able to compete for power and money. Lesser lives aren't worthy of respect.

Does Hillary show Respect For Life, Openness to Life, in her ideas, in terms of nurture? Read her book, "It Takes A Village." It is full of her intent -- however imperfectly effected -- to think of leadership as nurture, with a special emphasis on tending to the basic needs of children, the next generation who will tend the earth and our society. She knows that being a public "star" doesn't mean you "can do anything" because she' learned that lesson in her marriage, the hard way. She knows the limits of political power are in the balance of powers as set forth in our Constitution, the living document that keeps us together as a nation. She knows it also resides in our respect for one another as human equals who must decide, together, in the public forum, whether to harm or help one another.

To help is to nurture, to nurture is to be open to life.

Consider that, please, my Catholic friends around this country. It's long past time to for sticking fingers in ears to block out the horribly venal things Donald Trump says and does. Denial is not worthy of the faith that I'm sure most of you practice with more doctrinal faithfulness than I. But the spirit of the law is my guide. This pope shows that letter of the law can change. Let our faith grow beyond strict obedience and piety to one political idea.

It's important, this election, to remember how long life is, and consider that faith calls us to greater openness and respect -- past the time of reproduction.

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Look on those vets, and remind yourself how important it can be.
This article has been submitted as part of the Natural Capital Coalition's series of blogs on natural capital by Paul Gehres.

"The farmers could really use the rain."

I heard adults mention this throughout my childhood summers in America's rural Midwest. While largely unappreciated at the time, what I perceived to be a common-sense comment was loaded in ways I did not yet understand.

For when it comes to agricultural yields, farmers -- and indeed all of us -- 'need the rain'. Human welfare is profoundly connected with the welfare of the natural world. The transition away from small farms to a service economy may have lessened our awareness of this dependence, but our agricultural and economic systems remain reliant on our ability to access natural resources and on stable earth systems, otherwise known as 'natural capital'.

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Among a vast multitude of 'services', we rely on: (1) replenishment of soil quality, (2) stable precipitation patterns that cause neither extreme floods nor drought, (3) crops resistant to blight and disease, and more broadly (4) a stable climatic system.

Our dependence on natural capital

This issue of our dependency on natural capital resurfaces at an important time. The recent publication of the Natural Capital Protocol is an important (if early) step toward re-engaging with the topics of dependence and environmental risk management. In addition to the issues of stock (natural resources) and flow (services provided by ecosystems), the Natural Capital Protocol pushes organisations to assess their exposure to risks and opportunities through their impacts and dependencies on natural capital.

The wellbeing of our families and communities is heavily dependent on the numerous materials and services that flow from the natural world. Yet in spite of this, the news is filled with examples of our inability to preserve important natural capital assets. Recently in the US, we read that:

On the Alaskan island village of Shishmaref, residents of "one of Alaska's most eroded communities" voted to relocate off the island. As reported by the Huffington Post: "erosion driven by melting permafrost, rising seas and unpredictable storms has been eating away at the island in recent years."

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While it is difficult to attribute the physical change on Shishmaref directly to global warming, the village's dependence on permafrost, sea levels, and weather patterns is clear, and these natural capital assets were degraded by local climatic changes.

In South Carolina, to combat the potential spread of Zika virus, aerial spraying of the insecticide Naled led to widespread, sudden bee deaths. As the Washington Post reported, "by one estimate, at a single apiary -- Flowertown Bee Farm and Supply, in Summerville -- 46 hives died on the spot, totalling about 2.5 million bees."

Bees and butterflies -- already experiencing decline in some regions (see IPBES study)-- are natural pollinators that undertake an otherwise time-consuming, painstaking process for no compensation (i.e. no salaries, pensions). This story highlights two dependencies. Firstly, we rely on natural pollination (a natural capital 'flow') for our 'pollinator-dependent crops'. We also rely on a stable climate to limit the geographic spread of tropical diseases.

These examples of self-inflicted harm are occurring across the globe. Supplying food, water, and consumer goods to an increasing global population with higher levels of affluence will continue to prove a strain on natural resource stocks. As I've written in a past article, there are several routes that policymakers could choose for embedding natural capital considerations into existing regulatory frameworks. One area of great potential could be instituting natural capital 'budgets'.

Natural Capital Budgets - a natural extension

In the UK, the 2008 Climate Change Act instituted a process of creating five-year carbon budgets, i.e. a limit on the amount of CO2 the nation can emit each year. The recently released fifth carbon budget set targets for the 5-year period of 2028-2032. This process provides industry, investors, NGOs, and the public with long-term policy certainty on the 'direction of travel'.

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One extension of this success in implementing carbon budgets would be instituting broader natural capital budgets. The introduction of natural capital budgets -- while complicated and certain to face resistance -- could also offer a holistic approach to environmental protection that combines a series of policy issues into one package. While it may sound ambitious, aspects of this concept are already being recommended to the UK Government.

In the third report of the Natural Capital Committee (a UK government advisory body), the Committee recommended that national accounts should include a "national balance sheet of the value of our natural assets" and that "organisations should create a register of natural capital for which they are responsible and use this to maintain its quality and quantity".

As of February 2016, DEFRA and the Office of National Statistics (ONS) were working on a natural capital accounting project to integrate natural capital into UK environmental accounts. This renewed focus on our natural capital impacts and dependencies is not confined to the United Kingdom. In the United States, the White House released a Memorandum which directs Executive Partnerships and Agencies to 'develop and institutionalize policies to promote consideration of ecosystems in planning, investment and regulatory contexts'. China was recently recognised as the 'World's Largest Investor in Ecosystems', with $150 billion spent since 2000.

Moving forward - businesses, governments and investors must fill the leadership gap

While the term has existed for decades, the concept of natural capital does now seem to have truly arrived, with work being undertaken at all levels through initiatives like the Natural Capital Coalition, the UK's Natural Capital Committee, and the UN Natural Capital Declaration.

It is still unclear whether it will be investors, businesses or governments that will take the lead to prioritise the protection of natural capital. Ideally, natural capital will follow the path of climate change policy, with investor pressure leading to an increased volume and quality of corporate reporting on natural capital topics. And as before, the UK government could convert this existing framework into a form of mandatory reporting (e.g. in company accounts).

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On the local level, both government and investors could opt to play a stronger role. Whether through planning conditions, levies, or similar mechanisms, local governments can use natural capital policy as a method of environmental protection (and revenue-raising). Meanwhile, investors who provide project financing could incorporate natural capital assessments into their list of evaluation criteria. The assessment of natural capital dependencies offers a useful review of risks that could impact a project's success.

The new Protocol provides an important framework that standardises natural capital assessment. In the coming months, it will become clearer whether it is investors, governments, or corporates who are taking the most pro-active approach.

Hopefully it will be a combination of all actors. In the long run, we all need the rain, and the natural world.

Disclaimer: Articles in this series are submitted by people who work in organizations who are part of the Natural Capital Coalition, or people who are involved in the natural capital space more generally, the views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of The Natural Capital Coalition, other Coalition organizations, or the organization that employs the author.

Paul Gehres is an independent environmental advisor and writer, with previous roles at Inline Policy, British Airways and the University of Westminster. His latest writing and podcast show are available at www.paulgehres.com/blog

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Follow Paul on Twitter: @ClimatePaul

On 13th July 2016, The Natural Capital Coalition launched a standardized framework for business to identify, measure and value their impacts and dependencies on natural capital. This ' Natural Capital Protocol' has been developed through a unique collaborative process; a World Business Council for Sustainable Development consortium led on the technical development and an IUCN consortium led on business engagement and piloting. The Protocol is supported by practically focused 'Sector Guides' on Apparel and Food & Beverage produced by Trucost on behalf of Coalition.

Keep up to date with the Natural Capital Coalition on Twitter: @NatCapCoalition


MIAMI, FL - MAY 10: In this photo illustration, a liquid form of the herbal supplement Kratom is poured from a bottle on May 10, 2016 in Miami, Florida. The herbal supplement is a psychoactive drug derived from the leaves of the kratom plant and it's been reported that people are using the supplement to get high and some states are banning the supplement. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

In an unprecedented move, the Drug Enforcement Administration withdrew its plan to place an emergency ban on kratom.

Kratom can have some negative side effects, but the relative level of harm of any drug should never be used as justification for prohibition. The prohibition and criminalization of drugs has exacerbated the addiction crisis and played an important role in damaging the relationship between police and the communities they serve.

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Banning kratom would ignore anecdotal evidence and research suggesting the herb may be useful for mitigating the effects of opiate withdrawal. If the DEA wants to truly improve public health and safety, it should recommend scientific research and base a regulatory model on the findings. If doctors found kratom to be an effective medication to help with opiate withdrawal or have other uses, we could regulate it. Users could obtain a pure, clean product with a doctor's prescription.

Prohibition ensures that those wishing to experiment with kratom's potential benefits are prevented from doing so without any safety measures in place. Doctors won't know how to monitor their patients or help them avoid deadly drug combinations, an overdose, or unsafe activities while intoxicated. The herb could come from anywhere and be tainted with any adulterant or other drug. The person selling it could be a dangerous criminal with a deadly weapon, further endangering the consumer. All people who use any prohibited drug are susceptible to the same fate. If we discover significant dangers after researching kratom, all the more reason to regulate and control the sale rather than relegating it to the illegal market.

The drug war is a war on people. If we are going to end the ever-growing opiate crisis and the harms associated with other drugs, we have to implement programs and regulations to control how those drugs are used, where, and by whom. Reducing addiction to heroin and other opiates, for instance, demands the implementation of heroin assisted treatment programs and supervised injection rooms. Marijuana should be available with a doctor's recommendation and for adults to use responsibly. Regulation of drugs like cocaine and meth will require novel solutions brought about by more research. In the meantime, incarcerating people for using a substance isn't keeping people from using that substance. We can't even keep drugs out of prison. How can we expect to keep drugs out of the hands of people not under constant, armed supervision?

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The number of deaths in the U.S. caused by heroin has quintupled in the past 15 years. The DEA should be jumping at any opportunity to save lives. Their outdated, tough-on-crime reaction is disgraceful to Americans suffering from addiction, their families, and to the law enforcement profession.

Public trust in law enforcement is at historic lows. This didn't happen spontaneously. If people -- especially those in need of medical assistance for substance abuse -- are enemies of the state, law enforcement will continue to be an enemy of the people. If law enforcement really wants to repair police-community relations, ending the drug war and allowing research and regulation for drugs like kratom will go a long way.
In accord with my ongoing effort to reverse Gdansk's and Polish record of nationalism and to make our city more immigrant-friendly, the Council of Immigrants was created. It is a part of a wider immigration policy accepted by the City Council. Now I look forward to getting help and advice from 12 people from different parts of the world. As volunteers they will advise the mayor and the municipal administration on issues of integration of migrants.It is the first such body in the country. Immigrant Council will advise the entire city administration on ways to better integrate foreign newcomers in our city.

Members of the Council of Immigrants. First from the left - Basil Kerski (Director of the European Solidarity Center), first from the right - Bogdan Oleszek (Chairman of the City Council in Gdansk). Photo: D. Paszlinski

Some prefer to pretend that there is no problemThe council consists of residents of Gdansk coming from Chechnya, Palestine, England, Germany, Tunisia, Ukraine, Colombia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia and Syria. Some of them have Polish roots, others do not. They differ among themselves in the level of education, skin colour, and religion. But I am convinced that as soon as this program starts working, other Polish cities will look at us as pioneers in integrating our residents.

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There will be those who will keep their fingers crossed for our success, but there will be many who will rub their hands, if we stumble, as with any challenge. They would say: "why were you dealing with this? It would have been better to pretend there was no problem."

Hedi Alieva, a Chechen-born Muslim, a member of the Council, said that Polish people understood Chechens because we were all against communism. She is the former statistics clerk from Grozny, who has been in Gdansk for three and a half years.

I believe the key to the idea to make the city more immigrant friendly has been to get people talking. Our ally is the Migrants' Support Centre, where Alieva is a volunteer. The centre was set up four years ago to act as a bridge between migrants arriving in Gdansk and the municipal units.

There are 15 000 immigrants in Gdansk and nobody can pretend they do not exist. I am of an opinion we need to build relationship with them based on mutual trust.

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830 000 Poles in the UK

I like to remind my compatriots that close to 830 000 Polish people have moved to Great Britain in the years following our accession to the EU. We are the most numerous minority on the islands. We have the right to demand that the British receive and treat us with respect.

At the same time we do not want the rules to apply in Poland. It is pure hypocrisy.

I often point out, that there is no such thing as a pure Pole, a pure Lithuanian or a pure German. These racist theories had long gone bankrupt, so do not let them reappear. You can scan all of us, and come out with a perfect mosaic of an "ethnic periodic table." That's how ethnically diversified we all are. And, it enriches the city.

I have written here about Gdansk as the first city in Poland with the clear policy on integration of immigrants. The first meeting of the Forum on Migration and Integration took place in September 2016 in the European Solidarity Centre. Its boss is Basil Kerski of Polish-German descent, whose father is Iraqi. The forum consists of 150 people from various municipal organizations and institutions that have been involved in writing the Immigrants Integration Plan. Now they will take care of its implementation.

History has shaped our city as naturally pluralistic. We have a special DNA. Before 1945, everyone here spoke German. Gdansk was then Danzig, a Protestant outpost. Then those people were moved and replaced by others. My family came from Lithuania.

We shaped our immigrants policy together with many stakeholders. A lot of people participated actively. Photo: D. Paszlinski

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Gdansk is also used to upheaval and handles it well. Protest movements against a superimposed communism happened here in 1968, 1970 and 1976. In the spirit of freedom and liberty, Solidarity was born here in the 1980s because a group of special people - workers and intellectuals - met and trusted one another. And today we have a problem with trust.

It is important that influential people stand up for positive European values. Therefore, The city hall's department of social development organises regular networking sessions between the support centre, the immigrant community, the police and other stakeholders.
Like many type A people with too many things to do and too many things I want to accomplish, I detest lines. Whether it's a line at the airport, a government agency, waiting for a clerk in a store, or being stuck on an endless telephone queue after pushing a long series of prompts, the service experience in the US is sure to raise anyone's blood pressure. If I see a line, I automatically get angry. And I'm not alone. Americans spend roughly 37 billion hours each year waiting in line, according to The New York Times. Lines cause stress and boredom and suck up precious leisure time. They also cost us dearly. A recent study showed that service issues cost Americans as much as $108 billion annually (more than $750 per person). Businesses lose some $130 billion in employee productivity every year ($900 per employee) due to the time they waste dealing with service inefficiencies during the work day. 40% of employed adults reported spending at least one hour waiting in line or on a telephone queue trying to resolve a service issue that they could have been spent working.

Which businesses are the biggest offenders? The big bad behemoth of banking takes the number one spot followed by home repair services, insurance, automotive and healthcare.

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Don't companies see the fallout of such bad business practices? Many customers end up cancelling their service or switching companies due to a lengthy wait. Yet more customers say their frustrations have caused them to take action of some sort. More than half (51 percent) have demanded to talk to a supervisor; 14 percent reported yelling at the service representative. Some of us (13 percent) take to social media to broadcast our frustrations.

When will companies wake up? When they're out of business? Good service, shorter waits equals increased profitability. "Ultimately, satisfied customers help drive retention and profitability for service organizations," the Aberdeen Group's Ali Pinder reported. "Our research found those that reached a 90 percent plus customer satisfaction rate achieved an annual 6.1 percent growth in service revenue, 3.7 percent growth in overall revenue, and an 89 percent level of customer retention."

Long lines for service send customers a message that a company doesn't care. It should send the company clear messages too. Here are five of them:

1.Your supply is not meeting demand. The concept is quite simple. Your company exists to sell products or services. Long lines mean you are unable to keep your supply up with the demand. A call for service or technical help can end in an upgrade if it's handled correctly. A long line or hold time can mean lost sales and cancelled accounts.

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2.Too much bureaucracy and red tape. Too much red tape causes clogs in systems. Bureaucracies reinforce old ways of doing things; they can get in the way of developing faster, better processes. It's time to cut the red tape, think innovatively, and get out of your own way.

3.Unable to predict flow. Long lines are what happens when you are unable to predict the peaks and lulls in your business and staff accordingly. They are a clear sign that your big picture outlook is lacking.

4.Outdated tools or resources to do the job. Japanese auto makers introduced the concept of "kaizen" to improve efficiency. "Toyota will scratch at tenths of a second to bring down 'takt time,' what it takes to complete a single step in a process," a Bloomberg Businessweek article recently explains. Perhaps your technology needs an upgrade or a process needs to be improved so you can move things along more efficiently.
Here is another in my series of women entrepreneurs in Africa. Mariatheresa Kadushi from Tanzania attended my Design Driven Entrepreneurship class in Nairobi, Kenya. She was a participant in the YALI East African Regional Learning Center, a center opened by President Obama in the summer of 2015.

For my part, I stay in touch with my past students to help them and to find out how they've embedded human-centered design into their work. Mariatheresa is a great example of a social entrepreneur who had a clear idea of who she wanted to help, and how. Once she got into the design work she ended up reframing and refocusing some of her efforts.

You can help support Mariatheresa's social enterprise Kids of Africa here.

Mariatheresa, your social enterprise involves helping street kids in Tanzania. What was your original idea or business model?

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My social enterprise involves working with underprivileged children and primarily street children. Save the Children estimates that there are 500,000 street kids in Tanzania and more than 3.5 million in East Africa.

I genuinely believe if we want to create long-term development goals, we need to invest in the children in Africa.

Underprivileged children and especially street children are a neglected group. When I moved to Singida, the Central region of Tanzania, for a job opportunity, I started volunteering to teach at an orphanage every weekend. I found that there were a lot of street kids in the region and that most of them came from orphanage. That's when I started studying and working on creating means to help them.



My original idea was assisting them to become self sufficient by teaching them technical skills needed to get work and to help them to start generating an income. I had a goal of starting a training center to develop their business and creativity skills.

After studying the design driven entrepreneurship class, you decided to use more design in your entrepreneurial approach. What were some of the approaches you took to adding design into the mix?

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After my training I started documenting everything that I observed and while defining my role to this social enterprise. I spent most of my free time around them to understand things from their point of view, earning their trust, building relationships. I developed a profound insight into their environment and challenges.

I saw their previous frustrations at home with their families and their challenges before they ended up on the streets. In work sessions with the kids, I gathered an insight on how to define their major challenges. I worked on identifying how to help to them but I also learned how they acted within their own street communities.

After that I came to a conclusion that what I thought to be a solution might not work.

This emphasis on design thinking apparently has allowed you to rethink and reframe your business model. Can you tell us what happened and what insight you arrived at?

I decided to take 24 hours to live a life of a street child. Problems like safety, accommodation and idling that previously surfaced as major issues were actually secondary effects of hunger, discrimination, abuse and bullying.

I learned that when it is unbearably cold at night these kids can't sleep so they use drugs or alcohol to help them find rest.

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I realized that if I wanted to help these kids on a path to financial security I had to first end their desperations: desperation for a sense of belonging, desperation for love, desperation for acceptance, desperation for a sense of purpose.

What is your new approach to your social enterprise?

The two approaches I ended up with are:

Safe "Drop in space" for Homeless Street Children

A safe place for homeless young people between 12 - 18yrs old, to protect their vulnerability from negative effects of homelessness while simultaneously transitioning to an engaging community environment, they will attain basic needs and access essential resources for their well-being.

Alternative Education Labs

Practically teaching those children left behind, life and vocational skills. Young people are natural problem solvers and we are positive that with guidance and mentorship street children can learn productive skills, design their own income generating or social projects, and when viable build them to self-sustain.

You're starting to raise money to support your social enterprise. How much money are you looking for?

Right now I'm trying to raise $15,000 for beds, supplies, food and support for the drop-in center and materials and tools for the education lab.

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What is the longer-term vision of your social enterprise?

"A society where possibilities, dreams and choices are not thoroughly defined by unfortunate circumstances."

We want to create a support system for children who have suffered misfortunes that robbed them from normal childhood, and provide a stepping-stone towards possibilities that future holds for them. My goal is to prototype the center in Singida and then to scale in throughout Tanzania, while building strong relationships with other organizations and NGOs.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks with Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Three weeks to go. It would be great if Donald Trump's escalating weirdness gave Hillary Clinton a lock on the race. But we're not there yet.

Large numbers of voters still don't like either candidate. The polls do show a small, steady movement to Clinton. But depending on which poll you believe, the campaign seems to be about a six or seven point race. And in some key states like Ohio and New Hampshire, it's a lot closer -- too close for comfort.

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Nate Silver, noticing that the race has actually tightened a bit in New Hampshire since the disclosures of the Trump tapes, pointed out that New Hampshire has lots of swing voters, who haven't made their minds up yet.

The New York Times found the same thing interviewing voters in a Columbus, Ohio diner. Kathy Pappas, who owns the diner with her husband, told reporter Sheryl Gay Stolberg, "I don't know if I'm going to [vote] this year. I just don't care for either one, and I don't trust either one."

It's staggeringly disappointing that wavering voters don't weigh Clinton's relatively minor flaws against Trump's overwhelming ones and conclude that Clinton is the only prudent choice. But not enough swing voters have drawn that confusion for this election to be a lock. Not yet, anyway.

The latest leaks of Clinton's speeches to Wall Street audiences reinforce the impression that she's an opportunist. There is no smoking gun, but clearly Clinton tacks left on the issue of bank regulation banks when that's politically expedient, and tacks to Wall Street in private conversation.

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That doesn't make her all that different from too many Democrats, but it draws an unflattering spotlight back onto her -- when Trump's outbursts, which become more bizarre by the day, should be getting all the attention.

As a number of commentators have pointed out, almost any candidate other than Hillary Clinton, especially a women candidate, would be getting a lot more mileage out of Trump's appalling words and actions against women. But because of her own complex history as the loyal wife of a womanizer, Clinton can only sit silently and hope that Trump does himself in. It fell to Michelle Obama to call out, in graphic personal terms, the sheer creepiness of Trump's sexual words and assaults.

It's also appalling that so many Republican leaders who are clearly disgusted by Trump can't bring themselves to put country over party. Instead of dithering, some Republican leader should give a speech in the spirit of Joseph N. Welch, the lawyer who triggered the downfall of Senator Joe McCarthy.

For those too young to remember it, or who missed the story in their history books, it happened on June 9, 1954, the 30th day of the so-called Army-McCarthy hearings, which were being televised live. McCarthy was investigating the Army in his witch hunt for communists.

Welch, Army's the outside counsel, challenged McCarthy to put up or shut up - to provide his supposed list of 130 subversives working in defense plants. McCarthy countered that if Welch was really concerned about communists he should look at his own law firm, Hale & Dorr, where a junior associate, Fred Fisher, had once belonged to the leftwing National Lawyers Guild.

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This was Welch's reply:

Until this moment, Senator, I think I have never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness. Fred Fisher is a young man who went to the Harvard Law School and came into my firm and is starting what looks to be a brilliant career with us. Little did I dream you could be so reckless and so cruel as to do an injury to that lad. It is true he is still with Hale and Dorr. It is true that he will continue to be with Hale and Dorr. It is, I regret to say, equally true that I fear he shall always bear a scar needlessly inflicted by you.



If it were in my power to forgive you for your reckless cruelty I would do so. I like to think I am a gentleman, but your forgiveness will have to come from someone other than me....Let us not assassinate this lad further, Senator. You've done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?



From that moment on, Republicans who had been afraid to take McCarthy on began to discover that they had some spine. Some Republican today needs to rise to occasion and give such a speech about Trump. But it's sure hard to think of one.

Paul Ryan is a lightweight, who can't make up his mind. In the absence of other leaders, he passes for a serious person. But he keeps dithering. How about George W. Bush? Maybe Maine Senator Susan Collins? Or Ohio Governor John Kasich? Or Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker? None of these have exactly been profiles in courage.

Trump, contemplating an election defeat, is trying to take down American democracy with him. If he wins, he will surely take our democracy down even more thoroughly.

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Decent Republicans -- if there are some -- are temporizing, for fear that a Clinton victory might result in policies they dislike. What are these policies? Let's see... Slightly tighter restrictions on assault weapons, women continuing to make their own reproductive choices, moderately higher taxes on rich people, the Affordable Care Act continuing to live.

The American right has coexisted very nicely with such policies. Really, people: Are these issues worth the destruction of our democracy?

If Trump wins, it will be the result of a collision of bad luck, in that Clinton is perceived by many voters as a blemished alternative -- coupled with the sheer cowardice of Republicans who should know better.
Listen up!

October 21st is World Day of Listening. The Wold Day of Listening website states: "We are Listeners from around the world, representing many traditions, professions, and walks of life - working together to offer peaceful, non-confrontational listening, free of charge and without advice, judgement, argument or interpretation. We are non-partisan and non-promotional."

Listening is the key to helping our community and our world overcome the many hurdles we are facing.

I put the listening concept to the test last month when my hometown of Charlotte, NC erupted after Keith Lamont Scott (an African American man waiting to pick up his son from school) was shot by police under questionable circumstances. I felt a need to be on the streets with the people of my city. I wanted to stand with folks who were in pain and were desperate to have their voices heard. Although there were some who turned violent, the majority of the people on the street were peaceful; angry, but non-violent. I also wanted to stand with those who have sworn to protect and serve our communities; although sometimes they fall short, the majority of police are risking their lives for our protection, and I did not want to dishonor their profession.

I decided the best course of action was to attend a rally, using a tactic from a group called Urban Confessional, who've developed the Free Listening project. I simply stood to the side holding a sign which read "Free Listening", and allowed people to approach and share what was on their minds and hearts. People appreciated the 'holding of space' for listening. It was an intense experience.



Available for Free Listening at a rally in Marshal Park, Charlotte NC Sept 24, 2016

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It takes some doing to truly listen to someone, and I was grateful for the guidelines put out by the Urban Confessional group. They believe "people need to be heard. There is value in simply listening to someone."

Some of the advice in the guidelines (available in a 4 page pdf) include:

Have imbalanced conversations: 80% listening, 20% redirected responses.

Make eye contact. We listen with our eyes and our hearts

Never assume anything about anyone. Always let them volunteer information

We are here for them. That's all. No agenda, no strings attached

The act of listening is a powerful thing. So many times, instead of truly listening we are just waiting to interrupt with our own thoughts and ideas, which can then turn into a heated argument. The Quran instructs "And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the voice (braying) of the ass." 31:19

All too often we allow the "braying" of a small group of people to drown out the voices of those who have deeply rooted, legitimate concerns.



Pastor Erika Funk from first Presbyterian Church joined Rose Hamid in offering Free Listening

For decades I've been involved with local organizations who work at building bridges across differences and creating an inclusive, equitable community. Groundwork has been laid by these organizations and it's been evident in the responses during the protests and now. Because of that groundwork people were able to quickly come together to lend a calming influence during the week of protests which followed the shooting. And there are multitudes of initiatives and opportunities to engage and seek out solutions to the needs of all of our community members.

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But before any plan can be enacted we must begin by listening to folks who have opposing viewpoints. We don't have to wait until Oct. 21st and we don't have to hold a sign, we can listen wherever we find the opportunity. Approach someone wearing a Black Lives Matter t-shirt and ask them what that means to them. Ask the person at the grocery store with the "Make America Great Again" hat what their concerns are. There are so many lines which can divide us, but by truly listening we can discover that we have much more in common with each other.
Young woman smiling.

Every woman you know has a story like this one. They probably haven't shared it. My story took place when I was 34. These stories are our normal experience. Your first reaction will probably be that it's not THAT big of a deal. It is.

A few months ago, I was having dinner with my boyfriend, Nick. We were sitting at the bar in a busy restaurant, so people would occasionally come up to get drinks. This young man saw that Nick was drinking bourbon, asked for a recommendation and we had a conversation with him and his friends as they were waiting. They got their drinks and stayed around and kept chatting for a while.

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I like people. I like learning about people. I like knowing details of their story beyond the usual things like age, job and where they're from. I like looking people in the eye and really seeing them. It might be the first time they will feel seen all day.

As a woman, I have learned that there is a deceptively fine line between being seen as friendly and as being seen as flirt. I smile a lot, I laugh a lot, I ask lots of questions and pay attention. As a young teenager, not everyone was that friendly, open and non-judgemental so it was always assumed as flirting. My genuine interest in others, smiling, laughing a bit too loud and joking apparently became an invitation to men and a threat to women. Eventually, I accepted this as flirting and became every bit of a flirt because that seemed to be what made people the most comfortable. They could define flirting. Defining "friendly" is not as simple. And being too young to change that at the time, I believed that is how it had to be.

So instead of seeing my personality and openness as a strength, it became my greatest shame. I didn't know how to not be friendly and bubbly without it being perceived as loaded with sexual intentions, so I played the part. As I grew up a bit and left the nest, I began to realize that being a flirt was a trap that I fell into. It became a perceived weakness that shamed me and a part of me that I settled into. Life taught me that I no longer wanted to play by those rules. Fast forward a decade through a marriage, a divorce, a move across the country, a second marriage, two kids, becoming a widow, suffering a traumatic brain injury, another move across the country and frankly, I have way too much life to live to give a shit about what others think or the filter they see me through. I love people. I love conversations. There is nothing suggestive or sexual about that. It's just pure joy of living and wanting others to always see how valuable and wonderful they are. So I'm careful. I'm clear. I mention my boyfriend, my kids, my intentions, whatever it takes. I should not have to, but I know the reality all too well.

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So back to the bar... we were all laughing, talking, having fun and then from behind me, one of them grabbed my butt. Not a simple pinch, but a full grab. Not on my shoulder or my arm to simply get my attention, but a private part of my body. My boyfriend was talking to another guy and didn't see with all of the noise. I'm sure the guy waited until Nick wasn't turned towards me. It was clear that the grabbing was intentional. I turned around and he had this kind of questioning smile on his face, like the gesture was a question waiting for an answer.

I immediately stood up and faced the guy, ready to square off. I stepped toward him clearly as an act of aggression. He acted like a complete idiot, dancing and trying to make a joke of it and I just felt like it wasn't worth my time. He clearly did not have any idea what he had just done and I was not about to spend my night schooling him on women's rights instead of enjoying a date night. I sat back down and prayed that he wouldn't do it again because I would surely punch him. I know I talked less after that, focused on my food and kept quiet. Nick noticed the change and asked if I was okay and I said yes, I just wasn't feeling well. He knew something wasn't okay. though. They eventually wandered off and I was left feeling accosted and confused and shamed. I replayed my actions over and over in my head.

Did I somehow imply I wanted that?

Was I "too" friendly?

Is there a defining line of "too" friendly?

Did I smile too long? Make eye contact for too long?

Did I do something that gave him permission to do that?

Would he have done it again if I hadn't stood up and confronted him?

I was sitting next to my boyfriend. Why would he do that when I clearly have a boyfriend and he was sitting right there next to me?

I tried to just brush it off and did not bring it up. It was still bothering me though. So later, as we were walking to the car, I asked Nick those questions, feeling a bit ashamed to even be making a big deal of it.

His reaction validated my feelings about the whole situation. He immediately wanted to head back to the bar. I stopped him and told him it was okay, I felt like I had fought the battle well enough, but thank you for respecting me enough to want to go back and loving me enough to know I didn't need you to fight that battle.

He told me I absolutely did not deserve or ask for it and the guy was lucky he hadn't known about it, because he would not have hesitated to punch him. I can't remember the faces of the other guys we talked to even though we were in a longer and more meaningful conversation, but I can't forget that guy's face.

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He traumatized me.

He assaulted me.

He took something from me.

As women, when do we learn it's easier to just dismiss this type of behavior than to attack it? When do we start making excuses for being treated this way? When do certain men (not all men) decide that it is their right to touch a woman's body without her consent? Unfortunately the more "powerful" the man, the more entitled he feels.I have an 11 year old daughter. She is everything beautiful in the world. She is innocence and kindness and love and joy. I wish I could protect her from the world forever, but I know I have to teach her to fight her own battles.As she enters the relational world, here is what she will know:

Your body is your body. Period. You decide how you feel about your body and what you will and won't do.

A boy being mean to you is NOT his way of showing you he likes you. A boy being mean is just a boy being mean. A boy showing you he likes you is opening a door for you, smiling at you or giving you a compliment.

Be straightforward and clear with a boy like that. Tell him that you are not interested in even having a friend that only can give you negative attention.

You do not "owe" a boy anything who is nice to you. They are not doing you a favor by being nice to you. They are showing human decency. Never expect less.

They are also not doing you a favor by including you therefore you do not have to "give" them anything.

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You are powerful.

You are intelligent.

You are kind.

You are a force to be reckoned with.

Despite the way you may be treated at times, all of these statements are true.

Own them. Walk proudly.

Remember who you are.

Always.

Please share your story so others can feel they are not alone. Hashtag it with 2 tags. First, use the tag #wheniwas without your age and then in a separate hashtag include the age you were during the incident you are sharing, e.g. #wheniwas34. Thank you for sharing your experience and helping women everywhere feel understood, feel heard and become stronger.
Co-authored by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Sheldon Whitehouse



An open letter to Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr. and Michael D. McCurry, co-chairs of the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD), and Chris Wallace, the host of the next and final presidential debate.



Dear Messrs. Fahrenkopf, McCurry, and Wallace:

We have a simple message: it is time to talk about climate change.

There have now been two 90-minute presidential debates, plus the vice presidential debate, during which less than a few minutes were spent discussing what independent, nonpartisan experts have called the greatest threat to public health, human rights, and the world economy. Unfortunately, moderators at all three chose not to ask about how we can address climate change in a meaningful way.

The scientific community overwhelmingly agrees that climate change is real and caused by human activity. The United States is the second-highest emitter of the carbon pollution driving climate change, and our next president will be in one of the most important positions in the world to tackle this problem. Last year, the New York Times found 74 percent of Americans want the federal government to do a substantial amount to combat climate change. Nonetheless, Congressional action has been blocked by a network of fossil fuel special interests seeking to protect their bottom lines. It is vitally important that American voters hear the candidates' plans for addressing this crisis.

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The Commission and moderator should devote a segment of the final debate to a robust and serious policy conversation about climate change. Its impacts on our economy, on our national security, and on global immigration trends are only increasing. The global community, the U.S. military, President Obama, and American voters all recognize this. But the CPD and the debate moderators have yet to do so.

To conduct three presidential debates without a substantive discussion on climate, clean energy, and the environment is a disservice to American voters, to future generations, and to the Commission itself. We urge you to ask the candidates about climate change this Wednesday night in Las Vegas.

Sincerely,

Brian Schatz

U.S. Senator
I've previously written about a startup idea named Gagori, which was also originally designed as a billion dollar project. It focused on using Japanese and Italian designers working with Indian potters and ceramicists to create high-end dinner sets, vases, platters, pots, etc.

Once again, there is a comparable opportunity with some of the same ideas, but without the need to scale at exponential pace. You could build a set of e-commerce businesses that specifically focus on high-end ceramics.

There are many types of ceramics designers, techniques, and unique artisanal flavors that appeal to different taste buds. On our recent trip to Sicily, we bought a beautiful 12-person dinner set in a small medieval town called Erice. We also work with a local potter, Joy Imai, here in Menlo Park, who is of Japanese origin, and her work is of an entirely different flavor. We often commission work to her. She is the potter in residence at Allied Arts Guild.

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You may choose to focus on a style that appeals, first and foremost, to you, and develop it from there.

The numbers are interesting as well. If you are doing vases and decorative platters, and operate at a $500 per order price point, you need 2000 customers to make $1 million in revenue.

If you are doing dinner sets, say, at $2000 per order price point, or higher, you need a maximum of 500 customers to hit $1 million.

Once again, you have to make multiple positioning choices - style, category, pricing, merchandising, sourcing / manufacturing, customer acquisition, logistics, etc.

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If you choose to focus on dinner sets, for example, you may need to provide wedding registry functionality as an option on your website.

As for sourcing, you may choose to work with a set of potters whose design sensitivity fits your taste. Or, you can also work with artisans who have technical expertise and are willing to work with your designs.
Everyone living in Florida since 2005 has a hurricane story; some are truly devastating. Since I am writing this in "real time" I don't know the outcome of MATTHEW. Hopefully, he'll be less destructive than ANDREW, a category 5 monster that side-swiped those of us living in Palm Beach County back in 1992 but devastated southern Dade.

FRANCES hit us in 2004, two years after we had moved into our present home. It was the first time our new community had to deal with the racks of aluminum screw-on hurricane shutters occupying our garages. Thirty percent of the damn things didn't fit properly, and pounding concrete nails into stucco while balancing on a thirty-foot ladder in gusting winds is insane. I swore that on my next book deal I'd get the accordion shutters.

The new shutters were put to the test a year later. I was away on a two-week book signing tour when WILMA looped across the state in 2005, leaving my wife, Kim to handle things. Fortunately, the shutters worked pretty well - except for the two that had been installed backwards. Unfortunately, WILMA knocked out the power for ten days. My wife is a tough lady, but being cooped up in a hot humid house with kids, her mother, and the (ex) son-in-law's wacky family was too much to bare. I returned a day after the electricity came back on to Hurricane KIM.

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Which leads me to MATTHEW, the storm that pounded Cuba and is scheduled to hit us in 15 hours. A lot has happened in the last eleven years, the most relevant to this story being that I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease ten years ago and our oldest child, Amanda recently gave birth to her third child. Like Savannah and Leanna before her, baby Alejandra is a preemie. Having doubled her birth weight to a whopping four pounds, it was time to take the little one home... yesterday.

Yesterday (Wednesday) was also the day we began dealing with the accordion shutters. (Note to self: don't wait eleven years to maintain hurricane shutters). Kim and I began with the two most ridiculous windows in the house - two half-moon-shaped decorative glass objects in the living room twenty feet off the ground that do not open, reachable only by climbing out a second-story window onto a slanted roof.

Being the one with the penis who had not had an epidural shot in her spine two hours earlier, I went out first, quickly discovering that my bad back and aching sciatic nerve didn't exactly like what I was attempting. verbalizing thoughts like, "why is a 57-year old man with a bad back and PD doing out on a 40-degree tile roof, thirty-five feet off the ground?" sent my wife out after me. Birthing four children has given Kim far stronger core strength and nerves of steel, and after yelling at me to "get out of my way and get inside, you moron" she handled one of the two shutters - the second closing but refusing to lock.

She then went off to bed to sleep off the remains of her anesthetic, leaving me to handle the six remaining upstairs windows. I quickly discovered a few "challenges." Of my two office windows, one isn't aligning and the other has a lock jammed with rust - a problem shared by the small window in the bathroom. The shutter in my daughter, Kelsey's room was not aligning. And the two shutter tracks in the playroom/man-cave had cement in them.

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Yes, cement. It seemed that the Three Stooges who had cemented roof holes years ago (pertaining to a rodents-in-the-attic problem) had gotten cement in the lower shutter tracks. This required me to chisel it out using a hammer and screwdriver. Three hours and a semi-herniated back later and the shutters now closed.

A quick trip to the chiropractor later and I was ready to tackle the first-floor windows. All went fairly smoothly and I ended the day icing my back while watching a DVD of the Eagles-Steelers post-game shows sent to me by my best friend living in Philly (my birthplace that does not suffer many hurricanes).

THURSDAY

Four shutters separate us from containment and MATTHEW is eighteen hours away. I'm up early and upstairs. The office window I could not shut yesterday finally aligns... three to go.

Kim awakens, downs her coffee and enters our daughter's room, quickly determining that a shutter peg is not inside the track. Using brute force she fixes the peg and aligns the shutter... two to go.

A trip to Home Depot and we're squirting graphite into the jammed locks. Bad news: my wife's manicure is ruined - worse, the locks aren't budging.

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The storm is now 12 hours away and I need to rig these last two shutters or we won't have containment.
Over the weekend, the New York Times reported on a new international agreement that will phase out hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, a chemical that is used in refrigerators and air conditioners that is a powerful greenhouse gas. The irony is that HFCs were developed to replace chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, chemicals that caused a hole in our atmosphere's ozone layer and were banned by the Montreal Protocol of 1987. Just as when CFCs were banned, the companies that make HFCs have been involved in the treaty discussions and have already developed new chemicals to replace HFCs.

Under the treaty, rich countries phase out HFCs quickly, while the poorest, hottest countries are given more time to stop production of these chemicals. While some might consider this new agreement a small act, it should be seen in the context of a number of actions taken by an increasingly legacy-focused Obama Administration. According to Coral Davenport of the New York Times, this new amendment to the Montreal treaty:

...adds momentum to a series of new global climate change agreements. Last week, the Paris agreement entered into legal force after it passed a major threshold: More than 55 countries representing over 55 percent of emissions have ratified the deal. The same week, governments from 190 countries adopted a deal to curb planet-warming emissions from the aviation industry.

The issue of HFCs is an indication of the learning curve we experience in many areas of environmental sustainability. We tend to use new technology first and ask questions later. Fix the ozone hole now; worry about greenhouse gases in a few decades. The drive for economic growth dominates nearly all other considerations. As we experience more negative environmental impacts on a richer and more crowded world, we need to carefully assess our behavior and impacts and change them when we need to. This past summer I wrote about the HFC/CFC issue and observed:

The technological world we live in inevitably creates impacts we can't predict. By definition, not all the dimensions of new, cutting-edge technology are well understood. As we struggle to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy technology, we should be prepared for the unanticipated impacts of solar cells, batteries, wind generators, smart grids and all the rest. Having stepped down the path of technologically based economic development, we should not expect a pristine planet. But we can expect and work toward an environmentally sustainable earth. There is no excuse for willful disregard of the facts and every reason to listen closely when someone finds that your breakthrough invention has some negative effects.

We need to approach these issues with care and modesty. The new HFC treaty allows poorer and hotter countries to take a longer time to phase out these chemicals. This is largely due to the pressure for the emerging middle class in those countries to enjoy the comfort of air conditioning. If the new chemicals that replace HFCs end up being cheaper, and new air conditioners continue to be more energy efficient, the price of cooling could go down and the transition could take place much faster.

In my view, the surest and most rapid path to a renewable and sustainable economy is to accommodate mass political demands for greater wealth but also work hard to accelerate the development of more effective, efficient, and less polluting technologies. An approach that denies modern comforts or raises the price of desired technologies will set in motion opposition that will delegitimize the need for change, and delay change until it is too late or too difficult to implement.

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The political differences we see on climate issues globally reflect different cultures and distinct stages of economic development. Anyone watching the horrific spectacle of America's Presidential campaign should also acknowledge the extreme degree of polarization in this country's political culture. Just as gobal treaty negotiations work to bridge the divide between nations, Americans need to renew our search for common ground. For most of the 21st century, our national politics has been about how we differ. Perhaps the sheer nuttiness of Trump's conspiracy-driven message will cause the ideological extremes of the left and right to rediscover a political center: a space where common values can be explored for practical compromise. This election should be teaching all of us that the legitimacy of our political institutions should not be taken for granted. We have a candidate for president who is threatening to jail his opponent if he achieves power. He is questioning the honesty of our electoral process. One of the most important and moving parts of our ritual transfer of power is the joint appearance of the outgoing and incoming president at the inauguration. Another is the gracious concession message of the losing candidate; you can't do that from the inside of a jail.

On environmental issues we have distinctly different views and objective conditions. Ranchers in Wyoming are less worried about toxics in their basements than folks in subdivisions in the northeast. Some Americans consider regulation, by definition, as limits on freedom, while others see regulation as the price we pay for living on a more crowded, toxic, high-tech planet. But everyone likes to breathe and everyone understands the need for the air, water, and land to be free of poison. But how we get from here to there needs to be discussed and negotiated. We need to learn how to listen to each other. We need to empathize with each other's needs and values instead of dismissing or delegitimizing them.

While it's a long way to Election Day in an election year characterized by unpredictability, there is a reasonable chance that the Democrats could emerge with the White House and the Senate. There is even an outside chance they could take the entire federal government. However, winning one election would not mean that the nation is less divided. It would be a huge mistake to interpret such a victory as a mandate for anything. It would be an indication of disgust with Donald Trump and the "down ticket" impact of a profoundly weak candidate.

The solution to climate change is not to punish consumers or raise the cost of energy. Poor people and rich people rely on energy. For poor people, the energy bill is a high proportion of their weekly budget. Rather than raise the price of fossil fuels, our climate policy should lower the price of renewable energy. We should subsidize electric cars, solar panels and other technologies to make it possible for working families to afford them. When we discover a technology is damaging the environment we should do what government did with both CFCs and HFCs: work with the manufacturers to develop a high-quality, cost-effective, lower-impact substitute.

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Photo credit: Bridget Davidson

I'm sitting in front of Parks' building waiting for him to return from teaching yoga. I can hear Russian news blaring from one of the open apartment windows. Hearing this broadcast makes me think of two things. First, the time when I had accidently landed on a radio station, where the host was speaking against homosexuality to people in Mexico. Second, the announcement made by the Russian ambassador to the UN, about Antonio Guterres becoming the new United Nations Secretary General (UNSG).

I've been following this election more closely than our national one, mostly because of how the previous UNSG's support of LGBTI rights has brought about a lot of visibility and dialogue for LGBTI rights around the world.

Antonio Guterres, the former Prime Minister of Portugal, will succeed Ban Ki Moon on Jan 1, 2017.



Photo credit: Rafael Marchante

Jessica Stern, the Executive Director of Outright, an organization that is a member of the LGBT Core group at the UN, posted on Facebook - Guterres has been generally dependable on LGBTI rights in the past ten years.

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As I sit here listening to the Russian news, I wonder what is being said. Is it anti gay propaganda, like the Mexican station I had come upon? Last week, I went to Ensenada, Mexico, with Parks. We strolled down the touristy part of the city. As I reached over to hold Parks' hand, I thought, 'Is it safe to hold hands here?' I mean, gay marriage had just been made legal in Mexico less than a month ago but there has also been a huge backlash. The picture that comes to my mind is of the 12-year-old boy who stood in front of an anti-gay protest with his arms wide open. When the photographer asked why he stood in the middle of the street like that, he replied, "I have an uncle that is gay. And I don't like that they hate him." The boy's bravery and heart was palpable in that picture.



Photo credit: Manuel Rodriguez

What hit home for me was how beautifully his uncle must have shown up in his life, for him to stand up for his gay uncle. Had his uncle not talked about his sexuality or been open with his nephew, the boy would have probably just been another bystander at that protest. I decide to hold Parks' hand and we continue exploring the city.

An advertisement on a shop window for private Spanish conversation lessons catches my eye. I inquire within. The teacher, Rocio, is a warm slender native Mexican woman, in her late 50's, with grey hair, pulled back in a pony. She has the air of an Albuquerque artist. She wears a short sleeve white t-shirt, cuffed at the sleeves and loosely tucked into her faded blue jeans. She has an opening and is able to accommodate me. She begins with basics, where I'm from, what brings me to Mexico, etc. With 'gay rights in Mexico' fresh on my mind I'm curious to know what she thinks. 'What if she is anti-gay?' I think for a moment. I choose to look beyond her age and my idea of what she might or might not want to talk about. I follow my curiosity and ask her what she thinks about gay marriage being legalized in Mexico. What follows is a lively discussion. She surprises me and we talk about her interaction with gay people, Mexican politics, traditional family values, how it feels to be gay, anal sex, human rights and more. At the end of our lesson she asked me to repeat something I had said that had struck her. I repeat, 'Culture and tradition can no longer be used as alibis to discriminate against any group of people and not give them human rights, especially the LGBTI community.' She jots this down and says that she would like to think about it more. As her next students arrives, she says she is grateful for our session because she learned a lot of new things.

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What I learned was to give people more credit, and trust, that like me, they want to know about things they might not know a whole lot about. Despite everything Rocio had heard and seen in her country with gay issues, she was willing to reevaluate her opinion or at least think about it after our lesson.
In 1991 Lee Atwater, former Republican National Committee Chairman and a pioneer in political attack ads, was dying from a brain tumor. Years earlier, in an off-the-record interview, Atwater explained the so-called "southern strategy" that allowed Republicans to win the votes of racists without sounding racist themselves -- by making the racial messages abstract.

Atwater explained, "You start out in 1954 by saying, 'Nigger, nigger, nigger...By 1968 you can't say 'nigger '-- that hurts you, backfires. So you say stuff like forced busing, states' rights, and all that stuff..."

Atwater devised the famous attack ad for the 1988 presidential campaign that blamed candidate Michael Dukakis, governor of Massachusetts, for the rape and assault of a white couple by Willie Horton, a black convicted murderer who escaped from a weekend release program run by the Massachusetts prison system. Atwater said of Dukakis that he "would strip the bark off the little bastard" and "make Willie Horton his running mate." Ironically, the attack ad blamed Dukakis for a prison program that had been initiated by his predecessor, a Republican governor.

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On another occasion, Atwater planted a fake reporter at a press conference to embarrass a Congressional candidate by asking him about his teenage struggle with depression. Three years later, facing death at only 40 years old, Atwater sought spiritual peace, writing apology letters to Dukakis and other victims of his political dirty tricks.

In a final article for Life magazine a month before he died, Lee Atwater wrote: "My illness helped me to see that what was missing in society is what was missing in me: A little heart. A lot of brotherhood...I acquired more wealth, power, and prestige than most. But you can acquire all you want and still feel empty...It took a deadly illness to put me eye to eye with that truth, but it is a truth that the country, caught up in its ruthless ambitions and moral decay, can learn on my dime. I don't know who will lead us...but they must be made to speak to this spiritual vacuum at the heart of American society, this tumor of the soul."

Atwater had called his work "political warfare." Political warfare drives out good people who don't want to harm others nor be harmed -- so they abandon public service to those with thicker skins and harder hearts. Sadly, voters around the world have come to believe that political party warfare is a necessary evil in selecting public officials--a method that might best be called "selection by combat."

There is, however, a time-honored alternative--selection by lottery, also called sortition or lottocracy. Americans are familiar with the process because that's how we select juries. Athens, Greece, the first democracy, chose juries and most of its other public officials by lottery, thus avoiding selection by combat.



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After selection by lottery, legislators assemble in a peaceful atmosphere. After competitive elections, legislators assemble along the line of scrimmage, ready to resume the brutal competition. They focus, not on the issues, but on seeking advantage for the next election. With the lottery system, there is no next election. Nor political parties. Political parties were invented for the purpose of winning elections.

One might question whether the proposed alternative, election by lottery, is relevant to America because it was developed in ancient Athens, an imperfect democracy in which men without property, women and slaves were not allowed to participate. But that exactly matches the American democracy of George Washington's time--men without property, women and slaves were not allowed to participate.

However, in the two centuries since the founding of the American republic, we have evolved. We can continue to do so. We must.
About the author UN Women Haiti/ Anna Konate

Anthony Ngororano is Programme Advisor and Head of the Africa Section at UN Women Headquarters and is currently serving as Representative a.i. UN Women Haiti. Previously, he has also served as Representative a.i. UN Women Malawi. A national of Rwanda, he has over 19 years of experience in programme, policy and operational functions in the United Nations, government and private sector. Prior to joining UN Women, he served as Senior Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Rwanda. Mr. Ngororano holds graduate degrees in Development Economics and International Relations.

As I was flying over the coastal town of Jeremie in Southern Haiti, the devastation below was overwhelming. Trees had been shredded into smithereens, acres of lush farmlands wasted, homes upended, roads and lifelines to medical, food and water supplies destroyed and entire communities had been ripped apart, their livelihoods lost. I thought, If it looks so bad from up here, what must it be like to be down there?

On 4 October, Hurricane Matthew, the strongest hurricane that Haiti has seen in a decade, tore through the country, bringing death and devastation, particularly in the South, GrandAnse and Nippes departments. As of 12 October, it had claimed 473 lives. Over 2.1 million people (roughly 19 per cent of the Haitian population, or one in five) are estimated to have been affected, with the number of wounded also on the rise. Over 1.4 million people (12 per cent of the Haitian population) are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance [1].

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Crises are not gender-neutralthey disproportionately affect women, especially in contexts where discriminatory gender norms exist. Often, more women die than men during natural disasters, being the last to escape as they prioritize the safety of their family and children. In the 1991 Bangladesh Cyclone, five times as many women as men died. Women accounted for 67 per cent of the fatalities of the Indian Ocean Tsunami [2].

Haiti is no exception the most vulnerable and the worst affected by Hurricane Matthew are women and children. Even when women survive, they have a desperately hard time rebuilding their lives. On top of the loss of housing, livelihood and families, women are exposed to greater threats of gender-based violence and health risks.

UN data shows that 60 per cent of preventable maternal deaths take place in crisis settings and at least 1 in 5 refugees or displaced women are estimated to have experienced sexual violence [3]. Women and girls affected by Hurricane Matthew must have equal access to humanitarian assistance, especially the most vulnerable among them, such as female heads-of-households, pregnant or lactating women, widows and women with disabilities.

Lessons learnt in the past remind us that this equal access cannot come at the expense of womens safety. In the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, many camps were overcrowded, had unsafe living spaces and lacked adequate sanitary facilities. They were also poorly lit, leading to night attacks on women en route to collecting water. For humanitarian action to truly deliver relief and recovery for all, womens differentiated access to humanitarian assistance must become a reality, including through the provision of sanitation facilities for them specifically, for example.

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In the response following the 2010 earthquake, the voices of Haitian women civil society were absent from the Governments Post-Disaster Needs Assessment, the guiding document for all relief and recovery efforts. As a result, the PDNA only addressed gender in one of the eight themes. Engaging crisis-affected women as leaders and participants and counting in their specific needs in all areas of humanitarian response is a human rights obligation. We need to do more and better this time.

Following the 2010 earthquake, women and adolescent girls in displacement camps were found to be engaging in transactional sex. Cash-for-work programmes that help women become entrepreneurs, not only offer a path to their economic recovery, but also tackle the root cause of such negative coping mechanisms. However, evidence shows that often these programmes target men. For example, 76 per cent of cash-for-work programmes in Zaatari refugee camp targeted men [4]. In Haiti, where 41 per cent of households are female-headed, this would be a grave mistake.

Additionally, evidence shows that better targeting of women and girls strengthens the impact of humanitarian action. It also presents the possibility of reversing existing gender discrimination, for instance, by including women and men in equal numbers on assessment teams, in committees and leadership positions.

When our plane landed in Jeremie, we visited a shelter and spoke with displaced women there, together with a group of womens organizations. We discussed their priorities and concerns, and how we could best support them. One immediate concern was around receiving wheat instead of rice, which made it difficult for them to feed their children.

There are also a large number of displaced persons living with neighbours whose homes were not as severely impacted. One ministry official told us that she was housing 37 people; the size of the average household in Haiti is six people

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We met with women engaged in the fisheries sector, whose main concern was their loss of livelihood. Women sheltering in schools expressed their apprehension about reopening of schools, wondering where they would go.

UN Women in Haiti is stepping up its efforts to meet the immediate needs of the affected population, putting women at the centre of our response. UN Women intends to facilitate their access to lifesaving protection and humanitarian services. A number of immediate actions have already been envisaged, such as the implementation of cash-for-work interventions directed towards the most vulnerable women to get them back on their feet. We are working together with womens organizations and grassroots networks, empowering these organizations to lead and monitor crisis response interventions.

The devastation wrought on by Hurricane Matthew looks worse up close, on the ground. But excluding women, or meeting them only halfway in humanitarian response will be a catastrophe that we cannot afford. Building on lessons learnt from the 2010 earthquake response, the Haitian Government and humanitarian actors must get it right for women and girls this time. And all of Haiti will benefit as a result.

Notes

[2] Sarah Bradshaw and Maureen Fordham (2013). Women and Girls in Disasters, A review for DFID, p.12

[3] United Nations Economic and Social Council (2014) Gender equality and the empowerment of women in natural disasters, Report of the Secretary-General.
China, Hong Kong, close-up of gay couple holding hands

I grew up in a small town in Arkansas. That alone speaks for itself considering I'm gay. And not just gay, but super gay. It's a love-hate relationship.

Isolated and alone with my feelings, my only outlet to find other gay people was on television. This was the 90s though, the only gay role models I had were Ellen DeGeneres and cast members of MTV's The Real World.

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That wasn't enough for me. I was in fourth grade when I couldn't hold it in any longer. I can remember walking down the street to knock on Jase's door, my best friend, to give him his homework that he had missed that day cause he was at home sick. When he answered the door finally, I told him that I needed to tell him something. He asked, "What?"

I told him that I thought I might be a "biosexual." I didn't quite have all the lingo down yet. He asked me what that meant. And I told him, "It means I like girls... and boys."

I remember him just standing there looking at me in a way he had never looked at me before. Hesitant, skeptical, revulsion. Eventually he spoke up, "I don't want to play today." He then shut the door in my face.

Hurt, defeated, worried; I felt utterly alone. Our friendship took a turn for the worse after that. The following day, I went back over to his house and told him that I was just joking about the whole "biosexual." He said he thought so and invited me in to play video games.

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Soon enough though, he did turn on me. At school, he became aggressive often mocking me in front of my classmates. He never revealed to anyone that I was a "biosexual" or that I was gay, but he made fun of me relentlessly. It reached a crescendo one day when I was walking home with my neighborhood friends when I heard him call out my name from behind. When I turned around, he looked me straight in the face and with childish venom, spat in my face. Filled with rage, I rushed after him throwing my bicycle to the side and tearing my backpack off. I can remember my hands trying to grapple onto his backpack as he pedaled faster. He was too big for me to bring down, it was either I let go or hold on until he eventually dragged me behind in his wake. Surrendering into an emotional pain, I let go and crumpled to the ground beginning to cry. My friends who had my bicycle and backpack, caught up with me, acknowledging the act of aggression toward me. They told me not to worry. But I did. I internalized that pain, the hate that was directed towards me for being something different than the heteronormative status quo. Despite knowing who I was, I went back into the closet with a fierce vengeance to never let that happen to me again.

By the time I entered middle school, I had given up any type of hope that I was a "biosexual." I even learned that it was in fact called bisexual. I was simply gay. This was the early aughts, and families began to buy computers for their home. This allowed me the opportunity to learn more about my personal affliction, my gayness. I would frequently visit gay teen support sites, the likes of the now defunct, Mogenic.com and slightly older, NSFW Gay.com.

I would go into the chat rooms creating alias' about who I was and why I was there. Always a teenager who so desperately wanted to come out of the closet but didn't know how without feeling the pain or suffering that I had already come to know. As a child of divorce, I would often stay up late into the night drinking Mom's boxed white wine or pouring myself a vodka and Fresca at Dad's, as I scoured the internet for some kind of help while numbing the pain of feeling different.

It wasn't until I was in eighth grade that I began to see other teenagers from around my area in Arkansas pop up on these support sites. Individuals, unknown to me since we were all afraid to show our real picture. This could often incite excitement, solace, or fear in me. Fear that these unknown others were in fact bullies at my school trying to entrap me. I proceeded with caution.

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I knew there were others at my middle school but I couldn't figure out who. I had to narrow down the suspects. There was Jason who talked like one of my older sister's friends who was always buzzing around the popular crowd. I found him to be a threat as he was a huge gossip. There were my friends in several of my gifted and talented classes who I thought could be gay. Not based on anything in particular except their open-mindedness. They were more like the straight kids who made it okay for the gay kids to come out in high school. Finally, I settled on Dexter who sat next to me in Keyboarding. He would often ask me questions about what kind of music I liked and tried to find ways to make me laugh. He would invite me to hang out with his two girl pals who I was friendly with, Hannah and Fuzzy (yes, her nickname was Fuzzy because of her big bushy, fuzzy hair).

Months of hanging out with Dexter in these social settings, chatting on AOL Instant Messenger late into the night, and laughing together in class came to the moment of us coming out to each other the night of the Valentine's Dance. We had chatted before about who we thought might be gay in our class but had never come close revealing our own true nature; as if it were a game of cat and mouse. After the dance that night, Dexter messaged me and told me he wanted to tell me something. I let him know he could tell me anything; He told me he was gay. Filled with excitement to the moon and back, elated, I messaged him back to let him know I was gay too.

Dexter was the first other gay person I had told that I was gay. The feeling of finding someone who was like me in small-town Arkansas was exhilarating. It meant that I wasn't alone. That I wasn't defunct. That nothing was wrong with me. That someone else knew what I was going through and we had that camaraderie. We could confide in each other.

For the rest of the weekend, we chatted on the phone constantly. Something that I had always reserved for talking to potential beard girlfriends. I didn't have to fake liking someone with him. I laid on the floor of my sisters now empty bedroom for hours talking on their cordless phone with Dexter, staring up at the ceiling connecting the dots of the plaster together as if it were cosmic that we had found each other. By the end of the weekend, Dexter had asked me if I would be his boyfriend. I said, "Yes."

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Three days later, I broke up with him. My reasoning was that I didn't want to feel forced to date the only other gay person in town. I wanted to have a choice in who I could be with like straight people. This didn't stop us from acting like boyfriends or dating for the following seven months.

We would often get together with Hannah and Fuzzy as a cover-up. We'd go to the mall and ride the elevators. When the doors closed and we were all alone, we would steal quick kisses. We'd bend down behind racks of clothing at Abercrombie and Fitch and hold each other's hands. I'd take him to the book stores and show him all the books I had read. He would take me to the music store and show me which artists he was listening to. Pink was his favorite artist at the time, and "Just Like A Pill," quickly became 'our song,' despite the lyrics stating, "...Instead of making me better, you keep making me ill." It was more about the music video for us with all of the skin that was showing.

We went to go see Clockstoppers starring Jesse Bradford with a huge group of friends one night. We calculatingly sat in the back row corner so we could hold hands. Hannah and Fuzzy to our left to block the sight from onlookers in our group. At some point during the movie, we ate a Twizzler like they do in The Lady and the Tramp. We thought we had done a good job of hiding our affection until we looked up as someone gasped from down the row. It was Caitlin, a girl who wasn't quite popular but was nice enough. She had seen us and that's when everything changed.

The following Monday at school there were murmurs of Dexter and I being gay. I was quick to deny. Deny Deny Deny. Dexter did the same thing but left it a little more open ended. At the same time, my home life was in the midst of change. I had lived primarily with my Mother until this point, and I knew that coming out of the closet completely was just around the corner. I wanted to go to boarding school in California, and the only way I was going to be able to do that was switch custody from my Mother to my Father. I knew that if I could get out of Arkansas and go to high school in a more open minded place, coming out the closet entirely would be an easier experience. I didn't want to leave Dexter behind but I had to think about my well-being. I knew that staying in Arkansas wouldn't set well with me for the coming years. Also, I wanted to be able to come out of the closet away from my parents on my own terms.

I switched custody from my Mother to my Father. I applied to Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California. I was admitted shortly after and the plan was to begin high school at the boarding school of my dreams the following fall. Unfortunately, that meant leaving my friends and especially, Dexter behind.

Dexter and I grew closer over the summer though attending a Summer Theatre Academy at the local university. This allowed us to spend almost every day with each other for our last few months together, before my leaving in August 2002. It was bitter-sweet. The journal I kept at the time is filled with my thoughts going back and forth on missing Dexter and what that would mean for our future. Would we remain friends? Would we still keep in contact? The saddest part about leaving Arkansas was leaving him behind.

We tried to keep in touch in the best way we could. I would get Instant Messages from him but his family had discovered his sexuality and he was having a hard time with that. He moved to his grandmothers for awhile. When I came home to visit for Thanksgiving, we only got to spend a few hours together but things had changed and ultimately we had grown apart. I had grown in ways that were unforeseen and he was stuck in a standstill in our small town of Arkansas. What once was a romantic relationship was now something of a memory to remember fondly.

We lost touch soon after that. Going our separate ways, experiencing our own growing pains and self-discovery. It would be eight years until I saw him again.

The next time I saw Dexter was Christmas 2010. I had travelled home to Arkansas from New York City where I now reside. I was in the middle of studying Television and Radio at Brooklyn College. I had touched base with Dexter over Facebook, and we planned to meet at his house after I'd had Christmas dinner with my step-mothers family. My step-cousin drove me to Dexter's house. My nervousness of seeing him again was weighing on me. Who was he now? Would I recognize him? Would he recognize me? Would we even still like each other?

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He was now living at one of his friend's parents house, and there were a gaggle of gays strewn about the living room. I can't remember their names exactly but we drank and imbibed in other social lubricants. The long-distance and time had changed us. I found it hard to connect with him in the same way that we once had. I don't know exactly what I was expecting but I found myself let down. We had just gone down two different paths and the destinations where we had ended up had changed us invariably. We were no longer young and innocent in the way we had been when we first connected. We both wore scars from our pasts, known or not.

I was grateful for the experience though. His friends drove me home later that night. A decision I look back on eerily where it stands today. We had no right being in that car or driving. It was almost a forewarning to our futures.

I returned to New York after a few days and we sadly never spoke again.

In September of 2011, I was shocked to read a blurb on Towleroad one morning discovering that a gay man had been found dead in a bathtub with a sleeping Arkansas meteorologist. When I clicked the link to discover on CNN.com that it was Dexter who was the one found dead, with a dog collar around his neck. It was later reported that drugs were found in his system and he had died of asphyxiation.

This was a complete shock to me and sent me into a depression. I didn't know how to cope with the news or the loss. It was too much for me to handle. It hit close to home as I was discovering my own issues with drugs and alcohol. I sought counseling in the health center at Brooklyn College where I would show up to class and sessions intoxicated.

Dexter's death brought up a lot of emotions from my past and showed me how close a call I'd had - that my drinking and using had put me in the kind of dangerous situations that had claimed his life.

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My counselor, who I am eternally grateful for, helped push the beginning concept of sobriety and living a day at a time in my life. My journey toward sobriety would begin there but wouldn't reach fruition until five years later, now.

Every year I mourn the loss of Dexter in September. I find this month to be difficult as many past traumas occurred in September. It was this year that I could finally reflect on it with a clearer mind as I'm over a year sober today. I used to have a lot of anger towards the meteorologist that was found with Dexter; somehow wanting to blame him for Dexter's death. Today, I understand that he is not held liable as much as the bartenders I used to frequent were held liable for my intoxication. I actually feel compassion towards him and forgiveness. While I lost my first boyfriend creating a hole in my personal coming out story, he was the one who woke up next to him. He has to live with those final moments of Dexter's life for the rest of his days. I hope he has healed from the trauma. I don't wish ill-will upon him. It's not my place to judge. Things happen that are out of our control. The only thing we can do is forge meaning into the events, and grow from them as painful as they may be.
At the University of Havana on Monday morning, Josefina Vidal, director of the Cuban Foreign Ministry's department for the United States, held up a grainy printout of a 39-year-old document bearing the signature of president Jimmy Carter. "This was a secret document until 2002," she said. The two page presidential directive, issued by Carter on March 15th, 1977, bears the heading "Subject: Cuba."

"It was a simple directive," said Vidal, "short, barely a page and a half." In it Carter outlined his belief that "we should attempt to achieve normalization of our relations with Cuba. To this end, we should begin direct and confidential talks... with representatives of the Government of Cuba."

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Vidal's audience was a crowd mainly composed of students from the University, who were on hand to protest the 54-year-old embargo of Cuba imposed by the Kennedy administration in February of 1962 (The Eisenhower administration had imposed a more limited embargo in 1960). For many Cubans, the Carter directive demonstrates the gulf that has long existed between the stated objectives and actual policies of various U.S. administrations. "It was not possible, in his presidency, to advance towards normalization of relations," said Vidal. "Now President Obama has issued something more extensive."

The Obama administration, since it announced the normalization of relations with Cuba nearly two years ago, has maintained a stated commitment to ending the embargo. When Obama spoke in Havana in March of this year he stated this intention clearly (while mixing up his Spanish genders): "Es un nueva dia... the embargo's gonna end. When, I can't be entirely sure. But I believe it will end. And the path that we're on will continue beyond my administration. The reason is logic... if you keep on doing something over and over again and it doesn't work, it might make sense to try something new."

In a country where political protest remains tightly controlled by the government, it can be hard to tell where state propaganda ends and grassroots activism begins. But the U.S. embargo is one subject on which there seems to be broad agreement. One student sent me the photo below via Facebook, along with her estimate that 3,000 people were in attendance:

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"Here everyone is in favor of lifting the blockade," she told me, using the Spanish word "bloqueo". Although there has not been a physical blockade of Cuba since the 1962 missile crisis, and while the U.S. does not restrict Cuba's trade with third parties, the Cuban government prefers to use the term bloqueo instead of embargo for its greater rhetorical force. The "bloqueo" has long been a staple of propaganda imagery within Cuba in posters like this one (via Granma, the official newspaper of the Cuban Communist Party:

via granma.cu

This video, from RadioDelSur, shows some more of the protest that took place this morning:

Although internet access is highly restricted in Cuba, the government has been creating free public WIFI hotspots in recent years. The same student told me that while internet is always available at the University, the signal's strength and reach had been enhanced for the protest to allow people to promote it on social media, especially on Twitter, under the hastag #YoVotoVsBloqueo (I'm voting against the blockade).

#YoVotoVsBloqueo, pq impide libre flujo de turistas a Cuba... https://t.co/cp9sxdovrr  Caperuza  (@Caperuzacubana) October 17, 2016

"I'm voting against the blockade because it prevents the free flow of tourists to Cuba"

#YoVotoVsBloqueo Porque naci bajo su azote y cada dia la existencia me es mas dificil por esa politica arbitraria.  DarletisLG (@DarletisLG) October 17, 2016

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"I'm voting against the blockade because I was born under its whip and existence is harder for me every day because of this arbitrary policy"

#YoVotovsBloqueo porque #EEUU solo quiere proteger los derechos de aquellos cubanos que sirvan a sus intereses... https://t.co/dmjiF8dLpX  Iroel Sanchez (@iroelsanchez) October 17, 2016

"I'm voting against the blockade because the US only wants to protect the rights of those Cubans who serve its interests"

While the normalization of relations has proceeded apace and travel restrictions have been greatly relaxed, the future of the embargo is still uncertain. It's reasonable to assume that a Hillary Clinton administration would continue the Obama policy, but the Republican congress (which will likely remain Republican come January) has so far shown little interest in calls to lift the embargo. That's why activists and government officials in Cuba are trying to keep up the pressure. "The people here don't believe words from anyone," said the student who contacted me. "We need to see to believe."

When Vidal was finished, she took questions from those in attendance. The first, from a student in international relations named Rachel, expressed the widespread anxiety of many Cubans over the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency and what that might mean for U.S.-Cuban relations. Vidal did not mince words.

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"The 8th of November... we'll know who's going to be the next president of the United States. Let me reiterate, this directive is President Obama's... but the president who follows him is not obligated to continue it. He can revoke it completely... it depends on the will of the future government."

The protest received support from elsewhere in Latin America, including from Bolivia:
Hutchinson city council examines what to do about chickens

The issue is before the planning commission because chickens are part of land use codes written to address larger animals.
Up-And-Coming Rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Kicks Some Chart Ass

Data doesn't lie if you know what to look for. Here Next Big Sound's Liv Buli takes a close at he rapid rise of rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, who is he dominating the Pandora charts in the wake of the release of his new mixtape.

____________________________

Guest post by Liv Buli of Next Big Sound

His kind and gentle demeanor stands in stark contrast to the rough Bronx neighborhood he grew up in, but A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie is no pushover.

Nah, never got my ass kicked he says. Well maybe by a lady or two. A lot of his most popular music is inspired by a young lady he fell in love with. My first mixtape especially, that came from a heartbreak. He found himself in a relationship with a woman pregnant with someone elses child. She was playing little mind games with me. I thought it was mine.

That pain is what led to songs like Still Think About You, D.T.B. (short for dont trust bitches), and Artist.

But he is definitely kicking ass in the music industry. In just a short while, tracks from Artist: The Mixtape have launched A Boogies career, and this week he climbed to the very top of the Pandora Trendsetter chart, which ranks up-and-coming artists with the highest number of station adds each week.

And while his singles are performing well (his top five tracks on Pandora all have a thumbs-up ratio of more than 73%), A Boogie is no one hit wonder: the number of stations seeded with the artist far outpaces track stations, at a rate of almost 70x.

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodies rapid ascent is clear in the number of stations being seeded with the young rapper each day.

Graphic courtesy of Next Big Sound.

His ascent has been rapid. Over the past month he spun more than 5.2 million times on Pandora, which is more than two-thirds of his total spin count. Last week alone he added about 10,000 new Facebook page likes, roughly one fifth of his total fan base on the platform. He counts more than a quarter of a million followers on Instagram, 45 million video views on YouTube, and his average weekly number of station adds on Pandora has gone from 3,686 back in July, to 25,998 the week ending Oct. 8.

Seeing as his given name is in fact Artist, you would think that he wouldnt need an artist name, but you would be mistaken. A comes from Artist, he says. And Boogie from the Bronx.

The Hoodie part came from just having a hoodie on a lot, he laughs.

A Boogie notes selling out B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in Manhattan as the tipping point that got the attention of major labels like Atlantic Records, to which he is now signed. Nobody knew who I was.

And how does someone relatively unknown manage to sell out large-scale venues? It takes a lot of effort, says A Boogie. He was working every platform he had available to him. Before I was even famous, I was famous on Facebook. His lyrics were being quoted all over the internet, and then he started getting some major name drops from artists like DJ Khaled and Meek Mill.

His music started picking up traction on local New York radio stations, and more than once over the past year A Boogie has been described as a key part of the revitalization of New York rap. And he doesnt disagree. I think I represent a new beginning. It is a different sound, a better sound.

So what makes A Boogie stand out from all the other artists that are struggling to break through in the industry? He believes it is his commitment to hard work, and talks about how he basically lives in the studio.Perfecting your craft is one of the main keys in being successful.

At just 20 years old, this perspective seems wise beyond his years. Highbridge in the Bronx  where A Boogie grew up  he describes as the jungle, explaining that everybody had to grow up quick, wasnt no being a kid no more when we was over there.

My life now is a blessing, he says of his new reality. There are always going to be worries in life, but now I am doing what I want to do.

But he knows his work will never be done if he wants to stay on top. With the hunger of a twenty-year-old up-and-coming kid he says: I gotta stay relevant. Next up is his EP, tentatively entitled TBA: The Bigger Artist, and he says he has plenty more behind that. Hell certainly have a bigger audience to serve it up to.

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Northwest Insurance Services recently announced it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Winans Insurance effective November 1.Northwest Insurance is a subsidiary of Northwest Bank. Winans, on the other hand, is a property and casualty insurance and employee benefits company based in Pennsylvania.Douglas H. Bert, Northwest president, said the company is committed to expanding its footprint across Pennsylvania and New York through its team up with Winans.This addition reinforces our dedication to providing best-in-class insurance products and award-winning customer service to the businesses and families we serve. The cultural compatibility of our two companies is demonstrated by our missions and commitment to our local communities, Bert added.David G. Winans, who will assume a senior vice president post with Northwest after the acquisition, said, Operating within the Northwest network, well be able to connect our clients to an expanded list of carriers and additional products and services, including investment management and trust, employee benefits, retirement services and personal and business banking loans.Northwest will absorb the entire Winans team, which will continue to operate from the Winans Warren headquarters.
Superintendent Jason McCandless discussed some of the highlights of the MCAS scores with the School Committee Thursday night.

McCandless: Test Scores Show Cultural Proficiency Taking Hold

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  On the surface, standardized testing scores for the Pittsfield School District distinguishes the system as Level 3 in the state's rankings.

But Superintendent Jason McCandless says looking deeper into the numbers, the scores show progress in the areas the district has focused on. The district revamped its English curriculum in the elementary school to a unified one and this year expanded it to the middle school level, is piloting math curriculum this year to do the same.

But maybe even more importantly for McCandless, the district's recent focus on cultural proficiency is paying dividends with those "subgroups" of students.

"Cultural proficiency lies at the heart of academic achievement," McCandless said. "I think we have much to celebrate this year, as well as realizing we have miles and mile to go in closing the achievement gap."

The district has made it a focus to provide an inclusive education, recognizing that each student comes into the district with diverse backgrounds. Through the district improvement plan and professional development, the district's philosophy has been on improving the outcomes of those who are low income, are learning English as a second language, or have disabilities. With a predominately white, middle-class teaching staff, McCandless said he wants teachers to not only understand the diverse background the students are coming from but be experts in how to educate those students.

"Who do we need to be in order to work with students that are increasingly walking in the door with cultural experiences and home experiences that are unlike ours as a predominately white middle-class teaching staff? You can see one of our highlight areas are in terms of economically disadvantaged children, in terms of narrowing the proficiency gap, we were above the target the state set for us," McCandless said.

"That would say to us that this work we are doing around how do we teach the students who are living in poverty, how to teach students who are coming to us with trauma, that work, that professional development, that energy and effort teachers are putting into this, is paying off. In every single category, maybe we didn't make target but we improved. In some areas were above target. We were on target with Asian students, we improved with the targets on every other group of students and in some cases, we improved rather dramatic."

English Language Learners, a particularly high spot for McCandless, made a big improvement from previous years, in English Language Arts.

When measuring growth scores throughout the state, by a percentile comparing students throughout their education with like scoring students, English Language Learners scored in the 50 percentile  a number 10 points above the state's target. That is compared to just 27 percentile last year.

"In terms of growth, are we taking students where they need to be at an appropriate rate? We are above target in almost every indicator of that," McCandless said.

"To me, this is proof that the systems we are trying to put into place, the believes that we are making organizationally, the approaches are taking hold. The investment in curriculum materials is making a difference."

In 2016, 11.5 percent of all the city's ELL students scored advanced, up from 8.5 percent last year. The percentage of failing or warnings in that group dropped from 13.4 percent to 8.9 percent.

"Increasing the percentage of students scoring advanced. That's a decent jump when you are talking about nearly 3,000 test takers," McCandless said.

Among black students, 21.2 percent were in warning last year and that dropped to 14.8 percent this year. They also saw an advancement increase from 3.2 percent to 4.7 percent. In every area of English, the district's score improved, McCandless said, including surpassing the target for economically disadvantaged students.

In math, the district was on target with the economically disadvantaged students, which McCandless said is "arguably the most challenging group of students." There was low forward movement with black students and with students with disabilities but those groups still continued to improve  just not at the pace the state would like.

In 2015, 3.1 percent of students with disabilities scored advanced in math and that jumped to 5.8 percent this year while English Language Learners nearly tripled. Despite math being a weaker point for the district than the English scores, all of the subgroups advanced over last year and fewer students are in the warning or failing level.

"We are seeing the things we expect to see when we focus on rich, high-quality curriculum materials the teachers chose themselves, when we focus on pedagogy and on teaching, and when we focus on meeting students right where they are and right who they are in cultural proficiency," McCandless said.

The scores for math were below target when it comes to student growth, but every group showed increased including students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and economically disadvantaged. However, looking at the progress on the English side, McCandless says he expects with a new curriculum being developed by the teachers through this year's pilot programs, those scores will begin to reflect the same level of growth in English.

While the English scores and growth was a highlight, math following with some advancement, the district hadn't seen much growth in the science sector.

"We saw and issue with the lack of ELA curriculum across our elementary schools. We invested in it and we see the results. We invested in the same for our middle schools. We are piloting mathamatic curriculum across the elementary and middle schools this year. Science is our next mountain to climb," McCandless said.

Most of the scores in science remained the same. However, no English Language Learners scored advanced in the science test in 2016 and 7 percent did in 2016. In 2015, less than 1 percent of African Americans scored advanced and in 2016 4.4 percent did. But not all groups are moving forward, particularly with the percentage of failing or warning students.

"We are moving students from the middle to the top, but we are not moving students that are struggling the most forward to the middle," McCandless said.

Overall, the state's ranking system puts the district at a Level 3 but a district can only be ranked at its lowest scoring district. There are multiple schools in the district which ranked as Level 1 and 2. All of the schools remained at the same level as last year.

"We have a lot of chatter in our community which misrepresents this particular point," Mayor Linda Tyer said. "This data disproves that. We have three schools at Level 1."

Tyer called the leveling system misleading and said there is more to the school district than just what the scores say on the test. McCandless agreed, highlights good AP scores and an array of opportunities.

"These rankings really say a lot more about the socioeconomic health of your building than the quality of the teaching and learning," McCandless said, saying many students are getting Level 1 educations through the Pittsfield Public Schools. "I can say, as the superintendent of this Level 3 district, we are providing kids with outstanding educations and outstanding opportunities."

School Committee member Anthony Reillo said small cities face an array of other issues that small towns don't, particularly when it comes to socioeconomics.

"We are not a tiny town. We are not Lenox. We are not Williamstown," he said. "Cities have a lot to offer as well, that's why we are here, that is why people live here ... We are going to have a very diverse school, we have a very diverse community."

While there are highlights in the test scores, and the numbers don't tell the whole story, McCandless said the entire district has a long way to go to improve. But the focus isn't going to be on implementing ways to teach to a test, but rather focusing on teaching and curriculum to make fundamental changes in the education provided.

"The way to get learning to happen and move learning forward for all students is to address the things that comprise learning. Focusing on test scores never gets long-term gains for students. It doesn't create institutional change. Concentrating on teaching and learning does," McCandless said.
Berkshire County Kids Place development coordinator Laura Baran, left, with Community Leader Award honorees Perri and Michelle Thorpe Petricca. Gala co-Chairmen Lisa and William Blackmer welcome guests. Berkshire District Attorney David Capeless was presented with the Founders Award. Board Chairwoman Kelly McCarthy addresses the gala, which had a circus theme. Michelle Petricca joked it was expensive to be her friend, encouraging them to give more to Kids Place. Local businesses and artists donated numerous services and items for the silent auction. PreviousNext

Berkshire County Kids Place Honors Petriccas as Community Leaders

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  When Perri Petricca and Michelle Thorpe were getting married, they decided the best way to celebrate their union was to provide support for the children served by Berkshire County Kids Place.



"Children have always been the center of our lives," said Michelle Petricca on Friday night at Kids Place's annual gala where she and her husband were presented with its Community Leadership Award. They both come from large families and have four children together.



"When we got married three years ago, we were talking about registering for gifts," she said, but realized that "we don't need any more china patterns and we don't need anymore crystal in our lives but what we do need is to give back to the community."



Instead of gifts, they asked their guests to donate to the center that offers social, emotional and legal support to sexually abused children and their families.



Michelle Petricca was impressed with the work that Kids Place does and noted the need it fills because Pittsfield and North Adams have the highest rates of sexual abuse in the state.



Perri Petricca, chief executive officer of Petricca Industries, said he was involved early on with the development of Kids Place but not lately. It was really his wife, he said, who had done the research on selecting an organization and visited Kids Place.



"She came up with the idea we should be giving to the community before she even got here," he said.



Since then, the Petriccas have continued to support the efforts of Kids Place, though Perri Petricca joked the only accolades he deserved was that "he married well."



His wife thanked those who attended the gala and asked them to give more.



"I know it's getting very expensive to be our friends," she laughed, adding, "we just want to recognize that this Community Leadership Award means a lot to us but the community  meaning you  took your Friday night out of your lives to be here."



She also credited those on the front lines of working with kids. "Keep doing what you're doing because you're doing it so well ... you're doing it the right way and we need you."


Juan Jose Carrion-Almeida is an immigrant with a story to tell. And now, he's been given a medium to share and archive his challenges and success of immigration.

BCC To Pilot Humanities Center Focused On Stories Of Immigration



David Tebaldi said Mass Humanities will be seeking an implementation from to implement the humanities centers at three community colleges in the state. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Juan Jose Carrion-Almeida immigrated to Berkshire County from Ecuador in 2009. Five years later, he was Berkshire Community College's first Latino valedictorian.

Carrion-Almeida said while his story isn't nearly as difficult as others who immigrated to the United States, he has faced significant challenges. After a few years of being encouraged to go to college and educate himself, he put himself in a better position than he imagined.

"We have a different perspective of the world. We have seen what it is to not be able to afford to buy food. I haven't lived that but I have seen it. We have witnessed a lot of how it can go really, really bad. Once we come with that perspective behind us, then we try really, really hard not to get there," Carrion-Almeida said.

"Luckily, this beautiful country, this awesome country, allows us to do that. With education, it is even better."

He said many immigrants feel excluded from the community and he hopes his story will inspire others to go to college. But he needs people to hear that story.

A new $16,000 planning grant from Mass Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities is looking to create that medium with Berkshire Community College to share the stories of immigrants all over Berkshire County.

Following a handful of months running and evaluating different models and programs, Mass Humanities will then seek a three-year implementation grant which will open public humanities centers at three community colleges in Massachusetts  BCC, Middlesex Community College, and Holyoke Community College.

"NEH is very enthusiastic about this idea. They see this as a national model so we are doing something that could possibly have very beneficial and very widespread ramifications," David Tebaldi, director of Mass Humanities, said.

The stories are expected to be shared through the "Your Story, Our Story" exhibit developed by the Tenement Museum of New York. The stories will be collected, archived, and shared with the community, showing what it is like for immigrants in 2016.

BCC's Director of Student Engagement Eleanore Velez said the American landscape is like a river in that it is constantly changing and comprised of millions of droplets of water. But the landscape has been in a drought because these immigrant stories have not been captured and collected, contributing to that landscape.

"It is the drops of water that make the river. We are constantly changing. Probably in the landscape of American immigrant stories, we were experiencing a drought because we stopped writing those stories, we stopped honoring the stories," Velez said.

BCC will not only be collecting the stories but also holding a series of literacy events around the theme. A newly created committee to oversee the public humanities center will work on various programs to see what works to continue the project into the future.

"If this works, it is going to be a big project," said Christopher Laney, interim dean of humanities at BCC.

The project also includes a partnership with the Upper Housatonic National Heritage Area, which is also developing an oral history center at the campus to be coupled with the project. The group is looking to have a role in the public humanities center providing another layer of support to help lift the project off the ground.

"We are in the communities here in Berkshire County doing a lot of work behind the scenes that make those programs tick and move well," Director of the Upper Housatonic National Heritage Area Dan Bolognani said.

The theme of modern immigration will help Mass Humanities expand on the NEH's mission of fostering and promoting public understanding of humanities, according to Tebaldi.

"We are trying to get beyond your standard public television, public radio listening audience. Nothing wrong with those folks but we want to reach farther. We want to provide high quality and engaging humanities experience to folks who might not otherwise have that opportunity," Tebaldi said.

Community colleges are particularly positioned for such a project because so many immigrants attend the college in their pursuit of a new life. The college is in a good position not only to help collect the stories but also expand the audience hearing the stories.

"It is probably not that well known that at Berkshire Community College, the humanities, the liberal arts, are core to our mission. They are across all of our curricula. They are embedded in all that we do because we recognize the value and importance of a critical nature of thinking, communicating, and working in teams which are all core concepts of humanities," college President Ellen Kennedy said.

State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier said those individual stories compiled together will highlight the challenges and difficulties facing immigrants and in turn, that will help influence local, state, and federal policy on the issues.

"Immigration is our history. Immigration is our current reality. Immigration is our future. And immigration is challenging. There are so many challenges around immigration. We can look at the global level. We are having the greatest migration of humanity in our world right now in a century. Think about the millions and millions of people who are leaving their homes and very, very, dangerous conditions," Farley-Bouvier said.

"It certainly a huge issue nationally. This country has a very broken immigration system and that broken immigration system affects each and every one of us."

Farley-Bouvier said immigrants are increasingly the top students at the community and state colleges in Massachusetts and many immigrants are doing great things in the community, whether it be doctors or business owners  including many of the downtown business owners being immigrants. The immigrant population is one of the keys to turning around the Berkshires' population loses struggles, she said.

"If you are new to this country, you are welcome in Berkshire County. You are welcome here. You are welcomed to move here. You are welcomed to grow up here. You are welcomed to grow old here," Farley-Bouvier said.

Not only will documenting those stories be good for historians of the future but they will also help policy makers when addressing the questions around immigration, she said.
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Edward Price Non-Resident Senior Fellow NYU Center for Global Affairs Contact email

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Edward Price, a former British economic official, teaches international political economy, financial systems and international relations at NYUas Center for Global Affairs. He is also an economic advisor for BritishAmerican Business (BAB). Educated at the London School of Economics (LSE), Edward holds an MSc in Finance and Economic Policy and an MA in German History. He has worked in both the British and European parliaments, was Americas editor at IFLR and has worked in the City of London. He speaks German, gets by in Italian and is a member of the Economic Club of New York (ECNY).
Nicotine can help you kick tobacco

Rochester, Minnesota - When youre trying to get rid of a cigarette habit thats rooted in nicotine addiction, it may seem odd to look to nicotine for help. But nicotine replacement products are safe and effective aids for people trying to stop smoking. Particularly when paired with other smoking cessation techniques, nicotine replacement often serves as a bridge to a tobacco-free life.

The nicotine in cigarettes is highly addictive. Nicotine is what hooks you on smoking and keeps you smoking. However, nicotine is not the component in cigarettes that puts your health at risk. The real danger is tobacco.

Tobacco and tobacco smoke contain chemicals that cause lung cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus and larynx. Using tobacco can lead to other serious health problems, too, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Two-thirds of all tobacco users eventually die of a tobacco-related illness. The sooner you stop putting tobacco into your body, the better off you will be.

Nicotine replacement products give you nicotine without tobacco. That helps relieve the withdrawal symptoms and cravings you may have if you try to quit smoking cigarettes without nicotine replacement. For many, going from tobacco to nicotine replacement is a critical and important step to a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Nicotine replacement doesnt reinforce a cigarette habit the way tobacco does. You dont get as much nicotine with nicotine replacement as you do with tobacco products, and nicotine replacement makes it significantly less likely that you will return to tobacco. Not using nicotine replacement reduces your chances of breaking free from tobacco.

A range of nicotine replacement products are available without a prescription. You can buy nicotine gum, patches and lozenges at most pharmacies and drug stores. Nicotine nasal spray and inhalers are available by prescription only.

Although nicotine replacement can be useful as you quit smoking, breaking a smoking habit is still hard, especially if you try to do it on your own. The best way to quit is to seek help from your doctor or a counselor trained as a tobacco treatment specialist. He or she can help you decide on the overall approach thats best for you.

For example, along with nicotine replacement, other prescription medications may be helpful. Bupropion can help control nicotine cravings. Varenicline can reduce the pleasurable effects of smoking and lessen nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Most health care providers also recommend behavioral therapy in addition to medication. Behavioral therapy often involves replacing old behaviors with new routines that arent associated with smoking.

For example, avoid places where you usually smoke. Instead, when you go out, visit places where smoking isnt allowed. Try to spend time with people who dont smoke or also want to stop smoking. Make it inconvenient to smoke by getting rid of your cigarettes. Chew gum while you drive, or take new routes to your usual destinations to keep your attention focused on your environment and away from smoking. If you usually have a cigarette with a cup of coffee or alcohol, drink water, soda or tea instead.

Nicotine replacement can be an integral step on the path to life without tobacco. But, to give yourself the best chance to stop smoking for good, seek help from a medical professional familiar with tobacco treatment. The effort will be well worth it, as the health benefits of not smoking are substantial, and they start accumulating almost immediately after you quit.  Dr. Jon Ebbert, Nicotine Dependence Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota




This Isnt Our Last Love Letter



Dear Don Don,

Way back in 92



I walked into the room and knew



Never felt this way before



I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes



And the feeling grew



As I took a seat I knew



A love that would have my heart



Forever



I knew



Way back in 92





They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true



We were the exception to that rule



Our love had no where to hide



A spark set fire



As if this is how the universe started





I never doubted our love or what we could do



Together we grew



Forming a bond everlasting



That became our glue



My euphoria was YOU



Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared



For how fortunate we were :



to have and to hold

through sickness and in health

Til death do us part



Until we are together again



This isnt our last love letter



I love you with all my heart and soul



Yours forever,



Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow)





Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus.









A True American Hero

I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus.



I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years.



I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years.

But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us.

In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about.



Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle.

I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life.

I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life.

No one will ever do what he did.

I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO





David Jurist

IMUS IN THE MORNING

FIRST DAY BACK!
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You probably didn't feel this coming in the air tonight, but Phil Collins is making a comeback after a decade away from the stage.

Speaking to The Guardian, Collins announced he will return for a run of shows in Europe next year, despite announcing his retirement from music in 2011. He has since performed in two charity shows this August, which the musician claims changed his mind on the matter; his children also encouraging him to start performing again, with his 15-year-old son Nicholas playing drums on the tour.

The tour, entitled Not Dead Yet, will start in June 2017 with a five-night residency at the Royal Albert Hall in London; followed by dates in both Paris and Cologne. He said of his plans. "Its going to be a romp through my songs that people love."

Recommended Read more Phil Collins addresses his former alcohol addiction

He did admit it's unlikely he will play the drums himself on the tour, sticking to providing vocals; explaining, "I dont think Ill ever be able to play the way I used to. Something happened one night on that last Genesis tour and after that point, it never came back. I tried heavier sticks, I tried to use bigger cymbals, I just couldnt get any power. Its a bit of a mystery why it happened but Im 65 and Ive been playing since I was five years old."

"I play with my fingers and thats the thing that has clammed up over the past few years," he added. "So its a matter of getting my strength back... Ive got a drum kit in the garage and I will be getting to that to see if I can at least do 'In the Air'."

Collins is one of three artists in history to sell over 100 million records, through his work both as the former drummer, turned frontman, of Genesis and as a solo act. He's yet even to rule out a future Genesis reunion, following the band's one-off tour in 2007; "Doing the book [his autobiography Not Dead Yet] I was reminded what good friends we are. I consider what we had to be pretty special... I wouldnt rule it out."

The full tour dates are as follows:

4-9 June: Royal Albert Hall, London

11-12 June: Lanxess Arena, Cologne

18-19 June: Accor Hotels Arena, Paris

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 21 October.
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In the early 1970s anarchy was hand delivered to the UK by the likes of Malcolm McLaren, Vivienne Westwood and The Sex Pistols but fast forward more than forty years and the spirit of punk lives on. With it, the subculture employs a heavy dose of symbolism from the circle-A and the black flag but perhaps the most instantly familiar is that of the safety pin.

With individual freedom, anti-establishment and a DIY ethic at their core, punks adapted everyday objects to align with their aesthetic; bare clothes were embellished with marker pens, painted upon, ripped and held together by safety pins. This wasnt just about style; this was about an entire philosophy. But what does the safety pin mean now?

Large Safety Pin Earrings, 9, topshop.com

While it will always maintain a level of anarchism, this year has seen it become a totem of solidarity. In the wake of the EU referendum, the UK experienced an increase in racial incidents which probed people to wear the safety pin as a sign of tolerance and a bid to promote unity with immigrants. Perhaps for this reason, the unlikely accessory found its way onto the catwalk too; were designers adopting the safety pin as a symbol of unity or rebellion? Either way, its certainly taken off.

Punctured punks can go the extra mile with this fashion statement (Getty) (Getty Images)

At Celine they were fastened together to make a necklace while Balenciaga and Sonia Rykiel opted for oversized statement earrings and brooches. In true punk ideology, this isnt a trend bound by gender, oh no, just take a look Alexander McQueens army of punctured punk kids.

Its a symbol whose influence hasnt been lost over the years, from Maison Margielas Spring Summer 2016 collection to Liz Hurleys 1994 Versace dress, the safety pin continues to symbolise uprising and the adventurous side of fashion. Its quite simply the ultimate mark of fashion meet function.
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The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has been entirely banned from flights across the world because it keeps blowing up.

Airlines have long been issuing specific notices about Samsungs explosive phone, warning travellers that they should never turn them on or charge them during a flight. But now governments and airlines are banning them from flights entirely.

The decision follows Samsungs announcement that it would stop making the problem phones and recall all of the ones that have been released. Samsung has suggested that it doesnt know why the phones keep having problems and so there doesnt appear to be any way of knowing if any particular phone is safe.

Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Show all 7 1 /7 Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Here are some pictures of exploded phones that are circulating online Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures Exploded Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - in pictures

The US Department of Transportation has completely banned the phones from being carried on or packed into checked bags on flights that are going to and from the country or are flying within it. The phones also cant be shipped as cargo.

Passengers trying to fly with the phones will have them confiscated and may face fines for attempting to do so.

"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."

Samsung said that it is working to make people aware of the ban.

The US government joins just about every major airline across the world in banning the phones from flights. Companies across Asia, Europe and the US have already prohibited the phones from being carried onboard.

Some planes are also being fitted with fire-containment bags. Those can be used if a phone does catch fire, allowing them to be placed inside and so stopping any damage from being done to the plane.
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UK spying agencies illegally stored data about the countrys citizens for more than a decade, according to a new judgement.

The collection of data on everyones communications was illegal between 1998 and 2015, according to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, the watchdog for intelligence agencies.

But spying agencies will be able to continue collecting data on citizens because of small tweaks to the law that allow them to get around the ruling.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

The UKs bulk collection program was first revealed by Edward Snowden. It allowed GCHQ to break into internet cables and other communications and use that data to build up huge databases about people, with no regulation or oversight.

Recommended Read more GCHQ joins Twitter and is immediately subject to jokes

It was doing so illegally, without any code of practice or other rules to govern how the information was being used, according to the secretive spying court. The hearing showed how information was being abused  with cases including spies who checked information on their friends or public figures, used it to check on birthdays, and spied on family members for personal reasons.

The judgement doesnt make clear whether that information will be deleted or if GCHQ can continue using it.

But the spying wont actually have to stop, despite the decision. Last November, the bulk collection programme was changed so that the agencies had to disclose more about what theyre doing  that made the work legal, despite making no change to how it actually works.

Further powers will be given to GCHQ and other spying agencies under the Investigatory Powers Bill, which is currently in its final stages before being passed by Parliament. That law will clear up the regulation of intelligence agencies, but it will also hand over unprecedented powers to those same spying organisations criticised in the new report.

Privacy International, which brought the case, said that the judgement showed that spying powers were not being properly regulated or described to the public.

Today's judgment is a long overdue indictment of UK surveillance agencies riding roughshod over our democracy and secretly spying on a massive scale. There are huge risks associated with the use of bulk communications data, said Millie Graham Wood, legal officer at Privacy International. It facilitates the almost instantaneous cataloguing of entire populations' personal data.

It is unacceptable that it is only through litigation by a charity that we have learnt the extent of these powers and how they are used. The public and Parliament deserve an explanation as to why everyones data was collected for over a decade without oversight in place and confirmation that unlawfully obtained personal data will be destroyed."

The Liberal Democrats said that the findings showed that as well as intruding on peoples privacy, Britains spying agencies were wasting resources.

Every pound spent monitoring peoples emails, text messages and calls is a pound taken away from community policing, said the Lib Dems' home affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael.

Mass spying on the British people should be replaced with targeted surveillance of specific individuals suspected of wrongdoing.
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Milk! Milk! my two-year-old daughter shouts happily, grabbing at my shirt. Shes a girl who knows what she wants, and she smiles as she settles down to a breastfeed.

But she doesnt often see other babies or toddlers being breastfed. According to studies published in The Lancet earlier this year, not even 35 per cent of babies in the UK are breastfed at six months old, and only 0.5 per cent are at 12 months. The UK has some of the worlds lowest breastfeeding rates; the BBC calls the UK the worlds worst  this despite new research suggesting that an increase in breastfeeding numbers could save the NHS 40m a year, as breastfed babies are healthier than those given formula milk.

And as well as rarely seeing it in person, my daughter doesnt see breastfeeding in childrens books either. Research into childrens literature shows us how vital it is that the diversity of the world is reflected in the books that children read or that are read to them. This means seeing both lives like their own  so they know theyre not alone  but also lives and experiences that are different, so they can learn. Breastfeeding is absent from childrens books, however, to a disturbing degree. This corroborates the idea that breastfeeding is not normalised in our society.

Even though breast milk is the biological norm for feeding babies and even though it is the cultural norm in the majority of the worlds countries, authors, illustrators and publishers dont want to depict it in books for children. It is much more common to see a baby being bottle-fed artificial milk.

The few childrens books Ive found that feature breastfeeding tend to be ones that are specifically about breastfeeding or attachment parenting more generally; in other words, someone would have to already be passionate about breastfeeding to seek out these texts. A parent isnt likely to pick up a book such as You, Me and The Breast or A Ride on Mothers Back if their child wasnt being breastfed.

Pervasive bottles

This problem extends beyond childrens literature, of course. Cards congratulating new parents usually depict bottles and dummies. Signs for rooms where babies can be changed and fed usually have a bottle symbol on them too. TV programmes, films, advertisements and articles in magazines show children with bottles rather than breasts in their mouths. There seems to be a widespread assumption that bottle-feeding is the norm.

Adult novels that feature the feeding of young children tend to depict breastfeeding negatively, and/or they portray the making up of bottles. And yet research clearly shows that breast milk is whats best for the developing child, and that breastfeeding also offers numerous benefits beyond nutrition to both mother and child.

The reason for the lack of breastfeeding in childrens books and elsewhere is, I believe, due to some societies confusion about what breasts are for. These cultures have sexualised womens bodies to an extreme extent. Sure, breasts can be, pardon the pun, titillating, but their original purpose was to nourish children. Were called mammals for a reason, after all.

Many women today feel uncomfortable about breastfeeding their children, whether at home or in public, because they seem to believe that breasts are mainly for mens pleasure; anything else is a taboo. And society promotes this view by using womens bodies to advertise products. Women are there to be looked at and admired  having babies clamped to their nipples isnt considered sexy.

Other countries have different views of the breast. Many African nations, for example, see womens breasts as powerful, welcoming and nurturing, and they regularly depict them in art. And, just to take a Nordic example, the rate of breastfeeding at 12 months is more than 40 per cent in Norway (compared with the previously mentioned 0.5 per cent in the UK). Childrens literature there and elsewhere is more likely to feature breastfeeding than English-language texts. You, Me and The Breast, for example, is a translation from Spanish, and Ive read about other picture books in Catalan and the Scandinavian languages that depict breastfeeding as a matter of course.

Breastfeeding rights

Breastfeeding is a womans right, and its a public health issue as well as a gender-equality one. Breastfeeding makes an important contribution to society, and its one we ought to value. It improves womens health along with that of their children, but new research has shown that many women arent aware of the benefits it gives them.

We need to encourage and support women and their children on their breastfeeding journeys. One way of doing this is to make society more flexible, so women get longer leave and can settle into breastfeeding with their child, and also so there is more help and advice available for breastfeeding women, and more places to breastfeed comfortably. Another way to challenge societys limited views of women would be to feature breastfeeding in literature; this would normalise it and make it more visible, and remind people that womens bodies are for more than just being looked at.

Id love to read a book to my daughter as she has a breastfeed, and for us to turn the page and see an illustration of a child breastfeeding. I can imagine my daughter pointing to the nursing woman and saying: Milk! Id love for more babies and toddlers to point at breasts and to see them as their source of food and comfort. And clearly, on a practical level, it would be hugely beneficial to taxpayers as well.

Its time for society to recognise just how vital breastfeeding is  and for us to begin encouraging and supporting it.

This article was first published in The Conversation (theconversation.com). BJ Epstein is a senior lecturer in literature and public engagement at the University of East Anglia
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Matthieu Ricard, a Tibetan Buddhist monk, is said to be the worlds happiest man. But there is one thing that grinds even his gears.

Scientists gave the 70-year-old the moniker after he took part in a 12-year study into meditation and compassion at the University of Wisconsin.

But Ricard, who is originally from France and lives in a monastery in Nepal, revealed to GQ magazine that he finds the title absurd.

I know happier monks, the Buddhist who can meditate for days at a time told the magazine. I really do. Its absurd, he added.

Struggling to cope with the attention which followed the publication of the study, he asked the Dalai Lama if he could disappear into a retreat. But he told Ricard that the world needed his guidance. If they want you to be the happiest man, be the happiest man, he said.

To reach the conclusion that Ricard is the worlds happiest man, neuroscientist Richard Davidson hooked the monk up to 256 sensors as he meditated on compassion. Davidson discovered that Ricards brain produced a level of gamma waves - which are linked to consciousness, attention, learning and memory - never before reported in scientific literature.

 10 happiest places to live in the UK

The scans also showed excessive activity in his brains left prefrontal cortex compared to its right counterpart, allowing him an abnormally large capacity for happiness and a reduced propensity towards negativity, Davidson wrote at the time.

Despite shunning the title, Ricard has written widely on his life philosophy in books including Altruism, On the Path to Enlightenemnt, and Happiness. He has also published several photobooks.

Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century Show all 16 1 /16 Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 54801.bin Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 54802.bin Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 54803.bin Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 54804.bin Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 54805.bin Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 54806.bin Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 54807.bin Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 55028.bin Formulas For Now formulated by Hans Ulrich Obrist (Thames & Hudson) Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 55029.bin Formulas For Now formulated by Hans Ulrich Obrist (Thames & Hudson) Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 55030.bin Formulas For Now formulated by Hans Ulrich Obrist (Thames & Hudson) Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 55031.bin Formulas For Now formulated by Hans Ulrich Obrist (Thames & Hudson) Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 55033.bin Formulas For Now formulated by Hans Ulrich Obrist (Thames & Hudson) Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 55034.bin Formulas For Now formulated by Hans Ulrich Obrist (Thames & Hudson) Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 55036.bin Formulas For Now formulated by Hans Ulrich Obrist (Thames & Hudson) Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 55037.bin Formulas For Now formulated by Hans Ulrich Obrist (Thames & Hudson) Formula for happiness: Artists design a formula for the 21st century 55038.bin Formulas For Now formulated by Hans Ulrich Obrist (Thames & Hudson)

Asked how others can achieve happiness, Richard told the Business Insider last year that benevolence and altruism are key. Training the mind by thinking happy thoughts continuously for 15 minutes a day also helps. Science backs his ideas, as Davidsons study showed that 20 minutes of meditation can make a person feel happier.

Speaking to GQ, he said that sizing ourselves up against others is also detrimental. "Comparison is the killer of happiness," he said.
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The number of men choosing to go under the knife has risen by over 110 per cent since 2000, with a report from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps) indicating that 4,614 men underwent cosmetic surgery in 2015. And thats just an estimate. The true number will no doubt be much higher, given that many more men are operated on than are recorded by Baaps. The professional society represents only a small proportion of the total cosmetic surgery carried out in the UK.

The male cosmetic procedure that has seen the largest increase, according to Baaps, is breast reduction surgery. This operation was recently dramatically improved by surgeon Paul Levick, who devised a way of removing breast tissue through tiny wounds in the armpits, that heal with virtually no scar. Before this innovation, surgery would leave an obvious scar on the chest and often some deformity.

Another popular procedure in men is the nose job or rhinoplasty. Although it is relatively straightforward for women, the operation is more difficult and unpredictable on men because their noses have thicker and more oily skin.

Recommended Read more The ugly history of cosmetic surgery

Other nose procedures, such as reducing the lump on the bridge of the nose (hump reduction), or breaking bones in the nose to make it narrower (infracture) are more straightforward procedures. But both become more complex if they are performed using open rhinoplasty techniques. Unfortunately, male rhinoplasty is often associated with body dysmorphic disorder, which needs to be ruled out before surgery is performed.

Old to new

Another widely known procedure, the facelift, is becoming less popular with men as it leaves scars. More fail-safe alternatives include eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), which gives one of the best outcomes in all of male aesthetic surgery and is also a safe, one-off procedure. During blepharoplasty, skin is removed from the upper eyelid and fat is trimmed off before closing the incision with a single stitch. Over time, the scars are barely visible.

Health news in pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Health news in pictures Health news in pictures Coronavirus outbreak The coronavirus Covid-19 has hit the UK leading to the deaths of two people so far and prompting warnings from the Department of Health AFP via Getty Health news in pictures Thousands of emergency patients told to take taxi to hospital Thousands of 999 patients in England are being told to get a taxi to hospital, figures have showed. The number of patients outside London who were refused an ambulance rose by 83 per cent in the past year as demand for services grows Getty Health news in pictures Vape related deaths spike A vaping-related lung disease has claimed the lives of 11 people in the US in recent weeks. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has more than 100 officials investigating the cause of the mystery illness, and has warned citizens against smoking e-cigarette products until more is known, particularly if modified or bought off the street Getty Health news in pictures Baldness cure looks to be a step closer Researchers in the US claim to have overcome one of the major hurdles to cultivating human follicles from stem cells. The new system allows cells to grow in a structured tuft and emerge from the skin Sanford Burnham Preybs Health news in pictures Two hours a week spent in nature can improve health A study in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a dose of nature of just two hours a week is associated with better health and psychological wellbeing Shutterstock Health news in pictures Air pollution linked to fertility issues in women Exposure to air from traffic-clogged streets could leave women with fewer years to have children, a study has found. Italian researchers found women living in the most polluted areas were three times more likely to show signs they were running low on eggs than those who lived in cleaner surroundings, potentially triggering an earlier menopause Getty/iStock Health news in pictures Junk food ads could be banned before watershed Junk food adverts on TV and online could be banned before 9pm as part of Government plans to fight the "epidemic" of childhood obesity. Plans for the new watershed have been put out for public consultation in a bid to combat the growing crisis, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said PA Health news in pictures Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA Health news in pictures Cancer breath test to be trialled in Britain The breath biopsy device is designed to detect cancer hallmarks in molecules exhaled by patients Getty Health news in pictures Average 10 year old has consumed the recommended amount of sugar for an adult By their 10th birthdy, children have on average already eaten more sugar than the recommended amount for an 18 year old. The average 10 year old consumes the equivalent to 13 sugar cubes a day, 8 more than is recommended PA Health news in pictures Child health experts advise switching off screens an hour before bed While there is not enough evidence of harm to recommend UK-wide limits on screen use, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have advised that children should avoid screens for an hour before bed time to avoid disrupting their sleep Getty Health news in pictures Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty Health news in pictures Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters Health news in pictures More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters Health news in pictures Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty Health news in pictures Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock Health news in pictures Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty Health news in pictures Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA Health news in pictures New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been sitting on a shelf unused, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX Health news in pictures Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised ideological reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty Health news in pictures Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving Health news in pictures Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty Health news in pictures Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a zero suicide ambition being launched today Getty Health news in pictures Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Nephron Health news in pictures Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty Health news in pictures NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of procedural issues in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. Rex Health news in pictures Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty Health news in pictures NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX Health news in pictures Cannabis extract could provide new class of treatment for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty Health news in pictures Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Bransons company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an 82m contract to provide childrens health services across Surrey, citing concerns over serious flaws in the way the contract was awarded PA Health news in pictures More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty Health news in pictures Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters Health news in pictures Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock Health news in pictures You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even metabolically healthy obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty Health news in pictures Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock Health news in pictures Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the napercise class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty Health news in pictures 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said Getty Health news in pictures 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty Health news in pictures Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years Getty Health news in pictures Cycling to work could halve risk of cancer and heart disease Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests  but campaigners have warned there is still an urgent need to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty

Among ageing men, blepharoplasty is the most common procedure, as well as removing the turkey neck (loose skin under the chin). Since a conventional face and neck lift rarely gets rid of a turkey neck, simply tightening and removing excess skin from the neck is often the best solution.

Excess skin can cause fungal sweat rash and sores (Shutterstock)

A reduction of cheek fat, which may cause sallowness, is another cause for dissatisfaction in older men. Fat grafting  taking fat from one part of the body and putting it in another  can help cheeks regain their plumpness. However, this procedure is not consistently successful so the process may need to be repeated.

Looking ahead, the current obesity epidemic means that the surgery of the future will be in patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. The excess skin in the lower abdomen, groin, arms, chest and inner thighs after massive weight loss can cause the person problems, such as fungal sweat rash and sores. With weight loss there is always a loss of buttock bulk, and implants or fat grafts can be useful for helping people hold up their trousers at the belt line.

Given the increase in surgery, it is important for regulators to determine appropriate levels of professional qualification and standards of care offered to patients. Male cosmetic surgery is a difficult and changing landscape, and surgeons must be capable of dealing with the complicated situations it produces.

This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com). Jim Frame is professor of aesthetic plastic surgery at Anglia Ruskin University
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An extensive report into anti-Semitism in the UK has criticised Twitter for not doing more to deal with the vast swathes of abuse that is posted by its users.

A report by the Home Affairs Select Committee described as disgraceful the fact that Jewish Twitter users were routinely subjected to appalling levels of online abuse.

In the report, the cross-party committee said it was shocked at the viscerally anti-Semitic nature and volume of tweets it found, particularly in the direction of Jewish MPs.

It draws attention to Labour MP Luciana Berger, who became the victim of repeated attacks by a US-based neo-Nazi website and who in 2014 received 2,500 abusive messages in three days.

This experience is no doubt common to many Jewish people outside Parliament, too, the report said.

It is disgraceful that any individual should have to tolerate such appalling levels of anti-Semitic abuse in order to use Twitter  a social media platform now regarded as a requirement for any public figure.

In the context of global revenue of $2.2bn [1.8bn] dollars, it is deplorable that Twitter continues to act as an inert host for vast swathes of anti-Semitic hate speech and abuse.

The company has the necessary resources and technical capability, and must do more to address this pernicious problem, which appears to be growing exponentially.

A spokesperson for Twitter said the company said it would continue to act in tackling the problem of abusive behaviour on its platform, but the report said it should be acting in a more proactive manner to deal with it.

Currently, the site relies on users reporting incidents of abuse, an unduly lengthy and laborious process when compared with the relative ease of writing an abusive tweet.

The report said more of the companys resources should be devoted to tackling abuse. Twitter currently employs 3,800 people.

A Twitter spokesman said: Hateful conduct has no place on Twitter and we will continue to tackle this issue head-on alongside our partners in industry and civil society.

People must feel safe in order to speak freely and there is a clear distinction between freedom of expression and conduct that incites violence and hate.

In tandem with actioning hateful conduct that breaches Twitters rules, we also leverage the platform's incredible capabilities to empower positive voices, to challenge prejudice and to tackle the deeper root causes of intolerance.

We look forward to further constructive dialogue between Government, our partners in civil society and our peers in the technology sector on this issue.
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Theresa May's government is reportedly considering continuing paying billions of pounds into the EU budget after the UK leaves the EU to maintain single market access for the City of London.

Prime Minister Theresa May's recent rhetoric sent sterling to new lows and has sparked fears among traders and investors that the UK is heading for a hard Brexit, meaning the UK would leave the single market by 2019. The pound has come under renewed pressure trading below $1.22 on Monday after falling to its lowest level on record against a basket of currencies last week.

However, a new report by the Financial Times suggests the Government has not ruled out making future payments to the EU to secure privileged access to the single market for City firms to continue trading across the continent.

Recommended Read more Inflation set to rise as UK economy faces slowdown

Several ministers have revealed that the Cabinet is considering paying billions of pounds into the EU budget, according to the report.

We would have to be careful how we explained it, one of the ministers told the paper.

But Theresa has been very careful not to rule it out, another senior Conservative minister added.

The report is likely to frustrate Eurosceptics within the Conservative Party who would prefer to see a so-called "hard Brexit" in which Britain would have greater control over migration.

It came after Theresa May met with Nissans chief executive Carlos Ghosn on Friday, in an attempt to assure him that trading conditions for the company's British car plant in Sunderland would not change after Brexit.The move was seen as the first suggestion that the Government could pick certain sectors to shield from the impact of leaving the EU.

What experts have said about Brexit Show all 11 1 /11 What experts have said about Brexit What experts have said about Brexit Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond The Chancellor claims London can still be a world financial hub despite Brexit One of Britains great strengths is the ability to offer and aggregate all of the services the global financial services industry needs This has not changed as a result of the EU referendum and I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the worlds leading international financial centre. Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Yanis Varoufakis Greece's former finance minister compared the UK relations with the EU bloc with a well-known song by the Eagles: You can check out any time you like, as the Hotel California song says, but you can't really leave. The proof is Theresa May has not even dared to trigger Article 50. It's like Harrison Ford going into Indiana Jones' castle and the path behind him fragmenting. You can get in, but getting out is not at all clear Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Michael OLeary Ryanair boss says UK will be screwed by EU in Brexit trade deals: I have no faith in the politicians in London going on about how the world will want to trade with us. The world will want to screw you  that's what happens in trade talks, he said. They have no interest in giving the UK a deal on trade Getty What experts have said about Brexit Tim Martin JD Wetherspoon's chairman has said claims that the UK would see serious economic consequences from a Brexit vote were "lurid" and wrong: We were told it would be Armageddon from the OECD, from the IMF, David Cameron, the chancellor and President Obama who were predicting locusts in the fields and tidal waves in the North Sea" PA What experts have said about Brexit Mark Carney Governor of Bank of England is 'serene' about Bank of England's Brexit stance: I am absolutely serene about the  judgments made both by the MPC and the FPC Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Christine Lagarde IMF chief urges quick Brexit to reduce economic uncertainty: We want to see clarity sooner rather than later because we think that a lack of clarity feeds uncertainty, which itself undermines investment appetites and decision making Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Inga Beale Lloyds chief executive says Brexit is a major issue: "Clearly the UK's referendum on its EU membership is a major issue for us to deal with and we are now focusing our attention on having in place the plans that will ensure Lloyd's continues trading across Europe EPA What experts have said about Brexit Colm Kelleher President of US bank Morgan Stanley says City of London will suffer as result of the EU referendum: I do believe, and I said prior to the referendum, that the City of London will suffer as result of Brexit. The issue is how much What experts have said about Brexit Richard Branson Virgin founder believes we've lost a THIRD of our value because of Brexit and cancelled a deal worth 3,000 jobs: We're not any worse than anybody else, but I suspect we've lost a third of our value which is dreadful for people in the workplace.' He continued: "We were about to do a very big deal, we cancelled that deal, that would have involved 3,000 jobs, and thats happening all over the country" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Barack Obama US President believes Britain was wrong to vote to leave the EU: "It is absolutely true that I believed pre-Brexit vote and continue to believe post-Brexit vote that the world benefited enormously from the United Kingdom's participation in the EU. We are fully supportive of a process that is as little disruptive as possible so that people around the world can continue to benefit from economic growth" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Kristin Forbes American economist and an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England argues that the economy had been less stormy than many expected following the shock referendum result: For nowthe economy is experiencing some chop, but no tsunami. The adverse winds could quickly pick up  and merit a stronger policy response. But recently they have shifted to a more favourable direction Getty

On Monday, Cabinet minister Jeremy Hunt tried to play down talk of a cabinet split over Brexit, claiming reports of a rift simply reflect lively debates within government.

Hunt spoke out following claims that Chancellor Philip Hammond had angered cabinet Brexit supporters by failing to be helpful enough in pursuing the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.
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The US will not start bilateral trade negotiations with the UK before it makes a decision on its relationship with the EU, according to the Government's trade representative.

Michael Froman has said that the US cannot start planning trade and investment agreements with the UK until it gives more details on what kind of deal it is pursuing in Brexit negotiations with the EU.

Speaking to an audience of academic and trade diplomats in Switzerland, he said: The practicality is that until the UK sorts through with the EU the nature of its relationship ... its impossible to have a serious conversation about knowing what kind of trade agreement you can have with the UK separately.

Is it part of the customs union or not? Is it part of the single market or not? What areas does it have sovereignty over? Does it have sovereignty over tariffs? Does it have sovereignty over regulation?

Froman said that these questions needed to be the priority for Britain.

Until those sorts of questions are further clarified, it's hard to have a serious conversation about what the nature of what a future US-UK trade relationship might look like, he said.

John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, has previously said at a meeting with Boris Johnson that it would be physically impossible to negotiate a deal with the UK while it remains part of the EU.

Among the things that need to be negotiated are tariffs for EU-UK trade as well as the terms of the UK's membership of the WTO, which provides the baseline for every other trade.

The WTO trade agreement could be particularly problematic as all 162 members of the organisation have to agree to new rules before they can be finalised.

Experts have previously said that trade negotiators will need to be brought in from outside the country to make the agreements happen.

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

Froman declined to offer any advice for Britain's trade minister, Liam Fox, saying he spoke to Fox and his colleagues periodically and my sense is they are getting quite enough advice as it is.

His comments came amid report of tensions at the heart of the UK government.

Cabinet minister Jeremy Hunt sought to play down talk of a cabinet split over Brexit negotiations following claims that Chancellor Philip Hammond had angered cabinet Brexiteers with his concerns over plans to swiftly restrict immigration from the EU.
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The director of SOAS University has condemned a move by the Israeli government to detain a senior lecturer and ban him from entering the country for ten years.

In a letter to the Israeli Embassy, former UN official Baroness Valerie Amos called the decision to deport Dr Adam Hanieh an arbitrary breach of academic freedom.

Dr Hanieh travelled to Israel in September in order to give a lecture on social sciences at Birzeit University in Palestine. He was due to deliver three classes to PHD students at the university, but was detained upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport.

According to the university, Dr Hanieh was questioned for ten hours and taken overnight to a detention centre before he was returned back to London the following day.

A representative of the Israeli Ministry of Interior informed him that he was banned from entering the country for ten years.

Writing to embassy representatives in the UK, Lady Amos expressed serious concerns about the academics treatment, demanding an explanation into the reasons behind the ban.

In an update on Monday, a SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) university spokesperson said: Unfortunately no satisfactory response has been forthcoming, thus confirming our belief that this is an arbitrary breach of academic freedom.

 Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Calls UN 'Joke' and 'Moral Farce'

Dr Hanieh is one of a number of academics who are said to have been denied entry to Israel, according to the London university. In 2015, a research student was said to have been deported under similar circumstances.

Officials from Birzeit University have also spoken out against the action.

A spokesperson said: This policy represents an attack on Palestinian academic freedom, and is routinely practiced at the two entry points, the airport in Tel Aviv and the Jordan valley crossing from Jordan.

Birzeit University is not surprised by this latest instance of the policy, and hereby draws attention to its destructive effects.

An Israeli source said Dr Hanieh was an ardent hater of Israel and had previously spoken out against the government through his work.

The source said: Its ironic that a man such as Dr Hanieh who has not only called for Israel to be boycotted and isolated, but also rejects the very idea of peace between Israel and its neighbours, including the Oslo Accords, should be so upset at not being able to visit Israel.

According to the university, which specialises in the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, access to a country like Israel is of vital importance to its teaching and research.

A spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in London said they had received Lady Amoss letter and that the matter was being looked into.
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Amy Schumers comedy may not be as well known in Tampa Bay, Florida, as it is in New York.

When Ms Schumer called Donald Trump an orange, sexual-assaulting, fake-college-starting monster, several dozen people reportedly booed and walked out the venue.

The comedian introduced politics about half-way through the show, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

The audience members at the venue, which was used for the 2012 Republican National Convention, were asked to join her on stage if they supported the party nominee.

One man joined her but said his support was less about Mr Trump and more about his distrust of Hillary Clinton.

When some people booed, Ms Schumer asked them to leave and for security staff to remove anyone booing.

She told the audience how she had recently revealed that she was a victim of sexual assault.

One audience member, Marshal Knight, wrote on Instagram that Ms Schumer asked all sexual assault survivors in the audience to stand up.

Powerful moment and DISGUSTED at the walkouts, he wrote.

The comedian has been openly political in the spotlight, campaigning for stricter gun laws alongside her cousin, senator Chuck Schumer, since last summer when two women were killed in Louisiana during a screening of her film Trainwreck after a man opened fire.

She announced her support for Hillary Clinton in March and has attended campaign events in Florida to ensure people register to vote.
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Julian Assange's internet connection has been cut off by Ecuador, WikiLeaks claims.

The whistleblowing website has so far released no further information as to a potential motive, but the announcement deflects blame from both the UK and US governments.

WikiLeaks originally accused a state party of cutting the internet connection of its founder Julian Assange.

The websites official Twitter account shared a tweet at 6am this morning claiming Assanges access had been cut but did not name which state party it was accusing of severing the connection.

In a tweet, the group said the connection had been intentionally severed. We have activated the appropriate contingency plans.

Assange has been living in the Ecuadorian embassy since he was granted political asylum in 2012. His self-imposed exile began to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he was wanted for questioning over allegations of sexual assault.

People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015.

In 2014, he filed a complaint against the UK and Sweden and said he was being arbitrarily detained in the Embassy as he could not leave without being arrested.

The claim comes after Wikileaks began releasing emails allegedly hacked from an account belonging to Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. The authenticity of the emails has not been verified.

A spokesperson for the Embassy told The Independent the only person authorised to speak to press was the ambassador who was unavailable for comment.
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Scientists believe they have discovered two new moons orbiting the planet Uranus.

A team re-examining data captured by the Nasa space probe Voyager 2 in 1986 found evidence of the small, dark "moonlets" lurking behind the large gas planet and making "waves" in its closest rings.

27 moons are already known to orbit Uranus, which is the third biggest planet in our solar system, but the two new ones appear to be nearer to the ice giant than any others.

Little is known about Uranus, which is 20 times further from the sun than Earth is and smaller than similar ringed, gas planets Jupiter and Saturn.

Jupiter and Saturn are also closer to earth, which has made them easier to investigate. They have 67 and 62 moons respectively.

A lot of the information scientists have at their disposal was gathered by Voyager 2, which flew by 30 years ago, nine years after it was launched in 1977.

However, two planetary scientists from the University of Idahos Moscow campus, Rob Chancia and Matthew Hedman, have used the old data to show there are wavy patterns in two of Uranus' 13 rings, called Alpha and Beta, consistent with the pulls of two little moons.

These patterns may be wakes from small moonlets orbiting exterior to these rings, the researchers said in a paper on the discovery. They suggested the moons are so tiny and dark - meaning they do not reflect light - they were written off as background noise by the spacecraft.

Analysis of numerical data gathered by Voyager 2 showed similar patterns in the Alpha and Beta rings to those caused by the pull of some of Uranus' other moons, such as Cordelia and Ophelia.

The scientists predict if these two new moons exist they would each measure between two and nine miles across.

These moons are pretty tiny, Mr Chancia told New Scientist, although he said at least four of Saturns moons are even smaller.

The putative new moons are probably dark, Mr Hedman said, extrapolating from the colours of their neighbours.

Not only are Uranus rings dark, so are most of the little satellites that are in that region, Mr Hedman said.

The discovery is not yet confirmed and the researchers are still in the process of publishing in a peer-reviewed journal, but Mr Chancia and Mr Hedman intend to use the Hubble Space Telescope to try to confirm their theory.

Mark Showalter from the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute in California, who has previously discovered moons around Uranus, told New Scientist the existence of the two new moons is "certainly a very plausible possibility".

He also said the Hubble telescope is the "best bet" for finding and confirming these new satellites.

However, if it proves impossible to see the moons with the telescope, Mr Showalter suggested Uranus should get its own orbiter mission, as Jupiter and Saturn have both had in the past.

Mr Hedman agreed. That would definitely be a good way to do it, he said.

Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Show all 30 1 /30 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An image from Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) shows a 200,000 mile long solar filament ripping through the Sun's corona in September 2013 Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa Celebrates 50 Years of Spacewalking For 50 years, NASA has been "suiting up" for spacewalking. In this 1984 photograph of the first untethered spacewalk, NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless is in the midst of the first "field" tryout of a nitrogen-propelled backpack device called the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Hubble Cosmic Couple The spectacular cosmic pairing of the star Hen 2-427  more commonly known as WR 124  and the nebula M1-67 which surrounds it ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Veil Nebula Supernova Remnant Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled in stunning detail a small section of the Veil Nebula - expanding remains of a massive star that exploded about 8,000 years ago Nasa's most stunning pictures of space The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launch The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, carrying three new astronauts to the International Space Station. It also took caviar, ready for the satellite's inhabitants to celebrate the holidays Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth from the ISS From the International Space Station, Expedition 42 Flight Engineer Terry W. Virts took this photograph of the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Gulf Coast at sunset Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Black Hole Friday Nasa celebrated Black Friday by looking into space instead  sharing pictures of black holes Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space NuSTAR X-rays stream off the sun in this image showing observations from by NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, overlaid on a picture taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Cassiopeia A c A false colour image of Cassiopeia A comprised with data from the Spitzer and Hubble Space Telescopes and the Chandra X-Ray observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Orion Capsule splashes down The Orion capsule jetted off into space before heading back a few hours later  having proved that it can be used, one day, to carry humans to Mars Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth Observations From Gemini IV in 1965 This photograph of the Florida Straits and Grand Bahama Bank was taken during the Gemini IV mission during orbit no. 19 in 1965. The Gemini IV crew conducted scientific experiments, including photography of Earth's weather and terrain, for the remainder of their four-day mission following Ed White's historic spacewalk on June 3 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Frosty slopes of Mars This image of an area on the surface of Mars, approximately 1.5 by 3 kilometers in size, shows frosted gullies on a south-facing slope within a crater. The image was taken by Nasa's HiRISE camera, which is mounted on its Mars Reconaissance Orbiter Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Yellowstone from space NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman shared this image of Yellowstone via his twitter account Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Saturn This near-infrared color image shows a specular reflection, or sunglint, off of a hydrocarbon lake named Kivu Lacus on Saturn's moon Titan Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Worlds Apart Although Mimas and Pandora, shown here, both orbit Saturn, they are very different moons. Pandora, "small" by moon standards (50 miles or 81 kilometers across) is elongated and irregular in shape. Mimas (246 miles or 396 kilometers across), a "medium-sized" moon, formed into a sphere due to self-gravity imposed by its higher mass Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An X1.6 class solar flare flashes in the middle of the sun in this image taken 10 September, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy An image of the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy seen in infrared light by the Herschel Space Observatory. Regions of space such as this are where new stars are born from a mixture of elements and cosmic dust Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Mars Rover Spirit Nasa's Mars Rover Spirit took the first picture from Spirit since problems with communications began a week earlier. The image shows the robotic arm extended to the rock called Adirondack Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Morning Aurora From the Space Station Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured this photograph of the green lights of the aurora from the International Space Station Nasa/Scott Kelly Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Launch of History - Making STS-41G Mission in 1984 The Space Shuttle Challenger launches from Florida at dawn. On this mission, Kathryn Sullivan became the first U.S. woman to perform a spacewalk and Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space. The crew of seven was the largest to fly on a spacecraft at that time, and STS-41G was the first flight to include two female astronauts Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Fresh Perspective on an Extraordinary Cluster of Galaxies Galaxy clusters are often described by superlatives. After all, they are huge conglomerations of galaxies, hot gas, and dark matter and represent the largest structures in the Universe held together by gravity Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Sees a Galactic Sunflower The arrangement of the spiral arms in the galaxy Messier 63, seen here in an image from the Nasa Hubble Space Telescope, recall the pattern at the center of a sunflower ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Pluto image Four images from New Horizons Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) were combined with colour data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced colour global view of Pluto Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Fresh Crater Near Sirenum Fossae Region of Mars The HiRISE camera aboard Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter acquired this closeup image of a "fresh" (on a geological scale, though quite old on a human scale) impact crater in the Sirenum Fossae region of Mars. This impact crater appears relatively recent as it has a sharp rim and well-preserved ejecta Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Peers into the Most Crowded Place in the Milky Way This Nasa Hubble Space Telescope image presents the Arches Cluster, the densest known star cluster in the Milky Way NASA & ESA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space An Astronaut's View from Space Nasa astronaut Reid Wiseman tweeted this photo from the International Space Station on 2 September 2014 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Giant Landform on Mars On Mars, we can observe four classes of sandy landforms formed by the wind, or aeolian bedforms: ripples, transverse aeolian ridges, dunes, and what are called draa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Expedition 39 Landing A sokol suit helmet can be seen against the window of the Soyuz TMA-11M capsule shortly after the spacecraft landed with Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan (NASA/Bill Ingalls) Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Jupiter's Great Red Spot Viewed by Voyager I Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and perhaps the most majestic. Vibrant bands of clouds carried by winds that can exceed 400 mph continuously circle the planet's atmosphere Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Chandra Observatory Sees a Heart in the Darkness This Chandra X-Ray Observatory image of the young star cluster NGC 346 highlights a heart-shaped cloud of 8 million-degree Celsius gas in the central region

A new dwarf planet was also discovered in October and another one was found in May, as well as a moon found lurking at the back of our solar system in early 2016.

Both Voyager 2 and its twin Voyager 1 continue to travel through space studying the outer planets in our solar system: Uranus, Saturn, Jupiter and Neptune.

In 2012, NASA announced that Voyager 1 had become the first manmade object to enter interstellar space, an area beyond the reach of our sun, but before the magnetic field of any other star.
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Fourteen teenagers have arrived in the UK from Calais as a fast-track system was launched to transfer youngsters from the "Jungle" camp before it is demolished.

The Home Office confirmed a group of vulnerable children, aged 14 to 17, were transferred to Britain on Monday morning.

A spokesman for the department said: "This is the start of the process to transfer as many eligible children as possible before the start of the clearance, as the Home Secretary set out in Parliament."

The young people will be assessed and screened and may be cared for in specialist temporary accommodation for a short period before they are reunited with their loved ones, the Home Office said.

The arrival of the group, made up of youngsters who are said to originate from a variety of war-ravaged countries, including Syria and Sudan, has been welcomed by charities and faith leaders.

One man, who said his younger brother was among the refugees who had come over on Monday, spoke of his relief and joy at the prospect of being reunited with him after more than a decade.

Asif Khan, a 25-year-old chef who has been living in the UK for 11 years having fled Afghanistan, said his brother, Aimal Khan, 14, had been stranded in the Jungle for six months.

Speaking outside the Home Office building in Croydon he told the Press Association: "I really appreciate this. My brother was in Calais for the last six months.

"It was a blessing to receive him from there - I'm really happy.

"His journey was so difficult, it was by walking, by bus to Calais. He gets a new life now, because there are many people who died in Calais."

 Katie Hopkins visits Calais Jungle

Dozens more children are expected to arrive this week after a team of British officials were sent to Calais to help French authorities speed up the transfer of minors ahead of the dismantling of the Jungle.

Campaigners including Citizens UK, which said it has reunited 60 children from Calais with relatives in Britain since March, claim to have identified hundreds of children in the camp who have a right to come to the UK  either because they have family ties here under the so-called Dublin regulations, or through the Dubs amendment.

Lord Dubs, whose amendment to the Immigration Act 2016 requires the Government to relocate unaccompanied refugee children from Europe, said: "In the coming days, Citizens UK's Safe Passage team will be working round the clock to ensure that all children with a legal right to sanctuary in the UK are brought to safety.

"This includes the children eligible under the Dubs amendment, for whom there is still no official process in place. No child must be left behind in the chaos of demolition."

Orphaned refugee children walking amongst the shelters at the Jungle camp at Calais in France (PA)

He added: "Looking ahead we must never allow a repeat of Calais. The Government must learn lessons from this situation and realise that it has a duty to make the Dublin mechanism work across Europe, as well as establishing a clear procedure for children without family eligible for sanctuary under the Dubs amendment."

The actress Juliet Stevenson said it was a "proud moment" for Britain, adding that the country had done "the right thing".

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams said he is "delighted" to welcome the children to the UK, but cautioned that this is the first step and more children need help urgently.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty

He said: "We welcome the development. We do want to remind everyone, public and Government, that time is short.

"This is a matter of urgency and we want to see some progress not only on those children who already have the legal right to be here, but on those others who are covered by the Dubs amendment and whose needs can be considered by this country."

The Government has faced criticism over efforts to identify and transfer youngsters through the routes.

Last week Home Secretary Amber Rudd told the Commons that more than 80 unaccompanied children had been accepted for transfer under the Dublin regulation so far this year.

Young men are escorted after stepping off a coach at the Home Offices Lunar House (Getty)

Under the rule, asylum claims must be made in the first safe country a person reaches  but children can have their application transferred to another country if they have family members living there.

The Home Secretary also said that more than 50 children had been taken, largely from Greece, under Lord Dubs' amendment to the Immigration Act.

Press Association
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Russian state broadcaster Russia Today's bank accounts have been frozen in the UK.

RT's editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan tweeted to say: "Our accounts in the UK have been closed. All accounts. 'The decision is not subject to revision'.

She added: "Long live freedom of speech!"

What is Russia Today?

RT, originally known as Russia Today, is a television network and news website funded by the Russian government.

It is run by the Kremlin in Moscow and has been accused of disseminating Russian propaganda and having anti-Western leanings in its reports.

RT says it offers "an alternative perspecive on major global events" with a "Russian viewpoint".

What are the past controversies surrounding RT?

The broadcaster was previously sanctioned by Ofcom for biased or misleading reports on the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

It had accused the BBC of staging a chemical weapons attack conducted by the Assad regime in Syria for a news report.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Earlier this year the network was accused of censoring footage of Russian jets in Syria to cover up the use of incendiary bombs.

The clip was later reinstated, with RT saying it had been removed over concerns for a pilot.

Why have its bank accounts been frozen?

It is currently unclear why NatWest and the Royal Bank of Scotland Group have closed RT's bank accounts.

In a letter to RT's London Office, NatWest said: We have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities."

The broadcaster's editor suggested it "may have something to do" with potential sanctions against Russia by the UK and US.

We have no idea why it happened, because neither yesterday nor the day before yesterday, nor a month ago, nothing special happened to us, nobody threatened us in any way," Margarita Simonyan told the RBK business news website.

"Hypothetically, this may have something to do with new British and American sanctions against Russia, which may be announced soon. It may not. Our legal department is dealing with the issue now."
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Bank accounts belonging to Russia's state broadcaster Russia Today have been frozen in the UK.

The network's editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan, tweeted the news: "Our accounts in the UK have been closed. All accounts. 'The decision is not subject to revision'.

She added: "Long live freedom of speech!"

A statement on the broadcaster's website said NatWest informed RT UK "it will no longer have the broadcaster among its clients".

In a letter to RT's London Office, NatWest said: We have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities."

The bank also said the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which NatWest is a part of, would refuse to serve Russia Today.

Later on Monday, the bank said in a statement that such decisions "are not taken lightly". It added: "We are reviewing the situation and are contacting the customer to discuss this further. The bank accounts remain open and are still operative.

We have no idea why it happened, because neither yesterday nor the day before yesterday, nor a month ago, nothing special happened to us, nobody threatened us in any way," Ms Simonyan told the RBK business news website.

"Hypothetically, this may have something to do with new British and American sanctions against Russia, which may be announced soon. It may not. Our legal department is dealing with the issue now."

However, it appears that Natwest made the decision independently, with the Government not having placed any new sanctions on Russia that must be followed by UK banks since 2015.

In a post on Facebook, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: Britain on its way out of the EU abandoned all its commitments to protect the freedom of speech.

She gave no information on why the accounts have been frozen.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

A spokeswoman for Russia Today said: "RT has received a letter from Natwest, part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which has a significant shareholding by the UK Government, informing it that its UK banking facilities with the bank will be withdrawn without explanation or redress.

"This decision is incomprehensible, and without warning.

"It is, however, not at odds with the countless measures that have been undertaken in the UK and Europe over the last few years to ostracize, shout down, or downright impede the work of RT."

She added: "RT UK will continue its operations uninterrupted."

RT, originally known as Russia Today, is a television network and news website funded by the Russian government.

It was previously sanctioned by Ofcom for biased or misleading reports on the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

Earlier this year the network was accused of censoring footage of Russian jets in Syria to cover up the use of incendiary bombs.

The clip was later reinstated, with RT saying it had been removed over concerns for a pilot.

The site recently accused the Daily Star and the Daily Mail of manufacturing a panic about World War Three.

"An unconfirmed report in a regional news site appears to be enough for British tabloids to remind readers how Big Bad Vlad secretly wants to nuke them," the broadcaster said.
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An SAS veteran has denied he shot dead three fatally wounded enemy soldiers during the Iraq War.

Reports had claimed Colin Maclachlan, who starred in Channel 4 show SAS: Who Dares Wins, faced a murder investigation after he reportedly suggested in a new book that he had carried out the 'mercy killings' during an ambush mission in 2003.

But the former soldier distanced himself from part of the book which described the aftermath of an attack on Iraqi army convoy where the injured enemy troops were killed.

Mr Maclachlan told The Sun: "If anywhere in that book says there were three wounded guys and I killed them, all that is absolute nonsense.

"I certainly didn't walk up and execute three people. I stand by what happened but I didn't kill them. That's taking it a bridge too far."

The 42-year-old from Edinburgh said a draft copy of the book in his name that was handed to a newspaper was ghost written and that he had not read it.

Mercy killings, where fatally injured enemy soldiers are killed on the battlefield to end their suffering, is illegal under UK military law and breaches standards in the Geneva Convention.

The Ministry of Defence has been sent a copy of the book to ensure any confidential information has not been leaked.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 10 September 2022 Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales, Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wave at well-wishers on the Long walk at Windsor Castle AFP/Getty

Military police are believed to be carrying out preliminary inquiries after they too were passed a manuscript of the book.

A Ministry of Defence source said no formal investigation had begun but that any such inquiry had not been ruled out.
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More than four in 10 homes in Britain are falling short of an acceptable standard to live in, according to an alarming new report from the housing charity Shelter.

Britons were asked if their homes met a series of conditions which together make up what Shelter has dubbed the Living Home Standard, and 43 per cent said their home failed the test.

The charity said it came up with the new criteria for what constitutes an acceptable place to live in consultation with the public. From having an affordable rent to being free from mould, pests and safety hazards, the list sets a not unreasonable standard which all homes should be meeting, Shelter said.

Yet despite working with thousands of cases every week where homes are not up to scratch, even Shelter was shocked by how far the country was falling short.

Nearly one in five homes failed the Living Home Standard based on a lack of decent conditions. Some didnt have running hot and cold water, others were not structurally sound, and many had serious pest infestations or issues with mould and damp.

Recommended Read more Housing Minister blocks thousands of homes at request of Tory MP

The research, conducted by Ipsos Mori, found more than one in four of the nearly 2,000 surveyed said their homes failed basic standards of affordability. In these cases, people had to cut back on essentials like food and heating just to pay their rent or mortgage, or they were worried those payments could rise to a level they would no longer be able to afford.

And one in 10 respondents failed the test due to instability, mostly renters on short term contracts worried they could be kicked out of their homes at short notice.

At Shelter we see all these problems every single day through our services, we help thousands of people every week, but even then  43 per cent was higher than we imagined, Anne Baxendale, Shelters campaign chief, told The Independent.

The problem appears particularly pronounced in London, where a staggering 73 per cent said their home failed the test on some level.

It is really shocking, and it is up and down the country. Yorkshire is least badly affected  and its still one in four [failing], Ms Baxendale said. Its affects people living in every kind of home, and people of all ages, but particularly the young. This is the start out in life that we are giving young people.

We need to say enough is enough, we cant carry on like this, falling so far short of what we expect of ourselves as a country, she said.

While there are statistical measures of what constitutes an acceptable standard of living, including what proportion of yearly salary is spent on rent, Shelter says the Living Home Standard represents the first measure of the publics expectations of what an acceptable home is.

There have always been really serious problems with squalid homes, but it is very difficult to quantify that Ms Baxendale said. The focus of what we are doing right now is really just the breadth of the problem. This gives us the publics definition of what we should be aiming for as a country, and shows us how far were falling short.

A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said good quality housing was an absolute priority and that more than one million sub-standard properties had been brought up to standard since 2010.

"We've also set out the most ambitious vision for housing in a generation, doubling the affordable housing budget to 8 billion to deliver 400,000 more quality homes, he said.

Shelters chief executive, Campbell Robb, said there should be a national mission to get to grips with our housing crisis once and for all.

The sad truth is that far too many people in Britain right now are living in homes that just arent up to scratch, he said, calling on the new government, alongside businesses and other charities, to work with us to turn things around.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK news in pictures 11 September 2022 Members of the Public pay their respects as the hearse carrying the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland, is driven through Ballater AFP/Getty

Shelter has five policy recommendations, going beyond a core demand for the Government to build more homes.

They want new controls on the standard of homes that are being built, the way neighbourhoods are planned to make them nice, safe places to live, and regulations so new homes arent so cramped.

Local councils need to be adequately equipped to investigation and clamp down on rogue landlords, Shelter said.

And renters need to be given more stability, by making five years the standard for contracts in the private sector. The current norm tends to be a year or even just six months, on a rolling and unpredictable basis.

Ms Baxendale said there had been encouraging signs from the Government under Theresa May.

But what we need to do is go even further and faster, she said. Its about putting it top of the agenda, because we dont have time to waste. This is a problem that has been decades in the making, there are children growing up in these homes that are just not up to scratch, so we need to approach this with a sense of urgency and get to a solution quickly.

Does your home meet Shelters Living Home Standard?

These are the essentials from Shelters criteria. Homes were also expected to meet some out of a range of tradeable non-essential conditions

1 Affordability

Can meet the rent or mortgage payments on the home without regularly having to cut spending on household essentials like food or heating

Not worried that rent or mortgage payments could rise to a level that would be difficult to pay

2 Decent Conditions

The home can be heated safely and effectively

The home has hot and cold running water

The home is free from safety hazards such as faulty wiring or fire risks

The home is structurally sound with no important defects to the roof and/or walls

The home has a toilet, and a bath and/or shower

The home feels physically secure (for example with adequate locks on doors and windows)

The home is free from pest problems

The home is free from mould or damp problems

The home is suitable for the current age and/or disability related needs of everyone in the household

There are electrical sockets in the main living areas, kitchen and bedroom(s)

3 Space

The number of bedrooms in the home is adequate for all members of the household

There is enough space to allow all members of the household to have privacy, for example when they wish to be alone

There is enough space for all members of the household to comfortably spend time together in the same room

There is adequate space to prepare and cook food

There is adequate space to store essential items, such as a reasonable amount of clothes, towels and bedding

4 Stability

The household has enough control over how long they can live in the home

5 Neighbourhood
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A cross-party report which attacked Jeremy Corbyn over his approach to anti-Semitism has been dismissed as biased and politically motivated by one of the leaders backers on Labours ruling executive.

Rhea Wolfson, who was elected to Labours NEC in August with the backing of Momentum, and who is herself Jewish, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: The report came across as incredibly party-political, and focused overly on the Labour Party, as Jeremy said.

Ms Wolfson said she disagreed with the report, which said Jeremy Corbyn had not shown consistent leadership on dealing with anti-Semitism .

She said: I think the fact that he responded so quickly to the allegations that were handed to him of anti-Semitism and set up the Chakrabarti report is testament to how seriously he is taking that issue, and I have a lot of faith in him to move forward on that issue.

At the Momentum rally that occurred in parallel with the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, leaflets condemned as racist and anti-Semitic were distributed which called for the Jewish Labour Movement to be disbanded.

Asked about the incident, Ms Wolfson said: Those leaflets didnt come from Momentum and are certainly not representative of Momentum. Momentum has a very clear procedure in terms of complaints and I actually didnt see any of those leaflets but if I had done so I would have passed them on and said they are totally unwelcome. That language is harking back to classic anti-Semitic tropes that are never welcome in the Labour Party.

Meanwhile moderate Labour MP Seema Malhotra has said stronger action against anti-Semitism is needed in the Labour Party

Ms Malhotra, who served as Mr Corbyn's Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury until she resigned in June, told BBC Radio 4's The Westminster Hour that it was shocking and staggering to see the abuse that our colleagues have had, and added: I want to see an end to it. She called for a much stronger sense of action and a feeling of stronger commitment from the Labour leadership, to tackle anti-Semitism in the party. Although she declined to join calls for Ken Livingstone to be expelled from the party, she agreed stronger action on discipline needs to be taken.
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Government plans to clamp down on immigration from the European Union would hurt British companies and could drive up prices, business leaders have warned.

The Confederation of British Industry, the British Chambers of Commerce and the Institute of Directors  the three main organisations representing large British businesses  have told The Independent proposals to prevent low-skilled migrants entering the UK could cause problems for companies who rely on their labour and raise prices for consumers.

It follows reports that Chancellor Philip Hammond and Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, clashed over the plans, with Mr Hammond calling for them to be delayed.

His objections have reportedly led to a cabinet rift, with colleagues accusing the Chancellor of trying to undermine Brexit and intentionally slow down Britains withdrawal from the EU.

Recommended Read more British immigration controls to shift to Ireland after Brexit

The immigration clampdown reported to have been discussion at the meeting caused business leaders to warn against cutting off the supply of migrant workers.

Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: Businesses across the UK report skills shortages on a number of different levels. Firms are pretty clear they will need workers from overseas with various skill levels in the years ahead.

"The risk is if the Government arbitrarily decides whether an individual is skilled or unskilled when really the requirements of the vacancy should do that.

Seamus Nevin, head of employment and skills policy at the Institute of Directors, told The Independent:

Government must be careful in reducing low-skilled immigration as those sectors that do need low-skilled migrants are very important to the British public."

Cleaners, hospital careworkers in the NHS and agricultural workers who pick the food on our shelves all play an important role in our economy. Reducing their numbers by too much would cause problems for our healthcare system, hurt British businesses, and increase prices for British shoppers."

Uncertainty over the Governments immigration policy is a major barrier preventing business from planning for the future, he added.

A CBI spokesperson said: The UK faces skills and labour shortages in many areas. If firms cannot access lower skilled workers from the EU, key sectors will find it tough to fill the roles and grow.

The Cabinet-level disagreement came during a meeting last week of the Brexit cabinet sub-committee, at which Ms Rudd presented the plans for a new visa system that would close the door on tens of thousands of low-skilled migrants coming to Britain from EU countries. The changes would not apply to tourists or students.

One unnamed source told The Daily Telegraph: [Mr Hammond] is arguing from a very Treasury point of view. He is arguing like an accountant seeing the risk of everything rather than the opportunity.

Another said the Chancellor was overly influenced by his Treasury officials who think it is a catastrophe that Britain voted to leave the EU.

But allies of Mr Hammond denied the accusations, calling them "ridiculous".

The Chancellor reportedly called for a halt and said other options should be investigated.

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

Ms Rudd was previously forced to back down over plans to make British companies disclose the number of foreign workers they employ after a furious backlash.

It comes as a think tank suggests banks could move out of Britain as early as 2017 unless passporting rights that would allow them access to Europes financial markets are secured during negotiations with the EU.

The study by Open Europe, which remained neutral during the referendum campaign, concluded: If banks ... were still unclear about what the future holds one year before the UK formally exits the EU, they would be forced to start making decisions  including over whether to shift part of their business elsewhere. Some firms may well start implementing their contingency plans even earlier than that.
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If those suffering from post-referendum Bregret had voted to stay in the European Union, the outcome of the Brexit vote would have been in favour of Remain, according to new analysis published by the British Election Study.

In a poll of more than 10,000 voters, the study found 1% of Remainers regretted their choice, in contrast to 6% of Leavers.

The study lends credibility to the theory that many exercised a protest vote in the referendum as a way of hitting back at the Westminster elite.

Economist Iain Begg, from the London School of Economics, said the results exposed the shortcomings of using referenda in complex policy choices.

The finding that a sizeable proportion of Leave voters now regret their decision, coming barely one hundred days after June 23, highlights the shortcomings of using referenda to make policy choices on issues as complex as membership of the EU, he told The Independent.

Both Remain and Leave voters expected that their side would win (British Election Study)

Even without this buyer's regret, the 17.4 million votes for Leave amount to only 37% of the 46 million registered electorate, however, Theresa May's government is adamant that it will not re-open the matter.

The study also found Leaver remorse to be strongest among those who didnt expect their side to win, with one in ten regretting their Brexit vote.

A High Court legal challenge against Brexit will enter its second day on Monday, which will make the case against the Government's right to trigger Article 50 without parliamentary approval.

The challenge will hear whether Theresa May has the power to take the UK out of the EU without MPs voting on it.

Those expecting to lose were more likely to regret their vote (British Election Study)

The case has been brought forward by Gina Miller, an investment banker, among others.

She said using the royal prerogative, the process by which the government on behalf of the sovereign can conduct foreign affairs and enter into international treaties, would set a dangerous precedent.

Im questioning whether the Government has the right to bypass Parliament and use this royal prerogative, which they are still saying that they do and that she does, and that she and a handful of ministers will be able to trigger Article 50 without any sort of legal certainty or scrutiny in Parliament, she told Audio Boom.

I dont want a precedent set which says a Prime Minister and a handful of MPs or ministers can take away or grant rights.
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Brexit will have a devastating impact on Ireland, Northern Irelands Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has warned.

The Sinn Fein politician has called for special EU status for Northern Ireland, amid ongoing concerns over how the regions relationship with the Republic of Ireland will be affected by EU withdrawal.

In an interview with The Guardian, Mr McGuinness said: As things stand at the moment were going to suffer big time. Theresa May says Brexit means Brexit, but so far as we are concerned Brexit means a disaster for the people of Ireland.

He added that the EU referendum risks undermining the Good Friday Agreement which became the corner stone of the peace process in Northern Ireland following decades of the Troubles conflict: One of the main arguments [was] there would be no change in the constitutional position of the north [of Ireland] without a majority of the north. Yet leaving the EU is a massive constitutional change, especially for those that saw dual Irish citizenship, the massive EU investment in the peace process and the wider economic investment.

We were all working on the basis that the maintenance of EU membership was a continuing part of the Good Friday Agreement. The fatal decision to hold the referendum was made without any consideration whatsoever on its impact on the island of Ireland.

 Leave voter who wants to 'control our own laws' can't name single EU law

Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU, by a margin of 56 to 44 per cent. The Democratic Unionist Party backed leaving the EU, while Sinn Fein, SDLP, Alliance, Ulster Unionist Party and Northern Irish Green party backed Remain.

As the only part of the UK which shares a land border with another EU country, concerns have been raised as to whether a border may be erected between the two regions following Brexit. Northern Ireland also receives a considerable about of financial funding from the EU via grants for cross-community projects between nationalist and unionist communities, known locally as peace money; prompting concerns this funding may now cease.

Last week, Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire suggested the UKs border could effectively shift to the Republic of Ireland, with Irish police tasked with enforcing immigration restrictions at docks and airports. The move could avoid a harder border between north and south of the island, but has been derided by some as enabling a non-UK country to have undue responsibility for British borders contrary to Leave campaign pledges that leaving the EU would allow Britain to take back control of our borders.

The Belfast High Court is currently hearing a legal challenge to Brexit brought by the father of a man killed by loyalist paramilitaries during the Troubles. He is arguing Brexit could threaten the peace process and Theresa May must therefore receive assent from the Northern Ireland Assembly before exiting the EU.

A separate challenge to Brexit is being heard at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, which cites fears about how Northern Ireland could be affected by EU withdrawal as a central concern in its legal arguments.
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Article 50 cannot be triggered because the British children of non-EU nationals could find their families torn apart by new immigration rules after Brexit, a court has heard.

The claims were made at the High Court as part of the on-going legal challenge to Brexit. The case is seeking to force Theresa May to require parliamentary approval before triggering Article 50, the legal mechanism which begins the process of EU withdrawal.

Representing the rights of families and children in the case, barrister Manjit Gill told the court Brexit may infringe the rights of non-EU nationals who are carers or guardians of British children or disabled people through uncertainty over whether they would be allowed to stay in the UK.

He said triggering Article 50 under current plans could contravene duties which the Government has to British citizens, in particular children or the disabled, whose continued presence in this country is dependent on others who themselves are only permitted to reside because of the statutory rights derived from EU law.

Mr Gill said the Government has thus far failed to address the issue of Zambrano carers case law which means that non-EU nationals who are the cares or guardians of British children are entitled to remain in the UK.

He warned: As things stand at the moment, there is no mechanism in place to give them that leave [to remain in the UK]. They will therefore be subject, be committing criminal offences [by staying with children] and be liable to summary removal on the day that we leave the EU.

Therefore, non-EU nationals wishing to stay in the UK after Brexit to look after or care for a child with British citizenship could find themselves committing a criminal offence. We say that the giving of the Article 50 notice sets in train events which will expose that affected class at a definable future point in time to criminal liability, and also liability to removal. The executive has no legal power, whether by the use of the prerogative or otherwise, either to create a new criminal offence or to expose a class of persons to liability for an existing criminal offence at an ascertainable future point in time, to which they are not currently subject.

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

The evidence was submitted to the court on the second day of a three day case which is due to conclude tomorrow. On Thursday, the court heard evidence from legal representatives for Northern Ireland and Gibraltar about how Brexit could negatively impact on the regions. It was also told that for the executive wing of government to trigger Article 50 without parliamentary approval would be an abuse of power because only parliament can revoke rights which it has given British citizens.

Representing the government, attorney general Jeremy Wright QC, James Eadie QC and Jason Coppel QC are defending Theresa Mays plan to trigger Article 50 without a parliamentary vote, on the grounds there is legal precedent for the executive acting on similar issues without backing from Westminster.
A pro-Brexit supporter (R) from Invoke Article 50 Now!, dressed as a judge, stands in front of a Pro-European Union supporter outside the entrance to The Royal Courts of Justice, Britain's High Court, in London on October 13, 2016 (ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)

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A lawyer representing the UK Government has said it is "very likely" MPs will be able to vote on the final Brexit agreement between the UK and the European Union.

James Eadie QC was speaking in the High Court as part of the final day of the hearing to decide whether Prime Minister Theresa May can trigger Article 50 without parliamentary approval.

Downing Street has since confirmed that he was representing the Government's position.

The judges have said they will rule on the historic legal challenge "as quickly as possible".

Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas, Master of the Rolls Sir Terence Etherton and Lord Justice Sales reserved their decision on Tuesday at the end of a three-day hearing.

After hearing closing submissions from lawyers at the High Court in London, Lord Thomas announced: "We shall take time to consider the matter and give our judgment as quickly as possible."

What experts have said about Brexit Show all 11 1 /11 What experts have said about Brexit What experts have said about Brexit Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond The Chancellor claims London can still be a world financial hub despite Brexit One of Britains great strengths is the ability to offer and aggregate all of the services the global financial services industry needs This has not changed as a result of the EU referendum and I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the worlds leading international financial centre. Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Yanis Varoufakis Greece's former finance minister compared the UK relations with the EU bloc with a well-known song by the Eagles: You can check out any time you like, as the Hotel California song says, but you can't really leave. The proof is Theresa May has not even dared to trigger Article 50. It's like Harrison Ford going into Indiana Jones' castle and the path behind him fragmenting. You can get in, but getting out is not at all clear Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Michael OLeary Ryanair boss says UK will be screwed by EU in Brexit trade deals: I have no faith in the politicians in London going on about how the world will want to trade with us. The world will want to screw you  that's what happens in trade talks, he said. They have no interest in giving the UK a deal on trade Getty What experts have said about Brexit Tim Martin JD Wetherspoon's chairman has said claims that the UK would see serious economic consequences from a Brexit vote were "lurid" and wrong: We were told it would be Armageddon from the OECD, from the IMF, David Cameron, the chancellor and President Obama who were predicting locusts in the fields and tidal waves in the North Sea" PA What experts have said about Brexit Mark Carney Governor of Bank of England is 'serene' about Bank of England's Brexit stance: I am absolutely serene about the  judgments made both by the MPC and the FPC Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Christine Lagarde IMF chief urges quick Brexit to reduce economic uncertainty: We want to see clarity sooner rather than later because we think that a lack of clarity feeds uncertainty, which itself undermines investment appetites and decision making Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Inga Beale Lloyds chief executive says Brexit is a major issue: "Clearly the UK's referendum on its EU membership is a major issue for us to deal with and we are now focusing our attention on having in place the plans that will ensure Lloyd's continues trading across Europe EPA What experts have said about Brexit Colm Kelleher President of US bank Morgan Stanley says City of London will suffer as result of the EU referendum: I do believe, and I said prior to the referendum, that the City of London will suffer as result of Brexit. The issue is how much What experts have said about Brexit Richard Branson Virgin founder believes we've lost a THIRD of our value because of Brexit and cancelled a deal worth 3,000 jobs: We're not any worse than anybody else, but I suspect we've lost a third of our value which is dreadful for people in the workplace.' He continued: "We were about to do a very big deal, we cancelled that deal, that would have involved 3,000 jobs, and thats happening all over the country" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Barack Obama US President believes Britain was wrong to vote to leave the EU: "It is absolutely true that I believed pre-Brexit vote and continue to believe post-Brexit vote that the world benefited enormously from the United Kingdom's participation in the EU. We are fully supportive of a process that is as little disruptive as possible so that people around the world can continue to benefit from economic growth" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Kristin Forbes American economist and an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England argues that the economy had been less stormy than many expected following the shock referendum result: For nowthe economy is experiencing some chop, but no tsunami. The adverse winds could quickly pick up  and merit a stronger policy response. But recently they have shifted to a more favourable direction Getty

A number of applicants have challenged Theresa May's strategy for Brexit in what has been described as one of the most important constitutional cases in generations.

They argue that the prime minister has no legal power to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to leave the European Union without the prior authorisation of Parliament.

Mrs May announced at the Conservative Party conference that she intends doing so by the end of March 2017.

The judges have heard submissions that the Government lacks legal power to use the royal prerogative to notify Article 50 and begin the process of removing statutory rights granted to UK citizens under the European Communities Act 1972, which made EU law part of UK law.

Government lawyers say that if the challenge succeeds, the Government "could not give effect to the will and decision of the people, as clearly expressed in the referendum, to withdraw from the EU without further primary legislation".

Because of the urgency and constitutional importance of the case, any appeal is expected to be heard by the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, before the end of the year.

Here is how the court case unfolded:

What is the difference between hard and soft Bexit?

After repeatedly stating that Brexit means Brexit, Theresa May has confirmed she will trigger Britains exit from the European Union by the end of March 2017, beginning two years of formal negotiations.

But despite this timescale, speculation remains over what kind of relationship the UK will develop with our partners after we leave the bloc.

There are a myriad of possible post-EU arrangements being discussed and, although there are no definitive definitions, they can be loosely categorised as hard or soft Brexit options.



In her opening speech to the Conservative conference, the Prime Minister unveiled a tougher stance on EU withdrawal than she has previously taken, by seemingly backing a hard Brexit with controls on immigration at its core.

"Let me be clear," said Ms May. "We are not leaving the European Union only to give up control of immigration again. And we are not leaving only to return to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice," adding those wanting to do everything possible to preserve access to the single market were looking at Brexit the "wrong way".

So, what is Hard Brexit?

Favoured by ardent Brexiteers, a hard Brexit arrangement would likely see the UK give up full access to the single market and full access of the customs union along with the EU.

The arrangement would prioritise giving Britain full control over its borders, making new trade deals and applying laws within its own territory.

Initially, this would mean the UK would likely fall back on World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules for trade with its former EU partners.

What are the pros and cons?

The International Trade Secretary, Liam Fox, has said a hard approach would benefit the UK by making it a global trading nation. He said that "the UK is a full and founding member of the WTO", during a speech in Geneva last Tuesday,

German business leaders have expressed a similar view. Markus Kerber of the German BDI group told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It's better to have a hard Brexit that works than to have a fudge in the middle that has to be renegotiated or doesn't politically work and you have uncertainty lingering on."

A hard Brexit, however, could see British goods and services subject to tariffs, adding 10 per cent, for example, to the cost of exported cars. While sectors such as agriculture could lose protections against cheap imports from abroad.

Leaving the customs union would mean a significant increase in bureaucratic checks on goods passing through ports and airports. And nations such as the US and Australia have said that reaching a new trade agreements with the EU would take priority.

And what is soft Brexit?

This approach would leave the UK's relationship with the EU as close as possible to the existing arrangements, and is preferred by many Remainers.

The UK would no longer be a member of the EU and would not have a seat on the European Council. It would lose its MEPs and its European Commissioner. But, it would keep unfettered access to the European single market.

Goods and services would be traded with the remaining EU states on a tariff-free basis and financial firms would keep their "passporting" rights to sell services and operate branches in the EU. Britain would remain within the EU's customs union, meaning that exports would not be subject to border checks.

National models for this sort of deal include Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, which are not members of the EU but have access to the single market by being part of the European Economic Area.

In return, these countries must make payments into EU budgets and accept the "four freedoms" of movement of goods, services, capital and people. They are subject to EU law through the Luxembourg-based EFTA Court. Switzerland has a similar arrangement through a series of regularly updated treaties.

It is likely that a "soft Brexit" deal would insist on Britain observing the "four freedoms", meaning continued free access for European nationals to work and settle in the UK.

What are the pros and cons?

Pro-EU MPs argue that maintaining proper connections with the EUs trading arrangements is a matter of national interest.

Senior Conservative MP Neil Carmichael has said a "harsh Brexit" must be avoided at all costs suggesting it could "damage our economy, damage our capacity as a nation to perform capably in the future and actually damage Europe.

May says those trying to delay Brexit are insulting British intelligence

Kathleen Brooks, director of research at City Index, said a hard Brexit, is likely to come at the cost of a period of economic disruption, which is likely to be negative for the pound".

Experts warn that Londons position as a financial hub will be dealt a severe blow if the UK left the single market. However, that access is contingent on countries agreeing to let European Union citizens live and work anywhere in the bloc.

Theresa May claimed people who talk about a trade-off between controlling immigration and trading with Europe are looking at things the wrong way, arguing that soft Brexit is "subverting" democracy and attempting to "kill" the process by "delaying it".
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A Tory councillor campaigner is calling on parliament to make supporting EU membership a criminal offence under treason laws.

The petition Amend the Treason Felony Act to make supporting UK membership of the EU a crime has been launched by Christian Holliday, a Vote Leave co-ordinator for Guildford and a Conservative Councillor. Posted on the parliamentary petition website, it calls on Westminster to ensure: the Treason Felony Act be amended to include the following offences.

To imagine, devise, promote or encourage others, to support UK becoming a member of the European Union. To conspire with foreign powers to make the UK or part of the UK become a member of the EU.

Mr Holliday explains: It is becoming clear that many politicians and others are unwilling to accept the democratic decision of the British people to leave the EU. Brexit must not be put at risk in the years and decades ahead.

He adds that he wishes for the legislation to be enacted the day the United Kingdom leaves the EU and gives a deadline of 14 April 2017.

 Leave voter who wants to 'control our own laws' can't name single EU law

At the time of writing, Mr Hollidays petition had accrued 71 signatures, considerably short of the 10,000 required to receive a response from the Government or 100,000 to secure a debate in parliament.

Since announcing his proposals on Twitter, Mr Hollidays proposal has attracted criticism on the social media site, with some accusing him of trying to restrict democracy. Scottish Minister for Business Paul Wheelhouse MSP tweeted: George Orwells 1984 clearly a warning but is taken by some (Tories) as a sign for government! Another simply tweeted: This is an embarrassment.

Last week The Daily Express called for EU whingers to be locked up in the Tower of London in an opinion article titled Time To Silence The EU Exit Whingers. It argued: You can sum up in one sentence the disgusting opinions of the rabble of MPs who are demanding a Commons vote on Brexit: 'The people have spoken, we dont like what they said because they arent as clever as us so lets ignore them and try to reverse the referendum result.'

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

Such snake-like treachery cannot go unpunished. Heres what I would do with them: clap them in the Tower of London. They want to imprison us against our will in the EU so we should give them 28 days against their will to reflect on the true meaning of democracy.

In evidence heard by the High Court, which is currently considering a legal challenge to Brexit, the lawyer of one pro-Remain client told the court on Thursday members of the group had received a number of abusive messages from pro-Brexit supporters due to their involvement in the legal bid.
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Eight men have been convicted of sexually exploiting three teenage girls in Rotherham.

A five-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court heard how the men sexualised their victims and, in some instances, subjected them to acts of a degrading and violent nature between 1999 and 2003.

The jury, after more than 17 hours of deliberation, found them guilty on Monday of all 19 charges including rape and false imprisonment.

One girl and her family told police, their MP and the home secretary at the time, David Blunkett, about the abuse and eventually moved to Spain to get away from the men.

Supposed ringleader Sageer Hussain, 30, was convicted of four rapes and one indecent assault.

The other seven defendents, other than Basharat Hussain, 40, from Goole, who was convicted of one indecent assault, are all from Rotherham.

Mohammed Whied, 32, was found guilty of one count of aiding and abetting rape; Ishtiaq Khaliq, 33, was found guilty of one rape and three indecent assaults; Waleed Ali, 34, was found guilty of one rape and one indecent assault; Asif Ali, 30, was convicted of one rape; Masoued Malik, 32, was found guilty of one rape, one count of conspiracy to commit indecent assault and one of false imprisonment; and Naeem Rafiq, 33, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit indecent assault and one of false imprisonment.

Professor Alexis Jay's 2014 inquiry, commissioned by Rotherham Borough Council, found at least 1,400 children were subjected to sexual exploitation in the town between 1997 and 2013.

A gang of six were jailed for a combined 103 years in February for their parts in the rape and sexual exploitation of girls in Rotherham.

The eight will be sentenced on 4 November.
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Shami Chakrabarti could be forced to appear before MPs to answer questions surrounding her Labour peerage and her whitewash antisemitism report, according to sources.

Unnamed sources on the Home Affairs select committee, cited by The Daily Telegraph, believe Baroness Chakrabarti still has questions to answer over the timing of her peerage and the report.

The powerful committee released a report on Sunday that criticised Jeremy Corbyn over institutionally anti-Semitic abuse within Labour.

It also claimed Baroness Chakrabarti, the former director of human rights group Liberty, was not sufficiently open about when she was offered and accepted the honour.

Shami Chakrabarti receiving her peerage in September 2016 in the House of Lords parliamentlive/screengrab (parliamentlive/screengrab)

There is a civil war in the Labour Party, the source said.

Baroness Chakrabarti published a report on 30 June which said Labour was not overrun by antisemitism, Islamophobia or other forms of racism.

Her 20 recommendations included that members should resist the use of Hitler, Nazi and Holocaust metaphors.

Around five weeks later, Jeremy Corbyn nominated her for a peerage, and in the most recent shadow cabinet reshuffle, she was made shadow attorney general.

Speculation has since mounted however as to whether Baroness Chakrabarti, who joined Labour in April, discussed the peerage with a fellow Labour member earlier in the year.

Asked specifically in an interview with BBC's Andrew Neil if her peerage was discussed before the report with anybody in the Labour party, Baroness Chakrabarti replied: No, no.

Shami Chakrabarti has been nominated to join the upper house just over a month after she published the anti-semitism report Getty (Getty)

But a source has apparently claimed that before the interview, Baroness Chakrabarti never responded to detailed questions on the subject sent by then-Home Affairs select committee chair Keith Vaz on August 16.

Over the weekend, current committee chair and Tory Tim Loughton MP told BBCs Andrew Marr Show Baroness Chakrabartis report wasn't worth the paper it was written on.

The distinguished 47-year-old lawyer has been under increasing media coverage recently after also being pressured into defending her right to send her son to an 18,000 private school.

The Independent has contacted the Home Affairs select committee and Baroness Chakrabarti for comment.
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Downing Street has been forced to say Theresa May retains "full confidence" in Philip Hammond, following reports the Chancellor is clashing with senior cabinet Brexiteers.

Mr Hammond is said to have angered Brexit-backers after raising concerns about the impact of a new work-permit system that could close the door to low-skilled migrants.

Rumours that Mr Hammond may even quit over the row also had to be quashed this morning, as Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was sent out to play down claims of a cabinet split.

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A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister cleared up any suggestion that Ms May was personally unhappy with Mr Hammonds approach.

She added: "The Prime Minister has full confidence in the Chancellor and the work he is doing."

At Tory conference Mr Hammond emerged as a potential champion for people in the Conservatives who favour a softer Brexit, which sees economic considerations put ahead of arbitrary controls on immigration.

But his focus on protecting the economy goes against the tougher line on immigration and the single market taken by Ms May and others such as Foreign Secretary Mr Johnson, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox and Brexit Secretary David Davis.

 Boris Johnson: Pro-EU article written before he backed Brexit

At a committee meeting last week the Chancellor expressed concerns about the introduction of a work permit system that would prevent unskilled EU immigrants coming to the UK.

One Brexit-backer told the Daily Telegraph: "He is arguing from a very Treasury point of view. He is arguing like an accountant seeing the risk of everything rather than the opportunity."

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt today admitted there had been "lively debates" around the Cabinet table about how Britain's exit from the European Union is handled.

On Mr Hunt's comments, Ms Mays spokeswoman said: "This reflects the fact that the Prime Minister is pursuing a collective government approach where, either at Cabinet or through Cabinet committees, the relevant Cabinet ministers involved are able to debate the issues before decisions are reached.

Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned  forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA  because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty

"The Prime Minister is focused on making sure we prepare for the negotiations and get the best deal for the United Kingdom.

"There is a real sense among the ministerial team that the Government has a very important job to do, which is delivering the will of the British people on leaving the European Union and they are focused on working together to deliver those negotiations."
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Theresa May has unveiled a 40 million package designed to prevent homelessness by intervening to help individuals and families before they end up on the streets.

The shift in government policy will move the focus away from dealing with the consequences of homelessness and place prevention "at the heart" of the Prime Minister's approach.

Earlier this year it was revealed that under David Camerons administration homelessness among English households had risen by 54 per cent since 2010. And according to a report, released by the Department for Communities and Local Government, there were 57,750 acceptances in financial year 2015-16  a rise from 54,430 (6 per cent) from 2014-15.

This represented the sixth consecutive annual rise, with households becoming homeless in London increasing to 17,530 (9 per cent) in the last year alone and 58,000 households across the whole of England.

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Writing in the Big Issue magazine - sold by homeless people  Mrs May said: "We know there is no single cause of homelessness and those at risk can often suffer from complex issues such as domestic abuse, addiction, mental health issues or redundancy.

"So I believe it's time we changed our approach. We can no longer focus on tackling the symptoms and immediate consequences of homelessness. We need to put prevention at the heart of a new approach.

"As a first step towards this change, I'm announcing a new 40 million package to both prevent and tackle the causes of homelessness. This will include 20 million for local authorities to pilot innovative initiatives to tackle the causes of homelessness - helping to find solutions for families and individuals before they reach crisis point."

Manchester, Newcastle and the London borough of Southwark are to be the first "homeless prevention trailblazer" areas in a 20 million programme trialling innovative approaches to the problem.

Local authorities will be able to bid for cash from a 10 million grant fund for early intervention to help rough sleepers before their problems become entrenched. And a further 10 million in Social Impact Bond funding will provide personalised support to address the complex needs of long-term rough sleepers and get them into accommodation.

Campaigners are also planning a mass lobby of Parliament on Wednesday to encourage MPs to back a Homelessness Reduction Bill tabled as a private members' bill by Conservative backbencher Bob Blackman.

Rick Henderson, chief executive of homeless link, said, at first glance the new initiative looks promising. He added: It is vital that resources are assigned to preventing homelessness and relieving its root causes, reducing the need for fire-fighting once the damage has been done. A focus on ending street homelessness and addressing the complex needs of entrenched rough sleepers is also hugely welcome. But the detail is important here and we are keen to see how DCLG awards the funding, and monitors the impact of the money in how it contributes to preventing and ending homelessness.

Ideally the Government will now back this programme up by supporting the Homelessness Reduction Bill, and developing a national homelessness strategy with a joined up approach, to ensure that the most vulnerable in society have the help they need to get their lives back on track.
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A Tory councillor who called for anyone supporting EU membership to be charged with treason is thought to have been suspended.

Christian Holliday, a councillor in Guildford, Surrey, placed a petition on Parliaments website demanding that the 1848 Treason Felony Act be updated to include the following offences.

They would be: To imagine, devise, promote, work, or encourage others, to support UK becoming a member of the European Union.

To conspire with foreign powers to make the UK, or part of the UK, become a member of the EU.

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The petition continues: It is becoming clear that many politicians and others are unwilling to accept the democratic decision of the British people to leave the EU.

Brexit must not be put at risk in the years and decades ahead. For this reason, we the undersigned request that the Treason Felony Act be amended as set out in this petition. (These provisions to become law the day the United Kingdom leaves the EU).

The Prime Ministers spokeswoman distanced her from the petition, saying: Different people will choose their words differently. The prime minister is very clear that the British people have made their decision.

Today, the stunt appeared to have backfired, with Cllr Holliday apparently facing disciplinary action from his own Conservative Association in Guildford.

He was ridiculed by Tom Brake, the Liberal Democrat patron of the Vote Leave Watch campaign, who said: We knew Theresa May was intent on taking Britain back to the 1950s, but it's still a surprise to see a Tory councillor advocating a policy straight out of the 1550s.

Let me point out gently to Cllr Holliday that 16.1 million people voted to remain in the EU - and the courts are busy enough as it is without trying to prosecute all of them for treason.

The Tories should be focusing on keeping Britain in the Single Market to protect jobs and economic stability - not playing Henry VIII and plotting to lock their opponents up in the Tower of the London.

The petition was also criticised by Cllr Paul Spooner, the Conservative leader of Guildford Borough Council, who called it completely mad and illogical nonsense.

In a later tweet, Cllr Spooner announced that one of his councillors had been suspended until next the next group meeting in November  but did not confirm it was Cllr Holliday.

The Liberal Democrats saidthat Mrs May should make clear she does not approve of the petition.

"It's bad enough that a Conservative Councillor is trying to shut down any democratic debate about Brexit as treason, but it's downright frightening that the Prime Minister has so far refused to condemn him," said Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Tom Brake. "People did not vote to turn back the clock to medieval Britain. The Lib Dems will be the real voice of opposition and fight against a reckless Brexit that takes us out of the single market."

At the time of writing, the petition had attracted 1,187 signatures, a long way short of the 10,000 required before a Government response is triggered  let alone the 100,000 to be eligible for a Parliamentary debate.

It follows an earlier petition from a Leave campaigner to remove EU flags, emblems and logos from all public buildings.

It is believed that there has been no prosecution under the Treason Felony Act since 1879, although it remains on the Statute Book.

Cllr Holliday had not responded to a request for a comment by the time of publication.
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A teenager who survived cancer as a baby has died after taking a lethal ecstasy overdose.

Sherie-Lea James took the tablets at a party in September, which caused her heart to fail.

The 15-year-old had a liver transplant at 20 months old after she was diagnosed with cancer, which doctors believe may have left her body more vulnerable than would otherwise have been the case.

Her mother, Sam James, has since spoken of her grief at losing her daughter and her wish to raise 9,000 to pay for a "celebrity" send-off.

I have lost my daughter and I will never get over that. If one good thing can come out of this I hope that kids think twice about taking drugs, she told the Daily Mail.

If it makes one person think before taking something, then I suppose that's something I can take from it.

Sherie-Lea had spent the evening with a friend at Lakeside Shopping Centre before heading to a 29-year-old mans one-bedroom flat in South Ockendon, Essex.

15-year-old Sherie-Lea James died of an ecstasy overdose in September 2016 (Youcaring)

Six people were there that night, all of whom were much older than teenage Sherie-Lea and her friend, according to her mother.

Miss James said: Apparently she didn't get there until 1.30am. She sent a Snapchat message at 1.45am where she pulled a face like, 'Oh, where have I ended up?'".

At the end of the day, they [the other partygoers] are adults and she is a child. They shouldn't have underage girls in their flat drinking or doing whatever.

She might have looked older but the moment she opened her mouth she had double train track braces [on her teeth] and when she started talking it was obvious she was a child.

Ms James told how Sherie-Lea was on medication to stop her body rejecting her liver, making her more susceptible to illnesses that could strike her twice as bad and for twice as long.

At some point in the evening, Sherie-Lea and her friend both overdosed on ecstasy. Although her friend survived, Sherie-Lea couldn't be revived.

Ms James was woken up at 5.30am by police who rushed her to Basildon Hospital where paramedics were fighting to save her daughters life.

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We got to the hospital before Sherie-Lea because the ambulance had to pull over and revive her after she had a cardiac arrest inside, she said.

They came into the hospital and tried again with me watching and they kept trying and trying but nothing. They broke her ribs trying, it was an awful sound to hear.

Ms James insists her daughters drug-taking on the last night of her life was out of character and believes she will never truly know what happened.

The police have told me they reckon she took four or five ecstasy tablets. I'm not being funny but someone who had never done that before isn't going to do that, she said.

She was anti-drugs. She had started to drink but never much because she couldn't because of her liver. She hated drugs. All her real friends weren't interested in that sort of thing.

The post-mortem carried out on Sherie-Leas body has proved inconclusive and a toxicology report is still being assembled.

Ms James is now hoping to raise 9,000 to pay for Sherie-Lea to have the "celebrity" funeral she would have wanted.

A 19-year-old South Ockendon resident and a 29-year-old from London have been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs. Both have since been released on bail.

To donate to Sam James's fundraising endeavour, visit her GoFundMe page.
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These are the jubilant scenes as 21 of the Chibok schoolgirls were reunited with their parents, two and a half years after they were kidnapped by the Boko Haram militant group.

The girls were released on Thursday, in the first successful breakthrough for negotiations between the Nigerian government and the jihadist extremists that have been going on for months.

The delay in arranging for them to meet their families came because the government flew them out of the remote north-east to the capital, Abuja, for what some parents described as a press stunt. Most members of the girls families arrived on Sunday after long drives from Chibok to Abuja over potholed roads, slowed further by military checkpoints amid a constant threat of militant attack.

But their frustrations were momentarily forgotten when the parents embraced the girls for the first time since the April 2014 raid on a secondary school in Borno state and mass abduction that shocked the world.

One mother told reporters gathered to witness the scenes: I never expected I will see my daughter again and I pray that those girls still left behind, that God will bring them out safely the way our own daughter came out alive.

Some conflicting reports remain over the exact circumstances of the girls release. Publicly, the Nigerian authorities have denied any Boko Haram fighters were set free as part of the deal.

But two military officers speaking to the Associated Press, and a security source quoted by the BBC, have said the girls were exchanged for four detained Boko Haram commanders.

A Nigerian who negotiated previous failed attempts said a handsome ransom, some millions of dollars, was paid by the Swiss government on behalf of Nigerian authorities.

One of the kidnapped girls celebrates with family members during a church service (AP)

The girls were released and flown to Abuja, Nigeria's capital (AP)

The families came from the remote northeastern town of Chibok, where nearly 300 girls were kidnapped on April 2014 in a mass abduction that shocked the world (AP)

There are inconsistencies too in Nigerias reports of which faction of Boko Haram released the girls.

Last year, the group renamed itself Islamic States West Africa Province (Iswap), but in August it suffered a major split, with Isis naming Musab al-Barnawi its new leader in the region.

Some fighters remain loyal to the former leader, Abubakar Shekau, and his faction released a video showing some 50 of the girls - leading to the assumption that all the girls were under his control.

Family members celebrate after being reunited with the kidnapped girls in Abuja, Nigeria (AP)

Abana Muta and Hawa Abana look at photos of the freed twenty-one Chibok schoolgirls in a newspaper including their daughter Blessing Abana, in Nasarawa Nigeria (AP)

Hawa Abana, mother of Blessing Abana, one among of the freed twenty-one Chibok schoolgirls smiles during an interview in Nasarawa, Nigeria (AP)

But speaking to the Reuters news agency, presidents spokesman Garba Shehu said the 21 had in fact come from Iswap, and that the Isis-affiliated splinter group in fact held another 83 Chibok girls.

The faction said it is ready to negotiate if the government is willing to sit down with them, Mr Shehu said.

Iswap said it was unable to negotiate the release of the rest of the girls, thought to number 114, because they are being held by the Shekau faction.

On the one hand, the news offers hope for the remaining 83 girls. Despite its affiliation to the bloody Isis regime in Syria and Iraq, Iswap has proven itself a more willing negotiator and has played down the importance of attacks on civilian targets in its rhetoric under al-Barnawi.

It is a concerning development for families of the other 114, however. Talks with the Shekau faction are understood to have repeatedly broken down, while his reign over the insurgency has corresponded with a particularly brutal spell in its history.

The 21 girls are getting medical attention and trauma counselling in a hospital, said Tsambido Abana, the Chibok community leader in Abuja. Some are emaciated from hunger, he said.

Nigeria's Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, said Thursday's release was "the first step" for the liberation of all the remaining girls.

"Already we are on phase two and we are already in discussions," he told journalists on Sunday.

"But of course you know these are very delicate negotiations, there are some promises we made also about the confidentiality of the entire exercise and we intend to keep them."

Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Show all 16 1 /16 Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Fifteen year old Nigerian refugee Fati, hugs her mother Mariam while carrying her sister, at the Minawao refugee camp in Northern Cameroon UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Fifteen year old Nigerian refugee Fati, carry her eight month old sister, who she last seen when she was 3 months old, at the Minawao refugee camp in Northern Cameroon. She was abducted by Boko Haram and spend four months in captivity. She was given to a man and forced to be his wife. She was eventually freed by Cameroonian soldiers and have been reunited with her family in a refugee camp in Cameroon UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Nigerian refugee's at the Minawao refugee camp in Northern Cameroon. The conflict in North-East Nigeria prompted by Boko Haram has led to widespread displacement, violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, protection risks and a severe humanitarian crisis. This is one of the fastest growing displacement crisis in Africa  one of the worlds most forgotten emergencies, with little attention from the donor community UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Nigerian refugee children at the Minawao refugee camp in Northern Cameroon UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Nigerian refugees line up to receive food aid at the Minawao refugee camp in Northern Cameroon UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Didja Damna (26) with her daughter, 17 month old Ngarvounsia, as she gets treatment at the Maroua hospital in Northern Cameroon UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Didja Damna (26) with her daughter , 17 month old Ngarvounsia, as she gets treatment at the Maroua hospital in Northern Cameroon. Didja have four other children and had her first child when she was sixteen. Ngarvounsia lost weight and have been treated for three day's in hospital and is recovering UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Fadi ,the wife of internally displaced Alagi Dubji feed her daughter, Ina Petal( 13 months) a peanut butter supplement, at their home in Maroua in Northern Cameroon. Ina received treatment for malnourishment and is doing well after she was discharged from the hospital. Alagi and his family had to flee from his village near Maroua after Boko Haram fighters burned down his house.Alagi had 40 children with 26 still alive UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram A malnourished girl gets treatment at the Maroua hospital in Northern Cameroon UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram More than 135 displacement sites have been noted along the border with Nigeria UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Temporary schools in the refugee camp of Kabelewa, counts eight classrooms for 549 pupils. Out of those 549 children, only 12 had already been to school before UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram As the river continues to dry up in April and May, we expect to see an increase in violence in the Diffa region. Both refugees and internally displaced people are affected by the insecurity, fleeing attacks and also fleeing to safer locations ahead of attacks. Generally noticed is a movement from locations near the border towards the inland area along the main road where spontaneous new sites are being created and host villages' population increasing UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Forced displacement in the region of Diffa is becoming regular and is linked to the volatile security situation in the region. Diffa, the Niger's poorest region, has been affected by the consequences of the increased acts of violence in Nigeria, conducted by the armed group Boko Haram, increasingly expanding and targeting the civilian population in Niger - and Diffa region in particular. With water levels starting to fall, the Nigeria-based armed group is seizing the opportunity to cross over the Komadougou River, into Niger from Nigeria UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Fatima Abubakar, 13, in Dar Es Salam refugee camp, Lake region of Chad. Fatima lost five family members during the attack of her small village in Nigeria, in the shores of the lake Chad. She now lives in Dar Es Salam refugee camp, in Chad, with her father, mother and 3 siblings, "The table was all set and we were just about to have our breakfast together when the gunshots started outside. We immediately left in panic. I escaped with my mother. We left in two pirogues. My mothers pirogue had a whole and they put a cloth to stop the water from entering. But they had to come back to shore. I thought I would be forever alone and that my parents were dead. I cried for days. When I met them both days later in Ngouboua (an island in Chad) I couldnt be happier. I sometimes think about our table, where the breakfast was served, and how the house would be now" UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Hafsa Mohammed sews in the UNICEF-supported child friendly space in Dar Es Salam refugee camp, Lake region of Chad. Every childs future starts with a dream and Hafsa Mohammed, 16, has a very clear idea of what she wants to become. She wants to be a successful businesswoman and own a notions store. She now lives in Daresalam refugee camp, Lake region of Chad. I have started again to sew. I used to do it back in Nigeria. My parents encouraged me to do it. It will be useful for me to start my own business and I would be happy to teach others as well, explains Hafsa UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Salta Bintou Hassan is 11. She lost her arm after an suicide attack on Bagasola market in October 2015. After spending two months in the hospital of N'Djamena, she is back with her family. Yet, her life will never be the same UNICEF

Muta Abana, the father of one of the released girls, has been living in Nasarawa state near Abuja. He said the girls' abduction has been politicised, complaining that peoples children aren't money, people's children are not clothes you wear to campaign, people's children are their pride.

And he expressed anxiety as many of the girls were reportedly forced to marry Boko Haram fighters. The Independent has previously reported on the stigma faced by former captives of the militant group, and particularly children fathered by its fighters.

Some of them came back with babies, but think about it: are we going to kill the children? Mr Abana said.

We won't be able to kill the children because it would be as if we don't want the girls to come back. God knows why it happened. Its God's will.
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Nigerias most famous polygamist has denied rumours of his death, saying he is still very much alive at 92 years old, and plans to continue taking more wives.

Mohammed Bello Abubakar is a controversial figure in the town of Bida, Niger state, where he has married more than 100 women in what he describes as a divine calling.

The cleric has no discernible income, and has clashed in the past with the local Islamic authorities, who describe his larger-than-average household as a cult.

He has outlived the majority of his 185 children, and told reporters the latest rumour of his death was the work of unspecified detractors. A media report suggested he had died after a brief illness.

My dear, I am very much alive, hale and hearty, he told Nigerias Vanguard newspaper.

The rumour is baseless and can best be described as the work of my detractors because they envy what God has done and what He is still doing for me.

What I am doing is divine. It is an assignment and I will keep doing it till the end, he added.

Mr Bello has married a total of 107 women in his time, and divorced 10, meaning that he has 97 wives according to the Punch newspapers most recent count.

He shot to international fame in August 2008, back when he had 86 wives, when he gave interviews to journalists and film crews explaining his unusual living situation and that God has asked me to do it.

Most Muslim scholars agree a man can take up to four wives, as long as he is able to look after them all equally.

But Mr Bello said his own interpretation was that the Koran does not place a limit and it is up to what your own power, your own endowment and ability allows.

That non-standard pronouncement saw him arrested later in 2008 at the request of the local Shariah Court, with the emir in Bida accusing him of creating tension by speaking to journalists.

The court released him in November 2008 on the condition that he divorce 82 of his 86 wives. He did not comply.

It is not the first time the nonagenarian has been rumoured to have died. After reports of his death surfaced in June 2012, he gave a rare in-depth interview to the The Nation in which he proclaimed he was not finished marrying yet.

My large number of wives? I only have 97 wives, he said. I am still going to marry more. I will keep marrying them for as long I am alive.

Left for me, I would have married maybe two wives, but what I am doing is divine.

I just want to advise those fighting against the number of my wives to stop because such people are waging war against God, their creator.
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Refugees and migrants risking their lives in desperate attempts to reach Europe are being forced into modern slavery by ruthless people traffickers who are imprisoning, torturing and raping those they exploit.

A new report has revealed the shocking scale of abuse by criminal gangs who prey on asylum seekers travelling across Africa  most commonly in Libya, which has become the main launching point for smugglers boats in the chaos following its civil war.

Research by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) found that almost three quarters of migrants attempting to cross the Central Mediterranean have experienced exploitation and human trafficking.

The group said practices occurring with alarming scare and frequency included forced labour, imprisonment, kidnapping, ransom and physical and sexual abuse.

 Italian coastguard rescues thousands of refugees off coast of Libya

Dipti Pardeshi, chief of mission for IOM UK, said UK Anti-Slavery Day [Tuesday] was a poignant time to examine the widespread issue and look at what can be done.

We need to remember that regardless of the reasons that people move, or their background, they deserve protection, she said.

Almost half of the men, women and children rescued in the Central Mediterranean said they had been imprisoned for ransom during their journey towards Europe, most commonly in Libya.

The research found migrants journeying via Libya are between seven and 10 times more likely to be abused than those reaching Europe from Turkey, with the likelihood of exploitation rising with the time they spend in transit at the mercy of smugglers.

Growing numbers of refugees have been using the more treacherous route since the EU-Turkey deal aimed to prevent crossings over the Aegean Sea came into effect earlier this year.

The IOMs findings were based on almost 9,000 surveys taken by refugees travelling to Europe via sea, in the first large-scale attempt to quantify the horrors long reported by refugees reaching Italy.

Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily.

Rescue workers with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) have been recording accounts of the abuses on their rescue ships, which are picking up refugees packed onto overcrowded boats launched from Libya.

The group said Libyas degeneration into chaos following the British-backed intervention to oust Muammar Gaddafi in the countrys civil war has left rival armed groups, criminal gangs and Isis vying for power.

Armed smugglers are known to frequently detain migrants in squalid conditions, demanding ransoms or forcing them into labour, beating and torturing any who cannot pay.

Menethueos*, a 23-year-old Eritrean man who fled torture and conscription in his home country, said he was kidnapped and held for four months in Libya, with his captors demanding $2,000 (1,600) for his release.

Many times they beat and tortured me, but I didnt have any family to call, he said.

They beat you when you are lying on the ground, with whatever they have in front of them. If they have an iron bar, they use it.

Migrants after they disembarked from a Red Cross rescue boat in Pozzallo on 12 August (AFP/Getty Images)

They use a lot of things. They hit you with the back of the gun. Whatever they like. They tie your hands together and your legs together and you lie on your stomach and they leave you there, day and night.

Some refugees sew money into their clothes in preparation for the ordeal, while others resort to giving up contact details for family and friends in their home countries.

Others told MSF they were shuttled between middlemen and brokers for forced labour on construction sites or farms, and were locked up in warehouses at night, until they paid their way out of captivity.

A Somali man said he was sold by a Sudanese trafficker to a Libyan man for $2,000 (1,600) to carry out agricultural labour, and saw several of his fellow captives die in the detention centre where they were held at night.

Lami, a 26-year-old Senegalese man, said he watched another man slowly die from illness, adding: In Libya, if you dont have money to pay back the people that assault you, then they beat you. I prefer to die at sea.

Women are frequently sexually abused or forced into prostitution by traffickers, with many arriving in Italy pregnant with their abusers children.

Maria* a Cameroonian woman rescued from a migrant ship in June, was abducted by four armed men who forced her into prostitution and raped her repeatedly.

Migrants crossing the Sahara desert into Libya ride on the back of a pickup truck outside Agadez, Niger, May 9, 2016 (Reuters)

Selling people is normal in Libya, the 26-year-old said. Everybody has a gun in Libya  children too.

I spent three and a half months in Libya, in two different houses. One day a girl died in front of us. She was sick, no food, and no water.

The reward for those who work or pay their way out of captivity is to be loaded onto a boat over the Central Mediterranean  now the most dangerous sea crossing in the world.

More than 3,100 migrants have died on the route this year  drowning or suffocating in overcrowded holds  putting 2016 on course to be the deadliest ever year for refugees trying to reach Europe.

Those who survive the journey often arrive injured or scarred. A doctor working at a treatment centre in Sicily previously told The Independent she had found bullets still lodged in refugees bodies, bones broken from beatings, internal injuries from rapes and scars from lashing.

For others the scars are harder to spot  more than half of asylum seekers arriving in Italy are diagnosed with mental health issues, mostly triggered by trauma in their home countries or during their journeys to Europe.

Refugees struggle not to drown as they wait to be rescued in the Mediterranean Sea, north of Libya on 4 October 2016. (AFP/Getty Images)

Almost 320,000 asylum seekers have arrived by sea this year, with the majority travelling over the Central Mediterranean after the controversial EU-Turkey deal came into effect in March, seeing anyone arriving on Greek islands detained under threat of deportation.

Around 1,800 refugees have reached Greece this month, compared to almost 13,000 in Italy, where most arrivals are from Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan, Gambia, the Ivory Coast and other African nations.

Kevin Hyland OBE, the UKs independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, said urgent action was needed to protect refugees.

The migration crisis is clearly being used by human trafficking networks to target and brutally exploit the most vulnerable, he added.

I believe that a key focus for the UK and other governments must include collaborating with partners to prioritise safeguarding against the risks of modern slavery as part of the response to the migration and refugee crisis, in addition to scaling up targeted frontline anti-trafficking safeguarding and law enforcement operations.

A Home Office spokesperson said: We have made an historic 33.5m investment in modern slavery from our aid budget focused on high-risk countries, where we know victims are regularly trafficked to the UK.

*Names have been changed to protect identities
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At least 18 people have been killed, with some burned alive and beheaded, in violence at two Brazilian jails, authorities have said.

Around 100 relatives of the inmates, mostly women, were taken hostage during one of the riots, which was sparked by rifts between two rival criminal factions at the Agricola de Monte Cristo prison in the Roraima state capital, Boa Vista, officials said.

The clash between two rival gangs killed 10 on Sunday, regional government spokeswoman Jessica Laurie told AFP.

"The inmates were armed with stones and pieces of wood that they ripped from the walls. They used those bits of wood to decapitate their rivals. It was very brutal," she said.

"Seven bodies were found burned and three others beheaded."

The confrontation has been blamed on members of the Primeiro Comando da Capital faction invading a prison wing where inmates from the Comando Vermelho faction were held. The two groups are some of Brazil's biggest gangs.

Prisons nationwide have been on alert since the rival gangs declared war, Roraima state Justice Secretary Uziel Castro said.

But guards were caught by surprise on Sunday because the riot broke out during visiting hours - a traditional time of truce, he added.

Local media reported that 25 inmates had been killed in the violence on Sunday.

Another riot broke out on Monday at a prison in the northwestern state of Rondonia, officials said.

"A group of inmates blocked their rivals in their cell and set it on fire. We suspect a clash between rival factions," a police official in the state capital, Porto Velho, said.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. 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Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. 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"There are thought to be eight people dead, but the bodies are burned and the medical authorities will have to confirm" the toll, a police spokesman said.

The incident "is a reflection of the lack of interest from the state government" in the prison system, the head of the union of Roraima penal workers, Joana Moura, told the Folha de Boa Vista newspaper.

"There is no security equipment, there is not enough personnel for the tasks, and the prison officers are working beyond their capacity," he said.

Some 622,000 people were imprisoned in Brazil as of the end of 2014, according to a Ministry of Justice report, which added that most of the prisoners are black males.

That makes it the world's fourth-largest prison population, the report said, after the United States, China and Russia.

Additional reporting by agencies
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George W Bush has a lot of blood on his hands - at least in the eyes of younger generations.

According to a new survey, one third of millennial, generation X and Z respondents believe that more people were killed while Bush was US president than under the dictatorship of former Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin.

Only 5 per cent of millennials were unfamiliar with the former US president - his decision to invade Iraq took place within recent memory - while 18 per cent were unfamiliar with Stalin.

The results were revealed in the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundations first "annual report on US attitudes towards socialism".

"It is because of such widespread ignorance about communism that we formed the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, which is dedicated to telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth," Lee Edwards, co-founder of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, told the Daily Signal.

"Ronald Reagan said that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,'" he added.

"It is the solemn obligation of this generation to educate the rising generation about the manifold victims and crimes of the deadliest ism of the last 100 yearscommunism."

Respondents also "grossly underestimated" the death toll of communism, with only a quarter of respondents correctly identifying that "over 100 million people" had been killed.

The survey was carried out among 2,300 people with a margin of error of 2.8 per cent.

Younger respondents were more unfamiliar with past communist leaders, including Mao Zedong, Che Guevara and Vladimir Lenin. While 57 per cent of Americans overall had a "very unfavorable" view of communism, just 37 per cent of millennials shared the same view.

The Foundations website explains it was established by an act of congress in 1993 to build a memorial in Washington DC to commemorate the more than 100 million victims of communism.

The organisation seeks to "memorialize, educate, and document the grim history of communism around the world".
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Their public conference had been interrupted by a demonstration march and a bomb threat, so the white nationalists decided to meet secretly instead. They slipped past police officers and protesters into a hotel in downtown Memphis. The country had elected its first black president just a few days earlier, and now in November 2008, dozens of the worlds most prominent racists wanted to strategize for the years ahead.

The fight to restore White America begins now, their agenda read.

The room was filled in part by former heads of the Ku Klux Klan and prominent neo-Nazis, but one of the keynote speeches had been reserved for a Florida community college student who had just turned 19. Derek Black was already hosting his own radio show. He had launched a white nationalist website for children and won a local political election in Florida. The leading light of our movement, was how the conference organizer introduced him, and then Derek stepped to the lectern.

The way ahead is through politics, he said. We can infiltrate. We can take the country back.

Years before Donald Trump launched a presidential campaign based in part on the politics of race and division, a group of avowed white nationalists was working to make his rise possible by pushing its ideology from the radical fringes ever closer to the far conservative right. Many attendees in Memphis had transformed over their careers from Klansmen to white supremacists to self-described racial realists, and Derek Black represented another step in that evolution.

He never used racial slurs. He didnt advocate violence or lawbreaking. He had won a Republican committee seat in Palm Beach County, Fla., where Trump also had a home, without ever mentioning white nationalism, talking instead about the ravages of political correctness, affirmative action and unchecked Hispanic immigration.

He was not only a leader of racial politics but also a product of them. His father, Don Black, had created Stormfront, the Internets first and largest white nationalist site, with 300,000 users and counting. His mother, Chloe, had once been married to David Duke, one of the countrys most infamous racial zealots, and Duke had become Dereks godfather. They had raised Derek at the forefront of the movement, and some white nationalists had begun calling him the heir.

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Now Derek spoke in Memphis about the future of their ideology. The Republican Party has to be either demolished or taken over, he said. Im kind of banking on the Republicans staking their claim as the white party.

A few people in the audience started to clap, and then a few more began to whistle, and before long the whole group was applauding. Our moment, Derek said, because at least in this room there was consensus. They believed white nationalism was about to drive a political revolution. They believed, at least for the moment, that Derek would help lead it.

Years from now, we will look back on this, he said. The great intellectual move to save white people started today.

***

Don Black poses for a portrait earlier this month in Crossville, Tenn. Black established the white nationalist website Stormfront, which has grown to more than 300,000 users. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Eight years later, that future they envisioned in Memphis was finally being realized in the presidential election of 2016. Donald Trump was retweeting white supremacists. Hillary Clinton was making speeches about the rise of white hate and quoting David Duke, who had launched his own campaign for the U.S. Senate.

White nationalism had bullied its way toward the very center of American politics, and yet, one of the people who knew the ideology best was no longer anywhere near that center. Derek had just turned 27, and instead of leading the movement, he was trying to untangle himself not only from the national moment but also from a life he no longer understood.

From the very beginning, that life had taken place within the insular world of white nationalism, where there was never any doubt about what whiteness could mean in the United States. Derek had been taught that America was intended as a place for white Europeans and that everyone else would eventually have to leave. He was told to be suspicious of other races, of the U.S. government, of tap water and of pop culture. His parents pulled him out of public school in West Palm Beach at the end of third grade, when they heard his black teacher say the word aint. By then, Derek was one of only a few white students in a class of mostly Hispanics and Haitians, and his parents decided he would be better off at home.

Derek Black, at age 9, at a gathering in Jackson, Miss., of the white nationalist Council of Conservative Citizens. He is pictured with then-Mississippi Gov. Kirk Fordice. (Derek Black)

It is a shame how many White minds are wasted in that system, Derek wrote shortly thereafter, on the Stormfront childrens website he built at age 10. I am no longer attacked by gangs of non whites. I am learning pride in myself, my family and my people.

Because he was home-schooled, white nationalism could become a focus of his education. It also meant he had the freedom to begin traveling with his father, who left for several weeks each year to speak at white nationalist conferences in the Deep South. Don Black had grown up in Alabama, where in the 1970s, he joined a group called the White Youth Alliance, led by David Duke, who at the time was married to Chloe. That relationship eventually dissolved, and years later, Don and Chloe reconnected, married and had Derek in 1989. They moved into Chloes childhood home in West Palm Beach to raise Derek along with Chloes two young daughters. There were Guatemalan immigrants living down the block and Jewish retirees moving into a condo nearby. Usurpers, Don sometimes called them, but Chloe didnt want to move away from her aging mother in Florida, so Don settled for taking long road trips to the whitest parts of the South.

Don and Derek always stayed on those trips with Dons friends from the white power movement, and soon Derek had heard many of their stories. There was the time his father, then 16, was shot in the chest while working on a segregationist campaign in Georgia. There was the day in 1981 when he and eight other extremists made plans to board a boat stocked with dynamite, automatic weapons and a Nazi flag. Their plan, called Operation Red Dog, was to take over the tiny Caribbean island nation of Dominica, but instead Don had been caught, arrested and sentenced to three years in prison. He learned some computer programming in federal prison and eventually launched Stormfront in 1995 under the motto: White Pride World Wide.

Over the years, his website attracted all kinds of extremists: skinheads, militia groups, terrorists and Holocaust deniers. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, a hate-watch group, a handful of the people who posted on Stormfront had gone on to commit hate crimes, including killings. One message board user shot and wounded three children at a Jewish day-care center in Los Angeles in 1999. Another killed his Jewish neighbor in 2000 in a town near Pittsburgh. We attract too many sociopaths, Don posted, and he decided that more moderation would give Stormfront greater mainstream credibility.

By then Stormfront had become his full-time job, even though he wasnt making much money and the family was getting by on Chloes salary as an executive assistant. Each morning, she would go to work, and Don would go to his crowded desk in their single-story house, where he recruited authors and academics from the alternative right to post on his site.

In 2008, he banned slurs, Nazi symbols and threats of violence, even as other parts of his own language remained unchanged. He didnt have friends so much as comrades. Everyone was either with us or against us, sympathetic or an enemy, so Derek strengthened his relationship with his father by becoming his greatest ideological ally.

Derek learned Web coding and designed the Stormfront site for children. He was interviewed about hate speech on Nickelodeon, daytime talk shows, HBO and in USA Today. The devil child, was how Don sometimes referred to him, with pride and affection.

But Don also read through nasty emails his son received from strangers who were offended by the Stormfront childrens page, and he began to worry about a 13-year-old who was becoming so familiar with the two-way transaction of prejudice and hate.

You will rot in hell, read one email, in 2002.

I WISH you were in the same room as me right now, read another. You would have to eat through a straw, you low life scumbag.

Don told Derek to stop checking his messages. He would later remember wondering: Did I foist this onto him? Is he just doing this for me? He asked Derek whether he wanted to shut down the childrens page, but Derek said the emails didnt bother him. That was the enemy. Who cared what they thought?

***

Ku Klux Klan grand wizard Don Black, center, at the cross-burning climax of a Klan recruitment rally in 1982. Black would later leave the Klan and begin describing himself as a white civil rights advocate or a racial realist. (Bettmann Archive)

After that, Don began to see something different when he looked at his son: not just a child born into the movement but also an emerging leader, with drive and conviction that seemed entirely his own. Don had spent more than four decades waiting for whites to have a racial awakening in America, and now he began to think that the teenager living in his house could be a potential catalyst.

All of my strengths without any of my weaknesses, Don would later say about Derek back then. He was smarter than me. He had more insight. He never held himself back.

So many others in white nationalism had come to their conclusions out of anger and fear, but Derek tended to like most people he met, regardless of race. Instead, he sought out logic and science to confirm his worldview, reading studies from conservative think tanks about biological differences between races, IQ disparities and rates of violent crime committed by blacks against whites. He launched a daily radio show to share his views, and Don paid $275 each week to have it broadcast on the AM station in nearby Lake Worth. On the air, Derek helped popularize the idea of a white genocide, that whites were losing their culture and traditions to massive, nonwhite immigration. If we say it a thousand times  White genocide! We are losing control of our country!  politicians are going to start saying it, too, he said. He repeated the idea in interviews, Stormfront posts and during his speech at the conference in Memphis, when he was at his most certain.

Derek finished high school, enrolled in community college and ran for a seat on the Republican committee, beating an incumbent with 60 percent of the vote. He decided he wanted to study medieval European history, so he applied to New College of Florida, a top-ranked liberal arts school with a strong history program.

We want you to make history, not just study it, Don and Chloe sometimes reminded him.

New College ranked as one of the most liberal schools in the state  most pot-friendly, most gay-friendly, Don explained on the radio  and to some white nationalists, it seemed a bizarre choice. Once, on the air, a friend asked Don whether he worried about sending his son to a hotbed of multiculturalism, and Don started to laugh.

If anyone is going to be influenced here, it will be them, he said. Soon enough, the whole faculty and student body are going to know who they have in their midst.

***

At first they knew nothing about him, and Derek tried to keep it that way. New College was in Sarasota, three hours across the state, and it was the first time Derek had lived away from home. He attended an introductory college meeting about diversity and concluded that the quickest way to be ostracized was to proclaim himself a racist. He decided not to mention white nationalism on campus, at least until he had made some friends.

Most of the other students in his dorm were college freshmen, and as a 21-year-old transfer student, Derek already had a car and a legal ID to buy beer. The qualities that had once made him seem quirky  shoulder-length red hair, the cowboy hat he wore, a passion for medieval re-enactment  made him a good fit for New College, where many of the 800 students were a little bit weird. He forged his own armor and dressed as a knight for Halloween. He watched zombie movies with students from his dorm, a group that included a Peruvian immigrant and an Orthodox Jew.

Maybe they were usurpers, as his father had said, but Derek also kind of liked them, and gradually he went from keeping his convictions quiet to actively disguising them. When another student mentioned that he had been reading about the racist implications of Lord of the Rings on a website called Stormfront, Derek pretended he had never heard of it.

Meanwhile, early each weekday morning, he would go outside and call in to his radio show. He told friends these were regular calls home to his parents, and in a way, that was true. Every morning, it was Derek and his father, cued in by music from Merle Haggards Im a White Boy. Derek often repeated his belief that whites were being wiped out  a genocide in our own country, he said. He told listeners the problem was massive, nonwhite immigration. He said Obama was an anti-white radical. He said white voters were just waiting for a politician who actually talks about all the ways whites are being stepped on. He said it was the critical fight of our lifetime. Then he hung up and went back to the dorm to play Taylor Swift songs on his guitar or to take one of the colleges sailboats onto Sarasota Bay.

He left after one semester to study abroad in Germany, because he wanted to learn the language. He kept in touch with New College partly through a student message board, known as the forum, whose updates were automatically sent to his email.

One night in April 2011, Derek noticed a message posted to all students at 1:56 a.m. It was written by someone Derek didnt know  an upperclassman who had been researching terrorist groups online when he stumbled across a familiar face.

Have you seen this man? the message read, and beneath those words was a picture that was unmistakable. The red hair. The cowboy hat.

Derek black: white supremacist, radio hostnew college student??? the post read. How do we as a community respond?

***

Derek Black speaks shortly after his election to the Republican Partys executive committee in Palm Beach County, Fla. (Richard Graulich/The Palm Beach Post)

By the time Derek returned to campus for the next semester, more than a thousand responses had been written to that post. It was the biggest message thread in the history of a school that Derek now wanted badly to avoid. He returned to Sarasota, applied for permission to live outside of required student housing and rented a room a few miles away.

A few of his friends from the previous year emailed to say they felt betrayed, and strangers sometimes flipped him off from a safe distance on campus. But, for the most part, Derek avoided public spaces, and other students mostly stared or left him alone, even as their speculation about him continued on the forum.

Maybe hes trying to get away from a life he didnt choose.

He chooses to be a racist public figure. We choose to call him a racist in public.

I just want this guy to die a painful death along with his entire family. Is that too much to ask?

Id like to see Derek Black respond to all of this. 

Instead of replying, Derek read the forum and used it as motivation to plan a conference for white nationalists in East Tennessee. Victory through Argumentation: Verbal tactics for anyone white and normal, he wrote in the invitation. He had spoken at several conferences, including the one in Memphis, but only now did he feel compelled to create another event as white nationalism continued to spread. The white genocide idea he had been championing had finally become a fixture of conservative radio. David Duke had started trying to build a relationship with our friends and allies in the tea party. Donald Trump had riveted the alt-right with his investigation into Obamas birth certificate, and one Gallup poll suggested that only 38 percent of Americans definitely believed Obama was born in the United States.

A critical juncture to keep increasing the profile of our movement, Derek said on the radio, so he registered 150 attendees and scheduled speeches by his father, Duke and other separatist icons.

Another New College student learned about the conference and posted details on the forum, where gradually a new way of thinking had begun to emerge.

Ostracizing Derek wont accomplish anything, one student wrote.

We have a chance to be real activists and actually affect one of the leaders of white supremacy in America. This is not an exaggeration. It would be a victory for civil rights.

Whos clever enough to think of something we can do to change this guys mind?

One of Dereks acquaintances from that first semester decided he might have an idea. He started reading Stormfront and listening to Dereks radio show. Then, in late September, he sent Derek a text message.

What are you doing Friday night? he wrote.

***

Matthew Stevenson had started hosting weekly Shabbat dinners at his campus apartment shortly after enrolling in New College in 2010. He was the only Orthodox Jew at a school with little Jewish infrastructure, so he began cooking for a small group of students at his apartment each Friday night. Matthew always drank from a kiddush cup and said the traditional prayers, but most of his guests were Christian, atheist, black or Hispanic  anyone open-minded enough to listen to a few blessings in Hebrew. Now, in the fall of 2011, Matthew invited Derek to join them.

Matthew had spent a few weeks debating whether it was a good idea. He and Derek had lived near each other in the dorm, but they hadnt spoken since Derek was exposed on the forum. Matthew, who almost always wore a yarmulke, had experienced enough anti-Semitism in his life to be familiar with the KKK, David Duke and Stormfront. He went back and read some of Dereks posts on the site from 2007 and 2008: Jews are NOT white. Jews worm their way into power over our society. They must go.

Matthew decided his best chance to affect Dereks thinking was not to ignore him or confront him, but simply to include him. Maybe hed never spent time with a Jewish person before, Matthew remembered thinking.

It was the only social invitation Derek had received since returning to campus, so he agreed to go. The Shabbat meals had sometimes included eight or 10 students, but this time only a few showed up. Lets try to treat him like anyone else, Matthew remembered instructing them.

Derek arrived with a bottle of wine. Nobody mentioned white nationalism or the forum, out of respect for Matthew. Derek was quiet and polite, and he came back the next week and then the next, until after a few months, nobody felt all that threatened, and the Shabbat group grew back to its original size.

On the rare occasions when Derek directed conversation during those dinners, it was about the particulars of Arabic grammar, or marine aquatics, or the roots of Christianity in medieval times. He came across as smart and curious, and mostly he listened. He heard a Peruvian immigrant tell stories about attending a high school that was 90 percent Hispanic. He asked Matthew about his opinions on Israel and Palestine. They were both still wary of each other: Derek wondered whether Matthew was trying to get him drunk so he would say offensive things that would appear on the forum; Matthew wondered whether Derek was trying to cultivate a Jewish friend to protect himself against charges of anti-Semitism. But they also liked each other, and they started playing pool at a bar near campus.

Some members of the Shabbat group gradually began to ask Derek about his views, and he occasionally clarified them in conversations and emails throughout 2011 and 2012. He said he was pro-choice on abortion. He said he was against the death penalty. He said he didnt believe in violence or the KKK or Nazism or even white supremacy, which he insisted was different from white nationalism. He wrote in an email that his only concern was that massive immigration and forced integration was going to result in a white genocide. He said he believed in the rights of all races but thought each was better off in its own homeland, living separately.

You have never clarified, Derek, one of his Shabbat friends wrote to him. Youve never said, Hey all, this is what I do believe and this is what I dont. Its not the job of someone whos potentially scared/intimidated by someone else to approach that person to see if they are in fact scary/intimidating.

I guess I only value the opinions of people I know, Derek wrote back, and now he was beginning to count his Shabbat friends among those he knew and respected. Youre naturally right that I deemphasize my own role, he wrote to them.

He decided early in his final year at New College to finally respond on the forum. He wanted his friends on campus to feel comfortable, even if he still believed some of their homelands were elsewhere. He sat at a coffee shop and began writing his post, softening his ideology with each successive draft. He no longer thought the endpoint of white nationalism was forced deportation for nonwhites, but gradual self-deportation, in which nonwhites would leave on their own. He didnt believe in self-deportation right now, at least not for his friends, but just eventually, in concept.

Its been brought to my attention that people might be scared or intimidated or even feel unsafe here because of things said about me, he began. I wanted to try to address these concerns publicly, as they absolutely should not exist. I do not support oppression of anyone because of his or her race, creed, religion, gender, socioeconomic status or anything similar.

The forum post, intended only for the college, was leaked to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), which kept a public Intelligence File on Derek and other racist leaders, and the group emailed Derek for clarification. Was he disavowing white nationalism? Your views are now quite different from what many people thought, the email read.

Derek received the message while vacationing in Europe during winter break. He was staying with Duke, who had started broadcasting his radio show from a part of Europe with lenient free-speech laws. The tea party is taking some of these ideas mainstream, Duke said on a broadcast one morning. Whites are finally coming around to my point of view, he said another day, and even if Derek now thought some of what Duke said sounded exaggerated or even alarming, the man was still his godfather. Derek wrote back to the SPLC from Dukes couch.

Everything I said (on the forum) is true, he wrote. I also believe in White Nationalism. My post and my racial ideology are not mutually exclusive concepts.

***

Former Ku Klux Klan leader and current U.S. Senate candidate David Duke campaigns in Louisiana. Duke acted as a godfather and a mentor to Derek Black during his rise in white nationalism. (Gerald Herbert/AP)

But the unstated truth was that Derek was becoming more and more confused about exactly what he believed. Sometimes he looked through posts on Stormfront, hoping to reaffirm his ideology, but now the message threads about Obamas birth certificate or DNA tests for citizenship just seemed bizarre and conspiratorial. He stopped posting on Stormfront. He began inventing excuses to get out of his radio show, leaving his father alone on the air each morning to explain why Derek wouldnt be calling in. He was preparing for a test. He was giving those liberal professors hell. Except sometimes what Derek was really doing was taking his kayak to the beach, so he could be alone to think.

He had always based his opinions on fact, and lately his logic was being dismantled by emails from his Shabbat friends. They sent him links to studies showing that racial disparities in IQ could largely be explained by extenuating factors like prenatal nutrition and educational opportunities. They gave him scientific papers about the effects of discrimination on blood pressure, job performance and mental health. He read articles about white privilege and the unfair representation of minorities on television news. One friend emailed: The geNOcide against whites is incredibly, horribly insulting and degrading to real, actual, lived and experienced genocides against Jews, against Rwandans, against Armenians, etc.

I dont hate anyone because of race or religion, Derek clarified on the forum.

I am not a white supremacist, he wrote.

I dont believe people of any race, religion or otherwise should have to leave their homes or be segregated or lose any freedom.

Derek, a friend responded. I feel like you are a representative of a movement you barely buy into. You need to identify with more than 1/50th of a belief system to consider it your belief system.

He was taking classes in Jewish scripture and German multiculturalism during his last year at New College, but most of his research was focused on medieval Europe. He learned that Western Europe had begun not as a great society of genetically superior people but as a technologically backward place that lagged behind Islamic culture. He studied the 8th century to the 12th century, trying to trace back the modern concepts of race and whiteness, but he couldnt find them anywhere. We basically just invented it, he concluded.

Get out of this, one of his Shabbat friends emailed a few weeks after Dereks graduation in May 2013, urging Derek to publicly disavow white nationalism. Get out before it ruins some part of your future more than it already irreparably has.

Derek stayed near campus to housesit for a professor after graduation, and he began to consider making a public statement. He knew he no longer believed in white nationalism, and he had made plans to distance himself from his past by changing part of his name and moving across the country for graduate school. His instinct was to slip away quietly, but his advocacy had always been public  a legacy of radio shows, Internet posts, TV appearances, and an annual conference on racial tactics.

He was still considering what to do when he returned home to visit his parents later that summer. His father was tracking the rise of white nationalism on cable TV, and his parents were talking about enemies and comrades in the ongoing war, but now it sounded ridiculous to Derek. He spent the day rebuilding windows with them, which was one of Dereks quirky hobbies that his parents had always supported. They had bought his guitar and joined in his medieval re-enactments. They had paid his tuition at the liberal arts college where he had Shabbat dinners. They had taught him, most of all, to be independent and ideological, and to speak his beliefs even when doing so resulted in backlash.

He left the house that night and went to a bar. He took out his computer and began writing a statement.

A large section of the community I grew up in believes strongly in white nationalism, and members of my family whom I respect greatly, particularly my father, have long been resolute advocates for that cause. I was not prepared to risk driving a wedge in those relationships.

After a great deal of thought since then, I have resolved that it is in the best interests of everyone involved to be honest about my slow but steady disaffiliation from white nationalism. I cant support a movement that tells me I cant be a friend to whomever I wish or that other peoples races require me to think of them in a certain way or be suspicious at their advancements.

The things I have said as well as my actions have been harmful to people of color, people of Jewish descent, activists striving for opportunity and fairness for all. I am sorry for the damage done.

He continued to write for several more paragraphs before addressing an email to the SPLC, the group his father had considered a primary adversary for 40 years.

Publish in full, Derek instructed. Then he attached the letter and hit send.

***

Don Black poses for a portrait at a park Oct. 2, 2016, in Crossville, Tenn. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Don was at the computer the next afternoon searching Google when Dereks name popped up in a headline on his screen. For a decade, Don had been typing Stormfront and Derek Black into the search bar a few times each week to track his sons public rise in white nationalism. This particular story had been published by the SPLC, which Don had always referred to as the Poverty Palace.

Activist Son of Key Racist Leader Renounces White Nationalism, it read, and Don began to read the letter. It had phrases like structural oppression, privilege, limited opportunity, and marginalized groups  the kind of liberal-apologist language Don and Derek had often made fun of on the radio.

You got hacked, Don remembered telling Derek, once he reached him on the phone.

Its real, Derek said, and then he heard the sound of his father hanging up.

For the next few hours, Don was in disbelief. Maybe Derek was pulling a prank on him. Maybe he still believed in white nationalism but just wanted an easier life.

Derek called back, and this time his mother answered. She said that she didnt want to speak to him. She handed the phone to Don, and his voice was shaky and tearful. Derek had never heard him that way. I cant talk, Don said, and he hung up again.

Later that night, Don logged on to the Stormfront message board. Im sure this will be all over the Net and our local media, so Ill start here, he wrote, posting a link to Dereks letter. I dont want to talk to him. He says he doesnt understand why wed feel betrayed just because he announced his personal beliefs to our worst enemies.

For the next several days, Don couldnt bring himself to post anything more. I was a little depressed anyway, but at that point I wanted to quit everything, he said later, remembering that time. Whats the point? I didnt do much of anything for probably 10 days. It was the worst event of my adult life.

He logged back onto Stormfront a week later. After a miserable seven days, I feel the need to vent, he wrote. I only know what Derek tells me, which has been baffling. Ive decided he really believes this crap. Derek repeated his belief that family ties are separate from politics. I said that obviously wasnt true with a family centered around political activism.

Hundreds of posts quickly followed. Some offered Don condolences. Others said that Derek was a traitor or that Don could no longer be trusted, either. Don wrote a few posts in response, sometimes defending Derek and other times distancing himself, until after a few weeks it all hurt too much.

Im closing this thread, Don wrote, finally, describing it as an open wound.

***

Derek returned home a few weeks later for his fathers birthday, even though his mother and his half-sisters had asked him not to come. I think I might be getting disowned, Derek had written to one college friend. But he was about to leave Florida for graduate school, and he wanted to say goodbye.

He arrived at his grandmothers house for the party, and he would later remember how strange it felt when his half-sisters would barely acknowledge him. His mother was polite but cold. Don tried to invite Derek inside, but the rest of the family wanted him to leave. I got uninvited to my own party, Don later remembered. They said if I wanted to see him, we both had to go.

They left and went for a drive, first to the beach and then to a restaurant, where they sat at a booth near the back. Derek still had his dry sense of humor. He still made smart observations about politics and history. Same old Derek, Don concluded, after a few hours, and that fact surprised him. His grief had been so profound that hed expected some physical manifestation of the loss. Instead, he found himself forgetting for several minutes at a time that Derek was now living on the other side.

Don asked Derek about the theories that had emerged on the Stormfront message thread. Was he just faking a change to have an easier career? Was this his way of rebelling?

When Derek denied those things, Don mentioned the theory he himself had come to believe  the one David Duke had posited in the first hours after Dereks letter went public: Stockholm syndrome. Derek had become a hostage to liberal academia and then experienced empathy for his captors.

Thats so patronizing, Derek remembered saying. How can I prove this is what I really believe?

He tried to convince Don for a few hours at the restaurant. He told him about white privilege and repeated the scientific studies about institutionalized racism. He mentioned the great Islamic societies that had developed algebra and predicted a lunar eclipse. He said that now, as he recognized strains of white nationalism spreading into mainstream politics, he felt accountable. Its not just that I was wrong. Its that it caused real damage, he remembered saying.

I cant believe Im arguing with you, of all people, about racial realities, Don remembered telling him.

The restaurant was closing, and they were no closer to an understanding. Derek went to sleep at his grandmothers house. Then he woke up early and started driving across the country alone.

***

Derek Black is pictured Sept. 25, 2016. Its scary to know that I helped spread this stuff, and now its out there, he told a friend, alluding to the ideology he once promoted. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Every day since then, Derek had been working to put distance between himself and his past. He was still living across the country after finishing his masters degree, and he was starting to learn Arabic to be able to study the history of early Islam. He hadnt spoken to anyone in white nationalism since his defection, aside from occasional calls home to his parents. Instead, hed spent his time catching up on aspects of pop culture hed once been taught to discredit: liberal newspaper columns, rap music and Hollywood movies. Hed come to admire President Obama. He decided to trust the U.S. government. He started drinking tap water. He had taken budget trips to Barcelona, Paris, Dublin, Nicaragua and Morocco, immersing himself in as many cultures as he could.

He joined a new online message group, this one for couch surfers, and he opened up his one-bedroom apartment to strangers looking for a temporary place to stay. It felt increasingly good to trust people  to try to interact without prejudice or judgment  and after a while, Derek began to feel detached from the person he had been.

But then came the election campaign of 2016, and suddenly the white nationalism Derek had been trying to unlearn was the unavoidable subtext to national debates over refugees, immigration, Black Lives Matter and the election itself. Late in August, Derek watched in his apartment as Hillary Clinton gave a major speech about the rise of racism. She explained how white supremacists had rebranded themselves as white nationalists. She referenced Duke and mentioned the concept of a white genocide, which Derek had once helped popularize. She talked about how Trump had hired a campaign manager with ties to the alt-right. She said: A fringe movement has essentially taken over the Republican Party.

It was the very same point Derek had spent so much of his life believing in, but now it made him feel both fearful for the country and implicated. Its scary to know that I helped spread this stuff, and now its out there, he told one of his Shabbat friends.

He also wondered whether he would ever be able to completely detach himself from his past, when so much about it remained public. He was still occasionally recognized as a former racist in graduate school; still written into the will of a man he had befriended through white nationalism; still the godson of Duke; still the son of Chloe and Don.

Late this summer, for the first time in years, he traveled to Florida to see them. At a time of increasingly contentious rhetoric, he wanted to hear what his father had to say. They sat in the house and talked about graduate school and Dons new German shepherd. But after a while, their conversation turned back to ideology, the topic they had always preferred.

Don, who usually didnt vote, said he was going to support Trump.

Derek said he had taken an online political quiz, and his views aligned 97 percent with Hillary Clintons.

Don said immigration restrictions sounded like a good start.

Derek said he actually believed in more immigration, because he had been studying the social and economic benefits of diversity.

Don thought that would result in a white genocide.

Derek thought race was a false concept anyway.

They sat across from each other, searching for ways to bridge the divide. The bay was one block away. Just across from there was Mar-a-Lago, where Trump had lived and vacationed for so many years, once installing an 80-foot pole for a gigantic American flag.

Who would have thought hed be the one to take it mainstream? Don said, and in a moment of so much division, it was the one point on which they agreed.

The Washington Post
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Donald Trump could be planning to launch a TV station soon after the election, according to new reports.

Some have suggested that Mr Trumps plan for Trump TV might be his way of seizing on the fans he has cultivated as part of his election campaign. Mr Trumps campaign may even be partly motivated by a potential plan to establish a media empire, others have said.

Mr Trumps son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner has approached the head of LionTree, an investment bank experienced in media deals, according to the Financial Times. The conversation was brief and hasnt moved on since they spoke in the last couple of months, the paper reported, but Mr Kushner may have consulted with other people in the time since.

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March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

The rumour coincides with a range of other suggestions that Mr Trump is looking to pursue his own media businesses.

Mr Trump has repeatedly complained that the attention he has generated is benefiting the TV stations but not himself.

And he has railed against the media as it exists repeatedly. He regularly tweets that media organisations are failing and losing viewers, in implicit comparison with his growing audience on social media and elsewhere.

But he has in the past denied that he is interested in starting a media company.

I have no interest in a media company, he told the Washington Post after a recent report. False rumour.

Vanity Fair reported earlier this year that Mr Trump was planning to launch a media business after the presidential election. He hoped to to be able to use the supporters of his bid for president to build an audience quickly for the TV station, Sarah Ellison reported.

Trump is indeed considering creating his own media business, built on the audience that has supported him thus far in his bid to become the next president of the United States, she wrote. According to several people briefed on the discussions, the presumptive Republican nominee is examining the opportunity presented by the audience currently supporting him.

Ms Ellison reported that Trump TV would be expected to go ahead whether or not he won the election.

 Donald Trump word for word repeating claims of conspiracy theorist who thinks Hillary Clinton is a demon

Mr Trumps campaign is run by Stephen Bannon, an American media executive who was until very recently the head of right-wing media organisation Breitbart News. And Mr Trump is close friends with Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, but he would be banned from working on the channel under the terms of the agreement he signed when he left the channel earlier this year.

Some of the most important stars on Fox News, including Trump supporter Sean Hannity, will be able to leave the channel, however. Mr Hannity and colleague Bill oReilly were one of many who had clauses in their contracts that let them leave if Mr Ailes did, the Financial Times noted. However, that clause is due to expire at some point in the near future.
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Donald Trump is reportedly taking his ideas word for word from a conspiracy theorist who thinks Hillary Clinton is an actual demon, and that the Sandy Hook massacre of 20 young children was faked.

With his ranting style and outlandish claims, the right-wing radio host Alex Jones has always been on the extreme fringes of the US media. But in a recent interview he has revealed that his views are being taken very seriously by Trump, who could soon be the most powerful man in the world.

Many of Trumps most controversial campaign moments can be linked to Jones. The Republican insisted in May that there was no drought in California, and that the government was taking the water and shoving it out to sea to protect a three-inch fish. Thirteen months earlier, Jones claimed in a video that the government was literally draining water into the sea all for the sake of a three-inch fish.

In a video called An Emergency Message To Donald Trump Jones asks Trump to seriously think about making the issue of Hillarys election fraud in the primaries one of the central issues to defeating her in November. Two days later it was, with Trump declaring Im afraid the election is going to be rigged, I have to be honest. In his speech he also called Clinton the devil for the first time in public, repeating another of Jones beliefs.

 Donald Trump word for word repeating claims of conspiracy theorist who thinks Hillary Clinton is a demon

In his interview with the journalist Jon Ronson, which forms part of a Kindle Single on the Republican campaign, Jones also suggests he gave Trump the cue to invite Russia to hack Clintons emails. Id said, If the Russians got the emails Hillary deleted, please release them. And then he says.

Trump has been linked to Jones before. The presidential candidate has called him a nice guy and appeared on his Infowars show last December. Your reputation is amazing, Trump said. I will not let you down. You will be very, very impressed, I hope. And I think well be speaking a lot.

Jones says he has talked to the Republican candidate on the phone and used YouTube videos to send the Republican candidate ideas. I put a video out, a message to Trump, he tells Ronson. And then two days later he lays out the case. Its like sending up the Bat Signal. He has also previously said that to talk about issues here on air and then word for word hear Trump say it two days later it is amazing. The Trump campaign did not reply when asked to comment on this aspect of their relationship.

What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? Show all 8 1 /8 What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On the leaked tape from 2005 where he talks about sexually assaulting women I'm very embarrassed by it, I hate it, but it's locker room talk. It's one of those things. I will knock the hell out of Isis Getty What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On Hillary Clinton I hate to say it but if I win I'm going to instruct my attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation. There has never been so many lies, so much deception. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Rex What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On Bill Clinton What he's done to women, there's never been anybody in the history of politics in this nation that's been so abusive to women. AP What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On whether his alleged opposition to Iraq War had been disproven "Its not debunked. Its not debunked." Getty What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On exploiting tax loopholes "I absolutely used it, and so did Warren Buffett, and so did George Soros and so did many people who Hillary is getting money from." Getty What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On claims he's sexist I have great respect for women. Nobody has more respect for women than I do. Reuters What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On what he respects about Hillary Clinton I will say this about Hillary - she doesn't quit, she doesn't give up. I tell it like it is. She's a fighter. Reuters What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On his controversial immigration policies "Its called extreme vetting. Were going to areas like Syria, where they are coming in by the tens of thousands because of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton wanting to allow a 550 per cent increase [of refugees] over Obama. People are coming into this country. We have no idea who they are, where they are from and what their feelings are about this country." Getty

Jones has taken a number of eccentric, often offensive stances throughout his career. He has been a vocal supporter of the 9/11 truthers movement, which believes the 2001 attacks were orchestrated by the US government. He also believes the government is trying to turn people gay by adding oestrogen to juice cartons, and that the state has a weather weapon that can steer tornadoes towards human targets.

One of Jones most controversial moments was in 2014, when he claimed that the Sandy Hook massacre, where 20 children aged 6-7 were shot dead by Adam Lanza, was staged. Sandy Hook is a synthetic completely fake with actors, in my view, manufactured, he said. I couldnt believe it at first. I knew they had actors there, clearly, but I thought they killed some real kids. And it just shows how bold they are  that they clearly used actors.

Jones made headlines last week when he claimed Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were actual demons. [Hillary Clinton] is an abject, psychopathic, demon from Hell that as soon as she gets into power is going to try and destroy the planet, he said. Im not kidding, people say, they say  folks Ive been told this by high up folks. They say listen, Obama and Hillary both smell like sulfur.

Hillary Clinton has responded with an advert linking Trump to Jones, while President Obama mocked the radio host at a rally last week. I was reading the other day, theres a guy on the radio who  apparently Trump is on his show frequently  he said me and Hillary are demons, said we smell like sulfur, he said, before smelling his hand.

Jones came to prominence in 1999 after he broke into a Bilderberg conference in Bohemian Grove, California, and filmed a mock sacrificial ceremony that gained him notoriety among conspiracy theorists. One of the people who accompanied him was Ronson, who wrote about the experience in his 2001 bestseller Them: Adventures with Extremists.
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As Donald Trump insists that the election will be rigged, a significant portion of voters are convinced that the White House will be stolen from the Republican candidate.

According to a new Politico/Morning Consult poll, 41 per cent of registered voters believe that Mr Trump could lose the election as a result of widespread voter fraud. The results of the poll fell along party lines as 73 per cent of Republicans and 17 per cent of Democrats believed in such an outcome.

Mr Trump has been unrelenting in his indictment of the electoral process since his campaign descended into a freefall after the release of tapes that captured him bragging about sexual assault in 2005. The tapes worsened a campaign already dwindling from the New York businessmans lacklustre debate performances.

Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Show all 12 1 /12 Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger Schwarzenegger said he will not vote for Trump Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Mr McConnell condemned the remarks, but has not unendorsed him Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks House Speaker Paul Ryan Mr Ryan disinvited Mr Trump from a Wisconsin campaign event following the remarks Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Former Sec of State Condoleezza Rice Ms Rice called for Trump to withdraw his candidacy Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Nebraska Sen Deb Fischer Ms Fischer called on Trump to step aside and give nomination to Mike Pence Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Texas Sen Ted Cruz Mr Cruz denounced the remarks, but still endorses Trump Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Former Republican candidate Carly Fiorina Ms Fiorina wants Mike Pence to take the nomination Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt Hewitt called for Trump to step down Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Utah Representative Mia Love Ms Love said she cannot vote for Trump after hearing his remarks Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Former New York Gov George Pataki Mr Pataki said Mr Trump should step down Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks New Hampshire Sen Kelly Ayotte Ms Ayotte will write in Mike Pence when she votes Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Arizona Sen John McCain Mr McCain will choose Mike Pence on Election Day Getty

After at least nine women accused Mr Trump of sexual assault spanning decades, the candidate denied the claims and dismissed them as a false media narrative commissioned by the Clinton campaign.

The election is being rigged by corrupt media pushing false allegations and outright lies in an effort to elect Hillary Clinton president, Mr Trump said at a campaign stop in Bangor, Maine, on Saturday. We are going to stop it. We are not going to back down.

But the question of a rigged election appears to be a point of contention between Mr Trump and his own running mate, Indiana Gov Mike Pence.

We will absolutely accept the result of the election, Mr Pence told NBC on Sunday. Look, the American people will speak in an election that will culminate on November the 8th. But the American people are tired of the obvious bias in the national media.

On Twitter, however, Mr Trump tells a different tale.

Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day, he tweeted on Monday morning. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!

Mr Trump has repeatedly called on his predominantly white supporters to monitor polling places, raising concerns of voter intimidation in areas with voters of colour.

Trump said to watch your precincts. Im going to go, for sure, 61-year-old Ohio carpenter Steve Webb recently told the Boston Globe.

Ill look forwell, its called racial profiling. Mexicans. Syrians. People who cant speak American, he said. Im going to go right up behind them. Ill do everything legally. I want to see if they are accountable.

Im not going to do anything illegal. Im going to make them a little bit nervous.

Still, voter fraud is incredibly rare in the US. A study conducted by Loyola Law School professor Justin Levitt found that of the one billion votes cast between 2000 and 2014, only 31 credible counts of voter impersonation occured.
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Donald Trumps running mate has said they will absolutely accept the result of the election - despite the Republican candidate's claims that it is rigged against them.

Mr Trump has spent much of the last week saying that the media was conspiring with his rival, Hillary Clinton, to undermine his chances. He made the claims at a series of rallies as he sought to deny and deflect allegations that he sexually assaulted a number of women.

The accusations that the contest is fixed has added to concerns about the mood of the race as it enters its final three weeks. The contest has already become ugly and bitter, and many observers fear such rhetoric will make the job of the incoming president even more difficult, whoever is elected.

On Sunday, Mike Pence, Mr Trumps running mate, repeated the claim that the media was biased against them. He gave the undertaking to accept the outcome even as Mr Trump continued to claim on Twitter that all was not well.

Well respect the outcome of this election, he said, speaking on NBCs Meet the Press. Donald Trump said in the first debate that well respect the will of the American people in this election. The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of American history.

Asked if he believed the contest could be subject to widespread voter fraud or whether talking about a rigged election could undermine our democracy, Mr Pence said the media was favouring their rivals.

A new poll on Sunday suggested Hillary Clinton was leading Mr Trump by as many as 11 points.

Look, the American people will speak in an election that will culminate on November the 8th. But the American people are tired of the obvious bias in the national media, Mr Pence said. That's where the sense of a rigged election goes here.

He added: One of the great traditions of America is the peaceful transfer of power. And elections always get pretty rough. But as Donald Trump said in that first debate, Ill say to you again today: Were going to accept the will of the American people.

Hours after Mr Pence spoke, Mr Trump said that the race was being rigged against him at voting locations.

The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD, he said.
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Donald Trump has blamed "animals representing Hillary Clinton" for an apparent firebomb attack on one of the Republican's campaign offices.

The presidential candidate took to Twitter after the office in Orange County, North Carolina, had been damaged when a petrol bomb was thrown through a window.

The walls of the office were charred and a sofa burned in the attack, but no one was hurt.

Graffiti reading Nazi Republicans leave town or else was sprayed on a nearby building, along with a swastika.

Recommended Read more The poll that suggests Donald Trump is finished

Mr Trump immediately blamed Hillary Clinton's supporters, tweeting: Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning.

He added All safe in Orange County, North Carolina. With you all the way, will never forget. Now we have to win. Proud of you all!

Mrs Clinton condemned the attack, calling it horrific and unacceptable. She said she was very grateful that everyone is safe.

The North Carolina Republican Party account thanked her for her "thoughts and prayers".

Sources said it was lucky no one was harmed in the attack, as the firebomb reportedly landed near a sofa where campaign volunteers often take naps.

Dallas Woodhouse, the Republican Partys executive director in the state, told The Charlotte Observer the attack was political terrorism.

The office itself is a total loss, he said The only thing important to us is that nobody was killed, and they very well could have been.

Nobody was hurt in the incident and police are investigating (WNCT)

The state governor, Pat McCrory, called it an attack on our democracy.

Mr Trumps claims that the attack was carried out because he is winning comes as a new poll suggests his Democrat rival has a 11 point lead across the country. Polls also suggest Mrs Clinton is ahead in the battleground state of North Caronlina, where the attack took place.

The nationwide NBC/Wall Street Journal poll showed Mrs Clinton has the support of 48 per cent of voters compared to Mr Trumps 37 per cent. Libertarian Gary Johnson receives 7 per cent while the Green Partys Jill Stein is estimated to be on 2 per cent.

Experts suggested the huge gap - significantly greater than the margin by which Barack Obama beat John McCain in 2008 - would be difficult for Mr Trump to overcome before the November 8 election.

"Donald Trump's chances of winning this election have faded," said Fred Yang of Hart Research Associates, which conducted the survey.

"This poll is showing the writing on the wall".

What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? Show all 8 1 /8 What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On the leaked tape from 2005 where he talks about sexually assaulting women I'm very embarrassed by it, I hate it, but it's locker room talk. It's one of those things. I will knock the hell out of Isis Getty What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On Hillary Clinton I hate to say it but if I win I'm going to instruct my attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation. There has never been so many lies, so much deception. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Rex What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On Bill Clinton What he's done to women, there's never been anybody in the history of politics in this nation that's been so abusive to women. AP What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On whether his alleged opposition to Iraq War had been disproven "Its not debunked. Its not debunked." Getty What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On exploiting tax loopholes "I absolutely used it, and so did Warren Buffett, and so did George Soros and so did many people who Hillary is getting money from." Getty What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On claims he's sexist I have great respect for women. Nobody has more respect for women than I do. Reuters What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On what he respects about Hillary Clinton I will say this about Hillary - she doesn't quit, she doesn't give up. I tell it like it is. She's a fighter. Reuters What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On his controversial immigration policies "Its called extreme vetting. Were going to areas like Syria, where they are coming in by the tens of thousands because of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton wanting to allow a 550 per cent increase [of refugees] over Obama. People are coming into this country. We have no idea who they are, where they are from and what their feelings are about this country." Getty

Meanwhile Mr Trump's running mate, Mike Pence, told NBC's Meet the Press that the businessman would "absolutely accept" the election result, despite the Republican presidential candidate having claimed the vote was "rigged".

"The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary", Mr Trump had said.

It comes after a difficult week for the Trump campaign in which several women claimed they had been sexually assaulted by the billionaire.

He has consistently denied the allegations, calling them lies and smears.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed US threats to retaliate against alleged Russian hackers, saying such statements only confirmed Washington used cyber attacks for political ends.

Speaking after a summit of developing economies in India on Sunday, Mr Putin also said he believed the hacking allegations were mainly election campaign rhetoric by the White House.

He said he hoped bilateral ties could improve after the US election.

Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Show all 13 1 /13 Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? ABC/Facebook Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Twitter Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? ABC/Facebook Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Twitter Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Twitter Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Twitter Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Twitter Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate?

US Vice President Joe Biden told NBC News television on Friday that "we are sending a message" to Mr Putin, and retaliation for Russia's hacking attacks "will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact".

The US government officially accused Russia for the first time of a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organisations ahead of the 8 November presidential election.

"The US Intelligence Community (USIC) is confident that the Russian Government directed the recent compromises of e-mails from US persons and institutions, including from US political organisations," the statement from the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said.

Mr Putin added: "You can expect anything from our American friends. But what did he say that was new? Don't we know that official bodies of the United States are spying and eavesdropping on everyone?"

"The only new thing is that for the first time the United States has recognised at the highest level ... that they themselves do it [cyber attacks]."

 Trump 'accused of treason' after urging Russia to hack Hillary Clinton's email

Mr Putin said that by "playing the Russian card" in the current election campaign, the outgoing US administration sought to distract voter attention from its failures, which include huge state debt, weak diplomacy in the Middle East and strained relations with its allies in that region.

"I would like to reassure everyone, including our US partners and friends - we do not intend to influence the US election campaign," he said.

Mr Putin said he would work with any US leader willing to work with Russia.

"If someone wants confrontation, this is not our choice," he said.

"On the contrary, we would like to find common ground and cooperate in solving the global problems that confront both Russia and the United States."

Additional reporting by Reuters
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At least eight people have been killed and 30 others injured after suspension bridge connecting two islands snapped near the island of Bali.

The Yellow Bridge in Klungkung, linking the islands of Lembongan and Ceningan near the Indonesian resort island, collapsed at around 6:30pm local time on Sunday evening.

A spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said the bridge was crowded with people returning from temple prayers at the time of the accident.

The victims, which include three children aged between three and nine, have been identified but their names have not been released.

Two of those injured remain in a serious condition in hospital but the rest suffered minor injuries.

Initial reports suggest there were no foreign nationals involved in the accident.

The head of the sub-district of Nusa Penida, Gusti Ngurah Agung Mahajaya, said authorities were still trying to determine whether any people were missing.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Many of those killed or injured are believed to have been hit by falling debris as the water was less than two metres deep, the Sun reported.

Authorities believe that too many people were passing over the bridge as part of a religious ceremony when it collapsed but the cause of the accident is yet to be confirmed.

The bridge, which was about 100 metres long and 1.5 metres wide and used only by pedestrians and motorcyclists, collapsed as many people were passing over it while returning from praying at a temple on Ceningan island.

Additional reporting by AP
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The Chinese government is calling on people to report their neighbours, friends and relatives for luring minors into religious activities in a province home to the countrys largest Muslim population.

New education rules coming into force in Xinjiang on 1 November threaten to remove children from their parents care and send them to receive rectification at specialist schools.

The autonomous region, which borders Pakistan and Muslim-majority nations including Kazakhstan, is home to the greatest concentration of Muslims in China because of its significant ethnic Uighur population.

But restrictions are enforced on the practice of Islam, as well as Chinas four other officially recognised religions, and the new rules threaten further punishment.

A Uighur woman walks with her baby at a market on August 1, 2014 in old Kashgar, Xinjiang Province, China. (Getty Images) (Getty)

They say parents and guardians cannot organise, lure or force minors into attending religious activities, according to the state-controlled Xinjiang Daily.

Neither should they promote extremist beliefs in children, nor force them to dress in extremist clothing or other symbols, the newspaper said, echoing the tone of previous bans on Islamic dress including beards for men and headscarves for women.

Any group or person has the right to stop these kinds of behaviours and report them to the public security authorities, the rules said.

If parents are unable to remove their children from harmful extremist or terrorist ways and they cannot continue to study at their existing schools, they can apply to have their children sent to specialist schools to receive rectification.

Religious activities are banned in schools, which must guide students away from separatism and extremism, to create an environment that esteems science, seeks the truth, refuses ignorance (and) opposes superstition, the rules continue.

While China officially guarantees freedom of religion, children are not supposed to participate in religious activity.

The Communist government restricts religious practice to five officially recognised faiths and only in officially approved premises, auditing the activities, employee details, and financial records of religious bodies.

Human rights attacks around the world Show all 10 1 /10 Human rights attacks around the world Human rights attacks around the world China Escalating crackdown against human rights activists including mass arrests of lawyers and a series of sweeping laws in the name of national security. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Egypt The arrest of thousands, including peaceful critics, in a ruthless crackdown in the name of national security, the prolonged detention of hundreds without charge or trial and the sentencing of hundreds of others to death. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Gambia Torture, enforced disappearances and the criminalisation of LGBTI people; and utter refusal to co-operate with the UN and regional human rights mechanisms on issues including freedom of expression, enforced disappearance and the death penalty. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Hungary Sealing off its borders to thousands of refugees in dire need; and obstructing collective regional attempts to help them. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Israel Maintaining its military blockade of Gaza and therefore collective punishment of the 1.8 million inhabitants there, as well as failing, like Palestine, to comply with a UN call to conduct credible investigations into war crimes committed during the 2014 Gaza conflict. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Kenya Extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances and discrimination against refugees in its counter-terrorism operations; and attempts to undermine the International Criminal Court and its ability to pursue justice. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Pakistan The severe human rights failings of its response to the horrific Peshawar school massacre including its relentless use of the death penalty; and its policy on international NGOs giving authorities the power to monitor them and close them down if they are considered to be against the interests of the country. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Russia Repressive use of vague national security and anti-extremism legislation and its concerted attempts to silence civil society in the country; its shameful refusal to acknowledge civilian killings in Syria and its callous moves to block Security Council action on Syria. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Saudi Arabia Brutally cracking down on those who dared to advocate reform or criticise the authorities; and committing war crimes in the bombing campaign it has led in Yemen (pictured) while obstructing the establishment of a UN-led inquiry into violations by all sides in the conflict. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Syria Killing thousands of civilians in direct and indiscriminate attacks with barrel bombs and other weaponry and through acts of torture in detention; and enforcing lengthy sieges of civilian areas, blocking international aid from reaching starving civilians. Getty Images

Other religious groups are classified as evil cults, allowing authorities to imprison leaders and criminalise followers.

Officials have destroyed Christian churches under laws against illegal structures and detained those protesting against the demolitions, while authorities have cracked down on underground Islamic schools, or madrassas, in Xinjiang in recent years.

Hundreds of people have died in the province over recent years in unrest blamed by Beijing on Islamist militants and separatists, although human rights groups say the violence is more a reaction to repressive Chinese policies.

The government strongly denies committing any abuses in Xinjiang and insists the legal, cultural and religious rights of the Uighur people are fully protected.

But many resent restrictions on their culture and religion, and complain they are denied economic opportunities in favour of Han Chinese.

Uighur activists who have campaigned for better treatment of their people have been imprisoned, the most prominent being economics professor Ilham Tohti, who was jailed for life in 2014 on separatism charges.

He was awarded a prestigious annual human rights award on Tuesday, drawing an angry response from Chinese officials who said he was a criminal who praised terrorists.



Additional reporting by Reuters
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At least 14 people have died and dozens more are missing after a ferry sunk in north-west Myanmar.

The boat capsized in the Chindwin river in the Saigaing region of the south-east Asian country, a popular destination for travellers.

A local official said 150 people had been rescued from the river but 85 remained missing.

"We've just found the exact location of the sunken boat and now we're trying to salvage it using heavy-duty cranes," said Sa Willy Frank, the head of the regional relief department. "A total of 14 bodies have been found and 85 are still missing."

Kyaw Htay Lwin, a member of the areas regional parliament, suggested the number of people missing could rise once the boat is recovered from the riverbed.

"I heard from witnesses that the boat was packed with at least 300 passengers, despite its official capacity of around 120," he said.

The ferry was travelling from the rural town of Homalin to Monywa when it sank at about 5.00am on Saturday close to Kani, about 85 miles northwest of Myanmar's former royal capital, Mandalay.

Marine accidents are common in Myanmar, where many people rely on travelling using crowded boats that are poorly maintained and prone to accidents.

Sixty-four people drowned off the western state of Rakhine when an overloaded ferry sank in bad weather in March 2015.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

There have been a number of other ferry accidents in south-east Asia in recent years. In 2014, 304 people, many of them school children, drowned when the MV Sewol boat capsized in South Korea.

An accident in China in June 2015 saw more than 400 people drown after a passenger vessel capsized during a cyclone.

And last year dozens were killed when a ferry sunk off the Phillipines with 189 passengers on board. At least 26 were reported to have died.

Additional reporting by agencies.
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The President of the Philippines has said he does not give a s*** about human rights while dismissing the deaths of innocent civilians and children in his brutal war on drugs.

More than 3,500 people have been killed in the first 100 days of Rodrigo Dutertes presidency, including suspected drug users, addicts, dealers and smugglers shot by security forces and vigilante gangs.

But international observers have warned that many of the dead are innocent people caught in the crossfire or murdered over personal scores.

Mr Duterte has been unrepentant about his calls for supporters to kill criminals, sparking alarm from the United Nations and international community, as well as a cooling of relations with the US after the President hit back at criticism by calling Barack Obama a son of a whore.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, he claimed there was no crime in threatening to kill the three million drug addicts he believes live in the Philippines.

Mr Duterte said he had launched his bloody war on drugs because of the sheer number of people contaminated will pull my country down  it will destroy the next generation of Filipinos.

You destroy my country, I'll kill you, he added. And it's a legitimate thing. If you destroy our young children, I will kill you.

That is a very correct statement. There is nothing wrong in trying to preserve the interest of the next generation.

Mr Duterte said the deaths of children and innocent people would be investigated but said there was no criminal liability for security forces who kill innocent bystanders in operations, comparing them to the US-led coalitions bombing of Isis territory.

The West say its collateral damage [for them] but for us its murder, he added.

Armed security forces take a part in a drug raid, in Manila (Reuters)

I would rather intimidate and strike fear into the hearts of the criminals [than fund drugs rehabilitation centres].

If it involves human rights, I dont give a s***. I have to strike fear because the enemies of the state are out there to destroy children.

The President added that he did not regret his remarks about Mr Obama and threatened to withdraw from defence treaties with the US, as well as ending joint military exercises.

Mr Duterte was nicknamed The Punisher in his former post as mayor of Davao because of his violent rhetoric and alleged links to vigilante gangs but has denied any direct role in extrajudicial killings.

Were the ninth safest city - how do you think I did it? Mr Duterte said in May 2015. How did I reach that title among the worlds safest cities? Kill them all [criminals].

The UN has repeatedly condemned his policies, as has the EU, human rights groups and the Roman Catholic Church, the dominant religion in the Philippines.

The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Show all 9 1 /9 The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On killing drug addicts These sons of whores are destroying our children. I warn you, dont go into that, even if youre a policeman, because I will really kill you. If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself as getting their parents to do it would be too painful The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Message to China I will go there on my own with a Jet Ski, bringing along with me a [Phillipino] flag and a pole, and once I disembark, I will plant the flag on the runway and tell the Chinese authorities, Kill me  AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Christmas message to law-breakers If you do not want to stop, and just continue committing crimes, then this would be your last Merry Christmas AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On sex life I was separated from my wife. Im not impotent. What am I supposed to do? Let this hang forever? When I take Viagra, it stands up AFP/Getty Images The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On the drugs trade None of my children are into illegal drugs. But my order is, even if it is a member of my family, kill him'" AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Insulting the Pope We were affected by the traffic. It took us five hours. I asked why, they said it was closed. I asked who is coming. They answered, the pope. I wanted to call him: Pope, son of a wh**e, go home. Do not visit us again AFP/Getty Images The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Joke about rape I saw her face and I thought, 'What a pity... they raped her, they all lined up. I was mad she was raped but she was so beautiful. I thought, the mayor should have been first AFP/Getty The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Insulting Barack Obama "Mr Obama should be respectful and refrain from throwing questions at me about the killings, or son of a bitch, I will swear at you in that forum" REUTERS The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants "If I have to face them, you know I can eat humans. I will really open up your body. Just give me vinegar and salt, and I will eat you. If you annoy me to the fullest... I will eat you alive. Raw" EPA

Earlier this year, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) called on Mr Duterte to end the wave of extrajudicial executions and killings and ensure legal process was upheld.

Claims to fight illicit drug trade do not absolve the government from its international legal obligations and do not shield State actors or others from responsibility for illegal killings, said Agnes Callamard, the new UN Special Rapporteur on summary executions.

She said Mr Duterte had given security forces and vigilantes a licence to kill, accusing him of incitement to violence and killing, a crime under international law.

Despite the warnings, the President's approval ratings in the Philippines remain high, standing at 86 per cent against just 3 per cent "disapproval" according to a survey released by Pulse Asia Research on Thursday

 Philippines: President Rodrigo Dutertes 100 days in office

Mr Duterte is also currently embroiled in the territorial dispute over construction in the South China Sea, travelling to Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders later this week.

In a speech before his departure, he said that while he will not bargain the Philippines' territorial claims, there will be no hard impositions as he tries to renew his nation's strained friendship with China and intensify two-way trade and investment.

Mr Duterte acknowledged that he could be impeached for conceding any sovereign rights in territorial waters, after The Hague ruled that China's claims to the sea on historical grounds were not valid under a 1982 UN treaty.
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A Canadian-style free trade deal is the most likely template for a future pact between post-Brexit Britain and the EU, Spain's foreign minister has said.

Speaking at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg on Monday, Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said: Forget the Norwegian model, forget the Swiss model because of the condition for the freedom of movement of people, and forget a Turkish-style customs union.

If the British insist on having the option to restrain the free movement of European workers to the United Kingdom, the only solution is the Canadian one.

The Ceta (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) between Canada and the EU has been in negotiations for seven years.

Except for select agricultural products the Ceta deal scraps virtually all tariffs between Canada and the EU.

"The deal with Canada is the precedent of the deal between the EU and Britain," Mr Garcia-Margallo told reporters, AFP reports.

"The deal is important in itself and as a model" for a deal with Britain, he added.

What experts have said about Brexit Show all 11 1 /11 What experts have said about Brexit What experts have said about Brexit Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond The Chancellor claims London can still be a world financial hub despite Brexit One of Britains great strengths is the ability to offer and aggregate all of the services the global financial services industry needs This has not changed as a result of the EU referendum and I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the worlds leading international financial centre. Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Yanis Varoufakis Greece's former finance minister compared the UK relations with the EU bloc with a well-known song by the Eagles: You can check out any time you like, as the Hotel California song says, but you can't really leave. The proof is Theresa May has not even dared to trigger Article 50. It's like Harrison Ford going into Indiana Jones' castle and the path behind him fragmenting. You can get in, but getting out is not at all clear Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Michael OLeary Ryanair boss says UK will be screwed by EU in Brexit trade deals: I have no faith in the politicians in London going on about how the world will want to trade with us. The world will want to screw you  that's what happens in trade talks, he said. They have no interest in giving the UK a deal on trade Getty What experts have said about Brexit Tim Martin JD Wetherspoon's chairman has said claims that the UK would see serious economic consequences from a Brexit vote were "lurid" and wrong: We were told it would be Armageddon from the OECD, from the IMF, David Cameron, the chancellor and President Obama who were predicting locusts in the fields and tidal waves in the North Sea" PA What experts have said about Brexit Mark Carney Governor of Bank of England is 'serene' about Bank of England's Brexit stance: I am absolutely serene about the  judgments made both by the MPC and the FPC Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Christine Lagarde IMF chief urges quick Brexit to reduce economic uncertainty: We want to see clarity sooner rather than later because we think that a lack of clarity feeds uncertainty, which itself undermines investment appetites and decision making Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Inga Beale Lloyds chief executive says Brexit is a major issue: "Clearly the UK's referendum on its EU membership is a major issue for us to deal with and we are now focusing our attention on having in place the plans that will ensure Lloyd's continues trading across Europe EPA What experts have said about Brexit Colm Kelleher President of US bank Morgan Stanley says City of London will suffer as result of the EU referendum: I do believe, and I said prior to the referendum, that the City of London will suffer as result of Brexit. The issue is how much What experts have said about Brexit Richard Branson Virgin founder believes we've lost a THIRD of our value because of Brexit and cancelled a deal worth 3,000 jobs: We're not any worse than anybody else, but I suspect we've lost a third of our value which is dreadful for people in the workplace.' He continued: "We were about to do a very big deal, we cancelled that deal, that would have involved 3,000 jobs, and thats happening all over the country" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Barack Obama US President believes Britain was wrong to vote to leave the EU: "It is absolutely true that I believed pre-Brexit vote and continue to believe post-Brexit vote that the world benefited enormously from the United Kingdom's participation in the EU. We are fully supportive of a process that is as little disruptive as possible so that people around the world can continue to benefit from economic growth" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Kristin Forbes American economist and an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England argues that the economy had been less stormy than many expected following the shock referendum result: For nowthe economy is experiencing some chop, but no tsunami. The adverse winds could quickly pick up  and merit a stronger policy response. But recently they have shifted to a more favourable direction Getty

On Saturday, Ceta hit a stumbling block after a small region in Belgium rejected the landmark deal over fears local workers will be laid off if the agreement leads to cheaper farming and industrial imports - a move potentially delaying a signing expected later this month.

Belgian law requires the backing of all seven regional, federal and linguistic entities for the deal to be accepted by the national government. Any proposed deal Britain strikes with the EU will require a similar ratification process where all nations must agree and the Belgian town could torpedo any agreement.

The Ceta deal can only go ahead if there is unanimous agreement of all 28 member states, with the signing coming as soon as 27 October if the agreement wins universal backing.

Concerns have been raised over Ceta, with opponents saying it will set a dangerous precedent and be used as a template to push through the controversial EU-US trade deal, TTIP.

The Prime Minister said she would trigger the two-year negotiation process of leaving the EU by the end of March 2017.

Theresa May indicated favouring a hard Brexit deal - one in which most ties to the EU are cut  after appointing prominent Leave campaigners to the group of Cabinet ministers who will control the negotiations and told the Conservative Party conference this month: We are not leaving the European Union only to give up control of immigration again.
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An influx of refugees last year helped boost Germanys birthrate to its highest level in 33 years, according to data released by the country's Federal Statistics Office.

Germany has long struggled with an ageing population  a consequence of having one of the lowest birthrates in the world. Just under a third of people in the country are 60 years old or over, making it the second most aged population after that of Japan.

But in 2015, the rate was 1.5 births for every woman, an increase on the 1.47 births a year before. It is now at its highest rate since 1982  when it was 1.51.

The government has attempted to bolster the birthrate in the country through introducing family friendly policies, but it remains far short of the 2.0 rate needed to ensure the population replenishes itself.

Almost 900,000 refugees sought asylum in Germany in 2015, with some 70 per cent of them Muslim, according to Reuters. Muslim families tend to be larger than secular European-born citizens  one reason why the influx of refugees has helped increase the average number of children.

Stephan Sievert, Head of the Department for Migration and Labour market at the Berlin Institute for Population and Development told The Independent the increased rate was promising for the German economy.

More children is better than fewer children," he said, "The low birth rate makes financing our social security less stable."

He added that the large majority of the rise was driven by births to foreign-born women.

Among migrant women alone, the birthrate was 1.95  up from 1.86 in 2014  an increase which Mr Sievert described as "quite a jump".

"That change is quite considerable. It doesn't happen for no reason and it's not surprising if you look at the level of immigration."

There was an increase in the average number of children among German women  but it was much less significant  rising 0.01 per cent on the year before.

This change is likely the effect of German policies to encourage people to have more children, such as creating more nursery places and increasing maternity leave pay.

Such policies had been criticised for not working. For example, a "parents allowance" introduced in 2007 that cost the country billions produced only questionable results.

Yet Mr Sievert said government policies are working, but changing a family model cannot happen overnight.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. 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"Most demographers never expected the birth rate to jump. Its a matter of social norms, which are very hard to change

"I think [they will work] in the long run, although you always hope for quick response."

A recent poll has shown that German Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU party is decreasing in populatrity at record levels.

Ms Merkel's favourability among German's plummeted last year after she introduced an open door policy to refugees.
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The house where Adolf Hitler was born in 1889 is to be torn down and replaced with a new building, the Austrian government has said.

Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka said on Monday that "a thorough architectural remodeling is necessary to permanently prevent the recognition and the symbolism of the building."

Ministry spokesman Karl-Heinz Grundboeck said this means the house, in the western town of Braunau, will replaced with a new structure.

Fears have been raised that the site could become a place of pilgrimage of Neo-Nazis and Mr Sobotka said the move will ensure any association with Hitler will be eliminated at the site.

The announcement ends a long running dispute between the government and the houses owner, whose family have owned the property for over a century.

Following Austrias Anschluss with Germany in 1938, the Nazi regime bought the house, and it was returned to the owner's family after the war in 1952, Deutsche Welle reported earlier this year.

The Austrian government signed a lease with the owner in 1972 to turn the building into a centre for the disabled, but the lease was ended in 2011, reportedly over the owner's reservations about renovations to the building.

It has remained empty since this time and has been visited by Nazi sympathisers in the past.

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The owner has repeatedly refused to sell the building and it remains unclear whether she has now changed her mind or if the government acted on plans to dispossess her.

Mr Sobotka told Austrian newspaper Die Presse that the foundations can remain but a new building will be erected.

He said it will be used by either a charity or local authorities.

The fate of the house has sparked debate among Braunau's 17,000 residents. Some have urged authorities to turn the building into a refugee centre, while others believe it should become a museum dedicated to Austria's liberation from Nazi rule, The Local reports.

A number of cultural organisations previously opposed the building's demolition because it is part of the historic city centre and under heritage protection.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
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Roman Catholic cardinals have hit out over plans for the Vatican to rent out a property next to St Peter's Basilica in Rome to US fast food chain McDonald's.

The Catholic Church would recieve 30,000 euros (27,000) a month if they allowed the company to use part of a building in a square adjacent to the Vatican as the site for the new restaurant.

Cardinals, who live in apartments above the location of the proposed McDonald's, have protested the move and described it as a "perverse decision", the Evening Standard reports.

The proposed deal was announced earlier this year by the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA), which oversees the Vatican's assets.

Cardinal Elio Sgreccia, the former Bishop of Zama Minor, has written a letter of complaint to Pope Francis over the agreement.

Speaking to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Cardinal Sgreccia said: 'It's a controversial, perverse decision to say the least, not at all respectful of the architectural and urban traditions of one of the most characteristic squares overlooking the colonnade of St. Peter visited every day by thousands of pilgrims and tourists.

"[It's] a business decision that, moreover, ignores the culinary traditions of the Roman restaurant."

Priest convicted of leaking Vatican documents

The cardinal added that the "mega sandwiches" on offer at McDonald's are damaging to customers' health and, as such, such "questionable practice" should even be considered in Vatican rooms.

Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, President of APSA, has so far refused to scrap the deal, claiming that it is legally valid and without negative consequences.
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A sunken First World War ship dubbed Titanic 2 could become a divers theme park to generate revenue for cash-strapped Greece.

For 100 years, the sister vessel of the infamous Titanic has lain in a wreckage 400ft deep at the bottom of the Aegean waters.

But now, the owner of a local diving club, who attended a special brainstorming forum this month for the ship, has mooted the idea of a divers paradise.

Yiannis Tsavelakos said it was his dream to create an underwater theme park connecting HMHS Britannic with other wrecks in the Kea Channel, according to the Sunday Times.

We have a unique diving area right on our doorstep, said Yiannis Tsavelakos.

Designed to serve as a transatlantic liner, the Britannic was unveiled just before the start of the war, but was soon laid up as a hospital ship.

After the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, and the drowning of more than 1,500 people on board, the ships Belfast-based builder Harland and Wolff fitted it with extra lifeboats, a double hull and added engine power.

A fully functioning replica of the Titanic is expected to set sail in 2018.

Disaster struck for the Britannic on 21 November, 1916, when the boat triggered a mine en route to pick up wounded British soldiers from the island of Lemnos.

Like its big brother, it was thought unsinkable, but it disappeared within 55 minutes.

All but 30 of the 1,065 people on board were rescued and it was the largest ship lost during the war.

Among the passengers was nurse and stewardess Violet Jessop, who remarkably also survived the 1912 Titanic catastrophe and the near sinking of third sister vessel RMS Olympic.

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In her memoirs, Ms Jessop described how the Britannic took a fearful plunge and with a final roar, she disappeared into the depths.

The wreck was found in 1975 by French underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau and was bought from Britain in 1996 by author and maritime historian Simon Mills for 15,000.

Descending towards her is an overwhelming experience, Derk Remmers, a German diver, told Der Spiegel magazine.

Shes an icon and the sight of her is awe-inspiring.

Local authorities organised an international conference that brought together leading researchers, divers, oceanographers and relatives of the crew to discuss plans for the vessel.
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The US and Russia could drive the world into a global war if the conflict in Syria is not resolved, Turkey has warned.

Tensions have become increasingly heightened between Washington and Moscow in recent weeks. Last week, the US and UK warned Russia and its ally the Syrian government that new economic sanctions could be imposed if the bombing of Syria's besieged Aleppo continues.

On Sunday, Russia condemned Washington for making unprecedented threats of cyber attacks following accusations by the Obama administration that Moscow had hacked computers belonging to American political organisations.

 US suspends bilateral relations with Russia over Syria

Turkish deputy prime minister Numan Kurtulmus said: "If this proxy war continues, after this, let me be clear, America and Russia will come to a point of war," the Daily Mail reports.

He suggested the Syrian conflict could be the beginning of World War Three, saying it had put the world "on the brink of the beginning of a large regional or global war".

Earlier this month a Russian newspaper warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is playing an "astonishingly risky game" in the Syrian conflict that could lead to a Third World War.

Popular tabloid, Moskovsky Komsomolets, ran an article that suggested hostilities in Syria could spark a direct military confrontation" between the nations of a similar scale to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Show all 19 1 /19 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrian boys cry following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian defense ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov speaks to the media in Moscow, Russia. Konashenkov strongly warned the United States against striking Syrian government forces and issued a thinly-veiled threat to use Russian air defense assets to protect them AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrians wait to receive treatment at a hospital following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Alepp Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov speaks at a briefing in the Defense Ministry in Moscow, Russia. Antonov said the Russian air strikes in Syria have killed about 35,000 militants, including about 2,700 residents of Russia AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Jameel Mustafa Habboush, receives oxygen from civil defence volunteers, known as the white helmets, as they rescue him from under the rubble of a building following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civil defence members rest amidst rubble in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A girl carrying a baby inspects damage in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members look for survivors at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members carry an injured woman on a stretcher at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Volunteers from Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, help civilians after Russia carried out its first airstrikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria The aftermath of Russian airstrike in Talbiseh, Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Smoke billows from buildings in Talbiseh, in Homs province, western Syria, after airstrikes by Russian warplanes AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Air Forces carry out an air strike in the ISIS controlled Al-Raqqah Governorate. Russia's KAB-500s bombs completely destroy the Liwa al-Haqq command unit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia claimed it hit eight Isis targets, including a "terrorist HQ and co-ordination centre" that was completely destroyed In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A video grab taken from the footage made available on the Russian Defence Ministry's official website, purporting to show an airstrike in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A release from the Russian defence ministry purportedly showing targets in Syria being hit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia launched air strikes in war-torn Syria, its first military engagement outside the former Soviet Union since the occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. Russian warplanes carried out strikes in three Syrian provinces along with regime aircraft as Putin seeks to steal US President Barack Obama's thunder by pushing a rival plan to defeat Isis militants in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria, a thousand kilometres away. The targets include ammunition factories, ammunition and fuel depots, command centres, and training camps A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis

Russia's military announced on Monday that Russian and Syrian forces would halt hostilities for eight hours in the eastern districts of Aleppo.

It did not include any promises of an extended cease-fire and followed a bloody day of air strikes on rebel-held districts in and around the city.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 50 civilians, including 18 children, were killed in air strikes on the eastern part of the city in the 24 hours before the Russian announcement.

Monday's air strikes coincided with the launch in neighbouring Iraq of a major operation by Iraqi and Kurdish forces, backed by the US-led coalition, to retake the northern city of Mosul from the so-called Islamic State group.

Mr Kurtulmus announced on Monday that Turkey is ready for hundreds of thousands of refugees from Mosul if the operations fuels sectarian violence.

"If the Mosul operation is handled correctly, there won't be a refugee wave into Turkey," Mr Kurtulmus told a news conference in Ankara.

 Girl cries out for father after Syrian airstrike

"[But] if something goes wrong in Mosul, hundreds of thousands will put their migrant bags on their backs, they will be miserable and worn out, and come with their belongings to the only place they can go to, which is Turkey," he said.

The United Nations refugee agency said up to 100,000 Iraqis may flee to Syria and Turkey to escape the assault on Mosul, a city of 1.5 million people where Isis have declared a "caliphate".

Turkey is home to more than three million Syrian refugees, however its refugee camps can only house around 200,000 people.

Additional reporting by agencies
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The Emir of Dubai has flown 300,000 of emergency supplies to Haiti on his private jet.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum sent 90 tonnes of emergency supplies in his Boeing 747 to the Caribbean island in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

Around 300,000 Haitians have been forced by the tropical storm to live in temporary shelters after an estimated 1,000 people were killed when it struck the poor country.

Haiti is still reeling from the effects of the 2010 earthquake and an ongoing cholera outbreak which has killed around 10,000 people so far.

According to the Dubai government, the Sheikh's wife, Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, personally oversaw the relief mission which included tents, mosquito nets, medical supplies and water purification units.

 Haitians are urging people not to give money to American Red Cross

The United Nations has stated 1.4 million people in Haiti require urgent assistance appealing for $120 million (98 million) in funds to help the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

Princess Haya wrote in an Instagram post: "One image will forever be in mind, when I think of Haiti. I have seen in 2010, the devastation caused, and it was only because I was on an IHC envoy.

"The same cargo plane I came in today. Again today lives have been erased.

"It is all about what the country needs, but to a certain extent, it is also about what is given."

Sheikh Mohammed with Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein at Royal Ascot last year (Getty Images)

She praised the humanitarian actions of her husband the emir and the United Allied Emirates despite the wars and fighting currently besieging the Middle East.

The daughter of King Hussein of Jordan, Princess Haya added: "We, as Arabs, should be bankrupt. We fight on every front, and we have our own to feed and shelter.

"But please, if I can just tell you the sense of humility I knew because my country the UAE had given and my people the Jordanians are there fighting."
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Isis is digging in for a battle that could last months to keep control of Mosul, Iraqs second largest city, by extensively rigging the streets with bombs, preparing scores of suicide bombers, and filling trenches around key access points with burning oil.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced on state TV in the early hours of Monday that the long-awaited operation to retake the city had begun. Several sources said residents have started an armed resistance themselves, setting fire to Isis vehicles and stealing weapons, although intial reports could not be verified.

Civilians inside Mosul reported in recent days that Isis has prepared booby traps under bridges or hidden inside jackhammered holes on main roads. The US Defence Department warned last month that Isis could also use its rudimentary attemps to manufacture mustard gas on both residents and the advancing army, providing 50,000 gas masks to Iraqi troops as a precaution.

Several areas have been blocked off with cement blast walls to funnel citizens into neighbourhoods where they can be used as human shields, text messages and photos sent to Reuters showed, and Isis has created an extensive network of underground tunnels for shielding and transporting both equipment and fighters.

The tactics are similar to how Isis has defended other cities, but Mosul will be the biggest battle the group has ever faced. Losing control of the city will ultimately spell their defeat in Iraq.

The UN is worried that fighting could displace up to 700,000 people in need of humanitarian assistance in the first few days, and that agencies on the ground will not be able to cope.

 Millions in need of aid as Iraqi forces advance on Mosul

The city - home to two million people - fell under Isis control in 2014 when the group rapidly expanded its territory across Iraq to form its so-called caliphate. The Iraqi army, with help from US advisors, has been gearing up to retake Mosul in the last few months, making steady gains on nearby villages and establishing supply lines to and from the US base in Qayyarah, 80 kilometres (50 miles) away.

Militants in the city have also stepped up surveillance and sniper presence on rooftops at night to quash any signs of rebellion by residents.

One civilian said via Whatsapp that children as young as eight, sometimes armed with pistols and knives, have been deployed to monitor and inform on the population. The children then recruit other children for the same task.

[Isis] are desperate and they could force even children to fight once government troops are at the doors of Mosul, they wrote.

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On Friday, it emerged that 58 people accused of organising an armed resistance plot were executed by drowning and their bodies dumped in a mass grave, Iraqi officials and residents said.

Signs of growing dissent have emerged in recent months, including anti-Isis graffiti and reports that residents were risking their lives to provide forces outside the city with intelligence useful for the army offensive.

Mr al-Abadi has previously urged civilians to stand up to and kill militants if possible.
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Kurdish, Iraqi and US officials have reported slow but steady progress in the first day of the announced battle to retake the last Iraqi stronghold of Mosul from Isis.

The Pentagon said on Monday it was very confident in the success of the US-backed operation, which will have major repercussions for Iraqs future, as well as the legacy of US President Barack Obama.

If successful, Operation Inherent Resolve will effectively spell Isiss defeat in the country  although unlike the militants' efforts to retain control in other cities such as Fallujah, experts expect Isis will not give up its second city without a fight, putting up to 1.5 million civilians in danger.

Long convoys of around 30,000 Iraqi and Kurdish troops mobilised around dawn on Monday, accompanied by the roar of Western coalition jets and helicopters which dropped flares.

By sundown, Kurdish forces said they had made slow progress to the east of Mosul, retaking seven villages mostly deserted of civilians in the Ninevah plain, a corridor leading to the city.

Isis claimed no fewer than 12 suicide bomb attacks designed to slow the Kurdish troops' advance. The countryside and towns outside Mosul were also reported to be littered with bombs.

Iraqi intelligence reports suggested that Isis fighters in the region were fleeing back to neighbouring Syria with their families, Iraqi army Lt Gen Talib Shaghati said, adding that the offensive was going very well.

 Assault on Mosul gathers pace

Isis is on the back foot, and Monday marked a big moment in the fight against the group, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said.

Mosul is a large and complex city and operations there will be tough but with coalition support Iraqi forces will prevail.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi appeared on state television in the early hours of Monday to announce that the long-awaited attempt to free the city had begun in what is set to be the militants toughest military test to date.

These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul, which is to get rid of Daesh [Isis] and to secure your dignity, Mr Abadi said, addressing residents who have suffered under the groups interpretation of Sharia law for more than two years. God willing, we shall win.

Iraqi forces deploy in the area of al-Shourah, some 45 kms south of Mosul, as they advance towards the city to retake it from jihadis (Getty)

Mosul, Iraqs second largest city, was home to two million people before it was captured by Isis in the groups blitz-like expansion across Iraq in the summer of 2014. Aid organisations are worried for the welfare of the estimated 1.5 million left trapped in the city, which is likely to see prolonged and heavy fighting. The around 8,000 fighters are thought to be well-prepared for battle, building extensive tunnel networks, trenches to be filled with burning oil and rigging roads and bridges with explosives to impede Iraqi forces' movements.

Around 200,000 people are expected to flee the first few days of the offensive, despite repeated requests from the Iraqi government in dropped leaflets and radio addresses for civilians to stay indoors and place white flags on the roofs of their homes.

While the military promised that details of planned humanitarian corridors out of Mosul to nearby camps would be provided, several international agencies have raised concerns that the military seems more intent in locking the city down to prevent anyone from leaving.

 Millions in need of aid as Iraqi forces advance on Mosul

Unless safe routes to escape the fighting are established, many families will have no choice but to stay and risk being killed by crossfire or bombardment, trapped beyond the reach of humanitarian aid with little food or medical care, Aram Shakaram, Save the Childrens deputy country director in Iraq, said.

Those who try to flee will be forced to navigate a city ringed with booby traps, snipers and hidden landmines. Without immediate action to ensure people can flee safely, we are likely to see bloodshed of civilians on a massive scale.

Even if residents manage to leave Mosul, funding shortages mean that the UN and partner agencies are under equipped to deal with even half the number of people expected to need emergency assistance in the manmade crisis.

The Iraqi military, helped by US advisers, has managed to amass a coalition of around 80,000 fighters for the liberation operation after the armys humiliating and swift defeat in the city in 2014. Since then, sustained military operations across Syria and Iraq  greatly helped by US-led air strikes  have shrunk Isiss territory by more than a third.

Iraqi soldiers supporting the government driving an armoured tank in Najaf as part of military parage to review equipment for the planned assault on Mosul (AFP/Getty)

The complex and somewhat competing interests of Kurdish troops, Sunni and Shia militias and the Iraqi army have sparked fears that, once the city is free of militants, the fighting may not be over.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in particular has reiterated fears of blood and fire if Shiite troops and militias take too central a role in the assault on the Sunni-majority city, refusing to remove a small number of Turkish soldiers and Turkish-trained Sunni fighters from their base north of Mosul. The move has angered the Iraqi government, which sees Turkey as undermining its sovereignty.

The offensive proper is expected to begin early November, several Kurdish military officials said.

In a separate incident near Baghdad, an Isis car suicide bomb attack at a military checkpoint killed at least 10 people, the latest in a string of attacks on civilians that observers warn are retaliatory moves designed to show the group is still strong.

The loss of Mosul, from where Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announced the creation of the group's so-called caliphate, would be a massive blow to Isiss ideological stance, Dr Natasha Underhill of Nottingham Trent University said.

Isis is no longer the powerhouse that it once appeared, and is in fact struggling not only to gain support but to keep the support in place that it currently has, she said. It may be the beginning of the end for Isis as we know them.
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Isis has lost as many as 10,000 fighters in the past 18 months, Israeli officials have claimed.

The Islamist extremist group is believed to have lost a quarter of its territory in Syria and Iraq as officials estimate its current total number of fighters to be 15,000, down from 25,000 in early 2015.

The groups decline has been attributed to various factors, including the joint US-Russian military offensive, fewer European recruits and damage to its revenue streams, according to the Times of Israel.

Isis has waged battles against the Syrian army, Hezbollah, Shiite militias, Turkey, the Kurds, the Arab coalition and the Syrian opposition, resulting in the death of many of its fighters and the exhaustion of its resources.

Officials also believe its stream of European recruits has slowed following Turkeys military intervention in Syria last month, making it harder for would-be volunteers to reach them.

In addition, a string of high-profile defeats in major Isis strongholds like Fallujah, Ramadi, Minbaj and Palmyra are believed to have harmed the group's image. These losses, coupled with Isis's decision to urge foreign supporters to remain at home and wage domestic war against the kuffar [infidel], has drastically depleted its forces.

The groups revenue sources are also drying up. In 2015, the jihadists' revenue from the crude-oil industry was an estimated $600-$700 million (490,000-570,000).

Officials now believe this could have more than halved, with estimates for 2016 at $250-$350 million (200,000-290,000).

Isis has raised taxes in its occupied territories to boost its dwindling funds and has also cut fighters salaries and scaled back key infrastructure including electricity and water.

Many of its most high-profile personnel have been killed in recent months, which, according to Israeli officials, may have weaked its top level strategy.

An undated image of Abu Muhammad al-Adnani posted online by Isis supporters on 31 August (AP)

Abu Mohammad al-Adnani, the groups spokesman, died in August in what was seen as a damaging loss to the group.

As Isiss grip on its territory weakens, it has adapted its strategy to become more defensive, trying to withstand bombing from US Air Force planes.

In Libya, the groups most important territory outside of Syria and Iraq, Isis has also suffered defeat, although its ability to retain logistics and command has proved troubling for its opponents.

The calibre of its senior commanders, many of whom were officers in Saddam Husseins Iraqi army, mean its control structure has survived and continues to function, according to military officials.

This resilience has made it impossible to predict how a drastic decline in power in Syria and Iraq could affect the organisation's operations in future.

On Monday, an Iraqi operation backed by allies to reclaim Mosul, Iraqs second largest city, was launched.

The US-led coalition fighting Isis will also back the move with air strikes in an operation that could last months.

Isis has prepared for the offensive with scores of suicide bombers and booby traps at key access points to the city, it has been claimed.

The UN has expressed concern that that fighting could displace up to 700,000 people in need of humanitarian assistance.
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The Iraqi government and its allies may eventually capture Mosul from Isis, but this could be just a new chapter in the war.

It will only win because of the devastating firepower of the US-led air forces and sheer weight of numbers. But the fight for the city is militarily and politically complex. The Iraqi army, Kurdish Peshmerga, Shia Hashd al-Shaabi and Sunni fighters from Mosul and Nineveh province, which make up the anti-Isis forces, suspect and fear each other almost as much as they hate Isis.

The Western media is portraying the first advances towards Mosul as if it is as orderly and well-planned as the D-Day landings in Normandy in 1944. But in private Iraqis, who have seen many decisive victories turn out to be no such thing, are more sceptical about what they are seeing. One Iraqi observer in Baghdad, who did not want his name published, said that the whole Mosul offensive seems to be a ramshackle affair held together by the expected high level of support from the US air force and special forces.

At least 12 US generals and 5,000 US troops are reportedly in Iraq and they will play a crucial role in the coming struggle. The observer added: I dont think that the Iraqi forces, Peshmerga, Hashd and Sunni volunteers can singly or jointly take back the city without the physical and psychological props provided by the US.

The US participation is crucial because although the Iraqi army and the Kurdish Peshmerga have been successful driving back Isis since it won a succession of blitzkrieg victories in 2014, they have relied on US-led air support. This has carried out 12,129 air strikes against Isis in the past two years, enabling Iraqi government forces and their allies to recapture cities like Ramadi, Fallujah, Baiji and Tikrit while the Peshmerga captured Sinjar. But these successes would scarcely have happened without the coalition air umbrella overhead, allowing the anti-Isis units to avoid fighting and act primarily as a mopping up force.

There are now about 25,000 Iraqi army, Hashd and other volunteers in and around the Qayyara area 40 miles south of Mosul, while some 4,000 Peshmerga are advancing from the east. The earliest part of the campaign in the open countryside should be the easiest because air power and artillery can be most easily deployed. Villages and towns, many of them formerly inhabited by Christians or the Shabak minority, on the Nineveh Plain east of Mosul are empty and can be bombarded without risk of civilian casualties.

 Assault on Mosul gathers pace

But military and political calculations change when the Kurds reach the built up outskirts of Mosul, which may still have a million people it. They are pledged not to enter the city which is the biggest Sunni Arab urban centre in Iraq, though it used to have a substantial Kurdish minority. The Shia paramilitaries of the Hashd are also not supposed to enter Mosul because of Sunni sensitivities, but they can besiege it.

The Iraqi army has a number of experienced combat units such as the Golden Division, but these are limited in number and have complained in the past of being fought out because they are too frequently deployed. The nature of the fighting in Mosul will differ and be more difficult than in Ramadi and Fallujah, both of which were surrounded while in Mosul Isis has not been yet been encircled and cut off from the rest of Iraq. The US would probably be inhibited in employing its airpower in Mosul so the Iraqi army and its elite counter-terrorism units might suffer heavy casualties in street fighting with the 4,000 to 8,000 Isis fighters believed to be in the city.

Iraqi forces advancing towards Mosul from al-Shourah (AFP/Getty Images)

This supposes that Isis will want to stand and fight for Mosul in a way that it did not in other Iraqi cities. Ever since it lost some 2,000 fighters, mostly to US air strikes, in its abortive four-and-a-half month siege of the Syrian Kurdish city of Kobani in 2014-15, its commanders have been reluctant to let their forces, which are overwhelmingly light infantry, fight from fixed positions that can be precisely targeted and obliterated by shelling and bombing. They might do better in Mosul, but the end result would likely be the same.

But not to fight for Mosul would be a bad blow to Isis. It contains one-third of the population under its control in Iraq. It is the heart of the caliphate that was declared here just over two years ago. It was the capture of Mosul by an Isis force of a few thousand defeating a garrison numbering at least 20,000 that astonished the world in June 2014. Isis leaders themselves saw their victory as miraculous and a sign of divine assistance. The loss of the city would, on the contrary, be evidence that the caliphate has no miraculous formula for victory and has gone into irreversible decline.

(Getty (Getty)

Yet if Isis is going to fight anywhere, it would be best to do so in Mosul where it has been long entrenched. If the Iraqi army counter-terrorist forces get bogged down in street-fighting, Baghdad might face a number of unpalatable choices. It could ask the US-led coalition to escalate the bombing, but this might be embarrassing and lead to comparisons with the Russian and Syrian bombardment of East Aleppo over which the Western powers frequently express their revulsion.

Another alternative would be for Baghdad to use the Hashd paramilitaries, but this would be seen as an anti-Sunni move. Turkey is struggling to be a player in deciding the fate of Mosul and maintaining its Sunni Arab character. It local proxy is the former governor at the time of the Isis capture of the city, Atheel al-Nujaifi, who has 5,000 militiamen trained by the Turks, many of them former policemen in Mosul. The Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has furiously demanded that a Turkish force of 1,500 soldiers at Bashiqa close to the front line return to Turkey and has exchanged abuse with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Isis has always benefited from the divisions of its opponents and nowhere are these more glaring than in and around Mosul where so many sectarian and ethnic fault lines meet. These divisions have helped Isis survive for so long, but its savagery has also united leaders and parties who otherwise might fight each other. This is true of the Baghdad government and the Iraqi Kurds, who took advantage of the defeat of the Iraqi army in northern Iraq in 2014 to take over a swathe of disputed territories which expanded the area of Kurdish control by 40 per cent.

This shifting mosaic of different parties and interests makes the course, intensity and outcome of the battle for Mosul highly unpredictable. One way or another it looks likely that Isis will lose, but it is less certain who will win and fill the vacuum left by the overthrow of the caliphate. There are many contenders for this role, making it possible that the present battle for Mosul will not be the last.
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Fears are growing for the safety of the estimated 1.5 million people living inside the Isis-controlled Iraqi city of Mosul as attempts to retake the city get underway.

Most analysts expect the complex operation could last months - and aid agencies say they are completely under equipped to deal with the unfolding humanitarian crisis despite the fact the advance has been planned for since February.

A senior UN official said on Monday he is extremely concerned for the safety of families who are at risk of being caught in crossfire or used as human shields. Isis has reportedly built concrete blast walls to seal off parts of the city, effectively concentrating the citys residents into areas where their presence can be used to dissuade the approaching Iraqi troops from using force.

Residents have been told to put white flags up on the roofs of their homes to keep them safe, Ruairidh Villar of Save the Children said, but in past battles Isis have used civilian houses as cover. Iraqi and US officials both said that Isis fighters have been shaving off their beards in order to blend in with the civilian population in recent weeks.

Whether families and children stay or they flee, right now it's an impossible decision, Mr Villar said in a statement.

Leaflets dropped on the city and radio addresses by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned citizens to stay home and away from fighting units rather than attempt to leave the city.

Despite the appeals, UN OCHA, the agencys humanitarian wing, is expecting around 200,000 people to flee in the first few days of fighting, but warns the figure could be as high as 700,000.

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One million people in total could be in need of emergency assistance - and aid groups are only currently ready to deal with approximately 100,000 displaced people thanks to a huge funding shortfall.

While military planners promised that details of planned safe routes out of Mosul to nearby displacement camps would be provided, several international agencies have raised concerns that the military seems more intent in locking the city down to prevent anyone from leaving.

When the Iraqi army liberated Fallujah from Isis in June, providing humanitarian assistance details via the radio too early complicated the assault, alerting jihadis as to where civilians would attempt to flee.

 Assault on Mosul gathers pace

What were hearing is that the nature of the operation now has fundamentally changed and what the military is speaking about now is an operation in which the local population would be sealed in, so to speak, Belkis Wille, an Iraqi researcher with Human Rights Watch, told VOA.

Isis is well prepared for the impending assault: it has dug extensive tunnel networks as well as two metre by two metre trenches which are to be filled with burning oil. Bridges and roads have also been rigged with bombs to complicate the Iraqi armys movements.

Reports were emerging on Monday that civilians in Mosul have lauched their own armed rebellion against the jihadists, setting fire to Isis' vehicles and headquarter buildings and stealing weapons.
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It is out of the question for Turkish troops to stay out of the US-backed Iraqi army offensive to retake the northern city of Mosul from Isis, the Turkish president has said.

We will be in the operation and we will be at the table, Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated in a televised speech on Monday. Our brothers are there and our relatives are there. It is out of the question that we are not involved.

Mr Erdogan's comments came as Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi announced that the long-awaited operation to reclaim the city has begun.

The small presence of Turkish troops and Turkish-trained Sunni militias in Bashiqa north of Mosul has caused a major rift between Ankara and Baghdad.

Turkish troops have been stationed in the area for more than a year, training local militias to fight Isis, which Mr Abadi views as a breach of Iraqi sovereignty. Turkey is worried that the fact that Shiite forces are at the forefront of the operation to retake the majority-Sunni city will be a flashpoint for future tensions once the complex battle to oust Isis is over.

In his speech Mr Erdogan indicated that US officials had spoken with the Turkish military, urging Ankara not to let the infighting compromise the success of the offensive.

No-one should expect us to leave Bashiqa. We are there and have made all kinds of operations against Isis, he said.

 Millions in need of aid as Iraqi forces advance on Mosul

In a sign that Turkey is trying to make some amends with Iraq, Turkish news reported on Monday that a diplomatic delegation is en route to Baghdad to discuss the offensive.

Kurdish peshmerga forces made gains on Mosul on Monday, taking control of seven formerly Isis-controlled villages to the east of the city. The advance has been accompanied by Western coalition air strikes on key Isis sites.

Defeat for Isis in Mosul would spell the groups end in Iraq, but the fighting is likely to come at a huge civilian cost: militants are heavily embedded in the city and prepared to use residents as human shields.

The UNs humanitarian wing warns that up to 700,000 people could be displaced and in need of emergency assistance in just the first few days of the offensive.
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Desperate Iraqis are paying smugglers up to $1,000 (800) to flee Mosul as security forces backed by international air strikes launch a long-awaited assault against Isis.

The United Nations and humanitarian organisations have voiced growing concern for more than one million people living inside the terrorist groups last major stronghold in Iraq.

There are no safe routes out of Mosul, forcing families to resort to covert people smuggling at the risk of being turned in or caught by Isis fighters, or detained by forces encircling the city.

Military commanders are urging civilians to stay inside their homes as fighting begins and place white flags outside, but there are fears the symbol could be exploited for cover by jihadis seeking to use human shields.

 Assault on Mosul gathers pace

Abdelkadr, who fled Mosul with his wife and three children, told Deutsche Welle, said they paid $600 (500) per person to flee but the price has since increased to more than $1,000 (800).

Even before the long-awaited military assault launched, most roads out of the city were closed by land mines and snipers, with those open leading to Syria.

The UN Refugee Agency expects up to 100,000 Iraqis to cross into Syria and Turkey to escape the Iraqi government's military assault, appealing for millions of pounds in extra funding to provide tents, winter items and stoves for displaced civilians.

Save the Children is among the groups calling for safe corridors to be established for people to leave the conflict zone, with those who have managed to escape so far facing desperate conditions in camps.

Aram Shakaram, the charitys deputy country director in Iraq, said: Unless safe routes to escape the fighting are established, many families will have no choice but to stay and risk being killed by crossfire or bombardment, trapped beyond the reach of humanitarian aid with little food or medical care.

Those that try to flee will be forced to navigate a city ringed with booby traps, snipers and hidden landmines. Without immediate action to ensure people can flee safely, we are likely to see bloodshed of civilians on a massive scale.

The Norwegian Refugee Council warned of a repeat of the situation seen during the assault on Fallujah earlier this year, where civilians were shot by Isis attempting to escape their homes, drowned trying to cross rivers and were detained by militias loyal to the government.

In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Smoke rises after airstrikes by US-led coalition planes as Iraqi security forces advance against Islamic State extremists in Fallujah, June 15, 2016 AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Iraqi security forces advance during heavy fighting against Isis militants in Fallujah, Iraq, on 14 June AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Shia militia say that moving resources from Fallujah towards the area near Mosul was a 'betrayal' of the battle for the city GETTY In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Hospital sources said 18 bodies were recovered from the river over the weekend AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Up to 60,000 civilians were feared trapped in Fallujah at the start of the Iraqi operation AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Shia fighters hold an Isis flag in an operation east of Fallujah  the terror group has lost ground in both Syria and Iraq AFP/Getty In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Shia fighters hold their weapons as they gather near Falluja, Iraq, June 4, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Pro-government forces bid to take back ground from Isis in Fallujah MOADH AL-DULAIMI/AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Smoke billows on the horizon as Iraqi military forces prepare for an offensive to retake the city AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah A member of the Iraqi security forces fires artillery during clashes with Isis militants near Fallujah, Iraq, 29 May, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Iraqi government forces fire a rocket near al-Sejar village, north-east of Fallujah, on May 26, 2016, as they take part in a major assault to retake the city from the Islamic State group AFP/Getty In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Shia fighters and Iraqi security forces advance towards Fallujah Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters

Iraqi forces, the Kurdish Peshmerga, Popular Mobilisation Units and international forces are currently under orders to facilitate the transportation of civilians to official camps.

Britain is part of the US-led coalitions air strikes in the operation to drive Isis out of Mosul, which was announced by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in the early hours of Monday morning.

Tobias Ellwood, minister for the Middle East, said the assault marked another step forward towards clearing Daesh [Isis] from Iraq.

This will be the greatest challenge that Iraqs Security Forces have yet encountered  they are up to that challenge, he added.

The UK, as part of the Global Coalition, is committed to continuing to provide the government of Iraq with military, humanitarian and stabilisation support.

Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, has been under Isis rule for more than two years and militants have prepared for the invasion with underground tunnels, booby traps, suicide bombings and explosives.

It has been the scene of numerous massacres and public executions under the groups control, with former residents telling The Independent jihadis sought to control every aspect of life, from childrens education to television.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin said he hopes the US and its allies will do their best to avoid civilian casualties in an attack on Isis' Iraq stronghold of Mosul.

We hope that our American partners, and in this case our French partners as well, will act selectively and do everything to minimise  and even better, to rule out  civilian casualties, Mr Putin told a news conference after a summit of developing economies in India on Sunday.

We of course are not going to fan hysteria over this matter, like our partners in the West do, because we understand that we need to fight terrorism, and that there is no other way apart from active fighting, he added.

Mr Putin made his remarks as the UK and US said they were considering sanctions against Russia and Syria in response to their bombardment of Aleppo.

In pictures: Aleppo bombing Show all 14 1 /14 In pictures: Aleppo bombing In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Smoke rises after airstrikes on the rebel-held al-Sakhour neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family runs for cover amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of Al-Qatarji in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man reacts as he stands on blood stains at a site hit by airstrikes in the rebel held area of Aleppo's al-Fardous district, Syria, April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damage of the airstrikes in the rebel-held area of Aleppo on April 28 Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damaged the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)-backed al-Quds hospital after it was hit by airstrikes, in a rebel-held area of Syria's Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians evacuate an injured man amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following an air strike on a rebel-held of Aleppo on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo People inspect the damage at a site hit by airstrikes, in the rebel-held area of Aleppo's Bustan al-Qasr AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man leads a woman in tears and child out of the scene after airstrikes hit Aleppo AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Civil defence members search for survivors after an airstrike at a field hospital in the rebel held area of al-Sukari district of Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian boy is comforted as he cries next to the body of a relative who died in a reported air strike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Soukour in the northern city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family walks amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike in the Bustan al-Qasr rebel-held district of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers and rescuers remove a baby from under the rubble of a destroyed building following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Kalasa in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians help a wounded youth following an air strike on the Fardous rebel held neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers evacuate people from a damaged building following a reported airstrike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of Tareeq al-Bab in the northern city of Aleppo

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson warned Russia and Syrian president Bashar al-Assad that they would not be successful in their "barbaric siege" of the city.

Speaking in London following talks on Syria's civil war, US Secretary of State John Kerry said the bombardment constituted crimes against humanity.

He said: It could stop tomorrow morning, tonight if Russia and the Assad regime were to behave according to any norm or any standard of decency, but theyve chosen not to.

Instead we see what can only be described as crimes against humanity taking place on a daily basis, and hospitals are bombed and children are bombed or gassed.

More than 275,000 civilians in the city are enduring daily bombing raids, alleged gas attacks, and the use of highly destructive barrel bombs from Russian and Syrian air strikes.

 Boris Johnson calls for protests outside the Russian Embassy over Syria conflict

The battle to seize Mosul from Isis began on Monday morning, as convoys of troops began mobilising east of the city.

US and French forces had already began bombing Isis targets in the city ahead of the offensive.

Ahead of the battle, the Iraqi army dropped tens of thousands of leaflets over Mosul, urging residents to hide before the offensive beigns.

The leaflets carried several messages to the citizens attempting to reassure them that the advancing army "would not target civilians," but warned them to avoid the known locations of Isis militants.

The military operation is the most complex carried out in Iraq since US forces withdrew from the country in 2011.

Last week, the UN said it was bracing itself for the world's biggest and most complex humanitarian effort following the battle, which it expects will displace up to one million people and see civilians used as human shields.
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Its at the northern tip that Dirk Hartog Islands end-of-the-earth feel is at its strongest. A bumpy, two-and-a-half hour drive over corrugated pseudo-tracks  passing wild sand dunes and eerie, pink-tinged lakes  leads to lonely, scrubby, rubbly cliffs. Down below is Turtle Beach, a simply staggering stretch of chalky white sand, backed by the rich blue seas of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.

Theres no one else around, and if it wasnt for a wooden stake rammed into a cleft in the rock, thered be no reason to suspect anyone ever had been.

Attached to the stake is a rusting metal plate bearing a scratched message: Ill be back in 2016. Dirk Hartog of the Eendracht.

Cape Inscription, the most northerly part of Dirk Hartog Island (Tourism Western Australia)

Its fair to say this is not the original plate at Cape Inscription. In October 1616, way before Lieutenant James Cook claimed Australia for Britain, Dirk Hartog was one of several Dutch East India skippers who plied the trade route from the Netherlands to what is now Indonesia.

The Eendracht became detached from the fleet in Cape Town, then followed the quicker Roaring Forties route east. Hartog miscalculated when to turn north, though, and did so later than usual. This brought him into contact with a strange coastline of brutally steep, forbidding cliffs now known to be Western Australias. He made landfall at an island on the western fringe, not particularly interested in the continent that lay beyond. And now Dirk Hartog Island is named in his honour.

Hartog wasnt the first European to land in Australia  that honour falls to fellow Dutchman Willem Janszoon who, in 1606, got chased off Cape York in the north-east. But Janszoon probably thought he was in New Guinea and, at Cape Inscription, Hartog was the first to leave documentary evidence.

Pink-tinged lakes bring some colour to the barren landscape (Dirk Hartog Island/Facebook)

That evidence  an engraved pewter plate  can now been found in Amsterdams Rijksmuseum. It was commandeered by later Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh, who decided to take the plate and leave a replacement. Vlaminghs plate, in turn, was taken by Frenchman Louis de Freycinet  its now on display in the Western Australian Maritime Museum in Fremantle.

The musical plates game, then, has left Cape Inscription with todays makeshift marker  though at least this one is unlikely to get pilfered. (The 400th anniversary celebrations for Dirk Hartog Island this month, however, will include the embedding of new replica Hartog and de Vlamingh plates at Cape Inscription.) The only other sign of life here is a lighthouse; its shadow proves the only shade for miles around. Today, theres a thrill in being somewhere so inhospitable, so isolated. For the Dutch in the 1600s, however, its little wonder they didnt show much interest in exploring it further.

Getting to Cape Inscription isnt quite the achievement it was 400 years ago, but it takes a fair old effort. Dirk Hartog Island forms the ruggedly beautiful western flank of Shark Bay. It is not named sarcastically, should anyone be thinking of swimming across from Denham, 826km north of Perth and the only passable imitation of a town in the region. From the Dirk Hartog Eco Lodge, the only accommodation on the island, getting to Cape Inscription requires the aforementioned bumpy, 4x4 journey  a six-hour round trip. But its a glorious slice of outback adventure, punctuated by pretty cove beaches, and evidence of a phenomenally ambitious new conservation project.

Taking a boat out into Shark Bay (Dirk Hartog Island/Facebook)

This intoxicatingly remote islands previous incarnation was as a sheep station  25,000 sheep lived here during Australias wool boom. And this had disastrous consequences for the local ecology, with native creatures dying out in favour of the imports.

Kieran Wardle, whose grandfather owned the station, now runs the Dirk Hartog Island Eco-Lodge and 4x4 tours up to Cape Inscription. He says things have changed dramatically in the last seven years. In 2009 the island was declared a National Park, and the last sheep were removed. The bush has all regrown since then  it was bare, he tells me.

Now, the island is at that curious transitional stage of regrowth, with vegetation retaking the dunes and wild greenery flourishing where once it would have just been dinner.

Half-way up, a gate needs opening. Its part of a fence stretched across the island to keep out human-introduced, feral cats. An eradication programme is in place and once the rangers are sure the killer cats are gone, several marsupial species with marvellously Australian names  including the big-eared, mouse-like bandicoot and the ultra-cute, spotty-backed chuditch  will be reintroduced.

The chudditch, or Western Quoll, is a native marsupial that will be reintroduced to the island (Shutterstock)

The land may be recuperating, but the coastline is exquisitely beautiful. Particularly at Turtle Bay, which has a crescent beach that would be the envy of anywhere in the world. Here, Kieran leads towards a stunted tree, which played a part in Dirk Hartog Islands third historic visit.

In 1772, French explorer Louis Aleno de St Alouarn arrived at the helm of the Gros Ventre. He sent his men ashore, and had them claim the country for France. A bottle with two coins and a parchment setting out the claim was buried under that tree.

The islands beaches are spectacular (Dirk Hartog Island/Facebook)

The bottle was discovered 226 years later, and St Alouarn died before he could return to France. The shipmates that did return clearly didnt make a great sales pitch  otherwise Australia would have ended up as a French, rather than British colony.

But that ship has long since sailed.

Travel essentials

Getting there

Etihad Airways (0345 6081225; etihad.com) flies to Perth via Abu Dhabi from Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh. Return fares start at 653.

From Perth, its around a 10-hour drive to Dirk Hartog Island, although it is best tackled as part of a longer west coast road trip. Advance barge bookings and 4x4s from Steep Point via the Lodge are essential if driving. Otherwise, Skippers Aviation (00 61 8 9479 1244; skippers.com.au) flies to Shark Bay Airport from Perth from AU$314 (197) return, and the Lodge offers a ferry service from Denham, which is 9km from the airport.

Staying there

The Dirk Hartog Island Eco-Lodge offers a three-night package in en-suite accommodation at the Homestead for AU$1,338 (837) per person. This includes all meals, soft drinks and return transfers from Denham, plus a full-day 4x4 trip to Cape Inscription. See dirkhartogisland.com.

More information

sharkbayvisit.com.au; westernaustralia.com
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Donald Trump is the greatest threat to Western civilisation we have faced since the fall of the Berlin Wall. If elected, he threatens to jail his opponent, Hillary Clinton. He is emboldening the cranks and racists of the alt-right and destabilising the American peoples faith in their democratic institutions with his loose talk that the system is rigged. And, even though Trump represents a virulent strain of hard-right populism, he is being helped along by a hero of the libertarian left  Julian Assange.

Assanges alliance with Donald Trump looks, on the face of it, like one of the most unusual political alliances in recent history. The players in this dangerous alliance may share a fondness for the conservative patriarchy of Vladimir Putins Russia but, for Assange, Trump is part of his calculations to escape his room in the Ecuadorian Embassy in Knightsbridge. A presidential pardon may stop him facing jail in the US (though no charges have been brought against him there so far), but it wont stop his extradition to Sweden to face sexual assault allegations.

Assanges political influence only remains because too many on the left have made half a decades worth of excuses for him.

For a brief moment, Julian Assange looked like the future. The hacker-turned-activist had the vision to co-found WikiLeaks and turn it into the worlds number one whistleblowing platform. He was hailed as the spirit incarnate of the internet; a man willing to face prison to let people know the truth about corruption in their governments and corporations. It is easy to forget how influential WikiLeaks once was.

 Trump vs Clinton Like 'Cholera vs Gonorrhoea' - Assange at Green Party Convention

The organisation had an inner circle of highly skilled data analysts and journalists working across the globe on leaked documents. When WikiLeaks published US embassy cables on President Ben Alis pilfering of state assets for shopping trips in Paris, it helped trigger the uprising in Tunisia.

Assange inspired an era of whistleblowing, from Edward Snowden exposing illegal US and UK surveillance, to the Panama Papers that showed the extent of global tax avoidance. Assange was powerful, seemingly above the law, and attracting international attention. A minority of journalists dared ask the question: who can hold the whistleblowers to account?

On 20 August 2010, two women entered a Stockholm police station and asked police to ensure Assange took an HIV test. The women allege that Assange had committed rape and sexual assault, charges Assange denies. He was due to be interviewed by police on 14 October 2010, but instead fled Sweden for London in late September.

People around Assange began to trash the reputations of the two women involved saying they were motivated by malice and money. Others said the allegations were part of a sinister CIA plot to destroy WikiLeaks. Few of Assanges celebrity friends were willing to ask the question, what if Assange had committed sexual assault.

The law in Sweden means the charge of sexual assault has already expired and the rape charge will expire in 2020. He is now due to be questioned again by Swedish prosecutors inside the Ecudorian Embassy.

By now, you may have expected a chorus of voices from the liberal-left calling for Assange to return to Sweden to face questioning. If he was innocent, why could he not be questioned on these serious charges? Instead, people made excuses.

The excuses continued when months later, Padraig Reidy and I exposed damning evidence that suggested a close associate of Assange had given top secret US embassy cables to the dictator of Belarus, which may have landed brave democracy activists in prison. At first, we heard nothing. It took a former WikiLeaks staffer, James Ball, to blow the whistle for us to be taken seriously: ironically, now leaks were exposing an apparent cover-up culture at WikiLeaks.

Recommended Read more This is why Trump really wants Hillary Clinton to take a drugs test

It is because prominent people have made personal and professional excuses for Assange that he feels beyond reproach  even as he alienates those closest to him. Emboldened, Assange is going for his greatest ever prize: the US presidency.

WikiLeaks is leading the attack on Trumps rival, Hillary Clinton, with leaks that have so far cost the job of Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, the former Democrat party chair. Just last Thursday, another 2,000 internal emails from the Clinton campaign were released. And moments after the infamous video of Trump allegedly boasting about groping women was put online, Wikileaks responded with leaked emails of Hillary Clintons speeches to Wall Street banks.

Robert Mackey of The Intercept, a site that has done much to give whistleblowers a global voice, says WikiLeaks has started to look more like the stream of an opposition research firm working mainly to undermine Hillary Clinton than the updates of a non-partisan platform for whistleblowers.

It seems odd that the worlds most prominent whistleblowing website has leaked nothing on Donald Trump and his mysterious tax records, yet is leaking the personal details of Democrat party donors. It seems highly likely that Wikileaks received these leaked emails from hackers working for the Russian Government.

What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? Show all 8 1 /8 What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On the leaked tape from 2005 where he talks about sexually assaulting women I'm very embarrassed by it, I hate it, but it's locker room talk. It's one of those things. I will knock the hell out of Isis Getty What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On Hillary Clinton I hate to say it but if I win I'm going to instruct my attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation. There has never been so many lies, so much deception. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Rex What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On Bill Clinton What he's done to women, there's never been anybody in the history of politics in this nation that's been so abusive to women. AP What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On whether his alleged opposition to Iraq War had been disproven "Its not debunked. Its not debunked." Getty What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On exploiting tax loopholes "I absolutely used it, and so did Warren Buffett, and so did George Soros and so did many people who Hillary is getting money from." Getty What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On claims he's sexist I have great respect for women. Nobody has more respect for women than I do. Reuters What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On what he respects about Hillary Clinton I will say this about Hillary - she doesn't quit, she doesn't give up. I tell it like it is. She's a fighter. Reuters What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On his controversial immigration policies "Its called extreme vetting. Were going to areas like Syria, where they are coming in by the tens of thousands because of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton wanting to allow a 550 per cent increase [of refugees] over Obama. People are coming into this country. We have no idea who they are, where they are from and what their feelings are about this country." Getty

With ammunition from Wikileaks, Trump is hammering home his case that the first female nominee from a major party for the presidency is unfit for office. Trump has lavished WikiLeaks with praise, telling a rally in Pennsylvania, I love Wikileaks.

It is claimed that support for Wikileaks is rising among US right-wingers. FoxNews TV shock jock Sean Hannity went as far telling Assange in a live interview, I do hope you get free one day. This is perhaps Assanges strategy - damage Clinton (who ran the State Department when Assange leaked the embassy cables) to secure a Trump win and a presidential pardon.

Ive written at length about Obamas war on whistleblowers and the appalling record of the Democrat party in prosecuting brave Americans who speak out about their governments human rights abuses. I would support any campaign to prevent Julian Assanges extradition to the US, where the law would prevent him from running a public interest defence for his disclosures and would likely see him placed in jail alongside Chelsea Manning, who has suffered disgracefully at the hands of the US government.

If Donald Trump becomes US President, it will be in no small way thanks to the efforts of Julian Assange. After theyve defended Assange against allegations of rape and helping the dictator of Belarus, will the liberal left continue to defend him if he gets Trump elected?

Mike Harris is the founder and director of 89up and the publisher of Little Atoms magazine
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Syrias army and Hezbollah and Iranian allies are preparing for a massive invasion by thousands of Isis fighters who will be driven out of Iraq when Mosul falls. The real purpose behind the much-trumpeted US-planned "liberation" of the Iraqi city, the Syrian military suspect, is to swamp Syria with the hordes of Isis fighters who will flee their Iraqi capital in favour of their "mini-capital" of Raqqa inside Syria itself.

For weeks now, Western media and the American experts it likes to quote have been predicting a Stalingrad-style battle to the death by Isis inside Mosul  or a swift victory over Isis followed by inter-sectarian Iraqi battles for the city. The UN is warning of massive refugee columns streaming from a besieged city. But the Syrians  after witnessing the sudden collapse and evacuation of Palmyra when their own army retook the ancient Syrian city earlier this year  suspect that Isis will simply abandon Mosul and try to reach safety in the areas of Syria which it still controls.

Already, Syrian army intelligence has heard disturbing reports of a demand by Isis in towns and villages south of Hasaka  a Syrian city held by regime forces and Kurds in the north of the country  for new electricity and water supplies to be installed for an influx of Isis fighters from Mosul. In other words, if Mosul falls, the entire Isis caliphate army could be directed against the Assad government and its allies  a scenario which might cause some satisfaction in Washington. When the Iraqi city of Fallujah fell to Iraqi army and militia forces earlier this year, many Isis fighters fled at once to Syria.

Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Show all 10 1 /10 Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Graffiti on the ancient stones reads in Arabic Shooting without the permission of the chief is prohibited Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Damaged artefacts lay inside the museum of the historic city of Palmyra Reuters Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Syrian pro-government forces rest by Palmyra Citadel as they take control of the city from the hands of Isis Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The UNESCO world heritage site appears surprisingly intact after its recapture from the militant group Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Many had feared the ancient city would be destroyed following its capture by Isis in May Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Smoke billows from the Palmyra Citadel as Assads forces drive the Jihadist group from the city Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Palmyra is one of the most important cultural centers of the world Unesco says Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Pro-government forces play football in the streets following the recapture of the city Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The extent of the destruction caused by Isis 10 month occupation of the city has yet to be fully realised Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The City Council of Palmyra building in ruins Reuters

Sayed Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader who sent thousands of his men to fight (and die) in the struggle against Isis and Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria, said in a speech marking the Ashura commemorations last week that the Americans intend to repeat the Fallujah plot when they opened a way for Isis to escape towards eastern Syria and warned that the same deceitful plan may be carried out in Mosul. In other words, an Isis defeat in Mosul would encourage Isis to head west to try to defeat the Assad regime in Syria.

These suspicions have scarcely been allayed by a series of comments from American generals and US military sources over the past few weeks. The newly appointed US commander in the region, Lt Gen Stephen Townsend  heading what the US has presumptiously called Operation Inherent Resolve  has said that not only Mosul but the Syrian city of Raqqa would be captured on my watch. But who exactly does he think will capture Raqqa? The Syrian army still intends to fight on to Raqqa from its base on the the Damascus-Aleppo military road west of the city after an attempt earlier this year which was abandoned for political rather than military reasons. Russia apparently preferred to concentrate its firepower on other militias, especially Nusra/al-Qaeda, which both Moscow and Damascus now regard as being far more dangerous than Isis.

Both have noticed how Nusra  which changed its name to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, the "Support Front for the People of the Levant", in the hope of escaping its al-Qaeda roots  is increasingly referred to by both Western politicians and journalists as the rebels, along with a plethora of other militia outfits fighting the Syrian regime. An unidentified US general was quoted last month expressing his concern that Iraqi Shia forces might seize the town of Tal Afar on the Iraqi-Syrian border in order to trap Isis fighters inside Iraq  and thus prevent their flight into Syria. Isis itself is reported to have abandoned Tal Afar several days ago.

The US-based Military Times online magazine (which, as the saying goes, is "close" to the Pentagon) has argued that General Townsend, who has a mere 5,000 US troops on the ground in both Iraq and the far north of Syria, must pursue Isis into Syria, where the US has few allies on the ground  which is quite an understatement  while Townsend himself is talking of a long, difficult fight for Mosul. He has also referred to a siege of Mosul. These are the dire predictions in which the Syrians do not believe

 Millions in need of aid as Iraqi forces advance on Mosul

Assads own army, with its 65,000 fatalities in a battle that has now lasted five years, has already been bombed by the Americans at Deir Ezzor at a cost of at least 60 dead  Washington described this as a mistake  and is now preparing to challenge the huge influx of Isis fighters which could cross the border after the collapse of Mosul. Nasrallah himself made an intriguing allusion to this in his speech. He suggested that if Isis forces are not defeated by the Iraqis themselves in Mosul then the Iraqis  presumably the Iraqi Shia militia which are one of the spearheads of the government army  will be obliged to move to eastern Syria in order to fight the terrorist group.

Given the possibility that Syrian troops and their Russian allies may have to confront this same group, its little wonder that they are trying to conclude their capture of eastern Aleppo  whatever the cost in lives  before the fall of Mosul.
President Michael D Higgins said those struggling with poverty can be treated as merely numbers or cases

President Michael D Higgins has spoken out about people being insulted and demeaned by the social welfare system.

Those struggling with poverty can be treated as merely numbers or cases and are forced to jump many difficult hurdles to claim benefits they are entitled to, he said.

Mr Higgins also criticised overly complicated procedures and layers of red tape blocking people from vital public services.

In a speech to mark UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the president questioned whether a country could call itself a democracy if it treats those living below the poverty line with hostility and suspicion.

"When people living in poverty are treated as numerical units or administrative cases; when they are forced to jump multiple and difficult hurdles in order to claim financial benefits to which they are entitled... we insult and demean those amongst us who are guilty of nothing except living, day in day out, below the poverty line," he said.

"When a citizen experiencing poverty is not enabled to exercise their voice, or to claim their rights and entitlements... they have been failed by a society that claims to operate on the principles of a democratic republic."

During the address at the Famine memorial on Dublin's Custom House Quay, the president said disabled people in Ireland are twice as likely to live below the poverty line as the rest of the country.

He added:

:: almost one in five children in Ireland live below the poverty line.

:: 18% of adults living in poverty are in some form of employment.

:: more than 57% of those in poverty are retired, students, people in caring roles, people who are ill or people with a disability.

"Behind those statistics are, of course, many personal stories of misfortune, unemployment, mistakes, regret, lost opportunity and sometimes abuse, neglect, addiction or illness," he said.

"These are human stories; the stories of our fellow citizens who have, through circumstance, found themselves living in insecure and difficult situations.

"There can be no doubt that how a society treats its more vulnerable citizens, how it deals with helping people into work and protecting those unable to work, is a critical reflection of its moral core."

Mr Higgins said a society that creates a culture of "suspicion or hostility" towards those living below the poverty line or that patronises them "cannot easily lay claim to being part of a functioning democracy".
Payments to begin to over 100,000 farmers from today

Farmers are set to receive over 1bn in EU subsidies from today, as the first payments under the Basic Payment Scheme are made.

This weeks payments are an advance payment of the Basic Payment Scheme and will go to over 100,000 farmers.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed said his Department had prioritised the processing of payments under the Basic Payment Scheme, where it will be paying out 70% advance payment today.

This early payment in conjunction with the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme, GLAS and AEOS payments collectively are worth over 1.5 billion annually to farmers, he said.

What is the Basic Payment Scheme?

The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), introduced in 2015, as part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) replaces the Single Payment System (SPS) and this year a 70% advance will be paid to farmers this month, with the balance expected to be paid to most farmers in December.

The Basic Payment is worth over 714m to farmers in Ireland. The payments also have a huge knock-on-boost for rural Ireland with studies showing that farmers spend the majority of there income within 35km of the farm.

It comes after last weeks announcement in the Budget that farmers can look forward to low-cost loans which are part funded by the Department of Agriculture.

Under the low-cost loan fund, farmers will be able to borrow money for investment in their farm at a rate of 2.95% for loans of up to 150,000.

Farmers in Northern Ireland can also expect to receive an advance of their Basic Payment Scheme this week.

The Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Michelle McIlveen said that fund will arrive in bank accounts by Thursday and that 80% of eligible farmers will receive a 70% advance payment.
The Governments all-island Brexit forum risks becoming a talking shop unless it leads to concrete proposals, the Centre for Cross Border Studies has said.

Its deputy director Dr Anthony Soares suggested it shouldn't become an arena for groups simply to air their concerns.

The forum is set to take place on November 2 in Dublin involving business people, political parties and members of civic society. The DUP and UUP have already said they will not be attending.

There has been concerns voiced that this initiative will just be a talking shop, and there is a possibility that it might be a talking shop  if people are just talking about their concerns, the concerns that have already been identified repeatedly, Dr Soares told a UK House of Lords Committee examining the impact of Brexit on Irish/UK relations, during a sitting in Belfast.

It will become less of a talking shop if we have various sectors and business .. presenting a concrete vision, concrete proposals on how we take things forward.

Earlier, Peter Sheridan, the chief executive of the Cooperation Ireland charity, and a former assistant chief constable with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), said the policing relationships on both sides of the island will continue even after a Brexit. But he suggested there was the potential for border crime in terms of smuggling to heighten, particularly if a customs border is put in place.

The day to day relationship between the police here and An Garda Siochana will not change. But its sharing of intelligence, the movement of criminals across the border, smuggling, if there is any sort of border again, particularly if there are trade tariffs, the likelihood of smuggling again becoming particularly relevant, theyd need to be very alert for, Mr Sheridan said.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in the North warned that EU migrants working in Northern Ireland could move to the Republic because of the plunging value of sterling, leaving a labour shortage in the north.

We do fear and some businesses do fear that these migrant workers may prefer to live in the Republic of Ireland so that they can maintain their standard of living, said Angela McGowan, the head of the CBI in the north.

Northern Ireland, along with Scotland, voted to remain in the EU in Junes Brexit referendum, while England and Wales voted to pull out.

Economists have argued the north is the UK region most vulnerable to a so-called Brexit.

Declan Billington, of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association, said 60pc of those working in agri-food factories in the north are non UK nationals.

Any restrictions on access to labour, or any challenges to that labour workforce, could restrict our ability to standstill, never mind grow, he said.

"The unique position of Northern Ireland is that if we struggle to get access to labour, and our businesses are run on an all-island economy, its not unlikely that businesses would relocate their processing facilities across the border where they will have free aceess to labour.

"So the point is, elsewhere in the UK, if you have labour shortages, it is a problem that you have to address. "In Northern Ireland, economics will pull some of our business across the border."

Ms McGowan also said that Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire needs to be closely involved in the Brexit negotiations, after it emerged that the latter will not be permanently on the UK governments powerful Brexit Cabinet Committee.

Mr Brokenshire will instead attend meetings of the committee, which is mapping out Britain's exit from the European Union, at the request of Prime Minister Theresa May.
The State's forestry agency is looking to refinance its debt pile and is in talks with all of its commercial lenders under plans to slash costs.

Coillte is holding discussions with its banks and has also tapped the European Investment Bank (EIB) for a near 100m loan that it believes could save up to 5m per year over the next five years.

It is the first time that the semi-state company has applied to the Luxembourg-based lender, which provides loans at favourable terms.

Coillte is looking to refinance about 200m, which includes its debt and ongoing facilities.

The commercial semi-state company has already implemented a strategy to cut costs, which has seen the number of staff at its headquarters fall by 60.

The vast bulk of Coillte's sales are to the UK, which also puts pressure on the company to reduce costs in order to cope with what could be a sustained drop in Sterling.

The forestry agency is in discussions with the EIB to secure the 98m loan facility, amid plans to spend about 35m per year on plantation and roads.

"This is part of Coillte's overall transformation strategy, one part of which is to reduce costs in the business," a Coillte spokesman said.

More than 35,500 ha of forest are expected to be planted, along with 373km of new forest roads, while an additional 1,288km of forest roads are to be upgraded.

The company generated profits last year of 47.6m, two thirds more than the previous year. The company paid a 5m dividend to the State.

Coillte said earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) stood at 89.6m at the end of last year.

The UK is Coillte's biggest market - accounting for 80pc of its 300m annual sales, chief executive Fergal Leamy has said.

Ahead of June's Brexit referendum, Mr Leamy said the company had hedged against a potentially sharp decline in the value of Sterling.

But in the longer term, trade restrictions would hurt Irish exports, he said. It is not clear if it has hedged against the decline currently experienced.

Coillte has also mapped its entire 445,000 hectares of land and marked it according to its potential use, including suitability for not only forestry but wind and solar generation. The vast majority of the portfolio is earmarked for forestry, but as much as 20,000 hectares is regarded as suitable for non-core projects, that can range from tourism to power generation.
Data centres - large warehouses full of computer servers - are the engines of the internet and are critical to modern business and society Photo: Frank McGrath

Electronic payment company ACI Worldwide has opened a new state-of-the-art data centre in Limerick with the aim of expanding the firm's capabilities in Europe.

ACI boast a host of major clients, including two of Ireland's biggest banks. The business built the new centre in record time as it looks to accommodate growing demand from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The new centre will also lead to the creation of 50 new jobs, adding to the 100 staff it already employs in Limerick where ACI has had a presence for the last ten years.

ACI president Phil Heasley said the company was "very excited" by its new centre.

As more organizations embrace private cloud solutions to gain a competitive edge, theyre turning to ACI; our dedicated cloud payments offerings provide the security, privacy and reliability that customers need and expect from mission-critical payment solutions.

Outside of epayments, ACI also provides banking and fraud protection solutions to more than 4,600 financial institutions, retailers, and billers through its private cloud network.
Electricity charges will soon depend on what time of the day you use power. (Stock picture)

Electricity charges will soon depend on what time of the day you use power, the ESB has said.

Under a new 'time of use' tariff scheme, householders will be encouraged to use power at non-peak times to ease pressure on the national electricity grid.

The new system is expected to be introduced within the next two years.

"There will be time-of-use tariffs in the future," said Paul Mulvaney, the ESB's director of innovation. "It might be based on green energy periods.

"It will be part of a smart metering programme and residential customers can expect to see it in 2018 or 2019."

Mr Mulvaney did not say whether this meant tariffs would become more expensive during peak daytime hours or simply cheaper at night.

"The idea is that you encourage people to use less energy and greener energy and flex demand so as to be easiest on the system," he said.

"If you can get people to shift their load to night time, it's easier on the grid. We carried out trials and found that when people knew there were cheaper tariff periods, they saved 4pc to 5pc on their bills."

Mr Mulvaney was speaking as the ESB prepares to host a 'hackathon' in Dublin this weekend.

The event, to be held in CHQ's Dogpatch Labs from Friday to Sunday, will seek to reward the best new ideas on improving energy efficiency, electricity reliability and ecar management. Winners of the competition will win cash prizes of 5,000, 3,000 and 2,000 respectively.

The ESB will be providing anonymised data sets for each of the challenges to help people understand usage, customer profiles and trends in advance of the hackathon.

Mr Mulvaney said that the event was on course to attract more than 100 coders, entrepreneurs and start-up personnel to the event.

Applicants can enter on the website bigenergyhack.ie.

He also said the ESB would finally begin requiring payment for eCar charging points around the country.

Earlier this year, the utility postponed seeking 17 per month for usage of the almost 1,000 charging points nationwide.

However, Mr Mulvaney says the ESB is now communicating with eCar customers about the imminent introduction of charges. "We're currently looking at the appropriate tariffs," he said. "Ultimately, everything has to be paid for. We need to reinvest and keep the system up to date. We will have to charge."
Capitalflow has already provided 50m in the past six months to over 230 Irish SMEs.

Dublin-based Capitalflow, a commercial lender established last year, has committed to providing 300m in finance to small and medium-sized businesses.

It comes as the European Investment Bank is considering whether to part-finance the investments of eligible mid-cap companies, with fewer than 3,000 employees, from different sectors in Ireland and the UK.

The Luxembourg-based bank is weighing up whether to provide a programme loan worth around 150m.

Capitalflow has already provided 50m in the past six months to over 230 Irish SMEs.

Capitalflow was founded by Harry Parkinson, who is its chief executive.
Here are the main business stories from this morning's papers:

Irish Independent

* Larry Goodman's ABP Food Group, the international meat, pet food and renewables business, has expanded its operations in Poland with the acquisition of a production facility in the east of the country.

The facility, acquired from Polish processor Sklodowsky, will increase ABP's production capacity in Poland to up to 250,000 cattle per year.

* Dublin-based Capitalflow, a commercial lender established last year, has committed to providing 300m in finance to small and medium-sized businesses.

It comes as the European Investment Bank is considering whether to part-finance the investments of eligible mid-cap companies, with fewer than 3,000 employees, from different sectors in Ireland and the UK.

* The State's forestry agency is looking to refinance its debt pile and is in talks with all of its commercial lenders under plans to slash costs.

Coillte is holding discussions with its banks and has also tapped the European Investment Bank (EIB) for a near 100m loan that it believes could save up to 5m per year over the next five years.

The Irish Times

* Motoring tech giant Tesla is to open its first Irish store next year, paving the way for Elon Musk's creations to hit our roads.

The company is also due to start rolling out supercharging stations for the electric cars across the country.

* Financial services firm EY has reported a 16.2pc rise in fee income over the last 12 months, rising to 220m.

Last year marked the third year in a row EY posted a 16pc or more rise in revenue as the company also recorded strong growth in its four business lines.

* Google has handed over detail on three Irish users or accounts after being requested to do so by law enforcement during the first six months of the year.

Nearly 20 requests were made to the tech giant for information on 62 users or accounts from Irish authorities during the first six months of the year.

Irish Examiner

* McDonald's is set to open its first Irish two-storey restaurant outside of Dublin as the company looks to build in Tralee, Co Kerry.

The firm's existing Tralee restaurant and drive-thru will be doubled in size as part of the flagship project.

* British foreign secretary Boris Johnson described a column he had written in which he backed staying in the EU was "semi-parodic".

However, Mr Johnson said he did wrestle with the decision to leave the EU despite the previously unseen column.

* Adidas has posted an Irish profit of 839,000 for its last financial year as the company reaped the rewards of selling Real Madrid and Manchester United shirts.

The firm's profits soared by 35pc in the 12 month period with revenues at its Irish arm climbing to just under 31.1m.
Many of the people being approved for a home loan are competing hard with each other for the few houses that are available. Stock image

THE number of financially-stretched people applying for a State-sanctioned debt deals has doubled. But the actual number of deals put in place is down.

New figures from the Insolvency Service of Ireland show that almost 900 people applied to put a formal arrangement in place with their lenders.

The figures were for the three months to the end of September. This was up 102pc on the same three months last year. But the number of heavily-indebted people who secured a formal deal from their banks and other lenders fell in the three months to September, when compared with the same quarter last year.

Just 180 people had a deal known personal insolvency arrangement (PIA) approved in the July to September period. This was down by five PIAs in the same quarter last year.

A PIA allows a person to reduce what they are paying, and return to solvency while staying in their home. There was also a fall in the number of bankruptcies of 26pc to just 61 the third quarter.

In the year so far, a total to 345 people were declared bankrupt, compared with 479 for full-year 2015. This is despite the term for bankruptcy being reduced recently to one year.

Insolvency Service director Lorcan OConnor blamed the summer recess in the bankruptcy courts for the fall.

Large numbers of people are still struggling to pay their mortgages. The number of people two years or more in arrears on their mortgages was close to 35,000 in June, down slightly from the previous quarter, separate Central Bank figures show Those in arrears for more than two years risk losing their homes.

Mr OConnor said: This quarter saw continued growth in new applications with protective certificates and approved arrangements at similar levels to last quarter.

When compared to the same period last year, there is significant growth in all categories.

So far, some 4,000 people have gone through different processes overseen by the Insolvency Service to return to solvency.

Earlier this month the Government launched its Abhaile plan to tackle the problem of mortgage arrears. This service will provide free, independent expert advice and support on financial and legal issues through the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), working with the Insolvency Service of Ireland, the Legal Aid Board and the professional accountancy bodies. Mr OConnor said this new initiative is expected to drive further growth in the coming months.
Stephen Spielberg's terrifying movie 'Jaws' posed the burning question of the day: Is it safe to go back in the water? With the great white shark in the shallows, it was probably wise to stay dry.

The investment equivalent of that burning question is: Is it safe to go back into bank shares? What happened to shareholders in Irish banks in the crash seven years ago is now deeply etched in folk memory. Many people would not approach bank shares with a five-metre barge poll.

And even that is too close for others whose personal wealth was obliterated in the banks' collapse and the way it totally destroyed investor confidence.

However, life goes on and there are other parts of the global investment scene where sticking some spare cash into a financial service company does not inspire the same feelings of horror.

Finland is an example and the company I have been throwing my eye over is Sampo plc, based in Helsinki and valued at 23bn.

Covering the Nordic region, Sampo has two fully owned insurance subsidiaries, P&C Insurance and Mandatum Life. The group is also the biggest shareholder in Nordea Bank, the region's largest. It provides insurance in all the Nordic states, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden and has expanded into the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

Like many insurers in this part of the world, it started out as a mutual insurance company in Turku 107 years ago. Since then, Sampo has evolved through many stages to become a Nordic financial powerhouse.

At the beginning of the millennium, the company merged its banking operations with the state bank of Finland.

Seven years later, the merged concern was sold to Danske Bank for 4bn; at the time the largest takeover in Finnish history.

Shortly after, Sampo invested in Nordia Bank and over time has increased its shareholding to over 20pc.

P&C Insurance is the leading property and casualty insurer in the Nordic and Baltic regions with over 3.7 million customers.

It also owns 30pc of Topdanmark, the second largest Danish insurer.

The company offers a broad range of insurance, from motor to livestock to private, corporate and industrial customers. With three million customers, its private business is the regions market leader and accounts for 60pc of all P&C premiums.

P&C also has thriving commercial and industrial insurance businesses with commercial premiums being double that of industrial.

Its profit before tax last year was 970m, up 3pc on the previous year, the best ever results.

The group's Life insurance business is handled by Mandatum Life. Its main market is Finland but in recent times it has expanded into Baltic countries.

Mandatum is the leading provider for life, health and disability insurance and also provides a wealth management service.

It has 250,000 private customers and 25,000 corporate customers, mainly in Finland. Last year, Mandatum Life contributed 180m pre-tax profits to the group. An associate company of the Sampo group is Nordea Bank, the largest in the Nordic region. In terms of size, the bank is also one of the largest in Europe, with 11 million customers; AIB, Ireland's largest bank, has 2.3 million. Nordia contributed 750m to Sampo group profits last year.

The Sampo group is valued at 23bn. Profits before taxes last year were 1.9bn, an increase of 7pc helped by double-digit growth at Nordia bank and Mandatum Life. The share price over the last five years has more than doubled, rising from 20 in 2011 to 50 last year; today it trades at 40. The group has a policy of paying 50pc of group net profits in dividends. Music to my ears.

I like Sampo's broad geographical coverage, good profitability and the solid base it offers for meeting future demands. In addition, it has an attractive dividend yield. Importantly for Irish investors, the Finnish group carries no exchange risk.

Nothing in this section should be taken as a recommendation, either explicit or implicit to buy any of the shares mentioned.
BUSINESS people despairing of skilling up in the area of computer coding are being advised that its never too late to learn.

Ed Tech company Code Institute today launched a new course, Coding Fundamentals for Business Professionals.

Its designed for business professionals in areas such as marketing, finance, HR, commercial, management and for start-up entrepreneurs who are increasingly utilising software and technology to deliver business goals.

Covering areas such as data, cloud computing and web development, the course aims to empower graduates to better utilise technology and to bridge the technical communications gap that exists in many businesses.

It is vital that all business people/managers understand and take ownership of how and where technology fits into their role, said Code Institutes CEO Jim Cassidy.
Google has launched an assault on false, misleading and inaccurate news articles online with the introduction of a new feature that will fact check stories on its News section.

It has added a fact check tag to Google News that is reserved for articles from official fact checking websites, such as the UK charity Full Fact.

The factual update to the popular news aggregator could help encourage the spread of accurate news online.

Expand Close "Fact check" will appear ahead of articles that are from fact checking sites on Google News Credit: Google / Facebook

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Whatsapp "Fact check" will appear ahead of articles that are from fact checking sites on Google News Credit: Google

Alongside regular news stories on any given topic, Google will now pull articles from fact checking websites, of which there are more than 100 around the world and two based in the UK, according to Duke University.

"They collectively produce many thousands of fact-checks a year, examining claims around urban legends, politics, health, and the media," said Richard Gingras, Google's head of news. "We're excited to see the growth of the Fact Check community and to shine a light on its efforts to divine fact from fiction, wisdom from spin."

Fact check sites tend to use a particular type of computer code, which the search giant said it will use to determine if an article contains fact checks. It will also scan the sites to see if they follow widely accepted criteria for such pieces.

The tag works in a similar way to the "In-Depth", "Opinion" and "Local News" tags on Google News, and will appear before the headline as "Fact Check".

The update comes amid growing concern about the truth of articles published and promoted online. Facebook has come under fire for promoting fake news after users found its news section contained false, inaccurate and potentially offensive stories.

Following an incident where the social network promote the fake story "BREAKING: Fox News exposes traitor Megyn Kelly, kicks her out for backing Hillary", Facebook said it had tweaked its news algorithm. But after the changes, promoted five fake stories and three highly inaccurate ones in a three week period, according to the Washington Post.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Pepsi has set a target for reducing the amount of sugar in its soft drinks around the world as part of a suite of goals aimed at tackling problems ranging from obesity to climate change.

The New York-based company will announce on Monday that by 2025 at least two thirds of its drinks will have 100 calories or fewer from added sugar per 12 oz serving, up from about 40pc now.

The move, which it plans to achieve by introducing more zero and low-calorie drinks and reformulating existing drinks, comes as PepsiCo and rival Coca-Cola come under increasing pressure from health experts and governments who blame them for fuelling epidemics of obesity and diabetes.

PepsiCo says the new global target is more ambitious than its previous goal of reducing sugar by 25pc in certain drinks in certain markets by 2020.

"The science has evolved," Mehmood Khan, PepsiCo's chief scientific officer of research and development, told Reuters.

He gave an example of new flavor ingredients that require less sweetening, saying: "It's not just about sweeteners, it's about understanding the flavor ingredients and having proprietary knowledge and access to them."

The World Health Organization this month recommended taxes on sugary drinks, as France and Mexico have done, to curb consumption and improve health. The soft drinks industry opposes such taxes.

Despite its name, PepsiCo generates only 12pc of its $63 billion in annual revenue from its famous cola brand. It makes 25pc from carbonated soft drinks such as Mountain Dew, with the rest coming from waters and juices including the Tropicana brand, plus snacks and dips such as hummus and guacamole.

Its 2025 goals also include targets for lowering sodium and saturated fat.

FINANCIAL PROGRESS

"These are good steps. But when we have an obesity crisis, I think there is more that we can be doing," said Mindy Lubber, president of non-profit organization Ceres, which pushes companies and investors to take action on sustainability.

"If a food and beverage company is not looking at nutrition, they are not looking at the direction the world is going in."

Coke has said that by 2020 it would offer low-calorie or no-calorie options in every market as part of its sustainability goals.

PepsiCo is building on goals set out 10 years ago, which targeted nutritional, environmental and social improvements. Khan said there has also been financial progress.

He said the company has saved $600 million over the past five years from reduced water, packaging and energy use, as well as a reduction in waste. He added that, over the past decade, average returns on investments in this area have been better than the cost of capital.

Khan expects similar returns in future, which might be good news for investors, who generally don't base investment decisions on sustainability.

"It might not be the driving factor, but it might a filter," said Morningstar analyst Philip Gorham.

Other targets include a 15pc improvement in the water efficiency of PepsiCo's direct agricultural supply chain in water-stressed areas by 2025 and a 20pc drop in greenhouse gas emissions across its supply chain by 2030.
Irish comedy star Sharon Horgan has revealed she is penning a new movie for Oscar-winner Reese Witherspoon.

The Meath writer has been earning critical acclaim for her new TV series, Divorce, starring Sarah Jessica Parker.

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The mother-of-two has conquered the small screen with a string of TV hits including Pulling and Catastrophe, but now she has her sights set on Hollywood.

She is following in the footsteps of best-selling author Cecilia Ahern, who has seen three of her novels turned into movie blockbusters.

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Sharon Horgan told Red magazine she has teamed up with the Walk the Line star, who has recently produced hits like Gone Girl and Wild.

She said: Reese set up her own production company specifically to create better roles for women because she was fed up with getting sent scripts where she was some funny guys girlfriend, Sharon explained.

Expand Close Creator and Executive Producer Sharon Horgan attends the "Divorce" New York Premiere at SVA Theater on October 4, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Creator and Executive Producer Sharon Horgan attends the "Divorce" New York Premiere at SVA Theater on October 4, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

She saw Pulling and thats why we hooked up.

The American actress also took to social media a few months ago to tell of her love for Horgans TV sitcom, Catastrophe, which revolved around her characters surprise pregnancy and an unlikely romance.

Expand Close Sharon Horgan created the new TV series 'Divorce' / Facebook

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The Irish writer said she was delighted with the glowing endorsement from Witherspoon, whose input really helped her TV series gain traction in the US.

She was so great about Catastrophe, said Sharon. She definitely piled a few extra thousand viewers by Instagramming about it.

Expand Close Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan in 'Catastrophe' / Facebook

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The TV funnywoman teamed up with Rob Delaney  Americas most influential Twitter comedian  to make the romantic comedy about an Irish teacher and an American businessman, who, after a week of frantic bunking-up in London, discover that she is expecting a baby.

The 46-year-old actress  who has two daughters of her own, Sadhbh (12) and Amer (8)  has said her own recollections of her pregnancies were part of the inspiration for the character.

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The in-demand star  who is the sister of ex-Irish rugby player Shane Horgan said she was bowled over when Sarah Jessica Parker approached her to write a show for her return to the small screen after the iconic Sex In The City series.
Donald Trump is not impressed with Alec Baldwin's latest Saturday Night Live skit and claimed the media is 'rigging' the US presidential elections.

The controversial Republican candidate has, until recently, displayed a good sense of humour when it comes to Baldwin's rather unflattering impersonations of him for Saturday Night Live.

But his mood soured over the weekend following the latest skit and tweeted to say it was "boring and unfunny" and he also noted that the comedy show is just the latest example of how the election is rigged.

"Watched Saturday Night Live hit job on me. Time to retire the boring and unfunny show. Alec Baldwin portrayal stinks. Media rigging election," he tweeted after the show.

Watched Saturday Night Live hit job on me.Time to retire the boring and unfunny show. Alec Baldwin portrayal stinks. Media rigging election!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

During the skit, Alec Baldwin-as-Trump is asked about whether he likes kids and says, I love the kids, okay? I love them so much I marry them.

Baldwin-as-Trump is asked by a black man whether he can be a devoted president to all the people. He responds by calling the man Denzel and launches into an answer about violence in the inner cities, before issuing calls to put Hillary Clinton in jail: She's committed so many crimes, she's basically a black.

The real Trump didn't see the funny side and went on to write two more tweets about how the media was helping the Hillary Clinton campaign by putting stories that never happened into news!

Polls close, but can you believe I lost large numbers of women voters based on made up events THAT NEVER HAPPENED. Media rigging election!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

"Polls close, but can you believe I lost large numbers of women voters based on made up events THAT NEVER HAPPENED. Media rigging election," he said.

"Election is being rigged by the media, in a coordinated effort with the Clinton campaign, by putting stories that never happened into news!"

Polls close, but can you believe I lost large numbers of women voters based on made up events THAT NEVER HAPPENED. Media rigging election!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

Many people, including Father Ted writer Graham Linehan, hit back at Trump's claims with Linehan branding him a "big baby".
Peter, Romy and Emilia Devlin with Lorraine Keane at the annual Marks & Spencer St Patrick's Day breakfast in the M&S Grafton Street Rooftop Cafe. Picture: Kieran Harnett

Peter Devlin and Lorraine Keane at the launch of the Olcote in Ceylon boutique hotel at House on Leeson St

She has dreams of forming TV's next power couple, but Lorraine Keane's husband Peter is not so hot on the idea of being dragged into the limelight.

Dubliner Lorraine (42) is best-known for her role as the main anchor on Xpose, which she hosted until 2009 before departing to focus on raising daughters Emelia and Romy.

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Peter has made his living as a musician with The Devlins and as a DJ, but unfortunately for his wife he harbours no desire of following her into a career on the small screen.

"I want us to be the next Richard and Judy when we grow up, but he doesn't, unfortunately," said Lorraine.

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"We've done a radio show together once - we covered for Sean Moncrief. It was great craic and we really loved it, so I'd love something like that.

"Peter has his radio show on Radio Nova and he got nominated for a PPI award, so he's kind of overlapping into my business a little bit."

Expand Close Peter, Romy and Emilia Devlin with Lorraine Keane at the annual Marks & Spencer St Patrick's Day breakfast in the M&S Grafton Street Rooftop Cafe. Picture: Kieran Harnett / Facebook

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Whatsapp Peter, Romy and Emilia Devlin with Lorraine Keane at the annual Marks & Spencer St Patrick's Day breakfast in the M&S Grafton Street Rooftop Cafe. Picture: Kieran Harnett

Lorraine admitted she worries about ageing and what the future holds. "Of course I worry about it, absolutely. Doesn't everybody? It's much nicer to be a young person than an older person," she said.

"One of the things I would look forward to about getting older, and I see this now even at my age, is that I feel I don't sweat the small stuff as much. I don't suffer fools."

Expand Close Peter Devlin and Lorraine Keane at the launch of the Olcote in Ceylon boutique hotel at House on Leeson St / Facebook

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Whatsapp Peter Devlin and Lorraine Keane at the launch of the Olcote in Ceylon boutique hotel at House on Leeson St

The former UTV Ireland presenter hopes to travel the world with Peter when she's retired, but admitted that will be a long way off with her spending habits.

"I look forward to when I'm retired and myself and Peter can travel, but I like handbags and shoes, so I'll be working for quite some time," she said.

Lorraine recently became an ambassador for Cleanmarine MenoMin, a multivitamin that helps alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. The mum-of-two said she was surprised to be asked to be the face of the brand, given she is not going through menopause.

"I nearly fell off the chair when they asked me," she said. "I was a bit shocked, I was going, 'Really, me? Why would I pretend to be 51?'

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"But they said it's not just about menopause, it's about perimenopause which happens when your fertility changes as a woman. It can happen as young as 35. Usually from early 40s would be the average."

Lorraine is also focusing on touring with her Keane on Style workshops - the first one took place last Sunday at the Radisson Hotel in Galway.

"I'm nervous. The tickets are 75 but the goodie bags are worth over 100, and with that they get food, wine, bubbles and all of that expert advice," she said.
A community has been left in "deep shock and anger" after an 11-year-old boy was hit by a truck while crossing a busy road in Navan, Co Meath.

The boy, who remains in a critical condition in Tallaght Hospital, was hit by the vehicle while crossing the N3 to Kells Road in an area of north Navan known as Abbeylands south.

Expand Close Concerns: Local councillor Wayne Forde. Photo: Fergal Phillips / Facebook

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He was airlifted to Tallaght Hospital following the accident shortly after 11am yesterday.

The driver of the truck, believed to be aged in his 30s, was not injured in the collision.

The road was closed after the accident to facilitate Garda forensics and investigations.

Local councillor Wayne Forde has described the stretch of road as "very dangerous" and stressed the need for a pedestrian overpass.

Forde, who lives near the accident site at Johnstown, Navan, said he had urged the local council back in March to erect a pedestrian overpass but his recommendation was turned down due to funding concerns.

"The community is in deep shock and this little guy is in everyone's thoughts and prayers," he said.

"There is a lot of people praying for this young child and a lot of people angry as it is very dangerous."

Citing the need for public access, Mr Forde asked the council on March 2 whether any plans were under way to construct the overpass and was told there were none due to financial constraints.

Mr Forde said he would be reiterating his call for the overpass at Wednesday's Municipal District meeting following the tragedy.

He said the road was extremely dangerous for pedestrians because it is very busy all the time with motorists who are using the N3 and bypassing the nearby M3 motorway due to the toll charges.

Eve Daly (33) who lives in the O'Growney Terrace housing estate adjacent to the busy road said locals have been calling for an overpass for years to make the crossing safer for pedestrians: "That road can be very dangerous. There's a lot of foot traffic but so many people cross at the wrong place," she said.

Meanwhile gardai are appealing for any witnesses to the accident to contact them.
Dramatic pictures have emerged of a renowned Dublin pub up in flames.

Five units of the Dublin Fire Brigade were called to The Cuckoos Nest on Greenhills Road in Tallaght at approximately 10pm on Sunday night.

The fire at a unit at the rear of the pub, which closed in 2015, was under control by 11:30pm.

It is unclear what caused the fire in the now derelict building.

A spokesperson for the Dublin Fire Brigadetold independent.ie: "We had five units at the scene which was under control by about 11:30pm. We had cleared the scene at the empty building by midnight. The fire was at a unit within the bar complex."

There were no injuries.

Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Emergency crew from dublin fire brigade at The Cuckoo's nest bar on the greenhill road tallaght where a fire took place. Picture credit: Damien Eagers Garda and fire officers at The Cuckoo's nest bar on the greenhill road tallaght where a fire took place. Picture Credit: Damien Eagers / Facebook

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Whatsapp Emergency crew from dublin fire brigade at The Cuckoo's nest bar on the greenhill road tallaght where a fire took place. Picture credit: Damien Eagers

This morning the scene remained preserved by Gardai pending a technical examination to determine the cause of the fire.

At 9am, a Dublin Fire Brigade tender was called back to the scene and more water was pumped onto the smouldering timbers to stop the fire reigniting and spreading and to allow the garda team investigate the site.

A section of the roof at the back of the once-popular pub could be seen to have collapsed in the blaze.

Smoke was still rising from the building as the investigation into the fire got underway.

The nearby Tallaght Theatre was not affected by the fire.

The Cuckoos Nest was bought by the Lynch family in 1962 and ceased trading in May 2015.
The plan to bring in parents to keep second-level schools open after the mid-term break is doomed before it starts.

Up to two in three schools are now likely to remain closed after the Hallowe'en holiday if the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) goes through with its threat of industrial action in the row over pay.

About 250,000 teenagers could be locked out of school indefinitely, causing serious disruption to their education and massive headaches for working parents.

Education Minister Richard Bruton and school managers have accepted widespread school closures as "inevitable" if teachers withdraw from supervision and substitution work from Monday, November 7.

Read more: 'Money is not available, we have to balance the budget' - Education Minister's words to ASTI

The same schools will be hit by the first in a series of one-day ASTI strikes on Thursday October 27. They will reopen on October 28, then shut later that day for the week-long break.

The ASTI's double industrial action whammy will affect up to 520 schools - those traditionally, or currently, run by the religious, as well as the community and comprehensive sector.

The October 27 stoppage is the first in a series of seven threatened up to December 7, which, in themselves, would cause huge disruption this term.

But even more serious is the plan to withdraw from supervision and substitution from November 7, which means that most schools will not re-open after the mid-term because of lack of cover.

It's not good news for ASTI members either, with Education Minister Richard Bruton confirming that they will be removed from the payroll if their school is forced to shut.

The Department of Education has confirmed that if a school manages to stay open, ASTI members will continue to be paid, even if they are not doing supervision and substitution.

The ASTI said the threat to dock pay on days when union members would be available to carry out their core teaching duties was "most serious", and that any such development would have to be considered by the ASTI 23-member Standing Committee, its governing body.

Department officials and school management representatives meet tomorrow to finalise arrangements for a contingency plan to recruit external supervisors, such as parents, to replace teachers in this work.

External supervisors are likely to be offered 38 for a two-hour session to supervise before and after school and during breaks, and in the event of a teacher's absence from class.

But their efforts may amount to nothing more than going through the motions.

With only three weeks to November 7, and no ASTI derogation for principals to allow them to help to make alternative arrangements, it means that the contingency plan is largely unworkable.

Apart from the time involved in advertising and recruiting, external supervisors would have to go through Garda vetting, which school managers say would take until the end of November.

The Joint Managerial Body (JMB) represents about 380 of the affected schools, and its general secretary John Curtis said the implementation of any contingency scheme was dependent on ASTI co-operation. As this was not forthcoming, it would inevitably result in wholesale school closures, he said.

The JMB is also concerned that the ASTI action will lead to "serious inequity" for students if some schools are open and others are closed.

Mr Curtis said it was incumbent on all parties to work towards finding agreement.

The one-day strikes and withdrawal from supervision and substitution are linked to the ASTI's rejection of the Lansdowne Road Agreement (LRA), which has started restoring austerity-era pay cuts. The ASTI is demanding full restoration in the short term, but Mr Bruton said that was untenable because the knock-on cost across the public service would be 2.3bn.

While the action threatened from the end of this month relates to pay, the ASTI is involved in other disputes, including the ban on co-operating with Junior Cert reforms, which school managers say must also be sorted now.
The aid charity Goal will tonight appoint an interim successor to departed chief executive Barry Andrews.

The charity is also setting up a counter-fraud and investigation unit to be headed up by a retired senior police officer with extensive experience of investigating serious crime.

Mr Andrews' resignation followed a US-led investigation into the charity's multimillion-euro Syria operation.

The organisation will now appoint a general manager, who is an expert in change management, for the next 12 months.

The board of Goal will meet this evening to confirm the appointment.

As a result of the aid investigation carried out by the US Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the Department of Foreign Affairs withheld 10.1m funding from Goal pending the results of the inquiry.

Goal is also implementing an action plan, which is based on a consultant's report, which was commissioned in response to the ongoing investigation by the Office of the Inspector General of USAID (OIG) into alleged supply chain irregularities relating to US-sponsored humanitarian aid programmes in Syria.

This BDO report shows that, despite the organisation's best intentions, its processes and controls were not adequately equipped to handle the growth and scale of challenges it had set itself.

Read more: 'GOAL requires a fresh start in terms of leadership' - Irish charity CEO Barry Andrews steps down as inquiry into charitys multimillion-euro Syria operation continues

Goal's action plan will involve implementing a series of measures to strengthen procurement, capacity and assurance systems. In addition, the charity is reviewing its conflict of interest policy and has committed to implementing more frequent and extensive training sessions on its anti-fraud and whistleblowing policies.

Goal will also be strengthening its own internal investigatory and complaints mechanism by appointing a senior complaints response director to its senior management team in the coming days.

The charity is establishing a counter fraud and investigation unit within the organisation which will be headed by a retired senior police officer with extensive experience.

Goal is adding a number of additional resources to its finance team at a senior level.

The board feels it is appropriate that the charity is led by someone with experience and competence in these areas in particular. So it has decided to appoint a general manager for a 12-month period to proceed with this change management.

Within the next 12 months, Goal will conduct an open, competitive process for the selection of a new CEO.
Ibrahim Halawa, an Irish prisoner awaiting trial after three years in prison in Egypt, was badly beaten last month, according to a letter provided by his family.

In a statement to Independent.ie, Ibrahims sister Somaia Halawa said that Ibrahim was badly beaten and tortured in response to his refusal to accept a visit from the Irish Embassy on September 13.

In a letter, which Somaia says was sent with a cellmates family, Ibrahim explained that he was beaten and brought to solitary confinement.

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"After the family visit the embassy came I was in a terrible state from what happened to me on Monday. I was hit and brought to solitary confinement and than after I was put in a cell with convicted prisoners (killers). This was the last time with the family.

This time I was brought to solitary confinement during the embassy was upstairs in the office, I was hit and cursed by the worst curses and I screamed so the embassy can hear me and I don't know if they did? All I said to the officer is that I am not visiting the embassy until you get me someone from the foreign ministry office, I just said that and things came dropping on me like rain then I was brought again to the cell of convicted criminals.

I refused to enter as my breathing problems because the all smoke and its small cell with 32 people than I was hit again and brought to the officer and they forced me to sign a paper saying I refused to visit, I told hem put in the details and they cursed me and said I'm gonna sign it just like this I wanted the beating to end. I told him that I am not going to go to the trial on Sunday because I refuse to be trailed in Egypt and want to be handed back to my country. He laughed and said "anyway your judge postponed it on a national holiday so you don't get trialled."

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Ibrahim's last scheduled trial date was on October 2, a national holiday. His new trial date is November 12.



The 20-year old from Firhouse in Dublin was arrested in August 2013 at the age of 17 during a protest against the military-backed ousting of Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi.

Since then, his trial, which was meant to start in August 2014, has been delayed 15 times and he has spent over three years in small, cramped cells with as many as 30 other prisoners at a time.

He has spoken previously about being beaten and abused in prison, but the Egyptian authorities deny the claims.

He is being tried along with 493 others, a situation which Amnesty International claim will make it impossible to get a fair trial. If convicted, he could be facing the death penalty.

The Oireachtas called for his release and return to Ireland this August, but the speaker of the Egyptian parliament rejected the move.

Ibrahims former cellmate, an Australian journalist for Al Jazeera, told RTE that Ibrahims dual Irish-Egyptian status was disadvantaging him: We got support because my name was Peter, not Ibrahim.
TANAISTE Frances Fitzgerald has disagreed with junior minister Finian McGrath's view that all TDs should forgo a planned pay increase next year.

She has said that Mr McGrath - who won't be taking a planned pay increase himself - has taken an "individual decision" and that other TDs should decide for themselves.

TDs are to get a 2,700 pay increase next year, and the same again in 2018 as part of a restoration of public service pay cuts.

It will see their pay go from 87,258 to 92,658.

Senior ministers have decided they won't be taking the pay increase due to them.

The Independent Alliance TD Mr McGrath - who is junior minister for disabilities but sits at Cabinet - will forgo a pay increase.

He said: "We have just come out of a major eight years of austerity and an economic crash and I think these are exceptional times and I think TDs and ministers should take their hit and stop whingeing."

Ms Fitzgerald however, said it's up to individual TDs if they intend to take the pay increase.

"Finian has taken an individual decision," she said, adding that "no doubt other TDs will".

Asked if she would encourage other TDs not to take the pay increase, she replied:

"I would say it's an individual decision."

She said that TDs' pay rises are linked to those of other public sector workers and that this is preferable to the old system that was in place.

"I think that's better for politics overall because before politicians were accused of giving themselves pay increases and that's not a good place to be."

Separately Ms Fitzgerald said that she still hopes Garda industrial action can be averted.

Both the Garda Representative Association (GRA) has threatened to take four days of strike action next month while the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) is meeting today to discuss potential industrial action in the row over pay.

"I want to find a negotiated way forward and that's my focus at present," Ms Fitzgerald said.

She added: "There were areas of common agreement in recent weeks.

"I want to build on those and attempt to find a negotiated way forward, a pathway that will satisfy the members of the GRA and AGSI."

She said she believes Gardai should have access to the industrial relations dispute resolution mechanisms of the State.

"I have discussed this with both the GRA and AGSI that An Garda Siochana would have access to both the Labour Court and Workplace Relations Commission. I'm committed to ensuring that happens," Ms Fitzgerald said.

Ms Fitzgerald was speaking ahead of the launch of an Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking in Ireland.

She encouraged the public to be vigilant for signs that people have fallen victim to human trafficking and slave labour.

Between 2009 and 2015 more than 400 victims were identified by the Gardai.

Ms Fitzgerald said the fight against "this despicable crime" remains an important priority for the force.
David King was shot once in the arm in attack

The target of Dublin's latest shooting is a former associate of two murdered brothers who were involved in a deadly feud with a rival gang.

David King (31) was hospitalised after being shot at an address in Cherry Orchard Court, Ballyfermot, on Saturday night.

Expand Close David King (31) was hospitalised after being shot at an address in Cherry Orchard Court, Ballyfermot, on Saturday night. Photo: Collins / Facebook

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Whatsapp David King (31) was hospitalised after being shot at an address in Cherry Orchard Court, Ballyfermot, on Saturday night. Photo: Collins

A gunman dressed in dark clothes approached him at approximately 8.20pm and fired a number of shots.

Despite up to four shots being discharged, King was struck only once in the arm before the assailant fled. Gardai rushed to the scene and the Garda Air Support Unit was deployed as the victim was transferred to St James's Hospital.

He was yesterday being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

David King was once associated with Paul and Kenneth Corbally, two violent criminals from the Ballyfermot area who were involved in a deadly feud with a gang led by Derek 'Dee Dee' O'Driscoll. The two brothers were shot dead in June 2010.

The feud began following a street brawl outside a Ballyfermot pub, which left one man dead and several other people seriously injured.

Jason Martin later died from injuries sustained during a fight with men armed with hatchets.

King was charged in relation to this incident while notorious criminal Derek O'Driscoll received an 18-month prison term for public order offences.

Neither man was involved in the part of the fight which led to the death of Martin.

Detectives from Ballyfermot garda station are investigating Saturday night's shooting, and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

No arrests have yet been made and gardai are investigating a number of lines of inquiry.

A number of tit-for-tat shootings and attacks have been carried out in the west Dublin suburb in the last 12 months, which have mainly involved young criminals from the area.

Gardai are attempting to establish if these incidents are linked to the shooting of David King.

It is the second gun attack in the Cherry Orchard Court estate this year. In May, convicted armed robber Keith Murtagh (34) was injured after a gunman fired at a house in the estate.

It is suspected that Murtagh, who is an associate of the Hutch gang, was targeted on behalf of the Kinahan cartel.

A female associate of the criminal was also injured during the shooting, but both escaped with relatively minor injuries.
A community has been left in "deep shock and anger" after an 11-year-old boy was knocked down by a truck in Meath on Sunday.

The 11-year-old boy remains in a critical condition in Tallaght hospital after he was knocked down at Abbeylands South, Navan at around 10am on Sunday morning.

He was airlifted to Tallaght Hospital and is in a critical condition.

The boy was named locally today as Elrich Caputo, from Troytown Heights on the outskirts of Navan town.

Neighbours said they had seen Gardai calling to Elrich's family home yesterday morning and his mother leaving with them a short time later.

"I didn't realise it was her boy that had been involved in the accident, it's awful for them," one neighbour said.

Last night Parkvilla FC put a photo of Elrich on its Facebook page along with a message.

"Please keep Elrich Caputo and his family in your thoughts and prayers. He was injured on his way to his match this morning," it read.

The driver of the truck, believed to be in his 30s, was uninjured.

Local Meath Cllr Wayne Forde said the community in is deep shock.

The road is very dangerous and busy with huge volumes of traffic.

The community is in deep shock and this little guy is in everyones thoughts and prayers. There is a lot of people praying for this young child and a lot of people angry as it is very dangerous.

Cllr Forde has been calling for the construction of a public walkover across the N3, to prevent such accidents from happening.

"It is very sad hearing of this awful accident today in Navan. Our prayers and thoughts are with the child and the family at this time."

Meanwhile, some local residents living near the scene of the accident said they were shocked but not surprised by the tragic collision that left the boy fighting for his life.

Eve Daly, (33) who lives in the O'Growney Terrace housing estate adjacent the busy road said locals have been calling for an overpass for years to make the crossing safer for pedestrians.

"That road can be very dangerous. There's a lot of foot traffic but so many people cross at the wrong place," she said.

"You have to cross over three times using a pedestrian crossing but people just cross over," she said.

Her 50-year-old neighbour said it's also dangerous for local motorists who have to manoeuvre around heavy traffic to get out of the estate, "It's lethal to get out of here," he said.

"The cars come flying around the corner,"he said.

"It's an accident waiting to happen."

The road is currently closed to facilitate the forensics to carry out their investigation and local diversions are in place.

Gardai in Navan are currently investigating the incident and are calling for anyone with information to come forward.
A number of serious risks to children have been highlighted in a damning inspection report into the foster care service in the Midlands.

HIQA inspectors found some children had been in a foster care for five years without any decision being made on their future.

During the May inspection 12 of the 111 childrens cases sampled and one in 10 of the foster carers cases were escalated by the inspection team to the principal social worker for review due to a lack of timeliness and or appropriate action.

It said overall childrens rights were respected and promoted, but 8pc of children did not have an allocated social worker.

There was neither a social worker nor link worker assigned in nine childrens placements.

At the time of the inspection there were 357 children in foster care. Of these 101 children were placed with relatives and the remaining 256 children were placed with general foster carers.

Due to a limited number of foster families available , matching children to foster carers was not always possible and 41 children were placed outside of the local area at the time of inspection.

However, the vast majority of children had warm relationships with their foster families, continued contact with their birth families, some supports and were involved in a range of activities.

Children reported positively about the aftercare service, but also spoke about the impact of being placed with families far from home on their relationships with family and friends.

The assessment of general foster carers was good and there was a regional initiative in place to process new fostering applications.

While there was a system in place to conduct fostering reviews, reviews did not occur on a consistent basis in response to unplanned endings or where allegations had been made. The support received by foster carers varied, and the quality of supervision of carers needed improvement.

However, there remained significant challenges in managing cases awaiting allocation, completing assessments on relative carers, ensuring children had up-to-date care plans and foster carers having timely reviews.

Information systems were not fit for purpose for the service. However, a new system was due to be operational by the end of May 2016. The quality of record keeping in the service varied.

In response Tusla, theChild and Family Agency said today recognises the shortcomings highlighted in the inspection report of foster care services in in the Midlands area.

Jim Gibson, Chief Operations Officer, Tusla said: It is with regret that we acknowledge the shortcomings of the fostering service in the Midlands area. We have been aware of and working to address key areas for the last 18 months through increased resources and improved practices.

There have been many challenges for the service, during a difficult period and staff have remained committed to providing a service for children and families.

He said that HIQA reports are an important measurement tool and allow us to ensure that services operate at the highest possible standard.

Tusla has identified a range of measures including clear guidance and management oversight, which will improve the care experiences for children and foster carers going forward.

 Tusla recognises that much has been done to improve services in the area, and there is a comprehensive plan in place to address the changes that need to take place going forward. These changes will ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children in our care.
Gardai cannot fully concentrate on serving the community if their energies are focussed on "fighting for basic rights", the AGSI President has said.

For the first time in its 38-year history, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) is holding a Special Delegate Conference in Athlone today to discuss "industrial relations proposals" after talks to restore pay and obtain direct pay negotiations "have failed to produce meaningful results for the association's 2,000 sergeants and inspectors," according to a statement by the AGSI.

"I think it comes back to what Government want to do. There's been a clear signal of intent from the GRA and AGSI will have position by this afternoon," AGSI president Antoinette Cunningham told RTE Radio 1 this morning.

"The responsibility then turns back to the Government as it's a very very serious matter.

"It is incumbent on the Government to sit up and stop making false promises and actually have some proper action and some proper guidelines for the gardai to operate their negotiation procedures under and let us move on with the business of what gardai should be concentrating on which is serving the community and not concentrating on these arguments constantly.

"The public deserve a service - the public deserve the matter to be settled. They deserve a police force who are valued within the community and a police force who will give them what they require. When you are putting all your energy into fighting for basic rights that every other citizen in this country has, then you cannot put your energies into what you should be doing - and that's a matter for Government to address."

Ms Cunningham has previously said: "All options for industrial action will be looked at as the time for talking has now passed and members are seeking action on pay."

An AGSI spokeswoman last night confirmed that possible strike action has not been ruled out as 151 members of the association meet to discuss industrial-relations issues.

These include pay restoration of 16.5pc, access to direct pay negotiations with the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court on future pay deals and other issues.

Read more: 'All we are left with is broken promises' - AGSI president says gardai feel they have been 'betrayed'

However, the burning issue of possible strike action may well be on the cards after 10,500 members of the Garda Representative Association this month voted overwhelmingly in support of what is effectively strike action, even though gardai are legally disbarred from striking.

The GRA is gearing up for a massive "withdrawal of service" over four 24-hour periods next month, from 7am to 7am on four Fridays.

"The long and winding road of pay talks has led us to nowhere and in fact we are no further forward today than we were four years ago when we started this process," Ms Cunningham said.

She described mid-ranking gardai as being "disillusioned but resolute" in their quest for better pay.

"We have been taking the temperature of members for the past number of months and I can honestly say I've never seen men and women in our 31 branches as motivated to take action on their pay," she said.
The Garda watchdog is reportedly investigating a claim that a garda whistleblower was followed by an unmarked garda car while attending a highly confidential meeting with GSOC officials.

According to RTE's 'This Week' programme, garda whistleblower Keith Harrison alleges that his private car was followed by an unmarked garda car as he was driving from Donegal to attend a meeting in a Galway hotel with officials from the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) last March.

Mr Harrison claimed that he recognised the car as one of several which he alleges have made regular drives past his Donegal home since he made a protected disclosure to GSOC two years ago.

He alleges that the surveillance is part of an ongoing campaign of harassment and unwarranted disciplinary procedures by members of the force after he arrested a colleague for suspected drink driving in 2009.

A spokeswoman for GSOC was unable to confirm whether the garda watchdog is investigating the surveillance claim due to confidentiality provisions under the Protected Disclosures Act.

RTE, however, reported that the investigation was revealed in documents it has seen, which revealed a highly secret meeting between two GSOC officials and the whistleblower. It reports that only four people were privy to information about the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Garda Press Office said it cannot comment on the investigation for the same reasons of confidentiality.

But a spokesman said gardai had recently appointed Protected Disclosures managers to assist whistleblowers in making disclosures to GSOC.
There are two moments in conversation when Jo Malone's demeanour changes. One is when she describes a new scent she has created for her brand, Jo Loves. It's called Smoked Plum and Leather, and when I ask if it's a sort of deep purple scent, she gets the faraway look in her eyes of someone in the first flush of love. "It is," she says, perking up and gazing off, as if conjuring it up before her. "It's smoky and it's powerful and it's the kind of thing I'd never have had the courage to do before."

The second time it's not a look of love that comes over Jo, it's one of total disgust. The second time, she's talking about one of the lowest times in her life, after she came back to her original business, the one that bore her name, Jo Malone, after nearly a year of being treated for cancer. The treatment had been tough and facing her mortality had been tough. But in the aftermath, what became an extra and, particularly cruel, blow was her damaged sense of smell.

"That was really awful. All I could smell was like I ran my hands down an aluminium pipe," she shudders, as if the cold metal was in her hands. "It was a really horrible smell; it was that and a mouthwash that I had [during the cancer treatment] and it makes me heave if I smell it now."

A huge aspect of Jo Malone's shattered sense of identity post-cancer was her damaged sense of smell. She could still create a fragrance, she explains, but it would have been because intellectually she knows what works, not because she could "see" it. Because that's how Jo Malone does it. She sees smells as shapes and colours and almost as people or characters. They are more than aromas, they are real to her and key to her identity. So when she couldn't see her smells she felt lost.

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What was lost to her in the mid-Noughties, she says now, was "what I can do that makes me different".

Reading her just-published autobiography, Jo Malone: My Story, you quickly grasp that this extraordinary gift of smell is not all that is different about her. Jo Malone's rags-to-riches story is a good one, but it's not her full story. She's also what you might call a comeback queen.

In 1999, she sold her company Jo Malone to Estee Lauder for "undisclosed millions". She stayed on as creative director but then she was diagnosed with cancer and stepped away from the business for treatment, only to return and find she couldn't reconnect with how it had changed in her absence. She left the business in 2006 with an agreement that she couldn't work in the fragrance industry for five years. It was an agreement that devastated her, shaking her sense of self to the core.

She came back though, and that's what makes her really different. She's a wildly successful businesswoman who has not just once built a brand from nothing to multimillion-pound level, with Jo Malone, but is well on the way to doing it again with Jo Loves.

I suggest that, to some people, Jo's position in 2006 would have been a dream come true. Millions in the bank, a sense of personal achievement in having built a global brand from nothing and the knowledge that she could live a comfortable life for the rest of her days. But she was miserable.

Was it not working that made you unhappy, I ask.

"Not working?" she says. "Yeah. I didn't know who I was, I didn't know what to do with myself. It wasn't about a wage. At the end of the day, it was about being occupied and being of use and I don't think it's good for human beings, when they can do something, if they don't do it. And for me, I wasn't happy."

In interviews with English newspapers, there is often some comment made about Jo Malone's accent. It remains, they say, pure Bexleyheath, Kent, where she grew up in a council house, a sensible, driven and pragmatic girl from the start. She was also the daughter of a father who gambled and a glamorous beautician mother who allowed her to help out in the business, teaching young Jo how to make face creams and do facials, at which she was an instant whizz.

Her father's gambling was a massive strain on the family, creating a life that was characterised by highs and lows and mostly the latter, when money was scarce and rows were frequent.

"I knew that I was the sensible one," says Jo. "I was the one who, before I left for school, looked in to the fridge and thought, 'OK, there are four eggs, some cheese. What are we going to eat for dinner?'"

Jo was key to keeping the house going, but as she grew into a teenager she also became crucial to her mother's business. She had a real talent for skin care and for creating scents, and people started to seek her out. Dyslexic, she was considered lazy at school, but in truth she was anything but. However, when her mother had a stroke during Jo's early teens, the dynamic changed in the house.

"She was really sick and she changed tremendously as a person," Jo says. Tension grew between them and it culminated in an incident when her mother threw jars of face cream at Jo. Her father and younger sister Tracey - her only sibling - sided with Jo's mother and the rift with them did not heal until many years later, not long before all three died within a relatively short space of time. "What happened with the face cream was the straw that broke the camel's back," Jo says, "but that was the making of me, really, because there was no going back. But I never stopped loving them, and that's in the book."

That is in Jo's book. I tell her that it's admirable how the rift does not colour, with hindsight, the happiness of her early years.

"But that's real life," Jo says. "[My mother] had been very poorly and that affects things. But I thought it was important that if you're going to write a life story, you have to be truthful. Otherwise what's the point?

"People know the success of my life, but they needed to know what was under that. What drives me. And that little girl who got up and fought every single time, that's what drives me. And forgiveness is so much more liberating than resentment; that is the message here."

Jo married her first love, Gary Willcox, in 1985 and he has been a key player in her success. She describes herself as a person who throws herself headlong at things, sometimes stopping to think only when she hits her head against a wall. There are people with her who do the "strategic" thinking, she tells me. Gary, a former surveyor who gave up that career to join her as Jo Malone took off, is probably the key strategist. It is clear in her book that they share a great love and the fact that they built the business together was part of the fun.

Two Jo Malone fragrances, Lime, Mandarin and Basil, and Pomegranate Noir, are now staple scents worn by women all over the world. They are layered with other Jo Malone scents - a genius idea of Jo's. They are worn, and also used to fragrance homes with candles and infusers. They also come in drawer liners, scented sachets and scent-infused Christmas decorations, not to mention shower gels, body lotions and hand creams.

There are thousands of fragrances in the beauty market, and thousands of creators with very special noses, but something about Jo Malone's scents struck a chord. In 1999, 15 years after she started the business, Estee Lauder made the deal to buy it from her. It had been a slow-burning process and Jo considered it carefully. She decided that this was a brand that was sympathetic to hers and that could move it along, past the million-pounds business she had built it to.

She stayed on as creative director and it was an exciting time as she travelled all over the world and enjoyed a different experience of business.

In 2000, at the age of 36, she discovered she was pregnant and had her son Josh, her only child. Life changed again, and again for the good.

However, in 2003 Jo was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her association with the Lauders turned out to be a blessing, as Evelyn Lauder had set up a breast cancer foundation and they helped Jo to get the very best treatment in New York. She and Gary and Josh moved to Manhattan for almost a year and Jo approached cancer with the same determination as every other challenge in her life.

"Control is my thing," she notes. "I need to be in control. But with the cancer, I just handed it over to the doctors."

When the treatment was over, Jo gently reimmersed herself in Jo Malone, but it wasn't the same. Was it like coming back to find that the business was no longer 'her baby'?

"Well, they took over the baby because I had cancer. And when you've had cancer and gone through chemo every five to six days, it plays havoc with all sorts of thought processes. It changes the way you think and, you know, I thought I was going to die.

"And it wasn't as if someone took over from me. It was because they had to, because there was no one else to run it.

"But then when I went back I couldn't identify with the brand I'd built, because I was a stranger. And I couldn't marry all my emotions about it. And that's why I went [from Jo Malone], because I wasn't happy any more."

In hindsight, Jo readily concedes she might have extracted herself differently.

"When I look back," Jo says, "it was probably the right decision at the wrong time. If I had given myself a little bit of time, I probably would have made the same decision, but made it differently. But how differently, I will never know. It's a 'Sliding Doors' sort of thing."

Jo hated being idle. Her agreement with Estee Lauder was that she couldn't be in the fragrance business or use her name for five years. And the money, despite what anyone else might imagine, didn't help. "I'm not in love with money," says Jo. "I never have been. I'm in love with success. I love to run things that are successful. But money is not my god. It just frees me to do what I want to do.

"You don't worry less," she says, "you worry about different things. Now, my responsibilities are about different things. I'm not going to the fridge to make sure that there's something for dinner, but I'm worrying about other things."

Jo and her family enjoyed themselves in that time, they took wonderful holidays and lived very comfortably, but it wasn't the same. The fact that she couldn't smell properly did not help. Jo was in a position in which she had never been before: she wasn't striving for anything and it wasn't good.

In Jo's house, they can afford waste but she cannot countenance any. Sunday night dinner, she says with a smile, is "bits-and-bobs dinner", which means using up anything in the fridge that might get thrown out otherwise.

It's symbolic and telling. She is not careless and she is not a gambler. She was never seduced by the thrill of it to which her father was in thrall.

"If I found 100 in my pocket and I was told to turn that into 10,000, I'd rather invest it in a business than place a bet. I'd rather be in control of it than gamble it. It's the control element, that's my trigger. When I lose control I get panicky.

"I felt I had lost that when I came out of the business. I came out of the business to a void. The void made me very claustrophobic. And that's when I thought, 'Who am I? What am I going to do?'

"The scariest part of the five-year lock-out was that I didn't know who I was. All my life, I've known who I am but I'd lost my identity and I had to find it again."

Jo did some television and she began writing but the significance of her lost sense of smell cannot be underestimated. Jo knew she wanted to create a new business, but without 'seeing' smell the way she used to, what would that business be? In her heart and soul, how could it be the same?

Jo 'trained' her nose back into some sort of action but the ability to create a new scent evaded her until an early morning walk on the beach while on holiday in the Turk and Caicos Islands. She had been thinking about the pomelo, a melon-like tropical fruit, but during her walk, the fruit's fragrance melded with other smells; the sun warming the sand, the day heating up, the luxuriant tropical island around her. Pomelo, her first scent for Jo Loves, was born.

Now, five years in to the journey with Jo Loves, she has a shop on Elizabeth Street in Belgravia, London - near where she had her first job in a florist. Jo thinks that's a sign of how right it all is, and one of her Jo Loves scents, Flower Shop, is a nod to that history.

Jo believes that the trauma of the cancer caused her to walk away from Jo Malone with no idea of how to go on without it. She doesn't regret the decision, though, partly because she is so enjoying the second journey with Jo Loves.

"You can also be better than you were before," she says. "Before, I would never have had the bravery to do things and the courage to do things that I'm doing today.

''But cancer taught me to live for the day and be true to yourself, no matter what the consequences." Any anguish she felt over Jo Malone is past, too, even if it must be hard to distance yourself from something with your own name emblazoned on it. "When I look at the brand today, I'm no longer the creator nor the consumer," says Jo. "I don't own the product and I don't buy it. I feel detached. It has taken time to get to that place. I look at it with a huge amount of love and respect but it's nostalgic.

"I love what I'm doing now with Jo Loves. It's like the second child that gave me a second chance."

Jo Malone: My Story has a glossy page inside the cover with a scented picture of a bottle of Jo Loves Pomelo. Jo explains the science of infusing the page with fragrance and assures me that it will last for up to four months. "The reason we scented the book with Pomelo is that it was the fragrance that gave me a second chance," Jo says. "Where would I be if I hadn't created that? I don't know.

"Anyway," Jo says, "you couldn't read and understand my story without that sense of smell."

'Jo Malone: My Story' is published by Simon & Schuster

Jo Malone's business wisdom

"I really do enjoy my success. Because it's not just about the destination. You have to enjoy the journey. If you don't enjoy the journey, you have to question why you are doing this. Is it just to make the first million? Because if it is, then you are missing out on the journey."

"If you hand on your experience as a baton, as well as the successes, you have to say: 'This is what I did, these are my mistakes', learn from them and don't make the same ones."

"I believe that there is no decision we make, good or bad, that we can't come back from. There is a way back from everything."

"We're not building businesses any more that we hand on from generation to generation. Tech industries, young people are building their first businesses and selling them by the time they're 28 and then sitting on a whole pile of cash. We need those people to put it back into industry and build again to keep it all going."

''When you build a business and you're so synonymous with the brand, it's hard to step out of that. I was able to come back into the industry that I love, and for any artist or creator, that is the ultimate, because if you stay on the same thing all the time, time and time again, you won't last very long. I was very lucky to be able to start again."
The author won't choose between any of her family for very practical reasons, while Wannabe by the Spice Girls gets a mention.

The person

I couldn't possibly choose between my mother, my father, and my sister Michelle. Namely because my parents might cut me out of their will, and my sister might just cut me

The memory

After reading too many Enid Blyton novels as children, my sister and I were desperate to go to boarding school. After refusing to allow us to go, my mother woke us up in the middle of the night to have an impromptu midnight feast. There was a lot of hushed laughter as we drank our ginger ale (she couldn't source any ginger beer, sadly)

The moment of the day

I'm a morning person. I love the sense of possibility that this could be the day in which my entire life changes.

The song

If I was trying to be cool, I'd say anything from Live Through This by Hole, but secretly, it's Wannabe by the Spice Girls. Girl Power 4 lyfe

The movie

Heathers is infinitely quotable. I say, 'Fuck me gently with a chainsaw' more than is strictly appropriate

The hero

My dad. He is the kindest man I've ever met. He also has the ability to talk me down out of any tantrum that I may be throwing, which is useful

The book

The one book that I re-read frequently is Ariel, a poetry collection by Sylvia Plath. When I was 16, I felt like Sylvia (yes, we're on a first-name basis) was the only person who understood me

The outfit

My mother bought me a dressing gown that looks like a bear costume and, as anyone who follows me on Snapchat will be aware of, it has become my go-to writing uniform. I'm fairly certain she regrets that purchase on a daily basis

The accessory

My Chanel 2.55 handbag. It was a present from an ex-boyfriend who was far too good to me. It makes me feel super fancy

The gadget

My iPhone. I wouldn't say I'm addicted per se, but I feel incredibly irritable and break into a cold sweat if it's not within eyesight at all times

The pet hate

I cringe when I see French manicures. They're so tacky. Having worked in retail, I find people who wander into a shop at three minutes to closing time for 'a quick look' to be utterly unbearable

The friend

I love making new friends, but I like to alternate my favourites to keep them all on their toes. Can't have them getting too complacent

The beauty product

I still haven't found the beauty product that will transform my face into Winona Ryder circa 1993, so this is a difficult question to answer. If you want your skin to look good, you need to avoid the sun, smoking, sugar, and fun. I'm also partial to glycolic acid

The hobby

Lecturing people about gender politics. I'm a delight at dinner parties

The holiday

When I was 20 and my sister was 22, we hired a purple Chrysler convertible, bought matching Roxy sweaters, and went on a road trip down through Big Sur in California. She's a great travel companion, as we both need regular bathroom breaks and an endless supply of books in order to survive

The piece of advice

Other people's opinions of you are none of your business. I spent a lot of my 20s worrying about what other people thought of me, and it is a complete waste of time. Far better to pay attention to how you feel about yourself

The drink

Grey Goose vodka, soda water, and fresh lime juice. It still makes me feel like I'm winning at life when I buy something other than Tesco Everyday Value Vodka

The bar

I've had some of the best nights of my life in De Barra's pub, Clonakilty. There's magic contained in those walls

The hotel

The production company who are making a movie of my first book, Only Ever Yours, put me up in one of the biggest suites I've ever seen at Soho House, New York. I now insist that everywhere I stay has a chandelier, and a barman that comes to my room at 6pm to fix me a drink of my choice. My parents have refused both requests so far

The part of my body

This is a family newspaper, so I really shouldn't say. My second favourite part of my body is my liver, as it never gives up, despite all the abuse I've inflicted upon it

The celebrity

Karl Lagerfeld's cat. Sometimes I lie awake late at night thinking about how much easier my life would be if I could magic a Freaky Friday-style swap with Choupette

The virtue

I forgive people easily. You could stab all the members of my family to death and I'd probably call it quits if you sent a really sincere note of apology

The vice

Whenever I do anything I consider to be Proper Adulting - opening a bill, filing a tax return, going within five feet of my bank - I need to hide under my duvet for 20 minutes afterwards to recover

The smell

New books. I like to wander around bookshops and surreptitiously sniff them when the staff aren't looking.

The taste

My father owns O'Neills butcher shop in Clonakilty, and it's the only butcher shop in town that has its own abattoir. You haven't lived until you've tasted his home-made sausages

In 'Reality Bites: Asking For It' Louise explores our entrenched attitudes towards casual sex, slut shaming, the issue of consent and the rise in sexual assault and rape in Irish society today, RTE2, Tuesday, November 1

See louiseoneillauthor.com
You might hate Monday, but you'll love our selection of the week's best travel offers...

59pp: Fly to Iceland

WOW air has direct flights from Dublin to Reykjavik from 59 each-way in January. The fare depends on dates (it was available on January 11 as we publish), and you'll need to factor in baggage fees. But still... ICELAND! wowair.ie.

149pp: City breaks in Prague

Budget Travel has city breaks from 149 on special this week - based on midweek flights and 3-star accommodation. A Friday departure on November 19 was available from 204 as we publish. 01 435-0022; budgettravel.ie.

159pp: Walking weekends in Mulranny

West Mayo's Mulranny Park Hotel is running walking group weekends this winter, with two nights' B&B, dinner and two guided walks on the Wild Atlantic Way from 159pp. The packages are available on November 11-13 and January 20-22 and 27-29. 098 36000; mulrannyparkhotel.com.

679pp: Three nights in NYC

ClickAndGo.com has Aer Lingus flights plus three nights at the 3-star Yotel New York on Times Square from 679pp departing November 21. Christmas shopping, anyone? 01 539-7702; clickandgo.com.

947pp: Seven nights in Bali

Tropical Sky has savings of up to 760pp on a seven-night package to Bali's 4-star Segara Village Resort in Sanur. Departures are between January 14 and February 28, with flights and transfers included. 01 664-9999; tropicalsky.ie.

NB: All travel deals subject to availability/change.
The second and third weeks of January are among the cheapest for skiing holidays

Hitting the slopes this year? Check out Nicola Brady's pick of the ski deals!

1. Pas de la Casa, Andorra

Directski.com has seven nights' self-catering in Andorra for just 425pp, including flights and transfers, as well as a 50pc discount on a lift pass. Travel is on January 15, based on four people sharing.

2. Les Arcs, France

Topflight has seven nights in Chalet Bouquetin, chalet board, for travel on January 14, priced at 849pps. See topflight.ie.

3. Soll, Austria

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Crystalski.ie has a week in Austria, B&B, from 499pp, departing on January 7.

4. Avoriaz, France

A great car-free resort for beginners, Avoriaz is also home to Aquariaz, a tropical water park. A week in a self-catering apartment including lift passes starts at 324.50pp, without flights, based on four sharing from December 10, on pierreetvacances.com.

5. Alpe d'Huez, France

Travelling alone? No problem. Friendshiptravel.com runs ski 'houseparties' for single skiers, with no supplement. A week with flights, transfers and chalet board accommodation starts at 1,144pp.

6. Val d'Isere, France

Snag an early season deal with Highlife.ie from November 27. You'll get seven nights in a serviced chalet, transfers and chalet board from 660pp (flights not included but can be organised upon booking).

7. Sauze D'Oulx, Italy

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Head to Italy with crystalski.ie, with a week half-board from 599pp, departing next January 8.

8. Zell am See, Austria

Leaving from the North? Skimcneill.com has a week departing Belfast on January 14, including half-board accommodation at the four-star Grand Hotel, reps and transfers, for 799pp (913pp approx.).

9. Gstaad, Switzerland

If you want a gorgeous hotel (and dreamy spa) with great slopes nearby, Le Grand Bellevue (bellevue-gstaad.ch) is a great option. Rooms start at around 570, half-board, and lift passes can be organised.

10. St Anton, Austria

If there's a gang of you, look to Scott Dunn for luxurious catered chalets. A week at Chalet Artemis costs from 2,320pp, including flights and private transfers. See scottdunn.com.

NB: Chalet Board typically includes breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner with wine and beer. All prices subject to availability.

Read more:
Not every family would agree to buy a castle with a dark and sad history, but that's exactly what the Cope family from Kilkenny did.

The tower house, located around an hour's drive from Dublin, was rebuilt in 1708 by Peter Aylward, who bought the house from his wife's family.

In the many years, between then and now, the castle has seen its fair share of tragedies and atrocities, including the shooting of a local priest and the murder of two Cromwellian soldiers.

When Alyward himself died, his body was stolen from the on-site graveyard only a night or two after he was buried.

Nowadays, the castle has a reputation for being a place you would not like to visit after dark. There have been numerous sightings of spectres haunting the castle grounds.

However, these legends don't phase the Cope family, who currently reside in the beautiful but ominous castle.

"People probably think we're the Addams family of Kilkenny," Sybil Cope jokes.

"I'd actually welcome that."

In order to fund the castle's upkeep, the Cope family frequently throw the impressive abode's doors open to the public. There are artists retreats, B&Bs and family events throughout the year.

One of their biggest annual events is the Scare Fest Halloween tour.

It would be fair to assume a candle and lantern-lit tour of a 17th century castle with a reputation for hosting otherworldly entities that go bump in the night would cause enough fright. The Cope Family, however, do not.

At various points throughout the tour, actors jump out or bang doors in nearby rooms. Some are there to explain the castle's rich history. More are there just to give you a good fright.

See how our Independent.ie reporters faired in the video above. SPOILER: They screamed a lot.

Sybil, one of the Cope family children, created Scare Fest along with her brother Reuben a few years ago. At that point, there were only two competing ventures like that in Ireland. This year, at Halloween time, it's a very saturated market.

"We want to keep the integrity of the house. Always. That's our main aim. The reason to do the tours and open up the house is to keep the house here," she said,

"We do it so we can fund roof repairs or whatever things have to be done, because it's such a huge expense to live here.

Although many people have had the wits frightened out of them during the tour, Sybil says there's one that always springs to mind.

"One year, a guy thought he'd be really good and scare his friends himself. He skipped ahead and hid in a bush, but what he didn't realise was the bush was actually one of our team dressed as a bush," she said.

"He leaned against the bush ready to scare his friends, then the bush turned around and gave him a big smile. Then he fainted.

"Our Death went to give him a hand up, but he looked up and sees Death's face and hands coming towards him and he faints again."

For Sybil though, living in a castle with such a reputation, is simply normal life. Her family moved into the castle when she was only two-years-old. The mysterious noises and feeling that she's not along in seemingly empty rooms are par for the course.

"There are creaks and noises and all kinds of footsteps and weird things, but you take it with a pinch of salt. It's part of the house and that's all it is," she said.

"I don't get a negative feeling in this house. I'm sure there are places where there are really bad energies and negative ghosts, but I don't get that here."

For more information, visit the Shankill Castle website here.
On Saturday afternoon, all the gates were locked around Dublin Castle, crowds gathered outside, peering through the iron bars. They listened intently to their various tour guides giving them a running history of Ireland's oppression under English rule -unaware that inside, an assembly had gathered to initiate a debate on Ireland's oppression of women's rights.

Such was the security around the inaugural meeting of the Citizens' Assembly that only the 99 chosen few could be admitted. And such is the sensitivity around their first debate, the repeal of the 8th Amendment to the Constitution, that it was only right they should be left in peace. Defying that sensitivity, at the main gate, a lone male figure carried a placard bearing the ninth commandment.

Inside St Patrick's Hall, An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, smothering with a cold, addressed the chosen assembly.

He pointed to the new challenges since the last referendum in 2002, when there was no social media for trolls to threaten these citizens. Back then, public input was confined to the national broadcaster; the Pat Kenny morning show, 'Prime Time', Joe Duffy's 'Liveline', the main channels giving voice to the private citizen. That is how listeners and viewers first heard about fatal foetal abnormality.

The task of recommending whether or not to hold a referendum has been delegated by the minority Government to a randomly chosen group. However, the Taoiseach stressed that this is a non-party-political initiative and that the recommendations of the assembly are to be made to the Oireachtas. There will be a new Oireachtas within a couple of years, what then?

Read more: The right to life is too important to be left to a contrived Citizens' Assembly

The projected 400,000 budget for this assembly raises questions about the point of this Government. It would appear that the leaders of Fine Gael and purported opposition, Fianna Fail, have no desire to take a leadership initiative on the national issue. It has been handed over to these unfortunates, who will now spend 10 weekends away from home, coming to the Grand Hotel in Howth for subsequent sessions.

The 99 individuals, backed up by another 99 substitutes, have an onerous task. Many may have considered it an honour to be selected, many perhaps see it as a civic obligation, similar to jury service. It's a grand jury service, deliberating over the rights of half the population.

How they will come to any agreement over an issue that has seen four referendums reduce the country to verbal terrorism remains to be seen.

I can only imagine how difficult the next few months will be for our fellow citizens, who will no doubt have family, friends and local community bolstering or badgering them.

Half of the assembly will never become pregnant, nor could they; but they may be fathers of daughters, and care for them. The other half may be a mix of mothers, or may one day find they are pregnant with fatal foetal abnormality, or may have chosen not to have children.

This will make the communal task all the more difficult and it is also somewhat biased as the assembly is predominantly white, which is not a reflection of Ireland today. They do not reflect Savita Halappanavar or Miss Y.

It strikes me as most unfair to have burdened these citizens with recommending a referendum, or not, when the issue has already been debated in the Dail; when two amendments to the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bills have been tabled; and when the Attorney General has already advised that a referendum would have to take place for legislation to be enacted.

Sadly for this assembly, the buck has been passed to it by the elected members of the minority government to do their work for them.

Ironically, back in 1983 it was the then Justice Minister, Michael Noonan, who moved to amend the previous government's (Fianna Fail's) wording of the proposed 8th Amendment.

The alternative wording was criticised, with Fianna Fail arguing that it would not protect the constitutional right to life of the mother and it was defeated by 87 votes to 65 in the Dail, so the original version went to referendum.

The Taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald, campaigned against the amendment. Thirty-three years later, Fine Gael is trapped by its own legacy and does not know what to do.

To all citizens: remember Enda Kenny's plea - "Please take time to reflect before you react."
Enda Kenny has at last opened his car park for dangerous vehicles. And on Saturday afternoon, he got one of the most dangerous political piles safely off the highway and successfully parked out of harm's way.

Yes indeed, showing all his 40 years of political sagacity, Enda Kenny has grounds to calculate that he will not have to sweat too much over that bundle of trouble again in his political lifetime. Finding a remedy for our 33-year-old periodic war over the 'A-word' - abortion - is really a matter for his successor.

The Gaelic term is "mear-fhadchas" - the ability to put nasties on the long finger. Successful politicians rarely have short fingers.

So, this one follows a time-honoured formula of study, report, committee hearings and full debate, perhaps eventually followed by action. In this case, it's to be a Citizens' Assembly, followed by deliberations by an Oireachtas committee, a full Dail and Seanad debate, and most probably a referendum vote. At kindest estimate, we are talking about the latter half of 2018, some two years hence, before we have another abortion referendum.

We can safely conclude that Mr Kenny will not be in Government Buildings by then. It is conceivable that Fine Gael may still be nominally heading this odd minority Coalition. But you would not put the house on that prospect.

This Citizens' Assembly is a novel development, though modelled on the Constitutional Convention which operated from 2012-2014. That operation will be remembered for the same-sex marriage referendum of May 2015.

Opponents of change to the Eighth Amendment - which protects the right to life of the unborn while also recognising the obligation to defend the life of the expectant mother - see this Citizens' Assembly as setting us on a path to undo that provision. Others, including this writer, deemed that we already have a citizens' assembly of sorts, called Dail Eireann.

But there are good arguments for the new arrangement and, at all events, the new process is now up and running. So, it is a fait accompli.

It is fair to conclude that we have dealt very badly with this most difficult issue. When it landed on us in autumn 1983, I was working for a local newspaper in Limerick and I have bitter memories about what passed for debate.

Historian Diarmaid Ferriter has dubbed the so-called debate on the issue as "one of the most poisonous witnessed in 20th-century Ireland". There were nasty, personalised attacks on both sides.

This new process cost 200,000 to set up and there is provision for a further 400,000 to be spent on it next year. It is not huge money in a country which turns over 60bn in public expenditure in an average year. Let us hope it is money well spent.

The 99 members, headed by Supreme Court Judge Mary Laffoy, will not receive payment but will have accommodation and subsistence costs paid. Chosen by the Red C polling company according to age, gender and region, they will begin work next month at the aptly-named Grand Hotel Malahide for 10 weekends.

It was interesting to note that the potential impact of social media has already been discussed. Twitter (the company), which actually campaigned in favour of same-sex marriage 18 months ago, has publicly said it will sit this one out.

Ms Justice Laffoy advised the members to keep in mind their special deliberative role when referring to social media.

Already, there have been allegations that one assembly member had revealed a particular view on the issue on social media. If that, or any other eventuality, leads to the need for personnel changes, then there are a total of 99 "shadows" or substitutes to be called on to fill any gaps.

Of course, just because the issue is "parked," does not mean it will disappear from the political agenda. The Anti-Austerity Alliance People Before Profit (AAA-PBP) has it back on the Dail agenda for later this month. This could renew tensions with the Independent Alliance's ministerial team who could not support Fine Gael in shooting down a similar motion some weeks ago. Ministers Shane Ross and Finian McGrath may not be able to vote against this AAA-PBP initiative, which is designed to keep the issue in the public eye.

The other Independent Minister, Katherine Zappone, who has taken a strident stance in favour of change, has already signalled that she will wait out the process in the Programme for Government agreed on May 6 last. She will wait for the Citizens' Assembly verdict.

It is all less than ideal for the Taoiseach and Fine Gael. But they can just put it on the list of other less-than-ideal things and get on with it.

The whole idea is pretty novel in global terms. Professor David Farrell of UCD, who is one of a number of advisers to the assembly, told members on Saturday there were just four such fora in the world, with others in Canada and Netherlands. Prof Farrell said the members were not obliged to recommend change in the matters they are considering. The assembly is also tasked with considering fixed-term parliaments, an ageing population, how referendums are run, and climate change. But members are asked to give the abortion issue priority and a referendum is likely. Ultimately, it will fall to Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to jointly handle this and both will give members a free vote.
A mother who lost her son in the Hillsborough disaster has won the Women of the Year Special Award on behalf of the families affected by the 1989 tragedy.

Margaret Aspinall, chairwoman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, whose son James died in the disaster, was presented with the award by Theresa May in recognition of the families' persistent search for truth and justice.

The Prime Minister said she was "honoured" to give the award at the ceremony on Monday afternoon in London, adding: "Having lost their loved ones in the most appalling circumstances, they then spent 27 years searching for the truth with extraordinary dignity.

"This April, when the fresh inquests delivered their conclusions, they made clear to the whole nation what the Hillsborough families have known to be true from the beginning - that the fans were blameless."

Mrs May continued: "Thanks to their resolve we now know the truth about what happened that day. This award is for all those who lost their lives at Hillsborough and their families who have shown immense courage and determination."

More than 400 women attended the lunch and awards, where six were recognised for their "courage, resourcefulness, flair and for their selfless actions".

Lizzie Jones, who has campaigned for all rugby league division players to have heart screening following the death of her husband from an undiagnosed heart condition, was presented with ITV's Lorraine Inspirational Woman of the Year Award.

The mother of two from Halifax, West Yorkshire, set up the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund in her husband's name following his sudden death in 2015. Mr Jones collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest while playing rugby, leaving behind his wife and five-month-old twins.

She was nominated for the award by her friend Laura Simeunovich, who said: "Lizzie is inspirational. Whilst dealing with her own grief and raising her children alone, she is making sure other people are safe, and is trying to save families going through what she has.

"Danny would be exceptionally proud of his wife. She is a fantastic role model for her children, and they will grow up knowing that their mummy is saving lives in their daddy's name."

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The Good Housekeeping Women of the Year Award went to Liz Clegg, who has volunteered to help women and children living in the Calais Jungle, while Seema Aziz, who founded the Care Foundation of schools in Pakistan, won the Barclays Women of the Year Award.

Marjorie Wallace was presented with the Prudential Women of the Year Award for her work campaigning for the availability of mental health services in the UK for the past 30 years, and Dame Fanny Waterman received the DFS Women of the Year Award - Lifetime Achievement.

Dame Fanny, who founded the Leeds International Piano Competition, was recognised for her "extraordinary contribution" to music.

Sandi Toksvig, president of Women of the Year, said: "For over 60 years, Women of the Year has proudly recognised and celebrated the achievements of some of the world's most incredible women.

"These women range from the super famous to unsung heroines who are the backbones of charities, industries and indeed every profession possible.

"The remarkable women who make up the attendees and winners at this year's Lunch are being recognised for their work making the world a better place."
An RSPCA inspector said it was the "craziest thing" he had ever seen (RSPCA/PA)

A man who kept a golden eagle in a squalid kitchen has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Adam Smith, 54, had the bird of prey in the filthy, rubbish-strewn kitchen of the flat Pembroke, West Wales.

Haverfordwest Magistrates' Court heard that the RSPCA was called in January this year after receiving reports the female bird was living at the block of flats in Main Street.

The court heard Smith failed to ensure the golden eagle was provided with a suitable environment which was hygienic and or free from hazards.

Smith, of Brook Lane, Billesley, Birmingham, had previously pleading guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

He received a 12-month community order, was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years, ordered to pay a 73 fine, a 60 victim surcharge and 200 costs.

RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben said: "This was an extremely unique case as you certainly don't expect to see a golden eagle in someone's kitchen.

"It was the craziest thing I have ever seen. It is totally just unthinkable.

"The conditions that the golden eagle were kept in were not suitable by any means, there were bags full of rubbish scattered over the floor and the bird was unable to spread her wings in all directions in what was a dark, alien environment.

"She had been kept in disgusting conditions that were totally unsuitable for any animal, let alone a golden eagle.

"Golden eagles require very specialist and expert care and members of the public should not be looking after them in their homes."

The RSPCA said the golden eagle, which was aged around three to four years, is currently in specialist care and is doing well.
Christian Holliday's petition, on the House of Commons website, calls for an amendment to the Treason Felony Act to make supporting UK membership of the European Union a crime

A Conservative councillor has been suspended by his local party after starting a petition to make opposing Brexit into an act of treason.

Guildford councillor Christian Holliday's petition for a change in the law to make supporting UK membership of the European Union a crime attracted more than 1,250 signatures within four days of being launched on the parliamentary website.

But it was denounced as "medieval" by Liberal Democrats and dismissed as "completely mad" by the Conservative leader of Guildford Borough Council in Surrey, Paul Spooner.

Mr Spooner announced that Mr Holliday's membership of the Conservative group had been suspended until an upcoming meeting in November.

Mr Holliday's petition calls for the Treason Felony Act to be amended to make it a crime to support EU membership or to conspire with foreign powers to make the UK or any part of it become a member of the 28-nation bloc.

Explaining his initiative, the Guildford councillor said: "It is becoming clear that many politicians and others are unwilling to accept the democratic decision of the British people to leave the EU. Brexit must not be put at risk in the years and decades ahead."

Treason felonies are less serious than high treason, but still carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The Act states that it is a treason felony to "compass, imagine, invent, devise, or intend" to deprive the Queen of her crown, levy war against the Queen, or "move or stir" any foreigner to invade the United Kingdom or any other country belonging to the Queen.

Mr Holliday's petition got a hostile response from some social media users on Twitter, with one describing it as "more than a little undemocratic" and another saying: "You don't seem to quite have the hang of this democracy thing."

And local Tories distanced themselves from it, releasing a statement to say: "Guildford Conservative Association is aware of the petition. This does not represent the views of the local Conservative Association and we will consider the matter in due course."

Shortly before announcing the suspension, Mr Spooner described the petition as "illogical nonsense" and a "personal view" of Mr Holliday, who was a Vote Leave co-ordinator for Guildford.

Asked about the petition, Prime Minister Theresa May's official spokeswoman said: "Different people will choose their words differently.

"The Prime Minister has been very clear that the British people have made their decision and we should respect the will of the British people. That's how she would put it."

But Liberal Democrats said that Mrs May should make clear she does not approve of the petition.

"It's bad enough that a Conservative councillor is trying to shut down any democratic debate about Brexit as treason, but it's downright frightening that the Prime Minister has so far refused to condemn him," said Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Tom Brake.

"People did not vote to turn back the clock to medieval Britain. The Lib Dems will be the real voice of opposition and fight against a reckless Brexit that takes us out of the single market."

The petitions is so far well short of the 10,000 required for the Government to respond or the 100,000 needed for the proposal to be debated in Parliament.

Pressed later on the PM's view of Mr Holliday's proposals, Mrs May's spokeswoman said: "They are not views that the Prime Minister would share or is putting forward herself.

"The Prime Minister believes we should respect people's differing views. But there was a decision and now we must get on with delivering it."
The Steve McQueen portrait hanging at the Bullitt hotel in Belfast (Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye /PA)

Police hunting two pensioners suspected of stealing a huge portrait of Steve McQueen - one who made her getaway using a walking stick - have dubbed the crime the "Great Escape".

The women stole the 6ft x 4ft black and white picture from the bar of a new hotel named after one of McQueen's most iconic films - Bullitt.

But the theft ultimately failed because the artwork was too big to fit in the ladies' car.

Police said the suspects were in their late 60s and both had shoulder-length blonde hair and were wearing glasses.

Officers said one was wearing a zebra print jacket and the pensioner who carried the portrait out of the hotel was using a walking aid.

The incident happened at the Bullitt hotel on Ann Street in Belfast shortly after 8pm on Sunday evening. The new hotel had only opened to the public the day before.

The picture was later recovered, with some damage, beside Tedfords restaurant on nearby Donegall Quay.

On a Facebook post about the crime, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) used the following hashtags - #notjustanysunday #KeepingPortraitsSafe #thenotsomagnificenttwo #stevemcqueen #thegreatescape.

Michael Sullivan, general manager at Bullitt Belfast, said he was glad the artwork had been recovered.

"It wasn't quite the Great Escape it's been billed as though - the unlikely perpetrators were foiled in their attempts when they couldn't fit the painting in their vehicle," he added.

"We are most grateful for the vigilance of our neighbours at Tedfords Kitchen for their assistance in returning the painting."

Police have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
Liz Linham and Adrian Linham at their wedding in May 2007 at Weston Super Mare,Somerset England

A bigamist took his own life after his third wife found out he had met another woman, an inquest heard.

Adrian Linham, 44, was jailed for 18 weeks in January 2015 after admitting bigamy at North Somerset Magistrates' Court.

Avon Coroner's Court heard Mr Linham had married his third wife in Mexico to "bond their love" while he was still married to his second wife.

After serving nine weeks in prison, unemployed Mr Linham was released and returned to his third wife but met a woman from Cornwall online.

His wife found out about the woman on March 18 this year and Mr Linham, described as a "compulsive liar", was kicked out, the inquest heard.

A dog walker discovered the body of Mr Linham, who had a history of depression, in a barn near his mother's home in Nailsea, north Somerset, on March 28.

Dr Peter Harrowing, assistant coroner for Avon, reached a conclusion of suicide following the one-day inquest in Flax Bourton, near Bristol.

The cause of Mr Linham's death was hanging.

"Adrian had a number of personal issues which had affected him over a period of time," Dr Harrowing said.

"Sadly the deceased left his home on March 28 and was found hanging later that same day. He was pronounced dead at the scene."

Mr Linham's mother Anthea Linham gave a statement to the court describing her son, the youngest of four brothers.

She said he became depressed following an industrial accident and numerous operations relating to a hernia as a young man.

He married his first wife in his early 20s and moved with her to Taunton, Somerset, where she worked at Musgrove Park Hospital.

His first son was born in 2000, followed by his daughter and Mr Linham became a house husband, the inquest was told.

Mr Linham's father was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and, shortly after his death, he discovered his wife had been having an affair, the court heard.

"A year later he remarried on the rebound and had a baby girl who is now six," Mrs Linham said.

"I believe he started going on the websites in 2012, where he met a wonderful young woman.

"They went to Mexico and had a marriage to bond their love. He was never married to her in this country therefore he saw no harm."

Mr Linham suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder following his prison sentence for bigamy, his mother said.

"When he was released he was a broken man," Mrs Linham said.

"He had no self esteem and was ashamed of his actions. He adored his partner but started looking again on the websites and found a girl in Cornwall."

Mr Linham's wife kicked him out after finding out about the woman on March 18, his mother said.

On March 20, he was taken to Dorset County Hospital after being found on a cliff edge having taken an overdose.

He left hospital on March 23 following an assessment with Andrew Pinder, a mental health liaison nurse who rated him as at a "high risk" of harm.

"His mother had spoken to me previously on the telephone and said he sometimes lied and was a compulsive liar," Mr Pinder told the inquest.

Mrs Linham took her son to two GPs on March 24 and he underwent a mental health assessment over the phone that evening.

Michelle Elkes, who carried out the assessment, put Mr Linham as "medium risk" and scheduled a routine appointment for him within 28 days.

On the morning of March 28, Mr Linham left home after apologising to his mother. She reported him missing to police later that day.

Dog walker Susan Yeo called emergency services at 3.50pm after discovering Mr Linham's body in a barn.

A paramedic pronounced him dead at 4.21pm. A post-mortem examination found his cause of death was hanging.

Dr Harrowing said there had been a "failing" in the way Mr Linham was assessed following his release from hospital.

"Adrian should have been seen much sooner than a routine appointment," he said.

His family did not wish to comment following the inquest.
US Secretary of State John Kerry, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and UN Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed make a joint statement at Lancaster House, in London. Photo: Justin Tallis

Boris Johnson has claimed his secret newspaper column in which he backed staying in the EU was "semi-parodic" but admitted he was "wrestling" with whether to back Brexit.

The Foreign Secretary wrote the unpublished Remain-backing article in February, only two days before shocking David Cameron by revealing he would be campaigning for Brexit in the referendum.

Mr Johnson is now seen as a backer of a 'hard Brexit', this week insisting the UK can get a trade deal that is "of greater value" to the economy than access to the EU single market, which he described as an "increasingly useless" concept.

But in the pro-EU article, revealed in a new book and published in 'The Sunday Times', he supported membership of the free-trade zone.

He also said Brexit would cause an "economic shock" and could lead to the "break-up" of the UK in the article published in 'All Out War', by the newspaper's political editor, Tim Shipman.

But Mr Johnson said today that after writing the article it was "blindingly obvious" he should back Brexit.

"Everybody was trying to make up their minds about whether or not to leave the EU, and it is perfectly true that back in February I was wrestling with it, like I think a lot of people in this country, and I wrote a long piece which came down overwhelmingly in favour of leaving," he said.

"I then thought I better see if I can make the alternative case for myself, so I then wrote a sort of semi-parodic article in the opposite sense, which has mysteriously found its way into the paper this morning - because I think I might have sent it to a friend.

"But I set them side by side and it was blindingly obvious what the right thing to do was, and I think the people made the right decision. They voted very substantially to leave the European Union, that is what we're going to do and we're going to make a great success of it."

In his article, Mr Johnson suggested contributions to the EU budget were a price worth paying for single market access.

"This is a market on our doorstep, ready for further exploitation by British firms," he wrote.

"The membership fee seems rather small for all that access. Why are we so determined to turn our back on it?"

On the eve of the June referendum, Mr Johnson said the alternative view "just didn't make sense" because it was based on putting party loyalty ahead of his desire to get the UK out of the EU. He said as soon as he made his decision he "knew it was right".

On Saturday, sources close to the Foreign Secretary repeated that he wrote the article for the sole purpose of trying to articulate in his mind whether there was any merit in the Remain argument, and dismissed it out of hand as soon as he finished.

In the article, Mr Johnson warned of a Brexit shock to the economy and the potential break-up of the UK if Scotland voted overwhelmingly to Remain, which it did by 62pc-38pc.

Since the vote to leave, sterling has fallen to historic lows.
Philip Hammond is facing accusations of attempting to undermine Brexit by pushing for delays to Cabinet measures designed to control immigration.

The Chancellor has been criticised by Cabinet colleagues for arguing like an accountant seeing the risk of everything rather than pressing ahead with plans for Brexit.

It is understood that Mr Hammond was one of a number of voices urging caution during a Brexit Cabinet committee meeting last week during which proposals were discussed for a new work permit system designed to reduce immigration.

At the meeting Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, presented plans for a post-Brexit visa regime that would see all European Union workers forced to prove they have secured a skilled job before being allowed into Britain.

It was seen as confirmation that Britain will leave the single market as part of the Brexit process, something which Mr Hammond is previously understood to have warned against. Sources claimed that Mr Hammond raised questions about the plans.

Government sources rejected any suggestion that there was open dissent from Mr Hammond over the proposals, and said the meeting was about exploring proposals rather than reaching any concrete position over future immigration policy.

However, members of the Cabinet are said to be growing increasingly frustrated by Mr Hammonds position on Brexit. One Cabinet source said he is overly influenced by his Treasury officials who think it is a catastrophe that Britain voted to leave the EU.

Another source said: He is arguing from a very Treasury point of view. He is arguing like an accountant seeing the risk of everything rather than the opportunity.

Another source suggested that while the Treasury is quick to criticise solutions proposed by members of the Cabinet, it has been less forthcoming in tabling its own policies.

The source added: The Home Secretary presented an immigration paper at the meeting. Other departments are not quite so proactive. There are difficulties.

There were claims on Sunday that tensions have increased to the point that there are even fears Mr Hammond could resign as Chancellor.

Treasury sources moved to deny those claims as complete and utter nonsense.

One source said: It is ridiculous to suggest he is doing anything other than trying to make [Brexit] work. However, the Treasury source added: He is very clear that the vote to leave the EU was not a vote to sink the economy."

At the Brexit committee meeting last week, Mrs May is understood to have demanded that her Cabinet get on with delivering Brexit.

The Prime Minister made it clear that we have to get on this, one source familiar with the events said. But there are very big personalities arguing different things. Its not easy.

Under the proposals submitted by Ms Rudd last week, EU tourists and students would still get free access to the UK.

The work permit system would be designed to stop low-skilled migrants coming to live in the UK in order to search for a job

It is believed that the Home Secretary also proposed a seasonal worker scheme that could allow low-skilled migrants to come to Britain temporarily if there are shortages of workers in industries such as agriculture or construction.

Any attempt to create a work permit scheme is likely to be criticised by business leaders.

The Government was earlier this month forced to abandon plans to name and shame businesses hiring foreign workers instead of Brits.

Meanwhile, a think-tank has suggested that City firms could move their headquarters out of Britain unless they are given assurances that the finance industry will be protected as part of Britains Brexit negotiations.

Open Europe warned that the banking sector needs at least one years notice of what access to the EU market will look like when the UK leaves the bloc.

It is essential for the Government to avoid a cliff-edge situation, the independent think-tank said.

The financial services industry needs maximum certainty on future trade arrangements with the EU as early on as possible in the negotiations.

Firms have been planning for the worst, and some of them may start putting those plans into motion if uncertainty drags on for too long.

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Journalists of Hungary's biggest opposition newspaper Nepszabadsag and their supporters protest in Budapest. GETTY

The editor-in-chief of a leading liberal newspaper has warned "no-one and nothing" is safe in Viktor Orban's Hungary, a week after the publication was shut down amid government pressure.

"If this could be done to 'Nepszabadsag', then no-one and nothing is safe," said Andras Muranyi.

The dramatic demise of the broadsheet, which had a reputation for unearthing nefarious government activity, shocked Hungary and fuelled concerns about the health of the free media in the central European country.

Staff received a courier-delivered letter on Saturday last week stating that production was ceasing with immediate effect.

They were barred from the paper's offices, so could not collect personal items, and stopped from accessing their email accounts and any work they had in production.

"Papers airing the government's dirty linen can easily find themselves suffering a similar fate," Mr Muranyi said.

In a statement on the newspaper's website, Mediaworks, the paper's Austrian owners, cited economic problems for the closure, saying 'Nepszabadsag' had generated a "considerable net loss". The company also said it was seeking to restructure the struggling newspaper rather than killing it for good.

But Hungary has been rife with speculation that the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban brought pressure to bear on Mediaworks, which owns other Hungarian publications, to silence the dissenting voice.

Mr Muranyi said it "would be naive to believe the decision was made solely on economic grounds" and that he did not exclude the possibility the government was responsible. The Hungarian government denies involvement.
Thousands of people have marched in Paris to call for the repeal of a law allowing gay marriage, six months before France's next presidential election.

The protesters ended up at Trocadero Plaza, near the Eiffel Tower. Police estimated the crowd at 24,000, while organisers gave a figure of 200,000.

Marchers were also protesting against the use of assisted reproduction techniques and surrogate mothers to help same-sex couples have babies.

Assisted reproduction is allowed in France only for infertile heterosexual couples and surrogacy is banned.

The group behind the march presents itself as promoting the traditional family model of "one mother and one father." It hopes to influence the debate before next year's presidential election.

With the exception of the far-right Front National Parliament member Marion Marechal Le Pen, none of the major parties attended the march.

The 2013 law allowing gay marriage exposed deep divisions in French society, prompting big protests for and against such unions.
Iraq's elite counter-terrorism forces gather ahead of an operation to re-take the IS-held city of Mosul (AP)

Columns of Iraqi and Kurdish forces backed by US-led air strikes have slowly advanced on Mosul from several directions, launching a long-awaited operation to retake Iraq's second largest city from Islamic State (IS).

As air strikes sent plumes of smoke into the air and heavy artillery rounds rumbled, troops pushed into abandoned farming villages on the flat plains outside the city.

But they were slowed by roadside bombs and suicide car and truck bombs hurled at them by the militants.

The unprecedented operation is expected to take weeks, even months.

Though some of the forces are less than 30 kilometres (20 miles) from Mosul's edges, it was not clear how long it will take to reach the city itself.

Once there, they have to fight their way into an urban environment where more than one million people still live.

Aid groups have warned of a mass exodus of civilians that could overwhelm refugee camps.

Iraqi prime minister Haider Abadi announced the start of the operations on state television, launching the country's toughest battle since American troops withdrew from Iraq nearly five years ago.

"These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul, which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity," Mr Abadi said, addressing the city's residents and using the Arabic acronym for IS. "God willing, we shall win."

Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, fell to IS in the summer of 2014 as the militants swept over much of the country's north and central areas.

Weeks later the head of the extremist group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, announced the formation of a self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria from the pulpit of a Mosul mosque.

If successful, the liberation of Mosul would be the biggest blow yet to IS.

Mr Abadi pledged the fight for the city would lead to the liberation of all Iraqi territory from the militants this year.

In Washington, US defence secretary Ash Carter called the launch of the Mosul operation "a decisive moment in the campaign" to defeat IS.

The US is providing air strikes, training and logistical support, but insists Iraqis are leading the charge.

More than 25,000 troops will be involved in the operation, launching assaults from five directions, according to Iraqi Brig Gen Haider Fadhil.

The troops include elite special forces who are expected to lead the charge into the city, as well as Kurdish forces, Sunni tribal fighters, federal police and state-sanctioned Shiite militias.

The Kurdish forces, known as peshmerga, advanced in long columns of armoured vehicles followed by hundreds of pick-up trucks on a cluster of some half a dozen villages east of the city on Monday.

Air strikes and heavy artillery pounded the squat, dusty buildings.

The area - historically home to religious minorities brutally oppressed by IS - was almost completely empty of civilians, allowing air power to do much of the heavy lifting.

But Lt Col Mohammad Darwish said the main roads and fields were littered with home-made bombs and that suicide car bomb attacks slowed progress.

Fighters entered the villages in Humvees but did not get out of their vehicles because it was too dangerous, a Peshmerga major said.

The IS-run new agency, Aamaq, said the group carried out eight suicide attacks against Kurdish forces and destroyed two Humvees belonging to the Kurdish forces and Shiite militias east of the city.

The Kurdish Rudaw TV broadcast images of Kurdish tanks firing on two trucks it said were IS suicide attackers. One of the trucks crashed into a tank and exploded. There was no immediate word on casualties from that attack or other fighting on Monday.

Just outside Baghdad - more than 225 miles (360 kilometres) south-east of Mosul - a suicide car bomber hit a checkpoint of security forces in the town of Youssifiyah, killing at least 12 people and wounding more than 30, officials said.

Iraqi army Lt Gen Talib Shaghati said the Mosul operation "is going very well", but declined to give details.

He said intelligence reports indicated that IS militants were fleeing towards Syria with their families.

IS once controlled nearly a third of Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

But over the past months their territory has been dramatically reduced.

In Iraq, their control is now limited to the area around Mosul and a few other small pockets.

For the Iraqi military, the battle is a test after two years of trying to rebuild from the humiliating defeat it suffered in the face of the IS blitz in 2014.

Mosul is also a test for the government's ability to control the multiple sectarian and ethnic tensions swirling around the conflict.

Mosul is a mostly Sunni city that was long a centre of bitterness against the Shiite-led government, fuelling insurgent and militant movements ever since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

While two years of IS rule may have left residents hating the militants, there is also little love for the government.

The role of the Shiite militias in the offensive has been particularly sensitive.

Shiite militia forces have been accused of carrying out abuses against civilians in other Sunni areas.

But Sunnis are also suspicious of the Kurds, who have ambitions to expand their self-rule area into Ninevah province, where Mosul is located.

Lt Col Amozhgar Taher, with the peshmerga, said his men would not enter Mosul itself because of "sectarian sensitivities".

Instead they will retake the villages to the east of the city, home to Christians and the Shabak, another minority group.

Iraqi special forces Lt Col Ali Hussein said the Kurdish forces are leading the first push on Mosul's eastern front. His men will probably wait another day or two near the town of Khazer.

US Lt Gen Stephen Townsend, commander of the anti-IS coalition, said in a statement it could take "weeks, possibly longer" to gain control of Mosul.

Military operations are predicted to displace 200,000 to a million people, according to the United Nations.

Near the eastern frontline, rows of empty camps line the road, ready to take in people fleeing.

But aid groups say they only have enough space for some 100,000 people.

In Geneva, a senior UN humanitarian official, undersecretary-general Stephen O'Brian, said he is "extremely concerned" for the safety of civilians in Mosul.

He said families are at "extreme risk" of being caught in crossfire, tens of thousands may end up besieged or held as human shields, and thousands could be forcibly expelled.

In the midst of financial crisis, the Iraqi government says it lacks the funds to adequately prepare for the humanitarian fallout.

In some cases commanders say they are encouraging civilians to stay in their homes rather than flee.

"While we may be celebrating a military victory" after Mosul is liberated, "we don't want to have also created a humanitarian catastrophe," said Falah Mustafa, the foreign minister for Iraq's Kurdish region.

AP
A father has claimed his 25-year-old son was brutally murdered and eaten by inmates during a month-long riot at a Venezuelan prison.

Juan Carlos Herrara told local media his son, Juan Carlos Herrera Jr, was stabbed, hanged, dismembered and then eaten at the Tachira Detention Center.

Mr Herrara's son was jailed in 2015 for robbery and had become caught up in the prison mutiny, which reportedly began on 8 September when eight visitors and two guards were taken hostage over extreme overcrowding in the jail, the Telegraph reports.

According to reports, 350 men had been crammed into the detention centre, which has a capacity of 120.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, after a visit to the prison three days after the mutiny had subsided, Mr Herrara said: One of those who was with him when he was murdered saw everything that happened.

My son and two others were taken by 40 people, stabbed, hanged to bleed, and then Dorancel butchered them to feed all detainees, referring to the notorious Dorancel people-eater Vargas - jailed in 1999 for cannibalism.

"The [inmate] with whom I spoke to told me that he was beaten with a hammer [in order] to force him to eat the remains of the two boys.

"I beg you to give me at least one bone so we can bury him and relieve some of this pain."

An anonymous police source confirmed to Fox News Latino that two inmates were missing following the riots.

"They cut them up and fed them to several [of the fellow inmates], they made the bones disappear. Dorancel cut the flesh."

It remains unclear why Mr Herrara referred to three people in reports.

The Minster of Correctional Affairs, Iris Varela, confirmed the two disappearances but denied the allegations of cannibalism.

Humberto Prado, coordinator of the Venezuelan Prison Observatory (OVP), said the observatory will ask the Attorney's General Office to investigate the incident and submit the case the United Nations Human Rights Commission.

He added: Prisoners have been dismembered before and some inmates have forced other prisoners eat their [own] fingers. That happened in a detention center in El Tigre."

Venezuela, recently a flagship socialist nation rich on oil reserves, is in the depths of a severe economic crisis with shortages of basic goods and food and rising crime.

The collapse in the price of oil has exposed years of economic mismanagement by the government.

Recent reports have described citizens abandoning their pets in the street, faced with the choice of feeding the animals or themselves, babies being kept in cardboard boxes in cash-strapped hospitals and Venezuelans crossing the border to Colombia to find food.

Large protests continue to take place against the government of President Maduro, who was apparently captured on video being chased by a group of angry protesters banging pots.
Free Syrian Army rebels backed by Turkish airstrikes have captured the Syrian town of Dabiq from Isil militants, averting the terror group's long-promised battle for the apocalypse.

The fight for Dabiq was over within hours, war monitors said. Rebel commander Ahmed Osman told Reuters that Dabiq and the village of Soran were re-taken yesterday morning.

Dabiq, in the northern Aleppo countryside just 10km from the Turkish border, is named in an Islamic prophecy as the site of a final battle between Christianity and Islam. It has been a key stronghold for Isil since August 2014.

Propaganda

Isil frequently referred to victory at this future battle, and even named its English-language propaganda magazine after the town.

The capture of Dabiq is part of Operation Euphrates Shield, Turkey's name for its military intervention in Syria. Turkish airstrikes and artillery have proven a balance-shifting force on the northern Syrian battlefields.

After clearing Isil from its border in early September, Turkish firepower has moved south into Syria.

The battle against the jihadists claimed more casualties yesterday as three police officers were killed and nine people wounded in the southern Turkish city of Gaziantep during a police raid on an Isil safehouse.

According to a Turkish newspaper, 80 Isil militants were killed on Saturday as rebels closed in on Dabiq.

President Recep Tayeb Erdogan of Turkey said that once the area was cleared, some of Turkey's three million Syrian refugees could return home.

Meanwhile, the US and UK are considering new sanctions on the Syrian and Russian governments because of their conduct in war-ravaged Aleppo.

After a 10-nation meeting in London, US Secretary of State John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said crimes against humanity were occurring daily in Syria. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
A woman views a display of mannequins wearing black and white clothing at a shopping centre in Bangkok, Thailand (AP)

Pop-up clothes dyeing centres have become a new phenomenon in the Thai capital Bangkok as black clothing becomes too expensive for many following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Thai government has declared one year of mourning for King Bhumibol, who died on Thursday, and some clothes sellers have been quick to raise prices for black garments.

Others have run out of stock.

Vats of black dye were boiling non-stop on Monday at a free dyeing station set up in central Bangkok by a tractor importing company.

Volunteers rushed to write down names and contact information from a stream of visitors bringing in clothes to dye black.

"Some people don't have black clothes or don't have enough to wear," said Kanokporn Tantranont, a Krung Thai Tractor employee helping out at the centre.

"If you go out to buy more clothes, the prices are so high," he said.

His employer said the dyeing station will stay open until the end of the month and people can also donate old clothes to be dyed black.

King Bhumibol's death after a reign of 70 years has triggered an intense outpouring of grief in Thailand, where the monarchy is revered.

And some people have taken to criticising others who do not strictly conform to the mourning dress code, which allows black or black with white.

Department stores have dressed their mannequins in all-black attire, and anything flashing red, green or pink has been moved or hidden.

But for some, restocking their wardrobe is not an option.

Waiting for his newly dyed black clothes, Kamol Samutsal, a 43-year-old office worker, said some dye shops in Bangkok have been profiteering as well.

"It has become as expensive as buying new clothes," said Mr Kamol. "I think it's good that they provide a free service to the public here."

Deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said people should not be criticised for not wearing black or white because feelings of grief come from the heart, not which clothes are worn.

Government workers are required to wear black mourning attire for one year.

State events are also under a 30-day moratorium, and all public offices and schools will fly flags at half-mast for 30 days.

AP
Donald Trump appears on stage to light a ceremonial diya lamp before he speaks at a Bollywood-themed charity concert put on by the Republican Hindu Coalition in Edison, New Jersey. Photo: Reuters

Donald Trump has insisted again that the presidential race is being "rigged" against him at voting locations. He questioned the November 8 election's fairness just hours after his running mate Mike Pence said Republicans would accept the outcome.

"The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary (Clinton) - but also at many polling places - SAD," Trump wrote on Twitter.

Expand Close Flush with money: Clinton. GETTY / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Flush with money: Clinton. GETTY

Earlier in the day, Mr Pence had repeated the claim that the media was biased against the Trump campaign but he agreed to accept the result, no matter how it went.

"We'll respect the outcome of this election," he said, speaking on NBC's 'Meet the Press'.

"Donald Trump said in the first debate that we'll respect the will of the American people in this election. The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of American history."

Asked whether he believed the contest could be subject to voter fraud or whether talking about a rigged election could "undermine our democracy", Mr Pence said the media was favouring their rivals.

Mr Trump also went on the attack against venerable comedy show 'Saturday Night Live'. He described an SNL skit mocking him this week as a "hit job". Trump went on to write that it's "time to retire" the show, calling it "boring and unfunny" and adding that Alec Baldwin's portrayal of him "stinks".

Saturday's show featured a send-up of the second presidential debate held last week at Washington University in St Louis.

A new poll yesterday suggested that Clinton was leading Mr Trump by as much as 11 points.

On Saturday, Mr Trump launched another extraordinary outburst, suggesting that Clinton was on drugs during their last debate and vowing to jail her if elected.

Mr Trump accused the media and the Clinton campaign of conspiring against him to undermine a free and fair election, claiming: "The election is being rigged by corrupt media pushing completely false allegations and outright lies in an effort to elect her president."

Mr Trump was referring to several women who have come forward in recent days to say that the Republican nominee had groped or sexually assaulted them. He has denied the claims, calling the women liars.

Mr Trump also took to Twitter to warn: "100pc fabricated and made-up charges, pushed strongly by the media and the Clinton Campaign, may poison the minds of the American Voter. FIX!"

He added: "Hillary Clinton should have been prosecuted and should be in jail. Instead, she is running for president in what looks like a rigged election."

In a country with a history of peaceful political transition, his challenge to the US election's legitimacy was a striking rupture of faith in American democracy.

Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed, without offering evidence, that election fraud is a serious problem and encouraged his supporters to "go and watch" polling places in certain areas to make sure things are "on the up and up".

A prominent Trump supporter who spoke at the Republican convention last summer, Sheriff David Clarke Jr of Wisconsin's Milwaukee County, tweeted: "It's incredible that our institutions of gov, WH, Congress, DOJ and big media are corrupt & all we do is bitch. Pitchforks and torches time."

Sheriff Clarke, an elected Democrat, illustrated his tweet with a photo showing angry people with clubs and torches.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, whose decision not to campaign for Mr Trump angered the party nominee, made clear that he does not share the candidate's concern over the election's legitimacy.

A spokeswoman for Mr Ryan said: "Our democracy relies on confidence in election results and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity."

Campaign money is also becoming tight for Mr Trump. He began this month with $75m in his campaign and joint party accounts. That is half of what the Clinton team said it has on hand.

Mr Trump also suggested Mrs Clinton had been on drugs during the last debate and challenged his rival to a drug test before their final televised tussle on Wednesday.

Instead of spending the weekend preparing, he claimed of his opponent: "I think she's actually getting pumped up, you want to know the truth.

"I think we should take a drug test prior to the debate, 'cause I don't know what's going on with her.

"But at the beginning of her last debate, she was all pumped up at the beginning. And at the end, it was like... she could barely even reach her car."

Mr Trump offered no evidence to support his claim.
The truck that landed at Chicano Park after it flew off a ramp to the San Diego Coronado Bridge (Hayne Palmour IV/The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP)

A member of the US Navy is facing drink-driving and manslaughter charges after the pickup truck he was driving plunged off a San Diego bridge, killing four people and injuring nine others at a festival below.

Richard Anthony Sepolio, 25, who was stationed at the naval base on Coronado Island across the bay from San Diego, was alone in the truck on Saturday afternoon when it lost control and fell 60ft onto a vendor's booth at Chicano Park.

Sepolio remains in hospital with serious injuries.

After the crash, California Highway Patrol officer Jake Sanchez said: "It's horrible. It's horrific. We had innocent people down here having a good time, and now they're gone."

The four victims were: Cruz Elias Contreras, 52, and Annamarie Contreras, 50, of Chandler, Arizona; and Andre Christopher Banks, 49, and Francine Denise Jimenez, 46, both from Hacienda Heights, a suburb east of Los Angeles.

Witnesses had said four people in the booth were crushed by the truck.

Eight people on the ground were injured. One suffered major trauma, while seven others had minor to moderate injuries, authorities said.

Witnesses said the GMC pickup truck with Texas licence plates landed on a vendor's booth set up for La Raza Run, a motorcycle ride that begins in Los Angeles and ends with a celebration at the park.

The crash took place steps away from a stage where a rockabilly band was playing.

On Sunday, mourners gathered at the park to lay flowers and candles and say prayers for the victims.

Tina Camarillo told the San Diego Union-Tribune she and her daughter were in a booth next to the one that was hit.

She said: "To see such tragedy in an instant . . .

"(The truck) fell and all I saw was darkness, the glass blew, the canopy fell on my head. My daughter was running to get my mom. It was horrible."

Iris Jimenez, 29, told the newspaper she got out of the way just in time.

"I saw the truck coming at me, and if I hadn't run, I'd be dead," Ms Jimenez told the newspaper.

Her companion, Pedro Sanchez, was one of several men who rushed to lift the pickup off the victims.

Photos from the scene show the truck's front end crumpled and its bonnet popped open.

The park is beneath the bridge in a predominantly Hispanic neighbourhood in central San Diego.
Students run away from a stun grenade used by police at the University of Cape town campus (AP)

South African protesters demanding free university education broke windows, forced open doors and threw human excrement in an effort to disrupt the resumption of classes, a university official has said.

The University of Cape Town reopened on Monday after closing because of security concerns, but police were on campus and used a stun grenade to disperse protesters outside a university building.

Another building was evacuated because of vandalism by protesters who threw sewage in the corridors, the university said.

Separately in Johannesburg, students blocked a road during the morning rush hour and threw stones before returning to their residential building at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Many South African universities have been hit since last month by sometimes violent protests for free education.

However, many students want to study and complete the academic year.

AP
Donald Trump has endured a bruising couple of weeks on the campaign trail (AP)

Donald Trump has hit out at Republicans who have tried to tone down his rhetoric about election fraud, calling his party's leaders "so naive" and claiming without evidence that large-scale voter fraud is real.

Mr Trump's claims were part of a Monday morning blast of tweets that took on his party, the women who have accused him of sexual misconduct, the media and US vice president Joe Biden.

The defensive barrage, interrupting a relatively quiet day on the campaign trail, comes as Republicans are under pressure to rebuke Mr Trump's claims that the presidential election is "rigged" in Democrat Hillary Clinton's favour.

The push reflects growing worries that their nominee's unsubstantiated rhetoric could erode public trust in elections and lead to damaging disputes if he loses.

Mr Trump's running mate, Mike Pence, declared the ticket will "absolutely accept the results of the election".

But Mr Trump seemed to brush back against his vice presidential pick.

"Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!" he tweeted.

There is no evidence to back up Mr Trump's claim of widespread voter fraud.

A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that out of one billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud.

Mr Pence and other Republicans have tried to argue that Mr Trump is claiming that media bias is rigging the election in Democrats' favour, particularly in the reporting of allegations by several women that Mr Trump had sexually assaulted them.

Mr Trump pushed back against those women on Monday, tweeting: "Can't believe these totally phoney stories, 100% made up by women (many already proven false) and pushed big time by press, have impact!"

In another tweet, Mr Trump linked to a video montage of Mr Biden greeting and hugging women at various events.

The Democrat has not been accused of sexual improprieties, but has raised eyebrows for his lingering or awkward embraces of women.

The tweets abruptly returned the focus to the Republican candidate's list of troubles on an otherwise quiet day on the campaign trail ahead of the final presidential debate on Wednesday.

Mr Trump is spending much of the day out of sight before campaigning in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Monday evening.

Mrs Clinton is due to spend Monday preparing with advisers near her home in New York.

As the candidate prepares, Mrs Clinton's campaign continues to have to answer for the contents of hacked emails being released by the thousands by WikiLeaks.

The most recent batch showed Mrs Clinton generally avoided direct criticism of Wall Street as she examined the causes and responses to the financial meltdown during a series of paid speeches to Goldman Sachs.

WikiLeaks said on Monday that founder Julian Assange's internet access has been cut by an unidentified state actor. Few other details were immediately available.

The fraud concerns raised by Mr Trump are not new to Republicans.

They often cite the risk of fraud as they make a case for tightening access to the polls through voter identification laws and other restrictions.

But Mr Trump's often repeated claim that the election is "rigged" has put the party in the unusual position of expressing faith in the legitimacy of the election system.

Leaders in both parties fear Mr Trump's claims will encourage his most ardent supporters not to accept the results, leading to prolonged litigation, possible violence or hardened divisions - or some combination of the three.

That could make it difficult even to govern and take a long-term toll on the democracy.

Even staunch conservatives have found themselves in the position of trying to gently distance themselves from the nominee's remarks.

"I just don't think it's that constructive to make this a campaign issue," Representative Steve King said on CNN.

The staunch conservative from Iowa said he shares Mr Trump's worries about election fraud, but acknowledged Mr Trump's claims are "partially unsubstantiated".

"I don't want to say anything on this programme that de-legitimises our election," Mr King said.

AP
I confess that, as a critic of politics, Ive paid too little attention to what the media love to call the race for the White House. Applying that metaphor in previous election cycles has evoked images of thoroughbred horses rounding a final turn in a graceful pack. This years sport more closely resembles a sack race in a mud bog. Winners and losers alike are covered in muck and mire.

Theres an emerging danger that, regardless of the outcome, well all experience an absence of closure, and a lingering sense of widespread damage to the electoral process, and perhaps to the justice system. Even Fox News pundits are, without blinking, saying aloud that Trump is a lost cause, and the focus has shifted to the task of controlling Hillary Clinton.

The emotional nakedness of this is fascinating. Since the revelatory tape of Trump being his sleazy self emerged, and his subsequent going nuclear approach in the last debate, The Donald has made every Breitbart-inspired conspiracy buffs dream come true: A full-on, no-holds-barred assault on the Clintons spotlighting every murder and child abduction that the snarling right-wing fantasy machine has cranked out over the last three decades. Trumps base weeps with joy.

The corollary of this approach to the campaign jettisons any pretense of an effort to broaden the base. Trump is so bruised that he cant bring himself to leave the echo chamber of unfettered approval that his most uncritical fans gladly provide. The crowds at his rallies are yuge, but theyre not enough to elect him.

Trump is preparing his followers for a zombie apocalypse. He tells crowds that, if he loses, it will be the result of ballot tampering. He says it in states where he trails far behind in the polls. He encourages his people to visit various and sundry polling places; to lurk in the parking lots and observe..., what? Some Trump supporters are wedded to the hallucination that they are qualified to monitor polling sites. So when Donald loses, tens of thousands of his partisans will cry foul. They are inoculated against reason. No tendering of proof will mollify them.

All of this would make some kind of sense if only Trump could demonstrate hes qualified to be a senator, a governor, a city councilman, or any kind of civic leader. But, hes a dilettante; never held an elective office. There is no record that hes ever done anything for anyone - with the possible exception of his immediate family. His charity foundation is a fraud. The lack of specificity in his speeches regarding how exactly he would do all the things hes promised exposes his superficial understanding of the sobering challenges the next president faces. Even worse, the vagueness of his policy statements points to an utter lack of intellectual curiosity. For this alone, he is manifestly unfit to be president.

A barrage of insulting Tweets to a former beauty queen in the small hours of the morning would immediately disqualify the commander of a nuclear submarine. The weight on a Presidents shoulders is an order of magnitude greater than that of a sub commander. Even the most obtuse Trump supporter should be able to see the obvious implication.

A presidential candidate who threatens his opponent with incarceration is disqualified.

A presidential candidate who disrespects war heroes and gold star mothers is disqualified.

A presidential candidate who mocks physically impaired citizens is disqualified.

A presidential candidate who denigrates and disrespects women is disqualified.

A presidential candidate who threatens a religious test for citizenship is disqualified.

A presidential candidate who prefers the leadership style of a ruthless dictator over a principled, dignified and empathetic sitting President of the United States should be disqualified.

Consider the presidents weve elected in the past 75 years; Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhour, Kennedy, Johnson, Reagan and the rest. Few of us would say that any of them viewed the Constitution with anything less than reverence. And I think its fair to say that all of them placed the Country ahead of their party, and likely would have laid down their lives.

Now, consider Al Gore, who, knowing that he had more than a half million popular votes than George W. Bush, spoke to a national audience in a gracious concession speech. He made that speech for the good of the Nation.

Likewise, Richard Nixon, who lost the 1960 presidential election by less than a vote per precinct, chose to concede rather than put the Nation through a wrenching recount.

Donald Trump, by contrast, is already preparing his followers to contest the coming election result based on the self-generated rumor, absent any evidence, of voter fraud. The peaceful transfer of power following elections is a cornerstone of our democracy. Threats to flout that tradition are toxic. A presidential candidate who lies at this level threatens the peace of the Nation.

The Republican Party has only its nihilistic self to blame for its nominees scorched earth policy. They stood by, shoulders shrugged, as Trump began his assault on the national reputation with the Birther lie. The Partys leadership is complicit. Heres hoping the GOP has enough dignity to own the aftermath, and do something to repair the damage.
MIDLAND- The Town of Midland is set to hold its first Rowan-Cabarrus Community College class next week.

Staff has been working with Barbara Hill, director of the community colleges Small Business Center, to build a partnership so classes can be held in the town. Town Manager Doug Paris told Midland Town Council during its recent meeting that the negotiations have been successful.

He announced that the first class to be held in Midland will be on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Town Hall. The course is targeted as helping small business owners in the area.

I will be in attendance to open and close Town Hall unless any council member desires to attend and do so. Barbara is working with instructors to schedule additional dates and classes and I will share them with you when they are finalized, Paris told the board.

Paris said this is an exciting first step for the town and its citizens.

We hope as the town grows we can continue to build a stronger relationship with the college so the citizens dont have to drive all the way to Kannapolis or Salisbury for classes, Paris said.

The class will be taught by Jeanne Eury, a native of Cabarrus County who has held marketing, sales, sponsorship, partnership and hospitality senior positions in Washington D.C., Atlanta and Raleigh and is now the director of member services at the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association.

Those that attend will learn how to stay on top of the best marketing techniques, discover the must-haves for effective online marking and how to keep customers.

Anyone interested in attending the class can register at https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=440360030.

Midland Town Hall is located at 4293-B Hwy. 24/27 East in Midland.
Funding Boost for Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor on Indias Eastern Coast

The Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) at 800 km is part of five economic corridors proposed throughout India, the others being : the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, Bengaluru-Mumbai Economic Corridor, and the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor. Aimed to be finished by 2031, the VCIC received a funding boost recently with from loans and grants from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and extra funding from the central government. While the ADB is to provide a US$ 500 million two-tranche facility to build key infrastructure and a US$ 125 million two-tranche loan to help with industrial policies and business promotion, the central government will provide the remaining US$ 215 million for the US$ 846 million project. Upon completion, the VCIC will connect four economic hubs and nine industrial clusters, emerging as the first industrial corridor along Indias coastline.

The Visakhapatnam-Chennai corridor will fall almost entirely in the state of Andhra Pradesh, covering four strategic centers on the southern end of the eastern corridor  Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Amaravati, and Yerpedu-Srikalahasti. Altogether, the VCIC will pass through nine districts in Andhra Pradesh and connect three major ports and 15 non-major ports. In its investment report, the ADB identifies growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as the following specific sectors and sub-sectors that will benefit from the VCIC, namely, food processing, pharmaceuticals, auto and auto components, textiles, metallurgy, chemicals and petrochemicals, and electronics. In order to successfully exploit the strategic location of the industrial corridor, extensive infrastructure is planned to be built along the VCIC. This will include 138 km (85.75 miles) of state highways and roads, effluent and water treatment plants, 488 km (303.22 miles) of drinking water pipes, 47 km (29.20 miles) of storm drains, 10 power substations, and 281 km (174.6 miles) of power transmission and distribution lines. The human capital attached to the VCIC undertaking will see the skills training of about 25,000 male and female workers, entrepreneurs, and students.

Finally, the high-grade infrastructure and development of high-performance multimodal transport systems of industrial corridors like the VCIC will create the best possible business environment for manufacturing and logistics in India, connecting production centers, urban clusters, and tourism hubs.

Slowdown in Job Creation Due to Less Investment in Unorganized Sector

According to a survey conducted by the Delhi-based civil society group PRAHAR, as many as 550 jobs have disappeared every day in the last four years. Basing their calculations against Labor Bureau data released early 2016, PRAHAR estimates that employment in India could shrink by seven million jobs by 2011. The Labor Bureau data itself indicates that India created only 135,000 jobs in 2015 as opposed to 419,000 in 2013 and 900,000 in 2011. The trend is anything but troubling, with the most vulnerable sections being farmers, petty retail vendors, contract laborers, and construction workers.

PRAHAR explains the downward trend in job creation as a fallout of poorly performing sectors, which are ordinarily the largest employers  agriculture (contributes to 50 percent of employment in India) and the SME sector (employs about 40 percent of Indias workforce). The group also observes that investment commitments under the Make in India campaign from earlier this year would only create about six million jobs. The final takeaway of the PRAHAR report is the need for smart villages or in other words, investing in a stronger rural India, with the growth and development of the farming, unorganized retail, and MSME sectors.

India and Brazil Exchange MoUs during BRICS Summit, Promote Strategic Trade and Investment

In order to boost greater investment and trade flow between the two countries, India and Brazil exchanged four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) at the sidelines of the BRICS Summit that took place between October 15 and 16 in India. The agreements include an Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Treaty; an MoU on Genetic Resources, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Natural Resources and Fisheries; an MoU on Pharmaceutical Products Regulation; and an MoU on Cattle Genomics and Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

Earlier last week, the Brazilian Ambassador to India, Tovara Da Silva Nunes, spoke about the investment opportunities in Brazil and highlighted the similarities between the two countries such as the strong IT services, medicine, and agricultural sectors. Among Latin American countries, Brazil figures as a major trading partner of India and Indian investments in Brazil amount to more than US$ 5 billion. As pointed out by Ambassador Nunes, sectors of importance in their bilateral trade are medical equipment and medicines, aerospace, aeronautics, oil and natural gas, chemicals, fertilizers, and processed food.



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An Introduction to Doing Business in India 2016

Doing Business in India 2016 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in India. As such, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Indian market, but also for companies who already have a presence here and want to stay up-to-date with the most recent and relevant policy changes.

Pre-Investment Due Diligence in India

In this issue of India Briefing Magazine, we examine issues related to pre-investment due diligence in India. We highlight the different regulatory, tax, and socio-economic issues that a company should be aware of before entering the Indian market. We also detail some of the topics related to entry structures while investing in the Indian market, as well as cultural and HR due diligence, which may differ from state to state.

Strategies for Repatriating Funds from India

In this issue of India Briefing Magazine, we look at issues related to repatriating funds from India. We highlight the unique regulations for sending funds back from India, examine the various strategies companies can make use of while repatriating, and look at remittance procedures for different types of Indian entities. Finally, we give some tips on how expats can remit their Indian money to their home countries.
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Joe Pakootas, a member of the Colville Tribes, is running for Congress. His Republican opponent, incumbent Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, will be voting for Donald Trump as president. Photo from Pakootas for Congress



#NativeVote16  A Democratic House was a long shot 

By Mark TrahantTrahant Reports

Early in the election cycle I made a prediction: I said if Donald Trump was the Republican nominee, the House would be in play for the Democrats. The reaction (and more than once) was 30 seats? Not likely. (Previous: Native candidates could help flip Congress .)

Not likely are the words of the day. Its a possibility now because Donald Trumps war against Republicans has not only doomed his bid for the White House, but its making it more likely that Democrats will win the Senate and unlikely as it was, the House. The polling data backs up this idea (certainly good news for Denise Juneau Joe Pakootas , and Chase Iron Eyes .)

Lets look at the numbers, shall we?

survey for the Democrat's Congressional Campaign Committee shows a seven-point advantage for Democrats in the generic poll (49 to 42 percent). This is a question asked every cycle, basically would you vote for a Democrat or a Republican? Its usually close. It usually favors Democrats, slightly. (Remember more people vote for Democrats for Congress. Republicans win because of the district system.)

Two years ago before the election the same question showed Republicans with a two-tenths of one percent lead. The final result: Democrats 49.2 percent; Republicans 48 percent. (Previous: Will Republicans stand by Trump? Watch congressional races.

But its now seven points. Thats sweep territory. And the prospect of the House of Representatives shifting from Paul Ryans leadership to Nancy Pelosi

The Trump campaign has created an impossible political dilemma for Republican candidates because hes now attacking Republicans and forcing them to stand with him or against him.

That leaves Republicans with three choices. Hide. Denounce Trump. Or continue supporting Trump as a flawed candidate.

Washingtons Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers picked door number three. In a statement on Spokanes KXLY she said: I have said all along that I absolutely disagree with some of Donald Trumps statements  especially the video released on Friday. I will be voting for Mr. Trump because I believe that we must defeat Hillary Clinton who has a record of deliberately misleading the American people.

Democrat Joe Pakootas is relentless on this issue.

Sexual assault remains a prevalent issue in our country. 1 out of 5 women and one out of 71 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. These estimates are likely very low because rape is one of the least reported crimes. Few are reported, even fewer are prosecuted, and even fewer find the rapist guilty, Pakootas posted on his campaign web site and on Facebook . First of all, we need to stop normalizing rape culture. This means not tolerating any talk that encourages sexual assault. We need to make sure the burden is on the perpetrator, not the victim. We need to teach individuals NOT to assault, as well as safety to victims.

So what does Door Number Three look like politically? According to the national survey, when Running against a Republican who continues to endorse Donald Trump the Democratic margin moves from a 7-point advantage to a 12-point advantage. Voters, especially mainstream voters, dont like that approach.

The logic behind that spread is simple. To reach a majority, fifty percent plus one, a candidate needs consensus. A broad coalition of voters. So ignoring those who think Trump crossed the line will not accomplish that. And, at the same time, if you do denounce Trump, his hardcore supporters will not forgive you and stay home, vote Libertarian, or write in another name.

Who else is in this camp? Rep. Kevin Cramer in North Dakota, who is being challenged by Chase Iron Eyes.

In Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke also says he still prefers Trump over Clinton. He told Breitbart : What Mr. Trump said was wrong. There is no other way to say it. He should be ashamed. But, that doesnt make Hillary any better a candidate. What we face everyday is a bureaucracy thats grown out of control, a government that have become separated and is no longer held accountable to the people, he said. This is a unique election in the history of our country.

Dozens of senior Republicans, including Speaker Ryan and Sen. John McCain , have distanced themselves from Trump. But that choice doesnt inspire voters either, according to the DCCC survey. Even against a Republican candidate who never formally endorsed Donald Trump and now says they wont vote for him the Democratic margin moves from a 7-point advantage to a 10-point advantage. The reason? The survey reports only 39 percent of voters say: That these Republicans are showing character and integrity for finally standing up to Donald Trump.

Update: Some of the Republicans who wanted Trump to withdraw have now changed their minds and are back as supporters. At least voters know where they stand. For the moment.

Republican Representatives Markwayne Mullin and Tom Cole have so far been quiet, sticking with Door Number One. For now. [

These are significant numbers. In a recent Montana poll Denise Juneau trailed Zinke by three points and another by 11 points. So a 12-point swing would change everything. Same story in Washington state. And, if Iron Eyes can get his message out, even in North Dakota.

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Notes from Indian Country

Reminiscing about the Shrine of HypocrisyBy Tim Giago (Nanwica Kciji  Stands Up For Them)

One thing becomes perfectly clear to anyone living in Western South Dakota: There is a mountain with the faces of four Presidents carved into it. They are referred to around here as the Founding Fathers.

Anyone who has studied history knows that the Founding Fathers were products of their times. They saw women as inferior, Blacks as slaves, and American Indians as disposable. African Americans got the right to vote in 1870 during the Reconstruction Era, women voted for the first time in 1921 and American Indians were the last to get that democratic right in 1924.

My father was born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of Lakota heritage in 1894 and was 30 years old in 1924 when he was finally able to exercise a right then available to every other American except American Indians.

And so the four faces on Mount Rushmore, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln were of a different era and saw America through the eyes of their times. It is still difficult for many Native Americans to look upon these white men as their founding fathers although they were often referred to by their ambassadors to the tribes as The Great White Father.

If ever we are constrained to lift the hatchet against any tribe we will never lay it down til that tribe is exterminated, or driven beyond the Mississippi . . . in war they will kill some of us; but we will destroy all of them. Adjuring them, therefore, if they wish to remain on the land which covers the bones of their fathers, to keep the peace with a people who ask friendship without needing it, who wish to avoid war without fearing it. In war, they will kill some of us; we shall destroy all of them.

Here is what Thomas Jefferson, one face on Mount Rushmore, said about American Indians on August 28, 1807:

Another face, Theodore Roosevelt said in 1886, I suppose I should be ashamed to say that I take the Western view of the Indian. I dont go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of every ten are, and I shouldnt like to inquire too closely into the case of the tenth.

When African Americans were given the right to vote in 1870 the terror began. Thousands were lynched by the Ku Klux Klan. Their churches were burned to the ground and their women raped and humiliated. Whatever gains they made by voting were soon wiped out be the Jim Crow mindset that only wanted to put them back in their place; humble and subservient.

When I was 17 years old I joined the U. S. Navy and for the first time began to associate with people of other races. I did not know what the guys from Georgia, Mississippi or Louisiana meant when they said, Sweating like a N_ _ _ _ r on election day until I read up on the history of the South during and after Reconstruction. Only then could I ever imagine how fearful it must have been for a Black man to exercise his democratic right to vote in the South.

For Indians, Blacks, Hispanics and yes, even white women, America wasnt all that great back then. I was never taught these things in school on the Indian reservation where I was raised. American school books were never designed to tell any truth that would make this country look bad. White men castrating and hanging black men for wanting to vote? No, the text books said by omission that this could never happen in America. White men raping and impregnating Black and Indian women? No, this could never happen in America or the text books would have told the story.

But today in the year 2016, many of us so-called minorities are proud to be Americans. We are proud because we know how it was back in those days and we have never tried to sugar-coat it like our school books and our politicians. But with so many brave men and women leading the way we fought to make America better and since the days of Jim Crow, we have come a very long way.

I am sure that even the men on Mount Rushmore, men who chose to denigrate and demean American Indians and lash their slaves with whips, would be shocked to see how far we have come as a people.

We came as far as we have because it was Indians, Blacks and Hispanics standing up and demanding the same freedoms as whites that propagated these changes for the better. Left in the hands of people such as those screaming Make America Great Again we would still be living in the days of slavery, injustice and hate that held us back as a Nation for much too long.

American Indian activist Russell Means called Mount Rushmore, The Shrine of Hypocrisy thereby diminishing its worldview as the Shine of Democracy. America was not so great back then and even today it backslides sometimes, but we keep moving in the right direction.

(Tim Giago, an Oglala Lakota, was born, raised and educated on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He is now the Editor Emeritus of Native Sun News Today and can be reached at unitysodak1@vastbb.net)

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The Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) decided on Monday to ban Pakistani movies from being screened at the annual festival.

The 18th edition, to be held from October 20-27 in Mumbai, will not screen even a single Pakistani film. It will go ahead with the screening of other 180 films from 54 countries across the city.

And as this decision takes the controversy surrounding Pakistani artists forward, Fawad Khan has apparently been offered a role in the remake of 50 Shades of Grey.

AFP

Well, the industry feels that Khan would be a perfect match for the character of Christian Grey in this Bollywood remake. But reality, sadly, will only prove otherwise.
1. SRK Gives A Hilarious Speech On Being Awarded Global Icon, Asks Men To Never Wear Thermals

Shah Rukh has bagged the Global Icon of the year award this year. Unfortunately, he couldnt make it to the event, so he recorded a hilarious acceptance speech for his fans straight from Budapest

2. A Maharashtra School Asked Students To Name Virat Kohli's GF In An Exam. Gave 3 Options As Well!

TOI

Turns out even schools are obsessed about Virat and Anushkas relationship. In an examination for class 9th, one of the questions asked the students to name Virat Kohlis girlfriend!

3. Renuka Shahane Writes A Hard-Hitting Post Explaining India-Pak Relations And It's A Must Read

india.com

Actress Renuka Shahane once again took to Facebook to write a post that doubles up as an explainer on India-Pakistan relations. She wrote, So lets talk India-Pakistan. How exactly are we supposed to get along? Have we ever educated ourselves on both sides about getting along? Are we taught virtues of Pakistan in our textbooks as school students.

4. Oops! Did Nitibha Kaul Manage To Make A Jibe Against Google On Bigg Boss 10?

ibtimes

Looks like former Google employee and now a Bigg Boss contestant Nitibha Kaul threw some major shade at her former employer. At the opening ceremony last night, she said, that her extended leave didnt get approved which made her quit her job for the show.

5. Mumbai Film Festival Bans Pakistani Movies, Not Even A Single One Will Be Screened This Year!

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The Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) decided on Monday to ban Pakistani movies from being screened at the annual festival. On the other hand, according to several reports, Fawad Khan has apparently been offered a role in the remake of 50 Shades of Grey.
It was quite thoughtful of Scottish First Minister to announce at the end of her partys conference in Glasglow, that babies born in Scotland will be gifted baby boxes from New Years Day 2017.

thenewsgiraffe.com

Nicola Sturgeon said Nordic-style policy, which was first announced in April, would be a symbol of a belief in a level playing field for all children. Scotland will not be the first one to start this because Finland has been already giving out care packages to all the expectant mothers for 80 years. The boxes include around eighty items useful for babies all this has credited in cutting infant mortality and raising life chances.

www.heraldscotland.com

Sturgeon also told that first mothers living in pilot areas would start getting the boxes in January and that there would be a full squash in the summer. We promised a baby box of all essential items for all newborns. Its a policy borrowed from Finland where its contributed to the lowest rates of child mortality in the world, she told delegates.

zimbio.com

Im delighted to give you an update on our plans to introduce it here. Next month well launch a competition in partnership with the V&A in Dundee for the design of the box. The first boxes will be delivered to newborns born in pilot areas on New Years Day.

She joked that such a box would beat a lump of coal as a first-foot offering, a reference to the Scottish tradition of giving people coal to mark the New Year.

Isnt it a beautiful way to mark the beginning of the New Year? Something good to learn from the First Minister of Scotland!
Are you one of those who very strictly follow the five-second rule and quickly eats dropped food from the floor? Well you might like to think twice from now because according to a new study in the US, it only takes less than a second for dropped food to become contaminated by bacteria.

Researchers say that people are simply fooling themselves by pretending that they never dropped anything and quickly popping it into their mouth.

home.bt.com

Exposing the rule as an urban myth, Donald Schaffner, a professor in food science at Rutgers University in New Jersey, told that The five-second rule is a significant overview of what actually happens when bacteria transfers from a surface to food. Bacteria can contaminate instantaneously.

The study found that the amount of moisture present, the type of surface, and how long the food is actually on the floor all contribute to cross-contamination.

cokkingchanneltv.com

It is just not the floor that has bacteria but we have listed few spots for bacteria in the house which you wont even think of can be really dirty.

The following list is from statistics published by the Center for Disease Control. In order to gather the list, researchers visited 35 homes, swabbing for bacteria in 32 locations in each house.

Well, after reading this if get the urge to scrub those corners like a maniac, the FDA recommends 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach to 1 quarter of water for home disinfecting. Here you go:

1. Toilet bowl: 3.2 million bacteria/square inch

2. Kitchen drain: 567,845 bacteria/square inch

3. Sponge or counter-wiping cloth: 134,630 bacteria/square inch

4. Bathtub, near drain: 119,468 bacteria/square inch

5. Kitchen sink, near drain: 17,964 bacteria/square inch

6. Kitchen faucet handle: 13,227 bacteria/square inch

7. Bathroom faucet handle: 6,267 bacteria/square inch

8. Bathroom sink, near drain: 2,733 bacteria/square inch

9. Pet food dish, inside rim: 2,110 bacteria/square inch

10. Kitchen floor, in front of sink: 830 bacteria/square inch
We're all well-versed with what IQ is - Intelligence Quotient - but how many of us know about EI or Emotional Intelligence.

Well, Emotional Intelligence is about being aware of our own emotions as well as those of others. It is the capability of handling interpersonal relationships judiciously and with empathy. A higher IQ is futile if youre low on EI, because having higher EI shows that youre a human and not a robot.

A person with higher emotional intelligence has many good traits such as the following...

1. They quickly adapt to change

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They swear by that Charles Darwin quote, "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change." They change cities and they learn the local language, get used to the local food and transport. They dont get hung up on the past. They change accordingly to the situations.

2. They put themselves in others' shoes before judging anything

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People with higher emotional intelligence are empathetic. Theyre compassionate and kind and think about what others go through during tough situations.

3. They are highly focussed

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Nothing can distract them, unless they let them. They accomplish achievements by working hard on their goals. Their productivity is something to envy and you would never see them wasting time.

4. They are pros when it comes to balancing work and play

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They are the rare folk who have found balance is whatever they do. If they work hard, they also see to it that they play harder. You will never see them complaining about too much work as they know they will sort out everything.

5. They know their strongest qualities and their vulnerable weaknesses

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If they dont know something, they admit that they dont know it. They know that they arent perfectionists. Boasting is not what they are known for. They are very self-aware and know their strengths and their shortcomings.

6. For them, the present is a precious gift, and the past a lesson

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They are never stuck in the past. Even if they are, they constantly make attempts to move on. Learning from their past mistakes is how they move forward without being stagnant.

7. They are always open to suggestions

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They dont get offended easily and take criticism well. While taking suggestions, they dont see hierarchy and listen to people even of the lowest rank. For them, ranks and position count for nothing.

8. They are self-motivated

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You will always see them smile, even in tough situations. They dont get bogged down by situations and people. Even if they do, they pull up their socks and start afresh.

9. They know when to speak and when to remain silent

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People with higher emotional intelligence know the power of silence. They remain quiet and only speak when they are asked to. Which is why, they are never caught with their foot in their mouth.

10. They are great at damage control

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They know how to rise like a phoenix from the ashes. Their friends make them 4 AM calls to fix up their lives, and these folk come up with life-saving situations.

11. They are grateful

They have found their inner peace and it shows. They are grateful with what they have and they never compare themselves to others.
An Icchadhari Naag dressed like Keanu Reaves in The Matrix jumps out of a hospital window and morphs into a man dressed like Keanu Reaves riding a bright red sportsbike. That's before he discovers that he is also the Bad Terminator from Judgement Day and Sunny Deol has realised he's the good terminator and the Naag Mani quest has been abandoned. If you're reading the above two lines and wondering just what expired cough syrup is being chugged here let me clarify, it's not expired. And this is the most boring bit of the plot of Jaani Dushman.

Regardless, accidentally or sometimes because someone was just too lazy to cross-check facts have ended up in some rather smashingly ignorant things in our movies. The article you read here is an ode to people who really should have Googled.

1. Remember the Hand Pump Tara Singh pulled out of the ground in Pakistan?

Indiatimes

2. And then Sunny Paaji did this in Border.

Indiatimes

3. While Sunny Deol launches Surgical strikes with his truck and punches, this is what Ajay Devgn has been upto...

Indiatimes

4. Did someone annoy you and you want to take care of them without a peep? Or are you a secret agent in the hunt for nuclear weapons and your next Moneypenny?

Indiatimes

5. Harrisson ka taala hai, tootega nahin.

Indiatimes

6. Point, shoot, kill. Miss, photoshop, do it on a chroma screen.

Indiatimes

7. Kholney Ka, Phainkney ka, Bhool janey ka. Pull it, Throw it, Forget it.

Indaitimes

8. Hang on for a Prakash Jha special.

Indiatimes

9. Calling all cinema lifeguards.

Indiatimes

10. Tracing...tracing...found him!

Indiatimes





11. Jump, Chat, Hang. Repeat.

Indiatimes

12. Reboot?

Indiatimes

13. Amnesia. On Call.

Indiatimes

14. The Great Indian Blood Donation.

Indiatimes

Can you think of any more? Let us know in the comments section below.
A cancer surgeon from Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel has written an open letter to Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan criticizing his recent endorsement of a pan masala brand that contains flavoured areca nut a proven cancer causing substance.

Twitter

Head and neck cancer surgeon and anti-tobacco crusader Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi has questioned the actor's decision to endorse a carcinogen that is popular among youngsters because of its "cheapness, packaging, ease of access and shrewd marketing etc". "Its consumption leads to submucous fibrosis, a condition where a child has burning sensation and difficulty to open mouth. Many of them turn cancerous after 5 to 7 years of hellish life," he said.

ALSO READ: After Getting Heavily Trolled, Ex James Bond Pierce Brosnan's Pan Masala Ad To Be Banned In India!

Shutterstock/Representative Image

Pan masala is a concoction of flavoured areca nut, lime, cardamom seeds and various types of flavouring substances. Chaturvedi said that in an ongoing matter in the Supreme Court, the union health ministry has submitted a voluminous report on the health hazards of areca nut. He further appraised the actor that areca nut contains a psycho active substance that leads to addiction. "Your promotional video must have caused many youths to take up this addiction that they will find difficult to quit subsequently," he said. He lamented that Brosnan, who has lost his first wife and daughter to cancer, chose to endorse tobacco that kills one million Indians every year.

"As per the Indian law, every advertisement of pan masala must have a statutory warning that it is a harmful substance. Those warnings were deceptively made inconspicuous and unreadable in your advertisement. Did you realize how people are being cheated?" Chaturvedi wrote in his letter, urging Brosnan to use his charisma for tobacco control instead. The surgeon said that there is research to show that consumption of areca nut adversely affects the reproductive health of the pregnant women and even their unborn child.

Shutterstock/Representative Image

Statistics say that nearly 200 million chew tobacco making India the world's mouth cancer capital. "Why did you choose to promote oral cancer?" he questioned the star, most known for his Britsh spy James Bond's role. Brosnan's advertisement of the product had taken the social media by storm even provoking reactions from the international media. The manufacturers of pan masala maintain that pan masala is a mouth freshener with no tobacco in it.
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who was trolled on social media after he asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise for his trip to Pakistan in December last year, said he has every right to question the PM.

BCCL

On Sunday, Mr Kashyap came out in support of filmmaker Karan Johar a day after the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India's decided not to screen movies with Pakistani actors, a move that has hit Karan's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil - featuring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan - very hard.

@narendramodi Sir you haven't yet said sorry for your trip to meet the Pakistani PM.. It was dec 25th. Same time KJo was shooting ADHM? Why?  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) 16 October 2016

Mr Kashyap said that PM Modi should say "sorry" for his trip to meet the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on December 25 as at the same time, Karan Johar was shooting "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil". This did not go down well with people on Twitter.

Justifying his tweets, Mr Kashyap wrote: "Just to make it clear, I complain because I expect my government to protect us, I question the PM because I have every right to."

Just to make it clear, I complain because I expect my government to protect us, I question the PM because I have every right to..  Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) 16 October 2016

The director contended that the real trade between the two countries has "not faced any kind of opposition, but we must pay the price for it".

"And anyone who questions my love for the country by shouting, must prove their love by representing the country either on the border or prove your love by representing the country in an honourable way. Not by shouting here (on social media)," he said.

AFP

"And yes Sir Narendra Modi we need protection... It's really high time. I refuse to live in the fear created by blind fanatics that you cannot have a conversation with your PM or question him or expect from him."

"I would rather ask my questions directly to the PM than trying to impress him by fake nationalism of banning 'what puts you in news'," he added.

Anurag Kashyap, known for making hard-hitting films, has directed movies like "Black Friday", "Dev.D", "Gulaal".

The decision came amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions after a terror attack on an army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri, and the Indian Army's surgical strikes across the Line of Control against terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir earlier this month.
Former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah complained on Twitter about being stopped at a New York airport for two hours on Monday for extra immigration checks.

Another "random" secondary immigration check upon landing in the US. Thrice in three visits, the randomness is growing tiresome now.  Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) October 16, 2016

"Another 'random' secondary immigration check upon landing in the US. Thrice in three visits, the randomness is growing tiresome now"

I'm here to speak at an event organised by NYU but I almost wish I'd stayed at home instead. Ah well, that's two hours well & truly wasted!!  Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) October 16, 2016

Abdullah, 46, tweeted shortly after midnight.

"I just spent TWO hours in a holding area and this happens EVERY time..."

"I'm here to speak at an event organised by NYU but I almost wish I'd stayed at home instead... That's two hours well and truly wasted!!" Abdullah said.

Detained previously in August, the US government had apologised to the 50 year old leader. "Every damn time", he'd said.

I just spent TWO hours in a holding area & this happens EVERY time. Unlike @iamsrk I don't even catch Pokemon to pass the time.  Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) October 16, 2016

He also added that unlike Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan (who has been detained at US airports in the past), he couldn't even catch a Pokemon!

He is scheduled to speak at the event organized by the students of New York University on October 21 which is expected to be attended by former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy.
It doesnt take an observant eye to gauge the level of poverty in India. Poverty in the country is vivid  while Mukesh Ambani's multi-crore Antilia stands tall in Mumbai, its posh, modern structure of 27 glass floors overlook 62% of the city's population that lives in slums.

India is projected as the next superpower, but the ground reality is rather bleak.

While the city of dreams, Mumbai, houses Dharavi - Asias largest slum, India as a whole is home to one-third of the worlds poor. The dubious poverty line makes it hard to reach an exact estimate on the number of poor in the country, but according to Poverties, the current estimate is between 20-50%, that is, between 240 to 600 million people.

Reuters

When Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs, addressed the UN General Assembly this year in New York, she said, "One-sixth of humanity exists in India, which means the world's success depends on India's success and its people.

She touched upon important issues during her speech including poverty and said its one of the leading problems holding India back.

A closer look at the city life gives an idea about the urban poor people and how they are treated.

In September 2016, news of a sick woman with a broken arms eating off the floor of a Jharkhand hospital went viral. Reason being the hospital ran out of plates. Such things point towards the kind of humiliation the poor have to face in India.

Indiatv/youtube

ALSO READ: Jharkhand Hospital Serves Food To Patient On Floor Because It Ran Out Of Plates

October 17 is International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and the theme for this year is: Moving from humiliation and exclusion to participation: Ending poverty in all its forms by 2030.

Ban Ki-Moon said inadequate income isnt the only measurement of poverty.

It is [also] manifested in restricted access to health, education and other essential services, and, too often, by the denial or abuse of other fundamental human rights."

Though statistics may reflect that poverty levels have dropped - from 21% in 2011-12 to 12.4% in 2015 - they need to be taken with a pinch of salt.

Even though 96% of the villages have been electrified, only 69% of them actually receive electricity, which too for limited hours.

Also, 50% of Indians dont have proper shelter, 70% dont have access to toilets, 35% of households dont have a nearby water source, 85% of villages dont have a secondary school, also one in four children of school-going age are out of school, and over 40% of these same villages dont have proper roads connecting them.

Reuters

According to the report published by the Global Hunger Index 2016 on World Food Day, India ranks 97 among 118 countries with one in three children facing stunted growth, 15% of the population undernourished from a lack of food, and where 194.6 million people go hungry every day.

We fall behind Bangladesh, Nigeria and Rwanda.

India's poor are constantly dehumanised, especially in urban cities where they are treated like ugly blotches of a society trying so hard to become a place for the posh and affluent.

You'll find rickshaw pullers, construction workers with a family sleeping wherever they might find space - whether that's under a flyover or on the sidewalk. And this is the story of every Indian metro. Remember the Commonwealth Games when we literally shunned the poor from Delhi. The government essentially made them disappear as if they never existed to put up a cleaner, more homogeneous front of posh Indian society.

ALSO READ: India Ranked A Poor 143rd Among 188 Countries On The Health Front

The government is constantly parading its economic slope - "the economy is growing at 12% a year, making it one of the fastest growing economies of the world" - which is highly commendable since it is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and has consistently been so for the last decade.

India has achieved undeniable economic success since the 90s but let's look at some less jolly statistics. This economic power ranks close to bottom when it comes to health, hygiene and HDI. A global study on a range of health indicators has ranked India 143rd among 188 countries, ranking just above Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Reuters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Make in India campaign to make India a manufacturing hub and create jobs in the process.

However, ironically, data from the Labour Bureau shows unemployment is at a five-year high with 5% in 2015-16 and more women are out of jobs than men.

Also, India has actually lost thousands of jobs in the last four years and is going to lose seven million by 2050. Those most affected will include farmers and construction workers.

The lack of jobs in smaller, less developed cities leads to inter-city migration and a large portions of those who migrate end up as construction workers or rag pickers.

Rural cities are increasingly getting saturated and cannot accommodate the young, which leads them to cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Rag picker, Moinuddin, came to Delhi 10 years ago because he couldnt find a job in his home state, Assam. In Delhi he found waste collection as an easy option to pursue. Since then he has been collecting waste from Bhogal, 15kms from his residence in Madanpur Khadar.

Reuters

The government has a lot of work cut out for itself  in order to eradicate poverty, which leads to a total upliftment of the country, then it needs to not only get children in school but ensure they are learning, not only build toilets but also create awareness on sanitation and hygiene, fix an incorrupt poverty line and ensure that Rs 50,000 crores worth of food isnt wasted. Action is being taken - The Beti Bachao Andolan, Make in India and Swachh Bharat are leaps in the right direction but citizens need to get involved in making their cities, towns and villages better.

In Sushma Swarajs words, we need a contemporary approach in combating poverty and social problems that lead to the humiliation and sidelining of the poor in order to create a better India and civilisation possible only through "united and concerted efforts" of the government and the people.
Patna is India's leader when it comes to using free wi-fi at railway stations, but it's used mostly for one thing - viewing and downloading porn.

Search for porn the highest

A railway official said that "More than any other railway station in the country, where free Wi-Fi service was launched, the Patna railway station is on the top in the country for using internet search, particularly searches for porn sites."

Officials realised this after going through browsing data by users. Patna station (Danapur Division of East Central Railway) was the first station in Bihar to get free wifi. It's also one of the most busiest stations in India. According to RailTel officials (mini-Ratna public sector undertaking which provides the wi-fi), people search for YouTube and Wikipedia, but it is porn that is downloaded the most.

Porn is even more popular than Bollywood, Hollywood films and apps.

Such a great way of using 1 GBps - which Railtel might ramp up to 10 GBps

Hindustantimes

23 stations in India now have free Wi-Fi. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said that the government plans to introduce the service at 400 railway stations in the country in the next three years, including at 100 stations by the end of this year, in collaboration with Google India.

The internet service has been provided under 'Railwire', the retail broadband distribution model of Railtel, and Mumbai Central station in Mumbai was the first in the country to get it.
Haiti has been recovering in the aftermath of one of the worst hurricanes in recent times. A furious hurricane Mathew had caused immense havoc in Haiti leaving more than 842 dead and unleashing a sort of calamity that the world hasn't seen in a long time. But the misery and the suffering wasn't restricted just to those who died - those who had managed to weather the storm had nothing to survive on. It is estimated that nearly 1.4 mn people have been affected and 300,000 people are now forced to live in temporary shelters after entire villages have been wiped away.

While the world has come together to deliver humanitarian aid, Dubai's ruler and one of the richest men in the world Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's wife Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein decided to take this one step further. Shaikh Rashid Al Maktoum dispatched his personal 747B-400 to Haiti with supplies from United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot and its partners including Save the Children, Handicap International, World Vision International, Catholic Relief Services, USAID and Lutheran World Relief - according to Khaleej Times.

(Also read: Hurricane Mathew heads towards Florida and leaves 4 dead)

The aid which includes water purification units, mosquito nets, medical supplies, tents and other support equipment is estimated to impact close to 340,000 people.

Princess Haya wrote on her Instagram:

"One image will forever be in mind, when I think of Haiti. I have seen in 2010, the devastation caused, and it was only because I was on an IHC envoy. The same cargo plane I came in today. Again today lives have been erased. It is all about what the country needs, but to a certain extent, it is also about what is given. "

This isn't the first time Princess Haya has come forward with humanitarian support - she had personally overseen distribution of humanitarian aid in Port-au-Prince after a devastating earthquake in 2010.

         .           Don't forget them as we bury Haiti as another problem too big for us to solve. Humanity can win above all else, when it's values are right. A photo posted by Haya Bint Al Hussein (@hrhprincesshaya) on Oct 14, 2016 at 12:40pm PDT

The world needs more such humanitarians.
Pakistan's Pakistan's Beaconhouse School System recently issued a circular demanding a ban on speaking Punjabi on campus, calling it 'foul'.

The instructions were advertised in a circular issued to parents, and told them to avoid speaking Punjabi, even at home. This was part of a bigger crackdown on hate speech, abuse, and taunts

"Foul language is not allowed within and outside the school premises, in the morning, during the school hours and after home time. Foul language includes taunts, abuse, Punjabi and hate speech," the circular said.

Today I am ashmed of giving a service of decade to Beaconhouse School System. #ActagainstBeaconhouse  Zarqa Paul (@PXarqa) October 13, 2016

The circular was heavily criticised by both Indians and Pakistanis on Twitter, along with Punjabi activists. Criticism was also heaped on the school by its own alumni. After all, Punjabi is one of the most common languages spoken here.

Beaconhouse has insulted the "Sufi Saints of Punjab" and Punjabi Nation.

Punjabi nation is the 9th biggest... https://t.co/gwHK1ZcBBJ  Punjabi Think Tank (@PunjabiThinker) October 16, 2016

The school clarified later on that the ban was not on Punjabi, but the profanity and cursing in Punjabi, as done by some of the students.

Foul language ..:| shame on #Beaconhouse school system ..!  Midas Touch (@Guloona_Khattak) October 13, 2016

"We are NOT going to disown the circular that has been shared on social media, but we need to STRONGLY clarify (which anyone who reads English can easily understand from context) that our School Head in Sahiwal was referring to a ban on profanity and cursing in Punjabi, which was apparently an issue with a few older students at his school," the clarification read.
With Syrian rebels backed by Turkish army uprooting Islamic State (IS) fighters and seizing control over Dabiq - an ISIS stronghold near Turkish border - and Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announcing final showdown against ISIS to free Mosul - the last Iraqi city under IS control, the self proclaimed Caliphate seems to be heading towards its demise.

AFP

"We have been battling ISIS for more than two years. We started fighting ISIS on the outskirts of Baghdad, and thank God we are now fighting them on the outskirts of Mosul, and God willing the decisive battle will be soon." Abadi said during his televised address to the nation on Sunday.

Reuters

While Syria has multiple theaters of war between different groups like President Bashar-al-Assad's Syrian army backed by Russia, the rebels backed by US led NATO, Kurdish Forces and ISIS which still has its control over Raqqa; Iraq forces have seized control over major cities by uprooting IS with only Mosul under IS control.

If the recent setbacks, one after another, in both Iraq as well as Syria are anything to go by, the world is likely to see the end of ISIS soon.

Why Dabiq's victory is so significant?

The victory over Dabiq is of a great significance as it busted the myth of ISIS being the apparent heir of the original Caliphs and guardians of Islam.

"The Daesh myth of their great battle in Dabiq is finished, Ahmed Osman, the head of the Sultan Murad group, which took part in the operation, told Reuters.

AFP

Dabiq was prophesied in a hadith, or saying attributed to the prophet Muhammad, to be the scene of a final battle that would precede Doomsday, and its control by ISIS was a boost to their nihilistic propaganda message.

Iraqi forces have been fighting against ISIS for the last two years and till September 2015, IS had control over majority of the Iraqi towns and cities. But as soon Tikrit, an Iraqi city fell before the Iraqi forces in April 2015, the systematic fall of ISIS also began.

AP

Riding on the success at Tikrit, Iraq forces laid the seize of Ramadi, the biggest Iraqi city after capital Baghdad and by the end of December in 2015, the forces had seized the control over Ramadi forcing IS fighters to contain themselves to only two cities, Falluja and Mosul.

Falluja, the city near capital Baghdad was still under IS control which meant that IS could unleash terror strikes in Baghdad at their will. But by June 2015, the Iraqi forces thwarted IS from Falluja as well leaving them confined in Mosul, a city closer to Turkish borders in far north.

This gave Iraq government a breathing space and time to prepare for the final assault at IS in Mosul. Now Iraq PM Haider al-Abadi has announced massive crackdown at IS in Mosul which is likely to be last nail in IS's coffin in Iraq.

From Palmyra, Manbij to now Dabiq - how IS is losing Syria?

Since the civil war which started in 2011 rattled the Syrian state with rebels and pro Assad forces fighting against each other, ISIS gained ground in Syria control over major Syrian provinces including major oilfields. But soon both forces loyal to Assad backed by Russia and rebels backed by US and Turkey realised that IS is common enemy which has to be neutralised first before they settle their own scores.

Reuters

Though the two groups are still fighting against each other to gain control over different province, both have launched offensives against ISIS ever since July 2015 when Kurdish militia uprooted IS from Tal Abyad The capture of Tal Abyad deprived the militant group of a direct route to bring in new foreign militants or supplies.

Defeat at Tal Abyad handicapped IS to many extent as now they had to fight with limited resources with majority of their supply lines blocked. Soon by March 2016, the Syrian Army backed by Russians recaptured of the ancient oasis city of Palmyra, ending a 10-month ordeal that saw the destruction of some of the historic sites most famed monuments.

In August 2016 Manbij fell before the US backed rebels barely two months after IS had lost Iraqi stronghold Falluja at the hands of Iraqi forces. People celebrated their freedom from IS by shaving beards and smoking cigarettes.

And the latest salvo to IS is Dabiq.

Though not tall enough Raqqa, however, still stands?

AP

Raqqa, the key Syrian town and the de-facto capital of IS's Caliphate is yet to be conquered. But by this pace, both rebels as well as Syrian army wants to seize control over Syria, Raqqa, the last stronghold of IS in Syria is likely to go Mosul's way where Iraqi forces have lauched an offensive to completely eradicate IS from Iraq's soil
With more than 3500 suspected drug users, addicts, dealers and smugglers shot by security forces and vigilante gangs in first 100 days of Philippines' President Rodrogi Duterte's presidency, the international observers have warned of grave human right violations as many of the dead are innocent people caught in the crossfire or murdered over personal scores.

AFP

But in a recent interview with Al Jazeera, President Duterte claimed that he doesn't care about violation of human rights and he won't spare those who destroy my country.

You destroy my country, I'll kill you. And it's a legitimate thing. If you destroy our young children, I will kill you. That is a very correct statement. There is nothing wrong in trying to preserve the interest of the next generation," said the President.

President Duterte said that security forces who kill innocent bystanders while murdering the real culprots would not be persecuted. He compared his operation with US led coalitions bombing of ISIS territory where innocent civilians too are dying.

The West say its collateral damage [for them] but for us its murder, he added. I would rather intimidate and strike fear into the hearts of the criminals [than fund drugs rehabilitation centres].

AFP

President Duterte who in recently concluded G20 Summit called Barack Obama, 'Son of a whore' also said that he doesn't care whether his so-called cleansing of criminals would raise alarm in United Nations and within international community.

If it involves human rights, I dont give a s***. I have to strike fear because the enemies of the state are out there to destroy children.

During interview the President added that he did not regret his remarks about Mr Obama and threatened to withdraw from defence treaties with the US, as well as ending joint military exercises.

Duterte's nickname is The Punisher in his former post as mayor of Davao where he used to have a death squad to neutralize the alleged criminals through extrajudicial killings.

AFP

Were the ninth safest city - how do you think I did it? Mr Duterte said in May 2015. How did I reach that title among the worlds safest cities? Kill them all [criminals].

Though the UN has repeatedly condemned his policies alongwith other international bodies like EU, human rights groups and the Roman Catholic Church, and the dominant religion in the Philippines.

Earlier this year, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) called on Mr Duterte to end the wave of extrajudicial executions and killings and ensure legal process was upheld.

AFP

Claims to fight illicit drug trade do not absolve the government from its international legal obligations and do not shield State actors or others from responsibility for illegal killings, said Agnes Callamard, the new UN Special Rapporteur on summary executions was quoted by The Independent.

Despite the warnings, the President's approval ratings in the Philippines remain high, standing at 86 per cent against just 3 per cent "disapproval" according to a survey released by Pulse Asia Research on Thursday
There was chaos at Iya Abiodun bus stop, Ifo, Ogun State, after a security guard, Abdullahi Muhammed, caught a 60-year-old trailer driver, Lawal Bankole, allegedly having sex with his wife, Tope, on their matrimonial bed.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the two men could have killed each other but for the intervention of residents who separated them.

The suspect was said to have fled the scene, but was later arrested after Abdullahi reported the case at the Ifo Police Division.

Abdullahi, 45, an indigene of Kano State, told our correspondent that Bankole took advantage of his wifes mental condition to rape her.

He said his wifes mental problem started before he met her.

He said, My wife has mental problem, which started during her first marriage. She had a surgery that time, but there was a complication which led to the problem. Her ex-husband rejected her, saying he could not live with a mentally-ill person.

Her family had taken her to different prayer houses for solution to no avail before I came into the picture. I assisted them with money and they decided to hand her over to me in marriage.

I made sure she stayed indoors always. All she does is to cook and wash my clothes. However, once in a month, she goes to visit her mother and returns. We have a child together, who is about two years old. Her condition is improving, but she is not totally sound yet.

He explained that on Tuesday, he had returned from a trip to Lagos Island to meet Bankole on top of his wife.

He said, I had returned from my trip when I met him on top of my wife. I had a cutlass and a knife at home and I wanted to kill him. But I had a rethink and I decided to hold him.

But he tore my clothes and bit me. He fought me and took hold of the cutlass; I held him. We were fighting when people separated us and he escaped.

However, I held on to his trousers, which contained his driving licence, some cash, phones and ATM cards. I used the items as my evidence. I reported the matter at the police station after which he was arrested.

The wife, 24-year-old Tope, an indigene of Osun State, told our correspondent that the suspect gave her N200.

She said, I have never met the man before. That day, he entered our compound and asked if I wanted to eat and I said yes. He gave me N200 and went away.

He later returned and asked me to undress and I did. He put me on the bed and had sex with me. I knew he wasnt my husband, but I couldnt shout or do anything. Then my husband entered and caught him.

The two men started fighting. I ran downstairs to call people. Our neighbours separated them.

A human rights lawyer, Isaac Durowoju, said the accused had been boasting that nothing would happen to him, adding that the Investigating Police Officer had not treated the case with the seriousness it deserved.

He said, The womans husband has refused mediation because he was not sure if the suspect has HIV or not. He also said in his culture, if any man makes love to another persons wife, that woman from that point ceases to be his wife. But he said he could not abandon his wife because of her mental condition. And finally, how is he sure that the suspect is not diabolical?

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect would be charged to court.

He said, The police have arrested the man and he has confessed to the crime. He took advantage of the womans mental condition. He will be arraigned in court.

Source: Punch
All is definitely not well in Nigerias first family as President Muhammad Buhari and his wife, Aisha Buhari seem to be at odds.

Aisha Buhari granted an interview a week ago in which she suggested her husbands administration had been hijacked. She claimed Muhammad Buhari did not know more than half the people he had appointed and some of the appointees did not share his vision.

Perhaps the most explosive part of the interview was her assertion that without any major changes, she would not support a second term bid come 2019.

President Buhari reacted to his wifes statement while on an official trip to Germany. His attempt to make a joke of the situation backfired horribly as he claimed his wife belonged to his kitchen and other rooms.

If there was any possibility of the debacle being swept under the carpet, Aisha Buhari has now granted another interview to BBC, reiterating her concerns.

I have my own right to say how I feel about something she declared in English before criticizing her husband again. Most of her criticism was again directed at his political appointments, fuelling rumors that some of her candidates failed to get any political appointments.
A legal practitioner, Mr. Olukoya Ogungbeje has dragged President Muhammadu Buhari to court, accusing him of violating rights of judges whose houses were raided by operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS.

In an N50billion suit he entered before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Lagos based lawyer, cited the DSS and its Director-General, Mr. Lawal Daura, as defendants.

Other defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/809/16, were the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, and the National Judicial Council, NJC.

The plaintiff contended that the arrest and detention of the judges without recourse to the NJC, was not only unconstitutional, but also aimed at ridiculing the judiciary arm of government. According to him, the action of the DSS was in gross violation of rights of the judges as enshrined in sections 33, 34, 35, 36, and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Consequently, Ogungbeje who Instituted the action on behalf of five out of the seven judges whose homes were invaded between October 8 and 9, sought ten separate reliefs from the court, including award of N50billion as general and exemplary damages against the defendants, as well as another N2million as cost of the suit.

Besides, the plaintiff prayed the court for an order compelling the DSS to return to the judges, money that were seized from their homes. As well as to make an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from arresting, inviting, intimidating, or harassing any of the judges pertaining to the case.

Source: Vanguard
A faction of Boko Haram which last week released 21 of more than the 200 abducted Chibok girls is willing to negotiate the release of 83 more of the girls, according to President Muhammadu Buharis spokesman.

Garba Shehu, the spokesman to the President, said the Islamic State-allied faction of Boko Haram is willing to negotiate with the Nigerian government for the release of the girls.

He reportedly told Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone, These 21 released girls are supposed to be tale bearers to tell the Nigerian government that this faction of Boko Haram has 83 more Chibok schoolgirls.

The faction said it is ready to negotiate if the government is willing to sit down with them, he added.

According to Shehu, the splinter group said the rest of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls were with the other faction of Boko Haram under the control of Abubakar Shekau.

Past reports suggest that the jihadist group has apparently split with a big group moving away from Shekau over his failure to adhere to guidance from the Iraq- and Syria-based Islamic State, which in August named Musab al-Barnawi as its new leader.

The appointment was however dismissed by Shekau himself in a 10-minute audio clip.

The Nigerian Army has limited the activities of the insurgents and reduced their area of influence. Many believe that this has led to their willingness to negotiate the release of the girls.

SEE ALSO: Lai Mohammed  We Will Ensure The Return of All Chibok Girls
China has launched a two-man space mission, Shenzhou 11, officials with the space program have revealed.

The mission, which takes the country closer to its ambition of setting up a permanently staffed space station by 2022, was launched on Monday.

President Xi Jinping has called for China to establish itself as a space power, and it has tested anti-satellite missiles, in addition to its civilian aims.

After Mondays launch at 7:30 a.m. local time in the remote northwestern province of Gansu, the astronauts will dock with the Tiangong 2 space laboratory, where they will spend about a month.

This mission is characterised by its longer duration and more tests, said Chen Dong, the junior astronaut on the mission, to reporters.

We will focus on improving our ability to handle emergencies in orbit, medical first aid, mutual rescue capabilities and space experiments, he added.

Shenzhou 11 will be the third space mission for Jing Haipeng, the second astronaut, who will command the mission and pass his 50th birthday in space.

The spacecraft, whose name translates as Divine Vessel, will also carry three experiments designed by Hong Kong middle school students and selected in a science competition, including one that will take silk worms into space.

China launched its second experimental space lab Tiangong 2, or Heavenly Palace 2, last month.

While China to date has focused on near-Earth space exploration, future missions will be bigger and go farther than 400 km (249 miles), said Zhang Yulin, an official with the space program and the Central Military Commission.

China says its space program is peaceful and future missions would go further than near-Earth explorations as the country aims to be a space power.

SEE ALSO: Worlds Largest Telescope Opens
Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Lagos State Police Command, have arrested a 28-year-old man, who claimed he was a travel agent and defrauded prospective travellers of N2 million.

The suspect identified as Emu-Larry Chidebere, who hails from Ika North Local Government Area of Delta State, according to the squad, allegedly collected N400,000 for the procurement of the United Arab Emirates visa from prospective travellers.

The bubble burst after one of the victims, Abraham Jude, reported him to the squad, following his inability to get the UAE visa from the suspect, months after payment of N400,000. Explaining how he came in contact with the suspect, a devastated Abraham said: When I was laid off from my work place in Abuja, I had the intention of moving out of the country to start a new life. I met one Mr. Samuel Obed, who told me that his nephew was working with a company in the United Arab Emirates and that he could help me secure that countrys visa.

We started communicating via telephone and he assured me that he could secure Dubai visa for me at a reasonable price. He requested for N400,000, which I told him I could not afford at that time. Later, he called me again to say that his office in Dubai was recruiting and that he had already submitted my name for employment. He reeled out the benefits attached to the employment and I began to source for the money. At the end of the day I got the N400,000 and sent to him in Dubai through his Access Bank account. Two days after payment, he stopped picking my calls. Even when he does, he would tell me that I shouldnt bother myself any more that my money has gone down the drain. This prompted me to report the case to the RRS.

Arrested

Vanguard gathered that it took the RRS four months before the suspect could be tracked down, as he reportedly travelled to Dubai and also changed his telephone number on arriving Nigeria. During interrogation, the suspect admitted to have collected the money from the victim, but said that he spent the money when efforts to secure the visa for him failed.

He said: I cant deny the fact that I collected N400,000 from him. I actually tried to secure the visa for him but all my efforts were in vain. And I started spending the money gradually till I spent it all. Four other victims who alleged to have paid Chidebere N400,000 each for UAE visa also visited RRS office in Alausa, when they got wind of his arrest. Confirming the arrest, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, said that the suspect had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Yaba, for further investigation.

Source: Vanguard
The President of the Democratic Republic Of Congo (DRC), Joseph Kabila is heading for a fresh tussle with opposition parties in Congo. The Congolese government has announced that Presidential elections originally scheduled for this month will be postponed.

Joseph Kabila whose term comes to an end this year will not be allowed by the constitution to seek a third term. However, the new postponement will likely see him remain in power for another two years.

The electoral commission has claimed it needs extra time to conduct the elections and has stated April 2018 is the soonest time it will be ready to organize the election. Delegates from some of Congos opposition parties have agreed to the postponement under a power-sharing scheme. The main opposition party has entered into an alliance with some other parties opposed to Kabila and call themselves Rassemblement.

Many believe the delayed elections are just a ploy by Kabila who took over from his father in 2001 to attempt to remain in power.

Protests and general strikes are expected next week.
A 40-year-old businessman, Cosmos Ajibo, was on Monday arraigned before Kano Magistrates Court for allegedly having a canal knowledge of a 10-year-old girl.

The prosecutor, Insp. Junaidu Aminu, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Jan. 19, at about 5.00p.m in Unguwar Tsamiya Quarters, Takai Local Government.

He said that victim went to the shop of the accused to buy biscuit only for him to drag the girl into his room and forcefully had unlawful sexual intercourse with the victim, which caused her harm.

Aminu added that, one Barira Isyaku, on hearing the girls scream immediately reported the case to Takai Police Division.

The offence, according to the prosecutor is punishable under Section 283 of the Penal Code.

Ajibo, in his defence, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge of rape, and his counsel, Mr Casmir Agbueze, applied to the court for bail.

Senior Magistrate Kabiru Abubakar, granted the accused bail in the sum of N300, 000 with one surety in like sum.

He said both the accused and surety shall deposit two recent passport photographs with the court and adjourned the case to Oct. 20.
James Turner, the 67-year-old Irish national based in Nigeria, has said he slept with no fewer than six other ladies. Turner is the man accused by his 31-year-old Nigerian girlfriend of deliberately infecting her with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV.

Turner also confessed to have sent his wife back to the Republic of Ireland, when his status was confirmed, in order not to infect her with the virus.

It was gathered, during interrogation that among the girls the suspect had slept with was his girlfriends friend. The concerned ladies, it was gathered, were all commercial sex workers.

However, unconfirmed reports said he had slept with more than six ladies. His girlfriend, identified simply as Helen, reported Turner to the police last Friday, after the latter reneged on his promise to settle the former with N2.5 million.

Helen said that she stumbled on the anti-retroviral drugs her lover of eight years had been secretly taking, four months after his status was confirmed. Mr. James Turner Three years ago The Benue State-born lady disclosed that Turners status was revealed three years ago, when she went with him to the hospital for the treatment of an unknown ailment.

She said: When we got to Liester Hospital, Ikeja, they ran some tests on him because he was sweating and also running temperature. The doctor gave him drugs for malaria. At that hospital, if one is sick and has such high temperature, they will run a HIV test on the person without his knowledge.

After running the test on him, the doctor invited us to his office and asked if he could talk to him in my presence, he said no, that I should wait outside. The doctor thereafter, broke the news to him. When we got home, he was quiet. He did not tell me anything. I realised that he was taking a particular medication, which he hid from me.

There was a time I even drove to the hospital to pick a brown envelope, which was sealed, for him. It was his medication, but I did not open it. When I discovered that he kept hiding his medication from me, I asked him what kind of medicine he was taking and he told me that it was for malaria and typhoid. I did not say anything because I thought that the prescription was for a long period of time.

He continued taking it for about three to four months. So, one day I opened the medication and wrote out the name of the drug. Thereafter, I googled the name on my phone to know what type of medication it was. To my shock I discovered it was an anti-retroviral for HIV. I went to meet Jim in the living room and asked why he was taking medication meant for people living with HIV and also asked if he was HIV positive, but he said no. He told me that the doctor gave him the medication for his legs, which has caused him sleepless nights.

Helens worst fear was confirmed during a visit to the doctor, who disclosed that her lover was HIV positive. To ascertain her status, the doctor also ran a test on her, where she was discovered to have been infected with HIV.

According to her, since the visit to the doctor with Jim (her pet name for Turner) his love-making with me increased as if he was madly in love with me. Decision to send wife back Turner, who refused to speak with journalists, however, insisted that Helen infected him with the virus. But during interrogation by policemen at the Ikeja Division, he stated that he had to send his wife back to Ireland on discovering that he was HIV positive, in order not to infect her with the virus. He also said that he slept with other ladies after his status was confirmed, right in his apartment.

He also insisted that Helen infected her with the virus, pointing out that she might have contacted the virus from Kaduna State, where she spent some months to sell a property in 2013, same year he was confirmed to be HIV positive. But asked why he hid the anti-retroviral drugs from Helen, he kept mum. He was released on bail, weekend, to treat himself of an injury he sustained on one of his elbows, from which he was bleeding.

Police, however, assured that measures had been put in place to prevent further infection of other ladies by the suspect. Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, who confirmed the arrest, said: We are waiting for experts opinion to conclude the charge against the suspect.

Source: Vanguard
The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, on Sunday, threatened to organise an internal revolution against political, traditional, religious and opinion leaders in Igboland.

MASSOB, which issued the threat in a statement signed by its leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, said Igbo leaders were insensitive to the plight of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and other detained pro-Biafra activists.

Madu said, The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra blasts Igbo religious, traditional, political and opinion leaders for their nonchalant and insensitive attitude towards the plight of detained Biafra agitators in Nigerian prisons.

MASSOB charge Igbo leaders to rise up now in defence of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi, Innocent Orji, Sabastine Amadi, Benjamin Onwuka and other detained Biafra agitators across Nigerian prisons.

He asked, What are the primary duties of Igbo senators and federal representatives in Abuja?

Why must Igbo traditional rulers continue to celebrate ofalas and New Yam festivals while their subjects are still in detention for Igbo cause? What are the religious leaders still preaching while our brethren are still in prison?

He warned that the internal revolution would start if Kanu and others spent the coming Christmas in prison.

Noting that only a few Igbo leaders had supported the activists, the MASSOB leader expressed regret that majority of Igbo leaders had betrayed the struggle.

MASSOB still has high respect for few Igbo leaders who unflinchingly and boldly defend the interest and cause of Biafra agitators. Majority of Igbo leaders have brazenly betrayed Igbo cause and interest in Nigeria.

Where are the likes of Senator Ali Ndume, the Sultan of Sokoto and Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, Senator Bola Tinubu and Governor Ayo Fayose in Igboland?

Madu stressed that the likes of Ndume, Sanusi, Tinubu and Fayose, whom he described as fearless men, had eloquently defended the cause of their people, unlike Igbo leaders.

Source: Punch
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has said his government had no regrets whatsoever committing the largest chunk of the states resources to changing the face of education.

He said his government was preparing the states future leaders for the next 25 years in what the government wants them to be in a new world order.

The governor spoke at the unveiling of a new block of 10 classrooms built by the Anglican Church in honour of former Governor of Osun and a former chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Bisi Akande.

Aregbesola said: Education, by far, has commanded our greatest engagement and resources and we owe no one any apology over this, adding, As I often let people know, we are preparing for the next 25 years, what we want our children to become and where we want them to be in an increasingly digitized and fiercely competitive world.

The governor said that the dedication of the classrooms resonates with the vision of his governments education programmes.

He added, Osun was the cynosure of all eyes when President Muhammadu Buhari came to commission the state-of-the-art Government High School, Osogbo, just one of the 3,000 pupils-capacity 20 high schools our administration is building. The others being 900 pupils-capacity each, 100 elementary schools and 50 middle schools.

He regretted that education had failed to achieve its purpose in many individuals, noting this is the root of many problems confronting the society today.

We are in trouble today; we are under-developing and are at war with each other, as a people, because we have forgotten these fundamentals.

Any educational system or any faith, for that matter, whose goal is not to develop and bring harmony to human society by first cultivating human intellect and then imbue man with a higher moral standing, is not worth its estate and will soon be discarded into the dustbin of history. Same will happen to any faith that continues to foment trouble and divisiveness in human society, the governor warned.
The organized labour in Ogun state on Monday, issued a fresh 72 hours ultimatum to the Ogun state government after the expiration of the 23-day to embark of full strike.

The workers under the aegis of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council at news conference at the Iwe Irohin House of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), declared that the workers were set for the full strike by Thursday.

The NLC chairman, Akeem Ambali, said with the expiration of the 23-day ultimatum given on September 29, and with no concrete responsive from the government, we are again giving a fresh 72 hours ultimatum for the government to address our issues or be faced with total strike option by Thursday.

At the well-attended briefing, with all state extended executives of three bodies in attendance, the workers maintained that the situation with them was getting worrisome and alarming. We have unremitted deductions totaling 12 months.

Six years of uncleared contributory pension scheme, unpaid gratuities and inability to effect necessary promotions in the last 22 months, the JNC chairman, Comr. Abiodun Olakanmi said.
Following the imposition of a 24-hour curfew in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, patients on admission at the Kafanchan General hospital have deserted the hospital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that most patients said they were leaving the hospital for safety reasons.

A mother, Mrs Sarah Musa, said her daughter had just undergone surgery, but she had to take her home due to uncertainty over the security situation in the area.

It is better to stay alive at home than die in the hospital where no one would attend to you, she said.

Also, Ibrahim Addo, a petty trader told NAN that he was at the hospital to take his wife who was in labour back to his house.

I may have to consult traditional midwives in my neighborhood, he said.

A staff of the hospital, who spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity, said relatives of patients had moved their sick ones elsewhere.

Those of them who could walk on their own didnt wait for any assistance, he said.

The hospital worker described the development as unfortunate and unhealthy, as most of patients would abandon their medications, thereby, compound their situations.

NAN reports that the state government had declared a 24-hour curfew in the area following clashes between locals and suspected herdsmen in which several people had died.
The Building Collapse Prevention Guild has called on stakeholders in the built environment as well as members of the public to build houses that can withstand earth tremors.

The BCPG said about a year ago, it drew the attention of the world to the possibility of Nigeria experiencing earthquakes and the need for the government to be proactive by reducing the spate of substandard building construction across the country.

The organisation said tremors, which recently occurred in parts of Oyo, Bayelsa, Rivers and Kaduna states resulted in the collapse of mud houses and inflicted visible cracks on modern buildings in the affected areas.

This development has clearly shown the possibility of Nigeria having an earthquake induced disaster in the near future, the BCPG said in a statement signed by its President, Mr. Kunle Awobodu, and National Publicity Secretary, Mr. George Akinola.

The perception that Nigeria is safe or far from the seismic active regions is no longer tenable. Shaki in Oyo State has been subjected to intermittent earth tremors this year and climaxed in the first week of June 2016. Communities in Bayelsa and Rivers states on July 10, 2016 had a similar experience, but in this case due to prolonged effect of oil exploration, the guild said.

According to the body, earth tremors have occurred in the country in 1933,1939,1964,1984,1990,1994,1997, 2000, 2009 and 2016 but a series of earth tremors might not necessarily lead to high intensity earthquake.

It added that a study carried out by Dr. Adepelumi Abraham, of the Department of Geology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife and his team of researchers stated that after the earth tremor of 2009 in the South-West, the probability of earthquake occurrence in the study area between the year 2009 and 2028 had increased from 2.8 per cent to 91.1 per cent.

The guild said, Buildings are the bastion of physical development, which is used to adjudge a nations rung in the global socio-economic ladder. Investors in buildings should be concerned about the durability of what they are providing funds for. The longer a building exists, the more the revenue or value the owner derives from it. A solidly constructed building can stand the test of time.

Nigeria must not continue to repeat the mistake of Haiti and Nepal where stringent building regulations are lacking, thereby aggravating the effects of earthquakes on buildings. In an earthquake disaster, substandard buildings have always been the major cause of high death tolls. And unfortunately in Nigeria, the National Building Code is legally and practically not in existence just as it was in Haiti.

The BCPG said the call by the Director, Centre for Geodesy and Geodynamics, Toro, Bauchi State, Dr. Tahir Yakubu, that the Federal Government should establish additional seismological stations to monitor crustal movements in the identified earthquake prone areas should be taken seriously.

A nation without an effective national building code will end up in ruin in the event of an earthquake. Enforcement of building regulations without compromise will prevent serious calamity in the future, the guild said.

Source: Punch
Sokoto State Government says it is targeting no fewer than 1.8 million children under five years in the ongoing four-day polio immunisation exercise.

Deputy Gov.Ahmed Aliyu, disclosed this on Monday in Sokoto in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Aliyu, who is also the Chairman, State Taskforce on Polio Immunisation, said that the exercise that commenced on Saturday ends on Tuesday.

He said that efforts were on to ensure over 100 per cent coverage of the targeted children in the 23 local government areas.

The deputy governor also announced that the state government had distributed about 1.83 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccines across the state.

Aliyu said that no fewer than 2,515 teams, comprising 9,429 health personnel were engaged to conduct the exercise.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Almustapha Othman, also told NAN that measures were taken to ensure the full acceptance of the exercise by parents.

Othman expressed happiness that parents in the state had embraced immunisation.

Dr Sani Labaran, the Executive Secretary, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, explained that social mobilisation was intensified.

According to him, this is to shore up the acceptance of polio immunisation by parents.

Source: NAN
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A joint venture between Boston-based The Davis Cos. (TDC) and Valhalla, N.Y.-based Highland Development Ventures LLC intends to convert the majority of a 152,000-square-foot television studio in Stamford, Conn., to a self-storage facility. The real estate development and investment firms recently purchased the property at 300 Stillwater Ave., which serves as the filming location for The Peoples Court, for about $20 million, according to the source. The 1,100-unit self-storage project will commence before the end of the year and is expected to be complete in 2018.

The developers will build two levels of storage on the interior, with a center drive aisle for access as well as loading/unloading, and drive-up units on the exterior. There will also be a managers office. The project has received administrative approval from the city zoning department, according to the source.

The building is home to the Connecticut Film Center, which will continue to occupy its space and film the arbitration-based reality court show.

Were really excited to deliver this facility to a high-quality market like Stamford, Jerry Murphy, vice president of investments at TDC, told the source. This is a facility that will have first-class storage options that will be unique to this market and add excitement to the product.

The developers indicated the Stamford market is underserved for self-storage, with 60 percent less space available per person than the national average. This is partially due to zoning restrictions and a lack of available land for development, according to the source.

The project will be the sixth self-storage development for the joint venture, which has produced facilities in Brooklyn, N.Y., Chicago, Milwaukee and Newark, N.J.

Founded in 1976, TDC has invested in approximately 140 properties representing nearly $3 billion of gross asset value across all major property types, according to its website. In addition to self-storage, it has developed office and residential properties along the East Coast. It currently owns and manages a portfolio of approximately 12 million square feet.

Highland Development has interests throughout Canada and the United States. Its primary focus is the adaptive reuse of older buildings and small urban sites, specializing in self-storage and student-housing projects, according to the company website.
CNA has appointed John Kaas to senior vice president and Mid-Atlantic zone officer.

In this role, Kaas will be responsible for advancing the strategic direction of the territory, which includes CNAs branches in Baltimore, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Richmond and Washington D.C. He will also directly manage CNAs Philadelphia branch office located in Radnor, Penn. Kaas will report to Tim Szerlong, president of worldwide field operations.

Kaas joined CNA in 2011 and has previously served as the Florida branch vice president. The firm will begin a search to fill the Florida branch vice president role immediately, Szerlong said in a company press release.

John will work closely with Rob Hubner, Southern zone officer, to ensure a smooth transition for the team and our Florida agents, Szerlong said in the release.

Source: CNA

Topics Florida
Northwest Insurance Services, a Warren, Penn., headquartered subsidiary of Northwest Bank, has signed a definitive agreement effective November 1 to acquire Winans Insurance & Employee Benefits, a property and casualty insurance and employee benefits firm also located in Warren, Penn.

As part of the acquisition, the entire Winans team will continue to operate from its current office at 315 Second Avenue in Warren. Winans owner, David G. Winans, a 36-year industry veteran, will become vice president of Northwest Insurance Services, serving Northwestern Pennsylvania and New Yorks Southern tier.

Founded in 1927, Winans Insurance and Employee Benefits has grown through a series of acquisitions to be one of the largest insurance agencies in its area.

Founded in 1896, Northwest Bank is a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, employee benefits and wealth management services, as well as the fulfillment of business and personal insurance needs. Northwest operates 167 full-service community banking offices and nine free standing drive through facilities in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Maryland and 51 consumer finance offices in Pennsylvania through its subsidiary, Northwest Consumer Discount Company.

Source: Northwest Bank

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Pennsylvania
Virginia State Police are urging residents to be cautious as they repair their homes and vehicles that suffered damage during Hurricane Matthew.

Officials with the State Police Insurance Fraud say residents should check with their insurance provider to make sure the work is covered before they hire a contractor or mechanic to repair damage. They say while some auto insurance policies may cover flood damage, standard homeowners policies usually dont.

State police say consumers should always check out the background of a potential contractor and only hire ones that are licensed.

Theyre also reminding residents that its against the law to file insurance claims to repair damage that existed before the storm.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Law Enforcement Hurricane Virginia
Lloyds has appointed Daniel Revilla as head of Latin America responsible for enhancing business relationships and trading rights across the region for the benefit of the Lloyds market.

He will also assume the role of country manager for Mexico and will be based in Mexico City.

Revilla joined Lloyds in 2014 as head of operations and strategy for Lloyds Global Markets division. Prior to that, he worked at Zurich for nine years in M&A and strategy roles, and his last role was head of strategy for the general insurance segment. He also worked in M&A and strategy at UBS investment bank, and held financial roles with Telefonica Sistemas and AFP Integra in Peru.

Im pleased to announce Daniel Revilla as Lloyds head of Latin America. Daniel has played a key role in driving Lloyds global strategy in recent years and will bring invaluable skills as we look to develop our business across Central and South American markets, said Vincent Vandendael, director of Global Markets.

Latin America is an important part of Lloyds Vision 2025 strategy to increase our support for the worlds fastest growing economies, Vandendael added.

We have a strong established presence in Brazil and in the past year we have expanded our footprint opening offices in Colombia and Mexico. We will continue to build on our business relationships and offer new capacity and specialist products to support the growth of the industry across the region.

As cities expand across the region so does the value of assets requiring protection and we see significant potential for development in specialist insurance and reinsurance, Revilla commented. Lloyds can help support the expansion of insurance penetration across Latin America to protect economies at these critical stages of growth.

A recent Lloyds study with Cambridge University the City Risk Index found that cities in Latin America have US$520 billion of GDP at risk from a series of threats. However, insurance penetration rates (3.1 percent) are significantly lower than the global average (6.1 percent).

Topics Excess Surplus Lloyd's Mexico
Typhoon Sarika made landfall in eastern Philippines on Sunday after leaving at least two people dead a day earlier, thousands of villagers displaced and hundreds of planes grounded.

Locally named Karen, the typhoon weakened after hitting the town of Baler, east of Manila, before dawn and has exited the landmass via Pangasinan province, according to local weather bureau PAGASA. It is forecast to leave the Philippine area by Monday. The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of 80 knots (92 miles per hour) and gusts up to 100 knots, according to the latest report from U.S. militarys Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

A 79-year-old farmer suffered a heart attack while another was found dead along the shores in Catanduanes province Saturday as the storm hammered the Bicol region, Rappler reported on its website, citing police and regional disaster officials.

Eight mountaineers and four residents went missing in Aurora province while 1,940 families were evacuated in seven towns, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in e-mailed report. Coconut trees and electricity poles were knocked down, leaving several towns without power, the report said as the country prepared for a typhoon touted as the most disastrous this year.

Planes Grounded

Cebu Air Inc. canceled 144 domestic and international flights scheduled for Sunday while Philippine Airlines Inc. suspended 95 flights, according to their websites. More than 6,000 passengers were stranded at seaports, according to the coast guard. Philippine forecasters advised fishermen and those with small boats not to venture out over the northern, eastern and southern seaboards of Luzon.

The state weather bureau has lowered the typhoon signal, placing four provinces under the second lowest alert in a five-scale warning system. School classes for Monday were suspended in parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The government is bracing for another storm Haima, locally called Lawin, which was expected to enter the Philippine area today.

About 20 storms and typhoons hit the Philippines each year. In November 2013, typhoon Haiyan killed more than 6,000 people and caused damage estimated at more than $13 billion.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters
Century Underwriting, the London-based specialist commercial managing general agent, has launched a new liability underwriting division and made two senior appointments to support its growth.

Tony Collman has been appointed to lead the development and growth of the division with new opportunities within liability and construction markets. Collman joins from Gresham Underwriting where he was chief underwriting officer.

Maintaining Centurys focus on offering specialist products to regional brokers who require a more bespoke underwriting approach, we will be targeting liability and construction risks that can be written on a stand-alone basis without property coverage if required, Collman said.

To support this new underwriting division and the current suite of products, Century has also appointed Steve Gibbons to the new role of head of Business Development.

Gibbons focus will be on building Centurys profile in the market, developing existing and new broker relationships and supporting the underwriting teams in the profitable growth of their portfolios, the company said in a statement. He joins from XBroker where he was responsible for business development across the UK.

While known in the market for its motor capabilities, the expansion of the portfolio brings more opportunities for the [UK] regional broker market, said Gibbons.

About Century Underwriting

Century was launched in 2014 following the management buyout of RUP Commercial from its limited liability partnership (formed in 2011). Century is a broker only specialist commercial fleet underwriting agency aimed at providing a one stop shop for fleet operators.

Topics Agencies Underwriting Leadership New Markets
Firefighters in Rockford, Illinois, are alarmed by a rise in arsons this year and urging city residents to be wary and report any suspicious activity.

According to the Rockford Register Star, 35 fires in the city were set by arsonists as of Sept. 30. That is up from 20 during the same period last year.

Rockford Fire Division Chief Matthew Knott says there have been no arrests.

Investigators say they have no concrete links between the fires, but some have occurred simultaneously and in locations close to each other.

The fires have not resulted in any deaths, but firefighters say some of the blazes have been particularly dangerous. One burned a multi-family home where seven people lived.

Several firefighters have been injured battling the fires.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Illinois
A Connecticut judge threw out a lawsuit by families of victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting, a major victory for the gun industry and in particular Remington Arms Co., maker of the assault weapon used in the massacre of 20 children and six educators.

Judge Barbara Bellis dismissed the case Friday in state court in Bridgeport, ruling the company is protected by a 2005 federal law that shields gun manufacturers from such lawsuits.

Under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, or PLCAA, gun companies cant be held liable for crimes committed with their products. The statute, backed by the National Rifle Association, has helped the industry defeat many such cases, with the Sandy Hook suit the latest and perhaps most high profile example.

The massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School was caused solely by the criminal misuse of a weapon by Adam Lanza, Bellis said, referring to the shooter who killed himself after carrying out the attack. Accordingly, this action falls squarely within the broad immunity provided by PLCAA.

While the families are obviously disappointed with the judges decision, this is not the end of the fight, their attorney, Josh Koskoff, said in a statement. We will appeal this decision immediately and continue our work to help prevent the next Sandy Hook from happening.

Test Case

The lawsuit is seen as a test case for potential legal maneuvers around the federal law, which has been under attack by legislators and activists who believe easy access to guns is to blame for continued mass shootings in the U.S., including the June massacre of 49 people at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida, with a similar assault rifle.

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, an outspoken critic of the federal law at the center of the case, said he was disappointed with the ruling.

The laws providing unique protections to gun manufacturers need to be changed to give crime victims a right to pursue legal remedies, Malloy said in a statement after Fridays decision.

The families claim hinged on an exception to the law that applies when a seller negligently entrusts a weapon to a buyer who is likely to use it in a crime. Remington argued the exception is intended to apply to face-to-face transactions involving retailers and individuals  not to manufacturers.

Families Argument

The families had argued Bushmaster Firearms International, maker of the rifle, and parent Remington should have known that mass shootings like the 2012 attack might result from selling military-grade weapons with 30-round clips to civilians. The plaintiffs argued that such knowledge was equivalent to a gun retailer selling a weapon to a customer who they knew was likely to commit a crime. The judge disagreed.

The question of whether the AR-15 should be sold to the public should be dealt with by legislators rather than juries, the company has argued.

Assault weapons were banned in Connecticut after the Sandy Hook shooting. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to the law. A federal ban on such weapons was passed in 2004 and expired a decade later. Renewed efforts by mostly Democratic lawmakers to reinstate it have repeatedly failed.

The case is Soto v. Bushmaster Firearms International LLC, 15-cv-6048103, Connecticut Superior Court (Bridgeport).

Related:

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits Legislation Connecticut Gun Liability Manufacturing
Britain needs to sort out its relationship with the European Union before it can begin to talk to the United States about any post-Brexit trade deal, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said in Geneva on Monday.

The practicality is that until the UK sorts through with the EU the nature of its relationship  its impossible to have a serious conversation about knowing what kind of trade agreement you can have with the UK separately, Froman said.

Is it part of the customs union or not? Is it part of the single market or not? What areas does it have sovereignty over? Does it have sovereignty over tariffs? Does it have sovereignty over regulation?

Such questions needed to be the priority for Britain, Froman told an audience of academics and trade diplomats at Genevas Graduate Institute.

Until those sorts of questions are further clarified, its hard to have a serious conversation about what the nature of what a future U.S.-UK trade relationship might look like.

He declined to offer any advice for Britains trade minister, Liam Fox, saying he spoke to Fox and his colleagues periodically and my sense is they are getting quite enough advice as it is.

He also declined to comment on the possible impact on U.S. trade relationships if Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election next month.

(Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Larry King)

Topics USA Europe
A defamation lawsuit against Rolling Stone magazine over its debunked story of a University of Virginia gang rape is set to start in federal court on Monday.

University administrator Nicole Eramo is seeking a total of $7.85 million in damages over the 2014 story which described the assault of a freshman woman during a fraternity party in 2012.

In her lawsuit, Eramo said she was cast as the chief villain of the story.

The article, A Rape on Campus, caused an uproar over the issue of sexual violence in U.S. colleges, but Rolling Stone retracted it in April 2015 when discrepancies surfaced.

Eramo, the former associate dean on sexual violence issues, filed suit against Rolling Stone, reporter Sabrina Rubin Erdely and publisher Wenner Media in 2015.

In her lawsuit filed in Charlottesville federal court, Eramo claimed that Rolling Stone falsely portrayed her as callous and indifferent to the allegations of gang rape. The woman at the center of the story is named only as Jackie in the story and court papers.

Lawyers for Rolling Stone have argued that Eramos attorneys must prove that Erdely and the magazines editors acted with actual malice  meaning reckless disregard for the truth  when they published the claims against Eramo.

Rolling Stone lawyers have said that up until the magazines publication of an editors note about the storys inconsistencies, it had full confidence in Jackie and the story.

Rolling Stone commissioned a review by Columbia University that criticized the publication for reporting and editing lapses.

Defense lawyers said last week that Eramos lawyers had leaked a video deposition of Erdely to ABC televisions 20/20 news program for broadcast on Friday. They asked U.S. District Judge Glen Conrad to punish Eramos team for violating a protective order and to move the trial, claiming that the broadcast could taint the jury pool.

Conrad barred Eramo and her legal team from breaching the order anew and from using the Erdely deposition at trial. They also could face more sanctions, he wrote.

A New York judge dismissed a federal defamation lawsuit in June that was brought by members of the University of Virginia fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi, against Wenner Media, Rolling Stone and Erdely.

The fraternity has also sued Rolling Stone over the story. The magazine is owned by Jann Wenner, who founded it in 1967.

(Reporting by Ian Simpson in Washington; Editing by Bernadette Baum)

Related:

Topics Lawsuits
Voters will have their say on at least one medical marijuana proposal this November, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled on Oct. 13.

Justices sided with supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow patients with certain medical conditions to purchase marijuana from dispensaries. A coalition of groups, including the state Chamber of Commerce and the Arkansas Farm Bureau, had asked the court to prevent officials from counting any votes for the measure.

It is a flawed measure that hurts Arkansans, said Jerry Cox, executive director of the Family Council Action Committee, which was one of the groups challenging the measure. Cox said he thinks the proposal will lead to legalized recreational marijuana in the state and that his will continue to campaign against the measure.

There are two such proposals on the Nov. 8 ballot. The one allowed to stand lets patients with certain conditions to buy the drug, but differs from the second proposal in their restrictions and regulations. For example, the competing proposal allows patients to grow their own marijuana if they dont live near a dispensary. There still was a pending challenge to the second competing proposal as of Oct. 13.

The court said in its opinion that the challenge largely asked the justices to interpret the content of the amendment, which is not within its purview. Associate Justice Courtney Hudson Goodson wrote that the language of the measure does not have to cover every detail of the amendment.

We conclude that while inside the voting booth, the voters will be able to reach an intelligent and informed decision for or against The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016, she wrote.

Arkansas voters narrowly rejected a medical marijuana proposal four years ago, despite big spending from pro-legalization national groups.

Meanwhile, national support for medical marijuana has grown, and half of the states and the District of Columbia have legalized the drug in some fashion. Arkansas is one of four states with medical marijuana proposals on this years ballot.

But the push faces more obstacles this year. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who headed the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, has spoken out against the measures. The state Democratic Partys platform includes general support for legalizing medical marijuana, but the platform is silent on the two ballot measures.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Cannabis Arkansas
A jury has found that the operator of an Oklahoma City group home acted recklessly in connection to a man who died soon after he was relocated to the home.

Mitchell Boles, 52, lived at a state-run center for the developmentally disabled in Pauls Valley for 40 years, The Oklahoman reported.

Boles was relocated to the group home in January 2014 and died from pneumonia in March 2014. Attorneys for Boles estate argued that Renaissance Management Group Inc. knew it didnt have the ability to provide the care Boles needed and that he was improperly fed, medicated and supervised.

Renaissance Management Group Inc., which denied negligence, has been ordered to pay Boles estate $7.2 million in damages in the wrongful-death case.

My brother finally got justice, said Boles sister Shannon Adams.

The company said it is not a medical provide. They claimed that doctors, a nurse and the hospital responsible for Boles medical care acted in negligence. While jurors found that medical providers were 20 percent to blame for the death, Boles estate did not sue them, resulting in the providers staying financially unaffected.

Commissioners overseeing the Oklahoma Department of Human Services voted to close the Pauls Valley center in November 2012 instead of investing in building repairs. Many of the residents family members were angered and worried, including Boles family.

A lawsuit filed against the state agency in 2014 claimed that 18 former Pauls Valley center residents died unexpectedly after being coerced to leave. Jurors found that the agency was not negligent.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Oklahoma
Health officials announced Thursday a new Zika zone in Miami  a setback less than a month after declaring the nearby Wynwood neighborhood cleared of the virus following aggressive mosquito spraying.

Five people have been infected with Zika in a 1-square-mile area of the city just north of the Little Haiti neighborhood and about 3 miles north of Wynwood, according to a statement released Thursday by Gov. Rick Scotts office.

It is the third Miami-area neighborhood identified where mosquitoes have transmitted the virus to people, after Wynwood and a touristy section of Miami Beach, which is still considered an active transmission zone. Wynwood was declared free of the virus after 45 days went by without any new infections.

These are the first such areas of transmission confirmed in the continental U.S., following major outbreaks of the disease across Latin America. Zika symptoms are so mild that most people who get it dont feel sick, but the disease can cause severe brain-related birth defects if a pregnant woman is infected.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that pregnant women should avoid travel to the new outbreak area, and they should consider postponing non-essential travel to the rest of Miami Dade, according to CDC spokesman Tom Skinner.

Were not yet at the end of mosquito season, so we might continue to see local transmission going on for a little while yet, Skinner said.

Officials in Florida had warned that Hurricane Matthew would interrupt efforts to eradicate the mosquitoes that spread the virus, and Gov. Rick Scott had told residents to be mindful of standing water on their properties after the storm passed. However, Miami was not as seriously affected by the storm as other areas of the state.

Four cases from the new zone first reported symptoms in September, and the fifth began suffering symptoms earlier this month, Florida Department of Health spokeswoman Mara Gambineri said in an email.

The patients in the new zone include two women and three men, according to the statement from Scotts office. Three live in the area while the other two either visited or worked there.

Zika infections have been reported in over 1,020 people in Florida, the vast majority of them related to travel to affected areas outside the country. Miami-Dade County has the largest share of the states burden, with more travel-related Zika infections than any other Florida county.

Health officials have so far traced 105 cases to three Miami-area infection zones.

Scott has directed another $7.4 million in state funding to hire more mosquito control staff and pay for more pesticide spraying in Miami-Dade County.

We have seen that aggressive mosquito control efforts have worked in areas like Wynwood and we hope the county also aggressively sprays in this area so we can limit the spread of this virus and protect pregnant women and their growing babies, Scott said in the statement.

Health officials also were investigating a Zika infection not related to travel that was reported Thursday in a Broward County resident. Officials there said aerial pesticide spraying targeting mosquito larvae would resume early Friday in the Fort Lauderdale area.

___

Associated Press medical writer Mike Stobbe in New York contributed to this report.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Florida
The owner of a company that provided federally mandated training for construction firms that work with asbestos has pleaded guilty to giving certifications to people he knew had not taken his course.

U.S. Attorney Annette Hayes says Isaac Cole owned a company that provided asbestos training courses. According to his plea agreement, Cole certified various asbestos workers between 2013 and 2016 even though they had not completed the safety courses.

Cole admitted in his plea agreement that he took additional fees to provide the fake certifications.

Hayes says Cole falsified documents as part of a scheme to violate the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.

His sentencing was set for Jan. 13. Under the plea agreement, federal prosecutors will recommend probation and may seek fines or other penalties.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Washington
Two major french fry producers are facing a court battle over a new twisty fry design.

The Times-News reported the J.R. Simplot company of Boise, Idaho filed a patent infringement lawsuit against McCain Foods in U.S. District Court, claiming the competitor copied Simplots idea for a twisty french fry.

Officials with Illinois-based McCain Foods have not yet filed a response to the lawsuit, and they didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to the lawsuit, Simplot introduced the twisty fries called Sidewinders in 2013.

Simplot attorneys said the product was an overnight success, and theyre now offered in several varieties, including craft beer batter, seasoned crisps and smoky barbeque flavor.

In the lawsuit the attorneys contend Simplot officials reconfigured production lines and added hardware to the Caldwell facility to keep up with consumer demand.

Simplot says it has a patent for the ornamental features of the fry, and contends in the lawsuit that McCain Foods new Twisted Potato fries are copycat versions of the Sidewinder fries.

McCain Foods began advertising, promoting and offering the Twisted Potato products in the U.S. in June, according to the lawsuit. Simplot attorneys say McCain Foods is attempting to piggyback off of the Sidewinder design and unfairly compete against Simplot.

J.R. Jack Simplot started the Simplot company in 1929 in Declo. The company grew from one-man farming operations to one of the largest privately owned agribusiness companies in the world.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics France
A tornado struck an Oregon beach town, sending debris flying and toppling power lines and trees as strong winds and heavy rain walloped the Pacific Northwest over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Thousands of people were without power. In Seattle, a 4-year-old boy and his father were injured by a falling tree branch Friday. The Seattle Fire Department said the child suffered serious injuries and the father minor injuries.

The Coast Guard and other agency officials near Port Angeles, Washington, had made several trips to rescue 40 teenagers and six adults who became stranded at an outdoor recreation camp after they lost power and downed trees blocked their way out.

The National Weather Service in Portland, Oregon, urged people to stay off roads as multiple streets in the city were flooded and impassable after heavy rains hit the area Friday evening.

The tornado was reported on the northern Oregon coast. Tillamook County Sheriff Andy Long said it touched down in the city of Manzanita about 8:20 a.m. There were no reports of injuries.

Debbie Harmon, owner of the Amanita Galley, said most of the damage is near the beach and downtown.

It was a normal beach storm, which we get a lot of, and then out of nowhere the wind went whoooo, she said. Suddenly the whole sky was filled with debris. It was just crazy. And then it just stopped.

The mayor declared a state of emergency, a necessary step for the small town 90 miles west of Portland to be eligible for federal disaster money.

Long said two businesses were destroyed and one home is uninhabitable. He says other homes have roof damage. The Red Cross opened a shelter for those affected.

Julee Ward, who lives between Manzanita and Nehalem, said she awoke to violent thunderstorms and an eerie, dark sky. Her husband went outside to check on things after 8 a.m. and called for her to come out.

Behold there was this big tornado flying about a mile away from our house, she said. There was debris flying everywhere  you could see the debris up in the funnel.

Video shot by her husband showed a massive funnel spilling down from dark clouds.

You could hear it howling too, which was the crazy part, she added.

The National Weather Service said another twister made landfall about 9 a.m. near Oceanside, Oregon, but no damage was reported. A total of 10 tornado warnings were issued.

The heavy rain created dangerous conditions throughout the region , as drivers tried to see out rain-pounded windshields and navigate through standing water on roads.

Portland had the rainiest Oct. 13 in its history. In addition, the National Weather Service says a 103-mph wind gust was recorded at Cape Meares.

In Washington, Puget Sound Energy responded to scattered outages affecting thousands of people throughout the day. Lightning strikes hit the southwest Washington coast.

In northern Nevada, winds gusting up to 76 mph fueled a wild fire that has destroyed at least 22 homes and charred 3 square miles of brush and timber in a rural valley between Carson City and Reno.

Bellisle reported from Seattle. Associated Press writers Alina Hartounian in Phoenix, Gene Johnson and Lisa Baumann in Seattle, Kristen Bender in San Francisco, Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, and Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho, contributed.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm Washington Oregon
In advance of a possible headache brewing for workers compensation providers, California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones on Monday notified all workers comp insurers writing policies in the state about changes to procedures related to excluded employees created by a new law.

The new rules were created with the passage and signing of Assembly Bill 2883.

AB 2883 provides that all business workers comp insurance policies, including in-force policies, will be required to cover certain officers and directors of private corporations and working members of partnerships and limited liability companies that may have been previously excluded from coverage beginning on Jan. 1, 2017.

These provisions seem to have slipped by some insurer groups and others who watch for potentially bad legislation.

AB 2883 is going to cause significant disruption for workers compensation insurers and employers, Jones said in a statement. We have issued a notice today to workers compensation insurers so that they know what the new law requires of them and we directed insurers to provide notice to employers so they are made aware of the new law. Unfortunately, AB 2883 did not include any language exempting in-force policies or delaying its effective date so as not to impact in-force policies.

John Norwood, with lobbying firm Norwood & Associates, said not only does AB 2883 present implementation problems for insurers, it presents an errors and omissions issue for insurance agents and brokers, especially with those entities that today do not purchase a workers comp policy because only the owners are involved in the business.

Literally everybody in the industry responsible for legislative issues missed the application issue relative to this bill, yours truly included in that list, and the same with all legislative and committee staff until after the governor signed the bill into law, Norwood said. There may be an opportunity to address the application issue early next legislative session but some coverage will be afforded to individuals with in-force policies if and until a fix-it bill can be passed through both houses of the Legislature and signed by the governor.

According to Jones, the Department of Industrial Relations, the American Insurers Association, and the Association of California Insurance Companies, all agree that this change in law applies to in-force policies.

Prior to the passage of the law, officers, directors and working partners were not required to be covered under the businesss workers comp policy unless they opted to be covered and were not listed on a limiting and restricting endorsement.

Going forward officers, directors and partners are required to be covered under the employers workers comp policy unless they meet a narrower definition of excluded employee. Under this narrower definition, officers, directors, and partners can only opt out of coverage by signing a waiver under penalty of perjury and filing the waiver with their employers insurer.

Insurance companies are required to identify and provide notice to each employer that may have employees that were previously excluded from coverage and are affected by the new law, and they are required to report the premium and loss experience associated of those who have not chosen to opt of the coverage.

Blake Longo, with Pasadena-based AJLongo Insurance Brokers, shot an email to his clients and business associates on Monday warning them of the changes.

Longo said hes already been talking to some of his clients about it.

Theyre not happy about the change, Longo said. They dont believe it adds any benefit to them and that it will certainly add extra costs.

Longo said the changes will also make life tougher on brokers like him, because it will be brokers who businesses will first turn to if the new rules affect them.

You are delivering the bad news and youre delivering the additional premium, he said. That does not bring smiles to peoples faces.

According to Norwood, the bill was originally worded to be a bill authorizing a study on paperless systems for the approval of treatment requests in the workers comp system.

However, that language was gutted and amended to address the issue of exemptions for officers and directors of corporations, partnerships and LLCs.

The bills new language was added because some insureds were allegedly abusing the exemption process under current law by listing everyone in their organization as an officer or director to avoid purchasing workers comp, Norwood explained.

AB 2883 revises the exemption language to permit only officers and directors that that own at least 15 percent of the issued and outstanding stock of the company or an individual who is a general partner or a partnership or a managing member of a limited liability company to be exempt if they execute a waiver under penalty of perjury that they meet one of these qualifications, Norwood said. As such, the bill now makes everyone in such organizations unless they are eligible and sign a waiver.

Longo thinks the 15 percent-threshold will hurt some middle-market business, which is the brunt of his clientele.

Oftentimes those are the ones hit the hardest, Longo said.

These companies are often privately held, with one or two owners working in the business, and its not unheard of for the business owners to give long-time employees a small percentage in the company to keep them around and reward them for their loyalty.

Using a small meat packing company as a hypothetical example, Longo described a scenario that could significantly drive up costs.

The owners, for example, make the production manager a 5 percent owner, and he would no longer be required to be included in a workers comp policy.

The new law takes away that option for the production manager to exclude himself, and because he has less than 15 percent ownership, he cannot opt out.

This could prove costly, because a meat packing company would likely fall into a high class codes, Longo said.

Say you pay him around $75,000 a year, now you have to pay $11,000 in premium, he added.

The biggest issue with AB 2883 is that it applies to all workers comp insurance policies that will be in effect on or after Jan. 1, 2017, including those policies in force any time after the first of the year.

Katie Pettibone, AIAs vice president for state affairs, said her group is working with CDI and DIR to help address this.

Publicly the bill was supposed apply to new policies and renewals after the effective date of January 1, 2017, thus there was no opposition, Pettibone said. However, there was ambiguity in the drafting and it appears the bill is going to be broader than just policies written after Jan. 1 or renewals  it will be applicable to in-force policies. Stakeholders have been working with the California Department of Insurance and Department of Industrial Relations to help address this unintended effect.

Norwood said existing provisions in policy forms from the National Council on Compensation Insurance and the State Compensation Insurance Fund apply changes in law to all policies in force on the day a bill takes effect, unless the bill itself limits application to policies new or renewed on or after the effective date of the bill.

Generally speaking, bills that pass the legislature during the year become effective at the beginning of the next calendar year, Norwood said.

So now, corporations, partnerships and LLCs that do not purchase workers comp  possibly because they consist of the owners of the organization and have no employees under current law  will be illegally uninsured on the first of the year unless the owners sign and file the appropriate waiver, according to Norwood.

Related:

Topics Carriers California Legislation Agencies Workers' Compensation
If risk is like a smouldering coal that can spark a fire at any moment, then insurance is our fire extinguisher. The institution is as old as human existence with the first insurance policy being written in ancient times on a Babylonian obelisk monument with the code of King Hammurabi carved into it. It was practiced by early Mediterranean sailing merchants and Chinese traders who sought methods to minimise risks.

The concept of insurance has expanded and become more refined over the ages, its successes and travails have become more symmetrical to a countrys economic growth (or lapse). Because of the peculiarity of insurance and its relevance to an economy, the Nigerian government has put a lot of effort into making the insurance industry what it is today. These efforts are showcased by the implementation of numerous Acts over the years such as the National Insurance Commission Act 1997 and the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers Act 2003 (which is to ensure the proper administration and functioning of the insurance sector), as well as the passing of several reforms.

However, amendments made in the Companies Income Tax (Amendment) Act 2007 (CITA) have created changes within the sector that have led to an unwelcome higher tax burden for insurance companies, which has in turn led to a fall in the number of businesses operating in the industry.

Disappearing companies

Nigerias insurance sector has undergone two rounds of recapitalisation over the past 14 years to restructure a company's debt and equity mixture, most often with the aim of making a company's capital structure more stable.

The first round of recapitalisation happened in 2003 when the Insurance Act was passed, which required insurance companies to increase their capital bases from:

NGN20 million ($65,000) to NGN150 million for life businesses, which are companies that protect against the loss of income that would result if an insured individual died. In this circumstance, the named beneficiary would receive the proceeds and would thereby be safeguarded from the financial impact of the death of the insured;

NGN70 million to NGN300 million for non-life businesses, which are companies that are typically involved in any insurance that is not determined to be a life insurance policy but that provides payments depending on the loss from a particular financial event; and

NGN150 million to NGN350 million for reinsurance businesses, which is a company that accepts a portion of the potential obligation in an insurance contract in exchange for a share of the insurance premium, in order to reduce the likelihood of an insurance company paying a large obligation resulting from an insurance claim.

The 2003 changes led to the liquidation of 14 Nigerian insurance companies out of 117 registered in the jurisdiction.

In September 2005, another capitalisation requirement was announced to increase the capital base to NGN2 billion for life businesses, NGN3 billion for non-life businesses and NGN10 billion for reinsurance. This  again  resulted in numerous consolidations that led to the number of liquidating insurance companies falling from 103 to 49. In the first quarter of 2014, the total assets and liabilities of insurance companies was NGN517.2 billion.

A diminishing asset base

The asset base has continued to dwindle every year for the industry because of sections in CITA that penalise it. These sections have compelled insurance companies to pay out their capital in the form of a minimum tax because they are almost always in a never-ending refund cycle with the tax authorities. Originally, the CITA was meant to amend and simplify controversial aspects in its policy, instead it has made it more obscure particularly for the insurance sector.

As with any other business, the tax liability of an insurance company is based on figures contained in its annual published accounts and it is subject to similar assessment and collection procedures by the tax authorities. However, certain special features arising from the nature of the industry mean that profits are taxed slightly different than other sectors.

Simply put, in section 16(2)(a) of the CITA, the profits of a life business insurance company are calculated by taking management expenses, including commission, subject to subsection (8)(b) of the Act from gross income (investment income and revaluation surplus).

For non-life businesses, section 16(1)(b) states that profits will be calculated for tax purposes by deducting the reinsurance cost and a reserve for unexpired risk (the premium corresponding to the time period remaining on an insurance policy), subject to subsection (8)(a) of the Act from a gross premium, interest and other income receivable in Nigeria.

The relevant subsections of CITA are listed below:

(8) An insurance company, other than a life insurance company, shall be allowed as deductions from its premium the following reserves for tax purposes:

(a) for unexpired risks, 45 percent of the total premium in case of general insurance business other than marine insurance business and 25 percent of the total premium in case of marine cargo insurance;

(b) for other reserves, claims and outgoings of the company an amount equal to 25 percent of the total premium, so that, after allowance under the Second Schedule to this Act as may be restricted, has been allowed for in any year of assessment, not less than amount equal to 15 percent of the total profit of the company for tax purposes.

(9) An insurance company, in respect of its life insurance business shall be allowed the following deductions from its investment incomes and other incomes:

(a) an amount which makes a general reserve and fund equal to the net liabilities on policies in force at the time of an actuarial valuation;

(b) an amount which is equal to 1 percent of the gross premium or 10 percent of profits (whichever is greater) to a special reserve fund and accommodation until it becomes the amount of the statutory minimum paid-up capital;

(c) all normal allowable business outgoing, except that after allowing for all the outgoing and allowance under the Second Schedule to this Act as may be restricted under the provisions of this Act for any year of assessment, not less than an amount equal to 20 percent of the gross incomes shall be available as total profit of the company for tax purposes.

For both life and non-life insurance businesses, the basis for computing minimum tax seems punitive at 20% of gross income and 15% of total profit, correspondingly. To compound the tax burden little solace was given to the industry when they suffer losses.

A thorough review of subsection (8) in the CITA Act exposes the inadequacy of parts (a) and (b). The former imposes a limit on unexpired risk while the latter restricts the deductibility of expenses. Section 16 (9) (c), in the case of life insurance business, introduces a new basis for minimum tax. In practice, the newly introduced minimum tax usually exceeds the minimum tax provisions of section 33 in the CITA. This puts the insurance industry in an unfair situation of paying a higher minimum tax than their peers in other industries in cases when the loss or a total loss of profits result in no tax being payable, or a tax charge that amounts to less than the minimum tax.

The insurance industry has long campaigned to correct this anomaly but it is yet to yield the desired result.

Reforming the CITA

Between 2009 and 2010, the Nigerian Insurance Association (NIA) and KPMG worked with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Federal Ministry of Finance and National Assembly to discuss the dire effects of the CITA 2007. It established regulatory amendments that intended resolve the problems. Unfortunately, the necessary amendments are yet to be passed into law while a tax reform bill, which would enact the amendments, continues to be debated in the National Assembly.

Taxation of losses

Section 16(7) of the CITA restricts insurance companies to carrying forward tax losses for a maximum of four years. Losses that are not fully relieved after four years by an insurance company cannot be carried forward. Companies are made to pay taxes irrespective of the losses accumulated from preceding years.

Similarly, the restriction of deductibility for operating expenses that are 25% of the total premium of a company, regardless of the expense passing the wholly, reasonably, exclusively and necessarily (WREN) test, is counter intuitive. It also violates the principle of fairness and equity in taxation because the WREN test would have sufficed to deduct all operating expenses for companies in other industries.

Furthermore, the tax authorities expose part of the insurance companies unearned premiums to tax. This stems from limitations placed on provision for unexpired risks to 45% of total premium for general insurance and 25% for marine insurance businesses. Consequently, if the total amount of claims from the unexpired risks during the fiscal year exceeds provisions made for tax purposes, the insurance company bears the burden as it receives neither a refund nor a credit.

Another issue which is hindering relief is that the profits referred to in subsection 9(b) are not defined. Because of this, profits could be interpreted as the total taxable profit, assessable profit or profit before tax. Clearly, the resulting figures from using any of these bases will differ.

International comparisons

At the risk of stating the obvious, to justify the reasons why the government needs to address the sections of the tax laws which burden the insurance industry, a comparison of global markets is apt.

The US

In the US, the Internal Revenue (IR) Code successfully created a more friendly terrain for its insurance industry that permits growth and expansion.

Firstly, there is no minimum tax that applies to insurance companies. However, there is an alternative minimum tax (AMT) that applies across all industries. The AMT can result in an AMT credit, which can be used to reduce regular tax where it exceeds the AMT in a future accounting year. Moreover, the tax credit does not expire because the credit relates to taxes already paid and the entire credit represents a component of the deferred tax asset. The AMT regime in the US means that insurance companies are not unduly disadvantaged, upholding the principle of equality in taxation.

Secondly, the IR Code treats the period of recovery from loss differently. A company that loses money in a particular year experiences what is known as a net operating loss (NOL). No corporate tax is due when a company has a NOL because they do not have profits. In addition, a NOL can be carried back and deducted from up to two years taxable income. The company is then eligible for a refund equal to the difference between previously paid taxes and taxes owed after deducting the present years loss. If the loss is too large to be carried back, it may be carried forward for up to 20 years and used to reduce future tax liabilities. Under this rule, insurance companies can only carry back losses for three years and carry forward losses for 15 years. Nonetheless, several proposals such as the camp proposal, call for life insurance companies to benefit from the same loss tax treatment as other companies.

As a result, allowing for the carry back of losses reduces the distorting effects of taxation on investment and, in turn, increases economic efficiency. The government, by allowing NOL carry backs, effectively enters into a partnership with taxpayers to share both the return to investment (tax revenue) and the risk of investment (revenue loss). When companies have losses, past and future tax liabilities are reduced through loss carry backs, reducing risk. The further back in time that losses can be carried, the less distorting taxation becomes on investment. It is simply fair. Additionally, the ability to carry back losses encourages equity by helping to prevent two firms that earn the same amount over a given time period, but differ in the timing of when the income is earned, from paying different amounts in taxes.

Thirdly, the US provides a special deduction for qualifying small life and non-life insurance companies equal to 60% of their income computed without regard to the deduction. This and many more measures capture how a developed economy sets a healthy environment, based on tax laws, for the domestic insurance industry to thrive.

South Africa and Brazil

A cursory look at the tax laws of selected emerging economies reveals that for both South Africa and Brazil, there are no restrictions placed on provisions for unexpired risks, provisions for other reserves, claims and outgoings, and periods for the recovery of losses. Both economies also do not have a minimum taxable profit for their insurance companies.

India

Meanwhile, India has no restrictions on provisions for unexpired risks, but does apply a minimum tax on the profits of insurance companies on provisions for other reserves, claims and outgoings. The country also places a restriction on the period of recovery of loss but it still provides eight years, compared to the four years offered in Nigeria.

Nigeria needs to act now to save the sector

Taking a cue from these countries, the Nigerian government needs to act fast to save the insurance industry.

Nigeria does not follow best practices and the insurance industry gets severely short-changed as a result of the tax treatment. It is further at risk with countries such as the US, Brazil, South Africa and India that are actively competing with Nigeria for the worlds foreign direct investments.

When a potential foreign investor compares the Nigerian insurance industry index with that of a fast developing economy, the hostile tax laws governing the industry could work against Nigeria.

Imposing taxes is not the problem, especially considering it is pivotal to the functioning of the machinery of government. However, what should not be celebrated but quickly redressed is an unfair tax system. Its negative ripples are immeasurable. If the US could resist the huge tax subsidy received by the East India Tea Company from British government (against small American companies) then taxpayers and stakeholders in the insurance industry should persist until the government sees the positives in this line of thought for the industry and economy at large.

Reform should be pushed to fairly place insurance companies with other Nigerian companies and to align with what applies in developed economies  setting the pace among peers and other developing economies  positioning our economy to be more competitive.

If restrictions are successfully removed and losses are carried forward in perpetuity, it will relieve the insurance companies of all undue tax burdens, improve their profit takings and grow their capital. A healthy insurance industry will strengthen the Nigerian economy as it pushes for a place among the worlds top 20 economies.
Even six years after the Panama Papers leaked a confidential list of offshore accounts held by the global elite, tax morality is still very much on the table.
Sono 17 le Regioni e Province autonome che questa settimana risultano classificate a rischio moderato. Erano 10 la scorsa settimana.

Nel periodo 11-24 agosto 2021, lindice di trasmissibilita Rt medio calcolato sui casi sintomatici e stato pari a 0,97 (range 0,92-1,01), prossimo alla soglia epidemica ed in lieve diminuzione rispetto alla settimana precedente quando aveva raggiunto il valore di 1,01.

Si osserva una lieve diminuzione anche dellRt basato sui casi con ricovero ospedaliero. E quanto emerge dalla bozza del monitoraggio settimanale dellIss  Ministero della Salute allesame della cabina di regia.

Cala lincidenza a 74 per 100mila come meta agosto

Lincidenza settimanale a livello nazionale dei casi di Covid-19 e pari questa settimana a 74 per 100.000 abitanti (per il periodo 27/08/2021-02/09/2021) rispetto al valore di 77 per 100.000 abitanti del periodo 20-26 agosto 2021 e riportandosi sui valori registrati a meta agosto.

Lincidenza rimane al di sopra della soglia settimanale di 50 casi ogni 100.000 abitanti che potrebbe consentire il controllo della trasmissione basato sul contenimento ovvero sullidentificazione dei casi e sul tracciamento dei loro contatti.

Regioni a rischio moderato salgono da 10 a 17

Sono 17 le Regioni e Province autonome che questa settimana risultano classificate a rischio moderato. Erano 10 la scorsa settimana. Le restanti 4 Regioni risultano classificate a rischio basso. Sette Regioni e Province autonome riportano allerte di resilienza.

Spicca ancora il caso della Sicilia, dove i nuovi casi di Covid-19 segnalati in settimana sono in crescita e pari a 9.771. Casi in crescita, nel trend settimanale, anche in Veneto: sono 4.217. Sicilia, zona gialla da lunedi scorso, ancora con gli indicatori decisionali sopra soglia: 22,5% in area medica di pazienti Covid (contro la soglia del 15%) e 13,9% in terapia intensiva (contro la soglia del 10%). Scende lincidenza di casi per 100mila abitanti: 190,4 contro 200,7.

Sardegna al limite del 15% per larea medica e intensive sopra il limite con il 13,2%, valori in salita ma incidenza in discesa (117,4 contro 148,5).

Calabria 16,8% in area medica e sotto limite per intensive (8,9%), in crescita. Questi gli indicatori decisionali ministero Salute/Protezione civile che accompagnano la bozza del monitoraggio settimanale.

Qui sotto il bollettino Covid del 2 settembre.
An exchange rate is how much it costs to exchange one currency for another. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly throughout the week as currencies are actively traded. This pushes the price up and down, similar to other assets such as gold or stocks. The market price of a currencyhow many U.S. dollars it takes to buy a Canadian dollar for exampleis different than the rate you will receive from your bank when you exchange currency. It is often a key element of financial trilemmas. Here's how exchange rates work, and how to figure out if you are getting a good deal.

Finding Market Exchange Rates

Traders and institutions buy and sell currencies 24 hours a day during the week. For a trade to occur, one currency must be exchanged for another. To buy British Pounds (GBP), another currency must be used to buy it. Whatever currency is used will create a currency pair. If U.S. dollars (USD) are used to buy GBP, the exchange rate is for the GBP/USD pair. Access to these forex markets can be found through any of the major forex brokers.

2:02 How To Calculate An Exchange Rate

Reading an Exchange Rate

If the USD/CAD currency pair is 1.33, that means it costs 1.33 Canadian dollars for 1 U.S. dollar. In USD/CAD, the first currency listed (USD) always stands for one unit of that currency; the exchange rate shows how much of the second currency (CAD) is needed to purchase that one unit of the first (USD).

This rate tells you how much it costs to buy one U.S. dollar using Canadian dollars. To find out how much it costs to buy one Canadian dollar using U.S. dollars, use the following formula: 1/exchange rate.

In this case, 1 / 1.33 = 0.7518. It costs 0.7518 U.S. dollars to buy one Canadian dollar. This price would be reflected by the CAD/USD pair; notice the position of the currencies has switched.

Some of the most popular currencies that trade against the greenback are the Euro (EUR/USD), the Japanese Yen (USD/JPY), the British Pound (GBP/USD), the Swiss Franc (USD/CHF), the Australian Dollar (USD/AUD), the New Zealand Dollar (USD/NZD), and the Canadian dollar (USD/CAD). Incidentally, the ordering in each set of parentheses reflects the customary direct quote scheme for each pairing.

Conversion Spreads

When you go to the bank to convert currencies, you most likely won't get the market price that traders get. The bank or currency exchange house will markup the price so they make a profit, as will credit cards and payment services providers such as PayPal, when a currency conversion occurs.

If the USD/CAD price is 1.33, the market is saying it costs 1.33 Canadian dollars to buy 1 U.S. dollar. At the bank though, it may cost 1.37 Canadian dollars. The difference between the market exchange rate and the exchange rate they charge is their profit. To calculate the percentage discrepancy, take the difference between the two exchange rates, and divide it by the market exchange rate: 1.37 - 1.33 = 0.04/1.33 = 0.03. Multiply by 100 to get the percentage markup: 0.03 x 100 = 3%.

A markup will also be present if converting U.S. dollars to Canadian dollars. If the CAD/USD exchange rate is 0.75 (see the section above), then the bank may charge 0.7725. They are charging you more U.S. dollars than the market rate. 0.7725 - 0.75 = 0.0225/0.75 = 0.03 x 100 = 3% markup.

Banks and currency exchanges compensate themselves for this service. The bank gives you cash, whereas traders in the market do not deal in cash. In order to get cash, wire fees and processing or withdrawal fees would be applied to a forex account in case the investor needs the money physically. For most people looking for currency conversion, getting cash instantly and without fees, but paying a markup, is a worthwhile compromise.

Shop around for an exchange rate that is closer to the market exchange rate; it can save you money. Some banks have ATM network alliances worldwide, offering customers a more favorable exchange rate when they withdraw funds from allied banks.

Calculate Your Requirements

Need a foreign currency? Use exchange rates to determine how much foreign currency you want, and how much of your local currency you'll need to buy it.

If heading to Europe you'll need euros (EUR), and will need to check the EUR/USD exchange rate at your bank. The market rate may be 1.113, but an exchange might charge you 1.146 or more.

Assume you have $1,000 USD to buy Euros with. Divide $1,000 by 1.146 (what a bank may charge) to get 872.60 euros. That is how many Euros you get for your $1,000. Since Euros are more expensive, we know we have to divide, so that we end up with fewer units of EUR than units of USD.

Now assume you want 1,500 euros, and want to know what it costs in USD. Multiply 1,500 by 1.146 to get 1,719 USD. Since we know Euros are more expensive, one euro will cost more than one US dollar, that is why we multiply in this case.

The Bottom Line

Exchange rates always apply to the cost of one currency relative to another. The order in which the pair are listed (USD/CAD versus CAD/USD) matters. Remember the first currency is always equal to one unit and the second currency is how much of that second currency it takes to buy one unit of the first currency. From there you can calculate your conversion requirements. Banks will markup the price of currencies to compensate themselves for the service. Shopping around may save you some money as some companies will have a smaller markup, relative to the market exchange rate, than others.
A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number that the U.S. government issues to all U.S. citizens and eligible U.S. residents who apply for one. The government uses this number to keep track of your lifetime earnings and the number of years worked.

When the time comes to retire, or if you ever need to receive Social Security disability income, the government uses the information about your contributions to Social Security to determine your eligibility and calculate your benefit payments. Most people will use the same Social Security number their entire lives, though some people might need to apply for a replacement number at some point because of identity theft.

Keep reading below to find out more about when and why you need a Social Security number as well as when you should avoid using it.

Key Takeaways A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique identifier assigned to U.S. citizens and some residents to track their income and determine benefits.

In addition to Social Security, the SSN is now also used for a wide range of purposes.

These include obtaining credit, opening a bank account, obtaining government benefits or private insurance, and buying a home or a car, among many other pursuits.

1:58 Click Play to Learn All About Social Security Numbers

When and Why You Need a Social Security Number

Anytime you get hired for a new job, your employer will ask for your Social Security number. Your employers accounting department will use this number to report your income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to report your Social Security wages to the Social Security Administration.

Your employer will also use it for state income tax reporting unless your state doesnt have an income tax. Employers who participate in E-Verify, a program to make sure employees can legally work in the United States, also must obtain your Social Security number before you can begin work.

Below are some other common scenarios where youll need to provide your Social Security number.

When Opening an Account With Any U.S. Financial Institution

Since 1970, the federal government has required banks to obtain customers Social Security numbers or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Financial institutions use your SSN to check your credit, to report your interest and investment income or losses to the IRS, to report your tax-deductible mortgage interest to the IRS, and to manage your account.

As an alternative, some financial institutions will accept a taxpayer identification number (on some forms, also called an Employer Identification Number or EIN), which youll need to apply for through the IRS.

When Applying for a Federal Loan

The government will use your Social Security number to make sure youre eligible when you apply for a federal loan, such as a federal student loan. For example, to qualify for federal student loans, you must not be in default on another federal loan, you must have eligible citizenship or visitor status, and most male applicants must have registered with the Selective Service.

When Applying for Certain Types of Public Assistance

Public assistance programs, such as unemployment benefits or Social Security disability income, are usually managed by federal or state government agencies who use Social Security numbers to identify people and make sure they arent claiming benefits that they arent entitled to.

When Enrolling in Medicare

The Social Security Administration works with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to enroll people in Medicare.

When Applying for a Passport

Federal law requires you to provide a Social Security number if you have one when you apply for a U.S. passport. If you dont have an SSN, you must provide a sworn statement that you were never issued one.

On Your Tax Return

The IRS uses this number to match the income you report on your tax return to the income your employer and financial institutions report having paid to you. Also, youll need to provide your childs SSN to claim your child as a dependent on your tax return.

To Get a Drivers License

If you have an SSN, many states require that you have to provide it when you apply for a drivers license.

Non-citizens who dont have Social Security numbers are exempt from providing a Social Security number in many situations that normally require it, including getting a drivers license, registering for school, getting private health insurance, or applying for public assistance such as subsidized housing. The government doesnt like to give Social Security numbers to non-citizens who arent authorized to work in the United States. It says that even banks and credit companies usually cant require you to provide a Social Security number if you dont have one.

However, without this number, financial institutions wont be able to run a credit check on you, which could make it difficult, if not impossible, to get a credit card or loan.

When to Avoid Using Your Social Security Number

Federal law basically lets anyone ask for your Social Security number, but that doesnt mean you need to give it out. You should use your Social Security number as infrequently as possible. Just because someone asks for it doesnt mean they truly need it.

For example, though most medical providers will ask for your SSN, you can leave the line asking for it blank when filling out medical paperwork, and often, no one will question it. Your doctors office and other businesses can use other information to identify you and keep track of your records. That said, while you can refuse to provide your SSN, the other party can also refuse to do business with you.

You also shouldnt carry your Social Security card around with you unless you will be using it for a specific purpose that day, such as when youre filling out paperwork to start a new job, and you have to show it to your employer as proof of citizenship (though if you can show a valid passport, you dont need to provide your Social Security card).

You dont want to risk losing your card or having it stolen since thieves can use this number, in combination with your other personal data, to apply for credit, take out loans, get a job, or even get health care in your name, creating a potentially massive identity theft problem for you to clean up.

Instead, keep the card in a secure place at home or in a safe deposit box at the bank. If your card is lost or stolen, youll want to apply for a new one.

Similarly, you should keep any documents that contain your SSN, such as your tax returns, in a secure place. If someone were to break into your house, it would be better for you if they could only make off with your stuff and not your identity. You also need to carefully safeguard your electronic documents that contain your Social Security number. If you have an unencrypted PDF of your tax return on your laptop, youre effectively carrying your Social Security card every time you take your computer with you on a trip or to a coffee shop.

The Bottom Line

When the government introduced the Social Security program with its numbers in 1936, it was never meant to be so widely used to identify and track individuals. Today, this number is used for everything from its original purposeto track your lifetime earnings and calculate your Social Security benefitsto opening a checking account or filling out a new patient form at the doctor's office.

Many businesses will ask for your Social Security number simply because its a convenient way for them to identify customers. Unfortunately, criminals can use your Social Security number to commit identity theft, so you should guard your SSN carefully and only give it out when absolutely necessary.
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A man is due to appear in court Monday morning charged in connection with the murder of a man in Limerick last week, writes David Raleigh.

Gerard Freyne, aged 53, died last Friday, two days after he was found by a passer-by lying on his back, on Lord Edward Street, Limerick.

He had sustained serious head injuries in what gardai believe was a one-punch assault.

Gardai launched a murder investigation after receiving the results of a post mortem on Mr Freyne's body, but would not release the autopsy results for "operational reasons".

Earlier on the day he was assaulted Mr Freyne was arrested by gardai for alleged public order offences.

A short time after his release from custody he was the victim of an assault an rushed to Cork University Hospital where he later died.

A file photo of the crime scene Lord Edward Street, Limerick where Gerard Freyne was attacked. Picture: Press 22

Twenty gardai have been drafted to work on the investigation and national garda units were aiding local officers.

Appealing for witnesses last Friday, Inspector Ronan McDonagh, Roxboro Road garda station, said: "My hope is that when this investigation is finished that there will be arrests made and hopefully the perpetrators brought to justice. I'm appealing to the city of Limerick to get us to that conclusion by coming forward."

He said gardai were trawling through CCTV footage from several locations to trace the movements of a man seen leaving the scene around the time of the assault.

A member of the public found Mr Freyne and contacted ambulance control who then alerted gardai.

A man, aged 32, who was arrested on Saturday in connection with the fatal assault is to appear before Limerick District Court, Monday morning.
A group of Nigerian parents have been reunited with 21 schoolgirls freed after being kidnapped by Boko Haram two and a half years ago.

The move is the first negotiated release organised between the Nigerian government and the Islamic extremist group.

The girls were embraced by their parents amid scenes of jubilation when they were presented by the government.

A mother of one of the girls said: "I never expected I will see my daughter again and I pray that those girls still left behind, that God will bring them out safely the way our own daughter came out alive."

The girls were released on Thursday and flown to Abuja, Nigeria's capital, but it has taken days for the parents to arrive.

Most arrived on Sunday after driving hours over potholed roads slowed by military checkpoints and under threat of attack by the insurgents, community leader Tsambido Hosea Abana said.

The parents came from the remote north-eastern town of Chibok, where nearly 300 girls were kidnapped on April 2014 in a mass abduction that shocked the world.

Family members celebrate after being reunited with the kidnapped girls during an church service held in Abuja, Nigeria.

Dozens of schoolgirls escaped in the first few hours, but after last week's release, 197 still remain captive.

The government said negotiations are continuing to win the remaining girls' freedom.

Muta Abana, the father of one of the released girls, has been living in Nasarawa state near Abuja.

He expressed anxiety as many of the girls were reportedly forced to marry Boko Haram fighters.

"Some of them came back with babies, but think about it: are we going to kill the children?" Mr Abana said.

"We won't be able to kill the children because it would be as if we don't want the girls to come back. God knows why it happened. It's God's will."

One of the kidnapped girls celebrates with a family member during an church survives held in Abuja, Nigeria.

He also said the girls' abduction has been politicised, complaining that "people's children aren't money, people's children are not clothes you wear to campaign, people's children are their pride".

The girls are getting medical attention and trauma counselling in a hospital, said Tsambido Abana, the Chibok community leader in Abuja. Some are emaciated from hunger, he said.

There are conflicting reports about how the girls were freed, with two military officers saying they were exchanged for four detained Boko Haram commanders.

A Nigerian who negotiated previous failed attempts said a large ransom was paid by the Swiss government on behalf of Nigerian authorities.
The police dig for clues over the disappearance of toddler Ben Needham on the Greek island where he vanished 25 years ago has ended after three weeks.

South Yorkshire Police said officers formally ended their search on the island of Kos this afternoon.

Ben, from Sheffield, disappeared on July 24 1991 after travelling to the island with his mother and grandparents.

The search operation was prompted by information that digger driver Konstantinos Barkas, also known as Dino, may be responsible for the toddler's death, as he was clearing land with an excavator near where Ben was playing on the day he vanished.

Mr Barkas is believed to have died from stomach cancer last year.

In a statement, South Yorkshire Police said: "The physical search of two sites on Kos, Greece has formally come to an end.

"Work continues behind the scenes as officers begin to process the findings from each site."

The force said a full update will be released from the team on the island at midday on Monday.

Just last week, Ben's mother Kerry Needham (above) said she believes her son will not be found alive.

She told ITV's Good Morning Britain that she and her family are "tired and distressed" and cannot live for another 25 years without knowing what happened to Ben.

Two weeks into the search, detectives said they had accumulated more than 60 items of interest that they will bring back to the UK for forensic testing.

A variety of theories on his fate and reported sightings have arisen since Ben's disappearance and Ms Needham had been holding out hope that she would one day be reunited with her son.

Earlier this year, South Yorkshire Police received extra funding from the Home Office to help in the search for Ben.

Ms Needham has been forthright in her support of the investigation.
Turkish-backed Syrian opposition forces have captured the symbolically significant town of Dabiq from the Islamic State group, the factions said.

Dabiq is a town in northern Syria, about 40 kilometres northeast of Aleppo and around 10 km south of Syria's border with Turkey.

A commander of the Syrian opposition Hamza Brigade said Islamic State fighters put up "minimal" resistance to defend the northern Syrian town before withdrawing in the direction of the much larger IS-held town of al-Bab to the south.

Saif Abu Bakr said some 2,000 opposition fighters pushed into Dabiq with tank and artillery support from the Turkish army. The commander said the extremists left the town heavily mined.

Both Turkish and international coalition warplanes conducted air strikes on Dabiq and nearby Arshak, the Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency reported.

The Islamic State group took control of the town, which had a pre-war population of about 3,000 people, in August 2014.

The group's propaganda had boasted of the fight for the northern Syrian town, citing Islamic lore that it would be the scene of a major battle between crusaders and army of the Muslim caliphate that would herald Doomsday.

The group's English language magazine, Dabiq, is named after the town, and in 2014 they said they had buried the American captive Peter Abdul-Rahman Kassig there.

The Turkish military intervened in the Syrian war in August this year under orders from Ankara to clear the border area from the Islamic State group and from US-backed Syrian Kurdish forces linked Turkey's own outlawed Kurdish insurgency. The Turkish government describes both groups as terrorists.

Syrian opposition forces backed by Turkish ground and air forces have since expelled Islamic State militants from their last positions along the Syrian-Turkish frontier and are closing in on Al-Bab, one of the last remaining IS strongholds in Syria's contested Aleppo province.

Turkey has bused thousands of opposition fighters from other fronts in northern Syria to the frontier as part of operation "Euphrates Shield," named after the vital river that runs through the region.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights group, which monitors the conflict through a network of local contacts, said the extremist group had sent over 1,000 fighters to defend Dabiq last week before withdrawing hurriedly.
Britain and the United States are considering economic sanctions against Russia and Syria as there is no appetite among Western powers for a military solution to protect civilians from their bombardment in the civil war.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who spoke last week of the need to discuss "more kinetic options", said military solutions such as a no-fly zone or no-bombing zone over Aleppo are "extremely difficult".

Speaking after talks with US secretary of state John Kerry and other allies in London, Mr Johnson said Britain and its allies must work with the diplomatic "tools we have".

He insisted that Russia was "feeling the pressure" from the international community over its military support of the Bashar Assad regime.

Alongside fresh sanctions, Mr Johnson said other measures such as threatening those responsible for committing war crimes with justice at the International Criminal Court "will eventually come to bite".

Mr Johnson's comments indicate his call to consider a potentially more forceful solution to stop the Russian and regime bombing of civilians in Aleppo does not command the support of Western allies.

Speaking after the four-hour meeting at Lancaster House, the Foreign Secretary said: "No option is in principle off the table but be in no doubt that these so-called military options are extremely difficult and there is, to put it mildly, a lack of political appetite in most European capitals and certainly in the West for that kind of solution at present.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and US Secretary of State John Kerry.

"So we've got to work with the tools we have - the tools we have are diplomatic.

"I think the most powerful weapon we have at the moment is our ability to make president Putin and the Russians feel the consequences of what they are doing."

Mr Johnson and Mr Kerry confirmed they were moving towards introducing fresh sanctions against "the Syrian regime and their supporters".

The Foreign Secretary also described as "very significant" the French move to turn a visit from Vladimir Putin to Paris into a discussion about Syria, at which point the Russian president pulled out of the trip.

"They are starting to feel the pressure and it is vital that we keep that pressure up," Mr Johnson said.

"There are a lot of measures that we are proposing to do with extra sanctions on the Syrian regime and their supporters, measures to bring those responsible for war crimes before the International Criminal Court.

"These things will eventually come to bite the perpetrators of these crimes and they should think about it now."

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Mr Kerry made it clear that US president Barack Obama has ruled nothing out but backed Mr Johnson's assertion that support for military solutions is weak.

He said: "I don't see the parliaments of European countries ready to declare war, I don't see a lot of countries deciding that that's the better solution here.

"So we are pursuing diplomacy because those are the tools that we have and we're trying to find a way forward under those circumstances.

"It's easy to say where's the action, but what is the action?

"I have a lot of people who have a lot trouble defining that when they really get down to trying to do it."

The pair called for a fresh ceasefire, just days after Mr Johnson said the US-Russia dialogue aimed at brokering a pause in hostilities appeared to have "run out of road".

But after a meeting between Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and Mr Kerry in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Saturday, Mr Johnson joined his US counterpart in calling for a truce.

The Foreign Secretary also insisted Russia and the Assad regime would not be successful in their "barbaric siege" of Aleppo, where 275,000 civilians are living under daily bombing raids, including alleged gas attacks and the use of highly destructive barrel bombs.

Stressing his belief that Russia and Assad were not capable of winning the war, he added: "So our challenge to the Russians is do the right thing by humanity."

The Foreign Secretary said the talks, which included representatives from Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, Gulf and other Middle Eastern allies, focused on a range of proposals also including identifying al-Nusra terrorists in Aleppo which the regime and Russia are using as an alibi for their air strikes.

Mr Kerry said: "It could stop tomorrow morning, tonight if Russia and the Assad regime were to behave according to any norm or any standard of decency, but they've chosen not to.

"Instead we see what can only be described as crimes against humanity taking place on a daily basis, and hospitals are bombed and children are bombed or gassed."
Brexit is rolling along. With every passing day the outlook becomes clearer and clearer. It is clear that the UK government has no coherent approach to how it is going to manage the transition.

It is clear that the UK is deluding itself that the wilderness of tariffs and non-tariff barriers of the World Trade Organisation will somehow make it wealthier. It is clear it is heading for a hard Brexit.

The UK is rapidly becoming poorer. With sterling plunging to lows not seen since the early years of Queen Victoria, its costs are soaring.

Businesses are edging towards the door. Demand for EU passports has hit record levels. Scotland seems keener than ever to depart the UK. And the status of the North remains unclear.

The budget misses an opportunity to truly Brexit proof the economy.

This is all the more startling when one realises that there was a truly excellent publication on budget day on exposure to Brexit, published by the Department of Finance and written by economists from the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service.

This body has been producing excellent analyses for some time.

Curiously, the report has a disclaimer: The analysis and views set out in this paper are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Finance or the Minister for Finance.

The report makes fairly depressing reading. The greatest exposure is outside Dublin, for manufacturing.

Those sectors, including pharmachem, food and beverage, traditional manufacturing , materials manufacturing and electrical equipment, account for over 75% of total manufacturing and for close to 100,000 jobs.

Apart from pharmachem, the department notes that the exposed sectors are mostly Irish owned, regionally based, have relatively low-profit levels and have a greater share of small medium-sized enterprises.

"In addition, they have a relatively high multiplier and account for a relatively high share of employment in regions which have experienced a slower labour market recovery since the financial crisis period.

Brexit, in other words, has the potential to knock the stuffing out of a large chunk of domestic industry outside Dublin. The outlook for services is no better.

The largest exposed sector, tourism and travel, employs over 100,000 people and relies on the UK for 40% of its business.

Some fairly clear suggestions emerge from the analysis. The lack of development of large markets outside the UK.

A marketing and sales support scheme in the EU and overseas would repay massive dividends. We need to break the habit of the UK being the first port of call for SMEs.

On imports, we need to shift from the UK to the EU. The supply chain relies on the UK in large part due to cultural and linguistic inertia.

Improved facilities at Rosslare and Cork ports offering freight traffic direct access to the continent would greatly reduce our reliance on the UK. Again, we see nothing on this in the budget.

Brian Lucey is professor of finance at the School of Business at Trinity College Dublin.
Company: iKydz

Location: Park West Industrial Estate, Dublin

Set up: 2015

CEO: John Molloy

Staff: 6

Product: A device to control childrens internet usage

Website: www.iKydz.com

With the retail launch of a device designed to provide total control over a childs use of home wi-fi, Dublin company iKydz believes it is offering the perfect gift to give to any parent this Christmas.

IKydz is a plug and play box which works by creating a safe network and is unique because it physically controls the internet traffic. Parents can use it to block pornography, block specific sites, block individual devices and set time limits on internet use and on the use of specific sites, reveals company founder John Molloy.

He says he created it to provide an alternative to the standard parental controls which can be bypassed by any tech-savvy teenager in five minutes, and also, to offer a less confrontational option to confiscating much-loved devices.

Working in conjunction with an app which can be downloaded from the internet and used from anywhere, the device, according to Mr Molloy, is tamper proof and allows parents to stay in control as long as they arent foolish enough to share the wi-fi access code with their children.

Setting up the company last year, he used crowdfunding to build sufficient devices to test the market and started selling them online.

We are now planning a retail launch at the Ideal Homes Show in Dublin at the end of this month. We have also signed a deal which will see iKydz go on sale in up to 100 retail outlets in the UK in November, he says.

A regional finalist in this years Intertrade Ireland Seedcorn Competition, iKydz has found a Chinese manufacturer for its device, and expects the first shipment of 3,500 units to be dispatched within a few weeks.

Since we launched nine months ago we have had sales in 28 countries  in Europe Australia, Canada, the US and Bolivia. We have already sold 900 units online and the orders keep coming, he says.

The inspiration which led Mr Molloy to develop the iKydz in 2014 was desperation. An IT consultant who travelled a lot, he spent a great deal of time remotely accessing his home router to prevent his three teenage children spending their time on the internet and from accessing unsuitable sites.

Deciding there had to be a better way, he set out to invent one.

Working on the project for over a year at night in hotel rooms, he got assistance from software developers and by last year, had the concept worked out.

At that point I wanted to validate it  to find out if people would be willing to buy it, he says.

He launched a Kickstarter campaign in December which by February had raised 33,343 from 267 backers. Using this money to source the components, he assembled the first units from his home, enlisting his teenage children for help.

In April, Mr Molloy began working full time on the project. He rented business premises at Park West Industrial Estate and brought entrepreneur Paul Van der Berg on board as sales director and investor.

Finding a manufacturing company in China proved complicated but the company signed an agreement three weeks ago.

Mr Molloy is now in discussions with electrical retailers in Ireland and the UK and plans to explore retail markets in Europe.

Now employing six staff, the company is working on enhancing the device to allow it to be used on phones. Mr Molloy says he has trademarked the iKydz brand and applied for patents.

A further 2,000 units are due for shipment later in October. IKydz, which sells online for 99, aims to a achieve turnover of 1m this year.

We believe we can develop sales to the retail market in Ireland and the UK in 2017 and grow this to 5m, he says.

While parents may welcome the availability of the iKydz device, the response from children is not enthusiastic.

When he launched online for the Christmas market last year, Mr Molloy found himself being called Webenezer Scrooge.
He told a conference in Athens last week that the Common Agricultural Policy is an economic, environmental and social policy.

The environmental leg of the stool is crucially important and without three legs on a stool you all know what happens, he said Stressing that the environmental dimension of CAP is here to stay, he said he will not stand by and watch us lower our level of environmental ambition.

Mr Hogan said there are undoubted opportunities for European agriculture and the future is green growth and increasingly dynamic markets.

The key to achieving these opportunities is sustainability. The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) recently identified sustainable agriculture as being paramount to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.

He said that the FAO also estimates that agricultural production must rise by 60 per cent by 2050 to feed growing population.

Europe and European farmers can be part of the solution and we must help them to do so through the CAP, which itself has delivered food security for the people of Europe for more than 50 years, he said.

Mr Hogan accepted that the last few years have been difficult for the sector and he was certainly not suggesting any complacency.

I know only too well how fragile recovery in the agricultural markets can be and all of us know that many of the potential challenges to that recovery relate to issues about which we can do nothing.

The challenge, therefore, is to shape and sharpen our policy instruments to empower farmers to face these challenges, he told the conference, held by Copa and Cogeca, the umbrella bodies for European farmers and co-ops.

Predicting there are tremendous opportunities for European agriculture and farmers,

Mr Hogan said he believed those will be delivered through green growth and dynamic markets.
A cross-party group of legislators at the weekend demanded the government publish a substantive outline of its plans and submit it to a vote in parliament before invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the formal mechanism for withdrawing from the EU.

The group, which includes former Liberal Democrat deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, and former opposition Labour Party leader Ed Miliband, argues that the June Brexit referendum only asked voters whether they wanted to exit the 28-nation bloc, not on what terms.

The referendum was a mandate for Brexit, but there is no mandate from the referendum for a hard, destructive Brexit, Mr Miliband said in a comment for the Open Britain campaign.

This is not about overturning the result but giving parliament a say in determining the terms of our departure from the EU, he said.

While any parliament vote would be non-binding, it could be awkward for the Conservative prime minister, who was last week forced to back a Labour motion calling for proper scrutiny of her strategy.

Speculation is growing that Ms Mays determination to curb immigration could cost Britain its tariff-free access to the EU single market of 450m people, damaging the UK economy.

Concern about a so-called hard Brexit has sent the pound to a three-decade low and revived the prospect of a second independence referendum in Scotland, where voters strongly back staying in the EU.

Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon said proposals will be published in the coming weeks to keep Scotland inside the EU single market, even if the rest of the UK leaves.

In a boost for those seeking a soft Brexit, two polls over the weekend suggested voters see trade as more important than immigration in the looming Brexit talks.

According to ComRes, 49% of Britons think the government should prioritise getting a good trade deal with the EU, whereas only 39% put control of immigration first.
Con Ryan, Glown, Upperchurch, Co Tipperary, was presented with the Paddy Fitzgerald Memorial Award and a 2,000 cheque at a dinner in Adare, Co Limerick.

The award was established 23 years ago by a Trust set up to commemorate Paddy Fitzgerald, Caherconlish, Co Limerick, a founder member of what is now the Irish Farmers Association.

Mr Fitzgerald, a former Munster vice president of the association, died 29 years ago but his contribution to rural Ireland is remembered every second year by the Memorial Trust, headed by John Dillon, the former IFA president.

Con Ryan was presented with the award by Fiona Muldoon, chief executive, FBD, sponsors since the inception of the competition, and also there to congratulated him was the current IFA president Joe Healy.

Tim Cullinan, chairman, Tipperary North IFA, which nominated Con for the award, described him as a true family man with a deep love of the land and a strong commitment to fellow farmers and to keeping his community vibrant.

Con Ryan speaking at the awards ceremony.

Con Ryans story, as outlined in the nominating submission from Tipperary North IFA, is indeed reflective of a great generation of people who grew up in difficult economic times in rural Ireland, worked hard to develop their farms and yet found time to provide support and leadership in their own communities.

A powerful and passionate speaker, who was born in 1937, the eldest of a family of four boys, he had to finish his early education at 13 years of age due to the ill health of his aging father.

He worked with neighbouring farmers for 3 a week while trying to build up the familys 60-acre farm of marginal land which carried four cows.

A heifer credit scheme created by the National Farmers Association and the banks helped him increase cow numbers. The scheme enabled allowed farmers with one third of the price of an in-calf heifer to borrow the remaining two-thirds from the bank.

Con married primary school teacher Mary Connolly in 1965, grew his cow numbers to 24 and bought land which was possible due to his wifes salary and support. By the early 1970s he was milking 100 cows.

A progressive farmer, he embraced many new ideas with the help of agriculture adviser Hugh OHara.

One initiative was spreading bagged nitrogen which was frowned upon by many farmers at the time. Con and Mary, who have nine children, were always prominent in the life of the community.

His leadership was called upon in 1973 when Agriculture Minister Mark Clinton announced the disadvantaged area scheme for the 12 western counties.

The Sliabh Felim area, which takes in north and south Tipperary and east Limerick, was not included. A campaign to get the European Commission in Brussels to overturn the decision was launched.

Con was elected chairman of the IFA Rural Development Committee in North Tipperary and later headed the national committee.

Sliabh Felim was finally included in the scheme and an area payment was also secured for other areas around the country. Today, it is worth 205 million to almost 100,000 farmers.

After being involved in many IFA campaigns, Con devoted his time and energy towards something close to his heart - the survival of rural life in Upperchurch. He could see that proper services and amenities were required in order to retain the population.

A Community Development Council was set up in 1990, with Con as chairman. It organised a festival called Ned of the hill to raise funds and give the area a profile.

The committee began looking at a social housing scheme, having identified that many of its ageing community were living in remote and isolated areas.

Without these houses they would have had to leave their Upperchurch community and move into Thurles town.

With the support of St Vincent de Paul and other agencies, the Community Council built 11 houses for individuals and families. These are all now fully paid for and owned by the community.

The provision of a creche was the next project tackled. Con was not a member of this committee as he was involved in other projects which would have created a conflict of interest.

However, his familys generosity to the project is to be greatly admired, the Tipperary North IFA nominating submission states.

It explains that Con and his wife Mary purchased the old school house in the area on behalf of the committee for over 60,000. It was to be redeveloped for use as the creche.

Approval hadnt been received for grant aid at this time and it was later decided to build on a green field site.

Con and Mary resold the property for a massive 240,000 and gave the profits of 180,000 to the creche committee. Surely a testament of their commitment to the community.

The promotion of hill walking in Upperchurch, his work as a FAS supervisor and as a Rural Recreation Officer for Tipperary, the development of Lough Derg walk and his leadership of local groups are all part of his legacy.

Con is quick to point out that the support of Leader for funding is a major factor in the development of many projects in Upperchurch where he is still hugely involved in community activities.

His involvement with the Self Help charity took him to Malawi on a charity walk. The fund raising target for each participant was 3,000  Con raised 11,000.

After being presented with the Paddy Fitzgerald Award, he said he was humbled and honoured at being chosen. He paid tribute to the seven other nominees and thanked all who had helped him over the years.

But anything he had ever achieved, he said, would not have been possible without the help and support of his wife Mary.
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland has announced that it will pay its suppliers 26c per litre, including Vat, for their September milk.

GII has increased its base price by 2cpl to 25 cpl for manufacturing milk at 3.6% fat and 3.3% protein.

Ornuas September Index returns show that the co-ops should have been able to do at least 27cpl, said Mr Quain.

Unfortunately, Glanbia has decided to come out very early with details of their September milk price and that has now laid down a benchmark, and its hard to imagine the other processors will buck the trend.

Our members were expecting 28-29cpl for September milk. We are not where we want to be. There seems to be a view from outside our industry that our problems are all resolved. Theyre not.

At our meetings in recent weeks, our members are telling us that they are carrying huge debts. The budget was a missed opportunity, and so is this 1cpl increase in the September milk price.

The ICMSA notes that around 4,500 farmers in Ireland have applied for the EUs voluntary reduction scheme.

It says Glanbias milk price move was shortsighted, as many farmers will now reduce output to avail of the scheme at a time when market analysis points to a likely supply shortage in the coming months.

The ICMSA notes that the Ornua PPI now stands at 92.2, which is equivalent to 26.6cpl based on a 6.5cpl processing cost. Its members say the co-ops are exaggerating this processing cost.

Mr Quain also cited spot markets in the UK at 40p per litre, in the Netherlands at 42 cpl and in Italy at 39.2cpl.

A single cent rise is derisory; were calling on co-op boards to insist that their base price for September is at least 27cpl, said Mr Quain.

I will repeat this because it bears repetition  this is the price that Ornua is returning to their co-ops and that is the price which the co-ops need to be returningnow  in full  to their member-suppliers.

Glanbia chairman, Henry Corbally, said he welcomed the recent dairy market improvement and said that Glanbia will continue to monitor markets on a monthly basis.

The board of Glanbia Co-operative Society has decided to pay its members a support payment of 1.0 cpl (including VAT) for September manufacturing and liquid milk supplies.

In June, Glanbia Co-operative Society launched a new 50 million Glanbia Advance Payment (GAP) scheme to provide interest-free cash flow support to its member suppliers in periods when milk prices are weak.

Participation in this voluntary scheme has allowed GII members to draw down interest-free cashflow support from the GAP Scheme when the monthly market price for milk falls below price triggers, set by the co-op board. For the 2016 scheme, the price trigger is set at a GII base price of below 24 cpl (including Vat).

The interest-free reimbursements to the GAP scheme will be triggered when markets exceed 30 cpl.

GII members that have signed up to avail of the 2016 GAP scheme were paid an interest-free cashflow support payment of 2cpl for all eligible milk supplied in May, June and July, as well as 1 cpl for manufacturing milk supplied in August.

In light of the challenging cashflow situation on dairy farms, Glanbias board has extended the final closing date for applications for the 2016 GAP scheme to November 30.

Members interested in availing of the scheme should contact the Co-Op shares office on 058-22241 or speak with their local farm development manager.
Bord Bia and a record 27 Irish food exporters were in Paris yesterday for the launch of the biennial Salon International dAlimentation (Sial), the biggest food fair in the world this year.

Irish numbers are up by a third, with post-Brexit market diversification a key theme among Irish food exporters.

Some 160,000 food buyers and 7,000 exhibitors from more than 100 countries are at the five-day Sial expo.

Bord Bia CEO Aidan Cotter said: Maintaining the status quo will not be sufficient to deliver the results necessary to increase our export value to 19bn by 2025. Our key markets in the EU and new and established international markets will have to deliver more than incremental growth.

We took account of this in framing our strategy document Making a World of Difference which is our new reference point for growing the value of our exports in what are now even challenging times.

Ireland accounts for 17% of all EU beef imported by France. The Netherlands supplies 26%, while Germany also supplies 17%.

Of Irelands 703m in food and drink exports to France in 2015, beef (32%), dairy (20%), seafood (19%), and sheepmeat (11%) made up the majority, while prepared foods and beverages grew.

Research suggests French demand for organic and other healthy food options will grow 15% next year. However, convenience options are also increasingly popular, with more than 3,200 click and collect retail services now operating alongside the dominant hypermarkets.

What authorities call the Americanisation of food is also rising; McDonalds France grew its sales by 2.5% last year.

Our initiatives in the period ahead will be informed by consumer insight, enabled by valued people and infrastructure, underpinned by Origin Green, realised by effective routes to market and supported by strong brand communications, said Aidan Cotter.

Irish companies exhibiting at Sial include Dawn Meats, ABP, Ornua, Glanbia and Kerry Foods, as well as Green Isle, Swift Fine Foods and Gallaghers Bakery.
Ms White, 30, was the ex-girlfriend of Hollywood star, Jim Carey. Her body was found in her Los Angeles home just over a year ago.

The actor is currently embroiled in a court battle with Ms Whites estranged husband, Mark Burton, who alleges that the film star was complicit in her death.

Mr Burton, a Hollywood cameraman, was listed as her next of kin on official documents but the couple had separated and were planning to divorce later this year.

Ms Whites family stated yesterday that no member was involved in any legal action with any party about her death.

They wanted to clarify the public record in relation to recent reporting about their beloved Cathriona.

The statement reads: Contrary to recent media reports, no member of the White family is involved in any legal action with any party in relation to the untimely passing of Cathriona.

It continues: The White family remember their beautiful Cathriona as a wonderful, caring and compassionate person.

The continuous media intrusion and speculation only continues to cause hurt and upset to the family.

They asked that Cathriona be allowed rest in peace with the dignity that she deserved.

The family will not be making any further statement and request the media to respect their privacy.

The Irish beauty therapist was buried alongside her father, Pat, at Cappawhite Cemetery in Co Tipperary. Her father died in 2012 after a 20-year battle with brain cancer.

Mr Carey, 54, helped Ms Whites family carry her coffin through the town to the graveyard and hugged family members as it was lowered into the ground.

It is understood that the actor had been in touch with the family, who wanted him to attend the funeral.

Ms White was found dead in her Los Angeles home after overdosing on prescription drugs.

A coroner recorded her death as suicide.
Chairwoman Ms Justice Mary Laffoy said at the weekend she is investigating a claim by the Pro-Life Campaign that an assembly member has been expressing pro-choice views on social media.

The first issue which the assembly will examine is whether the 1983 amendment to the Constitution on abortion should be repealed.

Ms Laffoy warned the bodys integrity could be undermined if the allegation proved to be true.

The inaugural meeting of the citizens assembly took place at Dublin Castle on Saturday.

Membersdecided to hold four weekend-long meetings on the constitutional restrictions on abortion before submitting a report to legislators.

The 99 ordinary assembly members, chosen by polling company Red C to be broadly representative of the electorate, joined Ms Laffoy and Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the meeting.

Other than the Eighth Amendment, the assembly has been mandated by the legislature to report on the countrys ageing population, fixed-term parliaments, referendums, and climate change.

Ms Laffoy told the assembly abortion is the particularly sensitive and contentious issue before them and pledged that openness will be an underlying feature of their work on all five of the topics they will discuss over the coming year.

An Oireachtas committee will discuss the assemblys findings next year. Ms Laffoy said she will probably be calling for submissions on the Eighth next week.

Thanking the members for participating, Mr Kenny said the issues they will discuss are beyond party politics.
Tony Bovaird, director of independent think-tank Governance International, said the so-called minority reports proposals are much better substantiated by its arguments as opposed to the controversial majority report published by the government-appointed Cork Local Government Review (CLGR) committee last year which recommended a merger of the city and county councils.

His detailed, unpublished review, which has been obtained by the Irish Examiner, is the first international and independent assessment of the September 2015 merger report which split the five-person CLGR group, sparked a political storm, and triggered an unprecedented legal challenge by City Hall.

The impasse has also prompted the establishment by Local Government Minister Simon Coveney of a new committee to review the process.

The Irish Examiner has learned that Prof Bovaird was commissioned by University College Cork (UCC) to examine and critique the two CLGRreports late last year as it sought to arrive at its own position on the future of Corks local government structures.

He examined both under several headings, and assessed them against international evidence. In his conclusion, he said: I believe the option of separate city and countycouncils, with a significant extension to the city council boundary, is much better substantiated by the arguments presented in the reports and by the international evidence base.

UCC president Michael Murphy declined to comment. UCC academic Theresa Reidy, who co-authored the minority report, also declined to comment while the CLGR reports and documents are being reviewed again. Prof Bovaird said his report speaks for itself.

However, business consultant Alf Smiddy, who chaired the CLGR group, dismissed Prof Bovairds report as a highly superficial academic essay.

He said: It is clear that the academic had only a superficial grasp and understanding of the Smiddy report, and completely failed to understand what was actually being recommended.

I would describe this as a highly superficial academic essay with little depth or substance, gliding over recommendations with personal unsubstantiated opinions, and which, bizarrely, completely misses many of the key points and recommendations of the Smiddy report.
The move to amend the Montreal Protocol  which agreed the global phasing-out of chemicals that damage the ozone layer  to include climate-harming gases known as hydrofluorocarbons or HFCs, has been hailed by campaigners.

Friends of the Earth Chairwoman, Cara Augustenborg, described it as a positive step and the equivalent of stopping all fossil fuel burning stations for two years.

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten said the amendment was  a significant step towards delivering the goals of the Paris COP 21 Agreement, he said.

He confirmed that Ireland was one of 16 countries which had pledged to contribute an additional amount of 160,000 to the multilateral fund to assist developing countries meet their obligations under the protocol.

But Ireland is one of only two European countries who are on course to miss their 2020 greenhouse gas emissions targets, according to the Environmental Pillar .

And we are also one of just two countries around the world which have yet to begin a national ratification process on the Paris agreement ahead of UN talks in Marrakesh next month on implementing the accord.

The Irish target for greenhouse gas cuts between 2021 and 20130 will be decided at European level. Ireland is pushing to reduce this target as we are already behind with the 2020 target.

HFCs have been used in recent years to replace the ozone-damaging chemicals in refrigeration and air conditioning, However they are powerful greenhouse gases which trap thousands of times more heat than carbon dioxide. They are also the fastest growing greenhouse gas, with emissions increasing by up to 10% each year, the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) said.

Under the deal, developed countries will start to phase down HFC use by 2019, while developing countries will freeze consumption levels in 2024 or for some countries in 2028. By the late 2040s all countries are expected to consume no more than 15%-20% of their baseline levels, in a move that it is hoped will prevent up to 0.5C of global warming by the end of the century.

The deal, agreed by almost 200 countries meeting in Rwanda, is the third major agreement struck on tackling climate change in the past year.

Last December, the worlds first comprehensive treaty on climate change, the Paris Agreement, was struck in the French capital. The deal, which comes into force next month, commits countries to keep global temperature rises to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to keep rises to no more than 1.5C.

Earlier this month, a deal was agreed to curb the growing emissions from international flights.

UN environment chief Erik Solheim said: Last year in Paris, we promised to keep the world safe from the worst effects of climate change. Today, we are following through on that promise. This is about much more than the ozone layer and HFCs. It is a clear statement by all world leaders that the green transformation started in Paris is irreversible and unstoppable. It shows the best investments are those in clean, efficient technologies, he said.
Currently, the council has two tenancy support workers (TSWs) dealing specifically with homelessness in the North and West Cork areas, but not in the councils southern division.

The southern area encompasses sizeable towns such as Carrigaline, Ballincollig, Youghal, Midleton, Glanmire and Cobh  where homelessness is a bigger issue.

The TSW role includes the prevention of, and early intervention, in homelessness through support, advice and practical help.

According to council officials, the aim is to enable people to maintain stable accommodation and develop skills to sustain independent tenancies. In addition, the TSWs have developed and maintained links with relevant agencies, both voluntary and statutory, to deal with homelessness.

Officials released figures in relation to the workload of the TSW employed in North Cork which showed an official was snowed under, dealing with 228 individual cases in the past 10 months.

Councillors said it was obvious the official needed help with the workload, but turned their attention to the lack of a corresponding position in the southern division.

Cllr Des OGrady said the service should be extended into the more metropolitan southern area. He acknowledged there are three homeless facilities funded by the Department of Social Protection and Cork County Council, and a joint homeless forum with Cork City Council. However he said there was still a glaring gap with the lack of a TSW in the area.

Cllr Noel Collins, who was a social worker for many years in Britain, agreed that there should be more TSWs. He said he was inundated every week with people frightened theyre going to lose their homes due to rising rents and they were offered little hope because of the lack of housing.

Cobh-based Cllr Sinead Sheppard said she recently had to try and help a young mother with a three-year-old child and six-month-old baby secure a homeless shelter. It was vital, she said, a TSW was employed in her area.

Many families are now getting a months notice to quit  our lack of social housing is really becoming apparent, Cllr Ian Doyle added. County mayor Seamus McGrath said: We need as many supports as we can have in place.

Council chief executive Tim Lucey said he would examine the possibility of providing extra TSW supports as part of the councils 2017 budget.
Licences will be required by every street trader and council officials, along with gardai, will have greater powers to inspect market stalls.

Maps, defining the areas of business, have been created and operating outside a designated area will result in an on-the-spot fine.

The designated spaces are also designed to prevent any disruptions to traffic flows.

Applicants for a casual trading licence will pay an administrative fee of 10 and a charge for trading, at a rate to be determined by the local authority. Traders will be able to pay fees in advance or on the day of trading.

The council will also issue special event licences with applications necessary 30 days in advance. This will also apply to horse fairs, such as the annual Cahermee fair in Buttevant.

It will be an offence to bring unfit horses to such events and, furthermore, an offence not to provide the animal with water and feed on the day.

Council official Liz Donovan said the bylaws were the first step in trying to manage what is a difficult issue.

She said people who sell local produce would be exempt from applying for a licence.

Copies of the proposed bylaws are available by logging onto www.corkcoco.ie and people who want to make submissions on them have until December 16. Submissions should be made in writing to the Director of Corporate Services, Floor 14, County Hall Cork and the envelope should be marked Submission on Draft Casual Trading Bylaws.

Traders, meanwhile, will only be allowed to operate between 7am and 5pm, unless the council decides to grant a special permit to sell outside these hours.

They will not be able to start setting up their stalls until 6am, unless they have prior agreement from the council and will be prohibited from parking any vehicles in the trading bays overnight.

Traders will also be allocated a special bay to operate from within the designated casual trading area.

Those selling food or drink will be obliged to ensure they provide litter bins within the vicinity of the stall.

Gas cylinders used for cooking will be subject to checks by members of the fire service.

If trading bays are not occupied by a trader for six consecutive days within the period March to December the council can serve notice on the traders that it will reallocate the space to somebody else.

The proposed bylaws indicated the council can revoke licences with immediate effect if it considers the trader has committed a serious breach of it rules.

Council officials and gardai will have the right to inspect licences and also to inspect what is being sold.

Serious offences  such as assault, threatening or abusive behaviour, illegal possession of drugs, offering for sale stolen, pirated or counterfeit goods  will result in the immediate revocation of a traders licence.

Minor offences, such as trading outside a designated bay, will be treated with an on-the-spot fine of 75. If fines are not paid within 14 days, the council will take the case to court.
FRENCH president Charles de Gaulle once asked: How can anyone govern a nation that has 246 different kinds of cheese? Ireland may have a narrower range of cheeses than France, but the good news is that, contrary to popular belief, cheese confers considerable health benefits.

For example, in a recent article in the European Journal of Nutrition, Chinese researchers analysed 15 well-designed, published studies and reported: [W]e found that high compared with low cheese consumption was significantly associated with 1014 % lower risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Furthermore, there was a somewhat U-shaped association between cheese consumption and overall CVD risk, with the largest risk reduction observed at cheese consumption of approximately 40 g/d.

So how much cheese is consumed in Ireland? A recent report from Irish researchers in the British Journal of Nutrition stated that the mean daily intake is 18g. But how can a salty fatty food such as cheese be healthy? I asked Dr Emma Feeney, the reports lead author and one of Irelands leading nutrition experts.

Dr Feeney  who co-ordinates human intervention studies in the Healthy Cheeses work package of Food for Health Ireland research centre  explained that nutrition research has traditionally focussed on single nutrients. However, we eat food, not nutrients. So we must try, said Dr Feeney, to understand how foods as a whole interact when we eat them. The matrix or structure of a food is hugely important.

This matrix effect applies to dairy in general and cheese in particular, whereby the whole seems to more than the sum of the parts.

Although cheese is a significant source of saturated fat and sodium, Dr Feeney emphasises that cheese is also a concentrated source of nutrients, providing protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins B12 and K2, and is low in lactose, the main sugar in milk. Other health benefits, she adds, include anti-hypertensive  or blood pressure-lowering  effects in some ripened cheeses, and the fact that casein-based cheeses, ie most cheeses, are low in lactose and suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Dr Feeney says there is strong evidence contradicting the misconception that cheese raises LDL-cholesterol.

When we look at the amount of saturated fat in cheese - about 60% of the fat in dairy fat is saturated - it should be a low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol-raising food.

Yet Dr Feeney points out that around 10 studies in the last decade have shown that this is not the case: In the case of cheese, weve strong evidence from randomised controlled trials demonstrating that even in large amounts - 100g plus a day, i.e., more than half a block - cheese doesnt appear to raise LDL-cholesterol compared to the same fat from butter. But why? Its to do with that nutrient matrix effect: There are various hypotheses for this effect, Dr Feeney explains. Part of the reason is due to the calcium in cheese, which appears to form soaps with some of the fat, resulting in more faecal fat excretion.

There may also be an effect from the way fat globules are packaged. When butter is churned, the fat droplets are mashed up, and the milk fat globule membrane is broken. Theres a small amount of a specific type of fat in this membrane, which is removed when butter is made, but which remains in cheese, and studies suggest that this particular fat can provide a small protective effect as it can influence cholesterol metabolism.

Dr Feeney points to how easily information about the health benefits of cheese can be misconstrued: For example, I noticed recently on RTEs Operation Transformation that Katherine Lynch was concerned about high cholesterol, and mentioned a few times that she needed to cut down on cheese.

This highlights the common misconception that cheese can raise LDL-cholesterol, even though strong scientific evidence contradicts this. In recent years, there has been much debate about the so-called French paradox. The term, says Feeney, refers to the fact that when the link between saturated fat intake and heart disease was examined in different countries, there was a strong association between the percentage energy derived from saturated fat and levels of heart disease. But France stood out as having a very high saturated fat intake but low levels of heart disease: a paradox.

This was originally suggested to be due to the resveratrol in red wine, but researchers now wonder if it is due to the high cheese consumption in France, particularly some of the blue veined cheeses.

And in a recent report in the journal Medical Hypotheses, French researchers noted that the digestive enzyme intestinal alkaline phosphatase, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties is directly stimulated by various components of milk (eg casein, calcium, lactose and even fat).

It seems that biting into a good hunk of Irish cheese confers more health benefits than you might think.
A BOOK just published in the US has put the cat among the pigeons. In Cat Wars, the Devastating Consequences of a Cuddly Killer, Peter Marra and Chris Santella call for an all-out war on free-ranging cats. Dr Marra is director of Washingtons Smithsonian Migratory Bird Centre. Santella is a journalist and travel writer.

Cats outnumber dogs by about 20% in America. There are 74m to 96m house cats and about 70m feral ones. Some 34% of homes have a cat. Marra and Santella claim that felines kill 130m to 400m birds each year and spread disease to animals and humans. Britains nine million cats kill 55m birds annually.

Examining the Irish situation for this column four years ago, we estimated that the bird mortality here is around 4m. Felis catus is among the hundred most invasive alien species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

More birds reptiles and mammals are killed by cats in America than fall victim to vehicles wind turbines and window collisions combined. Marra and Santella say that the problem is worsening. An ecological and public-health disaster is pending. Like the climate-change deniers, cat owners are a powerful special-interest group resisting change. Owners do not view the birds and mammals that fall prey to domestic cats as sentient beings but, instead, as playthings for their beloved companions.

Most owners accept their pets threaten birds. They want to address the problem but the measures proposed in Cat Wars raise their hackles. The trap-neuter-return approach, in which feral cats are captured neutered and released, is deemed to be no solution. Spayed cats cant reproduce but they continue killing birds. Providing havens for them encourages people to dump unwanted animals, exacerbating the problem.

Marra and Santella want all strays eliminated. From a conservation ecology perspective, the most desirable solution seems clear; remove all free-ranging cats from the landscape by any means necessary they advocate. How not to win friends and influence people!

Few bird-lovers share their views. Britains largest conservation charity, the RSPB, doesnt favour a war on cats; many of its million-plus members are cat owners. Killing by any means necessary is especially repugnant but Marra says that they dont advocate the inhumane treatment of animals. Ecology professor Marc Bekoff, writing in The Huffington Post, thinks the killing of all free-ranging cats truly is a murderous experiment, its ethically indefensible and likely wont work.

Cats have been our companions for a very long time; they have earned our respect. Farming began in the Middle East around 12,000 years ago. Rodents raided grain stores, spreading disease. Cats were welcomed as pest controllers and soon became semi-domesticated. Seed-eating birds also were attracted to the cereal bonanza.

Domestic cats arrived in Europe with the Neolithic revolution over 5,000 years ago. The immigrants, derived from the north African race of the species, interbred with the native wildcats and still do.

The history of cats in America is different: The domestic species is completely alien there. The first ones arrived with European settlers during the 17th century. American birds, therefore, have had less time to adapt to their presence.

Some argue that the term domestic cat is an oxymoron; all cats, they say, are wild. Pussy lives with you on her terms; you dont own her. A dog is mans best friend, a cat is a cats best friend. We dont object to hawks and falcons taking birds; its their nature to do so. Unless the feral cat is reducing biodiversity, shouldnt we treat it as yet another predatory species?
Following on from his investigation into the Internet in Lo and Behold, now the documentarian is squaring up to Volcanos for his new fact-based trip.

Here's the trailer for Into the Inferno.
PROFESSOR Marshall Mc Luhan was a bit like Andy Warhol. Neither of them said much that was memorable or important, but the two of them nevertheless made it into every dictionary of quotations ever published. That was because they had a strange gift for coining sentences that rattle around the back of the public mind like the chorus of a bad song.

Warhols was the prediction that, In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes. This supposedly featured in the catalogue when he exhibited some of his work in the late 1960s in Stockholm. Another guy has tried to pull the rug out from under this one by claiming that what Warhol actually said was In the future, everyone will be world-famous, and the other guy, sensibly and presciently, said Yeah. For about 15 minutes.

Warhol himself claimed, a decade or so after he was supposed to have said it, that he didnt say it. It wasnt that it was getting him into trouble, like the words of Donald Trump are getting him into trouble a couple of decades after he said them in the presence of an open microphone. It was just that he hadnt said it and wasnt up for taking credit for it. Doesnt matter. If it doesnt sound like it came from Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain or any of those quotation-skewers, whore you going to call on for attribution other than Warhol and what harm does it do him, seen as how hes good and dead anyway?

It makes him sound smart and prophetic, like that other quote-spewer, Marshall McLuhan. Every counter-cultural baby-boomer who went to university or just read a lot in the nineteen sixties has yellowing paperbacks of Marshall McLuhans work on their bookshelves, right beside those of Ivan Illich and separated from JD Salinger only because the orangey Penguin paperback of The Catcher in the Rye has to be kept in the fiction department for some reason that, with passing time, has faded.

McLuhan was the one who wrote an impenetrable volume called Understanding Media, which was about as easy to understand as Ullyses. The advantage it had over Joyces work was that it was shorter. Impenetrable but brief is a whole lot better than impenetrable and interminable.

McLuhan did tend to scatter the odd quotable quote throughout his otherwise porridge-like work. Like The Medium is the Message, which allowed scholarly adolescents to do hash-fuelled nocturnal personal interpretations to each other the way they also, in the 1960s, did boozed-up personal interpretations of The Catcher in the Rye to each other. Those who talk, these days, of the pressures students are under have no notion the self-restraint required, back in the day, not to brain McLuhan and Salinger interpreters. Especially as the night wore on and a candle-grease coated empty Chianti bottle was just begging to be used for braining purposes.

McLuhan has been proven weirdly correct in recent times when social media took hold like a bad case of toe fungus. Once we began to hear the phrase Twitter went mad, as if Twitter were the new embodiment of the madwoman in the attic of Jane Eyres boyfriends house, we realised McLuhan had nailed it. The message had become one with and subordinate to, its conduit.

The latest thing Twitter has gone mad about is clowns. Clowns are this quarters equivalent of the ice-bucket challenge. Just drier and not for charity. Real clowns are weeping into their greasepaint as a social-media-spun clown-craze sweeps the world and brings professional clowns into disrepute to such an extent, some of them maintain, that it is threatening their capacity to earn an honest living by wearing grotesque costumes, shoes that are impossible to walk in and heavy make up. What they need is to enveigle the Kardashians, who do all three, to support them in their hour of need.

They cant call on that great  and strangely slender  calorie pusher and singularly repellent clown, Ronald McDonald. Ronald has effectively been withdrawn to barracks, to try to keep him out of a craze which has seen children allegedly lured into a forest in South Carolina by bad lads dressed as clowns, clown-apparelled folk leaping from hidden spaces in British cities in order to scare the bejasus out of passersby, and imitation clowns turning up in schools elsewhere wielding machetes. When social media has re-booted the whole clown thing and brought it into disrepute, no hamburger peddler is going to hang their public relations around a red-headed one of them. Which, in a small way, is bad for jobs.

You might not have seen Ronald McDonald as offering career starts to young people, but he has been precisely that in the relatively recent past. A friend of mine who is a household name on TV once, in his youthfully poor days, spent a few months serving as a Ronald McDonald, and according to him, the selection and training process was impressively rigorous. Proving himself to be pure as the driven snow wasnt nearly enough. When he was doing an event, hed be pulled aside every half hour by a helper who shot his mouth full of breath freshener, lest any of the kids get a bad smell from his mouth. Talk about attention to detail.

The only clown I ever loved was the one in a movie from 1990 called Quickchange, where Bill Murray plays a burned out crook who decides to effect a bank robbery dressed in full circus regalia. The robbery is planned for the last few opening minutes of the business day. He gets stopped at the entrance by a bank bouncer who bars his path, saying, contemptuously, Closing time, Bozo. Murrays response is to pull out a sub-nosed automatic pistol, wave the guy aside and state Thats Mr Bozo to you.

The great myth has always been that children adore clowns. No, they dont. No, they never have. As I reported in a book that I wrote about fear, A study conducted by the University of Sheffield found that children did not like clown decor in hospital or doctors office settings. Loud and clear, the children surveyed made it clear; forget clowns. No clowns, thank you very much. Many of them, like many adults, suffer from coulrophobia, an active terror of the red-nosed horrors.

And this has to do with McLuhan why?

Because McLuhans other memorable line was that mass media was going to turn the world into a global village. The weird experience of the last couple of weeks with clowns suggests he was right. The clown frenzy has, like the Zika virus, crossed continents and reshape itself into a category-killing controversy, with social media stoking the desire of morons to dress up in silly costumes in order to annoy other people.

The reality is that mass media gave us a global village. Now that social media has been added into the mix, what we have is an amplified version of the McLuhan statement. A global village, disproportionately populated by village idiots.
News Aid Delegation Meets Displaced Arakan State Communities

Members of an aid delegation tour IDP camps surrounding Sittwe on Friday. / Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy

SITTWE, Arakan State  A delegation United Nation (UN), led by the under-secretary general of the UNs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), visited displaced communities outside of the Arakan State capital of Sittwe on Friday.

Reporters from The Irrawaddy accompanied Stephen OBrien, who also serves as UN OCHAs emergency relief coordinator, on the trip to one of the regions internally displaced peoples (IDP) camps which have housed disproportionate numbers of the Rohingya Muslim minority since riots forced an estimated 140,000 people from their homes in 2012.

The delegation first visited Thet Kae Pyin IDP campisolated behind police checkpointsand met Rohingya community leaders who asked OBrien when they might be able to return to their homes and attain greater freedom of movement.

I worry a lot about what will happen to my childrens generation, as they do not have education, one leader said.

Khin Sein, a Rohingya midwife, spoke at the meeting of the difficulty faced by those in the camp regarding access to health care. If someone is sick and needs to go to a hospital in Sittwe, she said, they must rent a car and be accompanied by security forces. The cost of this trip alone can be 20,000-30,000 kyats (US$15-$23).

Upon arriving at the hospital, we have to ask the police to buy food for us, Khin Sein added. If they do not, then we will have no food to eat.

Income is difficult to come by in the camps, as jobs are scarce, limited to trishaw operation, the cultivation of small vegetable plots, and occasional fishing. Many Rohingya once owned tea shops, restaurants, and markets in Sittwe prior to the 2012 riots.

Kyaw Hla, an elderly Rohingya community leader, was once a politician.

He expressed frustration with the lack of recognition provided to the Muslim minority, who are labeled as Bengali by the government and have largely seen their citizenship revoked.

Even ex-dictator Ne Win recognized us as Rohingya, he said, unlike Burmas last president, Thein Sein, who treated us as outsiders, a policy which he pointed out has continued.

We have our house registration and our businesses there [in Sittwe]. But they took it, he said, referring to the Arakanese Buddhist residents in the capital. Some Arakanese were also displaced in the riots, and were resettled; the WFP delegation also visited one such resettlement site.

At a meeting with the Arakanese community, UN OCHAs OBrien asked if there had been any recent communication with local Muslims. A group of women present in the meeting collectively said no.

Why do we have to keep in touch with them? she said. We wish and pray to never stay with them again.

OBrien reminded the people present that the delegation was a humanitarian group and could not take sides, but rather, listen to peoples needs in order to improve their situation.

On the way back to Sittwe, a representative from the delegation said that after hearing from both sides, no solution was yet in sight to the crisis.
News Food Price Hikes, Livelihood Restrictions in Maungdaw as Manhunt Continues

Security forces conduct a manhunt through rural areas of Maungdaw Township, northern Arakan State, in pursuit of those behind recent attacks on border guard posts. / Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy

MAUNGDAW, Arakan State  As police and the Burma Army continue their manhunt across rural areas of Maungdaw Township in northern Arakan State for perpetrators of Oct. 9 attacks on border guard posts, Maungdaw locals face rising food prices and livelihood restrictions.

While most of the estimated 250 attackers remain on the runtheir precise identity unknownpolice and locals have claimed that the Oct. 9 attacks were conducted with the crucial involvement of local Muslims, who mostly identify as Rohingya (but whom the government calls Bengali), with police casting suspicion on Rohingya caretakers at the border guard posts.

In the hub town of Maungdaw, close to the Bangladesh border, roadblocks have been imposed at every entrance, and police and army personnel question each Muslim who passes. Last week, an existing curfew from 11p.m.  4 a.m. was extended to 7 p.m.  6 a.m. throughout Maungdaw District, and is rigorously enforced, making the town eerily quiet during curfew hours.

Deliveries of food and commodities to Maungdaw town have been restricted, causing a sudden rise in prices. Since the attacks and the ensuing security clampdown, a bag of rice has gone from 24,000 to 28,000 kyats, one viss (a local measurement equaling 1.63 kilograms) has gone from 1,500 to 2,000 kyats, and one viss of cooking oil has leapt from 2,500 to 3,500 kyats. Even mobile phone users have been hit, with 5,000 kyat MPT top-up cards selling for 5,900 kyats.

Authorities have banned local residents from going out to sea for fishing, which many Rohingya rely on for their livelihoods. Seafood has been scarce in local markets as a result.

The Burma Army and the police have reportedly yet to secure the countryside, where operations have resulted in several dozen deaths among the army, the police and alleged Islamic militants. This has caused Buddhist Arakanese residentswho are estimated to make up less than 10 percent of Maungdaw and neighboring Buthidaung townshipsto continue fleeing from villages to Maungdaw town, where they are staying at relatives houses or at Buddhist monasteries.

During the manhunt by police and the army, many Rohingya have also fled their villagesit is unclear to where. There have been conflicting, unverified reports of village houses being burned by either Burmese security forces or the militants behind the border guard post attacks.

However, the Burma Army has been blocking media access to rural areas of the township where security operations are taking place, on the grounds that it is unsafe, and many local Rohingya have been fearful of talking to media.

Irrawaddy reporters were stopped on Sunday by soldiers at Kyikanpin village in Maungdaw Township, the site of the border guard police headquarters attacked on Oct. 9, and prevented from traveling to Aung Mingalar village, four miles further north, in accordance with a high-level army order received that day.

Police Col. Myo Lin Aung told reporters that the militants had been stashing weaponry in the vicinity of Aung Mingalar, as well as food provisions to last three months.

Among police circles in Maungdaw Township, suspicion has fallen on Rohingya caretakers employed at the border guard headquarters and outposts that came under attack on Oct. 9, with some maintaining that their involvement was essential in the raidsfor instance in seizing the 51 firearms, many of which were stored in hidden locations known to caretakers on the grounds and few others.

Rohingya in are regularly employed as menial labor in government offices, police stations, and businesses owned by Buddhist Arakanese in northern Arakan State. The whereabouts of the caretakers at the border guard posts attacked on Oct. 9 does not appear to be known.

Zaw Htoo, the Buddhist Arakanese administrator for Muslim-majority Ah Lel Than Kyaw village tract, in the southern coastal reaches of Maungdaw Township, said that, Without local [Rohingya] people, they [the militants] could not have raided those police bases.

He said that he personally recognized a man featured in a purported militant propaganda video that has circulated widely on social mediain which armed men call for Muslims to join a jihad in Arakan State to defend the Rohingyaand said he understood the dialect used in the video, which is the same as that spoken by local Muslims in the township.

No one from Bangladesh is involved in this [militant] group. They all are from the north of Maungdaw Township, he said.

Ba Cho, a Rohingya from Ah Lie Than Kyaw who has worked as a medical officer for the government, shared Zaw Htoos belief that the militants were local to northern Maungdaw Township.

We were surprised to hear of it. How could they do it? We have never heard of such a thing in all our lives, he said. We do not support violence.

Village tract administrator Zaw Htoo said they were very worried for their security, since they could see the unregulated movement of people and goods on a daily basis across the river that separates the village cluster from Bangladesh.

They could transport guns by river, he said, and go in and out of Bangladesh at any time. He said that Burmese authorities had seized a cache of illegal firearms near his village in 2012.

All schools in the area have been closed since the beginning of last weekas they have been across Maungdaw Districtand local government staff have fled along with more than 100 Buddhist Arakanese residents, although Ah Lel Than Kyaw village tract has remained peaceful.

Zaw Htoo said that the manhunt conducted by police and the army across the township would continue to prove challenging, due to the militants purported ability to blend in with the local Muslim community, and the reluctance of local Muslims to work with Burmese authorities.

It is hard to know what is going on in their community, he said.

On Friday, the Presidents Office announced that four suspects connected to the Oct. 9 attacks had confessed to belonging to an Islamic militant group called Aqa Mul Mujahidin, linked to the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (a group considered defunct since the 1990s), and to having received funds from outside terrorist organizations and wealthy individuals in the Middle East with the goal of radicalizing local Muslims and occupying parts of northern Arakan State.
News Giant Jade Stone Uncovered in Kachin State

A 210-ton jade stone has been unearthed in Hpakant, Kachin State / Shan Kyi / Facebook

RANGOON  A giant jade stone estimated to weigh 210 tons was uncovered in the jade mining hub of Hpakant in Kachin State last week and is now being guarded by police.

We can say it is the largest piece of jade ever unearthed in Burma, confirmed U Win Htein, director general from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.

The jade stone, measuring 19-feet long by 14-feet high by 15-feet wide, has not yet been valued and how to transport the stone is still under negotiation, according to U Win Htein.

He told The Irrawaddy that the valuable stone was discovered at Yadanar Taung Tann Gems Co.s mine, which is operating in a 60:40 joint venture with the ministry, in Sate Mu village, Hpakant Township last Monday.

A 3,000-ton piece was found in the state in [the year] 2000 but was not uncovered, U Win Htein said, making this the largest piece of jade unearthed in Burma. The previous slab of jade was more than 70-feet long by 20-feet high by 16-feet wide and donated to the ruling junta.

A report released by the London-based NGO Global Witness in October last year revealed that vast revenues generated by Burmas jade trade continue to flow into the pockets of senior military officials and well-connected crony firms.

The report titled Jade: Myanmars Big State Secret estimated that Burmas jade production was valued as high as US$31 billion for the year 2014.

The government has announced that all remaining jade mining licenses will expire in 2018, and licenses will only be considered for renewal after the completion of an environmental management plan for jade mining areas of Kachin State.
News Maungdaw Police Chief Replaced

Minister of Home Affairs Lt-Gen Kyaw Swe in Maungdaw Township on Monday. / Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy

MAUNGDAW, Arakan StateBurmas Minister of Home Affairs has replaced the Border Guard Force police chief of Maungdaw Township over the recent fatal attacks on three border guard outposts in the area.

The Minister, Lt-Gen Kyaw Swe, told the media that he had appointed Thura San Lwin as a successor to Maung Maung Khin during a tour to the township in northern Arakan State on Monday.

I am really not pleased with what happened, so I replaced the leadership at once, he said.

I have appointed a person who I can trust, said the minister. He [Thura San Lwin] has experience from fighting Communist armed groups and he will be in charge of operations.

The minister vowed that we will do our best to provide security for local people.

Fatal attacks on border guard police posts on Oct. 9, followed by a manhunt focused on Maungdaw Township, has led to several dozen deaths among police, Burma Army soldiers and militants suspected of looting 51 guns and thousands of ammunitions from the three outposts.

On Friday, Burma Presidents Office announced that the attacks were reportedly masterminded by a Taliban-trained militant with an affiliation to the long-defunct Rohingya Solidarity Organization.

Lt-Gen Kyaw Swe said on Monday that 16 suspects have been detained and are being interrogated. Based on intelligence from interrogations, the army and police will launch more military operations in northern parts of Maungdaw, where other suspects are believed to be hiding.

The government has an obligation to bring all the looted weapons back, he said. Therefore there will be more operations in northern Maungdaw,
News Sagaing Ferry Accident Kills at Least 29

Location of the rescue operation near Michaung Dwin village in Kani Township. / The Irrawaddy

RANGOONRescuers have recovered at least 29 bodies after a ferry carrying some 300 passengers capsized on the Chindwin River in Sagaing Divisions Kani Township on Saturday, the township General Administration Department (GAD) said on Monday.

The privately owned Aung Soe Moe Kyaw-2 ferry, transporting passengers from Homalin to Monywa, reportedly sank in the river near Michaung Dwin village early on Saturday morning, according to the local emergency rescue team.

A total of 159 survivors have been found and were provided temporary shelter at hospitals and monasteries near the village, a GAD official at the location of the rescue operation told The Irrawaddy on Monday.

Of those killed, 23 were women and six were men; the death toll of the accident is expected to climb, the official said.

Lower House lawmaker U Tun Tun Naing of Kani Township said that the accident was allegedly the result of negligence of the helmsman. He added that the helmsman and the owner of the overcrowded ferry both went missing after the incident.

S Willy Frient, Director of the Sagaing Divisions Relief and Resettlement Department said that the ferry was found on Monday and that the rescue team was trying to salvage it.

The ferry was carrying close to 300 passengers and 18 motorcycles while the maximum capacity of the ferry is between 120 and 150 passengers, according to the director. It was filled way beyond its capacity, he told The Irrawaddy.

It is believed that the ferry had life jackets but these were only sufficient to cover one-tenth of the total passengers it was carrying, he added.

He also noted that ferry owners usually travel with their boats and that they fill ferries beyond capacity to earn more money.

The Irrawaddy tried reaching officials from Sagaing Divisions Department of Marine Administration who were at the location of the rescue operation on Monday, but they were not available to comment.

Correction: This article has been modified from an earlier version that incorrectly designated the Department of Marine Administration as the Inland Water Transport Department
Editorial Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Goes to India

Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi at the Bimstec summit in Goa, India. / Ministry of Information / Facebook

Historically, Burma has enjoyed strong relations with India, not with China.

During the countrys independence movement many Burmese politicians had great associations with India. Gen Aung San, Burmas independence hero, was closely connected to Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and his family. Gen Ne Win, Burmas strong-man dictator, had close relations with the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her family.

Buddhism travelled from India to Burma and today, an increasing number of Burmese pilgrims travel to Bodh Gaya in northern India, one of Buddhisms holiest sites.

The wily Britishas many senior Burmese like to call themadministered Burma as a province of India when they colonized the country in the 19th Century. Burmas last monarch King Thibaw spent his final days as a prisoner of the British colonialists in Indias Ratnagiri, a port city on the Arabian Sea.

The king, his family, and many patriotic Burmese will never forgive the British. But when young students began to think of liberating their country from British rule, they looked to India and forged connections with politicians and activists there. Burma and India shared a common dream to be liberated from colonialism. During the colonial period, many wealthy Burmese parents sent their children to India to study.

This week, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi lands in Goa to attend the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (or Bimstec) summit. We will see if and how Indias Burma policy will bring more meaningful engagement between the two countries. Likewise, Burma will re-engage India under a new government that is obviously struggling to rebalance its strategic relations with powerful China.

There is no doubt that we share a common ground. New Delhi is hoping to strengthen warm relations with Burma and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is no stranger to India. Her mother Daw Khin Kyi served as ambassador to India in 1960, she became the first woman to serve as a head of the Burma mission abroad. A young Daw Aung San Suu Kyi went along. Indias then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, who knew Aung San, made a special arrangement for the Aung San family to live on New Delhis 24 Akbar Road in a colonial-era complex designed by Edwin Lutyens.

In late August this year, Indias External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Burma and met with the State Counselor. New Delhi wanted Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to pay an official visit to India, but the new leader made a pragmatic decision to visit China instead. Instead, Burmas President U Htin Kyaw made a four-day visit to India in August. It was obvious, however, that New Delhi was looking to have a substantive dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, not with U Htin Kyaw.

Burma shares a 1,600 km land boundary with Indias northeastern states and India is anxious about a separatist movement on the India-Burma border. Ethnic rebels such as the Assamese, the Manipuri and the Naga have been known to take refuge in Burma and launch raids back across the border. During her visit, Swaraj received assurance that the Burmese government would not allow any insurgent groups to use its territory in attacks against India.

Likewise, India offered to assist the new government in its uphill battle to transform an old system of government. New Delhi has been monitoring closely the recent attacks on the Burma-Bangladesh border by militants with alleged links to terrorist organizations. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will listen to the advice of her Indian counterparts.

Aside from limiting Chinas influence over Burma, New Delhi wants to engage on the economic frontparticularly the energy sector. India is said to be very interested in importing gas and oil from Burma.

Indias Look East policyin which the country sought deeper relations with Southeast Asiawas well publicized, but many Burmese feel New Delhis engagement lags behind that of Beijings. In the geopolitical game, China is ahead of India in Burma. However, to put it frankly, China is not popular among the Burmese people.

Since taking office, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi developed Look East into Act East. How India and Burma engage during Daw Aung San Suu Kyis visit will be vital to his Southeast Asian policy.
Monday, October 17th, 2016 (1:02 am) - Score 3,900

The CEO of UK ISP Europasat (Satellite Solutions Worldwide), Andrew Walwyn, has told ISPreview.co.uk in our latest interview that the Governments plan to introduce a 10Mbps Universal Service Obligation (USO) for broadband cannot be satisfied without subsidised Satellite technology.

As an ISP Europasat, which has its HQ in the United Kingdom and is listed on the London AIM market, was first founded in 2008 and has since become the largest pan-European Satellite broadband distributor with customers in 30 countries (mostly European markets); theyve also just become the biggest one in Britain.

Unlike most such providers, Europasat offers a selection of packages using three physically separate Satellite platforms (spacecraft in orbit around the Earth) from Avanti, SES and Tooway (Eutelsat). However much of their recent growth has been built through the acquisition of rivals, such as the move to gobble Avonline for 10m (here).

Today the provider is home to 17,000 subscribers in the UK, with an overall total of 75,500 across all of their markets and they hope to reach 100,000 homes by the end of 2017. Suffice to say that Europasat has a unique insight into how Satellite technology could help to achieve the Governments various broadband targets.

The Challenge

On the other hand many are wary about the pitfalls of such technology, which can suffer from extremely slow latency (bad for fast-paced multiplayer games and certain other online services), limited / expensive usage allowances and poor performance due to capacity constraints; the latter isnt easy to fix (it can take years and lots of money to launch a new Satellite).

The inherent problems with the service may partly help to explain why the Governments 60m rural subsidy scheme (here), which has been aimed at around 300,000 UK premises that cant get even a basic 2Mbps connection, is struggling to take-off. The latest official data from June 2016 suggests that around 4,555 applications have been approved, with only 783 vouchers being redeemed for a total spend of 274,050.

Naturally we wanted to know more about this and what the future held for Satellite. Happily the CEO of Europasat, Andrew Walwyn, has been able to engage with us and the good news is that ultrafast (100Mbps) capable services and possibly even unlimited usage allowances should be coming, albeit in the next few years.

This is important because its possible that Satellite might just end up being one of the only economically viable ways for the Government to reach those in the most remote locations, unless the investment is found to deliver something better.

NOTE: Andrew Walwyn started his career on the shop floor in Carphone Warehouse, before rising up the ranks to head up the sales channel. Later he moved onto DX Communications as their Sales Director and shareholder, where he helped grow the retail channel from a few outlets to over 200. DX was bought out by BT Cellnet (now called O2) and formed the basis of their current store footprint. After that co-founded Satellite Solutions Worldwide (SSW) in November 2008 and has led the company through significant global expansion, including its AIM listing last May.

The Europasat Interview

1. As an ISP Europasat appears to be quite well positioned in the UK market, not least because you give consumers the ability to choose a service from several physically different Satellite platforms. Can you tell us about the Satellite platforms that you use (SES, Avanti etc.) and what are the key differences?

ANSWER: Europasat is the only pan European, independent satellite broadband ISP. It offers branded satellite broadband tariffs for all the leading European networks providers including; Avanti, SES and Tooway. As the providers have different but often overlapping, coverage areas, we provide an expert one-stop shop to get whats right for customers depending on their location. In addition, each network has a range of tariffs with different speeds, data allowances and price points, so being able to offer all three enables us to tailor most precisely the best solution for that customers specific usage. In this way we can deliver both better service and value for money to our customers.

2. Satellite providers appear to have benefited from the Governments new Universal Service Commitment (USC) subsidy, which offers vouchers worth around 350 to help cover the cost of having a new satellite or fixed wireless broadband service installed.

The scheme itself is aimed at around 300,000 UK premises that are currently unable to receive a basic broadband speed of 2Mbps, which are also areas that probably wont benefit from a fibre broadband upgrade via the Governments Broadband Delivery UK programme.

How much of an impact has this scheme had on your ISP and has it proven to be a significant catalyst for growth?

ANSWER: There are currently four subsidised schemes running across the UK  the Welsh Broadband Cymru Voucher Scheme, the Better Broadband national scheme, the Better Rural Broadband (BDUK) Funding Pilot and standalone county pilot schemes. The Welsh scheme is going well  it has been well publicised and the process is simple. The take-up on the BDUK National Scheme has been much lower  but its recent restructure has increased uptake with over 1,500 orders since that date  were happier with that and look forward to significant growth through the Autumn.

3. Speaking of the subsidy, youve previously complained that the scheme suffered from a very complicated customer ordering process and isnt generous enough. Can you offer a bit more detail on those complaints and tell us if, to your knowledge, anything has been done to improve the scheme in respect to those criticisms and what other enhancements youd ideally like to see?

ANSWER: We felt that the BDUK scheme had three fundamental issues:  The process and customer journey was too complex because of BTs involvement in the supply chain.  For Local Authorities there was a potential conflict of interest in terms of funding as the 350 Broadband for All subsidy was drawn from the Local Authoritys existing broadband budget. Arguably this wasnt a great incentive to drive Local Authority engagement in the scheme, as it would reduce funds available for fibre deployment.  There was a lack of general awareness of the scheme amongst the target population. From 1st June changes were made to the BDUK scheme to rectify these problems and stimulate uptake of the offer to deliver better broadband to target communities. Firstly, BT are no longer involved and so the market can operate as normal for a satellite broadband sale. Also, BDUK now have their own budget allocated by the Treasury, which means that the 350 per customer is subsidised wholly by them. Lastly, BDUK have advised that they will soon have better data available on addresses that are eligible  this still requires joined-up approach between Local Authorities and service providers such as Europasat to ensure that potential customers who can benefit are fully aware, but is a very positive step in the right direction and we are pleased that the team at BDUK have been so receptive to our feedback.

4. The Government has also proposed a new 10Mbps Universal Service Obligation, which is likely to focus most of its effort upon the final 3% of UK premises that wont be covered by a superfast broadband network via the Broadband Delivery UK programme.

At present its not known what sort of technology and performance criteria (e.g. latency, upload speeds, affordability, usage allowances etc.) will be set for the USO. But if you could design the USO, what criteria would you set to ensure that a good quality connection is constantly maintained for all of those covered by it?

ANSWER: We have always actively encouraged the development of a clear USO, as we know it is unfeasible and cannot be satisfied without satellite technology. Our frustration has always been a lack of clarity over the USO  across Europe we have seen incumbent large telecoms providers and, to an extent, governments significantly over-promising the speed and scale of fibre deployment, rather than giving people who live in rural communities the information they need, with the options that are readily available to them. The USO should be clear  subsidised satellite broadband or wireless broadband for any business and consumer that does not have access to FTTP or FTTH broadband, that way everyone will have access to at least 30Mbps broadband speeds.

5. Last year we recall that Europasat were promising to launch a new 50Mbps service by the end of 2016. Can you tell us anything more about this, as well as how much faster we can expect Satellite broadband to become over the next couple of years and exactly how all this will be achieved?
9 Rules for Digital Transformation in the Enterprise

The march of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of Wi-Fi standards continues apace. Its important to track progress, however. And a milestone denoting that progress occurs when the first products based on a new iteration of the specification make it to the marketplace.

That is happening with 802.11ax, at least according to Quantenna. The vendor made two announcements today at Broadband World Forum. It said that it is issuing an initial public offering (IPO) and introduced the QSR10G-AX 802.11ax chipset.

The press release says that 802.11ax is aimed at enabling Wi-Fi to work better in dense environments such as multi-dwelling units (MDUs), supporting more users simultaneously and increasing speed. The QSR10G-AX supports eight streams in the 5GHz band and four in the 2.4GHz band. The density goal is achieved through the use of Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) modulation in both the uplink and downlink directions.

The Microwave Journal last week offered a comprehensive tutorial on 802.11ax. The heart of the piece is a graphic that compares it to 802.11ac in seven categories.

Needless to say, 802.11ax, the later standard, outpaces 802.11ac. The most impressive is the difference in data rates. One 80 MHz spatial stream using 802.11ac offers 433 Megabits per second (Mbps) and 600.4 Mbps in 802.11ax. Eight spatial streams offering a combined 160 MHz of bandwidth yield 6,933 Mbps in 802.11ac, and 9,607.8 Mbps in 802.11ax, the graphic says.

A much more technical explanation of 802.11ax was offered in a paper presented at the XXXIV Simposio Brasileiro de Telecomunicacoes e Processamento de Sinais, which was held six weeks ago in Santarem, Para, Brazil. The abstract of the paper, which was written by R.P.F. Hoefel of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, said that the number of spatial streams, advanced antenna implementations and modulation technology enables the system to support highly concentrated user populations:

We conclude that reserving degrees of freedom at receiver side to allow diversity gains can mitigate the negative effects of imperfect channel state information (CSI), providing expressive power gains. We also have concluded that it is necessary to implement sophisticated channel estimation schemes and advance MIMO detectors to cope with the interference generated in uplink channels loaded with a large number of clients.

The world of 802.11 is confusing. Another new entrant is 802.11ad, which is aimed at shorter-range applications. Linksys offers a comparison between 802.11ad and 802.11ax. The bottom line is that the 802.11 family of specifications has been wildly successful.

Corporate planners will hear more about 802.11ax, which is likely to be a very valuable addition to the 802.11 family. They should keep the spec in mind as they make their long-term plans.

Carl Weinschenk covers telecom for IT Business Edge. He writes about wireless technology, disaster recovery/business continuity, cellular services, the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communications and other emerging technologies and platforms. He also covers net neutrality and related regulatory issues. Weinschenk has written about the phone companies, cable operators and related companies for decades and is senior editor of Broadband Technology Report. He can be reached at [email protected] and via twitter at @DailyMusicBrk.
You know how you always hear that things you put up online stay online forever? Well, according to one reputation management consultant whos written a book on the subject, thats not necessarily true.

That consultant is John P. David, president of David PR Group, a Miami-based PR firm that specializes in online reputation management, and author of the book, How to Protect (or Destroy) Your Reputation Online: The Essential Guide to Avoid Digital Damage, Lock Down Your Brand, and Defend Your Business. In an interview earlier this week, David spoke about the online reputation issues that companies confront all the time. I opened the conversation by asking him what would be the top two or three things the IT department should do to proactively safeguard the brand and reputation of their companies. He said the first thing is that there needs to be some monitoring in place:

Im talking about monitoring social media mentions, Google mentions, mentions on online review sites. Thats where IT and the companys reputation start to come together. The other side for IT is that IT and PR and communications need to interact more, when it comes to online reputation issues. With regard to online reviews, and the potential damage they can do, for example, whos in charge of countering that?

The last part, which has a lot to do with IT, is that online reputation and cybersecurity are very closely connected. Any company that touches private data should have serious concerns about cybersecurity  if theres a data breach, youve got a huge reputational problem. So IT departments need to be prepared to interact with the communications department, because thats an area of huge concern for many businesses. It can be a killer for a company  it can destroy your reputation.

As for what a company can do if its getting hammered on online review sites, David said its all about engagement:

You shouldnt let any of these online wounds fester. The very first step is to claim your listing  I see major employers that have unclaimed listings on sites like Glassdoor and Yelp. What that does is it enables you to monitor and respond, and then you have to engage. Studies have shown that companies that engage do much better on these review sites. Sometimes stuff happens, and you get a negative review. If theres a response back that says youre sorry it happened, and you explain what happened that caused the problem, that negative review looks a lot better than it did when it was just sitting there with someone blasting away.

And then theres what David refers to as the covert ops of reputation management  making things that are online go away. David said his company has some specialized consultants  former search engine and cybersecurity expertswho have figured out how to address some specific online issues:

Every piece of content that goes online has to go through what I would call conduits  all the different providers [and online entities], whether its AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, GoDaddy, Network Solutions, all of the search engines, have terms and conditions that every piece of content has to abide by.

But the reality is, if they screened every piece of content for every term and condition, nothing would end up online  there would be a massive bottleneck of data. So our guys have researched all the terms and conditions, and analyzed content for violations of these terms and conditions, and what theyve figured out is that if they see reasons why a piece of content shouldnt be online, they go directly to the different service providers and make requests to get things taken down. You can get content delisted from Google search; sometimes you can get it taken down at the hosting level.

It really is like the covert ops of online reputation management, because its a result that nobody else sees. Most online reputation management companies are suppression companies  their goal is to try to flood the Internet with positive or benign content to push the negative stuff down. But we have some experts who actually get things removed or delisted from search results.

With respect to enabling people to sanitize their online presence by removing negative content, I asked David what his response would be to employers who say hes making it more difficult for them to properly vet prospective employees. He acknowledged they could have an argument, but he didnt seem to buy it:

I guess thats partially true. But we dont deal with criminal activity, or anything like that. If some guy is a pedophile, were not going to represent him. The majority of the cases weve dealt with are things like hate blogs and old court cases. Perhaps somebody had a really short stint at an employer, and they dont want that to be easily found. Or maybe they had something that happened to them a few years back thats now starting to haunt them. If a guy got arrested 20 years ago for smoking a joint with his buddies, yeah, I guess the employer whos hiring him should know about that. But should that preclude the guy from getting a job? I dont think so.

I wrapped up the conversation by asking David what the one thing is that he most wants people to take away from reading his book. His response:

That were all vulnerable, and that we have to be extra vigilant about how we comport ourselves today. Because there are more ways that the things you do can be documented  innocent mistakes, things you do on purpose  there are just so many ways that you can be digitally documented that we have a much higher level of vulnerability than we had in the past.

A contributing writer on IT management and career topics with IT Business Edge since 2009, Don Tennant began his technology journalism career in 1990 in Hong Kong, where he served as editor of the Hong Kong edition of Computerworld. After returning to the U.S. in 2000, he became Editor in Chief of the U.S. edition of Computerworld, and later assumed the editorial directorship of Computerworld and InfoWorld. Don was presented with the 2007 Timothy White Award for Editorial Integrity by American Business Media, and he is a recipient of the Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Award for editorial excellence in news coverage. Follow him on Twitter @dontennant.
A recent obituary regarding the death of the Great Barrier Reef has been going viral all over the web. People have been sharing the sad news on their social media accounts, mourning the loss of the magnificent coral system.

But there was only one problem with their grieving. The coral system isn't actually dead.

Food And Travel Writer Exaggerates Claims On Great Barrier Reef Dying

Rowan Jacobsen, the food and travel writer who put together the piece, exaggerated the claim and has marine biologists scowling at the spreading of misinformation. "This is a fatalistic, doomsday approach to climate change that isn't going to engage anyone and misinforms the public," Kim Cobb, a coral reef expert at Georgia Tech, said.

"There will be reefs in 2050, including portions of the Great Barrier Reef, I'm pretty confident of that. I'm put off by pieces that say we are doomed." While this is true, the coral system is indeed suffering severe stress with the quarter of the reef's coral dying off, according to The Guardian.

A massive bleaching event, caused by increasing ocean temperature, is responsible for the said destruction. It has swept coral reefs around the world but has proved most fatal to the Great Barrier Reef.

Rising Temperatures To Blame?

The event was first observed in the Hawaiian Islands in the early part of 2015 when a moderate El Nino occurred. The El Nino eventually persisted and built-up resulting in the warmest ocean waters in November 2015, Cobb noted.

The rising temperature causes the algae, the coral's food source, to become chemically damaging. In response, the coral puffs out algae of its own to protect itself, said the LA Times.

This defensive mechanism results in the coral's discoloration creating that bone-white appearance. But this doesn't necessarily imply that the coral is dead, it's just that it now lost its algae.

Scientists Irked At Article Saying The Great Barrier Reef Has Died Off

Despite this catastrophic event, corals have been observed in the past to recover from this ordeal. That is if the water temperature declines and declines quickly.

This is why scientists are irked at Jacobsen's article as it tells the public that there is nothing more that could be done wherein there's still a chance in saving the massive marine ecosystem. Genetic engineering, for instance, is a key in restoring the damage caused by bleaching.

"I have studied corals off Christmas Island in the Pacific where 85 percent of them have died, it was a graveyard. But even there, I was shocked to see remarkable resilience," said Cobb.

"Amid the graveyards of the reefs there were areas that looked like nothing had happened. There is a lot we can do to minimize climate change and we need to get going on that. To say reefs are finished and we can't do anything about it isn't the message we need going forward."
Sony is reported to unveil five mobile games in 2018. Likely prompted by the "Pokemon Go" success, the popular PS3 and PS Vita games would now go mobile, focusing mainly on Asian markets. The Japanese company plans to revive its old games first before proceeding to new IPs.

Sony Mobile Games

The ForwardWorks division of Sony will handle the mobile game development as confirmed by the company early this year. However, no additional details were provided since then. According to reports, Sony has taken some interest in mobile gaming before; although it appears that the company is likely ready now for some innovative steps.

Moreover, Sony is also rumored to bring games that are not available on current-gen consoles, which means the classic games from PS3 and PS Vita may also be confirmed as the company's first mobile games. The confirmation is believed to happen by the end of 2016. There are also speculations that the 2016 Sony PlayStation Experience event may be the platform to make the major announcement.

Sony Mobile Games Release

Sony has not given any word yet about the upcoming five games in 2018. But since the company has expressed interest in developing mobile games, rumors claim that this would likely happen soon. Although Sony has reportedly made efforts to get into mobile gaming before, the company did not continue its plan, which is now expected to happen sometime in March.

Playstation VR Review

Meanwhile, Sony is reportedly making a huge profit on PlayStation VR, as revealed by the company chairman Shawn Layden. Although Layden did not give further comments, the revelation seems to replicate the statement of Adam Boyes, a former PlayStation developer relations executive.

Sony PS VR was released on Oct. 14 for a price ranging from $400 to $500 bundled with a PS4 camera, including some accessories. The company is expected to sell about 1.6 million units worldwide before the year ends. Watch video about Sony Is Now Making Mobile Games!
Microsoft, which recently unveiled the Windows 10 Redstone 1 update last summer, shows no sign of stopping as reports suggest that another Redstone update is coming as early as the first quarter of 2017.

Windows 10 Update Target Release Date

In a report from DigitalTrends, the multi-national technology company revealed the target release date of the Redstone 2 through the recent Windows 10 build previewed to members of Microsoft Insider Program. As remembered, Microsoft had a habit of naming a windows version by its release date like in Windows 10 November 2015 update released as version 1115 for instance. If Microsoft is to continue the trend, the recent preview build version of the operating system labelled as "Windows 10 Version 1703" would likely be interpreted as having a March 2017 target release date.

The First Of The Two Major Updates In 2017

The new version dubbed Redstone 2 is the first of the two major upgrades that Microsoft had planned to roll-out next year. Since the inception of Windows 10 in July 2015, the OS had two major updates already, counting the November 2015 and August 2016 releases, signifying the company's commitment to the operating system's continuing development.

Windows 10 Redstone 2 Update Features

According to Windows Central, the planned Redstone 2 update brings a lot of features that would focus on providing consumers ease-of-use and increased productivity. One of these features is Office Hub, an integration of Office 365 and Windows 10 that will provide users with easier documents, calendar and email access. Another one is called Working Sets where various Word, Powerpoint, Spreadsheet, Contacts, Email or any other document pertaining to one category can be combined and saved into one group for easier data pool.

The new update will also include a very nifty feature called People Bar, similar to the People Hub where details and recent activity of a specific contact are lumped into a unified presentation, this time placed on the taskbar with active notifications for easier access.

However, there is no confirmation yet from Microsoft about the release date and may as well be taken with a grain of salt. As what the preview builds are indicating though, Microsoft's Windows 10 is turning out to be their best release yet.
"New Girl" season 6, episode 5 spoilers see Nick and Winston having a revealing discovery, while Reagan is back at the loft. Schmidt and Cece have their fixer-upper makeover. What is this revealing discovery that Nick and Winston might want to share?

"New Girl" season 6, episode 5 titled "Jaipur Aviv" to be aired on Tuesday, Oct. 18 has the gang back to their homes after an unforgettable quick trip to New York in the previous episode. As soon as they get to Los Angeles, newly-weds Schmidt (Max Greenfield) and Cece's (Hanna Simone) first to-do task is to have their abode renovated.

Schmidt And Cece's House Renovation Project

Jess (Zooey Deschanel) and the rest of the gang are on to lend some hands to Schmidt and Cece in doing makeover of their newly bought house. The couple's friends should have known how much burden they are taking away from them. That, however, is not the case as spoilers reveal that everything will spiral out of everyone's control. It seems like Schmidt and Cece's friends will have regrets over extending help.

Reagan Is Back At The Loft

After her absence at the loft, Reagan (Megan Fox), Nick's (Jake Johnson) long-distance girlfriend, seems like she is finally back as Jess initiates a mini election to whether or not bring her back. Is Jess really doing this to make his ex-boyfriend Nick happy? It seems like she has moved on, but will Nick definitely be happy about this?

Nick And Winston Have Revealing Discovery

Finally, what is this Nick and Winston's shocking news for everyone? According to speculations, this might have something to do with Reagan. Other rumors though say it has something to do with Jess and the house. Or, will Nick find out that Jess is still in love with him? No one certainly knows about it for now.

"New Girl" season 6 airs Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. EDT on FOX.
The break-up of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt has been sad news for everyone. It shocked everyone as the former couple revealed that they choose not to be together anymore. With this, Angelina Jolie seems to be having a hard time coping up with their situation.

According to Headlines & Global News, Jolie's weight change has been very visible these past few days. Reports concluded that the body of the Salt actress declined to 90 pounds, because of worry and anxiety. In addition to this, her weight continues to go down as her intake is only green tea and grains. It is presumed that she lost eight pounds in just a week.

Actually, this isn't the first time that Angelina Jolie experienced this sudden weight loss. The actress also suffered this kind of situation after her mom's death in 2007, according to Inquisitr.

"Instead of people saying I look like a person dealing with something emotionally, they assume it's because I want to fit into skinny jeans. I want people to understand who I am as a person is not somebody that's trying to look thin, but just trying to work through a very difficult year,"

Reports also circulated that the star is experiencing panic attacks and crippling anxiety. There came a situation where the actress' hands were involuntarily shaking that she spilled a water down herself.

Jolie still remains silent regarding the issue. Her manager gave a statement regarding what's happening to the life of the actress:

"Angelina will always do what's in the best interest to protect her children. She appreciates everyone's understanding of their need for privacy at this time,"

"Jolie] will not be commenting, and asks that the family be given privacy at this time."

On the other side, the effect of the couple's separation seems to affect Brad Pitt as well. In a recent article, Brad Pitt showed an emotional side of him when he saw his children that he didn't saw for the longest time.

Fans are still hopeful that the couple could fix the issue regarding their relationship.
On his social media account, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that the company plans to reveal a new product which he considers as the firm's "most unexpected" yet on October 17. Consequently, that statement of the CEO has sparked a number of speculations from the public.

There are rumors that it could be a modified version of Tesla's Model X SUV, a vehicle many are implying to as the Model Y. After all, Musk has teased plans for a Tesla heavy-duty cargo pick up trucks for freight shipping and some sort of mass transit vehicle.

Speculations are also spreading that the company will unveil a new sophisticated "triple camera" that has a main, narrow and wide angle lens, which separates image processing, improving Version 8.0 of Tesla's Autopilot. If rumors prove true, Tesla would be able to make its vehicles even safer than before.

As much the the premise of a Tesla heavy-duty vehicle is interesting, Value walk stated that Elon Musk has confirmed that the name Model Y will be based on the Model 3 chassis. Thus, the Model Y is expected to hit the scene in late 2017 or early 2018, making its rumored announcement on October 17 a little unlikely.

Rumors state that the Model Y will be a compact SUV inspired by the Model X, but without the falcon-wing doors. It is said to be priced at slightly higher than Model 3, which is designed as the EV-maker's "car for the masses."

According to Teslarati, another possibility for a new product, though more far-fetched, is the addition of a cost-effective LIDAR system to augment Autopilot's suite of sensors. Industry experts within the field of autonomous vehicles, most notably Google, believe LIDAR sensors are critical for producing accurate in-depth 3D maps of a vehicle's surroundings, leading to safer and more reliable self-driving technology.

Amid all the speculation, it appears that the answers to the Model Y rumors, as well as speculations about new safety features of the vehicles, would probably all be addressed on Monday.
Apple's new smartwatch has been revealed. The new Apple Watch Nike+ will be available on October 28, just in time to meet the company's promised late October launch window.

The design

Visually, the Apple Watch Nike+'s appearance is similar to the classic iWatch. According to Engadget, it is going to be available in four different cases and band combos. There is a space-gray aluminum with a black and neon-yellow band, or a black and gray band. There is also a silver aluminum case that comes in with a silver/white band combo, or a silver and neon-yellow band.

Features

The screen is seriously bright and even under direct sunlight, it had zero problems or whatsoever. There is also a built-in GPS that is much recommended for fitness fans, because it provides very accurate results. You may also find more about its features at Wareable.

Answering Phone Calls

The Apple Watch Nike+ also lets you answer phone calls from your watch. What is great about it is you don't have to get a separate data plan for the watch itself, because with the smartwatch, it piggybacks right off of your phone.

Notifications come through perfectly with options to responsd back to text messages either by quick responses provided by the screen or voice recognition. Scribbling is also an option.

Homescreen Change

The homescreen wallpaper can be changed without needing to download or access through the app on your phone. Though you can indeed download several backgrounds, there are already a number of pre-installed backgrounds to choose from.

Sport Features

With its built in GPS, it also gives accurate data of your movement, exercise, stand and heart rate. It is also waterproof, so sweating and swimming poses no threat. For runners, it shows the data of the calories burned, distance ran, total time, average heart rate and average pace. It also records the calories you burned, distance covered, total time, average heart rate and average pace.

Battery Life And Price

The original Apple Watch wasn't great battery-wise. With the great expectation from the people of extending its battery life, the new Apple Watch gives users an extra day, which is much appreciated by fans of the wearble device.

The Apple Watch Nike+ starts at $369 for the smaller, 38mm edition and $399.99 for the 42mm version. The smartwatches will be available on October 28.
Paypal Co-Founder Peter Thiel donated $1.25 million to Donald Trumps political campaign, despite the controversies surrounding the Republican nominee during the last weeks. This was the first time that the tech millionaire donated money for the candidate.

According to Tech Crunch, what seems to be the most surprising fact about this situation is that Thiel is giving a massive donation to Trumps campaign just a few days before the elections, in a moment where the Republican candidate is facing strong reprobation by the American media.

Thiel's Standing Is Silicon Valley At Risk?

Considering Silicon Valleys Anti-Trump political stance, this action might affect Thiels relationship with the biggest names in the tech industry. Thiel recently he became an adviser to Y Combinator, whose founder Paul Graham openly showed his opposition against the Republican nominee.

Another major issue for the PayPal co-founder is that hes a member of Facebooks board, and Mark Zuckerberg has strongly criticized Trump as well, as reported by Fortune. Thus, supporting Trump at this point in the race might be a serious miscalculation on Thiel's part.

Donating For Donald Trump Is A Risky Business

The fact that the tech center has been previously accused of marginalizing women and minorities has turned Thiels donation into a major threat to its image. After all, numerous efforts by Silicon Valley have been made to prevent it from being related to bigotry and discrimination.

Although Donald Trump is not completely ruled out of the presidential elections, some analysts believe that this donation might be extremely risky for Thiel, considering that the Republican candidate is at his worst time since he went to the primaries. According to Fortune, the Thiel's donation will be given through Super PACs and directly to Trumps campaign.

Unpredictable Consequences In Silicon Valley

Peter Thiel is a rabid libertarian known for being a tech billionaire who was one of the earliest investors in Facebook. Thiel was also known for his interest in floating cities far from the reach of governments and for funding Hulk Hogans lawsuit against Gawker, which ended with the media firm going bankrupt.

Giving the fact that many members of Silicon Valley have also made million-dollar donations to Hillary Clinton, Thiel is the only one who has endorsed Donald Trump. With this latest development, the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections just got a lot more interesting.
Winter is coming, and Climate Change is only going to make it worse. Perceived as a national security threat by the country, global warming has wreaked coastal cities and froze windy ones, cost the US billions of dollars, and now, recent studies are showing that it might cost Americans their health.

Angela Chen of the Verge recently wrote an article about how different weather patterns affect our health. She concluded that winter is linked to increased risk for heart attacks, as lack of exercise in a frigid and taxing environment causes people to be unfit for post-snowstorm work. Sudden changes in temperature also cause one's body to experience pain and may inhibit full motor functions, thus further restricting movement and ability to prioritize health.

Hospitalization is also a possibility in a colder winter, especially among women. In an article by the BMJ back in 2004, they noticed that dropping temperatures led to hospital admissions for strokes and heart attacks.

"Overall, a 5C drop in temperature was associated with a 7% increase in admissions for stroke (incidence rate ratio 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.89 to 0.97)) and a 12% increase in admissions for heart attack (incidence rate ratio 0.88 (0.8 to 0.97))," lead author Roger Dobson wrote.

It's been a hot summer for the country this year, with heat waves and droughts littering different parts of the country, with droughts in California and in the northeast seemingly unrelenting. The backlash of extreme weather patterns such as this is that weather systems become far harder to predict, with so many factors coming into play as cold winds usher in the change in season.

The extreme weather fluctuations have prompted local health and medical professionals across the country to release "A Health Professionals' Declaration on Climate Change", a call to arms for the government to take specific action to curb carbon emissions, ratify laws to govern environmental injustice, and reaffirm the need to protect those who are most affected by global warming, as written in the Marietta Daily Journal.

"As a public health professional, I know that climate change can harm the health of adults and children, because it will cause more air pollution, wildfires, drought, and extreme weather events. According to the World Health Organization, more than 80 percent of the current health burden due to the changing climate occurs in children younger than five years old," said Dr. Anne Mellinger-Birdsong of Atlanta, a member of the Pediatrician and Mothers & Others for Clean Air Leadership Board.

To fully prepare for climate change, don't just expect extreme temperature swings, typhoons, hurricanes or floods. Climate change can also affect your fitness and health, and constant vigilance would make sure you're ready for any weather.
Google's Pixel and Pixel XL newly launched smartphones are offering prospective buyers an excellent alternative to Samsung's recalled Galaxy Note 7. The premium handsets from Google might be the perfect mobile devices to fill the gap left on the smartphone market by the unexpected departure of Samsung's flagship phone.

Google's Pixel And Pixel XL

Pixel and Pixel XL, Google's new smartphones, offer an opportunity almost too good to be true for those Android users who were mildly curious about other Android alternatives but went for Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 anyway. However, the new Google mobile devices will not be accessible to anyone.

Google sells its Pixel smartphones in only a few markets. According to the website gadgets.ndtv.com, there won't be a worldwide launch, as Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was going to get. Sales of Pixel and Pixel XL will be relatively small, market analysts expecting around 3-4 million units of the two Google new mobile device combined.

Pixel And Pixel XL As Note 7 Replacements

Of course, is not going to be easy for Google to attract Samsung's customers who previously invested in a Galaxy Note 7. Eventual comparisons between Note 7 and the Pixel line may point out that Google's mobile devices are good but nowhere as outstanding as the now-defunct Samsung smartphone. Other customers will be turned off by the lack of the popular S Pen stylus, then there will be those who will be disappointed by missing Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) in Google's Pixel line.

Even those customers who buy the new Google Pixel smartphones will have to go through the learning curve to the new Pixel-only features. But even with the learning curve with Pixel Launcher and Google Assistant and lack of a stylus and OIS, Google's new Pixel line has a rare opportunity to become a success.

Pixel And Pixel XL's Special Features

According to TechTimes, the new Google Pixel and Pixel XL mobile devices will run the full range of features offered by the upcoming Android 7.1 Nougat. The company's new signature models will fully enjoy the Google OS upgrade. This will provide the Pixel line with a unique appeal.

Among the features exclusive to Android 7.1 Nougat for the Google Pixel flagship smartphones is included support for the Google Daydream VR. According to Google, the Pixel and Pixel XL are smartphones built with virtual reality capabilities, allowing for an immersive 3D experience of sporting events, concerts, and movies.

Another top feature of the Google Pixel flagships is their camera, considered by the tech experts as the best so far in the mobile phone industry. Android 7.1 Nougat supports many Pixel Camera app features, including the default HDR+, which promises "zero shutter lag," according to The Verge. Another Pixel app supported feature is Smart Burst that uses artificial intelligence to choose the best out of a series of shots.

Smart Storage is a feature that will automatically remove videos and photos already saved in the Google Photos cloud storage because the Pixel phones to come with support for a microSD card that would allow memory expansion. Google's Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones will come with the Pixel Launcher unique home screen that is exclusive to the Pixel Line. The feature will include the circular app icons and new home screen shortcuts.
China just launched Shenzhou-11 today from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert.

The exact time of the launch, as reported by Spaceflight Now, was at 2330:31 GMT or 7:30:31 a.m. in Beijing time. The mission will last for 33 days making it China's longest space mission ever.

According to New York Times, Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong make up the two-man crew of the Shenzhou-11. This is the third spaceflight of Jing and the first for Chen.

In an interview with Xinhua, the official news agency of China, Jing said that "it is any astronaut's dream and pursuit to be able to perform many space missions."

General Zhang Youxia, called the launch a success after the Shenzhou-11 left Earth's atmosphere without any problems. It was reported before the launch that the weather conditions were favorable with the temperature somewhere around 43 degrees Fahrenheit.

The spacecraft is expected to dock on the Tiangong-2 space lab after two days. The space lab which is 244 miles or 393 kilometers above the Earth was launched just last month.

Jing and Chen will conduct several tests and activities in the space lab as part of the country's objective of launching the Tianhe-1 in 2018. The Tianhe-1 is the core module for their first modular space station.

The 11th Shenzhou mission is the 13th launch of a Long March 2F rocket. It also marked the sixth time that a manned Chinese spacecraft was sent to orbit. This is the 15th space launch conducted by China in 2016 alone. The Shenzou-11 predecessor, Shenzhou-10, was launched in 2013.

China's space program celebrated its 46th anniversary this year. They are planning to send an unmanned rover to Mars in 2020 and the first Chinese astronaut to the moon by 2025.

Shenzhou means "heavenly vessel" while Tiangong translates to "heavenly palace". Tianhe, meanwhile, stands for "Milky Way".

The launch was broadcast live over CCTV, the country's predominant TV broadcaster.
Over the weekend, a promo page for Samsung's high-end Chromebook Pro came up online for a brief period of time, unveiling photos and specs.

Samsung's Chromebook Pro

When its landing page was public for several hours over the weekend, Samsung leaked its premium Chromebook Pro. The web page was first spotted by the online specialized publication Chrome Unboxed. According to the leaked page, the high-end upcoming Chromebook Pro will come with a 12.3-inch 2400x1600 resolution touchscreen able to rotate 360 degrees. The premium Samsung laptop will feature an all-metal 12.9mm-thick body, 4 GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage, a stylus stored inside the laptop and it will provide 10 hours of battery life.

According to ZDNet, landing pages introducing the upcoming Samsung Chromebook Pro came online for a short period of time from retailers Adorama and B&H. had landing pages up for a short period of time. The landing pages revealed that the high-end laptop will cost $499. The launch of the Chromebook Pro was tipped by the B&H's product page for Oct. 24.

Chromebook Pro's Unique Features

A high-end Chromebook Pro believed to be nicknamed "Kevin" internally by Samsung has been rumored since September. Tech analysts speculate that the upcoming premium Samsung laptop will offer a different take on the Chromebook market, unlike the rivals that typically cater to the budget crowd.

Earlier this year, Google added Android app support to Chrome OS for a select list of Chromebooks. At the moment, support for Samsung's Chromebook Pro isn't confirmed yet. However, the fact that the high-end laptop will feature a touchscreen makes it a highly likely candidate for Android app support.

According to TechTimes, Samsung's Chromebook Pro will be a slim hybrid device contained within a full metal shell. The high-end laptop will measure only 0.55 inches at its thickest point. As highlighted by 9To5Google, the most interesting feature of the upcoming laptop will be the stylus that can pop out of its side. Considering the recent integration of Android apps into Chrome OS, this feature certainly does make sense, but this would be the first Chromebook that comes with a stylus.
Space missions involve a lot of precision and technical maneuvering. A single mistake could ruin years and years of preparation.

So it goes without saying that when a European-Russian orbiter bound to Mars stopped sending status updates, mission control handling the journey got quite the scare. The cut-off occurred early Sunday when the mothership, dubbed Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), released a paddle pool-sized lander towards the red planet.

Mission Control Lost Contact With TGO For An Entire Hour

It was apparently sending signals home when contact was briefly lost, said Michel Denis, the mission's flight director. After a frustrating hour of resetting commands and waiting for a response, TGO finally reconnected with mission control prompting relief breaths from the people handling the operation.

TGO's mission is to deliver a lander, named Schiaparelli, which will be on a three-day mission to the red planet to gather information on temperature, humidity, density profile and electrical properties, according to News. Schiaparelli's main purpose, however, is to test entry on Mars that will provide significant data on landing technology for subsequent rovers that will follow suit.

Aside from ferrying Schiaparelli, TGO will also study the behavior of atmospheric components such as methane, water vapor, and nitrogen dioxide for years to come. These gasses will provide information regarding Mars' current state of activity and if it were produced by living organisms, regardless of their size and primitive development.

Mars Lander Designed To Withstand Physically Demanding Entry To Mars

Schiaparelli is scheduled to land on Mars this Wednesday. It only has six minutes to reduce its 21,000km/h descent to zero so that it can make a relatively soft landing on the planet's dusty surface, said BBC.

The lander's discardable "aeroshell" will protect it from the heat generated by atmospheric entry; a supersonic parachute and nine thrusters are designed to decrease its acceleration, and a crushable structure under the lander will cushion the final impact. Even with all of these protective measures, successful landing isn't for certain as craters and jagged rocks still poses a huge threat to Schiaparelli.

Upon arrival, the lander will then start sending data to mission control, which will take about 10 minutes to reach Earth. TGO will remain aloft and start the 12-month process of bleeding off energy so that it can transition into regular, circular orbit around the red planet.
Android users are anticipating a more polished experience for the version of Android 7.0 Nougat. What phones will upgrade first and when will you yours?

Upgrades on Android Nougat 7.0 includes the split-screen or multi-window mode, Quick Reply (which also lets users delete, share or archive a message using the notification itself), multilingual support (which allows for easy switching between languages), and quick app switching, among others. According to Tech Times here is a list of updates on which devices will

Nexus

We start the list off with phones that always get Android updates first: the Nexus family. The important thing to remember, though, is that Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X owners have reported problems after updating to Android 7.0.

Though there are reported problems, still, android users with phones that run Nougat 7.0 are very thankful for the updates. Here are the phones to upgrade in Android Nougat:

Nexus 6P

Nexus 5X

Nexus 9

Nexus 6

Pixel C

General Mobile 4G (Android One)

Samsung

Samsung also has a respect for following a slower pace when switching devices to the latest OS, compared to its rivals. Tech Times reports the Galaxy Note 4 has only recently received Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on some carriers in the U.S. The said Android OS version could also be the last update scheduled for the Galaxy S5. This is maybe because the device is more that 2 years old now.

Before the manufacture and sale of the Galaxy Note 7 were halted worldwide, Samsung had lined up the phablet among devices that would receive Android 7.0 Nougat early on. Here are the phones to upgrade in Android Nougat:

Galaxy S7

Galaxy S7 edge

Galaxy Note 5

Galaxy S6

Galaxy S6 edge

Galaxy S6 edge+

LG

Although LG is currently remaining silent on its Android Nougat plans, we're confident that at least a couple of its latest handsets will be on the latest version of Android. Here are the phones to upgrade in Android Nougat:

LG V20

LG V10

LG G5

LG G3

Sony

Sony is another manufacturer that's still keeping its Android Nougat release plans close to its chest. However, a leaked roadmap in September purports that the following devices from Sony will receive Android 7.0 Nougat:

Xperia X Performance - October

Xperia XZ - October

Xperia X - November

Xperia X Compact - November

Xperia Z5 - December

Xperia Z3+ - December

Xperia Z4 Tablet - December

Xperia XA - early 2017

Xperia Ultra - early 2017

Motorola

Even Motorola has the longest list of devices primed for Android 7.0 Nougat, Moto G (2015) and Moto E3 Power (2016), their new phone offers, are not included. It might be because it might skip Android 7.0 and head straight for an Android 7.1 update but nothing is solid at this point. Updates to Motorola devices:

Moto G Plus (4th Gen)

Moto G Play (4th Gen)

Moto X Pure Edition (3rd Gen)

Moto X Style

Moto X Play

Moto X-Force

X-Force Moto Z

Moto Z-Droid

Z-Droid Moto Z Force Droid

Moto Z Play

Moto Z Play Droid

Droid Maxx 2

Droid Turbo 2

HTC

HTC Bolt, HTC's new phone, will be the first HTC device to operate on Android 7.0 Nougat. The devices below are expected to receive the OS update in the last quarter of 2016:

HTC 10

HTC One M10

HTC One M9

HTC One A9

OnePlus

Although they could not provide a timeline for the release. OnePlus 3 could receive the OS upgrade in the first quarter of 2017 at the latest, followed by the OnePlus 2 about a couple of months later.

 OnePlus 3

 OnePlus 2
A Twitter user has rekindled the rumors of an October 27 Apple MacBook launch event, explaining that he was offered accessories for a new version of Apple flagship laptop.

A Tweet ignited it yet again

Zee M. Kane, whose Twitter handle is @Zee, is a digital media brand advisor and former CEO of The Next Web, a technology-oriented website. In a fresh tweet posted earlier today, he stated: "Just got an email from a company with an offer to pre-order their MacBook sleeves designed for the new MacBooks to be released on the 27th."

The MacBook sleeves

The MacBook sleeves are produced by Waterfield and are manufactured in a small workshop in Apple's home turf, San Francisco, CAL. According to more sources getting involved, these sleeves are called the Maxwell Sleeve and are available for pre-orders before the much-anticipated October 27 release. There will be a total of four color options: black, blue, red, and green. An optional suspension strap will also be featured. With all these speculations and rumor swirling, we just can help but be excited about the latest release of the newest MacBook, which is also said to be the smartest laptop ever made.

October 27 - Mark your calendars

Apple has been widely speculated to be planning a launch event for a new version of MacBook on October 27. With that, it has also been anticipated that invitations will be flying out within the next few days. The said event would be held, still, in San Francisco

What makes the 2016 Mac the smartest laptop ever?

Like what most excited fans are hoping for, the new MacBook will debut along with a major redesign. Probably one of the most highly-anticipated rumors about the upcoming Mac is the keyboard. It has been said that the top row function keys will be replaced with a much modern touch-sensitive OLED strip that will feature customizable buttons and notifications. Speculations have also been talking about the addition of a USB-C, much like the 12-inch MacBook, as well as a new AMD Polaris GPU. All these features just confirm that the MacBook Pro 2016 would definitely be the smartest laptop to date. But all remains to be seen.

No confirmation from Apple

Despite all the hyped rumors, Apple hasn't confirmed any of it, so it is much advised that readers take this report with some caution. All will be answered in due time. All we have to do now is to wait a little bit longer.

You can check all the previous MacBook version price here in the mean time.
The electric vehicle market in Hong Kong is not the only on flourishing. The American automaker Tesla has displayed dominance in the said market. However, German automakers BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz will try to take on Tesla.

Tesla's Dominance In the Hongkong Market

Hongkong is a good market for electric vehicles. The South China Morning Post reports that the number of electric vehicles in Hong Kong increased from less than 100 to over 5,800. The figure covered the year 2010 to July of 2016. The report added that 80 percent of the local market is controlled by Tesla Motors.

Charged Hong Kong's Vice Chairman Edwin Lee King-yan revealed that Tesla defines brand loyalty. Though Lee added that the German automakers will try to catch-up. The report also stated that Tesla would need to lower their prices to maintain their dominance.

According to Inside EVs, Tesla currently offers premium pricing in its cars. Though it does not seem to be an issue to customers.

Electric Vehicles In Hongkong

The above-mentioned electric vehicle advocacy group and Lee pointed out that electric cars should be given some incentives. He made it clear that "zero emissions" vehicles deserve "zero tax" compared to petrol vehicles. Lee considers full electric vehicles as the future.

He also disclosed that range anxiety is no longer a big problem in the country. Tesla's revamped battery packs for its Model S and Model X are good examples.

Other Options Other Than Tesla

German Consul General Nikolaus Graf Lambsdorff is hoping that German automakers would offer new technologies and more choice for drivers. He insisted that the consumers will decide on who really is successful in the said market. Lambsdorff also said that full electric and hybrid vehicles should be the normal way of transportation in Hong Kong.

He said that that the government is already working on setting the right framework. Though he added that Hong Kong should do it fast.

As for Bloomberg Intelligence's Steve Man, he said that German automakers already have an advantage with its brand equity. He mentioned that most consumers may be more convinced to buy cars from brands that they are familiar with.

Steve Man suggested that German automakers need to make their financing plans more appealing to buyers.
Do you want to own an iPhone 7 but don't want it to be locked into a single carrier? If you're living in the U.S., here's a good news for you: you can now get an unlocked, SIM-free, versions of the iPhone 7 and the 7 Plus from Apple's online store. But to compensate with that feature, it will also mean that you will be paying the full price for the device right away. Keep in mind that prices for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus start at $649 and $769 respectively.

Apple grants a much-needed flexibility for its users

As explained by Apple, "SIM-free" iPhone 7 models are no longer associated with any single carrier. Getting a SIM-free version will give users the added convenience of inserting a SIM card from any supporting carrier. Also keep in mind that these Sim-free phones are only available through Apple.com and selected Apple stores nationwide.

Order any available "Sim-Free" iPhone 7s

Like their SIM-carrying alternates, gold, black, silver and rose gold iPhone 7s are having delivery dates between October 17 and 19. The Jet Black version is still back ordered and will ship in 3 to 5 weeks. As for the iPhone 7 Plus, all Jet Black models will ship in 3 to 4 weeks. Orders for the in-demand, SIM-free versions of the high-gloss Jet-Black iPhone 7 Plus will ship out in 6 to 8 weeks.

The tech giant also adds that SIM-free iPhone 7 units will work on any network carriers. This includes Verizon, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile in the United States. The smartphones are seen to be unlocked versions of models sold through Sprint and Verizon, as they have collaborated on both GSM and CDMA networks. International roaming carriers are also offered courtesy of iPhone's multi-band LTE radio; a full list of supported network carriers, each categorized by country, can be found on Apple's website.
Google has launched a new feature, fact check, which will add a label next to news stories in search results.

A fact-check feature will appear as a label with Google news search results, alongside with labels for "highly cited," "in-depth" and "opinion."

According to the Duke University Reporter's Lab, fact checking has come into its own. There are more than 100 fact checking sites online including the BBC's Reality Check. Sites which already have a fact-checking service can apply to be included to appear in search results. From the news that Google release, fact check will appear with other news organizations such as such as the International Fact-Checking Network, PolitFact and FullFact.

Google will determine whether a fact check is needed for a news story using the claim review technique. It already labels stories with tabs such as opinion, related and local source. They collectively produce many thousands of fact-checks a year, examining claims around urban legends, politics, health, and the media itself. Google's head of news, Richard Gingras, said

In the seven years since we started labeling types of articles in Google News (e.g., In-Depth, Opinion, Wikipedia), we've heard that many readers enjoy having easy access to a diverse range of content types. Earlier this year, we added a "Local Source" Tag to highlight local coverage of major stories. Today, we're adding another new tag, "Fact check," to help readers find fact checking in large news stories. You'll see the tagged articles in the expanded story box on news.google.com and in the Google News & Weather iOS and Android apps, starting with the U.S. and the U.K.

He also said that are looking for "sites that follow the commonly accepted criteria for fact checks ." Publishers who create fact-checks and would like to see it appear with the "Fact check" tag should use that markup in fact-check articles.
The rivalry between the U.S. and China in becoming a country leading in space exploration just intensified. If the current situation remains, the latter will undoubtedly overtake the former in the coming years.

The latest development on China's space exploration is their recent launching of the Shenzhou-11 into orbit from an isolated military location in Inner Mongolia. The vessel is manned by two taikonauts and is set to rendezvous with a space lab that was launched last September, according to the Mirror.

Experts Warn That US Is In Danger Of Falling Behind

Former NASA astronaut and four-flight space veteran, Leroy Chiao, warns that China is "on the rise and the U.S. is in very real danger of falling behind in the future." And this warning has a great weight to it.

As the ISS is scheduled to retire in 2024, it seems that China will be the only nation left that will have an active space station come that time. It can be remembered that the U.S. has banned China in 2011 from entering the ISS due to issues on national security despite allowing 15 other countries access to it.

Should the nation impose the same restriction on the U.S. when their station is finally complete, it could slow America's advancement in space exploration. But this restriction is still uncertain as China has allowed Chiao to visit the Astronaut Center of China numerous times in the past.

Currently, China sits in second place with regards to the number of times a country conducted launches successfully. Last year, the nation sent out 19 spacecraft into orbit and is poised to launch at least 20 more this year.

The U.S., on the other hand, is relying on Russian spacecraft to send astronauts into orbit as its space shuttle program has ended in 2011. But this isn't to say that the U.S. is being complacent about the whole situation.

In 2013, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimated that America has allocated $40 billion to its space budget. China comes in second with a well-behind number of $13 billion.

China To Colonize The Moon By 2030

Obama has also reinvigorated his call upon the U.S. to send humans to Mars. He revealed plans between government agencies and private companies in creating habitats that could sustain life on the red planet and other initiatives that will strengthen their foothold in the space race.

But China is on America's heels. Despite coming into play when it comes to the space program, the country is quickly catching up using what Chinese experts call the "latecomer's advantage" - exploiting the most current technological breakthrough to leap the gaps between them and its western rival.

One of China's most ambitious initiatives is sending a robotic mission to the dark side of the moon, said NBC. The culmination of this project is to apparently place astronauts there by 2030 with a paramount goal of colonizing Earth's natural satellite.
For pet owners, one of the best parts of their day is when they come home from work and see their home companions welcome them with unbound love and affection. This short exchange releases oxytocin, a hormone which induces social bonding, trust, relaxation and, more important at the end of the day: releasing stress. What if you can have oxytocin bursts all throughout the day?

In an article from the Washington Post by Marlene Cimons, interactions between pet-owners and their feline or canine partners are excellent stress relievers, for both parties involved. This has provided a new avenue for pets to find their way into people's workplaces.

"Dogs make people feel good,'' says Brian Hare, an associate professor of cognitive neuroscience at Duke University. These days, dogs are now found in some courtrooms, hospitals, exam study halls, hospice care settings, nursing homes, airports, classrooms and elsewhere. "Their only job is to help people in stressful situations feel better. Many people seem to respond to dogs in a positive way.''

There are multiple benefits for workers who are allowed to bring their furry friends to work, and it isn't just for a specific industry: from sales floors to manufacturing belts, bringing pets to work provides certain advantages. These advantages include lower stress levels, increased productivity, and a better working atmosphere.

From Dog Time's article about dogs in the office, Dr. Randolph Barker, Ph.D., a Professor of Management at the VCU School of Business, says that dogs become "a social lubricant. Employees who normally didn't talk to each other suddenly felt a connection and became part of a team." Pet-friendly workplaces also have less absenteeism, and employees are willing to work longer hours and logging overtime since they have their companions with them.

It seems to be the way of the future, where dogs provide a certain type of treatment, very much like what therapy dogs do for children, who have experienced improved reading when dogs are with them during the learning process, according to a Stillwater News Press article.
Hyperloop One raised $50 million to add to the funds needed to keep one of Elon Musk's pet projects rolling.

A Forbes report indicated that the additional $50 million came from the sales of the Series C convertible notes. That figure raises the funds for the Hyperloop One to $160 million. The funds will be mainly used for research and development.

Former Uber chief financial officer Brent Callinicos has joined the Hyperloop One team as the chief financial advisor to help the company keep their finances in check. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem of the DP World Group of Dubai, one of the Hyperloop One's new investors, is now part of the company's board along with Summa Group chairman Ziyavudin Magomedov.

Hyperloop One is Musk's vision of a transportation system that can bring passengers and goods through a series of steel vacuum tube networks while on a train-like structure. The cargo pod will move at a speed of 700 miles per hour. With that speed, Hyperloop will be three times faster than the current high-speed rail.

A prototype called the Devloop is being developed outside of Las Vegas. The Devloop is scheduled to be tested in a half-kilometer system in early 2017. If this succeeds the next test will involve two kilometers. If everything goes smoothly, Hyperloop will then focus on using the technology for high-speed passenger and cargo transport.

The company is targeting Dubai as a possible site of the Hyperloop. Other places where the company is looking to operate are Los Angeles and Long beach in the United States, Russia, and Scandinavia.

Despite the good news, Hyperloop One is still embroiled in a bit of controversy. One of its co-founders, former SpaceX engineer Brogan BamBrogan, has filed a lawsuit against Hyperloop One after he was ousted from the company. BamBrogan is seeking an unspecified amount as punitive damages. The company filed a counter-suit against BamBrogan and three others for attempting gain control of the company, violating agreements, disclosing proprietary information, and breaching the fiduciary duty to Hyperloop One. The company is seeking $200 million in punitive damages.

Hyperloop is not directly connected to Musk's other endeavors particularly Tesla and SpaceX where he both acts as the CEO.
Germany is demanding for the removal of the "autopilot" tag in Tesla's advertising campaign. The German government believes that the use of the term is misleading.

According to Alexander Dobrindt, Germany's Minister of Transportation, Tesla must stop advertising that their cars have autopilot function because this suggests that the car can drive well without the full attention of the driver.

The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), Germany's transport regulator, has sent a formal letter to the company detailing the country's request. The KBA has also sent letters to Tesla owners to warn them of the risks of using the technology without their full attention especially when under traffic regulations.

In their defense, a spokesperson for Tesla said that the term has been used for decades by the aerospace industry to describe any system that operates in conjunction with a human driver. She also stressed that Tesla has always said that the autopilot system requires the attention of its drivers at all times.

Tesla's Autopilot feature has come under fire after a September accident in Germany involving a Tesla car. The driver was using the autopilot system when his car crashed into a tourist bus. No one was seriously hurt but the accident reminded many of the fatal one that happened last May involving another Tesla Model S. The accident resulted in the death of the driver.

According to the reports, the vehicle in question crashed into a tractor trailer while in Autopilot mode. An investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that the Model S was traversing a divided highway in Florida when the truck crossed the path of the car. The company believes the white color of the trailer and the bright sky were the reasons why the Tesla did not see the trailer. The driver of the trailer also did not apply the brakes.

Another fatal crash involving the controversial Model S occurred in northern China back in January.
Samsung has announced an update to its Windows 10 powered Galaxy TabPro S released just this March 2016. The Korean company, whose recent efforts with its other Galaxy line have been a total media frenzy, moves forward in releasing a facelift for its highly-capable tablet PC. The upgrade also brings in a doubled memory and storage option that could rival Microsoft's popular Surface Pro 4.

Samsung Galaxy TabPro S Bathes In Gold

One of the most striking aesthetic update Samsung made with the Galaxy TabPro S is its color, which now comes in gold. According to Engadget, the upgraded 2-in-1 tablet's magnesium-alloy construction now has an ultra-elegant gold finish, a trend seen nowadays on any other premium devices. This decision by Samsung is a much welcome change to the previous' basic white and black color options.

Samsung Doubles-Up On Memory And Storage

As reported by The Verge, Samsung upgraded the memory of Galaxy TabPro S that is now packing an 8 GB RAM and 256 GB of on-board storage, or double that of the previous version's 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage combo. The difference between the two versions is strikingly huge that to say Samsung is generous would seem a little understated.

Samsung Is Keeping All That Works

Aside from the new color option and a doubled capacity, all of the previous Galaxy TabPro specs remain pretty much the same. The golden device still has the Intel M3 processor, 5-megapixel front and rear cameras and the 12-inch Super AMOLED 1080p display. The difference comes in the upgraded version's price of $999, which sells for an additional $200 over the discounted early-model's price of $799 as shown on Samsung's website.

Samsung Galaxy TabPro S vs Surface Pro 4

Much of the hype about the new Samsung iteration is its possible competition against the popular Surface Pro 4. The discounted Microsoft's 2-in-1 device now sells for $899 for a 4GB RAM and 128 GB storage combination. It also packs a much higher Intel core i5 processor compared to Samsung Galaxy TabPro S' base Intel core m3 processor. The competition now falls on each devices' features as the deciding factor. Consumers can choose between the highly-capable processor of Surface Pro 4 or for a price difference of $100, the elegant gold finish and double memory of the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S.
Ever since Sony released PlayStation VR out in the market, gamers and fans are wondering what games will be compatible with the headset and if they are worth it and will bring satisfaction to them. There are best games and worst games for the VR, though.

What Are The Best Games For PSVR?

After the hype of the newest addition to the Sony family, games are what really concerns the players. Of course, they need to have the latest headset launched on Oct. 13 plus the PS4 where it needs to be connected.

Players must absolutely try VR Worlds. It is a compilation of mini games that are similar to Wii Sports. London Heist is included in this compilation.

Gamers can also get to be Batman in Batman Arkham VR. The title offers an immersive experience for players for being Batman. The third must-try game is Rez Infinite. It is one of the classic games that can offer players a trippy adventure, so this is definitely worth checking out.

Another title Super Hypercube is a quality game that will let the user maximize the virtual reality experience. The graphics are not too overpowering and a VR experience for a simple puzzle game is something else.

What Not To Buy For PSVR?

Until the Dawn: Rush Blood did not get much positive reactions from players. It has been described as "gimmicky" as it does not utilize the VR experience correctly. According to those at Lifehacker, the guns do not work that well. Considering that it is an action title, not fully user-friendly aiming can turn many gamers off.

As of now, there too little collection of games for the newly launched PSVR. However, in only a matter of time, it is expected to increase to thousands as virtual reality gaming becomes more and more common.
Spiderman had his appearance last Civil War, the battle between Captain America and Iron Man. Fans all around the world was so happy in the superhero's emergence in the film. They are even speculations he could be seen in all Avenger films ever since. But with all the excitement running around the supporters of Spiderman, Tom Holland is not yet sure if he would still be part of the next installment of Avenger.

According to Aussie Network News, Tom Holland, who is playing the superhero Spiderman, has already ended up filming his own movie in New York. On the flipside, other Marvel movies have started filming to date, this includes Avengers: Infinity War.

With this, Holland is still unsure if he would form part of the third installment of the Avengers. As he stated:

"It's all up in the air. I believe some sort of deal is in the mix, but I'm unclear as to what that deal is,"

Fans were sad upon hearing the news of Tom Holland's uncertainty in the film. However, according to some sources, Marvel already made a transaction with Sony for the appearance of the superhero in the movie but this would take a long time.

On the other hand, Robert Downey once confirmed that he will form part of the cast of "Spiderman Homecoming". Other premiere actors who will be joining the cast is Zendaya, Jon Favreau and Michael Keaton, who would play as the villain Vulture. According to some reports, Shocker is also expected to appear as one of the antagonist in the film.

The Spiderman Homecoming and Avengers: Infinity War are two of the films included in Marvel Phase 3 lineup.

Spiderman Homecoming would be shown in the big screen on July 7, 2017 while The Avengers: Infinity War would be released on May 4, 2018. Rumors say that Iron Man would eventually die during this installment.
After the major failure of the Samsungs Galaxy Note 7, the big question has not only been what the South Korean phone maker do, but also which phone would carry its torch. The one that many people see as the best candidate is the Google Pixel XL, thanks to a number of features that makes it one of the best mobile devices in the market.

In order to know if this is accurate or not, here is a brief analysis of the most important features of this phone, comparing it with many others of its kind.

Google Pixel XL Camera

Although it is one of the best anyone can have, the Google Phablets camera cant be compared with Samsung and LG phones in dimly light environments, as reported by Tech Radar. For example, the Galaxy A9 Pro is equipped with an incredible 16MP camera that boasts OIS, which is something that most competitors cant.

Google Pixel XL Battery Life

This is definitely one of the best features of the Google Pixel XL, considering the fact that its battery can last more than a day, thanks to its 3450mAh capacity. The most amazing detail is that its battery life is even greater than the Samsung S7, which lasts the same as the Galaxy Note 7, with a running time of aroudn 24 hours.

However, the Google Pixel XL's main competitor in this particular aspect is this Moto Z, since this smartphone can last the same (some even say a little bit more) battery life because of its 3,500mAh capacity. This also makes it a phone that anyone can use for hours without the charger, according to GSMArena.

Google Pixel XL Design And Display

In this feature, the Google Pixel XL cant do anything against many other phones, since its design is very simple and it doesn't have many remarkable details. This lack of style is precisely what many other smartphones such as iPhone 7, LG V20, Galaxy A8 or Galaxy A9 Pro has, being so nicely designed that people often compare them to a work of art.

Google Pixel XL Specs

Not even one big Android phone launched this year can face the Google Pixel XL in this feature, considering that this probably the first smartphone consumers will be able to try with Qualcomms Snapdragon 821 processor, while the rest is still using the Snapdragon 820.

According to Tech Radar, this detail means that the new System-on-a-chip guarantees a better performance to the tune of a 10 percent increase in speed, which is definitely the dream of every sinsmartphonepone user. Also, it allows users to open any set of apps at the same time, thanks to the device's 4 GB of RAM.

Although there is probably no phone on the market that can compare with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, the Google Pixel XL could be the one who carry its torch, until the South Korean phone maker releases the expected Galaxy Note 8.
The new BMW 5-series shares the same platform with the iconic 7-series, featuring LED headlights as standard and lenses that meet the grille at the front, giving a sense of width that succeeds the old model. Automatic high beams are optionally available for future 5-series owners as well. The new car is expected to be released sometime in 2017.

In terms of performance, BMW also added a fully-functional exterior design that brings the coefficient drag to an impressive 0.22Cd. Lower drag means better fuel economy, reduced wind noise and faster times in both the street and any drag strip. Higher-class models also feature extra cooling by adding louvres that can shut close when needed.

Inside, an angled dashboard that lends a cockpit-feel awaits the driver. The iDrive infotainment system included is setting high expectations as the previous BMWs have the best system of this type. The infotainment screen features ease of access, and onboard Wi-Fi keeps the passengers occupied on lengthy trips. In addition, BMW promises a more spacious cabin, higher headroom and an all-round shoulder and elbowroom.

One major change from the previous models is the multifunction instrument display, which fits a digital display behind the steering wheel, instead of analog gauges. Capable of displaying dials, GPS, and other features similar to Audi's Virtual Cockpit. Adaptive cruise control and advanced automated steering functions can easily be operated by the driver by using the steering wheel-mounted buttons and controls.

A 340hp 3.0-liter straight six is inside the bonnet of the top petrol model, and 265hp 3.0-liter straight six for the diesel option. Wheels measuring from 17-20 inches are options that can be selected upon purchase.

BMW once again will attempt to take the competition by storm. The first models of the new 5 Series are expected to hit the streets as early as February 2017.
Samsung is making a comeback from its scandal with the Galaxy Note 7. Now, they are in the process of making a Galaxy S8, and is considered to be better than all its predecessors. In fact, if rumors prove true, the S8 could very well have the best battery in the smartphone market.

In an article written at Trusted Reviews, Samsung has begun manufacturing the industry's first 10nm chip using FinFET manufacturing process. Compared to its predecessor, which were built with 14m and 16nm chips, the S8's 10nm chips will be much smaller and more efficient.

John Shik Yoon, Executive VP of Samsung's Foundry Business, was proud to announce that the company has started mass-producing 10nm chips to demonstrate their leadership in advanced process technology. They will also continue to innovate scaling technologies to provide differentiated total solutions.

According to ZDNet, Samsung stated that compared to the 14nm process, the 10nm chip's performance increase was 27 percent while energy consumption was 40 percent less, with the end result allowing 30 percent more chips per wafer. Samsung calls the process triple patterning, where patterns of the circuit are drawn on the water before cutting. This was done three times for precision, which is crucial for designing chips to be smaller.

Samsung will work with clients and partners to authenticate 10nm design tools to expand the foundry or contract-making. But there are no reports or announcements about who will Samsung partner in this project. The Samsung Galaxy S8 is said to be available next year. The first generation process will be improved further to so that Samsung can launch commercial products using a second generation process next year.

With that being said, people are wondering which device will be hailed as the world's "finest" phone next year. Apple is also expected to introduce a 10nm chip with next year's iPhone 8.
Microsoft will issue its next Windows 10 upgrade in March 2017, according to clues uncovered by digital detectives.

Tero Alhonen and a Twitter user identified as WalkingCat sussed the likely release timetable from a group policy in the latest Insider preview. According to a screenshot posted by Alhonen, Windows 10 version 1703 will be required for the policy.

Microsoft designates Windows 10 versions with a year+month label. In that convention, 1703 would represent March 2017. Previous versions included 1507 -- July 2015, the debut version -- 1511 and 1607. The last was the most recent, released not in July but on Aug. 2.

Previously, Microsoft acknowledged that it would issue just one Windows 10- upgrade in 2016, but had a pair planned for 2017.

Originally, Microsoft's development-and-release cadence was to be a three-times-annually tempo, or about every four months. Under that regime, an upgrade was to be supported with security updates to commercial customers only until its second successor appeared.

But Microsoft has discarded that scheme. Instead, Microsoft has pledged to support each upgrade -- what it calls a "feature update" -- for a minimum of 18 months. Thus 1507 will be supported until at least January 2017.

Customers can confirm the continuing support for 1507; as recently as last week, Microsoft issued security updates for version 1507.

It's unlikely that Microsoft will actually pull support from 1507 in January. Rather, it would be more reasonable to await the next milestone, 1703, perhaps even extend the upgrade-or-else deadline an additional two months. (Microsoft gives Windows 10 users a 60-day "grace period" at the end of Windows 10 support cycles.)
Deepening ties between Tesla and Panasonic could help the U.S. car maker fast track its ambitious plan for solar-powered systems that charge smart homes and electric cars.

The two companies said Monday that Panasonic will use what would have been a SolarCity factory in RiverBend, New York, to manufacture up to 10,000 solar panels per day. Tesla will buy the panels for use on houses as part of the deal, which is contingent on its acquisition of SolarCity.

The partnership extends work between the two companies that began with Panasonic's Gigafactory in Nevada. The multi-billion-dollar factory is a huge manufacturing facility for lithium-ion batteries used in Tesla's electric cars.

But the companies share a grander vision: one where energy from solar panels is pumped into storage batteries in each house rather than being sold to the power company. Combined with smart home technology, the batteries could virtually eliminate reliance on the power grid and recharge Tesla electric cars each night, but adoption of the batteries remains an elusive goal due to their high cost.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has already dipped his toe into the market with pilot production the Tesla Powerwall, a 6.4kWh storage battery designed for daily storage.

And Panasonic, too, has been experimenting, building a high-tech home of the future in Tokyo in 2009 and recently opening a smart city near Tokyo that will house around 3,000 people in homes that drastically cut CO2 emissions and use more renewable energy.

The Tesla units won't be widely available until battery production ramps up at Panasonic's Nevada factory, giving both companies a chance to consider closer cooperation on the smart home.

The Panasonic homes in Japan are full of energy-saving gadgets, such as air conditioners and lighting that automatically adjusts depending on the presence of people.

The homes combine Panasonic's renewable energy strengths with that of two other businesses that aren't widely known in the U.S. and Europe.

In Japan, the company has a large home appliance division that makes goods as varied as toasters, heated carpets, garbage composting units, and vacuum cleaners. And an affiliate company, PanaHome, manufacturers entire houses. It's sold nearly a half a million homes in Japan in the last 50 years and also has operations in Taiwan, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The Panasonic homes also feature charging ports for electric cars. It doesn't make those but Tesla's does, meaning the two companies might find future cooperation beneficial as they both work toward their smart home goals.
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HILLSBOROUGH  A local Republican Party office in North Carolina was torched by a flammable device and someone spray-painted an anti-GOP slogan referring to Nazi Republicans on a nearby wall, authorities said Sunday.

A bottle filled with flammable liquid was thrown through the window of the Orange County Republican Party headquarters overnight, according to a news release from the town of Hillsborough. The substance ignited and damaged the interior before burning out. No one was injured.

On Sunday afternoon, the walls of the multi-room office were covered in black char, and a couch against one wall had been burned down to its springs. Shattered glass covered the floor, and melted campaign yard signs showed warped lettering.

The news release from authorities said an adjacent building was spray-painted with the words: Nazi Republicans leave town or else. The graffiti had been covered in paint by late afternoon.

Another business owner discovered the damage Sunday morning. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is working with local investigators.

State GOP executive director Dallas Woodhouse said people sometimes work after hours, and he felt lucky that no one was there at the time. He said the bottle appeared to have landed on or near the couch where volunteers sometimes take naps.

They are working around the clock. It is a miracle that nobody was killed, he said in an interview, calling the fire political terrorism.

He said Republican offices around the state were re-examining their security.

The violent act in the key battleground state was condemned by public figures across the political spectrum.

Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president said on Twitter that the attack is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe.

Republican nominee Donald Trump blamed the act on Democrats in a Tweet and also he encouraged local Republicans, saying: With you all the way, will never forget. Now we have to win. Proud of you all!

At a news conference, Woodhouse urged Republicans to respond peacefully by turning out to vote in November. He said hed received messages of support from Democrats.

Orange County GOP Chairman Daniel Ashley told reporters that no one had previously made violent threats against the office, which is several miles from the towns historic square. The GOP office is several doors down from a shuttered ice rink in what was once a frontier-themed amusement park that is now a retail complex known as The Shops at Daniel Boone.

Tom Stevens, mayor of the town about 40 miles northwest of Raleigh, said it was fortunate the office and other adjacent buildings that are decades old didnt burn to the ground.

Stevens, a Democrat, said the act doesnt represent the character of Orange County, which also includes much of Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina campus.

Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 3-1 margin in the county that picked President Barack Obama by a lopsided margin in the 2012 election.

Id like to believe we aspire to respect hearing differing views, Stevens said in an interview. This is very troubling.

Stevens said he wasnt aware of any leads on suspects.
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Albawaba has an interview with political scientist Khalid Rif`at of the Tayyiba Center for Political Studies, saying that the forced withdrawal of Daesh (ISIS, ISIL) from the town of Dabiq in northern Syria on Sunday under heavy Turkish army bombardment and in the face of advancing fighters of the Free Syrian Army has a religious symbolism that is fatal to the organizations esprit de corps.

Retreating from Dabiq, he said, is considered a major defeat by Daesh fighters, since they were expecting to engage in an apocalyptic battle there at the end of time. This is despite the Daesh leaderships attempts to play down the significance of the loss so as to quieten down the rank and file.

The battle was over in only 24 hours, even though it had been thought that Dabiqs religious symbolism would cause the brutal guerrillas of the worlds most notorious terrorist organization to fight for every inch. The Syrian Observatory had been told by its sources on the ground that Daesh on Friday had sent 1200 reinforcements to the town from surrounding villages and from as far away as Homs, with the bulk of them being foreign fighters who had been assembled in the Daesh capital of Raqqa and then dispatched to defend Dabiq.

New map shows massive gains today for Turkey-backed FSA units. Will ease pressure on Marea, bastion of Syria civil society pic.twitter.com/KkrLJhHSNU  Borzou Daragahi (@borzou) October 16, 2016

The real Daesh exper, Will McCants, explains that Abu Musab Zarqawi, the progenitor of Daesh, had found a medieval Muslim prophecy that 80 nations would gather at a meadow outside Dabiq to fight the Muslims, who would win and go on to conquer Constantinople. Daesh did not play up the prophecy till it took the town and much territory in eastern and northern Syria as well as northern Iraq in 2014.

Constantinople was called Rome or the New Rome by the Byzantines, and this diction was adopted in Arabic. But nowadays Constantinople is the largely Muslim city of Istanbul. So Daesh interprets the medieval apocalyptic saying as indicating that they will take the Rome in Italy and with it, Vatican City.

I find millenarian thinking in religious groups really interesting and have written a lot on the subject academically. But I also think that Daesh was really good at hyping its vision of armageddon and making itself seem way more important than it is.

Eric Hobsbawm argued that modern millenarian movements in places like Italy and Spain were forms of resistance in rural village settings to the onslaught of modern capitalism. He also noted that many of those small catholic sects ultimately tended to get absorbed into socialist parties in the 20th century.

Daesh doesnt seem to me to be so much a protest against capitalism as a protest against imperialism from abroad and against authoritarianism and economic stagnation at home.

Daesh not only was never likely to have anything to do with Rome (though it did set off a couple of bombs in Istanbul, harming hapless tourists), it wasnt even likely to keep Dabiq or indeed to keep any of the territory it took.

Daeshs apocalyptic dreams were always irrelevant except as propaganda. Daesh itself is largely irrelevant. It is a symptom, not a positive force in its own right (i.e. what the ancient Greek philosophers would have called an epiphenomenon).

The organization is symptomatic of state collapse in Iraq, Syria and to some extent Libya (though even fractured Libyan society was strong enough to root it out). That is, from the point of view of a social historian, the central character in the drama of Daesh is not Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (the nom de guerre of the minor academic Ibrahim al-Samarrai, who I dont think could have gotten tenure in our Near Eastern Studies Department).

The central characters here are Syrian strongman and president for life Bashar al-Assad and George W. Bush and former Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki (in office 2006-2014). In turn they stand in for the social forces that have weakened the state in Syria and Iraq, from imperialism in Iraqs case to seedy police state in Syrias.

Police states pretend to be strong, but they are brittle and fragile. People in the west blame the Arabs for not accomplishing more democracy with the Arab Spring, but they misunderstood what the youth had wanted. They wanted an end to the police state. And they succeeded in Tunisia and Libya (though in the latter case at the cost of a fair amount of violence and social disruption, though I dont know any Libyans who dont think it was worth it). The police state saw them coming for it in Egypt, Bahrain and Syria and made countercoups (Egypt votes with Syria at the UN in recognition of this commonality). In Yemen the situation is too murky to describe easily, but the Houthi militia that took over the capital in fall of 2014 has police state tendencies. I cant tell whether the Mansour Hadi government in Aden does as well, or not. Certainly the al-Qaeda pockets in Abyan and elsewhere do.

So Daesh was a side show, a sign that the Syrian and Iraqi states couldnt get their act together and actually control their own territory. In part this failure derived from their unwillingness or inability to incorporate large swathes of their populations (in Syria, small town and small city rural areas were especially alienated, in Iraq it was more sectarian and regional the Sunni Arabs of al-Anbar, Salahuddin, Ninewah and Diyala were not incorporated).

War is bloody and brutal, but it sometimes does have incorporating effects. The southern states were brought into a new relationship with Washington after the Civil War.

So the big story here in my view is that the Syrian and Iraqi governments have an opportunity, as Daesh is rolled up, to replace its fevered imaginings of global battle with a much more banal and mundane reality. In Iraq, the Baghdad government is trying to incorporate the Sunnis in a more meaningful way, though it isnt clear it is succeeding In Syria, in contrast, Damascus has learned nothing from the civil war and just wants to crush the rebellion and return to the status quo ante (impossible given their moth-eaten army of at most 50,000, down from 300,000 before the civil war).

So despite the fall of Dabiq in Syria, I expect more long years of conflict, because Bashar al-Assad and the powerful regime figures around him are incapable of learning from history and incapable of genuine power-sharing.

I am not as pessimistic about Iraq, but a lot depends on how politically powerful the Shiite militias become and remain, since some of them are not about national reconciliation. In Iraq as well, a lot depends on whether the Sunni Arabs are capable of self-reflection and of seeing the mistakes they made in radicalizing and militarizing their relationship with the state. Some old Mosul bourgeois families even preferred Daesh rule to that of Baghdad, which is c-r-aazy.

The last 250 years have seen many millenarian movements who though the End is Nigh and who mobilized sometimes to fight outsiders. The Sudanese Mahdi in the 19th century started such a movement. There were lots in West Africa. Sayyid Ahmad Rai-Bareilly had those tendencies in mid-nineteenth-century India. All of them were crushed and few have much of a legacy. Epiphenomena.

The story here is still the story of the resilience of the state or the lack thereof. And that story is the one that will unfold in Iraq and Syria after Daesh has been demoted from caliphal state to small terrorist organization setting off pipe bombs in playgrounds.



Related video:

Aljazeera English: Analysis: Significance of Turkish-backed Syrian rebels taking Dabiq from ISIL
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By Maan News Agency |  

GAZA (Maan)  The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov Thursday expressed concerns over the situation in Gaza, and urged Israel to understand that its policies on the besieged enclave only escalates violence.

Mladenov stressed in the statement that Israeli authorities must come to an understanding that policies adding pressure to the besieged Gaza Strip would only serve to escalate violence, adding that the UN has aimed to maintain peace and calmness in the region.

Mladenov pointed out that Israel is seeking to lessen its siege on the Gaza Strip, which has been under a tightly controlled Israeli-imposed siege for nearly a decade, but said Israel was not doing enough to lessen the blockade.

The special coordinator also commented on the Israeli bodies being held by Hamas, saying that no one had the right to hold human bodies, and that everyone has the right to give proper burials to family and friends.

Hamas official Ahmad Youssef told Maan last month that the Israeli bodies being held in Gaza, Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, could be used as political leverage to coordinate the release of Palestinian political prisoners held in Israel, while Israeli authorities have routinely withheld Palestinian bodies from the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem after alleged or actual attacks on Israelis, dramatically increasing the policy since a wave of violence erupted across the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel last year.

Mladenov stressed that the current calmness must be maintained by focusing on reconstruction and economic development of the Gaza Strip. He also met with Palestinian Minister of Public Works and Housing Mufid Mohammed al-Hasayna in Gaza to discuss the latest developments related to reconstruction.

Al-Hasayna emphasized the oncoming crisis expected during the winter for Palestinians whose homes were demolished during the devastating 2014 Israeli offensive on Gaza, as some 75,000 Palestinians still remain displaced after losing their homes.

The 51-day Israeli offensive in 2014, termed Operation Protective Edge by Israeli authorities, resulted in the killings of 1,462 Palestinian civilians, a third of whom were children, according to the United Nations.

The Gaza Strip has suffered under an Israeli military blockade since 2007, when Hamas became the de facto ruling party in the territory. Residents of Gaza suffer from high unemployment and poverty rates, as well as the consequences of three devastating wars with Israel since 2008.

The UN has warned that the besieged Palestinian territory could become uninhabitable by 2020, as its 1.8 million residents remain in dire poverty due to the nearly decade-long Israeli blockade that has crippled the economy.

Via Maan News Agency



Related video added by Juan Cole:

TRT World: The Newsmakers: The Economic cost of the Gaza Blockade
Australia is using the island of Nauru as an open-air prison, putting refugees and asylum seekers through an abusive processing system as a means to prevent immigration, according to a report [text, PDF] released by Amnesty International (AI) [advocacy website] on Monday. The report claims that Australia has ignored the 1951 Refugee Convention [materials, PDF] by subjecting attempted asylum seekers and refugees to egregious abuses, essentially trapping these individuals on the remote island. The report includes dozens of interviews with refugees, documenting claims of mental health issues, suicide attempts and attacks at the hands of Nauru citizens. AI also noted inadequate and often times deeply humiliating and traumatizing medical treatment. The report touches on various abuses carried out directly against children, including physical abuse from staff and companies hired by Australia and the denial of their right to education. The report calls upon the Australian government to increase aid to neighboring countries like Nauru in order to ensure the safety and well-being of refugees, increase access to existing, non-humanitarian migration programs, and discuss and implement responsibility-sharing programs.

Australian refugees and their treatment have been a topic of discussion among international human rights organizations as of late. In August Australia announced [JURIST report] that Australia and Papua New Guinea intend on closing the controversial Manus Island detention center. That same month AI and Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued reports [JURIST report] stating that Australia is ignoring inhumane treatment of detainees in Nauru. In May the Papua New Guinea officials stated Australian refugees are not being detained [JURIST report] on Manus Island, as they are given access to mainland Australia, although refugee advocates believe that the refugees are being faced with arbitrary restrictions to the mainland. The statement by officials followed a ruling by the Papua New Guinea Supreme Court that the Australian off-shore detention facility was illegal, in direct opposition to a ruling [JURIST reports] by the Australian Supreme Court earlier this year that the off-shore detention was legal. In February the UN Human Rights Committee issued a report [JURIST report] in which it stated Australia had violated the rights of Guantanamo detainee David Hicks, continuing to detain him after his transfer from the United States.
US District Court for the Northern District of Florida [official website], issued an order on Saturday cancelling a hearing on a lawsuit regarding vote-by-mail ballots. Judge Mark Walker was highly critical [AP report] of Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner [official profile] for previously delaying the hearing, accusing him of us[ing] every second available to run out the clock in order to deprive Florida citizens of their most precious right to vote. The lawsuit, filed earlier this month by the Florida Democratic Party [party website], alleges that thousands of vote-by-mail ballots are rejected each election because voter signatures dont match the signature on the registration file. Without a valid signature these votes are not counted, and these individuals are not given a chance to correct their mistake. In what the judge called an act of undeclared war, Detzner requested a week extension to respond to the lawsuit, but later informed the judge that no witnesses or evidence would be presented. According to the complaint [PDF], more than 23,000 ballots were rejected in the 2012 presidential election.

Voting issues have become contentious as the presidential election approaches. Last week a federal court issued [JURIST report] a preliminary injunction in favor of the Pyramid Lake and Walker River Paiute Native American tribes challenging Nevadas voting procedure of failing to provide polling places on Native American reservations. Late last month California Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation [JURIST report] clarifying felons voting rights. The law now clarifies that those sentenced under the third category of Criminal Justice Realignment Act of 2011, a term in county jail, are not stripped of their constitutional right to vote and confirms that only those serving a state-prison sentence or on parole and under California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supervision lose the right to vote. Earlier in September a judge for the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois granted a motion [JURIST report] blocking Illinois from allowing voter registration on Election Day in the states most populated counties. The week before the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit struck down [JURIST report] a procedure implemented by the Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted that effectively eliminated inactive voters from registration rolls if they failed to respond to letters requesting confirmation of their status and addresses.
Less than 24-hours after canceling a hearing [JURIST report] on the vote-by-mail ballots, District Judge Mark Walker for the US District Court for the Northern District of Florida issued an order [order, PDF] requiring Florida to provide a method for voters to fix signature problems arising from vote-by-mail ballots. Walker was highly critical of the states opposition to allowing these voters to ensure their votes are counted, calling it an odd and unconstitutional double-standard resulting in disenfranchisement of thousands of Florida voters. In particular, the judge said, [i]t is illogical, irrational, and patently bizarre for the State of Florida to withhold the opportunity to cure from mismatched-signature voters while providing the same opportunity to no-signature voters. Under the order, Secretary of State Ken Detzner [official profile] is required to direct election supervisors in all 67 Florida counties to provide notice to voters with mismatched signatures and allow these individuals an opportunity to address the discrepancy, specifically through sending in a signed affidavit identifying themselves and confirming that they were the individual who voteda process identical to the one provided for non-signature vote-by-mail ballots. The order was not surprising [Tampa Bay Times] in light of the recent developments in the case. No significant statement has come from the Secretary of States office.

Voting issues have become contentious as the presidential election approaches. Last week a federal court issued [JURIST report] a preliminary injunction in favor of the Pyramid Lake and Walker River Paiute Native American tribes challenging Nevadas voting procedure of failing to provide polling places on Native American reservations. Late last month California Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation [JURIST report] clarifying felons voting rights. The law now clarifies that those sentenced under the third category of Criminal Justice Realignment Act of 2011, a term in county jail, are not stripped of their constitutional right to vote and confirms that only those serving a state-prison sentence or on parole and under California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supervision lose the right to vote. Earlier in September a judge for the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois granted a motion [JURIST report] blocking Illinois from allowing voter registration on Election Day in the states most populated counties. The week before the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit struck down [JURIST report] a procedure implemented by the Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted that effectively eliminated inactive voters from registration rolls if they failed to respond to letters requesting confirmation of their status and addresses.
A former Chinese senior energy official who had hoarded 200 million yuan ($29.99 million) has been given a suspended death sentence after being convicted of corruption. Wei Pengyuan, who had been the deputy director of the coal department at the National Energy Administration, was accused of abusing his position [Xinhua report] to approve coal projects and take millions in bribes. His death sentence has been suspended for two years, which means that in reality he will remain in prison for life with no chance of parole or early release [Reuters report].

Chinas human rights record has drawn international scrutiny, particularly among a crackdown against corruption. In August Chinese authorities released a prominent human rights lawyer from detention. Wang Yu was released on bail after confessing to subverting state power [JURIST report]. In July China was set to prosecute [JURIST report] a prominent human rights lawyer on charges of subverting state power. Also last month Amnesty International urged [JURIST report] Chinese authorities to end their ruthless assault against human rights lawyers and activists. In June a report claimed that China continues to harvest organs [JURIST report] from prisoners and those opposed to the Chinese Communist Party. Also in June a UN expert presented [JURIST report] a report showing that fundamentalist intolerance is growing throughout the globe and is directly contributing to infringements of the rights to association and peaceful assembly. That same month a prominent Chinese civil rights lawyer was put on trial for fraud during a crackdown on political dissent, a month after China passed a law restricting [JURIST reports] non-governmental organization (NGOs).
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Dallas Fraud Defense Lawyer Says Paxtons Win In One Court May Help In Another

Dallas, TX, USA, 10/17/2016 /SubmitPressRelease123/

State Attorney General Ken Paxton is hoping to build on a major win last week when a federal judge dismissed the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commissions (SEC) civil charges against him. The judge ruled that the agencys allegations, even if true, did not show that Paxton violated federal disclosure laws when recruiting investors for a McKinney-based company without informing them he was being paid by the company. Dallas fraud defense lawyer John Helms says the ruling may help Paxton in state court.

Helms was interviewed Monday morning by reporter Chris Connelly on Dallas local NPR radio affiliate, KERA 90.1, on the dismissal of SECs charges. Mr. Helms has substantial experience as a prosecutor, defense lawyer and civil lawyer in the area of securities fraud.

The dismissal represents a significant victory for Paxton, but its not binding on the state court judge overseeing Paxtons pending criminal securities fraud case covering the same incidents. Paxtons defense team will probably ask the state court judge to follow suit and dismiss that case too. The federal judges ruling could be very persuasive, Helms says.

This case is not about whether Paxton had a moral obligation to disclose his financial arrangement with Servergy to potential investors, U.S. District Court Judge Amos Mazzant wrote in the ruling. This case is also not about whether Paxton had some general obligation to disclose his financial arrangement to his investor group. The only issue before the Court is to determine whether the facts as pleaded give rise to a plausible claim under federal securities laws.

Paxton released a statement that he was gratified by Mazzants ruling, but not only are the state criminal charges pending, the SEC has an opportunity ruled that the agencys allegations, even if true, did not show to justify federal civil charges and withstand another motion to dismiss.

Securities fraud is a practice that induces investors to make decisions on the purchase or sale of securities or investments on the basis of false or deceptive information, often resulting in financial losses, in violation of securities laws. Generally securities fraud involves deceptive practices and occurs when investors are enticed to spend their money based on untrue statements.

The SEC filed its lawsuit in April claiming Paxton persuaded several people to invest in Servergy Inc. without informing them he had not invested and was getting paid a commission. It alleges Paxton raised $840,000 from investors in exchange for 100,000 shares of Servergy stock. Mazzant stated Paxton recruited investors without mentioning compensation but he didnt have a legal duty to make such a disclosure.

Criminal defense lawyer John Helms has prosecuted securities, mail, wire and bank fraud cases as a federal prosecutor and defended clients in many of these cases as a Dallas fraud defense lawyer. He also represents plaintiffs and defendants in civil fraud cases. His office can be reached at 214-666-8010 or through his website.



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If you have been convicted of a federal crime, you may wish to appeal your conviction. Before you proceed, its important to choose the right attorney to represent you. Selecting a lawyer can be challenging, especially when youre facing something as serious as a federal criminal conviction. How do you know which lawyer to choose? What should you look for?

At Broden & Mickelsen, we know how overwhelmed clients feel when they are considering a federal criminal appeal. As with any overwhelming task, taking things step by step often helps make the process more manageable and less intimidating.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

The first step is to determine if you need a lawyer in the first place. In a case involving a federal criminal conviction, this is an easy answer  yes, you most certainly do.

Although you have the right to represent yourself in court, the court will hold you to the same standards as any lawyer. Federal appeals cases are unlike cases at the trial level. They are governed by complex, exacting rules of evidence and procedure. Attempting to act as your own lawyer is likely to be a frustrating and unproductive experience.

Does Your Lawyer Handle Federal Appeals Cases?

If you have been convicted of a federal offense, you almost certainly need the help and advice of an experienced federal appeals lawyer, even if you had a lawyer in your original case. Not all criminal defense lawyers handle appeals. To increase your chances of success, you must work with a criminal defense lawyer who regularly handles appellate cases in federal court.

Whats Important to You in a Lawyer?

In a federal criminal appeal case, your future is in your lawyers hands. When your freedom is on the line, you need a lawyer who possesses certain qualities. For example, your lawyer should be a good communicator and someone who is available when you need to ask a question or express a concern. Your lawyer should also be a seasoned litigator who knows the law. Prioritize the qualities that appeal to you, and make sure your lawyer has the skill set you need.

When Youre Ready to Choose a Lawyer

Once you have determined the type of lawyer you need, youre ready to choose one. Here are some points to consider:

Search in the right places. There are several ways to find a reputable criminal defense lawyer. If you have a good rapport with your original defense lawyer, you can ask for a referral. You can also search the state bars website for a list of lawyers who practice in the area of federal criminal defense.

Get information up front. Your lawyer should thoroughly explain how fees are charged and when you will receive billing statements. Be careful about working with someone who asks for a significant amount of money up front, especially if the lawyer does not handle the trial portion of a case.

Write your questions down before your initial meeting. Meeting with a lawyer can be intimidating, especially when you are discussing something as important as a federal appeal. Most people tend to forget things when theyre nervous. It helps to write your questions down prior to your meeting, so you can refer back to them as you discuss your case with your lawyer.

Call Today to Schedule Your Consultation

If youre facing a federal criminal appeal, you need lawyers who devote a significant portion of their practice to cases like yours. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.

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One of the biggest dangers posed by commercial trucks is that they are built higher off the ground than passenger vehicles, making them much more susceptible to underride accidents.

Underride truck accidents occur when a passenger vehicle crashes into a commercial truck, and rolls under the truck from the rear or from the side, often destroying the entire top compartment of the vehicle, and resulting in fatalities.

Since 1953, commercial trucks have been required by law to have rear underride guards, but there are no regulations requiring guards on the sides of trucks, which means that a huge safety gap exists that has led to fatalities when a car skids beneath the side of one of these vehicles. The other issue is that not all guards are built with the same level of quality.

While the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has made rear underride guards mandatory on all commercial trucks, it has not set standards as to the type of material, or the quality of material required in these guards. As a result, some of these guards, which are made of cheap material, provide no barrier against a vehicle passing beneath a truck.

NHTSA Seeks Higher Safety Standards

In an effort to lower the number of accidents in which small passenger vehicles crash underneath a commercial truck, the NHTSA is considering new proposals to make underride guards safer.

Big trucks are not in any way crash-friendly, stated Robert Molloy, Director of Highway Safety at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). And noting that underride guards have been on the market for more than 50 years, he added, Its incredible that we have vehicles today that we can underride.

The NHTSA has not made public what changes in safety standards it is seeking, but they have invited the public  including auto safety experts  to comment on the issue.

Recent Conference On Fatal Underride Accidents

In May, truck company owners, safety experts, and government representatives met at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safetys (IIHS) Vehicle Research Center in Ruckersville, VA at an all-day conference regarding fatal underride crashes. While all attendees agreed that commercial trucks posed a deadly risk for underride accidents, opinions differed on how to correct the problem.

Thats because truck owners are concerned with how much it would cost to upgrade the guards on their vehicles, and whether the increased weight of those guards would force them to decrease their payloads, cutting into their profits.

To show the effectiveness of newer-designed underride guards, the IIHS conducted a crash-test with a Stoughton trailer that was equipped with an upgraded barrier made with steel bars.

A 2010 Chevrolet Malibu was smashed into the rear of the trucks trailer that was carrying a 34,100-pound payload. The Malibu was traveling at 35 miles per hour, the standard speed determined by the government at which a passenger vehicles occupants can survive a collision. The test was successful, as the trailers upgraded guard prevented the Malibu from passing all the way under the truck, making it likely that the passengers would have survived.

The Stoughton-made rear bars will come standard in late 2016, although the exact cost to truck owners was not disclosed. What makes these bars different is that they have four supports across the horizontal bar, instead of the two bars, which are standard. And the bars have been fortified so that they are more durable, and can withstand greater impact.

In an effort to assuage the fears of truck company owners who may have to purchase upgraded bars in the future, the President of Manac, a trailer manufacturer, said that his company could make the necessary fixes for as little as $20, and with a weight addition of only 20 pounds.

But the NHTSA has reported that the upgrades would cost about $2,000, though the IIHS said that number was too high.

John Housego, a North Carolina resident, said that he owns a 2010 Freightliner semi-tractor, and a 2015 Great Dane Trailer, and that he believes side skirts that are now in use to make trucks more fuel-efficient, could double as side underride guards.

Robert Martineau, Chief Executive of Airflow Deflector, and a manufacturer of commercial truck side panels echoed this idea. Martineau said that he could retrofit his panels to make them stronger, so they could also act as crash deflectors, but did not provide an estimation of the costs.

Disputed Underride Accident Fatality Stats

As the government tries to lower the number of commercial truck underride accidents, there is some dispute over the statistics regarding fatalities that occur from these crashes. The most credible source for these stats comes from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a federal database.

According to FARS, from 1994 to 2014, there were 5,081 fatalities directly related to underride accidents.

In 2014  the last year for which statistics are available  there were 228 deaths resulting from cars that slid under commercial trucks. Whats more troubling is that the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM) reported in 2013 that side crash deaths were likely three times higher than data collected by FARS.

There was no explanation given as to why the FARS stats are lower than what AAAM is reporting, but part of the reason could be that FARS has grouped all undercarriage accidents into one category, without differentiating between rear and side crashes.

Recent Underride Crashes In Texas

There have been a number of recent underride accidents involving trucks and passenger vehicles in Texas.

Austin, TX  In December 2015, a Chevy Tahoe smashed into an 18-wheeler, slid under the commercial truck, and briefly caught fire. The accident occurred at about 5:00 a.m. at the 5119 E. 7th St, when the SUV crashed into the semi-truck that was backing into a parking lot. The SUV was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit the side of the 18-wheeler and slid underneath the massive commercial vehicle.

It took a rescue crew 45 minutes to extract the driver who miraculously survived the ordeal, and was taken to the hospital in serious condition. According to Austin Police Department Corporal Chad Martinika, the damage to the front of the SUV was one of the worst hes seen in an accident.

San Antonio, TX  In January 2015, a woman was killed when the Subaru sedan she was driving slid underneath a semi-trailer. The crash occurred at about 7 a.m. on Culebra Road and Old FM 471 Outside Loop 1604. The commercial truck was making a turn on a residential street in Waterford Park that was under construction, when the Subaru hit the truck, and wedged itself underneath.

The woman  whose name was not disclosed  was pronounced dead at the scene.

It was dark, and so its possible that the driver may not have been paying attention, may not have noticed that truck, stated James Keith, a spokesperson for the Bexar County Sheriffs Office. Thats what we believe happened, since it appeared that it got lodged underneath.

Keith also said that the commercial truck driver  who was not injured in the accident  would be cited for pulling out into oncoming traffic.

Allen, TX  In August 2016 at about 12:18 a.m., the driver of a Ford Mustang traveling southbound on Texas 121 near Stacy Road, lost control of his vehicle, causing it to strike a concrete barrier. The Mustang then veered across the road, and slid under the trailer of an 18-wheeler. The truck pulled over to the side of the road with the Mustang still in its undercarriage.

Authorities investigating the crash were not sure why the driver of the Mustang  who was pronounced dead at the scene  lost control of his vehicle.

The truck driver was not injured in the accident.

Making Trucks Safer

As the government prepares to issue new regulations regarding underride barriers on commercial trucks, the issue remains whether truck carriers will comply with these regulations if it negatively affects their ability to make a profit.

No matter what type of upgrades the government proposes, it really depends on the truck company owners, said Amy Witherite, partner at Eberstein & Witherite. The problem is one of vigilance and compliance, and some of these smaller truck companies wont spend money on an upgraded impact guard, because it will cut into their profit.

In fact, there are thousands of smaller independent truck owners who often operate without any oversight by the government, because they are unlicensed.

So even with new regulations, Witherite added, there will still be thousands of commercial trucks out there that dont install the upgraded guards, and may not have any guards at all. And many of these smaller carriers are sending out trucks that are just ticking time bombs that will go off when small passenger vehicles strikes the rear of those trucks, and get stuck underneath.

Obtaining Justice

Underride accidents are tragic events that can devastate an entire family. At Eberstein & Witherite, LLP we believe that you shouldnt have to worry about anything other than getting well after youve been involved in a truck crash. Call us at 1-800-Truck-Wreck today, and speak to one of the lawyers at Eberstein & Witherite. You can also fill out the online form, and a member of our team will respond immediately.

Media Contact

Lucy Tiseo

Eberstein & Witherite, LLP

Phone: 800-878-2597

Email: [email protected]

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Why Does the U.S. Have an Airline Pilot Shortage?

New York City, 10/17/2016 /SubmitPressRelease123/

To complicate matters, the pilot shortage is poised to get worse, not better

The problem has been on the horizon for several years, but it received additional attention in 2009, when a regional airline flight crashed into a private home outside Buffalo, killing 50 people. When investigators discovered that the pilots inexperience caused the crash, lawmakers increased the required number of flight hours for first officers from 250 to 1,500 hours.

According to Time, the significant boost in required flight hours was designed to increase passenger safety. Unfortunately, the change has also exacerbated the pilot shortage, as many pilots who would have qualified to serve as first officers under the old rule are now prohibited from working as first officers.

The High Cost of Pilot Training

Time and other sources also point to the high cost of pilot education and training compared to entry-level salaries in the airline industry. Learning to fly is not cheap, and the average cost of flight-training fees in the U.S. is around $64,500, according to a Bloomberg report.

Because pilots-in-training must now have more hours, they must also pay for additional experience, which means more flight-training fees. When you add the cost of these hours to the price of a college degree and other expenses, pilots pay about $150,000 before they even land their first job.

According to a spokesperson for the Regional Airline Association, the starting salary for a first officer for a regional airline is just $27,350 per year, with some earning as little as $16,000 annually. Although many airlines now offer signing bonuses, there simply arent enough qualified candidates to fill open pilot jobs.

Baby Boomer Pilots Retiring

To complicate matters, the pilot shortage is poised to get worse, not better. A study published by the University of North Dakotas Aviation Department says the impending pilot deficit also faces another blow: an aging crop of current senior pilots. The study predicts a shortage of 15,000 pilots by 2026, as growing numbers of top pilots are approaching the mandatory retirement age of 65. Because there are not enough up-and-coming pilots to replace them, the studys authors say airlines face a serious dilemma.

Airlines have also been hurt by consolidations and bankruptcies  especially among regional airlines. With fewer jobs available for pilots just starting out, it is difficult for would-be pilots to get the hours and training they need to fly for larger airlines.

New York Aviation Accident Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, or you have lost someone in an airline crash, you need the help and support of an experienced New York aviation accident lawyer. These are complex cases. Work with a lawyer known for handling airline accident cases for clients throughout the United States and abroad.

Call Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC to discuss your case with an experienced New York airline accident lawyer today. Call 866-324-9211.

Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC

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OMAHA -- An FBI agent who was part of the law enforcement task force investigating a pair of Omaha double homicides testified Monday about how he came to assist in the arrest of Anthony Garcia as Garcia drove in southern Illinois.

On Day 10 of testimony in Garcia's murder trial, agent Kevin Hytrek testified that in the wake of the May 2013 slayings of Dr. Roger and Mary Brumback, Hytrek and fellow Omaha FBI agent Jonathan Robitaille were assigned to a new law enforcement task force.

The task force was to investigate possible links in the killings of the Brumbacks, both 65, to the killings to the 2008 deaths of Thomas Hunter, 11, and Shirlee Sherman, 57, in the Hunter family home. Thomas Hunter's father, Dr. Bill Hunter, worked with Roger Brumback in Creighton University's pathology department.

About two months after the task force was formed, officers decided they were ready to arrest former Creighton pathology resident Garcia in connection with the crimes.

On Sunday, July 14, 2013, Hytrek and Robitaille drove to Terre Haute, Indiana, where Garcia was living, while Omaha police officers flew to the state. The plan was to make the arrest on the next Tuesday.

Just before the FBI agents arrived in Terre Haute that Sunday, they were alerted that Garcia was driving in Illinois. As part of their investigation, officers had been "pinging" Garcia's cellphone to track its location.

The agents eventually drove two hours south to Salem, Illinois, where the phone pings showed Garcia was located. They ultimately found his car parked in a hotel parking lot there.

They set up in a hotel next door where they could view Garcia's car. Around midnight, they were joined by three agents from the FBI's Springfield office who would assist.

Hytrek said it was decided that since they had been up all day and would need to track Garcia the next day, they needed to get some sleep. They knew they still had the ability to track Garcia's phone, Hytrek said.

At 5 a.m., Hytrek woke and found Garcia's car was gone. The agents scrambled and headed south on Interstate 57, only to learn from the next ping of Garcia's phone that he was behind them.

They turned around and soon saw him approaching from the north. They turned around again and got behind Garcia's vehicle.

At that point, Garcia was headed toward Kentucky. If he left Illinois, Hytrek said, they would have to involve another FBI field office.

"We were running out of Illinois," Hytrek testified.

After contacting the task force, it was decided they should make the arrest.

The Illinois agents contacted Illinois state troopers to make the stop. With guns drawn, the troopers and agents made the arrest on an Interstate entrance ramp.

Later, Omaha police detective Nick Herfordt testified about his analysis of the cellphone and tablet computer taken from Garcias car after the arrest. Herfordt is an expert in digitial forensics, trained to extract data from computers and cellphones.

Herfordt testified he found numerous searches had been made on the tablet on May 10, two days before the Brumbacks were killed.

One was for driving directions to Omaha. Another was for the address of Dr. Chhanda Bewtra, a colleague of Roger Brumback's whose house was burglarized the same day Brumback was killed. There also was a search for Bewtras grown daughter.

In addition, the tablet in February had been searched for this quote from Shakespeare: Shall I not revenge?

Then on Garcias iPhone, Herfordt found one critical search: for the Brumbacks address. That search occurred at 2:57 p.m. May 12, less than an hour before prosecutors think the Brumbacks were killed.

The Garcia jury also heard Monday from the UPS driver who found the part of a handgun that belonged to Garcia.

Gary Gooding testified he was on the way back to Indianapolis after his daily, overnight run to St. Louis to pick up packages. He usually would make the run alone, but on this day he had a trainee with him, so he was riding in the passenger seat.

Around 4 a.m., he had the trainee pull off at an I-70 ramp in Illinois just before the Indiana border, a place where he frequently would stop to stretch his legs. Its easy to get on and off the Interstate there, and it has a wide, safe shoulder thats good for parking on.

In this familiar spot, he normally would just hang around the drivers side and front of his truck. But since he was a passenger on this day, he got out on the opposite side.

He looked down on the gravel shoulder and immediately saw what he recognized as the frame of a 9 mm handgun.

I found it odd that it was there because it stuck out like a sore thumb from the gravel, he said.

He immediately decided to call 911. It was the right thing to do, he testified.

He didnt have time to wait around for officers to arrive at the scene, but left detailed instructions that allowed a sheriff's deputy to find it.

Finding the gun that prosecutors say was used to kill Roger Brumback is a key part of the states case against Garcia.

The gun Gooding found was missing its inner workings and had no ammunition clip. In the doorway of the Brumbacks' home, investigators found an ammunition clip that would match Garcias style of gun and also three inner pieces consistent with that gun type.
OMAHA -- Omaha Police Detective Derek Mois had reached a dead end in identifying a probable serial killer.

So Mois told his sergeant that he was ready for an additional assignment, hoping for another breadcrumb that might lead him down a trail to the suspect.

He was given a binder of documents  one of dozens collected from the Creighton University Medical Centers pathology department personnel records.

It was the residency files of Anthony Garcia.

One of the first items that Mois noted? Garcias termination letter, signed by Dr. Roger Brumback and Dr. William Hunter.

After I reviewed the book, I thought it was very reasonable that it could be potential motives for those crimes, he said Friday during day nine of testimony in Garcias quadruple-murder trial.

Roughly two weeks after the May 2013 killings of Roger and Mary Brumback, Mois had a viable suspect name. It would take nearly two more months of detective work to gather enough evidence to arrest Garcia.

In court, Mois laid out his exhaustive efforts to secure search warrants and issue subpoenas for the police investigation into Garcia.

Mois was part of a 21-member task force created by Police Chief Todd Schmaderer four days after the Brumbacks were found dead on May 14, 2013. Police suspected that there was a link among a double slaying at Hunters Dundee home in 2008, the killings of the Brumbacks and an attempted break-in at Dr. Chhanda Bewtras home the same weekend the Brumbacks were likely killed. The group was tasked with finding the person or people responsible.

The three doctors connected to the crimes  Hunter, Roger Brumback and Bewtra  had a Creighton University pathology department link, so numerous files were pulled and officers began to pore over them.

Receiving Garcias binder was seemingly arbitrary, but as Mois dug deeper into Garcias history and records, he discovered more and more breadcrumbs that led him to believe that Garcia could have been responsible:

 A silver 2000 Honda CRV was registered to him at his Shreveport, Louisiana, address from 2007 to 2009. A handful of neighbors testified that they saw a man with olive skin drive a silver Honda CRV with non-Nebraska plates in their Dundee neighborhood on March 13, 2008, when Thomas Hunter, 11, and Shirlee Sherman, 57, were killed.

 AT&T phone records indicated that he received an incoming call at 5:18 p.m. on May 12, 2013. The closest cell tower? Atlantic, Iowa  about an hour east of Omaha. It told us it was conceivable that Mr. Garcia was in Omaha that day, Mois testified.

 His financial records from Regents Bank showed purchases in and around Omaha on the day that authorities believe the Brumbacks were killed. A 12:38 p.m. purchase of a case of Bud Light at a Council Bluffs Caseys General Store. Lunch at Wingstop at 72nd and Pacific Streets at 2:28 p.m.  about a five-minute drive from the Bewtra residence, Mois testified.

 A Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol that Garcia purchased in March 2013 at the Gander Mountain in Terre Haute, Indiana.

We felt we had a significant amount of information suggesting that Garcia was responsible for the crimes, Mois testified.

The task force split into two teams. One went to Walnut, California, to secure the Honda CRV, which was in Garcias parents possession, while Mois team went to Terre Haute, planning to arrest Garcia.

About 10 officers flew to Indianapolis and headed to Garcias residence. A couple of FBI agents drove.

But authorities then learned by monitoring Garcias cellphone that he was near Jonesboro, Illinois. Mois contacted the FBI agents, who coordinated with Illinois State Police to arrest Garcia on July 14, 2013.

Police recovered a black iPhone and a Samsung tablet in Garcias car.

More than a year later, Mois was still stumped on one piece of evidence: the gun used to shoot Brumback.

He did a search on a national database for lost or stolen firearms to see whether other law enforcement agencies had run the serial number that belonged to the pistol that Garcia had purchased.

Kurt Callahan, then a deputy sheriff in Clark County, Illinois, had run the number. It matched the bottom part of a gun that was found on Aug. 2, 2013, on the shoulder of an entrance ramp to Interstate 57  two miles from the Indiana state line and nine miles from Terre Haute.

Defense attorney Robert Motta Jr. hammered Mois during a three-hour cross examination on crime-scene and motive discrepancies.

Motta asked if there was any evidence to connect the gun magazine left at the Brumbacks home with the gun that Garcia owned. No, Mois said.

Motta became agitated at objections from prosecutor Brenda Beadle, but Mois continued his unwavering and polite testimony in a calm voice.

Do you think it might have been helpful to interview (Garcia) to see if he had a legitimate reason to be in Omaha? Motta asked, pressing Mois on why Garcia was not interviewed by police before his arrest but other persons of interest were. That decision to interview that person is going to be case-to-case, Mois said.

One of Mottas last questions drew groans from courtroom attendees and wide eyes from the jury.

Didnt a bunch of you guys get medals from the mayor? Motta asked. If my clients acquitted, are you going to have to give that medal back?

Judge Gary Randall sustained Beadles objection.

In a courtroom pew was Claire Hunter, mother of 11-year-old Thomas.

Oh, cmon, she said.

An illustration shown Friday depicted Mois theory of Roger Brumbacks likely position when he was shot in the right shoulder. Brumback is hunched over, opening the storm door and standing in front of the main front door.

The bullet comes from below, from someone on the porch or stairs. It exits Brumbacks body, rockets through the door and hits high on a hallway wall.

Following the states theory, Brumback was ambushed by gunfire as he opened his door. He hardly had time to react.

Hours before the Brumbacks were killed, at 12:57 p.m., someone had searched for Roger A. Brumback in Omaha on whitepages.com from an iPhone.

Prosecutors are expected to present evidence next week that it was Garcias iPhone  the same phone recovered in his car when he was arrested.

Other searches that prosecutors plan to connect to Garcia:

Chhanda Bewtra, from a desktop computer on April 30. And, on May 10, Aruna Bewtra, Bewtras then-33-year-old daughter.

What better way to revenge a harm than to kill someones child? Beadle asked, her two teenage daughters sitting directly behind her observing the trial.

I would agree, Mois said.
In 1986, the first dog ever to be used by the Los Angeles Police Department for narcotics detection died of liver cancer at the age of 10. His name was Frog. During his eight years on the force he was credited with finding drug shipments worth more than $160 million.

I mention Frogs service because he was a pit bull  a dog that Montreal recently decided is such a threat to human safety that it doesnt belong within city limits. Under Montreals new ban, no resident can acquire or adopt a pit-bull-type dog. Those who currently own pets bearing this vague label will be subject to a number of complex licensing protocols. New residents to the area risk having their companions seized and put down. Unclaimed pit bulls in the citys animal shelters will be slated for euthanasia.

The ban, in a word, is stupid: Far from protecting the public, breed-based laws actually imperil it. They divert resources away from the individual animals causing real problems, focusing attention instead on dogs who look a certain way yet havent harmed anyone. The American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Animal Control Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Bar Association and even the White House have denounced this approach.

But Montreal is not alone in its folly. In the last three decades, several hundred U.S. cities and towns have passed breed-based laws like Montreals.

Laws of this type can be traced back to at least the late 19th century, when fluffy white spitz dogs were persecuted on the mistaken belief that they were uniquely susceptible to rabies. Soon after, Massachusetts banned bloodhounds and Great Danes on account of their supposed viciousness. And in the 1920s, a New York magistrate urged that German shepherds be regulated because they were bred from wolves. Each of these outcries reflected the media-driven hysterias of the age. Todays breed bans are no different; only the targeted dogs have changed.

Frenzied media coverage follows dog-bite fatalities  at least if a pit bull is to blame. In Montreals case, the dog that killed 55-year-old Christiane Vadnais in early June, triggering the latest panic, was registered as a boxer.

For whatever reason, incidents involving dogs from other breed groups dont inspire quite the same level of public outrage. Just a few days before Vadnais attack, for example, a 4-year-old girl was killed by a husky mix in the rural Canadian territory of Nunavut. No one in Canada clamored for a ban.

In fact, of the roughly 60 dog-bite deaths reported in Canada since 1964, pit bulls have been involved in only two, while sled dogs and huskies have been responsible for more than 25.

The most obvious problem with breed-specific legislation is that it is in no way specific. Like hound, the term pit bull denotes several breeds, not just one. Montreals new bylaw prohibits ownership of pedigreed American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers.

It also bans any mixed-breed dog thought to be related to one of those breeds and any dog that presents a physical characteristic of one of those breeds. It is unclear which canine characteristics will be most salient  having four legs and a tail happens to be a pit bull characteristic  and who, if anyone, is qualified to make that call.

The second issue is that these laws are notoriously ineffective. Denver banned pit bulls in 1989, yet according to data collected by the Coalition for Living Safely With Dogs, the rate of dog-bite-injury hospitalizations in Denver is now significantly higher than that of the surrounding areas, where no bans are in place. The United Kingdom banned pit bulls in 1991, yet serious dog-bite injuries there have also risen. Ontario banned pit bulls in 2005, but in Toronto, dog bites are up, not down.

Cynical politicians tend to frame the need for breed bans in zero-sum terms: Either you care about public safety, or you care about animal welfare. What gets lost in the divisive rhetoric is that theres a superior alternative: Ordinances that hold every dog owner to the same high standards of civic responsibility serve both interests equally.

In 1991, Multnomah County, Oregon, established a community-based animal control program aimed at reducing dog bites without targeting specific breeds. By imposing strict regulations on nuisance dogs before serious injuries occurred, the county decreased recidivism by 60 percent. The Canadian province of Calgary has also enjoyed great success with a similar program geared toward responsible pet ownership. A 2013 survey of 36 Canadian municipalities found that increased enforcement of breed-neutral regulations (such as leash- and containment laws) led to the most noticeable drop in dog-bite injuries.

In recognition of such facts, a Quebec Superior Court judge has put Montreals ban on hold  for now.

One can only hope that science, rather than fear, will determine what happens next. The lives of domestic dogs are shaped by the choices humans make for them. Its up to us to keep each other safe.

Bronwen Dickey is the author of Pit Bull: The Battle Over an American Icon. She wrote this for the Los Angeles Times.
FILE - In this Wednesday, June 26, 2013, file photo, Caterpillar Inc. Chairman and CEO Douglas R. Oberhelman delivers the keynote address to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce annual meeting & business leaders luncheon in Chicago. On Monday, Oct. 17, 2016, Caterpillar said Oberhelman will retire from the company in 2017 and will be replaced with Jim Umpleby, who has worked at the company for more than three decades. Oberhelman, 63, will leave the company at the end of March. He has been CEO since 2010 and has been with Caterpillar Inc. for more than 41 years. (AP Photo/Scott Eisen, File)
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There are few worse ways to wake a person than with a needle stick in the arm to draw blood. If you have ever spent the night in a hospital, chances are the first thing that happened in the morning was a vampiric nurse or lab technician, following doctors orders, standing over your bed and greeting you with a needle and a set of vials.

Most of us just grit our teeth, maybe close our eyes, and deal with it. After all, these tests are critical for our health, right?

Actually, as many as half of labs ordered may not be necessary. Cutting back cannot only minimize the ouch but can also help lower costs.

Why do we get stuck anyway?

There are many reasons doctors order too many tests. According to a recent survey of resident physicians, these doctors-in-training attribute overordering of lab tests to longstanding social norms within their hospitals.

They cited various reasons. Sometimes, they are trained to order routine morning labs for every single patient in the hospital. There is a paucity of faculty role models who celebrate restraint. Some said that faculty physicians are unlikely to explain and lay out clear expectations on which clinical situations warrant daily labs and which do not. They also cited a lack of transparency about the costs of tests.

At the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center, a group of resident physicians sought to decrease the number of times their patients were getting stuck with needles while in the hospital. We led a program there focused on improving care of patients and decreasing areas of overuse, so they came to us for help. The findings were interesting and may suggest that many needle sticks in the hospital can be avoided.

Think twice, stick once.

Other hospitals have recently focused efforts on decreasing the number of labs ordered in the hospital, but we werent aware of any that looked at actual needle sticks.

Since multiple lab tests can often be run from a single sample of blood, these are not the same thing. Two series of lab tests run on blood drawn once in the morning is surely different from two series of lab tests from two separate pokes.

What really matters most to our patients  and thus to the doctors caring for them  is the discomfort of the needle rather than what was done with the blood after it was obtained.

Based on data available in the electronic medical record, patients at UCSF Medical Center were on average getting stuck more than twice each day they were in the hospital. Some days, such as the first day they were admitted, were often even worse.

The UCSF resident physicians launched a program called Think Twice, Stick Once. They began educating their colleagues about how to appropriately decrease the number of sticks for patients. They handed out red circle buttons featuring their slogan, which were soon adorned on white coats throughout the hospital. They made a poster with a prominent, well-respected teaching physician and hung it in the work room to further disseminate the campaign.

We also created a way to give feedback to doctors about the number of times their patients were stuck each day. Using an online dashboard platform that was updated nightly with data from discharged patients, we provided data on the average number of times a doctor and her teams patients were stuck each day in the hospital.

The team members could drill down to individual patients and open their charts from the dashboard for further investigation if necessary. We believe this approach both empowered doctors to believe that data they received were accurate and allowed them to see real examples of patients they treated that could have avoided a stick or two.

Save money and tears.

A lot of money might be saved  not to mention pain and tears  from cutting back on needle sticks. At the University of Utah Health, a program led by hospital medicine physicians that reduced labs is estimated to be saving more than $250,000 annually in that system.

They too provided a robust online data dashboard tool that allowed physicians to see their own accurate and detailed cost data for the care they provided, from the level of a diagnosis or procedure down to the cost for specific patient encounters.

While there is a lot of overuse of lab tests in the hospital, the outpatient setting contributes its fair share as well. A common source of unnecessary lab draws is prior to minor surgical procedures, such as cataract surgery or outpatient plastic surgery procedures. Multiple studies have shown routine preoperative medical testing for many low-risk procedures does not improve outcomes or decrease the incidence of adverse events, yet the practice remains common.

Physicians and nurses should always ask themselves how a specific test would be used to change management of the illness of the patient. If it would not lead to a change in management, then the test should not be done. Also, many blood tests can be added on to prior samples from the hospital stay rather than requiring a new stick.

Too many tests can be bad.

Other than the pain of a needle stick, how could more testing be bad for patients?

One of the problems with overtesting is that when the probability of a specific disease is low, then the likelihood of a false-positive test is much higher than the likelihood of a true-positive result  a phenomenon known as the false-positive paradox.

False-positives can be a serious problem as they often lead to undue worry, further testing and procedures.

From a systems perspective, attacking a problem so deeply ingrained in habit and culture requires a dedicated, multipronged strategy. We applied a framework, developed by the global nonprofit Costs of Care, for programs that seek to effectively decrease overuse of specific health care interventions.

The framework is COST: Culture, Oversight, Systems and Training. We addressed each of these aspects with the Think Twice, Stick Once campaign. The resident physicians focused on changing their culture of ordering labs with an educational campaign and provided training on reviewing data on needle sticks per day. We provided the data oversight and systems to make this as easy as possible.

Ultimately, we saw a sustained decrease in needle sticks for our patients.

If you happen to find yourself in a hospital, unless you are critically ill, perhaps kindly suggest to your physicians that when they order your lab tests they could think twice, and stick once.

Chris Moriates is a hospitalist. Victoria Valencia is project manager, High Value Care Committee, University of California, San Francisco, CA.

This post originally appeared on the Costs of Care Blog. Costs of Care is a 501c3 nonprofit that is transforming American health care delivery by empowering patients and their caregivers to deflate medical bills. Follow us on Twitter @costsofcare.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
A flight destined to Laredo makes an emergency landing in New Mexico after passengers say the plane smelled like smoke.

The Allegiant flight from Las Vegas to Laredo was expected to land on Sunday night.

However, passengers say they had to do an emergency landing in Albuquerque, New Mexico after the smell of smoke filled the plane.

The passengers finally arrived in Laredo on Monday morning.
Here is a preview of Monday night's City Council meeting:

The possibility of creating a direct flight to Mexico City from and to Laredo is still a topic being discussed among city officials.

One city councilman is asking to require all council members to post their discretionary funds, expenditures and balances on an official website.

The first woman to join the Laredo's police force will be honored at this meeting.

KGNS will have more information in our later newscasts.
A jury is being selected for the case of a man who allegedly sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl.

Fernando Cano-Garcia was officially indicted for sexually assaulting a teenage girl last year.

According to police records, the girl told someone at her school about the alleged incident.

There is no word yet when Cano's next hearing will take place, but if he is found guilty, he can face five years to life in prison.
HANOI, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official market and indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi at 0054 GMT.

Oct 17 Oct 14 USD/VND mid-point 22,016 22,011

USD/VND interbank 22,306/22,308 22,306/22,308 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.40/35.67 35.41/35.68

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank quotes are indicative bid/ask prices.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co, the gold manufacturer.

Interbank offered rates are indicative, quoted from market sources.

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
(Kitco News) -Gold remain flat Monday despite a decline in growth within the New York regional manufacturing sector.

Monday the New York Federal Reserve said the general business conditions index in its Empire State manufacturing survey fell to a reading of -6.8 in October, following Septembers reading of -2. Economists were expecting to see a reading of 1.1.

"For the third consecutive month, manufacturing firms in New York State reported a modest decline in business activity," the report said.

Gold prices saw a modest boost in initial reaction to the data but they still remain slightly negative to unchanged. December gold last traded at 1,255.30 an ounce, down 0.02% on the day.

The yellow metal has been trading in a relatively tight range and has managed to hold key support above $1,250 an ounce.

Looking at some of the components of the report, the new orders index managed to increase in October, but it still remains in negative territory, rising to a reading of -5.6.

The New York Fed also noted that some improvement in employment, despite the index remaining in negative territory. After reaching their lowest levels of the year last month, both labor market indexes rose, but remained negative. The employment index increased ten points to -4.7 and the average workweek index edged up one point to -10.4 the report said.

By Neils Christensen of Kitco News; nchristensen@kitco.com

Follow @Neils_C
ABUJA, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Nigeria plans to launch a development bank by January to support smaller-scale businesses, the finance minister said on Monday, as the country seeks a way out of its worst economic crisis in decades.

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has secured commitment from the World Bank for $1.3 billion in seed money, Kemi Adeosun said in a statement.

The African Development Bank's president said last month it was investing $500 million in the DBN, and that it could be in place by November.

"It is going to provide money for (small and medium-sized enterprises) and for Nigeria that is really important because 50 percent of our GDP is made up of small companies," Adeosun said in a statement.

Nigeria, Africa's largest economy, has slid into recession for the first time in 25 years as low oil prices have slashed government revenues and weakened the naira currency. (Reporting by Felix Onuah; Writing by Chijioke Ohuocha; editing by John Stonestreet)
LAGOS, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Nigerian overnight interbank rate soared to a record high of 128 percent on Monday on naira cash shortages after the lenders funded their account with the central bank to participate in last Friday's currency forward auction, traders said.

Overnight rates opened at 100 percent on Monday, traders said, after the money market ended on Friday with no deals as commercial lenders held onto naira to be able to participate in the auction.

Overnight money traded at 14 percent on Thursday.

(Reporting by Oludare Mayowa and Chijioke Ohuocha; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Romania sells 283 mln lei of April 2024 treasury bonds



BUCHAREST, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Romania sold a lower than planned 283 million lei ($70.35 million) of April 2024 treasury bonds on Monday, at an average accepted yield of 2.86 percent, central bank data showed. Debt managers, who had planned to sell 300 million lei, last sold the paper in September at an average yield of 2.74 percent. So far this year, the ministry has sold roughly 39.9 billion lei and 775 million euros of domestic bonds.

Series: RO1624DBN027 Issue date 19/10/2016 14/09/2016 Auction date 17/10/2016 12/09/2016 Maturity 29/04/2024 29/04/2024 Avg.yield (pct) 2.86 2.74 Avg. accepted price 102.6230 103.4223 Highest accepted yield 2.88 2.76 Tail (highest yield minus 0.02 0.02 average yield) Total bids 334 mln lei 425 mln lei Allotted 283 mln lei 235 mln lei Bid-to-cover ratio 1.2 1.8 ($1 = 4.0229 lei)

(Reporting by Radu Marinas)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

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HANOI, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0418 GMT.

Oct 17 Oct 14 USD/VND mid-point 22,016 22,011 USD/VND interbank 22,308/22,308.5 22,306/22,308 USD/VND unofficial 22,380/22,395 22,355/22,370 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.40/35.67 35.41/35.68

Interbank offered rates Overnight 0.3-0.9 0.3-0.9

1 week 0.4-0.9 0.4-0.9

1 month 1.4-2.2 1.4-2.2

3 months 3.2-4.2 3.2-4.2

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
TAIPEI, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Taiwan will begin trading two additional foreign exchange futures contracts next month, the euro against the U.S. dollar and the U.S. dollar against the yen, as a way to expand the island's currency derivatives market, a senior exchange official said Monday.

The two new currency futures contracts will be launched on November 7 and the move will give firms in Taiwan, many of them trade-oriented, more hedging tools, Liu Len-yu, chairman of the Taiwan Futures Exchange, told Reuters.

The banking and securities arms of Mega Financial Holding Co ; the securities arm of Yuanta Financial Holdings Co ; KGI Securities, part of China Development Financial Holding Corp ; and Capital Futures Corp will be market makers for the two new contracts, Liu said.

The contract size for the EUR/USD forex futures will be 20,000 euros, while the contract size for the USD/JPY forex futures will be $20,000, according to exchange plans.

The exchange currently offers futures trading in the U.S. dollar against the Chinese yuan.

(Reporting by Roger Tung; Writing by J.R. Wu; Editing by Greg Mahlich)
A U.S. judge on Monday rejected a Turkish gold trader's bid to dismiss an indictment accusing him of conspiring to conduct hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions for the Iranian government and other entities in order to evade U.S. sanctions.

U.S. District Judge Richard Berman in Manhattan denied the request by lawyers for Reza Zarrab, who contended prosecutors had overreached when they charged a foreign citizen engaging in business abroad that is not illegal under foreign law.

Berman sided with prosecutors, who had contended that Iranian-born Zarrab and others violated the law by using the U.S. financial system to process transactions for his Iranian clients, whose identities he concealed from U.S. banks.

"The court finds that the indictment alleges a domestic nexus between Zarrab and his co-conspirators' conduct and the United States, i.e. the exportation of services from the United States," Berman wrote.

Lawyers for Zarrab did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Zarrab, 33, was arrested in Florida in March while en route to Disney World with his family.

He has pleaded not guilty, and is scheduled to face trial on Jan. 23.

The case has drawn much attention in Turkey, where prosecutors in 2013 accused Zarrab, along with others, of having paid cabinet-level officials and bank officers bribes to facilitate transactions benefiting Iran.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who was then prime minister, cast the case as a coup attempt orchestrated by his political enemies. Several prosecutors were removed from the case, police were reassigned, and the investigation was dropped.

In September, Erdogan, whom prosecutors say had "close ties" to Zarrab, said he believes U.S. authorities had "ulterior motives" in pursuing the case.

The case is U.S. v. Zarrab, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 15-cr-00867.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Meredith Mazzilli)
SHARE Charlotte Garrido is seeking her fourth term as the south end Kitsap County commissioner her third consecutive term.

By Christina Henry of the Kitsap Sun

PORT ORCHARD  Democrat Charlotte Garrido, seeking a third consecutive term as Kitsap County commissioner, hopes if elected to build on her outreach to neighborhoods in the south end and take her "neighborhood planning" initiative countywide.

Garrido, 70, began her civic career in Olalla more than 30 years ago as a grass roots activist, working on the county's comprehensive plan, parks preservation and promoting local agriculture. Her goal is to help Kitsap residents pinpoint their own neighborhoods' needs and to bridge the bureaucratic gap that sometimes exists between the county and its constituents.

"The philosophy is that people who live in their neighborhoods are experts about their own surroundings, and government can learn from that," she said. "Since we have many services, neighborhoods could benefit from it. It would be a really good mutual relationship."

Garrido, who faces Republican Chris Tibbs in the Nov. 8 election, served a single term as South Kitsap commissioner from 1997 through 2000, during the early days of growth management planning. As a consultant to the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, she laid the foundation for bringing four-year degrees to Kitsap County. She holds a doctoral degree in urban planning with a focus on public participation.

Elected again in 2008, she has been active in efforts to create living-wage jobs and has stumped for better state ferry service to the Kitsap Peninsula and other ferry-dependent communities.

"Charlotte has been very effective in advocating for the ferries as a regional leader," said state Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island.

"She's very passionate about workforce development," said Julie Tappero, chairwoman of the Olympic Workforce Development Council, a regional advisory group on which Garrido has served for a number of years. Garrido recently shepherded through a strategic plan the group needed to bring funding for job creation in the county. Her willingness to dig into the details of bureaucratic protocol was greatly appreciated, said Tappero, a Garrido campaign donor.

Garrido knows that her affinity for planning and procedure is a target for some critics.

"People say I only deal with process. I don't get anything done," she said. "The fact of the matter is, the only way you get things done is knowing the steps from start to finish or knowing when to take the next step."

Garrido believes her neighborhood planning initiative is a promising framework on which to build toward tangible goals.

Take the rural community of Harper, for example, she says. For more than a decade some community members have wanted to restore the Harper Creek estuary, site of an old brick factory. Garrido over the past couple of years has been meeting with Harper neighbors on the latest iteration of the plan. Construction on the first phase, removal of industrial fill and replacement of an old culvert to improve fish passage, began this fall. The more complex phase 2 involves additional culvert work and construction of a new bridge on Olympiad Drive.

Garrido acted as a liaison between the neighbors and the county's public works department, said Jim Heytvelt, a Harper resident who's had a hand in a number of neighborhood projects over the years. Garrido made sure the conversation was a two-way street, said Heytvelt, also a campaign donor.

"She never says, 'I think this,' or, 'I think that,'" he said. "She's trying to draw suggestions out of people, out of the group. She encourages people to contribute, in my opinion."

But others in the neighborhood are still chafing over changes to a small boat launch as a result of the project.

"We all got this warm fuzzy feeling that she wanted to hear from us about the project," said Bruce Hinds. "She said she was interested in people's opinions and best interests. It didn't necessarily go that way."

Although revised plans call for a graded slope down to the beach that will allow for hand-launched craft like small boats and kayaks, Hinds wishes they'd leave things as they've been. He also worries about the effect of silt from the estuary on his beach-front property and its potential effect on property values.

Heytvelt says the new beach access was a collaborative effort between some of the neighbors, and state and county officials. "It satisfied a lot of people. It didn't satisfy everybody," he said.

Garrido points to neighborhood outreach in Manchester as another example of government listening to locals and providing resources to achieve mutual goals. The county's stormwater department designed an underground treatment chamber for runoff with a small village green-style park at ground level. As in Harper, not everyone is satisfied with the result. Some say it's too small for a park, Garrido said, but residents who worked most closely on the project are pleased. The park sees regular use in the summer for farmers markets and other events.

Garrido also worked closely with Harper, Manchester, Olalla and the Wicks Lake-Glenwood area on the county's recent comprehensive plan update. Each community has its own unique flavor, she said, but common themes emerged, including a push for traffic safety, crime prevention and better bus service.

The county already has vibrant community advisory councils in Kingston, Central Kitsap and Suquamish, Garrido said. She'd like to see more throughout the county. Another recommendation is to have better coordination among departments for a more "holistic" approach to engage residents and promote county services available to them.

Garrido's outreach in South Kitsap has been a pilot project to gauge the benefits of neighborhood planning. County officials also have studied cities, like Seattle and Vancouver, that have their own designated "neighborhoods" departments, as well as counties across the country that use the neighborhoods model.

One of these, Manatee County, Florida, has done targeted neighborhood outreach for about a decade, with the goal of lifting up downtrodden areas. The first couple of years involved a lot of staff time, said Cheri Coryea, Neighborhood Services Department director. Getting buy-in from different departments was, in some cases, hard won. But time spent knocking on doors and setting up kiosks in the park to highlight county services bore fruit, Coryea said.

"It's really relationship building," she said. "We say we're going to stop talking about you and start talking to you. ... You don't go in there and try to force yourself in."

Although the Manatee County has scaled back on intensive outreach, connections with core leaders remain. The neighborhood "catalysts" in turn serve as a contact point for county news and complaints flowing back the other way, Coryea said. "That's the philosophy we've been able to use, and it's working. It's not a perfect science."

Heytvelt wonders about the county's ability to rally neighbors' interest when there isn't a project like the estuary in the offing. Over more than two decades, he's watched cohesion in Harper wax and wane as issues and causes come and go.

"Something has to be the central focus of why you're going to get people together," he said.

Another hurdle will be attracting younger participants, Heytvelt thinks. The average age of the Harper neighbors group is 55 to 65, he guesses. And there's the issue of proximity.

"The farther our neighbors live from the bull's-eye of the target, the less they participate, because, 'That's not my backyard,'" he said.
SHARE Chris Tibbs is running for Kitsap County commissioner for a third time. After two unsuccessful bids to unseat north end Commissioner Rob Gelder, he's taking on incumbent Charlotte Garrido.

By Christina Henry of the Kitsap Sun

PORT ORCHARD  Republican Chris Tibbs, making his third run for Kitsap County commissioner, hopes that if he's elected he'll be remembered in decades to come for playing a key role in fixing the Gorst bottleneck.

Tibbs, 36, former chairman of the Kitsap County Republican Party, ran against Rob Gelder in 2011 for a vacated seat and again in 2012, losing both times. The incumbent Gelder is running unopposed Nov. 8 for North Kitsap commissioner.

Tibbs, now a Port Orchard resident, in 2016 was among several applicants for a vacant Port Orchard city council position. He was not chosen.

Tibbs took 44.1 percent of the vote in the Aug. 2 primary to Garrido's 37.3 percent among voters in District 2, encompassing South Kitsap and a portion of Bremerton, including downtown. The general election expands the vote to all of Kitsap County.

"I believe that county government should work for the people," Tibbs said. "I will listen to their concerns and prioritize projects based on what will impact their lives the most. A perfect example of where this is most needed is Highway 3 through Gorst. People in Kitsap County have complained about the traffic in this area for over a decade, yet nothing has been done to fix it."

Tibbs would work with local, state and federal officials to secure funding from multiple sources, which will be required to widen Highway 3 through Gorst, build a new interchange at Highway 3 and Sam Christopherson Way and widen connecting ramps. Tibbs would work with Kitsap Transit on new park-and-rides west and south of Gorst to reduce the number of cars traveling through.

Many politicians and leaders have tried to tackle the corridor before. Impediments are funding, geographical challenges and the Navy's railroad.

The effort will take coordination with local groups like the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council and West Sound Alliance, as well as advocating for Kitsap's interests with Congress, the Navy and Department of Homeland Security, Tibbs said. All of that requires networking, in which Tibbs says he has a proven track record.

"It all comes down to relationships and respect," he said. "There's challenges no doubt. It's a large undertaking, but if we don't try, if we don't start moving forward, it will never happen."

Tibbs cites, as evidence of his qualifications to get the job done, 2014, a banner election year for the local GOP, when four legislative positions and four local seats went to Republicans. Tibbs touts his role in the 2013 election of Jan Angel to the state Senate and in 2016, the allocation of $300,000 from the state to restore the Turner Joy, a retired Navy vessel turned museum, for which Tibbs lobbied.

Tibbs has strong backers, including Angel and acting Kitsap GOP Chairwoman Heather George. But a contingent of party members remains critical of his handling of finances and other matters during his tenure.

Angel affirms Tibbs was instrumental in her victory over Nathan Schlicher in November 2015 for the 26th District Senate seat vacated by now-Congressman Derek Kilmer. Tibbs recruited volunteers and raised funds for Angel in what remains the most expensive race ever for state Legislature  $3.1 million raised total for both candidates.

"He played a very huge role in that," Angel said. "He was the organizer of a lot of different programs here in Kitsap to support the campaign."

Tibbs' goal to affect a solution in Gorst is admirable but fraught with obstacles, Angel said. The biggest challenge would be adding a third lane from the Highway 304 on-ramp to Gorst, estimated to cost nearly $160 million. Transportation projects of such magnitude require constant effort so it doesn't get pushed to the back burner, Angel said, and there Tibbs would likely deliver.

"When Chris takes on a project, he puts his head down and charges," she said.

As a lobbyist through his consulting company Westsound Strategic Partners, Tibbs gets high marks from John Hanson, president of the Bremerton Historic Ships Association, owner of the Turner Joy, for whom Tibbs advocated pro bono. Mason County, which paid Westsound Strategic Partners $2,000 in 2016, also was satisfied with his work testifying on behalf of Mason and other counties about the impact of unfunded mandates from the state, said Terri Jeffreys, president of the Mason County Board of Commissioners. "I found his work to be complete and very detailed, and his follow-up was very, very good," she said.

Westsound Strategic Partners in 2015 was paid $5,000 from Kitsap Transit for analysis of election data related to a proposal for passenger-only ferry service between Kitsap County and Seattle. A measure to increase the county's sales and use tax by 3/10ths of 1 percent to help fund the service is on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Count among Tibbs' detractors Linda Simpson, former vice chairwoman for the Kitsap County Republican Party. Simpson in December 2014 was excluded from a meeting at which Tibbs was re-elected to a second term as chairman, a move she says stemmed from her questioning of party finances.

Simpson cites reimbursements made to Tibbs, including $4,272 in 2014 for travel, meals and other expenses, as potentially improper. She has filed a complaint against the party with the state Public Disclosure Commission.

Simpson says the local party's reimbursement of $4,333 to Westsound Strategic Partners in 2016, after Tibbs had announced his retirement as party chairman but before he officially stepped down, smacks of conflict of interest.

Tibbs in 2014 (before the meeting from which Simpson was excluded) addressed her financial concerns in a lengthy email to precinct committee officers, who vote for the chairman. Tibbs said the party's executive committee approves the budget, which includes reimbursement for expenses for the otherwise unpaid position, and the committee reviews actual expenditures. The committee that year authorized a stipend for the chairman, said Tibbs, who scaled back his work as sales manager for Ootopia Coffee during his first two-year term that began in late 2012.

Tibbs also served on the state Republican party's executive board, which required travel around the state.

Expenditures in 2014  including money to get out the vote  were higher than historically, but so was the amount raised, Tibbs said. He points to election results as evidence of money well spent.

Tibbs later apologized in writing for Simpson's exclusion from the meeting. That only partly satisfied Kathryn Simpson (no relation to Linda), another party member critical of Tibbs. Kathryn Simpson complained to the Washington State Republican Party.

Kathryn Simpson now lives in Virginia and has followed Kitsap politics through social media. She wonders why no Republicans have stepped up this year for the 23rd District seats, and why Gelder is getting a pass for another term.

"If you want to look at what Chris has done, I think he destroyed a lot of goodwill, and we don't have people running for those positions," she said.

Acting Chairwoman George, who took over for Tibbs in July, recently spoke to concerns about the party's finances and Westsound Strategic Partners. She affirmed that the executive board has oversight of the budget, including reimbursements for travel and the chairman's discretionary spending. That includes recruiting and supporting volunteers. Revenues and expenditures are reviewed monthly at the executive board meeting, which party members are welcome to attend, she said.

Reimbursements to Tibbs' company in early 2016 were related to the Republican precinct caucuses and county convention. Equipment and services for automated calls and text messages could be obtained wholesale through Tibbs' company "as a cost-saving measure," George said. Similar activity took place in July in the run-up to the primary election. According to the PDC, businesses owned by party officials can receive reimbursements, as long as charges do not exceed market rate.

George dismissed Linda Simpson's claims of fiscal mismanagement on Tibbs' part and defended his contributions to the party.

"Chris has spent countless hours working to recruit candidates, building effective working relationships through the state of Washington, which has allowed us to thrive as a party," George said. "Chris has given of his time, talent and treasure to build the Republican party we have today, and it is largely because of his will we have become so successful."
SHARE

Michiele Shaw, Silverdale

Vote this fall to honor our founders

I've heard several people mention recently that they have decided not to vote in the upcoming presidential election. They typically say they can't vote for any of the slated candidates so they don't plan to vote at all.

While I understand their frustration with the current candidates, I believe there is a bigger principle involved. In 1821 the British press was running articles along the lines of "What has America done for the world?" John Quincy Adams, then not yet president himself, replied that it had "proclaimed  the only lawful foundations of government," that being popular sovereignty, "and demolished with a stroke the lawfulness of all governments founded upon conquest."

The right to vote set us apart at the beginning of the "American experiment" and evolved over the decades to include all citizens. Since the Revolutionary War, 1.3 million American soldiers have died, and another 1.5 million have been wounded defending our ability to govern ourselves through exercising our right to vote.

Even if you can't wholeheartedly vote for any particular candidate, please consider voting anyway, in honor of all the sacrifices that have been made for the privilege.
You can now donate to Kiwiblog
Michael Reddell blogs:

I dealt with the visitor number points in this post late last year. The WIAL cost-benefit analysis uses passenger projections which assume an increase of 200000 visitors to New Zealand (building up over time) simply because it becomes physically possible to fly long haul into Wellington. That seems implausible. In his own look at the passenger projections, Ian Harrison of Tailrisk Economics, noted that the numbers assumed that within 20 years 30000 more Americans a year will come to New Zealand simply because they can fly directly into Wellington. One can imagine a few more might want to arrive via Wellington, but is it really credible that so many more will come to New Zealand as a whole? Perhaps more startling were the assumptions for other Asia (ie other than China and Japan). At present, only around 30000 people come from those countries to Wellington in a year. The projections assume that putting in a runway allowing long-haul flights will provide a boost of an additional 105000 visitors annually within 20 years. Were Wellington Florence, perhaps it would be a credible story. As it is  and even with some more marketing spending and a heavily subsidized new film museum  it just doesnt ring true. Long-haul passengers dont come to New Zealand for its cities  the cities are mostly gateways, and in the case of the lower North Island, Wellington isnt the gateway to much. (And yes, I can see the South Island as I type, so perhaps there is a small gateway to the South, by slow ferry market).
Missourians are being encouraged to press the presidential candidates to talk about their plans for social security. (aarp.org)
By Kim Tae-gyu





The government has come under growing pressure to take steps to curb soaring apartment prices, especially in Gangnam, southern Seoul.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) pledged Monday to keep an eye on the real estate market boom which analysts say is posing a risk to the already-fragile Korean economy.

"We think the overall housing market is relatively stable, but there are some signs of overheating as shown by the high popularity of reconstructed apartments in Gangnam," a ministry official said.

"If the market goes haywire, we are ready to employ emergency policies in a preemptive manner."

The ministry appears to be considering jacking up the ban period on the resale of new home ownership after a bidder wins the rights to a certain apartment, or strengthening the qualifications for bidders.

Some analysts call for the government to revive the "anti-speculation zone" system so as to curb the steep rise in apartment prices, through higher taxes and stricter regulations, which were scrapped in 2011.

The MOLIT official refused to specify possible steps but said "we are highly unlikely to designate some areas as anti-speculation zones this year."

Finance and Strategy Minister Yoo Il-ho told reporters Monday that the government will examine various options to deal with concerns over the strong apartment prices but noted, "Nothing has been decided, yet."

Apartment values in Seoul and other metropolitan cities including Busan and Daegu have rocketed since 2014 thanks to low borrowing costs. The central bank slashed the policy rate to an all-time low of 1.25 percent this year.

Remodeling plans involving tearing down old apartments and building new ones in southern Seoul have resulted in the bullish atmosphere. At the center are three up-market districts  Gangnam, Seocho and Songpa.

The demand for reconstructed apartments in the three areas has outstripped supply despite their prohibitively high prices of more than 40 million won ($35,000) per 3.3 square meters, or one pyong, Korea's conventional unit of real estate.

The incumbent administration is accused of being responsible for the current situation, which some call a real estate bubble, because it has strived to boost the sluggish economy through vitalizing the construction sector.

Toward that end, it lifted regulations on mortgages and provided plenty of liquidity to the market, which helped people buy apartments on borrowed money under eased standards.

Alarmed by the abrupt appreciation of apartment values, the government tightened the reins by restoring some rules on mortgages earlier this year. Financial regulators also restricted loans for new homeowners of late but it remains to be seen whether such moves will work.

Also reducing the government's maneuvering room is the moribund real estate market in small cities and rural areas where constructors struggle to find customers for newly built apartments.

"The government is seemingly changing its stance toward preventing the excessive rise in apartment prices, which I think is the right decision," said Park Won-gab, an analyst at KB Kookmin Bank. "The problem is how the government will be able to draw up tailor-made plans to deal with this complicated situation."
By Kim Jae-kyoung

SINGAPORE  On Oct. 10, the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Center in Singapore was filled with more than 3,000 cybersecurity experts and government officials from over 30 countries.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien-loong unveiled the city-state's cybersecurity strategy at the opening speech of Singapore International Cyber Week, which was held from Monday to Wednesday.

Started in 1991, the event was Singapore's initiative to raise awareness of IT security threats among public officials. It has become a global event where cybersecurity experts, both from the public and private sectors, exchange views and discuss pending issues.

Although this gathering took place in Singapore, it offered a great opportunity to meet and network with top-ranking officials from ASEAN member states.

In addition, the world's leading countries in cybersecurity, including the U.S., the U.K. and Israel, participated in the event to share their experience and expand international partnerships.

China and Japan, which are Korea's two biggest competitors in the ASEAN market, also sent a delegation to the gathering to voice their views.

Unfortunately, there was no single official from the Korean government and state organizations  neither speakers nor participants.

"We are closely working with the Korean government and related organizations, including the Korea Internet and Security Agency," a ranking official from the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore said on condition of anonymity.

"We are pretty sure that we gave out an invitation to Korea but I don't know why there is nobody from Korea. You have to ask your government."

On this matter, a Korean government official said, "The Korean government had to refuse to send a delegation because of the National Assembly Audit."

It is understandable that top-ranking officials, such as the minister, did not attend the event because of a tight domestic schedule, but it is regrettable that they did not send a delegation from two aspects.

First, Korea lost an opportunity to improve its political presence by sharing its views on key issues with the people of ASEAN member states and other leading countries.

Cybersecurity is one of the key elements that can ensure growth because it is an essential prerequisite to support the digital economy led by new technologies, such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and driverless cars.

It is in stark contrast to the fact that China and Japan are bent on building networks and strengthening partnerships in the ASEAN region by actively participating in various events. They are now pursuing an ASEAN-centered strategy to get the upper hand in one of the most promising markets.

Second, if Korea's absence at global events in ASEAN continues, it can send the wrong impression that Korea is not as interested in ASEAN as China and Japan are.

"We don't see as many Korean public officials and scholars at government and academic events organized by ASEAN compared to Chinese and Japanese," a Singaporean economist said. "So we don't get the feeling that Korea is keenly interested in opportunities here."

Experts say that this may be affected by President Park Geun-hye's diplomatic policy focusing only on four great powers  the U.S., Japan, China and Russia. Her administration has not shown as strong a commitment to strengthening relations with ASEAN as China and Japan have.

Korea's economic and cultural visibility is improving a lot in ASEAN on the back of hallyu, or the Korean wave. But that's not enough. To solidify relations with ASEAN, Korean needs to improve its image among ASEAN policymakers.

To that end, Korea should make ASEAN people feel that Korea is fully committed to the market by actively participating in international events hosted by ASEAN countries.

Not just focusing on finding business opportunities, Korea should seek to build two-way partnerships by improving its political presence, which will pave the way for much closer economic and financial relationships.
By Kim Jae-kyoung



SINGAPORE  The ASEAN region (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is emerging as one of the most promising e-commerce markets in the world to replace the saturated Chinese market.



Following the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at the end of 2015, e-commerce is providing huge opportunities for Korean retailers seeking new customers abroad.



Most member states of ASEAN, including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam, are experiencing an e-commerce boom.



The Internet-based retail market has been relatively underdeveloped in Southeast Asia due to low Internet penetration and lack of customers with purchasing power.



However, with the middle class growing and Internet penetration spreading, the number of online and mobile shoppers in the region is rising fast.



Still, it is fragmented and Internet users account for only around 40 percent of the total population of Southeast Asia, indicating that the region has much room to grow.



According to the 2016 report "E-Conomy SEA (Southeast Asia)" released jointly by Singapore's sovereign fund Temasek and Google, the average annual growth rate of Internet users in the region is forecast to reach approximately 14 percent by 2020, well above 4 percent for China and 1 percent for the United States.



Online shoppers, accordingly, are also on a sharp rise.



According to Bain & Company, the number of digital consumers, or those aged over 16 and using e-commerce, reached 150 million in 2015. Of them, around 100 million or 75 percent actually purchased goods online.



By nation, Indonesia ranked at the top with 51 million digital consumers, followed by Vietnam (31 million), the Philippines (28 million), Thailand (23 million), Malaysia (14 million) and Singapore (3 million).



"Chinese and global Internet companies should look at Southeast Asian e-commerce as their next potential gold rush," reported IT-specialized media TechCrunch in June, 2015.



In particular, ASEAN's e-commerce has a special feature that sets itself apart from other countries.



For example, the online retail market in the U.S. and Korea first grew with expansion of PC-based shopping. However, Southeast Asia experienced the e-commerce boom with more consumers accessing Internet via smartphones.



In 2015, e-commerce in the ASEAN is estimated at $5.5 billion (6.06 trillion won), and the amount is expected to rise to $8.78 billion by 2025, according to E-Conomy.



The portion of e-commerce to retail sales in the region stood at only 0.8 percent in 2015 but is forecast to jump to 6.4 percent by 2025.







Global players eye ASEAN



Against this backdrop, global players are making fast forays into the ASEAN e-commerce market.



In April, Alibaba, China's largest e-commerce company, purchased a controlling stake in Southeast Asian online retailer Lazada Group for $1 billion, its largest overseas investment.



Lazada was started by Germany's Rocket Internet in 2012 with headquarters in Singapore. It is operating in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. It is the number one e-commerce player in Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.



In June, U.S. retail giant Amazon also decided to invest $600 million to open an e-commerce platform in Indonesia, according to Daniel Tumiwa, chairman of the Ecommerce Association of Indonesia (IDEA).



Japanese SoftBank and Silicon Valley venture capitalist Sequoia Capital acquired a $100 million stake in Tokopedia, the biggest startup investment in Indonesia. eBay, another U.S. e-commerce giant, currently owns Qoo10, the online shopping mall based in Singapore.



Korean companies are also expanding their operations in the region to capitalize on the rising popularity of hallyu or the Korean Wave.



On Sept. 20, CJ Korea Express, South Korea's largest parcel delivery service company, signed an international delivery service contract with Lazada. Under the deal, CJ would deliver goods made in Korea purchased by customers via Lazada's website.



On the same day, KOTRA, Korea's trade-investment promotion agency, joined hands with Qoo10 to start an online support program and help Korean small firms export their goods to Southeast Asia. Qoo10 has a total of 300 million online members in Singapore, nearly 60 percent of its population.



SK Planet opened its online shopping mall, elevenia in Indonesia in 2014 and 11street in Malaysia in 2015.



Korea is now focusing on expanding exports of consumer goods to ASEAN as it has faced limitations to increase external shipments of parts and intermediary products.



"With more Korean firms entering the ASEAN e-commerce network, including Lazada, exports of Korean consumer goods, such as mobile phones, cosmetics, food and fashion items, are on a sharp rise," Roh In-ho, KOTRA's Asia Regional Director based in Singapore, told The Korea Times.



For sustainable growth, Korean firms need to make more effort to come up with localized strategies that meet demands from local customers.



"If diversifying marketing strategies, ASEAN e-commerce will offer good opportunities for small Korean exporters," Roh said. "It is very important to develop designs and products that locals would like."




Kolmar Korea Chairman Yoon Dong-han, left, and National Museum of Korea Director Lee Young-hoon pose for a photo with "Suwolgwaneumdo" at the Education Center of the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul, Monday. Yoon purchased

the Buddhist painting in Japan earlier this year and donated it to the nation's flagship museum. Dating back to the Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392), it portrays the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. The painting will be on view until Nov. 13 and go through conservational treatment afterwards.





/ Yonhap
A scene from "La Traviata" / Courtesy of Sejong Center for Performing Arts

Veteran opera director to stage his interpretation





Henning Brockhaus speaks during a press conference

in Seoul, Monday.

/ Courtesy of Sejong Center for Performing Arts

By Yun Suh-young

Renowned opera director Henning Brockhaus will be showcasing his surreal version of Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata" in Seoul for the first time.

"I'm finally here in Korea. I cannot say how much I wanted to come here. For the past 25 years, La Traviata has been staged across the world since it first debuted in 1992. The freshness of the performance has been maintained throughout the years," said Brockhaus upon meeting reporters Monday ahead of showcasing the piece in front of Korean audiences from Nov. 8 through 13 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.

"At the time in 1992, the performance was interpreted with a symbolic meaning and was a great shock to the audience who had not been informed by the media of this kind of stage setting. The unique interpretations in this performance will maximize the emotions within the story," the Italian scenographer said.

What is unique about Brockhaus's La Traviata is the use of mirrors to reflect the scenes on the stage to the ceiling so that the audience can also view what's going on at the rear of the stage which is difficult to see from the audience seats. The mirrors are tilted 45 degrees to reflect the floor of the stage onto them. Such a stage setting was first introduced in 1992 when Brockhaus showcased his La Traviata to the world and was a great sensation at the time. Using mirrors in this way is now prevalent but was an innovation at the time.

"It allows the audience to feel like a jury in a court. By showing the audience what the stage directors don't necessarily want them to see  the back of the stage  the audience can feel like they're satisfying their voyeurism. They get to observe what they have not seen before," said Brockhaus.

The performance that the Korean audiences will experience in November is the reenacted performance of the initial version that was introduced in 1992. The mirror is 22 meters wide, 12 meters high and weighs 1,500 kilograms.

"I didn't use architectural elements but rather symbolic elements. Because of this, very few people in the audience will understand what I'm trying to say. However I follow Verdi's composition and gestures in extreme detail which is why I think the piece could be lastingly impressive."

La Traviata is based on Verdi's opera which is based on French novelist Alexandre Dumas' novel "La Dame aux Camelias." Brockhaus seems to base his interpretation more on the original work than on Verdi's composition.

"Not many people know the background of La Traviata, that it actually originated from the story La Dame aux Camelias. This opera has a lot of implied meanings. Also, no one really knows the meaning of the title itself which means 'a stranded woman' referring to a prostitute. It's the story of Violetta, the woman who took a wrong step in life," said Brockhaus.

The only difference between the novel and Brockhaus' opera is that in the novel, Violetta's lover leaves her, while in the opera, she leaves her lover.

"I imagined how Verdi would have interpreted the opera if he was alive right now. I tried to focus on which emotions to touch in the audience," he said.

The opera was able to be performed in Korea due to efforts of the Korea Opera Group which supported Brockhaus in organizing the performance.

"The repertoire is quite well-known in Korea but I have always had an interest in Henning Brockhaus's production. I really wanted to see his work and emailed him personally but received no response. Only after I met him in Italy was I able to ask him to bring the performance to Seoul," said Park Ki-hyun, general artistic director of the Korea Opera Group.

"It will be a completely new experience for even those who have seen La Traviata before. That's why we subtitled it The New Way."
From left: Sisters Fiona and Stella Rupert and their mother Deanna walk on Gwangalli Beach in Busan which they cleaned on Oct. 5 after typhoon Chaba wrecked it. / Yonhap



By Hong Dam-young



An American family who voluntarily cleaned Busan's Gwangalli Beach that was wrecked by deadly typhoon "Chaba" this month will receive an award for their service to the community.

The city's Suyeong-gu District Office said on Monday that it would present Deanna Rupert, 38, and her two daughters, Fiona, 11, and Stella, 5, with an "award certificate for foreign residents" to honor what they did.



The three Americans -- who live near the beach -- and a group of Koreans cleaned up the beach for more than four hours on Oct. 5. They had brought their own equipment.

"Fiona told me the beach was our neighborhood, and that it was our duty to clean it up and protect its environment," said her mother, according to Yonhap news agency.





Deanna and Stella Rupert clean up garbage on Gwangalli beach using their own cleaning equipment. / Yonhap



The family has lived in the city since 2009 and moved to the district last July.

The Americans' story was revealed because a passer-by took a picture of them working.

The photo was spread on social media, prompting netizens to track down the Americans.

Ms Rupert, from Wisconsin, is an elementary teacher at Busan International Foreign School.

The award ceremony will take place on Oct. 30.
By Jun Ji-hye



North Korea might have intended to practice striking targets in South Korea in its latest launch of what is presumed to be a Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), experts said Monday.



The North fired the missile, Saturday, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). However, the missile exploded soon after liftoff near an airbase in Kusong, North Pyongan Province at around 12:33 p.m.



Military officials and experts here are paying keen attention to the launch site used this time. This was the first time that North Korea launched a Musudan missile from an airbase located more than 100 kilometers north of Pyongyang. It was the North's seventh launch of the Musudan  since April it has fired six Musudan missiles near the eastern port city of Wonsan toward the East Sea.



Experts say original targets of the IRBMs, believed to have a range of 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers, are U.S. naval and air bases in Guam, but the targets can be changed in accordance with the launch angle that adjusts the missile range. They say the North might have deliberatively changed the launch site to a northern area this time to practice striking targets closer than those in Guam.



"If North Korea uses an acute high-arc trajectory, the Musudan can strike targets in South Korea," said Kim Jin-moo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA). "Okinawa and Guam as well as South Korea could be the targets of the Musudan depending on the launch angle."



After the isolated state fired the sixth Musudan on June 22, the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) claimed that the launch was successful, noting that the missile reached a maximum altitude of 1,413.6 kilometers and fell precisely onto a designated target 400 kilometers away at sea.



The straight-line distance to the U.S. military bases in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, from the North's airbase in Kusong is about 400 kilometers. Experts said it would be theoretically possible for the North to strike the U.S. military bases as well as South Korea's port city of Busan if an acute high-arc trajectory were used.



Kim Dong-yup, a professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies (IFES), a research arm of Kyungnam University, also said the North might have intended to use an acute high-arc trajectory this time to reduce the missile range in order for the missile, if the launch was successful, not to invade Japanese air space.



"North Korea probably wanted to test re-entry technology necessary to develop a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile," he said. "There is a possibility that the North might have changed an engine for the missile this time as it would be necessary for the North to test a new rocket engine that underwent a ground test in April."



The re-entry technology is necessary to bring a nuclear-armed ballistic missile back into the Earth's atmosphere, cited as the toughest challenge in developing operational middle- and long-range ballistic missiles. As missiles re-enter the Earth's atmosphere at Mach 20, the missile's warhead needs to be capable of withstanding temperatures of around 6,000 to 7,000 degrees Celsius.



Kim added that Pyongyang is expected to fire more Musudans to complete the regime's nuclear and missile programs.



Other experts noted that the North changed the launch site this time to avoid surveillance by South Korea and the United States.



Regarding the change of the launch site, JCS spokesman Col. Jeon Ha-kyu said, "There could be a number of reasons, and we are currently carrying out an analysis."



Jeon added that the military is closely monitoring movements of North Korean soldiers in preparation for additional provocations.



The Musudan, also known as the BM-25, is the North's indigenous variant of the Russian SS-N-6 submarine-launched ballistic missile, known in Moscow as the R-27.




By Choi Sung-jin

Six out of 10 Seoul citizens think their city is vulnerable to various disasters, and cite air pollution, summer heat and yellow dust as three disaster types threatening them most, a survey shows.

The respondents also said they expected terrorism would emerge as the fourth type of disaster within a decade, according to the survey of 1,344 citizens and 85 experts by the Seoul Institute, a think tank that advises the metropolitan government on policy.

Only 14.7 percent of respondents said Seoul was safe from various disasters, one-fourth the level of those who saw their city as dangerous, and far lower than the 29.4 percent positive replies of experts.

Asked about the overall level of danger a decade later, ordinary citizens said Seoul would become "more dangerous," while experts expected it would be "safer." In detail, 36.4 percent of citizens expected greater danger and 26.3 percent saw less of it while 31.8 percent of experts made negative replies and 43.5 percent remained more positive.

As the 10 mostly likely types of disaster, citizens cited air contamination, scorching heat, dust sand, land collapse, traffic accidents and infectious diseases, while experts put epidemics ahead of land collapse.

Asked to name 10 major types of disaster that would likely hit the capital city within a decade, citizens and experts put terrorism in fourth place, and also included cyber attack, water contamination, radioactivity and drought in the list.

"The recent series of unexpected disasters, including mountain slides, ferry sinking and the spread of epidemic, stress the need for predicting large-scale disasters and to cope with them systematically," said institute head Kim Soo-hyun.

The think tank is scheduled to hold a workshop on the subject on Thursday.
By Jun Ji-hye

Former North Korean diplomat Thae Yong-ho defected to South Korea due to pressure from the Kim Jong-un regime to bribe British officers in order to obtain the country's nuclear deterrent secrets, according to a British newspaper, Sunday.

Thae, who was deputy ambassador at the North Korean Embassy in the U.K., fled to Seoul in August with his wife and children, becoming one of the highest-ranking North Korean officials to escape the repressive state.

The Sunday Express reported that before Thae's defection, Pyongyang was looking to bribe a U.K. Ministry of Defense civil servant or naval officer with 1 million pounds ($1.2 million) to obtain British nuclear secrets.

Thae revealed the plot during an interview with South Korean, American and British intelligence officers, saying that the pressure to carry out the "impossible" order was a major factor in his decision to defect.

According to the newspaper, Thae received the order two years ago when the North was working to develop its submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) technology. The isolated state has successfully launched the SLBM this year, but its submarine program requires more development.

The diplomat said that he informed Pyongyang that the odds of enticing any British civil servant of the Royal Navy Submarine Service were so remote as to be "impossible," according to the paper. But the Kim regime told Thae that if he failed in the mission, it would end his diplomatic career, the newspaper added.

When disclosing Thae's defection in August, an official from Seoul's Ministry of Unification said one of the major causes for his defection was presumed to be the education of his children.


By Lee Han-soo

The driver of a tour bus involved in an accident in which 10 passengers were killed on a highway near Ulsan on Thursday is under fire for abandoning the passengers.

"It has been revealed that the driver, surnamed Lee, was the first to abandon the bus after the accident," Ulsan Ulju police said on Sunday.

Surviving passengers confirmed what happened.

"The driver broke the glass with a fire extinguisher and was the first to exit the bus," a survivor told Joongang Ilbo, a Korean daily.

"Even after abandoning the bus he just sat there doing nothing to help the other passengers."

Police have requested a warrant to charge Lee with professional negligence resulting in death.

The Ulsan District Court has issued the warrant.

"Lee initially said that he crashed into a guardrail after a flat tire," a police spokesman said.

"However, he later retracted his story and said he was trying to change lanes to enter Ulsan when the accident happened."

Anger continued to grow after it was revealed that Lee had 12 traffic violation charges, including driving without a license and drunk driving.

Bereaved families are demanding strict punishment for Taewha Tour, the company that employed Lee.

"Apart from the driver's negligence, Taewha Tour, who employed a repeated traffic offender, is also to blame for the accident," said one of the breaved.

"We cannot hold the funerals until we know that Taewha will be punished as well."
Members of the special fact-finding committee on the Sewol ferry tragedy demand the government guarantee their investigation activity, during a press conference in front of the Seoul Administrative Court in southern Seoul, Monday, after filing a suit against the government. They claim the government applied a wrong interpretation on the probe period and thus they can continue their work. / Yonhap



Salvage work may not finish within year

By Lee Kyung-min

A fact-finding committee on the Sewol ferry tragedy filed a suit against the government, Monday, over what it claims as "back wages" in a move to seek a judicial review on the committee's investigation period.

A total of 46 members of the Special Investigation Commission on the April 16 Sewol Ferry Disaster filed the suit with the Seoul Administrative Court, demanding that the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries recognize the committee's operation period until next February and pay them the corresponding amount of monthly wages.

"While the government unilaterally notified us that our investigation period ended on June 30, we have been carrying out our work," the committee members said during a press conference in front of the court.

"We are seeking a legal review over the committee's investigation period. We can't stop the probe with the unilateral notification while the work remains unfinished."

The ministry and committee have been at odds over which date should be recognized as the beginning of the committee's activity.

According to the special law governing the operation of the committee, it can operate for up to a year after its creation. Its activity can also be extended for another six months if necessary.

While the ministry claims that the committee was formed on Jan. 1 last year when the law took effect, the committee claims it was actually formed in August, when the government finalized allocating the necessary budget and manpower.

Late last month, the ministry notified the committee that its activity was to officially end by Sept. 30, which included a three-month assessment report writing period between June 30 and Sept. 30.

The committee members said the government failed to offer any legal basis for ending their activity. "The government initially requested the Ministry of Government Legislation for interpretation of the committee operation period, but it withdrew the request later after finding precedents were against it," they said.

According to Rep. Lee Gae-ho of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, the Ministry of Government Legislation had two cases for which it recognized the activities of related special committees began when their manpower and budget were finalized, not when the relevant law took effect.

In the meantime, Fisheries Minister Kim Young-suk said recently that salvaging the sunken ferry Sewol might not be completed by the end of this year due to delays in setting up underwater salvage equipment.

He said that consultations are ongoing between ministry officials and Shanghai Salvage, the Chinese state-run consortium in charge of the salvage operation, over the extension of the contract period.

The sinking of the Sewol on April 16, 2014 was the worst maritime disaster in Korea, costing more than 300 lives, mostly high school students on a trip to Jeju Island.
U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rghts Issues Robert King, center, applauds with other experts on Pyongyang's human rights during the sixth Chaillot Human Rights Forum 2016 at Lotte Hotel Seoul in Sogong-dong, Oct. 13. From left are Lee Jung-hoon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' ambassador at large on the North Korean human rights; Marzuki Darusman, former U.N. special rapporteur on human rights situation in North Korea; King; Signe Poulsen, representative at the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights; and Park Hyeong-jung, director of the Korea Institute for National Unification's Center for North Korean Human Rights Studies. / Yonhap



By Yi Whan-woo

With a delay in adopting a new U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolution against North Korea for its fifth nuclear test, the international community is bolstering efforts to address Pyongyang's dire human rights record to press the Kim Jong-un regime harder.

Some analysts speculate that the United States and its allies may raise issues on North Korea's state-perpetrated human rights violations more frequently if efforts to close loopholes on the existing UNSC sanctions fail.

"Human rights are a universal value and even North Korea's traditional allies, such as China, may find it difficult to raise objections to asking the Kim regime to stop abusing its people," said Park Won-gon, an international relations professor at Handong University.

Paik Hak-soon, a senior researcher at the Sejong Institute, agreed, saying, "Imposing sanctions on weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and raising global awareness toward human rights have been the two strategies that the U.N. and the U.S. have employed against North Korea."



U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power speaks during a worship service at a church in

a settlement center for North Korean defectors in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, Oct. 9. / Yonhap

Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, said addressing human rights may have "symbolic significance" but added that it was uncertain whether such efforts would bring changes to the Kim regime.

On Sunday, U.N. sources said South Korea, the U.S. and Japan were considering addressing North Korea's exploitation of its workers abroad in a U.N. resolution on Pyongyang's crimes against humanity.

This will be the first time the international community has laid the legal groundwork to accuse the Kim regime of abusing its workers in other countries.

The move comes after a series of studies showed that North Korean laborers had been forced to work in severe conditions overseas to prop up the cash-strapped regime's development of WMDs.

The U.N. General Assembly will put the resolution to a vote in December. The U.N. has passed resolutions denouncing the repressive state's human rights abuses for 15 straight years since 2005.

"I wouldn't call it coincidental that such move comes at a time when approving the stronger UNSC resolution is being postponed," Paik said.

Park pointed out that U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power met North Korean defectors in South Korean during her visit from Oct. 8 to 11.

On her arrival at Incheon International Airport, Power said she wanted to hear directly the plight of people who had fled the North, and based on what she learned, go back to New York to negotiate fresh sanctions with other countries.

She toured a settlement center for the defectors in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, Oct. 9, and joined a prayer session with some of the defectors who are being helped to adapt to life in South Korea.

On Oct. 10, the ambassador visited Daum School, a government-affiliated institution offering primary and secondary school education for North Korean defectors in Seocho-gu, southern Seoul.

"Her trip shows Washington's efforts to bring more attention toward Pyongyang's human rights abuses in relation to ongoing negotiations over the new UNSC resolution against North Korea," Park said.

From Oct. 10 to 13, Robert King, U.S. special envoy for North Korean human rights issues, visited South Korea. He met Lee Jung-hoon, the newly appointed ambassador-at-large on North Korean human rights at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

King also participated in a round-table discussion at the sixth Chaillot Forum on North Korea human rights. The Korea Institute for National Unification under the Ministry of Unification hosted the discussion.

King cited a need to help North Koreans have wider access to outside information, saying "The success of the (North Korean) regime in maintaining controls and suppressing its population is very much related to its ability to control media and access to information.

"There is hunger for information. We need to continue to provide information to the North Korean people so they will know what's happening in the world.

"It is not easy to get information in there ... But we need to focus on identifying ways to get information into North Korea."

In separate efforts, Vice Unification Minister Kim Hyung-suk hosted a policy meeting to discuss ways to improve Pyongyang's human rights situation with senior officials from foreign, justice and other ministries.

It was the first meeting of officials from different ministries to share views on North Korea's human rights situation.

"We can't ignore such human rights abuses and should make aggressive efforts to help North Koreans," Kim Hyung-suk said. "It is important to set an effective policy on North Korea's human rights and compile cases of violations through cooperation and information sharing among government agencies."

Kim said the government-run North Korean human rights center that opened in September is expected to boost support for North Koreans in the long term.

The government set up an archive to record Pyongyang's human rights violations under an ordinance endorsed by the Cabinet. The government also established a foundation to oversee and support projects aimed at improving the Kim regime's human rights records.

The Ministry of Justice operates the archive, which will store data based on North Korean defectors' testimonies.

The ministry may use the data to refer the North Korean despot and his aides to the International Criminal Court or file an independent suit against them if the two Koreas are united, according to government sources.
Belarus has frozen a local bank account found to have violated the sanctions imposed under a resolution that the United Nations Security Council adopted in the wake of North Korea's nuclear test earlier this year, a foreign media report said Friday.

This marked the first move of its kind confirmed after the Resolution 2270 was adopted in March, according to the Voice of America (VOA).

The report quoted a foreign ministry spokesman of Belarus as saying that one of its banks suspended an account and has barred it from being used as it violated the UNSC sanctions. He, however, did not provide detailed information on who owns the account in question.

The spokesman noted that Minsk will cooperate as a U.N. member country if a request for more information is made, the report said.

The latest UNSC move is deemed to be the toughest ever implemented to punish the North for its nuclear provocation.

Under the resolution, states are required to freeze bank accounts related to the North Korean regime and its efforts to develop weapons of mass destruction, a move aimed at tightening the squeeze on money flowing into the reclusive country.

Belarus established diplomatic ties with the North in 1992. (Yonhap)
By Yi Whan-woo



The government plans to introduce a package of measures next month to help North Korean defectors settle in the South, officials said Monday.



The measures, which will be announced by the Ministry of Unification, will be aimed at better integrating the defectors into South Korean society with support from central and local governments as well as the private sector.



"The date of the announcement will be around mid-November," a ministry official said on condition of anonymity.



"Our goal is to help defectors break social barriers that prevent them from mingling with South Koreans."



"We're considering expanding job opportunities, bolstering community activities and other programs. We'll finalize the details after consulting relevant officials from other ministries, politicians and leaders from various regions," the official said.



The ministry is also considering starting a public awareness campaign on TV.



The government's move comes after its latest analysis showed that prejudice and stereotypes toward defectors still persist while their numbers have continue to rise according to sources.



It is estimated that the number will surpass 30,000 by mid-November, up from 29,830 in September.



A total of 1,036 people fled from North Korea to the South between January and September. The figure is up 21 percent from the same period in 2015.



The defectors receive a 12-week orientation at Hanawon, a settlement center under the wing of the unification ministry, when they come to South Korea. They also receive 7 million won ($6,100) as a "settlement fund" and an apartment offered for low-income households.



"Such policies tend to make defectors dependent on the government, and the new measures should focus more on helping them become independent," said Kim Soo-Am, a research fellow at the Center for North Korean Human Rights Studies under the Korea Institute for National Unification.



The new measures are in line with President Park Geun-hye's demand to revise the current policies on defectors to accommodate them more effectively during a Cabinet meeting on Oct 11.



Since August, the President has repeatedly urged ordinary North Koreans to come to the South for "freedom and human rights" in what is seen as an attempt to press the Kim Jong-un regime harder by separating Pyongyang's ruling class from others.



More North Koreans from various social backgrounds have been fleeing their country recently amid Kim's reign of terror.



Among them are several high-profile people, such as a senior official from the Ministry of State Security, which is in charge of collecting intelligence and monitoring citizens.



The official, who has not been identified, testified after coming to the South last year that public discontent with the North Korean leader has been growing, according to South Korean authorities.




North Korea's propaganda video with Korean subtitles that read"Taking down your fighter jet is easier than swatting a fly on a wall" on top while the bottom one reads "Heed our warning. Repent and Repent again." / Yonhap



by Lee Han-soo

A video of a North Korean anti-air missile shooting down a mock U.S. fighter jet screened on the hermit state's propaganda website on Sunday.

Uploaded on to "Uriminzokkiri TV," North Korea's main propaganda website, the approximately two-minute video titled "Heed our warning" displays a B-1 Lancer bomber in a white crosshair.

"Taking down your fighter jet is easier than swatting a fly on a wall," says the caption before an anti-air missile is shown shooting down the plane.

"Heed our warning. Repent and repent again."

The video ends with an outdated U.S. fighter jet and flag burning on the ground and an outlandish claim that North Korea shot down more than 12,224 U.S fighter jets during the Korean War (1950-53).
By Tricia Bishop



A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from a parenting site reminding me that my daughter is at an age where she'll start going on more playdates, and before arranging them, I should first ask families whether they have firearms in their homes and, if so, whether the weapons are locked up. That's a good start, but given the recent national discussion, perhaps we should add this for our kids' safety and general well-being: Do you support Donald Trump?



And by that, I mean: Does your household support what he says, does and stands for?



Do you teach your son to force himself upon his female friends at every opportunity?



Do you encourage your daughter to just take it  particularly if the offender is "a star"?



Do you body shame your daughter and her buddies, calling them names like "fat pig," "slob" and "dog"?



Do you tell your kids to belittle, fear and exclude those who don't look or talk like them?



When your children don't get their way, do you encourage them to throw fits, resort to name calling and simply take what they want?



Do you teach your kids that paying their fair share is for the weak?



Do you tell your children that it's OK to lie early and often as long as it's what their friends want to hear?



Do you discuss with your own friends the attractiveness of your daughter's chest and allow them to refer to her as a "piece of ass"?



Will you tell your daughter that she is responsible for her own sexual harassment at work?



Do you emphasize to your daughter that once she passes the age of 35, she will no longer be of interest to men?



Do you show your kids that fidelity isn't important in your marriage?



Do you encourage your children to bully, badger and intimidate others?



Do you tell them to deny, deny, deny when they're caught doing something wrong, rather than take responsibility?



In your household, is homework and preparation for sissies?



Is your family motto: "I know you are, but what am I"?



At the town-hall style presidential debate Sunday, the first question came from a woman concerned about the candidates' effect on children.



"The last debate could have been rated as MA  mature audiences  per TV parental guidelines," she said. "Knowing that educators assign viewing the presidential debates as students' homework, do you feel you're modeling appropriate and positive behavior for today's youth?"



It was a valid question, but one that shouldn't have been limited to their behavior on stage. The U.S. president is every second of every day a role model for the world  most importantly our country's children.



Donald Trump acts like a spoiled brat who's rarely had to suffer any consequences for his conduct. He's the Veruca Salt of presidential nominees, demanding "pink macaroons and a million balloons"  "don't care how, I want it now." I can't imagine a rational parent accepting that kind of conduct from their kids, but millions of Americans apparently dismiss it from their GOP nominee.



Why not? That's what he does, right? His bragging of sexually assaulting women  caught on tape and publicly released last week  is just "locker room talk," he says, repeatedly, even as women come forward with stories of his attacks spanning years. He tried to put his hand up a stranger's skirt on an airplane and grab her breasts, one woman said. Two others say he forcibly kissed them without their consent, and another says he groped her rear end. I expect more will come forward.



But that doesn't seem to bother most of the country, according to a Wall Street Journal poll released this week. Only 41 percent of respondents found his recorded comments "completely unacceptable because it crosses a boundary into describing kissing and touching women in a sexual way without their consent." Another 31 percent thought it was crude, "but typical of how some men talk in private with other men."



Meanwhile, it reminded millions of women of their earliest sexual assaults, which they tweeted to social media maven Kelly Oxford, at her behest. A grown man grabbed a then 12-year-old's crotch on a bus. Same thing happened to an 11-year-old in a store. A 13-year-old was kissed by a synagogue janitor.



My first was in kindergarten, where the boys would capture the girls, drag them into giant concrete pipes on the playground and hold them down to be kissed, while they struggled. "Innocent," I imagine many of you would say. By first grade, one boy had moved on to pulling down girls' tank tops to peer at non-existent breasts. Later there was the man who exposed himself in a store aisle, followed by various groping and grabbing in high school halls.



Just boys being boys  right?



I would respectfully suggest that those of you who said "yes" have far bigger problems than properly storing guns.



Tricia Bishop is a columnist for the Baltimore Sun. Readers may email her at tricia.bishop@baltsun.com. This was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




The issue of North Korea's overseas workers, who are believed to work in dismal conditions, might be included in a human rights resolution by the United Nations in December for the first time, sources said Sunday.

South Korea, the United States and Japan are said to be working together to mention in the resolution their dire working conditions, such as long working hours and restrictions on their physical movement.

On top of human rights violations, another concern is that part of the money they send back home is suspected to flow into the regime to develop weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including its nuclear program.

Last month, Willy Fautre from Human Rights Without Borders estimated around 50,000 North Koreans work in 16 countries that annually send US$1.2-2.3 billion back home. Another estimate said there are more than 100,000 North Koreans working overseas.

"Issues related to North Korea's overseas workers will be extensively discussed in many international forums. ... You will see the discussion (take place) in the near future," said Foreign Affairs Minister Yun Byung-se at a regular parliamentary audit session Thursday.

Tomas Ojea Quintana, U.N. special rapporteur on North Korean human rights, has recently submitted a report on North Korea's human rights conditions to the General Assembly's Third Committee.

The U.N. General Assembly has been condemning the regime's horrible human rights violations by annually adopting a resolution since the 2000s. (Yonhap)
A Benin-based socio-cultural and political monitoring group, Edo Lens, has advised the Peoples Democratic Partys candidate in the recent governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to accept defeat at the polls.

This was contained in a statement issued after the groups spokesman, Mr. Destiny Evbakoe, addressed newsmen in Benin City on Sunday.

He said the call by the group was necessitated by the findings of the organisation that the PDP candidate did not prepare well for the election.



He said the groups findings also revealed that many of party supporters deceived the PDP and its candidate, saying the supporters intended to vote for continuity, which led to the victory of Mr. Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress.

Evbakoe said, The ill-conceived and sponsored protests being organised by the PDP against the outcome of the most credible, transparent, free and fair election ever conducted in the history of Edo State, further infuriate Edo people.

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James Turner, the 67-year-old Irish national based in Nigeria who was accused by his 31-year-old Nigerian girlfriend of deliberately infecting her with HIV has said he slept with no fewer than six other ladies.

Turner also confessed to have sent his wife back to the Republic of Ireland, when his status was confirmed, in order not to infect her with the virus.

Vanguard gathered during his interrogation that among the girls the suspect had slept with was his girlfriends friend. However, unconfirmed reports said he had slept with more than six ladies.



His girlfriend, identified simply as Helen, reported Turner to the police last Friday, after the latter reneged on his promise to settle the former with N2.5 million.

Helen said that she stumbled on the anti-retroviral drugs her lover of eight years had been secretly taking, four months after his status was confirmed.

Three Years Ago

The Benue State-born lady disclosed that Turners status was revealed three years ago, when she went with him to the hospital for the treatment of an unknown ailment.

She said: When we got to Liester Hospital, Ikeja, they ran some tests on him because he was sweating and also running temperature. The doctor gave him drugs for malaria.

At that hospital, if one is sick and has such high temperature, they will run a HIV test on the person without his knowledge. After running the test on him, the doctor invited us to his office and asked if he could talk to him in my presence, he said no, that I should wait outside. The doctor thereafter, broke the news to him.

When we got home, he was quiet. He did not tell me anything. I realised that he was taking a particular medication, which he hid from me.

There was a time I even drove to the hospital to pick a brown envelop, which was sealed, for him. It was his medication, but I did not open it.

When I discovered that he kept hiding his medication from me, I asked him what kind of medicine he was taking and he told me that it was for malaria and typhoid. I did not say anything because I thought that the prescription was for a long period of time.

He continued taking it for about three to four months. So, one day I opened the medication and wrote out the name of the drug. Thereafter, I googled the name on my phone to know what type of medication it was. To my shock I discovered it was an anti-retroviral for HIV.

I went to meet Jim in the living room and asked why he was taking medication meant for people living with HIV and also asked if he was HIV positive, but he said no.

He told me that the doctor gave him the medication for his legs, which has caused him sleepless nights.

Helens worst fear was confirmed during a visit to the doctor, who disclosed that her lover was HIV positive. To ascertain her status, the doctor also ran a test on her, where she was discovered to have been infected with HIV.

According to her, since the visit to the doctor with Jim (her pet name for Turner) his love-making with me increased as if he was madly in love with me.

Decision To Send Wife Back

Turner, who refused to speak with journalists, however, insisted that Helen infected him with the virus. But during interrogation by policemen at the Ikeja Division, he stated that he had to send his wife back to Ireland on discovering that he was HIV positive, in order not to infect her with the virus.

He also said that he slept with other ladies after his status was confirmed, right in his apartment.

He also insisted that Helen infected him with the virus, pointing out that she might have contacted the virus from Kaduna State, where she spent some months to sell a property in 2013, same year he was confirmed to be HIV positive.

But asked why he hid the anti-retroviral drugs from Helen, he kept mum. He was released on bail, weekend, to treat himself of an injury he sustained on one of his elbows, from which he was bleeding.

Police, however, assured that measures had been put in place to prevent further infection of other ladies by the suspect.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, who confirmed the arrest, said: We are waiting for experts opinion to conclude the charge against the suspect.

Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Being part of the Presidents entourage to Germany, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has dismissed the assertion that President Muhammadu Buharis three-day visit to Germany was more of a medical trip than official assignments.

He said this while addressing State House correspondents yesterday in Abuja, dismissing the report of Dr Junaid Muhaamed, that the President had gone to Germany for medical treatment. He said;

President never went for any medical check-up. At least I was with him till 1.00a.m, after the dinner before I left him and he went to bed,

I went to bed and the following day I came out to see him in the morning, So, the president never went for any medical at all. The only hospital we went to was to see a general who had an accident. Continue



These are some of the things that people make uninformed comments and I do not know why in this part of our world we are always happy when someone is going down. I think there is need to change our attitude completely.

If this issue had been on issue on how to move Nigeria forward, you wont see on social media, you will not see comment on it, nobody we talk about it, he said.



Follow Us on Facebook  @LadunLiadi; Instagram  @LadunLiadi; Twitter  @LadunLiadi; Youtube  @LadunLiadiTV for updates
Nigerias Ex-minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has arrived in Nigeria from his base in the United States to respond to an invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in relation to N4.75bn arms funds traced to him.

The former minister arrived in Lagos from the United States enroute Amsterdam and headed for Abuja to keep an earlier scheduled appointment with the EFCC today, Punch reports.

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The UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filipo Grandi, has said the UNHCR will continue to work on, the return of those Sri Lankans that wants to return, solutions for internally displaced people and commendable work that the Government is doing for the statelessness. The High Commissioner made this observation, in response to the national statement of Sri Lanka delivered by Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ravinatha Aryasinha, at the 67th Session of the Executive Committee of the UNHCR, held in Geneva this week.

Full statement

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

Geneva

7 October 2016
The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary

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PRESS RELEASE

Architect of Euro and ECB Warns of Imminent Crash

Oct. 16, 2016 (EIRNS)Otmar Issing, the first chief economist of the European Central Bank (ECB) and an architect of the single currency, has told the Sunday Telegraphs international business editor Ambrose Evans-Pritchard the the entire euro system is on the edge of collapse, and that it was fatally flawed from the inception, because it was betrayed by political considerations.

The Stability and Growth Pact has more or less failed. Market discipline is done away with by ECB interventions. So there is no fiscal control mechanism from markets or politics. This has all the elements to bring disaster for monetary union.

He told Evans-Pritchard that The no bail-out clause is violated every day, and the ECB has crossed the Rubicon. He described the ECB purchasing of junk bonds as something that would have been unthinkable in the past.

Issing blasted the handling of the Greek debt crisis, starting in 2010, arguing that Greece should have been kicked out of the euro, and given generous support once they restored the drachma.

Evans-Pritchard noted that Issing delivered a comprehensive deconstruction of the euro and the ECB in an interview recently published in the quarterly Central Banking Journal, "Otmar Issing on Why the Euro House of Cards Is Set To Collapse." He warned that the ECB and the euro will try to muddle through from crisis to crisis, but that cannot go on for long.
Donald Trumps increasingly febrile denunciations of the news media as part of a conspiracy to elect Hillary Clinton have garnered all the attention on the press freedom front, as is typical of his ranting.

But they shouldnt distract from a genuine attack on the 1st Amendment waged by prosecutors in North Dakota. There, prosecutors threatened journalist Amy Goodman with a jail term and criminal fine for reporting on a public protest against an oil pipeline project.

[UPDATE: A state judge on Monday threw out the charge against Goodman, who tweeted after the ruling: Vindication!

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[Following the ruling, Goodman told reporters on the scene, This is a vindication for all journalists. We need to be able to report, and the state should not interfere.Today, the judge sided with freedom of the press and the 1st Amendment.]

The charge stems from a Labor Day weekend confrontation in Morton County, outside of Bismarck, where several hundred Native Americans and others faced off against workers and security guards at the pipeline site. The $3.8-billion, 1,200-mile Dakota Access Pipeline is designed to carry oil from western North Dakota to a terminus in Illinois, crossing what the Standing Rock Sioux tribe says are ancestral lands and diving under the Missouri River, where fears are that a pipeline break could threaten the water supply.

What hes doing is sending a message to all reporters: Do not come to North Dakota.  Investigative reporter Amy Goodman, on being charged with participating in a riot by a North Dakota prosecutor

Goodman, host of the progressive radio and television news program Democracy Now!, was present Sept. 3, microphone in hand and cameras rolling, when the protest broke into a melee. Images from the scene show protesters entering a worksite where bulldozers were operating, a pipeline employee wrestling at least one protester to the ground, and protesters suffering from pepper spray and showing injuries from dog attacks.

Goodman interviewed numerous protestors, attempted to interview pipeline company employees, and assembled the footage into a video posted on the Democracy Now! website. (See below. Warning: The video contains profanity.) We videoed a vicious attack on protesters, she told me. The pipeline security guards unleashed dogs and pepper spray on the Native Americans. We filmed a dog with blood dripping from his nose and his mouth. The video, she says, went viral, with 14 million views and rebroadcasts on major cable network programs.

Five days later, local authorities charged her with criminal trespass.

The criminal complaint, as it happens, acknowledges that Goodman can be seen on video identifying herself and interviewing protesters.

Goodman was prepared on Monday to turn herself in to face the charge, when the prosecutors abruptly altered their strategy. They withdrew the trespassing complaint on Friday, apparently because they couldnt establish that the tract Goodman entered had been posted as private property, and substituted a charge of participating in a riot. That charge carries a potential sentence of 30 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. As we write, Goodman says she hasnt seen the criminal complaint. Its before a state judge, who is scheduled to rule sometime Monday on whether it presents probable cause to proceed. If it comes to that, shell be pleading not guilty.

Whatever the charge, Goodman is correct in regarding it as an attempt to quash legitimate news reporting. Observing that States Atty. Ladd Erickson, who brought the charges, told the Bismarck Tribune that Goodman put together a piece to influence the world on her agenda, basically. Thats fine, but it doesnt immunize her from the laws of her state.

Goodman observes in response: We have a 1st Amendment. Is he saying that journalism is a crime? I think what hes doing is sending a message to reporters: Do not come to North Dakota.

The pipeline protest itself is no trivial event. The opponents have been fighting it in federal court for years, asserting that state and federal regulators havent met their duties to consult with local interests and weigh the potential environmental dangers before approving the right-of-way. Theyve consistently lost in court, most recently on Sept. 9, when a federal judge denied the Standing Rock tribes request for an injunction.

Almost immediately after the ruling, however, the Department of Justice, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Interior Department jointly announced that the Corps was temporarily halting work in the area of the Standing Rock protest until it can determine whether it will need to reconsider any of its previous decisions. Even more significantly, the agencies acknowledged that this case has highlighted the need for a serious discussion on whether there should be nationwide reform with respect to considering tribes views on these types of infrastructure projects.

The North Dakota prosecution is merely a new chapter in an old story: entrenched interests trying to stop public exposure of their activities, not uncommonly by labeling journalism as illegal or illegitimate. Sometimes this is done for spite, as when Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel bankrolled the lawsuit launched by wrestler Hulk Hogan against the website Gawker. It was easy for the public to dismiss the episode as a case of just-desserts, since Gawker could be depicted as merely a celebrity-trolling website engaged in what seemed to be an invasion of privacy, even if its target was a public entertainer.

But that case is part of a continuum reaching its climax in Donald Trumps outbursts. Trump began flaying the news media as soon as he realized that it was applying a critical eye on his candidacy rather than taking him at his own level of self-esteem. In recent days, he has stepped up the denunciations, depicting the media as colluding with the Clinton campaign and directing the rage of his rally audiences at the reporters in attendance.

This is despicable and dangerous, but its not qualitatively different from what prosecutor Erickson is trying: making the work of journalists seem something other than the search for facts in an effort to delegitimize what they discover. He certainly picked the wrong target. Goodman is the last journalist one would expect to back down. Shes also one of the most dedicated chroniclers of climate change policy we have.

In North Dakota, the effort may be backfiring, as often happens. The pipeline protests were hardly on the front burner of news media outside the northern prairie states  until a prosecutor charged a journalist with criminal activity for doing her job. Now a lot more people are watching.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.

UPDATES:

11:47 a.m.: This post has been updated with a report from Goodman that a state judge rejected the riot charge against her.
Shares of Netflix Inc. soared in after-hours trading Monday as the video streaming service reported stronger-than-expected earnings and subscriber growth for the third quarter.

The stock was up $19.75, or nearly 20%, to $119.67 a share after the market closed.

Netflix posted robust subscriber growth for the quarter, adding 370,000 net memberships in the U.S. and 3.2 million internationally, for a total of about 3.6 million. The company said in July it expected to add 300,000 subscribers in the U.S. and 2 million subscribers internationally in the third quarter.

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The Los Gatos, Calif., streaming service has 86.7 million subscribers worldwide.

Netflix reported third-quarter earnings of 12 cents a share, significantly beating estimates of six cents a share from analysts polled by FactSet Research Systems Inc. Revenue during the quarter climbed to $2.16 billion, from $1.58 billion in the same period last year.

The company attributed the strong results to a popular slate of original programming.

During the quarter, Netflix saw the debut of Stranger Things, the 80s-themed dramatic series about a missing boy that stars Winona Ryder. The show has been a popular and critical success and has been renewed for a second season. The second season of Narcos and the new Baz Luhrmann hip-hop series The Get Down also debuted during the period.

The company said Monday that it plans to release more than 1,000 hours of original premium content in 2017, up from 600 hours this year. But producing original material as opposed to licensing existing shows  would add substantially to costs, which could hurt profitability.

Netflix is spending a royal fortune on The Crown, a new series about the young Elizabeth II that is scheduled to debut Nov. 4. The streaming service is rumored to have spent more than $100 million on the drama series, which was created by The Queen screenwriter Peter Morgan.

Producing original shows requires more cash up front, said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer of Netflix, during an investor call Monday. But he said it enables the company to produce shows at a higher quality and allows for more control over rights. We find its a great trade-off for cash.

The company forecasts spending $6 billion on content in 2017, up from $5 billion this year, putting it ahead of most major TV networks and cable channels.

Overall, licensed material as a percentage of Netflixs offerings will shrink in the future, but the company doesnt have a set formula, said Sarandos. Our financial preference is to produce in our own studio, he said.

While major Hollywood studios are rushing to embrace China, Netflix indicated Monday that it is taking a more measured approach, saying that it plans to license content to existing online service providers in China instead of operating its own service in the country.

We still have a long-term desire to serve the Chinese people directly, and hope to launch our service in China eventually, the company said in a letter to investors. It described the regulatory environment for foreign digital service providers as challenging.

In other countries, Netflix continues to pursue shows produced in local languages. Dark, its first German series, recently began production, while Club de Cuervos in Mexico and Marseille in France have both been renewed for second seasons.

Were having broad success around international, said Reed Hastings, CEO of Netflix, on Mondays call. But compared to sites like YouTube and Facebook, we have a long way to go in that localization effort.

Wall Street has been anxious about the pace at which Netflix has been able to add subscribers. On Monday, the company said that it is forecasting fourth-quarter additions of 5.2 million subscribers worldwide, down slightly from the same period last year.

When Netflix reported second-quarter results in mid-July, its stock tumbled about 13% the next day. The stock has recovered since then.

Meanwhile, several California cities including Pasadena are mulling whether to tax subscribers of Netflix, Hulu and other video streaming services using existing municipal utility tax codes that initially were designed for taxing cable-television users.

david.ng@latimes.com

james.peltz@latimes.com

For more business news, follow James F. Peltz on Twitter: @PeltzLATimes

UPDATES:

4:55 p.m.: This article was updated to include additional comments, analysis and information about after-hours stock trading.

1:45 p.m.: This article was updated with third-quarter financial results.

The article was originally published at 8:30 a.m.
The giant white dome that once housed Howard Hughes famed Spruce Goose aircraft is getting a new long-term tenant: Carnival Cruise Line, which plans to sail larger ships to Long Beach amid a resurgence in the cruise industry.

Carnival will expand its Long Beach Cruise Terminal operation from 66,000 square feet to 142,000 square feet. It had been using half of the 33-year-old dome but will take over the entire building next year.

Hughes giant H-4 Hercules was moved out of the dome in 1992 and shipped to a museum in McMinnville, Ore. In addition to serving as Carnivals cruise terminal, the dome had been used for various events, including an ice-sculpture attraction during the holiday season.

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Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy said in an interview that the expansion reflects increasing demand for cruises  and the companys desire to draw new customers from throughout Southern California.

Carnival had long wanted to expand in Long Beach but was stymied because the lease holder of the cruise terminal and surrounding area has changed hands several times over the last few years, she said.

Weve been in Long Beach for 15 years, and we are interested in bringing more capacity to this market, Duffy said.

Carnival reached its expansion agreement with Urban Commons, a Los Angeles company chosen by Long Beach last year as the leaseholder of the 45-acre Queen Mary complex, which includes the dome, built at a cost of $4 million to hold the Spruce Goose.

Urban Commons, which is proposing to build a $250 million retail and entertainment complex on the site, said in a statement that it will try to identify alternative areas for the ice sculpture attraction and others that had been held in the dome. It said that might include developing new temporary or permanent structures.

The dome also has been a popular filming site. It was the location for the bat cave and Wayne Manor sets in the Warner Bros. films Batman Forever and Batman and Robin.

The cruise industry has rebounded after a series of mishaps, including the 2012 wreck of Carnival Corp.s Costa Concordia off the coast of Tuscany.

Duffy noted that Carnival Corp., the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line, recently reported record second-quarter net income of $370 million, compared with $193 million a year earlier.

Cruising continues to be popular, and we continue to look for opportunities to grow, she said.

Stewart Chiron, a cruise industry expert and president and CEO of Miami-based website CruiseGuy.com, said it makes sense for Carnival to expand operations in Long Beach.

Hopefully, signs are showing renewed interest by cruise lines to also base more ships there for year-round and seasonal departures, he said.

Completion of the Carnival cruise project is expected by late 2017. It will involve adding facilities so that passengers can embark at the same time others are disembarking. Carnival currently makes embarking passengers wait at the port while disembarking passengers exit the ship.

Carnival now launches three- and four-day cruises to Baja California, seven-day voyages to the Mexican Riviera and 14- and 15-day trips to Hawaii and Alaska from Long Beach.

The ships that now serve Long Beach carry 2,000 to 2,500 passengers; the expansion would allow Carnival to sail the Carnival Splendor to Long Beach, a 952-foot long ship that can hold 3,012 passengers, Carnival officials said.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.

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UPDATES:

4:40 p.m. This article was updated with a quote from Stewart Chiron, CEO of CruiseGuy.com, and more details on the cruise industrys resurgence.

12:15 p.m.: This article has been updated with additional comments from Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and more details regarding the port expansion.

This article was originally published at 10 a.m.
David Antin, a poet and performance artist known for his so-called talk poems, died Tuesday in San Diego at age 84, according to family members.

Antin, who suffered from Parkinsons disease, died after a fall at home.

David Antin was one of the greatest creative and critical voices of his generation, Michael Govan, the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts chief executive and director, said by email. It was thrilling to have him as one of my graduate school advisors at [UC San Diego]. His arrangement of words in every conversation was like a sculpture of language and content.

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Identified by the Poetry Foundation as part of a group of artists and poets who brought new definitions and ambitions to poetry in the early 1970s, Antin won acclaim for his signature hybrid of criticism, poetry and storytelling that involved Antin discoursing freely on a subject in front of an audience, as the foundation described his talk poetry.

Artforum pointed to Talking from 1972, Talking at the Boundaries from 1976 and What It Means to Be Avant-Garde from 1993 as some of his best-known works.

Antin was born in New York in 1932 and studied linguistics as a graduate student at New York University, where he specialized in the language structure of Gertrude Stein, according to UC San Diego, where Antin was professor emeritus.

He joined the faculty in San Diego in 1968 and and began teaching full-time in 1972. He also directed the universitys Mandeville Art Gallery for four years. His published works include I Never Knew What Time It Was and Radical Coherency.

Antin is survived by his wife of 55 years, the artist Eleanor Antin; son Blaise and daughter-in-law Cindy; and grandchildren Zachary and Natalie.

Twitter: @mikaelwood

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Gordon Davidson, Mark Taper Forum founder and L.A.'s Moses of theater, dies at 83

Neville Marriner, L.A. Chamber Orchestras first music director and Amadeus maestro, dies at 92
This is Jeffrey Kahanes 20th and last season as music director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and he is going out with a flourish of events. One took place Sunday night in USCs Bovard Auditorium, where the worlds most popular cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, joined Kahane for a sonata and a concerto.

The concert amounted to a reunion for two longtime friends who were touring partners for about a decade.

Tickets were not cheap  starting at $90  and Bovard can be problematic to reach. (It took half an hour to move one block on Figueroa Street toward the parking garage.) The program contained neither Kahane feelers into new music nor Mas adventures into whatever outlier idioms happen to pique his interest. Rather, it was standard Haydn and Brahms on the menu.

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First, with Kahane on piano, LACO concertmaster Margaret Batjer and principal cellist Andrew Shulman played the Haydn Piano Trio No. 39 in G, better known as the Gypsy Trio because of its famous Gypsy Rondo finale, far and away the best thing about the piece. Batjer most vividly pointed out the Rondos rhythms, and the three had fun racing the tempo to the point where the thing nearly ran off the rails.

Then the Ma-Kahane duo came out firing with the quasi-symphonic Brahms Cello Sonata No. 2. With its lid fully opened, the piano tended to overwhelm Mas dark-shaded yet not voluptuous tone, at least from where I sat near the stage, yet both dug in tempestuously.

The full chamber orchestra assembled itself for Brahms Variations on a Theme by Haydn, under Kahanes vigorous direction. It was startling how much richer the orchestra sounds in Bovard than in the Alex Theatre in Glendale, where I usually hear the group. The cellos and basses bloomed with a warm, woodsy timbre, the pizzicatos firm and clear. You could sense the air around the winds as their sound flooded the room.

Later, seated on a platform, Ma sounded more glamorous, projecting into the room more in the Haydn Cello Concerto No. 1, with Kahane directing traffic from a harpsichord. Its hard to say where Mas level of interest in the standard concertos is these days, but precious mannerisms, particularly in the second movement, disrupted the line.

Nevertheless, the collaboration took. LACO sounded great, and you could sense why Ma continues to capture the publics attention like no other cellist. He smiled, he mugged, he played to various sections of the orchestra, he powered through the last bars with a blast of showmanship. He looked like he was enjoying himself, and he communicated that joy to the folks in the seats.

For an encore, Ma invoked the freedom to imagine and to create by playing the Catalan folk song Song of the Birds, with which Pablo Casals used to sign off his concerts, including the legendary one at the Kennedy White House in 1961. Ma played it a cappella  simply, evenly, beautifully. It was his finest moment of the night.

Follow The Times arts team @culturemonster.

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NBC News has reached a settlement with Billy Bush, who is leaving the Today show after remarks he made in a vulgar videotaped conversation with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Bushs departure, expected for several days, was made official in a message sent to the programs staff Monday by Noah Oppenheim, the executive in charge of Today.

Billy Bush will be leaving the Today shows 9 a.m. hour, effective today, Oppenheim wrote. While he was a new member of the TODAY team, he was a valued colleague and longtime member of the broader NBC family. We wish him success as he goes forward.

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In a statement, Bush said: I am deeply grateful for the conversations Ive had with my daughters, and for all of the support from family, friends and colleagues. I look forward to what lies ahead.

Bush, 45, was suspended indefinitely Oct. 9, after he was heard in a leaked 2005 video engaging in sexist banter with Trump. The existence of the tape has been a major headache to NBC since it was revealed by the Washington Post on Oct. 7.

The settlement is an expensive attempt to make the controversy go away. Bush is probably leaving with whatever he was owed on his contract, which was said to earn him $2 million to $3 million annually, according to people familiar with the terms of the deal. Bushs attorney Marshall Grossman has reportedly been seeking a settlement since the middle of last week.

In the provocative tape, made while Bush was co-host of NBCs syndicated news magazine Access Hollywood, Trump obscenely boasts about his ability to kiss women and grope their genitals with impunity because he is a celebrity. Bush is heard chuckling and encouraging Trumps coarse chatter even as the reality show star crudely talked about how he tried to have sex with Nancy ODell, then a co-host on Access. Bush is also seen telling Days of Our Lives soap opera actress Arianne Zucker to embrace Trump just after the exchange.

Bush issued an apology for his behavior, saying he was younger, less mature and acted foolishly in playing along.

But the negative reaction to Bushs role in the explosive campaign revelation, focusing attention on Trumps history of alleged inappropriate behavior with women, was untenable for NBC News going forward.

Although some members of NBC News management were willing to forgive Bush, there was concern the Today audience would reject him. Some female staffers at Today also made it known to their bosses they would be upset if Bush returned.

Bush had been a co-host on the 9 a.m. hour of Today, in which 68% of the 3 million viewers who watch are women.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

stephen.battaglio@latimes.com

Twitter: @SteveBattaglio

ALSO:

Could Trump TV become a reality for the nominee if he loses?

Stephen Colbert headed to Showtime for live election night specialAs allegations against Trump and others pour in, Hollywoods culture of sexual harassment is being exposed

UPDATES:

4:30 p.m.: This story was updated to include Billy Bushs statement.

The story was originally published at 4:15 p.m.
Speculation continues to swirl around whether Donald Trumps Plan B is to create a Trump-branded TV network to capitalize on his fervent support.

The Financial Times reported this week that Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, approached Aryeh Bourkoff, a former UBS banker who runs the boutique firm LionTree Advisors in New York, to discuss potential financing for a start-up media venture  should Trump lose the presidential election.

Kushner was not available for comment. Bourkoff, through a spokesperson, declined to comment.

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Kushners outreach occurred about two months ago, according to a person familiar with the conversation, who was not authorized to speak publicly. The New York real estate and publishing tycoon, who is married to Ivanka Trump, called and asked Bourkoff whether he could pick his brain about such a venture.

The discussion was brief, and did not lead anywhere, this person said, adding that LionTree is not interested in working on such a project.

As the Los Angeles Times reported last month, Trump would face many hurdles if he decided to launch a TV channel.

Still, media executives said they wouldnt rule out such a venture.

In some ways, it feels very Trumpian, said one high-level media executive whose company is not working with Trump. Hes going to lose the election, but you know he will find a way to capitalize on it.

The Trump TV report sparked considerable debate on social media because Trump long has been a voracious consumer of television and because he rocketed to national fame on the NBC reality show The Apprentice.

Hes a proven entertainer, said another TV executive. You cant take your eyes off of him.

In addition, during the last week, Trump has seemed intent on preserving his brand as a successful billionaire  even if Hillary Clinton defeats him on Nov. 8, telling crowds that the election is being rigged.

However, launching a TV venture would be cost at least $500 million and perhaps as much as $1 billion, according to industry experts. Discovery Communications, for example, spent more than $500 million to launch OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network more than six years ago.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

Another longtime TV executive suggested that Trump could start a subscription streaming service, pointing to the example of conservative talk show host Glenn Beck, who launched the Blaze, which started out strong before sputtering.

Creating a Trump TV channel might be a tough sell because pay-TV distributors have been looking to shed channels, not add new ones. Trump likely would turn to a deep-pocketed investor and would most likely buy an existing television channel, rather than try to start one from scratch, executives said.

Advertisers might be wary though, given the Access Hollywood tape from 2005, in which Trump could be heard bragging that his fame enabled him to grope women. One executive said the audience for a Trump TV channel likely would be made up of older white men  not a hip millennial crowd  making it even less attractive to advertisers.

Trump has considerable resources  and prominent advisors steeped in media. In August, Trump turned to Stephen Bannon, chairman of the Breitbart News website, as his campaigns CEO, an unlikely choice to lead a presidential campaign  but perhaps a smart choice to build a Trump media company.

Former Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes, who was forced from his job in July amid a sexual harassment scandal, also is said to be advising Trump.

However, Ailes is contractually forbidden from working on a competitor to Fox. His exit agreement with 21st Century Fox contained a noncompete clause, according to a person familiar with the terms.

Some speculate that a more likely scenario would be for Trump to partner with Rupert Murdoch and star in a prime-time show on the Fox News Channel or the Fox Business Network. Fox representatives declined to comment.

meg.james@latimes.com

@MegJamesLAT

UPDATES:

3:04 p.m. This article was updated with information about the conversation between Jared Kushner and Aryeh Bourkoff of LionTree Advisors.

This article was originally published at 2:05 p.m.
Despite the English roots and fanciful narratives of the filmmaker being honored, presenters doling out the praise for director Ridley Scott at the 30th American Cinematheque Award ceremony couldnt pass up the opportunity to crack jokes at the current American political climate.

Australian actor Russell Crowe, a longtime leading man for Scott, greeted the audience Friday evening at the Beverly Hilton with a now all-too-familiar Trump-ism.

Good evening, American Cinematheque, said host Crowe. Lets grab tonight by the  . Referencing a leaked 2005 audiotape featuring Donald Trump, Crowe then queried the room about its preparedness for the upcoming election, because its a huge year. So please dont forget to vote.

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However, the politicking wouldnt overrun the two-hour award show celebrating the work of Scott.

Tonight we are here to pay tribute to one of the finest directors and producers of our time, Crowe said, more seriously. The actor, who starred in Scotts Gladiator and Robin Hood, noted that Scott has directed more than 40 films, making his first at age 40. Not bad for a late bloomer, Crowe quipped.

Genuinely, I love being on a Ridley Scott set, the actor continued. I know that folklorically certain tales are told about how on certain days one could consider that we both took a take-no-prisoners approach. But I tell you very genuinely thats actually what bonds us. That is our common ground. We love making movies.

The evening included tributes from Ben Kingsley, Josh Hartnett, Kristen Wiig, Katherine Waterston, Noomi Rapace and Sigourney Weaver, who all shared stories of working on set with Scott. Weaver offered her favorite Scott anecdote about a scene she shot while making his seminal film Alien in 1979 alongside costar Ian Holm.

Ridley said, Now, Sigourney, Ian here is going to push you down and then hes going to roll up this magazine and shove it up your hooter, Weaver recounted of the British director. I said, Up my hooter? I felt like I was on the bus with Billy Bush. And Ridley said, Your mouth. And I said, Oh. I can do that.

Russell Crowe at the 30th American Cinematheque Award ceremony honoring Ridley Scott. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP )

I have been asked all over the world if we knew we were making a feminist film and Was it intentional? Weaver added speaking of the Alien franchises legacy. Well, yeah. It was a given for Ridley that women were supremely capable, smart, courageous and resourceful.

Wiig, who worked with Scott on last years Oscar-nominated sci-fi flick The Martian, took her moment on stage to fling a few jokes in Scotts direction that he reacted to amiably. Hes known for his visionary work in film as a writer, director and not to mention the inventor and founder of Scott paper towels, Wiig teased. The actress also noted that Scott was instrumental in her groundbreaking work.

I owe it all to Ridley, Wiig said. Why? He told me what to do and how to say things and where to stand and how to look and when to close my mouth. Other than that, it was all me. But I will never forget two things he would say to me while we were shooting and I will take them with me throughout my career. He would say, Can you try something else? The second thing he would say  very important  was Please dont do that anymore.

At the end of the evening, Scott was presented with the award by Matt Damon, who compared the directors singular vision to the way Jimi Hendrix uniquely played guitar.

That is really the mark of a master of any art form  in this case a master of cinema, Damon said. Ridley, it is really one of the great privileges of my life to be able to work with you and to sit next to you and henpeck you with questions and have you be so patient in answering them.

Scott thanked American Cinematheque, a nonprofit that focuses on motion-picture exhibition and distribution and operates the historic Egyptian Theatre, for the honor. He reminded the audience that its important always to pursue ones passion. If you got passion, you can work 160 hours a week and not even feel it, the director said.

Scott added that his guiding mantra has always been the Nike slogan Just do it, fitting for a filmmaker who has helmed more than 2,000 commercials, including his seminal Apple Mac: 1984 ad.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the second annual Sid Grauman Award to Sue Kroll, president of worldwide marketing and distribution at Warner Bros. Bradley Cooper, star of the Warner Bros. film American Sniper, gave Kroll her trophy, recounting how she let him down gently when he lost the lead in Green Lantern to Ryan Reynolds.

She is an artist, plain and simple, Cooper said of the film executive, who has built international marketing campaigns for films like Batman v. Superman and Gravity.

calendar@latimes.com

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 
Throughout music producer Hal Willners fascinating career, hes worked on projects with an astonishing group of artists, including expert British song stylist Marianne Faithfull, cosmic jazz composer Sun Ra, songwriter and actor Tom Waits, writers Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs and dozens of others.

As a kind of in-studio conductor, hes produced recorded tributes to jazz composers Charles Mingus and Thelonious Monk, Italian film score composer Nino Rota, the music of classic Walt Disney films and others. A longtime music coordinator for Saturday Night Live, Willner more recently has worked on oddball projects such as IFCs parody TV miniseries The Spoils of Babylon and The Spoils Before Dying.

And then theres the longtime work with his friend Lou Reed.

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Willner collaborated on what would become the late Velvet Underground co-founders final project before his 2013 death: The newly issued box set Lou Reed: The RCA & Arista Album Collection gathers in one package the 14 studio and two live albums he released on the two labels after dissolution of the Velvet Underground.

Included are classics and unsung records such as his under-appreciated self-titled solo debut, the melancholy concept album Berlin, his breakthrough hit Walk on the Wild Side, his genre-busting noise album Metal Machine Music and The Blue Mask, his hardened return to form after a string critically maligned albums including Sally Cant Dance and The Bells.

We all know what happens when artists pass, but Ive never seen a certain kind of turnaround as with Lou, Willner said recently, acknowledging over lunch at Bar Ama in downtown Los Angeles the critical drubbing Reed received when some of his albums were released. The producer spends most of his life on the East Coast, but owns a Venice bungalow for when the mood strikes him.

All the sudden, no one is saying that, Willner said of Reeds musical reputation. The people who wrote him off? Nope. And this is why its cool for this to come out now.

The trove was remastered by Willner and Reed while Reed was enduring a ferocious battle with liver disease. The two had been friends for years, and worked together on Reeds final four albums, ending with Reeds last album, Lulu, his collaboration with Metallica.

They were also listening buddies who teamed for a 90-episode SiriusXM radio show that continues to be broadcast on Saturday nights.

Because of their working relationship, Willner said he knew that Reed had been sick, but Reed plowed forth on the boxed set with determination after deciding to remaster his albums.

He didnt believe he was going to die, and we didnt believe it, because he was so infectious, said Willner. For someone whos so known for the dark side and all that, boy, he wanted to live. Any option. Any option. He clung to life.

Willner was approached by co-producer Rob Santos about a boxed set after the labels RCA and Arista were united under the Sony Music banner in the mid 00s. Willner spoke with Reed about the idea, and the two committed to the project.

Said Willner, They were never really remastered properly, and Lou was a sound freak. The team made the decision to focus solely on the albums as they were released rather than tack on bonus tracks. The rationale? Lets get these records out the best way they were meant to be heard. Down the line, Sony can do a bootleg series or whatever, but lets not fill this up, said Willner.

For someone whos so known for the dark side and all that, boy, he wanted to live. Any option. Any option. He clung to life.  Hal Willner on Lou Reed

They got to work in New York, but Reeds health was declining, Willner recalled with a tone of wonder at Reeds enthusiasm during the sessions. Lou was starting to go. Hes hearing these tapes on a full blast system. A lot of artists, when you do that, they start hearing the mistakes again. It was the opposite.

Citing the session remastering the David Bowie-co-produced album Transformer, Willner said Reed perked up as Bowies voice arrived singing background vocals.  Oh, listen to that background vocal. Thats David singing! Can we EQ that a little so its clearer? Hes hearing all these little things that you never heard because you lost them on the CD reissues or early vinyl.

For casual Reed fans, committing to the entirety of his output is no easy task. An endless musical explorer, the artist moved through the 1970s and 80s with little regard for expectations or appeasement. Reed valued musical effort as much as the so-called craft of writing. Willner recalled a conversation while playing records with Reed in which he said, Hal, youve got to listen to this! Theyre really trying! To Reed, that was a compliment of the highest order.

Thats what he did every record, said Willner. He didnt just fall back. He was trying. Let me try to do this and go for it. 

Reeds solo recordings have long been eclipsed by his seminal work with the Velvet Underground, the band born in the mid-60s in Andy Warhols Factory that helped changed the direction of experimental rock. Willner argues that without the solo work, the Velvet Undergrounds reputation might never have risen as it did.

It was through Lou playing these songs live that brought more attention to the Velvet Underground, said Willner. I dont know if it would have if Lou wasnt doing a solo career and getting those songs done. Thats where people first heard Sweet Jane. Thats where people first heard Rock & Roll, all that stuff.

Reeds later work, including his successful 1989 album New York, isnt featured in the new box. After his 1986 album Mistrial, the artist left RCA for Sire Records, part of the Warner Bros. family of labels. Except for his independently released 2007 album of meditation music, Hudson River Wind Meditations, his last records were issued through Warner Bros.

That includes Reeds last album, Lulu, as imposing a work as Reed ever made. Bafflingly, the album remains unavailable on streaming services. Like much of Reeds music, it was a polarizing release, to say the least.

Willner, however, stressed that Lulu has its defenders who believe its one of Reeds great works, and recalled one notable fan raving about it during a series of weekly gatherings hosted by Reeds widow, artist Laurie Anderson, after he died.

Bowie came to one of them, said Willner. He pulled Laurie aside and went, When history gets written, Lulu is going to be one of his masterpieces. Then he started quoting the lyrics by heart.

If history is any guide, such opinions on Reeds late-period oeuvre will, like the work represented on The Lou Reed Collection, continue to evolve for decades to come.

Theres a lot of terrible music out there. For tips on the stuff thats not, follow Randall Roberts on Twitter: @liledit

UPDATES:

3:27 p.m.: This article was updated to add mention of two live albums included in the boxed set in addition to the 14 studio albums.
Amazons keen on both fashion and retail  and whether those interests ever intersect could help shape the next leg of the digital retail revolution. The Seattle-based Amazon has already opened two bookstores (three more are on the way) and multiple pop-up mall kiosks. Now the endless aisle behemoth is reported to be looking at opening more brick-and-mortar outposts that could sell groceries and other items, potentially apparel.

If Amazon did venture into physical retail in a more prominent way, it would follow in the footsteps of other direct-to-consumer brands such as Bonobos and Warby Parker that have ventured beyond their digital roots to meet the needs of shoppers.

KeyBanc Capital Markets analyst Ed Yruma said that apparel and groceries are two categories of strategic importance to Amazon.

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For groceries, Yruma predicted Amazon would pursue a click-and-collect approach in which the customer orders online then drives to pick up the groceries, similar to models that have been tested by Wal-Mart and Target.

That approach might make more sense for groceries than apparel.

Apparel is cheap to ship, said Yruma, noting it is not heavy and is valuable, compared to groceries. It also does not require refrigeration.

Look at Zappos and showrooming, when someone will order 20 pairs of shoes [online] and send back 18, Yruma said, suggesting that Amazon, like Warby Parker, Bonobos and ModCloth, could approach apparel stores with a showroom concept. That would let shoppers view and try on merchandise that could be shipped later or pulled from a storeroom in the back, similar to a shoe store.

Ultimately for Amazon, like a lot of e-commerce players have indicated, the future of retail is in both physical and e-commerce  which is not to say that they are ever going to be a Gap or Urban Outfitters, Yruma said.

Amazon has already installed pop-up kiosks in about 20 malls to primarily sell its own electronic devices, but the analyst said it would not behoove Amazon to treat malls like warehouses, as its more than 100 American distributions centers are more efficient and less expensive than mall real estate.

One major incentive for Amazon to invest in store locations would be to use them as a marketing tool for its fashion segment, said Mabel McLean, who is director of Amazon IQ at research firm L2. The firm has studied the effects of opening a physical store on pure-play retailers, among them Trunk Club, Rent the Runway and Warby Parker, and found that after opening a store, each saw a spike in search activity that was relatively sustained.

She said it would be strategically advantageous for Amazon to open fashion-specific, brick-and-mortar locations to publicize its offering.

Amazon has done a great job in getting cool brands to distribute through them, such as Loeffler Randall, Chloe and Parker, but their products are hard to find through Amazons user interface, McLean said. I think that their fashion program hasnt gained as much traction as they had hoped.

Earlier this week, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton chief executive officer Jean-Jacques Guiony said that in its current state, the company would not consider working with Amazon. We believe that the existing business of Amazon doesnt fit with luxury, full stop, but also doesnt fit with our brands, which include Dior, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton. If they change the business model, I dont know, but with the existing business model, there is no way we can do business with them for the time being.

L2s McLean said Amazons current store rollouts have been very vertical-specific  focusing on books or devices  and noted that unless the web giant goes after a Wal-Mart-style approach, it would be difficult to concentrate all of its inventory into one location.

To go into a physical store where you buy everything would be overwhelming and not very rewarding or not satisfying for a retail experience, McLean said.

Doug McMillon, president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., said this month the firms its physical stores were an advantage it had over Amazon.

He noted that customers like stores and if Wal-Mart has good stores, some portion of the business will be pure in-store shopping. McMillon referred to in-store shopping as a social experience, emphasizing that although the retailer is increasingly focusing on the digital realm, 90 percent of Wal-Marts business is still done in a store.

It is really going to be true that thats seamless or omnichannel  is going to be the winning strategy. Customers will interact with Wal-Mart, they will not think about how theyre interacting very much, and well build the capabilities to serve them in total, McMillon said. Being a good store operator matters, the locations matter, the merchant D&A matters, the culture of the company matters.

Shoptalk chief retail strategist Sucharita Mulpuru said anything is possible for the future of Amazon  a notion that energizes people looking for a digital retail revolution and should terrify competitors.

On the one hand, Amazon would like to win in fashion, but they like to be inventory-light, Mulpuru said. Given those constraints, maybe they could buy a department store and lease space to fashion brands like the European department stores do.

Still, she agreed that Amazon tends to be partial to a smaller footprint, so a showroom or a returns kiosk would be more likely.

But I dont know that they need to do anything with apparel in the physical world, she said. More apparel is shifting online and most apparel stores are an Amazon showroom at some level. Items that are commoditized at the low and medium end are widely available on Amazon and Amazon is generating increasing sales in those products, especially as it manufactures more apparel itself.
Business is good for What Goes Around Comes Around. If Thursdays party to ring in the relocation of the luxury vintage retailers West Coast flagship was any indication, its booming, as it celebrated the grand opening of its Beverly Hills boutique on Brighton Way.

Paparazzi milled about the sidewalk just footsteps away from the red carpet as celebrities and other guests, dressed for the occasion, posed for the cameras.

A sequined Milla Jovovich came to support the retailer, whose very first store on Broadway in SoHo in New York, she shopped as a teen.

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Keke Palmer, who frequented the stores former home on La Brea Avenue, already had a chance to walk the new store in-between being pulled from one conversation to the next and said she had her eye on some of the jewelry and Chanel bags.

I always picked up stuff [at the previous location] whether it was me or my stylist, she said. It was a favorite of mine because there were always so many unique things.

Other attendees included Kendall Jenner, Evan Ross, Ashlee Simpson, Crystal Reed, Amanda Steele, Rashida Jones and Rachel Zoe.

The celebration comes at an interesting point in time for the business as it seeks growth.

The Beverly Hills store reflects an elevated selection of merchandise with an emphasis on accessories and an intentional positioning in a submarket where the retail is dominated by luxury players.

Were really evolving our luxury accessory business and just luxury in general for vintage. The timing was really perfect but we wanted to be closer to Beverly Hills and go where the luxury capital of the world is, said cofounder Gerard Maione. So it was a perfect progression where we found this space and weve been now building it out the whole year.

The 4,000-square-foot store is larger than La Brea which totaled 3,300 square feet and had neighbors in American Rag Cie and Aether. It still stocks the same denim and rock T-shirts as the old store, but at least half of the inventory is now luxury accessories. Thats a boost from about 5 to 10 percent, Maione said.

The La Brea customer, thats not really where the action was, he said. It was more stylists and a bit of a cool factor. Here, youre getting the real seasoned luxury consumer.

Maione founded the business with Seth Weisser 23 years ago after the two met in college while attending Syracuse University.

The company has six stores on the books for next year, all in the U.S. with an emphasis on luxury markets. Theyre opening in South Beach in the next few months and eyeing a store in Malibu, potentially near the Brentwood Country Mart. Maione also pointed to Dallas and Aspen as examples of other places where the concept could be a fit. Longer term, international could be considered, he added.

Right now the luxury accessory business is a really huge part, he said of whats fueling the growth plans. Hermes, Chanel and that level [of brands] in particular.

The What Goes Around web site is set to relaunch later this year in what Maione said is a major web push that will feature more inventory and more content backed by a lot more marketing dollars behind it to really compete with all the players.

After 23 years its been Maione and Weisser who have grown the brand, but as they face what could potentially be a major moment for the company and their plans to go after investors.

Were working on our deck and definitely have a growth plan to infuse dollars for retail growth, for marketing and web growth so we can continue evolving our [concept], he said. Weve got a lot going on.
California this year became the second state after Hawaii to raise its minimum smoking age to 21. When the law took effect in June, state public health officials declared it would literally be a life-saving measure.

But experts say its too soon to know whether the law will live up to such claims, and there are few studies from elsewhere pointing the way.

Were going to have to let the policy settle in, said Dr. Stanton Glantz, a UC San Francisco professor who studies tobacco policies.

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With many watching what happens in California, the state has become a national test case for a 21-and-up smoking law  one that could have major implications for dozens of places now considering similar legislation.

Needham, Mass., raised its smoking age to 21 in 2005, becoming the first U.S. city to do so.

In five years, smoking rates among Needham high schoolers fell by nearly half, according to a study released last year. And the adult smoking rate in the town is now 8%, compared with 18.1% statewide.

April Roeseler, head of the California public health departments Tobacco Control Program, said she thinks the results could be similar here.

If we can push that age up where fewer and fewer people start smoking as a teen, its likely that we will start to have some tobacco-free generations, she said.

A big unknown, however, are e-cigarettes, which young people now tend to smoke more than regular cigarettes, she said.

Though California this year reclassified e-cigarettes as tobacco products and banned them in restaurants and bars, Roeseler said vaping devices are easier to hide than regular cigarettes and could prove harder to stop people from using.

Aayala Farrior, 19, said her classmates smoked e-cigarettes in the hallways of her high school in Oakland. They liked them because they tasted like candy, she said: Its a big part of it.

To fully evaluate the new law, the state public health department will monitor both e-cigarette and cigarette smoking rates among youth and adults. Department director Dr. Karen Smith said she thinks the state is well-positioned to measure whether 21-and-up smoking laws have their intended effect.

Since the law took effect four months ago, the California Smokers Helpline hasnt noticed an uptick in calls from people between the ages of 18 or 20 trying to quit, said clinical director Dr. Gary Tedeschi. However, Tedeschi said he expects a flood of calls if voters approve the cigarette tax increase on the November ballot.

At his liquor store in Oakland, Leonard Charles has turned away people under 21 trying to buy cigarettes, but he said he thinks they can still easily get them from their older friends.

Theyre hanging out and partying together, so theyll just get someone else to buy, he said.

Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter 

Others say theyre able to skirt the law by bumming cigarettes off other people or buying them online.

Still, experts say, that doesnt necessarily mean the law isnt working.

The biggest effect of a 21-and-up smoking law isnt expected to be on 18- to 20-year-olds, but on 15- to 17-year-olds.

A 2015 Institute of Medicine study predicted that increasing the national minimum smoking age to 21 would cut smoking initiation among 15- to 17-year-olds by 25%, compared with 15% for 18- to 20-year-olds.

Thats because the law is believed to push cigarettes out of a 15-year-olds social circle more than it does out of an 18-year-olds.

Most 15-year-olds know somebody whos 18, but they dont know many people who are 21, Glantz said.

Experts say that although alcohol makes its way into the hands of high schoolers despite a minimum purchasing age of 21, there is much less drinking than if 18-year-olds could legally buy alcohol.

However, past efforts to better enforce smoking laws havent worked well in curbing youth smoking rates, Glantz said. He thinks thats because the biggest driver of youth smoking is that young people want cigarettes, not that they can get their hands on them.

The short answer is I dont know, he said, adding that it would take years before the effects of Californias law are apparent.

Bill Bunnell, who runs a convenience store in Fresno, said he hasnt fielded many complaints from customers about the new law. He did, however, hear a 19-year-old man say he was moving to Oklahoma because he could no longer buy cigarettes.

California already has the second-lowest smoking rate in the country. The rate among 18- to 20-year-olds is even lower than the state average  10% for men and 4% for women, Roeseler said.

But the law is aimed more at preventing people from taking up the habit than at current smokers, she said. The average Californian first tries a cigarette at age 14, and this law is expected to increase that age, she said.

Kids who start smoking before age 15 are 10 times more likely to become addicted than someone who waits until age 21, said Laurence Steinberg, a psychology professor at Temple University who studies adolescent development.

Thats because younger brains are more sensitive to rewards and more malleable, while the parts of the brain central to impulse control and long-term thinking are still developing, he said.

A 14-year-old whos handed a cigarette at a party is not thinking what if shes going to get emphysema when shes 50, Steinberg said.

Some big cities, including Chicago and New York, have recently adopted laws requiring that people be at least 21 to buy tobacco. (The national minimum smoking age is set at 18 and can be increased only by local governments.)

Advocates in Oregon, Washington and New Jersey are pushing for similar legislation.

State Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina), who wrote the tobacco legislation, said he hopes Californias change influences even more to also move in that direction.

How California goes, the rest of the country goes, he said.

soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com

Twitter: @skarlamangla

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Typical of independent music stores, Johnny Thompson Music in Monterey Park is a monument to functional clutter: Drumsticks, guitar strings, woodwinds, sheet music, violins, amp cords, trumpets  you name it, it hangs from every wall, stuffs every shelf and covers every inch of floor space not needed for foot traffic.

A selection of long-necked Chinese string instruments, displayed next to mariachi guitars, hints at whats atypical about the store, now in its 54th year.

For the record: An earlier version of this story said that Johnny Thompson music is located on East Garvey Avenue.

Located on E. Garvey Avenue in the Monterey Park business district, Johnny Thompson Music sits at the epicenter of an ongoing wave of Asian immigration that has changed the San Gabriel Valley and California.

Originally, a lot of residents felt that they were being invaded by foreigners.  Johnny Thompson

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Johnny Thompson said he has no plans to retire, no plans to leave Monterey Park. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times )

This is where it all started, said the 72-year-old Thompson, a native of the suburban city of 60,000 residents, east of downtown Los Angeles, right here in downtown Monterey Park. Right here in the business district.

The story of Monterey Parks transformation into what has been called Americas first suburban Chinatown has been well-chronicled, to the point that city officials long ago grew weary of the narrative: The brash real estate developer who arrived in the 1970s with a vision to repopulate the working-class town with Asian immigrants; the political backlash in the 1980s; and the white exodus.

Johnny Thompson, though, offers a seldom heard coda. Forty years after the changes began, he remains. The thin, sad-eyed former musical prodigy chose not to sell his business, though he had offers. He chose not to be that last [white] American, as an infamous bumper sticker put it, to leave Monterey Park.

Everyone in the room thought the guy was blowing smoke . . . He told me his plans, and I thought he was a visionary.  Johnny Thompson

Located on E. Garvey Avenue in the Monterey Park business district, Johnny Thompson Music sits at the epicenter of an ongoing wave of Asian immigration that has changed the San Gabriel Valley. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times )

He chose to adapt.

Very few stayed, he said the other day, sitting on a metal chair in a lessons cubicle that doubles as a storage space for amplifiers. All the downtown business owners either left or have since retired. So I guess Im the last one.

::

Change in California can come on subtly, barely noticed at first. Or it can be literally, but more often metaphorically, seismic: The Gold Rush. The transcontinental railroad. World War II and its baby boom aftermath. Immigration, first from within the States, then from the south, and now from across the Pacific.

Incremental or epic, change has been Californias constant from the start. As the late Carey McWilliams once observed, the state has not grown or evolved so much as it has been hurtled forward, rocket-fashion, by a series of chain-reaction explosions.

Its the velocity that Thompson remembers most when he looks back at the transformation that stormed through his hometown: It was a tsunami. It came all at once, and it kept coming. And to this day it is still coming.

Today, out of every 100 residents living in Monterey Park, 70 on average are Asian and 25 are Latino; five are white. But the surge in the Asian population is not confined to Monterey Park, or even the San Gabriel Valley.

Asians now constitute the fastest-growing cohort in California. A recent study by the Public Policy Institute of California cast it as a sea change from the decades when immigrants from Latin America were driving population growth:

Since 2006, Asia has replaced Latin America as the leading source of new immigrants. In 2013, more than twice as many immigrants arrived from Asia as from Latin America, and China replaced Mexico as the leading country of origin.

As often happens with societal shifts in California, the events that laid the groundwork for change were not obvious at the time: Who knew that so-called ping-pong diplomacy, or Nixons visit to China, or a normalization of relations with China under the Carter administration, would bring wholesale change to California suburbs?

But not everybody missed it. In 1977, Frederick Hsieh, a Chinese immigrant turned developer, met with 20 Monterey Park business leaders, informing them, as one participant told the Los Angeles Times a decade later, that Monterey Park was going to become the next Chinatown.

He said it would be a mecca for Chinese, the business leader went on. Everyone in the room thought the guy was blowing smoke.

Johnny Thompson had a different reaction.

I met with him, he recalled. He told me his plans, and I thought he was a visionary.

From Taiwan, Hong Kong, mainland China and eventually several other Pacific Rim nations, the immigrants began to pile in. First they bought houses and property, then they began to snap up businesses. Thompson recalls rumors to the effect that people were coming in with bags of cash, and they were paying prices nobody could refuse.

Thompson could, and did.

I dont know how many, but we had offers, we had offers. I didnt even listen to them.

Why not?

This is my hometown and my business. I saw no need whatsoever to sell out. I was still a young man and I had no desire to retire or move on to another location or anything like that. I decided to adjust.

He worked with Hsieh, since deceased, to establish what eventually would become the citys downtown business improvement district, an organization Thompson now chairs.

He changed his giant rooftop sign, adding Chinese characters to denote Johnnys Music, next to where it already read Se habla Espanol.

It has worked out very well. That is the good thing about America. Diversity always wins out, and it makes everybody better.  Johnny Thompson

Johnny Thompson, owner of Johnny Thompson Music, is one of the very few Anglo business owners in Monterey Park. This is my hometown and my business. I saw no need whatsoever to sell out. " (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times )

He began to stock traditional Chinese instruments: qingins and banhus and zhengs.

And he hired a 14-year-old Chinese-Vietnamese immigrant to serve as interpreter, buying time before he could bring on board a corps of instructors who could speak the language.

::

Change, especially volatile change, can be met with great resistance. One memorable example from another California valley, the San Joaquin: In the 1970s, growers insisted on equipping their field hands with short-handled hoes  a back-straining implement that made functional sense only when hoeing in certain, weed-like crops.

With long-handled hoes, the agricultural industry warned, production would tumble and costs would soar. But the state, prodded by the farm labor movement, banned the short-handled hoe and  nothing. Production did not decline. Costs did not soar.

We fought this thing and worried over it and now it turns out to be not a problem, a Salinas Valley lettuce grower told a Times reporter at the time. Frankly, he added, with uncommon candor, I feel like a goddamn jackass.

The short-handled hoe of Monterey Park was language. Stores with only Chinese-language signs proved controversial. Longtime residents sensed a snub; the fire department worried about confusion in emergencies. Ballot box efforts were undertaken, unsuccessfully, to designate English as the citys official language. A rash of signs and bumper stickers asked, infamously, Will the last American to leave Monterey Park please bring the flag?

Thompson was not, and is not, without empathy for the residents who recoiled at the changes: Originally, a lot of residents felt that they were being invaded by foreigners. And those people pulled up stakes and moved, a lot of them, or they stayed and tried to argue about it.

Thompson followed the controversies but did not engage in them. Instead, he let time do its work.

For the Chinese people at first, language was a big problem, and they brought in their own customs. But over time, they have managed to keep their family values, their educational values from their old country, and at the same time adapt to American social structures. I think it is the best of both worlds.

It was now midafternoon on a Monday, and the stores entrance bell began to ring steadily as young music students arrived for their after-school lessons. Some, still dressed in school uniforms, toted cased instruments that seemed to outweigh them.

Some were third-generation residents of Americas first suburban Chinatown, as likely to be taking summer courses in Mandarin as their parents were to take supplemental English lessons at the language schools that popped up all over town in the early years.

A musical cacophony filled Johnny Thompson Music, scales being played on a piano in one cubicle, on a trumpet in another: The universal language, said Thompson, who long ago stopped playing music himself to concentrate on business and civic activities.

I think it has all worked out, he said finally, rising to free up the cubicle for a tiny violinist-to-be and her instructor. It has worked out very well. That is the good thing about America. Diversity always wins out, and it makes everybody better.

That, anyway, is the view of the Garvey Avenue merchant who rode out the tsunami of change. In parting, Johnny Thompson said he has no plans to retire, no plans to leave Monterey Park.

Where would I go?

peter.king@latimes.com

@peterhking

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Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputies arrested a Santa Clarita homeowner on suspicion of possessing weapons and narcotics after he called 911 and contended he was threatened by a tall man dressed as a clown and armed with a knife.

The homeowner told police that he was smoking a cigarette in front of his house at around 6 a.m. Sunday when a 6-foot man dressed as a clown approached him and brandished a knife.

The homeowner, armed with an unknown type of gun, fired a warning shot into the air. The clown fled the scene on foot, and the homeowner called 911, said Sgt. Cortland Myers of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriffs station.

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Deputies responded to the scene and could not find a knife-wielding clown, Myers said. However, they discovered that the homeowner was in possession of weapons and narcotics and arrested him.

Was there in fact a knife-wielding clown in the suburbs of Santa Clarita?

Thats the question of the day, Myers said.

Deputies did discover a man with a clown mask hiding in some bushes a few blocks away from where the warning shots were fired  a sighting unusual for that time of morning, Myers said.

However, the homeowner didnt identify this clown as the correct clown, Myers said. His guy had a full clown costume and a mask, and the clown he saw was taller.

The homeowner, a 24-year-old man whose name was not released, is not believed to be mentally impaired or a danger to himself, Myers said.

Clown pranks, inspired by various viral videos and memes, have been reported around the country and throughout the state in recent weeks.

In Lancaster, authorities have received at least three reports of men in clown masks brandishing kitchen knives at people and filming their reactions.

In Modesto, a rash of clown sightings prompted police to issue a notice to residents, encouraging them to report suspicious clown sightings.

Online clown pranksters terrorized schools in Oakland, Fairfield and San Francisco this month.

Myers said he wasnt aware of any other clown sightings in the area.

frank.shyong@latimes.com

Twitter: @frankshyong

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Two hikers trapped overnight on a cliff about 1,000 feet above Eaton Canyon were safely escorted out by an Altadena Mountain Rescue team late Monday morning, authorities said.

The Altadena rescue crew began their search around 8 p.m. Sunday, but they were not able to trek to where the hikers were trapped due to rough terrain and darkness, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

Authorities called for a Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopter to pull the hikers off the cliff around 11 p.m., but their operation was halted due to cloud cover.

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Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies escort two people after the hikers were rescued from a cliff above Eaton Canyon on Oct. 17. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times )

Crews are getting rained on now, the Altadena station tweeted early Monday. Hikers are not injured, but too dangerous to hike out in dark. We will stay on mountain till they are out.

Helicopter crews had planned to resume their rescue effort once conditions cleared up, but the hikers  a man and a woman  along with the rescue team walked out the way they went in, the Sheriffs Department said. No injuries were reported.

Officials said the two were stranded in a closed trail where hikers arent allowed. The path was once popular for its sweeping views and scenery, but was shut down because it is very steep and some hikers fell off the trail.

sarah.parvini@latimes.com

For more California news follow me on Twitter: @sarahparvini

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This article was originally published at 7:15 a.m.
A man carrying a heavily modified, military-style weapon and wearing body armor was shot and wounded by police Sunday night after he confronted two Vallejo officers on break inside a Starbucks, authorities said.

Adam Powell, 41, of Suisun City pointed the weapon at the officers, but fled the coffee shop when the rifle apparently malfunctioned and failed fire, said Lt. Jeff Bassett, a Vallejo Police Department spokesman. The officers fired on Powell, striking him three times.

Powell was taken to an area hospital, where he was being treated for life-threatening injuries. The officers, who discovered that Powell was also carrying a loaded handgun, were not injured.

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The attempted assassination of two Vallejo police officers while on a coffee break underscores the extreme danger that police officers face on a daily basis, the lieutenant said in a statement.

Powell was linked to another shooting that occurred about five hours before the Starbucks incident, police said.

He was identified as the father of a 2-year-old boy who was found shot and critically injured about 3:28 p.m. inside a home in Suisun City, roughly 18 miles north of Vallejo, police said. Powell left the home before police arrived to talk to him. The shooting appeared to be accidental, but police said all possibilities are being explored.

Hours later, surveillance video showed Powell driving by the Starbucks.

The two officers were on their break inside the coffee shop in the 100 block of Lincoln Road West, when Powell entered, Bassett said.

The officers saw that Powell was wearing body armor and carrying a rifle with a high-capacity drum-magazine. Powell then pointed the weapon in the officers direction, but when the rifle appeared to malfunction the officers drew their weapons, Bassett said.

Powell ran out of the coffee shop and through a parking lot as the officers chased him. The officers shot at Powell at the intersection of Magazine and Sheridan streets as Powell appeared to manipulate the weapon with his hands.

Surveillance video footage taken from a nearby convenience store shows a man running outside of Starbucks. Later, the video shows a man running away as two officers chase him.

I think that we would all agree that somebody going into our community equipped with an assault weapon, a secondary weapon and wearing body armor is an extreme danger to everybody, so I am so very grateful that our officers took the actions that they did, put themselves in harms way on behalf of our community, Vallejo Police Chief Andrew Bidou said at a news conference Monday.

The officers, the chief said, were ambushed by somebody who has superior fire power. Patrol officers, he said, are equipped with small handguns.

Powell was also carrying a second weapon and had an extreme advantage over officers, especially taken by surprise, Bidou said.

I want to underscore the bravery of our officers that took pursuit of this person, he said. We will never know what could have happened.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
A man suspected of shooting a San Francisco police officer in the head Friday has died of his injuries, police said.

Nicholas McWherter, 26, of Pacifica died Sunday, just days after he was involved in a police shooting, according to the San Francisco medical examiner.

McWherter died in the same hospital that is treating the injured officer, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

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The 25-year-old officer remains in critical but stable condition after suffering a gunshot wound to the head.

One centimeter down and this may have been a fatality for the officer, Interim Police Chief Toney Chaplin told reporters.

The officer, who is a two-year veteran of the Police Department, underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments from his brain, the chief said. One side of his body was partially paralyzed due to the wound.

The shooting occurred about 8:15 p.m. Friday after police received reports of a man who was threatening people and causing a disturbance at the Lakeshore Plaza Shopping Center in the 1500 block of Sloat Boulevard, he said. The chief said the man was behaving erratically.

Officers found the man nearby and attempted to contact him. Thats when the chief said the man turned toward officers and fired multiple shots at them, striking one in the head.

The officer had no clue he had a firearm and before he knew it, the subject fired on him, Chaplin said.

The gunman then ran toward Sigmund Stern Grove.

Meanwhile, the injured officers partner called for help. Arriving officers surrounded the area and began looking for the gunman.

The gunman suddenly emerged from bushes near 28th Avenue and Vicente Street and tried to run away, Chaplin said.

Several officers ran after the gunman and a shooting occurred, he said.

The suspect fell to the ground, the chief said. However, he continued to hold the weapon, the firearm, near his chest while refusing multiple verbal commands to surrender.

Chaplin said tactical officers used a flash bang device to distract the gunman and took him into custody.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
It was shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday when Fernando Lucero felt the breeze from an airborne pickup truck rocket past his right shoulder.

The 20-year-old was celebrating at an annual festival at Chicano Park when a GMC truck driven by a suspected drunken driver flew off the San Diego-Coronado Bridge and landed in the park. Four people were killed and at least nine others were injured.

It sounded like a bomb, or a torpedo hitting the water, Lucero said.

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His first move was to run over to protect his 10-year-old brother, Reyes, who was playing with a friend about 15 feet from where the truck landed. He said he was afraid the truck would explode.

Lucero was one of dozens of community members who gathered in Chicano Park on Sunday morning to pay respect to the victims. They laid flowers and candles near the crash site, lighted sage, said prayers and sang songs.

Many witnesses said they had trouble sleeping after seeing the horrific accident, made worse because it occurred in a park where most of them grew up playing.

Their names have not yet been released.The driver has been identified as Richard Anthony Sepolio, 25, a Navy man stationed in Coronado.

He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.Clutching a handkerchief and crying, Char Mason, of Webster, stood near the crash site. She didnt know any of the victims and wasnt at the event, but read about what happened in news reports.

I just wanted to come pray. Leave a spiritual footprint, she said. Life is short. People need to not drink and drive. You have to be mindful.

Many witnesses at the memorial Sunday were counting their blessings, in addition to mourning the dead. Tina Camarillo, vice president of the Chicano Park Steering Committee, said she and her daughter were at a booth directly next to the one that was hit by Sepolios car.

Were here to honor the people that passed away. To show their families we feel for them, we support them and we love them, she said while crying.

Camarillo said the parks legacy and history are important to her, but she wants barriers placed on the bridge to prevent a similar incident in the future.

To see such tragedy in an instant . . . , she said, trailing off. [The truck] fell and all I saw was darkness, the glass blew, the canopy fell on my head. My daughter was running to get my mom. It was horrible.

Camarillo said she believes she was saved by a higher power. I know the Lord saved us. I felt it and I knew it, she said. By coincidence, San Diegos Rock Church was holding its first, small service Sunday for newly released inmates under the bridge.

Zebulon Hill, associate campus pastor, invited witnesses and mourners to join the service.

The most important thing at the moment is for us to listen to them, he said. There is going to be genuine mourning and pain. Theres nothing that we can that will take that pain away. But we want to be here to be that shoulder to cry on, that ear to listen.

Many of the people who gathered Sunday were still processing what happened.

Victoria Harris, of Eastlake, said she was eating tacos with her boyfriend , about 35 feet from where the truck landed when she heard a loud boom. At first, she thought the truck had just backed into a vendor.

She said her boyfriend joined dozens of other men who lifted the truck off the victims. They were both motorcyclists in the La Raza Run, the group holding an event in the park.

All the guys just ran over there and pushed the truck on the side, Harris said.

Carlos Olvera, of Los Angeles, said he was about 40 feet from where the truck landed on Logan Avenue.

We heard the wreck  bam!  he hits the wall. So, we look up. I just thought it was going to park up there, he said. Then, we see it go over the top.

phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com

Molnar writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

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Four people were wounded and one suspect is in custody following a shooting at a business in East Palmdale on Monday, officials said.

Firefighters responded about 2 p.m. to a report of a gunshot wound in the 37100 block of North 25th Street in Palmdale, said Inspector Gustavo Medina, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Two people were critically injured and two others suffered minor injuries.

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The victims were taken to hospitals. The name of the business where the shooting took place was not immediately available.

Sheriffs deputies were surrounding the neighborhood and looking for a possible second suspect, officials said.

This article will be updated as new information becomes available.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

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A fourth person has died from gunshot wounds following a bloody gun battle at a popular Jamaican restaurant over the weekend, officials said.

Details about the fourth victim were not immediately available, said Officer Liliana Preciado, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department.

Los Angeles police detectives are still working to identify witnesses to Saturdays chaotic scene during a birthday party at a house in the 2900 block of Rimpau Boulevard, which also serves as an underground Jamaican eatery, she said.

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Eleven others were injured in the shooting.

Those killed remained unidentified Monday as coroners officials worked to notify their families. All of the dead were male.

Detectives asked for the publics help in providing more details about the deadly shooting.

The gunfire erupted after two men confronted another man, likely during a dispute over a drug deal gone bad, said Los Angeles Police Capt. Peter Whittingham. The man was shot and killed.

With about 50 people celebrating at the party, a gun battle then exploded between two groups -- one associated with the man who was shot and killed and the others defending the two men, the captain said.

The initial shooter and a second person, who police said fired into a crowd, ran away before police arrived.

A total of nine men and six women were struck by gunfire. Most victims have been released from hospitals.

1 / 8 People tend to a woman who fainted after hearing of a friends death in the West Adams shooting. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 8 Detectives pass a woman, left, comforting the wife of a man who died in the shooting. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 8 Two neighbors huddle together near the shooting scene. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 8 A woman, second from right, weeps after hearing her husband, 53, died in the shooting. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 8 Residents and Jamaican community members gather near the shooting scene. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 8 Police investigate the scene of a shooting at a West Adams restaurant on Oct. 15, 2016. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 8 Officers cordon off the area near the West Adams restaurant where three people were shot to death early Saturday morning. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 8 Investigators gather evidence after the shooting that left three dead and 12 wounded. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

On Sunday, police announced that they had arrested two Jamaican nationals on suspicion of murder in connection with the shooting. Mowayne McKay, 33, and Diego Reid, 25, were found at area hospitals where they were receiving treatment for gunshot wounds, Whittingham said.

The gunmen who killed the first victim remain at large, he said.

It is not yet known how many, if any, people were killed by shots fired by McKay or Reid, Whittingham said. After consulting with prosecutors, police decided the evidence against the men was strong enough to arrest them, he added.

The owner of the restaurant, who identified himself to The Times only as Dilly, said he was hosting a birthday party Friday night but that he did not know what prompted the shooting. He has been running a catering business from his home since 2003 and served food on Saturdays, he said. Patrons called the restaurant Dillys Kitchen.

But after the weekend gun violence, Dilly said he planned to sell his home and move back to his native Jamaica.

The shooting comes amid a spike in crime this year in Los Angeles.

There had been no homicides in the West Adams district until this weekend, but the area had seen 109 violent crimes over the last six months, according to The Times Crime L.A. database.

Through Oct. 8, overall crime rose 5.6% across the city compared with the same period last year, LAPD records show. Property crime was up 4.1%, and violent offenses climbed 10.9%.

Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement the West Adams shooting was the latest example of a senseless gun violence epidemic that causes so much pain and sorrow in our city and across the nation.

Anyone with details about the shooting is urged to call gang homicide detectives David Dilkes or Isidro Soto at (323) 786-5110. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or go directly to lacrimestoppers.

Staff writers Joel Rubin, Ben Poston, Brittny Mejia and Ruben Vives contributed to this report.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

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12:30 p.m.: This article was updated with a fourth person dead from the weekend shooting.

10:40 a.m.: This article was updated with LAPD crime figures through October.

This article was originally published at 10:30 a.m.
At a U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service office in Singapore, agents were ramping up their investigation into overbilling, bribery and fraud by one of Southeast Asias most prominent defense contractors.

It would become the largest fraud case in modern Navy history.

As agents submitted status reports on witnesses, wiretaps and other investigative leads into the agencys internal database, one of their colleagues who sat at a desk nearby secretly began to slip the information to the man at the center of the investigation, Fat Leonard Francis.

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The betrayal by NCIS supervisory agent John Beliveau II helped Francis stay one step ahead of investigators and continue his massive scheme to defraud the Navy. Until they got caught.

On Friday, Beliveau was sentenced in San Diego federal court to 12 years in prison. He decided it was best to be taken immediately into custody to begin serving his term.

He sold out his service and sold out his country, Assistant Chief Brian Young of the U.S. attorneys office told the judge during the hearing, using the mob term consigliere to describe Beliveau as Francis close advisor.

He did horrendous damage to this investigation.

Besides the prison term, Beliveau, 47, was ordered to pay $20 million in restitution, an amount to be shared by other defendants in the case.

Beliveau was the first in what is now a long line of defendants to plead guilty to taking bribes from Francis in exchange for sensitive information that benefited the contractor and his Glenn Defense Marine Asia company. The investigation also uncovered a nearly $35-million scheme to overbill the Navy for services that the company provided to visiting ships, such as security, supplies and trash removal.

The investigation has taken down 11 current and former Navy officers and employees, as well as five Glenn Defense Marine Asia figures, including Francis. Other high-ranking naval officers have been disciplined over their ties to the contractor, who was known in naval circles for plying overseas military men with prostitutes, booze and posh parties.

Most of the guilty were in similar logistics positions aboard Navy ships, and at Francis prompting provided him with ship schedules and other intelligence to help steer Navy contracts his way.

Beliveaus role was markedly different.

He had been working in Singapore since 2008, part of a team to help keep visiting Navy ships secure in the region. By the time he met Francis, he was recovering from several physical illnesses, recurring bouts of obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder from witnessing a gang member get beheaded in East Timor, and loneliness  vulnerabilities Francis preyed on, said Beliveaus defense attorney, Jessica Carmichael.

He was self-medicating with alcohol and prostitutes, and welcomed the attention of the wealthy and charismatic Francis, the lawyer said.

He needed a friend, and Leonard Francis exploited that. He needed a numbing agent, and Leonard Francis provided those, Carmichael told the court. He was weak, lonely, suffering from physical ailments and mental torture, and Francis knew it and he exploited it.

The bribery started after Francis invited Beliveau to dinner, where the contractor showed him a leaked NCIS report and asked for Beliveaus thoughts, Carmichael said.

According to sentencing papers, Beliveau said he didnt report the matter to his superiors, explaining: I felt attached to him. I told him to clean up his act and that this would minimize this risk.  I shouldve gone right to my boss but was afraid that the drinks and the prostitution would come out. Mainly, I just thought it would all go away, and I believed him when he said that he hadnt done anything.

Pretty soon Francis was asking Beliveau to retrieve confidential information on the investigations, and giving the agent more prostitutes, fancy hotel rooms and alcohol as a reward.

Prosecutors say beginning in 2011 Beliveau accessed the NCIS database 14 times looking for the files. In one month alone, he slipped Francis 80 reports.

The leak compromised identities of cooperating witnesses  including two low-level Glenn Defense Marine Asia employees whod agreed to secretly record conversations in the office  as well as prompted real-time warnings about covert actions by agents, prosecutors said.

Agents scrambled for damage control after learning of their internal leak and had to create a secret investigation walled off from the network. They posted a false memo in the database  planted for Beliveau  saying the case against Francis was closed.

Francis took the bait and felt comfortable enough to travel to the U.S. for what he thought was a business development meeting with Navy officials in San Diego on Sept. 16, 2013. He was arrested instead.

Beliveau was arrested the same day in Virginia, where he was living after having been promoted to director of the Quantico branch, and agents found what remained of Francis bribes: $6,200 in cash.

Mr. Beliveaus conduct cast a shadow over NCIS, but thats being kind. He cast more than a shadow, U.S. District Judge Janis Sammartino said at the sentencing.

It is difficult to quantify the extent of damage and duration of harm on the agency, the judge said.

On Friday, Beliveau apologized to the court, his family and his former colleagues  saying his tale was a cautionary one he hoped other law enforcement learned from.

It is hard to convey the feelings of guilt and remorse, but, upon reflection, I can say that it has made me physically sick when I read about and recall what I did, he wrote in a letter to the judge. I also am ashamed for the embarrassment I caused to my former agency and the public trust that was granted to me.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Davis writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune

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The president of a group representing tens of thousands of law enforcement officers worldwide is apologizing for historic mistreatment of people of color in the United States.

Terrence Cunningham, speaking at the International Assn. of Chiefs of Police annual conference Monday in San Diego, said that police have historically been a face of oppression in enforcing laws that ensure legalized discrimination and denial of basic rights.

Cunningham says past injustices have created mistrust between communities of color and police. He says the group acknowledges and apologizes for those actions, but he also says todays officers are not to blame for the past.

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Cunningham, who is also the police chief in Wellesley, Mass., received a standing ovation for his comments.

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Arrests of migrants who illegally crossed the Southwest border jumped 23% in the past year, according to Homeland Security figures released Monday.

The increase, after declining for a year, could provide grist for the presidential campaign and Donald Trumps harsh criticism of immigration policy and border security.

Border Patrol agents and other U.S. authorities apprehended 408,870 people on or near the border  including 137,366 children and their families, mostly from Central America  in the just-ended 2016 fiscal year.

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Thats up from 331,333 people the previous year, but down from 2014 and 2013.

Apprehensions of children and families peaked in 2014, when total apprehensions reached nearly 480,000 people, creating a crisis that overwhelmed Border Patrol stations, detention facilities and federal health workers.

Most of those apprehended in the past year came from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, countries struggling with drug-related violence and extreme poverty.

Net migration from Mexico has remained below zero for several years, according to U.S. and Mexico census data, with more people returning home to Mexico than entering the U.S. illegally each year.

Apprehensions of Central Americans outnumbered Mexicans last year for the second time. The records also show far fewer single adults are trying to cross the border.

The latest figures instead show a surge in families, apparently a result of a deliberate strategy aimed at avoiding detention. Nearly 78,000 families were apprehended, a record.

U.S. detention facilities for families here illegally often are full so the families frequently are given a mandatory court date and released to stay with relatives and friends inside the U.S.

As a result, smugglers recently have urged migrants to bring their children to reduce the likelihood of being detained before being deported, according to senior Border Patrol officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal assessments.

At the height of the 2014 crisis, when Border Patrol agents in Texas Rio Grande Valley were swamped by families and children from Central America, the agents had few options.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement had a detention facility in Pennsylvania with only about 80 beds for families. Since then, two family detention centers have opened in Texas, able to hold up to 3,700 parents and children together.

The total still isnt enough for the tens of thousands of families that are apprehended.

The Obama administration has responded, in part, with programs aimed at helping El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala battle rampant crime and poverty. Congress last year approved $750 million in aid for those governments.

The Obama administration now allows migrants from those three countries who seek U.S. protection as refugees to file their asylum applications and undergo screening and interviews while still at home, to help them avoid the treacherous journey north through Mexico.

Unaccompanied children and families have presented new challenges in our immigration system, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said in a statement.

In an apparent swipe at Trumps vow to build a wall along the border, Johnson added, Walls alone cannot prevent illegal immigration. Ultimately, the solution is long-term investment in Central America to address the underlying push factors in the region.

brian.bennett@latimes.com

Follow me @ByBrianBennett on Twitter

To read the article in Spanish, click here

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Joe Leal says he knows the good ones from the bad. Hes been doing this for decades. He trusts that his brown eyes  narrowed beneath a furrowed brow  wont deceive him.

He looks down at the shiny silver handgun under a glass case. Next to it is an all-black one. Criminals dont want guns like this, he explains. Theyre expensive and only the serious enthusiast will lay down more than $2,000 for such a weapon. Even his lower-end guns fetch at least $600.

Hell check their identification to make sure theyre a Nevada resident. If he gets a bad vibe, hell walk the customer over to a table where a federally licensed gun dealer can run a background check. Thats if he even decides to go that far. When hes suspicious, the 82-year-old former U.S. Army lieutenant and long-time Nevada resident simply refuses to sell.

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Leal is a private seller who might move 15 firearms a year. He calls it his hobby jobby and doesnt believe he needs the government telling him when to run a background check  as is now being proposed on the November ballot. Its not the Nevada way, he explains.

Dont tamper with our gun ownership, he said. Its just a part of us.

Nolan Hammer checks out a gun at the Heckler & Koch booth at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas. (John Locher / Associated Press )

But that may be changing.

Demographic shifts already have transformed Nevada into a swing state in recent presidential elections and given Democrats an edge in voter registration. They have also made the Silver State the latest testing site for Michael R. Bloombergs attempt to pass a law requiring background checks for gun sales between private parties, including those conducted over the Internet.

Polling indicates Bloomberg may have bet correctly.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal released a poll earlier this month showing 58% of likely registered voters supported Question 1, which would require people like Leal to run background checks on buyers. Three other polls released since July have shown the measure steadily drawing more than 60% support.

If it passes, Nevada would join eight states that have a similar requirement. Washington passed a ballot measure in 2014. Colorado and Oregons legislatures passed private-party background checks recently as well.

Jennifer Crowe, spokeswoman for Nevadans for Background Checks, says the law wont stop every crime committed with a firearm, but it will stop some criminals from buying guns. That, she said, is worth it.

At a recent debate on the issue held at the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas, she said the measure was designed to save people like Christina Franklin.

Franklin was killed May 5 by her ex-boyfriend in front of a Las Vegas day-care facility, where she was arriving with her two children. The high-profile investigation revealed that Travis Lee Spitler, 40, had lied to a private seller about his criminal history and used that gun to kill her. Both children, 3 and 4, were injured in the shooting, and he died when he turned the gun on himself.

A background check wouldve shown he wasnt allowed to have that gun and Christina could very well be alive today, Crowe said. Thats what gets lost and what is so important to remember in this conversation and debate. This is about saving lives.

But opponents say he wouldve simply gotten the firearm somewhere else.

Stavros Anthony, a Las Vegas councilman who opposes the ballot measure, noted that the debate was being held in a place highlighting the infamous activities of gangsters like John Dillinger, Al Capone and Sam Giancana.

I would like to ask all the gang criminals that are featured in this museum if they would go through a background check to get their guns to commit their violent crimes, Anthony said. They never would have.

Nevada is getting a replay of the arguments heard when other states enacted similar measures, just as voters are in Maine, where a background check measure is on the November ballot and leading in the polls.

The National Rifle Assn.  essentially the lone funding source opposing the Nevada initiative  views the ballot measure as a slippery slope that will only embolden Bloombergs Everytown for Gun Safety nonprofit to march into other states. A Nevada win, it believes, would put the West on notice for copycat initiatives and legislation promoted by Bloomberg.

NRA spokeswoman Catherine Mortensen said Bloombergs group is trying to turn Nevada and other Western states into California or New York.

There werent Nevadans clamoring for gun control, Mortensen said. This is Mayor Bloombergs attempt to impose his nanny-state gun control laws on Nevada.

On one hand, Nevada is gun country. It allows open carrying of firearms, recognizes concealed weapons permits from nearly 30 other states, and is more lenient with people drinking and carrying than drinking and driving  .10 blood alcohol content is the limit for carrying a gun versus .08 for driving.

Yet Nevadas identity in recent years hasnt been as easy to pin down, says Michael Green, associate professor of history at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

He said that as early as 1959, the state Legislature made it a felony to carry a concealed handgun  revealing less of an absolutism about firearms.

Still, he said, the gun proposal is likely viewed as mission creep by some Nevadans, as well as the NRA.

Even if it doesnt really mean much to the states image, some people will look at this  and say an Old West state in the Wild West has passed background checks and, well, that was the state of the Cartwrights and Bonanza  which was a period 150 years ago, Green said. Nevada is now more of the state of big mega-resorts and attempting to attract businesses like Tesla and Faraday. But its all tied together, too.

Kevin Kam, second from right, discusses Question 1 outside a Donald Trump presidential rally. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times )

The NRA has been outspent by Nevadans for Background Checks by more than a 10-to-1 ratio  the bulk of it coming from Everytown for Gun Safety  and awareness of the measure hasnt filtered down to all voters.

Kevin Tarkalson, an NRA member, stood outside a Donald Trump rally in Henderson earlier this month handing out fliers and bumper stickers opposing Question 1, worrying as people walked in seemingly unaware of the initiative.

We need people to turn out, said Tarkalson, who shortened his bright red goatee recently after it kept getting stuck in the rail while he pumped and fired his shotgun. This wont end here. Theyll just keep going state to state trying to take away our right to own guns.

Not so, says Clark County Dist. Atty. Steve Wolfson.

He said it took him a while to get on board with the initiative; he talked with both sides and looked at what the point of the initiative was before endorsing it. He explained it at the Mob Museum debate.

We dont pass a law prohibiting jaywalking to punish jaywalkers. We passed a law to prevent jaywalking to prevent car accidents and pedestrian accidents, he said. Were not trying to pass a law for background checks to prevent all gun violence. But it will prevent certain classes of people from obtaining weapons.

Leal said he just didnt see it.

After packing up his display at the Texas Station Casino, he said hed sold three guns. He had no worries. Any concerns he had would be saved for what might happen after Nov. 8.

The Californication of Nevada has certainly taken place and those influences have come here with a liberal view of many issues, Leal said. I have accepted that things change somewhat, but we still have to hang on to our core values.

david.montero@latimes.com

Twitter: @davemontero

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It was a rare olive branch in a season of unchecked political hostility. When someone firebombed a Republican campaign office in North Carolina, it was Democrats who stepped up with more than $13,000 to help their opponents rebuild.

The gesture, in which Democrats have so far outraised Republicans three-to-one, seemed especially notable given that GOP candidate Donald Trump had immediately blamed animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems for the damage.

Despite Trumps claims, as of Monday, investigators still had not identified or arrested the person or persons suspected of throwing a Molotov cocktail through the window of the Orange County Republican Party headquarters in Hillsborough, N.C., over the weekend.

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The ensuing blaze  which happened sometime between Saturday evening and Sunday morning -- burned some furniture and caused some interior damage before going out on its own. Someone also spray-painted a swastika and the words Nazi Republicans leave town or else on a nearby wall.

No one was hurt. But with tensions mounting in the presidential campaigns final weeks, the attack  in a swing state, no less -- held national significance. North Carolina Republicans, in addition to denouncing the attack, said they were stepping up security for the duration of the campaign.

Whether you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent, all Americans should be outraged by this hate-filled and violent attack against our democracy, said Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of the North Carolina Republican Party. Whether the bomb was meant to kill, destroy property, or intimidate voters, everyone in this country should be free to express their political viewpoints without fear for their own safety.

North Carolina Republicans denounced the firebombing as an attack on democracy, and Clinton, who has a slight lead in polls of North Carolina voters, was the first candidate to respond with full-throated condemnation Sunday.

The attack on the Orange County HQ @NCGOP office is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe.  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 16, 2016

Trump had his own message an hour later.

Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning @NCGOP  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

Democrats concerned that the incident will cause tensions to further escalate immediately stepped up. Former Howard Dean campaign advisor David Weinberger launched a GoFundMe page with a $10,000 goal to help repair the damage and re-open the office as soon as possible. Democratic campaign veteran Joe Trippi also backed the page.

Until an investigation is undertaken, we cannot know who did this or why, the page stated. No matter the result, this is not how Americans resolve their differences. We talk, we argue, sometimes we march, and most of all we vote. We do not resort to violence by individuals or by mobs. So, lets all pitch in, no matter what your party affiliation, and get that office open again quickly.

Within 40 minutes, the pages operators said, it met its $10,000 goal and capped the donations after receiving more than $13,000 from 550 donors. They then suggested that visitors hoping to make more donations instead donate to a North Carolina classroom through DonorsChoose, a school-funding nonprofit.

As of Monday morning, a GoFundMe page set up by the North Carolina GOP had raised $4,040.

Weinberger and the North Carolina GOP did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

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The president of the countrys largest police chief organization formally apologized Monday for the historical mistreatment of racial minorities  one of the strongest statements a national police figure has made to date on race.

Law enforcement officers have been the face of oppression for far too many of our fellow citizens, Terrence Cunningham, president of the International Assn. of Chiefs of Police, told thousands of police chiefs from across the country at the groups annual conference in San Diego. He said that police have had darker periods in their history, and that mistrust between police and minorities is the fundamental issue facing police today.



For the record: A previous version of this article said the president of the countrys largest police organization apologized. It should have said the countrys largest police chief organization.

Outbid, outhustled, outmuscled: Why Trump was never able to conquer Southern California 

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It was a watershed moment for the organization, which counts chiefs and high-ranking officers from nearly every U.S. police department among its 27,000 members, sets priorities and trends across American policing, and acts as a national liaison between local police and the federal government.

As national outrage over police shootings of black Americans has grown, the association frequently called for greater building of trust between police and communities, but did not formally apologize for past racism among police.

Cunningham, who is white and serves as the chief of police in Wellesley, Mass., spoke for just over four minutes between longer speeches from the general secretary of Interpol and Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch.

Police and activists alike praised Cunninghams remarks, though some said they fell short of fully addressing the reasons there is sometimes a gulf between police and the communities they serve.

Cunninghams statement today noting the role that police have played and continue to play in functioning as both the face and tool of racial oppression in this country is important, especially given that we have not heard such a clear statement from a senior-level police officer until today, said DeRay Mckesson, a Baltimore-based activist who has advised President Obama on policing issues and co-founded the police reform organization Campaign Zero.

I look forward to seeing this statement supported with tangible commitments to enact deep structural and systemic changes within policing and the criminal justice system that specifically undo the damage that police have done to communities of color, Mckesson said.

The president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement, Perry Tarrant, was among officers in the room who gave Cunningham a standing ovation after his speech at the San Diego Convention Center. He described Cunninghams words as a big deal that could make a real difference.

Its hard to get groups to the table who feel affronted by police until you go out there and apologize, said Tarrant, who is assistant chief of Seattle police.

Protests over deadly police shootings of black men have gripped cities across the country in recent months  in El Cajon, Calif. south of San Diego; Charlotte, N.C.; Milwaukee; Falcon Heights, Minn.; and Baton Rouge, La.  but Cunningham avoided mentioning those by name. He also didnt talk about targeted killings of police officers over the summer in Dallas and Baton Rouge, incidents that raised fear among police officers across the U.S. about their safety while on the job.

The Black Lives Matter movement, which has gained traction nationwide with its criticisms of modern-day officer tactics and police shootings, did not make an appearance in the speech, either.

Instead, Cunningham focused on apologizing for the past, when police carried out many unpalatable tasks, such as ensuring legalized discrimination or even denying the basic rights of citizenship to many of our fellow Americans. But while that history, including the role of police in enforcing Jim Crow laws, has led to mistrust today, Cunningham said todays officers are not to blame for the past.

While we obviously cannot change the past, it is clear that we must change the future, he said. We must move forward together to build a shared understanding. We must forge a path that allows us to move beyond our history and identify common solutions to better protect our communities.

For Delores Jones-Brown, a professor at the John Jay College Center on Race, Crime and Justice, the apology amounted to too little, too late.

I am unimpressed and underwhelmed, she said. He fails to acknowledge the deplorable behavior of some modern-day police officers who are allowed to go from police agency to police agency after having been cited for misconduct within one or more departments. [He] fails to acknowledge the warrior mentality of many police agencies and police officers and commanders. There are bigoted cops today as there were when it was legal to be a bigoted cop.

Police union officials, many of whom have said activism over police shootings has fueled anti-police views, also criticized Cunningham.

Brian Moriguchi, president of the union that represents supervisors in the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, acknowledged that police officers had mistreated minorities in the past but said Cunningham was pandering to political pressures by apologizing for those historical sins in an attempt to address present-day problems.

Hes using the past to legitimize the argument that theres something wrong in police work today, and that is wrong, said Moriguchi, who has said police are far more ethical today than they were decades ago. His statements fuel the rhetoric about racist cops, certainly. Instead of fueling the anger and bias, he should be trying to find solutions to the problem.

Dustin DeRollo, a spokesman for the union that represents rank-and-file officers in the Los Angeles Police Department, said Cunninghams comments support the false narrative that police officers are deliberately targeting black men. Instead, the focus should be on officers who are killed because of their uniforms, he said, citing a Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy and two Palm Springs officers who were fatally shot in recent weeks. Theres no rational conversation, no outrage about that, DeRollo said.

A contentious debate has developed over both the deaths of officers and killings by police, with politicians and activists frequently sparring over statistics and studies. A summer report from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund found that although numbers of police dying while on the job have fluctuated in recent years, shootings of police have drastically decreased overall since the 1970s.

Some statistics show a similar overall decline in the number of police shootings of civilians. But there are no reliable nationwide records, senior law enforcement officials say.

Speaking at the International Assn. of Chiefs of Police conference Sunday, FBI Director James Comey said that despite protests over police shootings of black people, Americans actually have no idea about police use of force across the country because the data are lacking. Currently, the most comprehensive data come from media organizations, such as a national database of police shootings compiled by the Washington Post. That database has found that police this year have shot black people at 2.5 times the rate of white Americans, which is similar to the rate last year.

The Justice Department said last week that it would launch a pilot program next year to gather national data on police shootings and nonlethal use of force, an initiative Lynch spoke of Monday after Cunninghams apology.

Lynch also challenged police to build community partnerships to ease tension.

From doctors to religious leaders, from employers to housing developers, and from schools to civil rights organizations, the opportunity for cooperation  and the potential for progress  is enormous, she said. Mutual agreement may not be the first thing that occurs. Mutual trust will have to be earned. But we can only find the right approach  we can only build trust  by working together.

Times staff writer Cindy Chang contributed to this report.

jaweed.kaleem@latimes.com

Jaweed Kaleem is The Times national race and justice correspondent. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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UPDATES:

10:39 a.m.: This article was updated with a discussion of statistics on police shootings of civilians.

7:20 p.m.: This article was updated with interviews with police, union officials and activists about the speech.

This article was originally published at 1:50 p.m.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has been on the campaign trail almost every day lately, encouraging people to vote for Measure M, the countywide sales tax increase for transportation, and Measure HHH, the citys bond to build housing for the homeless. He backs Measure RRR to change Department of Water and Power oversight, and hes publicly thrown his support behind Measure CC, the Los Angeles Community College District bond measure to modernize its campuses. Hes even opined in favor of upholding the states plastic-bag ban, and hes endorsed candidates in various local races.

Yet Garcetti has refused to take a position publicly on one particular ballot measure that would affect the city directly  and could interfere with his promise to build 100,000 units of housing by 2021. Thats Measure JJJ, a labor-sponsored initiative that would impose some of the nations most demanding affordable-housing and wage mandates on privately funded development.

If JJJ is passed, most developers of housing projects that require waivers from city planning and zoning rules would have to guarantee that as much as 25% (apartments) or 40% (condominiums and homes) of the units are affordable to low- and moderate-income tenants; that workers are paid close to union-level wages; that 30% of those hired are L.A. residents; and that 10% of the projects crew members live within 5 miles of the site and are so-called transitional workers, which includes the homeless, single parents, veterans and those lacking a high school diploma.

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Garcetti has remained conspicuously silent on Measure JJJ. Why?

Supporters argue that the mandates would benefit the community by providing more units of affordable housing and good-paying jobs for local residents. Opponents, including The Times editorial board, worry that they could do the opposite, increasing the cost of new construction so much that fewer construction workers would be employed and fewer homes for low- and middle-income Angelenos would end up getting built, worsening the citys housing crisis.

Also, if Measure JJJ passes, there would be considerably less support for Garcettis own affordable-housing solution. Last year, he proposed a fee on new residential and commercial development that could generate up to $130 million a year to create subsidized housing for low-income families. That proposal has its first public hearing on Tuesday. But there are only so many new fees and mandates that the city can impose before developers decide to take their business elsewhere.

Nevertheless, Garcetti has remained conspicuously silent on Measure JJJ. Why? His spokeswoman said that although the mayor supports the intent of the measure  ostensibly to create more affordable housing and higher-wage jobs  he worries that deciding such policies at the ballot box can result in unintended consequences that can be counterproductive to our end goal. OK. If hes worried about unintended and counterproductive consequences, why not call on voters to reject JJJ? If he prefers handling such policies through legislation, then he should advocate for that publicly and demonstrate to voters that he and his colleagues at City Hall are on the job, coming up with real solutions.

But no, Garcetti is ducking the tough choice here, as he did last year when he refused to take a position on ballot measures to move city elections from odd- to even-numbered years  a significant change that will affect local politics  and he wouldnt give a straight answer on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, despite the fact that it could have a major impact on the Port of Los Angeles. And sadly, hes not alone. Other profiles in civic courage include City Council President Herb Wesson, Councilman Gil Cedillo, who heads the housing committee, and Councilman Jose Huizar, who heads the planning committee, none of whom would take a position on JJJ or respond to inquiries about where they stand.

Its clear that Garcetti and his council colleagues dont want to pick a fight with the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, which helped write and bankroll Measure JJJ as a way to force developers to hire union construction workers. The mayor and council members rely heavily on union support for their individual campaigns, and the federation is spending lots of money on Garcettis top priorities this November, including the transportation sales tax and the homeless housing bond.

But what about the voters? Angelenos deserve straight talk from their city leaders. Nows the time for them to come out of hiding on Measure JJJ.

For a complete list of The Times endorsements for the Nov. 8 ballot, go to latimes.com/endorsements.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
On Feb. 27, 1933, a deranged young Dutch communist set fire to the German parliament, the Reichstag. The newly elected German chancellor sensed an immediate opportunity to eliminate the last freedoms of the Weimar regime in the name of public safety. These sub-humans do not understand how the people stand at our side, Adolf Hitler thundered. In their mouse-holes, out of which they now want to come, of course they hear nothing of the cheering of the masses.

It goes without saying that Donald Trump is no Hitler  there is only one Hitler  and the firebombing of a Trump campaign office in Orange County, N.C., Saturday night was no Reichstag fire. But nevertheless there were some disturbing echoes of 1933 in Trumps immediate response. He tweeted: Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning.

There is so much wrong with that sentence its hard to know where to begin. In the first place Trump is not winning North Carolina  the Realclearpolitics average of polls has him down by 2.9 points. Second, you dont refer to anyone  even arsonists  as animals; however deeply flawed, even criminal, they remain human beings. Third, and most importantly, there is no evidence to suggest that the arsonists were representing Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party.

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Trump gives every indication of wanting to burn down Americas political house if he cannot be its leader.

Even if the attack was the work of local Democrats, its impossible to imagine that Clinton or the Democratic Party had anything to do with it. Its just as likely to be a false-flag operation carried out by Trumps alt-right supporters to implicate the Democrats. But Clinton rightly did not make any such allegation. All her Twitter feed said was: The attack on the Orange County HQ @NCGOP office is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe.

Clintons reaction was as appropriate as Trumps was not. Unfortunately this is part of a pattern in the past 10 days: As Trump has been falling behind in the polls, following the release of an audiotape in which he bragged about sexually assaulting women, his rhetoric has become more and more incendiary. He gives every indication of wanting to burn down Americas political house if he cannot be its leader.

In another echo of Nazi propaganda, Trump accuses Clinton of meeting in secret with international banks to plot the destruction of U.S. sovereignty to enrich these global financial powers, her special interest friends and her donors. He did not allege that these bankers were Jewish but that is the implication many will draw. Trump did mention one person as part of this conspiracy  the Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, who owns a minority stake in the New York Times  thus continuing his pattern of demonizing Mexicans.

Trump also says that Hillary Clinton needs to be drug-tested and locked up. There is a name for a country where political leaders lock up their adversaries: Its called a dictatorship. This is the kind of thing that happens in Zimbabwe, Burma, Russia, Egypt  not in the United States.

Perhaps worst of all Trump suggests that the election is rigged. His compliant surrogates have tried to spin his words to suggest he is simply criticizing biased news coverage of all the women who are accusing him of sexually assaulting them. On Sunday, Newt Gingrich claimed that 14 million [voters] picked Donald Trump, 20 TV executives have decided to destroy him.

This is ludicrous enough  if anyone is destroying Donald Trump it is Trump himself  but the candidate made clear that he is alleging a conspiracy that goes beyond media coverage. Trump tweeted: The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary  but also at many polling places  SAD. Trump and his spokesmen have expressed particular concern about voter fraud in inner cities code for non-white neighborhoods.

As if fraud explains Clintons lead among non-white voters; in the most recent NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, she beats him in this category 76% to 16%. Trumps long record of racist and xenophobic comments might have something to do with it.

What Trump is doing is dangerous and reprehensible. He is creating his own version of the stabbed in the back myth propagated by German rightists after World War I. They claimed that the German army had not really lost the war; it had been betrayed by Jews and Marxists on the home front. Trump is assigning blame for his potential defeat to a shadowy cabal that includes such groups as international bankers and ethnic minorities.

In the process he is violating the most basic tenet of democracy: The willingness of one side to accept defeat at the polls and acknowledge the legitimacy of the winning side. That is something that candidates such as Richard Nixon in 1960 and Al Gore in 2000 did even when there were legitimate questions of election fraud that some of their supporters urged them to pursue. They realized that at some point pursuing their own ambitions would fray the very fabric of our democracy. Trump either doesnt know that or doesnt care. He is going to some very dark places where no previous presidential nominee has ever gone.

Max Boot is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a contributing editor to Opinion. He was a foreign policy advisor to John McCain in 2008, Mitt Romney in 2012 and Marco Rubio this year.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook

To read the article in Spanish, click here

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How to fix solitary confinement in American prisons
Hundreds of prisoners live in solitary confinement in Los Angeles County jails. On average, they spend at least one year in a cell the size of a wheelchair-accessible bathroom stall, leaving only a few times a week, one at a time, for showers or exercise. Meals arrive through a slot in the cell door. Between the long hours in isolation and the steel doors, a prisoner might go days, or longer, without looking another person in the eye.

Solitary confinement costs taxpayers 2 to 3 times more per prisoner than less restrictive forms of incarceration. California officials estimated they would save $28 million this year by reducing the states solitary confinement population by even a few hundred prisoners. But solitary is even more expensive in social terms. It can cause serious psychological damage  anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations that may continue long after prisoners return to our neighborhoods.

The U.S. Supreme Court attempted to abandon solitary confinement in the late 19th century, calling the practice barbaric. Almost 100 years later, in the 1970s, courts in California and across the United States were still chastising prison officials for keeping prisoners locked in their cells for months at a time, with little access to running water, lighting or human contact.

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In 1995, U.S. District Court Judge Thelton Henderson found that conditions in the isolation unit at Californias Pelican Bay State Prison, hover[ed] on the edge of what is humanly tolerable. Fifteen years and few reforms later, prisoners there began a hunger strike to prove the truth of Hendersons assertion. Thirty thousand prisoners in and out of isolation joined the protest, which ultimately curtailed the practice of indefinite solitary confinement in the state. The hunger strikes are a reminder that legal oversight is just one mechanism of reform; public attention is crucial, too.

Top-down rule changes ... have never been enough to fix solitary confinement. The guards who staff isolation units must be enlisted.

A series of isolation-related tragedies across the United States have revealed just how debilitating solitary confinement can be, and how dangerous its outcomes. This, in turn, has maintained the pressure for reform.

Last year, 22-year-old Kalief Browder committed suicide. He had been arrested on a robbery charge when he was 16 and incarcerated for three years in New Yorks Rikers Island jail, including two years in solitary confinement. The charges against him were dropped. In custody and after his release, Browder attempted suicide multiple times, until he finally hung himself. Prior to going to jail, he told CNN in 2013, I never had any mental illness.

Prisoners are not the only ones who experience the harm of isolation. In 2013, a prisoner released directly from long-term administrative segregation killed Tom Clements, the head of the Colorado Department of Corrections. Clements successor would later write of the killer, Evan Ebel, Whatever solitary confinement did to [him], it was not for the better. Before Ebel killed Clements, few Americans knew that prisoners were being released directly from solitary confinement back into our communities.

Now, Colorado, New York, California and even Los Angeles County are among the jurisdictions working to reform solitary confinement. But top-down rule changes, imposed by judges or heads of corrections systems, have never been enough to fix solitary confinement. The guards who staff isolation units must be enlisted. They decide which prisoners go into isolation, for how long, and under what conditions. They see the effects of solitary confinement, and they are in a position to know how a bad situation could be improved. Too often their perspective has been excluded from policy debates.

In the state of Washington, it was current and former prison guards who designed a new classroom chair for their isolation units. The chair keeps prisoners restrained but still permits face-to-face contact; it replaces steel, phone-booth-sized Hannibal Lecter cages that forced prisoners to stand and look straight ahead through a fenced window during any kind of group activity. The chairs restraints are harsh, but any increase in face-to-face contact protects prisoners from further psychological disintegration.

Staff working in solitary confinement units need more resources to deal with prisoners perceived as dangerous or troubled. They need expert help with educational efforts and mental health treatment. And the units themselves need to reconfigured, so that prisoners have access to natural light and sensory input other than cell walls and bars.

Most importantly, isolation cannot become a permanent condition. There must be limits, and opportunities to move prisoners out of solitary confinement into dedicated mental health treatment, or into the general population with rehabilitative programming. In Maine, Colorado and Washington, prison officials have experimented with moving prisoners from isolation units into mental health treatment units, resulting in healthier prisoners and safer prisons.

In all these efforts, transparency is important. Taxpayers fund solitary confinement, and live alongside its survivors, but we know too little about what goes on inside prisons. States must collect data, and make it available for independent analysis: Who is isolated in solitary confinement, for how long, why and with what result?

Reform efforts to date have still left U.S. prisons hovering at the edge of what is humanly tolerable. We can do better  by keeping track of the human beings locked in solitary confinement, identifying ways to transition them out of isolation and dealing more directly with the overworked and often under-resourced prison officials managing these difficult populations.

Keramet Reiter is an assistant professor of criminology and law at UC Irvine and the author of 23/7: Pelican Bay Prison and the Rise of Long Term Solitary.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
Right now, there are enough waffles in the Republican Party to feed a congressional prayer breakfast. Enough wafflers, anyway.

Quite a few GOP members of Congress and electorally endangered senators are waffling from one contorted position to another, desperate to modulate their enthusiasm for Donald Trump in exactly the right way. They support their partys presidential candidate, they will say, but cannot condone Trumps loathsome lechery, clinging to an elusive distinction between the candidate and the man. Or like House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, who now says he will not campaign for Trump and would prefer not to talk about him, but who has let his endorsement stand, even as the latest reports of unwelcome groping of female private parts fill the news.

The waffling has become more frantic as elected Republicans become convinced the man at the top of the GOP ticket has repulsed more than enough voters to sink his own campaign. They are trying not to be dragged down in Trumps undertow.

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The problem is fairly straightforward for senators in swing states and representatives in the few remaining districts where both major political parties are competitive. To maintain their chances with moderate voters, they need to pretend Trump is running in some other country or some other party or some other reality that has nothing to do with them. For Republicans in safe seats, it is a little more complicated. How do they placate the vengeful Trump partisans who might turn on them in this or some subsequent election if they fail to show loyalty to the braggart billionaire? At the same time, how do they maintain even a hollow claim to being defenders of traditional morality and Christian family values? If there is one thing Trump is not, it is an exemplar of Christian morality and values.

1 / 51 la-1491523602-y7ephyarj1-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 51 la-1491368625-0bgh58ihw8-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los angeles Times) 6 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 51 Trump inspires millions to take to the streets -- to oppose him. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 51 Cartoon caption contest winner at the DENT conference in Sun Valley, Idaho: Jon Duval, executive director of the Ketchum Community Development Corporation. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 51 Old radicals and big media descend on Selma (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 51 Horsey imagined the creation of the Ann Coulter phenomenon in this cartoon from 2007. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 51 This David Horsey drawing is a reconfiguration of a cartoon he first published in 2006. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 51 Donald Sterling, owner of the L.A. Clippers, should give Cliven Bundy a call. After Sterling loses his NBA franchise and the deadbeat Nevada rancher loses his cattle, the two old racists will both need a buddy. Maybe they can team up together and open an all-white rodeo. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 51 Besides sending a chill up the spine of the international community, Vladimir Putin has accomplished one other thing by seizing Crimea and threatening the rest of Ukraine: Putin has brought back the bear. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 51 The right-wing insurrection at the Bundy ranch in Bunkerville, Nev., has taken another weird turn with new revelations about the family history of Cliven Bundy. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 51 David Horsey / Los Angeles Times (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times)

Perhaps Trump will rebound in the polls before election day  far stranger things have happened in this campaign  but, at the moment, conventional indicators show that Hillary Clinton will win on Nov. 8 and her margin of victory could even be great enough to swing the U.S. Senate to Democratic control and seriously carve into the current Republican majority in the House of Representatives.

As he cut his ties to Trump, Ryan set his caucus members loose to do whatever needs to be done to keep their seats, whether that is embracing Trump the way he embraces attractive women who wander into his reach, or treating Trumpism like a virus that needs to be killed before it spreads through the entire party. Chances are, Ryan will maintain his majority, but many of the more moderate and rational conservatives trying to get reelected in swing districts will be gone and that means greater influence for the Looney Tunes wing that drove Ryans predecessor, John Boehner, out of politics.

The nutty faction has already captured the Trump campaign. Trump himself is not necessarily driven by the same warped world view that drives the cabal of reactionary fabulists that has been dubbed as the alt right; he is a creature of his own narcissistic needs and obsessions. Yet, now that he has declared independence from Ryan and the other Republicans who have finally refused to be his apologists, he has put himself fully in the hands of people like his campaign CEO, Stephen Bannon, the former boss of the alt right mouthpiece, Breitbart News. In this, Trump is following, not leading, his most ardent fans. Those folks have become addicted to the mental meth and conspiracy crack pushed by alt right Savonarolas such as Alex Jones, the impresario of the crackpot news site Infowars. (Jones is the guy who is offering followers as much as $5,000 if they successfully get themselves in front of live TV cameras wearing one of his Bill Clinton Rape T-shirts.)

An addled alt rightist confronted vice presidential candidate Mike Pence at a campaign event in Iowa a few days ago. The woman told Pence she had spent endless hours scouring the Internet to keep informed (Im pretty sure she was not just killing time poking around Pinterest) and was ready for a revolution if Hillary Clinton is elected.

Pence gave the would-be revolutionary a mild chiding, but the incident illustrates the problem that will face the Republican Party even if GOP majorities in Congress are retained. In defeat, Trump may fade away (not likely!), but the partys electoral foundation will continue to rest on millions of voters who have brainwashed themselves into believing that people like Clinton and Barack Obama exude the sulfuric stench of Lucifer  in the colorful characterization of Alex Jones  and that armed rebellion is far preferable to any tiny compromise with Democrats, a.k.a, the spawn of Satan.

How do rational Republicans waffle their way out of that?

David.Horsey@latimes.com

Follow me at @davidhorsey on Twitter

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New poll shows Kamala Harris leading Californias U.S. Senate race by a 2-to-1 margin By Phil Willon U.S. Senate candidates Kamala Harris, left, points a finger toward rival Loretta Sanchez during their debate at Cal State L.A. on Wednesday, Oct. 5. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) With ballots already being cast, State Atty. General Kamala Harris leads by a more than a two-to-one margin over her rival in Californias U.S. Senate race, according to a new poll by the Public Policy Institute of California. The survey showed that 42% of likely voters supported Harris, compared to 20% who favored her opponent, Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez. Among the remainder, 20% of voters were undecided and 18% said they will not vote for either candidate by election day on Nov. 8. The results are dramatically different that those in a PPIC released on Sept. 21, when Harris had just a 7-point lead over Sanchez. But the new poll numbers are closely aligned with results in the June 7 primary, when Harris received 40% of the vote and Sanchez came in second with 19% in a race with 34 candidates on the ballot. In a PPIC poll in July, Harris also had 38% support among likely voters and Sanchez 20%. From the start this has been a race in which Harris, who did very well in the primary, has had a large advantage, said PPIC President Mark Baldassare. Loretta Sanchez hasnt been able to, in any of our polls, get above 25% Unlike the PPICs surveys in July and September, the new poll included the ballot designations for the two Senate candidates, listing Harris as Attorney General of California and Sanchez as a United States Congresswoman. Both Harris and Sanchez are Democrats. There also have been a few major developments in the Senate campaign since Sept. 21, including the Oct. 5 Senate debate at Cal State Los Angeles where Sanchez caused a stir by dabbing as her finale. The following day, U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein endorsed Harris. Both Harris and Sanchez are trying to succeed Boxer, who is retiring after serving four terms in the Senate. According to the new PPIC poll, Harris is favored over Sanchez across all general income and education levels of voters, as well as among both men and women. Harris also leads in these major regions of the state: Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay area, Orange and San Diego counties, and the Inland Empire. Latinos are the only major cross-section of likely voters who favor Sanchez over Harris, by a margin of 41% to 33%, the poll shows. Harris also gained support from Republicans and independents over the past month, mostly likely from voters who previously said they would not vote. Still, more than a third of likely Republican voters said they would not vote for Sanchez or Harris, and 16% of independent voters also plan to take a pass. The two Democrats are facing off in the highest-profile contest between two members of the same party since California adopted a top-two primary election system. Facebook

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Will the Defense Department fix the National Guard bonus repayment problem? California congressional reps are skeptical By Sarah D. Wire (Paul Sakuma / Associated Press) Some members of Californias congressional delegation arent satisfied with a Defense Department plan to verify whether thousands of California National Guard members fairly received bonuses for enlisting during the height of the Iraq war or must repay the money. They said Wednesday that they want a detailed plan by the time Congress returns in mid-November. Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) organized a call so that Californias 53 House members could question the Defense Department about how it plans to fix the problem, which was first reported Sunday by The Times. Members werent sure exactly how many of their colleagues were on the call. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter on Wednesday ordered the Pentagon to pause efforts to claw back the enlistment bonuses. He said the suspension would continue until he was satisfied that our process is working effectively. Congressional members told The Times that Defense officials said they plan to increase the number of employees reviewing the cases and expect all of them will be examined by July. After the call, Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) said she was still outraged and wants a more detailed plan from the Defense Department. There was definitely a level of skepticism that they would move forward on this in a very fair and evenhanded way, Brownley said. Department officials told the delegation there are 13,800 questionable bonus cases in California. Of those, 4,000 have been cleared as properly eligible and 1,200 cases identified as possible fraud, meaning the guard member was not eligible or did not complete the contract. The department still must review the remaining 8,600 cases. (The case numbers relayed to members of Congress on Wednesday differ slightly from those provided to The Times by the department.) Rep. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) said the Defense Department told members its plan is to clear up to 100 cases a day. They will give everybody a chance to go through the panels and make their case, she said, even the 1,200 identified as possible fraud. Brownleys staff said some Guard members were told to pay back more than $60,000. Many of the bonuses were at least $15,000. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) said that in many cases, Guard members werent spending money they knew they werent supposed to receive, and that the Pentagon should have the burden of proving the soldier knowingly took a bonus they werent supposed to get. In the vast majority of cases, soldiers accepted these bonuses in good faith, Schiff said. You dont call them up years later and say, We shouldnt have offered that and try to collect. The department will give the California members another briefing when Congress returns Nov. 14. Brownley said several members told the department they would go ahead with legislation to forgive the bonus debt for at least some Guard members if a detailed plan was not ready by then. Facebook

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Latinos in California are motivated to vote against Donald Trump, and that could affect a lot of other races By Sophia Bollag Voters make their way in and out of a polling place at the House of Mercy in Los Angeles in November 2012. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Latinos make up the largest ethnic group in California, but are often underrepresented at the polls. This year, however, experts say they expect good Latino turnout in November, thanks largely to the heated presidential election that is motivating many Latinos to vote against presidential candidate Donald Trump and his anti-immigration rhetoric. They stand to have considerable impact on many down-ballot races in California, as well as on the outcome of many statewide propositions. Read More Facebook

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Tom Steyer is now the biggest donor in the effort to raise the tobacco tax By Liam Dillon Billionaire Tom Steyer is now the largest donor in the effort to raise the states cigarette tax by $2 a pack. With a $3.5-million donation to the Yes on Proposition 56 campaign Tuesday, Steyers total spending on the race has reached $11.3 million. Thats more than a third of the $31 million the primary Yes on 56 committee has raised and more than all the money raised during a similar, but failed, effort to increase the tobacco tax four years ago. Steyer, who is a major donor to state and national liberal causes, is the focus in two Yes on 56 television advertisements. Hes said hes motivated to spend to limit youth smoking and the memory of his mother, a smoker who died of lung cancer. Steyer also is frequently mentioned as a potential Democratic candidate for governor in 2018. The No on 56 campaign, which is almost entirely funded by tobacco companies, has raised $71 million. Facebook

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California congressional reps say they didnt know so many Guard members were being forced to repay enlistment bonuses By Sarah D. Wire Some of Californias members of Congress say Californias National Guard did not explain in 2014 how many guard members were being forced to repay enlistment bonuses. On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter ordered the Pentagon to suspend all efforts to collect reimbursement from the nearly 10,000 California National Guard members who were improperly given bonuses as an incentive to reenlist at the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Earlier in the week, a senior California National Guard official said it told the states members of Congress two years ago the Pentagon was trying to claw back reenlistment bonuses from thousands of soldiers, and even offered a proposal to mitigate the problem, but Congress took no action. After The Times first reported the problem Sunday, most of Californias 55 members of Congress signed onto letters to Carter, or House and Senate leaders, asking for an immediate fix. On Wednesday, they praised the Defense Department for halting the clawbacks and said Congress needs to stop the process entirely and refund the Guard members who already have repaid money. Still, some members took issue with the California Guards characterization of what it told the California delegation two years ago. Staff in members offices said the Guard broadly mentioned the clawbacks in a 2014 letter detailing its policy goals for the year, but officials didnt meet with members of Congress in person or by phone, and didnt otherwise tell them about the scale of the issue. Such letters are fairly common from groups working with Congress. If they would have come and said, Youre going to have thousands of combat veterans having their wages garnished and tax liens being put on them, we would have been all over this, said Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine). That was never communicated to us. Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Los Angeles) said neither the Pentagon nor California Guard officials told him about the large number of soldiers ordered to repay bonuses, though his office had received complaints from individual soldiers. I have no record of receiving any formal notice of this widespread issue from any department  federal or state. The only record I have is of individual cases of service members who approached my office to get help, and we are working with these individuals who have served our country to make sure they are treated fairly, he said. Several high-ranking members of the delegation said this week they first heard of the scope of the problem from The Times reporting. The California Guard also sent members of Congress a suggested provision that would have allowed debt waivers for the affected soldiers in the 2015 defense authorization bill. Reps. Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) and Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) initially pushed for the provision but later abandoned the effort, and it didnt appear in the final bill. Cook and Denham said they dropped the effort after being told the Pentagon already had the power to waive the debts. Guard officials said they were told the provision was discarded because waiving the debt would have cost the Pentagon money, requiring the estimated costs to be offset with cuts elsewhere in the defense budget. For the record: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Denham declined to discuss why he dropped the provision to waive the debt. He dropped the effort after being told the Pentagon already had the power to waive the debt. Facebook

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Ted Cruzs old gang called into action to help California GOP By Phil Willon Ron Nehring, a former aide in Sen. Ted Cruzs presidential bid, chats with visitors at the California State Fair in Sacramento during his 2014 campaign for lieutenant governor. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Texas Sen. Ted Cruzs presidential bid may be history, but his supporters in California are banding together to help GOP candidates locked in tight down-ballot races. Ron Nehring, the former state GOP chairman who was a top Cruz booster, said the focus will be turning out Republican voters and recruiting volunteers to work on a list of hotly contested congressional and legislative races selected by the California Republican Party. Among those pinpointed are Vista Rep. Darrell Issa, who faces his toughest challenge since being elected to Congress in 2000, and Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, who is trying to unseat Democratic Rep. Ami Bera of Elk Grove. It is 100% exclusively boots on the ground, Nehring said. Michael Schroeder, who was co-chairman of Cruzs campaign in California and also served as the state GOP chairman, said Republican turnout in the Golden State is expected to be down because of the controversies surrounding GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump. Having Trump at the top of the November ballot also will motivate more Democrats to vote, and that could endanger GOP candidates in close races throughout the state, he said. Trumps campaign is a lost cause in California at this point, Schroeder said. Trump said he was going to drive Hispanic turnout, and I think hes right -- but not in the way hes hoping for. Californias Cruz alumni have a website and on Monday night held a conference call with 75 former Cruz organizers asking them to activate their local political networks to help with the effort, Nehring said. Other Republicans theyll work to protect or elect: Reps. Jeff Denham of Turlock, David Valadao of Hanford and Steve Knight of Palmdale.

Assembly members Catharine Baker of San Ramon, David Hadley of Manhattan Beach, Tom Lackey of Palmdale and Young Kim of Fullerton.

State Senate candidates Mike Antonovich of Glendale, Scott Wilk of Santa Clarita and Ling Ling Chang of Diamond Bar. Facebook

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Central Valley congressional race shifts to a toss-up By Sarah D. Wire (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) The 10th Congressional District race between Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) and Democrat Michael Eggman is now a toss-up, the nonpartisan analysts at the Cook Political Report announced Tuesday. The contest in the heavily Latino Central Valley district had been rated lean Republican, meaning the analysts thought Eggman had a chance, but they expected the third-term Republican to be reelected.The Cook Political Report now lists several California House districts held by Republicans as toss-ups, including Rep. Darrell Issas seat in the 49th District and Rep. Steve Knight in the 25th District. This is the second matchup for Denham and Eggman. Denham won their 2014 encounter with 56% of the vote, but this year, there is the added unknown of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps effect on other races and whether his unpopularity will drag down other candidates. For the record: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Rep. David Valadaos race in the 21st District is listed as a toss-up. It is listed as leaning Republican. Facebook

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U.S. Rep. Ami Bera: Soldiers who served our country should not be penalized for the mistakes of others By Sophia Bollag Urging @DeptofDefense today to immediately stop ordering @theCAGuard members to pay back their enlistment benefits. pic.twitter.com/Ti6bzWJias  Ami Bera, M.D. (@RepBera) October 24, 2016 U.S. Rep. Ami Bera (D-Elk Grove) wrote to top Department of Defense officials Monday urging them to stop asking veterans to repay enlistment bonuses. The Pentagon has ordered nearly 10,000 California Guard soldiers to repay bonuses that were improperly awarded to them, The Times reported Saturday. With his letter, Bera joined the chorus of lawmakers who have condemned the action, calling on the Pentagon to waive the soldiers debts. Soldiers who served our country should not be penalized for the mistakes of others, wrote Bera, who faces a tough reelection battle in his Northern California district. I urge the Department to halt the collection of these bonuses at this time to prevent placing more service members in financial hardship. Facebook

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Crime victims oppose the death penalty in Yes on Prop. 62 ads By Jazmine Ulloa In new online ads released Tuesday by proponents of Proposition 62, which seeks to repeal the death penalty in California, crime victims urge voters to end the system and bring peace to grieving families. Proposition 62 would replace the ultimate punishment for murder with a sentence of life in prison without parole, ending a lengthy appeals process that some victims say has interfered with their healing. It is one of two competing death penalty measures on the Nov. 8 ballot. In one of two videos, which campaign officials say are geared toward swing voters, Beth Webb tells viewers she has had to face the death row inmate who killed her sister and seven others in a hair salon almost 50 times in court. Him sitting there, soaking up all of the attention, loving it, its disgusting, she says. The commercials come as proponents of the opposing measure on the ballot, Proposition 66, have released their own ads over the last few days, urging voters to reform the system, not end it. In one of those videos, a murder victims mother says no punishment other than the death penalty is appropriate for the twice-convicted sex offender who abducted her child. Read More Facebook

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Common, Russell Simmons, Shailene Woodley among celebrities pushing to legalize weed in California By Patrick McGreevy Common at the 2015 Academy Awards (Kevin Winter / Getty Images) Top celebrities including Common, Tim Robbins and the author of the Orange is the New Black memoir are joining forces in what they are calling Artists for 64"  the effort to legalize recreational use of marijuana in California. A show of force announced Tuesday includes rapper and actor Common; music producer Russell Simmons; Ty Dolla $ign; actors Danny Glover, Olivia Wilde, Tim Robbins, Sarah Silverman, Shailene Woodley of The Divergent series, Jesse Williams of Greys Anatomy and Michael K. Williams of the HBO series The Wire; and Piper Kerman, author of Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Womens Prison. Jay Z, who last week put out a video calling the war on drugs an epic fail, also signed on to the effort. In California, the question on whether to legalize marijuana for adult use is a policy change that will have a lasting impact on historically marginalized communities, Glover, the star of films including the Lethal Weapon series, said in a statement posted on Artists for 64. Marijuana laws have been used as a tool by law enforcement to racially profile, harass, intimidate and criminalize mostly young African American and Latino men for decades. I am shocked and saddened by the harm that marijuana criminalization brings, especially for communities of color, Wilde said in a statement. The campaign against Proposition 64 said Hollywood celebrities are not the most credible endorsers, charging they are out of touch with the reality of drug abuse in many communities in the state. Today the No on Prop 64 campaign did a press event in Fresno with faith and community leaders who know that the problems that recreational marijuana creates will impact these communities and neighborhoods across California not Hollywood, said Andrew Acosta, a spokesman for the opposition campaign. In a video produced by Dream Hampton and included on the website, former Golden State Warrior Al Harrington talks about how marijuana helped him overcome pain and inflammation during a staph infection and helped his grandmother with her glaucoma. Im a California voter and Im voting `yes for Prop. 64, he says. Williams spoke from personal experience. Im in recovery and dont use marijuana, and my Christian faith is my rock when it comes to staying sober, he said in a statement. But I dont believe people should be arrested for marijuana anymore. California can lead the country by voting yes on Prop 64. Drug Policy Action, an advocacy group backing Proposition 64 to legalize the drug for recreational use, paid for the site. Facebook

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Californias Congress members knew the Pentagon was trying to get back bonuses from soldiers, official says By David S. Cloud The California National Guard told the states members of Congress two years ago that the Pentagon was trying to claw back reenlistment bonuses from thousands of soldiers, and even offered a proposal to mitigate the problem, but Congress took no action, according to a senior National Guard official. What form that communication took and whether the members of Congress understood the scope of the problem at the time is unclear. On Monday, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to Speaker Paul D. Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell saying that Congress should pass legislation to halt the Pentagon debt recovery as soon as we gavel back into session after the Nov. 8 election. Other California congressional members, including Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, also sent letters to Defense Secretary Ashton Carter about the matter. Read More Facebook

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Proposition 56 and the great vape tax debate By Liam Dillon (Kenzo Tribouillard / AFP/Getty Images) Turn on any TV in California and you know that all the talk surrounding the Proposition 56 tobacco tax has been about cigarettes. But if the initiative passes next month, e-cigarettes will also be taxed like traditional cigarettes for the first time  a huge tax increase that could boost the price of a typical 30-milliliter bottle of e-liquid by $10. Read More Facebook

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State ethics watchdog asks court to force assemblymans campaign to turn over documents for investigation By Christine Mai-Duc Assemblyman David Hadley (R-Manhattan Beach) greets people after participating in a candidates forum in Torrance. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) The campaign of Assemblyman David Hadley (R-Manhattan Beach) has delayed turning over documents related to an official investigation into his campaign practices, according to court documents filed by the state Fair Political Practices Commission. The investigation grew out of a complaint from Hadleys opponent, Democrat Al Muratsuchi, that claims Hadleys campaign was illegally coordinating with an independent expenditure committee that also supported Hadley. In a letter to the FPPC, Muratsuchi claimed Hadleys campaign and Spirit of Democracy, a group funded mostly by Republican donor Charles Munger, Jr., shared consultant Steven Presson during at least part of the primary campaign for Assembly District 66. In court documents filed Oct. 13, FPPC special investigator Garrett Micheels said he initially emailed Hadley Aug. 4, asking him to voluntarily provide certain records to the commissions enforcement division. The records requested included emails, letters and text messages between Jan. 1 and June 7 between Presson and the Hadley campaign, or any other individuals or groups concerning the Hadley race. The next day, Presson responded that the campaign would require a subpoena to avoid possible public exposure to sensitive emails within the Hadley campaign regarding our strategy. After a subpoena was issued on Aug. 12, Micheels said in court documents, Hadley retained attorney Steve Churchwell, who asked for extensions to produce the documents at least three times, but never provided the records. On Sept. 27, Hadley produced some of the documents, court filings say, but wrote to explain that he was withholding his communications with Presson because there are hundreds or thousands of such correspondences that contained sensitive/confidential campaign communications that he said he had not had the time to review. As of Friday, the FPPC says, they have not received the rest of the documents requested. There is only one reason Hadley would conceal documents, and that is because he is guilty and is trying to hide the evidence, said Mike Shimpock, a consultant for the Muratsuchi campaign. A Hadley campaign spokesman declined to comment and Churchwell did not return a request for comment. Oral arguments in the case are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday in the Sacramento County Superior Court. Facebook

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New ads urge California voters not to repeal the last defense against killers By Jazmine Ulloa In two new television ads, police officers and prosecutors urge California voters not to repeal the death penalty on Nov. 8, calling it the last defense against killers. The commercials, released late Monday by the California Correctional Peace Officers Assn., are part of the No on Prop. 62, Yes on Prop. 66 campaign. The effort aims to defeat Proposition 62, which would replace the ultimate punishment for murder with life in prison without parole, and to support Proposition 66, which would change and limit how and how often death row inmates can appeal. The pro-death penalty campaign has drawn broad support and funding from law enforcement organizations across the state. The Correctional Peace Officers Assn. alone has donated nearly $600,000 since last September. Ive seen what the worst among us can do, killings so brutal families never recover, Sgt. Dan Cabral of the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs Assn. tells viewers in one ad. Its why we have a death penalty. The second ad features the case of serial killer Charles Ng, who has spent 17 years on death row for the rape, torture and slayings of at least 11 victims. This is cruel punishment for the families, Sharon Sellitto, one victims sister, says in the video. Read More Facebook

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GOP Rep. Darrell Issa returns fire after President Obama rips his campaign mailer By Phil Willon Vista Republican Rep. Darrell Issa said Monday he was disappointed but not surprised by President Obamas criticism of him for using the presidents photo in a campaign mailer. At a fundraiser in La Jolla on Sunday night, Obama said Issas primary contribution to Congress has been to obstruct and to waste taxpayer dollars on trumped-up investigations that have led nowhere. The president called Issa shameless for using his image in his reelection campaign. Im disappointed but not surprised that the president, in a political speech, continues to deny accountability for the serious scandals that happened under his watch where Americans died overseas and veterans have died here at home, Issa said in a statement released by his congressional campaign Monday. Youd be hard-pressed to find anyone who thinks Ive done too much to hold Washington accountable. Ive worked with the administration on good legislation where it was possible, called out wrongdoing wherever I saw it and will continue to do so. Issa is running his toughest congressional campaign to date, an increasingly nasty race that has been declared a toss-up by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. Issas Democratic challenger in the 49th Congressional District, retired Marine Col. Doug Applegate, has criticized the congressman as a Washington insider and supporter of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. In the political mailer sent out by the Issa campaign, the congressman said he was pleased with the president for signing legislation he co-sponsored that provides victims of sexual assault legal protections in the federal criminal justice system. At the Sunday night fundraiser, Obama ripped Issa as a guy who, because poll numbers are bad, has sent out brochures with my picture on them touting his cooperation on issues with me. Now that is the definition of chutzpah, Obama said. Issa once called Obama one of the most corrupt presidents in modern times. While chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, he led investigations into the Benghazi attack, the Internal Revenue Service scandal, the botched Fast and Furious gun sting and other actions by the Obama administration. Facebook

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California Democrats remember Tom Hayden for pursuits close to home By Michael Finnegan (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times) Top California Democrats remembered Tom Hayden on Monday as an influential activist whose pursuit of liberal causes extended far beyond his best-known work leading protests against the Vietnam War. Tom took up causes that others avoided, Gov. Jerry Brown said. He had a real sense of the underdog and was willing to do battle no matter what the odds. Hayden died Sunday in Santa Monica after a long illness. He was 76. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti recalled Haydens work negotiating a gang truce in Venice, along with his contributions to an anti-sweatshop ordinance to prevent worker exploitation. Tom Hayden was a giant who never stopped pushing for peace and justice, and inspired a generation of change agents to bring new voices and overlooked perspectives to the decision-making process, Garcetti said. Hayden, classified by the FBI as a rabble rouser in the 1960s, was prosecuted by President Nixons Justice Department in the raucous Chicago 7 trial after violent clashes with police at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. His conviction was dismissed on appeal. He went on to serve in the state Assembly and Senate for a total of 18 years. John Burton, chairman of the California Democratic Party, recalled two measures that Hayden got passed. One allocated $250,000 to buy tattoo removal machines for imprisoned youth so they could cut their gang ties. The other set up a program for parents to use tax-free accounts for savings dedicated to their childrens college education. These bills didnt get a lot of attention at the time, but they have had a far-reaching impact on young peoples futures, said Burton, who led the state Senate when Hayden was a member. The Senates current leader, Kevin de Leon of Los Angeles, said Hayden was well ahead of the curve on issues involving the environment, social justice, gang intervention and urban peace, access to higher education, domestic violence and much more. Hayden, he said, distinguished himself as a paragon of political integrity and a great intellect. Facebook

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Secretary of States office holds voter registration drive at the Capitol on the last day to register in California By Sophia Bollag .@CASOSvote staff are outside the Capitol today to register new voters. Today is the deadline to register in CA. pic.twitter.com/vNovU1jNla  Sophia Bollag (@SophiaBollag) October 24, 2016 The Secretary of States office is holding a voter registration drive outside the Capitol today, the last day to register in California before the November election. The offices staff registered about 20 people in the first couple of hours, said Milena Paez, who works in the offices elections division. Many people had also stopped by the booth to ask where their polling place is or check their voter registration status, she said. LaRhonda Sayles-Willis, who recently moved to the Sacramento area, said she saw the booth as she walked down the street and stopped by to see where she was registered. She ended up re-registering to vote to be on the safe side and said shes particularly motivated to vote for Hillary Clinton. I really oppose her opponent. I just dont like the guy, the 56-year-old said. I just dont think hes a good representation of the United States. Ada Avelar, 21, said she decided to register because she recently moved to the United States from Mexico City to attend Sacramento State University. Avelar is an American citizen. She said she saw the booth on her way back from having lunch with a friend and decided to register right there. I was like, its a sign, she said. I have to do it. Facebook

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Assemblywoman Patty Lopez vows not to give up on reelection despite lack of party support By Christine Mai-Duc Patty Lopez watches as ballots are counted in her 2014 race against then-incumbent Raul Bocanegra, who she bested by fewer than 500 votes. ( (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)) On a recent weekend, with just three weeks to go until the November election, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon made a whirlwind tour of five of the most hotly contested races in the state, stumping for Democratic candidates. Assemblywoman Patty Lopez (D-San Fernando), who faces a stiff challenge from former Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra, was not one of them. Instead, she spent part of her Saturday walking through a community street festival, handing out fliers with a handful of volunteers. Ive been blocked from my party, but my district knows who is Patty Lopez, she said. Sometimes I feel disappointed, but thats not stopping me from doing what I need to do. In 2014, Lopez shocked many when she eked out a win against Bocanegra by a margin of less than 500 votes. With six Democrats on the ballot in this years primary, Lopez received just 27.2% of the vote, a distant second to Bocanegras 44.4%. Despite this, and the fact that the California Democratic Party has endorsed her challenger, Lopez says she is a woman of faith who believes 100 percent that shell be reelected. Read More Facebook

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Obama says Darrell Issa is shameless for praising him in campaign mailer that is the definition of chutzpah By Sarah D. Wire At a California fundraiser Sunday night, President Obama called Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) shameless for using the presidents photo on a recent mailer and praising him after years of criticizing the Obama administration. Issa is facing an unexpectedly tough race this year as the eight-term Republican squares off against political novice former Marine Col. Doug Applegate. Issas primary contribution to the United States Congress has been to obstruct and to waste taxpayer dollars on trumped-up investigations that have led nowhere. And this is now a guy who, because poll numbers are bad, has sent out brochures with my picture on them touting his cooperation on issues with me, Obama told the crowd, according to a transcript, at a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee fundraiser in the La Jolla home of donor Christine Forester. Now that is the definition of chutzpah. The Vista Republican has been a frequent critic of Obama and has called him one of the most corrupt presidents in modern times. The campaign mailer said Issa was pleased with the president for signing legislation he co-sponsored into law. Issa was one of 40 House members who co-sponsored the legislation, which provides some sexual assault victims legal protections in the federal criminal justice system. The president is in Los Angeles today and Tuesday for a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live and two fundraisers, including a $100,000-per-ticket fundraiser at DreamWorks Chief Executive Jeffrey Katzenbergs home tonight that is completely closed to the press. Facebook

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The district where water is more important than all other campaign issues By Sarah D. Wire (Sarah D. Wire/ Los Angeles Times) In Californias Central Valley, the nations most productive agricultural region, the drought drives everything. And the ongoing fight over how much water flows could be the reason Democrats havent been able to win in the 21st Congressional District with a national race even though 47% of registered voters there are Democrats. Heres a look at the role of water in the race between Rep. David Valadao, and attorney Emilio Huerta. Read More Facebook

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What happens if both death penalty measures are approved by voters on Nov. 8? By Jazmine Ulloa (Pat Sullivan / Associated Press) California voters are weighing dueling death penalty propositions on the Nov. 8 ballot, one that seeks to repeal the system and another that aims to speed it up. If both pass with a majority, the initiative with the most yes votes would supersede the other. If both fail to garner the votes, then the status quo remains, a frustrating prospect for many as advocates on both sides of the issue say the system is broken. California has more than 740 inmates awaiting execution, the largest death row population in the country. Their appeals go directly to the state Supreme Court and take 25 years to process. Both capital punishment measures would require current prisoners to work and pay restitution to victims. But Proposition 62 would repeal the death penalty in California for first-degree murder and replace the sentence with life in prison without the possibility of parole. It also would apply retroactively to offenders already sentenced to death. Proposition 66 would designate lower trial courts to take on initial challenges to convictions and limit successive appeals to within five years of a death sentence. It also would require court-appointed lawyers who dont take capital appeals to represent death row inmates. Facebook

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California Politics Podcast: Propositions, polling and parole By John Myers The fact that there are 17 propositions on the statewide ballot has not only made things hard on voters, its been almost impossible for pollsters to sample opinion on so many issues. But one new poll looks at some of the least talked about measures, and its our first topic on this weeks California Politics Podcast. The poll suggests a lot of voters remain undecided about several of these low-profile proposals. We also take a detailed look at one of the most contentious ballot fights, the effort by Gov. Jerry Brown to revamp state prison parole rules through Proposition 57. Im joined on this weeks episode by Marisa Lagos of KQED News. Facebook

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In No on 62, Yes on 66 campaign ad, murder victims mother urges California voters to keep the death penalty By Jazmine Ulloa In three online ads released Friday, Sandra Friend tells California voters they should fix the states death penalty system, not end it. The 43-year-old mother has been a crime victims advocate since Robert Boyd Rhoades sexually abused and killed her 8-year-old son, Michael Lyons, two decades ago. She is now serving as one of the main voices behind a campaign that is working to defeat Proposition 62, which would repeal the death penalty, and in favor of Proposition 66, which seeks to speed up executions. Voters will weigh the dueling capital punishment initiatives on the Nov. 8 ballot. Both would require current death row inmates to work and pay restitution to victims, but would take opposing approaches to what the measures both call a broken system. Rhoades, who abducted Lyons on his way home from school in Yuba City, is one of 740 death row inmates in California. Executions have been on hold since 2006, when the states lethal injection protocol was challenged in court. Friend tells viewers it has been difficult coming to terms with the fact that her son was murdered by a twice-convicted sex offender. I am living a parents worst nightmare, she says. Facebook

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Former state Sen. Ronald Calderon sentenced to 42 months in prison on corruption charge By Joel Rubin Former state Sen. Ronald S. Calderon was sentenced in Los Angeles on Friday to 42 months in prison after he pleaded guilty in a federal corruption case. The Montebello Democrat, who served in the state Senate for eight years ending in 2014, admitted in a plea deal in June that he accepted tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from undercover FBI agents and a hospital executive in return for official favors. Federal prosecutors had asked for a five-year sentence for a charge where the maximum possible penalty was 20 years. U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder, who handed down the sentence to Calderon, said five years was too severe but that a significant prison sentence was needed to punish Calderon and send a message to other elected officials that corruption will not be tolerated. The crime is significant, she said during the court hearing. This is a true public corruption case. Striking a defiant tone throughout, Calderon refused to admit any wrong-doing or to apologize during the court hearing. My goal was always to do the right thing for California, he said. At no point did I intend to break the law. He said he ultimately decided to plead guilty in order to spare his family the ordeal of a trial, but persisted in his innocence, saying he never agreed to any quid pro quo to benefit himself or his family. Unemployed and tens of thousands of dollars in debt, Calderon said professional relationships had been ruined as had his relationship with his brother. My reputation is destroyed, Calderon said. Snyder was unmoved. I did not really hear Senator Calderon accept responsibility or apologize, she said. It was really about himself. Calderon, 59, had pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud as part of a plea in which he admitted to accepting trips to Las Vegas, jobs for a son and daughter, and cash for him and his brother, former Assemblyman Tom Calderon. Tom Calderon was sentenced last month to one year in federal custody for laundering bribes taken by his brother. The Calderon family was politically powerful for decades in California. A third brother, former Assemblyman Charles Calderon, was not implicated in the corruption scandal. Ronald Calderons nephew, Ian Calderon, is a state assemblyman, the last family member in state elected office. He was not alleged to have any part in the corruption scheme. Assistant U.S. Atty. Mack E. Jenkins wrote a blistering brief opposing Calderons request to serve time with home detention or be released for the brief time he already spent in jail. Here, defendants trafficking in his legislative votes (for, by contrast, over $150,000 in benefits) caused a reverberation of negative effects throughout California and put a stain not just on his career, but on the reputation of the state legislature, Jenkins wrote. Read More Facebook

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Accusations fly in the congressional race for this Northern California swing district By Sophia Bollag Democratic U.S. Rep. Ami Bera, left, shakes hands with his Republican challenger, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, after their debate Tuesday in the race for the 7th Congressional District seat. (Jose Luis Villegas / Associated Press) Questions about character have been dominating the congressional race between Rep. Ami Bera (D-Elk Grove) and Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones. Both candidates have been plagued by allegations of wrongdoing. Beras father was recently sentenced to jail for illegally funneling money to two of his sons past campaigns. Jones faces allegations he sexually harassed a subordinate at the Sheriffs Department more than a decade ago, which he denies. Theyre competing in a divided district that leans Democratic, but not by much. In 2014, Bera beat his Republican challenger by less than a percentage point. This race is always one of the closest races in the country, he said. Read More Facebook

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Loretta Sanchez says she got death threats after she voted against the Iraq war By Phil Willon Rep. Loretta Sanchez, after her speech Thursday. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) U.S. Senate candidate Loretta Sanchez on Thursday urged ROTC cadets at UCLA to have the courage to challenge politicians who call for ill conceived uses of military force such as the 2003 invasion of Iraq. We need military leaders that understand the limits of our military power, said Sanchez, who has served in Congress for two decades and sits on the House Armed Services Committee. Why is it that every generation and every president has to learn that all over again? The Orange County congresswoman made the comments during an address to ROTC cadets at UCLAs Pauley Pavilion. Sanchez said her experience on the House Armed Services Committee made her question the long-term implications of the Iraq invasion, and whether the U.S. might find itself bogged down in a war in the Middle East. In 2002, Sanchez was among the 133 House members who voted against the authorization of military force against Iraq. It was a lonely time, Sanchez told the cadets. [When] I came back to Orange County, I was spit on. I received death threats. The congresswoman told the cadets the military is just one part of a national security strategy that includes intelligence gathering, diplomacy and the use of the countrys economic strength. Because so much is at stake, the use of our military should always be a last resort, Sanchez said. Sanchez is running against fellow Democrat and state Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris for Californias U.S. Senate seat. She says her expertise on national defense and terrorism are among the reasons shes the most qualified candidate. Facebook

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Tobacco companies claim proponents of cigarette tax will use the new revenue to enrich their top executives By Liam Dillon Tobacco companies have unveiled a new claim in their campaign against the $2-per-pack increase in cigarette taxes on the November ballot. In a television advertisement that debuted over the weekend, the No on Proposition 56 campaign contends that the doctors and health insurance groups financing the initiative wrote it to avoid external oversight over the money going to low-income patient care. They even exempted themselves from the new audit requirements, the ad states. They can use the new revenue to enrich their top executives, and theres no requirement to treat even one more patient. The claim rests on a part of the Proposition 56 initiative that creates new auditing rules to govern where the new tax money would go. But it ignores the litany of state and federal auditing requirements to which Medi-Cal, the states low-income health program, already is subject. First, heres a little background about how the money from Proposition 56 would get spent. Assuming fewer people use tobacco because of the tax increase, the tax would raise about $1.27 billion next year, according to an estimate from the Legislative Analysts Office. Of that amount, $710 million  about 56%  would go to Medi-Cal, primarily to increase the payment doctors and other healthcare providers receive when they treat patients. The remaining dollars go to back-filling current state and local sales taxes and other programs because fewer people will buy cigarettes, doctor and dentist training and anti-tobacco efforts. The initiative kicks in $400,000 a year to audit the agencies receiving the money. Beth Miller, spokeswoman for the No on 56 campaign, said that opponents like that state and local agencies will be audited if the measure passes. The criticism is that the provisions dont go far enough. It would have been nice to have those audit requirements also apply to those end users, so to speak: the hospitals, the insurance companies and the doctors, Miller said. Medi-Cal providers, however, get audited all the time. The states Department of Health Care Services does internal audits and investigations through an entire department of about 700 employees and a $50-million budget dedicated to reviewing the programs under its jurisdiction, including looking at the financial records of Medi-Cal providers. Beyond that, the California State Auditor has issued at least two wide-ranging audits involving Medi-Cal providers in the last five years on the states oversight of managed-care plans. And the federal Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General also audits programs and providers that receive federal dollars for low-income patients. One recent federal audit of California that examined pediatric dental providers happened last May. Miller contended that the audits required under Proposition 56 are more transparent than the existing state and federal programs. Mike Roth, spokesman for the Yes on 56 campaign, said the initiative has plenty of safeguards to ensure the tax money is spent wisely, including the auditing provisions. This is another desperate and deceitful red herring from tobacco companies, and it takes the cake as far as their flagrant lies about Proposition 56, Roth said. Heres the full ad: UPDATES: 3:03 p.m.: This post was updated to include the full video of the advertisement. This article was originally published at 2:00 p.m. Facebook

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Central Valley congressional race that once leaned Republican is now a toss-up, report says By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) The nonpartisan analysts at the Cook Political Report now say its a toss-up whether Republican Rep. Jeff Denham or Democrat beekeeper Michael Eggman will win the 10th Congressional District race. The race had been rated leans Republican since last fall, indicating that the analysts expected Denham to keep the seat, but felt Democrats had a chance. This is the second matchup for Denham and Eggman. Denham won in 2014 with 56.4% of the vote. Democrats have worked for months to tie vulnerable House Republicans to the rhetoric of their presidential nominee, Donald Trump, and this race is one where Trumps effect down the ballot could be most visible. Denham has said he disagrees with Trumps rhetoric, but hasnt backed off supporting him, a move that could prove unpopular in the Central Valley district where at least 40% of the population is Latino. Three Republican-held seats in California are now considered toss-ups. The other two are representing the 25th Congressional District, held by Rep. Steve Knight (R-Palmdale), and the 49th Congressional District, held by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista). Facebook

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California Senate leader endorses gun control initiative despite differences with its author, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom By Patrick McGreevy California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, left, and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, right, applaud at Gov. Jerry Browns State of the State speech in January. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Despite political differences with its author, state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) on Thursday endorsed Proposition 63, which would expand Californias already tough gun control laws. Proposition 63 was proposed by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and would outlaw large-capacity ammunition magazines, require background checks for those buying bullets, require lost or stolen guns to be reported quickly, make stealing a firearm a felony and provide a process for newly convicted felons to relinquish their guns. De Leon and Newsom have both been working on gun control issues for years and both have aspirations for higher office. Newsom is running for governor in 2018. Some in the De Leon camp thought when the initiative was proposed last year that it was being used to try to take over an issue on which the senator has been a leader. The two disagreed earlier this year on the best way to achieve gun control aims, with De Leon publicly calling on Newsom to drop his initiative and allow the Legislature to act, and Newsom refusing, charging that the Legislatures proposals were not extensive enough. In the end, the Legislature approved several bills, including one by De Leon that requires background checks for ammunition purchasers, even though a similar proposal is included in the Newsom initiative. The Legislature also mandated that its background-check plan would supersede the one in Proposition 63. On Thursday, De Leon made no mention of the differences. Earlier this year, our Legislature passed the most sweeping and important package of gun safety laws in the nation, increasing nationwide momentum and grass-roots outcries for common-sense safeguards against gun violence, De Leon said in a statement. I endorse Proposition 63 because we must send a powerful and united message to the national Gun Lobby that California will not capitulate to political bullying or compromise the public safety, he added. The differences between the two politicians were highlighted noted by Richard Grenell, co-chairman of the Coalition for Civil Liberties, which is campaigning against the initiative. This is a prime example of why people should trust law enforcement on this question before self-interested politicians, Grenell said. Just a few months ago, de Leon asked Newsom to repeal Prop 63. De Leons statement was released a day after Newsom ruffled some feathers in the De Leon camp when he told the Sacramento Press Club that his initiative accomplishes things that state officials could not. Newsom noted that 11 other states have enacted the requirement that stolen guns be reported. There have been legislative attempts and they have failed multiple times here in the Capitol, Newsom said. The Legislature did approve such a bill this year, but it was vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown in July. The political dispute between the two leading Democrats surfaced last year when De Leon acted to slash a third of Newsoms staff, notifying him that two Senate employees who had been on loan to the lieutenant governors office were being reassigned. UPDATED at 1:10 pm to include comment from opponent of initiative. Facebook

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No fight from the business community over the proposed tobacco and income tax hikes By Liam Dillon (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) Business groups often make up a triumvirate with Republicans and taxpayer advocates against tax increases. But on the two tax hikes on the 2016 California ballot, major business leaders are mostly staying away from the fight. They tend to dislike the income tax extensions promised by Proposition 55, but arent campaigning against them. And some are even backing Proposition 56s cigarette tax increases. Read More Facebook

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Almost half a million Californians have already voted by mail, with a surge in some hotly contested races By John Myers (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Early data compiled from local elections officials shows a surge of ballots being returned in the mail, especially in some of the most closely watched races this election season. A report compiled by Political Data Inc. shows almost 408,000 ballots cast in just the first eight days of voting, with more than half of those ballots arriving in local election offices Wednesday. As weve reported before, election day in California is now more like an election month. A majority of the states voters cast their ballots away from traditional polling places, and political professionals can closely monitor which voters in any given race have turned those ballots back in. The report also shows strong early voting in some of Californias most talked about congressional races. In the hotly contested reelection race of Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista), more than four times as many ballots have been returned so far compared to the 2014 general election. And even though Republicans have an eight-point registration advantage in Issas district, the ballots cast so far have skewed more Democratic. In early voting, the two major parties are almost even in the number of votes cast. Issa, facing a tough race against Democrat Douglas Applegate, recently sent out a campaign mailer trying to appeal to local voters who support President Obama. Compared to the first few days of the 2014 general election, substantially more ballots have also been cast in the Central Valley races featuring Reps. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) and David Valadao (R-Hanford). In both districts, Democratic voters are outpacing GOP voters in early ballot returns. While none of the data offers information on how those ballots were cast -- these are only totals received by county officials -- the early numbers may offer a glimpse at how energized some parts of the electorate are in this contentious campaign season. Facebook

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What will Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom focus on in his run for governor? Aging infrastructure among issues By Patrick McGreevy California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at an event in Los Angeles in April. (Nick Ut / Associated Press) Signaling that his gubernatorial campaign will shift into higher gear after next months election, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday that he is working on a plan to double spending on roads and other infrastructure since the Legislature failed to act this year. This is going to be something you will be hearing a lot more from me on over the course of the next number of months, a very aggressive infrastructure proposal, Newsom said in a speech to the Sacramento Press Club. The former San Francisco mayor is running for governor in 2018. He noted that the governor and Legislature did not reach an agreement on a transportation funding program in the face of a $130-billion backlog in state and local road repairs. Legislative Democrats proposed a $7.4-billion plan earlier this year that would raise the gas tax by 17 cents a gallon. Thats about twice the size of an earlier plan by Gov. Jerry Brown. Weve got to more than double our investment in infrastructure in this state, Newsom said, adding the problem has reached code red in California. Plans by the governor to use proceeds from sale of cap-and-trade credits have merits, he said. Separately, Newsom said he continues to support the vision of a high speed rail system for California but said I remain concerned about the finances. He said the private sector must step up to provide more of the money as the project cost has close to doubled from its original $33 billion price tag. Newsom acknowledged that he has work to do to introduce himself to voters outside his home base. I think a lot of the state really doesnt know me yet, he said, adding he sees it as a great opportunity to tell his story. He declined to comment on the gubernatorial candidacy of state Treasurer John Chiang and possible runs by former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer. Im not focused on those others, he said. Im focused on what we have before us. Facebook

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L.A. activist is building his AIDS organization into a political powerhouse with two November ballot measures By Christine Mai-Duc (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) When Michael Weinstein launched his AIDS Healthcare Foundation in the late 1980s, he had a coffee can for donations and a $50,000 budget to provide end-of-life care to those dying of the disease. Today, hes grown the nonprofit into a $1.2-billion operation that manages hundreds of clinics and pharmacies globally, and has quickly become a major political player in California, and, he hopes, nationally. AHF, as it is known, is sponsoring two initiatives on Californias November ballot: Proposition 60, which would require adult film actors to use condoms during sex scenes, and Proposition 61, which would bar state agencies from entering contracts to purchase drugs where the price is higher than that paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Thats quite a feat in a state as expensive as California, and in a political year as crowded as 2016. Were doing things on a scale that we havent before, Weinstein said in a recent interview from his office in a Hollywood high-rise. Read More Facebook

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These janitors are giving up sleep to knock on doors for Hillary Clinton By Sarah D. Wire Yamilex Rustrian, left, of North Hollywood, and Leticia Soto of Los Angeles check Las Vegas addresses to visit to encourage voters to support Hillary Clinton. (Sarah D. Wire / Los Angeles Times) Early Saturday morning, Yamilex Rustrian sat with her mother and other janitors assembled at long tables in the old mortuary that is home to the SEIU United Service Workers West. They ate ham, cheese and bean sandwiches as they waited for the final workers to get off the late shift. At least one came still dressed in her blue smock. The group of janitors and their children made a quick trip to Las Vegas over the weekend to knock on doors for Hillary Clinton, and got home Sunday just in time for the late shift. Each had their reasons to join the more than 150 union members who made the trip. Read More Facebook

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Federal prosector seeks 5 years for former California Sen. Ron Calderon in corruption case By Patrick McGreevy A federal prosecutor has recommended that former state Sen. Ron Calderon be sentenced to five years in prison as part of a federal corruption case that rocked the California state Capitol. Assistant U.S. Atty. Mack E. Jenkins wrote a blistering brief urging the federal judge to not show leniency to Calderon, who in June entered a plea deal in which he pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. Here, defendants trafficking in his legislative votes (for, by contrast, over $150,000 in benefits) caused a reverberation of negative effects throughout California and put a stain not just on his career, but on the reputation of the state legislature, Jenkins wrote ahead of Fridays sentencing date. The prosecutor noted that only one fellow politician wrote a letter of support for Calderon, a Montebello Democrat. In defendants plea agreement, he admitted to participating in two substantial and complex bribery schemes that entailed multiple forms of bribes, concealment and sophisticated money laundering, the prosecutor wrote. Here, defendant sold his vote not just to help pay for the expenses of living beyond his means, but for the more banal and predictable aims of corruption  fancy luxuries, fancy parties and fancy people. An attorney for Calderon has asked the judge to sentence the former lawmaker to time already served in jail during his booking or home detention. Jenkins proposed that Calderon be sentenced to five years in custody, one year of supervised release, a $7,500 fine and 250 hours of community service. Facebook

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A new Jay Z video says pot should be legal in California and calls the war on drugs an epic fail By Patrick McGreevy Rapper Jay Z has weighed in to support Proposition 64, which would legalize the recreational use of marijuana in California, calling the war on drugs an epic fail, in a YouTube video, which also describes how the effort filled prisons with young African American and Latino men. Young men like me who hustle became the sole villain, Jay Z says as the video depicts the deterioration of a neighborhood drawn by artist Molly Crabapple. The one-minute video was produced by the group Drug Policy Action from a longer animated video that addressed the general issue of drug prohibition, said Jason Kinney, a spokesman for the campaign. The shortened video, titled The War on Drugs from Prohibition to Gold Rush, ends with a new, written message urging people to vote for Proposition 64, adding, We can stop the harm on Nov. 8. Jay Z agreed to have the video tailored to the Proposition 64 campaign, Kinney said. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who helped qualify the initiative, praised the rapper on Twitter, writing Thank you, Jay Z, for your strong voice for social justice & co-creating this new @Yeson64 video! Facebook

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Bay Area congressman Eric Swalwell got married over the weekend By Sarah D. Wire View Instagram post Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) and Brittany Watts, a sales director at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, got married on Friday. They were married at the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland. Before being elected to Congress, Swalwell worked in the courthouse as a prosecutor with the Alameda County district attorneys office. Here is the couples wedding announcement. The congressman also posted an image of the couple cutting their wedding cake on Instagram. Facebook

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Los Angeles top elections officer talks about voter fraud and polling place intimidation in Reddit chat By John Myers The questions posed by Reddit users on Monday to the top elections officer in Los Angeles ranged from small problems over where to cast an early ballot to broader concerns about election security. Dean Logan, Los Angeles Countys registrar of voters, attempted to answer almost all of them during the hourlong online conversation. Asked about intimidation of voters at the polls, possibly inspired by criticisms over comments by GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, Logan said the question has been popping up a lot in his office. We, of course, encourage people to observe all elements of the process, but any disruption of voters or intimidation of voters is unacceptable, he wrote. Another Reddit user asked whether all ballots mailed or dropped off at a polling place are counted. Any valid and timely received vote by mail ballot will be counted and included in the certified election results, Logan wrote. I am always surprised by this question. Logan said that officials mailed some 1.8 million ballots last week to Los Angeles Countys permanent absentee voters, with one-time requests for ballots by mail being sent out this week. Asked by one Reddit user about a potential way to commit voter fraud with absentee ballots, Logan said it is important to note that the voter doing so would be signing an oath under penalty of perjury. He also agreed with one questioners concern that voter turnout was too low, and suggested that a new state laws significant expansion of voting by mail may help. I think the model of voting we use is somewhat outdated and unfamiliar to new voters, Logan said. Facebook

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Kamala Harris and her husband made $1.17 million in 2015, according to report on their tax returns By Phil Willon Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris files to run for the U.S. Senate in February at the Los Angeles County Registrar with her husband, Douglas Emhoff. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) The 2015 tax returns filed by U.S. Senate candidate Kamala Harris and her husband, Los Angeles attorney Douglas Emhoff, show that the couple earned $1.17 million that year, according to reports. Harris tax returns, which were viewed and first reported by the Sacramento Bee, also showed that the California attorney general and her husband paid $450,000 in state and federal income taxes. Harris campaign spokesman Nathan Click said journalists are being allowed to view the tax returns by appointment only. Harris rival in the Senate race, Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez, provided her 2015 tax return to the Orange County Register and will not make those tax records available to other journalists until after that news organization publishes its story, said Sanchez campaign spokesman Luis Vizcaino. Harris and Sanchez have net worths that likely run in the millions, according to federal and state financial disclosures. Facebook

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Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum reopens  and his daughter and grandson get a tour By Christine Mai-Duc Christopher Cox, grandson of Richard Nixon, talks to reporters during a tour of the newly renovated Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum reopened Saturday, after a 10-month renovation that sought to reframe the narrative of the 37th presidents life and legacy. The $15-million remake brings to a close a more than decade-long effort to bring greater legitimacy to a library that historian and Nixon scholar Stanley Kutler once called just another Southern California theme park whose reality level was slightly better than Disneyland. We wrote about the librarys new exhibits a couple of months ago, and the challenge of building an unflinching portrait of a complicated man. In attendance were Henry Kissinger, Nixons former secretary of State, former California Gov. Pete Wilson and Nixons daughter and grandson, Tricia Nixon Cox and Christopher Nixon Cox. Times photographer Mark Boster attende
Donald Trump amplified his unsubstantiated charge Monday that the presidential election would be rigged, creating another gut-check moment for fellow Republicans, particularly those whose job it is to ensure a free and fair election.

The allegation, which Trump has been making for months, undercuts the core promise of democracy and sows seeds of doubt among his supporters that Hillary Clinton, if victorious, would be a legitimate president.

Its another unprecedented claim in modern campaign history that includes a tradition of bipartisan support for the integrity of presidential elections  thus assuring a peaceful transition of power  even from those who lost highly contested battles such as former Vice President Al Gore.

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Of course there is large-scale voter fraud happening on and before election day, Trump tweeted Monday. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!

Election 2016 | Live coverage on Trail Guide | Sign up for the newsletter | The race to 270

For many in Trumps party, it was another bridge too far. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan and Trumps running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, had already distanced themselves from the claim. But state election officials were under even more pressure, with their competence as public servants being called into question.

They fought back by describing how elections work and noting that Trump cited no evidence in making his assertion.

I can say on Twitter Im a super-model, but that doesnt make it so, said Lynn Bartels, spokeswoman for Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams, disputing Trumps claims.

County clerks in her state released an open letter to voters Monday, outlining the security and transparency within the process, adding that our system is the best in the world and will achieve meaningful and credible outcomes.

Presidential elections are conducted on a state and local basis, not nationally, with more than 8,000 jurisdictions administering elections. And in most of the states seen to varying degrees as presidential battlegrounds, the chief elections officers are Republicans, including in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio and Utah. They are elected by voters. Most are secretaries of state; Utahs lieutenant governor oversees elections there.

In Florida, the secretary of state is appointed by the states Republican governor, Rick Scott  a Trump supporter. In North Carolina, the state board of elections has five members, appointed by the governor  currently a Republican. Its current chairman and three out of five members are Republicans.

Im a little frustrated when candidates try to distract the publics attention by blaming the technical side of the elections process rather than focus on the meat and potatoes of what Americans really want to hear about, said Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, a Republican. My colleagues in other states, I believe, are of the same opinion.

Nearly half of Trumps supporters lack confidence that ballots will be counted accurately, a Politico/Morning Consult poll released Monday found.

Perception can become reality, Pate said. If you keep being told over and over and over that something is hacked even though it isnt, some people might start believing that. So yes, I do take it seriously.

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, a Trump supporter, was equally incensed, telling CNN that Trumps talk was irresponsible.

This kind of conversation moves America backward, and it should be dismissed, Husted said. Dont make people feel despair. Make them feel uplifted.

There are battleground states with some measure of Democratic control over the process, including Minnesota and Missouri, where the chief election officer is a Democrat elected by the voters; Pennsylvania, where the secretary of state was appointed by the states Democratic governor; and Virginia, where Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe  a longtime Clinton ally  appointed each member of that states three-person elections board.

Trump also said at a rally here Monday night that voter rolls were crowded with the deceased, people in the country illegally or those who were registered in multiple states.

Your politicians dont tell you about this when they tell you how legitimate all these elections are, he added.

But even the evidence he cited was faulty.

In the case of voter registration deficiencies, Trump pointed to outdated statistics for a record-keeping problem the federal government went on to address with a blue-ribbon panel of election experts that studied and recommended solutions. Some of them, including online voter registrations and data-sharing across state lines, were implemented in several states.

And the Washington Post op-ed on the odds of non-citizens voting that Trump mentioned, written by a pair of researchers, was followed by another piece undermining the methodology of the study, in line with many election experts.

Overall, researchers have found that voter fraud is extremely rare, with only a handful of instances that would be highly unlikely to swing a national election. Two years ago, Loyola Law School professor Justin Levitt, who studies election administration, found 31 credible claims of voter fraud of more than 1 billion ballots cast since 2000.

Its just not something that I think is realistically possible in the current United States, said Richard L. Hasen, an election law expert who teaches at UC Irvine.

He pointed to the decentralized nature of voting and ballot counting and the ubiquity of observers from both parties as well as neutral groups. Hasen said he believes Trump is merely laying the groundwork for an election loss to avoid being called a loser.

This has been on the fringe of the Republican Party for years, Hasen said. Donald Trump is exploiting a population that has been primed to believe that an election can be stolen.

It was not hard to find Trump supporters at his rally here Monday who agreed with him that fraud was likely.

Wisconsin recently passed a voter ID law. Why doesnt every state have one? asked Tim McNichol, a 53-year-old computer salesman. Theyre letting too many dead people vote.

I think theres going to be a lot of fraud, he added. But I still think President Trumps going to win in a landslide.

Twitter: @noahbierman, @mikememoli

Ohio is crucial to win the White House. But there are few signs Trump is trying to get out the vote

Donald Trump has turned to scorched-earth campaigning. It could affect a lot more than the election

Weve updated our electoral map, as Trumps fortunes dwindle

UPDATES:

6:05 p.m: The story was updated with Trumps comments from a rally.

The story was originally published at 2:55 p.m.
Proposition 60 on the California ballot would seem to offer a treasure of material for late-night comics. Its about requiring condoms to be worn in porno flicks.

But theres nothing funny about spreading syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, hepatitis, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. So skip the one-liners.

This is an odd initiative for a statewide ballot. It affects relatively few people. And one must question why its even being submitted to voters, who are being confronted by a crowded list of 17 complex state propositions.

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Although Proposition 60 is about sex, its hardly politically sexy  not like taxes, schools, transportation or water, things that impact most voters daily.

There are only perhaps 2,000 porn performers in the state, most of them in Los Angeles County. Still, California leads the nation in adult film production.

The sex stars arent called actors  presumably because they dont act, they perform.

Actually, condoms have been required in porn shoots for years. But the law is very laxly enforced by the short-staffed state Division of Occupational Safety and Health. The agency only responds to complaints. And in the previous two years, it cited just four production companies.

The porn industry prefers to fight off sexually transmitted infections by requiring periodic testing, normally paid for by the performers. But with performers footing the bill, its not always certain how frequent the testing occurs.

Thats not good enough, says Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which is sponsoring Proposition 60.

Its a worker protection issue, Weinstein says. The industry considers these performers disposable. They dont have health insurance, dont have workers comp, [must] pay for their testing. They dont make a lot of money.

And were sending the wrong message to young people  that the only kind of hot sex is unsafe sex.

This is what Proposition 60 would do:

 Really require performers to use condoms during the filming of sexual intercourse.

 Force producers to pay for testing, vaccinations and exams.

 Make anyone with a financial interest in a flick, such as a producer or distributor, liable for ignoring the law. This would not include a performer if all he received was a fee. But it would include him if he profited from film sales.

 Allow any Californian to sue if the state didnt act. The porn industry finds this particularly objectionable.

 Extend the statute of limitations to one year after a film is released. Currently, its just six months after the filming.

Now, [the state] contacts producers and they say, We shot that six months and one day ago, says Derrick Burts, 29, a former performer who says he was infected with HIV and herpes while filming.

Producers will shoot a film and let it sit on the shelf for several months. Prop. 60 closes that loophole.

What enticed Burts to become a porn star? He and his girlfriend moved to Las Vegas and got into financial stress from gambling, he says. They looked online and found he could make $300 in 30 minutes in a sex shoot. I made a bad decision and got into the industry.

Condoms werent even talked about, Burts says. They werent available. Ive had friends who were told, If you want to wear a condom, well find someone else.

Producers really feel condoms hurt their profits, that people do not want to see a condom.

OK. There are good arguments on the other side, too.

If this were just about wearing condoms, it would be a different discussion, says Ela Darling, 30, of Los Angeles, president of the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee. She has been performing for seven years.

How does she feel about requiring condoms?

Id prefer not to, she acknowledges. It doesnt work well with my body system.

Updates from Sacramento 

But her biggest gripe about Proposition 60 is that it would allow any Californian to sue. Many performers have long-term financial interests in films, including her, she says. That would make them vulnerable. And then their addresses would become publicly known.

There are people who either love us or hate us and stalk us a lot, Darling says. People say theyre going to kill my dog or they threaten to rape me and slit my throat.

This punishes workers, which is ridiculous for a labor law.

How did Darling get into the porno business? She earned her graduate degree in library science at the University of Illinois and became a reference librarian.

I asked myself, she says, Do I want to do this the rest of my life?

I got to L.A. and started performing in porn. People like to imply that were stupid. Most of us are educated, very smart. Its what we want to do.

Significantly, both the Democratic and Republican parties oppose Proposition 60.

We do require plenty of other safety measures in California: motorcycle helmets, car seat belts, hardhats on construction jobs.

Condoms? Its something our elected representatives in the Legislature should decide. But they killed a similar bill two years ago.

So state regulators should handle it. Theyve presumably got the expertise. Theyre currently trying to develop stronger protections for performers. But its slow moving.

Im not absolutely sure how Ill vote. But Im leaning No.

This should be an issue for lawmakers and regulators. And Im not wild about deputizing everyone to be a condom cop.

george.skelton@latimes.com

Follow @LATimesSkelton on Twitter

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Updates from Sacramento
A 25-year-old gang member pleaded no contest to charges that he shot a man during an attack outside the Burbank Town Center early one morning last April, officials said.

Albert Vasquez was convicted of one count each of assault with a firearm, attempting to make criminal threats and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

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He is slated to be sentenced next month to 12 years in state prison, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

At around 1:30 a.m. on April 4, two 22-year-old men were leaving the movie theater with their girlfriends when they were allegedly confronted by a handful of men, including Vasquez.

Where are you from? someone in the group asked, according to testimony during a preliminary hearing last December.

Its a question asked to identify someones gang ties and could indicate impending violence, a gang expert testified.

One man leaving the theater was thrown to the ground, kicked and beaten, while Vasquez  a known Temple Street gang member  confronted the other man, identified by authorities as a rival gang member named Jose Leon.

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He kept his hand in the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt, which led witnesses to believe he was carrying a gun.

Shortly after, one witness heard someone shout Temple Street, followed by a pop, and Leon, a member of the street gang Osiri Boys, was on the ground. Leon had reportedly pulled out a knife to defend himself, but was shot in an upper thigh before he could use it.

Both gangs reportedly operate out of the Rampart area of Los Angeles.

Vasquez was spotted fleeing the area, and when officers tried to stop him, he led them on a dangerous foot chase across the Golden State (5) Freeway, prosecutor Elaine Ramsey said at the time.

Officers caught up with him as he was crawling through a small hole in a chain-link fence near the freeway.

There, he gave up, complying with officers orders to lie face down.

After he was detained, officers took into evidence his sweatshirt, which had a bullet hole in the front pocket. A loaded handgun was recovered in a nearby drain.

--

Alene Tchekmedyian, alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @atchek
Six members of the American Legion Verdugo Hills Post 288 attended the Not on Our Watch event organized in mid-September by Wellness Works of Glendale to gain community support and raise awareness regarding military veteran suicide.

For 72 consecutive hours, veterans took turns walking a symbolic post across the Colorado Street Bridge and holding vigil.

Participation of the local American Legion post is part of its ongoing purpose, which is to support veterans in the community. Legion spokesman Lynn McGinnis said members attending were Mike Baldwin, Dick Clubb, Terry Parker, Robert Wollenweber, Chuck Hughes and Blake Hyfield.

Its to raise awareness of the high suicide rate amongst the younger veterans coming home from Afghanistan and Iraq [and other areas of] the Middle East, McGinnis said. Veterans coming home have always had a little bit higher suicide rate, but this Middle East war thats gone on for 12 or 14 years, its been a little higher, and so this event is to raise awareness.

Wellness Works has a long tradition of providing services for the body/mind/spirit to veterans in the community, said Kathy Lynch, clinical director of Wellness Works.

But our mission also involves raising awareness of the desperate need for comprehensive veteran services in our community, as well as supporting veterans as they work to reintegrate with the civilian world, she said.

Wellness Works is a nonprofit organization and its mission is to engage the community in restoring hope and a sense of wholeness of body and soul to veterans and their families. The organization provides services to veterans in Glendale, Pasadena and surrounding areas.

For more information, visit wellnessworksglendale.org.

In other American Legion Post 288 news

About a dozen members of the American Legion Post 288, along with several other veterans groups, were invited to attend the second annual Korean Cultural Festival at La Canada Memorial Park, organized by the Korean-American Federation of North Los Angeles.

The event pays tribute to those who served during the Korean War, said post spokesman Dick Clubb.

One of our mottos is Still Serving and those of us continue to serve as members of the post, trying to give to other veterans and also to give back to the community, and those are the things we do at the post, Clubb said. We promote events and things that support veterans and support the youth of the community. Any time anyone asks us to participate we always try to respond just so the veterans are not forgotten.

Patrons Club changes it up for annual fundraiser

Major changes have been made for the Patrons Clubs fundraiser to benefit students of Glendale Community College.

First, the location has moved to the Oakmont Country Club for the Nov. 4 event. Second, the fashion show is being replaced with a performance by the colleges dance department, thus the theme title Dancing Toward Success.

The highlight of the day will be the presentation of the Woman of Distinction honor to Gael Davitt for her contributions to education and longtime support of the Patrons Club. Davitt is the widow of John Davitt, who served 21 years as president of the college. He passed away in May 2014 after battling Parkinsons disease.

The Davitts were strong supporters of the Patrons Club over the years. They often hosted lunches at their home and invited college staff, board members and local residents to encourage donations and membership to the club. This year, Gael Davitt hosted the Patrons Club installation luncheon at her home.

For years, John Davitt purchased two tables at the annual fundraisers, and now Gael Davitt continues the tradition and purchases a table and shares the tickets with friends and colleagues.

Gael Davitt routinely attended the Patrons Club Scholarship Luncheon and Honors Banquet with her husband in support of the students who were awarded the John A. Davitt Scholarship. She continues to attend the annual event to support students at the scholarship fundraiser events.

A second scholarship in John Davitts name has been established. Nurses aides helped him during his battle against Parkinsons. In gratitude, the Davitt family awards this scholarship to nursing students every year.

Gael Davitts career has been devoted to education and the support of students and their endeavor to succeed academically.

She received her education from the University of San Francisco and Loyola Marymount. She taught three years in San Francisco and when the couple moved to La Canada, she taught sixth and seventh grade for 35 years at St. Bede School.

Every place I go, I run into someone who tells me Mrs. Davitt, you were my sixth-grade teacher, its so good to see you,  she said. Its so wonderful that they recognize me.

On receiving the honor from the Patrons Club, she said she thinks it is because of the Patrons Clubs love and respect for her late husband.

He supported the Patrons Club for so long, and he really respected those women who work so hard to get the scholarships, she said.

Deadline for reservations is Oct. 24. The cost to attend is $60 and reservations can be made by calling (818) 243-3590.

--

JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.
Time to redefine the idea of a quick getaway. Too far? Pshaw.

You can leave Southern California in the morning and be on the beach by afternoon. Or sipping an outstanding craft cocktail. Or admiring the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Or discovering waterfalls and hidden temples on a hike. Or being a kid again and flying a kite. Or shopping for one-of-a-kind art.

Here are five doable ideas for enjoying the islands when time is tight.

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Visit picturesque Holualoa on the island of Hawaii  and you may never want to leave

A sleepy artist community suspended 1,400 feet above Kailua-Kona on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano, the Big Islands Holualoa has a downtown that is uncrowded, unassuming, picturesque and quirky. Read more 

Central Maui will satisfy your thirst for the real Hawaii

Resist the lure of resort-lined Kaanapali Beach because central Maui  from Makena up through Waikapu to Paia  offers an escape from L.A. that will slake your thirst for the real magic of Hawaii. Read more 

On isolated Molokai, relax far from Hawaiis well-worn tourist paths

Molokai has long lured the intrepid off Hawaiis well-worn tourist paths. If you can embrace the dearth of canned attractions and the gritty and slow-paced way of life, you might find yourself relaxing and joining the locals as they wave at passerby and oncoming traffic. Read more 

Honolulus best cocktail bars are disguised as furniture stores and hidden in office buildings

1 / 7 Honolulu, Waikiki hotels at dusk. (Robert Sablan / Getty Images/Perspectives) 2 / 7 A cocktail with passion fruit at Bar Leather Apron in downtown Honolulu. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 7 The Laotian fried chicken from Pig and the Lady restaurant in Chinatown, Honolulu. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 7 Bartender Justin Park pours one of his cocktails at Bar Leather Apron in downtown Honolulu. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times ) 5 / 7 A plate of pork chops from Side Street Inn in Honolulu. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 7 A cocktail from Bar Leather Apron in downtown Honolulu. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 7 The bed at the Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times)

We found the best cocktail bar in the country ... in Honolulu. And we found a terrific wine bar in a furniture store. Honolulu for a weekend? Prepare to be surprised. Read more 

Find adventure on Kauais dirt roads and the Grand Canyon of the Pacific

Kauais Waimea town provides a remote but ideal base for exploring Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), the Kalalau Overlook atop the green wrinkles of the Na Pali Coast and the towns of Hanapepe and Koloa. Read more 

Map of Hawaii by Tony Lamadora / The Noun Project

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Russian and Syrian forces will halt hostilities for eight hours in the eastern districts of Aleppo, Russias military announced Monday, a day on which opposition activists said Russian airstrikes killed at least 36 people, including several children, in and around the divided city.

The two militaries will observe a humanitarian pause between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 to allow civilians and militants safe passage out of the city, Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi of Russias general staff said in Moscow. Militants, the wounded and sick would be allowed to evacuate to the neighboring rebel-held province of Idlib.

U.N. humanitarian officials have pleaded with combatants to observe weekly 48-hour cease-fires to allow humanitarian relief into the citys besieged eastern districts, but Russian and Syrian forces have only escalated their aerial and ground assault on the rebel-held areas in recent weeks. The airstrikes have claimed hundreds of lives, wounded many, flattened apartment buildings and laid waste to the already crippled medical sector.

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But Russian and Syrian leaders are now capitalizing on a proposal made by the U.N.'s envoy earlier this month to allow Al Qaeda-linked militants to leave in exchange for peace and local administration for the eastern districts.

Rebels in the east, along with many residents, spurned the proposition, citing their distrust of the government side. And Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution mandating an immediate cease-fire.

Mondays announcement did not include any promises of an extended cease-fire or local administration. It followed a bloody day of airstrikes on rebel-held districts in and around Aleppo.

At least 23 people were killed in an airstrike that also wounded dozens in the village of Oweijel, just west of Aleppo, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Another monitoring group, the Local Coordination Committees, said the air raid was carried out by Russian warplanes and put the death toll at 30.

More than a dozen people were also killed in the Marjeh neighborhood in eastern Aleppo. The Aleppo Media Center, an activist collective, said those killed included 11 people with the same family name of Qabs ranging from a month-and-a-half-old baby girl to a 25-year-old man.

The Observatory said at least 50 civilians, including 18 children, were killed in airstrikes in the eastern part of the city in the 24 hours before the Russian announcement.

Mondays airstrikes coincided with the launch in neighboring Iraq of a major operation by Iraqi and Kurdish forces, backed by the U.S.-led coalition, to retake the northern city of Mosul from the Islamic State group. There have been concerns the government in Damascus could use the timing of the Mosul offensive to press its onslaught in Aleppo while world attention is diverted to developments in Iraq.

Also Monday, Syrian state media claimed 49 rebels were killed or wounded in fighting in the neighborhoods of Sheikh Saeed and Shurfa on the southern edges of Aleppo.

In the nearby province of Idlib, a U.S.-led coalition drone struck a car in the provincial capital that carries the same name, killing all inside, according to the Observatory and a jihadi official. It was not immediately clear who was in the vehicle, but such attacks have previously targeted officials with al-Qaidas affiliate in Syria, known as Fatah al-Sham Front.

The Observatory said the attack targeted a faction commander. An official with Fatah al-Sham Front, formerly known as Nusra Front, said all those in the car were martyred. The man, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said it was not clear if members of his group were targeted.

Earlier this month, a drone attack killed top Al Qaeda official Ahmed Salama Mabrouk.

The United States and Britain on Sunday acknowledged the Western worlds weak support for any military action against Syrias government as they seek ways to pressure Syrian President Bashar Assad and his chief backer, Russia, to halt the deadly Aleppo offensive.

After a meeting of 11 governments opposing Assads rule, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson each insisted that all options were on the table. But their stark explanations about the danger of resorting to military force appeared to rule out such a move.

The government in Damascus, meanwhile, appears to be trying to improve relations with Egypt, the Arab worlds most populous nation, following the first public meeting between Egyptian and Syrian security chiefs.

Maj. Gen. Ali Mamlouk, head of the National Security Bureau and one of Assads top aides, visited Cairo on Sunday at the head of a delegation to coordinate with Egypt in the fight against terrorism in the region, Syrias state-run news agency SANA said.

SANA said the Syrians met with top intelligence officials, including deputy chief of Egypts intelligence agency. It said both sides agreed on coordinating political standpoints and strengthening the cooperation in fighting terrorism. Egypts pro-government Sada al-Balad and other news websites reported on Sunday that six Syrians arrived on a private jet from Damascus.

Earlier this month, Egypt voted for rival French and Russian draft resolutions on Syria at the U.N. Security Council, arguing that both called for a truce and for aid for besieged Syrians in the rebel-held areas of the northern city of Aleppo.

The move angered Egypts major financier Saudi Arabia, which supports rebels fighting against Assads Moscow-backed government.

Egypt and Syria are both fighting extremists, including members of the Islamic State group. Both countries also have poor relations with Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

ALSO

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Offensive to liberate Mosul, Islamic States last major stronghold in Iraq, begins

At West Bank refugee camp, hostility aimed at the Palestinian Authority

UPDATES:

12:10 p.m.: This article has been updated with a new death toll and news of the Russian proposal for a temporary halt in fighting.

This article was originally published at 5:35 a.m.
Sun-bleached posters of Palestinian militants adorn storefronts at the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank in tribute to those killed in an uprising against Israel that faded more than a decade ago.

But rebelliousness remains in the camp today, much of it directed at the government of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas rather than the Israeli occupation.

Palestinian authorities consider the camp on the edge of Nablus city a den of lawless gangs and illicit guns that is sowing instability throughout the area, and are trying to tame it.

Many Balata residents, meanwhile, vow they wont submit to authorities they accuse of corruption, brutality, collaboration with Israel, and the economic neglect of a neighborhood that is home to about 27,000 people living in an area less than one square mile.

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The tension has been deadly in some cases: Since June, four police officers have been killed by gunmen and four Nablus residents have died at the hands of police, according to the Independent Commission for Human Rights, a Palestinian human rights watchdog based in the West Bank, and the Nablus governorate.

The authority ... says that we are living outside the law, producing weapons and carrying out executions, said Ahmed Zaabour, 27, a camp resident who officials say runs a weapons dealing operation and is the most wanted crime suspect in Balata. But they are the ones creating this atmosphere.

The impoverished camp illustrates a festering problem for Abbas, who has led the Palestinian Authority for more than a decade. Critics say Abbas has failed on many fronts, including not achieving statehood for Palestinians or peace with Israel.

The government under the 81-year-old leader, who has had health problems and has no clear successor, recently postponed municipal elections indefinitely for what were described as procedural problems. In addition, rifts exist within the presidents Fatah party, and Palestinians remain divided between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the Islamic militant group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.

Observers say the struggle to rein in rogue Fatah gunmen in Nablus and other parts of the West Bank is a sign of the Abbas governments weakness and of the potential for more trouble in the Palestinian territories.

If the PA is weakened further, this issue could contribute significantly to the state of anarchy, said Khalil Shikaki, a Palestinian pollster. This breakdown in the security situation could suddenly explode and have dramatic consequences if it is unresolved.

Nablus, a major Palestinian commercial and cultural hub that sits in a valley between two mountains in the northern West Bank, has a history of chaos. The Palestinian uprising against Israel, known as the second intifada, that started in 2000, weakened the central government and left a power vacuum filled by militias linked to Abbas Fatah party.

Palestinian security officers say a recent crackdown on crime suspects is part of a campaign to restore order for ordinary Palestinians and break up gangs. With arms trade flowing freely in Nablus, gunfire at night is a regular occurrence and weapons are being used to settle private disputes, authorities said.

We have security problems in Nablus, its not a secret, said Nablus Gov. Akram Rajoub from an office in a fortress-like headquarters a few blocks from Balata. The problem lies with gunmen.

A few days earlier, hundreds of marchers with machine guns packed the street outside Balata, accompanying the flag-draped body of a local man, who had been shot dead by police who accused passengers in his car of conducting surveillance on security forces movements for armed groups in the camp. A video from the funeral shows mourners chanting against both Abbas and Rajoub.

In late August, a much larger crowd filled the streets of the city with anti-Abbas shouts at a funeral for a local leader who died in police custody.

Nablus is the epicenter of the anti-Abbas movement in Palestine right now, said Grant Rumley, a fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who focuses on Palestinian politics. Gone are those days where the PA had some grip on security in the camps. The longer Abbas goes on in this stagnant rule, where Fatah remains divided, and factions are positioning themselves for a post-Abbas vacuum, the more instability there is. The camps are the front line.

Jamal Tiwari, a Palestinian lawmaker from Fatah and a patron of Balata whose office is guarded by an aide with a pistol, accused Abbas of enforcing a form of martial law akin to Hamas iron-fisted rule in Gaza.

The presidents status among the people has weakened, Tiwari said. Thats why the majority of the people dont trust the behavior of the security forces and the PA.

In a snack shop across from the entrance to the decades-old camp, Said Al Haj, 83, recently swept away soot from antigovernment riots that had filled the street outside with smoke a few days before.

Both sides are to blame, he said. Palestinians shouldnt be shooting at one another, but the people in the camp want to rule themselves, not [be subject to] the rule of the Palestinian Authority. Some people in the camp want the chaos. They make money from it.

In the camp, several young men led a visitor through dark pathways between concrete buildings to Zaabours home. In a small windowless salon, Zaabour rested a pistol on his chair while sitting under a television screen with images from six surveillance cameras monitoring the alleys.

A group of Nablus militants gathered around on flowery red and black sofas. While Zaabours mother poured cups of Arabic coffee, he and his colleagues poured out complaints about the Palestinian Authority.

Ibtisam Jaber, a 43-year-old Fatah activist, said party leaders want to block Balata representatives from gaining power.

If you dont follow Abbas, you are nothing, she said.

Zaabour, who says he joined the anti-Israel insurgency as a teenager and spent time in jail, has the air of a local hero: A YouTube video with thousands of views shows a montage of images of him posing with machine guns and his daughters.

He said in an interview that the poor in Balata who do not have connections to Abbas or to powerful clans are being targeted more than others for illegal activities  a charge denied by a spokesman for the Nablus governorate. Weapons are necessary for protection against Israel and the unemployed militants of Balata deal in weapons as a creative solution to the lack of work and lack of public assistance from the Palestinian Authority, Zaabour said.

Most of the young men in the camp are former prisoners in Israel. Now they dont have jobs, he said. The moment we see there isnt equal law for all, why respect this law?

Mitnick is special correspondent.

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PDVSA is hoping to persuade skeptical bondholders to participate in a $5.3 bn bond swap to help reduce its debt payments and ward off worries off a default
Cuba has had limited access to telecommunications since the 1960s - the country is severely short of telephone and Internet access. Shockingly they've gotten pretty comfortable with that lifestyle. So to hear that they added 65 hotspots last year, is quite impress. And it doesn't stop there.

According to In Cuba Today, the government is planning to add 80 more before 2016 is over. What has brought on this change, no one is fully sure. It's clear that Cuba wants to make sure that they are up on the times like others but they are still very limited.

The lack of urgency isn't too important to the Cuban government but they have announced that they'll be adding Wi-Fi hotspots to Havana's very popular Malecon, according to The Washington Post. So what does this mean for Cuba?



Well, since the travel ban has been lifted, there has been a non-stop wave of tourists taking educational visits to Cuba. But the fear of being in an unknown country without Wi-Fi has stopped many from traveling there.

Now that Cuba is adding more wifi hotspots to Havana's Malecon seafront, the number of visitors will surely grow. Especially past the three million people that visited in 2015, according to Travel + Leisure. But this expansion can either hinder Cuba or help them flourish a bit more.

Hinder, because with small changes also come big changes. The bump up in tourists can cause changes in Cuba's very untouched scenery. It's already been said that hotels and more tourism sites will be built in Cuba. These add-ins could surely affect the very sheltered country that is Cuba. Though the Cuban government has to give the go ahead on these said hotels, their will definitely be a power struggle.

There can also be some good to the Wi-Fi upgrade. Tourism is already bringing in a positive change in the growth of entrepreneurism and it's helping fund a lot of businesses around the island. Overrall the money coming in is having a great effect on Cuba.

So will the Wi-Fi hotspots in Havana's Malecon be a good or a bad thing? For the Cubans, it surely will be. But as Cuba expands even more, it may not only be the Cubans they'll be upping the ante for. Only time will tell.
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd recently revealed its new Galaxy TabPro S Gold edition, which encompasses powerful hardware and software capabilities. It's rumored to provide strong competition between the leading tablet device in the market, which is the Surface Pro 4 of Microsoft Corporation.

Microsoft's most powerful tab in the market is threatened with the release of Samsung's new Galaxy TabPro S edition, which includes highly-impressive specs. Here is the quick list of specification and comparison with the Microsoft's Surface Pro 4 and Galaxy TabPro S.

Display: Samsung is commonly known for being an expert for having its devices a powerful display. As the Korean giant tech promised to give perfectly balanced contrast, vivid colors and a crystal clear resolution because of its Super AMOLED technology that is incorporated in the Galaxy TabPro. According to NewAtlas, the Galaxy TabPro has a thickness of 6.3mm and it is 26% thinner than Surface Pro 4.

Processor: Samsung uses Intel's Core M3 processing chipset, which works at 2.2 GHz.

Memory: The TabPro S has 8GB RAM and 256GB worth of internal memory. But Microsoft trumps it with its option of upgrading the RAM, which ranges from 4GB to a whopping 16GB. Also, the current Surface Pro offers up to 256GB of internal storage, which is on par with its counterpart.

Battery: TabPro S is powered by 5,200 mah battery. Samsung promised to supply almost 11 hours of video playback on a full charge device. The current average battery life of the Surface Pro has labeled as a near-perfect tablet. The users of the Samsung can expect more compared to the Surface Pro tablet.

Price: Samsung has offered a $999 price tag on TabPro S Gold Edition, which is a $100 more expensive than the cheapest Surface Pro 4 variant. However, Samsung compensates the price tag associated with its latest device by adding a superior display and long-lasting battery life compared to the current generation lineup of Surface Pro.

Galaxy TabPro S is the first tablet from South Korea to produce with Windows 10 OS preinstalled, according to International Business Times. It's pretty obvious that Samsung has its advantages over the Microsoft, but the latter is expected to refresh its current generation of Surface devices. For now, Galaxy TabPro S Gold Edition is most likely desirable compared to Surface Pro.
Two Chinese astronauts took off on a project to develop the ability to explore space. The Shenzhou 11 spacecraft blasted off from the Jiuquan satellite launch center. The astronauts were Chen 38, and Jing, 50.

The mission is said to carry out experiments after the spacecraft docks with the orbiting lab, the astronauts will stay in the Tiangong- 2 space lab for 30 days to carry out these experiments as per The Guardian.

It is the third space mission for astronaut Jing and the first for Chen, this mission is said to have the longest stay for in space by Chinese astronauts. According to BBC it will take the astronauts two days to reach the orbiting laboratory where they will live for a month.

There are experiments that will be carried out by the astronauts on board like an examination of plant growth in space; they will also be testing their own bodies using ultrasound equipment.

Earlier before the mission Mr. Jin said that it is certain the mission will bear some pressure, as for China their annual estimated annual spending on space programs are approximately $2.2 billion.

The mission will surely help China to take larger steps in their future for space exploration, and it is sure to make new contributions.

China had even allowed the foreign media into its military base to watch its launch; it is a source of pride for the nation. China takes the third spot after USA and Russia to carry out its own crewed missions.

The country has been excluded from the International Space Stations since they have created their own space station. It was in 2003 when China launched their first crewed space mission.

The Tiangong - 1 seems to return back to earth in 2017. It is going to be a long month for the astronauts in space but surely a moment of pride and honor for their country.
The retrial of Apple vs Samsung has started, in an attempt by all parties to determine how much of the total profits should be awarded over patent design infringement.

The Apple vs Samsung fight is back! Last Tuesday, October 11, Apple and Samsung appeared before the US Supreme Court to argue over their patent infringement case. This is a case with millions, even billions of dollars at stake, and is in so much scrutiny because of how the final decision can affect the future of technology and design.

The skirmish between the two giant tech companies began way back in 2010. As Digital Trends has recreated in their Apple-Samsung timeline, Apple had already secured a previous victory back in August 2012, with a US jury awarding over $1 billion in damages in favor of Apple. However, Samsung ultimately agreed to pay only $548 million to Apple back in December 2015.

This time around, the issue is no longer about whether Samsung had copied Apple's designs, as that seems to be already conceded by Samsung. The issue now is that Samsung (and other tech companies siding with them), now wants to change how much damages one company that copies another's design has to pay.

As reported by CNET, Samsung is arguing that the damages incurred from infringing on design patents should not come from the total profits, since a smartphone is composed of multiple patented components. Apple, meanwhile, is arguing that they are for protecting new products and designs, and that the product's design is one factor that motivates the buyers in choosing the smartphone.

As expected, the design and fashion industry (like Calvin Klein and Alexander Wang) is siding with Apple, while tech companies like Dell, Google and HP are supporting Samsung. The Justice Department, while taking care not to side with either parties, believes patent holders should get full profits from the sale of a "relevant article of manufacture," but wants to clarify what the "relevant article of manufacture" is.

The Supreme Court justices, meanwhile, seemed at a loss as to how to separate the value of the design from the whole product. They had to use the analogy of a Volkswagon Beetle to try to put in perspective how a unique design could affect a buyer's decision. Should Samsung win in this case, other design patent cases would be affected, and would mean lower damages for patent infringement.

With so much at stake, the whole community is waiting for the final ruling of this Apple vs Samsung case, which will hopefully come in the first quarter of 2017.
It looks like there is a tight competition between mobile manufacturers to get their hands at gears, but it's the same usual contenders that are on the list. It's a battle between the biggest names which is Apple Watch 2 vs Samsung Gear S3. The two have their own distinct and unique features that has left the consumers at a difficult choice.

The two has been making consumers happy with their wearables, as they help users deal with fitness and personal health issues. Nevertheless, they seemed to be preferred over the other for their own functionality and wearability. As per the record of The Inquirer, we got a few of the comparisons between the two:

Specs:



When it comes to processor, storage, display screen, memory, LTE, battery capacity and other aspects, the two differ in their own terms and has their own pros and cons. But, there's something to differentiate between the two, Apple Watch 2 has improved graphics and it has brightest display Apple has ever shipped. On the other hand, Samsung disclose that its has in store a 380 mAh battery capable of going up to four days.

Software:

Simply put, they both run on watch, but there won't be too many apps to customize them. They don't have much developer support on their phone yet. Though, Samsung has promised to build iOS support and its supporting Samsung Pay. There is a lot of upgrade on Apple Watch 3 too with its GPS, fitness tracker and Apple Pay.

Compatibility:

It looks like Gear S3 came out top of Apple here, and with that said, the Gear S3 will work with updated Android devices and with iPhone. As for Apple, they are only compatible with Apple devices.

Other Features:

As per the International Business Times, they are both water resistant, Gear S3 coming in with an IP68 rating for the classic and an IP68 plus MIL-STD-810G certifications for the frontier. On the other side of the fence, the Apple Watch Series 2 is swim-proof, and it can survive underwater up to 164 feet.

Price and Availability:

The Apple Watch 2 will start rolling out from September 16 and go up for preorder on Sep 9 with a starting price of USD 369. And, as for Samsung it has not revealed the availability of Gear S3 yet.
A Saucon Valley High School student admitted selling LSD to 10 other students, Lower Saucon Township police report.

The student, who police did not name because of his age, had LSD, Xanax and knives, according to a news release.

Police responded at 10 a.m. Oct. 5, a news release said.

School staff developed information the student was dealing LSD and they pulled him out of class, police said.

The boy was processed by police and released.

He is charged with delivery of drugs and narcotics and weapons possession, police said.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A 38-year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI after he crashed Monday afternoon into a light pole in Easton's Centre Square, city police said.

The pole then hit a 58-year-old city man in the leg, causing a small cut, but it could have been far worse, the victim and a witness said.

Robinson Betancur, of Main Street in Pohatcong Township, said he was driving a Toyota Matrix east at 12:50 p.m. on Northampton Street when he struck the decorative black pole, which city workers estimated at 200 pounds.

It crashed to the ground, striking Mike Fiore, but he declined treatment.

Fiore said he was crossing the street on a walk sign when the crash happened.

"If it hit me in the head it would be over," said Fiore, who was Downtown for a job interview.

A witness said he watched the incident unfold.

"I saw him (Betancur) hit the pole. I told him (Fiore) to 'hurry up, hurry up,'" said Emile Elias, 67, of Easton. "If I don't call him, he don't see. He's lucky. It almost hit him in the head."

Betancur said he was cut off by another driver -- a car Elias said doesn't exist.

"I lose control," Betancur said. "I don't want to hit the guy, so I went straight."

Betancur, who had a scratch on his nose, showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol, city police Capt. David Beitler said. A breath test administered in Centre Square registered 0.29, police said at the scene.

Betancur was taken to Easton Hospital for a blood test and more precise blood-alcohol-content test. Penalties begin for most drivers in Pennsylvania at 0.08.

Following the test, Betancur was likely going to be released with any charges that are warranted being filed by summons, Beitler said.

The car, which had significant front-end damage, was towed.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A cross-shaped gravestone sits atop a hillside cemetery. At the bottom of the hill, rowhomes, telephone polls and smokestacks from a steel mill clutter the area.

The gravestone is in St. Michael's Cemetery. The homes are part of a neighborhood in South Bethlehem. Those smokestacks belong to Bethlehem Steel. The year is 1935. The photographer who captured the image is Walker Evans.

Called "Bethlehem Graveyard and Steel Mill," Evans' photo became famous. It is included in the collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

But it was only one of many images Evans captured of the Lehigh Valley during his 1935 visit. He was here on behalf of the Farm Security Administration, a Great Depression-era program launched by the federal government to fight rural poverty.

The photos he and others shot were used for promotional materials at the time, but in the decades since the program ended, they have become revered as vital works of American art.

Recognizing the significance of Evans' visit more than 80 years ago, ArtsQuest is holding a photography workshop next month called "In the Footsteps of Walker Evans." The Bethlehem-based nonprofit's workshop will take participants on a walking tour through South Bethlehem that retraces the tour Evans took.

Guiding the participants will be professional photographer Frank Smith, a member of the Olympus Visionary Program. The program sends award-winning photographers around the world to capture images using Olympus cameras. The company's North American headquarters is located in Upper Saucon Township.

Smith will be giving personal instruction to participants as they visit the spots Evans visited and snap their own photos from those spots.

The workshop is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. Nov. 6 at the ArtsQuest Center in Bethlehem. Tickets are $159 and can be purchased at www.invisionphotofestival.com.

The workshop is part of a weekend of festivities planned as part of the Olympus InVision Photo Festival in Bethlehem. Visit the website for more information on other events associated with the festival.

Aside from his work with the FSA, Evans also held positions as staff writer for Time Magazine and editor of Fortune Magazine. He taught at Yale University. He died in 1975.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the copyright on all his photos with the exception of the FSA photos, which are in the Library of Congress and considered public domain. We've collected more than 20 that focused on the Lehigh Valley. Scroll through the gallery above to view them.

Most were shot in Bethlehem, but a few were taken in Easton, including one that provides a view of Phillipsburg's riverfront.

Nick Falsone may be reached at nfalsone@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickfalsone. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
trumpsign.jpeg

Election signs supporting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump were snatched from the front yards of two Lower Macungie Township men.

Pennsylvania State Police in Fogelsville said the thieves stole the signs sometime between 11 p.m. Thursday to 1:30 a.m. Saturday in the 1000 block of Hillview Road.

Those with information are urged to call Pennsylvania State Police in Fogelsville at 610-395-1438.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Bethlehem man who was treasurer of the Hanover Township Fire Co. is accused of stealing $40,000 from the volunteer fire company's bank account.

Frank R. Madura, 69, of the 1600 block of Catasauqua Road, between February 2015 and September of this year allegedly wrote nine checks to himself from the fire company's account.

Court records say Madura was treasurer at the time of the transactions.

Colonial Regional police said the checks totaled: $3,000 on Feb. 4, 2015; $3,000 on Feb. 23, 2015; $4,000 on Feb. 26, 2015; $5,000 on June 12, 2015; $5,000 on July 28, 2015; $5,000 on Sept. 3, 2015; $5,000 on Oct. 22, 2015; $5,000 on Dec. 30, 2015; and $5,000 on Feb. 2, 2016.

Hanover Township Fire Co. Chief Craig Wasum on Oct. 14 received a phone call from the fire company's bank alerting him that Madura attempted to cash a check out to himself for $8,000 and was denied, according to court records.

Madura initially denied any wrongdoing to Frank Almer, the fire company president, police said. But later that evening, police said, Almer received an email from Madura allegedly admitting to the crime.

Madura went on to say the theft was not his first and the fire company should check their Wells Fargo bank account for transactions made in September, police said.

Colonial Regional police then put out a warrant for Madura's arrest.

He was arraigned Sunday before District Judge Robert Hawke, who set bail at $45,000 unsecured.

A voicemail left at Madura's home was not immediately returned Monday afternoon.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A guard of honour from Scoil Mhuire lined the main street in Clane while mourners filled the Church of St Patrick and St Brigid on Tuesday morning to pay their respects to a young man of many talents whose face would light up a room.

A guard of honour from Scoil Mhuire lined the main street in Clane while mourners filled the Church of St Patrick and St Brigid on Tuesday morning to pay their respects to a young man of many talents whose face would light up a room.

Adam Keenan Byrne (14) died in a tragic accident while playing in the River Liffey with friends on Saturday, May 1 at Moat Commons near his home in Clane.

Parish Priest Fr Paul OBoyle paid tribute to a young man who was passionate about music and who loved to sing

The events of last Saturday evening by the banks of the River Liffey have shocked and saddened so many people in our community, he said.

Im sure every parent and grandparent feel deeply for his mother Sandra and his father Keith, his older brother Daniel and his younger sister Megan who will make her holy communion this month- words are very difficult to come by but we are all with you here today. It is a reminder of how fragile life is - a young man with many talents - his passion was music and he loved to sing. He sung Strairway to Heaven on his facebook page - little did he know that he would be travelling that way so soon. His face would light up a room - he was a lovely child, a happy chap.

In an emotional and powerful tribute to Adam, his music teacher, Maria Butterly from the Clane Academy of Music, sang a song penned by the young man himself called You will never break him. There was a huge round of applause in the church afterwards and Adams parents, Sandra and Keith, both got up from their seats to hug the music teacher in gratitude. The music was provided by the choir from Scoil Mhuire.

Fr Paul OBoyle said Adam would want our young people to live life to the full, to be careful and never be afraid to tell others how you feel - take support and ask for it.

We remember the young people with him last Saturday - it has affected them deeply and many more tears will be shed in the future, he said. We remember Sgt Paul OReilly, his colleagues and the members of the emergency services who did what they could. There is hope - Adam is now with God and one day we will see him again. Death is not the final part of this young mans story. We thank you for your short life. We remember Adam with great love and appreciation - we remember his gifts and talents and the light he brought into so many lives, Fr OBoyle said

Afterwards, removal took place to Newlands Cross Crematorium for cremation.
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Ridiculous you no doubt think, this is another of the Liberal elite trying to spread scare stories.

Well, if that is what you think then take a look at the Government Petitions website today. A Conservative Councillor has launched a petition calling on the Government to amend the Treason Felony Act to make supporting UK membership of the EU a crime.

The petition states:

Amend the Treason Felony Act to make supporting UK membership of the EU a crime. The Treason Felony Act be amended to include the following offences:

To imagine, devise, promote, work, or encourage others, to support UK becoming a member of the European Union;

 To conspire with foreign powers to make the UK, or part of the UK, become a member of the EU. It is becoming clear that many politicians and others are unwilling to accept the democratic decision of the British people to leave the EU. Brexit must not be put at risk in the years and decades ahead. For this reason we the undersigned request that the Treason Felony Act be amended as set out in this petition. (These provisions to become law the day the United Kingdom leaves the EU).

Now, in normal times this would be looked upon as the lunatic act of a slightly unhinged individual, but it has already achieved over 1000 signatures and is proposed by a sitting councillor who has passed the approval process of the Party currently governing this country.

I can understand you thinking that this nonsense can never be realised because freedom a speech is a basic human right. There are countries in this world such as China, North Korea and Thailand where basic freedom of speech is not a human right, with the European Convention gone what is there to stop that happening here in the UK?

Whats more, right now the party that he is a member of, which is also the current party of Government in the UK, is calling for Britain to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights.

Before you ignore this petition, think carefully about the fact that the person who made this call for an end to the human right to freedom of speech has been elected to office, as an officially approved candidate of the party of Government in the UK.

* Ian is VC Campaigns for NW Liberal Democrats, and a member of the ECE, EFAC and FCEC.
A LIMERICK teacher has developed an Irish language app which may eliminate the need for private grinds.

The groundbreaking app, called Leaving Cert Irish App, has been designed to give disadvantaged and rural kids the tutorial extras without the tutorial fees, which its hoped will level the playing pitch.

Irish teacher John Gavins revolutionary idea takes the best aspects of the grind system, and aims to make it available to all students, either for free or for a monthly subscription.

The Corbally-born teacher said that the Irish Leaving Certificate system is all about getting the edge, which is driving students to take intensive grinds to get ahead.

Thats fine and convenient for those with the money to purchase that extra tuition and the physical proximity to that extra tuition, he said.

The problem is that its not available to those who either dont have the money or just physically cant get to the grind colleges in the evenings or at the weekends.

Mr Gavins app aims to give all students access to the same resources.

This app is for all those hundreds of kids who want  and I think deserve  a level playing field with the kids from Castletroy or the North Circular Road.

Im not excluding anyone, but I happen to believe that an ambitious boy or girl from Ballylanders or Castlemahon has as much right to the tutorial edge as the kids from Castletroy, he added.

The app is currently available on the iOS app store and Google Play store. Once downloaded, all of the content on the app is free, including video, notes and live classes. The participation on the existing live classes on Leavingcertirish.com is doubling each month. The classes are recorded, so theyre available even if you miss the live version.

Additional resources are available for 2.50 a month, which Mr Gavin pointed out is just five percent of the price of a traditional group grind.

People can see that this isnt a commercial exercise or revenue-raising. This is a long overdue coming together of everyday, every kid technology, and a deliberate attempt to level a playing field that, quite honestly, I and many others think has been sloping the way of the urban and suburban upper middle classes for way too long, he said.

From now on, and with this app, the kids out in the sticks or from the wrong side of the tracks will get the same edge that all the others have been getting for free or for the price of a cup of coffee.

Mr Gavin added that the app was updated on Wednesday to enable compatibility with iOS 10.
LIMERICK businesswoman Elenora Hogan has been formally selected as Senator Maria Byrne's replacement on City and County Council.

Ms Hogan, who lives in the South Circular Road and operates a pharmacy business in William Street, was chosen by members of Fine Gael to take Ms Byrne's vacant council seat.

It followed a selection convention at the South Court Hotel this Sunday night.

She beat Fergus Kilcoyne of Patrickswell and Felim Cronin of Raheen at the convention, which was attended by Finance Minister Michael Noonan, Deputy Tom Neville, Senators Byrne and Kieran O'Donnell, plus a number of local Fine Gael councillors.

Upon her selection, Ms Hogan said: "I'm delighted with the outcome this evening, and I look forward to working to represent Limerick City West. We need more representation of business people on the council."

She will be formally co-opted onto the council at a special meeting in the next week.

The seat in City West has been vacant since April, when Ms Byrne was elected to the Senate. The process to replace Ms Byrne has been delayed after Mr Kilcoyne lodged a formal complaint with Fine Gael headquarters over some addresses of party members eligible to vote.

There was a sombre mood at tonight's convention following the tragic death of Munster rugby legend Anthony Foley at the age of just 42.
LIMERICKs positive recent run in attracting IDA-backed companies continues this morning with finance firm ACI Worldwide announcing 50 new jobs in Plassey.

ACI, a global provider of real-time electronic payment and banking solutions, is to unveil its new European data centre at the Kilmurry Business Centre in the National Technology Park this morning.

The state-of-the-art facility will serve ACIs European customers, wghich include some of the largest merchants, intermediaries and financial institutions globally.

Among the firms clientele include Irelands two biggest banks.

The 50 jobs confirmed this morning will bring ACIs total headcount in Limerick to 150 staff in total.

The company has had a presence in Limerick for ten years, and has partnered with the University of Limerick among other educational institutions.

Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell OConnor and Finance Minister Michael Noonan will cut the ribbon at the new facility later today.

He said: Im delighted to see ACI cementing its presence in the Limerick region with the addition of this data centre. A further 50 jobs and increased physical infrastructure is testament to ACIs confidence in Limerick and its highly skilled workforce. As Minister for Finance, I have championed electronic payments and have overseen a move in Ireland toward more efficient and convenient uses of electronic payments. I am a firm believer in the work that ACI is doing and I am grateful to see that they are a firm believer in the people of Limerick and the broader region.

IDA Ireland chief executive Martin Shanahan added: It is great to see this company, which has been extremely successful in Ireland and across Europe, continue to grow and develop its operations here in Limerick. Supporting established companies like ACI is a key focus for IDA. The addition of this new data centre confirms ACIs ongoing commitment to the region, and its continued growth presents further employment opportunities for the great pool of talent in Limerick and the wider region. I wish ACI continued success here.

Phil Heasley, presdient and chief executive of ACI worldwide said: We are very excited about our new European data centre and the tremendous overall opportunities for ACI in the region, which is testament to our great team and our powerful Universal Payments offerings.
VANDALS who cut down three flags from a new memorial park in Askeaton just hours after it was officially opened have been accused of treason by a local councillor.

Gardai in West Limerick are investigating the incident which occurred on Sunday, October 9. Earlier that day, almost 1,000 people had attended the opening of Pairc na Saoirse where a memorial stone was unveiled to commemorate local people who had fought for Irish Independence.

The Irish flag, the European flag and the Limerick flag were cut down from the flagpoles overnight and were later found dumped nearby.

Local councillor Kevin Sheehan said he was disgusted by what happened.

Whoever took it upon themselves to desecrate the site have insulted my entire community and insulted the memory of those great people of 1798 to 1921 who gave of their time and their energy and in some cases their lives in assisting Ireland in gaining freedom for its people, said Cllr Sheahan, who was a member of the committee which organised the commemoration events.

In another country, on another day, it would be considered to be treasonable, he added.

I am absolutely disgusted on behalf of the community who have been truly supportive of what we have been doing.

See page 20
LIMERICK woman Karen Sheahan was just 21 when she started experiencing the symptoms of what she later found out was cervical cancer.

This month, she has swapped alcohol for a clearer head and a donations webpage, as she and some friends are ditching the drink for Octsober to raise money for Irish Cancer Society.

I decided to do something because I wanted to give back to cancer research. My story, although its negative, is also positive because I came through it, and its not often we hear positive stories, she said.

When she first experienced abnormal bleeding at 21, Karen asked her GP for a smear test, but she was refused on several occasions  typically, the tests are only offered to women over the age of 25.

It was two years before the Castletroy woman was finally tested, and given a diagnosis for cervical cancer, by which time it had already progressed to stage three.

It was quite far gone  they couldnt do any preventative procedures so I actually had to have a full hysterectomy at that point, and obviously that has big consequences, she said.

Right now Im 29, and thinking about starting a family, and its not going to happen. Its only now that Im starting to realise that.

Although cervical cancer is rare in under 25s, a lot of people went for testing after I found out, for peace of mind, and there were people who had abnormal cells  its common enough but can develop into full-on cancer.

Karen hopes Octsober will become a popular fundraising event for Irish Cancer Society, saying that its a good challenge for groups of friends or students to do together.

If more money goes into cancer research, there will hopefully be more cancer survivors in the long run, she said.
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A major Lincolnshire employer has announced it is moving its headquarters to Europe because of the UK's decision to leave the EU.

Fancy dress supplier, Smiffys, which has been based in Gainsborough for 126 years, will be moving its operations to Holland.

It employs 250 people.

Speaking to the BBC, Elliott Peckett, director of the family-run international business said the decision to move is as a direct result of Brexit.

He said: "We are trying to stay ahead of the curve with Brexit and we are opening a Dutch headquarters so we base our company within the EU.

"It will mean we will start to invoice our customers in Europe, from an EU country and will start to pay tax to Europe, where the UK will miss out.

"It will mean our customers in Europe do not have increased prices due to trade barriers.

"We have been in Gainsborough for 126 years. It is our heritage.

"We will do everything we can to maintain a site in Gainsborough and I am sure it will continue to be the case.

"It will mean it will no longer be the main depot for the product and will be one of several pick faces for the business like our warehouse in Australia and Dallas in the USA."

He added: "It's inevitable as you start to move your operations around the world, you reallocate personnel to different places.

"I am not committing to job losses and will try and reallocate personnel. The worse case will be the scenario when we will need less people in the UK at some point.

"We employ 250 members of staff and we have to look after those people. If we do not, the reality would be a lot worse than if we weren't being proactive and stay ahead of the curve."

The company buys almost exclusively from China, paying in Dollars.

Due to the weakening of the pound, the firm has seen a 30-plus per cent increase in the cost of goods from China.

Mr Peckett also criticised the MP for Gainsborough Edward Leigh, who voted to leave the European Union.

He said: "We must be his biggest employer if not in the top three in his constituency.

"He's got a lot to answer for and he is yet to sit down with us to explain his reasons for Brexit and how he is going to help our business."

Mr Leigh's office commented to the BBC that the MP believes business have the potential to thrive out of the EU and away from the red tape of Brussells.
U.S. Hanukkah stamp gets a new look

May 2, 2021, 4 PM

The Hanukkah forever stamp with artwork by William Low depicts a menorah in front of a window, with tree branches and night sky outside.

By Michael Baadke

The nondenominated (47) Hanukkah forever stamp that will be issued Nov. 1 is the 12th United States stamp honoring the Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights, and will feature the sixth new design in the series.

The stamp is being issued in a pane of 20. The first-day ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at Temple Beth El, 333 SW Fourth Ave., in Boca Raton, Fla. The ceremony is free and open to the public. The temple notes that the ceremony will include Chanukah musical performances by the temples cantorial team and children of the Beth El Early Learning Center.

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The 2016 Hanukkah stamp features a warm, elegant illustration of a holiday menorah in the window of a home, according to the U.S. Postal Service. Artist William Low added visual interest to the scene by highlighting the contrast between the hot candle flames and the cool snow, the vertical candles and the horizontal window frame, and the dark menorah with brightly lit candles.

Low also illustrated the Holiday Windows set of four stamps issued Oct. 6, which are stylistically similar to the new Hanukkah stamp. He also illustrated the two 2013 Poinsettia forever stamps (Scott 4816, 4821), and the 2014 Winter Flowers set of four forever stamps (Scott 4862-4865).

Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days; the holiday commences this year at sunset on Dec. 24. Traditions associated with the holiday include lighting the menorah, singing songs, giving gifts to children, and playing games with the dreidel, a four-sided spinning toy.

Along with the stamp pane, the Postal Service is also offering an unspecified number of press sheets containing 160 die-cut stamps (eight panes).

Technical details and first-day cancel ordering information for the Hanukkah forever stamp can be found below.

U.S. Hanukkah stamps 1996-2013

Scott No. 3118 - 1996 - 32 Menorah, multicolor candles, white background

Scott No. 3352 - 1999 - 33 Menorah (same)

Scott No. 3547 - 2001 - 34 Menorah (same)

Scott No. 3672 - 2002 - 37 Menorah (same)

Scott No. 3880 - 2004 - 37 Dreidel with lettering behind

Scott No. 4118 - 2006 - 39 Dreidel (same)

Scott No. 4219 - 2007 - 41 Dreidel (same)

Scott No. 4372 - 2008 - 42 Dreidel (same)

Scott No. 4433 - 2009 - 44 Menorah, gradient white to blue background

Scott No. 4583 - 2011 - [forever] Colorful boxes spell out Hanukkah

Scott No. 4824 - 2013 - [forever] Menorah, brown background

Scott No. TBD - 2016 - [forever] Menorah, blue background of trees at night

Nondenominated (47) Hanukkah forever stamp

FIRST DAY Nov. 1, 2016; city Boca Raton, Fla., and nationwide.

DESIGN: artist  William Low, Huntington, N.Y.; designer, art director and typographer Ethel Kessler, Bethesda, Md.; modelers Sandra Lane and Michelle Finn.

PRINTING: process offset with microprinting; printer and processor Banknote Corporation of America, Browns Summit, N.C.; press Alprinta 74; inks cyan, magenta, yellow, black, Pantone Matching System 7443 lavender; paper phosphor tagged, overall tagging; gum self-adhesive; issue quantity 15 million stamps; format pane of 20, from 320-subject cylinders; size 1.05 inches by 0.77 inches (image); 1.19 inches by 0.91 inches (overall); 5.64 inches by 5.43 inches (pane); 22.54 inches by 10.85 inches (press sheet); plate numbers B followed by five single digits; marginal markings Plate numbers (front); 2015 USPS, USPS logo, plate position diagram, barcode (559900) in two positions, promotional text (back); USPS item No. 559904.

First-day cancel ordering information

Standard ordering instructions apply. Collectors requesting first-day cancels are encouraged to purchase their own stamps and affix them to envelopes. The first-day cover envelopes should be addressed for return (a removable label may be used), and mailed in a larger envelope addressed to Hanukkah Stamp, Stamp Fulfillment Services, Cancellation Services, 8300 NE Underground Drive, Pillar 210, Kansas City, MO 64144-9998.

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The Postal Services uncacheted first-day cover for the Hanukkah stamp is item 559916 at 91. USPS item numbers for stamps and FDCs also appear in Linns 2016 U.S. Stamp Program.
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Via PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases: PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases: Major Shift of Toxigenic V. cholerae O1 from Ogawa to Inaba Serotype Isolated from Clinical and Environmental Samples in Haiti. The abstract:

In October of 2010, an outbreak of cholera was confirmed in Haiti for the first time in more than a century. A single clone of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 biotype El Tor serotype Ogawa strain was implicated as the cause. Five years after the onset of cholera, in October, 2015, we have discovered a major switch (ranging from 7 to 100%) from Ogawa serotype to Inaba serotype.

Furthermore, using wbeT gene sequencing and comparative sequence analysis, we now demonstrate that, among 2013 and 2015 Inaba isolates, the wbeT gene, responsible for switching Ogawa to Inaba serotype, sustained a unique nucleotide mutation not found in isolates obtained from Haiti in 2012. Moreover, we show that, environmental Inaba isolates collected in 2015 have the identical mutations found in the 2015 clinical isolates.

Our data indicate that toxigenic V. cholerae O1 serotype Ogawa can rapidly change its serotype to Inaba, and has the potential to cause disease in individuals who have acquired immunity against Ogawa serotype.

Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring of toxigenic V. cholerae O1 and cholera in countries with established endemic disease.

This finding may have discouraging implications for cholera vaccination programs and previous cholera cases.
Chew on this: A partial skull and jaw of a small crocodile relative that lived 100 million years ago has teeth that are more like a mammal's than a crocodilian's, according to a new study.

While crocodiles' toothy grins typically feature only cone-shaped teeth, this ancient crocodile relative from Morocco had more complex teeth, with specialized shapes that had pits surrounded by multiple pointed ends known as cusps.

High-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans allowed the scientists to examine the fossil noninvasively and revealed layers of replacement teeth that would've emerged as old teeth were worn down. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) magnified details of wear patterns, which were likely created when the crocs cracked and pulverized the exoskeletons of insect meals. [Image Gallery: Ancient Beast Fossils Leap into 3D World]

The conical tooth shape in modern crocodiles is perfectly suited for the way the reptiles feed  tearing off large chunks of meat and swallowing them whole. Chewing, on the other hand, requires a different type of tooth structure that is commonly found in mammals, combining pointed and flat surfaces for crushing food before swallowing.

Fossil crocodilians with complex teeth, dating to the Cretaceous period (145.5 million to 65.5 million years ago), first emerged in the early 1990s, according to the study's lead author Jeremy Martin, a paleontologist at Laboratoire de Geologie de Lyon in France.

At that time, scientists identified them as mammal teeth, Martin told Live Science in an email. That all changed when those same types of complex teeth were found in jaws that clearly belonged to fossil crocodiles, "a group now known as the Notosuchia," Martin said.

The pint-size notosuchian revealed in this study was represented by an upper and lower jaw; the study authors said its snout would have been "short and triangular," and its body likely measured just shy of 2 feet (60 centimeters) in length.

But what it lacked in stature it makes up with an oversize name  Lavocatchampsa sigogneaurussellae. That mouthful of a moniker incorporates the names of three paleontologists: the late Rene Lavocat (19092007), who identified the first vertebrate fossils at this site, and Denise Sigogneau-Russell and Donald Russell, who discovered the small crocodilian in the Kem-Kem Beds of Morocco.

A wide variety of fossils have been recovered from this region, including dinosaurs, fish, snakes, pterosaurs and larger crocodilians, the scientists reported.

"The Kem-Kem Beds in Morocco have yielded a wealth of extinct creatures, mostly large animals," Martin said in a statement. "But with this discovery, we realize that part of the ecosystem remains untapped, especially when it comes to small-bodied terrestrial vertebrates."

A relatively small crocodile-like creature would have faced tough competition in this Cretaceous ecosystem, and would likely have benefitted from occupying a slightly different environmental niche than its larger crocodile cousins.

In fact, "the next step will be to understand their place in this peculiar ecosystem and understand how the ecosystem as a whole was functioning and evolving," added Martin, referring to the newfound croc.

The findings were published online Aug. 25 in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

Original article on Live Science.
The Voynich manuscript's unintelligible writings and strange illustrations have defied every attempt at understanding their meaning. (Image credit: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)

Dating back hundreds to thousands of years, codices can reveal much about an ancient culture, that is, if you can decipher the text. Often written in an outdated language with unfamiliar grammar, these codices take careful analysis to crack their meanings. Some continue to completely baffle archaeologists and other scientists, while others have divulged just enough of their meaning to intrigue.

From an Egyptian book full of magic spells to a text written in an unknown language, Live Science takes a look at 10 of the most mysterious ancient manuscripts.

Related: Check out the 14 biggest historical mysteries that may never be solved.

Liber Linteus

Preserved in the wrappings of an Egyptian mumm, the Liber Linteus text dates back 2,200 years and is written in Coptic. (Image credit: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

Preserved in the wrappings of an Egyptian mummy, this text is written in Etruscan, a language that was used in Italy in ancient times. Dating back about 2,200 years, the mummy and its removed wrappings are now in the Zagreb Museum in Croatia.

The text's meaning is not entirely clear. It was "classified as a funerary calendar in the past, but nowadays, it is usually labelled as a ritual calendar, although months are only mentioned from column 6 onwards," Lammert Bouke van der Meer, a professor at Leiden University, wrote in an essay published in the book "Votives, Places and Rituals in Etruscan Religion" (Brill, 2008).

In ancient Egypt, it was common for materials to be reused as mummy wrapping or to make mummy masks. Additionally, trade was widespread in the Mediterranean in ancient times, and it was not unusual for goods to be transported between Italy and Egypt according to ancient records and archaeological finds.

Gospel of the Lots of Mary

An image showing the opening of the gospel. The text is written in Coptic, an Egyptian language that makes use of the Greek alphabet. The pages of the gospel are small, measuring less than 3 inches (75 millimeters) in height. (Image credit: Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Mrs. Beatrice Kelekian in memory of her husband, Charles Dikran Kelekian, 1984.669)

The "Gospel of the Lots of Mary," as the ancient text is called, is a gospel like no other. Written in Coptic (an Egyptian language) and dating back around 1,500 years, the Gospel of the Lots of Mary doesn't discuss the life of Jesus, but instead contains a series of 37 oracles, written vaguely, with only a few words that mention Jesus.

The opening to the book begins as follows: "The Gospel of the lots of Mary, the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ, she to whom Gabriel the Archangel brought the good news. He who will go forward with his whole heart will obtain what he seeks. Only do not be of two minds."

The text, now at Harvard University, was deciphered, and details were published in 2014 by Anne Marie Luijendijk, a professor in the Department of Religion at Princeton University. In her book "Forbidden Oracles? The Gospel of the Lots of Mary" (Mohr Siebeck, 2014)," she wrote that the gospel would have been used for divination, an attempt to predict the future. A person seeking an answer to a question could have sought out the owner of this book, asked a question and gone through a process that would randomly select one of the 37 oracles to help find a solution to the person's problem. How the process would have worked is unknown. Though it's unclear how the book reached the United States, it was donated to Harvard in 1984.

Dresden Codex

An ancient Mayan Text called the Dresden Codex contains detailed recordings of the phases of Venus in its Venus Table, on pages 46 to 50. Data in the Venus Table may have been gathered by astronomers to help time ritual events with the cycles of the planet. (Image credit: Alexander von Humboldt/Wikimedia Commons)

The Dresden Codex is a Mayan text dating back around 800 years; it contains 39 beautifully illustrated sheets with texts and images on both sides. Research published in 2016 in the Journal of Astronomy in Culture indicates that the codex records the phases of the planet Venus so that the Maya would be certain that their ceremonial events were being held on the correct day.

The Maya "had a really elaborate ritual set of events that were tied to the calendar," study researcher Gerardo Aldana, a science historian at the University of California, Santa Barbara, told Live Science. "They were probably doing large-scale ritual activity connected to the different phases of Venus."

The codex first appeared in Europe at The Royal Library in Dresden, Germany, in the 1730s. How it got there is unclear. Many Mayan texts were destroyed by zealous Christian missionaries trying to wipe out any non-Christian beliefs.

Gospel of Judas

The Gospel of Judas, a text dated to about A.D. 280, tells the story of Judas as a collaborator with Jesus instead of a betrayer. (Image credit: Joseph Barabe, McCrone Associates, Inc)

In 2006, the National Geographic Society published a translation of the third-century text called the "Gospel of Judas" that may depict Judas Iscariot  who, in the New Testament, betrayed Jesus  in a positive light. Some scholars claim that the text, written in Coptic, describes Jesus asking Judas to betray him so that he could be crucified and ascend into heaven.

However, experts disagree over the translation and interpretation of the text. April DeConick, a professor of religion at Rice University in Houston, said the text actually declares Judas to be a "daimon" (demon). Tests on the gospel's inkindicate that it is authentic, according to a team led by microscopist Joseph Barabe of McCrone Associates in Illinois.

Treatise of the Vessels

This bas-relief image showing the Ark of the Covenant being carried is from the Auch Cathedral in France. A newly translated Hebrew text claims to reveal the locations of treasures from King Solomon's Temple and discusses the fate of the Ark itself. (Image credit: Photo by I. Vassil, released into public domain through Wikimedia)

The "Treatise of the Vessels" is a Hebrew text that claims to reveal where treasures from King Solomon's temple were hidden, and discusses the fate of the Ark of the Covenant. The text says the Ark, along with other treasures, "shall not be revealed until the day of the coming of the Messiah son of David "  putting it out of reach of any would-be treasure seeker.

The earliest surviving copy of the text dates to 1648; James Davila, a professor at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, studied and translated that copy of the text. "The writer draws on traditional methods of scriptural exegesis [interpretation] to deduce where the treasures might have been hidden, but I think the writer was approaching the story as a piece of entertaining fiction, not any kind of real guide for finding the lost Temple treasures," Davila told Live Science in an email.

Davila published his translation and interpretation of the text in the book "Old Testament Pseudepigrapha: More Noncanonical Scriptures Volume 1" (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2013).

Popol Vuh

The Popol Vuh, which translates to "Book of Counsel," is a mythical origin story told by the K'iche' Maya. (Image credit: Public Domain)

The Popol Vuh, which translates to "Book of Counsel," is a mythical origin story told by the K'iche' Maya(who are based in Guatemala). According to the stories, the forefather gods Tepew and Q'ukumatz "brought forth the earth from a watery void, and endowed it with animals and plants," wrote Michael Coe, a professor at Yale University, in his book "The Maya" (Thames and Hudson, 2011).

The story says that the gods had difficulty creating humans and describes how they eventually created the hero twins, Hunahpu and Xbalanque. The twins embarked on a series of adventures, which included defeating the lords of the underworld. The earliest surviving copy of the Popol Vuh dates to 1701 and was recorded in Spanish by the Dominican priest Francisco Ximenez. A copyof the text is in the Newberry Library in Chicago.

Copper Scroll

A reproduction of parts of the Qumran Copper Scroll. (Image credit: Public Domain)

The Copper Scroll is a Hebrew text inscribed on copper sheets found in cave 3 at Qumran in the Judean Desert along with other Dead Sea Scrolls. The text records details of a vast amount of hidden treasure that includes gold, silver, vessels and coins. The scroll dates to around A.D. 70, a time when the Roman army laid siege to Jerusalem and the second templewas destroyed.

Scholars continue to debate whether the treasure described in the scrolls is real or mythical. To date, no buried treasure as large as that described in the Copper Scroll has been found in Israel or Palestine. If the treasure is real, it could have been found in ancient times.

Grolier Codex

Here, an image from the Grolier Codex, a Mayan text that researchers now say is authentic. (Image credit: Justin Kerr)

The so-called Grolier Codex (named after a club in New York where it was displayed) is a Maya codex that contains Maya hieroglyphs, illustrations of gods and a calendar that tracks the movements of Venus. A Mexican collector named Josue Saenz claims that he acquired the codex from a group of looters in the late 1960s, but scholars still debate its authenticity.

Recent tests show that the paper the codex is written on dates back about 800 years. Scientists also found that the text was illustrated with a paint known as "Maya blue," which wasn't synthesized in a lab until recently.(That suggests it would have been nearly impossible for a forger to create it and the codex.) The tests, along with studies of the images and hieroglyphs, has led some researchers to conclude that the codex is authentic.

Handbook of Ritual Power

An Egyptian Handbook of Ritual Power (as researchers call it) has been deciphered revealing a series of invocations and spells. It includes love spells, exorcisms and a cure for black jaundice (a potentially fatal infection). Written in Coptic (an Egyptian language) the 20 page illustrated codex dates back around 1,300 years. This image shows part of the text. (Image credit: Photo by Ms. Effy Alexakis, copyright Macquarie University Ancient Cultures Research Centre)

This 20-page codex dates back around 1,300 years and is written in Coptic. It contains a variety of magical spells and formulas, including love spells, spells for curing black jaundice and instructions on how to perform an exorcism.

The text may have been written by a group of Sethians, an ancient Christian sect who held Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve, in high regard. The opening of the text references a mysterious figure named "Baktiotha," whose identity is unknown.

"I give thanks to you and I call upon you, the Baktiotha: The great one, who is very trustworthy; the one who is lord over the forty and the nine kinds of serpents," a translationof the text reads.

The researchers who translated and analyzed the text call it a "Handbook of Ritual Power." It is now housed at the Museum of Ancient Cultures at Macquarie University in Sydney. The university purchased the codex in 1981 from a Vienna-based antiquities dealer named Michael Fackelmann. Where Fackelmann got it from is unknown.

Voynich Manuscript

The Voynich manuscript's unintelligible writings and strange illustrations have defied every attempt at understanding their meaning. (Image credit: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University)

Carbon dated to the 15th century, this 250-page book contains images of plants, cosmological symbols and nude women. It also contains an unreadable script (although one scientist believes he has deciphered 10 words from it).

Discovered in 1912 by Wilfrid Voynich, an antique-book dealer, the text has not yet been deciphered, leading to speculation as to whether it's written in a lost language, a code or gibberish. A recent study suggests that the manuscript's text has some of the hallmarks of a real language.

The manuscript has attracted a lot of attention from scholars and amateurs alike, along with a Spanish publisher that plans to republish the book in its entirety. The manuscript is now held at Yale University.
This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

Much has been made about the predictable partisan split between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump on issues of science and public policy. But what about their supporters? Can Americans really be that far apart in terms of science?

That liberals and conservatives have different opinions toward science is taken as a given. Typically, conservatives are painted as anti-science, with some studies suggesting their mistrust of science is increasing. Liberals, on the other hand, are usually assumed to be more receptive to science in general and more supportive of using science to shape policy.

Noting that party affiliation is different than political ideology  not everyone who identifies as liberal is a Democrat and not everyone who identifies as conservative is a Republican  these characterizations certainly seem to be true when we look at major leaders of the political parties. Many Republican politicians have publicly (opens in new tab) expressed doubts over the scientific consensus on climate change, for instance. At the top of the Republican presidential ticket is Donald Trump, who has called climate change a Chinese hoax and is on the record as supporting any number of other conspiracy theories. Conversely, Hillary Clinton's line at the Democratic National Convention  "I believe in science" was met with resounding applause.

Assuming that the stated views of outspoken politicians reflect the personal beliefs of voters within their parties is tempting. After all, voters elect politicians, presumably on the basis of having comparable worldviews. But research suggests that the link between partisanship and views on science may not be so cut and dried. Buried in the data is a much more nuanced relationship that's well worth examining. As a sociologist who focuses on ways to communicate science issues to the public, I'm interested in how a more clear-eyed view of this connection could be used to help combat anti-science attitudes.

Quantifying the science trust gap

In 2015, researchers asked 2,000 registered voters how deferential they felt politicians should be to science when creating public policy on a variety of issues. On a 10-point scale, participants ranked whether politicians should follow the advice of scientists (10), consider scientific findings in conjunction with other factors (5) or ignore scientific findings completely (1). Issues included climate change, legalizing drug usage, fetal viability, regulating nuclear power and teaching evolution, among other topics.

The participants then responded to questions about their political affiliation and ideological views, religious beliefs and other demographic variables.

Most people supported trusting the recommendations of scientists on policy issues, even politically contentious ones. The average score for all participants across all issues was 6.4, and the lowest-scoring issue (letting same-sex couples adopt children) was 4.9. The results suggest, in other words, that even on divisive issues, Americans think that politicians should take scientific recommendations into consideration when making public policy.

Breaking down responses based on political leanings did reveal some partisan differences. When it comes to deferring to scientific experts on policy issues, conservatives and independents look a lot alike. Averaged across issues, independents said policymakers should weigh science and other factors more or less evenly (5.84), only slightly more than conservatives did (5.58). Liberals, on the other hand, expressed much higher rates of deference to science  across issues, they averaged 7.46.

These findings are interesting because we tend to think of independents as the middle-of-the-road in American politics. If conservatives and independents are on the same page, though, it means that liberals are the outliers, so to speak. In other words, rather than most people putting an emphasis on science while conservatives steadfastly ignore it, the truth is that many people want other factors included in policy discussions. It's liberals who are further from the pack on this issue, wanting more emphasis on science than their peers.

It's not their politics, it's their values

Other research has similarly found that science denial can run the political spectrum. For instance, another study examined attitudes about climate change, evolution and stem cell research and found that partisan identification was not necessarily a good predictor of how someone will feel about these controversial issues. In fact, very few participants were found to be skeptical of science across the board. And reactions to these specific issues were more tightly linked with religious attitudes than with political ones.

Other scholarship echoes these findings. Indeed, research does suggest that a certain segment of the population places more trust in religion than in science for understanding the world. But even among this group, science and religion are seen as conflicting only on certain topics, including the Big Bang and evolution.

One area in which political beliefs do have an impact is the kinds of scientists that liberals and conservatives are likely to trust. A 2013 study of 798 participants found that conservatives put more faith in scientists involved in economic production  food scientists, industrial chemists and petroleum geologists, for instance  than in scientists involved in areas associated with regulation, such as public health and environmental science. The opposite was true for liberals. Again, this suggests that it's not simply a matter of conservatives being skeptical of science in general; there's a much more nuanced relationship between political leanings and trust in scientific expertise.

So why does it appear that liberals and conservatives are living in different worlds when it comes to issues of science? Partisanship clearly plays some role in how people view science and their willingness to trust scientific information. And because these disagreements tend to come on high-profile issues like climate change and evolution, about which there is already so much controversy, it's easy to get the impression that the liberal and conservative divide on science must run incredibly deep.

Comes down to cultural cognition

To help explain why people fall in line with their fellow partisans on these high-profile issues, consider the theory of cultural cognition. This social sciences concept suggests it's hard for people to accept new information that poses a threat to their values system. Addressing climate change, for instance, is often talked about in terms of government regulation of carbon pollution. For conservatives who oppose government involvement in the economy, this poses a threat to an idea they hold very dear.

No one likes to be wrong, of course. Cultural cognition theorists take this a step further and argue that there are social consequences to taking a position about a political issue that runs counter to what your community believes  just ask conservative former congressman Bob Inglis, who was defeated by a primary challenger in 2010 after speaking out on climate change.

From loss of business to strained interpersonal relationships, being the black sheep is hard. Rather than changing their beliefs about government regulation, then, it's cognitively more comfortable for conservatives in conservative social circles to maintain skepticism about climate change. It's less an inherent distrust of science, then, but rather a need to discount the science that supports policies that threaten a deep belief.

Everyone is subject to this effect. There are studies that suggest it's stronger for conservatives, but liberals, too, come to mistrust scientific information when it challenges their worldviews. For instance, a 2014 study found that liberals will display the same sort of evidence-ignoring behaviors as their conservative counterparts when faced with arguments that go against their beliefs about policies like gun control. (Claims about liberals exhibiting anti-science bias on the issues of vaccination and genetically modified organisms are increasing, though they are challenged by recent studies.)

In other words, these divides may not reflect Americans' attitudes toward science so much as other cultural and personal beliefs.

Get past assumptions to common ground

Having a more complete understanding of when and why liberals and conservatives trust science helps avoid oversimplifications. It's an important stopgap using oversimplified assumptions to denigrate those who disagree with us politically.

None of this is to suggest that the anti-science viewpoints exhibited by Republican politicians on issues such as climate change should be ignored. Nor is it an argument that since both sides can fall for anti-science rhetoric, it can be waved away.

Rather, these findings indicate that, in theory, it's possible liberals and conservatives could work together to encourage politicians to base policy recommendations on sound science, at least on some issues.

Maybe even more importantly, understanding the social and cultural issues surrounding the acceptance or rejection of science is a first step toward crafting messages that resonate with members of the public who question the science on hot-button issues. Research suggests using the right kind of messenger (opens in new tab)  someone who is trusted within the community  can be key to moving the needle. Science communications scholars have been hard at work devising other tactics to help reach people on issues of science. Hopefully they'll trust the growing body of social science evidence to help guide their efforts.

Lauren Griffin, Co-Director of Research for frank and Manager of the Journal of Public Interest Communications, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Say hello to JJ, who was born recently at the Columbus Zoo.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has released the first images of its male baby gorilla born on Sept. 28 at 1:18 a.m. EDT  and the little one has eyes that could melt most hearts.

Named JJ, the pint-size primate  a western lowland gorilla  is the 32nd gorilla born at the Columbus Zoo, which also facilitated the birth of the first gorilla born in captivity, nearly 60 years ago. That gorilla, Colo, is still living at the zoo. She is the oldest gorilla on record  and is also JJ's great-grandmother.

JJ, along with his mother Tabibu, will remain out of the public eye for several months, to allow the mother and newborn time to bond, according to a statement from zoo officials. [Baby Gorillas Show Off Cute Hairstyles]

"She's a first-time mother and has no previous experience with infants," Audra Meinelt, assistant curator of the Congo Expedition at the Columbus Zoo in Ohio, told Live Science. "So we want her to focus on that baby."

Zoo caretakers eventually identified the newborn as male, though it was days after the birth before they could be sure. Gorilla young are typically carried by their mothers in a stomach-to-stomach position, which can make it difficult for observers to determine a new baby's sex, Meinelt explained.

"We had suspicions, but it took days to confirm that we could see male parts," Meinelt said. "It depends on what kind of look the mom lets you have, so it's hard to tell until you're lucky enough to get that glimpse."

Captive breeding

Western lowland gorillas are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). For zoos that maintain gorilla populations, breeding them successfully in captivity is a vital part of preserving this fragile species.

To that end, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums maintains a Species Survival Plan that compiles genetic information about animals in captivity, to help zoos determine which pairings will likely produce the healthiest offspring.

JJ is mother Tabibu's first infant. Colo, his great-grandmother, was the first gorilla born in captivity, in 1956. (Image credit: Audra Meinelt)

JJ is the first infant sired by his father, Macombo II. But Mac, as he is called, had previously helped care for unrelated infants in his group  an uncommon behavior in adult male gorillas, zoo officials said in the statement. Mac was born at the Columbus Zoo in 1983; Tabibu was born in Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo in 1992 and came to live at the Columbus Zoo in 2012.

Once prospective mates have been introduced within a social group, zoo caretakers test female gorillas monthly for signs of pregnancy. "We use human pregnancy tests," Meinelt told Live Science, which they administer using urine collected from enclosure floors or captured directly from the gorillas.

Gorilla gestation is comparable to a human female's, but there can be a wide range of possible due dates  in Tabibu's case, that window was about six weeks, during which Tabibu could have gone into labor at any time, Meinelt said. Shortly before that period, caretakers moved Tabibu's entire group to a new area, where they would rotate between two spaces, only one of which was open to public view.

For now, JJ will be visible to the public only through photos, and zoo officials hope that news of his birth will kindle visitors' interest  not just in the newborn himself, but in his zoo "family" and in gorilla conservation efforts worldwide.

"Every birth of a critically endangered species is especially exciting, but to welcome a critically endangered gorilla into our family is one of the most extraordinary announcements we can make," Tom Stalf, president and CEO of the Columbus Zoo, said in the statement.

Original article on Live Science.
A group of scientists has just claimed to have discovered two unknown voids or cavities within the Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest pyramid ever constructed in Egypt.

Such cavities can be signs of hidden burials or rooms and as such, media outlets across the world immediately ran headlines touting this "discovery." One outlet even went so far as to proclaim that "secret rooms" had been found in the Great Pyramid.

However, Live Science has learned that the results are more ambiguous. Scientists who are charged with overseeing the team's work, including Zahi Hawass, Egypt's antiquities minister, said they are not convinced that sizable voids or cavities have been discovered. [See Images of the Great Pyramid and the 'Voids']

Built by the Pharaoh Khufu over 4,500 years ago, the Great Pyramid is the largest such structure in Egypt, and one of three pyramids built at Giza. It rose 481 feet (146 meters) tall when it was first built, although the loss of stone due to weathering and quarrying of the pyramid means that the structure rises only about 455 feet (138 m) today. Ancient writers called the pyramid a "wonder of the world." It was the tallest building in the world until the Lincoln Cathedral was completed in England in the 14th century.

Unknown voids?

On Saturday (Oct. 15), the Scan Pyramids Project issued a press release saying that two previously unknown voids or cavities had been discovered in the Great Pyramid of Giza. The project consists of a group of scientists from different universities, institutes and companies who are scanning Egypt's pyramids using various technologies.

(Image credit: Simulation by K. Morishima (Nagoya University) and Benoit Marini for ScanPyramids, results by K. Morishima (Nagoya University) for ScanPyramids)

To find the voids, scientists used muography, a technique that measures the density of muons, or subatomic particles that are the primary component of cosmic rays raining down on Earth. [In Photos: Inside Egypt's Great Pyramids]

"Muon particles permanently reach the Earth with a speed close to the speed of light and a flux around 10,000 per m per minute. They originate from the interactions of cosmic rays created in the universe with the atoms of the upper atmosphere," said the Scan Pyramids project team in its press release. The researchers added that these particles can "go through hundreds of meters of stone before being absorbed."

Muons can easily cross areas where there are voids or cavities, but the particles are sometimes absorbed or deflected when they hit denser material, the team said. By measuring changes in muon particles as they go deeper into the pyramid the team can search for hidden areas. "The challenge of such measurements consists in building extremely precise detectors and in accumulating enough data  over several days or months  to increase the contrast," the team said in the statement.

Caution urged

However, a team of scientists appointed by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities to oversee the work of the Scan Pyramids Project team said it is not convinced that sizable voids or cavities have been discovered. This oversight team is led by former antiquities minister Zahi Hawass and includes several Egyptologists with decades of experience. Mark Lehner, who has been conducting work at Giza for about 30 years, is one of the team members.

That group issued its own press release, through the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, saying that more work needs to be done. The researchers recommended extending the Scan Pyramids project by another year so that more data can be gathered. They used the term "anomalies" in the press release rather than calling the findings "voids" or "cavities."

Hawass told Live Science that the results obtained by the Scan Pyramid team may be the result of different-size stones used in the Great Pyramid and may not indicate the presence of sizable voids.

"The core [of the pyramid] has big and small stones, and this can show hollows everywhere," he said. The oversight team "asked for more work to know the size and the function" of the anomalies, Hawass said.

Hard lessons learned

Egypts antiquities ministry decided to have a group of experienced Egyptologists oversee scanning work after a debacle that occurred at Tutankhamun's tomb. In an incident that started last year, an Egyptologist named Nicholas Reeves claimed to have found evidence that the tomb of Queen Nefertiti was hidden behind a secret doorway in King Tut's tomb.

An initial scan suggested that such a tomb may exist, creating a media stir, though provoking skeptical reactions from scientists not involved with Reeves' work. More-detailed scans carried out earlier this year revealed that there was no such Nefertiti tomb.

Before the negative results from the second series of scans came back, officials in the Egyptian antiquities ministry, as well as the tourism ministry, had publicly stated that they believed a hidden chamber, possibly containing Nefertiti's tomb, likely existed. After the negative results, and critical views of the first scan from outside scientists, the antiquities ministry had to backpedal from that position.

Original article on Live Science.
Mid-Ulster in Northern Ireland is home to the highest proportion of people with gigantism than any other place on Earth, scientists say.

The land of giants. It sounds like something from a fairy tale, but it arguably exists in a region of Northern Ireland where a cluster of people with a genetic predisposition grow abnormally tall.

In Mid-Ulster, about 1 in 150 people carry a genetic mutation to the AIP gene that leads to an overproduction of growth hormone resulting in acromegaly, also known as gigantism. The hormone disorder is spurred by a tumor on the pituitary gland, a pea-sized organ at the base of the brain.

"This is probably the highest proportion of giants in the whole world in that little part of Northern Ireland," Marta Korbonits, professor of endocrinology at Barts and the London School of Medicine Queen Mary, tells Seeker. Korbonits led the team that discovered the link between the AIP gene defect in Irish populations and gigantism in 2011.

In their latest research, Korbonits and her team calculated that the AIP gene defect traces back 2,500 years. The team found the variant in Charles Byrne, a man born in 1761 who grew to be 7 feet, 6 inches tall and was known as the "Irish giant," as well as in 18 other Irish families.

The 18th-century "Irish Giant," Charles Byrne, is shown in this illustration with the Knipe brothers and a gathering of dwarves. (Image credit: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

RELATED: This Gene Makes You Look Old

In children, there's rapid growth, which can be accompanied by joint pain, disabling headaches, vision problems, type II diabetes, facial distortion and enlarged hands and feet. In adults, if symptoms develop late, adults don't get taller, because their bones are already fused and may in fact shrink due to developing a curvature in the spine. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, hypertension and difficulty sleeping.

"While these people might look big and powerful and strong, the long-term effects of excess IGF-1 and growth hormone are very disabling for these patients," explains Anthony Heaney, endocrinologist and professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

"We have this fascination with these really large, powerful people, and yet they themselves have a lot of morbidity and potential mortality from this disorder," Heaney continues.

Treatments are available and include surgery, medication or radiation therapy, but how effective those options are depends largely on the progression of the disease. Usually by the time clinicians get involved, patients have already developed large tumors, and complete control of the tumor and hormone regulation is hard to achieve. Even the best surgical centers in the world are just 50 percent effective at achieving that control, Heaney notes.

Monitoring the lineage of the gene variant lets researchers keep an eye out for children who inherit the defect. Early clinical intervention can help to prevent the worst of the symptoms.

RELATED: 'Irish Hamlet' Mystery Solved?

Researchers say it's unlikely there are other hotspots with the same gene defect causing acromegaly.

"Humans have about 30,000 genes, and if you imagine that each gene is a book within a library, we have a library with 30,000 books, Korbonits explains. "The one which we're talking about here is called AIP... and the Irish guys have one particular spelling mistake in this book."

To Heaney, who hails from Northern Ireland, it makes a lot of sense that a cluster of individuals prone to gigantism have been found in Mid-Ulster, not only because of the fame of giants like Bryne, but also the folklore of the region, specifically the myth of giant Fionn mac Cumhaill. The legend goes that mac Cumhaill created the Isle of Man by hurtling a piece of land torn from a lake known today as Loch Neagh and created the Giant's Causeway, an interlocking series of basalt rocks that lead out to the ocean, to the Scottish giant Benandonner.

With researchers looking into the real, genetic heritage that inspired mythological figures and clinicians treating acromegaly, perhaps one day gigantism will only be found in fiction.

Original article on Discovery News.
A European spacecraft destined to land on Mars detached from its mothership on Sunday (Oct. 16), setting the stage for a daring descent to the Red Planet's surface later this week.

The European Space Agency's Mars-bound Schiaparelli module separated from its carrier craft  the Trace Gas Orbiter  at about 10:42 a.m. EDT (1442 GMT) as both spacecraft were in the home stretch of their 308 million-mile trek (496 million kilometers) to Mars. If all goes well, the two probes (which make up the ESA-Russian ExoMars 2016 mission) will arrive at the Red Planet on Wednesday (Oct. 19), with Schiaparelli dropping down to the Martian surface as its mothership enters orbit around Mars.

"We can confirm good separation from the Schiaparelli module," ExoMars flight director Michel Denis said during a live ESA webcast from the agency's mission control center in Darmstadt, Germany. Flight controllers applauded as confirmation of the separation was received at the center. [Europe's ExoMars Missions in Pictures (Gallery)]

The Wednesday arrival of Schiaparelli and the Trace Gas Orbiter will kick into high gear the first phase of ESA and Russia's ambitious ExoMars project aimed at searching for signs that life ever existed on Mars. A second mission will launch the ExoMars rover and surface science station to Mars in 2020.

An artist's illustration of the ExoMars 2016 Schiaparelli lander (right) separating from its Trace Gas Orbiter mothership on Oct. 16, 2016 ahead of a planned Oct. 19 landing. ExoMars 2016 is a joint mission by the European Space Agency and Russia's Roscosmos space agency. (Image credit: ESA/ATG medialab)

The Trace Gas Orbiter, or TGO as it's called, is built to seek out water-ice deposits on or just below the Martian surface, according to an ESA mission overview. It will also investigate the presence of methane in Mars' atmosphere to help scientists learn exactly how the gas  which can be created by geological and biological processes  may have formed. After entering orbit around Mars on Wednesday, TGO will begin a long series of aerobraking maneuvers that should last into 2017, after which its science mission will begin.

The Schiaparelli module, meanwhile, is primarily a demonstrator vehicle to test the entry, descent and landing technology needed to safely land on Mars. It is powered by internal batteries and is designed to last just a few days on the Martian surface, ESA officials have said. [How Europe's ExoMars Missions Work (Infographic)]

The lander will use a heat shield, a huge parachute and thrusters to land on Meridiani Planum, a vast region of Mars that is also home to NASA's Opportunity rover.

During its six-minute descent, a camera on Schiaparelli will snap up to 15 pictures of the trip down to Mars. The probe also contains set of science instruments to monitor the Martian atmosphere while it is active on the surface.

With Schiaparelli and TGO now making their separate approaches to Mars, all eyes are turning to the arrival and landing on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

ESA will webcast the arrival of TGO and Schiaparelli online Wednesday beginning with an ESA Social TV webcast at 9 a.m. EDT (1300 GMT). ESA's primary ExoMars arrival program begins at 11:44 a.m. EDT (1544 GMT) and run through about 1 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT). A second part will resume at 2:25 p.m. EDT (1825 GMT) and last just under two hours.

ESA officials will also hold a follow up press conference on Thursday (Oct. 20) at 4 a.m. EDT (0800 GMT) to showcase images from the Schiaparelli module's descent camera.

You can follow all of the ExoMars 2016 arrival and landing events via the ESA's Livestream page. You can all see the events on Space.com here, courtesy of ESA.

Visit Space.com this week for complete coverage of the ExoMars 2016 orbital arrival and landing.

Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
Theres no official indication yet as to the identity of the new owners of the Shannon Key West Hotel, which was sold at auction for 400,000 last Wednesday.

Theres no official indication yet as to the identity of the new owners of the Shannon Key West Hotel, which was sold at auction for 400,000 last Wednesday.

The 39-bedroom hotel in Rooskey was one of 110 properties that sold at the latest Allsop Space property sale in the Shelbourne Hotel last week. The hotel, which was previously owned by the Flynn family, exceeded its reserve price by 100,000.There was huge interest in the hotel, which was liquidated last October with debts of more than 3 million. The great thing about auctions such as these is their transparency, Robert Hoban, Auction Director at Allsop told the Leader. We advertised these properties as much as possible and there was plenty of interest in it with the end result being that we now know the market value of a 39-bedroom hotel in Rooskey is 400,000, he said.

Allsop could not reveal the identity of the new owner of the hotel, which was valued at 5 million less than a decade ago. Another local property, a three bedroom house at Ardnacassa, went for just 32,000 (12,000 greater than the reserve price). This was certainly at the lower end of the scale in terms of pricing at this auction, but we have such a broad range of properties that it lets you really see the trends in market value emerging, Robert added. Another three-bedroom house, this time at Tarmonbarry Harbour, took the organisers somewhat by surprise, eventually going for 141,000  nearly three times its reserve price of 55,000. This property definitely took us by surprise  not at how much the property sold for  but the immense interest in it on the day. Its a very strong price for the area, Robert said.

The new owners of the 134 sqm house will also enjoy a long-lease marina berth and a water view.

The headline story of the day, however, was the sale of 23 Northumberland Road in Dublin which sold for 685,000, a figure 135,000 more than was paid for it just three months ago. According to Robert Hoban the record attendance of 2,700 people on Wednesday is testament to the popularity of the process with the buying public. While many buyers admitted to exceeding their intended limits, they were comfortable to do so in a transparent, fair and open environment, he added.
Ballymahon native Joan Mulvihill, outgoing CEO of the Irish Internet Association (IIA), was honoured at the dot ie Net Visionary Awards 2016 last Friday night.

Ms Mulvihill was presented with the IIAs Overall Net Visionary award.

The awards, now in their 18th year, took place in the RDS Concert Hall with over 300 attendees from a wide variety of sectors from agriculture to retail.

Ms Mulvihill commented, The awards continue to demonstrate the pace and breadth of innovation across Irish industry and exemplify technology as the catalyst for much of this change. Technology is not an industry vertical. It is for all industries, across all sectors.

She added, Ive no doubt the future Net Visionaries will come from sectors completely unrelated to the traditional technology sector in the coming years.

After seven years, Ms Mulvihill will step down as the CEO of the IIA. From the outset she set out a bold goal to make Ireland a leading web-enabled economy.

She played a pivotal role in helping drive education across Irish business around technology as well as campaigning tirelessly on key issues affecting over 40,000 people directly employed in the Irish technology and startup community.

The Irish Internet Association (IIA) is the independent representative body for internet businesses in Ireland.

Established in 1997 it has been at the forefront of ensuring that Irish businesses and citizens have the skills, infrastructure and network of support needed to drive growth in the economy.

The IIA is a non-profit business association. Members of the association include suppliers of Internet services and products as well as those using the medium for communication, marketing and commerce.
Large numbers of beef farmers attended the Teagasc National Beef Conference which took place last Tuesday in Athlone.

The theme for the conference was putting Practice into Profit and speaking at the opening of the conference, Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle said that through research, advisory and education programmes, the organisation would continue to play a huge role in working with farmers and the beef industry to ensure that technologies were put into practice on farms.

This , he added, will lead to more sustainable and profitable beef systems on Irish farms over the coming years.

Meanwhile, Rob Prendiville, Teagasc researcher, presented the latest research coming from Johnstown Castle where many different systems of dairy calf-to-beef have been evaluated in recent years.

Systems that utilise high quantities of pasture and which are focused on high output per hectare are fundamental to the profitability of calf to beef systems, he added.

During the conference, Teagasc geneticist, Donagh Berry described how over the coming years beef genomics would be about much more than just increasing the reliability of the beef breeding indices.

There are many uses for genomics including parentage verification, mating advice to minimise inbreeding, monitoring of major genes or unfavourable DNA mutations, as well as increased accuracy of genetic evaluations, he concluded.
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With Halloween so close to the November election, we may as well bring up the obvious link between ghouls and political hacks: Dead people are voting.

Reports are popping up around the country about deceased people who continue to vote, as recently reported by a Denver television station. That report prompted the Chicago Tribunes editorial board to publish a tongue-in-cheek editorial in which the editors admitted that dead people have influenced the outcome of Chicago elections for many years.

That reminded me of an odd experience I had in Chicago just before election time a decade or so ago.

I was in town on business for six or seven weeks and spent many spare hours touring the blues joints and restaurants that are legendary there. And then one night, after enjoying a wee few adult beverages, I swear I saw dead people marching up and down Michigan Avenue, stuffing their pockets with voter registrations and absentee ballots.

They looked liked extras in a George Romero flick.

I vaguely recall striking up a conversation with one of them. He said he was a member of the American Association of Dead People and that if any Republican tried to suppress his vote, the American Civil Liberties Union would be crawling over the suppressor faster than you could say Jesse Jackson. Then he said Herbert Hoover didnt have a chance of beating FDR.

In no time, ghosts and goblins of every kind began oozing out of the citys underbelly. I passed an Internet cafe further up Michigan and saw a group of ghostly Internet nerds using their mastery over the web to spread lies about the candidate they loathed.

Annoyed by their antics, I walked down to the Billy Goat Tavern, for years a favorite watering hole for the citys old-school journalists. I sensed the presence of columnist Mike Royko there, and God knows we need more journalists like him now.

Royko always called it like he saw it. His purpose was to shed light on the truth, even if the truth hurt. He knew that a great country like ours had its share of corruption, but in the end it was saved time and again by the fairness, the good-heartedness and the logical reasoning of the American people  not to mention journalists who were in the business of speaking truth to power, rather than pushing one candidate over another.

In any event, all joking aside, dead voters are registering and voting and the Chicago Tribune editorial board admits that the city has a long and extensive history of turning out the graveyard vote.

The board shared some examples.

One fellow, Raymond Hicks, was a Chicago Democrat precinct captain in the 27th Ward. He was legendary for his election-fraud activities.

During a 1983 corruption trial, the Tribune reported that Hicks told of visiting every hotel and flophouse in the West Side ward to pay for votes and lists of people who had died or moved and would not be voting. Such methods were often effective. Richard Milhous Nixon knows about it all too well. In 1960, John F. Kennedys father allegedly was very successful paying for such tactics to put Illinois in the win column for JFK and help him take the presidency from Nixon.

The Times cites a report by Earl Mazo, a reporter for the New York Herald Tribune, who was shocked to learn that dead people really did vote in the 1960 election. He found a cemetery in which the names on the tombstones were registered and voted for JFK.

In any event, dead people will be voting in this years election, which probably makes sense. If this nutty election is any indication, and it is, the country is fast heading to an early grave.
The Islamic State claims to have launched at least 12 suicide bombings during the first day of the battle for Mosul, Iraq. The groups Amaq News Agency posted the claims in English and Arabic on its social media sites, including Telegram. All of the suicide attacks were purportedly carried out south and east of Mosul, with eight targeting the Kurdish Peshmerga and the remaining four striking Iraqi forces.

However, Iraqs Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) says that all 12 suicide bombers were neutralized, eight by the Iraqi Army and four by the Peshmerga. All our forces are able to counter SVBIEDs, or suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive devices, a tweet on the PMUs official English Twitter feed reads. One photo posted by the PMU appears to show the remains of a VBIED that has been destroyed.

A second PMU tweet says that an Islamic State suicide bomber, who was dressed in Federal Police clothes in #Mosulwas shot before he could blow himself up. And third tweet includes images of two pages, which are purportedly all that remains of an Egyptian suicide bomber who tried to attack the Iraqi Army as it advanced towards Mosul.

The Associated Press described the situation to Mosuls east, which is one of the key approaches for the battle. The main roads and fields were littered with homemade bombs and suicide car bomb attacks had slowed the troops progress according to the AP, which cited Lt. Col. Mohammad Darwish of the peshmerga.

The fog of war makes it impossible to verify the efficacy of the Islamic States suicide attacks.

The Islamic State has used suicide bombers in both its offensives and as a defensive tactic when losing ground.

For example, Amaq claims that Abu Bakr al Baghdadis men launched 29 suicide attacks in Libya during the first nine months of 2016. Twenty-six of these were allegedly carried out in the city of Sirte between May and August. In the months immediately preceding May, when the group had uncontested control of the city, Amaq did not report any such martyrdom operations in and around Sirte.

The Islamic State was forced to deploy a large number of its martyrs in Sirte after Libyan fighters, backed by US special forces and airstrikes, began an offensive to retake the so-called caliphates North African safe haven. The bombings likely slowed the advances made by the Solid Structure operations room, which coordinates the Libya militiamen opposed to the caliphates project in Sirte.

The Islamic State employed similar tactics in Anbar province, where it has suffered significant setbacks. According to data published by Amaq, 174 of the organizations 463 suicide attacks in Iraq from January through September of this year have occurred in Anbar province.

A similar situation is likely playing out in Mosul, where the Islamic State is attempting to stymie the offensive by Iraqi forces and the US-led coalition.

During the first nine months of the year, Amaq claimed a total of 782 suicide bombings in Iraq, Syria and Libya, for an average of 87 per month. If the Islamic States statistics are accurate, then the group is executing martyrdom operations at a historically high rate. In 2015, according to data compiled by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), all terrorist groups around the world averaged 61 suicide bombings per month.

As The Long War Journal has previously reported, Amaqs claims regarding the number of suicide attacks should not be accepted at face value. The figures have not been independently verified. It is possible that some attacks are counted even if they failed, and this may be the case in Mosul during the first days of heavy fighting. The Islamic State has also used children or adolescents in its bombings, meaning that some of the attackers are not truly willing martyrs.

Still, in general, suicide attacks are one of the jihadis most effective tactics. The State Department has noted that, [o]n average, suicide attacks in 2015 were 4.6 times as lethal as non-suicide attacks. This means that the martyrs become even more integral as the Islamic State loses ground.

For more on the Islamic States claimed suicide operations, see LWJ reports: Number of suicide attacks claimed by the Islamic State dipped in September, The Islamic States prolific martyrdom machine, Islamic State claims nearly 600 suicide attacks in first six months of 2016 and Islamic State claims more than 700 suicide attacks since beginning of the year.

Amaq News Agencys claims regarding martyrdom bombings south and east of Mosul during the first hours of the battle:

Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
Earlier today, Malian-based jihadists attempted a prison break in Niger to free fellow jihadists from a high-security prison close to the capital Niamey. No prisoners escaped nor were any guards killed in the assault. One attacker, however, was killed after failing to detonate his explosive belt.

The Koutoukale high-security prison houses captured militants from al Qaeda, Boko Haram and other militant groups active in Niger, according to the BBC. If the attackers came from Mali, as reported, it is likely the militants have a connection to al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) or its many affiliates in the country.

French outlet RFI reports:

On late Monday morning, calm has returned around the Koutoukale high security prison. The attempt to release terrorist prisoners failed. The assailants, a dozen terrorists came from the Mali border by motorcycle, fled leaving behind one of their own killed by the National Guard before he could activate his [explosive] belt. Upon arrival in the morning, the attackers opened fire on the main gate of the prison Koutoukale [with] M80 submachine guns. But the gate did not give in, the gunmen did not have access to the interior. No prisoner has escaped and the situation is currently under control of the National Guard. Significant reinforcements arrived [for] the soldiers in their kit, they say. Air assets were also mobilized. According to the governor of Tillabery region, the attackers will be caught and neutralized, given the resources mobilized.

In a prison break in Niamey in 2013, militants from the now largely-defunct Malian-based group Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) were able to escape after an attack on same prison. In 2014, suspected militants from Al Murabitoon targeted a prison in the Tillabery region of Niger close to the borders with Mali.

Todays attack near Niamey follows the kidnapping of an American aid worker and a suspected jihadist assault on a Malian refugee camp, both of which happened closer to the borders with Mali. An American aid worker from the non-governmental organization JEMED, who had lived in Niger since the 1990s, was kidnapped from his home and taken to Mali over the weekend.

Jihadist groups based in Mali continue to strike in neighboring Niger, highlighting the spillover from Malis volatile security situation. Nigers porous borders and inability to combat this allows for jihadists to exploit the failure to strike in the country. While there have not been any large-scale coordinated attacks, like in Arlit and Agadez in 2013, there have been at least seven attacks attributable to Malian-based jihadists in Niger so far this year. With the recent spate of assaults in Niger, this number could very well increase.

[For more data: see this Long War Journal map of attacks in Niger.]

Caleb Weiss is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
17 October: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Published: October 17, 2016

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed globally on 17 October for eradication of poverty throughout the world.

Significance of Day: It seeks to promote awareness among people to eradicate poverty and destitution around the world particularly in developing countries

2016 Theme:  Moving from humiliation and exclusion to participation: Ending poverty in all its forms . It highlights importance to recognize and address the humiliation and exclusion suffered by many people living in poverty.

Background: The United Nations had declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty by adopting a resolution on 22 December 1992. For the first time, it was observed in 1993.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2016

Topics: Days and Events  International  International Day for the Eradication of Poverty  Povery

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The Taliban has documented the aftermath of last weeks ambush on Afghan security personnel on the outskirts the provincial capital of Helmand which resulted in scores of troops killed and dozens more captured. The Taliban released a video today that details the deadly ambush near Lashkar Gah, which underscores the deteriorating security situation in the province.

The ambush, which took place on Oct. 11 in Basharan near Lashkar Gah, was previously described by both the Taliban and The New York Times. The Taliban reportedly ambushed a large convoy of Afghan troops after negotiating their safe passage from their base. A contingent of more than 300 Afghan troops were besieged by the Taliban. According to the Taliban, 69 Afghan security personnel were killed, 33 more were wounded and subsequently captured, and 125 surrendered. The Times later reported that between 100 and 200 Afghan security personnel were killed. [See Threat Matrix report, Taliban reportedly kills 100 Afghan troops in Helmand capital.]

Afghan officials in the Defense and Interior ministries denied the report that its forces took high casualties near Helmand, and there was no reporting of the ambush in the Afghan press. However, the initial Taliban and The New York Times accounts closely matched.

Today, Taliban backed up its version of events in Basharan when it released a video which includes footage of the ambush and its aftermath. The video was released by Al Emarah Studio, which is part of [the] multimedia branch [of] the cultural commission of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the Taliban said in a statement released on Voice of Jihad.

The video, which is just over 35 minutes long, presents report of a successful attack on a large military and logistical convoy in Basharan area of Helmands capital Lashkargah.

According to the Taliban, the video shows Mujahideen attacks on a hireling convoy heading towards capital Lashkargah for breaking the siege of the capital.

The Taliban video confirmed their own claim that a large number of troops were killed and captured during the ambush. One scene shows a large number of captive Afghan troops sitting in a room. Several captured security personnel are interviewed at the end of the video. Other video clips show dozens of slain Afghan security personnel lying next to burned out or destroyed vehicles.

The Taliban also show a large number of vehicles captured or destroyed during the ambush. Taliban fighters are seen driving several functional US-supplied HUMVEEs and Ford Ranger pickup trucks that are normally used by the Afghan National Police and Afghan Local Police. One of the HUMVEEs captured looks to be so new that it has what appears to be shipping paperwork taped to the window. The Taliban also show a captured M1117 armored vehicle. A number of burned-out pickup trucks, HUMVEEs, and cars are also displayed in the video.

The video appears to support the Talibans initial claim from last week that it destroyed 8 APCs [and] 1 Kamaz truck and seized 1 armored tank [likely the M1117], 22 APCs [likely the HUMVEEs], 20 ranger pickups, 3 other vehicles and different types ammunition.

The Taliban recorded the video in the daylight, presumably the morning or afternoon following the ambush, which was said to have taken place at 2:30 a.m. local time. Despite several hours passing between the ambush and defeat of the Afghan forces and the recording of the video, there was no apparent response from the Afghan military or from the US Air Force. The Taliban seen in the video are operating in the open during daylight just outside of the provincial capital and do not appear to be concerned about airstrikes.

The video highlights the precarious situation in Lashkar Gah, which has been under Taliban threat for well over year. In Oct. 2015, The Taliban advanced to within miles of Lashkar Gah, which has been besieged ever since. US advisers have been deployed to Lashkar Gah and other districts in Helmand to help Afghan forces battle the Taliban, but have struggled to contain the threat. Of Helmands 14 districts, six are known to be controlled by the Taliban and another seven, including the provincial capital, are heavily contested. The Taliban are threatening four other provincial capitals.

Images from the Taliban video of the Basharan ambush:

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

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Dabiq, a town in northern Syria that has been central to the Islamic States apocalyptic messaging, has fallen to rebel groups backed by Turkey. The so-called caliphates opposition had been closing in on Dabiq for weeks, capturing nearby towns and villages. Yesterday, Turkeys Operation Euphrates Shield posted images from inside the town, thereby demonstrating that the Islamic States enemies are now in control.

I welcome todays news that Syrian opposition forces liberated the Syrian town of Dabiq from ISIL [Islamic State] control, aided by strong support from our ally Turkey and our international coalition, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said in a statement on Oct. 16.

This is more than just the latest military result against this barbaric group, Carter continued, as Dabiq held symbolic importance for Abu Bakr al Baghdadis men.

Indeed, the Islamic States propagandists have repeatedly told their followers that Dabiq would be the site of an apocalyptic showdown between the true believers and the Crusaders. The groups English-language magazine was named after Dabiq in a deliberate attempt to play up this imagery. Each issue of Dabiq contained a line from Al Qaeda in Iraqs founder, Abu Musab al Zarqawi, who drew on preexisting Islamic beliefs. The spark has been lit here in Iraq, and its heat will continue to intensify  by Allahs permission  until it burns the Crusader armies in Dabiq, Zarqawi was quoted as saying.

This passage was referenced throughout the Islamic States propaganda. For instance, in Nov. 2014, Mohammed Emwazi (also known as Jihadi John in the West) appeared in a video in which he and other jihadis beheaded a number of pilots and officers in Bashar al Assads military. Toward the end of the gruesome video, Emwazi stood over the severed head of American aid worker Peter Kassig and repeated Zarqawis line. Emwazi then added, And here we are, burying the first American Crusader in Dabiq, eagerly waiting for the remainder of your armies. One year later, in Nov. 2015, Emwazi was killed in a drone strike in Raqqa, Syria.

Instead of burying the Crusaders, however, the Islamic State was forced to retreat from the town. By itself, Dabiq is not a very significant piece of real estate. It was sparsely populated and more important locations have been seized from the Islamic States grip over the course of the past year. But because the self-declared caliphate made such a big deal out of the Dabiq prophesy, the town is more significant than its size would normally indicate. However, like other organizations inspired in part by apocalyptic imagery, the true believers will likely cling to ad hoc explanations for why the loss of Dabiq is not really that damaging to the jihadists cause.

The Islamic State has likely known for months that Dabiq would fall. Earlier this year, for example, the group produced a new English-language magazine titled Rumiyah. By publishing the magazine under this name, the Islamic State shifted its emphasis from the Syrian town of Dabiq to Rome. Each issue of Rumiyah opens with a line attributed to Abu Hamza al Muhajir, who cofounded the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) in 2006. The ISI is the direct predecessor to Abu Bakr al Baghdadis Islamic State. O muwahhidin, rejoice, for by Allah, we will not rest from our jihad except beneath the olive trees of Rumiyah (Rome), Abu Hamza is quoted as saying in the magazine.

In the Islamic States English-language mythology, therefore, the imagined fall of Rome replaced an end-times battle for Dabiq. Neither are remotely close to being a reality. It remains to be seen if Dabiq is reintroduced as the title for an English-language jihadi publication. And it is likely that Dabiq will still be referenced in the groups propaganda, albeit with less emphasis in the near-term.

In addition to announcing the capture of Dabiq, Turkeys Euphrates Shield produced a map demonstrating that more than 1,300 square kilometers of territory along the Syrian border has been seized from the Islamic State since August. The official Twitter feed for Euphrates Shield also published the images below of Turkish-backed forces fighting in Dabiq.

Images from Dabiq posted on the Operation Euphrates Shield Twitter feed:

Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.

Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here.
8th BRICS Summit concludes in Goa

Published: October 17, 2016

The eighth BRICS summit was held in Goa from 15 to 16 October 2016. The summit concluded with adaptation of Goa Declaration.

The two day summit was attended by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma. The theme for the summit was Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions.

Key Highlights of Goa Declaration

BRICS nations condemns terrorism in all its forms and stressed that there can be no justification for such acts.

International terrorism, especially the Islamic State (IS) is an unprecedented threat to international peace and security.

BRICS nations reaffirmed the commitment to increase effectiveness of the UN counter terrorism framework.

Need for adaptation of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in the UN General Assembly.

Urgent need to reforms of the United Nations, including UN Security Council, to increase representation of developing countries.

Resolution of civil war in Syria, in accordance with the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria and action against U.N.-designated terrorist groups like IS and Jabhat al-Nusra.

All nations must counter radicalism and block sources of financing international terrorism, dismantling terrorist bases and countering misuse of the Internet including social media.

Appreciated progress in implementation of Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership and emphasise importance of BRICS Roadmap for Trade, Economic and Investment Cooperation until 2020.

Welcomed adoption of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.

Reiterated determination to use all policy tools to achieve the goal of sustainable and inclusive growth.

The ninth BRICS Summit will be hosted by China in 2017.

Besides, first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit was also held on side-lines of 2016 BRICS Summit. Leaders from both forums planned to jointly explore possibilities of expanding ties between them on issues such as terrorism, economy, trade and connectivity.

BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. BIMSTEC member countries are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.

About BRICS

BRICS is the acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

It was established in2009. Originally it was known as BRIC before the inclusion of South Africa in 2011. The first formal summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

The BRICS members are all developing or newly industrialised countries and all five are G-20 members.

They are distinguished by their large, fast-growing economies and significant influence on regional and global affairs.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2016

Topics: BRICS  Goa Declaration  International  National  Terrorism  Trade

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Culture / Design

The Dubai Design Week is around the corner and we take a look at six highlights of the event that should not be missed.

Oct 17, 2016 | By Vimi Haridasan

For six days in October, the United Arab Emirates will see the international design community in town for Dubai Design Week. Filled with exhibitions, conferences and workshops from October 24 to 29, we take a look at six installations that you simply cannot miss, if youre in town.

Junglemania



The Super Future Design Showroom is marking the opening by featuring an ephmeral botanical installation. The installation will also play the role of setting for furniture from Italian brand Morosos MAfrique collection. The African-inspired furniture line is the work of such noted designers as Tord Boontje, Patricia Urquiola and Sebastian Herkner.

Abwab: Bahrain

If the archaeological digs have been any indication, Bahrain has practiced the tradition of pottery for some time. Though the use of clay has now given way to other materials in the modern age, the art is still alive. Visitors to the Bahraini pavilion will have the chance to learn about how to manipulate basic and necessary shapes. The introduction into the world of pottery is the brainchild of an architect and a designer who have collaborated with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

Contemporary Practices in Islamic Design

Amongst the exhibits is a discussion group that explores how Islamic design has been retained in the modern world. With experts in the fields of Islamic architecture and design on hand, the group looks at how the traditional design elements still exist.

Bernar Venet Solo Exhibition

This is French artist Bernar Venets first-ever solo exhibition in the region. It will present an introduction to his work based on variations of the line. The main exhibit will be a 6.5 meter high monumental sculpture, installed at the entrance to the gallery. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view new steel sculptures from the Arc, Angles and GRIB series, and a selection of works on paper.

20 Icons of French design

The exhibition brings together 20 highly influential pieces of French design that were produced between the 1920s till today. The designers featured in the exhibition, include Philippe Starck, Jean Prouve, Pierre Paulin and even the Bouroullec brothers.

Tom Dixon Pop-Up

This is the first pop-up store for Tom Dixon, in the Middle East. This serves as an opportunity for visitors to experience and purchase lighting as well as selected furniture by the British designer.

For more information, visit the Dubai Design Week.
BIMSTEC countries express commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms

Published: October 17, 2016

The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries have expressed commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

In this regard, seven nations of BIMSTEC countries have issues Leaders Retreat Outcome Document emphasising that there can be no justification for acts of terror.

Key Highlights of document

BIMSTEC countries strongly condemned the recent terror attacks in the region.

The states who encourage and support provide sanctuary to terrorists should be identified and held accountable. Strong measures against such states must be taken.

They recognised the need for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization.

They renewed their commitment to the early conclusion of BIMSTEC Free Trade Area negotiations, and direct the Trade Negotiating Committee and Working Groups to expedite the finalization of its constituent Agreements.

They agreed to expedite the signing of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.

They also called for early ratification of the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

They also stressed the necessity of pursuing sustainable development and of the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

They also recognized that cooperation in sustainable development of fisheries in Bay of Bengal region for ensuring food security and improving livelihoods of people.

About BIMSTEC

BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is the sub-regional group of seven countries in South Asia and South East Asia lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity.

They are India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka (from South Asia) and Myanmar, Thailand (from South East Asia).

Established: 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration .

6 June 1997 through the . Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Dhaka, Bangladesh. Objectives: Technological and economical cooperation among south Asian and south East Asian countries along the coast of the Bay of Bengal.

Technological and economical cooperation among south Asian and south East Asian countries along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It also covers cooperation in commerce, technology, investment, agriculture, tourism, human resource development, fisheries, transport and communication, textiles, leather etc.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2016

Topics: BIMSTEC  International  National  Terrorism

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Apple is looking to Japan to help improve Siri.

On Monday, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Japan could play a vital role in his companys artificial intelligence initiatives. Cook is in the country on a work trip, as Apple prepares to open up a R&D center this December in Yokohama, near Tokyo. According to Cook, the new R&D center will focus on AI and deep engineering, but did not divulge more details.

AI is horizontal in nature, running across all products, and is used in ways that most people dont even think about, Cook told Nikkei Asian Review. We want the AI to increase your battery life, to recommend music to Apple Music subscribers [to] help you remember where you parked your car.

Artificial intelligence is obviously also a very important component in Siri, Apples virtual assistant. Recently, Apple has been criticized for how limited Siris capabilities seem to be, especially compared with Microsofts Cortana, Amazons Alexa, and the Google Assistant that now comes built-in with every Pixel phone.

Japanese engineers are not the only ones Apple has reached to in hopes to improve Siri. In fact, Cupertino has a new director of artificial intelligence. Apple has hired Russ Salakhutdinov, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, to conduct further research in AI.

According to Re/code, Salakhutdinovs previous work deals with deciphering the contextual clues behind the questions that people ask. The professor is also hiring researchers to work with him at Apple, and he will retain his job at Carnegie Mellon.

Why this matters: Apple claims to always be improving Siri. For example, in this latest iOS 10, the virtual assistant can finally tap into some third-party services like Lyft and WeChat to complete a request. But by most accounts, Siri is still falling behind other virtual assistants when it comes to long tail queries.

Apple admitted to The Verge that Siri was most helpful with quick one-step requests like placing a call or sending a text. Siri is not as reliable when you ask what time the presidential debates start or questions that require similar intelligence. Thats hopefully where Japan will come in.
Historic Global Greenhouse gas emission Agreement signed in Kigali

Published: October 17, 2016

A historic global climate deal was reached in Kigali, Rwanda at the Twenty-Eighth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP28).

The so called Kigali Amendment which amends the 1987 Montreal Protocol aims to phase out Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a family of potent greenhouse gases by the late 2040s.

Under Kigali Amendment, in all 197 countries, including India have agreed to a timeline to reduce the use of HFCs by roughly 85% of their baselines by 2045.

What are Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?

HFCs are a family of greenhouse gases (GHGs) that are largely used in refrigerants in home, car air-conditioners and air sprays etc.

These factory-made gases had replaced CFCs under the 1987 Montreal Protocol to protect Earths fragile protective Ozone layer and heal the ozone hole over the Antartica.

Why they are harmful?

In recent times, it was found that HFCs have several thousand times capacity in retaining heat in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent GHG.

Thus, it can be said that HFCs have helped ozone layer but exacerbated global warming.

Currently, HFCs are currently the worlds fastest GHGs, with emissions increasing by up to 10% each year.

What is significance of the Kigali Amendment?

The Kigali Amendment amends the 1987 Montreal Protocol that was designed to close growing ozone hole in by banning ozone-depleting coolants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

that was designed to close growing ozone hole in by banning ozone-depleting coolants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Thus, amended Montreal Protocol which was initially conceived only to plug gases that were destroying the ozone layer now includes HFCs responsible for global warming .

. This move will help to prevent a potential 0.5 degree Celsius rise in global temperature by the end of the century.

The Kigali Agreement or amended Montreal Protocol for HFCs reduction will be binding on countries from 2019.

from 2019. It also has provisions for penalties for non-compliance. Under it, developed countries will also provide enhanced funding support estimated at billions of dollars globally.

The exact amount of additional funding from developed countries will be agreed at the next Meeting of the Parties in Montreal in 2017.

Different timelines under Kigali Amendment

All signatory countries have been divided into three groups with different timelines to go about reductions of HFCs.

First group: It includes richest countries like US and those in European Union (EU). They will freeze production and consumption of HFCs by 2018. They will reduce them to about 15% of 2012 levels by 2036.

It includes richest countries like US and those in European Union (EU). They will freeze production and consumption of HFCs by 2018. They will reduce them to about 15% of 2012 levels by 2036. Second group : It includes countries like China, Brazil and all of Africa etc. They will freeze HFC use by 2024 and cut it to 20% of 2021 levels by 2045.

: It includes countries like China, Brazil and all of Africa etc. They will freeze HFC use by 2024 and cut it to 20% of 2021 levels by 2045. Third group: It includes countries India, Pakistan, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia etc. They will be freezing HFC use by 2028 and reducing it to about 15% of 2025 levels by 2047.

How it is different from Paris agreement?

The Paris agreement which will come into force by 2020 is not legally binding on countries to cut their emissions.

to cut their emissions. The Kigali Amendment is considered absolutely vital for reaching the Paris Agreement target of keeping global temperature rise to below 2-degree Celsius compared to pre-industrial times.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2016

Topics: Climate change  Environment  Global warming  HFCs  Hydrofluorocarbons  International  kigali agreement  Montreal Protocol  Rwanda

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5 PHOTOS click for more

1. Its not my style, I think you look a little crazy, is what one woman told me between drags of her cigarette. She was 35ish, outfitted in sweats and supremely interested in the air directly behind me, which I respected.

I had run into her while I was wandering around Nolita in a colorful getup plucked straight from the imagination of Leandra Medine. See above for a skirt over pants and elaborate ribbon contraptions parading as shoes. My purpose? To essentially accost people for their unabashed opinions. Why? Amazing question.

The short answer is Leandra made me do it. This has happened before. The long answer is we talk a lot about communicating with our clothes here at Man Repeller, but how often do we really know what were saying? Or rather, what people are hearing? It was time to break the fourth wall and let the spectators do the talking for once.

Q for the people of Nolita! Whats your first impression of this outfit?

2. You have a lot of style. Youve got to have confidence to wear that, one hip dude told me through his diamond grill. I work in style, though, so I look at things differently. I dont like the jeans under the skirt but I think you pulled it off pretty effortlessly. The Coveteur would think youre killing it. I asked if he worked at The Coveteur and he said no. Jurys out, then, on why in the world he said that. My ego liked him immensely regardless.

3. Uh, it looks like you made it, a youngish construction worker told me. He meant in the craft project way, in case you werent sure. Im not really into that hipster stuff, he explained. I just like black and gray.

4. One 65-year-old British woman begged to differ. Its really nice! she told me as she breezed past towards the several better things she clearly had to do (in a cool way). Just really nice. Colorful! Not crazy, very very colorful. Thank you and love you and see you later!

5. & 6. Bless these older/wiser people. Exciting, is how one middle-aged man from the Midwest described my entire look. His wife: My first impression is WOW. New York! Loved her a lot.

7. This was precious: A Danish man in his 70s said I looked happy. My eyes lit up. In other towns, youd look crazy, he said. My eyes narrowed. But not in New York. In New York you look happy. Eyes lit up! This was an emotional roller coaster.

8. The backhanded compliments were coming in hot. A young barista with a Spanish accent told me, Its really cute. I love the colors. Its really fall. You look like a blogger.  I asked what he meant. Like maybe youre trying a little hard. But its good. The glasses remind me of a disco ball.

Lets discuss that in ten. Im still processing.

9. Another kid on his lunch break accused me of peacocking. I noticed you down the block, he said, But for me peacocking isnt bad, its a cool thing. You were naturally standing out, in a good way.

Side-eye award goes to the teens.

10. Uh, I like it, a young woman in a leopard coat tentatively said. The shoes are really rad. The pants under the skirt is a little weird, but not in a bad way. When I first saw you I thought you were fashion-forward and adventurous. Fashion-forward sounds like a cool thing to be! Adventurous, too. Ill take both.

11. The pant-skirt combo continued to prove controversial, though. First instinct is I really like the colors, a girl told me from the confines of a cool yellow coat. I was like YES! People wearing colors on a gray rainy day! But then I saw the jeans-skirt combo and I was like Hmmmm It would totally be an A+ look in my book if you didnt have the jeans.

Totally fair. I liked her a lot. She had braces. So throwback.

12. Heres a conversation I had with an Australian man, who was also concerned about the pants:

Him: Im getting 1970s.

Me: In a good way or a bad way?

Him: In a weird way.

Me: Would you change anything?

Him: Uh yeah, probably everything.

Me: Oh my god I love that. Why?

Him: Its just ridiculous!

Me: Is it the pants?

Him: Yes. And the skirt. The shoes too. And the glasses. The sweater is okay.

Me: So you think Im a crazy person?

Him: Um, not crazy. Maybe just lacking fashion sense.

Whats actually crazy is how unsure I am about whether hes right.

13. You look awesome. Super styled! said an older Isreali grandmother whom I now consider family. It looks like you put a lot of thought into it, thats the truth. I love love love love love the shoes, I really do. It looks like you made an effort. We come from Israel where originality is really really respected! My cheeks flushed, my heart swelled, were having dinner this weekend.

14. & 15. The last conversation was my favorite though.

I love it. Its absurd. Its a little fashion victim but so am I! said a woman wearing all black, clear frames and a leather jacket. I mean, I dont think youll get laid but you do look fun! You know what I mean? Like if I were a guy I totally wouldnt fuck you. I started laughing as she turned to her friend and asked what he thought.

Its awesome. Its great. Its a Thing, capital T,' he said from inside his drop-crotch shorts. I mean, it could be a Thang but I think its a Thing, I nodded because this somehow made sense. The jeans definitely turned it into something. Its confusing in all the right ways-

Who do you write for? the woman cut in. I told her.

Man Repeller? You ARE a Man Repeller! You are embodying the namesake!

Styled by Leandra Medine; photos by Krista Anna Lewis.
A perspective on risk rally  Risks abound but Stock Market is Confident

Three of the major indexes posted gains and five posted losses. China's Shanghai Composite was the top performer, up 1.97% following the previous week of market closure celebrating Chinese National Day. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was the biggest loser, down 2.59%. The average of the eight was a modestly negative -0.26%. The tables below provide a concise overview of performance comparisons over the past four weeks for these eight major indexes. We've also included the average for each week so that we can evaluate the performance of a specific index relative to the overall mean and better understand weekly volatility. The colors for each index name help us visualize the comparative performance over time.

How strong is the US economic recovery compared to the peaks in 2000 and 2007...



The closely watched headline unemployment rate is a calculation of the percentage of the Civilian Labor Force, age 16 and older, currently unemployed. Let's put that into its historical context. The first chart below illustrates this monthly data point since 1990. In the latest data this indicator remains at 4.3%. The age 16+ population grew by 237 thousand, and the labor force grew by 444 thousand, but the number of employed only grew by 354 thousand. Today's Civilian Employed would require 900,000 additional job holders to match its interim low in 2007, and we would need 1.8 million to match the lowest rate in 2000.

Employed to population ratio : Rebounding but well behind the 2007 peaks



This metric began to rebound from its post-recession trough in late 2012. However, the more disturbing news is that the current age 25-54 cohort would require an increase of 2.9 million employed prime-age participants to match its ratio peak in 2007. To match its mid-2000 peak would require a 4.8 million participant increase.

The employement charts above show the structural weakness that has engulfed the US economy. This is even after trillions that have been poured into banking system. There has been rebound in business cycle activity since 2012 but that has not been good enough to match the hey days of US economy in 2000 and 2007. With the massive credit infusion and bailouts, it does seem that with the completion of these measures, US economy could be once again weaken.

US Services PMI

The final September US Services Purchasing Managers' Index conducted by Markit came in at 52.3 percent, up 1.3 percent from the final July estimate. The Investing.com consensus was for 51.9 percent (the September Markit preliminary reading). Markit's Services PMI is a diffusion index: A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the sector; below 50 indicates contraction.

Here is the opening from the latest press release:

U.S. service providers indicated an upturn in business activity growth from the six-month low recorded during August. Nonetheless, the pace of expansion remained modest and softer than its post-crisis trend, largely reflecting subdued new business gains in recent months. [Press Release]



Both series have weakened over the past several months. The interim three-month moving average of the Markit Services index peaked in August of 2014. The ISM index peaked in September of 2015. The two were fairly closely aligned at the beginning of this year, but they have diverged in recent months with the Markit index signaling noticeably weaker growth.

JOLTS Job: Early job openings

JOLTS continues to show a solid labor market. Chair Yellen uses it as a signal for a tight labor market. The healthy quit rate shows that many people are comfortable in voluntarily leaving jobs. Some reports focused strictly on the number of job openings, which is a poor use of the data.

Jobless claims look fine



Initial jobless claims also show labor market strength.

Earnings look strong



Corporate earnings nicely beat expectations. FactSet has some interesting early data  76% of the reporting companies have beaten earnings expectations and 62% have beaten on sales.

However the following data and surveys show the declining optimism and worsening economic recovery

Thirty percent of Americans are very fearful they will lose their job in the next six months, up from 10 percent a year ago. And 39 percent of Americans say their personal financial situation actually causes them to lose sleep.

Read about it here: Survey

Consumer Sentiment is waning..



Michigan consumer sentiment slips to 87.9 in the October preliminary report. Jill Mislinski updates the story and the terrific Doug Short chart combining multiple elements of the story in a single look.

Q3 GDP estimates have started to fall....



Q3 GDP estimates edge lower as more data is reported. Calculated Risk summarizes the move from various sources. One example above in the chart.

Market Rotation

A key trend emerging from ETF analysis has shown that financials are rising while utilities have started to fall. Could this be an early sign of a year end rally? Utilities which are yield assets are considered safer bets while financials and banks form the riskier bets.



The utilities ETF has corrected below th 200 DMA by over 9%.



The financial ETF has marginaly risen. Markets are not very bearish risk stocks.

Conclusion

The economy is a mixed bag as you can see from various the data points. While jobs data has improved but the rate of improvement has slowed dramatically. Over 1 million jobs are needed just to match the peaks of 2007. Consumer sentiment has been weakening. Early estimate of GDP has fallen. But against this backdrop, we have improving earning data and potential market rotation that could be materializing.

JM is the partner at FXMesh. Over 15 years of trading, hedge fund and research experince background, he now provides investment advice and economic reasearch to clients around the world from his site http://fxmesh.com

He has worked at some of the most marquee names in trading and hedge fund industry. He invented the MESH Framework of trading. He will also like publish regular free articles at marketoracle for benefit of the readers.

Copyright 2016 John Mesh. All rights reserved.



Disclaimer: The above information is not intended as investment advice. Market timers can and do make mistakes. The above analysis is believed to be reliable, but we cannot be responsible for losses should they occur as a result of using this information. This article is intended for educational purposes only. Past performance is never a guarantee of future performance.

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




ROANOKE  Stephen Grammer would die without caregivers.

The cerebral palsy that damaged his brain at birth makes it impossible for the 36-year-old to walk, feed himself or go to the bathroom on his own.

Grammer spent most of his 20s in a nursing home with people four times his age. Now hes able to live alone in an apartment because he has caregivers with him 16 hours a day.

But Grammer worries that his independence is in jeopardy because of a law passed by the General Assembly this year that prohibits many caregivers for disabled Virginians from being paid overtime.

I would rather go to jail than go back to the nursing home, he said recently from his apartment in Roanoke.

Grammers concerns are echoed by advocates who say thousands of personal care assistants have less of an incentive to remain in difficult, low-paying jobs if they cant supplement their incomes with overtime.

And if the pool of caregivers shrinks to the point that Virginians with disabilities cant find employees to help them, they may have to live in homes for people with disabilities, which puts the state at risk of violating federal law.

Independent living is a hallmark of the Americans with Disabilities Act  and a 2012 settlement Virginia struck with the federal Department of Justice over the states lack of enforcement of the act. Studies have found that people with disabilities are better off when they dont live in institutions  as are taxpayers  so Virginia was ordered to help as many people as possible live in their own homes.

Several advocates and an official with Gov. Terry McAuliffes administration said recently that Virginia may be in danger of violating the terms of its 2012 DOJ agreement because of the caps it has placed on overtime pay for caregivers hired directly by people with disabilities, officially known as consumer-directed workers.

It was hard enough for Grammer to attract capable and caring staff members to help him with life-sustaining and intimate tasks for $9.22 an hour, the rate the state pays consumer-directed caregivers outside Northern Virginia through the Medicaid program. Now, Grammer said, its nearly impossible to find workers who are willing to give up overtime pay.

The longer this takes to get results, the more people are either put at risk of harm or actually being harmed, said Maureen Hollowell, advocacy coordinator for the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living. We want to be smart about the resolution, but we really are anxious about getting a solution.

The federal government has been clear with states on the matter: In a letter sent in 2014, two agencies urged policymakers not to cap overtime pay for caregivers of disabled Americans.

We are sensitive to states budgetary constraints, wrote two high-ranking civil rights officials with the DOJ and the Department of Health and Human Services. However, implementation of across-the-board caps risks violating the ADA if caps do not account for the needs of individuals with disabilities and consequently places them at serious risk of institutionalization or segregation.

But this year, the General Assembly decided to cap the hours anyway. Starting in July, Virginia stopped paying overtime for most consumer-directed caregivers.

Grammer and advocates for people with disabilities have said the effects are already starting to show.

n n n

In October 2013, the federal Department of Labor extended the overtime and minimum-wage protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act to most home care workers.

The move was meant to help caretakers, said Alison Barkoff, director of advocacy for the Center for Public Representation, who has extensive experience in Virginia implementing the DOJs settlement agreement.

In Virginia, consumer-directed caregivers were paid straight time  their standard hourly wage  for any hours they worked beyond 40 each week.

These workers are incredibly important to supporting people with disabilities, Barkoff said. Treating them in the same way you treat babysitters was not fair, particularly considering how skilled requirements have become over time.

After court battles, the Department of Labor rule went into effect in January 2016, and for the first time, Virginia had to start paying time-and-a-half for overtime.

Between Jan. 1 and June 30, caretakers worked 2.1 million hours of overtime, according to a presentation given to the Virginia Disability Commission in late September. Those hours cost the state an additional $11.2 million compared with the way caregivers had previously been paid.

The state paid $407.4 million for 38 million caretaker hours worked in the full fiscal year that ended June 30. That year, 35,231 caregivers helped 21,231 people with disabilities, according to the Department of Medical Assistance Services, which administers Medicaid in Virginia.

McAuliffes proposed budget for this fiscal year included funds to pay for up to 56 hours of labor a week for home care workers, said Joe Flores, Virginias deputy secretary of health and human resources. That would have covered 40 hours of straight time and 16 hours of time-and-a-half overtime.

The administration was pushing for limited time-and-a-half pay partly because the federal government said they wanted us to pay overtime, Flores said. We thought it was reasonable that people work 16 hours on top of 40. Anything much beyond that, you get into a patient safety issue.

But the General Assembly capped hours at 40 as of July 1, Cindi Jones, director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services, said in a statement.

Grammers caretakers said they have been working for free because they dont want to leave him alone. Jones said the state has no evidence that caretakers are working for free because of the change.

However, we are aware, anecdotally, that this may have occurred both prior to and after this rule was implemented, she said.

Washington state, California, Florida and Massachusetts are among states that pay personal caregivers overtime, according to the National Employment Law Project. Vermont has created a process for requesting an exception to the overtime cap when a person with disabilities is at risk of harm or institutionalization.

The group called McAuliffes proposal for 56 hours of work per week an important step.

n n n

Grammer never knew his father. After his mother died in 2004, he said, his half-sister and half-brother placed him in a nursing home, where all other residents were elderly.

For the nine years he lived there, Grammer said, he had trouble sleeping, he was given medication at the wrong times  if at all  he was typically fed last because he couldnt eat on his own and he sometimes had to wait for hours before someone would help him use the bathroom.

He had no one his age to socialize with at the home.

I love my grandparents, but I wouldnt want to live with them, said 33-year-old Nathan Auldridge, one of Grammers assistants. Especially not other peoples grandparents. Other peoples grandparents are cute, but not somebody I want to live with.

On the few occasions Grammer could go out with friends, the nurses would get upset if he returned with the smell of alcohol on his breath, even though his doctor allowed him to have up to two beers a day.

Living alone, Grammer is comfortable, settled, well cared for  and he can have as many beers as he wants with his pizza, he said through a wide grin.

Grammer uses a wheelchair and cant perform day-to-day tasks he needs to survive on his own, but his mind and wit are sharp.

He calls one of his caretakers, Ken Schoff, whom he has known for 12 years, his adopted grandfather, and he teases that Schoff took care of dinosaurs long ago. The two lived together for a couple years after Grammer left the nursing home, and they have traveled all over the world together.

Still, there are only so many hours Schoff can be with Grammer. He has worked overtime without getting paid for it lately, as have Grammers other caretakers.

Grammer has been approved for in-home care for 16 hours every day, which amounts to 112 hours a week.

Until recently, he had two full-time caregivers who worked a combined 80 hours a week, and two who worked part-time (including Schoff) to cover the rest of the hours.

He lost one full-time worker a couple of weeks ago, and since then, his other assistants have been filling in without getting paid.

Auldridge, Grammers only full-time personal care assistant, said he cant leave Grammer alone when he hits 40 hours in a single week if the other caregivers cant be there, so he is working for free while Grammer tries to fill the vacancy.

Hes tried to hire people, but some people dont show up even if youve hired them, Auldridge said.

Last winter, Auldridge went to Grammers apartment before a snowstorm and wound up staying with him for three days straight, essentially working 16-hour shifts. He didnt typically have to work overtime, but that was an exception, and he said he believes the state should be willing to pay overtime if the same thing happens again this winter.

Grammer is a 2013 graduate of the Partners in Policymaking program through the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. He and other advocates have been trying to get the General Assembly to allow consumer-directed caregivers to work overtime  or at least allow exceptions in particular cases.

We are certainly hearing from families who are concerned about losing caregivers due to implementation of the new limits, said Jamie Liban, executive director of the Arc of Virginia, an advocacy organization. Without an exceptions process, people with disabilities will be at risk of unnecessary institutionalization. This approach is not only outdated but is also much more costly to the commonwealth.

n n n

On average, 5,180 caregivers were getting paid time-and-a-half each week when it was paid during the first half of the year, according to the Department of Medical Assistance Services. The number dropped to zero in July.

Live-in attendants, a separate classification for caregivers, have an exception to the overtime cap. They do not get time-and-a-half, but they are still paid regular time for hours they work beyond 40.

Hollowell, the advocacy coordinator for the Virginia Association of Centers for Independent Living, said some families have found a way around the overtime cap by having their caretakers move in with them.

Data from the state reflect that trend: The average number of live-in attendants was 1,771 for the first 25 weeks of the year, when time-and-a-half was paid to caregivers.

After the state stopped paying time-and-a-half for overtime, the average number of live-in attendants jumped 76 percent to 3,117 over the following six weeks  a period that spanned from the end of June to early August, the latest data available.

Hollowell said the state requires an attendant to actually live in the home of the client theyre caring for. They cant simply change an address on a form.

One of our concerns with the live-in option is that it has to be legitimate, Hollowell said. Its not a matter of changing an address on a form and, with a wink and a nod, saying theyre live-in when theyre not. Those situations are fraught for the potential for fraud investigations, and people will be shocked when they find themselves in those situations.

The Virginia Disability Commission talked about the overtime cap issue in late September and is considering crafting legislation to provide exceptions in certain cases, Hollowell said.

Jones, director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services, said the state is committed to programs that allow disabled Virginians to live in their own homes and communities rather than institutions. Case managers will work closely with people directing their own care to make sure their needs are met.

The number of hours of care authorized for people with disabilities hasnt changed, Jones said. Many have exercised the live-in option and others have hired additional caretakers to cover hours that their full-time caretakers cant get paid for.

We are unaware that anyone has had to be admitted to an institution because of the rule, Jones said.

Its unclear whether the McAuliffe administration will continue to push for limited overtime, said Flores, deputy secretary of health and human resources.

What I explained to the disability commission is that weve tried twice to pay overtime, and two times we were rejected by the General Assembly, Flores said. So we are amenable to an exceptions process, but I dont know what the appetite is within the administration to put forward another proposal.
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CAMBRIDGE -- Big Y World Class Markets are partnering with the American Red Cross to raise donations for those affected by Hurricane Matthew.

Through Saturday, October 29th, Big Y customers and employees will have the opportunity to donate to American Red Cross disaster relief at all Big Y locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. Donation containers will be available at all Big Y registers. The funds raised will support people in the communities affected by Hurricane Matthew.

"The devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew are still causing great suffering in several states, including North Carolina, where deadly floods have cut off entire communities," said Ralph Boyd, CEO of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts. "The Red Cross has mobilized 3,000 disaster workers, 155 response vehicles--nearly half of our total fleet--and more than 100 trailers filled with water, ready-to-eat meals, cots, blankets, kitchen items, cleaning supplies and comfort kits, insect repellant, gloves, masks, shovels, rakes, coolers and more."



Big Y, its customers and employees have a strong tradition of supporting those in need through the American Red Cross. Past relief campaigns include the 2004 Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and the earthquakes in Japan, Haiti and Nepal. Most recently, a disaster relief campaign was held in response to the flooding in Louisiana. The 10-plus-year partnership has raised over $445,000 to support both international and domestic disasters.

For additional Big Y information, please contact Claire D'Amour-Daley at (413)504-4004. For information about the Red Cross' response to Hurricane Matthew, please visit: www.redcross.org.
SPRINGFIELD - Good news for comic book, fantasy and film enthusiasts: Halloween is coming early to the City of Homes.

The 4th annual Bing Comic-Con will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, giving center stage to local illustrators and other artists.

According to G. Michael Dobbs, one of the event's organizers, the goal behind Bing Comic-Con is simple: to showcase the work of visual artists across the Pioneer Valley and beyond.

"This is our fourth show. This all came about because my friend, Mark Masztal, thought up an idea for a pop culture show in Springfield," said Dobbs, adding that his years of experience attending comic book-focused festivals shaped their approach.

"We're sort of a throwback to how comic book shows used to be in the 1970s - an environment where you could actually talk to people," said Dobbs. "You'd turn the corner and an icon such as Jack Kirby would just be sitting there, ready to sign a book and chat," he said.

Dobbs said that this people-driven approach is critical at the event, where fans have an opportunity to interact - and sometimes challenge - area illustrators.

"The 'art fight' is a lot of fun. We solicit ideas from people attending the show, and two artists have 90 seconds to draw them up. Last year, we did Cthulhu riding a unicycle," said Dobbs.

"At the end of the day, at 7:00, we have an after-show program. This year we're doing a showing of 'Labyrynth" featuring David Bowie," he said.

Dobbs said the event will feature more than 50 tables of creators and vendors, a cosplay competition and a number of notable guests including Stephen R. Bissette, who's making his final festival appearance at the event.

Best known for his collaboration with Alan Moore and Jon Totleben on "Swamp Thing," horror anthology "Taboo" and his work on the Marvel parody series "1963," Bissette lives in Vermont and teaches at the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction.

Also appearing at the convention will be Stephen Murphy, the writer of "Puma Blues," cartoonist Gary Hallgren and Vermont-based horror novelist Joseph Citro.

According to Dobbs, it's rewarding not only to support area artists, but also to support one Springfield-based organization in particular: Bing Arts Center.

"It's something Mark and I enjoy doing for Bing, a fabulous resource for visual artists, musicians and spoken word artists across the valley. We're happy to help them out," he said.

Bing Comic-Con will take place Saturday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Trinity Methodist Church's Asbury Hall, located at 361 Sumner Avenue in Springfield. Admission is $5.

For more information, visit www.bingcomiccon.org
Wine_Glasses.jpg

In this 2011 file photo, glasses of New Zealand Pinot Noir wine are displayed at a drinking panel in New York City.

(Associated Press File Photo)

More Americans are drinking more wine than ever before.

That fact comes from the Wine Institute, an organization that has been compiling data on wine consumption in the United States since 1934, a year after Prohibition ended in our country.

In 2015, the total amount of wine consumed in the United States was 2.83 gallons per resident, which works out to about 14 bottles of wine per year or roughly one glass of wine per week. And that figure has been going up every year since 2008. In fact, if you're wondering which years were the years with the highest wine consumption per person in the United States, all you have to do is look at the statistics for the last 10 years. Every year, Americans have been drinking more wine than ever before.

And while 2.83 gallons per person might seem like a lot, consider how much wine the average person drinks in France. According to the most recent statistics, the average person in France drank 11.7 gallons of wine in 2013, according to the website Statistica. Or to put it another way, that's just over 59 bottles of wine per year or about 1 bottle of wine per week. And those numbers are down in recent years.

In contrast, overall beer consumption in the United States went down by 0.2 percent nationwide in 2015, according to the Brewers Association of Boulder, Colorado.

So why is wine increasingly so popular in the United States? I have a few theories. In fact, I have five theories. And here they are, my friends.

5) Wine's healthy - The health benefits of wine, particularly red wine, have been well documented for decades. Want to lower your blood pressure? Reduce the risk of heart disease? Live longer? Many doctors for many years have recommended drinking moderate amounts of wine, especially red wine.

The CBS News program "60 Minutes" famously broadcasted a segment on its show in 1991 documenting the health benefits of red wine.

More recently, researchers have been trying to figure out why residents on one Greek island live much longer than most people. Several theories exist. But one thing researches have noted is residents there regularly drink wine. Best of all, even if the researchers are wrong, I don't many older people will complain about "having" to drink wine.

4) Wine's affordable - I know what some of you might be thinking. Wine costs a fortune, especially if you order a glass or a bottle of wine at a fancy restaurant. There, you can easily spend as much as the rest of your meal on a bottle of great wine.

But if you regularly buy wine in a wine store (and regularly read this column), you know that there are many great bargains to be found out there. You can easily find many great wines for under $10 a bottle.

Don't get me wrong. I agree that there are some really bad, cheap wines out there. But often, how great or how bad a wine tastes has nothing to do with price. I've had some terrific $10 bottles of wine and I've had some real stinkers I spent $20 or more on per bottle.

3) Wines cover wide range - You could literally spend the rest of your life drinking a different bottle of wine every single week. Even within France or states like California, the variety of wine is staggering.

Wines made from grapes from vineyards a few miles apart can taste radically different. That's because so many different factors come into play when it comes to making wine. When the grapes were picked, where they're stored and how long they're aged before bottling can make a dramatic difference in how a wine tastes. Even wines from the same winery from a different year can taste very different.

Some people might find such differences in taste from one year to the next (or one winery to the text) confusing and frustrating. I think it's thrilling. The more you learn about wine, the more you realize there's more to learn. And I can't think of a more fun way to learn more about something that by trying different wines from around the world.

2) Wine's cool - I realize some people have some outdated ideas about wine drinkers. My colleague, the "Beer Nut," wrote last week about a study (commissioned by the impartial beer maker, Budweiser) which asked people to characterize people based on what type of alcohol they drink. Survey respondents categorized male wine drinkers primarily as "serious" and "reserved" and female wine drinkers primarily as "predictable" and "cautious."

Give me a break. Wine drinkers come in all shapes and sizes. Sure, there are a few jerks out there who drink wine to vainly try to impress other people. But in my experience, most people who drink wine do so for the exact opposite reason - because they love wine and love learning about different things and the world around them.

So this reason goes out to all the "serious," "cautious" wine drinkers out there. Some people might call you arrogant or dorky. I call these people cool. Because who doesn't want to learn more about the world around them? And like I said up above, I can't think of a more interesting way to learn about a country like France or Argentina, Italy or New Zealand than to drink wine made with grapes from there.

1) Wine tastes great - I can go on and on about the health benefits or the low cost or how much you can learn about a place by drinking wine. But in the end, there's really only one thing that really matters - how wine tastes.

And if you're crazy about wine like me, you know that wine tastes absolutely fantastic. And best of all, a wine's flavors can change dramatically over the course of an hour or even during a single sip. What might start out as slightly harsh can become smooth and velvety and rich, all in a matter of a few seconds.

But don't just take my word for it. Raise a glass of wine to wine itself and have a sip or two tonight in honor of this wonderful, magical elixir made from grapes from around the world for thousands of years.

Cheers!

Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican's weekend section every Thursday.
red cross blood drive via masslive filer.jpg

(The Republican / File Photo)

SPRINGFIELD -- The American Red Cross is asking eligible donors in the Springfield area to make an appointment to donate platelets.

"Cancer patients rely on platelet donations. Chemotherapy drugs and radiation used to treat cancer can affect the bone marrow where platelets are produced, and platelet transfusions help to prevent life-threatening bleeding," said Alyson Barraza, communications manager of the Massachusetts Blood Services Region, in a prepared statement.

Platelets, the clotting portion of blood primarily given to cancer patients during treatment, must be transfused within five days of donation.

According to Barraza, seasonal colds and flu are preventing many regular donors from giving, and Hurricane Matthew has disrupted donations in many locations in the Southeast.

Over 95 blood drives have been forced to cancel, resulting in about 3,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations. Healthy donors are needed now to meet the needs of patients at local hospitals as well as in areas affected by the hurricane. While there is an emergency need for platelets, donors can also help by giving blood as there is an urgent need for all blood types, Barraza said.

"We refer to our generous platelet donors as 'Cancer Kickers' because they help patients kick cancer," she added. "Trauma patients, those undergoing organ transplants and premature babies also regularly need platelets."

According to a press release issued by the American Red Cross, during a platelet donation, blood is collected by a device that separates platelets from whole blood and returns the remaining blood components back to the donor along with a saline solution. The entire process takes about two to three hours, and donors are encouraged to relax during the donation and enjoy access to Roku or DVDs.

Platelets may be donated every seven days, up to 24 times a year.

Donors can save time by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving for their donation. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

Here's how to donate platelets or blood:

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App

Visit

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for more information and to make an appointment.

Local Platelet Donations Center:
East Windsor and South Windsor have joined the competition to host Connecticut's third casino, after a tribal gaming company solicited a new round of site proposals in September.

MMCT, a Mohegan-Mashantucket Pequot casino company, is seeking a location for a new casino to compete with MGM Springfield and shield Connecticut's gaming economy from out-of-state competition. The new applicants join East Hartford, Hartford and Windsor Locks, which have now amended their proposals after initially declaring their interest in November 2015.

"Now more than ever, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes are confident that the site we select will make our facility competitive with MGM Springfield," Chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council Kevin Brown said in a statement. "We look forward to reviewing and comparing these new and amended submissions and continuing a dialogue with Connecticut's communities about how we can work together to save jobs and revenue in our state."

The tribes released an RFP last year, with a November deadline for submissions. An original Dec. 15 target date for site selection was pushed back, and last month the tribes reopened its application process, citing amended site proposals and potential interest from towns that missed the first application period.

The construction of a third Connecticut casino has drawn interest both in Connecticut and across the Massachusetts border, with supporters of the Connecticut casino measure framing the new casino as a way to protect state gaming revenues and jobs from Massachusetts competition.

A study funded by both tribes suggested out-of-state casino competition could cost Connecticut 9,300 jobs. An analysis by the Connecticut's Office of Fiscal Analysis suggested the competition could cost the state $68 million in annual gaming revenues. And Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman Kevin Brown has described the project as in direct competition with MGM Springfield, which is scheduled to open in late 2018.

MMCT now plans to review the applicants and announce finalist sites. An "extensive public engagement campaign" will then commence in the chosen communities, the company said in a press release announcing the reopening of the RFP.

The new casino must also receive authorization from the state legislature. MMCT anticipates lawmakers will bring up that measure during the coming legislative session.

MGM sued in federal court to overturn the state's 2015 gaming act, alleging that it violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. It also alleged the act violates the Constitution's Commerce Clause by restricting the RFP process to a joint company formed by the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes.

But a federal judge dismissed the suit in June, finding that the law did not exclusively favor the tribes and that MGM had no standing to sue. MGM has appealed the decision.

"As we have been saying for quite some time, this so-called process is a sham," MGM Resorts International Executive Vice President Alan Feldman said in a statement. "As a result of the passage of Special Act 15-7, the state is forced to let MMCT do whatever it wants, whenever it wants, and however it wants. If the state really wants to maximize the revenue and jobs associated with its first commercial casino it should repeal 15-7 and do what every other state does: have a fair, open, transparent, competitive process."
LAKEVILLE

 A 77-year-old man was killed and his 74-year-old passenger injured when the motorcycle they were riding crashed in Lakeville Sunday morning.

Lakeville police told the New Bedford Standard-Times two motorcycles and a car collided on Bedford Street near Tamarack Park, just after 10 a.m.

The elderly motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, while his female passenger was flown by MedFlight to Rhode Island Hospital. The rider of the second motorcycle, a 53-year-old man, was transported to Rhode Island Hospital by ambulance, while the driver of the car was transported to Taunton Hospital in Taunton.

The Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section was called in to investigate the crash.
boston police department

Boston Police Department (Noah Bombard/MassLive.com)

ROXBURY -- A 2-year-old girl was shot in a car in Roxbury Saturday afternoon in what police believe was an attack intended for her father.

The bullet pierced through the car windshield, grazing the toddler's leg and hand, WCVB reported.

Street violence has been an issue in certain neighborhoods of Roxbury. Police are also investigating shootings from last week, one involving a 9-year-old and the other a 19-year-old.

Police believe the shooting is gang-related, and WCVB reported that the two-year-old's father is not cooperating with the investigation because of gang relations.

The toddler's grandmother, Brenda Peoples, 49, of Roxbury spoke to the Boston Globe about how people need to speak up against street violence and cooperate with investigators to bring shooters to justice.

"People should be willing to speak up and say whatever they saw," Peoples said. "I just feel people don't want to speak because they may be targeted. I never thought I'd be in this position."

Police did not release the victim's name due to her age.

Peoples said the toddler will be three in January.
SPRINGFIELD - The 26th annual and final SIDS Race for Life was held in Springfield on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016.

382 runners registered for the Five Mile Road Race and 3.75 Mile Fun Walk. The event was held at and hosted by the John Boyle O'Reilly Club. The event also included a Food Truck Festival.

All proceeds benefit the Massachusetts Center for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

The 2016 run was in held in loving memory of Barry P. Metayer, Jr. Check out the photographs from the race above or for more information about the SIDS Race for Life run/walk visit their website.
The Doe Run Company recently announced the hiring of Mark Clark as the new human resources manager for the Southeast Missouri Mining and Milling Division (SEMO). Clark will oversee approximately 800 SEMO employees working at Doe Runs six underground mines and four mills.

Clark brings nearly two decades of mining and human resources experience to Doe Run, as well as a passion for employee safety and human resources issues and trends.

Our SEMO workforce covers a variety of job functions, including mining, milling, environmental and administrative, so Marks many years of experience in the industry is a huge asset to our team, said Steve Batts, vice president  SEMO Operations. Mark also has a tremendous background in workforce training, and in safety policies and procedures, which will complement Doe Runs efforts to provide our employees with the tools and training necessary to safely contribute to the companys growth and future.

Prior to joining Doe Run, Clark served as a manager of human resources for Peabody Energy in Eldorado, Illinois, where he oversaw multiple locations and more than 500 employees for more than a decade. In that position, he developed workforce training and instruction, promoted and enforced workplace safety policies and procedures, and designed and implemented a program designed to educate and train new employees who previously had little or no mine experience.

The mining industry in general is facing a shortage of experienced miners, said Clark. I worked with management and a local community college to create a program to better meet the workforce necessities for that company, while providing previously inexperienced individuals with a strong foundation to start their career.

Clark also worked for six years as an underground coal miner.

I have spent almost my entire career involved in the mining industry in some fashion, Clark said. Im excited to build upon this experience at Doe Run with a management team that has a long history of valuing safety and sustainability, and where there is a commitment to investing in the people and developing their skill sets.

Earlier in his career, Clark worked for six years as a specialist in cooperative education and employment for Rend Lake College in Ina, Illinois, providing career counseling and customized training. He holds a bachelors of science degree from Southern Illinois University and a masters degree from Rockford University in Rockford, Illinois.

Clark also is an Illinois Certified Mine Examiner, a DDI certified facilitator, and a Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) certified instructor, as well as a senior certified professional with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP). He plans to relocate to Cuba, Missouri, with his family.
Do you celebrate Sweetest Day? Here are a few things you should know about the mid-October holiday that started out as "Candy Day."
Firefighters and police were called to an area bar Saturday morning at 8 a.m. after someone reported seeing smoke coming from all corners of the building.

Desloge Deputy Fire Chief Gale Phillips said the fire at the Water Hole bar, located at 106 Elm St. in Desloge, is under investigation by the Desloge Police Department and the Missouri State Fire Marshals Office.

The actual fire itself was contained to its area of origin but there is extensive heat and smoke damage throughout the building, said Phillips. There was smoke coming out when we got there and once we made entry they could see the fire.

Phillips said firefighters reached the business within five minutes of being dispatched and were able to get the fire under control within 25 minutes. The State Fire Marshals office was called in to investigate because of the suspicious nature of the blaze.

We were there for approximately two hours and we left it in the hands of the fire marshal, said Phillips. They were still investigating when we left.

Fire departments assisting the Desloge Fire Department included Park Hills, Big River, Farmington with its ladder truck, Leadwood was at their station on standby to handle other calls or respond as needed, and the St. Francois Ambulance District had a crew respond to the scene as well.

Desloge Police Chief James Bullock confirmed it is a suspected arson and they are actively investigating the fire.

When Officers Jeff Womble and Dan Russel got there they discovered there had been forced entry into the front door of the building, said Bullock. They had to wait for the fire department to take care of things so they were able to go inside.

Bullock added his officers found there had been three different set fires in the building and there were signs of tampering in the business.

They recovered some items they thought may have fingerprint evidence and they were sent to the lab to be fingerprinted, said Bullock. This is the second time the business has been burglarized this week. They took items during the burglary and we are actively investigating both of these incidents.

Anyone with any information regarding the fire or burglary is asked to call the Desloge Police Department or Central Dispatch at 573-431-3131.
DEAR ABBY: My 72-year-old husband believes that not voting in the upcoming presidential election is making a statement because he can't tolerate any of the candidates. He believes that not voting is telling the political parties to offer more acceptable candidates.

I believe that not voting makes no statement AT ALL because many of those who don't vote really don't care, and THAT is the message that is received. Voting is a right that should be exercised. To vote is to make a statement. Do you think he is making his feelings known by not voting? -- NOT VOTING IN THE WEST

DEAR NOT VOTING: No, I do not. Your husband seems to have forgotten how fortunate we are to live in a country where people CAN vote. In many countries, that's not the case. The most important thing citizens can do is to educate themselves about the candidates and the issues and then cast their ballot. The higher the turnout, the more reflective the outcome is of the wishes of the people.

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, "Fred," and I have been together for 10 years, during five of which we have been engaged, although there has been no talk of actually setting a date. That doesn't bother me because I am very unhappy in our relationship now.

Fred hasn't worked in three years. I have been supporting him all this time and I'm losing my mind. I am doing everything I can, and I'm beyond stressed. I can't talk to him about it because he doesn't want to talk. I send out his resume, and he doesn't return any calls to the places that call him.

I am 32 and feel like I am in a rut. What should I do? -- IN A RUT IN ILLINOIS

DEAR IN A RUT: Why are you sending out HIS resume? By now it should be clear to you that Fred has no intention of getting a job. Why should he? He has a good deal the way things are.

Engagements usually involve setting a wedding date. Because the two of you haven't, and you are unhappy in your relationship, break off the non-engagement! Cut your losses by investing no more time (or money) in your deadbeat boyfriend and set yourself free.

DEAR ABBY: I'm 10 years old and in fifth grade. I was in science class when my friend cheated off of me. I could confront her, but if I do I risk losing her as a friend. She has done some rude things to me in the past, and I don't know what to do. -- CONFUSED IN CASTAIC, CALIF.

DEAR CONFUSED: Real friends don't do rude things to each other. Now that you know your "friend" will copy your work, make sure not to sit next to her when tests are given. Unless you do, your teacher may think that because your answers are the same that YOU are the cheater, and you'll be in real trouble.

If you can't change seats because they are assigned, you will have to be extra-careful about keeping your test paper out of her line of sight.

DEAR ABBY: My son John and daughter-in-law Bree recently announced their second pregnancy via email, and asked that we keep the news in the immediate family for now. I was so happy and excited that I notified my sister. She is my best friend and lives in another state. As it turns out, my sister shared the news with her daughter, who is good friends with Bree. My niece then texted congratulations to her. At the end of the day, I received a nasty, dramatic phone call from Bree. She was furious that I had revealed her secret. My heart sank. It wasnt my intention to hurt her in any way. I apologized profusely, but now Im afraid that this may have solidified the wedge between us because our relationship was never very close to begin with. I realize I was wrong and apologized. What more can I do to make this the joyful occasion it should be?  NOW WHAT? IN NORTH CAROLINA

DEAR NOW WHAT?: Now you pay the penalty for leaking the news, and gracefully accept that you will be relegated to the second tier when it comes to announcements from your son and daughter-in-law. Perhaps you can eventually get back in their good graces by respecting their wishes in the future.

DEAR ABBY: Im in a tricky situation. My boyfriend of four years, Ian, and I took a break from our relationship for two months because he was scared hed miss out on the single life. We started hanging out again soon after, and everything fell into place. We were talking recently, and he mentioned that hes planning to move across the country to San Francisco to be near his family. He made it plain he wants to live on the West Coast forever. I am close to my family closer than Ian is to his. Were both 24, and while were not going to get engaged anytime soon, Im not sure what to do. We love each other, but the geography is causing so many issues. Please advise.  NEW YORK GIRL

DEAR N.Y. GIRL: Its good that you and Ian arent planning on becoming engaged anytime soon, because you have some serious thinking to do. If you plan on having a family and want your parents to be close to their grandchildren, it would be better for you to find another boyfriend. Im advising you and Ian to take another break  this time for YOUR benefit to see which is more important to you: the man or the location.

DEAR ABBY: Im a 14-year-old girl with a problem. Because of my buzzed short hair, slim hips and flat chest, I frequently get mistaken for a boy. It really bothers me because, despite my haircut and body shape, I have a feminine face and I wear womens clothes and makeup. Im not too much of a tomboy. Sometimes when someone addresses me with a male pronoun or in some other way mistakes me for a male, Im too nervous to correct them. Is there a clever or witty way to correct the mistake?  NOT A BOY IN BROOKLYN, N.Y.

DEAR NOT A BOY: The person who made the mistake is the one who should be embarrassed, not you. If it happens again, all you need to do is smile and say, Im all girl.

DEAR ABBY: I have been dating a woman, and I am considering proposing to her. We have discussed engagement rings and she wants to design her own, which I think is great. However, I am unsure exactly what to do regarding the actual proposal. What ring should I give her, knowing that whatever I give her will not be her ultimate engagement ring?  SOON TO POP THE QUESTION

DEAR SOON TO POP: Marriage proposals happen in many situations and in many ways. There are no rules, and dropping to one knee and offering a ring is optional. The engagement does not begin when a woman starts wearing a ring; it begins when she accepts the proposal. All you need to do is say, Will you marry me? When she says yes, you can then decide when you both would like to select a stone for her engagement ring.

DEAR ABBY: A longtime friend asked me to be executor of her estate a few years ago, and I agreed. As time has passed, the details of the estate have changed several times. After the recent death of her husband, she again changed the beneficiaries and is now leaving almost half a million dollars to two animal shelters.

Its her money to do with as she chooses, and I dont judge her. I do, however, have a problem executing an estate that gives that much money to animal care when it could help so many people. I dont fault her for wanting to do it; I just dont want to be part of it. Im afraid asking her to find another executor would damage or end our friendship. Please tell me what to do.  DILEMMA IN TEXAS

DEAR DILEMMA: Lets face it. You ARE judging the woman and you DO fault her for wanting to leave a fortune to four-footed needy creatures instead of bipeds. Because you are uncomfortable with her plan, you must tell her she needs to find another executor who is as committed to animal causes as she is. Youll be doing her a favor.

DEAR ABBY: It has been a year since my mother passed away. The month of February was especially tough because it was the month of her birthday and also the month in which she died. Mothers Day will be here soon, and Im already feeling bitter, anticipating all of the commercials, advertising, brunches and everything. I dont want to be bitter about Mothers Day, but I am. How do people typically celebrate Mothers Day when they have lost their mother?  JODY IN KEARNEY, NEB.

DEAR JODY: Please accept my condolences for the loss of your mother. If you have siblings, you might find it comforting to talk with them about your feelings. If not, then spend the day quietly, being grateful for the precious time you had with your mother and the many lessons she taught you. I cant speak for others, but thats how I have coped with the loss of my mother, and Im sure others do it, too.

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, Glen, and I have been dating for two years. Over the past few months he has been pushing me to open a joint checking account with him. I have tried explaining that I dont feel like its a good idea until we are engaged. But every time I say no, he gets upset and angry. Am I wrong for not wanting to put our finances together, and how do I make him see my side?  CAREFUL IN THE MIDWEST

DEAR CAREFUL: You are absolutely NOT wrong, and you should not have to justify your discomfort with the idea of pooling your money with anyone to whom you are not married. In fact, Glen should be trying to explain why he is pushing you into making such a foolish decision. His anger and upset are either attempts to bully you into doing what he wants, or a sign of desperation to get access to your hard-earned money. If you are at all tempted to relent, I URGE you to first talk to a lawyer about what the ramifications could be if the relationship went sour.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069
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by Bob Garfield , Featured Columnist, October 17, 2016

The Federal Trade Commission wants to sue AT&T for selling unlimited data plans to 3.5 million consumers, then throttling bandwidth once the customers passed certain usage thresholds. Which I'm pretty sure is the definition of limited.

A three-judge appellate panel has, for the moment, halted the suit over the statutory question of whether the FTC can regulate common carriers at all, even when the issue is a consumer-deception case right in the agency's wheelhouse.

The FTC warns that if it has no regulatory authority here, then wireless carriers, cloud networks, email platforms and others will be able to violate privacy, bait and switch prospects, throttle their networks and otherwise run roughshod over consumers of digital services -- which is to say: everyone. But the 9th Circuit told the government no dice.

And at this news, ring-a-ling, somewhere a Republican angel got his wings.

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Hasn't virtually every GOP politician since Honest Abe railed against government regulation as an onerous encroachment into the affairs of commerce that the Nanny State imposes at the cost of countless jobs and competitive disadvantage with more laissez faire foreigners?

Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard M. Nixon, for instance, both vetoed versions of the Clean Water Act. Not the Fast Food Managers Must Use #3-Lead Mechanical Pencils of Exactly 7.24 inches in Length Act. The freaking Clean Water Act.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 has helped reduce workplace fatalities 57% even as the population has increased 63%. It was lobbied against heavily, long delayed and finally watered down by the National Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and their Republican allies in Congress.

And I needn't tell you about keeping assault weapons off the street even though kindergartners are mowed down like clay pigeons, or putting some restraints on Wall Street and banks, even though their unchecked greed brought the world within a whisker of financial Armageddon. We shouldn't put in place a regulatory regime that overly reacts and, as a result, significantly dampens our capacity to have the most vibrant capital and credit markets in the world, said Judd Gregg, R-N.H. in voting against the Dodd-Frank bill. Or climate denier Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell putting Kentucky coal jobs against the fate of the entire planet.

The unshakeable anti-regulation creed is isn't so much a policy question as a religion, based not on economic data or real-world experience, but faith. There is simply no macroeconomic evidence that government intervention -- even on a massive scale, such as the EPA -- has damaged the overall economy. The loss of American manufacturing jobs is a result of unsustainable labor costs in a global economy, not limits on dumping PCBs in the river.

Yet we are supposedly strangling business. Nobody in the laissez faire camp seems to be fazed much which business strangles us. The same people who demand law and order on the streets, mainly by stopping and frisking black men, get irate at the idea of imposing law and order in the executive suite by white men with stock options.

Wells Fargo. General Motors. Volkswagen. Turing Pharmaceuticals, Enron, Bear Stearns, Bank of America, Parmalat, Arthur Andersen, Barclays, Philip-Morris, Archer Daniels Midland, Worldcom, Union Carbide, A.H. Robins (Dalkon Shield). Drexel Burnham.

Lemme know if you need more examples. Its a long list, because -- as I never get bored reminding people -- one thing the free market is free of is conscience.

That's how Donald P.O.S. Trump can promise "I am going to cut regulations massively" from one side of his mouth and say I am the law and order candidate with the other. No easy trick, considering that at the same time his tongue is down some woman's throat.

But I digress. I mega-digress. The point is, for those who would save citizens from the tyranny of evil bureaucrats oppressively protecting us from physical danger and economic crimes, the 9th Circuit offered quite an unexpected little gift. Who would expect such a treat from a panel of activist judges who are usually busy legislating from the bench in order to destroy everything good about this country with socialist propaganda, like the Bill of Rights?

So I want to tweet Trump and McConnell and the Chamber of Commerce, to help them mobilize their world. I've got an unlimited data plan, too. Thing is, though, I can't get a fucking signal.
by Richard Whitman , Columnist, October 17, 2016

Venables Bell & Partners Founder and Chairman Paul Venables is being named by the SF Bay Area Innovation Group winner of the 2016 Hal Riney Award For Excellence, a distinguishing honor given for extraordinary contributions to the advertising industry. Venables will receive this honor at the 8th annual Hal Riney Dinner and Silent Auction on November 16 at the San Francisco City Club.

Venables Bell & Partners is, of course, one of the industry's leading agencies. To wit, in January 2016, the agency was named to Ad Ages list of top 10 U.S. agencies in the magazines annual A-List issue. Over the course of its existence, the agency has worked with well-known brands such as PlayStation, Celebrity Cruises, Blue Moon, adidas, REI, Reebok, Intel, SKYY Vodka, Audi of America, Google and the Phillips 66 Company to its roster.

Of this honor, Venables said: "Thank you to sfBIG for this tremendous honor. Hal Riney has been a longtime inspiration to me because he was someone who was able to accomplish great things while staying true to his convictions. Im especially grateful that this award will support a students endeavors, and I hope that she or he will be inspired to forge their own gratifying path in our industry as both Hal and I have been lucky enough to be able to do.

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Eight years ago, sfBIG introduced the Hal Riney Icons of Marketing Award to recognize the talented people who have helped contribute to and create this legacy of innovation from which the industry at large is able to benefit. sfBIG named the event in recognition of the late Hal Riney, whose agency was arguably the first to put San Francisco creativity and innovation on the map.

So far, sfBIG has recognized amazing leaders from across the industry. In its first year, sfBIG recognized Jeff Goodby, co-founder of Goodby Silverstein who shared his experiences working for his mentor Hal. Other recipients have included Louis Rossetta and Jane Metcalf, founders of Wired Magazine, Deborah Contrad, CMO of Intel, John Battelle, Author, organizer of Web 2.0 and founder of Federated Media, Tom Bedecarre, Chairman of AKQA and President of WPP Ventures, Larry Kramer President and Publisher of USA Today and last year Willie Brown, Former San Francisco Mayor.

Congratulating Venables on his win, sfBIG President Kelly Burke said, "We are delighted to recognize Paul Venables, Founder and Chairman of Venables Bell & Partners, one of the top ad agencies in the United States. We are so fortunate to honor this man, who represents the best of what Hal Riney brought to the table in advertising: insights, intelligence, and inspiration in the creative process. It will be a special night for sfBIG to honor this man and his work."

Kudos, Paul.
by Tanya Gazdik , October 17, 2016

The contentious battle between sausage links and patties has ended with a split decision in the Bob Evans Sausage Selection Election.

According to a national survey by Bob Evans, links are Americas #1 breakfast sausage. In the state-by-state results, 30 states (mainly on the coasts) chose links as the best breakfast sausage versus only 18 states (in the Midwest and South) picking patties. Battleground states, Florida and North Carolina, illustrating again how they earned the moniker, were split 50/50 between the two contenders.

However, patties were the clear winner in the popular vote, with voters online choosing the Farm Boy favorite over the linked variety. With a 2,000-vote lead, patties seemingly are the winner in the hearts and minds of online sausage lovers.

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Links are the sausage choice for Millennials and Gen X, but only slightly edge out patties among Baby Boomers and Greatest Generation (59% and 57% vs. 51% and 52%). Results indicate a bit of a gender gap. A clear majority of women chose links (59% vs 41%), but the difference is much less among men (52% vs 48%).

Democrats prefer links by a slightly higher margin than Republicans (57% and 53%, respectively) while Libertarians strongly preferred patties (62%).

The division is unsurprising, given that sales within Bob Evans Farms restaurants of sausage patties nearly double those of links (2.1 million vs. 1.2 million lbs./yr.). Coincidentally, linked sausage takes the edge over patties in nationwide sales of Bob Evans Grocery Products (9.5 million vs. 9.4 million lbs./yr.).

The company was really encouraged by how many people were engaged by the Sausage Selection Election, with more than 13,000 voting on the campaign Web site and thousands more showing their support in a photo "voting" booth at the 46th annual Bob Evans Farm Festival, says John Fisher, President, Bob Evans Farms, LLC.

With the presidential election on the top of the country's mind, we thought it'd be a nice change of pace to run a simple, fun campaign that focused on a subject that everyone can enjoy: breakfast sausage, Fisher tells Marketing Daily. While divided by shape, our candidates are united by flavor. In the end, although the opinions about sausage type vary, everyone can agree that sausage is a delicious addition to any breakfast.



Two videos, Patties for the People and Links for Liberty, promote the positive attributes of each form of sausage. Patties use a red logo and the video promoting them includes a take-off on a phrase that consumers might be familiar with: Make Sausage Great Again. Creative design is from 30 Lines, Columbus, Ohio.

The 2016 Bob Evans Sausage Selection Election Survey was conducted from Aug. 30 through Sept. 8 with 2,500 adults, 50 from each of the 50 U.S. states. The survey was fielded using the Research Now online consumer panel. At the time of the survey, participants had to have been at least 18 years of age or older and live in one of the 50 U.S. states. Age data is reflective to the adult population based on U.S. Census data. Millennials are defined as 18- to-34-year-olds, GenX as 35- to-51-year-olds, Baby Boomer as 52-70 years old, and The Greatest Generation as 71 years old and older. Political affiliation was determined by self-identification as a Democrat (31%), Republican (32%) or Libertarian (2%).


by Thom Forbes @tforbes, October 17, 2016

Now that nearly 200 nations have reached a legally binding agreement to limit the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)  a key contributor to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere  starting in 2019, the race is on for companies to provide alternatives. They are likely to increase the cost of air conditioners and refrigerators, but apparently not by much.

The pact was signed in Kigali, Rwanda, early Saturday morning following an intense, all-night negotiation that was preceded by seven years of preliminary discussions. A celebratory Champagne breakfast followed, Coral Davenport reports for the New York Times.

It is likely the single most important step we could take at this moment to limit the warming of our planet and limit the warming for generations to come, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told his fellow negotiators. It is the biggest thing we can do in one giant swoop.

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The issue has gathered momentum as the standard of living improves in developing nations in countries with regions where heat can be oppressive.

Worldwide use of HFCs has soared in the past decade as rapidly growing countries like China and India have widely adopted air conditioning in homes, offices and cars, write Chris Johnston, Oliver Milman and John Vidal for The Guardian. But HFC gases are thousands of times more destructive to the climate than carbon dioxide, and scientists say their growing use threatens to undermine the Paris accord by 195 countries, an agreement last year to reduce climate emissions.

Honeywell and Chemours are among the companies that have been ramping up efforts to produce alternative coolants, Reuters Malathi Nayak reports.

The agreement is a boon for chemical and equipment makers as it gives them clarity and certainty and will help speed up development and testing of HFC alternatives, which are already underway, Kevin Fay, executive director of the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy, tells Nayak.

Morris Plains, N.J.-based Honeywell began developing HFC alternatives as far back as 2000 and has invested $500 million to date, a company spokesman said. The company has committed $900 million in total, Nayak reports, including substitutes used for foam insulation, aerosols, commercial refrigerants, and chiller applications.

Although alternative coolants exist, many are unapproved for use in the U.S. Some are flammable. Manufacturers will have to convince regulators the new compounds are safe before retooling production, write Andrew Tangel and Ted Mann for the Wall Street Journal.

Its not going to be easy, but were committed to doing it, Stephen Yurek, chief executive of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, tells Tangel and Mann. The ARAPs Fay tells them that retooling a chemical plant for a new coolant could cost more than $200 million. But consumer prices for appliances might eventually rise only as much as about 2%, as has been the case in previous coolant phaseouts.

Chemours, which is based in Wilmington, Del., last week announced a new line of lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, the Opteon XL Series. They offer similar properties, and in many cases increased performance, compared to the current hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) they are designed to replace, but are classified as mildly flammable, according to a news release.

The agreement on HFCs will have an impact throughout the supply chain, of course, including on the ships that carry all of those refrigerators and air conditioners to the U.S. from across the Pacific.

Robert Chesters, managing director, Oceanic Technical Solutions, says the cost of refrigerant and regulatory compliance in the next five years will become as commercially important to vessel operations as regulations governing sulphur emissions are today, according toArabian Supply Chain.

Apparently, ship owners have a ways to go in reducing refrigerant consumption by installing fixed leak detection systems, carrying out routine leak testing on-board and implementing full refrigerant reduction programs.

At the same time, the agreement should have an even greater impact on global warming although there are three distinct pathways to compliance, the BBCs Matt McGrath reports.

Richer economies like the European Union, the U.S. and others will start to limit their use of HFCs within a few years and make a cut of at least 10% from 2019. Some developing countries like China, nations in Latin America and island states will freeze their use of HFCs from 2024. Other developing countries, specifically India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and the Gulf states will not freeze their use until 2028.

McGrath points out, however, some observers questioned the concessions made to India and China, suggesting they had weakened the overall impact of the program.

They needed an agreement here as it's seen as an Obama legacy, so the U.S. delegation has been pretty aggressive in making China and India get to an agreement, says Greenpeace Internationals Paula Tejon Carbajal.
by Philip Rosenstein , Staff Writer, October 17, 2016

The Hispanic and Latino community was thrust to the center of the 2016 presidential campaign the day Donald Trump announced his candidacy on June 15, 2015. Not that they needed any reminder of the central role they play in American politics.

Obama's win in 2012 is largely thought to be a result of strong Hispanic turnout.

One cannot overstate the vital role that Hispanic voters will play in deciding our next president. Many swing states, in particular, Florida, have larger Hispanic communities than the average across the country.

Further, FiveThirtyEight gives Florida a 19.4% chance of tipping the election. Univision projects that 18.5% of the Florida electorate will identify as Hispanic.

Donald Trump attempts at times, generally to no avail, to frame his rhetoric about Hispanics or Mexicans as a discussion about immigration and jobs, while dismissing any racial or xenophobic tinge to his policies.

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The problem for Trump: There is not much he can do now to woo any Hispanics back to his corner.

People appreciate when people speak to them and not so much when you talk about them, Lourdes Torres, senior vice president of political coverage and special projects at Univision, told Red, White & Blog.

Mexicans are fiercely nationalistic. Mexican Americans are proud of where they came from, added Torres. They dont really feel like theres a true border, there is such a strong cross-cultural sentiment -- and talk of the wall is an especially vicious attack on many Hispanics cultural ties with Mexico.

Hispanic turnout in states like Florida, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada will be particularly important to the outcome of the race. According to Univisions forecast of Hispanic voters in swing states, Hillary Clinton will rout Trump with over 70% of the vote in all five except Florida, where she is projected to win the demographic with about 65% of the vote.

Turnout in Florida among Hispanics will be especially crucial, as described by Univisions interactive forecast. In order for Clinton to win the state, over 26.3% of eligible Hispanic voters will have to vote to grant her the states 29 electoral votes. Below that threshold, Trump would be 29 electoral votes closer to the White House.

Trump will himself be motivation for a lot of people to come out and vote, said Torres. The big question is whether there is a large portion of those polled who are not registered to vote.
by Wayne Friedman , October 17, 2016

Is Donald Trump looking more serious at a possible TV-media future?

A report in the Financial Times says Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, owner of the weekly New York Observer, had a meeting with media banker/advisor Aryeh Bourkoff, co-founder of LionTree, about starting up a possible Trump TV network.

LionTree was a media advisor for Charter Communications for its $55 billion takeover of Time Warner Cable Inc. It also advised Verizon Communications on its $4.4 billion purchase of AOL and Liberty Globals $23.3 billion deal for Virgin Media.

Business analysts have speculated that Trump would be looking to start up a TV network/media company after the presidential election should he lose.

In an NBC News/Wall Street Journal opinion poll, published this weekend, Trump trailed Secretary Clinton by 11 points nationally.

Trump had been a co-executive producer of The Apprentice and Celebrity Apprentice. Kushner is married to Trumps daughter Ivanka.

Roger Ailes, the former chairman of Rupert Murdochs Fox News Channel, is a close friend and advisor to Trump.

But according to terms of his exit agreement, he would be prohibited from working on a Trump media venture.
by Erik Sass , Staff Writer @eriksass1, October 17, 2016

Melania Trump is firing back at People magazine over an article it published last week, accusing her husband, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, of sexually assaulting a writer for the magazine.

Her beef isn't because of any supposed inaccuracies in the description of the assault. Rather, Mrs. Trump is disputing that she briefly encountered the writer in the street some months later.

In her first-person account for People published last Wednesday, writer Natasha Stoynoff alleged that during a visit to Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in 2005, the real estate mogul and reality TV star pinned her against the wall and forcibly kissed her while his wife was out of the room, then later told her: You know were going to have an affair, dont you?

Stoynoff wrote that she didnt write about the assault at the time because she was afraid Trump would destroy her career.

Last week, Melania Trumps lawyer, Charles Harder, delivered a letter to People editor-in-chief Jess Cagle and Stoynoff, claiming that parts of Stoynoffs account are false and completely fictionalized. The letter demands that People retract these portions of the article and print a prominent apology.

He threatens a lawsuit against the magazine if it fails to do so.

The letter specifies three details that are allegedly false, all concerning a chance meeting between Melania Trump and Stoynoff that supposedly occurred some months later. Stoynoff claimed that she ran into Mrs. Trump carrying her newborn baby into Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue, leading to an exchange in which the latter asked: 'Natasha, why dont we see you anymore? Stoynoff implies that she evaded the question out of a duty to conceal Donald Trumps philandering behavior from his wife.

According to the letter, The true facts are these: Mrs. Trump did not encounter Ms. Stoynoff on the street, nor have any conversation with her. The two are not friends and were never friends or even friendly. At the time in question, Mrs. Trump would not have even recognized Ms. Stoynoff if they had encountered one another on the street.

People magazine said it is standing by Stoynoffs account, including the supposed chance meeting in New York City.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, October 17, 2016

In a bid to prepare itself adequately for the future, Wieden+Kennedy has made changes to its organizational structure, including a new global stakeholder group, and a new leadership team to oversee the agencys emerging markets. The agency will mark 35 years in business next April.

The reorganization was led by Global President Dave Luhr and Global Chief Creative Officer Colleen DeCourcy. They have added 15 new members to the current nine-person partner group, which they said has been renamed to more accurately represent the leaders' role in the future of the agency. This leadership team will now be called Wieden+Kennedy Stakeholders.

Our current nine-person partner group is based on a model weve outgrown," stated Luhr, who, together with DeCourcy, oversees the global W+K network, which includes eight offices located in Amsterdam, Delhi, London, New York, Portland, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, and Tokyo. "That group doesnt reflect the breadth of perspective and skills we want to see in the next generation of leaders, and the next, and the next. Given the size and complexity of the agency, we need more decision-makers representing more offices, more disciplines and different voices. Our leadership needs to be a bigger and better reflection of the agency we have become.

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We are focused on making work that is culturally relevant and influential, and that lives across more places and channels," says DeCourcy. "We are rethinking what 'work' is, embarking on unexpected collaborations, and seeking to grow in interesting, smart ways. This group is charged with pushing us further down these roads and others we havent even considered."

The W+K stakeholder group includes (new members in bold):

Dan Wieden, Founder, Global Chairman

Dave Luhr, Global President

Colleen DeCourcy, Global Chief Creative Officer

Claudia Valderrama, Chief Financial Officer

Kim Papworth, Executive Creative Director of Emerging Markets

Karrelle Dixon, Director of Emerging Markets

Neil Christie, Managing Director, W+K London

Tony Davidson, Executive Creative Director, W+K London

Iain Tait, Executive Creative Director, W+K London

Paul Colman, Chief Strategy Officer, W+K London

Helen Andrews, Deputy Managing Director, W+K London

Neal Arthur, Managing Director, W+K New York

Karl Lieberman, Executive Creative Director, W+K New York

Susan Hoffman, Executive Creative Director, W+K Portland

Tom Blessington, Managing Director, W+K Portland

Mark Fitzloff, Executive Creative Director, W+K Portland

Joe Staples, Executive Creative Director, W+K Portland

David Terry, Director of Strategic Planning, W+K Portland

Alberto Ponte, Global Creative Director on Nike, W+K Portland

Daniel Sheniak, Global Comms Director on Nike, W+K Portland

Jessica Monsey, Group Account Director/Director of Publishing, W+K Portland

Andre Gustavo, Managing Director, W+K Sao Paulo

Eric Quennoy, Executive Creative Director, W+K Amsterdam

Mark Bernath, Executive Creative Director, W+K Amsterdam

The agency also announced that Kim Papworth and Karrelle Dixon have been appointed to oversee the companys emerging markets, in new roles as Executive Creative Director, Emerging Markets and Managing Director, Emerging Markets, respectively. They will report to Luhr and DeCourcy, and will be based in London while spending time in W+Ks Tokyo, Shanghai and Delhi offices.

Previously, Dixon was the Global Account Director for the agencys largest (and foundational) account, Nike, based in Portland, OR. Dixon joined W+K London in 2006 as an account manager on Nike and other agency brands.

Papworth was Executive Creative Director for W+K London for 15 years, during which the agency created celebrated campaigns for Nike, Honda and Nokia, amongst others.

Founder and Chairman Dan Wieden stated, I am so damn proud of this place. We started as a ship of fools, and that, I quite firmly believe is why we have succeeded for almost 35 years. But I really never thought we would be talking about the next 35. The hope is always that the next generation does better than the one before them. I think under the leadership of Dave and Colleen, and this inspiring group of new stakeholders, we just might be onto something."
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, October 17, 2016

A little-known search engine that focuses on user privacy has canceled its partnership with Yahoo. StartPage made the announcement Monday.

"We can no longer have confidence in them," according to StartPage CEO Robert Beens. He predicts that while his company is the first to part ways with Yahoo, others will likely follow.

A Yahoo spokesperson said there's no official partnership between the two companies, though Europe-based StartPage said it informed Yahoo Monday that it will drop the company's aggregate search results from its metasearch platform Ixquick.eu by the end of the month.

"We are not the only ones disturbed by Yahoos lack of openness about major privacy violations, Beens said in a prepared statement. "Even though Ixquick.eu can't be affected by Yahoos government ties because of our strict privacy protections and our location outside US jurisdiction, we no longer feel comfortable partnering with them."

Beens cut ties after Yahoo -- which is in the midst of a $4.83 billion sale to Verizon -- admitted to a 2014 data breach in which email addresses, passwords, and birthdates for more than 500 million users were stolen. Then in early October, Yahoo was confronted for secretly aiding the U.S. government in spying on its users email, whether those users were accused of wrongdoing or not.

Silicon Beat reports the digital rights group Fight for the Future has launched a "Dump Yahoo" campaign urging users to delete their Yahoo accounts. The organization notes on its Web site that it received support from the Ford Foundation and Knight Foundation. It also lists DuckDuckGo, a StartPage rival, as a $25,000-or-more funder.

"Listed as a funder of $10,000 or more is Yelp, with whom Yahoo entered a partnership in 2014 to include the review sites listings and reviews into Yahoo search results," per the report.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, October 17, 2016

Broadband providers AT&T, Comcast and T-Mobile have officially asked the Federal Communications Commission to retreat from a privacy proposal that could limit online behavioral advertising.

The proposal, unveiled this month by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, would require Internet service providers to obtain consumers' explicit consent before drawing on their app usage or Web-browsing histories for ad targeting. That proposal applies only to companies that offer Internet access services like Verizon and Time Warner as opposed to online publishers, search engines and other so-called "edge" providers.

Google, Facebook and other Web site operators currently let people opt out of receiving behaviorally targeted ads, but don't seek people's advance permission unless drawing on data the ad industry considers "sensitive." In general, that ad industry says the concept includes precise geolocation information, financial account numbers and health-care data.

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AT&T, Comcast and T-Mobile are now lobbying the FCC against the proposed rules. AT&T vice president Joan Marsh spoke with the agency last week, and espoused the view that customers "do not expect different rules to apply to the various entities within the internet ecosystem."

T-Mobile argued in a separate filing for "a level playing field among ISPs and edge providers." The company adds that it should not have to obtain consumers' opt-in consent before drawing on their "non-sensitive" Web browsing and app usage history.

Comcast senior vice president Kathryn Zachem likewise told FCC last week that broadband providers should be able to draw on subscribers' "non-sensitive" Web-browsing and app usage history for ad targeting on an opt-out basis.

But proponents of the regulations counter that ISPs should have to follow more stringent rules than "edge" providers, because ISPs have access to more data about consumers than any single search engine, social network or other Web company.

New America's Open Technology Institute urged the FCC to craft even tougher rules that would also prohibit ISPs from using metadata -- including what time of day people go online -- without people's opt-in consent.

The FCC is scheduled to vote on the proposal on Oct. 27.
Over the past year, Facebook and Google grew their constant currency ad revenue by about $18 billion, according to fresh estimates from Pivotal Research Group.

Excluding China -- where Facebook and Google capture relatively no revenue -- thats about the same amount by which the global digital ad marketplace grew over the past year, per Magna Global.

How is that possible?

Other media owners digital growth either came alongside Googles as part of their ad network activities or displaced declines from other digital media owners, Brian Wieser, a senior analyst at Pivotal, explains in a new note to investors.

More remarkable, Wieser and his colleagues dont expect Facebook or Google to diminish in stature.

We see no reason for this trend to change soon, as both Facebook and Google continue to innovate their ad product offerings and expand the share of wallet they each capture from advertisers, according to Wieser.

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Rivaling Googles forays into the marketing technology space, Facebook has additional upside from improved monetization at Instagram and the establishment of commercial models at WhatsApp and Messenger, Pivotal suggests.

The firms updated expectations for Facebook equate to a share of global digital advertising (minus China) that rises from 18% to 29% between 2016 and 2021. Pivotals updated growth expectations for Google equate to an ex-China digital share -- on a gross basis -- that rises from 54% in 2016 to 60% in 2021.

As such, Pivotal is raising its new price targets on Google parent Alphabet and Facebook to $1,090 and $175, respectively.

Meanwhile, the firm isnt giving up on Twitter just yet, and maintaining its buy rating on the struggling social network.

Yahoo, however, is another story. Indeed, the tech dinosaur would have been an afterthought at this point were it not for Verizons belief that it has a reasonable basis to withdraw from its offer to acquire Yahoo, Wieser remarked.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, October 17, 2016

Translation has appointed Patrick Lafferty President, assuming day-to-day leadership of the agency. He will report to CEO Steve Stoute, who founded the agency in 2004.

Lafferty most recently held the role of North American CEO at BBH, overseeing BBHs offices in New York and Los Angeles. He announced his impending departure last month.

Prior to joining BBH, he served as COO at McCann Erickson North America, as well as CMO at the Travel Channel. Earlier, Lafferty held key senior positions at Discovery Networks and Leo Burnett. Before beginning his career in marketing, Lafferty served for seven years as an Army officer.

This is a big milestone for Translation, stated Stoute. Weve consistently created culture-driving, business-building work with our clients. Completing our executive team and attracting a leader like Pat is a game changer. Translation and our partners will immediately benefit from Pats one-of-a-kind combination of world-class creative, media, CMO and military experience.

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Commenting on his new role Lafferty stated: Translation is an independent agency built with culture at its core." Brands today are either authentic, cultural instigators or theyre invisible. Inspired by Steve, Translation uniquely provides clients the most talented and diverse team of storytellers, geeks, renegades and entrepreneurs Ive ever seen.&rdquo
How clues in our genes could help prevent osteoporotic fracture.

In a world first, new Australian research has revealed that genetic profiling can help predict whether an individual will break a bone through osteoporosis. The findings, which arise from Australia's globally-recognised Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study, are likely to contribute to clinical decision-making in future, bringing us one step closer to personalised medicine for bone disease.

Osteoporosis - brittle, weakened bones - affects 1.2 million Australians and causes more than 150,000 fractures per year in Australia. Osteoporosis and associated fractures represent a major national public health problem, costing the health system billions of dollars per year (total cost estimated at $33.6 billion for 2012-2022) - and with the demographic tsunami of aging upon us, the scale of Australia's osteoporosis problem will continue to rise.

Osteoporosis is dubbed 'the silent thief', because bone loss occurs without obvious symptoms until a bone is broken. Because of the silent nature of osteoporosis, it is very difficult to predict who will or will not fracture. For this reason, one key goal of osteoporosis research is to identify those who have a high risk of breaking a bone - with the ultimate aim of preventing avoidable fractures.

Professor Tuan Nguyen (Garvan Institute of Medical Research and University of Technology Sydney) led the new research. He explains, "Our study shows, for the first time, that we can classify an individual's risk of breaking a bone much more reliably when we take genetic factors into account alongside clinical factors.

"This is a major step towards personalised medicine for osteoporosis.

Prof Nguyen says the findings overturn long-held skepticism in the bone health field about the role of genetics in the clinical management of osteoporosis.

"We have known for many years that a number of genetic variants are linked to low bone density and to fracture - but until now, we have struggled to transform that knowledge into clinical benefit to patients," Prof Nguyen says.

"It has previously been difficult to see how genetic variation might become clinically important, because the effect of each individual genetic variant on fracture risk is very subtle.

"To overcome this issue, we looked at 62 different genetic variants in tandem across over 1400 individuals in the Dubbo study - and we found that, together, those variants become a powerful predictive tool.

"Once we have validated our findings in other populations, we will be looking to develop a cost-effective gene profiling test that will be available for clinicians to use. The test will determine a 'genetic risk score' on the basis of a blood sample, which contains ample DNA for profiling."

The new findings arise from Garvan's leading Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study, the world's largest and longest running population-based study of osteoporosis in men and women. The Dubbo Study has been gathering broad-ranging health data, including bone health and genomic information, from thousands of residents of Dubbo, NSW for 27 years.

Among other major contributions to our understanding of osteoporosis, the Dubbo Study has enabled the development of the Garvan Fracture Risk Calculator (GFRC), one of two major algorithms worldwide that is used clinically to determine an individual's risk of osteoporotic fracture. The GFRC uses clinical risk factors (age, sex, history of falls and fractures, and bone density) to assess an individual's fracture risk.

Importantly, the new findings now show that genetic profiling further improves the accuracy of the GFRC.

Each of the genetic variants studied by the researchers is a single-nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP - a site at which the DNA code is altered by a single 'letter' or nucleotide in some individuals, and where one 'letter' is more commonly found in individuals with higher fracture risk. The researchers used each study participant's SNP profile to generate a personalised 'genetic risk score'.

For each of the 1400+ individuals studied, the researchers looked at whether a bone had been broken over a 10-year period. They then assessed whether the GFRC had correctly predicted the risk of fracture - and whether the use of the 'genetic risk score' could improve the accuracy of the GFRC's prediction.

The result? A more accurate prediction of fracture risk. The researchers found that, when the 'genetic risk score' was used with the GFRC, the correct classification of individuals as high or low fracture risk was increased by 12% over and above that of the traditional clinical risk factors, which together correctly classify up to 80% of the studied individuals into high and low risk categories.

Professor John Eisman (Garvan), who heads the Dubbo study, says the findings, and their clinical relevance, are heartening.

"Each time we improve our understanding of the risk of bone fracture in osteoporosis, we are taking a step towards easier and more straightforward clinical decision-making for Australian GPs and Australian people - and in turn towards better outcomes for the 1.2 million Australians living with osteoporosis."

Professor John Mattick, Executive Director of Garvan, adds, "Once individual genome sequences become a routine part of medical records, this genetic risk information will be readily available and be used to optimise the management of health in older people."

The research has recently been accepted for publication in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, the premier journal in bone biology internationally.
An avatar-based application improves symptom recognition in heart attack survivors, reveals research presented at Acute Cardiovascular Care 2016 by Jintana Tongpeth, a PhD student at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.

"The medical profession has been slow to integrate technology into practice," said senior author Professor Robyn Clark, professor of nursing at Flinders University. "Robots can do surgery but we're still waiting for doctors to catch up with hairdressers who send appointment reminders by text message. The World Health Organization says 85% of the planet has access to Wi-fi so there is huge potential for communicating."

"Every year approximately 92% of persons who experience an out of hospital cardiac arrest event die before they arrive in the emergency department," said Ms Tongpeth. "The time patients take to recognise symptoms of a heart attack and decide to seek medical help accounts for the largest portion of pre-hospital delay, which increases the chance of death. Patients who have had a heart attack are at high risk of a second heart attack."

There is little research to show that booklets are effective in teaching patients about health issues. But a systematic review has found emerging evidence that tablets, websites and mobile phones may work.

The current study evaluated the impact of an avatar-based application (app) to improve heart attack patients' ability to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack and correctly decide what to do. It also assessed how satisfied patients were with the app's usability and ease of navigation.

The study was conducted in two phases. Phase one used "action research" in which feedback on the design of the app was collected in cycles from cardiologists, patients and gaming IT experts.

In eight minutes the avatar, a nurse named Cora, teaches heart attack warning signs and symptoms, and what to do when having heart attack. It is interactive with a number of quizzes along the way. The text has come from Australian Heart Foundation literature.

"We have found in patient education that cartoon like characters are less intimidating than a video with a doctor in a white coat giving a lecture on what to do," said Professor Clark. "Cora is engaging, fun, and gives good feedback. Patients of any age can answer her questions by pressing yes/no on the screen."

In phase two the app was tested with ten heart attack patients. The investigators found that participants' ability to recognise symptoms improved by 24% and their knowledge about what to do increased by 15%. More than 87% of patients said they were satisfied with the technology and found it easy to use.

Ms Tongpeth said: "Patients said the app made it easy to learn. They enjoyed using it and said it had helped them to be more confident about recognising and managing heart attack symptom in the future."

The app has the potential to replace traditional booklets, brochures and complex medical language in patient education. The dialogue will also be translated so that Cora speaks 144 languages.

"We want to reach all patients regardless of what language they speak, how old they are, and their level of literacy," said Professor Robyn. "To use the app you don't need to read or speak English, and you can get most of the messages from the pictures. It is also suitable for older patients with one message per screen and large buttons."

The idea is that patients who have suffered a heart attack would be given the app before discharge from hospital. Ultimately it could be used to increase awareness in patients without existing heart disease.

The next stage in the research is to test the app's ability to improve outcomes after a heart attack in a randomised controlled trial.

Ms Tongpeth concluded: "Lack of knowledge on the symptoms of a heart attack is a major obstacle to seeking timely medical treatment and is associated with potentially preventable death and complications. With the app we hope to improve knowledge and response time, which should save heart muscle through faster paramedic support and treatment with stents to clear blocked arteries."
In a first of its kind study, Mount Sinai researchers are using optimal coherence tomography (OCT) angiography to look at the earliest stages of glaucoma and identify characteristic patterns of different forms of glaucoma based on their vascular patterns. The research could lead doctors to diagnose glaucoma cases earlier than ever before and potentially slow down the progression of vision loss.

OCT angiography is an advanced imaging system that captures the motion of red blood cells in blood vessels non-invasively, as opposed to traditional angiography, which uses dye injections. Using this technology, a team of scientists from the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have discovered that all glaucoma patients have fewer blood vessels, or less blood flow to the eyes compared to patients without glaucoma. The findings were published in IOVS.

Researchers analyzed 92 patients above the age of 50 between April and August 2015. They divided those patients into three groups based on their condition: primary open-angle glaucoma (high pressure); normal-tension glaucoma (low pressure); and no glaucoma. They used OCT angiography to look at the blood vessels in each patient, and found those with glaucoma had different patterns of defects in the blood flow in the most superficial layer of the retina depending on the type of glaucoma.

"This is the first time we have been able to identify certain characteristic patterns of blood flow that correspond to different types of glaucoma, which may allow us to identify certain forms of glaucoma in their early stages," said lead investigator Richard Rosen, MD, Director, Retina Services, NYEE; Research Director, Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies to avoid progressive damage in glaucoma patients, and provide a new metric for monitoring early damage that eventually leads to vision loss."

The team of researchers developed new software to analyze the images obtained with OCT angiography. This software was designed to map the perfused optic nerve capillaries in each eye to reveal the patterns of the blood vessels feeding the optic nerve fiber layer. They looked at patients with open-angle glaucoma and evaluated how their blood flow distribution differed from patients with normal-tension glaucoma. They then compared the patterns of the blood supply to the patterns of the optic nerve fiber layer loss due to glaucoma. In high-pressure glaucoma the pattern of blood flow loss closely matched the optic nerve fiber loss. In normal-tension glaucoma cases, the pattern of blood flow loss, while not significantly different from open-angle glaucoma, tended to be more diffuse.

"Normal-tension glaucoma is often picked up late because it's not recognized if patients don't have high pressure, causing them to lose nerve fiber and blood supply before diagnosis," said James C. Tsai, MD, MBA, Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Mount Sinai Health System; President, NYEE. "This study points to vascular factors contributing to normal-tension glaucoma and we can use this to help identify ways to detect the disease earlier, and possibly prevent vision loss."

Further studies will help to refine identification of these characteristic patterns of blood flow that indicate normal-tension glaucoma. Future advancements in technology may also lead to OCT angiography becoming a standardized imaging modality for the diagnosis and management of glaucoma.

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School also contributed to this study.

Article: Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Analysis of Perfused Peripapillary Capillaries in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Normal-Tension Glaucoma, Nicole K. Scripsema; Patricia M. Garcia; Richard D. Bavier; Toco Y. P. Chui; Brian D. Krawitz; Shelley Mo; Steven A. Agemy; Luna Xu; Yijie B. Lin; Joseph F. Panarelli; Paul A. Sidoti; James C. Tsai; Richard B. Rosen, IOVS, doi:10.1167/iovs.15-18945, published 14 October 2016.
New research in The FASEB Journal suggests that formulating ibuprofen with arginine might be the key to negating the cardiovascular side effects of the drug.

In a research report published online in The FASEB Journal, scientists used mice and rats to show that ibuprofen arginate may allow people to take higher doses without the cardiovascular side effects that are associated with current formulations found in over the counter products. In addition to being better tolerated, ibuprofen arginate also is released into the bloodstream more rapidly than the current formulations, likely providing faster pain relief.

"While more experiments are required, our observations show that ibuprofen arginate provides, in one preparation, a COX-2 inhibitor and arginine supplement," said Jane A. Mitchell, Ph.D., a researcher involved in the work and Head of Cardiothoracic Pharmacology, Cardiothoracic Pharmacology and Vascular Biology Section at the National Heart and Lung Institute at the Institute of Cardiovascular Medicine and Science at the Imperial College in London, England. "Whilst remarkably simple, our findings are potentially game-changing in the pain medication arena."

The scientists used a range of approaches from experiments using single types of cells to whole laboratory animals in which blood pressure was measured. In the first approach, mouse cells were studied in dishes where the normal arginine was removed from the growth solution. They found that the arginine contained in ibuprofen arginine could work in exactly the same way that regular arginine works in cells. The second experiment involved blood vessels from mice and rats, to which an artificial compound to block the protective effects of the normal arginine contained in all tissues, was applied. In this experiment, ibuprofen arginine reversed the block and restored blood vessel function to normal levels. The third experimental approach involved measuring blood pressure in live rats and blocking the protective effects of normal arginine in the body, which caused an increase in blood pressure. Study results demonstrated that ibuprofen arginine worked just like regular arginine to restore blood pressure to normal levels. Arginine formulations of ibuprofen could act to negate the harmful cardiovascular consequences caused by high doses of these common anti-inflammatory painkillers.

"This is a nifty idea and the results are clear"," said Thoru Pederson, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal. "The potential for human use is attractive, not only for attenuating the cardiovascular risk, but also to the extent that this formulation may circumvent moving certain patients onto opioid painkillers, fraught with their own dangers."

Article: Ibuprofen arginate retains eNOS substrate activity and reverses endothelial dysfunction: implications for the COX-2/ADMA axis, Nicholas S. Kirkby, Abel Tesfai, Blerina Ahmetaj-Shala, Hime H. Gashaw, Walkyria Sampaio, Gisele Etelvino, Nadia Miriceia Leao, Robson A. Santos, and Jane A. Mitchell, The FASEB Journal, doi:10.1096/fj.201600647R, published online 6 September 2016.
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Common ailments such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting usually account for most number of consultations in a doctors clinic. However, most of us are keen to adopt natural, organic, and drug-free treatments which ensure a safe and holistic cure.

Most of us are unaware of the potent medicinal properties of many of the herbs and spices present within our reach - stocked in our kitchens. Herbs and spices are not only great culinary additives, but can also be safely used to treat a number of health conditions.

Here is a list of the some of the commonest conditions experienced across age groups and natural ways to treat them at home.

1. Headache: Stressful and hectic lifestyles can bring on headaches which are commonly treated by popping in painkillers like paracetamol. Headaches usually occur due to stress, eye strain, poor sleep, irregular meal times and so on. Hormonal irregularities and blood sugar can also cause frequent headaches.

Peppermint oil - Peppermint oil is known for unblocking clogged blood vessels. Its main component - menthol helps enhance blood circulation. You can either inhale its refreshing aroma or mix one tablespoon of peppermint oil together with almond oil and apply it on the forehead. Alternatively, add one tablespoon of crushed peppermint leaves to boiling water and enjoy it as a cup of peppermint tea.

- Peppermint oil is known for unblocking clogged blood vessels. Its main component - menthol helps enhance blood circulation. You can either inhale its refreshing aroma or mix one tablespoon of peppermint oil together with almond oil and apply it on the forehead. Alternatively, add one tablespoon of crushed peppermint leaves to boiling water and enjoy it as a cup of peppermint tea. Cinnamon - Simply mix a teaspoon of finely ground cinnamon powder with half a cup of warm water. Apply it on the forehead for 30 minutes and wash it off with lukewarm water.

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2. Nausea: Nausea can be easily treated with simple herbal remedies; however, if you are pregnant, you must first consult with your physician.

Ginger - Raw ginger or ginger ale, gingerols stimulate the release of a number of digestive enzymes and juices which neutralize gastric acid. Ginger tea can be easily prepared by peeling a few shreds of ginger root and boiling in 2 cups of water. Sip this slowly to get relief from nausea.

Raw ginger or ginger ale, gingerols stimulate the release of a number of digestive enzymes and juices which neutralize gastric acid. Ginger tea can be easily prepared by peeling a few shreds of ginger root and boiling in 2 cups of water. Sip this slowly to get relief from nausea. Lemon - The strong odor of this citrus fruit can reduce the sensation of nausea and calm an irritated stomach. Hold a slice of lemon close to your nose ensuring that you inhale and exhale deeply. This will help get rid of the uneasy and nauseous sensation as well calm an irritated stomach.

The strong odor of this citrus fruit can reduce the sensation of nausea and calm an irritated stomach. Hold a slice of lemon close to your nose ensuring that you inhale and exhale deeply. This will help get rid of the uneasy and nauseous sensation as well calm an irritated stomach. Clove - Brew one teaspoon of clove powder in a cup of water. Strain and sip this tea to get relief from nausea.

3. Indigestion or Dyspepsia: Over eating and faulty eating habits can lead to indigestion or acidity. Herbs can improve your digestion, and also resolve minor gut infections.

Fennel - Regularly consumed after meals by many, fennel reduces indigestion and helps combat acidity, bloating and stomach pain. Typically, a teaspoon of fennel seeds can be taken each day.

Regularly consumed after meals by many, fennel reduces indigestion and helps combat acidity, bloating and stomach pain. Typically, a teaspoon of fennel seeds can be taken each day. Turmeric - This yellow spice contains an active ingredient Curcumin, which lowers acidity, helps in digestion and aids liver function. The amount recommended everyday for dyspepsia is about 500 mg.

4. Joint Pain: A number of conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, sprain or strain give rise to joint pain in different joints like the knees, hips and shoulders. For mild cases of pain, herbal remedies can work well.

Fenugreek Seeds - Anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties in fenugreek seeds make it a great remedy for joint pains. Swallow one teaspoon of finely ground Fenugreek seeds followed by warm water everyday in the morning. Alternatively, soak a teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds in a cup of water overnight and have it on an empty stomach each morning.

- Anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties in fenugreek seeds make it a great remedy for joint pains. Swallow one teaspoon of finely ground Fenugreek seeds followed by warm water everyday in the morning. Alternatively, soak a teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds in a cup of water overnight and have it on an empty stomach each morning. Apple Cider Vinegar - The alkalizing properties in apple cider vinegar help neutralize acids and reduces pain in joints. Additionally, apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals such as calcium, phosphorous and magnesium that strengthen bones. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and have two to three times a day before meals.

5. Allergies: Allergies can be annoying as they recur, especially due to change in weather or dust exposure. Spices from your kitchen rack can help tackle symptoms of allergies such as running nose, sneezing and watering of eyes.

Rosemary - Rosemary has active components such as rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, betulic acid, and carnosol. They are anti inflammatory and help relieve inflammation related to allergies. A few twigs of rosemary can be steeped in vinegar or wine and taken each day.

- Rosemary has active components such as rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, betulic acid, and carnosol. They are anti inflammatory and help relieve inflammation related to allergies. A few twigs of rosemary can be steeped in vinegar or wine and taken each day. Sage - The active components of sage called alpha-thujone and beta-thujone are responsible for its therapeutic effects in allergies.

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6. Stress and Depression: Depression can be a result of a personal loss or injured self esteem. It is characterized by periods of sadness with intense feelings of hopelessness and loneliness. These natural anti depressants can elevate your mood and help to reduce or reverse depression.

Saffron - Known as the Spice of Happiness, this aromatic herb can help reduce feelings of depression and elevate mood. This spice has shown promising effects equivalent to antidepressant medications. It can easily added to any dish, milk, dessert as garnishing.

Known as the Spice of Happiness, this aromatic herb can help reduce feelings of depression and elevate mood. This spice has shown promising effects equivalent to antidepressant medications. It can easily added to any dish, milk, dessert as garnishing. Cinnamon - Also known to be a great mood elevator, cinnamon helps strengthen attention, memory and concentration. It can be used as cinnamon sticks or fine ground powder in tea, or regular dishes.

7. Pain and Inflammation: A headache, arthritic pain, tooth pain or any kind of pain affecting any part of the body is a sign of inflammation. Here are natural alternatives which help alleviate pain and inflammation.

Pineapple - Pineapplecontains an enzyme called bromelain which is a powerful painkiller and can reduce inflammation. Juice of a pineapple taken on an empty stomach can treat pain and inflammation.

- Pineapplecontains an enzyme called bromelain which is a powerful painkiller and can reduce inflammation. Juice of a pineapple taken on an empty stomach can treat pain and inflammation. Capsaicin - This is found in hot chili peppers and works by reducing substance P which is responsible for transmitting pain from joints to the nerves. Capsaicin can be applied locally to reduce pain.

8. Diarrhea: Frequent loose stools or diarrhea can happen due to a bacterial or viral infection. Many herbs contain astringent properties which can contract the tissue leading to reduction in diarrhea and loss of water.

Ginger - This is a great herb to alleviate stomach pain and diarrhea. Grate a piece of ginger and mix with a teaspoon of honey every hour during diarrhea.

- This is a great herb to alleviate stomach pain and diarrhea. Grate a piece of ginger and mix with a teaspoon of honey every hour during diarrhea. Chamomile tea - Brew chamomile tea with hot water and add a teaspoon of lemon juice to improve the taste. This can be taken frequently throughout the day to reduce diarrhea.

9. Sleep Disorders: Most sleep disorders originate from stress, or other psychological disorders.

Lavender - is a tonic for the nervous system. A few drops of this aromatic oil can be added to the bath prior to sleeping to treat insomnia.

- is a tonic for the nervous system. A few drops of this aromatic oil can be added to the bath prior to sleeping to treat insomnia. Passion flower - is a well known herb for insomnia occurring due to mental exertion, overwork or stress. A cup of passion flower tea, three times a day is recommended for insomnia or 30 to 40 drops of tincture, applied everyday, three to four times.

10. Memory Problems: Memory loss is not only associated with old age, but can occur early on due to drugs or alcohol.
A cancer surgeon from Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, has written an open letter to Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan criticizing his recent endorsement of a pan masala brand that contains flavoured areca nut a proven cancer-causing substance.

Head and neck cancer surgeon and anti-tobacco crusader Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi has questioned the actor's decision to endorse a carcinogen that is popular among youngsters because of its "cheapness, packaging, ease of access and shrewd marketing etc". "Its consumption leads to submucous fibrosis, a condition where a child has burning sensation and difficulty to open mouth. Many of them turn cancerous after 5 to 7 years of hellish life," he said.

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Pan masala is a concoction of flavoured areca nut, lime, cardamom seeds and various types of flavouring substances. Chaturvedi said that in an ongoing matter in the Supreme Court, the union health ministry has submitted a voluminous report on the health hazards of areca nut. He further appraised the actor that areca nut contains a psycho active substance that leads to addiction. "Your promotional video must have caused many youths to take up this addiction that they will find difficult to quit subsequently," he said. He lamented that Brosnan, who has lost his first wife and daughter to cancer, chose to endorse tobacco that kills one million Indians every year.

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"As per the Indian law, every advertisement of pan masala must have a statutory warning that it is a harmful substance. Those warnings were deceptively made inconspicuous and unreadable in your advertisement. Did you realize how people are being cheated?" Chaturvedi wrote in his letter, urging Brosnan to use his charisma for tobacco control instead. The surgeon said that there is research to show that consumption of areca nut adversely affects the reproductive health of the pregnant women and even their unborn child.

Statistics say that nearly 200 million people chew tobacco making India the world's mouth cancer capital. "Why did you choose to promote oral cancer?" he questioned the star, most known for his British spy James Bond's role. Brosnan's advertisement of the product had taken social media by storm, even provoking reactions from international media. The manufacturers of pan masala maintain that pan masala is a mouth freshener with no tobacco in it.
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UPPER THUMB  Erik Lundy, owner/financial advisor of Lundy Financial Services, recently attended the Summit Brokerage National Conference held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club located in Boca Raton, Florida.

This years theme for the conference was People, Purpose, Passion.

At the conference awards dinner, Lundy received the honor of Leaders Club member and, he was presented with a custom made Olympic-Style Medal honoring him for achieving Leaders Club level.

The award was presented by Summits President and CEO Marshall Leeds and nine-time Olympic gold medalist Mark Spitz.

Lundy also was honored for his six years of service as a Club Member.

Over 300 financial advisors and branch associates with Summit attended the three-day conference, which featured industry training and in-depth presentations on financial services and economic topics.

Lundy is based out of Bad Axe, and he specializes in financial and retirement planning.

For more information, his office is located at 840 S. Van Dyke, Bad Axe, and he can be reached by calling 888-989-6828 or emailing elundy@summitbrokerage.com.

You can also visit www.lundyfinancialservices.com.
HARBOR BEACH  Amy Warner was recently elected Georgia State Representative of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Warner, the daughter of Mary and Ted Falkenberg of Harbor Beach, began her term of office on June 26, at the close of the AANP National Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

AANPs elected officers, professional staff, and more than 68,000 members are united by the vision of high-quality health care services for all by the patients provider of choice. As Georgia State Representative of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Warner joins a distinguished list of nurse practitioner leaders who are committed to raising awareness of the exceptional care NPs provide and advocating for legislation that improves patients access to that care.

Warner is a 1987 graduate of Harbor Beach High School, and she began her nursing career after attending Oakland University in Rochester Hills. She most recently completed her doctorate in nursing practice at the University of Alabama in 2015. She is board certified as a family nurse practitioner and adult clinical nurse specialist, and currently is manager of clinical education for Walgreens Healthcare Clinics, a provider of 350-plus retail clinics in over 20 states nationally.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the largest professional membership organization for nurses of all specialties. It represents the interests of more than 222,000 NPs, including more than 68,000 individual members and 200 organizations providing a unified networking platform, and advocating for their role as providers of high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, patient-centered and personalized health care. The organization provides legislative leadership at the local, state and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education and research; and establishing standards that best serve NP patients and other health care consumers.

For more information, visit aanp.org.
BAD AXE  Womans Life Chapter 912  People With a Purpose  will be meeting at 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at McDonalds Food and Family Deli.

People With a Purpose is a group of men and women whose goal is to help our community and international organizations to meet their goals. At the November meeting, the group will be accepting donations for Clothe-a-Child.
BlackRock, Inc. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. It also provides global risk management and advisory services. The firm manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, and balanced portfolios. It also launches and manages open-end and closed-end mutual funds, offshore funds, unit trusts, and alternative investment vehicles including structured funds. The firm launches equity, fixed income, balanced, and real estate mutual funds. It also launches equity, fixed income, balanced, currency, commodity, and multi-asset exchange traded funds. The firm also launches and manages hedge funds. It invests in the public equity, fixed income, real estate, currency, commodity, and alternative markets across the globe. The firm primarily invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, SMID-cap, large-cap, and multi-cap companies. It also invests in dividend-paying equity securities. The firm invests in investment grade municipal securities, government securities including securities issued or guaranteed by a government or a government agency or instrumentality, corporate bonds, and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. It employs fundamental and quantitative analysis with a focus on bottom-up and top-down approach to make its investments. The firm employs liquidity, asset allocation, balanced, real estate, and alternative strategies to make its investments. In real estate sector, it seeks to invest in Poland and Germany. The firm benchmarks the performance of its portfolios against various S&P, Russell, Barclays, MSCI, Citigroup, and Merrill Lynch indices. BlackRock, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in New York City with additional offices in Boston, Massachusetts; London, United Kingdom; Gurgaon, India; Hong Kong; Greenwich, Connecticut; Princeton, New Jersey; Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Sydney, Australia; Taipei, Taiwan; Singapore; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, District of Columbia; Toronto, Canada; Wilmington, Delaware; and San Francisco, California.
Diploma PLC, together with its subsidiaries, supplies specialized technical products and services in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, North America, and internationally. It operates through three business sectors: Life Sciences, Seals, and Controls. The Life Sciences sector supplies clinical diagnostics instrumentation and products, consumables, specialty surgical devices, and related consumables and services to public hospitals, private clinics, pathology laboratories, scientific research, and medical segments; surgical equipment for hospital operating rooms; and distributes laboratory diagnostics, specialty medical devices, devices, equipment, and patient monitoring technologies used in operating theatres, as well as medically supervised nutrition. It also provides supplies specialist containment solutions and analyzers for chemical, petrochemical, environmental research, and pharmaceutical technology. The Seals sector supplies various seals, gaskets, filters, cylinders, components, and kits used in heavy mobile machinery and specialized industrial equipment; and O-rings, custom molded and machined parts, fluid sealing products, and hydraulic cylinder components. The Controls sector offers cable identification, termination, and management products, and cable products; low voltage cables and cable management solutions; harness components and specialist connectors, including protective sleevings, cut-to-length tubing, kitting, connector assemblies, and prototype quantities of customized multi-core cables; fasteners and related technical support, and other value-added services for civil aerospace, motorsport, defense, and general industries, as well as supports customers with automated inventory replenishment solutions; fluid controllers, compressors, valves, temperature and pressure measurement devices, and liquid dispensing components; and silicones, adhesives, and sealants. Diploma PLC was incorporated in 1931 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.
Cardinal Health, Inc. operates as an integrated healthcare services and products company in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It provides customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, physician offices, and patients in the home. The company operates in two segments, Pharmaceutical and Medical. The Pharmaceutical segment distributes branded and generic pharmaceutical, specialty pharmaceutical, and over-the-counter healthcare and consumer products. The segment also provides services to pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers for specialty pharmaceutical products; operates nuclear pharmacies and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities; repackages generic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter healthcare products; and offers medication therapy management and patient outcomes services to hospitals, other healthcare providers, and payers, as well as provides pharmacy management services to hospitals. The Medical segment manufactures, sources, and distributes Cardinal Health branded medical, surgical, and laboratory products and devices that include exam and surgical gloves; needles, syringe, and sharps disposals; compressions; incontinences; nutritional delivery products; wound care products; single-use surgical drapes, gowns, and apparels; fluid suction and collection systems; urology products; operating room supply products; and electrode product lines. The segment also distributes a range of national brand products, including medical, surgical, and laboratory products; provides supply chain services and solutions to hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, and other healthcare providers; and assembles and sells sterile, and non-sterile procedure kits. The company was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.
The following companies are subsidiares of Johnson & Johnson: 3Dintegrated ApS, ALZA Corporation, AMO (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd Beijing Branch, AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd Guangzhou Branch, AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd., AMO ASIA LIMITED, AMO Asia Limited (Korea Branch), AMO Asia Limited Taiwan Branch (Hong Kong), AMO Australia Pty Limited, AMO Australia Pty Limited (New Zealand Branch), AMO Canada Company, AMO Denmark ApS, AMO Development LLC, AMO France, AMO Germany GmbH, AMO Groningen B.V., AMO International Holdings Unlimited Company, AMO Ireland, AMO Ireland Ireland Branch, AMO Italy SRL, AMO Japan K.K., AMO Manufacturing USA LLC, AMO Netherlands BV, AMO Nominee Holdings LLC, AMO Norway AS, AMO Puerto Rico Manufacturing Inc., AMO Sales and Service Inc., AMO Singapore Pte. Ltd., AMO Spain Holdings LLC, AMO Switzerland GmbH, AMO U.K. Holdings LLC, AMO United Kingdom Ltd., AMO Uppsala AB, AUB Holdings LLC, Abott Medical Optics, Acclarent Inc., Actelion Ltd, Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Actelion Pharmaceuticals US Inc., Actelion Treasury Unlimited Company, Akros Medical Inc., Albany Street LLC, Alios BioPharma, Alza Land Management Inc., Anakuria Therapeutics Inc., Animas Diabetes Care LLC, Animas LLC, Animas Technologies LLC, AorTx Inc., Apsis, Aragon Pharmaceuticals, Aragon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Asia Pacific Holdings LLC, Atrionix Inc., Auris Health, Auris Health Inc., Backsvalan 2 Aktiebolag, Backsvalan 6 Handelsbolag, Beijing Dabao Cosmetics Co. Ltd., BeneVir BioPharm Inc., Berna Rhein B.V., BioMedical Enterprises Inc., Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd., Biosense Webster Inc., Branch of Johnson & Johnson LLC (RU) in Kazakhstan, C Consumer Products Denmark ApS, CSATS Inc., Calibra Medical LLC, Campus-Foyer Apotheke GmbH, Carlo Erba OTC S.r.l., Centocor Biologics LLC, Centocor Research & Development Inc., Cerenovus Inc., ChromaGenics B.V., Ci:Labo Customer Marketing Co. Ltd., Ci:Labo USA Inc., Ci:z Holdings, Ci:z. Labo Co. Ltd., Cilag AG, Cilag GmbH International, Cilag Holding AG, Cilag Holding Treasury Unlimited Company, Cilag-Biotech S.L., CoTherix Inc., Coherex Medical Inc., ColBar LifeScience Ltd., Company Store.com Inc., Conor MedSystems, Cordis International Corporation, Cordis de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Corimmun GmbH, DePuy Hellas SA, DePuy International Limited, DePuy Ireland Unlimited Company, DePuy Mexico S.A. de C.V., DePuy Mitek LLC, DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., DePuy Products Inc., DePuy Spine LLC, DePuy Synthes Gorgan Limited, DePuy Synthes Inc., DePuy Synthes Institute LLC, DePuy Synthes Leto SARL, DePuy Synthes Products Inc., DePuy Synthes Sales Inc., Debs-Vogue Corporation (Proprietary) Limited, Dutch Holding LLC, ECL7 LLC, EES Holdings de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EES S.A. de C.V., EIT Emerging Implant Technologies GmbH, Ethicon Endo-Surgery (Europe) GmbH, Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc., Ethicon Endo-Surgery LLC, Ethicon Inc., Ethicon LLC, Ethicon PR Holdings Unlimited Company, Ethicon Sarl, Ethicon US LLC, Ethicon Women's Health & Urology Sarl, Ethnor (Proprietary) Limited, Ethnor Farmaceutica S.A., Ethnor del Istmo S.A., FMS Future Medical System SA, Finsbury (Development) Limited, Finsbury (Instruments) Limited, Finsbury Medical Limited, Finsbury Orthopaedics International Limited, Finsbury Orthopaedics Limited, GH Biotech Holdings Limited, GMED Healthcare BV, GMED Healthcare BV (Branch), Global Investment Participation B.V., Guangzhou Bioseal Biotech Co. Ltd., Hansen Medical Deutschland GmbH, Hansen Medical Inc., Hansen Medical International Inc., Hansen Medical UK Limited, Healthcare Services (Shanghai) Ltd., Hickory Merger Sub Inc., I.D. Acquisition Corp., Innomedic Gesellschaft fur innovative Medizintechnik und Informatik mbH, Innovative Surgical Solutions LLC, J & J Company West Africa Limited, J&J Pension Trustees Limited, J-C Health Care Ltd., J.C. General Services BV, JJ Surgical Vision Spain S.L., JJC Acquisition Company B.V., JJHC LLC, JJSV Belgium BV, JJSV Manufacturing Malaysia SDN. BHD., JJSV Norden AB, JJSV Produtos Oticos Ltda., JNJ Global Business Services s.r.o., JNJ Holding EMEA B.V., JNJ International Investment LLC, JOM Pharmaceutical Services Inc., Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy (Holding) Limited, Janssen BioPharma LLC, Janssen Biologics (Ireland) Limited, Janssen Biologics B.V., Janssen Biotech Inc., Janssen Cilag C.A., Janssen Cilag Farmaceutica S.A., Janssen Cilag S.p.A., Janssen Cilag SPA, Janssen Development Finance Unlimited Company, Janssen Diagnostics LLC, Janssen Egypt LLC, Janssen Farmaceutica Portugal Lda, Janssen Global Services LLC, Janssen Holding GmbH, Janssen Inc., Janssen Irish Finance Unlimited Company, Janssen Korea Ltd., Janssen Oncology Inc., Janssen Ortho LLC, Janssen Pharmaceutica (Proprietary) Limited, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Janssen Pharmaceutica S.A., Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Janssen Pharmaceutical Sciences Unlimited Company, Janssen Pharmaceutical Unlimited Company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. Japan Branch, Janssen Products LP, Janssen R&D Ireland Unlimited Company, Janssen Research & Development LLC, Janssen Sciences Ireland Unlimited Company, Janssen Scientific Affairs LLC, Janssen Supply Group LLC, Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., Janssen Vaccines Branch of Cilag GmbH International, Janssen Vaccines Corp., Janssen-Cilag, Janssen-Cilag (New Zealand) Limited, Janssen-Cilag A/S, Janssen-Cilag AG, Janssen-Cilag AS, Janssen-Cilag Aktiebolag, Janssen-Cilag B.V., Janssen-Cilag Farmaceutica Lda., Janssen-Cilag Farmaceutica Ltda., Janssen-Cilag GmbH, Janssen-Cilag International NV, Janssen-Cilag Kft., Janssen-Cilag Kft. Branch Office, Janssen-Cilag Limited, Janssen-Cilag Manufacturing LLC, Janssen-Cilag NV, Janssen-Cilag OY, Janssen-Cilag Pharma GmbH, Janssen-Cilag Pharmaceutical S.A.C.I., Janssen-Cilag Polska Sp. z o.o., Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd, Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd (Branch), Janssen-Cilag S.A., Janssen-Cilag S.A., Janssen-Cilag S.A. de C.V., Janssen-Cilag de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Janssen-Cilag s.r.o., Janssen-Pharma S.L., Jevco Holding Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Johnson & Johnson (Angola) Limitada, Johnson & Johnson (China) Investment Ltd., Johnson & Johnson (China) Investment Ltd. Beijing Branch, Johnson & Johnson (Egypt) S.A.E., Johnson & Johnson (Hong Kong) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Ireland) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Jamaica) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Kenya) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc., Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. (DHCC Branch), Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. (JAFZA Branch), Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. Service Center (DAFZA Branch), Johnson & Johnson (Mozambique) Limitada, Johnson & Johnson (Namibia) (Proprietary) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (New Zealand) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Philippines) Inc., Johnson & Johnson (Private) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Thailand) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson (Trinidad) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Vietnam) Co. Ltd, Johnson & Johnson - Societa' Per Azioni, Johnson & Johnson AB, Johnson & Johnson AB Eesti filiaal (Branch), Johnson & Johnson AG, Johnson & Johnson AG (Zuchwil Branch), Johnson & Johnson Belgium Finance Company BV, Johnson & Johnson Bulgaria EOOD, Johnson & Johnson China Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Consumer (Hong Kong) Limited, Johnson & Johnson Consumer (Thailand) Limited, Johnson & Johnson Consumer B.V., Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health Care Switzerland Branch of Janssen-Cilag AG, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Holdings France, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (Dominican Republic Branch), Johnson & Johnson Consumer NV, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Saudi Arabia Limited, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Services EAME Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Del Paraguay S.A., Johnson & Johnson Dominicana S.A.S., Johnson & Johnson Enterprise Innovation Inc., Johnson & Johnson European Treasury Unlimited Company, Johnson & Johnson Finance Corporation, Johnson & Johnson Finance Limited, Johnson & Johnson Financial Services GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Financial Services GmbH (Branch Office), Johnson & Johnson Gateway LLC, Johnson & Johnson Gesellschaft m.b.H., Johnson & Johnson GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Guatemala S.A., Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc., Johnson & Johnson Health and Wellness Solutions Inc., Johnson & Johnson Hellas Commercial and Industrial S.A., Johnson & Johnson Hellas Consumer Products Commercial Societe Anonyme, Johnson & Johnson Hemisferica S.A., Johnson & Johnson Holding GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Inc., Johnson & Johnson Industrial Ltda., Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC Inc., Johnson & Johnson Innovation LLC, Johnson & Johnson Innovation Limited, Johnson & Johnson International, Johnson & Johnson International (Belgian Branch) (European Logistics Center), Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (Branch), Johnson & Johnson International Financial Services Unlimited Company, Johnson & Johnson K.K., Johnson & Johnson Kft., Johnson & Johnson Korea Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Korea Selling & Distribution LLC, Johnson & Johnson LLC, Johnson & Johnson Lda, Johnson & Johnson Limited, Johnson & Johnson Limited (Sri Lanka Branch), Johnson & Johnson Luxembourg Finance Company Sarl, Johnson & Johnson Management Limited, Johnson & Johnson Medical (China) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical (Proprietary) Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Medical (Shanghai) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical (Shanghai) Ltd. Beijing Branch, Johnson & Johnson Medical (Suzhou) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical B.V., Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices & Diagnostics Group - Latin America L.L.C., Johnson & Johnson Medical GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Medical Korea Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical Limited, Johnson & Johnson Medical Mexico S.A. de C.V., Johnson & Johnson Medical NV, Johnson & Johnson Medical Products GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Medical S.A., Johnson & Johnson Medical S.C.S., Johnson & Johnson Medical S.p.A., Johnson & Johnson Medical SAS, Johnson & Johnson Medical Saudi Arabia Limited, Johnson & Johnson Medical Taiwan Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medikal Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Johnson & Johnson Medikal Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Ankara Branch), Johnson & Johnson Medikal Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Izmir Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East - Scientific Office, Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ - LLC (Lebanese Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC, Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC (Ghana Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC (Kenya Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC Branch (TSO) (Saudi Arabia Branch), Johnson & Johnson Morocco Societe Anonyme, Johnson & Johnson NCB (Belgian Branch), Johnson & Johnson Nordic AB, Johnson & Johnson Pacific Pty Limited, Johnson & Johnson Pakistan (Private) Limited, Johnson & Johnson Panama S.A., Johnson & Johnson Personal Care (Chile) S.A., Johnson & Johnson Poland Sp. z o.o., Johnson & Johnson Poland sp. z o.o. oddzial w Warszawie "Consumer", Johnson & Johnson Private Limited, Johnson & Johnson Pte. Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Pte. Ltd. Korea Branch, Johnson & Johnson Pty. Limited, Johnson & Johnson Romania S.R.L., Johnson & Johnson S.A., Johnson & Johnson S.A. de C.V., Johnson & Johnson S.E. Inc., Johnson & Johnson S.E. d.o.o., Johnson & Johnson SDN. BHD., Johnson & Johnson Sante Beaute France, Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision Inc., Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision India Private Limited, Johnson & Johnson Taiwan Ltd., Johnson & Johnson UK Treasury Company Limited, Johnson & Johnson Ukraine LLC, Johnson & Johnson Urban Renewal Associates, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (Shanghai) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Ireland Unlimited Company, Johnson & Johnson d.o.o., Johnson & Johnson de Argentina S.A.C. e. I., Johnson & Johnson de Chile Limitada, Johnson & Johnson de Chile S.A., Johnson & Johnson de Colombia S.A., Johnson & Johnson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Johnson & Johnson de Uruguay S.A., Johnson & Johnson de Venezuela S.A., Johnson & Johnson del Ecuador S.A., Johnson & Johnson del Peru S.A., Johnson & Johnson do Brasil Industria E Comercio de Produtos Para Saude Ltda., Johnson & Johnson for Export and Import LLC, Johnson & Johnson s.r.o., Johnson Y Johnson de Costa Rica S.A., Johnson and Johnson (Proprietary) Limited, Johnson and Johnson Sihhi Malzeme Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, LTL Management LLC, La Concha Land Investment Corporation, Latam International Investment Company Unlimited Company, Legal Entity Name, MDS Co. Ltd., McNEIL MMP LLC, McNeil AB, McNeil Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co., McNeil Denmark ApS, McNeil Healthcare (Ireland) Limited, McNeil Healthcare (UK) Limited, McNeil Healthcare LLC, McNeil Iberica S.L.U., McNeil LA LLC, McNeil Nutritionals LLC, McNeil Panama LLC, McNeil Products Limited, McNeil Sweden AB, Medical Device Business Services Inc., Medical Devices & Diagnostics Global Services LLC, Medical Devices International LLC, Medos International Sarl, Medos International Sarl succursale de Neuchatel (Branch), Medos Sarl, MegaDyne Medical Products Inc., Menlo Care De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Mentor B.V., Mentor Deutschland GmbH, Mentor Medical Systems B.V., Mentor Partnership Holding Company I LLC, Mentor Texas GP LLC, Mentor Texas L.P., Mentor Worldwide LLC, Micrus Endovascular LLC, Middlesex Assurance Company Limited, Momenta Ireland Limited, Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Momenta Pharmaceuticals Inc., NeoStrata Company Inc., NeoStrata UG (haftungsbeschrankt), Netherlands Holding Company, NeuWave Medical Inc., Neuravi Limited, Novira Therapeutics, Novira Therapeutics LLC, NuVera Medical Inc., OBTECH Medical Sarl, OGX Beauty Limited, OMJ Holding GmbH, OMJ Ireland Unlimited Company, OMJ Pharmaceuticals Inc., Obtech Medical Mexico S.A. de C.V., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Inc., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals NV, Ortho Biologics LLC, Ortho Biotech Holding LLC, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical LLC, Orthospin Ltd., Orthotaxy, PT Integrated Healthcare Indonesia, PT. Johnson & Johnson Indonesia, Patriot Pharmaceuticals LLC, Peninsula Pharmaceuticals LLC, Pharmadirect Ltd., Pharmedica Laboratories (Proprietary) Limited, Princeton Laboratories Inc., Productos de Cuidado Personal y de La Salud de Bolivia S.R.L., Proleader S.A., Pulsar Vascular Inc., Regency Urban Renewal Associates, RespiVert Ltd., RoC International, Royalty A&M LLC, Rutan Realty LLC, SYNTHES Medical Immobilien GmbH, Scios LLC, Sedona Singapore International Pte. Ltd., Sedona Thai International Co. Ltd., Serhum S.A. de C.V., Shanghai Elsker For Mother & Baby Co. Ltd, Shanghai Elsker Mother & Baby Co. Ltd Minghang Branch, Shanghai Johnson & Johnson Ltd., Shanghai Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Sightbox LLC, Sodiac ESV, Spectrum Vision Limited Liability Company, Spectrum Vision Limited Liability Partnership, SterilMed, SterilMed Inc., Surgical Process Institute Deutschland GmbH, Synthes Costa Rica S.C.R. Limitada, Synthes GmbH, Synthes Holding AG, Synthes Holding Limited, Synthes Inc., Synthes Medical Surgical Equipment & Instruments Trading LLC, Synthes Produktions GmbH, Synthes Proprietary Limited, Synthes S.M.P. S. de R.L. de C.V., Synthes Tuttlingen GmbH, Synthes USA LLC, Synthes USA Products LLC, TARIS Biomedical, TARIS Biomedical LLC, TearScience Inc., The Anspach Effort LLC, The Vision Care Institute LLC, Tibotec LLC, Torax Medical Inc., UAB "Johnson & Johnson", UAB Johnson & Johnson Eesti Filiaal (Estonian Branch), Vania Expansion, Verb Surgical, Verb Surgical Inc., Vision Care Finance Unlimited Company, Vogue International, Vogue International LLC, Vogue International Trading Inc., WH4110 Development Company L.L.C., XO1, XO1 Limited, Xian Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd., Xian-Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. Beijing Branch Office, Xian-Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. Shanghai Branch Office, Zarbee's Inc., and Zarbee's Naturals.

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The following companies are subsidiares of PepsiCo: Alimentos Quaker Oats y Compania Limitada, Alimentos del Istmo S.A., Amavale Agricola Ltda., Anderson Hill Insurance Limited, Asia Bottlers Limited, BAESA Capital Corporation Ltd., BFY Brands, BFY Brands LLC, BFY Brands Limited, BUG de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Balmoral Industries LLC, Bare Foods Co., Barrhead LLC, Be & Cheery, Beaman Bottling Company, Bebidas Sudamerica S.A., Beech Limited, Bell Taco Funding Syndicate, Bendler Investments II Ltd, Bendler Investments S.a r.l, Beverage Services Limited, Beverages Foods & Service Industries Inc., Bishkeksut OJSC, Blaue NC S. de R.L. de C.V., Blue Cloud Distribution Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arizona Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arkansas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Colorado Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Florida Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Georgia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Illinois Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Indiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Iowa Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Kentucky Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Louisiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Minnesota Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Mississippi Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Missouri Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nebraska Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nevada Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of North Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Ohio Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Oklahoma Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Pennsylvania Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of South Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Tennessee Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Texas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Virginia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Wisconsin Inc., Blue Ridge Sales LLC, Bluebird Foods Limited, Bluecan Holdings Unlimited Company, Bokomo Zambia Limited, Bolsherechensky Molkombinat JSC, Boquitas Fiestas LLC, Boquitas Fiestas S.R.L., Bottling Group Financing LLC, Bottling Group Holdings LLC, Bottling Group LLC, Bronte Industries Ltd, C & I Leasing Inc., CB Manufacturing Company Inc., CEME Holdings LLC, CMC Investment Company, Caroni Investments LLC, Centro-Mediterranea de Bebidas Carbonicas PepsiCo S.L., Ceres Fruit Juices Pty Ltd, ChampBev Inc., China Concentrate Holdings Hong Kong Limited, Chipsy International for Food Industries S.A.E., Chipsy for Food Industries S.A.E., Chitos Internacional y Cia Ltda, Cipa Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cipa Nordeste Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cocina Autentica Inc., Comercializadora CMC Investment y Compania Limitada, Comercializadora Nacional SAS Ltda., Comercializadora PepsiCo Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., Compania de Bebidas PepsiCo S.L., Concentrate Holding Uruguay Pte. Ltd., Concentrate Manufacturing Singapore Pte. Ltd., Confiteria Alegro S. de R.L. de C.V., Copella Fruit Juices Limited, Copper Beech International LLC, Corina Snacks Limited, Corporativo Internacional Mexicano S. de R.L. de C.V., CytoSport Holdings Inc., CytoSport Inc., Davlyn Realty Corporation, Defosto Holdings Limited, Desarrollo Inmobiliario Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Dilexis S.A., Donon Holdings Limited, Drinkfinity USA Inc., Drinkstation Inc., Drinkstation Innovation Co. Ltd., Drinkstation Limited, Dutch Snacks Holding S.A. de C.V., Duyvis Production B.V., EPIC Enterprises Inc., Echo Bay Holdings Inc., Elaboradora Argentina de Cereales S.R.L., Enter Logistica LLC, Environ at Inverrary Partnership, Environ of Inverrary Inc., Eridanus Investments S.a r.l, Evercrisp Snack Productos de Chile S.A., FL Transportation Inc., FLI Andean LLC, FLI Colombia LLC, FLI Snacks Andean GP LLC, Fabrica PepsiCo Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Fabrica de Productos Alimenticios Rene y Cia S.C.A., Fairlight International SRL, Far East Bottlers Hong Kong Limited, Food Concepts Pioneer Ltd., Forest Akers Nederland B.V., Forty-Six Peaks Holding Inc., Fovarosi Asvanyviz es Uditoipari Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Freshwater International B.V., Frito Lay Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Frito Lay Poland Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay de Guatemala y Compania Limitada, Frito-Lay Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Frito-Lay Dip Company Inc., Frito-Lay Dominicana S.A., Frito-Lay Global Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Inc., Frito-Lay Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Manufacturing LLC, Frito-Lay Netherlands Holding B.V., Frito-Lay North America Inc., Frito-Lay Sales Inc., Frito-Lay Trading Company Europe GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company Poland GmbH, Frito-Lay Trinidad Unlimited, Fruko Mesrubat Sanayi Limited Sirketi, GB Czech LLC, GB International Inc., GB Russia LLC, GB Slovak LLC, GMP Manufacturing Inc., Gambrinus Investments Limited, Gamesa LLC, Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Gas Natural de Merida S. A. de C. V., Gatorade Puerto Rico Company, General Bottlers of Hungary Inc., Golden Grain Company, Goveh S.R.L., Grayhawk Leasing LLC, Green Hemlock International LLC, Grupo Frito Lay y Compania Limitada, Grupo Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Grupo Mabel, Grupo Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Gulkevichskiy Maslozavod JSC, Hangzhou Baicaowei Corporate Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co, Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Tao Dao Technology Co. Ltd., Health Warrior, Health Warrior Inc., Heathland LP, Helioscope Limited, Hillbrook Inc., Hillgrove Inc., Hillwood Bottling LLC, Hogganfield Limited Partnership, Holding Company "Opolie" JSC, Homefinding Company of Texas, Hudson Valley Insurance Company, IC Equities Inc., IZZE Beverage Co., Inmobiliaria Interamericana S.A. De C.V., Integrated Beverage Services Bangladesh Limited, Integrated Foods & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., International Bottlers Management Co. LLC, International KAS Aktiengesellschaft, Inversiones Borneo S.R.L., Inversiones PFI Chile Limitada, Inviting Foods Holdings Inc., Inviting Foods LLC, KAS Anorthosis S.a r.l, KAS S.L., KFC, Kevita Inc., Kinvara LLC, Kungursky Molkombinat JSC, Larragana S.L., Latin American Holdings Ltd., Latin American Snack Foods ApS, Latin Foods International LLC, Lebedyansky, Lebedyansky Holdings LLC, Lebedyansky LLC, Limited Liability Company "Sandora", Linkbay Limited, Lithuanian Snacks UAB, Mabel, Marbo Product d.o.o. Beograd, Marbo d.o.o. Laktasi, Matudis - Comercio de Produtos Alimentares Limitada, Matutano - Sociedade de Produtos Alimentares Lda., Mid-America Improvement Corporation, Mountainview Insurance Company Inc., Muscle Milk, NCJV LLC, New Bern Transport Corporation, New Century Beverage Company LLC, Noble Leasing LLC, Northeast Hot-Fill Co-op Inc., Office at Solyanka LLC, Onbiso Inversiones S.L., One World Enterprises LLC, One World Investors Inc., P-A Barbados Bottling Company LLC, P-A Bottlers Barbados SRL, P-Americas LLC, PAS Luxembourg S.a r.l, PAS Netherlands B.V., PBG Canada Holdings II LLC, PBG Canada Holdings Inc., PBG Cyprus Holdings Limited, PBG Investment Partnership, PBG Midwest Holdings S.a r.l, PBG Soda Can Holdings S.a r.l, PCBL LLC, PCNA Manufacturing Inc., PR Beverages Cyprus Holding Limited, PR Beverages Cyprus Russia Holding Limited, PRB Luxembourg S.a r.l, PRS Inc., PSAS Inversiones LLC, PSE Logistica S.R.L., PT Quaker Indonesia, Papas Chips S.A., Pei N.V., Pep Trade LLC, Pepsi B.V., Pepsi Beverages Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bottling Group Global Finance LLC, Pepsi Bottling Group GmbH, Pepsi Bottling Group Hoosiers B.V., Pepsi Bottling Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bugshan Investments S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Colombia Ltda, Pepsi Cola Egypt S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Panamericana S.R.L., Pepsi Cola Servis Ve Dagitim Limited Sirketi, Pepsi Cola Trading Ireland, Pepsi Logistics Company Inc., Pepsi Northwest Beverages LLC, Pepsi Overseas Investments Partnership, Pepsi Promotions Inc., Pepsi-Cola Advertising and Marketing Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bermuda Limited, Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Holding C.V., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company Of St. Louis Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Ft. Lauderdale-Palm Beach LLC, Pepsi-Cola Company, Pepsi-Cola Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Pepsi-Cola Far East Trade Development Co. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Finance LLC, Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers Poland Sp. z o.o., Pepsi-Cola Industrial da Amazonia Ltda., Pepsi-Cola International Cork, Pepsi-Cola International LLC, Pepsi-Cola International Limited, Pepsi-Cola International Limited U.S.A., Pepsi-Cola International Private Limited, Pepsi-Cola Korea Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Management and Administrative Services Inc., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Company Of Uruguay S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing International Limited, Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Mediterranean Limited, Pepsi-Cola Marketing Corp. Of P.R. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mediterranean Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Metropolitan Bottling Company Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mexicana Holdings LLC, Pepsi-Cola Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Pepsi-Cola National Marketing LLC, Pepsi-Cola Operating Company Of Chesapeake And Indianapolis, Pepsi-Cola Sales and Distribution Inc., Pepsi-Cola Technical Operations Inc., Pepsi-Cola Thai Trading Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola de Honduras S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola of Corvallis Inc., PepsiAmericas Nemzetkozi Szolgaltato Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, PepsiCo ANZ Holdings Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Alimentos Antioquia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Colombia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Ecuador Cia. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Z.F. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos de Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Amacoco Bebidas Do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCo Asia Research & Development Center Company Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Cyprus Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Limited Partnership, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 1 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 2 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Australia Holdings Pty Limited, PepsiCo Australia International, PepsiCo Austria Services GmbH, PepsiCo Azerbaijan Limited Liability Company, PepsiCo BeLux BV, PepsiCo Beverage Sales LLC, PepsiCo Beverage Singapore Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Beverages Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Beverages International Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Italia Societa' A Responsabilita' Limitata, PepsiCo Canada Finance LLC, PepsiCo Canada Holdings ULC, PepsiCo Canada Investment ULC, PepsiCo Canada ULC, PepsiCo Captive Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Caribbean Inc., PepsiCo China Limited, PepsiCo Consulting Polska Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo De Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Del Paraguay S.R.L., PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH, PepsiCo Eesti AS, PepsiCo Euro Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Euro Finance Antilles B.V., PepsiCo Europe Support Center S.L., PepsiCo Finance Americas Company, PepsiCo Finance Antilles A N.V., PepsiCo Finance Antilles B N.V., PepsiCo Finance South Africa Proprietary Limited, PepsiCo Financial Shared Services Inc., PepsiCo Food & Beverage Holdings Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Foods A.I.E., PepsiCo Foods China Company Limited, PepsiCo Foods Group Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Foods Guangdong Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Nigeria Limited, PepsiCo Foods Private Limited, PepsiCo Foods Sichuan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Taiwan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Vietnam Company, PepsiCo France SAS, PepsiCo Global Business Services India LLP, PepsiCo Global Business Services Poland Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Global Holdings Limited, PepsiCo Global Investments B.V., PepsiCo Global Investments S.a r.l, PepsiCo Global Mobility LLC, PepsiCo Global Real Estate Inc., PepsiCo Global Trading Solutions Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Golden Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Group Finance International B.V., PepsiCo Group Holdings International B.V., PepsiCo Group Spotswood Holdings S.a r.l, PepsiCo Gulf International FZE, PepsiCo Hellas Single Member Industrial and Commercial Societe Anonyme, PepsiCo Holding de Espana S.L., PepsiCo Holdings, PepsiCo Holdings LLC, PepsiCo Holdings Toshkent LLC, PepsiCo Hong Kong LLC, PepsiCo Iberia Servicios Centrales S.L., PepsiCo India Holdings Private Limited, PepsiCo India Sales Private Limited, PepsiCo Internacional Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., PepsiCo International Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo International Limited, PepsiCo International Pte Ltd., PepsiCo Investments Europe I B.V., PepsiCo Investments Ltd., PepsiCo Ireland Food & Beverages Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Japan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Light B.V., PepsiCo Logistyka Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., PepsiCo Management Services SAS, PepsiCo Manufacturing A.I.E., PepsiCo Max B.V., PepsiCo Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo Nederland B.V., PepsiCo Nordic Denmark ApS, PepsiCo Nordic Finland Oy, PepsiCo Nordic Norway AS, PepsiCo Nutrition Trading DMCC, PepsiCo One B.V., PepsiCo Overseas Corporation, PepsiCo Overseas Financing Partnership, PepsiCo Panimex Inc, PepsiCo Products B.V., PepsiCo Products FLLC, PepsiCo Puerto Rico Inc., PepsiCo Sales Inc., PepsiCo Sales LLC, PepsiCo Services Asia Ltd., PepsiCo Services CZ s.r.o., PepsiCo Services LLC, PepsiCo Twist B.V., PepsiCo UK Pension Plan Trustee Limited, PepsiCo Ventures B.V., PepsiCo Wave Holdings LLC, PepsiCo World Trading Company Inc., PepsiCo Y LLC, PepsiCo de Argentina S.R.L., PepsiCo de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo do Brasil Industria e Comercio de Alimentos Ltda., PepsiCo do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCola Interamericana de Guatemala S.A., Pet Iberia S.L., Pete & Johnny Limited, Pine International LLC, Pine International Limited, Pinstripe Leasing LLC, Pioneer Food Group Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Groceries Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Group Ltd., Pioneer Foods Holdings Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods UK Ltd, Pioneer Foods Wellingtons Pty Ltd, Pipers Crisps Limited, PlayCo Inc., Pop corners, PopCorners Holdings Inc., Portfolio Concentrate Solutions Unlimited Company, Premier Nutrition Trading L.L.C., Prestwick LLC, Prev PepsiCo Sociedade Previdenciaria, Productos Alimenticios Rene LLC, Productos S.A.S. C.V., Productos SAS Management B.V., Punch N.V., Punica Getranke GmbH, Q O Puerto Rico Inc., QFL OHQ Sdn. Bhd., QTG Development Inc., QTG Services Inc., Quadrant - Amroq Beverages S.R.L., Quaker Development B.V., Quaker European Beverages LLC, Quaker European Investments B.V., Quaker Foods, Quaker Global Investments B.V., Quaker Holdings UK Limited, Quaker Manufacturing LLC, Quaker Oats Asia Inc., Quaker Oats Australia Pty Ltd, Quaker Oats B.V., Quaker Oats Capital Corporation, Quaker Oats Europe Inc., Quaker Oats Europe LLC, Quaker Oats Limited, Quaker Sales & Distribution Inc, Raptas Finance S.a r.l., Rare Fare Foods LLC, Rare Fare Holdings Inc., Reading Industries Ltd, Real Estate Holdings LLC, Rockstar Energy Drink, Rolling Frito-Lay Sales LP, S & T of Mississippi Inc., SIH International LLC, SVC Logistics Inc., SVC Manufacturing Inc., SVE Russia Holdings GmbH, Sabritas LLC, Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Sabritas Snacks America Latina de Nicaragua y Cia Ltda, Sabritas de Costa Rica S. de R.L., Sabritas y Cia. S en C de C.V., Sakata Rice Snacks Australia Pty Ltd, Sandora Holdings B.V., Saudi Snack Foods Company Limited, Sea Eagle International SRL, Seepoint Holdings Ltd., Senselet Food Processing PLC, Senselet Holding B.V., Servicios GBF Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Servicios GFLG y Compania Limitada, Servicios Gamesa Puerto Rico L.L.C., Servicios SYC S. de R.L. de C.V., Seven-Up Asia Inc., Seven-Up Light B.V., Seven-Up Nederland B.V., Shanghai PepsiCo Snack Company Limited, Shanghai YuHo Agricultural Development Co. Ltd, Shoebill LLC, Simba (Proprietary) Limited, Simba Proprietary Limited, Sitka Spruce, Smartfoods Inc., Smiles and Bites Holdings S.de R.L. de C.V., Smiths Crisps Limited, Snack Food Investments GmbH, Snack Food Investments II GmbH, Snack Food Investments Limited, Snack Food-Beverage Asia Products Limited, Snacks America Latina S.R.L., Snacks Guatemala Ltd., So Spark Ltd., Soda-Club CO2 Atlantic GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 Ltd., Soda-Club Switzerland GmbH, Soda-Club Worldwide B.V., SodaStream, SodaStream Australia Pty Ltd, SodaStream CO2 SA, SodaStream Canada Ltd., SodaStream Enterprises N.V., SodaStream France SAS, SodaStream GmbH, SodaStream Iberia S.L., SodaStream Industries Ltd., SodaStream International B.V., SodaStream International Ltd., SodaStream Israel Ltd., SodaStream K.K., SodaStream New Zealand Ltd., SodaStream Nordics AB, SodaStream Poland Sp. z o.o., SodaStream SA Pty Ltd., SodaStream Switzerland GmbH, SodaStream USA Inc., SodaStream Osterreich GmbH, South Beach Beverage Company Inc., South Properties Inc., Spitz International Inc., Sportmex Internacional S.A. de C.V., Springboig Industries Ltd, Spruce Limited, Stacy's Pita Chip Company Incorporated, Star Foods E.M. S.R.L., Stokely-Van Camp Inc., Stratosphere Communications Pty Ltd, Stratosphere Holdings 2018 Limited, Streamfoods Ltd, TFL Holdings LLC, Tasman Finance S.a r.l, The Gatorade Company, The Good Carb Food Company Ltd., The Pepsi Bottling Group Canada ULC, The Quaker Oats Company, The Smith's Snackfood Company Pty Limited, Thomond Group Holdings Limited, Tobago Snack Holdings LLC, Tropicana Alvalle S.L., Tropicana Beverages Limited, Tropicana Europe N.V., Tropicana United Kingdom Limited, Troya-Ultra LLC, United Foods Companies Restaurantes S.A., V-Water, VentureCo Israel Ltd, Veurne Snack Foods BV, Vitamin Brands Ltd., Walkers Crisps Limited, Walkers Group Limited, Walkers Snack Foods Limited, Walkers Snacks Distribution Limited, Walkers Snacks Limited, Whitman Corporation, Whitman Insurance Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Beverages JSC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Brands Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Central Asia-Almaty LLP, Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods LLC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Georgia Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann JSC, and Wimm-Bill-Dann Ukraine PJSC.

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Palo Alto Networks, Inc. provides cybersecurity solutions worldwide. The company offers firewall appliances and software; Panorama, a security management solution for the control of firewall appliances and software deployed on a customer's network, as well as their instances in public or private cloud environments, as a virtual or a physical appliance; and virtual system upgrades, which are available as extensions to the virtual system capacity that ships with physical appliances. It also provides subscription services covering the areas of threat prevention, malware and persistent threat, URL filtering, laptop and mobile device protection, and firewall; and DNS security, Internet of Things security, SaaS security API, and SaaS security inline, as well as threat intelligence, and data loss prevention. In addition, the company offers cloud security, secure access, security operations, and threat intelligence and cyber security consulting; professional services, including architecture design and planning, implementation, configuration, and firewall migration; education services, such as certifications, as well as online and in-classroom training; and support services. Palo Alto Networks, Inc. sells its products and services through its channel partners, as well as directly to medium to large enterprises, service providers, and government entities operating in various industries, including education, energy, financial services, government entities, healthcare, Internet and media, manufacturing, public sector, and telecommunications. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
The following companies are subsidiares of Pfizer: AH Robins LLC, AHP Holdings B.V., AHP Manufacturing B.V., Agouron Pharmaceuticals LLC, Alacer, Alpharma Holdings LLC, Alpharma Pharmaceuticals LLC, Alpharma Specialty Pharma LLC, Alpharma USHP LLC, American Food Industries LLC, Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Anacor Pharmaceuticals Inc., Angiosyn, Array BioPharma, Ayerst-Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, BIND Therapeutics Inc., BINESA 2002 S.L., Bamboo Therapeutics, Bamboo Therapeutics Inc., Baxter International - Marketed Vaccines, BioRexis, Bioren, Bioren LLC, Blue Whale Re Ltd., C.E. Commercial Holdings C.V., C.E. Commercial Investments C.V., C.P. Pharmaceuticals International C.V., CICL Corporation, COC I Corporation, Catapult Genetics, Coley Pharmaceutical GmbH, Coley Pharmaceutical Group, Coley Pharmaceutical Group Inc., Continental Pharma Inc., Covx, Covx Technologies Ireland Limited, Cyanamid Inter-American Corporation, Cyanamid de Argentina S.A., Cyanamid de Colombia S.A., Distribuidora Mercantil Centro Americana S.A., Encysive Pharmaceuticals, Encysive Pharmaceuticals Inc., Esperion LUV Development Inc., Esperion Therapeutics, Excaliard Pharmaceuticals, Excaliard Pharmaceuticals Inc., Farminova Produtos Farmaceuticos de Inovacao Lda., Farmogene Productos Farmaceuticos Lda, Ferrosan A/S, Ferrosan International A/S, Ferrosan S.R.L., FoldRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Foldrx Pharmaceuticals, Fort Dodge Manufatura Ltda., G. D. Searle & Co. Limited, G. D. Searle International Capital LLC, G. D. Searle LLC, GI Europe Inc., GI Japan Inc., GenTrac Inc., Genetics Institute LLC, Greenstone LLC, Haptogen Limited, Hospira, Hospira (China) Enterprise Management Co. Ltd., Hospira Adelaide Pty Ltd, Hospira Aseptic Services Limited, Hospira Australia Pty Ltd, Hospira Benelux BVBA, Hospira Chile Limitada, Hospira Deutschland GmbH, Hospira Enterprises B.V., Hospira France SAS, Hospira Healthcare B.V., Hospira Healthcare Corporation, Hospira Healthcare India Private Limited, Hospira Holdings (S.A.) Pty Ltd, Hospira Inc., Hospira Invicta S.A., Hospira Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, Hospira Ireland Sales Limited, Hospira Japan G.K., Hospira Limited, Hospira Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Hospira NZ Limited, Hospira Nordic AB, Hospira Philippines Inc., Hospira Portugal LDA, Hospira Produtos Hospitalares Ltda., Hospira Pte. Ltd., Hospira Pty Limited, Hospira Puerto Rico LLC, Hospira Singapore Pte Ltd, Hospira UK Limited, Hospira Worldwide LLC, Hospira Zagreb d.o.o., ICAgen, Idun Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Santa Agape S.A., InnoPharma, InnoPharma Inc., International Affiliated Corporation LLC, JMI-Daniels Pharmaceuticals Inc., John Wyeth & Brother Limited, Kiinteisto oy Espoon Pellavaniementie 14, King Pharmaceuticals Holdings LLC, King Pharmaceuticals LLC, King Pharmaceuticals Research and Development LLC, Korea Pharma Holding Company Limited, Laboratoires Pfizer S.A., Laboratorios Parke Davis S.L., Laboratorios Pfizer Ltda., Laboratorios Wyeth LLC, Laboratorios Wyeth S.A., Laboratorios Pfizer Lda., MTG Divestitures LLC, Mayne Pharma IP Holdings (Euro) Pty Ltd, Medivation, Medivation Field Solutions LLC, Medivation LLC, Medivation Neurology LLC, Medivation Prostate Therapeutics LLC, Medivation Services LLC, Medivation Technologies LLC, Meridian Medical Technologies Inc., Meridian Medical Technologies Limited, Monarch Pharmaceuticals LLC, Neusentis Limited, NextWave Pharmaceuticals, NextWave Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, P-D Co. LLC, PAH USA IN8 LLC, PF Americas Holding C.V., PF Asia Manufacturing B.V., PF PR Holdings C.V., PF PRISM C.V., PF PRISM Holdings S.a.r.l., PF Prism S.a.r.l., PFE Holdings G.K., PFE PHAC Holdings 1 LLC, PFE Pfizer Holdings 1 LLC, PFE Wyeth Holdings LLC, PFE Wyeth-Ayerst (Asia) LLC, PHILCO Holdings S.a r.l., PHIVCO Corp., PHIVCO Holdco S.a r.l., PHIVCO Luxembourg S.a r.l., PN Mexico LLC, PT. Pfizer Parke Davis, Parke Davis & Company LLC, Parke Davis Limited, Parke Davis Productos Farmaceuticos Lda, Parke-Davis Manufacturing Corp., Parkedale Pharmaceuticals Inc., Peak Enterprises LLC, Pfizer, Pfizer (China) Research and Development Co. Ltd., Pfizer (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Pfizer (Perth) Pty Limited, Pfizer (Thailand) Limited, Pfizer (Wuhan) Research and Development Co. Ltd., Pfizer AB, Pfizer AG, Pfizer AS, Pfizer Africa & Middle East for Pharmaceuticals Veterinarian Products & Chemicals S.A.E., Pfizer Anti-Infectives AB, Pfizer ApS, Pfizer Asia Manufacturing Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Asia Pacific Pte Ltd., Pfizer Atlantic Holdings S.a.r.l., Pfizer Australia Holdings B.V., Pfizer Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Pfizer Australia Investments Pty. Ltd., Pfizer Australia Pty Limited, Pfizer B.V., Pfizer BH D.o.o., Pfizer Baltic Holdings B.V., Pfizer Biofarmaceutica Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Pfizer Biologics (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd, Pfizer Biologics Ireland Holdings Limited, Pfizer Biotech Corporation, Pfizer Bolivia S.A., Pfizer Canada Inc., Pfizer CentreSource Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Chile S.A., Pfizer Cia. Ltda., Pfizer Colombia Spinco I LLC, Pfizer Commercial Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Commercial Holdings TRAE Kft., Pfizer Commercial TRAE Trading Kft., Pfizer Consumer Healthcare AB, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare GmbH, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Ltd., Pfizer Consumer Manufacturing Italy S.r.l., Pfizer Corporation, Pfizer Corporation Austria Gesellschaft m.b.H., Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited, Pfizer Croatia d.o.o., Pfizer Deutschland GmbH, Pfizer Development LP, Pfizer Development Services (UK) Limited, Pfizer Domestic Ventures Limited, Pfizer Dominicana S.R.L, Pfizer ESP Pty Ltd, Pfizer East India B.V., Pfizer Eastern Investments B.V., Pfizer Egypt S.A.E., Pfizer Enterprise Holdings B.V., Pfizer Enterprises LLC, Pfizer Enterprises SARL, Pfizer Europe Finance B.V., Pfizer Export B.V., Pfizer Export Company, Pfizer Export Holding Company B.V, Pfizer Finance Share Service (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Pfizer Financial Services N.V./S.A., Pfizer France International Investments, Pfizer Free Zone Panama S. de R.L., Pfizer GEP S.L., Pfizer Global Holdings B.V., Pfizer Global Supply Japan Inc., Pfizer Global Trading, Pfizer Group Luxembourg Sarl, Pfizer Gulf FZ-LLC, Pfizer H.C.P. Corporation, Pfizer HK Service Company Limited, Pfizer Health AB, Pfizer Health Solutions Inc., Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, Pfizer Hellas A.E., Pfizer Himalaya Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Holding France, Pfizer Holding Ventures, Pfizer Holdings Corporation, Pfizer Holdings Europe Unlimited Company, Pfizer Holdings G.K., Pfizer Holdings International Corporation, Pfizer Holdings International Luxembourg (PHIL) Sarl, Pfizer Holdings North America SARL, Pfizer Hungary Holdings TRAE Kft., Pfizer Inc., Pfizer Innovations AB, Pfizer Innovations LLC, Pfizer Innovative Supply Point International BVBA, Pfizer International LLC, Pfizer International Markets Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer International Operations, Pfizer International S. de R.L., Pfizer International Trading (Shanghai) Limited, Pfizer Investment Capital Unlimited Company, Pfizer Investment Co. Ltd., Pfizer Investment Holdings S.a.r.l., Pfizer Ireland Investments Limited, Pfizer Ireland PFE Holding 1 LLC, Pfizer Ireland PFE Holding 2 LLC, Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Ireland Ventures Unlimited Company, Pfizer Italia S.r.l., Pfizer Italy Group Holding S.r.l., Pfizer Japan Inc., Pfizer LLC, Pfizer Laboratories (Pty) Limited, Pfizer Laboratories Limited, Pfizer Laboratories PFE (Pty) Ltd, Pfizer Leasing Ireland Limited, Pfizer Leasing UK Limited, Pfizer Limitada, Pfizer Limited, Pfizer Luxco Holdings SARL, Pfizer Luxembourg Global Holdings S.a r.l., Pfizer Luxembourg SARL, Pfizer MAP Holding Inc., Pfizer Manufacturing Austria G.m.b.H., Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH, Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland Grundbesitz GmbH & Co. KG, Pfizer Manufacturing Holdings LLC, Pfizer Manufacturing Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Manufacturing LLC, Pfizer Manufacturing Services, Pfizer Medical Technology Group (Belgium) N.V., Pfizer Medicamentos Genericos e Participacoes Ltda., Pfizer Mexico Luxco SARL, Pfizer Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pfizer Middle East for Pharmaceuticals Animal Health and Chemicals S.A.E., Pfizer New Zealand Limited, Pfizer Norge AS, Pfizer North American Holdings Inc., Pfizer OTC B.V., Pfizer Overseas LLC, Pfizer Oy, Pfizer PFE ApS, Pfizer PFE AsiaPac Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Australia Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Australia Pty Ltd, Pfizer PFE B.V., Pfizer PFE Baltic Holdings B.V., Pfizer PFE Belgium SPRL, Pfizer PFE Brazil Holding S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE CIA. Ltda., Pfizer PFE Chile Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Colombia Holding Corp., Pfizer PFE Colombia S.A.S, Pfizer PFE Commercial Holdings LLC, Pfizer PFE Croatia Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Eastern Investments B.V., Pfizer PFE Finland Oy, Pfizer PFE France, Pfizer PFE Global Holdings B.V., Pfizer PFE Ireland Pharmaceuticals Holding 1 B.V., Pfizer PFE Italy Holdco 2 S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Italy Holdco S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Pfizer PFE Limited, Pfizer PFE Luxembourg S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Mexico Holding 3 LLC, Pfizer PFE Netherlands Holding 1 C.V., Pfizer PFE New Zealand, Pfizer PFE New Zealand Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Norway Holding S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE PILSA Holdco S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Peru Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Peru S.R.L., Pfizer PFE Pharmaceuticals Israel Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd., Pfizer PFE Private Limited, Pfizer PFE S.R.L, Pfizer PFE Service Company Holding Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer PFE Singapore Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Singapore Pte. Ltd., Pfizer PFE Spain B.V., Pfizer PFE Spain Holding S.L., Pfizer PFE Sweden Holding 2 S.a.r.l., Pfizer PFE Sweden Holding S.a.r.l., Pfizer PFE Switzerland GmbH, Pfizer PFE Turkey Holding 1 B.V., Pfizer PFE Turkey Holding 2 B.V., Pfizer PFE UK Holding 4 LP, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 1 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 2 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 3 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 4 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 5 LLC, Pfizer PFE spol. s r.o., Pfizer PFE Ilaclar Anonim Sirketi, Pfizer Pakistan Limited, Pfizer Parke Davis (Thailand) Ltd., Pfizer Parke Davis Inc., Pfizer Parke Davis Sdn. Bhd., Pfizer Pharm Algerie, Pfizer Pharma GmbH, Pfizer Pharma PFE GmbH, Pfizer Pharmaceutical (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Pfizer Pharmaceutical Trading Limited Liability Company (a/k/a Pfizer Kft. or Pfizer LLC), Pfizer Pharmaceuticals B.V., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Global B.V., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Korea Limited, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals LLC, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Pfizer Pigments Inc., Pfizer Polska Sp. z.o.o., Pfizer Private Limited, Pfizer Production LLC, Pfizer Products Inc., Pfizer Products India Private Limited, Pfizer Research (NC) Inc., Pfizer Romania SRL, Pfizer S.A., Pfizer S.A., Pfizer S.A. (Belgium), Pfizer S.A. de C.V., Pfizer S.A.S., Pfizer S.G.P.S. Lda., Pfizer S.L., Pfizer S.R.L., Pfizer SRB d.o.o., Pfizer Saidal Manufacturing, Pfizer Sante Familiale, Pfizer Saudi Limited, Pfizer Seiyaku K.K., Pfizer Service Company BVBA, Pfizer Service Company Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Services 1, Pfizer Services LLC, Pfizer Shared Services Unlimited Company, Pfizer Shareholdings Intermediate SARL, Pfizer Singapore Holding Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Singapore Trading Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Spain Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Specialties Limited, Pfizer Strategic Investment Holdings LLC, Pfizer Sweden Partnership KB, Pfizer TRAE Holdings Kft., Pfizer Trading Polska sp.z.o.o., Pfizer Transactions Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Transactions LLC, Pfizer Transactions Luxembourg SARL, Pfizer Transport LLC, Pfizer Ukraine LLC, Pfizer Vaccines LLC, Pfizer Venezuela S.A., Pfizer Venture Investments LLC, Pfizer Ventures LLC, Pfizer Worldwide Services Unlimited Company, Pfizer Zona Franca S.A., Pfizer spol. s r.o., Pharmacia, Pharmacia & Upjohn Company Inc., Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC, Pharmacia & Upjohn LLC, Pharmacia & Upjohn S.A. de C.V., Pharmacia Brasil Ltda., Pharmacia Hepar LLC, Pharmacia Holding AB, Pharmacia Inter-American LLC, Pharmacia International B.V., Pharmacia LLC, Pharmacia Limited, Pharmacia Nostrum S.A., Pharmacia South Africa (Pty) Ltd, PowderJect Research Limited, PowderMed, Purepac Pharmaceutical Holdings LLC, Redvax, Renrall LLC, Rinat Neuroscience, Rinat Neuroscience Corp., Roerig Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Roerig S.A., Sao Cristovao Participacoes Ltda., Searle Laboratorios Lda., Serenex, Servicios P&U S. de R.L. de C.V., Shiley LLC, Sinergis Farma-Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Site Realty Inc., Solinor LLC, Sugen LLC, Tabor LLC, The Pfizer Incubator LLC, Therachon, Thiakis Limited, Treerly Health Co. Ltd, US Oral Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd, Upjohn Laboratorios Lda., Vesteralens Naturprodukter A/S, Vesteralens Naturprodukter AB, Vesteralens Naturprodukter AS, Vesteralens Naturprodukter OY, Vicuron Holdings LLC, Vinci Farma S.A., W-L LLC, Warner Lambert, Warner Lambert Ilac Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Warner Lambert del Uruguay S.A., Warner-Lambert (Thailand) Limited, Warner-Lambert Company AG, Warner-Lambert Company LLC, Warner-Lambert Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Warner-Lambert S.A., Whitehall International Inc., Whitehall Laboratories Inc., Wyeth (Thailand) Ltd., Wyeth AB, Wyeth Australia Pty. Limited, Wyeth Ayerst Inc., Wyeth Ayerst S.a r.l., Wyeth Biopharma, Wyeth Canada ULC, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare LLC, Wyeth Europa Limited, Wyeth Farma S.A., Wyeth Holdings LLC, Wyeth Industria Farmaceutica Ltda., Wyeth KFT., Wyeth LLC, Wyeth Lederle S.r.l., Wyeth Lederle Vaccines S.A., Wyeth Pakistan Limited, Wyeth Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Company, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals FZ-LLC, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Limited, Wyeth Puerto Rico Inc., Wyeth S.A.S, Wyeth Subsidiary Illinois Corporation, Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH, Wyeth Whitehall SARL, Wyeth-Ayerst (Asia) Limited, Wyeth-Ayerst International LLC, and Wyeth-Ayerst Promotions Limited.

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Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. engages in the exploration, development, and recovery of minerals and precious metals located primarily in Africa. It explores for platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, gold, rhodium, zinc, silver, germanium, and lead deposits. The company's projects include the Platreef project located in the Northern Limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex; the Kipushi project located in Haut-Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo; and the Kamoa-Kakula project located within the Central African Copperbelt. It also holds a 100% interest in the Western Foreland exploration project covering an area of approximately 2,407 square kilometers located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company has a strategic partnership agreement with China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd. to examine exploration, development, and acquisition of mineral projects, as well as production, smelting, and logistics opportunities in Africa. Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. was formerly known as Ivanplats Limited and changed its name to Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. in August 2013. The company was incorporated in 1993 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
Vermilion Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of petroleum and natural gas in North America, Europe, and Australia. The company owns 81% working interest in 636,714 net acres of developed land and 85% working interest in 301,026 net acres of undeveloped land in Canada; 130,715 net acres of land in the Powder River basin in the United States; 96% working interest in 248,873 net acres of developed land and 86% working interest in 134,160 net acres of undeveloped land in the Aquitaine and Paris Basins in France; 53% working interest in 901,791 net acres of land in the Netherlands; 54,625 net developed acres and 920,723 net undeveloped acres in Germany; 975,375 net acres land in Croatia; 946,666 net acres land in Hungary; and 48,954 net acres land in Slovakia. It also owns 20% interests in the offshore Corrib natural gas field located to the northwest coast of Ireland; and 100% working interest in the Wandoo offshore oil field and related production facilities that covers 59,553 acres located on Western Australia's northwest shelf. As of December 31, 2021, the company had 401 net producing conventional natural gas wells and 2,132 net producing light and medium crude oil wells in Canada; 167.6 net producing light and medium crude oil wells in the United States; 297.0 net producing light and medium crude oil wells and 3 net producing conventional natural gas wells in France; and 47 net producing natural gas wells in the Netherlands. Vermilion Energy Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
Despite Flipping in Surf 4 Times in a Year, Marines Say New ACV Is the Future of Amphibious Warfare

Some Marine veterans familiar with the vehicle and its operations have worried about the reliability of the ACV.
The amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio was targeted by missiles launched from Yemen as it transited through the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb off Yemen, the ship's commanding officer said in a public post on the ship's Facebook page Oct. 13.

The Norfolk-based ship is part of the Wasp amphibious ready group carrying the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit through the 5th Fleet.

While defense officials previously confirmed that other ships in the region had been targeted by missiles launched from the coast of Yemen, including the guided-missile destroyer Mason and the amphibious transport dock Ponce, it had not previously been reported that the San Antonio was also a target. The news was first reported Monday by the Virginian-Pilot.

"The transit was challenging and missiles were launched against the USS Mason and USS San Antonio," ship commander Capt. Darren Nelson wrote in the Facebook post. "Our crew performed flawlessly in the defense of our ship. Per the Pentagon's press release we will be ready and respond to any further threat to our ships and commercial traffic, as appropriate, and will continue to maintain freedom of navigation on the high seas."

Navy officials announced that the San Antonio had completed a mid-voyage repair in Bahrain on Oct. 7 before passing through the Strait of Hormuz and around the Arabian peninsula to arrive in the Gulf of Aden on Oct. 10. It's not clear from Nelson's post, but the timeline indicates the ship likely came under fire when cruise missiles were launched a second time from a coastal region in Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels Oct. 12.

To date, missiles have been fired at Navy ships from the same coastal region on three separate occasions, most recently on Oct. 15. The Navy responded to the first two attacks in kind Oct. 12, firing five Tomahawk missiles from the guided-missile destroyer Nitze in the Red Sea and destroying three radar sites used to target the ships. It remains unclear whether the Navy plans to retaliate again for the most recent attack.

Nelson said the ship and crew had ultimately made the transit unharmed, and praised his sailors for their "exemplary performance."

"All hands had a huge role in guaranteeing San Antonio's safety throughout the transit," he wrote. "Words cannot express how much I appreciate each and every one of your sailors and Marines."

The San Antonio passed quickly through the Red Sea, transiting through the Suez Canal on Oct. 16, according to public releases. Navy officials have said that other ships will remain in the Red Sea and near the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb to ensure free commerce, freedom of transit and security in the region.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck.
A retired U.S. Army general and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with Irish roots has been made an honorary British knight.

Martin Dempsey, who retired September 2015 after serving 41 years in the Army, has received an honorary knighthood of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II, according to a press release on Monday from the British embassy in Washington, D.C.

The honor "was awarded in recognition of General Dempsey's steadfast commitment to UK-US defence cooperation," it states. "Throughout his years in public service, he has fostered trust and understanding between the UK's Ministry of Defence and the Pentagon. His leadership has been a driving force behind closer collaboration in all aspects of policy, operations and welfare."

The release singles out his 2013 reconvening of the Combined Chiefs of Staff Conference, which was initially established to better direct U.S.-British operations during World War II.

Sir Kim Darroch, the British ambassador to the U.S., will present the award to Dempsey at a later date, Kelly Hysan, a spokeswoman for the embassy, said in an email to Military.com.

"The UK-US relationship is critical to much of the UKs defence and security architecture, and General Dempsey has played a crucial role in maintaining the strong bonds between our two militaries," Darroch said in the release.

"It was an honor to serve side by side with the extraordinary and courageous men and women of the British Armed Forces for the past 40 years in peace and in war," Dempsey said in the release. "We 'few, we happy few' are partners by necessity, but we are friends by choice," he added, quoting a line from Shakespeare's play, "Henry V."

"I accept this honor on behalf of those who have sacrificed so much for our two countries, and I thank Her Majesty the Queen for her steadfast support for those who continue to serve and their families," Dempsey said.

The West Point graduate, is famously proud of his Irish-Catholic heritage. He speaks Gaelic, sings Irish ballads and once wrote a graduate paper on W.B. Yeats' poem, "Easter 1916" about the uprising in Ireland against British rule during World War I, according to a profile in Bloomberg.

The retired general received a master's degree in English from Duke University, where he took a course on 20th-century British literature and wrote about Yeats, World War I poets and Joseph Conrad's novel, "The Secret Agent," according to the profile. He taught at West Point earlier in his Army career.

Dempsey met his wife Deanie at a Catholic high school in upstate New York and the couple has three children, all of whom served as Army officers, according to the profile.

While many U.S. and allied troops -- and civilians alike -- already refer to the general as "sir," that isn't necessarily required with his latest title, according to the embassy's release.

"As an honorary knight General Dempsey does not have the prefix Sir, but can use the letters KBE after his name if he so wishes," it states.

-- Brendan McGarry can be reached at brendan.mcgarry@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Brendan_McGarry.
Job Fair in Rhode Island

The American Legion, in conjunction with others, will host a Hiring Our Heroes job fair in Warwick, R.I., on Oct. 18 at the National Guard Armory, 541 Airport Road in Warwick. An employment workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The job fair will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Attendees should come with their resumes in hand, and be prepared to network or even interview on the spot. Registration is not necessary; however, registering for the event allows job seekers to upload their resumes to be viewed by employers ahead of time. Register online on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation website.

For information on more career fairs, visit the Upcoming Military and Veteran Job Fairs page.
A tentative agreement was reached last week, and calls for FCA committing C$325 million (about $246 million) to rebuild a paint shop in Brampton.

FCA has also agreed to match the economic pattern of GM's agreement with Unifor. That means Unifor members at FCA will see wage increases immediately and "significant increases" over the life of the agreement, Unifor National President Jerry Dias said.

"Negotiations with FCA were tough, but I am proud that our union stood united and focused to push for the pattern Agreement that our union originally achieved with GM," Dias said Sunday in a release. "This Agreement helps to shift the landscape in the auto industry and it provides a solid economic increase for all of our members and their families."

According to Unifor, highlights of the new agreement with FCA include:

A total of C$331 million in investment. C$325 million dollars for a rebuild of the Brampton Assembly Plant paint shop, as well as C$6.4 million dollars investment for the purpose of upgrades and refreshing die-cast machinery and equipment at the Etobicoke Casting Plant;

Two general wage increases of 2% each over the life of the contract;

A signing bonus of $6,000 and a $2,000 lump sum in the second, third and fourth year of the contract, both of which total $12,000 over the next four years;

Significant improvements to the in-progression wage grid that will provide thousands of dollars of new money in income earnings and higher pay to new members (under ten years of service); and

Benefit improvements.

Unifor will now negotiate a new contract with Ford Motor Co., and has set Oct. 31 as its strike deadline. The union has made it clear that one of its goals is to keep a Ford engine plant in Windsor from closing.
KENT COUNTY - The Kent District Library has been honored as one of the top innovative libraries in North America.

The KDL recently received an award from the Urban Libraries Council for being one of 20 libraries that are "Top Innovators" in the United States and Canada. The Urban Libraries Council is a membership organization for leading public library systems in North America with the goal of strengthening and promoting the importance of libraries.

The KDL earned an honorable mention award in the "Cultural Management through Efficient Staffing" category for the use of sub-pools for staffing needs. The "Top Innovators" awards are given to libraries to highlight their creative and inventive programs, services and operating practices.

"The award recognizes our efforts at streamlining our staffing process, while also promoting a positive organizational culture," said Brian Mortimore, the KDL's director of human resources. "Other libraries throughout Michigan have adopted our procedures, which were developed with the help of our managers in 2006, and now the Urban Libraries Council has put us in the national spotlight.

"We're very proud and happy to help others who might be interested to learn more."

Susan Benton, the Urban Libraries Council's president and CEO, said the award winners were chosen by a panel of expert judges from about 270 submissions.

She praised the top libraries, saying they confirm that "creativity and inventive approaches continue to thrive in public libraries."

"ULC is proud to highlight programs that provide lifelong learning opportunities, meet the unique needs of diverse audiences, leverage technology to connect people with each other and vital resources and address community issues," Benton said. "These are the initiatives of the 21st century public library."

This year's "Top Innovators" award winners were showcased during a celebration held earlier this month in Kansas City, Missouri.
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A vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi-like technology drives through a scenario at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute in Ann Arbor in August 2012.

(File photo | The Ann Arbor News)

ANN ARBOR, MI - Connecting your vehicle to share information with other Ann Arbor cars could lead to a financial boost for the Ann Arbor school of your choice.

Toyota is partnering with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute to encourage more participation in the Ann Arbor Connected Vehicle Test Environment that aims to collect enough data on drivers' habits to help reduce collisions.

"Ultimately, we're working to make the City of Ann Arbor the largest real-world deployment of connected vehicles in the world," said Francine Romine, director of marketing and communications for the institute.

Anyone interested in participating in the connected vehicle study can make an appointment with the institute to have a vehicle-awareness device installed. The installment takes about 45 minutes, and then the device will transmit data about the vehicle's speed, location and direction of travel, Romine said. Other vehicles with the device will be able to communicate with each other.

After one year, UMTRI and the U-M Mobility Transformation Center, which is collaborating on the study, will download the driving data collected by the vehicle.

"At that time, they can choose to continue on or they can have the device removed," Romine said.

From now through December, anyone who has the device installed can designate an Ann Arbor Public Schools Parent-Teacher Organization to benefit from their participation. Schools that have at least 10 percent of their school's enrollment participate in the study are in the running to receive a donation from Toyota.

Schools with the highest proportional participation will receive the following donations to their PTOs to be used on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) enrichment:

$5,000 to one high school

$2,500 to two middle schools

$500 to up to 10 elementary schools

Toyota will distribute the funds in January 2017.

"For over 35 years, Toyota has partnered with many organizations in Ann Arbor. We are particularly proud of the relationship with the Ann Arbor Public Schools in support of 'A World in Motion', (Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad), FIRST Robotics and the Toyota Motor Sales International Teacher Program," said Kristen Tabar, vice president of Toyota's Technical Strategy Planning Office, in a press release. "We see this as a perfect example of a 'win-win', to provide support to U-M as they expand their vehicle-to-vehicle testing beyond the test track to the streets of Ann Arbor and contribute to the growing AAPS STEAM programming."

Romine said the AAPS incentive hopes to attract 1,500 drivers to participate in the study, and up to 5,000 drivers can join at this time. Those who already had the device installed as part of the pilot program can still designate a school to benefit from their participation.

In 2012, UMTRI and the U.S. Department of Transportation launched Safety Pilot Model Deployment, a $30-million connected-vehicle research project. SPMD included nearly 3,000 vehicles operating in the north-east quadrant of Ann Arbor. Eventually, the Ann Arbor Connected Vehicle Test Environment will include up to 9,000 device-equipped vehicles.

This effort is a stepping-stone to achieving the U.S. Department of Transportation's vision for a national deployment of connected vehicles and infrastructure. When fully deployed, connected vehicle technology could reduce unimpaired crashes by up to 80 percent.

More information on this project can be found at www.aacvte.org.

Anyone who lives, works or frequently drive through Ann Arbor is encouraged to contact UMTRI about participating in the study. To participate, email: connectedvehicle@umich.edu
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Dr. Robert Winfield, the the Chief Health Officer and Director of the University Health Service, passed away Friday, Oct. 14, surrounded by family at his home in Ann Arbor. Photo provided

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Dr. Robert Winfield, the chief health officer and director of the University Health Service, passed away Friday, Oct. 14, surrounded by family at his home in Ann Arbor. He was 70.

Winfield joined the University Health Service in 1981 as a staff physician and became medical director in 1982. He served in that capacity until 1999 when he became the executive director of UHS, which provides primary care to students, staff, and faculty. He also served as director for MHealthy, which serves as the university's health and well-being program.

As an adviser to the U-M president and the executive officers, he played a leadership role in promoting health and wellness of the university community.

From 2001 to 2003, he headed the university's Mental Health Work Group, which created recommendations for far-reaching changes to improve mental health support for students. He co-chaired the SARS Campus Planning Group as well as the Infectious Hazards Planning Group that was focused on preparations for a possible influenza pandemic.

Born Nov. 16, 1945, in Winnetka, Illinois, Winfield came to Ann Arbor to attend U-M in 1964, graduating from U-M Medical School in 1972.

Visitation with the family takes place from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the U-M Museum of Art. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Wednesday at Nie Funeral Home, Liberty Chapel, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, followed by interment at Forest Hill Cemetery Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center or the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. Donations to the U-M Cancer Center are directed to the Leukemia Research Fund.
YCS board candidates.jpg

(From left to right) Ypsilanti Community Schools board of education candidates Mark Wilde, Meredith Schindler, Steve Gray and Sharon Lee participate in a candidate forum at Perry Elementary School on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016.

(Lauren Slagter | The Ann Arbor News)

YPSILANTI, MI - Four candidates vying for two seats on the Ypsilanti Community Schools board of education recently shared their views on what can be done to improve the district's finances, promote positive school culture and advocate for marginalized student groups.

Dedicated to Make a Change, an organization that works with Ypsilanti youth, hosted a board candidate forum the evening of Thursday, Oct. 13, at Perry Elementary School. High school students helped run the event, state Rep. Adam Zemke gave opening comments, 2016 Ypsilanti graduate Justin Thomas moderated the forum, and Ypsilanti Township Trustee Jimmie Wilson Jr. closed the event.

Each candidate was given 3 minutes to make an opening statement, and then they answered questions submitted by those in attendance at the forum and other community members.

Two six-year terms on the YCS board are up for grabs, and the election is Nov. 8.

Steve Gray, who has lived on the east side of Washtenaw County for more than 20 years, is the director of Michigan Law's Unemployment Insurance Clinic at the University of Michigan. A legal aid attorney, Gray is married with two children, the youngest of which recently graduated from Washtenaw International High School.

Incumbent Sharon Lee is a mother of four and grandmother of two. She has worked in Ypsilanti schools as a secretary and classroom and bus aide over the years and also participated in the Parent Teacher Student Organization of her children's schools. Lee has served on the school board for two years.

Incumbent Meredith Schindler was a science teacher at Ann Arbor Academy, a private school, before becoming the school's director. She's lived in Ypsilanti since 2000, and she's served on the school board for two years. Her oldest son graduated from Ypsilanti high school, her younger son is a senior at Ypsilanti Community High School, and her two step-daughters attend other schools.

Mark Wilde, a Willow Run resident since 1986, served for 10 years on the Willow Run school board until the district consolidated with Ypsilanti public schools in 2013. Wilde is a DSL support supervisor at Provide.net, and his three children graduated from Willow Run schools. Wilde is a mentor for the YCHS STEMM Middle College robotics team.

Below is a summary of candidates' responses to several questions raised at the forum, listed in alphabetical order by candidate's last name.

As a board member, you will be in a unique position to be a powerful advocate for children from marginalized groups. What is a marginalized group, and how do you see yourself exercising that power?

Gray: He pointed out that his whole career has been dedicated to advocating for marginalized groups and it's also what motivated him to run for the school board seat. Internal advocacy is needed, Gray said, frequently related to discipline issues and trying to keep students engaged in the school community rather than automatically turning to expulsions or suspensions.

"Advocacy also happens by empowering students to be advocates for themselves. I would challenge the teachers and the district to do that as well," he said. "I think the other thing is to advocate on behalf of our district outside of our district. I think I can help with that."

Lee: She quoted Mother Teresa, saying everyone can help one person at a time and start with the person nearest you. Advocating for students in a crisis situation offers them hope and encourages them to see more potential in themselves, Lee said.

"We all have people or situations around us where we can step up to help others and to advocate on their behalf," she said.

Schindler: A marginalized group is a group that's not part of the dominant culture in society, Schindler said, giving the examples of racial and ethnic minorities, people living in poverty and English language learners. She pointed out an imbalance in accessing quality education and incarceration rates for people from marginalized groups.

"Schools are the first line of defense against that for students, so we have to represent those students and we have to represent them strongly. We have to speak for them," Schindler said, noting that she doesn't come from a marginalized group so she sees it as her role to listen to those who are marginalized and to look at how school policies can be improved to result in greater equity in opportunities for all students.

Wilde: He interpreted marginalized groups as those students at the lower end of the achievement gap.

"To close that achievement gap with the marginalized groups, we need to help them understand what the future is and how the education plays a role in that, and how being at school, on time, every day and passing their grades will assist in all of that," he said.

What is your vision for a positive school climate, and how would you like to see the district promote that vision?

Gray: To see a positive school environment, Gray said to visit some of the schools in the district. The school environment is set by the principal and teachers, so it's important to support them, provide fair compensation and give them incentive to stay in the district.

"It seems like a pretty positive school environment," Gray said. "I think there's certainly an impression that maybe it's not positive, but it seems pretty positive to me. I would say we need to keep doing what we're doing and have some consistency."

Lee: Teachers must have a clear sense of their own cultural and ethnic identities and understand how to work effectively with students who identify differently than they do. Teachers need to communicate high expectations for all students, and they should encourage meaningful learning. The school should provide academically challenging curriculum.

"Students who learn to work and play with classmates from various cultures are better prepared for the world they face now and in the future," she said.

Schindler: A positive school climate is one in which every child is appreciated and celebrated, no matter who they are and what background they come from, Schindler said. She said her children had that experience at Ypsilanti schools. The district's cultural proficiency curriculum has helped with those efforts, she added.

"It's all the different things that teachers can do and continue to do to make sure that they have strong relationships with students, because students come to school because of relationships and they stay in school because of relationships," Schindler said, adding that engaging curriculum that students see as relevant to their future improves school culture too.

Wilde: A positive school climate is one where all students are learning and not being disrupted by other classmates' behavioral issues, Wilde said. Increasing pay would reduce the turnover rate among teachers, he added, which would improve the school culture.

"If the teachers don't feel satisfied or they don't feel comfortable, then they're going to leave and they're not going to put forth the effort into students that they should," he said. "There's a lot of things that all add up. You can have 10 or 15 things go right and if just one thing goes wrong, it throws everything off the track."

The state of Michigan just enforced a law that will retain third graders who are not reading at grade level. In the 2015-16 school year, 60 percent of YCS third graders were not proficient on the M-STEP. How should YCS respond and prepare for the massive retention? (Note: Results from the 2016 M-STEP showed 81.5 percent of YCS third graders were not proficient in English language arts)

Gray: He does not support the new state law because he thinks it's detrimental to students' future academic success to make them repeat a grade at such a young age. It's punishing the victim, Gray said, adding that he would like to find a way around the law.

"But I think we have to do better at helping our kids read and (passing) the tests that they have to do," he said. "We already should be ... front-loading our resources toward elementary education as well."

Lee: Schools need to do more to support parents to help improve the reading performance of young students. If parents aren't well educated, they can't help their children academically, Lee said.

"The teachers we have, some of them really don't know how to educate African American kids," Lee added. "So we have to also train the teachers on educating our kids too."

Schindler: Theoretically, the concept of grade levels is antiquated and students should advance through curriculum at their own pace based on their skill level, Schindler said. She acknowledged that with the way curriculum is structured, students need to be organized into grade levels. In reality, she thinks more resources like teachers and reading aides need to be concentrated at the early elementary grade levels to make sure third graders master reading skills.

"There's a further answer, which is that the tests probably need to be changed," she said, adding that the vocabulary used on standardized tests tends to be culturally biased. "We need to change the testing, and we need to change how we're looking at kids. But that said, we can't just give up on kids and say, 'Well, we don't have a good test for them.' Kids have to be able to read."

Wilde: He was not familiar with the new state law about third grade retention based on reading proficiency, but he agrees that students need to be tested. He thinks students should be measured on the progress they make in the course of a school year, not simply held to a common benchmark because students learn at different rates.

"Keeping parents involved in helping their kids read and learn the importance of reading, all of that adds up to what's required for the kids to do better," Wilde said.

What do you believe are the root causes affecting the school district, and how do you see the board addressing those issues?

Gray: School choice is having a significant impact on YCS, Gray said, in the sense that it pits traditional public schools against each other. Ypsilanti schools can't compete with Ann Arbor Public Schools' enrollment and budget, he said, which has led the community to segregate itself. School board members can vote and advocate for a change in the state's school choice policy. In the meantime, the board can focus on providing the best education possible for the students who choose to attend YCS, which relies on having high quality principals and teachers in the schools.

Lee: The budget is the root cause of many challenges facing YCS, Lee said. The board is working on the district's budget, she said, noting that selling Ardis school and renting West Middle School to Ann Arbor Public Schools is generating additional revenue this year.

Schindler: No Child Left Behind and the state's school funding formula has led to a series of budget cuts over the years, she said, which erode the quality of education YCS is able to offer. School choice and directing state dollars to charter schools - who do not have the same overhead costs as traditional public school districts - also contributes to the financial pressure on YCS, Schindler added. Board members can encourage more investment in public schools and vote for elected officials who will advocate for the cause.

Wilde: Michigan's public education funding has been spread too thin with the expansion of charter schools, he said. It appears the state is deliberately underfunding school districts to force consolidation, Wilde added. There are many factors that contribute to the current circumstances of YCS. Low graduation rates, for example, cause some families to transfer to other schools, which further reduces the state funding YCS receives, he said.

As a school board member, you may be asked to make decisions on expulsions. What is your stance on non-mandatory expulsions?

Gray: Expulsions are the educational equivalent of the death penalty, he said, so it's not something he would be quick to support. He would make a decision on a case-by-case basis, but his guiding principle would be not to expel a student unless absolutely necessary.

"Nine times out of 10, there are lots of factors that are impacting the student's life that have nothing to do with him or her, that are outside of their control," Gray said. "I'm ready to take on the spirit of fear in our community, which I feel like is what drives expulsions."

Lee: She pointed out the school board's obligation to uphold state law in cases where expulsion is required, and the district's discipline policy is outlined in the student handbook. If not required by law and the student involved can make a case for staying in school, Lee would not be likely to support expulsion.

"As a school board member, I am committed to exploring alternatives to harsh disciplinary action, making sure students receive the necessary support they need in order to be successful in school," Lee said.

Schindler: Suspensions are a problem because they remove students from school, and it's generally the students who can least afford to miss school who are suspended, Schindler said. However, behavioral issues can make it difficult for other students to learn in school. She pointed to the district's policy on positive discipline plans, which teachers can choose to implement, and YCS' restorative justice approach to problem-solving.

"In terms of expulsions, the law is pretty clear about some things that we have to expel for," Schindler said, giving the example of bringing a weapon to school with the intent to harm someone. "However, most of the time that's not what's going on, and in the case of non-mandatory expulsions, generally speaking I'm not in favor of expelling a student for something that we don't absolutely have to expel a student for."

Wilde: He recalled Willow Run's zero tolerance stance on weapons at school in the '90s, which automatically led to expulsions. There were times that policy defied common sense, he said, like if a student brought a butter knife to school to cut a pan brownies for the class.

"As far as the suspensions go, we need to cut back on that," he said. "Back in the day, we used to do detention where you bring the student in for afterschool detention or weekend detention and actually assist them in getting caught up on their work, instead of just sending them home for 10 days and hoping they were able to get caught up. There are some things that need to be in place."
A Romulus mother acted within the law when she stabbed her 16-year-old son during an argument the evening of Oct. 10, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has ruled.

The mother won't face charges.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy's office says the mother stabbed her son, who has a history of being violent, in the leg and once in the back on the same day he'd been expelled from school for 180 days.

As punishment for the expulsion, the mother confiscated the teen's cell phone and radio, prompting a "heated argument," according to the prosecutor's office.

"The mother called the Romulus Police Department twice to come to the house to diffuse the situation, but the police did not immediately respond to the location," Worthy's office said. " ... Eventually, the argument escalated and the 16-year-old grabbed his six-year-old brother in a head lock causing him to cry. The 16-year-old released the child and then began hitting his mother repeatedly in the head and jaw causing her head to bruise and swell."

After being attacked, the mother grabbed a knife from atop the refrigerator in an effort to "defend herself from the blows," at which time she stabbed her son multiple times.

A 15-year-old daughter and an elder son who came to the house to help with the unruly 16-year-old were witnesses and confirmed the mother's statements.

When police and medics arrived, the mother was applying pressure to his wounds. He was hospitalized and treated for his injuries.

"Under the law of self defense, the mother was under no duty to retreat in her own home and she had an honest and reasonable belief that the use of deadly force was necessary to prevent imminent death, or imminent great bodily harm when she struck her son twice with the knife," Worthy's office said. "For these reasons the warrant request has been denied."
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A Grand Rapids police officer is on paid administrative leave after he was arrested for operating while intoxicated and failing to report an accident.

The officer, who has worked for Grand Rapids Police for 23 years, was involved in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday, Oct. 16.

He was off-duty at the time.

Michael Rozema, 46, has been identified in media reports as the officer who was arrested.

State police records showed that Rozema was arrested Sunday by state police for misdemeanor traffic offenses. Kent County Jail records showed that Rozema was booked into the Kent County Jail at 3:51 a.m. Sunday.

Grand Rapids Police would not confirm the officer's identity before charges are filed.

State police at the Rockford post are investigating but would not provide details of the crash.

Grand Rapids Police say the officer had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit of 0.08 percent. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries before he was taken to jail.

Grand Rapids Police Department's Internal Affairs is handling the administrative investigation.

State police will provide reports to Kent County prosecutors for review for potential criminal charges.
Police continue to search for a suspect believed to be involved in an assault that occurred early Friday morning on Wyoming's southwest side.

The assault occurred around 5:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14, when a female victim reportedly stepped outside to warm up her car in the driveway of her home.

She told police she was assaulted by an unknown male, before escaping and running inside where her family members called the police.

The victim sustained minor injuries.

Wyoming Department of Public Safety officials are describing the suspect as a 5-foot-11, 200-pound male. He was wearing all black clothing with a dark ski mask and gloves at the time of the assault.

Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the assault to contact the department at 616-530-7300, or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) is seeking help from consulting firm Roland Berger to help draw up a planned tender for offshore supply bases, an official at the state enterprise said.





U Than Lin, deputy managing director at MOGE, said the enterprise has a draft contract with the global consultancy and is finalising the details. The finished contract will have to be sent to the Attorney Generals Office for approval, he told The Myanmar Times.

Roland Berger was unable to comment by press time.

MOGE has been planning to engage private firms to build and operate offshore supply bases for over a year. The enterprise invited bids from interested companies for a joint venture in the first half of last year, and received 52 expressions of interest (EOI) from local and international firms.

That process then stalled and none of the firms were chosen. U Than Lin said previously that those companies would be contacted during the tender, which is to be issued this year.

MOGE owns the countrys only existing supply base  at Thaketa near Yangon  but this is unsuitable for the expanded drilling campaigns firms like Woodside are preparing to start next year.

Oil and gas firms operating in the country rely mainly on supply bases in Thailand and Singapore. The lack of supply bases makes Myanmar operations less efficient and deprives the country of valuable economic activity.

Myanmar Offshore Supply Base, a subsidiary of Singaporean firm 2 Fish, is pursuing its own application to the Myanmar Investment Commission for a supply base in Mawlamyine.
Concerns have been raised in parliament over the rising cost of poultry and fish prices at the market.





Speaking during a sitting of the Yangon Region parliament on October 12, U Han Htun, Yangon Region minister for agriculture, livestock, forestry and energy, said research was needed to understand the steep increases in market prices for the meat.

Rising commodity prices are linked to one another, so we need to find out what the main factors driving the increasing prices, he said. Although, if prices are falling this may have an impact on the livelihood of the fishermen.

U Hnin Oo, chair of the Myanmar Crab and Fishery Association, said that the Myanmar Fisheries Federation is trying to address some of the factors that are leading to price hikes, like poor infrastructure, volatile exchange rate and depleting fish stock.

Farm gate prices for fish were not so high, he said; it was at the market where the premium was being added.

The difference is more than double between the fish farm gate prices and market prices, he said.

For example, if 1 viss [1.6kg or 3.6 pounds] of a certain type of fish costs K3000 then it is more than K6000 by the time it gets to the market.





Meanwhile, income from fish exports to October has already surpassed the value achieved last financial year by more than US$28 million, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce. From April to October this year, income from fish exports has reached close to $237 million, while for the entirety of last financial year fish export income totalled $208 million, the figures show.
The last of Myanmars three established telecommunications firms has rolled out fourth-generation services. MPT is offering customers 4G in select locations in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw, but aims to cover the country after purchasing additional spectrum next year.





U Tun Aye Maung, MPTs deputy general manager for marketing strategy, said customers can use 4G in six locations in Yangon and two in the capital.

The firms Yangon 4G hotspots are at a Junction Maw Tin shopping centre, Junction Square, Taw Win Centre, MPT-branded stores based in Pabedan township and Yangon international airport. MPT will also extend 4G to Myanmar Plaza in the next few days, U Tun Aye Maung said.

Nay Pyi Taw users can go to Junction Centre and Capital Hyper Market.

Ooredoo was first to launch 4G services earlier this year and told The Myanmar Times in August it had over half a million 4G users across Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay and Yangon. Telenor launched in Nay Pyi Taw in July and has been testing in Yangon, Shan States Muse and Kayin states Myawaddy.

MPT is planning to roll out 4G across the whole country in 2017, said U Khin Maung Myint, director of marketing.

If we will purchase 1800MHz spectrum from the government we will extend the 4G network, he said. We hope to buy more 1800MHz in January 2017. Were aiming to cover the whole country next year.





The firm is currently offering 4G on the 2.1GHz spectrum.

Telenor, Ooredoo and MPT are all eager for more of the 1800MHz band, which is better suited than higher frequencies to expanding coverage. All declined to enter an auction for 2600MHz spectrum to be held today, which Ooredoo and MPT said was due to a desire to concentrate on the 1800MHz auction expected to follow.

An official in the communications ministry said it the 1800MHz auction would be held in the first quarter of next year, potentially in January.

MPT is also planning to launch its own 4G smartphone, as well as offering existing 2G and 3Gusers a free 4G sim card.

MPTs old SIM card supports 2G and 3G networks but not 4G, he said U Khin Maung Myint. Customers have to change at MPT shops, but its free.
Our Festival of Lights celebrates the descent of the Buddha from heaven, after preaching Abhidhamma to his mother, Maya. And we pay respects to our elders, apologising for any sins on our part. But that isnt going to stop us having fun.





So light the candles and lanterns, set off the fireworks and firecrackers, and enjoy yourself.

The heart of Thadingyut in Yangon is the Yae Kyaw festival. How else to explain the crowds?

I never miss the chance to eat various kinds of traditional foods and toys, to join the throngs in the amusement park and fight to the front of the crowd (no queues, please, were Myanmar) to clamber onto the human-powered Ferris wheel and the pendulum boat.

The Yae Kyaw festival takes place from October 13 to 17 along Yae Kyaw and Bogyoke streets in Pazundaung township.

This festival has been held for more than 50 years, except between 2002 and 2010. It all started from Witt Kyaung, Daw Na and Yuzana streets in quarter 8 of Pazundaung with three small stages of make-up artists in the first two years, said U Aung Naing, 56, one of the organisers of the festival.





Then, tableaus of traditional characters dressed as Zaw Gyi, kings and royal ministers could stand for an hour, motionless, in each tent in these two quarters, he said, At that time, I was a child and I would tickle the performers, but they didnt move. Nobody can do that now. Later, the festival grew bigger and bigger and more and more crowded.

International visitors also love Thadingyut.

I had to lift up my longyi to get on the Ferris wheel, said Marc from England. I visited the festival when I was here four years ago, and I came back because I didnt want to miss out. Its so high-energy, full-on mad, nuts, crazy and I love it. Ive just been walking around, sampling food from the different stores.

Another merrymaker, Aye Nyein Khaing, 21, said, I come here almost every year because its the only place in Yangon where the tradition of Thadingyut is still observed. Elsewhere in Yangon Region, its disappearing. In some places, the only sign of Thadingyut is the lights people put in front of their houses. So the Yae Kyaw Thadingyut festival is very important for me.

Organiser U Aung Naing said, Last year, three of the townships quarters celebrated the festival; this year its five in Botahtaung. The crowds are even bigger. We had to put up CCTVs for security.

The Festival of Lights is celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month of Thadingyut. The best time to come is around 5pm as crowds generally swell from 6pm to midnight.
The former director general of the meteorology and hydrology department has proposed an alternative solution to the problem of the stalled Myitsone hydropower dam. Instead of building one destructive and publically reviled mega dam, why not build four smaller hydropower projects instead, he suggested on Facebook yesterday night.





U Tun Lwin, who has written several books on the environment and spent 44 years helming the meteorology department, said the expense of the large dam, projected to cost US$3.6 billion, could be divided into three or four small or medium-scale projects spread along the Ayeyarwady River with less of a concentrated impact.

The energy produced by four eco-smart dams would not be so different than one big dam, he said.

The Myitsone dam is bad. Having these small and medium dams is better, U Tun Lwin told The Myanmar Times.

The China-backed Myitsone dam would be situated at the confluence of the Makha and Malikha rivers, a site of historic importance to the Kachin. The 4600-megawatt hydropower facility on the Ayeyarwady River was the result of a deal between the previous military government and China Power Investment (CPI).

The Myitsone dam was suspended in 2011 by then-president U Thein Sein amid public outcry against the project.

Contributing to the Myitsones unpopularity was the widespread displacement of populations in the project area, concerns about the dams environmental impacts and the terms of an agreement that would see some 90 percent of the electricity generated sent to China.

But the suspension is now being reconsidered by the commission to scrutinise hydropower projects along the Ayeyarwady River. Set up by the National League for Democracy-led government, the commission has been tasked with reviewing proposed and existing hydropower projects along the length of Myanmars main waterway, and providing recommendations on whether projects should move ahead or not.





In September, the commission members visited Kachin State, where residents, activists and civil society groups made it clear they were against the Myitsone Dam restarting.

The commission is expected to provide the first of its reports to the president on November 11, but has indicated that no conclusion will likely have been reached by the appointed date.

U Tun Lwin advised the commission while it reviews the Myitsone contract to consider the diminished environmental and social effects caused by smaller dam projects.

Such smaller projects also minimise the distribution losses when electricity is transmitted, he added. Small and medium dams can be beneficial by supporting river flood control, reducing natural disasters and diverting irrigation water more effectively for agriculture, he said.

But Daw Jar Hkawn, a veteran opponent of the Myitsone dam and a member of Mung Chying Rawdat of Kachin State, said her group objects to any and all dams along the confluence. If we are really talking about the needs of the locals, we dont need big or small dams on the Ayeywardy River, she said.

She conceded that dams could be helpful on tributaries, so long as they are built with the interests of Kachin State as the focus.
The United Nationalities Alliance demanded an end to military offensives in Kachin, Shan and Kayin states ethnic areas at a summit held on October 15.





Unrest in Rakhine State, the alliance said, is different in that it is a Union government issue.

If they continue their offensives against the ethnic areas, peace will never be achieved, said UNA secretary and Mon National Party central executive committee member Nai Soe Myint.

In the past two months, the Tatmadaw has launched attacks in Kachin, Shan and Kayin states, leaving thousands displaced or homeless, the alliance said. Earlier this month, the military attacked the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and the Shan State Army, which signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), alliance members said. The RCSS accused the military of not honouring their end of the NCA.

The military has used heavy weapons, like [high-caliber infantry guns] and [fighter jets], Nai Soe Myint said. The government has yet to speak about the conflict going on in the ethnic areas and it has been two months. Lots of civilians are suffering. It is not like a normal offensive. This time, the conflict in the ethnic areas is like a large civil war.

The Chin League for Democracy, the Chin Progressive Party, the Shan Ni and the Northern Shan Ethnic Solidarity Party, all of which asked to be members in late 2015, were accepted into the UNA as members. The UNA, now made up of 15 parties, started as just four groups, representing Shan, Mon, Rakhine and Zomi people.

On one side they [the Tatmadaw] are talking about peace and on the other side they are talking about fighting, said the newly welcomed Chin Progressive Partys general secretary Pu Shing Tun. Armed ethnic groups are not coming from other countries. They live in their own areas. If the Tatmadaw attacks the ethnic armed groups areas, they will be on the defensive. The first thing for the government to do is declare its intentions of upholding a unilateral ceasefire.

In Rakhine State, where recent violence left nine officers at three border stations dead and prompted a military backlash on Rohingya communities, the UNA urged the government to quell the unrest, noting that they stand with the Rakhine people.





Conflict in Rakhine and other ethnic areas takes a different form, the alliance announced. The government should solve this Rakhine conflict.
The weekend was marked by more violence and arrests in northern Rakhine State as a young teacher was shot and an attack on security personnel ended in the deaths of three assailants. The latest bloodshed comes in the aftermath of what the government is calling a coordinated, deadly assault by Islamist insurgents on three Myanmar Border Police posts in Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships on October 9.





Ko Thein Tun, 23, was shot on October 15 while collecting bamboo near Myo village, about 8.5 kilometres (5.3 miles) from Maungdaw town. The man was admitted to Maungdaw Hospital, where he was due for same-day surgery to remove the bullet.

Ko Bar Yar, the victims brother, said Ko Thein Tun had been a teacher in Maungdaw township for over a year.

We informed the police checkpoint at Kan Thar Yar [village, of the shooting], and police brought him to hospital. He is still in an alarming condition, he told The Myanmar Times.

There are no military troops operating in the village as well as the village being a little far from Muslim villages. Therefore we could not confirm yet who did it, said a senior police official who asked for anonymity.

Ma La Won, a Myo village resident, said more than a dozen people had fled to neighbouring Kan Thar Yar village following the shooting.

We were afraid to stay at home. Therefore we fled to a place where we thought would be safer, she told The Myanmar Times.





Meanwhile, the military-run news outlet Myawady reported that three police officers were attacked by a trio of knife-wielding assailants the same day in Late Aing village. The attackers  two women and one man  were shot dead as they fled the scene, Myawady reported.

The violence came just one day after the Presidents Office announced that the October 9 attacks were perpetrated by a little-known Islamist group by the name of Aqa Mul Mujahidin.

According to a statement from the Presidents Office, the attacks in Maungdaw township were systematically planned in advance over a long period of time, assisted by foreign funding and the support of members of foreign terrorist organisations.

Nearly 400 militants could owe allegiance to the group, said the statement.

It identified the groups leader as Havistoohar, saying he had previously trained with the Taliban in Pakistan.

Several Muslim residents of Maungdaw township told The Myanmar Times that they had heard of the October 9 attacks, but knew little more about the situation.

Of course I heard about the attack but thats all Ive heard. Nothing more, said Athi Marnu, who lives in Maungdaw town. I know one thing: that the attack occurred and the clinic has closed. Therefore my granddaughter could not see the doctor from the clinic.

But most Muslims The Myanmar Times spoke to, both those living in the town and others who had fled there from surrounding villages, were hesitant to discuss the recent upheaval with members of the media.

During a visit to Kyikan Pyin village  site of the first attack  and surrounding settlements on October 14, many homes appeared to have been abandoned.

We announced that they can stay normally in the village if they did not commit the attack and cooperate with security forces while the forces are asking questions, said U Ye Htut, an official with the Maungdaw district administrative department.

However, nobody did it. I think because they have anxiety as well, he told The Myanmar Times.

With the weekend killings, at least 33 people  based on a tally of state media reports  have been killed as security forces comb northern Rakhine State in an effort to root out the militants. State media yesterday did not offer the latest casualty figures.

The October 9 attacks killed nine police officers, as well as eight of the assailants. State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has vowed to uphold the rule of law as Rakhine State has become increasingly militarised over the last week. Human rights groups, however, have urged that security operations be conducted with restraint amid reports of extrajudicial killings.

Myawady reported that four more people were arrested in Redar village, Maungdaw township, on October 15, apparently due to suspected links to Aqa Mul Mujahidin.

The leaders of political parties with ties to Islam roundly condemned last weeks attacks, but said they were not familiar with the organisation being blamed.

We cannot accept any terrorist who destroys the stability of the state. But I was surprised when I heard of the Aqa Mul Mujahidin organisation, said U Maung Maung Ni, a National Development and Democratic Party member.

I heard RSO was there [in the Bangladesh border region] several years ago, but no one could confirm yet whether the group is really active or not, he said, referring to the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation, an armed group thought to be defunct but which the government says is linked to Aqa Mul Mujahidin.

U Kyaw Min, chair of the Democracy and Human Rights Party, expressed similar scepticism but added that he was not in a position to make assertions about the situation on the ground in Rakhine State.

We still are observing how the government tackles the issue. The most important thing we are concerned with now is the security of local residents in those areas, said U Kyaw Min.

The government has sought to tightly control the flow of information coming out of Rakhine State, fearing that the spread of unchecked rumours could lead to the kind of inter-religious violence that wracked the state in 2012.

A majority of Maungdaw townships population are self-identifying Rohingya Muslims. Rioting between that largely stateless group and Rakhine Buddhists in 2012 killed more than 100 people and displaced some 140,000, the vast majority of whom are Rohingya who remain in temporary camps four years later.

A press conference is scheduled for today by a Union government delegation that has recently returned from Rakhine State and was led by Information Minister U Pe Myint.

Additional reporting by Ei Ei Toe Lwin
A journalist who says he was forced to flee his home for fear of reprisals from timber smugglers has accused local authorities in Mandalay Region of not coming to his aid. And another reporter, a freelancer, staged a one-man protest denouncing corrupt officials.





Ko Tin Zaw Oo, who works for The Voice Daily in Mandalay Region, says six men came to his home on October 6, the day after the paper carried a story he wrote on illegal sawmills in Thabeikkyin township.

One day after I covered the story, they came to my home. They told me that they had come from the forest to see me, as I was well-known. Then they told me to follow them. I asked them to wait, as I was writing a story for the newspaper. While they were waiting I called the deputy head of the township police, but he told me to call the chief of police. Just then, a government official turned up, and the men left. My neighbours rallied around the whole night, and the next morning I fled to Mandalay for my safety, he said.

On October 13, Ko Tin Zaw Oo held a press conference at the Mandalay Media Centre, urging the authorities to conduct an urgent investigation into smuggling in Thabeikkyin township.

I didnt get effective help from the local authorities. As my family and I were concerned for our safety, we dont dare go back home. Ive alerted several government departments to our situation. The rule of law in Thabeikkyin township is under threat, he said.

On October 13, freelance correspondent Ko Nanda demonstrated outside Mandalay Region government offices in support of Ko Tin Zaw Oo. He used his solo protest to demand that the regional government conduct a field investigation into the attempted intimidation of the press by people involved in illegal logging, claiming corrupt civil servants were failing to take effective action on smuggling.

Please take legal action against corrupt civil servants and smugglers here, he said. Reporters and others driven from their homes need the protection of the law. Smuggling is rife in Thabeikkyin.





Residents who asked not to be identified said smuggling of logs, gemstones and cattle, as well as illegal gold mining, was taking place in Thabeikkyin, and the smugglers had threatened townspeople.

Translation by Thiri Min Htun
Divers and local volunteers are continuing to search for survivors following the sinking of a ferry in the Chindwin River in Sagaing Region on October 15. At least five people are known to be dead, but fears are growing that the death toll will be much higher.





Though 160 of the passengers aboard the Aung Soe Moe Kyaw ferry have been rescued, there may have been as many as 300 on board, far above the authorised limit, according to survivors.

The ferry was heading to Monywa from Homalin in Sagaing Region on the morning of October 15 when the tragedy occurred. According to U Than Soe Nyunt, regional minister for electricity, industry and transportation, the search for the missing will continue.

Weve rescued more than 160 passengers and are continuing the search. We have found further bodies. At the moment, we cant say anything more, he said.

The ferry capsized as it approached Mee Chaung Dwing village in Kani township, Sagaing Region. Reports indicate it may have hit a rock.

The search is continuing, said fire service chief U San Min Aye last night. So far, we cant confirm the exact number of passengers on board. According to the passengers who have been rescued alive, the boat picked up additional passengers and goods on the way. From what they say, we fear the number of missing may be high.

Reports received so far indicate the boat may already have been overloaded when it set out, and picked up more at Paungbyin. Passenger U Aung Kyaw Oo said there were about 300 passengers on board before it capsized.





We told the waterways regulatory team that the passenger number was high, so it would be better to reduce the number after the boat left Homalin. Nothing seems to have been done, and now people are dead, he said.

U Aung Kyaw Oo said the passengers included large number of university students, teachers and civil servants.

About 100 local residents have joined in the search, alongside divers. The regional fire service said an investigation had been launched into the sinking.

In November 2015, the Yarzar Tun ferry also sank in the Chindwin River, leaving at least 10 people dead.

Translation by Zar Zar Soe
The Yangon Region parliament is considering increasing scrutiny on foreign businesspeople who operate illegally.





Parliament debated a proposal from MP U Win Maung (NLD; Hlaing Tharyar 1) on October 10 that would have the government take action against foreign operators of illegal businesses.

Regional Planning and Finance Minister U Myint Thaung told parliament that such businesspeople will be jailed if they are found to be breaking existing laws. Foreigners are illegally operating real estate agencies, bars, restaurants, guest houses, multi-level marketing schemes and health clinics, he said.

There are a lot of laws that we could use against them but we need more enforcement, he said.

The Union government should take up this issue as well, he said, because it is happening all across the country, and not just in the commercial capital.

MP U Hla Htay (NLD; Mingalar Taung Nyunt 1) said that foreigners should respect the countrys laws. Their illegal businesses are impacting the countrys income tax, he said.

Myanmar citizens businesses were destroyed by their illegal business, he said. And we need to know their visa types. Also, the salaries of legal and illegal foreign businessmen are more than triple a Myanmar citizens.

MP U Nay Naing Oo (NLD; Twante) said that some foreign business owners are operating under the names of Myanmar citizens. The government should investigate and take severe action, he said.





U Win Maung said that as of June 20 there were about 100 foreign real estate agencies that were operating without licences and related permissions from the relevant ministries, most of them Chinese and Korean.

The so-called K5K shops  peddling goods priced at a flat K5000 and typically owned by Chinese nationals  have proliferated this year without licences from Yangon City Development Committee and related authorities, he added. Some foreign-owned bars and KTVs are also suspect.

Now the MPs are looking into how the K5K shops wound up in Myanmar and if they are paying taxes, U Win Maung said.

According to the Yangon Region government, they received K61.298 billion (US$48.2 million) in taxes from 6596 foreigners working in the city in the 2015-16 fiscal year.
A draft update to the 2013 Yangon City Development Affairs Law could see nearly all members of the municipal authority elected, according to a draft submitted to the region parliament last week. But critics say other legislative updates are needed to ensure all residents over the age of 18 are given the right to vote in the future municipal elections.





The bill committee for the Yangon Region Hluttaw said its focus in redrafting the development affairs law was on reducing centralisation of city powers and reforming Yangon City Development Committee.

U Thein Myint, chair of the bill committee, told The Myanmar Times on October 14 that in the draft law the YCDC members are elected, rather than half being appointed by the city mayor.

Centralisation directly opposes the democratic system of governance in our country. Thats why we drafted an amendment of this law, he said.

According to the 2013 Yangon City Development Affairs Law, the municipal body is constituted of nine members: four elected and four directly appointed by the mayor, who serves as the committees ninth member.

YCDCs eight elected and appointed members were removed from their seats in May after a change to by-laws governing the committee saw their terms truncated to coincide with the five-year term of the previous Union government, which ended on March 30.

Yangon Mayor U Maung Maung Soe appointed four interim members in June including a secretary position to take up the committees duties in the interim.

Former regional MP U Kyaw said that parliament should amend both the 2013 Yangon City Development Affairs Law and the election law to ensure that all adults can cast a ballot. Currently, voting is restricted to one adult person per household.





The current law was drafted in a one-sided way. When I was in parliament we objected to it, but were not successful in amending it, he said.

When The Myanmar Times interviewed Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein in April, he said that the National League for Democracy-backed government would amend the election law so that every city resident over the age of 18 is eligible, and that the mayor would handle the update before the next municipal election.

The 2014 Yangon municipal election was widely criticised for sidelining the majority of the citys population. The first such poll in 50 years allowed 401,000 eligible voters to cast a ballot among the citys population of 5.2 million.

The Yangon Region Hluttaw is scheduled to debate the draft revisions of the 2013 Yangon City Development Affairs Law on October 21.
Since the evening of October 13, millions of Thais have been mourning the loss of a monarch who reigned over their country for 70 years.





Ambiguously located between the realm of the humans and the gods, thought by many to be a Buddha-to-be and widely regarded as a father-figure for all, few Thais remember a time when the kingdom was not under his supposedly enlightened guidance. As an extended period of official national mourning begins, therefore, the assumption is that Thailands population is united in grief.

Yet what has perhaps been most noticeable about the reaction to the Kings death is how, so far, it has failed to develop into a clear national moment of mass grief. This is not to diminish the feelings of those who currently mourn. If anything, it is to recognise how profoundly dignified the response has been. There has been little evidence of hysteria, and public displays of anguish have been distinctly lacking. For most, the grief appears personal  even private.

The announcement

To some extent, the reason for this seems to be either by design or by a series of mismanagements by state authorities. Take the announcement of the kings death.

Rumours had been circulating for days that the moment was imminent, and yet discussion through the national media was extremely limited. On the day itself, rumours about the kings passing proliferated, at one point substantiated by a death certificate that was later claimed to be a fake. On social media, many were talking openly about the news, until at some point between 6:45 and 7:00 pm an official death certificate was made public via online newspapers.

Then, shortly before 7pm, all TV channels cut to a brief written statement in Thai language  white on a dark background  announcing, The king has passed away. This was followed by a presumably live address delivered by an anchor with an eccentric hairdo. Speaking with a deadpan expression, he proceeded to soberly spell out the Kings long ceremonial name, followed by the words has reached the heavens. In the minutes leading up to the announcement, anyone tuning in would have had no idea what was happening. There was no live moment where a newsreader and the public might together share in the first report of the news.





At 7:20 pm, stations along the state-run rail networks in Bangkok were still shouting out loud advertisements and old news as if nothing had happened. Below the colourful screens that hang at all station platforms, commuters were reading what had happened from smartphones. Many silently sobbed. The private grief was palpable, but the state seemed curiously uninvolved. Eventually, the screens at all stations and in all trains switched to a poem about the royal death, white on a black background with no sound. The imposition of silence almost felt like an admission of guilt by those who had missed the original queue.

The procession

Scenes of dignified popular commotion were still visible in Bangkok the following morning, as commuters, most of whom were dressed in black, made their way to work as usual. At around 10am, the flow of people seemed to change direction as more became aware the government had declared a bank holiday (wan yud rachagan). This made it a day off work for public servants and a non-compulsory holiday for corporations. By 11am, the roads leading to the area where the procession that would take the kings body to the Grand Palace were clogged with traffic.

The official announcement had said that the procession would begin at 1:00 pm, but by 11:00 am the crowds at Sanam Luang  the green space in front of the palace  were already thick.

The authorities seemed confused about how to manage the crowd. Streams of newly arrived people forced them to redirect entire groups to alternative spaces, but they also had to make concessions. As a result, by 3 or 4pm, groups of hundreds of people could be seen migrating from one side of the road to the other, sitting down, standing up and at times defying orders altogether.

As this drama proceeded, my companion and I found ourselves squeezed into a spot by an incoming crowd.

The next few hours were gruelling. We sweated profusely, felt cramps in our legs and back, got sunburned, and showed the first signs of serious dehydration. By 3:00 pm we were both experiencing visual impairment, headaches and tingles in our hands. The crowd around us was not doing better. Numerous people passed out because of the heat, and healthcare officers resorted to ironically ordering the crowd to stop fainting as they had no stretchers left. They passed around cotton buds wetted in ammonia to help keep people conscious, and some nurses walked around manually spraying water into the crowd.

Police and military officials stood in front of the crowd attempting to contain it. They also bellowed directions for when the procession began. We were repeatedly told not to shout out Song phra charoen, the Thai equivalent of Long live the king. We were also told not to take photographs and to remove hats and sunglasses at the appropriate time.

The problem was that the authorities did not seem to know when this would be. On numerous occasions we were hurriedly asked to close our umbrellas, only to remain for minutes under the sun, waiting for a procession that did not arrive. Officers themselves bowed several times at cars that passed by, allowing the crowd to think it had. At a certain time, officials received instructions regarding their own newly imposed etiquette: Soldiers would be allowed to stand, while police would have had to sit on the ground. This was an order that was ignored.

Throughout the next two hours, members of the crowd continued to ask each other for information. Gradually, any sense of discipline waned as many stood up with their umbrellas and chatted.

As time ticked on, the conversation moved to what people expected from the procession. The kings coffin would have to be visible because he would have to be in a standing position. Thai monarchs, it was said, cannot be laid to rest horizontally like commoners. Some also insisted that, following ritual protocol, the kings body had to reach the Grand Palace before sunset.

At that point a number of Buddhist monks passed by on the back of motorcycles. Seemingly late for proceedings, that triggered a moment of hilarity. Yet, in spite of the laughter, by now there was no question this was a true test of will. It was a call to surrender  in the mind as much as in the body  to a ceremonial parade of quasi-celestial beings, into which we had become an essential part of the staging. On occasion, frustration became directed at each other, as the crowd became engaged in an exercise of self-discipline. Most, however, supported each other, urging newfound friends to stick it out.

As the time moved closer to 5pm, there was widespread understanding that the procession was imminent. The various vehicles that infrequently passed by were looking increasingly important. Finally, a glittering motorcade appeared in the distance, the headlights sparkling in the late afternoon sun.

Everybody in the crowd went silent and the only sounds left were of birds fluttering around the trees that line the street at Sanam Luang. As the procession came closer, the importance of the moment became palpable. Silent tears began to trickle down faces as the procession began to pass by. The first two vehicles were a car and an unexceptional looking van. This was then followed by a string of luxurious royal cars.

At the head of the royal motorcade was the cream-coloured car of the crown prince. Despite being sat on the opposite side of the car to where we were sitting, he was in clear view, as if he was sat in a higher position than the other occupants. He looked solemnly forward, his face softly lit in grief. In the next car, this time sitting on our side, Princess Sirindhorn, stared out at the crowds. She didnt wave, but instead looked slumped, leaning into the window with a sad, almost pained expression. The royals, as with the rest of the crowd, appeared to be caught in a private moment of grief.

As the rest of the motorcade passed, the crowd remained still and contemplative. This lasted only a few seconds. Then it was gone.

Slowly people started to stand, looking at each other in bemusement. Which vehicle had carried the king? one man asked. A woman nearby, still visibly moved, said it had been the first unassuming van. This was a claim that later turned out be correct, but at the time nobody knew for sure. The people had come to grieve  and they did grieve  but the focus of their pain had passed them by with them barely even realising. As with the incoherence of the initial announcement, the procession thus provided little opportunity for public mourning.

Before leaving we said goodbye to those with whom we had shared the previous few hours. But we remained disoriented. We got ourselves a free cool drink from a stall around the site, and joined the mass of people in black who left the area looking for a way to go back home.

The legacy

In the wake of the death of King Bhumibol, numerous articles have attempted to express the significance of his life. In doing so they have invariably succumbed to reinforcing nationalist myths about what he meant to the people of Thailand.

The management of grief following his death, both by the state as well as the people, demonstrates, however, that something else is shaping the current moment. It shows that frequent attempts over recent years to demand a love for the king, as well as efforts to label political opponents as republicans, have in many ways made royalism seem an extreme ideological form of nationalism that must be enforced by law. What was clear from the crowds of people mourning King Bhumibol was that these individuals were neither extremists nor that they were there under duress.

The private grief that has been evident in public spaces since the king passed away is surprising, partly because it so different from the bloated form of hyper-royalism that analysts have observed as dominant in recent times. What has arguably become visible since last week is an as yet undetected form of intimate, private royalism, that exists separately from, and even in response to, the more extremist public version.

The authorities management or mismanagement of news regarding the death of King Bhumibol, paired with the usage of smartphones and akin technologies, turned the initial stage of grief into a solitary experience for many. The intentional or unintentional lack of initiatives for channelling grief into a mass experience further helped to facilitate the individual appropriation of the persona of King Bhumibol into peoples most private and intimate realm.

Similarly, the failure to clearly mark the vehicle that carried the Kings body during the procession to the Grand Palace resulted in the atomisation of the crowd. The lack of a visible object  a coffin or even a vehicle  for people to reify the king in his last form inevitably left them with no alternative to cling on to other than the images of the man when he was still alive and their own private memories.

The hagiographic videos that have been restlessly shown on all television channels for 24 hours a day depict a youthful and energetic monarch visiting the countrys most remote villages promoting development. Conspicuously absent are images of an ailing old king who impotently witnessed one the worst political crises in recent Thai history.

As the past few decades dissolve in memory, King Bhumibols ultimate legacy becomes a white canvas, upon which each and every person can paint their own image and reflect on their own personal memory of the King. A powerful legacy indeed.

 New Mandala

Edoardo Siani (SOAS, University of London) is an anthropologist specialising in the political dimensions of contemporary Thai Buddhist cosmology by studying fortune tellers and akin practitioners in Bangkok. Matthew Phillips (Aberystwyth University) is a lecturer in Modern Asian History and is a cultural historian of Thailand.
Outspoken Ghanaian Member of Parliament Ursula Ekuful thrilled viewers last Friday when she made her maiden appearance on the most popular satirical talk show in Ghana, Tonight with Nii Kpakpo Thompson on Viasat1 Ghana.

Mrs. Ekuful who is a parliamentarian representing Ablekuma West constituency after she had revealed that her favorite song in Ghana is Mansa by Bisa Kdei took to the stage to display a bit of her dancing skills which was greeted with booming cheers after which she was handed a Kalyppo drink by the host as her trophy.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana over the past few weeks have mounted a massive Kalyppo campaign which they have described as their symbol of change in the upcoming general elections in Ghana.

Mrs. Ursula Ekufu also made some very touching revelations about the saddest day in her life- reflecting on the death of Fennec Okyere, whom she described as a son.

Fennec Okyere, who was the manager of music star Kwaw Kesse at the time of his death in 2014 was gruesomely murdered at his residence by unknown assailants two years ago and so far, nobody has been charged for his murder.

The Ablekuma West constituency MP also shared some of her fondest memories of Fennec Okyere describing him as Mr. Fix It.

Id seen him a week, and ten days before he died so when they informed me I was completely shattered. I still miss him and there are quite a lot of things which reminds me of him particularly, he was Mr. fix it for me. When I couldnt figure anything out, I just give him a phone call and he would find out a way to sort it out for you.

Ursula Ekuful won the primaries in her constituency few months and will face NDCS Diana Twum and other candidates in the December Parliamentary polls.

Tonight with Nii Kpakpo Thomson airs every Friday at 9pm with a repeat broadcast on Tuesdays at 11 am, only on Viasat1 Ghana.
Nouakchott (AFP) - A longtime Guantanamo Bay prisoner who wrote a best-selling book about his experiences in the controversial military prison was back in his native Mauritania on Monday night, Mauritanian sources said.

The transfer of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, believed to be the last inmate from Mauritania held at the facility in Cuba, brings the prison's remaining population down to 60.

His case became a cause celebre after the publication last year of "Guantanamo Diary", in which he outlines his treatment at the notorious US naval base in Cuba and says he was subjected to torture.

Mauritania's official AMI news agency confirmed "the return by the American authorities to their Mauritanian counterparts Mohamedou Ould Sellahy (or Slahi) after his release from Guantanamo."

AMI said the handover was the result of "diplomatic efforts over many years at the highest levels."

The US Defense Department announced his release in an earlier statement and said it was "grateful to the government of Mauritania for its humanitarian gesture and willingness to support ongoing US efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility."

Slahi, 45, was detained in his home country following the September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001, on suspicion of involvement in an unsuccessful plot to bomb Los Angeles in 1999.

The younger brother of Mohamedou Ould Slahi poses with a copy of Mohamedou's prison memoir 'Guantanamo Diary' open to show pages that were redacted by the US government in London on January 20, 2015

He was taken to Guantanamo in August 2002 following interrogation in Jordan and Afghanistan.

In his book, Slahi described the toll of life inside the jail, saying: "I started to hallucinate and hear voices as clear as crystal. I heard my family in a casual familial conversation ... I heard Koran readings in a heavenly voice."

He added: "I was on the edge of losing my mind."

A Mauritanian security source told AFP Slahi had arrived in the capital Nouakchott on Monday in a US military plane, and was met by the Mauritanian security services.

"He will not be free to move around immediately but has to be interviewed by the security services before being released," the source said.

US President Barack Obama wants to close the Guantanamo jail before he leaves office, but his efforts have faced stiff Republican opposition and time to shutter the prison is running out fast.

Still, the United States has in recent months accelerated the rate at which detainees who have been approved for transfer are released from the facility.

When Obama took office, there were 242 detainees at Guantanamo.
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Kinshasa (AFP) - Participants in the Democratic Republic of Congo's "national dialogue" agreed Monday, in the absence of the main opposition coalition, to push back to April 2018 the presidential election due to take place before the end of the year.

The accord was announced after the EU threatened sanctions if the country did not hold elections in 2017, and condemned recent deadly violence between opponents and supporters of President Joseph Kabila.

The deal, reached during talks in Kinshasa, envisages Kabila remaining in power until 2018 despite the fact that his mandate is due to end in December.

"The presidential, legislative and local elections (will be held) six months after they are convened on October 30, 2017," former Togolese prime minister and talks facilitator Edem Kodjo said in a statement.

"The presidential election will take place on April 29, 2018 and the transfer of power from the outgoing president to the incumbent will take place on May 9," opposition negotiator Vital Kamerhe told AFP.

The leader of the parliamentary group representing Kabila's People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) confirmed the announcement.

"The election will be held in 2018," Ramazani Shadari said, adding that "all the details" of the deal would be disclosed on Tuesday.

The main opposition coalition -- "Rassemblement" (Gathering) -- has boycotted the talks, however, branding them a ploy by Kabila to stay in power beyond the end of his term.

Even prior to Monday's accord, the coalition had made clear that it would not accept any decisions announced by dialogue representatives.

It has also called for a general strike on Wednesday across the vast central African nation, to give Kabila a "yellow card".

Threat of sanctions

Should the agreement hold, a new government would be set up, with the key post of prime minister handed to an opposition figure, chief negotiator Kodjo said.

Protests against Kabila have also seen demonstrators chant down Kodjo -- seen as biased towards the president.

Kabila's ex-campaign director Kamerhe, who was expelled from the ruling party in 2008 when he was speaker of parliament, is seen as the favourite for the post.

Political tension has gripped the country since Kabila's disputed re-election in November 2011.

The national dialogue began on September 1 between the ruling majority, representatives of civil society and a minority fringe of the opposition to try to sketch a way forward.

Later that month more than 50 people died in clashes in the capital Kinshasa as the opposition called on Kabila to step down.

'Deeply concerned'

European Union foreign ministers on Monday said the bloc was "deeply concerned by the political situation (and)... strongly condemns the acts of extreme violence."

A "dialogue must lead to the holding of presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible in 2017", a statement said, as the ministers meeting in Luxembourg threatened sanctions.

"The EU will use all the means at its disposal, including individual restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations, those who promote violence and those who would try to obstruct a consensual and peaceful solution to the crisis," the statement added.

EU foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini will now study the issue, it added.

Diplomatic sources told AFP last week the bloc was looking at people close to Kabila as possible sanctions targets.

Shortly after the deadly September violence, Washington put two Kabila allies -- army commander Major General Gabriel Amisi Kumba and former inspector of police General John Numbi -- on its sanctions blacklist for undermining democracy.

Kabila first took office in 2001, and in 2006 a new constitutional provision limited the presidency to a two-term limit which expires in December.

At the beginning of this month, the Democratic Republic of Congo's electoral commission said it would seek to delay a vote until November 2017.
Malakal (South Sudan) (AFP) - At least 56 rebels and four government troops were killed in heavy weekend clashes in northeastern South Sudan, in a worrying surge of violence in the world's youngest nation.

Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) spokesman Brigadier General Lul Ruai Koang said Monday that rebels aligned with former vice president Riek Machar attacked government troops near the country's second largest city of Malakal.

Violence between Machar's supporters and troops loyal to his bitter political foe President Salva Kiir, has blighted the nation for much of its hard-won independence from Sudan, achieved in 2011.

"The rebels of Riek Machar attacked us in two places of our defence, that is Wajwok and Lelo, and we heavily impacted on them. The dead bodies of the rebels confirmed after count was 56," the spokesman said, adding that the clashes began Friday evening and ended on Saturday.

"On our side we lost four SPLA fighters and twenty were wounded."

Forces loyal to Kiir invited journalists to the region on Sunday to show they were in control of the area, and an AFP photographer reported seeing up to 40 bodies in the places he could access.

South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar

However Major Dickson Gatluak with the rebel SPLA In Opposition (SPLA-IO) insisted his forces were in control of the two towns as well as the northern part of Upper Nile state.

"What we are trying to do now is, our forces are trying our level best to try to march to Malakal town. So our forces are not yet displaced from those areas and this is not true," he said.

Malakal is the closest town to the oil fields in the Upper Nile region which bring in government's biggest revenue, and has changed hands several times since fighting broke out in 2013.

'On the edge of a precipice'

Gatluak said fighting was ongoing, although the AFP photographer reported it was calm on Sunday.

"It is just a matter of time (before) our forces will take Malakal ... we have realised that there is no political settlement in Juba, there is not any political space in Juba so we have to organise ourselves because the government has failed," he said.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has been in power since 2011

South Sudan, which gained independence in July 2011, descended into war just two and a half years later when Kiir in December 2013 accused Machar -- who he had sacked as his deputy -- of plotting a coup.

Kiir is a member of the Dinka tribe, while Machar is a Nuer, and fighting has split the country along ethnic lines.

Numerous attempts to shore up a fragile 2015 truce have failed, and in a major setback to peace efforts, fierce clashes erupted in Juba on July 8 this year between Kiir's forces and those loyal to Machar.

The international community has expressed deep concern over a spread in violence since the July clashes, which pushed the number of refugees from the war-scarred nation past the one-million mark, according to the UNHCR.

In a further blow to peace hopes, Machar last month urged "a popular armed resistance" against his rival's government.

Machar, who fled to Khartoum after the July fighting, last week left for South Africa for medical tests.

An influential group of South Sudanese politicians known as the 'former detainees' after their arrest when war broke out in 2013, warned last week that "the country is on the edge of a precipice".

And in a sign of growing frustration in the region with the warring leaders of South Sudan, Kenyan lawmakers last week threatened sanctions.

Defence and Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Ndung'u Gethenji, said lawmakers were mulling sanctions "against those who are perpetuating war-like activities, genocide and killing (so that they) may no longer enjoy having their assets in our country, their children studying in our schools in relative comfort in peace and security while they continue to destroy the lives of their people back in their own country.

"Kenya can no longer afford to have another failed state on its border," he said.
By Samira Larbie/Julius K. Satsi, GNA

Accra, Oct. 16, GNA - The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has held the finals of its market quiz competition for Senior High Schools with Accra Academy Senior High School emerging the winner.

Legon Presbyterian Senior High School came second, St Thomas Aquinas was third and Ngleshi Amanfro Senior High School taking the fourth position.

Students from the winning school would have GH1000 each deposited into an investment account opened for them by SEC.

The second edition of the bi-annual competition for secondary school students, is an initiative aimed at imparting knowledge and understanding of the capital market into young Ghanaians - an approach to ensure that the culture of saving and investing in the Capital Market takes root in young ones.

This year's quiz competition explored the theme: 'Unleashing the Potential of the Capital Market in Ghana.'

Dr Aidoo Antwi, the Director General SEC said the initiative formed part of the Commission's commitment to imbibe financial literacy into the young generation.

He said as part of the investor protection activity there was the need to educate investors to somehow protect themselves to promote the development of the capital market.

'This would help capture the youth at a young age because it is difficult teaching the elderly on financial literacy than the younger ones,' he said.

The competition tested the students on questions related to financial securities to enable them manage their finances well.

Dr Antwi said the initiative was adopted by the SEC last two years as part of their educational programmes and intended to expand it to the benefit of the 10 regions.

'If we get the resources in the next two years, we will plan and make it nationwide so that everybody will be part of the process of getting you educated in financial,' he added.

The final quiz competition was participated by four schools; Presbyterian Boys Senior High School, Legon, Accra Academy Senior High School, Saint Thomas Aquinas Senior High School and Ngleshi Amanfro Senior High School.

Dr Antwi hinted that SEC would be touring various countries as part of the prizes for future Capital Market Quiz Competition.

He said participants from the 32 schools who started the competition in the six centres would also have an investment account opened in their name.

The Capital Market Quiz competition for Senior High Schools was organised by the SEC in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Securities Industry Association and the Young Investor Network.

GNA
At least five students of the Ho Nursing Training College in the Volta region narrowly escaped death Saturday when a canopy they were carrying incidentally came into contact with a high tension electricity transmission line.

The students, according to Starr News sources, were relocating the canopy in preparation for the inauguration of a two-storey classroom block in the school, when the metallic tip of the canopy touched one of the electric lines, throwing them immediately onto the ground in the state of unconsciousness.

The incident led to a near pandemonium, as some of their colleagues quickly rushed to the scene in an attempt to resuscitate them.

They were later rushed to the Ho Regional Hospital, a few meters away from the school.

The students were moving a canopy to another location, and then all of a sudden, they fell flat on the ground semi-unconscious. Their shoes were sparking fire, so some of their colleagues rushed to pull off their shoes. There and then the school pick-up with another vehicle came to take them to the hospital, an eyewitness narrated to Starr News.

The incident nearly marred the planned inauguration of the facility, initiated by the Ho central MP Benjamin Kpodo.

Mr. Alex Segbefia, the Minister of Health who was at the hospital earlier with the MP and other dignitaries, told the gathering that the students were responding to treatment and also assured of government's resolve to cater for their medical expenses.

-starrfmonline
Community and opinion leaders in the Greater Accra Region have resolved to end child marriage in their respective communities.

They resolved to work hard to end the practice which is depriving the girl child of education and plunging her into immeasurable abuse and suffering.

The stakeholders made these resolutions at a meeting organized by Action Aid Ghana in Adenta, as part of efforts to end child marriage in their respective communities.

The stakeholders, including religious leaders, teachers, social workers, assembly members were drawn from Adenta, Madina, Ashaiman and Shai Osudoku districts, all in the Greater Accra Region.

Action Aid Ghana in 2015 launched the End Child Marriage Project funded by UNICEF.

The stakeholders declared that the fight against child marriage is a shared responsibility involving all stakeholders and there is the need for committees to be instituted in the various communities to check and report cases to appropriate authorities.

Effective and efficient collaboration with stakeholders including religious authorities, opinion leaders, teachers, the social workers and the Police is a sure way to expeditiously deal with the phenomenon while protecting victims as prescribed by law, they noted.

Madam She-Vera Anzagira, the Project Coordinator of the End Child Marriage, said with the pervasiveness of the phenomenon, there was urgent need for religious and opinion leaders to be equipped as a major step in dealing with the practice.

Citizens' engagement through the sensitization of opinion leaders, she noted, was necessary for further education at the community level where acts of child marriages are perpetrated.

Mr Alexis Dery, the Executive Director of the Centre for Development Initiative, said the legal framework in child protection provides a structure that ensures that persons who perpetrate acts against children were dealt with according to the full extent of the law.

He said community and opinion leaders were duty bound to report incidence of child marriage, as that would help in the eradication of the practice which has been outlawed under the Children's Act (Act 560).

He said there were seemingly boundless laws that protect children from abuse, neglect and violence in the country, adding that implementation of such laws were rather awful.

Empowering religious and opinion leaders, he explained, was appropriate since they live in the communities with influences that can ensure change.

Collaboration among these stakeholders gives them the primary mandate to be part of the problem and ultimately the solutions he added.

-GNA
Three Former Presidents; Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings and Mr John Agyekum Kufuor received awards on Friday for their contribution to the tourism sector in Ghana during their tenure of office.

The awards, received by their representatives formed part of the maiden edition of the tourism hall of fame awards night organised in Accra by the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF).

In an address read on her behalf, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative arts said, the government was working tirelessly to improve the tourism sector.

She therefore, made a call to the private tourism sector to cooperate with the government to improve the sector.

I wish to appeal to the private tourism sector to develop much more interest in the current development plan, make their inputs, and ensure successful execution, she said.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said, government was paying much attention to the infrastructure especially access roads leading to tourist sites.

Government, through my ministry is pursuing the redevelopment of the Efua Sunderland Children's Park into a world-class recreational Centre, she added.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare used the occasion to congratulate GHATOF, the organisers of the event, and the award winners of the maiden tourism hall of fame awards.

Speaking on the theme for the event:  Tourism, our heritage for national development, Nene Nagai Kassa VII, Chief of Agormeda and the Chairman for the night said Ghanaians must learn to appreciate people while they were alive.

He appealed to stakeholders of the tourism sector to give the needed attention to the tourism private sector.

Tourism is one of the sectors that draws a lot of income into the country and so let's help them to grow

The Hall of Fame 2016 was awarded to nominees in various categories including Bust, Gold, Silver and Bronze categories with the former head of states picking awards for the Bust category.

Baffour Nana Anim(I), Sanaahene of Akyem Ati-Amanfrom and President of the GHATOF was also awarded with Exemplary Leadership Recognition special awards.

Royal Mac Dick Hotel, Sunseekers Tours and Azmera Restaurant were honoured with the Gold awards.

The Mole National Park and South Ridge Hotel were honoured with Silver awards while Japan International Corporation Authority received a bronze award for their contribution to the tourism sector.

Appreciation awards, Special Recognition life time achievement awards were given to some chiefs, individuals and institutions who have contributed to the Ghana tourism industry in different capacities.

-GNA
Policy think tank, IMANI Ghana has praised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the contents of its 2016 manifesto describing some aspects of the document as noble.

According to President of IMANI Ghana, Franklin Cudjoe the manifesto's component which seeks to reduce or scrap some taxes in the country is phenomenal but urged the party to clarify the idea.

Speaking on Citi FM's news analysis programme, The Big Issue, on Saturday, Mr. Cudjoe, whose outfit had analyzed manifesto promises made by the various political parties, asked some five questions he said if answered would make the NPP's manifesto better.

The NPP launched its manifesto last week in Accra on the broad theme of creating prosperity and equal opportunity for all.

The manifesto is loud on reducing the corporate tax rate from 25% to 20% and social intervention programmes including setting up a Northern development fund as well as giving each constituency an amount of $1 million.

Franklin Cudjoe's question about NPP's manifesto:

We think they need to clarify whether the proposed corporate income tax rate would be a flat tax rate that cuts across all sectors, because this is a very critical question. If you say 20% does it mean all sectors? Because currently there are some sectors that enjoy lower tax rates than 25%. In fact hotels, financial institutions and companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange for instance enjoy corporate tax lower than 25%, Mr. Cudjoe noted.

He also wanted to know whether the NPP would remove the incentive deferential and tax these companies at a flat tax rate of 20%? What about non-traditional exporters who are taxed at only 8%.

In 2010 the government revised the mining tax rate back to 35% after the NPP brought it down to 25%in 2006. But the question we ask is would the mining sector be affected by this new flat tax rate? The other promise which is 75% of tax funded procurement shall be executed by local companies. This is noble, clearly noble, but the NPP needs to explain how this local content policy would do given the history of such trend. Sectorial schemes have not been very effective like we've been seeing.

We've dealt with the NDC, we've seen some instances where local content issue within the mining or petroleum sector were a bit shady and quite worrying so anybody who wants to do something like that needs to be exact clear on exactly what they want to do.

On the NPP's social intervention programmes on establishing a Northern Development Fund and one million for each constituency, Franklin Cudjoe said we need further details on how this one would differ from the other ones.

Question also is what administrative machinery would be put in place in these constituencies to oversee the allocated money. We don't want a situation where SADA created was actually a parallel development authority when you had regional bodies as well otherwise this may look like they are duplicatory especially when we have district assemblies as well, the IMANI boss added.

-citifmonline
Minister of Health, Alex Segbefia, has promised that government will foot the entire medical bills of eight students of Ho Nursing Training College in the Volta Region who were electrocuted on Sunday.

The students are currently receiving treatment at the Ho Regional Hospital.

The students were electrocuted while helping to re-position a canopy on the campus of the college ahead of the commissioning of a classroom block.

They fell unconscious after the metal frame of the canopy they were re-positioning came into contact with a live electric line.

Mr Segbefia witnessed the incident himself.

At the time when we left them [at the hospital], they were receiving the best of treatment available, the Minister told Joy News.

The Minister commended trainee nurses at the Ho Regional Hospital for their effort to save the lives of their colleagues.

The one-storey classroom complex that was to be commissioned has a 400-seater capacity classroom, a laboratory, a staff common room, conference rooms, five offices, and other ancillary facilities.

The project was funded with the District Assembly Common fund, Social intervention Fund from the Ministry of Finance and contributions from benevolent organisations including banks.
Awake Purified Drinking Water, a product of Kasapreko Company Limited (KCL) has made another donation of GHc70,000 to the National Cardiothoracic Centre, Korle Bu, exceeding its annual donation package of Ghc100,000 for the year 2016.

The company has this year made a total cash donation of GHc120,000 to the Cardio Centre to support economically disadvantage patients who cannot afford medical care for heart transplants, heart surgeries, and any other forms of heart disease.

Presenting the cheque to officials of the Cardio Centre at a short ceremony held October 14, 2016, Mr Benjamin Owusu, a Lead Distributor of Awake Water said We are making a cash donation of GHc70,000, the biggest so far of our donations. This amount coupled with our previous cash donations will amount to GHc120,000 for only this year, fulfilling our promise of making GHc100,000 donation to the Cardio Centre annually.

According to Mr. Owusu, Awake Water introduced the One4Life charity initiative because the company empathizes with the patients, especially the children, who seek care at the Centre.

The charity initiative ensures that part of the profit from Awake Water is donated to the National Cardio Center regularly.

The company believes the initiative will boost the Center's effort to assist patients who cannot afford to pay their medical bills.

Receiving the donation, Dr. Lawrence Sereboe, the Director of the National Cardio Centre thanked the management of Kasapreko for the donation and assured that every donation received is accounted for.

DrSereboe said so far six heart patients have benefited from the Awake Water initiative adding that their surgeries cost thousands of Ghana cedis.

Founder of Kasapreko Company, Dr. Kwabena Adjei also gave the Centre a cheque of GHc10,000 which was the last tranche of the GHc60,000 pledge to the Centre within a period of six months.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
17.10.2016 LISTEN

Police at Effiduase in the Ashanti Region are questioning a 37-year old lady over the death of a journalist with Kumasi-based Kessben TV and Radio.

Florence Osei, also known as Afua Birago, described as longtime girlfriend of the deceased, Confidence Eric Kwadwo Baah, spent the night with him Saturday.

Confidence was found unconscious by his aunt who was attending a morning church service.

The 32-year-old presenter was pronounced dead a few minutes after being admitted to the Emergency Unit of the Effiduase Government Hospital on Sunday.

Police say Birago spent the night together with the late presenter. The two had been in an eight-year amorous relationship.

Birago admits sleeping over on Saturday but says she left her boyfriend at about 4:30 am on Sunday.

She told police the late presenter was in the company of his uncle when he picked her up at her home and from there they visited several drinking bars in Juabeng and Effiduase.

Birago told police that at Effiduase alone they visited three different pubs before retiring to bed.

According to her, they did not even have sex when she realized that his boyfriend was weak apparently from excessive drinking, although that claim is yet to be established by police.

Police say Birago is a suspect and will remain in custody pending an autopsy on Monday.

News of the sudden demise of the popular radio cum television host on Sunday went viral within hours, drawing hundreds of curious residents to the media house.
Tripoli (AFP) - A multitude of rival authorities and factions are contesting power amid the anarchy that has gripped Libya since its 2011 revolution which ousted longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Below is list of the main warring forces.

Misrata dominates west

Located 200 kilometres (120 miles) east of Tripoli, the city of Misrata bore the brunt of the violence during the revolution and is now home to the country's main armed groups.

The groups, after having inherited much of the arsenal of the fallen Kadhafi regime, are the best organised and armed in Libya.

Some of these groups have sided with the UN-backed and internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) as it struggles to exert its authority beyond Tripoli.

They have since mid-May taken part in an offensive to expel the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group from the coastal city of Sirte that had been its stronghold inside Libya.

Misrata groups make up the core of the Fajr Libya coalition which seized control of Tripoli in the summer of 2014, ousting their rivals from Zintan who have since regrouped in their hometown, 170 kilometres to the southwest.

Fajr Libya controls virtually all coastal cities between Misrata and the Tunisian border as well as southern towns such as Gharyan, Nalut and Jado in the mainly Berber mountain range of Nafusa.

The tribes of Zintan, which have been largely isolated, support the controversial anti-Islamist field marshal Khalifa Haftar.

Haftar rules the east

Rival authorities in eastern Libya, which sits on top of most of the nation's oil wealth, do not recognise the GNA and have extended their influence to swathes of territory reaching the south of the country.

They are supported by the armed forces under Haftar's command that in the space of three days in September seized control of Libya's "oil crescent", defeating a force of oil terminal guards which had announced its allegiance to the GNA.

In July 2014, Islamist militias drove Haftar's "Libyan National Army" (LNA) out of second city Benghazi, 1,000 kilometres east of Tripoli, taking refuge in towns such as Tobruk near the Egyptian border.

It has since recaptured the city but still faces pockets of resistance from the Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries, a coalition of anti-Haftar Islamist militias and radical groups.

The LNA is composed mainly of former army officers from eastern Libya who defected at the outset of the 2011 revolt, including air force units and special forces.

Contested south

The Fezzan region with its oil fields is a smuggling hotbed, disputed by a myriad of tribal and ethnic forces.

The factions are allied to Libya's rival authorities but regularly switch allegiances.

Clashes often break out between the Toubou minority allied to Haftar and Tuareg tribes, which largely control the borders with Algeria, Niger, Chad and Sudan.

Arab tribes such as the Sebha and Koufra are allied with the authorities in western Libya.

A former Kadhafi-era army officer, Ali Kennah, in a video posted on the Internet, has vowed to work to restore security in the south while maintaining neutrality between the two main camps in Libya's power struggle.

But the Haftar camp has accused him of trying to set up a "parallel army".
Since the announcement of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) concession deal by the government of Ghana, there have been various debates as to whether or not the deal is right.

Today, I carefully sift through the rubble to break them down to you.

As we move along, ask yourself, what at all is wrong with the Ghanaian? Is it our educational orientation? Are we paying for the sins of our forefathers? Or we are simply here to glorify the skins other than black? Follow this objectively!

The good

The government of Ghana agrees with all Ghanaians that there is a more efficient way the Electricity Company of Ghana can operate. This is a positive reflection of the company. It is also positive that the government is seeking hands or ideas to resolve the distribution challenge in the energy sector.

But wait! What did the government or the Millennium Challenge Compact say is the problem with the ECG? Non collection or under collection of bills, operational cost is too high and frequent power outages. Good! Who owes the company the more?

The bad

1. Government is the chief debtor to the ECG. The ECG is what it is because of government's huge indebtedness to it. Often, the Finance ministry issue out monies to settle some of the debt. But consider this! Government uses the power and pays for it later.

In fact, 40% of ECGs power is consumed by government and its agencies. So government uses the power today and pays for it in 2017. That's what it is! Where on earth is this business model working? Where should ECG get the monies to buy power from VRA and GRIDCo for it to be consumed by government? Forget about the other economical excuses!

You and I are quickly disconnected when we fail to pay for our bills for even a month. How many months does government owe? Plenty! Yet the same government is sitting on the fence accusing ECG of none or under collection of bills.

2. There is no evidence, neither has Ghanaians been told that VRA and GRIDCo has power in stock but the ECG has not been able to distribute it. So why will anybody blame ECG for the frequent power outages? What VRA produces is what ECG sells. That's what it is! If it's about losses after supply from the GRIDCo, that's a different case.

Aside that, we all know, including the president, HE John Mahama that there is low production capacity of which he [the president] is seeking to resolve by opting for the deadly killer coal fired plant at Ekumfi Aboano. So why this hypocrisy?

3. If my memory serves me right, the president in his 2015 state of the nation address, admitted that the current power situation is as a result of generation capacity, he did not say it is because of the ECG, so why let it seem that it is the dumsor that has triggered this move to give ECG out on concession?

4. Why will the government of Ghana commit to paying its debt it owed the ECG in a five year period when the ECG is giving out on concession, but is not ready to pay its debt to the ECG in a similar arrangement?

The ugly

This is where it gets scarier, dangerous and mind boggling.

While you prepare to know the sad implications of the Millennium Challenge Compact II agreement from the United States, try and reflect on activities before and during 6th March 1957. Reflect on why our forefathers did what they did to secure us political independence. Reflect on what the true and patriotic Ghanaian is made of.

Now look at this.



1. Article 7.1 of the compact agreement states that; and I quote the government [of Ghana] will proceed in a timely manner to complete all of its domestic requirements for this Compact to enter into force. The Parties understand that this Compact and the PIA, upon entry into force, will prevail over the domestic laws of Ghana.

Really? An International law prevailing over our domestic laws including the constitution? Like seriously? I see. Well you may be late to get this through because the 1992 constitution of Ghana says at Article 1 clause 2 and I quote The constitution shall be the Supreme law of Ghana and any other law found to be inconsistent with any provision of this Constitution shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.

Question: Why will a contract, an international one, so to speak, say to a sovereign state like Ghana that, that contract is supreme than any domestic law including the constitution of Ghana? Did the government's technical team on compact II read this part of the contract and agreed to forfeit the constitutional provisions? What then is the meaning of our independence? What did our forefathers fight for? Where then is the identity and integrity of the sovereignty of Ghana? Come on!

2. Energy is everything in the 21st century. This is beautifully articulated by president Obama who said that and I quote any nation that is unable to control its energy supply is unable to control its destiny. So then, why will the US government turn around to sign a compact agreement [Compact II] with Ghana compelling us to give control of our energy distribution to a foreign private monopolistic entity from Italy or France or elsewhere? Is that not we selling our destiny?

3. How come a company which will only be managing the distribution business of ECG be selling power to other countries, when in fact, the generation of power locally is challenged? Why is the company only interested in distribution and not generation of power? Where will the company get the power to supply to other countries? Is it the little we have that will be given to other countries?

4. Let's move on. Which survey has been carried out by independent bodies to suggest that Ghanaians can pay for electricity when the tariffs are increased by 40%? [The possibility of increase in tariffs is inferences from the additional parameters to the tariff setting guidelines such as lease payments and guaranteed return on equity to the private investor. [Basically this shows that more determinants to setting utility tariffs are added].

Fact again is that, the private investor is highly likely to demand for realistic tariffs. Consider this: You remember what the PURC brought as tariffs in December 2015? The over 100% increase [for water and electricity] earlier suggested by the PURC was slashed down to the 59 and 63 or there around respectively after political and social pressure mounted on the government]. Well, this social and political pressure WILL NOT wash when the ECG is given to a private hand. And if government fails to comply with tariffs like it did in December 2015, the private investor can go to court or international arbitration to compel compliance with the Tariff Methodology]. Surely tariffs will increase. Externally, Google or read about Uganda's similar concession and you will notice that for over 10 years into the concession, tariffs are neatly high.

5. Moving on with that, do we assume that power will be so expensive so much such that, locals cannot afford it and that it will be sold to neighboring foreign countries which will buy? Food for thought!

6. Let's go on. Another thing is mind boggling! Is it really true that the $492.8 million Millennium Compact Challenge money will be invested in Accra/Tema and Kasoa arrears only? Why? What is it in there at Kasoa, Accra et al? Is it because this is where it is going to be more profitable? Is it really where we need money injection? Really? Only a small fraction of the Central and Greater Accra Regions? Two regions out of the 10? Why are we doing this to ourselves, MiDA? How will you respond to people who say that this compact is coming to milk us dry? Do we assume that any part of the country that does not have electricity will not have electricity for the next 25 years when this agreement is in force? [This is also based on analysis from pure business principles; which business entity will spend resources on activities (rural electrification) that the returns will not cover the cost of those activities?]

7. More questions, probably final point for now. This borders on transparency. If the Millennium Development Authority MiDA and the MCC are clean in their minds, are transparent and have nothing hiding, why are they not publishing the Financial and Value for Money models used by the World Banks' IFC and MiDA to conclude that ECG needs to be given to a private hand? Again, since this undisclosed models were used to do the analysis somewhere in 2012, can we still say the ECG then is still the ECG now in 2016? MiDA and IFC, I know you are reading, why are you not publishing the models so that journalists and CSOs can all read? More surprisingly, MiDA, is it true that you did not give a copy to the Finance Ministry when it requested for it? Is it true? If it is, why? MiDA and IFC why?

Before I rest my case, Ghana Institute of Chartered Accountants, are you there? Please can you do the public some good to offer us thoughts into understanding the financial meaning of a 25 year Finance Lease and its implications for the private investor and the ECG? Your effort I believe will help shape the conversation.

For MiDA, I am keenly waiting to read your statement to clarify these mind boggling questions. Until then, join the campaign to say NO to the ECG concession!



By: Obrempong Yaw Ampofo/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The Greater Accra Regional Organiser of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Anthony Nupkepnu has conceded that his government erred in scrapping the allowances of nursing trainees in the country.

On the nursing trainee allowances, I would say, we might have erred in that direction because if the steps being taken were not ripe we shouldn't have gone in to take them off. This is because they are not yet being awarded the diploma and the necessary facilities that we need to improve on the nursing trainees have not yet been done and I think we should not have taken them in line with the teachers, he said.

Anthony Nukpenu

Government stripped the trainees of such benefit in a bid to admit more students in the various nursing training colleges.

Government had complained that the huge amount it paid as allowances to the trainees prevented it from admitting more students.

But the decision was met with much resistance from the students who rely on the allowances to support themselves in school; however government subsequently restored the allowance following recommendations from a committee it set to investigate the matter.

Meanwhile speaking on Citi FM's news analysis programme, The Big Issue, Mr. Nupkenu blamed the error on the sector ministers saying I will put the blame before the ministers and those who manage the health sector.

He however defended President John Mahama arguing that he took the right action by restoring the allowances.

President Mahama never erred because he would also take this inputs from people who manage the sectorSometimes as government we are also sometimes caught in traps and when you are moving and you realized that the decision you have taken will not inure to the larger benefit, you need to come to the table, look at it and put in the systems that will make it work well.

Click below to listen to Nukpenus argument:



By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
Members of opposition New Patriotic Party are known to always have the penchant of diverting issues or questioning some one's integrity if they realized that the person in question or the issue being discussed is against the interest of their party.

And falling victim to the NPP's undemocratic attitude is Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur who took his campaign to the Eastern region last week.

The three day campaign targeted areas only known to be strong hold of the opposition NPP and it included the Nkawkaw constituency, New Juaben North and South, Akim Oda, Akoroso and Fanteakwa South among many others.

It however became difficult for one to even know that those areas belonged to the NPP as the Vice President was given a rousing welcome in all the areas visited and not only that, his message of changing lives and transforming Ghana heavily received by the people.

As a man with calm demeanor and charisma, Vice President Amissah Arthur was able to articulate his message to the teeming supporters who appeared at the various rallies.

Thus, he eloquently espoused the achievement of President John Dramani Mahama in his first term in office and what he intend doing if given the nod to continue after the December 7, general elections.

Knowing very well that the Veep had turned their so called World Bank into a rural Bank, the NPP through its apparatchiks, media hirelings and rented columnists decided to descend on the noble man, trying to push words he never said in his mouth, just to score cheap political points.

One of such apparatchiks and rented columnists is Okwampa Ahoofe, a die hard NPP Columnist who tried to create the impression that the Vice President was promoting tribal politics or tried playing the tribal card when he addressed a rally at Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region. See ( http://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/features/Amissah-Arthur-maybe-suffering-from-acute-political-amnesia-and-ethnic-self-hatred-471944 ).

But in truth, the Vice President never did what he was accused of. Rather, he gave recognition to whom it deserved and one of such groups to be recognized by the noble man is the people of Kwahu for playing a pioneering role when it comes to entrepreneurship.

Unlike Okwampa who based his writing on hear say, this writer happened to be a witness at Nkawkaw during the visit and to set the record straight, Vice President Amissah Arthur mentioned that, as entrepreneurs, the government of John Dramani Mahama had put in place the measures to help private business grow.

He mentioned the stability of the economy and the arrest of the depreciation of the cedi against major foreign currencies and construction of good roads, including the fixing of the energy crisis which doubting Thomas's like Okwampa never thought could be fixed, among many others.

He said by working hard to make business thrive, President Mahama had kept faith with the people of Kwahu and therefore appealed to them to vote massively for the President to enable him continue the good works.

That was what transpired and no where did the Vice President insulted the people of Kwahu as it was reported in some media circles.

It is a well known fact that the NPP is one group that always find it difficult to accept the truth, but the truth will also triumph over lies and it is an undeniable fact that Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur is one of the gentle politicians that one can get in the country and no amount of mud being thrown around will stick.

At Akim Oda where the Veep also addressed a mammoth rally, the jubilant supporters who thronged the Oda new station attested to the fact that, Amissah Arthur is one of their own.

Thus, as some one who had his basic education at Oda, the Veep recounted those early days of his life and mentioned a particular bridge over there where he always crossed to go to school.

Interestingly, after more than 50 years of the existence of that bridge, it is under the administration of Mahama- Amissah Arthur that it is being constructed again.

So the Veep never preached tribalism during his successful tour but rather it was the people themselves who through the good works of the government expressed their content and their quest to vote for continuity.

It is an open secret that the NPP is political party in Ghana that is always known to cherish one particular tribe, while denigrading other tribes.

The twice defeated flagbearer of the party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo is on record to have claimed that the NPP belonged to the Akans. (Y3n Akan fo de3).

The minority leader Hon Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu is also on record to have said that, there is no Ga in the NPP capable of ascending the flagbearership of the party.

And as if that is not enough, Hon Kennedy Agyapong is also on record to have called for the killings of Ewes and Gas. Other leading members of the party like Dr Osafo Marfo are also reported to have made similar comments.

The examples are endless but the same cannot be said about the NDC which embraces everyone irrespective of tribe, religion and gender among others.

So Dr Ahoofe, if you are looking for someone who is suffering from acute political amnesia and ethnic self-hatred, don't look far because that person is in your party, the NPP.
The Catholic Bishops Conference has commended the country's Electoral Commission (EC) for the stringent measures it has put in place to ensure a free, fair and credible election.

The Conference said the EC is doing what is right to ensure a peaceful election come December.

This comes about a week after the EC disqualified some thirteen (13) presidential aspirants from the upcoming presidential elections for inappropriately filling their nomination forms.

Although some of the parties have challenged the EC's decision, saying it was not based on law and it was an act to victimize some candidates, the Catholic Bishops Conference said it indicates the Commission was firm.

The integrity and success of the forthcoming elections depend primarily on the Electoral Commission and we call on Ghanaians to repose trust and confidence in the work of the Electoral Commission throughout the period of elections, it said.

A communique issued by the Conference after its annual Plenary Assembly in Tamale in the Northern Region called on politicians to desist from the temptation of vote buying in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections which they said had the potential of jeopardizing the credibility of the elections.

Such practice is an insult to the intelligence and dignity of the unsuspecting voters. We call for a stop to such acts of vote buying and also entreat the electorate to desist from yielding to such needless enticements.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference one week Plenary Assembly was held under the theme: Reconciliation with God, humanity and nature in the year of mercy.

Most Reverend Philip Naameh, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale was elected as the new President of the Conference at the Assembly.



By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
In many urban areas and cities in Ghana, children are sent to school at an early age. This means that by the time they are five or six years, they are already in class one.

Well, the situation seems to be very different in many rural areas in the country of which Bormase-Siblinor, a rural community in the Upper Manya-Krobo District of the Eastern Region, is of no exception.

In this village, children until recently cannot attend school until they had turned nine and had enough strength to walk for two hours to the nearest school at Sekesua, a situation residents there say was worrying.

The road to the village has deteriorated over the years and is unmotorable due to the huge potholes on it.

But this is the only means to Bormase-Siblinor and its satellite villages such as Osonson, Korlenya, Brempon, Oluahaye, and other nearby villages in the District.

Residents in Bormase-Siblinor are predominantly poor peasant farmers. Not only are they worried that there is no electricity, health center, and potable drinking water in the village, but the village has for years remained without a school.

The children are very young so sometimes it takes them more than 2 hours to reach school due to the long distance to the nearby village in Sekesua. Sometimes when they get exhausted, they take a rest under trees before they continue their journey. That is why they normally start school at age 9, an opinion leader has told Kloma Hengme, the Krobo advocacy and Heritage association.

ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCHOOL

However in 2006, thanks to one Mary Ayongo Agbettor, a concerned citizen who hailed from the area, a temporary school building made from bamboo sticks and mud was provided for the community including paying the salaries of teachers from her individual accounts. This has helped greatly to provide relief to school children who had to previously journey two hours to the nearby school at Sekesua.

GOVERNMENT HAS INTERVENED, BUT...

After years of incessant petitions and public outcry by the residents of of Bormase-Siblinor, in 2012, government had taken over the school and had intervened to set up a 4 unit classroom block and a headmasters office with funding from the Ghana Educational Trust Fund (GETFUND).

However, for four years now since the construction of the school has begun, the 4-unit classroom block that should have taken a year to complete is still not yet completed.

When Kloma Hengme visited the school a few days ago, some of the classes are forced to occupy the uncompleted building for their teaching and learning activities. Here, during rainfall, teaching and learning comes to a halt since the range of the roofing has not been done and this makes the roof to leak badly.

The other classes who could not get any space in the uncompleted building are forced to learn under trees on the compound of the Siblinor D/A School. Here too, classes come to a halt anytimes it rains. Studying under the trees became the only option since the temporary structures built Mary Ayongo Agbettor with bamboo sticks and mud collapsed with time (see pictures)

WE WANT GOVERNMENT TO EXPEDITE ACTION

The residents of Bomase-Siblinor have told Kloma Hengme they want government to expedite action to complete the construction of the school for them.

We want government to know that the construction of the school has delayed too much. We were told it will take only a year to complete it but this is the fouth year. It seems we are lagging behind in terms of development and we want our children to be educated so they can grow to become responsible children in the country''.

CONTACT MADE WITH THE MP AND CONTRACTOR

When the contractor, Mr Sagbor, who abandoned the school was contacted by Kloma Hengme on Monday October10, 2016, he said he is financially handicapped at this moment and this explains why he could not complete the building. He said he is left with completing of the roofing, plastering, flooring the classrooms, fixing of windows and doors and painting of the building. He said government has not released the GETFUND to him since he started building the school some four years ago and he has to raise money on his own to build it up to this level. so he is challenged financially to complete the work he has started.

Another follow up contact was also made to the Member of Parliament of the area, Hon Jeff Kavianu. The MP confirmed that the GETFUND has not been released yet, and there is nothing he can do at this moment since he is not in control of the GETFUND.

Until the GETFUND has finally been released by government, or any help comes from ''Macedonia'', school children in Bormase-Siblinor will continue to study in the uncompleted buildings and under the trees of the school under the mercy of the rains. May be, they may have to revisit their dark days of journeying for two hours to Sekesua to attend school again.
At least 4000 creditors of DKM Microfinance are expected to be paid their locked up deposits today, as the Official Liquidator commences payments.

According to the Official Liquidator, each of the eight designated branches of GCB Bank is expected to attend up to 500 customers every day till all the payments are concluded.

The eight selected branches of GCB Bank will be attending to 500 customers each day. But one thing that I want to urge the customers is that they shouldn't panic, the liquidation is a process and as such, this instance is such a special not a normal one. Whatever challenges that any customer is likely to have may be forwarded to the Official Liquidator, Principal Company Inspector for the Official Liquidator, Jones Nathaniel Ansah told Citi Business News.

About seventy thousand customers have been validated so far by the Registrar General's Department and due for payments.

The Official Liquidator however explains to Citi Business News it is continuing with the process and additional validated creditors will be equally settled in terms of payments.

The operations of DKM Microfinance were suspended over a year now for flouting some regulations in the financial sector.

The development has led to may reactions from the affected customers who have resorted to numerous agitations to get their issues addressed.

Meanwhile the affected customers are still apprehensive of the amounts that they will be receiving at the bank.

The publication of the first batch of validated creditors has been met with threats of court injunctions, boycotts and a demonstration.

The Spokesperson for affected customers of DKM Microfinance in Wa in the Upper West region, Fred Kuuyine tells Citi Business News they are waiting anxiously for the payments.

We are anxiously gearing up for the payments this morning. I am hoping that by the time the banks opens, we the customers will be matching up to the banks in our numbers, he stated.

Mr. Kuuyine added, We are anticipating that the human resource may be insufficient for the huge numbers, hence, they should be willing to work late into the night if possible as the customers may not accept any other explanation once they're at the premises of the bank for their money.

Responding to concerns over the expectations of customers regarding how much would be paid, Jones Nathaniel Ansah assured that such concerns would be addressed by the Official Liquidator where legitimate demands are made.

This is the first batch of payments; as and when we go on to sell the assets of the company, we will definitely be paying more of the deposits to the affected customers, he remarked.



By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
The Hague, 15 October 2016  The Monsanto Tribunal, organized by Navdanya and many civil society organizations, began at The Hague this Saturday, as the People's Assembly hosted several workshops that lasted into the afternoon.

The Monsanto Tribunal, an international civil society initiative which aims to hold Monsanto accountable for human rights violation and ecocide. On the first day, the Monsanto Tribunal attracted international activists, farmers, doctors, lawyers and scientists who gave testimonies and presented evidence against GMO giant Monsanto.

Along with the witnesses, the Tribunal was attended by hundreds of people from all over the world who came together to see the court proceedings. In her opening statement, former French minister and member of the European Parliament Corrine Lepage said, "What happens today will be inscribed in the history of the 21st century."

Over Saturday and Sunday, eminent judges Eleonora Lamm, Jorge Araham Fernadez Souza, Steven Shrybman, Dior Fall Sow and Francoise Tulkens are hearing testimonies from witnesses and delivering an advisory opinion following the procedures of the international Court of Justice.

Testimonies on Saturday included stories of personal tragedy, scientific evidence on the harms of Roundup Ready and IPR violations. Sabine Grataloup, French Roundup pesticide victim, begun the day with an emotional testimony on her son's birth defects and 51 subsequent operations he had to undergo in his first six months. Some of the other key witnesses included GMO activist from Bangladesh Farida Akthar, Indian farmer leader Dr Krishan Bir Chaudhary, Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser and farmer Steve Marsh from Australia.

In his testimony, Dr Chaudhary, representing the largest Indian Farmers organization Bhartiya Krishak Samaj, said, "Corporations such as Monsanto are exploiting poor Indian farmers. Through their illegal patents they have imposed a new imperialism on India and collected Rs 5000 crore as illegal royalties. We demand that the global community make Monsanto give compensation to widows and orphaned children of the 300,000 farmers that have committed suicide because of Bt cotton."

Running alongside the Tribunal was The People's Assembly where workshops gave activists from all corners of the world a chance to come together to share their stories, ideas and strategies for the future. Workshops were structured around several important issues such as GMOs, farmer's rights to use ans exchange seeds, corporate accountability and pesticides.

Workshops allowed people to focus on campaigns based on the importance of seed saving, patents on life, reclaiming people's sovereignty, dismantling corporate power and promoting agro-ecology as the only sustainable way to feed the world.

After the reports from Workshops, the final Plenary Sessions focused on how our democracy is being attacked and how new corporate strategies are seeking to gain control over our seeds, food and planet.

Key strategies for reclaiming food sovereignty included challenging the current global food industry as Ronnie Cummins, Organic Consumer Association, underlined in his intervention: "Millennials from all different places and backgrounds are able to see reality, see the issues, live truth".

In the final remarks, Vandana Shiva reclaimed peoples' rights to defend their lands, their food, their freedom: "If you don't know the pain of those you re destroying you don't have knowledge; manipulating the genetic structure in ignorance is lead to failure, as it was for the BT cotton in India".

Monsanto has worked to discredit independent scientists such as Dr A Putzai, Dr Gilles-Eric Seralini, Shiv Chopra and many others who have stood up for rigorous science and independent research.
The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has agreed to a possible tariff review in the future with the government of Ghana to enable reliable gas supply.

The Minister of Petroleum, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah recently criticized WAPCo for its unrelenting stands on charging Ghana high tariff before it supplies gas for power generation.

The gas pipeline from Nigeria

Mr. Buah also urged WAPCo to be innovative in its operations and not rely on high tariffs.

Speaking to Citi Business News, the Managing Director of WAPCo, Walter Perez hinted of a possible tariff review in the landing component of gas after 2018 when the current contract ends.

According to him, the agreement with the government of Ghana to supply gas to the Volta River Authority (VRA) will expire at the close of 2018 to pave way for the renegotiation of the tariff.

We are prepared to look at the tariff, we do this every five years I think the current tariff expires at the end of 2018, between the West African Gas Pipeline Authority and WAPCo, we will be looking at how to establish new tariff going forward, he assured.

Pointing out the need to adopt new measures in designing the tariff regime, Mr. Perez maintained that the business of energy and power in the sub-region is fast changing, hence requires dynamic steps to address pertinent issues related to the industry.

Make no doubt about it, business is changing so we have a set of foundation contract which we have established with the VRA on how to establish tariff going forward, he stressed.

He disclosed that WAPCo is already engaging the VRA and the Ministry of Petroleum to design different tariff system.

Going forward, there are other contracts in the works and I think it will call for different way and approach in tariff for the pipeline, it is work in progress. We recognize that the tariff period in which we are expires in 2018 and we need to start working now to be ready when it's over. We will find a solution, I don't see tariff being an impediment to doing business, he said.

Ghanas debt to WAPCo

The government of Ghana owes WAPCo and N-Gas in excess of 162 million dollars

The Petroleum Ministry has promised to pay 30 million dollars by close of the year after paying 20 million dollars.

At a conference in Accra recently, Mr. Perez warned that the company will take drastic action against the government of Ghana if it fails to pay the debt by end of the year.

In sharp rebuttal Mr. Buah also cautioned that WAPCo's actions could generate adverse reactions from other parties which may not auger well for the company in the long run.

According to him, the company's decision is not economically viable since the VRA will need the gas to operate before it can pay the debt.

He pointed out that, although WAPCo seems to be monopolistic in the industry, there is a limit to the powers of the company over the players in the value chain.



By:Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
Malakal (South Sudan) (AFP) - At least 56 rebels and four government soldiers were killed over the weekend as heavy clashes erupted in northeastern South Sudan, an army spokesman said Monday.

"The dead bodies of the rebels confirmed after count was 56 ... on our side we lost four SPLA fighters and twenty were wounded," said Sudan People's Liberation Army spokesman Brigadier General Lul Ruai Koang.
Niamey (AFP) - Armed forces in Niger repelled a pre-dawn attack Monday on a prison where "terrorists", notably from neighbouring Mali, are being held, the country's interior minister said.

Mohamed Bazoum said the prison in Koutoukale, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of the capital Niamey, came under attack at 4 am (0300 GMT). "The enemy was repelled, leaving behind several dead wearing explosive belts," he said on social media.
It is nothing but an impertinent boldness that can drive an elected president to chastise his subordinates for expressing their grievances over the harsh socio-economic standards of living.

This periodical thus seeks to deconstruct how President Mahama and his NDC government flagrantly dishonoured social contracts they entered with Ghanaians prior to 2008 and 2012 general elections.

The fact of the matter is that President Mahama and his NDC Party beseeched the electorates to give them the electoral mandate, and in return, they guaranteed everyone protection of life, property, provision of social amenities, better socio-economic standards of living and to a certain extent liberty.

Subsequently, President Mahama and his NDC Party gave a slew of Manifesto promises, including making dumsor a thing of the past, putting money in Ghanaians pocket, creating more jobs for the jobless, stabilising the economy, protecting Ghanaians from the menaces of galamsey and Fulani herdsmen, bringing an end to dubious judgement debt payments, fighting the rampant sleaze and corruption, working with lean government, getting rid of the filth in Accra within 100 days, introducing free SHS, implementing one-time NHIS premium etc.

Apparently, the good people of Ghana bought into NDC Partys Manifesto promises and then gave them the needed electoral mandate in the 2008 and 2012 general elections. It was then left with President Mahama and his government to honour their part of the social contract by implementing their Manifesto promises.

It is important to note that social contract is an important aspect in human existence. Social contract theorist, Thomas Hobbes, for example, observed: Man has a natural desire for security and order. In order to secure self-protection and self-preservation, and to avoid misery and pain, man entered into a contract.

This idea of self-preservation and self-protection are inherent in mans nature and in order to achieve this, they voluntarily surrendered their rights and freedoms to some authority by this contract, who must command obedience.

As a result of this contract, the mightiest authority is to protect and preserve their lives and property.

Although President Mahama and his NDC Party promised prior to the 2008 and 2012 general elections that they were going to put money in Ghanaians pockets, they turned their back on the electorates after clasping the ultimate power.

All the same, the impoverished Ghanaians rightly queried President Mahama over his failed promise. President Mahama then bizarrely turns round and replies: there is no president on this planet (earth) that will physically put cash in peoples pockets (See: No president will put money in your pocket-Mahama; atinkaonline.com/ghanaweb.com, 13/10/2016).

Dear reader, tell me, if this does not amount to dishonesty, what is it then? Since when did President Mahama and his NDC government realise that its not the government that will put money in peoples pockets?

Again, President Mahama and his government failed abysmally to provide the youth of Ghana the jobs they promised in their Manifesto. The youth wondered why. His Excellency President Mahama shockingly retorts: where are your employable skills and qualifications? So dont you lots know that you lack the requisite employable skills and qualifications?

If you may also recall, the NDC Party promised not to pay any dubious judgement debt. However, they went ahead and paid dubious judgement debt in a tune of over GH850million to people who had no entitlement, including the dubious payment to Wayome.

As a matter of fact, the mass degradation of our rural areas by the recalcitrant illegal miners is outrageous, so it was a welcome news when President Mahama and his NDC Party promised to thwart the activities of the illegal miners. Nevertheless, President Mahama failed to honour his promise once again.

Apparently, President Mahama is wholly unaware of the seriousness of the destruction in our rural areas, hence his inexorable refusal to circumscribe the activities of the unscrupulous illegal miners.

Besides, President Mahama and his NDC government promised strongly that they were going to get rid of the filthy conditions in the streets of Accra within 100 days. They failed to do so. Ghanaians complained and they lividly retorted: stop being a nation of whiners. Filth has been in existence since Adams era. It cannot be cleared in just 100 days.

Interestingly, NDC Party pledged wholeheartedly to make dumsor a thing of the past if voted into power. Ironically, however, the dumsor got worse as compared to former President Kufuors era.

The good people of Ghana rightly demanded answers as to why President Mahama has failed to bring the dumsor under control.

President Mahama then rapped: you whiners, why dont you put a stop to your useless complaints. I have said time and time again that am not going to manage the dumsor as done by my short-sighted predecessors, but am actually going to fix it.

Ironically, however, President Mahama is yet to fix the dumsor. The dumsor continues to cripple hundreds of businesses. The dumsor has indeed contributed to Ghanas economic downslide.

Even though President Mahama and his NDC government pledged to implement one-time NHIS premium, they shockingly reneged on their promise.

The good people of Ghana then rightly sought explanations. President Mahama and his NDC apparatchiks retorted impertinently: one-time NHIS premium is not done anywhere on this planet of ours. How bizarre?

Bizarrely, after succeeding to shoot down Nana Akufo Addo and his NPPs campaign promise of free SHS, President Mahama and his NDC Party hastily turned round and promised to implement free SHS policy. Unsurprisingly, though, they failed once again to fully implement the tentatively thought-through policy.

Ghanaians rightly sought answers from President Mahama. President Mahama and his strident communicators then replied Ghanaians rudely: Is half a loaf not better than none?

In fact, President Mahama and his NDC Party were all over the place with their numerous campaign promises. Unsurprisingly, however, they entered into Fulani herdsmen politics.

Consequently, they promised the good people of Asante Akyem Agogo District that if voted into power in the 2012 general election they were going to do everything in their power to stop the menace of the Fulani herdsmen.

Nevertheless, President Mahama and his government reneged on their promise. The good people of Agogo demanded answers. President Mahama and his NDC apparatchiks then cheekily responded: we are all the same in the eyes of God, so lets tolerate each other.

It would also be recalled that the NDC Party told Ghanaians back in 2008 that the NPP government under President Kufuor had sunk the economy into the mire, so Ghanaians should give the NDC Party the opportunity to put the economy back on track.

Unfortunately, however, the available evidence shows that the NDC government under President Mahama has actually managed to worsen the socio-economic standards of living.

Yes, there is an unobjectionable evidence of irreversible incompetence on the part of President Mahama and his NDC government. For example, according to Dr Bawumiah, in the last seven and half years alone under this NDC government, Ghanas total debt has ballooned from GH9.5 billion to a projected GH110 billion by the end of September 2016.

This means that 90% (i.e. GHC99.5 billion) of Ghanas total debt since independence has been accumulated under this NDC government from 2009-2015 i.e. the last seven and half years.

All the same, when the good people of Ghana decide to express their grievances over the never ending harsh economic conditions, President Mahama and his vociferous communicators would go berserk: arent we transforming lives by building roads, hospitals, schools, toilets, water facilities and many other social infrastructural projects?

Regrettably, however, most of the projects arent up to the required standards, albeit they are often overpriced. The Minister for Local Governments, Collins Dauda would attest to such assertion. He has previously complained over the NDCs poorly constructed projects.

Amazingly, however, when ordinary people complained about the poorly constructed roads in Kumasi, President Mahama would angrily respond: You ungrateful lots, you would never even be appreciative if I constructed your roads with gold.

The fact of the matter is that President Mahama and his non-performing appointees are refusing to appreciate that exemplary governance is not all about putting up numerous infrastructural projects.

Apparently, superlative governance goes beyond the provision of social infrastructural and amenities. As a matter of fact, praiseworthy governance also involves continuous improvement of socio-economic standards of living.

Nevertheless, the good people of Ghana are experiencing economic hardships. President Mahama has failed abysmally to improve upon Ghanas economic fortunes.

As a matter of fact, President Mahama and his NDC government have irrevocably collapsed the hitherto thriving economy.

K. Badu, UK.
Who would you vote for in the upcoming 2016 general election were you to be presented with two choices? The choices are one candidate has chains of higher academic qualifications with a CV (Curriculum Vitae) stating as such. However, he is rotten to the core with corruption. He is clueless and highly incompetent in managing the affairs of the State. The other choice is a candidate who has fewer qualifications but is incorruptible, dynamic, dedicated, and honest and knows how to manage things.

Will you not be enticed to vote for the one with chains of higher academic qualifications because in Ghana, academics with say, PhD degrees, are held in high esteem? I quite remember that in Ghana, the knowledge of English is a criterion for a mans great learning. Therefore, having chains of higher education qualifications is an indication of a persons success and respectability in society.

Does being highly qualified with say, First Class University degrees in various disciplines and, or PhD, make one a successful Statesman even if the one is inherently corrupt?

I personally know for a fact that most successful politicians, or to be very specific, Statesmen, as well as private individuals are not always those with higher academic qualifications but those who are honest, hard working, and are dedicated to achieving their aims and objectives in selfless manner.

Look at the American Bill Gates of Microsoft, the worlds no. 1 richest man. Look at the UKs Richard Branson of Virgin mobile phone, Virgin trains, Virgin Stores, Virgin airways etc. and the late UK Prime Minister Wilson Churchill. Which of them has or had chains of higher academic/paper qualifications? None of them has or had PhD yet they are or were all extremely successful all because they pursued their dreams and goals with selfless dedication and dynamism.

Now, who will you vote for if given the strictest obligation to choose between say, Fiifi Kwetey who has a Masters in Finance or whatever, but is not only incompetent in managing the affairs of the country but also, corrupt and another person who has only a first degree of say, a third class but is competent, honest and incorruptible?

For President Mahama, I know him to be corrupt, incompetent, nepotistic and insulting but with Masters in Journalism or some sort of discipline. I know Nana Akufo Addo to be a reputable lawyer with an alleged third class degree in Economics but highly incorruptible with selfless dedication to be of service to his nation and people.

It takes an incorruptible person with foresight to succeed in governing a nation than the one who will dish out State money to his cronies and a few loudmouths to talk good about him to the public even when he is failing with things falling apart or collapsing all around him like a pack of cards.

Fifii Kwetey can go about mocking Nana Addo about his CV but for that who cares except those who are as ignorant as himself. He had rather better stop his corruption than to seek to paint Nana Addo darker than he appears in the eyes of the Ghanaian electorates.

Nana Akufo Addo is the person who can liberate Ghanaians from the miseries of economic hardships, lawlessness, practice of selective justice, joblessness, armed robbery and nation mismanagement as visited upon Ghana by President Mahama and his bunch of Ghanaian version of the Arabian Ali Baba and his forty thieves.

Tell me, apart from my own Kumawuman compatriot Dr Kwabena Dufour who holds a PhD, with a few others including Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, what have those with chains of academic qualifications reaching to the higher firmaments, done to help Ghana and the collective interests of the citizens apart from using their book long intelligence to flay mother Ghana and then chew her flesh to the bone?

Fiifi Kwetey, Kuko Anyidoho, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah and all those questioning the CV of Nana Akufo Addo are all big time jokers or thieves, if I am not afraid to say. Are they all not fraudulently enriching themselves in one way or the other with their higher paper qualifications as though they majored in thievery?

Ghanaian electorates, the choice is yours. You are faced with choosing between the corrupt person (John Mahama with Fiifi Kwetey, Koku Anyidoho alias Margaret Jackson/Nana Akua Tweneboa Kodua Johnson Asiedu Nketiah alias General Mosquito, Amissah-Arthur) and the honest person (Nana Akufo Addo with Dr Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia, Alan Kyeremateng etc.)

I shall choose the incorruptible man any day any time over the bunch of incompetent and corrupt persons including Fiifi Kwetey.

Rockson Adofo
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has launched what political analysts term a blistering attack on Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, New Patriotic Party (NPP) vice presidential candidate.

In recent times, Dr Bawumia has been the target of verbal attacks by the NDC chieftains, including President John Mahama and his vice president, Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, and others.

Over the weekend, the members of the governing party hurled insults at Dr Bawumia, an erudite economist, who has apparently become a thorn in the flesh of the party.

In Kumasi, Koku Anyidoho, a deputy General Secretary of the NDC, subjected Dr Bawumia to a barrage of verbal attacks.

The renowned economist, who has been vociferous in criticizing the Mahama-led government for the poor management of the country's economy, was lambasted by Koku for suggesting that Ghana's economy is on its knees.

Addressing party supporters during the Ashanti Regional campaign launch of the NDC, Koku Anyidoho accused Dr. Bawumia of being an apologist of deceit and vile propaganda.

Amidst cheers from the crowd and the party bigwigs, Anyidoho lampooned the learned economist cum banker, calling him names.

Former National Organizer of the NDC, Yaw Boateng Gyan, in an attempt to justify his (Gyan's) inclusion in the umbrella family (NDC), described Nana Addo, flag bearer of the NPP, as a golden ager pretending to be a youngster by drinking Kalyppo.

Yaw Boateng Gyan posited, Now that he (Nana Addo) has started drinking Kalyppo, he will soon be looking for breast milk to feed from, and added that it would be better for Nana Addo to bow out of the upcoming presidential race.

Ashanti Regional chairman of the NDC, Yaw Obimpeh, alleged that the NPP had sent 120 people to La Cote d'Ivoire to be trained as mercenaries to cause trouble in the December elections.

Tribal Card

Johnson Asiedu Nketia, NDC General Secretary, over the weekend introduced a tribal element in the campaign of calumny against Dr Bawumia, saying that he was being used by the NPP to attract votes in the north and that he (Bawumia) would soon be dumped by the NPP.

Bawumia is not a bad person but he is in a bad company. The NPP are not truthful to certain classes of people. They use people for their own benefits. And when it comes to a time to recognise the importance of the same people they have used, they ignore them, he claimed.

According to Mr Nketia, people of northern extraction, including the late Vice President Aliu Mahama and Dr Bawumia, are seen as second-class citizens by the NPP and are only used for a purpose and then dumped.

Bawumia Hits Back

In a reaction to the attacks by the NDC gurus, Dr. Bawumia said the party's bigwigs are pushing the tribal agenda because they have lost the policy debate.

The running mate to Nana Akufo-Addo pointed out that looking at the actions and policy decisions of the NDC government, there is no truth in their assertion that the party loves Northerners, but what the NDC loves are their stomachs and pockets.

The NPP vice presidential candidate, who was speaking Sunday at a mini-rally at Buipe in the Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency of the Northern Region, said that after losing the argument on the real issues that affect the livelihoods of people of the North, the NDC is now seeking to benefit from tribalism by claiming that it loves Northerners.

The NDC has run out of the arguments; they cannot win the policy debate so they are resorting to tribalism. They want to divide this country. They say John Mahama is a Northerner, but what happened to the SADA money? Who chopped the SADA money? If they loved Northerners they wouldn't have looted the SADA money.

They say they love Northerners but they haven't paid school feeding grants for our secondary schools in the north for two terms in a row; they say they love the Northerners but who chopped the GYEEDA money? he questioned.

Dr. Bawumia also cited the cancellation of the teacher and nurse trainee allowances which he said had greatly helped people from the North to train as teachers and nurses.

The cancellation of the allowances has virtually ended the dreams of many thousands to pursue training in these important sectors, he said.

Who has refused to pay the teacher trainee allowances which benefit Ghanaians, including Northerners? Who has refused to pay the nurse trainee allowances that benefit Ghanaians, including Northerners? They say they love Northerners; why have prices of fertilizers gone up so high? Our youth cannot find jobs and yet they say they love Northerners, he stressed.

Continuing, Dr. Bawumia observed that the evidence only indicates that officials of the Mahama government only love their stomachs. Ghanaians are not going to vote on tribal basis but will vote for Nana Akufo-Addo who has demonstrated the necessary compassion, honesty and vision to secure the future of Ghanaians, he added.

They only love their stomachs. The one who loves Northerners is Nana Akufo-Addo. We have to vote for a government of integrity, a government that has compassion, a government that has honesty and a government that has vision. We are not going to vote on tribal basis; we are going to vote for our future and that future rests with a government under Nana Akufo-Addo, he reiterated.

From Ernest Kofi Adu, Kumasi


The National Campaign Manager of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Mac Manu, has expressed optimism that the partys presidential candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will win the December 7 presidential poll.

All the signs are clear that our presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo, has already been elected as Ghana's next president, he noted.

He cited the enthusiastic response of the Ghanaian electorate to the NPP's message of change, progress and prosperity for the nation.

Majority of Ghanaians are yearning for a change from the hardships and suffering imposed on them by John Mahamas NDC government, which has never been witnessed before in the annals of the country's political history, he asserted.

Addressing thousands of NPP supporters at the party's campaign launch in the Takoradi Constituency on Saturday, Mr Mac Manu urged the enthusiastic party faithful to be very vigilant at the polling centres to stop any attempts of stealing of ballots by individuals or groups.

He assured that the National Executives of the NPP were putting measures in place to prevent any diabolical strategies from any quarters aimed at preventing Nana Akufo-Addo from becoming president.

Mr Mac Manu entreated supporters and sympathizers to turn up in their numbers to vote for Nana Addo and all the party's parliamentary candidates to ensure a resounding victory.

In 2008, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo picked the telephone and congratulated the winner of the election, Prof J.E.A. Mills, and in 2012 he did the same to President John Mahama after the Supreme Court ruling,'' the campaign manager recalled.

He declared, however, that This time around, we expect President Mahama to extend the same courtesies and respect to our flag bearer immediately he is declared by the Electoral Commission as the winner of the December 2016 poll, as he is going to win hands down.

He told the gathering that they should all engage themselves as polling agents and open their eyes widely at the polling stations to ensure that their ballots are protected.

He also explained to them that under the new law, the results at the various polling stations would be posted and also at the collation centres after counting of the ballots and all the figures put together appropriately.

He added that in each case, the people have the right to take pictures of the pink sheets as displayed.

You can use your mobile phones to capture the results and either WhatsApp or post them on Facebook for the whole world to see, he encouraged.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Takoradi, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, noted that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) had done nothing to improve the lives of residents in the Western Region.

He indicated that despite the rich resources in the region and the revenue that accrue to government, the people are still wallowing in abject poverty.

He said that the NDC has been touting roads and other infrastructure as some of its achievements but emphasised that looking at the huge financial resources available to it (government) it could have done more.

Mr Darko-Mensah pointed out that eventhough the financial resources available to the Kufuor-led NPP government were minimal, it embarked on massive infrastructure development and introduced pro-poor initiatives.

He, therefore called on Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to vote massively for the NPP since the December 7 elections are about their future.

Joseph Boahen Aidoo, a former Western Regional Minister, told the people that it is stipulated in the NPP's recently launched manifesto that the headquarters of the Ghana National Petroleum Authority (GNPC) will be relocated in Takoradi to create jobs for the people if Nana Addo becomes president.

From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi
The Hague (AFP) - The UN's top court Monday opened three days of hearings into a plea by Equatorial Guinea to order France to suspend a corruption case against its vice president.

France accuses Vice President Teodorin Obiang -- the son of the country's leader -- of embezzlement and the misuse of tens of millions of public funds.

He is due to appear before a Paris court on October 24 on charges of plundering his country's coffers to fund his jet-set lifestyle.

But Malabo was angered by the "unfair and insulting manner in which our country is currently treated by France," its Netherlands envoy Carmelo Nvono Nca told the International Court of Justice.

"The potential damage to Equatorial Guinea's sovereign rights is serious and imminent," he told the tribunal, which is based in The Hague.

Malabo has already appealed to the court to rule in the case, alleging that France has violated Obiang's right to diplomatic immunity.

His father President Teodoro Obiang Nguema has ruled the small central African country with an iron fist since 1979 and is the continent's longest-serving leader. He extended his rule in April when he was re-elected with 93.7 percent of the vote.

He appointed his son as vice president in June -- two years after the first charges were first brought in France.

Equatorial Guinea is now demanding the French proceedings are frozen until the UN tribunal, set up to rule in disputes between states, hands down its ruling.

'Irreparable harm'

"The ongoing criminal proceedings against the vice president of Equatorial Guinea, charged with national defence and state security, represent a real and imminent risk" to the country's rights, said lawyer Michael Wood.

He said the case would cause "irreparable" harm to Equatorial Guinea's "standing in the world" and its international relations.

At this stage of the proceedings, French authorities could "at any time and without advance notice... issue an arrest warrant that could be executed in France or abroad" meaning Obiang was "unable to travel freely abroad to carry out his official functions."

Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema has ruled the small central African country with an iron fist since 1979

In 2012, French authorities swooped on the Obiang family's six-storey mansion on Avenue Foch -- one of the most upmarket addresses in Paris -- seizing it along with a fleet of luxury cars including two Bugatti Veyrons and a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Police also took away vanloads of valuables, including paintings, a $4.2-million clock and fine wines worth thousands of euros per bottle.

But Equatorial Guinea is demanding that France be ordered to recognise that the building on Avenue Foch is a diplomatic mission.

Equatorial Guinea has become sub-Saharan Africa's third-biggest oil producer in recent years, with oil revenues accounting for more than 70 percent of national income.

But the wealth has not trickled down. While per capita national income stands at over $10,000 for a population of less than a million, more than half the people live on less than $2 a day.
The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary candidate for the Yagaba-Kubori constituency in the Northern Region, Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tanko has called for ceasefire on tribal politics.

As the campaign intensify, he said it is the responsibility of all politicians to abstain from tribal politics which he noted could plunge the nation into chaos.

I think that it is time as a country we stop that kind of ethnic politics because it is not going to be in our favour. We should be looking for a leader who will unify us and not somebody who will divide us.

Tribal politics has always been the case and in my case they say I am a Hausa and I swear by almighty Allah there is nobody who has developed this area than me and they claim I am a Hausa. That my father is a Hausa and my mother is a Mamprusi.

He narrated, I have spent more of my life in Mamprugu than Bawumia himself and I have built infrastructure in Mamprugu land than Bawumia.

Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tanko made the call in a Citi News interview on the sidelines of his massive campaign dubbed, Operation bring back our borrowed seat.

As one of the orphan constituencies in the Northern Region, the New Patriotic Party (NPP)'s incumbent Member of Parliament, Mustapha Yussif at the 2012 polls snatched the seat from Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tanko.

He described his defeat as a litmus test in his political career which has motivated him to stage a comeback.

The two terms former Yagaba-Kubori Legislator attributed his defeat to internal wrangling and alleged deceit by his political opponents in the NPP.

Elated Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tanko Ibrahim is optimistic of emerging victorious on December 7 to build on the foundation he laid as the first MP of the area from 2004 t0 2012.

The signs are clear that I will win the election but I am not going to be complacent. This time round I am not going to take things for granted. I will fight hard until the last vote is counted.

One of the responsibilities of a Member of Parliament is to lobby for projects and during my tenure I lobbied for major projects that solved some of the problems of our people.

I lobbied for a senior high-technical school with modern facilities and also lobbied for the area's district status.

He further recalled the construction of some feeder roads, school buildings, CHPS compounds and provision of agric inputs as some of his past achievements.

He promised to lobby for more projects and galvanize the people for constructive purposes.

It is clear that President John Mahama will win the election and it is good I am there to lobby for more development projects for the area.

He cited youth employment, agriculture, education, health and micro finance credit for petty traders as topmost on his transformational agenda.

Minister for Food and Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, Tamale central Member of Parliament, Hon. Inusah Fuseini Malizaa-Naa, Bawku central MP. Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Tamale north NDC Parliamentary candidate, Alhassan Suhuyini, NDC Northern Regional Chairman, Chief Awudu Sofo Azorka, the party's national youth Organizer, Abubakari Siidi, Bukom Banku among other dignitaries addressed the rally.

They pleaded with the electorate to renew President Mahama's mandate and reelect, Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tanko as their MP.

Chiefs and hundreds of NDC supporters graced the overwhelming campaign launch.



By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The embattled National Democratic Congress(NDC) Parliamentary aspirant for Ketu South who went independent following his disqualification from the partys primary launched his campaign over the weekend with a reaffirmation of his allegiance to the NDC.

Mr. Jim Yao Morti was disqualified and suspended from the NDC on various grounds of purported criminality and inconsistency in academic qualifications during the NDC primary.

His disqualification however generated uproar in the constituency mostly among people of his traditional Area( Some) who described the action by the party as unjustified.

After several protests and legal battles, Jim Morti subsequently announced his decision to contest as an independent candidate.

But addressing his followers at his campaign launch this evening in Aflao, Jim Morti says he still belongs to the party despite what he described as unfair treatment meted to him.

Comrades, ladies and gentlemen let me emphasize that, some self-seeking individuals have hijacked our one and only party and used malicious, diabolical, mischievous and Machiavellian and unsubstantiated allegations and tactics to disqualify me from contesting during the primaries .Comrades, some people are claiming that my decision to contest as an independent candidate is a fall out from the great umbrella tradition but I want to debunk such claims and to state that I still remain and will forever remain a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He however said, his resolve to go independent is a response to to calls from majority of the residents who plead with him to restore their hope.

He said although the governing NDC is making much efforts to improve the lives of his people, the performance of the current crop of leaders in the area leaves much to be desired.

My brothers and sisters, President Mahama is the president for us all and he is doing his very best to better the lives of Ghanaians, but how can he satisfy our true needs if there are clear evidences of selfish, arrogant and empty propagandist leadership on the part of people who claim they represent the constituency but do not care about our true needs.

He outlined some of the projects he initiated in the area and call on the people to support him in his bid to further his development agenda in the area.

Some of these projects include: the construction of a four unit class room block with headmaster's office at Anoenu basic school,the construction of a three unit classroom block with a computer laboratory at Atiaklorbor basic school ,the construction of a foot bridge at Akame- Avetekofe, the donation of 7 packets of aluminum roofing-sheets to Kpoglu basic school,the donation of 5 packets of roofing-sheets to Dornormadi basic school, all in an attempt to support the schools re-roof their classrooms after they were destroyed during a rain storm.

Jim Morti is set to battle with out with incumbent Fiavi Fifi Kwertey and former MP Albert Zigah who has also staged a comeback after his disqualification in the primaries.



By: King Norbert Akpablie/citifmonline.com/Ghana


Two Ghanaians have been appointed as Chairman and Secretary General of the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme respectively at the just-ended 33rd Ordinary Session of the Council of Bureaux of the Scheme held in Accra.

Godfred Djane, Managing Director of Millennium Insurance Company, is the new chairman of the Executive Committee of the Council of Bureaux while Winfred Dodzi of Ghana Insurers Association has been appointed as the new Secretary General of the Permanent Secretariat of ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme.

Mr. Djane, who took over from Leopold Keita, was sworn into office during the three-day conference in Accra, while the new Secretary General's appointment takes effect in January, 2017.

In his acceptance speech, the new chairman said, By the confidence you have reposed in me, I wish to assure you that I will work tirelessly towards the realization of the noble objectives of the scheme as envisaged by the founding fathers which we have all been striving to achieve over the years.

The conference was under the theme, 'The Relationship between the ECOWAS Commission and its Established Institutions and Agencies: The Case of the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme.'

Representatives of member countries such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo attended the conference.

A Business Desk report
A Ghanaian entrepreneur, Dr. Kofi Amoah has evolved an economic model dubbed, Three Legged or Tripod Development Paradigm (TDP), which will help government to revamp Ghana's economy.

Dr Amoah said he evolved the model after a careful study of the economic histories of Germany, United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK).

He added that he took into account strategies the countries put in place to develop agriculture, manufacturing, as well as financial policies in the past.

Dr. Kofi Amoah, who is popularly called 'Citizen Kofi,' disclosed this at the 4th Public Lecture series of the Regent University College of Science and Technology at Weija, Accra last Friday.

The public lecture was also held in commemoration of the university's 10th Anniversary, which was under the theme Industrialization of Ghana: The Way Forward

The ideas and strategies adopted at the time which includes issuance of state subsidies in the form of land grants and tax rebates, cheap loans to entrepreneurs and protectionist high tariffs to curtail heavy importation and protect domestic markets are still very relevant for any developing country in Africa, he added.

Much as these developed countries, now referred to as Group A countries, are dissimilar culturally, racially and geographically, there was common threads that run through the programmes and strategies that they used to move forward economically and socially, he noted.

Ghana and other African countries spend huge sums of foreign currency ($1.5 billion a year) to import goods from the developed world whereas they could have achieved much and made very good savings.

If Ghana or other nations in Africa do not take to these tried and tested strategies adopted by the developed world when they were building their economies several years ago, we shall continue to rely on them for their advice, money and wisdom to guide us, he declared.

He stressed that the time has come for independent countries in Africa, including Ghana, to kick against dependency, borrowing and begging.

Dr. Amoah disclosed that Malaysia and Singapore that were at par with Ghana in the 1950s have surpassed Ghana in terms of development.

By Solomon Ofori
THE PEOPLE of Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region were treated to what could be described as an exciting comic show on Saturday when the founder of All People's Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, supervised the campaign launch of the party's parliamentary candidate, Yakubu Musah.

The disqualified leader of the APC did not bother about the handful of the party supporters who attended the launch as he entertained them with various issues.

At about 4:00 pm, the erection of the platform was yet to be completed, with about 48 supporters  made up of 13 males and 35 females  seated under two canopies.

The traditional authorities who also arrived before the programme commenced had to look for shelter elsewhere until the arrival of the special guest.

The police personnel detailed to maintain law and order were seen relaxing as they waited for the founder of party and the start of the programme.

Some few minutes later, the reportedly 'hired' supporters started pouring in from various areas with some on motorbikes and buses.

Some supporters under the canopies

Finally, Mr. Ayariga, who was scheduled to grace the occasion at about 10am as special guest, turned up in the municipality at about 5:30 pm with his vice presidential candidate and Yakubu Musah, under the escort of commercial motor riders popularly known as okada  as the police administration had withdrawn his bodyguards following his disqualification to contest in the presidential race by the Electoral Commission (EC).

The reason for his lateness as speculated by some supporters of the party, was to give them ample time to bring more supporters from all over the place to attend the event.

As the supporters expressed disappointment for the late take-off of the event, Mr Ayariga took time to dance to various tunes on his request to entertain them.

Although he was billed to speak after some dignitaries had spoken, he took the microphone immediately he mounted the dais to host the programme as a master of ceremony (MC) and at the same time special guest.

He started his almost an hour-long speech before recognising that some traditional authorities had been invited to the launch who needed to be acknowledged.

The long speech did not allow time for prayers before the start of the programme; but were said when the parliamentary candidate took his turn to address the people.

After speaking for over an hour, Ayarig ended by giving other speakers only five minutes each to give their discourses since it was getting late and people had to leave.

From Vincent Kubi, Ashaiman
The government's plan to eject residents of South Kanda Estates, Accra to pave way for the Accra Regeneration Project appears to be meeting resistance from the soon-to-be affected residents.

A statement issued in Accra and signed by Derrick Opey, Secretary for South Kanda Residents Association said the SHC had issued a press release last August, creating the impression that the blocks of flats within the Kanda estates were not fit for habitation and therefore the residents needed to be relocated to a new site.

The residents of Kanda under the mandate of the South Kanda Residents association would like to inform the management of State Housing Company and the public that the information about the blocks of flat not being fit for habitation is untrue and that no such assessment has been done by AESL.

The statement said there are eighteen (18) blocks in total, fourteen (14) of these properties have been bought by residents over a leasehold period where the residents have documentation to back this claim.

According to the association Residents of three (3) out of the fourteen (14) blocks have recently received a law suit from the Land Division ordering them to relocate to the proposed new site after its completion. The residents are opposed to the order due to the concerns they have raised with SHC in terms of the relocation site and the proposed new residential facility.

They said the relocation site is a small park being used by the local residents for recreational activities and events and also as a field for children who attend school at SAL Valley Primary/JSS for their physical education activities.

The proposed new block as we have been informed is a high rise building which will go up to seven (7) floors with elevators and other modern architecture designs exhibiting exactly that of a luxury apartment. The residents have made it clear to SHC of not being interested in such a facility since the issue of elevators can be fatal to accommodate the lifestyle of the residents and will only agree if the structure will go up to three (3) floors with the provision of staircases.

They said underneath the relocation site lied a water pipe and a gigantic gutter that serves the whole community and therefore will be grateful if SHC does not tamper with that since it might create a lot of inconveniences for the residents.

The residents therefore want the government to ask the SHC to find a more suitable location in Kanda for the new residential facility which the residents will consider, if favorable, to help the project become beneficial to all.

By William Yaw Owusu
Kigali (AFP) - The last king of Rwanda, Kigeli V, who ruled the east African nation for less than a year before being forced into exile, finally settling in the United States, died early Sunday according to his official website. He was 80.

Born Jean-Baptiste Ndahindurwa, King Kigeli came to power in 1959 and was forced to leave the country the following year after clashing with the Belgian colonial power. In 1961, the monarchy was abolished.

The king began a life of exile in east Africa, including Kenya and Uganda, before leaving for America, where he settled in the suburbs of Washington in 1992.

Details of his death were not immediately known.

"It is with a very heavy heart that we announce that His Majesty King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, the last King of Rwanda, died early this morning," read a statement on his website.

"He was a devout and dedicated believer and the last anointed African Roman Catholic king to reign over a full country."

Funeral arrangements, and details on the heir to the throne will be announced at a later date, the statement said.

King Kigeli had come to power after succeeding his half-brother Mutara III, who died in unclear circumstances on the eve of the Hutu "social revolution" which sent hundreds of thousands of ethnic Tutsi fleeing.

Most of them did not return home to Rwanda until after the 1994 genocide, which left some 800,000 dead, mostly from that minority.

Kigeli V is a Tutsi, but the tradition is that the monarchy represent all Rwandans of all ethnicities.

In September 1961, the monarchy was abolished by referendum and Rwanda gained independence the following year.

While in the United States, the exiled monarch led the King Kigeli V Foundation to aid Rwandan refugees.

'King of Africa'

A 2013 profile in Washingtonian magazine, found him living in subsidised housing, on food stamps and donations, in Oakton, Virginia, happy to hand out chocolates to neighbours' children.

"They call me the King of Africa," Kigeli said of the neighbours, in that report. "Ah, it's good."

For decades he spoke of returning to his tiny, landlocked east African homeland.

Since 1994 and the rise to power of current President Paul Kagame's Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) -- which emerged from a former Tutsi rebellion -- the issue of a potential return by the king was regularly brought up.

Yet every effort failed: the RPF authorities have always said they were ready for him to return, yet only as a private citizen. The former monarch held out hope he could return to the throne.

The issue got a new boost in May from the Democratic Green Party, a small Rwandan opposition group which argued that the king might be a force of unity for a country still torn by the legacy of the genocide.

"We are very saddened by his passing away before he could return to his country," party chair Frank Habineza told AFP on Monday.

Habineza had asked the Rwandan government to ensure that the king could return to Rwanda with an official role of "safeguarding Rwandan culture," enjoying the benefits of a former head of state.

Some observers suggested Kagame's government was deliberately preventing Kigeli's return, fearing that respect for his traditional authority could challenge the hegemony of the ruling party.

Only three constitutional monarchies remain in Africa, in Morocco, Lesotho and Swaziland - whose King Mswati III is one of the last remaining absolute monarchs in the world.

However hundreds of traditional kings still play an important role across the continent and in some cases, like South Africa's Zulu king Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, receive hefty allowances from the state.
The Christian Journal, Freeport, New York  For the sixth year in a roll, the Baldwin University Foundation over the weekend raised money from patrons to support underprivileged students in Africa.

Dr Akwasi Achampong, a medical doctor and the founder of Baldwin University in his address said Education nowadays is more important than ever. But getting into, paying for, and graduating from school is no easy task in Africa, and its only made more difficult for those students who come from poor families.

Luckily, there are various organizations dedicated to helping underprivileged students to accessing and pursuing the education they deserve. By reviewing school policies, working with students to create plans, finding scholarship opportunities and advocating for equal opportunity, these organizations work hard to ensure that those poor families wont be looked over or treated unfairly when it comes to education.

The Baldwin University Foundation help to provide financial assistance such as scholarships and grants to cover tuition as well as books, accommodation, food, clothing and transportation for under privileged students in Africa.

One of such students is Sampson Ananse who benefited from a scholarship through high school and now enrolled at the Baldwin College in Ghana. In a video presentation, he spoke about how helpful the foundation have been helpful to him and his family.

Baldwin College is an independent, comprehensive institution which provides a value-centered educational experience that enhances intellectual, ethical, spiritual and social development for students.

At Baldwin students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of modern life. Undergraduate programs, based on a strong Liberal Arts and Science core curriculum, offer choices in professional and career preparation.

You can visit the organization website at www. baldwinuniversityfoundation.org/ to support the foundation
Leading young scientists from 16 countries to meet Germanys sustainability research elite on 17-26 October and visit green sciences hotspots

Official award ceremony takes place at largest Green Talents alumni meeting to date

A highly diversified programme of workshops and events awaits Green Talents alumni, German sustainability researchers, companies and government representatives

Bonn: The Green Talents Award held under the patronage of the German Research Minister Professor Johanna Wanka is recognizing young talented researchers for the eighth time and providing a platform to share their innovative and creative ideas which aim to answer pressing sustainability and environmental protection questions of our time. This year, Abubakari Ahmed, a PhD Student in Sustainability Science who focuses his research on the sustainability assessment of large-scale land acquisitions for biofuel in Ghana, was among the winners.

A high-ranking jury of experts selected 25 up-and-coming scientists out of 757 applications from over 104 countries. The award consists of the Green Talents  International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development where the awardees travel through Germany for two weeks, to visit hotspots of green science and to meet the sustainability research elite. In the following year, the Green Talents have the possibility to conduct research in Germany for up to three months.

The 25 awardees will be honoured during a festive award ceremony at the Green Talents Alumni Meeting 2016 attended by representatives of the participating institutions, their experts, jury members, politicians and other distinguished guests. Minister Professor Johanna Wanka will open the conference; Professor Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, will hold a keynote speech on Climate effects and vulnerability.

Both conference and festive award ceremony will be held on 27 October 2016 at Kosmos, Berlin.
Sandra Ankobiah

17.10.2016 LISTEN

The First Time Voters Project, an educative initiative which aims to raise meaningful participation of the youth in Ghana's political processes, is an initiative of Sandra Ankobiah who is a Lawyer and has recently co-founded a Media Training Facility in Accra, SN Media Learning Tree. Sandra, who is also a TV Host, has tasked herself to educate first time voters whilst motivating their involvement and addressing the decline in their political and electoral participation.

The nationwide campaign, kicked off at the All Nations University College in Koforidua on September 14. Since then, it has made stops at the Koforidua Technical University, the Islamic University College in Accra, and also Jamestown and the Nima market where the fisherfolk and market people were all taken through the electoral and voting process, as well as electoral offences.

Sandra stresses that the project seeks to advocate for meaningful young peoples participation that is necessary for democratisation and social inclusion of the youth as a means to address the generations continuing apathy and alienation to political processes.

"The importance of voter and civic education during an election year cannot be overstated. Such an initiative will assist first time voters in better understanding their rights and responsibilities, as well as giving them sufficient knowledge about the countrys electoral process and political system," Sandra said.

"We want to inform students beyond just having the right to vote. We want a vibrant Ghana or future generations but that will mean young people understanding the privileges and opportunities available to them," Sandra said. This is why the First Time Voters Project is dedicated to enlightening young voters on the importance of getting involved in the political process.

At every stop, Sandra also advises on the need to embrace peace and desist from partaking in any form of electoral violence.

The project is supported by the Electoral Commission Of Ghana, The National Commission For Civic Education, Global Food Network, and the EIB Network.
Pedro Luis Gonzalez

17.10.2016 LISTEN

The Cuban Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Pedro Luis Gonzalez, has called for an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States.

He said in spite of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the USA, there remained several obstacles that prohibited free trade between Cuba and other countries of the world.

Addressing a press conference at the Cuban Embassy in Accra, Ambassador Gonzalez disclosed that the government of Cuba will table another draft resolution at the United Nations general assembly on 26 October,2016, calling for an end to the fifty-four-year-old blockade that has wrecked the Cuban economy and brought untold hardship to the Cuban people.

According to him, seven hundred and fifty-three billion, six hundred and eighty-eight million dollars ($753,688,000,000) has been lost in trade since the imposition of the trade blockade on Cuba, by the Kennedy administration on February 3, 1962. He added that between March 2015 and March 2016 another four billion, six hundred and eight million and three hundred thousand dollars ($4,608,300,000) has been lost due to the application of the sanctions.

He said in spite of the admission by the US government that its traditional policy of hostility towards Cuba had failed, and irrespective of the repeated calls on the US Congress by President Barack Obama to lift the blockade, Cuba was still treated as an enemy and there were several laws applied rigorously by US government agencies that hindered greater corporation between the two countries.

There can be no justification for the embargo imposed on Cuba, especially as we on our part have taken every step to normalize relations with the United States. We recognize that the United States is a big country with a big economy, but we demand mutual respect from them no matter how small Cuba is.

He described it as most unfortunate that although the United States has expunged Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, his country is still considered as an enemy of the USA, an act he considered contradictory to the very laws of the USA.

We (Cuba) should never have been placed on a list as state sponsors of terrorism because Cuba has never committed any act of terrorism. We rather stood in solidarity with the dispossessed and offered humanitarian assistance to the marginalized people of the world.

When other peoples of the world came to Cuba we trained them as doctors, engineers and teachers in order to create a world devoid of disease and illiteracy and to build a world fashioned on the foundations of social justice for all and it must not be forgotten that in the course of our internationalist duty, we lost many Cuban patriots who fought in solidarity to liberate Africans and other suffering people around the world from the yoke of imperialism he said.

Ambassador Gonzalez noted that his country took a great risk when it decided to normalize relations with the United States with the awareness that the two countries practiced very different political and economic systems.

He expressed appreciation to the President and the people of Ghana for their condemnation of the inhumane economic embargo imposed on Cuba, adding that Ghana is one of the countries that have consistently supported the course of the Cuban people.

Over the past years, Cuba has sent 24 draft resolutions to the United Nations demanding the immediate lifting of the trade embargo imposed on Cuba following the triumph of the Cuban revolution in 1959 by progressive forces led by Commandante Fidel Castro.
Mr. Anthony Mensah

17.10.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Ghana--Access Bank Ghana Limited has demonstrated its support to the development of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in the country as a way of contributing to national growth.

The company recently sponsored the maiden edition of the Regulus CFO Forum aimed at highlighting opportunities for partnerships, strategic insights and business networking among top finance executives in Ghana.

The Head of Corporate Banking at Access Bank Ghana Limited, Mr. Anthony Mensah, said CFOs play key roles in our organizations hence, the need to offer them the necessary support to enhance their performance in delivering.

He further explained that CFOs are the backbones of their organizations, and their hard work support these organizations to pay taxes among other contributions towards national development. And Access Bank Ghana is proud to support such a course.

According to him, Access Bank is an African Bank committed to embrace and support projects that seek to promote national development. At Access Bank, our values play a vital role in our decision making processes. They are the bedrock of our culture and they form the keystone for all we do and accomplish.

The Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Madam Mona Quartey, who was the Special Guest at the launch, expressed her delight in the idea of CFOs in Ghana engaging themselves to improve their work performance, which also impacts national development.

Regulus CFO Forum is the first of its kind as a function focused business professional group in Ghana whose great value cannot be overstated, she added.

She further encouraged other professional groups to emulate the example of Regulus CFO Forum, and challenged participants and members of the forum to continue to stay focused in their activities for the benefit of their various businesses and Ghana.

The President and Founder of the group, Mr. Hitesh Makhija, (a Chief Financial Controller at Olam Ghana Limited), said the forum aims to be the best CFO networking platform in Ghana with a membership of at least 20percent of Ghanas GDP contributing companies across all sectors of the economy.

Regulus CFO Forum is a new series of CFO fora that seek to provide immense value to CFOs in the country through training on business strategies; create mentorship opportunities for new members; create a platform to share best practices; give CFOs advance information on valuable economic trends and activities; and provide high-value, in touch events for its members.

The maiden session was based on the theme: "The CFOs Role in Todays Digital Economy, and participating members included CFOs and Financial Directors (FDs) from PZ Cussons Ghana, Allterrain Services, SBC Beverages (Pepsi Bottlers), Stallion Group and Beiersdorf Ghana Limited.

The rest were Mohinani Group, Japan Motors, Vodafone, Access Bank, Interplast Limited, Expro International Group, Focos Orthopedic Hospital, Right Holdings Limited, Predictive Excellence and Invest Corporation.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, running mate of the New Patriotic Party has asked residents in the Northern parts of the country to vote against President John Mahama in the December 7 polls.

This he said is because President Mahama and the National Democratic Congress government do not love the people in those regions but only care about their stomach and pockets.

They only love their stomachs. They only love their stomachs. The one who loves Northerners is Nana Akufo-Addo. We have to vote for a government of integrity, a government that has compassion, a government that has honesty and a government that has vision, we are not going to vote on tribal basis, we are going to vote for our future and that future rests with a government under Nana Akufo-Addo, he noted.

Dr. Bawumia who made the remark on Sunday at a mini-rally at Buipe in the Yapei-Kusawgu constituency of the Northern region also accused the NDC of indulging in tribal politics.

The NDC has run out of the arguments, they cannot win the policy debate so they are resorting to tribalism, they want to divide this country. They say John Mahama is a Northerner, but what happened to the SADA Money? Who chopped the SADA Money? If they loved Northerners they wouldn't have looted the SADA money

They say they love Northerners but they haven't paid school feeding grants for our secondary schools in the north for two terms in a row; they say they love the Northerners but who chopped the GYEEDA money? he stated.

Dr. Bawumia also lambasted government for scrapping the teacher trainee allowances saying the move has the propensity of ending dreams of some potential teachers in the country.

Who has refused to pay the Teacher training allowances which benefits Ghanaians including Northerners? Who has refused to pay the Nursing training allowances that benefits Ghanaians including northerners? They say they love Northerners, why has prices of fertilizers gone up so high? Our youth cannot find jobs and yet they say they love Northerners, he said.



By: Godwin A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
17.10.2016 LISTEN



News Desk Report.

Tension is reportedly building up at the seat of government, after financial mismanagement at the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) had been exposed by the media.

The Chronicle is reliably informed that President Mahama is unhappy with the reports that millions of loans have been given out to certain clients of the bank by the Board, headed by Mr. Daniel Owiredu, without the proper collaterals, as pertains in the banking industry.

The government is unhappy that though the financial scandal brought about by the DKM Financial Services, which is threatening the retention of the government in the December elections, is yet to be resolved, the GCB issue has also gained currency in the media.

The concern of the government is coming on the heels of the alleged petition sent to the Presidency by shareholders of the bank, demanding investigations into the case.

National Security, The Chronicle understands, has already investigated the scandal, but its findings are yet to be made public. The Chief of Staff has equally met parties to the issue, but is yet to make any public comment.

The current Board of the largest indigenous bank, GCB, is facing a credibility crisis, following revelations that it sanctioned several huge loans without the requisite collateral from some influential clients.

The Board succeeded in approving 'uncollateralised' loans to cronies, putting the bank's finances in an awkward position.

Mr. George Fuachie, Head of Corporate, who has refused to answer The Chronicle enquiries, and another senior staff, have been fingered as two officials of the bank aiding the Board to take unilateral decisions inimical to its growth.

The Risk Manager of the bank was, a few weeks ago, recalled from his annual leave, in order not to create room for suspicion, following the appointment of a new Managing Director.

He (Risk Manager) was recalled from his August leave to come and work, so that their illegal activities will not be exposed, a source disclosed.

Confidential documents leaked in the past weeks indicate that some individuals and corporate institutions, which 'have less convincing collaterals, have been given huge loans, raising questions about due diligence and fairness.

Cronyism is the order of the day here; we just give loans anyhow without any collateral. This is affecting our operations.

The Board has practically taken over everything, and is acting unilaterally with these two gentlemen, an angry source told this reporter.

It was recently reported that one of the officials has been taking huge financial commitments from clients and corporate bodies for easy facilitation of their loans. This action has been described as professionally unethical and criminal.

The Board of GCB Limited appointed Mr. Daniel M. A. Owiredu as its Chairman on Wednesday, October 22, 2014.

Mr. Owiredu was the past President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and also the Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Golden Star Resources Limited, a Canadian mining company operating in Ghana, before he was appointed to the GCB Board.

Meanwhile, myjoyonline.com reported on September 29 that preliminary investigations carried out by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has exonerated the Board Chairman of GCB Bank of any wrongdoing in the current impasse, but faults him for heading the Credit Committee of the bank, in addition to his apposition as Board Chairman.

The following is the full report, as filed by myjoyonline.com;

Preliminary investigations carried out by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) have exonerated the Board Chairman of GCB Bank of any wrongdoing in the current impasse at the bank.

There have been recent reports in the media suggesting that Daniel Owiredu has been pushing the Bank to approve loans without collateral.

A recent statement issued by the Bank described the reports as 'malicious' and without a basis adding such reports and publications should be treated with the contempt that they deserve.

According to sources at the Central Bank, they were to step in and do their own investigations to establish the veracity of these reports because of the impact of such reports on the bank.

The source said BoG investigations shows that Mr. Owiredu has not acted in any way that affects the operations and dealings of GCB Bank, especially when it comes to the granting of loans.

The Central Bank, however, maintains that there might be the need to take a second look at the Board Chairman heading large credit committee of GCB Bank.

It also established that Mr. Owiredu has not got the necessary expertise to supervise that committee or in instances where he chairs the large credit committee, he should not sit on the Board when that committee presents its reports.

Meanwhile, banking consultant Nana Otuo Acheampong fears the bank could suffer greatly for this.

He said everything must be done to solve the situation internally to ensure that investors and depositors do not suffer for this.
17.10.2016 LISTEN



From Richard Owusu-Akyaw, Kumasi

Luck eluded a man who took upon himself to paste Who killed Atta Mills? posters in Kumasi after he was brutally assaulted by the local boys in the area.

An eye witness, (name withheld) who spoke to The Chronicle explained that last Friday about 20:00 GMT, National Democratic Congress (NDC) sympathizers at the Akwatia Line, near The Light House Assembly of God Church, assaulted a man suspected to be in his late thirtys and a member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), after he was found pasting posters with inscription: Who killed Atta Mills in the vicinity.

The poor man is reported to have been mobbed by twenty people, unleashing their muscular strength on him, after they caught him pasting the said posters on one of the walls at Akwatia Line.



Eight police vehicles stormed the area and whisked the embattled man away into police custody and restored order to Akwatia Line, following a distress call to the Zongo police station.

The acting Divisional Commander of Manhyia Police, Rev. Dr. Supt Samuel Andane Nyamekye, who confirmed the story to The Chronicle, declined to comment further on the issue.

According to him, the case is under investigation and until it's over, the police cannot utter a word about it.
17.10.2016 LISTEN



From Issah Alhassan & Richard Owusu-Akyaw, Kumasi.

COMMUTERS WHO patronize the state-run Metro Mass Transit Buses were left frustrated on Saturday, after failing to secure transport to their various destinations.

The MMT yard at Abrepo Junction in Kumasi, was virtually empty after the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) seized more than 120 buses (at the last count) to cart supporters from in and around the Ashanti Region.

In an attempt to bolster its support and psychologically prove to their opponents that they were really on the grounds, the ruling party decided to bus artificial supporters from far and near in the Ashanti Region to the Jubilee Park, where they officially launched the Ashanti Regional Campaign and the ambitious 1.5 million Votes target.

When The Chronicle visited the venue, 120 of the buses were counted but there were others trooping in with supporters of the party.

The conduct of the party resulted in seething anger amongst travelers, who patronized the MMT as means of transport.

Passengers from places such as Techiman, Tamale, Bolga, Ayanfuri and Sunyani amongst other places had to pass the night in Kumasi or were compelled to find alternative means of transport to ferry them to their destinations, amidst anger and frustrations.

Even some of the staff and drivers of the MMT were not happy with the decision to hand virtually all the buses to the NDC for their campaign activities, as many of them were heard complaining bitterly.

At the Asem School Park, where the buses were parked, awaiting the return of supporters, some drivers of the buses (clearly identified in their staff uniform) were heard on the phone, talking to their colleagues and complaining that all the buses had been ceased by the NDC.

Former Ambassador to the United States of America (USA) Daniel Ohene Agyekum, assuming the title of a Prophet at the launch of the regional NDC campaign, predicted that President John Mahama would soon be crowned the president of Ghana.

Prophet Daniel urged NDC members to redouble their efforts and work hard. He also advised them to avoid complacency because the battle ahead is not easy.

Vice President Amissah Arthur launched the Ashanti regional campaign of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) with a call on the people of Ashanti region to vote for President John Dramani Mahama.

He mentioned provision of hospitals, markets, roads and other infrastructure rolled out by the government, adding that Mr. Mahama and the NDC need another four years to develop Ghana.

The deputy General Secretary of NDC, Mr. Koku Anyidoho, chastised Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the former deputy governor of Bank of Ghana for spewing lies about the Ghanaian economy. Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, the Member of Parliament for Asawase, who largely spoke in the Hausa dialect, urged NDC members to vote for John Mahama and remain vigilant during the polls.

He urged them to remain at the collation centres even if they have lost the parliamentary seat and make sure the right figures are registered.

Equating Ghana's elections to Nigeria, the Managing Director of the State Housing Company, Mr. Samuel Sarpong told the gathering that Ghana's economy risks a recession should the NPP be voted to power.

The Nhyiaeso NDC parliamentary aspirant urged Ghanaians to take a cue from Nigeria, where Nigerians cried for change and brought in President Mahamadu Buhari, only for things to fall apart in the West African nation.




Koutoukale (Niger) (AFP) - Armed forces in Niger repelled a pre-dawn attack Monday on a top security prison where "terrorists" are being held, the interior minister said.

The attack, which took place around 4:00 am (0300 GMT), saw gunmen attacking a prison in Koutoukale, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of the capital Niamey, Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum said.

But troops guarding the facility "repelled" the attack, prompting an exchange of fire in which one gunman was killed and two guards were injured, he said.

"There are two prison guards wounded and one dead among the enemy," Bazoum said, amending earlier remarks in which he said there were "several dead wearing explosive belts".

Considered to be Niger's most secure prison, the facility holds the country's most dangerous detainees, including jihadists from groups active in the Sahel area and Islamist militants from Nigeria's Boko Haram.

It also holds security prisoners from neighbouring Mali.

The attack took place just hours after officials confirmed that a US aid worker had been kidnapped and taken across the border to Mali, in the first such abduction of an American in this West African country.

Outside the bullet-marked walls of the prison, an AFP correspondent saw the body of one of the attackers, two explosive belts and three charred motorbikes.

"This is proof of the terrorist nature of the operation," an interior ministry statement said.

"An unknown number (of gunmen) who were heavily armed... fled and our forces are searching for them."

Speaking to AFP, a source in the security services said the gunmen had been spotted by troops guarding the facility, prompting an exchange of fire.

"They were unable to get near the jail because a gunfight broke out with soldiers who are guarding it," the source said.

The prison is located in a bushy area which is linked to the country's main highway by a dirt track which runs for several kilometres and has been left deliberately unpaved to make access difficult.

Initial reports said the attackers arrived on motorbikes but failed to get into the facility.

On the run

Outside the prison, the body of the attacker was clothed in a grey robe and a turban. Around his waist was an undetonated explosive belt.

Another explosive belt was visible on one of the motorbikes.

Speaking to AFP, the security source said troops were hunting for several other attackers who had fled the scene, saying the number involved in the attack "remains unknown."

Security was considerably stepped up at checkpoints leading into Niamey, an AFP correspondent said.

Attacks on prisons are common in this arid west African nation, which is one of the world's poorest countries.

In October 2014, gunmen attacked a jail at Ouallam, 100 kilometres north of Niamey, freeing several prisoners.

In June 2013, another armed group stormed a civilian prison in the capital, killing two warders and freeing 22 "terrorist" prisoners, among them Boko Haram fighters.

They also freed a high-profile Malian criminal convicted of killing four Saudi Arabian nationals, and the murder of an American in Niamey in 2000.
A pilot for Air Djibouti, which is managed by the aviation services provider Cardiff Aviation, is now on a mission to become the first African pilot in history to fly around the world solo.

Ademilola Lola Odujinrin embarked on the second leg of his historic journey in a Cirrus aircraft from North Weald airfield on 14 October. Having already completed a transatlantic crossing from Washington, D.C. in the light single-propeller aircraft, the Nigerian aviator is now heading to Malta.

He will then head on to Djibouti, where he flies as a commercial pilot for the national flag carrier. From there, Odujinrin will continue around the rest of the world, through India and Australia, and intends to set a further aviation milestone with the fastest US coast-to-coast flight in a single-prop aircraft.

The flight is part of Project Transcend, a foundation which aims to inspire young people to achieve their goals regardless of their personal circumstances, and to never take no for an answer.

Odujinrin says: Fewer than 115 people have completed a solo circumnavigation of the globe by air, and its been my dream since my youth to join them. Air Djibouti CEO Mario Fulgoni and Cardiff Aviation Chairman Bruce Dickinson share my love for flying and have been hugely supportive in helping me realise a lifetime ambition. I hope to set a world first and inspire a generation of people in Africa and beyond.

He then adds: I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Chairman of Air Djibouti, for being my main sponsor in this exciting adventure. Air travel in Africa is growing fast and set to explode in the coming years with the implementation of the African open sky policy. As an employee of Air Djibouti, it will be an honour and a privilege to play a role in this exciting growth ahead.

The history-making aviator was waved off from the Essex airfield by Dickinson, Fulgoni and Hadi, who is also the Chairman of Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority, which owns Air Djibouti.

Odujinrin currently has over 4,000 hours logged as a commercial Boeing 737 pilot, having earned his commercial pilots licence six years ago. As a pilot for Cardiff Aviation, he is part of the companys airline-in-a-box proposition, which enables countries and companies to set up EASA-class airlines with minimal risk.

Through this initiative, Air Djibouti and Cardiff Aviation aim to inspire a new generation of young pilots in Africa. As Africa continues to transform and develop, a thriving and open aviation industry is key to achieving more intra-African trade and sustainable economic development.
Some outraged customers of DKM Microfinance Limited have threatened to go to court over the amounts of money given them.

Some of the customers said they have been given paltry sums not close to what they invested in the company.

"We are going back to the court to fight this matter, take DKM assets, confiscate them by court order and sell them for the rest of our money," Leader of the Concerned Customers of DKM and Other Microfinance Companies, Maxwell Mahama told Joy News.

Background

Following the Bank of Ghanas move in 2015 to stop the company and others from operating over concerns that there were violating the microfinance regulations, millions of cash deposited by the customers at DKM, God is love among other micro-finance companies were locked up.

Read also: 385 microfinance companies make BoGs list of non-bank financial institutions in good standing

DKM was alleged to have invested about GH77 million of its customers deposits in its subsidiary companies  DKM Airlines Company, DKM Fuel Station, DKM Transport, DKM Shea Butter Company and DKM Mining Company, among others.

Weeks after depositors lost their monies to DKM and the other companies, President John Mahama ordered the freezing of accounts of the owners as well as the auction of properties to pay the debts owed the customers.

Related: President Mahama intervenes for DKM customers

Several demonstrations and other attempts by the customers to retrieve their money failed.

The Registrar-Generals Department under the Ministry of Justice was engaged by the BoG to handle the liquidation processes of DKM.

Sharing of money

Upon completion of the liquidation, the official liquidator began paying the monies of some 350 customers on Monday, October 17.

Joy News' Precious Semevoh reported that some of the aggrieved customers arrived as early as 4:30am at the GCB Bank in Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region.

But some left the venue outraged because they were reportedly given smaller amounts than what they invested.

According to Maxwell Mahama, out of 93,000 affected customers, less than 40,000 customers are being paid.

"So if you deposited GhE100.00 or GhE200.00 you will be paid all the amount, whereas if you invested GhE3000.00, GhE4000.00 you will not be paid all...what can of analysis is this," the furious leader quizzed.

Another angry customer who described the money given them as an insult said he invested GhE45,000 but it had been indicated that he is to receive GhE3500.00.

Reports say the situation is similar at Techiman as customers who have lined up at the GCB Bank limited fume over money given them.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | AA
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and four other organisations have signed an agreement under an initiative to provide life micro-insurance for fisher folk within the fishing communities in the country.

The agreement forms part of commitments to transform and develop Ghana's Fisheries and Agricultural sector while supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for poverty and hunger reduction.

In the letter of agreement signed by the representatives of various partners, each partner's role and responsibilities were spelt out in the micro-insurance initiative, which involved a savings-linked life micro insurance product with a permanent disability embedded.

The initiative was expected to significantly benefit the livelihoods of about 135,000 individuals in the fishing community comprising, 71,000 inland fisher folk and 27,000 women involved in fish processing and marketing.

USAID, under its Ghana Fisheries Management Project (SFMP), is implementing the initiative in partnership with Millennium Insurance, UT Life, Vodafone Ghana and BIMA.

BIMA, a world leading micro-insurance and health services provider, would support with the distribution and policy administration of the product while Millennium Insurance and UT Life Insurance would underwrite it and the SMFP would support education and sensitisation of fisher folk on the insurance initiatives and also make available its local partners to support the registration efforts.

Vodafone Ghana would support the partnership by deploring its mobile money platforms for premium collections and claim payment.

At the signing ceremony in Accra, Dr Brian Crawford, Chief Party of SFMP said his organisation was facilitating the micro-insurance initiative for the fisher folks based upon a request from the fishers at various platforms for such an initiative to improve their lots, especially during closed fishing seasons, a period where fishermen are banned from fishing and disturbing the sea to enable restock of fish.

He said the agreement was a private sector led initiative to complement Government adopted a fishery policy which also has an aspect of micro insurance for fishers.

Dr Crawford explained that there were more than 200, 000 people directly employed in the fishing industry but 2.2 million people depended on fishing as a way of life and as livelihoods and that the insurance package could serve as social benefits to them.

Ms Mary Dove, General Manager in charge of Operations at Millennium Insurance said anybody whose livelihoods depended on the sea qualified to be part of the programme.

She explained that it was a savings link policy with death and personal accident benefits- which means that part of the contributions paid goes to a savings fund and the other is used for the insurance product itself.

The fisher folk select either a term of three or five years cover after which one can withdraw the money and then continue contributing. The policy packages include a permanents total disability, income support benefits, and maturity benefits, she said.

The insurance policy would also offer the policy holder a once a year opportunity to withdraw up to 30 per cent of total annual contribution, which could be used as a pay out during any potential closed season.

Ms Yolanda Zoleka Cuba Chief Executive Officer at Vodafone Ghana Limited said Vodafone has more than 80 per cent coverage and still working to expand to the rest of the country so they could cover everybody everywhere.

For us it is an important milestone as this is not only a business transaction but it's a social impact initiative and part of our core strategy around inclusion, We should make sure we leave no one digitally behind, Ms Cuba said.

Mr Kwaku Yeboah-Asuamah Managing Director of UT Life Insurance said the agreement was a good thing that would allow fishers to redraw money during lean seasons and would contribute to their quality of life by increasing their economic and social security benefits.

Source: GNA


By Maxwell Ofori, Parliament House

[email protected]

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR) has exceeded its initial budget amount of about US$196,000 on activities relating to the drafting of Bills to about 317 per cent.

The Bills, Land Bill and Land Use and Planning Bill were to cost the ministry some US$196,000 in drafting, but increased to US$816,883.

A report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament on the performance audit report of the Auditor-General (A-G), Phase One of the Land Administration Project (LAP-1), let the cat out of the basket.

The Chairman of the PAC, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, moved the motion for the House to adopt the report of the committee (PAC) on the Performance Audit Report of the A-G on Phase One of the LAP-1.

In the report, the committee observed that despite the fact that MLNR could not ensure the passage and implementation of the two bills, after spending the colossal amount of money, the Ministry defended the increase as being a result of elaborate consultations in the course of the drafting of the bills.

Officials of the Ministry explained that the budget figure of US$196,000 increased to US$816,883, as a result of elaborate consultations and processes that had to be followed in the course of the drafting of the bills, the report said.

Also the Ministry had to engage the services of a legal expert, and international and local consultants for the project, which ballooned the budget.

The committee, chaired by Kwaku Agyeman Manu, said it was not pleased with the level of commitment the MLNR attached to ensuring that the two bills were presented to Cabinet for approval, and to Parliament for consideration and passage.

However, the committee recommended in its report that the MLNR should collaborate with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation to ensure that the draft Land Use and Planning Bill is submitted to Cabinet for approval, and Parliament for consideration and passage, as early as possible.

As a matter of urgency, come up with clearly defined procedures (with timelines) to complete the drafting of the Land Bill, and also put measures in place to ensure that the Bill is presented to Parliament within the shortest possible time, it stated.

The performance audit report of the AG on Phase One of the Land administration Project (LAP-1) was laid in Parliament on Wednesday, 20th November, 2013, in fulfilment of article 187(2) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.

Phase one of the Land Administration Project (LAP-1) was initiated by the MLNR in the year 2003. It is part of the long-term (15 to 25 years) Land Administration Programme intended to implement policy actions recommended by the National Land Policy (NLP, 1999) to deal with challenges in the land sector, such as inadequate policy and legal framework, fragmented institutional arrangements and weak institutional capacity on the part of land sector agencies, among others.

As part of the efforts to deal with the challenges, the Government of Ghana, and various developmental partners, approved an amount of US$55.05 million for the MLNR for the implementation of LAP-1, from year 2003 to year 2008.

Meanwhile, the audit focused on activities carried out by MLNR in the harmonisation of land policies, institutional reforms and implementation of key land administration pilot projects in Ghana, from the year 2003 to 2011.

However, the audit was carried out from August 2011 to April 2013.
Accra. 17th October, 2016. The Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting to assess and discuss the sustenance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICAs Financial Management Improvement Project being implemented at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has taken place in Accra.

Since 2010, JICA has been supporting the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to enhance its fixed asset management system being the first Ministry to deploy the Ghana Integrated Financial Management and Information System (GIFMIS) on a pilot basis. The main objective of the Financial Management Improvement Project is to help safeguard and ensure the efficient use of government resources and assets at the Ministry.

According to Ing. Joseph Boamah, Chief Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, who also doubles as the Project Director, The Project has helped regularize some of financial management practices at the Ministry and introduced a lot of efficiency. We are grateful to the Japanese Government and to our Government for the support rendered to MoFA. We have been empowered as pioneers and are willing to share our success story with other Ministries and government agencies.

The JCC meeting also deliberated on how other Ministries and government agencies could adopt and replicate some of the good practices achieved under the Project. Through the Project, the Accounting Guidebook of MoFA was developed to standardize the procedures of accounting and asset management, in line with the Public Financial Management reforms of the Government of Ghana.

Mr Norihito Yonebayashi, A Senior Representative at JICA commended the Ministry for its exemplary commitment to the Project and encouraged other government agencies to emulate the good practices exhibited by the Ministry. He noted that the Japanese Government is always willing to assist Ghana achieve its developmental goals.

Although the Project is ending this month, it is expected that MoFAs good practices will be rolled out by the Controller and Accountant Generals Department to be replicated by other government agencies so as to improve asset management cycle utilizing GIFMIS and to ensure the accountability and transparency in the efficient use and the safeguarding of government assets.
The Writer

17.10.2016 LISTEN

I just finished reading the articles on the strange happenings at the Aso Rock  the Nigerian seat of power written by two of our great columnists Rueben Abati and Femi Fani-Kayode and I felt I should add this to what they have shared. The two were in the recent past presidential spokespersons and have worked and lived in the villa, so I respect the accounts of their experiences. They meticulously mentioned names and circumstances to convince their readers.

They both pointed to some personal experiences and things that happened to their colleagues and others while working there. These include strange and terminal sicknesses, sudden deaths and other mysterious misfortunes to them and their relations. I also remember Fani-Kayode had said something about sacrificing lives through plane crashes or something like that recently.

Now, what we want to do here is to elaborate a bit further on what could be the cause(s) of these terrible curses emitting from that place and the possible solution. If you read the two write-ups you would agree with me that they like reporters narrated their experiences, said things as they observed without going deeper into the possible causes and maybe how to remedy the situation.

First of all, to try to understand what is happening there, you must ask these questions: what is the foundation of the place? Who built the structures? What kind of sacrifice was made and still being made at the place? Who are those that visit or work in the place? And who are the opponents, forces against the occupant of the seat?? When you put all these answers together then, you will come to the conclusion that is normal for the place to be having a high-level spiritual conflagration that with be emitting those terrible curses these men have enumerated. Or how do you think the devils will be gathering and there wont be such demonic emissions? Is it possible! The place is spiritually overheated and there must be toxics, releases and reactions.

These write-ups reminded me of my contribution Nigeria: Rumbling in the Spirit in 2010, about the plans to poison then President. It was published by Guardian, Sunday, 7th Nov, 2010 (page 58) and because of the seriousness of the revelation was repeated under a different caption Why the king Must Depend on God on Sunday, 27th Feb, 2011. The action and reactions of this was also well capture in my book Power of Midnight Prayer by Gabriel Agbo (Pages 162-170, amazon.com, 2012).

There is truly constant spiritual, diabolical plans against those in authority and where they seat. As I read the account of Rueben Abati this my little contribution came to my mind (and thank God I personally sent him a copy of the book while still in that villa). I believe that it was prayer that saved Jonathan that period. In fact, the cloud was so thick that some interests called me and demanded that I should not continue with the revelation. My God! They wanted the man out by all means. Do you now know why the man and his wife did not wait for the final whistle before running away from the place? Dont laugh.

Now back to the point, first, we must investigate the foundation of the place. There could be terrible sacrifices made at the foundation. We know that some of our so-called political, traditional and business leaders are neck-deep into occultism. They practically serve Satan.

They involve in various abominable, dangerous and constant satanic sacrifices to obtain and retain their positions, influence and wealth. It is some of these demonic rituals (that most times involve burying live animals, objects and even humans) that can emit these kinds of powerful spiritual reactions.

Some of these people of power deliberately offer their children, wives, relations, workers and other innocent people to demonic powers to grab and keep their positions. Is it still news that most of them belong to both local and international occult groups. In fact, they cannot allow you to come up or get patronage if you dont belong.

There was a time you never got any position or contract if you didnt belong to the Ogboni secret cult. True. So, why wont strange things happen to and around them? Now, were you not here when our two top most leaders were accusing themselves of such high level occultism? The boss first accused the deputy of bringing powerful native doctors into the villa (this same villa!) and the deputy responded by telling us that his boss is dirtier because he is involved in some of the most dangerous secret societies in the world.

So, where were all those dangerous sacrifices made and why wont terrible curses, sickness, deaths, misfortunes, etc, emit from there? Tell me. But these problems are not perculiar to Nigeria. It is a global issue. Please, we will continue.

Rev Agbo is the author of the book Power of Midnight Prayer. Website: www.authorsden.com/pastorgabrielnagbo E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 08037113283
President John Mahama has begun a six-day campaign tour of the Volta Region to outline his party's vision and promises to the electorate in the Region for a renewal of his mandate.

Contrary to the threats of demonstration against the president by some residents, Joy News' Volta Region correspondent Ivy Setordzie reports the president was given a hearty welcome by residents.

The Chiefs and people of the Kpando Municipality turned up in their numbers to welcome the president to a region that is described as the 'world bank' of the governing National Democratic Congress.

While in the Volta Region, the president is expected to inaugurate the Kpando Water system which will supply over 1.5 million gallons a day, up from the 130,000 gallons a day it provided in the past to residents.

He is also expected to commission one of the Community Day Senior High Schools at Kwamekrom in the Volta Region later today.

Torgbui Akom VIII Fiaga of Gbefi Traditional area said the presence of the president has lifted the spirit of the people living in the Municipality.

He applauded the president for redeeming his promise to rehabilitate the Kpando Torkor road, stating, his people have "benefitted a lot" under the Mahama government.

He was, however, quick to mention some projects which have stalled under theMahama regime and which he wants completed.

He decried what he says is the failure by the government to work on the many town roads in Torkor.

According to him, the town roads awarded to a contractor had been abandoned for nearly three years with no clear indication when it work will be completed.

He also mentioned the construction of a bridge over river Aplado which he said was advertised over three years ago and nothing has been done about it.

He would wish the president intervened to get the bridge constructed.

On elections 2016, Torgbui Akom VIII, Fiaga said the Kpando Municipality is committed to a peaceful election in December.

"We need a humble and honest leader who will inspire the citizenry and instill in them the values of hard work, discipline, ambition, honesty, altruism, independence, tolerance and above all respect for one another and the love for Ghana," he said.

President John Mahama assured residents of the Volta Region oft his government's commitment and continued support for development projects in the region.

He described as wicked propaganda claims that the NDC has abandoned the Volta Region.

He said by the time the government completes all water project in the Volta Region, it will have higher than the national average of water supply.

He said the Region will have almost 80% water coverage when the projects are completed.

"Sometimes, some people say, no work has been done in the Volta Region, and continue to propel that propaganda. It is not based on facts. I know it is done for political reasons. It is a very wicked lie.

"We have invested heavily in the road, water, health and education sectors," the president said.

His six-day tour will take him to Keta, Abor, and Anloga. He is expected to complete the tour on Saturday.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
Accra, Ghana- Access Bank Ghana Limited has demonstrated its support to the development of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in the country as a way of contributing to national growth.

The company recently sponsored the maiden edition of the Regulus CFO Forum aimed at highlighting opportunities for partnerships, strategic insights and business networking among top finance executives in Ghana.

The Head of Corporate Banking at Access Bank Ghana Limited, Mr. Anthony Mensah, said CFOs play key roles in our organizations hence, the need to offer them the necessary support to enhance their performance in delivering.

He further explained that CFOs are the backbones of their organizations, and their hard work support these organizations to pay taxes among other contributions towards national development. And Access Bank Ghana is proud to support such a course.

According to him, Access Bank is an African Bank committed to embrace and support projects that seek to promote national development. At Access Bank, our values play a vital role in our decision making processes. They are the bedrock of our culture and they form the keystone for all we do and accomplish.

The Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Madam Mona Quartey, who was the Special Guest at the launch, expressed her delight in the idea of CFOs in Ghana engaging themselves to improve their work performance, which also impacts national development.

Regulus CFO Forum is the first of its kind as a function focused business professional group in Ghana whose great value cannot be overstated, she added.

She further encouraged other professional groups to emulate the example of Regulus CFO Forum, and challenged participants and members of the forum to continue to stay focused in their activities for the benefit of their various businesses and Ghana.

The President and Founder of the group, Mr. Hitesh Makhija, (a Chief Financial Controller at Olam Ghana Limited), said the forum aims to be the best CFO networking platform in Ghana with a membership of at least 20percent of Ghanas GDP contributing companies across all sectors of the economy.

Regulus CFO Forum is a new series of CFO fora that seek to provide immense value to CFOs in the country through training on business strategies; create mentorship opportunities for new members; create a platform to share best practices; give CFOs advance information on valuable economic trends and activities; and provide high-value, in touch events for its members.

The maiden session was based on the theme: "The CFOs Role in Todays Digital Economy, and participating members included CFOs and Financial Directors (FDs) from PZ Cussons Ghana, Allterrain Services, SBC Beverages (Pepsi Bottlers), Stallion Group and Beiersdorf Ghana Limited.

The rest were Mohinani Group, Japan Motors, Vodafone, Access Bank, Interplast Limited, Expro International Group, Focos Orthopedic Hospital, Right Holdings Limited, Predictive Excellence and Invest Corporation.
The main pillars of acceptable journalistic practice are to educate, inform and entertain. Lies, vilification and conjectures have no place in real ethical journalism. But strangely, some practitioners of this noble profession, for obvious selfish reasons, do abandon ethics of the profession, sell their consciences and engage in wicked acts of character assassination. Such character assassins often go after innocent people who refuse to capitulate to their naked acts of extortion and objectionable blackmailing antics.

Neutrality against impartiality

To be neutral, is to be objective and fair in ones analysis of issues and judgments on matters. Often-times, media practitioners have applied this principle of neutrality, either erroneously or completely misconstrued the real context in which it has to be used. Some media practitioners often claim to be neutral when in actual fact, the real objective of what they do is heavily laden with hate, malice and avarice.

Neutrality therefore is completely different from impartiality. When an individuals actions are motivated by sincerity which is completely devoid of malice and subtle biasness, then, the person can be said to be neutral. So, if a journalist makes it an agenda to go after an individual and relentlessly attack his/her person for no just cause, then, such an agenda becomes evil and therefore have absolutely nothing to do with neutrality.

Impartiality, on the other-hand, does not mean one cannot be critical but the criticism must be fair, based on empirical facts, devoid of malice and with clear intension/objective to advancing public good. A journalist who claim to be neutral but whatever he does in his course of duty is heavily dictated by hatred and malice with an expressed-purpose of advancing the cause of his/her benefactor[s],then he/she is rather neutral but definitely not impartial.

Real work of impartiality that seeks to open the debate and properly educate Ghanaians about the need to know the state of health of prospective presidential office seekers, would have covered all those currently in the race and not targeted at just an individual; and this is where the real intension behind such publications by Africawatch cannot pass the IMPARTIALITY TEST.

The First Episode

I took my time to analyze the so-called medical records of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as published by Africawatch magazine in its September, 2016 edition, in my capacity as a professional Medical Radiography Technician, and here are my observations/conclusions:

1. "He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June 2013 with an abnormally high Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) count of 89.9 when, according to his British doctors, his normal upper limit of PSA should have been 3.72, a whole 86.18 points in the danger zone".

My observations/conclusions:

i. A PSA count as high as 89.9 would have resulted in a full-blown aggressive cancer which would have then spread to other vital organs of the body, in what is known in medical terminology as "metastasis, and totally incapacitated the victim.

2. "A chest X-ray taken on January 14, 2014 showed him to have acute kidney injury, which kidney experts say is a serious condition that can leave sufferers in considerable pain".

My observation/conclusion

i. Kidneys are not located in the thorax [chest]; they are located in the abdomen so when you want to take a radiograph of the kidneys, it is rather the abdomen which becomes the focal point.

ii. Kidneys are soft tissue organs, unlike bones which are easily visible in ordinary radiographic imaging.

iii. To examine the function of the kidneys by means of radiographic imaging, special dyes are intravenously administered after which images are taken at specified periods to demonstrate how the kidneys are getting rid[secretion] of the dye.

3. "And an examination on January 29, 2014 indicated that the NPP presidential candidates heart is enlarged and there is quite marked coronary artery calcification"

Observation/Conclusion

i. The coronary artery supplies oxygenated blood to the heart. And when they describe something as "calcified", it simply means it has become hardened.

ii. So a hardened coronary artery, as far back as 2014, would have long resulted in asphyxiated-related cardiac accident by now.

But for Nana Addo to be moving about briskly on campaign tours across the country, and often speaking on platforms as late as 3am, is an indication that these diagnosis about his health status are nothing but 'Kweku Ananse' stories which are completely alien in the field of medicine, and must fittingly be thrown into the trash-can with alacritous alacrity.

The Second Episode

In its latest edition for the month of October, 2016, the Africawatch magazine, again, dedicated substantial volume of pages to responding to holes Nana Addo punched in earlier groundless claims made about his health. It is stated in the third paragraph of this latest publication that From Akufo-Addo medical records that we obtained, it is obvious that he has an acute kidney injury as well as an enlarged heart.

Acute and chronic conditions

Now, the operative word here is ACUTE; and this is used in describing a condition which occurs suddenly, with grievous debilitating effect. Such conditions often incapacitated the sufferers who then require either emergency or intensive care. On the other-hand, when a condition is described as CHRONIC, then the sufferers often must have had it over a long period and therefore managing it with medication.

But as we speak, Nana Addo is briskly traversing the length and breadth of Ghana, selling his message of hope and educating Ghanaians how they deserve a better leadership than what they are currently having.at no point has he exhibited any sign of distress which are related to kidney malefaction.

Firstly, the kidney is a soft tissue internal organ; and in the field of medical terminology, an injury is said to have occurred when there is a heavy sudden impact to the anatomical region of the body where the said organ is located, as a result of accident. But to the knowledge of all Ghanaians, Nana Addo has not been involved in any accident which would have resulted in injury to the kidney.

Secondly, kidneys come in pairs but the Africawatch report failed to indicate whether the injury is to the left or right kidney. Furthermore, the report should have indicated if the so-called kidney injury was bi-lateral, which means both organs being affected. This therefore makes the said medical records Africawatch claim to have obtained, completely fictitious.

Thirdly, function of kidneys is extraction of impurities/toxins from the blood and passing it as urine so when a persons kidneys are so damaged as being claimed by Africawatch, he/she cannot take in water and other fluids since this increases water content of the body and therefore hormones are sent to the kidneys to get rid of this excess fluids/water. But when the kidneys are non-functional, these fluids are retained in the blood which then enter the body tissues and causes a condition called oedema.

This Odematous condition is what results in swelling of the feet, face etc. The persons eating habits will also be strictly regulated and be made not to eat so many things. But I travel with Nana Addo on most of his campaign trips; he always eats with us at the same dining table and he eats anything that is served to us. He also takes water regularly and this definitely does not portray the typical behavior of someone with a so-called acute kidney injury.

And most importantly, a highly specialized health facility as one being named as where Nana Addo goes for treatment, conditions affecting the kidneys would have been coined in the proper medical jargon as RENAL CONDITION, affecting either one or both[bilateral] kidneys. No medical practitioner, worth his/her salt, and practicing at this high level of the profession, will say acute kidney injury and leave it hanging, without stating the cause, extent of this so-called injury, the period over which it has existed and medication being administered.

Furthermore, considering the location of kidneys in the human body, which is the intra-posterior abdominal wall, a person with a condition of kidney injury [ACUTE RENAL LEISON] will be in constant severe pain and this will result in him not being able to actually stand straight on his feet. But as we have all been witnesses to; Nana Addo goes on campaign tours and he is on his feet, for hours, and through massive crowds, when those of us claiming to be relatively youthful, are completely exhausted.

As an Aide to Nana Addo, I do travel with him on campaign tours across the country, and he drinks and eats anything as and when he feels. Nana Addo is not restricted, in anyway, about the quantity of water he takes, as would have been in the case of a person with serious kidney malfunction, since the secretion process would be serious impaired, overloaded, overtasked and therefore posed serious health risk.

Enlarged heart

Also in the third paragraph, is the assertion that Nana Addo has an enlarged heart. Technically, the heart is the engine of the human-body.it is the powerhouse where de-oxygenated blood is collected through the network of veins, oxygenated and then pumped every part of the body through the network of arteries.an enlarged heart will therefore result in the weakening of the cardiac muscles and therefore not be efficient in performing this arduous task.

This condition will therefore result in the patient being restricted in his physical activities because intense physical activities requires more amount of oxygen to execute, which in turn will exert enormous pressure on the heart. And here too, no further details were provided as to the cause of this s-called enlargement. Here too, it is pretty obvious that claims being made by Africawatch do not support the level of daily activities of Nana Addo, and therefore are totally groundless. Indeed, had Nana Addo been suffering from the so-called enlarged heart the magazine is claiming, there is absolutely no way he would have had the capacity to withstand both the rigors and long hours of campaign schedule he has been undertaking.

Personal friendship

The editor of Africawatch also recounted his close association with Nana Addo, and how he has made financial contributions towards NPP campaign efforts in the past. That is a good move, but, as humans, our preferences, desires and interests do change over time, due to all kinds of reasons and external influences. And here, I will not be in the position to put my finger on exactly what must have necessitated the split between Nana Addo and the editor. However, if the said split was indeed amicable and not occasioned by any rancor,then,it really beats my imagination as to why this sudden blitz of attacks on the Nana Addos person.

Playing hide and seek

Here the editor engaged in conjecture overdrive about Nana Addo sneaking out of Ghana for a medical check-up in Britain; and this is where it becomes evidently clear that the formers claim of neutrality is extremely questionable, because, the sitting-president, John Mahama, equally goes for routine medical checks and for the sake of neutrality, why are we not being provided with information on that, since cost of that is actually catered for by Ghanaian taxpayers? Or is the editor telling us that the sitting-president is super-human who never falls sick or does not have a medical condition which demands periodic attention?

President Atta-Mills example

The publication stated that Akufo-Addo cancer story is extremely important and necessary to enable an open national discourse regarding the personal health of anyone running for such an important and powerful office as the presidency of Ghana.

The country has been through this before, when President John Atta Mills was impaired by serious illness while in office, and how that was kept secret until his sudden death while still in power, leaving the country in a very vulnerable state during the transition period.

Now, how can open discussion be centered on only one of many contestants for the office, if the motive is not malicious? Again, President Atta-Mills health concerns were kept from Ghanaian taxpayers who were paying for the bills,eventhough signs/symptoms of rapid degeneration of his health were so clearly written all over him. It actually got to a point where the man was kept from public view by his handlers but they still insisted he was fit to carry on with the race.

A person who was described as fit as a fiddle, unceremoniously dropped dead behind his desk at the seat of government, and as we speak, questions surrounding his mysterious demise still remain unanswered. This mystery is what I believe must be our immediate concern in unravelling, in order to put right measures in place to prevent a future occurrence. But rather strangely, such critical questions have rather been left to fallow, while Nana Addo who is busily traversing the nook-and-cranny of Ghana, peaching his message of GOOD HOPE, has rather become a target of groundless smear campaign.

Unethical journalism

The first publication which has turned out to be full of what is will fittingly term as a bundle of unfounded medical hieracies, was focused on the person of Nana Addo. But rather unethically, the latest response by Africawatch has drawn Nana Addos junior brother, Edward Bumpty Akufo-Addo, into the fray. Meanwhile, in the thinking of the editor of the Magazine, Nana Addo is seeking political office and therefore can be subjected to public scrutiny.

So, going by the logic of Africawatch, what is the moral justification in drawing Bumpty, apolitical private citizen into this whole bottomless pit of groundless vilification episodes?

Deliberately contorted image

The picture of Nana Addo which accompanied the first story about his alleged medical records, published front cover of September,2016 edition of the magazine, according to my checks, does not exist, in the nature it was portrayed, since at no time, has the skin coloration of the mans face ever been spotted with black pigmentation. The said picture was therefore deliberately contorted, color-wise, just to fit into that equally contorted story with an expressed-purpose of unwarrantedly exposing Nana Addo to public ridicule.

A journalist who purports to be neutral has the responsibility to, at all times, present issues dispassionately, and rather leave the decision with his readers to make. And as I have stated above, a serious journalist must be able to differentiate neutrality from impartiality. Neutrality will make you fixated on a particular persons health status, and totally forget about that of his competitors in the same race. On the other-hand, impartiality will make you focus on the health statuses of all competitors in a given competition, completely devoid of malice, with the sole motive of public good in service to God and humanity.

Signs and symptoms

In medical diagnosis and healthcare delivery, a patient who walks into a health facility is first assessed, medical history taken and vital signs/symptoms taken. During this stage of healthcare delivery, the doctor or an allied healthcare officer will be able to build a good picture as to what might the condition be. When this assessment has been completed, then, what is known as signs and symptoms can be established. These signs and symptoms simply give good indication of what exactly the underlying causes of the patients condition might be.

So for example, someone with a condition of acute kidney injury, will surely not be able to walk unaided, will not be able to sit or stand upright and will show visibly oedematous face and limbs. This patient will not be able to eat properly, drink properly and will have serious difficulty getting rid of toxins from the blood through urination.

But as Aide to Nana Addo, I have the opportunity to always be close to him; and with my background as a medical Radiography Technician, the man eats anything, drinks water at all times, executes his daily campaign and other tight schedules without a hitch; and shows absolutely not a single sign/symptom of acute kidney injury. The man is able to stand on his feet for hours acknowledging cheers on campaign tours, and this is medically at variance with capability of someone with a condition of acute kidney injury.

Similarly, what is being speculated by Africawatch as enlarged heart and prostate cancer simply cannot be grounded in medical diagnosis since there are no signs and symptoms being exhibited by Nana Addo. So to bring this whole issue down to the level of ordinary people with no knowledge in the field of medical diagnostics; I will say: Africawatch is claiming Nana Addo is suffering from Acute Malaria, rather but strangely, he is going about his normal duties without exhibiting a rise in body temperature, he is not having headaches, he is not having loss of appetite, he is not having general body pains etc., which are basic signs/symptoms of the disease.

The publication therefore cannot be grounded in medical diagnosis. Asuch, it is nothing but a caboodle of dream-up conjectures with an expressed purpose of creating public disaffection for Nana Addo, and must fittingly be treated with utmost contemptuously contemptuous contempt.

Justice Abeeku Newton-Offei

[A Medical Radiology Technician]

Aide to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
17.10.2016 LISTEN

Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has reiterated calls for the restoration of the teacher trainee allowances. According to the National President of GNAT Philippa Larsen, the restoration of the trainee allowances will not only help the brilliant students who are financially handicapped but also encourage other prospective students.

There are a lot of students who depend on this allowance to see to go through training and cancelation means these trainees will have to either drop out or struggle throughout. It is not easy going through training without help, we have students who primarily opted to go through teacher training because they know there is something to rely in the GNAT president laments.

Government this year, had announced the withdrawal of both teacher trainee and trainee Nurses allowances, prompting agitations and subsequent demonstration by the trainees. Although government justified the withdrawal saying the intention is to increase enrolment, but that explanation did not go down well with the trainees. President John Dramani Mahama later reversed the ban on the trainee nurses allowances.

But speaking to Bright Kwesi Asempa, host of Onua Fms morning show Ye Sempa GNAT National President called on the President John Dramani Mahama to consider restoring the teacher trainee allowances. According to Philippa Larsen, the effects of that withdrawal will be felt in the long term, it may not be now but in the future. I am saying if what will motivate people to go into teaching is not there, how do you want others to go to training college, the zeal will not be there and that is our worry

The GNAT President Philippa Larsen posited that the country now needs a national education policy which should be in the National Development Agenda, such that every successive government will follow, adding that if teacher trainee allowance were to be a national policy, no government can willfully scrap it without consultations.
Cement manufacturing giant, Dangote says it is repositioning to be the leading supplier not only in Ghana but Africa as a whole.

This is after initiating the process to increase its installed annual capacity of 44 million tonnes to 77 million by 2023.

In Ghana, the company has already secured the necessary permits and land to construct a $100 million manufacturing plant.

The cement facility located in Sekondi-Takoradi has a production capacity of 1.5 million tonnes.

The company, headquartered in Nigeria has also re-affirmed its commitment to high quality and lower priced products.

The Plant Director at the Ibese Cement Plant in Nigeria, Armando Martinez Gayegos spoke with JOY BUSINESS.

"The same quality of the product we have in the local [Nigerian] market is the same we have for Ghana as we have a very stringent standard.

"We use the Nigerian standard is as stringent as the European Standard...so we produce for Ghana 42.5 megapascal compressive strength and this is the highest quality you can find in the market," he said.

Mr Martinez Gayegos says if one buys from Dangote, they are buying the best since the best technology is being used to control the quality in the cement plant.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | Kuuku Abban | Joy Business
17.10.2016 LISTEN

Nana Oye-Lithur, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection has appealed to fetish priests and priestesses to use their influence as spiritual leaders to advocate against child marriage.

Nana Oye Lithur said tradition and culture had been identified as one of the major drivers of child marriage because of some beliefs and practices that condoned child marriage.

She expressed worry that most incidents of child marriage resulted in the termination or delay of education, especially for girls, verbal and physical abuse, health complications and poverty.

The Minister said this in Accra at an engagement with Ga Fetish Priests and Priestesses on ending child marriage in the country.

The engagement provided opportunity to discuss and assess customs and traditions which condone child marriage and how to eliminate them.

As custodians of the highest power of the Ga land, you have the opportunity to protect the welfare of all your people, especially girls, who are the major victims to child marriage, she added.

She said the engagement was critical because the priests and priestesses play an important role in the communities and were great influence in ending child marriage.

Nana Oye Lithur said it was estimated that one third of girls in developing countries were married before the age of 18 and some before 15 years.

The national prevalence of child marriage in the country has not declined since 2011, remaining stable at 21 per cent as at 2014. For girls living in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions this percentage had increased to 34 per cent.

The Minister explained that child marriage increased illiteracy especially among girls who fell victim to poverty, limited human resource and health risks resulting in serious implications for the growth and development of the country.

To address the issue of child marriage in Ghana, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection under our Domestic Violence Secretariat set up the Ending Child Marriage Coordinating Unit in 2014.

She said with support from UNICEF the Ministry had developed a national strategic framework on ending child marriage in the country, conducted a number of sensitisation and awareness programmes to bring on board stakeholders to join the campaign to end child marriage.

Nana Oye Lithur observed that, some traditions and religions promoted child marriage under the disguise of safeguarding the child against immoral behaviour and avoiding disgrace from teenage pregnancy.

She said another cause of child marriage which was high among traditional households was teenage pregnancy where research showed that Accra recorded more than 10,000 teenage pregnancies.

The fetish priests and priestesses pledged their resolute commitment to speak out against child marriage in the communities to protect their human rights. GNA




17.10.2016 LISTEN



From Sebastian R. Freiku, Kumasi



The Jackson College of Education (JCE), the first Private College of Education running a distance Education programme in Ghana has since its establishment in 2009 produced about 6,171 graduates who have acquired a wide range of transferrable knowledge and skills for the job market.

The College, which is affiliated to the University of Education-Winneba (UEW) with accreditation by the National Accreditation Board (NAB), offers a three year Diploma Programme in Basic Education through Distance Learning at 30 learning centres across the ten regions of the country.

The college, with the objective of making more teachers available in the system rather than have more basic schools without trained teachers, currently has 40 hardworking full-time and 750 part-time staff, 40 centre supervisors and 10 Zonal Co-ordinators on part time basis.

In 2012, the first batch of 178 students graduated while 2,388 students were churned

out in 2013 with a third batch of 1,836 trained teachers forming the 2014 year group of the

institution.

Mrs. Theodosia Jackson, Principal of Jackson College of Education who disclosed this at the fourth congregation of the College said 2,171 students graduated in 2016 to teach in both public and private schools particularly in the rural areas.

According to her, products of the College go through a carefully structured, learner-oriented distance education programme facilitated by interactive modules and weekend face- to -face session with a view of producing competitive graduates for the job market having acquired quality education.

She said the mission of JCE is to assist the youth to acquire hope for brighter future, academic excellence, integrity, life-long learning, respect and stewardship as the core values of the school.

Mrs. Jackson said there are job openings in both public and private sectors and that it was incumbent on the graduates to translate what they acquired into meaningful opportunities and charged the teachers to prove their worth in the job market by showcasing their competitive skills for the world of work.

She mentioned that most of students of the College are gainfully employed in some private schools in all parts of the country and that since the College operates a distance learning module, a good number of the students are already in the working force and are pursuing the programme to advance themselves for promotion in their respective workplaces.

The Principal also indicated that some of the graduates of the College are heads of some basic schools whilst others are pursuing Post-Diploma and Master's Degree programmes.

She further assured that the College is poised to make life meaningful for its graduates by proactively ensuring that graduates of the Jackson College of Education are well placed in various sectors of Ghana.

The College Management is committed to providing opportunities for its students and graduates at all levels, the Principal said.

Principal Jackson announced that by dint of hard work, discipline and commitment, the College had been awarded, the 'African Quality Award' for its unparalleled contribution to distance learning education in Ghana.

Mrs. Jackson noted that quality education was required to help the nation harness the resources

for the benefit of humanity pointing to teachers as the bedrock in the provision of quality pupils.

According to her, the most frustrating moment in a child's educational career is to be in a classroom without a teacher which situation she said affects the development of the full potential of a child thus becoming indispensable assets to the nation hence the need to work towards the objective of ensuring quality education for teachers.

(Pix: Mrs. Theodosia W. Jackson, Principal-JCE)
17.10.2016 LISTEN

By Afedzi Abdullah.

More than 17,000 people in Ghana die annually as a result of exposure to air pollution, with children and women being the most affected victims, Mrs Gina McCarthy, a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, had said.

More numbers of allergies in both adults and children would also be recorded due to the high amounts of hydrochloric acid being released into the atmosphere, she added.

These were stated during a panel discussion on Climate Change and its impacts on public health at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), on Monday.

Mrs McCarthy said air pollution was the largest environmental health risk in the world, as more than seven million people globally died annually from that.

The EPA administrator said poor women and children paid a heavy price from indoor air pollution as they spent more time at home breathing in smoke and soot from leaky coal and wood cook stoves.

She said cleaning up the air could save lives and prevents non-communicable diseases and also reduce disease risks among women and vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly

She, therefore, urged Ghana to take advantage of the efficient technologies available to continue to grow economically in a manner where natural resources would be more effectively protected.

She called on Ghana and other African countries to invest in efficient renewable energy for energy security, promote low-carbon transport for less congestion and pollution and low-input agriculture to boost food security.

Mrs McCarthy said Climate Change strategies must also look at ensuring higher efficiencies in fuel-wood utilisation and how it could contribute to improved health and profit margins of women traders.

She said people must be educated on the devastating effects of climate change and the need to shift to clean technologies that were vital to a stable and successful future.

She said Ghana must learn from the challenges and successes of the US at a time when the country was becoming more urbanised and industrialised.

She also indicated that Ghana could follow some of the legal steps the US had taken in the industry, energy and transportation sectors to reduce carbon emissions.

Dr Frederick AtoArmah, the Head of Department Environmental and Science, UCC, said Africa must stop playing victims of the impact of Climate Change and be more proactive in dealing with the issue because they had in a way contributed to it.

Dr Sabastian Eliason, the Head of Department, Community Medicine of the School of Medical Sciences, UCC, said the impact of Climate Change posed great danger to public health and pragmatic measures were needed to address it.
The Northern regional branch of the New Patriotic Partys intention to deploy "strong men" to police ballot boxes on voting day in the region is worrying, the West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANED) has said.

This is something that must be condemned, said Chukwumeka B. Eze, WANEPs Executive Director, adding that the expressed intentions of the Northern region branch of the largest opposition party is off-the-track.

Bugri Naabu, chairman of the NPP in the region addressing a rally Sunday, 16 October at Savelegu during the campaign launch of the partys parliamentary candidate, Mohammed Abdul Somed Gunu said that the party would unleash 40 strongly built men to every polling station in the region to police ballot boxes on voting day.

This, he said would prevent a repeat of what he described as the naked thievery that characterized the 2008 and 2012 elections perpetrated by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

They [NDC] know how to steal. They stole in 2008 and snatched it from us in 2012. So I beg you my elders what I have for the youth is that this years election if care is not taken they will steal again, stated Mr. Naabu, adding:

So on 7 December get some young and strong men about 40 to guard the box and if the thieves come to snatch away the boxes break their legs.

Don't agree! If they are not afraid of guns and cutlass we are also not afraid, thundered Mr. Naabu in an urging tone.

Reacting to the comments made by Mr. Naabu on Starr Midday News on Starr 103.5FM Monday, Mr. Eze described the comments as disturbing and off-the-track thus the need for a swift response from the security agencies of the state.

There is no need fanning the ember of violence, he said when we can as well go through the electoral process free; fair, transparent and peacefully and ensure that we have a country otherwise we wont even have a place to rule.

He called on the police to be proactive in dealing with issues such as these before it gets out of hand.
17.10.2016 LISTEN

Sometimes, it is difficult and sad writing a piece of this kind which focuses on how elders in society have failed the young ones especially when coming from a youth following the saying afar, the picture is different. There are innocent elders and leaders though but again one bad nut spoils all. There is this popular conception and perception that most unpopular attitudes emanate from the youth obfuscating the bad attitudes of the people the youth look up to. This is evident right from our homes, schools, religious institutions to the public and private institutions and entreprises.

Parents who naturally are elders at homes have one way or the other committed or omitted their roles and responsibilities to themselves and their descendants on spiritual, financial, educational and recreational terms. Again, attitudes such as verbal and physical tussle are put up by elders in the family which are obviously not healthy and not worth emulating. These, unconsciously are imbibed into young ones and if not controlled will continue to exist in society. Emphatically, though parents are expected to be proactive, this is not to suggest that, these things will not happen, but when issues of these kinds emerges, it is expected of parents as leaders of the home, to look for modest, feasible and amicable reactivity to these happenings and lead exemplary lives for the younger generation to follow. But, mostly, this does not happen as there are vast oral and written testimonies as well as observations to show.

Teachers and non-teaching staff of schools are seen as elders of this social institution, who are not just to inculcate academic knowledge in students but to mould them in their social skills. It is an indubitable fact that, schools have tried to push their course, but as to whether the elders of these social institutions are really imparting as they supposed to. This is following the lapses evident through misplaced curricula, inadequate resources in schools, the lack of in-depth knowledge in their subject areas, lack of punctuality to class and school functions, attitudes that are not worth emulating such engaging in sexual relationship with students, laziness in discharge of their duties, spewing unprintable words. All these are evident right from pre-school to higher educational level, yet the youth are always blamed for being intellectually and socially incompetent and are not fit for the world of works after going through ill-structured school by responsible leaders. Meanwhile, elders in schools who are responsible for development of students/youth are undeveloped themselves. This has to be taken care to avoid a future generation of being educated fools from uneducated schools as Curtis Mayfield puts it.

Religious elders cannot be left out as they are responsible for promoting and sustaining morality and religious principles among the youth and society as a whole. The focus of this section is not showing how and who should be in the clergy but when in such positions, the need to be a role model in both speeches and deeds. This, defeats the saying follow the preachers words not deeds as everyone is capable of the former. Followings in the media and experiences have revealed how the clergy is involved in despicable and unprintable acts. Physiologically and anatomically, humans are the same as clergy but these are individuals that have been called to promote morality in society hence attitudes such as engaging in politics, sex and fraud scandals, and other immoral dealings undermine this course and should not be encouraged. These elders the youth are expected to emulate are preaching virtue and practicing vice. Since, we live in a fast growing, complex and interdependent world; the clergy need to find innovative ways to imbibe and sustain religious principle in themselves, the youth and society as a whole as the current situations are not helping.

Leadership and staff of the three arms of government (executive, judiciary and legislature), public and other private corporate and entrepreneurial institutions, though have served and is serving, it has not been to the admiration and expectations of those they are serving especially the youth.

With the executive, the lack of proactivity and political will right from the presidency to the ineffectiveness and inefficiency of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) has been evident through the stagnant socio-economic development of the country. This follows the poor implementation, supervision and sustainability of projects, policies and problems, complex administrative processes, (perceived) corruption, poor attitudes towards works and sheer incompetence in cognitive and social skills.

With the legislature, the flaws come on the back of the partisan nature of it as legislators approve or disapprove proposals, budgets, bills, agreements and other administrative and development issues before them on partisan interests rather than the interests of the citizens they represent to serve and the future generations. Legislators also have this reluctance to pass bills that do not favor them like the Freedom of Information bill and the Assets Declaration bill which has been before them quite some time now for obvious reasons.

Issues regarding the executive and legislature go to affirm the saying that politicians are like Mexican air-conditioners, they make a lot of noise but do not function.

The judiciary cannot be left out as their history of complex bureaucratic processes which make it stern for citizen to come seeking justice and also the habit of unduly delaying suits and cases pending before them and the (perceived) corruption within the arm. This is neither to say that cases should be rushed as justice rushed is justice crushed nor cases should be delayed as justice delayed, is justice denied. These situations should be handled, as negligence of them impede and compromise the dispensation of justice.

The public and some private service providers have their take in their inability to model their work life to the admiration of the youth and society in general as workers from top to down have dwindled in the full discharge of their assigned duties through lackadaisical attitudes towards work such as delays in execution of official duties, lateness, absenteeism, lack of commitment, engaging in unofficial dealings on official hours.

Day by day, there is evidence of chieftaincy disputes, conflicts within and among political parties, verbal tussles among politicians and clergy, bribery and corruption, scandals- from fraud, embezzlement, and misapplication to misappropriation of public funds, criminal cases such as sex and fraud scandals. Ironically, these inauspicious actions are mostly manifest from elders the youth look up to in society.

The focal issue has been how the elders and leaders in homes, schools, religious institutions and public and private institutions and entreprises have failed the youth in their actions and inactions towards cultural, social, political and economic development and sustainability. These and other issues have been undesirable and not met the expectation of the youth and society in general and should be discarded with the disdain it deserves.

From the foregoing discussions, though society has overlooked them and is blaming the youth for indulging in all sorts of vices, most youth through their bootstraps have acquired knowledge and skills yet are not appreciated in various aspects of life which is evident in the unemployment rate and the lack of financial support to start up an entreprises, for the reasons that, they are inept and inexperience. The question is, does this duo come from a vacuum? The youth are todays leaders but not future leaders (President John Dramani Mahama, 2012) and also the countrys future and should be treated as such.

Todays youth must make efforts to filter the undesirable actions and inactions of the people they look up to in society and discard the residue and build on the filtrate that is worth emulating. As such, elders and the youth in society are expected to be predominantly serious, discipline and hardworking and build attitudes that are healthy towards sustainable development so that todays youth can be proud of themselves in future whiles tomorrows youth can be proud of their predecessors.
President John Dramani Mahama on Monday inaugurated a water treatment plant in Kpando in the Volta Region.

The 6,720 cubic meter per day facility is expected to improve access to potable water in the Kpando Municipality.

Funded by the World Bank and Nordic Development Fund, the project saw the rehabilitation and expansion of the water treatment plant in Kpando Todzi.

The water supply system is expected to serve a projected population of about 42,000 people by 2025.

The beneficiary communities include kpando, Sovie, Anfoega, Nkonya, Aveme, Gbefi, Dzigbe and other surrounding communities.

Addressing chiefs and people of Kpando as part of his four-day tour of the region, the President said the project would go a long way to alleviate the challenges the people face in accessing safe drinking water.

He said the project valued at a cost of US$12,729,5 started in February 2011 and was completed in February this year.

It has its intake from the Volta lake at Kpando Tokor.

The President who reiterated his commitment to improving the lives of the people in the region said the Volta region has the largest coverage in terms of supply of safe drinking water.

Just this morning when I arrived I went straight to the water station; I supposed to be here in February to commission the new Kpando water project. The water project Kpando had before was based on underground water systems and so we had drilled six boreholes and we had put mechanized pumps in the boreholes. And we used to pump the water into an overhead tank and share it to Kpando and surrounding areas.

That system used to produce only 130,000 gallons of water a day. And so the NDC government realized that this water was not enough for Kpando and its surrounding areas. So we decided to build a new water system and expand the existing water system. So instead of using underground water which was restricted we decided to do a pipe all the way from Chorkor to draw water from the Volta Lake and treat it and distribute it to Kpando and its surrounding areas. That is what a caring government does. And we have completed that system, he added.

He also used the opportunity to debunk assertions by critics that the Volta region is not benefiting from government projects.

The paramount chief of Gbefi Togbui Akom VIII on behalf of the people thanked the President for the gesture.



By: King Norbert Akkpablie/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Khulna district jail, where the execution was carried out.

Asadul Islam alias Arif, a leader of banned militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) who was convicted of killing 2 Jhalakati judges in 2005, was hanged tonight at Khulna district jail.





"The sentence was executed at 10:30pm on Sunday," a Khulna stringer reports quoting Jail Superintendent Kamrul Islam.





The body will be handed over to Asadul's family tonight, the jail superintendent said.





Khulna Deputy Commissioner Nazmul Ahsan, DIG Prisons (Jessore) Tipu Sultan, Magistrate Md Nur-e-Alam Siddique, Civil Surgeon Dr Md Abdur Razzak and Jail Superintendent Kamrul Islam were present during the execution.





Earlier in the day, family members including his wife, 2 daughters and 6 sisters met the death row convicted criminal in jail, where Asadul has been kept since 2008.





Senior assistant judges -- Jagannath Pandey and Sohel Ahmed -- were killed in a suicide bomb attack at Purba Chadkati in Jhalakathi town on November 14, 2005.





The incident followed the series bomb blasts across country in 2005.





The Appellate Division had upheld death penalty of 7 JMB leaders including JMB chief Abdur Rahman, his 2nd-in-command Siddiqul Islam alias Bangla Bhai, Asadul and 4 other militants in the sensational Jhalakathi judges' killing case.





Death sentence of the militants except Asadul were executed on March 29, 2007.





Asadul, who was absconding and later arrested on July 10 in 2007, filed the petition with the SC this year seeking review of its judgement.





On August 28 this year, the Supreme Court cleared the way for executing the JMB leader for killing 2 judges of Jhalakati in 2005.





A 5-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by SK Sinha dismissed a petition filed by Asadul seeking review of its earlier judgement that upheld his death penalty.at Khulna district jail.

Bangladesh accelerates trials as Islamist leader hanged

Bangladesh said Monday it is fast-tracking trials of Islamist extremists, hours after a senior leader of a militant group was hanged for a 2005 blast that killed 2 judges.





Asadul Islam, also known as Arif, was a senior leader of the banned group Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), which the government has blamed for a deadly siege on an upmarket Dhaka cafe on July 1.





Bangladeshi security forces launched a crackdown against Islamist extremists following the cafe attack, which shook the image of Bangladesh as a moderate Muslim nation.





Since July, police have shot dead nearly 40 suspected extremists including JMB's new leader Tamim Chowdhury, a Canadian citizen of Bangladeshi descent who allegedly masterminded the cafe carnage.





Bangladesh's courts have also accelerated the prosecution of Islamist extremists, sparking concern among rights activists who say such actions may be politically motivated.





Attorney General Mahbubey Alam told AFP the government was "trying to fast-track all the militant-related cases", including bomb attacks on a court complex outside Dhaka, a cultural function in a northern town and a new year's festival in the capital.





Police spokesman A.K.M Shahidur Rahman said there were "at least 64" Islamist extremists on death row and their appeals were being heard in the higher courts.





But Human Rights Watch said there was no conclusive evidence the death penalty acted as a deterrent.





"When terror attacks happen, governments often feel under pressure to show that they are doing something," South Asia director Meenakshi Ganguly told AFP.





"What is needed instead is careful investigation to identify and prosecute perpetrators with proper evidence."





JMB was founded in the late 1990s and seeks to impose sharia law on Bangladesh, a Muslim majority but officially secular nation of 160 million people.





It shot to prominence when it carried out a coordinated bombing attack in August 2005, that involved more than 400 small blasts across the country.





Arif's body was buried amid tight security in his home town shortly after his execution, local police chief Pankaj Chandra Roy told AFP.

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Source: The Daily Star, October 16, 2016Source: Hindustan Times, October 16, 2016
Primary schools across the country have resumed and these students of Wa Municipal Basic School in the Upper West Region went to school in 'grand style' - on the popular tricycle called 'Mahama cambu'.



Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com
Washington (AFP) - A longtime Guantanamo Bay prisoner who wrote a best-selling book about his experiences in the controversial military prison has been released to his home country of Mauritania, the Pentagon said Monday.

The release of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, believed to be the last inmate from Mauritania held at the facility in Cuba, brings the prison's remaining population down to 60.

His case became a cause celebre after the publication last year of "Guantanamo Diary," in which he outlines his treatment at the notorious US naval base in Cuba and says he was subjected to torture.

"The United States is grateful to the government of Mauritania for its humanitarian gesture and willingness to support ongoing US efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility," the US Defense Department said in a statement.

Slahi, 45, was detained in his home country of Mauritania following the September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001, on suspicion of involvement in an unsuccessful plot to bomb Los Angeles in 1999, and was taken to Guantanamo in August 2002 following interrogation in Jordan and Afghanistan.

In his book, Slahi described the toll of life inside the jail, saying: "I started to hallucinate and hear voices as clear as crystal. I heard my family in a casual familial conversation ... I heard Koran readings in a heavenly voice."

"I was on the edge of losing my mind," he added.

The younger brother of Mohamedou Ould Slahi poses with a copy of Mohamedou's prison memoir 'Guantanamo Diary' open to show pages that were redacted by the US government in London on January 20, 2015

President Barack Obama wants to close the Guantanamo jail before he leaves office, but his efforts have faced stiff Republican opposition and time to shutter the prison is running out fast.

Still, the United States has in recent months accelerated the rate at which detainees who have been approved for transfer are released from the facility.

When Obama took office, there were 242 detainees at Guantanamo.
The Trade and Industry Ministry has clarified the brewing impasse between it and the Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA).

In a statement released Monday, sector Minister, Dr Ekwow Spio Garbrah explained the role of Cement Monitoring Committee (CMC) which he said is mandated to advise him and make recommendations.

However, the L.I does NOT mandate the Cement Monitoring Committee (CMC) to determine for the Minister who should be granted a license. The L.I is very clear about this and indeed the CMC is not mentioned in the entire License Approval process, and is not intended or expected to interfere in the licensing process, the statement said.

The statement further explained that the main issue with the CMA and the manufacturers-dominated CMC is that cement manufacturers misrepresent their roles in the licensing process.

The Ministry was emphatic that no authority or mandate has been given to the CMC to instruct or direct the Minister on who should be awarded a license and what that companys specific annual imports should be.

Read the statement below:

The attention of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) has been drawn to a Press Conference held by the Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA) which was given wide publicity by the Ghanaian media.

The Ministry wishes to proffer the following clarifications.

The Export and Import Restriction on Cement Imports, Legislation Instrument (L.I) 2240, 2016 was passed in Parliament on 1st August 2016. The L.I. was specifically put in place to make cement imports into Ghana possible but under a regulated regime and based on sound facts and analyses.

The most immediate effect of this LI and the initial cement license granted, among other factors, has led to reductions in cement prices in the interest of consumers.

The role of the CMC

It is a fact that the Cement Monitoring Committee (CMC) is mandated by the L.I to advise the Hon. Minister and make recommendations for his consideration with regards to quantities and quality of cement to be imported. However, the L.I does NOT mandate the Cement Monitoring Committee (CMC) to determine for the Minister who should be granted a license.

The L.I is very clear about this and indeed the CMC is not mentioned in the entire License Approval process, and is not intended or expected to interfere in the licensing process.

The main issue with the CMA and the manufacturers-dominated CMC is that Cement manufacturers misrepresent their roles in the licensing process.

No authority or mandate has been given to the CMC to instruct or direct the Minister on who should be awarded a license and what that companys specific annual imports should be.

The CMCs role is intended to give the Ministry and all stakeholders access to relevant information and data for the effective implementation of the Cement LI. Indeed, the legislative crafters made it a point to separate the paragraphs dealing with Licensing procedures and the role of the Cement Monitoring Committee.

Under the licensing procedures, the CMC have NO role whatsoever. Otherwise, we would have the ludicrous situation of domestic manufacturers sitting in judgement over importers of cement.

The license to Fujian Cement

A major reason for granting a license to Fujian Cement to import cement into Ghana, is because of the advanced stage they have reached in constructing a cement plant in Ghana. Most prospective manufacturers of any product in any country often need to import some of their products to prove themselves in the marketplace before going ahead with any massive investments in factories and machinery. This is the same process with Fujian Cement.

Fujian Cement company, which has been given the license, is a Chinese State-owned company which is affiliated with Sentuo Steel of Tema.

Sentuo Steel is partially owned by the government of Ghana (GoG) through the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), with the Fujian State of China as majority shareholder.

Fujian Province in China has a sister city agreement with Greater Accra Region. So this license is not one that has been awarded to some strange Chinese company that is unknown and unaffiliated with the GoG. Quite clearly, the license was awarded to a Ghanaian company.

With regard to the quantity of 500,000 tons license awarded to Fujian Cement, the Cement Manufacturers Association (CMA) have claimed in their own reports that as much as 2 million tons of cement are imported annually into Ghana, thereby putting undue pressure on the market domination by the several foreign-owned domestic manufacturers.

For the sake of further and better particulars, it must be stated that Fujian Cement actually applied to MOTI to import 1.5 million tons of cement per year.

However, they were granted a license to import only one-third of that quantum, which is much less than the 2 million plus that the CMA itself claims is imported each year into Ghana.

So far, the 500,000 is the total annual quantity of permit given by MOTI for cement imports, well below recent annual average imports.

The 500,000 tons is less than 10 percent of the annual output of local cement manufacturers. This quantum which would be spread over a year at about 40,000 tons annually could not be deemed to lead to any massive influx of foreign cement into Ghana.

The Ministry has NOT granted any import licenses to Dangote Cement and Sol Cement as alleged by the CMA.

Providing a permit to a company to import cement, consistent with the procedures in the LI, does not mean that GoG/MOTI is encouraging Ghanaians to buy that specific cement product. In any case, this company and several companies have been importing cement into Ghana for years anyway.

Without the LI, Fujian could conceivably have imported far more than has been approved for themas until now there has been no legislative and regulatory framework for limiting imports of cement into Ghana. The Cement LI is simply to regulate when who and in what quantities cement may be imported into Ghana during a given period.

The Cement Licensing Process

According to the L.I, the Minister is bound to offer a response to an applicant to import cement within 30 days hence the issuance of a license to Fujian Cement before September, 30, 2016. Until October 5, 2016 the Minister had received no advice from the Cement Monitoring Committee (CMC)

Currently, there are several other cement importers whose applications and documentation are awaiting MOTIs review and Ministerial action.

It must also be realized, that under the law the Minister has specifically 30 days within which to respond to an application. So the Minister cannot look elsewhere and ignore qualified applicants simply because some stakeholders may wish for cement importers to disappear altogether.

The criteria to qualify to import cement into Ghana has deliberately been made quite stringent in order to eliminate any companies that do not have the financial gravitas to import cement in such quantities as will justify their keeping the prices reasonable and affordable to consumers.

It is worth noting that, to prevent the capricious action by a Minister, the Cement LI also provides for an Appeals Committee of eminent men and women to whom an importer can appeal if his application is rejected by the Minister. That Appeals Committee has the power to reverse the Ministers action.

The Cement LI specifically does NOT place a ban on imported cement but rather provides a mechanism, rules and procedures for controlling the imports. The objective of the LI is not intended to create a monopoly for the CMA for cement distribution in Ghana.

The LI is also not aimed at any nationality of the importers or manufacturers of cement. Indeed, currently, the cement industry is totally dominated by foreigners  Europeans, Indians, Chinese, Nigerians and Liberians.

As such, there is no merit in the CMA, which is itself totally dominated by foreigners to give the impression that something is wrong because the licensed importer is Chinese.

The role of MOTI in Supporting Ghanas Industries

So, as with numerous other industries, the strategy of MOTI has been to convert importers or processorsof sugar, rice, cement, juices, beverages, etc into manufacturers, as part of the GoGs made in Ghana (MIG) policies.

Fujian Ltd also has plans to become a manufacturer of ceramics and furniture in Ghana, thereby making them a prominent prospective member of both the Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana (CMAG) and the Association of Ghana Industry (AGI).

High quality and affordable imports put pressure on local manufacturers to maintain high standards, keep their prices low, and invest continually in technological innovation in order to remain competitive.

The job of the Ministry of Trade and Industry almost always involves a careful balancing of the competing interests of several actors in any value chaininvestors/financiers, growers, producers, buyers, traders/distributors, importers, processors, exporters and consumers.

Whether one is dealing with rice, cashew, sugar, textiles/garments and other commodities, MOTI is often seen by any of these groups within the value chain as favoring another segment of the value chain.

The difficult responsibility of MOTI to defend the unwritten national interest and act as a fair arbiter and public administrator who must carefully balance the often competing and conflicting interests of many in the business sector is not often appreciated.

As such, any value chain member would naturally feel very aggrieved anytime a decision is taken that they perceive as reducing their revenues, profits, market share or other benefits. And yet, most public policy decisions cannot have a neutral impact.

It is important to conclude that following from the issuance of a license to Fujian Cement Company to import cement into the country, government has decided that MOTI should refer to the Cabinet any applications for licenses to import cement.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com
Accra, Oct. 17, GNA - Margins Group, a high security management company, has joined the 'United Nations Global Compact' in pursuant of the United Nations seventeen eminent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By joining the Compact, the Group will support goal nine of the SDGs which includes building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusion, sustainable industrialisation and fostering innovation.

Mr Frank Oye, Executive Director of the Margins Group, said the group intends to contribute to the success of the SDGs by subjecting itself to the tenets of the goals.

This was contained in a statement signed by Akua Tweneboa Asare and copied to the Ghana News Agency.

Mr Oye said: 'The initiative presents an unprecedented opportunity for the company to align its business and sustainability goals with the SDGs. They provide the company with the mechanism for innovation and new market opportunities to facilitate business growth.'

'We are excited that we have an opportunity to contribute to this global initiative because of the positive impact it has made on our society,' he said.

Mr Oye urged other private companies to show interest in the SDGs as we seek to develop the society.

Margins Group Company is an industry leader in the provision of Identity Management Systems and Solutions including identity cards and bank cards.

GNA
17.10.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Oct. 17, GNA - A Government of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) would introduce an international distance learning scheme that would allow Ghanaian lecturers abroad to teach some classes in Ghana by the internet or satellite.

To meet the expanded education needs of a growing population, the CPP, in collaboration with the non-state sector, including religious organisations, would invest heavily in infrastructure and most importantly, the provision of equipment for Science and Technology Teaching and in the quality of tutorship.

A CPP Government would also improve access and quality at all levels of education throughout the country.

These were stated in its Election 2016 Policy Document, which was made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

The analysis is part of the GNA's project, 'GNA Tracks Election 2016', which seeks to sensitise the electorate on the various issues raised by political parties, elections management body and other governance institutions.

The GNA 2016 project also seeks to ensure gender and social inclusion in national politics and to provide a voice for the youth, vulnerable groups, opinion leaders and the broader spectrum of the society to contribute their quota to the achievement of a peaceful poll in December.

Another objective of the GNA project is to create a platform to dissect the manifestos of all political parties and provide in-depth analysis of each thematic area to the electorate to enable them to make an informed judgement.

'We will raise the school leaving age to 18 years; secondary school will become part of basic education and will be made free, and boarding schools will be actively promoted as a way of reducing the cost of education,' the CPP stated.

'We will make vocational and technical education, mostly post-secondary, to ensure that those going to vocational and technical schools are adequately prepared academically.

'We will establish new Industrial Training Boards in every region tasked to increase the range of training opportunities for school leavers. They will not just be concerned with the traditional craft skills, but also deal with the office, the shop, and the farm, as well as the factory.

On tertiary Institutions, the CPP said the government under Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, its Presidential nominee, would set up regional campuses for all state universities and other tertiary institutions to improve access and reduce the cost of higher education to households.

It would introduce professional managers, for example, with experience in managing large private or public organisations, to head state universities.

This, it said, would free academicians to concentrate on teaching and research and improve the quality of leadership at these institutions.

The CPP said it would give students the opportunity to assess and rate their lecturers regularly in order to improve the quality of tertiary education.

It would enhance governance through quarterly publication of financial and management reports of tertiary institutions and the establishment of more transparent and pro-active mechanism to handle both staff and student grievances.

A CPP Government would also regulate the quality of private tertiary institutions and encourage them to collaborate with the state and the private sector to provide the manpower needs of the country.

For the CPP, the Manifesto said the poverty gap was a technology gap.

'The richest nations in the world are also the most technologically advanced; the poorest nations have the lowest level of technological development.'

It would. Therefore, upgrade Science and Technology facilities at all educational institutions and complete the Science and Technology Museum, which had been under construction for years.

It would adequately resource the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to play a more active role in national development and set up the Ghana Global Science and Technology Consortium (GGSTC) to foster cooperation between Ghanaian scientists at home and abroad.

It would provide tax incentives to businesses to apply scientific and technological knowledge to industry and the larger society as well as expand and improve the quality of the University of Mines and Technology to attract a bigger share of the international student market, while offering first class education to Ghanaians.

A CPP Government would organise Annual Science and Technology Awards for students and practitioners, both at home and abroad, in addition to promoting pre-tertiary and tertiary science education.

GNA

By Francis Ameyibor, GNA
17.10.2016 LISTEN

Akim-Swedru (E/R) Oct 17, GNA - A scrap dealer caught stealing electricity cables, the property of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), has been sentenced to six months imprisonment in hard labour by the Akim-Swedru Circuit Court.

Daniel Oppong was convicted after he pleaded guilty to the crime.

Police Inspector William Arko Nyarko told the court, presided over by Mr. Alexander Oworae that the incident happened on October 04.

An eyewitness in the case saw the convict right in the act of cutting the overhead power distribution lines to Akim-Aboabo and Adotei with a plier and raised the alarm.

He attempted to escape with the about 30 yards of the 16-millimetre cable he had already cut but was chased and arrested.

Oppong was handed over together with the stolen cable to the police.

GNA

By Emelia B. Addae, GNA
Kumasi, Oct 17, GNA - The Ashanti Regional Council of Ulamau and Imams has joined the campaign to keep the nation calm as it talks the youth in the Zongo communities out of anything evil, reckless and unlawful.

Sheikh Abdul Mummin Haroun, the Regional Imam, said they should be responsible and resist overtures by self-seeking politicians to foment trouble during the political campaign and voting day.

In a speech read for him at a two-day workshop meant to deepen the participation of Muslims in the electoral process, he said it was important for all to uphold the peace.

The programme was organized by the Islamic Foundation for Peace and Development (IFPAD), a civil society organization, with support from the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) and the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA).

It was held under the theme 'Strengthening the Islamic community's participation in the electoral process'.

Attending were political party youth activists, Muslim scholars, youth associations, women groups and opinion leaders in the Asawasi constituency.

The programme is part of a nationwide project by the Foundation to sensitize and assist people in the Zongo communities to show strong commitment towards peaceful polls.

The Regional Imam reminded political leaders to accept to play by the rules of fair play to remove needless tension and nasty clashes in this year's election.

Mr. Garba Auwdu Talle, Executive-Secretary of IFPAD, took the participants through various topics including 'Causes, effects and resolution of conflicts', 'Role of Muslim leaders in curbing violence' and 'Election 2016 and building democratic dispensation'.

He appealed to Imams to continue to educate, counsel and aid the youth to channel their enormous energy into productive ventures.

GNA

By Stephen Asante, GNA
17.10.2016 LISTEN

Sekondi (W/R), Oct. 17, GNA - The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has called on all Persons with Disability (PWDs) and other marginalized groups in the society to exercise their franchise in the coming elections.

The Commission said all Ghanaians irrespective of their ethnicity, religious background and physical condition and have attained 18 years and above are eligible to vote.

Mr Tugbenu Lan Kwame, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Director of the NCCE, said this when he addressed some women groups, PWDs and other marginalised groups at separate meetings in the Metropolis.

The election engagement, which was funded by the European Union, provided a platform for the Commission to educate the participants on their civic responsibilities and the need to tolerate opposing views.

Mr Kwame said the meeting was also aimed at deepening democracy through the creation of an atmosphere of tolerance and civic awareness of the voter.

He said Ghana needs well-informed electorates, capable of thinking critically and intelligently and take decisions that would enhance the country's democratic credentials.

He urged all electorates to take a keen interest in civic education activities to become well informed in the country's democratic processes.

Mr Kwame said the Commission would continue to promote democratic ideals and principles and inculcate in the citizenry the need to exercise their rights and obligations.

In all, 20 communities benefited from these public engagements which took place at several towns including Sekondi, Bakakyir, Effiakuma, Takoradi, Kwesimintsim, Kojokrom and many others.

GNA

By Goodwill Arthur-Mensah, GNA
Ho, Oct. 17, GNA - Mr Alex Segbefia, the Minister of Health, has asked the electorate not to gamble with their future at the December Polls and vote for President John Dramani Mahama.

'It is natural for you to criticise government policies, but cherish what you have and don't gamble with your future,' he stated.

Mr Segbefia said this when he inaugurated a 400 capacity-classroom block with a laboratory, conference room, stores, and staff rooms for the Ho Nurses Training College.

The facility, estimated at GH1.2 million, was funded by Mr Benjamin Kpodo, the Member of Parliament for Ho Central, with support from individuals and institutions.

Mr Segbefia said the NDC Government had delivered and cautioned the citizenry to be careful what they asked for and not to believe promises by opposition parties.

He reassured the student nurses of the commitment of Government to restore their allowances and said the delay was due to technical hitches.

Mr Segbefia said the construction and expansion of health training institutions and hospitals were to create comfortable work and academic environment for nurses with plans to produce more nurses for export and asked them to appreciate the Government.

Mr Kpodo said the facility was to help the College increase its admission by 32 per cent and explained, 'This is not a dream realised for me but a hope restored for prospective students.'

He said the initiative was also in line with the Government's commitment to increasing access to education and investing in human resources.

Mrs Josephine Ansu-Gyeabour, the Principal of the College, commended Mr Kpodo for the support, and appealed to the Government for a bus and accommodation for staff and students.

GNA

By A.B. Kafui Kanyi, GNA
Koforidua, Oct 17, GNA - Efforts at preventing ugly election-related clashes in the country, had received added momentum as women take centre stage in the campaign to get everybody to uphold the peace.

Through the Women Situation Room-Ghana (WSR-Ghana), many of them are being trained to engage - deepen the conversation with the youth and the political parties to reject violence.

One of such training programmes, has been held in Koforidua and brought together 40 participants drawn from across the nation.

Ms. Adwoa Bame, National Coordinator of the WSR-Ghana, said the goal was to help all to be tolerant and avoid doing anything to endanger the peace, unity and stability of the society.

It was going to establish what she labeled 'regional hubs', which would alert its 'Situation Room' in Accra of any activity that could threaten the peace for prompt response to stop things from exploding.

She said the 'Situation Room' would be set up four days to the polls and would be operating 24 hours to assist keep the nation calm and united.

Ms. Bame said a group of revered Ghanaian women would be gathered to engage the leadership of any organization or individual, whose actions were unhelpful to the peace during the elections and where necessary talk to the right state institutions to act appropriately to ensure peace.

The WSR-Ghana is made up of representatives of various women groups - the security services and civil society organizations.

GNA

By Edmund Quaynor, GNA
Damien Echols

Damien Echols acknowledges the anniversary of his execution date the way others celebrate a birthday.





It's been more than 20 years since Echols was sentenced to die on May 5, 1994, for murdering three 8-year-old boys in 1993 in West Memphis, Ark., a crime for which he has maintained his innocence.





Thousands rallied to his defense - including his future wife, Lorri Davis, musician Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, and actor Johnny Depp - and fought for more than a decade to free him from prison.





Several documentaries about the murders shed light on the trial, where Echols, who was 18, and 2 co-defendants were found guilty of capital murder. Echols received the death penalty and Jason Baldwin, 16, and Jessie Misskelley, 17, were sentenced to life in prison.





Echols was known as the leader of the West Memphis 3, a name the media dubbed them during the high-profile trial. A new generation of students at Rocky Mountain College, not yet born when Echols was sent to prison, read his memoir, "Life After Death," this fall as part of the Big Read project. The campus is hosting Echols next week with a free public lecture at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Fortin Center.





In a telephone interview with the Billings Gazette from his home in Harlem, N.Y., Echols, now 42, said he is excited about his 1st trip to Montana, "somewhere where I am not jostled around like I am in New York." During his talk, he will give an overview of the trial and his life in and out of prison and then open the discussion to questions.





Echols wants to tour Billings during his visit here with his wife.





"I like to look around, I like to go on foot. I want to see every coffee shop, cupcake shop and bookstore, places people would walk by and not think about."





After spending a decade in solitary confinement, Echols was overwhelmed when he was released in 2011. So much had happened during the 18 years he was on death row - cell phones, laptops, Facebook. He had to adjust to it all.





"I can't even remember the first year I was out. I was in such a deep state of trauma," Echols said.





Echols credits his spiritual practice and his relationship with Davis for helping him through the hellish years in prison and aiding him in his transition to life outside. Davis, a landscape architect, and Echols wrote each other thousands of letters when he was in prison. Their love story is told in the book "Yours for Eternity."





"Even when you are in the worst environment on the face of the earth, you have to find a reason to live, something to focus on. I think if I would have focused on the prison, I would have lost my mind," Echols said.





In a complicated legal process, Echols and his co-defendants withdrew their original not guilty pleas, entered an Alford Plea and were re-sentenced to time served. The court ruling did not exonerate them from their conviction but allowed them to be released from prison. An Alford Plea is not an admission of guilt, but an acceptance that the prosecution has enough evidence that a jury would find them guilty.





Echols has said in interviews that without the plea, he could easily have been killed in prison by a fellow inmate for $50.





Because he wore heavy metal T-shirts, had long black hair, and was "poor white trash," Echols believes he was singled out by West Memphis law enforcement and accused of the murder. He said that profiling is as much based on class as it is on race.





"If all the people on all of the bottom layers got together, it would be an unstoppable force, but they are being distracted by race," Echols said.





West Memphis is the most judgmental place imaginable, he said. He was seen as a freak and accused of worshiping the devil because of his looks.





"Almost anywhere is more accepting. You would find a place in the Middle East that is more accepting."





Echols said he knew who he was by the time he was 7, and can't understand people who are trying to find themselves.





"Read what you want, watch what you want to watch, be friends with who you want to be friends with. One thing I did learn, life is short. I'm 42 years old, and there's no time to waste on crap like what other people think."





Echols is covered in tattoos, most of which he designed himself. He is working as an artist, and views his art as an extension of his spirituality. He opened a show in Santa Monica, Calif., on Oct. 15, and has a show opening in Chicago in December, and London in April. Echols and his creative partners call their collective The Hand.





"A hand is what we use to shape the world," Echols said. "We didn't want to do art just for art's sake. Art isn't what you buy because it matches your couch."





There is DNA evidence available from the case, but Echols said the law enforcement in West Memphis continues to resist putting it in a national database to try and find the real killers. He has steadfastly maintained his innocence and tries to make up for the years he lost in prison.





"I have 20 years to make up for. I want to see things, to touch them, and taste them. You have a choice in this life whether you want to constantly sit and stew or enjoy the moment you're living in. If I sat around and thought about the people who harmed me or have beaten me or tried to kill me, I would be pretty negative."





In a recent podcast, Echols responded to the question of whether he is happy. He paused a minute, then said, "I have my own trauma, but I think I'm as happy as I could possibly be."

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Source: Billings Gazette, October 16, 2016
Accra, Oct 17, GNA - Outperforming its competitors in the industry, Tigo, the country's leading digital lifestyle brand, was adjudged Telecommunications Company of the Year at the 2016 Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) awards held in Accra.

The company was recognized for its outstanding blend of innovation and creativity across all its initiatives, coupled with highly relevant tailored services, superb managing of marketing effectiveness, staff development and CSR programmes.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Roshi Motman, reiterated the company's desire to continue maximizing its investments in network quality, products, brand, corporate social responsibility, and customer care including supporting Corporates and SMEs to provide them with the best experience.

She expressed gratitude to the leadership and the wider team for their consistent output and innovation. 'Winning this prestigious award attests to our commitment of ensuring we give the best to our customers. Thank you to every member of the team and our partners for their dedication, hard work and creativity in everything we do in the business', she said.

In 2015, Tigo Ghana scored the highest growth in its net promoter score (NPS) with an increase of 37 per cent, improved brand consideration by 33 per cent and had the highest rise in network availability in the industry by 9 percentage points.

Its unique marketing campaigns such as 'Drop That Yam', 'Yensor Nkoaa', and current 'Wu Suro a Wondi' promotion together with 'Tigo Music Unplugged', and the critically acclaimed CSR projects like 'Shelter 4 Education', 'Automated Birth Registration' and 'Mobile Digital Library van' have spearheaded the telecom company into the limelight as a formidable brand loved by Ghanaians.

The prestigious CIMG awards seeks to recognize personalities, media, marketing communications organizations, products, not-for-profit organizations, and business organizations for their outstanding performance in their various industries. It was held under the theme: "Democracy and national cohesion; marketing a new political paradigm'.

GNA
17.10.2016 LISTEN

Kumasi, Oct 17, GNA - Prempeh College - an all boys' senior high school in Kumasi, has been presented with 300 crates of egg to assure the students of good nutrition.

It was a donation from the management of Darko Farms and timed to coincide with the 'world egg day' celebration.

The day is marked on the second Friday of October, every year, to highlight the nutritional benefits of eating egg daily.

The Reverend Samuel Darko, Managing Director of the Farm, was on hand to present the gift at a ceremony and encouraged young people to eat eggs.

Egg, he said, had 'a lot of nutritious benefits' particularly, good for the eyesight and vital for preventing diseases.

It could prevent malnutrition - stunted growth, especially in children.

Mrs. Gifty Bobie Tawiah, the Chief Matron, who received the gift said they were grateful for the gesture.

GNA

By Isaac Arkoh/Louisa Nkrumah
Hohoe, Oct 17, GNA - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said multidrug-resistant tuberculosis TB (MDR-TB) remains a global public health crisis.

The WHO estimates that 480,000 people fell ill with MDR-TB in 2015, according to its publication, "Global Tuberculosis Report 2015" available to the Ghana News Agency.

It said India, China and the Russian Federation carry the major burden of MDR-TB, which together accounted for nearly half of all cases globally.

It noted detection and treatment gaps continue to plague the MDR-TB response.

The report said in 2015, only 1 in 5 of the people newly eligible for second-line treatment were able to access it. Cure rates continue to remain low globally at 52 per cent.

Dr Mario Raviglione, Director of the WHO Global TB Programme said "The dismal progress in the TB response is a tragedy for the millions of people suffering from this disease. To save more lives now, we must get newly recommended rapid tests, drugs and regimens to those who need them. Current actions and investments fall far short of what is needed."

He said "The world is finally waking up to the threat of antimicrobial resistance - now is the time to accelerate the MDR-TB response."

It added that in 2015, 22 per cent of HIV-positive TB patients were not enrolled on antiretroviral therapy (ART). According to WHO recommendations, ART needs to be made available for all HIV-positive TB patients.

The report said nearly a million children under five years of age, and people living with HIV, who are especially vulnerable to TB and who were eligible for preventive treatment, were able to access it in 2015.

It noted that this needed to be rapidly expanded.

For TB care and prevention financing, the report said investments in low- and middle-income countries fall almost US$ 2 billion short of the US$ 8.3 billion needed in 2016.

This gap will widen to US$ 6 billion by 2020 if current levels of funding are not increased.

It noted overall, around 84 per cent of the financing available in low- and middle-income countries in 2016 was from domestic sources, but this was mostly accounted for by the BRICS (Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa) group of countries.

It said other low- and middle- income countries continue to rely heavily on international donor financing, with more than 75 percent coming from The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

In addition, WHO estimates that at least an extra US$ 1 billion per year is needed to accelerate the development of new vaccines, diagnostics, and medicines.

"The resources deployed against TB, the leading infectious killer in the world, are falling short," said Dr Ariel Pablos-MAndez, Assistant Administrator for Global Health, of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) - the leading bilateral funder of the TB response.

"Everyone has a part to play in closing the gap. As the report shows, we need universal health coverage, social protection mechanisms, and public health financing in high burden countries. The development aid community needs to step up more investments now, or we will simply not end one of the world's oldest and deadliest diseases."

GNA

By Maxwell Awumah
Dar es Salaam, Oct. 17, GNA - A 14-day media training course on governance of oil, gas and mining has opened in Dar res Salaam, capital of Tanzania in the Eastern part of Africa.

Sponsored by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), a Non-Governmental Organisation, the training is being organized by the Journalist Environmental Association of Tanzania (JET) in partnership with Penplusbytes, an International Institute for ICT Journalism in Ghana and the African Center for Media Excellence in Uganda.

Being attended by 24 selected participants - eight each from Tanzania, Uganda and Ghana, the course is aimed at building the capacity of the reporters to enable them tell the true story in the extractive industry particularly oil, gas and mining and get themselves abreast with trending and contemporary situation in the sector.

Mr George Lugalambi, the Media Capacity Development Officer of the NRGI, said the course also offers opportunity for participants to establish relationships and share ideas and divergent views in the extractive sector.

He said although the extractive industry is broad, the NRGI focused on oil, gas and mining and in collaboration with her partners had offered opportunities for reporters and news editors to know more in the industry.

Mr Nicholas Phythan, a renowned International Journalist and a facilitator at the course, asked the participants to reflect on what they do as reporters and learn more in the industry.

Kwame Ahiabenu II, the Executive Director of Penplusbytes, expressed the optimism that mutual relationship would be established among participants and further strengthened after the course for the benefit of the participating countries.

Abednego Akwasi Asante Asiedu, a Ghanaian Broadcast Journalist working with Adom Fm, said he is optimistic the course would enlighten and empower him to report accurately in the extractive sector.

'I hope the 14-day training course will enhance my capacity in the extractive industry', Mr Ebenezer Agyekum-Boateng, another broadcast Journalist and a producer at TV3, a Ghana-based television station said.

Daniel Amule, a reporter at the Pacis FM, a faith-based radio station in Uganda, commended the organisers for such an opportunity and advised his colleagues to take advantage of the course, explore and learn more.

Other Ghanaians reporter were selected from Viasat One TV, Business and Financial Times Newspaper, Ghana News Agency, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Deutsche Welle and Daily Guide Newspaper.

GNA

By Dennis Peprah, GNA
17.10.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Oct. 17, GNA - Periklis Saragiotis of the World Bank says Ghana must look more seriously into shipment processes and procedures at the Tema Port if it is to become a hub for the West African sub-region.

He said the port could play a more critical role as an entry and exit point for countries in the sub-region if it focuses more on addressing the issue in processes and procedures for transit and transhipment.

Mr Saragiotis, a private sector development specialist in trade and facilitation with the World Bank Group, said this at a public sector workshop on improving transparency and trade facilitation at the Tema Port, in Accra.

The workshop was one of two organised from October 10-13, 2016 by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the World Bank Group under the European Union-funded 'Improved and Facilitated Trade in West Africa' project.

He said there was intense competition in the sub-region, with countries improving their infrastructure and processes, thus it was important for port authorities in Ghana to find ways of being competitive, adding that global best practices as found in Singapore showed the benefits of focusing on transhipment.

'There are opportunities for Ghana; it's out there. It's just a matter of understanding the seriousness of the issues and trying to do something about them,' he said, adding that the proposed reforms in this area could be transformational in making the Tema port a regional hub and recognised global player.

The workshop brought together public sector stakeholders from or having a responsibility at the Tema Port and selected private sector stakeholders to review the port assessment maps and discuss the reform proposals from the private sector workshop held earlier in the week.

The project team, based on diagnostic and analytical assessment of processes and procedures at the Tema port, developed Business Process Maps (BPMs) to depict activities at the port and made recommendations for reforms to streamline the processes in a bid to reduce time and cost.

Mr Saragiotis said while BPMs were used extensively by the private sector and industry in operational management, this was the first time the World Bank or any international financial institution was using this methodology to map the complex processes and procedures at the Port.

Manuel Henriques, Principal Private Sector development specialist-trade facilitation explained that while the Tema Port was a major part of one of the key trade corridor, the Tema-Ouagadougou corridor, it also represented about three quarters of the amount of time and costs it took to move goods from Accra to Ouagadougou.

This challenge stemmed from issues in the procedure and procedure thus the focus on them and the development of the BPMs

The team recommended the design and implementation of a best practice regulatory and procedural framework for transhipment as there was currently no dedicated procedural framework for transhipment.

Other proposed reforms cover areas such as containerisation of transit cargo, VA on transit services, coordination between government agencies, sampling processes, and range for automation, streamlining of processes and procedures, institution of regulation, among others.

Mr Moustapha Gnankambary, ECOWAS-USAID Senior Trade Facilitation Advisor, Customs Directorate of the ECOWAS Commission, said the Tema Port was key in the region, especially as the economies of land-locked countries continued to expand.

Mr Ignacio Burrull, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Commission in Ghana, said the EU was very interested in the reforms, as it aimed to strengthen economic and trade ties between West Africa and Europe as well as promote and increase the rather low intra and inter regional trade.

'The EU will continue to be engaged in this sector in our future cooperation with the region' he stated.

Obi Ihonor, Project Leader of the project, said the agreement on the implementation roadmap for the proposed reforms, agreed by the workshop and its implementation, will boost trade, increase competitiveness, deepen regional integration and ultimately create jobs for Ghanaians and West Africans.

GNA

By Belinda Ayamgha, GNA
Himan Ouraminejad

HRANA News Agency  The danger of execution threatens Himan Ouraminejad, juvenile offender in Sanandaj prison.





After the Supreme Court upheld his death sentence, the verdict has been sent to the executive branch in the prison. His death sentence has been confirmed in the Supreme Court and is waiting for the permission of head of judiciary to be executed.





According to an informed source, the forensic has just asked him few questions and the actual scientific tests were not carried out about him.





According to the report of Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Himan Ouraminejad was born in 1994 and by the time he committed the crime in 2010, he was under 18.





A close source to the prisoner told HRANAs reporter: The forensic has just asked him few questions and the actual scientific tests were not carried out about Himan, his death sentence has been confirmed in the Supreme Court and is waiting for the permission of head of judiciary to be executed.





According to article 91 of the Islamic Penal Code, when the individual is under 18 or does not understand the nature of the crime, or the growth of their brain could be questioned, the death retribution will not be applied.





Himan Ouraminejad is waiting for execution while some time ago the death penalty of Siavosh Mahmoodi, another death row juvenile offender in Sanandaj prison was declined to 5 years in prison and payment of the blood money in the Supreme Court.





It is worth noting, Amnesty International has called on the Iranian authorities to stop this verdict immediately.

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Source: HRANA News Agency , october 13, 2016
you are here:
TOKYO  Japan is known for being one of the countries with the lowest crime rate in the world. Numerous reasons are given for this such as the illegality of weapons, a smaller wealth gap, or unspoken rules of conduct that people live by.

But one other factor behind such low crime could have a darker reason to it: fear of the Japanese legal system.





Al Jazeera news recently put out a documentary on that very subject, showing one of the scarier parts of Japan that most people dont have experience with. The full video is below.





The documentary follows the story of Keiko Aoki, a woman who in 1995 was convicted of setting her house on fire and intentionally murdering her daughter to collect life insurance money. Her conviction was based solely on her and her husbands written confessions that they claimed were made under extreme duress.





Keiko and her husband spent the next 20 years in jail, claiming they were innocent the entire time. It wasnt until earlier this year that the verdict for their retrial was finally delivered, proclaiming them not guilty.





But why would someone confess to a crime they didnt commit? Put simply, the documentary claims that the Japanese legal system is designed to extract confessions no matter what.





In Keikos case, she was held in an interrogation room with police investigators who constantly yelled and berated her for 12 hours straight. She was never allowed to see a lawyer. Eventually, she was told by police that her husband had already confessed to the crime, so she should too. Mentally destroyed, she gave up and wrote a confession dictated to her by police.





Keiko claims that confusion, exhaustion, and the guilt of not being able to save her daughter came together to make her admit to a crime she was innocent of.





In Japan, anyone can be held by police for 23 days without being charged. Lawyers are not allowed in interrogation rooms, and police are not required to record any of the interrogation sessions. As Hiroshi Ichikawa, a former Japanese prosecutor described, investigators can just rotate in and out as they get tired of questioning the suspect, until he or she is so mentally exhausted that they will admit to anything to make it stop.





But why is the Japanese legal system so intense when it comes to extracting confessions from the accused? Ichikawa claims its because theres immense pressure on police and prosecutors to obtain a guilty verdict. In a country with a near universal conviction rate, no one wants to be the only lawyer who failed to get a guilty verdict, so theyll do anything to get it.





The documentary is very enlightening about a part of Japan that is rarely discussed. If you want to watch the full documentary, check it out on Al Jazeeras website or official YouTube page





When it comes to false convictions and innocent people behind bars, Japan is not alone. The U.S. and other developed countries have just as many  if not more  legal problems. But the only way any of them can change is by getting the word out that there is a problem in the first place, and this documentary is a great first step in letting people know that the system that is supposed to serve them is broken.





Source: Japan Today, October 17, 2016
Just before Christmas last year, I had the joy (forgive my sarcasm) of arriving home to see the gate wide open and my car missing.

It was one of those beautiful sunny days  that time of year before it really starts to heat up  and we had headed down to the beach to enjoy the last part of a Sunday afternoon.

In the 90 minutes or so that we were away, the thieves had gone through the house, taking whatever they believed was of value. Being the enterprising chaps that they were, they loaded the loot into my car and used it to get home.

At first, there seemed little chance of my car being recovered. I expected it to become one of those burnt out wrecks you see on the side of the tracks when hurtling along in a train. Yet less than a week later, a police officer rang to say my car had been located.

A lady had noticed an unfamiliar car parked just near her house. After it had sat idle for a number of days, shed called the police. A quick check of the registration and the car was soon on the back of a tow truck, headed for the insurers workshop.

After all the checks had been done, and no damage was established, another fellow in a tow truck kindly delivered the car back to my door. Door-to-door service perhaps, but not the kind youre after.

When I recently received my insurance renewal, I didnt wince as much as I used to.

It makes sense to insure your house, car or boat. Or most assets for that matter. The potential cost of repair or replacement for your (or anothers) property is too prohibitive to take on that risk yourself. The risk of not having insurance far outweighs the premiums we pay; thats why we have it.

When it comes to the stock market, youll often see options, or, more accurately, put options, described as a form of insurance. That is, a way to protect your shares.

A put option gives the buyer the right to hand over their shares at a fixed price (called the strike price), before the option expires. If the share price falls below the strike price of the option, the option buyer would exercise their right to sell the shares at that (higher) fixed price.

For taking on this obligation, the option writer (seller) receives a premium. Much like any other type of insurance.

With most types of insurance, though, like your car or home, the policy is usually for 12 months. At each anniversary, youll be invited to renew your policy with the premium adjusted for any change in risk  like a spate of burglaries in your area.

With many insurance companies, you can choose to split the premium into monthly payments. The overall cost will be higher, but the total amount is known in advance.

However, share options work on much shorter timeframes. While you can buy options with expiries that run out to 12 months and beyond, they are illiquid, and its hard to get a competitive price. Most of the action happens with options that expire in the next one to three months.

That means, if you buy a put option to protect your shares, youll be back in the market paying another lot in premium every few months. Add each of these premiums up over a year or more, and the cost will soon become prohibitive.

Rather than take out this insurance every few months, an investor might look to take out protection via a put option when the share price has had a good run up; or, if they believe the market is due for a correction.

Of course, trying to pick when this might happen is much easier said than done. But trying to take out this insurance when the market is already falling can become expensive. Thats because of the way an option premium is calculated.

The way a share option is calculated is much more fluid than your home insurance. While your home insurer might review your premium annually, a share option is priced for risk whenever the stock market is open.

If the share price is particularly volatile, the option premium will increase to reflect this. The option writer will want to be compensated even more for taking on a higher level of risk. The bigger the swings in the share price, the higher the chance the option could be exercised.

Its not a static calculation. Whenever the share price moves, so, too, will the option price. And its not just the size of the move in the share price; the more rapidly the share price changes, the more expensive the option premium will be, too.

If you believe a share price is headed for a fall and you buy a put option, you need to think about when to exit the option trade, not just about buying the option.

As options have a limited life, each day their value drops to reflect the number of days until it expires. And this is where share options also differ from other types of insurance.

The closer a share option gets to expiry, the more rapidly this time decay takes effect. In other words, this time destruction accelerates. Those that buy options will often look to exit a trade before this time decay takes effect.

Although its not a hard and fast rule, an option typically loses two-thirds of its time value in the last half of its life. If an investor bought an option with three months until expiry, and their trade didnt work out, they might look to exit with around 45 days to go.

Its always a trade-off. If an investor closes out a put option position early, they lose their protection. But if they hold the put option until it expires, and the shares dont fall, they will then end up paying a lot in premium.

The trick is to give the option trade a fixed amount of time to work out. Of course, an investor might be happy to pay the premium and protect their shares until the option expires. But if the move that they fear hasnt eventuated, they should consider closing out the position before time decay eradicates the value of the option.

Cheers,

Matt Hibbard,

Editor, Total Income

From the Port Phillip Publishing Library

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Is the gold price manipulated?

Many die-hard gold bugs say its obvious. The gold bugs argue that precious metals prices have been manipulated downwards for years.

I disagree.

Its true banks have been caught manipulating nearly every market under the sun  LIBOR, global currencies, and sub-prime mortgages, to name a few.

But precious metals prices arent kept artificially low. I recommend ignoring the manipulation rumours, and focusing on trading the trade.

Ill explain

Think about it

Why would the banks manipulate prices down?

Its impossible to manipulate a market against its trend for any length of time. For example, have a look at the monthly chart for gold below:



Source: Resource Speculator; Trading.view.com

Click to enlarge

Golds monthly trend  shown by the blue lines  has pushed lower since 2011.

Despite a significant rise earlier this year, gold prices have remained within the broader downtrend. The global forces driving this broader downtrend are far too powerful to be simply manipulated. Any efforts by banks to drive gold below this trend would attract capital back to the real trend. Thats due to international arbitrage (investors buying gold in cheaper markets and selling it in more expensive markets) and common sense investing.

There also isnt a huge incentive for the banks to manipulate prices to the downside. The reward, similar to short selling, is limited. The most you can gain is 100%  assuming that prices go to zero.

And the gold price, of course, will never get anywhere close to zero.

The big money is made to the upside  thats when banks love to manipulate prices. The reward is unlimited to the upside. Most punters love buying into an exciting story  and only buy when prices go up.

Its about the fear of missing out. The idea is to bring everyone into the story and trap the herd at the top. The banks create liquidity by fuelling plenty of investors into the story. When the price rockets, more people want to buy. Thats when the banks offload most of their position  at the top  and trap everyday investors into the move.

Lets be realistic

This doesnt mean the banks dont trade against their clients. Veteran trader Martin Armstrong argues,

The [investment banks] banks keep track of peoples positions and routinely trade against them. For years floor brokers gunned for stops and shared that info with the big players. It was common to talk to the floor brokers and they would say where the stops were laid in above and below. That does not amount to the perpetual suppression of a market when there are no profits to be made.

Scalping clients, which is routine, doesnt amount to manipulation. The broader trend doesnt change. Plus, if thats called manipulation, then why do the banks get bailed out during a crisis? They should be indefinitely profitable, and survive the hard times. Its impossible to manipulate the trend.

My colleague, and our resident options expert, Matt Hibbard knows the trading business better than anyone. He has decades of experience trading options and futures. He sent through an article from The Australian last Friday (my emphasis added):

An Australian academics discovery of global gold price collusion has sparked a looming US trial in which four of the worlds major banks are being sued for up to $1 billion over claims they rigged the price of the precious metal at the expense of investors over a decade. I never thought it would get to this, Professor Caminschi said. I didnt go out cartel-busting or bank-bashing  it was more like the data was just yelling at me. During his research, the academic discovered apparent manipulation during the twice-daily meetings held by banks in London that determined the benchmark price of gold, which was then used by dealers, central banks and mining companies to trade the precious metal. The analysis of 14 years of raw data found that during these meetings, and before the benchmark price became known, trading volumes in gold derivatives would rise substantially. This suggested the banks were trading on, and potentially profiting from, information that was not available to the wider market  a theory that had been rumoured for years but never proven. In a key development, a US judge ruled last week that the four banks  Barclays, Bank of Nova Scotia, HSBC and Societe Generale  had a case to answer and that a lawsuit filed by investors would proceed to trial.

Professor Caminschi initially published his research back in 2013. Its still gaining plenty of attention, with the lawsuit now going forward. This shows you the glacial pace of the judicial process at work.

The research also shows the banks were rigging the precious metals prices when they were going up  not when they were going down. Remember, thats when the big bucks are made.

At the moment gold remains in a downtrend, though I expect that to change sometime next year. But even if banks look to manipulate the gold market when it does return to an uptrend, they cant manipulate the gold in the ground. The gold will be thereor it wont.

Thats why I like speculative stocks so much. No matter who is trying to influence the prices, you can expect speculative stocks share prices to fly if they find the mother lode.

So ignore the manipulation rumours. Instead, look to trade the best stocks, the ones that can make many hundreds of percent in gains if their story plays out.

This is what I spend most of my waking hours doingwhen Im not writing to you. And over the weekend I found perhaps the best all-rounder speculative stock on the ASX. Ill send all the details to readers of Resource Speculator later this week. To find out how to get your no obligation trial, and get all the details on my latest stock, click here.

Regards,

Jason Stevenson,

Resources Analyst, Money Morning
The bottom line on the death penalty deserves to be at the top of any discussion of the death penalty, so here it is:





To support the death penalty, you must be willing to take the chance that the state will execute an innocent person.





The development of DNA technology proved how often the criminal justice system can go awry. Scores of death row inmates have been released after they were cleared by DNA evidence.





1 of them was Ray Krone, who spent 10 years in prison, including 3 years on death row for a murder he did not commit. At least 1 of the votes in the Legislature to repeal the death penalty came after the senator talked with Krone.





If it happened to Krone, a former Air Force sergeant with no criminal record, "It can happen to anybody," Krone says.





Could you sit across a desk from Krone and tell him you don't care if the occasional innocent person is executed?





Nebraskans know how fallible the criminal system can be. The "Beatrice 6" were railroaded into prison for a murder they did not commit. Finally DNA showed someone else committed the crime. Now Gage County is on the hook for $28.1 million in damages. It has been described as the largest false confession case in American history.





Jerry Givens executed 62 people in Virgina. He was within days of executing No. 63, but before he pulled the switch on the electric chair one more time, the inmate won a reprieve. Ultimately the inmate was exonerated and given a full pardon on the basis of DNA evidence.





Now Givens opposes the death penalty. "If I execute an innocent person, I'm no better than the people on death row," he said.





Most of the errors in the criminal justice system are made by well-meaning people who simply make mistakes.





There's another way that the justice system can miscarry. Sometimes people act with actual malice. They try to take the law into their own hands. The former head of the Crime Investigation Unit in Omaha was sentenced to prison for planting evidence that led to the wrongful arrest of 2 men for the murder of Wayne and Sharmon Stock, found shot to death in their farm house near Murdock in 2006. 2 other people were convicted for the crime.





Experts have been working for hundreds of years to rid death penalty system of the possibility of error. All they have done is add seemingly endless routes of appeal that make the death penalty horrendously expensive.





A better option than risking the possibility of executing an innocent person is replacing the death penalty with life in prison. That's why we urge Nebraskans to retain the repeal voted into law by 32 state senators.





This is the 1st of 2 editorials on Referendum No. 426 on the Nov. 8 ballot. Tomorrow's editorial lays out the conservative argument for replacing the death penalty with life in prison.



Death penalty in Nebraska: Periodic rise and fall of opposition

Gathering signatures against the Nebraska death penalty repeal

Voters will consider a historic ballot measure next month to restore Nebraska's death penalty after the Legislature repealed it in 2015. The World-Herald is exploring several aspects of capital punishment, which will be on the Nov. 8 ballot. Today: the evolution of the death penalty.





Iowa eliminated its death penalty during the last wave of opposition to capital punishment across the United States.





It was 1965. Democrats had gained control of the State Legislature. Gov. Harold Hughes, a fervent death penalty opponent, had handily won re-election.





A majority of Iowans had come around to his view, with polls that year showing 57 % favored repeal.





Soon after convening for the year, lawmakers of both parties voted for the repeal, and Hughes quickly signed it into law.





A half century later, Iowa remains without a death penalty, and despite occasional debates, lawmakers say it's generally considered a settled issue.





"Iowans have grown up without the death penalty," said State Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids. "We know that it's not needed."





Now, Nebraskans are deciding whether to revive their state's death penalty as a new wave of opposition to capital punishment builds across the nation.





The vote will join other milestones in the history of the death penalty in the United States.





It's a history older than the country itself and one marked by the periodic rise and fall of opposition. It's also a history in which the overarching trend has been away from state-sponsored execution.





Currently the number of states without a death penalty stands at an all-time high, the number of executions is approaching a 25-year low, and polls are finding support for the ultimate punishment slipping for both pragmatic and moral reasons.





The death penalty is not dead, however. It remains the law in the majority of states, the latest poll shows more support than opposition, and religious institutions remain divided over its morality.





Opponents cite the actions of a conservative Nebraska Legislature as evidence that momentum is in their favor.





State lawmakers last year overrode a veto by Gov. Pete Ricketts to repeal the death penalty. Ricketts and other capital punishment supporters responded with a referendum petition.





The petition's success put the issue on the Nov. 8 ballot, meaning voters will decide whether to let the repeal stand or to undo it and put the death penalty back on the books.





Nebraska is 1 of 20 states that have done away with their death penalties. 8 have done so in the past decade alone.





That marks a major shift for a punishment that has been part of the United States since the early days of European settlement.





Punishment for murder, arson, horse-stealing





In 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed, all 13 colonies had the death penalty.





Most prescribed death for murder, arson, piracy, treason, sodomy, burglary, robbery, rape, horse-stealing, slave rebellion and sometimes counterfeiting.





Some states developed longer lists of capital crimes, especially related to slavery.





In 1837 in North Carolina, for example, people could be executed for slave-stealing, hiding a slave with intent to free him, inciting slaves to rebel and circulating seditious literature among slaves.





In both Nebraska and Iowa, the death penalty dates to their pre-statehood days.





In Nebraska, the punishment was carried out by individual counties until the turn of the century.





The cases include the 1887 hanging of Jack Marion in Gage County. He was executed for the 1872 murder of John Cameron, his former traveling companion.





Marion maintained his innocence throughout 2 trials and an appeal. It turned out he was telling the truth.





Four years after the hanging, Cameron was found alive and well in Kansas City, Missouri.





Iowa ended its death penalty in 1872, only to see mobs take matters into their own hands. The death penalty was reinstated in 1879, in part to prevent vigilante lynchings.



Scope of death penalty limited





Opposition to capital punishment has had almost as long a history in the U.S. as the death penalty itself.





The essay "On Crime and Punishment" by Italian jurist Cesare Beccaria was especially influential. It was published in English in 1767.





In it, Beccaria argued for abolishing capital punishment. He said the sole justification for state-sponsored execution would be the rare case in which no other means could ensure the security of a nation. He also argued that capital punishment was ineffective in deterring evil-doing.





Reformers made some inroads during the nation's 1st century. Several states narrowed the list of capital crimes. Many also passed laws barring public executions.





Michigan became the 1st state to do away with the death penalty, in 1846. The number of other states without capital punishment rose and fell during the years that followed.





11 had abolished it by 1916, but only 4 were without it from 1939 through 1956.





Meanwhile, the number of executions in the U.S. reached an all-time high during the Great Depression. There were 197 executions in 1935 and 196 the following year.





Historian William McFeely noted the increase in executions during the 1930s came as mob lynchings of African-American men almost ceased.





Legal executions of African-Americans continued at disproportionate rates. From 1900 through 2002, 4,122 African-Americans were executed in the U.S., compared with 3,625 whites.





African-Americans never accounted for more than 12.3 % of the general population during those years, according to census figures.





A new wave of opposition to the death penalty arose during the 1960s, along with the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War protests.





Iowa was among the states that did away with their death penalty during that turbulent decade. Although 40 states maintained their laws, the number of executions fell to zero by 1968.





Polls showed that public support for the death penalty had dropped to 42 % in 1966, while opposition was at 47 %.





The wave culminated in 1972 with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in a Georgia case involving an African-American defendant, William Henry Furman. The court ruled that the death penalty, as applied in most states, was unconstitutionally arbitrary and discriminatory.





The ruling effectively suspended the death penalty by overturning state laws, including Nebraska's law. Hundreds of death sentences nationwide were commuted to life imprisonment in the wake of the decision.





Country turns more conservative





But support for the death penalty rebounded strongly following the ruling, as the country turned more conservative.





States quickly revised their laws to comply with the court ruling and reinstate capital punishment. Nebraska did so in 1973. The 1976 Supreme Court, ruling in another Georgia case, gave the constitutional stamp of approval to the revisions.





The new laws required a balancing of aggravating and mitigating factors and required the sentencing phase of a death penalty case to be separated from the guilt or innocence phase.





35 states revived their death penalties by 1979, with another three doing so by 1995.





Iowa lawmakers debated reinstatement multiple times in the 1990s, but the proposals all failed, as did a bill introduced last year by Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull.





It would have allowed executions in cases where a child was kidnapped, raped and murdered. Feenstra said he offered the proposal because of a pair of heinous murders of young girls, although he knew there was not support for changing the law.





"It was more of a conversation with other legislators and a conversation with society," he said.





By 1994, polls showed that 80 % of Americans backed the death penalty while only 16 % opposed it.





The support was spurred in part by a steep increase in crime during the preceding 2 decades.





But that represented the peak year of support for capital punishment, dating back to 1936, when the polling firm Gallup began asking about the issue.





The tide has been turning away ever since, with support for the death penalty dropping along with murder rates.





The most recent national poll, released at the end of September, showed that 49 % of Americans favored the death penalty and 42 % opposed it.





Backing for the death penalty appears higher in Nebraska, however.





Nebraska Governor (R) Pete Ricketts

More than 143,000 registered voters signed the referendum petition in 2015, enough to put the issue before voters and to keep the repeal law from taking effect before the vote.





An August survey of likely voters, commissioned by a pro-death penalty group, showed that 58 % would vote to keep the death penalty and 30 % would vote for the law repealing it. Opponents criticized the survey because it did not tell people that the death penalty would be replaced with life in prison.





Declining national support has been followed by an increase in the number of states eliminating the death penalty.





At the same time, those with capital punishment are sending fewer and fewer people to death row. Last year, 49 people were sentenced to death nationally, compared with 295 in 1998.





Executions also are dropping off. There have been 16 so far this year - the fewest since 1991, when 14 people were put to death. Eleven states with the death penalty have not executed anyone in at least 10 years. Nebraska's last execution was in 1997.





Few death sentences carried out





State and national observers say several factors are contributing to the most recent wave of opposition.





One is the number of death row inmates who have been exonerated: 156 nationally since the death penalty was revived in 1973.





Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, said the growing power of DNA testing has proven some inmates innocent.





Their cases, in turn, have called into question other evidence prosecutors used to win convictions, from coerced confessions to prison informants who give false testimony.





Nebraska has had its own experiences with exonerations, including the 6 people wrongly convicted of a 1985 slaying in Beatrice, and the case of Darrel Parker, who was wrongly convicted in the 1955 rape and murder of his wife in Lincoln. None of the 7 were on death row, although the Beatrice 6 were threatened with the death penalty.





Dunham said there is strong evidence that innocent people have been executed in recent decades, although there are not formal exonerations of those people. Courts generally do not consider claims of innocence regarding people who are dead.





"We now know, and the American people accept, that there is a risk innocent people can be executed," he said.





A 2015 poll by the Pew Research Center found that 71 % of Americans believe there is "some risk" an innocent person will be put to death. Even among people who favor the death penalty, 63 % believe there is a risk.





But William Otis, an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University and special counsel to President George H.W. Bush, said there are areas in which society is willing to risk innocent lives for a larger goal.





Higher speed limits, for example, get people to their destinations faster but mean more fatal accidents. The nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki killed more than 200,000 people but likely speeded up the end of World War II.





"For some crimes it is worth it even though it has high costs," he said.





Another factor has been the emergence of conservative opponents basing their positions on pragmatic arguments.





Eric Berger, a law professor at the University of Nebraska, said such state senators played a critical role in the Nebraska repeal.





He said they may support capital punishment in theory but argue that in practice it has become a failed government program, one that costs too much and doesn't achieve its goals.





Death penalty cases cost more than those involving life imprisonment, according to numerous national studies.





"The death penalty costs Nebraska an average of $14.6 million annually."

A recent analysis by Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss concluded that having the death penalty costs Nebraska an average of $14.6 million annually. Death penalty supporters contested his conclusions, saying the difference in costs is minimal.





Meanwhile, the long, cumbersome appeals process and the difficulties obtaining lethal injection drugs have meant that few death sentences are ever carried out.





No more than 2 % of death row inmates have been executed in any of the past 15 years.





"If we really care about the sanctity of life and about the victims of all those crimes, couldn't we put all that money to better use?" Berger asked.





Supporters of capital punishment, however, argue that getting justice for murder victims and their families is worth the costs and obstacles.





"I support it because some murders are so grotesque that prison is not enough," Otis said. "That is the reason I think the death penalty has continued to enjoy popularity."





Polls show that, by far, the top reason people back the death penalty is their belief that the punishment fits the crime. More than 1/2 gave that reason for their support in both 1991 and 2011 polls.





Other arguments have lost favor. 6 % of supporters in the more recent poll said the death penalty deters crime, down from 13 % in 1991.





Many supporters believe the death penalty is needed "for the worst of the worst," said Lisa Kort-Butler, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.





"There seems to be a symbolic argument that this is something we have to have to say that we're tough on crime," she said.





Evolving - religious views





Another factor has been the evolution of religious positions.





While the Catholic Church previously taught that the death penalty was acceptable as a means to defend society, the church now is working to end capital punishment.





Pope John Paul II declared in a 1995 encyclical that modern society can protect itself from criminals without denying them the dignity of human life and the possibility of reform.





This summer, the current pontiff, Pope Francis, called for a world "free of the death penalty." Church leaders have been integral to the repeal effort in Nebraska.





A Pew poll this year found support for the death penalty had fallen to 43 % among Catholics, while it was at 69 % among white evangelical Protestants.





But even among evangelicals, attitudes are changing. A year ago the National Association of Evangelicals, which represents nearly 40 evangelical Christian denominations, revised its position statement on the death penalty to acknowledge differing views on the issue. The group's previous statement supported capital punishment.





The past few decades also have seen the United States become increasingly isolated in its use of the death penalty.





According to Amnesty International, an average of 3 countries have renounced the death penalty each year since 1990.





As of June, 103 countries had no death penalty, including Canada, Australia and almost all of Europe and Latin America. 6 countries allow it for exceptional circumstances only, and 31 have it but have a practice of not using it.





The 58 countries with the death penalty, however, include some of the world's largest: China, Russia, India, Japan and the United States.





They also include almost all of the Muslim majority countries. Islam accepts capital punishment for murder and crimes that harm or threaten the state.





Kort-Butler, the sociologist, and Otis, the Georgetown law professor, questioned whether Americans are influenced much by the international trends. He noted that the U.S. has a different history, culture, law and demographics.





"I think the death penalty is symbolic," Otis said. "For opponents, it is a symbol that the state is not going to go forward with killing out of principle. For supporters, it says we should have the moral confidence to say 'no' and mean it."

 | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; send a submission; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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Source: Editorial Board, Lincoln Journal Star, October 16, 2016Source: Omaha World-Herald, October 16, 2016
October 17, 2016

The New U.S. Way Of War

A recommendable New York Times piece looks at the mostly hidden way the U.S. is now waging wars. The example is Somalia, where the U.S. has been at war with the people of that country for over 25 years. But, as the authors note, the same modus operandi applies elsewhere.

The Obama administration has intensified a clandestine war in Somalia over the past year, using Special Operations troops, airstrikes, private contractors and African allies in an escalating campaign against Islamist militants in the anarchic Horn of Africa nation.

Would that "anarchic" nation Somalia still be "anarchic" if the U.S. would end its endless fighting there? That is very unlikely. Without outer interference Somalia would have been peaceful again many years ago. But the war continues, run not with regular U.S. forces, but with mercenaries, proxies, drones and a few U.S. Special Forces.

Somalia is an example of the "failed states" the U.S. now creates wherever it goes. A "failed state" then justifies further involvement. The "model" applies around the world:

The Somalia campaign is a blueprint for warfare that President Obama has embraced and will pass along to his successor. It is a model the United States now employs across the Middle East and North Africa  from Syria to Libya  despite the presidents stated aversion to American boots on the ground in the worlds war zones. This year alone, the United States has carried out airstrikes in seven countries and conducted Special Operations missions in many more.

Such wars are mostly "off the book". Congressional oversight does not happen for them as the impact within the U.S. is too small. The media are practically excluded. The money comes out of secret CIA and special forces accounts or is shaken out of some friendly U.S. client state like Saudi Arabia. No one will find out what methods of force or "interrogation" are used and as those prisoners vanish in some local warlord's dungeon, no one is likely to ever find out:

About 200 to 300 American Special Operations troops work with soldiers from Somalia and other African nations like Kenya and Uganda to carry out more than a half-dozen raids per month, according to senior American military officials. The operations are a combination of ground raids and drone strikes. The Navys classified SEAL Team 6 has been heavily involved in many of these operations. Once ground operations are complete, American troops working with Somali forces often interrogate prisoners at temporary screening facilities, including one in Puntland, a state in northern Somalia, before the detainees are transferred to more permanent Somali-run prisons, American military officials said.

Force is applied willy-nilly. It doesn't matter much who gets hit or why. Lack of local knowledge, language and politics are the norm. No one ever gets punished for getting things wrong:

[A]n airstrike last month killed more than a dozen Somali government soldiers, who were American allies against the Shabab. Outraged Somali officials said the Americans had been duped by clan rivals and fed bad intelligence, laying bare the complexities of waging a shadow war in Somalia.

The responsibilities that legally come with warfare are handed off to private parties. The use of mercenaries prevents accountability:

At an old Russian fighter jet base in Baledogle, about 70 miles from the Somali capital, Mogadishu, American Marines and private contractors are working to build up a Somali military unit designed to combat the Shabab throughout the country. Soldiers for the military unit, called Danab, which means lightning in Somali, are recruited by employees of Bancroft Global Development, a Washington-based company that for years has worked with the State Department to train African Union troops and embed with them on military operations inside Somalia. Michael Stock, the companys founder, said the Danab recruits received initial training at a facility in Mogadishu before they were sent to Baledogle, where they go through months of training by the Marines. Bancroft advisers then accompany the Somali fighters on missions.

What the piece misses are the media measures - or propaganda - which accompanies all such U.S. campaigns. That is not unwittingly as the NYT is always an integral part of such campaigns. The usual justification is "terrorism" or the "moral" need to eliminate a "brutal regime". The piece accordingly list a few alleged terrorism incidents with origin in Somalia to justify the massive, decades long uprooting of a whole country.

The scheme visible in Somalia is the same one that is applied in Libya, in Syria and in the Ukraine. The U.S. hires some group willing to wage war for a decent pay, lots of weapons and a chance to - may be - reach a lot of power for itself. It sends some mercenary company to "train" those forces, PR agencies get hired to provide the necessary media background, U.S. military forces are silently involved but only from far away via drones, or in mini special force formation that train and direct the local proxies.

The CIA is usually in the lead with the U.S. military providing firepower as needed. The State Department handles the diplomatic hurdles, pampers the proxies and so called allies and, together with the Treasury, generously applies devastating sanctions to bend the people to its will.

The methods are not dissimilar to those used during the last century mainly in south America. But the wars are now more open with more brute force applied.

The big question for the rest of the world is how such mostly hidden wars can be countered. They are very difficult to win by force on the ground. The U.S. will not change course because a few of its mercenaries get eliminated. The obvious answer is to increase the price the U.S. directly has to pay. The hurt must be painful enough to raise above the public negligence level that usually applies. Terrorism within the U.S. can and has been used. But I expect new, more subtle methods to be a part of the future answer. The cyber realm is ideal for asymmetric forces. A few knowledgeable fighters are sufficient. To counter them is difficult. The U.S. is probable the most sensitive target for cyber mayhem while the nations the U.S. attacks are mostly insensitive to such attacks.

No matter of what new ways of war the U.S. applies. Those attacked will always find ways to hit back.

Posted by b on October 17, 2016 at 18:53 UTC | Permalink

Comments
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John Garcia, a notable Grammy-nominated blues guitarist who performed with John Lee Hooker and then with his son, John Lee Hooker, Jr., died Saturday, friends and family reported.

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Garcia, who was born in Gilroy and lived here, had performed with such musicians as B.B.King, Johnny Winter, Paul Simon and Bonnie Raitt and toured the areas clubs and restaurants relentlessly, developing a loyal following who appreciated his mix of guitar finesse and humble humor.

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He would approach the blues in a way that made you think of them in a new way and threw in riffs that were so surprising, they would make you smile, wondering why no one else had thought of that first.

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Metro music writer Sammy Cohen called him Gilroy John Garcia in a 1985 piece that credited him as a key figure in keeping the South Bays blues tradition alive.

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In recent years he recorded with John Lee Hookers daughter, Zakiya Hooker and his son, John Lee Hooker Jr.,

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John Garcia received Grammy nominations for his blues guitar work on John Lee Hooker Jr.s CDs Blues with a Vengeance (2004) and All Odds Against Me (2008).

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He taught guitar to many local musicians over the past three decades as a music instructor at Gavilan College, South Valley Music Conservatory, the Morgan Hill Adult Community School. He was on the faculty at the School of the Blues in San Jose and the Gilroy Music Academy in Gilroy, California.

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Im so saddened to hear the news of Johns passing, said artist Andy Just, on his Facebook page. Ive known John since the days of the old 10101 blues house that Gary Smith and Sid Morris lived in. This was back in 1974. At that time John was playing with Gary Smith, and soon to record The Gary Smith Blues Band EP on Messaround Records. John was always gracious to other musicians (especially newcomers like me). He was a great teacher then, and up till recently. As a friend and musician, John taught me the importance of using dynamics when playing.

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When people would ask me who was one of my favorite guitar players that I know, I would always say John Garcia, because he could literally play anything and everything. I especially admired and enjoyed his take on blues-jazz style of guitar playing. Im just so fortunate that John was part of my life.

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On Garcias advertising, he quoted Dispatch Editor Brad Kava: This guy plays the guitar like a classic Porsche. Beautiful and melodic one minute, then leaning into the curves at 210 miles an hour the next.

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Standout recordings include 2003s Serious Fun with harmonica player David Barrett.

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Garcia is survived by son Aaron Django Garcia of Lodi, California. No services will be held, in keeping with his wishes.

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There will be a John Garcia Celebration of Life concert at Poorhouse Bistro Oct. 30th 6-9 p.m. It will include Wally Schnalle drums, Steve Smith on bass and a host of South Bay blues artist joining in. Please add your memories and thoughts below.
City of Morganton Water Resources workers will close a section of State Road on Tuesday to install a valve on a water line in the area.

Workers will close the road as early as 8 a.m. The road should be back open by 4 p.m., barring any unforeseen problems.

Residents will still be able to access State Road via South College Street and Oak Grove Street. Wall Lumber Company will still be accessible via State Road.
"Overwhelming evidence that the death penalty doesnt prevent violent crime"

There are many law enforcement professionals who agree with me theres no public safety benefit to the death penalty Frm Lincoln Police Chief, Allen Curtis





The process drags on for decades, and the victims we want to help are caught in the middle. Amy Jacobsen, current Deputy Douglas County Attorney





OMAHA, NE  Today, a group of law enforcement professionals, current and former police, prosecutors, correctional officers, and judges, many with direct experience with capital cases and Nebraskas death penalty, released a series of statements condemning Nebraskas death penalty.





According to Darold Bauer, campaign manager for Retain a Just Nebraska, for a variety of reasons and from various professional perspectives, these law enforcement experts said Nebraskas death penalty is broken beyond repair and Nebraska will be better off if voters uphold the Unicamerals replacement of the death penalty with life in prison.





Many of these professionals cited overwhelming evidence that the death penalty doesnt prevent violent crime. In 2012 the National Academy of Sciences examined over 30 years of deterrence studies and concluded there is no evidence that the death penalty decreases murder rates, Bauer said.





Fr. Greg OMeara, Creighton University law professor who prosecuted Jeffrey Dahmer, explains, Most people commit murders in a fit of passion, they do so quickly without thinking about it, and they dont think theyre going to get caught. And since they dont think theyre going to get caught, they wont worry about the penalty.





Allen Curtis, former Lincoln Police Chief, former Director of the Nebraska Crime Commission, and member of the Nebraska Police Officers Association Hall of Fame, notes, There are many law enforcement professionals who agree with me theres no public safety benefit to the death penalty. In 1995 and 2008, 500 police chiefs across the country were asked to rank what tools they found most effective for preventing violent crime. In both of these surveys the death penalty was ranked absolutely last. Chiefs recognized that more officers on the street, reducing drug abuse, or having effective programs for the mentally ill were much more likely to reduce crime than having or increasing the use of the death penalty.





Several of the Nebraska law enforcement professionals speaking out against Nebraskas death penalty have direct experience with Nebraska capital cases.





Joe Jeanette, a 45-year law enforcement veteran was a detective on the John Joubert capital case. Jeanette maintains, Its irresponsible to keep in place an expensive death penalty that doesnt keep us any safer. We should keep the death penalty gone, and invest the millions we will save in more officers on the streets.





Judge Ronald Reagan was on the three judge panel that sentenced Joubert to death, and says many of his colleagues on the bench shared the hope that sometime the Legislature would simply abolish the death penalty.





Many of the law enforcement experts said it was irresponsible to invest resources in our broken death penalty system instead of prioritizing law enforcement needs.





Past President of the National Black Police Association, Leslie Seymore from Omaha said, The exorbitant costs of capital punishment are actually making Americans less safe because badly needed resources are being diverted from proven, effective crime fighting strategies such as community policing.





Also of Omaha, current police officer and former Nebraska correctional officer, Martin Peterson said, I for one would like to see all that money spent on the death penalty to be paid to not only correctional officers, but to the other professions that help run the prisons.





A recent study by conservative Creighton economist Dr. Ernie Goss estimates the death penalty costs Nebraska $14.6 million annually. In September the Nebraska Department of Corrections submitted a budget showing a need for an additional $20 million. Recently, Governor Ricketts said state agencies should prepare for an 8 percent budget cut which the State Patrol said would force them to eliminate 28 paid officer positions.





Nebraskas history of mistakes and the possibility of executing the innocence were also of concern to these Nebraska law enforcement professionals.





J. Patrick Mullen, retired district judge who served 28 years on the district bench in Omaha, said, We have all seen the cases of coerced confessions, tampering with blood evidence, and other gross miscarriages of justice. While these are legitimate concerns, they dont address an underlying reality: people make mistakes. The best judges, juries, prosecutors and police, doing their very best, can still make mistakes and convict an innocent person. This isnt acceptable when someones life is on the line, Mullen said.





Randall Ritnour was the Gage County Attorney who investigated the Beatrice 6 wrongful conviction case, It happened right here in our backyard. We can't say that it's not possible to make a mistake, because we did. We made a huge one."





Additional concerns included the harm that comes to victims families because of the length of Nebraskas capital cases.





Amy Jacobsen, current Deputy Douglas County Attorney notes, Finality seems to be something we cant give people with the death penalty. The process drags on for decades, and the victims we want to help are caught in the middle.





The public safety officials who have spoken out against Nebraskas death penalty represent decades of law enforcement leadership and expertise.

 | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; send a submission; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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Source: Retain a Just Nebraska , October 17, 2016
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is presently in Goa in course of attending the BRICS- BIMSTEC Outreach Summit, today called on Sri Lankan President Maithiripala Sirisena.





On the occasion, matters relating to operating direct flights between the two countries and hosting the stalled 19th SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation ) Summit were discussed at the meeting held at local Leela Hotel.





During the meeting, Prime Minister Dahal said though Nepal and Sri Lanka are somehow far in terms of geographical location, both countries need to play role in the overall development of the South Asia and in the maintenance of cordial relations among the SAARC countries.





Emphasizing on the need of holding the Summit of the regional body as soon as possible, he said the member countries should have common views regarding this.





The Prime Minister, on the occasion, also requested the Sri Lankan President to reconsider the capital punishment handed by Sri Lanka to a Nepali citizen Chet Bahadur Thapa ( Lalitpur) on a case of drugs smuggling and make effective measures to control trafficking of Nepali women to the gulf countries via Sri Lanka.





Stating that Sri Lanka shares friendly relations with Nepal, the Sri Lankan President underscored the need of making collective efforts to organised the SAARC Summit. He said Sri Lanka was positive towards the concerns put forth by Nepal.

 | Report an error, an omission; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; send a submission; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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Source: my republica.com, October 15, 2016
Nwolfe35 said: When compared to Clinton and Trump he is, far and away, the best candidate out there.



As for people not researching Libertarianism, it's the apathy of the American voters and their apparent unwillingness to look at anyone beside what the Ds and Rs offer that has led to the nomination of the two most unlikeable candidates in history. Click to expand...

I respect your opinion, N, but you'll need to explain HOW/WHY Johnson is the best candidate. I realize that both he and Weld have governing experience, but so far they are pretty sketchy on policy details. I DO think they should be included in the debates.I agree with you about the apathy of the voters, but it IS what it IS. Here's what I don't understand. IF Libertarians WANT the voters to do the research--to become involved in the Libertarian Party, they really need to be more visible--to educate the voters and start planning for 2020. I think a lot of Americans ARE seriously looking for another option, but most have no idea what this party is all about.
DLF Pickseed

plans Tangent

expansion

The Tangent Planning Commission will hear a request from DLF Pickseed for a site plan review approval to construct a 35,520 square foot steel frame building addition for seed storage.

The Planning Commissions meeting starts at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Bass Estate, 32166 Old Oak Drive in Tangent.

The DLF Pickseed site is at 33149 Highway 99E. The warehouse expansion is a permitted use in the zone it is located in.

Mid-valley beer

wins national award

Flat Tail Brewing Co., 202 S.W. First Ave. in Corvallis, continues to rack up the awards.

The brewery earned a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival for its DAM Wild: Marionberry and Pink Peppercorn Wild Ale. The beer, which features Marionberries from Stahlbush Island Farms, was honored in the mixed-culture Brett beer category.

This is the second major medal for the Dam Wild series since its launch in late 2015. Earlier this year, Flat Tail won a bronze medal at the World Beer Cup for its DAM Wild: Dry Hops and Lemon Verbena, which competed in the American style sour ale category.

DAM Wild: Marionberry and Pink Peppercorn Wild Ale is the official winter offering for the DAM Wild series and will be back on tap and on shelves starting Nov. 1.

Albany chamber

makes candidate

endorsements

The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced its candidate endorsements for the November general election.

The civic organization gave Mike Sykes the nod for the Albany City Council Ward I position, the incumbent Bill Coburn the endorsement for Ward II, and incumbent Rich Kellum was the pick for Ward III.

Incumbent Roger Nyquist was endorsed for the Linn County Commissioner position 2 and state Rep. Andy Olson was supported by the chamber in his re-election bid.

The Democrat-Herald generally does not endorse candidates, but does voice opinions on measures.
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To further protect the integrity of our editorial content, we keep a strict separation between our sales teams and authors to remove any pressure or influence on our analyses and research.

Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process.
SWEET HOME  A year ago, the faces of the seven-member City Council were all male.

That changed in July, when Diane Gerson was appointed to fill the seat vacated by the resignation of Bruce Hobbs, who moved outside the city limits.

But depending on how local residents cast ballots Nov. 8, more than half of the council members could be female come the first meeting in January.

Long-time Mayor Jim Gourley is not seeking re-election for the first time in more than 20 years, but his wife, Lisa, is seeking a seat on the council. Other female candidates are Susan Coleman, Theresa Howard, Lisa Pye and Gerson, whose appointed term runs out at the end of December.

Male candidates are Andrew Allen and incumbents Dave Trask and James Goble.

The top three vote-getters will serve four-year terms and the fourth-place candidate will serve a two-year term.

Whatever the council looks like in January, its members will have to hit the ground running.

The community has been without a full-time city manager since April, although a contract offer has been made to Raymond Towry of Ephrata, Washington. Towry has extensive experience in small-town government, but not as city manager, so the council will need to provide guidance and direction.

The council is also beginning a discussion of changing the way the mayor is elected.

Currently, council members are elected at large by a public vote and the council members then elect a mayor. The council is considering changing that system to allow the public to elect the mayor.

Although the city has a new water treatment plant, the council members will face some tough economic decisions concerning its old wastewater treatment system.

And the city will begin renovating the former Sweet Home Ranger District office into a new City Hall. The current council purchased the building several months ago. It has been empty for several years and had at one point experienced extensive water damage.

Tax compression is projected to reduce funding for the public safety and library levies.

The council may also be asked to deal with the issue of recreational marijuana sales if approved by voters on the Nov. 8 ballot.
The head official of one of Canadas largest banks expressed his support for the new federal measures announced by the Finance Minister last week.CIBC president and CEO Victor Dodig said that the prudent regulatory changeswhich included steps to restrict the influx of foreign capital, along with tighter eligibility rules on would-be borrowerswill help reinforce the countrys real estate sector against various risks.`It's always a balancing act making sure that the housing market and the construction sector stay robust and employment stays robust, making sure that the banks continue to lend prudently and that consumers are borrowing prudently, Dodig told The Canadian Press. I think it's a prudent measure to continue to make sure there's stability in the system.Dodig also voiced his optimism regarding the upcoming consultations on lender risk sharing, which might see banks take on a larger portion of the risks in mortgage defaults.It's been a hallmark for us to always work together, Dodig said. I think the goal of the government is to make sure that the taxpayer is not on the hook to support financial institutions in a perceived or real way.On October 12, Finance Minister Bill Morneau said that the potential long-term gains outweigh the new rules effects on at-risk segments such as first-time home buyers.We think those impacts will be relatively short-term in nature, we think they'll be relatively modest and will contribute to a longer, positive growth pattern for the country, Morneau assured.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has called on President Obama to immediately oust Securities and Exchange Commission Mary Jo White.



In a letter to the president, Warren said that White is undermining the SECs mission to protect investors by refusing to develop a political spending disclosure rule and attempts to reduce companies existing disclosure obligations.



Obama and congressional Democrats have strongly opposed recent Republican efforts to prevent the SEC from requiring companies to disclose political contributions. But White herself has refused to issue such a rule despite overwhelming investor and public support for it, according to a news release from Warrens office.



Congressional Democrats will fight to remove the recently passed rider from Decembers government funding legislation, and I urge you to veto any effort to extend this corrupt policy, Warren wrote to Obama. But these efforts will be meaningless as long a Chair White continues to control the agenda of the SEC.

Warren also said that White had pursued a voluntary disclosure effectiveness initiative aimed at reducing already existing disclosure obligations.



For the last three years, (Whites anti-disclosure) views have undermined the SEC, your Administrations policies, Congressional mandates and the best interests of investors, Warren wrote. Under a new Chair, the agency can re-direct its limited discretionary resources away from actively undermining the interests of investors and back toward its core purposes.



Chair Whites unapologetic anti-disclosure posture has also resulted in an SEC that regularly fails to stand up for its own authority and regulations in this area, Warren added. Her stance has empowered efforts to weaken federal disclosure requirements.



Warren said she felt that Whites immediate replacement was the only remedy for the problems she felt the SEC had.



I have tried both publicly and privately to persuade Chair White to direct the agency's resources toward pressing matters of compelling interest to investors and the public, and toward completing those rules that Congress has required it to implement, Warren wrote. But after years of fruitless efforts, it is clear that Chair White is set on her course. The only way to return the SEC to its intended purpose is to change its leadership.



Under existing regulations, Obama has the authority to replace the SEC chair at any time if he designates a new chair from among existing SEC commissioners.


One of the biggest threats to an extended rally in U.S. natural gas prices is lurking in the oil patch.

Gas production in most of the country has dropped amid cost-cutting. Not so in the Permian Basin, the nation's biggest crude reservoir and one of the few places where drilling has remained profitable. Permian drillers led by Occidental Petroleum Corp. and Pioneer Natural Resources Co. are pumping more oil as prices rise, pushing natural gas extracted as a byproduct from the West Texas play to almost 7 billion cubic feet a day, Bloomberg Intelligence data show. Thats about 8 percent of U.S. supply.

The Permians resilience may blindside gas bulls whove nudged prices above $3 per million British thermal units for the first time in 16 months, following record demand during a hot summer and rising exports. At the same time, Permian drillers have added 45 rigs in three months, and a new discovery by Apache Corp. in the area promises to chase higher demand with a production surge starting in mid-2017.

Were drilling for oil in the Permian, but the dirty little secret is that there are also massive gas fields, said Scott Hanold, an analyst at Royal Bank of Canada in Minneapolis, in a telephone interview. The Permian is going to continue to grow, and its going to be the 900-pound gorilla."

Apache's discovery in the southern reaches of the Permian underscores the potential. The Houston-based crude producer estimates that two areas of the Alpine High finding can support 2,000 to 3,000 wells at oil prices of $50 a barrel and gas prices at $2.92 per million British thermal units, once production starts in the second half of 2017. Gas rose 0.3 percent to $3.350 on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 12:01 p.m. Singapore time.

The Permian is making a swift recovery from a rout in oil prices that battered the energy industry earlier this year, forcing producers to cut output. The 45 rigs added in the region over the past three months compare with just two in the neighboring Eagle Ford shale play during the same period, data from Baker Hughes show.

That's because the Permian's unique geology allows explorers to extract more crude at lower cost, compared with other shale formations. Some wells in the region can break even with crude at $30 a barrel, among the lowest in the U.S., according to Will Foiles, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence in New York.

Since wells in some areas of the reservoir can produce more than 50 percent natural gas, based on Bloomberg Intelligence estimates, oil's rally to a 15-month high will also unleash more of the heating and power-plant fuel on the U.S. market. Crude closed at $50.44 a barrel on Friday.

In the Permian, "the gas economics are totally tied to oil prices, and the higher the oil prices go, the higher the gas production will be," Randall Collum, an analyst for Genscape Inc. in Sugar Land, said by phone. "Bullish oil prices are bearish for gas prices."

Natural gas supplies from the Permian threaten to derail a rally that made the fuel one of the top-performing commodities in the second quarter. Just six months ago, a torrent of supply from shale formations pushed gas prices to the lowest since the 1990s after a mild winter, leaving stockpiles more than 50 percent above normal at the start of spring.

Gas prices have gained as production from gas-focused shale basins, including Appalachia's Marcellus formation, dwindles and demand picks up. Power plants are burning more of the fuel as coal-fired generators shut, and gas exports to Mexico via pipeline have climbed to a record.

At the same time, Cheniere Energy Inc.'s Sabine Pass terminal in Louisiana is shipping cargoes of liquefied natural gas across the globe.

The boost in gas exports, combined with increased demand for the fuel from U.S. petrochemical manufacturers as that industry expands, has sparked concern that prices for domestic users will jump. Senators, including Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, are urging government officials to slow down approvals for new LNG export terminals.

While production in the Permian is rising, "it's doing this against this background of growing demand that the market didn't have to deal with in years past," Nicholas Potter, an analyst at Barclays in New York, said by phone.

Output from the Permian may catch the gas market unawares, however, as supplies are climbing even as production of the fuel remains an afterthought for drillers like Encana Corp. While gas is boosting the company's profits in the basin, the company is targeting crude, Douglas Hock, a spokesman for the Calgary-based explorer, said in an e-mail. A spokesman for Occidental declined to comment, and Pioneer didn't respond to a request for comment.

"It's good to have, but associated natural gas isn't the driver of our economic performance in the Permian," Hock said.

Apache estimates that its new discovery, called Alpine High, holds 75 trillion cubic feet of gas and 3 billion barrels of oil in just two formations in the play.

"If it's successful, it's going to produce a significant amount of gas, much more than you've seen from these other wells," RBC's Hanold said.
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For the past 25 years, Midland Habitat for Humanity has helped provide housing to local families. The nonprofit celebrated its anniversary at a fundraiser Thursday.

About 550 people came to the event at Horseshoe Pavilion. Alynda Best, Habitat executive director, said the community has supported the organization over the years.

Its great when you consider the economy and how things have been in the past, Best said. We got support even during those times.

The organization highlighted its progress with a video and slide show during the fundraiser. It also sought donations to build homes in Odessa, where the nonprofit is expanding.

At the event, Concho received the 2016 Mark B. Merritt Golden Hammer Award, the highest honor for supporting Habitat. Best said many company employees have volunteered to construct Habitat homes.

Concho has built for us, Best said. Not only have they helped as a company, they underwrite costs.

This year, Habitat launched a new annual fundraiser structure. In the past, the organization held the family-friendly Tool Box Bash. But the 25th anniversary event was an evening dinner.

They say events with nonprofits play out over time, said Sheila Payne, board president. After 13 years, the net had been going down. So far, this [new fundraiser] seems to be working fine.

Board members wanted to invite a big-name speaker to attract people to the event, according to Payne. They chose Marcus Luttrell, retired Navy SEAL and author of Lone Survivor.

We have a wonderful speaker talking about determination, Best said before the event. Everything to do with Habitat is hard. Its a hard program, and we have to be determined. We cant give up.

Luttrell signed copies of his book and spoke about a gun battle in Afghanistan that left him wounded and his fellow SEAL team members dead.

The hardest thing is not when we get hurt or beat up, but when they kill one of us, Luttrell said.

Luttrell, raised in Texas, said people in the state helped him recover from his injuries. He said his experiences in the military led him to appreciate the work of Habitat supporters.

Ive seen horrific stuff and people, Luttrell said. When I get in a room with people who care, I respect it.
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Four Odessa men were arrested Oct. 10 after allegedly engaging in organized criminal activity, according to court documents.

Isaul Galindo, 20, Phoenix Renteria Granado, 18, Marcos Antonio Duarte, 18, and Anthony Xavier Lopez, 18, were arrested after Midland police responded to a reported stolen vehicle at about 12:25 a.m. Oct. 10, according to the arrest affidavit.

At least two of the men walked down a Midland street to check car doors and took items from unlocked vehicles, according to the affidavit.

Galindo and Granado then allegedly stole a pickup and were stopped by police, according to the affidavit.

An officer later stopped Duarte and Lopez in another stolen vehicle, according to the affidavit.

The four men face a state jail felony charge of engaging in organized criminal activity. Galindo, Granado and Duarte face additional charges.

Galindo was being held Monday on a $15,000 bond for a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity, a $10,000 bond for a charge of evading arrest with a vehicle with previous convictions and a $5,000 bond for an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge.

Granado was being held Monday facing charges of engaging in organized criminal activity, evading arrest or detention, possession of marijuana less than two ounces, burglary of a habitation and theft of a firearm. His bond was denied.

Duarte was being held Monday on a $25,000 bond for a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity and a $10,000 bond for an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge. Bond was denied for a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity.

Lopez was being held Monday on a $20,000 bond for a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity.

If convicted of the state jail felony charges, the men could face up to two years imprisonment.
The Linn County Clerks Office will mail a record 76,046 ballots, thanks in large part to the new Oregon Motor Voter Registration program, according to clerk Steve Druckenmiller, who predicts that number will increase slightly by mailing time.

Going back two years, we mailed 63,960 ballots and the last presidential election we mailed 62,150, Druckenmiller said. Its very impressive and I think it shows that in Oregon, we try to include as many people as possible in the voting process.

Druckenmiller expects a large turnout of voters and reminds voters they can keep track of their ballot from mailing day to the final tally by visiting the Linn County website at www.co.linn.or.us.

Click on the BallotTrax button and answer four questions: first and last names, date of birth and zip code.

It is a free service.

Druckenmiller said local residents have until 5 p.m. Oct. 18 to register to vote in person at the Linn County Courthouse. If they register by mail, an Oct. 18 postmark is acceptable and they have until 11:59 p.m. to register online.

Statewide, the Oregon Secretary of States Office said last week that more than 250,000 new voters are now registered due to the Motor Voter program. Including all forms of registration, some 298,320 Oregon residents have registered to vote since August 2015, up nearly 14 percent.

Heightened interest, our growing population, and the success of the Oregon Motor Voter program have brought about a surge in voter registration," Secretary of State Jeanne Atkins said. In the May primary, we saw the most voters participating in Oregon history. I am confident that we are on track to break that record again for the November general election.

The Oregon Motor Voter law took effect on Jan. 1.

For more information on Oregon Motor Voter, please visit www.oregonmotorvoter.gov.
HARRISBURG  Blessed with fertile soil and access to the Willamette River, the farming area near what is now Harrisburg was a prime location for settlers  John Wilson, Thos. Wilson, Luther White and others  in 1847.

By 1866, the settlement became a community and the weekend of Oct. 22-23, the southernmost incorporated community in Linn County will celebrate its 150th birthday with a full weekend of activities.

We have been working on this for the last eight or nine months, said City Administrator Brian Latta. The board has been a grassroots collective of citizens and city staff.

Latta said Charles Kizer, who serves on the Harrisburg Museum board of directors, has been developing a 150-year timeline of the community.

Its probably going to take up at least 75 feet of paper, Latta said.

Latta called Harrisburg, A great place that has grown over the last 150 years, but has been able to keep its charm and character. It has a long history based in agriculture, when it was founded and today. The river brought people here, but it was being able to make a living in agriculture that kept them here.

Latta added, We love our small town, and were going to be happy to show it off and celebrate its successes. This is going to be a quaint celebration.

According to the Linn County Genealogy profile, there were about 101 residents in the area by 1852, and most raised livestock.

The actual community of Harrisburg was platted on land owned by Wm. A. Forgey in 1852.

The communitys first store was opened a year later by D. and A.A. McCully, the nucleus for a new town that was originally called Thurston, but that was short-lived because the U.S. Postal Service notified local folks that name had already been taken.

Forgey changed the name to Harrisburg, after his hometown in Pennsylvania.

The local economy was slow to take off, but by 1878, grain exporting was strong thanks to shipping on the river and the community took off.

The community received its city charter in 1866, with 45 voters in favor and two against.

Among the early businesses were boot and shoe shops, wagon shops, a grocery store, millinery shops, a dentist, dry good stores, drug stores, hotels, livery stables, cabinet shops, blacksmith shops, an Odd Fellows Lodge, a school, lawyers office, butcher shop, Masonic Lodge and barber shops.

By 1880, the communitys population had grown to 422, but had only grown to 622 by 1940.

The Oregon & California railroad (east side) was finished to Harrisburg in June, 1871, and the railroad bridge across the Willamette at Harrisburg was completed in October, 1871.

Steamboats were the first means of transportation to affect the community. The James Clinton was first to go up the Willamette in 1856 as far as Eugene, Lane County.

Some of the events planned Oct. 22 and 23 are:

 150th parade: Those involved with a school club, business or non-profit organization, and those who just love parades, are invited to join in. Complete the parade entry form, available for download on the citys website or as a paper copy at City Hall, and return it to Latta at City Hall.

The theme for the parade is "Harrisburg 150 Years: Past & Present" and will begin at 11 a.m. at LaSalle St.

 Scarecrow contest: Participants can show off their creativity or get together with friends and family to create a prize-winning scarecrow. Scarecrows will be on display at the Museum grounds and judged at 3 p.m. on Sunday. To participate, complete a registration entry form and return to Michele Eldridge at City Hall and then bring the scarecrow down to the celebration on Saturday.

 Traditional Mennonite dinner: Come wind down the Saturday celebration by enjoying a traditional dinner. The dinner is from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Harrisburg Christian Church, 601 Smith St. The menu includes two meat dishes, potatoes, two salads, dinner rolls, two desserts and a beverage. Advance tickets are being sold at City Hall for $12, and if available, tickets will be sold at the door for $15. Seating is limited.

 Kids pet parade: Little ones and furry ones can join in the 150th pet parade on Sunday afternoon, starting at the Methodist Church, 730 Smith St.

 Time capsule and birthday cake: Join the official ceremonies on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. where visitors will hear from a few guest speakers, bury a 50-year time capsule and eat birthday cake.
Akufo-Addo should have apologised over hardship  ...
The Linn County unit of the League of Women Voters and the Albany chapter of the American Association of University Women are hosting two ballot-measure forums Tuesday, Oct. 18, and Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave. S.E.

Both forums begin at 7 p.m.

Tuesdays forum will focus on Measure 97, which would tax certain corporations 2.5 percent of their Oregon sales over $25 million. The measure could raise $3 billion a year in new revenue for the state.

Speaking in favor of Measure 97 will be Otto Schell, a legislative advocate for Oregon PTA. Speaking in opposition to Measure 97 will be Alison Hart, an outreach consultant for the statewide coalition No on 97.

On Thursday, local measures concerning marijuana in both Albany and Linn County will be discussed. Both would ban the sales, production, and processing of recreational marijuana.

Among the speakers at this forum will be State Rep. Andy Olson, who served on the joint legislative committee that created the home rule opportunity for cities and counties after the passage of Measure 91, which ended Oregons prohibition on recreational marijuana. Andy will explain how the committees work has enabled Albany and Linn County to consider local bans on sales and production of recreational marijuana.

Speaking against the Albany ban will be Ray Kopczynski and DJ King. Kopczynski has been an Albany city councilor since 2011. King is the community organizer for Keep Albany Open for Business and a cannabis industry consultant. Speaking in opposition to the Linn County ban will be Todd Dalotto, a horticultural scientist, public policy adviser and cannabis industry consultant.

Jonathan Fitchett will speak in favor of the Albany and Linn County marijuana bans. The Linn County unit of the League of Women Voters, will moderate both forums.

The forums are open to all and free of charge, and all audience members are invited to submit questions for the speakers.

For more information about the forums or the League of Women Voters, call Linda Ziedrich at 503-707-1539.
Dave Dravecky Speaks at the Joie de Vie Gala View Photos

Murphys, CA  Sonora Regional Medical Centers Joie de Vie Gala held Sunday night at Ironstone Vineyards was a watershed eventin more ways than one.

As the evening came to a close it was first announced that a record setting $182,000 had been raised for the new Diana J. White Cancer Institute and SRMCs cancer patient support fund. It was $50,000 more than any other previous galas. Minutes later, SRMC President and CEO Andrew Jahn announced that Kevin Day, Tribal Chair of the Tuolumne Band of Me Wuk Indians, agreed to bump the number up to an even $200,000.

Due to torrential rainfall there was some flooding inside the dinner area, and a power outage which added to the festivities, but it was still very well attended, upbeat and inspirational.

Former San Francisco Giant Dave Dravecky was the keynote speakerwho fought cancer multiple times and doctors eventually had to amputate his left pitching arm.

In regards to his speech, Dravecky told Clarke Broadcasting, Through the journey, of battling cancer, its a message of hope. But its also acknowledging the journey and how difficult the journey can beand the significance of the people that come into your life to walk with you through that journey and become an encouragement to you. My message really revolves around a theme thats about our worthbecause so much of our worth is defined by what we haveand then all of a suddenwhen youre diagnosed with something like cancer it changes your world dramatically and it makes you step back and think a little bit more about this life that we haveand how long its going to beor how short its going to be.

Dravecky spoke about the challenges he faced while battling cancer, and how his family, friends and God helped him gain a new perspective. He spoke about the importance of relationships, and transforming over time to understand, Its not what you do, but its who you are as a person.

Dravecky sprinkled in stories from his playing days with the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants organizations.

The night also featured a special presentation in honor of Kate Powell Segerstrom who is this years Irving J Symons recipient for her efforts to improve the community. 2016 marked the 16th year of the Joie de Vie Gala.
U.S. Senate candidates Marco Rubio and Patrick Murphy attacked their opponents' ties to their presidential nominees in a debate Monday night at the University of Central Florida.

US Senate candidates Murphy, Rubio debate at UCF

Rubio returned to Senate race after failed presidential bid

Murphy has longtime backing of Democratic Party

Full coverage of Florida and the election at Florida Decides



REPLAY: Debate updates, live fact-checks from PolitiFact Florida 



The debate, at the Fairwinds Alumni Center and hosted by WFTV, ABC News and Politico Florida, was a closed event, with tickets given out only mainly students and professors.

In the past few months, Democrat Murphy and Republican Rubio have exchanged sharp words against each other on the campaign trail, but Monday's debate was largely civil, with each candidate waiting his turn to answer questions.

The Senate candidates shared their stances on topics such as immigration reform as well as the Affordable Care Act, still a hot topic in both Democratic and Republican circles.

"It's not perfect," Murphy said. "There's many things we need to do to improve it, and that's exactly what I've spent my time in Congress trying to do."

"To say that Obamacare has some problems is to say that the Titanic has some problems," Rubio countered. "It has enormous problems."

Murphy attempted to tie Rubio to GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, who beat him badly in Florida's presidential primary earlier this year and in recent weeks has been forced to defend himself after vulgar comments about women he made more than a decade ago resurfaced.

"I've condemned him when he's said things that are aggressive, outrageous, vulgar and inappropriate, and I will continue to do so," Rubio said.

"This isn't just a binary choice, and there are people who have the courage to stand up and do whats best," Murphy said.

For many at UCF, the debate  just 21 days before the general election  offered an opportunity not just to showcase the school on a televised stage, but also to potentially make a mark on the election and undecided voters.



Before the debate, UCF students on both sides of the political fence gathered on the quad, chanting and carrying signs.

"It's getting a little confrontational, so I can understand," said Alexander Molennear, a UCF sophomore studying political science who supports Murphy.



"(Rubio) hasn't done his job correctly, so Im here for the correct candidate," he said.



Donning a sailor cap to demonstrate how he thinks Murphy is privileged, Luke Strominger couldn't disagree more.



"I don't think we need Democrats anymore," Strominger said. "We need our state to go red."

"It's quite the experience. As a student, I didn't think that Id have this opportunity so have such an elite presidential, or prior presidential candidate and now Senatorial debate happening here in Florida," UCF communications student Lauren Cruz said, a volunteer who helped coordinate the event.

Faculty at UCF also touted the school's opportunity to influence politics.

"It speaks I think to what the university has become and why it continues to grow and why it's seen, quite candidly, as the type of place you'd want to have this event," said Tim Brown, an associate professor of Radio and Television. "I think what it shows is that Orlando is a key to Florida, which is a key to the national election."

The Senate seat is a key to Republicans holding a majority in the Senate and is critical for Rubio to win if he has further presidential aspirations. For his part, Murphy was backed by the Democratic establishment ahead of his primary victory over U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson.

"It's an honor for UCF to hold the debates," Molennear said.

Rubio and Murphy will debate again at Broward College in Davie next week.

Several armed men trespassed at event

As the debate started, four men who tried to enter the debate were trespassed from campus, according to UCF Police spokeswoman Courtney Gilmartin.

Gilmartin said a third-party candidate who was not invited to the event tried to enter the Alumni Center without a ticket. The candidate had security with him who were armed, which is in violation of a Florida law preventing guns on college campuses unless they're in a locked vehicle.



LIVE UPDATES: Rubio, Murphy debate updates on Twitter
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless.

A right delayed is a right denied.Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true.

Martin Luther King Jr.

No one is born hating another person People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.

Nelson Mandela

We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist

James Baldwin

There is a fine line between free speech and hate speech. Free speech encourages debate whereas hate speech incites violence.

Newton Lee

The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.

Albert Einstein
Colin Kaepernick has reported receiving death threats since he began his national anthem protest. Now, someone in Buffalo is taking threats to another level: merchandising.

Sports Illustrated writer Robert Klemko found one vendor outside of Ralph Wilson Stadium on Sunday morning selling shirts that depict Kaepernick in a gun sight with the caption: "Wanted: notorious disgrace to America." Another shirt reads "Shut up and stand up!"
Editor's note: This is the third in a five-part series on infamous San Francisco murders of yore, one story each Monday in October. You can read the first two installments in the related links down below.

The house at 2211 Sutter St. had been quiet for some weeks.

Only one neighbor, a few weeks before, recalled seeing a young woman dressed in red pull back the bedroom curtain, look out and then disappear, seemingly called away from the window by another person in the house. No one else had been seen to enter or exit the property.

On Feb. 8, 1902, the landlord of 2211 Sutter sent an inspector to visit the house. No one had paid the February rent and no one answered upon knocking. Inside, the inspector found a house full of cobwebs and dust. The only evidence of human occupancy was an empty bottle of whiskey and the butt end of a cigar.

As he moved toward the back of the house, he saw a figure in the bedroom. At first, he thought she was sleeping on the cheap bed, covered up to her neck in second-hand quilts. But something must have struck him as odd, because the inspector ran out onto the street to find a policeman. When he returned with the police, they confirmed that there was indeed someone in the house: The most famous missing girl in San Francisco.

*****

Sixteen-year-old Nora Fuller left home on Jan. 11 full of optimism. The year had started off badly for the Fuller family. Noras mother had just divorced her second husband, leaving her and her children without a stable source of income. Nora was pulled out of school and told to find a job.

And Nora thought shed found one. In early January, she responded to a want ad in the Chronicle placed by a man named John Bennett who was looking for a nanny for his baby. He told her to meet him at the Popular Restaurant on Geary, and she set off with high hopes for full-time employment.

A few hours later, Nora called her family to inform them that Mr. Bennett wanted her to start right away. She was at his home on 1500 Geary, ready to begin. Noras mother told her to come home; she could start work on Monday morning. Nora agreed, and said she was on her way.

But Nora never showed. And, unbeknownst to her family, there was no house at 1500 Geary at all. It was a vacant lot.

*****

Police dismissed Noras disappearance almost immediately, telling her mother and the public that Noras best friend had recently run away so she had probably done the same.

"They take no stock in the theory of the mother that Nora has been abducted, the Chronicle wrote.

Weeks went by and January turned to February with no sign of Nora. Only the proprietor of the Popular Restaurant issued a warning. The man who had been waiting for Nora that night was a regular that the waiters called Tenderloin in reference to his standing steak dinner order. The man had been coming there for 15 years, never with a wife or a child, and sometimes imitated a minister. He "meant no good" with Nora, the restaurant owner cautioned.

The discovery of Noras naked body in the house on Sutter proved him right. Shed been dead for some time when the inspector found her, looking like a sleeping child with her head on the pillow, nestled in quilts. The Chronicle reported she was unmistakably violated, but the exact details of her injuries, pre or post mortem, were lost with all other police and autopsy records in the 1906 fire.

Noras young brother was brought in to identify the decomposing body.

Yes, it is Nora, he said. ...That little ribbon is the one she wore around her neck. I fastened it for her myself the last time I saw her.

Meanwhile, police were finding more and more evidence linking John Bennett to the crime. The owner of a furniture store came forward to say hed filled the mans unusual request in early January. Despite being well-dressed in expensive clothes, the man wanted only a cheap bed, a plain chair and some second-hand bedding. He also demanded that it be delivered that night or not at all.

The furniture order was signed by CB Hawkins, yet another fake name. The handwriting also matched the want ad form the man filled out for the Chronicle.

"It does not seem possible for him to remain long unfound, the Chronicle reported confidently.

*****

Despite the mounting evidence, the murderer continued to elude the authorities. Speculation ran rampant as to his motives. Some thought the nanny job was a ruse to lure in a young girl. Others thought Nora knew the man already, a theory put forward by one of her friends, Madge Graham.

Madge was sure Noras murderer was her gentleman friend, a rich older man who frequently stepped out with Nora behind her mothers back.

"She used to meet him quite often, Madge told the press. I remember that she frequently telephoned to him ... She seemed to like him very much. I think the advertisement in the paper was a trick. She used often to stay out late at night."

The Chronicle liked this theory too. They noted the oddness of the want ad. It specifically asked for a "white" nanny. This was not a distinction that needed to be made in California, wrote the Chronicle. Which meant John Bennett was either a Southerner or  more tantalizingly  the detail was a secret code intended for Nora.

Perhaps there was even more truth to what Madge said. The Sutter St. home, so clearly rented and staged for a murder, also bore marks of familiarity. Whoever killed Nora left her lovingly in bed, wrapped in blankets as if she would get cold. She wasnt dumped or abandoned. She was gently put to sleep.

As February turned to March, San Francisco grew hysterical about the killer among them. One man, awaiting his fiance in Oakland, called the police when she failed to show for a date.

She wasnt. The fiance had gotten cold feet, much to the embarrassment of probably all involved, and she seriously object[ed] to being made out a second Nora Fuller.

Police followed leads for years. The only concrete suspect who ever emerged was an accountant for the San Francisco Examiner, a man named Charles B. Hadley. Hadleys trail ended as cold as Noras however; a small story in a 1915 Chronicle notes that he disappeared shortly before Noras body was found. It was rumored he committed suicide.

As for Nora, her first disappearance was not her last. Her body was laid to rest in San Francisco, somewhere long since forgotten.

Perhaps she is somewhere beneath our feet, waiting to be found again.
A federal judge has thrown out of most of a lawsuit that said Berkeley police used excessive force in subduing a woman who died during a 2013 arrest.

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco dismissed most of the claims in the suit filed by the family of Kayla Moore, including that Berkeley officers used excessive force against the transgender woman.

He did leave one aspect of the case intact, saying the familys attorneys could argue to a jury that police violated Moores rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

All is not lost, even if we were to have to proceed on the ADA. Were being trailblazers as far as fighting on behalf of the community, Adante Pointer, a lawyer for the Moore family, said Monday.

Moore died when Berkeley police tried to arrest her in her home in February 2013. Her roommate had called police when she kicked him out of their apartment. Police have said Moore became increasingly agitated and uncooperative to the officers commands and began to scream and violently resist.

Her family says Moore was a paranoid schizophrenic who was having a mental health crisis. She stopped breathing after being restrained and handcuffed on her stomach on a futon.

The Alameda County coroner concluded that her death was mainly caused by codeine and methamphetamine in her system, combined with Moores obesity and poor cardiovascular health. She weighed nearly 350 pounds.

Breyer found that the police were largely protected from legal responsibility under the doctrine of qualified immunity, which protects public servants from lawsuits unless they violate someones clearly established rights. It is often used to defend police accused of misconduct or excessive force.

Breyer agreed with Berkeley city attorneys arguments that police had been justified in trying to take Moore into protective custody because she was having a schizophrenic crisis.

Every loss of life hurts, but not every loss of life violates the Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures, Breyer wrote in a ruling Friday.

Under the judges ruling, police still can be held liable if a jury finds they didnt make reasonable accommodations for Moores disability  her schizophrenia  during the arrest.

A spokesman for the city of Berkeley did not immediately return a request for comment.

Moores sister, Maria, called the decision disappointing.

It wont end until an example is made, she said. And maybe thats what Kaylas death was for.

Filipa A. Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi
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A man was arrested after a fight broke out at an adult group home in Fairfield, and a man involved died hours later from his injuries, police said Monday.

A resident inside the home on the 500 block of Dakota Street called police about 7:15 p.m. on Sunday to report that a man in the common area wasnt breathing, said Detective Kathryn McCormick, a spokeswoman for the Fairfield Police Department.
A political advocacy group for physicians has filed a lawsuit against a new California law designed to protect consumers from unexpected out-of-network medical bills.

The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, in the lawsuit filed late last week in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in Sacramento, asked the court to block the law.

This bill basically empowers private insurance companies to set prices for physicians and other caregivers who are not even in their network, said Andrew Schlafly, general counsel for the group. It basically gives the insurance companies the power of government.

The legislation, Assembly Bill 72, authored by Rob Bonta, D-Alameda, removes patients from what is essentially a dispute between insurers and health care providers who dont contract with insurers.

Some doctors  particularly hospital specialists such as anesthesiologists, radiologists and pathologists  dont have contracts because they dont think they will be adequately reimbursed. So even when patients go to an in-network hospital, they can get hit with out-of-network charges for these specialists.

The law will require insurers to reimburse these out-of-network providers at 125 percent of the rate Medicare pays, or at the insurers average contracted rate, whichever is greater.

The bill, signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown last month, is due to go into effect in July.

The lawsuit, which names the governor and the head of the state Department of Managed Health Care as defendants, claims the law violates the U.S. and California constitutions in several ways, including denying doctors due process as well as just compensation for their labor.

The group also claims doctors will withdraw from providing services in greater numbers in predominantly minority communities, thus violating constitutional equal protection clauses.

Bonta said in a statement that the law expressly provides due process for physicians by allowing them to seek any legal remedy they see fit if they are dissatisfied with their compensation and will shield consumers from potentially devastating bills.

Betsy Imholz, director of special projects for Consumers Union, called the lawsuit groundless. The consumer group, the policy arm of the publication Consumer Reports, backed AB72.

She said the law does not cede pricing authority to the insurers, nor is there evidence that minority communities will be disproportionately affected.

The bottom line, she said, is that income for certain specialists will be reduced under the law. She said lowering overall health care costs is important to protect patients, both their health and financial well being.

Victoria Colliver is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vcolliver@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @vcolliver
Carolyn Hax is on leave. This column originally ran on June 16, 2013.

Carolyn:

I have a bizarre dilemma that needs a light touch in handling. My wife, my children and I are very close to my grandparents, who live within an easy drive. We still see them often, and never miss birthdays, holidays, etc. My grandparents are generous with gifts but, in recent years, gifts have been replaced by checks (usually about $100) because it's harder for them to get around to stores.

No problems there, of course.

The issue is that the amount given to me is usually double the amount given to my wife, who spends as much time with my grandparents as I do, if not more. I seriously doubt this is an intentional slight.

My guess is that they don't think of the implications for my wife, who is in a small way somewhat hurt by the move. It's just a sense-of-worth thing that unfortunately is manifested in a monetary gift. Is there an easy way to handle this without hurting someone's feelings or coming off as ungrateful?

-- T.

"Light touch"? How 'bout no touch. Wow.

Sure, a stroke of the pen could indeed bring equality to Giftland, but that route is hardly "easy."

For one, there's nothing simple about hurting your grandparents with the suggestion that their gifts haven't been warmly received, and/or insulting them with the implication that they haven't been generous enough.

It's also an illusion that Giftland is in any need of equality. Your grandparents have known you, presumably, since your infancy. Even if you don't agree that this alone justifies a larger gift, surely you -- or your wife -- can appreciate that others would?

The genuinely easy solution is for your wife to realize she can't expect her love or validation to come in the form she prefers. Or at all, though she's apparently close to your grandparents.

I realize this is advice for her more than it is for you, but I hope you'll encourage her to see that having her children enjoy their great-grandparents is its own validation. It would take shortsightedness of epic proportions to sell this for a hundred bucks.



Dear Carolyn:

So we're moving out of state, have to leave our house a week before school ends, but Mom had said we could stay with her for that week. Now, she says she can't handle it. (To be fair we're two adults, two kids, two dogs and a cat.) So we're scrambling to place the animals and pay for a hotel.

On the one hand, this is classic Mom, yanking help at the last minute to leave us hanging. On the other hand -- even our nanny has offered us her place, and neighbors have offered their basements.

So I can't decide if I'm mad at my mom, or just grateful to have another Mom story to trot out at parties. And she hasn't called since then -- so should I call and let her off the hook?

-- Mom flaked

One key word: "classic."

One new mantra: I can't lean on Mom. I can't lean on Mom. I can't lean on Mom.

She apparently wants to be the person you lean on, and therefore makes the offer -- but offering is easy. Following through requires resources that she apparently doesn't have.

A mother's failings always feel personal to a child, but that doesn't mean they actually are. For every argument you can make that not wanting you and your kids in her house is as personal as it gets, I can counter with an argument that when anyone talks a generous game but doesn't come through, it's always about her -- specifically, her need to appear the hero and her shortage of character when it comes to the messy work of actually being one.

I wouldn't say this, of course, if she "yanked help" just this once (and didn't go silent on you).

But since she has, some of the responsibility falls on you here, for taking part in the series of choices that, predictably, becomes another Mom story.

That's one of a few reasons you ought to call her. By the time this sees publication, your limbo will be over, right? So use that to view the whole thing as past, done, forgiven.

Then, work on the future: Say to Mom that while you appreciate her impulse to help out, you and she both need to get better at recognizing what will push her in over her head.

And when she keeps making offers to help anyway, recognize the pattern you're both in, and break it. "No, Mom, but thank you for offering." As in: Stop setting her up, or letting her set herself up, for these ritual failures.

There's also no need for you to "decide" on one feeling. If we don't allow ourselves multiple, confusing, even conflicting feelings about our mothers, then how else do we learn to deal with people when the going gets gray?
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DANBURY  Charles Ives enthusiasts from the Danbury area and the Northeast celebrated the composers 142nd birthday on Sunday.

The Danbury Museum and Historical Society sponsored Charles Ives Day with a visit to the Danbury natives gravesite, a stop at his house and a hike on Ives Trail to see one of the spots that inspired his music. The Danbury Music Centre has held this event for more than 30 years around Ives birthday, but this is the first year the museum has sponsored it.

Each year the event brings familiar faces as Ives fans come together to share knowledge about the composer and memories of hearing his music in concert.

It becomes almost like family, said Nancy Sudik, who founded the day.

Among the regulars is Allan McSpiritt, who for the past 10 years has traveled from New Jersey for the event. He first listened to Ives, who is known for his unique and dissonant sound, in the 1970s when he found a record among his fathers music collection.

I said, This is the weirdest thing Ive ever heard. Im going to play it again, McSpiritt said.

Now Ives is his favorite composer.

Yet, Ives was unpopular for most of his life because his work was nontraditional. With his music, he tried to recreate everyday sounds, such as people walking on the sidewalk, or the noise of two marching bands heading toward each other.

To him, all sound was music, McSpiritt said. It was all part of the package.

He incorporated folk songs, Protestant hymns and other music into his pieces, so listeners hear something new every time they play the song, McSpiritt said.

This is among the things Walter Sudik said he loves about Ives music.

He was so creative and didnt worry about following rules, he said. He wanted to make it the way he wanted to make it.

The day began at Wooster Cemetery, where Ives and his family are buried. The site was the inspiration for Ives 1906 piece The Pond. Ives wrote the song in honor of his late father and named it because of the pond near the cemetery. Nancy and co-event organizer Larry Deming stood close to Ives fathers grave and played the piece while McSpiritt sang. Nancy then walked down to the pond to play while the other attendees listened at the graves.

This is what (Ives) envisioned, Nancy said.

Before the performance, an airplane passed by and the group lifted their hands in imitation of Ives.

He hated technology, so if an airplane went by he would shake his fist and curse at it, McSpiritt said.

The group then headed to the house where Ives was born, which was moved from the Main Street area to Mountainville Avenue in 1967. Nancy went with her then-boyfriend, now husband, Walter to see the house be moved and then became interested in Ives.

Now she is a champion of his music. She said it can be hard for beginners to get used to, but that they can grow to appreciate him.

If you know what to listen for its okay, she said. Thats what Larry and I like to do, give something for people to hang their hats on so they know what to listen for.
MILFORD  Radio personality Brian Smith, who has played everyone from Santa Claus to Captain Kidd, will host a costume party in the Milford Library on Saturday night.

The citys poet laureate and literary-themed costumes will provide an air of dignity to what promises to be a fun event, spokeswoman Marion Morra said. And no one will shush you.

The Party in the Stacks, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, will include drinks and dancing, a photo booth and silent auction. The event is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Milford Library.

On-line bidding for auction items is open now. Items include:

 Breakfast at the firehouse with Milfords firemen, and a ride on the fire truck

 An African safari for two or four persons

 A tour of some of Milfords special places with Mayor Ben Blake, followed by lunch with the mayor at Stonebridge Restaurant

 Nine bound volumes of Munseys Illustrated Magazine (1893-1900)

 A two-night New England getaway at the InnS eason Resorts of your choice.

 An in-home wine tasting for 20 with The Crushed Grape

o Five beautifully illustrated volumes of My Bookhouse from 1921

 A private curatorial tour at the Yale Center for British Art

 Tickets to Long Wharf and Yale Repertory theaters in New Haven

 Dinner at 7 Seas and Christopher Martins, brunch at Saybrook Point Inn and Spa

 Selections of 1920s illustrated childrens books

 A Milford Ghost Tour for 20 with Cynthia Wolf Boynton

 Gift baskets of books and wine

 A Beauty Basket from stylist Andre Philips

As far as anyone can recall, the event will be the first time that alcohol will be served in the building, Librarian Christine Angeli said recently.

There will also be an optional costume competition, and guests are invited to come dressed as their favorite literary characters. The adults-only party will also include an evening of dancing and revelry and literary inspired hors d'ouevres, desserts and drinks.

Funds raised will go toward the library friends groups several projects, including a speakers program, film series, museum passes, the popular Little Libraries at beaches in summer and special programming that the citys library budget does not provide.

Carmela DeVito, a Friends member who plans to attend as a witch (because there are a lot of books with witches in them) was disappointed to learn that one library rule wont be suspended during the party.

I asked if I could check out more books during the party than is normally allowed, but they said no, said DeVito, who reviews books for the Friends newsletter.

Tickets are $50 each and are available at the library circulation desk and on-line. For more information 203-783-3291.
Stephentown

A 47-year-old driver intentionally hit and killed a dog Friday night, and then left the scene of the crash, State Police said.

Troopers responded to a Stephentown residence to investigate reports of an accident involving a dog and later arrested Joel F. Rose of Nassau, State Police spokesman Trooper Mark Cepiel said.

Rose was dropping off a group of people at a Stephentown home Friday, Cepiel said. While Rose was parked in the driveway with two of his own dogs inside the car, the homeowner's 1-year-old Boxer-Lab mix circled his car.

"Mr. Rose became agitated," Cepiel said. "He left the driveway hurriedly before the puppy could be corralled by the homeowners." As Rose drove away, the puppy ran into the roadway.

"It is alleged Mr. Rose moved from his lane of travel to intentionally hit the dog and then drove away," Cepiel said. The dog died from its injuries Saturday.

Troopers interviewed the homeowners and other witnesses at the scene, who all told the same story, Cepiel said.

Rose is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals under Buster's Law, a state law intended to bring harsher penalties for animal abuse.

Rose also faces a misdemeanor criminal mischief charge. He was released with appearance tickets for Oct. 20 in Stephentown Town Court.

emasters@timesunion.com  518-454-5467  @emilysmasters
Springfield, Mass.

Massachusetts investigators moved forward on a 24-year-old cold case in late September after a Virginia lab used DNA evidence to predict the appearance of the woman's killer.

As encouraging as that may sound  having a "face to this crime" in the words of that county prosecutor's words  the technology hasn't hit the Capital Region yet. Local district attorneys also question the test's utility.

Massachusetts resident and teacher Lisa Ziegert was 24 years old when she was murdered in 1992. She was abducted from a card shop in Agawam, Mass., where she worked in the evenings.

A store clerk reported her missing after arriving the next morning to find the store open, the lights on and Ziegert's car parked outside. The money inside the cash register, along with the victim's purse and school materials, were untouched.

Four days later Ziegert's body was found in the woods four miles away and police ruled her death a homicide.

The new images predict what her killer may look like: fair-skinned with brown or black hair and brown or hazel eyes, all previously unknown traits.

"The technology we have put to use is at the leading edge of the industry. No expense, effort, or means will be spared to bring the person(s) to justice who killed Lisa," Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni said.

He authorized evidence recovered from the crime scene and Ziegert's remains to be analyzed by Parabon NanoLabs, a DNA technology firm specializing in DNA phenotyping.

The process tries to predict physical appearance and ancestry using unidentified DNA evidence. The lab can predict traits such as eye color, hair color, skin tone and freckles.

The composite of the traits shows the suspect at age 25 with an average body mass index, two values that cannot be determined from DNA.

"Although a first in Massachusetts, federal and local law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions have used Parabon's 'Snapshot DNA Phenotyping Service' to narrow suspect lists and generate leads in criminal investigations," the Hampden County District Attorney's office said in a press release.

The Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Washington County district attorney's offices said they don't currently have policies on using DNA phenotyping as an investigation tool. Area prosecutors were hesitant to say if they'd employ the new technology in the future.

"We would take it case-by-case basis as we do with all specialized cases in our office," Rensselaer County District Attorney's Office spokesman Jonathan Desso said.

Washington County District Attorney Anthony Gordon said any new technology for DNA testing is worth learning more about. "It's basically that we have this evidence and we don't know what it means," Gordon said.

All four of the district attorney's offices said they would need to research the technology further. Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney said he wasn't sure it would be permissible in court.

"It's not going to be a substitute for the proof of guilt. It would be like getting a tip from somebody and that alone isn't going to get you a case," Carney said.

Since DNA phenotyping gives investigators a baseline description of a suspect, it could help investigators eliminate suspects or revisit old leads in search of new evidence. But the vague description of a white man with brown hair and brown eyes may not do much else, Carney and Gordon said.

"There is a difference between using it as an investigative tool and using it to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt," Gordon said. He said though myriad allowable investigative tactics are not permissible in court, including historical profiling techniques used in serial murder, arson and rape cases.

"I don't think a jury could convict nor should they" based on a DNA phenotyping report, Carney said. "It's probably not even enough to get a search warrant."

Carney's office spent more than $70,000 last year on specialized DNA tests performed by a private company for three separate trials  two murders and a pistol-whipping assault  that all resulted in convictions. One of those murder cases represented the first time computer-assisted technology TrueAllele had been used in a New York court. Permitted as evidence by the judge, the test did help establish guilt.

On March 20, 2015, a Schenectady County jury found 48-year-old John Wakefield guilty of first-degree murder in the April 11, 2010, strangling of Brett Wentworth. Wakefield was sentenced to life in prison.

The prosecution's star witness, Dr. Mark Perlin, and his new technology  Cybergenetics TrueAllele Casework  were critical for Assistant District Attorney Peter Willis because the science showed Wakefield's DNA was found on the victim's forearm, shirt collar and the murder weapon, a guitar amplifier cord.

State Police forensic officers found multiple people's DNA on those pieces of evidence, Carney said. Finding a match on DNA evidence that is not single source is a common challenge on crime scenes, he said. "A lot of DNA deposited at a crime scene is mixed DNA."

TrueAllele analyzes the mixed-source DNA and computes "the likelihood of a particular person's DNA being in that mixture," Carney said.

While a traditional DNA test showed there was a one in 400 possibility that the killer's DNA didn't match what was found on the victim, the new technology told investigators there was a one in 1 billion chance it wasn't his.

Wakefield's defense attorney, Fred Rench, called Perlin's science "voodoo" for months but quickly abandoned that strategy when Perlin gave testimony on the tests' legitimacy.

Carney said he felt the price of the tests were well worth the convictions. His office went to a private firm because a State Police forensic lab scandal impeded the aim of getting state-funded testing done in time. Schenectady County financed the tests with forfeited criminal funds, Carney said.

Gordon said his office exclusively sends its evidence to the State Police lab, which is funded by taxes and does not charge law enforcement agencies for testing DNA or testifying on the findings in court.

"That's why the decision to have a State Police lab is so valuable," Gordon said. "We have not had cause to send evidence to outside labs."

Gordon said the New York State District Attorney's Association does its best to be at the forefront of investigation tools, including DNA testing.

"Competent, qualified science helps exonerate innocent people and helps prove guilty" those who have committed a crime, Gordon said. "There's a lot of developing science and with developing science, there's debate."

emasters@timesunion.com  518-454-5467  @emilysmasters
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Albany

For a less-experienced bicyclist, deciding how to get from one part of the city to another can be a discouraging task.

The Albany Bicycle Coalition is working to change that by creating an online map that would allow users to insert their starting point and destination and be directed to the most bike-friendly route.

"Our bicycle participation is low," said Lorenz Worden, president of the coalition. "It's low for women. It's low for family groups, and it's low for people afraid to ride in traffic."

To address people's fears of where they could safely ride, he said, the coalition decided to come up with a Bike Albany map. It devised four east-west and four north-south ways to get across the city.

"We worked on developing these routes: We rode a lot of them, we walked a lot of them and we drove a lot of them," he said.

The group then asked more than 700 people on its mailing lists to do the same, and changes were made based on their input.

Those favored routes are used as a basis for the online map. Like Mapquest or Google Maps, the bicycle coalition's mapping service will enable people to either type in or click on locations and get a mapped route between the two places. They could also turn on a GPS that would use their location to guide them. It does not show a step-by-step list of where to turn.

Though it uses Google Maps as a base, the results will be different. Riders will not be directed to travel down Central Avenue, for instance.

Glenn Sandberg, the coalition's IT director, has spent hours working on the project to help riders navigate the city.

"It is not always going to be the shortest route from A to B," he said.

Worden said the quickest route isn't necessarily the one a bike rider would want to take: "If you were to use Google Maps to do it, it would put you on routes that would make you say 'I'm never doing that again.'"

The coalition also wanted to keep the map simple to make it easier to use.

"If you look at the bike maps in Syracuse or New York City, it looks like a plate of spaghetti," Sandberg said. "We tried to make it manageable. We didn't want them to feel lost. There are other side streets that are just as good but we didn't want to overwhelm."

Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy, D-Albany, an avid bicyclist, provided an $8,000 state grant for the project to create the online map. The coalition has worked with Parks and Trails New York, and it is still seeking to raise another $1,500. Mohawk Valley Geographic Information Systems has worked with the group to create the mapping service, which will be available on the coalition's website next month.

The site also has keys showing light- and heavy-traffic roads and icons for bike shops and bicycle repair stations. It has caution icons that, when clicked, explain potential issues for a rider.

The mapping service is not designed for veteran riders who may feel comfortable riding alongside cars on heavily trafficked roads, Worden said. It is designed for less fearless riders or those new to the city.

"We have thousands of new college students coming in every year," he said. "Many of them don't have cars and don't know how to get around here."

tobrien@timesunion.com  518-454-5092  @timobrientu
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GREENWICH  The search firm Ray and Associates is seeking community input across Greenwich as it begins its hunt for the school districts next superintendent.

In the past two weeks, the firm has received over 500 responses to its online survey that asks people to select the 10 personal qualities they consider essential in the new superintendent.

They want stability. They want someone to deal with the achievement gap issues, said Mike Rush, a search consultant with Ray and Associates, about the survey responses so far. They want somebody who is collaborative, somebody who is open, honest and transparent. They want a strong leader.

The survey will remain active until Wednesday, and Rush encouraged all community members to submit responses. A link to the survey is on the home page of the Greenwich Public School s website, www.greenwichschools.org .

In addition, Ray and Associates hosted community forums on Monday, one in the morning at Town Hall and another in the evening at Julian Curtiss School.

Community members were asked about the strengths of the school district, the challenges that the new superintendent will face and what personality traits they believe are must-haves for the job.

I want someone that can work with the Board of Education, that can also work with the parents, said Peter Carlaftes, a Byram resident. He or she has to be the hub, the person that can be the liaison between all these different outfits.

State Rep. Mike Bocchino, R-150th, a former leader of the New Lebanon School PTA, said, They also have to be independent. They have to be strong, be a good manager, a good leader.

Community members agreed that the new superintendent should be aware of Greenwichs diversity and be prepared to address the achievement gap, which Bocchino called probably the biggest issue in the district.

In addition, representatives of the firm gathered feedback from the Greenwich PTO and students on Monday.

After the close of the survey Wednesday, Ray and Associates will compile the public input into a list of 10 qualities that it will use to advertise for the next superintendent. An official announcement advertising the position will be released on Nov. 1; applications for the position are not being accepted before that date.

The deadline for candidates to apply for the Greenwich superintendent position is Dec. 31. In January 2017, Ray and Associates will cull the pool of applicants and produce a list of finalists to present to the school board.

We pride ourselves on bringing people who dont have baggage, said Rush. We vet them. We triple vet them. We go beyond to make sure were getting you the right people.

The Board of Education will interview candidates in February and March of 2017 with hopes to select a new superintendent by the end of April. The new hire will begin prior to the start of the 2017-18 school year, replacing Interim Superintendent Sal Corda.

emunson@hearstmediact.com; @emiliemunson
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Six people were arrested on welfare fraud and associated charges, the Montgomery County Department of Social Services said.

The cases were investigated by the department's Fraud Unit.

The following were charged with one count each of welfare fraud and offering a false instrument, both felonies:

Isarys S. Acevedo, 24, of Amsterdam, who allegedly failed to report household income and received $10,802 in food stamp benefits. She was arraigned in Amsterdam City Court.

Andre J. Robles, 32, of Amsterdam, who allegedly failed to report household income and received $3,797 in food stamp benefits. Robles was arraigned in Amsterdam City Court.

April Birch, 43, of Amsterdam, who allegedly failed to report household income and received $4,154 in food stamp benefits. Birch was arraigned in Amsterdam Police Court.

Tennille A. Duesler, 40, of Fultonville, who allegedly failed to report household income and received $8,747 in food stamp benefits. Duesler was arrested on a Town of Mohawk Court arrest warrant and was released on an appearance ticket to appear Wednesday for arraignment in the Town of Mohawk Court.

Shelby A. Aney, 32, of Amsterdam was charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, a felony.

Aney allegedly possessed a forged medical form and presented the form to the Department of Social Services. Aney was arraigned in Amsterdam Police Court.

Meaghan E. Savage, 23, of Amsterdam was charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, a felony. Savage allegedly possessed a forged medical form and presented the form to the Department of Social Services. Savage was arraigned in Amsterdam Police Court.
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Albany

Disgraced lobbyist Todd Howe helped a key economic development and compliance official at SUNY Polytechnic Institute land his position in 2014.

Also, a financial disclosure form filed in 2011 by the official, Christopher Walsh, shows that Howe  who pleaded guilty in a massive state corruption case last month  owed Walsh between $1,000 and $5,000 for an "unsecured" loan at that year's end. From 2012 onwards, the loan no longer appears on Walsh's disclosure forms.

Walsh, who was a deputy commissioner at the Department of Environmental Conservation in 2011, told the Times Union that he had given Howe a "small personal loan between friends who have known each other for more than three decades." He said the loan  which came with no terms, interest or schedules  had been repaid in full.

Howe pleaded guilty last month to multiple felonies related to U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara's investigation of upstate development projects. He is now cooperating with federal investigators. Despite his years of work for the high-profile law firm Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, Howe for years leading up to the current scandal faced financial difficulties, including bankruptcy and tax liens.

Walsh also confirmed that in 2014 Howe was involved in his landing his current job on the executive staff of SUNY Poly, where Walsh serves as associate vice president for regulatory and programmatic compliance.

"Given my previous work with Empire State Development, Todd suggested SUNY Poly would be an interesting place for me to work," Walsh said via email. "When I learned about the projects the college was launching across the state, I became interested in the opportunity."

Walsh made $175,000 at SUNY Poly in 2015, according to Empire Center records, a jump from $145,000 in 2013 at DEC.

Records show Walsh's work included carrying out the contract for the "Film Hub" project in the Syracuse-area town of Dewitt between a nonprofit arm of SUNY Poly and the Syracuse-area firm, COR Development. That project is one aspect of the federal complaint lodged by Bharara last month that charged Howe, former top Cuomo official Joe Percoco and seven others  including top executives at COR.

Howe, who is at the center of those allegations, drew a $25,000 salary working for SUNY Poly. He pleaded guilty to helping developer clients including COR get the inside track bidding on upstate development projects. COR is currently suing Howe for alleged nonpayment of an $85,000 loan it made to the lobbyist in 2015.

There is no indication Walsh is a target of the investigation.

Like Howe, Walsh's days in government date back to Gov. Mario Cuomo's administration: According to his online profile he served as assistant counsel to the governor from 1993-1995. He has worked in state government ever since, including as an upstate development official for Empire State Development Corp. from 2007 to 2009.

While not large, Walsh's loan to Howe is a somewhat unusual financial relationship between a lobbyist and a state government official who has served two entities, SUNY Poly and the DEC, that are discussed at length in Bharara's complaint.

Walsh said he had no involvement in the aspects of Bharara's complaint that involve the DEC, including the allegation that Percoco and Howe pressed that agency for a policy change that benefited an energy company that was paying both Howe and Percoco's wife.

SUNY Poly is the innovative high-tech school formerly run by Alain Kaloyeros, who recently resigned and is facing federal and state charges related to alleged bid-rigging of several upstate development deals.

Despite being a lobbyist, Howe appeared to wield broad influence at public SUNY Poly, where he was given an office and an assigned parking space marked with the nickname "Master Herb." His attorney did not return a request for comment.

In an email, Walsh said he works on "economic development and building projects that SUNY Poly and its affiliates" are involved with "in partnership with industry and state agencies." He said this included working with counterparts in government on construction, funding, grant dispersal and payments.

Walsh was designated in a January 2015 construction management contract as one of two representatives of Fort Schuyler Management Corp.  one of SUNY Poly's nonprofit development arms  and COR Development. They would render "decisions promptly and furnish information expeditiously" so as to avoid delays on the building of the Film Hub project, a movie production studio in Dewitt, the contract says.

Two COR executives, including company president Steven Aiello, face federal charges for allegedly bribing Percoco and Howe in exchange for a variety of government favors, including one involving the Film Hub. Both maintain their innocence.

The complaint says that in August 2015, COR officials were upset that $14.2 million in payments of $15 million it had been granted by the state to construct the movie studio had not been paid. Subcontractors and vendors were threatening to walk off the job, and Howe  who was working for both COR and SUNY Poly  asked Percoco to intervene and secure the payments.

"Help!! It's mounting!" Aiello reportedly wrote to Howe, referring to the delayed payments. Howe forwarded the email to Percoco, asking him to take part in a conference call with COR officials and two unnamed state employees, one from SUNY Poly and one from the Dormitory Authority, the complaint says.

Percoco determined that the state Budget Division was holding up the money, the complaint says, and was able to convince it to allocate the funds, the complaint says. The Dormitory Authority then had to complete its own approval and enter into a granting agreement with Fort Schuyler, which was then able to provide the Film Hub funds to COR.

From 2011 to 2014, Walsh served as the deputy commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, an agency where Howe and Percoco allegedly helped facilitate an unusual deal for a client, Competitive Power Ventures, which reaped millions of dollars of state energy credits to build a power plant in New Jersey.

A spokesman for DEC said Walsh's primary duties there were overseeing its forest rangers and environment conservation officers, and that Walsh was a political appointee, not someone who went through the civil service process to get his position.

DEC spokesman Sean Mahar said he did not believe Walsh's job would have touched on the power plant credits. "I don't know all the specific things he did here," Mahar said.

"I was not involved," Walsh said. "My responsibilities at DEC were to oversee the nine regional offices, the Division of Forest Protection, the Division of Law Enforcement and the Division of Environmental Permits."

cbragg@timesunion.com  518-454-5303  @chrisbragg1
Albany

New York trails other states in modernizing its 911 systems to handle greater cellphone use, in part because lawmakers routinely divert money intended for that purpose and use it to plug holes in the state budget.

While New York is hardly alone in struggling to upgrade to "next generation 911" that can better pinpoint the location of cell callers in emergencies, its shortcomings stand out. It's the only northeastern state with gaps in 911 service in rural areas. Few places can accept text messages. And its high-rise cities are still unable to detect the floor from which cellphone 911 calls are placed.

"Public safety is government's No. 1 responsibility, and right now we're lagging in New York state," said John Merklinger, who runs the 911 system in Rochester.

States for years have imposed surcharges on cellphone bills that are supposed to raise money for local 911 systems. New York's surcharge of about $1.20 per month is among the highest in the nation, generating $185 million last year alone. But budget records show the state has diverted much of that money to other uses every year since at least 2004.

Over the past five years, New York has diverted an estimated $400 million, or about 42 percent of the $945 million or so raised, to its general fund, which is used for everything from education to state employee salaries. Last year, the diversion amounted to almost two-thirds of the surcharge money collected, forcing local systems to scrimp to pay for needed upgrades.

"We have to beg to get the money we're entitled to," said Albany County Executive Dan McCoy.

An estimated 70 percent of the nation's 240 million annual calls to 911 now come from cellphones, but decades-old 911 technology used in most localities often can't pinpoint the location of callers. States including Kansas, Connecticut and Massachusetts are considered the leaders in taking steps to complete their upgrade.

Estimates are that New York needs at least $2.2 billion to fully upgrade its 911 systems. A federal task force on 911 systems that sought an explanation from New York officials about the diversion of surcharge money says it got no answers.

"The decisions for diverting a certain amount of 911 fees appear to be made in a non-public way," the task force said in a report last year.

New York has company in diverting cellphone surcharge money for other uses. A 2013 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that New York and five other states did so in 2011, including Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Maine and Rhode Island. In most cases, the money was used to prop up the state's general fund, or to ease cash-flow concerns.
NORWALK  Michelle Abbruzzese had barely woken up from the anesthetic when she overheard doctors discussing treatment plans, wigs and side effects.

Abbruzzese was diagnosed with stage-2 breast cancer in 2005. Familiar with the disease and the toll of traditional treatments through cancers effect on family members, Abbruzzesse, who owns and operates Work It Dance and Fitness in Norwalk, sought an alternative approach, and, under the supervision of cancer experts, utilized a combination of traditional and alternative therapies to treat the disease.

I wanted to use the traditional treatment as a last resort, Abbruzzese said. I did a lot of research and Ive been constantly monitored and had CAT scans through the whole process.

Abbruzzeses integrative approach is becoming more common among U.S. patients. About 38 percent of U.S. adults and 12 percent of children use some form of integrative medicine that combines conventional treatment with naturopathic remedies, according to a study by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Mary Heery, a registered nurse in the breast health center at Norwalk Hospital, said the hospital strives to help patients interested in naturopathic treatments find the best integrative methods to treat a variety of ailments, including cancer side effects. Treatments like acupuncture, reiki, meditation and massage are all acceptable and recommended supplements to treat side effects, she said. Even so, she said the department stresses the importance of research-based conventional medicine.

When people discuss it, we understand people want to explore all of their options and we are supportive of that, Heery said. We stress the research to support why the recommendations are made, believing that traditional medicine has solid research behind it. We do work closely with some alternative practitioners and so sometimes we like to work together and have patients do the original treatment and supplement with alternative therapies. We want to make sure people know we dont just make up these regiments, theyre based on thousands of patients being successfully treated. We do treat side effects with integrative therapies. We know theres research to support those therapies to reduce side effects.

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians defines naturopathic medicine as a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals inherent self-healing process.

The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific and empirical methods such as clinical and laboratory diagnostic testing, nutritional medicine, botanical medicine, naturopathic physical medicine, public health measures, hygiene, counseling, minor surgery, homeopathy, acupuncture, prescription medication, intravenous and injection therapy.

Dr. Marcia Prenguber, dean of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine at the University of Bridgeport, said many people look to alternative treatments for their cost savings as well as a way to avoid additional harsh chemicals. Prenguber stressed that naturopathic medicine is about treating the whole patient  mind, body and soul  and finding the root cause of an illness or side effect, rather than simply treating the symptoms.

Typically patients are given anti-nausea medications, which often work but dont always conquer the problem and something as simple as ginger works, Prenguber said. ... Its still not mainstream, but we see more physicians open and interested in working with naturopathic doctors or learning about the therapies themselves.

Nonvitamin, nonmineral natural products are the most commonly used naturopathic therapy among adults. Use has increased for several therapies, including deep breathing exercises, meditation, massage therapy and yoga, and the most popular natural products are fish oil/omega 3, glucosamine, echinacea and flaxseed.

Therapies like acupuncture, reiki and medical marijuana have also grown in prominence across the country, as patients seek alternative medicine to treat side effects caused by conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

The Centre for Natural Healing, located at 35 Wall St. in Norwalk, offers herbal and nutritional medicine, often at the recommendation of both traditional and naturopathic medical professionals. Owner Suzi Jolicoeur said the store carries many supplements that are not carried in health food stores.

A lot of our clients are cancer patients that are primarily doing an integrative approach, working with medical doctors and working with us or a naturopath and then theyre coming here to purchase the items those practitioners have recommended, Jolicoeur said. ... When you combine the best of conventional medicine and the best of what we offer here the results can be pretty amazing.

KKrasselt@scni.com; 203-354-1021; @kaitlynkrasselt
The state takeover of Edgewood Independent School District earlier this year leaves board hopefuls running for election this November unsure when, or even if, they will get a chance to serve.

Three candidates are running unopposed  a number remarkably low compared to the last election, which had eight candidates seeking three seats in 2014.

People were like, Why are you even running? said Edward Romero, 34, an information technology consultant for the Education Service Center in Region 20, who is running for position seven on the board.

Whether or not I get to function on the board for a long period of time or a short period of time doesnt matter. I try to do my best if I am on there, for the kids in the district, because thats the only thing that matters, said Joe Guerra, 65, a former board president running for position five.

Martha Castilla, 54, a community health worker running for position four, and Guerra were originally the only two candidates running unopposed until earlier this month, when Luis Gomez, 65, withdrew from running against Romero.

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Its too much politics for me. I dont have the time or patience for that, he said. Gomezs withdrawal came too late to be pulled from the Nov. 8 ballot, so he will still be listed.

Nobody filed for position six.

The Texas Education Agency took over the districts board of trustees in March after months of paralysis that had prevented the board from making major decisions, including hiring a new superintendent and two principals.

Though the state-appointed board of managers is still required to call an election when trustees terms expire as per state law, they cannot relinquish their roles for at least two years after coming on the board, said TEA spokeswoman DeEtta Culbertson, referring to new TEA rules that became effective Feb. 29.

The four at-large positions are filling the expired terms of trustees Johnny Perez, Tina Morales, Velma Pena and Sonia Elizondo, said Edgewood ISD public information officer Keyhla Calderon-Lugo.

Given Edgewoods four-year board terms, the individuals currently running for election could at most serve two years on the board, from 2018 to 2020.

After the managers required two-year stint is up, Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath will have the option to replace them with Edgewood elected officials, extend their stay another two years or establish an exit date of her choosing. If, in 2018, the conservator were to choose the exit date route, she would replace one-third of the board each year for three years leading up to that date.

It will all hinge on the progress made and how things will happen before (the two year mark) in the district, Culbertson said.

Guerra, Romero and Gomez all said they were surprised that as many people ran, citing confusion and a sour taste for the board after the tumult of the past year. Castilla could not be reached for comment.

If it comes to fruition, I plan to do my best and try to do whatever we need to do to work with the superintendent to keep going forward, Guerra said.

Romero said his first child, a girl, was born Sept. 24. If anything, his daughters birth motivated him to help his school district even more, he said.

Hopefully she will be at Edgewood, Romero said. And thats also why Im hoping to make things better. So when she is of age, I can make sure she has a good education.

sfosterfrau@express-news.net
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KERRVILLE  A local Republic of Texas official convicted here last year over the issuance of phony court documents is back behind bars  without bond  on three charges of violating the terms of her probation.

Susan R. Cammack, who bills herself as Bexar Countys representative in the pro-independence groups government, was forcibly fingerprinted and photographed by staffers at the Kerr County jail following her Oct. 7 arrest.

She was refusing to be booked, claiming that she was not a U.S. citizen and we could not book her, period, Sheriff Rusty Hierholzer said Monday. She did resist, but she was fingerprinted and photographed.

The Republic of Texas doesnt recognize Texas as legitimately in the union and therefore maintains that it doesnt need to secede to establish its independence.

This is the second time that Cammack, of Hunt, has been jailed for allegedly violating her probation. A jury convicted her nearly a year ago of three misdemeanor counts of simulating legal process, and she was sentenced then to two years probation and a $500 fine.

The charges stemmed from court orders issued on Cammacks behalf in early 2015 by David J. Kroupa, who billed himself as the Republic of Texas chief justice in Harris County. The papers summoned a Kerrville lawyer and a state district judge to appear at the groups international common law court in Bryan to explain their actions in a foreclosure case against Cammack in Kerr County.

Neither the judge nor the lawyer attended  but local, state and federal officers raided the Feb. 14, 2015 meeting and seized computers, phones and documents from group members. Only Cammack and Kroupa were charged and prosecuted by the Texas Attorney Generals Office.

Kroupa, 60, pleaded guilty in August 2015 to one count of simulating legal process under a plea deal that dropped two other similar charges. He was sentenced to 50 hours of community service and 15 months deferred adjudication probation and fined $500. He also agreed to testify at Cammacks trial in October 2015.

Cammack, 55, launched an appeal of her conviction but later dropped it. Prosecutors dropped an attempt to revoke her probation in July because, the court found, the dismissal of the appeal had not been finalized when the alleged violations occurred, so she was not officially on probation at the time.

In freeing Cammack, retired state District Judge Robert Barton advised her to abide by the law and to cooperate with probation officials to avoid future problems.

However, the states latest motion accused her of failing to report in August to the community supervisions department and to sign required forms, refusing to submit to drug testing or report to the sheriffs department to be fingerprinted, failing to pay $1,213 in fines and fees ordered by the court, failing to pay three months of probation fees totaling $90 and failing to complete 100 hours of community service.

The Oct. 5 motion also alleges that Cammack committed new offenses by failing to maintain vehicle registration and liability insurance.

In a 12-page document filed with the court Aug. 11, Cammack accused Sheriff Hierholzer and others of kidnapping, assaulting and imprisoning her. Authorities engaged in the theft of my property, with their extortion racket, and then held a show trial in their so-called court, before their (bought-and-paid-for) clerk masquerading as a judge.

John Jarnecke, president of the Republic of Texas, said he visited Cammack in jail Sunday. He said Cammack was still sore from being manhandled during the forced booking.

I think Kerr County just has a vendetta against her and the Republic of Texas and I believe theyre going to do their dangest to ensure that they wind up on top, that they win, Jarnecke said Monday.

He said Cammacks latest arrest occurred at a Kerrville restaurant as she tried to have new papers served on an individual, documents he suspects may spark a new, separate investigation.

Hierholzer denied Cammack was mistreated and said theres no investigation underway into the latest paperwork served by her.

Cammack is expected to remain in jail pending her next court appearance, the date of which has not been set.

zeke@express-news.net
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When a Central Texas child tried to get up from a bean bag chair in his classroom, he was met by his teachers hand and was tossed down again, and again.

After a concerned parent posted a video of a Snook Independent School District behavior specialist tossing a small boy into a classroom bean bag chair over and over again, the footage was shared thousands of times on Facebook, where many wondered what would happen to the employee if the footage was authentic.

The man, later identified by KVUE as Troy Vann, in the video tells the child: Tell me no. When I tell you to do something, you do it, boy.

RELATED: Harlandale ISD elementary teacher resigns following 2nd DWI, drug possession charges

Snook ISD, about 13 miles southwest of College Station, released a statement Oct. 15 announcing Vann had been fired and the district was working with law enforcement and the Texas Education Agency to look into the incident. The announcement came two days after the district was made aware of the incident by a student who saw what happened and reported Vann.

District Superintendent Brenda W. Krchnak said the behavior specialist acted in an inappropriate manner when dealing with a young student.

The actions depicted in the video are not condoned or authorized in any way by the school, Krchnak said. The individual in question is no longer employed by Snook ISD.

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Vann was hired in August 2015 and there was no indications of concern regarding this employees conduct, the superintendent said.

As Superintendent, I am ordering a review of Snook ISD faculty and staff use of discipline and restraint, Krchnak said. Our top priority is for our students to be treated in a safe and respectful manner when they are in our care.

The childs mother, Jessica Boson, told KVUE she cried after watching the video of her son and Vann.

I was in disbelief because I had a phone call from the school saying it was a video, but it was nothing to worry about  they were just trying to get him to sit down, Boson said. And then, when I seen the actual video, tears flooded my eyes.

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The video was posted to Facebook by Stacy Williams. She told KVUE her 8th grader Exavier Williams took the video and went to Kenzie Bond, the principal, with his concerns. Exavier Williams said Bond erased the video from his phone. Krchnak told KVUE Kenzie Bond, the principal, sent the video to her, and erased it to protect Exavier Williams identity.

Exavier Williams, however, sent the video to another phone as backup, and his mom later posted it on Facebook.

Stacy WIlliams and Boson told the news station they would be removing their children from the school district.

On Oct. 14, Stacy Williams updated her Facebook status to say SHUT DOWN SNOOK SCHOOL.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
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When ACS officer Robert Lopez drove toward Salado Creek Greenway one recent evening, a motorist stopped him, saying he'd seen 10 dogs along the edge of the park. Minutes later, Lopez saw two adult dogs and a pup resting in tall grass. As soon as he approached, the trio slipped into the brush.

Holding a forearm in front of his face, he plowed through patches of thick brush, only to find empty dens burrowed into the earth beneath slabs of crumbled concrete in the overgrown area.

As Lopez returned to his truck, Kim Ramirez, 63, flagged him down. Holding the leashes of her two terriers, Yucca and Brooks Dale, she told him about another loose dog sighting. Two years ago, she had found the terriers wandering along the greenway and adopted them as her pets.

RELATED: Old photographs of Brackenridge Park capture San Antonio family traditions

Ramirez said people regularly dump animals in the area. She said there have been times when loose dogs have attacked pets in the neighborhood.

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Thousands of dogs roam the streets and overgrown areas of San Antonio each year, but animal experts estimate that only one out of every five can be considered truly homeless.

Many of the roaming dogs, feral and semi-domesticated, travel along a series of creek beds, green belts and drainage culverts known as the "dog highway," giving them access to water and the ability to traverse largely unseen between neighborhoods.

In fiscal year 2015, the city shelter received 102,855 service calls for dogs; 10,680 were for locations within 500 feet of a waterway.

"There are a lot of green spaces surrounding the waterways, by virtue of fact that people are drawn to the scenery and nature," ACS Chief Field Operations Officer Shannon Sims said. "So are the animals. It's a natural inclination for them to want to be near water."

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It happens all over the city.

Most of the dogs seen roaming loose on the streets are essentially community dogs because they're provided food and water by someone or have some other kind of friendly human contact, said Katie Jarl, Texas senior state director for the Humane Society of the United States. Studies show those dogs return to the area they consider home every night.

"There are very few that are not relying on a human or going to a human," Jarl said.

She said roaming dogs often feed off trash or bowls of food set out by well-meaning animal lovers. At Southside Lions Park, for example, people leave buckets filled with water and bowls of scraps of food for the roaming dogs.

According to a city ordinance, any one who cares for an animal for more than 30 days, including leaving food out for roaming dogs, is legally responsible for that animal.

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"I wish there was a big sign that said, 'Spay/neuter your animals,' " she said. "If you can't love them, don't have them."

Visit Exprss-News.com for more on the stray dog population of San Antonio.

vtdavis@express-news.net
Picture The Alamo 183 years ago: Lt. Col. William B. Travis scribbling the enemy in large force is in sight as he wrote to Gonzales for backup, while Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his army prepared to overtake the garrison.

Feb. 23, marks the 183th anniversary of the first day of the 13-day siege, better known as the 13 days of glory that ultimately ended in the Alamo company's defeat.
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Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein brought her campaign for the White House to San Antonio on Sunday, without the entourages and complications of the major-party campaigners.

Mingling with several hundred supporters at the Galeria EVA on South Flores Street, Stein, 66, of Lexington, Mass., urged the crowd to reject Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.

After stops in El Paso and Houston this weekend, Stein said she's convinced Texans are getting the message that there are other alternatives on the Nov. 8 ballot.

"Texas is rising up strong," Stein said. "People are not drinking the Kool-aid here that's telling them to be good little boys and girls and just keep voting for the same two-party system that's throwing people under the bus," Stein said.

"It's time to throw the bums out who are standing in the way" of environmental and social justice, she said.

Addressing a major concern for many voters, Stein disputed arguments that a vote for a third party is a wasted vote. "There is no greater waste of a vote than to vote for a failed, two-party system," she said.

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The latest Texas Lyceum poll, taken in early September, pegged the third-party candidates well behind Trump and Clinton, with Johnson at 9 percent and Stein at 3 percent.

In addition to the presidency, Green candidates also are on the ballot for Congress, Texas Railroad Commission, Texas Supreme Court, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Bexar County sheriff and justice of the peace. Early voting starts Oct. 24.

jgonzalez@express-news.net

Twitter: @johnwgonzalez
In the interest of fairness, I wish to raise an issue on which Donald Trump has been consistently and resoundingly right: The Republican Party is utterly pathetic.

During a decade of commentary and in a career of government service before that, I have often argued that the GOP is better than its liberal stereotypes. It is a case I can no longer make, at least when it comes to presidential politics.

The Trump ascendency is the triumph of anti-reason  of birtherism, of vaccine denialism, of suggestions that Justice Antonin Scalia was smothered with a pillow and that Hillary Clinton may have been involved in the death of Vince Foster. It is the triumph of nativism  of a political appeal based on hatred against migrants and Muslims. It is the triumph of white nationalism, which has moved inward from the fringes of Republican politics. It is the triumph of misogyny, demonstrated with words that require a shower after hearing. It is the triumph of authoritarian impulses. Since the Constitution is broken, argues Maine Gov. Paul LePage, we need a Donald Trump to show some authoritarian power in our country.

Trump has made the party a laughingstock among the young, a toxic brand among minorities, an offense to many women, a source of worry among U.S. allies and alarm among national security professionals. And this was before Trump pronounced himself unshackled from the style-cramping expectations of his establishment Republican captors. The main use of his newly found freedom has been to attack GOP leaders. Speaker Paul Ryan has authored bad budgets. In what way? They were very, very bad budgets, Trump elucidated. He wouldnt want to be in a foxhole with Sen. John McCain  which presumably was the point of his five Vietnam deferments.

Steve Bannon, CEO of Trumps campaign, once said, What we need to do is bitch-slap the Republican Party. And How has the object of this contempt responded? It is supine. It is docile. It licks the hand that beats it.

Trump can hardly maintain, for even five minutes, the pose of apology for predatory and abusive language against women before dismissing it as salty language or the equivalent of a sneeze. Yet Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus calls his apology heartfelt, a description he must know to be false. Running mate Mike Pence goes further, urging evangelicals to accept Trumps apology because they are required to believe in grace and forgiveness. Pence is seeking theological cover for cruelty and political cynicism. This is nigh to blasphemy.

There is also a group of Republicans who unendorsed Trump after the most recent taped evidence of misogyny, only to withdraw their unendorsements under pressure. It is hard to secure scientific proof of a politician betraying his or her conscience for political reasons, but this comes pretty close. And the position of Ryan  refusing to defend Trump any damn longer but not unendorsing him  is not much better. His transparent disgust for Trump has become a self-indictment.

This much is clear: Republican leaders offered no effective resistance to the ideological and political demolition of their party. Which may, in the worst case, give George W. Bush the distinction of being the last Republican president.

Trump, it appears, has ceased to seriously pursue that office, using American democracy to work out his inner demons or perhaps to position his brand. And he  employing conspiracy theories and rented spokesmen  may well take the country down a post-election rabbit hole by questioning the legitimacy of what he is calling a rigged system and a total fix job.

But assuming Trump is one of American historys biggest losers  his direction, though not yet his destiny  it will be more difficult for him to make the charge of loserhood against others. And his conspiratorial, self-serving attacks on our constitutional order may seem like spraying graffiti on the Lincoln Memorial. Massive electoral repudiation might speak a language that Republican leaders finally understand, after proving themselves unable to learn the strange tongues of conviction and courage. Maybe they will even be ashamed of themselves, as they should be.

This would set the stage for the recovery of a hopeful center-right conservatism that sees politics as something nobler than scalp-hunting  a politics that begins with gratitude for our national blessings and views Americas flaws and failures as occasions for common purpose. This task, however, will start from scratch. A building on a ruin.

michaelgerson@washpost.com
In a year in which immigrants have been dragged through the mud and certain politicians have called on them to be driven from this country, its ironic (and heartening) that six of this years Nobel laureates are American immigrants.

Five were born in Great Britain, the other in Finland, and all are affiliated with top-tier U.S. universities like Princeton, MIT and Northwestern University.

J. Fraser Stoddart, a Scottish-born researcher at Northwestern who won the prize in chemistry along with French and Dutch researchers, told the political website The Hill: Its particularly pertinent to have these discussions in view of the political climate on both sides of the pond at the moment. The naturalized U.S. citizen concluded, I think the United States is what it is today largely because of open borders.

He neednt have equivocated  thats historically correct. We can look back through our centuries of welcoming immigrants and its generally seen as an unqualified good.

The problem is that conflicting political agendas, media accounts and advocacy organizations casting of immigrants as good or evil  unlawfully present drug smugglers and violent criminals or angelically humble, poor, hardworking and striving for the American dream  leave out the vast majority of immigrants who dont fit neatly into either stereotype .

Some politicians have convinced large swaths of the American public that immigrants come to the U.S. to take jobs. But, according to New American Economy, or NAE, a bipartisan immigration-reform advocacy organization, even when excluding large, publicly traded firms, businesses owned by immigrants employed about 6 million workers in 2007, the most recent year for which figures are available.

In a new report, Reason for Reform: Entrepreneurship, NAE found that 2.9 million foreign-born entrepreneurs generated $65.5 billion in business income in 2014 alone. In that same year, immigrants made up more than 20 percent of all entrepreneurs in the country, despite representing just 13 percent of the population overall.

Also flipping the script on how we tend to talk about immigrants is NAEs assertion that foreign-born entrepreneurs were instrumental in the countrys recovery from the Great Recession. Between 2007 and 2011, a period when the country struggled to create new jobs, immigrant entrepreneurs played a large role founding new businesses in several key states, said the report. Foreign-born entrepreneurs started 44.6 percent of new businesses in California during that period, as well as 42 percent of new businesses in New York State.

The fact is that Americans value immigrants, NAE executive director Jeremy Robbins told me. We fundamentally know that our great competitive advantage in the world is that were the place people want to come to. When you look at the strongest nations in the world, they are aging societies with no great potential for immigration like the U.S.  its a strength because, for instance, we dont just need Ph.D.s, highly skilled doctors and surgeons, but also home health aides.

(Another recent NAE publication estimated that by 2022, the need for home health aides will increase by nearly 50 percent. The organization sees young immigrant workers as the answer to addressing the current and future shortage of home health aides, especially in rural communities.)

Immigration is not a panacea to solve our countrys economic woes, Robbins said, but when you look at Social Security, Medicaid and other structural programs in this country, immigrants pay way more into those systems than they take out.

Theres no question that this is true about legal immigrants.

And though there are competing analyses about whether unlawfully present immigrants contribute more to the economy than they cost in education and health expenses, what cannot be denied is that, according to the nonpartisan Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, illegal immigrants contribute more than $11.6 billion to state and local coffers each year and pay an average 8 percent of their incomes in state and local taxes.

The institute estimates that if comprehensive immigration reform were to pass, the combined state and local tax contributions of our 11 million unauthorized immigrants would increase by more than $2 billion.

In this context, the broken immigration system should be seen as a puzzle  one that, once solved, will reward our country with brains and money.

estherjcepeda@washpost.com
In elections past, we have supported U.S. Rep. Lamar Smiths bids for re-election.

We no longer can. We offer no recommendation in this race. Smith is being challenged by Democrat Thomas Wakely and by Libertarian and Green candidates as well.

Weve argued that Smiths undeniably conservative credentials have been a good fit for the 21st Congressional District. However, Smiths actions have developed more transparently this last term into an issue that goes beyond the boundaries of his district.

A particular issue is his abuse of his position as chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. Specifically, it is his bullying on the issue of climate change that should concern all Americans.

Technically, Smith acknowledges human impact on climate change, but he consistently diminishes its role and essentially says dire climate predictions are exaggerated.

In fact, there is broad and deep consensus in the climate science community that mans role in global warming is substantive and that left unaddressed, this portends disastrous consequences.

Three years ago Smith wrote in the Washington Post, Contrary to the claims of those who want to strictly regulate carbon dioxide emissions and increase the cost of energy for all Americans, there is a great amount of uncertainty associated with climate science.

Smith issued subpoenas on the New York and Massachusetts attorneys general, environmental groups, philanthropies and an attorney after the states began investigating Exxon Mobil over allegations the company buried its own global warming research in the 1970s.

The issue is fraud  alleged at a state level  and whether the corporate giant withheld information from shareholders and others. Think Big Tobacco, which had early knowledge of the cancer dangers of its products. Smith has contended it is a First Amendment issue, the right of a company to speak its mind.

Exxon itself seems to be at odds with Smith on the overall issue. It began cutting off funding for some nonprofit climate-change deniers in 2007. The company in 2009 backed a tax on carbon emissions. And in May in Dallas, Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson told shareholders that the risks of climate change are serious and they do warrant thoughtful action.

Thoughtful action is what the public has been due from Smith. But last year Smith threatened the head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Kathryn Sullivan, with criminal charges if she didnt release emails from scientists about a certain climate change study. That study refuted gospel by deniers that global warming slowed between 1998 and 2012.

Smith said he was shielding scientific inquiry. But the real effect would be to chill such efforts. And in 2015, Smith sought to cut NASA funding for earth science  a science that includes climate science research. He said the agency should focus on space exploration. Both are necessary.

Weve strongly disagreed with Smith on immigration  now and when he chaired the House Judiciary Committee  and a host of other issues. We could overlook these because he was as conservative as his district.

Libertarian and Green candidates are also in the race. His major party opponent, Wakely, has made climate change a signature issue. He believes it is real and must be addressed.

We agree. But Wakely fails as a fit for this district. He favors U.S. withdrawal from Syria, whose civil war poses a crisis of immense humanitarian proportions. He doesnt favor the Trans-Pacific Partnership and believes NAFTA was a mistake, though exports to Mexico are a Texas strength.

We have no doubt that Smith will be re-elected, but in good conscience, the Editorial Board cannot make a recommendation in this race.
There have been many dangerous utterings by Donald Trump in this election. But, as the campaign winds down, Trumps claims have become more wildly outrageous  and more ominous.

We refer to his claims that, should he lose, the election will have been stolen. In Trumps fevered imaginings, there is a vast conspiracy by urban blacks, his own party, election officials, the media and all detractors to rig the election.

While he has said as much earlier in the campaign, his words on the topic have become more strident and insistent as polls roll in revealing that he has topped out in support and that the Electoral College map is looking dire for him. States that never would have been thought swing in any normal matchup, now are.

These comments on a stolen election are more dangerous even than his defense of torture, advocacy for killing innocent family members of terrorists, banning Muslims, his denigration of women and his broad brush depictions of Mexicans.

There is an us and them quality to Trumps campaign reminiscent of more sordid periods of U.S. history.

But, in attacking the election as rigged, he essentially incites voter intimidation at the polls on Election Day and a dangerous questioning of election results and, then, the legitimacy of any occupant of the White House whose name isnt Trump.

This country has, since President Obamas election in 2008, weathered such enmity to the office of the presidency. The birther movement that Trump led  and only belatedly abandoned  was both a symptom and a cause for this questioning of legitimacy.

Trump is doubling down. And what this portends is, at the minimum, a continuation of the kind of divisiveness that has made compromise and effective governance exceedingly difficult to achieve. At the most, however, it offers a wink-wink approval of violence.

This country has had bitter campaigns before. At the end, however, losing candidates have conceded magnanimously and graciously. They have realized that elections are about more than candidates or the movements that drove them. They are about our shared interest in peaceful transfers of power.

But, if Trump has proven anything in this campaign, it is that he doesnt believe anything as trivial as this bedrock American value is bigger than Trump.

Trumps words are not supported by fact. More than that, they are simply dangerous. He needs to acknowledge the validity of the election, clearly and unequivocally.
STAMFORD  Two armed men robbed a Chinese food delivery driver Friday night on the citys West Side, police said.

Through an interpreter, the driver told police he was robbed while attempting a delivery on Connecticut Avenue about 8 p.m. Friday.

The man said he got out of his car, walked up to the door and knocked. Before anyone opened the door, he said two men walked up to him and pointed their guns at him, police said.

They asked the man for his money, the food he was delivering and his cell phone, police said.

The man complied with their demands and they walked away without harming him, police said.

Police said the home where the food was delivered was occupied, but the residents said they did not place the order. A police dog could not track down the suspects, but found the drivers phone.

JNICKERSON@SCNI.COM;
The Tobin Endowment has sold 44 acres of prime Northeast Side land in the Oakwell Farms neighborhood in Northeast San Antonio to a Dallas developer, the foundation announced Monday.

The buyer, Rosewood Property Co., plans to create a mixed-use development on the land surrounding the residence of the late businessman, arts patron and philanthropist Robert L.B. Tobin. Tobins house, which is now the office of the Tobin Endowment, and two surrounding acres arent part of the sale and will be preserved.
According to Wave 3 News, a Southwest Airlines flight was evacuated after a passenger's Samsung Galaxy phone overheated and started to smoke.

No Injuries Reported

Arson investigators confirmed that the fire was caused by an overheated Samsung Galaxy. This is the same recalled device that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned about last month after 35 reports of the phones battery overheating and bursting into flames.

In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a statement last month urging Samsung Galaxy Note 7 users to keep their device off on airplanes due to the fire hazard. Samsung announced the recall that affected approximately 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 phones worldwide due to the risk of explosions and fires.

The incident occurred at the Louisville International Airport at around 9:20 a.m. local time. The Boeing 737 was set to depart for Baltimore at 9:30 a.m., but the presence of smoke in the cabin halted the flight.

"There's Smoke in the Cockpit"

Passengers say they saw smoke in the plane and were ordered by flight attendants to evacuate. According to one passenger, the fire burned through the carpet in the plane. According to Wave 3 News, all 75 people on board were evacuated and no injuries occurred.

Contact an Experienced Product Liability Attorney

Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys are leaders in the area of product liability litigation. Our Defective Drug and Products Division has extensive knowledge and resources in order to represent our clients efficiently and aggressively. We represent a multitude of people who are battling against manufacturers of defective drugs and/or products.

Your choice does matter. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries because of a recalled product, call Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys immediately. We represent clients/victims all over the country. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com.
According to WCAX, five teenagers died after a man crashed into the front of their vehicle in Williston, Vermont, on Saturday night.

No Words to Describe a Scene Like That, says Firefighter

Emergency crews and first responders described the scene of the accident as truly horrific  one of the worst they have ever seen.

A group of teens were traveling down Interstate 89 when a driver in a pickup truck driving on the wrong side of the road slammed head-on with their car. According to WCAX, a passerby stopped to help the victims, but the car had already caught on fire. The five teenagers who died in the car accident are Mary Harris, 16, Cyrus Zschau, 16, Liam Hale, 16, Janie Cozzi, 15, and Eli Brookens, 16.

The driver of the pickup truck jumped into the cruiser of the first arriving police officer, who was trying to extinguish the flames on the teens car. The driver, 36-year-old Steve Bourgoin, started to drive off with the police car, but turned back toward the crash and sped up, reports WCAX.

Bourgoin, traveling at around 100 mph, crashed the cruiser into traffic near the scene of the accident, smashing into several vehicles. Five people were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, reports WCAX.

Police apprehended and arrested Bourgoin before he was transported to the hospital in critical condition. The investigation into the crash is still ongoing.

Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics

Courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), here are some facts regarding motor vehicle crashes in 2014:

32,675 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States.

An estimated 2.34 million people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes.

For passenger vehicle occupants who survived fatal crashes in 2014, only 15 percent were unrestrained.

Over the past 10 years, there has been a reduction of nearly 25 percent in the number of fatalities on the United States roadways.

Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney

Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys is a personal injury law firm with offices in Corpus Christi, Texas, San Antonio, Texas and Houston, Texas representing accident victims nationwide. Our attorneys are available to respond to auto accidents at any hour, day or night. Our lawyers understand that the immediate acquisition, or acquiring, of evidence is paramount to understanding how the accident occurred. Remember, your choice does matter. Contact our offices  we are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com.
Summer Infant Inc. is issuing a recall on approximately 86,000 infant bath tubs that pose a risk of impact injury and drowning.

About the Summer Infant Bath Tub Recall

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the infant bath tubs have a fabric sling that holds the infant in place. The sling on the recalled infant bath tubs are missing an attachment clip to hold the headrest of the fabric sling to the plastic frame. Without the headrest in place, infants can slip into the tub, bumping their head or increasing the risk of drowning.

Summer Infant Inc. advises consumers to stop use of the fabric sling in the recalled bath tub. Consumers can contact Summer Infant for a replacement sling with the appropriate attachment clip.

According to the CPSC, there have been 91 reports of the sling detaching, including 11 reports of infants bumping their head on the frame.

Description of the Recalled Infant Bath Tubs

The recall is for the Lil Luxuries Whirlpool, Bubbling Spa & Shower with fabric slings. The recalled items have the following designations:

Item numbers: 18840, 18850, 18863, and 18873.

Date codes starting with: 1210, 1211, 1212, 1301, 1302, 1303, 1304, 1305, 1306, 1307, and 1308, which stand for the two-digit year followed by the two-digit month, on the fabric sling.

The recalled products were sold at Toys R Us/Babies R Us and other infant specialty stores nationwide between October 2012 and October 2013.

Contact an Experienced Child Safety Recall Attorney

Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys are leaders in the area of product liability litigation. Our Defective Drug and Products Division has extensive knowledge and resources in both product liability litigation and child injury. If your child has been the victim of a serious injury due to a recalled product, contact our offices. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends, and we represent clients/victims all over the country.

Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com.
1 Bridge collapse: At least eight people were killed and 30 others injured Sunday when a small suspension bridge crowded with people returning from temple prayers collapsed near the Indonesian resort island of Bali, officials said. The bridge  about 100 yards long and 5 feet wide  links the small islands of Lembongan and Ceningan off of Bali. Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, said the victims included three children. No foreigners were among the fatalities.

2 Missile failure: South Korea and the U.S. said Sunday that a missile launch by North Korea ended in a failure after the projectile exploded soon after liftoff. The South Korean military said the North unsuccessfully attempted to fire the mid-range Musudan missile Saturday. South Korea and the U.S. condemned the launch for violating U.N. Security Council resolutions. As recently as last month, North Korea fired three ballistic missiles off its east coast. The U.N. Security Council subsequently threatened further significant measures if North Korea refused to stop its nuclear and missile tests.
1 Fatal floods: Floods caused by heavy rains have killed 24 people and left four others missing in central Vietnam, disaster officials said Monday, as Typhoon Sarika approaches after leaving at least two people dead and displacing more than 150,000 in the Philippines. In the worst-hit province of Quang Binh, at least 18 people died, officials said. Rains of up to 3 feet Friday and Saturday swamped 125,000 homes in the region, disrupted the North-South Highway and damaged infrastructure and crops.

2 Assange hack: WikiLeaks says founder Julian Assanges Internet access has been cut by an unidentified state actor. Assange has been up holed up at the Ecuadorean Embassy in London for more than four years after skipping bail to avoid being extradited over sex crimes allegations. The cramped quarters havent prevented him from working, and WikiLeaks continues to deliver scoops, including revelations that have rattled Hillary Clintons campaign for president. WikiLeaks did not elaborate on the circumstances.

3 Deadly collision: Two passenger buses collided head-on in central Pakistan on Monday, killing 25 people and injuring 69, officials said. The collision, which occurred in Khanpur town, was probably caused by speeding, police said. About 40 of the injured were reported to be in critical condition. Jamila Bibi, 60, who traveled in one of the buses, said the driver was reckless. We protested and asked him to slow down, she said by phone from her hospital bed.

4 Prison riots: At least 18 inmates died in two separate Brazilian penitentiaries in clashes between rival gangs, and authorities are investigating a possible connection between the uprisings, police said Monday. At least 10 of the prisoners died Sunday in the northern state of Roraima, while eight others were killed in a riot about 800 miles away at a penitentiary in Rondonia states capital of Porto Velho.

5 Factory explosion: An explosion at a factory belonging to chemical firm BASF in southwestern Germany killed at least two people and injured six others Monday, authorities said. The blast occurred at a river harbor in Ludwigshafen that is used to unload flammable liquids and liquefied gas. Plant manager Uwe Liebelt said it was preceded by a fire in a pipeline between the area where the liquids are unloaded and storage tanks. The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Residents in parts of Ludwigshafen and Mannheim, on the other side of the Rhine river, were advised to stay indoors.

6 Tuition protests: South African protesters demanding free university education broke windows, forced open doors and threw human excrement in an effort to disrupt the resumption of classes, according to a university statement. The University of Cape Town reopened Monday after closing because of security concerns, but police were on campus and used a stun grenade to disperse protesters. Many universities have been hit since last month by sometimes violent protests for free education.

7 Hitler house: The house where Adolf Hitler was born will be torn down and replaced with a new building that has no association with the Nazi dictator, Austrias government announced Monday, as it moved to eliminate the propertys significance for neo-Nazis as a place of pilgrimage. The plan still has to be formalized in legislation and voted on in Parliament. But the Interior Ministry said demolition of the house in the western town of Braunau was recommended by a government commission.

Chronicle News Services
ATLANTA  Tyson Foods, Inc. and NACS partnered today to donate a truckload of protein to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to help eliminate hunger in the greater Atlanta area.

Atlanta Community Food Bank, which serves 29 counties, will distribute the donated food through its service network of 600 agency partners, including nonprofit and faith-based organizations providing daily meals and food pantry services across metro Atlanta and north Georgia.

We are thankful for the generosity of Tyson Foods and NACS for their donation of more than 33,000 pounds of food, said Kyle Waide, CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. One in seven people in metro Atlanta and north Georgia need help putting food on the table. This partnership allows us to provide high quality protein for thousands of them.

NACS is holding its annual NACS Show at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta this week. More than 20,000 attendees from 60-plus countries are expected to attend the event, which is one of the largest tradeshows in the country.

Convenience stores are closely tied to the communities they serve, especially around charitable giving, said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. Our industry donates hundreds of millions of dollars annually to local charities and we are delighted to work with these great partners to give back to Atlanta.

Last month, NACS worked with Dr Pepper Snapple Group, KaBOOM! and community volunteers to build a playground in nearby East Point, Georgia. Lenard said that NACS is also working with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to donate product from the expo floor at the conclusion of the NACS Show on Oct. 21.

Tyson Foods KNOW Hunger campaign is focused on helping more people understand and join the effort to eliminate hunger in America. The company partners with Feeding America, Share Our Strength and Lift Up America to raise awareness and help feed the hungry across the nation. Since 2000, Tyson Foods has donated more than 100 million pounds of protein in the United States.

Last year, Tyson Foods announced its renewed commitment to hunger relief by pledging $50 million in cash and in-kind donations over the next five years in the fight against hunger, with a special focus on innovative initiatives at the local level.

Partnering with organizations like Atlanta Community Food Bank and NACS is important to us in raising awareness about food insecurity in communities all around the U.S., said Kevin Miller, senior marketing manager for Tyson Convenience. Here alone, Atlanta Community serves 80,600 people each week with programs supported through the food bank. Were honored to support those extraordinary efforts.

To learn more about Atlanta Community Food Bank and its hunger-relief efforts, visit acfb.org.
This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 711 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Read about why were doing this fundraiser, what weve accomplished in the last year, and our third goal, well-deserved bonuses for our guest writers.

Lambert here: Nice to see the Democrat nomenklatura putting on their comfortable shoes and walking the picket line, especially the college administrators and the big non-profit CEOs. No? Maybe its because the Harvard cafeteria workers arent women or people of color. Oh, wait

By Michael Arria, an associate editor at AlterNet and AlterNets labor editor. Originally published at Alternet.

The United States Ivy League schools are commonly associated with old money, the offspring of the countrys ruling class and a certain symbolic power that inevitably drifts into the rest of the culture. Yet the last few months have been full of worker agitation at the most elite private institutions. Heres a list of recent Ivy League labor fights.

1. Union bid at Columbia gives graduate students at private universities the right to unionize: In August, the National Labor Relations Board ruled that graduate research and teaching assistants are entitled to collective bargaining under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The ruling came in regards to a unionization attempt by grad students at Columbia University and it reverses a 2004 ruling (handed down in regards to Brown University) that determined teaching assistants and research assistants were not employees.

Writing about this huge ruling at In These Times, David Moberg explains how the decision could reverberate far beyond New York City:

[The ruling] could increase the rights and rewards of an important group of often underpaid workers in a growing sector with significant economic importance. Higher education depends increasingly on a vast infrastructure of contingent employees. In many cases, the declining standards for those lower ranks erode standards for tenured faculty. Together with student unions, these potentially newly-organized forces could pressure schools toward a more democratic American education.

2. Cafeteria workers at Harvard strike for better wages: The New York Times reports that theres no end in sight in a dispute between Harvard University and the employees who work in its cafeterias. The 750 workers are represented by Local 26 and are seeking to be paid at least $35,000 a year, which would be a $5,000 increase from their current $30,000-a-year rate.

Its hard for Harvard to claim poverty as the Cambridge school had a $36 billion endowment and a $63 million operating surplus last year. Harvard is currently putting out calls for unpaid volunteers to scab for the striking workers. In fact, Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean of Administration and Finance Leslie A. Kirwan sent an email requesting staff help out in the dining hall:

The dining halls are being staffed by HUDS [Harvard University Dining Services] managers, supplemented by Harvard colleagues from around the University who are pitching in to help with a shift or two. If you, or exempt staff [staff that arent paid hourly or eligible for overtime pay] in your department, are able to suspend some of your regular duties and instead lend a hand to HUDS, I know they would be most grateful.

Tiffany Ten Eyck, a spokesperson for Local 26, told the Daily Beast: Dining hall workers feel like they have really modest demands. Especially because Harvard has the resources that it does.

3. Yales unions fight for a new contract: Yales clerical, technical and maintenance worker unions have spent the last six months fighting for a new contract before the January 20 deadline. Workers say that the campus is expanding but the rate of union jobs hasnt been congruent with the development.

An article in Yale Daily News quotes Pamela ODonnell, vice president of Local 34 and registrar of the economics department: Job security for us means growing while the University grows in every area. And we would like to make sure that we get back some of those jobs that we had lost in 2008 because a lot of us are really overworked through attrition.

Watch footage of a union protest on campus below:
This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 712 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Read about why were doing this fundraiser, what weve accomplished in the last year, and our third goal, well-deserved bonuses for our guest writers.

Macroeconomic Research After the Crisis Janet Yellen, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve (speech). Prior to the financial crisis, these so-called representative-agent models were the dominant paradigm for analyzing many macroeconomic questions. However, a disaggregated approach seems needed to understand some key aspects of the Great Recession. Reminds me of William Goldmans quote on Hollywood: Nobody knows anything. Readers, what do you think of Yellens speech?

Lack of new blood casts doubt over Wells Fargos change plan Reuters. Maybe they should ask Peter Thiel?

Stock Prices Under Threat as Global Trade Becomes a Pariah WSJ

Will Italy Leave the EU? Follow the Money Bloomberg

Euro house of cards to collapse, warns ECB prophet Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, Telegraph

Brexit

UK looks at paying billions into EU budget after Brexit FT. Plan would let finance sector keep single-market access. That should go over big in the Midlands. We would have to be careful how we explained it, said one minister. Ill bet!

Big Winner From Londons Brexit Exodus Isnt Even in Europe Bloomberg

Brazil May Be About to Give Up its Financial Sovereignty The Minskys

Signs of dissent, desperation amid food shortages and rising prices in Egypt AFP

Chinas Bad Credit Bloomberg

Syraqistan

Health Care

I am a Terrible Doctor; and Im Proud of it Musings of a Dinosaur Feds scale back tool for narrow provider networks on HealthCare.gov MedCityNews. Pathetic: Earlier this year, the federal government said that it would introduce a tool this fall to help consumers who are shopping on HealthCare.gov gauge how narrow a plans provider network is compared with others in the area. But most consumers who want that information will have to wait at least another year. The Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that the pilot project to test the network breadth tool just got a little, well, narrower. Consumers can already check whether specific doctors or hospitals are included in a marketplace plans provider network on HealthCare.gov. But theres currently no way to easily measure the breadth of a plans provider network. This can be an important factor for some consumers, especially given the growing number of plans with no out-of-network benefits. The new tool will designate marketplace health plan networks as basic, standard or broad based on how they compare with other health plan networks in a county. The label will reflect the availability of three types of providers: primary care, pediatricians and hospitals. Originally, network-breadth information was going to be available for the 35 states on HealthCare.gov, the federally facilitated marketplace. But in August HHS announced it would make the tool available in just six unnamed states. In September, HHS said it would shrink the pilot still further, to four states  Maine, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas.

Big Brother Is Watching You Watch

2016

Guillotine Watch

Class Warfare

Eight Cities Have New Co-op-Style Black Worker Centers  and Theyre Tackling Unemployment Truthout

Factory farming practices are under scrutiny again in N.C. after disastrous hurricane floods WaPo

Hacked by a fridge: The Internet of Things and cyberattacks World Economic Forum

Antidote du jour (via):

Worlds oldest & biggest wombat weighs 40 kilograms & turns 31 years old today. Happy birthday, Patrick.

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 709 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Read about why were doing this fundraiser, what weve accomplished in the last year, and our third goal, well-deserved bonuses for our guest writers.

Yves here. Readers have been discussing escalating tensions with Russia actively in the comments section. This Real News Network interview provides a sobering assessment of where things stand. Because RNN provided a rush transcript, it has some typos, in the form of the omission of apostrophes. I cleaned it up as best I could so forgive any I overlooked.

SHARMINI PERIES, TRNN: Welcome to the Real News Network. Im Sharmini Peries coming to you from Baltimore.

In the past two weeks relations between Russia and the United States have dramatically deteriorated. First the US broke off talks with Russia over cessation of hostilities in the bombing campaign in Aleppo in Syria. Russia then disengaged from a critical nuclear armament negotiations related to a treaty that had been in place since 2000 as a part of a post-Cold War disarmament framework. Now more recently, White House Press Secretary Josh Ernest said that US is considering a response to alleged Russian hacking of US political groups such as the DNC. Heres a clip of John Kerry, Secretary of State, alleging that Russia has been engaged in war crimes in Syria, truly escalating things.

JOHN KERRY: Russia and the regime owe the world more than an explanation about why they keep hitting hospitals, medical facilities, and children, and women. These are acts that beg for an appropriate investigation in war crimes.

PERIES: Then heres what the Russian foreign ministry spokesperson had to say about Russia-US relations and alleged cyber hacks.

SPEAKER: I would also like to comment on what is now happening with Russia-US relations. I do this with great regret because theres no good news here. We regret we observe how Washington continues to destroy mutual relations. What we hear on a daily basis about Russian hackers is simply a lie. Nobody has seen them but everyone already knows of them.

PERIES: Joining us to discuss how serious the deteriorating circumstances between Russia and US are, is Richard Sakwa. He is professor for Russian and European politics at the University of Kent and an associate fellow of the Russian and Eurasian program at Chatham House. He has published widely on Soviet Russian and post-Communist affairs. His upcoming book is titled Russia Against the Rest: Pluralism and the Post-Cold War Crisis of World Order. Thanks so much for joining us Richard.

RICHARD SAKWA: My pleasure.

PERIES: Richard, at the surface it looks like relations between Russia and the United States are heavily deteriorating and we can add the additional component of UK now whos been authorized to engage the military exercises thats been going on over Syria if theyre feeling threatened by it. These are the airstrikes that are going on in Syria. Is the situation as bad as it sounds?

SAKWA: Its probably worse. I think that we are, the world as a whole, is balancing on the edge of a volcano. You may know that the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists argue that we are now their doomsday clock at 3 minutes to midnight and thats about as bad as its ever been. Like the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Berlin Wall going up in 1961. So its extremely bad and the worst thing is that theres actually no particular sign. No sign of it possibly getting better in the near or even immediate future. One of the things that makes it particularly dangerous now is that the old Cold War systems that had been put in place after the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 have largely been dismantled. So you could argue, and I would certainly argue, its not a new Cold War. Its far worse.

PERIES: Richard, lets take one of these at a time. First lets take the situation where the United States is accusing Russia of being involved in the email hacks that are going on in order to influence US elections. Is there any legitimacy to these allegations, and what is the response of Russia here?

SAWKA: Well, the response is clearly negative to say that. But nothings [inaud.]. I would have to say that the case is not [certain]. It doesnt mean to say that Russia isnt involved. But so far theres been no evidence. Its so hard to prove these things. In this case we know, for example, the hack of the Democratic National Committee, that theres a fellow called Guccifer 2.0 was involved from Romania. You may say thats got nothing to do with Russia but hes got a Russia site and hes got Russian language skills.

So its completely, so far the evidence is circumstantial. Those specialist agencies who claim Russias responsible argue that Russias got the technical capacity and the motivation to do it. Certainly thats the case but its unproven. Whether it actually will shake the American election, Im not sure. For example, what was revealed? The huge amount that was revealed that the DNC was covertly supporting Hillary Clinton against Bernie Sanders. Its damaging. So I think we should be careful not to shoot the messenger here but look at the message. Its quite damaging I think if that was the case. In fact it was the case that what was meant to be an impartial body was demonstrably not impartial. I think thats a scandal to be investigated.

PERIES: Richard, whenever there is a US election underway, they would like to have the threat of war hovering over them, and Russia and China as enemies of the state is conveniently evoked. How much of these tensions are just posturing in light of the election coming up, or is there real evidence of these hacks?

SAKWA: Its certainly a lot of posturing. I think that in this case its not a sort of [crisis] that immediately threatens the United States in offense of the United States specifically coming under attack. So I dont think that the benefits of incumbency will be deserved from tracking Russia, China, anybody else. However, the level of [rhetoric], informational warfare, and mutual condemnation have reached unprecedented levels. I dont think its just connected with the presidential levels. Its been gathering pace for at least 2 or 3 years. And the worst thing is that this is taking place under the watch of President Obama, and hes a man whos clearly rational, very calm, very collected. Yet if this is how bad it can get under an intelligent, calm individual like Obama, imagine what it could be under any possible alternative successor.

PERIES: Richard, theres been a much ado about how the president of Russia, Putin, prefers to have a Trump presidency over a Hillary Clinton presidency. What do you make of that?

SAKWA: I think Russia faces the choice that we all face. Certainly US citizens face. That is choice between two candidates who both have huge negatives. From the Russian perspective of course, Hillary Clinton has long been very antagonistic to Putin himself. Theyve get on very bad. I think theyve got mutual contempt for each other plus her political baggage goes back quite a long way. Yes, she was involved in Obamas [reset] early on in 2009-2010. But soon after that added to relations deteriorating quite badly. And even in the second presidential debate on Sunday, she once again talked about Russian aggression which is very strange since in Syria and elsewhere its the inability to come to terms has led into a situation in which its not a question of aggression its a question of just trying to find a way out.

On the other side of course, Trump is no gift, I think, to anybody. I think Russian analyst as much as anybody else understands that his positions are unstable, even though he occasionally has said things that will please Moscow. For example, that NATO is obsolete. But very soon after that, he backtracked and actually said NATOs absolutely essential. So therefore everybody knows its very hard to deal with Donald Trump.

PERIES: Richard, lets turn to Syria. The situation in Syria is intensifying since the talks between the US and Russia have broken off for the time being and the situation in terms of engaging Russian airstrikes in Syria by the UK military RAF. What do you make of all of this and is there any end in sight to this intensification?

SAKWA: Well on the one side, the British debate just recently, and Boris Johnson our foreign ministers comments, I think just typical bombast and bluster. I think the mostI mean, talks fortunately I think are at least starting, to give credit to him, and theyre going to a meeting in Switzerland I think this coming weekend. So hopefully thatll start a diplomatic process again.

The thing is that theres so many things going on that as you say, its difficult to get a handle on it. One of the things which we should reallyand obviously the situation in Aleppos absolutely awful. But then if you track back a little bit when you had the ceasefire, what happens? The United States attacked the forces at Deir al-Zour, which was a stationary position. Theres been a stalemate there for over 2 years. The United States perfectly well knew where the Syrian forces were.

So the fact to say that it was an accident by their attack is farfetched. It may be the case in which case its incompetence. What it meant was in one minute nearly 100 Syrian soldiers died. It meant the Islamic State took over the position that theyve been trying to get for a long time, including the air field at Dei Al-Zour. So basically, Russia believes that the United States is trying to push all Syrian forces out from [inaud.]. thats one thing thats a background thing.

As for that convoy which was attacked, again we dont know. It may have been a Russian force. May have been a Syrian force. But theres no signatureif it had come from above youd actually have shell holes below. But it was probably attacked from the side. In other words, it was probably some sort of Islamic State or militant attack. So again thats not proven. So time after time after time when they have these accusations. Of course its awful in Aleppo. But you go back last year when Russia started the air bombing campaign on the 30th of September last year, what did the United States do? It immediately transferred over a thousand TOW anti-tank weapons to the militants in Syria to attack and defeat the Soviet Syrian army. It was quite extraordinary.

In other words, what could have been as it were let the state however unpleasant or sad the regime may have been, it could have put an end to the [inaud.] for Syrian people. Instead of which, the United States rushes in arms to intensify the conflict and [conflagration]. And as I said we can track back over and over again all the way to Hillary Clintons call for the overthrow of the Assad regime soon after the first demonstrations back in 2011. Thats unbelievable. Have they learned nothing after Libya, after Syria, after Iraq, after Afghanistan even?

So its a complete breakdown of the situation. And I think even though the situation is dreadful, I think that this here [inaud.] at the moment is utterly hypocritical because at the same time the west is imposing sanctions on Syria which across the country hospitals, and schools and all other facilities have no genuine access to medicines. Tens of thousands of people are dying and suffering because of western sanctions on Syria today.

PERIES: Alright Richard were going to wrap up this segment for now but well have you back to continue this discussion. Thanks for joining us.
This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 708 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Read about why were doing this fundraiser, what weve accomplished in the last year, and our third goal, well-deserved bonuses for our guest writers.

Yves here. Note that a major point of this banking three card Monte is to keep from doing any deeply unpopular bank bail-ins before the Italian constitutional referendum on December 4. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi originally promised hes resign if the measures were turned down, and has since tried walking that back.

By Don Quijones, editor at Wolf Street, who also publishes Raging Bull-Shit . Originally published at Wolf Street

4.8 billion window-dressing to cover a growing 360 billion hole

Things have got so serious in Italy that the only two things propping up the countrys crumbling banking sector  apart from the last few remaining crumbs of public faith in the system  are two inadequately capitalized bad bank funds, Atlante I and the imaginatively named Atlante II.

Both funds are operated by a deeply opaque Luxembourg-based private firm called Quaestio SGR. The firm is a wholly owned subsidiary of Quaestio Holding S.A, which is itself jointly owned by a bizarre mishmash of organizations, including Fondazione Cariplo (37.65%), an influential charitable banking foundation; Fondazione Cassa dei Risparmi di Forli (6.75%), a regional savings bank; Cassa Italiana di Previdenza e Assistenza dei Geometri liberi professionisti (18%), a bank for professional freelance surveyors (no, seriously); Locke S.r.l. (22%), an obscure Milan-based holding company; and Direzione Generale Opere Don Bosco (15.60%), a Roman Catholic religious institute. No surprises there.

[Hat tip to regular WOLF STREET reader and commenter MC for pointing out some of the peculiarities of Italys two bad banks]

Atlante Is funds are largely privately sourced, coming primarily from Italys largest banks. The two biggest banks, Unicredit and Intesa San Paolo,both pledged around a billion euros a piece. A further 500 million was provided by a gaggle of smaller banks and another 500 million was pledged by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP for short), an almost wholly state-owned financial institution. With a little extra help from certain foreign investors, Atlante was able to claw together some 4.8 billion  to help solve a 360 bad-debt problem.

So far, 1.5 billion of those funds have been used to sub-underwrite the capital expansion and failed IPO of Banco Popolare di Vicenza. Investor demand for BPVis new stock was so lackluster that the bank ended up lending money to customers on the proviso that they used some of the funds to buy the banks shares, a practice thats not just deeply unethical; its against the law, even in Italy. Yet despite such underhand enticements, the IPO still flopped.

Another 1 billion of Atlantes funds went into Veneto Banca after its public launch also failed. A further 3.75 billion was used to rescue four smaller banks, Banca Marche, Banca Etruria, CariChieti and CariFerrara in November. The four banks are supposedly now in the process of being sold off to private investors. But just as happened with Veneto Banca, no private investor with an ounce of intelligence will go near them, out of fear that the banks will need further write downs of their problem loans.

Such fears are well-founded. Italys banks are caught in the mother of vicious cycles. As long as the economy continues to stagnate, which its been doing a good part of the last 20 years, much of the supposedly good debt currently on the banks books will also, sooner or later, end up putrefying.

Its already happened to Banca Popolare di Vicenza, which, despite being rescued last year, is already in dire need of fresh funds. And now the same things happening to the four smaller banks that were rescued in November. On Thursday Reuters reported that the four banks have admitted holding sofferenze  or loans to insolvent borrowers  worth some 540 million euros in gross terms at the end of June, up from 156 million six months earlier as loans previously considered as unlikely to pay were reclassified as non-performing.

To make matters even worse, on Friday the Luxemburg-based firm behind the two Atlante funds told Reuters that Popolare di Vicenza and Veneto Banca still had unsustainable cost-income ratios despite already being bailed out to the tune of 2.5 billion:

I say just one thing: one has a cost-income ratio of 103%, the other one of 97%. I dont know what to say: a bank with such a cost-income ratio cannot stand up, said Alessandro Penati, chairman of Quaestio Capital Management which runs the privately-financed Atlante fund.

If the Atlante fund doesnt have enough firepower to steady even Italys smallish banks, how is it supposed to help the likes of Monte dei Paschi or Uncredit, each of which has tens of billions of euros of NPLs festering and putrefying on their books?

Just to save MPS, the Italian government and its private-sector partners created Atlante II earlier this year with much smaller contributions from Italys healthier banks and a much larger contribution from Italys government, via state-owned financial intermediaries such as CDP, the Italian Post Office and SGA, a state-owned bad bank dating to the collapse of the Banco di Napoli, which offered to put in 450 million.

All this despite the fact that Italys government is not even supposed to be allowed to bail out its own banks without first bailing in some bank creditors. Perhaps thats why news on Thursday that Atlante will be buying up 17% of the embattled lenders non-performing loan pile for a price of 1.6 billion was met with a wall of stony silence in the countrys general press.

Obviously, 1.6 is not going to be nearly enough to right the ship, especially with JP Morgan Chases rescue plan floundering amidst a general atmosphere of disinterest and distrust among shareholders. And what happens when the problems at Unicredit, Italys only systemically important financial institution (SIFI), can no longer be ignored?

A much more comprehensive plan with much more public funding will be needed, argues a new Project Syndicate article by Lucrezia Reichlin, a former director of research at the ECB, and Shahin Vallee, a senior economist at Soros Fund Management. One thing they dont explain is where Italys government will get the money for a much enlarged Atlante fund.

When Spains still beleaguered financial sector was comprehensively bailed out in 2011-12, the government had total public debt equivalent to 69% of GDP. In the five years since, that figure has mushroomed by almost a half, to just over 100% of GDP, its highest level since 1912.

Things are already much worse than that in Italy, where the debt-to-GDP ratio, at 132%, among the highest on the planet. As Bloomberg reported this week, if you take away the underground and illegal economy component, estimated to be worth 211.3 billion in 2014 and which does not contribute to tax revenues, the debt-to-GDP ratio would surge by a further 20 percentage points to 152%.

Somehow a government that is already crumbling under the sheer weight of its own debt exposure is supposed to bail out a banking sector that, according to some estimates, accounts for well over a third of Europes registered bad bank debt. Its a tall order even at the best of times, and for Italys banks these are most certainly not the best of times.

If Italys government cant save the countrys banks (even if it were allowed to), only one institution can. And it is run by a man whos not only of Italian stock but who, as the governor of the Bank of Italy during the worst years of banking fraud and criminality, bears as much responsibility as any one else in the decadent collapse of Italys banking system.

Meanwhile, the zombification of EU banking system gathers momentum. Read Reek of Desperation Surrounds EU Banks, Regulators Prepare for Derivatives Clearing Crisis
Find the newest releases to watch from National Geographic on Disney+, including favourite documentary series and films Free Solo, The Rescue, Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth and The World According to Jeff Goldblum.
New American Funding and Alterra Home Loans have selected Radian Group as the preferred private mortgage insurance providers for their Your Path loan program.

Radian will provided mortgage insurance against default-related losses for borrowers who receive loans through the program and cannot meet a 20% down payment when purchasing a home. Additionally, Radian will work with Alterra and New American to educate consumers and to provide training for industry professionals.

"We're excited to be working with Radian on this program because it means we will be able to provide a greater pathway to homeownership for underserved borrowers," New American President Patty Arvielo said in a news release Monday.

Announced in September, the Your Path program uses Freddie Mac's low-down-payment Home Possible mortgages in an effort to expand affordable homeownership opportunities and to meet the needs of a wide array of borrowers.
Ms. Rose Gottemoeller took up her post as NATOs Deputy Secretary General  the Alliances second most senior international civil servant  on Monday (17 October 2016). Ms. Gottemoeller most recently served as US Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, advising the Secretary of State on arms control, non-proliferation and political-military affairs.

Ms. Gottemoeller brings a wealth of experience in international security policy to her new role. She served as the chief US negotiator of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) with the Russian Federation, which entered into force in February 2011. She has also held senior posts at the US Department of Energy, and leadership roles at the Carnegie Moscow Center and the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London.

Ms. Gottemoeller is the first woman to serve as NATOs Deputy Secretary General, and succeeds Ambassador Alexander Vershbow of the United States, who held the post from February 2012.

Follow the new Deputy Secretary General on Twitter (@Gottemoeller).
(NaturalNews) The globalists are worried. They think Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton stands a real chance of losing to Republican nominee Donald J. Trump . That's why they're pulling out all the stops and doing anything they can, short of physically harming the GOP nominee (so far), to try and stop him.As a series of WikiLeaks dumps have proven, there is so much collusion between the Clinton campaign, the mainstream media and the Obama White House, and all with the singular goal of defeating the man who they believe will upset the global order and, of course,Just how worried are these globalists? You can answer that with another question: When was the last time you heard a top United Nations official call an American presidential candidate a "global threat," while calling for his defeat?Never.The fact is, the globalist left will. You'll know by the vigor of their attacks, and Trump is being assaulted  factually and falsely  with unprecedented ferocity, and by all elements of the global power base.One of the primary tactics these globalist masters are using to sway the American public is fear. They want you to bethat you'll run, not walk, to your polling station to cast a ballot for Clinton.But this isin the face of hard, documented. For instance, the world is closer now to a nuclear World War III since the "Operation Able Archer" nuclear war scare in 1983. Even now, Mr. "I'll Get Us Out of War" is weighing new military options for- a country whose internal conflict has little real bearing on our own national security (remember, Obama says ISIS isn't a threat and that we can safely vet any Syrian refugees coming from that part of the world  right?). If anyone is current a "threat to global stability," it's Obama and his former secretary of state. Both of them have so badly mismanaged Syria and the entire Middle East that the region is on fire nearly everywhere.In addition, Obama has pursued globalist economic policies that Hillary Clinton has also pledged to continue. That includes the Trans-Pacific Partnership (opposed by Trump) that will further enrich the globalist elite while continuing to outsource American jobs and opportunities. Under Obama, the wealthiest have grown more wealthy while the Middle Class has shrunk even further, as billionaire businessman and investor Nick Hanauer explains in this heavily censored TED talk And Clinton, as this white paper by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and the editors of NewsTarget.com point out so thoroughly, is the candidate in this presidential race that isby Monsanto, Big Pharma, Big Food and the establishment medical industry. Not Trump, who is funding his campaign partly with his own money and partly with donations from average Americans who support him.So you see, there's no question as to what this election is really all about: It's about taking our country back from the Monsanto's, the Big Pharma's, the vaccine authoritarians, the poison GMO food pushers and the major money players like George Soros, Warren Buffett and others who use their wealth to further enhance their portfolios while buying access and driving national and global policies.Clinton, without question, will give us more of Washington's "deals," more government agency corruption, more globalist trade that harms American jobs, more big corporate influence over our lives, more wars that we don't need to fight and less health freedom. Her record, and that of her former boss, make crystal clear the fact that they are the threat to global stability, not Trump  who has no fingerprints on
Obamacare

Executive amnesty

Gun control

Minimum wage

Abortion

EPA Regulations

(NaturalNews) For decades, the Democratic party has pushed policies that have turned America's inner cites into islands of profound impoverishment  neighborhoods where shattered families are often housed, doctored, educated, and fed by bureaucrats.(Article by Jerome Hudson, republished from Breitbart.com There's a misery in many of America's inner cities that projects perpetual poverty.Below are seven truths about how the Democratic party's policies are destroying America's inner cities, all while taking the voters who live there for granted.Middle class Americans and African-Americans in inner cities in this country aren't benefiting from ObamaCare compared to other groups.According to an extensive 65-page report by The Urban Institute, obtaining coverage has been much harder for black Americans than it has been for Hispanics and American Indians. [1]In February, black business owners railed against the Obama administration's decision to funnel millions in Obamacare subsidies to illegal immigrants. [2]Hardworking black Americans in America's inner cities are being crushed under the weight of an illegal alien workforce, ever expanding as a direct result of the policies of President Obama."Granting work authorization to millions of illegal immigrants will devastate the black community, which is already struggling in the wake of the recession that began in 2007 and the subsequent years of malaise," Peter Kirsanow, an official with the U.S. Civil Rights Commission wrote to Obama and the Congressional Black Caucus in 2013. [3]Kirsanow argues that illegal immigration has severely depressed the labor force participation rate of low-skilled blacks."Illegal immigration has a disparate impact on African-American men, because these men are disproportionately represented in the low-skilled labor force," Kirsanow.A new survey by the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) shows a majority of black voters in several states strongly support school choice, and many favor the option to send their children to public charter schools. [4]BAEO surveyed 2,400 black voters from inner cities Alabama, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Tennessee. The poll was conducted in August by JMC Analytics and Polling. [5]More than two-thirds of the black voters surveyed in Louisiana, New Jersey, and Tennessee support pubic charter schools over traditional pubic schools.In August, Gallup released its 46th annual PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools which showed that six in ten Americans  black, Hispanic, and, white adults  favor charter schools and support a parent's right to chose their child's education. [6]Despite the overwhelming evidence that vouchers have helped raise the quality of stagnant school systems for some the poorest American children trapped in shoddy schools, there's no shortage of Democrats fighting their funding.America's most crime-ridden cities were run almost exclusively by Democratic mayors. In 2015, the inner cities of Oakland, Detroit, Cleveland, Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia  also known as "Killadelphia,"  Atlanta and other Democratic party monopolies are routinely plagued with violent criminality.For decades Democrats have stopped at nothing to take away and restrict the Constitutional right of the law abiding citizens living in these unsafe communities to carry a firearm as a means to protect themselves and their families.Nearly 300 years before racist Democrats enacted Jim Crow Laws that helped disarm blacks in the south, Chief Justice Roger Taney argued in his opinion in Dred Scott v. Sanford that blacks could not be granted citizenship because "[I]t would give them the full liberty ... to keep and carry arms wherever they went."While Democrats demonize it today, the NRA stood to defend blacks when Democrats robbed, murdered, and lynched them in the 50s and 60s. [5]Today, it's Democrats  from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama  still disarming blacks who are being buried by gang violence in Democratic party monopolies across America Myriad studies have shown that higher labor costs reduce employment, especially for younger or less educated workers employed at local fast food restaurants and grocery stores. A study from labor economists William Even of Miami University in Ohio and David Macpherson of Trinity University in Texas proves how young black men are being hurt the most by the very minimum wage hikes being pushed by Democratic party leaders in states across the U.S. [6]About 18,500 black young adults in the 21 states affected by the federal minimum wage increases passed in 2007 lost their jobs. "Among black males in this group, each 10% increase in the minimum wage has decreased employment by 6.5%," the study said.The aforementioned study and the damage it examines was based on a $10.10 minimum wage increase. Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton says she will raise the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour, should she win in November.While pregnant-aged black women represent roughly five percent of the total U.S. population, they account for 35 percent of the abortions in 2010.That is because Planned Parenthood abortion facilities intentionally inhabit America's inner cities and are "located within walking distance of African American or Hispanic/Latino neighborhoods."The map below, published by protectingblacklife.org, proves it. [7]President Obama's Clean Power Plan will hurt millions of low and middle class Americans in inner cities already struggling to pay their bills in this sagging economy."These communities already suffer from higher unemployment and poverty rates compared to the rest of the country, yet the EPA's regressive energy tax threatens to push minorities and low-income Americans even further into poverty," Harry Alford, the president and CEO National Black Chamber of Commerce, said in testimony before Congress last year.Obama's Clean Power Plan, Alford argues, will cut greenhouse emissions and in turn raise poverty by 23 percent among blacks and 26 percent among Hispanics and will raise the average American's energy costs by more than 15 percent by 2035."Most importantly, the loss of development and economic expansion would affect many of the blue-collar jobs that power our low-income and minority communities," Alford argued.Obama administration lawyers are currently fighting in court to see that President Obama's Clean Power Plan is enacted.Read more at Breitbart.com Sources:[1] Urban.org [2] Youtube.com [3] Baeo.org [4] Baeo.org [5] Breitbart.com [6] Minimumwage.com [7] Protectingblacklife.org
(NaturalNews) New research from the University of Melbourne, located in Australia, has revealed that growing up on a farm can yield lifelong health benefits. Specifically, children raised on farms are less likely to develop allergies. The data also indicated that females are more likely to have stronger lungs in adulthood.The findings, which were published in late September by the journal, support the belief that biological factors have played a significant role in the increasing incidence of allergies and asthma. Previous studies have also suggested that increased exposure to microbes is linked to increased protection against such conditions.Senior author, Professor Shyamali Dharmage, commented, "We found that early-life exposure to farm environments protects against adult allergic diseases. The novel finding is that women growing up on farms had stronger lungs than those who had lived in inner city areas, but at this stage we don't know why."Britt Campbell, the study's lead author, says that the team wanted to get a clearer picture of what played a bigger role: biodiversity or location. She commented, "As any parent with a small child knows, childcare centres are hotbeds of viruses and bacteria, but it turns out that's nothing compared to a farm."According to Ms. Campbell, their results demonstrated that living on a farm exceeds basically any other lifestyle factor in terms of protective benefits. For kids who lived in cities, suburbs or towns, having a pet or going to daycare didn't even come close.The study was led by the Allergy & Lung Health Unit at the University of Melbourne's Center for Epidemiology & Biostatistics, in collaboration with the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and several European universities. In total, the researchers analyzed the early life experiences of 10,000 adults from 14 different countries across Europe, Scandinavia and Australia.They found that children who lived on a farm between the time they were born and when they turned 5, were 54 percent less likely to have asthma than city children. Farm kids were also 57 percent less likely to have nasal allergy symptoms. And while the study was simply observational, the findings remained consistent among all 14 countries.Professor Dharmage stated, "Some researchers have raised the possibility of socioeconomic status playing a role, but the uniformity of our findings suggest this is about biologyspecifically, a big childhood hit of bacteria, viruses and parasites."In 2012, a similar study found that the Amish people living in Indiana have some of the lowest rates of allergies and asthma in the Westernized world.Lead author and Indiana allergist, Dr. Mark Holbreich, said at the time that the Amish way of life has a lot to do with it. Children play in barns; pregnant women still tend to the animals. The Amish community in northern Indiana that took part in the study were all of Swiss descent. The Swiss are known to have more or less the same allergy sensitization rates as Americans, so the comparison between the two was quite interesting.In the study, 157 Amish families, 3,000 Swiss farming families and another 11,000 Swiss who did not live on farms participated. The scientists found that the Amish had allergy rates that were nearly half that of their Swiss relatives who didn't farm. With their shared ancestry, researchers believe that this is a strong indicator that environment is more important than genes.Dr. Holbreich stated, "This [study] would suggest that if you have early life exposure [to allergens], then somehow it drives the immune system away from developing allergies."The study's researchers also noted that the Amish community's penchant for drinking raw, unpasteurized milk yielded impressive health benefits
(NaturalNews) The immense and ever-growing financial burden of healthcare in the United States today is a direct consequence of insurance company dominance over the industry, says the author of a new book on America's broken healthcare system. And the only way to fix it, she says, is to return to the way things were before -- prepaid physician groups.Americans currently pay the highest prices for healthcare in the world, and yet the quality of services they receive is lacking and ever-dwindling. Doctors and hospitals are basically incentivised to over-examine and over-prescribe their patients in order to get the biggest reimbursements from insurance companies. These actions are both draining the system and killing its potential to provide quality care at reasonable costs.According to Christy Ford Chapin, author of, patients used to pay a monthly fee directly to doctor groups that would provide care as needed to those in the pool. There were no insurance middlemen involved, and because of this doctors were incentivised to provide the best possible care at the lowest possible prices.Unnecessary testing, unneeded surgeries, overprescription of pharmaceutical drugs and other factors common in today's model were nonexistent back then, and healthcare was thus affordable to everyone, both rich and poor. But today's system embodies the exact opposite of this, catering to insurance companies and shareholders rather than patients.Because of efforts by the American Medical Association (AMA) to prevent the government from getting involved in healthcare during the 1940s, what would have been a medical economy centered around taxpayer-funded doctor groups was forced into becoming the insurance-centric model we see today. Doctors now have to go through insurance companies to provide coverage to patients, and the consequences have been disastrous."Unfortunately, the insurance company model fragmented care across numerous specialties and encouraged physicians and hospitals to practice without regard for financial resources," Chapin writes for. "With a distant corporation footing the bill, there was little to prevent hospitals and physicians from ordering unessential tests and procedures for insured patients."Nationalized healthcare often gets a bad rap as being wasteful and destructive, but in all reality insurance-based healthcare is just as bad. The quality of care is on the decline, and yet the cost of care is getting higher and higher, to where medical expenditures in the U.S. now make up 18 percent of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP).It's an unsustainable model that's only gotten worse under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Deductibles are skyrocketing, doctors' practices are going out of business, and insurance companies are taking the reigns of actively managing and supervising physician work, something they were never supposed to do when the system was developed.Government-controlled anything, at least in the U.S., almost never works -- just look at what's happened to the food supply , for instance, as a result of tax incentives and subsidies that encourage farmers to grow commodity crops that benefit large food corporations. And yet, if it operated in the right capacity, the government could help facilitate a return to the prepaid physician group model, which would improve the quality of care while lowering the price of care."Reforms based on prepaid doctor groups hold the potential for bipartisan support," Chapin says, noting that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has proposed changes to the system that lean in this direction. "With growing patient dissatisfaction and concern among physicians about insurance company dominance, prepaid groups could finally succeed."
(NaturalNews) As we get closer and closer to the presidential election on November 8, it is becoming very clear who the logical candidate is if health freedom is important to you.Hint: It's Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.As far back as 1993, for instance  when Clinton was first lady and pushing for an earlier version of Obamacare (again under the guise of "health care reform")  two programs she backed were the Childhood Immunization Initiative and Vaccines for Children.Now, it wouldn't be Hillary if her position hadn't changed over the years, largely due to the whims of donors of course. In 2008, for instance, during her first presidential campaign, she alluded to research that established a link between vaccines and higher rates of autism in children. "I am committed to make investments to find the causes of autism,[my emphasis]... We don't know what, if any, kind of link there is between vaccines and autism  but we should find out," she said.By February 2015, as she was ramping up her current presidential bid, she Twitter-trolled some Republican presidential candidates after the link between vaccines and autism came up during an early GOP debates, in which a few of the candidates - including Trump - voiced concern and expressed caution about the efficacy of vaccinating kids with a high number all at once. After the debate Clinton tweeted, "The science is clear: The earth is round, the sky is blue and #vaccineswork. Let's protect our kids."Obviously that is not what she was touting in 2008, but in addition to that fact, her position now is a chilling reminder that she doesn't appear interested in offering parents a vaccine choice. Coupled with the fact that she is the number one recipient of Big Pharma donations this election cycle, her opinion now appears solidly in the camp of the pharmaceutical industry, now that the industry is helping her campaign pay its bills. That will be another slap at the personal choice and health freedom of American parents. She could even push for a vaccine mandate, like the one recently passed in California Indeed, in September we reported on a new CDC plan to essentially detain people and vaccinate them against their will. This plan would no doubt get the support of Hillary should she become president, as she is a big government statist who believes in the power of government, not empowering individuals, as she has spent her entire professional life expanding it in any way she could.It all makes perfect sense when you examine not what she says, per se, but what her donors in Big Pharma want and what her record shows as first lady, a U.S. senator and as the most corrupt secretary of state in one of the most corrupt presidential administrations in the history of the country.Clinton doesn't favor returning power to states, communities or individuals. On the campaign trail all she talks about is how she wants to use the power of government to force people to do certain things, to take away rights, and to empower government bureaucrats to further micromanage our lives. She doesn't want to repeal Obamacare, the worst health care legislation in decades, and in fact reveals on her campaign web site , that as president she plans to double down on "expanding healthcare coverage"  like Obamacare did, byfor the first time ever. And the product we got was, all things Obama (and Hillary) promised would happen.Hillary Clinton is a big government statist that will use the power of her office to further impose medical mandates and vaccine madness on a people who were supposed to have the freedom to choose for themselves what treatments they want and don't want.
Creating ladders to possibly reach Mars in the future, China will be sending two taikonauts (or corresponding to astronauts) outside Earth this Monday to stay at the previously launched Tiangong 2-- their currently operating space laboratory.

Sept. 15 this year, the Republic of China has blasted their uncrewed Tiangong-2 spacecraft in continuation of the tests done by their previous space lab Tiangong-1, which went unoperational last March. The second space lab was intended in preparation of China's 2020 Space Station. It was estimated that the space lab will be around 236 miles or 380 kilometers above Earth and settle into an orbit, which will later climb at about 244 miles or 393 kilometers where the China's Space Station will soon operate. With their calculations, it seems that they did their math after confirming that the two astronauts, Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong ,were officially named by the Chinese officials regarding the country's latest space mission.

Read: Will China Become the Only Country With a Space Station by 2024?

Aboard Shenzou 11 spacecraft, the two astronauts will be leaving Earth at 7:30 a.m. (11:30 p.m. GMT) as quoted by WHIO on a live telecast interview to China's Deputy Director Wu Ping. Shenzou will be flying off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center located at China's Gobi Dessert with Long March-2F rocket. Upon reaching the space lab, the astronauts are expected to stay for 30 days to do system testings and other medical and scientific experiments as well as to test the laboratory's ability to support life.

The space laboratories were intentionally called "Tiangong" because it meant "Heavenly Place" in Mandarin Chinese. On China's foresight, these space missions are envisioned to create a ladder of success and understanding regarding their goal to set mission on Mars.

On a separate briefing mentioned by TheGuardian, Deputy Director Wu Ping, who is also the Space Programme Official, assured that everything is already set, including the conditions of the astronauts.

"It is any astronaut's dream and pursuit to be able to perform many space missions," Jing Haipeng added regarding the mission which will be his third outer space trip since 2008.
A Russian scientist and businessman by the name Dr. Igor Ashurbeiyli has announced his plans to create the first ever space nation that will orbit in space, while replicating the life on Earth.

The space nation, dubbed as "Asgardia," will serve as a sovereign nation capable of protecting the people on Earth and promoting peace in space.

Determined to Create Space Nation

According to the report from BBC, Asgardia will face some hurdles even in its early stages. The foremost concern about the possible space station is that it goes against international law prohibiting national sovereignty claims in outer space.

However, Ashurbeiyli and his team are determined to push through with their plans. Everyone is invited to apply for citizenship in the space nation, but applicants will be screened first before being granted citizenship in Asgardia. People who are working in space research and exploration as well as people who invested in the project will be prioritized. After reaching about tens of thousands applications for citizenship, a formal letter of application will be sent to the United Nations.

Why Build Asgardia?

The team behind Asgardia has three scientific reasons for creating the concept of space nation. First, they want to ensure peaceful use of space. Second, to protect the Earth from any potential threats that come from space, including, asteroid, comets, magnetic storms and solar flare. Lastly, the founders want to create a demilitarized and free scientific knowledge in space that will also benefit developing countries that do not have space access at the moment.

Overall, the aim of Asgardia can be too idealistic. The name of the space nation came from ancient Norse mythology. According to the mythology, Asgard was a city in the skies where gods reside.

Asgardia claims to be a fully-pledge and independent nation, which will soon be acknowledge by United Nations, with all the attributes of a sovereign nation, including a government and embassies, flag, national anthem and insignia.

At present, the project is being funded by principal investors, However, it will soon open as a crowd funding project. The first space station of Asgardia is planned to be send out to space in 2017.


Juno, a solar-powered spacecraft task to observe Jupiter was supposed to go near the biggest and baddest planet in the Solar System this Oct. 19, but due to engine trouble, NASA scientists postponed the supposed flyby to December this year.

Last July 4. Juno entered Jupiter's orbit after a five-year journey from Earth to its host planet. It successfully performed a 35-minute engine burn that slowed down the spacecraft that enabled Jupiter's gravity to allow Juno's entry. The mission already sent some images of Jupiter from its record-breaking first flyby on Aug. 27. The first flyby is the first of 36 close encounters of Juno and Jupiter.

The solar-powered spacecraft has been doing very well since it entered Jupiter's orbit last July 4. It managed to perform one complete flyby and it has also completed orbits around the planet reaching the farthest point of its host planet's orbit. But recent reports say that an engine trouble is causing Juno's mission some delay.

Jupiter is known to have the harshest environment in the Solar System. This means a devastating amount of radiation is present in its atmosphere and Juno is not spared from that. Reports say that the control sent a command that Juno seems to fail to understand last Thursday but it wasn't read correctly by the spacecraft signaling that the radiation in Jupiter might be taking its toll on the spacecraft.

NASA decided to postpone the mission that involves the upcoming burn of Juno's main rocket motor. The Period Reduction Maneuver (PRM) will lessen the days Juno needs to orbit Jupiter from 53.4 to 14 days. The decision was made to perform a thorough check of Juno's valves, a vital part of the spacecraft's fuel pressurization modem.

"Telemetry indicates that two helium check valves that play an important role in the firing of the spacecraft's main engine did not operate as expected during a command sequence that was initiated yesterday," Rick Nybakken, Juno project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California said in a press release. "The valves should have opened in a few seconds, but it took several minutes. We need to better understand this issue before moving forward with a burn of the main engine," Nybakken added.

The decision was finalized after Juno engineers consulted with commercial space flight company Lockheed Martin and NASA's head office in Washington. The burn has to be executed during Juno's closest approach to the planet and the next best window to do that in on Dec. 11, 2016.
Slick roads and rain pounding down on the concrete Sunday morning didnt keep a community of families and individuals from gathering at the Peninsula Temple Sholom to set up huts ahead of the week-long observance of Sukkot, also referred to as the Feast of Tabernacles.

A sukkah is a raised hut, where those observing the Jewish celebration are encouraged to dine and gather together.

The tradition reflects on religious passages referencing the 40 years Jews spent traveling in the Sinai Desert and residing in temporary huts.

At the Peninsula Temple Sholom, Rabbi Molly Plotnik said the children also decorate the inside of each hut to reflect a different country and its unique practices observing Sukkot.

Familes gather at Peninsula Temple Sholom Sunday to raise six sukkot, or temporary huts, ahead of week-long celebrations. (October 16, 2016) - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

As part of the observance, many services in the Bay Area encourage their congregations to invite neighbors and friends to attend and participate in the celebrations.

For those that have never built a sukkah and are in Redwood City, volunteers at one congregation are traveling the area to help families set up a sukkah at their home.

The week-long celebrations go through Sunday, October 23.
As Seen On
An elementary school on Chicago's South Side was placed on lockdown Monday as police searched for suspects following a shooting nearby.

Police said the shooting happened just after 1 p.m. in the 2600 block of South Federal Street, near Drake Elementary School.

One man was shot in the face and neck and transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition. Another man was also taken to the hospital with a wound to the buttocks.

Drake Elementary school was placed on lockdown for roughly 20 minutes while police searched for suspects.

Police said four people -- three men and a woman -- were taken into custody after the shooting. As of 2:30 p.m. Monday, they were being questioned.
Authorities are investigating after officers shot an alleged robbery suspect on Chicago's West Side Sunday night, according to police.

The incident occurred in the 1000 block of North Cicero Avenue in the city's West Humboldt Park neighborhood, Chicago Police spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi tweeted at 9:45 p.m.

Officers received a call for an armed robbery, Guglielmi said. Officers already in the area saw a gas station being robbed, according to police.

An officer opened fire, striking the alleged offender in the leg, officials said. The suspect was taken in serious but stable condition to Stroger Hospital, according to police.

No officers were injured, Guglielmi said.

Further details on the incident were not immediately available, and the investigation is ongoing.

Check back for updates on this developing story.
A sign outside a bar is causing quite a stir in one small town in northwest Indiana.

Someone at the Griffith Town Tap Bar in Griffith, Indiana, took an apparent political stance last week, posting a quote from the recently released tapes of Donald Trump making lewd, predatory comments about women on the marquee outside the bar.

While the sign originally included a version of one of Trumps more sexually charged quotes, it has since been changed to replace the profane word in question with $1.00 PINT at the request of town council president Rick Ryfa.

It's unfortunate that it was put up in such a distasteful manner, Ryfa said. "That sign and that message is not a reflection on the town of Griffith, our people, our businesses or our government.

Area resident Emily Hobson, a victim of sexual assault, started a petition to shut the bar down over the controversy.

Thats disgusting, Hobson said. "It hurts me to see people go through what I went through, and I mean, I can't handle this.

The petition received nearly 3,000 signatures in just days, and though it might be unlikely, Ryfa said the towns lawyers are reviewing local and state laws to see if the sign was in violation of any codes.

However, some area residents said they arent quite so bothered by the sign.

"I'm not offended by it. I don't support it. I think it's ridiculous, said Liz Mares, who lives near the bar.

"You have the whole freedom of speech thing, so when it comes down to it, it's not horrible, said neighbor Rich Hills, adding, My kids can't read yet.

The bars owner did not respond to requests for comment.

The council is expected to release its lawyers' findings at a town hall meeting on Tuesday night, which Hobson said a large group of people in support of her petition plan to attend.
Connecticut Water Company is again asking customers across the state to voluntarily conserve water by 10 percent, while they are asking resident in the shoreline communities of Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook and Old Saybrook to reduce their water usage by 15 percent.

Officials from Connecticut Water said supplies in the reservoirs are lower than normal, but they also have groundwater sources in nearly all of their water systems, so they are not solely dependent on our reservoirs for water supply.

We currently have an adequate supply of water for our customers needs but we are taking these steps to ensure we will continue to have enough water for those needs should the drought continue, David Connors, director of service delivery, said in a statement. Thats why we are asking all of our customers to continue to conserve water, and our customers in those shoreline communities, where we have had high summer demands and felt the droughts effects the most, to reduce their consumption by 15 percent.

A typical Connecticut Water residential household uses about 165 gallons of water per day, according to the company.

Customers can:
East Windsor and South Windsor are two more Connecticut communities interested in hosting the casino the leaders of Connecticut's two federally recognized tribes hope to build.

MMCT Venture, made up of the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes, released a statement Monday saying these two towns have joined East Hartford, Hartford and Windsor Locks in submitting proposals.

MMCT Venture has been seeking sites for a proposed jointly run a border casino to compete with MGM Resorts International, which plans to build a casino in Springfield, Massachusetts, but legislative approval is still necessary to make it happen. The venture is made up of the tribes that run Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.

Now more than ever, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes are confident that the site we select will make our facility competitive with MGM Springfield, Kevin Brown, chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council, said in a statement. We look forward to reviewing and comparing these new and amended submissions and continuing a dialogue with Connecticuts communities about how we can work together to save jobs and revenue in our state.

Officials from MMCT Venture said Plymouth also applied, but the application is not being considered because it falls outside the scope of the RFP.

Our two tribes are now one step closer to keeping thousands of jobs and millions of dollars within Connecticuts borders, Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council, said in a statement. MMCT Venture is eager to explore our options, and ultimately build this facility in a community that values the tax revenue well bring to the towns grand list.

South Windsor Town Council member Saud Anwar said in a statement that hosting a gambling facility presents challenges and thinks this is something the residents should be able to vote on.

"Attracting jobs and economic development to South Windsor is a priority. But a gambling venue brings complex issues for any host town and this particular project is mired in uncertainty, and not a clear winner, Anwar said. Hosting a casino here will impact every resident of our town, and cannot and should not be made by a small group of political insiders. South Windsor residents need much more information, and they deserve the final say in a referendum.

Leaders of the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes have said their business in Connecticut will suffer once the Springfield casino opens in 2018 and the General Assembly's fiscal office is predicting Connecticut could lose $68.3 million in revenue.

In September, Alan M. Feldman, executive vice president of MGM Resorts International, released a statement and called MMCT Ventures request for proposals process a sham.

Brown last month said the facility needs to be successful if they are going to save thousands of jobs and Butler said they want to build the casino in a place that values the large investment.

Pearce Real Estate, a Connecticut-based real estate company, administered the RFP and the proposals are being evaluated.
A reward is being offered for information leading to the location or safe return of a college student reported missing last week in Alpine.

Zuzu Renee Verk, 22, who listed her hometown as Coppell on her Facebook page, attends Sul Ross State University in Alpine, which is more than 200 miles southeast of El Paso.

She was last seen in Alpine early Oct. 12.

On Tuesday, a $17,500 reward was announced by Alpine police for information leading to her location or safe return. Anyone with information is asked to contact Alpine police at 432-837-3486.

On Sunday, Verk's family, who live in Keller, and police, led dozens of volunteers through streets, alleys and other areas in search of the missing woman.

She is described as 5 feet tall and 110 pounds with blonde hair and hazel eyes. Her natural hair color is brown but was recently been colored blonde.

Alpine Police/NBC 5

Police said Verk could be in danger, but did not elaborate.

Alpine police said Monday they are hoping to speak with anyone who saw a 2006 gray Jeep Liberty or a 2004 Mazda Miata convertible with a beige top being driven between midnight and 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

Verk, in a posting on the Sul Ross State University's Borderlands Research Institute site, said she's from Fort Worth and formerly attended the University of North Texas. Verk said she decided to study conservation biology and worked last summer as an undergraduate researcher.
Police have identified a man fatally shot in Dallas early Sunday morning. [[397310051,C]]

Dallas police said they responded to the 4300 block of South Malcolm X Boulevard at about 4:40 a.m. and found the man's body.

Investigators said the victim  later identified as 34-year-old Demarcus Washington  was involved in a physical confrontation with a group of men in the rear parking lot of Club Pinky.

Officers said one of the men in the group pulled out a gun and shot and killed Washington.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact Homicide Detective Derick Chaney at 214-671-3650 or derick.chaney@dpd.ci.dallas.tx.us. Refer to Dallas police case number 248432-2016.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment for this homicide. Call Crime Stoppers at (214) 373-TIPS (8477).
Fort Worth Police Officer Matt Pearce took a huge step in his recovery Tuesday.

He returned to his job, working part-time, light duty just seven months after being shot five times.

Pearce had been critically wounded in a shootout between police, a fugitive and his son.

The fugitive, Ed McIver Sr., was killed in the shootout.

Pearce was released from the hospital nearly two months after the shooting.

Tuesday was his first day pulling back into work, but Pearce doesn't see what all the fuss is about.

"You all out here for something exciting?" Pearce joked to the crowd of reporters waiting to greet him.

He's getting back to the job he loves and to the co-workers there to welcome him with some good-natured teasing.

"I'm glad you're back and we have a physical fitness test you're going to have to pass in about an hour," FWPD Lt. Scott Keenum told him with a laugh.

"So, now we got jokes, we got jokes, said Pearce.

This moment is all the brighter when you think of the dark day back in March when Pearce was shot five times by a fugitive he was chasing down.

"It's a special day, said Pearce. I think this is only a small step to where I want to be."

He's back on light duty for now.

"I'm only working four hours a week. It's a real tough schedule."

Pearce is rejoining the FWPD's Tactical Medic Unit, a group of officers trained as EMT's to respond to scenes that are too dangerous for a paramedic to go to.

"Let us go do that, said Pearce. We get the training, we get the armor, we get the guns to return fire."

When Pearce was shot, the Tactical Medic unit was on hiatus because of manpower issues. But a trained officer was there to save his life and right after, the chief ordered the unit back in business.

"It was kind of a hard way to find out that we needed it," said Pearce.

"Thanks for taking one for the team," Lt. Keenum called out.

"Yeah, I'll take one for the team, Pearce replied. Actually, I'll take five for the team."

There's that teasing again.

"It's how we show love to each other," Pearce said. "That's all I need just to keep getting up every day, strapping on a vest and going out and risking my life."

A mission that started again Tuesday with one more big step in getting a true blue officer back on the streets.

Pearce is still in intensive physical therapy three days a week.

His goal is to be back in uniform and working full-time next March 15, a year to the day after his injury.

Gov. Greg Abbott presented the prestigious Star of Texas Award  awarded to first responders injured or killed in the line of duty  to Pearce in Austin in September.
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The latest news from around North Texas.
If you visit the Creative Arts Building at the State Fair of Texas, chances are you'll come across a cooking contest.

Contestants are after the coveted blue ribbon, bragging rights, and having their recipe printed in a book that will be sold at next year's fair.

"We started competing back in '82," said Kim Ritchie, as she wheeled in a wagon full of fresh ingredients. "This wagon's seen a lot of years."

The pizza cook-off is an annual tradition for Ritchie, but sitting across the table on this day was first-timer, Joel Fernandes.

"Pretty much you just go at your own pace and when it's done, you just turn it in," Fernandes said.

Fernandes is a firefighter in Plano.

"Most times I'm the cook at my particular station," he joked. "Yep, it's true, we like to eat."

Another contestant working hard on a prize-worthy pizza was stay at home mom, Erin Lucci.

"I didn't quite bring my whole kitchen," she said, as she unloaded her cart of supplies. "I love cooking."

Lucci has seven kids.

"They're the worst critics because they're very honest," she added.

Most of her kids were there to support her, the way only they can.

"Well, since we're part Italian, it's really hard for us to give good feedback," one daughter joked.

The rules for the state fair pizza cook-off are simple: make a meat lover's, vegetable or dessert pizza in two hours or less.

Oh, and as contestant Peter Clarac said, "You just try to beat everybody else."

Everyone comes up with their own recipe, and this year Ritchie rolled away with another blue ribbon.

Find more information about the cooking competitions on the State Fair of Texas website.
Some Texas troopers will give up patrol cars and instead ride school buses in a child safety effort.

The Texas Department of Public Safety says the plan is part of National School Bus Safety Week, which began Monday and runs through Friday.

It's illegal in Texas to pass any school bus that is stopped and operating a visual signal  either flashing red lights or a stop sign. Troopers will be watching for drivers who violate the law, which could lead to fines of up to $1,250.

A DPS statement says troopers in parts of Texas will be riding on or following school buses to catch violators.

Texas troopers, during 2015 and so far in 2016, have issued nearly 1,100 tickets for illegally passing a stopped school bus.

Online: Texas Department of Public Safety
Iraqi and Kurdish forces directed by U.S. advisers advanced toward Mosul Monday, launching an offensive to drive ISIS out of the city after its two-year occupation, NBC News reported.

Brigadier Helgord Hekmat, a spokesman for the Kurdish forces, said 4,000 Peshmerga forces had retaken a cluster of villages.

Onlookers cheered and danced as tanks rolled toward Mosul early Monday. Morale was high and troops flashed victory signs as they moved on the city.

Still, the United Nations warned that up to one million civilians may be planning to evacuate their homes in Mosul in anticipation of the military action.

"Already, the operation is so large [that] we're struggling to reach people who need help," said Lise Grande, the U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator for Iraq.

The complex military operation will be the largest in Iraq since American troops left in 2011 and, if successful, the biggest blow yet to ISIS.
Donald Trump lashed out on Monday at Republicans who have tried to tone down his rhetoric about election fraud, calling his party's leaders "so naive" and claiming without evidence that large-scale voter fraud is real.

Trump's claims were part of a Monday morning blast of tweets that took on his party, the women who've accused him of sexual misconduct, the media and Vice President Joe Biden.

The defensive barrage came while Republicans are under pressure to rebuke Trump's claims that the presidential election is "rigged" in Hillary Clinton's favor. The push reflects growing worries that their nominee's unsubstantiated rhetoric could erode public trust in elections and lead to damaging disputes if he loses.

Trump's running mate, Mike Pence, declared Sunday the ticket will "absolutely accept the results of the election." But Trump seemed to brush back against his vice presidential pick.

"Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!" he tweeted Monday.

There is no evidence to back up Trump's claim of widespread voter fraud. A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that out of 1 billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud.

Later on Monday, Trump laid out an ethics reform plan for a crowd of his supporters at a Green Bay, Wisconsin rally. Three of the state's most prominent Republicans  House Speaker Paul Ryan, Sen. Ron Johnson and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker  avoided the event, as they've been trying to distance themselves from their party's nominee without retracting their official endorsements.

The GOP candidate reiterated his doubt about the legitimacy of the American electoral system and hit Hillary Clinton for allegations of "quid pro quo" negotiations between the FBI and the State Department before getting to the heart of his ethics reform package. One piece of the plan, Trump said, would be to ban all executive branch officials from lobbying the government for five years after leaving their posts. He said he'd also extend that ban to members of Congress.

He said he would "close all loopholes that former government officials use by labeling themselves consultants and advisors, when we all know they're lobbyists." In addition to his five-year ban, he said he would prevent senior executive branch officials for life from lobbying on behalf of foreign governments.

By focusing on closing loopholes for political insiders, Trump tried to highlight his potential to act as a reformer. He called Clinton's scandals "worse than Watergate."

The nominee also reasserted his stance that the women who've accused him of sexually inappropriate behavior are all lying.

Pence and other Republicans have tried to argue that Trump's claims of election-rigging refer to media bias in favor of Democrats. He points particularly to the reports on the allegations by several women, some of whom allege Trump's misconduct went as far as assault.

Trump pushed back against those women earlier Monday, tweeting: "Can't believe these totally phoney stories, 100% made up by women (many already proven false) and pushed big time by press, have impact!"

In another tweet, Trump linked to a video montage of Biden greeting and hugging women at various events. The Democrat has not been accused of sexual improprieties, but has raised eyebrows for his lingering or awkward embraces of women.

For Clinton, it was a quiet day of debate preparation with advisers near her home in New York. The final presidential debate is Wednesday night.

As the candidate prepares, Clinton's campaign continues to have to answer for the contents of hacked emails being released by the thousands by WikiLeaks. The most recent batch showed Clinton generally avoided direct criticism of Wall Street as she examined the causes and responses to the financial meltdown during a series of paid speeches to Goldman Sachs.

WikiLeaks said Monday that founder Julian Assange's internet access has been cut by an unidentified state actor. Few other details were immediately available.

The fraud concerns raised by Trump aren't new to Republicans. They often cite the risk of fraud as they make a case for tightening access to the polls through voter identification laws and other restrictions. But Trump's often repeated claim that the election is "rigged" as put the party in the unusual position of expressing faith in the legitimacy of the election system.

Leaders in both parties fear Trump's claims will encourage his most ardent supporters not to accept the results, leading to prolonged litigation, possible violence or hardened divisions  or some combination of the three. That could make it even difficult to govern and take a long-term toll on the democracy.

Even staunch conservatives have found themselves in the position of trying to gently walk back the nominee's remarks.

"I just don't think it's that constructive to make this a campaign issue," Rep. Steve King said Monday on CNN. The staunch conservative from Iowa said he shares Trump's worries about election fraud, but acknowledged Trump's claims are "partially unsubstantiated."

"I don't want to say anything on this program that delegitimizes our election," King said.
Hillary Clinton is maintaining a 50-point lead over Donald Trump among Latinos, heading into the final weeks of the presidential election, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal/Telemundo poll.

Sixty-seven percent of Latino likely voters back Clinton in a four-way matchup, while just 17 percent back Trump, the polls shows. Libertarian Gary Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein each garner three percent support. Meanwhile, in a head-to-head matchup, Clinton leads Trump among Latino likely voters, 70 percent to 17 percent.

According to the new poll, conducted Oct. 10-13 among 300 Latino voters, more Latinos say they they're very interested in the November contest. Sixty-nine percent of Latino voters now say they are very interested in the election, compared to 60 percent who said the same last month.
Two senior citizens escaped a dangerous house fire on Saturday thanks to the heroism of two sheriff's deputies.

The couple's home in the 8800 block of East Broadway in San Gabriel was billowing thick smoke from a kitchen grease fire about 2 p.m. Saturday, when two separate patrol cars driving by the residence stopped to help, according to Lt. Frank Ruiz of the Temple Sheriff's Station.

"The deputies quickly stopped their vehicles and entered the residence to make sure there weren't any people stuck inside," Ruiz said. "Due to the thick smoke, the deputies had to crawl through the house on their hands and knees ... they discovered a disoriented couple inside the residence."

Deputies Jacqueline Morales and Orlando Macias, who each had been on routine patrols, managed to carry the two victims to safety, Ruiz said. The 89-year-old woman and 87-year-old man they rescued were transported by Los Angeles County Fire to a hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

The deputies themselves, too, were taken to a hospital to treat the same condition.

"The quick actions of Morales and Macias, while placing themselves in harm's way, undoubtedly saves the lives of this couple," Ruiz said. "The deputies' heroism is a reflection of their dedication to the communities served by Temple Station and the representation of the core values of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to the highest degree."

County firefighters and San Gabriel City Fire responded and extinguished the grease fire in the residence's kitchen.
A man and a woman were rescued after they were stranded on a cliff about 1,000 feet above Eaton Canyon Monday morning.

An Altadena Mountain Rescue team began the search at 8 p.m. Sunday in the canyon near the 2200 block of Pinecrest Drive. The hikers were spotted on the cliff at about 11 p.m.

They did not appear to have suffered any injuries after a cool overnight that included a rainstorm in Southern California. Authorities waited for a break in the weather before launching a rescue helicopter for the airlift operation.

Eaton Canyon, located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles, has been the site of several rescues in recent years. The County of Los Angeles has issued an alert for hikers to avoid the undeveloped trails that lead to the top of Eaton Falls.

The hiker were off the trail in the falls area when they were stranded, according to authorities.

"It's life-threatening," said hiker Ronald Derayunan. "Especially, in conditions like this, it's really slippery. I'm glad they closed it. It's not for everybody."

Some hikers who attempted to reach the falls have been seriously injured. In March 2013, a 17-year-old girl died after falling from a cliff during a spring break hike in the canyon.
Isela Lieber, a teacher in North Hills, teaches her students by example.

Her students are immigrants who speak little to no English, and Lieber can relate. Lieber immigrated to the U.S. from Ecuador when she was 17 years old.

"I come from a very hard working family, very poor, nobody in my family  has graduated from high school, or from university," Lieber said.

Lieber became the first in her family to earn her high school diploma and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in education administration. She said she wants to empower the students at Monroe High School by sharing her own experience.

"I use my story, I say, 'Look I got here when I was 17 years old, I didn't know anything in English, I learned,'" Lieber said. "All you have to do is work hard and be persistent, and it will eventually pay off."

Along with teaching, Lieber also runs a club called SUCCEED. The club helps first-generation students with the college application process.

"Any opportunity I can help the students realize what they can do, I jump on it," Lieber said.

Her students said they gain confidence and inspiration from Lieber.

"We relate to her because we have the same story," said Irania Lopez, one of Lieber's students.

Lopez came to the U.S. a year and a half ago from El Salvador, not speaking English. She said Lieber's classroom made her feel at home.

Jonatan Argueta, another student, immigrated to the U.S. three years ago and was encouraged by Lieber's story.

"Her story is so extraordinary, so that's motivating me to do better in life and go to college," Argueta said.

When Lieber started teaching, her plan was to teach for a few years and then become a lawyer, but the connection with her students has kept her in the classroom for 17 years.

"In my students, I see myself," Lieber said.

Lieber's impact on her students was recognized earlier this week, when the state superintendent named her as one of five California Teachers of the Year. Lieber was nominated by a former student.

Lieber and the other Teachers of the Year will be honored at a gala held in Sacramento in February.
A candlelight vigil for the victims of a deadly crash in San Diego's Chicano Park and their families was held Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

According to NBC7, Reverend Shane Harris, Pastor Lonnie Lynch of the Revival Time Church in Chicano Park and other religious leaders held the vigil in the park, where a truck plunged more than 60 feet into a crowd on Saturday.

Four people were killed, while nine -- including the suspect driving the truck -- were injured.

The park, where La Raza Run motorcycle rally was held Saturday, now features a growing memorial of flowers and other types of tributes to the victims.

The truck driver, Richard Anthony Sepolio -- a 24-year-old, on-duty Navy serviceman stationed in Coronado -- was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, causing injury or death. He could face four counts of vehicular homicide, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Sepolio was taken to UC-San Diego Medical Center for treatment; his medical condition was unavailable today. Alcohol was involved in the crash, CHP spokesman Jake Sanchez said during a Saturday press conference.

"It's horrible," Sanchez said. "Innocent people were down here having a good time -- now, they're gone."

Authorities identified the four deceased as 50-year-old AnnaMarie Contreras and 52-year-old Cruz Elias Contreras, both from Chandler, Arizona; and 46-year-old Francine Denise Jimenez and 49-year-old Andre Christopher Banks, both from Hacienda Heights.

The GMC truck landed on its side on top of four people, said Chief Brian Fennessy of San Diego Fire-Rescue on Saturday.

People attending the festival were able to get the badly damaged truck upright, Capt. Chuck Kaye of the San Diego Police Department said.

Police officers gave medical aid to those crushed by the truck, "but to no avail," Kaye said.

Sepolio suffered major trauma and is being treated for his injuries at UC San Diego Medical Center, Sanchez said.

The injured victims were taken to either UC San Diego or Scripps Mercy hospitals for treatment, said Lee Swanson, spokesperson for San Diego Fire-Rescue Department. All the injured victims are adults, authorities said. Their conditions also were unavailable.

The crash was reported shortly after 3:30 p.m.

Sepolio -- said to have been alone in the pickup -- was going southbound on Interstate 5, heading for the Coronado Bridge when he failed to make the transition and crashed, Swanson said.

The crash caused so much chaos that both the Coronado and Harbor police departments were called in to help.

No police officers were pursuing Sepolio before he crashed, the CHP said.

San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer sent out a tweet Saturday, saying "praying for victims & families affected by tragedy in Chicano Park. Devastated this occurred in one of our community's most beloved places.''
More than 750 people came out to Dartmouth College Monday to see former President Bill Clinton campaign for his wife, Hillary Clinton.

Many voters discouraged by this election told necn after the event they were reinvigorated by Clinton's positivity.

"I really wanted to get a chance to see one of the presidents that I idolize," said New London resident Michael T. Brown II.

Clinton's focus at Dartmouth College Monday was inclusion.

"If we're stronger together, we have to mean it, it's not us and them, us and them, us and them," Clinton told the packed auditorium at Alumni Hall.

Though Clinton didn't once mention the Republican nominee by name, he still took aim at Donald Trump.

"We've got a guy running for president who knows more about ISIS than our military, he says everything is a disaster but his campaign," Clinton said.

Many people are calling this the nastiest election in our country's history.

"I have never seen anything like it and I am sickened by it," said Fran Newton of Ashland. "We should be better than that as a people and as a country."

In a statement Monday, the Republican National Committee pointed to newly leaked Clinton campaign emails. RNC Spokesperson Johanna Persing, writing, "New emails indicate more corruption within the Clinton inner circle after it was revealed that an influential Clinton Foundation official convinced the campaign to accept big money raised by lobbyists representing foreign governments. While Bill Clinton is in New Hampshire today, the former president should explain to Granite Staters why corruption, conflicts of interest, and deceit seem to follow the Clintons."

Clinton didn't address any of the scandals that've followed this campaign, but we took the question to voters.

When asked whether anything causes hesitation in casting a vote for Hillary Clinton, Brown answered, "Well, her emails a little bit, but here's the thing, we all make mistakes."

"I dont know the truth about these things and all I can do is go with is my gut, and I trust these people, call me crazy, but I do," said Virginia Ramus of White Water Junction.

"Hillary Clinton, sure shes had a few issue, but I believe she will do right for our country," agreed Connor Cryans.

So too does her husband and he's warning America about the alternative.

"If you don't want someone to drive the truck off a cliff, don't give them the keys," Clinton told the crowd.

The latest polls put Clinton ahead of Trump in the Granite State by a four to six point lead.
A senior State Department official asked the FBI last year to help reduce the classification of an email from Hillary Clinton's private server, according to FBI investigative files made public Monday. It was to be part of a bargain that would have allowed the FBI to deploy more agents in foreign countries, according to the files.

It was not immediately clear whether the State Department official or someone at the FBI first raised the prospect of a bargain over the email's classification.

The bureau records, citing an FBI official whose name was censored, said Undersecretary for Management Patrick F. Kennedy sought assistance in exchange for a "quid pro quo."

But the FBI said Monday it was the now-retired FBI official who first asked Kennedy about deploying more agents overseas. The State Department said the same.

The FBI ultimately rejected the idea, which would have allowed the State Department to archive a message related to the 2012 attacks on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, in the basement of its Washington headquarters "never to be seen again," according to the FBI files.

The email described reports in November 2012 that Libyan police were arresting suspects in the attack. It had been forwarded to Clinton's private email address by Jake Sullivan, one of her top aides and the department's director of policy planning, who was using his government email account.

Republicans seized on the report as collusion within the Obama administration to protect Clinton, now the Democratic presidential nominee.

"CORRUPTION CONFIRMED: FBI confirms State Dept. offered 'quid pro quo' to cover up classified emails," read a tweet from Team Trump, retweeted by the candidate.

Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon said the campaign had never been part of any such discussion about email classifications.

Kennedy was a close aide to Clinton during her tenure as the nation's top diplomat between 2009 and early 2013. He had served in his position since November 2007 under President George W. Bush.

According to the FBI records, a bureau official said Kennedy "asked his assistance in altering the email's classification in exchange for a 'quid pro quo,'" and that in exchange, "State would reciprocate by allowing the FBI to place more agents in countries where they are presently forbidden."

"Although there was never a quid pro quo, these allegations were nonetheless referred to the appropriate officials for review," the FBI said in a statement Monday.

The State Department said Kennedy had been trying to understand the FBI's classification decisions.

"This allegation is inaccurate and does not align with the facts," department spokesman Mark Toner said. He added that there was never an increase in the number of FBI agents assigned to Iraq as a result of the conversations.

The disclosure was included in 100 pages the FBI released from its now-closed investigation into whether the former secretary of state and her aides mishandled sensitive government information that flowed through the private mail server located in her New York home.

The FBI official who spoke with Kennedy was not involved in the investigation of Clinton's email use, the bureau said.

According to the account in the FBI records, Kennedy proposed using an obscure provision under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act to keep the existence of the classified document from becoming public. By labeling the email unclassified but exempt under the federal records law, the State Department would have avoided criticism that its employees had mishandled classified files but still would have prevented the email's public release.

The provision cited in the FBI files, known as "B9," is intended to protect geological and geophysical information and data, including maps, concerning wells and is the most rarely used FOIA exemption.

"Kennedy told (redacted) that the FBI's classification of the email in question caused problems for Kennedy and Kennedy wanted to classify the document as 'B9,'" The FBI report says. "Kennedy further stated that the 'B9' classification would allow him to archive the document in the basement of DoS (Department of State) never to be seen again."

The FBI official said that after learning later that the information in question concerned the Benghazi attacks, he contacted Kennedy and told him there was "no way he could assist" with declassifying.

Toner suggested that Kennedy may not have raised the "B9" exemption at all, but rather "B7"  a separate exemption protecting confidential communications with law enforcement. Toner said that exemption could have still allowed parts of the document to be released.

Toner also denied there was any proposed deal, saying the FBI official first raised the number of bureau personnel approved to be in Iraq at the end of the phone call as a separate issue.

As for the FBI official's account, he said, "I can't speak to what this person's intent, whether they misunderstood the atmosphere of that conversation, I have no idea. All I can say is that there was no quid pro quo."

The Associated Press reported the existence of the secret Benghazi-related email in May 2015, though the classified content of the document has never been made public.

At the time, administration officials acknowledged interagency disagreements about whether certain information in the emails was classified.

House Republicans said Monday the reports of behind-the scenes maneuvering with the FBI were "extremely disturbing."

"Those who receive classified intelligence should not barter in it  that is reckless behavior with our nation's secrets," said House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., in a joint statement.

Chaffetz first disclosed the alleged quid pro quo in an interview with Fox News on Saturday.

Associated Press writer Matthew Lee contributed to this report.
A woman is facing charges after a man was fatally stabbed at a Daytona Beach Shores hotel during an attempted robbery that started with an online ad.

News outlets report 31-year-old Amy Stefani of New Smyrna Beach was arrested Saturday on second-degree murder and armed robbery charges after police found 32-year-old Steven Clark stabbed in the chest at the Lexington Inn & Suites.

Investigators say Clark accompanied Stefani, described as his girlfriend, to the hotel where she had arranged to meet Alfonso Echevarria through an ad on Backpage.com.

Police say Stefani robbed Echevarria at knifepoint inside a room, but he was able to disarm her. She fled and Clark entered the room, attacking Echevarria, who used Stefani's knife to stab Clark.

Lt. Michael Fowler says Echevarria won't be charged because he acted in self-defense.
A 3-year-old Boynton Beach girl is missing and possibly endangered after her father picked her up for a visit Saturday and has not been heard from since.

Michelle NG Rodriguez was last seen around 5:20 p.m. on Saturday, when her father, 41-year-old Michael NG Ojeda, picked her up at her mother's apartment.

Oriana Rodriguez, 26, told detectives that the arrangements were that Ojeda was going to bring Michelle to a family gathering at his sister's Delray Beach home, and that he would have her back by 8 p.m.

Rodriguez called Ojeda's sister at 7:01 p.m., to check on Michelle, but she said that they hadn't showed up to the house. Ojeda told his sister that he was going to a restaurant to have dinner with Michelle and Rodriguez.

Michelle was last seen wearing black leggings, a pink sleeveless blouse and tan fur coat with silver shoes that light up. She has a vertical scratch on her forehead from where her cat scratched her today.

Ojeda is driving a red 2012 Ford Shelby Mustang with a Florida tag of BVMI94. It has a white stripe that runs from the hood to the trunk of the vehicle. He was last seen wearing jeans, a dark t-shirt and black and white ball cap.

Anyone with information or who has seen them is urged to immediately call Boynton Beach Police at 561-732-8116 or their local law enforcement agency.
Authorities say the bodies of two divers have been recovered from underwater caves in the Tampa Bay area.

Rescue divers located the bodies in 260 feet of water in the Eagle's Nest diver area in Weeki Wachee, according to an email from Hernando County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Denise Moloney.

She says Justin Blakely told deputies Sunday night that his two friends, Patrick Peacock and Chris Rittenmeyer, had traveled from Fort Lauderdale to dive with him. Blakely said both were experienced divers and familiar with the caves.

Moloney says their bodies were found in "a very dangerous and complex area of the cave system.''

Blakely had stayed near the surface, and he alerted authorities several hours after Peacock and Rittenmeyer had been expected to check in.
I am a retired newspaperman. I am 69 and live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 45 years, Lou Ann. We grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather.

More on who I am is here.

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Diane Lane made her debut on Broadway four decades ago in Anton Chekovs The Cherry Orchard. Now, shes back for the first time since, starring in an updated version, with a text by rising playwright Stephen Karam, of The Humans.

Roundabouts alternately despairing and giddy production, on the boards at the American Airlines Theatre, preserves Chekovs setting and uses period-ish costuming, while adding modern phrasing that doesnt always sound natural coming from the fine actors whove signed on.

Shes easygoing, you know, says businessman Lopakhin (the dynamic Harold Perrineau), when he hears about the impending return of Lanes declining aristocrat Lyubov Ranevskaya to her ancestral estate.

As The Cherry Orchard unfolds, Lyubov has returned to Russia from France for the first time in the 5 years since her sons death. Shes been burning through her familys remaining cash, and on her homecoming learns the estate is poised for auction, to boot.

Lane, wonderful last year in Lincoln Centers Off-Broadway The Mysteries of Love & Sex, is dressed in furs and gowns as the obliviously magnanimous aristocrat who wants to make everyone happy, throwing coins she can't spare at beggars if it will help avoid an ugly scene. Within the casual constraints of the play, Lane portrays a coherent character, and a sad one, at that.

Lyubov and her brother, Leonid (the boundlessly charismatic John Glover), cherish their orchard most. Lopakhin, who has worked hard and saved money, encourages the brother and sister with great sincerity to chop it down and build cottages on the landthe income would allow them to save their property. But Lyubov and Leonid will have nothing of it.

Ill argue that Perrineau gives the most interesting performance. A common approach has Lopakhin as rather a villain, but here he comes across as a man trying to help the family maintain ownership of their assets, not to mention their dignity. When he buys the property, they feel betrayed, but we can't blame the fella.

Of relevance is the casting of an African-American actor as Lopakhin, a descendant of slaves whose actions power the plot. Perrineau is allowed a freedom of movement beyond that of the other characters, and it lets him, at times, come off as a charismatic cross between Usher and Savion Glover.

Celia Keenan-Bolger and Tavi Gevinson are excellent as Varya and Anya, Lyubovs daughters. Keenan-Bolgers Varya has first-child syndrome, fretting about responsibility. Gevinson, last seen in The Crucible, is the softer one whose way of showing shes worried is to plead with everyone to be optimistic.

Theater legend Joel Grey is here as Firs, the old butler who possesses an unswerving loyalty to the old order. Though Firs is doddering and weak, he retains his personality and worldview.

There are engaging performances from Tony winner Chuck Cooper (Cy Colemans The Life), as an irresponsible landowner; Tina Benko (another Crucible vet) as Charlotta, the trickster governess with an uncertain future; and Quinn Mattfeld as luckless Yepikhodov, the bookkeeperMr. Misfortunewho shows up at the fanciful second act costume party dressed as a chicken.

Director Simon Godwin, of the U.K.s National Theatre, pulls together the stylized affair in a digestible 2 hours and 15 minutes. Designer Scott Pasks nursery has a Through the Looking Glass vibe, with an oversized window and a tiny bed and tea table. When we do see the orchard, the trees are mobiles of round petals.

Roundabouts Cherry Orchard is visually in the past, but aurally in the present. The result is a mixed bag lacking symbolic resonance: The audience gets neither the tragic grandeur nor the comedy of the aristocracy seeing its dominance end. Rather, this is a portrait of one clueless family losing their fortune because they dont know how to save a buck.

The Cherry Orchard, through Dec. 4 at the American Airlines Theatre, 227 W. 42nd St. Tickets: $57-$142. Call 212-719-1300.

Follow Robert Kahn on Twitter@RobertKahn
What to Know Etan Patz disappeared May 25, 1979, the first day he was allowed to walk the two blocks to his bus stop alone

Jurors deadlocked last year in the murder trial of Pedro Hernandez, a teenage stock clerk in Patz's neighborhood, prompting a mistrial

Detectives say Hernandez confessed to killing the boy; the defense argues a different man was the more likely killer

It took nearly four decades to find and try a suspect in the haunting disappearance of first-grader Etan Patz. The trial itself spanned three months of testimony and 18 days of deliberations before a jury finally deadlocked.

Now it's about to unfold all over again.

Opening statements are expected this week in the retrial of a case that reshaped American parenting and the pursuit of missing children.

Patz, who vanished while heading to his SoHo school bus stop in 1979, was among the first missing children whose face was put on milk cartons, and his case prompted many parents to stop letting their children roam their neighborhoods alone.

Prosecutors will have to reassemble a murder case that was already complicated by faded memories, the deaths of witnesses and the fact that no trace of Etan has ever been found. The defense goes in knowing the last jury voted 11-1 to convict.

And Patz's parents face revisiting their 6-year-old's disappearance and suspect Pedro Hernandez's account of choking him, given in recorded confessions that defense lawyers say were false. Still, the boy's father has said the first trial succeeded in providing long-sought answers for the Patzes, if not in resolving the case.

Now, finally, "we hope it will be over soon," Stanley Patz said by email last month, declining to elaborate ahead of the retrial.

Etan Patz disappeared May 25, 1979, the first day he was allowed to walk the two blocks to his bus stop alone.

Hernandez was then a teenage stock clerk at a nearby corner store. But he wasn't a suspect until 2012, when his brother-in-law told police that Hernandez had told a summer 1979 prayer group he had killed a child in New York. His ex-wife and a neighbor later said he'd also made similar statements to them.

Detectives then got a confession from Hernandez himself.

"I wanted to let go, but I just couldn't let go. I felt like something just took over me," Hernandez said on video, describing how he choked the boy after luring him to the convenience store basement with the promise of a soda. Prosecutors suggest the motive was sexual.

Hernandez's defense says the Maple Shade, New Jersey, man has mental problems that made him imagine he attacked Etan Patz. A defense psychiatrist diagnosed Hernandez, 55, with schizotypal personality disorder; symptoms can include delusions, which Hernandez's family says he has had.

"Pedro Hernandez is the only witness against himself," defense lawyer Harvey Fishbein told jurors last year. "Yet he is inconsistent and unreliable."

The defense also argued that a different, longtime suspect was the more likely killer.

After the first trial, many jurors said they felt Hernandez's confession was compellingly detailed and supported by his earlier admissions. Some jurors attributed his mental problems to a guilty conscience. But the lone holdout said he felt that Hernandez's mental health history was a big factor and that there wasn't enough non-circumstantial evidence to convict him.

Prosecutors' and defense lawyers' central arguments and evidence haven't changed, but both sides are approaching the retrial mindful of the deadlock and the growing passage of time.

During jury selection this month, Fishbein asked prospective members to vouch that if they ended up becoming a lone holdout for or against conviction, they wouldn't change their minds just because no one else agreed. And Illuzzi asked whether any potential jurors felt the 37-year-old case was "enough already" and shouldn't be pursued further. None said yes.

About 5 percent of felony trials end in hung juries, and roughly one-third of them are retried, rather than plea-bargained or dismissed, researchers have found.

Officials and court groups don't have statistics on the outcomes of those retrials. But anecdotally, most end in convictions, as do most trials in general, said James A. Cohen, a Fordham University School of Law professor who specializes in criminal defense.
Between 40 and 60 students were taken to the hospital with minor injuries after a pair of school buses crashed on a Hudson Valley parkway, authorities said.

One bus rear-ended another in the southbound lanes of Palisades Interstate Parkway near New City at about 2 p.m., authorities said.

Authorities said that the buses were heading from Woodmont Day Camp to Northern Valley Regional High in Demarest, New Jersey.

Chopper 4 footage from the scene shows several emergency vehicles crowding around the crash site. Paramedics are treating people at the scene.

No lanes of the highway appear to be blocked by the crash, but the buses are sitting idle in the road's on-ramp.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
State officials in New Jersey confirmed Monday that Pedals, the famous upright-walking bear, appears to have been killed in last week's bear hunt.

News of the beloved black bear's death began spreading online last week when a Facebook group supporting Pedals announced that a hunter fatally shot the bear with an arrow.

The animal was taken to the Greenpond check station last Monday, where Department of Environmental Protection biologists observed injuries or defects to the 333-pound bear's front paws.

"The injured paws and chest blaze of this particular adult bear brought to Green Pond appear to be consistent with the bear seen walking upright on several videos taken from North Jersey residents over the past two years," DEP spokesman Bob Considine said.

"While many have developed an emotional attachment to the upright bear, it is important to recognize that all black bears are wildlife," said Considine. "They are not pets. They are capable of doing damage, even in a compromised state."

He added that there's no practical way for the state to protect a single bear out of the estimated 3,000 bears roaming wild in the bear country.

The "Pedals the Injured Bipedal Bear" Facebook page said the hunter that shot Pedals had bragged about wanting the animal dead for nearly three years.

"For the hundreds and thousands of animals lovers who were following his story, I am sorry that we have this sad news to bring to you," supporters said in the post. "PEDALS is at peace now because his beautiful soul left his body when he was killed."

Supporters had long advocated for Pedals to be placed in a sanctuary in New York state, but New Jersey officials maintained that "a black bear which is surviving or thriving in the while through multiple denning seasons should remain in the wild and not be trapped in an enclosure."

Considine added Monday that the state's annual black bear hunt helps the state manage the bear population amid increasing bear-human encounters and property and livestock damage.

A total of 562 bears were killed in the most recent hunt using archery and muzzleloader, which ended Saturday.

The northwest quadrant of New Jersey has more black bears per square mile than any other location in North America, as well as one of the nation's highest bear reproduction rates, "due largely to abundant food sources and excellent habitat," the DEP says.

[NATL] Unbelievable Animal Stories: Dog Befriends Abandoned Baby Giraffe
The nation's high school graduation rate reached a record 83.2 percent, continuing a steady increase that shows improvement across all racial and ethnic groups, according to federal data released Monday.

President Barack Obama welcomed the higher rate as "good news." But the gains come against a backdrop of decreasing test scores on national math and reading tests.

Education Secretary John B. King Jr. acknowledged worries about sagging achievement. "A higher graduation rate is meaningful progress, but certainly we share the concern that we have more work to do to make sure every student graduates ready for what's next," he said.

Obama visited Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, a magnet school in the District of Columbia, to tout the graduation rate for the 2014-2015 school year. "More African-American and Latino students are graduating than ever before," he said.

Gains also were seen for disabled students and those from low-income families.

Obama also touted education gains in the District of Columbia, where he said the graduation rate had increased from 53 percent to 69 percent over five years.

He noted that Banneker graduates all its seniors. "It's been a while since I did math, but 100 percent is good. You can't do better than that," Obama told the audience, which included King, former Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Mayor Muriel Bowser, students and others.

Before the president spoke, King said the graduation rate was more than just a number. "It represents real students in real cities, towns and rural communities who are better prepared for success in college and careers," King said during a conference call with reporters to discuss the data.

The administration said the graduation rate has increased by about 4 percentage points since the 2010-2011 school year. Obama frequently cites the increase when he talks to groups about progress made during his presidency.

Despite the increase in the graduation rate, test scores are declining.

Last year, math scores for fourth and eighth graders dropped for the first time in 25 years on the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress  also known as the Nation's Report Card. Reading scores were not much better: flat for fourth graders and lower for eighth graders compared with 2013. Average scores on SAT and ACT college entrance exams have also shown declines.

Several groups campaigning for a 90 percent graduation rate by 2020 welcomed the progress, but said much work remains.

"Too many young people are still being left behind," the GradNation campaign said in a statement. "There are currently nearly 700,000 16-19 year olds who are not in school and do not have a high school diploma."

It called for a redoubling of efforts to close graduation gaps among minority and poor students, English-language learners, homeless students and students with disabilities.

The campaign is made up of the Alliance for Excellent Education, America's Promise Alliance, Civic Enterprises and the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University's School of Education.

The administration reported significant differences in graduation rates among groups. Asian Americans had a 90.2 percent graduation rate, while whites were at 87.6 percent, followed by Hispanics at 77.8 percent, African-Americans at 74.6 percent and Native Americans at 71.6 percent.

The growth in graduation rates has been steady since states adopted a uniform way of tracking students. In 2008, the George W. Bush administration ordered states to begin using a formula that is considered a more accurate count of how many students actually finish school.

The White House said money invested through a grant program called Race to the Top has helped improve some of the nation's lowest-performing schools. The administration also said millions of students have gained access to high-speed broadband in their classrooms, and that state and federal governments have helped hundreds of thousands more children gain access to preschool programs.

According to the federal data, the District of Columbia made the most progress in 2014-2015 compared to the previous year, improving its graduation rate by 7 percentage points.
Authorities are investigating after a local Republican Party office in North Carolina was vandalized and set on fire in what a state GOP official called an act of "political terrorism."

A bottle filled with flammable liquid was thrown through the window of the Orange County Republican Party headquarters overnight, damaging the interior before burning out, according to a Sunday news release from the town of Hillsborough. The office was empty and no one was injured.

Also, someone spray-painted "Nazi Republicans leave town or else" on a nearby wall.

The violent act in the key battleground state has been condemned by public figures across the political spectrum.

A tweet from Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Sunday said the attack "is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe." An hour later, Trump tweeted: "Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning."

The North Carolina GOP tweeted thanks to both Clinton and Trump for their words of support.

In tweets of their own, North Carolina's Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and his Democratic challenger, state Attorney General Roy Cooper both described the violence as a threat to democracy.

"I will use every resource as governor to assist local authorities in this investigation," McCrory's added, and Cooper's said "the culprits must be caught and brought to justice."

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was working with local investigators to solve the crime, which was discovered Sunday morning by another business owner.

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Republican offices around the state are re-examining their security, state GOP executive director Dallas Woodhouse said. People sometimes work after-hours in the office, and the bottle appeared to have landed on or near the couch where volunteers sometimes take naps, he said.

"They are working around the clock. It is a miracle that nobody was killed," he said in an interview, calling the fire an act of "political terrorism."

On Sunday afternoon, the walls of the multi-room office were covered in black char, and a couch against one wall had been burned down to its springs. Shattered glass covered the floor, and melted campaign yard signs showed warped lettering. The graffiti had been covered in paint.

At a news conference, Woodhouse urged Republicans to respond peacefully by turning out to vote in November. He said he'd received messages of support from Democrats.

Democrats also joined a GoFundMe campaign to raise $10,000 to reopen the GOP office, meeting the goal in less than 40 minutes and "showing that Americans are thirsty for civility and decency, and that we love our democracy above all differences," said the fund's creator, David Weinberger, a researcher at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University.

Orange County GOP chairman Daniel Ashley told reporters no one had previously made violent threats against the office, several miles from the town's historic square.

Tom Stevens, mayor of the town about 40 miles northwest of Raleigh, said the act doesn't represent the character of Orange County, which also includes much of Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina campus. Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 3-1 margin in the county that picked President Barack Obama by a lopsided margin in the 2012 election.

"I'd like to believe we aspire to respect hearing differing views," Stevens, a Democrat, said in an interview. "This is very troubling."
A man and woman attacked two clerks inside a New Jersey 7-Eleven after accusing one of the workers of short changing them, according to investigators.

Police say Shamil Hawkins, 22, of Brick Township, New Jersey and Gianna Bozza, 18, of Jackson Township, New Jersey entered the 7-Eleven on Burnt Tavern Road in Brick Saturday shortly after 11 a.m., purchased several items and then left.

Hawkins and Bozza then re-entered the store about a half hour later and accused a clerk of short changing them 20 dollars during their earlier transaction, police said. After the duo began arguing with the clerk, Bozza allegedly started to throw items on the counter at him. Police say Hawkins then walked around the counter and punched the clerk, knocking him to the ground and causing him to strike his head on the corner of a floor safe.

A second clerk then came to the first clerks aid and was assaulted by Hawkins and Bozza as well, according to investigators. Hawkins and Bozza then allegedly knocked items to the floor and left the store, fleeing the area in a white SUV.

Police say a patron inside the store obtained the license plate of the SUV helping them identify the suspects. The SUV was later stopped by the Point Pleasant Police Department and impounded for an expired registration, officials said.

Arrest warrants were then issued for Hawkins and Bozza and the two suspects arrived at Brick Police headquarters Sunday where they were then taken into custody. They are both charged with aggravated assault, endangering an injured victim and criminal mischief.

Police say both clerks are expected to recover from their injuries.
A young father died after police say two robbers shot him at point-blank range behind his Philadelphia home late Sunday night.

Johnny Quezada, a 28-year-old father, was shot and killed just steps from his own home. Family and friends want to know who killed him and why. NBC10s Tim Furlong has the latest.

The 28-year-old victim, identified to NBC10 by a relative as Johnny Quezada, just arrived home from shopping and was on his way into the back of his house on F Street near Roosevelt Boulevard, in Lawncrest, when police say two men -- at least one of whom was armed -- approached him and announced a robbery. Police recovered surveillance video that sources say appears to show the suspects stalking the victim prior to the shooting.

Johnny Quezada was gunned down Sunday night outside his Lawncrest home after returning from a movie with his family. The search for his killer continued Tuesday.

One of the robbers then opened fire on Quezada, wounding him several times throughout his chest, torso, arm and leg, according to Chief Inspector Scott Small. At least four shots were fired at the victim at point-blank range, Small said.

Family members of 28-year-old Johnny Quezada, who police say was shot and killed during a robbery outside his home in Lawncrest Sunday night, are devastated by his death. Quezada was a husband and father to a 1-year-old boy, and would send money back to the Dominican Republic to support his mom. NBC10s Pamela Osborne spoke to his family.

Quezada's wife and 1-year-old son were inside the home at the time of the shooting. His wife heard the gunfire outside the house, Quezada's sister-in-law said.

Small said as police took the badly injured man to a nearby hospital, he managed to tell them what happened.

Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small describes details of a robbery and shooting that left a young man dead in Lawncrest Sunday night.

"While en route, he was in and out of consciousness, he was able to tell officers he just got home from shopping," Small said. "He was behind his property, about to enter, when two males approached, announced a robbery."

Quezada later succumbed to his injuries.

Small said police believe Quezada had also been armed at the time, but police weren't sure whether he had a chance to reach for his own handgun to defend himself before his attackers shot him. The robbers stole his gun, Small said, but left behind one live round and its loaded clip.

Quezada was a hardworking man, his sister-in-law told NBC10's Pamela Osborne. He worked as a barber at Aguilla Barbershop and often sent money home to his family back in the Dominican Republic.

"He was very dedicated," said Junior, a friend of Quezada's. "Just like he was dedicated to his family, he was dedicated to his customers. Everyone is suffering."

Small said investigators were interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses in hopes of identifying the killers. He said the only description police had late Sunday was of two men wearing dark-colored clothes who were last seen running down the driveway behind the 5100 block of F Street, near the Boulevard.

Police don't believe the robbery and shooting were random though an exact motive is unclear.

Tipsters should contact detectives at 215-686-3334.

A pair of armed robbers are at large in Philadelphia Monday after police say they shot and killed a young father who had just arrived home Sunday night.
Much has been made of Trump's snorting and sniffling at the debates. So Saturday, Mr. Projection Man suggested that Hillary was hopped up on drugs and that they should both agree to a drug test. Great idea-- and I suggested it an hour into the first debate when he was so obviously out of his mind on something he tooted before he went out on stage. Many have said cocaine , though I subsequently found out through his former doctor's office that it was Adderall

Since Trump was in New Hampshire Saturday morning, ostensibly to address the state's serious opioid problem, what better time to accuse his opponent who is leading him in every poll in the state by increasing numbers, of being a drug abuser? (The RealClearPolitics polling average shows Hillary beating him in the Granite State by 3.6 points. The most recent poll , from U. Mass shows her up by 6 points-- 45-39% among likely voters). But he was in Portsmouth and none of the Republican candidates in state where anywhere in sight (just Jeff Sessions and Rudy Giuliani), so he decided to channel his rage into claiming Hillary had been "getting pumped up" before the last two debates. He then described his own state of drug abuse and attributed it to her, claiming, for example, that "at the beginning of her last debate, she was all pumped up at the beginning, and at the end it was like, huff, take me down." Tens of millions of Americans had seen that had been Trump, not Hillary. Anyway, as you can hear on the video above, Trump wants drug tests. Hillary should call him on it. And, while we're at it, how about an evaluation by a panel of impartial psychologists and psychiatrists?
Dashcam video captured a dramatic rescue in Hamilton Township, New Jersey as a group of Good Samaritans lifted up a car to save the life of a woman who was trapped underneath.

The woman was driving along a curvy section of Weymouth Road Sunday afternoon when she lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a tree. The woman was thrown out of her car which then flipped and landed on top of her.

At the time of the accident, Mygnalis Vidal was driving with her three children and a friend when she was flagged down by others on the side of the road. Thats when Vidal saw the trapped woman.

It was bad because she was like turned like that, Vidal said. Her face was all scratched from the road and stuff.

A group of people gathered near the victim asked Vidal to help.

So I just parked real quick and I started running towards the car because they were telling me to help to lift, Vidal said. I was just trying to lift the car as strong as I could so she could come out.

Sergeant Michael Virga helped Vidal and six other Good Samaritans raise the car high enough for Sergeant Michael Schnurr to pull the woman out from underneath. The woman suffered serious injuries but is expected to recover thanks to her rescuers.

Its something I needed to do, Vidal said. Because can you imagine, it could have been myself. It could have been anybody else. I just wanted to help. Thats all.




A 19-year-old man died on the sidewalk in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood early Monday morning after police say someone shot him in the head.

At least six shots pierced the air on Rosehill Street near Cambria just after midnight, according to police. Officers who responded to the gunfire found the young man lying on the sidewalk, unresponsive, suffering from a gunshot wound to his head, Chief Inspector Scott Small said.

Medics pronounced the man dead there at 12:20 a.m. Small said police found six shell casings on the street close to the man's body, indicating the shooter fired at him at close range. Police believe based on that evidence that he was the intended target of the shooting.

Small said witnesses described the shooter as a man wearing a black jacket that may have been puffy. He was last seen running south on Rosehill Street.

Police don't know why the man was shot, and said that he didn't live in the immediate neighborhood.

Detectives continue to investigate. Tipsters should contact 215-686-3334 with information.
A transformed North Philadelphia school that pledges to offer kids a better shot at a quality education opened its doors Monday.

St. Malachy School, an Independence Mission School, boasts a mural completed with a stroke and a signature from Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia in 2015. The school, located on Thompson Street near 10th in what used to be a Philadelphia public school, is the newest of 15 Independence Mission Schools throughout the city.

The mission of the schools, according to their website, is "to provide a sustainable, affordable, high-quality education to children of all faiths in under-served urban neighborhoods, through a model of new governance, funding, and accountability for the member schools."

The building that houses the new St. Malachy was previously the William H. Harrison School. After that school shut down, Independence Mission purchased the building and land from the School District of Philadelphia for $1.4 million.

Independence Mission fully renovated the school before its Monday opening. The face lift included an expansive mural on the side of the school that Pope Francis himself added a final stroke to, and signed.

Two hundred students are currently enrolled at St. Malachy. The Independence Mission hopes increase enrollment by 350 students.

The new school offers advanced and remedial math and reading programs, configurable classrooms tailored for kids' unique needs, technology to support learning and a new Pre-K program for 3- and 4 year-olds.

Mayor Jim Kenney, Auxiliary Bishop Michael Fitzgerald and Independence Mission Schools President Anne McGoldrick were in attendance at the ribbon cutting at the school's grand opening.
An upstate New York man apparently high on hallucinogens broke into his neighbor's home to save their dog from what he thought was a burning home, police say.

There was no fire, state police told WNYT-TV. The man had consumed LSD and cough medicine and thought his neighbor's home in Saratoga County was being consumed by flames last Thursday, officials say.

He went around his Halfmoon neighborhood banging on doors and yelling about a fire, WNYT reported. When no one would help, he drove his black BMW sedan through his neighbor's fence, went to the back door and smashed through it to retrieve the dog.

He emerged triumphantly with the large white dog, and responding officers found him standing outside the home with the dog in his arms, police said.

"He believed that the residence was on fire and he was rescuing the dog," State Police Troop G spokesman Mark Cepiel said.

The man, 43-year-old Michael Orchard, was arrested on charges of burglary and criminal mischief. He was jailed on $15,000 bail.
In between undergraduate courses at SDSU, English major and San Diego native Bob Surratt, aka Stuntdouble, releases rap music. His most recent offering, "Pump the Brakes," arrived in September as a six-song EP, produced by DJ Tenshun.

It's a summary of Surratt's current relationship with hip hop, one that finds him broadcasting his personal grievances. It's a familiar sentiment, because nothing is more "hip hop" than pointing out what's wrong with it.

"Heads need to pump the brakes," he said. "Don't get too big for your britches. Some old head might come out the wood work and remind you that people have been doing this stuff since the '70s." He added, "there is a rift happening in hip hop right now between the young and old. Old people need to pump them brakes too. Leave them kids alone and let them make the music they want."

That may seem like a hyper-critical analysis, but the EP itself is pretty straight forward. Tenshun lays down vintage samples, velvet sheets of sound that allow Stuntdouble a proper canvas to poke and prod sucka MC's.

<a href="http://stuntdoubleandtenshun.bandcamp.com/album/pump-the-brakes" mce_href="http://stuntdoubleandtenshun.bandcamp.com/album/pump-the-brakes">Pump the Brakes by Stuntdouble &amp; Tenshun</a>

"Check your heart rate, stop the GWAR tape, call your mom before you don that war paint, all these theatrics is Norway ornate, heads might as well battle rap in corpse paint," he raps on "Wunderbars," letting off steam at the expense of an anonymous but fraudulent antagonist.

There's chest pounding on "Nice Hands" and religious clarity via "Odd Complex." But it's on "A--hole" that Stuntdouble finds his sweet spot, rolling out syllables over rat-a-tat percussion and manic horn stabs with a vocal timbre that channels Def Jux era Mr. Lif.

Even so, Surratt's true to himself, and the outcome makes for a good time as "Pump the Breaks" is, after all, a rap project about rap music. Not to mention, "Just some fun s--- me and Tenshun had on deck."

J. Smith, aka 1019, is a San Diego native, rap fan and one half of the rap duo Parker & the Numberman. You can follow him on Instagram at 1019_the_numberman or on Twitter


A Camp Pendleton-based U.S. Marine who was reported missing by family members has returned to base and never intended to miss deployment, NBC 7 has learned.

Lance Corporal John Hair was the subject of a missing person investigation in San Diego County. Hair was last seen at the Oceanside Transit Station on Oct. 7 after returning from a two-week leave to visit his mother in Fresno, California.

His family contacted the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and local television stations because they were concerned for his welfare. Deputies said they were actively investigating Hair's disappearance.

On Monday, October 17, a family member confirmed to NBC 7 that Hair had returned to the military base. She said he was experiencing a difficult time in his life and thought nobody would understand him.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the four people killed when a truck drove off the Coronado Bridge Saturday, crashing into Chicano Park below.

Cruz Elias Contreras, 52, AnnaMarie Contreras, 50, Andre Christopher Banks, 49, and Francine Denise Jimenez, 46, were attending the La Raza Ride motorcycle festival when they were killed.

Eight people on the ground were injured. One suffered major trauma, and seven others had minor to moderate injuries, said Lee Swanson, a spokesman for the city's Fire-Rescue Department.

Cruz Elias Contreras and AnnaMarie Contreras lived in Chandler, Arizona, while Banks and his girlfriend, Jimenez, traveled from Hacienda Heights, near Los Angeles, for the festival.

Cruz and Contreras were married for more than 35 years and had three daughters and two grandchildren. They spent many years as foster parents in Arizona.

CatCon

A candlelight vigil was held at the crash site Sunday evening. Jimenez's mother drove to San Diego to attend because she said she needed to see where her daughter had taken her last breath.

The driver, identified as 24-year-old Richard Anthony Sepolio, has been charged with DUI and manslaughter. He is an active duty member of the Navy stationed in Coronado.

Sepolio remains in the hospital with serious injuries.

A GoFundMe page was created for the Contreras family.
FBI Director James Comey hosted a discussion at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference (IACP) in San Diego.

Comey spoke to law enforcement at the convention center about the tension in some minority neighborhoods. He feels that keeping better track of use of force incidents will improve relations and ultimately make their job a lot safer.

We especially need to show America, especially people of color and especially the black community what we are really like, Comey said Sunday.

While Comey said that police officers are overwhelmingly good people, he admitted there are some cops who see men of color as criminals.

Thats dumb. That unjust, and we have to work to constantly resist it, to train it out, to root it out, he continued.

Comey said he also fears that if officers are viewed as biased, it will hurt recruitment.

This country will be deeply, deeply sorry if great young talent, kids who want to help other people, choose some other way to serve, he said.

The FBI will launch a pilot project next year to collect use of force numbers nationwide, the hope being it will remove the stigma of racial bias and improve community relations.

The conference, which started earlier this week, brings together federal, state, county, local and tribal law enforcement agencies across the country together to discuss educational tools and resources to better serve their communities.
The homicide investigation into the shooting death of a pastor in Boulevard, California has a local community reeling.

San Diego County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Paul David Carr, 61, Monday in connection with the shooting death of Craig Hodson, a pastor at Grace Baptist Church of Jacumba.

Hodson was found shot multiple times Sunday at approximately 7:22 p.m. on the 36500 block of Old Highway 80. The location is approximately 58 miles east of San Diego, just south of Interstate 8.

When deputies arrived, they found Hodson, 55, lying on the ground in front of a garage. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his torso, deputies said.

Despite first aid, Hodson succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on scene.

Family and friends told NBC 7, Hodson is a father of 11 children and has several grandchildren. He had been a local propane driver before he turned to ministry full-time, friends said.

On Monday, the Grace Baptist Church was empty and locked as many in the community mourn the pastor's sudden death.

"It's definitely left a hole and I think everybody is in the shock mode obviously," said Tim Burnett, a friend of Honson. "It's going to take some time to process all of this."

Sharon Ivy, who attended Grace Baptist Church, said she worries about his family, which includes his wife, children and granchildren.

But Burnett told NBC 7 that the community is there to support them.

"Our prayers are out to him and his family, whatever we can do, we're there for the family," he said.

Sheriff's officials said Carr and the victim both lived on the property where the incident occurred.

Carr will be booked into jail on a single count of murder, officials said.

The San Diego County Medical Examiner's office will perform an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

No other information was immediately available.

The incident is under investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321, or after hours at (858) 565-5200. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
A man inappropriately grabbed a woman early Sunday morning at San Diego State University, according to a community safety alert sent out to students.

The reported sexual battery happened at Montezuma Road and East Campus Drive at approximately 2:20 a.m., according to the safety alert.

The victim, a female student, told police an unknown white man grabbed her and inappropriately touched her.

She fought him off and ran away, police said. The victim was not injured.

The suspect, described as a man in his 30s last seen wearing a dark shirt and pants, was seen running east on Montezuma Road. He remains outstanding.

No other information was immediately available.

The incident is under investigation. Anyone with information or questions should contact the San Diego Police Department. You can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at 619-235-8477.
The Whaley House - the most haunted house in America, according to Life Magazine in 2005 - has a variety of events scheduled throughout October for Halloween.

Now in its third year, the historical home is screening black and white horror movies in its second floor theater  the first theater built in San Diego. Last week the house showed 1960s 13 Ghosts, and this Wednesday at 7 p.m. they will show another William Castle movie, House on Haunted Hill starring Vincent Price.

The Whaley House will also hold two 90-minute ghost hunting tours next Friday and Saturday hosted by museum staff and the San Diego Ghost Hunters.

The Saturday before Halloween the house will be open until 9:30 p.m. There will be a special Halloween Nighttime Admission on Halloween from 7 p.m. until midnight where guests can see the home as it would have looked when the Whaley family was in mourning - coffin and all.

Period music, historic lighting and stories of ghostly encounters at the house will help to set the mood.
The spot in Chicano Park where four people tragically lost their lives after a truck flew off the Coronado Bridge was lit up in their memory Sunday night.

Community and faith leaders gathered at Chicano Park Sunday night to hold a prayer vigil for the four victims killed when a suspected DUI driver hit a guardrail on the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge and fell 60 feet onto a crowd gathering in the park.

Pure sadness, broken heartedness, families are torn, just sadness, Nadia Contreras, a community member who is not related to the victims, told NBC 7. Even in tragedy people are uniting. So it's a beautiful thing.

The scene of the crash lit up in memory of those who lost their lives. #NBC7 #ChicanoPark pic.twitter.com/RKgrZsof4X  Matt Rascon (@MattRasconNews) October 17, 2016

Reverend Shane Harris, Pastor Lonnie Lynch of the Revival Time Church in Chicano Park, and other local faith leaders held the candlelight vigil at 6:30 p.m. Sunday in the park for the families of the victims killed in the crash.

A scene of hope, unity and prayer in stark contrast to what Chicano park looked like on Saturday afternoon. The crash scene may have cleared, but this is only the beginning of a growing memorial and outpouring of support for the victims and their families.

Four confirmed dead after truck flies off of Coronado Bridge into Chicano Park. Hear from witness: #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/PCsQtyDeMk  Ashley Matthews (@ashleyNBC7) October 15, 2016

The crash happened shortly after 3:30 p.m. Saturday when the person behind the wheel of the pickup truck, suspected of driving under the influence, hit a guard rail on the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge, rolled, flew 60 feet off the bridge and landed on a crowd of people at Chicano Park, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer Jake Sanchez said. The park sits below the entrance of the bridge from Interstate 5, in Barrio Logan.

At the time, more than 100 people were at Chicano Park, celebrating La Raza Run, a motorcycle festival that had live music, food, art exhibits and a tribute to fallen riders.

#ChicanoPark neighbor lights a candle for 4 victims killed after suspected DUI, active duty Navy, driver crashes off #CoronadoBridge #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/6NbKlEMuDT  Liberty Zabala (@LibertyNBC7SD) October 16, 2016

Cruz Elias Contreras, 52, Annamarie Contreras, 50, Andre Christopher Banks, 49, and Francine Denise Jimenez, 46, were all attending the La Raza Ride motorcycle festival Saturday afternoon when they were fatally hit by the pickup.

Francine Jimenezs mother came down from LA because she said she needed to see the spot where her daughter took her last breath.

If anything, the legacy the four people  it's the unity of people that come to Barrio Logan and especially Chicano park, Contreras said.

Police said two others suffered major injuries and at least seven other people suffered minor injuries.

A memorial at the site of the deadly crash has been growing since authorities cleared the scene of the crash; neighbors and residents have been lighting candles and bringing flowers to the site.

The driver, identified as 24-year-old Richard Anthony Sepolio, is alive, police said, but critically injured. He was hospitalized and arrested on suspicion of DUI, Sanchez said. He has been charged with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI causing injury or death and other charges related to significant injury of others.

According to CHP, Sepolio is an active duty service member with the Navy stationed in Coronado.

Chicano Park is in Barrio Logan, a predominantly Mexican-American community located about 4.5 miles southeast of downtown San Diego. The park is known for its vast collection of colorful outdoor murals and artwork dedicated to the cultural heritage of the community.
"Modern Family" star Ariel Winter says she has co-star Sofia Vergara to thank for finding confidence in her body.

"I had Sofia Vergara, for one thing," she said in an opinion piece on Today.com. "Growing up working with her was amazing because I got to learn from how confident she was in her body, and with her curves."

The young star has become something of a body image advocate in recent years, garnering an impressive social media following while often posting revealing pics of herself.

Winter says she grew up in the public eye starting on the show when she was just 11 and was "completely flat-chested. Pretty much overnight, I transformed into what I felt like was a completely different person. I suddenly had a D-cup and my body was filling out, and it was really hard for me accept a lot of the criticism I faced online."

Winter, who has openly discussed her decision to get a breast reduction, also talked about the backlash she faced following that decision.

"I got it because I needed it. I needed it, I wanted it, I feel better about myself with it," Winter said. "I feel like Im the way Im supposed to be."
An 81-year-old man riding a three-wheeled bike was killed in Bethesda, Maryland, Monday morning after he was hit by a car, police say.

Ned Gaylin, of Chevy Chase, died after he was hit in a marked crosswalk on the Capital Crescent Trail, crossing Little Falls Parkway, Montgomery County police said.

He was a retired professor who worked in University of Maryland's School of Public Health, his wife said.

Gaylin was hit by a Mercedes E320 being driven by a 78-year-old Bethesda man, police said.

First-responders arrived at the scene about 11:30 a.m. Gaylin was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

The regular user of the popular trail was riding a recumbent bike, in which a cyclist rides partially reclined. The bike had an orange flag, and Gaylin was wearing a helmet, police said.

Cyclists and pedestrians who use the trail said they fear for their safety at the intersection where Gaylin was hit.

It is not known at this time if the driver will face charges.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call police at 240-773-6620.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated from a previous version.
Lawmakers in the nation's capital are considering a ban on alcohol in powdered form that can be added to drinks.

More than half the states in the country have already banned powdered alcohol, a product that was introduced in 2014 under the name ``Palcohol.'' A D.C. Council committee will hold a hearing Monday on the proposed ban, which was introduced last year. If the bill doesn't pass by the end of the year, it would have to be reintroduced.

Supporters of the ban say the product is dangerous and will appeal to kids. The makers of Palcohol say it's designed to appeal to hikers and other active people who want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage without carrying it around.
The lock-in at an Alexandria, Virginia, school is over.

George Washington Middle School and Central Office were locked in as police investigated a report of shots fired in the 1200 block of Wythe Street. Police have not found anyone with injuries.

Lock-in status means all school doors are locked, and no one can enter or leave, but classes continue as normal.

Jefferson-Houston School also was locked in for a few minutes.
What to Know Haris Qamar, 26, has pleaded guilty to trying to help ISIS and faces up to 20 years in prison

Prosecutors say Qamar worked with a governement informant to film and photograph D.C.-area landmarks to use in encouraging lone-wolf attacks

A Northern Virginia man arrested in a sting operation has pleaded guilty to trying to help the Islamic State, and faces as much as 20 years in prison.

Haris Qamar, 26, of Burke, admitted in federal court in Alexandria on Monday that he used the handle "newerajihadi" on Twitter to promote the Islamic State.

Qamar was arrested in July and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS.

Prosecutors say Qamar worked with a government informant to film and photograph landmarks in the D.C. region, including the Pentagon, for use in propaganda videos to encourage lone-wolf attacks.

After the hearing Monday, Qamar's father said his son lost touch with reality as he adopted the online persona of an Islamic radical. In July, his parents told News4's Julie Carey they were deeply upset and disappointed their son wasted his education and turned to ISIS.

Qamar told an undercover FBI informant that he bought a plane ticket to Turkey but his parents prevented him from leaving. The informant reportedly asked Qamar if he would join ISIS if his father gave him his passport. If that happened, "I'm done, I leave," Qamar said, according to federal prosecutors.

Paul M. Abbate, assistant director in charge of the FBIs Washington Field Office, said in a statement that this case demonstrates the reach terrorist organizations have through the use of social media.

When Qamar could not travel overseas he attempted to assist ISILs propaganda campaign for the purpose of inspiring loan [sic] wolf attacks in the Washington, D.C. area, he said.

Qamar operated over numerous social media accounts where he proselytized ISILs message and praised the terrorist group when they committed gruesome acts.
The Vietnamese government is rehashing the ambitious $56 billion plan to build a new north-south high-speed railway. Photo by VGP

If approved, trains could be steaming at 350kph by 2050.

The Ministry of Transport is currently working on a feasibility study for an express railway across the country, said Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung, which he hopes will be submitted for parliamentary approval by 2018.

The newly proposed high-speed railway follows a similar plan that was rejected six years ago by national lawmakers, who said the investment of $56 billion, equivalent to nearly half of Vietnams gross domestic product in 2010, was too big.

Vietnam has faced a critical lack of funding for its railway network. However, with the economy growing above 6 percent on average over the past 10 years, the government is feeling the urgent need to boost the transport system, including expanding the existing railway network.

Transport authorities hope the new plan will address lawmakers concerns. If approved, work will focus on upgrading the existing single-track main line between Hanoi and Vinh and from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang between 2020 and 2030.

The plan aims to increase speeds to 90kph for passenger services and 60kph for freight in the next four years.

At the same time, Vietnam is working on a long-term project to build a new north-south line from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. The railway is expected to allow speeds of 160-200kph by 2030, with a target of increasing speeds to more than 350kph after 2050.

The number of train passengers in 2015 was estimated at 11.2 million, the lowest level over the same period, from its peak of 12.2 million in 2011.

Related news:

>Vietnam's budget airlines soar past passenger trains

>Vietnam's north-south railway artery reopens after bridge collapse

>Vietnams fourth airline prepares for take-off
Melania Trump on Monday dismissed her husband's sexually aggressive language as "boy talk," insisting his remarks do not reflect "the man I know," and said she does not believe that he has assaulted any women.

Trump's wife, in a series of media interviews, said she has accepted her husband's apology and the couple is "moving on." The comments come more than a week after the release of a 2005 video in which Trump brags about kissing women and grabbing their genitals without their permission.

"I said to my husband that, you know, the language is inappropriate. It's not acceptable. And I was surprised, because that is not the man that I know," she told CNN.

She suggested that Trump may not have known his microphone was on, calling it "kind of a boy talk" that "Access Hollywood" host Billy Bush was encouraging. And she suggested that the women who have claimed in recent days that Trump made unwanted advances were attention-seekers who were making "damaging and unfair" accusations.

"I believe my husband," she said in the interview that aired Monday night. "My husband didn't do anything."

Mrs. Trump also said it is fair game for her husband to appear with women who have accused former President Bill Clinton of sexual assault, claiming the Democrats fired the first volley into the increasingly ugly war about the couples' private lives.

"They're asking for it. They started. They started from the beginning of the campaign putting my picture from modeling days," she said in excerpts released by Fox News ahead of the interview's broadcast. "That was my modeling days and I'm proud what I did. I worked very hard."

Melania Trump's image was used in a negative ad campaign during the Republican primary, but there is no evidence that the Clintons were involved. At the time, Donald Trump accused former rival Ted Cruz of being involved and responded by tweeting an unflattering image of the Texas senator's wife. Cruz also denied involvement.

The interviews are Melania Trump's first moments in the public eye since the accusations over the last 10 days that have sent her husband's White House bid reeling.

[NATL] Highlights From the 2016 Campaign Trail

First, a 2005 video leaked of Trump using vulgar language to describe women and apparently boasting of sexual assault. And in recent days, several women have come forward to say that Trump had groped or sexually assaulted them.

The Republican nominee has denied the claims, calling the women liars and belittling their appearances.

In the interviews, Melania Trump deemed the celebrity businessman's comments on the leaked tape "offensive to me and they were inappropriate."

"And he apologized to me," she said in an interview with CNN airing at the same time the crowd at her husband's rally in Wisconsin was chanting "CNN sucks." "And I expect  I accept his apology. And we are moving on."

She said something similar in a statement released by the campaign after the video's release. She has also demanded retractions from a People Magazine writer who profiled the couple in 2005 and last week accused Donald Trump of an assault at the couple's Florida home, Mar-a-Lago, while Melania was out of the room. And she repeated her husband's assertion, which he makes without supporting evidence, that the media and Clinton campaign are working in tandem to sink the Republican nominee's campaign.

Melania Trump has never filled the role of the traditional political spouse, only making rare appearances on the campaign trail. Her speech at July's national convention was initially praised until it was discovered that passages of it were lifted from Michelle Obama's 2008 convention address.

Trump, who attended each of the first two presidential debates, was also lampooned on this week's Saturday Night Live. The long-running sketch show ran a video in which actresses playing Melania Trump, her two step-daughters and two of the candidate's most visible female allies did a take on Beyonce's "Lemonade" in an act of rebellion against the candidate.

The video ends with the Cecily Strong, the comedian playing Melania Trump, suggesting she wrote the song herself.

"Access Hollywood" is owned and distributed by NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News, MSNBC, and this station.
A Rhode Island man is facing several charges in connection with a Sunday morning triple stabbing near Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire.

Police said the three students were stabbed on Winter Street at 4:05 a.m. at an off-campus housing complex.

The men were taken to an area hospital where two were treated and released. The third victim remains in stable condition.

Later in the day, police took Terrence Simmons Jr., 19, of Newport, Rhode Island, into custody.

Authorities said when Simmons was arrested, he was found in possession of various illegal drugs.

Simmons is being charged with three counts of second degree assault, three counts of misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, and two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance. Simmons refused bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Plymouth.
A day after a toddler was shot in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood, Mayor Marty Walsh is voicing his frustrations with the child's parent.

That's a coward right there, said Walsh. Her father has information on this and he should step up and be a man here and give the information to police so they can find out who shot his two year old daughter.

According to Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, the two-year-old girl was in the back seat of a vehicle on Degautier Way on Saturday afternoon when a bullet meant for her father, struck her in her hand and leg.

The father, who has not been identified, took the girl to the hospital where she is expected to make a full recovery.

Police said the man, who they say is a known gang member, is not cooperating with authorities.

Last Sunday, a 9-year-old girl was shot at a Roxbury playground on Annunciation Road in the middle of a housing complex at about 1 a.m.

That shooter has also still not been found but the girl is expected to recover.

The last two have been tough," Walsh said. You have a 9-year-old girl who was shot in a park and you had a 2-year-old in her car seat.

While police say gang violence around Boston is not as bad as other areas around the country, it's still a threat they need the community to help address. And in the case of Saturday's shooting, authorities are waiting for a parent to step in to help.

He clearly is not talking to police about it which is... I just can fathom that, Walsh said.

Anyone with information in either shooting is asked to contact Boston Police at 1-800-494-tips.
Nearly two dozen cars parked outside of a Donald Trump rally were spray-painted with graffiti Saturday outside the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine.

Maine GOP leaders say it's the latest in a long list of property damage and theft cases against members of their party this election season.

"It was a disgusting display," said Jason Savage, executive director of the Maine GOP. "Just an attack on people's property and their right to assemble."

Savage said his office receives several reports each day of political signs damaged or stolen, up exponentially from a typical election year. Seeing a GOP office in North Carolina attacked over the weekend put Republicans in Maine on edge.

"This is a dangerous place to go," said Savage.

Victims of the Bangor vehicle vandalism say they can't understand it.

"There's no excuse for anyone doing this, regardless of your political views," said Jack Mosher, who found his truck spray painted after the rally in Bangor.

He said he brought his 8-year-old son to the rally, and had a hard time explaining the damage to him.

"This isn't the Civil War, it's the election," said Mosher. "It's really hard to explain to an 8-year-old why adults would do such a thing."

Bangor Police are reviewing security footage from around the venue. The department posted on its Facebook page: We are sad that someone had to come along and practice the art of aerosol-can idiocy in our city. If you have any information on the vandals that proved why huffing solvents is illegal, please give Detective Joel Nadeau a jingle.

Maine Democrats say they are being targeted, too.

Brandon Haines Savage found his car, parked at the Farmington Fair last month, keyed and scratched. He had several campaign stickers, including a Hillary Clinton sticker, damaged. A homophobic slur was carved into the truck, as well.

The Maine Democratic Party Chair, Phil Bartlett, said his party condemns any act of violence.

"We, not as Democrats, but as human beings, unequivocally condemn any act of violence, theft, vandalism, or intimidation against any person for any reason," said Bartlett. "What happened to those cars in Bangor was not a political expression: it was a criminal act, and those guilty should be punished within the criminal justice system."
A pregnant woman and two children were sent to the hospital after being by a car Monday morning in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

Hopkinton Police say the crash happened along Hayden Rowe Street around 10 a.m.

"When I got the call, it was horrible," said Chris Masters, whose 4-year-old son, Chase, was hit.

Masters's son was one of four people sent to the hospital, along with another child and the family friend that was pushing him in the stroller. Masters' wife was pushing the other child in a stroller behind her.

"When he got moved out of trauma, again he was just quiet," said Masters. "He took a little bit of a nap, but all things considered, he's doing well. We're just waiting to get some tests back."

Police say the group was walking in the crosswalk, headed to the park, when a 61-year-old woman from Hopedale stopped her car to let them pass.

That's when a 32-year-old man from Milford hit the woman's car, knocking her off the road. His car then hit the woman the children.

One driver was also sent to the hospital. Police have not specified which driver it was.

"I started crying," said Nancy Siegal who knows the families involved. "It's horrible, unacceptable and I hope whoever caused this is punished."

At the crosswalk, there are neon yellow signs in both directions that alerts drivers to the crosswalk.

"Just need to be move vigilant and be cautious," said Chief Edward Lee of Hopkinton Police. "Especially in a school zone like this, where there are pedestrians up and down this street all day long."

Jean Petani lives feet away from where it happened. She said she was asleep when the sound of sirens woke her up.

"I don't want to say I wasn't shocked, unfortunately, because I know how busy this road is with traffic," said Petani.

Masters said he hopes his son will be back home Monday night.

"Any road is a dangerous road when you're not paying attention," said Masters.

Police have not released the names of the drivers involved. No charges have been filed and police are still investigating.

"If there needs to be charges, we will certainly file them," said Lee.
A hiker from Massachusetts endured a long, cold night lost in the woods of Vermont, but was not hurt, the Vermont Department of Public Safety said.

Abadias Maleus, 24, of Medford became lost in Camel's Hump State Park in Duxbury late Sunday afternoon, Vermont search and rescue coordinator Neil Van Dyke said, noting that the case should provide the public with a reminder about preparedness.

"This is definitely a learning experience," Van Dyke told necn, adding that the lost hiker will not be fined for the costs of the search.

Public safety officials said they spent more than 100 man hours looking for Maleus before he walked out of the woods on his own Monday morning. He took shelter during the night in a culvert, Van Dyke said, and was unhurt.

"He said it was not the most comfortable night he's ever spent," Van Dyke said. "But he was in good spirits and good health, and we're all glad he got out okay."

Van Dyke said Maleus made several classic mistakes he hopes other leaf-peeping hikers will avoid this fall.

First, he left too late in the day to complete his hike by the time it got dark, Van Dyke said. The hiker also became separated from his friends, the search and rescue coordinator added. Finally, he didn't have a flashlight, headlamp, or warm clothes aside from a leather jacket.

"It just gets much colder at night," Van Dyke cautioned. "It was a nice warm day yesterday as well, but temperatures were down into the low 40s yesterday with rain during the nighttime hours."

Hikers should start their days early and give themselves plenty of time to complete their hikes, because the days are getting shorter, Van Dyke said.

Tim Janicki and Michele James of Watertown, Massachusetts also visited Camel's Hump State Park Monday.

"We're just going for a hike; enjoy the scenery," Janicki said.

The hikers said they came ready with snacks, extra layers, and a light, though they planned to be done with their hike well before they'd ever need it.

"We usually check to see when the sun's setting before we head out on a hike, just to get a heads-up on how much daylight you're going to have," James said.

Neil Van Dyke said he certainly wants people to explore Vermont's natural beauty, especially with the foliage so vibrant right now. He said he just wants them to be prepared.

If hiking at higher elevations, it's important that hikers now prepare for potential winter-like conditions, Van Dyke said in a recent news release. Waterproof boots, not sneakers, with added traction, extra layers of warm clothes, a headlamp, map and compass may become necessary for a safe and successful hike. Consider turning around if you are not properly equipped or if travel and route finding becomes difficult, he warned.
A convicted sex offender was back in a courtroom Monday amid outrage from community members in Weymouth, Massachusetts.

Richard Gardner was arrested at a Boston shelter Friday night on a fugitive from justice charge out of Rhode Island.

Gardner is a Level 3 sex offender who was released after nearly three decades behind bars for kidnapping and raping boys in the 1980s.

The district attorney says Gardner was freed due to a human error.

He is now charged with violating the terms and conditions of his release after he was kicked out of the Quincy Library for violating a local ordinance.

According to court documents, Gardner, "entered and remained in a place frequented by children which is in violation of the no contact order issued."

He was held without bail following his appearance in court and a judge accepted his waiver of extradition.

A date for his return back to Rhode Island has not been set.

His latest arrest comes after residents in his parent's Weymouth neighborhood filed a petition for GPS bracelets on sex offenders.
A mother and daughter from Ansonia jumped into action Friday morning to help three people trapped in a single car crash on Route 8 in Shelton.

During the morning rush around 7:30 a.m., Janet Roberge was driving on Route 8 near exit 11.

"Came upon the commotion of the accident, stopped, I called it in," she said.

Next, Roberge and her daughter Rhiannon didnt hesitate to help.

"Thats somebodys family member, could have been mine," Roberge said, "Could have been anybodys and I have a conscious. I couldnt drive by without helping."

The Roberges said a few other people had pulled over on the side of the highway.

"They didnt know what to do, they were too shaken up themselves, like how do we get the car open," Rhiannon said.

But Rhiannon came up with a way.

"With my moms crowbar," she said. "I just smashed the window and I just climbed through the back windshield."

Janet said she focused on caring for the unconscious man in the drivers seat.

"I assisted with keeping the gentlemans airway up," she explained. "Holding his neck."

As Connecticut State Police and Shelton first responders arrived, both tried keeping the drivers wife and sister-in-law calm.

"Letting them know like you guys are going to be OK," Rhiannon said. "Everythings going to work out, were going to get you the right help."

Emergency personnel utilized the Jaws of Life to remove the SUVs smashed doors.

"Thats the one sound I never want to hear again, near my ears, the Jaws of Life," Janet said.

The three injured people who survived the rollover were rushed to Bridgeport hospital. A hospital spokesperson told NBC Connecticut the husband and wife were admitted with serious injuries. An update on the third passengers condition was not available.

Neither Janet nor her daughter considers their actions heroic.

If more people stopped and took care of each other, the world wouldnt be the way it is today, Janet said.

State Police are investigating the cause of the car accident.
A Massachusetts motorcyclist was killed Sunday after being struck by a car in Swansea, according to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office.

Authorities said police responded to the crash on Maple Avenue, south of Route 6, at about 3:30 p.m.

An initial investigation indicates that a Jamie Tavares, 44, of Swansea, was traveling south when he somehow collided with a Volkswagen Jetta travelling north.

The 52-year-old female driver of the Jetta was not hurt.

Authorities said Tavares was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The accident is being investigated by Swansea Police with assistance from State Police Detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorneys Office.

No foul play is suspected at this time.
State police say eight people were injured Sunday when two vans collided in Thorndike, Maine.

Authorities said the crash happened on Route 220 when a van attempted to turn onto Crosby Brook Road and somehow crossed into a second van.

The first van was carrying students from the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, police said.

Police said most of the victims were taken to two area hospitals and one was taken by medical helicopter to a hospital in Bangor. Most of the serious injuries were a broken wrist and some facial injuries.

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
More than 40 F-15E Strike Eagles from the 4th Fighter Wing and five KC-135R Stratotankers from the 916th Air Refueling Wing were repositioned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Oct. 6, 2016, as a precautionary measure due to Hurricane Matthew.

The 916th provided support to the more than 200 support personnel from the 4th FW by evacuating Airmen in several of their aircraft, along with equipment that was repositioned to Barksdale AFB.

The combined efforts of the Airmen of the 4th Fighter Wing and the 916th Air Refueling Wing to mobilize all our jets, people, and equipment goes to show just how important and effective Total Force Integration is, said Col. Christopher Sage, 4th FW commander. Without the unified effort, we would not have been able to make this move happen and protect our assets. The quick and professional response by Team Seymour to prepare for, endure, and recover from Hurricane Matthew, exemplifies our preparedness and resilience toward any challenge.

The large-scale movement was completed less than 48 hours following the initial notification of the move by Sage.

In addition, Sage designated Col. Chris Freeman, 414th Reserve Fighter group commander, to lead the F-15E evacuation to Barksdale AFB.

Late afternoon, Oct. 8, less than 48 hours after evacuating the jets, Matthew swept over Wayne County, dropping more than 15 inches of rainfall and causing severe flooding throughout Goldsboro, North Carolina. In response, Airmen from the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department immediately went into action to provide support to not only base personnel but to people outside the base as well.

The Wayne County emergency operations center requested aid late Saturday afternoon said Michael Blackburn, 4th CES assistant chief of operations. We sent a three-man crew with our crash truck to assist with rescue operations in town.

In the middle of the rainfall, more than 15 Airmen from the 4th CES Fire Dept. assisted in rescue and evacuation operations on- and off-base, including a rescue mission with a swift water rescue team in downtown Goldsboro. More than 150 people were evacuated from base housing and took shelter in base lodging, the fitness center, or Heritage Hall.

What we did on the night of the 8th was just unbelievable, said Tech. Sgt. Justin Fellure, 4th CES fire station captain. Getting the people out of base housing and the rescues off-base just shows you that at a moments notice we can be ready for anything; theres nothing that can hold us back from protecting the community.

Team Seymour experienced flooding in base housing, dorms, end of runway and various areas on base and were without power over the weekend.

The Airmen of the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron led the way in the immediate and post-storm recovery efforts, said Maj. John Casey, 4th CES operations flight commander. More than 95 engineers, to include equipment operators, electricians, plumbers, structural craftsman, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and production technicians provided 24-hour recovery operations.

According to Casey, the 4th CES has been continuously coordinating recovery efforts throughout base as soon as the storm passed, with more than 100 personnel from around the wing integrated into the squadrons efforts.

Over the last several days the 4th CES pavement and equipment shop has swept the flightline and base roads, repaired sections of the base fencing, and cleared large trees from around the base and along the fence line.

The 4th CES structures shop has been making repairs to roofs around base that were damaged from the high winds and are evaluating facilities to ensure they are safe to re-occupy as flood waters recede.

In addition, Casey added that current estimated damage to the base is $6 million, but until the water completely recedes, an accurate cost cant be determined.
Quiet Waters Christian Retreat in Bungay is holding a gentle day retreat exploring healing in the Kingdom of God.

Quiet Waters Christian Retreat in Bungay is holding a gentle day retreat exploring healing in the Kingdom of God.

Latest Norfolk Christian community events Events of interest to the Norwich and Norfolk Christian community happening over the next few weeks are listed. Read more

Norfolk ministry coaching duo are guest speakers Former church leaders and now freelance ministry coaches, Jonathan and Paige Squirrell, are the guest speakers at the next dinner of Norwich FGB on Monday, November 21. Read more

Bringing light to Halloween Anna Price encourages Christians to engage positively with Halloween rather than hide away, on what many see as the darkest night of the year. Read more

First service takes place at Norwich church site SOUL Church hosted around 400 people for a special service on the site of their new building on Heartsease Lane. Read more

Dereham draws up list of warm places for winter As rising energy prices make it harder to heat homes, churches in Dereham are leading the way in creating warm spaces where people can go. Read more

South Norfolk church scoops national award A medieval Anglican church in a tiny hamlet in South Norfolk has won a national award and a 10,000 boost. Read more

Dereham churches help people to help themselves A group of churches in Dereham have launched an ambitious project which aims to meet needs in the town, including the provision of food and skills training. Read more

Executive assistant and nursery manager jobs SOUL Church is a vibrant, welcoming and growing church in Norwich. They are seeking an organised and versatile Executive Assistant to provide key support to the churchs Senior Pastors, as well as a qualified Nursery Manager to head up SOUL Nursery. Read more

Halloween light in Gorleston church On Halloween this year, St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston will be preparing to welcome around 200 families to experience their Light on a Dark Night event. Read more

An opportunity for Norwich to pray for the nation Rev Nigel Fox, who has served as a Methodist Minister for 15 years in Norwich, shares an open invitation to pray for the nation at a crucial moment. Read more

Norwich church seeks musicians Kingdom Ambassadors International Church is appealing for instrumentlists, keyboardists and guitarists to be part of their worship experience. Read more

Please keep Rishi in your prayers Andy Bryant urges us to pray for our political leaders, especially the new Prime Minister, and avoid unhelpful judgementalism. Read more

Emilys art boosts growing Yarmouth foodbank A pupil at a primary school in Bradwell has been selling her pictures in order to raise money for the Yarmouth and Magdalen Foodbank, which is expanding its capacity and is seeking more volunteers. Read more

Patrick Regan helps Norwich to bounce forwards On Saturday St Stephens in Norwich hosted Bouncing Forwards as part of a national tour by the mental health charity Kintsugi Hope. Read more

Painting and biblical feasting in Overstrand There will be opportunities to improve your painting skills and indulge in some biblical feasting next month at the Pleasaunce in Overstrand in North Norfolk. Read more

National award for Dereham Christian bookshop The Green Pastures Christian bookshop in Dereham has won a national award for providing boxes of Christian books to 21 local schools. Read more

Norma's care home jigsaw challenge complete A resident at Norwich-based care home Corton House has completed an incredible 70 jigsaw puzzles in celebration of the homes 70th anniversary this year. Read more
The DARPA-developed Space Surveillance Telescope (SST) will this week get a new permanent home in Australia with the Air Force Space Command where it promises to rapidly bolster the nations ability to more quickly spot and track faint objects in space.

The Air Force, says the SST features unique image-capturing technology known as a curved charge coupled device (CCD) system, as well as very wide field-of-view, large-aperture optics, and doesn't require the long optics train of a more traditional telescopes. The design makes the SST less cumbersome on its moveable mount, letting it survey the sky rapidly, the Air Force says. The telescope's mount uses advanced servo-control technology, making the SST one of the most agile telescopes of its size ever built.

+More on Network World: NASA: Top 10 space junk missions+

With 2.2 million asteroid observations in 2014, 7.2 million in 2015 and hopes for 10 million in 2016, SST has already become the most prolific tool for asteroid observation in the world. SST also has discovered 3,600 new asteroids and 69 near-Earth objects, including four that carry a risk of hitting Earth, DARPA says.

DARPA DARPA Space Telescope

From DARPA: "Beyond providing faster data collection, the SST is very sensitive to light, which allows it to see faint objects in deep space that currently are impossible to observe. The detection and tracking of faint objects requires a large aperture and fast optics. The SST uses a 3.5 meter primary mirror, which is large enough to achieve the desired sensitivity. The system is an f/1.0 optical design, with a large-area mosaic CCD camera constructed from the curved imagers and a high-speed shutter allowing for fast scanning at the high sensitivity."

+More on Network World: +

The SST has a number of missions, watching for debris in low earth orbit to help existing satellites avoid collisions chief among them, it also tracks objects in deep space and offers astronomers a wide-angle lens to take astronomical surveys of stars and comets, DARPA says.

Space is congested with tens of thousands of manmade objects as well as micro-meteors, asteroids and other natural satellites, Lindsay Millard wrote in a post on the DARPA website. [And] space is contested by a range of manmade threats that may have adverse effects on satellites.

SSTs wide-open eye on the sky promises to become the most prolific tool ever for observing near-Earth objects and potentially harmful asteroids. The Air Force and Australian Government have announced plans to move SST to Australia and operate it jointly. From its new home, SST will provide key space situational awareness information from the southern hemispherean area of the geosynchronous belt that is currently sparsely observed, DARPA said.

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Finding a parking space is like a treasure hunt. Lots of aggravation for a few moments of joy.

Parking is a challenge for city officials, too. How do you maximize both parking revenues and driver convenience?

+ Also on Network World: Smart City Challenge: 7 proposals for the future of transportation +

Is there a better way to mark parking spots without installing meters? How can drivers be charged automatically for parking? How can cities struggling with tight budgets afford such new services?

A combination of new technologies offers a better way.

Background



Parking meters are effective but expensive to install and operate. Enforcement and ticket collection adds to the cost and aggravation.

CloudParc uses machine vision, IoT and mobile apps to deliver a better approachand without parking meters. With its system, drivers locate parking spots faster using a mobile app. They are billed automatically for just the time they are parked. And companies make only a minimal investment thanks to CloudParc's innovative business model.

Convenience for drivers. More revenues for municipalities. Could this be the beginning of a beautiful friendship?

The need



Parking management is complex. An ideal solution has to meet the needs of drivers, municipal authorities and local residents. Here are the basic requirements:

Reduce the investment needed to install parking meters and occupancy sensors Make it easy for drivers to find vacant parking spots Automate the billing and collection process for parking fees Provide dynamic pricing to maximize parking revenues and reduce congestion Provide a means to quickly create new parking spots to meet changing parking demands Improve urban planning through insights on parking occupancy by location and time Be able to allocate parking spots with a higher priority for disabled drivers

Solution design

1. Marking parking spots

CloudParc marks parking spots without parking meters. It uses high-resolution, connected cameras installed on electric or light poles to manage multiple parking spots. The cameras use machine vision to monitor parking spots, who parked there and how long cars are parked.

2. Tracking parking inventory

The status of parking spots is captured in CloudParc's smart-city, cloud-based monitoring system. The inventory of parking spots is continuously updated as cars vacate parking spots. Drivers locate empty parking spots through a mobile app. Future versions of the CloudParc service could give priority to disabled drivers searching for available spots.

3. Identifying parkers

Cars parking are identified with license plate recognition (LPR) software. Machine vision tracks how long a car has been parked. Using information linked to their license plates, drivers are charged directly and only for the time they are parked.

4. Dynamic pricing

Parking rates can be adjusted based on the time, on the day and if an event is taking place. This helps municipalities increase parking revenues while reducing congestion by encouraging drivers to use nearby spots that cost less.

5. Improved urban planning

Parking availability, usage and trends are analyzed to determine where more parking spots are needed. Dynamic pricing for parking is simplified. Pollution from drivers searching for parking is reduced.

Solution components



The system runs on Amazon Web Services and uses Axis and Panasonic cameras to monitor parking spots and vehicles.



Funding new services



Municipalities often find it hard to afford new public services. CloudParc uses publicprivate partnerships (PPP) to fund their offering. Its basic parking management service is free to the municipality. CloudParc receives a portion of the incremental parking revenue generated. This enables cities to increase parking spots and revenues with minimal investment.

"The CloudParc platform enables cities to optimize one of its most precious resourcesthe space allocated to parking. Using modern urban science techniques like machine vision and machine learning, they not only improve utilization, but they also reduce congestion and create an ideal platform for public-private partnerships, says Mark Gorenberg, managing director at Zetta Venture Partners.

The Miami Parking Authority and the Charleston Urban Renewal Authority (CURA) are among the municipalities evaluating CloudParc.



There is no sure thing in treasure huntingor parking. CloudParc improves your odds, though, while helping city budgets at the same time.

Resources
WikiLeaks has continued to dump Clinton-related emails, such as three Goldman Sachs speeches that Clinton was paid about $225,000 to give, but a series of unusual tweets sent parts of the internet into a tizzy, claiming Assange had been killed and the tweets were triggered by a dead mans switch.

Yesterday, WikiLeaks regular tweets were interrupted by three tweets that contained hashes.

Seven hours later, WikiLeaks tweeted:

As you can see, WikiLeaks claimed that unnamed state actors intentionally ganked his internet connection.

Neither WikiLeaks nor the Ecuadorian Embassy have released any more information other than WikiLeaks saying it had activated the appropriate contingency plans. It is assumed that if each code mentioned in the pre-commitment tweets does not precisely match each release, then someone tampered with the releases.

Many have rushed to blame the U.S. for cutting Assanges internet, while others are pointing a finger at the British. In fact, there seems to be endless speculation about what happened.

When presenting theories about what is happening with Assange, Time went so far as to mention that when former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson visited Assange at the Ecuadorian Embassy on Saturday, she allegedly killed him via the vegan lunch she brought for him. Anderson had said he didnt really enjoy the food: He said I tortured him with bringing him vegan food.

Guccifer 2.0 springs back to life as Assange is silenced

The plot thickens

Some people claim WikiLeaks and Guccifer 2.0 are actually fronts for the Russian government; those people are probably wetting their pants now.

On Oct. 4, Guccifer 2.0 went silent on Twitter and the Guccifer 2.0 blog. The same week, on Oct. 7, the U.S. officially accused the Russian government of stealing and dumping emails to influence the elections. About 10 hours after WikiLeaks claimed some unnamed state actor sabotaged Assanges internet connectivity, Guccifer 2.0 sprang back to life on Twitter, ready and willing to release new leaks.

So far, Guccifer 2.0 has only retweeted the WikiLeaks release of Podesta emails part 9.

FBI released 100 pages about its investigation in Clinton

Also today, the FBI released 100 new pages about its investigation into allegations that Clinton improperly stored or transmitted classified information on her personal email server. While many portions have been redacted, the release includes notes and summaries of FBI-conducted interviews.

One of the revelations already picking up media attention is an interview that mentioned The Shadow government that met weekly to discuss Freedom of Information Act requests regarding Clinton.

Another is that Undersecretary of State Patrick Kennedy reportedly pressured the FBI to declassify some emails from Clintons server.

Someone teach Podesta how to make secure passwords and turn on 2FA

It is unknown if the dumped emails will actually change anyones mind and influence the election, but 4chan users reportedly hacked Podestas Twitter account hours after WikiLeaks released more of his emails on Wednesday. As has been pointed out, Podesta should consider 2FA and complex passwords.

The compromised Twitter account sent out a tweet saying Podesta had switched teams and was supporting Trump. His iPad and iPhone were also allegedly wiped after the hackers broke into his Outlook account; new stolen emails were allegedly sent on to WikiLeaks.
A couple tries out Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Note 7 at the company's headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, October 10, 2016. Photo by Reuters/Kim Hong-Ji

Many carriers around the world have made a similar move following reports of the phone catching fire.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has officially prohibited its passengers from bringing Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones on board to all flights after reports that a number of the devices overheated and caught fire.

Passenged have been told not to carry the phones with them, in carry-on baggage, or check-in baggage starting Monday, VietnamPlus reported.

Airlines acrosss the world have been taken similar action. The phone itself has been discontinued by the South Korean company.

In early September, the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) asked local air carriers to stop providing charging services for Galaxy Note 7 phones during flights and advised passengers not to pack them in checked baggage.

Samsung announced a recall of 2.5 million Note 7s in early September following numerous reports of the phones catching fire.

But then more reports still popped up and the company has decided to halt production and sales of the phone in order to ensure consumer safety.

A refund program has been launched across the world while the company is reportedly working with regulators to investigate the problem.

Related news:

> Samsung to refund Galaxy Note 7 owners in Vietnam

> Vietnam bans charging Galaxy Note 7 on flights

> Samsung wants Vietnam to waive taxes for recalled Galaxy Note 7
Winners to be announced at ceremony at Newbury Racecourse tomorrow night

Last years overall winner International Taste Solutions Picture by Adam Hillier

AFTER months of judging, shortlisting and preparations  it is now a matter of hours until the biggest night in the West Berkshire business calendar.

The Champagne is on ice and the last few finishing touches are being made as hundreds of people get ready to gather at Newbury Racecourse for the West Berkshire Business Awards.

The awards, which are this year sponsored by the , recognise and celebrate the success of the local business community.

A black-tie gala dinner will take place tomorrow evening (Friday) at Newbury Racecourse, where the winners of each category will be announced.

There were nine individual categories for companies to enter this year, covering all aspects of business and charity.

And the winners of each category will be in with a chance of taking home the coveted 2016 West Berkshire Business of the Year Award on the night.

Competing for the Greenham Common Trust Community & Charity Award are Home-Start West Berkshire, Newbury Riding for the Disabled and The Bruce Trust.

Going head-to-head for the PBA Accountants Small Business Award are Bravo Hairdressing, Michael Pagliaroli Architects, Terptree and VICI Language Academy.

Finalists for the Newbury Racecourse Rural Award are Cobbs Farm Shop and Kitchen, Newbury and District Agricultural Society and Wasing Park and Estate.

Charter Travel, RS Catering and Events and VICI Language Academy will all be hoping to pick up the Santander Entrepreneur Award.

Shortlisted for the Appleprint New Business Start Up Award are Abley Letchford Partnership, Heritage, Snug Kitchens and True Green.

Battling it out for the Newbury Business Improvement District Independent Retail Business Award are Cow and Cask, Natures Corner and Snug Kitchens.

The International Taste Solutions Business Innovation Award will be contested by Bigger Brighter Bolder, Generate UK and Trellisworks.

The Mercedes Benz Customer Care Award finalists are Floating Point Wellness, Jones Robinson, Wasing Park and Estate and West Berkshire Brewery.

For a full list of winners, pick up a copy of next Thursdays and also see next months for all the pictures.
Young star causing a stir in the kitchen

The I nterview:

ROBBY JENKS,

of The Vineyard,

talks to Newbury Business Todays SARAH BOSLEY

IF this was there would be a whole host of puns to emphasise the meteoric rise of The Vineyards young chef.

Robby Jenks joined the Stockcross hotel in February this year and has been aiming high from the very beginning  setting his sights on a coveted Michelin star.

He was recently shortlisted for the Catey Head Chef of the Year award and Best Chef Award.

This comes hot on the heels of winning a prestigious Acorn Award in June, which

recognises the brightest prospects in the hospitality industry.

Previous recipients of the award have included Jason Atherton, Marcus Wareing and John Campbell, former head chef at the Vineyard who gained two Michelin stars during his tenure.

Robby, who was born in Devon, left school at 16 and got a job in a local hotel, where he studied for an NVQ Level 2.

He spent three-and-a-half years there before moving to Exeter to work at a restaurant with three AA Rosettes.

As soon as I started there, I noticed there were jobs going at Gidleigh Park, Robby explains. I applied but I didnt hear back. Then about a year later I got an email from the head chef [Michael Caines], asking me to come in for an interview.

That was the most daunting day of my life, but at the end of the night he offered me a job as a commis-chef.

Everyone at work was really happy for me, so I went to work at Gidleigh Park a month later.

That was in 2007 and a 21-year-old Robby found it a very scary time.

The first six months was hell, and then, after that, the next year was really hard, Robby says. Michael [Caines] was very hard on me and a lot of people would probably have said it was the worst year of their lives; I didnt see daylight for six months.

I worked my way up to junior sous and then I decided it was time for me to move on.

So Robby moved to Whatley Manor, under two Michelin- starred chef Martin Burge, as chef de partie  choosing it over job offers from The Square and Hibiscus in London.

It was really intense at Gidleigh Park, but at Whatley Manor they only did dinner so it was easier to manage, explains Robby. There was more time to focus on the food.

I loved the team, the hotel and the ethos there.

After just a year, however, Robby got a call from Michael Caines, who offered him the job of senior sous chef back at Gidleigh Park.

It wasnt perfect timing for me, but these things dont always happen when you want them to, says Robby.

It was a hard decision but I liked the future prospects at Gidleigh Park and wanted to work as a senior sous.

I knew the company had bought some good properties that they would eventually want some head chefs in.

So he returned to Gidleigh Park for two more years until, in 2013 at the age of just 27, he was offered the job of head chef at another one of the groups properties  Amberley Castle.

I was on a mission there as it was my first big job, he says. In the first year, and at our first attempt, we got three AA Rosettes.

It was very hard, but I think we did well. When I left we were full every lunch and dinner.

I dont think I realised how much I learnt there until I left.

Three years later and Robby felt it was time to move on. It was then that he first met Andrew McKenzie, of The Vineyard Group, and went through what he describes as a very hard process to become head chef at The

Vineyard.

Andrew was looking for a certain person and I was lucky that was me, he says. I met him about 10 times and we talked about the future. What he wants is what I want.

So far this year it is going well and if we keep achieving things, then that is great.

Robby has been at the hotel for eight months now and has been enjoying every moment.

I love it here, he enthuses. I have more time to be creative and do what I want to do.

We changed the menu and took it back to a more traditional a la carte format.

The food is classical with modern techniques. We try to keep things simple; if it is on the plate then it is there to be eaten.

In recent years the hotel, which has 30,000 bottles of wine in its cellar and offers more than 100 wines by the glass, has seen an increase in the number of locals visiting for lunch and dinner.

What people think The Vineyard is and what it actually is are very different, adds Robby.

We want people to come in and just relax and enjoy it.

There is no time for Robby to relax though.

With his sights set firmly on securing a Michelin star, the hard work is just beginning.
Pioneering Aldermaston cleantech firm wins 'Diamond' award after 33 per cent rise in revenue

Outstanding growth has seen Aldermaston-based energy efficiency specialist Anesco take the top spot at a prestigious national business awards.

The coveted PwC Private Business Awards 2016, often referred to as the Diamonds, celebrate the best of UK private businesses and their contribution to communities and the economy.

They highlight the countrys most pioneering and innovative firms.

Anesco was crowned the winner in the category of High Growth Business of the Year after a 33 per cent growth in revenue in the last financial year saw company turnover hit 213m, with profit soaring to 24m.

The company is recognised as one of the top 100 cleantech firms in the world.

The team works with businesses, local authorities, housing associations and homeowners to reduce their carbon emissions and has helped to raise more than 330,000 people out of fuel poverty.

Chief executive Kevin Mouatt said: It is fantastic to see Anesco and the efforts of the team recognised in this way.

People are at the heart of the organisation and we wouldnt be where we are today without their dedication, drive and passion to make a difference.

We believe great companies are people-led companies, so weve created an environment where people can develop, grow, learn, enjoy, meet and beat their personal aspirations.

Anesco has always been at the forefront of the UKs energy efficiency sector, successfully opening up new markets and bringing the latest cutting-edge innovations from across the globe to our customer base.

This continues to be our aim, with battery storage solutions a major area of growth for us, since we installed the UKs first utility scale unit back in 2014.

Solar schemes installed and managed by Anesco are currently generating more than 600MWh of electricity, which is enough to power more than 154,000 homes a year.

The company has battery storage units totalling 20MW in either operation, construction or delivery and is the largest commercial developer of such schemes in the UK.

A further 50MW is due for installation by the end of this year, with 100MW planned for both 2017 and 2018.

With more than 150 permanent members of staff and up to 600 contractors and 103 supply chain partners and logistics staff employed at any one time, sustained growth saw Anesco top the Profit Track 100 league table earlier this year.
IF YOURE planning a conference or a business meeting  or even a Christmas party  look no further than the stunning Bombay Sapphire venue in Laverstoke, near Whitchurch.

The distillery showcases the skill and artistry behind every drop of gin, and allows you to discover the flavours of the botanicals which make Bombay Sapphire so unique.

For more than 225 years, the Victorian and Georgian buildings set astride the crystal-clear River Test produced bank note paper for the Bank of England and the British Empire.

Now, Laverstoke Mill is a distillery that sits in rural North Hampshire, in a conservation area with more than 1,000 years of history.

Its delegate package, which costs 49 per delegate including VAT, includes:

All-day room hire

Bombay Sapphire-branded stationery and flipchart

Unlimited complimentary tea and coffee

Finger buffet lunch

Entry to the Distillery Experience

Complimentary cocktail

To find out more about delegate packages, email events@bombaysapphire.com

The Distillery Experience

Learn about the 10 botanicals that make Bombay Sapphire so exquisite in the iconic glasshouses.

Chart hundreds of years of Laverstoke Mills illustrious history, partnered with the history of gin and Bombay Sapphire.

Watch the production of gin behind the scenes in the Dakin Still House, and uncover the secrets of Bombay Sapphires unique vapour-infusion

distillation process.

Discover your personal taste profile in the Dry Room, then use your profile to order a complimentary cocktail from the Mill Bar suited to your tastes.

Tickets to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery can be booked at

distillery.bombaysapphire.com

Explore the Bombay Sapphire Distillery as part of your meeting

Hire one of the unique event spaces at Laverstoke Mill for corporate events and meetings.

EVENT SPACES

The Gallery

Bombay Sapphires flagship events space, this is the perfect versatile area for meetings, conferences, gala dinners, corporate events, private

functions and awards

ceremonies.

180 per hour (minimum hire applies)  192 sqm.

The Mill Bar and Terrace

The Mill Bar is a spacious multi-level bar with both indoor and outdoor seating along the River Test.

A unique space for social or networking events, the Mill Bar can also be hired with the adjacent Entrance Hall, making space for a dance floor or buffet to complement the bar.

180 per hour (minimum hire applies)  86 sqm (Mill Bar)  100 sqm (Terrace).

The Vault

The Vault is ideal for intimate gatherings. Adjacent to the Mill Bar, its fully-restored

original vaulted ceilings and door gives this unique space real character. The Vault can be hired with the Mill Bar in the evening or on its own on an hourly rate during the day.

50 per hour  23 sqm.

The Empire Bar

The exclusive Empire Bar is the jewel in the crown of

Laverstoke Mill. The Empire Bar can be hired throughout the year for masterclasses, drinks receptions or as a casual meeting space.

100 per hour (minimum hire applies)  60 sqm.

The Glasshouses

A real highlight of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery  the two intertwining glasshouses contain living examples of the 10 exotic botanicals infused into Bombay Sapphire. These iconic glass structures coming out of the river test make an excellent space for cocktail receptions.

From 180 per hour (minimum hire applies)  35 sqm.

For more information go to www.distillery.bombaysapphire.com

or email events@bombaysapphire.com
By Reuters

CHANDIGARH: It is hailed as India's granary, but Punjab faces a drastic decline in agricultural output unless it halts the rapid depletion of its groundwater, experts warn.

Groundwater irrigates almost three-quarters of Punjabs agricultural land, but groundwater levels are dropping by 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 inches) a year, according to Rajan Aggarwal, head of the soil and water engineering department at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).

That has left farmers like Ajmir Singh struggling as their irrigation wells dry up.

"We are not able to find water even if we go down to 200 feet (61 m) or more at some places, said Singh, who has farmed for 35 years in Jalandhar, 150km (95 miles) north of Chandigarh, the state capital.

His neighbour, Pawanjeet Singh, said lack of irrigation water has forced him to sell part of the land that has been in his family for generations to a large-scale farmer who has the resources to drill for water at much deeper levels.

I took this decision with a heavy heart after I realised that drawing water for all my land is beyond my means, Singh said.

According to Aggarwal, groundwater has been overexploited in 110 of the states 138 administrative blocks.

This is alarming given that more than 73 percent of irrigation is taken care of by groundwater, he said.

Experts say dealing with the problem, in the region that led Indias Green Revolution in the 1970s, will require a rapid shift away from crops that require large amounts of water, such as rice and wheat, to less-thirsty pulses, maize, vegetables and sugarcane to safeguard the state's agricultural economy.

Rice and wheat make up 81 percent of Punjab's irrigated crops, according to a report by PAU. Although the state accounts for only 1.5 percent of Indias geographical area, over the past two decades it has contributed 35 percent of the nations rice production and 60 cent of its wheat.

LOW RAINFALL

According to Sunil Jain, regional director of the Central Ground Water Board for northwest India, groundwater started dropping in 1985 in Punjab, and has sunk to alarming levels in recent years.

Thirty years ago farmers in most parts of the state could draw water at a depth of 10 metres (32 ft), but by 2015 this was 20 metres, while farmers in some central parts of the state are unable to find water even at 30 metres or deeper, he said.

There has been a substantial rise in groundwater utilisation, which has mainly happened because of the fact that Punjab gets less rainfall. Since paddy (rice) requires a lot of water, the farmers resort to heavy usage of groundwater for irrigating the paddy fields, he said.

Jain added that Punjab gets less than 700mm of rainfall annually. This compares to a national average of 1,083mm, according to the World Bank.

Amit Kar, an economist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, attributed the groundwater shortage to government policies such as free electricity for irrigation, credit facilities and subsidies for digging wells and buying pumping equipment, as well as heavily subsidised diesel fuel for pumps.

The PAU report said annual demand for irrigation in Punjab is 4.76 million hectare metres (mhm) against a total annual supply of 3.48 mhm from canal and groundwater resources.

The deficit is met by overexploitation of deeper groundwater by farmers using nearly 1.4 million tube wells, which exacerbates the loss of more accessible groundwater.

According to the PAU report, 3.5 million of Punjabs 9.1 million workers make a living from agriculture or associated activities.

Jain said the statistics suggest Punjabs agricultural success may not be sustainable.

Punjabs exports of rice and wheat to other regions literally mean the export of its groundwater to those regions, he said.

Amitabh Kant, chief executive officer of the government's National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), predicted the present rate of withdrawal will lead to complete exhaustion of groundwater within a decade in the region.

Kant said India, already water-stressed, is rapidly moving towards becoming water-scarce.

TIME TO SWITCH?

Switching to new crops is one way to ease the problem in Punjab, said PAU's Aggarwal. Rice requires about four times as much water as maize, pulses or oilseeds, for instance.

Vinod Kumar Singh, a scientist at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, said Punjab must make the shift at any cost.

The government has to make some policy decisions like assuring the farmers it will procure their produce other than paddy (rice) and wheat. Only then will they be convinced to switch over to these crops, he said.

Under Indias state-sponsored Public Distribution System, the national government buys staple foods like rice, wheat and sugar from farmers and sells them to citizens at fair or cheaper prices. Commodities worth $2.25 billion, including rice and wheat, are sold annually to about 160 million families.

Jasbir Singh Bains, Punjab's director of agriculture, said that system makes farmers reluctant to cultivate other crops.

We have started making efforts to popularise the cultivation of pulses, maize, vegetables and oilseeds, Bains said. For example, we have appealed to the central government to increase the procurement of pulses and are urging the farmers to grow vegetables, which also have a good market.

Farmers like Shamsher Singh, in NokdarJalandhar, said they would switch to less thirsty crops with government help.

We are ready for this, but the government should give the guarantee that it will procure our products like it is doing in the case of wheat and rice, he said.

CHANDIGARH: It is hailed as India's granary, but Punjab faces a drastic decline in agricultural output unless it halts the rapid depletion of its groundwater, experts warn. Groundwater irrigates almost three-quarters of Punjabs agricultural land, but groundwater levels are dropping by 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 inches) a year, according to Rajan Aggarwal, head of the soil and water engineering department at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). That has left farmers like Ajmir Singh struggling as their irrigation wells dry up. "We are not able to find water even if we go down to 200 feet (61 m) or more at some places, said Singh, who has farmed for 35 years in Jalandhar, 150km (95 miles) north of Chandigarh, the state capital. His neighbour, Pawanjeet Singh, said lack of irrigation water has forced him to sell part of the land that has been in his family for generations to a large-scale farmer who has the resources to drill for water at much deeper levels. I took this decision with a heavy heart after I realised that drawing water for all my land is beyond my means, Singh said. According to Aggarwal, groundwater has been overexploited in 110 of the states 138 administrative blocks. This is alarming given that more than 73 percent of irrigation is taken care of by groundwater, he said. Experts say dealing with the problem, in the region that led Indias Green Revolution in the 1970s, will require a rapid shift away from crops that require large amounts of water, such as rice and wheat, to less-thirsty pulses, maize, vegetables and sugarcane to safeguard the state's agricultural economy. Rice and wheat make up 81 percent of Punjab's irrigated crops, according to a report by PAU. Although the state accounts for only 1.5 percent of Indias geographical area, over the past two decades it has contributed 35 percent of the nations rice production and 60 cent of its wheat. LOW RAINFALL According to Sunil Jain, regional director of the Central Ground Water Board for northwest India, groundwater started dropping in 1985 in Punjab, and has sunk to alarming levels in recent years. Thirty years ago farmers in most parts of the state could draw water at a depth of 10 metres (32 ft), but by 2015 this was 20 metres, while farmers in some central parts of the state are unable to find water even at 30 metres or deeper, he said. There has been a substantial rise in groundwater utilisation, which has mainly happened because of the fact that Punjab gets less rainfall. Since paddy (rice) requires a lot of water, the farmers resort to heavy usage of groundwater for irrigating the paddy fields, he said. Jain added that Punjab gets less than 700mm of rainfall annually. This compares to a national average of 1,083mm, according to the World Bank. Amit Kar, an economist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, attributed the groundwater shortage to government policies such as free electricity for irrigation, credit facilities and subsidies for digging wells and buying pumping equipment, as well as heavily subsidised diesel fuel for pumps. The PAU report said annual demand for irrigation in Punjab is 4.76 million hectare metres (mhm) against a total annual supply of 3.48 mhm from canal and groundwater resources. The deficit is met by overexploitation of deeper groundwater by farmers using nearly 1.4 million tube wells, which exacerbates the loss of more accessible groundwater. According to the PAU report, 3.5 million of Punjabs 9.1 million workers make a living from agriculture or associated activities. Jain said the statistics suggest Punjabs agricultural success may not be sustainable. Punjabs exports of rice and wheat to other regions literally mean the export of its groundwater to those regions, he said. Amitabh Kant, chief executive officer of the government's National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), predicted the present rate of withdrawal will lead to complete exhaustion of groundwater within a decade in the region. Kant said India, already water-stressed, is rapidly moving towards becoming water-scarce. TIME TO SWITCH? Switching to new crops is one way to ease the problem in Punjab, said PAU's Aggarwal. Rice requires about four times as much water as maize, pulses or oilseeds, for instance. Vinod Kumar Singh, a scientist at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, said Punjab must make the shift at any cost. The government has to make some policy decisions like assuring the farmers it will procure their produce other than paddy (rice) and wheat. Only then will they be convinced to switch over to these crops, he said. Under Indias state-sponsored Public Distribution System, the national government buys staple foods like rice, wheat and sugar from farmers and sells them to citizens at fair or cheaper prices. Commodities worth $2.25 billion, including rice and wheat, are sold annually to about 160 million families. Jasbir Singh Bains, Punjab's director of agriculture, said that system makes farmers reluctant to cultivate other crops. We have started making efforts to popularise the cultivation of pulses, maize, vegetables and oilseeds, Bains said. For example, we have appealed to the central government to increase the procurement of pulses and are urging the farmers to grow vegetables, which also have a good market. Farmers like Shamsher Singh, in NokdarJalandhar, said they would switch to less thirsty crops with government help. We are ready for this, but the government should give the guarantee that it will procure our products like it is doing in the case of wheat and rice, he said.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with his Nigerian counterpart, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu discussed the potential in diversifying the engagement of the two countries in the hydrocarbon sector on Monday.

Meanwhile, India is also looking at signing a preliminary agreement with Nigeria in December for investing in refineries as well as exploration and production of oil and gas in the African nation.

The Nigerian Minister requested a potential investment by India of $15 billion, if the terms can be agreed to, in Nigeria as upfront payment for crude purchase, the oil ministry statement said. This amount is to be repaid on the basis of firm crude oil sales to India over some years and in consideration for collaborating in refining sector,

exploration and production activities.

Both agreed to explore investment opportunities for Indian public and private sector companies in Nigeria, it added.

The two sides have also agreed to work on a MoU to facilitate investments by India in the Nigerian oil and gas sector and include areas such as term contract, participation of Indian Companies in the refining sector, oil and gas marketing sector, upstream sector, development of gas infrastructure and training of oil and gas personnel in Nigeria, it said.

The MoU is expected to be firmed up during the PETROTECH-2016 conference.

In 2015-16, India imported nearly 23.7 MMT of crude (nearly 12% of India overall imports) from Nigeria.

NEW DELHI: Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with his Nigerian counterpart, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu discussed the potential in diversifying the engagement of the two countries in the hydrocarbon sector on Monday. Meanwhile, India is also looking at signing a preliminary agreement with Nigeria in December for investing in refineries as well as exploration and production of oil and gas in the African nation. The Nigerian Minister requested a potential investment by India of $15 billion, if the terms can be agreed to, in Nigeria as upfront payment for crude purchase, the oil ministry statement said. This amount is to be repaid on the basis of firm crude oil sales to India over some years and in consideration for collaborating in refining sector, exploration and production activities. Both agreed to explore investment opportunities for Indian public and private sector companies in Nigeria, it added. The two sides have also agreed to work on a MoU to facilitate investments by India in the Nigerian oil and gas sector and include areas such as term contract, participation of Indian Companies in the refining sector, oil and gas marketing sector, upstream sector, development of gas infrastructure and training of oil and gas personnel in Nigeria, it said. The MoU is expected to be firmed up during the PETROTECH-2016 conference. In 2015-16, India imported nearly 23.7 MMT of crude (nearly 12% of India overall imports) from Nigeria.
Salaries in the public sector currently only meet 60 percent of basic life demands. Photo by Reuters/Kham

The proposal came shortly after economists said meager salaries limit the quality of public service and fuel corruption.

Vietnamese civil servants and public employees, including teachers and doctors, may be receiving higher pay soon as the government has announced a plan to raise the basic wage for the sector by 7.4 percent next year.

On Monday, the government submitted its proposal to legislators, seeking to raise the wage level from the current VND1.21 million ($54) a month to VND1.3 million ($58).

In Vietnam, the minimum monthly pay for civil servants and public employees is calculated by multiplying that basic level with a coefficient determined by qualifications and experience.

The coefficient for a new subdistrict-level civil servant with a bachelors degree, for example, is 2.34.

Many in the public sector have for years complained that their earnings are too low. In May this year, the public sector's minimum wage was increased by 5 percent, the first time in three years.

The new proposal came only days after economists said at a recent conference that low wages can increase the level of corruption.

They said the current wages for many officials only cover 60 percent of basic living costs at best, but most have stopped depending on the official salaries and still manage to afford nice houses and cars anyway.

Despite the poor official income, the public sector has proven an attractive place that not just anyone can enter.

Vietnams most recent Governance and Public Administration Performance Index has confirmed that personal relationships and informal payments "still play an important role for those who wish to pursue public sector careers".

The index, considered the largest national governance and public administration performance monitoring tool in Vietnam and surveying nearly 75,000 citizens annually since 2009, has found that nepotism and corruption in public sector employment have become a systemic problem.

Previously similar surveys found many people in the country had to pay bribes to facilitate business activities, for land use right certificates, hospital and public education services.

Vietnam ranked 112th out of 168 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index in 2015.

Nguyen Duc Hai, chairman of the parliamentary Finance and Budget Committee, said the newly proposed pay raise is reasonable considering higher costs of living.

But Hai said the government also needs to scale down the workforce to reduce the pressure on the state budget.

The government is having 2.8 million people on its payroll, according to local media.

Related news:

> Vietnam leader slams corruption, eroding morality in Communist Party

> Vietnam's civil servants manage nice homes, cars on meager pay

> Vietnam gov't sanctions lowest minimum-wage bump in a decade
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The main opposition party in Tamil Nadu, DMK, on Thursday said it would chalk out future course of action regarding the Cauvery row in consultation with the representatives of farmers associations after October 18 when the Cauvery case comes up for hearing in Supreme Court.

We have sent the resolutions passed at an interactive session with the leaders of farmers associations to the State government. We can hope for the best. We will wait until October 18. Then we will elicit views of farmers leaders and decide future course of action, said partys treasurer and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly M K Stalin.

He urged the State government to convene an all-party meeting and a special session of the Assembly to adopt a resolution on the Cauvery issue, besides taking an all-party delegation to the national capital to meet the Prime Minister and the President to take up the Cauvery issue with them.

Earlier, he chaired a meeting of farmers leaders to discuss the issue at length. The meeting, attended by representatives of Congress, CPI and CPM and farmers organisations, adopted three resolutions.

One of the resolutions noted that Karnataka had released only 33.95 tmc water so far as against the share of 94 tmc for June, July and August. The farmers in the delta region could not go for cultivation in the kuruvai season during the last five years and they were now losing samba cultivation, too. A situation has arisen where the farmers would be pushed to end life due to penury and financial stress. Moreover, the drinking water supply in about 26 districts would be affected.

So the Centre must take steps to protect the farmers from being driven to the extreme step and form the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Distribution Regulatory Committee immediately, the resolution urged.

Support to rail blockade The DMK extended support to the two-day rail blockade called by farmers associations.

Respecting the appeal by the Federation of Farmers Associations, we have decided to offer support to the 48-hour rail blockade protest, said party president M Karunanidhi, appealing to party leaders and cadre to participate in the protest.

CHENNAI: The main opposition party in Tamil Nadu, DMK, on Thursday said it would chalk out future course of action regarding the Cauvery row in consultation with the representatives of farmers associations after October 18 when the Cauvery case comes up for hearing in Supreme Court. We have sent the resolutions passed at an interactive session with the leaders of farmers associations to the State government. We can hope for the best. We will wait until October 18. Then we will elicit views of farmers leaders and decide future course of action, said partys treasurer and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly M K Stalin. He urged the State government to convene an all-party meeting and a special session of the Assembly to adopt a resolution on the Cauvery issue, besides taking an all-party delegation to the national capital to meet the Prime Minister and the President to take up the Cauvery issue with them. Earlier, he chaired a meeting of farmers leaders to discuss the issue at length. The meeting, attended by representatives of Congress, CPI and CPM and farmers organisations, adopted three resolutions. One of the resolutions noted that Karnataka had released only 33.95 tmc water so far as against the share of 94 tmc for June, July and August. The farmers in the delta region could not go for cultivation in the kuruvai season during the last five years and they were now losing samba cultivation, too. A situation has arisen where the farmers would be pushed to end life due to penury and financial stress. Moreover, the drinking water supply in about 26 districts would be affected. So the Centre must take steps to protect the farmers from being driven to the extreme step and form the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Distribution Regulatory Committee immediately, the resolution urged. Support to rail blockade The DMK extended support to the two-day rail blockade called by farmers associations. Respecting the appeal by the Federation of Farmers Associations, we have decided to offer support to the 48-hour rail blockade protest, said party president M Karunanidhi, appealing to party leaders and cadre to participate in the protest.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Taking on the Bhartiya Janta Party, Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal slammed the leadership of the party accusing them of atrocities against Hindus of the country despite having the image of a party that is seen as a right-wing party, in particular, Gujarat on Monday.

BJP says they are a party of Hindus, but during the Patel agitation last year you used force to stop the protest, many boys died, they were all Hindus. Why did you kill them? Recently in the Una incident in which Dalit boys were being mercilessly beaten up , the whole country saw the video , if the BJP is a party of Hindus , then why no inquiry in the incident said Kejriwal in a Facebook post.

The reaction comes in the background when the party is trying to make inroads in the state of Gujarat. Recently the Delhi police arrested Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA and Gujarat state in charge Gulab Singh in an alleged case of extortion. Singh was arrested hours before a mega rally planned by the party to expand its national spectrum in the country; Kejriwal blamed BJP national president Amit Shah for it.

BJP is currently in power in Gujarat, the state where the current Prime Minster Narendra Modi served as the Chief Minister for almost 15 years. From the Patel agitation last year demanding reservation in government jobs emerged Hardik Patel as a new face, Kejriwal has been trying to show affection, similarly the Una incident, in which a group of boys was beaten up mercilessly on the allegation of cow slaughtering. The video spread like wildfire on the social media and fueling the image that the current central government is anti-Dalit.

The reality is that the BJP is not the party of Hindus but of money and power hungry people. In order to gain power BJP will stoop to any level, leave alone Hindus , they will sacrifice their own Kejriwal said further.

NEW DELHI: Taking on the Bhartiya Janta Party, Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal slammed the leadership of the party accusing them of atrocities against Hindus of the country despite having the image of a party that is seen as a right-wing party, in particular, Gujarat on Monday. BJP says they are a party of Hindus, but during the Patel agitation last year you used force to stop the protest, many boys died, they were all Hindus. Why did you kill them? Recently in the Una incident in which Dalit boys were being mercilessly beaten up , the whole country saw the video , if the BJP is a party of Hindus , then why no inquiry in the incident said Kejriwal in a Facebook post. The reaction comes in the background when the party is trying to make inroads in the state of Gujarat. Recently the Delhi police arrested Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA and Gujarat state in charge Gulab Singh in an alleged case of extortion. Singh was arrested hours before a mega rally planned by the party to expand its national spectrum in the country; Kejriwal blamed BJP national president Amit Shah for it. BJP is currently in power in Gujarat, the state where the current Prime Minster Narendra Modi served as the Chief Minister for almost 15 years. From the Patel agitation last year demanding reservation in government jobs emerged Hardik Patel as a new face, Kejriwal has been trying to show affection, similarly the Una incident, in which a group of boys was beaten up mercilessly on the allegation of cow slaughtering. The video spread like wildfire on the social media and fueling the image that the current central government is anti-Dalit. The reality is that the BJP is not the party of Hindus but of money and power hungry people. In order to gain power BJP will stoop to any level, leave alone Hindus , they will sacrifice their own Kejriwal said further.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The mercury never stops rising in the heat of the Arvind Kejriwal-Najeeb Jung War. The lieutenant governors office is likely to scrap the AAP administrations appointment of 22 lawyers as government counsel since no approval from the competent authorities  read Jung  was taken.

No love has been lost between the chief minister and the lieutenant governor since Kejriwal came to power on Valentines Day in 2015. The newly appointed advocates have argued many cases on the governments behalf for more power over Delhi Police.

Jungs office received a complaint on October 7 from law graduate Vibhor Anand, stating that 22 advocates have been appointed government counsel by the chief minister without adhering to the procedure. The complainant contended that for such appointments to be made, the government should have got the green signal from the lieutenant governor as stipulated by the Delhi High Court in a judgment.

Arvind Kejriwal

The Delhi government created a new post namely senior standing counsel (civil) without necessary amendments in the law and appointed Rahul Mehra as the Senior Standing Counsel without taking the approval of the L-G as mandated by the Delhi High Court, the complainant said, while requesting the lieutenant governor to declare the appointments illegal. Sources indicate that Jung is likely to cancel the appointments.

The state government has appointed Chirag M Shroff, Atul Kumar and Jagjit Singh Chhabra as advocates on record and 10 more lawyers on the Arguing Panel in the Supreme Court without the lieutenant governors clearance. The panel comprises Sidhartha Dave, Manav Gupta, Kuldip Singh, Amarjit Singh Bedi, Gurmehar Singh Sistani, Yashvardhan, Sunil Sharma, Karuna Nundy, Aishwarya Rao, Navin R Nath, Niraj Gupta and Charu Walikhanna.

The AAP government also appointed advocate Pabitra Roychaudhari as the additional standing counsel (civil) without the prior assent of Jung. Moreover, the government also appointed Prabhasahay Kaur, Meenakshi Midha, Rishikesh Kumar, Anupam Srivastav and Tarunvir Singh Kehar as additional standing counsels (civil) in a similar fashion.

These appointments were made through gazette notifications dated September 2, 2015; January 6, 2016; June 24, 2016; June 30, 2016 and July 7, 2016. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia approved them.

Sources said that the lieutenant governor will declare them null and void ab initio under various categories in the coming week.

Kejriwal has upped the ante against Jung by demanding the dissolution of the Shunglu Committee set up by the latter to examine 400 files pertaining to decisions the AAP dispensation has taken.

NEW DELHI: The mercury never stops rising in the heat of the Arvind Kejriwal-Najeeb Jung War. The lieutenant governors office is likely to scrap the AAP administrations appointment of 22 lawyers as government counsel since no approval from the competent authorities  read Jung  was taken. No love has been lost between the chief minister and the lieutenant governor since Kejriwal came to power on Valentines Day in 2015. The newly appointed advocates have argued many cases on the governments behalf for more power over Delhi Police. Jungs office received a complaint on October 7 from law graduate Vibhor Anand, stating that 22 advocates have been appointed government counsel by the chief minister without adhering to the procedure. The complainant contended that for such appointments to be made, the government should have got the green signal from the lieutenant governor as stipulated by the Delhi High Court in a judgment. Arvind KejriwalThe Delhi government created a new post namely senior standing counsel (civil) without necessary amendments in the law and appointed Rahul Mehra as the Senior Standing Counsel without taking the approval of the L-G as mandated by the Delhi High Court, the complainant said, while requesting the lieutenant governor to declare the appointments illegal. Sources indicate that Jung is likely to cancel the appointments. The state government has appointed Chirag M Shroff, Atul Kumar and Jagjit Singh Chhabra as advocates on record and 10 more lawyers on the Arguing Panel in the Supreme Court without the lieutenant governors clearance. The panel comprises Sidhartha Dave, Manav Gupta, Kuldip Singh, Amarjit Singh Bedi, Gurmehar Singh Sistani, Yashvardhan, Sunil Sharma, Karuna Nundy, Aishwarya Rao, Navin R Nath, Niraj Gupta and Charu Walikhanna. The AAP government also appointed advocate Pabitra Roychaudhari as the additional standing counsel (civil) without the prior assent of Jung. Moreover, the government also appointed Prabhasahay Kaur, Meenakshi Midha, Rishikesh Kumar, Anupam Srivastav and Tarunvir Singh Kehar as additional standing counsels (civil) in a similar fashion. These appointments were made through gazette notifications dated September 2, 2015; January 6, 2016; June 24, 2016; June 30, 2016 and July 7, 2016. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia approved them. Sources said that the lieutenant governor will declare them null and void ab initio under various categories in the coming week. Kejriwal has upped the ante against Jung by demanding the dissolution of the Shunglu Committee set up by the latter to examine 400 files pertaining to decisions the AAP dispensation has taken.
Mithun MK By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Even though the Central government and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) are at loggerheads regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Hyderabadi women of the Muslim community support the efforts of UCC. But they have their own concerns.



The women I work with and have spoken to in Old City have all been openly supportive of the UCC. In Hyderabad, the triple talaq system has been phased out over months, there is no talaq given over phone or by WhatsApp here, said Jameela Nishat, founder of Shaheen, an NGO that works on gender issues and communal harmony. Women are in support of abolishing polygamy and the triple talaq system. This would also mean that women giving verbal divorce will also come under the scanner, she added.



However women showing support are not completely happy about how the Central government has gone about trying to implement the UCC. The women are pointing to the beef-lynchings and beef-bans. They also spoke of the Centres stand on the free hand given to Gau Rakshaks, Jameela added.



It was the womens movement that first raised the issue of the UCC. But in the 1990s this issue was hijacked by the right wing RSS and its organisations including the BJP, allege Kavita Krishnan, secretary, All India Progressive Womens Association (AIPWA). They implied that UCC was needed only to reform Muslim personal laws and rescue Muslim women. Therefore, UCC began to sound like imposition of a Hindu code uniformly on minority communities, A very far cry from the real issue of gender justice, she added.



I am not sure whether the Central government is pushing its Hindutva agenda here, said Nour Nazar, a blogger. The Centre, earlier this month, had asked the law commission to examine how UCC could be applied in India. Following which the law commission had sought public opinion on the matter.



The Centre also had filed an affidavit with the SC seeking a ban on the Muslim practice of triple talaq and polygamy. The AIMPLB, coming out against the Centre, boycotted discussions with the law commission. Muslim organisations have been rallying against the UCC with online petitions and also collecting signatures for a petition from those visiting mosques.

HYDERABAD: Even though the Central government and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) are at loggerheads regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Hyderabadi women of the Muslim community support the efforts of UCC. But they have their own concerns. The women I work with and have spoken to in Old City have all been openly supportive of the UCC. In Hyderabad, the triple talaq system has been phased out over months, there is no talaq given over phone or by WhatsApp here, said Jameela Nishat, founder of Shaheen, an NGO that works on gender issues and communal harmony. Women are in support of abolishing polygamy and the triple talaq system. This would also mean that women giving verbal divorce will also come under the scanner, she added. However women showing support are not completely happy about how the Central government has gone about trying to implement the UCC. The women are pointing to the beef-lynchings and beef-bans. They also spoke of the Centres stand on the free hand given to Gau Rakshaks, Jameela added. It was the womens movement that first raised the issue of the UCC. But in the 1990s this issue was hijacked by the right wing RSS and its organisations including the BJP, allege Kavita Krishnan, secretary, All India Progressive Womens Association (AIPWA). They implied that UCC was needed only to reform Muslim personal laws and rescue Muslim women. Therefore, UCC began to sound like imposition of a Hindu code uniformly on minority communities, A very far cry from the real issue of gender justice, she added. I am not sure whether the Central government is pushing its Hindutva agenda here, said Nour Nazar, a blogger. The Centre, earlier this month, had asked the law commission to examine how UCC could be applied in India. Following which the law commission had sought public opinion on the matter. The Centre also had filed an affidavit with the SC seeking a ban on the Muslim practice of triple talaq and polygamy. The AIMPLB, coming out against the Centre, boycotted discussions with the law commission. Muslim organisations have been rallying against the UCC with online petitions and also collecting signatures for a petition from those visiting mosques.
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: Islamic scholars and religious heads of various Muslim sects met here on Monday and

opposed the uniform civil code.



They unanimously said any interference in Muslim Personal Law wont be tolerated.



All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM) general secretary Mustafa Farukh claimed even the former RSS chief M S Golwalkar had opposed the Uniform Civil Code. This is the land that believes in

religion and it wont need any other non-faith legislation, he quoted Golwalkar as saying.



AIMIMM President Naveed Hamid called for a boycott of the law commission questionnaire and said, Muslims wont get justice from the commission as the body has turned into an institution dominated by

RSS thugs. I shall appeal to not just Muslims but all other communities to boycott the questionnaire.

Several scholars cited Islamic history and religious texts to defend the Muslim Personal law. Quran, Hadith, Sahabah and Imams are the four pillars of Islam and none of them have condemned triple

talaq, Maulana Ejaz Kashmiri said.



Many clerics narrated instances from Islamic history to say triple talaq was never condemned by religious leaders including women.



All India Ulema Council president Maulana Zaheruddin Khan, All India Muslim Personal Law Board executive committee member Maulana Sayad Athar Ali, All India Jamaiat Islami vice-president Maulana

Nusrat, Imam of Haji Ali Dargah Maulana Mohamad Islam, Islamic scholar (Ahle Hadees) Maulana Asgar Imam Salfi and Shia scholar Maulana Asgar Haidari were some of the prominent scholars who attended the meet.

MUMBAI: Islamic scholars and religious heads of various Muslim sects met here on Monday and opposed the uniform civil code. They unanimously said any interference in Muslim Personal Law wont be tolerated. All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM) general secretary Mustafa Farukh claimed even the former RSS chief M S Golwalkar had opposed the Uniform Civil Code. This is the land that believes in religion and it wont need any other non-faith legislation, he quoted Golwalkar as saying. AIMIMM President Naveed Hamid called for a boycott of the law commission questionnaire and said, Muslims wont get justice from the commission as the body has turned into an institution dominated by RSS thugs. I shall appeal to not just Muslims but all other communities to boycott the questionnaire. Several scholars cited Islamic history and religious texts to defend the Muslim Personal law. Quran, Hadith, Sahabah and Imams are the four pillars of Islam and none of them have condemned triple talaq, Maulana Ejaz Kashmiri said. Many clerics narrated instances from Islamic history to say triple talaq was never condemned by religious leaders including women. All India Ulema Council president Maulana Zaheruddin Khan, All India Muslim Personal Law Board executive committee member Maulana Sayad Athar Ali, All India Jamaiat Islami vice-president Maulana Nusrat, Imam of Haji Ali Dargah Maulana Mohamad Islam, Islamic scholar (Ahle Hadees) Maulana Asgar Imam Salfi and Shia scholar Maulana Asgar Haidari were some of the prominent scholars who attended the meet.
By Associated Press

ROMANIA: Dracula's castle will have overnight guests on Halloween, marking the first time since 1948 that anyone has slept in the Transylvanian fortress.The site's actual name in Bran Castle, and two people will get to sleep there Oct. 31 thanks to a promotion by Airbnb.

The castle is famous for its connection to Vlad the Impaler, a real-life prince who stayed there in the 15th century and had a cruel habit of using stakes to impale his victims. Vlad inspired Stoker's story of Count Dracula.

A portrait of Vlad the Impaler is hung on a wall in Bran Castle, Romania (File photo | AP)

The big prize

The Airbnb contest to find guests for the night launched Monday. Applicants were asked to use their "vampiric wit" to imagine what they'd say to Count Dracula if they met him. Count Dracula is the title character and main antagonist of Bram Stoker's 1897 Gothic horror novel named Dracula.

Winners will be flown to Romania and then taken to the castle set dramatically in the Carpathian Mountains. If they're too spooked to sleep in the coffins, beds are on hand.

Two coffins are lit before a photo shoot in Bran Castle, Romania (File photo | AP)

The castle is one of Romania's top tourist attractions, with more than 630,000 visitors a year. Hosting the one-off Airbnb event is a descendant of Bram Stoker, Dacre Stoker.

"I want to make it both realistic and show the legend in the wonderful country that birthed the whole thing," Stoker said in a telephone interview. He'll play the role of Jonathan Harker, a character from the novel who encounters Dracula at the castle. When the winners arrive in a horse-drawn carriage, he plans to greet them using the same words Dracula used in his ancestor's story: "Welcome to my house! Enter freely. Go safely, and leave something of the happiness you bring!"

Stoker added that staging "Halloween night in Dracula castle" was a way of "re-creating the book, and giving people a good experience and a good scare."

A candlelight dinner is set up before a photo shoot, in Bran Castle (File photo | AP)

The winning pair will tour the castle, then be treated to a candlelight dinner of chicken paprikash, the same meal described in the novel.

The spooky history

Bran Castle was originally a military fortress, strategically set on a highway that links Transylvania to southern Romania. Vlad the Impaler did not own the castle, but is believed to have used it briefly during his incursions in Transylvania. He is also believed to have been imprisoned in the castle for two months in 1462 when he was captured by a rival Hungarian king.

Vlad impaled his victims as punishment for wrongdoing. His victims reputedly included all the elderly residents of one community to avenge the deaths of his father and brother.

Bran Castle lies on top of cliffs in Bran, Romania (File photo | AP)

Following World War I, the castle was given to Queen Marie in gratitude for her role in unifying Transylvania with the rest of Romania. She bequeathed it to her youngest daughter Princess Ileana. In 1948, the Communists seized it from Ileana.

In 2006, years after communism ended, the castle was returned to Ileana's son Dominic Hapsburg, a retired New York architect. His sisters spent their childhood there. Hapsburg plays an active role in the site, but nobody has stayed overnight there since Hapsburg and his family were exiled from Romania.

Halloween treat

The castle is very popular with tourists. "We just love Halloween, so what drew us to Romania was Transylvania," said Gina Ricciardi of Boca Raton, Florida, visiting with her husband and friends. "We wanted to see Dracula's castle and just experience the whole Dracula."

Might Count Dracula himself show up on Oct. 31?

"Did he really die at end of the novel when he was stabbed with knife? Bram leaves the question ambiguous," Stoker said. "But if he's still floating around, he would make an appearance."

ROMANIA: Dracula's castle will have overnight guests on Halloween, marking the first time since 1948 that anyone has slept in the Transylvanian fortress.The site's actual name in Bran Castle, and two people will get to sleep there Oct. 31 thanks to a promotion by Airbnb. The castle is famous for its connection to Vlad the Impaler, a real-life prince who stayed there in the 15th century and had a cruel habit of using stakes to impale his victims. Vlad inspired Stoker's story of Count Dracula. A portrait of Vlad the Impaler is hung on a wall in Bran Castle, Romania (File photo | AP) The big prize The Airbnb contest to find guests for the night launched Monday. Applicants were asked to use their "vampiric wit" to imagine what they'd say to Count Dracula if they met him. Count Dracula is the title character and main antagonist of Bram Stoker's 1897 Gothic horror novel named Dracula. Winners will be flown to Romania and then taken to the castle set dramatically in the Carpathian Mountains. If they're too spooked to sleep in the coffins, beds are on hand. Two coffins are lit before a photo shoot in Bran Castle, Romania (File photo | AP) The castle is one of Romania's top tourist attractions, with more than 630,000 visitors a year. Hosting the one-off Airbnb event is a descendant of Bram Stoker, Dacre Stoker. "I want to make it both realistic and show the legend in the wonderful country that birthed the whole thing," Stoker said in a telephone interview. He'll play the role of Jonathan Harker, a character from the novel who encounters Dracula at the castle. When the winners arrive in a horse-drawn carriage, he plans to greet them using the same words Dracula used in his ancestor's story: "Welcome to my house! Enter freely. Go safely, and leave something of the happiness you bring!" Stoker added that staging "Halloween night in Dracula castle" was a way of "re-creating the book, and giving people a good experience and a good scare." A candlelight dinner is set up before a photo shoot, in Bran Castle (File photo | AP) The winning pair will tour the castle, then be treated to a candlelight dinner of chicken paprikash, the same meal described in the novel. The spooky history Bran Castle was originally a military fortress, strategically set on a highway that links Transylvania to southern Romania. Vlad the Impaler did not own the castle, but is believed to have used it briefly during his incursions in Transylvania. He is also believed to have been imprisoned in the castle for two months in 1462 when he was captured by a rival Hungarian king. Vlad impaled his victims as punishment for wrongdoing. His victims reputedly included all the elderly residents of one community to avenge the deaths of his father and brother. Bran Castle lies on top of cliffs in Bran, Romania (File photo | AP) Following World War I, the castle was given to Queen Marie in gratitude for her role in unifying Transylvania with the rest of Romania. She bequeathed it to her youngest daughter Princess Ileana. In 1948, the Communists seized it from Ileana. In 2006, years after communism ended, the castle was returned to Ileana's son Dominic Hapsburg, a retired New York architect. His sisters spent their childhood there. Hapsburg plays an active role in the site, but nobody has stayed overnight there since Hapsburg and his family were exiled from Romania. Halloween treat The castle is very popular with tourists. "We just love Halloween, so what drew us to Romania was Transylvania," said Gina Ricciardi of Boca Raton, Florida, visiting with her husband and friends. "We wanted to see Dracula's castle and just experience the whole Dracula." Might Count Dracula himself show up on Oct. 31? "Did he really die at end of the novel when he was stabbed with knife? Bram leaves the question ambiguous," Stoker said. "But if he's still floating around, he would make an appearance."
By ANI

NEW DELHI: After Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has complained that he spent two hours in a holding area, adding that this happens to him every time he goes the U.S.

Another "random" secondary immigration check upon landing in the US. Thrice in three visits, the randomness is growing tiresome now, tweeted Omar.

I just spent TWO hours in a holding area & this happens EVERY time. Unlike @iamsrk I don't even catch Pokemon to pass the time (sic), he said in his tweet.

He further tweeted: I'm here to speak at an event organised by NYU but I almost wish I'd stayed at home instead. Ah well, that's two hours well & truly wasted!! (sic)

Earlier in August, Shah Rukh Khan was detained by the U.S Immigration Department at Los Angeles airport.

Khan had tweeted his displeasure earlier saying that it "sucked" to be detained at the U.S. immigration every time.

I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons, he said.

Following his detention, the U.S. Department of State apologised to Khan. "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!," Nisha Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, U.S. Department of State said in a tweet.

However, former Indian Foreign Secretary and Ambassador to the U.S Nirupama Rao came out in support of the security measure at LA Airport saying that one cannot question the customs and border protection laws of any sovereign country. "The U.S post 9/11 is a changed country. If you're not prepared to accept stringent security/controls don't go there. Everything falls under the rubric of homeland security. No foreigner is really exempt," she said in a series of tweets.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan ambassador to US Husain HaqqaniVerified has called for updated equipment for Customs and Border Protection officers so that such incidents can be avoided.

"Time to give @cbp officers better computers and advise them to check on individuals with other branches of US govt," he tweeted.

However, SRK too was not detained at a US airport for the first time as the same happened at the New York airport in April 2012 when he had gone there to address students at Yale University. He was then detained by the immigration officials for over two hours.



Even in 2009, Khan was detained by US immigration officials at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey after his name came up on a computer alert list.

NEW DELHI: After Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has complained that he spent two hours in a holding area, adding that this happens to him every time he goes the U.S. Another "random" secondary immigration check upon landing in the US. Thrice in three visits, the randomness is growing tiresome now, tweeted Omar. I just spent TWO hours in a holding area & this happens EVERY time. Unlike @iamsrk I don't even catch Pokemon to pass the time (sic), he said in his tweet. He further tweeted: I'm here to speak at an event organised by NYU but I almost wish I'd stayed at home instead. Ah well, that's two hours well & truly wasted!! (sic) Earlier in August, Shah Rukh Khan was detained by the U.S Immigration Department at Los Angeles airport. Khan had tweeted his displeasure earlier saying that it "sucked" to be detained at the U.S. immigration every time. I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks. The brighter side is while waiting caught some really nice Pokemons, he said. Following his detention, the U.S. Department of State apologised to Khan. "Sorry for the hassle at the airport, @iamsrk - even American diplomats get pulled for extra screening!," Nisha Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, U.S. Department of State said in a tweet. However, former Indian Foreign Secretary and Ambassador to the U.S Nirupama Rao came out in support of the security measure at LA Airport saying that one cannot question the customs and border protection laws of any sovereign country. "The U.S post 9/11 is a changed country. If you're not prepared to accept stringent security/controls don't go there. Everything falls under the rubric of homeland security. No foreigner is really exempt," she said in a series of tweets. Meanwhile, former Pakistan ambassador to US Husain HaqqaniVerified has called for updated equipment for Customs and Border Protection officers so that such incidents can be avoided. "Time to give @cbp officers better computers and advise them to check on individuals with other branches of US govt," he tweeted. However, SRK too was not detained at a US airport for the first time as the same happened at the New York airport in April 2012 when he had gone there to address students at Yale University. He was then detained by the immigration officials for over two hours. Even in 2009, Khan was detained by US immigration officials at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey after his name came up on a computer alert list.
Aishik Chanda By

Express News Service

GORKILLA: A few days after a 'human sacrifice' in West Bengals most literate district came to fore, terror has spread to near and far villages, with residents fearing for their womenfolk.

Our village had no history of tantric activity. If outsider tantric practitioners are coming and killing women in name of human sacrifice, it is very dangerous for our womenfolk, said Rahuldev Mondal of Gorkilla village.

A headless nude body of a teenaged girl was found in a beetle nut grove in Gorkilla village in Purba Medinipur district on October 15. The presence of elaborate tantric-style arrangements on the body, including vermillion, red paint on ankles, blood in a clay cup fixed near the private part, neem twigs

circumventing the body and red coloured cloth covering the headless neck, has given rise to speculations of human sacrifice on the night of October 14.

The body was sent for post-mortem in Midnapore town in Paschim Medinipur district, a report of which is expected soon.



Though through initial evidence, police suspect human sacrifice by tantric practitioners, they also do not rule out other possibilities. Even if any tantric was brought from Kamakhya in Assam or from

Odisha, without local support, the sacrifice would not have taken place, said Sub-divisional Investigation Cell officer Mihir Sahoo.

Chandicharan Manna, in whose grove the body was found, says neither of his family

members heard any sounds from the grove on the night of October 14, on Lakshmi Puja, despite being just 100 metres from his house. We were busy watching Bengali soaps on TV. We did not hear any sound from the grove, he said.

Most residents of Gorkilla and neighbouring villages have knowledge about human sacrifices and rule out this as a planned murder. Human sacrifices are done in smashaan (cremation ground) on an Amavasya (dark moon). October 14 night was Purnima (full moon), said primary school teacher Sukhendu Mondal of neighbouring Jagannathpur village.

For human sacrifice, a pre-puberty child is chosen. In this case, naphthalene balls were found inside the private part of the adolescent girl's corpse. And generally, red or white cloth is draped for human sacrifice, not kept naked, said priest Sarbanicharan Mishra of Sitala temple.

Some allege gang-rape and cover up through human sacrifice cover up. If her head was severed in the grove, there should have been blood sprinkled all over. But blood was seen only near the neck. We

doubt she was raped, strangulated and then head cut and all tantric style cover up given to show it as human sacrifice. Tantric dont sacrifice dead people, said Badal Singha.

Meanwhile, political parties jumped into the fray for some mileage. Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) staged a gherao of the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police office in Tamluk on Monday demanding justice which local villagers attended.

With 87% literacy rate, Purba Medinipur was known to have shred tantric activities decades ago.

GORKILLA: A few days after a 'human sacrifice' in West Bengals most literate district came to fore, terror has spread to near and far villages, with residents fearing for their womenfolk. Our village had no history of tantric activity. If outsider tantric practitioners are coming and killing women in name of human sacrifice, it is very dangerous for our womenfolk, said Rahuldev Mondal of Gorkilla village. A headless nude body of a teenaged girl was found in a beetle nut grove in Gorkilla village in Purba Medinipur district on October 15. The presence of elaborate tantric-style arrangements on the body, including vermillion, red paint on ankles, blood in a clay cup fixed near the private part, neem twigs circumventing the body and red coloured cloth covering the headless neck, has given rise to speculations of human sacrifice on the night of October 14. The body was sent for post-mortem in Midnapore town in Paschim Medinipur district, a report of which is expected soon. Though through initial evidence, police suspect human sacrifice by tantric practitioners, they also do not rule out other possibilities. Even if any tantric was brought from Kamakhya in Assam or from Odisha, without local support, the sacrifice would not have taken place, said Sub-divisional Investigation Cell officer Mihir Sahoo. Chandicharan Manna, in whose grove the body was found, says neither of his family members heard any sounds from the grove on the night of October 14, on Lakshmi Puja, despite being just 100 metres from his house. We were busy watching Bengali soaps on TV. We did not hear any sound from the grove, he said. Most residents of Gorkilla and neighbouring villages have knowledge about human sacrifices and rule out this as a planned murder. Human sacrifices are done in smashaan (cremation ground) on an Amavasya (dark moon). October 14 night was Purnima (full moon), said primary school teacher Sukhendu Mondal of neighbouring Jagannathpur village. For human sacrifice, a pre-puberty child is chosen. In this case, naphthalene balls were found inside the private part of the adolescent girl's corpse. And generally, red or white cloth is draped for human sacrifice, not kept naked, said priest Sarbanicharan Mishra of Sitala temple. Some allege gang-rape and cover up through human sacrifice cover up. If her head was severed in the grove, there should have been blood sprinkled all over. But blood was seen only near the neck. We doubt she was raped, strangulated and then head cut and all tantric style cover up given to show it as human sacrifice. Tantric dont sacrifice dead people, said Badal Singha. Meanwhile, political parties jumped into the fray for some mileage. Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) staged a gherao of the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police office in Tamluk on Monday demanding justice which local villagers attended. With 87% literacy rate, Purba Medinipur was known to have shred tantric activities decades ago.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Following a day with strong focus on terrorism; India and Brazil on Monday got down to some business as they inked four MoUs. Brazil also supported Indias entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

The four MoUs were signed in a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Michel Temer after the conclusion of the BRICS Summit in Goa. The agreements are on genetic resources, agriculture, animal husbandry, natural resources and fisheries; pharmaceutical products regulation; cattle genomics and assisted reproductive technologies and; investment cooperation and facilitation treaty.

Prime Minister Modi in a statement after bilateral meeting with the Brazilian President thanked him for understanding the aspiration of India for getting a seat in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Brazil has also extended support for Indias bid to define terrorism at the UN by an early adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

"We thank Brazil for understanding India's aspiration for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). We have made progress in cooperation in new areas including drug regulation, agro-research and cyber security. Will work closely at UN, G-20, G-4, WTO, BRICS and IBSA," Modi said.

"We deeply appreciate Brazil's support for India's actions in combating terrorism. India and Brazil have agreed that world must come together to fight this menace without distinction or discrimination," Modi added while also referring to Brazil as among Indias one of the most important trade partners in Latin America.

Prime Minister Modi called Brazil a natural partner to India and President Temer who is seeking to revive the economy of the Latin American country also underlined the immense possibility of trade between the two countries. The Brazilian President on his arrival to India for the BRICS Summit had said that the trade between the two countries can triple in few years.

NEW DELHI: Following a day with strong focus on terrorism; India and Brazil on Monday got down to some business as they inked four MoUs. Brazil also supported Indias entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The four MoUs were signed in a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Michel Temer after the conclusion of the BRICS Summit in Goa. The agreements are on genetic resources, agriculture, animal husbandry, natural resources and fisheries; pharmaceutical products regulation; cattle genomics and assisted reproductive technologies and; investment cooperation and facilitation treaty. Prime Minister Modi in a statement after bilateral meeting with the Brazilian President thanked him for understanding the aspiration of India for getting a seat in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Brazil has also extended support for Indias bid to define terrorism at the UN by an early adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). "We thank Brazil for understanding India's aspiration for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). We have made progress in cooperation in new areas including drug regulation, agro-research and cyber security. Will work closely at UN, G-20, G-4, WTO, BRICS and IBSA," Modi said. "We deeply appreciate Brazil's support for India's actions in combating terrorism. India and Brazil have agreed that world must come together to fight this menace without distinction or discrimination," Modi added while also referring to Brazil as among Indias one of the most important trade partners in Latin America. Prime Minister Modi called Brazil a natural partner to India and President Temer who is seeking to revive the economy of the Latin American country also underlined the immense possibility of trade between the two countries. The Brazilian President on his arrival to India for the BRICS Summit had said that the trade between the two countries can triple in few years.
By IANS

BENAULIM (Goa): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Michel Temer.



"Day 3 in Goa set aside for another Bilateral Summit. PM Modi welcomes President Michel Temer of Brazil," spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vikas Swarup said in a tweet.



Temer was in Goa to attend the eighth BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- Summit that was held here over the weekend.



BENAULIM (Goa): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Michel Temer. "Day 3 in Goa set aside for another Bilateral Summit. PM Modi welcomes President Michel Temer of Brazil," spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vikas Swarup said in a tweet. Temer was in Goa to attend the eighth BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- Summit that was held here over the weekend.
Travelers from the country's top 10 tourism markets will be able to apply for visas online.

The government has approved the launch of online visas for short-term travelers to the country or for those on business visits, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

The new visa rule, which is expected to come into effect next year, will only apply for those from Vietnams top tourist sources.

Under the new program, visitors will apply for their visas online and collect them at airports.

The country received 7.94 million tourists last year, according to tourism authorities.

Vietnams top 10 tourist markets are China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, the U.S., Russia, Singapore, Thailand and Australia.

The country already offers visa exemptions for tourists from South Korea, Japan and those from Southeast Asian countries, as well as travelers from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy.

Vietnam will also allow Chinese tourists traveling in groups and by car to stay in a northern border city for up to three days without applying for a visa. The more relaxed visa rule is scheduled to take effect at the beginning of next year.

The country posted skyrocketing growth in the number of Chinese tourists in the first half of this year, more than 1.2 million, accounting for roughly a quarter of total international visitors.

Related news:

> Vietnam province eases visa policy for Chinese tourists

> Vietnam visa fees granted to US tourists set to skyrocket from late August

> Vietnam extends visa exemptions for tourists from Western Europe
By PTI

THANE: A Mumbai businessman who 'mentored' Sagar Thakkar alias Shaggy, the alleged mastermind of the multi-million dollar fake call center racket, wherein US-based taxpayers were allegedly conned by Indian tele-callers, has been arrested, police said today.

The 33-year-old man, identified as Jagdish Kanani was arrested from suburban Borivali last night, a senior police officer said on the condition of anonymity. According to police, Thakkar, who is on the run, has worked under Kanani in the past at Ahmedabad and Mumbai, where he and some of his associates picked up the tricks of trade from his 'Guru'.

In fact, Kanani started out working in a BPO firm abroad where he learnt the methods of collection through outsourcing firms and brushed up his knowledge to build a lucrative business and then set up fake call centres across the country to earn a quick buck by extorting money from US victims, the officer said. Kanani came on the police radar after leads during interrogation of the arrested accused in the racket, he said. Kanani is a prized catch for the Thane Police as it will help the cops dig more into the con syndicate which has spread its tentacles nationwide including in cities like Gurgaon, Ahmedabad and Thane, he said.

The officer said that Kanani was the brain behind the fake call centres across the country including the one at Mira Road which was raided by Thane Police earlier this month. He is suspected to have helped Thakkar in shaping and setting up his ventures. "Now that we have arrested him, we will get to know the whereabouts of Thakkar and others, whom he also mentored," the police officer added. Crime Branch (Thane Police) have so far arrested 70 persons after it raided seven call centres operating illegally in Mira Road here. Another 630 people were booked under IPC sections 384 (extortion), 419 (cheating by impersonation), 420 (cheating) and under relevant sections of IT Act and Indian Telegraph Act.

The callers used to make calls to people in the US and speak to them in American accent by posing as officials of US Internal Revenue Service. Subsequently, police teams also raided and shut down five call centres in Ahmedabad which were a part of the racket. Also, investigations into the racket has led Thane Police to suspect involvement of the son of a senior IPS officer from Gujarat in running these illegal call centres in Ahmedabad.

Investigators found that the call centres in Ahmedabad, which were raided by local police recently, resumed their operations soon afterwards. Thane Crime Branch is probing why no concrete action was taken against these call centres. During interrogation of several arrested accused, investigators got information about illegal call centres running in Pralhad Nagar in Ahmedabad since 2009.

Police also found a huge server installed in one of these call centres (in Ahmedabad) which had the entire data base generated from the call centres which were part of the racket, including the ones in Mira Road. Haider, one of the arrested men, has told police that Thakkar allegedly gave 30 per cent of the ill-gotten income to his agents in the United States who provided him data base of US tax-payers.

Of the remaining amount, 40 per cent went to Tapesh Gupta, Akhilesh Singh, Rahul Dogra, Jimmy (all absconding accused) and Haider, while Sagar kept the 60 per cent share. The daily turn-over from the call centers in Mira Road was around Rs 2 crore, police said. Call executives were designated as 'dialler', who made the call and 'closer', who carried out final 'negotiations'.

Dialler got two rupees per every US dollar earned by the racketeers, while the 'closer' got three rupees per every US dollar as incentive, over and above the salary, they said. As the unearthing of this mammoth racket which was going on for several years could harm India's reputation as a hub of BPO and outsourcing industry, the authorities were taking the matter very seriously, the officer added.

THANE: A Mumbai businessman who 'mentored' Sagar Thakkar alias Shaggy, the alleged mastermind of the multi-million dollar fake call center racket, wherein US-based taxpayers were allegedly conned by Indian tele-callers, has been arrested, police said today. The 33-year-old man, identified as Jagdish Kanani was arrested from suburban Borivali last night, a senior police officer said on the condition of anonymity. According to police, Thakkar, who is on the run, has worked under Kanani in the past at Ahmedabad and Mumbai, where he and some of his associates picked up the tricks of trade from his 'Guru'. In fact, Kanani started out working in a BPO firm abroad where he learnt the methods of collection through outsourcing firms and brushed up his knowledge to build a lucrative business and then set up fake call centres across the country to earn a quick buck by extorting money from US victims, the officer said. Kanani came on the police radar after leads during interrogation of the arrested accused in the racket, he said. Kanani is a prized catch for the Thane Police as it will help the cops dig more into the con syndicate which has spread its tentacles nationwide including in cities like Gurgaon, Ahmedabad and Thane, he said. The officer said that Kanani was the brain behind the fake call centres across the country including the one at Mira Road which was raided by Thane Police earlier this month. He is suspected to have helped Thakkar in shaping and setting up his ventures. "Now that we have arrested him, we will get to know the whereabouts of Thakkar and others, whom he also mentored," the police officer added. Crime Branch (Thane Police) have so far arrested 70 persons after it raided seven call centres operating illegally in Mira Road here. Another 630 people were booked under IPC sections 384 (extortion), 419 (cheating by impersonation), 420 (cheating) and under relevant sections of IT Act and Indian Telegraph Act. The callers used to make calls to people in the US and speak to them in American accent by posing as officials of US Internal Revenue Service. Subsequently, police teams also raided and shut down five call centres in Ahmedabad which were a part of the racket. Also, investigations into the racket has led Thane Police to suspect involvement of the son of a senior IPS officer from Gujarat in running these illegal call centres in Ahmedabad. Investigators found that the call centres in Ahmedabad, which were raided by local police recently, resumed their operations soon afterwards. Thane Crime Branch is probing why no concrete action was taken against these call centres. During interrogation of several arrested accused, investigators got information about illegal call centres running in Pralhad Nagar in Ahmedabad since 2009. Police also found a huge server installed in one of these call centres (in Ahmedabad) which had the entire data base generated from the call centres which were part of the racket, including the ones in Mira Road. Haider, one of the arrested men, has told police that Thakkar allegedly gave 30 per cent of the ill-gotten income to his agents in the United States who provided him data base of US tax-payers. Of the remaining amount, 40 per cent went to Tapesh Gupta, Akhilesh Singh, Rahul Dogra, Jimmy (all absconding accused) and Haider, while Sagar kept the 60 per cent share. The daily turn-over from the call centers in Mira Road was around Rs 2 crore, police said. Call executives were designated as 'dialler', who made the call and 'closer', who carried out final 'negotiations'. Dialler got two rupees per every US dollar earned by the racketeers, while the 'closer' got three rupees per every US dollar as incentive, over and above the salary, they said. As the unearthing of this mammoth racket which was going on for several years could harm India's reputation as a hub of BPO and outsourcing industry, the authorities were taking the matter very seriously, the officer added.
Pradip R Sagar By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Make them bleed. This is what Indian intelligence agencies picked up while intercepting chatter between a terror module in Pakistan and its handlers.

Two days later, on October 10, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute in Pampore, J&K was hit.

Intelligence agencies are not lucky always and Army units on the border do not have trained interpreters to translate chatter. Though shortage of trained men to interpret Urdu, Pashtun and Dari has existed for long, it is hurting the most now as agencies are picking up frequent chatter after the Sep 29 surgical strikes.

Officers are taught linguistics at the Army training centre in MP and the School of Foreign Language in Delhi. However, most choose lucrative French, German or Italian courses to get foreign postings. Those fluent in Urdu form less than one per cent of Army personnel.

There is a huge difference between spoken and learnt language. To pick every word, you need an expert. Signal intelligence lacks these experts, an officer explained.

So, by the time the chatter is translated, crucial actionable time lapses.

NEW DELHI: Make them bleed. This is what Indian intelligence agencies picked up while intercepting chatter between a terror module in Pakistan and its handlers. Two days later, on October 10, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute in Pampore, J&K was hit. Intelligence agencies are not lucky always and Army units on the border do not have trained interpreters to translate chatter. Though shortage of trained men to interpret Urdu, Pashtun and Dari has existed for long, it is hurting the most now as agencies are picking up frequent chatter after the Sep 29 surgical strikes. Officers are taught linguistics at the Army training centre in MP and the School of Foreign Language in Delhi. However, most choose lucrative French, German or Italian courses to get foreign postings. Those fluent in Urdu form less than one per cent of Army personnel. There is a huge difference between spoken and learnt language. To pick every word, you need an expert. Signal intelligence lacks these experts, an officer explained. So, by the time the chatter is translated, crucial actionable time lapses.
Manish Anand By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: China is not in Indias good books currently, having blocked the latters moves at the UN against terror and its nuclear membership. But business is business. NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya has stressed that bilateral economic engagement is independent of political issues.

Arvind Panagariya

China has surplus funds to invest. India needs money to expand infra projects. Hence Indias premier policy think tank NITI Aayog thinks politics and economics should not be mixed while dealing with the duplicitous dragon.

During the fourth Indo-China economic strategic meeting hosted by NITI Aayog, Beijing has shown a keen interest to match or even go beyond Japan in becoming Indias top partner in urban planning.

Arvind Panagariyas stand to separate investment and politics contrasts with the boycott call of Chinese goods, especially during the ongoing festival season. China is attempting to boost its economic clout in South Asia. In January, it decided to give a `1,400 crore soft loan to Nepal to reconstruct its quake hit airport. In September, it gave Pakistan $8 billion for a highway project.

China has shared its keenness to mobilise funds on the lines of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) to fund and execute semi-high speed and high speed rail projects in India. Beijing has also proposed that it will be taking up redevelopment of Bhubaneswar and Bengaluru railway stations on priority, said a senior NITI Aayog official.

Panagariya said that as India woos foreign investment, China has promised to invest its surplus funds in Indias urban development. Sharing the outcome of the deliberations in the Sino-Indian joint working groups, Panagariya said: The cost advantage of producing quality goods in China is going down sharply. The four coastal manufacturing zones in China are experiencing saturation. This has dented the export competitiveness of China.

India and China will form five sub-working groups on policy coordination, infrastructure, sophisticated technology, resource conservation and environmental protection and energy. Ministries will engage in talks with their Chinese counterparts.

NEW DELHI: China is not in Indias good books currently, having blocked the latters moves at the UN against terror and its nuclear membership. But business is business. NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya has stressed that bilateral economic engagement is independent of political issues. Arvind PanagariyaChina has surplus funds to invest. India needs money to expand infra projects. Hence Indias premier policy think tank NITI Aayog thinks politics and economics should not be mixed while dealing with the duplicitous dragon. During the fourth Indo-China economic strategic meeting hosted by NITI Aayog, Beijing has shown a keen interest to match or even go beyond Japan in becoming Indias top partner in urban planning. Arvind Panagariyas stand to separate investment and politics contrasts with the boycott call of Chinese goods, especially during the ongoing festival season. China is attempting to boost its economic clout in South Asia. In January, it decided to give a `1,400 crore soft loan to Nepal to reconstruct its quake hit airport. In September, it gave Pakistan $8 billion for a highway project. China has shared its keenness to mobilise funds on the lines of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) to fund and execute semi-high speed and high speed rail projects in India. Beijing has also proposed that it will be taking up redevelopment of Bhubaneswar and Bengaluru railway stations on priority, said a senior NITI Aayog official. Panagariya said that as India woos foreign investment, China has promised to invest its surplus funds in Indias urban development. Sharing the outcome of the deliberations in the Sino-Indian joint working groups, Panagariya said: The cost advantage of producing quality goods in China is going down sharply. The four coastal manufacturing zones in China are experiencing saturation. This has dented the export competitiveness of China. India and China will form five sub-working groups on policy coordination, infrastructure, sophisticated technology, resource conservation and environmental protection and energy. Ministries will engage in talks with their Chinese counterparts.
By IANS

CHANDIGARH: India is ready to help Pakistan take action against terrorists in Pakistan, including in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday.



Pakistan should close down the "factory of terrorism", Rajnath Singh said while addressing a Regional Editors Conference here.



Referring to the army's surgical strikes on Pakistani territory, he said it was a "pre-emptive action against Pakistan".



"India does not have any ill will against the people of Pakistan. Pakistan has adopted terrorism as its state policy and harbours terrorists," he said.



"That is the reason it has been isolated not only in South Asia but also in the world.



"India is ready to help Pakistan in taking action against terrorists in Pakistan, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," Rajnath Singh said.

CHANDIGARH: India is ready to help Pakistan take action against terrorists in Pakistan, including in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday. Pakistan should close down the "factory of terrorism", Rajnath Singh said while addressing a Regional Editors Conference here. Referring to the army's surgical strikes on Pakistani territory, he said it was a "pre-emptive action against Pakistan". "India does not have any ill will against the people of Pakistan. Pakistan has adopted terrorism as its state policy and harbours terrorists," he said. "That is the reason it has been isolated not only in South Asia but also in the world. "India is ready to help Pakistan in taking action against terrorists in Pakistan, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," Rajnath Singh said.
By PTI

AHMEDABAD: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today appeared to give credit to "RSS teaching" for the decision to launch cross-LoC surgical strikes even as he slammed those seeking proof for the Indian Army's anti-terror operation in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.



"I wonder, with the combination of Prime Minister who comes from Mahatma Gandhi's home state, and I, Defence Minister, coming from Goa which never had any martial race, and surgical strikes. May be the RSS teaching was at the core, but this was quite a different kind of combination," Parrikar said in remarks that may trigger a row.



Parrikar was speaking at a function, 'Know my Army', organised at Nirma University here.



He said the action of Indian Army, whom he described as the world's best, has increased the sensitivity among citizens regarding national security in a very effective way.



The Defence Minister said the Army is giving befitting reply to ceasefire violations by Pakistan.



"From the day of the strike till today, some politicians are seeking proof," Parrikar said without taking any names.



"When Indian Army says something we should believe it. It (Army) is world's best, professional, brave and having a very high integrity. I do not feel that anybody will seek proof from them (Army) here in Ahmedabad."



"There are people who will never get convinced even if definite proof is given," Parrikar said.



Parrikar was referring to some sections which have been asking for proof about the surgical strikes. The Army has said the strikes against terror launch pads across the LoC was carried out during the intervening night of September 28-29.



"Violations are regularly taking place for the last five-six years, you can take out figures. But the only thing that has changed now is that we are giving befitting reply," he said on ceasefire violations.



"Two good things have happened after the surgical strikes. First thing is except some politicians, every Indian is rising in unison and standing behind our brave soldiers. And the second thing is we (Indians) have acquired sensitivity regarding national security in a very effective way," he further said, adding that he is receiving mails suggesting suspicious activities.



"If people see anything wrong, they intimate the police or send me mails. Half of mails I get suggest suspicious activities happening. Many ex-servicemen are also offering their service for the nation, saying that they are retired but can still fight."



To a question on security lapses, Parrikar said, "When you are doing things and if there are lapses in it, then mistakes should be rectified."

On the illegal sneaking-in of people in Gujarat from border adjoining Pakistan, Parrikar said, "BSF is tightening security at the border. You also know that this is a difficult area where we cannot put up fences as it is a marshy area.



"But we will use technology and fill the gaps to ensure no unauthorised person enters our territory."

AHMEDABAD: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today appeared to give credit to "RSS teaching" for the decision to launch cross-LoC surgical strikes even as he slammed those seeking proof for the Indian Army's anti-terror operation in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. "I wonder, with the combination of Prime Minister who comes from Mahatma Gandhi's home state, and I, Defence Minister, coming from Goa which never had any martial race, and surgical strikes. May be the RSS teaching was at the core, but this was quite a different kind of combination," Parrikar said in remarks that may trigger a row. Parrikar was speaking at a function, 'Know my Army', organised at Nirma University here. He said the action of Indian Army, whom he described as the world's best, has increased the sensitivity among citizens regarding national security in a very effective way. The Defence Minister said the Army is giving befitting reply to ceasefire violations by Pakistan. "From the day of the strike till today, some politicians are seeking proof," Parrikar said without taking any names. "When Indian Army says something we should believe it. It (Army) is world's best, professional, brave and having a very high integrity. I do not feel that anybody will seek proof from them (Army) here in Ahmedabad." "There are people who will never get convinced even if definite proof is given," Parrikar said. Parrikar was referring to some sections which have been asking for proof about the surgical strikes. The Army has said the strikes against terror launch pads across the LoC was carried out during the intervening night of September 28-29. "Violations are regularly taking place for the last five-six years, you can take out figures. But the only thing that has changed now is that we are giving befitting reply," he said on ceasefire violations. "Two good things have happened after the surgical strikes. First thing is except some politicians, every Indian is rising in unison and standing behind our brave soldiers. And the second thing is we (Indians) have acquired sensitivity regarding national security in a very effective way," he further said, adding that he is receiving mails suggesting suspicious activities. "If people see anything wrong, they intimate the police or send me mails. Half of mails I get suggest suspicious activities happening. Many ex-servicemen are also offering their service for the nation, saying that they are retired but can still fight." To a question on security lapses, Parrikar said, "When you are doing things and if there are lapses in it, then mistakes should be rectified." On the illegal sneaking-in of people in Gujarat from border adjoining Pakistan, Parrikar said, "BSF is tightening security at the border. You also know that this is a difficult area where we cannot put up fences as it is a marshy area. "But we will use technology and fill the gaps to ensure no unauthorised person enters our territory."
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Speculation today raged over the possiblity of former Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi joining BJP ahead of the assembly polls in the state.



Sources in BJP said on the condition of anonymity that there have been talks between Joshi, daughter of former Chief Minister late Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, and its leaders. A decision on her joining the party can be taken soon, they said.



67-year-old Bahuguna, currently an MLA from Lucknow Cantonment, could not be reached for her comments on the reports.



Bahuguna is said to be unhappy with the Congress leadership over projection of Sheila Dikshit as the party's chief ministerial face and feels increasingly marginalised since Raj Babbar was made the UP party chief.



She believes she had better credentials to be projected as a Brahmin chief ministerial face than Dikshit. She also faces a tough electoral prospect as Congress candidate in the coming state elections.



Samajwadi Party has announced that Aparna Yadav, daughter-in-law of its chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, will contest the assemly poll from Lucknow Cantonment seat.



Bahuguna's brother and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had joined the BJP a few months back.



Her joining the BJP will be a shot in its arm as it will help the saffron party consolidate Brahmin votes, eyeing which the Congress had declared Diskhit as its chief ministerial pick.

At the AICC briefing, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said some television channels have been running this with a question mark but party spokespersons do not answer speculation.



"We would not respond to any kind of speculation," he said.



The speculation was triggered by reports that Bahuguna had a meeting with a BJP leader, said to be party chief Amit Shah, recently.



"She has not denied it (meeting with Amit Shah)," a senior Congress leader said on condition of anonymity.



He said Bahuguna, who is also Congress spokesperson, is unwell and is convalesing in New Delhi.



Congress leader Dwijendra Tewari when contacted said he was sure that she will take a decision which will be in the interest of the party and the situation will be clear soon.



Congress is already facing a steady flow of its MLAs to rival camps before the 2017 Assembly polls and this could be a major blow to the party.

NEW DELHI: Speculation today raged over the possiblity of former Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi joining BJP ahead of the assembly polls in the state. Sources in BJP said on the condition of anonymity that there have been talks between Joshi, daughter of former Chief Minister late Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, and its leaders. A decision on her joining the party can be taken soon, they said. 67-year-old Bahuguna, currently an MLA from Lucknow Cantonment, could not be reached for her comments on the reports. Bahuguna is said to be unhappy with the Congress leadership over projection of Sheila Dikshit as the party's chief ministerial face and feels increasingly marginalised since Raj Babbar was made the UP party chief. She believes she had better credentials to be projected as a Brahmin chief ministerial face than Dikshit. She also faces a tough electoral prospect as Congress candidate in the coming state elections. Samajwadi Party has announced that Aparna Yadav, daughter-in-law of its chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, will contest the assemly poll from Lucknow Cantonment seat. Bahuguna's brother and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had joined the BJP a few months back. Her joining the BJP will be a shot in its arm as it will help the saffron party consolidate Brahmin votes, eyeing which the Congress had declared Diskhit as its chief ministerial pick. At the AICC briefing, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said some television channels have been running this with a question mark but party spokespersons do not answer speculation. "We would not respond to any kind of speculation," he said. The speculation was triggered by reports that Bahuguna had a meeting with a BJP leader, said to be party chief Amit Shah, recently. "She has not denied it (meeting with Amit Shah)," a senior Congress leader said on condition of anonymity. He said Bahuguna, who is also Congress spokesperson, is unwell and is convalesing in New Delhi. Congress leader Dwijendra Tewari when contacted said he was sure that she will take a decision which will be in the interest of the party and the situation will be clear soon. Congress is already facing a steady flow of its MLAs to rival camps before the 2017 Assembly polls and this could be a major blow to the party.
By PTI

MOBOR: Endorsing India's effort to corner Pakistan on terror, regional grouping BIMSTEC has said fight against the menace should not only be confined to disrupting and eliminating terror networks, but must also take strong measures against states supporting terrorists and falsely extolling their virtues. In an apparent reference to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif calling slain Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani a "martyr", BIMSTEC said there should not be glorification of terrorists as martyrs.

An Outcome Document detailing deliberations by leaders of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal at their retreat here last night, said they condemned in strongest terms the recent "barbaric terror" attacks in the region, seen as a reference to Pathankot and Uri strikes.

"We strongly believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but should also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against states which encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues," the grouping said in the document issued today. It said the leaders stressed on urgent measures to counter terrorism. "There should be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs.

We recognize the need for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization. We express our determination to take concrete measures to step up cooperation and coordination among our law enforcement, intelligence and security organisations," it said. India has been scaling up efforts to isolate Pakistan in the wake of the Uri attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing BRICS and BIMSTEC summits here yesterday, called Pakistan a "mother ship" of global terrorism and said the menace has become its "favourite child".

The strong position of BIMSTEC in dealing with terror assumes significance as it comes after consensus eluded on reference to cross-border terror in BRICS declaration. "Recognising that terrorism continues to remain the single most significant threat to peace and stability in our region, we reiterate our strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stress that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever," BIMSTEC said.

It said the leaders expressed commitment to expedite the signing of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, and to early ratification of the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

MOBOR: Endorsing India's effort to corner Pakistan on terror, regional grouping BIMSTEC has said fight against the menace should not only be confined to disrupting and eliminating terror networks, but must also take strong measures against states supporting terrorists and falsely extolling their virtues. In an apparent reference to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif calling slain Hizbul terrorist Burhan Wani a "martyr", BIMSTEC said there should not be glorification of terrorists as martyrs. An Outcome Document detailing deliberations by leaders of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal at their retreat here last night, said they condemned in strongest terms the recent "barbaric terror" attacks in the region, seen as a reference to Pathankot and Uri strikes. "We strongly believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but should also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against states which encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues," the grouping said in the document issued today. It said the leaders stressed on urgent measures to counter terrorism. "There should be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs. We recognize the need for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization. We express our determination to take concrete measures to step up cooperation and coordination among our law enforcement, intelligence and security organisations," it said. India has been scaling up efforts to isolate Pakistan in the wake of the Uri attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing BRICS and BIMSTEC summits here yesterday, called Pakistan a "mother ship" of global terrorism and said the menace has become its "favourite child". The strong position of BIMSTEC in dealing with terror assumes significance as it comes after consensus eluded on reference to cross-border terror in BRICS declaration. "Recognising that terrorism continues to remain the single most significant threat to peace and stability in our region, we reiterate our strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stress that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever," BIMSTEC said. It said the leaders expressed commitment to expedite the signing of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, and to early ratification of the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Veteran Dalit leader Srinivasa Prasad, the former revenue minister who was miffed at being unceremoniously dropped from Siddaramaiah cabinet during the recent reshuffle, resigned from the State Assembly and also the primary membership of the party on Monday.

BJP, JD (S) and BSP are trying to woo the senior leader from Mysuru to field him as a candidate in the ensuing bypoll, though sources said Prasad is likely to contest as an independent candidate.

He had announced his decision not to continue working with his friend-turned-foe Siddaramaiah, and submitted his resignation to Assembly Speaker KB Koliwad on Monday. He is, however, yet to announce his plans.

BENGALURU: Veteran Dalit leader Srinivasa Prasad, the former revenue minister who was miffed at being unceremoniously dropped from Siddaramaiah cabinet during the recent reshuffle, resigned from the State Assembly and also the primary membership of the party on Monday. BJP, JD (S) and BSP are trying to woo the senior leader from Mysuru to field him as a candidate in the ensuing bypoll, though sources said Prasad is likely to contest as an independent candidate. He had announced his decision not to continue working with his friend-turned-foe Siddaramaiah, and submitted his resignation to Assembly Speaker KB Koliwad on Monday. He is, however, yet to announce his plans.
By Express News Service

KANNUR: For the first time since the recent bloody conflicts between CPM and BJP/RSS cadre rocked Kannur, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, DGP Loknath Behera and other senior police officials met here on Sunday to discuss ways to prevent escalation of tension between the two sides. The CM, DGP and other senior police officials were in Mangattparamba to attend the passing out parade of Kerala Armed Police (KAP and Malabar Special Police (MSP). Sources said Pinarayi, Behera and other senior officials used the occasion to take stock of the recent political murders in the district and discussed ways to stem the violence.

Kannur has been in the grip of violence following the killing of CPM leader K Mohanan on October 10. Following the incident, BJP activist Ramith, son of slain leader Uthaman, was hacked to death. Several houses of BJP supporters were completely destroyed in the ensuing violence.

On the eve of CMs visit, IG North, Dinendar Kashyap, District police chief K Sanjay Kumar Gurudin and other DySPs participated in a meeting held at 10.30 pm on Saturday to discuss the law and order situation in the district. Speaking to reporters after the passing out parade, Behera said the police has launched an impartial investigation into the murders in the district.

He said it has also been decided to increase the intelligence network in the area. Behera said culprits would be

brought to book irrespective of their political affiliations. The police have made some arrests in the Mohanan urder and more arrests were expected to be made in both the cases in coming days. We will ensure hat the people behind the murders are arrested, he said. Pinarayi, during his speech at the passing out parade, avoided any reference to the political killings in the district.

KANNUR: For the first time since the recent bloody conflicts between CPM and BJP/RSS cadre rocked Kannur, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, DGP Loknath Behera and other senior police officials met here on Sunday to discuss ways to prevent escalation of tension between the two sides. The CM, DGP and other senior police officials were in Mangattparamba to attend the passing out parade of Kerala Armed Police (KAP and Malabar Special Police (MSP). Sources said Pinarayi, Behera and other senior officials used the occasion to take stock of the recent political murders in the district and discussed ways to stem the violence. Kannur has been in the grip of violence following the killing of CPM leader K Mohanan on October 10. Following the incident, BJP activist Ramith, son of slain leader Uthaman, was hacked to death. Several houses of BJP supporters were completely destroyed in the ensuing violence. On the eve of CMs visit, IG North, Dinendar Kashyap, District police chief K Sanjay Kumar Gurudin and other DySPs participated in a meeting held at 10.30 pm on Saturday to discuss the law and order situation in the district. Speaking to reporters after the passing out parade, Behera said the police has launched an impartial investigation into the murders in the district. He said it has also been decided to increase the intelligence network in the area. Behera said culprits would be brought to book irrespective of their political affiliations. The police have made some arrests in the Mohanan urder and more arrests were expected to be made in both the cases in coming days. We will ensure hat the people behind the murders are arrested, he said. Pinarayi, during his speech at the passing out parade, avoided any reference to the political killings in the district.
Rajesh Abraham By

Express News Service

KOCHI: Its official. The health of the Indian software services sector is deteriorating and its beginning to jolt the job market more seriously than imagined. While students of tier-I colleges such as IITs, NITs and other premier institutes like College of Engineering, Trivandrum, are largely insulated from the job crisis, the hard hit will be tier-II and tier-III colleges in the state.

Ten or more engineering colleges out of the nearly 160 colleges in the state will have to shutdown next year as students are beginning to realise that its much better to go for a three-year undergraduation course, instead of four years in engineering, said T K Suresh Babu, head of training and placement, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kozhikode.

Amit Bandre

Babu said NIT has not felt the impact of the slowdown yet as only 30 out of its 600 students get hired by the software services companies, amounting to just five per cent. We have not been affected as our students are looking for core engineering sector which includes digital services, he said. Compared to `3 lakh per annum starting package for a software services job, the core engineering jobs fetch upwards of `6 lakh per annum, though the number of hires are lower. Babu said the big three software services companies - TCS, Infosys, Cognizant - cutting recruitment by more than half was an alarming prospect for the engineering students. The increase in engineering colleges and the number of seats should have been in proportion to the industry demand, said Babu.

Varun Chandran, founder of Corporate360, an IT sales information company, blamed the engineering curriculum for the lack of job opportunities in emerging fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, the current point of focus of some IT MNCs.



Its time we update our curriculum and refreshing it to keep up with ever-changing industry innovations. At our engineering colleges, legacy technologies like c, c++ etc are being taught. Theres lack exposure for students to the latest technologies like big data, robotics, artificial intelligence etc, said Varun.



James Varghese, in-charge of placements at School of Engineering at Cochin University, said the intake is dull this year compared to previous years. Almost all the companies that have come for campus placements last year have shown interest to participate this year too. But their requirement is far lower this year, he said. There is good demand from prospective employers like Indian Oil Corporation in specialised sectors such as Safety&Fire Engineering, he said.

KOCHI: Its official. The health of the Indian software services sector is deteriorating and its beginning to jolt the job market more seriously than imagined. While students of tier-I colleges such as IITs, NITs and other premier institutes like College of Engineering, Trivandrum, are largely insulated from the job crisis, the hard hit will be tier-II and tier-III colleges in the state. Ten or more engineering colleges out of the nearly 160 colleges in the state will have to shutdown next year as students are beginning to realise that its much better to go for a three-year undergraduation course, instead of four years in engineering, said T K Suresh Babu, head of training and placement, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kozhikode. Amit BandreBabu said NIT has not felt the impact of the slowdown yet as only 30 out of its 600 students get hired by the software services companies, amounting to just five per cent. We have not been affected as our students are looking for core engineering sector which includes digital services, he said. Compared to `3 lakh per annum starting package for a software services job, the core engineering jobs fetch upwards of `6 lakh per annum, though the number of hires are lower. Babu said the big three software services companies - TCS, Infosys, Cognizant - cutting recruitment by more than half was an alarming prospect for the engineering students. The increase in engineering colleges and the number of seats should have been in proportion to the industry demand, said Babu. Varun Chandran, founder of Corporate360, an IT sales information company, blamed the engineering curriculum for the lack of job opportunities in emerging fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, the current point of focus of some IT MNCs. Its time we update our curriculum and refreshing it to keep up with ever-changing industry innovations. At our engineering colleges, legacy technologies like c, c++ etc are being taught. Theres lack exposure for students to the latest technologies like big data, robotics, artificial intelligence etc, said Varun. James Varghese, in-charge of placements at School of Engineering at Cochin University, said the intake is dull this year compared to previous years. Almost all the companies that have come for campus placements last year have shown interest to participate this year too. But their requirement is far lower this year, he said. There is good demand from prospective employers like Indian Oil Corporation in specialised sectors such as Safety&Fire Engineering, he said.
Rodrigo Duterte will not "barter" away territory and economic rights.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Sunday he would raise a controversial arbitral ruling on the South China Sea with China's leaders, and vowed not to surrender any sovereignty or deviate from the July award by the tribunal in The Hague.

Duterte said his trip to China this week represented a turning point in bilateral ties, but he acknowledged there was some public concern about his rapid rapprochement moves and reassured Filipinos that would not impact on the country's maritime sovereignty.

In comments that will not sit comfortably with the Chinese leadership, Duterte said the decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration would be talked about and the parameters of the award would be discussed, but there would be no "hard imposition" of it.

The ruling dealt a blow to China's extensive claims in the South China Sea. Beijing has refused to recognize the case and has chided any country telling it to abide by the ruling.

"I will not bargain anywhere, we will continue to insist that is ours," he told a news conference in his home city of Davao.

"The international tribunal decision will be taken up."

The unpredictable president's moves to strongly engage China, just a few months after an arbitral award that sparked fears in the region of a backlash by Beijing in the South China Sea, mark a striking reversal in Philippine foreign policy since he took office on June 30.

Duterte goes to China on Tuesday with at least 200 members of the Philippine business elite to pave the way for what he calls a new commercial alliance. Among the areas expected to be prioritized are financing for Philippine businesses, farm exports, major infrastructure investments and tourism.

It comes amid a torrent of anti-American comments by Duterte that have cast a cloud over a longstanding relationship with the United States.

While he continues to chastise and hurl abuse at Washington for expressing concern about his bloody war on drugs, he insists his strategic gambit is about abiding by a constitution that enshrines an independent foreign policy.

He spoke of his intention to "intensify" trade ties and work closer with China, but would not avoid discussing what is a bone of contention between them.

"There will be no hard impositions. We will talk, we will maybe paraphrase everything in the judgment and set the limits of our territories, the special economic zones," he said of meeting.

"It will be no bargaining. It is ours and many of you are wanting to ask the question. No bargaining."

Duterte's comments might rattle China, which has spoken glowingly about the new partnership, but may not want to hear about an international ruling that it lost comprehensively, and included the invalidation of the U-shaped "nine-dashed line" featured on Chinese maps and passports.

Related news:

> Philippines' Duterte likens himself to Hitler, wants to kill millions of drug users

> Philippine officials seek clarity after Duterte suggests end of US exercises

> Philippines' Duterte vows to end joint US military drills
By Express News Service

KANNUR: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Sunday alleged that BJP national president Amit Shah was encouraging RSS workers to unleash violence on CPM activists in Kannur district. Sangh parivar activists belonging to other districts were used by the RSS for carrying out the attacks in Kannur district, he said. Kodiyeri was speaking to reporters after visiting the house of slain CPM activist K Mohanan at Valangichal in Vengad panchayat.



The RSS leadership should meet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to find a solution to violence and to maintain peace, he said. CPM has already made it clear that it has no issues in holding discussions to maintain peace in the state, he said. If the RSS leaders are ready to meet the Chief Minister for a discussion with him, there will certainly be a way forward, he said. He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should advise RSS leaders in the state to end the violence against CPM. The Central leadership of BJP/RSS should intervene to stop the continuous attacks. It is not O Rajagopal MLA who should speak for the RSS. The RSS leadership itself should contact the Chief Minister.



Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has already taken the initiative for a discussion with RSS leaders to maintain peace in the state and shared the same with Union Minister Anantha Kumar. Moreover, Home Minister Rajnath Singh was also informed of the matter. But both the Central and state leaderships of BJP and RSS have not responded to the offer so far, said Kodiyeri.

KANNUR: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Sunday alleged that BJP national president Amit Shah was encouraging RSS workers to unleash violence on CPM activists in Kannur district. Sangh parivar activists belonging to other districts were used by the RSS for carrying out the attacks in Kannur district, he said. Kodiyeri was speaking to reporters after visiting the house of slain CPM activist K Mohanan at Valangichal in Vengad panchayat. The RSS leadership should meet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to find a solution to violence and to maintain peace, he said. CPM has already made it clear that it has no issues in holding discussions to maintain peace in the state, he said. If the RSS leaders are ready to meet the Chief Minister for a discussion with him, there will certainly be a way forward, he said. He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should advise RSS leaders in the state to end the violence against CPM. The Central leadership of BJP/RSS should intervene to stop the continuous attacks. It is not O Rajagopal MLA who should speak for the RSS. The RSS leadership itself should contact the Chief Minister. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has already taken the initiative for a discussion with RSS leaders to maintain peace in the state and shared the same with Union Minister Anantha Kumar. Moreover, Home Minister Rajnath Singh was also informed of the matter. But both the Central and state leaderships of BJP and RSS have not responded to the offer so far, said Kodiyeri.
By Express News Service

JEYPORE (Odisha): An anti-gambling raid on a village in Koraput district by the Odisha police, common during this time of the year, went wrong when the villagers turned upon the cops, beat them and confined some of them in a house last last night.

At least ten policemen, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP,) received injuries in the counterattack by the villagers of Kumuli village and the policemen held holstage had to be rescued by reinforcements rushed by senior officers this morning.

Gambling is rampant in the Koraput region during Kumar Purnima (full moon day in October) and the Diwali fortnight. Raids on gambling dens are a regular exercise by the Odisha police during this time of the year.

Having received a tipoff about gambling activity at Kumuli village, a posse of 15 policemen, led by the Boriguma sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Udhab Nayak, were dispatched to the area late last night. But villagers stood their ground and attacked the policemen. Though some cops managed to escape, the rest were confined in a house till senior cops accompanied by one platoon of police reinforcement freed them in the morning.

One police officer said the injured cops received head injuries, but their condition was stable and out of danger. Villagers trashed two police vehicles though.

Police have lodged a complaint against the persons involved in the attack, but no one has been arrested so far. As the situation is still tense, a platoon of armed police force has been stationed there.

JEYPORE (Odisha): An anti-gambling raid on a village in Koraput district by the Odisha police, common during this time of the year, went wrong when the villagers turned upon the cops, beat them and confined some of them in a house last last night. At least ten policemen, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP,) received injuries in the counterattack by the villagers of Kumuli village and the policemen held holstage had to be rescued by reinforcements rushed by senior officers this morning. Gambling is rampant in the Koraput region during Kumar Purnima (full moon day in October) and the Diwali fortnight. Raids on gambling dens are a regular exercise by the Odisha police during this time of the year. Having received a tipoff about gambling activity at Kumuli village, a posse of 15 policemen, led by the Boriguma sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Udhab Nayak, were dispatched to the area late last night. But villagers stood their ground and attacked the policemen. Though some cops managed to escape, the rest were confined in a house till senior cops accompanied by one platoon of police reinforcement freed them in the morning. One police officer said the injured cops received head injuries, but their condition was stable and out of danger. Villagers trashed two police vehicles though. Police have lodged a complaint against the persons involved in the attack, but no one has been arrested so far. As the situation is still tense, a platoon of armed police force has been stationed there.
By Express News Service

TIRUCHY: Spare Karnataka, but target Modi appears to be the Congress strategy in the ongoing Cauvery row. It was evident at the maiden public event of S Thirunavukkarasar after taking charge as president of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) here on Saturday. He lashed out at the Centre for not playing a proactive role in solving the Cauvery dispute, but refrained from criticising the Congress government in Karnataka.

Addressing a day-long hunger strike of party workers and functionaries here to press for the formation of Cauvery Management Board (CMB), he said, Nearly 50 MPs of Tamil Nadu were denied an audience by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to present TNs case in the Cauvery dispute. This only reflects the indifference of the PM to the interstate row.

The TNCC chief, handpicked by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, was careful enough not to attack the Karnataka government. Though delayed, Karnataka has released Cauvery water as directed by the Supreme Court. Whereas the Union government has defied the apex court by not constituting the CMB, which could ensure the rights of Tamil Nadu farmers in the Cauvery.

Tamilisai criticises pro-CMB fast in Tiruchy

Chennai: BJP State president Tamilisai Soundararajan on Saturday strongly criticised the fast by the Congress at Tiruchy demanding the formation of the Cauvery Management Board. She asserted that BJP government at the Centre would form a strong CMB in accordance with the law. When in power at the Centre, Congress had been dodging the formation of CMB for many years, she said.

DMK MPs call on Prez, seek his intervention

Chennai: A team of DMK MPs on Saturday called on the President Pranab Mukherjee and submitted a memorandum seeking a direction to Union Water Resources Ministry to constitute the board at the earliest to save Tamil Nadu farmers. The memorandum said the stand taken by the Centre in the Supreme Court, quoting Article 262 of the Constitution, was untenable.

TIRUCHY: Spare Karnataka, but target Modi appears to be the Congress strategy in the ongoing Cauvery row. It was evident at the maiden public event of S Thirunavukkarasar after taking charge as president of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) here on Saturday. He lashed out at the Centre for not playing a proactive role in solving the Cauvery dispute, but refrained from criticising the Congress government in Karnataka. Addressing a day-long hunger strike of party workers and functionaries here to press for the formation of Cauvery Management Board (CMB), he said, Nearly 50 MPs of Tamil Nadu were denied an audience by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to present TNs case in the Cauvery dispute. This only reflects the indifference of the PM to the interstate row. The TNCC chief, handpicked by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, was careful enough not to attack the Karnataka government. Though delayed, Karnataka has released Cauvery water as directed by the Supreme Court. Whereas the Union government has defied the apex court by not constituting the CMB, which could ensure the rights of Tamil Nadu farmers in the Cauvery. Tamilisai criticises pro-CMB fast in Tiruchy Chennai: BJP State president Tamilisai Soundararajan on Saturday strongly criticised the fast by the Congress at Tiruchy demanding the formation of the Cauvery Management Board. She asserted that BJP government at the Centre would form a strong CMB in accordance with the law. When in power at the Centre, Congress had been dodging the formation of CMB for many years, she said. DMK MPs call on Prez, seek his intervention Chennai: A team of DMK MPs on Saturday called on the President Pranab Mukherjee and submitted a memorandum seeking a direction to Union Water Resources Ministry to constitute the board at the earliest to save Tamil Nadu farmers. The memorandum said the stand taken by the Centre in the Supreme Court, quoting Article 262 of the Constitution, was untenable.
Sinduja Jane By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Casteist discrimination is not new for them, having faced and resisted it all through their lives to become successful doctors, some serving in government service. But if a patient is hesitant to approach because the doctor is from a Dalit, that is a sign of a malaise for which there is no cure.

Unwilling to continue in a religious establishment that has always been discriminatory to them, a group of persons including 47 doctors converted to Buddhism at a function organised in Chennai on Sunday by Makkal Medical Team to commemorate the 60th anniversary of BR Ambedkars mass conversion in Nagpur.

Explaining the discrimination they faced while in service across the State, especially the rural heartland of Tamil Nadu where caste is still a very important factor, the doctors recounted the difficulties they faced to get a house on rent, avail the services of domestic helps and drivers, or while buying property.

I was willing to pay Rs 2.50 crore that the person asked for the land I wanted to buy in Trichy. But he wanted to know my caste. I had to hide my caste to purchase the land, said Dr G Govindaraj, a surgical oncologist. He has now adopted the name GG Buddh Raj. Now I need not bother about my caste, added the doctor from Trichy.

That episode is relatively minor when compared to the story recalled by Dr MV Thambiah, an orthopaedic at the government hospital in Cuddalore. Even patients check our caste before undergoing treatment. It is not done openly, but subtly. They simply say we will go to the doctor we know for further treatment, he said wryly.

In one instance, he added, a patient scheduled for surgery asked if he can get blood of the upper caste donor. I was shocked to hear this, but these are the things we face at our work on daily basis.

There is discrimination all around, added Dr Janakiraman, an anaesthesiologist now posted at Government headquarters hospital in Cuddalore. Doctors on rural service will not get accommodation if its an upper caste dominated village. Only the Dalits can understand the difficulties, said Dr Janakiraman, who has now assumed the name Dr Satya Sakya after the conversion.

Another doctor, Dr N Periyasamy, an assistant professor in the anaesthesiology department at the Government Trichy Medical College, said it was impossible to find a domestic help or driver. I can afford to pay good salary, but they are hesitant to work under me, he said.

Dalits were historically Buddhists. But after 2 AD, they were ostracised and treated as untouchable. So we dont call it as conversion, but a reversion, added the doctor.

After facing such discrimination for centuries, many such communities are seeking out Buddhism because it preaches equality, fundamental rights and freedom. This is why there is an increase in the number of people turning to Buddhism. In recent times, educated and cultured persons who are aware of their rights have been opting Buddhism, said Dhammanag, the monk from UK who was present during the function.

Besides doctors, several of their family members, too, embraced Buddhism, taking the number of people to around 70, said the organisers.

CHENNAI: Casteist discrimination is not new for them, having faced and resisted it all through their lives to become successful doctors, some serving in government service. But if a patient is hesitant to approach because the doctor is from a Dalit, that is a sign of a malaise for which there is no cure. Unwilling to continue in a religious establishment that has always been discriminatory to them, a group of persons including 47 doctors converted to Buddhism at a function organised in Chennai on Sunday by Makkal Medical Team to commemorate the 60th anniversary of BR Ambedkars mass conversion in Nagpur. Explaining the discrimination they faced while in service across the State, especially the rural heartland of Tamil Nadu where caste is still a very important factor, the doctors recounted the difficulties they faced to get a house on rent, avail the services of domestic helps and drivers, or while buying property. I was willing to pay Rs 2.50 crore that the person asked for the land I wanted to buy in Trichy. But he wanted to know my caste. I had to hide my caste to purchase the land, said Dr G Govindaraj, a surgical oncologist. He has now adopted the name GG Buddh Raj. Now I need not bother about my caste, added the doctor from Trichy. That episode is relatively minor when compared to the story recalled by Dr MV Thambiah, an orthopaedic at the government hospital in Cuddalore. Even patients check our caste before undergoing treatment. It is not done openly, but subtly. They simply say we will go to the doctor we know for further treatment, he said wryly. In one instance, he added, a patient scheduled for surgery asked if he can get blood of the upper caste donor. I was shocked to hear this, but these are the things we face at our work on daily basis. There is discrimination all around, added Dr Janakiraman, an anaesthesiologist now posted at Government headquarters hospital in Cuddalore. Doctors on rural service will not get accommodation if its an upper caste dominated village. Only the Dalits can understand the difficulties, said Dr Janakiraman, who has now assumed the name Dr Satya Sakya after the conversion. Another doctor, Dr N Periyasamy, an assistant professor in the anaesthesiology department at the Government Trichy Medical College, said it was impossible to find a domestic help or driver. I can afford to pay good salary, but they are hesitant to work under me, he said. Dalits were historically Buddhists. But after 2 AD, they were ostracised and treated as untouchable. So we dont call it as conversion, but a reversion, added the doctor. After facing such discrimination for centuries, many such communities are seeking out Buddhism because it preaches equality, fundamental rights and freedom. This is why there is an increase in the number of people turning to Buddhism. In recent times, educated and cultured persons who are aware of their rights have been opting Buddhism, said Dhammanag, the monk from UK who was present during the function. Besides doctors, several of their family members, too, embraced Buddhism, taking the number of people to around 70, said the organisers.
By PTI

YANGON: Searchers have recovered 25 bodies from a ferry that sank in central Myanmar and expect to find scores more corpses as workers begin raising the boat from the riverbed, officials said today.

A total of 154 people have been rescued since the boat sank early Saturday on the Chindwin River about 72 kilometres (45 miles) north of the city of Monywa.

Search teams scouring the river, who are now securing the boat with ropes so it can be hauled out by a crane, fear the death toll could go as high as 100.

"Now we have found 25 dead bodies but we are still trying to lift the boat out," said Sa Willy Frient, the director of the local relief and resettlement department who is overseeing the operation.

Earlier he told AFP the ferry had been filled with "mainly university students and schoolteachers" when it sank at around 5:00 am on Saturday.

"I think around 70 or 80 university students and about 30 schoolteachers, and also doctors," he added.

The boat was carrying an estimated 240-250 people -- around 100 more than its capacity -- along with heavy cargo, including several motorbikes.

Four of the boat's staff have been arrested and will face legal action, said Sa Willy Frient. Authorities are still hunting for one crew member and the ferry's owner.

Survivor Hnin Lei Yee, a 27-year-old schoolteacher, was travelling with her husband and one-year-old daughter to celebrate the Buddhist Thadingyut festival with her family.

Her baby was killed in the disaster. She still does not know her husband's fate.

"It happened very fast," she told AFP. "The window was open so I had a chance to get out of the boat."

"I cannot swim so I had to hold on to a plastic float and finally the rescue boat came to save my life."

"In the morning, I heard there was a dead child in the hospital and I went there. I saw my daughter dead," she said, weeping.

Boat accidents are common in Myanmar, where people living along the nation's long coastline and flood-prone river systems rely heavily on often overcrowded ferries for transport.

At least 21 people, including nine children, died in April after a boat capsized off the coast of Myanmar's western state of Rakhine.

In March last year 33 people lost their lives off the west coast when an overloaded ferry sank in rough waters.

Sai Khaing Myo Tun, vice president of Myanmar's teachers' federation, said more than 30 school staff were thought to have been aboard the ferry that sank on Saturday.

YANGON: Searchers have recovered 25 bodies from a ferry that sank in central Myanmar and expect to find scores more corpses as workers begin raising the boat from the riverbed, officials said today. A total of 154 people have been rescued since the boat sank early Saturday on the Chindwin River about 72 kilometres (45 miles) north of the city of Monywa. Search teams scouring the river, who are now securing the boat with ropes so it can be hauled out by a crane, fear the death toll could go as high as 100. "Now we have found 25 dead bodies but we are still trying to lift the boat out," said Sa Willy Frient, the director of the local relief and resettlement department who is overseeing the operation. Earlier he told AFP the ferry had been filled with "mainly university students and schoolteachers" when it sank at around 5:00 am on Saturday. "I think around 70 or 80 university students and about 30 schoolteachers, and also doctors," he added. The boat was carrying an estimated 240-250 people -- around 100 more than its capacity -- along with heavy cargo, including several motorbikes. Four of the boat's staff have been arrested and will face legal action, said Sa Willy Frient. Authorities are still hunting for one crew member and the ferry's owner. Survivor Hnin Lei Yee, a 27-year-old schoolteacher, was travelling with her husband and one-year-old daughter to celebrate the Buddhist Thadingyut festival with her family. Her baby was killed in the disaster. She still does not know her husband's fate. "It happened very fast," she told AFP. "The window was open so I had a chance to get out of the boat." "I cannot swim so I had to hold on to a plastic float and finally the rescue boat came to save my life." "In the morning, I heard there was a dead child in the hospital and I went there. I saw my daughter dead," she said, weeping. Boat accidents are common in Myanmar, where people living along the nation's long coastline and flood-prone river systems rely heavily on often overcrowded ferries for transport. At least 21 people, including nine children, died in April after a boat capsized off the coast of Myanmar's western state of Rakhine. In March last year 33 people lost their lives off the west coast when an overloaded ferry sank in rough waters. Sai Khaing Myo Tun, vice president of Myanmar's teachers' federation, said more than 30 school staff were thought to have been aboard the ferry that sank on Saturday.
By PTI

TORONTO: A Sikh family-owned motel in Canada has been gutted in a fire that claimed one life while injuring three others as police discovered racist graffiti on the property, raising suspicions of foul play in the incident. Neighbours reported hearing an explosion and watched flames destroy the Tiwana family-owned Bashaw Motor Inn in the Canadian province of Alberta.

Residents in the town of 870 people have rallied around the Tiwana family, who lived in and operated the motel. More than US $8,000 has been raised over two days in a fundraising campaign for the family. Faisal Madi, a neighbour, told CBC News that he will never forget the booming sound of the explosion the night of the deadly Bashaw fire last Sunday or the chilling screams that followed.

Living only metres away, he was at the motel in less than a minute where he found the mother and two sons of the Tiwana family outside the front door. Two of them were laying on the ground. One was standing. I tried to pull them away from the fire, Madi said, explaining that all three appeared to have been badly burned. Both boys were screaming for their father who they said was still inside, he said.

Madi called 911 and after ensuring the boys and their mother were safe. The father could not be located, leading to the belief that the remains of one person found at the site could be his. Police said there was graffiti damage to property at the scene of the fire. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed racist graffiti was found at the property, but have not connected it to the explosion.

TORONTO: A Sikh family-owned motel in Canada has been gutted in a fire that claimed one life while injuring three others as police discovered racist graffiti on the property, raising suspicions of foul play in the incident. Neighbours reported hearing an explosion and watched flames destroy the Tiwana family-owned Bashaw Motor Inn in the Canadian province of Alberta. Residents in the town of 870 people have rallied around the Tiwana family, who lived in and operated the motel. More than US $8,000 has been raised over two days in a fundraising campaign for the family. Faisal Madi, a neighbour, told CBC News that he will never forget the booming sound of the explosion the night of the deadly Bashaw fire last Sunday or the chilling screams that followed. Living only metres away, he was at the motel in less than a minute where he found the mother and two sons of the Tiwana family outside the front door. Two of them were laying on the ground. One was standing. I tried to pull them away from the fire, Madi said, explaining that all three appeared to have been badly burned. Both boys were screaming for their father who they said was still inside, he said. Madi called 911 and after ensuring the boys and their mother were safe. The father could not be located, leading to the belief that the remains of one person found at the site could be his. Police said there was graffiti damage to property at the scene of the fire. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed racist graffiti was found at the property, but have not connected it to the explosion.
By PTI

TOKYO: Japan has barred all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones from airplanes, mirroring moves by US regulators and a string of carriers that banned the recalled devices over fire risk concerns.

The weekend announcement from Japan's transport ministry follows an earlier warning that asked airlines to urge passengers not to turn on or charge the smartphones on aircraft.

But aviation authorities went a step further on Saturday, ordering airlines to ban the devices completely, a transport ministry official said.

The South Korean electronics giant has recalled all Note 7 phones, including replacements, following reports of exploding batteries and fires, which have led to numerous injuries. Samsung has also stopped producing the flagship handset.

Japan's move came after US transport authorities on Friday issued an emergency order banning the phones and saying anyone attempting to travel with the recalled handsets may face fines and have the devices confiscated.

It was not immediately clear what sort of penalties passengers on All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines -- the country's biggest carriers -- could face if they were found with the phone. JAL spokesman Takuya Shimoguchi said customers could choose to board planes without their Note 7 phone or the airline would confiscate it. But "there have been no clear instructions on punitive measures", he added. "We'll act on a case-by-case basis."

Korean Air follows government guidelines requiring Note 7s to be turned off in-flight and only transported in carry-on luggage. But it operates a total ban on flights to-and-from the US, Canada and Hong Kong.

South Korea's Asiana has banned Note 7s from all flights starting today.

Australian and New Zealand airlines have banned the phone from all planes.

Almost all mainland Chinese airlines have also banned it, while at the weekend Hong Kong's international airport prohibited passengers from carrying the device on any incoming or outgoing flights, either in checked or carry-on baggage.

The southern Chinese city's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific and its low-cost offshoot Dragonair had also said passengers were no longer allowed to carry the devices on any of their flights.

They were joined by Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express -- two of the city's budget carriers. Singapore Airlines and Taiwan's two biggest airlines China Airlines and EVA Air have also banned the smartphones.

TOKYO: Japan has barred all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones from airplanes, mirroring moves by US regulators and a string of carriers that banned the recalled devices over fire risk concerns. The weekend announcement from Japan's transport ministry follows an earlier warning that asked airlines to urge passengers not to turn on or charge the smartphones on aircraft. But aviation authorities went a step further on Saturday, ordering airlines to ban the devices completely, a transport ministry official said. The South Korean electronics giant has recalled all Note 7 phones, including replacements, following reports of exploding batteries and fires, which have led to numerous injuries. Samsung has also stopped producing the flagship handset. Japan's move came after US transport authorities on Friday issued an emergency order banning the phones and saying anyone attempting to travel with the recalled handsets may face fines and have the devices confiscated. It was not immediately clear what sort of penalties passengers on All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines -- the country's biggest carriers -- could face if they were found with the phone. JAL spokesman Takuya Shimoguchi said customers could choose to board planes without their Note 7 phone or the airline would confiscate it. But "there have been no clear instructions on punitive measures", he added. "We'll act on a case-by-case basis." Korean Air follows government guidelines requiring Note 7s to be turned off in-flight and only transported in carry-on luggage. But it operates a total ban on flights to-and-from the US, Canada and Hong Kong. South Korea's Asiana has banned Note 7s from all flights starting today. Australian and New Zealand airlines have banned the phone from all planes. Almost all mainland Chinese airlines have also banned it, while at the weekend Hong Kong's international airport prohibited passengers from carrying the device on any incoming or outgoing flights, either in checked or carry-on baggage. The southern Chinese city's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific and its low-cost offshoot Dragonair had also said passengers were no longer allowed to carry the devices on any of their flights. They were joined by Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express -- two of the city's budget carriers. Singapore Airlines and Taiwan's two biggest airlines China Airlines and EVA Air have also banned the smartphones.
By PTI

MOSCOW: An unidentified man today blew himself up at the state-owned TV centre in Abkhazia, a tiny Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia, a local official said.

"A man blew himself up on the territory of the TV centre. It was obviously clear that he had a bomb,"

Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Abkhaz interior minister Aslan Kobakhiya as saying.

Interfax news wire reported that the blast occurred at the entrance to the TV station's headquarters in the Abkhaz capital Sukhumi.

It cited the separatist region's emergency services ministry as saying the "corpse of a bearded man" was found at the scene.

Abkhazia has claimed independence from Georgia since an armed conflict in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Russia recognised the region as independent from Georgia following a brief conflict in 2008 over another breakaway region of South Ossetia and has thousands of troops stationed there.

Georgia insists that the two regions are under de facto Russian occupation.

MOSCOW: An unidentified man today blew himself up at the state-owned TV centre in Abkhazia, a tiny Russian-backed breakaway region of Georgia, a local official said. "A man blew himself up on the territory of the TV centre. It was obviously clear that he had a bomb," Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Abkhaz interior minister Aslan Kobakhiya as saying. Interfax news wire reported that the blast occurred at the entrance to the TV station's headquarters in the Abkhaz capital Sukhumi. It cited the separatist region's emergency services ministry as saying the "corpse of a bearded man" was found at the scene. Abkhazia has claimed independence from Georgia since an armed conflict in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Russia recognised the region as independent from Georgia following a brief conflict in 2008 over another breakaway region of South Ossetia and has thousands of troops stationed there. Georgia insists that the two regions are under de facto Russian occupation.
By Associated Press

IRBIL: Iraqi forces have launched their most complex anti-IS operation to date: retaking the country's second-largest city of Mosul. While the country's military has won a string of territorial victories that have pushed the Islamic State group out of more than half the territory the group once held, some Iraqi officials worry that the Mosul fight has been rushed and if the city is retaken without a plan to broker a peace, it could lead to more violence.

HOW WE GOT HERE

Mosul fell to the Islamic State group in June of 2014, when the extremist group blitzed across northern and western Iraq, overrunning nearly a third of the country and plunging Iraq into its most critical political and security crisis since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

The most recent string of territorial victories for Iraqi ground forces have been in the country's west. Iraqi forces retook the city of Ramadi in late 2015, followed by a number of towns and villages along the Euphrates River valley and then Fallujah in June. This allowed Iraqi forces to weaken the group by cutting supply lines used to ferry fighters and supplies between territory held in Syria and Iraq.

TROOP BUILDUP

Iraqi forces began moving into Nineveh province to surround Mosul in July, when ground troops led by the country's elite special forces retook Qayara air base south of the city. Thousands of Iraqi troops are now massing there ahead of the planned operation. Iraqi troops also deployed east of Mosul in the Khazer area, along with Kurdish Peshmerga forces, and to the north of the city near the Mosul Dam and Bashiqa areas.

THE PLAYERS

In addition to the Iraqi army, Kurdish Peshmerga forces, Iraqi special forces and Sunni tribal fighters, Shiite militia forces are also expected to play a role in the Mosul operation. The role of the Shiite militias has been particularly sensitive, as Nineveh is a majority Sunni province and Shiite militia forces have been accused of carrying out abuses against civilians in other operations in majority Sunni parts of Iraq.

A very small number of Turkish troops deployed for over a year in Iraqi territory at a base north of Mosul have caused a recent spike in tensions between Iraq and Turkey. Iraq has repeatedly called for the Turkish forces to withdraw, claiming they entered the country without the permission of the central government. Shiite militia fighters have said they are violating Iraqi sovereignty and have vowed to expel them.

THE OPERATION

The fight to retake Mosul was largely launched from the north and east. The Kurdish peshmerga forces say they will push IS out of a cluster of mostly Christian and Yazidi villages northeast of Mosul along the Nineveh plain, while Iraqi military troops try to cut the main supply line northwest of Mosul that links IS territory in Iraq to its strongholds in Syria. A large number of Iraqi military forces are also expected to push up from Qayara air base.

Once villages around Mosul have been cleared of IS fighters, Iraq's special forces a also called the counterterrorism forces a are expected to lead the push into the city of Mosul itself. The special forces were trained for more than a decade by the United States and are now some of Iraq's most competent ground forces. They have led the ground assault in a number of battles against IS in the past, including the operations to retake Tikrit, Ramadi, Fallujah and the Beiji oil refinery.

WHAT TO EXPECT

While Iraqi forces have won a number of territorial victories against IS over the past year, the Mosul fight is expected to be the most complex yet for the country's military. Mosul is Iraq's second-largest city and still home to more than a million civilians. Both in terms of geography and population, it's a much larger task than Iraq's military has ever undertaken previously in the fight against IS.

Iraq's military has been under enormous pressure to launch the operation to retake Mosul before the end of this year as Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has repeatedly promised Mosul would be retaken in 2016. Some Iraqi officials are concerned that the military operation is being rushed before the country's politicians have agreed on how the province will be governed after the Islamic State group is pushed out.

Iraq remains deeply divided, and the grievances between the country's Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish populations that allowed IS to rise to power in the first place have not been resolved. Some Iraqi officials have cautioned that even after Mosul is retaken from IS, violence will erupt again in the form of revenge killings or clashes between groups once allied against a common enemy.

IRBIL: Iraqi forces have launched their most complex anti-IS operation to date: retaking the country's second-largest city of Mosul. While the country's military has won a string of territorial victories that have pushed the Islamic State group out of more than half the territory the group once held, some Iraqi officials worry that the Mosul fight has been rushed and if the city is retaken without a plan to broker a peace, it could lead to more violence. HOW WE GOT HERE Mosul fell to the Islamic State group in June of 2014, when the extremist group blitzed across northern and western Iraq, overrunning nearly a third of the country and plunging Iraq into its most critical political and security crisis since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. The most recent string of territorial victories for Iraqi ground forces have been in the country's west. Iraqi forces retook the city of Ramadi in late 2015, followed by a number of towns and villages along the Euphrates River valley and then Fallujah in June. This allowed Iraqi forces to weaken the group by cutting supply lines used to ferry fighters and supplies between territory held in Syria and Iraq. TROOP BUILDUP Iraqi forces began moving into Nineveh province to surround Mosul in July, when ground troops led by the country's elite special forces retook Qayara air base south of the city. Thousands of Iraqi troops are now massing there ahead of the planned operation. Iraqi troops also deployed east of Mosul in the Khazer area, along with Kurdish Peshmerga forces, and to the north of the city near the Mosul Dam and Bashiqa areas. THE PLAYERS In addition to the Iraqi army, Kurdish Peshmerga forces, Iraqi special forces and Sunni tribal fighters, Shiite militia forces are also expected to play a role in the Mosul operation. The role of the Shiite militias has been particularly sensitive, as Nineveh is a majority Sunni province and Shiite militia forces have been accused of carrying out abuses against civilians in other operations in majority Sunni parts of Iraq. A very small number of Turkish troops deployed for over a year in Iraqi territory at a base north of Mosul have caused a recent spike in tensions between Iraq and Turkey. Iraq has repeatedly called for the Turkish forces to withdraw, claiming they entered the country without the permission of the central government. Shiite militia fighters have said they are violating Iraqi sovereignty and have vowed to expel them. THE OPERATION The fight to retake Mosul was largely launched from the north and east. The Kurdish peshmerga forces say they will push IS out of a cluster of mostly Christian and Yazidi villages northeast of Mosul along the Nineveh plain, while Iraqi military troops try to cut the main supply line northwest of Mosul that links IS territory in Iraq to its strongholds in Syria. A large number of Iraqi military forces are also expected to push up from Qayara air base. Once villages around Mosul have been cleared of IS fighters, Iraq's special forces a also called the counterterrorism forces a are expected to lead the push into the city of Mosul itself. The special forces were trained for more than a decade by the United States and are now some of Iraq's most competent ground forces. They have led the ground assault in a number of battles against IS in the past, including the operations to retake Tikrit, Ramadi, Fallujah and the Beiji oil refinery. WHAT TO EXPECT While Iraqi forces have won a number of territorial victories against IS over the past year, the Mosul fight is expected to be the most complex yet for the country's military. Mosul is Iraq's second-largest city and still home to more than a million civilians. Both in terms of geography and population, it's a much larger task than Iraq's military has ever undertaken previously in the fight against IS. Iraq's military has been under enormous pressure to launch the operation to retake Mosul before the end of this year as Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has repeatedly promised Mosul would be retaken in 2016. Some Iraqi officials are concerned that the military operation is being rushed before the country's politicians have agreed on how the province will be governed after the Islamic State group is pushed out. Iraq remains deeply divided, and the grievances between the country's Sunni, Shiite and Kurdish populations that allowed IS to rise to power in the first place have not been resolved. Some Iraqi officials have cautioned that even after Mosul is retaken from IS, violence will erupt again in the form of revenge killings or clashes between groups once allied against a common enemy.
By The Daily Telegraph

Donald Trump suggested yesterday (Sunday) the presidential election was being rigged against him, in claims echoed by his campaign.

With just three weeks to go before election night and his support dropping in the wake of a wave of allegations of sexual harassment, the billionaire has pressed claims that the system is rigged for him to lose.

"The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media-pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD," he tweeted yesterday.

Earlier in the day, Mr Trump had dismissed an unflattering depiction of himself on Saturday Night Live, the comedy sketch show, as further evidence of a conspiracy.

"Watched Saturday Night Live hit job on me," Mr Trump tweeted. "Time to retire the boring and unfunny show. Alec Baldwin portrayal stinks. Media rigging election!"

Mr Trump has adamantly denied each of the nine allegations that have come out in the past week, and said recent polls showing his support dwindling among female voters were an indication that the conspiracy was working.

With Mr Trump taking a break from the campaign trail yesterday, Mike Pence, his running mate, echoed those claims in a series of television interviews.

He told NBC, the "sense of a rigged election" was growing with the "avalanche of continuous attacks against my running mate".

Senior Republicans have pushed back against Mr Trump's suggestion that the democratic process is not legitimate, amid a growing concern over the fallout if he loses.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, who recently said he would no longer campaign for Mr Trump, spoke out in defence of the electoral system over the weekend.

"Our democracy relies on confidence in election results, and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity," said spokesperson AshLee Strong.

Some of the businessman's allies and followers have made clear that they will not accept defeat at the hands of a candidate Mr Trump has said "belongs in jail".

Sheriff David Clarke Jr of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who has spoken out on behalf of Mr Trump during the campaign, said on Saturday that it is now "pitchforks and torches time".

"We're going to have a revolution and take them out of office if that's what it takes," Trump supporter Dan Bowman told the Boston Globe from a recent rally in Cincinnati. "There's going to be a lot of bloodshed, but that's what it's going to take."

Yesterday, Mr Pence was asked twice what he and Mr Trump would do if they were to lose, and he insisted they would "absolutely respect the results".

But Mr Trump continues to raise the stakes of the election, saying on Saturday: "either we win the election or we lose the country and this is the last time... it's never going to come back."

The Trump campaign has also alleged that major media organisations are ignoring revelations from hacked Clinton campaign emails, focusing instead on the accusations of sexual misconduct against Mr Trump. Mr Pence said the media's "wilful ignorance" toward the email controversy was "one of the reasons why so many Americans feel like the election is being rigged".

The claims come after Mr Trump said he wanted the United State's relationship with India to be greater than any other. On Saturday night, Mr Trump said at a Republican Hindu Coalition fundraiser in New Jersey that "under a Trump administration we are going to become even better friends."

A dance routine featuring men dressed as terrorists with fake rifles was performed before Mr Trump.

Donald Trump suggested yesterday (Sunday) the presidential election was being rigged against him, in claims echoed by his campaign. With just three weeks to go before election night and his support dropping in the wake of a wave of allegations of sexual harassment, the billionaire has pressed claims that the system is rigged for him to lose. "The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media-pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD," he tweeted yesterday. Earlier in the day, Mr Trump had dismissed an unflattering depiction of himself on Saturday Night Live, the comedy sketch show, as further evidence of a conspiracy. "Watched Saturday Night Live hit job on me," Mr Trump tweeted. "Time to retire the boring and unfunny show. Alec Baldwin portrayal stinks. Media rigging election!" Mr Trump has adamantly denied each of the nine allegations that have come out in the past week, and said recent polls showing his support dwindling among female voters were an indication that the conspiracy was working. With Mr Trump taking a break from the campaign trail yesterday, Mike Pence, his running mate, echoed those claims in a series of television interviews. He told NBC, the "sense of a rigged election" was growing with the "avalanche of continuous attacks against my running mate". Senior Republicans have pushed back against Mr Trump's suggestion that the democratic process is not legitimate, amid a growing concern over the fallout if he loses. House Speaker Paul Ryan, who recently said he would no longer campaign for Mr Trump, spoke out in defence of the electoral system over the weekend. "Our democracy relies on confidence in election results, and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity," said spokesperson AshLee Strong. Some of the businessman's allies and followers have made clear that they will not accept defeat at the hands of a candidate Mr Trump has said "belongs in jail". Sheriff David Clarke Jr of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who has spoken out on behalf of Mr Trump during the campaign, said on Saturday that it is now "pitchforks and torches time". "We're going to have a revolution and take them out of office if that's what it takes," Trump supporter Dan Bowman told the Boston Globe from a recent rally in Cincinnati. "There's going to be a lot of bloodshed, but that's what it's going to take." Yesterday, Mr Pence was asked twice what he and Mr Trump would do if they were to lose, and he insisted they would "absolutely respect the results". But Mr Trump continues to raise the stakes of the election, saying on Saturday: "either we win the election or we lose the country and this is the last time... it's never going to come back." The Trump campaign has also alleged that major media organisations are ignoring revelations from hacked Clinton campaign emails, focusing instead on the accusations of sexual misconduct against Mr Trump. Mr Pence said the media's "wilful ignorance" toward the email controversy was "one of the reasons why so many Americans feel like the election is being rigged". The claims come after Mr Trump said he wanted the United State's relationship with India to be greater than any other. On Saturday night, Mr Trump said at a Republican Hindu Coalition fundraiser in New Jersey that "under a Trump administration we are going to become even better friends." A dance routine featuring men dressed as terrorists with fake rifles was performed before Mr Trump.
By IANS

-- Rudal Shah, arrested in 1953, remained in Bihar's Muzaffarpur jail for 30 years despite being acquitted in 1968.



-- Boka Thakur, arrested at 16, was jailed and detained without trial for 36 years in Bihar's Madhubani jail.



Shah and Thakur are just two of the 282,879 undertrials in Indian prisons, according to Prison Statistics 2014 -- a number equal to the population of the Caribbean nation of Barbados.



An IndiaSpend analysis of available data reveals the extent of the problem: Between 2010 and 2014, 25 per cent undertrials had been jailed for more than one year. The percentage of undertrials to total prisoners has remained over 65 per cent during this period.



In 2014, seven in 10 prisoners were undertrials, and two in 10 had been detained for more than one year without being convicted.



Undertrials -- those detained in prisons during trial, investigation or inquiry -- are presumed innocent till proven guilty. But they are often subjected to psychological and physical torture during detention and exposed to prison violence and poor living conditions. Many lose their family ties and, often, their livelihoods.



Undertrials tend to have restricted access to legal representatives for two reasons: Lack of resources and curtailed liberty to communicate with lawyers from within the jail premises. This is despite a 1980 Supreme Court ruling that Article 21 of the Constitution entitles prisoners to a fair and speedy trial as part of their fundamental right to life and liberty.



The court also pointed out that prisoners face a "double handicap" -- most are poor, come from disadvantaged social groups, have little education, and their voices are rarely heard.



"The judiciary and the government have admitted that many undertrials are poor people accused of minor offences, locked away for long periods because they don't know their rights and cannot access legal aid," Arijit Sen, Manager, Undertrials Project at Amnesty International, an advocacy, said in an email interview.



Undertrials often remain behind bars for years despite the provisions of Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) which came into effect in 2005. This section mandates the release, on personal bond with or without surety, of undertrial detainees who have been imprisoned for half the maximum sentence they would have received if convicted for the offence they are charged with.



This section does not apply to those who could be sentenced to death or life term. But 39 per cent of those charged for crimes under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) couldn't be punished with life term or death penalty, Prison Statistics 2014 show.



As many as 122,056 undertrial prisoners (43 per cent) have been detained for more than six months to more than five years by the end of 2014. Many of them have remained in prison for more than the period of punishment they would have got had they been convicted.



The number of undertrial prisoners in all detention periods increased over five years, except in the case of detention up to three months. The highest increase was seen in the category of detention for three-to-five years.



More than 25 per cent of undertrial prisoners in 16 out of 36 states and Union territories have been detained for more than one year in 2014. Jammu and Kashmir leads this list with 54 per cent, followed by Goa (50 per cent) and Gujarat (42 per cent). Uttar Pradesh leads in terms of sheer numbers (18,214).



In June 2013, in a letter to the Supreme Court, former Chief Justice of India R.C. Lahoti had talked about how inhuman conditions persisted in 1,382 prisons despite a series of court and government orders.



In response to this letter, which was later registered as a public interest writ petition -- and despite the lukewarm response from the states -- the Supreme Court, in a landmark 2014 judgement, ordered the immediate release of undertrial prisoners eligible to benefit under Section 436A of the CrPc by establishing an Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) in every district, recommended by a 2013 interim order.



A UTRC includes the District Judge, District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, collectively responsible for speedy trials and review of cases. "About 6,000 undertrial prisoners were released between July 1, 2015, and January 31, 2016. This is certainly a step in the right direction," Sen said.



However, those released were 2 per cent of undertrial prisoners in Indian jails. The pendency rate of IPC crimes -- 84 per cent and 86 per cent in 2014 and 2015, respectively -- shows how slow the process of change will be.



One of the major causes of high pendency is vacancies in lower courts. It would take a minimum of 12 years to clear the 25 million pending cases in Indian courts.



There is also little awareness among police and prison inmates about Section 436A of the CrPC. This section, which is a procedural mandate under CrPC, is often mistaken for an offence under IPC, according to Amnesty International.



Non-functional UTRCs, discrepancies in prison records, poor management of information systems, lack of effective legal aid and cancellation of trials due to shortage of police escorts and video conference facilities are factors that keep the number of undertrial prisoners in Indian jails high, reported Amnesty International.

-- Rudal Shah, arrested in 1953, remained in Bihar's Muzaffarpur jail for 30 years despite being acquitted in 1968. -- Boka Thakur, arrested at 16, was jailed and detained without trial for 36 years in Bihar's Madhubani jail. Shah and Thakur are just two of the 282,879 undertrials in Indian prisons, according to Prison Statistics 2014 -- a number equal to the population of the Caribbean nation of Barbados. An IndiaSpend analysis of available data reveals the extent of the problem: Between 2010 and 2014, 25 per cent undertrials had been jailed for more than one year. The percentage of undertrials to total prisoners has remained over 65 per cent during this period. In 2014, seven in 10 prisoners were undertrials, and two in 10 had been detained for more than one year without being convicted. Undertrials -- those detained in prisons during trial, investigation or inquiry -- are presumed innocent till proven guilty. But they are often subjected to psychological and physical torture during detention and exposed to prison violence and poor living conditions. Many lose their family ties and, often, their livelihoods. Undertrials tend to have restricted access to legal representatives for two reasons: Lack of resources and curtailed liberty to communicate with lawyers from within the jail premises. This is despite a 1980 Supreme Court ruling that Article 21 of the Constitution entitles prisoners to a fair and speedy trial as part of their fundamental right to life and liberty. The court also pointed out that prisoners face a "double handicap" -- most are poor, come from disadvantaged social groups, have little education, and their voices are rarely heard. "The judiciary and the government have admitted that many undertrials are poor people accused of minor offences, locked away for long periods because they don't know their rights and cannot access legal aid," Arijit Sen, Manager, Undertrials Project at Amnesty International, an advocacy, said in an email interview. Undertrials often remain behind bars for years despite the provisions of Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) which came into effect in 2005. This section mandates the release, on personal bond with or without surety, of undertrial detainees who have been imprisoned for half the maximum sentence they would have received if convicted for the offence they are charged with. This section does not apply to those who could be sentenced to death or life term. But 39 per cent of those charged for crimes under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) couldn't be punished with life term or death penalty, Prison Statistics 2014 show. As many as 122,056 undertrial prisoners (43 per cent) have been detained for more than six months to more than five years by the end of 2014. Many of them have remained in prison for more than the period of punishment they would have got had they been convicted. The number of undertrial prisoners in all detention periods increased over five years, except in the case of detention up to three months. The highest increase was seen in the category of detention for three-to-five years. More than 25 per cent of undertrial prisoners in 16 out of 36 states and Union territories have been detained for more than one year in 2014. Jammu and Kashmir leads this list with 54 per cent, followed by Goa (50 per cent) and Gujarat (42 per cent). Uttar Pradesh leads in terms of sheer numbers (18,214). In June 2013, in a letter to the Supreme Court, former Chief Justice of India R.C. Lahoti had talked about how inhuman conditions persisted in 1,382 prisons despite a series of court and government orders. In response to this letter, which was later registered as a public interest writ petition -- and despite the lukewarm response from the states -- the Supreme Court, in a landmark 2014 judgement, ordered the immediate release of undertrial prisoners eligible to benefit under Section 436A of the CrPc by establishing an Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) in every district, recommended by a 2013 interim order. A UTRC includes the District Judge, District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, collectively responsible for speedy trials and review of cases. "About 6,000 undertrial prisoners were released between July 1, 2015, and January 31, 2016. This is certainly a step in the right direction," Sen said. However, those released were 2 per cent of undertrial prisoners in Indian jails. The pendency rate of IPC crimes -- 84 per cent and 86 per cent in 2014 and 2015, respectively -- shows how slow the process of change will be. One of the major causes of high pendency is vacancies in lower courts. It would take a minimum of 12 years to clear the 25 million pending cases in Indian courts. There is also little awareness among police and prison inmates about Section 436A of the CrPC. This section, which is a procedural mandate under CrPC, is often mistaken for an offence under IPC, according to Amnesty International. Non-functional UTRCs, discrepancies in prison records, poor management of information systems, lack of effective legal aid and cancellation of trials due to shortage of police escorts and video conference facilities are factors that keep the number of undertrial prisoners in Indian jails high, reported Amnesty International.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: The US today asked India and Pakistan to look for ways to resolve their deeply-held differences peacefully.

However, it refrained from making any comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at the BRICS Summit in Goa that Pakistan is "mothership" of terrorism.

"I have to admit, I have not been briefed on those comments. What I can say in general is that we have encouraged India and Pakistan to look for ways to resolve peacefully their deeply-held differences on a range of issues," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference.

WASHINGTON: The US today asked India and Pakistan to look for ways to resolve their deeply-held differences peacefully. However, it refrained from making any comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at the BRICS Summit in Goa that Pakistan is "mothership" of terrorism. "I have to admit, I have not been briefed on those comments. What I can say in general is that we have encouraged India and Pakistan to look for ways to resolve peacefully their deeply-held differences on a range of issues," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference.


Economic progress for Nigerias most vulnerable population improved in October, thanks to a new agreement between the United States of America and the Government of Nigeria. On October 5th,the support the five-year $2.3 billion dollar agreement signed with the Nigeria Government in 2015. The assistance agreement, announced in Abuja, brings the total of development assistance provided to $474.74 million.

This funding will continue to help Nigeria reduce extreme poverty in a more stable, democratic society. Activities will stimulate inclusive economic growth, promote a healthier, more-educated population, and strengthen good governance.

We are pleased to contribute additional funding in support of the agreement signed with the Nigerian Government in 2015, said USAID Mission Director Michael Harvey. With their leadership we know this funding will have a significant impact on the well-being of Nigerians, he added.

In an effort to align Nigerias development plans with sector-specific strategies, USAID collaborated with the Nigerian Ministry of Budget and National Planning; the Nigerian ministries of health, agriculture, power, and education; and state-level government counterparts to structure the agreement, which is in place until 2020.

In addition to the developmental funding, the United States provides humanitarian assistance to people affected by the ongoing conflict and severe food insecurity in Nigeria and throughout the Lake Chad Basin. Since fiscal year 2015, the United States has provided more than $366 million dollars in humanitarian assistance and continues to be the single largest bilateral humanitarian donor to the region.

About USAID: USAID partners to end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies, while advancing our security and prosperity. In its partnership with Nigeria, the United States strengthens social stability through social services, supports transparent and accountable governance, promotes a more market-led economy, and enhances Nigerias capacity as a responsible regional and trade partner.

The United States is proud to work with its partner, Nigeria, to promote the prosperity and well-being of the people of Nigeria, the region, and the world.
RENO  The Western Shoshone Defense Project, and Great Basin Resource Watch have challenged the Bureau of Land Managements record of decision allowing Eureka Moly LLC, a subsidiary of General Moly, to mine molybdenum near Eureka.

The attorneys for Great Basin Resource Watch argued before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Tuesday in San Francisco.

The proposed mine is expected to pump up to 10.7 million gallons of water daily for up to 43 years.

The suit is the first of its kind in federal court and addresses, among other concerns, whether mining companies are allowed to block access to federal i.e. public water reserves, stated a press release from Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada and John Hadder of Great Basin Resource Watch.

The proposed project, currently on hold, is highly controversial and has been widely opposed by Eureka County, local farming and ranching families, conservationists, and Native Americans, according to the release.

Affected communities argue that the mine will cause long-term water pollution, damage federally protected springs, consume undue amounts of groundwater and make public water reserves unavailable to family ranchers and other rural dwellers in the region, stated PLAN and Great Basin Resource Watch. The mining industry is the second largest pumper of groundwater in Nevada, and much of the massive pumping is poorly accounted for and in some cases not at all.

In Eureka County, the industry is stepping on the publics access to federally protected water and on senior water rights, the groups stated. Ranchers and farmers in Pershing County also claim that junior users in the mining industry are getting preferential treatment by receiving some water permits for water that may not exist. This result is the over allocation of the Humboldt Basin, and forced cut backs on water use for senior water right holders.

We will present the Mt. Hope case, impacts of the industrys use of water, and policy reforms that we intend to pursue that include changes to the Nevada Revised Statues, stated the groups.
Oct. 14

Brandon J. Blunt, 36, of Gooding, Idaho, was arrested on West Cedar Street for trespassing. Bail: $192

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Amado S. Cortez, 57, of Elko was arrested at 2767 Morning Breeze Drive on three counts of open or gross lewdness. Bail: $5,000

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Nicholas P. Holcomb, 61, of Winnemucca was arrested on State Route 535 for speeding 21 to 30 mph over the posted limit; open alcoholic container in vehicle; non-resident driving when privilege is suspended, revoked or canceled; and possession, receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle. Bail: $21,175

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Joshua W. Kennedy, 31, of Carlin was arrested at 1003 Chestnut St. for indecent or obscene exposure. Bail: $2,500

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Larry A. Moore II, 46, of Spring Creek was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor. Bail: $2,000

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Jordan S. Redger, 26, of Elko was arrested at Silver Street and Errecart Boulevard for reckless driving, driver disobeying peace officer; possession, receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle; non-resident driving when privilege is suspended, revoked or cancelled; burglary; buying, possessing or receiving stolen property; and false statement to obstruct a public officer. Bail: $66,885

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Refujio M. Rivera, 32, of West Wendover was arrested at 101 Wendover Blvd. for failure to appear after bail for a misdemeanor and intimidating a public officer or others. Bail: $2,500

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Javier Santiago, 22, of Elko was arrested at 101 Spruce Road for sexual assault against a child younger than 16, lewdness committed by a person over 18 with a child, and statutory sexual seduction by a person. Bail: $760,000

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Preston R. Walthers, 24, of Elko was arrested on Lamoille Highway for speeding 11 to 15 mph over posted limit, harassment and disturbing the peace. Bail: $1,110
Work is already underway on the Ikea pop-up store in Madrid.

Swedish furniture chain Ikea will open two pop-up stores in Spain as part of its calendar of events to celebrate 20 years operating in the country.

The temporary retail spaces are located in two well-known parts of Madrid and Barcelona: the Rastro area of the Spanish capital, and the Born neighborhood of the Catalan city.

The old notions of a home and furniture to last your entire life were dropped in the 1990s

Work is already underway at both stores, which will remain open between October 21 and 30. Shelves will be stocked with very Swedish products that are not available at any permanent store, said Antonella Pucarelli, the deputy director general of Ikea Iberica.

They will be exclusive products that cannot be found at other Ikea stores in Spain. Not even in Ikea stores in other countries, said Pucarelli. Its a selection of mostly decorative products.

Because of logistics issues involving the size of the retail space (460 square meters in Madrid and 100 square meters in Barcelona), neither pop-up store will sell large pieces of furniture.

The Madrid store will be located on Ribera de Curtidores street, very near Cascorro square, at a spot that fills up on weekends because of the popular flea market known as El Rastro. In Barcelona, the Ikea store will open on Comerc street.

Ikea opened its first store in Spain 20 years ago. AFP

We wanted to open them in the most emblematic parts of town, but not on the most commercial streets such as Madrids Gran Via, added Pucarelli.

The Madrid pop-up store will remain open between October 21 and 30, while the Barcelona space will close one day earlier, on October 29. Opening hours will be 10am to 9pm.

Besides selling products, the stores are also setting aside some space for workshops that will offer tips for decorating and personalizing furniture.

Ikea opened its first Spanish store in May 1996 in the Catalan city of Badalona. In September of that same year, Madrid got its Alcorcon store. Since then, physical expansion has been followed by an effort to reach out to a wider client base through online sales.

Smaller homes, fewer things

Spaniards who have moved out of the family home live in smaller houses with fewer things in them, according to a new study by Madrids Complutense University.

Ikea sponsored the research work Como han cambiado los hogares espanoles? Un analisis del periodo 1995-2015 (or, How have Spanish households changed? An analysis of the 1995-2015 period).

The report concludes that the 1970s and 1980s notions of a home to last your entire life and furniture to last your entire life were dropped in the 1990s, just as the baby boomers entered the job market.

It was then, in the mid-1990s, that Ikea landed in Spain to satisfy unfulfilled desires in a country where furniture options were expensive, unattractive, impractical and old-fashioned.

Because of space problems, neither pop-up store will sell large pieces of furniture

The study goes on to claim that Ikea has contributed to some degree in helping young Spaniards move out of their parents home, and that the company also helped Spanish families during the crisis by offering affordable products while making Spanish homes more modern and practical.

The study interviewed 2,009 people ages 22 through 64 who live alone. Of these, 21.5% said that their home is decorated like their parents, while 61.9% said they have fewer objects in them.

Ikea has also turned Spaniards into experts at assembling their own furniture, something which would have been unthinkable a few decades ago. In order for furniture to be cheap, we all need to do our part, said Pucarelli.

English version by Susana Urra.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Evening clouds will give way to clearing overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 43F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Evening clouds will give way to clearing overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 43F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Babies born to women aged 40 and over from assisted reproduction have fewer birth defects compared with those from women who conceive naturally at the same age, according to new research from the University of Adelaide.

This is contrary to widespread belief that the greater risk of birth defects after assisted conception is due to the frequent use of these services by older women.

The researchers believe this could point to the presence of more favourable biological conditions in IVF (in vitro fertilization) specific to pregnancies in older women - but they're currently working to determine the exact cause.

Published today in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (BJOG), the research is based on data of all live births recorded in South Australia from 1986-2002. These include more than 301,000 naturally conceived births, as well as 2200 births from IVF and almost 1400 from ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).

The average prevalence of a birth defect was 5.7% among naturally conceived births, 7.1% for the IVF births, and 9.9% for the ICSI births, across all age groups.

In births from assisted reproduction, the prevalence of birth defects ranged from 11.3% at its highest for women less than age 30 using ICSI, down to 3.6% for women aged 40 and older using IVF. For natural conceptions, the corresponding prevalence across age groups was 5.6% in young women, increasing to 8.2% in women aged 40+.

"There's something quite remarkable occurring with women over the age of 40 who use assisted reproduction," says lead author Professor Michael Davies from the University of Adelaide's Robinson Research Institute.

"We know from our previous studies that women who undergo assisted reproduction have an increased rate of birth defects compared to women who conceive naturally. We also know that among women who conceive naturally, the rate of birth defects increases exponentially from age 35 onwards. Therefore, it was widely assumed, but untested, that maternal age would be a key factor in birth defects from assisted reproduction.

"However, our findings challenge that assertion. They show that infertile women aged 40 and over who used assisted reproduction had less than half the rate of birth defects of fertile women of the same age, while younger women appear to be at an elevated risk.

"For women treated with IVF and ICSI combined, the greatest age-related risk of birth defects was among the young women, at or around 29 years of age. With a prevalence of 9.4%, their risk was more than double the rate of 3.6% observed for the patients aged over 40, and significantly higher than for fertile women of the same age, at 5.6%," Professor Davies says.

Professor Davies says these results could have broader implications for infertility treatment, if researchers can understand why older women do better on assisted reproduction: "There is some aspect of IVF treatment in particular that could be helping older women to redress the maternal age issues we see among natural conception, where we observe a transition at around the age of 35 years toward a steadily increasing risk of birth defects. We don't know what that is quite yet - it could be an aspect of hormonal stimulation that helps to reverse the age-related decline in control of ovulation.

"More research is desperately needed in this area to understand why this is occurring, and whether it could be adapted to both fertile and infertile women in future to prevent birth defects, which continue to be a major cause of death and disability in the first year of life globally," he says.

Professor Davies says the research also uncovered that ICSI - which currently accounts for about 70% of all assisted reproduction treatments world wide - is "particularly adverse if a woman has never had a pregnancy". These women had a birth defect rate of 11%, compared with 6.2% of women with a previous birth who used ICSI.

Source: University of Adelaide
The effect of the new policy on the shrinking workforce and rapid population ageing may not be felt for two decades, suggesting changes to retirement age could be beneficial.

Chinas recently introduced universal two-child policy is predicted to have a relatively small effect on population growth, with a likely peak of 1.45 billion in 2029, compared to 1.4 billion in 2023 if the one-child policy had continued, according to academics writing in The Lancet. By 2050, the population is predicted to be 1.42 billion under the two-child policy, compared to 1.27 billion under the one-child policy.

The authors say that two-child policy will likely to lead to a reduction in the number of abortions of unapproved pregnancies, virtual elimination of the problem of unregistered children, and a more balanced sex ratio, but warn that the effect on the shrinking workforce and rapid population ageing may not be felt for two decades. As a result, they say that policies, including increasing the retirement age, strengthening the state pension system, and encouraging three generation living should be strongly considered.

Chinas one-child policy was introduced in 1979 to curb population growth and promote economic development. Difficult to implement in rural areas, from 1984 rural couples were allowed a second child if their first child was a girl (the so-called 1.5 child policy). Fertility rates dropped from an estimated 5.9 births per woman in 1970 to between 1.5 and 1.7 in the late 1990s. Amid fears that universally lifting the one-child policy would lead to a baby boom, the Chinese government has introduced gradual changes  for instance, by allowing parents who were only-children to have two children. But, by May 2015, only 1.45 million (13.2%) of 11 million eligible couples applied for permission to have a second child. In October 2015, the two-child policy was introduced country-wide.

Chinas one-child policy is one of the most controversial policies in history, and debate has raged over the positive and negative effects, says Professor Therese Hesketh from University College London, UK and Zhejiang University, China. Last year, the Chinese government introduced the universal two-child policy. Our analysis suggests the change would allow most people to have their desired number of children and help address the skewed sex ratio, but that the effect on population ageing and the shrinking workforce will take longer to be felt.

Although ageing populations are increasing worldwide, the one-child policy has rapidly accelerated the process in China. Other negative effects of the one-child policy include the highly skewed sex ratio, with a predicted excess of 30 million unmarriageable men by 2020 under current trends, and the decline in the working age population which could threaten economic growth.

Predictions based on the one-child policy suggest that by 2050, 29% of the population would be aged over 65, compared to 25% under the universal two-child policy. Similarly, under the one-child policy, the labour force would be predicted to fall to under 750 million by 2050, compared to approximately 800 million under the two-child policy. The two-child policy is also expected to improve the elderly dependent ratio  but in all three cases, the effect of the policy change would not begin to be felt until the mid-2030s. The authors also warn that fertility rates under the two-child policy may differ in rural and urban areas. China already has a shortage of around 190,000 paediatricians, and there is a risk that this shortage will be exacerbated by the two-child policy.

The authors therefore recommend a number of policy changes to ensure economic development. Firstly, an increase in the national retirement age is known to improve physical and mental health in older adults, but would also prolong pension contributions and partially address the labour shortage. Secondly, they say that the state-sponsored pension system must be strengthened, especially in rural areas where pension coverage is limited. The authors also note that three-generation living should be encouraged. Because of continuing large-scale rural-urban migration of the working population, support for rural elderly to go to live with or near city-dwelling children should be a focus. In addition, the particular situation of ageing single men with no children needs to be recognised. Finally, measures need to be taken to increase the number of paediatricians.

China has one of the lowest retirement ages in the world at 55 for women and 60 for men. The effect of the universal two-child policy on population ageing and size of the labour force will not be felt for around two decades. Therefore, increasing the retirement age and strengthening the pensions system could help accelerate economic growth, says Professor Zeng Yi from Peking University, China and Duke University, US.
On January 8, Yemen Fights Back, a website run by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, showed images of a Spanish C90 grenade launcher among the automatic rifles, ammunition and personal documents abandoned by the Saudi mercenaries in Tuwal on the Yemen-Saudi border. A week later, the same publication showed close-ups of two more C90s, this time in Raboha City, also on the Saudi-Yemen border. The weapons were manufactured by the Spanish company, Instalaza.

More than a month later, on February 23, a video was posted on social media showing Houthi militia in the Yemeni town of Midi, near the Red Sea, celebrating the capture of a BMR-600, a military vehicle made by the Spanish company Enasa.

Spanish-made RPGs and hand grenades have found their way into Houthi rebel hands

News of the conflict in Yemen between the Houthi rebels  mainly Shia forces loyal to the former President Saleh  and the Saudi-led Sunni alliance has largely been eclipsed by the war in Syria and Iraq. Nonetheless, more than 6,700 people have been killed and three million civilians made homeless.

Hostilities broke out in September 2014 when the Houthi rebels took the capital of Sanaa and deposed President Mansur al-Hadi. With a coalition of about 10 Sunni countries and the logistical support of the US, UK and Turkey, Saudi Arabia intervened in March 2015 to reinstate President Mansur al-Hadi, Salehs successor.

But what should have been a brief campaign has turned into a long, drawn-out power struggle with an air, sea and land blockade that has left 80% of the population on the brink of starvation and 1.5 million children suffering acute malnutrition, according to UNICEF, while both sides have been accused of war crimes by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

So how did Spanish grenade launchers and other munitions find their way into the conflict?

Other Spanish arms sold to Saudi Arabias allies are expected to turn up in Yemen

After Europe, the Saudi regime is the Spanish arms industrys most important client and has been for some time. In 2015, it bought 540 million worth of Spanish weapons  15% of Spains total arms sales. Most of this money was spent on in-flight refueling aircraft, but also paid for bombs, missiles and artillery shells.

Armament Research Services (ARES), an Australian outfit specializing in arms and ammunition data, has identified two Spanish-made weapons in Houthi rebel hands  the previously mentioned Instalaza C90 RPG, and Alhambra hand grenades.

The ARES report concluded that these munitions had probably been captured by the rebel forces from Saudi troops or their allies. According to ARES, around 5,000 C90-CR grenade launchers were sold to the Saudi army at the start of the 1990s. As for the Alhambra grenades, they could have been part of a 23.2-million arms deal in 2004.

The list of Spanish military munitions confirmed to be in Yemen also includes the VAMTAC high mobility tactical vehicle

Yago Rodriguez, a Middle East expert and co-author of the ARES report, says there were also BMR-600 Pegaso vehicles, at least 140 of which were sold to Saudi Arabia in 1983. Most of the BMR-600s that have been either captured or destroyed were in the Harad district where the Saudi Marine forces suffered losses at the hands of the rebels last February, says Rodriguez.

The list of Spanish military munitions confirmed to be in Yemen also includes the VAMTAC high mobility tactical vehicle produced by Urovesa, while Rodriguez believes that sooner or later other Spanish arms sold to Saudi Arabias allies will also turn up, such as aircraft bombs, artillery shells, tanks and mortar shells.

The 2015 trade report on the foreign sale of Spanish munitions states clearly that, All the arms licenses [for Saudi Arabia] were accompanied by final destination certificates with a strict clause prohibiting re-export or use outside home territory.

Judging from the videos doing the rounds on social media, it appears that this clause has not been strictly adhered to. Recently, four NGOs  Amnesty International, FundiPai, Greenpeace and Oxfam Intermon  working for the Control Arms campaign, sent a letter to Spains Economy Ministry asking for an independent investigation into Spanish arms diverted to the Yemen conflict, to be made public along with the adoption of legal guarantees controlling both their use and those who use them. The letter is still awaiting a reply.

English version by Heather Galloway.
New cost-effective chip offers unprecedented content for African genomic research

Driven by the need for a tool to address African genomic diversity, Illumina was selected to develop an array for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) by the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Initiative, a partnership between NIH, the African Society of Human Genetics, and Wellcome Trust. H3Africa will use the new array to foster genomic and epidemiological research to improve the health of people in Africa.

According to Dr. Zane Lombard, co-chair of the H3Africa Genome Analysis Working Group, H3Africa seeks to empower African researchers with leading-edge genomics tools to study environmental and genetic factors that play a role in disease susceptibility and drug responses. Dr. Lombard shared that until recently, most studies examining genetic risk factors for disease have focused on Europeans. Only in the past decade have researchers begun to make meaningful progress in understanding the genomics of Africa, the most genetically diverse region in the world.

This 2.5M African-specific GWAS array and extensive African-enriched reference panel will be available for all interested researchers. H3Africa is hopeful that effective immediately, grant applicants for related research will consider incorporating this array in their studies. The community hopes that a standardized research platform will power additional discovery.

A substantial and ongoing investment of resources is needed for Africans and people of African ancestry to benefit from advances in genomic and precision medicine. Investing in genomic research in Africa will benefit everyone, given that all modern humans originated in Africa 200,000 years ago, shared Adebowale Adeyemo, MD, Deputy Director of the Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health (CRGGH) at the National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health and co-chair of the H3Africa Genome Analysis Working Group.

With novel, genome-wide content from individuals across African populations, the H3Africa Consortium Array is designed to be the most effective array to date for the study of African Genomics. H3Africa data will inform strategies to address health inequity and will lead to health benefits in Africa and beyond.

H3Africas vision and collaborative effort has resulted in this cost-effective, unprecedented African-enriched genotyping array. This achievement was accomplished by the coordination of researchers from dozens of African nations, in partnership with The NIH Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, H3ABioNet, the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Illumina, University of Illinois National Center for Supercomputing Applications, Baylor Human Genome Sequencing Center and others.
How a hospital room is designed may keep patients safer and healthier and shorten their hospital stay, a design researcher at Texas Tech University has found.

Debajyoti Pati, a professor of environmental design in the College of Human Sciences, recently was awarded a $98,619 grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ), one of the funding agencies under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"This grant will focus on prioritizing the previously identified physical design interventions so hospitals and long-term care facilities can optimize available capital funds in incorporating physical design solutions to reduce falls," Pati said.

It follows a grant from the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) that allowed him to identify physical design elements that contribute to patient falls.

"Based on AHRQ's longstanding commitment to improving patient safety, we know several factors are important to keep patients safe," said Kerm Henriksen, senior adviser for human factors and patient safety at AHRQ. "Texas Tech and Dr. Pati's work should further expand our understanding of risks in the physical environment and suggest strategies to address those risks and make care safer."

The NPSF study, which Pati conducted in 2015, included collaboration with James Yang, a professor of mechanical engineering; Aimee Cloutier, Yang's research assistant; Shabboo Valipoor, Pati's research assistant; health care design firm HKS Architects in Dallas; and Covenant Health's falls committee.

The group first created likely fall scenarios using industry data and experiences from health care providers, then created a space representing a typical hospital room and bathroom. Participants hooked up to motion capture technology interacted with the rooms the same way patients would. They were stopped from falling, but the motion capture technology recorded those movements as they started to fall.

They found falls frequently happen as elderly people assumed four types of postures while interacting with their physical environments: pushing, pulling, turning and grabbing. Design elements associated with these postures include bathroom configuration, bathroom door, toilet seat and grab bars, the toilet flush handle, obstructions along the path to the bathroom and IV pole design, among others.

"I am proud of the research in which Dr. Pati and his students are engaged," said Sharran Parkinson, chairwoman of the Department of Design. "We are perhaps the only interior and environmental design graduate program in the country that has received a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services."
An interview with Tim Clay M.I. M.Phil conducted by April Cashin-Garbutt, MA (Cantab)

insights from industry Tim Clay Associate Director, 

Cambridge Consultants

What have been the major innovations in cancer care over the past decade and what impact have they had? How widespread is innovation for cancer care?

The major innovations in cancer diagnosis, therapy/palliative care and surgical intervention are too numerous to list here. But enormous strides have taken place in stem cell therapy, monoclonal antibody therapy and genetic screening.

In fact, over the last decade, such has been the impact of technology advancements, that a resultant increase in survival time is being seen in cancer.

Can you please give an overview of the patient pathway in cancer care?

If we were to start at the front end - of a patient admitted for surgery - he or she would be subjected to diagnostic imaging procedures. Generally, this would include CT/MRI/Ultrasound. More specific diagnostic imaging would either be by advanced optical diagnostics or advanced endoscopy. They would also receive blood diagnostics.

Those patients would then go through a process of surgical planning and procedures to localize the target tumor based on a number of technologies including RFID, wireless and electromagnetic localization and the use of ultrasound. Many software-based algorithms are used to build up a picture of that person's anatomy and the consequential cancer in that anatomy. Subsequently, there would be a surgical or intervention stage.

I'm just going to separate those two out. Surgery is quite clear. Using the prior imaging performed, the surgeon will remove the tissue from the suspected mass. Intervention is somewhat different. It's a less intensive procedure, involving specialized catheters delivered through a blood vessel leading to a tumor bed and an ablative procedure carried out to destroy the cancer. In principle this is very similar to a minimally invasive approach using laparoscopy or NOTES.

Surgical intervention will rely on optical technologies, to visualize local tissue changes, and non-optical technologies including X-ray, CT, and MRI type visualization to determine the overall anatomy of the tumor site.

Finally, a biopsy will be taken, which is sent to the pathology department, for specific histochemical analysis to determine the stage and type of cancer.

What advances have been achieved in surgical navigation and visualization for tumor detection?

I've given you a continuum there that starts with diagnostic imaging and goes to pathology via surgical planning, navigation and orientation, and surgery/intervention. The key areas that address the question you're asking involves navigation and orientation through to pathological assessment.

Cambridge Consultants has conducted a survey looking at the number of different research projects that are actively investigating surgical navigation and visualization programs for tumor detection. Worldwide, there are over seventy key groups that are investigating different technology applications.

The key advances can really be separated out into optical technologies and non-optical technologies. Several of these technologies have been developed from pre-existing diagnostic approaches. Rather than go into the nuances of that, actually let me go through the sorts of technology which are advancing our knowledge of surgical navigation and visualization in tumor detection and, more specifically, recognition of cancer invasiveness by evaluating the tumor margins.

For example, optical coherence tomography (OCT), which is a way of being able to provide 2D or 3D data, information or characterization. It is able to surface scan tissue to determine any changes in tissue morphology.

Although OCT has very high resolution, the downside is that it has a low level of penetration through tissues. Unsurprisingly, therefore, it has evolved from its use in various skin conditions, as it's a surface which is very accessible. Such skin diseases include basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Additionally, these technologies also have application in vascular imaging. In fact, OCT is a mainstream application in coronary artery imaging, by defining the extent of a lesion in an artery. Once again, the application uses superficial imaging within a vessel and does not require high penetration for the determination of lesion classification.

Similarly, a surface scanning application has been developed by NinePoint Medical (NVision VLE) for esophageal cancer obtaining FDA approvals in 2012. There is much attention on this technology to obtain more information on deeper lying pathologies, including different types of OCT and elastography including the use of needle probes to visualize deep lying pathologies.

In particular, the work from the OBEL laboratory in Australia (Prof David Sampson) has revealed stunning images of tumor margins. Similarly, the work of Prof. Stephen Boppart et al, from the University of Illinois has led to the development of a clinical spectral-domain OCT system for breast lumpectomy specimens in the OR. This author has also spun off a company called Diagnostic Photonics, which received FDA approval in 2014 for an interferometric synthetic aperture microscopy with OCT technology, called The Forsee imaging system.

These key developments are not just limited to OCT. Laser confocal endomicroscopy is proving to be a useful technology to track and diagnose tumours. Cellvizio is a product developed by Mauna Kea for endoscopic imaging of cellular pathologies, and in the last year the company has received FDA approval for its use in surgical oncology.

Both NinePoint Medical and Mauna Kea have adopted the term optical biopsy, where cellular differentiation is being assessed without the need for removal of tissue, or as an alternative to frozen section at the point of tissue removal. For the moment, both optical biopsy and conventional biopsy are being conducted in parallel but assuming good sensitivity and specificity, it is likely that the need for complex tissue extraction prior to surgery will be superseded by these new technologies in the long term.

There are many other optical approaches providing visualization of tumors. For example, multi-spectral imaging, which requires more than one wavelength of light to differentiate the tissue types. There is some evidence, particularly from the University of North Carolina, that it can differentiate healthy and diseased pancreatic tissue.

Similarly, Raman spectroscopy, which is a spectroscopic method for looking at areas of cellular change in the body. At Cambridge Consultants, we have been involved in developing some Raman spectroscopy technologies for surgical oncology. This technology received high press coverage last year, when a Raman probe from Montreal was used as an imaging system in a patient undergoing surgery for brain cancer for the first time in the UK.

There is much current research activity with Fluorescence imaging, where injection of a fluorescence biomarker and use of an infrared light source is used to detect the localization of that biomarker in the body.

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The disadvantage at the moment is that it's dependent on what we call fluorophores, which are fluorescent probes where you need a certain minimum of specificity and sensitivity for them to work. Most of the research is concentrated on developing highly specific cancer dependent fluorophores. The amount of effort required is such that the cost of developing such a diagnostic imaging agent would be somewhere around a hundred million dollars.

The return on that investment depends on the target tissue and the larger target patient populations. However, I have no doubts that in twenty years, it will be a mainstream application for cancer detection during surgery.

It's all very well finding the tumor during surgery, but actually the most important aspect of any diagnostic during surgery is not just localizing the tumor, but making sure that the margin, which is the area between the tumor and normal tissue, is free of any cancerous cells. One cell left behind will, in no time at all, exponentially grow. Therefore, it's key for the surgeon to recognize that the bed that's been left after the tumor has been removed is free of cancer cells.

With many of these technologies such as OCT, multi-spectral imaging and Raman spectroscopy, the fundamental focus is to make sure that there are clear tumor-free margins in those patients from whom tumors have been taken.

In what ways has the use of imaging for guidance during surgical interventions been limited so far?

The first part of that is quite straightforward because most soft tissue imaging that is capable of being performed is performed by MRI. However, this technology, in the main, is just too bulky to use during a routine surgery. There are some systems out there now which are being developed for use in the operating room, but at the moment, they are primarily diagnostic in nature.

Currently MRI or CT images are taken pre-surgically and interventions recorded as an overlay of the pre-surgical images.

Until now, there just haven't been the tools available to determine whether a surgeon has removed all cancerous tissue at the time of the surgery. The way it's done currently is that the tumor is removed sent to a pathologist who evaluates the margins. A cold section is usually taken at the time of surgery, which a pathologist processes and reports back to the surgeon. However, this approach is actually still fairly crude. The answers are still unclear until a full histopathology is conducted, which may take several days.

Naturally, the patient's already been treated or undergone surgery and often this results in the patient having to go back for repeat surgery.

Can you please give an overview of the iKnife? How does this intelligent knife work and what information can it provide the surgeon with?

The iKnife was developed by a group at Imperial College. It is an intra-operative tissue identification technology using a technique known as Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (REIMS).

The innovative iKnife hand-held sampling device produces information-rich vapor directly from the surface of the sample, which when analyzed by a time of flight (Tof) MS, provides analysts with an accurate molecular profile in seconds.

Cancer tissues have different molecular properties than ordinary tissues and so it's a very simple way of being able to determine, with each movement of the iKnife, exactly what molecules exist.

In studies where theyve used this, when trying to profile cancerous and normal tissue, the authors have quoted that they've had a 100% success in ninety-one patients.

At what stage of development is the iKnife?

This technology was acquired a couple of years ago by a company called the Waters Corporation, who are now providing marketing materials on the product.

How personalized do you think surgery could become with technologies such as the iKnife?

I don't think that the iKnife or any of the other technologies discussed aids in the personalized nature of surgery. I think the personalized nature comes in when certain diagnostic tests are applied to cancer patients to assess what types of therapy those patients should have.

There are lots of diagnostic tests out there that look at circulating tumor cells or free DNA measurements which could define the patient upfront and therefore allow for pharmaceutical treatment of that patient.

You can then select the patient for whom one therapy would be more beneficial compared to another. I think that level of personalization is very exciting, but actually removed a bit from the levels of surgical interventions.

What do you think the future holds for emerging technologies in cancer care?

We must think about what non-optical technologies are out there and there are two examples.

The iKnife is one of them. It's not an optical system; it's a spectroscopic system. The other one is a product called MarginProbe. This is being developed by Dune Medical in the US and is a way of being able to define cancer or normal tissues by means of an electromagnetic measurement called fringe field sensing. Essentially, it is a probe that looks at the impedance changes between cancerous tissue and normal tissue.

It has been used in breast cancer patients and has been shown to reduce the re-operation rate. That is when a lump is taken from a patient using the MarginProbe to determine the level of cancer in the tumor margins. Re-operation rates for those patients have been shown to be reduced by 56%, which is a huge saving to the surgical world.

Coming back to your question about what the future is for these technologies, all are trying to address the same thing, which is to remove cancer cells from the margin of tumor beds in patients, allowing performance of the diagnosis and surgery at the same time, reducing delays in treatment and obviating the need for repeat surgery.

I've said about MarginProbe reducing the re-operation rates by 56%, which is a fantastic outcome, but actually it's not the real outcome. The real outcome has to be survival times. As some of these technologies have really only received their regulatory clearance in the last couple of years, it's going to be some time before we understand whether any of them enhance the survival times of cancer patients for any given cancer.

Where can readers find more information?

Chimaera: http://www.cambridgeconsultants.com/media/press-releases/new-surgical-experience-2

BBC article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-34041863

Uni West Aus Obel: http://obel.ee.uwa.edu.au/

About Tim Clay

Tim Clay is an Associate Director at Cambridge Consultants specializing in medtech product strategy and development.

He holds an M.I.in Biology and an M.Phil in Physiology from the University of London.

At Cambridge Consultants, Tim oversees USP product development and has responsibility for portfolio enhancement including M&A and technology acquisition as well as product launch and growth strategies.
A TECHNIQUE for detecting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is being used to identify vitamins in the bloodstream linked to dementia.

Researchers from the University of Adelaide in South Australia developed the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detection method in 2014, which used light intensity to determine the presence of explosive residue.

Laser shining through blood sample to make vitamin B12 molecules vibrate. Credit: The Lead

The same method is now being used to highlight vitamin B12 in diluted human blood, with the potential to mature into a diagnosis tool for dementia or Alzheimers disease.

Lead investigator Georgios Tsiminis said the technique was still being modified for commercial use but could also be used to detect a range of different molecules useful in identifying other diseases.

We shine a light onto a blood sample that gives us a measurement of the amount of vitamin B12, which is linked to dementia, Dr Tsiminis said.

Its a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to normal methods that could be applied to diagnosis of Alzheimers disease.

Our sensor is an early first step towards a point-of-care solution for measuring and tracking B12 in healthy ageing adults. This would allow doctors to monitor B12 levels and intervene as soon as B12 deficiency was detected.

The new detection technique uses optical fibre and a laser to collect the signature of certain molecules.

Light shines through a vial of diluted blood, which causes vitamin B12 molecules to vibrate.

The optical fibre collects a signature from the molecule vibrations that make up the sample and delivers it to a spectrometer.

This device then carefully analyses the signature and allows researchers to identify the molecule it corresponds to.

Dr Tsiminis said the optical measurement only took about 30 seconds after blood preparation but normal vitamin B12 detection methods took almost two days.

Vitamin B12 is a highly complicated vitamin, which is vital in the functioning and health of nerve tissue, brain function, and red blood cells.

The National Institute of Health in the United States claims people older than 14 years-of-age should consume about 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 a day, pregnant women 2.6 mcg and lactating women 2.8 mcg.

Vitamin B12 can be found in most animal products but is not typically found in plant foods.

According to the World Health Organisation there are more than 47.5 million people in the world with dementia and Alzheimer's disease contributes to about 60-70 per cent of cases.

The next step has to do with showing that the sensitivity limit can be reduced but we need a wider scale study, across different blood types, to show that down the line this is something that can be applied to a wider population, Dr Tsiminis said.

Time and cost limitations currently mean that regular and frequent B12 measurements are not being carried out.

When you go to the doctor or the nurse, amongst the other results you get for blood, vitamin B12 could one day be included.

The research is being presented today at the inaugural SPIE BioPhotonics Australasia Conference in South Australias capital Adelaide.

The conference explores photonics for diagnostics and treatment using interactions between light and biological systems, and the latest advances in biomedicine and advanced imaging.

South Australias capital Adelaide has three long-standing public universities, Flinders University, University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide, each of which are consistently rated highly in the international higher education rankings.
A pioneering digital histopathology partnership between Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals and Philips offering a groundbreaking solution to the growing demand for specialist histopathology services at a time when fewer pathologists are entering the profession has been launched.

The East and South Yorkshire Digital Pathology Network (EASY Path) brings together the clinical expertise of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Hull and East Yorkshire Hospital NHS Trust with technology giant Philips to create a virtual distributed network of specialist pathologists at both Trusts, enabling work to be balanced between the two sites. This ensures rapid analysis of vital histology samples. The partnership is supported by the Philips IntelliSite Pathology Solution open platform for digital pathology.

Over 70% of diagnoses are dependent on pathology, including cancer. In the past 40 years the number of new cancer cases has tripled, with a new cancer diagnosis made every two minutes in the UK alone. The growing demand for pathology tests has not been matched by the number of highly trained specialists entering the field.

The EASY Path network is the first of its kind in the UK, and simplifies collaboration between two histopathology departments of two independent NHS trusts, enabling workload to be shared across both organisations whilst avoiding the need for the physical transfer of glass slides and the expense of employing locum doctors or external reporting agencies.

Dr Jonathan Bury, Clinical Lead of Histopathology at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: Were delighted to be working with Hull Hospitals NHS Trust and Phillips to transform the way histopathology services will be delivered in the future. The EASY Path enables a sustainable and transformative collaboration between NHS organisations, benefitting hospitals and patients and offers a flexible alternative to the expensive physical co-location of laboratories, for the benefit of millions of patients in East and South Yorkshire.

Dr Branko Perunovic, Clinical Director of Laboratory Medicine at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: We have been working on developing this innovative solution for 18 months and so we are delighted to now to be working with Hull Hospitals NHS Trust and Phillips to transform the way histopathology services will be delivered in the future.

The new way of working which is called EASY Path uses digital technology to help hospitals work together and get maximum benefits from expert pathology specialists which are limited in number without having to have them all located in one place.

EASY Path is set to benefit millions of patients in East and South Yorkshire but our system can also be available to other Trusts across the NHS because it uses digital technology and so it does not need Trusts to be located close to each other. Results can be processed very quickly because we do not need to wait for traditional glass slides to be transported to the appropriate specialist either. They are simply sent over a secure digital network in seconds.

Dr Anne Campbell, Clinical Director for Pathology at Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: Were delighted to be working collaboratively with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on this exciting and innovative project. Our aim is to provide our patients and their doctors with access to a more sustainable specialist diagnostic histopathology service now and in the years to come.

Russ Granzow, General Manager of Philips Digital Pathology Solutions, said:

Digital pathology enables a new way of working for NHS organisations that benefits hospitals and patients. The EASY Path system offers a flexible alternative to the physical co-location of laboratories, helping match demand with capacity through shared diagnostic resources and cross-site workload improving clinical outcomes, efficiency and resilience of histopathology services.

The Philips IntelliSite Pathology Solution is an open platform that integrates ultra-fast slide scanners, an image management system and web-based pathology case viewer, enables images scanned at one laboratory to be instantly examined and diagnosed by pathologists at another laboratory.
A collaborative team of investigators at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and Loyola University have demonstrated for the first time that culturing T cells in N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) before they are infused as immunotherapy improves effectiveness and outcomes in a preclinical model of melanoma. These findings were reported in the October 15, 2016 issue of Cancer Research.

Both incidence and mortality rates for metastatic melanoma continue to rise. Only about 15% of Stage IV melanoma patients receiving standard treatment can expect to survive for five years. By contrast, clinical trial data show that up to 40% of Stage IV melanoma patients survive for five years when treated with adoptive cell therapy (ACT), a form of immunotherapy that calls for infusion of autologous, melanoma-specific T cells.

ACT aims to boost a patient's own immune responses against the cancer. To do this, the patient's own T cells are harvested, genetically modified with a therapeutic T cell receptor, activated, and then rapidly expanded to generate large numbers of T cells for therapeutic re-infusion.

Unfortunately, patient responses vary. Better outcomes are positively correlated with persistence of the transferred cells. The rapid expansion of harvested T cells before reinfusion increases their susceptibility to activation-induced cell death (AICD), prompting the authors to hypothesize that AICD reduces ACT's overall effectiveness.

Researchers have long known that factors limiting T cell persistence also limit ACT efficacy but, until now, no one knew that something as simple as changing the culture condition by supplementing with NAC could improve survival of the reinfused T cells. The research team showed that adding NAC to the in vitro T cell expansion culture prevents increases in the DNA damage marker H2AX and significantly improves T cell persistence and immunotherapy outcomes, including reduced tumor growth and enhanced survival.

The team found that nearly 40% of NAC-cultured T cells were detectable in tumors after transfer compared to approximately 1.2% of standard-culture T cells. They also found that mice receiving NAC-cultured cells experienced significantly delayed tumor growth compared to mice receiving standard-culture cells (P<.0001).

"We were really surprised by the number of adoptively transferred T cells we saw in the tumor," said Christina Voelkel-Johnson, PhD, Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at MUSC's Hollings Cancer Center and the senior author on the article. "Given the harsh environment T cells encounter within tumors, we did not expect that the number of NAC-cultured T cells would be 33-fold higher than T cells not cultured in NAC."

Adding NAC to existing protocols should pose little risk to patients, according to Voelkel-Johnson, because NAC is already in clinical use for many indications and the culturing of T cells in NAC would occur outside of the patient. "The only difference would be a change to the cell culture protocol in an effort to generate cells with an improved phenotype," said Voelkel-Johnson. Clinical trials will be needed to confirm the benefits of adding NAC to these protocols.

The road to discovering the protective role of NAC began with the MUSC/Loyola research team hypothesizing that preventing T cells from becoming susceptible to AICD during in vitro expansion might improve their persistence and effectiveness upon reinfusion.

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The team started by examining the role of p53, which is crucial for coordinating cellular stress responses and determining the fates of damaged cells (i.e., whether they will be repaired or allowed to die). While it is known that inhibiting p53 protects T cells from AICD, the molecular-level mechanisms that provide this protection were unknown. The investigators created conditions similar to those that occur during in vitro T cell expansion by restimulating the T cell receptors (TCR) to assess p53 status and cell death. They found that AICD following TCR re-stimulation is accompanied by phosphorylation of p53 on Ser15 and accumulation of p53 in the cell nucleus.

The next set of experiments clarified that the PI3K-like serine kinase, ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), is necessary for the phosphorylation of p53 on Ser15 after TCR restimulation. They also found that inhibiting ATM almost completely prevents cell death (99%) after TCR restimulation. Thus, ATM appears to be a required upstream factor for AICD onset.

While activation of ATM and p53 are parts of a known DNA damage response pathway, ATM also responds to oxidative stress or hypoxia. So, the team needed to determine whether the changes in ATM and p53 were being caused by DNA damage or oxidative stress/hypoxia. They looked at two established DNA damage markers, H2AX and p-SMC-1, and found that, within 15 minutes of TCR restimulation, both H2AX and p-SMC-1 increased three-fold. This suggested that DNA damage and ATM activation occur in parallel, leading the authors to conclude that TCR restimulation causes DNA damage, which then triggers the ATM/p53 DNA damage response pathway.

Because it is known that AICD depends on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the investigators focused on ROS as a potential cause of DNA damage. They incubated some T cells with the antioxidant NAC prior to restimulation and compared them to T cells that were expanded using a standard protocol. Results showed that ROS levels were significantly lower in the NAC cultures than in the standard cultures. In addition, pretreatment with NAC reduced activation of the DNA damage markers, H2AX and p-ATM, by 94% and 69%, respectively. These results confirmed that ROS generated during TCR restimulation play a central role in damaging the DNA.

This is the first study to show that expanding therapeutic T cells in the presence of NAC prior to adoptive transfer improves their ability to resist AICD. Most importantly, using these "AICD-resistant" T cells improves therapeutic outcomes in a preclinical model by enhancing T cell persistence, increasing tumor control, and improving survival.

"Now we are looking at studies to help us understand exactly how NAC changes the phenotype of T cells," said Voelkel-Johnson. "How does it make these cells survive? How is trafficking to tumors improved? There may be benefits to culturing T cells in NAC aside from generating AICD resistance that we haven't yet recognized."
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) has carried out a study that mathematically explains how tumors induce the growth of blood vessels. The study maintains that the tips of the blood vessels expand like a soliton, a solitary wave similar to a tsunami.

"If we know how blood vessels move towards a tumor and know they take the form of a soliton, we can slow down their growth or prevent them from reaching and feeding the tumor by controlling the movement of this wave," said Luis L. Bonilla, director of the UC3M Gregorio Millan Barbany Institute. Bonilla carried out the research with the assistance of University colleagues Manuel Carretero and Filippo Terragni.

In their study, recently jointly published in the journal Scientific Reports with a colleague from the University of California at Santa Barbara, the UC3M scientists made a mathematical description of the density of blood vessels associated with the growth of tumors through differential equations. Moreover, they confirmed this model through numerical simulations. "We saw that in the first stages, the density of the tips of the capillaries that move toward the tumor take the form of a soliton, similar to the waves of a tsunami or those that form in an irrigation canal when you stop the water with a brick and suddenly remove it," explained Professor Bonilla.

This line of research began at UC3M in 2014, during the stay of Professor of Excellence Vincenzo Capasso, from the University of Milan. "It was then that we identified some problems about angiogenesis and we were able to deduce the equation for the density of the capillary tips, something that eluded researchers for years," said Professor Bonilla. Afterwards, on the basis of the equation they developed with Professor Capasso, they published this study about the soliton jointly with Bjorn Birnir, from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

"A soliton is a wave that can spread for a long time without changing much," explained Birnir. And what that means within the context of this study is that "the tips of the veins take on a shape that does not change, lasting from the time the soliton forms until it reaches the tumor," he said.

Applications in current and future medicine

Angiogenesis is the process of generation and growth of blood vessels. It is a natural mechanism that is activated when oxygen does not reach some cells in a tissue and they secrete growth factors. When these substances reach a blood vessel, its walls open and capillaries emerge and move toward the area where the growth factors are secreted, taking oxygen and nutrients there. Thanks to angiogenesis, tissue wounds heal and organs grow and regenerate. Cancerous tumors take advantage of this mechanism to secrete growth factors and attract capillaries that nourish them and enable them to grow. In addition to cancer, the imbalance of the process of angiogenesis occurs in numerous illnesses, such as cardiac ischemia, diabetic retinopathy, rheumatism, musculoskeletal disorders, etc. This knowledge is also applicable in other conditions where the growth of blood vessels is an important factor, as occurs in the eyes of premature babies. As a result, the researchers note, the understanding and control of angiogenesis are of enormous importance in current and future medicine.

"Identifying the soliton as the motor of angiogenesis suggests the possibility of controlling this complex process through the analysis of the collective coordinates of the soliton, which are much simpler. This might be an important first step for the understanding and control of angiogenesis induced by tumors through theoretical models," said Bonilla.
Dr. Rama Ranganathan, Director of the Cecil H. and Ida Green Comprehensive Center for Molecular, Computational, and Systems Biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has been awarded a prestigious 2016 Transformative Research Award from the National Institutes of Health's Common Fund.

The grant is one of 88 awarded as part of the NIH's High-Risk, High-Reward Research program. The Transformative Research Award - one of four award categories - promotes cross-cutting, interdisciplinary approaches in research with potential to create or challenge existing paradigms.

Of 12 award recipients in this category, Dr. Ranganathan is the only researcher from a Texas institution. In the overall grant program, three other Texas researchers received awards.

Dr. Ranganathan, a Professor in the Green Center for Systems Biology with additional appointments in Biophysics and Pharmacology, will lead a project titled "Seeing Protein Mechanics: The Link between Molecular Structure, Function, and Evolution." He is known for his lectures to summer research students on a systems biology approach to science that is marked by the search for fundamental physical laws of biological processes.

"Proteins are molecular machines that carry out the vast majority of the chemical reactions necessary for life. Understanding their mechanism of action is critical for understanding both healthy and disease states," he said. "We propose an approach which, for the first time, will allow us to visualize protein motions with atomic-scale accuracy, a key step in explaining how they work."

Dr. Ranganathan's research group devised a way to use electrical fields and X-ray crystallography to capture images over time of proteins in action.

The Ranganathan laboratory focuses on understanding the basic principles of structure, function, and evolution in biological systems, with a particular focus on the atomic and cellular scale. His work has led to new models for the architecture of natural proteins and to new experimental tools for studying the physics and evolution of proteins and cellular systems.

A faculty member since 1997, Dr. Ranganathan earned his bachelor's degree in bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley, followed by an M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego. His postdoctoral work included research on voltage-gated potassium channels as a Life Sciences Research Foundation fellow at Harvard Medical School and on protein X-ray crystallography at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California.

Dr. Ranganathan, who holds the Cecil H. and Ida M. Green Chair in Biomedical Science and the Lyda Hill Endowment for Systems Biology, has received honors that include the Glenn Award for Research, the Outstanding Teacher Award, and the Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award for Basic Science.
German carmaker Volkswagen is planning to tighten spending sharply as it deals with the fall-out from its diesel emissions cheating scandal, Automobilwoche reported.



Chief executive Matthias Mueller in an internal meeting demanded that material costs and overheads be cut by 10 percent as part of its annual budget round for 2017, the trade magazine said in abstracts ahead of full publication on Oct. 17.



A Volkswagen spokesman declined to comment on the report.



Mueller was quoted as saying of the savings: "They will be heavy and it won't be done without pain. The effects of this crisis in the coming years will go to the limits of what we can bear."



He also said this was happening at a time when ideally the company should spend its money on dealing with the structural change in the automotive industry.



The diesel emissions scandal is costing the company billions of euros and has prompted ongoing talks between management and employees on a cost-cutting deal for the core VW brand.



VW's supervisory board is scheduled to meet on Nov. 18 to approve new spending targets on products, plant and equipment for the coming years, two company sources have said.
Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2016

Union Health Secretary has spoken to the Principal Secy Health, Orissa. Officials of @MoHFW_INDIA are in constant touch with state officials  Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) October 17, 2016

At least 19 people were killed and around 30 injured when a major fire broke out at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Monday night.The blaze was suspected to have been triggered by a short circuit in the dialysis ward on the first floor of SUM Hospital which spread to the nearby Intensive Care Unit (ICU)."Most of the victims were in the first floor ICU of the ill-fated SUM Hospital," a doctor at the Capital Hospital, where some of the critically injured were undergoing treatment, told PTI.The commissionerate of police and fire brigade personnel along with volunteers and hospital staff launched a massive rescue operation as more than 500 indoor patients were trapped in the building, hospital officials said.At least seven fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze and over a dozen ambulances deployed to shift the critical patients to other hospitals.Many patients were rescued by breaking window panes, PTI quoted eyewitnesses as saying.Director of the Capital Hospital, BB Patnaik, said a majority of the victims were admitted to the ICU of the four-storeyed SUM Hospital and receiving ventilatory support.Besides the Capital Hospital, Dr Patnaik said, the patients were shifted to nearby Amri Hospital, Apollo Hospital, Kalinga Hospital, SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack and some other hospitals in the state capital region.Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced "deep anguish" at the loss of lives, calling the tragedy "mind-numbing"."Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families," Modi tweeted."Spoke to Minister @JPNadda (Health Minister) & asked him to facilitate transfer of all those injured to AIIMS. Hope the injured recover quickly."Also spoken to Minister @dpradhanbjp and asked him to ensure all possible help to the injured and affected," he said in a series of tweets.In a phone call, Modi also assured all help to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.Union Health Minister JP Nadda said he had directed at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar to assist in treating those injured. We are deeply anguished by the incident, he said, adding that the Centre had assured all help to the state government.Meanwhile, Naveen Patnaik government ordered a high-level probe by the Director, Medical Education and Training, into the incident.State's Health Minister Atanu S Nayak said stringent action will be taken if the hospital authorities were found guilty of negligence.In 2011, a major blaze had engulfed AMRI Hospital in Kolkata, killing 89 people, including 85 patients.(With PTI inputs)
Javier Fernandez and Mario Jimenez are temporarily heading the PSOE. JAIME VILLANUEVA

With two weeks to go before Spain is pushed into a new general election, Socialist voters are evenly divided between those whose priority is stopping acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy from returning to office, and those whose main motivation is to avoid sending Spaniards back to the polls.

A Metroscopia poll for EL PAIS shows that 49% of Socialist Party (PSOE) voters think it is paramount to stop Rajoys Popular Party (PP) from forming a government.

47% of PSOE voters feel a third election must be avoided at all costs, even if it means delivering the executive to Rajoy

In practice, this would mean the PSOE voting against Rajoy at an investiture vote to be held in the coming days. Were this to happen, it would prolong Spains 10-month stalemate until October 31, when the political calendar mandates that King Felipe VI must dissolve parliament and call new elections for December.

But 47% of PSOE voters feel that a third election must be avoided at all costs, even if it means watching their party deliver the executive to Rajoy through an abstention at the investiture vote.

However, when asked what is better for the party itself, 56% of PSOE voters answered avoiding an election. This is because polls are forecasting that a third election would favor the PP, which stands to gain as much as five percentage points on the June 26 election, while the PSOE would lose support.

Taking all voters into account, 66% said they would rather avoid new elections. This view holds true for supporters of the PP, the PSOE and Ciudadanos but not of Podemos, whose voters clearly (60%) prefer to see new elections.

PSC leader Miquel Iceta during the interview with EL PAIS. Carles Ribas

The Metroscopia survey also shows a significant shift in views regarding the likelihood of politicians reaching a last-minute deal. While a month ago, 68% of respondents were pessimistic about the chances of an accord, that share has gone down to 37%, while 59% now feel that a deal is possible.

This change in attitude is due to developing events within the PSOE, which performed poorly at Septembers regional elections in Galicia and the Basque Country, and whose secretary general recently resigned over the issue of abstention at a highly charged party meeting in Madrid.

The interim management team that took over on October 1 has been quietly pushing the abstention option among party officials, but the final decision must be taken by the Federal Committee, which will likely meet on October 23, a day before Felipe VI is scheduled to start a new round of talks with party leaders to test the political waters.

Against, no matter what

The issue of whether to abstain in Congress is proving so divisive for the Socialist Party that the leader of its Catalan branch, Miquel Iceta, is vowing to vote against Rajoy no matter what the leadership decides.

No matter what the cost to me and to us, the Catalan Socialist Party (PSC) will vote no to Rajoy. We say this because an abstention would be detrimental to Spain and also to the PSOE, because the opposition would effectively be defused, said a defiant Iceta in an interview with EL PAIS.

If the PSOE abstains now, it will bring back the ghost that has hurt us so much in the past

Miquel Iceta, PSC leader

That a veteran PSOE official should openly challenge the leadership illustrates the scope of the dilemma for a party that is struggling to define its role as a left-wing following the rise of the protest parties Podemos and Ciudadanos.

If the PSOE abstains now, it will bring back the ghost that has hurt us so much in the past, the one created by the Indignados movement  that slogan about PSOE and PP, theyre the same old crap.

Iceta goes further, noting that if Rajoy is allowed back into office, what will the PSOE do when it is asked to support the PP out of a sense of responsibility on issues like the national budget or EU spending cuts?

It will probably be unable to, and we could find ourselves in new elections within a year or two.

English version by Susana Urra.
New Delhi: The BJP raised its Ram Mandir pitch on Monday with Union Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma announcing a visit to Ayodhya on Tuesday to inspect the proposed site for setting up a Ramayana museum.



Hours later, his Cabinet colleague Uma Bharti reiterated that the dispute land was and always belonged to Ram. At a press conference, the Union Water Resources Minister said there was no doubt that Ram was born in Ayodhya.



In yet another move seen as an attempt to woo pro-Hindutva elements months before the assembly election in Uttar Pradesh, BJP MP Vinay Katiyar urged the Modi government to introduce a Bill in the Lok Sabha facilitating the construction of a Ram Temple at the site.



The upcoming elections in the countrys most politically significant state has once again shed the spotlight on the controversial issue, with the ruling Samajwadi Party government, too, jumping the bandwagon and approving the construction of a Ramleela theme park.



The BJP, however, has insisted that Ram Mandir is not a poll plank for the party. "My visit to Ayodhya has nothing to do with UP Assembly elections. I am visiting there as a Tourism Minister. It should not be linked to politics but is part of government's effort to improve tourism in Ayodhya and all over the country. The visit is part of developmental agenda," he said.



Sharma said the museum will be a part of the Ramayana Circuit for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the circuit.



"Ram is in the heart of millions of people. As the Tourism Minister, I have to see how Ayodhya can be developed, how Ramayana circuit can be developed from tourism point of view," the minister said.



He said the government has identified three circuits  Ramayana Circuit, Krishna Circuit and Buddhist Circuit  to boost religious tourism.



The state government has identified a 25-acre plot for the museum which is some 15 km away from the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex, a source said.



Sharma will also hold a meeting with Ramayana Circuit Advisory Board during the visit. The meeting would discuss routes for connecting Ramayana-related sites in Nepal and Sri Lanka with the proposed museum.



The Union Minister would also deliberate on plans for an International Ramayana Conclave, which would be held either in Ayodhya or Chitrakoot district. The conference is likely to be attended by delegates from about 12 countries, sources said.



Sharma is likely to hold meetings with religious leaders on building the museum which would portray the epic journey of Lord Rama.



Tourism being a state subject, Sharma also sought help from Uttar Pradesh government for development of the circuits to give boost to tourism which, he said, has great potential to earn foreign exchange, employment generation and women empowernment.



Though the BJP has been insisting that Ram temple will not be an electoral plank in the UP elections to be held early next year, the proposed Ramayana museum and related activities are being seen as an attempt to keep pro-Hindutva elements in good humour.



On Dusshera, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in a departure from tradition, participated in the festivities in Lucknow where he started and concluded his speech with chants of "Jai Shri Ram, Jai Jai Shri Ram".



With PTI inputs




Thane: Probing the call centre con in which US citizens were allegedly cheated of multi-million dollars, police on Monday said they have come across a Dubai link and suspect that the ill-gotten money might have found way into real estate in the emirate.



Considering the complexity of the illicit operation and vast ambit of the scam, the officials of Home Land Security of US and IRS (Internal Revenue Service) are likely

to visit the local police soon, Police Commissioner Paramveer Singh said.



An officer of US security agency FBI on Sunday met senior officials of Thane Police and exchanged information gathered by both the sides about the scam which was unearthed earlier this month.



"Dubai angle emerged during the course of investigation of the case. However, whether the link involves 'Hawala' or otherwise cannot be said at this moment. Dubai angle may be in the form of investment in real estate, cars, or even in costly dresses. However, nothing can be said for sure as of now.



"If it's found that the money from crime was invested in any kind of asset, appropriate action would be taken against the concerned person," Singh said.



He said busting of the call centre racket was one of its kind in the world, considering the magnitude of the con. Singh said the police have mapped around 400 such "unauthorised" call centres operating in and around Thane and Mumbai, besides from places like Gurgaon, Delhi and Noida.



The racket was exposed after city police raided three call centres, which were run illegally on the premises of Hari Om IT Park, Universal Outsourcing Services and Oswal House in Mira Road locality in Thane district on October 4.



The callers, impersonating US tax officials would put up American accent to seek financial and bank details of the citizens of that country and if they refused the information, the scamsters would threaten them with dire consequences, including legal action and penalties.



As per police, the daily turnover of these call centres is said to be to the tune of nearly Rs one crore to Rs 1.50 crore, while the annual turnover could be well above Rs 300 crore.



Police have so far arrested 71 people in the case. Of them, bail applications of 54 persons, who were remanded in judicial custody by a local court earlier, will

come up for hearing on Monday. During the investigation, police also found that high-tech devices like 'magic jacks' were used by scamsters to threaten US citizens.



Police are also looking forward to crack DID (direct inward dialling) number of the devices used by the racketeers so as to find out more about their modus operandi.


Chennai: Farmer's federation on Monday announced a 48-hour 'Rail Roko' agitation urging the Centre to set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB), with principle opposition party DMK's MK Stalin participating in the protests that were held in different parts of Tamil Nadu including Chennai and the Cauvery delta districts.



Stalin led a procession at Perambur while scores of other political workers belonging to DMK, the Left parties and MDMK among others staged a rail roko at Thanjavur and Cuddalore, and were detained.



Clashes were reported between the DMK workers and police during the stir.







A farmers' federation had called for the two-day rail blockade starting on Monday, urging the Centre to immediately constitute the CMB.



These protests come days after a high-level technical team, set up by the Supreme Court, completed its inspection of Cauvery basin region in Tamil Nadu to assess the situation in the state.



The team, which also inspected the Cauvery basin in Karnataka, is set to submit its report in the apex court on Monday.



The Supreme court had set up the team while hearing a petition by Tamil Nadu government seeking release of Cauvery water by Karnataka.



(With inputs in PTI)
Afghanistans Former President Hamid Karzai appealed to people of Kashmir not to be used by Pakistan for vested interests. He called upon people to learn from Afghanistans example.



Speaking to CNN-NEWS18 he said, We also thought a foreign power was helping us do the right thing but then the foreign power had its own interests and we were used as cannon fodder. I hope our brothers and sisters in Kashmir will be wiser and live with the rest of India in peace and prosperity.



Karzai agreed with Prime Minister Modis statement at the BRICS statement that Pakistan was the mothership of terror in the region and also the biggest challenge to the economic growth of Afghanistan.



The Former President has been asking America to take action against terror sanctuaries beyond Afghanistan for 15 years. Sharply criticizing the US he said, US also shares a great deal of responsibility for ignoring sanctuaries for years and for supporting those who provide support for extremism. We hope US will change its policy and not use pragmatic interests of its country at the cost of promotion of extremism elsewhere in the world.



The Former President backed India for the surgical strike against terror launch pads across LoC. He said the US should be doing the same against terror havens beyond Afghanistan but, here he made a differentiation between people of Pakistan who want peace and terror groups and those who support them.







Karzai said boycotting SAARC was a diplomatic tool and he hoped it would pressurize Pakistan into recognizing that it needs to see this region differently. He hoped that India and Afghanistan would not have to look at a SAARC minus Pakistan but said, If we keep failing to make Pakistan realize then we should seek alternatives.



Despite Nawaz Sharifs direct interference in Kashmir and Pakistan government's inaction against terror groups, Karzai said Nawaz Sharif was someone who wanted peace with India and Afghanistan and wanted peace and prosperity in Pakistan but he no longer had the means to do that.



At a time when India has started highlighting human rights violations in Balochistan, Karzai stated that offering political asylum to people there was a good step. He said, I endorse PM Modis statement from Red Fort, people of Balochistan are under- developed, we must respect their right for self determination and a life free from violence.


New Delhi: In an unexpected move, the Supreme Court has taken serious note of criticism of its judgment and lack of legal knowledge by former SC judge Markandey Katju.



A two-judge bench, while hearing a review petition in the Soumya rape and murder case, took note of a Facebook post by Katju, which not only scorned at the court's judgment, but called it a grievous error of law. The court has now issued a notice to Justice Katju and called for his personal appearance in the courtroom on November 11 to assist the court in deciding the review petition filed by the Kerala government.



In its order, the court on Monday said, A Former Judge of this Court Justice Markandey Katju in a blog published on Facebook has expressed an opinion that the judgment and order dated 15th September, 2016 passed by this Bench needs to be reviewed in an open Court hearing. Such a view coming from a retired Judge of this Court needs to be treated with greatest of respect and consideration."



We issue notice to Justice Markandey Katju, former judge of this Court and request him to appear in Court in person and participate in the proceedings on 11th November, 2016, as to whether the judgment passed by this Bench suffers from any fundamental flaw so as to require exercise of the review jurisdiction."



This is the first time that the top court has taken cognizance of an opinion expressed by a former judge and sought his assistance in deciding the case.



The Supreme Court had on September 15 commuted the death sentence of the accused in the rape and murder case of a 23-year-old woman in Kerala. The judgment immediately sparked a debate on social media and the judges, too, were criticised.



Justice Markandey Katju, too, joined the debate and expressed himself on Facebook. Supreme Court has grievously erred in law by not holding Govindachamy guilty of murder. The Court held that since it has not been proved that the accused had intention to kill he cannot be held guilty of murder. What the Court has overlooked is that section 300 IPC, which defines murder, has 4 parts, and only the first part requires intention to kill. If any of the other 3 parts are established, it will be murder even if there was no intention to kill. It is regrettable that the Court has not read section 300 carefully. The judgment needs to be reviewed in an open court hearing, Katju wrote on Facebook.



Soumya, a 23-year-old woman from Manjakkad near Shornur, she was travelling in a passenger train from Ernakulam to Shornur on February 1, 2011. Convict Govindaswamy had tried to rob Soumya in a deserted ladies compartment, smashed her head against the wall when she resisted, pushed her hands into the gap of a closing door and threw her out of the train. He subsequently jumped out of the speeding train, walked 200 metres to find her lying in a pool of blood, seriously injured. He carried her to the woods near the rail track and brutally raped her. Few days later, the woman died in hospital.



In 2011, a trial court in Thissur found the accused guilty and sentenced him to death. The judgment was upheld by the Kerala High Court.






Driving around in Noida I was subconsciously looking out for stone-pelters.No, Noida hasnt changed. The National Capital Territory is the same as it was, one can still drive around in peace cursing the traffic snarls. Its just me.I just returned home after a month's assignment in Kashmir Valley and somehow every bend, every narrow road seem to hold the threat of a shower of stones.The Valley has been on a lockdown for 100 days now, the security forces are on their toes. And the stress and tension spares no one, not even visiting journalists. If you have spent weeks travelling, driving in the Valley, chances are you wont return the same man.The first stones in the Valley came my way in Narbal as the CNN-News18 team headed towards Uri. And by the end of our tour, almost a month later, I knew every location that was a possible ambush point. The broadcast van stands out as the most favored target: to the protestors it is a mascot of the news machinery that ignores their side of the story.You dont have to report for us just be balanced about what you report. The Indian media only lies, shouted a young aspiring journalist, leading a group that surrounded us in Chandanwari.I felt safe in my hotel. I felt safe at every active encounter spot despite the threat of bullets whizzing past. It was the drive in between that was a nightmare.The entire route we would be on tenterhooks fearing that dreaded stone flying in from nowhere.Of course, having Kashmiri colleagues is always a blessing and on several occasions long lost friends would pop up and give us shelter till violence ebbed along the highway.The famous Kashmiri hospitality never fails. Everyone, we met while reporting, had a few nasty words for us but the heated argument would always culminate in an invitation home for tea.On occasions, especially during the Pampore encounter, we were in an area surrounded by angry locals on the other side of the Jhelum River.My Kashmiri colleagues had a tough time explaining CNN-News18s position and how our coverage of the valley had been balanced. I was called over by one of the ring leaders and told that I as a guest of Kashmir would not be harmed, he even offered me lunch, but threatened to throw all our equipment into the river. We had to make a quick retreat.Most television channels are hated in the Valley for their jingoistic coverage but the choicest abuses were reserved for two channels: one English and the other Hindi. Everywhere young boys stopped our vehicles and asked us to show our identity cards, being from CNN News18 helped on many occasions. Many Kashmiris believe that mainstream Indian media doesnt reflect their side of the story.We feel sad for the family of soldiers killed in the Uri attack but what about the 91 people killed in the last four months? Who will tell their stories? Who will mourn or feel the pain of their families? asked a senior citizen.As has been captured many times over in the last few months, the Kashmir uprising this time around is far more complex and serious. Scribes are bearing the brunt this time around thanks to the polarizing debates taking place in TV studios based out of Noida, and not by reporters in Srinagar or Sopore or Baramulla.A new generation of Kashmiris with not much regard for Kashmiriyat has only made the reporters task that much dangerous. Yes, of course, the story has to be told, there is a cycle to the way news channels run and this one too will run its course.One feels restricted to the safe areas around Srinagar, few have attempted to travel to the areas affected by the shutdown.A television journalist bound by the camera and live broadcast equipment is an easy target today. Yesterday, the camera gave access to corridors of power but in the valley its become an impediment.This trend of blind hatred toward the messenger will help no one. There are other ways to tell the story in an era of social media; those who hate news channels must keep this in mind.A journalist true to his calling will never let an impactful story go  it will be told.
New York: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was subjected to a "secondary immigration check" upon his arrival in the US due to which he had to spend two hours at the airport.



"Another random secondary immigration check upon landing in the US. Thrice in three visits, the randomness is growing tiresome now," Abdullah tweeted.



In another tweet he said, "I just spent Two hours in a holding area & this happens EVERY time. Unlike @iamsrk I don't even catch Pokemon to pass the time," a reference to actor Shahrukh Khan, who was "detained" in August at the Los Angeles airport, third time in seven years that he had been stopped by US immigration officials at the country's airports.



Khan too had tweeted that while he fully understood and respected security protocols, "to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks".



Abdullah said he is in the US to speak at an event at New York University "but almost wish stayed at home instead".



"Ah well, that's two hours well & truly wasted!!," he said.



He is scheduled to speak at the event organized by the students of New York University on October 21 which is expected to be attended by former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy.
Ahmedabad: Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar on Monday said the RSS ideology inspired Prime Minister Narendra Modi and him to carry out the September 29 surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC).



It was not possible that a Prime Minister from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and a Defence Minister from Goa with a common RSS orientation would not take such a strong decision, he said.



The minister was addressing students and teachers of Nirma University here during a 'Know Your Army' programme.



The Minister said the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh teachings were at the back of the mind of the Prime Minister and him while ordering the surgical strikes on the terrorist launch pads.



Parrikar said he and Modi were subjected to severe public criticism after the September 18 terror attack on the Indian Army camp in Uri.



"Both were targeted on the social media after 19 soldiers were killed in Uri and the media campaign continued till September 29 (when the Army conducted surgical strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir)," he said.



"Now some people want evidence of the surgical strikes. These people will never accept the truth even if we provide them with concrete proof.



"One thing is sure no one can doubt the integrity and courage of the Indian Army," he added.



Parrikar said the surgical strikes achieved two things: first, the country became sensitive to national security and second, the entire nation rallied behind the Army.



The minister said some ex-servicemen have even offered their services. "Such is the high morale of the men in uniform."



He said attacks on Indian security forces, as happened in Uri, were an ongoing feature for the last four to five years. But this was for the first time that India gave a befitting reply to the enemy, he added.



Asked about the border fencing along the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat, he said a complete fencing was not possible due to marshy land.



The security forces are keeping a strict vigil on the trans-border movement using high technology, he said.




Bengaluru: Section 144 was imposed on Sunday in six police station limits in Bangalore, after an RSS worker was hacked to death by two motorcyle-borne men on an arterial road, police said.



Prohibitory orders were imposed in Shivajinagar, Frazer Town, DJ HAlli, Bharati Nagar, KJ Halli and Comml Street.



This was followed by protests and bandh called by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) across the city.



"We are doing everything possible to investigate the case, we have some images of the culprits but do not have a motive yet", police commissioner NS Megharikh said.



Rudresh, a realtor, was first knocked down from his bike and then attacked by the duo with a lethal weapon,police said.







The incident took place on Kamaraja Road when Rudresh was returning home on a bike after attending a RSS meeting at a nearby area, they said.



The attackers managed to escape despite some members of the public giving chase, they said Rudresh was rushed to Bowring Hospital, where doctors

declared him brought dead, police said.



Police said they suspected that personal rivalry could be the reason behind the murder.



However, RSS city spokesperson Rajesh Padmar alleged that it was a continuation of an 'organised elimination' of the organisation's workers.



"This is just continuation of an organised elimination of our workers. Such an attempt was made also against a RSS worker sometime back here. Hence we suspect it is nothing but continuation of killing and targeting our workers," he said.



Padmar said RSS would stage a protest here tomorrow against the murder.



Former Chief Minister and State BJP President B S Yeddyurappa said the incident and the assailants' escape "is a telling comment on the law and order situation in the state."



He said the murder was a litmus test for the government "to demonstrate its seriousness, sincerity and will in nabbing the killers and taking the issue to its logical end."



He alleged that in recent attacks on two RSS workers, the two men arrested were released on bail within a few hours.



"In the earlier two instances, government failed.I demand home minister Dr G Parameshwar come clean on this issue," he added.



He warned that BJP would launch an agitation to mount pressure on the government over the issue of attacks on RSS swayamsevaks and BJP workers.



(With inputs from PTI)




Mumbai: Two people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a 60-year-old RTI activist who was shot dead from point blank range at his residence in Kalina, Santa Cruz at around 9:45 pm on Saturday, Police said.



The victim Bhupendra Virji Veera, was shot in his head, Police added.







"On Saturday night, an unknown accused entered his house and shot him as he was watching television in his living room. His wife was in the kitchen and did not hear the gunshot. As the deceased was shot from a close range and the television was on, therefore it is possible that the incident was not audible to his wife," said Mahadeo Wavale, senior police inspector, Vakola police station.



According to police the murder might be a fall out of a land dispute as the deceased had earlier filed complaint against Razzak Khan, who is the owner of the building where he (deceased) was staying, of land grabbing.



"There was a dispute between the victim and Razzak regarding land grabbing in the area, the deceased had even filed a complaint against 70-year-old Razzak with the BMC," added Wavale.



Police further added that both the parties have earlier submitted written complaints against each other at the police station but it was all a part of a civil dispute.



Veera is survived by his wife and two sons, who stay in Bangalore and Goa. Police said that they are interrogating Razzak and are investigating the case from all possible angles.



The deceased was spotted by a neighbor as he saw blood coming out of the living room of the house. When he reached the main door he saw Veera in a pool of blood.



A case of murder under section 302 of Indian Penal Code has been registered at Vakola police station. Police said that primary investigation suggest that the murder was not committed with the intention of robbery.


Funeral of Father Alejo Nabor in Puebla. EFE

More information Detenido en Ciudad de Mexico el probable asesino de los curas de Veracruz

The Mexican state attorneys office has announced the capture of one of two men police were looking for in relation to the murder of two priests, whose bodies were found in the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz in September.

The murder of the pair in the town of Poza Rica, in Veracruz state, caused shock in Mexico, coming just days after another priest had been murdered in the state of Michoacan.

Mexico is the most dangerous country in Latin America for priests, says the Catholic Church

Police in Mexico City arrested two men on Thursday aged 33 and 20 after they had stolen a car at gunpoint in the El Recreo area of the capital.

The owner of the vehicle managed to escape and alert police, who found the car abandoned nearby.

Police officers accompanied the owner of the car in a search of the area. They spotted two men acting suspiciously, and after a chase the two men separated. Both were later arrested.

An arrest warrant was out on one of the men for kidnapping the two priests

It was soon discovered that there was an arrest warrant out on one of the men for kidnapping the two priests, said the prosecutors office.

Mexican media say that a unit of police officers from Veracruz is in Mexico City and will take one of the suspects back to the state.

The bodies of the two priests, named as Alejo Nabor, aged 50, and Jose Alfredo Juarez, aged 28, were found on September 20. Both had been kidnapped, along with their driver, who managed to escape and raise the alarm. The two priests had their hands tied and had been shot in the head.

Sacerdotes asesinados en Poza RIca

They were victims of a violent crime-wave that is sweeping the country, Father Juan Jaimes, who knew the two clerics, told EL PAIS, explaining that theft was the likely motive of the murders.

A third priest, named as Alfredo Sanchez, was murdered the same week, in Michoacan. The cleric disappeared five days earlier and, according to the Catholic authorities in the state, was the victim of a robbery and a kidnapping. No arrests have been made and the identity of the attacker or attackers is still unknown.

Police say the motives behind the killings are still unclear, and investigations are ongoing. Both Veracruz and Michoacan are states wracked by gangland warfare and impunity and are center stage for turf battles between rival criminal cartels.

Los cuerpos de los religiosos encontrados el lunes en Veracruz EFE

Violent crime has risen sharply in Mexico in recent years, with a number of high-profile cases involving foreigners damaging the countrys international image. August was the bloodiest month in the country since President Enrique Pena Nieto took office in December 2012. The three murders are not the first attacks on priests in a country still embroiled in a bloody struggle with organized-crime groups.

Mexico is the most dangerous country in Latin America for priests, according to a report by the Roman Catholic Church. Over the last decade, 40 clerics have been murdered there, with 14 killed during Pena Nietos presidency.

English version by Nick Lyne.
New Delhi: "People are dying" due to lack of proper disposal of waste, the Supreme Court said on Monday as it expressed concern over garbage dumped at landfill sites in the national capital.



"I have seen some TV reports in which it was pointed out that people are dying (due to lack of garbage disposal). What are you doing," a bench headed by Justice M B Lokur asked Solicitor General (SG) Ranjit Kumar who was appearing for the Delhi Chief Secretary.



Responding to the query, Kumar said he would take instruction on the issue and inform the bench on the next date of hearing about the steps being taken to remove and dispose garbage from the landfill sites.



"On the next date of hearing, we will come up with the instructions whether these landfill sites can be moved to some other place and what are the steps being taken to remove the garbage," the SG said.



He said that the October 6 meeting between the Lieutenant Governor, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others could not take place as the CM was unwell and a meeting in this regard was held on Sunday.



The SG informed the bench that various issue, including disposal and cleaning of garbage and sewer, were discussed in yesterday's meeting and also filed the minutes of the meeting in the court.



The counsel for the Delhi government told the bench that Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had attended yesterday's meeting on behalf of Kejriwal as the CM was in Gujarat.



Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who is an amicus curiae in the matter, could not attend the proceedings in the apex

court and the bench posted the matter for October 21.



On October 6, the apex court had criticised the authorities over the handling of dengue and chikungunya menace in Delhi and observed that they here were "not interested" and the people have been "left to suffer".



The apex court had also expressed disappointment over the outcome of October 5 meeting between the LG, CM and others on curbing vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya and had asked them to hold another meeting on October 6.



The bench had directed that participants should discuss the steps to be taken to prevent the problem faced by people of Delhi this year and also the future measures.



The apex court had on October 3 imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on Jain for failing to file an affidavit disclosing names of officials whom he had alleged of not cooperating in checking the menace of dengue and chikungunya in Delhi.



It had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of the death of a seven-year-old boy due to dengue last year after being allegedly denied treatment by five private hospitals and the subsequent suicide by his parents.



The five hospitals - Max hospital in Saket, Moolchand Khairatiram Hospital in Lajpat Nagar, Aakash Hospital in Malviya Nagar, Saket City Hospital and Irene Hospital, Kalkaji, were issued show cause notices to explain why their registration should not be cancelled for allegedly refusing to admit the boy.
New Delhi: The disappearance of a JNU student after altercation with his ABVP hostel-mates point towards the communally-charged atmosphere of the Mahi Mandavi hostel that is home to freshers, according to University students and faculty.



A first-year biotechnology student, Najeeb Ahmed, went missing on Friday, days before the hostel elections.



Delhi Police has filed an FIR on charges of kidnapping after his mother Fatima Nafees filed a complaint.



Students who spoke to News18 for this story said the Mahi Mandavi was becoming a cause of worry with communal graffiti on the walls and targeted attacks on students from particular community".



There are 450 students living in the hostel, some cases were brought to our notice but we found no evidence. The trend of making such (inflammatory) speeches and actions is disturbing. We are concerned. For this we have held meetings twice in the day; in future also we will hold conferences and workshops and encourage students to not indulge in these activities. We need them to get back to normal hostel life by holding such meetings, senior warden of Mahi Mandavi, Dr Sushil Kumar, told News18.



Kumar blamed the troubles of the hostel on lack of senior junior interactions".



Most of the students residing here are new to campus and they dont have seniors around to guide them. We have demanded single seaters for the senior students to stay, he said.



Mahi Mandavi was supposed to have its elections on Monday, where the President and the 12-member hostel committee members were to be elected. The polls have since been postponed after Fridays incident.



JNU hostel elections are different from the students union polls as the candidates may or may not be backed by the political parties. There are other determining factors in winning these elections - like the candidates social standing in the hostel.



Girls hostels like Ganga and Godavari have already wrapped up the process while the elections in the boys hostel Periyar were politically charged.



Mahi Mandavi, one of the hostels left to elect its president, witnessed a strenuous campaign.



JNUSU president Mohit Pandey  of the left-leaning AISA  in a statement said there are concerted efforts to communally polarize the campus and spread rumours about the incident.



We feel it is pertinent to report the facts of the incident to dispel this rumour-mongering being done by ABVP. The administration has to initiate further steps to ensure the safety of the students and take necessary steps to stop communal polarization of stakeholders of the university.



ABVPs Vikrant Kumar, who was campaigning for Mahi Mandavi hostel presidents post, told News18 he had went to Ahmeds room because his religious sentiments were hurt for wearing thread on his wrist.



A JNUSU statement said there was a scuffle between Ahmed and others.



The residents of the hostel heard the noise and commotion and when they reached Room no 106, they witnessed three students assaulting Ahmed. Worried about his security, the students locked Ahmad in his room first and later in the washroom. It was while he was being taken for meeting the wardens that 10-15 students started intimidating and communal targeting of Ahmed. Those who had come to stop the attack were also assaulted, the statement said.



The statement said he was subject to communal abuses in the presence of the wardens and security.



Mahi Mandavi Hostel president, Alimuddin Khan, too issued a statement condemning the event and expressing worry on the political and religious escalation of the whole issue.



He said that the issue was resolved between the students but due to some external influence it got escalated.



Khan, a PhD scholar in Arabic, said the hostel had always had a harmonious atmosphere with iftars and milans throughout the year.



Another Arabic PhD scholar Hamid Raza, who is contesting for president of the hostel, told News 18 that he had ran for polls before in JNU but it was in Mahi Mandavi where his identity became an impediment.



In the general body meeting of the hostel, it was pointed out to me that how can I, with a beard and kurta pyjama, represent the hostel. We have lived with amity, there was no such problem, but things are changing, as a handful of people are inclined to spoiling the atmosphere, he said.



ABVPs Kumar, who is allegedly one of the students who had had a scuffle with Ahmed, said the issue is being given a political turn".




New Delhi: The BJP raised its Ram Mandir pitch on Monday with two Union ministers supporting the construction of a temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, months before Uttar Pradesh goes to the polls.



While Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said he will visit the site on Tuesday, Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti said the disputed land "will always belong to Ram". A a press conference, she said there was no doubt that Ram was born in Ayodhya.







Party MP Vinay Katiyar, too, raised the issue, urging the Modi government to introduce a Bill in the Lok Sabha facilitating the construction of a Ram Temple at the site. He said the mandir (temple) had always been on the agenda of the BJP, which is aiming to wrest control of the state from the ruling Samajwadi Party next year.



The state government has identified a 25-acre plot for the museum which is some 15 km away from the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex, the Press Trust of India quoted a source as saying.



Though the BJP has been insisting that Ram temple will not be an electoral plank in the UP elections to be held early next year, the proposed Ramayana museum and related activities are being seen as an attempt to keep pro-Hindutva elements in good humour.



On Dussehra, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in a departure from tradition, participated in the festivities in Lucknow where he started and concluded his speech with chants of "Jai Shri Ram, Jai Jai Shri Ram".




Are fashion weeks only about pizzazz and paparazzi? Are they only a platform to make it to page 3? Or are they just one of those glamorous events were one wishes to don the best outfit from their wardrobe? No, of course not.One of the major reasons why fashion weeks attract people from all walks of life is because it is so much more than the evident shine, glitter and glamour. Perhaps, this is why even biggies from the industry and even established designers keep coming back to the hullabaloo of fashion weeks every year. Its pure business! Not just for designers who spend hours and months creating the best of couture but also for retailers who transcend all barriers of space and come to India to buy whats best in store.These extravagant events offer new entrants, a chance to be under the strobing limelight and the established ones to further strengthen their hold in the fashion world. With the aggressive rise of social media and the emergence of plethora of ancillary industries, the scope for networking has further improved. Maximsing their profits and making a mark in textile market are two of the primary goals in any designers mind.While most of the buyers are from India itself, other international buyers come from either Eastern countries or Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jeddah, Riyadh and UAE.Indian textile market offers the best workmanship at the best prices, says Maya, who hails from Lebanon and owns various stores in Jeddah and Riyadh. She comes to Amazon India Fashion Week every year to make wholesale purchases from various designers including Payal Pratap, Hemant and Nandita. She believes that Indians are best at what they do and doesnt mind spending 100-300$ if shes getting exactly what she wants.When asked about what she looks for in the creations, she promptly said, Ive been coming here since 12 years. Im here for kaftans. I look for beautiful colours, textures, embroideries and a blend of ethnic workmanship with modern shapes. We usually pay 100-300$, wholesale prices.These few days of bling arent just profitable for buyers but also for designers, who now have a niche market for themselves. Samant Chauhan, a well-established couturier, is elated with the buyers response as hes totally packed for next six months. He also mentions that the response is something you cant really predict. Each time we make pieces that we think nobody is going to buy, we end up booking maximum orders on that. Its a tricky business and very unpredictable too. Everyone is looking for something different and something experimental.Gaurav Jai Gupta, who has a stall at FDCIs AIFW, had end-to-end appointments on day three of the 5-day event. He credits his buyers to be well aware of what they need. They all know what they want. Theyre very clear about it.Each store has its own selling point. With me, its a very mature clientele who know what they want, he adds.Buyers from different parts of the world have different needs and with time the designers have come to terms with it. What they look for is not universal. Its very buyer specific. People whore from Saudi look for something which can be easily converted to a long kaftan while those from Austalia, America or Anthropology buyers look for lighter silhouettes, says Geeta, who has been associated with designer Kavita Bhartiya for 25 years. She also says that the cost of the stall is nothing near to the profits they make.So, next time when somebody asks you if a fashion show is only about glitz and glamour, you go ahead and say no. Because its beyond the showbiz of A-listers, its actually a very tricky business and one can only hope that it ends up being a win-win situation for all.




New York In the wake of the spillover of recent tensions between India and Pakistan on Bollywood, actress Priyanka Chopra says as a "patriot", she would go along with whatever the government decides on the issue. But why only actors are singled out in these discussions, she has asked.



Talking about the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, Priyanka, whose late father Ashok Chopra was an army officer, said: "I have read about it. It's tricky because first of all artistes and actors are always held responsible for every bigger political agenda that happens in the country."



"Why not business(men), politicians, doctors and why not anyone else except for public people, who are not actors in the movie industry?"



Priyanka, currently seen in the lead role in the popular American TV series Quantico, said: "I am extremely patriotic. So, whatever my government decides is important to keep the country safe. I go with that, but at the same time, I don't believe that artistes are a representation, at least there hasn't been an actor who has done something which has harmed someone's life out of malice or anything."



She thinks that "if someone needs to be hung, the one person that's picked up is an artiste or a public person from the movie business. That to me is not fair".



India-Pakistan tensions got heightened following a terror attack on an Indian Army camp at Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 19 soldiers were killed, last month. The Indian Army then carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control.



"I am appalled by what happened in Uri and we need to stand up and protect our country. We have been an extremely peaceful nation for so many centuries. We have never been those who go out and fight. We are from the land of (Mahatma) Gandhi. We are all about non-violence," Priyanka said.



"There are so many different people with so many different opinions and belonging to so many different religions. They have had different sort of upbringing. It's (India is) a difficult country to govern, yet we have managed so well," she added.



Priyanka stated that we should be more concerned about the safety of Indian soldiers and their families.



"We should be concerned about keeping the rest of our sons and the rest of our soldiers safe and that needs to be the focus. We always lose our focus and comment on something else because that's what that makes noise and because people talk about it and media carries it," she said.



Following the September 18 terrorist attack, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena issued an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes to leave India and said the party would not let their movies release in India.



The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association passed a resolution banning Pakistanis from working in films being made in India. In retaliation, some Pakistani theatre chain owners banned the screening of Indian films.



On Friday, the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India said that movies featuring Pakistani actors would not be screened in single screen theatres in Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat.


The confusion is in media, not within party or people; SP will win and Akhilesh Yadav will become CM: Kiranmoy Nanda, SP pic.twitter.com/9B60xlicTM  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 17, 2016

In what is being seen as an attempt to end political bickering in Samajwadi Party, party general secretary and close Mulayam Singh aide Kironmoy Nanda on Monday said that Akhilesh Yadav will be the CM face of SP in Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for 2017.The clarification from the senior party leader came just a few days after party patriarch in a press conference refused to endorse son Akhilesh as the natural leader if the party is re-elected to power next year.Mulayam Singh had last week in a press conference in Lucknow said that newly elected MLAs will decide the leader of the legislature party post the elections.Nanda's statement comes a day after senior party leader Ramgopal Yadav's letter warned Mulayam that if Samajwadi Party collected fewer than 100 of Uttar Pradesh's 403 seats, he "alone would be responsible".Mulayam Singh since then has held a series of parleys within the family to diffuse the crisis. As a first step towards that end, Samajwadi Party's state chief Shivpal Yadav had also on Sunday said he would pitch his nephew, Akhilesh Yadav's name, for the chief minister's post if the party wins the 2017 Assembly elections.The party has been plunged into an intercenine war for the last one month. The crisis was triggered by Akhilesh Yadav sacking some ministers considered close to Mulayam Singh. He followed it up by stripping uncle Shivpal of key ministerial portfolio.The matter was temporarily resolved when Akhilesh rescinded on some of the decisions. The tenuous truce called since has been been broken by warring factions on many occasions with both groups intermittently sniping at each other.
Congress may face further desertions in its ranks ahead of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections with former state president and MLA Rita Bahuguna Joshi likely to join Bharatiya Janata Party.



Sources close to her said Joshi is upset with the party for having projected an "outsider" in Sheila Dikshit as CM candidate.



Joshi had led the party in the last assembly polls in the state in which Congress came a poor fourth.



State BJP leaders when contacted said a final call on this has to be taken by the party's central leadership.



A top source in the Congress said, "We have no indication of her joining the BJP, but we will speak to her. She is a senior leader."



Elections to the state assembly are to be held early next year, and Congress has this time around projected former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit, another Brahmin leader, as CM candidate.







Joshi who is an MLA from Lucknow Cantt seat would have faced a tough electoral battle this time around. She is up against SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav's younger daughter-in-law Aparna Yadav. Lucknow Cantt is an urban seat and Joshi had wrested it from BJP in 2012.



Bahuguna's brother and former Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahuguna had earlier this year defected from the Congress with nine MLAs in the hill state which led to the imposition of president's rule there.



Up against a formidable opposition, Joshi it was said was looking for options outside Congress.



Daughter of former Congress stalwart and UP CM Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, Rita joined active politics when she was nominated by SP as its mayor candidate from Allahabad. She won that election but later quit SP to join Congress.



BJP in its efforts to mobilise upper caste votes in UP has been weaning away leaders from other parties. Last month BSP leader and former MP Brijesh Pathak joined the party.


Much ahead of the official announcement of the poll dates, Uttar Pradesh is well and truly in election mode. And, after a long hiatus, Ram Temple is back in political discourse.In a move that is being seen as an attempt to rake up temple issue in the poll-bound state, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma will visit the makeshift temple. The official reason being cited is that the minister's visit is to inspect the proposed site for a Ram Museum about 15km from the disputed site.ALSO READ: Cong Leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi Likely to Join BJP Ahead of UP Polls "We don't plan according to elections. We have already sanctioned Rs 125 crore for the Ramayan Circuit to develop it as part of Tourism Ministry plans," says Sharma, trying to downplay the move."My visit to the makeshift temple is only part of my belief, he adds.But the BJP is not the only party which is trying to develop the temple town in the election season. The ruling Samajwadi Party seems to have got into the competitive politics with the state government led by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav giving a go-ahead for the release funds to develop amenities for tourists in the temple town, and construction of a Ram Theme Park in Ayodhya.After Allahabad and Varanasi, Ayodhya has the largest footfall of domestic tourists in Uttar Pradesh  nearly 1.5 crore every year.The move by the state government is also an indication of the changing contours of politics in the SP under the next-gen as against the earlier party regimes whose politics was buffeted entirely by the Muslim-Yadav, or MY, combination.The SP government, however, tried to soften the political impact of the decision by announcing an increase in remuneration to madrasa teachers in the state.As for the BJP, the first indication of party's attempts at dusting the issue out of the courtroom was inherent in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence at Aishbagh Ramleela this Vijayadashami. After many years, a public address of a BJP leader in UP started and ended with the slogan of 'Jai Shri Ram'.Since then, many party leaders and MPs actively associated with the Ram Temple movement in late eighties and early nineties. Union Minister Uma Bharti said "that disputed land in Ayodhya belongs to the Ram Temple". She is also likely to flag off one of the four Parivartan Yatras being planned by party in the run up to the polls.Another prominent face of the movement, Vinay Katiyar, former MP from Faizabad-Ayodhya, is talking about taking legislative route for the construction of the temple.BSP chief Mayawati, who is trying to woo Muslims to forge a formidable Dalits Muslim coalition in UP, in a press statement criticised both the central and state governments for "trying to drag religion into politics.
Continuing the festive season discounts, Amazon India has kick-started its Great Indian Festival sales starting today. The festival sale will last till October 20. The discounts are mostly on smartphones, accessories and electronic items on the first day. Xiaomi also announced its  Diwali with Mi  sale on its range on smartphones.Amazon India is offering an additional 15% discounts for buyers who shop on their app. Also, Citibank credit or debit card users are entitled to get additional discounts. The e-tailer is also offering exchange offers on electronic items. There is also an option to avail EMI options at no additional costs. For Prime subscribers, Amazon India will open deals 30 minutes ahead of general availability.Here are the top five deals on Amazon India for smartphones.If you are looking for a killer deal on the slightly older iPhone 6S, then Amazon is offering the 64GB variant of the iPhone 6s for Rs 45,999. The Rose Gold colour variant is available for slightly higher price of Rs 48,290. While Amazon India has also listed the Silver colour variant of iPhone 6s (64GB) for Rs 39,225, note that the offer is not Amazon Fulfilled.The new OnePlus 3 smartphone is available in both coloursGold and Graphitefor the same price of Rs 27,999. However, there is exchange offer of up to Rs 16,000 at select regions.LeEco Le Max 2 (32GB) is available for Rs 17,999 instead of Rs 22,999 during the sale.The new Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus are available at a price of Rs 10, 499 and Rs 13,499 respectively. Also, the budget Moto G4 Play is available for cash back of Rs 1,000.If you are looking the best budget smartphone, then check out the Lenovo Zuk Z1 on Amazon India. For a discounted price of Rs 10,999, the device offers top-notch hardware.
Nuclear impact on Karachi if India detonates its 65 Kt Nuclear Bomb. (Image: nuclearsecrecy)

Nuclear impact on New Delhi if Pakistan detonates its 45 Kt Nuclear Bomb. (Image: nuclearsecrecy)

Amidst growing tensions between India and Pakistan , of late, citizens from both sides of the Line of Control can be observed taking pride of their respective nuclear arsenal on social media platforms.With little to zero knowledge, commoners can be easily spotted bragging about the nuclear might of their country on the internet. Also, they mindlessly go ahead in judging which country will even win a nuclear war through their posts, comments and tweets.So, dear readers (on both sides of the fence), do you have any clue of what will happen if your casual talk on nuclear war becomes a reality?Of course, you don't have to drop a bomb to calculate this. Alex Wellerstein , a Harvard-educated historian, who specializes on the history of nuclear weapons and government secrecy has a nuclear effects simulator on his website.The simulator uses the integration of Google Maps and data points collected from thousands of nuclear detonations that have taken place from 1939. The list also includes India's largest Nuclear weapon tested which was a 65 kilo-tons bomb and Pakistan's largest weapons tested at 45 kilotons.These nuclear weapons are twice the size of 'Fat Man', the bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki during World War 2.The simulator calculates, that if the ground zero is Sarafa Bazar in Karachi, the estimated fatalities will be in excess of 6,41,620 people. The estimated figures of people injured will be 15,96,830. Though the simulator says that modelling casualties from a nuclear attack is difficult and these numbers should be seen as evocative, not definitive.The model also calculates the humanitarian impact of a nuclear blast. The "humanitarian impact" model works by using the Google Places API to search out tagged places near the ground zero location. This is the same algorithm Google Maps uses, whenever you ask how many restaurants are near where you happen to be.The point of the "humanitarian impact" model is to emphasise some of the collateral impacts of a nuclear explosion, and, to indicate the ways in which support services like hospitals and fire stations would be themselves impacted by a nuclear attack.With all these variables in place, 6,00,000 (6 lakh) lives is the calculation if India and Pakistan go nuclear on each other.Similarly, if Pakistan hits New Delhi with its 45 Kiloton nuclear bomb the impact is even more disastrous as portrayed by the simulator.6,56,070 people will lose their lives if a Pakistani nuke is detonated at Connaught Place. There will be more than 15,28,490 people who will be injured in this attack. Places like, Jama Masjid, Purana Qila, Parliament house and even Rashtrapati Bhavan will be wiped out.The simulator also calculates the maximum size of the nuclear fireball after detonation along with radiation radius, air blast radius and thermal radiation radius that cause 3rd-degree burns.The implications are catastrophic if a nuclear bomb is detonated on either side. So, next time you casually talk about whether India should nuke Pakistan, or vice-versa, just head to this website and you'll be horrified by its implications.You can also calculate the effects of the blast in your own city on this website. Till now, more than 85.6 million people have detonated a nuclear bomb on this simulator . This is probably the safest and an educative way of detonating a nuclear bomb. Alex Wellerstein the creator of this simulator is an assistant professor of science and technology studies at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey.He runs Restricted Data: The Nuclear Secrecy Blog and is the creator of the NUKEMAP nuclear effects simulator
Zetta handsets were allegedly relabeled Xiaomi phones. Web de Zetta

More information How Spains Zetta passed off Chinese smartphones as its own

In April 2014, three men in their early thirties  two Spaniards and a Chinese national  got together and decided to create the first cellphone from Extremadura.

The new product was named Zetta, after Zafra, a city in the sparsely populated western region of Spain where the company is headquartered.

The first units were rolled out in mid-2015, and Zetta shifted 1,200 phones in just a few weeks. The secret of their success was in the price: Zetta phones were high-end mobiles that cost just 145 in stores and 155 on the company website.

In November 2015, company founders met with the regional premier of Extremadura, Guillermo Fernandez Vara. By October 2016, there were seven stores in Extremadura and more than 80 sales points across Spain.

If youve bought a Zetta cellphone, they have to give you a refund

Facua consumer association

The phone, which bore the image of an acorn with a bite taken out of it (a nod to the oak forests of Extremadura, and a deliberate imitation of Apples famous logo), was being marketed as the regions answer to the iPhone.

But this weekend, after an interview with one of the founders in Spanish daily El Espanol went viral, two websites  Forocoches and Thegeekhammer  broke the news: the mobiles are really made by the Chinese brand Xiaomi. Zetta founders were allegedly buying them cheap, altering their look, and then reselling them for a much higher price.

A tweet from the Extremadura regional government in which regional premier Guillermo Fernandez Vara is pictured with representatives from Zetta.

Erik Cui, Antonio Ribera and Juan Jose Cortes, the brand developers, offered their Zetta Smartphones on their website zettaeuropa.es. In an interview just a few months ago on the regional Canal Extremadura Television, Zetta representatives said that this phone is innovative because there is nothing like it on the market.

We have pampered this phone like it was our child, they added.

In their two-year adventure, the partners launched three separate models with high-end features. The first handset came out in early 2015 with a 5.5-inch display, eight-megapixel camera and one gigabyte of RAM, all for under 200.

Zetta founders boasted about their latest models in recent interviews, even comparing it to the iPhone 7, which is priced at over 700.

The phone bore the image of an acorn with a bite taken out of it, a nod to the regions oak trees

It has a very similar interface and does not cost 900, but three times less, said one of the creators as recently as last Saturday.

But since the fraud claims came to light, Zettas website and social media accounts have been shut down.

Our website is being attacked and is unavailable at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience, was the latest available message on Facebook from the company. Neither one of the founders could be reached for comment.

But a salesperson for Zetta who works in Plasencia (Caceres) spoke on condition of anonymity.

Weve sold around 200 handsets across northern Extremadura, said this source. Nobody has been by to complain yet. Its an Extremaduran handset with a guarantee, theres no problem.

But the Spanish consumer association Facua has issued a message on its Twitter account: If youve bought a Zetta cellphone, they have to give you a refund. Theyve shut down their website. Lets hope that prosecutors and the government of Extremadura will take action.

English version by Susana Urra.
Washington: The last king of Rwanda, Kigeli V, who ruled the east African nation for less than a year before being forced into exile, finally settling in the United States, has died according to his official website. He was 80.



Born Jean-Baptiste Ndahindurwa, King Kigeli came to power in 1959 and was forced to leave the country the following year after clashing with the Belgian colonial power. In 1961, the monarchy was abolished.



The king began a life of exile in east Africa, including Kenya and Uganda, before leaving for America, where he settled in the suburbs of Washington in 1992.



Details of his death early yesterday were not immediately known.



"It is with a very heavy heart that we announce that His Majesty King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, the last King of Rwanda, died early this morning," read a statement on his website.



"He was a devout and dedicated believer and the last anointed African Roman Catholic king to reign over a full country."



Funeral arrangements, and details on the heir to the throne will be announced at a later date, the statement said. King Kigeli had come to power after succeeding his half-brother Mutara III, who died in unclear circumstances on the eve of the Hutu "social revolution" which sent hundreds of thousands of ethnic Tutsi fleeing.



Most of them did not return home to Rwanda until after the 1994 genocide, which left some 800,000 dead, mostly from that minority.



Kigeli V is a Tutsi, but the tradition is that the monarchy represent all Rwandans of all ethnicities.



In September 1961, the monarchy was abolished by referendum and Rwanda gained independence the following year. While in the United States, the exiled monarch led the King Kigeli V Foundation to aid Rwandan refugees.



A 2013 profile in Washingtonian magazine, found him living in subsidised housing, on food stamps and donations, in Oakton, Virginia, happy to hand out chocolates to neighbors' children.



"They call me the King of Africa," Kigeli said of the neighbours, in that report. "Ah, it's good."



For decades he spoke of returning to his east African homeland -- a tiny, landlocked country that ranks among the world's poorest nations -- but as monarch.



Since 1994 and the rise to power of current President Paul Kagame's Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) -- which emerged from a former Tutsi rebellion -- the issue of a potential return by the king was regularly brought up.



Yet every effort failed: the RPF authorities have always said they were ready for him to return, yet only as a private citizen. The former monarch held out hope he could return to the throne.
Beirut- Syrian rebels said they captured the village of Dabiq from Islamic State on Sunday, forcing the jihadist group from a stronghold where it had promised to fight a final, apocalyptic battle with the West.



Its defeat at Dabiq, long a mainstay of Islamic State's propaganda, underscores the group's declining fortunes this year as it suffered battlefield defeats in Syria and Iraq and lost a string of senior leaders in targeted air strikes.



The group, whose lightning advance through swathes of the two countries and declaration that it had established a new caliphate stunned world leaders in 2014, is now girding for an offensive against Iraq's Mosul, its most prized possession.



The rebels, backed by Turkish tanks and warplanes, took Dabiq and neighbouring Soran after clashes on Sunday morning, said Ahmed Osman, head of the Sultan Murad group, one of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) factions involved in the fighting.



"The Daesh myth of their great battle in Dabiq is finished," he told Reuters, using a pejorative name for Islamic State.



Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman said that Dabiq's liberation was a "strategic and symbolic victory" against Islamic State.



U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter also welcomed the retaking of Dabiq as both a military and symbolic blow to Islamic State and thanked Turkey for the role it played. "Its liberation gives the campaign to deliver ISIL a lasting defeat new momentum in Syria," Carter said, using an alternative name for the group. 



The Free Syrian Army is an umbrella group for rebels seeking to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad in a civil war that has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions, dragging in regional and global powers and creating space for jihadists.



An Islamic prophecy names Dabiq as the site of a battle between Muslims and infidels that will presage doomsday, a message Islamic State used extensively in its propaganda, going so far as to name its main publication after the village.



It also chose Dabiq as the location for its killing in 2014 of Peter Kassig, an American aid worker held hostage by the group, by Mohammed al-Emwazi, better known as Jihadi John.



However, it has appeared to back away from Dabiq's symbolism since advances by the FSA groups backed by Turkey had put it at risk of capture, saying in a more recent statement that this battle was not the one described in the prophecy.



The village, at the foot of a small hill in the fertile plains of Syria's northwest about 14 km (9 miles) from the Turkish border and 33 km north of Aleppo, has little strategic significance in its own right.



But Dabiq and its surroundings, where the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Islamic State had brought 1,200 fighters in recent weeks, occupied a salient into territory captured by the Turkey-backed rebels.



CLASHES



Ankara launched the Euphrates Shield operation, bringing rebels backed by its own armour and air force into action against Islamic State, in August, aiming to clear the group from its border and stop Kurdish groups gaining ground in that area.



"Euphrates Shield will continue until we are convinced that the border is completely secure, terrorist attacks against Turkish citizens out of the question and the people of Syria feel safe," Erdogan's spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, said.



The Turkish-backed forces would now continue their advance towards the Islamic State-held town of al-Bab, southeast of Dabiq, he said.



A Turkish military source said that while Dabiq was largely under control, some rebels had been killed in blasts by landmines and other bombs.



The rebels and Turkish military were working to secure Dabiq's surroundings to prevent any remaining Islamic State fighters trapped in the area from escaping.



Since early 2016 Islamic State's territorial possessions in Syria have been steadily eroded by the Syrian Democratic Forces, an umbrella group of Kurdish and Arab militias backed by the United States, which in August took the city of Manbij.



Turkey's campaign has since cut the jihadist group off from the Turkish border, long its most reliable entry point for supplies and foreign fighters.



Meanwhile air strikes have killed a succession of Islamic State leaders in Syria, including its "war minister" Omar al-Shishani and Abu Mohammed al-Adnani, one of its leading strategists and an architect of its shift towards plotting attacks in Europe.



In Iraq the army backed by Shi'ite Muslim militia groups has this year recaptured Falluja and is now poised for an offensive on Mosul, where Islamic State's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in 2014 declared himself heir to Islam's caliphs.



However, the militants still hold most of Syria's Euphrates basin, from al-Bab, 26 km southeast of Dabiq, through the group's capital of Raqqa and to the Iraqi border.
If Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is to have any hope of carrying Virginia, he needs evangelical voters to keep the faith.

That means Christians such as Daniel Pritchett of Staunton will be critical to his chances on Nov. 8.

Its about turning our whole country back over to our Christian beliefs, to being able to worship God and stand up boldly for him, said Pritchett, who was among an estimated 5,000 Christians who turned out for evangelist Franklin Grahams prayer meeting Wednesday at the Capitol in Richmond.

Like others interviewed in the crowd, Pritchett plans to vote for Trump, in spite of his qualms about the 2005 tape in which Trump lewdly bragged about his ability to grope women.

The tape was totally disgusting, Pritchett said. Then again, its not about what one man says or what some woman says. Its about where our country needs to go. What we have had the last eight years, we cant go there again.

Some key evangelical leaders in Virginia, such as Regent University founder Pat Robertson and Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr., stood by Trump last week following the disclosure of the 2005 tape. Falwell faces some pushback at Liberty from students who circulated a petition asserting that Trump does not represent their values.

Nationally, according to The Associated Press, some cracks have appeared in Trumps support among evangelicals. For example, it reported that Christianity Today, a prominent evangelical magazine, termed Trump the very embodiment of what the Bible calls a fool. It reported that James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Church in Illinois, a member of Trumps evangelical advisory board, called Trumps comments misogynistic trash and told the magazine he would no longer work with the campaign unless Trump repents.

As the Trump campaign tries to knock down reports that it is abandoning Virginia, it also must try to keep evangelicals in the fold because they are a key GOP constituency.

Nationally, in 2012, according to the Pew Research Center, 79 percent of white evangelical Protestants backed Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential nominee, while 20 percent backed President Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee. Romney, a devout Mormon, fared better among evangelical voters than did John McCain, the 2008 GOP nominee.

In this election Romney has derided Trump as a phony who is unfit to be president. Following the release of the 2005 tape, Romney tweeted: Hitting on married women? Condoning assault? Such vile degradations demean our wives and daughters and corrupt Americas face to the world.

Trumps saving grace among evangelicals is that they think Democrat Hillary Clinton is worse. Last month Pew reported that among white evangelicals who back Trump in this election, 33 percent say the main reason is that he is not Clinton.

Liberty balance

Falwell has long backed Trump personally, while asserting that in doing so he is not speaking for Liberty, the nations largest evangelical university.

GOP vice presidential nominee Mike Pence, the Indiana governor, campaigned on Wednesday at Liberty, where he urged people of faith not to stay on the sidelines in the presidential election. Pence also praised Trump for apologizing following the tapes disclosure.

Liberty students and guests had not forgotten and did not approve of Trumps remarks. But they seemed ready to forgive the thrice-married Trump, for what the candidate termed locker room banter.

Hes not a politician, said Tyler Wolff, 19 a student from Leesburg. Are we so naive to think that hes the only person who has said (things like) that?

Most students interviewed at Liberty who identified as Republican said Trump was not their first choice. A number of students said they had hoped Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, would win the GOP nomination.

The difference maker for most interviewed was the candidates positions on abortion. Several said they would prefer Pence to be at the top of the GOP ticket.

Both Trump and Hillary have deficiencies and have made mistakes, said student Raychel Heiser, 19. She said she was supporting Trump because his choice of the socially conservative Pence demonstrated that he supports Christians and will stand up for Christians and respects Christians on issues like abortion and support for Israel.

There was no discernible support for Clinton at Wednesdays convocation. But there was a smattering of supporters for Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate, who will speak at campus convocation Monday.

The primary issue for almost all is abortion, and thats a primary issue for me as well, said student Matthew Lofgren, 19, a junior from Florida. Still he said he supports Johnson, hoping that a strong showing by the ticket would convince the major parties to take more-Libertarian positions on issues.

He also said he thought Trumps remarks were disgusting. He added: Unfortunately, it doesnt seem out of character for Donald Trump.

Falwells backing of Trump sparked a response from students who call themselves Liberty United Against Trump. They circulated a petition that says: We are Liberty students who are disappointed with President Falwells endorsement and are tired of being associated with one of the worst presidential candidates in American history. Donald Trump does not represent our values and we want nothing to do with him.

Falwell defended his actions and criticized the students statement, saying in a text message to the Lynchburg News & Advance that it seems to ignore the teachings of Jesus not to judge others.

Liberty United Against Trump said that in two days more than 2,500 people signed the statement. More than 1,100 supporters had used verified Liberty.edu email addresses and many other students registered support via other accounts.

We love Liberty University and want the world to know what the true political climate is like here, it said in a follow-up statement. We also respect our leaders, and this is why we must hold them accountable if they misrepresent our school. Liberty University students want to be known as champions for Christ, not as champions of Donald Trump.

The Trump alternative

On Friday afternoon, state Del. Delores L. McQuinn, D-Richmond, took part in a discussion at Virginia Union University about Trumps comments and the general topic of how to combat harassment of women. McQuinn, an associate minister at New Bridge Baptist Church, expressed exasperation with evangelical leaders who support Trump.

What is wrong with you guys? she asked, rhetorically, raising her voice. What is wrong with you? What does it take?

Those who ... stand up and proclaim a message for Christ ought to be the loudest and say, You know what, this is not what we stand for. We reject this kind of behavior. 

But a dozen Christians interviewed at random Wednesday following Grahams prayer rally at the Virginia Capitol said they believe Trump is their best choice. Some called themselves evangelicals. Others preferred not to label their Christian faith.

Fred Burkholder of Waynesboro said he does not think there is much of a choice on Nov. 8, but he will vote for Trump because hes concerned about the Supreme Court and the countrys direction.

As for Trump: Until he was the nominee for president, I would have never supported him in any way, shape or form for anything, but hes where hes at, so I dont see that thats a big issue for me, he said.

I am a Christian, a born-again Christian, and it matters to me that every other religion is acceptable in a history class, that Christianity is outlawed, Burkholder said.

I think this country is in trouble, he added. We have to take it back bit by bit and this is one of those bits.

I know Mr. Trumps positions are not in agreement with mine on many issues, Burkholder said. Hes not come out and said yea or nay on gay marriage or abortion. Hes very ambivalent, but his party tends to support more of what I want to see. I know the other party is absolutely in the other direction.

William Ware of Richmond said voters are faced with two bad choices on Nov. 8.

The best bad choice is the Republican nominee and thats who I plan to vote for, he said.

Ware said he is concerned about a number of major issues in the election, including the economy, the national debt, border security, trade, and foreign policy.

What is happening right now in northern Iraq and Syria  and has been happening  is crimes against humanity which are as atrocious or more atrocious than what the Nazis committed in Nazi Germany, he said. And effectively were doing nothing. Its an absolute disgrace.

A number of voters at the rally said they have no illusions about Trumps personal behavior, but their focus is on which party will best support their values.

Steve Weber of Spotsylvania said the Trump tape did not come as a shock  either the nature of Trumps remarks or the timing of the disclosure, two days before a presidential debate.

It didnt change anything, he said. Its not like I somehow was deceived before the tape came out and all of a sudden my eyes were opened when it showed up.
Nearly two years after the fateful article A Rape on Campus was published by Rolling Stone, stirring an uproar both at the University of Virginia and around the country, the first of three lawsuits stemming from the story is going to trial.

On Monday, attorneys for Rolling Stone, its publisher and author Sabrina Rubin Erdely will square off in federal court in Charlottesville against Nicole Eramo, a UVa administrator once tasked with aiding student survivors of sexual assault.

In that role, Eramo was mentioned more than 30 times in the November 2014 article that Erdely had intended as an expose of the culture of sexual assault at elite American universities. In that pursuit, Erdely chose UVa as her backdrop. For her primary subject, she chose Jackie, a then-student who claimed she was brutally gang raped by seven men at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house near Grounds during her first year at UVa.

When the piece first hit newsstands, Charlottesville erupted in a firestorm of outrage. Protests were staged outside of Phi Psis chapter house, uniting students, professors and the community in remonstration. UVa President Teresa A. Sullivan called for a temporary suspension of all Greek life, while residents of the Phi Psi house vacated to safer premises.

University administrators at various levels, including Eramo and Sullivan, were criticized for the articles insinuations that UVa did not take sufficient steps in seeking justice for survivors of sexual assault. Eramo said she received a litany of scathing and even threatening emails from readers.

That tide of fury began to diminish when reports from various media outlets found holes in Jackies story. Growing scrutiny resulted in an investigation from Charlottesville police into Jackies claims and, eventually, a review by the Columbia Journalism School of Erdelys practices in chasing the story.

By March of the following year, authorities said they had found no evidence to support Jackies claims, and soon after, Columbia released a critical review that called Erdelys piece a story of journalistic failure that was avoidable. In April that year, the article officially was retracted. In July, the magazines managing editor, Will Dana, resigned.

Since the retraction, three lawsuits have been filed against Rolling Stone, Erdely and publisher Wenner Media LLC. One, filed by three Phi Psi alumni, has been thrown out. Another, filed by the fraternitys Virginia chapter, is scheduled for trial next year. But the first, filed by Eramo in May 2015, now goes before a jury.

Eramo claims she was unduly maligned by her portrayal in the debunked article. She says Erdely portrayed her as the chief villain in the storys controversy  an uncaring, callous and ineffective voice who sought to suppress Jackies claims. She was even the focal point of the articles photo illustration, which appears to show her giving a smile and thumbs up to a crying girl sitting in her office.

For this and more, Eramo is seeking $7.85 million, based on the damages inflicted upon her reputation, career and health, both physical and mental.

The trial is scheduled to run for two weeks, although Judge Glen Conrad has said he does not want it to take more than 12 days  meaning each day likely will extend beyond standard business hours and jurors may be called in on Saturdays.

Conrad has bifurcated the trial into two parts  a liability phase and a damages phase. In the liability phase, counsel for both sides will argue over whether Rolling Stone acted with actual malice when it published the story. If the jury finds that it did, only then will the court proceed into a damages phase, in which more evidence will be presented for the jury to formulate an appropriate monetary remuneration for Eramo.

According to Kevin Walsh, a law professor at the University of Richmond not affiliated with the trial, the bifurcation will make the trial more efficient.

If theres certain evidence that will only go to damages, if you dont need to go there, then the bifurcation prevents that from happening, Walsh said. Overall, I think its a way for the judge to manage what comes in.

In the weeks leading up to the trial, attorneys from both sides have entered a series of motions asking Conrad to exclude certain evidence from being used at trial. According to Lee Berlik, a Reston-based defamation attorney not involved in the case, such motions are not uncommon in defamation suits. And in most cases, theyre denied.

If a judge has any doubt and thinks that the evidence at trial may unfold in such a way as to make one of these other bits of information relevant to the case, most judges will defer this until the heat of battle, Berlik said.

Berliks assessment has proven to be mostly correct in the Eramo case. According to an order signed Thursday, most of the motions were either denied or only partially granted. Conrad denied a motion from Eramo to exclude a 21-minute interview between Eramo and WUVA, and partially denied two other motions regarding a letter from National Organization of Women and a letter from the Office of Civil Rights. He noted that the OCR letter, its conclusions and its place in the chronology of events can be used for impeachment purposes, and the NOW letter may be admitted for impeachment purposes and during the damages phase of the trial.

Conrad denied a motion from Rolling Stone to exclude a letter from the UVa student newspaper The Cavalier Daily, emails received by UVa and Eramo after the articles publication and evidence regarding Eramos change in employment. He further denied their motion to exclude evidence regarding Eramos cancer diagnosis, another motion to exclude the Columbia Journalism Schools report and yet another to exclude testimony regarding Haven Monahan, the moniker of an imagined love interest that Jackie is alleged to have created.

Six other motions were only partially denied, with stipulations regarding potential exclusions of some of the Charlottesville police investigation into Jackies claims and other pieces of evidence.

Per an emergency motion filed last week by Rolling Stone, Eramos attorneys also have been prohibited from showing any of Erdelys videotaped deposition, as well as any other deposition videos that were shown during Friday nights broadcast of 20/20. In hearings last week, the magazine argued that Eramo violated a protective order when she and her attorneys handed over some deposition videos to ABC for the broadcast, and Conrad agreed.

Conrad added that he would consider imposing further sanctions against Eramo for the violation, although no more filings had been made in the case as of Sunday night. Berlik noted that the ruling might not be a significant setback for Eramos trial strategy, so long as Erdely still appears as a live witness at trial.

Conrad did grant two exclusion motions. Per his ruling, emails received by Rolling Stone after the storys publication will be excluded, and Eramos attorneys will not be able to show an episode of Law & Order, believed to be relevant to Jackies story, to the jury at trial.

In the months since she filed suit, Eramo has battled with attorneys for both the magazine and Jackie, who has vehemently fought to stay out of the litigation altogether. After various court orders, Jackie has now sat for a deposition in the case, turned over documents and, according to witness lists filed this month, she is expected to appear as a live witness during Eramos arguments.

Many others  including Eramo, Erdely, editors from Rolling Stone and UVa Dean of Students Allen Groves  are expected to give live testimonies over the next several days.

Before they do, the attorneys will empanel what the judge hopes to be a seven-person jury. Berlik said that counsel from both sides, especially Rolling Stones, will be looking to remove any potential jurors who may have a predisposition toward the case based on their knowledge of the article and its aftermath. He added that just having read the original article or keeping up with the trials proceedings via media outlets wont necessarily excuse any juror candidates.

[Doing so] doesnt mean youre biased and that youre going to be automatically siding with Nicole Eramo, he said. You can be exposed to media coverage and not pre-judge the case.

The biggest challenge for jurors, Berlik said, is to separate the entirety of the articles aftermath from the defamation question at hand. Beyond just Jackies debunked story, or the magazines reported failings, the case only takes up the matter of what the article said about Eramo, and the repercussions it had on her career.

This whole case amounts to a portrayal of Ms. Eramo in such a way as to make it appear that she doesnt care about protecting UVa students from sexual assault, Berlik said. Its still a serious matter, of course, but thats a much narrower scope than just, hey, [Rolling Stone]should be punished because it published a false story about a rape that never happened.
A memorial to Genesis Urrutia inside the UV Communications School. Saul Ruiz

In a premonitory message to her ill mother, Genesis Urrutia recorded the following statement: Death has no age.

Four days after burying her daughter, Ramona Ramirez Urena recollects that message as she sits on the porch of her home in Jaltipan, a town of around 33,000 souls located a four-hour drive from the port city of Veracruz.

These days, downtown Veracruz is falling apart and the violence keeps tourists away

In this modest municipality in southeastern Mexico, as elsewhere in the state of Veracruz, violence reigns supreme.

The day we laid my daughter to rest they killed a 26-year-old doctor, they stole his pick-up truck. The vehicle has just turned up a few streets down from here with a body inside. Every day, somebody gets murdered, she says.

The 22-year-old Genesis was in her last semester of a communications degree at Universidad Veracruzana. On September 29, sometime after 4.30pm, she went missing along with three other youths: Leobardo Arano, 24, who had just graduated in accounting, and the Technology Institute students Octavio Garcia Baruch and Andres Garcia.

Pressure from their parents and a high crime rate in Veracruz, where homicides have doubled over the last year, drew media attention to the case. But it wasnt until October 8 that relatives heard back from the prosecutors office.

A picture of Genesis Urrutia on the memorial wall.

There were five bodies. The men had been mutilated [...], but the prosecutor told us that our daughter had been respected to some extent, and that her body was intact, says Ramona.

Three of the students, including Genesis, were among this group of bodies  the other two belonged to a taxi driver and an unidentified man. The case of the last vanished student, Andres Garcia, was being handled separately as he was reported missing at a later date.

Authorities said that the corpses were found along a road in Camaron de Tejeda, around 70 kilometers from Veracruz. Octavio Garcia Baruch had a brother who also went missing in October 2015.

In August 2016, Veracruz became the most violent place in Mexico, with 229 murders compared with 58 a year earlier. So far this year, 872 people have been assassinated, far above the figure for the entire year of 2015 (615).

The day we laid my daughter to rest they killed a 26-year-old doctor, they stole his pick-up truck

Ramona Ramirez, mother of Genesis Urrutia

The rise in violence is the result of several factors: the dispute between criminal groups, and not just between the Jalisco New Generation and Los Zetas cartels, but also due to internal battles between Gulf groups, Los Zetas and other criminal organizations, explains the security analyst Alejandro Hope. Additionally, the increase in criminal activity is due to a disorganized government transition.

Expelled by his Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and cornered by corruption allegations, state governor Javier Duarte on Wednesday announced that he is stepping down. Duarte, who had fewer than 50 days to go in power, is the target of a federal investigation into illegal enrichment.

The disappearance

On September 28, Genesis attended her last lecture in Communication Projects and Entrepreneurial Development. A girlfriend walked her to the bus stop, where they chatted for a while, according to the latters testimony.

After returning from Ecuador, where she spent a few months on a scholarship she got for her good grades, Genesis moved into in a house that her parents had bought for her in the area. She lived alone.

At 8.30am that morning, Ramona Ramirez phoned her daughter, like she did every day at the same time.

She told me she was sleepy, she was not an early riser, she recalls. She wanted to be a model, but I never let her go into that line of work after high school.

A popular girl at school, Genesis was a fan of chess and of books by Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes. She was also helping a foundation that finds homes for stray animals, and had plans to get a graduate degree in Spain.

After getting up that morning, Genesis wrote to a photographer friend to wish him a happy birthday, and at 11.40am she sent another message to her mother: Mom, I love you. Have a wonderful day at work.

Nobody saw her at university that day even though she had classes. I called her at 3pm, but her phone went straight to voicemail, says her mother.

At 4.13pm, Leobardo Arano logged onto to the social media app SnapChat and posted a picture of the two of them inside a room. Genesis neighbors saw her walk out of her house in the company of two young men at 4.30pm. All three of them walked into a store and came out with some food.

A witness said she saw Leobardo running at 5pm along Diaz Miron Avenue, a popular thoroughfare just minutes away from the Boca del Rio campus. According to this testimony, he was running away from two armed men, although security cameras did not pick up any foot chases in the area.

They were never heard from again. Genesis mother called her at 11pm and then again next morning, but got no reply. The prolonged silence raised the alarm.

Insecurity

Besides the rise in violence, Veracruz is steeped in economic ruin. A for rent sign hanging from an empty building across from the port is a metaphor for the decadence of a city that was once a beacon of hope for Spanish refugees, back in the 1940s. These days, downtown Veracruz is falling apart and the violence keeps the tourists away.

Back at the Communications School at Universidad Veracruzana, Genesis fellow students have erected a memorial with photographs, messages, candles and flowers. On October 3 they organized a march to demand that authorities find her alive. Now, they all denounce the violence.

We hardly go out to bars, says Benjamin, another communications student. University authorities declined to talk to this newspaper out of fear. Asked what they are afraid of, a student replies: Its something thats been established, but we dont know how. It has no name, position or face.

English version by Susana Urra.
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Rhythm & Motion Festival promoting Caribbean unity

These groups included AVAD Dance Ministry, Avenues Dancers, Conception Dance Theatre, Hands of Rhythm and Rhythmic Vibrations. According to Shashamane founder and festival director, Marcia Lewis, the festival is a space for promoting Caribbean unity. It allows all of us to learn from each other, forge relationships beneficial to the art forms and generally form close relationships, Lewis told the Newsday.

The festival was borne out of the need to push the boundaries of our understanding of the performing arts and how it impacts our different cultures and countries, how it can be used as a means of fostering integration and knowledge-sharing, as well as creating a network through which other learning and growth opportunities can be accessed, she added.

Shashamane and by extension, the festival, also provide opportunities to showcase the talent of youth in the Santa Flora community. The group is 15 years old and has made cultural retention its mission primarily through working with youth. Our young people have very valuable contributions to make to the national landscape and I want to provide every avenue available to make at least some of those dreams a reality, noted Lewis.

She said youth contribute not only their performing talents, but also organisational skills to the festival.

Through Shashamane they not only sharpen their skills related to the art form, but build some other competencies such as planning, scheduling, communication, management, teamwork and self-confidence. Its been four years since the first festival and Lewis noted that securing funding was a major difficulty for Shashamane.

This year, however, in addition to group-led fund-raising, the festival also received sponsorship from Petrotrin and patronage from the La Brea MP, Nicole Ollivierre.

Lewis said the group was thankful for the new sponsorship and would continue to push past the difficulties of obtaining funding to continue the good work that they do. We appreciate it. It is no easy feat; however, we do believe that if we are to grow and expand our horizons, we have to challenge ourselves and go to the next level, Lewis said.

For more info on Shashamane, visit their Facebook page: Shashamane Cultural Ensemble or 799- 6067 or 335-4022.
Good series the answer to your dreams

In the past few weeks, Ive discovered a few good, new series. You might have to ask your favourite book store to order them for you, but it will be well worth it.

Check out my new finds below.

Lives in Action  This series of biographies will appeal to young readers from Standard Three through form one. Published by A&C Black in London, the series includes biographies on Cleopatra, Christopher Columbus, Henry VIII, The Spartans and Elizabeth I. These are short books, about 100 pages long. The font is large and reader-friendly. Students enjoy non-fiction, and they especially like discovering people in history.

Real Lives  This series, also published by A&C Black in London, includes edgy biographies that are also short and fast-paced stories of famous lives. My library has books about Noor Inayat Khan, the Muslim pacifist, British spy and national hero; Winston Churchill, the story of the great British statesman; Harriet Tubman, a slave who became one of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railroad that spirited slaves away to freedom in the northern US; Alan Turning, codebreaker, scientist, genius and lifesaver and Boudica, the queen of the Iceni tribe who led her people in an uprising against the Romans. She is fascinating. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia  This is my favourite new discovery. A trilogy that also includes Gone Crazy in Alabama and PS Be Eleven, this heart-warming story of Afro-American sisters coming of age during the 70s is fantastic for the way it handles discovering your own sub-culture and your own identity. I picked up this series because the first book, One Crazy Summer is a Newberry Honor Book, a Scott ODell Award for historical fiction, A National Book Award finalist and a Coretta Scott King Award winner. In the first book, the 11-year-old Delphine and her sisters travel from New York to Oakland, California to stay with their mother who left them to join the Black Panthers. I loved how the book explored the community service and social aspects of the Black Panthers and did not stereotype Black Panthers as solely militants.

This is a beautifully written series that should resonate with girls in Trinidad and Tobago.
$2M for CJs house

MPs examined the draft estimates for development for which the judiciarys $331 million allocation including housing for judges. For the CJs residence, some $2 million has been allocated for this year, on top of $1.2 million in last years revised estimate and $432,112 actually spent in 2015. Past documents show $356,000 in actual allocation in 2014 and $202,660 for 2013, with all allocations from 2013 to present totalling $4.15 million.

Questioned by Couva North MP Ramona Ramdial on this years $2 million allocation, Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney- General, Stuart Young, initially said the allocation was for an official residence in Tobago for the CJ, but his technocrat advisors corrected him that this sum was in fact towards an official residence in Trinidad.

Newsday understands that at present the CJ rents a property in west Trinidad, and when visiting Tobago stays in an apartment at Tobago Plantations.

Ramdial asked about the $2 million for construction of judges and magistrates housing in Tobago which comes on top of a $360,000 revised estimate awarded last year, out of an initial 2016 estimate of $1.4 million. Young replied that the designs have been completed and the job is now going out to tender.

MPs discussed other judiciary development projects.

Couva South MP Rudy Indarsingh asked about a $600,000 allocation for a Drug Treatment Court. Young replied this particular court has been established in San Fernando for the past 18 months, and that the $600,000 allocation is for its continuation to go to other areas of TT, to be chosen by the judiciary. Oropouche West MP Vidia Gayadeen-Gopeesingh asked if $2 million is enough of an allocation for the San Fernando Magistrates Court, alluding to the need to refurbish so as to alleviate poor conditions in the courtrooms.

Young replied that the allocation is for a new location of the court, at a new building that has already been identified.

The committee also approved the $20.79 million allocation, to the Industrial Court, during which debate Indarsinghs query brought Youngs revelation that this court is short of five judges.

The committee then gave its nod to the $7 million allocation to the Environmental Commission, a superior court, during which debate Opposition chief whip, Ganga Singh, asked how the court could be said to be delivering judgements when in fact it has no commissioners giving oversight. Im not responding to that, hit Young. That is soapbox talk..
Porn in search of children

Bishop Robert Llanos, newly-installed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of St Johns, Antigua, gave the startling statistic while delivering welcome remarks at Saturdays opening session of Consider This: A National Conversation on Protecting Children From the Harmful Effects of Pornography at the Hilton Trinidad, St Anns.

The end, which ended yesterday, was organised by the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission, to formulate a strategy to combat the problem of pornography use among children in this country.

Among the other speakers at the conference were US-based psychotherapist Dr Mary-Anne Layden; film maker/marketer Clay Olsen; Senior Programme Officer, Quality Assurance Unit, University of the West Indies Anna Kasafi Perkins; federally certified instructor Sunny Slaughter and clinical and community psychologist Dr Dianne Douglas.

Noting that the seeds for the conference were sown during his most recent stint as Chairman of the Family Life Commission, Llanos said within the last few years, Trinidad and Tobago has been keeping the pornography industry afloat. He argued that pornography and its effects on society was not simply a moral and religious issue but a serious attack on all the institutions that help build up and promote well-being and well-adjusted societies. Put simply, healthy human development and the well-being of all societies, for generations to come, both men and women, are seriously at risk if we do not take action and intervene now, Llanos said.

I cannot overstate the dangers involved towards the countrys economy, mental health, ability to maintain academic achievement, crime situation, family life, the educational system, emotional health, violence towards women and children and the list goes on. Most importantly, we are here to save the children of the next generation and the ones after that from what is promising to be an addiction harder to overcome and far more destructive to society that cocaine, heroin or any of the known drugs of our time. The Roman Catholic cleric urged stakeholders to heed the advice of the speakers at the deliberations and take action. This is not the time to engage in denial or trivialising or any other defence mechanism you may want to employ because the problem we face with pornography addiction is evil and very destructive, Llanos said The sooner we intervene, the better our chances of saving our children and generations to come. Llanos said although pornography, sexual deviance and associated forms of violence were not new to history current technologies have made their use and effects more virulent than many had expected.

Your children do not necessarily have to go in search of porn, porn now comes in search of your children and they are not likely to tell you about it...Intervene before it is too late, he urged.
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Hazards related to EAEU-China free trade area

In February of 2015, only one month after the official launch of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to China, Andrey Denisov, announced about the intention of the two parties to create a free trade area. Both China and Russia support deeper integration in the Eurasian region but each of the countries has its own ideas about integration. In case of Russia, the integration processes take place in the EAEU context while China has been following the Silk Road doctrine introduced by President Xi Jinping since 2013. In both cases, the aim is deepening the economic interdependence for the sake of economic and geopolitical interests of these countries. In this context, the aims of the two projects coincide at least from one perspective, and signing of a free trade agreement becomes an optimal scenario. Hence, it is interesting what economic consequences the signing of such an agreement may have for the Eurasian Economic Union and particularly for Armenia. The EAEU and China The EAEU and China are geographical neighbors and are interconnected, and, hence, stable and close trade relations have been historically formed between the parties. The graph below shows the share of exports to China in the total exports of each EAEU member country. As can be seen from the graph, among EAEU member countries, only Armenia has registered continuous growth in exports to China during the recent years. In this situation, it may seem that the free trade agreement will become the tool Armenia will use for increasing exports and solving a number of economic problems. But numbers can also be deceptive because the share of exports to China has increased not because of absolute export growth but because of sharp decline in exports to other countries. The point is that as a result of Russias economic decline and devaluation of the Ruble, exports from Armenia to Russia have sharply fallen, and in these conditions, Chinas share has increased. Meanwhile, in absolute terms, export in 2015 declined and reached 315 million USD compared to 2014 (414 million USD). In parallel, the commodities exported from Armenia to China are becoming increasingly uniform. In 2015, 99.36% of exports were formed by minerals, scoria and ash. This sector is one of those in extractive industry which generate little added value. Hence, it is not realistic to expect that considerable profit can be made and additional budget revenues can be ensured in case of increase in exports of this commodity group. Moreover, increase in production of such commodities can be very alarming from the viewpoint of damage caused to the environment. At the same time, products like food and agricultural raw materials (28.56%), minerals (27.1%), and precious stones and metals (20.4%) remain dominant in the RA commodity export structure. China is one of the most important suppliers of the international market in all these sectors. And if we take into account the circumstance of the underdevelopment of Armenia-China transport infrastructure, we can rightly claim that EAEU-China free trade agreement is not likely to help national producers of the field to enter the Chinese market. In the meantime, the share of imports from China has been increasing in all the EAEU countries in the recent years. The cheap products from China manage to easily push out the national production from the domestic market. In Armenia, the volume of imports from China is also quite stable and diversified in contrast to the export commodity system. Consequently, it is probable that the free trade agreement will result in Chinese products pushing out national producers from the Armenian market. Is It Integration Progress or Economic Regression? In these circumstances, a question arises Is it in the interests of Armenia or EAEU to have a free trade agreement that envisages zero customs duties? It would be wrong to expect that the free trade agreement would allow us to increase exports from Armenia and would create new jobs. On the contrary, it is more likely that the cheap Chinese products, which are super competitive in the international market today, will be able to easily withdraw national producers from the market and will further increase the unemployment rate. In this context, it is worth mentioning the example of the European Union. The EU is Chinas largest trade partner, and China is EUs second largest partner. In spite of the circumstance that the EU has a relatively stable economy and considerable competitive advantages in foreign trade, the European Commission keeps on delaying the signing of a free trade agreement with China. In this way, the EU protects the general market from the influx of cheap Chinese products and from all the ensuing negative economic consequences. At least at the current point of economic development, it would be wise to follow the example of the EU. Both Armenia and other EAEU member countries should first and foremost focus their attention on increasing the competitiveness of their own national economies and assisting the national producers. Only the countries which have highly competitive and stable national economies can benefit from the deepening of integration processes. Andranik Manukyan, Union of Informed Citizens
STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

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Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

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There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

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The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan

Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement

With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh

USA Embassy Message for U.S. Citizens
(Newser)  The University of Connecticut community is reeling after a 19-year-old sophomore was struck and killed by a campus fire truck early Sunday, reports the Hartford Courant. Jeffny Pally was sitting up against a garage bay door at a fire station on the Storrs campus around 1:15am when the door opened as fire crews responded to a call. Pally fell back and was struck by a Chevy Tahoe leaving the firehouse, state police say. Her body wasn't found until crews returned around 2:50am, reports WFSB. It's not clear why Pally was leaning against the door. The Tahoe's driver, Dana Barrow Jr., has been put on administrative duty pending an investigation. Pally's friends and family remember the nursing student as a diligent student with a bright smile and compassion for others.

Pally was a popular resident assistant at her dorm, and she chose a university close to home to be near her family in West Hartford. "She had high hopes and [was] very hardworking, very compassionate," her mother, Shiny Pally, tells WFSB. "She always put others first." Her brother, Joel Pally, tells the Courant, "We used to joke that she had friends in 50 states." UConn officials are urging students to seek out campus counseling services. "This is a heartbreaking and tragic loss," UConn President Susan Herbst says in a statement. (Read more Jeffny Pally stories.)
(Newser)  Iraq has launched what a military spokesman says is no less than a battle for the country's future: An operation to retake Mosul, once the country's second-largest city, from ISIS, which seized it more than two years ago, has begun. The US-led coalition is supporting Iraqi troops and Kurdish peshmerga forces in the operation. "The hour of victory has come, the operation to liberate Mosul has started," Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in a televised address to the nation early Monday, the BBC reports. The offensive, many months in the planning, follows more than one false start and is expected to last weeks or even months.

"This is the final battle. This is to be or not to be," a spokesman for Iraqi special forces says, per BuzzFeed. "The future of Iraq is at stake in Mosul. And we will be in the front." The Guardian reports that the operation will involve at least 35,000 troops, including American, British, and French special forces, who have been advising peshmerga forces and will play a key role in calling in airstrikes. ISISwhich has mined roads leading to Mosul and lit oil fires to slow Monday's offensiveis believed to have at least 6,000 fighters in the city. The UN fears that more than a million civilians could be forced to flee their homes during the operation, the AP reports. (Read more Mosul stories.)
(Newser)  Nine striking dining hall workers at the world's richest university were arrested Friday after holding a sit-in to demand better wages and health benefits. The workerswho are among 750 food service workers on strike at Harvardwere arrested alongside two union officials after blocking the streets of Harvard Square, the Boston Globe reports. The arrested workers, all women, were charged with disorderly conduct and will appear in court Monday, when more protests are planned, reports the Harvard Crimson. The workers say health care costs have become unaffordable, especially since many of them only work eight months a year, when all the dining halls are open.

Student supporters of the strike were kicked out of a joint reunion event for the classes of 1971, 1976, and 1986 Friday after chanting pro-strike slogans, the Crimson reports. The Guardian notes that Harvard, which has an endowment of $37.6 billion, recently announced a $10 million study on poverty, and the irony is not lost on alumni, around 1,000 of whom have pledged to withhold gifts until the workers get a fair contract. One of the cooks tells the paper that she "thought getting a job at Harvard meant I wouldn't struggle anymore." But last summer, she says, "I had to borrow money to buy diapers for my daughter." (Before the strike began earlier this month, students stockpiled food.)
(Newser)  It's not the Brooklyn Bridge, but authorities in Alabama do have a nuclear power plant they want to sell you. Minimum bids for the never-finished Bellefonte nuke plant start at $36.4 million, which is essentially the value of the 1,400-acre patch of land on the Tennessee River in Hollywood, Ala., with a couple of reactors thrown in, reports the Times Free Press. That's a fraction of the approximately $5 billion that authorities have spent over nearly a half-century to develop the site, once the state's largest energy project. Work began in 1973 on two nuclear reactorsfour were plannedwhen demand for electric power was growing by 5% a year. But as demand ebbed, the project stalled and, faced with a final price tag of $8 billion, the Tennessee Valley Authority decided to quit while it was behind.

Support for nuclear power waned after the 1979 meltdown at Three Mile Island, per the Washington Post. "Selling the property now is a smart business decision," says the TVA. The auction is set for Nov. 14, and bidding has begun; Phoenix Energy in Nevada has already offered $38 million. Hollywood Mayor Frank "Buster" Duke, who worked at the site as a pipe fitter, hopes a buyer will finish the plantand generate much-needed jobs. "The plant was 90% complete when TVA quit building it, and I know they would have to change and update some things, but I sure hope somebody could operate it to make power," Duke tells the Times Free Press. (The US Army has a secret nuke facility buried beneath the Greenland ice sheet.)
(Newser)  A top North Korean official says that the US has nukes positioned off its coast aimed at "our country, our capital, and our Dear Leader," notes the country won't back down from this threat, and warns it might even take the first step if it feels provoked. "A preemptive nuclear strike is not something the US has a monopoly on," Lee Yong Pil, director of the country's Institute for American Studies, tells NBC News. "If we see that the US would do it to us, we would do it first.  We have the technology." Lee also suggests that North Korea may carry out even more nuclear tests if the US and South Korea don't back off of their "increasingly aggressive" drills. In addition to those drills, the North isn't happy about the arrival of a US aircraft carrier to Busan, South Korea, just hours before its failed missile launch on Friday.

It's not the first time North Korea has talked a tough game against the US, noting previously it was ready to take on the America's "nuclear hegemony" with its own "nuclear hammers of justice," per RT.com. The North performed its last major act of what Seoul called "fanatic recklessness" on Sept. 9, when it carried out a nuclear test that caused a 5.3-magnitude earthquake. NBC notes that pushing a warning out about another possible test will likely only infuriate the rest of the world and perhaps result in further sanctions against the rogue state. The Pentagon, meanwhile, seems confident that North Korea doesn't yet have the capability to reach the US mainland with a long-range missile, although a North Korean official authorized to speak about the country's missile program says the US is fibbing about that. (Read more North Korea stories.)
(Newser)  On Sunday, the WikiLeaks Twitter account tweeted out a series of odd messages: "pre-commitment 1: John Kerry," read the first, followed by a 64-character series of numbers and letters; the next two referred to "pre-commitment 2: Ecuador" and "pre-commitment 3: UK FCO" (the United Kingdom's Foreign Commonwealth Office, as Fox News reports), also both followed by 64-character codes. Rumors started swirling that Julian Assange had died, a "dead man's switch" had been triggered, and all remaining WikiLeaks documents would be released as a result, Gizmodo reports. But a WikiLeaks volunteer has since assured the world Assange is still alive (he also tweeted pictures of them together on Monday.) WikiLeaks explained on Twitter Sunday night, "Julian Assange's internet link has been intentionally severed by a state party. We have activated the appropriate contingency plans."

As CNET reports, Assange's name and the hashtag #FreeJulian have been trending on Twitter, with some speculating that the US is responsible for severing Assange's internet connection. Time rounds up the rumors flying around the weird tweets, including one that involves Pamela Anderson. As the AP reports, Anderson visited Assange over the weekend at the Ecuadorean Embassy in London where he's holed up; she brought him a vegan meal, and some are theorizing (presumably jokingly) that perhaps the meal killed him. In regard to those 64-character codes, Gizmodo explains what a "pre-commitment" actually is: "a cryptographic scheme to prevent unreleased information from being tampered with," writes Bryan Menegus. "Essentially those unique codes are proof to anyone reading the documents in the future that their contents remain unchanged: alteration to the leaks will likewise alter those 64-character codes." (Read more WikiLeaks stories.)
(Newser)  A defamation case against Rolling Stone magazine over a botched article on campus rape at the University of Virginia gets underway Monday. Some related developments:

"Jackie," the student who claimed to have been gang-raped at a frat party, is expected to testify as a live witness during the two-week trial, reports the Charlottesville Daily Progress. (The magazine retracted the article after Jackie's claims began unraveling and police found no evidence it happened.)

Former UVa dean of students Nicole Eramo is suing for $8 million because she says writer Sabrina Erdely portrayed her as uncaring toward students and willing to sweep allegations under the rug. "To win the case, Eramos lawyers will have to prove that Erdely knew what she was writing about Eramo was false or inaccurate but chose to print it anyway," notes New York magazine.

The judge will allow witnesses to discuss a federal report that previously faulted UVa for its investigation of sex assault cases, as well as interviews given by Eramo defending the school's policy. See BuzzFeed.

The National Organization for Women hates that Jackie must testify. "It is exactly this kind of victim blaming and shaming that fosters rape culture, re-victimizes those brave enough to have come forward, and silences countless other victims," it says in a letter, per USA Today.

This isn't the only lawsuit Rolling Stone faces over the story; a second, from the accused frat, seeks $25 million. But legal experts don't think the magazine is headed toward a Gawker-like fate even if it loses them. See the New York Times.

For reporter Erdely, this has been her "worst nightmare." (Read more Rolling Stone stories.)
(Newser)  Norwegians made the news late last year with an innovative proposal to celebrate Finland's 100th birthday by gifting their neighboring country the summit of Mount Halti, which sits on the border of the two Scandinavian countries. Most of the mountain is already in Finnish territory, the Independent reports. While the idea got a lot of viral traction online and popular support in Norway, now AFP says it won't be happening. The hang-up is a semantic one: Article 1 of the Norwegian constitution states that the kingdom of Norway shall remain "indivisible and inalienable." So no moving borders, no matter how slightly.

Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of Finland's independence from Russia, and gifting Mount Halti was proposed as a way to mark the auspicious anniversary. Norway, which boasts several hundred mountain peaks, wouldn't miss this one unremarkable summit near the border, supporters argued. Plus, the retired employee of the Norwegian Mapping Authority who first came up with the idea in 1972 calls it "geophysically illogical" that though most of the mountain sits in Finland, the peak was given to Norway. Despite the government's inability to change the borders, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg assured her people, "We will think of another worthy gift to celebrate the occasion of Finland centenary." (Read more Norway stories.)
(Newser)  Kigeli V Ndahindurwathe last king of Rwanda, who only sat on the throne for two years (more than a year of that time in exile)died Sunday morning at the age of 80, the BBC and Foreign Policy report. "He was a devout and dedicated believer and the last anointed African Roman Catholic king to reign over a full country," read a statement on his website. Born Jean-Baptiste Ndahindurwa, he was a member of the country's Tutsi ethic minority group, but when he ascended to the throne in 1959, tensions were already boiling over between the Tutsis and the Belgian-supported Hutus. In July 1960, King Kigeli fled to what is now Tanzania, and in 1961, the Hutus abolished the monarchy altogether and elected a president of their choosing instead.

From that point, King Kigeli lived elsewherefirst in Tanzania, then in Uganda thanks to Idi Amin's asylum offering, and then in Kenya after Amin suffered his own coup in 1979. Ndahindurwa was granted US asylum in 1992, and he continued to harbor hopes of one day returning to Rwanda as its rightful king, despite continuing bloodshed there. He set up a charity here in the US to help Rwandan refugees and orphans, but he spent much of his time in America living in what Foreign Policy describes as "impoverished obscurity." A 2013 Washingtonian profile found the "tottering" 7-foot-2-inch king living outside of DC, surviving on food stamps and a Section 8 housing subsidy. "They call me the King of Africa," he said of his neighbors, relaying how local kids would often show up at his doorstep for chocolates and other treats. (A Rwandan genocide fugitive was found in December after 21 years.)
STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

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Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

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Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

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There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

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The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan

Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement

With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh

USA Embassy Message for U.S. Citizens
(Newser)  Two Chinese astronauts began the country's longest crewed space mission yet on Monday, blasting off on a spacecraft for a 30-day stay on an experimental space station as China steadfastly moves toward becoming a space superpower, the AP reports. Ahead of the launch, one astronaut shouted, "We are ready! Please give instructions!" in footage shown prominently on Chinese TV. The commander in chief of the manned space program, Gen. Zhang Youxia, replied, "Proceed!" followed by blaring marching music as the astronauts boarded a bus to take them to the launch pad. China, Russia, and the US are the only countries that have independently launched humans into space, and while the others have more experience in manned space travel, China's military-backed program has made methodical progress in comparatively short time.

The Shenzhou 11 space capsule blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northern China at 7:30am local time aboard a Long March 2F carrier rocket. The Shenzhou 11 astronauts are 49-year-old Jing Haipeng, flying his third mission, and 37-year-old Chen Dong. The launch is China's sixth manned mission; the previous longest was about two weeks. For this mission, the astronauts will dock their spacecraft with the Tiangong-2 station within two days, conduct experiments in medicine and space-related tech, and test systems and processes in preparation for the launch of the station's core module in 2018. A fully functioning space station is on course to begin operating in six years and slated to run for at least a decade. China was excluded from the ISS mainly due to US concerns over the Chinese space program's strongly military nature. (Read more China stories.)
(Newser)  The SATs are notorious for putting undue amounts of pressure on US students, but the Guardian takes a look at the college entrance exam in China and suggests the American version is tame by comparison. In fact, China's gaokao ("higher examination") just may be the "world's toughest school exam" per the headline on the piece. For two days each year in early June, the nation's focus turns to the all-important tests for students graduating high school. Construction around exam sites is halted, and ambulances are on call in case students are overcome by stress. Why? "A high or low mark determines life opportunities and earning potential," writes Alec Ash. "That score is the most important number of any Chinese childs life, the culmination of years of schooling, memorization, and constant stress."

The exam itself consists of four three-hour papers in the subjects of Chinese, English, math, and either science or humanities. The Chinese section generally consists of a freeform question such as "Do butterfly wings have colors?" Ash follows the travails of one young man who drilled 12 hours a day from months, only to have his score come in at a solid but unspectacular 664 out of 750, enough to quash his dreams of getting into a top university. "I didnt know what to say," writes Ash, who was with the youth when he learned his score, "and as a journalist I have never felt more intrusive as I watched a young mans hopes crumble before my eyes." Click for the full story, which explains that more students are opting to ditch the gaokao to study abroad or in a vocational program. (Read more China stories.)
(Newser)  In his own way, Michael Orchard is a pretty brave guy. He saw his neighbor's house on fire, sped over in his car, smashed a sliding glass door, and rescued the family dog. Ah, but there's a "but," and it's spectacular. As the Albany Times Union explains, there was no fire. Police in Halfmoon, New York, say the 43-year-old Orchard was high on acid and just imagined it. He thought he was "rescuing the dog from the house," says a state trooper. Cops say Orchard had been banging on doors trying to wake people up before busting into the house, reports WNYT. He is charged with criminal mischief and burglary, the latter for taking the dog, which he handed over to troopers when they arrived. (Read more weird crimes stories.)
(Newser)  Target will stop selling clown masks both online and at brick-and-mortar locations due to the "crazy clown" craze that has spread across the US. Fueled by social media and sensational news stories of people in clown masks terrorizing residential neighborhoods, a slew of copycats have sprung up across the nation. The Minneapolis-based retailer has decided to do its small part to stop the craze by refusing to sell the popular Halloween masks, the Star Tribune reports. A Target spokesperson kept it neutral, telling CBS Minnesota simply, "Given the current environment, we have made the decision to remove a variety of clown masks from our assortment, both in stores and online."

There have been several clown-related incidents in the Minneapolis-St. Paul community, where Target is headquartered, as well as at least one instance in nearby Michigan of two teenage girls using the masks to terrorize younger kids. That's far from allHeavy is keeping a list of "threatening clown sightings" reported in the US, and so far it includes 40 states with reported incidents. The craze has even spread beyond the US, according to New York magazine. A teen in Sweden was stabbed by someone in a clown mask, and two teens in the UK say they were chased by a person wearing a clown mask and wielding a machete. (Read more clowns stories.)
(Newser)  After a long national debate, Austria has agreedin principleto demolish the house where Adolf Hitler was born, the BBC reports. The infamous German dictator was born on April 20, 1889, in a rented room on the top floor of a guesthouse in the town of Braunau am Inn, near the Austria-Germany border. The historic building, which has been preserved for the past century, will be torn down to the foundation, and a new structure built atop the bones in an effort to prevent it from becoming "a neo-Nazi shrine." The only reason it hasn't been destroyed or renovated already is that the current owner, one Gerlinde Pommer, refused to sell it to the government, which currently rents the building from Ms. Pommer for $5,300 a month. AFP says the building has been unused since 2011, when Pommer refused to authorize renovations.

A legal amendment that will allow the government to seize the property is working its way through Austria's parliament. When they officially gain control of the building, Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka told Austrian newspaper Die Presse: "The Hitler house will be torn down. The foundations can remain but a new building will be erected. It will be be used by either a charity or the local authorities." The demolition is expected to upset some people: many wanted to preserve the house as a museum or refugee center, while others object to the destruction of a historic structure in the cultural center of the town. Authorities, though, say a panel of experts examined the issue andfearing the site had become an object of pilgrimage for neo-Nazisdetermined demolition was the best option. (Read more Adolf Hitler stories.)
New Delhi:

The Uttar Pradesh Police has busted a gang of ultras by arresting 10 of them, including a self-styled area commander, and recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

The left-wing extremists were adept at making bombs and were planning some incidents in the Delhi-NCR region, IG (UPSpecial Task Force) Aseem Arun said at a hurriedly convened press conference in New Delhi. In the night-long raids that went on till the wee hours, nine Naxals were arrested from Noida, on the outskirts ofDelhi.

Also Read:UP ATS arrests 9 alleged Naxals for plotting major attack in Delhi-NCR

Of the nine, six were picked up on Sunday night and three this morning. Another was arrested from Chandauli, adjoining Bihar, he said. Self-styled area commander Pradeep Singh Kharwar, from Bariatu village in Jharkhand's Latehar district, was hiding in Noida since February, 2012 and carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh, he said.

Another prized catch was Ranjit Paswan, a former self- styled area commander of erst while People's War Group, who was active in Naxal-hit Sasaram district of Bihar. He was arrested from Chandauli, adjoining Bihar, he said. Others arrested include Pawan Jharkhand of Madhubani in Bihar, Sachin Kumar of Dankaur in Greater Noida, Krishna Kumar Ram from Sasaram in Bihar, and Suraj, a resident of Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh.

Suraj was the group's local contact for conducting operations in the Delhi-NCR area. The STF officer said acting on a tip off, a raid was conducted in an apartment in Sector 49 Hindon Vihar near Noida.

A total of 550 live cartridges, an INSAS assault rifle, two other rifles and three self-loading rifle magazines were seized along with a huge quantity of explosives and detonators. He said it is suspected that the INSAS rifle was looted from an security personnel as the weapon is used by them against the ultras, he said.

INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) is a family of infantry arms consisting of an assault rifle and a light machine gun. The arrested Naxals were active in eastern UP and adjoining parts of Bihar and had made Noida their base. They had rented two flats and posed as property dealers, Arun said.

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Baghdad:

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of military operations to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State group on Monday.



"The time of victory has come and operations to liberate Mosul have started," he said in an address broadcast by theIraqiya channel. "Today I declare the start of these victorious operations to free you from the violence and terrorism of Daesh (IS)," he said, addressing residents of the Mosul region.

Abadi, the commander-in-chief of Iraq's armed forces, was surrounded by top federal officers as he read his statement. Iraqi federal and allied forces have been tightening the noose on Mosul, the jihadist organisation's main strong hold in the country, for months. They recently retook key positions around Qayyarah, a town some 60 kilometres (35 miles) south of Mosul, setting the stage for a final push on IS' northern bastion.

Abadi did not provide details of the military operationslaunched overnight. Mosul and its surroundings cover a vast area and the various -- sometimes rival -- forces involved have some distance to cover before they can enter the city proper. The premier vowed that only government forces would enter Mosul, a Sunni-majority city that IS seized with relative easein June 2014 partly because of deep local resentment towards Shiite-dominated security forces.

"The force leading liberation operations is the brave Iraqi army with the national police and they are the ones that will enter Mosul, not others," Abadi said.

The Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary organisation, which is dominated by Tehran-backed militia groups, has made clear itwants to take part in the Mosul operation. Kurdish peshmerga forces have been moving in from the eastern side of the city while a US-led coalition is also providing support in the air and on the ground.

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New Delhi:

Najeeb Ahmad, pursuing MSc in Biotechnology from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student and an AISA activist has gone missing under mysterious circumstances, police said on Sunday.

Najeeb Ahmad, was a resident of room 106 of Mahi/Mandavi hostel, has been missing since Sunday allegedly after an altercation with a few students on Saturday night, they added.

Also Read : Home Ministry seeks report from Delhi Police after JNU students burn effigy of PM Modi, probe ordered

A case under section 365 (kidnapping with intent secretly and wrong fully to confine person) of IPC has been registered at the Vasant Kunj North police station on the basis of a complaint by his parents, police said.

An AISA activist said Najeeb, who joined the hostel a fortnight ago, had an altercation with some ABVP activists on Saturday night when they were holding a door-to-door campaign at the hostel for the mess committee election.

Also Read: Delhi Police arrests JNU PhD scholar for allegedly raping woman on pretext of marriage

Najeeb allegedly slapped a student following which residents of the hostel asked him to vacate his room. However, the activist alleged, "It all started with a scuffle between two groups of students, but then an entiregroup of ABVP activists came to avenge it and beat him up," the activist said.

All those who tried to save him, including the warden, JNUSU President and hostel residents were also beaten up. There was a protest organised by JNUSU at the university demanding the JNU administration to immediately take up thematter with the police from the university's side, said a student.

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Krilov: Armenia didnt think about opinion of fiances

Russian political expert Alexander Krilov doesnt think that in the current situation Turkey may become a full participant in the Karabakh conflict resolution. He expressed his opinion via video call during the discussion organized by the Media Center. If Turkey opens the border with Armenia, if it stops supporting Azerbaijan, the situation in Karabakh issue may normalize. According to the CSTO rules, the Secretary General of the organization changes every three years. But at present it isnt maintained, but there is also no restriction that the same person may assume the post more than once. Alexander Krilov comments on the fact that Armenias representative wasnt appointed in that position, We at once face the problem who Armenia nominated for the post. We can list several surnames, but it wasnt announced that the candidacy was officially submitted for confirmation. If the Armenian side wanted its candidate to become a Secretary General of the CSTO, it must have come to an agreement with other members of the organization, says Krilov. He says that we shouldnt wait that Russia will dictate its stance to Kazakhstan and Belarus, by supporting Armenia in the issue of candidacy. The Armenian side didnt carry out preliminary activities connected with that issue. It offered its candidate on love and marry principle, and didnt think about the opinion of fiances. There must be an agreement and there wont be any problems anymore. The political expert thinks that the official must be not only a military figure, but also diplomat. The CSTO had such Secretaries, who performed themselves as military figures, and didnt carry out diplomatic activities, he added.
Chennai:

Opposition parties including the DMK on Monday joined a state-wide rail blockade protest announced by a farmer's federation over the Cauvery issue. Rail services in the state may be affected on Monday and Tuesday as major political parties are slated to lead a state wide 48-hour rail roko demonstration to urge the Centre to immediately constitute the Cauvery Management Board.



DMK Treasurer and Opposition Leader in Tamil Nadu Assembly, MK Stalin was among those who participated in theprotests held in different parts of the state including Chennai and the Cauvery delta districts.

Also Read: SC constitutes fresh bench of judges to hear an age-old dispute of sharing Cauvery water

Stalin led a procession at Perambur even as scores of political workers belonging to DMK, the Left parties and MDMK among others staged a rail roko at Thanjavur and Cuddalore, and were detained.

A farmers' federation had called for the two-day railblockade starting on Monday, urging the Centre to immediatelyconstitute the CMB. The protests come days after a high-level technical team,set up by the Supreme Court, completed its inspection of Cauvery basin region in Tamil Nadu to assess the situation inthe state. The team, which also inspected the Cauvery basin inKarnataka, is set to submit its report in the apex court on Monday. The apex court had set up the team while hearing apetition by Tamil Nadu government seeking release of Cauvery water by Karnataka.

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Washington :

The last king of Rwanda, Kigeli V, born Jean-Baptiste Ndahindurwa in Kamembe, the monarch went into exile in 1960 after clashing with the Belgian colonial power. The information about his death was reported on his official website. He was 80.



He ruled the east African nation for less than a year before being forced into exile, finally settling in the United States. In 1961, the monarchy was abolished.



The king began a life of exile in east Africa, including Kenya and Uganda, before leaving for America, where he settledin the suburbs of Washington in 1992.

Details of his death early on Sunday were not immediately known.

"It is with a very heavy heart that we announce that HisMajesty King Kigeli V Ndahindurwa, the last King of Rwanda,died early this morning," read a statement on his website.

"He was a devout and dedicated believer and the lastanointed African Roman Catholic king to reign over a fullcountry."

Funeral arrangements, and details on the heir to thethrone will be announced at a later date, the statement said.

King Kigeli had come to power after succeeding his half-brother Mutara III, who died in unclear circumstances on theeve of the Hutu "social revolution" which sent hundreds ofthousands of ethnic Tutsi fleeing.

Most of them did not return home to Rwanda until afterthe 1994 genocide, which left some 800,000 dead, mostly fromthat minority.

Kigeli V is a Tutsi, but the tradition is that the monarchy represent all Rwandans of all ethnicities.

In September 1961, the monarchy was abolished byreferendum and Rwanda gained independence the following year.

While in the United States, the exiled monarch led theKing Kigeli V Foundation to aid Rwandan refugees.

A 2013 profile in Washingtonian magazine, found himliving in subsidised housing, on food stamps and donations, inOakton, Virginia, happy to hand out chocolates to neighbors'children. "They call me the King of Africa," Kigeli said of the neighbours, in that report. "Ah, it's good." For decades he spoke of returning to his east African home land a tiny, land locked country that ranks among the world's poorest nations but as monarch.

Since 1994 and the rise to power of current President Paul Kagame's Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) which emerged from a former Tutsi rebellion the issue of a potential return by the king was regularly brought up. Yet every effort failed: the RPF authorities have alway ssaid they were ready for him to return, yet only as a private citizen. The former monarch held out hope he could return to the throne.
Anantnag:

In the second incident of decamping of rifles of J&K police by militants, terrorist dressed in army uniform barged into a police picket guarding a TV tower in Kashmir's Anantnag district. The militants decamped with five service rifles of thecops posted there, a police official said.

"Militants in combat uniform barged into the guard room of TV tower at Dalvash in Dooru area of Anantnag district at around 12.30 AM and overpowered the cops guarding the installation," the police official said.

Unfortunately, it is not the first gun snatching incident in the Valley. To combat this recurring problem, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has now decided to install Israeli chips in the rifles used by cops to effectively avert and track the stolen rifles and the culprits.

The Anantnag incident on Monday night was the second such occurence this month alone. Earlier on October 3, militants snatched rifles from policemen at Kulgam district.

Since the unrest broke out in the valley after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani, the episodes of terrorist barging into the police pickets and decamping with huge cache of arms and ammunition have been rising. According to sources, senior police officer met last week and took decision to install Israel chips to crack a whip on militants.

According to sources, Israeli chips will be fixed in the rifles which will track the location of the rifles via GPS-enabled system. Sources also told NewsNation that this technology is so advance that it can also record the conversation between the security guards and the militants.

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Sao Paulo:

At least 25 inmates died in clashes between two rival factions in a prison in far northern Brazil. Seven of the dead were beheaded and six burned to death in fighting at a prison in Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima state, the news site G1 reported, citing local police.

The bloodshed began when inmates of one wing of the Agricola de Monte Cristo prison broke into another wingon Sunday. Inmates were armed with knives and wooden clubs, an inmate's wife who was in the prison when the riot broke outtold G1.

Roraima state Secretary of Justice Uziel Castro said that the fight erupted during visiting hours, and some 100relatives of inmates were briefly held hostage. The rioters demanded that a judge come to hear their demands. Instead Special Operations Police stormed the prison,released the hostages and regained control of the site by sundown.

"All the hostages were released," Castro said, adding that most of them were women. The prison, some 3,400 kilometres northwest of Rio de Janeiro, is in a state that borders Venezuela. Police and state officials did not immediately respond to phone calls from AFP.

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Hanoi:

Floods kill 24 in Vietnam as Typhoon Sarika looms and left four others missing, disaster officials said on Monday, as Typhoon Sarika approaches after leaving at least two people dead and displacing more than 150,000 in the Philippines.

In the worst-hit province of Quang Binh, 18 people died and authorities are searching for three others who are missing, disaster official Tran Le Dang Hung said.

Six people died and one was reported missing in threeother central provinces. "We are worried. We have instructed district governments to outline plans for evacuating people from high-risk areas to cope with the Typhoon," Hung said by telephone from QuangBinh.

Heavy rains of up to 90 centimetres on Friday and Saturday submerged 125,000 homes in the region, temporarily disrupted the North-South Highway and damaged infrastructure,crops and fish farms.

Hung said the floods have receded in most areas in QuangBinh. In the Philippines, fast-moving Sarika Typhoon blew outof the northern Philippines on Sunday after leaving at least two people dead and displacing more than 150,000, though the region was spared a major disaster due in part to the storm'sspeed. The Typhoon is over in the South China Sea and was movingat the speed of 15 kilometres to 20 kilometres per hour heading toward northern Vietnam, according to Vietnam's national weather forecast centre.

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Jodhpur:

In a shocking incidence of real-life crime inspired by reel-life crimes, a woman along with her boyfriend kidnapped her 4-year-old cousin brother for ransom in a bid to lead lavish life in Jodhpur,Rajasthan on Monday.Police have rescued the boy within hours.

Purnisha (22), her boyfriend Mayank Mehta and his friend Mayank Sindal have been arrested for kidnapping Yug Bhandari for a ransom of Rs 50 lakh in Mansarovar Colony in Jodhpur, said DCP (West) Sameer Kumar Singh. Purnisha lured Yug out of the house promising him a motorcycle ride around 3.30 PM and along with Mehta and Sindal, who were waiting for her, kidnapped him, he said.

"The case was solved within four hours of the victim's father, Ritesh, informing the police of the ransom call. Teams from four police stations were pressed into the case. The case was solved on the basis of call records and interrogation ofthe family," he said, adding the boy was rescued from Mahamandir locality later in the evening.

The couple wanted to lead a lavish life with the Rs 50 lakh ransom money and accepted that their plan was inspired by a case shown in TV crime serial, he added. "The plan was hatched after Purnisha came to know that her maternal uncle Ritesh, a businessman, had received a huge cash payment," he said. The SP said, "Mehta and Sindal, who are engineering students, said that one Bharat was also involved in the plan."

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Chandigarh:

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that Pakistan has no intention to fight terrorism. Rajnath Singh while addressing Regional Editors Conference, in Chandigarh, talked tough on Pakistan and said, "If Pakistan is serious about fighting terror then we are ready to help them eradicate terror, but their intention is not that."

Commenting on the escalating tension between India and Pakistan, after the Uri attack and the surgical strike by the Indian Army, the Home Minister said, "Pakistan is desperate that's why they are violating seize fire several times. And I cannot disclose my strategy to stop Pakistan but we are committed to take all precautionary steps".

"We thought that there will be strike back from Pakistan and that's why we took precautions and evacuate village of Punjab's border areas. I suggested Punjab CM to take precautionary steps," he added.

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New Delhi:

Pakistan's intelligence agency is preparing to reinvigorate the terrorists cells dismantled during the 100 days of unrest in Kashmir, sources said.



According to information obtained by Newsnation, Pak agency ISI has given full command of seeking revenge for India's surgical strike to terrorists cells within India.



The sources have revealed that ISI is planning to revive the Al-umar Mujahideen, Harqat-ul-Ansar, Al-Badr, Ikhvanal-ul-Mukahideen and Al-Jihaad Force terror groups for attack in Kashmir.



While Jaish, Lashkar and Hizbul have been given charge to spread terror in India outside of Kashmir.

Also read: Around 250 LeT and Hizbul terrorists have infiltrated into Kashmir, more than half are Pakistanis



Muzaffarabad-based Al-umar Mujahideen chief Mushtaq Zargar is supervising the operations of terrorist groups in Kashmir Valley, the sources said.



A native of Srinagar Mushtaq Zargar is the same terrorist who was released after the hijacking of IC 814 along with Masood Azhar in December 1999.



According to the information obtained by Newnation reporter, at least 250 terrorist are currently present in the Valley, out of which 107 are locals.

Also read: Pakistan has no intention to fight terrorism, says HM Rajnath Singh



ISI has directed these terrorists to make small attacks on security forces and then hide. These are groups which are snatching rifles from J&K police regularly.



According to sources, Al-umar Mujahideen is now looking to intensify its attack on Indian security forces and arrange hideouts for its operatives within densely populated regions of the Valley.

Also read: Pak reaction on Modi's 'mother-ship' comment: Sartzaz Aziz calls India financier of terrorism

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Gujarat:

Reacting staunchly to Kejriwal's Gujarat visit, Vijay Rupani, Gujarat Chief Minister said the people were fed up with his "lies", on Monday. "Entire country is saddened by his comments supportingPakistan and people are fed up with his lies, and I believehis words have no meaning," Rupani said, when asked aboutKejriwal's tirade against his government during his ongoingfour-day visit.

Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha member PurshottamRupala said people were protesting against Kejriwal because ofhis comments seeking proof of Army's surgical strikes in PoK. "Did (BJP president) Amit Shah conspire to make his rallyunsuccessful? He (Kejriwal) should understand that after thesurgical strikes, he went asking to provide proof to Pakistan.People are protesting because of this, and don't try to linkthis with Amit Shah," Rupala said.

Kejriwal and AAP had alleged that Shah was trying to stophis Surat rally. State BJP president Jitu Vaghani termed Kejriwal'scomments during his Gujarat visit as "political stunt".

"He is doing a political stunt to stay in the media glareand and blames our national president. I would like to ask himand Delhi public wants to know, have you fulfilled many ofyour promises made to them?" sai Vaghani. Kejriwal, visiting Gujarat ahead of next year's Assemblypolls, met families of youths killed during Patidarreservation agitation last year. He addressed a public rally in Surat today and termedAmit Shah a "traitor" while calling the Patel quota agitationleader Hardik Patel "true patriot".

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Mumbai:

Actress Athiya Shetty has shot down rumors that she is part of choreographer Bosco Martis's directorial debut "Circus" alongside Sooraj Pancholi, saying she has not signed anything like that.

It was also reported that Athiya, 23, will be seen sharing screen space with her actor-father Suniel Shetty in the same project.

"It is not true. I have not signed anything like that. That has just never happened. In fact it has not been approached to me," the actress told.

Though, Athiya is looking forward to her upcoming film "Mubarakan" alongside Arjun Kapoor, the actress said she cannot wait to be on set to start shooting.

"I'm very excited for 'Mubarakan'. I cant wait to start shooting. I can't wait to be on set. It's a really funny, crazy and mad wedding that everybody is invited to.

"While hearing the script I genuinely wanted to be a part of it because I wanted to see it as an audience," she said.

Talking about her character in the film, Athiya said, "My character is of a Punjabi girl, who is very simple but she has a side to her that adds chaos to the drama."

Athiya believes that her passion for being in films came from her father, who has been extremely diligent and professional in his 25-year-old career.

"My father is very hard working and since I was a child, the one thing that I have noticed about him is his dedication. I have adopted that from him. He is always on time. He always maintains his professionalism," she said.

"My dad has always been somebody, who is known to have heart of gold. He is too humble and kind. So, that kindness gets me into trouble sometimes because everybody expects me to be as nice as him. And I always tell him that why are you so nice? Because now everybody expects me to be nice," she added.

Athiya also revealed that she is a huge "Bigg Boss" fan and never misses out on a single episode.

When asked if she would like to enter the house, Athiya said, "I would like to visit the house for sure but I don't think so I'd be able to live there."

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Vardan Ayvazyan tries to dispel Levon Ter-Petrosyans alarm (video)

The external debt of the USA exceeds its gross domestic product for three times, but there are no signs of default, Republican Vardan Ayvazyan is trying to dispel Levon Ter-Petrosyans alarm, There hasnt been any case during our history that we werent able to pay off our external debt, but the burden of payment is, of course, high. Vardan Ayvazyan thinks that Levon Ter-Petrosyans statement is political. But he wont touch upon its political side. But the alarm of the first president on default is disturbing, It can simply to some extent deter future investors. But one should have fundamental reasons to announce about default before the arrival of the CSTO. Our budget deficit in the budget of 2017 will make up AMD 150 billion. Vardan Ayvazyan isnt concerned about that number, One can feel that it doesnt smell of default. The signs of default are obvious, says Armenian National Congress (HAK) faction Head Levon Zurabyan in connection with first president Levon Ter-Petrosyans statement, Whoever analyzes, they know, that money isnt collected in the budget, they know that 10 percent of the budget is directed to the debt, soon that number will exceed 30 percent. Levon Zurabyan reminds that Armenias state debt has reached USD 6 billion in case when our gross domestic product makes up USD 10 billion. That debt continues to grow, There is no precondition, which will turn over that dynamics, and it means that we have the classic financial pyramid, when the debt continues to be collected and one day the pyramid collapses. Journalists reminded Levon Zurabyan that Levon Ter-Petrosyans alarm on the default coincided with the formation of new government, on which, it seems, the society pins hopes. Thats the very matter, says Levon Zurabyan, When they start arousing hopes, not changing the grounds of that defective political-economic system, such hopes themselves are dangerous. Those hopes will soon explode, if the system doesnt change.
Raigarh:

A man accused of rape allegedly tried to commit suicide by consuming poison at a police station. Setram Rathiya attempted suicide while the police personnel were preparing to take the accused to district hospital for medical examination in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district, police said on Monday.

"The accused, Setram Rathiya, survived the suicide attempt and is under treatment at ICU in the districthospital," Raigarh Additional Superintendent of Police UBS Chauhan said. Rathiya, a school teacher posted at Tarpali village, was arrested on Sunday based on a complaint of rape of a 25-year-old nurse on the pre text of marrying her, in Chakradhar Nagar police station area, he said.

As per the complaint, the accused had been raping the woman from past two years on the false promise of marriage.When the victim got pregnant, he forced her for abortion and refused to marry, the ASP said.

The woman on Sunday lodged a complaint against Setram following which he was apprehended under section 376 (rape),493 (cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of Indian Penal Code and brought to Chakradhar Nagar police station, he said.

While the police personnel were preparing to take the accused to district hospital for medical examination, he suddenly took out some poisonous substance from his pocket and consumed it, the ASP said. He was immediately rushed to the district hospital and admitted in ICU in view of his critical condition, he said. Mean while, Raigarh Superintendent of Police BN Meena has directed for a probe into the incident. The investigating officer has been asked to submit the report in this connection within three days, he added.

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New Delhi:

Benefits of psychometrics largely remain unrealised in India as almost half the companies acknowledge not using it and as many as one in three has never explored it, but things are changing forthe better, according to a study.

Psychometric assessment is the science of applied psychology, which is intended to identify specific personalitytrait that could highlight suitability for specific roles. Psychometrics is primarily used for recruitment andselection in India. Application for talent assessment and development was around 50 per cent for most management levels, but at entry level, it stood at a mere 7 per cent.

"Psychometrics, as a science, is yet to be fully exploredand leveraged in India. In an increasingly competitive world,only traditional methods such as interviews or aptitude testsmay not be enough," said Shatrunjay Krishna, Director -Rewards, Talent and Communication, Willis Towers Watson, whichconducted the study.

It further noted that despite succession planning being a key stated challenge for companies in India, the applicationof psychometrics in addressing this is low, with only 28 percent using it at senior management and 13 per cent for middlemanagement.

As per the findings by the global advisory, broking andsolutions company, only 9 per cent of companies are unwillingto explore the new tool, indicating keenness among the vastmajority (81 per cent) to leverage advanced psychometrics.

"Investment in training and developing a cadre of psychometric practitioners would lead to organisationsunderstanding its impact on the talent cycle, which in turnwill lead to a wider acceptance and right selection ofinstruments," Krishna said.

Interestingly, more Indian domestic organisations use psychometrics compared with MNCs.

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New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Monday reserved its order on Lodha Panel recommendation matter after the BCCI sought more time to implement Lodha reforms. During the hearing, Amicus Curiae Gopal Subramaniam asked the apex court to appoint an administrator or ask the Lodha Committee to do so. He sought initiation of civil and criminal contempt charges against BCCI officials for disobedience of SC's order.

Earlier on Monday, BCCI President Anurag Thakur said in Supreme Court that he had not asked ICC CEO Shashank Manohar to state that the appointment of Justice R M Lodha committee would tantamount to government interference in the functioning of BCCI.

I am filing this affidavit pursuant to the order dated October 7, passed by this court on whether I had asked the CEO of the ICC to state that the appointment of Justice Lodha Committee was tantamount to government interference in the working of the BCCI.



At the outset, it is denied that any such request was put forth by me to the CEO of the ICC, Thakur said in his affidavit.

The apex court had on October 7 directed Thakur to explain by filing a personal affidavit, the allegation whether he had asked the CEO of the ICC to state that the appointment of Justice Lodha Committee was tantamount to government interference in the working of the BCCI.

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New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Monday sought the details of meeting chaired by Delhi LG Najeeb Jung on the Chikungunya and dengue menace in the national capital.

During the hearing, the apex court told the Delhi government that the court has learnt that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was not present in the meeting as he was in Gujarat on a visit.

The lawyer for Delhi government told the Supreme Court that the Delhi Chief Minister could not attend the meeting due to health reasons, however, Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister were present in the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has also raised concern over infections among people living in and around the dump yards and has sought answer from MCD and Delhi Government in this regard. Next hearing will take place on October 21.
Beijing:

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Pakistan a mothership of terrorism, China on Monday strongly defended its all-weather ally, saying it is against linking any country or religion with terror and asked the world community to acknowledge Pakistans great sacrifices.



In a sharp reaction to a question about Modis characterisation of Pakistan at the BRICS Summit in Goa, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Hua Chunying said China is opposed to linking any country to terrorism.



Answering a question on Modis criticism of Islamabad in aiding and abetting terror groups opposed to India, she said on counter-terrorism, Chinas position is consistent.



It is the same way we oppose linking terrorism with any specific country or religion, she said.



We oppose terrorism in all forms and we believe that international concerted efforts are needed to ensure stability and security of all countries, she said.

ALSO READ | 'Mother-ship of terror is a country in India's neighbourhood,' says PM Modi



We oppose linking terrorism with any specific ethnicity or religion. This is our long-standing position. China and Pakistan are all-weather friends.



Noting that India and Pakistan are all victims of terrorism, she said Islamabad has made great sacrifice to combat terrorism and this needs to be recognised by the international community.

ALSO READ | BRICS Summit concludes: Without naming Pak, Modi says nation supporting terror must be taken as a threat



To another question about Modis criticism that Pakistan State continues to support anti-India terrorist groups giving them arms, financial support and helping them to cross the border to carry out attacks in India and whether it is Chinas view that international community should not take a stand on Islamabads support to terrorists, Hu said: I understand your concern.



But, as I said on counter-terrorism Chinas position is consistent. It is the same way we oppose linking terrorism with specific country or religion, she said.

ALSO READ | Pak reaction on Modi's 'mother-ship' comment: Sartzaz Aziz calls India financier of terrorism



As per the problem between India and Pakistan, both the two countries are close neighbours of China. We truly hope that they can resolve these differences in a peaceful way through dialogue and consultation, so that India and Pakistan relations can develop. This serves the interest of the two countries and the region, she said.

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New Delhi:

1. 161-metre high Chennai's tallest tower to be developed by Hiranandani



Chennai's tallest tower with a height of 161 metre is going be developed by the Mumbai-based developer House of Hiranandani. The same will also be South India's tallest tower.

The building will consist of 245 apartments and is going to come up at the developer's 120-acre township on Chennai's IT expressway.

Also Read: 161-metre high Chennai's tallest tower to be developed by Hiranandani

2. US electric car maker Tesla plans to collaborate with Panasonic Corp on solar energy

US electric car maker Tesla Motors plans to collaborate with Japanese electronics company Panasonic Corp on solar energy.

Tesla's said on its corporate blog on Monday that the companies have signed a non-binding letter of intent to begin collaborating on Panasonic's production of photovoltaic cellsand modules at a facility under construction by San Mateo, California-based solar-panel company SolarCity Corp. in Buffalo, New York.

Also Read: US electric car maker Tesla plans to collaborate with Panasonic Corp on solar energy



3. Senxex falls to 3-month low amid weakness across global stock markets

The BSE Sensex ended with a loss of 144 points at 27,530. The BSE Sensex opened at 27,776 touched an intra-day high of 27,803 and low of 27,488. The NSE Nifty closed with a loss of 63 points at 8,520.

Indian shares closed at near three-month lows after a sell-off in Chinese shares raised concerns around global growth.Senxex falls to 3-month low amid weakness across global stock markets



Also Read: Senxex falls to 3-month low amid weakness across global stock markets
Goa:

In a veiled but obvious reference to Pakistan, influential regional bloc BIMSTEC on Monday called for strong measures against nations which encourage, support and finance terror groups, provide sanctuaries to them and falsely extol their virtues, seen as an endorsement of Indias effort to corner Islamabad on terrorism.

There should not be any glorification of terrorists as martyrs, the grouping of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal said, indirectly referring to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif calling slain Hizbul terrorist Burhan a martyr.

The bloc said fight against terrorism should not only confine to disrupting and eliminating terror groups and their networks but states supporting them must also be punished.

An Outcome Document detailing deliberations among the BIMSTEC leaders at their retreat here last night, said they condemned the recent barbaric terror attacks in the region in strongest terms, seen as a reference to Pathankot and Uri strikes.

We strongly believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but should also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against states which encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues, the grouping said in the document issued on Monday.

It said the leaders stressed on urgent measures to counter terrorism.

There should be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs. We recognise the need for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation. We express our determination to take concrete measures to step up cooperation and coordination among our law enforcement, intelligence and security organisations, it said.

India has been scaling up efforts to isolate Pakistan in the wake of the Uri attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing BRICS and BIMSTEC summits on Sunday, called Pakistan a mother ship of global terrorism and said the menace has become its favourite child.

The strong position of BIMSTEC in dealing with terror assumes significance as it comes after consensus eluded on reference to cross-border terror in BRICS declaration.

Recognising that terrorism continues to remain the single most significant threat to peace and stability in our region, we reiterate our strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stress that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever, BIMSTEC said.

It said the leaders expressed commitment to expedite the signing of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, and to early ratification of the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

The bloc also deliberated on a range of issues like ways to improve connectivity, enhance trade, promote energy cooperation and tourism.

The group said the leaders agreed to explore the possibility of having a BIMSTEC Motor Vehicle Agreement to improve connectivity. The decision comes in the backdrop of Pakistan stalling a similar pact among the SAARC countries last year.

To boost energy cooperation, the group also decided to expedite the signing of the BIMSTEC MoU on Grid Interconnection.

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Lucknow:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav-headed Cabinet meeting has decided to give approval for the construction of an International theme park in Ayodhya.

The world class theme Park at Ayodhya will be built in the International Ramlila Centre to develop Ayodhya as a top tourist destination. Akhilesh Yadav had earlier sanctioned the construction of amphitheatre and Bhajan Sandhya Sthal in the temple town with Rs 15 crore in August 2016.

We want it to be a museum where people from around the world come, and get an insight into Lord Rams life and the Ramayana Union Cultural Minister Mahesh Sharma told News Nation.

"The tourism ministry has sanctioned 225 crore under Ramayana circuit and Ramayana museum will be a part of it. Out of this, Rs 151 crore will exclusively be spent for Ramayana museum in Ayodhya," he added.

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Bengaluru:

BJP and RSS workers on Monday staged a protest here against the gruesome murder of a local RSS functionary and demanded a fair probe into the case and immediate arrest of the culprits.

Rudresh, a 35-year old RSS worker, was hacked to death by two motorcycle-borne men who struck him with machete on Kamaraja Road , when he was returning home on a bike after attending an RSS event.

RSS has called for a bandh in Shivajinagar area, where the murder took place following which prohibitory orders have been clamped in four police station limits of the eastern zone of the city Commissionerate limits till midnight.

Police said elaborate security arrangements had been made all over the city as a precautionary measure, adding that central forces have also been deployed.

Platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police, City Armed Reserve, Rapid Action Force and Central Industrial security Force have been deployed, police said.

BJP and RSS workers led by former Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka and Members of Parliament Shobha Karandlaje and P C Mohan and others, marched from Shivajinagar towards Police Commissioners office, but were stopped midway.

Linking Rudreshs murder to killing of BJP and RSS functionaries in different part of the country, Karandlaje said there is a feeling that these killings are part of a planned conspiracy.

Ashoka said the culprits should be nabbed first before they fled out of the city or state.

Home Minister G Parameshwara said, Four to five teams have been formed to investigate. Police will do their job. A few persons have already been taken into the custody, inquiry is on.

He said Rudres happens to be an RSS worker, other than that, we are not aware of anything about him. We will get to know the exact reasons for his killing only after the investigation.

Assuring BJP and RSS workers that police will conduct a fair investigation into the case, city Police Commissioner N S Megharikh said, We will nab the culprits soon.

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New Delhi:

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday credited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the Indian Armys surgical strike carried out on the intervening night of September 28 and 29 targeting seven terror launchpads across the LoC in response to the Uri attacks.

Parrikar was quoted as saying: Mahatma ke gaon se aane wale PM,Goa se Defence Min aur surgical strike, equation was different ,maybe RSS teaching was basic core. (Despite a PM coming from Mahatmas land, and a defence minister from Goa with no history of a martial race we carried out surgical strikes. Maybe RSS teaching was basic core.)

A day after a jawan was killed in firing by Pakistani troops, Parrikar on Monday said the Indian Army was giving a befitting reply to such ceasefire violations.

ALSO READ | India has not conveyed its plan to seal border by 2018, says Pakistan

"Violations are regularly taking place for the last five-six years, you can take out figures. But the only thing that has changed now is that we are giving effective reply," he said.

To a question on security lapses, Parrikar said, "When you are doing things and if there are lapses in it, then mistakes should be rectified."



Criticising those doubting the cross-LoC surgical strikes, Parrikar said the action by the Indian army has increased the sensitivity among Indians regarding national security in a very effective way.

Manohar Parrikar: Mahatma ke goan se aane wale PM,Goa se Defence Min aur surgical strike,equation was diff,maybe RSS teaching was basic core pic.twitter.com/viDMizWdRu  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

He said the Indian army is the worlds best and when it says something, it should be believed. From the day of the strike till today, some politicians are seeking proof, Parrikar said without taking any names.

ALSO READ | Pakistan army takes aggressive stance, warns India against misadventure

When Indian Army says something we should believe it. It (Army) is worlds best, professional, brave and having a very high integrity. I do not feel that anybody will seek proof from them (Army) here in Ahmedabad, he added at a function here of Nirma University, called Know my Army.



Parrikar was referring to some sections which have been asking for proof about the surgical strikes. The army has said the strikes against terror launch pads across the LoC was carried out during the intervening night of September 28-29.



Two good things have happened after the surgical strikes. First thing is (that) except some politicians, every Indian is rising in unison and standing behind our brave soldiers. And the second thing is we (Indians) have acquired sensitivity regarding national security in a very effective way, he said.



(With inputs from PTI)

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New Delhi:

Supreme Court on Monday extended the stay granted by Bombay High Court to facilitate an appeal against its decision of lifting the ban on women's entry near the sanctum sanctorum of Mumbai's famed Haji Ali Dargah till October 24, when it will hear the matter.

As the case did not reach the board for hearing, the counsel for the Haji Ali Dargah Trust urged the bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur, Justice A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud to extend the stay until the next date of the hearing.

The bench accepted the oral plea of senior advocate Gopal Subramaniam in this regard. The apex court had on October 7 expressed hope that the Trust, which has challenged the high court judgement, will take a stand which is progressive.

Subramaniam had also assured the bench that he was on a progressive mission and said all holy books and scriptures promoted equality and nothing which is regressive in character should be suggested.

The bench had also remarked that if you are not allowing both men and women to go beyond a point, there is no problem. But if you are allowing some to go beyond a point while others are not, it is a problem.

The bench, which recorded that an identical issue has been raised and was pending before the Supreme Court relating to the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, said the problem is not only among Muslims, but among the Hindus also.

The counsel, appearing for a womens group which has challenged the practice of the Trust not to allow women near the sanctum sanctorum, had submitted that the position was different before 2011 than what it is today.

The Trust moved the apex court challenging the Bombay High Court order lifting the ban on women from entering the sanctum sanctorum of the renowned Muslim shrine in South Bombay.

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Syria:

Air strikes killed at least 12 civilians in Syria's Aleppo on Monday, a monitor said, bringing to 45 the number killed in 24 hours of bombardment on the battleground city.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said five children were among the dead in the rebel-held district of Marjeh in east Aleppo. Dozens more people were wounded or still trapped underrubble. Of the 45 civilians killed, the highest number of deadwere in Qaterji, where Russian raids claimed 17 livesovernight, said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.

According to reports, White Helmets rescuers were still working till Monday morning to pull about 20 people out of the rubble in Qaterji. One civil defence volunteer said they had been unable tocomplete rescue missions overnight in fear of further airstrikes by warplanes circling above. Both Russian and Syrian warplanes are carrying out airstrikes over Aleppo in support of a major offensive by regimeforces to capture rebel-held parts of the northern city.

The Observatory - which relies on a network of sourcesinside Syria for its information -- says it determines whatplanes carried out raids according to their type, location,flight patterns and the munitions involved.

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Mumbai:

Raj Thackeray-led MNS has come into limelight since its aggressive stand against Pakistani artists working in Bollywood. The party is thus likely to raise similar emotive issues in the coming days to stay in the reckoning ahead of cvic polls across Maharashtra, which also constitutes the race to the prestigious Mumbai Municipal Corporation.

According to political observers, flagging the issueof Pakistani artists alongside civic matters likepothole-ridden roads in the megapolis, forms part of the MNS's strategy to play on sentiments of the city dwellers, thoughthe party rebuts such a suggestion.

MNS vice-president and spokesperson Vageesh Saraswat rejected as unfounded the criticism that its campaign against Pakistani artists was based on political considerations.

"We have raised the potholes issue and filed complaintsagainst engineers of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai(MCGM) in all the 93 police stations in Mumbai.

Our corporators Sandeep Deshpande and Manish Dhuri were arrested and sent to custody. They were entitled to bail, but did notapply for it, seeking to send out a message that to improve Mumbai, we are ready to go to jail," Saraswat told PTI.

Gearing up for civic polls, the Maharashtra NavnirmanSena (MNS) has also taken certain steps to strengthen the organisational structure.

"In Mumbai, we have put one leader each in charge oftwo Assembly segments. Inefficient office-bearers have been replaced. In other cities like Nashik, Pune, we have identified the leader for each city and has also chosen the deputy. In each city, a woman leader has been assigned the task ofstrengthening the women's wing," Saraswat said.

Factoring in recent delimitation of wards, the party will also make changes in the work allotment to office-bearers and leaders. Party supremo Raj Thackeray himself will visit each ward-level office in Mumbai and interact with office-bearers,MNS sources said, adding the party expects the common man to connect with issues raised by it.

"We will contest the elections on our own. If there is an offer for alliance, we are open to it," he said adding that the process of identifying candidates is being done. Currently, MNS has 27 corporators in Mumbai civic body.

However, the party fared poorly in the Assembly pollsin 2014, falling far behind BJP, Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP. Civic polls in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur arescheduled early in 2017 and seen as an opportunityfor the party to grab some space and remain in the reckoningin state politics.

MNS is planning to contest all corporations and field candidates in selected places for municipal councils and zilla parishad elections, party sources said.

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New Delhi:

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal made a scathing attack on the BJP state government in Gujarat for utilizing force during the Patel agitation. He went a step further and called BJP a party full of "greedy people" which will not spare even its own in its pursuit of power.

In a scathing Facebook post, Kejriwal said, contrary to its claim, BJP was not a champion of Hindus, referring to the death of Patidar youth during last year's agitation and the recent assault on Dalits in Una. "BJP says it is a party of the Hindus. But it fired on Patel boys in 2015. Those boys were Hindus. If BJP is a party of the Hindus so why did it kill Hindu boys? Few months ago, in Una district, BJP got Dalit youth beaten up.

"The truth is that BJP is not a party of the hindus. BJPis a party full of people greedy of money and power for whichit will not spare even its own," Kejriwal said.

Addressing AAP's first rally in Gujarat on Sunday,the AAP chief attacked BJP president Amit Shah, equating himwith "General Dyer" and tried wooing the Patidar community bycalling Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel a "patriot".

"I want to ask, what is the fault of Hardik Patel? Whysedition charge was slapped against him? I would like to saythat there is no bigger patriot than Hardik Patel and there isno bigger traitor than General Dyer," Kejriwal had said,referring to Shah.

Gujarat goes to polls in 2017.

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Mumbai:

Scholars and clergymen associated with various Muslim sects converged under the banner of All India Muslim Majlise-e-Mushawarat on Monday to register their protest against the Law Commission's consultation on triple talaq and Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

Recently, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board(AIMPLB), while announcing the decision to boycott the Law Commission's consultation, had criticised the Narendra Modigovernment for allegedly trying to divert attention from its"failures" by raising the issue of UCC.

The meeting in Mumbai was chaired by Maulana SayedMohamed Khalid Ashraf, the president of Daruloom Mohamdiya. Prominent among those who attended the meeting were All India Ulema Council president Maulana Zaherudin Khan, Mushawarat President Naveed Hamid and General Secretary Mujtaba Farooq, All India Muslim Personal Law Board executive committee member Maulana Sayed Athar Ali, All India Jamiat Islami Vice President Maulana Nusrat, internationally-famous Haji Ali Dargah's Imam Maulana Mohd Islam, noted Shia scholar Maulana Asgar Imam Salfi (Ahlehadis) Maulana Asgar Haideri and others.

"Any interference in Muslim Personal Law will not be tolerated. Any efforts to impose a Common Civil Code in thename of social reform and gender justice will prove counter-productive," they said in a joint statement here.

"The government should respect this position of Muslims instead of conspiring to put an end to it. The government cannot force Muslims to follow other communities in issues related to personal laws as it would amount to an infringement of their fundamental rights."

Those clamouring against triple talaq and demanding a ban on polygamy are a minuscule minority and are not representative of the Indian Muslim community," said Maulana Sayed Mohamed Khalid Ashraf. All India Ulema Council president Maulana Zaherudin Khan said the move of banning triple talaq is a conspiracy to impose a Uniform Civil Code. "We will boycott this questionnaire. No Muslim willrespond to it because it is misleading and deceitful. TheUniform Civil Code is divisive and will lead to social unrest," he said.

All India Ulema Association president Maulana SayedAthar Ali said the government should not interfere in the belief and religion of any citizen. Muslims consider divorce, polygamy and other personal laws as an intrinsic part of their religion and are hence obliged to follow the Sharia in those matters, he said.

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New Delhi:

India's premier stock exchange BSE has asked stock brokers to submit details of their existing bank and demat accounts in a specified format by October 26.

The move comes after market regulator Sebi, issued a detailed set of guidelines in September to monitor stockbrokers' financial strength along with detecting anymisutilisation of clients' funds.

"Members are requested to submit the details of all their existing bank and demat accounts in the specified formatlatest by October 26, 2016," BSE said in a circular.

Further, details about all new bank and demat accounts would be informed to the exchange within one week of theopening of the account, it added.

Besides, "a facility is being provided by the exchange whereby members can report details of their bank and demataccounts to the exchange, electronically," the exchange added.
New Delhi:

Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju on Monday took potshot at filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, saying people use Prime Minister Narendra Modis name to get into news.

A new fashion has developed in India. A student or a film person can put a question or speak against PM without any logic to get into news, Rijiju tweeted.

Kashyap, in a series of tweets, had said that why should only Indian filmmakers be targeted for casting Pakistani actors when the PM also made a trip to Lahore last year.

@narendramodi Sir you havent yet said sorry for your trip to meet the Pakistani PM. It was dec 25th. Same time KJo was shooting ADHM? Why? @narendramodi why is it that we have to face it while you can be silent? the director had written to show support for Karan Johars upcoming movie Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

Kashyap was trolled on Twitter and also received criticism from some members of the film industry over his comments.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has landed in soup over casting Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. In the aftermath of Uri attack last month, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) issued an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes to leave India.

Subsequently, Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association passed a motion to ban the artistes from the neighbouring country.

Recently, Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India also decided to not screen the films with Pakistani actors in four statesMaharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.

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Islamabad:

The IMF has warned Pakistan that Chinas growing investments in the country, including the USD 46 billion economic corridor, have the potential to lift the cash-strapped economys potential output, but the repayment obligations that come with it will be serious.



During the investment phase, as the early harvest projects proceed, Pakistan will experience a surge in FDI and other external funding inflows, says the IMF in a short evaluation of the impact of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CEPC) related investments on Pakistan.



However, the import requirements of these projects will likely offset a significant share of these inflows, such that the current account deficit would widen within manageable levels during these years, the international lender was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper.



The report estimates that CPEC related imports could reach 11 per cent of total projected imports by 2020, equal to just over USD 5.7 billion, while inflows under the corridor will touch 2.2 per cent of projected GDP in that year.



Gross external financing needs of the country will jump almost 60 per cent by then, from a projected USD 11 billion for the current fiscal year, to USD 17.5 billion in 2020.



Pakistan will see USD 27.8 billion in early harvest projects under CPEC in the next few years, with the remaining USD 16 billion coming over a longer timeline stretching out to 2030.



Pakistan will need to manage increasing CPEC-related outflows, warns the IMF, once the Chinese investors begin repatriating profits, adding that the amounts involved could add up to a significant level given the magnitude of the FDI.



Outflows will also come in the form of repayment obligations on the loans taken from Chinese banks for these projects, which are expected to rise after 2021. Both of these, repayments and profit repatriation, could reach about 0.4 per cent of GDP per year over the longer run.



The IMF acknowledges that CPEC related growth could cover these payments over the longer term, but warns that this is not guaranteed.



Reaping the full potential benefits of CPEC will require forceful pro-growth and export-supporting reforms the report says, citing improved business climate, governance and security as necessary preconditions to enable CPEC investments to generate the resources required to cover their own associated outflows. In addition, allowing greater downward exchange rate flexibility will also be necessary.



The 3,000-km-long CEPC, which is part of Chinas Silk Road project, officially called Belt and Road is aimed at connecting the two countries with rail, road, pipelines and optical cable fiber network.



It connects Chinas Xinjiang province with Pakistan Gwadar port, providing access to China to the Arabian Sea.



The project, when it is completed, would enable China to pump its oil supplies from the Middle East through pipelines to Xinjiang cutting considerable distance for Chinese ships to travel to China.



India has already protested to China over the project as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.



The matter of rising CPEC related outflows was discussed between the Fund staff and the government during the discussions prior to the review, the report said.



The Pakistan government told the IMF that additional Chinese investment over the longer term, building on CPEC as a platform, could also help cover the projected CPEC related outflows, according to the report.



For the IMF, CPEC outflows are one of the medium to long term risks facing Pakistans economy. It calls for sound project evaluation and prioritisation mechanisms based on effective cost-benefit analysis and realistic forecasts of macroeconomic and financing conditions to help mitigate the risk.



It points out a need to ensure transparency and accountability in project management and monitoring, pointing specifically at the power purchase agreements being signed with Chinese IPPs, calling on the government to ensure that the cost of power purchase remains favourable for the distribution companies and consumers.

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New Delhi:

Telecom giant Nokia has inked a USD 230-million 4G network deal with Bharti Airtel in nine telecom service areas.

"We have a long history of working with Bharti Airtel andwith this latest agreement we have become the largest supplierof 4G for the company," Sanjay Malik, Head of India Market atNokia said in a statement.

"This network expansion will provide the capacity,coverage and speed the company needs to meet the next wave ofdata demand in India," he said. Nokia will deploy its available 4G network technologies across nine of Bharti Airtel's circles in India including the regions of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rest of Bengal,Odisha, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Kerala and UP East, the statement said.

The coverage expansion will include major cities such asLucknow, Ahmedabad, Patna and Siliguri. "We are pleased to continue to leverage Nokia's leading radio access technology and services expertise to expand 4Gcapacity and coverage and further increase the quality ofservice for subscribers," Bharti Airtel said in the statement.

However, Nokia and Airtel did not comment on the value ofthe deal. According to sources, the fresh deal between the two companies is estimated to be around USD 230 million. The new agreement with Nokia will see Airtel expand the deployment of 4G technology in three new circles in addition to six circles it already serves, enabling launch of new services that started in September.

"Nokia will also expand the operator's 3G network in eight of the territories as part of this roll out and modernization of legacy 2G BTS," the statement said. Agreement between Nokia and Bharti Airtel will enhance coverage and access in urban, suburban and rural areas within nine circles in India, it added.
New Delhi:

In an open firing by Pakistani armed forces in Balochistan's Nasirabad district, 3 civilians have been allegedly killed. Baloch Republican Party (BRP) had said that several other Baloch civilians have been abducted by Pakistani forces.

In Kalat, Pakistan forces abducted "an innocent Baloch civilian" - Mubarak Bugti - and hanged him upside down from a tree for a whole night, before taking him into custody along with his family, the BRP said.

"Pakistani forces launched military operations in Chattar, Sherani, Hoti, and adjacent areas of Nasirabad. Helicopters have indiscriminately bombarded the area, killing an innocent Baloch civilian," the party's spokesperson Sher Mohammed Bugti was quoted as saying by ANI.

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Pavlik Manukyans charge is based on Osipyans testimony (video)

Member of Sasna Dzrer group Pavlik Manukyan today made a speech at the court and asked to remove the expression neutralization from the charge: As if he was neutralized. He doesnt agree with the expression neutralization, as he was hurt, but not neutralized, as they had come to an agreement that they must have put down the arms and surrender within the reasonable terms, said Pavlik Manukyans advocate Hrant Gevorgyan. The defense side has appealed the decision of the Court of First Instance on detention of member of Sasna Dzrer group Pavlik Manukyan. The defense side cannot see a reasonable suspicion and thinks that the decision made by the Court of First Instance on extending the detention term of Pavlik Manukyan for another two months is baseless. According to the advocate Hrant Gevorgyan, Pavel Manukyans charge is grounded only on Colonel Valeri Osipyans testimony, which reads that he saw Pavel Manukyan, talked to him, when he was carrying arms. The advocate is sure that the Court of Appeal wont change the decision made by the Court of First Instance. After returning from consultation room, the Court refused the appeal of Pavel Manukyans advocates.
Lexington:

In a tragic incident, Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay's 15 year old daughter was fatally shot in the neck, said authorities and the athlete's agent. Further, the police have arrested a man regarding the shooting.

Trinity Gay died at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, the coroner's office for Fayette County said in astatement. The athlete's agent, Mark Wetmore, confirmed in a textmessage to The Associated Press that Gay's daughter had died.

Police announced on Sunday evening that Dvonta Middlebrooks,21, was arrested and charged with wanton endangerment and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

A statement said investigators determined thatMiddlebrooks was in the parking lot and fired multiple shotsat the time of the incident. Another man questioned by police has not been charged.

Lexington police said in a statement that officers went to theparking lot of a restaurant near the University of Kentuckycampus in Lexington about 4 a.m. Sunday after witnessesreported an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles.

Officers located one of the vehicles and stopped twopeople for questioning, the statement added. Police spokeswoman Brenna Angel said police don't believeTrinity Gay was in either of the vehicles involved.

Tyson Gay competed in the last three Summer Olympics. Hewas part of a team that won a silver medal in the 4x100-meterrelay at the 2012 London Games though that medal was ultimately stripped after Gay tested positive for steroids in2013.

Last summer's Games in Rio featured another stinging disappointment for Gay, 33, who has battled injuries. He was a member of the American men's 4x100-meter relay team that finished third in the final before being disqualified for an illegal baton exchange between Mike Rodgers and Justin Gatlin.

The team's appeal was denied, giving Canada the bronzemedal. Trinity Gay was a sprinter at Lafayette High in Lexington and finished fourth in the 100 meters and fifth in the 200 meters at the state Class 3A high school track meet in May, records show.

She also ran on a 4x200 relay team that finished fourth. Her father, who ran years earlier at Lafayette, still holds the state record in the 100 set in 2001.

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SOUTHBURY - A former University of Connecticut political science professor, Holocaust refugee and World War II veteran passed away Sunday.

Louis Gerson, 94, lived in facility for those with memory loss in Southbury when he died, but lived in Sherman for about eight years with his daughter and spent most of his adult life in Storrs as a student and then professor at UConn.

His children said their father loved his students and fellow professors at UConn, where he taught from 1950 to 1988 and served as the head of the political science department from 1967 to 1977. He studied diplomatic history and U.S. foreign policy, publishing three books in his lifetime.

He just greatly believed in the mission of public education and higher public education and the fact that [UConn] brought together people from all corners of the state, all kinds of backgrounds and provided them an excellent education, his Eliot Gerson said. Because Connecticut had been so important to him [as a refugee] he wanted to return that generosity to several generations of students.

Gerson was active in the state Democratic party, serving as chairman of the Mansfield Democratic Town Committee from 1969 to 1972. He was also involved in Abraham Ribicoffs, Joe Liebermans and Chris Dodds campaigns for Senate. Before passing away, he sent in his absentee ballot to vote for Hillary Clinton in the presidential election.

This passion for politics came from his youth, when he convinced the U.S. ambassador to Poland to grant he and his mother visas to escape their country before the Nazis invaded. Most of his family were killed in the Holocaust.

Politics both would have killed him literally and literally saved his life, so you cant have much more passion than that, Eliot said.

His other son Bill Gerson said this pushed his father to want to understand how other nations got along. For Gerson, treaties and conflicts between countries were not just things in textbooks.

He saw what that meant on the ground, so I think he saw how that affected people's lives, Bill said.

After moving to New York in 1938 at 17, Gerson earned one of the highest scores on the state Regents exams in history up to that time. He then studied at New York University, but  against the wishes of his mother  left school to enlist in the U.S. Army after the Pearl Harbor bombings. He fought in North Africa, the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Normandy.

After the war he graduated from UConn in 1948, began teaching at the university in 1950 and received his Ph.D from Yale in 1952. As a UConn student, Gerson met his wife Elizabeth, who he was married to for 47 years before she passed away in 1997.

He also became close with Curt Beck, a fellow political science professor. Beck described Gerson as a great scholar and teacher.

He wouldn't have been chairman of the department and been so successful if he hadnt been highly respected by his students, Beck said. In all the years I heard only positive things.

Ann Swanson, his daughter, said she receives a letter from one of her fathers students every year saying how much of an impact he had.

When Gerson lived Swanson and her family, she said her father instilled the value of education into his grandchildren.

The importance of education was huge to him so they always wanted to do well in school for Pop, she said.

In addition to his three children, Gerson had 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
25 killed in Brazil prison riot

Brazil,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Sun, 16 Oct 2016 IANS

Brasilia, Oct 17 (IANS) At least 25 inmates were killed in a fight between rival gangs in a prison in Brazil, according to police sources.

Seven of the dead were beheaded and another six were set on fire in the riot at the Prison Farm of Monte Cristo, the police said on Sunday.

The riot occurred during visiting hours and about 100 relatives of prisoners were detained for several hours before being released by police, EFE news reported.

--IANS

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Nepal lifts ban on sending workers to Afghanistan

Nepal,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Defence/Security,Diplomacy, Sun, 16 Oct 2016 IANS

Kathmandu, Oct 17 (IANS) Nepal has lifted a four-month ban on sending Nepalese workers to Afghanistan which was imposed after the country's security guards were killed in a Taliban attack, a government official said.

The Himalayan nation imposed the ban on June 23 after the Taliban attack on June 20, killing 13 Nepalese and two Indian nationals who were working as security guards at the Canadian Embassy in Kabul.

Six Nepalese were injured in the attack.

Govinda Mani Bhurtel, spokesperson at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, told Xinhua news agency late Sunday that the decision was made at last weeek's cabinet meeting.

According to Bhurtel, the ban was lifted under certain conditions as per which Nepalese workers will be allowed to work only inside the green zone where the UN and other diplomatic agencies are present.

"The employer should arrange shelter for Nepalese workers around the workplace and if they have to travel outside, there should be the provision of security escort and bullet proof vehicles," Bhurtel added.

--IANS

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Battle to recapture Iraq's Mosul from IS begins

Iraq,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Baghdad, Oct 17 (IANS) An Iraqi operation to recapture the city of Mosul, the last stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) terror group in the war-torn country, has begun.

The offensive was announced in the early hours of Monday by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi who said "the victory bell has rung" in the massive mission to retake the historic city and free more than 1 million residents from the "brutality and terrorism of IS", CNN reported.

"Today I declare the start of the heroic operations to liberate you from IS," he said.

"God willing we will meet in Mosul to celebrate the liberation and your salvation from IS so we can live together once again, all religions united and together we shall defeat it to rebuild this dear city of Mosul," Abadi added.

More than 54,000 Iraqi troops are now tasked with recapturing Mosul, according to Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve.

The US-led coalition fighting IS in Iraq comprises many groups, but is mostly made up of Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters.

According to Abadi, the official offensive plan calls for only forces with the Iraqi army and National Police will enter the city.

Mosul, the country's second largest city, has been under IS control since June 2014.

The Iraqi-led forces also include the Popular Mobilisation Units, largely Shia paramilitary forces with Sunnis and Christian fighters, had planned to target IS tunnels and trenches south of Mosul with thermobaric missiles.

Ahead of the assault, as leaflets proclaiming "it's victory time" rained over the city Sunday, skirmishes flared outside Mosul in advance of the Iraqi campaign.

US military officials estimate there are up to 5,000 ISIS fighters in Mosul. ISIS supporters put the number at 7,000, CNN noted.

According to US Secretary of Defence Ash Carter, "this is a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver IS a lasting defeat".

"We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from IS's hatred and brutality," he added.

However, a senior UN official has said that he was "extremely concerned" for the safety of civilians in Mosul, who may be trapped between the lines or held as human shields as the attack began on the city, the Guardian reported.

Stephen O'Brien, the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said: "Families are at extreme risk of being caught in cross-fire or targeted by snipers. Children, women, the elderly and disabled will be particularly vulnerable. Depending on the intensity and scope of the fighting, as many as one million people may be forced to flee their homes."

O'Brien also warned that despite the efforts of aid workers, there is not enough capacity to handle a humanitarian crisis of the scale the attack could bring.

--IANS

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56 people die in fresh fighting in South Sudan

Sudan,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Juba, Oct 17 (IANS) At least 56 people were killed in fresh clashes between government and opposition forces near the northern town of Malakal in South Sudan, an official here said.

Brigadier General Lul Ruai Koang, Sudan People's Liberation Army spokesman, told the media on Sunday that the fighters linked to former Vice President Riek Machar attacked two government bases near Malakal on Friday evening.

Koang said 56 rebel fighters were killed and dozens of weapons seized, Xinhua news agency reported.

"They attacked us on the western side of the Nile. Over 56 rebels were killed," Koang said.

A local area commander, Butrus Bol Bol, told Xinhua that the rebels attacked their bases at Worjok and Alelo, West of the River Nile.

--IANS

py/dg
Japan condemns Uri terror attack

India,National,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Terrorism,Diplomacy, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) Pointing out that Japan too was a victim of terrorism, Japanese ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu on Monday said his country condemned the Uri terror attack that killed 19 Indian soldiers.

He underlined the importance of sharing of information and intelligence between the two countries to fight terrorism.

"We strongly condemn the terrorist attack on the Indian Army base in Uri. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and extend our heartfelt empathy to the injured," Hiramatsu told a media interaction here.

India blamed the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed for the attack.

Hiramatsu said Japan was not immune to terrorism.

"Japan is also a victim of some terrorist attacks. For example, last July, seven Japanese were killed along with a young lady from India in the Dhaka attack," the diplomat said.

He was referring to the July 1 terror attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka in which 29 people were killed.

"That's why Japan and India should collaborate to fight terrorism by sharing information and intelligence," he said.

--IANS

ab/tsb/mr
27 killed in Pakistan road accident

Pakistan,Indo-Pak/Pakistan,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Islamabad, Oct 17 (IANS) At least 27 persons were killed and over 65 others injured on Monday when two buses collided in Pakistan's Punjab province, police said.

The accident took place in Rahim Yar Khan district's Khanpur area, The News International reported.

The police said one of the buses was on its way from Karachi to Bahawalpur and the other was heading to Sadiqabad from Faisalabad.

According to Rahim Yar Khan police spokesperson Arshad Nawaz, the accident was so serious that the bodies of the dead and injured could only be recovered after cutting through the bodies of the vehicles, Dawn online reported.

He said the toll might increase as the injured included many in critical condition.

--IANS

ksk
Police kill jihadist leader in Egypt

Egypt,Defence/Security,Terrorism, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Cairo, Oct 18 (IANS) Egypt's Interior Ministry announced the death of a leading Islamist jihadist, after an exchange of fire during his arrest in Giza, Cairo.

"The Homeland Security Department got information that Ashraf Idrees al-Qazzaz, a 34-year-old carpenter frequently visits his sister's apartment in Kerdasa neighbourhood," Xinhua news agency quoted the statement.

On Monday, police forces raided his place looking to arrest the man, who surprised the forces by retaliating with gunfire which ended with his death, according to the statement.

The police said the jihadist had received a death sentence after storming into a police station in Kerdasa and killing several personnel, plus another sentence of 25 years in jail for establishing an armed militant cell which targeted the state's television building.

In September, an Egyptian court sentenced seven Islamists to death after charging them with storming into a Kerdasa police station where they killed the head policeman and wounded nine other policemen in August 2013.

Anti-government terrorist attacks have increased in Egypt following the military removal of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

Hundreds of security personnel were killed in the past three years with Sinai's militant Islamic State (IS) group claiming responsibility for most of them. --IANS

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US military confirms troops deployed in Mosul

Iraq,Politics,Terrorism,Defence/Security, Mon, 17 Oct 2016 IANS

Baghdad, Oct 18 (IANS) The United States military has confirmed that it has deployed troops on the frontlines, in the offensive to retake the city of Mosul from Daesh (ISIL) terrorists, media reports said.

Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, the US-led coalition fighting IS in Iraq is mostly made up of Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters.

In a statement on Monday, commander of the anti-Daesh coalition Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, openly acknowledged the presence of "forward air controllers" amongst the US "advisory" contributions to the battle, The Guardian reported.

The controllers -- known as Joint Terminal Air Controllers (JTACS) -- are troops drawn from special operations forces to ensure greater accuracy of aerial bombardment.

Their presence indicates that US troops, while not formally in a combat role, are on the frontlines and are willing to use substantial airpower on Iraq's second city.

The US command's acknowledgment of their presence is the latest departure from US President Barack Obama's promise against having "boots on the ground" in Iraq.

"Americans are again playing an adviser role, an enabler role for these Iraqi forces," ABC news quoted Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook as saying at a briefing.

"Most of the American forces in Iraq are not anywhere close to the front line," he added.

The Iraqi operation to recapture the city of Mosul, the last stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) terror group in the war-torn country, began on October 17 with more than 54,000 Iraqi troops.

Mosul, nearly 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling the IS militants to take control of parts of the country's northern and western regions.

--IANS

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Supporting youth employment part of Government's support to middle class and those seeking to join it

GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - As a part of its plan to grow the middle class and help those working hard to join it, the Government of Canada is establishing an Expert Panel on Youth Employment. Today, the new Panel kicked off its work with an inaugural meeting with the Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour. The Panel will aid the Government in fulfilling its commitment not only to create more job opportunities for youth, but to give young Canadians the skills and experience they need to secure and maintain good-well-paying jobs.

First announced in Budget 2016, the Expert Panel on Youth Employment will assess the barriers faced by young people in Canada, including vulnerable youth, in finding and keeping jobs. The Panel will look at innovative practices used by other governments, nongovernmental organizations and employers, at home and abroad, to improve job opportunities for youth.

The Panel will invite young people from across the country, as well as representatives from provincial and territorial governments, rural and remote communities, Indigenous groups, businesses/employers, labour unions, notforprofits, think tanks and the academic community, to share their perspectives.

Chaired by Vasiliki Bednar, the Associate Director, Cities, at the Martin Prosperity Institute, the Panel will report back with recommendations to the Government of Canada by March 15, 2017. Panel members include: Maria Eugenia Longo (Institut national de la recherche scientifique), Paulina Cameron (Regional Director for BC & Yukon at Futurpreneur Canada), Adrianna Mackenzie (Pathways to Education), Sonya Gulati (Manager with KPMG's Public Sector Advisory Practice), Michael Champagne (community leader and Indigenous-rights activist, Aboriginal Youth Opportunities), Gabriel Bran Lopez (President of the Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montreal and founding President, Youth Fusion), as well as Robyn Bews (Executive Director, WORKShift Canada).

Each year, the Government of Canada invests more than $300 million in Canada's young people through the Youth Employment Strategy (YES). As announced in Budget 2016, total funding for YES is increasing by some $278 million in 201617, representing the largest investment in YES since its launch in 1997.

Quotes

"Investing in jobs for young people is an investment in Canada's future. We're going to help young Canadians find jobs and get the best start possible to their careers. The Expert Panel on Youth Employment will look at innovative ways, both at home and abroad, to improve job opportunities for all youth  including Indigenous Canadians, differently-abled Canadians, and vulnerable youth."

 The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

"Better appreciating the unique labour market challenges that Canadian youth face is critical for the nation's future prosperity. I am honoured to chair this important policy work and look forward to presenting Canadians with our findings and recommendations."

 Vasiliki Bednar, Chair of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment

Quick Facts

Between 1990 and 2015, the average rate of unemployment for all youth (15 to 29 years old) has been 11.8%, nearly 4 percentage points higher than the general population (15 years and older) (8.1%).

Canada's current youth unemployment rate (15 to 24 year olds) is 13.2 % (Statistics Canada, 2016).

current youth unemployment rate (15 to 24 year olds) is 13.2 % (Statistics Canada, 2016). Today's youth are more educated than previous generations and are staying in school longer. In 2014, 58% of 25 to 34 year olds held a post-secondary degree, the third-highest percentage among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

According to a Statistics Canada study, in 2012, more than one-quarter of unemployed young people (15 to 24 years old) had never worked, far more than workers between 25 and 54 years old (only 5.4%) (Statistics Canada, 2013).

In 2015, youth (15 to 29 years old) with less than a high school diploma had an employment rate of 53.9%, compared to youth who completed post-secondary education (86.2%).

According to the 2011 National Household Survey, Indigenous youth (15 to 29 years old) had poorer employment rates than their non-Indigenous peers (43.6% versus 60.5%) and are much less likely to participate in the labour market altogether. Indigenous youth living on-reserve fare even worse, with an employment rate of 21.7%, compared to 50.3% off-reserve.

Associated Links

Expert Panel on Youth Employment

Budget 2016

Youth Employment Strategy

Backgrounder

Expert Panel on Youth Employment

The Expert Panel on Youth Employment is a key part of the Government's focus on Canada's youth. The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister, who is also Minister of Youth, has stated that youth issues are Canada's issues. There is no separating the two, as youth represent a critical segment of the labour force and make an important contribution to Canada's economy.

The Panel's focus will be on the issue of youth employment for individuals between the ages of 15 and 29, including vulnerable populations, in the context of the changing nature of work and the fourth industrial revolution. The Panel will examine barriers faced by young people in Canada, including Indigenous youth and youth who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) in finding and keeping employment and consider the long-term impacts of poor labour market integration and the potential for long-term negative effects.

In addition, the Panel will explore both the factors that prevent employers from hiring youth as well as best practices in the recruitment and retention of youth. It will identify and examine innovative and promising practices used by governments, employers, service providers and youth themselves, both domestically and internationally, to facilitate transitions into the labour market for youth and ensure quality employment (for example, examining the role labour market information plays in supporting youth employment).

The Panel will also advise on enhancements to the Youth Employment Strategy (YES) in keeping with the Budget 2016 commitment to make additional investments in YES in 201718 and 201819.

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: Carlene Variyan, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, [email protected], 819-654-5611; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
OTTAWA, Oct. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development will travel to Quito, Ecuador, for the United Nations (UN) Habitat III Summit on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development being held October 1720. During the Summit, the Minister will lead a strong delegation of over 130 Canadians representing all orders of government, the private sector, civil society, Indigenous groups, academia and youth.

The UN Habitat III Summit is expected to result in the adoption of the New Urban Agenda, an international declaration that will strengthen the political commitment among participating countries for the sustainable development of cities, towns and other human settlements across the globe for the next 20 years.

Canada embraces the guiding principles set for the Habitat III Summit and the New Urban Agenda. These principles echo the Government's objectives for Canada as outlined in Budget 2016. Throughout the process to negotiate the declaration, Canada has been a strong voice for the promotion and protection of human rights and the advancement of democratic values. Canada is also recognized as a leader in the areas of partnership and innovation, and a strong advocate for the inclusion of underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous people, at-risk youth, immigrants and the LGBTI community.

Over the four days, the Minister will meet regularly with the Canadian delegation, as well as various stakeholders present at the conference. He will also participate in high-level meetings and events where he will discuss Canada's experience with promoting diversity and inclusion as well as actions to address complex social problems related to housing, poverty, sustainable development, climate change, health and quality of life.

Canadians can follow Canada's participation at the UN Habitat III Summit in Quito by following Minister Duclos (@jyduclos) and ESDC (@SocDevSoc) on Twitter. They can also join the global conversation using the hashtags #Habitat3 and #NewUrbanAgenda.

Quote

"Canada is eager to be an active participant in the UN's Habitat III Summit and to make a meaningful contribution to the New Urban Agenda. I am looking forward to working with our Canadian partners, and also to learning about the ways that other countries tackle the same challenges that we are facing in Canada."

 The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

Quick Facts

This is the third summit on the urban agenda. The first summit took place 40 years ago in Vancouver, British Columbia .

. Urban centres now represent over half of the global population, and cities are the front line for many of the global community's most pressing issues. Social inequality, climate change and poverty are challenges all orders of government must confront.

Habitat III will bring together 40,000 people from national governments, municipalities, the private sector and civil society to discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities to ensure equality, quality of life and prosperity for citizens today and for generations to come.

From June 22 to September 30, 2016 , Canadians were invited to participate in the online consultation on Habitat III and to join the New Urban Agenda conversation. The views gathered through this consultation were used to inform the Canadian delegation and to bring Canada's voice and priorities to the Habitat III Summit, as well as inform subsequent Habitat III processes.

Associated Links

Habitat3.org

Backgrounder

UNITED NATIONS HABITAT III SUMMIT

Habitat III Summit

The United Nations (UN) convened the first Habitat Summit in 1976 in Vancouver, British Columbia, to discuss the rapid and often uncontrolled growth of cities. The UN held a second meeting (Habitat II  the Conference on Human Settlements) in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1996. This second meeting was held to assess two decades of progress since Habitat I and set new goals related to the sustainable development of communities for the new millennium.

The Habitat III Summit, which will be held October 1720 in Quito, Ecuador, brings together all orders of government, as well as Indigenous organizations, the private sector and civil society with a view to uniting voices in support of the sustainable communities across the globe that put citizens first.

Urban centres now represent over half of the global population, and cities are the front line for many of the global community's most pressing issues. Social inequality, climate change and poverty are challenges all orders of government must confront. Creating suitable, affordable and sustainable living spaces represents an unprecedented opportunity to ensure equality, quality of life and prosperity for citizens today and for generations to come. Issues that will be addressed at Habitat III include poverty, climate change, public safety, infrastructure and housing, health and quality of life.

Habitat III will be the first UN global summit following the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the COP 21 on climate change. Habitat III's outcomes will be closely aligned with these international commitments.

Canada's leadership at the UN Habitat III on sustainable development

Canada embraces the guiding principles set for the Habitat III Summit. These principles echo the Government's objectives for Canada. The 2016 Budget includes an ambitious plan to boost the economy, strengthen the middle class and help those who are working hard to join it.

The Summit will culminate in an international declaration, entitled the New Urban Agenda, which will aim to renew global political commitments to promote sustainable development of municipalities, cities and other human settlements in the next 20 years.

The nature of Canada's contribution in Quito will guide the country and impact all Canadians in the coming decades. That is why Canada is working hard to ensure that its goals are reflected in the New Urban Agenda. Canada is a strong voice for the promotion and protection of human rights and the advancement of democratic values. That is why we believe that people areand should beat the centre of the New Urban Agenda.

Canada is eager to share areas where it is showing leadership and innovation to address complex social problems, but also to hear and learn from other countries that are grappling with issues similar to our own.

Throughout the process to negotiate the New Urban Agenda, Canada strongly advocated for the following objectives:

1. Social Inclusion and Diversity

Throughout the negotiation of the New Urban Agenda, Canada fought hard to have groups like youth, women, children, immigrants, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples and members of the LGBTI community officially recognized in the New Urban Agenda. We are proud to say that most groups were included.

2. Strengthening the Middle Class

One of Canada's key priorities is strengthening the middle class and helping those working hard to join it. Canada believes that this is an area where countries can work together to help build and grow the middle class in order to encourage social and economic prosperity not only in our own countries, but also across the globe.

3. Partnerships and Innovation

Our cities still face deeply entrenched social challenges. Canada recognizes that no single group or government can solve these global challenges on its own. That is why partnership and innovation are key to Canada's vision for the implementation of a New Urban Agenda. A central aspect of our collaborative approach is engaging our population on our priorities, such as developing strategies to address housing, poverty, employment, climate change and infrastructure.

The Canadian delegation to Quito

Canada wants to cultivate a positive and constructive relationship with the many stakeholders that help to develop and implement innovative solutions to urban challenges. The Canadian delegation comes from various backgrounds and is representative of Canada's diversity. The delegation includes representatives of provinces, municipalities, academia, civil society, youth and Indigenous peoples. All members share a common goal and understand that in participating in the Habitat III Summit, our country will send the important message that Canadians are committed to supporting an inclusive agenda where no one is left behind.

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

For further information: Mathieu Filion, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P., Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, 819-654-5546; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
CHICAGO, IL, Oct. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - The Boyd Group Inc. (the "Boyd Group" or "Boyd") today announced the October 17, 2016 opening of a new collision repair center in Greenville, North Carolina. The center previously operated as the collision repair department of Hastings Ford and served the community for 46 years. Greenville is located about 85 miles east of Raleigh, North Carolina and the center is located on a busy thoroughfare in close proximity to Interstate 264.

"This is our first location in the Greenville area and complements our centers located around Raleigh, Charlotte and Wilmington," said Tim O'Day, President and COO of the Boyd Group's U.S. operations. "This additional presence in the state will allow us to better serve new customers and our insurance partners and our co-location with a car dealership gives us a prime opportunity to introduce dealership customers to Gerber's high level of quality and service."

The Boyd Group is continuously looking to add new collision repair locations to its existing network in Canada and the U.S. Interested collision repair center owners are asked to contact Kim Allen at the contact coordinates below for more information.

About The Boyd Group Inc.

The Boyd Group Inc. (the "Company"), directly and through subsidiaries, is one of the largest operators of non-franchised collision repair centers in North America in terms of number of locations and sales. The Company operates locations in five Canadian provinces under the trade name Boyd Autobody & Glass (http://www.boydautobody.com), as well as in 20 U.S. states under the trade name Gerber Collision & Glass (http://www.gerbercollision.com). The Company uses newly acquired brand names during a transition period until acquired locations have been rebranded. The Company is also a major retail auto glass operator in the U.S. with locations across 31 U.S. states under the trade names Gerber Collision & Glass, Glass America, Auto Glass Service, Auto Glass Authority and Autoglassonly.com. The Company also operates a third party administrator, Gerber National Claims Services ("GNCS") that offers first notice of loss, glass and related services. GNCS has approximately 5,500 affiliated glass provider locations and 4,600 affiliated emergency roadside services providers throughout the U.S. For more information on The Boyd Group Inc. or Boyd Group Income Fund, please visit our website at (http://www.boydgroup.com).

SOURCE Gerber Collision & Glass

For further information: please contact: Stephen Boyd, Vice President, Corporate Development, Tel: (204) 594-1776, [email protected]; Kim Allen, Director of Business Development, Tel: (847) 410-6003, [email protected]
VANCOUVER, Oct. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - HSBC Bank Canada has appointed Larry Tomei Executive Vice President and Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management effective 17 October 2016. Tomei succeeds Betty Miao who is taking on a new role with HSBC in Asia.

Sandra Stuart, President and CEO, HSBC Bank Canada said: "Our major investment in digitization and branch updates for our retail banking and wealth management business is a sign of our commitment to serving Canadians and growing in this market. We are extremely pleased to have Larry joining our team to help lead these important changes. In this very competitive environment, as customer expectations continue to rise, his depth of experience in Canadian retail and wealth management with an emphasis on service will be valuable in driving our efforts to make the business simpler, faster, and more efficient for our customers."

Tomei joins HSBC Bank Canada after a 22-year career with CIBC where he was most recently Senior Vice President, and headed up the President`s Choice Financial business. Tomei has worked in progressively senior roles including leading national sales and service for retail distribution, private wealth management and mutual funds. He has significant experience in retail banking, business banking, mass affluent and Asian banking. Larry was named one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40 by The Caldwell Partners in 2009.

HSBC Bank Canada, a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, is the leading international bank in the country. We help companies and individuals across Canada to do business and manage their finances internationally through three global business lines: Commercial Banking, Global Banking and Markets, and Retail Banking and Wealth Management. Canada is a priority market for the HSBC Group - one of the world's largest banking and financial services groups with assets of US$2,608bn at 30 June 2016. Linked by advanced technology, HSBC serves customers worldwide through an international network of around 4,400 offices in 71 countries and territories in Europe, Asia, North and Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa. For more information visit www.hsbc.ca

SOURCE HSBC Bank Canada

Image with caption: "HSBC Bank Canada appoints industry veteran, Larry Tomei, to head retail banking and wealth management unit (CNW Group/HSBC Bank Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161017_C1053_PHOTO_EN_796968.jpg

For further information: Media enquiries: Aurora Bonin, 604-641-1905, [email protected]; Sharon Wilks, 416-868-3878, [email protected]
BURLINGTON, ON, Oct. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - IKEA Canada is opening an exhibit in downtown Toronto to celebrate its 40th anniversary in Canada. Hosted at the Design Exchange, Canada's Design Museum, IKEA Then & Now will take visitors on a journey through the decades to demonstrate how IKEA has helped shape life at home in Canada. The exhibit is free to the public and will run from October 21st to 30th.

IKEA Then & Now tells the story of IKEA in Canada, featuring rooms displaying iconic IKEA furniture from the 1970's to today, with a glimpse into the future. Inspired by the IKEA Museum in Almhult, Sweden, the exhibit also pays homage to the ancestry of IKEA home furnishings and its unique democratic design philosophy of creating products that help create a better everyday life through their form, function, quality, sustainability and affordable price.

"Canadian's have welcomed IKEA into their homes for the past 40 years and we are delighted to have reached this anniversary together," said Dave McCabe, Acting President, IKEA Canada. "The IKEA Then & Now exhibit offers visitors a chance to take a trip down memory lane, remembering how our homes have evolved over the last four decades. The exhibit also offers a behind the scenes look at the IKEA brand and business, which we are confident will continue to grow in Canada for the next 40 years and beyond."

There will be many more things to experience at the exhibit, including a ball pit for both the young and young at heart. Visitors will also have the opportunity to be featured on the front cover of this year's IKEA Catalogue. And, just for dropping by, visitors will have a chance to win a week-long dream trip for two to the design capital of the world, Stockholm, Sweden.

IKEA Then & Now runs from October 21st to 30th at the Design Exchange, 234 Bay St., Toronto. Admission is free to the public. The hours of operation are as follows: Monday - Friday: 9am - 7pm Saturday & Sunday: 10am  6pm

About IKEA CANADA

IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer with 375 stores in more than 50 countries worldwide, which are visited by 884 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 12 stores, an eCommerce virtual store, 6 Pick-up and order points in Quebec City and southern Ontario and two Collection Points in Halifax and Saskatoon. The company also recently announced plans to open stores in Halifax and Quebec City. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 25 million visitors to its stores and 75 million visitors to the IKEA.ca website. Founded in 1943, IKEA's business philosophy is to offer a wide range of products of good design and function at prices so low, the majority of people can afford them. For more information on IKEA, please visit: www.IKEA.ca.

SOURCE IKEA Canada

For further information: Alicia Carroll, Commercial Public Relations Manager, (416) 646-8182 ext. 2338, [email protected]
TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - Twelve years after the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Health Ministers committed to developing a plan for rare disease drugs, patients are standing outside the site of the annual Health Ministers' meeting in downtown Toronto asking, "When will you deliver on the promise?"

Back in 2005, dozens of families affected by rare diseases, demonstrated for two days outside the Health Ministers' Annual Meeting pleading for access to life-saving therapies for two specific conditions. The Ministers agreed to fund the drugs and also to develop a national plan. They made good on the two drugs, and today every one of those patients at the demonstration is alive. But the national Drugs for Rare Diseases plan never materialized. And the fall-out has been devastating.

According to Durhane Wong-Rieger, President of the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, "The lack of an access plan means that almost every time there is a new rare disease therapy, patients and families often send out pleas through Facebook and Twitter, appeal for support through newspaper and television, and lobby the politicians." Because many conditions are severe and progressive, many patients deteriorate and some even die waiting for access to a drug that is already approved by Health Canada.

A disease is considered rare if it affects no more than 1 in 2,000 persons. But, because there are more than 7,000 rare diseases, altogether there are about 2.8 million Canadians with rare diseases, and 60% of them are children. About 40% will die before their sixth birthday.

Today, rare disease patients and caregivers are demanding that the federal government immediately implement the Orphan Drug Regulatory Framework. It has been 34 years since the USA and 17 years since the European Union passed their Orphan Drug Acts. Canada is the only developed country that does not have orphan drug legislation to support research, drug development, and clinical trials.

The Health Ministers have known about Canada's Orphan Drug Regulatory Framework for three years. On Rare Disease Day (February 29th), all the Parliamentarians wore the yellow scarves symbolizing their support for rare diseases, so CORD is asking, "What is Federal Health Minister Philpott waiting for?" Canadian lives are literally at stake.

Rare disease patients, families, and friends are gathering outside the Health Ministers' meeting at the King Edward Hotel in Toronto, hoping to get answers to their questions.

SOURCE Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders

For further information: Durhane Wong-Rieger, President & CEO, Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, Direct: (647) 801-5176, Email: [email protected]
VANCOUVER, Oct. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - Rockwell Diamonds Inc. ("Rockwell" or the "Company") (TSX:RDI; JSE:RDI) announces results for the three months ended August 31, 2016.

Currency values are presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

Salient features

Gross profit - $1.7 million before amortisation and depreciation for the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

- before amortisation and depreciation for the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Net Loss/Income  net loss of ($$0.6) million compared to 1.1 million profit for the prior year.

 net loss of ($$0.6) million compared to 1.1 million profit for the prior year. Rough diamond revenues - declined 14% year-on-year and 13% compared to the previous quarter.

- declined 14% year-on-year and 13% compared to the previous quarter. MOR total cost of production - down 9% year-on-year on a unit basis, but up 23% on Q1 F2017.

- down 9% year-on-year on a unit basis, but up 23% on Q1 F2017. Wouterspan ("WPC") processing plant  Phase 1 commissioned (lines 1 and 2); Phase 2 commissioning (lines 3 and 4) expected by November. Project schedule overruns thoroughly investigated; evaluating Phase 3 in-field screen optionality.

 Phase 1 commissioned (lines 1 and 2); Phase 2 commissioning (lines 3 and 4) expected by November. Project schedule overruns thoroughly investigated; evaluating Phase 3 in-field screen optionality. Saxendrift - operations at Saxendrift suspended in September, as anticipated due to grade reduction.

operations at Saxendrift suspended in September, as anticipated due to grade reduction. Remhoogte- Holsloot ("RHC") - operations suspended end-September, pending a review of various options going forward.

operations suspended end-September, pending a review of various options going forward. MOR grades - down 9% year-on-year and 7% quarter-on-quarter, to 0.62 carats/100m 3 of gravel processed.

- down 9% year-on-year and 7% quarter-on-quarter, to 0.62 carats/100m of gravel processed. MOR revenues - declined 21% year-on-year, and 17% on the previous quarter.

- declined 21% year-on-year, and 17% on the previous quarter. Average price per carat - down 13% year-on-year and 16% on the previous quarter (from own operations).

- down 13% year-on-year and 16% on the previous quarter (from own operations). Exploration - drilling and bulk sampling continues around WPC. Rockwell has been granted a Prospecting Right over the Daniel alluvial deposit (adjacent to the Finsch diamond mine).

- drilling and bulk sampling continues around WPC. Rockwell has been granted a Prospecting Right over the Daniel alluvial deposit (adjacent to the Finsch diamond mine). Safety - as at August 31, 2016 Rockwell's MOR operations had recorded 174 558 lost time injury free hours.

- as at Rockwell's MOR operations had recorded 174 558 lost time injury free hours. Operational turnaround - contract mining services agreement concluded; focus on improvement of liquidity and working capital whilst securing completion of the WPC project; considering disposal of certain assets.

- contract mining services agreement concluded; focus on improvement of liquidity and working capital whilst securing completion of the WPC project; considering disposal of certain assets. Staffing - Company CFO stepping down to remain in Johannesburg with family, and not permanently on the mines.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS











$ million unless otherwise stated Q2

2017 Q2

2016 %

Change Q1

2017 F2016 Total Revenue 13.4 21 (36%) 12.5 47.3

Rough diamond sales 10.6 12.3 (14%) 12.1 37.7

Beneficiation 2.8 8.7 (68%) 0.4 9.6 Average price per carat sold (USD) 1 560 1 791 (13%) 1 864 1 513 Gross profit (loss) before amortisation and depreciation 1.7 9.2 (82%) 3.3 0.4 MOR total production cost / m3 (USD) 12.8 14.05 (9%) 10.44 13.87 Cash generated / (used) in operations (net of debt

repayments) 3.2 3.6 (11%) 2.0 (4.2) Profit / (loss) attributable to owners of the parent (0.6) 1.2 (150%) 0.6 (28.3) Net cash and cash equivalents (0.5) (2.4) (79%) (0.1) (1.3)













Commenting on the second quarter financial performance, Tjaart Willemse, Executive Officer said:

"Rockwell has seen some significant challenges during the first half, and notably so during the second quarter of the 2017 fiscal year, both in production volumes and ore quality which resulted in lower than planned diamond revenues. This, combined with a reduction in projected economic large volume resources, especially at our Remhoogte-Holsloot operation, has had an adverse impact on future economic outlook when compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. Going forward it will not be business as usual.

Our results for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 reflect the decrease in available economic ore volumes and grades at RHC under our large volume business model, with the added disadvantage of having realised lower than planned diamond prices.

The mining contract, which was signed late August 2016, was fully implemented on September 1st. Certain measures have been put in place to manage the transition period.

Wouterspan has had some good recoveries during September, however, at current low production capacity prior to full commissioning of all four streams in November, profitability remains under pressure. The immediate aim is to complete the plant without further delay and to install additional temporary in field screening capacity to assist the mine in achieving nameplate capacity in advance of completion of the permanent in-field screening facility.

A comprehensive sensitivity analysis was done for RHC to determine economics against fluctuations in grade, volume, diamond revenue, exchange rate, and variable and fixed cost components based on the company's large volume business model. The outcome of this exercise underpinned the Company's decision on the future of the Remhoogte operation. Mining at RHC was suspended at the end of September as it was found not to be sustainable under the current Rockwell business model. It is, however, worth noting that the mine may be operated profitably under a different cost and lower monthly volume structure.

The Saxendrift mine was suspended as well during September due to depletion of economic resources under our business model. This was in line with the mine plan and has been anticipated for some months.

Our senior management team has already and will be undergoing changes in the months ahead, following the resignation of the CEO, James Campbell, in September and that of the CFO, John Shelton for personal reasons, in October.

With the corrected focus on accelerating production ramp-up at Wouterspan and driving down our cost levels while becoming a high volume low cost producer, we believe the operations can flourish. Other aspects of the business turnaround to ensure strategic repositioning of the "new" Rockwell are receiving high priority and the full support of our Board of Directors".

Financial review

Revenue: The Group reported a 14% decrease in rough diamond revenues at $10.6 million (Q2 F2016: $12.3 million ), chiefly due to reductions in grade and diamond values realised at RHC and Saxendrift, and a 67% drop in beneficiation revenue to $2.8 million (Q2 F2016: $8.7 million ). Total revenues decreased by 36% to $13.4 million (Q2 F2016: $20.9 million ), reflecting the benefit of early settlement of the entire beneficiation pipeline in the prior year ( $5.8 million ). Total revenues were up by 8% compared with Q1 F2017 ( $12.5 million ), reflecting the benefit of beneficiation proceeds received in the current quarter.

The Group reported a 14% decrease in rough diamond revenues at (Q2 F2016: ), chiefly due to reductions in grade and diamond values realised at RHC and Saxendrift, and a 67% drop in beneficiation revenue to (Q2 F2016: ). Total revenues decreased by 36% to (Q2 F2016: ), reflecting the benefit of early settlement of the entire beneficiation pipeline in the prior year ( ). Total revenues were up by 8% compared with Q1 F2017 ( ), reflecting the benefit of beneficiation proceeds received in the current quarter. Cost of sales before amortization and depreciation decreased to $11.7 million (Q2 F2016: $11.8 . million), mainly due to the impact of the costs of restructuring that took place in the prior year, which included the cost of goods sourced from contractors at Tirisano up to the point that operation closed, and $0.9 million in respect of cost of closure of NJK early in Q1 F2016.

decreased to (Q2 F2016: . million), mainly due to the impact of the costs of restructuring that took place in the prior year, which included the cost of goods sourced from contractors at Tirisano up to the point that operation closed, and in respect of cost of closure of NJK early in Q1 F2016. Production costs: The Group's consolidated total cost of production for the quarter at its MOR operations was US$12.84 (Q2 F2016: US$14.05 Q1 F2017: US$10.44 ) per cubic metre processed. The average total cash cost (including royalty payments) for all the operations for Q2 F2017 amounted to US$11.54 per cubic metre processed (Q2 F2016: US$12.89 ; Q1 F2017: US$ 9.54 ).

The Group's consolidated total cost of production for the quarter at its MOR operations was (Q2 F2016: Q1 F2017: ) per cubic metre processed. The average total cash cost (including royalty payments) for all the operations for Q2 F2017 amounted to per cubic metre processed (Q2 F2016: ; Q1 F2017: ). Gross profit before amortization and depreciation: A gross profit of $1.7 million was reported by the Group for Q2 F2017, which compares to a profit of $9.2 million for Q2 F2016 (profit of $3.3 million for Q1 F2017). MOR carats sold were down 9% compared to the previous year, and MOR revenue per carat decreased to US$1,560 (Q2 F2016: US$1,791 ; Q1 F2017 US$1,864 ), due to the reduced incidence of large stones largely from the declining resource at Saxendrift. Average MOR grades were down 9% during Q2 F2017 to 0.62 carats per 100m 3 of gravel processed compared to last year and down 7% on Q1 F2017, reflecting reduced grades at both RHC and Saxendrift in the quarter.

A gross profit of was reported by the Group for Q2 F2017, which compares to a profit of for Q2 F2016 (profit of for Q1 F2017). MOR carats sold were down 9% compared to the previous year, and MOR revenue per carat decreased to (Q2 F2016: ; Q1 F2017 ), due to the reduced incidence of large stones largely from the declining resource at Saxendrift. Average MOR grades were down 9% during Q2 F2017 to 0.62 carats per 100m of gravel processed compared to last year and down 7% on Q1 F2017, reflecting reduced grades at both RHC and Saxendrift in the quarter. Loss attributable to owners of the parent of $0.6 million (Q2 F2016: $1.2 million profit; Q1 F2017 $0.6 million profit) reflecting the drop in volumes and grades, as well as the impact of less favourable pricing or trading, and the impact of exchange rates on profitability.

of (Q2 F2016: profit; Q1 F2017 profit) reflecting the drop in volumes and grades, as well as the impact of less favourable pricing or trading, and the impact of exchange rates on profitability. Net cash position: At August 31, 2016 the Group had a net cash position of ($0.5) million (Q1 F2017: ($0.1) million ; Q2 F2016: ($2.4) million ).

At the Group had a net cash position of (Q1 F2017: ; Q2 F2016: ). Middle Orange River ("MOR") operating performance: Volumes processed at Rockwell's MOR operations during the quarter were down 8% year-on-year at 0.76 million m3 (Q2 F2016: 0.82 million m3), due to the planned scaling down of operations at Saxendrift. MOR volumes mined were up 2% year-on-year at 0.85 million m3 (Q2 F2016: 0.83 million m3).

Market update

Markets were quiet with limited trading occurring during June, July and August, historically slow trading summer months. Three DTC Sights occurred during this period. Supply was steady, with no changes to prices. De Beers reported increased sales of 12% for the first half 2016. Increased rough sales in the first half of the year allowed producers to reduce their inventories.

Inventory levels remain high in the polished market, a result of large purchases of rough diamonds during the first half of 2016, which have now been manufactured and graded. Oversupply of inventory reduced rough diamond demand in the secondary market and placed some pressure on rough prices. Diamonds of 1-3ct are in good demand while demand for diamonds of 5-10cts is weak, with great discounts offered to wholesalers. Demand for +10ct diamonds is low and prices have dropped substantially, which has been evident on auctions.

The Chinese jewellery market remains stressed. Hong Kong and Chinese jewellers have reported substantially reduced revenue compared to their last comparative year. As Chinese retailers close down stores and stop new polished purchases, manufacturers are unable to lower their inventory to required levels. The US jewellery market is effectively keeping the diamond industry going, with sales reported as steady. However, Signet and Tiffany also reported reductions in revenue from the previous comparative period.

Market expectations heading into the festive season are for a reduction in rough diamond supply by DTC and for no substantial change to prices, except for small increases that may occur on certain items. Polished demand should pick up towards the end of 2016, which would assist in reducing industry inventory.

Outlook and priorities

Rockwell is presently engaged in an operational turnaround given the disappointing results at RHC and the late delivery of WPC, with immediate focus being placed on:

Immediate improvement to liquidity and working capital through asset sales, cost improvements, faster production ramp-ups through mobile in-field screening, and shareholder funding;

closely managing the recently concluded outsourced mining contract and associated sale of the Company's earthmoving vehicle ("EMV") fleet, which includes the transfer of two thirds of the Company's staff. This contract is now in effect and is structured to externalize risk from variance in mining volumes and equipment availability;

commissioning of the third and fourth lines of the WPC wet plant by November 2016 . The first two lines have been commissioned;

. The first two lines have been commissioned; review of various options for RHC given the reduced Rooikoppie resource and high stripping ratio associated with the Palaeo gravels;

relocation of people and equipment from Saxendrift following its placement onto care and maintenance;

exploration drilling and bulk sampling in the vicinity of WPC;

building a resource development strategy for MOR, and for assessing kimberlite opportunities, to facilitate future production expansion and/or replacement;

assessing potential kimberlite acquisitions to increase stability in monthly production and cash flow.

Conference Call:

Rockwell will host a telephone conference call on Monday, October 24, 2016 at 09:00 a.m. Eastern Time (15:00 p.m. Johannesburg / 14:00 p.m. London) to discuss these results. The conference call may be accessed as follows:











Country







Access Number Canada and USA (Toll-Free)







1 855 481 5362 South Africa (Toll-Free)







0 800 200 648 South Africa  Johannesburg







011 535 3600 South Africa  Cape Town







021 819 0900 UK (Toll-Free)







0808 162 4061 Other Countries (Intl Toll)







+27 11 535 3600 Other countries  Alternate







+27 10 201 6800

A transcript of the audio webcast will be available on the Company's website: www.rockwelldiamonds.com. The conference call will be archived for later playback until midnight (ET) October 27, 2016 and can be accessed by dialling the relevant number in the table below and using the pass code 49744#.



Country







Access Number South Africa (Telkom)







011 305 2030 Canada and USA (Toll Free)







1 855 481 5363 Other Countries (Intl Toll)







+27 11 305 2030 UK (Toll-Free)







0 808 234 6771

For further details, see Rockwell's complete financial results and Management Discussion and Analysis posted on the website and on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. These include additional details on production, sales and revenues for the quarter, as well as comparative results for fiscal 2015.

About Rockwell Diamonds:

Rockwell is engaged in the business of operating and developing alluvial diamond deposits. The Company also evaluates consolidation opportunities that have the potential to expand its mineral resources and production profile and provide accretive value to the Company.

Rockwell is known for producing large, high quality gemstones comprising a major portion of its diamond recoveries. This is enhanced through a beneficiation joint venture that enables Rockwell to participate in the profits on the sale of the polished and certain re-traded diamonds, which are not beneficiated.

Rockwell has set a strategic goal to become a mid-tier diamond production company. In pursuit of this goal the Company has embarked on a strategy to grow its Middle Orange River ("MOR") operational base and minimise production and recovery volatility by setting a medium term target to process 500,000m3 of gravels per month from its MOR operations.

Rockwell's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the JSE Limited under the symbol "RDI".

No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this news release.

Forward Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include uncertainties and costs related to the transaction and the ability of each party to satisfy the conditions precedent in a timely manner or at all, exploration and development activities, such as those related to determining whether mineral resources exist on a property; uncertainties related to expected production rates, timing of production and cash and total costs of production and milling; uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary licenses, permits, electricity, surface rights and title for development projects; operating and technical difficulties in connection with mining development activities; uncertainties related to the accuracy of our mineral resource estimates and our estimates of future production and future cash and total costs of production and diminishing quantities or grades if mineral resources; uncertainties related to unexpected judicial or regulatory procedures or changes in, and the effects of, the laws, regulations and government policies affecting our mining operations; changes in general economic conditions, the financial markets and the demand and market price for mineral commodities such as diesel fuel, steel, concrete, electricity, and other forms of energy, mining equipment, and fluctuations in exchange rates, particularly with respect to the value of the US dollar, Canadian dollar and South African Rand; changes in accounting policies and methods that we use to report our financial condition, including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates; environmental issues and liabilities associated with mining and processing; geopolitical uncertainty and political and economic instability in countries in which we operate; and labour strikes, work stoppages, or other interruptions to, or difficulties in, the employment of labour in markets in which we operate our mines, or environmental hazards, industrial accidents or other events or occurrences, including third party interference that interrupt operation of our mines or development projects.

For further information on Rockwell, Investors should review Rockwell's home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE Rockwell Diamonds Inc.

For further information: on Rockwell and its operations in South Africa, please contact Tjaart Willemse, Executive Officer, +27 (0)83 407 1063; David Tosi, PSG Capital - JSE Sponsor, +27 (0)21 887 9602
In a tour de force of reproductive biology, scientists in Japan have transformed mouse skin cells into eggs in a dish, and used those eggs to birth fertile pups. The report marks the first creation of eggs entirely outside a mouse. If the process could be made to work for humans, researchers could produce artificial eggs without needing to implant immature cells into ovaries to complete their development.

Katsuhiko Hayashi, a reproductive biologist at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, led the group that announced the breakthrough on 17 October in Nature1. In 2012, when at the University of Kyoto, he and stem-cell biologist Mitinori Saitou reported taking skin cells down the pathway towards eggs: reprogramming them to embryonic-like stem cells and then into primordial germ cells (PGCs). These early cells emerge as an embryo develops, and later give rise to sperm or eggs. But to get the PGCs to form mature eggs, the researchers had to transfer them into the ovaries of living mice.

The next advance came in July 2016, when a team led by Yayoi Obata, at the Tokyo University of Agriculture, reported transforming PGCs extracted from mouse foetuses into oocytes (egg cells) without using a live mammal. Working with Obata, Hayashi and Saitou have now completed the cycle: from skin cells to functional eggs in a dish. With the use of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, 26 healthy pups were born (some originally from embryonic stem cells and some from reprogrammed skin cells). Hayashi says some of these animals gave birth to a second generation of mice.

These eleven-month-old mice were born from eggs made entirely in a dish.

This is truly amazing, says Jacob Hanna, a stem cell biologist at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. To be able to make robust and functional mouse oocytes over and over again entirely in a dish, and see the entire process without the black box of having to do any of the steps in host animals, is most exciting.

Hayashi says the procedure is robust  although technically challenging  and that different groups in his lab have reproduced it. Although the biologists did not need to implant the PGCs into living mice, they did need to add cells taken from the ovaries of other mouse foetuses  effectively, to create an ovary-like support in which the eggs could grow. Hayashi is now trying to concoct an artificial reagent that could replace these cells in his protocol.

The egg-in-a-dish feat comes after researchers in China said in February that they had made rudimentary mouse sperm in a dish. In that case, the researchers created spermatids, which are not fully mature cells, although they did claim to use them to create offspring.

From mice to humans

Hayashi says the work will help him study egg development, now that he can make them fully in a dish. He is not trying to make functional human eggs in the lab. (Japanese guidelines forbid fertilization of engineered human germ cells, even for research purposes). But he suspects that others will try. I do not think it is going to prove much more complex, says Hanna  who himself hopes to create human eggs.

Nature- Mouse eggs made from skin cells in a dish

If the Hayashi protocol works with human cells, it could in principle be used to make eggs from a mans skin cells, Hanna says  adding that, as a pro-LGBT rights activist, he thinks that this option is legitimate to explore when the right time comes. Hayashi, however, has yet to use male skin cells to produce eggs in mice.

Hayashi thinks that oocyte-like human eggs might be produced within ten years, but he doubts that they will be of sufficient quality for fertility treatments. It is too preliminary to use artificial oocytes in the clinic, he says, cautioning that his study showed that the artificial mouse eggs were often of low quality. He worries that such eggs might create genetically abnormal embryos, and potentially abnormal offspring. In the study, only 3.5% of the early embryos created from artificial eggs gave rise to pups  compared with 60% of eggs that were matured inside a mouse.

SOURCES- Nature




Actor Russell Crowe threw rapper, Azealia Banks out of his hotel suite when she threatened to cut him and his guests and watch them bleed on Saturday night.According to multiple eyewitnesses, Russell Crowe invited 10 people to his hotel suite at a Bev Hills hotel, for dinner and to listen to music. One of the guests he invited was RZA, who brought Azealia along.According to news reports, while they were listening to music, Azealia laughed out loud at Russell's music selection and called him and another guest,A female guest didn't appreciate that comment and defended Russell, asking Azealia to relax.Azealia replied by saying:And dropped a few n-bombs for good measure.Still Russell Crowe remained calm but as soon as Azealia reached for her glass, cocked it back,Russell had had enough. He walked to her, grabbed her in a bear hug and carried her out of the suite.He then called hotel security guards who removed Azealia from the grounds.However, Azealia posted a different version of what happened in the hotel on Facebook, claiming Crowe called her the nig*a, choked her, threw her out and spit on her. She wrote:After she posted the message on Facebook, a lot of people didn't believe her account, saying she was lying.When TMZ contacted her friend, RZA, he confirmed that Azealia Banks was erratic at the hotel and that it was Azealia that used the word nig*a, not Russell.
President Muhammadu Buhari on arriving Nigeria from Germany, met with associates of APC National Leader Bola Tinubu, in a bid to settle th...

President Muhammadu Buhari on arriving Nigeria from Germany, met with associates of APC National Leader Bola Tinubu, in a bid to settle the feud between him and the party's National Chairman John Odigie Oyegun.





At the meeting were former Interim National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande; Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola and Senator Sola Adeyeye from Osun Central, who are Tinubus very close associates.





Sources said the internal wrangling within the ruling APC, particularly in Ondo State was also discussed.





The APC has been embroiled in crisis in Ondo State, after the partys National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, allegedly overruled the partys National Working Committees decision on the partys governorship primaries and submitted the name of Chief Rotimi Akeredolu as the partys candidate in the election.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has praised President Muhammadu Buhari over the release of 21 of the Chibok girls abduc...

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has praised President Muhammadu Buhari over the release of 21 of the Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State two years ago.The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has praised President Muhammadu Buhari over the release of 21 of the Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State two years ago.It said the feat is a fulfilment of Buharis campaign promise to secure the release of the girls and reunite them with their families.It urged the President to ignore Governor Ayodele Fayoses insincere and infantile comments on the abduction of the girls, explaining that the governor is on his own in his reckless criticisms of the Federal Government over fears of repercussions on his ceaseless infractions on the law.Fayose has been persistent in his claim that no Chibok girls were missing, saying that the Federal Governments claim on their rescue was a distraction from the harsh economic reality in the country. But reacting in a statement in Ado-Ekiti, Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, praised the President for keeping his electoral promise to rescue the girls.He urged the President to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining girls still in captivity.Berating Fayose for choosing to make himself a lone enemy of the President, Olatunbosun said: It is unfortunate that the governor of a state known for decency and honour could utter such a horrible statement over a very sensitive national issue that borders on the lives of young school girls whose parents have been in agony in the last two years.Nigerians know that Fayose is a reckless talkative who plays politics with everything and anything but never in their imagination think he can be so heartless to say the girls were not missing.Now that the 21 girls were shown live on TV being reunited with their parents in an emotional ceremony, will Fayose still say it was stage-managed?Fayose is taking his pound of flesh from the Federal Government for his several infractions on the law over which federal agencies are investigating him and he believes that the best way to blackmail the Federal Government is ceaseless criticism so that he can accuse Buhari of witch-hunt when eventually the law beckons to account for his lawless conducts.While apologising to the parents of the girls and urging them to take Fayose for who he is, Olatunbosun regretted the governors callous disposition to the plight of the children and their parents, wondering if Fayose would have taken the same position if the girls were his daughters.APC, on behalf of the good people of Ekiti State, wishes to apologise to Nigerians, especially the agonised parents of the Chibok girls, over the insensitive outburst of Governor Fayose.Ekiti people are humane, decent and responsible people and the position of Fayose on the matter does not represent the collective position of Ekiti people on the missing Chibok girls.It is now crystal clear that Fayose is one of those who misled President Jonathan on the issue of the missing Chibok girls by insisting that the girls were not missing.He is jittery now that all the lies told by the Jonathan administration that the Chibok girls were not missing are exposed. We wonder if Fayose would have taken the same position if his daughters were among the missing girls, he said.Slamming Fayose for always employing lies to cause social discontent to set Nigerians against the Federal Government in order to bring Buharis administration down, Olatunbosun said APC had been vindicated on its several warnings to Nigerians that Fayose is a dangerous and pathological liar whose conduct is a threat to our democracy.How else can we describe a governor who is always seeing black even when it is glaring to all that the true colour is white? he queried, imploring Buhari to ignore Fayoses tantrums and remain focused on securing the release of the remaining Chibok girls still in captivity while also continuing making efforts towards Nigerias economic recovery.
The Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, on Sunday, said the interview granted by President Muhammadu Buharis wife, Aisha, to the ...

The Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, on Sunday, said the interview granted by President Muhammadu Buharis wife, Aisha, to the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Presidents reactions were both taken out of context.He said rather than using the two cases as distraction, Nigerians should join hands to salvage the country, which he said was currently passing through recession.The Presidents wife had, in the interview with the BBC, alleged that her husbands administration had been hijacked, adding that she would not campaign for his re-election in 2019 if the situation continued.Answering questions during a joint press conference he had with German Chancellor, Angela Markel, during his three-day visit to Berlin, Buhari had said his wife did not belong to any political party but to his kitchen.Okorocha, who was one of the governors who accompanied the President to Germany, told State House correspondents on Sunday that the statements of the President and his wife were jokes taken too far.He said Mrs. Buharis interview was not meant to pull down the government but was meant to make peace among party members, who were complaining of not being carried along.He added that the Presidents reaction was also not meant to denigrate his wife or women generally, saying Buhari was smiling while responding to the question.He said, Our nation is passing through a trying moment now, very difficult times ranging from economic, security to political challenges.This is the time that all Nigerians, irrespective of political parties, religion or culture, must come together to see what we can do to salvage the situation and build a Nigeria of our collective hope and aspiration.This is what I want to exercise at this point. We do not need any form of distraction at this time. We should support the President to achieve the three key things. We have started seeing traces of light at the end of the tunnel.
Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference in 2014, Senator Femi Okurounmu, has stated that the present state ...

Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference in 2014, Senator Femi Okurounmu, has stated that the present state of affairs in the country should bring tears to the eyes of every Nigerian, asserting that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is worse than that of Jonathan.Accusing Buharis government of degrading the humanity of Nigerians and turning the country to animal kingdom, he told newsmen that the president has no clue on how to revive the economy, pointing out that he has been vindicated for advising Nigerians not to vote for Buhari during the 2015 election.His words, Buhari who is carrying the change mantra all about, his administration is worse than Jonathans. The whole country now has degraded very much; our leaders have degraded our humanity to animal kingdom. Buhari has no clue on how to revive the economy and yet we are carrying change all about.I am happy with my conscience that I spoke out my mind during the election of 2015, I warned Nigerians not to vote for Buhari. I took out advertisements in newspapers on why we should not vote for Buhari. Even though Jonathan didnt fight corruption, I asked us to vote for Jonathan so that we can restructure this country but people were crying change in an ignorant manner.When told that it may be too early to compare Buharis government with Jonathans as the present administration is just a year and four months old, the Ogun Central Senator between 1999 and 2003 declared; the morning shows the day. A man who runs four times for President, one would have assumed that he has plans to address the problems of this country. He tried in 2003 to run for President and also in 2007 and 2011 while 2015 was his fourth attempt.One cant run for President without making plans and also analysing how he is going to rule and try to do something to solve the problem. I believe he has been following the problems of this nation since before 2003 and had drawn plans he would pursue, if he became President. So, that his government is young is not an excuse at all. He didnt just wake up one morning and to find himself as President.
There was pandemonium in Godogodo area of Southern Kaduna, Jemaah Local Government Area of the state, as suspected Fulani herdsmen repor...

There was pandemonium in Godogodo area of Southern Kaduna, Jemaah Local Government Area of the state, as suspected Fulani herdsmen reportedly killed no fewer than 20 persons between Saturday and Sunday.It was gathered that the attackers laid siege to the town, an urban settlement in Jemaah LGA, which has its headquarters at Kafanchan. It is about 250 kilometres away from Kaduna metropolis and serves as both the commercial and the social hub of the people of Southern Kaduna.The development forced the Interim Management Committee Chairman of the Council, Dr. Humble Katuka, to slam a 24-hour curfew on the LGA.Katuka, who placed a 24-hour curfew on Jemaah LGA around 3pm on Sunday, cited the need to maintain public order, law and security in the area as reason for his action.This is just as tension enveloped Kafanchan, about 12 kilometres north of the troubled spot(Godogodo).It was learnt that the herdsmen invaded the town in a commando-like style.The police source as well as those fleeing from the crisis area, said Godogodo was torched, 20 people killed while scores suffered varying degrees of injuries.A community leader and eyewitness, who would not want his name in print, told our correspondent that Godogodo town had been under the mercy of gunmen for two days with a part of the town razed.In the inferno, many lost their lives while some who tried to escape were shot or hacked down by the Fulani herdsmen, the source said.The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Usman, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, confirmed the violence, saying at least two policemen had been killed in an earlier raid near Gogogodo on Friday while a police formation was attacked before the invaders faced the town on Saturday evening.Usman said the Kaduna State Police Command had deployed more units of mobile and conventional policemen in the place.The police spokesman said, I can confirm to you that yes, there has been an invasion of Godogodo by some hoodlums. It is true that they have burnt down some parts of the town, but for now I have not been told the exact figure of casualties, but people were killed.In fact, the gunmen first attacked our men stationed there. Our men got some help from another unit of police and they beat the attackers into a temporary retreat.Usman added that a police sergeant was wounded and was taking medical attention in Kafanchan as of the time of filing this report.He said, As I speak, the Kaduna State Police Commissioner has ordered deployment of more units of Mobile Policemen and Conventional Police in the town. They should have arrived by now. Last Friday, some armed men ambushed our men around Godogodo, killed two officers and fled. We shall surely get them soon.The Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Kaduna State Chapter, Dr. Haruna Usman, however, said he was not aware of the attack.I dont know anything about that yet, he said.Another local community leader in Godogodo alleged that last month, some Fulani youths who were well armed, attempted to enter Godogodo to kill people but the people escaped to Ninte, Golgofa, Akwa, Gada and the surrounding villages in July.He, however, said, Our vigilante boys and soldiers chased them out and arrested five of them.But they killed four of our boys. People ran away from Godogodo to Gidan Waya (the next semi-urban town about 4km away). But with the permanent posting of policemen in the area after that incident, people returned to the community.Then last Saturday, around 6pm, we heard gunshots from around Anguwan Ninzon area. As the people were running and women and children screaming, they set some houses on fire with people inside. If I tell you how I managed to escape, you will say Im lying. I just followed some old men and we ran through a bush path with shootings going on all over the town.
The management of Dangote Industries Limited on Sunday announced that it had completed the acquisition of Twister BV, a company in the Net...

The management of Dangote Industries Limited on Sunday announced that it had completed the acquisition of Twister BV, a company in the Netherlands, as part of its strategy to meet Nigerias gas needs. According to a statement by Dangote, Twister BV provides robust solutions in natural gas processing and separation to the upstream and midstream oil and gas sectors.It said Twisters separation capabilities were designed to augment production and streamline processes to capitalise on high-yield gas processing for maximising revenues.Twister BV used to be owned by Shell Technology Ventures Fund 1 before its recent acquisition by DIL and its partner, First E&P, the statement said.The President, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, was quoted as saying, This was an important acquisition for us. Twisters cutting-edge gas processing technology is fundamental to delivering our strategy to unlock about three billion cubic feet per day of gas in order to meet Nigerias gas needs.The Chief Executive Officer, Twister, John Young, said, We are delighted by the confidence that the DIL and First E&P have shown in Twister to be their core provider of gas separation solutions.After very thorough due diligence, our technology has been recognised as a key enabler to reduce gas project costs, which is crucial in the current environment; we are excited to be part of the Dangote family of companies.According to the statement, based on sophisticated patented technology, Twister gas plants are typically cheaper to build and operate, compared to alternative technologies, and deliver better performance levels. The company has customers in Nigeria, Malaysia and South America.It said, The acquisition complements DILs portfolio of investments in the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas sector. The company will help design and build the gas plants, which will be critical in processing gas from oil fields for transportation via Dangotes planned sub-sea pipeline for ultimate consumption by various industries and power plants.
The civic reception by Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, in honour of Nigeria champions Enugu Rangers earlier slated for Tuesday has been shifted to Friday.However, the venue still remains Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu where injured striker Ifeanyi Egwim is being treated.Rangers spokesman Foster Chime confirmed exclusively to newsmen Monday afternoon that the date for the event has been moved to Friday.The governor wants the reception to be a holistic one. He wants everybody associated at one time or the other with the club to be part of it, Chime said.Among those expected at the event include former governor of the state Chief Jim Nwobodo.It is an event that the governor wants to showcase the fact that the club have done well to win the league after 32 years.As we speak, a six-man planning committee including the commissioner for sports, Charles Ndukwu, and others.
Alhaji Sadiq Mohammed Rabiu, the chairman of the Kogi Pilgrims Board has been suspended by the state governor, Yahaya Bello, and handed ov...

Alhaji Sadiq Mohammed Rabiu, the chairman of the Kogi Pilgrims Board has been suspended by the state governor, Yahaya Bello, and handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and possible prosecution.Director-General, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Kingsley Fanwo, who disclosed this in a statement in Lokoja, said Rabiu had been handed over to the Department of State Services, DSS, for investigation and possible prosecution over allegation of fraud during the just concluded Hajj.Fanwo expressed the governors discontent with the dehumanising treatment of pilgrims from the state during the 2016 Hajj.Fanwo said: The travails of the chairman stemmed from allegations of corruption, nepotism and blatant disregard to the welfare of the states contingent to this years pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.He said that the suspension of the chairman followed the outcome of an investigative panel into the allegations of corruption, nepotism and dehumanising treatment of pilgrims, in spite of adequate provisions made by government.Fanwo said that the administration was poised to address the issue of corruption with absolute seriousness in order to checkmate the effect of corruption on the development of the state.
A coalition of civil society organisations, the National Support Groups for Good Governance, has asked the Department of State Services ...

A coalition of civil society organisations, the National Support Groups for Good Governance, has asked the Department of State Services and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to cleanse the judiciary of other corrupt judges.The group described corruption in the judiciary as a cancer that must be eliminated, if the current anti-graft crusade of the Federal Government was to succeed.Speaking at the formation of the coalition on Monday in Abuja, the NASUGG National Coordinator, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, also canvassed for the arrest and prosecution of any corrupt member of the government, no matter his position.He stated that his coalition endorsed the arrest of the judges, stressing that the raid on their homes was not an attack on the judiciary as being reported, but a strong message to corrupt elements that it was not going to be business as usual.The judges arrests, he said, would send the message that pecuniary inducements would no longer be the deciding factor in delivery of Justice.Maduekwe said, The National Support Groups for Good Governance, supports the action of the DSS in arresting the judges. As the last hope of the common man in his pursuit of justice, the judiciary stable has to be cleansed as much as possible.The DSS and the EFCC should therefore arrest more corrupt judges, legislators, and ministers involved in corruption. The arrests also should serve as a deterrent to any other person with mercantile tendencies in the judicial system that business is no longer as usual.The NASUGG coordinator also admonished the security agencies to also purge themselves of corrupt personnel, who he said could compromise the war against graft in the country.He explained that the coalition, made up of various CSOs, was formed to mobilise popular support for the anti-corruption campaign of the government, noting that the crusade needed the collective endorsement of all Nigerians to succeed.
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Nigerians understanding of his anti-corruption fight was why the removal of oil subsidy did no...

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Nigerians understanding of his anti-corruption fight was why the removal of oil subsidy did not prompt public disturbance. Speaking for the first time since after the development five months ago, Buhari said his administration had been greatly encouraged by the uncommon support from Nigerians in the fight against corruption, as well as initiatives aimed at stimulating the economy.heT President, who spoke during an interactive session in Berlin with representatives of the Nigerian Community in Germany, promised that his administration would reciprocate the gesture by strengthening critical institutions needed for sustainable development and prosperity. We are working hard to empower our institutions especially our educational institutions.If you educate a person that is the best you can do for him but if not you make him susceptible to religious, ethnic, negative thinking and action. Nigerians are virtually supporting us in our fight against corruption, security and the economy. There are things that are happening, which if such had happened before there would have been major riot, like the removal of subsidy on fuel, he said.Referring to the Rolls Royces, recently discovered in the homes of certain government officials as a clear reference of the rot in society and the fact that the war against corruption in the country is working, President Buhari also told Nigerians in the Diaspora that it was regrettable that over the years oil marketers had colluded with banks to defraud Nigeria of much needed revenue from the commodity.One third of the activities of the oil marketers are fraudulent, you can see how some of us Nigerians are wicked. They just take the money, stamp some papers without bringing the product and this fraudulent activity was between bankers and businessmen, he said.
Two judges of the Federal High Court, Abuja, whose homes were raided by operatives of the State Security Service for alleged corruption ...

Two judges of the Federal High Court, Abuja, whose homes were raided by operatives of the State Security Service for alleged corruption have resumed sitting days after the National Judicial Council, NJC, described the raid as illegal.The judges, Adeniyi Ademola and Nnamdi Dimgba, presided over court sessions for cases slated to continue on Monday by their various courts.While Mr. Ademola and six other judges were arrested after the raids, Mr. Dimgba was not.The SSS said it arrested the seven judges across the nation after petitions bothering on allegations of fraud were made against them and neglected by the NJC. The agency said it had enough evidence to prosecute the judges for corruption.The security service also alleged that it recovered tens of thousands of dollars and millions of naira from Mr. Ademolas residence.Mr. Ademolas arrest was the most dramatic as he locked himself in a room and told his aides to lie he was not at home, multiple sources revealed.Knowing the claim was false, the SSS broke down Mr. Ademolas doors to arrest him.In his reaction to the allegations, Mr. Ademola said he was forced to attest to the alleged discoveries at gun point.He alleged that the search conducted at his residence and his subsequent arrest were meant to punish him for rulings he had given in favour of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, against the wish of the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.Mr. Ademola also mentioned an old score he said he had with Mr. Malami as a reason for his arrest.The NJC had also denied reports by the SSS that petitions written against the seven judges were neglected.In its reaction to the matter, the NJC detailed its findings on the activities of the SSS relating to the judges. The council said only two separate complaints had come from the SSS regarding two of the judges.The judges whose homes were raided include, Messrs. Dimgba and Ademola, both of the Federal High Court Abuja; Justices John Okoro and Sylvester Nguta of the Supreme Court; Muazu Pindiga of Gombe; Kabiru Auta of Kano High Court; Innocent Okoro, outgoing Enugu State Chief Judge; as well as Mohammed Tsamiya, an appeal court judge in Illorin.Responding to issues arising from the raid, Mr. Malami said the SSS was merely discharging its constitutional function of investigation. He said corruption is a threat to the security of any nation.Over one week after the raids and arrests, the SSS is yet to file charges against the affected judges.
MANCHESTER UNITED: De Gea, Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Blind, Fellaini, Pogba, Rashford, Herrera, Young, Ibrahimovic

MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: Romero, Rojo, Shaw, Carrick, Lingard, Mata, Rooney





Hello and welcome tolive coverage of the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield.Jurgen Klopp's charges are enjoying a great run of form, winning their last four league games, and will go joint top by triumphing against their bitter rivals.Jose Mourinho's side, meanwhile, have already lost two matches in the top flight this season and currently sit five points behind leaders Manchester City.However, United's recent record against Liverpool is strong, winning the last four league meetings between the teams.Karius, Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner, Henderson, Can, Coutinho, Firmino, Mane, Sturridge: Mignolet, Moreno, Klavan, Lucas, Grujic, Lallana, OrigiLiverpool drop points at home for the first time this season as Manchester United come to Anfield and claim a goalless draw. You can't deny that Jose Mourinho has done a job at the home of his biggest rivals, claiming a point against an in-form side at their patch, but it's not going to go down in the classics scrapbook, is it? Thanks for joining our live coverage of the match.: One last change for United as Ashley Young is replaced by Luke Shaw.Now Fellaini goes into the book as he kicks away the ball after a foul had been awarded.Three minutes added on here... can't come soon enough.Ibrahimovic earns himself a yellow card for a late nudge on Can.Young breaks down the left flank, shifts the ball onto his right foot and tries a cross, but it's blocked. Coming up to injury time and I would be very surprised if we had a winning goal now, looks like things are petering out.Once last throw of the dice for Klopp as he takes off James Milner and Roberto Firmino and brings on Alberto Moreno and Divock Origi. Can they conjure something up in the last few minutes?Sort of... it would have been a chance were it not for a crucially important last-ditch tackle from Valencia, who bailed his side out after Coutinho put Firmino through on goal with a defence-splitting pass!Truth be told, Rooney appears sluggish. Milner is easily able to get in behind him - playing at wingback, it seems - and sends a cross into the middle, but it misses everyone and the visitors clear at the back.So we've got about 10 minutes left plus stoppage time and, despite the tempo increasing a little after the break, it really looks like it will end goalless, unless we have a moment of magic. As I type, United win their first corner - yep, this late on in the game...Moments earlier Lallana had nearly unlocked United again as he slipped the ball to Firmino, leaving Blind beaten, but the linesman's flag cut short the attack.Prolonged boos ring around Anfield which can signify plenty of things really when United are in town, but in this case, it's former Evertonian Wayne Rooney coming on in place of Marcus Rashford. The first change of the night for the visitors.Blind slips and gifts possession to Mane, who bolts down the right. He has Firmino in support but his pass is cut out by Bailly - good job he wasn't ruled out following that scare in training, could have a different game otherwise, he's been immense.When the game needs a spark of class, Coutinho tends to be the man who provides it, and he comes so close to opening the scoring! He strikes the ball from 30 yards out, clean as a whistle and heading for the top corner, but De Gea flings himself across his goal and makes an acrobatic right-handed save!It's gone scrappy again as United try to re-establish momentum, Ibrahimovic is trying to move the ball to the flanks, while a Rashford cross comes to nothing and then Blind concedes a free-kick. Not much happening at the minute.Nothing comes of the set piece as Milner's ball is cleared by Bailly and Smalling wins a free kick, but since Zlatan's effort, it's been all Liverpool.Liverpool just beginning to build a bit of momentum now that Lallana is on the field - he goes on to win his side a corner...The substitute makes an immediate impact as he plays a quick one-two with Coutinho and lets rip from 20 yards out. The effort goes wide, but Lallana's injection of energy and flair can be seen from the off.First change of the night as Daniel Sturridge comes off on the hour and Adam Lallana, whose inclusion in the matchday squad was a surprise, is subbed on.Now we're talking! Can marauds through the middle and, despite being stifled by several United bodies, forces a shot which goes through Smalling's legs, but De Gea dives low and gets his hands onto the ball!Mane tries to break through the United back line but slips and falls before Coutinho reclaims possession and is brought down by Herrera.And that's the best chance of the game so far - haven't had much to work with, granted - as Pogba puts over a pinpoint cross from the right towards the back post, Ibrahimovic peels past his marker but heads wide from eight yards out!More sterling work from Herrera as he comes across to deny Mane after he got the better of Bailly, and moments later, the Spaniard manages to scoop a clever pass into the area for Ibrahimovic, who should have done better.A let-off for Karius as he tries to get the ball to Lovren but messes up and finds Pogba instead! The Frenchman dithers, though, with the keeper out of position, and his pass to Ibrahimovic ends in an offside call.Now it's the hosts' turn to threaten, with Coutinho playing in Firmino down the left. The latter tries to find Clyne with a probing cross, but Young is there to hack away.United with the early forays as Valencia charges down the right and sends a cross into the box which Matip clears, but only as far as Fellaini, who in turn is unable to do much with the ball and Liverpool thwart the danger.Back underway as neither side makes any changes.Chances have been few and far between at Anfield between two of the most famous club sides in the world. The action has been concentrated around midfield. It's been scrappy and tight - which one would argue is just how Mourinho would have wanted it.A second Man Utd player sees yellow as Young is punished for dissent after confronting the ref for not booking Henderson, who had tackled Herrera.: We have the first yellow card of the game as Bailly fouls Sturridge about 30 yards out. Coutinho stands over the free kick but curls it straight at De Gea.Apparently a Norwegian channel has broadcasted 12 hours of build-up prior to the game. Based on the action, they might be wondering if it was a bit unnecessary...The hosts have had the vast majority of the play in the last 10 minutes and they try and pick the United lock again, with Matip trying a one-two with Sturridge, but Smalling deals with the danger.United are dropping deeper and deeper as Mane breaks down the right and attempts a backheel into the box, but Herrera is there to clear.Coutinho charges down the left flank but his low cross can't quite find Sturridge and the ball is cleared. Liverpool beginning find momentum here.Liverpool win the first corner of what has been an uneventful first half so far, which Henderson takes, but Ibrahimovic leaps and heads the ball away from danger.Ibrahimovic hooks a ball over the top for Pogba to chase but Karius reads it well and gets to it first.It's getting increasingly physical as Valencia fouls Milner then Herrera gets involved and trips Coutinho - referee Taylor steps in and calms everybody down as the fans' voices get ever louder.Spoken too soon perhaps as Liverpool maraud forward, the ball falling to Henderson out wide. He swings it to the back post, where Firmino blasts a header towards goal, but it's perfectly positioned for De Gea to catch.United have done a good job of stifling Liverpool, who cannot get out of their half at the moment. Just what Mourinho wanted?Anthony Taylor lets another challenge one go as Herrera hacks Mane down and the Liverpool fans demand a booking, but nothing is awarded.Rashford, who has had a mixed game so far, skins Milner down the right and whips a low cross into the six-yard box, but Reds stopper Karius palms the ball away with Ibrahimovic lurking in the box.Now it's Liverpool who get the ball back and are eager to make possession count - Can finds space about 25 yards out and goes for goal from distance, but the outcome, like every other long-ranger so far in this game, sees the ball sail over the bar.United are dominating possession at the minute and appear very comfortable in doing so. Herrera sprays the ball out wide to Rashford but a lapse in concentration sees it slip under the teenager's foot and out for a throw.Bailly, who had an injury scare in the warm-up, puts in a top tackle on the advancing Firmino and steals the ball. Herrera then wins a free kick from Coutinho a few seconds later up the other end.Valencia plays in Pogba, who then picks out Ibrahimovic in space about 25 yards out - the big man tries his luck with a first-time shot from range but it deflects off Matip and Karius makes an easy save.Pogba, who is yet to really get into the action, finds space about 35 yards out and decides to let rip with an effort, but it blazes well over. More sarcastic cheers from the home fans, with Rashford in acres of space out on the right.Pogba tries to get himself onto the ball but Henderson gets a good tackle in to snuff out the danger. A very intense opening to this game.The visitors are swift to get the ball up the other end and Ibrahimovic wins a free kick from Lovren about 40 yards out. Young lofts a ball to the back post, but the move is thwarted as Fellaini strays offside.Liverpool starting to put United under a bit of pressure, but Milner's pass up the left flank is too heavy for Firmino and Bailly shepherds the ball out of play.Coutinho dispossesses Valencia with a tackle and plays the ball to the feet of Firmino. The 25-year-old then cuts in from the left and crosses towards Sturridge, but Smalling is well placed to head the ball away.Matip brings Pogba down about 40 yards out and Ibrahimovic elects to take the resulting free kick, but the Swede skews it high into the stands. Cue cheers from the Liverpool fans.Valencia plays in Rashford down the right, who in turn tries to get the better of Lovren, but ends up running the ball out of play.Rashford clatters into Milner on the halfway line - that could have been worthy of a booking, but the ref has let it slide.The visitors get proceedings underway! Here we go folks!
Barcelona have confirmed that Neymar will sign a new contract with the club on Friday.The Catalan side have announced on their official Twitter account that the Brazil international will sign a contract that will tie him to the club until 2021.Neymar has been linked with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain but the forward is now set to commit his long-term future to the club.The 24-year-old has been in fine form in front of goal for Barcelona so far this season, scoring four goals in six La Liga games.He joined the Blaugrana from Santos in 2013 and has won two league titles and one Champions League amongst several honours with the clu
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the role played by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the release of the 21 a...





President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the role played by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the release of the 21 abducted Chibok schoolgirls, urging it to sustain humanitarian interest in Nigeria.Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity) Femi Adesina gave the statement to newsmen on Monday.According to it, meeting with Mr. Peter Maurer, ICRC President, at State House, Abuja, Monday, President Buhari said his administration is prepared to continue talks with the Boko Haram insurgent group, as long as they agree to involve international agencies like ICRC.Weve seen the result of recent talks, 21 of the Chibok girls are back, the President said, referring to the role played by ICRC in providing immediate humanitarian assistance to the girls, who had spent over 900 days in the hands of their abductors.President Buhari said Nigerias biggest problem was perhaps the issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs), noting that there were over 2 million of them, made up of over 60% women and children. About 60% of the children dont know their parents, or where they come from. It is weighing heavily on government.On rebuilding of destroyed infrastructure, President Buhari said it was a priority of government, noting that the G7 had equally indicated support, which Nigeria heartily welcomed.We appreciate all your efforts. I am pleased you recognized that our military is cooperating with civil authorities, and respecting humanitarian issues. It is a difficult time for Nigeria. About 27 of our 36 states couldnt pay salaries when we came last year, and we are still struggling with that. But we will get out of it, the President said.Maurer, the ICRC President, said their operation in the Lake Chad region is the second largest in the world, after Syria, adding that there are nutritional, health, water and sanitation issues in the North-east, in addition to rebuilding of infrastructure.We are ready to engage and play supportive role in responding to crisis in Nigeria. Security is a lot better than it was a year ago, but humanitarian problems are serious, and dont disappear so quickly, Maurer said.The ICRC President also commended Nigeria for granting increased access to detainees, and exchanges with the Armed Forces. He added: Detention facilities have improved, there are fewer deaths, and things are better health-wise.
Former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida yesterday described the release of the 21 girls as signaling a hope for the nation...

Former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida yesterday described the release of the 21 girls as signaling a hope for the nation after moments of despair the abduction of the over 200 schools girls brought to the family, the country and the global community.Gen Babangida, military president between 1985 and 1993, rejoiced with the families, people of Nigeria and the federal government over the release of 21of the abducted Girls. He said their release is an indication that President Muhammadu Buharis government is committed to ensuring safe release of all the abducted girls.It is a thing of joy for the girls to have been reunited with their families after being taken away in such painfully and abrupt manner for two and half years.Speaking at his residence in Minna yesterday, Gen. Babangida said; urged the federal government, security agents and other partners to hasten negotiations to free the remaining girls and rehabilitate them from psychological trauma they might have encountered in the last two and half years.The former military President reaffirmed his belief in the professional capability of the armed forces and other security agencies in ensuring that an end is put to the activities of the Boko Haram sect completely. He said the armed forces had the training and the professional background to end all forms of security threat to the nation such as kidnappings, armed robbery, cattle rustling, farmers/herders clashes and other forms of vandalism.He called on all Nigerians to offer assistance to the released Chibok girls in order for them to overcome the mental, physical and psychological trauma they must have gone through.
The 21 recently freed Chibok girls were reunited with their parents yesterday in Abuja.

The 21 recently freed Chibok girls were reunited with their parents yesterday in Abuja.The Bible-clutching girls danced and sang with joy during the service attended by top government officials and a few other guests.The event got to its high pitch as the parents arrived at the venue while the service was ongoing.It was the first meeting after two and a half years of separation.The excited girls ran, crying to parents who were equally so excited to see them. The parents hugged and carried them up in excitement.The father of Deborah Jafaru explained how his daughter was taken and how grateful he was.He said: Unlike the others, Deborah had already finished her secondary school; she did not make her papers and returned to rewrite her WASCE when she was taken.She just got married two weeks before returning for her papers and they took her, her husband has remarried now. They abducted her with pregnancy and she had my grandchild there but Im just grateful to God and the government for returning my daughter and grandchild to me safely. Words cannot describe how I feel at the moment.Deborah is the only one among the girls who returned with a baby.Mrs Rifkatu John, carried her daughter Jummai Bakwa, on her back, with her wrapper like a baby.She refused to leave her daughter throughout the event . She said: I never thought that I would see my daughter again in this life time; I prayed so much for her safe return and here she is finally. I just want to give God all the glory and thank the government for bringing her back. I pray that the other Chibok mothers have the opportunity to see their daughters again and experience the joy I feel today, she said.Another Chibok girl, Rahab Ibrahim, expressed gratitude to the government for ensuring their release, saying: We never knew they would come out, we thought we were going to be there and never come out but here we are today, with our parents, I want to thank the government for making it possible for us to see our parents again today.The mother of Mariamu Lawal pleaded with the government to rescue the other girls.We are grateful to Buhari and all Nigerians for supporting us and ensuring the release of our daughters, we hope that the other girls are rescued as soon as possible, so their parents will have the opportunity to be as happy as we are today.Father of Grace Gaphani said: I am grateful to God and Nigerians for not forgetting us, I had lost hope, I never thought that I would see my daughter again but God returned her to me, I am so grateful to God for giving me another chance with my daughter, I am entrusting my daughter in the care of the government, let them take care of her, give her all the education she wants, even if it means taking her to America, I give them the permission to do it. She has always wanted to be educated, now I want the government to help her attain the level of education she wants to attain.Chairman of the Chibok parents Association, Yakubu Nkeki said the parents would not be returning home with the girls. They have not been handed over to their parents completely because they are still undergoing some trauma counselling, we are not taking them back home with us, they are going to remain with the government, to ensure their welfare and health before they are handed to us.We pleading with the government to find a reasonable school for them, we want them to continue with their education.Nkeki also lamented the negative news making the rounds on the social media about the girls being ill and pregnant which according to him is not true. I have gone on the Internet and seen so many negative stories concerning our girls, some people say they are sick, some say pregnant and so many things but here we are today and our daughters are not looking ill or pregnant, they recognised us as soon as we arrived and were so excited, I just want people to stop spreading bad news about our daughters, people should please wait, verify before spreading news.
It was another occasion for tears of joy to flow when parents reunited with the 21 freed Chibok schoolgirls.

It was another occasion for tears of joy to flow when parents reunited with the 21 freed Chibok schoolgirls.Yesterday, a thanksgiving service was held at the Directorate of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja, where the girls have been kept since last Thursday when they returned.The girls spoke about their ordeal in the hands of the Boko Haram terrorists and how they lost hope of ever returning to their families.Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Jummai Alhassan, Chairman of Chibok Local Government Council, Mr Yaga Yarakawa, Chairman of Abducted Chibok Girls Parents Association, Mr Yakubu Nkaki, and a member of the Chibok community in Abuja, Mr Hosea Tsambido, attended the service.Gloria Dame, who spoke on behalf of the girls after the service, recollected how they went without food for one month and 10 days in the bush.Speaking in Hausa, Gloria, who is Number 139 on the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movements list of abducted girls, said their survival in captivity was an act of God.I did not know that a day like this will come that we will be dancing and giving thanks to God among people.For one month and 10 days we stayed without food. I narrowly escaped bomb blast in the forest.We are praying to God to touch the heart of Boko Haram to repent and we are calling on Nigerians to pray and fast for the release of our remaining ones in captivity, she said.While the service was going on, the parents of the freed girls arrived at the venue and were reunited with their loved ones after two and a half years with their abductors.As soon as they arrived, emotions took over as tears of joy rolled down the eyes of parents and girls.Tears flowed freely as parents took turns to identify their daughters, while one woman simply carried her daughter on her back in happiness.Mohammed warned against comments which could jeopardise the release of the remaining girls.He said President Muhammadu Buhari had proved critics wrong by securing the release of the girls.He said: There are many reckless analysts and commentators who are not helping the situation. We still have many of our children in captivity.Therefore we have to be careful with the kind of comments that we make. We must not make comments that will make the release of these girls difficult or impossible.Mohammed, who quoted from the Scriptures (Those who are with us are more than those who are with them), said those who doubted the sincerity and commitment of the administration to the safe release and the reunion of the abducted Chibok girls with their parents were disappointed.He added: When the President said the Boko Haram saga will not be closed until all the girls abducted have been released and reunited with their families safely, those who doubted did not believe us so we thank God this day has come.He appealed to the parents of the girls who are yet to be freed to continue to exercise patience.He said: This is the beginning and we are very optimistic that very soon another batch bigger than this will be released. I want to assure you that these negotiations are ongoing even as we speak.The Chairman of the Parents of the Abducted Chibok School Girls, Yakubu Nkeki, re-echoed the Ministers plea by appealing to the people to stop spreading rumours, particularly on the social media, that will put the lives of the girls at risk.He debunked some reports alleging that 18 of the 21 freed girls are pregnant and denied that the girls were radicalised by Boko Haram.The Chairman of Chibok Local Government Council, said the release of the girls was historic and the Chibok community at home and in the Diaspora were happy about the development.Yarakawa said contrary to views of some Nigerians, the 21 freed girls were the actual Chibok Secondary School girls kidnapped by Boko Haram.Before their abduction, I was involved in supervising their feeding which was organised by the Borno State Secondary Schools Feeding System. So I know them very well.These are the real girls and you can see when their parents came, you see their joy, it manifest naturally.This is enough to tell you that it is a reality and anybody who say different things or doubting, may be the person has a different agenda altogether, he said.Yarakawa appealed to the government to put all necessary machinery in place to ensure the release of the other girls.Nkeki thanked President Buhari for summoning the courage and the political will that eventually led to the release of the abducted girls.Dr. Shiktra Kwali, who delivered the sermon at the thanksgiving service, told the girls that as they start a new life in freedom, they should not allow the experience of the past to weigh them down, and urged them to remain steadfast in serving the Lord, who has not forsaken them even in captivity.Many ministers of God, including the President of the Church of Brethren in Nigeria (EYN), Reverend Joel Bilili, offered prayers for the girls.The high-point of the occasion was the reunion between the parents and their daughters.The ceremony ended with an identification parade, as each of the freed girls identified her parents who in turn made brief comments, with many of them praising President. Muhammadu Buhari for ensuring the safe release of the girls.Some leaders of the BBOG movement who were shut out of the event expressed amazement that some people are too desperate to make political gains out of the entire situation.Our eyes are on the goal and not the glitz of photo opportunities, Dr. Emman Shehu, one of the BBOG leaders said.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says the release of the 21 Chibok girls is only a first step in what we be...

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says the release of the 21 Chibok girls is only a first step in what we believe will be a total liberation of all the girls.The minister made the statement on Sunday at a thanksgiving service organised for the freed girls at the premises of the Department of State Security (DSS) medical centre in Abuja. Mohammed, who was with the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Jumai Alhassan, at the service, said negotiation was on-going for the release of the others in captivity.This is just the beginning and we are very optimistic that another batch, bigger than this will be released to us soon. Negotiation is on-going even as we speak now but it is only those who ought to know that know the details. All we can do is to support them with prayers so that in a very short time we are going to have a bigger reunion than this, he said.The minister cautioned naysayers who doubted the process and some social commentators to refrain from making comments that could jeopardise the process. We want to sound a note of warning, particularly to many reckless analysts and commentators who are not helping the situation.We still have more than 120 of our children in captivity, therefore we must be careful of the kind of comments we make. We must not make comments that will make the release of other girls difficult or impossible. We should know that these are very delicate situations. There are some promises we made also about the confidentiality of the entire process and we intend to keep them, he said. The minister specifically frowned at the comments of some people, who were claiming credit for the release of the 21 girls and speculating specific period for the release of others.He said the event, which witnessed the reunited of the girls with their parents, was a day the entire world had been expecting. Many doubted the ability of government that this day will come but they have been proved wrong. When President Muhammadu Buhari said that the Boko Haram saga will not be closed until all the abducted girls have been released to their families sadly many doubted us but we thank God for today. We can all see the joy and emotion of the parents and this is ample proof that the girls that were released were indeed those that were abducted, he said.The minister reiterated that the girls were not swapped for Boko Haram members in captivity and that government did not pay ransom for their release. He said it was unparalleled in the history of kidnapping and terrorism what the government had done; securing the release of the girls safely without any ransom or swap. This was achieved because of the single mindedness of the administration; we are focused, we are dogged and we refused to be stampeded, he said. The minister thanked Nigerians for their prayers and assured the parents and relations of those yet to be released of their freedom.For the 21 freed girls, Mohammed said the team of doctors, psychologists and trauma experts would continue to examine them to ascertain their physical and mental state before their gradual re-absorption into the society. On her part, Alhassan said she was excited and happy to see the girls reunited with their parents. You can see the joy of the parents who arrived this morning. They arrived in Abuja at about 2a.m. and it took me a lot of persuasion to keep them to rest till now before bringing them to the children. As my colleague had said, this is just the beginning; the others, by the grace of God, will be released safely soon.I am also happy that from the interim reports we are getting, the girls are well and okay, she said. The minister reiterated the earlier promise by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo that government would take care of the education of the girls. Earlier in a sermon, a clergywoman, Sister Shiktra Kwali, urged the girls not to allow the challenges and the trauma they went through to deter them from achieving their dreams and goals in life.The President of the Church of the Brethren, (EYN), Rev. Joel Billi appealed to the Federal Government not to rest in efforts to ensure the release of other girls in captivity. He noted that most of the abducted girls were members of EYN church. The General-Secretary of the Church, Rev. Daniel Mbaya, the Head of Abuja Church, Rev.Paul Abraham, Pastor Abba Mtsheila and the Director of Medical Services, DSS, Dr Anne Okoroafor, were at the service.
President Buhari has denied knowledge of what his government exchanged with Boko Haram for the 21 abducted Chibok girls, saying he would n...

President Buhari has denied knowledge of what his government exchanged with Boko Haram for the 21 abducted Chibok girls, saying he would need to return from Germany to be fully briefed.This is what I dont know until I go back. I said the release is on the morning I left and this is not something we will discuss on the telephone, Mr. Buhari said in the interview with German broadcaster, Deutsche Welle.Twenty Chibok girls were released on Thursday and some government officials said the administration did not give Boko Haram anything in return.The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, denied a report that the government released Boko Haram detainees for the girls.Please note that this is not a swap. It is a release, Mr. Mohammed told reporters Thursday.Mr. Mohammed said President Buhari assigned the State Security Service to proceed with the negotiation and credited the release to painstaking negotiations and trust on both sides.During the exchange with Mr. Buhari, Deutsche Welles Phil Gayle asked the president if he was aware of an exchange of Boko Haram commanders for the girls as widely reported in the media.Until I go back, I will receive a formal briefing on how the negotiations went, Mr. Buhari said. As soon as I go back home I will find out the written confirmation of how it all went.The president had stated his readiness to negotiate with the terrorists but only after their genuine leaders are identified.Mr. Buhari traveled to Germany on Thursday for talks with that countrys leader, Angela Merkel.He returned to Abuja on Saturday.
Two school buses transporting students from North Jersey collided Monday afternoon on the Palisades Interstate Parkway, sending at least 40 kids to the hospital, police said.

One of the buses rear-ended the other at about 2:05 p.m., and as many as 60 students were taken Nyack Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital, some with minor injuries, according to New York State Police.

Dozens of students injured in school bus crash on Palisades Interstate Parkway https://t.co/UrPeCGwNUv pic.twitter.com/q2sjPe4JBV  Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) October 17, 2016

The crash occurred at Exit 11 southbound.

The students, who were from Northern Valley Regional High School, had been on a field trip to Woodmont Day Camp in New City, N.Y., police spokesman Steve Nevel said. The students were from the high school's Demarest location, WABC 7 reported.

Video via LoHud.com:

Sara Jerde may be reached at sjerde@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SaraJerde.
TRENTON -- A Burlington County man convicted of killing his pregnant girlfriend more than a decade ago had another attempt to get relief from his conviction and 50-year prison sentence rejected by a state appeals court.

Boyce Singleton

Boyce Singleton, 37, argued that his trial counsel was ineffective, leading to his conviction in 2008.

The latest petition comes more than five years after Singleton was granted a new trial on the grounds that the trial judge had not instructed the jury properly about the possibility that he was not criminally responsible by way of insanity. The New Jersey Supreme Court reversed that decision in 2012.

Singleton never denied that he shot and stabbed his girlfriend, Michele Cazan, 28, at their home in Mansfield in 2005. Singleton maintained he killed her because she was evil and God told him to.

He testified at his trial that killing Cazan, who had only told him the day before that she was pregnant with his child, "was the right thing to do" because it was God's order.

The Supreme Court in 2012 rejected the decision granting him a new trial, finding that there was not enough evidence that Singleton believed he was acting on orders from God.

After exhausting that appeal, Singleton filed a petition for post-conviction relief.

According to the appellate division's written decision issued Wednesday, Singleton had argued that his defense attorney was ineffective because he failed to call one witness and did not bring up at trial the unorthodox way Singleton underwent a psychological test.

Singleton had wanted his attorney to call his friend to testify that she never knew him to be abusive to women, but the decision states both the trial court judge and appellate court justices agreed the testimony was not likely to sway a jury.

He also argued that his defense attorney should have made more at trial of the fact that a doctor who testified for the prosecution had left a psychopathology test for him to fill out at the jail, instead of administering it himself. A defense expert had opined that that was "improper" but the defense attorney failed to "draw out this information at trial," Singleton argued.

According to the appellate decision, both courts found that the additional information would have been unlikely to result in a different verdict from the jury.

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
BOOZLE-VERIZON_HOCKSTEIN 2.JPG

Giovanni Arias, Manager of Telecommunications (left) and Mary Paulosky, Property Manager at Gordon Realty Management, try to iron out problems with the company's Verizon phone bills at their offices in Linden.

(Steve Hockstein/For NJ Advance Media)

Small businesses have consumer problems, too.



Mary Paulosky, who handles the bills for Gordon Realty Management of Linden, saw something was wrong with the company's Verizon bills.



The March bills had some unexpected termination fees for several of the lines, which are used for fire, sprinkler and other services for the buildings managed by the company.



Gordon Realty has 45 Verizon lines in all.



When Paulosky received the first incorrect bill, she was confused. No one had authorized any changes in service, she said, but the changes were there.



"How could they just make changes to an account without authorization? I am under a two-year contract for all of them," she said.



Paulosky said she called Verizon, then sent a follow-up email.



Eventually, the charges were removed.



For the next seven months, more bills had termination fees or service changes the company never requested or approved, Paulosky said. One of the lines -- again lines used for fire and sprinkler services -- even had DSL installed for it, she said.

She estimates the wrongful charges were $1,000 or more.

And all the changes were made on accounts that wouldn't reach a contract termination date until 2017, she said.

Over this time, Verizon reps kept calling the company, often with multiple calls in one week, Paulosky said. It became so annoying, Paulosky said, that she and her coworkers would ask to be put on Verizon's Do Not Call list.

That didn't work, and the calls kept coming.

Each time a bill wasn't right, Paulosky called and emailed Verizon to correct the errors, she said.



"Since you can never get the name of one person with an extension, I was forced to explain the situation over and over and over to whichever customer service rep picked up the phone," Paulosky said. "Some were nice and some were rude. The one thing they all had in common was to promptly remove the charges. So what does that tell you about Verizon?"



It told Paulosky something wasn't right.



The account changes kept coming, and so did the messed up bills and the phone calls.

Gordon employees started to record the calls and save voice mail messages from Verizon reps, and they'd again request the Do Not Call list.



That didn't stop the calls.

And then Paulosky noticed something on her Caller ID. When the phone solicitations came in, the calls didn't say they were from Verizon. They instead came from a series of other company names which she believed to be subcontractors for Verizon and not Verizon itself.



"The lightbulb really went off," Paulosky said.



She said her suspicions were confirmed in a call with one of the solicitors. In the conversation, the rep explained that getting changes on accounts is how the rep's company gets paid, Paulosky said.



After that, she said she knew the calls and service changes weren't actually coming from Verizon.



"They are allowing outside people to actually make the changes themselves," Paulosky said. "These vendors get paid on commission so it's beneficial for them to mess with accounts."



It's been a huge time-waster and a headache, Paulosky said, noting she believes the problem is bigger than just her company.



"I wonder how many business customers are not realizing what is happening and have already paid the early termination fees? Verizon is making a fortune," she said.



Paulosky started to include the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) on all her complaint emails with Verizon, and the agency answered her once with a claims number. But there wasn't any quick action from that.



That's when she reached out to Bamboozled.



LOOKING FOR RESOLUTION

This is a time of serious competition among telecom companies. It's clear from the junk mail you receive, the ads that you see.



They all want your business, and they want you to choose their services over the competitors. If you're already a customer, they want to offer a deal, or an incentive, for you to remain a customer.



Were all these calls and changes simply an attempt to upsell or keep Gordon Realty as a customer?

We reviewed a long list of bills and emails between Paulosky and Verizon, and we also listened to some of the taped phone messages from the reps who called about the Verizon accounts.

Some offered lower prices for services. Other said they needed a verbal authorization to make an account change. Still others said they were reviewing the company's discounts, or calling to verify a credit.



Most characterized the calls as either "time sensitive" or "important" or about a "continuation of services."



We asked Verizon to review the accounts and to explain how the unauthorized changes and unwanted solicitation calls came to pass.



Verizon investigated, and it took action.

It said it has third-party agents -- what most people would call outside subcontractors -- that represent Verizon across its businesses.

"We hold them to the same high standard we expect from our employees: integrity and honesty," spokesman Jeffrey Nelson said. "When that doesn't happen, we insist they take responsibility for their actions."

And indeed the company did.

"In this situation, our customer had a bad experience, and by letting us know, we had the opportunity to investigate, leading to terminating that agent's relationship with us," Nelson said.

The agent, in this case, isn't an individual employee, but several employees who work for an outside contractor.

Nelson said Verizon is working with the customer to address any and all outstanding issues.

Verizon said it found about $975 in wrongful charges -- some as little as $30 -- and it's still looking to see if there were others.

We asked how many subcontractors, or agents, Verizon uses, and if it has received other complaints about unauthorized account changes.

Nelson didn't answer those questions, but he said, "We will take swift and decisive action any time we find circumstances where agents don't uphold our high standards of integrity and honesty."

Verizon assigned a new contact for Paulosky. They've already chatted, and the new rep is going over all the accounts to make sure there are no outstanding concerns. The rep will also be Paulosky's single contact going forward.



Paulosky says she's looking forward to having her company's accounts fixed, but it's not the end of her concerns.



"It's extremely disturbing to think of how many customers maybe didn't notice changes to their account, had no idea it happened, and Verizon profited off of that," she said. "It's also disturbing they gave our contact information to outside contractors. Our contract is with Verizon and they have no right to give out information like that. A trust has been broken."

Let us know if your business has had similar troubles.

Have you been Bamboozled? Reach Karin Price Mueller at Bamboozled@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KPMueller. Find Bamboozled on Facebook. Mueller is also the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com.

Stay informed and sign up for NJMoneyHelp.com's weekly e-newsletter.
A 44-year-old Cherry Hill man was sentenced to up to 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting a girl dozens of times in Pennsylvania more than a decade ago, according to a report.

Kurr S. Farrales received a sentence of 12 to 30 years from a judge in Montgomery County for sexually assaulting the girl between 2000 and 2007 in Plymouth and Upper Merion, TimesHerald.com reported. He will also have to serve 11 years of supervised release after finishing his stint in state prison.

The girl, who was under 16 when the sexual assaults took place, reported Farrales in 2010.

In May, Farrales pleaded guilty to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, indecent assault and corruption of a minor.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
BRIDGETON -- Two men robbed the Pastel Mex Baker early Sunday and took cash from customer's pockets before fleeing, police said.

An employee at the North Pearl Street shop was tending to customers at the cash register when one of the robbers pulled a gun out of his waistband and demanded money at 7:35 a.m.

The customers were ordered to the ground and one of the robbers went through their pockets to steal items.

Police describe the robber with a handgun as a bearded man wearing blue pants and a gray hooded sweatshirt with light blue around the hood. The second robber was wearing a black jacket and camouflaged pants.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact Bridgeton Police Department by calling 856-451-0033 or submitting information anonymously through the department's Tip411 service.

Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
BRIDGETON -- A grand jury indicted a former prison corrections officer for allegedly sexually assaulting a child, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office.

Richard Briggs (submitted photo)

Richard Briggs, 50, of Holly Parkway, in Williamstown, allegedly abused the child in Hopewell Township on various dates. Briggs worked as a corrections officer at South Woods State Prison for the New Jersey Department of Corrections in 1989.

A Cumberland County Grand Jury indicted Briggs on Oct. 13 on charges of aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and lewdness. He was arrested on May 11 by New Jersey State Police and released from jail on May 22 after posting $150,000 bail, according to Cumberland County Jail.

He was no longer working for the Department of Corrections as of Aug. 25, according to department spokesman Patrick Lombardi.

Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
BRIDGETON -- A Millville man was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the 2013 death of his 11-week-old daughter, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office.

Andrew Rieger (submitted photo)

Andrew Rieger, 27, of East Oak Drive, was with his daughter Aaleyah Rieger on Sept. 12, 2013, when he threw her against a couch -- causing her to roll off and hit her head on the hardwood floor. The child died a couple days later due to her head injuries.

Rieger pleaded guilty on July 29 to first-degree aggravated manslaughter and was sentenced Friday by Judge Robert G. Malestein. He must serve 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole, per the No Early Release Act.

Inspira Medical Center Vineland alerted authorities to the incident after Aaleyah arrived at the hospital with a suspicious head injury. Authorities transported her to Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware, where she died.

Don E. Woods may be reached at dwoods@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @donewoods1. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
The shotgun Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office officials say was used in the April 22 murders of David and Nicholas Pence. Detectives arrested Dexter Allen Jr. and Haraquon Degruy in the case. Detective William Roniger testified on Tuesday (June 9) that the shotgun belonged to an Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office deputy. JPSO confirmed the weapon was reported stolen in a New Orleans vehicle burglary about a month before the murders.
The federal government plans to pour $125 million into the fight against a mysterious disease that has ravaged corals in Florida and much of the Caribbean, and now poses a dire threat to the treasured reefs off the Louisiana and Texas coasts.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House Jan. 6 committee plans to unveil "surprising" details at its next public hearing about the 2021 attack at the U.S. Capitol. The session Thursday afternoon is likely to be the last public hearing before midterm elections next month. The panel is expected to include new evidence from the U.S. Secret Service about its actions with Donald Trump that day. Ahead of a report later this year, the panel is summing up its findings. The committee says Trump, after he lost the 2020 presidential election, launched an unprecedented attempt to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's victory. They say the result was the deadly mob siege of the Capitol.
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PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the conference (Source: VNA)



Addressing an investment promotion conference in the locality on October 17th, the Government leader asked the province to do all out in building an incorruptible administration to win businesses trust.

The local administration should strictly implement its pledges to businesses and people, through maximising the use of advanced technology in administration and information management, and its development policies should position businesses in the centre, he noted.

The Government and I have high hopes that Long An will become one of the powerful economic drivers of the country during this working term, the PM said.

He also pointed to the need to increase dialogues with businesses and show good performance in planning, advising Long An to learn from development experience from Ho Chi Minh city and Binh Duong province.

He suggested that domestic and foreign investors cooperate with the local governments to build large-scaled and green industrial clusters with strong competitiveness.

Long Ans authorities have committed to improving the business and investment environment towards fast-processing procedures, safe business and effective investment, and sustainable growth.

The province has posted the fastest growth in the Mekong Delta region and among localities with high growth in the southern major economic region over the past five years.

It ranked ninth in 63 localities nationwide in the provincial competitiveness index, and second among 13 Mekong Delta localities only after Dong Thap.

It enjoys a favourable location for economic development as it neighbours the countrys economic hub of Ho Chi Minh city and shares the 133-km border with Cambodia with nearly 14,000 hectares border gate economic zone.

For his part, Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Tran Van Can affirmed that Long An will do its utmost for investors as it considers their successes and difficulties as its own.

He called for investments into transport infrastructure system serving the industrial expansion in the provinces major economic area and high technology in line with agricultural restructuring.

He also introduced 16 projects that are calling for investment, including a project to build urban and transport system connecting Long An with Ho Chi Minh city .

On October 16th, the province launched its Public Administration Centre which is the headquarters of six departments.

After three years of implementing its socio-economic master plan, Long An has attracted 722 projects worth over USD5 billion, mostly from Taiwanese, Korean, Singaporean and US investors.

Foreign direct investment has helped the province secure a 12 percent growth annually, nearly doubling the average figure of the country. However, a number of projects are found to potentially cause pollution.

Within the framework of the conference, Long An signed memoranda of understanding of cooperation worth tens of thousands billion VND with four domestic and foreign investors.

Local authorities also granted investment licences to 12 investors with a total investment of VND4.3 trillion (USD192.7 million)./.
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VALPARAISO  Boone Grove High School senior Brandon Gavras enrolled at New Horizons Learning Center because he wasnt on track to graduate on time.

Kouts High senior Tessa Ivey enrolled at New Horizons because she said she didnt like the traditional high school environment, and found the New Horizons environment had fewer distractions.

Wheeler High senior Jaylin Pellebon had fallen behind on her credits and wanted an opportunity to gain them as quickly as possible and get on track to graduate.

These three students and a couple of dozen more are enrolled at the alternative school at Boone Grove High and operated by the Porter Township School Corp. in Valparaiso, under the direction of Superintendent Stacey Schmidt.

New Horizons, established last year, is open to students at Porter Township, the Metropolitan School District (MSD) of Boone Township in Hebron, the Union Township School Corp. and the three high schools within the East Porter County School Corp. (Morgan Township, Kouts and Washington Township).

It does not include the three larger school districts in Porter County  the Duneland School Corp., Portage Township Schools and Valparaiso Community School Corp.  which each offer their own alternative school programs for students.

New Horizons Learning Center opened in fall 2015.
A steelworkers June death, which was initially thought to be from a heart attack, remains under investigation as an accidental electrocution.

Valparaiso resident Charles Kremke, 67, died in a hospital after his accident in the U.S. Steel Gary Works mill during the day shift on June 15.

The motor inspector/electrician was the first worker to die this year at the integrated steel mill on the shore of Lake Michigan. Steelworker Jonathan Arizzola, a 30-year-old Valparaiso resident, died in a crane accident on Sept. 30 at Gary Works. His wife said he suffered an electrical shock in a separate accident earlier that week.

Arizzolas death also remains under investigation.

Kremkes death was initially believed to be the result of a heart attack. Lake County Coroner Merrillee Frey said the preliminary manner of death was in fact an accident and the cause was electrocution.

Kremke, a leader in the Boy Scouts, was married with four children, seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

On Wednesday, June 15, a U.S. Steel employee was found unresponsive at Gary Works, U.S. Steel spokeswoman Sarah Cassella said in an emailed statement. Efforts to revive the employee were unsuccessful. An investigation into the incident is underway, and we will work closely with the United Steelworkers and relevant government agencies throughout the process. No further details regarding the incident are available at this time. The company expresses our deepest sympathies to the employees family.

The United Steelworkers union has been protesting cutbacks on maintenance workers at the mill, saying its dangerously understaffed. USW members have said maintenance workers face greater risk of electrocution because overworked work gangs are too small and hurried to take precautionary steps that were once standard.

Indiana Occupational Health and Safety Administration spokeswoman Amanda Stanley said a safety investigation into Kremkes death was still ongoing.

Because investigations are comprehensive, they can last from several weeks to several months, she said. By law, IOSHA has six months from the date of the incident to complete its investigation.
LAPORTE  Rain couldnt hold back a dozen supporters of presidential candidate Donald Trump from rallying Sunday in downtown LaPorte.

Their impact in terms of reaction from motorists was much larger with horns blaring regularly and things like Go Trump being shouted and fists pumping jubilantly out windows.

Also encountered by Trump supporters, though, were some flipped middle fingers and shouted profanity along with an occasional Go Hillary during the four-hour rally that started at 8 a.m.

People are honking. Theyre waving. Theyre hootin and hollerin. Theyre making noise, and thats what were wanting to get done today, said Chris Bell, who actively took part in the rally.

Morgan Wolf, a factory worker from Rolling Prairie, held a 13-star American flag at U.S 35 and Lincolnway outside the courthouse while Spencer England on the other side of the busy intersection waved a much larger flag of a red, white and blue Trump campaign sign.

If anything, theyre inspired by the recent flood of negative headlines about Trump, blaming liberal media and an establishment they say are just firing up supporters of the billionaire even more.

Theres just a massive silent majority, Wolf said.

He comes off kind of crude and rude because hes not a refined politician. Hes not one of them. Hillary (Clinton) is one of them, Wolf said.

England, a member of the Trump campaign in Northwest Indiana, said one of the messages theyre trying to convey is that people are sick and tired of the establishment candidates. Those people need to go. Our country is in a bad spot right now.

He listed the national debt, illegal immigration and terrorism as among the greatest threats to the nation that Trump should be allowed to try and turn around.

One of the candidates running is a socialist, communist who believes in globalization while the other is America first. The guy loves our country. Hes going to put us first, England said.

Lou Carlasarra, another rallying Trump supporter, said he wishes the spotlight would shift away from unsubstantiated claims of sexual assault and back to whats really important during the few weeks remaining in the campaign.

We just got to start focusing on the issues. Not the circus the media is portraying here, Carlasarra said.

The rally was actually canceled right before its scheduled start, but supporters decided to go ahead with it. Ninety minutes later, the rain began letting up a bit.

But its been good. We had some coffee brought up. A lot of people, I think, would be out here if it wasnt storming, said England, who in 2011 ran for mayor in LaPorte.
WASHINGTON  Policing in the nations minority communities has been a flashpoint since the deaths of Michael Brown in Missouri, Tamir Rice in Ohio, Sandra Bland in Texas and others. The increasing number of graphic photos and videos depicting the deaths of black men, women and children at the hands of police officers has sparked unrest around the nation.

The perception that law enforcement officers are rarely, if ever, punished for what some consider unethical behavior, brutality and even criminal acts against black Americans has led to the rise of new social and civil rights movements like Black Lives Matter.

Police, in turn, have complained of being unfairly stereotyped as the enemy by minority communities in which they serve. They have noted that theyve increased monitoring of officer behavior through cameras placed in their vehicles and carried by officers during interactions with the public and increased training for officers and personnel.

Where they stand

Hillary Clinton has been criticized by activists for some of her positions  she once, for example, supported superpredator laws that were meant to combat a supposed wave of lawless children. During the Democratic primary she used the phrase All Lives Matter  words that some have invoked as pushback against the concerns of Black Lives Matter while others have uttered the phrase without intending to challenge the movement. Shes also expressed regret for talking about superpredators in the past. Clinton has offered proposals, such as legislation that would help end racial profiling, provide federal matching funds for more police body cameras and overhaul mandatory minimum sentencing.

Donald Trump has described himself as the law and order candidate. He has said some of the videos and photos depicting the deaths of people of color at the hands of police were hard to witness, but has called police the most mistreated people in this country. Trump endorsed a former New York City police policy called stop and frisk after unrest in Charlotte, North Carolina, over the police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott. A federal judge ruled the procedure violated the rights of minorities.

Gary Johnson considers the Black Lives Matter movement a wake-up call to this issue. Politico reported in August, What it has done for me is that my heads been in the sand on this, Johnson admitted. I think weve all had our heads in the sand. And lets wake up. This discrimination does exist, it has existed, and for me, personally, slap, slap, wake up. 

Why it matters

The U.S. has a long history of using law enforcement to enforce now-illegal actions like slavery and segregation, leading to distrust between law enforcement and some of the communities it serves. Increasing numbers of civilian video and photos showing questionable actions by police officers, sometimes contradicting the official account originally released by law enforcement, have eroded trust between law enforcement and parts of the growing diverse population of this country even more.

In addition to sparking movements like Black Lives Matter, the debate over race and policing has helped usher in more monitoring of police through dash cams, body cameras and increased training for officers. Officials also have started pushing for more statistics about police shootings  fatal and nonfatal  in the United States, so the public can have an idea of the numbers involved instead of having to judge through anecdotal evidence.
INDIANAPOLIS  A nine-member Indiana redistricting commission, instead of the General Assembly, should direct how congressional and legislative district boundaries are drawn.

Thats the recommendation issued Monday by a state study committee thats spent the past two years reviewing the uses and abuses of legislative redistricting in Indiana, and across the country.

We are making history today, said state Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes. This is the first time, ever, that weve gotten this far with a bipartisan effort to reform the redistricting process.

Under the plan, the redistricting commission would convene in 2021, following the 2020 U.S. Census, to draw new districts for Indianas nine U.S. House seats, 100 Indiana House seats and 50 Senate seats.

Except in limited circumstances, the proposed districts could not be crafted to account for the residences of current officeholders or voter partisanship.

They must also be contiguous, compact, nearly equal in population and avoid breaching precinct or community boundaries.

Four of the redistricting commissioners would be selected by the Republican and Democratic leaders of the Indiana House and Senate.

Then, to minimize the influence of party politics, the other five commissioners would be picked from a pool of 12 independent candidates endorsed by the chief justice of Indiana or the presidents of Indiana, Purdue and Ball State universities.

Furthermore, seven of the nine commissioners must agree to take official action on any question.

In 2021, the commission would draw new maps, make them available online for Hoosier review and suggested changes, present the maps at public hearings throughout the state and finally submit them to the Legislature for final approval, as required by the Indiana Constitution, with only limited changes permitted.

Former Supreme Court Justice Ted Boehm, a member of the study committee, said he believes the reforms could boost Indianas dismal voter turnout, improve electoral competitiveness and prevent legislative supermajorities.

It remains to be seen, however, whether state lawmakers will give up their ability to draw their own districts as the recommended plan still requires legislative approval to take effect.

The study committee chairman, state Rep. Jerry Torr, R-Carmel, said he will file the proposal in the House when the General Assembly convenes in January. House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, is expected to co-sponsor the measure.

But prior proposed changes to the once-a-decade redistricting process regularly have faltered in the Senate, which Republicans have controlled since 1978.

In fact, the three current or former Republican senators on the study committee all voted against the plan, while the other eight committee members supported it.

State Sen. Brandt Hershman, R-Buck Creek, said the proposal does not solve an actual problem, aside from the reformers belief that voters are somehow mindless robots with unshakable party affiliation.

He argued a good candidate can make any district competitive.
INDIANAPOLIS  A former North Township employee is being asked to reimburse nearly $10,000 in Wicker Memorial Park shelter rental fees that state auditors believe never made it to the bank.

The State Board of Accounts released a special audit on Monday of Wicker Park financial records that determined the money listed on receipts issued for picnic shelter use at the Highland park exceeded the funds deposited in the townships account.

The audit identifies Gwendolyn Rubesha, the former Wicker Park clerk in charge of shelter rental management, as the person responsible for the missing money, which totals $9,732.50, and requests that she repay it.

Funds misappropriated, diverted or unaccounted for through malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office of any officer or employee may be the personal obligation of the responsible officer or employee, auditors said.

Auditors also found the failure to segregate duties and job responsibilities, as well as a lack of internal controls and accountability involving shelter receipts, made it impossible to determine whether even more money went missing between Jan. 1, 2013 and Oct. 8, 2015.

North Township Trustee Frank J. Mrvan said Rubesha has been terminated from her job and the township has revised how park rentals are processed and reviewed.

The township also has installed video cameras in areas where cash is handled, he said.

As is typical in such cases, the State Board of Accounts has forwarded its audit report to the Lake County prosecutor and Indiana attorney general for possible criminal or collections action.
Four Northwest Indiana residents face additional felony charges in the shooting death of their alleged accomplice during a botched home invasion July 5 in Palos Park, Illinois.

Brandy Marshall, 19, of Crown Point; her 21-year old sister, Paige Marshall, of Hobart; Sarah Risner, 21, of Crown Point; and Tyler Gulli, 23, of Portage, were each indicted July 29 by Cook County prosecutors on three counts of murder, one count of attempted armed robbery, one count of home invasion and two counts of residential burglary. They were originally charged with one count each of murder and home invasion.

Anthony Dalton, 19, of Cedar Lake, was pronounced dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to the chest.

According to police records, the Cook County sheriffs office responded about 10:30 p.m. July 5 to the 11000 block of West 118th Street in Palos Park. The caller told police the suspects had forced their way into his home and were brandishing a knife.

The man, who has a valid concealed carry license, told police he fired his handgun at the intruders, fatally striking Dalton and wounding Tyler Gulli in the leg. Prosecutors arent charging the homeowner.

Although they didnt fire the gun that killed Dalton, the four defendants face charges for Dalton's death because they were allegedly committing a crime at the time. Each is being held on $2 million bond in Cook County.

Police said they identified the defendants after one of the alleged offenders emerged from a wooded area surrounding the home.

Dalton was scheduled to appear July 7 in Lake County Criminal Court for an omnibus hearing on auto theft charge in Cedar Lake dating back to Nov. 27, 2015. Defense attorney Angela Jones told Lake Criminal Court Judge Salvador Vasquez she had been informed that her client was dead. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sean Mullins said he was working to verify the information.

On July 12, Mullins filed a motion to dismiss the case which Vasquez granted on July 14. Daltons felony criminal bond of $445 also was refunded to his father on July 13, according to court records.

The three women have appeared a number of times in Lake County Criminal Court on misdemeanor charges and traffic infractions.

At the time of her arrest in Cook County, Brandy Marshall was out on a $1,000 bail for reckless driving in New Chicago on Jan. 13, 2016. In a case thats still open, Paige Marshall was charged with resisting law enforcement in Dyer in November 2015. Risners case of failure to stop after an accident resulting in damage to a vehicle in December 2013 in Crown Point remains open.
LANSING  The cause of a two-car crash Sunday that killed a 64-year-old woman and injured two others remains under investigation, a village spokesman said.

Penny Thomas, of Lansing, died at a hospital after the crash about noon Sunday near 178th Street and Wentworth Avenue, said Fabian Newman, Lansings director of communications and technology.

Police and firefighters arrived at the scene and found a 2006 gray Chevrolet HHR, driven by Thomas, and a 2014 Hyundai Sonata were involved in the crash, Newman said.

The driver and juvenile passenger in the Sonata were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, he said.

Thomas was taken to Community Hospital in Munster, where she was pronounced dead about 12:45 p.m. from blunt force trauma, according to the Lake County coroners office. Her death was ruled an accident.

Illinois State Police are assisting Lansing police in the investigation, Newman said.
EAST CHICAGO  The City Council has approved on first reading ordinances that would establish appropriations and tax rates for the city and sanitary district for 2017.

The council will have until the end of the month to approve the ordinances on second and third readings to make them official.

Steve Dalton, the councils financial adviser, said the city budgets general fund of $27,348,872 marks an increase of approximately $1 million compared to last year.

The levy for the city is allowed to increase this year by 3.8 percent because thats the average growth rate of the state of Indiana, Dalton said.

He said the $1 million increase to the general fund would mean the city is not increasing its rate faster than the state.

He said the main reason for the increase is because of the higher cost of health insurance.

Dalton said although the advertised city tax rate is $2.97 per $100 of assessed valuation, he expects it to ultimately be about 60 cents lower than that due to millions being added to the citys assessed value as the result of a decrease in abatement for BP.

The proposed sanitary district budget of $10,457,927 represents an increase of about $650,000 over 2016, when the tax rate was 67 cents per $100.

Dalton said he expects that rate to be slightly higher for 2017 due mostly to existing debt.

The council approved the sanitary district budget ordinance on first reading by a 7-1 vote.

Councilman Richard Medina, D-at-large, voted no and Councilwoman Myrna Maldonado, D-1st, was not present.

The vote on the city budget ordinance was tighter as Councilmen Robert Garcia, D-5th, and Kenneth Monroe, D-at-large, joined Medina in voting no.

Garcia said he would not approve the city budget ordinance because it does not include a bonus for Teamsters Union 142.

They were excluded for some reason, Garcia said.

The two ordinances had to be reintroduced before they were voted on because they were tabled at the prior City Council meeting.

Medina was the only council member to vote against reintroducing the ordinances.

Theres a lot of line items that I dont agree with, Medina said.

In other city news, the council voted 8-0 on final reading to approve an ordinance that will change Grand Boulevard from a two-way street to a southbound one-way street between 142nd and 144th streets.

City Engineer William Allen explained at a council meeting in August that the change would allow angled parking and room for walkways on both sides of Grand Boulevard.
HOBART  The citys 21-year-old re-energized firefighters honor guard is lending a hand to area disabled veterans.

Money raised by Local 1641 Hobart Firefighters Honor Guard goes to Disabled American Veterans NWI Region Chapter 102, Hobart Firefighter Michael Haney said.

Haney, who has been on the Hobart Fire Department for the last seven years, is the guards commander.

Weve raised over $10,000, Haney said.

That $10,000 raised over a two-year period represents money used by the honor guard to buy their own uniforms and equipment, for its operation and to make donations to such organizations as the Hoosier Burn Camp and the Disabled American Veterans.

Money has been raised through donations and fundraisers but the newest project has been the sale of Hobart Fire Department red T-shirts.

We sat down and took a new take on it. We came up with an idea and made a shirt out of it, Haney said.

The guard also sells specialized T-shirts such as for breast cancer and St. Patricks Day.

Weve kept the streak going with specializing in selling duty shirts for different causes or holidays, Haney said.

Haney said he and Hobart Firefighter Pvt. Lloyd Besaw came up with the idea for revamping the red shirts, but with a new way to raise money for veterans, since most of us are.

Deputy Cmdr. John Papka suggested the Disabled American Veterans was a great local organization and that he also was a member along with Drill Capt. Thomas Castle.

Around the same time, Besaw, who is also a paratrooper with the Indiana National Guard 151st Infantry, had a near-death mishap during a jump, Haney said.

It is uncertain whether hell face future issues with this incident affecting his time with the Army or Fire Department, Haney said.

So raising money for Disabled American Veterans is dear to our hearts in more ways than one, Haney said.

The honor guard is an elite unit of the Fire Department that specializes in providing final honors to civil and military service members.

The guard was formed in 1995 after Pvt. Herlof Ted Hansen III died in the line of duty.

Since 1995, the guard has participated in ceremonies, funeral details and parades, Haney said.

Hansen, whose title was posthumously promoted to lieutenant, died on April 13, 1995, while fighting a house fire on Hobarts west side.

Haney said the guard was fairly active for 10 years then kind of faded out with retirements of firefighters.

The newly designed T-shirt is a combination of the Hobart Firefighters Department logo, the International Association of Firefighters logo and the Disabled American Veterans log along with the American flag on the sleeve and the option of the service branch underneath, Haney said.

Many members of the department purchased them and our men and women of the St. Mary Medical Center emergency room also purchased them since we work hand in hand with them, Haney said.

Haney said once the guard maxed its potential among members and ER staff, members realized it would make more money by opening it up to the public.

Currently we are working with Fresh Apparels owner, Allen Esquivel, who helps us with wholesale prices to raise more money for our cause, Haney said.

For more information on purchasing the T-shirts, go to hfdred.com.
MERRILLVILLE  Two men who say their lives prove forgiveness is stronger than injustice spoke Sunday to a conclave of Northwest Indiana teens.

Andrew Collins, a former Benton Harbor, Michigan, police officer, falsified evidence to convict Jameel McGee, also of Benton Harbor, of drug trafficking 11 years ago. They have reconciled, become friends and were keynote speakers at Andrean High Schools Grasta De event.

Some 450 middle school students from Gary, East Chicago, Hammond, Munster, Crown Point, Lowell, Valparaiso, Chesterton, Kouts, Michigan City and LaPorte came together to celebrate their faith with music, food, dancing and Mass.

Coordinator Kevin Driscoll says Grasta De, Gaelic for Gods grace, is an opportunity for young people from across the four county Diocese of Gary to learn grace.

Middle schoolers today are learning about a world filled with fear, hatred, poverty, violence and political chaos. We want them to know that having faith and a relationship with God can help them make sense of it all, Driscoll said.

I was a police officer and did some horrible things, Collins said.

He arrested McGee and another man in a car where drugs were found. Collins said McGee was just an innocent passenger in the car, but Collins made it look like McGee was a dealer.

McGee spent four years in prison before Collins was caught in 2008 with possession of crack cocaine, heroin and marijuana that he planted to justify police raids.

That was the end of my career, Collins said. I had this renewal of my faith because I had come to the end of myself. I went to the FBI and said I wanted to own up for what I did, and right the wrongs and tell the truth.

Collins got McGees conviction overturned and Collins went to prison himself.

After his release, Collins met McGee during a church event and apologized. McGee, initially bitter over missing the birth of his son while in prison, eventually gave Collins absolution.

McGee said he had rejected his familys faith as a teenager, but God took care of the situation for me while I was in prison. He was in my head, working with me.

Collins said McGee was wrestling with God. Asking, where are you God? How did this happen to an innocent person? There are probably a lot of kids here dealing with unforgiveness. (McGee) can say hes forgiven me. I tell them if you have wronged somebody, your only hope is to say you are sorry, immediately.
A county Republican headquarters in Hillsborough, North Carolina, was firebombed overnight Saturday, an attack that a party official called political terrorism.

Police said a bottle of flammable liquid was thrown through the front window of the office in Hillsborough, a town in Orange County near Raleigh.

Nazi Republicans get out of town or else was spray painted on the side of an adjacent building.

This highly disturbing act goes far beyond vandalizing property; it willfully threatens our communitys safety via fire, and its hateful message undermines decency, respect and integrity in civic participation, Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens said in a statement. Acts like this have no place in our community.

Orange County, home to the University of North Carolina in nearby Chapel Hill, is overwhelmingly Democratic. Democrats and independents outnumber Republicans 5 to 1.

Hillsborough police and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were investigating.

Dallas Woodhouse, executive director of the state Republican Party, called the bombing political terrorism.

The office itself is a total loss, he said. The only thing important to us is that nobody was killed, and they very well could have been.

Later, Woodhouse said, Whether you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent, all Americans should be outraged by this hate-filled and violent attack against our democracy ... Everyone in this country should be free to express their political viewpoints without fear for their own safety.

The incident occurred barely three weeks before an election marked by heightened tensions and passion on both sides.

Sunday, the Bangor, Maine, Daily News reported that about 20 cars were vandalized with spray paint outside a Saturday rally for GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Earlier this year, violence broke out with protesters at a Trump rally in Chicago. And one protester was sucker-punched at a Trump rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

You hope (the firebombing) is an isolated incident, said Ferrel Guillory, a political analyst at UNC Chapel Hill. It always happens that toward the end of the campaign, emotions get both frayed and intensified.

N.C. Democratic Party Chair Patsy Keever called the bombing outrageous.

Im appalled that this would happen, certainly we dont need violence for any reason, she said. Clearly this is outrageous that anybody would do this kind of destruction to either partys buildings or people.
MOSCOW  Russia hopes its ties with the U.S. can go back to normal after the American presidential election, regardless of who wins, President Vladimir Putin said Sunday.

While Democrat Hillary Clinton so far is aggressive toward Russia and Republican Donald Trump wants cooperation, the Kremlin is not ruling out the possibility that the candidates positions will change when one of them becomes the U.S. president, Putin said. He spoke after meeting with leaders of Brazil, China, India and South Africa in the Indian state of Goa.

If our partners in the United States intend to work with us, we will, Putin said. I hope that when the debate is over, this difficult period in the United States internal political life is over, therell be a chance to restore relations between Russia and the U.S.

Relations between the two former Cold War rivals have worsened since the collapse of a Syrian cease-fire agreement, with the U.S. accusing Russia of war crimes in the Middle Eastern country and of cyberwarfare aimed at influencing the U.S. election.

Russia has no influence on the U.S. vote, Putin said. He suggested the accusations are hypocritical, given Russias experience seeing American authorities spying on everyone and eavesdropping on everyone, Putin said.

U.S.-led airstrikes in northern Iraq endanger civilians and one can see the obvious parallel here with Russias moves in Syria, Putin said. Yet, Russia doesnt plan to be hysterical about them, he said.
The website WikiLeaks on Saturday released yet another batch of hacked emails said to be linked to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. U.S. officials have blamed Russia for the breach. The Obama administration is now vowing to respond. Washington, D.C. bureau reporter Geoff Bennett filed this report.

The Obama administration is said to be considering an unprecedented cyber attack against Russia.

U.S. intelligence officials say its retaliation for alleged Russian interference in the the 2016 presidential election.

"I think the government has announced, there are concerns that there are some efforts to try to interfere in the electoral process," said CIA Director John Brennan.

U.S. Officials Say Signs Point to Russia

The intelligence community believes Russia is using the website Wikileaks to release emails stolen from the Gmail account of Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta.

Supporters of the Democratic presidential nominee are framing the drip of e-mails as a national security threat.

"This is a significant and unprecedented attack," said Matt Olsen, a former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, told CNN. "It's an attack on our democratic institutions. So, from my perspective, it's not just a campaign issue, it's a national security issue.

Olsen now serves as an informal national security advisor to the Clinton campaign.

Pence Breaks with Trump Over Russia's Involvement

But its not just Democrats who are painting Russia as the culprit.

"I think there's more and more evidence that implicates Russia and there should be serious consequences," said Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence Sunday on NBC News' Meet the Press.

Pence contradicted his running mate, Donald Trump, who has cast doubt on Russia's involvement in the email hacks.

Wikileaks Denies Russian Links

Wikileaks has denied any connection to or cooperation with Russia.

Still, the White House says its planning a "proportional" response, which Russias foreign minister has dismissed.

"If they decided to do something, let them do it," said Sergey Lavrov in an interview with CNN. "But to say Russia is interfering with United States domestic matters is ridiculous."

Wikileaks says it has roughly 50,000 of Podestas emails. So far, it's published about 10,000 of them, which means Clinton campaign officials are bracing for more leaked emails through Election Day.
NEW YORK - Over a dozen people including elected officials, womens rights organizations, and community leaders gathered Monday outside Trump Tower to denounce the GOP presidential candidate's alleged mistreatment of women as he tries to shore up support with just 22 days to go until the general election.

They say a Trump presidency would set back the women's rights movement by decades.

Meanwhile Trump's campaign says the protesters are distracting from the real issues.

"We will not tolerate his talk about sexually assaulting women. We will not tolerate his talk insulting women and demeaning women," said National Organization for Women President Terry O'Neill.

"I would ask those same women who came here to talk about Donald Trump and not Hillary Clinton, why 3.7 million more Americans are in poverty now than when Obama and Clinton started eight years ago? Why are over 12 million American women without health insurance?" said Trump Campaign Manager Kellyann Conway.



Meanwhile, two new polls show varying degrees of support for Donald Trump.



An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll of 905 likely voters gives Clinton an 11 percentage point lead over the New York billionaire.

Clinton led Trump by 9 points in another poll earlier this month.

But an ABC News/Washington Post survey of 740 likely voters puts Clinton just 4 points ahead of Trump.

That's within the margin of error of 4 percentage points.

But it gives Clinton a slightly bigger lead than a previous poll before the first presidential debate on September 26th.

Both of the new polls were conducted between October 10th and 13th, just days after a video was released that featured lewd comments Trump made about women back in 2005.

Trump is still trying to shift the conversation away from accusations of sexual misconduct made against him by several women.

Over the weekend, he tweeted a number of claims that the media is rigging the election for Clinton.

But in an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday, Trump running mate Mike Pence insisted that the campaign will accept the results of the voting on November 8.

Clinton, meantime, has no public events scheduled until Wednesday's final debate with Trump in Las Vegas.

Her running mate, Tim Kaine, spent Sunday stumping in Miami, Florida.

He made an appeal to Hispanic voters by delivering his speech entirely in Spanish.

The Clinton campaign says it was the first fully Spanish address ever made by a candidate on a presidential ticket.

Kaine is also defending Clinton over newly released emails from WikiLeaks.

The emails reveal a softer stance on Wall Street regulation by Clinton, who has called for more government oversight during the campaign.

Kaine questioned the legitimacy of the hacked e-mails, and said some are completely inaccurate.

The Obama administration has blamed the Russian government for hacking political groups in a bid to influence the election.
What Ford doesnt know is that Bernard is already making that mistake. Ford considers it an act of mercy to make the hosts forget what happens to them every day, but Bernard is secretly testing that theory on Dolores  partly out of scientific curiosity, partly out of personal need. Hes lost his son, and Dolores is a natural sounding board for his grief, for a few reasons: His secrets are even safer with her than theyd be with a priest; shes an excellent listener, programmed to ask personal questions as a way of ingratiating herself to the guests; and, most of all, she knows something about loss because she experiences it every day.

The Bernard-Dolores subplot in this episode recalls Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which also uses a high-concept science-fiction scenario to express essential truths about the human mind. In Eternal Sunshine, Jim Carrey plays a heartbroken man who enlists the services of a company that promises to relieve the pain of a terrible breakup by erasing it from his memory. But as those memories starts to dissipate like liquid through a sieve, he finds himself scrambling desperately to hold onto them, no matter how excruciating they may be. Eternal Sunshine makes the argument that memories, even painful ones, are precious because they build our character and inform who we are. And over time, when that initial sting fades, memories of a past relationship can become bittersweet.

Asked if he ever wished to forget the loss of his son, Bernard replies, This pain, its all I have left of him. If the hosts in Westworld embody the genius and the scars of their creators, then it stands to reason that Dolores should carry her own pain around, too, along with the other memories she has accumulated as the original android in the park. The word pain doesnt even begin the describe the tragedies she has endured day after day: the countless rapes and murders, the nightly ritual of watching outlaws torture and kill her parents in front of her eyes. But remembering those experiences has the potential to break her out of the loop and transform her into a more complex being, capable of love, revenge and self-determination.

For now, Bernard wants to see where this path leads for Dolores, because it could lead to madness. If shes anything like the stray in The Stray, a bounty hunter who wanders off mission and gets stuck in a faraway crevasse, the implications are ominous. When Elsie, a programmer, and Ashley, the head of security, finally track him down, we see for the first time that a glitchy host can override the directive not to harm their human masters. After overwhelming Elsie, the stray winds up smashing his own head in with a giant rock, which spares her but suggests one possible course for hosts who know too much about their own histories. Pain may inform who we are, but for some, its simply too much to bear.
From an old-fashioned free-speech perspective, it strikes one as contradictory, said Alberto Ibarguen, the chief executive of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, a sponsor of the poll.

The PEN report digs right into those seeming contradictions. It outlines the cases for and against demands for safe spaces, trigger warnings (which some students demand be given with class assignments relating to difficult topics, like sexual assault) and campaigns against so-called microaggressions (small, often unintentional racial or other slights), and then explores the ways they do, or dont, conflict with free expression.

Jerry Kang, the vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of California, Los Angeles, said he appreciated PENs efforts to understand students point of view.

Its very smart and thoughtful and avoids caricature, Mr. Kang, a legal scholar who has studied implicit bias and was interviewed for the report, said. They are fully committed to robust, uninhibited speech. But they also recognize that words matter.

But some prominent free-speech advocates who have seen the report had a more mixed reaction.

In terms of raising the issues and presenting the on-the-ground facts in a serious and fair-minded way, I think its a big step forward, said Floyd Abrams, the First Amendment lawyer. But I find it hard to read its extraordinarily powerful depiction of things that have happened on campus without concluding there is a crisis of great magnitude.

The reports three main case studies cover complex conflicts on three campuses that drew intense media coverage in the past year: over the line between criticism of Israel and anti-Semitism at U.C.L.A.; over sexual harassment, academic freedom and Title IX protections at Northwestern University; and over free speech and Halloween costumes at Yale University.
Jane the Virgin begins its third season by pouring on the suds and tears. Hooligan Sparrow examines the work of a Chinese activist made famous by the artist Ai Weiwei. And The Horn follows a helicopter search and rescue team into the Swiss Alps.

Whats on TV

JANE THE VIRGIN 9 p.m. on CW. Janes long-awaited happily ever after ends before it begins in this Season 3 premiere, which picks up minutes after Michael is shot on their wedding night. Meanwhile, Anezka continues to stand in for her twin sister, Petra, after administering a paralysis drug that has confined her to the hospital. And Xo tries to figure out what to do about the pregnancy she never wanted.

THE BIG BANG THEORY 8 p.m. on CBS. Sheldon decides to break up with Amy after she refuses to stick to their bathroom schedule. In Kevin Can Wait, at 8:30, Kevin forgets his wedding anniversary. In 2 Broke Girls, at 9, a team of arm wrestlers become regulars at Max and Carolines dessert bar. And in The Odd Couple, at 9:30, Oscar must choose between a romantic outing with Charlotte and helping Felix save his relationship with Emily.
The death exposed the complexities of the countrys volatile racial tensions, which have often been portrayed too simplistically as defined by frictions involving the large Muslim minority.

Economic weakness and a rise in inequality appear to be causing a disturbing growth in ethnic nationalism in countries around the world.

Image Credit... Pool photo by Mary Turner

 A court in London is considering whether a set of archaic rules known as the royal prerogative would allow Prime Minister Theresa May to start the clock on leaving the E.U. without the kind of involvement Parliament is demanding.

And The Sunday Times of London published an anti-Brexit column that Boris Johnson, now the foreign secretary, wrote before deciding to embrace the movement. Hold your breath, he wrote. Think of Britain. Think of the rest of the EU.

 Silicon Valley is taking sides in the U.S. presidential race as the election on Nov. 8 approaches. Much of the sentiment being openly expressed is in opposition to Donald J. Trump, but Peter Thiel, a tech billionaire, is giving $1.25 million to support his candidacy.

Meanwhile, Republican leaders and election officials from both parties are countering claims by Mr. Trump that a conspiracy is underway between the news media and the Democratic Party to commit vast election fraud.
And there are concerns that many producers in countries will not profit as quickly, consolidating the power of the worlds biggest companies. Much of the resistance to the agreement came from China and India, which feared that some of their chemical manufacturers would be shut out, or that their consumers would face higher prices.

Although we welcome the outcome and there is progress, its being dictated by the industry, said Paula Tejon Carbajal, the global business strategist for Greenpeace in Amsterdam.

The Kigali deal is the latest chapter in what has been at times an environmentally disastrous role played by the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry.

For decades, a class of chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, were used widely in air-conditioners and refrigerators, as well as in aerosol sprays and cleaning products. But scientists warned that CFCs deplete the ozone layer, which protects the earth from the suns ultraviolet rays. Chemical companies first resisted, saying that alternatives were not economically viable. They were awful, just like the coal industry, Mr. Doniger said.

But consumer concern about the chemicals led to slumping sales, and a handful of countries banned CFCs. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol agreement was created to completely phase out those chemicals.

The alternatives available at the time, HFCs, were greenhouse gases with 1,000 times the heat-trapping potency of carbon dioxide. Concerns over those chemicals spurred campaigns by environmentalists to phase out HFCs as well.

Image Air-conditioners on a summer day in Midtown Manhattan. Credit... Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times

This time, chemical producers raced to get ahead of any new round of regulations. Even as the switch to HFCs was taking hold in the early 2000s, Honeywell and several other companies began research and development programs to study alternatives with far lower warming potential.
It sure does get exhausting working for the global corporate media conspiracy.

The hours are horrible (my kingdom for a weekend off). You never know what the puppet masters are going to order up next. (I wish that guy from Mexico, Whats-His-Face Slim, would get off my back.) And theres no extra combat pay when, at this point, there clearly should be.

I probably shouldnt joke (and yes, Twitter, thats what Im doing). The anger being directed at the news media has become dangerous enough that some news organizations are providing security for staff members covering Trump rallies. Someones going to get hurt has become a common refrain in American newsrooms.

On Thursday, Jim Acosta of CNN held up a sign left in the press section of Donald J. Trumps rally in West Palm Beach that featured a swastika next to the word Media. Later, in Cincinnati, the crowd met reporters with sustained boos, curses and chants of, Tell the truth, tell the truth.

It was as tense as anyone had seen it since the candidacy of George Wallace, and yet it was almost understandable given what Mr. Trump had been telling them: The news media was trying to poison the minds of voters with lies, lies, lies. All of it, he said, is part of a conspiracy against you, the American people that also includes global financial interests.
In this first case, Rolling Stone faces a University of Virginia associate dean who says she was smeared by the article; a second, filed in a Virginia state court by the fraternity that was portrayed as the setting for the alleged gang rape, seeks $25 million in damages and has not yet gone to trial. Legal experts say that even if Rolling Stone loses, it is unlikely to suffer the same fate as Gawker, and Jann Wenner, 70, said that his company  which also publishes US Weekly and Mens Journal  was well covered by insurance.

The elder Mr. Wenner, who helped found Rolling Stone as a 21-year-old college dropout in San Francisco and is its editor, was also adamant that the magazines reputation would survive, pointing to its history of journalistic coups and its legacy as a home to literary icons like Hunter S. Thompson and Tom Wolfe.

Our journalistic reputation is shining, Mr. Wenner said in an interview.

Others are not so convinced. Once holding an unparalleled influence over pop culture, Rolling Stone has long been criticized as being too in thrall to rocks graying heroes; the current issue features Bruce Springsteen on the cover. The magazine received attention in January when it published a popular, but also criticized, exclusive interview with the notorious Mexican drug kingpin known as El Chapo.

William McKeen, a journalism professor at Boston University who has written a biography of Thompson, called the failures of the Virginia story devastating and said that the fallout from it offsets, maybe in this case, generations of good writing.

In some ways, the Virginia controversy could not have come at a worse time for Wenner Media. Like other magazine publishers, it has struggled to find new sources of income to make up for a fading print business, and gone through painful cost-cutting. Wenners three magazines had $330 million in revenue for the year that ended in June, down from $354 million the year before, according to Moodys Investors Service.
Oct. 17 is a sad day for the New York Fire Department. Monday is the 50th anniversary of the fire that, until the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack, claimed more firefighters lives than any other disaster in the city.

The short trip that the firefighters made from nearby firehouses on Oct. 17, 1966, started around 9:30 p.m. when they headed to a fire at a building on East 22nd Street, just east of Broadway.

Despite the heat and smoke they encountered, firefighters who were there said the source of the blaze  its seat, in firefighters parlance  had not been obvious. Several firefighters were sent around the block, to 23rd Street, and told to pull a hose through a drugstore there in an attempt to approach the fire from the rear. They went in, and never made it out.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has had an enormously beneficial effect on consumers since it began operating in 2011, has survived the latest legal challenge to its existence with its powers intact.

But foes of the bureau, including the financial industry and its mostly Republican allies in Congress, would have you believe that the agency has been badly punished for posing an un-American threat to consumers  and to freedom itself.

At issue is a decision last week by a federal appeals court that changed a part of the law that created the agency. Originally, the law said that the president could fire the director of the bureau only for cause. Congress included that clause as a way to protect the agency from political interference. But the court agreed with the bureaus opponents, who argued that limiting the presidents grounds for dismissal gave the director too much power and thus breached the Constitutions separation of powers doctrine.

The court ruled that the director is now removable at will, as is the case with cabinet secretaries and other agency heads. That is a narrow ruling. It falls far short of the remedy sought by the plaintiffs, who wanted the bureau shut down completely if it was found to be unconstitutionally structured. More important, the ruling will have little to no practical effect on the bureau. The courts decision to give the president wider latitude in firing the director echoed Republican criticisms of the bureau as above the law and a threat to liberty. But it does not change the bureaus operations. None of the bureaus many vital reforms to mortgage lending, student loans, credit cards, auto loans, payday loans, debt collection and other transactions are affected, nor are any of its powers to create and enforce rules to protect consumers.
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This is a classic example of where Trump begins to demonstrate something he talks about all the time today, which is hes a counterpuncher. So somebody comes after him and says that hes done something nefarious and horrible, and he just goes back at them with all guns blazing  you know, boom, boom, boom. And admits nothing, never admit anything, never say you made a mistake, just keep coming.

And if you lose, declare victory. And thats exactly what happened there. He lost as clearly as you could lose but he loudly proclaimed his victory.
To the Editor:

Re Soda Giants Back, Then Lobby Against, Public Health (Business Day, Oct. 11):

Your description of Coke and Pepsis mixed messages on public health has an echo in climate change.

Coke and Pepsi have very laudable climate policies, and make strong public statements. But they lobby Congress through the American Beverage Association, which is moribund on climate (but very lively when a soda tax is proposed), and through their association, they support the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an implacable foe of any meaningful climate legislation.

A result is that Coke and Pepsis net lobbying presence in Congress is directly adverse to their stated policies. They are not alone; the net lobbying presence in Congress of all the companies that supported a strong Paris agreement is forcefully opposed to the principles of that agreement.

Its a problem, and if they want climate action in Congress, it needs to be solved.

SHELDON WHITEHOUSE

Newport, R.I.

The writer is a Democratic senator from Rhode Island.
I want to share a special message with the young people of America. I remain absolutely convinced that we are a rising nation. We have been in an extraordinarily difficult period, but do not be deterred, kept away from public service by the smoke and fire of a campaign year or the ugliness of politics. As for me, I plan to get  Im going to serve and try to find ways to help people. But I plan to get very active in the grandchild business. And in finding ways to help others. But I urge you, the young people of this country, to participate in the political process. It needs your idealism. It needs your drive. It needs your conviction.

Four years later, when Bob Dole failed in his effort to deny President Clinton a second term, these were some of his remarks:

Ive said repeatedly in this campaign that the president was my opponent and not my enemy. And I wish him well and I pledge my support in whatever advances the cause of a better America, because thats what the race was about in the first place, a better America as we go into the next century.

Then came the 2000 election, which remained undecided for weeks after voters went to the polls, as a recount of the Florida vote began and was then stopped. Gores concession speech included, in addition to the sentences I presented above, these:

Almost a century and a half ago, Senator Stephen Douglas told Abraham Lincoln, who had just defeated him for the presidency: Partisan feeling must yield to patriotism. Im with you, Mr. President, and God bless you. Well, in that same spirit, I say to President-elect Bush that what remains of partisan rancor must now be put aside, and may God bless his stewardship of this country.  I know that many of my supporters are disappointed. I am too. But our disappointment must be overcome by our love of country. And I say to our fellow members of the world community: Let no one see this contest as a sign of American weakness. The strength of American democracy is shown most clearly through the difficulties it can overcome . . . . While we yet hold and do not yield our opposing beliefs, there is a higher duty than the one we owe to political party. This is America and we put country before party.

In 2004, after losing to the second President Bush, John Kerry also spoke of national unity, national pride and common values:

In an American election, there are no losers. Because whether or not our candidates are successful, the next morning, we all wake up as Americans. And that is the greatest privilege and the most remarkable good fortune that can come to us on earth. With that gift also comes obligation. We are required now to work together for the good of our country. In the days ahead, we must find common cause. We must join in common effort without remorse or recrimination, without anger or rancor. America is in need of unity and longing for a larger measure of compassion. I hope President Bush will advance those values in the coming years. I pledge to do my part to try to bridge the partisan divide. I know this is a difficult time for my supporters. But I ask them  all of you  to join me in doing that.

John McCains concession speech in 2008 didnt just encourage his supporters to respect the elections outcome and to put common cause among wounded feelings. It also took full, celebratory note of the historic nature of Barack Obamas victory:

A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelts invitation of Booker T. Washington to visit  to dine at the White House  was taken as an outrage in many quarters. America today is a world away from the cruel and prideful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African-American to the presidency of the United States. Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth.

Four years later, another Republican, Mitt Romney, also lost to Obama and also took the high road, saying that he wished the president, the first lady and their daughters well and that he was looking to Democrats and Republicans in government at all levels to put the people before the politics. There were also these words:

We cant risk partisan bickering and political posturing. Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the peoples work. And we citizens also have to rise to the occasion.

Rising. Healing. Linking arms. Moving on. Thats whats supposed to happen in the aftermath of even the bitterest elections. At least thats what vanquished candidates are supposed to encourage. May the loser in this election uphold that tradition. So very much rides on it.
Perhaps worse, many of those taking painkillers still said they experienced pain daily. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that these drugs are far less effective and much more addictive than previously thought.

The connection between chronic joblessness and painkiller dependency is hard to quantify. Mr. Krueger and other experts cannot say which came first: the mens health problems or their absence from the labor force. Some experts suspect that frequent use of painkillers is a result of being out of work, because people who have no job prospects are more likely to be depressed, become addicted to drugs and alcohol and have other mental health problems. Only about 2 percent of the men say they receive workers compensation benefits for job-related injuries. Some 25 percent are on Social Security disability; 31 percent of those receiving benefits have mental disorders and the rest have other ailments, according to an analysis by the Urban Institute.

While its hard to generalize across a large group of people, its clear that job market changes can have significant health effects on the labor force. Increased automation and the offshoring of jobs have hit men with less than a college education particularly hard. Add to that soaring levels of prescription opioid addiction in the general population, and the result of the Krueger study becomes less surprising.
When not dueling, the political rivals brawled. In 1807 in Albany, a Federalist confronted an insulting Republican in the street, beating him bloody with a heavy cane. The fight attracted dozens of angry partisans from both sides. A witness recalled that they turned the street into a tumultuous sea of heads, over which clattered a forest of canes; the vast body, now surging this way, now that, as the tide of combat ebbed or flowed.

The harmonious and united founders are our myth rather than their history. But myths have their purpose. More than mere lies, myths simplify the past, smoothing away contradictions to offer reassurance to the present. Every nation seeks guiding principles from an imagined set of wiser and nobler ancestors. At their best, mythic heroes can, as Abraham Lincoln put it, help us seek the better angels of our nature.

But myths become dysfunctional when they cripple instead of inspire. The cult of the founding fathers has become masochistic, as we invoke them to rebuke ourselves for having such petty politicians. We put the founders on an imaginary pedestal to look down on our own politics as beneath their contempt. It is all too easy to pick on Mrs. Clinton as no Jefferson or to denigrate Mr. Trump as a sad declension from Hamiltons lofty heights. We castigate ourselves for not risking our lives, or property, for some higher ideal.

And thats a good thing. We dont have to make the sacrifices demanded by a bloody revolutionary war waged against our loyalist neighbors and a mighty overseas empire. We need to preserve our free institutions and values rather than create them in the first place. We have to manage a superpower rather than struggle to endure as a third-rate country in the midst of rival empires. We cannot repeat the founders showy performances, for we must play less heroic political roles far downstream in the flow of time and events.

Our politics are not always worse than theirs were. The revolutionary era was no golden age. To preserve the union, the founding fathers felt compelled to preserve slavery. Today, women can vote and lead. In the founders era, a husband could beat his wife provided the stick was no thicker than his thumb. And despite the multiplying insults of modern politics, we have not yet resumed shooting one another in duels. We distort the past and discredit the present by inflating the founders virtues and denying our own.

While the mythic founders can inspire us to do better, we should be wary of inviting them to make us feel small. We are not to blame for clashing over the diverse principles that the founders invented. No generation will resolve our revolution and define our Constitution once and for all. We honor the founders best by sustaining their debates over core principles of government, rather than by pretending that they resolved everything for us.
To the Editor:

Re A Virtual Visit to a Relative in Jail, by Maya Schenwar (Op-Ed, Sept. 29):

I was shocked to read that personal visits by family members have been abolished in some prisons in America. Virtual visits are fine as an alternative, but not as a replacement for in-person visits. Such a policy is not only inhumane and counterproductive, but it also seems like a denial of a basic human right.

What other civilized country in the world does not allow prison visits? This is yet one more example of how our criminal justice system needs to be fundamentally reformed.

JOHN MASON

Santa Rosa, Calif.
To the Editor:

In The Supreme Court Is Being Hypocritical (Op-Ed, Oct. 11), Gabe Roth criticizes the justices for playing by their own rules instead of heeding their decisions in suits before them that have parallels with how they act as stewards of their institution.

He writes that surely Justice Kagans experience in the Obama administration constituted significant involvement in the Affordable Care Act cases and that the justice should have recused herself.

Justice Elena Kagans significant involvement was as solicitor general, a position that is primarily concerned with managing the administrations appellate litigation. The act was signed into law on March 23, 2010; a challenge was filed the same day, in Florida. The first action requiring the solicitor generals approval, a notice of appeal, was filed on March 8, 2011. But Solicitor General Kagan had resigned the previous May.

Doubtless, numerous officials in the Justice Department played some role in drafting the act; however, there is no reason to assume that the solicitor general had any involvement in those discussions. When I served in that post, from 1985 to 1989, as usual my office had nothing to do with most pieces of legislation until the time came to appeal from an adverse ruling.
To the Editor:

Re Trumps Sad, Lonely Life (column, Oct. 11):

David Brookss insightful essay about the utter lack of empathetic understanding displayed by Donald Trump misses an opportunity to explore why such a man would find a home in the Republican Party.

Do we not see in somewhat less grotesque form the same lack of humanity in telling the unemployed that they are lazy, pregnant women that their bodies are not their own, black Americans that the first black president wasnt an American, gay people that their love is sinful and second rate, and helpless and traumatized victims of war that they are terrorists and that the great lady in New York Harbor is blind to them?

RICHARD J. KESSLER

Long Island City, Queens

To the Editor:

David Brooks, in his exquisitely written psychological analysis of Donald Trump, doesnt quite say it all.

To say Mr. Trump is suffering from narcissistic alexithymia, the inability to understand or describe the emotions in the self omits the self-constructed mental trap Mr. Trump is in.
Im a baby boomer, which means that Im old enough to remember conservatives yelling America  love it or leave it! at people on the left who criticized racism and inequality. But that was a long time ago. These days, disdain for America  the America that actually exists, not an imaginary real America in which minorities and women know their place  is concentrated on the right.

To be sure, progressives still see a lot wrong with the state of our society, and seek change. But they also celebrate the progress we have made, and for the most part the change they seek is incremental: It involves building on existing institutions, not burning everything down and starting over.

On the right, however, you increasingly find prominent figures describing our society as a nightmarish dystopia.

This is obviously true for Donald Trump, who views the world through blood-colored glasses. In his vision of America  clearly derived largely from white supremacist and neo-Nazi sources  crime is running wild, inner cities are war zones, and hordes of violent immigrants are pouring across our open border. In reality, murder is at a historic low, were seeing a major urban revival and net immigration from Mexico is negative. But Im only saying that because Im part of the conspiracy.
I had some horrible experiences, he said.

During one procedure, when Mr. Oberman had his shirt off, a male technician, seeing that he was transgender, exclaimed: Why would you do this to yourself? Its disgusting.

Mr. Oberman never reported the episodes.

Im not proud to say I didnt complain, he said, adding that he wished he had done so for the sake of other patients.

But he was facing a life-threatening disease. The cancer was aggressive. He would need both breasts removed, and then chemotherapy.

I felt guilty, able to get free surgery I didnt want because I had cancer, and so many others want it and cant get it, he said.

He soon learned that mastectomies, which remove as much breast tissue as possible, differ from top surgery, which preserves enough to give the chest a male-looking contour. Because he had cancer, top surgery was not a safe option: It would leave too much breast tissue, and too much risk of recurrence. Friends who have had top surgery were stunned to find out they still had a risk of breast cancer because of the tissue left behind, he said.

Before surgery, thinking that testosterone might interfere with healing, Mr. Obermans doctors advised him to stop taking it for a month.

He followed their advice, but soon, he said, I went insane. I wasnt rational. I was lying on the floor, crying.
Watanabe is 55; his company is 24. The day we met, he wore a black Lacoste polo shirt, shorts and horn-rimmed glasses that gave a decided intellectual slant to his appearance. Intellectual is an adjective often used to describe Watanabes clothes, usually by journalists. What they mean is that his clothes are complex, complicated to make, sometimes complicated to wear, intriguing and experimental. He often uses one fabric for a collection, his approach almost scientific in the dissection and cataloging of the materials various forms. His fall collection explored geometric structures rendered in polyurethane bonded with nylon tricot, a material more commonly used for industrial purposes, like car interiors. The folded, pinched and corrugated fabric spiraled around the models bodies, abstracting them, an exercise in shape and construction that just happened to become clothing.

Some of it was mad, in the sense of the highly abstract: A dull red geodesic cape peppered with holes like Gruyere cheese could only be dubbed a garment because it was fabric that, in that moment, sat on a body. It bore no fastenings, no extraneous details like sleeves or a collar. The mathematical precision of its structure held the same fascination as a complex equation chalked on a board: the observation of anothers processes, all that sculpted, folded fabric, that painstaking technique. Oddly enough, Watanabe counts Pierre Cardin as an early influence, but theres a similarity in their uncompromising shapes and obsession with geometric forms. Theres something of Issey Miyake, too: Leafing through a magazine and coming across his work made Watanabe follow fashion in the first place. I was drawn to the fact that designers before Miyake, like Dior and big names, would create clothes that were formfitting, he says. Issey totally changed the idea, completely different, and that impact was profound on me. Of making me want to create something, the idea of clothing much different from previous designers.
A period of silence ensues but he does not appear uncomfortable or impatient in the least. I realize it doesnt matter what we talk about, or if we talk at all. The only thing one can do is really look at the damn things. Its just not making much sense to talk about them, he says.

He politely answers every one of my questions, sometimes prefaced with a weary, Ive been asked that before. I have the feeling I could ask him what his credit card number is and he would tell me if he knew it. Its not that hes easygoing but rather somehow abstract, as if he exists on a plane elsewhere and visits occasionally when pressed. When I show him Kim Kardashian Wests Instagram, he says, I dont know who that is. Ive never even heard that name. I mean, shes famous like me? He has an otherworldly quality which explains, completely, the answer he gave me when I posed the question, if he had to relive his life and couldnt be a photographer what might he have done? He replied at once, Quantum physics.

This makes sense. While I may not be able to imagine Eggleston navigating through the mundanities of life, such as shopping for groceries or filling out a form of any kind, I can imagine a sober, sharpened, parallel-universe version of him scribbling out a Unified Theory of Everything on a paper napkin and then tucking it as a kind favor into Albert Einsteins astonished hand. The flow of endless cigarettes, bottomless drinks, continuous images, the why try to explain it?-ness of the man himself: These qualities testify to something indefinable and Schrodingers-cat-like woven into his very nature. The Eggleston of this universe is a self-taught photographer who has succeeded in proving all his savage, elitist and uncomprehending original critics  including The New York Times  utterly, deliciously wrong. In his pressed suit he stands vindicated, fire bursting from his fingertips as he lights another American Spirit, a flesh-and-blood world changer. Everywhere he looks he notices things others miss. I see great pictures all the time, he says, and that is unequivocally dazzling.

WE LEAVE THE OFFICES of the Eggleston Trust and go to his apartment. The first thing one sees upon entering is a bright red plastic sign with a yellow border, printed with capitalized white sans-serif text. It warns, THE OCCUPANT OF THIS APARTMENT WAS RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED FOR COMPLICATIONS DUE TO ALCOHOL. HE IS ON A MEDICALLY PRESCRIBED DAILY PORTION OF ALCOHOL. IF YOU BRING ADDITIONAL ALCOHOL INTO THIS APARTMENT YOU ARE PLACING HIM IN MORTAL DANGER. YOUR ENTRY AND EXIT INTO THIS APARTMENT IS BEING RECORDED. WE WILL PROSECUTE SHOULD THIS NOTICE BE IGNORED. THE EGGLESTON FAMILY. It is a devastating thing to see. Heartbreaking. I was also an alcoholic for decades, the kind who had shakes and saw spiders. Im not even through the hallway and my mind is racing from I want that sign to What kind of doctor prescribes alcohol for an alcoholic? Where was he when I was drinking?
The United Nations is deeply concerned that in a worst-case scenario, the operation in Mosul could be the most complex and largest in the world in 2016, and we fear as many as one million civilians may be forced to flee their homes.

LISE GRANDE, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, on an assault in Mosul expected soon that is intended to expel the Islamic State.
ALBURGH, Vt.  An hour before sunset, Miguel Ramos waited in his gray minivan for three Guatemalans to walk undetected across the Canadian border and make illicit entry into the United States.

They walked around a gate to a wooded area, trying to evade security cameras, then quickly piled into the back of the van, and Mr. Ramos tried to drive off. But federal agents who had been tipped off about a suspicious vehicle swooped in to arrest him and his passengers. Mr. Ramos, 32, of the Bronx, was the only one who could produce proper identification.

While the Southern border with Mexico, about 2,000 miles, attracts much more attention, the 5,500-mile Northern border with Canada offers more opportunity for illegal crossing. In many places, like this Vermont border town, there are few signs of where one nation ends and another begins. Some homes, farms and businesses even sit astride the two countries; in other areas, a small white obelisk is the only marker of a border. In the past year, agents made 3,000 apprehensions along the Northern border, compared with 100 times that many along the Southwestern border with Mexico. They also seized 700 pounds of marijuana and cocaine in the North, compared with 1.6 million pounds along the heavily gated Southern border.

But the authorities acknowledge that they cannot say with certainty how much criminal activity occurs as a result of Northern border crossings because their means of detection are so limited.
Her assessment of the risk came before she was formally running for president. But two years later, in a television interview in October 2015, she sounded willing to take that risk. I personally would be advocating now for a no-fly zone and humanitarian corridors to stop the carnage on the ground and from the air, to try to provide some way to take stock of whats happening, to try to stem the flow of refugees, she said.

Her successor as secretary of state, John Kerry, tried last month to open those humanitarian corridors, but the effort collapsed in a dispute with Russia. A push to get it restarted during a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Saturday between Mr. Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergey V. Lavrov, also failed.

In the talks at Goldman Sachs, Mrs. Clinton was often more analytic than prescriptive, describing her perceptions of individual leaders and the domestic politics and foreign threats they face. In that regard, her approach is quite different from that of Donald J. Trump.

In two interviews on foreign policy with The New York Times, one in March and another in July, Mr. Trump moved directly to his plans of action: bombing the Islamic State and taking oil, for example, or withdrawing troops from Europe and Asia if allies do not pay their share. While Mr. Trump often talks in terms of striking deals, Mrs. Clinton talks in the more traditional terms of alliance-building.

When she became secretary in 2009, she posed a question about China to an Australian leader: How do you deal toughly with your banker? In the Goldman transcript, she suggested that she had answered her own question when sparring with the Chinese over its claims in the South China Sea.

I made the point at one point in the argument that, you know, you can call it whatever you want to call it, she said. You dont have a claim to all of it. I said, by that argument, you know, the United States should claim all of the Pacific. We liberated it, we defended it. We have as much claim to all of the Pacific. And we could call it the American Sea, and it could go from the West Coast of California all the way to the Philippines.

And, you know, my counterpart sat up very straight and goes, Well, you cant do that.

Mrs. Clinton segued into an evaluation of Mr. Xi, the Chinese leader, who she noted had consolidated power in a way his predecessor never did, but had quickly traveled to places like Russia and Africa to assuage doubts about Chinese practices.
For Richard Rapp, a social studies teacher in Manhattan, civility in politics is not a lost cause. At the High School for Environmental Studies on Friday morning, he led the seniors in his participation-in-government class in a lively debate about Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton, and gently coaxed them to focus on policy positions rather than the mudslinging. Several students were baffled that Mr. Trump still had a chance at all.

If youre running for president, isnt it disqualifying if you talk disrespectfully about women? asked Genesis Luna, a 16-year-old from the Bronx. Isnt it disqualifying if you do disrespectful things to women?

What do you think? Mr. Rapp said.

I think it should be, Ms. Luna said. But I heard Bill Clinton treated mistresses badly. Whos worse, Bill Clinton or Trump?

More students jumped in, while Mr. Rapp kept his opinions to himself. But later he said that listening to the recording of Mr. Trump bragging about groping had reminded him of watching the Senate-led hearings on the Watergate scandal in 1973 when he was in college. A Trump victory in November, Mr. Rapp said, would be tantamount to Richard M. Nixon continuing in the White House despite Watergate.

I have the same feeling now that I had then: Is this what our government has come to? he said. If Trump wins, with all these sexual accusations out there, what does that say about us as a country?
In sleep clinics, this is often done by having parents complete a detailed sleep diary for their children. Many young children who are having trouble with sleep will do better if the routines and bedtimes are kept very consistent; Dr. Garrison said that with toddlers and preschoolers, parents are advised to keep bedtime within 15 minutes of the same time every night. Standard bedtime routines may not be sufficiently calming for the problem sleeper, and the child who is troubled by anxiety may need a very different transition to sleep than the child who is tremendously physically active and has trouble winding down. So she and her colleagues, she said, work with families on more tailored routines which can help the child relax, from bedtime yoga to parent-child foot massage.

Some kids days are just so jam-packed they dont have time in the day to relax and calm down, she said. Coming home, rush through and get ready for bed, some of those kids really struggle with being ready to fall asleep at bedtime.

Monique K. LeBourgeois, a psychologist in the department of integrative physiology at the University of Colorado at Boulder, told me that she regularly gets emails from parents around the world asking for advice about how to handle their childrens sleep cycles; how to choose between morning preschool and afternoon preschool, how much will it matter if we shorten or eliminate the nap.

My response is, it depends, she said. There are people who can miss out on some sleep without major effects on their moods or cognition. But parents have to look closely at the child in question. I ask them, you see your child when she has a late bedtime, when she misses a nap, when he struggles to wake up in the morning. How sensitive are they?

And children who are not getting enough sleep dont necessarily look tired. Kids are much more amped up and more likely to think somebody else is out to get them, somebody else is trying to start a fight, if they are sleep deprived, Dr. Garrison said. You can see how that can end up leading to aggressive accidents on the playground. Some of the skills that are directly affected by sleep deprivation include the kinds of self-regulation that are developmental challenges for preschoolers, she said. You end up with a 4-year-old who, because theyre sleep deprived, may have the self-control of a 2-year-old, she said, more likely to lash out, more likely to hit, more likely to melt down.
ABUJA, Nigeria  They were taken deep into the Sambisa Forest to Boko Harams stronghold, where the more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok were offered a choice: Join the militants or become their slaves.

About half of them chose to join and marry the fighters and were taken away, never to be heard from.

Those who refused endured more than two years of servitude, washing, fetching water and cooking for Boko Haram.

The girls, nearly all of them Christians, lived in grass huts and were forced to convert to Islam. At first they ate rice and maize.
Mr. Montiel said he had bought the land from a local indigenous leader. He acknowledged that the law prohibited such deals, but insisted that many of the buyers were peasants who did not know any better and said it was unfair for the farmers to lose their investments.

The Nicaraguan government has denounced a few corrupt indigenous leaders who sold land and arrested more than a dozen notary public agents who signed off on dubious deals. But the farmers and the Miskitos say the government has not done enough to settle the issue.

Although some farmers have been forced out, hundreds of them remain, said Lottie Cunningham, a Miskito human rights lawyer.

A lot of people dont understand. In the city, if you have money, you go buy a pound of chicken. These people depend on the forest and fishing, Ms. Cunningham said, noting that many of the villages are hours away from any town and reachable only by boat. All these land sales were illegal. The attorney general, the prosecutors, they offer no answers for the murdered or the injured.

So far, her group has counted 30 killings of Miskitos.

Publicly, President Daniel Ortega has sided with the Miskitos, insisting that the law is clear: Indigenous lands cannot be sold.

Its fraud! You cannot sell the land! Mr. Ortega said in a speech last year. They arm themselves there however they can with homemade weapons, maybe some rifles left over from the war, to remove them. Some of the communities have organized to evict the settlers.
Syrian rebels said Sunday that they had captured the village of Dabiq from Islamic State fighters, forcing the group from a stronghold where it had promised to fight a final, apocalyptic battle with the West.

The rebels, backed by Turkish tanks and warplanes, took Dabiq, in northwestern Syria about nine miles from the Turkish border, and neighboring Soran after clashes on Sunday morning, said Ahmed Osman, the leader of one of the Free Syrian Army factions involved in the fighting.

The Daesh myth of their great battle in Dabiq is finished, he told Reuters, using an Arabic term for the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL.

A spokesman for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey said Dabiqs liberation was a strategic and symbolic victory against the Islamic State.
SYDNEY, Australia  The authorities in China have detained 18 employees from an Australian company, Crown Resorts, including the vice president of its V.I.P. international operations, in a crackdown on the promotion of gambling in China.

In a statement issued Monday, Crown Resorts, which operates casinos in the Australian cities of Melbourne and Perth as well as in London, Macau and Manila, said it had not been able to speak with its employees and did not know why they were being held.

The vice president of V.I.P. international operations, Jason OConnor, was among those detained, the statement said. The local news media reported that he was responsible for attracting wealthy Chinese gamblers to Crowns resorts in Australia. Crown is one of Australias largest gambling companies, and its casino in Melbourne is the biggest in the country.

The Australian government confirmed that three of its citizens had been detained.

We are aware of reports of the possible detention of a number of Crown International Group employees across China overnight on 13-14 October, including three Australians, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade wrote in a statement. Chinese authorities have three days in which to notify of the detention of Australians according to the terms of a bilateral consular treaty. The department expected to hear from Chinese officials later Monday.
LONDON  For hundreds of years, the royal prerogative has allowed Britains leaders to mint coinage, requisition ships, send troops into battle or authorize the mining of precious metals.

But should a set of archaic rules also be used to take Britain out of the European Union?

At the Royal Courts of Justice in central London, that question was being tested last week at the start of a legal case that could  just possibly  keep Britain inside the 28-nation bloc, at least pending a more comprehensive plan for withdrawal, known as Brexit.

To date, the Conservative government has dismissed the case as legal camouflage, a thinly disguised effort to frustrate the will of the people expressed in a June plebiscite.

Dominic Raab, a Conservative lawmaker and Brexit supporter, told the BBC that the challenge was designed to steal the referendum by the back door.
BADANA PICHWK, Iraq  Kurdish forces on Monday morning began advancing on a string of villages east of Mosul, the start of a long-awaited campaign to reclaim Iraqs second-largest city from the Islamic State, which seized it more than two years ago, officials said.

About 4,000 Kurdish pesh merga troops are involved in the operation to retake 10 villages, the opening phase of a battle that could take weeks or months and could involve nearly 30,000 Iraqi and Kurdish troops, with American warplanes providing air support. Iraqi counterterrorism forces, which work closely with American Special Operations commandos in Iraq, are also expected to join the Kurdish forces in the coming days.

The operation began hours after Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced in a brief speech aired on state television just before 2 a.m. that the long-awaited campaign to liberate Mosul had begun.

The Iraqi flag will be raised in the middle of Mosul, and in each village and corner very soon, Mr. Abadi said, dressed in a military uniform and surrounded by officers.
Officials hope the reorganization will dissipate congestion in front of Botticellis heaviest hitters and offer a better view  and understanding  of individual artworks. Botticellis that jostled for attention in the old exhibition space  which hadnt been modified since 1978  have now been hung widely apart. The idea is to give emphasis to every single one of the 38 works in these galleries, and not concentrate everything on the few fetishized, iconic super-masterpieces, Mr. Schmidt said.

For example, two Botticelli Annunciations, painted 20 years apart, are now on display facing each other. People who see this will automatically want to see that, and compare them, and ask, what is the same, whats different, he said.

The reordering of the rooms is part of a multiyear renovation that will more than double exhibition space while addressing pressing issues created by mass tourism. The Italian government has allocated 58 million euros (about $63.8 million) to complete the refurbishing, but the museum also depends on private donors for additional funding. Friends of Florence, a nonprofit American organization, raised some $900,000 in just six weeks to help pay for the renovation of the Botticelli rooms.

Image Madonna of the Pomegranate (1487), another Botticelli. Credit... Alberto Pizzoli/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images

The association decided to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the flooding that devastated Florence and Venice in 1966, and chose to focus on these rooms in the Uffizi that contained such iconic artworks, said Countess Simonetta Brandolini dAdda, a co-founder with her sister of Friends of Florence.
Andrew Cyrille opens one of his two new albums, The Declaration of Musical Independence, with a syncopated figure on a snare drum, as taut and riveting as a military cadence. Then he adds cymbals and kick drum, giving the phrase a sinuous curve just as the rest of the band enters. What theyre playing is Coltrane Time, an obscure piece by John Coltrane, and Mr. Cyrille shows the way forward with a regal, flowing self-possession.

He has been working this way more or less since the 1960s, reshaping jazzs rhythmic syntax while engaging with its lineage. A tireless workhorse in the avant-garde, Mr. Cyrille, 76, deserves substantial credit for helping to unlock a freer pulse and purpose in the music, slipping away from a metronomic framework while preserving a rigorous attention to form.

I used to spend time with older jazz drummers like Philly Joe Jones and Max Roach, Mr. Cyrille said in a recent interview from his home in Montclair, N.J. They would always say, Youve got to make your contribution. So that was always in my head. When you find yourself, you have to find your path. Mr. Cyrilles entire body of work suggests a fulfillment of that conviction, carried out with little concern for outside approval.

He still hasnt been named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, the lifetime achievement honor bestowed on some of his former collaborators, like the pianists Cecil Taylor and Muhal Richard Abrams and the multireedist Anthony Braxton. But Mr. Cyrille has managed something just as meaningful, bringing his ideas into increasingly mainstream circulation without a hint of dilution. His work on fine recent albums by the pianist David Virelles and the bassist Eric Revis, and with the collective Trio 3, begin to make the case for a late-career renaissance.(Trio 3, with Oliver Lake on alto saxophone and Reggie Workman on bass, will be at Dizzys Club Coca-Cola on Oct. 27.)
The F. W. Woolworths lunch counter where four black college freshmen ignited the sit-in movement 56 years ago may be the most famous exhibit at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro, N.C. But the most prominent messages are about the future.

We teach people how to speak so their voices are heard, said the museums chief executive, John L. Swaine.

That relevance came into play when the museum and Donald J. Trumps campaign faced off last month over the Trump staffs request to temporarily close the museum so the candidate could shoot a campaign video there.

The proposal went against the whole idea of the place, the idea of equal access, said Mr. Swaine, who denied the campaigns request. Subsequent threats and insults from Trump supporters, aimed at museum staff members, led to a flurry of new donations to the center.
Industry lawyers have warned about a potential precedent that could be set by a ruling from the N.L.R.B. on the matter. The labor board and Bridgewater are also discussing a settlement, which could come in the next few weeks, according to Michael Cass, a labor board official.

The terms of any agreement could have bearing on the industry, too.

I would say it is a watershed event, said Richard Rabin, a partner in the labor and employment group at the law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. The risk of these cases has always been out there. But they have always seemed quite remote, and this is making investment managers take notice in a way they hadnt before.

Mr. Rabin says the labor boards action against Bridgewater  thought to be the first ever filed against a hedge fund  has money management firms worried because they share many of the same contractual provisions that are being challenged. Hedge funds and private equity firms are bracing themselves for a potential ruling against Bridgewater, he added.

The labor board has set its sights on several aspects of Bridgewaters employment contracts, including the confidentiality agreement, a nondisparagement clause and a compulsory arbitration provision that states that if mediation fails, employees must enter binding arbitration and waive their right to a trial by jury or to participate with other employees in a lawsuit.

It is part of a broader move by the labor board to go after employers in other industries that are using similarly restrictive employment contracts and employee handbooks.
When a friend or business acquaintance pitches an investment as a surefire winner, there can be a question about when that cajoling crosses over from mere sales talk to fraud. A recent case in Texas involving the states attorney general, Ken Paxton, shows finding that line can be difficult.

The Securities and Exchange Commission sued Mr. Paxton in April for securities fraud related to his role promoting Servergy, a technology company that was also named as a defendant along with its founder and another person who solicited investors in the sale of approximately $26 million in private stock offerings. Mr. Paxton, who was elected attorney general in 2014 after serving in the Texas Legislature, was also indicted in state court for securities fraud and failing to register as an investment adviser.

According to the S.E.C.s complaint, Mr. Paxton promoted Servergy by saying that it was a great company and passing along sales information without conducting any due diligence into its operations. Mr. Paxton had an arrangement to receive a 10 percent commission for those investors he brought to the company.

He recruited friends, former law firm clients, a fellow legislator and members of an investment group to buy shares, but he never told them he would be paid if they invested  a fact they certainly would have wanted to know. The S.E.C. claims the company awarded Mr. Paxton 100,000 shares in July 2011 for his efforts to bring in five new investors who put in a total of $840,000.
Leo L. Beranek, an engineer whose company designed the acoustics for the United Nations and concert halls at Lincoln Center and Tanglewood, then built the direct precursor to the internet under contract to the Defense Department, died on Oct. 10 at his home in Westwood, Mass. He was 102.

His death was confirmed by his son James.

Dr. Beranek taught acoustic engineering at Harvard and M.I.T. for more than three decades after World War II, conducting research there that laid the groundwork for acoustic advances with wide social impact, including noise standards for public buildings and airports. But one of his most notable achievements was well outside the field of acoustics.

In 1969, the company he helped found, Bolt, Beranek & Newman, won a contract from the Defense Departments Advanced Research Projects Agency to build the first computer-based network, which came to be called Arpanet.

By demonstrating the ability to share data and messages through vast computer networks, Arpanet, a product of government-sponsored research, paved the way for the creation of the internet. Among its many breakthrough achievements, his company sent the first email message that used the @ symbol, in 1972.
Like lots of lawyers, I write dozens of lawyer letters every year. They tend to have an audience of one: An attorney who writes to the paper unhappy with something we have done. I write back, and more often than not, nothing more is ever heard. We take no offense. Were lawyers, not novelists.

I knew of course that this one would be different. The Trump campaign had distributed the threat letter on the internet overnight; the morning news shows were leading with it. What I didnt know was just how different it would be.

By Friday night, more than a million people would come to The Timess website to read the response I ended up writing. On Saturday, two days after the letter went public, it still topped the most emailed and most viewed list on nytimes.com.

I wrote the letter in about 45 minutes on Thursday morning, between a meeting on the companys emergency operations plan and a conference call about a new patent suit we have in Texas. (Is somebody really claiming to have invented a method for switching from watching one video to watching another?) Three of my colleagues from the Legal Department  Ken Richieri, Diane Brayton and Ian MacDougall  then came by to go over the draft.

We went around for about 30 minutes, talking about whether the overall point and tone were right, whether words should be tweaked, whether the ending was right. I went online to double-check quotes. We tried to gauge the likely public reaction. In the end, we convinced ourselves to make a few minor tweaks but to stick with the original draft.
The Dont Honk signs came down a few years ago. Notices urging pet owners to clean up after their dogs disappeared from New York City streets not long after.

Now, another directive posted in the citys public spaces is being removed: where to wait for a subway train late at night.

That such instructions even exist is news to many.

I never even noticed it, Eddie Rodriguez said as he stared at a large yellow sign that read Off hours waiting area in the Astor Place subway station in Manhattan.

What does that even mean? he asked.

Mr. Rodriguez, a New York native who rides the subway every day, is not alone in his confusion. Although still valued by some, the designated waiting areas  well-lit spots within eyeshot of a station agent or next to an intercom  are unknown to many riders today. They will soon become even more obscure.
NEWARK  The simple question went right to the heart of a contorted political plot.

Why, Bill Baronis lawyer asked him here in federal court on Monday, didnt you call Mayor Mark Sokolich back?

I have asked myself that question a thousand times, Mr. Baroni said, sitting on the stand and shaking his head. I think of it first thing in the morning, the last thing at night.

Mr. Baroni, once a top official in the administration of Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, is accused of approving the lane closings at the George Washington Bridge and then covering them up as a traffic study, knowing that they had been intended to punish Mr. Sokolich, the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, because he had declined to endorse Mr. Christie, a Republican, for re-election.

Mr. Baroni said he was told to stand down by David Wildstein, once one of Mr. Baronis closest friends, who worked with him at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which runs the bridge. Mr. Wildstein pleaded guilty to plotting to close the lanes and is now the prosecutions chief witness against Mr. Baroni and another former Christie administration official, Bridget Anne Kelly.
The draft policy does not provide answers for every situation. When officers use pepper spray against protesters, or conduct mass arrests of protesters, should they record it? Using force and arresting people are both scenarios that require body cameras to be turned on, but officers are not supposed to wear body cameras to demonstrations.

Civil rights lawyers and activists are leery of inviting the police to record political activity, because it can discourage people from participating in demonstrations and can aid the police in amassing information about individual activists. At the same time, police officers sometimes conduct mass arrests at demonstrations, and video can help determine the lawfulness of conduct by the police and by the demonstrators.

The draft policy notes that because officers must record arrests and vehicle stops it is quite likely that they will record the initial accounts by victims and witnesses in some instances. But officers are warned that they should turn off their cameras when interviewing the victim of a sex crime or when conducting strip searches of people they have arrested.

The policy also instructs officers to turn on their cameras while patrolling residential buildings, such as public housing projects or the thousands of private apartment buildings whose landlords have authorized routine police patrols.

It is unclear whether the police will make footage available to the public, particularly after police shootings. The policy states that there will be a presumption of access to the video. Yet the policy also states that there are numerous circumstances under which the police could refuse to release footage to the public: when it interferes with active law enforcement investigations or when it would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

In high-profile situations, such as cases in which the police shoot someone or someone dies in police custody, the policy states that the police will most likely confer with prosecutors about releasing the video to the public in order to balance the publics right to information with the integrity of any criminal investigation or criminal prosecution.

New York has not passed a law regarding public access to footage filmed by police body cameras, although at least 21 other states have, according to a state-by-state survey by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Those laws vary widely.
Mr. Netanyahu doesnt speak Russian, yet he still seems to have found a common language with Mr. Putin, one he speaks even more fluently than Mr. Sharon. That should not be a surprise. Necessity breeds friendship. In Israels case, the Kremlin became a necessity for two very much related reasons: Russias growing presence in Middle East affairs and the simultaneous American withdrawal from the region. To put it bluntly, Israel trusts Russias intention to become a key player in the region more than it trusts the United States intention to stop that from happening.

Israel has long been a pawn in the great superpower game, and so we Israelis have occasionally suspected that the Russians have a sturdier backbone than the Americans. When it comes to foreign affairs, Russians often seem less sentimental and always seem more brutal. These arent necessarily virtues, but they are traits that other countries must keep in mind.

Nonetheless, not that long ago, Israel rarely questioned the United States basic commitment to contain Russias influence in the Middle East. The strategic arrangement was simple: Israel deals with the small dogs of the neighborhood, and the United States makes sure that no big dogs interfere to tip the balance against Israel.

Mr. Putin began challenging this arrangement years ago. In 2008, Russia invaded Georgia. In 2014, it invaded Crimea. And it got away with both. For Israel, this was not a sure sign that things were changing. Israel could still hope that the United States was letting Mr. Putin toy around only with those countries that had the misfortune of residing too close to Russias borders.

Then, in the summer of 2015, Russia sent its armed forces to Syria. And while President Obama was still contemplating his response, Mr. Netanyahu boarded a flight to Moscow to meet with the Middle Easts new sheriff. The two leaders may have disagreed in their meeting, but Mr. Netanyahu was clearly recognizing that he had to deal with the Russians. In daringly supporting President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, Mr. Putin had sent a strong signal about Russias intentions. And with Russian warplanes flying not far from its northern border, Israel couldnt ignore it.
I havent seen my friend in years. I hope hes not still waiting.

My friend and I were there the first time  and we didnt even have the vote. Autumn 1968. Freshmen at Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio. The voting age was still 21, and all an 18-year-old could do was wrap his or her mouth around the word revolution.

We ached for revolution the way we ached for sex, hormonally, and were ignorant of what the act entails when done right. We didnt understand that revolution is a form of civil war. It is not a face you put on a T-shirt. When you put the image of Che or Marx on a T-shirt, revolution, like sex, becomes commodified, a thrill to be sold.

In America, thats how things played out. In other parts of the world, 1968 really was about revolution. The week I started college, a crowd of mostly university students on a peaceful protest were fired on in Mexico City. Between 30 and 300  there has never been an accurate tally  were killed. That same week a Roman Catholic civil rights march in Derry, Northern Ireland, was violently suppressed. The incident is usually taken as one of the founding incidents of the Troubles.

I dont mean to be cynical about the United States. Plenty of youthful blood was shed in those years. I knew people who made life-altering commitments to revolution, even when it became clear that in America it wasnt going to happen anytime soon. They accepted that revolution is a long game with a very uncertain outcome, and I wonder if those thinking of voting third party in order to bring the day of revolt closer have the courage for that commitment. I didnt.

That week in October 1968, when I started college, another 18-year-old was on the streets in Derry during the violence. By the time I graduated in 1972, he was living underground, a senior figure in the Provisional I.R.A.
COPENHAGEN  An exchange in a recent debate on national TV was emblematic of changing times in Danish politics. An 18-year-old high school student named Jens Philip Yazdani was pitted against Martin Henriksen, a member of Parliament for the far-right Danish Peoples Party who is the chairman of an important parliamentary committee on immigration, integration and housing. When Mr. Yazdani asserted his Danish identity as someone born and brought up in Denmark, Mr. Henriksen interrupted him.

This is not how one becomes Danish, he said, starkly forcing to the fore the old question of what is Danishness. In that moment, the nationalist politician signaled an end to the uneasy truce that has long defined the immigration debate in Denmark. By rejecting the very possibility of ever becoming Danish, even down several generations, he effectively shelved the political project of integration of immigrants.

One cant say that just because one brings the whole world to Denmark, Mr. Henriksen went on, and they then get some children, that those children become Danish. This is a simplification of the debate, and one that is insulting to those generations that have built this land.

What surprised many viewers is that in an earlier era, Mr. Yazdani would have been considered a poster boy for successful integration. Born to a Danish mother and an Iranian father, he speaks Danish fluently and is the chairman of his school council. Being a meaningful contributor to society was once deemed valuable in Denmark, enough to provide a sense of belonging. But now, apparently, its the bloodline that matters.
Durham, N.C.  Flying over the mountains into Port-au-Prince, Haiti, a few years ago, I sat next to a volunteer taking her first trip to the country. I see trees, she said, pointing down at the hillsides. They told us there are no trees.

Foreign descriptions of the country frequently claim it is almost completely deforested; people often reference a striking 1987 National Geographic photograph of the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, forested on one side and barren on the other, as proof. In the common imagination, Haitians literally devour their forests; last week a meteorologist in Florida, describing the impact of Hurricane Matthew, said, Even the kids there, they are so hungry they actually eat the trees.

In fact, about a third of Haiti is covered in trees, and many areas with little forestation have always been that way. But the country does have a deforestation problem  its just more complicated than the world imagines. In the wake of the devastating hurricane, with crops destroyed across the country, Haitians urgently need help rebuilding homes and securing access to water and food. But this is a crucial moment to push for a serious, longer-term response to deforestation, which worsens the flooding caused by hurricanes and storms. A first step is to stop portraying the problem of deforestation in simple, misleading terms. Haitis rural populations are not culprits or victims, but key players in the project of reversing deforestation.

The destruction of Haitis forests has been going on for centuries. When the French colonized the island starting in the 17th century, they cut down trees for lumber and fuel, and mahogany for furniture. By the late 18th century it was the most profitable plantation colony in the world, populated mostly by slaves and producing sugar and coffee for export. Hillsides near towns were already bare, and colonial towns frequently flooded.
Why the continued belief in the guilt of the Central Park Five, despite all the evidence to the contrary? Race and racism surely play their role. So does the cognitive trap that psychologists call anchoring and what we call first impressions: Mr. Trump quickly jumped to conclusions about their guilt, as did many in New York City.

And, as Mr. Trump pointed out, four of the five teenagers did confess to being at the scene of the rape. But false confessions are surprisingly common in criminal cases. In the hundreds of post-conviction DNA exonerations that the Innocence Project has studied, at least one in four of the wrongly convicted had given a confession.

In the case of the Central Park attack, the confessions were the only real evidence. DNA testing, a nascent technology in 1989, was used to compare a single sample found on the victim with the profiles of not only the Central Park Five, but also of many of the other kids they had been with in the park. There were no matches. The victim, when she awoke from a coma, had no memory of the attack.

That left only the statements from four of the teenagers: Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, Korey Wise and Antron McCray. The fifth, Yusef Salaam, might have confessed, but his mother interrupted the interrogation before he signed anything. A detective was nonetheless allowed to testify that Mr. Salaam had admitted to participating, though hed given no formal statement.

From the relative comfort of the jury box or Trump Tower, it may be hard to imagine why anyone would admit to a crime he didnt commit. The power imbalance in an interrogation room is extreme, especially when the suspects are young teenagers, afraid of the police and unfamiliar with the justice system or their rights.

The teenagers faced hours of intense interrogations with no lawyers present and often with no parent or guardian, even though they were just 14, 15 and 16 years old. They were denied food, drink and sleep over many hours. And they were terrified.
Why? Dr. Reich speculated that growing populations of farmers began linking to one another via trade networks. People moved along those routes and began to intermarry and have children together. Genes did not just flow across the Fertile Crescent  they also rippled outward. The scientists have detected DNA from the first farmers in living people on three continents.

There seem to be expansions out in all directions, Dr. Lazaridis said.

Early farmers in Turkey moved across the western part of the country, crossed the Bosporus and traveled into Europe about 8,000 years ago. They encountered no farmers there. Europe had been home to groups of hunter-gatherers for more than 30,000 years. The farmers seized much of their territory and converted it to farmland, without interbreeding with them.

The hunter-gatherers clung to existence for centuries, and were eventually absorbed by bigger farming communities. Europeans today can trace much of their ancestry to both groups.

The early farmers in what is now Iran expanded eastward. Eventually, their descendants ended up in present-day India, and their DNA makes up a substantial portion of the genomes of Indians.

And the people of Ain Ghazal? Their population expanded into East Africa, bringing crops and animals with them. East Africans retain ancestry from the first farmers of the southern Levant  in Somalia, a third of peoples DNA comes from there.

Dr. Reich hopes to learn more about the early farmers by obtaining samples more systematically from across the Fertile Crescent. Its not easy to come by these unique and special specimens, he said.

But he is pessimistic about filling in some of the most glaring gaps in the genetic map of the Fertile Crescent. No one has yet recovered DNA from the people who lived in the oldest known farming settlements. And its unlikely theyll be trying again anytime soon. To do so, they would have to venture into the heart of Syrias civil war.
To William Bates, the skeleton he found buried in Australias Toorale National Park in 2014 was crying out for help. Its mouth was wide open, and only its skull protruded from the dirt. The rest of its body was trapped beneath the eroding bank of the Darling River.

As soon as I had seen him, I knew he was my ancestor, said Mr. Bates, a cultural adviser of the Baakantji Aboriginal group in New South Wales. I just started to cry, and I said Ill help you, I promise to help you.

Mr. Bates, known as Badger, went to get his wife, and together they noticed a gash across the skulls right eye that stretched to the jaw. They didnt know it at the time, but they had uncovered what scientists now think could be the earliest evidence of a person killed by a boomerang.

But at that moment, it appeared as if the person had been struck across the face by a metal blade. They named him Kaakutja, after the Baakantji word for older brother, and believed he was probably another victim of frontier violence from the time of British colonization.
TIGHT ON OBAMA FOR: My top science advisor John Holdman, periodically will issue some chart or report or graph ah, in the morning meetings, and theyre terrifying. [B-ROLL SOUND UP WAVE CRASH AS PUNCTUATION] OVER SCENIC B-ROLL OF INTERVIEW LOCATION AND MOODY WEATHER SHOTS: Obama: And everybody starts off the day thinking about, okay ah, weweve really gotta get on this, weve gotta pay attention to this. TITLE CARD OVER THE ABOVE SCENIC/MOODY SHOTS WIDE OF PATTER TIGHT ON INTERVIEWER: Q: First of all Mr. President, thank you very much for talking to us and doing such a lovely spot. Ah, were told youve thought a lot about how and why civilizations collapse. And we wanted to ask you, do you believe the threat from climate change is dire enough that it could precipitate the collapse of our civilization? A: Well, I dont know 00:02:00 That I can you know, look into a crystal ball and know exactly how this plays out. [...] what we do know is that historically, when you see severe environmental strains of one sort or another on cultures, on civilizations, on nations, that the by-products of that are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. 00:02:30 What we know is that if the current projections, the current trend lines on a warming planet continue, it is certainly going to be enormously disruptive worldwide. And just imagine for example, monsoon patterns shifting in south Asian, where youve got over a billion people. 00:03:00 If you have even a portion of those billion people displaced, ah, you now have the sorts of refugee crises and potential conflicts that we havent seen in our lifetimes. [...] Then youre looking at a much more dangerous world and severe strains on nation states, on communities, on economies[...]. Q: I mean given the magnitude of that threat, why do you think its been so difficult for you to mobilize 00:04:02 Public opinion at home about the necessity of confronting this issue? A: Well the good news is, during the course of my presidency, I think weve solidified, ah, in popular opinion the fact that climate change is real, that its important, and we should do something about it. Ah, so the problem is not that people dont believe in climate change, you know, theresthere are pockets of resistance, ah, particularly in 00:04:30 Certain congressional caucuses. UP SOUND: - someon e in Congress poo-pooing Obamas climate policies specifically.>>> But you talk to the average person, I think they understand at this point [...] that this is something serious and we gotta do something about it. Translating concern into action is the challenge. And part of what makes climate change difficult is that it ah, is not an instantaneous catastrophic event. Its a slow-moving 00:05:00 Ah, issue that on a day to day basis people dont experience and dont see. [...] And so part of our goal throughout my presidency has been to raise awareness, but also then to 00:06:00 Create frameworks, structures, rules that allow us to take specific action in ways that create economic opportunity and improve peoples wellbeing as opposed to people feeling as if there are these enormous trade-offs that ah, necessarily make life a lot harder for them. <<Obama at ACESA announcement:>> So that we can say, at long last, that this was the moment that we decided to confront Americas energy challange and reclaim Americas future. IN 2009, PRESIDENT OBAMA INTRODUCED the American Clean Energy and Security Act, PROPOSING A CAP AND TRADE PLAN WHERE THE GOVERNMENT SETS AN ANNUAL CAP ON GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS, AND ALLOWS BUSINESSES TO TRADE PERMITS ALLOWING THEM TO EXCEED THE LIMITS. THE BILL NEVER PASSED. LATER THAT YEAR, PRESIDENT OBAMA ATTENDED A SUMMIT OF WORLD LEADERS IN COPENHAGEN TO DISCUSS CLIMATE SCIENCE. HIS SPEECH WAS WIDELY CRITICIZED AS A FAILURE TO EMBRACE BOLD MEASURES TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE <<Obama at summit:>> I believe that we can act boldly, and decisively, in the face of this common threat. And that is why I have come here today. TALKS ENDED WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT CHANGES. Q3: Mr. President you tried but failed to take action in your first term. Ah, the cap and trade bill failed in the senate. Ah, the Copenhagen climate change talks ended in collapse. What lessons did you learn, ah, from those episodes? 00:07:30 [...] When cap and trade came up, I was certainly disappointed that ah, many Republicans who previously had said that they were concerned about this suddenly went the other way, as the politics of it shifted. [...] people felt if, you know, were hemorrhaging jobs, and the economy is contracting, is this the time for us to be able to move this issue forward aggressively. Ah, but what we did do is to use the model we had created with the auto industry to start thinking how do we engage industry and how do we engage states on a whole set of rules, ah, and steps that even though short of big 00:08:30 Comprehensive legislation can still get the job done. And I think one of the most important things that people should know is that here, in 2016, ah, weve actually achieved more carbon emissions than we would have, under the ah, under the cap and trade bill that was presented and went down in the house. So ah, it taught us that theres just more than one way to skin a cat. 00:10:30 [...] And what I was able to get done in Copenhagen was to at least extract the basic principle that if were gonna solve this problem every country has to be involved, not just the wealthy countries, [...] 00:11:00 [...] That seems like a small thing but that was the mechanism whereby we were able in subsequent meetings to begin negotiations with China, ultimately leading to our joint announcement where China said it would set targets and restrain itself. THE NOVEMBER 2014, ANNOUNCEMENT THE PRESIDENT REFERS TO IS A SIGNIFICANT ONE, THE US STATED IT WOULD DOUBLE THE PACE OF YEARLY EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS. AND CHINA, FOR THE FIRST TIME, ANNOUNCED IT WOULD PEAK ITS OWN EMISSIONS. <OBAMA sound-up:>> I commend President Xi, his team and the Chinese government for the commitment they are making to slow, peak and then reverse the course of Chinas carbon emissions. Q: Ive been told that in thethe night before actually, the 2014 US China climate deal was announced that there were a couple of outstanding issues and that some of these were actually worked out between you and President Xi one on one. [...] I was wondering whether theres anything you can share with us about what your insight was about why ah, theyou know, ah, party leadership in China would be willing to take such painful steps. 00:33:30 [...] Ah, I had been in contact with President Xi prior 00:34:00 To my arrival. Ah and given him a sense of, if you are prepared to do this, here is what were gonna be doing, and for us to be able to make a joint announcement, I think would signal the capacity of ah, the US and China to lead the world on an issue of critical importance to everybody. Ah, one of the reasons I think that China was prepared to go further than it 00:34:30 Had been prepared to go previously, is that their overriding concern tends to be political stability. Interestingly, one of their greatest political vulnerabilities is the environment. People who go to Beijing, ah, know that ah, it can be hard to breathe. [...] And so theythe Chinese party leadership recognized that they had to rethink how they approach ah, environmental issues. Ah, and find ways to make that compatible with the growth rates that they need to keep up with their population. And I think we saw that as an opener ah, for us to be able to say 00:35:30 Ah, not only can you address what is increasingly important ah, domestic issue, and thats air quality. You can also work with us to create a multi-lateral framework you know, that shows Chinas emerging leadership on a world stage. // UNABLE TO FIND COMMON GROUND WITH REPUBLICANS, PRESIDENT OBAMA ELECTED TO TAKE UNCONVENTIONAL - SOME REPUBLICANS WOULD SAY UNCONSTITUTIONAL - STEPS. HIS CLEAN POWER PLAN IS AN EXPANSION OF THE REGULATORY OVERSIGHT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY. <<aug 3 2015, east room of wh, obama announces clean power plan>> OBAMA: I am convinced that no challenge poses a greater threat to our future and future generations than a changing climate. And thats what brings us here today. Q3: 00:22:33 [...] Youve gotten a lot of blow-back for this. What are your misgivings about it, and how much do you worry that these will be these creative interpretation of the law will be legally durable? 00:23:30 [...] Well, // if Donald Trump is elected for example, you have a pretty big shift now with the EPA operates and thats true generally. //There is no doubt that ah, when you have a legislative ratification of a policy, that it is permanent, ah, it is less subject to ah, reversal. But keep in mind that what happens, when we come up with smart policies and regulations that prove to work, 00:24:00 Ah, you start getting buy-in from utilities, and you start getting buy-in from states, and you start getting buy-in from those whove invested, ah, private capital in this existing system. It becomes stickier. Its harder then to reverse because you know, the countrys gone down a different path. 00:24:32 [...] So all these ah, individual ah, and collective steps that have been taken, they lock in, they embed us moving ah, in a certain direction. And for somebody then to come in and say well were gonna tear this out 00:26:00 Root and branch, ah, its not just a matter now of reversing what Ive done, its a matter of reversing what a whole lot of people areare seeing works. Q3: Well you talked about all this buy-in from utilities, states, industry. But one of the things that is necessary for the clean power plan to be implemented is for it to stand up to 00:27:03 Legal challenge. Ah, the supreme court has put a halt on implementing it right now. And one of the most prominent critics of the legal structure of the clean power plan is your own mentor at Harvard Law School, Larry Tribe. He has said that your use of the clean air act to put forth the clean power plan is a vast legal overreach, he has compared itdirect quoteto burning the constitution. What is your 00:27:30 Reaction to Professor Tribes legal criticism ofof your plan? 00:28:00 I can say that legally, hes wrong. And ah, I think most legal commentators also think hes wrong. I think hes in the minority in the view that hes taken. But ultimately what really counts is what the DC circuit ah, and ah, if it gets there, the supreme court thinks about it. And Im very confident that the clean power plan will be upheld. Q3: If it is upheld, there will be some stark economic tradeoffs if its implemented. If it stands up to legal challenges, essentially the clean power plan will eventually end demand for coal power. What do you owe the workers and the people in coal communities who will be hurt, who will lose their jobs, who will lose their livelihoods as a result of this? A: Well I think we as a country owe everybody opportunity. And if theyre in a sector that because of the necessities of doing something about climate change are gonna be adversely impacted, then we need to be there for them. // So what we owe ah, the remaining people who are making a living ah, mining coal, is to be honest with them, and to say that, look, the economy is shifting, how we use energy is shifting, thats gonna be true here but its also gonna be true internationally. And how can we take your ah, skills and talents and work ethic that youve shown in this coal mine and use it to build some wind turbines, or use it to install ah, solar panels, or help us to rebuild a smart grid that would make our power distribution a lot more efficient. // I think there are a lot of folks in West Virginia and Kentucky, probably southern Illinois who do think that the reason theyre having a tough time is because ah, Obama and the EPA. And now of course Hillary Clinton, ah, you know, were all trying to destroy them. Ah, but what I want to do, and I think we should all want to do, is to have an honest conversation about how do we make sure that ah, these communities thrive with the energiesahindustries of the 21st century, not of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
ExoMars 2016, a spacecraft launched by the European and Russian space agencies, is to arrive at the red planet on Wednesday and begin gathering data on gases that are barely present in the atmosphere but may provide important clues about geological processes, or even hints of life.

The main part of the spacecraft, the Trace Gas Orbiter, will move into orbit with instruments able to sniff gases in the thin Martian atmosphere  including methane. Observations by Earth-based telescopes and by spacecraft  including the European Space Agencys previous Mars orbiter, Mars Express  found transient signs of the gas.

The finding surprised researchers. Methane is broken down by sunlight and chemical reactions in the atmosphere; any methane there now must have been released recently. The gas can be generated by microbes or by a geological process requiring heat and liquid water.

The new orbiter carries a better instrument than the one on Mars Express.

We expect to obtain test exposures soon after orbit insertion, and are finalizing the instrument settings now, said Michael J. Mumma, a senior scientist at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., who led one of the teams that had earlier detected methane.
Venus is not a placid paradise  that much we know. In addition to searing surface temperatures, wind in the upper atmosphere howls at up to 250 miles per hour, carrying clouds around the planet once every four days.

Yet Venus itself spins very slowly: one rotation every 243 Earth days  in the wrong direction, no less, opposite to almost every other body in the solar system.

[Read about the search for life on Venus and the detction of phosphine in its clouds.]

On the whole, the atmosphere on Earth rotates about the same speed as the planet. So why does the air on slow-spinning Venus speed around so much faster than the planet itself?

The Japanese space probe Akatsuki, now in orbit around Venus, seeks to solve the mystery of so-called super-rotation. Scientists working on the mission are presenting some of their early findings at a meeting this week of the American Astronomical Societys Division for Planetary Sciences in Pasadena, Calif.
You probably chafe a bit every time you learn that a certain doctor or hospital isnt part of your insurance network. Narrowing the scope of your network helps insurers save money. They can drive hard bargains with doctors and hospitals to get lower prices and walk away from higher-priced ones.

Increasingly, insurers are offering narrow network plans. Would you enroll in one? So long as quality doesnt suffer, consumers should welcome the lower premiums they may offer.

Researchers at the Leonard Davis Institute at Penn analyzed the relationship between network size and premiums for plans offered in the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Plans with very narrow networks (covering care by less than 10 percent of physicians) charged 6.7 percent lower premiums than plans with much broader networks (covering care by up to 60 percent of physicians). This translates into an annual savings for an individual of between $212 and $339, depending on age and family size. For a young family of four, the savings could reach nearly $700 per year.

Marketplace consumers are looking for value, said Daniel Polsky, the University of Pennsylvania health economist who led the study. That level of savings could be a very good deal for consumers, but whether these plans provide value depends on how they are achieving those savings.
Cahuenga is just one of a few dozen schools that offer such programs in the district  roughly 400 schools statewide offer a dual-language program. And the vast majority of the states 1.4 million English language learners spend their days in classrooms that use only English.

More than 200 languages are spoken in the state, and roughly 40 percent of residents older than 5 speak a language other than English. While Spanish is the most common, there are sizable populations of Tagalog, Chinese and Vietnamese speakers. And more Koreans live in Los Angeles than any other city in the country.

There was no question for us we wanted them to learn Korean and English, said Ju Kim, who has sent three children to Cahuengas dual-language program, where students sing in a Korean choir and spend their day switching between languages. When her son transferred out of the school to an English-only honors program, he quickly lost his ability to write and speak in Korean and urged his mother keep the familys youngest child enrolled at Cahuenga. He went through a phase of youre American, speak English, but now he tells me people expect him to speak Korean.

Shelly Spiegel-Coleman, the executive director of Californians Together, a group that favors the ballot measure, said the waiver required for parents to enroll their children in bilingual programs had had a chilling effect and that more parents would be inclined to have their children in bilingual programs if they were more widely available.

The type of education we offer now is a one-size-fits-all program for all kids learning English, Ms. Spiegel-Coleman said. What we want is for individual schools to be able to decide what they think is best for the students, whether thats dual language or some other way. A students native language does not have to be sacrificed for learning English. Our whole perspective has changed.

In one sign of the changed approach already unfolding, the state now offers a seal of biliteracy for high school graduates who can prove through exams that they are fluent in two languages. But just a tiny fraction of the states students receive the seal, with most not beginning to learn a foreign language until high school.
They live here. They were off to visit children on the other side.

The first Ms. Perez said she came to the United States 38 years ago. I worked in the fields. Onions, vegetables, potatoes. I worked so many years that I can barely walk or hold a thing, she laughed, hobbling forward with a cane. But I am happy now, because my children are fulfilled, my grandchildren are on the right path.

Five of her children live in Colorado, she said. Two live in Mexico. And so twice a year she makes the 36-hour bus journey to her home city of Durango, risking bus robberies or worse for a chance to see her family.

Hellos and goodbyes, sorrows and joys, much has passed through this place, she said. Children here, children there. All of us are broken into pieces.
The radio journalist Amy Goodman spent the weekend with the threat of a riot charge hanging over her, arising from protests over a planned oil pipeline in North Dakota. But on Monday a judge rejected the case for lack of evidence.

Ms. Goodman, the host and executive producer of the syndicated radio, television and web show Democracy Now! on Pacifica Radio, had planned to enter a not guilty plea on Monday, but District Judge John Grinsteiner declined to sign the charging document, bringing the case to a stop  at least for now.

She and her lawyers declared victory on Monday, but Ladd Erickson, a state prosecutor who is assisting the Morton County states attorneys office in the case, said other charges were possible.

I believe they want to keep the investigation open and see if there is any evidence in the unedited and unpublished videos that we could better detail in an affidavit for the judge, he said via email. The Democracy Now video that many people have seen doesnt have much evidence value in it.
WASHINGTON  In June of 2010, four boys were playing in the dry bed of the Rio Grande that separates El Paso from Juarez, Mexico. The international borderline, unmarked, runs through the middle of the culvert.

The boys dared one another to run up a concrete incline and touch the barbed wire of the American border fence.

An American border guard, Jesus Mesa Jr., grabbed one of them. Another boy, Sergio Hernandez Guereca, fled, and he made it back to Mexico before Mr. Mesa shot him in the head from about 60 feet away, killing him. Sergio was 15.

Last week, the Supreme Court agreed to decide whether Sergios parents may sue Mr. Mesa for violating the Constitution by using excessive force. If not, lawyers for the parents argue, then Sergio died in a unique no-mans land  a law-free zone in which U.S. agents can kill innocent civilians with impunity.
Donald J. Trumps son-in-law has discussed the possibility of a Trump-branded television network with a friend who has helped guide such deals.

Jared Kushner, who is married to Mr. Trumps older daughter, Ivanka, had conversations about the idea with Aryeh B. Bourkoff, the chief executive of LionTree, a boutique investment bank that has helped advise media deals.

But such an effort, reported earlier on Monday by The Financial Times, would face enormous obstacles: Creating a television network would require a major cash investment, as well as a willingness by cable providers to carry the network. Without both, discussions of a television network would remain in the realm of fantasy.

About a month ago, Mr. Kushner informally reached out to Mr. Bourkoff, a veteran media investment banker, about setting up a Trump television channel, according to a person briefed on the matter. But the conversation with Mr. Bourkoff was brief and has not progressed since, and the banker is unlikely to work on such a network, this person added. Mr. Kushner and Mr. Bourkoff are friends and speak frequently.
Sheriff Arpaio has not backed down. At an event on Saturday, he told reporters: I am going to fight this. Im not going to resign like some of my critics want me to do. And I am going to be re-elected, and I will continue serving this county.

Sheriff Arpaios lawyer, Mel McDonald, said that the sheriff would plead not guilty by a court filing and that he hoped to prevail before a jury.

The court set a tentative trial date of Dec. 6.



Here are milestones in the long-running case.

DECEMBER 2007 A Mexican citizen legally in the United States sued Sheriff Arpaio and his Maricopa County Sheriffs Office deputies, claiming to have been unlawfully detained for nine hours after a traffic stop because of his ethnicity. Others joined the lawsuit, and the allegations were expanded to include several other examples of treatment that plaintiffs said unfairly singled out Latinos.

Judge G. Murray Snow of United States District Court in Phoenix eventually gave the lawsuit class-action status, allowing any Latino stopped by Sheriff Arpaios deputies since Jan. 1, 2007, to be represented in the case.

DECEMBER 2011 Judge Snow issued a ruling prohibiting the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office from stopping and detaining Latinos based only on the suspicion that they were in the country illegally, and barring deputies from using only such suspicions to report a vehicles Latino occupants to the federal immigration authorities.
NAIROBI, Kenya  For decades Africa was eager for a new narrative, and in recent years it got a snappy one.

The Economist published a cover story titled Africa Rising. A Texas business school professor published a book called Africa Rising. And in 2011, The Wall Street Journal ran a series of articles about economic growth on the continent, and guess what that series was called?

Africa Rising.

The rise seemed obvious: You could simply stroll around Nairobi, Kenyas capital, or many other African capitals, and behold new shopping malls, new hotels, new solar-powered streetlights, sometimes even new Dominos pizzerias, all buoyed by what appeared to be high economic growth rates sweeping the continent.

For so long Africa had been associated with despair and doom, and now the quality of life for many Africans was improving. Hundreds of thousands of Rwandans were getting clean water for the first time. In Kenya, enrollment in public universities more than doubled from 2007 to 2012. In many countries, life expectancy was increasing, infant mortality decreasing.
They arrive at a cave carved into the hillside, the only sanctuary left after the storm. It is a holy place now, having saved hundreds of villagers during the worst of Hurricane Matthew, when nature tore their homes to the ground. It is still the only thing to protect them.

For four days and nights, they huddled in its womb before emerging, frightened the hurricane might return. They slept on a floor of stacked boulders near the caves mouth, lighting small fires for warmth and light.

When they left, they salvaged enough to shield them from the sun, a few corroded sheets of zinc and scattered wooden beams. But when it rains they return to the cave, their shacks unable to keep the water out. And despite the odor and humidity, the unforgiving crags and profound darkness, they are thankful.

It is our house that God created when we most needed it, said Destine Jean, one of the villagers who first alerted the government of the closest town, Beaumont, to the people living in caves. Without this cave, a lot of people would have died. This is the only shelter we have.
Prasenjit Duara is one of the most original thinkers on culture and religion in Asia.

A 66-year-old historian of China, he was born in Assam, India, and educated at the University of Delhi, the University of Chicago and Harvard. He later taught at the University of Chicago, Stanford and the National University of Singapore and now teaches at Duke.

Professor Duara began his career with a pioneering study of Chinese religion: Culture, Power, and the State: Rural North China, 1900-1942. This work, published in 1988, helped redefine how many people thought of Chinese religion, showing it to be one of the most powerful forces in traditional Chinese society. His subsequent books reflect a broadening of interests to include topics such as nationalism and imperialism. His latest work, The Crisis of Global Modernity: Asian Traditions and a Sustainable Future, brings many of these strands together, along with issues such as climate change.

In a recent interview in Beijing, Professor Duara discussed Buddhist environmentalism, what aspect of religion most alarms the Chinese government and the South Manchuria Railway Company.

Most people would have no problem accepting the first two premises of your new book: that we have an environmental crisis and that it is due to recklessly fast economic growth. But more counterintuitive is your argument that theres a solution beyond nongovernmental organizations and international frameworks like the United Nations. You think faith has a role, too.
BEIJING  President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, one of Americas closest allies in Asia, has said he wants to reduce American military influence in his country and build closer ties with China.

But he has stopped short of offering to do what China would like most: scrapping an accord that gives the United States access to five military bases in the Philippines.

How far he is willing to go will be tested this week when he arrives in China on Tuesday for talks that are likely to produce signals of whether he wants to become a close friend of Beijing.

If China succeeds in peeling the Philippines away from the United States, it will be a major win in Beijings long-term campaign to weaken U.S. alliances in the region, said Andrew Shearer, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. It will feed fears that the right mix of intimidation and inducements could influence other partners to distance themselves from Washington.
MOSCOW  Russias main English-language satellite network complained on Monday that its British bank was abruptly closing its accounts. The network, which reported on the decision, called it a British-government-sanctioned attempt to interfere with freedom of speech.

It was the latest controversy for the network, RT, originally and still commonly known as Russia Today. The broadcaster presents itself as an alternative to the Western media, but critics call it a Kremlin-financed mouthpiece that seeks to create an alternative to reality.

Long live freedom of speech! Margarita Simonyan, the editor in chief of RT, wrote sarcastically on Twitter, adding that the bank had offered no explanation for the step.

The network released a letter from the bank, NatWest, telling the broadcaster to take its business elsewhere. In the letter, the bank said that it would stop serving RT on Dec. 12, that the decision had come after careful consideration and that it was not subject to appeal. (The broadcaster initially reported that its accounts had been frozen, but it later clarified that the bank was closing the accounts, not freezing them, and that RT was still able to withdraw its money.)
KIEV, Ukraine  A prominent commander of the Russian-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine has been killed by a bomb, rebel leaders and Russian news reports said on Monday.

Arsen Pavlov, the commander, who went by the nom de guerre Motorola after the brand of walkie-talkie he preferred, was blown up as he rode the elevator in his apartment building on Sunday in Donetsk, the larger of the rebels two urban strongholds in eastern Ukraine, Russian news accounts said.

Each side blames the other for the killing: Ukrainian officials said Russian special forces had been purging the charismatic but unpredictable early leaders of the rebel movement, while the separatists said Ukrainian assassins were operating behind their lines.

Mr. Pavlov is the latest of about half a dozen commanders from the 2014 insurgency to be killed far from the front line. Interfax, a Russian news agency, cited a separatist official as saying that the elevator Mr. Pavlov had been using had been rigged with an improvised explosive device.
MOSCOW  Russian and Syrian forces will halt their offensive in the eastern districts of the Syrian city of Aleppo for eight hours on Thursday to allow civilians and rebels to leave the embattled city, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Monday.

Speaking at a briefing in Moscow, Lt. Gen. Sergei F. Rudskoi, a senior Russian military official, said that Russian and Syrian forces would halt fighting from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 20. Such humanitarian pauses will be regular, he said, and will give temporary relief to the divided city.

Russian and Syrian forces have been bombarding rebel-controlled areas of Aleppo since an internationally brokered cease-fire collapsed last month. Roughly 275,000 people have been subjected to indiscriminate aerial bombing that has killed hundreds.

Russia stopped short of initiating a full-fledged cease-fire, a step that Western governments have been demanding.
Iraqi security forces and Kurdish pesh merga fighters have begun an assault to dislodge Islamic State militants from the city of Mosul. Here are some reasons the city is strategically and symbolically vital.

POPULATION Mosul, once home to more than two million residents, was the biggest prize captured by the Islamic State. It gave the group its best claim to legitimacy as an Islamic caliphate, and it has been its most vital source of tax revenue and forced labor.

RELIEF If recaptured, the city could eventually welcome back hundreds of thousands of people who were displaced. It is also where hundreds of enslaved Yazidi women and children are thought to be held.

CULTURE Mosul is an ancient Assyrian city and a vital center of antiquities and historical sites threatened by the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, ISIL or Daesh. The citys heritage makes it central to Iraqi identity and hopes that the country might again move forward as a multicultural society.
Hailing a ride with your smartphone? Thats old news  ask any Uber, Lyft or Careem customer.

But how about hailing a tractor?

Just as urbanites may find it impractical to own a car but still need a ride once in a while, so, too, in the Indian countryside: To get the most from their land, small-scale farmers may need tractors and other machines from time to time, but they may not be able to afford their own.

Renting can be the answer, but the way it was done in India before was not very appealing to farmers. The process was usually informal and local, run by equipment owners who could be capricious or discriminatory, and prices tended to surge at the times of year every farmer in the area would be doing the same job and need the same equipment.

Mahindra & Mahindra, a major Indian vehicle manufacturer, thought there had to be a better way.

One of the things that struck us was the toll it took on the self-esteem of the farmer, said Rajesh Jejurikar, chief executive of the companys farm-equipment division. It was, literally, like having to beg for it. He didnt feel like it was his right.
The next act for Christopher Kimball, who is no longer at Americas Test Kitchen and Cooks Illustrated, is the new Christopher Kimballs Milk Street Magazine, named for the Boston address of his new venture, which also includes a cooking school and media studios. The magazine has no ads, a global outlook and color photography for recipes and techniques often tweaked by the staff to improve or simplify them. Creamy scrambled eggs are cooked in olive oil, and a newfangled pie pastry recipe with cornstarch is guaranteed not to shrink, although my test did a bit. The Milk Street recipe requires enough pie weights to fill the pastry three-fourths full. That got me thinking, so I blind-baked my usual pie crust recipe, filling the pastry shell to the top with weights, and there was minimal shrinkage. Its about the weights, not the recipe: Christopher Kimballs Milk Street Magazine, charter issue, $6.95 at newsstands starting Tuesday, or free from 177milkstreet.com (bimonthly subscription, $19.95), 866-400-0537.
Mass argues that technological shortcomings are not the sole problem, however. He also blames poor organization and poor leadership at NOAA  their efforts are divided into uncoordinated groups, each trying to protect their turf. According to Conrad Lautenbacher, who led NOAA from 2001 to 2008, There is no orderly process to take some really great idea somebody has in research and turn it into something that the weather service can use. Dysfunctional, compartmentalized bureaucracy gets in the way.

Five months after Hurricane Sandy, Roker reported a story for NBC Nightly News in which he interviewed Mass about the inadequacies of the Weather Service. Lapenta, at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, was on a treadmill at his gym a few days after NBC aired the report. The woman next to me was working out with her trainer and talking about the difference between the G.F.S.  Global Forecast System, the National Weather Services go-to model  and the European model, Lapenta says. It was the first time in his 28-year career as an atmospheric scientist that Lapenta overheard the merits of competing weather models discussed in casual chitchat. He credits the change largely to Mass.

Even though Lapenta got his new supercomputers in January, most of the system remains idle. Its extraordinary, Mass says. They are only using a small portion of it. He also notes that the upgrades still arent enough to run high-resolution ensembles effectively. Lapenta, however, remains optimistic; hes involved with NOAAs Next Generation Global Prediction Initiative, and he formed an advisory committee to evaluate the National Weather Services numerous models and come up with a plan to build better ones. He invited Mass to join the 14-member team, which met for the first time in the summer of 2015.

I came away very sobered, Mass says. Its a real mess. They are running way too many models. At last count, the centers managed at least a dozen models, some in development, others already operating. None work very well. (They recently spent eight years and more than $100 million trying to fix their main hurricane-forecasting model. But it still performs so poorly that meteorologists inside the agency want to scrap it altogether.) Masss advice was to focus all efforts on designing a single high-performance weather model that can be adapted to predict weather at a regional scale, similar to what the European Center and Britains Met Office are already doing. But there is heavy resistance from the National Weather Service union to any associated downsizing. In a blog post Mass wrote, When I talk to middle-level managers in the N.W.S., they complain about [its] powerful unions that slow down innovation and new ways of doing business.

In the summer of 2015, Mass visited Boulder to give a presentation at a conference on weather modeling. His 12-minute talk focused on the poor performance of regional models, which typically bring higher resolution to smaller geographical areas, and should, as a result, be better at predicting localized events, like flash floods and hurricanes. But theyre not  a fact Mass demonstrated with PowerPoint slides of statistics. He concluded his presentation with a photo of a man doing a face palm, above which he had typed, Em-bar-rass-ment: the shame you feel when your inadequacy or guilt is made public. The audience of 200 groaned. But when I chatted with scientists during a lunch break, they told me the chiding was expected  after all, this was Cliff Mass at the lectern. As a research meteorologist with NOAA put it, Cliff is very excellent at being provocative.

The next evening I had dinner with Mass at the Chautauqua Dining Hall, which has a wraparound patio looking onto the Flatirons, a succession of towering rock slabs. We chose an outdoor venue because a forecast earlier in the day predicted a dry evening. Im hoping to get in a hike later, he said. Midway through our meal, lightning crackled overhead, followed by pelting rain. This was, Mass said, a classic example of a models failing at the most basic level  it couldnt even forecast the weather just a few hours in advance.

As we ate, Mass ranted about the storms the Weather Service flubbed over the past winter. But Mass got most excited when I asked him to discuss high-resolution ensembles. The violent thunderstorms and frequent tornadoes (there were 1,259 in 2015) that routinely thrash the Great Plains and Midwest  killing more than 100 people each year over the last decade  could be predicted far more skillfully with high-resolution ensemble forecasts. So, too, could hurricanes like Matthew. But we dont even have enough computer power to do it, Mass said. He opened an app on his iPhone called RadarScope, made by a private company, that projects where a storm is most likely headed.

It looks like its moving away, he said. I can still get that hike in. Mass excused himself and set off on a nearby trail. He walked warily, stopping often to scan the clouds for clues to an impending downpour, all while imagining a forecast that someday would be able to simply tell him when and where it will rain.
Two weeks into the campaign to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, Iraqi counterterrorism forces have advanced into the city from the east.

Iraqi forces and Kurdish pesh merga 6 Iraqi counterterrorism forces 5 3 Tal Afar 2 Mosul 1 ISIS-CONTROLLED AREAS NOV. 1 VILLAGES RETAKEN FROM ISIS Iraqi Shiite militias Erbil AREAS LOST BY ISIS SINCE OCT. 17 Mosul Kara Soar U.S. base Baghdad Qayyarah military base IRAQ 4 10 miles Iraqi forces and Kurdish pesh merga 6 Iraqi counterterrorism forces 5 3 Tal Afar 2 Mosul 1 ISIS-CONTROLLED AREAS NOV. 1 VILLAGES RETAKEN FROM ISIS Iraqi Shiite militias Erbil AREAS LOST BY ISIS SINCE OCT. 17 Mosul Kara Soar U.S. base Baghdad Qayyarah military base IRAQ 4 10 miles Iraqi forces and Kurdish pesh merga 6 Iraqi counterterrorism forces 5 3 Tal Afar 2 Mosul 1 ISIS-CONTROLLED AREAS NOV. 1 VILLAGES RETAKEN FROM ISIS Iraqi Shiite militias AREAS LOST BY ISIS SINCE OCT. 17 Mosul Kara Soar U.S. base Baghdad Qayyarah military base IRAQ 4 10 miles Iraqi forces and Kurdish pesh merga 6 Iraqi forces Tal Afar 5 3 2 1 Mosul ISIS-CONTROLLED AREAS NOV. 1 VILLAGES RETAKEN FROM ISIS Iraqi Shiite militias AREAS LOST SINCE OCT. 17 Mosul Kara Soar U.S. base Baghdad Qayyarah military base IRAQ 4 10 miles Iraqi forces and Kurdish pesh merga 6 Iraqi forces Tal Afar 5 3 2 1 Mosul ISIS-CONTROLLED AREAS NOV. 1 VILLAGES RETAKEN FROM ISIS Iraqi Shiite militias AREAS LOST SINCE OCT. 17 Mosul Kara Soar U.S. base Baghdad Qayyarah military base IRAQ 4 10 miles VILLAGES RETAKEN FROM ISIS Iraqi forces and Kurdish pesh merga 6 Iraqi forces Mosul ISIS-CONTROLLED AREAS NOV. 1 5 3 2 1 Iraqi Shiite militias Mosul Baghdad IRAQ 4 15 miles Source: Institute for the Study of War (villages recaptured and direction of forces); IHS Conflict Monitor (control areas)

1 Heavy fighting was reported from the neighborhood of Karama on Tuesday.

2 Iraqi forces first entered the city through the industrial Gogjali neighborhood.

3 Islamic State militants are attacking Iraqi security forces in Bazwaia, a village that was retaken on Monday.

4 Iraqi Shiite militias have begun an offensive from the Qayyarah military base to take Tal Afar.

5 If the Islamic State loses control of Tal Afar, its connection to Raqqa in Syria will be severed.

6 Turkish advisers and about 3,000 Turkish-backed forces are based out of Zaylkan.

Changes on the Ground in the First Week

Iraqi and Kurdish troops recaptured a number of villages and towns east and south of Mosul in the first week of the operation against the Islamic State, but they remain miles from the city center.

Mosul Dam Turkish military base Tel Kayf to Raqqa Bashiqa Kurdish pesh merga Bartella Tal Afar Mosul Khazir Hamdaniya 1 ISIS-controlled area Oct. 24 80 Tigris Towns Recaptured ERBIL Gwer Shura Border crossings AReas Lost Since Oct. 10 Mosul Iraqi security forces Kara Soar Baghdad IRAQ Qaiyara Airfield 10 miles Mosul Dam Turkish military base Tel Kayf to Raqqa Bashiqa Kurdish pesh merga Bartella Tal Afar Mosul Khazir Hamdaniya 1 ISIS-controlled area Oct. 24 80 Tigris Towns Recaptured ERBIL Gwer Shura Border crossings AReas Lost Since Oct. 10 Mosul Iraqi security forces Kara Soar Baghdad IRAQ Qaiyara Airfield 10 miles Turkish base Tel Kayf Bashiqa to Raqqa Kurdish pesh merga Bartella Tal Afar Mosul Khazir Hamdaniya ISIS-controlled area Oct. 24 Towns Recaptured Tigris 1 ERBIL Gwer Border crossings Shura 80 AReas Lost Since Oct. 10 Mosul Iraqi security forces Baghdad Kara Soar IRAQ Qaiyara Airfield 10 miles Turkish base Tel Kayf Bashiqa to Raqqa Kurdish pesh merga Bartella Tal Afar Mosul Khazir Hamdaniya ISIS-controlled area Oct. 24 Towns Recaptured Tigris 1 ERBIL Gwer Border crossings Shura 80 AReas Lost Since Oct. 10 Mosul Iraqi security forces Baghdad Kara Soar IRAQ Qaiyara Airfield 10 miles Mosul Dam Turkish base Tel Kayf to Raqqa Bashiqa Kurdish pesh merga Bartella Mosul Khazir Hamdaniya 1 Towns Recaptured Tigris ERBIL ISIS-controlled area Oct. 24 Gwer Shura 80 AReas Lost Since Oct. 10 Kara Soar Iraqi security forces Qaiyara Airfield 10 miles Turkish base Tel Kayf Bashiqa Mosul Kurdish pesh merga Bartella Khazir Hamdaniya Towns Recaptured ISIS-controlled area Oct. 24 Gwer Shura 80 Tigris AReas Lost Since Oct. 10 Kara Soar Iraqi security forces Qaiyara Airfield 10 miles Source: Institute for the Study of War (towns recaptured); IHS Conflict Monitor (control areas)

North of Mosul, Kurdish pesh merga forces continue to push through a string of villages near Bashiqa. Iraqi forces, supported by American advisers, pushed the southern front lines to around 10 miles from Mosul as they advanced through the village of Bartella.

Conflicts continue to emerge between Iraq and Turkey, which has insisted on joining the fight for Mosul. Turkey has been maintaining troops in a base northeast of the city, without Iraqs permission, and claims to have been contributing to the campaign by training Kurdish pesh merga forces and Sunni Arab fighters in Iraq, and firing artillery against militants. Iraqs prime minister has denied Turkeys claims.

Inside the City

Some neighborhoods on the eastern bank of the river have been free of ISIS activity. Nineveh Ruins 1 ISIS presence has been reported on the eastern edge of the city. 2 Mosul ISIS manufactures explosives in the Wadi Ekab industrial district. Areas where ISIS is holding Yazidi women captive. Government center Mosul airport 1 80 Tigris River 2 miles Some neighborhoods on the eastern bank of the river have been free of ISIS activity. Nineveh Ruins 1 ISIS presence has been reported on the eastern edge of the city. 2 Mosul ISIS manufactures explosives in the Wadi Ekab industrial district. Areas where ISIS is holding Yazidi women captive. Government center Mosul airport 1 80 Tigris River 2 miles Some neighborhoods on the eastern bank of the river have been free of ISIS activity. Nineveh Ruins 1 ISIS presence has been reported on the eastern edge of the city. 2 Mosul ISIS manufactures explosives in the Wadi Ekab industrial district. Areas where ISIS is holding Yazidi women captive. Government center Mosul airport 1 80 Tigris River 2 miles Areas where ISIS is holding Yazidi women captive. 1 Mosul 2 ISIS manufactures explosives in the Wadi Ekab industrial district. Govt. center 1 80 Tigris River 2 miles Areas where ISIS is holding Yazidi women captive. 1 Mosul 2 ISIS manufactures explosives in the Wadi Ekab industrial district. Govt. center 1 80 Tigris River 2 miles Areas where ISIS is holding Yazidi women captive. Mosul ISIS manufactures explosives in the Wadi Ekab industrial district. Govt. center 1 Tigris River 2 miles Source: Mosul Eye

Islamic State fighters in Mosul are preparing for a showdown with Iraqi forces. According to the Pentagon, the militants have created smoke screens by setting fire to tires and oil to conceal their movements from coalition aircraft.

Residents reported that ISIS was killing suspected spies and had erected sand berms and concrete walls to close off roads.

Operation to Retake Mosul Begins

Iraqi, Kurdish and allied forces began an operation early on Monday to retake Mosul, the second-largest city in Iraq, from the Islamic State.

Mosul Dam Iraqi forces. Supply lines Iraqi forces will try to cut the key corridors to ISIS in Syria. Bashiqa area Iraqi forces. to Raqqa Villages east of Mosul Kurdish forces began an operation on Monday to retake villages. Tal Afar Mosul Khazir area Iraqi and Kurdish forces. Kurdish pesh merga 1 ISIS-controlled area 80 Tigris ERBIL Iraqi security forces Key border crossings Mosul Baghdad IRAQ Qaiyara Airfield West Thousands of Iraqi Army troops have gathered here. 10 miles Mosul Dam Iraqi forces. Supply lines Iraqi forces will try to cut the key corridors to ISIS in Syria. Bashiqa area Iraqi forces. to Raqqa Villages east of Mosul Kurdish forces began an operation on Monday to retake villages. Tal Afar Mosul Khazir area Iraqi and Kurdish forces. Kurdish pesh merga 1 ISIS-controlled area 80 Tigris ERBIL Iraqi security forces Key border crossings Mosul Baghdad IRAQ Qaiyara Airfield West Thousands of Iraqi Army troops have gathered here. 10 miles Mosul Dam Iraqi forces. Supply lines Iraqi forces will try to cut the key corridors to ISIS in Syria. Bashiqa area Iraqi forces. Villages east of Mosul Kurdish forces began an operation on Monday to retake villages. to Raqqa Tal Afar Mosul Khazir area Iraqi and Kurdish forces. 1 Kurdish pesh merga 80 ISIS-controlled area ERBIL Key border crossings Iraqi security forces Mosul Tigris Baghdad IRAQ Qaiyara Airfield West Thousands of Iraqi Army troops have gathered here. 10 miles Mosul Dam Iraqi forces. Supply lines Iraqi forces will try to cut the key corridors to ISIS in Syria. Bashiqa area Iraqi forces. Villages east of Mosul Kurdish forces began an operation on Monday to retake villages. to Raqqa Tal Afar Mosul Khazir area Iraqi and Kurdish forces. 1 Kurdish pesh merga 80 ISIS-controlled area ERBIL Key border crossings Iraqi security forces Mosul Tigris Baghdad IRAQ Qaiyara Airfield West Thousands of Iraqi Army troops have gathered here. 10 miles 10 miles Mosul Dam Iraqi forces. Supply lines Iraqi forces will try to cut the key corridors to ISIS in Syria. Villages east of Mosul Kurdish forces began an operation on Monday to retake villages. to Raqqa Tal Afar Mosul 1 Kurdish pesh merga 80 ISIS-controlled area Key border crossings Iraqi security forces Mosul Tigris Baghdad IRAQ Qaiyara Airfield West Thousands of Iraqi Army troops have gathered here. Mosul Dam Iraqi forces. to Raqqa Villages east of Mosul Kurdish forces began an operation on Monday to retake villages. Mosul Kurdish pesh merga ISIS-controlled area Iraqi security forces Tigris Qaiyara Airfield West Thousands of Iraqi Army troops have gathered here. 5 miles Satellite imagery by TerraMetrics via Google | Source: IHS Conflict Monitor (control areas as of Oct. 19)

In one of the first phases of an operation that could last weeks or months, about 4,000 Kurdish pesh merga troops moved on Monday to retake 10 villages east of the city.

The battle is expected to unfold in stages. The troops that have been massing at bases around Mosul plan to first surround the city and then gradually tighten the circle, cutting off supply routes and isolating the area.

On the first day of the offensive, Iraqi government and Kurdish forces advanced from the south and east, leaving a path for Islamic State fighters to flee west to Syria.

Leaving a corridor open for the militants could help reduce civilian casualties, said Columb Strack, an analyst for IHS Conflict Monitor, a group that has been tracking the events in Iraq and Syria.

If there is a way of getting them to withdraw and push them to the desert, Mr. Strack said, why fight them in a built-up area like Mosul?

An ultimate assault into Mosul will probably be carried out by Iraqi commandos who have been trained by United States Special Forces. Iraqs federal police and some army units could also join the push.

Nineveh Ruins 1 Mosul Amusement Park 2 Mosul The center of government is on the western side of the river. Mosul airport 1 80 Tigris River 2 miles Nineveh Ruins 1 Mosul Amusement Park 2 Mosul The center of government is on the western side of the river. Mosul airport 1 80 Tigris River 2 miles Nineveh Ruins 1 Mosul Amusement Park 2 Mosul The center of government is on the western side of the river. Mosul airport 1 80 Tigris River 2 miles Nineveh Ruins 1 Mosul Amusement Park 2 Mosul The center of government is on the western side of the river. Mosul airport 1 80 Tigris River 2 miles Mosul 1 2 1 80 Tigris River 2 miles Mosul 1 2 1 80 Tigris River 2 miles Mosul 1 80 Tigris River

Mosul is split by the Tigris River. Some officials expect the militants to pull back from the eastern side of the city and focus on defending the west bank, where the government center is. The west bank also has many narrow streets, which makes it difficult for tanks and artillery to operate.

The fighting is likely to be fierce. Islamic State militants have created a network of tunnels under Mosul and have planted improvised explosives so densely that they resemble minefields. The insurgents have also dug trenches, filled them with oil and set them ablaze.

The Islamic States Shrinking Footprint

Islamic State Iraqi government Kurdish

Mosul Erbil SYRIA Kirkuk Deir al-Zour IRAQ Tigris Euphrates Baghdad Area of control, Jan. 2015 Mosul Erbil SYRIA Kirkuk Deir al-Zour IRAQ Tigris Euphrates Baghdad Oct. 2016

The Islamic State easily captured Mosul in June 2014, when soldiers of the Iraqi Army, built up with tens of billions of dollars of support from the United States, dropped their weapons, shed their uniforms and ran.

The victory gave the militant group significant momentum as it made a series of lightning advances across Iraq, capturing large portions of the country.

The group has since lost much of its territory, the result of both a ground war to take back key cities and an air campaign to take out important leaders and major sources of revenue. Mosul is perhaps the groups last major stronghold in Iraq.

A Looming Humanitarian Crisis

As many as 1.2 million people could be displaced by the fighting in Mosul, according to the United Nations. About 213,000 people from Mosul, Falluja and Qaiyara now live in refugee camps in northern Iraq.

Another 200,000 people are expected to flee Mosul in the initial stages of the offensive. The United Nations has expanded refugee camps and built several new ones in northern Iraq to handle the influx.

Refugee sites Sites under construction Amalla site Zelekan site Mosul ISIS-controlled area Erbil Tigris Debaga sites IRAQ Kirkuk 20,000 5,000 Number of displaced individuals Amalla site Zelekan site Mosul ISIS-controlled area Erbil Tigris Debaga sites IRAQ Kirkuk 20,000 5,000 Number of displaced individuals IRAQ Mosul ISIS-controlled area Erbil Tigris Debaga sites 20,000 Kirkuk 5,000 Number of displaced individuals Source: CCCM Cluster
SANTA ANA  A federal judge on Monday said he is torn over the proper prison sentence for an Anaheim man convicted of trying to aid the Islamic State and delayed his ruling to give the defendant time to read a probation report.

The surprise delay means that Muhanad Badawi, who authorities say bankrolled his friends alleged attempt to join the foreign terrorist group, will return Wednesday morning to the federal courthouse here for sentencing.

U.S. District Judge David O. Carter recently sentenced co-defendant Nader Salem Elhuzayel to 30 years in federal prison. On Monday, Carter noted that while he believed that Elhuzayel was beyond redemption, he hadnt yet made up his mind about Badawi.

Im not sure about you yet, Carter said to Badawi. Each defendant is an individual, and Mr. Badawi presents a difficult problem for me to wrestle with.

Carter decided to halt Mondays hearing after learning that Badawi hadnt read through a probation report about his own background. Such reports are prepared after convictions to aid judges deciding what sentences to hand down.

Badawis attorney, Kate Corrigan, has suggested that her client should serve no more than 12 years in prison followed by no more than 20 years of supervised release. Corrigan noted that Badawi has no criminal record and is the member of a tight-knit family.

As he matures, he will have the ability to change his path and thinking, Corrigan wrote to the judge. He will have plenty of time to contemplate the result of being a follower.

Badawi and Elhuzayel, in numerous social-media postings and recorded conversations captured by federal investigators, shared often-violent and graphic Islamic State rhetoric and images.

The pair, now both 25, were arrested after Elhuzayel tried to board a flight to the Middle East with a plane ticket that Badawi had paid for using federal financial-aid funds.

Both mens attorneys argued that their online discussions, while unpopular, still represented free speech.

Elhuzayels attorney denied that his client was planning to join the Islamic State, saying he was actually going abroad to meet a woman. Both mens lawyers contended that the two friends didnt have the means, training or connections to fight oversees.
WASHINGTON  Republican leaders and election officials from both parties on Sunday sought to combat claims by Donald Trump that the election is rigged against him, amid signs that Trumps contention is eroding confidence in the vote and setting off talk of rebellion among his supporters.

In a vivid illustration of how Trump is shattering American political norms, the Republican nominee is alleging that a conspiracy is underway between the media and the Democratic Party to commit vast election fraud.

The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary  but also at many polling places  SAD, Trump wrote on Twitter on Sunday.

Trump made the assertion hours after his running mate, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, tried to play down his running mates questioning of the fairness of the election. Pence said on NBCs Meet the Press that he and Trump will absolutely accept the result of the election.

Trumps words, though, appear to be having an effect on his supporters, and are setting off deep concern among civil rights groups. The Associated Press reported last month that only one-third of Republicans said they had a great deal of confidence that their votes would be counted fairly. And election officials are worried that Trumps continued pressing of the issue could dampen turnout or cause his supporters to deny the legitimacy of the results if he loses.

Last week, Trump called the presidential election one big fix and one big ugly lie.

Jon A. Husted, secretary of state of Ohio, said it was wrong and engaging in irresponsible rhetoric for any candidate to question the integrity of elections without evidence. Husted, a Republican, said he would have no reason to hesitate to certify the results of the election.

We have made it easy to vote and hard to cheat, Husted said in an interview on Sunday. We are going to run a good, clean election in Ohio, like we always do.

Chris Ashby, a Republican election lawyer, said Trumps attacks on the electoral process were unprecedented and risked creating a fiasco on Election Day. Ashby also said Trump was destabilizing the election by encouraging his supporters to deputize themselves as amateur poll monitors.

Thats going to create a disturbance and, played out in polling places across the country, it has the potential to destabilize the election, Ashby said, which is very, very dangerous.

Trumps claims, a little more than three weeks before the election, are once again forcing elected Republicans into a difficult spot as they try to balance offering assurances of the integrity of the election while not undercutting a standard-bearer many of their voters fervently support.

Our secretary of state, Ken Detzner, has been very focused on making sure we have a smooth election, said Jackie Shutz, a spokeswoman for Gov. Rick Scott of Florida, noting that Scotts goal is 100 hundred percent participation and zero percent fraud.

Still, Trumps campaign surrogates have not hesitated to join him in questioning the fairness of the electoral process: Newt Gingrich, a former speaker of the House, and former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani of New York, both advisers to Trump, used television interviews on Sunday to suggest that Democrats tend to cheat in elections, accusing them of counting votes from dead people.

And Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, Trumps closest congressional supporter and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has warned they are attempting to rig this election.

Civil rights groups have begun to express alarm at remarks from Trump that they see as goading his supporters to intimidate minorities at the polls.

Arturo Vargas, executive director of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials Education Fund, said he planned to formally contact the Justice Department as soon as this week, to ask that it guard against the kind of voting disruptions Trump has encouraged.

It is a major concern that we have this candidate promoting vigilante poll watching, Vargas said.

And Michael Podhorzer, political director of the AFL-CIO, said progressive groups were deeply concerned about the possibility of disruptions at the polls on Election Day. Podhorzer said Trumps recent comments about a rigged election had the potential to incite violence and bloodshed.

Podhorzer said Democrats would be closely monitoring polling places in states where voters can cast their ballots in advance of Election Day, to watch for signs of interference.

We will start to see whether folks are out intimidating voters in predominantly African American communities, and at least get a sense of what direction that might be going in, Podhorzer said, adding of Trumps rhetoric, This is beyond the pale.

Other Democrats were just as bothered, but also amused about the unlikely prospect of a vast fraud plot unfolding at thousands of disparate polling places. Hes fine with the system when he wins the primary, but now hes pre-emptively claiming precinct-level fraud? said Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, calling Trumps language unambiguously racist, but also absurd, ludicrous, and pathetic.

Even House Speaker Paul Ryan, who just last week all but removed himself from the presidential campaign, was forced to issue a statement. Our democracy relies on confidence in election results, and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity, said Ryans spokeswoman, AshLee Strong.

Pence is trying to walk a fine line. The governor, in a series of Sunday television interviews, sought to portray Trumps criticism of the electoral process as relating entirely to what he described as unfair media coverage.
WASHINGTON  A top State Department official tried to pressure the FBI to change its determination that at least one of the emails on Hillary Clintons private server contained classified content, prompting discussion of a possible trade to resolve the issue, two FBI employees told colleagues investigating her use of a private server last year.

One FBI official conceded that he told the State Department employee he would look into changing the classification of a Clinton email if the official would lend his authority to an FBI request to increase its personnel in Iraq, according to documents released by the bureau Monday.

Another bureau official described the arrangement as a quid pro quo and said he believed that the State Department official, Undersecretary of State for Management Patrick Kennedy, was interested in minimizing the classified nature of the Clinton emails in order to protect State interests and those of Clinton, the documents say.

No tangible swap ever came to pass. The email was classified in accordance with the FBIs original wishes, and the bureau was not given any additional personnel in Iraq. Both the FBI and the State Department denied that a quid pro quo ever existed.

Clintons use of a private email server while secretary of state has dogged the Democratic presidential nominees campaign and has proved to be an issue that resonates with voters. The new documents could add to perceptions among voters that Clinton is not trustworthy, and they come with the final presidential debate just days away and the election just weeks away. The revelation of possible backroom dealing was immediately seized on by her critics.

In a video statement posted to his Twitter page Monday, Republican nominee Donald Trump said: This is one of the big breaking stories of our time, in my opinion. This shows corruption at the highest level, and we cant let it happen as American citizens.

Clinton campaign spokesman Brian Fallon said in a written statement: It is well known that there was strong disagreement among various government agencies about the decisions to retroactively classify certain material in emails sent to Secretary Clinton. Agencies that took issue with this overclassification did so based on their own beliefs, and we were not part of these disagreements that played out inside the government.

The FBI said in a statement that it had referred the matter to the appropriate officials for review. The agency did not respond to a message seeking comment on who those officials are.

The official at the center of the matter  who is not named in the documents  has since retired, the bureau said.

The FBI and the Justice Department declined to bring charges against Clinton for mishandling classified information while she was secretary of state, and FBI Director James Comey has repeatedly and forcefully defended that decision.
KHAZIR, IRAQ  Iraq announced the beginning of its offensive for the northern city of Mosul on Monday, embarking on the countrys biggest fight against Islamic State militants so far.

In a televised address, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi pledged to raise the Iraqi flag over the city once more, calling on residents to cooperate with the advancing forces.

The U.S.-backed operation aims to push the militant group out of its de facto capital in Iraq. More than a million civilians are believed to be trapped in the city.

Late Sunday, dozens of ambulances were lined up at checkpoints on the edges of Iraqs northern region of Kurdistan, ready to ferry out casualties. Thousands of Iraqi troops have moved into position for the battle in recent weeks, and new military staging areas have sprung up along front lines.

The Mosul offensive marks a showdown in the Islamic States last major stronghold in Iraq and the city that has come to symbolize the groups rise here. It was in Mosuls Great Mosque that Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announced his self-proclaimed caliphate more than two years ago.

But since then, the groups grip has slowly crumbled. Tikrit, Ramadi and Fallujah have been clawed back by Iraqi forces, albeit with a heavy reliance on U.S.-led airstrikes.

Its only a matter of time before Mosul is recaptured, too, Abadi said.

We will soon meet in Mosul to celebrate in liberation and your salvation, he said, addressing the people of the city. We will rebuild what has been destroyed by this criminal gang.

The battle for Mosul draws together tens of thousands of Iraqi troops from an array of the countrys forces: Kurdish peshmerga soldiers, Sunni tribal fighters, army, police, Shiite militias and elite counterterrorism units. From the sky and on the ground comes close support from the U.S.-led coalition. More than 80,000 troops are involved, including engineers and logistical support, said Maj. Salam Jassim, a commander with Iraqs elite special forces.

At a staging area in a hamlet near Khazir, east of Mosul, Jassim and his men were waiting for the order for zero hour. In houses emptied by fighting, soldiers entertained themselves with cards and dominoes. Battle plans were drawn out in black marker on walls and plastic tables.

Well take it, Jassim said, sipping on a can of Tiger Energy Drink  a favorite of Iraqi forces. Theres no doubt.
Inspired by Mendez v. Westminster, the case that first led to desegregation in Californias schools, Sandra Robbie has spent years raising awareness of the cases historic significance while touring up and down the state in her trademark orange Volkswagen Bus, decorated on the front to read Mendez VW.

Over the weekend, Robbie and her bus pulled in to the Orange Home Grown Farmers and Artisans Market to hold Random Acts of Mendez, an event she hopes to have each year during Hispanic Heritage Month, giving locals a chance to learn more about Orange Countys segregated past.

Members of several families connected to the case were present, sharing their stories with those willing to lend an ear, as Robbie espoused the cases significance between offering photo opportunities with her VW.

Nothing says peace and love like a Volkswagen Bus, Robbie said.

Mendez v. Westminster, brought forth by five Mexican-American families in opposition of segregation in public schools, led to the integration of schools in several Orange County cities in 1946, eight years before the landmark Brown v. Board of Education. In 2003, Robbie released a documentary on the case, Mendez vs. Westminster: For All the Children, which went on to win an Emmy. She has also successfully pushed to see the cases history further integrated into school curricula.

Whenever I talk about Mendez, I dont just talk about the case. I like to talk about it in a social context, Robbie said. The Mendez family was able to afford the lawsuit because they were leasing land from a Japanese family that was being interned during World War II. We have the Holocaust, the Japanese internment, segregation of African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Mexican Americans, and this helped to pave the way to Brown from California? Our history books dont talk about this! Thats crazy.

Robbie touched on several areas in Orange impacted by Mexican segregation, including the Orange Theatre  today the Son Light Christian Center  and the Hart Park pool, where Mondays were Mexican Day and the water then cleaned out for whites swimming the next day, she said.

Recently added to the National Register of Historic Places is Oranges Killefer Elementary School, which in 1944 became one of the first schools in the state to desegregate, well ahead of the Mendez decision.

Also still visible today is the Cypress Street Schoolhouse, once a Mexican-American school, which has since been preserved and updated for use by Chapman University.

I think weve come a long way, said Teri Lepe, a board member of the Orange Barrio Historical Society whose grandmother had to attend the school. Hopefully with generations well continue to get further and further away from discrimination and racism.

Orange Home Grown market manager Lisa David, daughter of the late Orange County community activist Amin David, said remembering moments where society came closer together is especially important during politically divisive moments such as the ongoing presidential election.

Weve seen that history can repeat itself, so we want to be conscious of where weve come from and where were going, David said. Were all in this together. The more we find similarities within each others culture and embrace the cool stuff that everybodys bringing, the more we can have an amazing community.

At the end of the day, Robbie and a few other visitors to the market took a short drive to admire the Cypress Street Schoolhouse  a visible reminder they said that big changes for the nation start with small groups pointing out an injustice.

All of us contribute to the freedoms that we have every day. Court cases start because people dont get served cake, because they cant sit where they want on the bus. Those simple things that we get to do every day, Robbie said. The idea behind Random Acts of Mendez is to acknowledge cases like Mendez v. Westminster, but also to acknowledge each other living that American dream every day.

Contact the writer: jwinslow@scng.com
KHAZER, Iraq  The long-awaited offensive to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group began Monday with a volley of U.S.-led coalition airstrikes and heavy artillery bombardments on a cluster of villages along the edge of Iraqs historic Nineveh plain east of the militant-held city.

Iraqs Kurdish peshmerga fighters led the initial assault, advancing slowly across open fields littered with booby-trapped explosives as plumes of black and orange smoke rose overhead  the opening phase of an unprecedented campaign expected to take weeks if not months and involve more than 25,000 troops.

By the end of the day, Kurdish forces had retaken some 80 square miles, according to the president of Iraqs Kurdistan region. Peshmerga commanders on the ground estimated the offensive retook nine villages and pushed the frontline with IS back 5 miles.

But the forces hold appeared fragile and the gains largely symbolic. Some of the villages were so small they comprised no more than a few dozen homes, and most were abandoned.

And though some troops were less than 20 miles from Mosuls edges, it was unclear how long it would take to reach the city itself, where more than 1 million people still live. Aid groups have warned of a mass exodus of civilians that could overwhelm refugee camps.

Iraqs second-largest city, Mosul fell to IS in the summer of 2014 as the militants swept over much of the countrys north and central areas. Weeks later the head of the extremist group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, announced the formation of a self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria from the pulpit of a Mosul mosque.

If successful, the liberation of the city would be the biggest blow yet to the Islamic State group. After a string of victories by Iraqi ground forces over the past year, IS now controls less than half the territory it once held, and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi has pledged the fight for Mosul will lead to the liberation of all Iraqi territory from the militants this year.

Al-Abadi announced the start of the operation on state television before dawn Monday, launching the countrys toughest battle since American troops withdrew from Iraq nearly five years ago.

These forces that are liberating you today, they have one goal in Mosul, which is to get rid of Daesh and to secure your dignity, al-Abadi said, addressing the citys residents and using the Arabic acronym for IS. God willing, we shall win.

In Washington, Defense Secretary Ash Carter called the Mosul operation a decisive moment in the campaign to defeat IS. The U.S. is providing airstrikes, training and logistical support, but insists Iraqis are leading the campaign.
Hillary Clinton continues to hold a wide lead over Donald Trump among California voters, support to legalize recreational marijuana is tenuous, and a large block of voters arent sure who they want for U.S. Senate, according to a poll conducted by SurveyUSA and issued Monday by Southern California News Group and KABC/Eyewitness News.

The state poll shows Clinton beating Trump 56 percent to 30 percent among likely voters. If Trumps total holds he could become the least popular GOP presidential nominee in state history.

The low-water mark is currently held by George Herbert Walker Bush, who got 33 percent of the popular vote in California in a three-ways contest in 1992, according to an analysis by SurveyUSA.

About 7 percent of likely voters are undecided about who they want for president, double the number of undecided voters found when the previous SurveyUSA poll was conducted, 17 days ago, just after the first presidential debate.

The latest SurveyUSA poll also shows state Attorney General Kamala Harris ahead of Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Orange, 45 percent to 24 percent. Thats a dramatic increase over the 11-point lead held by Harris in the earlier poll.

Other polls have wavered in the size of Harris advantage, with the only consistent findings being her strong lead and the large number of undecided voters. A September poll by Field showed Harris with a 22-point lead, while won by the Public Policy Institute of California showed the lead at 7 points.

But the new SurveyUSA poll also found nearly one third of voters polled are undecided about their choice to replace Barbara Boxer in the U.S. Senate, possibly a reflection of Republicans failing to engage in a race that features two Democrats.

Another key ballot initiative, Prop 64, which would legalize the recreational use of marijuna, shows support described as fragile by Survey USA. About 51 percent of voters favor the measure, while 40 percent oppose, the poll found. About 9 percent remain undecided.

Support for ballot measures tend to slip closer to election day.

Three other ballot measures were polled:

Support of Proposition 56, which would increase the tax on a package of cigarettes by $2, has slipped 6 points but still leads, 57 percent to 35 percent.

Proposition 62, which would end the death penalty in California, trails by 18 points and is headed for defeat, according to the SurveyUSA analysis.

Proposition 63, which would outlaw large-capacity magazines and requires background checks on ammunition purchases, leads by more than a 2-1 margin and is expected to pass, the analysis says.

The poll, conducted Oct. 13, 14 and 15, surveyed 725 likely voters from throughout the state with a 3.7 percent margin of error. Of those, 58 percent were interviewed on their home phones by an automated recording. The remaining 42 percent, who could not be reached on a home phone, responded to a questionnaire sent to their smart phone, tablet or other electronic device.

Contact the writer: mwisckol@ocregister.com
A few days before Lily Tomlin walked the red carpet at the Emmys, where she was up for best actress in a comedy, the actress and comedian took a few moments to reflect on how busy her life and career remain half a century after she broke into showbiz.

The Neflix series Grace and Frankie, in which she stars with Jane Fonda, has earned her Emmy nominations for her work as Frankie each of the past two years, along with a Golden Globe nomination this year. The 2015 indie film Grandma earned her strong reviews in her first movie role in a movie in years.

The Screen Actors Guild announced last month that she will receive the SAG Life Achievement Award early next year, a prize that will have to find space in her home among the Kennedy Center Honor, Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and various Emmys and Tonys and the Grammy shes won in years past.

And, of course, Tomlin remains so popular a live draw that she can book her one-woman show into theaters such as Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa, where she performs Saturday, practically any time she likes.

I had a lot of energy and I had a lot of ideas, Tomlin says of a resume that saw her burst into the spotlight at the end of the 60s as one of the stars on Rowan & Martins Laugh-In. I wanted to do a lot of stuff, and it was great fun.

Her show at Segerstrom will follow a typical, if largely improvised, pattern, with Tomlin riffing on current and cultural events through the voices of 10 or 12 of the characters shes created over the year, such as Ernestine, the nosy, snort-laughing telephone operator, and Edith Ann, a precocious 51/2-year-old girl.

And at the finish, shell take questions from the audience, which usually goes smoothly, though there was that time in Flint, Mich., back in the mid-2000s 

I got a question, Would you rather have George W. Bush or the Marquis de Sade as president? she says with a laugh. So I kind of took off on that, just kidding around, and it turned into a kind of brawl.

They started fighting among themselves: My boy is over there! And then some good-hearted liberal says, But we dont want him over there! And then somebody else would say, (Bleep) that, Ill beat your brains out!

It was unbelievable, Tomlin says. People are usually pretty predictable. They want to know what Dolly Parton (her co-star in the 1980 film 9 to 5) is like. I get that one a lot.

Fonda also starred in that women-in-the-workplace comedy, and its Fonda with whom Tomlin has found a flurry of accolades for Grace and Frankie. In it they play two women whose husbands, played by Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston, are law partners who late in life announce to their wives that they are also gay and want to be life partners, too.

Thrown for a loop, Grace (Fonda), the more uptight business-minded woman, and Frankie, a lifelong free spirit and hippie, end up moving in together to share expenses.

Jane and I were both interested, as we would be as time passes and we become older actresses, Tomlin says. We become more interested in what older people are up against in the culture, particularly women. Theyre not thought to be anything, really, so we sort of rail against that.

We get into social issues, ecological issues, she says of the Netflix series. But primarily its based in these older womens lives and issues such as thinking of themselves as sexual beings, as much as any time in their lives within reason.

Making the show with Fonda, Sheen and Waterston feels natural, Tomlin says. Its also a lot of fun.

Its just fun to do a project that we like, that we feel might be making a dent in something, she says. Helping create a show that older women can headline on, and its successful.

Tomlin created the characters that made her famous on Laugh-In, and early on she realized that having a hand in the development of a project could give her more freedom if she put her natural drive to work.

You always think, Surely I can say something intelligent, she says of creating TV specials and Broadway shows starting in the 70s. A good part of it is the passion and the drive in discovering yourself and making and perusing all the ideas you have.

And of course Ive had my partner, Jane Wagner, too, she says.

She met Wagner in 1971 after seeing J.T., a Peabody Award-winning TV movie Wagner wrote about a young African American boy in New York City who finds a reason to hope amid hard times through a stray cat he befriends.

I so understood who she was and what she was doing, Tomlin says. It was moving, it was funny, it was tender, it was brutal.

At the time, Tomlin was working on And Thats the Truth, a comedy album featuring her Edith Ann character, and she called Wagner and invited her to come to California to work on the album. That professional partnership  which eventually produced such award-winning work as the Broadway smash The Search For Signs of Intelligent Life in The Universe  soon turned personal, and they lived together as life partners for years until the law and civil rights advanced enough to allow them to marry in 2013.

I think its incredibly important, because it was meaningful to us, Tomlin says of their 45 years together. I dont know what it would have been like without her. I wouldnt know because I havent experienced it.

Beyond Grace and Frankie, Tomlin says, shes got a few different projects in the works.

Shes producing a play, Fingersmith, an adaptation based on Sarah Waters novel about a Victorian-era female pickpocket in England, that is targeting Broadway after debuting at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland last year.

Some of the same people from that project are developing a movie called Odd Girl Out, based on the Beebo Brinker lesbian pulp novel series of the 1950s, Tomlin says.

Im a producer for that, too, and Ill probably take the old persons role, she says, laughing.

One thing I kind of regret I didnt do is The L Word, she says of Showtimes popular series about the lives and loves of a group of lesbian and bisexual women in Los Angeles. They had a character in it called the Captain and it was supposed to be an old lesbian who wore a ships captains hat.

I said, Old lesbian! Who wants to play an old lesbian? Now Id jump at the chance.

And she laughs again.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7787 or plarsen@ocregister.com
Heres a roundup of restaurant and retail news from across Orange County. Take a look at the slideshow for more details on each.

Scott McIntosh: More than a year after announcing plans to return to Laguna Beach, Anaheim Hills restaurateur Scott McIntosh has finally made his comeback with the recent openings of Reunion Kitchen + Drink and Asada Tacos + Beer. Read full story here

Both restaurants are at 610 N. Coast Highway, Suites 108 and 102.

El Torito Grill: Cypress-based Real Mex Restaurants confirmed the closure of an El Torito Grill in Sherman Oaks. The restaurant closed Sept. 26.

Fundraisers for Chef Greg Moro: Four restaurants are hosting fundraisers Tuesday to benefit popular Orange County chef Greg Moro, who remains in critical condition after a motorcycle accident last month. The Iron Press in Costa Mesa will donate 10 percent of the nights purchases to a medical fund for Moro, who has worked for some of Orange Countys best restaurants, including Chapter One, French 75 and Nieuport 17. Iron Press event is from 5 to 10 p.m. The restaurant also is hosting a raffle with prizes donated by several restaurants and breweries. Other restaurants participating: Burger Parlor locations in Fullerton and Orange, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; The Original Sgt. Pepperonis Pizza Store in Costa Mesa, 5 to 9 p.m.; and Portola Coffee in Costa Mesa, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Oct. 29, Moros mentor Chef Pascal Olhats is leading another fundraiser. The $40 per person breakfast is at the Manassero Farms in Irvine, 5500 Irvine Valley. More info: the-original-manassero-farms.myshopify.com

Yen Ching: In Orange, social media groups have been tossing out stories that longtime Chinese restaurant Yen Ching is possibly departing and selling its building to the Diocese of Orange next door. Monsignor Douglas Cook, rector of Holy Family Cathedral on Glassell Street, said Yen Ching is not going away. Read full story here

Blakelys Chicken: The Orange eatery, which opened earlier this year, has closed. A sign on the store, at Katella Avenue and Tustin Street, said the eatery was closed for restructuring.

Black Box DTSA: The specialty burger concept that replaced Little Sparrow in Santa Ana earlier this year closed a few weeks ago.

Candies Apples and Sweets in Old Towne Orange has closed. The owner of the shop said a new sweet shop is moving in soon, according to a recent post on the shops Facebook page. This new company will have cakes, cake pops, ice cream sandwiches and much much more, the owner said. The candy shop was tucked in the back of a courtyard on North Glassell Street across from Zitos Pizza. It was previously a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Baker & Olive: The shop, which sells oils, vinegars, cheeses, charcuterie and more, will open Nov. 1 at Corona del Mar Plaza. It is the shops fourth location, with others in Encinitas, Del Mar and San Diego.

Address: 928 Avocado Ave. in the old Savory Spice Shop storefront.

Combatant Gentlemen: The Irvine-based brand, a menswear work clothes retailer, will open a shop within a shop on Nov. 3 at Bloomingdales South Coast Plaza store.

Send any retail updates to hmadans@ocregister.com and any restaurant news to nluna@ocregister.com

Staff writer Jonathan Lansner contributed to this report.
BEIJING  In the latest move in its ambitious space program, China launched a manned spacecraft from the Gobi Desert on Monday morning.

Images broadcast on CCTV showed the astronauts giving a salute seconds before launch, and 15 minutes later they could be seen on the live feed clasping their gloved hands, apparently a sign of a successful launch.

The spacecraft, called Shenzhou-11, is to dock with an orbiting space laboratory launched last month.

The astronauts are expected to stay in the Tiangong-2 lab for 30 days before returning to Earth, the deputy director of Chinas Manned Space Agency, Wu Ping, said before the launch.

The mission is the third flight for one of the astronauts, Jing Haipeng.

It is any astronauts dream and pursuit to be able to perform many space missions, Jing said, according to Xinhua, the state-run news agency.

The mission is Chinas sixth manned space launch, and by staying aloft for 30 days the two astronauts will more than double the national record for staying in space, CCTV, the national broadcaster, reported.

The main tasks in the space lab will include testing computers, as well as propulsion and life support systems and other experiments, according to CCTV.

The activities in the lab are intended to help China reach its goal of launching a more permanent space station, Tianhe-1, in 2018.

The docking of the spacecraft with the lab will take place about two days after the liftoff, Chinese space officials said.

China launched its first lunar probe in 2013, and plans to land another lunar probe on the far side of the moon by 2018.

In 2020, China aims to send an unmanned rover to Mars.

The target date for sending an astronaut to the moon is 2025.
A naive restaurant owner in Guiyang, China, who thought that appealing to peoples inherent goodness would be a good way to attract customers to his new karst cave-themed restaurant, managed to lose over 100,000 RMB in just seven days.

Liu Xiaojun and his two business partners did the math, and decided that promoting their new restaurant by applying the now-famous pay what you want policy would be a good idea. Choosing to ignore the disastrous experiences of other restaurant owners who allowed customers to pay what they wanted for the food, the three simply assumed that the vast majority of customers would be rational and fair. They were wrong.

To be honest, their idea wasnt a total failure. The news that they could order as many dishes as they liked and pay whatever they wanted for them attracted lots of customers, but many of them paid only 10% of the cost of their meal, while a few even dared to leave just 1 RMB (15) on the table. In just seven days, the restaurant had incurred losses of over 100,000 RMB ($15,000) and the promotion fell apart. Following the disastrous result, the three owners got into a serious argument and one of them left the city, vowing never to return again.

If our food or service was the problem, then that would be one thing, owner Liu Xiaojun told The Paper. But according to customer feedback, our dishes are both filling and tasty. Its just that the payments dont match up with the evaluations.

But it turns out that people didnt really think that Lius food was actually good enough to pay for. While his cave-themed restaurant used to be full during the week-long pay what you want promotion, customers evaporated as soon as it ended. As of 4 p.m. on on the first day after the promotion fell apart, not a single paying customer had walked through the door. It makes sense that people like to eat food and not pay much. I just dont understand why they havent come back since the promotion ended, Liu complained.

Three years ago, we reported on another Chinese restaurant that adopted the pay what you want policy as a way of challenging Chinas notorious lack of trust. It lost 100,000 RMB in a month. Lius recent experience suggests that things havent improved at all since then. If anything, theyve gotten worse.

via Shanghaiist, People Daily
Five years ago, the people of Cheran, a small town in Mexicos Michoacan state, made international headlines for taking up up arms against the powerful drug gangs threatening their livelihood, driving off local politicians and police in the process. Today, the self-governed settlement is a beacon of hope for many other Mexican communities.

The inspiring story of new Cheran began in 2011. For three years, the locals had watched helplessly how loggers supported by drug cartels like the Familia Michoacana ravaged their ancient forests, carrying away the big tree trunks and burning the rest, to prepare the land for avocado plantations. They had asked the Government for help with the situation, but received none, and the corrupt local politicians and police simply chose to look the other way. Left with no other options, and with the loggers nearing one of the towns water springs, the people of Cheran decided it was up to them to fight for the forest and their livelihood.

We were worried, Margarita Elvira Romero, one of the conspirators of the historic uprising, recently told the BBC. If you cut the trees, theres less water. Our husbands have cattle  where would they drink if the spring was gone? She and a few other women first went into the forest to try and reason with the loggers, but they were verbally abused and chased away by the armed men. So they came up with a plan to stop the trucks when they passed through Cheran, and hopefully receive the support of the whole community.

Photo: Eneas de Troya

On Friday 15 April 2011, Romero and other brave women of Cheran, blocked the loggers vehicles and took some of them hostage. The local church bell started ringing and fireworks lit the sky, alerting the whole town about approaching danger. People were running through the streets carrying machetes, sticks, stones and whatever other weapons they could get their hands on, waiting for the loggers to come and free their friends. They came with the local police and the mayor in tow, and after a tense stand-off, the loggers backed off. It makes me want to cry remembering that day, Margarita remembers. It was like a horror movie  but it was the best thing we could have done.

The uprising was the start of a road to self-governance for Cheran. Soon after, the police and local politicians were driven out of town for conspiring with the criminals, and political parties were banned for causing divisions between people. To replace them, the Ronda Comunitaria  a militia made up of local men and women  was created, and each of the four districts of Cheran elected representatives to a ruling town council. Its members are elected for a mandate of three years. Armed checkpoints were created on the three main roads leading into the settlement, to protect against retaliation from the loggers and drug cartels. They are still around today, and anyone trying to enter or leave Cheran is stopped and questioned by the Ronda Comunitaria.

Against all odds, the town of Cheran managed to drive away its oppressors and established a rule of law, all without the help of the Mexican Government. Today, political parties are still banned and there is no police. The grand council and other committees established by the people control all aspects of life in the town, and the Ronda Comunitaria is in charge of security and maintaining the peace.

Compared to the rest of Michoacan state, the crime rate in Cheran has dropped considerably. There have been no recorded murders, kidnappings or disappearances recorded in the town during the last year, and people feel safe walking the streets even in the middle of the night. Meanwhile, in communities just 10km away, killings and kidnappings are common, and data shows that crime is on the rise.

Cheran is certainly not crime free, but most recorded offenses are petty, and most often related to alcohol abuse. But in such cases, the town dispenses its own justice, from fines, to community work and a few nights behind bars. Federal attorneys are only summoned in the rare case of serious crimes, the likes of which have not occurred in the last year.



But its not just the town that has been reborn following the uprising of 2011. The ravaged forest have also started healing under the protection of their human neighbors. It is estimated that over 17,000 hectares of forest had been devastated by organized crime before the people of Cheran put a stop to it. Since then, 3,000 hectares have been replanted with seedlings from the towns own tree nursery, and the forests are patrolled daily by members of the Ronda Comunitaria. Everyone who wants to cut down a tree has to get permission from the local authorities, and the law is strictly enforced.

Today, Cheran is considered both and example and a beacon of hope for many Mexican communities plagued by crime and corruption, and some have even tried to emulate its self-governance system, but without the same success. The key, locals say is unity. There are very few outsiders living in Cheran, everyone knows everyone, and families are very close.

With crime on the rise throughout Mexico, fears of drug cartels regaining a foothold in and around Cheran are well founded, but this time the locals are ready. As long as theres at least one person that wants to keep this up, we will all stand behind them, 18-year-old Melissa Fabian says. We all feel proud because we stopped something, and did something that none of the other communities dared to do.

Sources: BBC, El Pais, VICE
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Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and German Ambassador to Ukraine Ernst Wolfgang Reichel discussed on Thursday the progress of reforms in Ukraine and the areas of bilateral cooperation development.

The prime minister congratulated the ambassador on the beginning of his diplomatic mission in Ukraine, the government press service reported. Groysman said that Ukraine appreciates the high level of political dialogue with Germany and its support in the implementation of systemic reforms in the international arena.

"He noted the intensification of bilateral cooperation and the implementation of a number of activities within the framework of the agreements reached earlier. For instance, several large-scale events have been held recently: the 9th meeting of the [Ukraine-Germany] High-Level Group, the second Ukrainian-German economic forum and the opening of the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry and Commerce," the press service said.

"The parties discussed the progress of reforms in Ukraine. In this context, the prime minister briefed the German ambassador on the government's agenda for their implementation," the Cabinet's press service reported.

Next week, the government will present the Office Investment Support, which will assist companies investing in Ukraine, he said.
National energy company Ukrenergo since October 2015 as of today has saved UAH 5.3 billion during procurement, acting Director of Ukrenergo Vsevolod Kovalchuk said on Espreso TV.

"We have saved UAH 5.3 billion on procurement during a year of my work," he said, adding that over UAH 3 billion was saved at tenders held at the end of September 2016.

The top manager said that the key reason of saving funds is competition between bidders at tenders announced by the company.

"We save not only because the prices were set too high. We save because we attract dozens of executors of these tenders to the process. The only mechanism is competition. We recorded clear statistics: when there are two bidders in the tender  3% is saved. They made an arrangement. When we bring 20 companies from all over the world with geography of 15 countries, they do not make arrangements between each other," Kovalchuk said.

As reported, late March 2016 Ukrenergo signed a contract with ZTR to supply 22 autotransformers and shunt reactors worth UAH 828.591 million (VAT included). The price of transformer equipment turned out to be UAH 1.1 billion lower than expected due to competition between ZTR, ABB and Siemens at the auction.

On September 27, September 28 and September 30 the company opened tender bids to reconstruct six high-voltage substations using funds of the World Bank. The company saved around UAH 3.3 billion ($125 million) or 47% of the sum estimated to reconstruct these substations in 2014.

Bids were filed by companies in Italy, Croatia, China, Germany, Slovenia, Sweden, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Latvia and Ukraine.

Kovalchuk said that in 2014 reconstruction of the substations was assessed at $267 million, while after the tenders it would be carried out for $142 million. The 330 kV substations Zhytomyrska, Cherkaska, Novokyivska, Nyvky, Sumy and Kremenchuk will be reconstructed.
SIDNEY, Iowa  The former public works director of this southwest Iowa city will not be jailed after pleading guilty Monday to falsifying water-quality reports.

Mark Travis, 36, made a deal with prosecutors in which he would plead guilty to that charge, a misdemeanor, and they would drop a charge of felonious misconduct in office.

District Judge Kathleen Kilnoski noted Travis lack of criminal history when passing sentence.

Kilnoski told Travis that the sentence gives you an opportunity to take ownership for your behavior. We expect public officials  to file reports that are true, accurate and honest.

Authorities have said that, for years, Travis did not do that. He did not properly test the citys water system for chlorine levels and falsely submitted reports to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources saying that the testing was being done.

Travis was arrested in late June. He was suspended with pay from the city and resigned in September.

Kilnoski said Travis would have to pay a $625 civil penalty or perform 80 hours of community service with a nonprofit.

Before Kilnoski sentenced him, Travis said he was sorry that it happened. Travis and his attorney, Joe Hrvol of Council Bluffs, declined to comment afterward.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources became suspicious of Travis reports last year because they didnt reflect the ups and downs that normally would occur.

The DNR investigated and ultimately determined that water-testing records had been falsified. The Iowa Attorney Generals Office referred the matter to Fremont County.

After a September, 2015, inspection, the Fremont County Attorneys Office subpoenaed the citys water records. Those records indicated that Travis ordered chlorine testing kits on Oct. 23, 2009, and didnt order more until Sept. 24, 2015, the day after the DNR showed up at his office to investigate, according to court documents.

In February, Travis water treatment certification was revoked, and he was prohibited from holding any DNR water certifications in the future.

An outside consultant began conducting the citys water testing late last year. Sidney municipal water was found to be within acceptable standards.

Kilnoski granted Travis deferred judgment, meaning that if he successfully completes his yearlong probation, the conviction will be expunged from his record. If Travis does not successfully complete probation, he could be jailed. The charge carries a potential six-month sentence.

Testing the chlorination of water is important, said Thad Nanfito, an environmental specialist with the state agency, who investigated the Sidney situation.

Its one of those things that has to be done, Nanfito told The World-Herald in July. It may become mundane, but it ensures that each and every day, there is an adequate amount of disinfectant in the water that helps keep people safe.

Sidney is a city of about 1,140 people roughly 45 miles southeast of Omaha.
State Sens. Colby Coash and Beau McCoy will debate the effectiveness of the death penalty from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Oct. 25 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place in the Nebraska Union Centennial Room. The Nebraska Union is at 1400 R St.

State lawmakers abolished the death penalty in Nebraska last year, but a petition drive has put the issue on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Coash, of Lincoln, opposes the death penalty, and McCoy, of Omaha, supports it.

NET reporter and producer Fred Knapp will moderate. For information, contact Tarik Abdel-Monem at 402-472-3147 or tarik@unl.edu.

Scholar to talk about Christian Hope in a Secular World

The Rev. Francis Moloney will present a lecture on Oct. 31 at Creighton University.

The title of the lecture is The Word of God, Jesus Christ and the Eucharist: Christian Hope in a Secular World.

His talk will be given at 4 p.m. in the Skutt Student Center, room 104. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Moloney, an Australian scholar, is a professorial fellow on the faculty of theology and philosophy at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne. He has published more than 50 books and taught Scripture at universities around the world, including in Rome, Jerusalem and Washington, D.C.

Dakota Sioux artist will be topic of lecture at UNO

Philip J. Deloria will give the Winchell Endowed Lecture in History at the University of Nebraska at Omaha on Nov. 3.

The 20th annual lecture will take place at 6:30 p.m. at UNOs Milo Bail Student Center ballroom.

The lecture by Deloria, of Dakota Sioux heritage, is titled Toward an American Indian Abstract: The Art and Politics of Mary Sully.

Dakota Sioux artist Sully created a unique portfolio of works from the late 1920s to the mid-1940s.

Deloria holds a Ph.D. in American studies from Yale University and is a professor in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts at the University of Michigan.

The event is free and open to the public. Parking will be free in UNOs east garage. For information, contact Kent Blansett, a faculty member in UNOs history department, at 402-554-2593 or at kblansett@unomaha.edu.
A little over 70 years ago, the members of the 463rd Bombardment Group were flying B-17s over Europe, attacking Nazi outposts in Romania, France, Yugoslavia, Germany and elsewhere.

This past week, six veterans of the group, as well as children of other veterans, came to Omaha for their annual reunion.

Veterans of the 463rd have been getting together since 1982, but this was their first trip to Omaha since 1992, said Art Mendelsohn Jr.

Mendelsohn, 61, is secretary and treasurer of the 463rd Bomb Group Historical Society, which organizes the reunions. His father, Art Mendelsohn, served in the 463rd.

Art Jr. said that his fathers life was saved by an Omahan, Howard Avery.

The two were on the same plane during an attack on Berlin in March 1945. A German anti-aircraft gun fired at their plane, and Mendelsohns upper leg was hit. Luckily, his artery was missed, but the injury went to the bone. Avery got to Mendelsohn, his son said, tied something around the leg and gave him morphine.

Many of the veterans who served in the 463rd trained in Omaha, and the group here for the reunion got a tour of Offutt Air Force Base and met with current airmen.

About 100 veterans of the group remain alive, Mendelsohn said, but because of age and health, most no longer can make it to the reunions, which used to draw hundreds. The youngest veteran is now 92.

Those who still come, however, are determined to keep meeting. And the kids of 463rd veterans will continue to meet even after all of those who served are gone, Mendelsohn said.

Theyre already thinking about next year.
TAMA, Iowa (AP)  Firearms instructor Joshua Casto had drilled gun safety into his children for years. They are a family of hunters, in a part of central Iowa where taking to the fields with rifle in hand is a way of life.

So what happened two days after Christmas 2014 was widely considered a tragic and freak accident.

As he prepared for a deer hunt, Castos teenage son stumbled. The muzzleloader he was carrying discharged, and the shot fatally struck his sister Liesel, 12, a farm girl who loved horses.

But what followed was even more unusual. Over the next year, two more gun accidents left a teenage girl dead and a second severely wounded.

Residents of rural Tama County faced hard questions: Had their efforts to teach gun safety failed? Or was this just the sad price to be paid for a passion for firearms?

A review by the Associated Press and the USA Today Network revealed that more than 1,000 cases of accidental shootings across the country involved minors over a 2-year period that ended in June. The three accidental shootings involving minors in Tama County were highly unusual, according to the analysis, because they involved adolescent girls. The vast majority of victims are boys.

Tama County has mourned the deaths, but residents said they are not about to change their way of life and the importance they place on gun ownership. Membership in the Tama County Young Guns, a 4-H group that promotes gun safety and marksmanship, has gone up since the shootings.

Being in a small rural area, its kind of second nature to students to be able to hunt and shoot guns, said Mark Polich, principal at the public school that Liesel Casto attended. I think they ended up thinking Boy, this is an accident that occurred. Just like a car accident, youre going to have some.

The deaths touched nearly everyone in Tama, Toledo and Traer, the towns that make up the county of 17,000.

I sit there looking at these things and say This should not be happening,  said Tama County Attorney Brett Heeren, who has declined to file charges in the three cases. Thats more than our fair share of these kinds of disasters.

He wonders whether the gun safety ethic, drilled into him as a child, has weakened. But others across the county said deadly accidents are inevitable with so many guns, even among largely responsible owners.

Its unfortunate and its a scar that every one of these families is going to have to live with the rest of their lives, Tama County Sheriff Dennis Kucera said. I dont know how to even try to explain why these are happening. They were all adult-supervised. Its hard to say who is the unsafe or careless one.

Denise Kirchner was at her kitchen sink doing dishes days before Thanksgiving 2015 when she heard a gunshot, then felt a sting in her leg.

What she saw next was terrifying: Her daughter Madison, 14, was bleeding profusely. She had been shot in the chest.

My sister just actually got shot. We were cleaning guns, Dylan Kirchner, 18, would tell a 911 dispatcher. Shes having trouble breathing. Please hurry.

Dylan had been trying to remove a bullet from the chamber of a .40-caliber handgun when it discharged, Toledo Police Chief Bob Kendall said. The bullet passed through Madisons left breast, narrowly missing her spine but leaving six holes in her stomach and intestines. It then passed through Denises thigh before ending up in a cupboard.

Emergency responders rushed the daughter and mother to a hospital 20 miles away. Doctors told Denise that her daughter, a high school freshman who loves cats, would not survive the 17-minute flight to a childrens hospital in Des Moines and had to undergo surgery immediately.

They were the worst three hours of my life, recalled Denise Kirchner, whose own injuries were minor.

Madison spent 10 days in intensive care. Six months later, she suffers from an occasional stomach bleed. But Kendall said its amazing she survived. The chief recently took the girl the bullet, which she is considering putting on a necklace.

Denise Kirchner said her son violated a cardinal safety rule that her dad taught her growing up: When guns are being cleaned, nobody else should be in the room.

Samantha Hansen, 13, was an eighth-grader who liked to laugh and read books.

On Jan. 22 her father, Walter, was taking a rifle out of a locked safe to show Samantha, he later told the state Division of Criminal Investigation, but the rifle fell and discharged when he grabbed it, fatally shooting her.

Oh, my God, he told an emergency dispatcher, my daughter is dead. I shot her in the head.

Hansen, a former intelligence analyst for the U.S. Army Reserve and a gun rights advocate, said he didnt know the gun was loaded. An autopsy ruled the death an accident. No charges were filed.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
As the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District finishes up some big projects, officials expect to cut its spending nearly in half by fiscal year 2021.

The districts board approved a long-range plan at its Thursday meeting that decreases spending from about $72 million in this fiscal year to about $38 million in five years.

Thats down from a high point of $93 million in the 2014 fiscal year.

This is what we said we were going to do, General Manager John Winkler said.

The Papio-Missouri is one of Nebraskas 23 natural resources districts, which are charged with flood control and water quality maintenance.

The Nebraska Legislature gave the district the ability to issue bonds in 2009.

The district issued more than $70 million in bonds, enough to pay for large projects, most of which have been completed.

Its still finishing up the last project, the 15A dam site north west of 168th and Fort Streets.

The district wont be able to issue more bonds after 2019, unless the Legislature reauthorizes its authority.

But even if the Legislature does so, Winkler said, the district is going to finish the six other dam projects on its priority list with a pay-as-you-go method.

Those projects are expected to cost the district more than $90 million.

If the district keeps spending the way it does now, those projects wont be finished until after 2030, possibly even 2040.

But Winkler said hed like the district to roll back spending on other programs and focus its spending on the six dam sites.

Early estimates say that could shorten the timeline to 2026, according to Winkler.

The six dam sites are:

 168th Street and Bennington Road, with a price tag of $13.8 million

 216th and Fort Streets, $20.7 million

 192nd Street and Giles Road, $23.7 million

 180th and Fort Streets, $13.7 million

 180th Street and Giles Road, $9.9 million

 204th Street and Schram Road, $9.9 million

As for the future of the districts budget, Winkler said hes not counting on being able to turn that into a tax cut.

Thats because those expensive projects were paid for in part by grants or other funding, which will go away along with the spending.

And the district will still have debt payments to make.

But Winkler said a tax cut might be possible.

The district expects to take in $22.5 million in property tax money next year.

The long-range plan assumes that valuations will rise by 1.5 percent each year.

Winkler described that as a very, very conservative estimate and said valuations generally rise at twice that rate.

If that happens over the next five years, residents of Douglas, Sarpy, Washington and parts of Burt, Thurston and Dakota Counties could see their tax rate go down, Winkler said.
The state tax inspectorate in Pechersky district of Kyiv using a ruling of Pechersky district court has blocked operation of McFoxy LLC (Kyiv) managing the McFoxy fast food restaurant chain, Commercial Director of the McFoxy chain Oleksandr Sadovnychy has told Interfax-Ukraine.

"They received a permit in court and blocked the accounts," he said.

Sadovnychy said that Kyiv Prosecutor General's Office opened a criminal case against the company. The case was the ground for blocking the accounts under the court decision. The accounts were blocked on October 11, he said.

The manager believes that the court decision, steps of the tax inspectorate and Prosecutor General's Office are unlawful. He said that on October 17 he and around 100 other employees of the company would start a termless protest rally near the building of the State Tax Inspectorate in Pechersky district of Kyiv.

According to the court ruling, the company is accused of tax evasion.

"Officials of McFoxy LLC in 2015 avoided paying taxes of UAH 651,144 via unlawful reflection of tax reports on financial and economic relations with Skycity-group LLC, Ukr-prom-torh LLC, Ukrsych LLC, private enterprise Fervest and Mery-land LLC.

McFoxy has been operating on the Ukrainian market since 2009. As of October 2016, the chain has 10 restaurants in six cities of Ukraine  Kyiv, Zaporizhia, Sumy, Khmelnytsky, Kropyvnytsky and Dnipro.

According to the public register of companies and individual businessmen, as of October 13, 2016 the only participant and beneficiary of the company is Oleksiy Kotkovsky.
In decades of bringing Broadway shows, travelogues and nationally known speakers to the Omaha area, Dick Walter became known as our local Mr. Showbiz.

The buoyant impresario, who warmly greeted theatergoers in the lobby of the Orpheum and other venues, died Saturday at 96. The family will hold a private service.

He was super, said daughter Sonia Worfold of Lincoln, who lives half of each year in Australia. He introduced our family to the love of travel to other countries and to being open-minded.

A lifelong resident of Council Bluffs, Walter was married for 60 years to Rena, a former nurse who died 12 years ago. They often entertained visiting performers in their hilltop home, which was filled with art and mementos collected during 45 years of travel outside the U.S., often as they led tours.

Dick, who played piano, once said that he and Rena lived modestly, but we are rich in friends, books and music. And thats what makes our house special.

In 1946, Walter brought his first production to Omaha, the Robert Shaw Chorale at the old Tech High School. When the Civic Auditorium opened in 1955  it is now being demolished  he opened its Music Hall with a ballet.

He brought numerous Broadway shows to Omaha, such as My Fair Lady, Evita, The Music Man, Hello Dolly! and My Fair Lady. He got to know many stars.

Walter founded the Omaha Womens Town Hall lecture series and for years sponsored the showing of foreign-travel films that attracted hundreds of people. When he brought big-budget stage shows to town, he usually put up his own money.

Its a very mercurial thing, trying to predict whether a show will be a success, he said. I have lost money I didnt deserve to lose, but Ive also made money I didnt deserve.

Walter served in the Iowa Legislature and said that one term was enough. I was glad to get back into the sane world of show business.

He maintained an interest in politics, but in 1988 he unintentionally became part of a national political story, the vice presidential candidate debate between Sen. Lloyd Bentsen and Sen. Dan Quayle.

The national commission organizing the debate wanted it staged at the Orpheum, but Walter was presenting Cats. Thats how the debate ended up at the Civics Music Hall.

He sold his booking agency and retired the next year, but in 1992 he brought Cats back to the Orpheum. Afterward, he spoke with the enthusiasm that marked his show business career.

This was my first show out of retirement, he said at 72. I can honestly say that when the lights went down and the music started on Friday night, I was thrilled. Helping to make something nice happen for a great many people is really a pleasure.
About a dozen retired judges, prosecutors and law enforcement officers shared their opposition to the death penalty Monday morning in La Vista.

Sen. Burke Harr, an opponent of the death penalty, and Retain a Just Nebraska, the organization advocating for its end, brought the group together at the La Vista Conference Center ahead of the states Nov. 8 vote on capital punishment.

The opposition centered on a few themes: the penaltys lack of deterrence, the possibility of mistakes and its use of resources.

Jesuit priest Greg OMeara, a Creighton law professor, addressed the first concern.

OMeara, a former state prosecutor in Wisconsin who helped convict serial killer and cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer, pointed to a number of studies that he said have shown that the death penalty does not deter criminals.

People argue that fear of the death penalty will deter people like Dahmer, OMeara said.

But that view misperceives how murderers think, he said. People dont think theyre going to get caught. ... They dont think of the consequences. Changing the penalty doesnt change things.

Leslie Seymore, a retired Philadelphia police officer and former president of the National Black Police Association, said the death penalty system is not infallible. People have been unfairly convicted across the nation at least 156 times, she said, noting Nebraskas Beatrice Six case. And in the face of such a possibility for error, she said a solution as final as the death penalty is the wrong one.

We cannot undo an execution, she said.

Her stance was echoed by retired Douglas County District Judge John Hartigan and former Gage County prosecutor Randall Ritnour, who worked on the Beatrice Six case.

Weve proven that we can convict people that are clearly innocent, Ritnour said, and believe that weve done the right thing.

The group gathered Monday does not speak for the entire law enforcement community. Many officers are ardent supporters of the death penalty. The Omaha Police Union, for instance, has donated $10,000 to the effort to retain capital punishment. And Nebraska sheriffs came out in favor of the death penalty earlier this month at the annual Nebraska Sheriffs Association convention in Kearney.

But some officers have decided that the death penalty is not worth retaining.

Retired Omaha Deputy Police Chief Mark Sundermeier and retired Lincoln Police Capt. Jim Davidsaver spoke Monday of the resources used in Nebraska to maintain the death penalty. The two argued that the money would be better spent supporting local law enforcement, particularly when the state does not have the capability of carrying out an execution and has not used the death penalty for almost two decades.

Other speakers included retired Omaha Police Officer Steve Henthorn, retired Douglas County Judges J. Patrick Mullen and Steve Davis, and retired Sarpy County Judge Ronald Reagan.

Reagan presided over the death penalty case of John Joubert, who was executed by the electric chair in 1996. He said that hes spoken to a number of current judges who are ethically prohibited from publicly commenting on the law but are personally opposed.

A better option, he said, is life in prison, which he said is still a type of death penalty. When criminals are sentenced to life, he said he can tell them:

We dont know when youre going to die, but we know where youre going to die. Its in prison.
The Douglas County Democratic Party is sparring with one of the Democrats seeking to represent downtown and South Omaha in the State Legislature.

Two Democrats, John Synowiecki and Tony Vargas, are vying for the District 7 seat of the officially nonpartisan Legislature. The Republican contender in this heavily Democratic district didnt advance past the primary.

At issue is a flier the Douglas County Democratic Party periodically sends to voters alerting them to the names of Democrats running for office. Last weeks mailing omitted the name of Synowiecki but included his competitor, Vargas.

County Party Chairwoman Crystal Rhoades said Sunday that the omission was intentional.

She said the party paid for the mailing and county party officials advised candidates not to engage in negative campaigning against other Democrats. Synowiecki, she said, disregarded warnings and went negative in fliers that misrepresented Vargas positions, notably on taxes and charter schools.

We dont want a bunch of ugliness, Rhoades said Sunday. I want them to talk about why they are qualified for the job and not tear each other down.

Synowiecki, a lifelong South Omaha Democrat, assailed the decision by county party officials. The literature that his campaign distributed was intended to contrast his views with Vargas views, he said.

We did provide some comparative pieces that were not in any way, shape or form negative, he said.

An estimated 120 voters in District 7 received the incomplete party slate last week.

Nebraska State Democratic Party Chairman Vince Powers said the state party is making sure those voters get new lists of candidates that contain both candidates names. The state party, he said, had nothing to do with the county-level decision.

Im not a referee, Im not a cop, Powers said. One persons negative ad is another persons fact-based comparison.

For his part, Vargas said he is focused on the final three weeks of the campaign.

This issue that my opponent John is having with the Democratic Party is between them, Vargas said. I wasnt part of the conversation regarding the slate, but from my personal point of view, what does strike me as negative campaigning is intentional mischaracterization of someones record.
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert has taken a stand in the Omaha-based 2nd District congressional race, throwing her support behind Republican Don Bacon.

Stothert said Bacon has the national security expertise to serve in Congress.

Stotherts endorsement in the race was not a foregone conclusion. The Republican mayor is on friendly terms with Bacons Democratic opponent, Rep. Brad Ashford, and some had openly wondered whether she would get involved in the race.

Ashford is a longtime state senator and Omaha resident who is running for a second term in Congress, after defeating longtime Rep. Lee Terry in 2014.

Bacon is a retired brigadier general who was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base several times before retiring to Papillion in fall 2014.

I am proud to endorse Don Bacon for the United States Congress. As an Air Force general, Don has the national security expertise that is needed during a time when this country faces threats from every corner of the globe, Stothert said in a press release.

I am confident that when Don is elected, he will tackle Washingtons out-of-control government spending and fight to reduce taxes so that Nebraskans can keep more of their hard-earned money. General Bacon was a strong leader in the military and I have no doubt he will be a strong leader in Congress.

Stothert is up for election next spring. She is running against State Sen. Heath Mello, a Democrat.

Correction: Heath Mello was incorrectly described as a former state senator in a previous version of this story.
Boryspil International Airport (Kyiv) and other Ukrainian airports in Ukraine should get rid of the information duplication in the Russian language and complete de-communization of infrastructure objects, Infrastructure Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Omelian has said.

During the operational meeting on Tuesday, he said all the information that the airports of Ukraine have at their disposal, should be used in Ukrainian and English languages on the display board, signs and signposts or otherwise voiced from the loud speakers.

"No Russian language at all. It's not just a question of the state language usage - it is a question of self-esteem in the first place. The airport staff should use Ukrainian or English languages when communicating with passengers," the minister said.

Omelian said that in accordance with the decommunization law, all enterprises and institutions "that have a Soviet imprint" should be renamed until the end of November of the current year.

"It is mostly applied to Ukrzaliznytsia, because there are still a number of stations that still have Soviet names. But if the airport has a terminal, a set of cars or at least a coffee shop, with names borrowed from the Soviet era, they should be changed before the first of December. This question is fundamental," he said.

The minister wants to apply only English and Ukrainian languages to all airlines companies, which perform aviation operations in Ukraine. Omelian separately marked the issue of transliteration of Ukrainian names into English and said that the Infrastructure Ministry will come forth with a relevant initiative to resolve the issue at the Cabinet level.
Bengaluru: Bandh in Shivajinagar today to protest killing of RSS activist

Bengaluru

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, Oct 17: The RSS has called for a bandh in the Shivajinagar assembly constituency in Bengaluru on Monday after one of its leaders was hacked to death on Sunday. Rudresh, an RSS and BJP leader was hacked to death by two motorcycle borne youth at Kamraj Road which is in the heart of the city on Sunday morning.

The RSS has called for a complete shut down of the Shivajinagar Assembly Constituency on Monday. The police as a precautionary measure have imposed Section 144 of the Cr.PC at four police limits on Monday- Shivajinagar, Frazer Town, Commercial Street and Bharathi Nagar.

Rudresh, the mandal president of the Shivajinagar Shikha of the RSS, was also the secretary of the BJP unit in Shivajinagar. He had taken part in a route march near the RBANMS Grounds before he was murdered.

He had stopped his motor cycle at Kamraj Road and was talking to three of his friends when two men on a motorcycle attacked him.

Rudresh was immediately taken to hospital, but was declared brought dead. Soon after the incident news spread and RSS activists staged a protest outside the Commercial Street police station. The busy shopping area witnessed massive traffic jams.

OneIndia News
Cauvery row: Situation grim in Karnataka, TN; Mandya worst hit, says committee

Bengaluru

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, Oct 17: The Cauvery Technical Committee on Monday submitted its report to the Supreme Court. The committee said that the Government of Karnataka has declared 42 out of the 48 talukas under the Cauvery basin as drought affected based on the guidelines of the Central government.

Plight of the farmers in both the states has been witnessed by the Committee. In the absence of required water, the labour employment for farming and fishing is also limited thus creating a scenario of unemployment and financial hardship to them, the committee also stated in its report.

Further the committee said that the standing crops in both states are badly affected. "Sugarcane farming in both states needs to be discouraged. The situation is grim in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Mandya district is the worst affected. It has witnessed many suicides," the report also stated.

Both states need to appreciate the interest of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in protecting their established irrigation and Karnataka's aspirations for development respectively and should educate their people accordingly, the report also states.

Also read: Cauvery row: Opposition parties stage rail roko across TN

The deficit impact on account of water allocation at 50 per cent dependability can be neutralized to some extent by optimal, dynamic and resilient planning of the cropped area, considering the flow pattern and forecast.

This can address the issue of unemployment and hardship, the committee says.

"The water application techniques are outdated and unscientific and the value of water is not realised. The water applied to the field is on the concept of flooding from one field to the adjacent field. Due to this, the water consumption is higher and during the distress period this becomes very significant depending on the soil condition. The infrastructure to deliver water to farmers is centuries old and this needs to be modernized for optimal use of scarce water," the report states.

Also read: We aim to distribute water judiciously: Cauvery technical team

The conveyance efficiency can be improved by piped distribution network and application efficiency by micro irrigation. In places near the coast, the ground water is saline due to ingress from sea water. The only source of irrigation in such areas is surface water from Mettur dam, the committee added.

Drinking water demand needs to be optimized and an efficient delivery mechanism must be put in place, the committee also suggested.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Monday, October 17, 2016, 15:05 [IST]
Jayalalithaa health: No medical bulletin for 6 days

Bengaluru

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, Oct 17: It has been six days since the Apollo hospital in Chennai released a health bulletin on the condition on Tamil Nadu chief minister, J Jayalalithaa.

The last time a bulletin was issued was on October 10. In that bulletin the hospital had said that the Chief Minister is being closely monitored.

On Sunday, a new physiotherapist was flown in from Singapore. Critical care expert, Dr Richard Beale was flown in from London on Thursday. Apart from Nitish Naik, professor of cardiology, AIIMS, G C Khilnani, professor of pulmonary medicine and Anjan Trisha, professor of anesthesiology and critical care were at the hospital.

Also read: Jayalalithaa's health: Superstar Rajinikanth, daughter Aishwarya Danush visit hospital

On Sunday, Superstar Rajnikanth too visited the hospital to enquire about Jayalalithaa's health. He visited the hospital at 6.15 pm and spent around 25 minutes. He was, however, not allowed to see the chief minister.

Meanwhile union minister, Pon Radhakrishnan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen to know about the health condition of Jayalalithaa. He will visit Chennai very soon, the minister also said.

OneIndia News
After US, Japan bans Galaxy Note 7 on airplanes over fire risk

Business

oi-PTI

Tokyo, Oct 17: Japan has barred all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones from airplanes, mirroring moves by US regulators and a string of carriers that banned the recalled devices over fire risk concerns.

The weekend announcement from Japan's transport ministry follows an earlier warning that asked airlines to urge passengers not to turn on or charge the smartphones on aircraft. But aviation authorities went a step further on Saturday, ordering airlines to ban the devices completely, a transport ministry official said.

The South Korean electronics giant has recalled all Note 7 phones, including replacements, following reports of exploding batteries and fires, which have led to numerous injuries.

Samsung has also stopped producing the flagship handset. Japan's move came after US transport authorities on Friday issued an emergency order banning the phones and saying anyone attempting to travel with the recalled handsets may face fines and have the devices confiscated.

It was not immediately clear what sort of penalties passengers on All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines -- the country's biggest carriers -- could face if they were found with the phone.

JAL spokesman Takuya Shimoguchi said customers could choose to board planes without their Note 7 phone or the airline would confiscate it. But "there have been no clear instructions on punitive measures", he added.

US bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones from airliners

"We'll act on a case-by-case basis." Korean Air follows government guidelines requiring Note 7s to be turned off in-flight and only transported in carry-on luggage. But it operates a total ban on flights to-and-from the US, Canada and Hong Kong.

South Korea's Asiana has banned Note 7s from all flights starting today. Australian and New Zealand airlines have banned the phone from all planes. Almost all mainland Chinese airlines have also banned it, while at the weekend Hong Kong's international airport prohibited passengers from carrying the device on any incoming or outgoing flights, either in checked or carry-on baggage.

The southern Chinese city's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific and its low-cost offshoot Dragonair had also said passengers were no longer allowed to carry the devices on any of their flights.

They were joined by Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express -- two of the city's budget carriers. Singapore Airlines and Taiwan's two biggest airlines China Airlines and EVA Air have also banned the smartphones.

PTI
In a first, two inmates of Institute of Mental Health tie the knot

NIA begins probe in to Coimbatore cylinder blast as terror plot thickens

MK Stalin announces First sanctuary for Slender Loris race in Tamil Nadu!

Jayalalithaas health: Superstar Rajinikanth, daughter Aishwarya Danush visit hospital

Chennai

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Chennai, Oct 17: Superstar Rajinikanth and his daughter Aishwarya Danush visited Apollo Hospital in Chennai to enquire about Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's health on Sunday.

The 68-year-old AIADMK supremo is undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital at Greams Road, Chennai, since September 22.

According to reports it was a short visit and the Tamil film superstar did not even address the media, before leaving the hospital.

However, a photojournalist managed to take a picture of the icon and his daughter inside the car just seconds before they left the hospital.

Reports say Rajinikanth visited the hospital around 6.15 pm on Sunday and left the hospital around 6.40 am.

Hours later, the actors's spokesperson confirmed that Rajinikanth had visited the hospital. However, he did not share any detail.

A day after Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital, Thalaivar (as the actor is popularly known to his fans) tweeted, "I pray to God for the speedy recovery of our dear chief minister."

OneIndia News
All necessary support is being given to Odisha, says JP Nadda

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Oct 17: Union Health Minister J P Nadda today said the Centre is providing all necessary support to Odisha where at least 22 patients died and several were injured in a fire that broke out at the Sum Hospital in Bhubaneswar.

Nadda said that he has already spoken to the AIIMS in Bhubaneswar and asked it to provide all necessary help to the patients. "Deeply saddened by the fire incident in Inst. of Medi Sciences & SUM hospital Bhubaneswar.

My condolences rest with the bereaved families. "I have spoken to Director, AIIMS Bhubaneswar to provide all necessary support and help the patients in the best way possible," Nadda tweeted after the incident.

He said that the Union Health secretary C K Mishra has already spoken to Odisha Health department officials and was e in "constant touch" with them. "Union Health Secretary has spoken to the Principal Secy Health, Orissa.

Officials of @MoHFW_INDIA are in constant touch with state officials," he said in his tweet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight voiced "deep anguish" at the loss of lives in a massive blaze at a hospital in Bhubaneshwar, calling it "mind-numbing". "Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha.

Odisha hospital fire: Death toll mounts to 22

The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families," Modi said on microblogging website twitter. "Spoke to Minister @JPNadda (Health Minister) & asked him to facilitate transfer of all those injured to AIIMS.

Hope the injured recover quickly. "Also spoken to Minister @dpradhanbjp and asked him to ensure all possible help to the injured and affected," he said in a series of tweets. The fire was suspected to have been triggered by an electric short circuit in the dialysis ward on the first floor of the private hospital which spread to the nearby Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The fire rapidly spread to other areas on the same floor of the four-storeyed hospital building. The commissionerate of police and fire brigade personnel along with volunteers and hospital staff launched a massive rescue operation as more than 500 indoor patients were trapped in the building, hospital officials said.

At least seven fire tenders were pressed into service to control the blaze and over a dozen ambulances deployed to shift the critical patients to other hospitals.

PTI
So now, Times Now's Arnab Goswami will wage his daily war on TV, shielded by 20 armed guards!

India

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Oct 17: Arnab Goswami, the editor-in-chief of Times Now will be protected by 20 guards including two personal security officers. Goswami will be provided the Y category security cover after he recieved threats from Pakistan based terrorist groups.

The decision to provide Goswami Y category security was taken by the home ministry following an assessment done by the Intelligenc Bureau. The home ministry has directed the Maharashtra government to make arrangements for his security.

Goswami has been recieving threats due to the comments made by him against Pakistan. The IB says that there is a clear threat perception to him. Based on our analysis we recommended to the home ministry to provide him with Y category security the IB officer said.

There are four categories of security cover that is provided in India. They are Z Plus' ( 40 guards with two escort vehicles), 'Z' (30 guards with one escort vehicle), 'Y' (20 guards) and 'X' (four guards).

OneIndia News
Ukraine's Infrastructure Ministry has given unconditional authority to Ukrzaliznytsia to make personnel changes," Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelian has said.

"We have not veto rights, neither does Ukrzaliznytsia's advisory board. Anyone not fit for the job can be fired immediately. This can be done formally and the process may drag out in court. There are many other legal tricks which can be used to appoint people necessary to change the system," Omelian said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Omelian said the issue concerns the qualitative reform of Ukrzaliznytsia, which the minister said should staff with the best managers in Ukraine.

"This is what Ihor Smeliansky did at Ukrposhta. He formed a team from ace executives. I think Ukrposhta will show excellent results in the nearest months. Ukrzaliznytsia should take a similar approach. They need to hire legal, audit, railways, logistics and marketing professionals. I would prefer they be Ukrainian," he said.

As earlier reported, Ukrzaliznytsia officials have said some key employees have taken protracted sick leaves after learning about planned reshuffles at the state-run railways monopoly.
In a first, two inmates of Institute of Mental Health tie the knot

Cauvery row: Opposition parties stage rail roko across TN

India

oi-PTI

Chennai, Oct 17: Opposition parties including the DMK on Monday joined a state-wide rail blockade protest announced by a farmer's federation over the Cauvery issue, urging the Centre to set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB).

DMK Treasurer and Opposition Leader in Tamil Nadu Assembly, MK Stalin was among those who participated in the protests held in different parts of the state including Chennai and the Cauvery delta districts.

Stalin led a procession at Perambur here even as scores of political workers belonging to DMK, the Left parties and MDMK among others staged a rail roko at Thanjavur and Cuddalore, and were detained.

#CauveryIssue : Different Opposition parties stage 'Rail Roko' protest in Thanjavur (TN). pic.twitter.com/YhuSJmCkV1  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

A farmers' federation had called for the two-day rail blockade starting today, urging the Centre to immediately constitute the CMB. The protests come days after a high-level technical team, set up by the Supreme Court, completed its inspection of Cauvery basin region in Tamil Nadu to assess the situation in the state.

The team, which also inspected the Cauvery basin in Karnataka, is set to submit its report in the apex court on Monday. The apex court had set up the team while hearing a petition by Tamil Nadu government seeking release of Cauvery water by Karnataka.

PTI
Tamil Nadu bandh over Cauvery issue today: All you need to know

Cauvery row: Technical committee likely to file report in SC today

India

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Oct 17: The high level technical committee is likely to submit its report to the Supreme Court on Monday on the Cauvery Waters issue.

The committee was directed by the Supreme Court to study the ground level situation in the Cauvery basin in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The court had directed the committee to submit its report on October 17. The committee headed by G S Jha, the chairman of the central water commission in the Ministry for Water Resources, visited dams and catchments areas in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu last week.

Also read: We aim to distribute water judiciously: Cauvery technical team

On the last date of hearing, the Centre had told the court that it could not be directed to set up the Cauvery Management Board. The Centre said that this is a function of the legislature and not the judiciary.

The court will hear this matter separately. The court had also directed Karnataka to release 2,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu between October 7 and 18. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on Tuesday.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Monday, October 17, 2016, 8:13 [IST]
D-Syndicate raises its ugly head again: This time on the target are Hindu leaders

Dawood gang's activities didn't figure in Modi-Prachanda talks: MEA

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 17: The activities of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's gang in Nepal was not discussed during the Sunday meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepali counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.

Both leaders agreed to expedite all ongoing projects in the developmental and energy sectors as also community-based projects, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup told the media here.

"Prachanda raised the issue of anti-dumping investigation on jute products from Nepal, to which the Prime Minister (Modi) said he would look into the matter," Swarup said.

In October last year, the Indian Directorate General of Antidumping and Allied Duties, which functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, had initiated an antidumping investigation on import of jute products, jute yarn/twine (multiple folded/cabled and single), hessian fabrics and jute sacking bags from Bangladesh and Nepal.

Swarup said both leaders noted with satisfaction that the next meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission will be held in New Delhi later this month to comprehensively review all aspects of bilateral cooperation.

IANS


Bangladesh: At least 69 dead in fire in apartment used as chemical warehouse in Dhaka

Dhaka crackdown on terror a model template: Modi

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Benaulim (Goa), Oct 17: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's comprehensive crackdown on terrorism is a template for other countries on how to tackle terror, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

He made the comments during bilateral talks with his Bangladesh counterpart late on Sunday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said on Monday.

Swarup told reporters here that Modi also spoke in favour of meeting leaders in the South Asian region more regularly and with minimal protocol.

"He (Modi) commended Shaikh Hasina for the very strong action that she was taking to counter terrorism in Bangladesh.

"In fact, he said that 'your battle against terrorism was yielding very positive results. You have shown us all a new template on how to fight terrorism so successfully'," Swarup said.

Modi and Hasina met at the beach village of Benaulim in south Goa.

Swarup said Hasina made a detailed presentation on the various steps her government had taken in the wake of the Holey Artisan (Bakery cafe) terror attack in Dhaka in July 2016.

Hasina told Modi how her administration contacted all the districts of Bangladesh to get everybody on the same page to unite against terror and took on board all the imams to raise their voice against terror.

"She said that now public awareness is very high in Bangladesh against terrorism. (Modi) totally agreed and said terrorism can only be contained with strong public support," Swarup said.

"(Modi) said he wants (leaders of) countries of our region should be able to visit each other at very short notice without protocol considerations coming in the way.

"That is a message the Prime Minister has also been raising in the Saarc context, just as leaders in Europe and leaders in East Asia for instance are able to meet regularly at a fairly short notice," Swarup said.

Modi said the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation countries was significant as they represent the blue economy zone.

"In times to come, this would become a very important aspect of economic partnership and co-operation and hence the BRICS-BIMSTEC meeting was already yielding very substantive outcomes."

IANS


Kapil Sharma spotted in wheelchair at Mumbai airport, gets angry at paps who asked him if he was okay

HC stays BMC notice to raze illegal structure in Kapil Sharma's flat

India

oi-PTI

Mumbai, Oct 17: In a reprieve to standup comedian Kapil Sharma, the Bombay High Court today granted interim stay on a notice issued by BMC in April this year directing razing of an illegal structure allegedly constructed by him at his flat in an 18-storey building in Goregaon.

Sharma had approached the HC challenging the April 28 notice issued by the civic body under section 351 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, claiming that it was "bad in law", "perverse" and issued with "malafide intentions".

The corporation in its notice claimed that certain constructions in the 18-storey residential building 'DLH Enclave' in Goregaon, in which the actor has a flat, were illegal and hence will have to be razed down.

Sharma's advocate Pradeep Thorat informed a division bench of Justices Ranjit More and Anuja Prabhudessai that earlier the builder, Dev Land Housing Ltd, had also approached the high court against the notice and that the petition has been posted for hearing on November 23.

"Let this petition (Sharma's) also be tagged along with that petition for hearing on November 23. Till then the notice is stayed," Justice More directed.

The actor had kicked up a controversy last month by alleging that he had been asked to pay a bribe of Rs 5 lakh by an official of BMC which, in turn, claimed that the actor had flouted norms not only in his Versova office building but also at his apartment in suburban Goregaon.

Sharma, in his petition, claimed that the building had been granted all requisite permissions by the civic body. "In March and April 2010, the civic body issued commencement certificate to the developer granting permission to construct the 18 floors. On November 6, 2013, the corporation issued Full Occupation Certificate to the building," Sharma said in his petition.

However, on November 14, 2014, BMC's assistant engineer from Building and Factory department issued notice to Sharma claiming that he had made some illegal constructions in his flat in the building, and sought his reply.

Sharma, in his reply to the BMC, said no unauthorised construction was carried out at his flat in the building. The civic body on December 1, 2014, however, refused to accept the actor's clarification.

PTI
Fact Check: Images falsely shared with claim that it is chopper that crashed in Uttarakhand

On PMs guidance how Devbhoomi Uttarakhands Temples will be developed

Portals of Gangotri shrine close for winters, devotees can worship at Mukhba village now

News flash: PM spoke to Odisha CM on hospital fire

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Oct 17: Hearing to continue in Supreme Court today over the Lodha Panel recommendation case. In other news, former J&K CM Omar Abdullah tweets that he was subjected to secondary immigration check upon landing in the US.

Get all the latest news updates of the day:

1:15 am: Expenses for treatment of the injured persons in the fire incident to be borne by State Government from CM relief fund: CM

12:55 am: Odisha hospital fire: Probe ordered.

12:40 am: Odisha CM visited the fire ravaged hospital.

11:50 pm: Odisha hospital fire: PM spoke to Odisha CM.

11:35 pm: PM Modi has also asked me to ensure all possible help to the injured and affected: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

11:20 pm: PM has expressed concern, directed Health Min to facilitate transfer of all those injured to AIIMS:Dharmendra Pradhan

11:15 pm: Odisha hospital fire: Fire broke out due to short circuit.

10:45 pm: 9 dead in fire at Institute of Medical Sciences & Sum Hospital in Bhubaneswar.

9:15 pm: Fire breaks out in ICU ward of Institute of Medical Sciences & Sum Hospital, Bhubaneswar.

8:30 pm: Fire breaks out at Gate no. 28, Jessop factory at Dum Dum in Kolkata.

8:00 pm: German chemical plant blast: One killed, six injured.

7:45 pm: Chhattisgarh: Twp maoists arrested during search operation in Bijapur.

7:40 pm: Pak forces conduct military operation in Goburd area of Mand Balochistan and abducted many: Baloch Republican Party Spokesperson.

7.29 pm: General elections from Aravakurichi and Thanjavur Assembly constituencies in state of Tamil Nadu to be held on Nov 19th: Election Commission.

6.51 pm: Don't want to comment and give undue important to such undesirable tweets which are no good to the country: Kiren Rijiju (MoS Home) on Anurag Kashyap.

6.23 pm: Opposition activists: Air raids on rebel-held northern Syrian village kill at least 23 people. (Source: AP).

6.00 pm: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at the video launch of 'Vittshala'- a financial literacy in Delhi.

5.58 pm: Meeting underway between SP Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, UP CM Akhilesh Yadav and Shivpal Yadav at former's residence in Lucknow (UP).

5.57 pm: Myanmar Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi meets Congress President Sonia Gandhi in Delhi.

5.50 pm: Every religion hs its own law,if you try to impose something(Uniform civil code),then response would be bad: Farooq Abdullah on triple talaq.

5.31 pm: Remand period of accused Amirul Islam has been extended till 2nd November in Jisha murder case.

5.06 pm: Wreath laying ceremony of Army jawan, Sepoy Sudees Kumar who lost his life in firing by Pakistan in J&K's Rajouri.

5.00 pm: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 20.64 kilogram gold and Indian currency notes worth Rs 6.44 crore from a shop in old Delhi area.

4:47 pm: Where the Govt has to speak, it is deafening in its silence. Goa Declaration of the BRICS is the example of Govt's failure: ManishTewari.

4:42 pm: Did Def Min Yashwantrao Chavan go to an RSS Shakha? Did PM Mrs Indira Gandhi go to a Shakha?: Tiwari slams manohar Parrikar for politicising surgical strikes by Army.

4:35 pm: Why is the Def Minister of India always so over the top. Today he has credited the RSS for operations along LoC: ManishTewari

4:31: Congress leader Manish Tiwari addresses media.

4:30 pm: Media has created this confusion, Mulayam only talked about the process of choosing the CM: Kiranmoy Nanda, National General Secretary, SP.

4:28 pm: AkhileshYadav will be SP's CM face for UP elections: SP vice-president Kiranmoy Nanda.

4:17 pm: Assembly polls to two TamilNadu constituencies cancelled following use of money to influence voters to be held on Nov 19: EC.

3:59 pm: The Supreme Court today reserved orders on the BCCI's compliance of the Lodha panel reforms. BCCI sought more time to implement reforms.

3:48 pm: We were trying to form an anti-BJP party under the leadership of Mulayam Singh but Mulayam and his party itself in a mess now: Nitish Kumar.

3:31 pm: The Amicus Curiae in the BCCI case has sought from the SC to appoint an administrator. He also sought initiation of civil and criminal contempt charges against the BCCI officials for disobedience.

3:20 pm: CBI likely to file supplementary chargesheet on Friday in Sheena Bora case: Reports.

3:10 pm: Kapil Sharma approaches Bombay HC over BMC demolition order.

3.01 pm: Lawyer for Delhi Govt tells SC that due to health reasons Delhi CM couldn't attend the meeting, however Dy CM & Health Min attended the meet.

3.00 pm: Dengue-Chikungunya hearing case: SC asks details of the meeting chaired by LG on the matter.

2.55 pm: When it comes to national security, we will stand united with Centre & army bt we don't support the internal politics of issue: Nitish Kumar.

2.54 pm: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar addresses the party workers in Patna.

2.37 pm: Priyanka Chopra's father was a doctor in army, her comment (on Pak artists) at such a moment is unfortunate: TP Agarwal, IMPPA.

Manohar Parrikar: Mahatma ke goan se aane wale PM,Goa se Defence Min aur surgical strike,equation was diff,maybe RSS teaching was basic core pic.twitter.com/viDMizWdRu  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

2.17 pm: BCCI Chief Anurag Thakur in his affidavit clarifying the position which he had taken as BCCI President - "Pointed out to Chairman Shashank Manohar that when he was BCCI Pres he had taken a view that the recommendations of Justice Lodha committee appointing the nominee of CAG on apex council would amount to governmental interference & might invoke an action of suspension from ICC; therefore requested him that being the ICC Chairman can a letter be issued".

2.15 pm: Anurag Thakur in affidavit: (Shashank) Manohar explained to me when stand was taken by him, matter was pending before Court & was not decided.

2.14 pm: Lodha Panel recommendation matter: BCCI chief Anurag Thakur files affidavit in Supreme Court

2.09 pm: Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) to not exhibit any Pakistani film in this year's edition of Mumbai film festival.

2.08 pm: Cauvery Issue Standing crops in Karnataka & TN affected due to scarcity of water. Sugarcane farming in both states needs to be discouraged.

2.08 pm: Cauvery Issue: SC Committee report: 42 of 48 talukas of K'taka in Cauvery basin affected by drought. No water in Tamil Nadu for cattle.

2.06 pm: Cauvery Issue: SC committee report says that Karnataka's Mandya district is worst affected, has witnessed many suicides.

2.03 pm: Cauvery Issue: SC committee files report in SC, says situation grim in Karnataka & Tamil Nadu.

2.02 pm: Somewhere there was lapse on the part of the organisers and the police to handle it: Sheila Dikshit, UP CM candidate on Varanasi stampede

1.51 pm: Also, there is a need to initiate a dialogue process with our own people, look at the condition in J&K today: Farooq Abdullah, Former J&K CM

1.49 pm: War is not the solution for anything. There is no other way other than dialogue to resolve issues(between India & Pakistan): Farooq Abdullah

1.47 pm: Kapil Sharma moves Bombay HC against BMC notice to demolish alleged illegal portion of his office in Versova (Mumbai).

1.41 pm: PM Modi thanked Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina for showing solidarity with India after #UriAttack : Vikas Swarup, MEA #BIMSTEC

1.36 pm: PM Narendra Modi to hold 8 rallies in the next 2 months in Uttar Pradesh beginning with Mahoba on Oct 24th.

#WATCH : Stage collapses during Congress rally in Tonk (Rajasthan); Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot also present. pic.twitter.com/9OrYsn5rYm  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

1.21 pm: BSP MLA candidate from Moradabad Dehat Qaisar Alam returns his ticket, joins Samajwadi Party.

1.17 pm: Also thank Brazil for understanding India's aspiration for membership of the NSG Group: PM Modi

1.15 pm: Bihar minister Tej Pratap Yadav admits in SC that he accepted bouquet from Siwan journalist murder accused but denies involvement

1.07 pm: We deeply appreciate Brazil's support for India's actions in combating terrorism: PM Modi

1.06 pm: We (India-Brazil) agreed that world must come together to fight this menace (terror) without distinction or discrimination: PM Modi

1.06 pm: We've made progress in opening new areas of cooperation during this visit in drug regulation, agricultural research and cyber security: PM

1.05 pm: I welcome Brazilian companies to come and invest in India and forge a long commercial partnership: PM Modi

1.04 pm: Happy to note that India and Brazil are close to finalizing the text of a bilateral investment agreement: PM Modi in Goa

1.03 pm: Brazil is among our most important economic partners in Latin America: PM Modi

1.03 pm: The bilateral relations between India and Brazil have grown for the better. We have increased interaction at all levels: PM Modi

1.02 pm: Delighted that Goa with its distinct Portuguese heritage is part of his (Brazil President) maiden visit here: PM Modi

Salcete (Goa) : Exchange of MoUs between India and Brazil #BRICS2016 pic.twitter.com/GFXcnLY13U  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

12.55 pm: Supreme Court directs CBI to complete probe in the murder of Siwan (Bihar) Journalist Rajdev Ranjan in three months.

12.27 pm: Myanmar Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi arrives in Delhi.

#BIMSTEC : Myanmar Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi arrives in Delhi from Goa. pic.twitter.com/bxVyuINVc6  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

12.20 pm: Cauvery Water dispute: Technical team submits report to the Supreme Court.

12.04 pm: Delegation level talks between India and Brazil underway in Goa.

Delegation level talks between India and Brazil underway in Goa #BRICS2016 pic.twitter.com/mMPoJjOTMP  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

11.48 am: The international border with Pakistan will be sealed by Dec 2018. An action plan based on Madhukar Gupta committee report is ready: Rajnath Singh.

11.38 am: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh addresses 'Regional Editors Conference'.

11.30 am: The Supreme Court today issued notices to the Tamil Nadu government on a plea that sought the appointment of a Lokayukta in the state. The government of TN has been given 4 weeks time to respond to the notice.



11.23 am: Congress leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi likely to join BJP.

11.00 am: Brazil President Michel Temer meets PM Narendra Modi.

Goa: Brazil President Michel Temer meets PM Narendra Modi #BRICS2016 pic.twitter.com/yXl4phVWFx  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

10.14 am: Different Opposition parties stage 'Rail Roko' protest in Thanjavur (TN) over the Cauvery issue.

#CauveryIssue : Different Opposition parties stage 'Rail Roko' protest in Thanjavur (TN). pic.twitter.com/YhuSJmCkV1  ANI (@ANI_news) October 17, 2016

9.55 am: Protests in Bengaluru over RSS worker's murder; Section 144 imposed in 4 areas, bandh called.

9.30 am: 14 dead, scores missing in Myanmar ferry sinking: rescue official.

9.10 am: MK Stalin leads DMK's 'Rail Roko' demonstration in Chennai.

8.40 am: Militants decamp with 5 rifles from a security post guarding a TV tower in Kashmir's Anantnag district.

8.03 am: Terrorists snatch five guns from policemen at Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir.

8.00 am: Supreme Court to resume hearing on Lodha Panel recommendations to clean up BCCI today.

OneIndia News
Kiren Rijiju takes dig at Kashyap over Modi tweets

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Oct 17: Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju today took potshot at filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, saying people use Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name to get into news.

"A new fashion has developed in India. A student or a film person can put a question or speak against PM without any logic to get into news," Rijiju tweeted.

Kashyap, in a series of tweets, had said that why should only Indian filmmakers be targeted for casting Pakistani actors when the PM also made a trip to Lahore last year. "@narendramodi Sir you haven't yet said sorry for your trip to meet the Pakistani PM... It was dec 25th.

Same time KJo was shooting ADHM? Why? @narendramodi why is it that we have to face it while you can be silent?" the director had written to show support for Karan Johar's upcoming movie "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil".

A new fashion has developed in India. A student or a film person can put a question or speak against PM without any logic to get into news.  Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) October 17, 2016

In democratic India one can ask questions to PM or comments freely but better if it's with sense & without undermining our nation's prestige https://t.co/l1zRSgdRJK  Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) October 17, 2016

Kashyap was trolled on Twitter and also received criticism from some members of the film industry over his comments. "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" has landed in soup over casting Pakistani actor Fawad Khan.

In the aftermath of Uri attack last month, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) issued an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes to leave India.

Subsequently, Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association passed a motion to ban the artistes from the neighbouring country. Recently, Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India also decided to not screen the films with Pakistani actors in four states-- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.

PTI
In a first, two inmates of Institute of Mental Health tie the knot

PM Narendra Modi to visit Jayalalithaa soon, confirms Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan

News

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Union minister of state for highways and shipping Pon Radhakrishnan on Sunday told reporters that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would soon visit Chennai to enquire about the health condition of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

However, the union minister did not specify the exact date of PM Modi's visit to Chennai.

Amma (as the CM is popularly known to her fans) is undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital at Greams Road, Chennai, since September 22.

"The Prime Minister is keen to know about the health condition of Jayalalithaa and get updates on it and will soon visit Chennai," he told reporters.

Earlier some unconfirmed media reports suggested that PM Modi was likely to meet Jayalalithaa at the hospital on October 15.

Since almost a month now, several top leaders from various political parties, including Rahul Gandhi, Arun Jaitley and Amit Shah, had visited the hospital to enquire about the ailing Chief Minister's health.

OneIndia News
This is 21st century, where have we reached in name of religion: SC on hate speeches

SC extends stay on commercial release of GM Mustard crop

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Oct 17: The Supreme Court today extended the stay on the commercial release of Genetically Modified (GM) Mustard crop till further orders as the matter did not reach the board for hearing.

The apex court, which on October 7 had restrained the commercial release of the crop for ten days, said the stay would continue and the matter will be heard on October 24. The court, at the last hearing, had asked the Centre to seek public opinion on such seeds before releasing it for cultivation purpose, even as government approval is awaited.

A bench of Chief Justice T S Thakur, Justice A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud accepted the request of the counsel appearing for the petitioner. During the last hearing, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta agreed that no commercial release of the seeds will be done till October 17 and views and suggestions of the public should be taken and put up before the appraisal committee before releasing them.

Mustard is one of India's most important winter crops which is sown between mid-October and late November. Mehta said the Centre needed to reply to the petition and refuted the allegation that sowing of the seeds was being done without relevant tests.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for petitioner Aruna Rodrigues, alleged that the government was sowing the seeds in various fields and said the bio-safety dossier has to be put on website, which has not been done yet.

Alleging that field trials were being carried out without doing the relevant tests, he sought a 10-year moratorium on them. Bhushan said a Technical Expert Committee (TEC) report has also said that the entire regulatory system was in shambles and 10-year moratorium should be given.

Rodrigues had filed the plea yesterday seeking a stay on the commercial release of Genetically Modified (GM) Mustard crop and prohibition of its open field trials.

He had also urged the court to prohibit open field trials and commercial release of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) crops including HT Mustard DMH 11 and its parent lines/variants as recommended by the Technical Expert Committee (TEC) report.

"Since the claimed yield superiority of HT DMH 11 through the B&B system over Non-GMO varieties and hybrids is quite simply not true, in fact a hoax, ... there is no purpose to this GMO HT mustard for India," the petition said. It said the contamination caused by mustard HT DMH 11 and its HT parents would be "irremediable and irreversible".

"The contamination of our seed stock and germ plasm as will happen with mustard HT DMH 11 and its HT parents will be irremediable and irreversible making our food toxic at the molecular level without recourse," it said.

PTI
Man booked for rape of 12-year-old after video of injured girl surfaces on internet

Soumya rape case verdict: Incensed by Katju's FB post, SC challenges former judge to debate

India

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Oct 17: The Supreme Court today asked former judge M Katju to come to court and discuss his Facebook post in which he criticised a judgment in the Soumya rape and murder case.

Justice Markandey Katju had said that the Supreme Court had "grievously erred by law" in the Soumya rape and murder case in which the death sentence of the accused Govindachamy was commuted.

In a Facebook post, he said: "The Supreme Court has grievously erred by law by not holding Govindachamy guilty of murder."

The SC had commuted to life the death sentence awarded to Govindachamy for raping 23-year-old Soumya on February 1, 2011 in Kerala.

Following this the state as well as the parents had filed a review in the Supreme Court. The court today kept the review in abeyance while stating that it would debate with Justice Katju on his facebook post.

We have the greatest respect for him. But let him come down and debate the fundamental flaw in our case the court also observed.

The court had found that there was no intention on the part of the accused to kill the victim. It held that since it has not been proved that the accused had intention to kill, he cannot be held guilty of murder.

OneIndia News
Coal stocks in the warehouses of thermal power plants (TPP) of Ukraine from October 9 until October 16, 2016 increased by 8.1%, from 1.414 million tonnes to 1.528 million tonnes, Ukrenergo has reported.

In particular, anthracite coal stocks rose by 8.7%, to 685,000 tonnes (including 90,000 tonnes at Luhansk TPP), while gas coal and long-flame coal stocks grew by 7.5%, to 843,000 tonnes (including 138,000 tonnes at Burshtyn TPP).

Ukrenergo said energy consumption in the morning of October 17 was 20.325 GW, while 36 coal power units and two turbine generators at the TPPs generated 7.004 GW. Nuclear power plants (NPPs) showed a capacity of 10.099 GW, hydroelectric power plants 1.500 GW, combined heat and power plants 1.508 MW and alternative energy units 214 MW.

Exports from the Burshtyn TPP energy island on October 9 stood at 249 MW and 134 MW to Poland. No exports to Belarus, Moldova and Russia were reported.
UP elections 2014 & 2017: Looking at vote-shares of BJP and its opponents

SP, BSP have bred poverty, illiteracy, graft: Smriti Irani

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Lucknow, Oct 17: Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani on Monday accused the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) of "breeding poverty, illiteracy and graft" in Uttar Pradesh.

At a rally in Basti, the Minister said that time had come for these parties to be thrown out and for the BJP to be voted in.

"In the forthcoming state assembly elections, the people of Uttar Pradesh will seek answers from these parties and express their solidarity with the BJP," Irani said.

Attacking Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi for what she called was "fake love for Dalits", the Union Minister said the Gandhi scion knew very well that his party was responsible for the poor state of Dalits and other deprived castes in the country, adding that his love for the downtrodden was "nothing but a sham".

She also announced the setting up of a coordination centre and a design workshop for artisans in Basti and said tools for handicrafts would be provided free of cost to BPL families.

A registration camp would also be organised soon to register artisans in the region, she added.

IANS


Nobel endeavour: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to address French Parliament

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Bengaluru, Oct. 17: Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been invited to speak at the French Parliament in Paris, France, and will address the two Houses, the National Assembly and the Senate, separately on October 18 and 19 respectively.

Sri Sri, credited with helping strike the now-failed Columbian peace deal, for which that country's president was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this year, was invited to address the French Parliament by Paul Giacobbi, president of the India-France Parliamentary group, and Francois Marc, president of the India-France Group of Senators.

The Art of Living founder's speeches, who will become the first Indian to address both houses of the French Parliament, will focus on conflict resolution and inter-confessional and inter-cultural dialogue. He will answer questions from French MPs after the sessions, a statement from AoL said.

Sri Sri will also deliver a keynote address on 'Ethics for a globalised and sustainable economy' at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

In May this year, former British Prime Minister David Cameron had invited him to address the House of Commons in London.

The address to the French Parliament is significant. France, where terrorists killed some 130 people in a ghastly attack in Paris last November, continues to be a target for the Islamic State.

"The ground work that has been done by Gurudev (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar) in France provides concrete solutions to the current French problems like social integration. The very fact that both the assemblies of Parliament are keen to hear Sri Sri speak on the current problems of France is a strong indication that the parliamentarians are looking for solutions in the direction of peace and harmony. To receive a spiritual leader without a political mandate is a big step in recognizing the potential of the soft power of India," AoL-France Executive Director Serge Michenaud said in a statement.

The Art of Living has been active for decades in France, its youth leadership programs helping troubled youth from Paris suburbs to reshape their lives and careers. Yoga and meditation-based programs conducted by the Art of Living have had tremendous positive effect on radicalized youth in French prisons, and appreciated deeply by the authorities, the AoL statement said.

After Paris, Sri Sri is slated to visit Poland, Sweden and Norway, addressing public programs in these countries. He is scheduled to deliver on October 23, the keynote address at the Peace Conference in the Norwegian Parliament hosted by Member of National Parliament Ms. Sylv Graham. The Sweden and Norway speeches may be of greater significance personally for Sri Sri. The Nobel Prize is given away by Swedish and Norwegian institutions. The Nobel Peace Prize, in particular, is awarded each year in Norway.
Uma Bharati's Bureaucracy is there to pick up our chappals remarks sparks controversy

Uma Bharti gets bail in defamation case filed by Digvijaya

India

oi-PTI

Bhopal, Oct 17: A court here today granted bail to Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti in a defamation case filed against her by Congress leader Digvijaya Singh. Judicial Magistrate Ajay Singh Thakur granted her bail on a security of Rs 10,000 in the 13-year-old case.

Bharti, wearing saffron robes, first appeared in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Bhubhaskar Yadav, but as he was on leave, she approached Magistrate Thakur for bail.

Her lawyer Harish Mehta said the minister could not appear on the last date, September 29, as she had to chair an urgent meeting regarding the Cauvery water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

On September 29, CJM Yadav had issued a non-bailable warrant against Bharti for not appearing before the court since October 2015.

Her lawyer moved the court of Additional District Judge Ramkumar Choubey saying her statement could be recorded through a lawyer and her presence was not necessary. The district court stayed the warrant on the same day.

The Congress leader dragged Bharti to court alleging defamation in 2003 when she, as BJP's chief ministerial candidate during the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, alleged that a multi-crore rupees scam had taken place during Singh's tenure as the chief minister between 1993 and 2003.

Earlier this year, the CJM's court had asked Bharti and Singh to attempt mediation to settle the dispute out of the court, but it did not work out.

PTI
From being a victim of terrorism to exploring global solutions: India praised at UN's Counter Terrorism meet

18 militants killed in Egypt as army avenges ISIS attack

International

oi-PTI

Cairo, Oct 17: Eighteen Takfiri militants and 11 security officials, including eight policemen, were killed as the Egyptian army began rooting out terrorists in North and Central Sinai in retaliation for the Friday's deadly attack by the Islamic State that left 12 military personnel dead.

Egyptian military spokesperson Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said in a statement that the army killed 18 Takfiri militants in the operation yesterday, which is aimed to target terrorists and outlaw elements from several areas in the North and Central Sinai region.

Three soldiers were killed and two others injured during the operation as the Air Force destroyed 16 shelters used by the Takfiri elements while artillery and ground forces attacked other targets which belong to the terrorists in North Sinai, he said.

Local media also reported citing security sources that eight policemen, including 3 officials and five conscripts were killed in the army campaign yesterday in different villages of Shiekh Zwayed city in North Sinai.

Four vehicles and 14 motorcycles used by the terrorists in their attacks were destroyed and a large number of weapons were also ceased, Samir said. He said the campaign is bolstered by ongoing airstrikes against militant positions where security operations are taking place.

This is the second comprehensive campaign launched by the army since the three-stage campaign of the "Martyr's Right", the largest and most comprehensive military operation that aimed at rooting out militants based in the restive North Sinai.

The first stage of "Martyr's Right" was launched by the security forces in response to an attack in October 2014 that killed 33 security personnel.

Egypt has witnessed a series of terrorist attacks targeting policemen, judges and military personnel in different parts of the country. Since the 2011 revolution that toppled the regime of then President Hosni Mubarak, North Sinai, which is the base of a number of extremist outlaw groups, became the main stage of many violent attacks by Takfiri gunmen.

The attacks increased after the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in 2013 following massive protests against his rule.

Over 700 security personnel have been reportedly killed since then. The military has launched security campaigns in the area, arrested suspects and demolished houses that belong to terrorists, including those facilitating tunnels leading to the Gaza Strip.

PTI
Pakistan has made "great sacrifice" to combat terrorism: China on Modi's remark

International

oi-PTI

Beijing, Oct 17: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Pakistan a "mothership of terrorism", China today strongly defended its all-weather ally, saying it is against linking any country or religion with terror and asked the world community to acknowledge Pakistan's "great sacrifices".

In a sharp reaction to a question about Modi's characterisation of Pakistan at the BRICS Summit in Goa, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Hua Chunying said China is opposed to linking any country to terrorism. Answering a question on Modi's criticism of Islamabad in aiding and abetting terror groups opposed to India, she said "on counter-terrorism, China's position is consistent".

"It is the same way we oppose linking terrorism with any specific country or religion," she said. "We oppose terrorism in all forms and we believe that international concerted efforts are needed to ensure stability and security of all countries," she said. "We oppose linking terrorism with any specific ethnicity or religion.

This is our long-standing position. China and Pakistan are all-weather friends. Noting that India and Pakistan are "all victims of terrorism", she said Islamabad has made "great sacrifice to combat terrorism and this needs to be recognised by the international community".

'Selective approach to terror won't work': Modi at BRICS summit

To another question about Modi's criticism that Pakistan State continues to support anti-India terrorist groups giving them arms, financial support and helping them to cross the border to carry out attacks in India and whether it is China's view that international community should not take a stand on Islamabad's support to terrorists, Hu said: "I understand your concern."

"But, as I said on counter-terrorism China's position is consistent. It is the same way we oppose linking terrorism with specific country or religion," she said. "As per the problem between India and Pakistan, both the two countries are close neighbours of China.

We truly hope that they can resolve these differences in a peaceful way through dialogue and consultation, so that India and Pakistan relations can develop. This serves the interest of the two countries and the region," she said.

PTI
Pak FM Qureshi calls on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya, invites him to visit Islamabad

Terror in Islamabad: A top secret mission, all for the nation, all for the truth

Unlike Pakistan where 'fanatics are eulogised': India slams Islamabad over reaction on Prophet comment row

Caught on camera: Man gropes burqa-clad woman walking on street in Pakistan

On move to extend China-Pak Economic Corridor, India says its inherently unacceptable

Pakistan accuses India of violating ceasefire 90 times

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Islamabad, Oct 17: Pakistan on Monday accused India of violating the 2003 ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir more than 90 times.

"During 2016, India violated the ceasefire more than 90 times. This must stop," Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakria tweeted.

#LoCViolationsbyIndia India again resorts 2unprovoked firing on LoC; during 2016 India violated ceasefire more than 90 times. This #muststop  M. Nafees Zakaria (@ForeignOfficePk) October 17, 2016

He said India was the main hurdle to regional peace and accused it of vitiating the atmosphere through blame games, hostile statements and propaganda in order to malign Pakistan.

Zakaria claimed that Pakistan had "never violated the ceasefire agreement" and that ceasefire violations had always been misreported by Indian media.

Pakistan and Indian border troops last exchanged gunfire across the Line of Control on Sunday. The LoC divides Jammu and Kashmir between the two countries.

IANS
Extension, elevation or coup: What's on Pak army chief Raheel's mind

International

oi-Vicky

With Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif, who is set to retire in November, there are several interesting developments that are taking place. While analysts in Pakistan do not rule out an extension, a proposal to elevate General Sharif to the rank of Field Marshal has been filed in the Islamabad High Court.

General Sharif the 16th Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan army, was appointed on November 29, 2013 for a three year term. The General had said in January that he does not believe in extensions.

Although General Sharif is tight lipped today, some time back there were posters in Pakistan which called for an extension or for him to take over President.

Will he bow out?

General Sharif will step down in November or not is being watched with keen interest both in Pakistan as well as in India. Indian officials and analysts say that if he is given an extension that would mean Pakistan is attempting a military adventure.

However, analysts are also of the opinion that since he shares a troubled relationship with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the likelihood of an extension is less.

However, analysts do not rule out a change in guard at the ISI. The current ISI director, Lt General Rizwan Akthar was in the news recently for his alleged showdown with the civilian government.

There is a rumour that he may be replaced with Lt General Naveed Akthar.

Also read: An extension for Gen Raheel Sharif would mean Pak wants conflict with India

This would be a well calculated move by the civilian government. The government has been denying the report which spoke about a showdown. If a change of guard at the ISI were to take place, the government would be indirectly confirming the report.

The Pakistan government would want a peaceful transition in November. The government would ideally like to bring in Lt Gen Javed Iqbal Ramday in place of General Sharif. The name of Lt. Gen Ramday has been doing the rounds due to his proximity to the ruling PML(N). The question is will his political links have a bearing in the decision making?

However, analysts predict if at all General Sharif steps down, there is a good chance that he may be replaced with Lt Gen Zubair Hayat, the Chief of General Staff.

Hailing from Lahore, he is responsible for managing Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. He has served as the director general of the Strategic Plans Division. He is currently in charge of the intelligence and operational affairs at the army's General Headquarters. Hayat could be a compromise candidate since he is favoured both by the military and civilian leadership.

Field Marshal General Raheel Sharif?

The other interesting development is the petition in the Islamabad High Court which seeks to elevate General Sharif to the rank of a Field Marshal. Sarvar Saleem petitioned the court stating that General Sharif should be elevated as Field Marshal for his exemplary services and sacrifices rendered for the nation.

The petition further states that he should be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal for rendering services to protect national security and safeguarding the frontiers of Pakistan in accordance with the National Action Plan and for successful completion of the anti-terror campaign "Zarb-e-Azab" in an effective and efficient manner.

If General Sharif is elevated he would become the second Field Marshal of Pakistan. Field Marshal Muhammad Ayush Khan has remained the only Field Marshal in the history of Pakistan till date.

He had appointed himself as the Field Marshal when he was the second president of Pakistan as well as the commander in Chief of the Army.

OneIndia News
Naxals arrested in UP tried to source AK-47s from Bihar

Lucknow

oi-Vicky

Lucknow, Oct 17: The arrest of ten naxalites in Uttar Pradesh last week has confirmed the fears of security agencies that a major module was on the verge of being set up.

Investigations that have been conducted show that the naxalites were trying to set up a base in Uttar Pradesh with the help of criminal gangs. Attempts to set up a base in UP were being made since 2011. However, the naxalites were unable to do so as they were short of funds.

The 11 people, who were arrested in Hindon Vihar, Sardarpur and Chandoli were in touch with criminal gangs in Western UP to raise money. The police also learnt that they were indulging in criminal activities to raise funds.

A senior officer with the Uttar Pradesh police department told OneIndia that the intention was not just to raise funds. "We suspect that they were planning a major strike in the state ahead of the elections," the officer said.

The police recovered Gelatine Rods, detonators, live cartridges and pistols from these men.

Investigations have also shown that they were gathering material and trying to carry out a major strike. One of the naxalites was planning a trip to Bihar where he had hidden an AK-47 rifle. He was planning on getting the rifle to Uttar Pradesh, the police also say.

Although prima facie, the police have ruled out links between the naxalites and the terrorists, they say that the probe would focus on this angle as well.

The police say that there are several defunct terror modules in Uttar Pradesh. There are people who worked closely with the Indian Mujahideen when the outfit was at its peak. The naxalites may have got in touch with them to procure arms and ammunition, the police also say.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Monday, October 17, 2016, 13:43 [IST]
As the countdown clock struck zero, rocket of Aakash BYJUS took off from Bandra Bandstand

2 including ex-corporator held for RTI activist's murder in Mumbai

Mumbai

oi-PTI

Mumbai, Oct 17: Two persons, including a former corporator, were arrested on Monday morning by Mumbai Police in connection with the murder of a 72-year-old RTI activist.

"Amjad Khan (53) and his father Razzaq Khan (78) were arrested today morning on charges of murder of Bhupendra Vira. Razzak was earlier a corporator in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. It looks like a land dispute led to the Khans killing Vira," Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Dudhe told PTI.

Razzaq Khan is former corporator of Congress from Santacruz area. Vira, who had been fighting against land mafia, unauthorized structures and encroachments in and around Kalina, was shot dead at point blank range on Saturday night when he was watching TV at his residence in suburban Santacruz.

The shooter is suspected to have used a silencer, as Vira'a wife, who despite being in the house claimed that she did not hear anything, a police official involved in the probe said.

Police had earlier said they were inquiring if Vira had approached them with any complaint - that he faced threat to his life. The activist is survived by a daughter and two sons.

Also read: Elderly RTI activist shot dead at his residence

Social activist and former AAP leader Anjali Damania, who had worked with Vira, on Sunday said he was attached to 'Voice of Kalina', an advanced locality management (ALM) body and a citizen's group.

Describing him as committed social worker, Damania had said, "Vira along with other members of the ALM were fighting against encroachments, illegal structures and land mafia in and around Kalina by filing RTIs. He had written several letters to authorities including, Lokayukta, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and police, seeking action against illegal structures."

According to her, several activists had received threats and many of them, including Vira, had filed several complaints at Vakola police station in this regard. She said that on Saturday morning, Vira had persuaded the BMC authorities to issue four notices to a local goon living in the same area.

PTI
When is Dev Diwali 2022? November 7th or November 8th? Know timings, significance and more

AAP MLA Singh is King(pin) in extortion racket, say police

New Delhi

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Oct 17: The extortion racket was being carried out on the directions of AAP MLA Gulab Singh, the police have said. Singh who is charge of AAP's Gujarat affairs surrendered before the Surat police on Sunday after a non-bailable warrant was issued against him.

In September two property dealers, Rinku Diwan and Deepak Sharma had complained that they were being threatened. They said that two people- Satish and Devender who work in Singh's office had threatened them and also tried to extort money. The police filed a case of extortion under Section 384 of the Indian Penal Code.

The Joint Commissioner of Police, Southwestern Range, Dependra Pathak said that Singh is the kingpin. The entire racket was being run on his instructions, Pathak also said. He also said that four of his associates were already arrested.

There is enough evidence to suggest that Singh was running this syndicate the officer also said.

It is alleged that the accused people would identify illegal constructions by filing RTI applications. They would then call such builders and demand money from them, investigations have also revealed.

They would tell the builders that if they did not cough up the money, they would take action against them.

AAP, has however, reacted strongly on this issue. Singh is the 15th MLA from AAP to be arrested. Singh said that the police had searched his office and found nothing concrete.

Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal said that the case is a fabricated one and has been filed because the BJP government is scared.

OneIndia News
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has had tripartite telephone conversations with French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the Ukrainian presidential press service said on Sunday.

"It was agreed to hold the next telephone conversation in the tripartite format at the beginning of the next week to determine the prospects of holding a summit in the Normandy format," the Ukrainian president's website said in a statement.
ISI spy arrested in Gujarat was a rogue double agent

New Delhi

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Oct 17: The ISI spy who was arrested in Gujarat last week was an Indian agent who turned rogue. Investigations have revealed that the arrested person Sakur Sumra was an informer for the Intelligence Bureau, but turned rogue after he was offered a good sum of money by the ISI in Pakistan.

Sumra was roped in by Mohammad Alana who was also arrested with him. Alana, who had visited Pakistan to meet a relative, had been honey trapped by a 17-year-old girl. After he was roped in to spy for the ISI, he decided to contact Sumra.

Investigators say that since Alana was an illiterate he roped in Sumra. Moreover Sumra was aware on how to gather information since he had been an informer for the IB.

Double Rogue Agent

Sources tell OneIndia that Sumra had been an informer for the IB. He was providing information to the IB between 2010 and 2014. However, after he came in contact with Alana he turned rogue and shifted loyalties. He had a good amount of information about the border areas in Kutch.

The duo are being questioned by the military intelligence after it had been found that information relating to the movement of troops at the border areas had been shared by them. Post the Uri attack, the duo had made several calls to Pakistan and provided vital information.

They were using Pakistan SIM cards, investigations have also revealed. The call records clearly indicate that they were in touch with their handlers in Pakistan who they refer to as Master Ashraf.

The cell phones have now been sent for forensic analysis. Investigations also suggest that the duo had made several trips to the Tharparkar district in Pakistan.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Monday, October 17, 2016, 11:56 [IST]
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Ukrainian army positions come under 61 militant attacks in past 24 hours

Donbas militants conducted 61 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in the past 24 hours, the anti-terrorist operation staff's press service said.

"Ukrainian positions near Hranitne, Novotroitske, Pavlopil and Talakivka came under attack of large-caliber machineguns, grenade launchers and small arms, while mortars and 122mm tube artillery were fired on Maryinka," the press service said.

Twenty-three violations of the truce were seen in the Luhansk sector, including the vicinity of Novooleksandrivka, Krymske, Bohuslavske, Novozvanivka and Orikhove, it said.

Ukrainian army positions were attacked nine times in the Donetsk sector.
by  Graham Pierrepoint



A few weeks ago, it may have been likely for you to receive good odds on Donald Trump succeeding in becoming the next US President  and while the real estate mogul is still very much in the race, a number of high-profile revelations in the past two weeks seem to have done the Republican candidate damage, swooping in at a considerably late stage in the election game. US citizens have around three weeks left at the time of writing to decide who they would like to be in charge of the country once Barack Obama steps down in 2017  and it seems that Hillary Clinton is now leading the charge, at least according to a recent poll over the weekend.

A national poll conducted by The Wall Street Journal and NBC News states that voter intention for Clinton now stands eleven points clear of Trump  with both candidates clear of Gary Johnson and Jill Stein, who will also be on the ballot. The poll will come as a blow to bothe Trump campaign and loyal Republicans, those who support the nominated candidate and those who dont  as Trump was demonstrating a lead over the Democratic representative a few months prior. Certainly, it is an election that is very much being fought via the media  proving once again just how powerful both print and televisual mediums can be in aiding public opinion.

Trump and his campaign team are allegedly seeking to mount a new strategy to help pull back some of the supposed voting intention, with rumors recently stating that Bill Clinton may become the focus of the Republicans future public appearances  a strategy that will be used to combat both the leak of controversial comments Trump made regarding women in recent weeks and a series of allegations regarding sexual assault that the candidate continues to vehemently deny. Clinton, too, is not without scandal this election campaign  as while scrutiny over emails missing from her official record while working for Barack Obama appear to be receiving no further legal intervention, many voters remain wary of the Democratic candidate.

The final few weeks of campaign will likely make for very interesting news as it is likely that all stops will be pulled out from both candidates campaigns  who knows what will be put forth next? And just how will America vote? In three weeks time, we will know for certain.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has confirmed the death of militant Arseniy Pavlov, also known as Motorola.

"I can confirm the report circulated currently in the media about the killing of Arseny Pavlov. I can confirm the information that the man, who committed crimes against Ukraine's territorial integrity and and was on a wanted list, has been killed in a residential building in Donetsk today," he said.

The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic reported earlier Motorola died in an explosion in an elevator on his way home on October 16. They immediately said Ukrainian a reconnaissance-and-sabotage group was behind the killing.
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Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko in Frankfurt, Germany, held a meeting with potential investors interested in the implementation of a project to complete the Podilsko-Voskresensky Bridge in Kyiv.

The press service of the city mayor reported that the bridge has been built since 2003.

"With enough financing it will take around three years to launch the bridge. Then we can speak about subway. The issue of subway to Troyeschyna remains important for us. We will complete the project. We will not be able to launch subway to Troyeschyna without the bridge," Klitschko said.

The mayor expressed hope that with the help of Germany Kyiv would find investors and "German companies will join the implementation of this important and strategic project for Kyiv."

Kyiv city has only five motor way bridges across the Dnipro River and they are the most congested sections of the city road network.

Klitschko thanked Germany for the help provided to Kyiv. He pointed out effective cooperation with State Secretary of the Ministry for Transport and Digital Infrastructure of Germany Rainer Bomba. The mayor said that Kyiv's authorities would make everything that depends on them to finish the bridge and make Kyiv more comfortable for driving.

German businessmen said that they are ready for further talks and consultations to clarify all issues linked to the implementation of the project. They agreed to conduct a technical and financial study of the project and specify some legislative issues to find out if it is possible to build the bridge under European technical requirements.

"The next meeting to discuss the implementation of the project is to be held in Berlin in November," the press service said.
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Komfie Manalo, Opalesque Asia:

The Netherlands-based asset manager Saemor fund gained 1.4% in September. Performance was helped by a solid contribution from its long positions, while the short positions performed in line with the market.

Saemor said in its monthly report to investors, "Most sectors contributed positively, of which consumer discretionary added the most. On the single stock level, the Fund gained the most from the long positions in retailer JD Sports, Fashion and auto parts maker Valeo, and short positions in media group Schibsted and Deutsche Bank. By contrast, long positions in metal distributor Kloeckner and betting agency Ladbrokes detracted performance. Within our multi-factor model, we saw a reversal of trends seen last month."

It added that price momentum fared well with the daily volatility of the factor declining. Earnings momentum, profitability and several quality factors also added to the model performance, while value turned into negative territory.

Market developments

Despite concerns over European Banks, Brexit headlines, the U.S. Presidential election, the OPEC meeting, and Fed and BoJ meetings, Saemor noted that the markets remained calm. European equities ended the month broadly flat, up 0.4% MoM. The materials sector benefitted from a rally in commodities. The OPEC outcome g......................

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Komfie Manalo, Opalesque Asia:

China-focused hedge funds, particularly the largest, are enjoying good returns as the recovery in the stock market has helped them reverse losses they posted early this year, Bloomberg reported.

Greenwoods Golden China Fund, with $1.5bn in asset and the $728m Pinpoint China Fund both reported positive gains last month, extending their growth which started to trickle in in the second half of this year after posting losses in the early part of 2016. Records from data provider Eurekahedge showed that China-focused hedge funds are having their toughest year since 2011, with around 63% of them in the red through September.

Joseph Zeng, the partner in charge of the Hong Kong office at Greenwoods Asset Management, commented, "We have seen signs of stabilization with both Chinas macro economy and equities market. The forthcoming Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect is expected to be a catalyst for Hong Kong-listed equities." The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect intends to link both markets beginning November that will facilitate cross-border investments.

Like their Western peers, hedge fund managers, including Ken Griffin and Izzy Englander, saw their hedge fund firms, Citadel and Millennium Management post gains over the past months due to upswings in the stock market that helped them recover from earlier losses.......................

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Opalesque Industry Update - Henry Swieca, founder of investment firm Talpion Fund Management and co-founder of hedge fund Highbridge Capital Management, is pledging $1 million to The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. Swieca's pledge is directed to the Cost of Victory gallery, in the upcoming Liberation Pavilion, which will commemorate the horrific destruction of life in Europe as well as the role America played in ending the Nazi reign of terror. Henry Swieca is the son of Polish Holocaust survivors who emigrated to the U.S. before his birth. "I grew up with great appreciation for America and its principals of freedom and liberty," says Swieca. "I feel a very special connection to World War II and will always be grateful for America's critical role as the defender of liberty during the War and beyond," he said. "With highly engaging exhibits to educate visitors about the incredible sacrifices America made to defend liberty, this Museum helps to ensure the values we fought for get passed on to future generations." The Liberation Pavilion, scheduled to open in 2019, will be a featured addition to The National WWII Museum's rapidly expanding six-acre campus. The Museum's expansion will ultimately quadruple the institution's original size, adding state-of-the-art programs, exhibits and archives. The Pavilion covers the closing months of the War and the post-War years concluding with an exploration of the meaning and lasting significance of America's defense of freedom. The Cost of Victory gallery confronts visitors with the enormity of destruction and suffering during the global war. Beyond the destruction and loss of life from battle were unimaginable atrocities and crimes against humanity, most notably the Nazis' attempted genocide of the Jews and other "undesirable" populations. "We are truly grateful for Henry's generosity and the generosity and support of so many others who share our passion for this great institution," said Dr. Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller, President and CEO of the Museum. "It is through the kindness of our donors, who understand the importance of sharing the story of America's sacrifice for freedom, that we can ensure the Museum continues to evolve and tell the complete story of our nation's experience in World War II. We couldn't do it without them." Henry Swieca is the founder of Talpion Fund Management, a multi-strategy family office. Mr. Swieca is a 35-year veteran of the investment management industry and co-founder of Highbridge Capital Management, where he also served as CIO from the firm's inception until its sale to JP Morgan in 2009. He holds a BA from Stony Brook University and an MBA from the Columbia Business School, where he serves on the Board of Overseers. Mr. Swieca is involved in and supports numerous civic and religious organizations in the United States and abroad. Swieca became a member of the Museum's Board of Trustees in 2015. The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in "the war that changed the world"  why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America's National WWII Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front.
Kyiv's appeal court has decided to lift arrest from machinery worth some $3 million and a motor transport enterprise in Khorostkiv (Ternopil region) challenged by Mriya agroholding.

Mriya said in a press release that under a criminal case opened over a fraud by the Huta family, buildings and facilities of the motor transport enterprise in Khorostkiv and 142 machinery units had been arrested by court.

"Kyiv's appeal court decided to lift the arrest from machinery worth some $3 million and the motor transport enterprise, allowing illegal seizures to freely remove the stolen property and resell it. We understand that if the machinery leaves the territory of Ukraine, it would be impossible to get it back," the company said.

The company said that over 40 machinery units were removed from the territory of the motor transport enterprise in the past several days.

"Local police are helping representatives of the Huta family, not interfering in what is going on. Moreover, when after ineffective appeals to the police Mriya's representatives tried to hinder the unlawful removal of goods, a security guard of the agroholding was beaten by the seizers," the company said.

The agroholding appeals to the top managers of the Interior Ministry of Ukraine and Prosecutor General's Office to pay attention to the situation around the seized motor transport enterprise, stop stealing the Mriya's assets by the Huta family and help the company and its foreign investors to protect its rights.

As reported, early July 2016 Mriya claimed an attempt of illegal seizure of its motor transport enterprise located in Khorostkiv and the former owners are suspected of doing this (the Huta family).
From WSWS

In a speech delivered by Donald Trump to an audience of thousands in West Palm Beach, Florida, the Republican candidate turned his campaign in a more distinctly fascistic direction. Presenting himself as both the savior of America and the victim of a ruthless political and economic establishment, Trump sought to connect deep-seated social anger among masses of people with an "America First" program of anti-immigrant xenophobia, militarism, economic nationalism and authoritarianism.

Responding to the latest allegations of sexual abuse, Trump proclaimed that he is being targeted by international bankers, the corporate-controlled media and the political establishment who fear that his election will undermine their interests.

He offered as an alternative his own persona -- the strong-man leader who is willing to bear the burden and make the sacrifices necessary for a pitiless struggle against such powerful adversaries. Trump warned that the November 8 election would be the last opportunity for the American people to defeat the powerful vested interests that are supporting Hillary Clinton.

The clear implication of the speech is that if Trump loses the election, the struggle against the political establishment will have to be carried forward by other means: in other words, by force and violence.

Unlike other Trump speeches, which have largely consisted of rambling and disconnected improvisations, the West Palm Beach address, followed several hours later by no less explosive remarks at a mass rally in Cincinnati, was carefully prepared. Trump read from a teleprompter, and the argument was delivered coherently.

There is little doubt that the speech was scripted for Trump by his campaign chairman, Stephen Bannon, on leave as CEO of the Breitbart.com web site, a gathering place for the so-called alt-right, an amalgam of ultra-right, white nationalist and neo-Nazi tendencies.

The fascistic character of the speech lies in its combination of an appeal to real social grievances -- Trump referred explicitly to "the disenfranchisement of working people" -- with racist, chauvinist and dictatorial solutions. This includes not only the demand for jailing Hillary Clinton, now a refrain of every speech, but his calls for his supporters to prevent a "rigged" election by blocking access to the polls for voters in "certain communities."

Trump denounced the "global power structure that is responsible for the economic decisions that have robbed our working class, stripped our country of its wealth and put that money into the pockets of a handful of large corporations and political entities."

He continued: "Just look at what this corrupt establishment has done to our cities like Detroit and Flint, Michigan -- and rural towns in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina and across our country. They have stripped these towns bare, and raided the wealth for themselves and taken away their jobs."

He went on to cite internal Clinton campaign emails published by WikiLeaks this week, documenting how, as Trump put it, "Hillary Clinton meets in secret with international banks to plot the destruction of US sovereignty in order to enrich these global financial powers."

After the top congressional Republican, House Speaker Paul Ryan, publicly broke with Trump Monday, declaring that he would neither campaign for him nor defend him, Trump responded with the declaration, "It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to."

The West Palm Beach speech demonstrates what Trump has in mind.

The Democratic Party and the Clinton campaign have played a critical role in enabling Trump to advance his fascistic campaign. Throughout the primary campaign, Bernie Sanders drew larger and more enthusiastic crowds than Trump for his denunciations of Wall Street and the power and privilege of the "millionaires and billionaires."

Once Sanders quit the race and threw his support to Clinton, the epitome of the political establishment, the Democrats created the conditions in which Trump can present himself as the sole opponent of the status quo. He is seeking to draw on the social anger that previously animated support for Sanders. Indeed, he has repeatedly denounced Clinton for the corrupt, backroom maneuvers aimed at undermining Sanders, which Sanders himself has worked to cover up as he campaigns for Clinton.

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From RT

Having abruptly broken off bilateral relations last week with Russia, Washington had to save face by re-engaging with Moscow this weekend in a "multi-lateral" format.

It was noticeable that as foreign ministers of seven Mideast countries held talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne on the Syrian conflict, the two main players were US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

Kerry had convened the meeting and it was clear to observers that talking with his Russian guest was Kerry's primary intention. The two men held separate preliminary discussions, before being joined later by diplomats from Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Since the ceasefire pact worked out last month by Kerry and Lavrov collapsed during the final week of September, there has been a frenzied campaign of recriminations conducted by Washington and its allies against Russia.

Kerry has even called for Russia to be investigated for war crimes over its renewed military operations in the battleground city of Aleppo, where the Russian air force is providing crucial support to the Syrian army. The provocative claims have been echoed by French and British leaders, with Britain's foreign secretary Boris Johnson going as far as demanding public protests outside the Russian embassy -- an agitprop that has been ignored by Britons.

Washington and its allies have accused Russian and Syrian forces of targeting civilian centers and hospitals in the eastern part of Aleppo, which has been under siege by anti-government militants for nearly four years. The Western media have amplified these claims without question, which are largely based on unverified "activist"sources from within east Aleppo, even though there are good grounds to suspect that these sources are dubious and indeed linked to terror groups.

In any case, Russia and Syria have rejected Western allegations of war crimes. They say that they are simply exercising the sovereign right to take back control of Syria's second city from 8,000 illegally armed insurgents. The insurgents are mainly dominated by the internationally proscribed terror group, Jabhat al Nusra (renamed Jabhat al Fatah al Sham), which is holding much of the 275,000 civilian population as hostages and human shields.

To bolster its agenda of portraying Russia as a pariah state, Washington declared last week that Kerry would no longer be holding bilateral talks with Lavrov. Menacingly, the Americans said they would henceforth be exploring "non-diplomatic options"and began dropping heavy hints in the media that supplying anti-aircraft missiles to the militants was one of those options.

Another objective being pushed is the setting up of no-fly zones around Aleppo, which Russia has firmly resisted, saying that such an initiative contravenes Syrian sovereignty and would in effect provide air cover for terror groups to marshal their units.

But despite all the blustering rhetoric condemning Russia, there was no concealing John Kerry's keenness to re-engage with Lavrov when the pair met up this weekend at Lake Geneva. There is something incongruous, or perhaps disingenuous, in Kerry hosting his Russian counterpart with such relish after a relentless US-orchestrated media campaign over the past three weeks aimed at demonizing Russia as a war criminal over Syria.

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From Consortium News



Russian President Vladimir Putin after the military parade on Red Square, May 9, 2016 Moscow.

(Image by (Photo from: en.kremlin.ru)) Details DMCA



If the dangers weren't so great -- a possible nuclear war that could exterminate life on the planet -- The New York Times over-the-top denunciation of all things Russian would be almost funny, like the recent front-page story finding something uniquely sinister about Russia using inflatable decoys of military weapons to confuse adversaries.

The Oct. 13 article, entitled "Decoys in Service of an Inflated Russian Might," was described as part of a series called "DARK ARTS ... How Russia projects power covertly," suggesting that the nefarious Russians aren't to be trusted in anything even in the case of "one of Russia's lesser-known military threats: a growing arsenal of inflatable tanks, jets and missile launchers."

The bizarre article by Andrew E. Kramer, one of the most prolific producers of this anti-Russian propaganda, then states: "As Russia under President Vladimir V. Putin has muscled its way back onto the geopolitical stage, the Kremlin has employed a range of stealthy tactics. ... One of the newer entries to that list is an updating of the Russian military's longtime interest in operations of deceit and disguise, a repertoire of lethal tricks known as maskirovka, or masking. It is a psychological warfare doctrine that is becoming an increasingly critical element in the country's geopolitical ambitions."

What is particularly curious about Kramer's article is that it takes actions that are typical of all militaries, going back centuries, and presents them as some special kind of evil attributable to the Russians, such as Special Forces units not dressing in official uniforms and instead blending in with the surroundings while creating deniability for political leaders.

American and European Special Forces, for instance, have been deployed on the ground in Libya and Syria without official confirmation, at least initially. Sometimes, their presence is acknowledged only after exposure because of casualties, such as the death of three French soldiers near Benghazi, Libya, in July.

Indeed, one could argue that the United States has excelled at this practice of stealthily entering other countries, usually in violation of international law, to carry out lethal operations, such as drone assassinations and Special Forces' strikes. However, rather than condemning U.S. officials for their sneakiness, the Times and other mainstream Western publications often extol the secrecy of these acts and sometimes even agree to delay publication of information about the covert attacks so as not to jeopardize the lives of American soldiers.

U.S. Propaganda Network

The U.S. government also has built extensive propaganda operations around the world that pump out all sorts of half-truths and disinformation to put U.S. adversaries on the defensive, with the American financial hand kept hidden so the public is more likely to trust the claims of supposedly independent voices.

Much of that disinformation is then promoted by the Times, which famously assisted in one major set of lies by publishing a false 2002 front-page story about Iraq reconstituting its nuclear weapons program as a key justification for the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Yet, the Russians are called out for activities far less egregious than what the U.S. government -- aided and abetted by the Times -- has done.

You could even view the Times' article citing inflatable weapons as proof of Moscow's perfidy as itself an example of another U.S. psychological operation along the lines of the Times' article accusing Iraq of obtaining aluminum tubes for nuclear centrifuges, when the tubes were actually unsuited for that purpose. In this new case, however, the Times is heating up a war fever against Russia rather than Iraq.

Yet, as in 2002, this current psy-op is not primarily aimed at a foreign adversary as much as it is targeting the American people. The primary difference is that in 2002, the Times was helping instigate war against a relatively small and defenseless nation in Iraq. Now, the Times is whipping up an hysteria against nuclear-armed Russia with the prospect that this manufactured outrage could induce politicians into further steps that could lead to nuclear conflagration.

As German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier wrote in a recent opinion piece, the current tensions between Washington and Moscow are "more dangerous" than during the Cold War.

"It's a fallacy to think that this is like the Cold War," Steinmeier wrote. "The current times are different and more dangerous" because there were clear "red lines" during the Cold War where the rival nuclear powers knew not to tread.

Though Steinmeier, as a part of the NATO alliance, puts most of the blame on Moscow, the reality is that Washington has been the prime instigator of the recent tensions, including pressing NATO up to Russia's borders, supporting an anti-Russian putsch in neighboring Ukraine, and helping to arm rebel groups fighting in Syria alongside Al Qaeda's affiliate and threatening Russia's allied Syrian government.

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Reprinted from www.popularresistance.org

By Margaret Flowers and Kevin Zeese

What do you call a system in which private entities partner with law enforcement to spy on peaceful protesters and arrest them, in which the poor and people of color are preyed upon to meet private prison quotas in order to provide slave labor, in which drug use is treated as a crime rather than the public health issue that it is, and in which police are heavily militarized and violate the law without being held accountable?

Like the military-industrial complex, the prison-industrial complex (PIC) has become a behemoth that feeds personal and corporate profits through human exploitation. Its tentacles reach into many parts of our society. It is necessary to understand how the many aspects of the PIC operate in order to confront it and stop it from swallowing up our families and communities.

Ending the Failed Drug War



No More Drug War

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While drug prohibitions have existed nearly 100 years, in 1968 President Nixon gave it a name: the war on drugs. More than forty years in, rather than stopping drug use, the drug war has destroyed the lives of millions of families, filled the jails with nonviolent offenders and fueled corruption within law enforcement. A new report by the American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch finds that the number one reason for arrests is possession of drugs, one arrest every 25 seconds, and that more than half of these are for marijuana though 58% of people in the United States support legal marijuana. Police, who are encouraged to make arrests either openly through quotas or quietly through rewards, go after low-level drug offenses because they are easy. And they often violate civil rights through illegal searches and seizures to do so. And, of course, marijuana and other drug arrests are racially disproportionate to communities of color.

The impact of these arrests are great. They can lead to the loss of jobs, the loss of government benefits such as tuition or housing assistance, and they can lead to loss of life. Dozens of people have died in jail awaiting trial for possession of drugs. And now, as Maya Schenwar reports, states are considering legislation to increase the consequences for selling drugs, including life in prison or the death penalty if drugs are sold to a person who then dies of an overdose.

And treating drugs as illegal has enabled police to have control over communities, especially low-income communities. Investigative reporter Jamie Kalven wrote an in-depth expose' on corruption within the Chicago Police Department. Officers kept drugs that were confiscated and routinely stole money and valuables from public housing residents.

Criminalizing drug sales and possession have not stopped them and as a result ending the war on drugs is moving into the mainstream of political discourse. The United States has high rates of drug use. It is clear that a new approach is needed. Many groups recommend decriminalization of drugs and treating drug use as a public health issue instead through better education about drug use, regulation of use as is done for alcohol and treatment on demand for people who are addicted.



From reason.com/blog/2016/07/25/ant-drug-war-philly-dnc-protesters-march: Anti-Drug War Philly DNC Protesters March Giant Joint - Hit & Run ...

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2016 may be the biggest year ever for marijuana legalization. This year nine states will vote on legalization of marijuana or on allowing medical use. In five states -- Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada-- voters will decide on legalization of marijuana by regulating and taxing it. If passed these states will join Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska with such laws, as well as DC which has legal marijuana without a system allowing sales. The federal government has allowed these laws to be put in place without threat of prosecution and has allowed marijuana to be sold on tribal lands. These laws have raised tremendous amounts of tax dollars and reduced arrests, without any serious harms.Even though youth in Colorado are not using more, law enforcement is focusing its resources on youth, causing increased arrests. In addition to votes on legal marijuana, there are protests in favor of ending the war on marijuana. The first protest against marijuana criminalization was on August 16th 1964. Ending this injustice has been a long time coming.

Four other states, Arkansas, Florida, Montana and North Dakota, will vote on legal medical marijuana, which is already legal in nearly half the country. Federal courts have ruled that the federal government cannot prosecute medical marijuana in states where it is legal. Even Congress passed a law allowing veterans to use medical marijuana overruling a Veterans Administration policy. While the Drug Enforcement Administration has refused to recognize reality, their denial of rescheduling of marijuana is not slowing progress to end the war on marijuana.



The 2014 Global Marijuana March

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We know the criminalizaiton of drugs has failed despite the war on drugs producing massive seizures of drugs, mass arrests as well as the largest prison population on the planet. But what about the alternative? There are many countries around the world that have enacted various forms of decriminalization or legalization of various drugs that have consistently shown successes -- reduced arrests, low levels of drug use, less death and less crime.

We will focus on one here -- Portugal. Fifteen years ago Portugal enacted decriminalization of all drugs. The results are dramatically positive. There has been no major increase in illicit drug use despite the removal of the threat of prosecution. Rates of drug use in Portugal have remained below the EU average and far below US levels. Portugal has experienced a major drop in drug-related arrests and incarceration. People receiving treatment for drug problems in Portugal also rose by 60 percent between 1998 and 2011. There has been a steep reduction in new HIV cases: In 2000, the number of new cases among people who use drugs was 1,575--by 2013, that figure was only 78. In 2001, 80 people in Portugal reportedly died due to drug overdose--in 2012, that number was just 16. The only question remaining is whether deciminalization goes far enough or whether a legal, regulated and taxed market would be even more effective.

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Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"Rob Kall has been in on the modern bottom-up revolution from the ground floor. While the last two years have put the dangers of social media and connectivity at the forefront of our national debate, Rob Kall knows as well as anybody the infinite positive potential of our new world."



Jesse Lee, former White House Director of Rapid Response and Social Media Director for Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi
Months from now, as we look back at the 2016 presidential election, we'll argue about several possible tipping points that moved voters towards Hillary Clinton. Was it when she survived FBI Director Comey's speech about her emails? Was it when she decisively defeated Donald Trump in the first presidential debate? Was it one of Trump's tweet-storm fugues? It was Michelle Obama's speech on October 13th.

Speaking at a New Hampshire Clinton rally, Michelle Obama departed from her prepared speech to deliver a scathing rebuke to Donald Trump. (http://www.npr.org/2016/10/13/497846667/transcript-michelle-obamas-speech-on-donald-trumps-alleged-treatment-of-women) The President's wife is in a unique position to comment on Trump's sexual avarice. She's the most admired woman in the U.S. And a woman who has experienced sexism.

Since October 7th, the nation had been reeling from the impact of the 2005 "Access Hollywood" videotape showing Trump making aggressively sexual remarks about women. In the October 9th debate, Trump pushed back suggesting this was "locker-room talk" and when asked, "Have you ever done these things?" responding, "No, I have not." On October 11th, several women came forward with stories of their abuse by Trump.

On October 13th, Michelle Obama addressed Trump's behavior: "The fact is that in this election, we have a candidate for President of the United States who, over the course of his lifetime and the course of this campaign, has said things about women that are so shocking, so demeaning that I simply will not repeat anything here today. And last week, we saw this candidate actually bragging about sexually assaulting women... And I have to tell you that I can't stop thinking about this. It has shaken me to my core in a way that I couldn't have predicted. So while I'd love nothing more than to pretend like this isn't happening, and to come out here and do my normal campaign speech, it would be dishonest and disingenuous to me to just move on to the next thing like this was all just a bad dream."

Michelle Obama continued, "This is not something that we can ignore... This wasn't just locker-room banter. This was a powerful individual speaking freely and openly about sexually predatory behavior."

Shortly after Michelle Obama's speech, Donald Trump responded. (http://www.npr.org/2016/10/13/497857068/transcript-donald-trumps-speech-responding-to-assault-accusations) "These vicious claims about me of inappropriate conduct with women are totally and absolutely false. And the Clintons know it, and they know it very well. These claims are all fabricated."

Trump continued, "Nevertheless, I take all of these slings and arrows gladly for you. I take them for our movement so that we can have our country back. Our great civilization, here in America and across the civilized world has come upon a moment of reckoning... it is our corrupt political establishment that is the greatest power behind the efforts at radical globalization and the disenfranchisement of working people. Their financial resources are virtually unlimited, their political resources are unlimited, their media resources are unmatched, and most importantly, the depths of their immorality is absolutely unlimited."

In other words, Donald Trump was unrepentant and doubled down. On October 14th, Trump suggested that his victims were too unattractive to assault. (http://www.politico.com/story/2016/10/trump-jessica-leeds-accusations-229805) "Believe me, she would not be my first choice."

The history of Trump's campaign has been that he says terrible things -- such as mocking Senator John McCain for being a prisoner of war -- and the media predicts the end but Trump survives and grows stronger. Indeed, a cornerstone of his campaign has been to flaunt "political correctness." Given this history, why would we expect Trump not to survive the revelation of his history as a sexual predator? Two reasons.

The first is the sequence of the Trump revelations. It began with the release of the "Access Hollywood" videotape where Trump bragged about his sexual-predator behavior. Two days later, during the second Presidential debate, Trump denied that he had done the things he bragged about. Then women began to come forward saying, "Yes, Trump did the things to me that he bragged about on the 'Access Hollywood' videotape." (According to Mother Jones, "17 women have gone public with more tales of unwanted sexual touching or inappropriate behavior by Trump." (http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/10/all-women-whove-accused-trump-sexual-assault)

The second is that fact that Trump's predatory behavior (almost exclusively) affects white women, the single largest voting bloc. Since the release of the "Access Hollywood" videotape, American women have conducted a national teach-in on sexual assault.

The latest survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6308a1.htm) indicated that 19.3 percent of American women have been raped during their lifetimes and 43.9 percent have experienced "other forms of sexual violence." (15.2 percent of women have been stalked.) I believe that these numbers are deflated because many women do not report sexual assault; the women in my family tell me that most American women have experienced sexual violence.

In the most important speech of the 2016 political campaign, Michelle Obama not only called out Donald Trump as a sexual predator, she also enabled millions of American women to talk about their personal histories of sexual abuse.
From Paul Craig Roberts Website



Violence In The Middle East

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Why do we hear only of the "humanitarian crisis in Aleppo" and not of the humanitarian crisis everywhere else in Syria where the evil that rules in Washington has unleashed its ISIL mercenaries to slaughter the Syrian people? Why do we not hear about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen where the US and its Saudi Arabian vassal are slaughtering Yemeni women and children? Why don't we hear about the humanitarian crisis in Libya where Washington destroyed a country leaving chaos in its place? Why don't we hear about the humanitarian crisis in Iraq, ongoing now for 13 years, or the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan now 15 years old?

The answer is that the crisis in Aleppo is the crisis of Washington losing its ISIL mercenaries to the Syrian army and Russian air force. The jihadists sent by Obama and the killer b*tch Hillary ("We came, we saw, he died") to destroy Syria are being themselves destroyed. The Obama regime and the Western presstitutes are trying to save the jihadists by covering them in the blanket of "humanitarian crisis."

Such hypocrisy is standard fare for Washington. If the Obama regime gave a hoot about "humanitarian crisis," the Obama regime would not have orchestrated humanitarian crisis in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Yemen.

We are in the middle of a presidential campaign in the US and no one has asked why the US is determined to overthrow a democratically elected Syrian government that is supported by the Syrian people.

No one has asked why the White House Fool is empowered to remove the president of Syria by siccing US-supplied jihadists, which the presstitutes misrepresent as "moderate rebels," on the Syrian people.

Washington, of course, has no acceptable answer to the question, and that is why the question is not asked.

The answer to the question is that Washington's strategy for destabilizing Iran and then the Muslim provinces of the Russian Federation, former Soviet central Asia, and the Muslim province of China is to replace stable governments with the chaos of jihadism. Iraq, Libya, and Syria had stable secular societies in which the government's strong hand was used to prevent sectarian strife between Muslim sects. By overthrowing these secular governments and the current effort to overthrow Assad, Washington released the chaos of terrorism.

There was no terrorism in the Middle East until Washington brought it there with invasions, bombings, and torture.

Jihadists such as those that Washington used to overthrow Gaddafi appeared in Syria when the British Parliament and the Russian government blocked Obama's planned invasion of Syria. As Washington was prevented from directly attacking Syria, Washington used mercenaries. The prostitutes that pretend to be an American media obliged Washington with the propaganda that the jihadist terrorists are Syrian democrats rebelling against "the Assad dictatorship." This transparant and blatant lie has been repeated so many times that it now is confused with truth.

Syria has no connection whatsoever to Washington's original justification for introducing violence into the Middle East. The original justification was 9/11, which was used to invade Afghanistan on the fabrication that the Taliban was shielding Osama bin Laden, the "mastermind," who at the time was dying of renal failure in a Pakistani hospital. Osama bin Laden was a CIA asset who was used against the Soviets in Afghanistan. He was not the perpetrator of 9/11. And most certainly, neither were the Taliban.

But the Western presstitutes covered up for the Bush regime's lie, and the public was deceived with the phrase that we must "defeat them abroad before they attack us at home."

Of course, Muslims were not going to attack us at home. If Muslims are a threat, why does the US government keep bringing so many of them here as refugees from Washington's wars against Muslims?

9/11 was the neoconservatives "new Pearl Harbor" that they wrote they needed in order to launch their wars in the Middle East. George W. Bush's first Secretary of the Treasury said that the topic of Bush's first cabinet meeting was the invasion of Iraq. This was prior to 9/11. In other words, Washington's wars in the Middle East were planned prior to 9/11.

The neoconservatives are zionists. By reducing the Middle East to chaos they achieve both of their goals. They remove organized opposition to Israeli expansion, and they create jihadism that can be used to destabilize countries such as Russia, Iran, and China that are in the way of their exercise of unilateral power, which, they believe, the Soviet collapse bequeathed to the "indispensable nation," the USA.

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Australia Lime Market set to grow at a CAGR of 1.7% during 2016-2024

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The lime market in Australia is expected to expand at a CAGR of 1.7% in terms of value over the forecast period, 20162024. The market has been segmented by product type and application. The application segmentation consists of mining & metallurgy, building materials, agriculture, water treatment and others of which the mining & metallurgy segment is expected to account for the highest share of the lime market in Australia throughout the forecast period, to account for 31.4% by 2024.Browse Complete Report @Demand for energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions is expected to be a priority for lime manufacturers in the country over the forecast period. By product type, slaked/hydrated lime segment is expected to continue to dominate the market in terms of both value and volume throughout the forecast period. The segment is estimated to be valued at US$ 146.7 Mn and account for volume share of 68% in 2016. By application, mining & metallurgy and building materials, segments in the Australia lime market are expected to account for significant volume shares of 38% and 35%, respectively.New South Wales is expected to be the largest market for lime in Australia throughout the forecast period. The market in the region is estimated to be valued at US$ 59.1 Mn by 2016 end. In terms of production, Western Australia is expected to be a major producer, contributing over 65% to the total lime production in the country, and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 0.8% over the forecast period.Download Report Sample @Key players in the Australia lime market include Adelaide Brighton Ltd., Boral Limited, Sibelco Australia, Omya Australia Pty. Ltd, Wagners, and Lime Group Australia. Key players in the Australia lime market are focusing on enhancing their product portfolios. They are focusing not only on basic lime products but also on importing quicklime from ASEAN countries such as Thailand and Vietnam and Southeast Asian countries such as China to minimize a cost of raw materials involved in a lime production. Manufacturers are focusing on capitalizing on economies of scale to increase production, profitability, and offer cost-effective products in order to target cost-sensitive population in the region. Joint ventures, acquisitions, and strategic collaborations in terms of production and distribution of lime have been the common strategies employed by these companies to achieve their production objectives.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Memory Foam Mattress Segment Expected to Witness Fastest Growth (3.8% CAGR) in the Global Mattress Market During 2016  2022

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The global mattress market is expected to increase from $24,675.7 million in 2015 and reach $38,078.1 million by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 6.5%.The increasing population which is leading to increasing rate of home ownership is the key growth driver for the global mattress market. The demand for housing is mainly driven by migration of consumers from rural to urban areas. The high demand for new houses is observed mainly in the emerging regions including the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, where young consumers among the population are laying severe pressure on housing supply. The consumers preference towards customized mattresses is one of the major trends witnessed in the global market.Explore Full Report at:The increasing population and growing numbers of nuclear families is increasing the demand for houses and consequently the market for mattress globally. The increasing migration of people from rural to urban areas, mainly in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions is also propelling the demand for mattresses. Owing to the surging property prices, home ownership is becoming one of the factors for social recognition in highly populated countries, such as India and China. The governments in several countries have also considered home ownership as an important policy goal, and consequently they incentivize it by creating mortgage interest payments.Browse Related Research:The major companies operating in the global mattress market include Tempur Sealy International Inc., Simmons Bedding Company LLC, Spring Air International Inc. LLC, Select Comfort Corporation, Kingsdown Inc., Reylon Beds, Southerland Bedding, and Corsicana Bedding Inc.Global Mattress Market SegmentationBy Product Innerspring Mattress Memory Foam Mattress Latex Mattress OthersGeographical SegmentationBy Region North Americao U.S.o Canadao Rest of North America Europeo Germanyo France.o Italyo U.K.o Rest of Europe Asia-Pacifico Greater Chinao Japano Indiao Indonesiao Australiao New Zealando Rest of Asia Pacific Rest of the World (ROW)o Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin Americao Central America Guatemala Rest of Central Americao The Andean Region Peru Colombia Chile Rest of The Andean Regiono Middle East and Africa Egypt Saudi Arabia U.A.E. Rest of Middle East and AfricaAbout P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:DeepExecutive  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:347 5th Ave. #1402- 210New York CityUnited States
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will consider in the first reading on Thursday a bill on the national budget for 2017, parliamentary speaker Andriy Parubiy said.

"Under the Verkhovna Rada's regulations, we will consider the bill on state budget of Ukraine for 2017 no later than October 20, that is, this Thursday," Parubiy said opening a meeting of the conciliatory council of parliamentary factions, groups and committees on Monday.

The government's bill No. 5000 on Ukraine's 2017 national budget was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada on September 21, 2017.

The bill should pass three readings. Parliament should consider the document in the first reading no later than on October 20, in the second reading by November 25.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman hopes the Verkhovna Rada until December 1 will manage to pass changes to the draft law on the national budget for 2017 and it will be adopted on time.
Chile Orthopedic Devices Market Arthroscopy, Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF), Hip Reconstruction, Knee Reconstruction Outlook to 2022

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The report analyzes and presents an overview of " Chile Orthopedic Devices Market Outlook to 2022 - Arthroscopy, Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF), Hip Reconstruction, Knee Reconstruction, Spinal Surgery, Orthobiologics, Trauma Fixation and Others " worldwide.GlobalDatas new report, Chile Orthopedic Devices Market Outlook to 2022, provides key market data on the Chile Orthopedic Devices market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, and volume (in units) within market categories - Hip Reconstruction, Knee Reconstruction, Shoulder Reconstruction, Small Joint Reconstruction, Orthobiologics, Orthotic Devices, Arthroscopy, Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF), Orthopedic Bone Cement and Casting Materials, Spinal Surgery, Trauma Fixation, Orthopedic Power Tools and Orthopedic Prosthetics.Note: This is an on-demand report and will be delivered within 2-3 business days of the purchase (excluding weekends)The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for each of these market categories, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular market and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is available in the report.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology and capital equipment-based models to estimate and forecast the market size. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Capital equipment-based forecasting models are done based on the installed base, replacements and new sales of a specific device/equipment in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers. Data for average number of units per facility is used to arrive at the installed base of the capital equipment. Sales for a particular year are arrived at by calculating the replacement units and new units (additional and first-time purchases).Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.Download Sample copy of this Report @Scope- Market size and company share data for Orthopedic Devices market categories - Hip Reconstruction, Knee Reconstruction, Shoulder Reconstruction, Small Joint Reconstruction, Orthobiologics, Orthotic Devices, Arthroscopy, Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF), Orthopedic Bone Cement and Casting Materials, Spinal Surgery, Trauma Fixation, Orthopedic Power Tools and Orthopedic Prosthetics.- Annualized market revenues (USD million) and volume (units) data for each of the market categories. Data is provided from 2008 to 2015 and forecast to 2022.- 2015 company shares and distribution shares data for each of the market categories.- Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the Chile Orthopedic Devices market.- Key players covered include DePuy Synthes, Inc., Stryker Corporation, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., Medtronic, Inc., Smith & Nephew Plc and others.Reasons to buy- Develop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.- Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.- Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- What are the key distribution channels and whats the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand and capitalize.Table of Content :1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 81.2 List of Figures 112 Introduction 162.1 What Is This Report About? 162.2 Orthopedic Devices Market Segmentation 162.3 Definitions of Markets Covered in the Report 193 Orthopedic Devices Market, Chile 393.1 Orthopedic Devices Market, Chile, Revenue ($m), 2008-2022 393.2 Orthopedic Devices Market, Chile, Revenue Mix ($m), 2015 413.3 Orthopedic Devices Market, Chile, Category Contribution by Revenue ($m), 2015 423.4 Orthopedic Devices Market, Chile, Revenue ($m), 2008-2015 443.5 Orthopedic Devices Market, Chile, Revenue ($m), 2015-2022 473.6 Orthopedic Devices Market, Chile, Volume (Units), 2008-2022 503.7 Orthopedic Devices Market, Chile, Volume (Units), 2008-2015 523.8 Orthopedic Devices Market, Chile, Volume (Units), 2015-2022 553.9 Orthopedic Devices Market, Chile, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2015 584 Arthroscopy Market, Chile 604.1 Arthroscopy Market, Chile, Revenue Mix ($m), 2015 604.2 Arthroscopy Market, Chile, Segment Contribution (%), 2015 614.3 Arthroscopy Market, Chile, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 634.3.1 Arthroscopy Implants Market, Chile, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 654.4 Arthroscopy Market, Chile, Revenue ($m) by Segment, 2015-2022 674.4.1 Arthroscopy Implants Market, Chile, Revenue ($m) by Segment, 2015-2022 694.5 Arthroscopy Market, Chile, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2008-2015 714.5.1 Arthroscopy Implants Market, Chile, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2008-2015 734.6 Arthroscopy Market, Chile, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2015-2022 754.6.1 Arthroscopy Implants Market, Chile, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2015-2022 774.7 Arthroscopy Market, Chile, Distribution Share, Revenue ($m), 2008-2022 794.8 Arthroscopy Market, Chile, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2015 805 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Chile 825.1 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Chile, Revenue Mix ($m), 2015 825.2 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Chile, Segment Contribution (%), 2015 835.3 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Chile, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 855.3.1 Distraction Systems Market, Chile, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 875.3.2 Plate and Screw Fixators Market, Chile, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 895.4 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Chile, Revenue ($m) by Segment, 2015-2022 915.4.1 Distraction Systems Market, Chile, Revenue ($m) by Segment, 2015-2022 935.4.2 Plate and Screw Fixators Market, Chile, Revenue ($m) by Segment, 2015-2022 955.5 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Chile, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2008-2015 975.5.1 Distraction Systems Market, Chile, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2008-2015 995.5.2 Plate and Screw Fixators Market, Chile, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2008-2015 101MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E : sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Discover the Global Israel Orthopedic Devices Market Outlook to 2022 by consumer demands just published

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MarketResearchReports.Biz presents this most up-to-date research on " Israel Orthopedic Devices Market Outlook to 2022 - Arthroscopy, Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF), Hip Reconstruction, Knee Reconstruction, Spinal Surgery, Orthobiologics, Trauma Fixation and Others "GlobalDatas new report, Israel Orthopedic Devices Market Outlook to 2022, provides key market data on the Israel Orthopedic Devices market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, and volume (in units) within market categories - Hip Reconstruction, Knee Reconstruction, Shoulder Reconstruction, Small Joint Reconstruction, Orthobiologics, Orthotic Devices, Arthroscopy, Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF), Orthopedic Bone Cement and Casting Materials, Spinal Surgery, Trauma Fixation, Orthopedic Power Tools and Orthopedic Prosthetics.Note: This is an on-demand report and will be delivered within 2-3 business days of the purchase (excluding weekends)The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for each of these market categories, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants. Based on the availability of data for the particular market and country, information related to pipeline products, news and deals is available in the report.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. GlobalData uses epidemiology and capital equipment-based models to estimate and forecast the market size. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Capital equipment-based forecasting models are done based on the installed base, replacements and new sales of a specific device/equipment in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers. Data for average number of units per facility is used to arrive at the installed base of the capital equipment. Sales for a particular year are arrived at by calculating the replacement units and new units (additional and first-time purchases).Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.Download Sample copy of this Report at :Scope- Market size and company share data for Orthopedic Devices market categories - Hip Reconstruction, Knee Reconstruction, Shoulder Reconstruction, Small Joint Reconstruction, Orthobiologics, Orthotic Devices, Arthroscopy, Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF), Orthopedic Bone Cement and Casting Materials, Spinal Surgery, Trauma Fixation, Orthopedic Power Tools and Orthopedic Prosthetics.- Annualized market revenues (USD million) and volume (units) data for each of the market categories. Data is provided from 2008 to 2015 and forecast to 2022.- 2015 company shares and distribution shares data for each of the market categories.- Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the Israel Orthopedic Devices market.- Key players covered include DePuy Synthes, Inc., Stryker Corporation, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., Medtronic, Inc., Smith & Nephew Plc and others.Reasons to buy- Develop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.- Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.- Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.- What are the key distribution channels and whats the most preferred mode of product distribution - Identify, understand and capitalize.Follow us on LinkedIn:Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 91.2 List of Figures 122 Introduction 172.1 What Is This Report About? 172.2 Orthopedic Devices Market Segmentation 172.3 Definitions of Markets Covered in the Report 203 Orthopedic Devices Market, Israel 403.1 Orthopedic Devices Market, Israel, Revenue ($m), 2008-2022 403.2 Orthopedic Devices Market, Israel, Revenue Mix ($m), 2015 423.3 Orthopedic Devices Market, Israel, Category Contribution by Revenue ($m), 2015 433.4 Orthopedic Devices Market, Israel, Revenue ($m), 2008-2015 453.5 Orthopedic Devices Market, Israel, Revenue ($m), 2015-2022 483.6 Orthopedic Devices Market, Israel, Volume (Units), 2008-2022 513.7 Orthopedic Devices Market, Israel, Volume (Units), 2008-2015 533.8 Orthopedic Devices Market, Israel, Volume (Units), 2015-2022 563.9 Orthopedic Devices Market, Israel, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2015 594 Arthroscopy Market, Israel 614.1 Arthroscopy Market, Israel, Revenue Mix ($m), 2015 614.2 Arthroscopy Market, Israel, Segment Contribution (%), 2015 624.3 Arthroscopy Market, Israel, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 644.3.1 Arthroscopy Implants Market, Israel, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 664.4 Arthroscopy Market, Israel, Revenue ($m) by Segment, 2015-2022 684.4.1 Arthroscopy Implants Market, Israel, Revenue ($m) by Segment, 2015-2022 704.5 Arthroscopy Market, Israel, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2008-2015 724.5.1 Arthroscopy Implants Market, Israel, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2008-2015 744.6 Arthroscopy Market, Israel, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2015-2022 764.6.1 Arthroscopy Implants Market, Israel, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2015-2022 784.7 Arthroscopy Market, Israel, Distribution Share, Revenue ($m), 2008-2022 804.8 Arthroscopy Market, Israel, Company Share by Revenue ($m), 2015 815 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Israel 835.1 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Israel, Revenue Mix ($m), 2015 835.2 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Israel, Segment Contribution (%), 2015 845.3 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Israel, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 865.3.1 Distraction Systems Market, Israel, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 885.3.2 Plate and Screw Fixators Market, Israel, Revenue ($m), by Segment, 2008-2015 905.4 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Israel, Revenue ($m) by Segment, 2015-2022 925.4.1 Distraction Systems Market, Israel, Revenue ($m) by Segment, 2015-2022 945.4.2 Plate and Screw Fixators Market, Israel, Revenue ($m) by Segment, 2015-2022 965.5 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Israel, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2008-2015 985.5.1 Distraction Systems Market, Israel, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2008-2015 1005.5.2 Plate and Screw Fixators Market, Israel, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2008-2015 1025.6 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Israel, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2015-2022 1045.6.1 Distraction Systems Market, Israel, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2015-2022 1065.6.2 Plate and Screw Fixators Market, Israel, Volume (Units) by Segment, 2015-2022 1085.7 Cranio Maxillofacial Fixation (CMF) Market, Israel, Distribution Share, Revenue ($m), 2008-2022 110MarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.State Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Methylparaben Market: Impact of Existing and Emerging Market 2015 - 2021

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Methylparaben is a preservative used by the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care product industries. It contains antifungal and antibiotic products which can protect products against microbial growth. Methylparaben is utilized in several forms. It is used as a preservative in the cosmetic industry. Lotions, moisturizers, toothpaste, shampoos, personal lubricants, spray tanning solution and shaving cream among others consist of methylparaben. It prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi and promotes long shelf life of products. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used in the medicinal products to protect it against contamination. Pharmaceutical products such as herbal preparations, eye medications and corticosteroids among others consist of methylparaben. An antibiotic such as aqueous penicillin also has methylparaben to protect it against fungi. Several food items also consist of methylparaben to protect against spoilage. Jams, syrups, bevarages and dairy products among others consist of Methylparaben in small quantities. It is generally used to prevent growth of Clostridium botulinum which causes botulism. Methylparaben is considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food and cosmetic antibacterial preservation. It is produced commercially through esterification of para-hydroxybenzoic acid with alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, or n-propanol.Checkout full Report:The continued expansion and growth of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries is one of the key drivers for the methylparaben market. The rise in per capita income and increase in standard of living across the world has lead to increased spending on cosmetics. Methylparaben is used to preserve majority of cosmetics that are available in the market today. Parabens are popular as they are inexpensive, odorless, colorless, non toxic and have wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity. They are approved by the FDA for use in the cosmetics industry. The future of preservatives in cosmetic industry is expected to be shaped by consumer perception and regulatory issues.The Asia Pacific market is projected to be the fastest growing market for methylparaben based products due to increasing demand for skin care, color cosmetics and hair care products. The BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries are project to be major market for cosmetics in the coming years. Most of the major international cosmetic manufacturers are focusing on expanding their base in BRIC. Large population, rise in disposable income and availability of international products will contribute to the growth of cosmetic industry in emerging economies such as China and India. Further emerging countries like Argentina, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey will also show incremental growth. Hence, the growth of cosmetic industry is expected to drive the growth of the methylparaben market in the near future. Europe is currently the largest market for methylparaben followed by Asia Pacific, North America and rest of the world.Request for Sample Report and Table of content @:There are large numbers of small and medium companies operating in this market especially in Asia Pacific. Some of the manufactures of methylparaben in Asia are Wuhu Huahai Biology Engineering Co. Ltd, Changzhou Elly Chemical Industry Co., Ltd, Gujarat Organics Ltd, Triple Chem, Evergreen Chemical Industry Limited, Dafeng Huaxin Bio-technology Co.,ltd, Prism Intertrade Tanzania Ltd, Xian Meheco, Qingzhou Ailitong Chemicals Technical Co.,Ltd, and HangzhoujianchengtradeCo.,Ltd among others . CellMark USA, LLC, Sea-Land Chemical Co, Charkit Chemical Corporation, BOC Sciences and Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc among others are the key manufacturers in the U.S. In addition, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation is one of the key suppliers in the global market.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Sodium Borate Market: Latest innovations and key events (2015-2021)

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Sodium borate also known as borax is a mineral, a boron compound and a salt of boric acid. Sodium borate is available in crystalline form and is water soluble. Sodium borate can also be easily converted to borates and boric acid. Borax decahydrate is the commonly used grade in the market. Some of the countries such as Turkey, the U.S., Chile and Romania have commercially important deposits of borax. Sodom borate is used in variety of end-user industries such as personal care, biochemistry, paints & coatings, metal processing, food processing, mining, paper processing, water treatment and ceramics among others. Sodium borate is also used as buffer solutions in biochemical processes and laboratories. Fire retardant is another major outlet for sodium borate and is likely to grow in years to come.Checkout full Report:The market for sodium borate was mainly driven by end-user industries such as increasing demand from personal care, water treatment and disinfectant market. Huge demand for sodium borate as antiseptic solution from detergent, disinfectant and water treatment has been the major factor for the growth of sodium borate in past few years. Sodium borate is used in manufacturing of glass, ceramics, paints & coatings and coated paper among others. Sodium borate is also preferred as a flux in metal processing industry as well as in metal welding. In ceramics, sodium borate is used as ingredient in enamel glazes and as ingredient in ceramic slips. In agricultural chemicals, sodium borate is used in micronutrients to correct the boron deficiencies in the soil. In food processing, sodium borate is used as food additive, food preservative or to improve the rubbery texture of the food. Increasing demand for treated water thus driving the water treatment industry is likely to be major opportunity for the sodium borate market in upcoming years. In spite of so many applications, environmental and health regulations associated with sodium borate are anticipated to hider the growth of the market in next few years.In terms of demand, Asia Pacific was the leading region in sodium borate market in 2013. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing markets for sodium borate due to increasing demand from agricultural chemicals, detergents, ceramics and water treatment in this region. The market for sodium borate in Asia Pacific was led by China. Other Asian countries such as India and Japan are likely to provide better opportunity for sodium borate market owing to increasing consumption from water treatment and agricultural chemicals end-user industries. Asia Pacific was followed by North America. Increasing demand from detergents, agricultural chemicals and water treatment industry is driving the demand for sodium borate in this region. U.S. had the largest demand for sodium borate owing to huge demand from end-user industries such as personal care, water treatment and ceramics among others. Europe had the third-largest demand for sodium borate market in 2013. Increasing demand for sodium borate from personal care industry coupled with chemical industry has been driving the market for sodium borate in Europe. Germany is one of the largest consumers of sodium borate in this region owing to the huge demand from ceramics and paper processing industry. Rest of the World market is anticipated to show positive outlook for the sodium borate market in near future.Request for Sample Report and Table of content @:The market for sodium borate is highly oligopolistic in nature. Some of the key manufacturers in the sodium borate market are Etimine S.A., Larderello S.p.A., Quiborax S.A. and Rio Tinto Group among others.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Automatic Refractor Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2021

Automatic Refractor Market

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This report mainly analyzes two aspects of Automatic Refractor industry.One aspect is about the production, which consists of its yield (varies according to different types and different application), output value, the unit price, the gross profit of global main manufacturers. from 2011 to 2016 The other aspect is about the consumption, which consists of its quantity and value of consumption (varies according to different types and different application), consumer price, import and export from 2011 to 2016. The report also makes a prediction of its production and consumption in coming 2016-2021.Read Complete Report @At the same time, the report gives an overall review of its definition classification, cost and manufacturing technology and upstream and downstream industry (main suppliers of raw materials and their prices, main equipments and customers).It also analyzes the marketing strategies, supply chain, marketing channel of Dental Implant Machine. In the end, it summarizes the project feasibility and the analysis of the whole industry.The research center analyzes the development trend of Automatic Refractor industry in an objective and fair manner so as to provide support and basis for our customers to make competitive analysis, development plan and investment decision.Request for Sample Report @Data source: customs database, Industry Association, expert interview and network informationMarketResearchStore is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact UsJoel JohnTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com
Global Sodium Gluconate Market to Record an Impressive Growth Rate During the Forecast 2015-2021

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Sodium gluconate is a salt of gluconic acid. It is a white powder, odorless and soluble in water. Sodium gluconate is used as chelating agent in various applications such as cement, alumina dyeing and plating industries. Sodium gluconate is also used as a surface cleaning agent. It is an effective sequestrant for magnesium, iron, aluminum, copper and calcium. It is used as a softener in water treatment.Checkout full Report:The market for sodium gluconate was mainly driven by construction and industrial sector. Sodium gluconate is also used in textile industry in degreasing and cleaning fibers, sequestrant for metal ions. It can be used as retardant and plasticizer in construction industry. Sodium gluconate is used in treatment of metallic surfaces, aluminum etching and metal degreasing among other. Construction sector can provide major opportunities for sodium gluconate in near the future. However, higher manufacturing costs can be major restraint for the market in upcoming years.In terms of demand, Asia Pacific was the leading region in the sodium gluconate market. The demand is high due to the huge demand from construction industry. China is one of the major producer and consumer for sodium gluconate and is expected to be the same in near future. India and Japan are likely to exhibit more demand for sodium gluconate across the forecast period. Asia Pacific was followed by North America. The market for sodium gluconate is huge from metal cleaning and textile market. Europe market is anticipated to grow and is likely to show greater demand in upcoming years owing to huge demand for sodium gluconate from various manufacturing sectors. The Rest of the World market is likely to potential market for sodium gluconate in next few years.Request for Sample Report and Table of content @:Some of the key manufacturers in the sodium gluconate market are Akzo Noble N.V, BASF SE, Cargill Incorporated, Kemira Oyj, Lanxess AG, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation and The Dow Chemical Company among others.About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact Us:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Prepared Dry-Foods Market to be Driven by Increased Demand for Easy to Prepare Quick Food

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Prepared Dry Foods Market: OverviewPrepared dry foods are processed food products treated with heat to remove their water content, which makes it inhospitable to most microbes and thus increases the shelf life of the food product. Microbes need water as well as organic content to grow, making the elimination of water a simple and effective way of ensuring the food doesnt spoil.Interpret a Competitive outlook Analysis Report with PDF Brochure:The report examines the historical development trajectory of the global prepared dry foods market and the markets current condition. Industry-standard analysis tools are used in order to derive actionable insights into the consistent growth patterns exhibited by the prepared dry foods market. The prime segments of the global prepared dry foods market are examined in the report to present an overview of the markets hierarchy by each criterion.The global processed dry foods market can be segmented by product type into dehydrated potatoes, Mexican food, dry diners pasta, rice mixes, pizza products, and dry mixes and ethnic or regional specialties. Of these, dehydrated potatoes account for a dominant share in the global prepared dry foods market, since they can be produced in various shapes and sizes and are used to prepare a wide variety of recipes.Prepared Dry Foods Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe key driver for the global prepared dry foods market is the long shelf life of the processed food. The ease of using prepared dry foods in food preparation has also been vital for the prepared dry foods market in the last few years, as consumers in many advancing economies have become more discerning about food in spite of the lack of time to cook traditional, elaborate meals.The booming quick service restaurants industry in developing as well as developed regions is also beneficial for the prepared dry foods industry, as the long shelf life and easy usability of prepared dry foods aid significantly in enabling rapid service. In contrast to frozen or chilled foods, which need to be stored in dedicated containers and used in a short time to avoid spoiling, dried foods can be stored in any airtight containers and dont even need any extra prep, such as thawing.On the other hand, the key restraints on the prepared dry foods market are the lack of trust among consumers about the manufacturing processes used in the industry. Making the manufacturing process of processed dry foods more transparent has thus become a key opportunity for leading players in the global prepared dry foods industry.Browse Full Report With ToC:Prepared Dry Foods Market: Geographical and Competitive DynamicsRegionally, the global prepared dry foods market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. The prepared dry foods market in North America is driven mainly by the rising demand from the urban demographic, who need a sustainable replacement for conventional meals. Asia Pacific is likely to emerge as a key regional market for prepared dry foods in the coming years due to the steady development of the quick service restaurants industry in the region, the traditional use of many dry foods in the local cuisines, and the rapid urbanization in dynamic economies.The report examines the competitive dynamics of the global prepared dry foods by profiling key players such as Oregon Freeze Dry Inc., ConAgra Foods Inc., Agrofert Holding, European Freeze Dry, Josephs Pasta Company, and McCain Foods Limited.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Smart Fitness Market To Increase at Steady Growth Rate

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The market is expected to register a strong growth of 24.6% in its CAGR during the projected period to reach US$ 9,525.6 million by 2020. Thesmart fitnesscomponentsuch as smart accessories, strength training equipment and cardiovascular equipment made considerable contribution to the overall growth of smart fitness devices market across regions. Increased consumer spending on smart accessories and growing health concerns are some of the prominent factors driving the demand for smart fitness devices. Also, introduction of connected fitness devices with advanced features by key players such as Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Fitbit Inc., and Sony Group are expected to boost the growth of smart fitness devices, thereby increasing competitiveness in the market. Geographically, North America represents a huge market potential followed by Western Europe and Asia-Pacific, wherein the individual and fitnessinstitutions owe a significant contribution to the global smart fitness devicesmarket.Request Free Report Sample@In this study, we analyse the global smart fitness devicesbetween 2013 and 2020. We focus on:Key smart fitness devices trends, development and technology adoption across all the regionsMarket size and forecast by smart fitness devices, componentsand regions/countriesRelative market attractiveness and providers landscape in regionsSmart fitness devicesMarket Company ProfilesKey Regions/Countries CoveredGlobal smart fitness devices marketNorth America, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa (MEA)Ask The Analyst@Examples of Key CompaniesCompetitive landscape of key players, such asFitbit Inc., Pebble Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Shanda Group, Sony Corporation, Nike Inc., Xiaomi Inc. and Garmin International Inc. in global smart fitness devices market.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Specialty Silica Market Demand to Reach 3,188.1 KT in 2016

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Specialty silica demand will continue to be strong in 2016, fuelled by its wide-ranging applications in the rubber and plastics industry. Global demand will reach 3,188.1 KT (thousand tonnes) in 2016, up by 3.7% y-o-y, representing market value worth US$ 5.6 Bn.Rubber industry will continue to be the largest application segment for specialty silicas in 2016, accounting for 1,933.0 KT. Use of specialty silica in tyre manufacturing will drive demand, as focus on improving fuel-efficiency of automobiles continues to gain momentum. Plastics will be the second largest application segment, representing a revenue share of 8.8% in 2016.Precipitated silica will continue to witness the highest demand on the basis of product type, with total consumption set to reach 2,280.3 KT in 2016. Precipitated silica is a highly sought-after performance additive in tyre manufacturing, representing 70.7% worth of revenues in 2015. By 2016, global precipitated silica revenues are anticipated to reach US$ 3,997.5 Mn.Request Free Report Sample@Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) will remain the largest specialty silicas market in 2016, accounting for 1,315.8 KT in volume. High demand for speciality silica from the rubber sector, including footwear, industrial & mechanical rubber, and automotive tyres will continue to create sustained demand for specialty silica in the region.China is expected to continue its dominance as a major supplier for specialty silica in the global market in 2016 and beyond. To cater to the rising demand, China-based manufacturers are ramping up their production capacity. Global companies are following suit by setting up manufacturing bases in China. While regional Chinese players are increasing their capacity for conventional silica, global players are focusing on high-performance product grades, such as highly dispersible silica (HDS) that require use of advanced technical manufacturing process.Ask The Analyst@Evonik AG, Solvay SA and Huber Engineered Materials are the leading players in the specialty silica market. These players are highly focused in expanding their market shares for high-end products and applications. This strategy of these players has made the market for high-performance products extremely consolidated. For instance, Solvay SA alone supplies over 50% HDS thats currently in use for manufacturing fuel-efficient tyres.Long-term Outlook: FMI maintains a positive long-term outlook on the specialty silica market, projecting the market to increase at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period 2016-2026. Asia Pacific will remain the largest market throughout the forecast period, increasing at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Engineering Software Market: Key Trends, Demand, Growth, Size, Review, Share, Analysis to 2025 |The Insight Partners

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The Engineering Software Market to 2025 - Global Analysis and Forecasts by Software Type and Applications report provides a detailed overview of the major factors impacting the global market with the market share analysis and revenues of various sub segments.Browse market data tables and in-depth TOC of the Engineering Software Market to 2025 @Engineering software are used in design or manufacturing automation across a number of different engineering disciplines such as electrical engineering, electronics and communication engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering among others. Despite steady growth in the past few years, the global engineering software market is expected grow considerably during the forecast period, expanding its use in various application areas and untapped opportunities.A significant reduction in time and cost can be achieved in the product development cycle with the introduction of engineering software such as CAD, CAM, CAE, and EDA among others. Also, engineering software provide easy accessibility to the users, thus reducing extra efforts and increasing efficiency and work quality, thereby driving its adoption. The engineering software market is further flourishing due to the rising adoption of portable computing devices at workplace coupled with easy availability of these software over cloud. Rising need of automation in process industries (such as oil & gas, manufacturing and offshoring industries among others) is expected to create new opportunities for the global engineering software market during the forecasted period.Request Sample Copy @The lack of skilled personnel to develop and operate applications on engineering software hinders the global engineering software market. This eventually limits the number of users, thereby reducing the sales volume of engineering software. In addition, high license fees of the engineering software products makes it inaccessible for small & medium enterprises (SMEs), thus impacting the global engineering software market to an extent. High maintenance cost of the engineering software products leads to piracy which further restricts the global engineering software market.The global engineering software market has been segmented on the basis of software type into computer-aided designing (CAD) software, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, computer-aided engineering (CAE) software, architecture, engineering & construction (AEC) software, and electronic design automation (EDA) software. The global engineering software market has been further segmented by applications into Plant Design, Design Automation, Drafting & 3D Modeling, Product Design & Testing, Others (Enterprise Resource Planning, etc.).Make an Inquiry @On the basis of geography, the global engineering software market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM). APAC region specially, China, India and South Korea, being the major contributor to global software technology, are expected to have seamless opportunities in field of automation promising substantial growth of the global engineering software market over the forecast period. North America with high adoption of engineering software, especially cloud-based, leads the global engineering software market and is expected to continue its dominance over the forecast period. A similar trend is expected within Europe region, owing to a high adoption of cloud-based solutions and services. The key players in the global engineering software market are looking forward to tap market potential across the oil & gas industry in the Middle East region, by providing system automation.Some of the key players in the global engineering software market include Microsoft Corporation, Google Inc., Oracle Corporation, IBM Corporation, Rockwell Automation, Inc., Honeywell International, Inc., Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc., Seimens AG, Aspen Technology, Inc., Cypress Semiconductor Corporation, Aveva Group Plc, Integraph Corporation (Hexagon AB), Dassault Systemes, KBC Advanced Technologies Plc, Schneider Electric, Cranes Software International Ltd., Autodesk, Inc., SAP SE, PTC, Inc., Corel Technology Pvt. Ltd , D'GIPRO Design Automation Pvt. Ltd., and SmartDraw LLC among others.Inquire about discount on this report @Some of the key points covered in the report: Engineering Software Market Landscape Engineering Software Market  Key Industry Dynamics Engineering Software Market  Five Forces Analysis Engineering Software Market Analysis Engineering Software Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  Software Types Engineering Software Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  Applications Engineering Software Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  Geographical Analysis Engineering Software Market, Key Company ProfilesAbout The Insight Partners:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comThe Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-41102
One Ukrainian serviceman killed, 7 injured in Donbas in past 24 hours

One Ukrainian serviceman was killed and seven suffered injuries in hostile attacks in the anti-terrorist operation zone in eastern Ukraine in the past 24 hours, Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman Andriy Lysenko said.

"One was killed and seven were injured over the past day," he said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Monday.

The hostiles were using heavy weapons throughout the frontline, Lysenko said.
Cyber Security Market: Key Trends, Demand, Growth, Size, Review, Share, Analysis to 2025 |The Insight Partners

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The Cyber Security Market to 2025 - Global Analysis and Forecasts by Solutions, Applications report provides a detailed overview of the major factors impacting the global market with the market share analysis and revenues of various sub segments.Browse market data tables and in-depth TOC of the Cyber Security Market to 2025 @Cyber security is associated to information technology security that focuses on protecting computers programs, networks and data from unauthorized access. With the tremendous growth in the number of cyber-attacks and the intensity attacks, it has become mandatory for organizations to have adequate protection from such threats. Cyber-security is the modern day term used for protection against cyber espionages. Huge confidential data requires adequate level of security so that it doesnt get hacked or controlled by someone or else the data gets corrupted. Government, military, public data, Banking Financial Service and Insurance and hospitals are the verticals which produce huge amount of confidential data and transfer this data across networks.Huge and confidential data requires highest level of protection. Currently Big Data, predictive analysis trending in various industries; data generation, storage and transfer have undoubtedly became the word of businesses today. These technology trends are here to stay in the coming years and thus have become the primary drivers for the growth of this market. Additionally, Government regulation on data privacy and growing number of cyber threats are the revenue generators for the Cyber Security market. Also, rise in the usage of mobile devices, cloud and digitization have contributed on cyber security awareness. Furthermore, the rising scope of BYOD in companies is also driving this market.Request Sample Copy @The growth of the cyber security considering the advantages it offers hasnt been so smooth and has faced with certain restraining factors. The primary restraint to the growth of this market is the lack of awareness about cyber security. The other factor that limits the growth to this market is the availability of pirated security software and lack of talented security professionals in organizations. Ban on piracy and strict actions taken by Government on piracy could be conducive to reduce the effect of that factor.The global cyber security market is segmented by security types into network security, content security, endpoint security, wireless security & cloud security and application security. Additionally, in terms of services, the cyber security market is segmented by services into design & integration, consulting, managed security services, risk & threat assessment and training & education. The solutions segment of this market includes Identity and Access Management, Encryption, Risk and Compliance Management, Data Loss Prevention, Antivirus & Antimalware, Unified Threat Management, Firewall, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Disaster Recovery, Whitelisting and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Mitigation. Industry verticals adopting this market include Government and Services, BFSI, Defense, Intelligence, Aerospace, Healthcare, Manufacturing and others.Make an Inquiry @Amongst the revenue contributors to the cyber security market, North America and Europe are leading while APAC with emerging economies in India, China and South-East Asian countries is growing rapidly. Mobile security, SIEM, cloud security and threat intelligence are the applications which have contributed to the growth of this market. The leading market players for Cyber Security market include IBM Corporation, Symantec Corporation, Cisco Systems, Inc., Intel Corporation, Northrop Grumman, Computer Sciences Corporation, Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin and Sophos among the others.Some of the key points covered in the report: Cyber Security Market Landscape Cyber Security Market  Key Industry Dynamics Cyber Security Market  Five Forces Analysis Cyber Security Market  Competitive Landscape Cyber Security Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  Security Types Cyber Security Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  Services Cyber Security Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  Solutions Cyber Security Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  Industry Verticals Cyber Security Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2025  Geographical Analysis Cyber Security Market, Key Company ProfilesInquire about discount on this report @About The Insight Partners:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comThe Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-41102
Bioreactor market size is likely to grow at a CAGR of over 18% from 2016 to 2023.

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Low operational cost accompanied by minor requirement for maintenance and monitoring compared to traditional ones is anticipated to drive industry demand.Request for an in-depth table of contents for this report @In addition, low energy consumption coupled with simplicity in culturing of marine microorganism namely algae is likely to propel the industry demand for this system over the several forthcoming years. Single use bioreactor market size is likely to exceed USD 500 million by 2023.Intense growth potential of biologics industry is likely to offer massive growth avenues to the industry participants over the forecast period. Furthermore, lack of availability of sterilized sensors is anticipated to hider the industry growth. Low volume capacity of these systems is likely to challenge the industry demand for bioreactors from 2016 to 2023.The bioreactor market can be segmented on the basis of product, molecule, cell, technology and end use. On the basis of product type it can be segregated as recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies. Based on cell type, the industry can be segmented into bacteria, mammalian cells as well as yeast. Mammalian cells are anticipated to be the fastest and largest growing in the industry. The spur can be subjected to higher effectiveness of biomolecules exhibited by mammalian cells.Make an inquiry for purchasing this @Key industry participants occupying major bioreactor market share include Thermo Fischer Scientific, PBS Biotech, Merck KGaA, GE Healthcare, Merck Millipore, Xcellerex, Thermo Fisher Hyclone, Cellexus, Pall Corporation, Stedim Biotech and Sartorius among others.About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.29L Atlantic Avenue,Suite L 105, Ocean View,Delaware 19970United States
PARIS AG presents first bot complementing its datango performance suite e-learning and EPS system

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Process automation for office jobs: time savings of up to 90 per CentKaarst, 17th October 2016  The datango performance suite e-learning and EPS (electronic performance support) solution from PARIS AG has a new addition: its first process support bot. The bot almost entirely automates business processes such as annual leave requests and can cut the time spent on repetitive, time-consuming office tasks by around 90 per cent that is proved by a detailed performance report after the process. The process-acceleration bot was presented at this years DSAG (German-speaking SAP user group) congress for the first time. Its integration in the e-learning solution makes it unique on the market. The bot is the prelude to a bot suite that will form part of an automation platform currently under development.Sooner or later, bots will replace apps completely, says Sebastian Grodzietzki, Chief Growth Officer at PARIS AG, who is responsible, among other things, for product vision and strategy. Particularly combined with cognitive computing and machine or deep learning, bots will take on a key role, for instance when it comes to onboarding new employees, education, and general task support. Bots will be our constant companions in the near future, he adds, both in everyday life and our daily work. They are able to simplify, automate and accelerate recurrent administrative processes as well as provide introductory training or specific guidance through conversational mechanisms, such as question-and-answer.As solution provider of the datango performance suite (dps) e-learning and EPS system, PARIS is already supporting digital training. The tool is used to document and simulate processes, create training content and guide staff through digital processes with an online help system. This supports companies on the way to digital transformation as their employees easily understand and get familiar with new applications.In developing its first bot, PARIS AG has taken process automation one step further. We presented the bot to the public at the DSAG annual congress, says Sebastian Grodzietzki. There we demonstrated automated leave requests and none of the congress visitors had come across an application like this before.The bot will be followed by a bot suite integrated in the planned PARIS Automation Suite  a platform for automating business and everyday processes. The first release for selected customers is expected for Q1/2017.datango at a glance:datango is a division of PARIS AG - Process Automation Robotics Intelligence Systems - and provides leading technologies for process navigation, automation, documentation and e-learning. Among other things, datango solutions support organizations through targeted qualification of employees during rapid rollouts, and smooth operation of enterprise applications. The software solutions provide a navigation aid in the live system, and facilitate the automatic generation and translation of process documentation, training manuals, software simulations, and real-world e-learning environments. Functionalities as featured in the datango performance suite are an integral component of business applications in many companies all around the world. As a result, datango helps reduce input errors, and support costs and thus increases user acceptance of business applications in companies across various industries and sizes.Further information:datangoA division ofPARIS AGBruchweg 9641564 KaarstGermanyContact person:Sebastian Grodzietzki-Chief Growth Officer-Phone: +49 (0)2131-762010E-Mail: s.grodzietzki@paris-ag.com | s.grodzietzki@datango.comPR agency:punctum pr-agentur GmbHNeuer Zollhof 340221 DusseldorfGermanyContact person:Ulrike Peter-Managing Director-Phone: +49 (0)211-9717977-0E-Mail: up@punctum-pr.de
Industrial Personnel and Burden Carriers (Electric) Market To Attract Heavy Investments From Manufacturing Sector

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Industrial personnel and burden carriers (electric) are primarily used in factories, manufacturing hubs, and warehouses to transport heavy equipment and materials. These carriers offer numerous advantages. Thus, usage of industrial personnel and burden carriers (electric) has increased in different industries such as cement, real estate, and retail. The industrial personnel and burden carrier (electric) market is primarily driven by the rapid industrialization in developing countries and the emerging markets of Asia Pacific. Additionally, higher need for improvement in operational efficiency in factories is positively impacting market growth. The sit down type of burden carrier (electric) segment is expected to expand significantly during the forecast period.PDF Sample For Latest Advancements with Technological breakthroughs is @Factors such as industrial personnel and burden carrier help to save time for a given work provide safety and security along with cost-effectiveness, reduces product damage, and helps in optimum utilization of resources in industries. All of the above combined ensures operational efficiency in factories. In todays business environment where the market has become extremely competitive, most companies are focusing on operational efficiency in their business in order to provide best of products and services to customers. Thus, the rising need for operational efficiency in industries and increasing usage of industrial personnel and burden carriers are set to motivate the growth of this market in the coming years. Moreover, during the last few years, the market for electric industrial personnel and burden carriers has witnessed an enhanced rise in application due to the increasing requirement of such vehicles in order to save time and improve the efficiency of work in industries. Countries in Asia Pacific such as Japan, China, Singapore, Indonesia, and Australia are also contributing to the growth of the global industrial personnel and burden carrier (electric) market. The major applications of these vehicles are in factories, warehouses, cement industry, real estate sector, retail sector, and others. Primarily, two types of electric industrial personnel and burden carriers are available: battery based electric vehicles (BEVs), and plug-in based electric vehicles (PEVs). Considering all these factors, the industrial personnel and burden carriers market is likely to grow at a significant during the forecast period.Growth in industries such as automotive, coal, oil, textile, information technology, cement, and real estate is driving the industrial personnel and burden carrier (electric) market. These carriers are used to transport personnel, equipment, and materials in various industries. The Asia Pacific region is the fastest growing market for industrial personnel and burden carriers. Economic reforms and rapid industrialization in major Asia Pacific countries such as China, India, and Japan are influencing the growth of the market. The large population, abundance of resources, cheap labor costs, and affordability of raw materials in Asia Pacific are some of the crucial factors encouraging foreign investments in the industrial sector of the region.Market Insight can be Viewed @With increasing industrialization and need for operational efficiency in industries across the globe, there is immense scope and opportunities for the industrial personnel and burden carriers (electric) market. There has been significant rise in application of industrial personnel and burden carriers in industries based in Asia Pacific. In the coming years, Asia Pacific is expected to be a crucial market for industrial personnel and burden carriers. India, China, and Japan have seen huge industrialization in recent times because of the availability of good natural and human resources. Cheap source of labor, availability of raw materials, good transportation network, and investor-friendly industrial policies are some of the vital factors encouraging global companies to set up industries in these countries of the Asia Pacific region. This in turn is expected to encourage the rise in application of industrial personnel and burden carriers in the emerging markets of Asia Pacific.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Awesome Things You Can Learn From Agricultural Micronutrients

Agricultural Micronutrients

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Summary: Big Market Research adds Global Awesome Things You Can Learn from Agricultural Micronutrients new report to its research database. The report spread across 115 pages with table and figures in it.Global Awesome Things You Can Learn From Agricultural Micronutrients Update Market Trends, Regulations, and Competitive LandscapeAccording to Stratistics MRC, the Global Agricultural Micronutrients market is accounted for $5.07 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach $9.23 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of 8.9%. Increasing demand of effective fertilizers for good quality yield, lack of macronutrients, rising issues of soil deficiency and high demand for bio fuels are some of the factors fueling the market. However, limited knowledge on micronutrients in emerging countries is limiting the market growth.Zinc micronutrients segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to its application in food industry. Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period attributed to increasing disposable income and rising health awareness on nutritional food.Request a sample of this report @Some of the key players in Global Agricultural Micronutrients market include Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Coromandel International Limited, Syngenta International AG, Compass Minerals International Inc., Haifa Chemicals Ltd, Monsanto Co., The Mosaic Company, ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd., Land OLakes Inc, Bayer Crop, Yara International ASA, Agrium Inc., E. I. DUPONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY, Dow Chemical Co., BASF SE and Nufarm Limited.Crop Types Covered: Cereals & grains Fruits & Vegetables Oilseeds & Pulses Others Plantation FloricultureEnquire about Discount on this report@What our report offers: Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments Market share analysis of the top industry players Strategic recommendations for the new entrants Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations) Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsEnquire about report @Big Market Research is an exclusive online market to get best market research reports for your business needs and strategies. We recommend you to stop browsing as soon as you discover our website.Dhananjay Potle5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect :+ 1-503-894-6022Toll Free : + 1-800-910-6452Email: help@bigmarketresearch.comWeb:
Advanced Semiconductor Packaging Market Set To Reduce More board space Resulting in More Sleeker Gadgets

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During the final stages of development in a semiconductor, silicon wafer, logic board and memory are wrapped in a supporting case that prevents corrosion and physical damage of the chips that are to be connected to the circuit board. This process is known as packaging in a semiconductor industry. Packaging has evolved during the last ten years from chip-scale package, system in package and package on package to wafer-level package, 2.5D integrated circuits to 3D integrated circuits.The major challenge of an integrated-circuit (IC) manufacturer is that changes in wafer sizes and node migrations are slowing down even as capital expenditures are increasing. One way to preserve their edge of the manufacturers on their circuits high performance, small size and low costs is to incorporate newer chip-packaging options such as 3-D integrated circuits (3.0DICs) and 2.5-D integrated circuits (2.5DICs) into their production processes. These advanced-packaging technologies, which are still in their infant stage, promise lower power consumption and greater chip connectivity compared with traditional packaging configurations. Application memory and processor chip manufactured using advanced packaging solutions such as 2.5D and 3D technologies is about two to three times faster and 30 to 40 percent smaller than chip based packaging using older technologies. These advanced packaging technologies is dependent upon various factors such as thriving demand for low end tablets, smart phones and wearables and other consumer goods.PDF Sample For Latest Advancements with Technological breakthroughs is @The need of the hour is compact, flexible and scalable ICs that allow for design changes at minimal cost. There is an increasing focus of the industry on SoC technologies which are migrating to 40nm and 28 nm process technologies. According to industry sources, Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm and MediaTek are migrating to 28nm process and this adds complexity to the chip design and development. Thus reduction of board space and miniaturization electrical and thermal performance improvement, cost reduction and simplification of logistic for OEMs of devise has led towards the development of advanced packaging technologies in semiconductor devices.Existing 2-D IC (2.0DIC) wafer-level and flip-chip technologies have shown a robust growth during the last five years and are been used for many main-stream applications, generally used in high end smart phones and tablets which should meet power management and stringent size requirements. Emerging 3.0DIC and 2.5DIC packaging technologies extends the wafer-level and flip-chip packaging technologies by adding multiple dies to stacked up vertically together through the use of through silicon via (TSV) technology and interposers. This technology allows the manufacturers to pack more functionality in a single chip without increasing its size.The major drivers influencing the advanced semiconductor packaging market globally is miniaturization of electronic devices and proper thermal dissipation has led towards the growth of advanced semiconductor packaging technologies during the forecast period from 2016  2024.Some of the major restraints of the advanced semiconductor packaging market globally are high adoption time by different electronic devices manufactures and the high cost associated with its manufacturing.The advanced semiconductor packaging market can be distinguished by technology type and application type. In the technology outlook, there are generally two types; through silicon via (TSV), and interposer technology. The application type segment can be bifurcated into consumer electronics, industrial, and memory products.Asia Pacific being the largest semiconductor manufacturer globally also posses the largest market for advanced semiconductor packaging industry. Moreover huge demand for electronic devices from Asia pacific region due to its low labor cost and cheap raw material availability has led towards the growth of advanced semiconductor packaging market in this region. North America led the second largest market for advanced semiconductor packaging market followed by Europe and West of the World.Market Insight can be Viewed @The major players in this industry are Texas Instruments (U.S.), Infineon Technologies (Germany), Nordson Corporation (U.S.), KLA  Tencor (U.S.), Amkor United States (U.S.), and ASE Group (Taiwan) among others.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Rising Investment in Healthcare Information System aids the Expansion of Digital Health Market

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Global Digital Health Market: OverviewDigital health is technology-enabled care that involves the convergence of digital media, health technology, and mobile devices. It is designed to help patients, care givers, and healthcare professionals access relevant data easily and improve the quality of both social and health care. Digital health is gaining impetus since it provides cost-effective solutions at a time when the demand for healthcare services is persistently increasing.Digital Health Market Trends:The rising aging population, increasing price of advanced treatments, and shrinking healthcare expenses by governments have impelled healthcare providers to look for complementing solutions to sustain future social and health care systems. Opportunities for deploying mobile technology in a healthcare set-up have significantly increased in the last few years. The proliferation of smart devices and smartphones has played a crucial role in propagating digital health. Notable developments in bio-sensing wearables such as glucose, blood pressure, and diabetes monitors are further expected to augment the interest in digital health.Digital health enables access to real-time health care data. Furthermore smartphones and wearable medical devices integrating an increasing range of sensors to facilitate monitoring changes in physiology. Therefore, the applicability of digital health is expected to surge extraordinarily in the near future.The report presents a granular analysis of the global digital health market, studying the various aspects influencing the markets trajectory between 2016 and 2023. Factors aiding and inhibiting the growth of the market have been analyzed in detail. The report also presents insights into the strategies adopted by various companies operating in the market.Global Digital Health Market: Key Opportunities and ThreatsDigital health refers to a system or solution that delivers effective health care solutions using IT tools and products. It is possible to provide better and more efficient care compared to traditional healthcare via patient online services and digital diagnostic techniques. Latest digital health technologies such as electronic health records (EHR), wireless technologies, and digital diagnostic systems encompass data such as patient history, medication, allergies, immunization dates, radiology images, diagnosis, laboratory and tests results, treatment plans, and insurance information.The global digital health market is exhibiting robust growth due to the increasing demand for advanced information systems in the health care industry. Favorable policies by governments and the rising investment by players in the healthcare information system (HIT) have also been aiding the expansion of the digital health market. Additionally, the market is also gaining impetus from the growing demand for remote monitoring services in response to the proliferation of home healthcare services.On the flip side, certain restraints often associated with the global digital health market include high capital expenditure, privacy and security issues, expenditure incurred on maintenance requirement, and inadequate infrastructure of the healthcare industry in developing countries.Digital Health Trajectory Continues, Get Details for the same:Global Digital Health Market: Regional OutlookRegionally, North America dominates the global digital health market and is expected to maintain its dominance through the forecast period. This exponential surge witnessed by the regional market is aided by the developed healthcare infrastructure, increased healthcare spending, and the increasing incidence of chronic illnesses in the region.The digital health market is also witnessing attractive opportunities in Europe. The European market is primarily aided by the increasing geriatric population, rising prevalence of chronic ailments, and technological advancements introduced in the HIT. However, during the forecast period, the Asia Pacific digital health market is expected to report growth at highest rate. The increasing investment in healthcare and IT will support the growth of the digital health market in Asia Pacific.Global Digital Health Market: Competitive InsightTo present insights into the competition prevailing in the market, the report also profiles companies such as General Electric Company, AT&T Inc., McKesson Corporation, Cisco Systems Inc., and others.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
RDH Global Set to Appoint Director of Operations to Assist Expansion

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RDH Global have recently announced that they are set to appoint a Director of Operations to assist and over-see their business expansion.This new appointment will enable the current senior partners to continue with their focus on the day-to-day running of the business, while the expansion plans are over-seen by a dedicated senior employee who will report directly back to them.We believe that the expansion of our business is crucial in ensuring that our current client base is both retained and increased, whilst also allowing us to move into other regions that will afford us a wider market exposure. With this in mind, it has been decided that RDH Global will appoint an Operations Director whose responsibility will be to ensure that our agreed expansion plans are not only completed but are also maintained, said Reuben Rosenthal, RDH Globals founder and CEO.The appointment will allow the current 3 senior partners to continue to dedicate themselves to the day-to-day running of the business whilst the companys expansion is being over-seen by an appointed senior team member. This we feel is critical in maintaining our companys focus, not only on the tasks at hand but also those that will shape our future, Rosenthal added.RDH Global currently have offices in Brussels, Hong Kong and Dubai to allow them to offer complete client services to Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle-Eastern based clients.We are fairly close now to making this appointment and have already drawn up a short-list of candidates who all possess the skills and attributes required for this key position. We will make the announcement as soon as the successful candidate has been appointed and we look forward to them achieving every success with RDH Global, Rosenthal concluded.We are RDH Global, established by Reuben Rosenthal, Marc Dumont and Samuel Hansen, who with their considerable personal experience in multiple platforms, each covering various classes, afford every client, at every level, the ability to find the right product and solution for their personal goals.RDH GlobalBlue Tower,Avenue Louise, 3261050 BrusselsBelgium+32 2 342 0279info.eu@rdhglobal.com
Natural Flavours Market Revenue, Opportunity, Forecast and Value Chain 2015-2025

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The market for natural flavours has grown tremendously over the past couple of years due to increase awareness of health coupled with emerging middle class across the globe. Flavours are used in food and beverages in order to enhance the taste and quality of the products. Thousands of natural volatile compounds make up the flavours and aromas of the food products that we eat in our day to day life. The definition of natural flavour under the Code of Federal Regulations is: the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavouring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavouring rather than nutritional. The market is buoyant for the coming years especially in Europe for the natural and clean label flavours.Natural Flavours Market: Drivers and RestraintsGrowing consumer interest in natural ingredients coupled with the strong command of retailers in the supply chain has made natural flavours easily and widely available in the market for consumers and are the major driving forces of the market globally. However, rising cost of raw materials and the issues of sustainability and stability of natural flavours over synthetic flavours are major restraining factor of the natural flavour market. Trends of the natural flavour market includes demands for clean-label products categories such as confectionery and soft drinks and growth in R&D for stability of natural flavour.Request Free Report Sample@Natural Flavours Market: SegmentationNatural flavour market is segmented on the basis of product type, application and region. On the basis of product type the market can be segmented into natural extract, aroma chemical, essential oils and other natural flavour. Furthermore, on the basis of application natural flavour market can be segmented into beverages, dairy product, confectionary, oral products, tobacco and others. Beverages was the largest segment in natural flavour market followed by dairy products in 2014. Lastly, on the basis of region the market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa.Natural Flavours Market: Region-Wise OutlookIn 2014, North America holds the largest market of natural flavours followed by Europe. However, Asia Pacific and Latin America are key emerging region in natural flavours market and are expected to marginally take a lead in the global natural flavours market by 2025 over developed regions.Visit For TOC@Natural Flavours Market: Key PlayersSome of the global key players in the natural flavour market are Givaudan, Firmenich, Takasago International Corporation, Symrise AG, Sensient Technologies Corporation, Kerry Group PLC, Frutarom Industries Ltd. to name a few. Givaudan, a Switzerland based company holds the maxium market share in the global natural flavour market. Big multinational companies in the natural flavour market focus on the acquisition activity in order to expand within the growth areas of natural flavour market. Major Companies such as Givaudan currently marking its footprint by increasing number of production sites, creative centres, an increased marketing and sales force and also opening new offices in Africa and Asia to cater the local demandAbout Us:Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Military Vehicles and Aircraft Simulations Market Volume Analysis, Segments, Value Share and Key Trends 2015-2025

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Military vehicles and aircraft simulation have now become critically important due to high safety and security reasons in every part of the world. Growing need to cut down the cost of pilot training, technological developments, and introduction of new generation aircrafts is escalating the growth in the global military vehicles and aircraft simulation. Additionally, increased environmental impacts, cost of fuel and real wear and tear on weapon system, is anticipated to be the major target market in near future. The simulation technology (imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time) allows both commercial and military trainees to learn faster and master to advance on and off road operations along with handling hazardous and dangerous situations without risk to machine and man. However, simulation of technology is used in many contexts such as safety engineering, education, training, testing, performance optimization, video games and others. It is also used in computer experiments to study simulation models.The military vehicles and aircraft simulation continues to gain importance in the aerospace, defence and military industry. With reduced financial resources, governments are taking initiatives to cut down on training budgets. Owing to this, currently militaries are focusing on attaining cheaper and more effective solutions for their training requirements. Owing to this, flight simulations has evolved to become an essential part of civil aviation operations and military capability. It is a device that artificially creates the environment for flight (where it flies) for pilot training and other purposes. Flight simulator may vary from one model to another and is widely used in commercial and military applications. As a result, training in a fight simulator is more operative than training in aircraft, also it has made a major contribution towards the aviation industry.Request Free Report Sample@Military Vehicles and Aircraft Simulations Market: Drivers & RestraintsTo accommodate new generation aircrafts, mission rehearsal and simulation technologies are moving forward along with embed in a variety of military systems to carry out training in reality at reasonable cost. Commercialization of unmanned aerial vehicles is the emerging trend and will give new opportunities to this market. A fundamental growth driver to the market is growing awareness over the benefits of virtual pilot training. Additionally, demand for trained pilots and crew members, technological advancements, rising demand for air transportation which has further resulted in growing needs for safety and security concerns along with cost advantages are the drivers identified in the military vehicles and aircraft simulations market. Safety regulations and push from the government side is also helping in increasing the degree of awareness among the users. However, high implementation cost, lack of reliable communication and complexity in system are the major setback for military vehicles and aircraft simulations market.Military Vehicles and Aircraft SimulationsMarket: SegmentationOn the basis of types global military vehicles and aircraft simulations can be broadly into: Virtual, Live, and Constructive and others. On the basis of application global military vehicle and aircraft simulation market is segmented into: Platform, System and Maintenance. On the basis of system, global military vehicles and aircraft simulations can be further segmented into: Flight simulation and Non-Flight Simulation.Visit For TOC@Military Vehicles and Aircraft SimulationsMarket: Region-wise OutlookThe global military vehicles and aircraft simulation market is expected to register CAGR of 6.27 percent over the forecasted period 2015-2025. Depending on geographic regions, global military vehicles and aircraft simulation market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. In terms of regions, Europe accounts for the largest market share followed by North America. Asia Pacific market is projected to register a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing demand for training of pilots and rising demand for air transportation along with technological updates is fuelling the growth of global military vehicles and aircraft simulations market in Asia Pacific. Eastern Europe and Latin America are also forecast to register a significant growth in the global military vehicles and aircraft simulations market, as growing awareness over the pilot training is expected to grow in these regions as well.Military Vehicles and Aircraft SimulationMarket: Key PlayersSome of the players identified in the aircraft simulation are FLIGHTRiX (Command Sims Pvt. Ltd.), Presagis (formed through the acquisition of three industry leading companies includes Engenuity Technologies, MultiGen-Paradigm, and TERREX.), Rheinmetall Defence, Alsim, Atlantis System Corp., CAE Inc., Bae Systems PLC, FlightSafety International Inc., Moog Inc., Simteq B.V., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Thales Group, Rockwell Collins, PMDG, Israel Aerospace industries, ATC Flight Simulator, Mechtronix Inc., L-3 Communications Holdings Ltd., among many others.Speak To Analyst@About Us:Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
MP Serhiy Taruta (not a member of any parlaimentary faction) has proposed to including the issue of dismissing Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Valeriya Gontareva on the agenda of the Verkhovna Rada's session this plenary week.

"I propose that we include draft resolutions that would be registered today to this week agenda. One resolution is a petition to the Ukrainian president to dismiss Gontareva and the second is to create a temporary investigation commission. If she [Gontareva] has nothing to hide, let her work with us," Taruta said at a meeting of the council of heads of parliamentary factions, committees and groups on Monday.

He said that the NBU head did not attend Rada committee meetings and ignored lawmakers.

As reported, on October 13, the NBU appealed to the Security Service of Ukraine, Prosecutor General's Office and National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine asking to open criminal cases based on provocative materials with accusations against Gontareva.

According to a posting on the central bank's website, this concerns spreading a brochure entitled "Threat to Economic Security" before a meeting of International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank member countries in Washington held from October 6 through October 10.

The NBU said that Taruta personally circulated the brochure, which is a collection of untrue, provocative and distorted information. The NBU believes that this step is a part of a provocative campaign against Gontareva.

On October 14, Taruta reacted to the NBU's steps. Taruta said claims forwarded against him by the NBU are groundless. He intends to initiate the creation of a temporary parliamentary commission to investigate into activities of Gontareva.
Global Water Purifier Consumption Market 2016 - 3M, BWT, Pentair, Unilever Pure it, Coway, Paragon, Mitsubishi Rayon, Ecowater, Bluepure, Philips, Panasonic

http://www.fiormarkets.com/report-detail/11016/request-sample

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Water purifier, as the name means, is tool or equipment used for the purification of drinking water.In general, water 'purifiers' can apply to any type of water filtration system including active carbon filters, UV Ultraviolet filtration systems, carbon-filtered water pitchers, faucet-installed carbon filters, water distillers, reverse osmosis systems, chemically-treated and municipal chlorinating water processes. In this report, we will mainly analyze household water purifiers for providing clean and safe drinking water.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Water Purifier Consumption in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Request for sample report atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers3MBWTPentairUnilever Pure itCowayParagonMitsubishi RayonCulliganBritaEcowaterBluepureTorayPhilipsEnmetPanasonicPurificMideaQinyuanQLIFEK.cleanLitreeAngelLAMOHaierCaluxSaconImritaAO Smith (China)FLN/HunsdonHielossSundyleeMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)Latin America, Middle and AfricaMarket Segment by Type, coversActivated carbon filtersUV technologyReverse OsmosisMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoHouseholdRestaurant & HostelOffices and Other Public PlacesAccess full report atThere are 10 Chapters to deeply display the global Water Purifier Consumption market.Chanter 1, to analyze the top manufacturers of Water Purifier Consumption, with sales, revenue, and price of Water Purifier Consumption, in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 2, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 3, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Water Purifier Consumption, for each region, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 4, 5, 6 and 7, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 8 and 9, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2011 to 2016.Chapter 10, Water Purifier Consumption market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2016 to 2021.Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Advance Wound Dressing Market Growth, Trends, Absolute Opportunity and Value Chain 2015-2025

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Advancement in Wound Dressing Market begins years before when the film and hydrocolloids introduced. Advanced Wound Dressing accelerates the healing process by keeping moist environment around the wound along with medicines like antibiotic and painkillers.Advanced Wound Dressing used to heal acute and chronic wounds especially in chronic wounds. Advanced wound dressing has shown very significant results in diabetic patients as well in chronic wounds that takes a long time or cannot be healed by traditional wound dressings.Advance Wound Dressing Market: Drivers and RestraintsAdvanced Wound Dressing market is growing as the number of diabetic and chronic patients increasing rapidly worldwide. Major drivers for the Advanced Wound Dressing Market is ageing population, increase in incident of accidents, increase in adoption rate of Advanced Wound Dressings like hydrocolloids and wound contact layers, continuously advance improvement in dressing like combination of antibiotics and painkillers with dressings. However, high price and lack of adequate reimbursement policies in developing countries are the main hindrance of the market growth.Request Free Report Sample@Advance Wound Dressing Market: SegmentationAdvance Wound Dressings global market is segmented into following types:HydrocolloidsNon-Antimicrobial Hydrocolloid DressingsAntimicrobial Hydrocolloid DressingsHydrofibersNon-Antimicrobial Hydrofiber DressingsAntimicrobial Hydrofiber DressingsAlginatesNon-Antimicrobial Alginate DressingsAntimicrobial Alginate DressingsHydrogelsNon-Antimicrobial Hydrogel DressingsAntimicrobial Hydrogel DressingsCollagensNon-Antimicrobial Collagen DressingsAntimicrobial Collagen DressingsFoamsNon-Antimicrobial Foam DressingsAntimicrobial Foam DressingsFilmsNon-Antimicrobial Film DressingsAntimicrobial Film DressingsWound Contact LayersNon-Antimicrobial Wound Contact LayersAntimicrobial Wound Contact LayersVisit For TOC@Advance Wound Dressing Market: OverviewAdvance Wound Dressing Market is growing with a significant CAGR because of its high adoption rate in treatment of chronic wounds. Developing countries is growing with a higher CAGR compared to other parts of the world.Advance Wound Dressing Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, global Advanced Wound Dressing market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa.North America contributes maximum in global Wound dressing Market Share. European countries showing a good growth as the adoption rate for Advance Wound Dressing is increasing for diabetic patients, burns, and chronic wounds. Asia Pacific is growing with a significant CAGR for Advance Wound Dressing market due to increase in healthcare awareness. Amongst the Asian countries, India and china are more promising due to large population pool and increased number of hospitals.Speak To Analyst@Advance Wound Dressing Market: Key PlayersKey players of Advance Wound Dressing market includes Smith & Nephew, Molnlycke Health Care, Paul Hartmann, Covidien, ConvaTec, B. Braun Melsungen, BSN medical, 3M Health Care, Systagenix Wound Management, Derma Sciences, Coloplast, Laboratoires Urgo, Johnson & Johnson, Kinetic Concepts, Inc and Others. Local Players also have a significant presence in Advance Wound Dressing Market.About Us:Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Citric Acid Market Segments, Opportunity, Growth and Forecast By End-use Industry 2015-2025

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Citric acid is described as nature's acidulant, occurring in a wide variety of plants, citrus fruits, animal tissues, micro-organisms and fluids, holding an important role in metabolism. Citric acid is in great demand as acidifying agent with great solubility nature that hardly could be substituted. It is widely used to impart tartness, pH adjustment, sourness, and also for enhancing flavors. Citric acid is widely used in food and beverage industry. Apart from this it also used in pharmaceutical products, personal care, cleaners & detergent and others. Moreover, citric acid is used for food safety and preservation, preparation of ready-to-made processed beverages and food products. In pharmaceutical industry citric acid is used as stabilising & flavoring agent and in medical products such as soluble aspirin, antacid and also in dentifrices. Also, it is used in shampoos and conditioners, toiletries and detergents considering the personal care market.Global Citric Acid Market Segmentation:On the basis of applications, citric acid market is segmented into food, beverages, pharmaceutical, personal care, metal cleaning and others. Further, on the basis of product types, food segment is sub-segmented into bakery and confectionaries, frozen foods, dairy products and others. Personal care segment is sub-segmented into detergent & toiletries. In pharmaceutical citric acid used in the form of salt or liquid to produce medicine tablets and in personal care products as solvent is an antimicrobial pesticide that is used as a disinfectant, sanitizer, germicide and virucide.Request Free Report Sample@Geographically citric acid market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa. China and U.S. are big hub of citric acid in terms of manufacturing and consumption. Asia pacific excluding Japan holds largest market of citric acid owing to increase in demand for beverages and food products in this region. North America and Western Europe are second and third largest market for citric acid respectively. Courtiers like US, China and India are fueling the global citric acid market.Global Citric Acid Market Dynamics:Increasing demand for food and beverages and personal care are the most significant driver for global citric acid market. Moreover, deficiencies and health consciousness among consumers are another factors that enhance the demand for citric acid rich products. However, manufacturers need to be concerned about justified quantity of citric acid in the products, while manufacturing.Visit For TOC@Global Citric Acid Market Key Players:Some of the key players operating in the market are Pfizer Inc., Tate & Lyle plc, Cargill, COFCO Biochemical(anhui) CO.,LTD, Shandong Juxian Hongde Citric Acid Co. Ltd, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Archer Daniels Midland Company, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Gadot Biochemical Industries LTD., Weifang Ensign Industry Co. Ltd, Huangshi Xinghua Biochemical Co. Ltd.,About Us:Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.Contact Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Advance Matrix Rate Shipping Extension for Magento 2: A New Creation in Shipping Methods

https://www.mconnectmedia.com/advance-matrix-rate-shipping-magento-2.html

https://www.mconnectmedia.com/pdf/advance-matrix-rate-shipping-extension-m2-user-guideline.pdf

https://www.mconnectmedia.com/magento-extension-development/

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Thinking about the convenience, customers always need more options to choose from. Whether it is about products, services or profession or in any/everything. So, while they shop online, they want more options and variations in products and more options during checkout such as in Payment methods or shipping methods. And considering the more options for shipping methods, M-Connect Media has developed a new shipping method.Kennesaw, Georgia, 17th October 2016  M-Connect Media has launched a new extension for Advance Matrix Rate Shipping for Magento 2. This extension helps the shop owners to offer different shipping methods to your customers as per their destination/location.M-Connect Media offers multiple services for the eCommerce store with the most flexible and feature-rich Magento platform to help the eCommerce store to meet their business needs or goals.The Advance Matrix Rate Shipping extension enables the shop owners to make multiple shipping rates for their customers as per the destination, product weight, total order value and quantity of the product.In some cases, the customers are not satisfied with the options provided. It is like the more, the better for them. This saying goes well with the shipping methods offered for the shipment of the products to the customers. There are already many different shipping methods available with most of the eCommerce sites. But, the customers always need some personalized things.So, to offer them with more shipping options this extension is developed. The admin can offer them multiple shipping rates considering different aspects (destination, product weight, and total order value and product quantity).We had a talk with the spokesperson from M-Connect Media and asked him to shed some light on this extension. He said, From a survey, we got to know that customers need more options to choose for shipping methods. Keeping this mind, we have previously created some extension for shipping methods. And this is the new extension in the list. This will help the admin to create more shipping rates depending on the location of the customers, weight product, product quantity and total of the orders. With this extension activated on the store, the customers will get the option to select on the shopping cart page and it will then show the cost of the shipping plus product before they move to checkout.To know more about Advance Matrix Rate Shipping extension for Magento 2, please visit the below link:You can know more about Advance Matrix Rate and its application on the Magento 2 based eCommerce stores from the following user guideline:M-Connect Media, a leading Magento eCommerce development agency offers professional services for Magento, eCommerce development and Extension development. They offer services from eCommerce Consulting, development of Webstore to Post sale services. The company has record of 1000 clients happy, 1200 successfully completed projects and development of more than 70 Magento compatible extensions. Know more about them at:M-Connect Media353 McCook Cir NW,Kennesaw, Georgia 30144,United States.E-mail: info@mconnectmedia.comPhone: +1 319 804-8627Website:
Growing Mobile Application Development Platform Market Demands and Trends to lead global Industry to grow at a CAGR of 27.29% during 2016-2020

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http://www.researchmoz.us/global-mobile-application-development-platform-market-2016-2020-report.html

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Mobile application development platform solutions are IT solutions and services specifically designed to build, test, and run enterprise and consumer mobile applications. Mobile-first strategy in enterprises and the latest IT trends such as BYOD policies are powering the growing adoption of mobile application development solutions. Enterprises have been using mobile applications to manage their operational and business processes fluently. Mobile applications provide convenience, great user experience, functionalities, features, and other add-ons which have created significant demand for advanced mobile application development solutions such as DevOps.The global mobile application development platform market to grow at a CAGR of 27.29% during the period 2016-2020. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global mobile application development platform market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from sale of mobile application development platform solutions and services for enterprises.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAGet a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Mobile Application Development Platform Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- Adobe Systems- IBM- Kony- Salesforce- SAPOther prominent vendors- Appcelerator- Backbase- Globo- Intellectsoft- Microsoft- Oracle- OutSystems- Red Hat- Sourcebits- TelerikMarket driver- Speed up time-to-market through shorter application development cycle- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Complexities in application integration- For a full, detailed list, view our reportBrowse more details at:Key questions answered in this report:-- What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Mr. NachiketAlbany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Systech llinois will display bottle oxygen permeation analyser at K2016

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www.systechillinois.com

Our team of Technical Sales Managers are looking forward to participating at the K plastics and rubber trade fair next week and showcasing our range of permeation and headspace gas analysers to the many visitors who attend from all over the world. We are particularly enthusiastic to introduce the new DualPerm oxygen / water vapour permeation station and to display our multiple bottle oxygen permeation analyser.The 8700 oxygen permeation analyser offers an exceptionally fast Turbopurge feature which allows up to 11 bottles to be tested in 3 to 12 hours providing much greater production throughput. This permeation analyser has the ability to test a variety of samples; bottles, packages and films and the software capability to allow individual packages to be started, stopped or delayed during testing. Custom made adaptors are available for a wide range of applications such as complete package testing, including bottles with closures.The 8700 is ideal for use in applications such as beer bottle manufacturing, where oxygen permeability is key as permeation of oxygen through the bottle will have a significant influence on the products shelf life.Please come and visit us at Hall 10, Stand G13.Hall/Stand No.: 10/G13Phone No.: +44 (0) 1844 216838As a global company Systech Illinois specialises in online, portable and laboratory water vapour permeation analysis equipment. With 30 years as one of the leading experts in gas and moisture measurement, Systech Illinois' application and technology knowledge provides efficient gas analysis solutions in many industry sectors, products worldwide.For the process industry, Systech offer a wide range of analysis solutions including measurement of water vapour, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and many other gases. In addition, Systech manufacture intrinsically safe units for use in hazardous areas.Systech Illinois is a multinational company with offices and gas analysis equipment manufacturing facilities in the UK and the U.S. Systech is very proud of its well developed and well trained workforce, which enables it to offer customers a continuing high level of service, and become known globally as a leading supplier of gas analysis instrumentation.For more information on the Systech product range please visitSystech IllinoisBeth FaulknerPhone: +44 1844 216838 (EMEA)+1 815 344 6212 (N. & S. America and Canada).Web:17 Thame Park Business CentreWenman RoadThameOxfordshireWeb:
Mobile Biometrics - Global Market Outlook (2016-2022)

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Mobile Biometrics market is expected to grow from $9.53 billion in 2015 to reach $52.61 billion by 2022 with a CAGR of 27.6%. Growth in usage of mobile devices and soaring mobile transactions are the major factors fuelling the market growth. Furthermore, increasing adoption in end user industries, rising e-commerce transactions are some of the key factors driving the market growth during the forecast period. However, data breaching and privacy issues are hampering the market growth.Fingerprint reader is commanding the single-factor authentication mode globally with the biggest market share and is expected to grow with a high CAGR during the forecast period. Growth is attributed to increasing adoption of fingerprint reader technology by various smartphone manufacturers. North America is anticipated to hold the largest share in global mobile biometrics market. Asia Pacific is likely to grow at a fastest rate during the forecast period.Some of the key players in global mobile biometrics market include 3M Cogent, Inc., Apple Inc, Applied Recognition, Inc.,., Bio-Key, Cognitec Systems GmbH, Eyeverify Inc., Fujitsu Ltd., Fulcrum Biometrics, LLC., Google, Honeywell International Inc., Imageware Systems, Inc., M2sys Technology, NEC Corporation, Neurotechnology, Nuance Communication, Inc., and Precise Biometrics AB.Authentication Modes Covered: Single-Factor Authenticationo Facial Recognitiono Iris Recognitiono Fingerprint Recognitiono Vein Recognitiono Retina Scan Systemo Voice Recognitiono Other Authentications Multi-Factor AuthenticationComponents Covered: Hardware Componento Scannerso Cameraso Fingerprint Readerso Other Hardware Components SoftwareEnd Users Covered: Government/Law Enforcement & Forensic Finance & Banking Consumer Electronics Travel & Immigration Military & Defense Healthcare Other End UsersApplications Covered: Access control Authentication Mobile paymentRegions Covered: North Americao USo Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo Franceo Italyo UKo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao Indiao Australiao New Zealando Rest of Asia Pacific Rest of the Worldo Middle Easto Brazilo Argentinao South Africao EgyptWhat our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments- Market share analysis of the top industry players- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants- Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsWe offer wide spectrum of research and consulting services with in-depth knowledge of different industries. We are known for customized research services, consulting services and Full Time Equivalent (FTE) services in the research world. We explore the market trends and draw our insights with valid assessments and analytical views. We use advanced techniques and tools among the quantitative and qualitative methodologies to identify the market trends. Our research reports and publications are routed to help our clients to design their business models and enhance their business growth in the competitive market scenario. We have a strong team with hand-picked consultants including project managers, implementers, industry experts, researchers, research evaluators and analysts with years of experience in delivering the complex projects.STRATISTICS MRC 17049 King James Way, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877, USA
Health Insurance Market Trends, Size and Forecast 2016-2020: Global Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.14% during forecast

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Health insurance is a type of insurance where the insurer pays the medical expenses on behalf of the insured. The insurer has to pay a monthly premium to the health insurance company, which can be on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Health insurance covers disability and long term nursing. The healthcare providers cover the costs related to medical treatments, drugs, and other expenses. The coverage depends on the health insurance plan taken by the insurer. Health insurance plans are provided through direct-insurance companies, independent brokers, and employer-sponsored programs. Beside the premiums being paid by the insurer, there are other additional costs that are taken into consideration in health insurance coverage that includes co-insurance, co-payments, deductibles, and stop loss limits.The global health insurance market to grow at a CAGR of 11.14% during the period 2016-2020. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global health insurance market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the total amount of premium generated primarily in emerging markets, such as APAC, EMEA, and the Americas.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAGet a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Health Insurance Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- Zurich Insurance- United Healthcare- Aviva- AXA- AllianzOther prominent vendors- Aetna Foundation- AIA Insurance- Blue Cross Blue Shield- Kaiser foundationMarket driver- Growth in the number of aging population and increase in life expectancy- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Pressure in cost associated with health insurance- For a full, detailed list, view our reportEnquiry at:Key questions answered in this report:-- What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Mr. NachiketAlbany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Global Inkjet Paper Sales Market 2016 - International Paper, Domtar, Nine Dragons Paper, UPM, Stora Enso, OJI, Smurfit Kappa, Sappi, Nippon Paper, Mondi, Fujifilm, MPM, Hahnemuhle, APP

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Inkjet Papers is a special fine paper designed for inkjet printers, typically classified by its weight, brightness and smoothness, and sometimes by its opacity.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Inkjet Paper Sales in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Request for sample report atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversInternational PaperDomtarNine Dragons PaperUPMStora EnsoOJISmurfit KappaSappiNippon PaperMondiFujifilmMPMHahnemuhleAPPMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)Latin America, Middle and AfricaMarket Segment by Type, coversMatte PaperGlossy PaperSemi-gloss PaperMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoCommercialIndustryAccess full report atThere are 13 Chapters to deeply display the global Inkjet Paper Sales market.Chapter 1, to describe Inkjet Paper Sales Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Inkjet Paper Sales, with sales, revenue, and price of Inkjet Paper Sales, in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2015 and 2016;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Inkjet Paper Sales, for each region, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 5, 6, 7 and 8, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 9 and 10, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 11, Inkjet Paper Sales market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2016 to 2021;Chapter 12 and 13, to describe Inkjet Paper Sales sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, appendix and data source.Fior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Worldwide Air Quality Control Systems Market Key Manufacturer Profiles and Market Analysis to 2024

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Air Quality Control Systems (AQCS) are the systems which are used in heavy energy producing industries such as oil and gas refineries and coal based power plants to minimize the quantity of pollutants produced by them during production operation. The AQCS market has shown remarkable progress in recent years and is also showing attractive market potential for the future. Demand for AQCS is primarily increasing due to the rising demand of energy across the globe. Asia Pacific has the dominating position in terms of market share followed by North America and Europe.Brochure DownloadIn this report, the global AQCS market is segmented into two major categories, on the basis of types i.e. selective catalytic reduction systems (SCR), flue gas desulphurization systems (FGD), particle control systems (PC), and mercury control systems (MC) and on the basis of application into oil and gas and power plants. The AQCS market is driven by factors such as the rising awareness among consumers regarding pollution control and growing developments in pollution control technologies. Government regulations and increasing demand for innovative technologies will also act as drivers for the AQCS market. Some of the factors inhibiting the growth of the AQCS market are the increasing raw material prices. The global recession has slowed funding for new projects. The fluctuating prices of equipments will also hinder the growth of the market.Some of the key players in this market are Hitachi Power Systems America, Siemens Energy, Mitsubishi, Alstom Power, Mc Dermott Technology Inc., Indigo Technologies, KBR U.S., CRI Catalyst Company, Sukriti Engineers India, Marsulex, Guodian Longyuan, China Boqi, Trimer Corporation, Ducon, MKS instruments, CormTech Inc., Indigo Technologies, Hamon RC, Burns & Mcdonnell, Foster Wheeler, ADA Environment Solutions, Schust Engineering Inc. and others.View Report:This research report analyzes this market depending on its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report includeNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeRest of the WorldThis report provides comprehensive analysis ofMarket growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for upcoming yearsThis report is a complete study of current trends in the market, industry growth drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It includes analysis of recent developments in technology, Porters five force model analysis and detailed profiles of top industry players. The report also includes a review of micro and macro factors essential for the existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Monitors of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) in the morning of October 16, registered fire from automatic-grenade-launcher at government-controlled Zolote and Katerynivka (both Luhansk region), as well as machine gun fire near its observation post.

"In the morning of October 16, from several positions in both government-controlled Zolote (60km north-west of Luhansk) and government-controlled Katerynivka (64km west of Luhansk), an SMM patrol composed of five members observed a steady exchange of fire ranging 4-6km east of all positions. The SMM heard over 60 explosions assessed as caused by mortar (82mm and 120mm) rounds, and sporadic bursts of automatic-grenade-launcher (AGS-17, 30mm) and heavy-machine-gun fire for over one hour and a half," the SMM said in a report as of October 16 published on its website.

In addition, at 11:52, not far from the SMM's position within the perimeter of an observation post of Zolote, the patrol heard whistling of two heavy-machine-gun bullets, approximately two meters east of the patrol's position. The SMM heard the bullets impact, at least one on the concrete observation post structure. They took cover behind the wall and inside the observation post structure, and then left the spot.

The OSCE SMM said that patrol members were wearing clearly marked OSCE clothing (helmets and jackets with OSCE logos) and were accompanied by two Ukrainian Armed Forces officers at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC), who also took cover.

The SMM could not determine the direction of fire.
Smart Mining Market 2015 Key Trends ,Analysis and Forecast to 2021

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Earlier, the mining industry was mainly dependent only on the labor force. Miners usually used tools such as iron chisels and hammers, compressed drills, pickaxes, and other manually operated tools for mining operations. Hence, to reduce the manual intervention in order to save the time utilized and associated costs there was a need for smart mining. The introduction of numerous smart mining technologies for carrying out mining operations thus has changed the picture of the mining industry. Some of trending smart mining technologies include several automated mining equipment, RFID tags, sensors, and various types of mine monitoring and analytics software.Get a copy of free Sample Report @Increased focus on safety and health, rapid adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, and rise in adoption of autonomous equipment are some of the factors boosting the growth of the market. Advantages such as efficient connectivity among miners, optimal production and recovery time with minimum wastage, and safe and environment-friendly nature of the smart mining as compared to the traditional mining technology also impact the market growth in a positive way. Rising concerns about mining operation optimization along with increasing use of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions in mining operations are boosting the global market for smart mining. On the other hand, lack of highly skilled and qualified labor, availability of poor infrastructure, and strict government regulations regarding air, water, and environment are the key factors hindering the growth of the market.The global smart mining market is segmented on the basis of automated equipment and service. Further, the automated equipment segment is sub-segmented as driller and breaker, mining excavator, load haul dump, robotic trucks, and other automated equipment. In addition, automated equipment segment holds the highest market share in the smart mining market. Based on the component, the global market is segmented as hardware component and software solutions. The hardware component segment is further sub-segmented as RFID tags, sensors, intelligent systems, and others. The software solutions segment is sub-segmented as logistics software, data and operation management software, safety and security systems, connectivity solutions, analytics solutions, remote management solutions, and asset management solutions.Request for Customization Report @Asia Pacific dominated the global smart mining market and is anticipated to continue this trend in the near future. Owing to the increased investments by mining companies on automated equipment and intelligent systems, the Asia Pacific market is expected to experience immense growth. North America is anticipated to witness lucrative growth following Asia Pacific.Major players dominating the smart mining market are SAP SE, Rockwell Automation, Inc., Trimble Navigation Limited, Stone Three Mining Pty Ltd., Hexagon, Symboticware Inc., IntelliSense.io, Alastri, ABB Ltd., and Atlas Copco. Other key players influencing the global market are Caterpillar Inc., Joy Global Inc., Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., Komatsu Ltd., Cisco Systems, Inc., Sandvik AB, and Alcatel-Lucent.Read TOC of Report @Smart Mining Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaBrowse detail report @About UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
Electric Vehicles Market, 2015 - 2021 Industry Analysis and Forecast

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Mankind is progressing towards future and hence science is flourishing at its best. The electric vehicle is one of such innovations of science. These vehicles are also known as electric drive vehicles. The concept of electronic vehicles was introduced owing to increasing air pollution, decreasing fuel resources, and a need to have something new. Electronic vehicles use electric motors or traction motors for the purpose of propulsion. Prominent players in the market are producing electronic vehicles which can cater to users providing them with numerous benefits. Various types of vehicles such as trains, airplanes, tractors, and city transport vehicles including buses are making the use of this technology in order to provide better performance along with lesser cost. Other examples of electronic vehicles are road and rail vehicles, surface and underwater vessels, electric aircraft and electric spacecraft, and so on.Get a copy of free Sample Report @Electric vehicles are becoming popular day by day owing to their eco-friendly nature, modern designs that are more attractive than traditional structure, and the cost efficiency provided by these vehicles. Hence, end-users are attracted to buy these vehicles. These factors may act as the growth driving factors of the global electric vehicles market in the near future. On the other hand, these vehicles are getting cooperated by Internet of Things, which makes them more future-friendly comparatively; this in turn also acts as other major factor impacting the growth of the global market.Read TOC of Report @On the basis of type, the global electric vehicles market is segmented as hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and battery-electric vehicles (BEV). Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by both petrol and electricity, and battery electronic vehicles are fully electric vehicles. Based on the applications, the global market is further segmented as ground electric vehicles, airborne electric vehicles, and seaborne electric vehicles. Apart from personal use, electric vehicles are majorly used for public transport and cargo commutation. Geographically, the global electronic vehicle market is further segmented as the United States, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, China, and Europe.Pre-Book copy of report @The United States and Europe are experiencing high demand for electronic vehicles. Developing countries such as China, India, and few African nations are showing potential for increasing demand in this sector. European countries such the United Kingdom are anticipated to take a step forward in this technology in the near future. Owing to increase demand for electronic vehicles globally, the market is expected to witness high growth in the coming years.Major players dominating the electronic vehicles market are Nisan, Telsa, BMW, General Motors, and Ford. Other key players influencing the global market are Daimler, Toyota, and Volks Wagon. Companies are making efforts and are investing in R&D to produce more likable and easy-to-operate electronic vehicles at affordable prices.Browse detail report @Electric Vehicles Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaAbout UsZion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact US:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:
Urgent Care Centers Market Segmentation and Strategies of Key Players For 2020

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The rise in the healthcare spending expenditure along with increasing geriatric population in particular has boosted the demand for cost-effective and convenient medical care worldwide. The urgent care model is designed to provide convenient access to quality, cost-effective healthcare services to general public around the world. The Urgent Care Association of America defines urgent care centers (UCCs) as medical care centers that provide health care services on a noaappointment or walk-in basis for illnesses or injuries that are not life threatening and are beyond the scope of traditional primary care or retail clinics. Majority of urgent care centers provide services for moderate illnesses, injuries and trauma, occupational medicine, routine vaccinations, physicals, lab tests, screening and monitoring. However, UCCs do not provide any ambulatory and critical care services. The UCCs market is highly fragmented, and small players such as physicians or physician groups own approximately 35% of the centers. The UCCs market was valued at USD 23.5 billion in 2013 and is expected to reach USD 30.5 billion in 2020, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period from 2014 to 2020.The global urgent care centers market is segmented on the basis of major services offered by the centers. These include services for moderate illness, injury and trauma, Physical, routine vaccination, diagnostic and screening and monitoring. The major share of the revenue was generated through illness services that accounted for majority of the share in the global urgent care centers market followed by the injury segment. Most of the visits in the urgent care centers market were for illness conditions of which the top five conditions (upper respiratory tract infections, pharyngitis, urinary tract infections, fever & cold and otitis media accounted for more than 50% of illness related visits.Request a Free Sample Copy of the Report @Geographically, the global UCCs market has been segmented into four regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). North America held the majority share of the overall UCCs market, followed by Europe that accounted for the second largest share. North America is expected to retain its dominant position throughout the forecasted period. This is attributed to high adoption of UCCs for non-emergency conditions. The increase in demand for walk-in health services and the rise in demand for cost-effective medical care are also contributing to the growth of UCCs market in North America. In Asia Pacific region, Japan, India, China, Australia and New Zealand are the major countries that offer immense opportunities to companies operating in this market. In Rest of the World (RoW), Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Israel, Turkey and UAE are the major countries where UCCs market is expected to record significant growth.Read Complete Report @AFC/Doctors Express, CareSpot Express Healthcare LLC, Concentra Inc., FastMed Urgent Care, MD Now, MinuteClinic LLC, MedExpress, NextCare Urgent Care, Patient First and U.S. HealthWorks Inc. are some major companies operating in this market.About MRRSEMRRSE stands for Market Research Reports Search Engine, the largest online catalog of latest market research reports based on industries, companies, and countries. MRRSE sources thousands of industry reports, market statistics, and company profiles from trusted entities and makes them available at a click. Besides well-known private publishers, the reports featured on MRRSE typically come from national statistics agencies, investment agencies, leading media houses, trade unions, governments, and embassies.Corporate Office State Tower 90 State Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207,United States
bloomberg.jpg

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's name was floated as a potential secretary of state for Hillary Clinton, according to leaked emails. The Democratic presidential nominee's campaign has refused to confirm or deny whether the latest emails released by WikiLeaks are authentic. (The Associated Press)

(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

Michael Bloomberg opted against running for president this election cycle. But he still may have a political future.

In a batch of newly leaked emails, purportedly from the Clinton campaign, that were posted online Saturday by WikiLeaks, an aide to Bloomberg confirmed to Hillary Clinton's aides in June 2015 that the former New York City mayor would not run for president.

Neera Tanden, a longtime Clinton confidante, messaged Howard Wolfson, a senior adviser to Bloomberg, asking "what is up" in regard to reports that the billionaire businessman might run for president.

Wolfson called the reports "laughable."

"Is there something Mike Bloomberg would want to do in his life in an Admin? Is like Ambassador to China way too small," replied Tanden, who heads the Center for American Progress, a liberal public policy and advocacy group in Washington.

"Secty of state Which ain't gonna happen," Wolfson wrote.

Still, Tanden took the statement seriously enough to forward the email to John Podesta, Clinton's campaign chairman.

"Something to know for down the road," she wrote.

Bloomberg, who is a registered independent and CEO of Bloomberg LP, has endorsed Clinton and called her Republican rival, Donald Trump, a "con man."

He built his fortune on Bloomberg LP, the global financial data and media company he founded in 1981. He is worth an estimated $43.5 billion, according to Forbes.

As in previous leaks, the Clinton campaign has refused to confirm or deny whether the latest batch of emails are authentic.

Citing U.S. intelligence officials, they blame the Russian government for hacking Democratic officials' digital networks in an attempt to help elect Trump.

WikiLeaks has released thousands of emails between Clinton aides regarding campaign strategy, speeches and gossip.

-- Los Angeles Times
Police lights.jpg

Clark County detectives are investigating a reported accidental shooting that injured a 13-year-old.

(The Oregonian/File)

A 13-year-old injured Sunday in a reported accidental shooting has been taken to a hospital. Authorities haven't released the juvenile's condition.

Clark County detectives are investigating the incident, which occurred in Yacolt, Washington, just after 1:30 p.m.

The 13-year-old's condition was unknown as of 5 p.m., according to the Sheriff's Office. Authorities said they responded to a 911 call requesting an ambulance for a teenager who had been accidentally shot. Additional details were not released.

At 11 p.m., KATU news reported that the teenager has died. The teen was reportedly shot by a cousin, the TV station reported.

Between Jan. 1, 2014 and June 30 of this year, children died or were injured in more than 1,000 shootings across the nation, according to an investigation by The Associated Press and USA TODAY.

-- Brad Schmidt

bschmidt@oregonian.com

503-294-7628

@cityhallwatch
Graduation ceremony.jpg

Oregon's graduation rate for the class of 2015 rose to 74 percent, a record high for the state. Forty-seven other states did better, the federal government reported Monday.

(Casey Parks / The Oregonian / 2014)

Oregon's graduation rate for the class of 2015 ranks third worst in the country, the U.S. Department of Education reported Monday.

Although Oregon improved its rate from 2014 to 2015, to 74 percent, Alaska improved its rate even more, bypassing Oregon. That pushed Oregon down a notch, from fourth-worst, where it stood for the class of 2014, to the No. 48 spot.

Both Oregon and Washingon rank among the worst 10 states when it comes to graduating students in four years of high school. Oregon ranks third-lowest in the nation for the class of 2015, one notch worse than the year before.

Only New Mexico, at 69 percent, and Nevada, at 71 percent, had a worse track record of helping students earn diplomas in four years. At the other end of the spectrum, Iowa, at 91 percent, and New Jersey, at 90 percent, led the nation.

Nationwide, the high school graduation rate rose to a record high 83 percent, the U.S. Department of Education reported Monday. President Obama traveled to a District of Columbia high school to make the triumphant announcement and talk about programs launched during his administration to spur students to go to college and help them to earn degrees.

"We have made a lot of progress," the president told students at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, which boasted a 100 percent graduation rate this year. "I just want to be honest with you. We still got more work to do...There are still too many states that are cutting back on public education."



For the first time since the nation moved to a new, more accurate rate of measuring graduation rates in 2011, Oregon did not rank dead-last at graduating white students. New Mexico, where the white graduation rate fell for the class of 2015, claimed that dubious distinction, with 74 percent of its white students earning diplomas in four years of high school. Oregon's graduation rate among white students ranked second-worst, at 76 percent.

Experts say a complicated set of factors helps explain Oregon's shocking lack of success at getting students to graduate from high school. But it's clear that the state's epidemic of students missing one-tenth of the school year or more is a prime contributor, they say.

One of the many measures on the November ballot, Measure 98, aims to improve the moribund graduation rate. If voters approve it, the state would have to set aside about $800 per student for schools to spend exclusively on expanding dropout prevention strategies, including battling chronic absenteeism; expanding career-technical course offerings; and expanding availability of college-credit courses for high school students.

Note: This post has been updated to name New Mexico as the state with the worst graduation rate for white students. The original version named the incorrect state.

-- Betsy Hammond
Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin has met with First Vice President of the European Commission for Better Regulation, Interinstitutional Relations, the Rule of Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights Frans Timmermans.

The press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported the parties discussed in detail the main issues of the agenda regarding relations between Ukraine and the EU, in particular the prospects of liberalization of the EU visa regime for Ukrainian citizens and the completion of ratification of the Association Agreement.

"Klimkin briefed the interlocutor on the progress of our country in the practical implementation of reforms, highlighting Ukraine's implementing all the obligations under the action plan on visa liberalization. Timmermans, in turn, noted the European Commission fully supports the speedy introduction of a visa-free regime with Ukraine," the report reads.

During the meeting the sides also discussed the situation in the east of Ukraine and the status of implementation of the Minsk agreements. The Ukrainian foreign minister told about the need to maintain the EU's consolidated position as for further sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation until the full restoration of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
Donald R. Newhouse bent over the work bench in the basement of his home in Portland's West Hills. He was fixing a lock for his young daughter's bedroom door, a small but important acknowledgment of her right to privacy -- privacy being a difficult thing to come by in a house with five children.

He enjoyed such household tasks. "It was the kind of job that would take Newhouse's mind off the tougher job downtown," related Chicago Tribune reporter Clay Gowran.

That tougher job was at The Oregonian, which, as Newhouse tinkered at his work bench on the evening of October 16, 1960, had been facing labor strife for nearly a year. Stereotypers at both the morning daily and its rival, the afternoon Oregon Journal, were on strike, protesting the implementation of technological advances that would eliminate pressroom positions. Many other union members at the papers, including reporters, backed the strike and refused to cross the picket lines.

Newhouse was The Oregonian's production manager. The 41-year-old's hard work and ingenuity had played a crucial role in keeping the newspaper running despite losing hundreds of professionals to the strike. He was also a powerful symbol -- a cousin of S.I. Newhouse, the Oregonian's East Coast-based owner. (The late S.I.'s son, also named Donald, is one of the current owners of The Oregonian's parent company.)

The labor dispute had proved violent, most notably with the January dynamiting of 10 delivery trucks. Plus, non-striking staffers had been regularly pelted with flying objects and even punched as they made their way into work.

Management at the newspapers could be pretty rough too, at the very least in their hyperbolic characterization of the strikers. An Oregonian editorial called the papers' efforts to continue publishing in the face of the powerful unions' opposition "a battle against dictatorship as fundamental as any struggle in America or the world today."

Newhouse felt the stress deep in his bones. He hated the strike; he longed for a resolution that would make everyone happy -- something he knew was an impossibility. He examined the key he was filing and started to fit it into the lock.

He didn't get to complete the task. Behind him, someone outside the house peered through the small, closed window near the basement's ceiling. The obscured figure raised a 12-gauge shotgun and fired.

***

Lee Newhouse heard the gun blast -- and the sound of glass shards raining down and skittering everywhere -- and jerked her head around. She was on the second floor, putting one of the kids to bed. She thought the cathode-ray tube in the television downstairs had exploded. Had she left the TV on?

"Donald?" she called out. For a moment, nothing, then a quiet reply wavered up to her: "Quick!"

Lee rushed down to the basement. She found her husband dazed and bleeding on the concrete floor. He had about 100 shotgun pellets in his right hip and thigh, but he didn't realize he'd been shot. He thought he'd somehow received an electric shock. "I don't know how it could have happened," he said, looking up at his wife.

The police quickly arrived at the 1915-built colonial-style house in the 2800 block of NW Westover. After Newhouse had been trundled off to Good Samaritan Hospital, officers figured out what had actually happened. They identified the shooter's position -- kneeling down between a row of shrubs and the basement window, six feet above where Newhouse had been working. Detectives picked carefully over the scene. They found footprints outside the window, and more tracks leading to Fairfax Terrace behind the house. Early on in the investigation, police would recreate the attack step by step, with one officer mimicking the shooter's actions and another standing in for Newhouse. (See the photo gallery above.)

Their conclusion was chilling. The shooter could have staked out the house for days from a vantage point on Fairfax, The Oregonian wrote. And he was shooting to kill.

"The public should be just as shocked as we are at The Oregonian over this cowardly, murderous assault upon Donald Newhouse," publisher Michael Frey declared the day after the Sunday night shooting.

Oregon Journal publisher William Knight linked the attack to the strike. "For nearly a year picket lines have been maintained around the Portland newspaper plants," he said. "There have been continued threats and repeated occasions of actual violence in that time."

Without question the two sides in the dispute suspected the worst of each other. Time magazine, after all, had called the strike "a finish fight, eyed closely by printing-craft union men and newspaper publishers all over the U.S. At stake: the capability of newspapers, using modern equipment, to get along with fewer of the skilled hands of the powerful, featherbed-prone printing-craft unions."

Newhouse, in serious condition and kept under 24-hour police guard at the hospital, certainly thought a striker might be responsible. He told police he'd been threatened twice in recent weeks as he came through the picket line, both times by the same man. "We've got a bullet with your name on it," Newhouse claimed the man said. "You're going to get it. You'll go to heaven soon."

Police visited the man, a printer, and he didn't deny throwing nasty words at Newhouse. But he had an alibi for the night of the shooting. Detectives scratched him from their list of suspects.

Detectives investigated other strikers who had shown a propensity for violence. They also considered the possibility that the shooter was a supporter of the men who had recently been convicted of the truck bombings. But they came up with no evidence against anyone.

The Oregonian's management, frustrated that an arrest didn't come immediately, ratcheted up the pressure. "Strike-connected or not -- and we can only believe that it had some connection -- the attack on Mr. Newhouse is a long way removed from violence on the picket lines or even the dynamiting of parked trucks," an editorial in the paper stated two days after the shooting. "The intent was murder. It was premeditated -- planned carefully in advance. The assailant lurked in the darkness until a light went on in his shop. Five minutes later, the attacker pulled the trigger."

The Oregonian and the Journal each offered $5,000 to any "secret witness" who provided information leading to an arrest. (S.I. Newhouse would buy the Journal the following year, and the strike would ultimately collapse in 1965, ending union representation across both newspapers.)

No useful secret witness ever came forward to claim the reward offer, but an incident did quickly pop up that pointed to a strike connection. Portland attorney Clifford Alterman received a threatening telephone call the day after the shooting. When his wife answered the phone, a deep voice said: "Tell your husband Newhouse is lucky. He won't be so lucky. He's next."

Alterman believed he received the threat because he had started a subscription to The Oregonian that morning. For months, strikers had been going door to door in Portland, encouraging people to cancel their subscriptions to The Oregonian and the Journal and instead to take the Portland Reporter, a small paper being produced by the strikers. Alterman and Newhouse had also recently worked together on a well-publicized joint fundraising effort for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Portland Zoological Society. Newhouse served as president of OMSI. Alterman was president of the zoo's organization.

But even though the shooting would come to symbolize the labor conflict in the minds of many Portlanders, police at the time recognized the attempted murder might have had nothing to do with the strike.

"It was obvious to detectives that the shooter could not have seen the face of the standing Newhouse, given the limited visibility offered by the basement window," Gene Klare wrote 40 years later. Klare, who worked for the Portland Reporter, was on the scene with police and other reporters the night of the shooting. He followed up with the detectives in the days that followed.

Klare, who died in 2008, learned that the Newhouses had moved into the house only a month before, and that this might be significant.

"Because the Newhouse family had not lived there long, detectives looked into the background of the previous occupant. Detectives were told that he allegedly had been sexually involved with one or two married women," Klare wrote. "This caused detectives to think that the shooting could have been committed by a vengeful husband who did not realize that the target of his ire had moved."

***

Whoever pulled the trigger that cold October night, Donald Newhouse was lucky to be alive. Most of the 100 shotgun pellets were so deeply embedded in his hip that his surgeon decided against removing them. Newhouse suffered damage to his sciatic nerve, which would leave him in frequent pain for the rest of his life. (He died in 1973 following a heart attack, six years after leaving Portland for The Springfield Newspapers in Massachusetts.)

Newhouse, naturally self-effacing, had been at The Oregonian for almost a decade before the strike threw him into the spotlight. He'd been a reporter and editor at his family's Long Island Daily Press -- he'd started there as a copy boy -- before moving over to the business side of newspapering. He embraced Portland when he came to Oregon's largest paper, joining various civic organizations. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology engineering graduate, he took a special interest in OMSI.

Newhouse recovered slowly from his wounds. He finally returned home on Nov. 2. A photographer captured him struggling with crutches up the front steps. He was clearly in pain, his right foot dragging, but he said he "felt pretty good, because this is my first look at the sky in more than two weeks." His children greeted him at the top of the stairs, clamoring for an embrace.

As Newhouse healed, the police continued their investigation. They canvassed door-to-door, asking neighbors if they'd noticed an unfamiliar parked vehicle on any recent night. Many of the houses in the neighborhood -- including the Newhouse home -- were partially obscured from the street by dense foliage, just as they are today. But one neighbor remembered seeing "a dark car" parked on Fairfax on the night of the attack. Two high-school kids said they saw a "light-colored sedan, with one man sitting in the front passenger seat," on the side of the road that night. Neither account led anywhere. A patrolman who walked past the rear of the Newhouse home an hour before the shooting did not see a parked vehicle. Two days before, however, he had spotted a strange "black, foreign-made car" near the victim's house.

Police came to believe "the assailant was dropped off at the scene, waited for Newhouse to appear, fired the shot, and fled to a prearranged spot where he was picked up by the getaway car." They were convinced the person or people involved had spent "a great deal of time" studying Newhouse's routine.

They eventually found a 12-gauge shotgun shell "in the vicinity of SW 5th Avenue and Montgomery Street," far from the crime scene. This location, they noted, was on a street "which leads to a main highway out of the city."

The weeks stretched out, and no arrests were made. A year after the shooting, the case had gone cold, despite the police having worked "more than 5,000 hours" on the investigation. The Oregonian lamented that all that effort had failed to reveal "a single bona fide clue."

Newhouse tried to avoid thinking about it. He had returned to work, hugging his wife and children every morning, ignoring the pain in his hip. Coming down the front steps of the house, he'd look up at the sky.

-- Douglas Perry
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Donald Trump continues to allege that the presidential election is rigged against him.

(Patrick Semansky/Associated Press)

ILLEGAL ALIENS CAN'T VOTE: Donald Trump is once again attempting to scare the citizens of this great country with more ignorance of the laws of the land. He recently stated that illegals are rushing across our borders daily so they can vote. I believe Mr. Trump needs a basic civics refresher course.

No one can vote in this country that is not (1) a citizen of the U.S. and (2) a resident of the state where they are voting. No illegal alien, or even any legal resident alien (green card) can vote in any major election in the United States that requires the voter to be a U.S. citizen.

So Mr. Trump, illegals can't vote for you or your opponent in November elections. Quit dealing in fear and address the issues of real concern in this country.

By the way, if you really plan to build your wall, let me know how you plan to provide all the large farmers, ranchers and construction companies in the U.S. with the cheap labor they currently enjoy from illegal aliens? By the way many of those large businesses are your supporters. You're about to steal their cheap labor base.

Dave Huff, Oregon City
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First lady Michelle Obama speaks during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in Manchester, N.H.

(AP Photo/Jim Cole)

By Dan Balz

Two speeches. Two Americas. A pair of apocalyptic arguments and one call to burn down the house. That's the summation from just two remarkable hours Thursday that crystallized the final month of Campaign 2016.

In back-to-back appearances, in what might be the two most compelling hours of the entire election, Michelle Obama in New Hampshire and Donald Trump in Florida delivered the fiercest, most provocative and hardest-hitting speeches of an election cycle that has been without precedent in hot rhetoric.

The presidential campaign has been building toward all this. Day after day after day, the rhetoric has intensified, the charges and countercharges have escalated, the issues have been reduced to asterisks and the gulf between the Trump and Clinton coalitions has widened. Sunday's debate in St. Louis foreshadowed what was to come. Now there will be no turning back.

Obama's was a scorching takedown of the Donald Trump who was revealed in the "Access Hollywood" hot-mic video, a sexual predator who bragged about using his celebrity status to go after women. The impassioned first lady said that, no matter one's political affiliation, Trump's language is an affront to women and girls - and to men and boys as well. She pleaded with voters not to allow him to occupy the highest office in the land.

Trump's was an angry and all-out defense against overnight charges of sexual assault by multiple women coupled with a blistering attack on an establishment that he charged is led by Hillary and Bill Clinton, protected by a complicit news media and so totally corrupt that it threatens the very future of country.

If the two speeches changed few minds - and there probably aren't that many left to change - they were an indication of how charged the final days of this campaign are likely to be, and suggest that the conflict will not end with the declaration of a winner after Nov. 8.

Michelle Obama has been on the campaign trail in behalf of Hillary Clinton before. She has delivered powerfully on Clinton's behalf. Her speech in Philadelphia on the opening night of the Democratic convention helped turn a bad first day into a successful week. Subsequent speeches at campaign rallies have shown her to be as effective a surrogate as the former first lady has.

Never has the country seen the first lady like this. Thursday brought out in Obama something different, something more personal, more passionate, more urgent. She was, she said, shaken by the Trump she saw in the "Access Hollywood" video. "I can't stop thinking about this," she said. "It has shaken me to my core in a way I couldn't have predicted."

And so she threw away much of her standard pro-Clinton speech and laid bare her feelings with a sense of moral outrage and indignation over the idea that Trump could be the nominee of a major political party and a threat to win the presidency.

She said she had listened closely to Trump's words. "And I have to tell you that I listen to all of this and I feel it so personally, and I'm sure that many of you do, too, particularly the women. The shameful comments about our bodies. The disrespect of our ambitions and intellect. The belief that you can do anything you want to a woman. It is cruel. It's frightening. And the truth is, it hurts."

She said that to dismiss what Trump had said as locker-room banter "is an insult to decent men everywhere." She said that to treat the episode as just another chapter in a heated campaign does not do justice to the degradation to which many women are subjected regularly. "This is not normal," she said. "This is not politics as usual. This is disgraceful, it is intolerable, and it doesn't matter what party you belong to. No woman deserves to be treated this way - none of us deserves this kind of abuse."

Her speech lit up Twitter and the Internet. She spoke as Trump was waiting to appear, and on the cable networks - two at least - the images showed a fiery first lady dominating the screen with a tiny box in the corner of the crowded arena awaiting the GOP nominee. Both CNN and MSNBC broke into regular coverage to show the Obama speech. Fox News did not carry it.

When Obama had finished, Trump came out to thunderous applause, a sign that the support among his most loyal backers has not slackened in the face of the hot-mic video, the latest allegations against him, and the turmoil in his campaign and in the Republican Party. If anything, that support has hardened further, and if there were any concerns about that, Trump gave his supporters every reason to stand firm.

He cast the choice in November as between a political-media-corporate establishment against the rest of the country, a divide-to-conquer strategy that has been urged on him by his advisers. "This is not simply another four-year election," he said. "This is a crossroads in the history of our civilization that will determine whether or not we the people reclaim control over our government."

He said the most recent allegations of sexual misconduct were "preposterous, ludicrous, and defy truth, common sense and logic." He promised to produce evidence to refute them and appeared to take a swipe at a People magazine reporter who said he had kissed her and forced himself against her, seeming to suggest that her appearance should cast doubt on her allegations. "You take a look. Look at her," he said. "Look at her words. You tell me what you think. I don't think so. I don't think so."

He said the establishment will try to retain its grip on power through all manner of means. "Anyone who challenges their control is deemed a sexist, a racist, a xenophobe and morally deformed. They will attack you, they will slander you, they will seek to destroy your career and your family, they will seek to destroy everything about you, including your reputation. They will lie, lie, lie, and then again they will do worse than that, they will do whatever is necessary. The Clintons are criminals, remember that. They're criminals."

Not only criminals, he said, but the leaders of an establishment whose goal is power and enrichment at the expense of everyday Americans. "The Clinton machine is at the center of this power structure," he said. "We've seen this firsthand in the WikiLeaks documents, in which Hillary Clinton meets in secret with international banks to plot the destruction of U.S. sovereignty in order to enrich these global financial powers, her special-interest friends and her donors."

Trump called the election a "moment of reckoning as a society and as a civilization itself," and he issued an exhortation to his followers to overturn the current order. "The only thing that can stop this corrupt machine is you," he said. "The only force strong enough to save our country is us. The only people brave enough to vote out this corrupt establishment is you, the American people."

In two hours Thursday, the lines were drawn as never before. Michelle Obama delivered a case against Trump's personal and moral fitness with a forcefulness that Hillary Clinton cannot match, given the past charges against her husband. Meanwhile, Trump has embraced fully the blow-it-up argument that will rattle Republican leaders but which animates those Americans who are most alienated from the country's establishment. Those are the parameters of the political debate as it stands today - and the choice that will be settled on Election Day.

(c) 2016, The Washington Post
By Kathleen Parker

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- If I were to distill a recent public discussion about the state of our nation to one word, it would be "worried."

Not fearful, not angry, but worried -- about the future; about an election season that has made evil-clown sightings seem weirdly apt; but mostly about what will happen after the election. How do we mend the deep divisions that have evolved during this thoroughly nasty -- and, at times, X-rated -- campaign season? How does the country salve its wounds and reunite in common purpose?

Audience members here at the Poynter Institute's "Community Conversation," at which I was invited to speak last Thursday, posed these and other questions. The 150 or so attendees were a cross-spectrum mix of students, professionals, retirees and a few notables -- a diverse group, in other words, with no protesters, rabble-rousers or armed combatants in search of a revolution. The latter may have been occupied in nearby Lakeland, where Donald Trump had pronounced a global conspiracy against him the day before.

Clinton supporters at the Poynter event told me privately that they were afraid to put "Hillary" signs in their yards for fear of retribution, not from roaming vandals but from once-friendly neighbors. My suggestion that this campaign was reminiscent of the run-up to the Iraq War, when politically opposite friends avoided each other, was received with nods of agreement.

Whether for Trump or Clinton, neither side can conceive of what compels the other. In this duplex of horrors, Clinton is a corrupt, lying, hypocritical career politician and Trump is a sleazy, lying, narcissistic, autocratic, (alleged) sexual predator. Ne'er the twain shall meet.

Once the votes are counted, who knows what's next? President Obama's final two months may require his coolest touch yet.

Meanwhile, the questions posed here did not readily present answers. What's needed, I posited half-seriously, is a superhero. Someone to rise from the marshes and cut through the fog of our discontent, someone who can summon our better angels and help restore the country's self-respect.

At least for now, one is optimistic without reason.

We can know with near certainty that a defeated Donald Trump will unleash the armies of Mordor, comprised of a fan base that will embrace his dark conspiracy theory that the election was rigged. To their minds, his loss couldn't possibly be linked to a very long list of objectionable, as well as dishonest, statements he's made, only one of which is the sex-talk video we needn't view again.

Talking dirty has become the new normal, as anyone walking down a city street can confirm. And the objectification of women isn't remotely limited to Trump's warped view. As disgusting as Trump's verbal (and possibly physical) assaults have been -- and, yes, hurtful, too, as Michelle Obama so passionately said last week -- a certain contingent of his supporters are reluctantly willing to overlook the nastiness for the sole reason that they dislike Clinton more.

Others aspire to loftier goals, such as preventing a liberal Supreme Court or reducing the tax burden with an eye toward economic growth. These are certainly legitimate reasons. But Trump's willingness to pave the way for a "revolution" were Clinton to win should be sufficient evidence that this man isn't fit for the office.

To what extent are Trump sympathizers willing to express their disappointment? Well, who knows? But many will have seen the interview with a woman at a Trump rally last week who said she and her comrades are prepared to take their country back, cheerfully reminding the interviewer that "you're in the South. We're all Second Amendment pros."

Is she talking about a well-regulated militia, perchance?

This is the mindset Trump has nurtured these past many months. These are the people he will summon at the end. These are the reasons the less-emotionally taut are so worried.

More worrisome still is the opposite result: What if Trump wins? We can presume that Russian President Vladimir Putin will be delighted, his possible WikiLeaks alliance having paid off. North Korea's Kim Jong Un, who has called Trump a "wise politician," will order extra platters of chicken wings to celebrate.

As the Japanese proverb goes: When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.

Remember, too, that Trump has vowed as president to make it easier for people to sue the media, which, constitutionally, he can't. But as all authoritarian figures tend to do, Trump has to blame someone else for his failures. The media are handy bait for the credulous and misinformed.

Don't be afraid, but be worried.

Kathleen Parker's email address is kathleenparker@washpost.com.

(c) 2016, Washington Post Writers Group
Updated 4 p.m.: See Twitter feed at bottom of story. Will be further updated after court ends for the day.

***

Defense lawyers in the Oregon standoff case want to call a man who goes by the alias "John Killman,'' believing he's one of the FBI's 15 confidential informants who had contact with occupiers at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

Killman, they argue, was a participant in the firearms and military-style maneuvers training during the occupation and helped train one of the defendants, Jeff Banta, in hand-to-hand combat techniques, according to court testimony.

He spoke with a French or South African accent to people at the refuge and his Facebook profile includes a majority of friends who occupied the refuge, according to defense lawyers.

"We are dealing here with a situation of a confidential informant who is participating in the commission of the alleged offense,'' defense lawyer Marcus Mumford said in court.

Prosecutors wouldn't confirm whether or not the man identified as Killman was working for the government.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Barrow said prosecutors aren't obligated to disclose any information identifying informants. If a person takes the witness stand and isn't truthful about their role, then the government would be responsible to come forward and correct any misinformation, he said.

Lawyer Tiffany Harris, who represents defendant Shawna Cox, said Killman has been adamant that he wasn't an FBI informant, yet the unredacted records that defense lawyers have from the government on the 15 confidential sources provides supporting material to suggest that he was acting in that capacity. They believe he is "confidential source No. 2.''

U.S. District Judge Anna J. Brown directed defense lawyers to find a court-appointed attorney for this so-called Mr. Killman because he could be opening himself up to exposure for potential criminal liability if he testified on the witness stand.

By lunch hour, court-appointed lawyer Norman Sepenuk informed the judge that Killman does intend to testify and isn't interested in pleading Fifth Amendment, but the lawyer asked to speak to the judge in chambers.

"I'm not sure about the wisdom of his testimony,'' Sepenuk said. "He has certain ideas about the impact of his testimony.''

The judge asked defense lawyers to meet with Killman's newly appointed lawyer to determine if his testimony is needed or sought.

"In his judgment, what his client may have to offer may not be helpful,'' Brown told lawyers after emerging from her chambers.

According to the defense lawyers' investigation, Killman arrived at the refuge on Jan. 23. He lives in Las Vegas and has admitted to traveling to the refuge, staying in the refuge bunkhouse one night and at a hotel in the area for two nights and leaving on Jan. 26 after the arrests of Ammon Bundy and other leaders involved.

He admitted to defense lawyers that he offered firearms "safety'' classes to refuge occupiers and was present during the firing of assault rifles from the refuge boat launch, which was captured on a video and presented to jurors by the government.

The judge described the circumstances surrounding Killman's testimony and the defense desire to have the government confirm that he's the FBI's "confidential human source No. 2'' as a "very unique scenario.''

Brown ruled that she wouldn't order the government to identify any of its 15 confidential sources, although two others already have been named: Mark McConnell, who drove the Jeep that Ammon Bundy was riding in when he was arrested on Jan. 26, and Terri Linnell, a California woman who testified for the defense that she provided information to the FBI from the refuge.

However, if a witness testifies in a way that the government knows is false, "then we have a different story,'' Brown added.

Defense lawyer Matthew Schindler, who represents defendant Kenneth Medenbach, argued that the defense team has the right to know who these "mystery people'' are who brought all the 22 long guns and 12 handguns to the refuge that prosecutors had FBI agents parade before jurors.

The judge directed defense lawyers and prosecutors to come to an agreement on a stipulation that could be read to jurors noting the number of government confidential sources and the number of FBI sources that were present at the refuge during the occupation.

In other developments Monday, the judge limited the government's proposed rebuttal case. Prosecutors can't call a government lawyer to discuss the court orders that were in place regarding Cliven Bundy's cattle that led to the standoff with protesters in April 2014 outside his ranch in Bunkerville, Nevada. They also can't call U.S. Bureau of Land Management agent Jason Curry to discuss the armed standoff in Bunkerville. The judge reminded the government there's already a stipulation before jurors on what occurred in Bunkerville.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Barrow had sought to call those witnesses to rebut what he characterized as Ammon Bundy's "distorted'' testimony about what precipitated the Bunkerville standoff.

Prosecutors offered their first witness in their rebuttal case, FBI Special Agent Benjamin Jones, who was called to challenge defense witness rancher Duane Schrock's testimony last week that he was intimidated by Jones before he was called to the stand as a defense witness.

Jones said he did show up unannounced to Schrock's ranch outside Crane on Sept. 21 at the request of Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Gabriel after prosecutors learned Schrock would be called as a witness.

During direct examination, Jones admitted he pressed Schrock about what guns he saw on the refuge. When Schrock told him he had seen a handful of guns, the agent said he continued to ask him further about the guns he had seen, surprised that during the number of visits Schrock had made to the refuge he hadn't seen more. Schrock then told him that he was surprised to see a man walk into a meeting he was having with Ammon Bundy, holding a long gun.

During cross-examination by Ryan Bundy and Marcus Mumford, Jones acknowledged that he was armed and accompanied by another agent when he visited with Schrock.

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonian
A prominent Oregon civil rights group filed a federal lawsuit today accusing the state Department of Corrections of harming a transgender inmate by denying essential medical care and exposing her to harassment.



The American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon Foundation filed the suit on behalf of Two Rivers Correctional Facility inmate Michale James Wright. The suit argues the state is exerting cruel and unusual punishment by denying Wright's requests for hormone treatment, despite an official diagnosis of gender dysphoria.



The lawsuit also accuses state officials of placing Wright in segregation or solitary confinement for weeks and sometimes months at a time.



Wright, who goes by "Michelle," has requested medical care, including hormone therapy, nearly 100 times, according to court documents. All of her requests have been denied or ignored, the suit alleges.



She has repeatedly attempted suicide, the documents say. She has tried to castrate herself three times while in custody.



"I have been aware for quite some time that I am a female inside," Wright said in a video recorded from prison. "It came to a point when I had completely stated that I can't not live as who I am anymore. I have to. I've been threatened to not pursue it by staff."



The lawsuit is the latest in a national wave of cases. Since August, transgender prisoners have filed similar lawsuits in Florida, Delaware, Missouri and Nebraska. In Georgia last year, the U.S. Department of Justice filed documents siding with a transgender prisoner who accused the state of illegally cutting off the hormone treatment she'd been taking for 17 years.



Federal officials said in those documents that failure to provide individualized and appropriate medical care for inmates suffering from gender dysphoria violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.



The corrections department policy prevents officials from commenting on pending litigation, said spokeswoman Elizabeth Craig.



But she noted that the department "has been proactive in addressing the needs of incarcerated transgender people" and "looks forward to its continued work on these issues and to responding to the specific complaints raised in the litigation in court."

Wright is one of at least a dozen Oregon transgender prisoners who has been denied access to medical care, said Mat dos Santos, the legal director for the civil rights group's Oregon chapter.



"What's happening at the Oregon Department of Corrections is unconstitutional and it's inhumane treatment of people and it has to stop," dos Santos said in an interview. "Unless they make significant changes in the way staff approach transgender prisoners, people are going to keep getting hurt and people are going to die. It's that serious."





Wright, 25, was arrested in 2013 and convicted for attempted armed robbery. The earliest she could be released is November 2018.



She has identified publicly as a woman since she was 16. In 2011, she talked with counselors at Outside In, a downtown Portland organization that helps homeless youth, about her gender identity. Then, according to court documents, she was raped and stopped seeing her counselor.



She was arrested in January 2013 and imprisoned at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution. According to court documents, the intake officer noted Wright had seen counselors about her gender but had not received a formal diagnosis of gender dysphoria.



In November 2014, dos Santos said, a Corrections doctor diagnosed Wright with gender dysphoria. She asked for hormone treatment, the suit says, but did not receive it.



A month later, Wright attempted suicide and was found unresponsive in her cell. She was treated at a nearby emergency hospital then returned to custody.



Both Wright and her mother continued to ask department officials to provide Wright with hormone treatment, dos Santos said, but the state declined or ignored their requests.





The suit says she asked prison system doctors and counselors. It says she asked a caseworker and even a state committee aimed at addressing the needs of transgender and intersex inmates.



Every official ignored her or denied her request, the lawsuit alleges. Officials also denied her requests for counseling and feminizing products such as hair removal cream, the suit says.



A mental health professional who evaluated Wright referred to those requests as "quality of life issues" and suggested Wright -- described with male pronouns -- should focus on addressing depression and "emotional regulation when others might treat him in a way he sees as offensive," according to court documents.



While at Snake River Correctional Institution, she attempted suicide twice, according to court documents. In May 2015, she cut her wrist with a razor blade, the suit says. Two months later, she swallowed 14 razor blades. That October, she tried to castrate herself.



During a July 2016 stay in solitary, Wright again attempted to castrate herself by tying a rubber band around her scrotum. The band was not discovered for five days.



Officials then transferred her to the Disciplinary Segregation Unit, according to court documents, "ostensibly for suicide watch." While there, the suit alleges, staff mocked her and called her a "freak" and other vulgar names. Ultimately, she has spent 445 days in segregation, dos Santos said.



Corrections officials transferred her to Two Rivers soon after. There, she again asked for medical help, the suit says, but did not receive care. She made another castration attempt.



In September, the state's "gender non-conforming committee" denied her request for hormones and recommended that she participate in treatment to decrease her self-harm and increase her ability to tolerate stress, according to court documents.



"They are putting the cart before the horse," dos Santos said. "They are saying we need you to be calm and collected and have all of your issues handled prior to providing you with a treatment. But all of her issues stem from not having treatment, not having access to life-saving medical care."



As of Monday's court filing, Wright still has not received hormone therapy, dos Santos said.



In a video released from prison, Wright said she had decided to file the suit "for all of us to be treated equally for who we are as an individual, so that we can feel better about ourselves, be able to live healthier and more productive lives when we get out of incarceration."





-- Casey Parks

503-703-6355

cparks@oregonian.com; @caseyparks
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Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention.

(AP Photo)

The Portland City Council doesn't have the authority to halt no-cause evictions without changes to state law, according to a new analysis by the Oregon Legislative Counsel.

Portland Mayor-elect Ted Wheeler and House Speaker Tina Kotek have each said they want to end the practice of no-cause evictions against renters.

But now, a new declaration sets the stage for lawmakers in Salem -- not politicians in Portland -- to act first.

That's because state law "clearly permits" a landlord to end month-to-month leases without providing a reason, so long as the landlord provides proper notice.

"A city ordinance prohibiting landlords from terminating residential month-to-month tenancies without cause would directly conflict" with state law "and eliminate a permission expressly granted to landlords," according to an Oct. 14 memo from Dexter Johnson, the legislative counsel.

Willamette Week first reported the directive.

The analysis carries no legal authority and wouldn't prohibit Portland from enacting a local law. But the city's top attorney similarly determined in April that state law blocked Portland from passing a local regulation.

The Legislative Counsel authored the memo "solely for the purpose of assisting" lawmakers in the "development and consideration of legislative matters."

Amid a rapidly rising housing market, advocates have been pressing state and local politicians to enact rent controls and end no-cause evictions.

Lawmakers meet again in 2017. Kotek has said she'll push for both.

-- Brad Schmidt

503-294-7628

@cityhallwatch
mentor_brink.JPG

Mentor Graphics employs about 1,000 at its Wilsonville headquarters. It's the largest pure technology company headquartered in Oregon.

(Ben Brink/Oregonian file photo)

Mentor Graphics has hired Bank of America to evaluate the possibility of selling the Wilsonville company, according to a report Sunday by Reuters.

Mentor is Oregon's largest pure technology company, with roughly 1,000 employees at its corporate headquarters in Wilsonville. It makes electronic design automation (EDA) software, which engineers use to design semiconductors, airplanes, cars and other complex products.

An activist investment fund called Elliot Management reported last month that it has taken an 8.1 percent stake in Mentor and urged the company to begin a "strategic review process" to improve performance.

Analysts and investors complain that Mentor's stock and profit margins measure up poorly relative to its competitors in the EDA field.

Elliot has made several similar investments in software companies, which often resulted in those businesses selling to a private equity firm called Thoma Bravo.

Reuters said a private equity deal is one possibility Mentor will explore, along with potential sales to large industrial companies such as Siemens or Dassault.

Mentor declined comment on the report, which it termed "rumors and speculation."

Mentor fought off a hostile takeover attempt by rival Cadence Systems in 2008 and held back Carl Icahn's 2011 campaign to break up or sell the business.

Mentor Graphics

Headquarters

: Wilsonville.

Employees

: 5,700, including approximately 1,000 in Wilsonville.

Technology

: Electronic design automation software for engineers who design semiconductors, airplanes, autos and other sophisticated electronics.

Sales

: $1.18 billion (fiscal 2016), down from $1.24 billion.

Profits

: $96.3 million, down from $147 million.

Market value

: $3.0 billion.

EDA is a narrow field with just two major rivals to Mentor: Cadence and Synopsys. Antitrust concerns have created skepticism about efforts to consolidate the industry.

This time, though, Reuters' report suggests Mentor feels the time may be right for a transition. Chief executive Wally Rhines has run Mentor for 23 years and turns 70 next month.

And if Mentor finds a buyer outside the EDA market, though, or sells to a private equity firm, antitrust regulation likely would not be an issue.

The company's stock jumped 7.1 percent last month on word of Elliot's interest in Mentor. Shares opened Monday up 2.1 percent on the Reuters news at $28.09. The stock has traded between $16.10 and $28.54 in the past year.

-- Mike Rogoway

mrogoway@oregonian.com

503-294-7699

@rogoway
A woman who says she was tanning in the nude in a private room at Palm Beach Tan in Tigard when she learned that people outside could see her through the windows has filed a $325,000 lawsuit against the salon.

Renee Baker claims in her lawsuit that she didn't realize the windows were made of two-way glass during her visit to the salon on April 23, 2016. Baker, who is in her 20s, also alleges that before she disrobed, staff should have told her that people could see in and that she needed to lower some electronic blinds, according to the lawsuit, filed last week in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

In 2011, a different Palm Beach Tan customer from the same store went to trial in Multnomah County Circuit Court claiming she was mortified when she learned that passers-by could see her while she was tanning naked and that a man had been sitting in his pickup watching her.

That customer, 21-year-old Shantel Smith, lost her trial after she sued for $135,000 based on invasion of privacy -- which required that the business intended for her to be seen. Jurors said they didn't believe the store intentionally exposed Smith to public view.

A sign on the wall of the private room alerted Smith and other customers for the need to close the shades for privacy.

In the latest suit, Baker is represented by the same attorneys as Smith but is making a negligence claim, which doesn't require that the store intended for her to be seen naked.

The suit lists franchisee owner Kevin Bullock and his salon as defendants. Neither could be reached for comment.

The salon, 7184 S.W. Hazel Fern Road, is in The Pointe at Bridgeport shopping development, just south of the Bridgeport Village shopping center.

The suit alleges that Palm Beach Tan is at fault for failing to tell Baker that she'd need to lower the blinds in the tanning room; for failing to adequately train employees to close the blinds for customers; and for allowing two-way windows in the tanning room, among other things.

The electronic blinds are tucked away and not readily visible to customers when they enter the room, said Jason Kafoury, one of Baker's attorneys. A sign on the wall telling customers that they need to close the blinds -- by flicking what looks like a light switch -- is too small and surrounded by visual clutter, he said.

Baker realized that strangers outside could see her when staff knocked on the door and asked her to close the blinds by telling her where the switch was, the suit says.

"To close the electric blinds, plaintiff had to stand up and walk to the wall in the nude, further exposing plaintiff to passers-by," the suit states.

Kafoury said employees at a neighboring store later told Baker that they saw her naked through the windows, and they're the ones who notified Palm Beach Tan staff. Kafoury also said that shortly before staff notified her of the problem with a knock on the door, she saw a man sitting in a car looking her way -- but she hadn't realized he could actually see her.

Baker is seeking the $325,000 entirely in non-economic damages, for her "shame, anger, embarrassment, frustration, and humiliation."

Read the lawsuit here.

-- Aimee Green

503-294-5119
Restaurant Shooting

An unidentified man walks down the driveway Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, at the scene of a shooting that left three people dead and 12 wounded early Saturday at a restaurant operating out of a converted home in a neighborhood west of downtown Los Angeles. Police said Sunday that detectives are still trying to determine a motive for the gunfire that erupted during a birthday celebration attended by more than 100 people. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

(Reed Saxon)

LOS ANGELES -- Two suspects were arrested early Sunday in connection with a shooting at a popular Jamaican restaurant in Los Angeles that left three people dead and 12 others wounded, police said.

Police tracked down Mowayne McKay, 33, and Diego Reid, 25, both Jamaican nationals, at area hospitals where they had sought treatment for gunshot wounds, said Los Angeles Police Capt. Peter Whittingham. Eyewitness accounts and other evidence, including videos, led police to the men, Whittingham said. They are expected to be booked on murder charges.

The two men are suspected of taking part in a gun battle that erupted after an initial shooting at a house in the 2900 block of Rimpau Boulevard, out of which the owner runs an informal eatery.

In the first volley of gunfire about 12:30 a.m., a man was shot after being confronted by two others in what was probably a dispute over a drug deal gone bad, Whittingham said. With dozens of people at the house celebrating a birthday, gunfire then erupted between two groups, one associated with the man who had been killed and the other backing the two men who confronted him, Whittingham said.

Police responding to the scene encountered chaos as panicked partygoers scattered in fear and the wounded lay bleeding. Three people were pronounced dead at the scene and 12 others were transported to hospitals. Three of the wounded were in critical condition.

Several residents interviewed by the Los Angeles Times described the Jamaican eatery as a popular gathering place in the community. But some neighbors have complained about parking and loud music.

The owner of the eatery, who identified himself only as Dilly, told the Times he has run a catering business out of his house since 2003 and served food on Saturdays. He said he was hosting a birthday party Friday night but that he did not know what prompted the shooting.

"People come over and I cook food for them," said Dilly, 63, who moved to the U.S. from Kingston, Jamaica, 22 years ago.

"There's no menu, just whatever he's cooking that day, which is usually at least seven different things," one internet reviewer wrote.

This is not the first time gunfire has erupted at the house on the tree-lined block of modest bungalows and single-story homes in the gentrifying West Adams neighborhood.

In 2011, there was another fatal shooting that claimed a friend of his, said Dilly, who believes one person who died over the weekend was also a friend.

Saturday's shooting occurred in a year of rising crime in Los Angeles.

According to the Times' Crime L.A. database, the West Adams district has seen 109 violent crimes over the last six months, but no homicides until now.

Through July 16, overall crime rose 6.3 percent across the city compared with the same period last year, Los Angeles Police Department records show. Property crime was up 3.8 percent, and violent offenses climbed 15.9 percent.

In a statement, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said the West Adams shooting was "the latest example of a senseless gun violence epidemic that causes so much pain and sorrow in our city and across the nation."

"Our thoughts are with the families mourning or praying at bedsides today," Garcetti said. "We must take action against easy access to firearms and the thoughtless, indiscriminate, murderous use of them."

McKay and Reid are not thought to be the men who initially confronted and killed the first victim, Whittingham said. Those men remain at large.

Police on Sunday were still working to piece together the details of the messy crime scene. It is not yet known how many, if any, people were killed by shots fired by McKay or Reid, Whittingham said. After consulting with prosecutors, police decided the evidence against the men was strong enough to arrest them, he added.

Coroner officials declined to identify any of the dead, saying the victims' families had not yet been notified.
Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin during the meeting "Ukraine plus Ukraine's Friends in the EU" reported on the development of the security situation in Donbas and stressed the need for the approval of the "road map," which should stipulate the sequence of steps and the guarantees of the Minsk agreements implementation.

According to the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, the "Ukraine plus Ukraine's Friends in the EU" meeting was held in Luxembourg with the participation of Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn, as well as the foreign ministers of the EU member states. The meeting was organized with the support of Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom.

"Klimkin told about the development of the security situation in Donbas, noting the regular violation of the ceasefire regime by Russia and the militants it supports. The minister said it is needed to adopt the so called "road map," which should stipulate the sequence of steps and the guarantees of implementing the Minsk agreements," the statement says.
DON BOLLES

A Phoenix policeman investigates June 2,1976 a bombing which critically injured Arizona Republic Investigative reporter Don Bolles. The reporter was lying beside his exploded car when paramedics arrived and told them he was "working on a Mafia story," they said. (AP Photo)

(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

"YOU'RE DEAD. WATCH YOUR BACK."

"WE WILL BURN YOU DOWN."

"YOU SHOULD BE PUT IN FRONT OF A FIRING SQUAD AS A TRAITOR."

Those are just a few of the many threatening emails and phone messages the Arizona Republic has received since its editorial board's endorsement of Hillary Clinton, the first time the paper has ever backed a Democrat for president. In its endorsement, the editorial board lambasted Republican nominee Donald Trump, insisting he's shown "a stunning lack of human decency, empathy and respect."

If the readers who called in and emailed threats thought they could intimidate Arizona's largest newspaper, they don't know Mi-Ai Parrish. In a powerful essay, the president of the Arizona Republic told readers over the weekend about her mother, who "grew up under an occupying dictatorship, with no right to an education, no free press, no freedom of religion, no freedom to assemble peaceably, no right to vote. No right to free speech. She raised a journalist who understood not to take these rights for granted."

How vile are these people who are threatening the Republic? One caller mentioned Don Bolles, the Republic investigative reporter who was killed by a car bomb in 1976 while investigating public corruption and land fraud. This anonymous caller did not praise Bolles' courageous work. Instead, Parrish wrote, the person "threatened that more of our reporters would be blown up because of the endorsement."

In her post, Parrish highlighted not this hate but instead focused on her staff, who carry on without complaint because they know "free speech requires an open debate."

She noted that the paper's journalists will continue to proudly go to work every day no matter how many threats come in. "When they do," Parrish wrote, "they pass by an inscription that fills an entire wall, floor to ceiling," in the newspaper's lobby. "It is 45 words long. It is an idea that is in my thoughts a lot these days. It is the First Amendment."

* Read Parrish's post.

-- Douglas Perry
Pea cultivation in Ukraine could expand by 10-15% in 2017 - expert

KYIV. Oct 17 (Interfax-Ukraine)  UkrAgroConsult consulting agency anticipates that areas with fodder peas would expand by 10-15% in Ukraine in 2017.

"This year the areas with fodder peas broke a five-year record  320,000 ha. I am sure that the areas next year would expand by 10-15%. The areas with niche leguminous crops are estimated at 30,000 ha. We predict that they would expand by 20-25%," Director General of the analytical center of UkrAgroConsult Serhiy Feofilov said at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Monday.

He said that despite the expansion of fields with leguminous crops their yield remains low.

"One of the important factors of pea planted areas expansion was an impressive increase in profit-making from these crops," he added.

According to UkrAgroConsult, in 2015/16 agricultural year Ukraine tripled exports of beans, to 6,120 tonnes compared to the previous year. Over 80% of beans was exported to EU, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Moldova and Turkey. Chickpea exports totaled 6,910 tonnes and lentil  568 tonnes.

Deputy Agricultural Policy and Food Minister of Ukraine Olha Trofimtseva said that now the ministry jointly with the Indian Embassy is designing a project to stimulate leguminous crops planting in Ukraine.

She said that planting of leguminous crops is a promising direction for Ukrainian farmers. The ministry is interested in its promotion, including exports.
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn has said that Thai people should not worry about the succession to the throne as it is specified by the constitution, the Palace Law and tradition.

The 63-year-old crown prince met with regent Prem Tinsulanonda and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha late Saturday, the Thai government said on its website.

Talking about the timing to ascend the throne, he said every Thai, including himself, has grieved over the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the right time to move on might be sometime after the funeral rites.

The late king will lie in state at the Grand Palace for months before a traditional royal cremation, while Buddhist monks will be chanting prayers besides the king's body for 100 days since Friday.

According to the Thai government, the crown prince's remarks were cited by Prime Minister Prayut in an address broadcast on the state TV at midnight on Saturday.

Prayut said he had informed the president of the National Legislative Assembly of the prince's will and he also wanted it to be known by people in the kingdom.

The public will be allowed to pay their last respects to the late king inside the Grand Palace from Oct. 28, the prime minister added.

The deeply-revered Thai king died on Thursday after 70 years on the throne. He was 88.
(Xinhua) 10:54, October 17, 2016

JIUQUAN, Oct. 17 -- China on Monday successfully launched the manned spacecraft Shenzhou-11 that will dock with the space lab Tiangong-2.

The spacecraft, with two male astronauts on board, was launched at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gobi desert at 7:30 a.m. Beijing Time Monday atop a Long March-2F Y11 carrier rocket.

The spacecraft later entered the designated orbit.

The mission was declared a success by Zhang Youxia, commander-in-chief of China's manned space program, about 19 minutes after the blast-off.

President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, sent a message of congratulations on the successful launch. Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), read Xi's message.

The mission of the orbiting space lab Tiangong-2 and the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft marks the first time that Chinese astronauts will stay in orbit for medium term, Xi, also CMC chairman, said in the message.

Xi urged staff of the mission to carry on their work to guarantee that designated targets will be realized. He also encouraged them to "constantly break new ground for the manned space program, so that Chinese people will take bigger steps and march further in space probe, to make new contribution to the building of China into a space power."

Xi sent the message from the western Indian state of Goa where he attended the eighth summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Premier Li Keqiangand Liu Yunshan, both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, watched the live broadcast of the launch at the command center of China's manned space program in Beijing.

Shenzhou-11 will dock with Tiangong-2, and then the astronauts will enter the space lab. The two astronauts are commander Jing Haipeng, a 50-year-old veteran who carried out Shenzhou-7 and Shenzhou-9 missions before, as well as Chen Dong, 38, who is on his first space mission.

Tiangong-2 has been sent into space on Sept. 15. The rendezvous will occur at the orbit about 393 kilometers above Earth.

A see-off ceremony for the two astronauts was held at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center ahead of the launch on Monday morning.
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Two men with different styles share one common goal  to bring joy with their unique clothing line.

Local residents Tim Holmes and Sheldon Edwards arent your typical 9-to-5 type of guys. Both work more than 40 hours a week while coming together after hours to collaborate and create custom-made clothing for Edwards clothing line, Captain Shel.

In late July, Edwards, 25, officially announced on social media that he would begin creating his own brand and selling items at a reasonable price. He is a manager at Pizza Hut in Bay City but has always had a passion for art and creating things.

After running into each other on several occasions, Holmes complimented Edwards on one of his designs and when finding out it was home-made, offered the services of his screen print machine. Ambition and enthusiasm led them to partner and a brand emerged.

Holmes, 27 and a manager at Walgreens, established his own clothing line called Inspired Individual Clothing in 2014. He is a Northwood graduate and currently runs the company out of his basement.

Using colorful and abstract designs, their style is anything but ordinary.

A lot of people are afraid to be different because theyre scared of what people think. Our line gives you a chance to step outside the box and be unique, said Edwards. You dont have to wear what everyone else wears. Its okay to be one of a kind.

The line is geared toward all ages, especially youth, and each item is custom. Not one piece is exactly the same. Many pieces include characters from old Nickelodeon cartoons such as Rugrats, Doug and Looney Toons.

We use a lot of cartoons in our designs because they represent happiness and allow you to escape reality. They provide a world of color, creativity and imagination. We want our clothes to make people smile, said Edwards.

While Edwards does the artwork, Holmes does the screen printing and embroidery. Both are self taught in their skills.

Although we have different styles, its easy for us to collaborate and share ideas, Holmes said. So much in the fashion industry is mass produced and everything is the same. We like our clothing to be like the people who wear it  individual.

The Captain Shel line includes custom made shirts, hoodies, shoes and hats. Prices vary based on colors and design but typically range between $20 and $50 per item.

This line is raw and edgy, Holmes said. My favorite saying is, style is a reflection of your personality or mood and thats how I feel about fashion. Our line has a profound effect and spreads positivity. I love how it touches people. We just like to create and want to add value to the world. Its not all about making money but more about giving back.

Although the business is currently being run out of a basement, Holmes and Edwards plan on investing in a shop. They also plan on merging companies in the future.

Our line is sentimental and genuine. We are both family-oriented men and even ask for our kids input because they are open-minded and honest. I also want my kids to know that its never too late to chase your dreams, Holmes said.

Both men moved to the Midland area in 2007; Edwards from Florida and Holmes from Detroit.

I stayed in Midland because I saw so much opportunity here, Edwards said. When we do get a shop, we want to stay in the community. I want people to ask where a shirt or hat came from and have the answer be Midland. Not only that, but people can say its one of a kind.

We are both passionate about what we do and what we make. Wed rather spread the message of quality over quantity, Holmes said.

Captain Shel has future plans to release a womens line.

The Captain Shel clothing line can be viewed on Instagram at captain_shel. Custom orders can be placed by contacting Sheldon Edwards at captain.sh3l@gmail.com

Inspired Individual Clothing can be viewed on Instagram at ix2clothing or visit its website at www.ix2clothing.com
Editors note: On Thursday from 7-9 p.m., there will be a free showing of Storied Streets, a documentary about homelessness, at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library auditorium, followed by a panel discussion about homelessness in the community. Following is a first-person account of what it means to be homeless in Midland County.

What do you think when you hear the word homeless? What images or thoughts come to your mind? Do you picture someone beaten down by life, perhaps a scraggly, unkempt older man with no teeth and body odor so intense that you cannot get within ten feet of him without wanting to gag? Perhaps you picture this same man as having a drug or alcohol problem. Or, maybe youre picturing a younger man with a criminal record as long as your arm.

For some homeless individuals, there may be a remnant of truth in these images. However, I have found that, though unintentional, this stereotyping is harmful as it promotes an involuntary reaction to classify the homeless as undesirable neighbors or as troublemakers.

I have been a shelter guest at Midlands Open Door for nearly four months. As I have come across these stereotypes, I have felt a need to write to those of you who may have believed some of these misconceptions about who we are. I speak from my own experience and observation. Contrary to the stereotypical images that come to mind, we walk and ride our bikes among you every day. You would not even know we were homeless by our appearance.

While some of us do have criminal records or struggle with substance abuse; there are others of us, like myself, who do not. Some of us are just down on our luck, having been evicted from our homes with nowhere to go and no family or friends to take us in. While I take full responsibility for my financial mistakes, please do not judge my homeless friends or me too harshly. Have you ever made mistakes in your life due to poor judgment? You may not have been caught or faced any severe consequences, but we are all closer to homelessness than you think. I never imagined I would have to enter a homeless shelter.

There is daily structure and expectations at the shelter. They provide us with clothing and personal care products so we can be dressed decently and practice good hygiene every day. We eat healthy meals three times a day, we meet with a case manager weekly, and we are encouraged in the Word of God daily. We look for employment, we agree not to use alcohol and drugs during our stay and we contribute by taking on the responsibility of daily chores.

But many of us struggle just to get out of bed every day. So, we are also given a time to wake up in the morning and a time to go to bed every night. When youre homeless, there are times when depression sinks in deep and without this structure we can feel lost, alone, forgotten and even dismissed by society.

But we are ready  even desperate  to get our lives back. We do not want to be a burden to society. We desire to reintegrate ourselves back into the community. However, the stereotypes placed on us can make this very difficult and downright discouraging. I could list several examples, but it is not my intent to sound disgruntled so I will merely name one here: Leaving the shelters phone number on a resume. This can seem like a death sentence to my job-hunting efforts, for as soon as an employer calls me for an interview and learns that I live in a shelter, the first reaction could be a negative one. I imagine them thinking that I may have too many issues and would therefore be too much of a project to take on.

We are asking for an honest chance to prove ourselves; to prove that we are not losers; to prove that we belong and can truly contribute something positive to society.

I am grateful for the staff and volunteers of Midlands Open Door who work tirelessly day in and day out to see to it that the shelter operates smoothly and remains a peaceful refuge. I am thankful for the men I share this shelter with; I consider them my family. In addition, I am honored to live in a generous community with compassionate people who donate food, clothing and hygiene products so we are able to move forward with dignity.

There is help that is making a real difference but we also need to address the many misconceptions that exist, helping our community understand the faces and stories behind the word homeless.

Robert Hoggard is a current shelter guest at Midlands Open Door.
Donald Trump Is Right: This Election IS Rigged

By Dustin Rowles | Politics | October 17, 2016 |

Donald Trump has been arguing since August  and more forcefully in the last week  that next months election will be rigged, all in an effort to deny the legitimacy of the results.

Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2016

The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

Hillary Clinton should have been prosecuted and should be in jail. Instead she is running for president in what looks like a rigged election  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 15, 2016

100% fabricated and made-up charges, pushed strongly by the media and the Clinton Campaign, may poison the minds of the American Voter. FIX!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 15, 2016

And the thing is, Donald Trump is not wrong. There is a fix on. The election is being rigged. Theres plenty of evidence of it.

In fact, heres several examples of election rigging going on right now:

 In Wisconsin, the state lied to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and stated that it had addressed concerns voters had with state ID laws, telling the court that voters could simply go to the DMV and get a photo ID (even if it wasnt for a drivers license). The problem? Most of those photo IDs would not arrive before voting day. The state also straight-up failed to comply with a trial courts orders. The states voter ID law, of course, disproportionately affects people of color.

 In order to try and get a photo ID at the DMV, some disenfranchised voters are being turned away repeatedly, including a 62-year-old African American who was turned way because his birth certificate was misspelled by one letter, and a 42-year-old Indian American  who has been naturalized since she was 8 years old  who was told shed have to pay $340 for naturalization papers before she could register.

 Tens of thousands of Ohio voters  disproportionately from low-income districts that tend to vote Democratic  have been purged from the rolls for not voting frequently enough. 144,000 voters were purged from Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati alone.

 Kansas attempted to require proof of citizenship before voters could register. It resulted in a depressed turnout in August.

 Republicans in New Mexico sent ominous mailers to voters warning Democrats that their neighbors will know if they vote Democrat.

 Mike Pence  Donald Trumps running mate  allowed police to raid the offices of a voter registration program aimed at signing up African Americans one week before the voter registration deadline. About 45,000 people will be left without the right to vote as a result.

 In North Carolina, even though a federal appeals court struck down a law specifically designed to suppress the African-American vote, Republicans continue to target their suppression efforts at black voters. In 70 counties in North Carolina, early voting hours have been expanded. However, in 23 counties that have a higher percentage of black voters, early voting hours have been reduced and eliminated altogether on Sundays.

 Arizona passed a law that disproportionality affects minority voters because it blocks the ability of people to gather other voters absentee ballots and submit them for counting

 14 states this year alone have passed laws restricting the ability to vote. Not surprisingly, voter suppression laws are more common in states with high African-American turnout.

 Donald Trump is actively seeking poll watchers, volunteers asked to go to polling places in low-income areas to make sure theres no funny business, i.e., to intimidate Democratic voters. Many of these poll watchers will actively challenge the credentials of young, black, and female voters in places like Pennsylvania and Ohio.

 It took a court to overturn Florida Republican Gov. Rick Scotts decision not to extend the registration deadline after a hurricane forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people.

 A man born in Liberia but adopted by U.S. parents a decade ago, making him a U.S. citizen, was turned away in Michigan after he was told he wasnt allowed to vote despite presenting documentation proving his citizenship.

 In Georgia, where Donald Trump is facing the prospect of losing in a state that has historically voted Republican, police officers are being dispatched to the homes of black voters, where they are commanding them to appear in person to prove their residence or lose their voting rights. 

 In one county in Georgia, a polling place in a predominantly black district was moved from a gymnasium to the county sheriffs office.



Its not just these specific examples of voter suppression; its the effect it will have on the wider electorate. Look: If youre a person of color in Miami or Philadelphia or Cleveland, its probably going to take a couple of hours to stand in line to vote on November 8th (while a rural white voter can walk up to his poll and leave in the time it takes to eat a sandwich). Add to the long lines the potential harassment and intimidation from poll watchers, the prospect of being turned away, and the humiliation of being asked to provide proof of citizenship, and the result is not only thousands of voters who wont be able to vote, but thousands more who wont even try because they dont feel it is worth the effort or potential embarrassment.

The fix is in, and its all in Donald Trumps favor.





Dustin is the founder and co-owner of Pajiba. You may email him here, follow him on Twitter, or listen to his weekly TV podcast, Podjiba.
Bloomington-Normal

Americana, The Homely Creek and American Evolution; Oct. 22-Nov. 27, Jan Brandt Gallery, 1106 W. Bell St., Bloomington; photography by Ted Diamond, paintings by Ann E. Coulter, colored pencil portraits by Ivonne Bess; opening, 7-9 p.m. Oct. 22; thereafter, viewing by appointment at janbrandtgallery@gmail.com.

Chicken Foot Gourd Bowls; Oct. 17-Dec. 9; Heartland Community College Joe McCauley Gallery, Instructional Commons Building Room 2507, 1500 W. Raab Road, Normal; ceramics by Danell Dvorak and drawings/paintings of them by John Cassidy; free; 309-268-8620. Artist reception: 4-5:30 p.m. Oct. 27.

Mickell Duncan; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-noon Sat., through Oct. 31, IAA Credit Union lobby, 808 IAA Drive, Bloomington; paintings; free.

ISU University Galleries; noon-4 p.m. Mon., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Tue., 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Fri., noon-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., Uptown Station, 11 Uptown Circle, Normal; rotating exhibits in three galleries; free; 309-438-8321.

Wonsook Kim: Lines of Enchantment; through Oct. 16, ISU University Galleries, see above; cast bronze outlines, paintings, prints and drawings.

Placelessness: Marissa Lee Benedict & David Rueter and Sarah Rothberg; through Oct. 16, ISU University Galleries, see above; interactive installations.

Beyond the Norm: International Juried Print Exhibition; through Oct. 16, ISU University Galleries, see above; works by 54 artists.

And There's the Humor of It: Shakespeare and the Four Humors; through Oct. 29, IWU Ames Library ground floor; six-panel touring exhibit exploring role of four humors in Shakespeare's work; free.

IWU Merwin and Wakeley Galleries; school hours, noon-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 1-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 7-9 p.m. Tue.; 302 E. Graham St., Bloomington; rotating exhibits; free; 309-556-3391.

Fences and Courts; through Nov. 3, IWU Wakeley Gallery, see above; paintings, collages and sculptures by Lloyd Ahern.

Chromatic Candela; through Nov. 3, IWU Merwin Gallery, see above; installation by Erin Taylor.

McLean County Arts Center; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tue., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri., noon-4 p.m. Sat.; 601 N. East St., Bloomington; rotating exhibits, sales, rentals, art classes and lectures; free; 309-829-0011.

40 Years NEW; through Oct. 22, McLean County Arts Center, see above; 40th anniversary retrospective of ISU's New Editions Workshop.

Behind Every Print; through Oct. 22, McLean County Arts Center, see above; works by ISU faculty and Normal Editions Workshop staff.

McLean County Museum of History; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. (until 9 p.m. Tue.), 200 N. Main St., Bloomington; permanent and rotating exhibits; adults $5, seniors $4, students, children under 12 and members free; 309-827-0428.

Challenges, Choices and Change: Making a Home; McLean County Museum of History, see above; new permanent exhibit exploring experiences of people from around the world who made McLean County their home.

Abraham Lincoln in McLean County; McLean County Museum of History, see above; new permanent exhibit on Lincoln's life in Bloomington.

Prairie Aviation Museum; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thu.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun., 2929 E. Empire St., Bloomington; permanent and rotating exhibits and displays with aerial history themes; adults $5, ages 6-11 $3, 5 and under free; 309-663-7632.

Central Illinois

U of I Krannert Art Museum; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. (until 9 p.m. Thu. during fall and spring semesters), 2-5 p.m. Sun., 500 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign; paintings, porcelain, historical artifacts, traveling art exhibits; $3 donation suggested; 217-333-1861.

Borderline Collective: Northern Triangle; through Dec. 22, U of I Krannert Art Museum, see above; installation featuring art works and historical documents.

Amity Township Museum; 1-3 p.m. first Sun. of month or by appointment, 510 Main St., Cornell; displays and artifacts relating to history of Cornell and Amity Township; free; 815-358-2973.

Eureka College Burgess Hall Art Gallery; 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and by appointment on weekends, third floor of Burgess Hall, Eureka College, Eureka; rotating exhibits; free; 309-467-6866.

Simpkins Military History Museum; 1-5 p.m. Tue., Thu., Sat., or by appointment; 605 E. Cole St., Heyworth; permanent and rotating military history exhibits; free (donations accepted); 309-473-3989.

The Vietnam War 50th Anniversary; through Nov. 30, Simpkins Military History Museum, see above.

Dickson Mounds Museum; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 10956 N. Dickson Mounds Road, Lewistown; displays, special exhibits; free; 309-547-3721.

Lincoln Heritage Museum; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 1-4 p.m. Sat., Lincoln Center at Lincoln College, 300 Keokuk St., Lincoln; Lincoln-era items, audio-visual displays, tours, exhibits, more; adults $7, children/tours $4; 217-735-7399.

Contemporary Art Center of Peoria; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat., Riverfront Arts Center, 305 S.W. Water, Peoria; rotating exhibits in two galleries; free; 309-674-6822.

Building Space: The Objects of Adam G. Perschbacher; through Oct. 21, Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, see above; geometric abstractions.

Under, Above, Everywhere; through Oct. 28, Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, see above; paintings by Deborah Barlow, photographs by Kay Canavino, ceramics by Ramah Commanday.

Peoria Art Guild; Foster Arts Center, Harrison and Washington streets, Peoria; rotating exhibits, gift shop; free; 309-637-2787.

Peoria Riverfront Museum; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Wed. and Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thu.-Fri., noon-5 p.m. Sun., downtown riverfront Peoria; permanent and rotating exhibits, planetarium shows, Giant Screen Theater and events; $8-$11; 309-686-7000.

Changing Perspectives: The Landscapes of Harold Gregor; through Oct. 16, Peoria Riverfront Museum, see above; paintings.

Museum of the Gilding Arts; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sun., April-Oct., and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sun., Nov.-March, 217 N. Mill St., Pontiac; displays, history and hands-on exhibits dedicated to the art of gilding and gold beating; free (donations welcome); 815-842-1848.

Pontiac Community Art Center; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 103 W. Madison St., Pontiac; rotating exhibits; 815-844-5831.

Monsters Within; through Oct. 31, Pontiac Community Art Center, see above; group member show in various media with Halloween theme.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sun., 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield; Lincoln-themed exhibits, historical displays, special events, more; adults $12, seniors and students $9, ages 5-15 $5, under 5 free; 217-558-8844.

Rare and Rarely Seen; through Jan. 29, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, see above; rarely exhibited items from museum's permanent collection.
As the market for single-family homes in Bloomington-Normal has grown more strained, some new residents have expanded their prospects to the county's rural communities.
AR Packaging Acquires Maju Jaya Sarana Grafika in Indonesia Oct. 17, 2016 (Press Release) - AR Packaging Group AB is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding agreement with PT Maju Jaya Sarana Grafika (MJSG) for the acquisition of a significant majority stake in the company. Adrian Koesnendar, CEO and co-owner of the family business, will continue to own the remaining shares. Maju Jaya is one of the leading Indonesian packaging companies with a majority of the customer base in the tobacco and food segments. The company has two production sites in Bekasi (close to Jakarta, Java) and Semarang (central Java). In January 2016, AR Packaging and Maju Jaya announced a strategic partnership with the objective to cooperate in manufacturing, procurement, sales and marketing. The partnership has now been further enhanced with the equity investment of AR Packaging. We are very satisfied to have found such a competent partner in Maju Jaya, says Peter Aichhorn, COO Branded Products of AR Packaging. We have worked very closely with the company in recent months and we are convinced that together we will be able to provide the best possible service to both our local and multi-national customers going forward. Harald Schulz, CEO of AR Packaging, adds: The acquisition of Maju Jaya is an important step to implement our expansion strategy outside of Europe. We view a South East Asian platform to be the natural first step in our global aspiration in selected segments. Becoming a member of AR Packaging will strengthen our commitment and capabilities to serve the customers in the best way, says Adrian Koesnendar, CEO of Maju Jaya Sarana Grafika. Access to new innovations and technologies enables us to compete on the global market. Completion of the transaction will be subject to customary closing conditions. SOURCE: AR Packaging Group AB
JIUQUAN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- A see-off ceremony for two Chinese astronauts of the upcoming Shenzhou-11 manned space mission was held on Monday at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

The Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft is scheduled to be launched at 7:30 a.m. Monday Beijing Time.

Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), met with astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong at the apartment compound Wentiange, or "Ask-the-Sky Pavilion," of the launch center.

On behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the State Council, the CMC and General Secretary of CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping, Fan wished the mission success.

"You are going to travel in space to pursue the space dream of the Chinese nation," Fan said.

"With all the scientific and rigorous training, discreet preparation, and rich experience accumulated from previous missions, you will accomplish the glorious and tough task", Fan added.

"We wish you success and look forward to your triumphant return," Fan said.

The astronauts, in white space suits, expressed confidence and resolve for the mission.

After the brief meeting, the astronauts came to Yuanmengyuan Square, or "Dreams-come-true" square, where they were greeted by a cheerful crowd waving flowers and national flags.

They reported to Zhang Youxia, commander-in-chief of the country's manned space program, "We are ready! Please give instruction."

"Proceed!" Zhang said.

The astronauts then got on a vehicle and left for the launch pad in cheers and patriotic song chanted by the crowd.
Global Pulpwood Prices Moved Upward in Second Quarter 2016 Wood fiber costs currently account for almost 60% of the cash costs when manufacturing wood pulp. Prices for both wood chips and pulplogs have trended downward for a long time, but this came to an abrupt halt in the 2Q/16 when the softwood price index rose 2.3% and the hardwood price index increased 3.7% from the 1Q/16, according to the latest Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). Oct. 17, 2016 - The wood fiber costs for the world's pulp industry had trended downward for almost five years until this year when both the softwood and hardwood fiber price indices jumped in the 2Q/16. The two indices rose because price increases were seen for wood chips and pulplogs in practically every major market around the world. The Softwood Wood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) was up 2.3% from the 1Q/16 to US$89.63/odmt in the 2Q/16, as reported in the WRQ. This was the first quarter-over-quarter increase since early 2014. A combination of a weaker US dollar and higher wood fiber prices in the local currencies in Western Canada, France, Brazil and Germany, were the main reasons for the higher SFPI this quarter. The Hardwood Wood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) was up 3.7% from the 1Q/16 to US$86.86/odmt, which was also the first increase in almost two years. The biggest price increases (in US dollars) occurred in Russia, Brazil, Chile, Australia and Eastern Canada. Despite the recent price increase, current price levels for wood fiber are close to the lowest they have been in almost ten years in nominal terms. Wood fiber costs currently account for approximately 58% of the cash costs when manufacturing pulp on a global basis, according to Fisher International. Of the 16 major pulp-producing regions around the world tracked by the WRQ, pulpmills in Japan have the highest wood fiber cost percentage of close to 70%, while Russian mills have the lowest wood cost share of just below 40%. The historically low wood fiber costs are, of course, very good news for the world's pulp and paper industry. With market pulp prices currently being slightly below their ten-year averages, the wood costs as a percentage of the market pulp price (NBSK and EBK) are close to their lowest levels in almost 15 years. Note. The Global Wood Fiber Price Index is a weighted average of delivered wood fiber prices for the pulp industry in all regions tracked by the publication Wood Resource Quarterly. These regions together account for 85-90% of the world's wood-based pulp production capacity. The price is based on current quarter average prices, and country/regional wood fiber consumption data. The global average price for softwood and hardwood is calculated in nominal US$ per oven-dried metric ton (odmt) of wood fiber. Wood Resources International, publisher of the Wood Resource Quarterly, is an internationally recognized forest industry-consulting firm. For further information visit: www.woodprices.com. SOURCE: Wood Resources International LLC
"Madam Secretary" Season 3 Episode 2 revolved around the complications within the United States government and Algeria. Elizabeth McCord (Tea Leoni) had to pick up the duties of U.S. Ambassador to Algeria, Roy Curtis (Dakin Matthews), following his death. She also had to deal with her children's safety who are apparently in danger.

Everything is not going well with Elizabeth in the recent episode of "Madam Secretary" Season 3 as she needed to protect her family and the country from Algeria's threat at the same time. President Haddad of Algeria apparently blames the U.S. government for Curtis' death who happened to be his friend.

"Madam Secretary" Season 3 Episode 2 saw Haddad who was convinced to start a war with the U.S. However, Elizabeth bravely stepped in and employed the help of the Algerian military chief to stop the war. Elizabeth told the Algerian military chief that the U.S. is preparing an attack to Algeria but if he will agree to send Haddad to be tried for the international criminal court, then people of Algeria will be saved.

Fortunately, Elizabeth's negotiation skills worked well and no war was initiated on the second episode of "Madam Secretary" Season 3. However, Algeria is not the only concern of Elizabeth on this episode of "Madam Secretary." A group of armed men attacked Jason's school and left a note in his locker that states, "We can get to your family anytime."

Henry (Tim Daly) told Elizabeth that Jason's school security cameras were hacked and it seems that Elizabeth's enemies are after their kids on "Madam Secretary" Season 3. The couple then decided to finally tell their children that their family is facing a security threat which they cannot identify yet.

"Madam Secretary" Season 3 Episode 3 is expected to see Henry and Elizabeth discuss the problem to their kids while the FBI searches for the hacker. What can you say about the second episode of "Madam Secretary" Season 3? Let us know in the comments section after watching the promo for the next episode below.
A baby died last Thursday, Oct. 13, in a tragic elevator shaft at a high-rise apartment building in Brooklyn, New York. The baby, recognized as Areej Ali, died when her stroller fell from the 23rd floor down to the 17th floor of a Brooklyn apartment, New York Police officers reported.

Aberaqed Al-Rabah, 21, mother of Areej, was holding Areej's stroller while waiting for the apartment's elevator at the 23rd floor of the Sea Rise complex at Coney Island, Brooklyn, around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday morning, New York police officers reported via Mail Online. When the elevator doors opened up, the stroller was pushed inside by the mom who did not know the elevator car was not even there, the police added.

Specifically, the mother and child plunged down into the open elevator shaft, together falling six stories to the top of the elevator car at the 17th floor, police said to Pix11. Both mother and child were dashed to a hospital; however the infant died later the day, while the mom survived and was treated for her injuries, according to Pix11.

"That's my grandchild," Salah Ali, 70, grandfather of the baby, told CBS New York. "She was like a month old."

The management of the building sent a letter to the occupants telling they were working with police officers to investigate the tragic incident, the Brooklyn News reported. In the letter, the management said that the elevators in all buildings are currently undergoing inspection. It also noted that the safety and well-being of the tenants are their number one priority.

The Department of Buildings said that the elevator where the child died passed inspections in January, according to Brooklyn News. However, many tenants did not agree on this. In fact, tenants have reported in the past several times already that the elevators of the building were not functioning, the Brooklyn News added.
A 15-year-old female teenager did not make it after she was caught between exchange gunfire of two cars in Cook Out Restaurant in Kentucky, authorities said. The teenager has been recognized by the police as Trinity Gay of Lexington who happened to be the daughter of former U.S. Olympian sprinter Tyson Gay.

Trinity Gay, 15, was a sprinter teen just like her dad, Tyson Gay. She had played for Lafayette high School, competing numerous times in the state meet. Trinity suffered a gunshot injury at her neck and was brought to the University of Kentucky Medical Center, according to USA Today High School Sports. Trinity was pronounced dead in the hospital. "She didn't make it," Tyson Gay said to LEX 18.

The incident happened around 4 a.m. Sunday, Oct.16, according to lexingtonky.gov, after Fayette authorities responded to a parking lot shoot out. The same report also said that authorities located the gray Dodge Charger and imprisoned two possible individuals of interest for some questionings. Furthermore, the investigation is still going on.

The mother of the victim, Shoshana Boyd, said to New York Daily News that Trinity was so innocent. "She wanted to be the fastest woman in the world, and they took that away from her," the mother added.

The family's friends from the track and field sport extended their sincerest condolences to the bereaved family of Trinity. "Our hearts are broken this morning over the loss of Trinity to this tragic and senseless act of violence," Manny Caulk, Fayette County School Superintendent, said to Lexington Herald Leader.

In this young year, according to the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive, there have been 6,886 incidents of gun violence in the United States, killing 1,781 people and injuring 3,475, as of Monday afternoon, according to The Washington Post. Of those injured or killed, 74 were under 12 of age.
Dyslexia is seen in one among 10 people in the world. Over 40 million American adults are dyslexic and 2 million know about it. Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability including poor word reading, word decoding, oral reading fluency and spelling but the disability is not just about getting letters or numbers mixed up or out of order.

Today, technology is playing a major role in developing love for reading among dyslexic children. According to Dallas News, a certified academic language therapist and licensed dyslexia therapist at Griffis Elementary School in Caddo Mills, Leslie Patterson is using technology to help some of her dyslexic students to develop love for reading.

Patterson uses Bookshare to help students' access books they can read with both audio and video, as well as with highlighted text. Bookshare is known to be the world's largest digital library with 480,000 books.

"With the practice of reading with eyes and ears, you are learning words because you are seeing the words spelled correctly, you are hearing the word, as your eye is touching it, pronounced correctly, and over time, you are learning words because you are getting practice hearing and seeing them correctly," Patterson said.

Unfortunately, there are only a few schools in the U.S. that are using technology to help dyslexic students while in Australia, some parents are complaining for not using technology. A spokeswoman of Red Letter, Sarah Asome said kids with Dyslexia are marginalized due to the lack of support at school.

Asome said that some Australian schools say they have no students with Dyslexia, which is not true. They just have not identified them, 9news.com.au reported. Schools in Australia need to train teachers to identify dyslexic students to address their problems at early stages in the early years of school life. Students should be offered access to technology such as voice-to-speech technology and additional time should be provided to complete their tasks.
Celebrity royalty mother and son Victoria and Brooklyn Beckham took time off from their busy schedules to visit Kenya on a three-day mission for the purpose of HIV Awareness from Oct. 7 to 9, 2016. This is in keeping with one of Victoria's noble duties as an influential International Goodwill Ambassador for the UNAIDS campaign.

In one of her Instagram photo captions, Victoria Beckham succinctly explains the main purpose of her Kenya trip with son Brooklyn Beckham: information dissemination about the real hazards of HIV and the risks of transmitting it from mothers to babies. "Hanging out with teenagers in Kenya. Get tested, know your status, get treatment. NO STIGMA! @unaidsglobal @brooklynbeckham XVB," says Victoria Beckham in her Instagram photo post with Brooklyn and Kenyan teenagers.

A photo posted by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) on Oct 8, 2016 at 4:00am PDT

Brooklyn seems to be thrilled in following his mother Victoria Beckham's philanthropic footsteps. Sporting a UNAIDS white shirt and black cap, he was seen with a newborn baby who was also named Brooklyn in his Instagram post. The mother and son simultaneously posted about this three-day affair in their social media accounts.

Victoria Beckham chronicled their three-day journey in more detail to her 12.8 million Instagram followers. She publicly praised Kenya's Beyond Zero mobile clinic initiative for vigorously promoting the health of mothers, newborns, and children. She also met with Kenyan government officials and natives of Kenya.

Aside from this, Victoria Beckham also used her Instagram for fund raising efforts. She used one post to appeal to the world to download and upload photos to the Donate a Photo app so that Johnson and Johnson will provide $1 for each uploaded photo for the cause of eliminating mother to child transmission of HIV in this African country.

The fashion designer and former Posh Spice added this meaningful cause as one of her numerous engagements. Victoria thinks of her global influence as a responsibility to pursue worthwhile endeavors like pushing for women and children's health.

"I would do anything for my children and I think every woman has the right to health and every woman has the right to give their children a healthy future," Victoria Beckham emphasized during her speech at the United Nations last September.

Prior to this public appearance in Africa, Beckham was promoting her fashion line and partnership with Estee Lauder. She also recently declined to join the much publicized Wannabe 20-year anniversary Spice Girls reunion because of her schedule and multiple commitments.

Check out the highlights of their three-day trip to Africa and don't forget to leave your thoughts on the comments section below.
On a recent Saturday morning in Beijing, Win Tin, 66, a veteran journalist from Myanmar, was enthralled by a lecture at the Communication University of China on setting up a digital studio, from floor layouts to overhead light temperatures to software.

Two months ago, Tin, with 25 years of experience in journalism, started an online news outlet, Northern Light Media, but realized he knew little about online media.

So he jumped at the offer to join a 10-day media workshop provided by the university's China-ASEAN Center of Training that targets media executives and journalists from Southeast Asian countries.

"I want to be a lifelong learner, and China is the country I'm most interested in," said Tin, whose fellow trainees, totaling 21, come from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The training programsupported by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and Huaneng Industry, a State-owned energy companyis not the first international project at top Chinese journalism schools.

Since 2014, the School of Journalism and Communication at Renmin University of China has trained at least 10 journalists from African media each year in an exchange program organized by the China-Africa Press Center. This year, the program has received 28 African journalists, the largest group yet.

Every year, the university also admits five young journalists from Pakistan. In nine months, "they studied various aspects of China, built friendships and strengthened their Chinese counterparts' understanding of Pakistan", said Zhong Xin, director of the school's international affairs.

Tsinghua University's master's program in global business journalism, taught in English, admits 20 international students each year. About 200 of them from 50 countries have graduated, said Hang Ming, the program's co-director.

Some programs that train foreign journalists at CUC and Remin University programs is fully paid by schools or sponsors, while the master's program at Tsinghua costs 39,000 yuan ($5,850) per year. Most of the training is done in Beijing, with opportunities for trainees to visit rural areas or small cities.

Hu Zhengrong, president of the CUC and a lecturer of the program for Southeast Asian journalists, estimated more than 100 foreign journalists study in China each year, most from developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

"China is the world's second-largest economy and a significant stakeholder in global affairs, but its soft power needs to manifest itself through people to people, heart to heart dialogues," Hu said.

"Training foreign journalists in China allows them to experience the country's full complexity, thus ensuring more objectivity and consideration when they portray China to their audience," he added.

CUC provides practical training in new and innovative techniques such as media convergence, big data, smart solutions and next-generation network technology. The lectures are in English.

"The courses are very informative," said Shamim Abdullah Zahedy, executive editor for the Independent in Bangladesh. "It introduced me to new dimensions in new media and broadened my understanding of the medium."

Professor Zhang Wenhui of CUC, who teaches media technologies, said that China's hands-on experience can serve as a blueprint for the trainees to develop the media industry in their home countries.

Zhang had an interpreter for his lecture, but the presentation was in English and he made sure all terminologies were in sync with international standards. "If someone were to purchase a set of equipment, it would be helpful to know exactly what it is called on the international market," Zhang said.

But Hu said some material is geared towards understanding China.

"I avoid using Western concepts like liberal or conservative because they are loaded with implications and stereotypes that may not reflect China's true conditions," Hu said.

When introducing China to foreigners, it is crucial to let them see China through a Chinese conceptual system, he said, adding that teachers have to be thorough and honest in the process.

International graduates of Tsinghua's program often go into international media, public relations or government organizations. "Some become the bridge that connects China and the world," said Hang, the program's co-director.

The work of graduates has been significant.

Compton Nicholas James, a US graduate of the program, published an investigative report on how Chinese governmental and nongovernmental organizations tackle the issue of left-behind children in China.

After graduating from the program, Park Jinbum, a South Korean student, became a producer at South Korean broadcasting network KBS and produced Super China, an in-depth documentary on China's rise that went viral in 2015.

The training programs not only allow journalists to acquire skills, but also broaden their network of contacts for their future endeavors in content creation, said Steven Dong, dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education at CUC.

Dong said he would like to see more media collaboration, such as Legends of Song and Dance, a joint, 2013 Chinese-Myanmar television series telling the stories between the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the Kingdom of Myanmar. The series was broadcast in both countries.

Apart from teaching technical skills, future media training programs should include courses on content production, thus "laying the foundation for all-around media cooperation", he said.
Calhoun County, Michigan. The controversial Shaken Baby Syndrome cases were moved to the courtroom in Michigan, and the two men accused of killing the toddlers are still demanding for reliable proofs for the diagnosis. Other possible causes of the two babies' death were defined.

Anthony Ball and Leo Ackley are separately charged with first-degree child abuse and felony murder for the deaths of their girlfriends' daughters. The fire on debates flared even further when the Attorneys of both accused have teamed up against the presumed overzealous prosecution. The attorneys are looking at the angle of flawed science for the findings saying that the result of the abuse is Shaken Baby Syndrome, according to The Washington Post report.

Ball and Ackley were of different fate. Ackley was convicted and sentenced to prison in 2012 due to the death of his girlfriend's 2-year-old Baylee Stenman. Ball on the other hand was charged in 2014 in the loss of his fiance's 20-month-old baby girl. Both men will be in a trial starting next week sharing the same courtroom. Michigan Supreme Court has overturned the conviction for Ackley for this new trial, as per the Syllabus from the Court.

The two Attorneys present the evidences of the other parties which include medical proofs that point to three injuries, which lead to the conclusion of both victims to have been violently shaken. The three points include: bleeding on the surface of the brain, bleeding behind the eyes and brain swelling. The Attorneys said that these are insufficient.

Many doctors have questioned the science behind the Shaken Baby Syndrome over the recent decades. Many convictions in the past were also overturned after findings on children originally said to have been killed or injured by the Shaken Baby Syndrome were proven to be misdiagnosed.

"You can't necessarily prove [Shaken Baby Syndrome] one way or another - sort of like politics or religion," forensic pathologist Gregory G. Davis said via the Washington Post for the Shaken Science edition.

Ackley and Ball still have the chance to be proven innocent of the crime. But the mothers still are hurting and want justice. Michigan Supreme Court has to balance justice and science thoroughly in the next few weeks for these cases.

The government warns parents of the Abusive Head Trauma (AHT or Shaken Baby Syndrome) that may happen to their kids. The CDC gives guidelines to protect kids under 5, who are the ones prone to AHT.
Following a ban by the US Federal Aviation Authority, a great number of reports are surfacing this morning showing airlines around the world are banning Samsung's Note 7 on flights. Japan's transport ministry ordered airlines to completely ban the Note 7 from flights, including the country's largest operators All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines. Travelers ignoring the ban will have their smartphones confiscated with the possibility of further punitive measures.

South Korea's Asiana has banned Note 7s from all flights, while almost all mainland Chinese airlines including Cathay Pacific have also banned the device. Hong Kong's international airport have prohibited passengers from carrying the device on any incoming or outgoing flights, either in checked or carry-on baggage, while Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong Express have both joined the ban.

Australian and New Zealand airlines have banned the phone from all planes, as have Singapore Airlines, Taiwan's two biggest airlines China Airlines and EVA Air and Malaysia-based AirAsia.

The Gaurdian noted that "In Europe, Germany's Air Berlin banned the Note 7 from flights from Saturday, while rival Lufthansa said that the device was banned on US flights and will soon be prohibited on all others. Italy's flagship airline Alitalia joined in on the ban too, while British Airways prohibits the Note 7 on flights going to the US, Canada and Hong Kong."

A specific report out of Berlin notes that German airline Air Berlin said in a security note on its website that the carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is prohibited on all flights of Air Berlin group.

The Note 7 mobile phones are not allowed to be brought on board immediately since Saturday, a spokesperson of Air Berlin was quoted by German media.

Meanwhile, another German airline Lufthansa also announced to ban Galaxy Note 7 on all flights related to the United States. According to a Lufthansa spokesperson, the ban would soon possibly apply to all other Lufthansa flights.

Finnish national broadcaster Yle reported on Sunday that Finnair has banned carrying Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on all of its flights as well.

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A report out of Seoul Korea today states that Samsung Electronics' heir apparent Lee Jae-yong is under pressure to show greater leadership in containing the crisis over the termination of its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphones. Last week Patently Apple posted a report stating that Lee was hoping for the Galaxy Note7 to outflank the iPhone7. That admission along with Lee holding out until the Southwest Airlines incident to stop production of the faulty smartphone concerns some in Korea that Lee isn't showing true leadership.

Analysts say that Lee, whose official title is vice chairman, must show firmer leadership in reforming the tech giant's IT and mobile communications division so that there is no contagion effect from the Note 7 problems.

Park Ju-gun, head of CEO Score, an information provider focused on Korea's top 500 companies stated for the report that "Lee needs to take the initiative in patching up the crisis by putting the IT and mobile communications division on the right track. Jae-yong is also responsible for strengthening the company's manufacturing technology which had been top class under his father's leadership."

Harvard-educated Lee has been leading the nation's largest company and its parent Samsung Group since his father Lee Kun-hee was hospitalized after a heart attack in May 2014.

Song Dong-hyun, CEO at Mingle Spoon, a Seoul-based crisis management consultancy, says Lee should be candid about the Note 7's safety issues. "Vice Chairman Lee should show that he and the company care for customers not only in Korea but also all over the world by letting them know the problems of Note 7 and its ways to fix them."





Song says that will be the fastest way to regain customers' trust, which is critical for the company to sell its next model of Galaxy S8 expected in March next year. He believes that Lee may apologize to consumers after he joins the board of directors on Oct. 27. The only son of the ailing chairman was nominated to join the board early September.

Market watchers say Lee must learn from Akio Toyoda, CEO of Toyota Motor, who successfully led the Japanese automaker through a massive recall crisis in the U.S. in 2009 after some of the company's vehicles were found to have faulty brakes. Toyoda apologized to American customers in Congress.

Patently Apple noted in a report last week that what was disturbing about Samsung's handling of their Note7 crisis is that they sent out replacement Note7's in quick fashion without even knowing if that would actually solve the problem. When the replacement batteries began exploding, their theory also went up in smoke. In fact just last week Samsung vowed to figure the root causes of the Note 7 problem. This is what's damaging to Samsung's reputation: The admission that they never had a clue as to what was going wrong behind the scenes while telling the press that it is was all due to a bad batch of batteries. Yet Samsung does their own battery testing and they gave the replacement batteries the green light. So they apparently lied, which means that the anger expressed by their customers in China were right all along. It's not the battery, it's something within the Note7's architecture that has a problem controlling the charging of the battery.

In another report that Patently Apple posted on Friday I noted that "In the end, it's the Korean press that should be humiliated for being shown to be callous and disrespectful to Samsung's U.S. customers who have suffered trauma and burns due to the blatant defect in the Note7 smartphone. These Samsung fans should be offered an apology rather than receiving scorn for hurting Samsung's reputation that is well deserved at this time."

This is why Park Ju-gun, head of CEO Score and Song Dong-hyun, CEO at Mingle Spoon want Samsung's heir apparent to dig down and find a way to directly apologize to customers outside of Korea and mainly the U.S. for causing them pain and suffering; for putting an airline in danger and having to ground an airplane because of a flaming Note 7. It's evident that the Korean press aren't up to the task and many stubborn Samsung fans are acting irresponsible and irrational about the incident which further damages the Samsung brand image. So Korean business leaders are hoping that Lee will do the right thing.

Will Lee Jae-yong step up to the plate during the week of October 27 and make that apology or will he just want to put his head in the sand and hope that it all just goes away? We'll know in two weeks time.

Also see our earlier report today titled "Airlines Worldwide Join U.S. Ban of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 and Threaten Punitive Measures for not Complying."





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Rajgir: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, at a function in Rajgir on Sunday, was formally elected the President of the Janata Dal  U as party members put their unfettered trust in him while also projecting him as the next Prime Minister of India.

{gallery}newsimages2016/oct/101616{/gallery}Kumar, who had been on a three-day visit to Rajgir, a sort of Martha Vineyard for the current Chief Minister of Bihar, said that he would continue to work to strengthen the party not only in Bihar but also in states where it has no presence.

As expected, the Rajgir event was much more than just a meeting to elect the new party President. The real purpose came out in open as his loyal soldiers, one after another, expressed their total devotion to the man while openly advocating his Prime Ministerial candidacy saying he was the man to take on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who, they said, was spreading a reign of terror in order to retain his power in the next Parliamentary elections.

Even as the outgoing JD-U President Sharad Yadav chose to remain a moot spectator throughout the Sunday meet, diehard Nitish loyalists, mainly K. C. Tyagi and Shyam Rajak, made strong case for Nitish Kumar as the man who would be able to dethrone Modi and become the next Prime Minister of India because of his clean image and administrative skills.

"The JD-U would go to any extent to defeat the BJP," Tyagi said in a moment of unusual candidness. "We have entrusted Nitish Kumar to formulate future strategies to make JD-U a strong national party. Our party is small so we cannot project Nitish Kumar as the next Prime Minister of India but our goal is to strengthen the party so BJP and its allies are crushed in the next Lok Sabha polls," Tyagi said.

Rajak, in his speech, said that Kumar was a leader who was accepted by all and was the perfect candidate for the Prime Minister's post.

"He is strong, he is experienced, and his image is clean as whistle. No one is better suited for the Prime Minister's post than Nitish Kumar. While the rest of the nation is living in terror, Bihar is the only state where people are living without any fear or discrimination. Whether one is a king or a pauper  everyone has the freedom to speak his mind in Bihar thanks to the pragmatic thinking of Nitish Kumar," Rajak said.

During the day-long meeting, party members decided to open offices at district level in each state.

"We will start with making ad hoc committees in each state. Based on this, we will open offices in each district. Later, we will form permanent committees based on party rules and regulations so our message is sent to each person in each state," the former Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and a one-time trusted man of Lalu Prasad Yadav said.

Other senior leaders including Prof. Ranvir Nandan, Lallan Singh, and Kaushalendra Kumar also spoke on the occasion.
Oil Painting: Chairman Mao leads the Red Army in the Long March Xinhua

October 22nd, 2016, marks the 80th anniversary of victory of Long March, which is a significant event in modern Chinese history.

The Long March, together with the use of gunpowder and Genghis Khan conquering Europe, are enlisted among 100 Events that Changed the World in the fall 1997 issue of Life Magazine The Millennium.

From October 1934 to October 1936, the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army soldiers left their bases in southeast Chinas Jiangxi Province and marched through raging rivers, snowy mountains, and arid grassland to break the siege of the Kuomintang (Nationalist Party of China) forces and continue the fight against Japanese aggressors. Some of them marched as far as 12,500 kilometers, the same distance from Beijing to London.

During the Long March, the soldiers had to deal with airstrikes and fight against hundreds of thousands of enemy soldiers who were after them every day. The Red Army soldiers, who were wearing shoes made from grass, fought once every 72 hours while marching 50 kilometers a day on average. The surviving military force was less than 7,000, down from 86,000 at the start of the Long March. Compared to the Long March, Hannibals crossing of the Alps was like a summers day stroll, noted American journalist Edgar Snow in his book Red Star Over China.

The spirit of the Red Army soldiers during the Long March is stunning. Chen Shuxiang, a division commander of the Red Army, was caught after exhausting all the divisions food and bullets in the four days battle along the Xiang River with his soldiers. Chen avoided capture by tearing open his wounds and cutting his bowel. Jiang Xiuying, a Tibetan female soldier, severed her toes with an axe after they had mortified when the Red Army climbed the snowy mountains.

What empowered the Red Army soldiers to be so fearless, even of death? It is the ideals and causes they believed in that empowered them. They wanted to change China, they were determined to end the century of humiliation, they wanted to show the Chinese people that a fair and just society can be won, and that the peoples destiny is in their own hands. British missionary Rudolf Alfred Bosshardt who had followed the Red Army's Long March described in The Restraining Hand: "These people, known as bandits by the Kuomintang, are in fact people who believe in Marxism and practice its principles."

Their determination has astounded many people and propelled some of them to re-walk the Long March. In October 2002, two British men, Andy McEwen and Ed Jocelyn, set off to retrace the Red Army's footsteps and recorded the experiences of the last-remaining witnesses and participants of the Long March. Their book The Long March became an instant best seller.

The Long March has become an important symbol in modern China. Many streets and roads in Chinese cities are named after the Long March, as are many rockets and nuclear submarines designed and made in China. President Xi Jinping has called for carrying forth the spirit of the Chinese Red Army on the Long March, and striving fearlessly to realize Chinas dream of national rejuvenation.

China is undergoing comprehensive reform, which means the country is not only trying to liberate thinking and transform mindsets, but also stand against vested interests. The Chinese people commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory of the Long March to remember our forefathers spirit of working hard, fearing no sacrifice, and believing in the ultimate victory of China's revolution.

Today, on October 17, 2016, China launched the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft with a Long March-2F carrier rocket. The successful launch marks another giant step forward for Chinas space exploration program. The sixth plenary session of the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee will be held from October 24 to 27, 2016, to discuss the issue of party building. Eighty years after the victory of the Long March, China is on a new Long March journey toward a brighter future.
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Iranian woman entrepreneur Soheila Pirmoradian to receive EBC*L Prize

10/16/16

Source: Tehran Times

TEHRAN - Iranian businesswoman Soheila Pirmoradian is amongst selectees who will be honored with European Business Competence* License) EBC*L Women Entrepreneur Awards, during a ceremony scheduled to be held in Paris on November 3.





Iranian businesswoman Soheila Pirmoradian

Director of Viaggio In Iran (Arash Kamangir) Travel Agency





Pirmoradian, who holds a nurse midwifery degree from an Italian university, has served as a tour guide for Italian travelers for about 15 years. She is currently manager of a thriving travel agency in her homeland, Iranian Students News Agency reported on Saturday.

The EBC*L website says there will be some Iranian entrepreneurs who will be awarded the prize but has not revealed their names yet.

The website describes them as: "Talented and ambitious Iranian women have proved competent in various social, economic, and political areas. They have made inroads in business field and many are entrepreneurs today, providing employment to men, further enjoining their equal halves to be involved in the national development process."

"Following the removal of anti-Iran sanctions, the EBC*L management has decided to present the prestigious prize to several female Iranian entrepreneurs," IRNA quoted Azim Fazlipour, the EBC*L CEO for Persian language countries as saying in a press conference earlier in August.





An undated picture above provided by viaggioiniran.com shows Iranian entrepreneur Soheila Pirmoradian (C) surrounded by local schoolgirls pose for a photo. The colorful Norooz spread in the foreground indicates they are celebrating Iranian new year.



The EBC*L considers several indicators for presenting prizes to different companies including entrepreneurship, innovation, branding, development of domestic industries, development of crafts, customer satisfaction, compliance with environmental and human values and social responsibility.

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report, the rate of entrepreneurship in Iran among women between the ages 18 to 64 fluctuated from 4 to 6 percent between 2008 and 2012.

Based on the Fifth Socio-Economic Development Plan of Iran (2010-2015), the rate of female entrepreneurs has increased from 7.1 percent in 2010 to 8.4 percent in 2015.

The EBC*L jurors believe that Iran's talent for workarounds has drastically shaped its new business culture and years of economic isolation created both duress-and opportunity.

They assess that the result of these changes has culminated in a wave of business activity and optimism, while also consider Iran an exciting environment for foreign investors, especially in the financial, energy and transportation industries.

European Business Competence* License is established internationally as standard of education in business administration.

It offers, with its three levels A, B and C, the possibility to prove exactly practice-relevant economical core knowledge which is necessary in economic life. At the moment the EBC*L examination is done in 31 countries and in 24 languages.
Narges Kalbasi Ashtari's story: An outcry for help

10/16/16

By Marjan Golpira, Tehran Times

She is called the Mother Teresa of India and all for good reason. At 29, Narges Kalbasi Ashtari is a mother to many orphans, abandoned and visually impaired children in India. However, today, she has become the victim of a very complex and unjust system in India and is being punished by the very same people she once left her life behind for.



Narges Kalbasi Ashtari



As she puts it on change.org website, "I am going through the most horrific forms of abuse by a group of people with immense power, influence, and protection in Odisha."

Born in Isfahan, central Iran, Narges's parents moved to the UK when she was four years old.

Though, early on Narges was exposed to the ugly side of life. Losing both parents to incurable diseases, Narges decided to dedicate her life to serving orphans, who had suffered the very same fate as hers.

At mere 21, Narges took a year off to do some volunteer work for orphanages in Sri Lanka and India.

It was during the eye opening journey that an idea flashed into her mind: opening a children's home herself in India through foreign funds.

According to a report on charge.org, with much difficulty, Narges was granted an employment visa through a local NGO called ASSIST (Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation).

In 2011, Narges established the Prishan Foundation in Rayagada, an orphanage home for girls in the Rayagada district in Odisha, which then led to the launch of another home for blind children in Mukundapur, all through the generosity of foreign donors.

Based on her personal account on Telegram, a messaging app, Narges named her organization in the honor of an orphaned blind girl she met in Sri Lanka.





See related VIDEO by BBC





A couple of years after the establishment of her schools, in 2013, ASSIST took away Narges's first children's home, the orphanage, through "forged document" and "false promises."

The founder and secretary of ASSIST registered the Narges Foundation in his own name, manipulating Narges into believing she could not register a foundation as a foreigner.

The NGO then tried to take Narges's second home for visually impaired children, but this time she fought back.

"I filed a complaint at the police station in Rayagada and the husband and wife behind ASSIST were sent to jail."

But soon, the court granted the couple bail, and from then on Narges's life became a "living hell" as she receives death threats constantly.

"They have tried to ruin my reputation, take away my second children's home, threaten to send me to jail and have my Indian visa revoked."

But there's more to the story than meets the eye.

Narges's life took a turn for the worst when she found herself charged with involuntary manslaughter.

In 2014, while on a one-day field trip, where Narges ended up paying most of the expenses out of her own pocket, her father's pension, one of the blind children fell into a river and was swept away.

Although the child's parents, who both worked for the school at the time, had accompanied their son on the excursion, greed and pressure by ASSIST made them lodge a complaint against Narges, accusing her of throwing their child in the river and murdering him.

"They made up the story in the hope that they would receive a hefty compensation from me."

Since two years, Narges's life has turned into a nightmare. She has been in and out of court rooms for a crime she never committed.

However, social media played a pivotal role in disseminating the news of the Iranian-British girl, particularly in Iran, causing a huge public outcry.

As Narges's story went viral, the Iranian Consul General in Heydarabad, Hassan Nourian, was among the first Iranian authorities to reach out to her.

Nourian paid Narges a visit in Rayagada and joined her in one of her court hearings.







Narges (L) with Iranian Consul General in Heydarabad, Hassan Nourian (C) and an attorney





Iranian Ambassador to New Delhi Gholamareza Ansari also reached out to her by meeting Indian officials in ministry of external affairs and requesting protection for Narges from threats and harassment she had to put up with in Odisha.

Although through her help hundreds of thousands of children and families now have a better life in that country today Narges is faced with an uncertain future in India as she waits for her next round of court hearing.

Iran awaits the day that justice is observed in the Narges case, and when she is free from all the troubles and charges, gaining lawful possession of what belongs to her and her many unprivileged children.

In the end, we leave you with a powerful statement of an Indian spiritual master whom Narges reminds us all very much of.

"The good you do today, people will forget tomorrow. Do good any way." Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Iran Hard-Liners Release Video Showing Detained Iranian-American Businessman

10/17/16

Source: RFE/RL

Iranian hard-line media have released a video showing detained Iranian-American businessman Siamak Namazi. Iran's judiciary news agency posted a minute-long video on October 17 showing a montage of clips including Namazi in a conference room, his arms raised at his sides, and his U.S. passport.



Namazi was prominently featured on front page of hardline Iranian dailies on Sunday





Namazi featured on front page of Sobhe No daily





Namazi featured on front page of Quds daily



Read related articles (in Persian) by Sobhe No and Quds





The video also shows an Iranian drone flying over a U.S. aircraft carrier and U.S. sailors on their knees being detained in January.

Family members say Namazi was detained in October 2015, while his father, Baquer Namazi, a retired UNICEF official, was detained in February 2016.

The United States has called for the release of the two men.

In the past months, several dual nationals, including Iranian-Americans, have been detained in Iran in what appears to be a crackdown on warming ties with the West following last year's nuclear agreement with world powers.

With reporting by AP
Photos: Iran Air Force begins large-scale drills in Isfahan

10/17/16

Report by Press TV; photos by Faraj Samadi, Islamic Republic News Agency

Iran's Air Force has started large-scale three-day military drills in the central province of Isfahan, demonstrating the aviation branch of the Army's prowess in defending the country's airspace. Codenamed Fada'eeyan-e Harim-e Velayat 6 (The Devotees of the Velayat Sanctuary 6), the exercises were launched in the province's Anarak district on Monday October 17, 2016.

"The drills showcase only a fraction of the Air Force's capability in preserving and defending Iran's skies," said Brigadier General Massoud Rouzkhosh, the spokesman for the maneuvers.

The event, he said, enlists bomber, interceptor, reconnaissance, and transport aircraft as well as unmanned aerial vehicles. The attack aircraft include domestically-built Sa'eqeh as well as F-4, F-5, F-14, Sukhoi Su-24, and MiG-29 planes.

The exercises also deploy a wide range of projectiles, including smart bombs and laser-guided missiles.

The participating servicemen try their hands at precision strikes, controlling and directing bombers' airpower, and using aerial imagery to secure intelligence command in the area of operation.

The Air Force holds annual drills to boost its readiness against possible aggression.

In recent years, Iran has made major breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing important military equipment and systems.

Iran says its military might poses no threat to other countries, stating that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.
















































































Interview: Iranian Affairs Expert Sahar Nowrouzzadeh

10/17/16

Interview conducted by Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA)



Sahar Nowrouzzadeh





WASHINGTON - Sahar Nowrouzzadeh is an Iranian American with a distinguished career in foreign policy, having started her career in public service in 2005 at the United States Department of Defense as a Foreign Affairs Analyst and later becoming a Team Chief. Subsequently, she joined the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Affairs Officer and in 2014 began a two year rotation as the Director for Iran on the White Houses National Security Council under President Obama. Sahar was part of President Obamas team responsible for supporting the P5+1 nuclear negotiations with Iran, which ultimately resulted in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. She just recently returned to the U.S. Department of State and is serving on the Secretary of States Policy Planning Staff and is responsible for the Iran portfolio. She earned her Bachelors Degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University and her Masters Degree in Persian Studies from the University of Maryland-College Park. Sahar speaks multiple languages including English, Persian, Spanish and Arabic and helped introduce Nowruz celebrations at the State Department and the White House. PAAIA recently reached out to learn more about her inspiring story and exciting career.

How has your background as an Iranian American influenced not only your professional life and career, but your experiences growing up in the United States?

I was born and raised in Connecticut. The Iranian American community in Connecticut is not nearly as large as the communities you will find in California, Texas, New York, etc., so for the most part, I was the only Iranian American at the schools I attended. Our diversity remains one of our greatest strengths as Americans and it was great to be able to share my heritage with friends who were from all different backgrounds and were often kind enough to share their respective heritage with me as well - whether they were first or fourth or any other number generation Americans. They truly loved learning about and experiencing Iranian culture, eating Persian food at our house (especially tadig!), and learning bits and pieces of the Persian language (many learned how to sing the Tavalodet Mobarak birthday song over the years!). Over the course of 11 consecutive years of work for the U.S. government, I have come across hardworking Iranian Americans involved in all different types of public service. My observation has been that many of us, like many other Americans, try to utilize our respective skills in order to do the best we can in our respective fields for the betterment of America. For me, as an Iranian American working on the U.S. governments Iran policy, that means utilizing not only my academic and professional background but also my familiarity with Irans history, languages and cultures to try to do just that.

If you were to advise a group of young Iranian American women, particularly those who want to get into politics or study foreign policy one day, what guidance might you give them?

Within the Iranian American community, it has not yet become as commonplace to pursue a career in politics or foreign policy as it is to pursue a career in medicine, engineering or law, for example. That said, over the years, I have seen an increase in the number of Iranian Americans pursuing careers in public service. Ive found that if you're truly passionate about something, you should absolutely follow your passion, regardless of the so called "glass ceilings" - whether imposed by one's family, society or community. I would also recommend absorbing as much knowledge as you can about the field youre interested in, not just through your formal education but also through a range of activities such as volunteer work, internships or using spare time to read publications and books about that field which reflect a variety of viewpoints.





Sahar Nowrouzzadeh with President Obama

(White House photo)





You were the first Iranian-American to serve as a Director for Iran on the National Security Council (NSC). Can you tell us about your role at the NSC? In addition to now serving on the Secretary of States Policy Planning Staff, is it true that youre also the new State Department Persian Language Spokesperson?

I was detailed from the State Department to the NSC at the White House from 2014 to 2016, where I served as a Director for Iran and Iran Nuclear Implementation. The NSC is the President's principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters with senior national security advisors and cabinet officials. The NSC is also responsible for coordinating these policies among various government agencies. I was part of the team that assisted in coordinating various aspects of our Iran policy among government agencies, producing research, briefings, and memos related to Iran for our senior leadership and conducting the day-to-day management of our Iran policy. It was an extraordinary experience to serve on the NSC at such a historic time in U.S.-Iran relations.

Upon returning to the State Department earlier this year, I joined the Secretary of States Policy Planning Staff and am currently in charge of the Iran portfolio. My incredible colleague, Alan Eyre, who previously held the Persian Spokesperson position, recently moved on to a new position. As such, I took on the responsibilities of the Persian Language Spokesperson during the UN General Assembly this year and may also take on the responsibilities from time to time in the future. However, my primary role at the State Department is covering the Iran portfolio on Secretary Kerrys Policy Planning Staff.

As a foreign affairs expert, focusing on your new role on the Secretary of States Policy Planning Staff, where do you believe the relations between the United States and Iran are going? Do you think the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will be successful in the long-term?

I cant make any specific predictions but I am personally hopeful that over time and as all JCPOA participants continue to meet their commitments, we will be able to not just uphold the JCPOA, but perhaps also expand our diplomatic dialogue with Iran. Now, that doesnt mean that we wont continue to have serious differences with Iran. And I think both the United States and Iran recognize that we share a difficult and complicated history. But it demonstrates, as was the case with the nuclear negotiations, that both sides are prepared to focus on the future as opposed to dwelling on the past and that they are prepared to engage on the basis of mutual respect in order to potentially clear up misunderstandings, explain respective positions, reach compromises, and find solutions to complex issues through diplomacy. Perhaps three years ago, no one would have thought that we could have, through constructive diplomacy, broken counterproductive taboos and reached a nuclear deal that verifiably prevents Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and provides Iran with much needed economic sanctions relief.

Given the sentiment weve seen in this election cycle, are you concerned about American politics interfering with the United States relationship with Iran or the JCPOA?

As is the case in many countries, a variety of viewpoints are expressed in the lead up to a presidential election. Ultimately, the JCPOA is an understanding reached by the entire P5+1, the European Union and Iran, and backed by the majority of the international community. It is in the entire international communitys interest to continue to implement the JCPOA and, so long as Iran is fully meeting its nuclear commitments, the United States will continue to uphold its commitments under the deal as well.
Deepening ties between Tesla and Panasonic could help the U.S. car maker fast track its ambitious plan for solar-powered systems that charge smart homes and electric cars.

The two companies said Monday that Panasonic will use what would have been a SolarCity factory in RiverBend, New York, to manufacture up to 10,000 solar panels per day. Tesla will buy the panels for use on houses as part of the deal, which is contingent on its acquisition of SolarCity.

The partnership extends work between the two companies that began with Panasonics Gigafactory in Nevada. The multi-billion-dollar factory is a huge manufacturing facility for lithium-ion batteries used in Teslas electric cars.

But the companies share a grander vision: one where energy from solar panels is pumped into storage batteries in each house rather than being sold to the power company. Combined with smart home technology, the batteries could virtually eliminate reliance on the power grid and recharge Tesla electric cars each night, but adoption of the batteries remains an elusive goal due to their high cost.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has already dipped his toe into the market with pilot production the Tesla Powerwall, a 6.4kWh storage battery designed for daily storage.

And Panasonic, too, has been experimenting, building a high-tech home of the future in Tokyo in 2009 and recently opening a smart city near Tokyo that will house around 3,000 people in homes that drastically cut CO2 emissions and use more renewable energy.

The Tesla units wont be widely available until battery production ramps up at Panasonics Nevada factory, giving both companies a chance to consider closer cooperation on the smart home.

The Panasonic homes in Japan are full of energy-saving gadgets, such as air conditioners and lighting that automatically adjusts depending on the presence of people.

The homes combine Panasonics renewable energy strengths with that of two other businesses that arent widely known in the U.S. and Europe.

In Japan, the company has a large home appliance division that makes goods as varied as toasters, heated carpets, garbage composting units, and vacuum cleaners. And an affiliate company, PanaHome, manufacturers entire houses. Its sold nearly a half a million homes in Japan in the last 50 years and also has operations in Taiwan, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The Panasonic homes also feature charging ports for electric cars. It doesnt make those but Teslas does, meaning the two companies might find future cooperation beneficial as they both work toward their smart home goals.
U.S. investigators are exercising a broad legal authority to force suspects to unlock their smartphones. In a recent case, they demanded that anyone found inside a California residence comply by surrendering their fingerprints.

In May, the federal prosecutors made the request as part of a search warrant, according to a court filing uncovered by Forbes. Those fingerprints were crucial to unlocking the smartphones, the Department of Justice argued.

However, the federal investigators went beyond asking for the fingerprints of one suspect. Instead, they the sought authority to depress the fingerprints of everyone located at the California property.

Legal experts say that the request is probably unprecedented, according to Forbes. It comes as law enforcement agencies have been trying to find ways to bypass the security on smartphones as part of their criminal investigations.

The FBI, for instance, entered into a legal battle with Apple to gain access to an iPhone belonging to a San Bernardino mass shooter, by demanding that the company create a backdoor to the device. Although Apple refused to comply, the FBI still managed to unlock the phone through hiring an unknown third-party contractor.

The U.S. courts, however, have given police the legal authority to access smartphones that can be unlocked with a fingerprint by compelling the owner to assist. Earlier this year, investigators obtained a search warrant from a Los Angeles court requiring a girlfriend of an Armenian gang member to use her fingerprint to unlock her iPhone.

Despite the Fifth Amendment, which gives people the right to avoid self-incrimination, a court in Virginia ruled in 2014 that compelling suspects to hand over biometric data, including fingerprints, is still legal. However, divulging secret passwords such as PINs, is not.

The court filing from the federal prosecutors in May also argued that its request didnt violate the Fifth Amendment. Federal investigators didnt know the identity of every phone at the California residence, but Apple, Motorola, HTC and Samsung all produce devices with a fingerprint lock, they argued.
(File photo)

Chinese property conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group has hired the former managing director of Hong Kong Disneyland, Andrew Kam, Thepaper.cn reported.

Kam was appointed vice president of Wanda Cultural Industry Group and president of Wandas theme park unit after he resigned from Hong Kong Disneyland in March, according to a Wanda spokesperson.

Wang Jianlin, the richest man in the Chinese mainland, is reported to have said that Disneys single theme park in Shanghai is no match for his expanding roster of parks around the country. Wanda currently has plans to build 15 theme parks across China.

Kam started as managing director of Disney in Hong Kong from August 2008, the first Chinese person to hold the position. In 2012, his fourth year as managing director, Hong Kong Disneyland turned a profit for the first time since 2003.

Kam will take charge of managing the affairs of the cultural group, according to Wanda.

By 2020, Wanda Cultural Industry Group aims to be among the top five cultural companies in the world as determined by revenue, according to the companys website.
Four U.S. lawmakers are questioning a Department of Justice decision to appeal a July court decision quashing a search warrant that would have required Microsoft to disclose contents of emails stored on a server in Ireland.

Last Thursday, Preet Bharara, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, filed an appeal of the ruling by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

But the four lawmakers, two Republicans and two Democrats, said the DOJ should be working instead with them on legislation that gives law enforcement agencies access to data on foreign servers in limited cases. The DOJ should instead help fine tune the International Communications Privacy Act (ICPA), introduced earlier this year, the four sponsors said in a Friday letter.

U.S. technology companies face a tough decision when receiving law-enforcement requests for data on servers in other countries, the letter said. They can either comply with the demand and satisfy U.S. law and risk violating the privacy laws of the host country, or challenge U.S. law enforcements request in order to comply with the laws of the host jurisdiction, the letter said. No one should be placed in this untenable situation.

The appeals court suggested that legislative action is needed to revamp the badly outdated, 30-year-old Electronic Communications Privacy Act that governs law enforcement access to electronic communications, the lawmakers noted.

Federal judges have rightly concluded that current law does not provide U.S. law enforcement with authority to access data stored overseas, Senator Orrin Hatch, a Utah Republican and ICPA sponsor, said in a statement Sunday. We can strengthen privacy and promote trust in U.S. technologies worldwide while enabling law enforcement to fulfill its important public safety mission.

Representatives of the DOJ and Bharara didnt immediately respond for comment on the letter.

The Microsoft case has raised questions about the authority of U.S. law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes by accessing data across international borders. The DOJ is seeking access to email records of a drug trafficking suspect tied to the notorious Silk Road website.

The suspects email is stored on a Microsoft server in Ireland, and critics of the DOJ search warrant say the agency doesnt have the authority to compel companies to disclose information stored outside U.S. borders. If search warrants were enforceable across international borders, U.S. residents data could be subject to search warrants from other countries, critics say.

But the DOJ argues that technology companies now have the ability to store customer data in many different locations, potentially allowing criminals to skirt domestic search warrants. Microsoft stores customer data in about 40 countries, with the data stored closest to the location reported by the customer, Bharara noted in his appeal.

Microsoft makes no effort to verify the location reported by the customer, Bharara wrote in his appeal.

The International Communications Privacy Act would, in many cases, prohibit U.S. law enforcement agencies from searching data stored in other countries. Law enforcement agencies could gain access if they show the suspect is a U.S. resident, or if the U.S. has a law enforcement cooperative agreement with the host country.
A state actor has cut off internet access for Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, the transparency activist organization said Monday.

Assanges internet link has been intentionally severed by a state party, WikiLeaks said in a Monday morning tweet.

We have activated the appropriate contingency plans, the organization added.

WikiLeak later blamed the outage on Ecuador. Assange has resided in the Ecuadorean embassy in London since 2012 in an effort to avoid extradition on sexual assault allegations.

We can confirm Ecuador cut off Assanges internet access Saturday evening, shortly after WikiLeaks published what appear to be speeches by U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton to Goldman Sachs, WikiLeaks tweeted late Monday.

In recent days, WikiLeaks has published thousands of leaked emails from the account of John Podesta, chairman of Clintons campaign. Clintons campaign, along with President Barack Obamas administration, have accused WikiLeaks of cooperating with Russian hackers in an effort to raise questions about the legitimacy of the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

WikiLeaks didnt provide evidence of the outage or state-sponsored involvement. The groups press team didnt immediately return a message seeking comment on the internet outage.
With an estimated 300 chronically homeless people in Riverside and more than 300 churches, Mayor Rusty Bailey is asking the citys faith community to offer the homeless more than food, clothing and spiritual guidance.

An initiative Bailey announced Tuesday invites churches to offer temporary overnight shelter for up to six months to five to 10 homeless people while they wait to get into more permanent housing.

The city would arrange to have social workers visit those sleeping in churches to help connect them with jobs, homes, substance abuse counseling and other services.

The church initiative was one on a list of suggestions city officials have pitched to address growing complaints connected to the citys homeless population.

At least one religious leader is already on board with Baileys plan.

Mary Crist, pastor at St. Michaels Episcopal Church, suggested it herself before she heard the mayors proposal.

Crists Jackson Street church already houses five men who were once homeless or overcame a drug problem and now work in the kitchen or do other jobs on the 3.5-acre lot.

The church feeds lunch to 65-100 people a day and also provides several other meals each week. But Crist has been frustrated by the difficulty of reaching overtaxed social service agencies to get help for homeless who come to St. Michaels for meals or Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

I really thought it was a ray of hope when the mayor said, We need to work with the churches on this, Crist said.

Crist said she could potentially take in up to 30 people, but she would need additional security staffing and a small amount of money, maybe $20 per person per day, to cover three meals.

One of the biggest details to work out is squaring the plan with city codes, since churches may not have zoning or permits to house people overnight.

And officials realize it might not be appropriate for every house of worship.

Erin Thomas, co-pastor at Calvary Presbyterian Church, said shes be happy to help some other way, but theres not enough space at her church to have people sleep there.

Calvary feeds about 150-200 people every Sunday night as well as offering clothes, toiletries and dog food and hosting visits from medical and dental providers.

The church hired private security eight months ago after problems with people sleeping on its Magnolia Avenue property, using it as a bathroom and leaving trash and drug paraphernalia behind, Thomas said.

You want to be kind, but you have to be reasonable, and it became a health issue for everyone.

Thomas plans to talk with leaders of other churches who attended Tuesdays city workshop on homeless issues about how they can work together. Shed like to get social workers to come to her Sunday meals to gather information from homeless diners and get them into the pipeline for help.

Jeff Coble of Where Your At Ministry, who hosts a Sunday church service and lunch for the homeless downtown, said hes interested in Baileys proposal and plans to contact him.

Bailey said about a dozen church leaders have reached out, and a psychiatrist has offered to donate his services.

The next step is to flesh out this and other efforts to fight homelessness and bring them to the City Council for approval, then get someone to train churches in whatever they need to know.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9461 or arobinson@scng.comTwitter: @arobinson_pe
A woman was found dead in a garage in Mentone on Saturday, Oct. 15, and a transient was arrested after leading authorities on a chase and crashing in Riverside in the victims car, sheriffs officials say.

Christopher James Fisher, 32, was booked into jail on suspicion of murder and is being held without bail.

Deputies from the San Bernardino County sheriffs Yucaipa station were asked conducting a welfare check on a residence in the 30900 block of Moss Street, and found a deceased woman in the garage. Her name, and the nature of her injuries, were not released.

Homicide investigators identified Fisher as the suspect and were told that he had stolen her car, according to a sheriffs news release.

Authorities located Fisher and the vehicle in the 31000 block of Nice Avenue and tried to stop him, but he fled. Deputies followed Fisher through Mentone and Yucaipa, then onto the 10 and 215 freeways and into Riverside. According the release, the pursuit ended when Fisher crashed the car into a curb at Chicago Avenue and Third Street.

Fisher tried to flee again, but was taken into custody without further incident, authorities said.

On Sunday, investigators were still working at the home in the Sun Chase neighborhood of Mentone. The housing community is across from Redlands East Valley High School. Residents continued to go about their daily routines.

One woman walking her dog gasped when she heard what happened.

Oh my gosh, she said. Its so quiet here.

Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to contact Detective Justin Giles at 909-387-3589. Tips can be left anonymously by calling the We-top Hotline at 800-782-7463 or online at www.wetip.com.
On a warm late September Saturday morning, about two dozen teachers and administrators hopped in their cars and visited the homes of nearly 300 high school students.

They werent there to chastise parents whose sons and daughters ditched school, got bad grades or had behavior problems.

The faculty and staff at Riversides Ramona High School were delivering lawn signs to applaud youths for taking Advanced Placement classes, most of them for the first time.

The college-level classes in math, English, history, science and other subjects are more rigorous and dig deeper into the material than regular courses. In May, students take a multiple-choice, short-answer and essay test administered by the College Board, a nonprofit organization, that is graded on a 1-to-5 scale. Those who score 3 or higher can receive credit from many colleges and universities.

We spend a lot of time on the negative, said Donna Krause, a history teacher who helped organize the effort. We need to focus our attention on students who are taking a chance and trying something new and hard.

Krause and her colleague, AP calculus teacher Mark McFerren, attended a conference in July. They heard how a Chicago high school similar in size and demographics to Ramona made big strides in the number of students who took AP classes and passed the tests. The pair got the sign delivery idea and told their bosses, who were enthusiastic.

We should have more students taking AP exams, Principal Jamie Angulo said. I need to change the culture and make it where students want to do that.

The number of AP exams taken and the pass rate at Ramona were lower than the Riverside Unified School Districts four other high school in 2015-2016, preliminary data show.

Were doing well in a lot of areas: lower dropout rates, higher graduation rates, she said. This is one area were struggling.

She said some students dont think theyll do well or feel ready and opt to take easier classes. The sign delivery was a way to build up the hype for kids who havent made that commitment to take AP classes, she said.

Ramona offers study sessions one Saturday a month for students to get extra practice and prepare for tests. They also participate in team-building activities called boot camps.

Krause said it was inspiring driving around Riverside and handing out signs with Emerging AP Scholar Lives Here to parents and students who greeted her at the door. She even went to Perris, where one student lives.

Not all were home and some were asleep, but she called it a unique and incredible experience. She appreciated finding out what her students neighborhoods look like.

Many Ramona students come from low-income families, with 80 percent eligible for free and discounted school meals, state data show.

Some people were saying, What are you doing? Krause said. I said, Were here to tell you how great your kid is. They said, My kid? They thanked us. It was a feel-good moment.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9292 or stwall@scng.comTwitter: @pe_swall
Information reaching this paper indicates that some officers at the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) Check Point at the Dabala Junction in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region are alleged to have stolen a blue Suzuki Balino vehicle with registration number TG 4042 AI.



The car, with Chassis Number GSAEGC31W00103152 this paper learnt, belongs to Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kwabla Gbeve, the West Africa Director of the World United Evangelical Ministries Alliance, and was sold under the cover of darkness to a BNI officer at the Adidiome District of the Volta Region.



The said vehicle mysteriously got missing at the CEPS check point at Dabala Junction where it was impounded for an expired entry undertaking Letter on October 24 2015.



However, in a letter written to the Central Commissioner of Customs Exercise and Preventive Service, Aflao in the Volta Region, and copied to CEPS check Point -Dabala Junction, CEPS Commissioner- Aflao and CEPS Head office- Accra, Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kwabla Gbeve indicated that, his car was missing while he was away taking steps to renew his entry undertaking letter for the said vehicle.



He stated that, he began a search for his car until October 7, 2016, when he came across the car at a mechanic shop at Sogakope, with a different Registration number, GE115-16.



According to the fitters, the car was brought by one Adidome District BNI officer, with registration Number GE115-16. I then forwarded and reported the case to the Sogakope District Police Station, he indicated.



Interestingly, Dr. Gbeve was before the discovery of the missing car, informed by the Customs Officers at the Dabala Junction Check Point that, the car was sent to the Customs Exercise and Preventive Head office in Accra.



His checks at the Customs Exercise and Preventive Head office in Accra revealed no trace of his missing car. But when I proceed to the Head office, the car was not reported or found, he stated.



In view of the mysterious circumstances under which the car got missing and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the car, Archbishop Dr.Gbeve in his letter requested to know whether a car under an expired entry undertaking letter can be washed away without the notice of the owner.



On which duration, can a car under an expired entry undertaking letter, can be washed away by the CEPS department. If a car under an expired undertaking letter, can be arrested and washed away without taking documents from the car owner and whether a car can be washed away, from any CEPS office or check point without a public notice.



According to Dr. Gbeve answers to the above questions would disabuse his mind of the bad perception he and other people have in CEPS.



The man of God, therefore, asked for a speedy response to his letter and a quick investigation into the disappearance of his vehicle.









Source: New Crusading Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur has tasked supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region to embark on house-to-house campaign to champion the developmental projects executed by the NDC administration.



This, he said, is to ensure that the party exceeds its target of polling one million votes in the Region and retain the government in power.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur was addressing hundreds of his partys supporters and sympathizers who thronged the Jubilee Park in Kumasi for the launch of the Ashanti Region campaign team.

The Ashanti Region is a stronghold for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) but the NDC has managed to increase its number of votes in previous elections.

In this years election, the NDC has set a target of one million votes in the region to seal its one-touch victory agenda.

Mr. Amissah-Arthur wants party supporters to intensify their campaign to inform residents of the NDC governments projects to improve lives. The NDC government has undoubtedly performed well in improving the lives of Ghanaians with massive developmental projects, he told the thousands of supporters at the Jubilee Park.

Some people are pretending of not being aware of such projects, so it is up to us as party members to move from house to house to showcase what the government has done to earn more votes in the December polls.

The incumbent Member of Parliament for Asawase, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak said Ashanti region is gradually becoming a strong of the NDC because of the partys increasing number of votes in previous polls.

He implored electorates to maintain the NDC government in power.

NDCs Deputy General Secretary, Koku Anyidoho, accused the NPP Vice Presidential Candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of deceiving Ghanaians with lies.

Various speakers including some movie actors pleaded with Ghanaians to vote for the NDC if they want to witness and benefit from more developmental projects.

The National Organizer of NDC, Kofi Adams, introduced all the 47 parliamentary candidates for the party in the Ashanti Region.

He also unveiled the Ashanti Regional NDC campaign team.

Source: 3news









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Wolf trainer Yang Jie shows off the wolves at her farm in the Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture of northwestern China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Yang took over her family's wolf-raising business in 2008. She now keeps more than 60 wolves on her farm. She plans to build a wolf-themed tourist park in the next five years, so that more tourists have the opportunity to visit her wolves. (China News Service/Wang Xiaojun)
The Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) is gathering signatures for the Electoral Commission to reinstate Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduoms candidature in the December polls following his disqualification by the Electoral Commission.



The petition, set up by the party states: Petition by Ghanaians eligible to vote demand that the Electoral Commission accepts the nomination papers of Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom.

Launched on the partys website, the page has seen an influx of over 70 signatories as passionate followers of the business magnate seek to put pressure on the EC to rescind its decision.

The Charlotte Osei-led EC on Monday disqualified 13 out of the 17 aspirants who filed nominations to contest in the 2016 general elections, provoking an instant anger among those affected.

Others are Dr Edward Nasigiri Mahama of the Peoples National Congress (PNC); Nana Agyenim Boateng, popularly known as Gyataba, United Front Party (UFP); Kofi Akpaloo, Independent Peoples Party (IPP); Kwabena Adjei, Reformed Democratic Party (RDP); Henry Lartey, Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) and Richard Nixon Tetteh, Unity Development System Party (UDSP).

The embattled presidential candidate after his disqualification requested for a five minute meeting with the EC in the hope of overturning the decision.

Dr Nduom filed a writ at the Supreme Court on Friday demanding an order of prohibition to restrain the EC from proceeding with the balloting for position of presidential candidates for the elections, after his abortive meeting with the EC.

Source: Ghanaweb









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The incumbent Member of Parliament for Tano South Constituency, Dr Hanna Louisa Bisiw, has called on her constituents to vote decisively for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections to continue its developmental agenda. Dr. Bisiw says her developmental track record is enough to earn her a second term in office.

The Tano South Constituency in the Brong Ahafo Region has been a strong hold of the New Patriotic Party since 2000 as the party won majority votes in both the presidential and parliamentary polls. But in 2012, the NDC parliamentary candidate, Dr. Hanna Bisiw, snatched the seat with 19,239 votes as against the 17,857 votes of then incumbent NPP MP, though Nana Akufo-Addo won the presidential race with 51.6 percent. Hanna Bisiw, who is currently the Deputy Minister of Agriculture in-charge of Livestock, wants to increase the gap and ensure that John Mahama wins the majority votes in the presidential race.

At her campaign launch in Derma to officially begin canvassing for votes, the incumbent MP highlighted some of the developmental projects of the NDC in her constituency. In less than 4 years, the people of Tano South constituency have benefitted from what the NPP couldnt give them in 8 years.

Roads have been improved to prevent post-harvest loss to farmers, more health facilities have been constructed, most schools under tree have been eliminated, access to potable water has been expanded, and market centres have been constructed to boost economic activities in the areas.

Dr. Bisiw pleaded with the constituents to give the NDC a second term in office to continue with the Better Ghana agenda. If we want to see more development in our area, then the NDC government must be retained. The Brong Ahafo regional minister, Eric Opoku, debunked claims by the NPP that the NDC government has collapsed the National Health Insurance Scheme.

He also touted some of the achievements of the NDC in the Brong Ahafo Region in the area of health, education and road infrastructure development. Within a period of 7 years, the NDC government has improved the number of health facilities in the Brong Ahafo Region from 226 to 726 facilities. Hundreds of NDC party supporters and sympathizers thronged the Derma lorry station to support the campaign launch of the Member of Parliament. Dr. Bisiw paid a courtesy call on the Derma Traditional Council to seek blessing for her campaign.





Source: 3news.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A Private Legal Practitioner Kwame Adofo has described as insane projections by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to garner 1.5 million votes in the Ashanti region, regarded stronghold of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).



According to him, its a talk shop propagated by members of NDC to hit 1.5million votes in the region, saying its an unrealistic target for the party.



The NDC which has four seats in the region is also envisaging to grab other seats of the NPP to raise it to 13.



He said it is mathematically impossible for the party to achieve their target, saying there is no way the NDC could win 32,000 votes in each constituency, describing it as fanciful talks.



He wondered if members of NDC will have angels on the register to vote for them, saying the only place the party can get more votes is the Asawase constituency.



Their target is unrealistic, totally unrealistic, unless they are going to get some angels from heaven whose names are not on the register to vote for them, I cannot see it happen. Its totally insane for anybody to contemplate that they can get anywhere near there, it will never happen and can never happen, its actually a joke, I think they want to make fun, they are living in delusional world, he stated.



Speaking on Ultimate Breakfast show hosted by Lantam Papanko, Lawyer Adofo said the NDC is only tickling itself of wining massively in the region and that its just one of those hot air they are blowing.



I must say even the NDC themselves dont believe that the target is possible, its mathematically impossible for the NDC and this is why, if you believe in maths and say one plus one is equals to four, then clearly you dont even know maths, because one plus one is definitely two, mathematically its impossible for the NDC to make 1.5 million votes in Ashanti region.



Its impossible and this is why there are 47 constituencies in the Ashanti region, if you divide 1.5 million votes by 47 constituencies it means, the NDC must get 32,000 votes in every constituency, its very simple for them to be able to get 1.5 million votes, it means they have to get 32,000 votes in every constituency, do you think NDC can get 32,000 votes in Bantama, Nhyiaeso, or Kwadaso constituencies, look at Atwima Kwanwoma, so there is no way the NDC can make such impact, so its just one of those far-fetched and fanciful talks, there is no way they can even get 1million votes, if you divide 1million votes by 47 constituencies, you will get 21,000 votes, where is the NDC going to get that in every constituency, they are even embarrassed to say they are NDC in Nhyiaeso, he said.



He called on Ghanaians to vote the NDC out of power and vote massively for the Flagbearer of NPP Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the NPP to win power.



He further called on NPP members to be vigilant on the election day.



Lets tell them (NDC) they are just making noise, this time we are going to watch you guys closely, he said.

Source: ultimatefmonline









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Audio Attachment: Yaw Boateng-Gyan at NDC Ashanti Regional Campaign Launch

Former National Organizer of the ruling National Democratic Congress, Mr.Yaw Boateng Gyan has taken a swipe at the flagbearer of the Opposition New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo for sipping a paper pack of Kalyppo, a fruit juice.



Nana Addo is captured in a picture which was circulated on various social media platforms sipping Kalypo during one of his campaign tours.



The post was deemed a subtle attempt to ridicule the NPP candidate and in response, several other persons, including leading members of the opposition party and social activists, on social media started to post selfies which captured them also sipping the fruit juice.



But at the NDCs Ashanti Regional Campaign launch over the weekend, Yaw Boateng-Gyan took a dig at the NPP flagbearer saying he could not fathom why a grown up like Nana Addo will be sipping Kalypo; a drink meant for kids.



He added that once the NPP flagbearer has developed a taste for kids drinks, it will only be a matter of time before he (Nana Addo) graduates to sucking breasts.



Mr Yaw Gyan also took the opportunity to explain to the thousands of supporters at the launch that there is no acrimony between him and current National Organizer Kofi Adams as speculated by some members of the opposition.



"Now that he (Nana Addo) has started taking Kalypo, he will soon be sucking breast which is meant for babiesjust as I invited Kofi Adams to be on the stage with me (signifying unity), I am appealing to other aspirants who lost in whatever primary (whether at the constituency or regional level) and our supporters who feel disillusioned and are appear apathetic to our cause, to come out in your numbers to vote (for the NDC); because if you are not too careful and the elephant (NPP) regains power, you will bear the brunt of its trampling, he told a teaming crowd of supporters at the Jubilee Grounds in Kumasi.

Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu, HelloFM (Peacefmonline.com)









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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ICYMI, 21 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram in April 2014 were released by the Islamic militant group last Thursday.

They were flown to the Nigerian capital of Abuja for medical attention and trauma counselling, before being reunited with their families in an emotional scene on Sunday night.

The girls were among the 300 female students taken from a secondary school in the remote Nigerian town of Chibok, from which their families travelled over 800km through dangerous roads to meet them.

Theres conflicting reports as to why they were released, but a spokesperson Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari told Reuters that the girls were intended as a show of goodwill.

These 21 released girls are supposed to be tale bearers to tell the Nigerian government that this faction of Boko Haram has 83 more Chibok girls, said spokesperson Garba Shehu. The faction said it is ready to negotiate if the government is willing sit down with them.

However, there are also rumours that they were traded for four detained Boko Haram commanders, or that the Swiss government (which worked with the Red Cross to broker the exchange) paid the militant group a hefty ransom sum somewhere in the millions. Both reports have been denied.

Boko Haram claims they still have 83 of the 300 schoolgirls ready to trade. Dozens of the girls escaped in the first few hours of being kidnapped, but others have reportedly been married off and radicalised. The truth is that those Chibok girls are now Boko Haram members, a source told local media.



Source: The Guardian.



Photo: Getty / Anadolu Agency.
NSW Police are not searching for a suspect after finding a family of four dead in the Sydney suburb of Davidson earlier today, adding to suspicions the incident may be the result of a tragic murder-suicide.

Regarding a possible culprit for the killing of Fernando Manrique, his wife Maria Claudia Lutz Pena, and their young children Elisa and Martin, Northern Beaches Police Superintendent Dave Darcy said I think it is too early to be coming to conclusions, but police have views but at this stage and Id like to keep that option open.

More information regarding the family has also emerged since todays discovery. Neighbour Sonia Perry described the Colombian family as just a normal family, adding that the kids would play in the front yard on a play area Manrique built.

The dad more or less built the house himself. They were well looked after.

Perry said they were such a lovely, friendly couple. Im shocked to see police cars outside their house. They never caused anyone problems.



She also expanded on previous reports the children suffered significant disabilities and had autism, saying Martin and Elisa were deaf-mute.

Supt. Darcy added Pena in particular is held in very high regard in the community.

Since coming to Australia theyve made a significant contribution to how we live, theyve done a fantastic job.

Homicide and forensic investigation units are on the scene. Well update this story as it develops.

Source: The Daily Telegraph / ABC / Channel 7.

Photo: Yahoo7.

If youre going through a rough time, the best thing you can do is reach out. To speak to someone about mental health, or for 24/7 counselling, call BeyondBlue on 1300 22 4636. If you are in crisis or distress, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If it is an emergency, call 000.
New South Wales Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority might not have that much stuff going on rn, considering everything about Sydneys nightlife and partying culture has completely died changed in the past year.

But most recently, they made the decision to completely ban Michael Amante, former owner of Kings Cross stripclub and son of Kings Cross identity Frank Ashtray Amante, from ever running a licensed premises ever again.

You might remember the massive venue drug busts that occurred in Kings Cross at the end of 2015  Showgirls, Bada Bing and Dreamgirls were all raided, and the two latter venues had to shut their doors shortly after.

The raids also led to three charges of cocaine supply at Dreamgirls; it had to surrender its licence, and was put up for sale early in 2016.

And it turns out that Amante might have actually made matters worse for himself  when he faced a life ban, he decided to write a personal letter to the ILGA, which he said was an attempt to tell the authority board a little bit about [him]self and try to defend [him]self, and to explain [his] criminal history, which sounds terrible but is no where [sic] near as bad as it sounds.

Good idea? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPE.

Heres some of the personal things in the aforementioned letter, all of which shouldve stayed very well hidden in deep, deep crevasses of Amantes brain, and not willingly written down in a letter to a governmental licensing board. Or anyone, really.





DRINK DRIVING / LYING TO POLICE

Amante has multiple drink driving charges from 20 years ago, one high range:

The one in 2002 goes with a string of charges and the only reason I lied to the police about my identity was because I had a good job at Qantas which I was afraid of loosing [sic].





ILLEGAL FIREARMS

Amante spent a couple of months behind bars in 2011, and has been convicted of firing a firearm in or near a public place, and possessing an unauthorised firearm.

It was an air rifle not an AK 47, I shot my wife in the backside with it from two metres away while she was wearing jeans and all she did was go ahhhhh.

His unauthorised firearm was shot in the window of a Korean BBQ restaurant in Potts Point.

If you really want to know the truth, it wasnt even me who shot the damn thing off my verandah accidentally into the toilet window of a Korean BBQ restaurant that was adjacent to our block of flats in Potts Point. It was a girlfriend of my wifes who wanted to have a go. Neither [sic] the less I took the blame and spent 55 days over Christmas and New Years and my sons birthday in Silverwater correctional centre (maximum security).

DREAMGIRLS LIQUOR LICENSE BREACHES

Amante admits in the letter that his club had a pretty poor record of breaching liquor licensing laws, including one night where:

Four girls forgot to put their undies back on after finishing their stage show.

DRUGS, BOTH AT DREAMGIRLS AND HIS OWN POSSESSION

Im not sure what led to the intel that we were some big cocaine supplying club that required 45 armed swat-like police officers to raid the club on the 19th Dec but we werent.

Perhaps me getting caught with 8.6 grams of cocaine on November 2015 triggered something Im not sure.

He admits that the raids uncovered two female employees of the club with cocaine, one of which was charged with supply, but says that it should kinda be expected:

We are a strip club in Kings Cross, these girls arent secretarys [sic] or librarians and our customers are from all walks of life, so I think it will be foolish to not assume that some drugs went on.

Despite his very interesting letter being so eloquent (and extremely admissible in a court of law), the ILGA decided to follow through with banning Mr. Amante from ever holding a liquor license or running a licensed premises ever again.

Source: The Age.

Photo: Twitter / 7 News.
A family of four and their dog have been found dead inside a home in Sydneys north shore.

Police attended the home on Sir Thomas Mitchell Drive, Davidson earlier today following a concern for welfare report.

They found the bodies of a man, woman, boy and girl inside, the police media report confirms.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the deceased are a husband and wife aged 44 and 43, and their two children aged 9 and 10.

The family is believed to be Colombian and moved to the area in 2005.

A crime scene has been established, with the road cordoned off and homicide detectives on the scene. The cause of death is yet to be determined.

Well update this story as it unfolds.

Davidson: Police have discovered the bodies of a man, woman, boy and girl inside a home on Sir Thomas Mitchell Dr Davidson. Dog deceased. pic.twitter.com/rmeJgUO07f  7 News Sydney (@7NewsSydney) October 17, 2016

Update: NSW Police have corrected the childrens ages as 10 and 11 (not 9 and 10 as reported above), and reported that both children were autistic.

Police confirm dead include 43 year old man, 44 year old woman and autistic children aged 10 and 11 @abcnewsSydney @702sydney pic.twitter.com/dkaD89uKyG  Nicole Chettle (@nicolechettle) October 17, 2016

Photo: Google Maps.
The waning weeks of the US presidential election have been deeply, deeply unedifying. It seems to have become a heated debate over who has committed or abetted the most sex crimes rather than any actual debate about policy; and as Hillary Clintons poll lead has pulled ahead, Donald Trump has entered full Roger Stone attack mode.

Because Trump is a maniac, it greatly overshadows the content of WikiLeaks release of internal Clinton campaign emails, which continue to prove an unfortunate point: if she werent running against a hugely divisive cretin like The Donald, Clinton would plainly be one of the least inspiring presidential candidates in recent memory.

Its clear Trump knows his chances arent good. FiveThirtyEights election polling summary has Clinton anywhere from 4 to 11 points ahead, which places her at a fairly significant change of winning:

Hillary Clinton has a significant lead, although theres some question about the margin. For instance, one major national poll released on Sunday morning, from ABC News and the Washington Post, had Clinton ahead by 4 percentage points. Another, from NBC News and the Wall Street Journal, had Clinton up 11 points instead. Our forecast model falls in the middle and shows Clinton with a 6- or 7-point lead. That translates to an 86 percent chance for her to win the election according to our polls-only model, and an 83 percent chance per our polls-plus model.

That being the case, Trump and his surrogates are ramping up the claims that the election is rigged. They cant seem to decide what rigged actually means  with their explanations oscillating between the media is extremely biased (probably true) to a secret cabal of international bankers are rigging the election through subterfuge and guile (hmm maybe less true).

Trumps focus is on the media, as you can see from his recent tweets, including his rant about Saturday Night Live:

This election is being rigged by the media pushing false and unsubstantiated charges, and outright lies, in order to elect Crooked Hillary!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 15, 2016

Election is being rigged by the media, in a coordinated effort with the Clinton campaign, by putting stories that never happened into news!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

Hillary Clinton should have been prosecuted and should be in jail. Instead she is running for president in what looks like a rigged election  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 15, 2016

But campaign surrogate and former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani  who hasnt really contributed much to Trumps campaign other than weird yelling on cable news  is absolutely adding to the confusion here, both suggesting that Trump doesnt believe the election will be literally rigged, then making a very specific (and quite racialised) case for how it could be rigged.

This echoes Trumps calls for revolution after Mitt Romneys loss in 2012, and shows that his current angle seems to be more about pre-emptively laundering his reputation after what could very well be a landslide loss. And youd hope so. If Clinton cant manage a landslide against Trump, then were just gonna see a repeat of all this in 2020.

Vice presidential candidate Mike Pence, who increasingly looks like an unwilling prisoner on a ticket he no longer wants to be on, said that many Americans feel like this election is being rigged, but did specify that he and Donald would absolutely accept the results of the election. Watch Pence responding to a woman demanding a revolution in the case of a Trump loss by meekly muttering please dont say that. This is not a happy man.

If theres a bloody American revolution after the election, just be glad that were waaaaay across the pond.

Source: The Guardian.

Photo: Getty Images.
(File photo of a China Eastern Airlines plane at a Shanghai airport)

China Eastern Airlines has announced plans to offer a reward to the captain whose quick thinking recently helped to prevent a collision between two planes at a Shanghai airport.

The captain, He Chao, was credited by China's Civil Aviation Administration with making a great contribution with his precise and correct decision at a critical moment, Nanjing Daily reported.

The critical moment came on Oct. 11 when Hes Airbus A320 jet, carrying 147 passengers, was preparing to take off from the Shanghai-Hongqiao International Airport. All of a sudden, He's aircraft encountered another Airbus A330 cutting across its path.

The two planes, both owned by China Eastern Airlines, were found to have been simultaneously cleared for take-off by air traffic control. The near-collision occurred as He sped up to take off, narrowly evading a head-on crash. The A320 was just 19 meters from the taxiing A330.

Preliminary investigation showed that air traffic control should be blamed for the incident. Chinas Civil Aviation Administration suggested that the control center be held accountable, in addition to the crew members of the A330 who failed to maintain proper communication with the controller, China Radio International reported.

The airline, however, has yet to punish controllers, Nanjing Daily reported.
Hersheypark has once again made a list of the greatest amusement parks in the nation, this time on the Huffington Post.

The list of ten of the best amusement parks in the US includes Hersheypark, citing the park's 13 roller coasters among the many reasons to enjoy a trip there.

In the story, author Taylor Bybee compares his picks favorably to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, citing lower admission prices as a major appeal for all of them. Hersheypark is ranked among other parks such as Cedar Point, Dollywood and King's Island.

Read the full story on the Huffington Post website. And if you're interested in checking out some of those roller coasters, here's the details you need on Hersheypark In The Dark, their current seasonal hours and attractions.

And if you're looking for even more info on roller coasters in our state, here are our picks for some of the best in Pennsylvania, including Hersheypark's Skyrush, Fahrenheit and Storm Runner.
J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Presidents, soldiers and an assassin: 16 Pennsylvanians who made history

There's no doubt that Pennsylvania has played a huge role in the founding of the United States of America. While it's common knowledge that Philadelphia is the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, PennLive wanted to take a look at who else with a Pennsylvania connection has made a mark on history. Here are 16 people who have changed life as we know it today for better and sometimes for the worst.

Don't Edit

U.S. Marines of the 28th Regiment, 5th Division, raise the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima, on Feb. 23, 1945. Strategically located only 660 miles from Tokyo, the Pacific island became the site of one of the bloodiest, most famous battles of World War II against Japan. (AP Photo/Joe Rosenthal)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Michael Strank, participant in the flag-raising on Iwo Jima

Sgt. Michael Strank was one of the soldiers who raised the American flag over Mount Suribachi in Iwo Jima in the iconic Feb. 23, 1945 photograph taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, according to the Arlington National Cemetery Website and the Pulitzer Prizes' website. He was later killed by enemy artillery fire on the island. Strank was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously.



Strank was born Nov. 10, 1919, in Czechoslovakia, according to the Arlington National Cemetery Website. He then moved to Conemaugh and attended schools in Franklin Borough.

Don't Edit

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Michael Strank, participant in the flag-raising on Iwo Jima

The image of Strank and his countrymen raising the flag is one of the most reproduced photographs in history, according to History.com. It appeared on war bond posters and postage stamps up until the war ended. The flag-raising later became the model for the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. The photograph also won Rosenthal a Pulitzer Prize.

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James Buchanan, 15th U.S. President, is shown in an undated portrait. Buchanan was elected president in 1857 and served in 1857 and served in office until 1861. (AP Photo)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States

James Buchanan served as the 15th President of the United States from 1857 to 1861, according to The White House's website. His term was marked by growing tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions within the government. A little over a month after he left his office, the Civil War started.

Buchanan was born April 23, 1791 in Cove Gap. He graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle before studying law, according to History.com. He was admitted to the bar in 1812 and opened a practice in Lancaster. Buchanan is also the only President to be elected from Pennsylvania and the only one to have never married.

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J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States

Buchanan relied on constitutional doctrines to resolve the split over slavery, according to The White House's website. However, the North's disagreements with constitutional arguments that favored the South only widened the rift, leading to more violence and a realignment of political parties. It was a problem that he handed down to his successor President Abraham Lincoln.

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Bright-eyed Eva Maria Kapus, 7, gets a courtly bow and handshake from President Eisenhower as she and her parents, Geza Kapus, standing, and Gisella Kapus, call at the White House in Washington, D.C., Aug. 3, 1954. Geza, a business man in Budapest, Hungary, fled from Communist rule with his family last year. As he and Gisella, crawled with Eva Maria through the barbed wire border of Austria, a land mine exploded, blowing off Gisella's left foot. Geza threw the child over the wire and dragged Gisella to safety. They will begin a new life Midland, Texas. (AP Photo)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States

Dwight D. Eisenhower served two terms as the 34th President of the United States from 1953 to 1961, according to History.com. He also led the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe as the supreme commander of the Allied forces during the Second World War.



Eisenhower was born Oct. 14, 1890, in Denison, Texas, according to History.com. He retired to his farm in Gettysburg after he left office in 1961. Today, it's the Eisenhower National Historic Site, a 24-room property that still has 99 percent of the family's original furnishings, according to the National Park Service.

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Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States

During his term, Eisenhower strengthened the Social Security program; increased minimum wage; started the Department of Health, Education and Welfare; and created the Interstate Highway System, which constructed 41,000 miles of roads across the country. He also tried to ease Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union. The Patriot-News endorsed Eisenhower in 1952 and 1956.

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In this June 6, 2006 file photo, Cyndi Janzen playing the part of Betsy Ross displays a United States flag at the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Betsy Ross, seamstress who made the American flag

Even though there's no credible evidence to suggest that she made the first American flag, Betsy Ross has endured as a national icon, according to Biography.



Ross was born Elizabeth Griscom Jan. 1, 1751, in Philadelphia and grew up learning common crafts, such as sewing, according to Biography. She later opened up an upholstery business with her first husband John Ross, where she put her needlework skills toward making flags for Pennsylvania.

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In this Tuesday, June 12, 2012 photo, a hand-embroidered vice presidential flag is displayed at the Defense Logistics Agency in Philadelphia. It takes two fabric workers 35 days to complete. About 10 miles from the house where Betsy Ross is believed to have sewn the first U.S. flag, the military supply operation are the sole producers of the hand-stitched presidential banners. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Betsy Ross, seamstress who made the American flag

Ross is said to have made the American flag in June 1776 after President George Washington, Robert Morris and her husband's uncle George Ross visited her, according to her grandson in Harper's Monthly in 1873. However, scholars today dispute whether Ross made the flag at all. Despite that, you can still visit her house in the Historic District of Philadelphia, which offers interactive and educational programming.

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Nellie Bly, a 23-year-old New York newspaperwoman, made a trip around the word in 72 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes. It was a sensational new record. "New age of lightening travel begun," said the New York World, her employer. Bly began her trip on November 14, 1889 and returned on Junuary 25, 1890 setting a world record. (AP Photo/Bettman Archive)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Nellie Bly, one of the forerunners of investigative journalism

Nellie Bly was an investigative journalist in Pennsylvania and New York, according to Biography. Her reporting on the treatment of mentally ill patients at Blackwell's Island in New York City led to funding and reforms to the institution. Bly also achieved fame after she travelled around the world in just 72 days, six hours and 11 minutes in 1889.



Bly was born Elizabeth Jane Cochran May 5, 1864, in Cochran's Mills, according to PBS. The Pittsburgh Dispatch took notice of her after she sent them a letter slamming columnist Erasmus Wilson, who wrote that women belonged at home where they can perform domestic tasks. The paper then offered her a writing job in 1885 and gave her the pen name "Nellie Bly."

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J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Nellie Bly, one of the forerunners of investigative journalism

Bly often sided with the poor and disenfranchised in her reporting. Her work shed light on shady lobbyists; how the police treated women in prison; and the inadequate care of the poor, according to PBS. Her story on the 1894 Pullman Railroad strike in Chicago was the only one that told its from the strikers' perspective.

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General George C. Marshall, Army chief of staff, held one of his first meetings in Washington, March 6, 1942 with the chiefs of his streamlined general staff. Seated left to right are Lt. Gen. H.H. Arnold, Chief of air forces; General Marshall, and Lt. Gen. Lesley McNair, chief of ground forces. Standing left to right are Maj. Gen. J.T. McNarney, who has been placed in charge of the war department?s reorganization and Maj. Gen. Brehon Somervell, chief of supply. (AP Photo)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

George C. Marshall, Nobel prize winner who helped rebuild Europe after World War II

George Marshall is the originator of the "European Recovery Program (ERP)" or the "Marshall Plan," which was intended to rebuild the economies and spirits of western Europe, according to The George C. Marshall Foundation. The program won him a Nobel Peace Prize in 1953.



Marshall was born Dec. 31, 1880, in Uniontown, according to Nobelprize.org. He has served as the U.S. Army Chief of Staff during the Second World War and as the Secretary of State and Defense He is the only person to have served in these three positions.

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George C. Marshall, Nobel prize winner who helped rebuild Europe after World War II

Sixteen nations joined the European Recovery Program and shaped the assistance they needed with the help of the Economic Cooperation Administration (ECA) in the United States, according to The George C. Marshall Foundation. Those countries received nearly $13 billion in aid, which included the shipment of food, fuel, machinery and eventually investment in industry. Funding through the ERP ended in 1951.

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An overview of the Cascade Range inside the North Cascades National Park near Marblemount, Wash., near the Canadian border is shown in August 2004. This summer, outdoor enthusiasts are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the federal Wilderness Act and the 20th anniversary of the Washington State Wilderness Act, which designated hundreds of thousands of acres of Washington land as wilderness. (AP Photo/Chris Rodkey)

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Howard Clinton Zahniser, "Father of the Wilderness Act"

Howard Clinton Zahniser is known as the "Father of the Wilderness Act," which has helped preserve and protect 9.1 million acres of land that Congress has designated as wildlands, according to the Pennsylvania Center for the Book.

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(cjchiker / Shutterstock)

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Howard Clinton Zahniser, "Father of the Wilderness Act"

Zahniser was born Feb. 25, 1906, in Franklin. He spent his teenage years west of the Allegheny National forest in Tionesta, where his love of literature, writing and nature grew, according to the Pennsylvania Center for the Book. He has previously worked at the Department of Agriculture at the United States Bureau of Biological Survey and the USDA Bureau of Plant Industry, Soils and Agricultural Engineering. He eventually became the executive director of the Wilderness Society and editor of The Living Wilderness, positions he held until his death.

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Wilderness Act into law Sept. 3, 1964, four months after Zahniser died.

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J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Charlotte Forten Grimke, first African-American teacher to teach former slaves in the South

Charlotte Forten Grimke was the first northern African American schoolteacher to teach former slaves in the South, according to PBS.



Forten was born in 1837 in Philadelphia to a family that was active in the abolitionist movement, according to PBS. She studied and later taught in Salem, Massachusetts, where she was the first African American to hold a teaching position.

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(igorstevanovic / Shutterstock)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Charlotte Forten Grimke, first African-American teacher to teach former slaves in the South

Many former slaves escaped to the islands off South Carolina after Union troops liberated them in 1862, according to the National Women's History Museum. Forten acted on her convictions and travelled that same year to St. Helena Island, South Carolina, to teach them. Forten is best known for her diaries, dated from 1854 to 1864 and 1885 to 1892, which detailed her life as an "intelligent, cultured, romantic woman who read and wrote poetry, attended lectures, worked and took part in the largest social movement of her time," according to PBS.

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(Everett Historical / Shutterstock)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Henry "Box" Brown, escaped slavery by shipping himself to Philadelphia

Henry "Box" Brown escaped slavery by shipping himself in a box from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia with only "one bladder of water and a few biscuits," according to PBS. He would later recreate his escape on stage as a part of an anti-slavery performance, according to Biography. It became one of the most well-known slave narratives in American history.



Brown was born into slavery in 1815 in Louisa County, Virginia, according to Biography. He resolved to escape from slavery after his pregnant wife and three children were sold to a plantation in North Carolina. Brown found a box that was three-feet long by two-feet-eight-inches deep and two-feet wide and shipped himself March 23, 1849, to the Philadelphia Anti-Slavery Society. The box travelled on wagons, railroads, steamboats, ferries and delivery wagons over the course of 27 hours.

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(StockPhotosLV / Shutterstock)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Henry "Box" Brown, escaped slavery by shipping himself to Philadelphia

Samuel Alexander Smith and James Caesar Anthony Smith, the two men who had helped Brown escape, attempted to ship more slaves to freedom. They were both arrested, though a divided panel of magistrates meant that James Caesar Anthony Smith would later be able to join Brown in Boston. Charles Stearns would also publish his narrative in September 1849. He published his own story May 1851 in Manchester, England, while evading the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 that wouldve made it dangerous for him to remain in the Northern Free States.

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Pictured is Alain Leroy Locke (Wikimedia Commons)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Alain LeRoy Locke, "Father of the Harlem Renaissance"

Alain LeRoy Locke is also known as the "Father of the Harlem Renaissance," according to Biography. He promoted African-American artists and writers and encouraged them to look toward Africa for inspiration. Much of his work centered on African and African-American identity.



Locke was born Sept. 13, 1885, in Philadelphia, according to Biography. He graduated Harvard University in 1907 with degrees in both literature and philosophy. He was the chair of Howard University's Department of Philosophy until his retirement in 1953.

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J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Philip Syng Physick, "Father of American Surgery"

Philip Syng Physick was known as the "Father of American Surgery" for his contributions against the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793 and for coming up for numerous firsts in surgery, according to the University of Pennsylvania University Archives and Records Center and the Pennsylvania Center for the Book. One of his most well-known accomplishments is the removal of hundreds of bladder stones from then 76-year-old U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Marshall.

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J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Philip Syng Physick, "Father of American Surgery"

Syng was born July 7, 1768, in Philadelphia, according to the Pennsylvania Center for the Book. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1785 and then continued to practice medicine in London. Syng later returned to practice in Philadelphia, where he provided medical treatment to the impoverished throughout the city.

Syngs contributions to surgery include the use of catheters and beeswax to improve the removal of urinary blocks; setons for draining fluid from swellings and injured joints; and stomach pumps for poisonings. He was the first surgeon to complete a successful aneurysm operation and cataract surgery.

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FILE - Maj. Richard "Dick" Winters is seen in Sept. 22, 2002 file photo. Winters died Jan. 2, 2011 in central Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch, File)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Richard D. Winters, soldier whose stories were adapted into "Band of Brothers"

Richard D. Winters is best known for recounting his wartime experiences to historian Stephen Ambrose, who would incorporate those stories into 1992's "Band of Brothers," according to the Pennsylvania Center for the Book. The book was later adapted into an award-winning HBO miniseries, which was co-produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.



Winters was born Jan. 21, 1918, in Lancaster, according to the Pennsylvania Center for the Book. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Aug. 8, 1941, and was involved in Normandy invasion and the occupation of Bastogne as part of the Battle of the Bulge. After he returned home, he got married and later moved to Hershey.

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Pictured is John Bingham. (Wikimedia Commons)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

John Bingham, who drafted the language of the 14th Amendment

John Armor Bingham is known for drafting the language of the 14th Amendment, which states that "No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws," according to The New York Times. This amendment would be the legal basis for the U.S. Supreme Court's decisions in the desegregation of public schools, equality for women and the right to sexual privacy.

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(Everett Historical / Shutterstock)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

John Bingham, who drafted the language of the 14th Amendment

Bingham was born Jan. 21, 1815, in Mercer, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1840 and started a practice in Ohio. Bingham would later be elected to Congress. He was also one of the three military prosecutors in the trial of John Wilkes Booth's co-conspirators after President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, according to The New York Times.

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A large photograph depicting President Abraham Lincoln's assassin John Wilkes Booth is displayed at a new exhibit entitled "Silent Witnesses: Artifacts of the Lincoln Assassination" Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the Ford's Center for Education and Leadership across the street from the historic Ford's Theatre, in Washington. The exhibit is open to the public March 23rd to May 25th and coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln assassination on April 14th. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

John Wilkes Booth, who shot and killed President Abraham Lincoln

John Wilkes Booth is known for assassinating President Abraham Lincoln on April 15, 1865, during a performance of "Our American Cousin" at the Ford Theater in Washington, D.C., according to Biography.

Booth was born May 10, 1838, near Bel Air, Maryland, according to Biography. He became an actor just like his father and earned acclaim for his performances. President Lincoln even watched one of his shows, called "The Marble Heart," at Ford's Theater ahead of making the Gettysburg Address. Booth also used to live in a boarding house in Franklin and invested in land and oil wells on a 60-acre tract of land in Cranberry Twp., according to the City of Franklin, PA's website.

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J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

John Wilkes Booth, who shot and killed President Abraham Lincoln

Booth supported slavery and limiting immigration into the United States. He also worked as a secret agent for the Confederacy during the Civil War and was involved in a botched attempt to kidnap President Lincoln in March 1865. Booth would shoot and kill him a month later at Fords Theater, after which he is said to have jumped on stage and yelled, Sic semper tyrannis!  which translates to Thusever to tyrants!  and The South is avenged.

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Pictured is Ida Tarbell. (Library of Congress)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Ida Tarbell, one of the forerunners of investigative journalism

Ida Tarbell is known for her investigative reporting that eventually led to the breakup of the Standard Oil Company's monopoly, according to Biography. The company was in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

Tarbell was born Nov. 5, 1857, in the village of Hatch Hollow in Erie County, according to Biography. Her father was an oil producer and refiner who struggled to keep his business going because of a 1872 price-fixing scheme by the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Standard Oil Company. These experiences would later be incorporated into Tarbell's reporting on the monopoly.

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Salk announced the successful use of a new polio vaccine on 90 children and adults. An assistant, Ethel J. Bailey, works on a step in the vaccine's production. (AP Photo)

Jonas Salk, physician who developed the first safe and effective polio vaccine

Jonas Salk is a physician and medical researcher who created the first safe and effective polio vaccine, according to Biography.

Salk was born Oct. 28, 1914, in New York City. He became the head of the Virus Research Lab at the University of Pittsburgh in 1947, where he began to research the disease. Preliminary testing of his polio vaccine began in 1952 and was approved for general use in 1955.

The vaccine had a huge impact on the number of reported polio cases. There were more than 57,000 cases in the United States in 1952 and less than a thousand a decade later, according to the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

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J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Are there any other famous, infamous or inspirational people with Pa. connections?

You can throw a stone in any direction and hit a well-known person in Pennsylvania. Get to know a few of them through PennLive's list of the most famous and infamous people in every county. Readers have even chipped in to tell us who they think should have been listed as the most famous person in their county. If you're looking for a bit of inspiration, check out PennLive's list of the 19 most influential Pennsylvania women.

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What will the lives of Shenzhou-11 astronauts be like in space?

With the Oct. 17 launch of the Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong started the longest journey in space ever made by Chinese astronauts. Their lives for the next 33 days are of great interest to the public.

Huang Weifen, the deputy chief designer of the flight system, explained that the main missions of the astronauts are 16 in-orbit experiments divided into the four categories, including brain-computer interface, study of changes in olfactory and taste senses, plant cultivation and cardiovascular function in zero gravity.

Additionally, Huang disclosed that the astronauts will be expected to work six days per week for eight hours each day. In their spare time, they can take pictures, watch movies and speak with their families.

As for meals, Cao Ping, deputy director of space nutrition and food at the Astronaut Center of China, said that over 100 dishes are available. During the autonomous phase of Shenzhou-11s flight, the astronauts will have light, easily digestible foods such as porridge. This is because they will likely to suffer from a lack of appetite at first.

In the Tiangong-2 space laboratory, astronauts will transition to three meals a day as usual, and different menus over five days. The Tiangong-2 is equipped with a food heater so that the astronauts can enjoy hot meals.

Since the zero-gravity atmosphere does come with physical side effects, various measures will be taken to guarantee the astronauts health and efficiency, explained Wu Ping, vice director of the China Manned Space Engineering office.

In terms of healthcare, astronauts will receive regular health assessments during the mission. A long-distance system for medical support is in place for astronauts to consult with doctors while in space. In addition, protective devices are on hand to minimize potential adverse reactions to zero gravity.
GOP Office Damaged

A burned couch is shown next to warped campaign signs at the Orange County Republican Headquarters in Hillsborough, NC on Sunday, Oct. 16 2016. Someone threw flammable liquid inside a bottle through a window overnight and someone spray-painted an anti-GOP slogan referring to "Nazi Republicans" on a nearby wall, authorities said Sunday. State GOP director Dallas Woodhouse said no one was injured. (AP Photo/Jonathan Drew)

(Jonathan Drew)

A firebomb burned the inside of a local Republican Party headquarters in Orange County, N.C., on Saturday night, and someone spray-painted a swastika and a warning for GOP members to leave town, police and party officials said Sunday.

The town of Hillsborough, N.C., where the headquarters is located, said in a statement that police were investigating the incident, along with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. No damage estimates were available Sunday, and authorities did not identify any suspects.

A blaze ignited when someone threw a bottle filled with flammable liquid through the office's front window, burning furniture, blackening the walls and melting campaign signs before going out on its own, authorities said. On the side of the building next door, someone scrawled a swastika and wrote "Nazi Republicans leave town or else" in black spray-paint.

With just three weeks left until Election Day, the attack adds yet another layer of tension to a campaign season that has been marked by bitter fighting and extreme anger on both sides of the aisle. In the days since a video emerged showing Donald Trump bragging about sexual assaulting women, the Republican nominee has ratcheted up claims that the election is "rigged" against him and called for Hillary Clinton to be jailed over her use of a private email server.

Trump went on the offensive again Sunday, alleging in a tweet that "animals" representing the Democratic nominee attacked the Republican headquarters in Hillsborough because Trump was winning.

Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning @NCGOP  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

ALL SAFE IN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. With you all the way, will never forget. Now we have to win. Proud of you all! @NCGOP  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

Clinton tweeted her condolences, calling the attack "horrific and unacceptable":

The attack on the Orange County HQ @NCGOP office is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe.  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 16, 2016

The North Carolina Republican Party thanked both candidates for their support. In the county where the headquarters is located, registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans three to one, the Associated Press reported.

According to the town of Hillsborough, the attack took place sometime between 9 p.m. Saturday night and Sunday morning. Another business owner discovered the heavy smoke and fire damage and alerted police around 9 a.m. Sunday, the town said in a statement. The headquarters is located in a shopping center known as the Shops at Daniel Boone, and sits next to an optometry office and a store that sells party decorations.

"This highly disturbing act goes far beyond vandalizing property," Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens, D, said in a statement. "It willfully threatens our community's safety via fire, and its hateful message undermines decency, respect and integrity in civic participation."

Daniel Ashley, chair of the Orange County Republican Party, said in a video posted Sunday by the state GOP that someone threw a Molotov cocktail through the window and the resulting fire melted a printer and other materials. Nearly all of the office's campaign signs for Trump and other local Republicans candidates were destroyed, as were sample ballots for early voting, which starts Thursday in the state.

Ashley said the party kept the office open year-round in an attempt to make inroads into the heavily Democratic county.

"We will not be intimidated," he said. "We've let some people know we're in town - because they want to run us out of town, and we're not going anywhere."

Many people rallied to support the state GOP. On Sunday, David Weinberger, a senior researcher at Harvard's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, launched a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of Democrats to help the headquarters reopen as soon as possible. More than 500 donations poured in and the campaign surpassed its fundraising goal of $10,000 in about 40 minutes, Weinberger said.

"This is not how Americans resolve their differences," Weinberger said on the GoFundMe page. "We do not resort to violence by individuals or by mobs."

In a separate incident, at least 20 vehicles were vandalized with spray-paint outside a Trump rally in Bangor, Maine, on Saturday afternoon, the Bangor Daily News reported.

Violence has cropped up at other campaign events this year, with numerous fights breaking out at Trump rallies around the country. In June, protesters pelted Trump supporters with eggs and water balloons before punching them outside one of the candidate's events in San Jose, Calif. And last month, a man leaving a Trump rally in Asheville, N.C., struck a 69-year-old anti-Trump demonstrator who was wearing an oxygen tank to treat a lung disease.
A national television crew from C-SPAN is headed to Harrisburg to record the city's unique history and literary life as part of a tour featuring 24 cities across the country.

The crew will begin filming at various literary and historic sites in the capital city Monday and will spend four days interviewing local historians and non-fiction authors while conducting education and community outreach.

Officials from the city and C-SPAN plan to announce more details about the network's effort to shine a national spotlight on Harrisburg during a news conference at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Local segments recorded this week will air on BookTV (C-SPAN2, Comcast channel 104) and American History TV (C-SPAN3, Comcast channel 105) throughout C-SPAN's special Harrisburg weekend, Jan. 21-22.

One other city in Pennsylania was included on this year's tour: Pittsburgh. Other cities that will be filmed this season include Nashville, Tenn., Santa Barbara, Calif., Provo Utah, Port Huron, Mich., Cleveland, Ohio and Pueblo, Colo.

Harrisburg was picked because of its "rich history" and status as the state capital, said Debbie Lamb, of C-SPAN.

"We've chosen cities that are rich with history and have interesting local literary communities, but not often featured on the national scene," she said. "With our visit to each, we hope to bring a little of their heritage to our nationwide audience."

The visiting crews will use specially-outfitted Local Content Vehicles (LCVs) that are equipped to shoot and produce on location, Lamb said.
A Manheim man will spend the next two and a half to seven years in state prison for child pornography possession.

David M. Gruel Jr., 43, was recently sentenced by Lancaster County Judge Jeffrey Wright, who noted Gruel's pornography library included graphic videos of children being abused, according to a news release from the Lancaster County district attorney's office. Gruel pleaded guilty to several felony counts of child pornography possession as well as criminal use of a communication facility.

At sentencing, Assistant District Attorney Karen Mansfield stressed that Gruel told investigators he had been viewing child pornography for seven years, officials said. Police seized eight computers and drives from Gruel's home. The devices contained more than 500 pictures and dozens of videos.

In addition to prison time, Gruel must register as a sex offender.
Election 2012

Voters exit the polling place at St. John's Episcopal Church on the square in Carlisle on Election Day in 2012. At stake in the Nov. 8, 2016 election is the presidency, and U.S. Senate, Congressional, state legislative offices and Pennsylvania row offices. CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News

(CHRIS KNIGHT, The Patriot-News)

Voters will head to the polls Nov. 8 to choose they candidates they want to represent them as president, in Congress, and in their state House and Senate districts.

PennLive teamed with The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania to gather information from candidates for office across the state the 2016 Voters Guide. Whether you live in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Scranton or Pittsburgh, this Voters Guide that will tell you who is running for office from your area. Candidates were invited to provide information and answer questions, and you'll find their unedited responses here.

It you don't know what state legislative or Congressional district you live in, use this Pennsylvania Legislature search tool to find out.

Find your polling location and check your voter registration status using this Department of State tool.

If you notice issues at your polling place, share photos or news tips with us at newstips@pennlive.com or reach out to PennLive on Twitter, Facebook or Snapchat.
Jerren Stuckey.jpg

Jerren Stuckey is on trial for the slaying of Rayon Braxton.

Moments before the trial over his murder began Monday, family and friends of Rayon Braxton gathered outside the Dauphin County courtroom.



They stood in a circle and held hands. Then, they bowed their heads and prayed.



"We just pray that justice is served," said Braxton's sister, Saliyna Chapman. "No one's supposed to die at 24."



A few minutes later, Jerren Stuckey, the 26-year-old Susquehanna Township man accused of killing Braxton, walked into the courtroom, smiling broadly at his own family.





Chief Deputy District Attorney Johnny Baer is seeking a first-degree murder verdict and a life prison sentence for Stuckey. In his opening statement, Baer claimed Stuckey gunned down Braxton on Nov. 27, 2015 over an unpaid debt.



"Rayon Braxton is dead today because he owed this guy money," the prosecutor said, pointing to where Stuckey sat beside defense attorney George Matangos. "This case is that simple."



Investigators claim Stuckey shot Braxton outside Braxton's office on the third floor of the Big Ugly Warehouse building in the 300 block of Carlisle Street in Harrisburg's Allison Hill section. Braxton was staging parties there through a business he called Braxton Hall. He had rented it with the hope of creating a youth center and after-school program.



"He wanted it to be a beacon of hope for the community. Something to hold onto in a rough neighborhood," Baer said of Braxton's vision. Yet, he said, Braxton turned to staging parties when money became tight and he fell behind on his rent.



On the night of Braxton's murder, only one person, Stuckey, was seen leaving the building, which has only a single entry and exit from Braxton Hall, Baer said. Two witnesses will attest to that fact as the trial proceeds in Judge John F. Cherry's courtroom, the prosecutor said.



There is no doubt the killing was intentional, he said.



"Rayon was found lying face-down outside his office," Baer said. "He was shot seven times. In the head, chest, back, pretty much all over his body."



A sweatshirt recovered that same night from Stuckey's car was "coated in gunshot residue," Baer said, and cell phone tracking put Stuckey in the vicinity of the slaying scene. He said Stuckey also admitted to a detective that he was there.







Rayon Braxton



Stuckey, "is the only one who physically could have done this" slaying, Baer insisted.



Matangos said in his opening that the police probe that led to Stuckey's arrest wasn't complete. Investigators focused on Stuckey from the start and never considered the possibility that someone else killed Braxton.



"Being at the scene of a crime does not make you guilty of anything," Matangos said. Police, he added, "made a determination before they began an investigation."



Deputy District Attorney Kristie Falbo called Stacy Stewart, Braxton's girlfriend, as one of the first witnesses. Stewart said Braxton was "stressed out" about his finances in the months before his death. He told her he had borrowed money from Stuckey, who was demanding repayment, she said.



In the summer of 2015, Braxton visited her in her home in Alabama and stayed three weeks. He told her, essentially, that she was hiding from Stuckey, Stewart testified.



"He did tell me that he and Jerren were in a financial dispute," she said. "He told me he was actually trying to get away from him because he had threatened him and his family...He was just afraid for his life because he was running out of options."



Roberts Greynolds, the building's owner, said Braxton was behind on his $975-a-month rent for Braxton Hall when he was killed. Baer had him walk the jurors through a video Detective Richard Gibney made of the building to show there is only one way in or out of the space Braxton rented.



Greynolds said Stuckey once introduced himself and asked him about Braxton's business and financial status, saying he was considering investing in it. He said Stuckey also spoke of starting a strip club.



After the trial recessed for lunch, Braxton's kin held a peaceful demonstration outside the courthouse, chanting, "Justice for Rayon," "God is good," and "Rayon Braxton matters."




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(PennLive archives)

Here are some of the police- and court-related incidents from the midstate and around Pennsylvania that made news during the past 24 hours:

The Associated Press reported that a 17-year-old girl didn't move off the tracks despite warning whistles and was hit by a train and killed near Pittsburgh on Saturday.

A Lancaster man was sent to state prison after being convicted of having child pornography.

A toddler died after being hit by a pickup truck driven by a relative near Williamsport on Saturday.

Two students were attacked and robbed by a group of men at Lincoln University in Chester County early Sunday, resulting in gun shots that injured a campus security guard.
(The woman with a chain around her ankle. Photo/Chongqing Morning Post)

A woman in her eighties was recently discovered with a chain around her ankles in the southwestern city of Chongqing. The woman's family admitted to chaining her up, arguing that they were trying to prevent the old lady from getting lost while wandering around the city.

The woman, surnamed Zhang, was found on Oct. 15 at a restaurant in Chongqing. Police found Zhang to be articulate enough to give her name and say that the chain had been locked by her daughter-in-law. However, she could not give her home address or any family members' contacts, Chongqing Morning Post reported.

As police escorted Zhang around the city to gather more information, she was repeatedly recognized by residents in her residential compound. Many noted that she was left home alone every day by her family and she often wandered around in the region all by herself.

Zhangs family said that they restrained the old woman to prevent her from getting lost in the city, as the family had only recently moved to Chongqing. They worried that the elderly woman would become easily disoriented.

We had no choice. My mother often runs away. One time, it took us 10 days to find her. She might even jump from a window, Zhangs son explained.

According to Zhangs neighbors, the womans son and daughter-in-law, both in their 60s, work part-time during the day, leaving Zhang unattended.

The growing proportion of senior citizens in China has become a real problem. Many of these elderly people suffer from Alzheimer's disease, while others simply struggle to adapt to lives away from their families due to urbanization.

However, local police warned that such restraints or other restrictions on senior citizens personal freedom counts as physical abuse, which is punishable by law with up to seven years in jail.
Hua, a 32-year-old woman who was abducted when she was 15 years old, finally reunited with her family on Oct. 11, after 17 long years.

Hua used to live in Jinjiang, Fujian province before she was abducted and transported to Guizhou province. She dropped out of school at the age 15, spending a lot of time at home. She therefore got to know the people renting the house next door - construction workers, including a man named Cheng. Cheng eventually lured Hua to Guizhou province, and then forced her to marry his brother, a 30-year-old man.

Hua wrote a letter to her family in 2011, enclosing her new address and asking a friend to deliver it. But her friend didnt pass the letter along until recently. After the true events were revealed, police quickly located Hua. The long-awaited family reunion was everything that Hua and her family had dreamed of for so long.
Downtown Petoskey celebrates Halloween in style with annual parade

The sun was shining on Saturday morning as hundreds of trick-or-treaters took to the streets of downtown Petoskey for the annual Halloween Parade.
Low oil prices for 20 yrs





Oil Prices May Remain Low for the Next 20 Years





Many investors are still expecting oil prices to rebound back toward their highs but, according to some experts, this may not happen for another 20 years.

This time on FS Insider, Roberto Aguilera, adjunct research fellow at Curtin University in Australia and co-author of the book The Price of Oil , discussed why this price rebound is unlikely, and what long-term factors will keep oil prices low for the better part of a generation.

Technological Revolutions Pressure Price

In his book, Aguilera argues that the twin technological revolutions of hydraulic fracking and horizontal drilling will exert a long-term downward pressure on the price of oil, especially as these technological revolutions spread to the rest of the globe.

We said that as the revolution developed and expanded, it was bound to have a strong price-depressing impact, he said.

Aguilera concluded prices will average between $40 and $60 a barrel until around the year 2035, implying two decades of low average prices.

Supply from the shale sector has exceeded expectations and I believe it will continue to surprise the experts, he said.

The advantages afforded by the shale revolution in the U.S. are so strong that their international spread is inevitable, Aguilera added.

U.S. geological conditions are likely not unique and the technology to exploit these resources is not proprietary, and so is widely available.

Possible Complications

There's always the chance that unforeseen geopolitical developments could send prices back to triple digitals, such as a revolution in a major oil producing country, Aguilera noted.

However, even if this happens, the twin technological revolutions have such a price-depressing impact that if oil prices do rise back to their highs, they will be quickly pushed down once again because of the expanded and diversified supply.

However, another potential influence that might send oil prices back up above his predicted range would be an ambitious global climate policy.

If a serious climate policy was enacted (it) would raise the cost of oil production and prices, and choke off demand, and result in a faster penetration of alternative sources like renewables, he said.

Geopolitical Pressures and Peak Oil

Lower oil prices have already had important negative repercussions for income in oil-producing nations, with many being forced to make painful adjustments to shrinking public budgets, Aguilera stated.

The upside is, this may encourage them to consider a push for economic diversification. As a result, we may see a dampening effect over conflicts related to oil profits.

It's been proven over the past few years that shale oil is broadly economic at $40 to $50 a barrel, he stated. If prices increase, we'll see rigs come back more quickly and eventually production will increase.
(Xinhua) 18:32, October 17, 2016

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin said Monday that the recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinpingto Cambodia has built "stronger and deeper" ties between China and Cambodia.

The Cambodian top legislator made the remarks during a meeting with Bai Zhijian, visiting chairman of Overseas Affairs Committee of the 12th National People's Congress of China, according to Keo Piseth, a spokesman for Samrin.

"Samdech (honorific title for Heng Samrin) said that the recent visit of President Xi to Cambodia has made the relations and cooperation between China and Cambodia become stronger and deeper," he told reporters after the meeting.

Bai agreed that Xi's visit has significantly contributed to further deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation that the two countries established in 2010.

Xi paid a historic visit to Cambodia on Oct. 13-14, where he met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and held talks with Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

During the visit, Xi and Hun Sen witnessed the signing ceremony of 31 bilateral cooperation agreements, according a joint statement released after the visit.
(Xinhua) 19:10, October 17, 2016

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday criticized Slovak President Andrej Kiska's meeting with the Dalai Lama, demanding Slovakia take measures to eliminate the negative impact of the meeting.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the comment after President Kiska insisted on meeting the Dalai Lama over lunch in Bratislava on Sunday in spite of China's strong opposition.

"It goes against Slovakia's commitment to adherence to the one-China policy. China firmly opposes this and will make due responses," Hua said.

Hua said the Dalai Lama has long engaged in anti-China separatist activities to split Tibet from China. She said China firmly opposes the Dalai Lama in conducting separatist activities in any country in any name and opposes foreign officials' contact with him in any form.

"The Slovak president's willful moves and insistence on the wrong stance have damaged China's core interests and the political foundation of bilateral relations," the spokesperson said.

Hua urged Slovakia to have a clear understanding of the Dalai Lama clique's anti-China nature, respect China's core interests and major concerns and strictly abide by the one-China policy.

"China urges Slovakia to take effective measures to eliminate the negative impact of this wrong move so that bilateral ties can get back on track," she added.
People visit the new Museum of Tracing the Footprints of the Red Army on the Long March in Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 16, 2016. Luo Kaifu, a senior journalist, completed the original Long March route on foot and recorded his discoveries and experiences in his book "Tracing the Footprints of the Red Army on the Long March" in the 1980s. The foundation of the museum was based on his collections along the route and the concept of his book. (Xinhua/Tan Jin)
LOS ANGELES - A mass shooting broke out here early Saturday, killing 3 people and wounding 12 others. It is the latest in a string of deadly shootings in the United States this year.

The shooting broke out at a West Adams home that appeared to have been turned into a makeshift restaurant. Police arrived at the scene around noon.

"It's a bloody scene with shell casings everywhere," Sgt Frank Preciado of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said. He said that there were around 50 people inside the place.

Preciado told local media that three men left the restaurant and returned with firearms and began shooting at another group of people, while others at the restaurant also opened fire. The scene turned into a gun battle.

"When we got there, there were three people dead and people running everywhere," Preciado said. "We had multiple people with gunshot wounds."

The shooting continued in the driveway outside of the home. "We have been told by some folks in the area that there was a makeshift restaurant there," said Lt Chuck Springer of the LAPD's Southwest Station.

Police said two of the victims are in serious condition, while two of the wounded have been released from the hospital while the others remain hospitalized with wounds that are not considered life-threatening.

A large number of officers from across Los Angeles were sent to the scene to search for runaway suspects. Police in the neighborhood also searched for witnesses.

"It was just 'pop, pop, pop, pop, pop.' It didn't stop. It just kept going. ... Really loud," a resident told local media.

"It was a series (of gunshots) first, like really fast, then a pause, almost like someone reloaded," she said. "It was specific, as if someone was pointing at people." The woman estimated the total number of gunshots to be around 20.

"We must take action against easy access to firearms and the thoughtless, indiscriminate, murderous use of them," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. "We cannot tolerate these tragedies multiplying in communities across America."

The motive for the shooting remained unclear.

The genders and ages of the victims have not been disclosed at this moment.

One male suspect was taken into custody and another remained at large. Police did not disclose the suspect's identity.

According to the online database Mass Shooting Tracker, there have been 378 mass shootings in the United States so far this year, killing around 490 people so far. The figure has already surpassed the total number of 371 incidents last year, which killed 469 people.

Lack of effective gun control regulations were widely blamed for the rise in shooting incidents.

US President Barack Obama expressed regret earlier this year about "how easy it is for someone to get their hands on a weapon."
Products of Tiger-head shoes in Beijing Foreign Language Festival in Beijing Chaoyang Park on Sunday, October 16, 2016. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/Ding Xiaoxiao]

The Beijing Foreign Language Festival showcased in Beijing Chaoyang Park on Saturday and one highlight was the traditional Beijing culture show.

The show included traditional arts and crafts such as Beijing embroidery, paper cutting, kite making, clay figure making and dough sculpture.

Beijing Porcelain was officially named a protected intangible cultural heritage in 2009, and was showcased at the festival. Shi Qin, deputy manager of Beijing Porcelain company, explained how the porcelain is decorated with colored drawings. Beijing Porcelain originated from the Qing Dynasty more than 100 years ago.The art emphasizes inheritance and imitates Imperial Kang, Yong and Qian from the Qing Dynasty.

The materials used are completely natural colors and to make them is a long process. For example, a particular red color containing gold takes more than one year to complete. Beijing Porcelain is handmade and has a sense of elegance and Beijing flavor.

Intangible cultural heritages have deeper meanings, and Cui, a fourth generation paper-cutter, explained the complex meanings of the art. He said that if you look at the paper-cutting, you may see the character of happiness. The character, though, has four levels of meanings: one is happiness and harmony, metaphoric by the lotus and peony, the second is a happy couple, metaphoric by the lotus and lily, the third is health and long life, metaphoric by the magpie and peach, the final is joy and happiness, metaphoric by the lotus and plum blossom.

Han Lin, who has a keen interest in kites, said, "The first time I saw kites was when I was in primary school. Usually I graded badly in arts, but I received the highest mark with my kite. I think that flying kites has a feeling of freedom and good hopes for the future."

Learning the craft of intangible cultural heritages is not easy now. Cui Shuwen, the fourth generation of tiger-head shoes, expressed her concern for this technique. "I hope young people would like to learn more about the making of tiger-head shows and learn the technique."

Sponsored by the Beijing Speaks Foreign Languages Program, and organized by Chaoyang District Culture Committee and Beijing Traditional brands Association, the Bilingual Show on Traditional Beijing Culture was a great success.
Mike Hopkins in Kelowna:

Fall Lines - Tyler Ceccanti:

Hailey Elise - Trail Bound:

Damon Iwanaga - Creativity Is Key:

Adam Gamble - Fall Fever:

Remy Rips Whis:

Local Flavors - Quebec City:

Summer of Napalm with Tanner Leslie - At Home Vol. 2:

Home Trail with Olivier Cuvet:

Miners Peak:

Sean Peet - Beaver Valley Lions Park:

Mike Hopkins rolled through Kelowna on his way through to the coast and took a tour around some of the local spots.Predator Trail at Tiger Mountain with Tyler Ceccanti.Hailey Elise riding Pemberton, Squamish, and Whistler BC.Damon going dumb at Northstar for the cameras. Video: Kent Johnson. Additional Filming: Trevor Reeves.Riding is what I do to find the calm in my life and get out of my own head. It's the perfect escape. With all the fall colours showing through like a perfect picture it was pretty zen! Rider @swampy45 Remy Morton and I spent a single lap and a few brief hours capturing some freehand gold in the Whistler Bike Park during Crankworx. Video: Ty Bowmaker.Local Flavors is a series of short, sensory oriented videos filmed in conjunction with the popular East Bound and Down editorial series, featuring some of the east coast's finest riding destinations and communities. Local Flavors: Quebec City features riding from NS Factory rider Franck Kirscher, as well as the Will and Mark from the Free Radicals, and Northman Insurance's Nick Van Egmond.Check out Tanner Leslie shredding in his backyard and around Flagstaff AZ. Video: Jared Stern.Olivier shows us how he shreds his local trails.Matt Monod, Mateo Massitti, and Jack Menzies doing some alpine scree ripping, trail shralping, and dirt jump sending.Mountain Biking has always been Sean Peet's passion. Working with the Beaver Valley Lions Club, Sean has volunteered countless hours building a community bike park near Fruitvale, BC. Growing up between two iconic mountain bike towns, Rossland and Nelson, he was inspired to bring mountain biking to his own hometown. He hopes to bring something to the community that he never had, and something that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities.

Sean Peet | Beaver Valley Lions Park from Mind Spark Cinema on Vimeo.

Spank Band of Bros Part - Jeremy Stowards:

Trail Etiquette With Chaz:

Jer throwing down!Transition Bikes 2016 Shoot The Trails film contest entry. Mullets, chopped up Geo Metros, Wonder Burritos, this video has it all. Sometimes it's about what not to do.

Trail Etiquette With Chaz from Transition Bikes on Vimeo.

Remembering Dave Mirra - Ben Bostrom:

Josh Bender - Red Bull Rampage Ground Zero:

Dak Roche:

Summer of Spriet:

The Big Picture Documentaries: P1 - Conflicted Obsessions:

Mark Abma - ''Ruin and Rose'' Athlete Edit:

On the eve of Kona, Ben Bostrom looks back at a friendship and racing with his friend, Dave Mirra.Meet the Man Who Inspired Red Bull Rampage. Without a doubt, he's the gnarliest mountain biker who ever lived. MTB's first daredevil. He is the reason Red Bull Rampage exists. He is Josh Bender.Fresh clips from Dak are always a treat.We hope everyone had as much fun riding street this summer as Justin did. This new video part he wrapped up starts off heavy, and ends even heavier. Enjoy.As global weather systems continue to shift, skiers, snowboarders and ski areas acknowledge their impact on the environment that they are trying to preserve. What steps can we take to ensure the same opportunities are there for the next generation of mountain lovers?Mark Abma delivers some of the best segments season after season, and this last season was no different. Traveling from Europe to Revelstoke, and finishing in Alaska there is no shortage of tricks, big technical lines, and deep powder in this athlete edit. Enjoy this special cut from Ruin and Rose.

Mark Abma RUIN AND ROSE Athlete Edit - 4K from mspfilms on Vimeo.

Foothills - The Unlinked Heritage of Snowboarding:

The people of Petran, Turkey, have been snowboarding for roughly 300 years. Its not snowboarding as we know it, but youll recognize it. In this film by WRKSHRT, we follow Alex Yoder and Nick Russell into Turkeys Kackar Mountains on a quest to unearth the unlinked heritage of snowboarding and have some fun in the process.

Foothills: The Unlinked Heritage of Snowboarding from Patagonia on Vimeo.

Andrew Dunkerton - Wood Carver:

Andrew Reynolds - Life On Video: Episode 1:

Dylan Rieder:

Coastal Crew athlete Dylan Dunkerton's father is a great artist in his own right.As soon as I found skateboarding everything else just stopped. This is Andrew Reynolds recalling the time in his life when his identity officially shifted to skateboarder. His tipping point was a result of factors intersecting and weaving together all at once, but one of the biggest influences was also the most serendipitous: catching a commercial on TV for Visions Psycho Skate video. Reynolds says, Something about it was just cooler than anything I had seen. The idea that one of the most earth-shatteringly progressive skateboarders in the world was initially turned on to skating by an 80s artifact like Psycho Skate is jarring. It makes you appreciate that Reynolds is one of the few who truly guided skateboarding, creating a path and innovating a visual language that shaped our culture; when it comes to enduring trends, Reynolds is an undisputed leader.1988-2016.

Dylan. from Gravis Footwear on Vimeo.

Title Photo by: Bryce Piwek To check out videos submitted by fellow Pinkbike members that didn't quite make Movie Mondays here
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Unlike Donald Trump, Democrats are crossing party lines and putting politics aside by fundraising to help reopen the Orange County, NC Republican office that was attacked and firebombed.

The GoFundMe page for the campaign shows what Democrats are all about:



As Democrats, we are starting this campaign to enable the Orange County, North Carolina Republican office to re-open as soon as possible.

Until an investigation is undertaken, we cannot know who did this or why. No matter the result, this is not how Americans resolve their differences. We talk, we argue, sometimes we march, and most of all we vote. We do not resort to violence by individuals or by mobs.

So, lets all pitch in , no matter what your party affiliation, in and get that office open again quickly.

The campaign has been wildly successful. It has surpassed its goal in just a few hours.

Consider the Democratic actions in comparison to how Donald Trump characterized Democrats after the firebombing:

Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just firebombed our office in Orange County because we are winning @NCGOP  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

Here was Hillary Clintons response to the events in Orange County, NC:

The attack on the Orange County HQ @NCGOP office is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe.  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 16, 2016

The North Carolina Republican Party thanked Clinton:

Thank you for your thoughts & prayers, Sec. @HillaryClinton.  NCGOP (@NCGOP) October 16, 2016

While Donald Trump was calling her supporters animals, Hillary Clinton and Democrats put politics aside and did what is right. There will be plenty of time to disagree about policies, but attacks like the one at the GOP county office in North Carolina are attacks our democratic process that we all must oppose together.

The actions of Democrats show that their party is looking out for and fit to govern the entire country, while when America need a leader, Donald Trump thought only of himself.
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Donald Trump is at it again this morning, inventing facts out of thin air as he whines about a rigged election. In contradiction of all evidence, Trump tweeted,

Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2016

Of course, there is no large-scale voter fraud taking place and that hasnt stopped Republican leaders from complaining about it anyway, and passing all sorts of voter suppression laws to keep all but white people from voting.

And as we have seen, Trump has a history of claiming the system is rigged any time he doesnt get his way.

The only voter fraud taking place is in their own heads  and in Trumps particularly  as a way of pre-excusing his defeat at his own hands and blaming it on somebody else.

A disgruntled Trump followed that tweet up with another, telling us how horrible President Obama has been, and how much worse Hillary Clinton will be:

We have all got to come together and win this election. We can't have four more years of Obama (or worse!).  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2016

Never mind the complete lack of evidence that Barack Obama has been a failure as president. On the contrary. The economy is back to pre-2008 levels. You know, back when Republicans used the policies Trump wants to bring back to crash the nations economy. But its what Trumps howling racist and misogynist masses want to hear.

And voter fraud? That is as mythical as Trumps respect for women.

As Snopes pointed out, in looking at the 2012 election, A list of instances supposedly proving voter fraud in the 2012 U.S. presidential election only demonstrates that some people are really bad at math.

Wellwe all know about that math Republicans do when reality doesnt correspond to their fantasies.

In 2014, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman ruled against Wisconsin Republicans, saying,

The evidence at trial established that virtually no voter impersonation occurs in Wisconsin. The defendants could not point to a single instance of known voter impersonation occurring in Wisconsin at any time in the recent pastIn the present case, no evidence suggests that voter-impersonation fraud will become a problem at any time in the foreseeable future.

In that same year, The New York Times reminded us that, The New York Times reported in 2007, for instance, that a five-year investigation by the Bush administration turned up virtually no evidence of any organized effort to skew federal elections.

The Washington Post drove the point home just a few days ago, Christopher Ingraham writing in the Wonkblog, 7 papers, 4 government inquiries, 2 news investigations and 1 court ruling proving voter fraud is mostly a myth.

Thats pretty conclusive. Voter fraud is so rare that effectively, it doesnt exist. Donald Trump is losing. Hes headed for a landslide defeat at the hands of Hillary Clinton. He wants to blame it on voter fraud, because who wouldnt vote for an anti-Semitic, racist, misogynist bigot?

Well, most everyone who isnt a white supremacist, not to put too fine a point upon it. But Trump will never admit the fault is his own; that his message is toxic; and so its straight to the excuse making: the stab-in-the-back; the rigged election that the system  by which he has benefited so enormously  wont let him win.

Its a great excuse for a movement which has, to this day, not provided one single fact to support its hysterical claims: If nothing Trump says is true, its only fitting that something that doesnt exist should keep him out of the Oval Office.
(Xinhua) 10:20, October 17, 2016

BEIJING, Oct. 17 -- Poverty reduction is the most telling evidence of China's progress in human rights, as the number of citizens China has raised from poverty accounts for 70 percent of the world's total, said a white paper issued on Monday.

Over the past 30 years and more since the launch of reform and opening up, more than 700 million Chinese people have been raised from poverty. The number of rural poor had fallen to 55.75 million by 2015, with the incidence of poverty dropping to 5.7 percent, said the white paper published by the State Council Information Office under the title "China's Progress in Poverty Reduction and Human Rights."

The UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2015 shows that the proportion of people living in extreme poverty in China fell by half from 61 percent in 1990 to below 30 percent in 2002, and on down to 4.2 percent in 2014, said the white paper.

Notable improvement has been made to infrastructure and basic public services, and poverty-reduction mechanisms have been innovated, thus contributing to the guarantee of the basic rights of the impoverished population. This has laid a solid foundation for achieving a moderately prosperous society in all respects, according to the white paper. Enditem
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This morning on Morning Joe, co-host Mika Brzezinski asked The Washington Posts Margaret Sullivan to weigh in on Trumps attacks on journalists, and the Committee to Protect Journalist calling Trump an unprecedented threat to a free press.

CPJ warned last week that This is not about picking sides in an election. This is recognizing that a Trump presidency represents a threat to press freedom unknown in modern history.

Sullivan, who has been outspoken on the sinister tone adopted by Trump, answered that Its been a very paradoxical relationship, and pointed to the free advertising he received early in the campaign.

Watch courtesy of MSNBC:

And now things have gotten much tougher. And as a result, hes pushing back very, very hard. I think CPJ, the journalism rights organization, felt so strongly that they had to make a statement because they try to keep journalists safe around the world. And if press rights are threatened in America, that really has implications globally.

Though Sullivan opined that the threat is less to the safety of journalists than to threatening press rights with changed libel laws, but Donny Deutsch pointed to how basically, the press is in one area and they are booed and heckled and Trump actually uses that as a tool in these rallies. And its frightening when you see it.

Sullivan agreed, saying,

Yeah, its become a very ugly situation. And a very scary one, I think. And you know, for me, I guess Im such a true believer, I think that journalists have such an important role in our society. Its very, very hard to see this happening. And Im glad that CPJ has made such a strong statement.

Bianna Golodryga brought up the situation of journalists in Russia, where those who question Putin can be disappeared. What, she asked Sullivan, is more frightening to you, what Donald Trump has said or the fact that so many millions of his supporters believe him and agree with him with regards to the media?

Yeah, hes really riled people up and made people mistrust the media in a way that is really troubling to me because, again, I know how important our work is. And now theres this sort of feeling that were evil, were part of this rigged conspiracy. And its going to be very hard to go up against that. I think that we need to start telling our story a little bit better.

It is ironic that the mainstream media, which did so much both to build up Trump early on, not only by way of free advertising but in their initial refusal to fact-check him, is now being vilified by Trump for somehow rigging the election against him.

Really, this is just another case of Trump blaming others for being responsible for what he himself does and has done: Bill Clinton becomes the man Trump has been revealed to be, and even Hillary Clinton is accused of adultery. Trump has tried to rig two debates in his favor, and is now accusing the media of doing what he himself is doing, even though all they are really doing is, finally and at long last, their jobs as journalists.

Sullivan may have an idealistic idea of the press not shared by many Americans, disillusioned by the free advertising mainstream media outlets gave Trump, trading integrity for ratings and sales, but that does not make the threat she talks about here less real.

If the media has sometimes fallen down on the job, not all journalists have been to blame, and anyway, that time is mostly in the past, and few things Trump now says fail to be subject to fact-checking by a more diligent media, which only makes Trumps attacks more histrionic and angry.
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A 2013 Rochester John Marshall High School graduate was named the 2016 Air Force ROTC Outstanding Cadet of the Year.

Nicholas Cox was presented the award during the Air Force Association Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition on Sept. 19 in Washington, DC.

The AFA chooses one Outstanding Cadet annually from more than 13,000 throughout the country, based on academic achievement, physical excellence and military performance.

Cox is a senior at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. He is a member of AFROTC Detachment 410.

According to a an AFA press release, Cox has "consistently exhibited the utmost excellence in leadership, academics, fitness and character. He has a GPA of 4.0 in mechanical engineering and has been on the dean's list every semester. His total focus is on being a professional Air Force officer. He knows how to manage time and balance projects. He is actively involved with the Cadet Wing and Arnold Air Society. He is starting his fourth year as a college varsity competitive swimmer and has earned all-conference honors. His incredible drive to succeed was displayed when he was awarded distinguished graduate of field training in 2015 and served as a cadet trainer (CTA) in 2016. He instills confidence in his peers and makes sound decisions to promote Cadet Wing morale. Cox will graduate from the University of St. Thomas and commission as a second lieutenant in the spring of 2017."

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AFROTC is the largest and oldest source of commissioned officers for the Air Force. There are approximately 13,000 cadets enrolled at 145 AFROTC detachments on more than 1,100 campuses across the country.

Cox will report for flight training after graduation in 2017 with the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program.
The two candidates running for the House District 21A seat largely agree on what the biggest challenges are facing the state. Where they differ is on how best to tackle them.

Democrat Lisa Bayley and Republican Barb Haley are battling for the open house seat left vacant after Red Wing Republican Rep. Tim Kelly announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election. The race is considered one of the most competitive contests in the state.

Both candidates say the No. 1 thing they hear from voters is concern about soaring health insurance costs. Bayley, of Red Wing, said Minnesota's health insurance exchange  MNsure  has been "unsuccessful," and "I'd come close to calling it a disaster." But she said scrapping the state-run exchange won't do anything to reduce costs in the individual health insurance market.

"Blaming MNsure for high health costs is like blaming Travelocity for high airline costs. We have to deal with MNsure and all of its flaws, but we have to separately look at the cost of health care," she said.

To help bring those costs down, Bayley said she would focus on trying to limit surprise billing so consumers know how much procedures will end up costing them. More attention also needs to be spent on bringing down prescription drug costs. She also backs efforts to seek a federal waiver to reduce the number of health insurance rating areas in the state. Southeast Minnesota continues to have the highest rates in the state.

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Republican Barb Haley, of Red Wing, has a different view. She argues it's time to get rid of MNsure and move to the federally run exchange. She notes the state already has invested $400 million into the website, and it still is having trouble functioning.

To try to bring down costs, Hayley said she also supports reinstating something the state used to offer  a high-risk insurance pool. That would help move the sickest individuals out of the individual market while making sure they still have coverage. To lower insurance costs in southeast Minnesota, she said it is important to bring everyone  including Mayo Clinic  to the table.

"It's a disaster for everybody. When people are paying more for their health insurance than their mortgage and they are opting out of their health insurance because they can't afford it, it's a crisis," she said.

Encouraging economic growth

Both candidates say they are focused on promoting economic growth in greater Minnesota. To do that, Bayley supports boosting investment in public schools with the goal of making sure students are getting the training they need to fill vacant jobs. That includes reaching out to students interested in skilled trades  not just those planning to earn four-year degrees. She also is deeply concerned about a workforce housing shortage in greater Minnesota.

"We're getting historic lows of unemployment, but we have employers who can't get people down to Red Wing because there isn't decent workforce rental housing in our area. People don't want to drive from Hastings or wherever. There are other jobs they can get that are closer," she said.

Haley said it is important for state lawmakers to cut taxes and eliminate wasteful spending to help promote business growth. She said Minnesota is in the top 10 for taxes in virtually every category and that discourages businesses from coming to the state or expanding. She also is passionate about making sure students are learning about good jobs in the manufacturing sector and getting the training they need to get one of those jobs.

"This is an economic development imperative for the state," Haley said. "Why can't we incentivize schools to offer programs where we know the career demand is high?"

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She also is open to the idea of offering scholarships or loan forgiveness to students who pursue careers where there is a workforce shortage.

Bayley touts her experience serving on the Red Wing City Council as giving her an advantage when it comes to representing small, rural communities in St. Paul.

"Our needs are different from the needs of the metro area, and we need people who are from here who understand what is going on here, who can go up to St. Paul and tell them what our needs are and argue and advocate on behalf of this district," she said.

Haley notes her varied background, having spent 15 years working in business and volunteering with numerous nonprofits. She said she understands the complexities of health care. She served on the Fairview Hospital Board of Directors when the Red Wing facility was negotiating its merger with Mayo Clinic Health Systems.

She added, "I think I have the right experience for the time."

House District 21A: Lisa Bayley

House District 21A: Barb Haley
A fundamental disagreement over the role of government is at the heart of the election contest in House District 21B.

During his nine years in the Minnesota House, Rep. Steve Drazkowski has been an outspoken critic of attempts to increase the size of government. If re-elected, the Mazeppa Republican vowed he would keep up the fight to limit spending and reduce taxes.

"We need to be able to begin to put the brakes on the growth of government so that government can be forced to yield to the people instead of the people continually being forced to yield to the government," Drazkowski said.

His opponent is political newcomer Elise Diesslin. The Elgin Democrat frequently talks about the importance of making key investments to improve the state's future. Topping her funding priority list is education. She backs efforts to provide public pre-K for 4-year-olds and wants more done to limit soaring college tuition.

"(Lawmakers) should be looking at lowering the cost of college and education and making it more affordable," she said.

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When it comes to tackling rising health insurance costs, Drazkowski said the first step is getting rid of MNsure and moving to the federal exchange. He said other states that set up their own health insurance exchanges, such as Oregon and Hawaii, already have made the move.

"(MNsure) has failed Minnesotans, and it needs to go away," Drazkowski said.

He said he also backs efforts to restore "free-market controls" in the state's health insurance market.

Diesslin also has concerns with MNsure, but she said lawmakers shouldn't just get rid of it without putting together a comprehensive plan to replace it.

"If you want to scrap it, you need a plan. You can't just rip it out from under people," she said.

Diesslin said lawmakers should look for creative solutions, including Alaska's reinsurance program, which helps provide coverage for the state's sickest residents while getting them out of the individual health insurance market. She also wants to see increased transparency when it comes to prescription drug costs.

On the issue of taxes, Drazkowski said he would continue to push for broad tax relief. He also would focus attention on lessening the school tax burden for farmers. He said he would push to change state law so that when it comes to school construction levies, farmers are only taxed on their home, garage and one acre.

"We need to figure out how we can get the political will to go to a garage, a house and one acre," Drazkowski said.

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Diesslin said her approach to cutting property taxes would be to support increasing Local Government Aid. Those funds go to rural communities and help pay for basic services such as police and fire. She said it is important small communities have that support as they compete to keep residents.

"How can you argue with that help for a small, rural town? People could very easily not live in those rural towns and just move to Rochester and chose to live elsewhere," she said.

Drazkowski points to his experience and frank talk as a reason why voters should send him back to St. Paul.

"My constituents know and trust me. I'm somebody who is responsive to their needs, somebody who does what they say. With me, what you see is what you get," he said.

Diesslin said one major difference she sees between herself and Drazkowski is that she would be willing to keep an open mind and work with people with different views to come up with solutions. Through the years, she said, Drazkowski has developed a reputation of being a "no" man at the legislature.

She added Drazkowski does not seem to support the idea of having "discussions between two people and not just simply say, 'No, you are wrong.'"

House District 21B: Steve Drazkowski

House District 21B: Elise Diesslin
Mower County

Austin Mayo Medical Center hosts optical showcase

The Optical Shop Eyewear Showcase is scheduled 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

A large selection of designer frames will be showcased. Receive a 30 percent discount on complete pairs of eyeglasses including all frame brands and lenses, excluding Oakley Sun.

Refreshments will be available. The Optical Shop is located on the first floor of the medical center at 1000 First Drive NW.

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Dodge County

Oktoberfest proceeds go to Kenya mission trip

Grace Lutheran Church in Dodge Center will have an Oktoberfest meal from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29.

All proceeds from this meal will be given to the church's mission trip to Kenya. The meal will feature sauerbraten, dumplings, mashed potatoes and dessert. The meal cost is $13 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12, and free for kids 5 and under. Contact 507-633-2253 for more information.

Wabasha County

Candidate forum set for Tuesday

LAKE CITY  A candidate forum will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday for all Minnesota candidates on the ballot in Lake City.

The forum is sponsored by the Lake City Chamber of Commerce and the Women's Club of Lake City.

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Those invited to the forum include candidates running for Lake City City Council, Lake City School Board, state House Districts 21A and 21B, state Senate District 21, U.S. House Representative from Minnesota District 2 and County Court Judge for District 3. City administrator Mark Sievert will address the ballot initiative on vacating the south end of Washington Street.

The public will get an opportunity to ask questions of the candidates at the event. It will be held at the city council chambers in Lake City.

Goodhue County

Program celebrates river towns

RED WING  The Goodhue County Historical Society, in conjunction with the Smithsonian Water/Ways exhibit, presents "A Tale of Three River Towns: Winona, Read's Landing and Red Wing" at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The cost is $5 for nonmembers. Children 12 and younger are free of charge.

Learn how Winona, Read's Landing and Red Wing became established as leading Mississippi River towns, and explore the similarities and differences between each of their histories.

For more information, visit goodhuecountyhistory.org.

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Houston County

Methodist church offers workshop

La Crescent United Methodist Church's annual evangelism workshop is running through Wednesday. The program is free and open to the public.

Winona County

Dresbach Bridge steel donated

DRESBACH  Steel from the old Dresbach Bridge, the recently replaced crossing of the Mississippi River at Interstate 90, will be donated to the engineering research laboratory at Purdue University, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Ames Construction, the contractor on the bridge project, donated the steel to the university in West Lafayette, Ind. The university's S-BRITE Center has been collecting bridge components that recently have come out of service for its Bridge Component Gallery to support academic and professional training, MnDOT reported.

"This is a powerful teaching tool to help professional engineers, bridge inspectors and engineering students understand these important concepts," said Robert Connor, director of the S-BRITE Center.

Fillmore County

Rain slows highway repair

SPRING VALLEY  Rain has slowed progress on the County State Aid Highway 1 regrading and resurfacing project north of Spring Valley, according to Fillmore County Highway engineer Ron Gregg.

However, even though this year's rather wet summer and fall has disrupted work on the three-phase road construction and bridge replacement project that began in mid-May, the first phase still is slated for completion Nov. 15. Gregg anticipates the contractor meeting that date, barring unusual weather yet to come.
AUSTIN  The Hormel Foundation has made a unique grant to the Cedar River Watershed District in Mower County: $3.2 million for flooding and water quality improvement.

CRWD intends to use the grant to target 25 watershed projects that will address both flooding and water quality, which would help farm production in the long run.

"We're hoping to get one of the projects built some time in November," said project manager Cody Fox. "These are all going to be permanent projects."

There are three main kinds of projects in mind: creating basins to collect runoff; adding turf-reinforcements for ravines; and building large berms to detain floodwaters and protect crops and buildings.

"They're basically like dams, except earthen," Fox said. "They're going to let the water go through all the time, except in really big events, it's going to back up short term, then slowly drain out."

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The CRWD has listed several project locations, but they admit the ideas for what most needs to be done are constantly changing. They do know, however, that Dobbins Creek needs help.

"Dobbins Creek feeds one of our lakes, and it's filling with sediment," Mower SWCD/NRCS Water Plan & Outreach Coordinator Tim Ruzek said. "From a community improvement perspective, that's where the Hormel Foundation and the Austin Vision 2020 Waterways committee wanted to make a big step forward.

"It's not going to make swimming safe overnight, but you've got to start somewhere."

Dobbins Creek runs through Austin's northeast quarter and through prime farmland in Mower County. It has also been selected by the NRCS for funding through the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative.

Ruzek's committee, Austin Vision 2020, requested the funding in 2015. Once it was received, the CRWD planned to complete nearly $8 million worth of projects by 2020.

"Water quantity and quality have been longtime challenges to the Cedar River and its contributing streams," CRWD Administrator Justin Hanson wrote in the 2015 CRWD annual report.

The Cedar River is quite turbid, and with recent flooding in Iowa, the need to address both problems is clear to the district. Dirty floodwaters can be devastating to crops, as Fox noticed traveling through Waseca.

"On a lot of the corn that's still standing, you can see how high the water was," Fox said. "It's black to that point with sediment catching on to it."

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Numbers wise, he said that one of the projects  involving catching floodwater between two berms  could catch about 200 pounds of phosphorus and 200 tons of sediment to keep it on the land.

He said he's appreciated that producers have been receptive to their efforts and understand how it affects them.

"It's hard to do water quality projects in the city," Fox said. "A lot of these projects are going to involve working with agriculture producers. Most of them understand there's a connect they can be a part of, as long as we're being fair to them. We know tiling is going on, and getting the water off the fields is pretty important here. We're not trying to flood their fields, but to hold the water back long enough that we can make a difference in the quality of it and prevent floods.

It's a fine line, and we're in territory that some guys get a little nervous of. We respect that. But everyone's been pretty willing so far."
(Xinhua) 10:55, October 17, 2016

Graphics shows the poverty levels in China's rural areas according to the current rural poverty standard, Oct. 17, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING, Oct. 17 -- China has entered the crucial stage of poverty reduction as the fight against poverty remains tough despite remarkable achievements in the past, according to a white paper issued Monday.

China still has a large population living in profound poverty and the solutions to their problems are becoming increasingly costly and complex, said the white paper titled "China's Progress in Poverty Reduction and Human Rights".

"This will prove a hard nut to crack," the white paper said, referring to the country's poverty reduction task in future.

By the end of 2015, China still had 55.75 million people living in poverty, equivalent to the entire population of a medium-sized country.

Most of them live in extreme poverty and have weak capacity for development, while the time pressure is huge for China to accomplish its target of lifting all the poor out of poverty by 2020, the white paper said.

Moreover, a large number of those who just escaped poverty can be pushed back into it as a result of natural disasters, illness, or issues involving education, marriage and housing, according to the white paper.

To eradicate poverty by 2020, China has pledged to lift 10 million people out of poverty every year from 2016 through developing specialty industries, transfer employment, relocation and social security coverage.

Over the past more than 30 years since the launch of the reform and opening up drive, more than 700 million Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty.

According to the UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2015, the proportion of people living in extreme poverty in China fell from 61 percent in 1990 to 4.2 percent in 2014, with the number of citizens China has raised from poverty accounting for 70 percent of the world's total.
If you need evidence why Rochester Public Schools should change its school board election policy, look no further than the race for Seat 1.

As Rochester Community Baptist Church pastor Don Barlow challenges incumbent Richard Hinds for a spot on the board, we note the pair would make a dynamic team in a district that has struggled to bridge achievement gaps and overcome racial and economic disparities.

While most districts in the state put all at-large school board seats into a single race to select the top vote-getters, Rochester holds at-large elections for specific seats, narrowing choices for voters.

In Seat 1, it means voters will must choose between two candidates with similar goals and complementary outlooks.

Points of view

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Hinds, who joined the board in 2013, has often referred to his disadvantaged past when making decisions as a board member. Raised by a single parent in North Dakota, Hinds credits his Colombia-born mother for encouraging him to overcome socioeconomic barriers, which put him on a path to become a Mayo Clinic researcher.

Meanwhile, Barlow has increased his presence at board meetings since running for the school board two years ago, seeking to be a voice for community members who often feel left out of the conversation. He provides that voice with a variety of groups, including the Boys and Girls Club, Rochester's Police Policy Oversight Commission, Olmsted County's Social Services Advisory Board and the Community Gang Initiative.

While both candidates predictably point to a need focus on student achievement and making sure Rochester Public Schools are leading the pack when it comes to education, they also cite areas in which they think the district is currently falling short.

Hinds has been critical of lowering graduation standards and student expectations. He said doing so fails to prepare students for future decisions. Instead of preparing them for both college and a potential career after high school, it makes many student choose a path before graduation.

He said the school board must look to the future, noting its greatest challenge is determining which programs are working today while establishing an innovative path for tomorrow. "It's not a matter of dollars," he said. "It's a matter of innovation."

For Barlow, the district's biggest challenge is similar but involves presenting a clear education plan, rather than implementing individual programs. He said such a plan needs a new level of leadership. "Perhaps our biggest challenge is to quit excuse-making and start finding solutions," he said.

OCR report

When it comes to the district's response to the Office of Civil Rights report on discipline disparities, the candidates seek different approaches with similar goals.

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Barlow said he voiced concerns about discipline before the OCR report was released, noting a need for action. Since then, he said the district has taken the proper steps under an agreement with the Office of Civil Rights. "They have no other choice that to take the approach they are," he said.

Hinds disagrees, saying it's not the right approach. "I believe the things we are being asked to do do little or nothing to deal with the issue," he said, noting the district needs to do more to ensure all students are given the same opportunities within the school day.

He said extracurricular programs have their place, but students being left behind as a result of racial or economic barriers should not have to participate in them simply to achieve equal footing with their classmates. He said the system must change to provide equality in the school day.

Hinds' early response to the OCR report drew some criticism after a community forum at Riverside Elementary School in January, as Barlow pointed out while speaking with the Post Bulletin Editorial Board. During that meeting, Hinds took what some considered an adversarial role in defending the district's past actions, which Barlow said alienated some community members.

When he spoke to the editorial board, Hinds said he thinks it's fair for some people to accuse the district of being racist in light of the OCR report's findings, but he also noted that such a description doesn't adequately address the challenges of creating policy. He said the district must clarify discipline policies to ensure they are implemented fairly.

Common goals

While their approaches differ, it's clear both candidates want to create district policies to put students first and provide equal opportunities for all students.

As we pondered our endorsement in this race, we continued to lament the district's election policy which forces candidates to choose a seat, rather than truly running at-large for all three open seats.

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In the end, our endorsement comes down to the ability to connect with the community while serving on the front lines to provide residents of all backgrounds with a voice. Only one of the two candidates has actively put himself in a position to do that through community involvement.

The Post Bulletin Editorial Board endorses Don Barlow for Rochester School Board Seat 1.

Regardless of who is elected on Nov. 8, we encourage the other candidate to plan to run again in two years. We'd still love to see both candidates work as team to bridge gaps and overcome disparities.



Learn more

The Post Bulletin Editorial Board endorsements are offered to provide one view of candidates for local and regional offices.

We encourage you to do your own research as you get ready to vote.

To find out more about all candidates running for the Rochester School Board, attend the League of Women Voters forum at 5:30 p.m. today at the Rochester Public Library.

For information on polling places and sample ballots, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website at www.sos.state.mn.us.

Upcoming endorsements:

Tuesday

Rochester School Board, Seat 3

Deborah Seelinger vs. Bobbie Gallas

Wednesday

Rochester School Board, Seat 7

Ahmed Ragab vs. Mark Schleusner

Thursday

Minnesota House, District 21A

Lisa Bayley vs. Barb Haley

Minnesota House, District 21B

Steve Drazkowski vs. Elise Diesslin

Friday

Minnesota Senate, District 21

Matt Schmit vs. Mike Goggin

Saturday

Minnesota House, District 25A

Duane Quam vs. Linda Walbruch

Minnesota House, District 25B

Duane Sauke vs. Fran Bradley

Endorsements published:

Oct. 10: Olmsted County Board, District 3

Oct. 11: Olmsted County Board, District 7

Oct. 12: Rochester City Council, Ward 2

Oct. 13: Rochester City Council, Ward 4

Oct. 14; Rochester City Council, Ward 6

Oct. 15: Rochester City Council president

Past endorsements are available online at postbulletin.com/opinions
Iraqi forces have commenced an offensive to retake the city of Mosul, ISISs last main stronghold in Iraq. According to the Washington Post, the battle will be waged by tens of thousands of Iraqi troops, perhaps as many as 80,000.

The forces will consist of Kurdish peshmerga soldiers, Sunni tribal fighters, army, police, Shiite militias, and elite counterterrorism units. The U.S. will back their effort with air support and advisers on the ground.

The plan is for the Kurds to take the lead in the initial advance. As for the Shiite militias, they are are not authorized to enter Mosul, given fears about sectarian abuses in the majority Sunni city and how their advance would be perceived. Well see how that goes.

It seems almost certain that Mosul will fall. This will be a major defeat for ISIS. It was in Mosul, after all, that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announced the ISIS caliphate more than two years ago. Since then, ISIS has been driven from Tikrit, Ramadi, and Fallujah.

How quickly it will be driven from Mosul is unclear. Iraqs prime minister has said the city will be liberated by the end of the year, but some doubt that this is possible.

Progress will be slow because ISIS has fortified its defenses of the city in recent months by erecting concrete blast walls, digging trenches, and setting booby traps and explosive devices. The fact that between 1.2 million and 1.8 million Iraqis are still in the city obviously will complicate the campaign.

Meanwhile in Syria, ISIS recently suffered an embarrassing set back. Its forces have fled from Dabiq.

If the name of this village sounds familiar, its because this was to have been the site of what the Post describes, based on ISIS dogma, as an apocalyptic showdown between Christian and Muslim armies  an Islamic version of the battle of Armageddon that would herald the end of the world.

Contrary to this vision, it was Muslim fighters  albeit backed by U.S. airstrikes  who confronted ISIS in Dabiq, causing its fighters to flee. Nor did the world end.

Not all of the ISIS related news is good, however. Its well known that ISIS has become a substantial presence in Libya. Less known, perhaps, is its increasing success in the Sinai.

A few days ago, ISIS fighters attacked a military checkpoint in northern Sinai region, killing 12 Egyptian soldiers and wounding six more. According to the Post, Egypts Western allies are concerned about the regimes ability to curb the Islamic State. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi concedes that the war against ISIS in the Sinai Peninsula will be a long and difficult one.

It seems clear, then, that ISIS remains a force to be reckoned with in the Middle East and North Africa. In addition, it has demonstrated the ability to commit or incite major acts of terrorism in Western Europe and the U.S.

That capacity wont disappear with the fall of Mosul and Raqqa or with the defeat of ISIS in other outposts such as the Sinai Peninsula. But I have to believe that with each humiliating defeat ISIS suffers, its ability to attract recruits and inspire potential terrorists diminishes.
Dont mess with the price of Marmite in the United Kingdom.

Thats the lesson that Unilever will learn from its latest dustup with the countrys largest retailer, Tesco.

On Wednesday, the company removed all Unilever products from its website after the Marmite maker called for a 10 percent hike on all of its products. Unilever blamed the pounds falling value, which can be attributed to this past summers Brexit vote.

British journalists are casting Unilever as the villain. Many are referring to its owners as greedy Marmite bosses and calling their request for a price hike a great Marmite scam.

On Thursday, separate statements from each company acknowledged that the issue had been resolved.

From Unilever:

Unilever is pleased to confirm that the supply situation with Tesco in the UK and Ireland has now been successfully resolved. We have been working together closely to reach this resolution and ensure our much-loved brands are once again fully available. For all those that missed us, thanks for all the love.
The widow of a Nigerian activist is planning to sue Royal Dutch Shell in Dutch courts.

She alleged that the oil company was complicit in the execution of her husband by the Nigerian military in 1995, court documents filed in the U.S. last week show.

Esther Kiobel filed an application in New York to secure documents from Shells U.S. lawyers, which she could use in the Dutch action.

The filings with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District Court of New York said she planned to begin that action before the end of the year.

Kiobel will demonstrate that Shell encouraged, facilitated, and conspired with the Nigerian government to commit human rights violations against the Ogoni people, a memorandum in the application filed last week said.

According to Shell spokesperson, Shell remains firmly committed to supporting fundamental human rights in line with the legitimate role of business.

We have always denied, in the strongest possible terms, the allegations made by the plaintiffs in this tragic case, she said.

Ms. Kiobel previously took her lawsuit to the U.S. but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that the case could not be heard because the alleged activities took place outside the country.

In 2009 prior to that ruling Shell had agreed in the U.S. to pay $15.5 million to settle lawsuits related to other activists executed at the same time as Barinem Kiobel, including author and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.

Ms. Kiobels lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday.

(Reuters/NAN)
With liabilities of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) put at about N7 trillion, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Finance, Jones Onyereri, said on Monday the recovery of the debt could speed up the countrys economic recovery.

Out of the total portfolio, only about N1.4 trillion has been recovered, leaving a balance of about N5.6 trillion.

Mr. Onyereri was speaking in Sokoto at the opening of a retreat on capacity building for members of the committee on emerging issues in the financial and banking sectors of the economy.

He said the ability to recover all the debts could help the quick recovery of the economy from the current recession.

There is need for all institutions wanting to see Nigeria get out of the current economic situation to support the effort by AMCON to resolve the huge debt it carries. This is capable of rebounding the economy, he said.

Mr. Onyereri, however, expressed regrets that the current economic situation was a huge obstacle to the debt recovery efforts by AMCON.

He said the lawmakers could help by ensuring both the monetary and fiscal policy issues worked towards the same direction.

There is need for a convergence of monetary and fiscal policies through the establishment of the Financial Services Commission to create an avenue for both to work together to get the country out of the current economic situation.

The current economic situation has made AMCONs job to recover debts difficult. We have an obligation as lawmakers to assist AMCON effectively fulfill its mandate. We need to interact with AMCON for a better understanding of its challenges and how the National Assembly can help it succeed, he said.

The introduction of Asset Management Partners (AMPs), he noted, would help develop innovative ways to recover the debts within the ambit of the law.

AMPs are a consortium of professionals with specialist skills in banking, legal, valuation and accounting to strengthen AMCONs capacity in debt recovery.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AMCON, Ahmed Kuru, had told the lawmakers he was worried with the growing rascality among AMCON obligors, compelling the corporation to depend on the judiciary for meaningful recoveries.

Mr. Kuru said AMCON was dealing with obligors with established financial capacity to engage it from court to court in their plot to evade repayment, thereby sabotaging governments effort to resuscitate the economy.

He called on all relevant government agencies to support AMCON, saying failure to realise its mandate would mean the gains Nigeria recorded in 2010/2011 with the establishment of AMCON would be eroded.
In a renewed crackdown on companies with tax liabilities, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Monday, closed the premises of defaulting companies in Lagos, Ibadan and Port Harcourt.

In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the FIRS enforcement team, led by Ruth Madeun, shut down two companies having a combined tax debt of N1.077 billion. The companies are Lafarge Cement Limited and IGPES, both of which are said to be owing taxes dating back to four years. Lafarge is owing N10 million, while IGPES owes N1.3billion in Education Tax, Withholding Tax, Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax and late return penalty.

Mrs. Madeun explained that while IGPES stopped tax remittance between 2011 and 2015, Lafarge stopped in 2012. She warned that the FIRS will prosecute anybody who unseals the company premises if the tax liabilities are not settled.

Breaking of our seals is a criminal offence and anybody involved in such an act will be prosecuted, she warned.

In Lagos, the FIRS enforcement team, led by Chinazor Edeh, shut down the premises of Dori Construction and Engineering Nigeria Limited at 901, Balarabe Musa Crescent, Victoria Island, over tax liabilities of N253 million. Two company officials said they were not aware that the company had such a huge tax debt.

Earlier, the team had sealed off the office of Global Energy Nigeria Limited, located at 182b, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island. The company has tax liabilities totalling N13 million, accumulated between 2010 and 2013. The companys managing director blamed the firms failure to pay on the current inclement economic conditions.

But Mr. Edeh told him that the company provided a payment plan, agreed to by the FIRS, which it has failed to implement and ordered its premises shut at 11 a.m.

The team then moved to Bono Energy at 19, Amodu Tijani Close, Victoria Island, where a male company official pleaded for time to pay a tax debt of N13million. But the plea was rejected and the company shut.

The FIRS team in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, shut down the premises of the Lebanese-owned Karmadex Nigeria Limited, a livestock company. Efforts by the management staff to ask for more time to enable it pay the N12.3million its owes were futile, as the company was shut down.
Emergency service workers in Eastern Aleppo on Monday said 14 members of one family were killed in an air strike.

The incident happened as Syrian government intensified its drive to capture opposition-held areas of the city.

The list of people killed in the city, as reported by Civil Defence rescue service, included several infants, among them two six-week old babies and six other children aged eight and below.

Civil Defence rescue service operating in rebel-held areas of Syria, whose workers are known as White Helmets, identified the jets as Russian that attacked Aleppos al-Marjeh area.

Separate air strikes on the village of Awaijel west of Aleppo killed at least 23 people and the toll is expected to increase, Syrian Human Rights monitoring group, has reported.

The Syrian governments Moscow-backed campaign had led to the death of several hundreds of people since it started last month after the collapse of a truce brokered by Russia and the United States.

The report said it had documented the deaths of 448 people in air strikes in eastern Aleppo since then, including 82 children.

The Syrian and Russian armed forces say they only target militants.

Since the campaign was announced on September 22, the Syrian government had captured territory from rebels to the north of Aleppo and reported advances in the city itself.

However the rebels say they had repelled the advances into the city.

A Syrian military source said the army targeted terrorists in three areas of Aleppo, killing seven of them.

The government refers to all rebel fighters as terrorists.

The report said additional 17 people were killed in attacks by Russian jets on Sunday night in the al-Qarterji district of rebel-held Aleppo which included five children.

The monitoring group said it recorded the deaths of 82 people including 17 children in government-held areas of western Aleppo from shelling by rebels.

(Reuters/NAN)
Students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomosho may not resume anytime soon despite being at home since June 9 when workers of the university began a strike over non-payment of salaries.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union, and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities in the university had declared the strike to protest a perennial crisis arising from lack of funds to run the institution and pay its workers.

LAUTECH is jointly owned by Oyo and Osun, the two states that constituted old Oyo State before Osun was excised in 1991 to form a separate state.

The failure of the two states in fulfilling their shared funding responsibility provoked the workers to shut down the institution, just before the students were scheduled to begin their second semester examinations.

Osun, which has since established a university of its own, is the more guilty party in the failure to disburse funds as it owes bulk of the debts that have stalled the operations of LAUTECH.

A perceived lack of commitment by the state to the university prompted the monarch of the host community, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oyewumi, to call on Oyo State to take sole ownership of the institution.

Mr. Oyewumis call was picked up by a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Olawunmi Oladeji (Ogbomoso North/LP), and nine other members who sponsored a motion for review of the joint ownership of the university.

Following the motion, the Assembly summoned the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Adeniyi Olowofela, and his counterpart for Justice, Oluwaseun Abimbola, to appear before it on September 27 for briefing on the matter.

After the briefing, the Assembly directed the commissioners to submit within two weeks a two-part report containing recommendations for short-term solution to the lingering crisis that would ensure immediate return of students and workers to the university, as well as for how Oyo State could become its sole owner.

The move towards divesting Osun of interest in LAUTECH was however criticized by some prominent indigenes of the state, including the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and Babajide Omoworare, a senator from the state.

The two states, run by the All Progressives Congress, have repeatedly promised to offset their arrears of funds but have yet to match word with action.

PREMIUM TIMES inquiries indicate that the two state governments have indeed made some disbursements, but have also attached conditions to access of the funds.

A top management staff of the university, who pleaded anonymity, said Oyo State government disbursed about N500 million, while Osun State has released N50 million from the N3.8 billion it owes the university.

However, according to the source, the Oyo State Government has directed that salaries of only workers who are indigenes of the state could be paid from the N500 million it disbursed.

This directive has caused disquiet among the workers, as some view it as a ploy to ease out workers of Osun origin from the university.

Another top official of the university, who also asked not to be named as he was not authorized to speak on the development, said the directive was necessary to force Osun State to make up its mind whether it wants to continue as a joint owner of LAUTECH.

If the state is paying only N50million out of N3.8 billion naira, what do you expect us to do? the official said.

The official, however, said in spite of the disbursements, the resumption of students and staff is not yet in sight.

The various staff unions are also calling for dissolution of the universitys governing council, citing alleged corruption.

When contacted on phone to comment on the crisis in the institution, the universitys Public Relations Officer, Lekan Fadeyi, directed our reporter to the registrar.

The Registrar, J.A Agboola, however refused to speak on the issues raised in this report.

I know you are a gentleman, I cannot be speaking on what a government has done or not, especially as a public servant. I am not the Bursar, he said when asked to confirm the release of funds.

When told that the PRO identified him as the right person to comment on the issue, he said

It is true, I should be the spokesman for the school but I cannot tell you anything on this issue.

I am not saying no money was paid but I cannot speak on what the governors said, Mr. Agboola stated.

The Vice Chancellor, Adeniyi Gbadegesin, also declined to speak with the press on the issues.

A don, Timothy Adebayo, who was a former member of the universitys management, would also not comment.

Mr. Adebayo, a professor, said I am not the Chief Accounting Officer. In fact, I stopped being the deputy vice chancellor since July, so I am not in the best position to comment.

The Deputy Governor of Osun State, Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, who doubles as the states commissioner of education, did not respond to several text messages to her phone.

Meanwhile, PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the management is considering increasing tuition fees of the institution as an internal measure around the financial problems of the Ogbomoso-based university.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the western Indian state of Goa, Oct. 15, 2016. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

GOA, India, Oct. 15 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met Russian President Vladimir Putin here Saturday, and the two sides vowed to advance bilateral ties and boost cooperation within multilateral frameworks.

Xi arrived in the western Indian state of Goa earlier in the day for the eighth summit of the emerging-market bloc of BRICS, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

He recalled that leaders of the five countries met last month on the sidelines of the 11th summit of the Group of 20 major economies in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, where they had an in-depth exchange of views on promoting BRICS cooperation and reached many important consensuses.

China, said the president, hopes that the BRICS summit in Goa will achieve positive results and inject new impetus into BRICS cooperation.

As China will hold the rotating chair of BRICS in 2017, Beijing stands ready to work with Russia and all other parties concerned to make a success of the ninth summit, he added.

Noting that both China and Russia are permanent members of the UN Security Council and major emerging-market countries, Xi said the two countries should strengthen coordination and cooperation within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS and other multilateral frameworks.

The two sides, he added, should jointly promote a more just and reasonable international order and safeguard the interests of the emerging-market countries and developing countries.

Recalling that he and Putin held a fruitful meeting last month in Hangzhou and reached important consensuses on advancing the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, he said the two sides should now earnestly push for their implementation.

Putin, for his part, said he is delighted to see that Russia and China have maintained close communication at high levels and in various fields, which is very important to consolidating bilateral ties.

Russia is committed to enhancing cooperation with China within multilateral frameworks and supports China in hosting the ninth BRICS summit next year, he added.

Calling China an important economic partner of Russia, Putin said his country is willing to deepen cooperation with the Chinese side in such areas as energy, transport infrastructure, aviation manufacturing and space.

Moscow, he said, also supports the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union in aligning its development strategies with the China-proposed Silk Road Economic Belt initiative and carrying out cooperation with the Chinese side.

The two leaders also had an in-depth exchange of views on the Korean Peninsula situation and other global and regional issues of shared concern.

They agreed to maintain close communication and coordination to jointly safeguard peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the common interests of the two countries as well.

India holds the rotating chair of BRICS this year, and a summit has been scheduled for the weekend in the coastal state of Goa.
Some Nigerian students on a sponsored scholarship under a Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) are presently undergoing hardship due to the Nigerian governments inability to fulfil its commitment to the programme.

As part of the scholarship, the Russian government was to take care of tuition and accommodation while the Nigerian government was to provide stipends that include medical and warm clothing fees.

The $500 stipend has not been paid by the Nigerian government for the past 12 months.

One of the affected students, Ibrahim Mukhtar, told PREMIUM TIMES that, Whats even more disheartening is the fact that the Russian government always fulfils its part of the bilateral agreement (paying our tuition and accommodation), yet our fatherland forgets about us totally.

The inability of the Nigerian government to pay our stipends has left us borrowing and owing. Scholarship students are left with the option of getting money through various illegal means or risk being thrown out of our hostels and subsequently getting deported, the third year student of Information and Communications Technology added.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the students currently face a huge problem in extending their visa, renewing their health insurances and getting warm clothes in preparation for winter.

The students under the auspices of the Association of Nigerian Scholarship Students in Russia have approached the Nigerian Embassy to intervene but all to no avail.

According to Mr. Mukhtar, the embassy instead tried to stop students from protesting over their plight.

However, the students have organized a protest to hold at the Nigerian embassy in Russia, despite a threat by the Embassy to revoke their scholarships if they go ahead with the protest.

Simultaneously, parents and concerned persons will also be protesting at the Federal Ministry of Education and the Central Bank of Nigeria on the same date.

Officials of the Federal Scholarship Board, the parastatal in the Education Ministry responsible for the scholarship, are yet to respond to PREMIUM TIMES inquiry on reasons for the non-payment of the allowances.
The Chaplain of Aso Villa Chapel, Seyi Malomo, has explained his stance on recent media reports alleging Aso Villa was infested with evil spirits and demons.

Rather than take the report as truth, Mr. Malomo said on Sunday, Nigerians should dedicate themselves to praying for Gods righteousness to take over the land.

I am not saying there are no evil spirits. I am also not saying there are, he said.

I dont know what people believe. For me, I believe it is only righteousness that exalts a nation.

Evil spirit is everywhere. Even the street you live, dont you have witches and wizards there? he added.

Mr. Malomo said his advice was for citizens to pray for Nigeria and its leaders, particularly President Muhammadu Buhari, his family and all those working in the presidential villa, for God to cleanse the Nigerian seat of government of all alleged demonic influences.

The Chaplain was speaking in Abuja in a exclusive chat with PREMIUM TIMES shortly after delivering a sermon as guest preacher during the African International College (AIC), Abuja thanksgiving/welcome service for its 2016/2017 freshers.

Despite allegations the presidential villa was full of evil spirits, Mr. Malomo said there was nothing above prayers to seek Gods intervention to restore righteousness in Nigeria.

All we need to do as Nigerians is to pray that wherever evil exists, God should make His righteousness to take over.

As Nigerians, our responsibility is to continue to pray for the president and his cabinet, and every part of the country, particularly the Villa, for righteousness to take over, Mr. Malomo said.

The claims of evil spirit at the presidential villa heightened when a former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben Abati, said in an article in the Guardian that he was totally convinced Aso Rock Abuja is full of evil spirits.

Mr. Abati recalled several incidents of fire outbreaks at the Aso Villa during his stay there.

Around the Villa while I was there, someone always died or their relations died. I can confirm every principal officer suffered one tragedy or the other. It was as if you needed to sacrifice something to remain on duty inside that environment, he said.

Even some of the women became merchants of dildo because they had suffered a special kind of death in their homes  and many of the men complained about something that had died below their waists too.

The ones who did not have such misfortune had one ailment or the other that they had to nurse. From cancer to brain and prostate surgery and whatever, the Villa was a hospital full of agonizing patients.

A former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, agreed with Mr. Abati, saying a lot of very strange things happened there when he worked at the villa as spokesperson to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He listed some of the strange things he noted happened as the death of Mr. Obasanjos assistants, Tunji Oseni and Remi Oyo, who he said contracted terrible terminal illnesses whilst in office and died few years after leaving office.

Mr. Fani-Kayode also said several other aides who worked in the Villa at the time were also afflicted with strange diseases and a sudden and tragic end. He mentioned such people as Mr. Obasanjos ex-aide de camp, Solomon Amu, and former Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Stanley Macebuh.

Mr. Fani-Kayode had made a similar allegation about the aviation industry. He said that during his time as minister there was a blood sucking cult in the ministry that believed shedding human blood brought power and wealth.

There is definitely a spiritual aspect to this (plane crashes). In my view, there has always been a blood cult operating in the ministry of aviation. There are some people that are very strange, he said.
The Nigerian government will only continue negotiations with the Boko Haram if they agree to involve international agencies like ICRC (Red Cross), President Muhammadu Buhari has said.

The Nigerian leader, who met with the President of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer, thanked the international agency for its role in the discussions that led to the release of 21 of the kidnapped Chibok girls.

The 21 girls and over 180 others were kidnapped by the Boko Haram from their secondary school in Chibok, Borno State, in April 2014.

According to a statement by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, Mr. Buhari also told his guest that Nigerias biggest problem was handling the over 2 million people displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Read Mr. Adesinas full statement below:

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the role played by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the release of the 21 abducted Chibok schoolgirls, urging it to sustain humanitarian interest in Nigeria.

Meeting with Peter Maurer, ICRC President, at State House, Abuja, Monday, President Buhari said his administration is prepared to continue talks with the Boko Haram insurgent group, as long as they agree to involve international agencies like ICRC.

Weve seen the result of recent talks, 21 of the Chibok girls are back, the President said, referring to the role played by ICRC in providing immediate humanitarian assistance to the girls, who had spent over 900 days in the hands of their abductors.

President Buhari said Nigerias biggest problem was perhaps the issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs). He said there were over 2 million of them, made up of over 60% women and children. About 60% of the children dont know their parents, or where they come from. It is weighing heavily on government.

On rebuilding of destroyed infrastructure, President Buhari said it was a priority of government, noting that the G7 had equally indicated support, which Nigeria heartily welcomed.

We appreciate all your efforts. I am pleased you recognized that our military is cooperating with civil authorities, and respecting humanitarian issues. It is a difficult time for Nigeria. About 27 of our 36 states couldnt pay salaries when we came last year, and we are still struggling with that. But we will get out of it, the President said.

Mr. Maurer, the ICRC President, said their operation in the Lake Chad region is the second largest in the world, after Syria, adding that there are nutritional, health, water and sanitation issues in the North-east, in addition to rebuilding of infrastructure.

We are ready to engage and play supportive role in responding to crisis in Nigeria. Security is a lot better than it was a year ago, but humanitarian problems are serious, and dont disappear so quickly, Mr. Maurer said.

The ICRC President also commended Nigeria for granting increased access to detainees, and exchanges with the Armed Forces.

He added: Detention facilities have improved, there are fewer deaths, and things are better health-wise.
Three mobile police officers on patrol were shot dead in the early hours of Monday on a road between Plateau and Kaduna states, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

The incident occurred at Hawan Kibo, the boundary between Plateau and Kaduna states.

Although the police spokesperson, Terna Tyopev, could not be reached at press time, a police source who confirmed the attack said the officers rifles were also taken away.

The source said the incident occurred at the same spot where two police officers attached to the special task force on Jos crisis were shot and killed earlier in the year.

Mondays killing occurred about 24 hours after gunmen raided Godogodo community, a settlement in Jamaar Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Several residents have since abandoned the community while travellers on the Jos-Kafanchan-Abuja road have also deserted the route.
A former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, will pass the night at the Economic and Financial Crimes headquarters in Abuja, his counsel told PREMIUM TIMES Monday night.

James Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and lead counsel to Mr. Obanikoro, said the former minister will likely be grilled overnight by detectives after he arrived the commissions office earlier on Monday.

He submitted himself to them upon returning to the country this morning, Mr. Onoja said in a telephone interview. Unfortunately, he wont be out again today.

Mr. Onoja said his client has written a statement and informed investigators all that he believed transpired.

He told them all he knew in his statement, so we hope hell be released tomorrow.

He, however, added that If hes not released, then well have to do the needful. At least we have the courts and this is still a country that should be governed by the rule of law.

Mr. Obanikoro arrived the country in the early hours of Monday, saying he returned home to clear himself of corruption allegations.

He has been having a running battle with the anti-graft agency for several months on charges bordering on financial crimes.

He left for the U.S. shortly after his party lost the 2015 elections and ceased being a minister.

The EFCC accused him of using his sons, Gbolahan and Jide, to take out government contracts worth about N4.7 billion that were never executed.

Mr. Obanikoro has also been implicated in the Ekiti elections scandal where soldiers allegedly connived with the then PDP candidate, Ayo Fayose, to manipulate the elections. Mr. Fayose later won the election against the incumbent governor and APC candidate, Kayode Fayemi. Mr. Obanikoro was minister of state for defence then but has denied any wrongdoing, It is not immediately clear if would answer questions about that allegation too.

The former senator had initially vowed not to return to the country alleging persecution by the Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government as a means to discredit him.

Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC spokesman, could not immediately give updates of Mr. Obanikoros case to PREMIUM TIMES Monday night.

I have been away from the office for many hours, Mr. Uwujaren said.
The Kaduna State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Kafanchan, the headquarters of Jemaa local government area of the state.

The curfew was imposed on Sunday after youth in the area set up road blocks and burnt vehicles on Kafanchan-Kagoro road, in retaliation of an attack on Saturday in which many people died in Godogodo Chiefdom of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that several people had been killed in the area and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.

According to residents, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES Monday, the youth took to the streets in retaliation of attacks carried out by herdsmen in some villages of the area.

Kafanchan is still under siege and movement is restricted up till this Monday morning, a resident, Hamza Maikifi, said. But it was a disaster for residents since Saturday. Many people lost their lives and properties. Many also sustained injuries, he said.

Mr. Maikifi also said travellers were attacked in a protest that started as peaceful.

Youth in the area wanted to show their anger to the government on the activities of herdsmen in some villages of the area when everything went out of control, he said.

A civil servant, Hannatu Bature, said even as I am talking to you now, we are hearing of arrival of more soldiers and policemen.

The government was actually quick to respond to the irate boys, if not, the whole of Kafanchan would have been burnt to ashes.

Some people were attacking innocent travellers and you know Kaduna; it would have transformed into a religious or ethnic crisis, Ms. Bature said.

She urged government to handle this herdsmen-villagers crisis once and for all.

The interim chairman of Jemaa local government, Bege Katuka, told journalists in Kafanchan that the curfew would remain in force until normalcy was restored.

Mr. Katuka said the measure was to check further breach of the law by youth who were setting up illegal road blocks.

We have received reports that youth had barricaded Kafanchan-Kagoro road along Garaje area and have burnt cars belonging to innocent persons, he said.

What is paramount now is the security of lives and property. The security will not relent in its effort to repel the attackers.
The Lagos State University, LASU, says its admissions merit list for the 2016/2017 academic session will be released in the next few days by the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Acting Head, LASUs Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations, Adekoya Martins, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos.

Mr. Martins said the number of students to be offered admission on the merit list could not be ascertained by the university because it was being handled by JAMB.

He said the university had sent a list of the successful candidates for the first batch of its admission screening to JAMB for approval.



Information reaching me from the admission office is that JAMB will release the merit list this week, but the number of the admitted students is undisclosed.

We cannot actually determine the number of students that JAMB will approve for us in the first batch from the list that was sent to the board by the university, he said.

According to him, the screening form for the second list will be out as soon as the merit list candidates are released.

He said that only candidates that choose the university as second choice could purchase the form.

Mr. Martins said sequel to the exercise for the screening of the second list candidates, a supplementary list would also be released.



LASU had adopted online screening of candidates for admission for the 2016/2017 academic session.

The institutions Vice-Chancellor, Olanrewaju Fagbohun, said that only candidates who chose LASU would be screened online.

Mr. Fagbohun, a professor, said that an online application portal had already been designed for the candidates to upload their results, certificates and other relevant data.

The university will go online and shortlist the credentials of successful candidates, who chose LASU as their first choice for onward transmission to JAMB, he said.

(NAN)
The International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, has said it budgeted 136 million Swiss francs (about $138 million) for humanitarian services in the Lake Chad Region in 2016.

ICRC President, Peter Maurer, made disclosure in a statement issued by ICRC Media Unit, Abuja Office on Monday.

He said that the organisation conducted substantial humanitarian activities throughout the region in the year.

He added that the organisation had delivered food to hundreds of thousands of displaced persons around the region.

Over the first half of this year, the organisation delivered food to over 500,000 displaced people.

Its overall budget allocated to the region in 2016 amounts to 136 million Swiss francs, he said.

Mr. Maurer called on the international community to urgently address the vast human tragedy around the world, especially in the region.

He called for more sustained and long-term international efforts to address the massive needs in the four countries affected by violence in the Lake Chad area.

The ICRC president expressed concern at the deplorable condition of no fewer than 30,000 displaced people in Garin Wanzam village in Diffa Region in Niger, which he visited recently.

He said the displaced persons, who were dependent on humanitarian aids, were still fearful of returning home.

The village of Garin Wanzam is just one example of the vast human tragedy playing out across the entire Lake Chad region, where some 2.6 million people have been driven from their homes.

Over six million people are caught up in a daily struggle to put food on the table, Mr. Maurer said.

He called on all parties involved in the regional conflict to protect and respect civilians, detainees and the wounded, based on their obligations under International Humanitarian Law.

(NAN)
The first thing that the tyrant seeks to do is to label you as a corrupt beast. After that he can kill you without any fear of reprisal.

 Femi Fani-Kayode, PDP chieftain and former minister of aviation in Nigeria, on the SSSs crackdown on some Nigerian judges for alleged corrupt practices (Source: Twitter)

Public backing is a sine qua non for all successful anti-corruption wars. Only governments that consistently acted lawfully earned it.

 Former minister of education and a leader of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, Oby Ezekwesili, on recent arrest of judges by the State Security Services (SSS) (Source: Premium Times)

Its been a while since Ive seen some of them smile. Indeed, God has smiled on us today!

 Chinwe Madubuike, a broadcaster and development specialist, on the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners reactions to the release of 21 Chibok girls by Boko Haram (Source: Twitter)

I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room.

 President Muhammadu Buhari responding to his wife, Aishas allegation that Mr. Buharis administration has been hijacked by a cabal (Source: Premium Times)

Strong men dont need to put down women to make themselves feel powerful. People who are truly strong lift others up.

 U.S First Lady, Michelle Obama, attacking the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, for his lewd remarks against women (Source: BBC)

If a judge is corrupt, he is no longer a judge, he is a thief and therefore he should be treated as such, according to the law and sent to jail.

 A retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Samson Uwaifo, on the recent arrest of judges by the State Security Services (Source: Channels TV)

Never attack your wife for saying your mouth stinks. Others may say it smells nice, but shes the one who visits it regularly.

 Reno Omokri, a pastor and social commentator (Source: Twitter)

Aso Villa should be converted into a spiritual museum, and abandoned.

 Former presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, in an opinion article, says the seat of government in Nigeria was infested with powerful demons (Source: The Guardian)

To be a homosexual is honourable, a gift from God.

 Nigerian gay pastor, Jide Macaulay (Source: Linda Ikeji blog)

So many Americans feel like this election is being rigged.

 Mike Pence, running mate to the Republican candidate for U.S presidential election, Donald Trump, on the forthcoming American election (Source: The UK Guardian)
While responding on Friday to his wife, Aishas claims that his administration has been hijacked by a cabal, Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari said, I dont know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room.

Mr. Buharis comment immediately went viral on the internet.

The comment made big headline in almost all the major newspapers in the country, and Nigerians were quick to push to the back burner, the release of the 21 Chibok girls, and everyone got talking about the impropriety or otherwise of the comment.

Mr. Buharis comment was made in far away Berlin, Germany, while standing next to his host, the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel who, as one foreign newspaper noted, seemed to glare at him.

By Friday night, a search for Buhari + my wife + my kitchen on Google propped up 134,000 results! It climbed up to about 232,000 on Sunday afternoon.

Some Nigerians, with a wicked sense of humour, went further to pick the phrase  the other room  from the presidents comment, hashtaged it, and then set in motion a deep conversation on what the president actually meant. By Friday night, #TheOtherRoom was trending on Twitter.

The name of the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, was also trending, Friday, on Twitter, and so was Aso Rock, an alias for Nigerias Presidency.

The First Family had also become the focus of hot debates and gossips on several Whatsapp groups and blogs.

Some Nigerians also kick-started #iStandWithAishaBuhari and #AishaMustNotBeSilenced campaigns on Facebook.

By Sunday afternoon, there were more than 54,000 people talking about the First Lady on Facebook, a check on the social media site showed. About 1,000 people were talking about #TheOtherRoom.

President Buhari can say his wife belong to his kitchen & living room, but cant bring himself to say bedroom in public. Lol #TheOtherRoom, Ayo Shonaiya, a filmmaker and TV producer, tweeted.

If your wife start addressing you in public then is clear that there are unsolved issues in #TheOtherRoom, another Nigerian tweeted from the handle @mr_muftyy.

A popular Nollywood actress, Nse Ikpe-Etim (@NseIkpeEtim), tweeted, We are finally getting to the root of #TheOtherRoom.

Some Nigerians saw Mr. Buharis comment as promoting the stereotype that a womans place was in the kitchen, and that an average Nigerian woman wasnt expected to be part of national politics. Some went as far as comparing Mr. Buhari with the Republican presidential candidate in the U.S, Donald Trump, exposed recently in a video for his 2005 lewd remarks about American women.

The presidencys clarification that Mr. Buharis comment was only a joke couldnt help to slow down the nationwide indignation against the president.

My friends, cant a leader get a sense (of) humour anymore? Mr. President laughed before that statement was made, presidential spokesman, Mr. Shehu, responded to the attacks against Mr. Buhari.

He was obviously throwing a banter.

Mr. President respects the place of women in our society. He believes in the abilities of women.

Politics sometimes should be spiced with humour. Those of us around him know there is never a dull moment with him.

One of Nigerias most sensitive offices today is headed by a woman, Mrs. (Kemi) Adeosun. This is an evidence of the confidence he reposes on women, Mr. Shehu said.

Some Nigerians did not accept that argument.

There is no joke or sarcasm in what he said. Stop trying to find one, said a young female legal practitioner from Akwa Ibom State, Enwongo Cleopas, who took on Mr. Shehu and others defending Mr. Buharis comment as being a joke.

Ms. Cleopas said on Facebook that she was incensed and disappointed with the president.

You look at me in all my glory and splendour and all you want is to box me into a kitchen or the bedroom.

The church is a part of this. All your religious centres are part of this. The government is a part of this. Your traditional groups are part of this. Your worth as a woman is attached to your skills in the kitchen or anywhere else they deem fit. Not because youre human.

Ms. Cleopas shared her personal experience to buttress her point that the presidents comment could only help to re-enforce existing stereotypes against women.

I still remember a family friend who came to stay with us and told me that I shouldnt be watching the news in the evening rather I should be busy in the kitchen. God helped him, my dad was around and my choice of words had to be flowery and so polite but I shocked him that day.

Whenever I meet a guy and one of the first thing he asks me is can you cook?, I always go north coast with my reply. Of all the amazing and interesting things we can talk about, your interest is my skill in the kitchen or my humility. Miss me with your silliness.

Inibehe Effiong, another young lawyer and human rights activist, condemned the presidents comment as being repulsive to civilization.

A womans destiny is not in the kitchen, living room or (the) other rooms, Mr. Effiong said on Facebook.

President Buhari could have responded to his wifes outbursts in a more decent, mature and respectful manner. His choice of words was wrong.

What Aisha Buhari said is not novel. She may have taken it too far by doing so publicly but who knows whether she had a better alternative?

In the long run, the comments will affect the President badly. Donald Trump is suffering today because he made similar comments in the past.

FIELD DAY FOR CRITICS

The presidents critics are already having a field day, everywhere on the Internet  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and so on.

Reno Omokri, a social commentator and one of Mr. Buharis fiercest critics, uploaded on Twitter, Friday, a photo of him (Omokri) kissing his wife.

Mr. Omokri said of the photo, This is me kissing my wife. She belongs by my side. I enter the kitchen to cook for her. She has added value to me!

The next day, Mr. Omokri uploaded several nuggets tweets, apparently aimed at picking hole in President Buharis my wife belongs to kitchen comment.

Never attack your wife for saying your mouth stinks. Others may say it smells nice, but shes the one who visits it regularly, he tweeted.

The first place man displays leadership ability is in his home. If he cant lead well there, he cant lead well in other areas, he said in another tweet.

And another, Dont just treat your wife the way your dad treated your mum. Instead, treat her the way you wanted your dad to treat your mum.

Just like Mr. Omokri, another fierce critic of President Buhari, Ben Murray-Bruce, posted on Twitter, a photo of himself (Murray-Bruce) kissing his wife. Mr. Murray-Bruce, a Peoples Democratic Party senator from Bayelsa State, said of the photo:

This is my beloved wife Evelyn. She belongs by my side because beside (not behind) great men are even greater women!

A former minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, also took to Twitter to criticize the president.

When our President can get up and tell the whole world all the way from distant Germany that his wife belongs to the kitchen, the living room and the other room simply because she dared to speak her mind to the BBC then you know that he is in the grip of something evil and that demons are speaking through him, Mr. Fani-Kayode said.
Two judges of the Federal High Court, Abuja, whose homes were raided by operatives of the State Security Service for alleged corruption have resumed sitting days after the National Judicial Council, NJC, described the raid as illegal.

The judges, Adeniyi Ademola and Nnamdi Dimgba, presided over court sessions for cases slated to continue on Monday by their various courts.

While Mr. Ademola and six other judges were arrested after the raids, Mr. Dimgba was not.

The SSS said it arrested the seven judges across the nation after petitions bothering on allegations of fraud were made against them and neglected by the NJC. The agency said it had enough evidence to prosecute the judges for corruption.

The security service also alleged that it recovered tens of thousands of dollars and millions of naira from Mr. Ademolas residence.

Mr. Ademolas arrest was the most dramatic as he locked himself in a room and told his aides to lie he was not at home, multiple sources including those close to the judge told PREMIUM TIMES.

Knowing the claim was false, the SSS broke down Mr. Ademolas doors to arrest him.

IM BEING PERSECUTED

in his reaction to the allegations, Mr. Ademola said he was forced to attest to the alleged discoveries at gun point.

He alleged that the search conducted at his residence and his subsequent arrest were meant to punish him for rulings he had given in favour of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, and leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, against the wish of the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.

Mr. Ademola also mentioned an old score he said he had with Mr. Malami as a reason for his arrest.

The NJC had also denied reports by the SSS that petitions written against the seven judges were neglected.

In its reaction to the matter, the NJC detailed its findings on the activities of the SSS relating to the judges. The council said only two separate complaints had come from the SSS regarding two of the judges.

The judges whose homes were raided include, Messrs. Dimgba and Ademola, both of the Federal High Court Abuja; Justices John Okoro and Sylvester Nguta of the Supreme Court; Muazu Pindiga of Gombe; Kabiru Auta of Kano High Court; Innocent Okoro, outgoing Enugu State Chief Judge; as well as Mohammed Tsamiya, an appeal court judge in Illorin.

Responding to issues arising from the raid, Mr. Malami said the SSS was merely discharging its constitutional function of investigation. He said corruption is a threat to the security of any nation.

Over one week after the raids and arrests, the SSS is yet to file charges against the affected judges.
The parents of 14 years old Ese Oruru who was taken to Kano from Bayelsa in August 2015, where she was allegedly forced into a marriage, have berated her continued stay in police protective custody.

The Federal High Court Yenagoa on Monday adjourned Ese Orurus abduction case to December 8, 2016.

The parents lamented that it was an irony that while the accused was enjoying freedom on bail, the victim was being denied freedom under the guise of protection.

They said the conditions that Ese and her baby were kept is not conducive for their welfare.

Ese Oruru 14, gave birth to a girl on May 25, 2016 while in police care at the Police Officers Mess in Yenagoa. She has remained there since.

Her alleged abductor and father of her baby, Yunusa Dahiru, was arraigned on March 8, 2016 before the Federal High Court, Yenagoa, on charges of criminal abduction, illicit sex, sexual exploitation and unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor.

Eses father, Charles Oruru, expressed sadness at his daughters stay at the police officers mess with the baby.

My daughter has been yearning and even crying to go back to school as her classmates are now ahead of her.

She has lost a whole year to this saga and she is still in police protective custody while the accused is enjoying freedom on bail.

I am begging the Delta government, Nigeria and the world at large to come to our aide.

Nowadays without education one is going to nowhere. She is not doing anything in their custody, while the accused move freely and she is suffering there.

I have called on the Delta government to assist because I have five children

which Ese is the second to the last child, so my state should come to my familys aide, he appealed.

Eses mother, Rose Oruru, also said her daughter was not being properly cared for.

People from Bayelsa have been assisting us and even the police officers, we want to leave there to our house because the place (Police Officers Mess) is not a good place to stay and bring up a new born baby.

We are just abandoned in a room that we are not even allowed to go out, we stay with our trash bin which is smelling , we and the new born baby are compelled to breathe the offensive smell.

So the world should note that we are being marginalised for no reason, as the boy Yunusa is still owing me some money after taking my daughter to Kano to impregnate her, she said.

The counsel to the accused, Kayode Olaosebikan, who was in court with Yunusa, said no reason was given for the courts failure to sit.

He said the case has been adjourned till December 8.
Some slum dwellers in Lagos have stormed the office of the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, over the planned demolition of slums in the state.

The demolition was scheduled to start today.

The over 500 protesters include men, women, and young people.

Their demand is that the government suspends the planned demolition that could leave hundreds of thousands of people homeless.

Details later
The Chairman of Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, Itse Sagay, on Monday said Nigerians have a lot to be grateful for in electing Muhammadu Buhari their president last year.

If Buhari had not come, I dont think there would have been a country, Mr. Sagay said. Zimbabwe would have been better.

Mr. Sagays opinion was contained in a statement he delivered at an event held to appraise the one year since the creation of his committee.

After making recommendations that he believed could improve the fight against corruption, Mr. Sagay used the rest of his speech to paint the gloomiest picture of Nigeria if the then ruling party, PDP, had remained in power for another year.

Mr. Sagay said corruption was so pervasive under successive PDP administrations that judges allegedly allowed themselves to become a rubber stamp for electoral malpractice.

The law professor and strong ally of Mr. Buhari said such vices, and others similar to them, were responsible for the prevailing level of mediocrity in governance.

We know of some governors who are not supposed to be there, but found themselves on the bloody seats with the help of some judges, Mr. Sagay said.

But PDP spokesman, Dayo Adeyeye, said Mr. Sagays comments constitute an embarrassment to him and his legal profession.

Itse Sagay is someone who is widely known to make statements that embarrass not only himself but the legal profession he purports to represent, Mr. Adeyeye told PREMIUM TIMES Monday afternoon.

This is because Nigerians know that the country would have been far better than now were PDP still in power, Mr. Adeyeye said. He is defending a man who plunged Nigerias economy into recession within one year.

He calls himself an academic who knows the rule of law and hes supporting actions that portend grave danger for the country and theyre running Nigeria like a jungle, Mr. Adeyeye said.

Mr. Sagay also weighed in on the recent crackdown on judges by the State Security Service, suggesting that such measures were necessary to bring about a robust and dignified judiciary.

We need the judiciary, but we need an upright judiciary. If we dont have a judiciary with moral integrity, then we dont have a democracy.

No agency would have dared to arrest (Charles) Oputa, (Andrews) Obaseki, (Kayode) Eso, and some others. They gave judgments against the military governments. The moral authority of the golden era of the Supreme Court has crashed, Mr. Sagay said.

Mr. Sagays committee recommended a plea bargaining mechanism as an efficient alternative means of settling corruption cases.
A former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode on Monday alleged that the anti-graft agency, EFCC, failed in a plot to arrest his wife and kid.

In a message he distributed, Mr. Fani-Kayode said his wife travelled to Ado-Ekiti to see Governor Ayodele Fayose.

They were on their way out of town when they went to Access Bank in Ado Ekiti to get some money.

When they got there, my 8 month old son Aragorn and wife Precious Chikwendu were illegally detained, brutalised and put under arrest on the orders of the EFCC at a bank in Ado Ekiti.

The controversial former minister said his wife did no wrong and had never been invited by the anti-corruption agency.

Had it not been for the intervention of Governor Ayo Fayose they would have been taken them away and subjected them to all manner of harm and indignities simply because she is married to me, he said.

The critic of the Muhammadu Buhari administration said his and his wifes accounts had been frozen by the EFCC to starve him of funds.

Now they are resorting to arresting peoples wives and children for no just cause, he said.

This is Buharis Nigeria and we will resist his wickedness and tyranny.

He said his family would sue the bank and the EFCC for Mondays incident.

They have no right to do this. If they want to see my wife all they need to do is to invite her. We have nothing to fear, he said.

The EFCC, however, faulted Mr. Fani-Kayodes claim.

The commissions spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, told PREMIUM TIMES that the commission had no officers in Ado-Ekiti and could not have carried out such arrest.

He explained that the Access Bank account from which Mr. Fani-Kayodes wife attempted to withdraw money had been flagged by the commission long ago. As with any such flagged account, anyone who tries to withdraw money from it is questioned, he explained.

Mr. Uwujaren said this was what the police tried to do with Mr. Fani-Kayodes wife with the intent to release her on bail after questioning before Governor Fayoses intervention.
Some civil society groups in Lagos State have condemned the planned demolition of shanties and slums located near water fronts in the state.

The groups include Spaces for Change, Centre for Childrens Health Education Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE) and Community Life Project (CLP). They protested the planned demolitions on Monday to the governors office.

The Executive Director of Spaces 4 Change, Victoria Ohaeri, in a speech to the press decried the forceful nature and manner the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is going about the planned eviction of poor Nigerians from their homes where many of them have lived for more than thirty years.

Mrs. Ohaeri said the actions of the Lagos State Government negate best practices and smack of impunity by the government without making adequate provisions for the people about to lose their homes in the thick of the rainy season. She said this is bound to bring untold suffering and hardship to them.

She said not all slum dwellers are criminals and as such the government should look inwards to tackle the menace of criminality with intelligence gathering and not executive force and recklessness.

Also, CEE-HOPE s Chief Executive Officer ,Betty Abba, said Lagos State government should upgrade the slums for the residents rather than demolish them.

Mrs. Abba urged the government to have a re-think and find ways to ease the sufferings of the people who are about to be thrown out from their homes.

In the course of the protest, some community leaders who have suffered similar fate in the hands of the Lagos State government bared their thoughts towards the actions of the government which they termed tricky and diversionary. They said government used such means to acquire their lands by terming them criminals and transferring their lands to real estate developers who built edifices and high rise buildings for the rich and powerful.

Badia, a slum settlement, was mentioned as a case study.

A community leader from Pura decried the lack of forthrightness by the government, saying the settlement near the Bar Beach was snatched by the past administration in the state and is set to become part of the Eco Atlantic City being built for the rich.
The Borno State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, on Sunday gave food and relief material to some 162 widows of members of the civilian joint task force, known as Civilian-JTF.

The members were killed while helping Nigerian troops to curtail the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State

The gesture was the first time since the youth vigilante operatives joined the fight against Boko Haram four years ago.

At least 674 members of the volunteer group have been killed over the period. Many of the Civilian-JTF operatives had no formal military training or protection.

The family members of fallen operatives had received no form of support from government until Sunday, when officials of SEMA organized a relief package for them.

The Executive Chairman of the agency, Satomi Ahmad, said the gesture was not only to help the poor widows and their children, but also to motivate those still active in the front line.

He said serving members of the Civilian-JTF had approached him last week to do something for the suffering families of their fallen colleagues.

Last week when the management of the Borno SEMA decided to support the operations of the Civilian-JTF by distributing combat boots to them, some of their leaders approached me to plead for support for the widows and orphaned children of their members who were killed in the course of helping the soldiers to fight Boko Haram, said Mr. Satomi, a civil engineer.

We immediately welcomed the idea because, critically, these are youth who had volunteered to sacrifice their lives in safeguarding the territorial integrity and internal security of our nation. And majority of them are breadwinners of their families both nuclear and extended.

We bought the idea of reaching out to the bereaved family members of these great heroes, most especially as we believe it will also help to boost the morale of their members who are still active in the ongoing war against terrorism.

He said the need to support the fallen heroes of the Civilian-JTF became necessary as the group has become indispensable in securing IDP camps, reclaimed communities, highways and other public facilities.

Each of the 162 beneficiary widows, a first batch of the bereaved families of slain operatives, received a bag of rice, a bag of beans, 2kg sachets of sugar and unit of fabric wrapper.

Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES at the event, one of the widows, Hajjagana Mbasaru, 30, said her late husband, Garba Mbasaru, was killed last year by a female suicide bomber who trailed him to their residence in Ajilari-Cross in Maiduguri.

I am happy that for once, government has remembered me and my seven children with these food items, said Mrs. Mbasaru.

She said since the death of her spouse, who was a senior official of the Civilian-JTF, their children had dropped out of school.

We barely manage to eat everyday; so I do not have money to enroll them in school, she said.

The SEMA chairman Ahmad said he has instructed leaders of the youth vigilante groups to collate and forward the names of orphans of school going age to his office in order to present them to government for enrolment in public schools.

The legal officer of the Civilian-JTF, Barrister Gunda, had informed PREMIUM TIMES that the vigilante group which started in May 2013 now has a membership strength of over 23,000.

He said only a few thousands of them were receiving monthly allowances of N15,000 under the Borno Youth Empower Scheme (BOYES).

This is the first time the widows and orphans of our fallen heroes are being assisted in this manner, Mr. Gunda said.
As parts of activities marking its 32nd convocation ceremonies, the University of Ilorin will on Friday graduate 8,038 students among whom there are 67 who made first class.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Abdulganiy Ambali, made this disclosure during a press briefing heralding the commencement of activities lined up for the ceremony at the university auditorium on Monday.

Mr. Ambali, the Chairman of Association of West African Universities (AWAU), disclosed that the figure comprises 1,903 Postgraduate, 609 Undergraduate of First Degree and 66 Diploma graduands.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the Postgraduate graduands consist of 166 Ph.D., 1,300 Academic Master, 186 Professional Master and 251 Diploma. There are 6069 first degree and 66 Diploma graduands also in various academic disciplines across 12 Faculties and the Institute of Education.

Of our 6,069 First Degree graduands, 67 of them made the First Class and 1,505 made a Second Class Upper Division grade. Additionally, we have 3,200 Second Class Lower Division, 1124 Third Class Division and 70 Pass graduands. Those who had Pass were 82 last year, Mr. Ambali disclosed.

Commenting on the physical projects lined up for commissioning during the ceremonies, the professor of veterinary medicine explained that the first phase of a 6.5 kilometre road linking the universitys main campus with the college of health sciences estimated at N230 million, a new senate chamber built at the cost of N190 million and a new office block for the faculty of pharmaceutical sciences are among the newly completed projects.

Others are the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Complex at Sabo-Oke, 500-seater capacity lecture theatres for faculties of sciences and communication and information sciences, as well as the perimeter fence around the senate building, private hostels and parking lots.

Describing the university as the most sought after university in the country, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the management has continued to work tirelessly to ensure that it remains the best choice of admission seekers. He also disclosed that the Nigerian Army has approved a collaborative programme leading to the award of a Masters of Arts Degree in Peace and Security Studies with the varsity through its Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies.

Through this programme, senior officers of the Nigerian Army will be trained at the University of Ilorin in continuation of the training at one of their higher educational institutions. With this, the university is poised to impact more and contribute further to the Nigerian project, Mr. Ambali said.
A bill to provide life imprisonment as punishment for kidnappers in Kano State on Monday scaled the second reading at the State House of Assembly.

The Deputy Majority Leader, Maifada Bello, had read the Kidnapping, Abduction and Forced Labour Amendment Bill before the Assembly.

According to Mr. Bello, member representing Kibiya Constituency, the immediate amendment of the bill was necessary to enable judges in the state give adequate judgement to kidnap suspects.

The law that provides punishment for the kidnappers has been in existence since 1963; therefore, it should be amended to go with the current rampant kidnapping and abduction cases in the state.

It can also assist the judges to judge anyone found guilty of such offence according to their offence, because the current law that provides 10 years imprisonment made it difficult for the judges to judge such criminals, Mr. Bello said.

He said the case of kidnapping needed to be handled in such a way that the criminals would rather surrender by themselves.

He said the House would do everything possible to ensure serious punishment on them.

Mr. Bello noted that cases of kidnapping in the state had gone beyond imagination, to the extent that the criminals were carrying out their activities not only in the rural areas, but also in the urban centres.

During the plenary session, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Kabiru Rurum, read a letter presented by the governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, seeking for the amendment of the 2016 Supplementary Budget.

Mr. Rurum said that according to the letter, the amendment proposal was as a result of the stabilisation funds realised by the state government, which was worth over N20 billion.

He said the amendment would assist the government in fulfilling its campaign promises through completion of the on-going development projects in the state.

(NAN)
Public primary and secondary schools in Bayelsa have resumed for the 2016/2017 academic session, over a month behind their private schools counterpart.

The private schools had resumed on September 12, the official day for school resumption. The public schools could not resume then based on a strike by teachers who protested the non-payment of their salaries for eight months.

Mondays resumption followed a directive from the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, to striking members.

The union had resorted to the strike after the state government reneged on an earlier agreement reached in May to pay half salaries to its workers pending improvements in the finances of the state.

Some pupils seen at the schools visited expressed joy at the resolution of the industrial action which kept them at home for four weeks.

I am happy to be back in school in my new class. I have seen some of my friends but not all of them; and classes have not started. We are still cleaning our classrooms, Esther Ebi, a JSS 2 student of St. Judes Secondary school said.

Marson Fefegha, Commissioner for Education, said on Monday that public primary and secondary schools in the state resumed on Monday following a truce between the striking workers and the state government.

On the plans to cover lost grounds in the school curriculum, Mr. Fefegha said that the NUT had assured that they would fast track teachings to meet up.

Schools just resumed today and teachers need one week to settle down to work but NUT has assured the government that they will meet up, he said.

Kalaama Toinpre, Chairman of Bayelsa chapter of the NUT, said the teachers across the state have returned to the classrooms and were ready to teach.

The union leader said the decision was communicated to members who were directed to resume work immediately.

The state working committee of the NUT at the weekend resolved that we should suspend the ongoing strike and return to the classroom following series of negotiations with the state government.

We have secured some agreements from the state government in writing that at the end of this month, October, two months half salary of the outstanding be cleared in addition to the two months half salary already paid.

Having secured the commitment of the state government to commence clearing the backlog, we shifted grounds and decided to suspend the strike and returned to work from today (Monday).

We at the state executive of the union are grateful for the solidarity of teachers who resisted ploys to sabotage the struggle for the welfare of teachers and to factionalise teachers in Bayelsa. We shall remain united, Mr. Toinpre said.

Mr. Fefegha had in a statement said that the government would, from Tuesday, commence monitoring of the compliance by teaching and non-teaching staff at public schools.

According to Mr. Fefegha, a team of inspectors from the Ministry of Education would be sent to monitor the resumption of schools across the state.

He said that the NUT directive makes it mandatory for all teaching and non-teaching staff to resume work from Monday.

He warned that all staff who wilfully absent themselves from duty would be declared as ghost workers and replaced immediately.

The commissioner asked all headmasters and principals to ensure strict compliance and cooperate with the inspectors.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

By Anakhanum Hidayatova  Trend:

A group of representatives of the Azerbaijani Silk Road Public Union for Promotion of Development of Entrepreneurship, Indonesias Ambassador to Azerbaijan Husnan Bey Fananie and a number of the embassy employees are on a visit to Indonesia, the embassy in Baku told Trend Oct. 17.

The delegation visited Jakarta to attend the Trade Expo Indonesia 2016.

Azerbaijani entrepreneurs are also holding meetings in various cities of Indonesia in order to develop business cooperation between the two sides.

The parties have already discussed the opportunities to cancel visa regime for Indonesian tourists, as well as launching direct Baku-Jakarta flights.

More than one million Indonesians visit the holy city of Mecca for Hajj pilgrimage each year, said the Indonesian embassys press service, adding that those tourists can be sent to Azerbaijan after Hajj, if the visa regime for Indonesian tourists is cancelled.

Other types of cooperation and expansion of import and export between Azerbaijan and Indonesia are also being discussed during the visit.

Trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $101.73 million in January-August 2016, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum
Ogun State workers have vowed to begin an indefinite strike on Thursday if the state government does not pay them deductions from their salaries and other allowances.

The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, in conjunction with Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, made the declaration on Monday at a press conference in Abeokuta.

The press conference, addressed by Abiodun Olakanmi, Olubunmi Fajobi and Akeem Ambali, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre, was called to serve a last warning, following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum by the labour unions to the state government.

Mr. Olakanmi said the unions had embarked on strike in March but suspended it following the intervention of the State House of Assembly, traditional rulers and other prominent citizens in the state.

He said the workers would resume the strike, unless the state government met their demands and honoured various agreements reached in the course of the dispute.

The workers are asking the government to immediately pay outstanding 12 months unions check off dues, stop contributory pension deductions, and pay 12 months of other deductions, which include bank loans repayment, co-operatives savings, Ileya/festivals savings and gradual payment of retirees gratuities.

Without the state government attending to these demands, the industrial action we are embarking on come Thursday will not be called off nor be suspended, Mr. Olakanmi stated.



We view the inaction of the Ogun State government as being deliberate, calculative and designed to make the civil servants poorer, he stressed.

Mr. Olakanmi said a worker had died in the state due to lack of money. He added, that workers can no longer tolerate the bluff of the state government, while most of them agonize in silence.

The state NLC chairman, Mr. Ambali, said the workers have suffered enough.

It is a total strike. If they call us we will not answer.

He said the workers were prepared to forfeit one month salary in order for their deductions to be paid.

The Chairman of the TUC, Mr. Fajobi, said the state government had on numerous occasions reneged on agreements with workers.

We have been humiliated to the extent that many cant feed their families, many cant pay their childrens school fees and take care of themselves. Everybody has agreed to go on the strike, Mr. Fajobi said.

When contacted, the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, said the state government was yet to receive notice of the strike.

The Government is yet to receive the notice. It is when they serve us that we can respond, he said.

It is strange. As I speak to you, we dont know they (workers) want to go on strike. It is when they serve us with their communication that we will know their grounds.

We are not owing any salary, there is no ground for strike, Mr. Adeoluwa said.
The Ogun State Government has described the proposed strike action called by a few disgruntled elements in the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) as illegal.

In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, on Monday, the state government wondered why this few, unpopular elements would seek to lead workers out on a misguided strike action since government has not defaulted in the payment of salaries as and when due.

For instance, the Ogun State government paid its workers September salaries on September 25, 2016.

With regards to the backlog of unpaid cooperative deductions, the SSG added that the state government has also kept faith with an agreement it reached with labour leaders in March 2016 to the effect that one month of cooperative deductions would be paid, alongside monthly salaries, every two months.

We promised to pay outstanding gratuities when we receive bulk funds from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) but this has not been forthcoming due to the dwindling revenue profile of the state, Mr. Adeoluwa said.

In addition to this, the Ogun State government is also aware of the fact that under the extant Public Service rules, the TUC/NLC, which signed the notice of strike action issued on Monday, have no roles in calling workers out on a strike action at the state level.

On the contrary, it is only the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council that is authorized to do so.

In view of this, the Ogun State government therefore declares the proposed strike action as illegal, unreasonable and totally uncalled for while urging the generality of its workforce not to heed the call of a few misguided elements whose motive is clearly political.

To buttress this point, the SSG said information at the disposal of the state government has shown that the labour leaders have ulterior motives beyond the protection of the interest of workers. This is further exemplified by what played out during the commemoration of the 2016 World Teachers Day when labour leaders, against the grain of Civil Service Rules, hired a musician and sang the praise of a politician for hours on end.

In the circumstance, the state government hereby serves notice that it will invoke the no work, no pay rule of the Trade Dispute Act in relation to any worker who chooses to embark on this illegal strike action.
Mipcom 2016, the top event of the content business calendar, starts today in a very good mood: according to organizer Reed Midem, for the first time about 14,000 people are expected to attend, compared to participation between 11,000 and 12,500 people for years. Digital and ancillary businesses are the big engine. MIPJunior has had a very good outcome this weekend, anticipating the good move.

What's important to know for this Mipcom? The digital race is exploding: the digital titans are capturing more business while the traditional broadcasters go digital. In addition, the newest drivers: short content, eSports, Virtual Reality, are evolving from niches to mainstream opportunities. In the meantime, the traditional content business highlights co-production twists to reduce spending and gain markets. Last but not least, it's the right time for big drama.

Buyer attendance is also growing, from 4,000 to 4,800 people, always according to Reed Midem. The big difference is made by digital buyers, which would grow from 1,100 last year to 1,600 this week, almost 50 per cent.

MIPJunior attracted far more people than 2015 (the year of the storm) and 2014 (a far location from the Croissette). Beyond this, teen and kids segments are grabbing a larger priority, due to their appeal for multi-platform projects, franchise management and tech matters. Again, online, gaming and advertising industries are actively involved in different content endeavors. Live action series continue gaining market share, though animation remainstrong, especially in Europe. And international co-productions are the big thing for main players.

Buyer opinions: Nicole Keeb, head of international co-productions and acquisitions, ZDF (Germany): We are co-producing a live action series with ZDF Enterprises, CBBC and Netflix, The Worst Witch. We are looking for more projects like this with any region. Saad Al Hudafi, channels director, Al Jazeera Childrens Channel (Baraem TV and JeemTV): Kids are more attached to tech devices, and this is a challenge for TV; however, in the MENA region, they are mostly interested in animation with boys favoring action/adventure series and girls in inspirational series (Heidi, Wendy, etc.).

Many venues and parties took place on Sunday. FRAPA, the major format protection association, held its global member meeting, where it stressed that has added 36 new members since last MIP, and offers a new service: Format analysis service, which helps members to identify if a format is an infringement case.

Damien Porte, VP international, Vivendi (France): Last month we have seen in Europe a revival of traditional game shows, especially shinny floor game studios. Justin Croggie, COO, The Format People (Canada): The current trend is authenticity, in all genres. Constructed reality is in a big moment, because people want to see real situations, no matter if the characters are real.

Opinions from the Croissette: Kelly Holland, MD, Penthouse (USA). Even when 4K and 8K are a global trend, the real technology gap is from 3D to VR. Audiences enjoy UHD contents but they are asking for new experiences that allow them to interact.

Anna Belen Dunlop, acquisitions manager Channel 5, UK: We see at the scripted market, many TV series based on comic books or old successful feature films. Neil Graham, Sky UK: Business has many twists. One of our successful channels is Sky Atlantic, showing 24hs HBO series and movies, both the latest and older ones. It works well both on linear and on VOD.

Global Agency (Turkey) organized the top venue of the day, taking buyers in helicopter to Nikki Beach Monte Carlo, where it introduced its new series Mother, with actress Cansu Dere (Sila, Ezel). She said: Im impressed with the Turkish drama global success, and I believe this drama, about mothers relationship with their children, offers universal beliefs on which many cultures are based. Mother is based on a Japanese format, adapted by Medyapim for Star TV in Turkey. Definitely, the Mipcom glamour is here.

Nicolas Smirnoff, Fabricio Ferrara and Rodrigo Cantisano
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

Trend:

Since 2003 until today, Azerbaijan has had a period of economic development which has no analogues, said President Ilham Aliyev addressing an official reception dedicated to the 25th anniversary of restoration of Azerbaijans independence.

Noting that Azerbaijans economy has tripled, he said that no other economy has tripled in such a short time.

Industrial development has also tripled. We have put an end to poverty. The poverty level, which was standing at approximately 50 percent, has dropped to 5 percent. A very serious fight is underway against unemployment. The unemployment is at a very low level, he said.

President Aliyev said Azerbaijan also started the development of its regions, adding that more than 1.3 million new jobs have been created as a result of implementation of state programs.

Azerbaijans regions have revived, the cities have improved and modern infrastructure projects have been implemented, he said.

We turned from a country importing electricity and gas into their exporter, added the president.

Azerbaijan has paid and is paying great attention to settlement of social issues. Salaries and pensions have been increased by several times over the last 13 years, he said.

Social infrastructure projects are underway, more than 3,000 schools and 600 medical centers have been built, more than 40 Olympic centers have been constructed in the regions, said the president, adding that all this are the achievements of the recent years.

We are moving towards technological development. Today, Azerbaijan is one of the few members of the space club. We have two satellites and the third satellite will be put into operation in the near future, said President Aliyev.

The president noted that Azerbaijan has turned into a very important country in resolving the regional cooperation issues.

The major energy projects implemented at our initiative, have gained a larger scope in recent years. These are already intercontinental energy projects, he added.

I would like to especially mention the Southern Gas Corridor. I should note that this corridor is being created on the basis of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline, which were commissioned in 2006 and 2007, said the president, adding that the Southern Gas Corridor wouldnt have been created without those pipelines.

He pointed out that today, the Southern Gas Corridor, which is one of the worlds biggest energy projects, is being implemented successfully.

We are getting closer to the final stage in implementation of the Shah Deniz 2 project, President Aliyev said, adding that 83 percent of the project has already been implemented.

TANAP project has been implemented by around 40 percent. We are successfully implementing this giant energy project. It will bring us additional great economic dividends in the future, said the president.

By using reliable routes, we deliver our rich gas reserves to the worlds largest market  Europe  which is one of the closest markets for us. Our energy policy is highly appreciated by the world. We have created an international cooperation format and are expanding it, President Aliyev added.

The president also said the Southern Gas Corridor is a historic project.

It will define our successful future development, he added.

Ilham Aliyev further said Azerbaijan is taking very serious steps with regard to the development of other sectors of its economy.

Recently the development of industry and agriculture has been on the rise in Azerbaijan. Despite the continuing economic crisis in the world, we have taken very serious steps in this direction. I am sure that in the coming years the development of the non-oil sector will proceed at a higher pace, he said.

The president added that about 70 percent of Azerbaijans economy is formed in the non-oil sector.

We are now seriously engaged in diversification of exports. We have to bring the dependence on oil and gas to the lowest level, said Ilham Aliyev.

He added that Azerbaijan is taking serious measures for the governance reforms and fighting the unpleasant cases.

Corruption and bribery are the main calamities hindering our successful development, he said, adding that the institutional measures taken in this regard are yielding excellent results.

He also said Azerbaijan is already presenting and even exporting its intellectual product to the world.

ASAN xidmet is our product. This service has already received 12 million appeals, four million people are using these opportunities and now other countries too are learning this experience. We have to present our diversified export opportunities to the world markets in the future. The export of the intellectual products is also of special significance, he said.

President Aliyev added that Azerbaijan is today known all over the world as a very reliable partner.

All the projects we participate in are intended for cooperation. We think, and as the life shows we think rightfully, that cooperation between countries can remove some problems, he said.

Our energy policy is of good will. We have never used it for any other purpose, Ilham Aliyev added. All other regional initiatives, including the ones in the transportation, are intended for cooperation.

He reminded that Azerbaijan is today playing an active role in creation of the East-West corridor.

The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will be commissioned in the months to come. Thus, in order to provide ourselves with good opportunities, we are linking Europe and Asia, the president said. This corridor will give us great economic profits. The volume of the cargos to go through this corridor will reach tens of millions of tons.

Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan is also creating the North-South corridor.

We again made an initiative, we again presented a format of regional cooperation, and it has already been created. It will allow us transport additionally tens of millions of tons of cargos, he said. This exactly is the reduction of dependence on the oil and development of the non-oil sector.

President Aliyev added that Azerbaijan, using its geographical position, puts forward these projects and implements them.
ATLANTIC CITY  City Council is moving forward with developing Duck Island as a solar farm.

It recently passed a resolution to seek proposals from experienced developers. A similar resolution had been pulled from consideration at a previous City Council meeting.

Duck Island, a long, narrow swath of city-owned land along the Atlantic City Expressway across from Bader Field, has been talked about as an alternative energy center since at least 2010.

City Planning Director Elizabeth Terenik said the request for proposals will be written with flexibility to allow for other types of green technology.

It will not lock us into just solar panels, she said.

City Council President Marty Small, the sponsor of the resolution, did not return requests for comment.

Councilman Frank Gilliam said he voted against the resolution because it didnt contain enough specifics and he wanted a more comprehensive approach.

Im all in favor of sustainability, Gilliam said. But you have to make sure anything we do is well thought out.

He said he wanted to pursue a larger-scale alternative energy and technology project utilizing Duck Island as well as creation of a citywide WiFi system and other technology upgrades.

A larger project would bring more much-needed money into the city, he said.

Ecotourism could be another way of rebranding, Gilliam said, with the city using its experience with Hurricane Sandy to create updated coastal living designs to co-exist with rising waters, as opposed to doing the same old thing.

The ACMUA had offered the city $5 million to $6 million for the citys portion of Duck Island in 2015 in order to build a solar and wind farm there.
WINSLOW TOWNSHIP  The townships animal control officer has received reports of sightings of a large cat near the Hammonton border, a cat that the witnesses believe is a mountain lion, the Camden County township reported Monday.

However, officials from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife said Monday they believe the animal is a house cat.

Township officials said there have been no reports of any contact between large cats and people, but they are asking that everyone use sound judgement and reasonable precautions with their children, pets and themselves.

The township released a grainy video of an animal that looks like a large cat and a grainy photograph taken with a hunters game camera. But neither allows for a definitive identification, township officials said.

Department of Environmental Protections spokesman Larry Hajna said Monday that state Fish and Wildlife officials who had seen the photo and video said the animal is a house cat.

Western cougars are believed to be expanding their range, and Tennessee wildlife authorities have confirmed that a cougar was documented in Wayne County for the first time in September.

Every year we get 10-12 reports (of suspected mountain lions), said Andrew Burnett, principal biologist with the state DEPs Upland Project.

No one ever seems to come up with scat or track marks to verify the sightings, he said.

But in 2011 a mountain lion was struck by an SUV and killed in Greenwich, Connecticut, he said. The fact that a cougar could be found in such a densely developed area, close to New York City, astounded laypeople and scientists at the time.

A mountain lion, also called a cougar, had been spotted in Wisconsin in 2009. Some DNA was collected there and in Minnesota, and mountain lion scat was found in the Lake George, N.Y. area in 2010, officials said.

Later DNA tests proved it was the same animal killed in Connecticut, according to officials there. Yet the animal had never been seen between Wisconsin and the time he was hit.

That lion was a young male, like most cats that venture far from the closest breeding population in South Dakota, said Burnett. It had traveled about 1,500 miles from its birthplace.

It was 150 pounds and about 6 feet long without the tail, he said.

Burnett said there have been increasing numbers of verified cougar sightings in Illinois, Indiana and Missouri.

But thats a heck of a lot closer to South Dakota than we are, he said.

In 2006, attacks on horses in Middle Township and Woodbine, including a horse owned by Woodbine Mayor William Pikolycky, led some to believe there may have been a mountain lion in the area.

But the DEP later said photos of the injuries ruled out an attack by mountain lion or other beast. The DEP said the injuries were likely caused by the horses striking against objects.

Often people see bobcats, which are known to live in New Jersey and are considered endangered by the DEP, but mistakenly think they have seen mountain lions, said Burnett.

But bobcats have much shorter tails and are much smaller creatures.

The DEP describes the bobcat as a medium sized-cat, about 2 feet tall, larger than a housecat, but much smaller than a cougar or lion. Adult females in NJ generally weigh between 18 and 25, pounds while adult males can weigh as much as 35 pounds.

They are known to be very shy of people, according to the DEP, as are mountain lions.

The township is also asking for the publics help in locating the animal by reporting any sightings or evidence to the townships Animal Control at 609-567-0700 ext 1500 or animalcontrol@winslowtownship.com/.
An Egg Harbor Township man was sentenced Monday to 33 months in prison for using online messaging applications to solicit nude photos from minors and transmit a lewd photo to a girl, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said.

Zackary McFerren, 24, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of transferring obscene matter to a minor.

According to court documents, McFerren admitted that between March and May 2015, he possessed multiple images of child pornography on his home computer.

Beginning in April 2015, he used the Kik messaging application under the screen name Emily to communicate with a minor girl in the Philadelphia area. McFerren admitted that during the conversations, he asked the girl and her friend to take nude photographs of themselves and their genitalia. The girl then sent McFerren at least 14 such photographs.

In addition, McFerren admitted that in September 2015, he used Snapchat to send a picture of his penis to a Florida girl who was under the age of 16.

In addition to the prison term, McFerren was sentenced to five years of supervised release and fined $2,000.
GLASSBORO  Two Rowan alumni have made a multimillion-dollar investment in both the past and future of South Jersey.

Ric and Jean Edelman on Monday announced a $25 million gift to preserve and expand the Rowan University Fossil Park in nearby Mantua Township.

Their gift, the second-largest in University history and the largest ever given by alumni, will help transform STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education through hands-on discovery and research at the Fossil Park.

We want the Fossil Park to be a world-class destination for families on the same scale as the Smithsonian, Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Franklin Institute, Ric Edelman, a 1980 alumnus, said in a statement. We want our giving to have a measurable impact on peoples lives.

The park will be renamed the Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park at Rowan University. Edelman and his wife, a 1981 alumna and university trustee, founded Edelman Financial Services in 1987.

Rowan purchased the 65-acre quarry owned by Inversand Co. for $1.95 million in September 2015 and began converting it into a research and education lab for students of all ages. The site contains thousands of 65-million-year-old fossils from the Cretaceous Period  the heyday of the dinosaurs

Paleontologist Ken Lacovara, of Swedesboro, a Mainland Regional High School graduate who grew up collecting rocks and digging holes in Linwood, is the director of the Fossil Park and dean of the School of Earth and Environment at Rowan. He is leading research into whether fossils deep in the site can offer insight into the disappearance of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.

The site is a dream for Lacovara. In 2005, his team discovered an 85-foot-long plant-eating dinosaur, Dreadnoughtus schrani, in Patagonia, Argentina.

Lacovara said the goal is to give children pathways into STEM fields through hands-on activities. School groups have visited the site, and the annual community Dig Day attracts 2,000 people.

There is a layer we can let visitors collect from that, if they are willing to get a little dirty, they can take a fossil home, he said. It is transformational.

He said the gift from the Edelmans will allow the university to do in four or five years what had initially been expected to take 20 or 30 years.

We had dreams, but we didnt know if we could attain them, he said. This has just leap-frogged us over what I had hoped for.

Lacovara and the Edelmans said the fossil quarry is especially significant because its proximity to urban areas makes it accessible to potentially millions of visitors. The site is just off Route 55, behind a Lowes and a Chik-fil-A.

Plans for the Fossil Park include a state-of-the-art museum and visitor center, a fossil preparation lab that will reveal how scientists study fossils, a nature trail, a paleontology-themed playground, social spaces to accommodate special events and the opportunity for students and families to participate in paleontological digs at the site, helping scientists discover fossils from the dinosaur age.

Our goal is to make fossils the gateway drug to the sciences for children, Lacovara said.

The Edelmans said their education at Rowan gave them the skills and confidence to open their own business. Ric Edelman said he wants to show students that they, too, can achieve success, and that success comes with an obligation to give back.

Edelman Financial Services is one of the largest independent financial-planning and investment-management firms in the nation. Ric is a New York Times bestselling author, and in August, Forbes ranked him among the Top 10 Wealth Advisers in America.

Rowan President Ali Houshmand called the Fossil Park one of the most important resources in New Jersey. He said the gift will boost the economy of the entire area and create a global tourist destination.

The Edelmans passion for sharing discovery and science will transform and expand Rowans capacity to educate for generations to come, Houshmand said.

Student Government President Daniel Cardona presented the Edelmans, who now live in Virginia, with lifetime passes to the park.

In 2002, the Edelmans donated $1 million to Rowan toward a planetarium on campus that also bears their name.

The largest donation to the university was industrialist Henry Rowans 1992 gift of $100 million toward an engineering school that began the transformation of then-Glassboro State College into Rowan University, now a state research institution.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

Trend:

Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 10 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops using large-caliber weapons, said Azerbaijans Defense Ministry Oct. 17.

The Azerbaijani army positions located in Ashagi Askipara village of the Gazakh district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located in Voskevan village of the Noyemberyan district of Armenia.

The Azerbaijani army positions located on the nameless heights of the Gadabay district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located on the nameless heights of the Krasnoselsk district of Armenia.

Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani army positions also took fire from the Armenian positions located near Qoyarkh village of Azerbaijans Tartar district, as well as from the positions located on nameless heights of the Goranboy and Jabrayil districts.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
HAMMONTON  On any day, the tiny village of Batsto, nestled in the woods near the Mullica River, is a quiet site for nature lovers and photographers. But Sunday, the village became a booming destination during its 31st Country Living Fair, exposing more than 30,000 people to the historic site.

It was an industrial center. One of the first in the nation, said Janet Worrell, who organizes the fair.

Worrell, of Hammonton, said she has long been interested in the village. As a child, she camped here, not realizing the significance of where she was. In college at Glassboro, a professor enlightened her on the value, she said.

Worrell is a member of the all-volunteer Batsto Citizens Committee, which holds the annual fair. The committee strives to keeping the history of Batsto alive, running tours and other demonstrations at the village all year.

Founded in 1766 and located in Wharton State Forest, Batsto Village is listed on the state and national register of historic places. The village is owned by the state and includes the Batsto Mansion, a sawmill, ice and milk houses, a blacksmith and wheelwright shop, and a general store.

The Batsto Post Office, established in 1852, still processes mail with a postmark having no zip code.

The significance of the village can be traced to the American Revolution, said West Hughes, Batsto Citizen Committee president. He said munitions, including cannon balls, used in the war were made in Batsto.

The fair  coinciding with the villages 250th anniversary  brought out artisans and history buffs, with old-time engines and cars, food, antiques, farm equipment and quilting.

Kyre Ackermans family has been participating in the fair for 30 years, demonstrating the familys shingle mill, which is powered by a 100-year-old steam engine. The family members cut pine shingles and branded them with Batsto Village and the year for attendees.

My first shingle I branded when I was 5 years old, and Ive been doing it ever since. And I love doing it, said Ackerman, 18, of Forked River, Lacey Township.

He said what his family does exposes generations to the areas history.

People in this day and age, its all about technology, their phones, social media. Youre not going to see this every day, he said.

Artist Josh Westcott, of Centerton, Pittsgrove Township, Salem County, was selling dragons and other creatures he created using pine cones and other natural products.

All history should be kept alive, he said. This history, you could actually grab hold of it. Its not like reading history in a book.
It has become easier for women to breastfeed their children over the years, due to state and federal laws that protect them from discrimination in public or at work, but some women are still left out.

Current New Jersey law entitles a mother to breastfeed her baby in any place of public accommodation, resort or amusement (where) the mother is otherwise permitted. But the law does not necessarily protect women who want to breastfeed toddlers, or protect a mothers right to breastfeed or pump milk for her child at work if she works for a small business.

Assemblymen Valerie Vainieri Huttle, D-Bergen, and Bob Andrzejczak, D-Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, introduced a bill earlier this year that would expand current law and provide civil-rights protections for nursing mothers.

The state Assembly Labor Committee approved the bill Oct. 13.

Breast milk is the ideal first food for babies. Rather than discourage it, employers should help make it easier for nursing women to provide for their babies while at work, Andrzejczak said in a statement.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of an infants life, and continuation for the first year or beyond. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to 2 years or older.

The rate of women who breastfeed in New Jersey has increased. About 72 percent of women had ever breastfed, according to the 2010 Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Breastfeeding Report Card. That jumped to about 82 percent in this years report card.

Federal and many state laws protect women from getting fired from a job or charged with a crime for nursing infants in public areas.

The new bill would expand those protections to include women who work at small businesses. It would also require employers to provide break time each day and a private location, other than a bathroom stall, for women to express milk.

The bill now awaits wider consideration from members of the Assembly.
U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo has been South Jerseys congressman since 1995 and says he can point with pride to always putting the 2nd Congressional District first.

The Republican incumbent cited improvements at the Northfield Department of Veterans Affairs clinic, progress at the long-stalled Stockton Aviation Research and Technology Park and grants that benefited Atlantic City as examples of his success during a recent meeting with The Press of Atlantic Citys editorial board.

LoBiondo, 70, is running for his 12th term in Congress against Democratic challenger Dave Cole. He said he has a record of making constituent services a top priority and occasionally bucking the party to do whats best for the district.

Theres an awful lot of what we do where people call and theyre really at the end of the line, and we have an opportunity to solve problems for them, he said.

Democrat Cole takes techie's approach to nation's needs Dave Cole thinks a Democrat can win in the 2nd Congressional District, even though that hasnt happened in 22 years.

Asked about times he disagreed with his fellow Republicans, LoBiondo listed his support of the federal food-stamp program when members of his party wanted to eliminate it. He was against privatizing Social Security when former President George W. Bush was for it.

But his most recent example of bucking the party  announcing he wont vote for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump  is a very challenging situation, he said.

LoBiondo said he would write in Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence after a 2005 video surfaced showing Trump making lewd comments about women. LoBiondo called the video the breaking point after a series of controversial comments from Trump.

There are people who are very angry with me, and I expected that. I understand it, LoBiondo said. Hillary Clinton is totally unacceptable. So those who are saying my write-in of Pence is just the same as voting for Hillary, I disagree with because part of the strategy right now is to deny Mrs. Clinton the 270 (electoral) votes.

LoBiondo and other lawmakers announced reforms to South Jerseys veterans clinics earlier this year to address long wait times and staffing issues at area facilities. Part of the reforms included hiring four additional behavioral-health staff members and six additional medical staff members at the Northfield clinic.

LoBiondo said there has been a tremendous amount of progress on the VA but called it the mission that will never end.

Democratic candidate Dave Cole blasts LoBiondo's Trump ties ATLANTIC CITY  Democratic congressional nominee for New Jerseys 2nd District Dave Cole att

When men and women raise their hand to serve our country, theyre doing it because of love of country, and theres an expectation the country will keep its promise. The country has not, he said.

LoBiondo said jobs and the economy are the top issues. Because of the work of Atlantic County government, we are finally getting untangled with the planned Stockton aviation park in Egg Harbor Township, he said.

It had a tremendous legal entanglement that lasted for years, he said. Most of the obstacles are removed now. The bids have gone out. Were waiting for them to come in, and we think the infrastructure portion of this could move along pretty quickly.

Atlantic County's future depends on technology, education Colorful graphics spill across the pages of the Angelou Report, while oversized text trumpet

LoBiondo said the federal governments role in helping Atlantic City is in supplying grants, such as the {span class=st}Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response{/span} grant he helped the city receive. That grant helped the city keep 85 firefighters on the payroll.
When public financing of gubernatorial campaigns was enacted 42 years ago, it was applauded by good government groups as the type of progressive reform that would rid the system of the disproportionate influence of moneyed interests while providing an opportunity for individuals of modest means to seek the office.

A nobler goal would be difficult to identify. And, it worked  for a while  sort of.

In 1974, the idea of self-funding was considered far-fetched. Who, proponents of the public system wondered, would risk substantial personal resources on a run for governor when, under the public system, sufficient funds would be available to mount a viable campaign? Supporters believed, moreover, that voters would perceive self-funding as an effort to buy the office and react negatively to anyone who attempted to do so.

In 2005, those rationales were blown up when then-U.S. Sen. Jon Corzine, who had already spent some $60 million of his own money to secure his Senate seat, decided he wanted to be governor and was willing to write however many checks necessary to fulfill his ambition.

His Republican opponent, Douglas Forrester, chose to forego public financing as well and the two of them spent $76 million on their primary and general election campaigns.

In the general election, Corzine outspent Forrester $39 million to $19 million.

Corzine, running unopposed, spent $5.4 million on his primary campaign while Forrester, facing six challengers, spent $12.6 million to win the nomination.

All told, $88 million was spent that year by all candidates in the primary and general elections, with Corzine and Forrester responsible for 87 per cent of the total.

To prove, though, that money alone cannot always purchase electoral success, in 2009 Corzine again eschewed public funding, spending $27.4 million while losing to Chris Christie who, with public financing, spent $11.8 million.

The history is relevant and instructive in light of the emergence of Phil Murphy, former ambassador to Germany and former executive at Goldman Sachs, as the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor in 2017.

Murphy has spent $10 million of his own money pursuring the nomination still nearly nine months away. The combination of his personal resources and the endorsement of more than a dozen county chairs quickly drove other potential candidates  unable to match either the money or the support  out of contention.

Murphy, like his fellow Goldman Sachs alumnus Corzine, is likely to decline public funding and continue to finance his campaign.

The level playing field the public financing proponents thought theyd produced in 1974 has been tilted, not merely by the willingness of candidates like Corzine, Forrester and Murphy to dip into their personal wealth but by the increasingly prominent role played in recent years by independent groups and political action committees.

As long as they disclose their activities to the Election Law Enforcement Commission, these groups can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support a candidate.

The law prohibits coordination between campaigns and independent groups, but the wink and nod system prevails.

At its outset, public financing seemed to have achieved its goal.

While it was first applied in the general election in 1977, its impact wasnt felt until the 1981 primary election when the promise of a two-for-one dollar match lured 20 candidates into the race  six Republicans, 13 Democrats and one independent.

The hopes for greater competition seemed to have been realized.

Since then, however, the candidate fields have shrunk. Twelve contenders entered primaries in 1989, 2005 and 2009 while in other years the numbers ranged from four to seven.

While the goals of the public financing system have been undercut by the willingness of wealthy individuals to fund their own campaigns and by burgeoning independent spending, there is no move afoot to abandon it  nor should there be.

Self-funding remains the exception rather than the rule and it is not a guarantee of success, as in the case of Corzines defeat in 2009.

The political process is awash in money  that is indisputable  and public financing, accompanied by public disclosure of contributions and expenditures, is at least one governmental response to curb the outsized influence of private interest money.

Those who fought for New Jersey to adopt the system 42 years ago recognized the potentially pernicious impact of uncontrolled campaign spending and proposed what at the time was a radical solution.

That its been circumvented on occasion and hasnt worked to utter perfection is no reason to disregard it.

Carl Golden is a senior contributing analyst with the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University.
White men make more than women and minorities, and some of that difference surely is rooted in baseless discrimination. That harms the individuals, labor efficiency and society as a whole.

A Stockton University professor who studies the issue figures about a third of the 18 percent less that New Jersey women make than men cant be explained by differences in education, skills, seniority, union representation and other factors.

Policies and approaches that promote fair pay therefore are welcome to the extent theyre effective.

One that seems to be sweeping the nation is banning employers from asking job applicants about their wage and salary history. New Jersey legislators introduced a bill to do that in September, following summer action by Massachusetts making it the first state outlawing questions about past earnings. New York, California, Pennsylvania and several cities are weighing proposals, and Congress may make the ban nationwide.

The premise, pretty straightforward, is that it would make it less likely an employer would perpetuate the effects of past pay discrimination.

A lower than merited salary history doesnt have to come from the outright bias of former bosses. It can result simply from business structures evolved to manage mainly white males. For example, a womans choice to spend time with a newborn might result in a period of stagnant wages.

Studies show women are less likely to negotiate their salaries when applying for jobs, and when they do they ask for less money than men. Other studies have found that even when using the same negotiating script as men, women were more likely to be perceived as too demanding and unlikeable.

We think preventing employers from asking about salary history might help make pay fairer for women and minorities. For that matter, we dont think anyones prior salary is a very reliable indicator of their job qualifications and talents, so a ban might have additional benefits.

That said, however, the effectiveness of banning salary histories in overcoming the baseless part of the pay gap seems limited.

It wouldnt do anything to address other causes, such as women getting stuck in midlevel management positions longer than male peers, or the tendency of men to more aggressively pursue recognition and promotion.

Whats needed is for companies to freshly analyze what success looks like in the modern world instead of following a model from nearly a century ago. Then determine the skills needed for a job and the pay needed to secure people with the skills, regardless of race and gender.

Google, for example, assigns a dollar value to each job in the company and pays that, regardless of salary history, negotiating ability or anything else. Simple, and sounds effective.

So, yes, we welcome a ban on asking about past salaries, but its a small step in the larger update needed to business and corporate culture.
(tncms-asset)efc57de6-949b-11e6-a817-00163ec2aa77(/tncms-asset)If you closely watched the southern skies for a planned rocket launch Sunday evening and were disappointed, theres good reason you didnt see anything.

The rocket launch originally planned for Sunday evening was delayed 24 hours, and is currently planned for 7:40 p.m. Monday evening.

The delay was due to a problem with one of the cables near the launch pad, which is expected to be fixed by the time of Mondays launch.

If the launch goes off as planned with no further delays, South Jersey will be able to see the launch of the private rocket from a NASA facility on Wallops Island, Virginia, Monday evening. Thats presuming skies are partly to mostly clear, which is the current forecast.

The two-state Antares rocket developed by Orbital ATK and carrying a Cygnus cargo ship to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 8:03 p.m. Sunday evening, weather conditions permitting.

The NASA facility is about 80 miles south of Cape May, which gives most of South Jersey a good seat to view the launch. According to a report on Space.com, the rocket will be visible in South Jersey 60 to 90 seconds after launch and reach a maximum height about 15 to 20 degrees above the horizon. Those hoping to see the launch should look toward the south to southeast sky and have a clear view of the southern horizon.

The last time an Antares rocket launch was attempted from Wallops Island was Oct. 28, 2014. That mission failed when the rocket exploded seconds after liftoff.

The launch window is only five minutes long. If conditions arent ideal, the launch will be delayed.

In South Jersey, the best view will be along the shore and the lower Cape, closer to the launch site, where the rocket will reach a higher point in the sky. However, all of South Jersey will have a view of the launch, weather permitting.

NASA TV will broadcast the launch.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.17



By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:



The draft law adopted by French Senate is not about Armenian genocide, but about genocide and crimes against humanity, Nathalie Goulet, French senator and vice-chair of the Senates Foreign Affairs Committee, told Trend Oct.17.



French Senate approved a draft law Oct.14 envisaging criminal liability for denial of genocide, military crimes and crimes against humanity. However, Armenian media referred to this as a draft law on criminalization of Armenian genocide.



Earlier, in 2012, Frances then president Nicolas Sarkozy tried to introduce penalties for denial of the Armenian genocide, but the law adopted by the countrys parliament was that time cancelled by the Constitutional Council.



Armenia and the Armenian lobby claim that Turkey's predecessor, the Ottoman Empire allegedly carried out "genocide" against the Armenians living in Anatolia in 1915. Turkey in turn has always denied "the genocide" took place. While strengthening the efforts to promote the "genocide" in the world, Armenians have achieved its recognition by the parliaments of some countries.



Goulet noted that this law is about the facts of genocide all over the world, for example, in Rwanda and crimes against Yazidi population in Iraq, as well as slavery issues.



It is a law about equality and we had no legal objection to oppose, she added.



Goulet pointed out that this law is not against her total support to Azerbaijan in its legitimate fight to recover its sovereignty in Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts occupied by Armenia.



The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.



Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME.

Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire.

Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III.





to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever.





Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation.





View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union.

Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history.

Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words.




Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

Trend:

Russias President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Azerbaijans Independence.

Please, accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the restoration of the state independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, said Putin in his congratulatory letter.

Everyone is aware of Azerbaijan's achievements in addressing the topical issues of socio-economic, scientific and technical development over the past 25 years, he noted.

Your country has rightly gained high reputation on the international arena. I am pleased to note that based on strong traditions of good neighborliness and mutual respect, Russia-Azerbaijan relations continue to dynamically develop in the spirit of strategic partnership, said the Russian president.

I am confident that through joint efforts we will further strengthen our bilateral constructive relations in all areas, as well as closely coordinate our efforts in addressing international issues, added Putin. Please accept my heartfelt wishes for your robust health, welfare and success, and peace and prosperity of Azerbaijani citizens.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Azerbaijan has invited Uzbekistan to benefit from the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project.

Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov in Tashkent, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend Oct. 17.

During the meeting, Mammadyarov informed his counterpart about the restoration of the historical Silk Road and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars project, in particular, and noted favorable opportunities for Uzbekistan to take advantage of them.

The BTK railway is being constructed on the basis of the Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish intergovernmental agreement. Its peak capacity will be 17 million tons of cargo per year. At the initial stage, this figure will be one million passengers and 6.5 million tons of cargo.

During the meeting, Mammadyarov and Kamilov expressed satisfaction with the level of political dialogue and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Azerbaijans foreign minister visited Tashkent for a session of the OIC council of foreign affairs.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was established in September 1969 to ensure Islamic solidarity in social, economic and political spheres. The organization has 57 member states.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Asebaa
GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- 60 years after its first launch, the 120th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) officially opened on October 15 in Guangzhou.

With 1.18 million square meters of exhibition space, the Fair is divided into three phases with a total of 60,250 booths presented, of which 59,252 were in the National Pavilion, and featuring 23,938 companies located across 16 commodity categories in the 50 exhibition halls. The International Pavilion featured 615 companies from more than 40 countries and regions.

The first phase of the Fair held from October 15-19 included electronics and machinery, hardware and building construction products. The second phase, from October 23-27, will mostly focus on consumer products and gifts, while the third phase from October 31 to November 4 will feature clothing and textiles, bags and luggage, recreation and sports, food, medical supplies and pharmaceutical healthcare products.

The emphasis of this year's Fair is on substantially optimizing the displays and setup. 124 product zones throughout 27 exhibition sections are established for traditional industries including construction and building materials, machinery, hardware and tools, clothing and textiles and medical products. At the same time, new exhibition zones are opened for emerging industries like new energy and pet products, encouraging brands and companies from these sectors to attend.

The 120th Canton Fair is hosting 23 meetings and events including industrial summits and forums, trend analysis, exploration of design and innovation, exchange of research and development and experience sharing on branding and marketing.

A further highlight is the design section, playing host to a series of exhibitions, dialogues and fashion shows with a total of 94 design institutions from 14 countries and regions to take part.

"Canton Fair now has the best influence on social media in the industry. We are engaging 600,000 followers on Facebook and 20,000 on LinkedIn in 7 languages daily," said Canton Fair spokesperson Xu Bing. "This time we've also hosted 16 remote video conferences in 15 countries and invite visitors to join us in discovering business opportunities and partners and discussing various industry trends. We also constantly enhance our Media Resource Exchange Program, which now has participants from 35 organizations in 21 countries and regions. We wish all the sellers and buyers will enjoy a fruitful session in the 60th year of Canton Fair."

SOURCE Canton Fair
NORTH CHICAGO, Illinois, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

AbbVie Inc. ("AbbVie") (NYSE / CHX / Euronext Paris / SIX: ABBV) today informs its stockholders that it has filed a Periodic Report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") regarding Thomas Hurwich providing notice of his intention to resign as AbbVie's Vice President, Controller, effective February 28, 2017.

AbbVie makes available free of charge on its website, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, reports filed pursuant to Section 16 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and amendments to those reports filed with or furnished to the SEC as soon as reasonably practicable after AbbVie electronically files these documents with, or furnishes them to, the SEC. These documents are posted on AbbVie's website at www.abbvieinvestor.com.

The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. These materials may be obtained electronically by accessing the SEC's home page at http://www.sec.gov.

Copies of the above referenced information will also be made available, free of charge, upon written request to AbbVie Inc., Investors Relations, 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, U.S.A.

CONTACT: AbbVie Inc., 1-847-938-8745

This is a disclosure announcement from PR Newswire.

SOURCE AbbVie, Inc.
CHEPSTOW, Wales and HASSELT, Belgium, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Apitope is a drug discovery and development company focused on highly selective therapies that reinstate immune tolerance and thereby treat the underlying cause of autoimmune, as well as allergic diseases. Today Apitope announces it has regained global rights to its compound, ATX-MS-1467, a potentially disease-modifying therapy for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Under the agreement with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Apitope will regain all rights and clinical data associated with its compound ATX-MS-1467, which just completed a Phase II clinical trial.

Dr Keith Martin, CEO of Apitope, commented: "We believe ATX-MS-1467 has enormous potential for treating MS patients. We are pleased to be regaining the rights to the compound, as well as the clinical data. This will provide us with greater flexibility and control in the clinical development of ATX-MS-1467. We are now able to pursue new business collaborations to enable the further development of this promising treatment. We appreciate the efforts made by the Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany - team members in advancing this programme to date."

ATX-MS-1467 has successfully completed a Phase I clinical trial in six patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and a second Phase I trial in 43 relapsing MS patients, assessing safety as well as biological parameters. Examination of the MRI results (new gadolinium- and total gadolinium-enhancing [Gd+] lesions) demonstrated a decrease of 78% in the number of Gd+ brain lesions in patients with relapsing MS treated with intradermal injection of ATX-MS-1467.

In 2009, Apitope granted exclusive worldwide rights to Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany to develop and commercialize ATX-MS-1467. Enrolment in a Phase IIa clinical trial of ATX-MS-1467 in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis was completed in mid-2015, and the outcome of the study is expected Q4 2016.

The terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

-ENDS-

For further information:

Apitope

Dr Keith Martin, CEO

+44 117 370 7720

keith.martin@apitope.com



Hume Brophy

Mary Clark, Supriya Mathur and Alexia Faure

Tel: +44 (0)20 7862 6381

apitope@humebrophy.com







About Apitope



Apitope is a European biotech company focused on the discovery and development of revolutionary disease modifying therapies for autoimmune and allergic diseases and anti-drug antibodies, including multiple sclerosis, Graves' disease, Factor VIII intolerance and uveitis.



The Company has a patented discovery platform which enables selection of disease-modifying peptide therapies; and has already generated a pipeline of seven programmes in clinical and preclinical development, of which the lead programme is in multiple sclerosis. The discovery engine selects Apitopes - Antigen Processing Independent epiTOPES. Apitopes are soluble, synthetic peptides from the human sequence which can selectively suppress abnormal immune responses and reinstate the normal immune balance. Apitope raised 12 million in a Series B financing in September 2015. The round was led by new investor Wales Life Sciences Fund. Stakeholders in the Company include Wales Life Sciences Fund, the Wellcome Trust, LRM, Vesalius Biocapital and the US MS charity, Fast Forward.



For more information on the Company, please visit: www.apitope.com



About ATX-MS-1467

Apitope's lead product candidate is ATX-MS-1467, a potentially disease-modifying therapy for the treatment of MS.



ATX-MS-1467 is a novel peptide-based therapeutic derived from Apitope's proprietary technology platform. It is designed to target up to 70% of patients with MS who have a specific genetic profile.



It consists of four short peptides that are derived from myelin basic protein, a key autoantigen in MS. It is designed to induce immunological tolerance of the body's T cells to key autoantigens thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of MS.

SOURCE Apitope International NV
Empowering the Connected Enterprise for Service Excellence

HORSHAM, Pennsylvania, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Astea International Inc., a global provider of service management and mobility solutions, will be showcasing its latest service management and mobile workforce innovations at the Copperberg Aftermarket Business Platform conference, in Wiesbaden, Germany, October 19  21, 2016. Astea would like to extend a special invitation to conference attendees to participate in two very insightful and eye-opening sessions at the Aftermarket conference: Enabling & Transforming The Enterprise to Drive Service Innovation, presented by their customer, Bytes Managed Solutions, and an Executive Circle session led by Astea titled, Incorporating Service Innovation for Competitive Differentiation.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160212/332698LOGO

Bytes Managed Solutions implemented the Astea Alliance service management and mobile workforce optimization platform to gain additional efficiencies, support the company's "green" initiatives by reducing paper, emissions and fuel costs, as well as to reinforce their commitment to superior customer service. At the Aftermarket conference on Friday, October 21st at 9:00 am, Jeanette van der Spuy, Business Enablement Lead, Bytes Managed Solutions will discuss the role that technology can play in facilitating the optimization and standardization of processes, supporting growth and acquisition strategies, and further enhancing customer and partner experience. She will also highlight ways in which organizations can maximize the utilization and productivity of their workforce for optimal outcomes. Additionally, on Thursday, October 20th at 1:30 pm, Deb Geiger, VP Global Marketing, Astea International, will be leading an Executive Circle session that will focus on what steps organizations are taking/planning to take to pursue service innovation as an ongoing process and focus to develop new service offerings and service delivery mechanisms that will drive differentiation and customer satisfaction.

Astea experts will be on hand to discuss and demonstrate how service organizations can leverage the latest technology advancements to catapult revenue growth, optimize employee/customer/partner interaction experience, drive productivity improvements, and boost customer satisfaction levels.

Astea is the only solution provider that offer all cornerstones of service lifecycle management: customer management; service management; asset management; complete forward and reverse logistics management; and mobile workforce management with enhanced scheduling optimization and actionable business intelligence. Whether in the cloud or on-premise, Astea's solutions are seamlessly orchestrated to share and leverage information throughout the service lifecycle  removing the traditional barriers between the field and back office. With Astea Alliance's modularity, companies can introduce one module at a time or deploy a seamless information backbone across the entire service lifecycle continuum, thereby eliminating the patchwork of disparate systems that can hamper a company's ability to provide best-in-class service.

About Astea International

Astea International is a global provider of software solutions that offer all the cornerstones of service lifecycle management, including customer management, service management, asset management, forward and reverse logistics management and mobile workforce management and optimization. Astea's solutions link processes, people, parts, and data to empower companies and provide the agility they need to achieve sustainable value in less time, and successfully compete in a global economy. Since 1979, Astea has been helping more than 600 companies drive even higher levels of customer satisfaction with faster response times and proactive communication, creating a seamless, consistent and highly personalized experience at every customer relationship touch point.



www.astea.com. Service Smart. Enterprise Proven.

 2016 Astea International Inc. Astea and Astea Alliance are trademarks of Astea International Inc. All other company and product names contained herein are trademarks of the respective holders.

Related Links

http://www.astea.com



SOURCE Astea International Inc.
PORTO, Portugal, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

ONGENTYS (opicapone) has now been launched in the UK for the treatment of adult Parkinsons disease patients with motor fluctuations.

ONGENTYS (opicapone) was authorised by the European Commission in June 2016 as an adjunctive therapy to preparations of levodopa/DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors (DDCIs) in adult patients with Parkinson's disease and end-of-dose motor fluctuations who cannot be stabilised on those combinations.

Several therapeutic strategies are available to improve the signs and symptoms of Parkinsons disease, mainly dopaminergic drugs avoiding the degradation or mimicking dopamine physiological effects. Levodopa remains the gold-standard treatment for the disease, although its long-term use causes what is known as motor complications, like end of dose motor complications or wearing-off. "Wearing-off" episodes may be improved with appropriate changes in the medication regimen, i.e. adding an extra dose of levodopa or using a COMT inhibitor.

"There is still an unmet medical need for effective new therapeutic options for Parkinsons disease. Opicapone will provide clinicians in UK with a COMT inhibitor, with the convenience of once-daily dosing. It is an option when levodopa-treated patients need additional help to improve motor symptoms such as wearing off in Parkinsons disease.", said Professor Andrew Lees, Professor of Neurology at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London and University College London.

"Studies have shown that ONGENTYS (opicapone) is an effective, once-daily, an adjunctive therapy to preparations of levodopa/DOPA decarboxylase inhibitors (DDCIs) in adult patients with Parkinson's disease and end-of-dose motor fluctuations who cannot be stabilised on those combinations. We are pleased that opicapone is now available in UK, a country where BIAL has recently opened an affiliate. Opicapone is the outcome of BIAL's longstanding scientific commitment to neurological research. These launches also reflect BIAL's increasing European footprint and the company's mission to care for the Health of people worldwide", comments Antonio Portela, CEO of BIAL.

The European Commission authorisation for opicapone was based on data from a clinical development programme which included 28 human pharmacology studies with more than 900 patients exposed to opicapone in 30 countries worldwide. The two pivotal phase III studies, BIPARK-I[2] and BIPARK-II[3] demonstrated that opicapone once-daily achieved an absolute reduction in OFF-time of 103 and 107 minutes respectively and statistically significant increases in ON-time without troublesome dyskinesia compared to placebo (P=0.002).

Opicapone was also associated with significant improvements in both patient and clinician global assessments of change. BIPARK-I was an active-controlled trial and included an entacapone arm: opicapone once-daily demonstrated to be non-inferior to entacapone dosed multiple times per day. The data from the phase III trials demonstrated that opicapone improves motor fluctuations in levodopa-treated patients regardless of concomitant dopamine agonist or monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors use[4]. It has also been demonstrated to have a generally favourable safety and tolerability profile in the whole trial population and in the subset of patients over 70 years, and is not associated with relevant electrocardiographic or hepatic adverse events.

Both phase III trials included a 1-year open-label extension and opicapone demonstrated an OFF-time reduction from the double-blind phase baseline that was sustained over the open-label phase

BIAL anticipates additional EU launches of opicapone over the coming year. The company recently opened affiliates in Frankfurt and London, so as to strengthen its internationalisation strategy and the commercialisation of its medicines in those countries.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative, chronic and progressive disease. The clinical manifestations usually start after the age of 50 years (average age for diagnosis is approximately 60 years) and the prevalence is estimated at 300 per 100,000 inhabitants, increasing to 1/100 over the age of 55-60 years. According to the European Parkinson's Disease Association (EPDA) around 6.3 million people have Parkinson's worldwide. Along with available statistics, 1.2 million people in the European Union have Parkinson's, approximately 260,000 in Germany and 120,000 in UK.

About ONGENTYS (opicapone)

Opicapone is a third-generation catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor. It was rationally designed to provide a peripherally selective high COMT inhibitory potency and to avoid cell toxicity[5].

Opicapone dose dependently increases the bioavailability of levodopa by up to 55% vs placebo and this translates into a dose-dependent reduction in OFF time[6]. Molecular structure resulted in an exceptionally high binding affinity (fentomolar) that translates into a slow complex dissociation rate constant and a long duration of action that allows once daily dosing[7].

About the BIPARK-I study

BIPARK-I was a phase III, randomised, double-blind, active- and placebo-controlled, parallel group efficacy and safety study with an open-label 1-year extension phase in levodopa-treated patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and motor fluctuations.

The efficacy and safety of three different doses (5, 25 and 50 mg) of opicapone administered once-daily, compared with entacapone (200 mg) or placebo administered with each dose of levodopa, were assessed. Opicapone 50mg once-daily was superior to placebo and non-inferior to entacapone.

The study enrolled 600 patients from 106 study sites in Europe. Patients were 34-83 years-old and had a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease for at least 3 years; had a modified Hoehn & Yahr Scale stage of 3 in the ON state; had to receive optimum levodopa therapy (3-8 daily doses), stable for at least 4 weeks; had signs of end-of-dose deterioration (wearing-OFF) for at least 4 weeks with a mean daily OFF-time of 1.5 hours while awake, not including morning pre-first dose OFF-time; and had the ability to keep accurate 24-hour diaries. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1:1 ratio to opicapone 5 mg, 25 mg or 50 mg, entacapone and placebo.

The primary endpoint was the mean change from baseline in absolute OFF-time, as measured by 24-hour diaries. Secondary endpoints included proportion of responders, Investigators' and Subjects' Global Assessment of Change, UPDRS, quality of life, non-motor symptoms and sleep scales, tolerability and safety assessments. Ninety percent (542/600) of patients completed the study.

About the BIPARK-II study

BIPARK-II was a phase III, randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled study with an open-label 1-year extension phase in levodopa-treated patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and end-of-dose motor fluctuations.

The efficacy and safety of two different doses (25 and 50 mg) of opicapone, administered once-daily, were compared with placebo, administered with each dose of levodopa, were assessed. Mean reduction in absolute OFF-time in both the 25 and 50 mg OPC groups was greater than in the placebo arm.

286 patients completed the study from 69 multinational study sites. Patients inclusion criteria and trial assessments (primary and secondary outcomes) were similar to BIPARK-I.

About Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative, chronic and progressive disease, characterized by massive depletion of striatal dopamine because of degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the brain (substantia nigra).

Epidemiological evidence points to a complex interaction between genetic vulnerability and environmental factors. The clinical manifestations usually start after the age of 50 years (average age for diagnosis is approximately 60 years) and the prevalence is estimated at 300 per 100,000 inhabitants, increasing to 1/100 over the age of 55-60 years.

Diagnosis is based on clinical observation. A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease can be made in patients who present with at least two of the three cardinal signs: resting tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia. Tremor is particularly important, as it is present in 85% of patients with Parkinson's; a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is particularly difficult when tremor is absent. Other frequent symptoms include postural instability, masked face and decreased eye blinking, stooped posture, and decreased arm swing.

About BIAL

Founded in 1924, BIAL's mission is to discover, develop and provide therapeutic solutions within the area of health. In recent decades, BIAL has strategically focused on quality, innovation and internationalisation.

BIAL's has nine affiliates and its products are in pharmacies of more than 50 countries. Since May 2016 BIAL has had its own affiliate in the UK.

Being the partner of choice for many pharma companies, BIAL is strongly committed to therapeutic innovation, investing more than 20% of its turnover in Research and Development (R&D) every year.

BIAL has established an ambitious R&D programme centred in neurosciences, cardiovascular system and allergic immunotherapy. BIAL's innovative programmes focus on continuing the clinical development of its epilepsy drug ZEBINIX/APTIOM[8] (eslicarbazepine acetate) on the market in Europe and the US, as well as ONGENTYS (opicapone) for Parkinson's disease.

The company expects to continue to introduce new medicines and vaccines to the market in the next years, strengthening its position worldwide and accomplishing the company's purpose of "Caring for your Health".

For more information about BIAL, please visit http://www.bial.com.

References:

Ongentys (opicapone) SPC - Available at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/002790/WC500209536.pdf. Accessed September 2016 Ferreira JJ et al. Lancet Neurol 2016; 15 (2): 154-165 Lees A et al. J Neurol Sci 2013; 333,Suppl 1:e116 Lopes N et al. Eur J Neurol 2015 ; 22 (Suppl. 1) : 439 Kiss LE et al. J Med Chem 2010;53(8):3396-3411 Rocha JF et al., Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2014; 70:1059-1071 Rocha JF et al. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2013;76(5):763-775 Zebinix  (eslicarbazepine acetate) SPC - Available at : http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/000988/WC500047225.pdf . Accessed September 2016

Job code: ON/SEP16/UK/068

Date of preparation: September 2016



SOURCE BIAL
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Bloomberg New Energy Finance may open a third regional platform at the EXPO 2017 exhibition dedicated to Future Energy, which will take place next summer in Kazakhstan.

"We are discussing opening a third, "Eurasian", regional platform of Bloomberg New Energy Finance at EXPO 2017. It would cover the CIS, Central Asia and the neighboring states," said Marat Omarov, Director of Content and Event Organization at National Company Astana EXPO-2017.

He emphasized that it would "help bring together the best experts and scientists specializing in traditional and renewable energy as well as the political and business elite so that they can join forces to tackle the energy challenges of the day."

At the annual Future of Energy EMEA Summit recently held by Bloomberg New Energy Finance in London, EXPO 2017 was presented to about 500 major international organizations and financial institutions.

At the summit, the representatives of National Company Astana EXPO-2017 met with the heads of the world's leading companies, such as Facebook, McKinsey, Solar Ventures, Ericson, Cisco, etc.

"Cooperation with EXPO 2017 was on the agenda. We invited the representatives of the international business community to participate in the event that will take place in Astana next summer or become our partners," explained Mr. Omarov.

The organizers of the exhibition also had a meeting with Jon Moore, the CEO of Bloomberg New Energy Finance. The parties talked about the international promotion of EXPO 2017.

About EXPO 2017

The International Specialized Exhibition EXPO 2017 dedicated to Future Energy is an expositional and recreational event that will take place between 10 June and 10 September 2017 in Astana. The exhibition will last 93 days and will become one of the most spectacular cultural venues in 2017. To date, 105 countries and 17 international organizations have confirmed their intention to participate in the Astana EXPO-2017 exhibition. Overall, over 5 million visits are expected.

As part of Astana EXPO-2017, global policy documents will be drafted in order to promote an energy-efficient lifestyle and wide use of renewable energy sources.

National Company Astana EXPO-2017

For more information, please contact:

Elvina Bulatova

Expo2017@m-p.ru



SOURCE National company Astana EXPO-2017
HELSINKI, Finland, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Church bells across Finland are now ringing at 5pm every day in protest of the continued destruction of the city of Aleppo in Syria. The bells will continue to ring daily until 24 October, United Nations Day.

With civilian casualties and deaths increasing daily in Aleppo, this organic, grassroots movement has now seen hundreds of churches ringing bells of mourning. It is an outcry against the devastating impact on the population as well as the infrastructure caused by the bombings on the besieged 3,000-year-old Syrian city.

The initiative was taken by the Evangelical Lutheran Parish of Kallio in Helsinki, Finland, on 12 October. By Sunday 16 October, the symbolic gesture had been taken on by over 300 churches both in Finland and abroad. The bells are already ringing on four continents, and more churches join in every day.

Dr. Teemu Laajasalo, Vicar of Kallio Parish, Helsinki, Finland:

"Schools and hospitals are being bombed in Aleppo. The very buildings meant to protect, nurture and sustain life are being demolished. Small children are being killed, the ones that need our care and protection the most.

But the issue is not only about the dead. Even the living are dead in Aleppo - in constant fear - often without water and food, and always without refuge.

The situation is politically complex - but morally simple. Killing children and civilians is wrong. Starving the most vulnerable among us is wrong.

Funeral bells are ringing in churches across the world, reminding people of the ongoing funeral taking place in Aleppo. Funeral bells are honouring the victims. But they are also declaring the words of Christ: 'Blessed are the peacemakers', and therefore summoning all the people in power to find a solution to end the suffering."

Hopefully the bells ringing across Finland will inspire international church communities to join the virally spreading protest and help hasten the cessation of suffering in Aleppo.

#bellsforaleppo

Map of the churches involved: http://www.bellsforaleppo.org

Video: the Bells of Kallio Church toll (https://we.tl/7khlnLArUH)

SOURCE Lutheran Parish of Kallio
LONDON, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Essex County Council has chosen data analytics experts Pi Care and Health to develop and deliver an innovative platform which will integrate multiple data sources to improve the life chances and outcomes for children. Using advanced risk stratification and predictive modelling capability this will provide opportunities for early interventions and local improvements.

In the first year, the initial prototype development will begin in Basildon with expected roll out to the rest of Essex over the following 3 years.

Funding for this project has come from the DCLG Transformation Challenge Award (TCA). This 'New Generations Project' will focus on under fives, unborn babies and their families. The TCA programme is committed to improving health, education, social and economic wellbeing while at the same time, reducing demand on high cost specialist services. It will initially collect data from four main areas; housing and benefits, health visits, children's socialcare and school readiness indicators.

The organisations involved in this initial prototype phase include Basildon Borough Council, CCG and NHS England commissioned services, adult mental health service providers, Basildon & Thurrock University Hospital Trust, dental practices and GP surgeries. Also participating will be several service providers within Essex County Council, including health visitors, midwives and adult social care providers, together with primary schools, early years providers and local police services.

Julia Ross, Pi Care and Health's Managing Director, said: "We are very proud to have been selected to support such an important and trailblazing project, which will improve lives of local children. This work covers some highly sensitive issues, including children's services, and we fully appreciate the importance of this project.

We are now looking forward to getting on with the job in hand helping Essex County Council and its partners fulfil its ambitious and laudable aims and improve the lives of its residents."

Dave Hill, Executive Director for People Commissioning, said: "We are committed to ensuring children in Essex get the best start in life and are working hard to improve the collaboration between our own services and those of partner agencies.

This innovative new system will aid that process, collecting data from various sources and enabling us to make earlier interventions to improve the lives of children and families in Essex.

I look forward to seeing how the prototype works in practice and the opportunities it might create moving forward."

Contact:

Leigh Rimmer

Content Manager

Pi Ltd.

leigh.rimmer@p-i.net

SOURCE Pi Ltd
SAN FRANCISCO, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The global flight simulators market is expected to reach USD 5.62 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Increasing adoption of FFS owing to high fidelity and reliability is expected to provide adequate growth prospects over the coming years. Customers also opt for FTDs on account of their low operational costs, modular approach, real-time aerodynamic flight model, and remote configuration as well as management. The industry is expected to witness moderate growth over the forecast period owing to the aforementioned factors.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150105/723757 )



The need to effectively replicate real flying training with the usage of motion and visual systems has resulted in the introduction of sophisticated simulators in the market. Increase in government spending and growing security concerns particularly in the military sector is anticipated to escalate product demand significantly. The rising concerns over pilot training cost along with fluctuating fuel prices may further drive demand for flight simulators over the next eight years.

Browse full research report with TOC on "Flight Simulator Market Analysis By Product (Full Flight Simulator (FFS), Fixed Flight Training Devices (FTD)), By Application (Military & Defense, Civil), By Service And Segment Forecasts To 2024" at: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/the-global-flight-simulator-market

Further key findings from the report suggest:

The FFS product segment accounted for over 90% of the overall revenue in 2015 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 4% from 2016 to 2024. This growth is owing to features that provide motion, sound, visuals, and all other aircraft operations that create a realistic flight training environment.

The demand in civil application segment is primarily due to the rising air traffic coupled with the growing emphasis on the passenger as well as pilot safety. Governments in several countries have enforced strict regulations regarding the use and significance of simulation training.

The services segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR exceeding 3.0% over the forecast period. This is primarily attributed to the rise in number of simulator installation by international airways.

Europe accounted for more than 30% of the overall market share in 2015 and is expected to exhibit a modest growth over the next eight years on account of the elevating enforcement of regulations pertaining to pilot training and passenger safety.

accounted for more than 30% of the overall market share in 2015 and is expected to exhibit a modest growth over the next eight years on account of the elevating enforcement of regulations pertaining to pilot training and passenger safety. The Asia Pacific flight simulators market is estimated to exhibit a substantial growth over the forecast period in light of the growing aviation industry, resulting in the increasing demand for flight simulators. The Middle East & Africa is also projected to showcase a substantial demand of over 4%, which is primarily be attributed to the presence of carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar that are investing heavily in this industry.

flight simulators market is estimated to exhibit a substantial growth over the forecast period in light of the growing aviation industry, resulting in the increasing demand for flight simulators. The & is also projected to showcase a substantial demand of over 4%, which is primarily be attributed to the presence of carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and that are investing heavily in this industry. Prominent industry players include CAE, Boeing, L-3 Link Simulation & Training, Lockheed Martin, Rockwell Collins, Thales and SaaB. Industry participants emphasize on joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions in order to acquire greater financial, technical, marketing, manufacturing and distribution expertise.

Browse related reports by Grand View Research:

Fuel Cell Vehicle Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/fuel-cell-vehicle-market

Electric Scooters Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/electric-scooters-market

Diesel Engine Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/diesel-engine-market

Hybrid Vehicles Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/hybrid-vehicles-market

Grand View Research has segmented the global flight simulator market on the basis of product, application, service and region:

Flight Simulator Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Units; 2012 - 2024) Full Flight Simulator (FFS) Fixed Flight Training Devices (FTDs)

Flight Simulator Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Units; 2012 - 2024) Military & defense Civil

Flight Simulator Service Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2012 - 2024) Maintenance & Repair Services

Flight Simulator Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Units; 2012 - 2024) North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Germany UK France Asia Pacific China India Japan Latin America Brazil Middle East & Africa



Access research insight: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/research-insights/flight-simulators-market-majorly-driven-need-improve-safety

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.

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SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

Trend:

Azerbaijan will further continue to move on its current path, pursue independent policy and move forward based on the peoples will, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev.

The president was addressing an official reception dedicated to the 25th anniversary of restoration of Azerbaijans independence.

I believe that 2003 is of special importance for our independent history, because in 2003, people of Azerbaijan made a decision regarding the path Azerbaijan should move on: whether it will continue Heydar Aliyevs policy, or the country will again face troubles and disasters. Azerbaijani people, as always, showed their wisdom and voted for Heydar Aliyevs policy, said President Aliyev.

He pointed out that 25 years is a great history.

We have already proved to the whole world that we can have an independent life, we can live successfully. Our cities which are getting beautiful, our improving regions and Baku, which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, is a clear evidence of that, said President Aliyev. We will move on this path, pursue independent policy and move forward based on the peoples will in the future.

Our independence is irreversible and everlasting. I wish success to the entire people of Azerbaijan in strengthening our independence, said the president. Long live independent Republic of Azerbaijan!
DUBLIN, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Cyber Weapon Market, company profiles, share, trends, analysis, opportunities, segmentation and forecast 2016 - 2022" report to their offering.

The market is expected to witness significant growth over the coming period owing to demand across several application sector like government organizations, public utilities, military, communication networks, financial systems, and necessary services (banking and insurance). Vast confidential data in these segments are extremely vulnerable to unforeseen damage by rouge digital mass shooter pair with disturbed & outraged hackers, which is further anticipated to drive the cyber weapon market significantly.

On the basis of type, the global market of cyber weapon has been divided into offensive and defensive cyber weapon segments. The defensive cyber weapon held the larger market share of 78.8% in the market in 2016, in terms of revenue. The increasing cases of cyber espionage have forced governments and private organizations to concentrate on technologies to protect their critical infrastructure. While information technology is vital to industries such as defense, manufacturing, and aerospace, they are additional vulnerable to cyber thefts.

The cyber weapons market of North America held the largest market share of 38% in 2016. It is likely to maintain its dominance in the market through the coming period.

Several organizations have appling various strategies like product innovation; merger acquisition etc to extend the application ranges in National defense system, industrial control system, and smart power grid and communication network.

Major industry players include

- Bae Systems

- Eads

- General Dynamics

- Mandiant

- Symantec Corporation

- Northrop Grumman Corporation

- Avg Technologies

- Avast Software

- Boeing

- Kaspersky Lab

- Cisco Systems

- Mcafee

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction

2. Market Overview

3. Market Determinants

3.1. Market Drivers

3.1.1. Increasing Investment By Organizations to Identify Zero-Day Vulnerabilities.

3.1.2. Expansion By Traditional Arms Manufacturing Companies in the Cybersecurity Business And Demand for Advanced Cyber Weapons

3.1.3. Increasing Need for Security in Critical Infrastructure And Utilities.

3.2. Market Restraints

3.2.1. Rising Government Regulations Regarding the Usage of Cyber Weapons in Controlled Environment

3.3. Key Opportunities

3.3.1. Growing Demand from Emerging Markets.

3.3.2. Emergence of Cyberspace As a New Domain for Warfare

3.4. Market Challenges

3.4.1. Preventing Weapons Development And Usage.

3.4.2. Cyber Warfare And Anonymity Between Hackers.

3.5. Sector Analysis

3.5.1. Parent Market

3.5.2. Competitors Market/Alternative Market

4. Market Segmentation

4.1. Global Cyber Weapon Market By Application Market 2014-2022 ($ Million)

4.1.1. Global National Defense System Cyber Weapon Market 2014-2022 ($ Million)

4.1.2. Global Communication Network Cyber Weapon Market 2014-2022 ($ Million)

4.1.3. Global Industrial Control System Cyber Market, 2014-2022 ($ Million)

4.1.4. Global Smart Power Grid Cyber Weapon Market 2014-2022 ($ Million)

4.1.5. Global Air Traffic Control Cyber Weapon Market 2014-2022 ($ Million)

4.1.6. Global Automated Transportation System Cyber Weapon Market 2014-2022 ($ Million)

4.2. Global Cyber Weapon By Type Market 2014-2022 ($ Million)

4.2.1. Global Defensive Cyber Weapon Market 2014-2022 ($ Million)

4.2.2. Global Offensive Cyber Weapon Market 2014-2022 ($ Million)

5. Geographical Analysis

6. Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/mvc8q6/global_cyber

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

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SOURCE Research and Markets
CHICAGO, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

According to the new market research report, "In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) Market, by Products (Instruments & Systems and Reagents & Consumables Segments), Applications (Immunochemistry, Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Infectious Disease, Microbiology, Genetic Testing, and Histology & Cytology) - Global Revenue, Trends, Growth, Share, Size and Forecast to 2021", published by Scalar Market Research, the in-vitro diagnostics market is expected to grow at a steady CAGR of 5.2% and become worth USD 77.38 billion by 2021. In 2016, the in-vitro diagnostics market is estimated to be worth USD 60.07 billion.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161017/429206LOGO )



Download Sample: https://www.scalarmarketresearch.com/request-sample.php?id=121

The global in-vitro diagnostics market report offers in-depth analysis about the market size (revenue), market share, major market segments, global geographies, forecast, key players, and premium trends. It also focuses on the key drivers and opportunities in this market.

Early buyers can also avail 20% discount and 100% customization on this report, for the month of October.

Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.scalarmarketresearch.com/enquire-before-buy.php?id=121

Few key findings of the report :

The Strong rise in the incidences of chronic diseases and infectious diseases along with the rise in the number of the geriatric population are suggested to drive the business in the in-vitro diagnostics market.

Widespread rise in the instances of infectious diseases and rising demand from the number of chronic disease patients, the report suggests a steady rise in demand for the in-vitro diagnostics market on the global scale.

The impressive rise in the research and development efforts from the key market players is also a significant driving factor for the growth of the in-vitro diagnostics market during the forecast period.

The in-vitro diagnostics market report suggests a steady rise in demand, the growth of the emerging segments such as companion diagnostics, point-of-care tests, lab on a chip and other next generation technologies. These factors are expected to create significant business opportunities for the key players and the emerging players in the in-vitro diagnostics market. The growing demand for evidence-based medicine is also considered to be a key driving factor for this industry. The report highlights immunochemistry as the strongest growing application segment for this industry during the forecast period. Molecular diagnostics in genetic testing and cancer screening are expected to witness ample growth opportunities.

North America is suggested to hold the largest share of the in-vitro diagnostics market. Asia-Pacific, on the other hand, is expected to become the fastest-growing segment of the market during the forecast period. Strong government initiatives, rising awareness about healthcare and improved infrastructure are suggested to be some of the major reasons for the impressive growth of the in-vitro diagnostics market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Browse the Report:

https://www.scalarmarketresearch.com/market-reports/in-vitro-diagnostics-ivd-market

The key players highlighted in the in-vitro diagnostics market report include:

Abbott Laboratories

Becton Dickinson and Company

and Company BioMerieus

Danaher Corporation

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

Johnson & Johnson

Siemens Healthcare

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Browse Related Report:

Prescription Pharmaceuticals Market - Global Revenue, Trends, Growth, Share, Size and Forecast to 2020

https://www.scalarmarketresearch.com/market-reports/prescription-pharmaceuticals-market

About Scalar Market Research

Scalar Market Research, Inc., a U.S.-based market research and consulting firm, aspires to assist organizations from around the world to achieve their business goal with premium market research reports and consulting services. Our real-time industry tracking with the help of advanced analytics offers a crystal clear view of all the activities in niche markets. Our team, with thorough global understanding, works relentlessly to gather the necessary market insights, including customer analysis, competitions and global forecast.

Find out more about our services at: www.scalarmarketresearch.com

Contact:

Mr. Rahul Ganju

8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave.,

Suite 1300

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Tel.: +1-800-213-5170 (U.S./Canada Toll-free)

Email: sales@scalarmarketresearch.com





Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scalar-market-research

SOURCE Scalar Market Research
PORTLAND, Oregon, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

A new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, "Nano Titanium Dioxide Market by Application - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014 - 2022", states that the market was $4,486 million in 2015 and is expected to reach $16,682 million by 2022, registering a CAGR of 20.7% from 2016 to 2022. Consumption of nano titanium dioxide is maximum in cosmetic application throughout the study period. Asia - Pacific is expected to continue to be the leading consumer in the global market until 2022.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 )



Summary of the Nano Titanium Dioxide Market Report can be accessed on the website at

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/nano-titanium-dioxide-market

Nanoscale titanium dioxide is approximately 100 times finer than the titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment and is commonly applicable in high-factor sun protection creams, textile fibers or wood preservatives, paints & coatings, and plastics. Factors that drive the nano titanium dioxide market are upsurge in demand for passive protective coatings, growth in penetration of UV-filters in personal care products & sunscreens, and trend towards environmental sustainability. However, toxicity at higher concentration is expected to hamper the market growth along with rise in penetration of nano zinc oxide.

According to Eswara Prasad, Team Lead, Chemical Research at Allied Market Research, "Nano titanium dioxide market is driven by its extraordinary physio-chemical properties, which results in improved performance of end-products."

In 2015, cosmetics was the largest application segment, in terms of revenue and volume, with more than one-third share followed by paints & coatings, pigments, plastics, energy, and others. Furthermore, in cosmetic application nano titanium dioxide is used as UV blocker in various sunscreen applications.

Key findings of the study:

Pigment segment is expected to witness highest CAGR of 21.9% during the forecast period.

Paints & coatings along with cosmetic segment together account for more than two-third market share.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to lead the market, growing at a CAGR of 21.3%, in value terms, from 2016 to 2022.

is anticipated to lead the market, growing at a CAGR of 21.3%, in value terms, from 2016 to 2022. China , Germany , and U.S. led the global nano titanium dioxide market in 2015.

In 2015, Europe and Asia-Pacific collectively accounted for nearly two-thirds of the worldwide demand for nano titanium dioxide and are expected to maintain their lead position throughout the forecast period. However, Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing region, with a CAGR of 21.3%, in value terms, followed by LAMEA, North America, and Europe.

Major players in the industry invest significantly in research & development to launch new commercial applications at low cost. Strategic collaborations & business expansion are the other major strategies adopted by some of the industry players. The major companies profiled in the report include BASF SE, Cabot Corporation, CINKARNA Celje d.d., Cristal, Croda International Plc, E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company, Evonik Industries AG, Huntsman International LLC, Nano-Oxides Inc., NanoScale Corporation, and Tayca Corporation.

About Us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions". AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

Summary of Similar Reports can be viewed at

https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/materials-&-chemicals/advanced-materials-market-report

Contact:

Rahul Thakur

5933 NE Win Sivers Drive

#205, Portland, OR 97220

United States

Direct: +1-503-894-6022

Toll Free: +1 (800) 792-5285 (U.S. & Canada)

Fax: +1 (855) 550-5975

E-mail: sales@alliedmarketresearch.com

SOURCE Allied Market Research
QuantumClean is the leading global provider of validated Atomically Clean Surfaces outsourced process tool parts cleaning, performance coating and refurbishment for sub-20nm manufacturing processes.

QUAKERTOWN, Pennsylvania, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- QuantumClean is exhibiting at SEMICON Europa at the AlpExpo in Grenoble, France from October 25-27, 2016, booth 720.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160627/383596LOGO

QuantumClean operates on the frontier of the sub-20nm high-purity semiconductor parts cleaning market through leading-edge technologies, resources and expertise.

QuantumClean's advanced capabilities create specific solutions for wafer fab, OEM and OPM customers which reduces their CoO by providing Atomically Clean Surfaces validated by analytical data generated by ChemTrace labs. QuantumClean's technology roadmap addresses the many challenges for technology at 14nm and 10nm, but also enhances our customers' process control and performance for larger devices like MEMS, power, sensors and other technologies.

Please stop by our booth and QuantumClean's sales and engineering teams will discuss customized solutions for your parts cleaning, coating and refurbishment challenges.

About Quantum Global Technologies, LLC

QuantumClean and ChemTrace are divisions of Quantum Global Technologies, LLC which is headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

QuantumClean is the global leader in sub-20nm outsourced process tool parts cleaning and restoration (including coating) services, tool part life extension and process tool part optimization solutions to the semiconductor wafer fabrication, OEM and OPM industries.

Founded in 2000, QuantumClean operates innovative Advanced Technology Cleaning Centers built on the premise of providing customers process improvement through consistently cleaner parts that exceed industry standards. These solutions dramatically reduce our customers' total cost of ownership. With 19 Advanced Technology Cleaning Centers located in 8 countries, QuantumClean provides unsurpassed cleaning capability worldwide.

ChemTrace is the recognized leading reference analytical testing laboratory primarily serving the semiconductor, solar and related industries by providing answers and solutions to its customers' micro-contamination related issues. Founded in 1993, ChemTrace also provides independent analytical verification of process tool part cleaning effectiveness for leading-edge semiconductor fab, OEM and OPM customers which have critical cleaning requirements.

Learn more about QuantumClean and ChemTrace at www.quantumclean.com and www.chemtrace.com.

Media Contacts

QuantumClean: Clara Lummus, +1-215-892-9300, info@quantumclean.com

ChemTrace: Robin Puri, +1-503-251-0979, info@chemtrace.com

Learn more about SEMICON Europa 2016 at www.semiconeuropa.org

Related Links

http://www.quantumclean.com



SOURCE QuantumClean
MEADVILLE, Pa., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As American voters await the third and final presidential debate this week, a landmark new Zogby Survey on Civility in U.S. Politics commissioned by Allegheny College reveals chilling trend lines for civility in America. The September 2016 survey of 1,286 adults, which revisits the same questions asked in Allegheny's 2010 benchmark civility survey, shows that this year's presidential campaign appears to be the most uncivil in recent American politics. And the uncivil behavior appears to be numbing the electorate.

"These findings are stunning and deeply disturbing for everyone who believes civil discourse is essential to the long-term health of our democracy," said Allegheny College President James H. Mullen, Jr.

For example, in 2010, 89% of respondents said commenting on another's race or ethnicity in a political engagement was not okay. Today that number has dropped to 69%, a full 20 points. Similarly, 81% said commenting on someone's sexual orientation was not acceptable. Today that number is 65%.

And the percentage of voters who believe elected officials should pursue personal friendships with members of other parties plummeted even more precipitously, from 85 percent to 56 percent.

"As the leader of one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in America, a place where we encourage healthy, spirited debate on important matters of the day, and respect for the dignity of every individual, the notion that there is greater comfort with personal attacks in the political process is terribly concerning," said Mullen. "We launched the Allegheny College Prize for Civility in Public Life five years ago after polling data told us incivility was becoming more of a concern for Americans. It is now clear that voters not only view this year's campaign as the most uncivil in recent memory, but many are beginning to lower their standards for civility in politics. It is a double dose of bad news for our democracy."

Deeply troubled by the rise of incivility in U.S. politics, and its negative impacts on political participation, particularly among young people, the College created the Civility Prize in 2011 to highlight and reinforce the unheralded public figures who strive to positively advance civility. The 2016 winners were Vice President Joe Biden and Senator John McCain.

The survey found fewer voters today hold civility to be important or even possible. Eighty percent of 2016 respondents said they believe civility in politics is important for a healthy democracy, compared to 95% in 2010. And 77% of 2016 respondents said it is possible for people to disagree respectfully, compared to 87% of 2010 respondents.

But even more stark was the evolving definition of civility. When asked to create a rulebook for civility in politics, here is what voters said should NOT be okay:



2010 2016 Interrupting someone you disagree with in a public forum 77% 51% Shouting over someone you disagree with during an argument 86% 65% Belittling or insulting someone 89% 74% Personal attacks on someone you disagree with 87% 71% Questioning someone's patriotism because they 73% 52% have a different opinion





"When examining the state of civility among adults who were surveyed, based on the survey questions that were asked both in 2010 and 2016, there seems to be less emphasis on, and a decrease in, acts of civility among adults nationwide," said Jonathon Zogby, CEO of Zogby Analytics. "That might explain the state of politics at the moment, especially when taking into consideration the broken system in Washington D.C. and the state of the 2016 presidential election."

The 2016 survey also asked how respondents would rate the civility of recent presidential elections. The respondents found that the Trump/Clinton election to be the most uncivil by a wide margin.



Extremely or very uncivil Extremely or very civil 2016 Trump/Clinton 63% 11% 2012 Obama/Romney 20% 41% 2008 Obama/McCain 18% 41% 2004 Bush/Kerry 16% 35%

When looking at the individual candidates in recent presidential elections, the two 2016 candidates also ranked most uncivil.



Extremely or very uncivil Extremely or very civil Donald Trump 59% 18% Hillary Clinton 32% 41% Barack Obama 26% 54% Mitt Romney 19% 41% George W. Bush 16% 50% John McCain 14% 46%

About Allegheny College

Allegheny College is a national liberal arts college where 2,100 students with unusual combinations of interests and talents develop highly valued abilities to explore critical issues from multiple perspectives. A selective residential college in Meadville, Pa., Allegheny is one of 40 colleges featured in Loren Pope's "Colleges That Change Lives" and is also featured in "Harvard Schmarvard: Getting Beyond the Ivy League to the College That Is Best for You" and Peterson's "Competitive Colleges, 400 Colleges That Attract the Best and the Brightest," among many other guidebooks. Allegheny is one of the nation's oldest liberal-arts colleges, celebrating its 200th anniversary of learning at its picturesque campus in 2015.

About Zogby Analytics

Zogby Analytics is respected nationally and internationally for its opinion research capabilities. Since 1984, Zogby has empowered clients with powerful information and knowledge critical for making informed strategic decisions.

The firm conducts multi-phased opinion research engagements for banking and financial services institutions, insurance companies, hospitals and medical centers, retailers and developers, religious institutions, cultural organizations, colleges and universities, IT companies and Federal agencies. Zogby's dedication and commitment to excellence and accuracy are reflected in its state-of-the-art opinion research capabilities and objective analysis and consultation.

Survey Methodology and Sample Characteristics

Zogby Analytics was commissioned by Allegheny College to conduct an online survey of 1286 adults in the United States. Included in the data were 1093 likely voters. Using internal and trusted interactive partner resources, thousands of adults were randomly invited to participate in this interactive survey. Each invitation was password coded and secure so that one respondent could only access the survey one time. Using information based on census data, voter registration figures, CIA fact books and exit polls, we use complex weighting techniques to best represent the demographics of the population being surveyed. Weighted variables may include age, race, gender, region, party, education, and religion. Based on a confidence interval of 95%, the margin of error for 1286 adults is +/- 2.7 percentage points. The margin of error for 1093 voters is +/- 3.0 percentage points for the likely voters sub-set. This means that all other things being equal, if the identical survey were repeated, its confidence intervals would contain the true value of parameters 95 times out of 100. Subsets of the data have a larger margin of error than the whole data set. As a rule we do not rely on the validity of very small subsets of the data especially sets smaller than 50-75 respondents. At that subset we can make estimations based on the data, but in these cases the data is more qualitative than quantitative. Additional factors can create error, such as question wording and question order.

Editor's Note : Allegheny College President James Mullen will participate in a conference call with the media today at 2:30pmET to discuss these findings and take questions. To register, please email Kathleen Hayn at [email protected].

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161014/428948LOGO

SOURCE Allegheny College
DALLAS, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dallas Women's Foundation, today announced it committed $4.4 million through 224 grants benefiting women and girls during its fiscal year which ended June 30, 2016. The grants underscore the Foundation's long-term commitment to strengthening economic security and leadership opportunities for women and girls in the region.

"Women's economic security and leadership directly impact the economy and future of North Texas," explained Roslyn Dawson Thompson, president and CEO of Dallas Women's Foundation. "Women and girls in our region are most likely to suffer the consequences of poverty; 53 percent of all poor households in North Texas are headed by a woman, often with children. And women are dramatically underrepresented in leadership positions. That is why we are focused on economic security and leadership. Through the generous support of our donors, we are investing in women and girls to create a powerful and positive ripple effect throughout our community."

In fiscal year 2016, Dallas Women's Foundation awarded 44 percent of its grants ($1.9M) to economic security initiatives, up from 43 percent ($1.7M) in 2015. The investment in education and leadership programs also continues to grow, with 14 percent ($636,000) of the Foundation's grants in 2016 compared with 13 percent ($503,191) the previous year.

The Foundation's Economic Security, an invite-only, multi-year grants cycle, is awarded and reviewed each spring. The current cohort of grantee partners include: Dallas County Community College District/Transformance, WiNGS, Junior Achievement, Girls, Inc., Boys and Girls Club of Collin County, Jewish Family Service, Senior Source, and Metrocrest Services.

The Foundation's community grant cycle takes place each fall and spring. Some of the fiscal year 2016 Dallas Women's Foundation community grantees include:

Agape Resource & Assistance Center ( Collin County ): More than 4,000 people were turned away from Collin County shelters, 75 percent of those women, in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Agape serves single women, moms and their children who are homeless in the Collin County area. Agape is expanding its capabilities, and will open two additional facilities for women.

More than 4,000 people were turned away from shelters, 75 percent of those women, in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Agape serves single women, moms and their children who are homeless in the area. Agape is expanding its capabilities, and will open two additional facilities for women. Communities in Schools of North Texas (CISNT) ( Denton and Wise Counties): For 22 years, CISNT has been the sole provider of comprehensive dropout prevention services to students in the area. The organization's Lunch with a Leader program serves 4 th and 5 th grade girls from low-income backgrounds that are at risk of dropping out. Adult role models provide the girls an opportunity to learn leadership skills and behaviors, social and communication skills, and professional etiquette.

For 22 years, CISNT has been the sole provider of comprehensive dropout prevention services to students in the area. The organization's Lunch with a Leader program serves 4 and 5 grade girls from low-income backgrounds that are at risk of dropping out. Adult role models provide the girls an opportunity to learn leadership skills and behaviors, social and communication skills, and professional etiquette. Wesley-Rankin Community Center ( Dallas County ): Wesley-Rankin Community Center serves the low-income community of West Dallas , in the 75212 zip code. This area is home to more than 1,900 low-income families, where the median household income is $28,802 . The Wesley-Rankin Community Center's Academy offers high-quality education programs, leadership training and community advocacy for women.

The Foundation's grants selection process includes a financial review, site visits by trained volunteers and board approval. Grants are also given through the Foundation's more than 50 Donor Advised Funds. To learn more about Dallas Women's Foundation, its grant strategy and a full list of grantees, please visit https://www.dallaswomensfdn.org/2016/why-us/current-grantee-list.

About Dallas Women's Foundation

Dallas Women's Foundation is the largest regional women's fund in the world. It is a trusted leader in advancing positive social and economic change for women and girls. The Foundation was built on the belief that when you invest in a woman, there is a ripple effect that benefits her family, her community and her world. Dallas Women's Foundation has researched, funded and demonstrated the ripple effect since 1985 in North Texas, granting more than $32 million since inception and $4.4 million annually to help create opportunities and solve issues for women and girls. With the support of its donors, the Foundation unlocks resources to improve education and quality of life, give voice to issues affecting women and girls, and cultivate women leaders for the future. For more information, visit www.DallasWomensFdn.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

Contact: Meredith McKee

972-238-7798

[email protected]

SOURCE Dallas Womens Foundation

Related Links

http://www.dallaswomensfdn.org


LAS VEGAS, Oct. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) today announced the election of four members to its Board of Directors during ACEP16-Scientific Assembly, the organization's annual meeting in Las Vegas, which is the largest gathering of emergency physicians in the country. Board members are elected to serve 3-year terms.

The Board of Directors is the organization's policymaking body, responsible for ACEP's management and control, consisting of 12 elected directors, plus the president, president-elect, immediate past-president and chairman. Board members are elected at the annual ACEP Council meeting and can serve up to two 3-year terms.

RE-ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS

James T. Augustine, MD, FACEP

Dr. Augustine of Dayton, Ohio, is chair of the National Governance Board, US Acute Care Solutions in Canton. He is also a clinical professor in the department of emergency medicine at Wright State University. He serves as a fire EMS medical director in the Atlanta area. Dr. Augustine has been in practice for 30 years and has served in numerous emergency medicine setting from isolated critical-access hospitals to academic urban Level 1 trauma centers. He was first elected to the ACEP Board in 2013, where he is helping develop ACEP's Qualified Clinical Data Registry (CEDR). Dr. Augustine earned his medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine, where he also completed his residency in emergency medicine.

Debra G. Perina, MD, FACEP

Dr. Perina, of Charlottesville, Va., is professor and regional quality director and EMS fellowship director in the department of emergency medicine at the University of Virginia (UVA). She is also director of the Division of Prehospital Care at UVA. Dr. Perina was first elected to the ACEP Board in 2013 where she has worked with other organizations, including as the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, to help ACEP enter into a new era of cross-organizational cooperation. Dr. Perina earned her medical degree at West Virginia University School of Medicine and completed her residency in emergency medicine at Richland Memorial Hospital/ University of South Carolina School of Medicine.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Kevin M. Klauer, DO, EJD, FACEP

Dr. Klauer of Knoxville, Tenn., is chief medical officer for TeamHealth's emergency medicine division and medical director for the TeamHealth Medical Call Center, in Knoxville. Dr. Klauer has been active in ACEP on the state and national level for years. He served two terms as president of the Ohio Chapter of ACEP, and was elected Council Speaker for the national organization. He is also medical editor-in-chief of ACEP Now, ACEP's monthly publication. Dr. Klauer earned his medical degree at the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Science in Des Moines, Iowa and completed his residency in emergency medicine at Louisiana State University, Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Dr. Klauer earned his law degree from Concord Law School.

Gillian Schmitz, MD, FACEP

Dr. Schmitz of San Antonio, Tex., is associate professor and associate program director in the department of emergency medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She is also an emergency physician in the First Choice Emergency Room in San Antonio. Dr. Schmitz has balanced her dedication to emergency medicine with her family's military commitment and service in a variety of locations and positions. She serves as chair of ACEP's Academic Affairs Committee and was president of the Government Services Chapter. She also served on the board of the Emergency Medicine Residents' Association (EMRA). Dr. Schmitz earned her medical degree from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, and completed her residency in emergency medicine at the University of North Carolina.

ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.

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SOURCE American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

Related Links

http://www.acep.org


HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The final group of Pennsylvania personnel who deployed to southern states to assist emergency responders after Hurricane Matthew returned to Pennsylvania yesterday.

PA Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue (PA-TF1 US&R) arrived at the Philadelphia Fire Department Special Operations Center after a ten-day deployment conducting dozens of evacuations in multiple communities in North Carolina.

"In Pennsylvania we are blessed with talented and experienced personnel who are more than qualified to bring this kind of support to other states in need," said Governor Wolf. "This process shows Pennsylvania's best and brightest to help those in need and prepare our personnel for the worst realities."

In addition to PA-TF1, the PA Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (PAHART) deployed to South Carolina and state meteorologist Jeff Jumper went to Florida to assist that state's emergency management meteorological team.

"These deployments allow each team member do what they love and help others," said Richard D. Flinn Jr., director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. "It's a serious commitment that takes them away from their own homes and families, and we cannot thank them enough for their dedication to service."

PA-TF1 USAR is one of 28 certified, operational and deployable federal assets of the National Urban Search and Rescue System established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.

The PAHART is a joint partnership between the Pennsylvania Army National Guard (PAANG), the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) along with credentialed civilian rescue technicians. This highly trained aerial search and water rescue team provides an air asset for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation to respond to natural and manmade disasters or incidents. Team members receive technical training that prepares them to carry out their mission in unfavorable environmental conditions in both the urban and wilderness setting.

The requests for assistance from PAHART and the state meteorologist were made via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a formal agreement that allows states to share resources, such as personnel or equipment, during disasters. All costs associated with an EMAC deployment are paid by the requesting state. Costs for the PA-TF1 US&R deployment will be reimbursed through FEMA.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth Miller (PEMA)  717-651-2009 or [email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us/


DALLAS, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Alon USA Energy, Inc. (the "Company" or "Alon") (NYSE: ALJ) today announced that it received an offer from Delek US Holdings, Inc. ("Delek") (NYSE: DK) to acquire all of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock not already owned by Delek in an all-stock transaction at a fixed exchange ratio of 0.44 shares of Delek common stock for each outstanding share of the common stock of Alon. The proposal was submitted to a committee (the "Special Committee") of members of the board of directors of Alon. As previously disclosed, the Special Committee has reviewed a number of strategic alternatives, including a potential business combination with Delek. The Special Committee is comprised of directors independent of Delek.

The Special Committee intends to consider Delek's proposal and determine how to respond. The Special Committee does not intend to disclose or comment further on its analysis or any developments until it determines that such disclosure or comment is appropriate or necessary.

The Special Committee has retained J.P. Morgan as its financial advisor and Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP as its legal advisor to assist with its assessment of alternatives.

Any transaction will be subject to the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement and approval of such definitive agreement and the transactions contemplated thereunder by the board of directors of Delek and the Special Committee, as well as Alon's stockholders other than Delek. There can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be executed or that any transaction will be approved or consummated.

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell any securities. Any such offer will be made only by means of a prospectus, and only if and when a definitive agreement has been entered into by Delek and Alon, pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

If Alon and Delek execute a definitive agreement, one or more registration statements, proxy statements, tender offer statements or other filings may be filed with the SEC. If and when applicable, investors and security holders are urged to carefully read the documents filed with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction when they become available, because they will contain important information about Delek, Alon and the proposed transaction. If and when applicable, investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement / prospectus and other documents containing information about Delek and Alon, without charge, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Delek, Alon and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Alon's stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Delek is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2016 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 9, 2016. Information about the directors and executive officers of Alon is set forth in Alon's proxy statement for its 2016 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 1, 2016. These documents can be obtained without charge at the SEC's website indicated above. Additional information regarding the interests of these participants may be obtained by reading the proxy statement / prospectus regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available.

About Alon USA Energy, Inc.

Alon USA Energy, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is an independent refiner and marketer of petroleum products, operating primarily in the South Central, Southwestern and Western regions of the United States. Alon owns 100% of the general partner and 81.6% of the limited partner interests in Alon USA Partners, LP, which owns a crude oil refinery in Big Spring, Texas, with a crude oil throughput capacity of 73,000 barrels per day and an integrated wholesale marketing business. In addition, Alon directly owns a crude oil refinery in Krotz Springs, Louisiana, with a crude oil throughput capacity of 74,000 barrels per day. Alon also owns crude oil refineries in California, which have not processed crude oil since 2012. Alon owns a majority interest in a renewable fuels project in California, with a throughput capacity of 2,500 barrels per day. Alon is a leading marketer of asphalt, which it distributes primarily through asphalt terminals located predominately in the Southwestern and Western United States. Alon is the largest 7-Eleven licensee in the United States and operates approximately 300 convenience stores which also market motor fuels in Central and West Texas and New Mexico.

Forward Looking Statements

This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" which reflect the Company's views and assumptions on the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K regarding future events, results or outcomes. These forward-looking statements include statements about, among other things, the transactions described in Delek's proposal. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which may be beyond the Company's control, including the risk that the proposed transaction is not consummated at all or on the initial terms proposed or any other terms, that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future events, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Company's filings with the SEC for more detailed information regarding these risks, uncertainties and assumptions.

Contacts: Stacey Morris

Investor Relations Manager

Alon USA Energy, Inc.

972-367-3808





Investors: Jack Lascar

Dennard  Lascar Associates, LLC

713-529-6600





Media: Blake Lewis

Lewis Public Relations

214-635-3020

SOURCE Alon USA Energy, Inc.
GREEN BAY, Wis., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) announced today the release of its company-run capital stress test results as required by the Dodd-Frank Act. Results include both Associated Banc-Corp and Associated Bank, N.A., and can be found on Associated's Investor Relations website under the heading "News & Market Data / Presentations" (2016 Dodd-Frank Act Stress Test (DFAST) Disclosure).

Results are based on a forward-looking exercise using hypothetical severely adverse macroeconomic assumptions developed by the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of Currency, and do not represent Associated's economic forecast.

ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP

Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of $29 billion and is one of the top 50 publicly traded U.S. bank holding companies. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from over 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, and commercial financial services in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com.

SOURCE Associated Banc-Corp

Related Links

http://www.associatedbank.com


Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

Trend:

Azerbaijans relations with its neighbors stand at the highest level, there are no problems in relations and this should be this way, said President Ilham Aliyev.

The president was addressing an official reception dedicated to the 25th anniversary of restoration of Azerbaijans independence.

If every country had built relations with its neighbors like we do, there wouldnt have been wars in the world, he said.

The main reason of wars is that neighboring countries do not get along with each other, added the president.

I reiterate, if National Leader Heydar Aliyev had been in power in early 1990s, the Armenia-Azerbaijan war would have never begun, he added. We would have never let this happen. But today, we should resolve this problem. This has both diplomatic and other ways.

We have made great steps towards army building. Today, international experts also note that Azerbaijani army is among the strong armies all over the world. We knew this. But today, the whole world knows this, said President Aliyev.

The president noted that the April events on the line of contact once again showed the strength of Azerbaijani army.

Our army carried out a counterattack and liberated parts of Aghdere, Fizuli and Jabrayil districts from the occupiers, he said. Currently, Azerbaijani flag is flown there. This shows our strength.

We know our strength. We are confident of our strength and we can destroy any target of the enemy. We are simply trying to ensure the peaceful resolution of this issue, added President Aliyev.
NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenhill & Co., Inc. (NYSE: GHL), a leading independent investment bank, announced today that Carlos Medina has joined the Firm as a Managing Director based in New York and focused on the Latin America region outside of Brazil.

Mr. Medina, age 43, has nearly 20 years of experience in the region. He most recently served as a Managing Director for BTG Pactual, where he was head of M&A for Latin America outside Brazil. Prior to that, he spent 12 years at Morgan Stanley, where he was head of investment banking for the Andean, Central American and Caribbean region. Earlier in his career he worked with J.P. Morgan and prior to that at McKinsey & Company, in both cases focused on Latin America.

Scott L. Bok, Chief Executive Officer of Greenhill, said, "We are pleased with the opportunity to further expand our team focused on Latin America. The first step in our effort to cover Latin America outside Brazil was our recent recruitment of Mario Orozco, who joined us as a Managing Director from UBS. Having already seen a positive response from clients in the region, we are further expanding our team by adding Carlos, who has numerous additional client relationships and deep transaction expertise in that market."

"I am excited to be joining a leading independent advisory firm with global industry sector expertise, and I look forward to helping build a significant corporate advisory practice across Latin America that fully complements Greenhill's unique global footprint," Mr. Medina commented.

Greenhill & Co., Inc. is a leading independent investment bank entirely focused on providing financial advice on significant mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, financings and capital raising to corporations, partnerships, institutions and governments globally. It acts for clients located throughout the world from its offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Melbourne, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto.

Contact: David M. Trone

Director of Investor Relations

Greenhill & Co., Inc.

(212) 389-1800

SOURCE Greenhill & Co., Inc.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE: CHK) today announced that it will host its 2016 Analyst Day on Thursday, October 20 at Chesapeake's corporate headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A live audio webcast of the event will begin at 10:00 am EDT and can be accessed by visiting the "Investors" section of the Chesapeake website at www.chk.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on the company's website for approximately 30 days. Additionally, the company plans to post related financial and operational data pertaining to the company to the "Investors" section of its website prior to the event.

In addition, Chesapeake has scheduled to release its 2016 third quarter financial results before market open on Thursday, November 3, 2016. A conference call to discuss the results has been scheduled for the same day at 9:00 am EDT. The telephone number to access the conference call is 913-312-6668 or toll-free 888-609-5667. The passcode for the call is 2510197. The number to access the conference call replay is 719-457-0820 or toll-free 888-203-1112 and the passcode for the replay is 2510197. The conference call will be webcast and can be found at www.chk.com in the "Investors" section of the company's website. The webcast of the conference will be available on the website for one year.

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Chesapeake Energy Corporation's (NYSE: CHK) operations are focused on discovering and developing its large and geographically diverse resource base of unconventional oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States. The company also owns oil and natural gas marketing and natural gas gathering and compression businesses.

SOURCE Chesapeake Energy Corporation

Related Links

http://www.chk.com


LONDON, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Commercial Non-Life Insurance Brokers in the USA, plus the BrokerBASE and market data file that accompany it, investigates the importance of brokers and independent agencies in the distribution of property and casualty (non-life) insurance for business, public sector and not-for-profit customers in the US. This study first provides unique data concerning the size, segmentation and growth of the US commercial property and casualty insurance market itself. It then quantifies the share of this market that is intermediated by brokers and independent agencies and, based on extensive primary research covering all significant broking entities, it ranks the leading 80 brokers and independent agencies in the US according to their approximate revenues derived from commercial property and casualty insurance, excluding income from other activities such as personal lines and employee benefits consulting.



This study provides unique data in the following areas:



- the value of commercial property and casualty insurance markets from 2011 to 2015 with a segmentation between commercial liability, auto, property, MAT and other premiums and with a split for 2015 alone by size of insured entity (i.e. micro, small, medium, large and very large customers);



- the distribution share of brokers and independent agencies in this market in both 2011 and 2015 and the revenues consequently generated by them in each year that represent the value of the market for commercial lines broking in the US;



- the approximate segmentation of commercial lines broking revenues by size of insured entity (i.e. again with a split across micro, small, medium, large and very large customers);



- the combined share of commercial lines broking revenues of the top three and top ten brokers in 2015 with this data broken out in the BrokerBASE for each of the top 80 brokers and independent agencies in the US;



- also for the top 80 brokers and independent agencies, the approximate segmentation of their total broking revenues in 2015 (expressed as a percentage range) between commercial lines, personal lines, employee benefits plus life / health insurance, and wholesale insurance / reinsurance;



- forecasts for 2019 for the value of commercial property and casualty insurance premiums, the distribution share of brokers and independent agencies within this market and the revenues predicted to be generated by brokers and independent agencies in that year from commercial lines.



Moreover, the study can be used in one or more of the following ways:



- to quantify the size and structure of both the underlying commercial property and casualty insurance sector and the associated commercial lines broking market in the US;



- to understand how the value of both of these is likely to segment by size of insured customer;



- to understand the competitive landscape for commercial lines broking in the US as defined by market concentration, the presence of international brokers and the business mix of the top 80 competitors;



- to identify the leading commercial lines brokers and independent agencies in the US, with coverage of competitors such as Aon, Arthur J. Gallagher, BB&T Insurance Services, Marsh & McLennan Companies and Willis Towers Watson.

Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4143675/



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

http://www.reportbuyer.com

For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

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CINCINNATI, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Communicare, one of the nation's largest privately owned skilled nursing companies, will host educational programs, awareness efforts and more in honor of its first Purple With Purpose Day on October 28. The first annual Purple With Purpose Day was established to help build awareness and inspire advocacy around Alzheimer's and dementia related diagnosis. The events are intended to kick off the official start of Alzheimer's Awareness month in November.

More than 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease, including an estimate 200,000 under age 65. By 2050, as many as 16 million are expected to have the disease. CommuniCare keeps memories alive through programs and their Connections Units, specific to serving Alzheimer's and Dementia patients.

Connections Units serve the Alzheimer's and Dementia population with purpose and dignity. Expertly trained team members offer therapeutic recreation, leisure activities and grooming skills to help each resident feel connected and independent. Some units even have Snoezelen Rooms, specially designed spaces that offer soothing sound, touch and light to calm residents.

"Life is truly about connections,'' said Isaac Rosedale, Executive Vice President of Communicare.

"Whether we are connecting with a person, a book, a movie or song, the connection is there because of a memory we have of an important experience. Alzheimer's and dementia not only rob us of those memories, but take away the connections they create."

All 50+ Communicare facilities will participate in the Longest Connection contest to build the longest memory link with personal memories written on each one. Links will sell for $1 at CommuniCare's facilities and the money raised will go to the Alzheimer's Association.

Communicare will be offering professional and community education events as well as internal events for residents, families and employees to promote the advocacy, support and awareness of Alzheimer's and related dementia diagnosis.

To learn more or to get involved with Purple With Purpose, visit www.communicarehealth.com or https://www.facebook.com/CommuniCareFamily/.

About CommuniCare:

CommuniCare Family of Companies is a privately held, multi-faceted health care management company, which owns and manages more than 50 world-class nursing and rehabilitation centers, specialty care centers and assisted living communities throughout Missouri, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

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SOURCE CommuniCare

Related Links

http://www.communicarehealth.com


TERRIGAL, Australia, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Denzo Group Australia has selected a 90 hectare site in the Wide Bay  Burnett Region of Queensland, Australia, as the location for a 30 MW large scale solar farm.

To be developed in partnership with Natcore Technology, the American solar R&D company, the site would be developed to a "shovel ready" stage with storage of 30% in three 10 MW modules.

In September 2013, Denzo and Natcore signed a Memorandum of Understanding, under which the companies started planning for Natcore Australia. Then in July 2014, they announced plans to form a joint venture that would produce solar cells and solar panels in Australia, with Australia as the headquarters for this activity. Official documentation for the current project will be finalised as a Heads of Agreement within 30 days.

Under terms of the Heads of Agreement, Denzo will coordinate the purchase of the land, all of the required approvals and the designation of the facility to be recognised as a Solar Power Station as well as the connection to an approved Sub Station to export the electricity to the Grid.

Natcore is preparing equipment recommendations on a "best of breed" basis, i.e., they are putting forward items that would be selected from manufacturers in Germany, China and elsewhere around the world. Each piece of equipment would be the best in its category according to criteria agreed upon with Denzo (e.g., most efficient, cleanest operating, lowest cost). Natcore has recently entered into similar agreements in Belize and Vietnam.

Jointly Natcore and Denzo will develop a better than usual Return on Investment scenario over a 30 year tenure. Natcore and Denzo will participate in a portion of the power purchase agreement.

"Queensland is known to be an excellent environment for solar energy," says Ken Mathews, Managing Director of Denzo. "The Queensland Government has released a plan to have a target of 50% Renewable Energy by 2030, hence the opportunity for high growth."

"This project will place Natcore at the forefront of the Asia Pacific Area for Renewable Energy," says Natcore President and CEO Chuck Provini. "Both parties look forward to the signing of the subject Heads of Agreement."

Queensland is the second-largest and third-most-populous state in the Commonwealth of Australia. It is situated in the northeast of the country. Wide BayBurnett is a region of Queensland, located between 170 and 400 kilometres (105 and 250 miles) north of the state capital, Brisbane. The area's population growth has exceeded the state average over the past 20 years, and it is forecast to grow to more than 430,000 by 2031.

About Denzo Group Australia

Denzo was started in Australia in 1965 as a private company with auto service stations and retail tire outlets. In 1982, the company was converted to Denzo Pty Limited, as Trustee for the Mathews No. 1 Family Trust. The company is headquartered in Terrigal, NSW.

Denzo Pty Limited has operated in Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, China, South Korea and the United States. The company has been involved in alternative fuels (LNG, solar), import (cars, yachts) and export, manufacturing (gas meters, automotive plastics), and retail sales.

About Natcore Technology

Natcore Technology is focused on using its proprietary nanotechnology discoveries to enable a variety of compelling applications in the solar industry. Specifically, the company is advancing applications in laser processing, black silicon and quantum-dot solar cells to significantly lower the costs and improve the power output of solar cells. With 65 patents (30 granted and 35 pending), Natcore is on the leading edge of solar research. www.NatcoreSolar.com. Natcore is traded on the Toronto Venture Exchange (symbol NXT) and OTCQB (NTCXF).

SOURCE Denzo Group Australia
ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dispersive Technologies today introduced Dispersive Connect, a software-only solution designed to replace legacy VPNs for mobile applications. Dispersive Connect delivers an unprecedented level of speed, security and reliability to mobile users connecting over the internet by leveraging a Dispersive Virtualized Network platform and extending its capabilities to the mobile edge.

The announcement was made at the October 2016 Gartner Symposium/ITxpo in Orlando, Florida.

Dispersive Connect is the industry's first edge-to-edge platform, enabling out-of-office users to easily and effectively communicate with each other and with their company offices over the internet  while providing protection against cybersecurity threats. Users can now securely access all of their enterprise network services, including cloud applications, via their laptops, tablets and mobile phones, without degradation in application performance.

According to Robert W. Twitchell, Jr., president and CEO of Dispersive Technologies, Dispersive Connect will displace VPN, a troublesome and outdated security technique.

"VPNs have become an attack surface of choice for hackers," said Twitchell. "Many enterprises use VPNs to conduct business, connect users and give third-party entities access to their networks and services. Unfortunately, VPNs are now exposing their employees, customers and partners to emerging cyber threats, in addition to the reliability and poor performance issues that are well understood and documented."

Dispersive Connect employs the latest encryption standards, multipath, split-traffic networking techniques and software-defined perimeters to thwart the threats of DoS/DDoS, unauthorized access, and man-in-the-middle attacks.

In addition to superior security, Dispersive Connect also provides faster throughput with customers reporting up to 10 times faster data delivery relative to their legacy VPNs, including delay sensitive, real time applications such video conferencing.

"For the first time, mobile and remote workers can connect to enterprise resources without losing productivity," said Douglas Dimola, Dispersive senior product manager. "This allows employees to spend less time connecting and more time connected. With Dispersive Connect, enterprises can finally deliver in-office performance to out-of-office performers."

The company will demonstrate Dispersive Connect at Booth #237, which is located in the Atlantic Hall of the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel.

For more information about Dispersive Technologies and its innovative software, visit www.dispersivetechnologies.com.

The Gartner Symposium/ITxpo is an industry-wide conference for top CIOs and their teams, showcasing the top technology solutions providers from around the globe.

About Dispersive Technologies, Inc.

Dispersive Technologies delivers software-defined solutions that virtualize networking and data storage for IP-based networks. Its virtualized networking platform delivers data with speed, security and reliability. The company's storage solution securely stores at-rest data and moves it dynamically within the virtualized environment. When recalled or queried, data delivery is quick, secure and reliable. Together, these platforms extend software-defined networking to an elastic WAN edge and make the internet fast, secure and reliable. To learn more, visit www.dispersivetechnologies.com.

About Gartner Symposium/ITxpo

Gartner Symposium/ITxpo is the world's most important gathering of CIOs and senior IT executives. This event delivers independent and objective content with the authority and weight of the world's leading IT research and advisory organization, and provides access to the latest solutions from key technology providers. CIOs and IT executives rely on Gartner Symposium/ITxpo to gain insight into how their organizations can use IT to address business challenges and improve operational efficiency. For more information, please visit www.gartner.com/us/symposium.

PRESS CONTACT:

Emilie Hayhoe

212-715-1580

[email protected]

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SOURCE Dispersive Technologies

Related Links

https://www.dispersivetechnologies.com


Currently, Dr. Burke is Vice Chair of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and holds joint appointments in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Colorectal Surgery and the Taussig Cancer Institute at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, where she serves as Director of the Center for Colon Polyp and Cancer Prevention and Head of the Section of Polyposis in the Sanford R. Weiss, MD, Center for Hereditary Colorectal Neoplasia.

Her area of clinical and research interests includes the prevention of colorectal neoplasia both in sporadic individuals and those with the inherited colorectal cancer syndromes. Her research on the effects of chemopreventive agents on the prevention of intestinal neoplasia has been funded by the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health, and the ACG, among others.

She is the Co-Director of the multi-disciplinary Hereditary Cancer Clinic and provides consultations including risk assessment, and endoscopic evaluation and treatment for individuals with a hereditary predisposition to cancer. She has authored or co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and numerous other books and teaching materials. Dr. Burke has been involved in the education of medical students, residents and fellows since 1991 and has developed and coordinated the digestive disease curriculum for trainees in the inpatient and outpatient setting.

Dr. Burke completed medical school at the Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, and residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital, both in Columbus, Ohio. She completed her Gastroenterology Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in 1993 and has been on the professional staff since that time. She holds leadership roles at the Cleveland Clinic and within its Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, where she chairs the Clinical Competency Committee, Protocol Review Committee for the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Dr. Burke is a member of the National Medical Honor Society, Alpha Omega Alpha.

Dr. Burke has served the College with loyalty and distinction for many years. She has moved through ACG's leadership ranks, first as Secretary (2012-2013), then Treasurer (2013-2014), Vice President (2014-2015), and President-Elect (2015-2016). Her active service to ACG committees includes Chair of the Finance Committee (2013-2014); Member of the Credentials Committee (2012-2013); Member of the FDA Committee and FDA Liaison Council (2011-present); Chair of the Women in Gastroenterology Committee (2001-2003); Member of the Patient Care Committee (1998-2001); Member of the Educational Affairs Committee (1999-2004); and Chair of Educational Affairs (2004-2007).

Dr. Burke is a past member of the Board of the Ohio Gastroenterology Society and is a past president of the Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer.

She has served as an Associate Editor for The American Journal of Gastroenterology and is a reviewer for many journals including Gut, Endoscopy, Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, Gastroenterology, and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, to name a few.

"I joined the ACG as a trainee member, and the College has become like a family to me over the years. It has provided me research support, superb education, collegiality and an opportunity to work with an organization making a difference in the field of gastroenterology," said Dr. Burke.

"The College is dedicated to promoting best medical practices by producing clinical guidelines and providing physicians the resources they need to be at the forefront of their specialty. It has a broad and deep reach, from playing an important role in influencing national legislation to helping gastroenterologists in the smallest community hospitals deliver optimal patient care. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, the Annual Scientific Meeting and postgraduate courses are the best in the field of clinical gastroenterology," Dr. Burke commented.

Dr. Burke and her husband, Dr. George Jurjus, a psychiatrist, reside in Shaker Heights, Ohio and have two daughters.

About the American College of Gastroenterology

Founded in 1932, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is an organization with an international membership of almost 14,000 individuals from 86 countries. The College's vision is to be the pre-eminent professional organization that champions the evolving needs of clinicians in the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based and compassionate health care to gastroenterology patients. The mission of the College is to advance world-class care for patients with gastrointestinal disorders through excellence, innovation and advocacy in the areas of scientific investigation, education, prevention and treatment. www.gi.org Follow ACG on Twitter @AmCollegeGastro

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SOURCE American College of Gastroenterology

Related Links

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Make it look as pretty as it tastes. Even simple platters of crackers and cheese can feel extra special when presented on a pretty plate. If you're serving food buffet style, use a colorful tablecloth and stack sturdy boxes of varying sizes underneath to serve as risers that create some visual interest for the spread. Incorporate seasonal decorations such as ornaments or sprigs of holly and poinsettia blooms. For a plated meal, a table-runner adds just the right pop of color and a tasteful centerpiece of candles or evergreen dressed with holiday trinkets elevates an everyday table.

Offer the perfect pairings. When planning your menu, consider the types of beverages you'll serve along with the appetizers and dishes. When paired properly, food and cocktails complement one another, making the flavors more vibrant and the overall experience more impressive. A good starting place is cheese. Pair alpine-style cheese such as Roth Grand Cru with Riesling; creamy blue with gin; smoky blue with merlot; Havarti with pinot noir; Spanish-style such as Roth GranQueso with scotch; and Gouda with prosecco.

Enhance traditional favorites. Putting a fresh, elegant spin on the basics instantly elevates your menu and the overall experience for your guests. Even a staple like cheese can get some special dressing for the occasion. This recipe combines three rich, flavorful cheeses for a fondue that's sure to delight guests.

Explore more ideas for exceptional holiday entertaining at rothcheese.com.

Culinary Education Center House Fondue

Cook time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6



3/4 pound Grand Cru Original, shredded

3/4 pound Grand Cru Reserve, shredded

1/2 pound Roth Fontina, shredded

16 ounces Pinot Grigio or other light- to medium-bodied white wine

1 loaf crusty artisan bread

fresh apples, grapes and pears

black and white pepper (optional)

nutmeg (optional)

Combine cheeses and wine in ceramic fondue pot and stir to combine. Allow mixture to soak 15-30 minutes.

Heat mixture over low heat, approximately 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly with wooden spoon. Do not allow mixture to boil. When cheese has melted completely, remove from heat and transfer to tabletop burner.

Serve fondue with chunks of bread and fruit. If desired, provide pepper and/or nutmeg guests can sprinkle onto a plate and use for dipping bread and cheese. Pair with chilled dry Riesling and a shot of authentic Swiss kirschwasser.

Michael French

[email protected]

1-888-824-3337

editors.familyfeatures.com

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate

Established in 1974, Family Features is a leading provider of free food and lifestyle content for print and online publications. Our articles, photos, videos and web content solutions save you time, money and help create advertising opportunities. Registration is fast and free  with absolutely no obligation. Visit editors.familyfeatures.com for more information.

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Browse 58 market data Tables and 45 Figures spread through 130 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Education ERP Market"

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The major forces driving the Education ERP Market are increased demand for automated management of various business processes in academic institutions. Education ERP solutions enable educators to streamline various educational processes by managing several modules, such as HR/payroll, financial management, placement management, and SIS across the education sector. These solutions act as an innovative medium that help students succeed in the ever-widening digital world.

"The cloud deployment type segment of the Education ERP Market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period."

The cloud deployment type segment of the Education ERP Market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, 2016 to 2021. Cloud-based deployment type, also known as hosted deployment, offers cloud-based education ERP solutions to the academic sector. This type of deployment keeps the overall cost of the ERP solutions under control, while providing highly flexible and scalable access to ERP solutions. The educational institutions use hosted services to improve centralism, flexibility, collaboration of data, and reduction of data loss during transition.

"The higher education user type segment is projected to lead of the Education ERP Market during the forecast period."

The higher education user type segment is projected to lead the Education ERP Market during the forecast period, 2016 to 2021. Higher education institutions include private as well as government-funded colleges and universities. The dynamics of learning and teaching are changing in the higher education sector and organizations are depending on education ERP solutions to efficiently address these alterations. Education ERP solutions help in reinforcing the way administrative processes, such as HR/payroll, financial management, and enrolment interactions are carried out within campus premises.

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"The North American region is expected to lead the Education ERP Market during the forecast period."

On the basis of regions, the Education ERP Market has been segmented into North America, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Europe, Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Latin America. The North American region is estimated to lead the Education ERP Market in 2016, owing to increased demand for efficient management of various academic processes. ERP solutions in academic institutions have enabled administrators to manage various business processes, such as student billing, registration, and enrolments, effectively. Educational institutions across the North American region have rapidly adopted education ERP solutions to manage student information. The Asia-Pacific Education ERP Market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2016 and 2021.

Some of the leading players in the Education ERP Market include, SAP AG (Germany), Blackbaud, Inc. (U.S.), Oracle Corporation (U.S.), Dell Inc. (U.S.), Epicor Software Corporation (U.S.), Ellucian (U.S.), Jenzabar, Inc. (U.S.), Infor, Inc. (U.S.), Unit4 Software (Netherlands), and Foradian Technologies (India).

Browses Related Reports:

CRM Analytics Market by Type (Sales Analytics, Customer Analytics, Contact Center Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Web & Social Media Analytics) - Global Forecast to 2019

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/crm-analytics-market-220539013.html

Business Process Management Market by Solution, by Service, by Deployment Type (Cloud, On-Premises), by Organization Size (SMES, Enterprises), by Business Function, by Industry Vertical, by Region (NA, Europe, APAC, MEA, LA) - Global Forecast to 2021

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/business-process-management-market-157890056.html

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 18

Trend:

Azerbaijan today marks the State Independence Day.

Thanks to the favorable historical conditions emerging after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the people of Azerbaijan gained independence in the 20th century for the second time.

As a result of the activity of democratic powers in Russia, it was impossible for the Soviet Union to suppress non-subordination of the republics to the central power and their wish to become independent.

At the extraordinary meeting held on June 30, 1991, the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan adopted a declaration on Azerbaijan's state independence.

The Constitutional Act about the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan was adopted at the session of the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan on Oct. 18, 1991.

A referendum was held in Azerbaijan on Dec. 29. The referendum bulletins asked the voters: Do you support the Constitutional Act about the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, adopted by the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan?

The people of Azerbaijan unanimously supported the state independence.

In May 1992, Azerbaijani parliament adopted the state anthem of Azerbaijan, and soon after it, the tricolor flag and the coat of arms.

Azerbaijan is an independent and a sovereign state since Oct. 18, 1991, and people celebrate Oct. 18 as a holiday.
HANOVER, Md., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The federal government awarded Enlighten IT Consulting (EITC) its $3.3 million Cyberstrike contract. Under Cyberstrike, EITC has teamed with industry partners and government agencies charged with cyber threat awareness, reporting, and threat elimination for DoD information networks. This capability will protect data from authorized (insider threat) and unauthorized users, ensuring the streamlining and sharing of critical mission data.

The SECDEF-approved DoD Cyber Strategy, released in April 2015, emphasizes a renewed focus on three primary objectives: 1) to vigorously defend DOD networks, systems and information, 2) to defend the U.S. homeland and U.S. national interests against cyberattacks of significant consequence, and 3) to provide integrated cyber capabilities to support military operations and contingency plans.

EITC is uniquely positioned to support the DoD's efforts with the subject matter expertise and innovative processes necessary to meet critical national security missions supporting our country's warfighters. According to Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter, meeting the goals of the DoDs cyber strategy will ensure the commitment of the United States in keeping the internet reliable, open, secure and prosperous and also ensure the freedom of expression, association and privacy that defines our nation as a whole.

"Cyberstrike is a strategic and groundbreaking win for Enlighten as we continue to take a leading role in cyber security for the Department of Defense and build our book of business," said Shawn Justice, CEO, Enlighten IT Consulting. "Cyberstrike represents the first of two prime contracts we were awarded in 2015 and distinguishes Enlighten as an industry leader in the cyber domain."

Enlighten IT Consulting Inc., is a veteran-owned information technology solutions company headquartered in Hanover, MD. Founded in 2007, Enlighten delivers mission critical services to federal, state, and local clients with specific emphasis on the warfighter and decision makers responsible for national defense and security.

More information about Enlighten IT Consulting can be found at www.eitccorp.com

Contact:

EITC Media Relations

[email protected]

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SOURCE Enlighten IT Consulting

Related Links

http://www.eitccorp.com


Made with the same recipe since 1824, Angostura Bitters lends its unmistakable flavor and aroma to a surprising variety of beverages and dishes. Add sensational depth of flavor to holiday dishes such as this Roast Turkey with Gravy or Marsala Mushroom Casserole. Or, for a sweet holiday treat, crunchy toasted pecans and Angostura Orange Bitters complement the tangy cranberries in this Cranberry-Orange Pecan Bread.

Explore more delicious ways to elevate your holiday meals this year at Angostura.com.

Roast Turkey with Gravy

1 whole uncooked turkey 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 teaspoons Angostura Aromatic Bitters, divided

salt

freshly ground pepper 1/2 yellow onion, cut into 4-5 pieces 2 large cloves garlic, peeled 3 tablespoons flour 2 teaspoons brandy 1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth

Heat oven to 400 F. Prepare turkey normally, removing giblets from cavity.

Combine olive oil with 2 teaspoons bitters; rub all over turkey. Sprinkle turkey generously with salt and pepper. Add onion and garlic to bottom of roasting pan.

Place turkey on rack in pan. Cover and roast as directed for size of turkey. Internal temperature when done should be 165 F.

While turkey roasts, stir together flour, brandy and remaining bitters; stir until mixture is smooth and no longer lumpy. Whisk in chicken broth and set aside.

When turkey is done, remove from pan to serving platter; cover with foil to keep warm. Remove onion and garlic from pan; discard. Tilt pan toward one end and skim excess fat from top of pan juices. Place pan on stovetop over medium-high heat. With wire whisk, add broth mixture and stir constantly, scraping browned bits from bottom of pan. Continue to stir until gravy has thickened. Season with salt, to taste.

Serve with sliced turkey.

Note: For thicker gravy, add 1 tablespoon flour to 1/4 cup water; stir until smooth. Stir 1-2 tablespoons hot gravy into mixture then whisk into roasting pan. Continue stirring until gravy thickens more.

Cranberry-Orange Pecan Bread

1 rounded cup fresh or frozen cranberries (about 4 1/2 ounces) 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped 1 large egg 2/3 cup low-fat buttermilk 6 tablespoons butter, melted 2 tablespoons orange zest 1/3 cup orange juice 2 teaspoons Angostura Orange Bitters 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.

If using frozen cranberries, spread berries out on cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Cut large cranberries in half.

In large bowl, combine flour with sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, nuts and egg; blend thoroughly with whisk. Stir in cranberries.

In small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, butter, orange zest, orange juice, bitters and vanilla extract. Add to dry ingredients and stir gently until fully moistened; do not over mix. Spoon batter into pan and smooth out top.

Bake 50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let rest in pan 10 minutes then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Marsala Mushroom Casserole

16 ounces cremini mushrooms 2 tablespoons butter, divided 1/3 cup Holland House Marsala Cooking Wine 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon Angostura Aromatic Bitters 1/2 cup plain dry breadcrumbs 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon dried sage, thyme or marjoram

Heat oven to 400 F. With damp paper towel, wipe mushroom tops. Remove bottoms of stems. In large bowl, slice mushrooms about 1/4-inch thick.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter. Combine cooking wine, soy sauce and bitters; stir in butter. Pour over mushrooms and let stand 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

In small bowl, stir together breadcrumbs, cheese and sage. Melt remaining butter and stir into breadcrumb mixture; set aside.

Pour mushrooms into shallow 8-inch baking dish. Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven and spoon out 4-6 tablespoons juice. Sprinkle mushrooms with breadcrumb mixture and bake 10 minutes more, or until crumbs are golden.

Island Eggnog

6 eggs, beaten 2 teaspoons grated lime zest 2 cans (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 3 cups canned evaporated milk 2 cups Angostura 7 Year Rum 1 ounce Angostura Aromatic Bitters 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon

In large bowl, beat eggs and lime zest using electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually pour in condensed milk while continuing to mix then pour in evaporated milk.

Stir in rum and bitters; sprinkle with nutmeg. Transfer to bottle and refrigerate at least 3 hours (preferably overnight). Serve in rocks glasses over crushed ice or in champagne flutes for entertaining. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon.

Michael French

[email protected]

1-888-824-3337

editors.familyfeatures.com

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate

Established in 1974, Family Features is a leading provider of free food and lifestyle content for print and online publications. Our articles, photos, videos and web content solutions save you time, money and help create advertising opportunities. Registration is fast and free  with absolutely no obligation. Visit editors.familyfeatures.com for more information.

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SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate

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SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, today announced the launch of a proprietary Cyber Risk and Insurance Platform, tailored to the unique needs of small and mid-sized businesses who are increasingly the most desirable targets of Cyber-attacks.

The initial offering of EPIC's Financial Risk Solutions Specialty Group, the EPIC Cyber Risk Insurance platform offers comprehensive, customized, cost-effective coverage from leading industry underwriters. Pricing indications are simply and securely available online, through the EPIC Cyber Risk Insurance portal.

"All businesses increasingly rely on information technology and the Internet and the threat of cyber-attacks and breaches are real and on the rise," said John Hahn, CEO of EPIC. "It is no longer a question of if, but rather when one will be targeted. We are pleased to have experienced Cyber risk experts on our Financial Risk Solutions Resource Group, who can deliver a full range of products and services to mitigate and manage the growing cyber liability exposures that businesses face."

Here are some of the staggering statistics business owners should keep in mind when considering whether to purchase cyber liability coverage:

50% of Cyber-attacks target businesses with less than 1,000 employees

It takes the average company 205 days to detect an intrusion (nearly 7 months)

69% of companies learn they have been breached through a third-party (often a client)

700 million records were compromised in 2015

The estimated average cost of a data breach in 2016 now tops $4 million

Despite these threats, 75% of small and mid-sized businesses have no coverage.

In addition to state of the art insurance protection, in the event of a data breach the Financial Risk Solutions team works closely with EPIC clients to help manage the costs associated with investigation, response, regulatory inquiries, lawsuits and reputational fallout that are all a part of the cyber breach response process.

To learn more about EPIC's Cyber Risk Insurance Platform for small and mid-sized businesses, please join us for the webinar being held on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 11 a.m. PDT. You can register by visiting the events page on the EPIC Website at: http://www.epicbrokers.com/event/cyber-education-webinar/#tabs.

For additional information please contact your EPIC representative or the EPIC Financial Risk Solutions Resource Group at [email protected].

About EPIC:

EPIC is a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm. EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC now has more than 850 team members operating from offices across the U.S., providing Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs and Private Client solutions to more than 13,000 clients.

With more than $250 million in revenues, EPIC ranks among the top 20 retail insurance brokers in the United States. Supported by the Carlyle Group, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit http://www.epicbrokers.com/.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

David Hock

650-295-4608

[email protected]

Nicole Conley

650-422-3156

[email protected]

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This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com

SOURCE EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants

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The three-week testing process encompassed simulator testing, job performance measures and a written exam. The operators now must complete an additional six months of preoperational testing before receiving their licenses.

"Nearly four years have gone into training and preparing this class with countless hours in the classroom and simulator," said Karen Fili, site vice president for Vogtle Units 3 and 4. "This team will help bring the new units online for the first time and will be well-prepared to help ensure safe and reliable operation for as long as the units are in service."

The new Vogtle units are among the first built in the U.S. in the last three decades and, once online, will serve customers for more than 60 years. The four-unit Plant Vogtle is expected to generate more electricity than any other U.S. nuclear facility, enough to power more than one million homes and businesses.

Georgia Power delivers reliable energy for customers at the lowest possible cost by leveraging a diverse generation mix, including nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar and wind. To learn more about Georgia Power's diverse generation portfolio, and the Vogtle nuclear expansion project, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

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SOURCE Georgia Power

Related Links

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Featuring two soaring glass towers, the 140,000 square metre (1.5 million square foot) Burj Alshaya complex will combine modern architecture, avant-garde luxury and bold design cues to create a prestigious backdrop for business and a new focal point of the city's elite social scene. A modern haven in Kuwait City, the 284-room Four Seasons Hotel will be located in the Burj Alshaya's 22-storey Eastern Tower.

"Kuwait City is one of the most important commercial centres in the Gulf States, attracting regional and international business travellers, and a natural choice for Four Seasons as we continue to extend our presence across the Middle East," says J. Allen Smith, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "We are excited to partner with Alshaya and mark our entry into Kuwait as part of the Burj Alshaya complex, a stunning addition to the Kuwait City skyline that will transform luxury hospitality in this city."

Continues Smith, "Soon Kuwaiti travellers, already very familiar with Four Seasons properties internationally, will have an opportunity to experience at home what they have come to know and love about Four Seasons  the highly personalised service and attention to detail that marks every Four Seasons experience."

The 43-storey Western Tower, set to open in 2018, will provide a new high tech corporate headquarters for the Alshaya group of companies, including offices for employees of its retail franchise business - which operates 70 international retail brands in over 3,000 stores across the Middle East, North Africa, Russia, Turkey, and Europe, and which employs more than 46,000 people.

"The creation of this combined hotel and office development is a reflection of Alshaya's continued investment in its home market of Kuwait," commented Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya. "We are delighted to be bringing the acclaimed Four Seasons brand to Kuwait, as well as creating a world-class office environment for our employees that will support our continued growth and expansion. We are proud to contribute to Kuwait's future in a number of ways, not only through our real estate investment in this iconic development, but also through our commitment to growing Alshaya's private sector and through the creation of employment opportunities for Kuwaitis."

Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya will offer both indoor and outdoor pools, creating an urban resort oasis complete with a poolside waterfall, lush greenery and outdoor cabanas. The Hotel will also feature a world-class spa, yoga studio and state-of-the-art fitness centre as well as two ballrooms and a range of conference and banqueting rooms able to welcome up to 2000 people.

Elevating Kuwait's dining scene, the Hotel will also include five dynamic food and beverage offerings, attracting local and international gourmands alike. A rooftop pan-Asian restaurant, open-kitchen Italian restaurant, sleek lobby lounge, and poolside restaurant are among the outlets that the Hotel will offer.

About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Founded in 1960, Four Seasons continues to define the future of luxury hospitality with extraordinary imagination, unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality, and the most genuine and customised service. Currently operating 100 hotels, resorts and residences in major city centres and resort destinations in 41 countries, and with more than 50 projects in development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world's best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com and follow @FourSeasonsPR on Twitter.

About Alshaya

The Alshaya group of companies is a family trading business, founded in 1890 in Kuwait, and today recognised as one of the most dynamic companies in the Middle East. Through its retail franchise business, M.H. Alshaya Co., the company partners with over 70 of the world's most recognised brands - including Starbucks, H&M, The Cheesecake Factory and Victoria's Secret - operating more than 3,000 stores and employing 46,000 people across the Middle East and North Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe. In addition to its retail operations, Alshaya is active in a number of other sectors including real estate, automotive, hotels, trading and investments. The group is a major shareholder in Mabanee Company SAK, the development company behind Kuwait's leading mall development, The Avenues, which is the largest real estate project in Kuwait. Learn more about the company at www.alshaya.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alshaya.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Sorya Ingrid Gaulin

Tel: +1 416 441 4767

Email: [email protected]

Alshaya

Samer Okla, External Communications Manager (Corporate)

Tel: + 965 2224 3626

Email: [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161014/428829

SOURCE Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Related Links

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The French trial, which consisted of 74 patients, studied the use of DPS to delay the need for noninvasive ventilation (NIV) (e.g. BiPaP, Trilogy). All patients were implanted earlier than usual, close to their initial diagnosis. Half the patients had their device activated at surgery. The other half, the control patients, had their device activated much later, at the usual time, once they met criteria for NIV. The trial results reported by the authors showed that early implantation was ineffective. However, the trial does nothing to contradict the previous conclusion that on-label DPS use, at the usual later time, concomitant with NIV use, improves survival.

The AAN Practice Parameter for ALS has long recommended noninvasive ventilation (NIV) to slow respiratory decline, lengthen survival, and improve quality of life. When NIV was used in conjunction with NeuRx DPS, survival was significantly improved (by 16 months) according to the published FDA Summary of Safety and Probable Benefit for NeuRx DPS. In contrast, the French study patients were treated with DPS alone, without NIV, well before they would be indicated to receive either DPS or NIV in the U.S.

"This would not be a group of patients we would offer NeuRx DPS in the U.S. The device was approved, by the FDA, for people who have documented chronic hypoventilation from ALS and still have intact diaphragm lower motor neurons (LMN) and motor units as identified with pre-operative and intra-operative testing," stated Raymond Onders, M.D., Professor of Surgery, Remen Chair in Surgical Innovation, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He further stated, "We purposely submitted to the FDA for approval in this select, later-stage, ALS population. The French study results support our selection criteria and early implantation is not beneficial."

Waiting until chronic hypoventilation allows the surgeon to identify which parts of the diaphragm have preserved phrenic motor functioni.e., remains stimulable. Dr. Onders went on to say, "We can condition the diaphragm by stimulating the remaining viable phrenic motor units. During disease progression, optimal electrode implantation site changes. Early implantation not only precludes optimal placement but disallows differentiation between UMN and LMN involvement. In both situations; suboptimal electrode site or predominant LMN involvement, diaphragm pacing would have no benefit. Since both the active and control groups in the French study were implanted too early, both groups could be expected to have suboptimal results. The results of this study do not really inform our current, real-world, on-label use of NeuRx DPS."

"The French study results are in stark contrast with the median post-implant survival of 19.7 months in the lead-in controlled, prospective, IDE pivotal study (n=85) and median post-implant survival of 20.9 months in the current U.S. PAS study (n=60). With proper selection, these 145 study patients survived much longer than the off-label French study patients. Thus, there must be important differences in the respective study populations or in clinical practices. We are confident in the safety and therapeutic utility of DPS when patients are carefully selected and screened according to proper, current, criteria," said Anthony Ignagni, President & CEO.

About NeuRx DPS Technology

The NeuRx DPS received FDA approval for ventilator dependency from spinal cord injury on June 17, 2008. The NeuRx DPS was approved, September 28, 2011, by the FDA for treating chronic hypoventilation from ALS. The NeuRx DPS has demonstrated that it can help people with ALS live longer and sleep better than the current standard of care, alone. For more on current indications for use, visit www.synapsebiomedical.com/products/patientInfo.shtml

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SOURCE Synapse Biomedical Inc.

Related Links

http://www.synapsebiomedical.com


ALBANY, New York, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Transparency Market Research (TMR) has announced the release of a new report on the global valve market. The report examines the historical trajectory of the global market and presents detailed forecasts regarding the market's development from 2016 to 2024. The report examines the competitive dynamics, segmentation, and major drivers and restraints of the global valves market in order to provide a complete overview. The report is titled 'Valve Market (Material - Copper, Stainless Steel, Plastic, Carbon Steel, and Brass; Application - Civil and Industrial) - Global Industry Analysis, Trend, Size, Share and Forecast 2016 - 2020' and is available for sale on the official website of TMR.

According to the report, the global valve market will exhibit a CAGR of 5.6% from 2016 to 2020 in terms of revenue. If the number holds true, the market, which valued at US$71.21 bn in 2015, is expected to rise to US$92.65 bn by 2020. In terms of volume, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. Of the key materials used for manufacturing valves, the segment of stainless steel dominated the market, accounting for a nearly 54% in 2015. Geographically, Asia Pacific leads the global valves market in terms of both volume and revenue. The shale gas boom in the U.S. will enable the North America valves market to witness sizeable traction in the next few years.

Download Sample of Report or for further inquiries, click here: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=15848

Rising Demand across Wastewater Treatment Industry to Benefit Market

The global valve market is chiefly driven by rising demand across industries such as food and beverages, semiconductor and electronics, and wastewater management. The increasing importance of wastewater management owing to the rising global demand for good quality surface and ground water has led to the development of advanced wastewater treatment facilities across several industries across the globe. Moreover, stringent environmental laws implemented by government bodies, especially across Europe and Asia Pacific, are also encouraging developments across the wastewater treatment industry. This, in turn, is boosting the demand for a variety of valves.

The increased usage of valves across the food and beverages industry, with the aim of maintaining production integrity and standards and increasing time efficiency of a number of operations and processes is also a key driver of the global valves market. The demand for valves has, especially, seen a significant rise in the processed food industry, where the industry is challenged with the demanding task of manufacturing products faster than ever before.

Browse Regional PR: http://www.europlat.org/global-valve-market.htm

Slump in Oil and Gas Industry to Negatively Impact Market

The global oil and gas industry is one of the key consumers of valves. The recent downturn witnessed by the global oil and gas industry owing to oversupply and reduced demand has had a huge impact on the growth of the valves market as well. Owing to the crash, which is considered one of the toughest seen by the industry in the past many decades, oil and gas companies have been cutting costs, wrapping up many ongoing projects, and investing in very few new projects. This is leading to a huge decline in the demand for a variety of valves.

Moreover, the recent slowdown in the manufacturing sectors across some of the world's most prominent manufacturing economies such as Russia and China has also adversely affected the global valves market. The manufacturing sector is one of the key consumers of a variety of valves. Thus, the development of the manufacturing sector is a key determinant of the development of the valves market as well.

Key Players:

The global valves market features a highly fragmented competitive landscape, with none of the top five vendors, namely Emerson Electric Co., Pentair Plc, Cameron International, Flowserve Corporation, and GE Oil & Gas, capturing more than 5% of the overall market in 2015, observes a recent report by Transparency Market Research. Collectively, these companies had a nearly 10% stake in the highly competitive global valves market. To gain an edge, key companies have resorted to product innovations, expansion across lucrative regional markets, and mergers and acquisitions.

For the study, the market is segmented as follows:

Global Valve Market, By Material

Copper

Stainless Steel

Plastic

Others (Brass, Carbon Steel etc.)

Global Valve Market, By Application

Civil

Industrial

Global Valve Market, By Geography

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Rest of the World (ROW)

Recent Research Reports by Transparency Market Research:

Control Valves Market:

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/control-valves-market.html

Stainless Steel Control Valves Market:

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/stainless-steel-control-valves-market.html

About Us

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.

Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMR's syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.



US Office Contact

Transparency Market Research

90 State Street, Suite 700

Albany, NY 12207

Tel: +1-518-618-1030

USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453

Email: [email protected]



Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Transparencymarketresearch

SOURCE Transparency Market Research
DALLAS, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Gradalis, Inc. today announced that the company will participate in the 2nd Annual iC3 Life Science Summit being hosted by BioNorthTX on October 26, 2016. Mr. Sunil Joshi, President & Chief Executive Officer of Gradalis, will be participating in a panel discussion titled, "Strategies for Success in the Emerging Personalized Medicine Era and a Look into the Future of Cancer Therapeutics and Diagnostics."

"Gradalis is at the forefront of the development of a highly personalized cellular immunotherapy with our focus on development of Vigil engineered autologous tumor cell (EATC) technology," said Mr. Joshi. "I am pleased to participate in this important panel discussion to share our ideas on the best way to develop and commercialize personalized cancer therapeutics."

Mr. Joshi will be available to answer any questions regarding Vigil EATC or Gradalis technology after the panel discussion.

The 2nd Annual iC3 Life Science Summit will be held on October 26, 2016 at the College Park Center, University of Texas at Arlington, 600 S. Center Street, Arlington, TX 76019. For additional information about the summit, please visit www.bionorthtx.org/life-science-summit/.

About Vigil EATC: Vigil is an investigational cellular immunotherapy technology that combines the concepts of genetic engineering with the science of immuno-oncology, to enable an immune response to cancer cells. A patient's tumor cells are engineered with a plasmid carrying the gene vector for shRNA Furin and GMCSF to elicit a systemic T-cell directed immune response when administered to the patient through intradermal injections. By utilizing the patient's own tumor as the antigen source, Vigil EATC is designed to elicit an immune response that is specifically targeted and broadly relevant to each patient's unique tumor antigens. Vigil EATC is being studied in Ewing's sarcoma and ovarian cancer as a single agent, and in breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. More information about these studies can be found on www.vigilclinicaltrials.com.

About Gradalis: Gradalis is a fully integrated biotechnology company based in Dallas, Texas that focuses on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of novel proprietary personalized cellular immunotherapies to treat cancer. Gradalis operates a cGMP manufacturing facility in Carrolton, Texas. For more information about Gradalis, Inc. please visit www.gradalisinc.com.

Gradalis and Vigil are registered trademarks of Gradalis, Inc.

Gradalis Contact:

Beth Kriegel

Chief Financial Officer

(214) 307-8203

SOURCE Gradalis, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.gradalisinc.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenhill & Co., Inc. (NYSE: GHL), a leading independent investment bank, plans to announce its third quarter 2016 financial results after the market close on Monday, October 24, 2016.

Greenhill will also host a related conference call beginning at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time that same day (October 24, 2016), accessible via telephone and the internet. Scott L. Bok, Chief Executive Officer, will review the Firm's third quarter 2016 financial results and related matters. Following the review, there will be a question and answer session.

Investors and analysts may participate in the live conference call by dialing (888) 317-6003 (toll-free domestic) or (412) 317-6061 (international); passcode: 6214291. Please register at least 10 minutes before the conference call begins. The conference call will also be accessible as an audio webcast through the Investor Relations section of Greenhill's website at www.greenhill.com. There is no charge to access the call.

For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the call will be available for one month via telephone starting approximately one hour after the call ends. The replay can be accessed at (877) 344-7529 (toll-free domestic) or (412) 317-0088 (international); passcode: 10095215.

Greenhill & Co., Inc. is a leading independent investment bank entirely focused on providing financial advice on significant mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, financings and capital raising to corporations, partnerships, institutions and governments globally. It acts for clients located throughout the world from its offices in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Melbourne, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo and Toronto.

Contact: David Trone

Director of Investor Relations

Greenhill & Co., Inc.

(212) 389-1800

SOURCE Greenhill & Co., Inc.

Related Links

http://www.greenhill.com


LAS VEGAS, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- GTY Technology Holdings Inc. (the "Company") announced today that it intends to commence its initial public offering of 40,000,000 units at $10.00 per unit. The Company intends to grant the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 6,000,000 additional units. Each unit issued in the initial public offering will consist of one of the Company's Class A ordinary shares and one-third of one redeemable warrant, each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share at an exercise price of $11.50 per share.

GTY Technology Holdings Inc., led by William D. Green, Joseph M. Tucci and Harry L. You, was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. While the Company may pursue a business combination target in any business or industry, it intends to focus its search for a business in the technology industry, including software and services.

Citigroup is acting as the sole book-running manager for the proposed offering. The public offering will only be made by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus relating to the offering and final prospectus, when available, may be obtained from Citigroup, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717 or by telephone at (800) 831-9146.

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any State or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State or jurisdiction.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements," including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds. No assurance can be given that the offering discussed above will be completed on the terms described, or at all, or that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company's registration statement and preliminary prospectus for the Company's offering filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

SOURCE GTY Technology Holdings Inc.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

Trend:

Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) participated in the 10th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Education Exhibition, which was organized at Baku Expo center and was officially supported by the Ministry of Education of the Azerbaijan Republic.

At the exhibition, BHOS presented architectural model of the BHOS new campus, various brochures, publications and other promotion materials. BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov also participated in the exhibition.

The Higher school participation in the event attracted strong interest of the visitors, especially among students and young people willing to study at BHOS. Their numerous questions were answered by BHOS representatives and students participating in the exhibition.

This year the Education exhibition was attended by representatives of universities, colleges and other education facilities from Azerbaijan, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and other countries.

In general, within the exhibition, visitors were presented with bachelor, master and postgraduate programs, including second higher education and MBA courses, foreign language for business courses, internships and training sessions.
ST. PETERBURG, Fla., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Election 2016 has divided this nation into two irate groups of warriors with tempers flaring. Confusion and outrage is erupting into heated arguments with three long weeks to go until election day. The election will come and go but will you still have your circle of friends after November 8th? Author and stress management expert Jane Clarkston's, twenty-five-year career as a stress management councilor and hypnotherapist has worked in universities, hospitals and corporations helping individuals reduce stress.

She is also an author, whose newly released factual-fiction novel The Shrouded Caverns, set in modern-day Egypt, has a plot that is playing out in our political world today. Is a secret group using the media to brainwash voters as they make their decisions on this election?

"With constant blasting of 24-hour news, iPads, and cell phones our minds are controlled by high-tech programming. We are a society highly susceptible to hypnotic suggestion of a fast-paced modern-day lifestyle, where there is little time to think or question the news that is being reported. The majority of people look to the air ways for factual truth and use this information as to what they deem is correct, and use this data as to what to think and believe. The Ancients knew that our power came from the silence where man has the ability to connect with his God given abilities of truth. The further that we are driven away from these spiritual teachings the easier it is for us to be controlled by outside sources."

Not since 9/11 have we had such media over-load. People need to limit their exposure to media coverage of this election on all modalities. A quite walk or other form of exercise, playing music, enjoying a hobby helps clear the mind and lower stress, as it allows us to tap into our own knowing in determining which candidate resonates best to our own believe system, and after making your choice, 'Let it go."

We only have one vote each.

"Stress is a fear-based state of mind, and we choose whether we are going to hold on to anxiety, or let it go and feel the freedom of peace. Stress can kill you, but it never changes or eliminates the situation."

Jane Clarkston has assisted thousands of individuals on how to tap into their own God-given abilities where they learn how to lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and overcome anxiety as they improve their overall health and well-being.

"The Shrouded Caverns has the power to change your life. It's that good, and its message is that powerful." - Journalist Jefferson Blake

Contact Info:

Jane Clarkston

[email protected]

http://www.janeclarkston.com

Related Images

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Related Video

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This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com

SOURCE Jane Clarkston

Related Links

http://www.janeclarkston.com


DALLAS, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hotels.com wants to help decrease the percentage of non-voters in this year's upcoming presidential election by reminding U.S. travelers to take voting action now, especially if they'll be away or overseas on Election Day, November 8. The ability to vote is one of the most important American civil liberties, however, U.S. Census Bureau research shows that in the 2012 election, 8.6% of people that didn't vote used "out of town" as their excuse.

Every traveler who books a hotel through Hotels.com with a November 8 stay date will receive an email that their travel can impact on-site voting options. Travelers will be informed about alternative voting options by using Google's search tools. Hotels.com wants travelers to vote early or request an absentee ballot for the upcoming presidential election.

"Hotels.com values the right to vote and we are doing what we can to ensure our travelers are informed about how and where to vote if they are away from home on election day," said Josh Belkin, VP North America for Hotels.com. "By reaching out to travelers and providing them voting information, we hope to improve the 57% voter turnout we had in 2012."

According to Department of Transportation data, on any given day, approximately 1.95 million Americans take flight. If a large percentage of those travelers fail to vote, that can swing the election in one direction or the other. In the 2000 Presidential election, fewer than 500,000 votes separated the candidates.

In advance of Election Day, Google has launched new features on Search that give citizens detailed information on how to secure an absentee ballot or vote early. Simply search "how to vote" on Google and you'll see informative results catered to your state.

Learn more here: https://www.hotels.com/page/vote2016/

U.S. Census Bureau data: https://www.census.gov/population/socdemo/voting/p20-542/tab12.pdf

About Hotels.com:

Hotels.com L.P. operates Hotels.com, a leading online accommodation booking website with hundreds of thousands of properties ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals.

 2016 Hotels.com, LP. Hotels.com, The Obvious Choice, and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. CST # 2083949-50

Press Contacts:

Dominique Dorais  Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Phone: (347) 405-0270

Email: [email protected]

@hkstrategies

Taylor L. Cole, APR

Hotels.com North America

Phone: (469) 335-8442

Email: [email protected]

@TravelwithTLC

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160302/340017LOGO

SOURCE Hotels.com

Related Links

http://www.hotels.com


ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- IAP Worldwide Services, Inc. announced that it won the U.S. Army's contract to provide integrated logistics, fielding, and training support for the Project Manager, Distributed Common Ground System-Army (PM DCGS-A) at Fort Hood, Texas, and locations worldwide. The work will be performed under the Rapid Response Third Generation (R23G) contract vehicle.

"IAP seeks and solves the toughest challenges facing our Nation and its Allies," stated Rob Hargis, Vice President of IAP's National Security and Technology Programs. "Our customers' missions become our missions and we execute them with unwavering focus, unparalleled responsiveness, and the deepest commitment to excellence and professionalism."

DCGS-A is the Army's primary system to post data, process information, and disseminate Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) information about operational environments, weather, and terrain, providing commanders with vital information. The contract tasks, valued at $53 million, include hardware systems engineering, data processing, networking, hardware accreditation/certification, system reconciliations, training, and warehouse operations to successfully deliver DCGS-A to military units.

"The IAP team is thrilled to support this critical and dynamic mission for the Army Intelligence community. We are committed to our customer and will ensure its success," said Brandon Pugsley, Sr. Director of the IAP Information Technology and Intelligence Program.

The Army's selection recognizes IAP's proven expertise delivering value-added global solutions including design engineering, aviation and life support services, and expeditionary solutions in the National Security and Technology segment.

About IAP

A leading international services company for more than 60 years, IAP provides a broad spectrum of services and solutions to U.S. and international government agencies, and organizations. A world-class leader in providing seasoned program management, IAP leverages and integrates its capabilities to provide safe, innovative, and reliable solutions to meet customers' diverse and complex challenges. IAP maintains offices in the Washington, D.C. area, Florida, Maryland, Oklahoma, the United Kingdom and the Middle East, and operates in more than 110 locations in 27 countries. Learn more at www.iapws.com.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151104/283961LOGO

SOURCE IAP Worldwide Services, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.iapws.com


"We are pleased to honor and recognize Michael Kochenour as the eastern region winner of ICBA's Community Banker of the Year award," said ICBA Chairman Rebeca Romero Rainey, Chairman and CEO of Centinel Bank of Taos, N.M. "His passion, drive and commitment to his community are an inspiration to the bank's employees and exemplify the spirit of community banks nationwide."

"Mike has never forgotten that success is the result of building individual relationships," said a York Traditions Bank Associate who nominated Kochenour for the award. "Mike has an amazing gift of making every individual feel important and valued. His authenticity and positive spirit are truly contagious."

Paul V. Kilker, Board Vice Chair, added, "This award reinforces the remarkable impact Mike has had throughout his 45-year career, not only on the banking industry but throughout the community he loves." Kochenour has a long history of servant leadership. After experiencing the loss of a granddaughter, he felt called to chair the March of Dimes' "March for Babies," inspiring others to join him on "Team Brooke." His guidance has benefitted a long list of community organizations such as United Way, York County Bar Foundation, American Red Cross, Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, Byrnes Health Education Center, and many others.

Each September, ICBA seeks nominations from community bankers, customers and community leaders to identify passionate, innovative and savvy community bankers for this prestigious award. This is the third year the association has held the contest.

Mr. Kochenour will be featured along with the other three winners in the December issue of Independent Banker, ICBA's monthly publication and the number-one source of community banking news for ICBA members. Kochenour will also be recognized at the 2017 ICBA Community Banking LIVE national convention in San Antonio next March.

To learn more about York Traditions Bank, visit www.yorktraditionsbank.com . For additional information about ICBA, visit www.icba.org .

Safe Harbor Statement:

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this release are forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty. Because of these risks and uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our future results. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161014/428999

SOURCE York Traditions Bank

Related Links

www.yorktraditionsbank.com


SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald's restaurants in the Sacramento, Stockton, and Modesto area are hosting the 2nd Annual Golden Arches Run on Sunday, October 23 at the start of the Riverwalk in West Sacramento. This event includes a 5K and a 10K run throughout the downtown Sacramento area and will feature a mile and half-mile "Fun Run" for kids, and an opportunity to try and outrun the Hamburglar. Proceeds from the event will go to support both Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern California and Shriners Hospitals for Children - Northern California.

The Golden Arches Run will start at approximately 7:30 am at the Riverwalk in West Sacramento and will go until 12 pm. The 5K and the 10K run will start at 8:00 am with the Kids Fun Run starting at 10 am. Registration for adults (18 and up) who sign up for the 5K or 10K is $36. Kids who sign up for the one mile run or the  mile run will pay $14 per child. Those interested in registering can visit www.changeofpace.com to sign up.

"We had a phenomenal Golden Arches Run last year where we had over 1,000 runners from throughout Northern California join us for a spectacular event. We are super excited this year to bring it back with a couple of new additions to make it more fun and exciting, and raise some funds for both Shriners Hospitals and Ronald McDonald House Charities," said Harris Liu, a McDonald's restaurant owner in Sacramento. "McDonald's wants to put on a fun, healthy event for families where they can participate in a beautiful run through Sacramento and then enjoy some of our food items once their run is finished."

As runners cross the finish line, they will have the opportunity to try some McDonald's food items that will be available. Participants will be able to try McDonald's cheeseburgers, apple slices, chocolate milk, and Go-Gurts. McDonald's will also have a smoothie truck available where Mango Pineapple and Strawberry Banana Smoothie samples will be distributed.

The Golden Arches Run will include a variety of fun surprises for participants that follow the McDonald's theme. There will be water stations throughout the Run called "Run-Thru's" that will mimic a standard McDonald's Drive-Thru. The Hamburglar will start the Race and each runner who outruns the Hamburglar will receive a prize from the local McDonald's restaurants. Each runner will also receive a medal that will come in an iconic red Happy Meal box.

The Golden Arches Run will also provide a Race Expo at the finish line that will feature booths from a variety of different sponsors who are supporting the event. Runners can come and enjoy free food and visit all of the sponsors who will be on hand with giveaways and information for participants and their families.

Most importantly, proceeds from the Golden Arches Run will go to two very worthy causes in the Sacramento area  Shriners Hospitals for Children - Northern California and Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern California. Shriners Hospital is a world-renowned children's hospital that provides highly specialized care and rehabilitation to children with congenital conditions and complex medical needs regardless of the ability of the patient or family to pay. The Ronald McDonald House Charities is a "home away from home" for the families of sick children who are in need of a place to stay while their child is receiving treatment at any of the local hospitals in the Sacramento region. Ronald McDonald House Charities provides housing for the families of children who are admitted at Shriners Hospital showcasing how the two charities work collaboratively to provide a great need for sick children and their families.

"We are excited the Run is coming back this year here in Sacramento, and we hope it will continue to grow in the future," stated Liu.

About McDonald's in Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto

There are over 170 McDonald's Restaurants in the Greater Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto Area, owned and operated by more than 54 franchisees. McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer with over 36,000 locations in over 100 countries. More than 80% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business men and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McD_NorCal) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds).

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Clay Merrill

916-544-2820

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160923/411285LOGO

SOURCE McDonalds

Related Links

http://www.mcdonalds.com


WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, November 9, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET, iNACOL is hosting a Leadership Webinar to examine state policy opportunities for personalized learning under the new federal K-12 education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

States have a historic opportunity under ESSA to transform K-12 education and redefine the goals of K-12 education systems toward a broader definition of student success.

What are the opportunities for states under ESSA and how can state leaders leverage them? What education systems do we need to fully prepare students for success? How do we think about advancing a comprehensive statewide policy approach to ensure every student can access powerful, personalized learning opportunities in order to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies they will need to be successful?

Join this webinar to hear how state leaders can put these ideas into action.

Susan Patrick, iNACOL President and CEO, said, "State education leaders have a historic opportunity to examine and redefine student success. ESSA empowers states to focus next generation models on high expectations for all students, a broader definition of student success, in a graduate profile and work together with communities to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation for equity. States will be examining new strategies for school improvement, establishing an evidence base for what works in effective teaching and learning and moving forward to support educators and students with more personalized approaches."

This webinar is free to attendparticipants are invited to register here for final details and login information.

Webinar Title: State Policy Opportunities for Personalized Learning Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Presenters:

Maria Worthen, Vice President for Federal and State Policy, iNACOL

Dale Frost, State Policy Director, iNACOL

About iNACOL

The mission of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) is to catalyze the transformation of K-12 education policy and practice to advance powerful, personalized, learner-centered experiences through competency-based, blended and online learning. iNACOL is a non-profit organization focusing on research, developing policy for student-centered education to ensure equity and access, developing quality standards for emerging learning models using competency-based, blended and online education, and supporting the ongoing professional development of school and district leaders for new learning models. Visit our website, like us on Facebook, connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on twitter.

SOURCE International Association for K-12 Online Learning

Related Links

http://www.inacol.org


NEWTON, Mass., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded Inflexxion, Inc. a five-year, $10 million IDIQ contract. The contract addresses, in part, the FDA's objectives to obtain post-marketing prescription and OTC drug abuse surveillance data summary reports, and analytical data sets generated from aggregate data from individuals entering or being assessed for substance abuse treatment.

Inflexxion collects real-time data, the largest of its kind, and is the only such system to collect patient data at the point-of-care. With approximately 700,000 records, it continues to expand with over 70,000 new records annually. Inflexxion's research staff bring to this field over 20 years of scientific analysis, expertise, and reporting through customized research, peer reviewed publications and expert testimony.



According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., with 47,055 lethal drug overdoses in 2014. Opioid addiction is driving this epidemic, with 18,893 overdose deaths related to prescription pain relievers.

"We are delighted to work with the FDA in support of its efforts to combat the current opioid epidemic," said Simon Budman, Founder of Inflexxion and a leading expert in opioid use and abuse. "We look forward to being able to provide our preeminent data to the FDA to effectively monitor the impacts of this public health crisis and address it through empirically-informed measures."

Inflexxion will be providing data to the FDA from its surveillance data resource on prescription drug abuse, the Addiction Severity Index Multimedia Version (ASI-MV). The system collects data from individuals entering substance abuse treatment or being assessed for substance abuse disorders. The ASI-MV is used in more than 500 treatment centers around the country and provides critical data to pharmaceutical companies in the area of prescription opioids, stimulants, and other medications used in ways other than that prescribed.

About Inflexxion

Inflexxion helps healthcare organizations, provider communities, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory authorities to improve patient care and inform public policy. Through their strategic approach and depth of expertise, Inflexxion analyzes and disseminates health-related data for surveillance, risk management, epidemiological studies, quality improvement, and outcome measurement. Inflexxion's unique data collection includes multiple data streams at the point-of-care, Internet Monitoring technology, and web-surveys with hard to reach populations. For more information visit www.inflexxion.com.

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SOURCE Inflexxion, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.inflexxion.com


INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly released white paper from NextRadio explains how political parties and candidates can use radio to reach voters effectively in the weeks before the election. The paper's publication coincides with various news outlets suggesting there will be a last-minute influx of advertising dollars to persuade voters in local or down-ticket races.

To help radio broadcasters make a case for spending on FM channels, the latest information compiles granular in-app data about formats, dayparts and states that could provide the most opportunity to influence voters. The data comes from a survey that NextRadio conducted earlier this year, asking its listeners if they intend to vote on November 8. Of the more than 40,000 NextRadio listeners across the U.S. who viewed the survey, almost 10% cast their vote.

Data shows weekend radio schedules might be most useful in helping get out the vote. More people listening on the weekends claimed to be "Undecided" or said "No" to the question of voting in November. In fact, those "Undecided" and "No" accounted for a full 62% of Sunday responses to the question and 60% of Saturday responses.

When asked about voting on 11.8.2016, 35% of respondents to the survey said "No" they don't intend to vote, and an additional 23% said they are "Undecided." Compared with the 2012 Presidential race, in which 38%* of eligible voters abstained from voting, the high number of people willing to sit out the race puts pressure on local races and many down-ballot candidates.

Looking across station formats, Top 40 listeners were the least enthusiastic about voting, with nearly 70% stating "No" or "Undecided" on their voting plans. Country and Spanish Music format listeners fall right behind with "No" and "Undecided" responses (66% and 63%, respectively).

Additionally, 1 in 4 listeners of the following formats says he/she is "Undecided" about voting in November:

Rock (26%)

Country (25%)

Classic Rock (24%)

Hip Hop (24%)

Spanish Music (24%)

Top 40 (23%)

More than 40,000 unique NextRadio app users in all 50 states viewed the poll during a campaign airing June 19 to July 6, 2016. Slightly more than 3,700 app users answered the poll, resulting in 9.3% participation rate. California radio listeners proved to be the most engaged, comprising 21% of responses. Behind them were New York listeners, at 14%.

To get the full white paper on the voting survey visit TagStation.com/news.

* Source: U.S. Census Bureau

About NextRadio powered by TagStation, LLC

TagStation, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emmis Communications Corporation. TagStation, LLC has developed the TagStation service to provide radio stations with artist and title information and unique interactivity with listeners. With partial funding from NAB Labs, TagStation also developed the NextRadio hybrid radio smartphone app which uses TagStation cloud services to provide a rich FM radio listening experience on smartphones and tablets by combining the devices' built-in FM tuner and the internet. NextRadio, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TagStation, LLC and serves as the principle distributor of the NextRadio App. Founded in 2013, TagStation, LLC and NextRadio, LLC are headquartered in Indianapolis, IN with offices in Indianapolis and Chicago, IL. For more information about TagStation, visit TagStation.com. For more information about NextRadio, visit NextRadioApp.com.

SOURCE NextRadio
DALLAS, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- FareCompare.com has released a new study from proprietary data based on the analysis of 1.8 million airfares for 100 of the busiest domestic markets for travel during Thanksgiving. This research offers travelers still shopping for flights over the Thanksgiving holiday fresh insights into the premium to be paid for flying on two of the busiest travel days of the year: Wednesday, Nov. 23 and Sunday, Nov. 27.

The answer? Travelers who choose to fly on those days could pay as much as 65% more per round trip ticket compared to those flying on Thanksgiving day  Nov. 24  and returning on Tuesday, Nov. 29.

The FareCompare.com study also reveals that travelers who want to pay the least for a Thanksgiving trip should consider a one-night stand; departing on Thanksgiving Day and returning on Black Friday. The average round trip fare for that day pair combination is $367.

"For Thanksgiving travel, there's really no such thing as a good deal," said Rick Seaney, CEO and Founder, FareCompare. "It's all about finding a better bad deal. And the best way to skirt around the edges is to take an early flight out on Thanksgiving morning and fly back on Black Friday. The airlines know many travelers want to fly the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day and the Sunday after, and they know they're willing to pay more."

The chart below breaks down the average roundtrip fare for 15 potential departure/return combinations during the week of Thanksgiving, priced lowest to highest:

Departure Day Return Day Average Roundtrip Fare Thursday, 11/24/16 Friday, 11/25/16 $367 Thursday, 11/24/16 Tuesday, 11/29/16 $395 Tuesday, 11/22/16 Friday, 11/25/16 $406 Monday, 11/21/16 Friday, 11/25/16 $420 Tuesday, 11/22/16 Tuesday, 11/29/16 $425 Thursday, 11/24/16 Saturday, 11/26/16 $449 Thursday, 11/24/16 Monday, 11/28/16 $470 Sunday, 11/20/16 Friday, 11/25/16 $484 Wednesday, 11/23/16 Monday, 11/28/16 $531 Tuesday, 11/22/16 Saturday, 11/26/16 $543 Wednesday, 11/23/16 Saturday, 11/26/16 $549 Sunday, 11/20/16 Saturday, 11/26/16 $568 Thursday, 11/24/16 Sunday, 11/27/16 $600 Sunday, 11/20/16 Sunday, 11/27/16 $649 Wednesday, 11/23/16 Sunday, 11/27/16 $662

Further analysis conducted by the team of FareCompare data scientists shows that waiting even one day to purchase your Thanksgiving flights costs extra. Between now and October 31, the increase is approximately $2 per day and after Nov. 1, it jumps to $4-5 per day.

"Procrastinators will pay," Seaney said. "If you know that you're flying over Thanksgiving and see you a price that you like, book it. Don't expect any last minute bargains."

Other money and time-saving travel tips for Thanksgiving travelers courtesy of FareCompare:

Check your reservation: On the evening, prior to departure, check the status of your flight and make sure you are signed up for email/text alerts to receive status updates on your flight.

Get/stay connected: Make sure your airline can reach you in the event of delays or flight cancellations

Pack light: Don't check your luggage  most airlines still do not charge to carry-on one bag and one personal item.

Get to the airport early: The airport will likely be crowded, security lines long, parking lots jammed.

Know the security rules: If you have any questions, consult the TSA Web site for a quick refresher.

About FareCompare

Headquartered in Dallas, FareCompare makes shopping for airfare easy and simple by comparing currently available fares from a wide variety of sources through one simple search. The company's multiple products allow customers across the world to keep track of their favorite destinations and specific travel dates, plus find great low price deals that are not publicized through its best-in-class deal detection algorithms. FareCompare.com is the trusted source of 6 million global users every month.

Media Contact: Joel Frey, [email protected] (214) 695-1987

SOURCE FareCompare

Related Links

http://www.farecompare.com


ST. LOUIS, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders of the nation's top farming organizations joined together today in urging food companies to recognize that their sustainability goals, intended to reduce the use of natural resources, cannot be achieved without the use of modern agricultural practices, despite any misleading assertions to the contrary.

American Farm Bureau Federation American Soybean Association (ASA) American Sugarbeet Growers Association National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)

This focus on deceptive food company marketing claims is in response to Dannon's recent pledge to eliminate the use of safe and proven crop technology to feed the dairy cows that supply milk for its yogurt products. Dannon is one of several prominent food manufacturers and retailers that in recent years has taken steps to eliminate genetically-modified ingredients from its supply, claiming that such a move improves the sustainability of its products.

In a letter sent today to Mariano Lozano, head of Dannon's U.S. operations, the farm groups said that the company's strategy to eliminate GMOs "is the exact opposite of the sustainable agriculture that you claim to be seeking. Your pledge would force farmers to abandon safe, sustainable farming practices that have enhanced farm productivity over the last 20 years while greatly reducing the carbon footprint of American agriculture."

"This is just marketing puffery, not any true innovation that improves the actual product offered to consumers," said Randy Mooney, chairman of the National Milk Producers Federation, and a dairy farmer from Rogersville, Missouri. "What's worse is that removing GMOs from the equation is harmful to the environment  the opposite of what these companies claim to be attempting to achieve."

The letter was cosigned by the farmer leaders of the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, American Sugarbeet Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance. Collectively, the six organizations represent hundreds of thousands of farmers and food producers across the U.S. The groups agree that biotechnology plays an important role in reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture, and challenged as disingenuous the assertion that sustainability is enhanced by stopping the use of GMO processes.

During the last 20 years, advancements in agricultural technology have allowed farmers to use less pesticides and herbicides, fossil fuels, and water, and prevent the loss of soil to erosion. Taking away this technology is akin to turning back the clock and using outdated 20th century technology to run a business.

"Farming organizations are standing up for the technology that supports continuous improvement in farm sustainability. Farmers and ranchers have grown GMO crops over the past 20 years precisely because biotechnology helps farmers preserve resources for the future," said Nancy Kavazanjian, chairwoman of U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), and a corn, soybean and wheat farmer in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. "When food companies are making sourcing decisions, farm groups encourage them to recognize that modern, conventional agriculture is sustainable."

Numerous, conclusive studies have come out over the last 20 years proving the safety of GMO food and the environmental benefits of growing GM crops. Most recently, 109 Nobel laureates announced their support of GMO technology, citing a study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine saying, "the study committee found no substantiated evidence of a difference in risks to human health between current commercially available genetically engineered (GE) crops and conventionally bred crops, nor did it nd conclusive cause-and-effect evidence of environmental problems from the GE crops."

"Despite overwhelming evidence supporting the safety of GMO crops and their benefits to the environment, marketers of some major food brands, such as Dannon, have aligned themselves against biotechnology," said Wesley Spurlock, President of the National Corn Growers Association. "Farming organizations believe in open and honest communication with consumers, and allowing people to make informed choices in the market. But we cannot sit by while certain food companies spread misinformation under the guise of a marketing campaign."

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance CEO Randy Krotz also adds, "When food companies directly mislead consumers, as has been done in this example with Dannon, individual farmers as well as farm organizations will continue to assertively defend our critical technologies."

For more information on sustainability in agriculture visit www.fooddialogues.com.

About the American Farm Bureau Federation

With family members at the county or parish level in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the American Farm Bureau Federation is the unified national "Voice of Agriculture," working to enhance and strengthen the lives of rural Americans to build strong, prosperous agricultural communities. AFBF is the nation's largest and most influential grassroots organization of farm and ranch families. Follow AFBF on Twitter (@FarmBureau (https://twitter.com/FarmBureau) ) and Facebook http://facebook.com/AmericanFarmBureau.

About American Soybean Association (ASA)

ASA represents all U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and international issues of importance to the soybean industry. ASA's advocacy efforts are made possible through voluntary farmer membership by farmers in 30 states where soybeans are grown.

About the American Sugarbeet Growers Association

The American Sugarbeet Growers Association represents all Sugarbeet growers in 11 states. These family farmers formed regional cooperatives and own all 22 sugarbeet processing facilities in the U.S., producing almost 60% of the sugar grown in America.

About National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents more than 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 48 affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for corn growers.

About the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), based in Arlington, Va., develops and carries out policies that advance the well-being of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF's cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. For more on NMPF's activities, visit our website at www.nmpf.org.

About U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA)

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) consists of about 100 farmer and rancher led organizations and agricultural partners representing virtually all aspects of agriculture, working to engage in dialogue with consumers who have questions about how today's food is grown and raised. USFRA is committed to continuous improvement and supporting U.S. farmers and ranchers' efforts to increase confidence and trust in today's agriculture. To learn more, visit our website at www.fooddialogues.com. You can also find USFRA on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161014/429013

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161014/429014

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161014/429015

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161014/429011

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161014/429016

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161014/429012LOGO

SOURCE U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA)

Related Links

http://www.fooddialogues.com/


Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

US online weekly newspaper Jewish Journal has posted an article by Milikh Yevdayev, head of the Community of Azerbaijans Mountain Jews, dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Azerbaijans independence celebrated on October 18.

In 1993, Heydar Aliyev became president of Azerbaijan, Yevdayev wrote in his article.

With strong leadership and a lifelong commitment to national service, President Aliyev took Azerbaijan from the crossroads of instability, a broken budget and infrastructure, laying the solid foundations for it to become the largest economy and most stable country of the region today, said the article.

The key factors of Heydar Aliyev's success focused on expanding opportunities for private business, defining and implementing Azerbaijans long-term energy strategy, developing trade, encouraging unrestricted multiculturalism and building strong relationships across the region, Europe, with the US and Israel, according to the article.

Following in his predecessor's footsteps, President Ilham Aliyev has undertaken great efforts to bolster national stability and economic growth, the article said. Great evidence of this is the reduction of poverty in Azerbaijan, from 50 percent in 2001, to the current rate of under 5 percent in 2016.

The author also notes in his article that Azerbaijans Karabakh region remains under occupation by Armenia, and Azerbaijan is home to over 1 million Azerbaijani refugees who were subjected to brutal ethnic cleansing in Armenia and the occupied areas of Azerbaijan.

Despite continued invasions and occupations by neighboring Armenia - Azerbaijan is still home to a large Armenian community, who continue to live peacefully in its capital city of Baku and other major cities, the article said. The capital city also boasts an impressive, state-funded Armenian Church, which was renovated by Azerbaijani government a few years ago and houses, perfectly preserved, over 5,000 Armenian books.

All these are a strong testament to the robust commitment of Azerbaijan to the ideas and values of interfaith tolerance, acceptance and peace, the author wrote.
MORRISVILLE, North Carolina, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Lorna Graham, Associate Director of Project Management for Worldwide Clinical Trials (http://www.worldwide.com), will present at Evidence USA 2016, which is being held at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue in Philadelphia, PA, Oct. 18-19, 2016. Graham's session is titled: "Is Technology the Key to Naturalistic Observational Research?"

During her presentation, Graham will focus on technology's impact on standards of care, home health care, and real-world outcomes research. She will also discuss how "Big Data" and data mining can aid in scenario computations; help reduce biases in studies; and deliver intelligence to support patient retention. Graham's session will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 4:25 pm ET.

"During my presentation, we'll take a look at how technology is having a major impact on the design and execution of clinical research programs," said Graham. "The industry is becoming more and more interested in how technology and Big Data can impact the development and adoption of universal health standards, driving a greater need for the delivery of long-term health evidence and justification of healthcare costs."

Evidence USA is America's largest and most comprehensive event on the use of real world outcomes for pharmaceutical products. The event features an exhibition and a multi-track strategic conference.

Connect with Worldwide Clinical Trials:

Tweet: @worldwidetrials to present at Evidence USA 2016

@worldwidetrials to present at Evidence 2016 Follow us on Twitter: @worldwidetrials

@worldwidetrials Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldwide-clinical-trials-inc-

About Worldwide Clinical Trials

Worldwide Clinical Trials employs more than 1,400 professionals around the world, with offices in North and South America, Eastern and Western Europe, Russia and Asia. One of the world's leading, full-service contract research organizations (CROs), we partner with sponsors in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to deliver fully integrated clinical development and bioanalytical services, extending from first-in-human through phase IV studies. Grounded in medicine and science, we help sponsors move from medical discovery into clinical development and commercialization across a range of therapeutic areas, including neuroscience, cardiovascular diseases, immune-mediated inflammatory disorders (IMID), and rare diseases. For more information, visit http://www.worldwide.com.

SOURCE Worldwide Clinical Trials
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lovelace Biomedical, a not-for-profit preclinical contract research organization, today announced that it has launched and offers toxicology, pharmacology and other services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. It will partner with companies to cost-effectively and efficiently advance preclinical development of therapeutic compounds and novel technologies, with services and expertise spanning the fields of respiratory disease, infectious disease, gene therapy, neuroscience, alternative tobacco products and medical countermeasures, as well as drug discovery and others.

Lovelace Biomedical draws on nearly seven decades of leadership in scientific research experience from the Lovelace family of companies, including the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, to utilize a multi-disciplinary toolset to address simple and complex preclinical challenges. Its 500 employees work closely with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies  providing high-quality research services and achieving results that help advance their products into clinical development. Lovelace Biomedical's services include toxicology, IND-enabling programs, formulation, pharmacology, bioanalytical/analytical chemistry and medicinal chemistry.

"The Lovelace family of companies has a rich history in scientific innovation  from pioneering aviation medicine and work with NASA, to groundbreaking research in respiratory illnesses and infectious diseases," said Robert W. Rubin, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute and associated companies. "Today we carry this tradition of scientific excellence through our collaborations with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies that seek to improve lives by treating devastating diseases and disorders. Our expertise in preclinical research can help these companies answer difficult questions about their therapeutic programs and find the right path forward toward clinical investigation and regulatory approval."

Operating in an expansive bio-secure facility on 100 acres of land with 300,000 square feet of laboratory space, Lovelace Biomedical is capable of handling preclinical activities for nearly any therapeutic program. Its team includes expert toxicologists, chemists, veterinarians, pathologists, pharmacologists, project managers and more. This diverse team draws on its vast and varied experience to enable development of commercially-viable product candidates, with particular expertise in respiratory disease, gene therapy, infectious disease and neuroscience. In addition to toxicology, Lovelace Biomedical has expertise with a wide variety of large and small animal pharmacology models, as well as over 10,000 square feet of ABSL3-enhanced laboratory space.

Lovelace Biomedical maintains high standards for humane and ethical treatment of animals involved in research. Research facilities are accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare and the United States Department of Agriculture.

The organization will showcase its offerings at exhibit booth #307 at the 37th Annual Meeting of the American College of Toxicology, taking place November 6 through 9 in Baltimore. Attendees of the conference interested in learning more about Lovelace Biomedical can request a meeting through www.lovelacebiomedical.com/contact.

About Lovelace Biomedical

Building on a history of pioneering science and technological innovation, Lovelace Biomedical is a contract research organization that helps pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies advance their discoveriesno matter how complexinto clinical testing and beyond. The organization leverages its multidisciplinary toolset to push the limits of preclinical research and fully understand the behavior of its clients' investigational products. Lovelace Biomedical provides a unique scientific and logistical capacity to solve specialized challenges that other CROs are not equipped to handle, featuring expansive bio-secure facilities and ongoing access to industry-leading research experts and study directors. The team thrives on developing programs for difficult areas of drug development while delivering the same level of rigor and attention to seemingly straightforward studies that are just as critical to regulatory success. Visit www.lovelacebiomedical.org and follow on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/lovelace-biomedical or Twitter @LovelaceBio.

SOURCE Lovelace Biomedical

Related Links

http://www.lovelacebiomedical.org


With a goal of amplifying the thousands of stories organically shared by Independent Beauty Consultants on individual and corporate social media channels, the campaign started by seeding the social hashtag #MyMKLife in 2015. The co-created campaign was developed with stories from the hashtag and activated over the summer, with a "social-first" strategy, amplified by paid media to generate additional engagement.

The campaign took shape as Mary Kay entrepreneurs shared inspirational stories and quotes illustrating how the Mary Kay business has positively impacted their lives, including "I can be me," "I can make a difference, not just an income" and "I can be a good example for my kids."

During the activation stage of the campaign, more than 500 women were photographed and interviewed during Mary Kay Inc.'s annual Seminar in Dallas to participate as the fresh faces of the campaign. The campaign, a multi-platform initiative, includes digital, broadcast, outdoor and print placements. The campaign was featured in national media outlets, digital billboards in the heart of ever-bustling Times Square, on the company website and on Mary Kay Inc.'s social channels. Additionally, Independent Beauty Consultants are featured in the campaign's first television commercial, which will be seen by more than 2M+ viewers during Season 15 Episode 6 of the hit show "Project Runway."

"The 'I CAN' campaign gave us the chance to showcase, on a national stage, the heart of Mary Kay  our Independent Sales Force. These inspirational women of all walks of life chose the Mary Kay business for many different reasons," said Sara Friedman, Vice President of U.S. Marketing for Mary Kay. "However, through the campaign, it is evident that they are united by their love for the diverse opportunities their Mary Kay business allows them on a daily basis."

Since the campaign's launch in September 2016, it has garnered impressive results including 43.8 million impressions and 1.2 million engagements across social channels, and 40K+ uses of the "I Can" custom photo filter. These results demonstrate the strong adoption rates of authentic campaigns by consumers nationwide.

About Mary Kay

Irresistible products. Positive community impact. Rewarding opportunity. For more than 50 years, Mary Kay has offered it all. With 3.5 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants and $4 billion in global annual sales, Mary Kay is a top beauty brand and direct seller in more than 35 markets around the world. Discover what there is to love about Mary Kay by connecting with a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant at marykay.com.

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications

marykay.com/newsroom

972.687.5332 or [email protected]

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdmD3yvy5u0

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161014/428996



SOURCE Mary Kay Inc.

Related Links

http://www.marykay.com


SAN DIEGO, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mast Therapeutics, Inc. (NYSE MKT: MSTX) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aires Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has entered into a collaborative agreement with Philips Respironics, Inc., the sleep and respiratory care business of Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) related to the supply of Philips' I-neb Adaptive Aersol Delivery (AAD) devices and related consumables for the nebulized delivery of the Company's lead product candidate, AIR001, a sodium nitrite solution for intermittent inhalation. The I-neb handheld AAD system is a small, portable and virtually silent vibrating mesh technology nebulizer system designed to deliver more precise, reproducible doses of medication faster than conventional jet or ultrasonic nebulizers.

"As we announced last month, we are accelerating activities related to our AIR001 program with support for ongoing, investigator-sponsored Phase 2 clinical studies of AIR001 being conducted at three separate prestigious research institutions," said Brian M. Culley, Chief Executive Officer of Mast. "As part of this commitment, we are pleased to be working with Philips, a recognized global leader in the development of aerosol delivery devices and a leading provider of innovative solutions for the global respiratory market. Our agreement has been extended to include not only two of the Phase 2 studies of AIR001 currently underway, but also future clinical studies and will remain in place until 2020 or sooner, if replaced with a commercial supply agreement."

About AIR001

AIR001 is a sodium nitrite solution for intermittent inhalation via nebulization. Nitrite is a direct vasodilator and can be recycled in vivo to form nitric oxide (NO) independent of the classical NO synthase (NOS) pathway. Nitrite mediated NO formation has several beneficial effects, including dilation of blood vessels and reduction of inflammation and undesirable cell growth. Generation of NO from sodium nitrite is not dependent upon endothelial function and is enhanced in the setting of tissue hypoxia and acidosis, conditions in which NOS activity typically is depressed. In early clinical studies, AIR001 demonstrated positive hemodynamic effects with reductions observed in right atrial pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, as well as improvements in mean pulmonary artery pressures, cardiac output, and exercise tolerance as measured by six-minute walk distance. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2a study of AIR001 in patients with HFpEF (n=26), the AIR001 treatment group showed a statistically significant decrease in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure during exercise compared to the control group and AIR001 was generally well-tolerated.

About Mast Therapeutics

Mast Therapeutics, Inc. is a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, California. The Company has two clinical-stage investigational new drugs, AIR001 and vepoloxamer. AIR001, a sodium nitrite solution for intermittent inhalation via nebulizer, is in Phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). More information can be found on the Company's web site at www.masttherapeutics.com. Mast Therapeutics and the corporate logo are trademarks of Mast Therapeutics, Inc.

Forward Looking Statements

Mast Therapeutics cautions you that statements in this press release that are not a description of historical fact are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words referencing future events or circumstances such as "expect," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," and "will," among others. Examples of forward-looking statements in this press release include statements relating to the Company's development plans for AIR001. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results because they involve the Company's beliefs and assumptions based on currently available information and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual performance and results to differ materially from expectations indicated by the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that could cause actual performance or results to differ include, without limitation: the Company's need for additional funding to continue to operate as a going concern; risks associated with the Company's ability to manage operating expenses and obtain additional capital as needed; uncertainty related to the Company's ability to remain in compliance with the terms and conditions under its debt facility and risk that the Company may be required to repay its remaining outstanding debt obligation on an accelerated basis and/or at a time that could be detrimental to the Company's financial condition, operations and/or business strategy; the impact of significant reductions in the Company's operations on its ability to develop its product candidates or maintain compliance with laws and regulations relating to public companies; the Company's ability to maintain compliance with NYSE MKT continued listing standards and policies and to maintain the listing and trading of its common stock on that exchange; uncertainties inherent in the conduct of clinical studies and the risk that the Company's product candidates may not demonstrate adequate safety, efficacy or tolerability in one or more clinical studies for approval by regulatory authorities; the potential for the Company to sell or license part or all of its assets; the potential for significant delays, reductions, or discontinuation of current and/or planned development activities if the Company is unable to raise sufficient additional capital as needed; the Company's lack of control over investigator-sponsored clinical studies of AIR001, including whether any of the studies will commence or be completed on anticipated timelines, or at all; the Company's dependence on third parties to assist with important aspects of development of the Company's product candidates, including the conduct of clinical and nonclinical studies, the manufacture and supply of clinical trial material and drug delivery devices, and the conduct of regulatory activities, and the risk that such third parties may fail to perform as expected leading to delays in product candidate development and additional costs; the risk that the Company is not able to obtain or maintain effective patent coverage or other market exclusivity protections for its products, if approved, or that the use or manufacture of the Company's products may infringe the proprietary rights of others; and other risks and uncertainties more fully described in the Company's press releases and its reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available at www.sec.gov.

You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date when made. Mast Therapeutics does not intend to revise or update any forward-looking statement set forth in this press release to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof, except as may be required by law.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120612/LA22456LOGO-a

SOURCE Mast Therapeutics, Inc.
HAMPTON, Va., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MathAlive!, a highly immersive and interactive traveling exhibition, opens Oct. 22 at the Virginia Air and Space Center. Presented by Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), the MathAlive! exhibition has drawn record-breaking attendance around the world as visitors experience math in action. MathAlive! is on a multi-year engagement with museums on or near military installations.

Forty unique and interactive experiences make up the 5,000 square-foot MathAlive! exhibition with six themed galleries to show math in areas of design, engineering, technology and science. In each gallery, high-tech, mechanical and multimedia interactive experiences provide challenges with various types of mathematics as tools to help visitors compete, design, build and play.

"Our goal is to inspire today's students to be tomorrow's STEM innovators and problem solvers. MathAlive! shows how math and science relates to their everyday lives," said Todd Probert, vice president of Raytheon's vice president of Mission Support and Modernization. "MathAlive! connects math with the things students love most, such as music, sports, movies and games."

The U.S. faces a significant gap in the talent needed to fill current and future jobs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), according to an annual index introduced by Raytheon and U.S. News in 2014. The STEM Index, a comprehensive measure of key factors relating to STEM jobs and education, found the U.S. is making strides in some areas but continues to fall short in preparing students for tomorrow's innovation workforce.

MathAlive! will be at the Virginia Air and Space Center until Jan. 8 and is included with general admission. The exhibit appeals to visitors of all ages and levels of math ability, with particular relevance to students in grades 3-8.

"MathAlive! is undoubtedly the best science exhibit to feature math that has ever hit the travelling exhibit circuit. It is a must-see experience!" said Robert Griesmer, executive director and chief executive officer of the Virginia Air and Space Center.

About the Virginia Air & Space Center

The Virginia Air & Space Center is the visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base. The Virginia Air & Space Center opened April 5, 1992 in Hampton, Va. Touted as the birthplace of America's space program, the Virginia Air & Space Center features interactive aviation exhibits spanning 100 years of flight, more than 30 historic aircraft, a hands-on space exploration gallery, unique space flight artifacts, and more! The Center is home to the Apollo 12 Command Module and the Orion PA-1 Test Vehicle.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2015 sales of $23 billion and 61,000 employees, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 94 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.

This document does not contain technology or technical data controlled under either the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the U.S. Export Administration. Xxx-xxx.

Media Contact

Raytheon

Jennifer Griffith

571.250.2813

[email protected]

SOURCE Raytheon Company

Related Links

http://www.raytheon.com


SAN DIEGO, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Metacrine, Inc., a leading biotechnology company efficiently developing innovative drugs for metabolic diseases, announced the issuance of a new patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that supports development for the company's FGF-1 program.

The newly issued patent, US 9,446,097, covers methods for treatment of diabetic individuals with novel variants of the FGF-1 protein. The inventors on the patent include Metacrine co-founders Ron Evans, PhD, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and the March of Dimes Chair in Developmental and Molecular Biology and Professor and Director of the Gene Expression Laboratory at the Salk Institute, and Michael Downes, PhD, a Senior Staff Scientist from the Salk Institute. Metacrine is the exclusive licensee to this patent and other members of the patent family.

"The issuance of this new patent further strengthens the robust patent portfolio for our FGF-1 program," said Ken Song, MD, President and CEO of Metacrine. "The recent discovery of FGF-1 as a potent insulin sensitizer opens up the exciting possibilities for FGF-1 variants as an entirely new mechanism to treat diabetes."

About Metacrine

Metacrine is a privately held biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego, CA. The company is focused on efficiently developing innovative drugs that materially benefit patients with metabolic disease. For more information, visit www.metacrine.com.

Contact:

Julie Rathbun

Rathbun Communications

[email protected]

206.769.9219

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160912/406819LOGO

SOURCE Metacrine

Related Links

http://www.metacrine.com


LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- "It's been a long time coming", those are the first words spoken by Film Executive Marlon Campbell, relating to his company, Majer FilmWerks, LLC's release of Asomatous.

The recipient of 2009's "Most Influential" by Plan B Magazine, Campbell relocated to Southern California in early 2015 where he would open a West Coast division of MFW in Beverly Hills. Shortly after he met with close friend Colette Crann who introduced him to another Filmmaker, Cecile Cinco; the two found extraordinary synergy and an alliance was created, eventually leading to both Producers first theatrical release, Asomatous!

Asomatous is a horror/thriller about a Father who tragically loses his Wife in a house fire and is left to raise his two Daughters alone. The Family relocates to the Countryside where they hoped to rebuild their lives but a haunting of the past had other plans. "Asomatous brings a strong story to a strong genre in film; perfect combination for a blockbuster. We expect to give the audience a thrill", says Campbell. The film was directed by the talented Harvey Lowry and Stars Australian Heartthrob Actor Jack Campbell (All Saints), Kevin Sorbo (God's Not Dead, Hercules), Rena Owens (Star Trek, The Witch Hunter, AI), Michael Welch (Twilight Saga) and introduces Isabella Kai Rice, Jayden and Jordan Besana. Asomatous hit theaters March 1, 2017!

For additional information or interview request, please contact Pam Pinnock at 213.864.1370 or Alexandra Jones at 310.684.3144. Asomatous is distributed by Majer FilmWerks, LLC in association with ScriptMaster/eOne and Maven Films. To learn more about MFW please visit www.majerfilmwerks.com.

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com.

SOURCE Majer FilmWerks, LLC

Related Links

http://www.majerfilmwerks.com


The American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program will help address storm victims' immediate needs by providing food, shelter, emotional support, clean-up kits and other forms of assistance that will help them rebuild their lives. People interested in donating to the Red Cross may donate online at www.redcross.org, or call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Nationwide claims representatives and humanitarian relief teams are deployed throughout the region to provide aid and claim support to Matthew victims. The teams have much needed water, food, paper products, cleaning supplies and other goods. You can find Nationwide Catastrophe Response Units in some of the most devastated areas throughout the region.

Policyholders with storm damage should call the Nationwide claims hotline at 1-800-421-3535, visit nationwide.com or contact their local agent.

The Nationwide Foundation

The Nationwide Foundation is a nonprofit, private foundation to which Nationwide companies are the donors. Founded in 1959, the Nationwide Foundation has committed more than $355 million since 2000 to help nonprofit organizations in communities where Nationwide associates and their families live and work. Just as Nationwide supports its customers in their moment of need, both Nationwide and the Nationwide Foundation's involvement in its home communities is focused on supporting organizations that help people facing critical or immediate need.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, commercial, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, Nationwide Financial, On Your Side, and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

Contact:

Alison Emery

(614) 249-4819

[email protected]

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SOURCE Nationwide

Related Links

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Under the new TTF plan, 100% of the gas tax revenue is constitutionally dedicated to the repair and replacement of New Jersey roads and bridges for the next eight years. It is hoped that the tax cuts enacted will, to an extent, offset the additional tax cost New Jersey drivers will soon be facing at the pump.

About Ryan

Ryan is an award-winning global tax services firm, with the largest indirect and property tax practices in North America and the seventh largest corporate tax practice in the United States. With global headquarters in Dallas, Texas, the Firm provides a comprehensive range of state, local, federal, and international tax advisory and consulting services on a multi-jurisdictional basis, including audit defense, tax recovery, credits and incentives, tax process improvement and automation, tax appeals, tax compliance, and strategic planning. Ryan is a five-time recipient of the International Service Excellence Award from the Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA) for its commitment to world-class client service. Empowered by the dynamic myRyan work environment, which is widely recognized as the most innovative in the tax services industry, Ryan's multi-disciplinary team of more than 2,100 professionals and associates serves over 12,000 clients in more than 40 countries, including many of the world's most prominent Global 5000 companies. More information about Ryan can be found at ryan.com.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Mary Alice Cashin

Principal

Ryan

212.871.3901

[email protected]

Jeremiah T. Lynch

Principal

Ryan

212.847.0113

[email protected]

Available Topic Expert(s): Jerry Lynch

For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

ProfNet - http://www.profnetconnect.com/jeremiahlynch

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SOURCE Ryan

Related Links

http://www.ryan.com


LONDON, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

More Than 2,500 Victims Were Able to Decrypt Their Data, With More Than One Million Dollars Already Saved, Thanks to the Global Initiative

Just three months after the successful launch of the No More Ransom project, law enforcement agencies from a further 13 countries have signed up to fight ransomware together with the private sector.

The new members are: the United Kingdom, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Colombia, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. Further law enforcement agencies and private sector organisations are expected to join the programme in the coming months. Their collaboration will result in more free decryption tools becoming available, helping even more victims to decrypt their devices and unlock their information, and damaging the cybercriminals where it hurts the most: their wallets.

The project's objectives are supported by Eurojust and the European Commission, demonstrating the EU's concern about the growing threat of ransomware.

No More Ransom was launched on 25 July 2016, by the Dutch National Police, Europol, Intel Security and Kaspersky Lab, introducing a new level of cooperation between law enforcement and the private sector to fight ransomware[1] together. The aim of the online portal is to provide a helpful resource for victims of ransomware. Users can find information on what ransomware is, how it works and, most importantly, how to protect themselves.

During the first two months, more than 2,500 people have successfully managed to decrypt their data without having to pay the criminals, using the main decryption tools on the platform (CoinVault, WildFire and Shade). This has deprived cybercriminals of an estimated $1+ million in ransoms.

--------------------------------------------------

[1] Ransomware is a type of malware that locks the victims' computer or encrypts their data, demanding them to pay a ransom in order to regain control over the affected device or files. Ransomware is a top threat for EU law enforcement: almost two-thirds of EU Member States are conducting investigations into this form of malware attack. While the target is often individual users' devices, corporate and even government networks are affected as well.

The more law enforcement agencies and private sector partners work together, the more decryption tools can be created and made available. Currently, five decryption tools are listed on the website.

Since the launch of the portal in July, the WildfireDecryptor has been added and two decryption tools updated: RannohDecryptor (updated with a decryptor for the ransomware MarsJoke aka Polyglot) and RakhniDecryptor (updated with Chimera).

"Europol is fully committed to supporting the enlargement of the No More Ransom project within the EU and internationally to respond to ransomware in an effective and concerted manner," says Steven Wilson, head of the European Cybercrime Centre. "Despite the increasing challenges, the initiative has demonstrated that a coordinated approach by EU law enforcement that includes all relevant partners can result in significant successes in fighting this type of crime, focusing on the important areas of prevention and awareness. I am confident that the online portal will continue to improve in the months to come. All police forces are warmly encouraged to join the fight."

"The fight against ransomware succeeds best when law enforcement agencies and the private sector join forces. Researchers can offer broader malware analysis and services like internet scanning, helping to find connections between different items of data. This enables the police to locate and seize the servers used to manage the attack. In some cases, the researchers' insight can also help to track down and arrest the criminals responsible. The seized servers can contain decryption keys, and, when shared with private sector companies this can be turned into decryption tools that help victims to unlock their data without paying the ransom. Basically, information-sharing is the key to effective collaboration between the police and security researchers. The easier and faster it happens - the more effective the partnership becomes. Getting more law enforcement agencies from different countries on board will therefore improve operational information-sharing, so that in the end ransomware will be fought more effectively," says Jornt van der Wiel, Security Researcher at the Global Research and Analysis Team at Kaspersky Lab.

In order to broaden the audience and improve results even further, the portal is currently being adapted to support different language versions.

As a second step, the project will welcome new companies from the private sector, after a very high level of interest and countless requests received.

About Kaspersky Lab

Kaspersky Lab is a global cybersecurity company founded in 1997. Kaspersky Lab's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into security solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection and a number of specialised security solutions and services to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky Lab technologies and we help 270,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them.

Learn more at http://www.kaspersky.co.uk

Editorial contact:

Berkeley PR Kaspersky Lab UK Lauren White Stephanie Fergusson [email protected] [email protected] Telephone: 0118 909 0909 Telephone: 07714107292 1650 Arlington Business Park 2 Kingdom Street RG7 4SA, Reading W2 6BD, London

SOURCE Kaspersky Lab
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

The mission of the World Bank (WB) is holding talks in Baku to finance the construction of the Azerbaijani part of the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) project, the WB Baku office told Trend Oct. 17.

The corresponding mission of the bank has arrived today, on Oct. 17, the WB Baku office said. Specific information on the progress of the missions work will be provided later.

Earlier, Larisa Leshchenko, the former head of the WB Baku office, told Trend that the WB continues discussions on the issue of financial support to the Azerbaijani part in the TANAP project.

It is too early to speak about the volume of financing, because, currently, the discussion and preparation processes are being conducted, she added.

If the project is approved, it will increase the volume of TANAP's financing, noted Leshchenko.

Perhaps, the financing will be by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), she said adding that meanwhile, it is possible that the WB will provide loan guarantees through the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA, an institution of the World Bank Group).

The WB is in negotiations simultaneously with Turkey's Botas Petroleum Pipeline Corporation and Southern Gas Corridor CJSC for financing TANAP.

Moreover, it is expected that additional $1.07 billion will be allocated by the European Investment Bank (EIB) for TANAP.

The loans will be long-term, and will possibly be provided under state guarantee.

TANAP project envisages transportation of gas of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field from the Georgian-Turkish border to the western borders of Turkey. Turkey will get gas in 2018 and after completing the construction of Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), gas will be delivered to Europe in early 2020.
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Panasonic, a leading provider of advanced mobile technology and video evidence solutions for the government and public sector, announced today that it has been officially awarded a contract for Arbitrator Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) from Rutgers University, New Jersey's largest institution of higher learning. With the rollout scheduled for completion in 2016, officers are already patrolling campuses in Camden, New Brunswick, Piscataway and Newark with the equipment. In addition, the NJ cities of Long Branch, Asbury Park and Rutherford started to roll out Panasonic body-worn cameras this past summer. In South Carolina, the Greenville County Sheriff's Office is deploying 300 Arbitrator 360 in-car video systems. In May, the Huntsville, AL Police Department purchased 360 Panasonic Arbitrator Body-Worn Cameras.

Each installation relies on Panasonic's advanced Unified Evidence Management Solution to ensure that video is easy to access when necessary.

"Panasonic digital solutions give officers cutting-edge technology to address the challenges of 21st century policing," said Panasonic Business Security Group VP Greg Peratt. "Law enforcement agencies are coming to Panasonic for the next generation in evidence collection, featuring HD video; a compact and rugged design; and seamless integration with the industry's leading back-end video evidence management system."

System Solution highlights at IACP 2016 include:

Arbitrator 360 HD

The Arbitrator 360 HD rugged in-car digital video recording system leads the industry in image quality and precision for unmatched critical mobile video evidence capture. Its full HD 1080p front camera delivers amazing clarity and ultra-accurate color representation, and the system supports up to five cameras of simultaneous recording for a full 360-degree view to maximize situational awareness.

Arbitrator BWC

The Arbitrator BWC protects officers with HD-quality video evidence capture they can wear. Engineered with upgraded features based on real officers' feedback, the Arbitrator BWC provides 130 degrees of evidence capture with GPS metadata, pre- and post-event recording and WiFi for easy offloading. When paired with the Arbitrator 360 HD in-car digital video recording system and the Unified Evidence Management System (UEMS) software suite, it represents a comprehensive video evidence capture solution for any agency.

Unified Evidence Management System

The Panasonic SafeServ Management software enables user configuration, evidence management preferences and the ability to export evidence for use in court or other areas. By cultivating video evidence from the Arbitrator Body Worn Camera in unison with the Arbitrator 360 HD in-car video system and Panasonic fixed surveillance cameras, law enforcement agencies can now depend on a unified evidence platform to preserve every link in the chain of evidence. Plus, with flexible storage options, evidence can be stored locally, through the Cloud or using a hybrid of both to help control total ownership cost and fit into any agency's needs.

IACP 2016 takes place Oct. 1518, 2016, at the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego. For more information on Panasonic security solutions for law enforcement, please visit the Panasonic booth #3817 or our website at Arbitrator360.com.

About Panasonic Corp. of North America

Newark, NJ-based Panasonic Corporation of North America is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Panasonic Corporation and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic was featured in Fortune Magazine's 2016 ranking of 50 companies that are changing the world and doing well by doing good. Specifically cited were its smart and sustainable technologies, including its contributions to the Electric Vehicle revolution. Learn more about Panasonic at us.panasonic.com/news.

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SOURCE Panasonic
CHICAGO, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Opioid misuse and abuse has emerged as a major public health crisis. Improper use of any opioid may result in serious side effects including overdose and death1. Physicians are in a key position to balance the benefits of the analgesics against the risks of adverse outcomes. It is also critical that the appropriate prescribing practices and education is reinforced.

To that end, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) has developed a highly interactive educational activity for prescribers who want to take a leadership role and advance their knowledge of proper extended-release (ER)/long-acting (LA) opioid analgesics opioid prescribing.

AAPM&R will offer the Interactive Arcade: REMS Playbook for Opioid Prescribing as an onsite activity during its 2016 annual conference, the Annual Assembly, October 20-23, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Arcade will offer a unique opportunity for ER/LA opioid prescribers to experience interactive education in an intimate setting.

This complimentary, hands-on educational experience will combine multimedia information areas with live theater presentations to teach prescribers how to safely prescribe ER/LA opioid analgesics. Each section of the Arcade reveals clues to help guide prescribers through an info-scavenger hunt type of learning experience. This Interactive Arcade is worth up to 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits and will be open throughout the event. Prescribers may participate in this live activity without registering for the

entire event.

Registration is required, but access is complimentary. Visit www.aapmr.og/REMplaybook to learn more and access the companion website.

These educational activities are supported by an independent educational grant from the EL/RA Opioid Analgesic REMS Program Companies. Click here for a listing of the member companies. This activity is intended to be fully compliant with the ER/LA Opioid Analgesics REMS education requirements issued by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

FDA. Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for Extended-Release and Long-Acting Opioids. 2012; http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/ucm163647.htm. Accessed October 30, 2012 .

About AAPM&R

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) is the national medical specialty organization representing more than 9,000 physicians who are specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). PM&R physicians, also known as physiatrists, treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Physiatrists utilize cuttingedge as well as timetested treatments to maximize function and quality of life.

Contact: Meagen Arensdorff

Director of Marketing

(312) 505-8088 | [email protected]

SOURCE American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Related Links

http://www.aapmr.org


NEW YORK and LONDON, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago-based R.J. O'Brien & Associates (RJO), the oldest and largest independent futures brokerage and clearing firm in the United States, announced today the appointment of industry veteran Daniel Staniford as Executive Director, responsible for the firm's institutional business development in New York and London.

Staniford has more than two decades of experience in sales and management at some of the world's leading banks and financial services institutions. Beginning today, he will operate out of RJO's New York office and travel regularly to the UK to further expand the firm's sales capabilities in the two key financial centers.

Gerald Corcoran, RJO Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: "Dan is highly respected in the industry, and he has a great track record of building enduring client relationships and recruiting talented, experienced salespeople. I'm confident he will be a great asset to us as we further build out on our institutional sales teams and onboard clients throughout New York and London as well as across the globe."

Staniford, who will report to Corcoran, said: "I'm thrilled to join RJO, which has a stellar reputation, a high-touch service philosophy, fantastic risk management metrics and cutting-edge technology. Not only does the firm have a more than 100-year history and full commitment to the futures business, but I've been amazed at the longevity of the Board, management, employees and clients alike. I believe RJO is ideally positioned in this regulatory and global environment, and I'm looking forward to bringing aboard new salespeople and clients in the growing regional offices in New York and London."

Prior to joining RJO, Staniford spent 13 years at Citigroup Global Markets, serving most recently as Managing Director, Rates Sales. He spent the first seven years of his career at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., where he became a Vice President in the Commodities Lending Department.

Staniford earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and an MBA in Finance from Columbia University in New York.

About R.J. O'Brien

Founded in 1914, R.J. O'Brien & Associates is the largest independent futures brokerage firm in the United States, serving institutional, commercial and individual clients globally, in addition to a network of 400 introducing brokers (IBs). Clearing more than 80,000 client accounts, RJO services the industry's most expansive global network of IBs, a vast array of middle market firms and many of the world's largest financial, industrial and agricultural institutions. The firm offers state-of-the-art electronic trading and 24-hour trade execution on every major futures exchange worldwide.

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SOURCE R.J. O'Brien & Associates

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http://www.rjobrien.com


MILWAUKEE, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- RPRD (Right Person Right Drug) Diagnostics today announced its founding as a spin-off from the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). As a precision medicine company, RPRD Diagnostics is focused on providing comprehensive pharmacogenetics testing services, which analyze patients' genomes for variations that are known to impact drug safety and efficacy, in a CLIA-certified lab. Bringing a cost-effective genetic screening service into routine clinical practice will enable health care providers to tailor drug prescriptions to individual patients.

The company, headquartered in Milwaukee, will develop clinical laboratory tests using next-generation microarray platforms and other advanced technologies. RPRD Diagnostics' unique services enable health care providers to preemptively screen a patient's genome for variations known to impact the performance or metabolism of a drug. Tailoring treatments in this way can improve patient outcomes, reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions, and lower overall costs. Additionally, the company provides supporting services for interpretation of patient genetic data and integration into electronic medical record (EMR) systems.

"Over the past decade, there have been major advances in pharmacogenetics, improving our understanding of how genetics contribute to an individual's response to a drug. Unfortunately, these advances have not been widely implemented due to the high cost and narrow scope of currently available tests," said Ulrich Broeckel, MD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RPRD Diagnostics and professor of pediatrics, medicine and physiology at MCW.

RPRD Diagnostics specializes in offering comprehensive pharmacogenetics testing services that survey thousands of clinically actionable gene variants in parallel and provides the necessary interpretation and integration into the client's EMR systems. The company is able to achieve this goal, at a per-variant cost far below competitors, by leveraging new technology platforms developed internally and by various partners. "With the current shift toward precision medicine, and the industry focus on improving patient outcomes," said Dr. Broeckel, "RPRD Diagnostics offers unique and cost-effective solutions to help our clients develop value-based business models and to improve patient care."

William Clarke, MD, Director of Research Commercialization and part of the Office of Technology Development at MCW, said, "It was exciting to assist Dr. Broeckel in the development of his new company. I am convinced that RPRD Diagnostics will bring important new clinical insights to the care of patients. This company, along with our prior spin-off companies, shows the deep expertise that MCW has in genetics."

About RPRD Diagnostics

RPRD (Right Person Right Drug) Diagnostics is dedicated to offering health care providers with comprehensive pharmacogenetic testing and analysis services to inform clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes. These tests will help physicians make determinations about the best drug treatment for each patient, taking into account the patient's unique genetics against relevant genomic insights and therapeutic approaches. The company's founder, scientific advisors, and technical team are world leaders in genomics technology, pharmacogenetics testing, and clinical implementation of genetic testing. The company's mission is to enable precision medicine in routine clinical practice. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.rprdx.com, and follow us on Twitter @RPRDx.

About Medical College of Wisconsin

The Medical College of Wisconsin is the state's only private medical school and health sciences graduate school. Founded in 1893, it is dedicated to leadership and excellence in education, patient care, research and community engagement. More than 1,200 students are enrolled in MCW's medical school and graduate school programs in Milwaukee, 56 medical students enrolled at MCW-Green Bay, and 26 students matriculated to MCW-Central Wisconsin in 2016. MCW's School of Pharmacy will open in 2017 or 2018 with an initial class size of 60 students. A major national research center, MCW is the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and second largest in Wisconsin. In FY 2014-15, faculty received approximately $158 million in external support for research, teaching, training and related purposes, of which approximately $139 million is for research. This total includes highly competitive research and training awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Annually, MCW faculty direct or collaborate on more than 3,200 research studies, including clinical trials. Additionally, more than 1,500 physicians provide care in virtually every specialty of medicine for more than 525,000 patients annually.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

RPRD Diagnostics

Joleen Rau

Rau Communications LLC

(608) 209-0792

[email protected]

Medical College of Wisconsin

Maureen Remmel

Brand Affiliations and Partnerships Manager

Office of Communications

Medical College of Wisconsin

(414) 955-4744

[email protected]

SOURCE RPRD (Right Person Right Drug) Diagnostics

Related Links

http://www.rprdx.com


"The SDI Team brings significant technical depth and airport operations expertise to our team and will ensure that SAFE will embody best practices from Phoenix Sky Harbor and other major airports in the US. We look forward to combining their system integration, implementation, and risk mitigation skills with Saab's state-of-the-art EMS solution," said Anders Carp, head of Saab's Traffic Management business unit.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the ten busiest in the nation for passenger traffic with a $79 million daily economic impact, serving approximately 40 million passengers per year. On a typical day, more than 1,200 aircraft arrive and depart; more than 120,000 passengers arrive and depart; and more than 800 tons of air cargo is handled. The Airport is owned operated by the City of Phoenix through the Aviation Department.

The Department chose to implement an advanced EMS as a comprehensive replacement to the current Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, for use by the Airport Command Center (CC) as a keystone application. Already familiar with Saab's Aerobahn solution, the Airport selected Saab's innovative and user-friendly SAFE EMS software solution which provides an out-of-the-box CAD solution and facilitates a host of other security and operational systems functionality. Additionally, the integration of the SAFE solution with the existing Aerobahn system will immediately allow the City of Phoenix to holistically understand the effect incidents have on the entire airfield. The systems will deliver a key common operating picture to allow for focused application of critical resources at decisive times and places.

The SDI Team will provide an on-site team of airport technology and operations veterans, to provide project leadership, subject matter expertise, product configuration tailored to Phoenix's operations, systems integration, user training and system support services. SDI brings over 20 years of aviation experience to the Saab Team, providing complex security and IT systems deployments to both larger international airports as well as regional airports throughout the US. SDI's project-based and embedded teams deliver comprehensive security technology operation, design, implementation, support and maintenance services for airport security hardware (including computers/servers, displays, sensors, cameras, and peripheral devices) and software (including operating systems, custom/tailored applications, and "off-the-shelf" software). Using its low-risk and responsive service delivery model, SDI has deployed complex security systems in the live airport environments with no disruption to airport operations or unplanned downtime. SDI's hybrid of security and IT professionals are versed in aviation standards including Transportation Security Agency (TSA) Regulations (TSARs) parts 1542 and 1544 and FAA Regulations (FAR) 139; the firm is an active member of aviation and security technology industry groups including ACI, AAAE ALEAN and ASIS, all of which informs the firm's trusted advisory services for its portfolio of aviation clients.

"We have been aware of the great technology and functional fit that Saab has been providing airports over the years, and are excited to team with them in supporting the Phoenix Airport," states David Gupta, SDI Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to deploying an impactful event management system to enhance the Airport's domain awareness and overall security."

About SDI (SDI Presence LLC)

Mission-critical systems integrator SDI delivers intelligent technology solutions to ensure client operational performance, security and revenue generation. With a 25-year corporate resume, SDI addresses the higher IT demands of critical environments to deliver zero downtime, enhanced security and risk mitigation strategies. SDI is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), with a portfolio of clients includes some of the nation's largest airports, commercial real estate portfolios and national banks and financial services organizations. SDI delivers deep technical expertise and impeccable systems performance, with an agile delivery model focused on complete customer satisfaction. Visit us at https://www.sdipresence.com and follow us on LinkedIn: SDI Presence and Twitter: @SDIPresence

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SOURCE SDI Presence LLC

Related Links

http://www.sdipresence.com


CHICAGO, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Shapiro+Raj, the sixth-largest independent insights and inspiration company in North America, today announced that Dr. Margaret Mueller has been promoted to President of the firm.

Dr. Mueller has advised senior decision-makers across a wide range of industries in social-science based research methods for over 18 years. Prior to being promoted, she ran the pharmaceutical and healthcare practice at Shapiro+Raj, called CarbonSix. Under Margaret's leadership CarbonSix grew 30% over the past three years. Shapiro+Raj recently combined all of their independent units to offer a fully integrated suite of research and insights solutions to clients.

"Margaret was instrumental in integrating all of our brands into one and this promotion is recognition of her leadership and proven ability to scale as Shapiro+Raj continues to grow. A big part of our offering is connecting the dots between what people think, feel, say and do. Margaret's background in behavioral sciences is a fantastic fit," said Zain Raj, Chairman and CEO of Shapiro+Raj.

In her role, Dr. Mueller will lead client teams to deliver powerful insights and inspired ideas. She will help identify and develop innovative ways to deliver business-building insights for the firms' Fortune 500 clients. She will also collaborate with other company leaders in further developing the Digital Insights and Intelligence Practice.

"As a social scientist at heart, it is exciting to see the world of insights and ideas open up in a way never before seen. Shapiro+Raj has been my home for the last 13 years and it's a privilege and honor to take on this new role. I am excited to work with Zain and the leadership team in launching this new model of consultancy to the world."

Margaret holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an M.A. in Social Science from the University of Chicago, and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

She has received research awards from The National Institutes of Health, Harvard University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is the founding Alumni Board President for the MAPSS program at U of C.

For more information on Shapiro+Raj visit www.shapiroraj.com

About Shapiro+Raj

Shapiro+Raj is the sixth-largest independent insights and inspiration company in North America. Our mission is to help Fortune 500 clients find new and different ways to grow their brands in today's continually reshaping landscape. We have integrated behavioral science principles with behavioral economic capabilities and battle-tested brand marketing experience to creatively connect the dots between what consumers think, feel, say and do. The results are powerful commercially viable insights that open up new pathways for growth. Headquartered in Chicago, the firm has offices in New York, Dallas, and Pune, India.

SOURCE Shapiro+Raj
GITEX is one of the three most significant global IT events, showcasing the latest tech innovations to a worldwide audience. With the theme "Re-imagining Realities" this year, smart living is ranked amongst the 100 best-in-class solution providers globally with 72% of government buyers at GITEX Technology Week voting "smart living" as a key priority.

Wulian has been expanding its presence in the Middle East market since 2011, collaborating with local distributors to provide more than 200 devices from gateways, smart cameras, sensors, lights, and switches to door locks and more, making it hard to beat in terms of the range and the number of products it can deliver. Wulian's Smart Home Security Solution is welcomed and widely adopted in projects throughout the Middle East. And this year Wulian brings more home security devices like the Smart Retina Doorlock, a stylish device with multiple unlocking methods (NFC, Fingerprint, Password, Card, App), a built-in IP camera for audio, video and infrared sensing to push unusual lingering to a user's mobile terminals (mobile phone, tablets, smart watch, etc.); Door Guardian, a hybrid of traditional door peephole and night vision camera to enhance home security; Cylincam, which is an environment monitoring device enabling PM2.5, VOC, CO 2 , noise and humidity detection and also works as a smart gateway with an HD camera for 360 unlimited rotation. Moreover, Wulian's outdoor IP camera is weather-proof, specifically designed for the Middle East climate and Wulian's high-power switches with resistance load of 30A are adaptive to the local power requires.

Businesses across the Middle East are increasingly demanding more cutting-edge technologies and services to enhance the quality, reliability and security of life. With the Internet of Things (IoT) giving consumers unprecedented power to enhance home security, optimize living environments, and improve life quality, Wulian is making a progressive effort to explore more in the sphere of leading Smart Home technologies and share the fantasies of smart living! Meet Wulian at Hall 2, E2-20 at the Dubai World Trade Center.

About Wulian

Wulian is a professional manufacturer and supplier of Smart Home products and solutions. Founded in 2009, Wulian has developed into a leader in the Smart Home industry worldwide with the largest R&D team in China, comprehensive product categories and integrated system. The company's current products and solutions cover a wide range including Energy-Efficient Lighting, Security Supervision, Home Appliances Management, Environmental Detection, and more. Wulian products also comply with certification requirements from different regions and organizations like CE, FCC, RCM, ZigBee Certification, and others. In 2015, Wulian joined the ZigBee Alliance as Promoter and Director of the Board, actively participating in defining and promoting global IoT standards.

Wulian website: http://www.wuliangroup.com/

Wulian Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NanjingWulianGroup

Wulian YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxpIpusWCYemZ-gkFy1x9fQ

For further information, please contact +86-400-889-2891, [email protected] or:



Lanzier Zhou

Tel: +86-21-55233350

Mob: +86-18616797009

E-mail: [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161016/429147

SOURCE Wulian

Related Links

http://www.wuliangroup.com


Dr. Agarwal has over 16 years of experience in senior executive, scientific and clinical functions. Prior to joining Sofinnova, Sunil was the Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Ultragenyx, where he built and managed the company's development organization including clinical sciences, clinical operations, regulatory affairs, biometrics, pharmacovigilance, medical affairs, pharmacology and toxicology. At Ultragenyx, he advanced the entire clinical stage pipeline into registration enabling trials and led the company's first breakthrough therapy designation (BTD). Prior to this, Sunil served in various leadership roles at Genentech for over a decade including Senior Vice President of Development for Ophthalmology, Metabolism, Neurology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases. At Genentech he led the global approvals of multiple therapies in both large and orphan indications. Earlier in his career, Sunil was at MedImmune and Guilford Pharmaceuticals, where he served in both development and medical affairs. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Myokardia and Calithera Biosciences.

Sunil completed his residency at Children's National Medical Center (CNMC), Washington, D.C., and practiced in the CNMC Pediatric Emergency Department. Dr. Agarwal earned his MD from Tufts University School of Medicine and graduated with a BS in Neurobiology from Cornell University.

"Thoughtful growth of our team is core to our success," says Mike Powell, PhD General Partner. "We are delighted to have Sunil join us. Our portfolio companies will benefit greatly from his development expertise and he will be a key member of the team to identify new investment opportunities," notes Dr. Powell.

"I believe Sofinnova has a terrific track record by always focusing on robust science and therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs," comments Dr. Agarwal. "I am thrilled to join the Sofinnova family and look forward to contributing to the long-term success of the organization."

Sofinnova recently announced the final closing of its tenth venture fund, raising $650 million in an oversubscribed fund. Sofinnova is managed by experienced venture capitalists and industry executives. The team takes a focused, hands-on approach to company building.

The partners of SVP X are Jim Healy, MD, PhD, Anand Mehra, MD, Mike Powell, PhD, Sunil Agarwal, MD, Lars Ekman, MD, PhD, David Kabakoff, PhD and Dan Welch.

About Sofinnova

Founded in 1974, Sofinnova specializes in clinical and late preclinical investments in biopharmaceutical products. Our goal is to actively partner with entrepreneurs across all stages of company formation including securing initial funding, building successful management teams, forming impactful corporate alliances, and navigating the M&A acquisition or IPOs' process. We seek to build world class companies that aspire to dramatically improve the current state of medical care today and ultimately, the lives of patients. For more information, please visit www.sofinnova.com

Contact:

Charlotte Shropshire

[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161013/428580

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161013/428700LOGO

SOURCE Sofinnova

Related Links

http://www.sofinnova.com


BERKELEY, California, October 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Semantic Machines Inc., announced today that Stanford AI Professor Percy Liang has joined the company's technical leadership team alongside co-founder and renowned AI researcher, UC Berkeley Professor Dan Klein and co-founder Larry Gillick, a former Chief Scientist for Siri at Apple.

CEO Dan Roth, Chief Scientist and VP Research Dan Klein, and CTO Larry Gillick founded Semantic Machines in November of 2014. In an environment where competition for AI talent is fierce, Semantic Machines has quickly built one of the best language-focused AI research groups in the world including 18 top-ranked PhDs.

Anyone who has tried current AI systems such as Siri or Bots for Messenger knows they are only able to understand a limited set of commands. Semantic Machines is developing fundamentally new machine learning technology that is able to understand the meaning and context of multi-turn conversations. As a result, the Company's new AI platform can engage in fluid, sustained conversations to solve more complicated requests, bringing us closer to the systems envisioned in science fiction.

AI is the hottest topic in Silicon Valley today amongst top tech firms because it has the potential to completely upend the Internet industry as we know it. If companies like Facebook or Apple successfully develop powerful AI Assistants that can address a user's requests naturally, it would largely eliminate the need to visit other sites like Google, Amazon, Expedia etc. Conversational AI Assistants have the potential to directly book travel, answer questions, resolve customer support issues, summon ride services and more - all without the user ever visiting websites or apps branded by those services. AI Assistants also have the potential to unlock powerful new capabilities not currently possible with search engines or apps by simultaneously interacting with many services at once to achieve a user's request. In this context, it is clear how this technology would confer a powerful advantage to whichever company was behind the market leading AI Assistant.

As the creator of core language understanding AI technology behind Google Assistant, Professor Liang is regarded as one of the world's top AI researchers. "Semantic Machines has made profound advances in the area of AI dialogue systems, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to work with them" said Professor Liang. "They have assembled an unbelievable team, probably the most advanced in the world, and it is tremendously exciting to work with this group to create the fundamental technology needed to make conversational computing a reality," he continued.

Co-founder of Semantic Machines, Professor Dan Klein commented "Percy is one of the most extraordinary researchers I've ever worked with and I'm thrilled that he will be contributing his considerable talents here. Semantic Machines is doing something very exciting. We are building a technology platform that could change how people and computers interact forever."

Semantic Machines CEO Dan Roth commented, "Starting with the visionary leadership of Dan Klein and Larry Gillick, we've made tremendous progress towards solving conversational artificial intelligence. We've built one of the best research and engineering teams in the world to work on this immensely exciting challenge. Anyone who has followed AI or the NLP space over the last several years knows that there are a few names that keep driving the technology forward, solving the hard problems. We're very fortunate to have many of the very best including Dan Klein, Percy Liang, Larry Gillick and others. The technical team at Semantic Machines is something we are extremely proud of. Watching them make such tremendous progress on the platform is truly inspiring."

About Semantic Machines, Inc.

Semantic Machines is a privately held Artificial Intelligence technology developer with offices in Berkeley, California and Boston, Massachusetts. Backed by $21M in venture capital from Bain Capital Ventures, General Catalyst and others, the company is creating the fundamental AI technology needed to teach computers to understand language, comprehend context and interact naturally. The company plans to provide its highly customizable AI platform technology to strategic partners. The company website is http://www.semanticmachines.com

About Professor Percy Liang

Percy Liang is now Lead Scientist at Semantic Machines, and a Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University. His research spans theoretical machine learning to practical natural language processing; topics include semantic parsing, question answering, machine translation, online learning, method of moments, approximate inference, Bayesian modeling, and deep learning. He has over 60 publications appearing in top venues and has received several paper awards. Percy received a B.S. in computer science from MIT and a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley in 2011. After graduation, he spent one year at Google, where he was one of the founding members of the semantic parsing team. His awards include an IJCAI Computers and Thought Award (2016, given to a single AI researcher every two years), an NSF CAREER Award (2016), a Sloan Research Fellowship (2015), and a Microsoft Research Faculty Fellowship (2014).

Media Contact:

[email protected]

+1-978-609-8234



SOURCE Semantic Machines Inc.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

The Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) CJSC is seeking an expert for technical support to projects.

Azerbaijan, together with Azerbaijan Railways, has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Rail Trade and Transport Facilitation Project.

The project supports the implementation of the program on development of Azerbaijans railways with an aim to improve the rail services in Azerbaijan, develop trade and attract transit cargo between Europe and Central Asia.

The technical support will cover the cooperation with international financial institutions for development of new projects, and monitoring and coordinating the ongoing projects.

All those interested to participate in the tender are invited to submit applications until Oct. 20, 2016.

Phone: +994 12 4996395

Fax: +994 12 4996397

Cell phone: +994 55 838 2117

Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Address: 230, D. Aliyeva Street, Baku, Azerbaijan, AZ1010.

Contact person: Seymur Gahramanov, project manager.
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Swenson Advisors, LLP and Cresa San Diego announce AccountLease, a comprehensive solution designed to address the new lease accounting standards. Issued earlier this year, the new standards, FASB ASU 2016-02 (or Topic 842) for US GAAP and IFRS 16 (International Financial Reporting Standards), will require companies to record substantially all real estate, equipment leases, and leases embedded in service agreements as assets and liabilities on their balance sheets starting as early as 2019 for publicly traded companies but will require comparative financial information as early as 2017.

"We're excited to collaborate with Cresa San Diego to provide a bundled service for the implementation of the new lease accounting standards that include accounting, leasing experience and analysis as well as the financial reporting expertise," said Stephen Austin, Managing Partner of Swenson Advisors, LLP regional accounting firm based in San Diego, Ca. "This consulting team has in excess of 100 years of accounting for leases and thousands of real estate transactions under its belt. We are well-positioned to assist clients throughout the entire implementation process and ready to help manage this important project to achieve a successful and efficient implementation of the new standards."

AccountLease is designed to provide clients with the team and tools necessary to address the new regulations and sustain compliance.

To learn more, please visit www.SwensonAdvisors.com.

About Swenson Advisors, LLP

Established in 1998, Swenson Advisors, LLP provides assurance, tax and consulting services through offices in San Diego, Murrieta and Hong Kong. Swenson is a full service client-centric accounting firm that offers solutions to a wide base of industries regionally and worldwide. Swenson services clients globally through their membership in Integra International  an association of independent accounting and consulting firms.

Steve Austin

Managing Partner

Swenson Advisors, LLP

619-237-3400

[email protected]

SOURCE Swenson Advisors, LLP

Related Links

http://www.swensonadvisors.com


AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 7, Texas Hemp Industries Association (TXHIA) received notice that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrived at People's Pharmacy's four (4) Austin locations to confiscate various industrial hemp Cannabidiol (CBD) products. On October 11, DPS reported to People's pharmacy's attorney the following:

"Attached is the lab report regarding the 'CBD hemp oil' from People's Pharmacy. The report indicates the presence of cannabidiol (CBD). The report does not indicate any detectable tetrahydocannabinol (THC). Given certain ambiguities regarding the status of CBD under the Texas Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the department, after consulting with prosecutors, does not intend to pursue enforcement action based on the tested substance. This discretionary enforcement decision does not constitute a general opinion about the legality of any product," wrote D. Phillip Adkins, General Counsel, Texas Department of Public Safety.

Sheila Hemphill, Policy Director for TXHIA states, "Since January of 2016, we are aware of seven known conflicts with law enforcement, fortunately none have resulted in a conviction. Ambiguity in the law related to the status of CBD under the TCSA has caused general confusion, unnecessary expenditures by law enforcement, legal expenses and untold stress to innocent consumers and businesses. This event with People's pharmacy demonstrates the necessity for our upcoming Texas Legislature to define industrial hemp as an agriculture crop separate from the marijuana definition in the CSA."

Industrial hemp is not new to Texas and prior to prohibition, a 1938 Popular Mechanics article stated, "hemp grows luxuriously in Texas." At a recent Cochran County Farm Bureau meeting near Lubbock, attendees interested in growing this historical crop adopted a resolution approving the cultivation of industrial hemp suitable for seed, oil, fiber, and CBD, with a vote of seventy to one. Coleman Hemphill, TXHIA Executive Director emphasized that, "our farmers are expressing a need for new beneficial crops to remain solvent through drought and profitable in down markets. Industrial hemp needs half the water required by cotton and historically cotton has been Texas' largest cash crop. Lowered market prices for commodities and the loss of subsidies are jeopardizing our Texas farmer's viability."

About: The Texas Hemp Industries Association is a 501(c) 6 state chapter of the Hemp Industries Association.



Media Contact: Sheila Hemphill, Policy Director, TXHIA 325.226.3683 [email protected]

Lauren Stansbury, Director of Media Relations HIA 402.540.1208 [email protected]

SOURCE Texas Hemp Industries Association
San Diego is the eighth most populous city in the U.S. and home to 1.37 million citizens and 51,000 tech professionals. The city's robust network includes 5 petabytes of data across more than 40 agencies, including the Mayor and City Council. It also includes more than 11,000 city employees and another 1,000 municipal employees of third party agencies, and is connected to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), municipal parks, and other attractive targets where a network security breach can cause major disruptions. From police cars and utilities to water treatment facilities, citywide resources are at risk if sophisticated cybersecurity controls are not in place. The city must also comply with PCI-DSS for the handling of credit card data and HIPAA, with respect to health data records for city employees.

Understanding the City of San Diego's networks and how they are used by stakeholders was essential in creating an effective cyber security program. Gary Hayslip, Deputy Director and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the City of San Diego turned to PacketSled for deep network visibility, continuous monitoring, automated investigations and incident response capabilities to help secure the city's robust network.

"There are very orchestrated, focused cyber criminals out there today that carry out campaigns on specific targets," said Hayslip. "They use specific malware and toolsets to launch attacks and we know there are organized groups behind them like hacktivists and nation state attackers. There has been a 60% increase in hacktivism attacks against cities and colleges over the past 3 years."

Specifically, PacketSled helped the City of San Diego improve its cybersecurity posture by:

Providing a real-time view of the attack cycle that is ongoing within the enterprise network including full context of threats;

Reducing the risk exposure to the city's enterprise by decreasing mean-time response, by increasing the fidelity of forensic data

Offering the ability to automatically assess file payloads as they cross the wire, knowing immediately what resources are potentially affected by a specific attack;

Providing full automation of the incident response process, which removed the burden of repeating similar investigations from the SOC team; and finally

Offering near-zero false positive rate on detections.

Added Hayslip, "My mission includes creating a "risk aware" culture and PacketSled is one of our go-to partner's provider in maintaining that. One of the great things about PacketSled is that I don't need to pay to add a sensor. In about 15 minutes, I can add visibility with only a few clicks. The future of security is the cloud software stack, and PacketSled has it wired."

For more details on the City of San Diego's deployment of PacketSled, please find a full case study on our website at: https://www.packetsled.com/the-city-of-san-diego-protects-its-smart-city-network-with-packetsled

About PacketSled

PacketSled is a fast growing, cloud-based platform that enables deep network visibility, continuous monitoring, automated investigations and incident response capabilities. The company has been named an innovator in leading publications and by security analysts, including SC Magazine, earning a perfect score in the online fraud group test. The company is headquartered in San Diego, with offices in Seattle, WA.

PacketSled Media Contact:

Matt Harrigan

PacketSled, Inc.

Public Relations, 858-225-2352

[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161017/429284

SOURCE PacketSled

Related Links

http://www.packetsled.com


BRYAN, Ohio, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The L.E. Smith Company is pleased to unveil a brand new look, and a brand new user experience via its new website, www.lesmith.com

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161013/428491

New Website Homepage

Visitors to the new site will experience greater insight into the broad manufacturing capabilities, the various industries served, and a glimpse of the Company's unique and warm culture. The new site features images from the facility, new video content for each segment served, and all new product pages. The new site is also responsive, so users accessing the site from their phone or tablet will receive a custom view, optimized for their smaller screens.

In addition to the updated site and logo, L.E. Smith has taken a careful look at the Service experience of their broad client base, and they are currently re-structuring their entire Client Service Department. The re-structuring will give each client a single point of contact within the organization. In regards to the re-structuring, Owner and Director of Sales, Brian Smith had this to say: "We've always been known for quality, speed, and service, and that will not change. What will change though, is the needs of our clients. We can see that our clients are trending toward seeking a more personalized experience, so we're responding to that need before it becomes a requirement. Ultimately, we're skating to where the puck is going before it gets there."

Regarding the internal and external revamp, CEO, President, and Owner, Laura Juarez shared, "L.E. Smith has a rich history of dedication to clients and their evolving needs. As we began to consider how we could take the impact on our clients' lives and businesses to the next level, we realized that the value we have to offer is greater than the quality countertops we build every day. While our craft is our foundation, our clients are looking for solutions that answer all of their surfacing needs, makes their lives easier, and helps them to sell more. To address this, we're creating technology solutions specific to their needs, and expanding our Client Service offering to provide a friendlier, more personalized service solution. Our "brand" is not our products, it's our team's commitment to excellence & willingness to help our client partners. Our new logo is a fresh statement of our direction towards delighting our clients with technology, speed, and a true partnership in which we rise together."

The L.E. Smith Company is a third generation, family-owned, premium quality surface fabricator and distributor. With over six decades of service to the construction, cabinetry, millwork and retail industries, The L.E. Smith Company consistently brings clients trend-forward, high-quality products, and shares proven business techniques enabling clients to differentiate themselves from fierce competition. Committed to lean manufacturing and forestry conservation, L.E. Smith integrates KAIZEN throughout its business practices and has worked to receive and maintain FSC certification. More L.E. Smith information is available at www.lesmith.com.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161013/428492LOGO

Contact:

Amy Miller

Director of Business Development

The L.E. Smith Company

888-537-6484

Email

Read more news from The L.E. Smith Company.

SOURCE The L.E. Smith Company

Related Links

http://www.lesmith.com/


PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today ThoughtSpot, the leader in search-driven analytics for the enterprise, announced it has expanded its Series C funding round with a new investment from Hewlett Packard Pathfinder to accelerate the adoption of its Relational Search technology within the Fortune 500. Along with the investment, ThoughtSpot enters the Hewlett Packard Pathfinder program, a venture investment and partnership program designed to identify startups with the greatest potential, connect them with forward-looking enterprise customers and elevate their solutions to scale.

Through this strategic partnership, ThoughtSpot and HPE will co-sell a joint solution, where ThoughtSpot's Relational Search software will run on HPE infrastructure, and HPE will become a reseller of ThoughtSpot's search-driven analytics solution.

"ThoughtSpot has taken a radical new approach to solving the challenge facing the Business Intelligence industry," said Lak Ananth, Managing Director of Hewlett Packard Pathfinder. "After seeing the significant impact they are having at Fortune 500 customers, it was an easy decision for us to join forces. We couldn't be more excited to partner with the ThoughtSpot team and bring their search-driven analytics technology to HPE's enterprise customers."

"We're thrilled to be partnering with HPE," said Ajeet Singh, ThoughtSpot's co-founder and CEO. "The business intelligence market is ripe for a 100-1000x leap forward in the speed of data access. Hewlett Packard Pathfinder is connecting us with innovative technology leaders who are rapidly embracing our new breed of Relational Search technology. The days of waiting days for data experts to build reports and dashboards are over."

In the past year, ThoughtSpot has driven 810% sales growth by securing a growing list of enterprise customers and doubling the average deal size across all vertical markets. With the new investment, ThoughtSpot will continue to fuel global expansion, hiring, and technology advancement. In September, ThoughtSpot opened new offices in Seattle, Washington, in order to expand its engineering talent beyond the San Francisco Bay Area.

The strategic partnership and joint relationships with the Fortune 500 customers puts ThoughtSpot in a stronger position to compete against IBM Watson Analytics. Unlike Watson Analytics, which interprets a user's entire search query and presents back a series of suggestions to choose from, ThoughtSpot's Relational Search engine leverages data characteristics and company usage patterns to guide users to a single, accurate answer. Customers like Bed Bath & Beyond, Primary Capital Mortgage, RichRelevance, Automated Financial Systems, Collegis Education, SterlingBackcheck, Batteries Plus Bulbs, Nutanix, and Hightail are empowering their entire organizations to access and analyze data with ThoughtSpot's technology.

About ThoughtSpot

ThoughtSpot is disrupting the BI industry with search-driven analytics for the enterprise. ThoughtSpot's Relational Search technology lets business people analyze company data in seconds and helps BI & Analytics teams cut their reporting backlogs by over 90%. ThoughtSpot connects with data from on-premise and cloud data sources, and is designed for enterprise-scale, security, and governanceall while deploying 85% faster than legacy technologies. ThoughtSpot has built the world's most advanced, yet easy-to-use number-crunching machine with a singular missionto deliver access to data at "human scale." The company's founding team has previously built market-defining search and analytics technologies at Google, Amazon, Oracle and Microsoft.

Media Contact:

Audrey Jones

Sisu Strategies

[email protected]

SOURCE ThoughtSpot
"We're eager to relocate our headquarters to such a dynamic and growing area," says Toastmasters Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rex. "Denver is home to an affordable and talented workforce in a business environment that is more cost-efficient than California. As a nonprofit organization that strives to maximize resources, we're often challenged to do more with less. It's critical for us to be competitive in the marketplace and able to attract and retain employees."

Based in Rancho Santa Margarita for the past 26 years, Toastmasters International has grown in membership and staff and needed a larger building. This created an opportunity to move its headquarters to an environment with lower costs and a talent-rich workforce. Toastmasters International's Board of Directors embarked on a multiyear process to determine the potential new home for the organization. After considering many sites, the Board made the decision to relocate to its future home in Englewood.

At 106,575 square feet, the new space is nearly double the size of the current World Headquarters and gives Toastmasters an additional revenue stream through leasing the unoccupied space of the four-story building. This new property will provide Toastmasters with adequate space for 25 to 30 years.

"California has been a wonderful home to the organization since it was founded in 1924, and it will always be part of our legacy," says Mike Storkey, Toastmasters 2016-2017 International President. "However, we are a global organization, so the location of World Headquarters isn't a representation of our membership. Although California is a part of our roots, we look forward to opening our doors in Denver."

About Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., the organization's membership exceeds 345,000 in more than 15,900 clubs in 142 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org. Follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161016/429119

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130222/MM64912LOGO

SOURCE Toastmasters International

Related Links

http://www.toastmasters.org


SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Truck loyalty is soaring at an all-time high, and no brand commands better loyalty among truck owners than Toyota, according to a new analysis released today by Edmunds.com, the leading car information and shopping network. The findings, which come in the middle of October's traditional "Truck Month," shines a new light onto just how highly regarded trucks are among American owners and shoppers.

According to Edmunds' study, truck loyalty  which is defined as the rate of truck trade-ins that went toward the purchase of another truck  was at 74 percent through the first nine months of 2016. By comparison, the next highest loyalty rates were vans at 52 percent and compact SUVs at 47.3 percent. This year's truck loyalty rate is higher than at any other time since Edmunds started tracking trade-ins in 2005.

"Truck owners are especially passionate about their vehicles, most likely because trucks offer hauling and cargo capabilities that you just cannot find in any other vehicle segment," says Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Ivan Drury. "Today's trucks are particularly appealing because manufacturers pack them with more luxury and technology features than ever before. These options just weren't available on trucks in years past. It also doesn't hurt that today's low gas prices make truck ownership much more economical than just a few years ago."

A deeper analysis found that within this highly loyal truck segment, Toyota owners are the most faithful to their brand. About 70 percent of owners who have traded in their Toyota pickups for another truck this year opted for yet another Toyota. The rate squeaks past loyalty rates for Chevy truck owners (69.5 percent) and Ram owners (68.1 percent). Toyota's strong loyalty is primarily attributed to its popular midsize Toyota Tacoma; Edmunds estimates that nearly 75 percent of Tacoma trade-ins this year have gone toward the purchase of another Tacoma.

Overall, truck popularity is at its highest level in the U.S. in nearly a decade. Trucks have accounted for 15.1 percent of all new sales this year through September, the highest share since 2007 (17 percent). The current draw of and loyalty to trucks is especially surprising given that their average transaction price ($43,277 in 2016) has climbed a remarkable 46 percent to since 2006. By comparison, industry-wide average transaction prices ($33,728 in 2016) are up just 23 percent over the same period.

Of course, not all those currently in the market for a truck are experienced truck owners. First-time truck buyers are encouraged to consider Edmunds' specific truck shopping tips and advice at http://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/10-steps-to-buying-a-pickup-truck.html.

About Edmunds.com, Inc.

Car shopping destination Edmunds.com serves millions of visitors each month. With Edmunds Price Promise, shoppers can buy smarter with instant, upfront prices for cars and trucks currently for sale at 10,000 dealer franchises across the U.S. Shoppers can browse not only dealer inventory, but also vehicle reviews, shopping tips, photos, videos and feature stories on both Edmunds' wired site and on its acclaimed mobile apps. Rated as one of the best places to work in Southern California, Edmunds.com was also named one of "The World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies of 2015 in Automotive" by Fast Company. Edmunds welcomes all car-shopping questions on its free Live Help Line at 1-855-782-4711 and [email protected], via text at ED411 and on Twitter and Facebook. The company is based in Santa Monica, Calif. and has a satellite office in downtown Detroit, Mich., but you can find Edmunds from anywhere on YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google+ and Flipboard.

Contact:

Aaron Lewis

Edmunds.com Corporate Communications

Media Hotline: 310-309-4900

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130612/MM31390LOGO

SOURCE Edmunds.com

Related Links

http://www.edmunds.com


LAS VEGAS, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard Integrity Professionals, Inc., cybersecurity experts for networks, distributed systems and enterprises, is proud to be a sponsor at ISACA's CSX 2016 North America in Las Vegas October 17 - 19, 2016. Additionally, Vanguard will be presenting on topics addressing the latest security, governance and compliance issues. Vanguard will showcase its security solutions demonstrating how they play a vital role protecting any enterprise, cloud or IBM z/OS security server environment.

CSX 2016 North America brings together thought leaders, experts and professionals at all levels of cyber security as well as the next generation of cyber defenders. Here you can find new connections, innovations and resources to build your cyber security profile and help defend your enterprise from the ever-growing cyber security threat.

Security experts from Vanguard are speaking at CSX 2016 in Las Vegas. Vanguard executives will discuss the latest security and compliance topics, trends and techniques in multiple sessions over three days. We invite you to attend these informative security and compliance sessions.

Please make plans to attend one of our sessions and visit our booth at the CSX 2016 exhibit hall.

Vanguard Speaking Sessions:

Session 216  Lack of Knowledge, Action and Plausible Denial Ensures Tomorrow's Headlines!

Speaker: John Connors, Vanguard  Director of Operations

Spotlight Session 9  Stop Juggling  Learn to Automate all of your Compliance Challenges Today!

Speaker: John Connors, Vanguard  Director of Operations

About Vanguard Integrity Professionals

Vanguard Integrity Professionals provides enterprise security software and services that solve complex security and regulatory compliance challenges for financial, insurance, healthcare, education, transportation and government agencies around the world. Vanguard provides automated solutions for Audit and Compliance, Operational Security, and Intrusion Management. The world's largest Financial, Insurance, Government Agencies and Retailers entrust their security to Vanguard Integrity Professionals. Vanguard is committed to protecting and securing the Cloud, z/OS Security Server and Enterprise environments. Vanguard proudly provides 24/7/365 live customer support from the United States of America.

IBM and z/OS are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

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SOURCE Vanguard Integrity Professionals

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CINCINNATI, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantiv, Inc. (NYSE: VNTV), a leading provider of payment processing services and related technology solutions for merchants and financial institutions of all sizes, announced today that it will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2016 financial results on Wednesday October 26, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. EDT. A press release with third quarter 2016 financial results will be issued at approximately 7:00 a.m. EDT that same day.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing (877) 852-6581, or for international callers (719) 325-4850, and referencing conference code 9805706. A replay will be available approximately two hours after the call concludes and can be accessed by dialing (888) 203-1112, or for international callers (719) 457-0820, and entering replay passcode 9805706. The replay will be available through Wednesday November 9, 2016. The call will also be webcast live from the company's investor relations website at http://investors.vantiv.com. Following completion of the call, a recorded replay of the webcast will be available on the website.

For more information about Vantiv, please visit vantiv.com or on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube.

ABOUT VANTIV

Vantiv, Inc. (NYSE: VNTV) is a leading payment processor differentiated by an integrated technology platform. Vantiv offers a comprehensive suite of traditional and innovative payment processing and technology solutions to merchants and financial institutions of all sizes, enabling them to address their payment processing needs through a single provider. We build strong relationships with our customers, helping them become more efficient, more secure and more successful. Vantiv is the second-largest merchant acquirer and the largest PIN debit acquirer based on number of transactions in the U.S. The company's growth strategy includes expanding further into high-growth channels and verticals, including integrated payments, eCommerce, and merchant bank. Visit us at www.vantiv.com, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube.

 2016 Vantiv, LLC. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks, service marks and trade names referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Vantiv and other Vantiv products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Vantiv, LLC in the U.S. and other countries.

CONTACTS

Nathan Rozof, CFA

Investor Relations

866.254.4811 or 513.900.4811

[email protected]

Andrew Ciafardini

Corporate Communications

513.900.5308

[email protected]

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SOURCE Vantiv, Inc.

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BOSTON, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Veritas Genetics, a global leader in accessible genetic testing, announced $30 million in Series B funding from existing backer Lilly Asia Ventures and new investors Trustbridge Partners and Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical. The round, led by Trustbridge Partners, a global growth equity investor with offices in Boston and Shanghai, and Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in China, will be allocated towards expanding the company's product portfolio and operations, enhancing the consumer digital experience and forging key partnerships with hospitals and researchers globally.

The first company to break the $1,000 genome barrier earlier this year, Veritas Genetics offers whole genome sequencing as well as targeted genetic screening tests in hereditary cancer and reproductive health. The investment brings Veritas Genetics' total funding to $42 million, $12 million of which was garnered through a Series A round in 2015.

"With a $999 genome, we are at the tipping point of a transformation in healthcare where the genome is going to be at the center of many decisions we make about our health and quality of life, throughout our lives," said Mirza Cifric, founder and CEO of Veritas Genetics. "This investment is not only a sign of confidence in our team and the company but one for the entire genomic industry. We are excited to have our new investors, which include world class teams with strategic value in the U.S. and Asian markets, as we expand globally."

To lead these efforts, the Company welcomes three seasoned executives to its team:

Chief Operating Officer, Tim Smith , is a 20-year-veteran in operations and information technology, with senior roles at Sapient, Fidelity, Hewlett Packard and most recently, Cimpress. Tim brings decades of experience in scaling organizations and technology and is building the infrastructure to scale the Veritas Genetics platform for global genomic services.

, is a 20-year-veteran in operations and information technology, with senior roles at Sapient, Fidelity, Hewlett Packard and most recently, Cimpress. Tim brings decades of experience in scaling organizations and technology and is building the infrastructure to scale the Veritas Genetics platform for global genomic services. Chief Marketing and Design Officer, Rodrigo Martinez , previously Life Sciences Chief Strategist at IDEO and Principal at The Boston Consulting Group, is leading the strategic marketing and design of a Veritas Genetics consumer engagement platform, a first-of-its-kind endeavor in the genomics space.

, previously Life Sciences Chief Strategist at IDEO and Principal at The Boston Consulting Group, is leading the strategic marketing and design of a Veritas Genetics consumer engagement platform, a first-of-its-kind endeavor in the genomics space. Chief Commercial Officer, Doug Flood , a seasoned commercial and corporate development executive, is driving rapid growth through partnerships with leading researchers, clinicians and international commercial partners embracing the value of accessible genetic testing.

Co-founded in 2014 by Harvard Medical School Professor and genetics pioneer, Dr. George Church, Veritas Genetics was recently recognized by MIT Technology Review as one of the top "50 Smartest Companies 2016 in the World."

The Veritas Genetics executive team's experience sequencing whole genomes extends more than 10 years as part of the Personal Genome Project (PGP) at Harvard Medical School. In addition to Mirza Cifric and Dr. Church, Veritas Genetics was founded by Chief Scientific Officer, Preston Estep III, PhD, director of gerontology at the PGP and Jonathan Zhao, PhD, managing director Asia.

About Veritas Genetics

Veritas Genetics is a global pioneer in disease prevention through accessible genetic information. By removing barriers to genetic screening and whole genome sequencing, Veritas Genetics empowers individuals and doctors to make informed lifestyle decisions that enable disease prevention and longer, healthier lives. Veritas is founded by leaders in genomics from Harvard Medical School and operates globally from its offices in the U.S., Europe and China. www.veritasgenetics.com.

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SOURCE Veritas Genetics

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Aydin Rahmanov has left the post of chairman of the Management Board at Azerbaijans Standard Insurance OSC.

Currently, the companys Management Board has three members: deputy chairmen  Kamran Baghirov and Rafail Chandirli, as well as member of the board and head of the Sales Department Orkhan Veliyev, according to the information posted on the companys website.

Standard Insurance OSC was founded in 2002 and is one of major companies of AB Standard Group of Companies.
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE: WCC), a leading provider of electrical, industrial, and communications MRO and OEM products, construction materials and advanced supply chain management and logistics services, today announced the appointment of Mr. David S. (Dave) Schulz as its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective October 17, 2016.

Mr. Schulz, 51, brings 20 years of public company experience in finance and operations management to WESCO. After 15 years in financial leadership roles with Procter & Gamble and the J. M. Smucker Company, he joined Armstrong World Industries in 2011 as Vice President - Finance of the Armstrong Building Products division. He was named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2013. Most recently, Mr. Schulz was the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Armstrong Flooring, Inc., overseeing Asia Pacific sales and operations, investor relations, and strategic matters, including mergers and acquisitions.

Mr. Schulz began his career as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He holds a bachelor's degree in Finance from Villanova University and a master's degree in Management from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

Mr. John J. Engel, WESCO's Chairman and CEO stated: "Dave is a seasoned public company CFO with strong financial and operational experience in multiple industries. He is an excellent addition to our executive management team and will help us accelerate our One WESCO strategy, execute our growth initiatives and deliver our financial targets."

WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE: WCC), a publicly traded Fortune 500 holding company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading provider of electrical, industrial, and communications maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) products, construction materials, and advanced supply chain management and logistic services. 2015 annual sales were approximately $7.5 billion. The company employs approximately 9,300 people, maintains relationships with over 25,000 suppliers, and serves over 80,000 active customers worldwide. Customers include commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, government agencies, institutions, telecommunications providers, and utilities. WESCO operates nine fully automated distribution centers and approximately 500 full-service branches in North America and international markets, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and multi-national corporations.

The matters discussed herein may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. Certain of these risks are set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, as well as the Company's other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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SOURCE WESCO International, Inc.

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STOCKTON, Calif., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dentists and their staff team members from Western Dental & Orthodontics, one of the nation's leaders in accessible, affordable high-quality oral health care, were among hundreds of caring professionals who volunteered this past weekend at CDA Cares in Stockton.

The California Dental Association Foundation hosted the event at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. The event allowed volunteer dentists, other health professionals and community volunteers to provide free dental services to approximately 2,000 people.

Western Dental has been a presenting sponsor of CDA Cares outreach events for the past two years.

"Western Dental is extremely proud to support and join in the efforts of the California Dental Association Foundation to help deliver essential dental care to people in great need," said Dr. John Luther, Chief Dental Officer for Western Dental. "We share the CDA's goal of improving the overall health of individuals throughout the state by eliminating pain and infection. We're replacing pain with smiles."

CDA Cares relied on the time and talents of hundreds of volunteers from both the dental profession and the greater Stockton community. Dental and health professionals, including general dentists, oral surgeons, hygienists, assistants, lab technicians, physicians, nurses and pharmacists, participated in the unified effort.

Over 100 portable dental chairs, lights and units were set up to treat patients, who were seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Services included cleanings, fillings, extractions, and on a limited basis, root canals for anterior teeth and denture procedures.

Western Dental has more than 160 California offices and is the leading provider of services to the Medi-Cal Dental program (commonly known as Denti-Cal), which provides health care benefits for more than 13 million low-income individuals and families in the state. Its dentists provided care to more than 500,000 Denti-Cal beneficiaries in 2015. Western Dental is committed to continuing to partner with the State to help improve the program.

To learn more about Western Dental or inquire about an office in your community, visit www.westerndental.com or call 1-800-6-DENTAL.

ABOUT WESTERN DENTAL

Western Dental (with its affiliate Brident Dental & Orthodontics) is one of the nation's largest dental providers and is the leader in accessible, affordable, high-quality oral health care, with over 2 million patient visits annually in more than 200 affiliated offices throughout California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. Western Dental is the #1 provider of orthodontics services in California and Arizona, and continues to expand its network of orthodontists, oral surgeons, pedodontists, periodontists and endodontists to serve patient needs all within their local office. All of Western Dental's services are backed by a unique quality assurance system that electronically monitors all patient visits, treatments, dental staff and clinical performance to enable high-quality care. For more information, please visit www.westerndental.com.

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SOURCE Western Dental

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ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Rotary Club of Ann Arbor in conjunction with other Rotary clubs in the Midwest and Rotary International will convene the World Peace Conference 2017 on March 31 and April 1 at the University of Michigan's Michigan League. The conference will empower its participants to actively practice peace and reduce violence locally, nationally and globally.

Jody Williams, the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and two dozen other respected experts on peace and conflict resolution will explore ways people can contribute to building a peaceful world. The conference is open to the public.

Keynoters, panelists and breakout sessions will cover seven tracks:

Peace and conflict resolution;

Poverty, hunger and health;

The role of faith-based organizations in peacemaking;

The role of media in peacemaking;

Preserving basic human rights;

Violence prevention;

Youth in peace and conflict resolution.

"Promoting peace is about more than ending conflicts," said Ashish Sarkar, convener of the conference and immediate past president of the Ann Arbor Rotary Club. "It's about bringing people together to work on solutions to the underlying issues and causes of those conflicts."

Rotary International President John Germ will keynote the conference.

In 1921, Rotary adopted as one of its objectives the advancement of international understanding, good will and peace. Today, the Rotarian Action Group for Peace supports the peace work of Rotarians worldwide. The Peace Conference 2017 is part of this effort.

Jody Williams won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 for her successful work toward the banning and clearing of anti-personnel landmines, which inspired an international treaty to ban the mines.

Williams subsequently took the lead in establishing the Nobel Women's Initiative, which brings together six of the female peace laureates alive today to promote the efforts of women working to promote peace with justice and equality.

Other speakers include Jeffrey Sachs, UN advisor and Columbia University professor, economist and author; Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Peace Corps director; and Owen Greene, a professor at the University of Bradford in West Yorkshire, England, and a widely published expert on conflict resolution. Greene has served as a consultant to the United Nations, European Union and the United Kingdom.

For more information or to reserve tickets, go to 2017peaceconference.org.

Contact: Ashish Sarkar

[email protected]

734-834-4746

SOURCE Rotary Club of Ann Arbor
"Doctors and patients are restless for a better model for health care," says Phillips. "To have a conversation with a doctor, patients have to schedule, drive, park, fill out paperwork, sit in a waiting room and speak to a nurse. It's time consuming," he says.

Using Medici, patients are now able to securely connect with their own family doctors, specialists, veterinarians and therapists. They can share via text, photo and video any concerns or questions they have directly with their doctor, receive medical consultations and e-prescriptions, and see their entire consultation history in one place.

For doctors, the Medici app provides an opportunity to streamline texts, emails and calls they get from patients into a secure, compliant platform that gets them paid. They can respond in their available time and can keep their mobile number private. Shawn Tassone MD, PhD, a physician and professor at The University of Texas at Austin describes Medici as "pure genius."

The Patient and Doctor apps are available for free through the Apple App Store, Google Play and the Medici website.

About Medici

Medici is the future of the doctor-patient relationship, enabling people to text with all their doctors from a single, HIPAA-compliant app. Medici's leadership comprises senior executives from Johns Hopkins, Amazon, eBay, McKinsey and KPMG to name a few. It is headquartered in Austin with offices in Houston, Palo Alto and Paris.

CONTACT: To interview Clinton Phillips, Medici CEO, contact Lisa Griffin, Griffin Media Management President, [email protected] or 202-627-9109

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SOURCE Medici

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.17



By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:



TAP will be able to proceed with the replanting of the olive trees along the route in Italy, starting from the micro tunneling area, from November 2016, Lisa Givert, TAP Head of Communications, told Trend Oct.17.



She was commenting on protests in Italys Puglia region demanding the pipeline re-routed away from the prized grove, which includes olive trees thought to be more than 400 years old.



Givert pointed out that TAP has been continuously engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and communities in Italy  including the Puglia region  since the early project planning phase.



Several rounds of discussions have been held to listen to local concerns and provide clarification about the projects environmental footprint, including concrete measures for mitigating or minimizing any environmental impact, she added.



TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor which is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries.



The 870-kilometer pipeline will be connected to the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south.



One of the priorities of our communication activities in Puglia has been and remains to reinforce that the project has a minimal environmental impact, especially to people living in the area affected by TAP, she said. We have organized multiple campaigns to dispel any inaccuracies, falsehoods and concerns.



At the same time, she said, by using the example of other Italian regions and the beach resort island of Ibiza  where pipeline landfalls have been perfectly integrated into the environment  we have shown that infrastructure projects and tourist resorts can fully coexist, she added.



Givert noted that most recently, TAPs geological surveys on the San Foca beach have been conducted in record time (1.5 days versus the anticipated one week) and without any visible trace on the beach.



It is worth adding that operations were conducted smoothly, thanks to the good cooperation with local authorities and the high-technical quality of our contractors services, she said. TAP will continue to engage in line with the highest industry standards.



TAP will also continue to inform and engage with local and regional stakeholders about the project, provide accurate information and clarify any queries they may have, she added.



She pointed out that TAP remains on schedule and will be ready to receive first gas from Shah Deniz 2 in 2020.



In Italy, construction activities began in May 2016 and continue in line with the project schedule. UXO (unexploded ordnance) and archaeological surveys were carried out over the summer of 2016, phytosanitary treatment (spraying of olive trees along TAPs route, in preparation of removing / replanting of olive trees) was performed and geological surveys were conducted on the San Foca beach between 3 and 5 October, said Givert.



In parallel, and in line with the single authorization granted by Italys Ministry of Economy on May 20, 2015, TAP continues to progress its secondary permitting activities, she added.



We remain confident that TAP will be able to proceed with the replanting of the olive trees along the route, starting from the micro tunneling area, from November 2016, she said.



Givert said that TAP is committed to responsibly deliver a world-class project along its entire length in Italy, Albania and Greece.



TAPs landfall in San Foca was selected as the most optimum location for the TAP pipeline to enter Italy. It is the location with the least environmental impact - also during the construction phase, she said. This was confirmed and validated by the National Technical committee when they approved TAPs Environmental Impact Assessment in September 2014.



She said that as part of this process, TAP analyzed 20 landfall points along the Apulian coastline and concluded that San Foca was the landfall with the least environmental impact.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Kabul, Oct 12 : Afghan government forces, after days of fierce fighting, recaptured Kunduz city on Wednesday, forcing the Taliban militants to retreat to their former bases, a senior police official said.

"Taliban rebels after suffering huge casualties and leaving scores of bodies behind fled (from there) and the whole city is in control of the government forces at the moment," Xinhua news agency quoted an official as saying.

Taliban militants overran major parts of Kunduz city on October 3 prompting government forces to launch the counter-offensive.

"More than 200 Taliban rebels have been killed and over 300 sustained injuries since the launching of the counter-offensive to dislodge militants from the city," the official said.

He said scores of bodies of Taliban fighters were lying on the streets.

According to the official, more than 20 police personnel have been killed and 45 injured since the Taliban onslaught on Kunduz city and the counter-offensive to flush out militants.

The Taliban militants were yet to make any comment on the situation in the city.
New Delhi, Oct 14 : With BRICS - the group of five major developing economies - trying to increase their trade and investment engagements, some cutting edge technologies from each country that can address the common goal of innovation for collaboration, were showcased at the BRICS trade fair here.

Over 400 companies and 1,000 entrepreneurs from BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) participated in the first ever three-day BRICS trade fair organised here ahead of the leaders' eighth annual summit in Goa on October 14-15.

With the common goal of 'Building BRICS -Innovation for Collaboration', the exhibitors showcased technology applied across sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, chemicals and electronics, aerospace, pharmaceutical, IT and human resource.

With the sight on the growing renewable energy market, lot of companies displayed solar power technologies. China's Chinaland Solar Energy offered solar photovoltaic modules with high power output while South Africa's MicroCare exhibited a wide range of solar batteries, Wi-Fi logger, wind turbine controllers, power monitoring system and solar water pumps.

In the field of professional mobile radio communications, China-headquartered Hytera came up with digital technology that focus on public security, transportation, mining, oil and gas, public utilities, aviation, railways, supermarkets and the education sector. It showcased products that were high on innovation and were water, dust and explosion proof to cater to the demands of smoother communication integrated with higher management efficiency.

Aerospace was also seen to be popular among the businesses from BRICS countries.

South Africa's Rocketmine, which claims to have the largest fleet of drones in Africa, showcased technology to help capturing aerial photographs, for live inspections of buildings, agricultural and archaeological mapping, construction monitoring, oil and gas exploration and terrain modelling.

Its technology helps track moving objects in the middle of the night with clear resolution up to two km with high resolution cameras for detailed and sharp images leaving no damage undetected.

Russia's Autonomous Aerospace Systems also exhibited technology in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with three axis camera for providing aerial photography for real time monitoring in sectors like mining, agriculture and military.

Chinese smartphone maker ZTE, which will be returning to India this year with its new series of smartphone, displayed its niche technology of a 'fish finder'. The blue-tooth device, when connected to the fishing rod, can sent messages to a smart-watch every time a fish is close enough for a catch.

Innovation was not far behind for the agricultural sector as well with Russia's Life Force offering 'plant food' as an alternative to chemical-based fertilisers to promote organic farming.

The organic bioactivator improves germination of seeds, plant reproduction and biological activity, water absorption, plant immunity, crop yield, plant respiration, soil nutrition and stimulates rapid plant emergence from the soil. Its carbon, nitrogen, humic acids and other nutrients are meant for providing early support for seedlings.

In the human resource sector, SalaryFits of Brazil offered a 100 per cent cloud based technology platform for providing sustainable personal loans and benefits for financial inclusion of employees. It technology integrates systems with payrolls allowing direct salary deductions for loan repayments for anti-fraud control.

Multiple Indian companies showcased a range of cutting edge technologies across sectors, including information technology, pharmaceutical, healthcare and mining.

Indian companies showcased a wide variety of cutting edge technology from military and sport parachutes, IT solutions for remoter monitoring, ayurvedic pesticides to geotechnical engineering and electrical and fibre-optic wiring interconnections.

Start-ups were in focus as the member countries endeavour to bring together young entrepreneurs from across the BRICS nations and give them a wider platform.

(Meghna Mittal can be reached at meghna.m@ians.in)
Beijing, Oct 15 : China's national observatory on Saturday morning renewed its yellow alert, the third-highest level of warning, for smog here.

Moderate smog will fall over Beijing and northeast Hebei province from Saturday morning to Sunday morning, with some areas to see heavy smog, Xinhua news agency cited the National Meteorological Centre (NMC) as saying.

Residents are advised to take protective measures and those with respiratory diseases should reduce outdoor activities, NMC said.

Beijing's Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 213 in Saturday morning, with hazardous fine particulate matter PM2.5 being the major pollutant, data from the municipal environmental monitoring centre showed.

The city has raised its alert for air pollution to yellow on Friday afternoon, with the AQI topping 300.

The weather is expected to improve starting Sunday evening with the arrival of a mild cold front, said the Beijing Environmental Protection Monitoring Centre.

China has a four-tier colour-coded system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

The meteorological authorities issue alerts when the AQI reaches 200 and severe air pollution is forecast to last at least one day.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection on Thursday said air quality in 338 Chinese cities showed improvement in the first three quarters of the year.

However, six out of the 10 cities with the worst air quality were still in Hebei province, an area adjoining Beijing, said the ministry.
Varanasi, Oct 15 : At least 24 persons, including 14 women, were crushed to death and 60 injured in a stampede during a religious procession here on Saturday, police said. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav ordered a magisterial probe into the incident even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed grief over the incident.

The stampede occurred at around 1.30 p.m. at the Rajghat bridge in the Ramnagar area, as thousands of people, who had turned up at a religious congregation organised by disciples of the late spiritual leader Jai Gurudev, took out a procession.

Ramanagar police station incharge Anil Kumar Singh told IANS that 24 people were killed in the stampede and over 60 injured. However, state Director General of Police Javeed Ahmed said the death toll was 20.

The toll may rise as the condition of several of the injured is said to be critical. The identities of the deceased is yet to be ascertained.

District authorities said the number of seriously injured was 21 while over 80 people were discharged after primary treatment.

Prime Minister Modi, whose parliamentary constituency is Varanasi, expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the seriously injured.

The Akhilesh Yadav government announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased, while top police and government officials reached the site with state minister Surendra Singh Patel supervising the rescue operations.

Police attributed the stampede to the "impatience" among the participants due to the prevailing heat and humidity, and also noted that while the organisers had sought permission for the presence of around 3,000 people, nearly 80,000 had turned up.

Varanasi Senior Superintendent of Police, Akash Kulhari said: "The participants were feeling uncomfortable in the heat due to which the stampede might have occurred."

He said that as the incident spot was on the district boundary with Chandauli, police from both areas had reached the spot for rescue and relief operations.

An officer at the spot said that they were focussing on relief and rescue operations and "a probe will be ordered later to ascertain the exact cause of the tragedy".

Chandauli District Magistrate Kumar Prashant told IANS that an awareness camp for Baba Jai Gurudev was going on in Domri village, on the banks of the Ganga, in the district, and a large number of devotees from Varanasi's Pili Kothi area were on their way there when the stampede occurred.

He said that the injured had been admitted to hospitals where the condition of five was said to be critical. The deceased have not been identified yet, he added.

Modi, who is in Goa for the BRICS Summit, took to Twitter to express his grief.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede," he tweeted.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi also expressed shock and grief over the deaths.

Hoping that the authorities concerned were providing adequate medical relief and compensation to the victims, Sonia Gandhi also instructed party workers to provide all possible assistance to the people, a Congress statement said.

Rahul Gandhi, in a statement, said: "Shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the stampede in Varanasi. My heartfelt condolences to families of the victims of this tragic incident."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that he inquired about the incident from Varanasi Divisional Commissioner and directed him to provide all possible help to those affected.

Akhilesh Yadav, who initially had announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the dead, said, in a tweet, that it has been increased to Rs. 5 lakh. He also said that the Varanasi Divisional Commissioner has been asked to order a magisterial probe into the incident.
New Delhi, Oct 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed grief over the deaths in the Varanasi stampede and announced a compensation of Rs. two lakh each to the families of the deceased.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede in Varanasi. Condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured," Modi tweeted.

"I have spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected due to the stampede..," he said in another tweet.

At least 19 persons, including 14 women, were killed and over 60 others, injured in the stampede on the Rajghat bridge where thousands of people were taking out a procession after a religious congregation, officials said.

Modi also sanctioned an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the seriously injured, from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.17



By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:



The practicalities and specifically, the infrastructure needs of connecting Israeli gas to the Southern Gas Corridor will make it difficult to accomplish, Agnia Grigas, energy and political risks expert, non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, told Trend Oct.17.



Earlier, Cemil Ertem, advisor to the Turkish president, said that Turkey wants to connect Israeli gas supplies to the Southern Gas Corridor project.



First, there are legal and legislative restrictions on Israels gas exports with about half of the gas stipulated for Israels domestic consumption, said Grigas.



More importantly, laying a pipeline to connect to the Southern Gas Corridor or any other pipeline system will be difficult in the unstable and conflict-prone environment of the Middle East, she said. Terrorist attacks can be carried out on and from Egyptian territory, Gaza Strip, and Lebanon making a land route and even a water route problematic.



Political tensions over the status of Cyprus complicate the option of basing a pipeline or LNG terminal there, added the expert.



Thus the proposed project remains highly difficult to implement, but it does not mean that this will be impossible in the long term with changes in the political and security situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, according to Grigas.



She pointed out that gas may eventually prove to be an effective form of diplomacy and bring together previously non-cooperative states.



The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey.



At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor project. Other sources can also join this project at a later stage.



As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of TANAP and TAP.
Shanghai, Oct 15 : Briton Andy Murray on Saturday secured his place in the Shanghai Masters final where he is due to play against Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut here.

Murray, who has won the Shanghai Masters on two occasions (2010 and 2011), overcame Frenchmen Gilles Simon on Saturday with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 victory, reports Efe.

Murray and Bautista have battled it out on the court twice in the past, at Wimbledon 2014 and in Munich 2015.

The Scot failed to concede a set on either of those occasions.

However, Murray will have to prepare for an in-form Bautista in Sunday's final after the Spaniard, ranked number 19 in the world, upset world number one Novak Djokovic (6-4, 6-4) in order to secure his spot in the ultimate stage of this year's Masters.
Nay Pyi Taw, Oct 16 : Myanmar's State Counselor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi on Sunday left for an official visit to India, according to official sources.

During her visit, Suu Kyi will first attend the Bimstec-Retreat and BRICS-Bimstec Leaders' Outreach Summit scheduled to be held later on Sunday in Goa, Xinhua news agency reported.

Bimstec, known as Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, groups Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan.

BRICS comprises five major emerging national economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

After the summit, the 70-year-old Nobel laureate will continue her three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Suu Kyi's first trip to India since her National League for Democracy (NLD) government took office on April 1 came less than two months after Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw's state visit to the neighbour in August.

On April 6 this year, the 70-year-old Nobel peace laureate assumed charge as State Counsellor as she was constitutionally barred from the presidency after becoming the country's first female foreign minister on March 30.

Suu Kyi will call on President Pranab Mukherjee and have meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Last month, Modi met Suu Kyi on the sidelines of the 14th India-Asean Summit and the 11th East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Laos.

Suu Kyi spent a considerable part of her early life in India and was educated at Lady Shri Ram College in New Delhi.

According to Myanmar official figures, India's investment in Myanmar amounted to $732.64 million as of the end of August, the ninth in Myanmar's foreign investors line-up since late 1988 when the country opened to such investment.

Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $1.711 billion in the 2015-16 fiscal year.
Benaulim (Goa), Oct 16 : Myanmar's State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi, landed in Goa on Sunday ahead of the BRICS-Bimstec Outreach Summit and a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

After her party National League of Democracy swept the parliamentary elections and was installed in office earlier this year, this is the Nobel laureate's first visit to India.

Suu Kyi is scheduled to attend a ceremonial lunch hosted by Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar for all participants of Bimstec, after which she will attend the BRICS and Bimstec Outreach Summit later in the evening, with other leaders of the two groupings.

As host of this year's BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit, India, as is the practice, can invite neighbouring countries to join in for an outreach summit.

Following last month's cross-border terror attack on an Indian Army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers, India chose to invite countries belonging to the Bimstec grouping over those of Saarc.

Countries belonging to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) are India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

New Delhi blamed Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed for the September 18 Uri attack and launched a diplomatic blitz to isolate Islamabad in the international community.

The invitation to Bimstec countries instead of the Saarc countries is being seen as another step in this direction.

Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Maldives are the members of the South Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) that are also not members of Bimstec.
Edison, New Jersey, Oct 16 : Presidential candidate Donald Trump's address to an anti-terrorism rally organised by the Republican Hindu Coalition drew protests by some Indian Americans and Democratic Party politicians.

At a news conference held some distance away because of the tight security surrounding Trump, New Jersey Assemblyman Raj Mukherji said: "If you are a real Hindu, you are also a Muslim; if you are a real Hindu, you are also a Christian; if you are a real Hindu, you are also a Jew.

"Because that is what my diaspora community believes in, and that is why we are overwhelmingly going to elect Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States," he declared.

Congressman Frank Pallone said Trump would create more divisiveness in New Jersey because of his comments against Muslims and immigrants.

Appealing to a broader South Asian community, he added: "It's important for us to be here today to say that (Trump's) values are not the values of ... the South Asian community."

The news conference was organised by South Asians for Hillary.

The New Jersey representative of the group, Amit Jani, said: "We don't think it's right for someone from out of the state to come here and raise political issues with our faith and say they speak for over 3.4 million Indian-Americans across the country, even more Muslim-Americans, and the South Asian communities as a whole."

Muslim community leaders Shariq Ahmad, Sam Khan and Imtiaz Syed, and Hindu community leaders Raju Patel and Sunita Viswanath of the Coalition of Progressive Hindus also spoke at the news conference.

The protesters, however, were vastly outnumbered by the 8,000 people who came to the Trump rally.

A clutch of protesters gathered in front of a banner announcing the Trump on the route to the venue rally with signs that read, "End Caste apartheid," "Dump Trump" and "South Asians Against Trump".

A series of opinion polls by the National Asian American Survey showed that Trump's support among registered Indian American voters slipped from 11 percent in May to seven percent this month, while his Democratic Party opponent, Hillary Clinton held steady at 71 percent.
Varanasi, Oct 16 : The death toll in Saturday's stampede here in Uttar Pradesh has risen to 25, with one of the injured succumbing to his injuries overnight, police said on Sunday.

Authorities meanwhile said that 20 of the dead had been identified. And seven of the injured were still in critical condition in hospital.

Police officials said they were trying to ascertain the identity of the remaining five dead. More than 50 people were being treated at various medical facilities in the temple town.

The stampede occurred at the 130-year-old Raj Ghat bridge on the banks of river Ganga where a religious congregation was to be presided by Acharya Pankaj Baba, disciple of late Jai Gurudev, a religious and spiritual leader from Mathura.

The dead include 20 women and five men, police officer Anil Kumar Singh told IANS.

On the second day of the congregation on Sunday, Pankaj Baba paid tributes to those who perished in the tragedy and they were 'Satsangi Shaheed' (Spiritual Matryrs).

The dead have been identified as Naval Kishore Mishra, Savitri Mishra, Rajwati, Ramwati, Sumitra and Vimla Devi from Delhi, Rampatti Devi, Dashtarth Singh, Prithvipal Singh, Israti Devi, Susheela Devi and Mallu Devi from Rajasthan, as well as Prithvipal, Ashok Kumar, Kamlesh Devi, Kamini, Sarla Devi, Sohanlal, Indu and Keshwati from Madhya Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the dependants of those killed and Rs 50,000 each to those injured.

He has also suspended five senior district officials ,including the Superintendent of Police (City) of Varanasi and the traffic in-charge.

The Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi has been asked to get a magisterial probe conducted into the reasons behind the tragedy.

The Prime Minister's Office is monitoring the treatment of the injured, an official told IANS.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha.

The stampede occurred at around 1.30 p.m. as thousands of people took out a procession.

Police attributed the stampede to the "impatience" among the participants due to the prevailing heat and humidity.

Varanasi District Magistrate Vijay Kiran Anand blamed Acharya Pankaj, the successor of Jai Gurudev and the organiser of the two-day congregation in Domri village.

"The organisers had told us that 3,000 people would come but over 300,000 turned up," he said.

Pankaj Das in turn blamed the administration for failing to take proper measures.
Benaulim (Goa), Oct 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to business leaders to work with BRICS governments to boost trade and promote innovation.

Addressing a meeting of the BRICS Business Council on Sunday at the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa, Modi also called on the BRICS Business Council to enhance business opportunities, building investment linkages and removing bottlenecks to intra-BRICS commerce, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The promotion of economic and commercial engagement has been the foundational impulse in the creation of BRICS. The business community is the strongest proponent for closer and faster commercial cooperation that could help create wealth," Modi said.

He also encouraged the council to work closely with the New Development Bank, a multilateral development bank founded by the BRICS countries, on identifying and implementing prospective economic projects.

Speaking at the same occasion, South African President Jacob Zuma also commended the work of the council.

"The BRICS Business Council activities since undertaken through Durban Summit, have brought us to a point where the council can be a true catalyst for economic growth," he said.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said: "Russia will continue to promote rapprochement of economies of the five BRICS countries. It invites business communities of all the BRICS countries to work on Russia's market and develop partnership with the Russian companies.

The BRICS Business Council was established during the 5th BRICS Summit held in 2013 in Durban, South Africa.
Baghdad, Oct 17 : Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Monday announced the start of a military operation to recapture Mosul, the country's second largest city, from the Islamic State (IS) terror group.

In an address broadcast on state television in the early hours of Monday, Abadi said: "The hour of victory has come, the operation to liberate Mosul has started," BBC reported.

"Today I declare the start of the heroic operations to liberate you from IS," he said.

"God willing we will meet in Mosul to celebrate the liberation and your salvation from IS so we can live together once again, all religions united and together we shall defeat it to rebuild this dear city of Mosul."

Surrounded by senior Iraqi officers, he vowed that only government forces would enter Mosul, a Sunni-majority city.

This long-awaited assault from Kurdish Peshmerga, Iraqi government and allied forces is backed by the US-led coalition fighting IS in Iraq.

Mosul has been under IS control since June 2014.

"This is a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver IS a lasting defeat," said Secretary of Defence Ash Carter in a statement.

"The US and the rest of the international coalition stand ready to support Iraqi Security Forces, Peshmerga fighters and the people of Iraq in the difficult fight ahead. We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq from IS's hatred and brutality," Fox News quoted Carter as saying.
Islamabad, Oct 17 : At least 30 people were killed when two intercity buses collided in Pakistan's Punjab province on Monday, police said.

The accident took place in Khanpur area, Dawn online reported. A police spokesperson said 55 other passengers were injured.

The accident was so serious that the bodies of the dead and injured could only be recovered after cutting through the mangled vehicles, he said.

One bus was on its way from Karachi to Lahore while the other was heading to Sadiqabad from Faisalabad.

The cause of the accident is believed to be low visibility.
Washington, Oct 17 : The Indian-Americans largely support Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton because of the unique relationship she has built with the community and India, according to one of her major backers.

"Historically, Indian-Americans, like other Asian Americans and a lot of other immigrant groups, have been big supporters of the Democratic Party," Frank Islam, an India-born entrepreneur and philanthropist told IANS.

"It has been more inclusive and more welcoming toward all immigrants," he said, adding "I doubt any other American politician has been able to build the kind of relationship with the Indian American community - and India as Clinton."

"Additionally she has been a champion of the middle class for decades," Islam said.

"As President, she wants to provide better health care and better jobs for all Americans."

"Hillary has been a staunch ally of India and she recognised that Indian-Americans have enabled the US to be a stronger and healthier nation," he added.

Roughly 70 per cent Indian-Americans plan to vote for Hillary Clinton compared with 7 per cent for her Republican rival Donald Trump, according to most recent polls cited by the Washington Post.

"I am a big fan of Hindu and a big fan of India," Trump told a rally organised by the Republican Hindu Coalition in Edison, New Jersey over the weekend.

He also praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "great man", saying the two nations would be "best friends" and "there won't be any relationship more important to us".

"Indian-Americans, as a community, have shunned Donald Trump, and rightfully so," asserted Islam.

But he conceded that "Trump has touched the nerve of angry and uneducated white working class voters."

"His message on job losses is resonating with these people," he said, adding "Clinton is making every effort to reach out to this demography."

"With her strong economic message, I am confident she will succeed converting a significant section of this group to her side."

Islam was also confident that Clinton will offer "true friendship" to India and "take the US-India relations to the next level".

Noting that "since 1992, the US-India relations have gotten better and better under every president, whether a Democrat or Republican," he said. "I have no doubt that the ties will continue to be nurtured under a Clinton administration."

"There will be focus on trade and economic partnership, on cooperation in the area of defence and counter-terrorism, and on climate change and other global issues," Islam said noting there is bipartisan support for India in the US.

Islam, who is on Hillary Clinton's national finance committee, found it hard to say how much money the community has raised for the Clinton campaign, but he himself is on pace to raise close to $1 million for it.

Republican Hindu Coalition's founder, Shalabh Kumar, is one of rival Trump's biggest fundraisers, according to the Washington Post.

Together with his immediate family, Kumar has given almost $2 million to super political action committees that support Trump, it said.

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)
Chennai, Oct 17 : Demanding the setting up of a Cauvery Management Board (CMB), farmer's organisations and political parties in Tamil Nadu on Monday staged protests on rail tracks.

In Thanjavur district, the police arrested several farmers who were protesting on the rail tracks.

In the state capital Chennai, DMK leader M.K. Stalin led the party's protest at Perambur.

Similarly, members of the DMK, Congress and MDMK were arrested while they protested at different parts of the state.

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are at war for long over the sharing of Cauvery river waters.

On October 3, the Ministry of Water Resources filed an Interlocutory Application in the Supreme Court seeking modification of its September 30 order to constitute the CMB by October 4.

The Ministry in its application said the CMB cannot be constituted now.
Trend:

Discounts on gas supplies for Turkey will depend on the volumes of gas consumption, said Alexander Novak in an interview with Russia 24 TV channel.

He also added that the discount will be offered, it will depend on the volume of gas consumed. Novak said that the formula, which is formed only as a list of principles, needs modification, as of today.

Generally, we are ready to move forward... the work between the two companies will continue, he explained.

Last week, Russia and Turkey have signed an intergovernmental agreement on the Turkish Stream pipeline project. Russias President Vladimir Putin said that it was also agreed to offer discounts on gas in the framework of the project discussion.

Turkeys Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (Botas) filed a lawsuit against Gazprom in the Stockholm Arbitration requiring to lower the price of Russian gas after the companies failed to negotiate a discount for the state-owned company, Oct. 2015.
Chennai, Oct 17 : Television actor Thakur Anoop Singh, who is currently busy shooting for Suriya's Tamil actioner "S3", will make his Telugu debut as the antagonist in Sai Dharam Tej-starrer "Winner".

Being directed by Gopichand Malineni, the project will hit the screens worldwide on February 24 next year.

"Anoop is playing the baddie. Although I can't divulge more information, I can assure it will be a very interesting role," Malineni told IANS.

The film will feature Sai in the role of an editor of a fashion magazine and Rakul Preet Singh, who plays the leading lady, as an athlete.

Currently on the floors in Hyderabad, the makers plan to shoot in Georgia and Turkey for nearly a month soon.

Nallamalupu Bujji and Tagore Madhu are jointly producing the film.
New Delhi : -- Rudal Shah, arrested in 1953, remained in Bihar's Muzaffarpur jail for 30 years despite being acquitted in 1968.

-- Boka Thakur, arrested at 16, was jailed and detained without trial for 36 years in Bihar's Madhubani jail.

Shah and Thakur are just two of the 282,879 undertrials in Indian prisons, according to Prison Statistics 2014 -- a number equal to the population of the Caribbean nation of Barbados.

An IndiaSpend analysis of available data reveals the extent of the problem: Between 2010 and 2014, 25 per cent undertrials had been jailed for more than one year. The percentage of undertrials to total prisoners has remained over 65 per cent during this period.

In 2014, seven in 10 prisoners were undertrials, and two in 10 had been detained for more than one year without being convicted.

Undertrials -- those detained in prisons during trial, investigation or inquiry -- are presumed innocent till proven guilty. But they are often subjected to psychological and physical torture during detention and exposed to prison violence and poor living conditions. Many lose their family ties and, often, their livelihoods.

Undertrials tend to have restricted access to legal representatives for two reasons: Lack of resources and curtailed liberty to communicate with lawyers from within the jail premises. This is despite a 1980 Supreme Court ruling that Article 21 of the Constitution entitles prisoners to a fair and speedy trial as part of their fundamental right to life and liberty.

The court also pointed out that prisoners face a "double handicap" -- most are poor, come from disadvantaged social groups, have little education, and their voices are rarely heard.

"The judiciary and the government have admitted that many undertrials are poor people accused of minor offences, locked away for long periods because they don't know their rights and cannot access legal aid," Arijit Sen, Manager, Undertrials Project at Amnesty International, an advocacy, said in an email interview.

Undertrials often remain behind bars for years despite the provisions of Section 436A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) which came into effect in 2005. This section mandates the release, on personal bond with or without surety, of undertrial detainees who have been imprisoned for half the maximum sentence they would have received if convicted for the offence they are charged with.

This section does not apply to those who could be sentenced to death or life term. But 39 per cent of those charged for crimes under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) couldn't be punished with life term or death penalty, Prison Statistics 2014 show.

As many as 122,056 undertrial prisoners (43 per cent) have been detained for more than six months to more than five years by the end of 2014. Many of them have remained in prison for more than the period of punishment they would have got had they been convicted.

The number of undertrial prisoners in all detention periods increased over five years, except in the case of detention up to three months. The highest increase was seen in the category of detention for three-to-five years.

More than 25 per cent of undertrial prisoners in 16 out of 36 states and Union territories have been detained for more than one year in 2014. Jammu and Kashmir leads this list with 54 per cent, followed by Goa (50 per cent) and Gujarat (42 per cent). Uttar Pradesh leads in terms of sheer numbers (18,214).

In June 2013, in a letter to the Supreme Court, former Chief Justice of India R.C. Lahoti had talked about how inhuman conditions persisted in 1,382 prisons despite a series of court and government orders.

In response to this letter, which was later registered as a public interest writ petition -- and despite the lukewarm response from the states -- the Supreme Court, in a landmark 2014 judgement, ordered the immediate release of undertrial prisoners eligible to benefit under Section 436A of the CrPc by establishing an Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) in every district, recommended by a 2013 interim order.

A UTRC includes the District Judge, District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, collectively responsible for speedy trials and review of cases. "About 6,000 undertrial prisoners were released between July 1, 2015, and January 31, 2016. This is certainly a step in the right direction," Sen said.

However, those released were 2 per cent of undertrial prisoners in Indian jails. The pendency rate of IPC crimes -- 84 per cent and 86 per cent in 2014 and 2015, respectively -- shows how slow the process of change will be.

One of the major causes of high pendency is vacancies in lower courts. It would take a minimum of 12 years to clear the 25 million pending cases in Indian courts.

There is also little awareness among police and prison inmates about Section 436A of the CrPC. This section, which is a procedural mandate under CrPC, is often mistaken for an offence under IPC, according to Amnesty International.

Non-functional UTRCs, discrepancies in prison records, poor management of information systems, lack of effective legal aid and cancellation of trials due to shortage of police escorts and video conference facilities are factors that keep the number of undertrial prisoners in Indian jails high, reported Amnesty International.

(In arrangement with IndiaSpend.org, a data-driven, non-profit, public interest journalism platform. Sneha Alexander is a policy analyst with BOOM, an independent digital journalism initiative. The views expressed are those of IndiaSpend. Feedback at respond@indiaspend.org)
Manama, Oct 17 : Bahrain's top opposition leader Shaikh Ali Salman was given a chance on Monday to appeal his nine-year jail sentence following a decision by the country's highest court.

The Cassation Court on Monday overturned the ruling of an appeals court against the Al Wefaq National Islamic Society leader, Xinhua news agency reported.

The opposition leader is in jail for multiple charges, including seeking to change Bahrain's government by force, inciting others to break the law, spreading sectarian hate and insulting a ministry.

The judges on Monday referred the case back to the Supreme Criminal Appeals Court for a retrial.

The High Criminal Court on June 17 last year sentenced Ali Salman to four years in jail on three charges, and acquitted him of seeking to overthrow the government.

However, separate appeals were filed by the Public Prosecution and Ali Salman's defence team against the ruling at the court, which accepted evidence provided by prosecutors.

The court overturned the acquittal and found Ali Salman guilty of the charge and increased the jail term from four years to nine years on May 31 this year.

The Al Wefaq National Islamic Society was dissolved in July this year following a request by the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry.

The ministry had the organisation's assets liquidated, accusing it of "deviating from political activities", inciting violence, and calling for participation in illegal rallies.
Baghdad, Oct 17 : At least 10 persons were killed and 17 injured in a suicide car bombing targeting security forces in Baghdad city of Iraq on Monday, the police said.

The attack, on a security checkpoint in the town of Yousifiyah, some 25 km south of Baghdad, came just hours after Iraqi forces launched an offensive to flush out Islamic State (IS) militants from the city of Mosul, the police source told Xinhua news agency.

Most of those killed and wounded were soldiers and policemen, who were checking civilian vehicles passing through the checkpoint, the source said.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, but the IS was blamed for most of the similar suicide attacks in the past targeting crowded areas such as markets, cafes and mosques across Iraq.
Juba, Oct 17 : At least 56 people were killed in fresh clashes between government and opposition forces near the northern town of Malakal in South Sudan, an official here said.

Brigadier General Lul Ruai Koang, Sudan People's Liberation Army spokesman, told the media on Sunday that the fighters linked to former Vice President Riek Machar attacked two government bases near Malakal on Friday evening.

Koang said 56 rebel fighters were killed and dozens of weapons seized, Xinhua news agency reported.

"They attacked us on the western side of the Nile. Over 56 rebels were killed," Koang said.

A local area commander, Butrus Bol Bol, told Xinhua that the rebels attacked their bases at Worjok and Alelo, West of the River Nile.
Istanbul, Oct 17 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday reiterated his country's resolve to join the operation to reclaim the Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) militant group.

"Turkey has a 350-km-long border with Iraq and is under constant threat," Xinhua news agency quoted Erdogan as saying.

Despite Baghdad's strong opposition, the Turkish leader vowed that Ankara "will involve (itself) in the operation and also we will be at the table" in the aftermath of the offensive.

"It is not possible for Turkey to stay out of it," he said.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi has vowed not to allow Ankara to participate in the offensive to liberate Mosul "under any circumstances".

Tensions have grown between the two countries over the presence of Turkish troops at the Bashiqa camp near Mosul, the second largest Iraqi city that came under IS control in June 2014.

Early on Monday, Al-Abadi declared the start of the long-awaited campaign, backed by a US-led coalition.

The campaign is the biggest in Iraq since the withdrawal of US troops in 2011.
New Delhi, Oct 17 : Continuing its drive against smuggling and black money, the government here on Monday seized as much as 21 kg of gold and Rs 6.44 crore in currency notes from a shop in old Delhi, officials said.

The gold, seized by the Delhi Zonal Unit (DZU) of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), is valued at about Rs 6.47 crore, of which 20 bars are of one kg each with foreign markings and of 995 purity. The Rs 6.44 crore in currency notes were stated to be the sale proceeds of smuggled gold, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

"The total value of the seizure is about Rs 12.91 crore," it added.

Two persons have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody and further investigation is in progress, it said.

Last month, the Delhi Zonal Unit of DRI had made a record detection of smuggling of gold of about 7,000 kg, valued at about Rs 2,000 crore and had arrested two persons.

"The main kingpin in the smuggling has been detained under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Act (COFEPOSA), 1974," the statement added.
Hyderabad, Oct 17 : Express Bike Works (EBW), which claims to be the world's fastest bike wash centre, launched its 15th flagship store here.

Set up at Kothaguda, the centre is a one-stop solution for all two wheelers offering full-fledged services including two-minute automated motorcycle wash, health detailing, express maintenance and 24x7 on-road assistance.

Pioneers in providing the fastest automated bike washing mechanism, and backed by Mark Mobius, EBW has an association with Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) to set up their franchise outlets within the fuel retail network across the country.

EBW is running successfully at two locations each in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thrissur and one store each in Delhi, Pune, Nashik, Bangaluru, Dhanbad, Coimbatore and Hubli.

It will soon be launching new stores in Kochi, Mumbai-West, Bhubaneshwar, Nagpur, Surat, Vijayawada, Mysore and other cities, the company said in a statement.

EBW's motorcycle wash machine is capable of washing dirtiest of motorcycles and scooters within 2-5 minutes and is designed to re-cycle and conserve water.

For every wash done in the EBW machine, the water gets recycled and around 90 per cent of the water is reused, as compared to a conventional bike wash where 50-60 litres of water is wasted in each wash.
New Delhi, Oct 17 : A day after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar formally took over as President of the Janata Dal-United (JD-U), a section of party leaders staged a protest here, demanding that the Election Commission declare the organisational election of the party as "null and void".

Hundreds of party workers marched from Jantar Mantar to the Election Commission of India building and submitted a memorandum alleging that party constitution was not followed in the organisational elections.

"The organisational elections in which Nitish Kumar was elected as party president is completely illegal and uncostitutional," JD-U Madhya Pradesh President Govind Yadav told IANS.

"The Election Commission must declare the results as null and void," Yadav added.

He also said election results for all the party posts too should be declared as null and void.

"They are murdering the party's constitution and trying to bring new party constitution," the JD-U leader added.

Nitish Kumar on Sunday formally took over as President of the ruling JD-U at a party meeting in Rajgir in Nalanda district of Bihar.

The two-day JD-U National Council meeting, that began on Sunday in Rajgir, ratified Nitish Kumar's election to the top post, after JD-U Electoral Officer Anil Hegde made an announcement in this regard.

Along with Yadav were the three other state JD(U) chiefs -- Amitabh Dutta (West Bengal), Pramod Sharma (Uttarakhand) and Thakur Balbir Singh (Delhi) -- who expressed their opposition to Nitish Kumar's elevation to the post almost six months ago.

Earlier in April this year, Nitish Kumar was nominated the party's president at its national executive meeting in New Delhi, replacing party veteran Sharad Yadav. His nomination was later ratified by the party's National Council.
New Delhi, Oct 17 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday criticised the BJP-led central government's decision to build a Ramayana Museum in Ayodhya and the Samajwadi Party-led Uttar Pradesh government's plan to construct a Ramleela Theme Park there as only for electoral gains.

"Decision to build a Ramayana Museum and Ramleela Theme Park in Ayodhya by the BJP and the SP just before the assembly elections shows their intentions," the BSP chief said in a statement.

She also said that these promises would remain unfulfilled due to the lack of the budget.

"Attempts at taking political mileage by linking religion with politics is condemnable. And if their intentions were good, these projects would have started earlier," Mayawati said.

Mayawati's remarks came after Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma said he will visit Ayodhya on Tuesday to inspect the proposed Ramayana Museum.

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet on Monday approved the use of red sand stone at the under-construction Ramleela Theme Park in Ayodhya. The cabinet in a statement said that the project completion would help in generating employment and in the spread of Indian culture and tradition worldwide.

Mayawati criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "remembering" Ayodhya just before the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

"It is good to develop Ayodhya from tourism point-of-view," she added.

Taking a dig at the SP-led state government, Mayawati said, "They are following BJP these days, that's why they have announced to build Ramleela Theme Park now."

Mayawati also cautioned the central and the state governments to take precautions as the Ramjanmahoomi and Babri Masjid cases are still pending in the Allahabad High Court.

"There is a trend of inaugurating incomplete projects in the state by the central and the state governments, which is just a theatrics to befool the voters," Mayawati alleged.

She said the BJP-led central government and the state government have a "habit to indulge in cheap politics, which was earlier used by Congress".
Trend:

Russia will continue to stay in contact with the European Commission and the European Union countries regarding the feasibility of gas transit through Turkey, RIA Novosti reported citing Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak.

Undoubtedly, we will continue contacts with the European Commission and our counterparts from other countries in order to obtain confirmation of feasibility of implementation of these projects already on the territory of South-East Europe, Novak said in an interview with Russia 24 TV channel.

The official noted that the work will continue.
New Delhi, Oct 17 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has invited Pakistan, besides dozens of other countries, to an international conference on voter education being held in association with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) here this week.

However, Pakistan has not confirmed its participation for the October 19-21 conference.

"This is the first ever global conference on voter education for inclusive, informed and ethical participation in the electoral process," Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said.

"The main purpose of the conference is to learn from the experiences of election management bodies (EMBs), government and non-government by way of sharing the best practices, policies and initiatives of voter education," he added.

Sinha said that representatives of election bodies from 27 countries are likely to participate in the conference.

The countries which have confirmed their participation include the United States, Canada, Australia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Fiji, Georgia, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Lesotho, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Namibia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tunisia and Uganda.

Pakistan has been invited for the conference but has not responded so far, Sinha said in response to a query.

Of the international delegations, nine are being headed by their respective chairpersons, eight by the election commissioners and 10 by other senior officials, Sinha said.

The special invitees to the conference are the former Chief Election Commissioners of India, the State Election Commissioners and the Chief Electoral Officers from all the states.

"The conference will deliberate upon five topics ranging from electoral literacy to enhanced participation by special categories of voters, role of modern information and communication technologies in voter education and strategies for informed and ethical voting," Sinha said.
New Delhi, Oct 17 : Myanmar State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday called on Congress President Sonia Gandhi at her residence here.

Congress leaders described the meeting as a courtesy call. The meeting went on for 45 minutes. The Congress President and Suu Kyi go back a long way and share a good rapport.

The Congress party later posted photographs of Sonia Gandhi welcoming Suu Kyi at her residence on its official twitter account.

Suu Kyi studied in the Convent of Jesus and Mary School in New Delhi and also graduated from Lady Shri Ram College in 1964.

Suu Kyi is on four-day visit to India from October 16. She was in Goa to attend the Bimstec-Retreat and BRICS-Bimstec Leaders' Outreach Summit.
New Delhi, Oct 17 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday held simultaneous protests against the Mayors of the three Municipal Corporations of Delhi (MDC) on the issue of sanitation and vector-borne diseases.

Labour Minister Gopal Rai, who participated in the protests against East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) and North Delhi Municipal Corporation (North MCD) Mayors, branded the Bharatiya Janata Party-run MCDs to be an acronym for Malaria, Chikungunya and Dengue.

Addressing the gathering here, he said that the AAP has to fight MCD elections not to become councillors but to make Delhi the cleanest and the best city in the nation and the world.

At another protest against South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), AAP leader Dilip Pandey said that the protests against the mayors is just a beginning.

"We will sweep out both the BJP and the Congress in the upcoming MCD elections through our broom," he said.

Earlier in the day, the AAP's national spokesperson Richa Pandey said that the BJP-ruled MCDs are completely exposed.

"Even Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has pulled up the BJP-ruled MCDs for their failure... MCDs have failed to control the spread of diseases in Delhi," she said.
New Delhi, Oct 17 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the death of at least eight persons in a major fire at a government hospital in Odisha capital Bhubaneswar on Monday evening.

"Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the hospital fire in Odisha. The tragedy is mind-numbing. My thoughts are with bereaved families," he tweeted.

He said he spoke to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and asked him to facilitate transfer of all the injured to All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Bhubaneswar. "Hope the injured recover quickly," Modi said.

Nadda tweeted: "Deeply saddened by the fire incident in Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar. My condolences rest with the bereaved families."
New Delhi, Oct 17 : Two B.Tech students from Chandigarh were killed and three were critically injured after their car collided with a divider at ITO here, police said on Monday.

The police said the deceased were identified as Anand and Aayushi Goel, while the injured were identified as Monika, Subhojeet and Sagun Sharma. All were in the age group of 20-25.

The police said that the accident occurred at around 2.00 a.m. on the intervening night of October 16 and 17, when they were travelling in a car from Laxmi Nagar to Connaught Place via ITO at central district.

A passer-by informed the police about the accident.

"Police had to use gas cutter to get them out of mangled remains of the car. They all were B.Tech students in Chandigarh and had come to Delhi to attend their friend's wedding function," a Senior Police officer said.

A case was registered in I.P. Estate Police Station. The police are waiting for their medical report to determine if they consumed alcohol, the officer said.
New Delhi, Oct 18 : Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda said that the Central Government was ready to extend any help required to tackle the fire incident that killed at least 22 persons at a private hospital in Bhubaneshwar.

"We have told the State Government that whatever help is required, will be extended by the Central Government. If there is any situation where the patients need our help we are ready for that too," said Nadda speaking to CNN News 18.

"Let us first of all take stock of the situation. We are deeply anguished with whatever has happened," added Nadda.

Earlier Nadda had tweeted : "Deeply saddened by the fire incident in Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar. My condolences rest with the bereaved families."

Though the official figures were not confirmed, at least 22 persons were killed and several injured after a major fire broke out in the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital in Bhubaneswar on Monday evening.

While the government-run Capital Hospital's officials confirmed receiving 14 bodies, eight bodies were received by the AMRI Hospital in Bhubaneswar.

Over 50 patients were rescued from the dialysis ward and the adjoining Intensive Care Unit, the officials said.

Speaking over the issue Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who hails from Odisha said: "Due to a short circuit in a private hospital an unfortunate incident has happened today. "

Pradhan, who is the face of Odisha in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, also said that the primary focus of the state government was to evacuate and rescue the people from the place of the incident.

"I spoke to the health minister and they are ready to extend their help to the state government," he said speaking to CNN News 18.

The government has set up a helpline number: 9439991226.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Azerbaijan will take appropriate measures for the development of relations within the European Energy Charter, said Azerbaijans Energy Minister Natig Aliyev, according to the countrys Energy Ministry.

Aliyev held a meeting with Secretary General of the European Energy Charter Urban Rusnak, who arrived in Baku to attend the 7th International Forum Energy for Sustainable Development.

The sides discussed the issues of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Energy Charter.

Rusnak noted that the preparation of a multilateral framework agreement on transit of energy resources is of great importance for the Energy Charter.

The experience, gained in this direction by Azerbaijan as a transit country, can give an important impetus to this process, he said adding that Azerbaijan, thanks to the turning into an energy exporter in a short term and the status acquired by it in the sphere of global energy security, is perceived as an example for other countries by the International Energy Charter.

It is important to sign a new legal document to deepen cooperation with Azerbaijan during the next five years, noted Rusnak.

He went on to add that Azerbaijans participation in the 27th conference of the Energy Charter, to be held Nov. 25-26 in Tokyo, is also important.

Natig Aliyev, for his part, noted Azerbaijans readiness to share its experience in the sphere of the energy resources transit and provide the necessary technical support.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
For tickets to the private screening or press opportunities, please contact Truck Writers, Inc.

An audience of 300 trucking industry influencers will have the opportunity to view a new documentary film about the nations deteriorating interstate highways and the truckers who must travel them at a private screening being held at the Minnesota History Centers 3M Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 10th at 6:30pm. The film "Be Prepared to Stop" is sponsored by Truck Writers, one of the largest trucking insurance agencies in the Midwest.

In November, voters across the country will cast ballots on transportation investments in their communities, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) said at a recent invitation-only screening held at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Theater in Washington, DC. This documentary provides a needed call to action that Congress should heed, as it has failed to provide sustainable funding to rebuild and renew America.

Jennifer Clymer and Marijane Miller, the two Los Angeles based filmmakers, said the films

messages need to be told. Clymer and Miller will be in attendance at Truck Writers November 10th private screening.

All films need to be entertaining. A good documentary needs to be informative. We knew a documentary about a less-than-sexy topic such as infrastructure would have to be both if we were going to reach a general audience, Clymer said.

The film features interviews with a host of transportation stakeholders intertwined with the personal family story of Steve Williams, a third generation trucker from Little Rock, Arkansas. The son and grandson of truck drivers, Williams, is Chairman and CEO of Maverick USA, among the largest 100 freight carriers in the United States. But his quests are to persuade Congress to do two things  repair the nations interstate highways and reduce the safety risks associated with sharing the roadways with large tractor trailers.

Following the films screening, Miller and Clymer will open up the floor to discuss the condition of the Interstate Highway System, future technologies, safety issues, and how to engage the general public in this vital discussion that impacts every aspect of their daily lives. Clymer said that discussions to distribute the film nationally are currently underway. The Nov. 10 event will be the first screening in Minnesota.

Invitees include Governor Dayton, Lt. Governor Smith, Senator Klobuchar, Senator Franken, Representative Emmer, members of the Minnesota Trucking Association and other key decision makers in the transportation industry.

For tickets to the private screening or press opportunities, please contact Mackenzie Sullivan, Brand Manager of Truck Writers, Inc. - http://www.truckwriters.com. More information about the film can be found at http://www.bepreparedtostop.org.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.17



By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:



The oil export duties in Russia will increase from $91.9 to $92.7 per ton from November 1, RIA Novosti reported citing the calculations of the countrys Finance Ministry.



The average price for Urals stood at $45.73 per barrel, or $333.8 per ton during the period of monitoring from Sept.15 till Oct.14, according to the website of the Ministry of Finance of Russia.



The duties on high-viscosity oil will rise from $11.1 to $11.2, light oil products and oils - from $36.7 to $37 per ton, dark oil products  from $75.3 to $76.



This is while the duties on the export of marketable gasoline in Russia will increase from $56 to $56.5, naphta export  from $65.2 to $65.8 per ton.



The duties on coke export will rise from $5.9 to $6 per ton in this country.
YA, the industry market leader in delivering flawless, omni-channel marketing promotions for the nations most respected brands, today announced several new staff appointments.

We are pleased that these talented new hires will contribute to YAs consistent growth trajectory, said YA President and CEO Chris Behrens. These people will help to ensure we enhance our already strong operations and client delivery in many areas of the organization.

Alexia Farrell has joined YA as a Data Analyst on the companys Client Insights and Analytics team. Most recently, she served as an Analytics and Integration Team Intern at Relationship One. Farrell recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisc., with a Masters degree in Applied Psychology. She also received a Bachelor of Art degree in Psychology, with a minor in Marketing, from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Katy Gagne has joined YA as Finance Manager, Revenue, in the companys Finance and Accounting department. She brings with her 13 years of experience. Gagnes most recent position was with Gagne Consulting as a Financial Consultant. Previously, she held the roles of Senior Marketing Analyst at Bluestem Brands, and Senior Financial Analyst at Xata Corporation.

Gagne earned her Bachelor of Art degree in Management from the University of Minnesota  Morris, and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn.

Debbie Kawas has joined YA as the Billing Manager in the companys Finance and Accounting Department. Kawas brings with her 15 years of experience in finance. Her most recent position was with Novus Media, Corp., as a Media Budget Project Manager. Previously, she held the role of Marketing Communication Project Manager/ Planner at Thomson-Reuters.

Kawas earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Finance with a Minor in Economics, from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota  Twin Cities.

Alfredo Mendoza has joined YA as Director, Contact Center Oversight in the companys Operations department. Mendoza will oversee DataMark, YAs Contact Center operations partner in Juarez, Mexico. He brings with him 20 years of operations experience. Mendozas most recent position was with Hinduja Global Solutions as a Senior Director of Operations. In a previous role, he was an Executive Vice President at S Data Solutions.

Mendoza earned his Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree in Production from Instituto Technologico de Ciudad in Juarez, Mexico. He is a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt.

Samantha Stanke has joined YA as a Reporting Analyst on the companys Client Insights and Analytics team. She recently earned her Bachelors degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Minnesota  Twin Cities. While a student, she served as a test engineering intern at Global Traffic Technologies.

About YA

For more than 40 years, YA has been a leader in the promotional marketing services space. We deliver flawless digital, social, mobile and traditional promotions such as rebates/rewards, enter to win and loyalty programs for the nations most respected brands. Our end-to-end management of 3,500+ promotions that reach tens of millions of consumers annually makes us experts at turning even first-time customers into loyal brand advocates. For more information, visit: http://www.yaengage.com.
Known for creating the art of Verdadism, Soraida Martinez was honored for her contributions to the Latino community, both as an artist and an advocate for social change. This cultural legacy award was presented to the artist by The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey during its Hispanic Heritage Month Annual Fundraising Event on October 12, 2016. The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey awards merit scholarships to law students so they can continue their legal studies at Rutgers Law School-Newark, Seton Hall University Law School, Rutgers Law School-Camden and other area law schools. A small exhibition of original Verdadism paintings will be on display at this event.

Since 1992, the artist has been creating paintings juxtaposed with written social commentaries that promote hope, tolerance and self-empowerment. Many of the Verdadism paintings and social commentaries address racism, sexism, stereotyping and the social issues that affect Latinos, Women, African-Americans, and the disenfranchised members of American society. Many of the artists paintings have been featured in college and university textbooks on Latino studies.

According to Soraida, "to be recognized by The Hispanic Bar Association for contributing to the arts and Latino culture makes me feel like the Art of Verdadism has come of age. Plus, the award is coming from an organization that embodies my views about the importance of education for the Latino community, so it means that much more to me.

Founded in 1980, the Hispanic Bar Association of NJ is a 501 (c)(6) statewide organization which represents the interests of attorneys, judges, law professors and law students who share a common interest in resolving the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

About the Artist

An important contemporary artist, Soraida Martinez is a painter known for creating Verdadism, a mix media painting genre decades ahead of the current sociopolitical times. In 1992, Verdadism boldly marked todays socially conscious movement by advocating social change. The artist is recognized for her innovative artistic achievements, plus the unique value she brings to American culture. She has been chosen by the U.S. Department of State as one of the 15 most prominent Hispanic Americans in the arts shaping the U.S. cultural scene. She has also been selected by Huffington Post as among the 10 best Latino artists in the United States.

The large, bold, hardedge and colorful abstract paintings created by Soraida address the universal human experience in the hope of promoting social change. In 1999, Soraida wrote a book on the art and philosophy of Verdadism. As Soraida says, Verdadism means to empower yourself with your own truth and go for it."

For more information on The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, visit http://www.njhba.org. For information on Soraida and the art of Verdadism, visit http://www.soraida.com.
Were very proud to be able to contribute to this worthy cause

All Year Cooling, a South Florida air conditioning installation and repair company, will be donating a portion of all income from installations in the month of October to Cancer.org. These donations will be made to increase Breast Cancer Awareness and aid in researching and developing new technology to fight the disease. Breast cancer research will benefit current patients and allow for continued screening for early detection and prevention.

So many people in our community are affected by breast cancer, says President Thomas Smith, so were very proud to be able to contribute to this worthy cause.

All Year Cooling has devoted the entire month of October to Breast Cancer Awareness not only by donating, but also by dedicating their website to the Breast Cancer Awareness color, pink. This will be the third year that All Year Cooling has donated a portion of their revenue to Cancer.org.

Cancer.org is a great way for people to get involved with donating to various types of cancer research. Since working with them, the company has been able to raise a considerable amount for the cause. All Year Cooling is very involved with not only charity, but also the South Florida local community. With donations through DonorsChoose.com and their Cool Cash Rewards Club, the company is able to improve education in South Florida and donate tickets to fun events like the Bacon Bash at Riverwalk.

Established in 1973, All Year Cooling has completed over 150,000 air conditioner installations in South Florida. Their goal is to provide the consumer with the best overall value on new air conditioner installations, maintenance, and repairs. As a family-owned business, its their mission to provide quality service and remain a trusted part of the South Florida community.

To see how you can help with their donation to Breast Cancer Awareness, please visit their website to schedule an A/C installation.
The Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) will be partnering with the Illinois Office of Tourism to represent the state at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival during its 25th anniversary celebration. The Magnificent Mile invites visitors to kick off the holiday season with a day full of family fun. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will lead an unforgettable evening lighting parade down North Michigan Avenue, illuminating more than one million lights on 200 trees. But first, on November 19, 2016 from 11AM  4PM, in the consumer exposition area, Lights Festival Lane, the Illinois Office of Tourism will be using their mobile Tourism Information Center to offer attendees the Travel Illinois magazine and other statewide information. In addition, to best showcase some of the amazing experiences throughout the state, visitor bureaus such as the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau have been invited to highlight their destinations. The CVB will be showing visitors how they can capture the moment with great places to stay, things to do, taste and see in Galena & Jo Daviess County in northwest Illinois.

The Galena/Jo Daviess County CVB (galena.org) is honored to be a part of the 25th year of this popular festival in downtown Chicago, which sees over 50,000 visitors annually. "Our partners in Jo Daviess County are helping us offer chances to win overnight packages to our destination, restaurant vouchers and more," says Executive Director, Katherine Walker. "Stop by our booth in Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Avenue, to enter our magnificent giveaways and learn more about your next Great Midwest Getaway!"

The Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) was established in 1983 as a department of county government and is certified by the State of Illinois. The Bureaus mission is to promote Galena/Jo Daviess County as the Midwests Premier Destination Getaway for overnight visitors. Find travel information on their mobile-friendly website, galena.org. Follow and tag the CVB in your getaway photos @enjoygalenactry on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Westshore Village We are getting a lot of residents that have been craving a moderately priced but luxury housing product that Westshore has lacked for decades.

ICON Residential recently broke ground on the phase 1 of their modern townhome community, Westshore Village, located in the heart of Westshore. The community is comprised of a collection of 92 contemporary townhomes featuring 6 unique floorplans ranging from 1,400 and 2,500 square-feet, with pricing starting from the $300s. Designed with luxury in mind these townhomes feature a natural, minimalist theme separating itself from the hustle and bustle that living in Westshore can bring.

Townhouses feature rooftop balconies, open floor plan designs, and a collection of designer finish packages to suit your individual style. Tara Townsend with Crestview Reality is the exclusive agent selling the homes and the sales office will be located at address 2511 North Grady Avenue, Tampa FL 33607.

Situated within one of Floridas most enviable expanding areas, Westshore Village gives residents access to explore the metro Tampa area, while still being tucked away in the center of one of Tampas most fast-growing zip codes. Being in close proximity to Tampas best restaurants, most popular shopping centers, and endless things to explore Westshore Village is ideally located for an energized lifestyle. Nearby to Westshore Village, you can navigate Tampas International Airport only minutes away, white sand beaches, and a city full of rich history and interesting people.

We specialize in developing beautifully designed townhomes in desirable infill locations across the Southeast, our teams core strategy is to re-urbanize alluring neighborhoods that offer a live-work-play environment, explained Bednarski. Exclusive agent Tara Townsend said, this community has been tremendous success, we are getting a lot of residents that have been craving a moderately priced but luxury housing product that Westshore has lacked for decades.

About Icon Residential Development

Founded in Tampa, FL in 2009 by Principals Mike Bednarski, Ryan Studzinski and Peggy Tseung, ICON Residential is a real estate investment and development company, with a strong background in residential real estate investing, construction, brokerage and development.

ICON embraces New Urbanist design principles, such as accessibility to an active urban environment, and promotes the opportunity for a live, work, play lifestyle. The companys market approach is tailored to contemporary for-sale housing targeting middle income households and empty nesters primarily in the southeastern United States where it creates innovative and desirable custom solutions for infill, for-sale housing. ICONs portfolio contains a growing collection of boutique urban communities that showcase the companys innovative approach to architecture, design and planning. ICON Residential has offices in Tampa, Atlanta and New York. For more information, please visit http://www.iconresliving.com or email info(at)iconresliving(dot)com.
Christ in Me - The Transforming Power of God's Love and Grace I hope readers come to thrive in the liberating realization that the Spirit of Christ lives in us to lead us in His ways, to strengthen us in His power, and to mold us in His character Past News Releases RSS Xulon Press Announces the Release...

Xulon Press Announces the Release...

Xulon Press Announces the Release...

Paul Nordmans new book, Christ in Me - The Transforming Power of God's Love and Grace, ($13.99, paperback, 9781498480642; $6.99, e-book, 9781498480659) shares 48 daily reflections, that celebrate Gods deep desire and His amazing plan for all who believe in His Son  effective transformation from the inside out. The author explores both ones identity in Christ and their transformation into His character in an engaging and relatable way. Through helpful stories and analogies, this powerful book exposes a persons sinful nature for what it is  defeated and powerless  and rejoices in fullness of life in Christ.

According to the author, Jesus lives in each person who believes in Him. It is He who proclaims who they are. When one entrusts himself or herself to His care, that person will experience fullness of life in Him, even as they grow in His character. He explains that in faith, everyone can rejoice in the presence of God, for they are as welcome there as the sinless Savior who made them His own. He also encourages readers to stop kicking themselves for their wrongs and letting failures define them. He wants readers to understand that Gods plan for them is higher, kinder, and fuller than anything one can imagine.

When we let our sins define us, we become discouraged, self-consumed and, ultimately, ineffective in loving God and serving others in His name, states the author. I hope readers come to thrive in the liberating realization that the Spirit of Christ lives in us to lead us in His ways, to strengthen us in His power, and to mold us in His character.

Heres what others are saying about this book:

Christ in Me points us to a mature walk in Christ and shows how He truly does set us free. Pauls book inspired me, and I highly recommend it to all.  Steve Johnston, CEO, Cincinnati Insurance Companies

Through real-life stories and helpful analogies, Pauls book captures the heart and instills in it the desire to apply Gods word to everyday struggles and opportunities. Never have I been so encouraged and called to action through a devotional book.  Cindy Monroe, Founder & CEO, Thirty-One Gifts

Paul Nordman held several executive leadership positions in the property-casualty insurance industry before retiring from a thirty-five-year career. He serves on the advisory board of The Salvation Army Columbus Area Services and is an active volunteer in Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc. Paul is also the author of weekly posts in his A Word for Wednesday blog site. He currently resides in Columbus, Ohio.

For more information about the author or his outstanding book, please visit his website at:

http://paulnordman.com. Paul Nordmans weekly blog can be read on http://paulnordman.com/blog/.

Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order Christ in Me - The Transforming Power of God's Love and Grace through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. The book is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

Media Contact: Paul Nordman

Email: author.paul.nordman(at)gmail(dot)com
Luigui Corral, broker/owner of RE/MAX United in Wheeling and Round Lake Beach, Ill., recently became the first Hispanic member of the board of directors of the North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors (NSBAR). Corrals three-year term on the NSBAR board began on Sept. 15.

The Hispanic population in the communities served by NSBAR has increased steadily in recent years. Currently, Hispanic homebuyers represent 67 percent of all first-time buyers in the NSBAR market area, said Corral, who is a past president of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), as well as one its most productive brokers in terms of annual sales.

Just as the number of Hispanic homebuyers has grown, so has the number of Hispanic real estate brokers serving the NSBAR market area.

Im pleased to be a voice for both those groups within the NSBAR board, he said.

Corral moved to the Chicago area from Florida in 2005 and now lives in Lake Zurich, Ill. He earned his real estate license and joined RE/MAX in 2007. Three years later he and a partner acquired RE/MAX United of Wheeling and later opened a second office in Round Lake Beach. RE/MAX United currently has a roster of 30 affiliated brokers.

My first goal as a board member will be to work in those areas, such as marketing, technology and membership, where I believe I have strong skills and can add value. At the same time, I want to help spread the message that Hispanics and immigrants of all kinds are honest, smart, hardworking people with good values who are very thankful for what this country offers and what it stands for, and not the bad people that have been implied in the media by some politicians.

RE/MAX agents consistently rank among the most productive in the industry. In 2015, RE/MAX Northern Illinois agents averaged 18 transaction sides. RE/MAX has been the leader in the northern Illinois real estate market since 1989 and is continually growing. The RE/MAX Northern Illinois network, with headquarters in Elgin, Ill., consists of more than 2,300 sales associates and 106 independently owned and operated RE/MAX offices that provide a full range of residential and commercial brokerage services. Its mobile real estate app, available for download at http://www.illinoisproperty.com, provides comprehensive information about residential and commercial property for sale in the region. The northern Illinois network is part of RE/MAX, a global real estate organization with 104,000+ sales associates in 90+ nations.

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EDITORS NOTE: RE/MAX is a registered trademark. Please spell in all caps. Thank you. This release is posted at blog.illinoisproperty.com.
To further assist the healthcare community in these challenging times, we are excited to announce the opening of our new state of art call center.

Plans to open another operations office in Melbourne, Florida were initiated by the continued growth the company has experienced over the past two years. The new office, which includes up to 250 more seats and office space, will be the companys sixth office. The new office will be the second in Melbourne, Florida and brands MDS as a major employer of that area. The company also has offices in Vero Beach, FL; Sebring, FL and Gadsden, AL.

Today Healthcare Executives are challenged to keep pace with escalating financial pressures, changing regulations and revenue demands. Any disruption in the revenue cycle can result in an undesired effect on their net income. To further assist the healthcare community in these challenging times, we are excited to announce the opening of our new state of art call center. This new facility will provide additional resources to expand and strengthen our service offerings while continuing to ensure our clients receive the greatest net back and high level of service they have come to expect from us. said Rick Masterson, President of MDS.

MDS partners with each Client by creating a customized and innovative solution to achieve their revenue goals. Utilizing MDS proprietary technology and counseling approach with patients, allows us to exceed Clients expectations on services provided and overall recoveries on accounts where other agencies have fallen short. The opening of MDS new state of art call center will permit service delivery growth, while ensuring our current Clients continue to receive the high level of service they have come to expect from MDS.

About MDS

MDS is exclusively healthcare focused servicing 460+ facilities nationwide. Clients range from large multi facility health systems to small rural hospitals which encompasses for-profit, not for-profit, and faith based facilities.

MDS has a reputation spanning 3 decades as being an industry leader who delivers a high recovery/netback with little to no complaints. MDS is able to do so with a high regard to ethics, integrity and continuous reinvestment into their company. MDS has a conservative approach in processes applied to the recovery of accounts. They will not risk themselves or their Clients reputation in the pursuit of account recovery.

With Clients nationwide and in Alaska and the U.S. Virgin islands, MDS continues to pursue their development goals by offering a complete suite of revenue cycle solutions including: Extended Business Office (Early Out), Primary and Secondary Bad-Debt Collections services. They also offer System Conversion A/R Assistance, for those endeavoring in a major systems platform change, and also detailed A/R recovery projects.

For additional information on the expansion and growth of MDS, or any other MDS related information, please contact Cheryl Spanier, Director, Business Development/ Client Services at cspanier(at)meddatsys(dot)com | 888-773-2255 or visit our website at http://www.meddatsys.com.
In our commitment to being a company that everyone wants to work for, we continue to encourage and look for new ways to incorporate health and wellness in our workplace

Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) is honored to be the recipient of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America Award. This coveted honor is given only to 100 of the 5,000 U.S. companies that apply for the award each year. This is the third top workplace honor for PHLY in the past month, in addition to the 2016 Best Places to Work in Insurance and 2016 Best Places to Work in PA awards.

On September 26, 2016, before 3,000 attendees from over 100 countries, PHLY was presented with this award during the 8th Annual Employer Healthcare & Benefits Congress (EHBC) in Washington, D.C.

Health and wellness has been an important part of Philadelphia Insurance Companies culture since day one, shared PHLYs president and CEO Bob OLeary. In our commitment to being a company that everyone wants to work for, we continue to encourage and look for new ways to incorporate health and wellness in our workplace.

PHLY has a state-of-the-art 17,000 square-foot health club in its Bala Cynwyd, PA headquarters, which is free to all employees. Employees in offices across the country are eligible for gym membership reimbursements and an extra 15 minutes at lunch for exercise. In 2015, PHLY implemented a wellness program that encourages employees to prioritize health beyond physical fitness through biometric screenings, stress management, and other initiatives.

Employers across the country are making remarkable strides in worksite health and were excited to partner with the EHBC to highlight their successes at the Annual Employer Healthcare & Benefits Congress, said Phil Daniels, co-founder of the Healthiest Employer Award Program.

To be considered for this award, companies are scored via a 1-100 metric that examines six critical elements of workplace wellness:



Culture and leadership commitment

Foundational components

Annual planning

Communications and marketing

Programming and interventions

Reporting and analysis

Visit PHLY.com/Careers for information about career opportunities and PHLYs healthy culture.

About Philadelphia Insurance

Philadelphia Insurance Companies designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products, incorporating value-added coverages and services for select industries. In operation since 1962, the Company, whose commercial lines insurance subsidiaries are rated A++ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and A+ for counterparty credit and financial strength by Standard & Poors, is nationally recognized as a member of Ward's Top 50, National Underwriters Top 100, and one of the Top 150 Workplaces in America. Policies are underwritten by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company, admitted in all U.S. states and D.C., except Louisiana, and Tokio Marine Specialty Insurance Company, a surplus lines insurer admitted in Delaware for surplus lines and authorized in all other U.S. states and D.C. The organization has more than 50 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service. For more information, please visit http://www.PHLY.com.

About Healthiest Employers

The Healthiest Employers is the nations leading worksite wellness recognition program, with participation from over 18,000 employers that represent 60 million employee lives. Through the Springbuk health analytics platform, Healthiest Employer enables employers to unify health data, target engagement and improve outcomes in their population. Learn more at http://www.HealthiestEmployers.com and http://www.Springbuk.com.
TMNA Services (TMNAS) is honored to be the recipient of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America Award. This coveted accolade is given only to 100 of the 5,000 U.S. companies that apply for the award each year. This is the third top workplace honor for TMNAS in the past month, in addition to the 2016 Best Places to Work in Insurance and 2016 Best Places to Work in PA awards.

On September 26, 2016, before 3,000 attendees from over 100 countries, TMNAS was presented with this award during the 8th Annual Employer Healthcare & Benefits Congress (EHBC) in Washington, D.C.

Our recent top workplace awards can be attributed to our The Good Life wellness program and guiding To Be a Good Company principles and values, shared Akira Harashima, president and CEO of Tokio Marine North America, Inc. & TMNAS. Being named one of the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America demonstrates our dedication to providing our employees with a workplace culture that supports their well-being and empowers them to make their health a priority.

TMNAS implemented The Good Life employee wellness program in 2015. The program provides resources to help employees care for themselves and their dependents, and monthly engagement activities to promote healthy living. Employees at TMNAS Bala Cynwyd headquarters and their spouses are eligible to utilize the on-site fitness facility at no cost. Employees at other locations are eligible for discounted gym memberships and/or fitness reimbursements. TMNAS also allows an extended lunch time for employees choosing to exercise.

Employers across the country are making remarkable strides in worksite health and were excited to partner with the EHBC to highlight their successes at the Annual Employer Healthcare & Benefits Congress, said Phil Daniels, co-founder of the Healthiest Employer Award Program.

To be considered for this award, companies are scored via a 1-100 metric that examines six critical elements of workplace wellness:



Culture and leadership commitment

Foundational components

Annual planning

Communications and marketing

Programming and interventions

Reporting and analysis

Visit TMNAS.com/WhyChoose.aspx for information about career opportunities and the rewarding TMNAS culture.

About TMNA Services

TMNA Services, LLC (TMNAS) was established in 2012 as the shared services company for Tokio Marine North America, Inc. (TMNA), the U.S. holding company for the Japan-based Tokio Marine Group. With headquarters located in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, TMNAS provides value-added services to all TMNA Group Companies, including Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH), and Tokio Marine America (TMA) and its insurance companies. TMNAS range of services includes Actuarial, Corporate Communications, Facilities, Finance & Accounting, Human Resources, Information Technology, Internal Audit, , and Legal. These services deliver efficiencies and cost savings through the streamlining of processes while building synergies across business units.

About Healthiest Employers

The Healthiest Employers is the nations leading worksite wellness recognition program, with participation from over 18,000 employers that represent 60 million employee lives. Through the Springbuk health analytics platform, Healthiest Employer enables employers to unify health data, target engagement and improve outcomes in their population. Learn more at http://www.HealthiestEmployers.com and http://www.Springbuk.com.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Oct. 17

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

A bill "On combating human trafficking" was passed in Ashgabat at the meeting of the Turkmen parliament of the fifth convocation, Turkmen government said in a message.

The law defines organizational and legal fundamentals of combating human trafficking, a complex of measures on protection of victims of human trafficking, their rehabilitation and providing them with assistance.

Human trafficking is a global crime and it affects almost all countries in every region of the world. A large part of human trafficking is interregional.

Turkmenistan has adhered to a number of fundamental UN conventions regulating the issues of peace and security, ensuring rights and freedoms of individuals, and steadily follows through on its obligations. Women constitute a significant part of human trafficking victims in Central Asia and Europe, a UN report had said.
Criminal Background Records Having information that is fully compliant within the guidelines of both state and federal law; information that is concise and accurate; and can be provided to a client securely and quickly is what todays hiring managers and HR departments are seeking.

Upgrading and maintaining a fully complaint and legal web portal is critical to any company, but doubly so for background screening companies such as CriminalBackgroundRecords.com. Adam Almeida, President and CEO of CriminalBackgroundRecords.com states: Background screening companies deal with critical personal data and it is vital that absolute compliance to the laws governing that use be thoroughly maintained, both in the requesting and fulfillment of data queries.

With recent upgrades to the CriminalBackgroundRecords.com website the ability to maintain compliance as well as fulfill customers specific and unique needs has been significantly improved.

Small changes to a system can have a significant impact to a clients experience and greatly impact the value of information retrieved, Almeida states. Accuracy is one of the most important values a third-party background screening company can provide to a business or organization.

Background screening relies on the use of public records. The use of public records in employment screening is tightly controlled by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. But it is also important to note that states can and do provide parameters to the use of public records as well.

Almeida states: Some states have very specific requirements as to what information they will provide. Changes to the website now work with very specific input, thereby providing a narrower range of information retrieval but a range that is much more accurate and legally compliant.

Some states have very specific requirements in regards to reporting convictions.

Almeida states: California, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York and Washington all have very specific requirements when it comes to employment screening. If one of these states is selected as the State of Employment (the state from which the job applicant will be physically working in), the criminal background records for this employment background check will not return conviction records older than seven years. This upgrade helps employers stay compliant with new state laws by automatically changing the search parameters based on the employment state selected ensuring the criminal background check can only report records within the legal requirements of those states.

The importance of working with a third-party background screening company, especially in regards to pre-employment screening, cannot be understated. CriminalBackgroundRecords.com has now made it even easier for employers to stay compliant with current laws regarding the use of criminal records in the pre-employment screening process including mandating how far back a criminal search can go according to state specific laws.

Almeida adds: Attention to detail is critical. Having the information that is fully compliant within the guidelines of both state and federal law; information that is concise and accurate; and can be provided to a client securely and quickly is what todays hiring managers and HR departments are seeking. CriminalBackgroundRecords.com can provide the information needed to make a well-informed decision and with our recent changes and improvements CriminalBackgroundRecords.com continues to improve.

CriminalBackgroundRecords.com is a third-party background screening company with highly trained operators well versed in the needs and requirements of companies and organizations large and small utilizing public records, such as criminal records, as part of a hiring process. Assisting companies in maintaining full compliance under the law is a central tenet of all client relationships with CriminalBackgroundRecords.com
Parents are usually surprised when they realize their childs eyes are affected by JA and sadly, by the time this is diagnosed, the eyes may already have significant damage already says Dr. Conway.

World-renowned retinal specialist Dr. Mandi Conway was asked by the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation to speak at the 2016 Juvenile Arthritis Conference in July at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix.

Dr. Conway highlighted the plight of children who have severe vision problems even leading to blindness as early as 18 months old due to complications of JA. Unfortunately, children with JA cannot verbalize to their parents that they are having vision problems. Because parents are unaware of their childrens vision problems, it can lead to life-altering consequences for their childs future. Dr. Conway further emphasized the importance of educating physicians and expanding awareness of the need for early screening to curb childrens vision loss and potential blindness through effective eye treatment.

Parents are usually surprised when they realize their childs eyes are affected by JA and sadly, by the time this is diagnosed, the eyes may already have significant damage already says Dr. Conway.

For this reason, Dr. Conway and the University of Arizona teamed up with the Arizona Ophthalmological Society (AOS) Foundation to make eye screening more accessible to children. This partnership is supporting the Mobile Eye Clinic that serves the population of Arizona. University of Arizona is supporting their quest to accelerate the program by providing medical students and faculty from the Department of Ophthalmology to help man the mobile clinics and conduct the pediatric eye screenings.

Dr. Conway stated that This is a perfect outreach program for the University and the Department of Ophthalmology and it is a great way to give back to the community.

The Mobile Eye Clinic conducts free eye screenings for children. Since vision problems are among the telltale signs of JA, early screenings will help prevent these children from vision loss because of the disease. By bringing the Mobile Eye Clinic to Arizona Communities, the vision of many children with JA may be saved.

About Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis affects over 294,000 Americans under the age of 18. Classified as an autoimmune disorder, it causes pain, joint swelling, and stiffness that can become debilitating over a period of time. To make things worse, 10 to 20 percent of children who suffer from JA are at risk of developing severe uveitis, an eye problem that may eventually lead to blindness. If left untreated, it can cause vision problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, permanent vision damage, and blindness.

About Dr. Mandi Conway

Dr. Mandi Conway is considered as one of the most renowned retinal specialists in the world. In the last two decades, she has given hundreds of oral presentations related to research and other ophthalmology-related topics. She has even spoken internationally in the Dominican Republic, Central America, Rome, Hong Kong, and Venice, among others. A forerunner in the industry, she also has over 100 publications in scientific journals and books.

Dr. Conway specializes in medical and surgical retinal care, including Retinal Examinations, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Macular Degeneration, among others. She is currently the Interim Chair of Ophthalmology at the University Of Arizona College Of Medicine, and teaches Clinical Ophthalmology at the Tulane University College of Medicine in New Orleans.

About Arizona Retinal Specialists

Arizona Retinal Specialists provides exemplary Retinal Medical and Surgical Care for the eyes of clients in Sun City West Arizona and the surrounding area with focus on degenerative retinal eye diseases.

More information about Dr. Mandi Conway and the Arizona Retinal Specialists may be accessed at http://www.arizonaretinalspecialists.com and Dr. Conway's website http://www.drmandiconway.com/
Our world now requires that people and businesses partner together to enable far more revolutionary change.

Humanitys Team, The Club of Budapest, The Goi Peace Foundation, and the Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit today announced the formation of the Conscious Business Alliance, that calls for a foundational shift in perspective for the global business community, and the creation of a new standard for 21st century commerce.

The four international NGOs have come together to form a unique partnership that advances a revolutionary business approach which facilitates effective change to avert the growing global crisis.

The current standard of business isnt working. Wealth inequality has never been greater. The richest one percent of the American population now controls 33 percent of the wealth, a disparity in wealth not seen since the 1920s. Its not sustainable for life on earth and people are fed up, said Steve Farrell, President of Humanitys Team. Businesses do not operate in silos. All of life is interconnected. Everything businesses do impacts people, the environment, and the world around them. Our world now requires that people and businesses partner together to enable far more revolutionary change.

Conscious businesses are the greatest hope for humanity at this time of crisis and transformation. While businesses are the biggest source of some of our worlds most challenging problems, they can also offer the greatest potential to help solve these problems, said Ervin Laszlo, Chairman and President of the Club of Budapest. Therein lies an amazing opportunity to break through and upend the status quo by adopting a new conscious business model dedicated to creating prosperity and opportunity for all."

The Conscious Business Alliance includes three key platforms:

1. The Conscious Business Declaration

The Conscious Business Declaration, https://www.humanitysteam.org/conscious-business-initiative, articulates the seven essential principles to define a new standard for business that will dramatically increase economic prosperity while healing the environment and improving human wellbeing. All forward thinking business leaders are encouraged to sign this declaration as the first step to acknowledging these principles and signaling their commitment to follow them. Founding signatories include Marilyn Tam, former President of Reebok and CEO of Aveda; Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever; Deborah Rozman, President & Co-CEO of HeartMath, Rinaldo Brutoco, Founding President of the World Business Academy, and Lance Secretan, former CEO of Manpower.

I signed the Conscious Business Declaration because I believe in a future where business and society and the earth are intimately and purposefully connectedthe first step to true prosperity for our planet, said Marilyn Tam, former President of Reebok and CEO of Aveda.

2. Conscious Business Day

The Conscious Business Alliance is seeking to designate one day out of the year as Conscious Business Day -- when all of humanity will act as conscious consumers and business activists. On this day, through action, we will commit to supporting companies that nurture the earth and operate with economic, social, and ecological transparency. You are encouraged to support the call for Conscious Business Day by signing the Conscious Business Declaration. When sufficient signatures are gathered, the Conscious Business Alliance will petition the United Nations to formally recognize Conscious Business Day.

3. Conscious Business Designation

The Conscious Business Designation is a seal of approval for businesses that demonstrate they are adhering to the principles in the Conscious Business Declaration. This program will launch in mid-2017.

We all understand that healthy profit is essential to a conscious business, but profit should not be the sole measure of success. There is money to be made in solving the worlds biggest problems. Consumers will seek-out brands that stand proudly for ideals that reach beyond quarterly earnings, said Hiro Saionji, Founder & President of the Goi Peace Foundation, Its time for a new bottom line to emerge. The Conscious Business Designation promises to accelerate change in bringing about a new standard of evaluating business performance in a comprehensive way.

The seven principles in the Conscious Business Declaration are guides for businesses to become agents of world benefit, said Chris Laszlo, Professor at Case Western Reserve University. Remind yourself why the for-profit enterprise can be the most powerful positive institution on the planet."

For more information about the Conscious Business Alliance and how to get involved with its programs, please visit: https://www.humanitysteam.org/conscious-business-initiative.

About the Conscious Business Alliance

The Conscious Business Alliance was formed by four international NGOs: Humanitys Team, The Club of Budapest, The Goi Peace Foundation, and the Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit. Its mission is to establish a new conscious business model that that will dramatically increase economic prosperity while healing the environment and improving human wellbeing. The initiative, which is based on seven essential principles that define a new standard for 21st century commerce, was designed for any company to follow. For more information about the Conscious Business Alliance, please visit: http://www.consciousbusinessdeclaration.org/home.
Blue Health Intelligence announced today that Swati Abbott will join a panel of healthcare analytics industry thought leaders to discuss the Value of Data Integration. The panel discussion will occur on Monday, October 24th at 1 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel in Piscataway, New Jersey.

During the panel discussion, Abbott will present the Value of Data Integration and cover important topics such as:



How leveraging the power of data and analytics influences future cost trends

Why it is important to understand specialty pharmacy costs, including the relationship with medical expenditures

How analytics helps to lower costs and improve the quality of care for consumers, employer groups, health plans, and other organizations

About Blue Health Intelligence

Blue Health Intelligence (BHI) is the nations premier health intelligence resource, delivering data-driven insights about healthcare trends and best practices, resulting in healthier lives and more affordable access to safe and effective care. The power to BHIs insights lies within our team of analytics experts and advanced technology, coupled with access to the greatest number of healthcare claims  165 million lives  gathered over 10 years in a safe, HIPAA-compliant, secure database. The resulting conformed, reliable data set has the broadest, deepest pool of integrated medical and pharmacy claims, reflecting medical utilization in every ZIP code.

Blue Health Intelligence (BHI) is a trade name of Health Intelligence Company, LLC. an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit http://www.bluehealthintelligence.com/.

About the 66th Annual Roy A. Bowers Pharmaceutical Conference: Transparency and Accountability in Health Care

This conference is organized by Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. This conference will address and provide attendees:


The Big Blue Blocks have been on our radar as an educational opportunity that would provide a Wow! factor for our students. Gift of Play took something that was already top of mind and made it a possibility.

Imagination Playground, LLC, http://www.imaginationplayground.com, creators of the breakthrough play space concept that encourages child-directed, unstructured free play, announced today the company is on track to achieve its 2016 mission to reach 3 more children with creative play. So far in 2016, the company reports having reached 2,346,367 children at schools and family centers worldwide.

Imagination Playground President and CEO, Dave Krishock, attributes much of the companys mission success to their Gift of Play program, which makes a set of Imagination Playground Big Blue Blocks much more affordable to organizations with financial need.

Mr. Krishock explained, From talking to our many friends and schools and family centers, we know how much they want creative play for their children, but unfortunately funds are not always available. We ran a great program last yearthe Gift of Playoffering an unprecedented discount to get these organizations the help they needed. We decided recently that it was time once again for us to do our part and bring back the Gift of Play. We know it was the right decision, because they tell us over and over.

Expressing her excitement over Gift of Play, Jessica James, Director of Communications at Colorado Springs School said, The Big Blue Blocks have been on our radar as an educational opportunity that would provide a Wow! factor for our students. I saw an article about Gift of Play on Facebook that I forwarded to our administrators. It took something that was already top of mind for us and made it a possibility!

Debbie Anderson, Assistant Director of Education, Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, Michigan, expressed similar sentiments, saying, "We wanted to create an area where younger children can design and create. The gift we received really helped us to be able to add it quickly, and potentially we may add more!"

Pat Morgan of Childs World School in Encino, CA also expressed enthusiasm over the difference Gift of Play made for their school. It was really good! she said. We would not have been able to get the blocks otherwise!

Schools and Family Centers, interested in learning more about Imagination Playground and the Gift of Play program are encouraged to call 1-678-604-7466, email ContactUs(at)ImaginationPlayground(dot)org or visit http://www.imaginationplayground.com/promotions/gift-of-play.html

About Imagination Playground, LLC

Imagination Playground is a breakthrough play space concept developed to encourage child-directed, creative free play. The kind of play that experts say is critical to childrens intellectual, social, physical and emotional development. Created by architect and designer David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, Imagination Playground enables children to play, dream, build and explore endless possibilities. Imagination Playground finds its home in daycare centers, kindergartens, elementary schools, childrens museumsand science, nature, discovery centers, camps, community centers, childrens hospitals, hotels, public parks and morein North America and over 60 countries overseas. For more information, visit http://www.imaginationplayground.com
Milgard Mustard Seed Volunteers 1 Add a quotableWe are tremendously grateful to everyone at Milgard for their help, said Casey Knittel, director of Mustard Seed School. They fulfilled some dreams we have had for our school for a long time, but didn't have the resources to accomplish."

Forty volunteers from the Sacramento office of Milgard Windows & Doors worked hard to paint and refresh the Mustard Seed School for homeless children.

Mustard Seed is a free, private school that provides a safe, nurturing and structured learning environment for homeless children ages 3 to 15 years old. Their focus is to provide a positive learning experience, happy memories, and support their students with resources for food, clothing, shelter and counseling so they can strive to reenter the public school system.

The Milgard Sacramento Matching Gift/Community Action Team (MG/CAT) brought together forty volunteers that included Milgard employees, family members and friends. They met at 7am on a Saturday and worked all day to beautify the Mustard Seed elementary school.

The community event was a great success, said Roma Brandon, marketing representative at Milgard Windows & Doors. We painted the exterior front and trim of 4 buildings, re-roofed the patio area, installed 10 Milgard Style Line Series vinyl windows, re-barked the playground, re-painted the outdoor chalkboard wall, planted vegetables and flowers, put bark in the flower beds and pea gravel in the picnic area, hung new curtains in the pre-school room, painted the office lobby, 2 offices and restroom, stained the picnic area decking and surrounding planters and painted 3 benches!

We are tremendously grateful to everyone at Milgard for their help, said Casey Knittel, director of Mustard Seed School. They fulfilled some dreams we have had for our school for a long time, but didn't have the resources to accomplish. The volunteers who came were wonderful and generous, and Mustard Seed looks amazing! The kids felt the difference immediately when they came back to school on Monday.

The Mustard Seed School was established in 1989 and has helped over 4,500 children.

About Milgard Windows & Doors Corporation

Milgard Windows & Doors, a Masco company based in Tacoma, Washington, offers a full line of vinyl, wood, fiberglass and aluminum windows and patio doors for builders, dealers and homeowners, all backed by a Full Lifetime Warranty, including parts and labor. The company has been recognized for manufacturing the nations highest quality vinyl windows eight times in a yearly survey sponsored by Hanley-Wood Inc., publishers of BUILDER Magazine. Milgard has approximately 3,800 dealer locations nationwide. For more information, visit milgard.com or call 1.800.MILGARD.

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FinTech Sandbox, a nonprofit that provides FinTech startups free access to financial data and infrastructure to accelerate development, today announced a series of events highlighting the innovative FinTech solutions Sandbox participants have built. Demo Day 3.0, with presentations from US- and UK-based startups, will take place at the Hatch Fenway in Boston on Tuesday, November 1, 2016. A private Fundraising Symposium and Sandbox Alumni reception follow on November 2.

The event will attract more than 350 FinTech Sandbox sponsors, partners, and startups; members of the media, industry analysts, academics, and specially-invited decision-makers from venture funds and financial services firms.

Demo Day 3.0

With free access to financial data, FinTech Sandbox startups have developed cutting edge products that will transform the enterprise and consumer financial services economy. FinTech Sandbox startups use technologies such as machine learning, high-performance computing, blockchain, and virtual reality to tackle some the greatest problems challenging the industry today. This event provides an opportunity to engage with the future of finance. FinTech Sandbox is grateful to S&P Global Market Intelligence, MassMutual Ventures, Deloitte, Dun & Bradstreet, and Xignite for sponsoring the event. This edition of the biannual Demo Day will feature presentations from eight chief executives showcasing the products their companies have developed:

AlphaHat - Building the fastest way for institutional investors to answer questions about financial markets, industries, and companies. (New York)

Amenity Analytics - Creating the worlds most accurate text analytics platform, and empowering users to structure data to reveal important market trends, manage risk, and inform better decisions. (New York)

Aprenita - Offering small and medium sized businesses immediate access to a suite of on-demand financing options aimed at sustainable growth. (New York)

Income& - Reinventing the idea of fixed-income investing with PRIMO, a new kind of investment with high yields and low risk. (San Francisco)

Koyfin - Empowering investors with sophisticated, user-friendly research tools at a fraction of the cost of existing options. (New York)

Panalytics - Providing software to help financial services firms better identify, manage, and respond to regulatory compliance risk and violations. (San Francisco)

Satoru - Using automated machine learning algorithms to help small and medium-sized businesses increase cash flow by minimizing working capital inefficiencies. (Boston)

VendorMach - Developing a network-driven platform that uses predictive analytics to produce the VM Trust Score, increasing SMB liquidity and supply chain visibility and reducing credit risk. (London)

Featured Alumni Speaker

John "Fawce" Fawcett, Founder and CEO of Quantopian, will share the Quantopian story as featured alumni speaker at Demo Day 3.0. Quantopian is a free platform with a vibrant online community of over 90,000 members from 180 countries creating institutional-quality investment algorithms. Quantopian was one of the first companies accepted to the Sandbox program. Fawce is a Co-Founder and Board Member of FinTech Sandbox.

Invitation-only Fundraising Symposium

Demo Day will be followed by a private Fundraising Symposium for FinTech startups hosted by Sandbox sponsor Silicon Valley Bank, and a reception for Sandbox alumni.

Demo Day 3.0 will showcase a new, diverse group of startups that are leveraging data and infrastructure from our partners to meet emerging needs in financial services, said Jean Donnelly, Executive Director of FinTech Sandbox. The next days alumni reception lets us celebrate the success of Sandbox residents who have graduated and are making an impact in the marketplace.

FinTech Sandbox offers data and infrastructure from 30 partners, and collaborates with ten accelerator programs. More than 50 startups from around the world have been accepted as residents. The Sandbox has received more than 250 applications from FinTech entrepreneurs worldwide in the 18 months since launch.

For more information and to register for Demo Day 3.0, visit https://fintechsandboxdemoday.splashthat.com/.

About FinTech Sandbox

FinTech Sandbox is a Boston-based nonprofit that promotes financial technology innovation globally by providing free access to critical data and resources to FinTech entrepreneurs and startups. Sponsors include Fidelity Investments, F-Prime Capital, Thomson Reuters, Silicon Valley Bank, Amazon Web Services, Intel, SIX Financial Information, Goodwin Procter, .406 Ventures, and now State Street. For more information, please visit http://www.FinTechSandbox.org and https://twitter.com/FinTechSandbox.
Andrews Federal Credit Union is teaming up with its community partner, Liberty Tax Service, to co-host a Community Shred & Share Day  so members of the community can safely dispose of old personal records and reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud. Participants can also help those in need by donating nonperishable food items in support of Southern Maryland Food Bank.

At Andrews Federal we are committed to protecting our members sensitive financial information, said Jim Hayes, President & CEO. We aim at being proactive versus reactive in the fight against identity theft and scams.

Participants are allowed to bring up to two containers of confidential information, documents and more to shred. A list of acceptable events can be found on Andrews Federal Credit Unions website at http://www.andrewsfcu.org/shred-day.html.

Location: Charles County Plaza Shopping Center (near Boston Market) Waldorf, MD 20603

Date: October 29, 2016

Time: 10:00am-1:00pm

About Andrews Federal Credit Union

Andrews Federal Credit Union was founded in 1948 to serve the needs of military and civilian personnel by providing a vast array of financial products and services. With over $1 billion in assets, Andrews Federal has grown to serve more than 118,000 members in the District of Columbia, Joint Base Andrews (MD), Springfield, Virginia (VA), Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (NJ), and military installations in central Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In addition, the Credit Union serves as a financial partner with many select employee groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia and New Jersey.

To learn more about Andrews Federal Credit Union and its community involvement, or to become a member, call 800.487.5500 or visit http://www.andrewsfcu.org.
Ray brings a great deal of experience to SBS Group. He has a unique background that blends a host of experience in business process, finance and executive-level management.

SBS Group, an information technology industry leader and innovator, announced today the appointment of Ray Cardonne to the position of Chief Financial Officer. The announcement was made by James Bowman, President and Chief Executive Officer of SBS Group.

Ray brings a great deal of experience to SBS Group. He has a unique background that blends a host of experience in business process, finance and executive-level management. We are excited to have him on-board and to start contributing to our strategic goals and vision, said Bowman.

Cardonne joins SBS Group with over fifteen years of experience and leadership working as a Chief Financial Officer. During his tenure as a Chief Financial Officer, Cardonne has been responsible for managing all financial functions, including accounting, financial reporting, treasury, budgeting and investor relations, human resources, risk management, legal and business information systems. Cardonne also has extensive merger, acquisition and divestiture experience, and substantial business and management experience to supplement his strong finance background. He previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer at DLB Associates, a global engineering firm specializing in the design and construction of web-scale data centers and institutional projects worldwide. Prior to working at DLB Associates, Cardonne held various executive level positions at Berliner Communications, Inc., Refac Optical Group, and Technology Management & Funding, L.P.

Cardonne is a graduate of Lehigh University where he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Finance, a Master of Science degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

"I am very excited to be joining the outstanding team at SBS Group in this exciting period of growth, said Ray Cardonne. SBS Group has a terrific reputation, tremendous capabilities and market leadership positions, which is driven by the dedication and talent of its people. I look forward to working with the team to enhance the supporting infrastructure to handle the growth while simultaneously developing financial strategies to execute on new opportunities in the Microsoft ecosystem."

As Chief Financial Officer, Cardonne will be primarily responsible for the management of the Finance and HR teams as well as the development of SBS Groups IT systems. He will be executing on aligning people, processes and systems to scale with SBS Groups strategic goals and vision.

About SBS Group

SBS Group is a national Microsoft master VAR (Value Added Reseller) with Gold level competency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM). Over the past 30 years, they have been recognized as Microsoft Partner of the Year, Inner Circle Member and Microsoft President's Club member multiple times. The company is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey and operates offices across North America. For more information, please visit SBS Group's website at http://www.sbsgroupusa.com. Follow us on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/sbs-group, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/sbsgroup and find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SBSGroupUSA.
Logo for Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC We felt it was the appropriate time to rebrand Crest to better reflect the investment process and products they provide. We are excited to begin the process of distributing these strategies under the Alpha Quant banner.

American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (American Beacon), a leading provider of investment advisory services to institutional and retail markets, announced today the completion of its acquisition of Crest Investment Partners, LLC (Crest). Effective immediately, Crest will change its name to Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (Alpha Quant) to better reflect its standing as a firm providing quantitative, fundamentally driven investment solutions to institutional and individual clients.

With the completion of the agreement behind us, we felt it was the appropriate time to rebrand Crest to better reflect the investment process and products they provide, Gene L. Needles, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Beacon, said. We are excited to begin the process of distributing these strategies under the Alpha Quant banner.

Each day, we work diligently to generate alpha for our clients through our disciplined, quantitative process, Massimo Santicchia, co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of Alpha Quant, said. Our investment strategies are engineered for alpha and we believe emphatically that Alpha Quant Advisors was a better representation of that value to our clients.

As part of the new identity and rebranding campaign, new visual standards and marketing materials will be produced, including a new logo, a redesigned website as well as social media communities. Targeted outreach to the financial advisor community is also planned to support the new brand.

In addition to separately managed accounts, Alpha Quant provides the quantitative engine behind the SmartALPHA Strategy Indexes, a suite of four rules-based, alpha-seeking equity strategy indices designed to provide active and flexible exposure throughout an economic cycle. These strategies investment objective is to outperform the S&P 500 through both stock selection and sector allocation. The SmartALPHA Strategy Indexes include SmartALPHA Cyclical Growth, SmartALPHA Cyclical Value, SmartALPHA Defensive Growth and SmartALPHA Defensive Value.

About American Beacon Advisors

Established in 1986, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. is a leading provider of investment advisory services to institutional and retail markets. American Beacon Advisors serves defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, foundations, endowments, corporations and other institutional investors, as well as retail clients. The firm also provides corporate cash management and fixed-income separate account management.

American Beacon Advisors manages the American Beacon Funds, a series of competitively priced mutual funds. The Funds employ a manager of managers investment style and currently include international and domestic equity, fixed-income and money market funds. As of June 30, 2016, American Beacon Advisors had $51.7 billion in assets under management. For more information, go to http://www.americanbeaconfunds.com or follow on Twitter via @AmBeacon.

About Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC

Founded in September 2011, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC is an independent registered investment advisory firm. Alpha Quant was formed in an effort to provide innovative investment solutions to institutional and individual clients. Alpha Quant offers three proprietary products: equity strategies, strategy indexes and multi-asset portfolios. Employing a quantitative yet fundamentally driven investment process, Alpha Quant designs active strategies intended to deliver above-market performance. For more information, go to http://www.alphaquantadvisors.com.

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Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 17

By Demir Azizov Trend:

Abdulaziz Kamilov, Uzbek foreign minister, and Iyad Ameen Madani, secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), who is on a visit to Tashkent, discussed the issues related to the 43rd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers October 17.

The session will kick off October 18 as part of Uzbekistan's chairmanship in the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.

The two sides exchanged views on the agenda and other practical aspects of the ministerial meeting and confirmed the interest in successful holding of the upcoming forum.

The meeting participants will discuss the maintenance of the interstate dialogue, making joint efforts to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as intensifying cooperation in political, economic, scientific, educational and cultural spheres.

More than 100 resolutions are planned to be adopted during the meeting.

The Tashkent Declaration, which will reflect the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian issues, which are on the OIC agenda, as well as the priorities of Uzbekistans forthcoming chairmanship in the OIC, must be the main outcome document.

The OIC was established in 1969 to ensure Islamic solidarity in social, economic and political spheres. The organization has 57 member states.

Uzbekistan became an OIC member in 1996.
Advantage 2016 is the must-attend event for Intacct customers and partners.

AcctTwo, Intacct's overall Partner of the Year for three years running, will be a Gold Sponsor at this year's Intacct Advantage Conference at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, FL from Oct. 24-28. Advantage 2016 is the must-attend event for Intacct customers and partners. From introductory workshops to advanced training, a full range of sessions are available to customize the conference eaxperience for each attendee. In addition, attendees can access direct support from Intacct experts, meet Intaccts partners to learn about other software systems already integrated with Intacct, and network with peers at evening events to share best practices and unwind after a productive day. Optional pre-conference training courses are also available for more in-depth education.

The agenda for the conference is available for planning purposes. The AcctTwo team will be available at Booth #17.

About AcctTwo:

AcctTwo is a leading consulting firm and reseller of cloud-based accounting and financial management software. Our sophisticated systems solve the issues growing middle market companies and nonprofits face today. AcctTwo also provides Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) solutions, allowing clients to focus on the core competencies of their business. We provide the people, processes, technology, and office facilities to perform these functions, while allowing clients to collaborate interactively through an on-line portal.

AcctTwo is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit http://www.accttwo.com or call 713-744-8400.

Contacts:

Peter Wagner

Director of Marketing

AcctTwo

Cell: 512.415.6846

Email: pwagner(at)accttwo.com

Chris Wailes

VP, National Media Relations

Pierpont Communications

Direct: 713.627.2223

Email: cwailes(at)piercom.com
Professor Carlos Simon Professor Simon is a renowned national and international figure, with numerous awards including the prestigious Premio Jaime I de Investigacion Clinica (Jaime I Prize for Clinical Investigation) in 2011.

The research career of Professor Carlos Simon, Scientific Director of IVI and Igenomix, has been recognized during the opening ceremony of the 72nd Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), held in Salt Lake City (Utah, USA), where he was presented with the ASRM Distinguished Researcher Award, an honorary award which has to date only been given to 11 researchers in this field, now Professor Simon is the first European to join this select group.

His pioneering contributions, both basic and clinical, in reproductive medicine together with his essential contributions in the field, have not only helped the development of this area of medicine but also specialists around the world to improve their results and thereby help every couple that cannot conceive and dream to have their own healthy baby. All this has been the determining factor as to why Professor Simon was proposed for this award.

Professor Simon, whose scientific career has been based on investigating clinically relevant unresolved issues and looking to new technology for solutions, is today one of the most knowledgeable experts on the human endometrium. He has more than twenty awards endorsing his scientific career and half of these have been international.

"It's a real honor for me, as a clinician and research scientist, to be recognized by ASRM, one of the most important societies in the world of reproductive medicine. I am extremely proud to be a part of that small list of pioneers, " said Professor Simon after collecting his award from the ASRM President, " this award is also for my team, who started with me in IVI and followed me to Igenomix he added.

The ASRM Distinguished Researcher Award, recognizes the work of those members of the society who have excelled in their outstanding contributions to clinical or basic research in reproduction over the past 10 years. ASRM dedicates this award to researchers who demonstrate a continuing commitment and long-term advances in research in the field of reproductive sciences as well as in the education of future scholars in this area.

About Professor Carlos Simon

Born in Spain (Valencia, 1961) Professor Carlos Simon is a specialist and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Valencia, Scientific Director of IVI and Igenomix, a Professor at Stanford University and the Baylor College of Medicine, USA.

Since 1991 he has contributed with his pioneering work and research to providing clinical solutions to problems that cause infertility. Using microarray technology, Professor Simon found the transcriptomic signature of identified genes present in human endometrial receptivity and published his findings in 20 papers, the first of which was the most cited in the Journal of Molecular Human Reproduction.

The clinical realisation of his results led to the creation of a patent to create a customized array called Endometrial Receptivity Array (ERA) designed to ascertain the molecular diagnosis of endometrial receptivity in infertile patients (Fertil Steril. 2011) and these days ASRM recognizes its proven success, which has delivered pregnancy rates of 85%. Professor Simon also created a database on endometrial receptivity that is freely available and managed by Valencia University.

The scientific impact of his work is reflected in the production of 384 articles published in international journals that total a cumulative impact factor of 1667.545. His work has received a total of 12,754 citations with an average of 34 citations per article. He has an h index of 65 and is has published 18 books in English, Spanish and Portuguese and 20 monographic notebooks, making him one of the most prolific Spanish scientists in the world.

As an inventor, his research has resulted in 16 patents, 15 international and 1 national for biotech products that are produced and distributed by Igenomix, the Spanish biotechnology company currently headed by Professor Simon.

Professor Simon is a renowned national and international figure, with numerous awards including the prestigious Premio Jaime I de Investigacion Clinica (Jaime I Prize for Clinical Investigation) in 2011.

About Igenomix

IGENOMIX is a biotechnology company that provides advanced services in genetic reproduction. It has a wealth of experience and advanced research capabilities that has made this company one of the world leaders in its field, enabling it to provide effective solutions tailored to different infertility problems. The company has a presence in Valencia, Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Mexico D.F, Sao Paulo, Dubai and Delhi with a team of more than 165 qualified professionals worldwide.

Further information about the company at http://www.igenomix.com

About IVI

IVI was born in 1990 as the first medical institution in Spain to specialize entirely in human reproduction. Today, it has more than 50 clinics in 11 countries and is a leader in reproductive medicine.

For further company information: http://www.ivi.es
We know that mystery readers will enjoy our inventiveness and surprises.

Organized crime ran rampant throughout the United States during Prohibition, and California was no exception.

In their new book, The Truth Wont Help Them Now, authors Joan Hunter and Steven Cobos take readers on a unique and intriguing murder mystery that highlights the corruption of Los Angeles in 1939.

The fast-paced plot features two separate crimes brought on by gambling, corruption, and gangs. A gritty district attorney and a band of detectives are on the quest to solve these crimes as money, power, and fame become motivating factors that eventually lead to blackmail and murder in a twisting thriller inspired by noir fiction of the past.

I think the atmosphere and mysticism within the book will resonate with readers  especially those who are long-time residents of the Los Angeles area, Hunter said.

With the motivation to leave something of themselves for posterity, the authors, a mother-son duo, fulfilled a life long dream of writing a book with The Truth Wont Help Them Now. They worked to ensure each aspect of the history within the book was accurate by obtaining maps and newspaper articles from the time and interviewing those who lived through the era. They also drew on their personal educational backgrounds to research and round out the story.

We had a great time inventing little tricks to keep the action going, Hunter said. We know that mystery readers will enjoy our inventiveness and surprises.

For more information, visit http://www.hunterandcobos.com/.

The Truth Wont Help Them Now

By Joan Hunter and Steven Cobos

ISBN: 978-1-4917-8958-2

Available in softcover and e-book

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iUniverse

About the authors

Joan Hunter holds a master of arts and a PhD from Claremont and worked in public education for more than forty years. Now retired, Hunter lives with her husband in the Sierras.

Steven Cobos earned a bachelor of arts in social sciences and religious studies from UC Santa Barbara and a Juris Doctor from the University of La Verne. He practiced law for twelve years and has taught classes for adults since 1998. Cobos resides in Southern California.

# # #

For review copies or interview requests, contact:

Jake Doll

317.602.7137

JDoll(at)BohlsenGroup(dot)com
Water Quality Grant to Improve Patchogue Lake To find municipalities, politicians and community leaders who are all equally involved in preserving such a landmark is both remarkable and admirable.

October 13, 2016  St. Josephs College (SJC), Suffolk County and the Village of Patchogue have been awarded more than $49,000 in funding from the Suffolk County Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program to purchase aeration devices to improve the water quality of Patchogue Lake, a water body that borders SJC Long Island to the east and is located within the boundaries of the Village of Patchogue.

I am very grateful for and proud of the collaborative efforts by the Village of Patchogue, St. Josephs College and Legislator Robert Calarco to obtain funds for the restoration of Patchogue Lake, said Mohammad Afzul Rana, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Biology at SJC. We worked together to recognize the importance of ecological sustainability, as it would affect the beauty and restoration of the community. To find municipalities, politicians and community leaders who are all equally involved in preserving such a landmark is both remarkable and admirable.

SJC and the Village of Patchogue worked with Suffolk County Legislator Robert Calarco (D-Patchogue) to apply for funding to improve Patchogue Lake as part of the Clean Lakes in Patchogue (CLIP) Project. The funding, which will be used to obtain and install an aeration system in Patchogue Lake, will benefit the following: improved water flow and circulation; reduced high metal concentrations; increased dissolved oxygen concentration; reduced buildup of poisonous gases; elimination of stress to aquatic organisms; increased water clarity; reduced accumulation of sediments; reduced algal blooms and reduced nutrient releases.

Once the aeration system is installed, SJC faculty and students will work to continually monitor its effectiveness and the overall improvement of the lake. Periodic lake cleanups will also take place in order to remove water flow impediments and reduce muck levels.

For more information about SJC, visit sjcny.edu.

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE

St. Josephs College has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan area with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the College provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility and service. Through SJC Brooklyn, SJC Long Island and SJC Online, the College offers degrees in 49 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs.
Rich Yezzi, VP of Human Resources, and Mark Muskevitsch, CFO, accept the 2016 Deloitte Wisconsin 75 Award on behalf of JX Enterprises.

Earlier this month, JX Enterprises was named to the Deloitte Wisconsin 75 for the 11th time since 2003. At Pier Wisconsin, the morning of October 4, Deloitte honored 75 companies from around Wisconsin for their achievements and the collective impact the companies have made on the economy and communities of Wisconsin.

Every year it is more rewarding than the last to be named among the 74 other companies included on the Wisconsin 75, says Eric Jorgensen, President & CEO of JX Enterprises. It is a testament to our success and our ability to adapt and change with the times.

According to Deloitte, the Wisconsin 75 saw a 140 percent increase in combined revenues between 2010-2016, growing to $122B in 2016. This years Wisconsin 75 employs more than 70,000 people in Wisconsin alone. Even more, nearly 100 percent of the companies included in the Wisconsin 75 give back to their communities by donating time and money to important community initiatives.

Mark Muskevitsch, CFO of JX Enterprises, and Rich Yezzi, Vice President of Human Resources at JX Enterprises, accepted the award on behalf of JX.

It is a nice reflection of what our employees have been able to accomplish this year, says Yezzi. We have grown in more ways than one, and this is a great recognition of that.

The Deloitte Wisconsin 75 recognizes the states largest privately held companies headquartered in Wisconsin for the impact they make on Wisconsins communities and economy. This year, JX was listed as no. 37 on the list.

To be considered for the Deloitte Wisconsin 75, a business must:



Be headquartered in Wisconsin.

Have a majority ownership by an individual, family, or employee stock ownership plan.

Have a minimum of $50 million in annual sales revenue.

Designate a primary industry on the nomination form.

The award shows current and potential employees that we have staying power, says Muskevitsch. It also shows our customers that we are reliable and operate with consistency.

About JX

JX Enterprises is a family-owned, locally-operated group of more than 19 full-service truck dealerships and support services across the Midwest. JX Peterbilt, JX Financial, JX Leasing, JX Truck Center, JX Hino  Chicago, and ALLTrux Capital are all subsidiaries. JX prides itself in their ability to help customers by providing transportation solutions to fit their long- and short-term goals. JX Enterprises was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Hartland, Wisconsin. Visit them at http://www.jxe.com.
Lazydays, The RV Authority and worlds largest RV dealership, announced that current President and CEO Tim Sheehan will be leaving the company. William P. Bill Murnane, current Chairman of the Board, will take over as CEO effective on December 1, 2016 and remain Chairman of the Board.

I would like to thank the amazing employees at Lazydays RV for a life-changing experience. Everyone works hard towards a common vision focused on the customer. This helped grow the company in so many areas. My goal of positioning this great company for the future has been accomplished. Sheehan said. He went on to say, Since day one, leaders throughout the RV industry have been so gracious and willing to support us. Thank you all very much.

The board and I thank Tim for his outstanding leadership, stated Mr. Murnane. Lazydays RV has made great strides under his guidance and is a much stronger company as a result. Tim will be sorely missed, but he has created a system and structure that is well prepared to handle this transition without disrupting Lazydays great progress. I am excited to become a full-time member of the Lazydays management team and work with its tremendous employees. My primary goal is to help Lazydays become the clear dealership of choice in the rapidly growing RV Industry, commented Murnane.

Mr. Murnane has been Chairman of the Board at Lazydays since December 2009. Mr. Murnane is a Principal at Wayzata Investment Partners LLC and has been with the firm since February 2008. Mr. Murnane was Chairman and CEO at Innovex, Inc. from 1999 to 2008. Mr. Murnane holds an undergraduate degree from New Jersey Institute of Technology and graduate degrees from the University of Maryland and the Harvard Business School.

ABOUT LAZYDAYS

Lazydays, founded in 1976, is the worlds largest RV dealership. Based on 126 acres outside Tampa, FL since 1996, Lazydays also has dealerships located in Tucson, AZ as well as three dealerships located in Loveland, Aurora and Longmont, CO.

Lazydays has the largest selection of RV brands in the nation featuring more than 2,500 new and pre-owned RVs, over 300 service bays and two on-site campgrounds with over 700 RV campsites. Lazydays RV Accessories & More offers more than 40,000 accessories online for your shopping convenience. Shop us online or visit one of our store locations in Florida, Arizona and Colorado.

Lazydays has built its reputation on providing an outstanding customer experience with exceptional service and product expertise, and as a place to rest and recharge with other RVers. More than a half million RVers and their families visit Lazydays every year, making it their home away from home. Lazydays has been recognized as a Top 50 RV Dealer by RV Business and as one of Tampa Bays Top Work Places. The Lazydays Employee Foundation, supported by payroll contributions from more than 65% of Lazydays employees, has contributed more than $1.5 million dollars to make many historic changes for at-risk children in the Tampa Bay and Tucson communities.

For most people, Lazydays isn't just the beginning of their journey; it's very much a part of their ride. To learn more, visit http://www.lazydays.com.
Morrison & Foerster, a leading global law firm, is pleased to announce that David Manspeizer and Greg Chopskie have joined the firms Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group in its New York and Washington, D.C. offices, respectively. Mr. Manspeizer joins the firm effective immediately, and Mr. Chopskie joins October 24.

Mr. Manspeizer comes to Morrison & Foerster from WilmerHale where he was a partner in the firms intellectual property (IP) litigation practice and focused on patent litigation, particularly for branded pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. He was formerly chief IP officer for Wyeth, leading a 140-member global IP department. Mr. Chopskie joins Morrison & Foerster from Gilead Sciences where he was associate general counsel for IP and focused on high-profile domestic and international patent litigation. Before that, he served in senior in-house counsel positions at Wyeth and Shionogi. Messrs. Manspeizer and Chopskie worked together at Wyeth and also previously at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner.

David and Greg will significantly expand and enhance our life sciences litigation practice, particularly our work for branded pharmaceutical firms in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. Their additions highlight our continued focus on growing our East Coast IP litigation bench, following Mark Whitakers arrival earlier this year, Michael Jacobs, co-chair of Morrison & Foersters IP Litigation Practice Group, said. David and Greg understand the complex technologies in the pharmaceutical, biologics, diagnostics, and medical device fields, and the critical role IP plays in businesses commercial strategies.

Rich Hung, also co-chair of Morrison & Foersters IP Litigation Practice Group, added: David and Greg are tremendous additions to our diverse bench of litigators. Having worked together at Finnegan and then again at Wyeth, they have complementary practices and are a proven team. Their deep knowledge of the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, and their strong blend of in-house and law firm experience will be valuable assets for our clients.

Mr. Manspeizers practice includes representing pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients in patent litigation. He has served as co-lead counsel in multiple ANDA litigations for branded pharmaceutical companies. He also counsels clients on due diligence, patent strategy, and patent portfolio management. Mr. Manspeizer joined WilmerHale in 2010 after spending over seven years at pharmaceutical and biotech giant Wyeth as Vice-President IP and Associate General Counsel, where he was responsible for all of the companys patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters, including all of its IP litigation matters. He also oversaw diligence, counseling, strategy, IP aspects of transactions, and public policy for Wyeths pharmaceutical, consumer, and animal health divisions. At Wyeth, Mr. Manspeizer directed a strategic patent portfolio focus that yielded a top ranking on The Wall Street Journals patent scorecard for eight consecutive quarters.

Prior to joining Wyeth, Mr. Manspeizer was a partner at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner where his practice focused on patent litigation concerning pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. He earned his J.D. from Rutgers University and his B.A. in biology from the University of Pennsylvania. He is admitted to practice before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the United States Supreme Court and is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

MoFo is an ideal home for me because its IP litigation practice is one of the most respected groups in the world, and it also has an outstanding reputation in the life sciences space, Mr. Manspeizer said. I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues, as well as collaborating again with Greg, to further build the firms life sciences litigation practice.

Mr. Chopskie specializes in devising IP, regulatory, and commercial strategies to maximize product protection. In his role at Gilead Sciences, he was responsible for safe-guarding numerous small molecule products, including extensive involvement in Hatch-Waxman litigation. He was formerly vice president and associate general counsel for Japanese pharmaceutical firm Shionogi and formerly deputy chief counsel for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Canada at Wyeth.

Before joining Wyeth, Mr. Chopskie was an associate with Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner and The Weinberg Group. Mr. Chopskie earned his J.D. from George Mason University School of Law and his B.S. in biology from Georgetown University.

I am delighted to join Morrison & Foerster because it has a proven track record in successfully protecting the IP portfolios of numerous innovative clients, Mr. Chopskie said. In addition to being able to work with David again, I am also excited about the opportunity to come to a firm that has made so many significant hires in Washington, D.C. over the last couple of years.

Morrison & Foersters IP Litigation Practice Group comprises a powerhouse of trial lawyers and appellate specialists, coupled with a patent prosecution team that is unrivaled in its depth of technical expertise. The firms 150 IP litigators are regularly at the forefront of ground-breaking IP disputes for the worlds leading high-tech, consumer products, and life sciences companies. National Law Journal has named Morrison & Foerster to its IP Hot List four times, Law360 has twice named the firm IP Practice Group of the Year, Chambers USA has named the firm IP Firm of the Year, and BTI has named the firm an IP VIP.

ABOUT MOFO

We are Morrison & Foerster  a global firm of exceptional credentials. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, investment banks, Fortune 100, and technology and life sciences companies. The Financial Times has named the firm to its lists of most innovative law firms in North America and Asia every year that it has published its Innovative Lawyers Reports in those regions. In the past few years, Chambers USA has honored MoFos Bankruptcy and IP teams with Firm of the Year awards, the Corporate/M&A team with a client service award, and the firm as a whole as Global USA Firm of the Year. Our lawyers are committed to achieving innovative and business-minded results for our clients, while preserving the differences that make us stronger.
EVEXIAS Medical Centers We do so much more than hormone pellet therapy and the practice is no longer geared solely to women," Terri DeNeui, EVEXIAS Medical Centers

Hormonal Health, Wellness, and Aesthetic is pleased to announce the official name change to EVEXIAS Medical Centers. Founder Terri DeNeui says she and her husband, Dan, chose the Greek word which means much wellness or exuberance about wellness. In addition to the corporate headquarters, EVEXIAS now operates out of two locations in Southlake and Rockwall, with a Dallas location opening in 2017.

DeNeui says the expansion creates a natural transition to rebrand. We do so much more than hormone pellet therapy and the practice is no longer geared solely to women. More men are becoming interested in wellness, especially as the effectiveness of testosterone pellet therapy has become known, Terri says.

Today, EVEXIAS treats thousands of patients with hormone pellet therapy, as well as medical cosmetic and aesthetic treatments. The EVEXIAS staff includes 26 individuals and five nurse practitioners who served more than 15,000 patients with over 100,000 completed medical and cosmetic procedures to date.

DeNeui started the small womens clinic nearly a decade ago after working as an emergency room nurse practitioner. I became disenchanted with our continual band-aiding of symptoms and the way that western medicine approaches health and wellness. Nobody was grinding into how to help people stay well, become well and how to prevent disease, DeNeui says.

She collaborated with Dan to help build the business and the two entrepreneurs say they found synergy. The key part is her brain processes information very much like my brain processes information  but in two different ways, Dan says. Her gift is on the medical side, research and delivering the best level of patient care, and my gift is for growing businesses.

DeNeui attributes the focus on superior patient care as the most influential factor that has contributed to the growth. Revolutionary medical therapies continue to evolve, and the EVEXIAS team has invested several years researching and studying evidence-based technologies and therapies for our valued patients to ensure hope, healing and wellness. DeNeui says, We are just on the forefront of a medical wellness movement.

To celebrate EVEXIAS Medical Centers, an open house will be held soon. For more information, visit http://www.evexiasmedical.com.

About EVEXIAS Medical Centers: The Texas-based centers are the premier industry leader and innovator of the Medical Wellness movement via superior patient care and the utilization of revolutionary, preventive and regenerative medical and aesthetic technologies. The mission is to partner with each patient to bring healing by understanding the root cause of a patients particular health concern, and subsequently formulating an effective, individualized treatment plan, always recognizing the body, mind and spirit contribute to the overall health of humanity.

For media interviews, contact PR Manager, Tara Vreeland at 303-929-8363 or e-mail at tvreeland(at)promoteonpurpose(dot)com.
New York is the national center of education innovation with the largest K12 district, a major community college network, private colleges, education publishers, education investors, media outlets, investors, innovators and cultural institutions.

StartEd Companies, Inc, a public-benefit corporation, and the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development today announced they will host NY Edtech Week -- a global education innovation festival in New York City celebrating education entrepreneurship. The event will take place December 19-21, 2016 centered at NYUs Greenwich Village campus with activities taking place around the city.

NY Edtech Week is a global meeting point for the education innovation industry focusing on how entrepreneurship and edtech drive advancements in education and learning. New York City is an ideal location because the city and its neighbors are home to the most significant learning infrastructure in the world. NY Edtech Week will offer the best of New York City -- connections, customers, capital, and culture -- in this must-attend event for the edtech and education communities.

The conference attracts, develops, and supports education entrepreneurs and edtech investors -- and consequently supports advancements in learning outcomes. The 2016 NY Edtech Week innovation festival will expand on past successful events that have brought together hundreds of technology innovators, early-stage investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, media representatives, researchers, and teachers to foster new partnerships and exchange best practices.

New York is the national center of education innovation with the largest K12 district, a major community college network, private colleges, education publishers, education investors, media outlets, investors, innovators and cultural institutions, said Jonathan D. Harber of StartEd. This makes the city and NYU the perfect place to bring those people and organizations together to work to improve the opportunities and outcomes in the global education community -- thats what NY Edtech Week is all about.

NY Edtech Week is also the culminating event for the NYU Steinhardt Edtech Accelerator powered by StartEd, an intensive three-month, mentor-led bootcamp program dedicated to education entrepreneurship and designed to help edtech entrepreneurs grow their companies. At the conference, participating startups from NYU will be joined by other startups from around the world to present in front of a network of angel and venture capital education investors.

Distinguished participants of past NYU edtech events have included Carmen Farina, Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, Karl McDonnell, CEO of Strayer Education, Susan Fuhrman, President of Teachers College, Columbia University, David Levin, CEO of McGraw-Hill Education, John Katzman, CEO and Founder of Noodle as well as representatives from Pearson, Rethink Education, HotChalk, Union Square Ventures, and many more.

The 2016 program includes:

 TED style presentations from luminaries in the education field

 Shark Tank style pitches from startups representing the most exciting innovations today

 Panel discussions in early learning, K-12, higher ed, and corporate learning

 Musical performance

 Networking receptions and other opportunities for 1-on-1 interaction between attendees

 Presentations by participants in the NYU Steinhardt Edtech Accelerator

 Open Lab visits to iconic New York education and cultural institutions

"We're excited to host NY Edtech Week to bring together technology and education thought leaders all working to create new possibilities for how students learn. The Steinhardt School is committed to creating a community of innovation in education here in New York City," said Dominic Brewer, the Gale and Ira Drukier Dean of NYU Steinhardt.

NY Edtech Week is sponsored and presented in collaboration with McGraw-Hill and other sponsors. For more information on NY Edtech Week, or to participate, please visit: http://www.nyedtechweek.com.

The NY Edtech Week Host Committee features industry luminaries including:

Jeanne Allen, CEO at Center for Education Reform

Andrew Ackerman, Managing Director DreamIt Ventures

Seth Andrew, Fmr. White House Senior Advisor for EdTech & Founder of REVed & Democracy Prep

Michael Bijaoui, Partner & COO at East Wind Advisors

Frank Bonsal III, Director of Entrepreneurship at Towson University

Dom Brewer, Gale and Ira Drukier Dean, NYU Steinhardt

Ted Brodheim, Samsung, former CIO of NYC DoE

Sophie Chen, Partner at JMDedu

Luyen Chou, Chief Product Officer at Pearson

Peter Cohen, President US Education at McGraw-Hill Education

Chris Curran, Managing Partner at Tyton Partners

John Danielson, Senior Advisor to the Global Education Sector

Bart Epstein, Managing Director Jefferson Accelerator

Graham Forman, Edvocate Capital

Lincoln Frank, Managing Partner at Quad Partners

Ian Fordham, Education Foundation UK

Susan Fuhrman, President at Teachers College, Columbia University

Denise Gallucci, CEO at GEMS Education Americas

Paul Gollash, CEO at Voxy

Mark Greenberg, Chief Innovation Office at the Center for Education Reform

Rob Grimshaw, TES Global

Jonathan Harber, former CEO of Pearson K-12 Technology and founder of SchoolNet

Jared Hendricks, Snr. Managing Director at Centerbridge Foundation

Rick Hess, American Enterprise Institute

Milana Hogan, Chief Recruitment Officer at Sullivan and Cromwell

Ash Kaluarachchi, former Director at EDGE Edtech and Program Manager at Techstars

Vivek Kamath, Partner at Tyton Partners

Rishi Kapal, Managing Director Edugild Accelerator

Arrun Kapoor, Managing Director of SJF Ventures

John Katzman, CEO at Noodle Education, former CEO 2U and The Princeton Review

Antti Korhonen, CEO at XEdu

Steve Kuyan, Managing Director Future Labs at NYU Tandon

David Levin, President and CEO of McGraw-Hill Education

Lisa Lewin, former MD of Tech Product at Pearson and VP at McGraw-Hill Education

Tim Loomer, Managing Director at Tyton Partners

Doug Lynch, Professor at University of Southern California and CLO at Cognotion

Ted Magder, Assoc. Professor at NYU Steinhardt

Charles McIntyre, Co-founder of Edtech Europe

Gail Mellow, President at LaGuardia Community College

Milana Hogan, Chief Recruitment Officer at Sullivan and Cromwell

Michael Moe, Co-Founder & Partner at GSV Asset Management

Brian Napack, Board Member of Blackboard and HMH

Daniel Pianko, Partner at University Ventures

Zach Posner, Managing Director, McGraw-Hill Education

Nasir Qadree, Head of Education at Village Capital

Josh Reibel, Former CEO Amplify Learning

Seth Reynolds, Managing Director, Parthenon-EY

Charles Rockefeller, Head of Partnership at Composite Apps and Trustee at Asia Society

James Rowan, Senior Advisor- Stifel Investment Banking

Jason Saltzman, CEO & CoFounder at Alley

Joshua Schwartz, Founder & Managing Partner, East Wind Advisors

Rick Segal, Managing Partner at Rethink Education

Maia Sharpley, EVP, Innovation and Strategic Initiatives at Charter Schools USA

Michael Staton, Learn Capital

Ben Wallerstein, Whiteboard Advisors

Chris Whittle, former CEO at Avenues: The World School CoFounder Edison Learning

Susan Wolford, BMO Capital

About StartEd Companies:

By galvanizing an eco-system of education innovation in New York City, StartEd aims to accelerate edtech entrepreneurs to tackle to world's greatest education problems. StartEd runs edtech accelerators, 3-month intensive bootcamps for early stage edtech companies, co-working communities for the edtech community. For more information on StartEd Accelerator, please visit: http://www.startedaccelerator.com or follow us on Twitter @startedaccel

About the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development (@nyusteinhardt):

Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, NYUs Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development prepares students for careers in the arts, education, health, media, and psychology. Since its founding in 1890, the Steinhardt School's mission has been to expand human capacity through public service, global collaboration, research, scholarship, and practice. To learn more about NYU Steinhardt, visit steinhardt.nyu.edu.

Media Contact:

Alyssa Miller

alyssa(at)ammediaworks(dot)com

973-615-1292
Nead, LLC, a company focused on middle-market level business consulting announces the launch of a new website and company re-branding. The company has been under the same branding for the better part of a decade and the new branding represents a shift toward a greater focus on fintech consulting side of the business. The companys rebranding is part of a broader vision for the company going forward which includes greater focus on consulting and partnering with private investment companies including various debt and equity funds.

The company now has an expanded focus on financial technology (fintech) consulting including a number of specific technologies. Nead & Co. consultants have direct experience with building fintech platforms for investment bankers, private equity investors, M&A advisors, family offices and other specialty private investment groups. Some of the fintech product features the company is currently consulting with include CRM, marketing automation, project management, blockchain, advanced deal matching, and mobile investment access.

The firm is working with private equity investment firms, mezzanine funds and investment banks to disintermediate and improve the current private investment processes for private placements, merger & acquisitions and other specialty private capital transactions. We expect our new branding will assist the company with its intended growth efforts as we work hard to further define what we do, says co-founder Ryan Nead.

About Nead & Co.

Nead, LLC is a strategic financial and investment consulting firm for companies between $20M and $200M in enterprise value. The firm works with entrepreneurs looking for varying paths of strategic growth. Growth consulting includes everything from technology integration solutions to investment consulting for family offices. More information is available at Nead.co.
Tehran, Iran, October 17

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

Irans talks with Boeing and Airbus have not reached a desired point yet and the sides will go on to hold more negotiations, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said.

"These talks include detailed and complicated technical as well as legal aspects," he told ICANA news agency.

"Both Airbus and Boeing had applied to the US Treasury for permit to sell airplanes to Iran. The permits were the major issue, but they have been granted now."

Boeings Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg recently said his company make take one to three years to deliver airplanes to Iran.

According to US law, any company using a minimum 10 percent of US-made parts in their products should have a Treasury authorization to sell the products to Iran.

The sale of passenger airplanes and their parts to Iran was banned by the US after the group "Muslim Student Followers of the Line of Imam" stormed the US Embassy in Tehran in 1979 in what came to be known as Iran hostage crisis.
We have been building on our nearly 30-year foundation over the past few months," said James A. Paone II, managing partner at Davison, Eastman & Munoz.

Davison, Eastman & Munoz, P.A. is pleased to announce that attorneys Manny J. Alvelo and Nicole Sorokolit Croddick joined the Monmouth County, NJ, law firm in October.

Manny Alvelo, Counsel, will work in the NJ law firms Tax and Estate Planning department. His practice will focus on advising individual and corporate clients with respect to estate, inheritance and gift tax planning as well as on asset protection, wealth preservation and the operation and succession of business enterprises. An experienced and well respected leader in his field, Alvelo regularly lectures before various professional associations on topics relating to estate planning. He also has significant experience with residential real estate matters, representing both buyers and sellers.

Alvelo received his law degree from New York Law School and is admitted to practice in New Jersey and New York. He is a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and the Monmouth County Bar Association. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Lincroft Center for Children and serves as the second vice chair for the Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member and the secretary/treasurer of the Estate & Financial Planning Council of Central New Jersey.

Nicole Croddick, Of Counsel, will focus her practice on management side employment and labor matters. She consults with companies on human resources issues and has conducted internal investigations on ethical and legal violations. Additionally, she has drafted employee handbooks, severance agreements, has updated hiring and employee discipline forms and procedures, and facilitated trainings on a variety of labor and employment law and compliance topics, including Continuing Legal Education. Croddick has also taken her experience and used it appropriately as a subject matter expert in numerous ethical/legal training videos for LRN Corporation, a leader in ethics and compliance training to major organizations worldwide. Bilingual, she can conduct all work in both English and Spanish.

Croddick is admitted to practice in New Jersey and in New York. She is a board member of Rumson Country Day Schools Diversity and Inclusion Board. She received her J.D. from Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and her B.A. from Boston College.

We are pleased to welcome Manny and Nicole to our group, said James A. Paone II, managing partner at Davison, Eastman & Munoz. We have been building on our nearly 30-year foundation over the past few months by hiring two attorneys, Sylvia L. Breitowich and Robert F. McAnanly, Jr, in July and promoting Matthew K. Blaine and Blake R. Laurence to partner in August. This latest move further strengthens our firm and adds to its depth of experience.

Founded in 1988, Davison, Eastman & Munoz, P.A. represents clients in corporate litigation as well as in civil and criminal cases, business and employment law, trusts and estates, municipal, community associations, real estate and land use and DWI defense. Five of the firms attorneys hold the distinction of being certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as trial attorneys in civil, criminal or municipal law. Our attorneys are encouraged to be civic-minded, follow their passions and support their communities. One conduit to achieve this is through its Davison, Eastman & Munoz, Inc. Charitable Fund, a 501 (c)(3) established in 2006, which raises funds to directly benefit local individuals and families who are in need or who have suffered a financial or personal hardship. The law firms offices are located in Freehold and Toms River. For more information, visit http://demlplaw.com, or call (800) 262-7170.
Based on impressive business results reported by dozens of leading real estate brokers across California, RealScout (realscout.com), the brokerage branded, collaborative home search platform, is experiencing record growth and  with $7 million in new funding, led by Formation 8  expanding to several additional key markets across the U.S.

RealScout helps agents increase both the number and velocity of offers by matching buyers with the best homes based on exceptionally deep visibility into property characteristics and client preferences. The solution also fosters strong agent-client collaboration throughout the home buying process.

As a leader, we invest in the best tools for our agents, said Mark McLaughlin, CEO of Pacific Union, the ninth largest U.S. brokerage by sales volume. We recently announced our exclusive in-house Best Buyer report which gives agents real-time demographic information for targeted marketing. We provide RealScout as a growth engine for our agents and the best solution for agents to win new clients and stay at the heart of the decision making process.

Californias largest independent brokerage, First Team Real Estate, like Pacific Union and several other leading brokers, is aggressively investing in technologies that empower agents to provide a superior client experience. We looked to RealScout as a way to fundamentally differentiate our brokerage against our competitors, said First Team CIO Stephen Skinner. It continues to help us recruit and retain the best agents, increase customer satisfaction and, most important, close more business.

RealScout enables agents and homebuyers to search for features such as gourmet kitchen, lots of natural light, large backyard, Near Whole Foods, and countless others. The solution helps ensure that the best properties then automatically flow to the top of each clients property matches. RealScout has pioneered the use of computer vision technology to identify the key property features and benefits that can aid in the home buying decision.

Were now able to help our clients maximize their home search process and increase how quickly we can find them homes and get them into escrow, said Barbara McNeil, team leader for Southern Californias Keller Williams Beach Cities. Its a total win-win. My agents tell me RealScout is like having their own white label version of Redfin. We never want to go back to life before RealScout.

Among the dozens of other industry thought leaders that have chosen RealScout are Seven Gables Real Estate, a luxury broker based in Orange County; The Boutique Real Estate and RE/MAX Evolution, both also in Orange County; and, most recently, The Keyes Companies, which serves a six-county area in and around Miami, Fla. We think RealScouts innovations in real estate home search will help place us head and shoulders above our competition in providing a truly customer-friendly home buying experience, said Mike Pappas, CEO of Keyes.

RealScouts growth, with the solution having facilitated thousands of residential real estate transactions, was further strengthened by its inclusion in the prestigious National Association of REALTORS (NAR) 2016 REach real estate accelerator class. We were excited to introduce RealScout to our more than one million NAR members, said NAR CEO and Second Century Ventures President Dale Stinton. RealScout helps agents generate more offers in less time by fostering strong client collaboration and extending users search capabilities well beyond those commonly used today, adding tremendous value to NAR members.

These and other successes within RealScouts initial markets have helped build nationwide demand for the solution. Theyve also fueled new investments in the companys planned expansion, according to RealScout Co-Founder and CEO Andrew Flachner. Brokers and agents who hear about and see RealScout invariably tell us, Thats exactly what weve been looking for, Flachner said. Its a powerful tool that answers one of the industrys biggest challenges  maximizing the effectiveness and value of brokers and agents in the minds of todays tech-savvy consumers.

RealScout is available for agents, teams and brokerages at http://www.realscout.com.

About RealScout

RealScout (http://www.realscout.com) is the brokerage and agent-branded home search platform that empowers agents and their clients to find the right home faster. RealScout supports the competitive needs of brokerages and agents by helping them work in concert with their clients throughout their property hunt. Homebuyers receive exclusive personalized property matches based on their specific lifestyle and feature preferences. Agents have visibility into buyer activities to best meet evolving client preferences, boosting client loyalty and facilitating informed, data-driven decisions that generate more offers in less time

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"We are grateful to the The Libman Company for their generous donation of quality cleaning tools to help those affected by Hurricane Matthew. Lyn Hruska, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Serving Central and Southern Illinois

The Libman Company has donated more 6,000 household and commercial cleaning products to victims affected by the devastation left from Hurricane Matthew. Libman is working with the American Red Cross to get its products into the hands of homeowners so that they can begin the arduous cleanup process.

U.S. officials are reporting damage of at least $6 billion, making Matthew the costliest hurricane since Sandy in 2012. States affected by Matthew are North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

The American Red Cross has mounted a massive sheltering operation across the East Coast to help individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Matthew. In total, the Red Cross has mobilized more than 4,100 disaster workers, 200 response vehiclesmore than half of its total vehicle fleetand more than 100 trailers filled with water, ready-to-eat meals, cots, blankets, kitchen items, cleaning supplies, comfort kits, insect repellant, gloves, masks, shovels, rakes, coolers and more.

We want to help homeowners affected by Matthew by providing them with the supplies they need as they begin the damage assessment and clean-up process, said Andrew Libman, president of The Libman Company. The Red Cross quick response and mobilization process, combined with its mass logistics network, enables us to quickly get supplies into the hands of those that need them, he said.

"We are grateful to the The Libman Company for their generous donation of quality cleaning tools to help those affected by Hurricane Matthew, said Lyn Hruska, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Serving Central and Southern Illinois. The Red Cross relies on the support of caring partners, such as The Libman Company, and we look forward to working with them in the future.

To make a donation to The Red Cross and help those people affected by Hurricane Matthew, visit redcross.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. Learn more about the Red Cross response to Hurricane Matthew here.

About The Libman Company

The Libman Company is a family-owned company that has been making quality cleaning tools since 1896. The company manufactures products from brooms and mops to more specialized tools for kitchen and bathroom cleaning and industrial uses. Libman proudly manufactures most of their products in the United States, including the companys well-known Wonder Mop. For more information about the Libman Company, please visit http://www.libman.com.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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Family Reach Foundation, a national non-profit dedicated to eliminating the financial burden of cancer for patients and their families, today announced that it has joined the Cancer Moonshot initiative led by Vice President Joe Biden. Cancer Moonshot was launched in June 2016, following a commitment from President Obama at the 2016 State of the Union Address to accelerate progress towards prevention, treatment, and a cure for cancer.

Family Reach offers a financial lifeline to families fighting cancer, helping them pay the everyday bills - rent, groceries, gas, and more - that quickly become overwhelming in the face of treatment. Cancer patients are 2.65 times more likely to go bankrupt than people without cancer, and 46 percent of cancer patients cut back on basic necessities like food and clothing to pay for cancer care, with some skipping medication to save money. In response to the Vice Presidents call for collaboration, Family Reach will launch the Family Reach Financial Treatment Project - providing families fighting cancer with the resources and support they need to address their whole financial health. This includes:



Financial planning - counseling patients and their families on their current financial situation to better plan for existing and upcoming expenses

Financial navigation - helping patients and their families navigate the complexities of health insurance and identify the best options available for their specific medical needs

Education - ensuring patients and their families are aware of opportunities for financial assistance that are available to them

Direct monetary assistance - covering the everyday costs that families face when caring for a child with cancer, from living expenses to hospital parking costs and more

The project will kick off in January 2017 as a pilot at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Tufts Medical Center. By intervening at the clinical level, the Family Reach Financial Treatment Project aims to remove financial barriers - ensuring access to care and adherence to life-saving treatment, ultimately increasing a patients chance of survival. The impact on each patients financial health and medical outcomes will be measured and reported on by clinical research experts from the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research and Tufts Medical Center. Evidence generated through this program will support policy transformation designed to reduce cancer treatment-related financial burden and improve cancer patients outcomes.

We see families lose everything because they miss work or lose their jobs all together; they incur travel costs to and from the hospital and have countless medical expenses added to their daily budget. Families report having to choose putting gas in the car to access treatment over buying groceries or paying the utility bill, said Carla Tardif, CEO of Family Reach. We are beyond honored to partner with the Vice President and his Cancer Moonshot Task Force, to bring attention and support to the millions of families who are struggling financially simply because they are trying to care for themselves or a sick child.

Since its launch in 2003, Family Reach has raised more than $16M in support of more than 10,000 families across the US. Under Tardifs leadership, Family Reach has gained increased recognition on the national stage, adding celebrity chef Ming Tsai to its National Advisory Board, and earning support from celebrities such as Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, and David Ortiz.

On October 17, Tardif will join Vice President Biden at the White House complex to share Family Reachs mission and stories of families they have helped. Vice President Biden will present the final report of the Cancer Moonshot Task Force, along with his own Executive Findings after traveling to many of the major nerve centers in the cancer community. He will also unveil a new set of Federal actions, private sector actions, and collaborative partnerships to further advance the goals of the Cancer Moonshot Task Force. More information on the Cancer Moonshot can be found here https://www.whitehouse.gov/CancerMoonshot.

To interview Carla Tardif, a family who has received support from Family Reach, or a representative from the pilot hospitals for the Family Reach Financial Treatment Project, contact Ashley Willis at 609-279-0050 x105 or ashley(at)resoundmarketing(dot)com.

About Family Reach

Family Reach Foundation is a national non-profit dedicated to eliminating the financial burden of cancer for patients and their families. Family Reach offers families a financial lifeline, helping them manage the overwhelming financial and emotional barriers of the disease. Family Reach believes no family should be forced to choose between buying groceries or paying for their cancer treatment. Working in close collaboration with more than 145 hospitals and cancer centers nationwide, Family Reach provides immediate financial assistance, education and outreach to qualified families in need. For more information, visit http://www.familyreach.org.
Fall is here with special fares on airberlin to Europe

airberlin has just lowered fares for travel to Europe starting from $599* including all taxes based on roundtrip travel. The sale starts today and ends October 24th. Travel periods are valid from November 12th through December 12th, 2016 and January 11th through March 31st, 2017

airberlin offers travelers the opportunity to visit cities throughout Europe such as the Nordics, with Copenhagen and Helsinki, or Italy including Bologna, Milan and Rome. Many other cities are included in this sale from airberlins gateways in the U.S. which include Chicago, Miami, New York and Los Angeles. Fares vary depending on city of departure and final destination.

airberlin's Airbus A330-200 long-haul fleet is equipped with both economy and business class. The business class provides a high level of privacy, comfort and individual service. Every passenger has direct access to the aisle from the 19 FullFlat seats. For extra comfort airberlin offers 46 XL seats in economy class on each aircraft providing passengers with 20 per cent extra leg room, ensuring faster embarking and disembarking for a nominal fee.

Tickets can be booked on https://www.airberlin.com, by contacting the Service Center (Tel: 917-261-3165, local rates apply) or through a travel agent. Certain rules and restrictions apply.

*Taxes and surcharges are included, additional fees may apply for other services.

About airberlin

airberlin is the second largest airline in Germany, and carried more than 30.2 million passengers in 2015. airberlin offers a global route network through its strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, which has a 29.21 percent share in airberlin, and through membership of the oneworld airline alliance. topbonus, the frequent flyer programme of airberlin, is one of the leading programmes in Europe with more than 4 million members. The airline with the award-winning service operates codeshare flights worldwide with 23 airlines. The fleet is among the most modern and eco-efficient in Europe. Together with other airlines, airberlin belongs to Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand with which Etihad has been uniting shared activities since the end of 2014.

Press contact:

Theresa Krohn

Press Officer

Tel.: +49 30 3434 1500

Fax: +49 30 3434 1509

E-mail: theresa.krohn(at)airberlin(dot)com

http://www.airberlin.com

On behalf of airberlin

Madeleine Vogelsang

Media Relations Representative USA & Canada

Phone: 1-917-971-6213

Email: mvogelsang(at)zcomgroup(dot)org
Arlington, Texas, Police Chief Will Johnson You are making a difference in the lives of these kids. And you are absolutely making a difference in the narrative of policing in this country.

The Arlington, Texas, Police Department and The Mans Shop, a mens clothing store in the city, were honored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) on Oct. 16 for a program that focuses on introducing young males to trust-building and lessons in communication, responsibility and citizenship.

The IACP selected the two groups to receive its Michael Shanahan Award for Excellence in Public/Private Cooperation, which is sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA). The award was presented at a reception during the IACP Annual Conference in San Diego.

The program, which is part of the 2-year-old Mentoring Arlington Youth initiative, partners the participants, who are generally from lower-income homes with no father present, with police officer mentors. In addition, it provides each youth with a dress shirt and tie, as well as guidance on how to dress, how to present oneselfboth in-person and onlinehow to manage a budget and other life skills.

The program has improved participants attitudes toward police, reduced recidivism rates and enhanced academic performance.

After accepting the award, Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson lauded the work of his officers.

You are the best in policing, Johnson said. You are making a difference in the lives of these kids. And you are absolutely making a difference in the narrative of policing in this country.

Previously, The Mans Shop owner Wally Hardin explained the value of the program.

Its important to show our boys what success looks like, not just tell them, Hardin said. Kids need to know they have options in life beyond what they are currently surrounded by.

SIA CEO Don Erickson congratulated the recipients on the positive impact they are making.

Arlington police and The Mans Shop are not only making their community safer, they are changing the lives of young men, Erickson said. SIA is proud to partner with the IACP to honor such deserving organizations.

About the Security Industry Association

The Security Industry Association (SIA) (http://www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with nearly 700 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members' interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities; and collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, and owner of the Securing New Ground conference, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities.
Rigaku Corporation is pleased to announce its attendance at the 2016 Materials Science and Technology meeting and exhibition (MS&T16) at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 23-27.

Rigaku will be promoting its latest lines of X-ray analytical instrumentation at Booth # 332.

MS&T brings together scientists, engineers, suppliers and students to discuss current research and technical applications, and to shape the future of materials science and technology. It is the product of a joint partnership among four leading materials science-related societies  The American Ceramic Society (ACerS), Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST), ASM International, and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS).

Rigaku provides analytical solutions for heavy industry, chemistry, physics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, semiconductor, and nanotechnology. Materials analysis technologies from Rigaku include X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS).

About Rigaku

Since its inception in Japan in 1951, Rigaku has been at the forefront of analytical and industrial instrumentation technology. Rigaku and its subsidiaries form a global group focused on general-purpose analytical instrumentation and the life sciences. With hundreds of major innovations to their credit, Rigaku companies are world leaders in X-ray spectrometry, diffraction, and optics, as well as small molecule and protein crystallography and semiconductor metrology. Today, Rigaku employs over 1,400 people in the manufacturing and support of its analytical equipment, which is used in more than 90 countries around the world supporting research, development, and quality assurance activities. Throughout the world, Rigaku continuously promotes partnerships, dialog, and innovation within the global scientific and industrial communities.

For further information, contact:

Michael Nelson

Rigaku Global Marketing Group

tel: +1. 512-225-1796

michael.nelson(at)rigaku(dot)com
Indiana and Quebec are both logistics leaders that offer companies a strong competitive advantage when it comes to serving North American and global markets. - Indiana Secretary of Commerce Victor Smith.

Indiana Secretary of Commerce Victor Smith, Ports of Indiana CEO Rich Cooper and a group of Indiana leaders are visiting Quebec today to learn more about how the province is implementing its $9 billion maritime strategy.

Quebecs Maritime Strategy was launched in 2015 and includes plans to invest $9 billion into its ports and maritime-related infrastructure over 15 years and create 30,000 jobs in the province by 2030. The Indiana Maritime Trade Mission to Quebec includes meetings with Dominique Anglade, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation, as well as leadership from the Port of Montreal, Port of Trois-Rivieres, Fednav and various maritime businesses in Quebec. The trip is part of a continued partnership established by Indiana and Quebec in 2015 to explore opportunities for expanding maritime trade.

Indiana and Quebec are both logistics leaders that offer companies a strong competitive advantage when it comes to serving North American and global markets, said Victor Smith. Indiana conducts $20 billion in trade with Canada, but only a small portion of that moves by water. More than half of Indianas border is water, which presents enormous economic opportunities for our state. As Indiana experiences record employment, we look forward to working with Quebec to expand our trade and grow our economies together.

In Trois-Rivieres, the Indiana delegation is meeting with Quebec Associate Secretary General of Maritime Affairs Georges Farrah who is leading the implementation of the Maritime Strategy, Gaetan Boivin, President/CEO for the Port of Trois-Rivieres, as well as port officials, transportation providers and major manufacturers in the area. In Montreal, the group is meeting with Minister Anglade and economic officials as well as Fednav executives, Montreal Port Authority CEO Sylvie Vachon and various maritime business leaders during a special reception at the Port of Montreal.

We greatly admire Quebecs maritime strategy and this regions commitment to investing in the infrastructure to support future economic growth, said Rich Cooper. For maritime shippers, Quebec is a gateway to North America and Indiana is a gateway to the U.S. Midwest. This amount of investment and support for the maritime industry validates a strong commitment to its future development and for the growth of all shipping throughout the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence system.

The Indiana delegation includes port, steel and economic development representatives from Ports of Indiana, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, ArcelorMittal, Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and Northwest Indiana Forum.

Indiana and Quebec currently serve as co-chairs for the Conference of Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers Regional Maritime Entity, which recently released a regional maritime strategy designed to double maritime trade on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway while reducing the environmental impacts of freight transportation throughout the region. Indiana and Quebec combine to generate 40 percent of the economic impact related to maritime shipping on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway.
Wheelchair Success Stories: Lyme Disease & Mold Toxicity Patients from Sponaugle Wellness Institute Dr. Sponaugle has now enabled 27 Lyme disease patients to escape the confines of their wheelchairs.

Sponaugle Wellness Institute is pleased to announce that Dr. Rick Sponaugle has successfully enabled three patients to walk again after being confined to their wheelchairs for years. All three patients suffered from neurological Lyme disease and severe mold toxicity; Prior to receiving treatment at Sponaugle Wellness Institute, the resulting neurotoxicity inhibited their ability to walk, or even stand.

From the moment they arrived at Sponaugle Wellness Institute, these patients finally had a semblance of hope. The staff at Sponaugle Wellness were able to document the journeys of all three women through video footage, allowing behind-the-scenes access to the treatment experience for patients suffering from Lyme Disease and Mold Toxicity. These videos also give people insight into how quickly Dr. Sponaugles intravenous neurological protocols can impact the lives of Lyme disease patients.



Julia (age 46 - from Miami, Florida) had suffered for 15 years with multiple symptoms of Lyme disease and mold toxicity. Although she received treatment from over 20 doctors, both traditional and naturopathic, Julias symptoms continued to worsen until she eventually became bedridden. As seen in her video below, Julia came out of her wheelchair after just four weeks of Dr. Sponaugles revolutionary treatment. She was not only able to walk, but also was physically able to jog with Jamie, a Sponaugle Wellness employee.

Mary Lindsey (age 18 - from North Carolina) was a healthy and extremely active teenager who danced 20 hours a week before she succumbed to a combination of neurological Lyme disease, Bartonella infection, and mold toxicity. As these infections progressed, she became wheelchair bound and developed severe neurological symptoms, including seizures, slurred speech, and total body pain.

Prior to finding Dr. Sponaugle, Mary Lindsey sought treatment with 30 doctors including neurologists at two major universities, who told her that her symptoms were solely psychological. Despite their misdiagnosis, Mary Lindsey pursued treatment from several renown Lyme specialists, yet she experienced an exacerbation of her symptoms. Ultimately, treatment at Sponaugle Wellness Institute has allowed Mary Lindsey to forego her wheelchair and regain her health.

Samantha (age 22 - from Walsall, West Midland, UK) had been suffering with Lyme disease and mold toxicity for six years. Before seeking treatment with Dr. Sponaugle, she had undergone failed Lyme treatment in both her home country of England and at a California wellness center. During this time, Samantha lost her ability to walk and became confined to a wheelchair. After undergoing integrative Lyme disease treatment at Sponaugle Wellness Institute, Samantha is now able to walk with the aid of her walker and is on the road to recovery.

Prior to their treatment with Dr. Sponaugle, these patients were treated by physicians at leading medical institutions from all over the world. Unfortunately, these physicians were unable to properly diagnose their unique conditions or provide any form of successful treatment.

Dr. Sponaugles comprehensive protocols have helped 27 chronic Lyme disease patients come out of their wheelchairs, a feat unparalleled by most Lyme disease specialists worldwide. His ability to successfully treat this unique subset of chronic Lyme patients is derived from 20 years of experience working in critical care medicine, and the brain expertise Dr. Sponaugle acquired through treating 9,000 patients with brain and neurological disorders.

His clinical research includes a brain imaging database of 600 PET and SPECT scans in neurological Lyme disease patients. Dr. Sponaugle has correlated underactive brain regions on PET brain imaging as causation of his patients' neurological symptoms. In addition, he has performed analysis of 9,000 neurotransmitter patterns and 6000 mold mycotoxin levels in neurotoxic patients.

This Thursday, October 20th at 7:00 PM EST, Dr. Rick Sponaugle will be hosting a live webinar: How Lyme Disease and Neurotoxicity Cause Depression and Anxiety. Register early because seating will be limited.

Dr. Sponaugle has written chapters on neurotoxicity for Suzanne Summers, as well as chapters on the gut-brain connection for gut expert Brenda Watson. He has been featured on the Dr. Phil show, Suzanne Somers show, CNN, FOX News, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, and PBS.

Watch Lyme Disease & Mold Toxicity Patient Testimonials > Wheelchair Success Stories and Video Testimonials: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyH6zs4wiBMMys1Ke3HfcoXOgNJwfHvIA

About Sponaugle Wellness Institute:

Sponaugle Wellness Institute, located in Tampa Bay, Florida, is led by Medical Director, Rick Sponaugle, MD. Dr. Sponaugle is an integrative physician who practices functional medicine. He approaches healing on an intracellular level using Biochemistry, Phospholipid therapy, and detoxification protocols to optimize mitochondrial function, to treat patients suffering from neurotoxicity as a result of Lyme disease and mold toxicity. Sponaugle Wellness combines the best of western medicine and natural medicine to assist the healing of patients suffering from chronic illness.
Legal Trends Report powered by Clio

Clio, the worlds leading cloud-based legal practice management platform, today announced the release of their inaugural Legal Trends Report for solo, small, and medium-size law firms. The Legal Trends Report, by leveraging anonymized, aggregate data from 40,000 active users and over $60 billion in billing volume, provides new insights into topics including average billing rates by state, practice area, and fee structure, law practice-specific key performance indicators, and how efficiency scales with firm size.

This unbiased data set should certainly give law firms pause for thought and may even drive changes in how some structure themselves, said Jack Newton, founder and CEO of Clio. For the first time in the 4,000-year history of this profession, small to medium-sized law firms have access to information that can help them make decisions like some of the world's best businesses.

Traditional solo, small, and medium-size law firm data has relied heavily on self-reported or anecdotal data, which is often heavily skewed due to both small sample sizes and the inherent unreliability of self-reported data. When contrasted with actual usage data, an entirely different picture of the legal landscape emerges, including surprising insights such as:



On average, attorneys are only expending 28 percent  roughly two hours  of each eight hour workday on billable activities.

Law firm utilization rates increase as additional attorneys are added, but plateau at five to nine attorneys.

When adjusted for cost of living, Nevada, Connecticut and Illinois emerge as the most profitable states for attorneys based on real hourly rates; conversely, Nebraska,, Tennessee and Wisconsin are the lowest hourly rate states in real terms.

Among the more surprising insights, we discovered that the average firm only collects one- and-a-half billable hours out of an average workday in billable time, said George Psiharis, Clios VP of Data Operations. With information like this, that solo, small, and medium-size law firms can finally have the intelligence necessary to make data-driven decisions on how to operate their practice with greater efficiency.

Clio plans to use the Legal Trends Report as an initial launchpad for providing the industry as a whole with key benchmark data and data insights. Clios customers will also benefit from in-application benchmarking metrics and key performance indicators that will help them optimize their firms.

To download the complete Legal Trends Report, visit http://www.clio.com/2016-legal-trends-report

To learn more about Clios integrated suite of solutions, visit http://www.clio.com.

About Clio

Clio is the most comprehensive cloud-based practice management platform for the legal

industry. With the help of the cloud, Clio eases the process of time tracking, billing, administration, and collaboration for law firms of all sizes. Based in Vancouver, B.C. and launched in 2008, Clio is used by legal professionals in over 50 countries. Clio has raised $27 million from investors including Bessemer Venture Partners. Learn more at http://www.clio.com.
Tehran, Iran, October 17

By Mehdi Sepahvand, Dalga Khatinoglu - Trend:

Currently only Denmark's Maersk Group has proposed Iran to develop its energy blocks in Caspian Sea, but the talks havent reached any result, Ali Kardor, managing director of Iranian National Oil Company told Trend Oct.17.

Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh told reporters Jan. 5 that Maersk Group wants to develop Iran's deepwater hydrocarbon reserves in the Caspian Sea.

Maersk Group confirmed on Jan. 5 that it confirms energy-related negotiations with Iran, adding that "nothing has been agreed and we cannot share further details".

Coming to Caspian Sea, Iran has several projects to offer to the Maersk Group.

On the other hand, Maersk has the experience regarding drilling works in the Caspian Sea. The company has delivered a highly efficient deepwater semi-submersible drilling rig in Azerbaijan - the first drilling rig in the Caspian Sea for Maersk contractors. The rig named 'LIDER' was unveiled in Baku on July 24, 2003.

The 'LIDER' is the largest and most powerful drilling rig in the Caspian Sea capable of drilling in water depths from 75 to 1,000 meters, which enables the rig to operate in approximately 40 percent of the Caspian Sea.

Meanwhile in November, Iran introduced newly designed oil and gas contract, called the Iran Petroleum Contract (IPC), offering 50 fields for foreigners to participate in them.

Iran has offered four projects in the Caspian Sea, blocks 24, 26 and 29, as well as the Sardar-e Jangal oil field to foreigners for exploration and development.

Iran has divided its exploration area in the Caspian Sea to 46 blocks, eight of which are of high priority. Iran has previously carried out 3D seismic operations in 4,000 square kilometers of the Caspian Sea at blocks 6, 7, 8 and 21 from 2003 to 2005.

Iran also announced in 2012 that while drilling a 1,000-metre well below the surface of the Caspian Sea by the Amir Kabir drilling rig, the country found a gas field at the depth of 700 meters. A year later, Tehran announced the field (Sardar-e Jangal) was in fact an oil field with a gas layer.

Below are the technical details of the above mentioned fields:

Sardar-e Jangal - This field is located at block 6 with dimensions of 24 x 6 kilometers in 750 meters water depth. Iran has drilled two exploration wells and reportedly the field holds two billion barrels of crude oil, with an API of 39.

Blocks 24, 26, and 29 - Block 24 is located 130 kilometers north of the Nowshahr port and has a depth of 600-800 meters and a 200-square-kilometer area.

Block 26 is situated 100 kilometers north-east of the Anzali port and has a depth of 850-900 meters and a 384-square-kilometre area.

Block 29 is also located 135 km north of the Nowshahr port and has a depth of 800 meters and an area of 1028 square kilometers.
Cinemas, from the earliest days, have been on the cutting edge of image and sound innovation, and they must remain an experience unlike any other... Jean Mizrahi - Ymagis Group

Ymagis Group, the European specialist in digital technologies for the cinema industry, today announced it will be showcasing its revolutionary new EclairColor digital color solution in Los Angeles over a four-day period from the 1st November  4th November 2016. The EclairColor presentation will take place at the landmark state-of-the-art 350-seat screening facility Harmony Gold Preview House, situated on Sunset Boulevard which has been specially equipped with a Sony Digital Cinema 4K SRX-R515DS projection system.

Presenting the revolutionary EclairColor technology to leading Hollywood studios, cinema exhibitors, production companies and the creative filmmaking community will be Ymagis Groups President and CEO Jean Mizrahi, Eclair VP of Technology Cedric Lejeune, Christophe Lacroix, SVP Eclair, and Manel Carreras, SVP Business Development & Studio Relations Eclair.

We are particularly thrilled to be presenting our EclairColor technology to the Los Angeles motion picture industry, said Jean Mizrahi. Cinemas, from the earliest days, have been on the cutting edge of image and sound innovation, and they must remain an experience unlike any other. The significant advantages that EclairColor provides are clearly visible to all, which should greatly ease the adoption of this new technology by cinemas considering that we have rendered this process compatible with a range of existing projection systems allowing for virtually immediate access to our solution. I also wish to salute the Sony Digital Cinema 4K team for their support of the Los Angeles presentation.

Since 1907, Eclair has been synonymous with innovation in cinema and we intend to keep it as part of our DNA, explains Cedric Lejeune. With EclairColor, the benefits for moviegoers as well as movie exhibitors include significantly enhanced image quality. The color range is much richer, the gradients much more refined, even in the darkest colors. The additional contrast helps reveal finer details even though the pixel resolution remains unchanged.

Officially unveiled 7 July following the CineEurope convention in Barcelona (Spain), EclairColor is a new digital color solution that combines postproduction processes and the optimization of select projection system technologies available through Ymagis Groups exhibitor services arm CinemaNext. EclairColor is the culmination of eighteen months of development and extensive testing by Ymagis Group engineers. CinemaNext states that it is able to equip all types of cinemas, regardless of screen size, to project films mastered using EclairColor technology. The equipment can be used to screen EclairColor mastered content as well as standard content.

EclairColor is a registered trademark of Ymagis Group.
Insurance companies continue to deny claims indicating the treatment was not medically necessary, such as a recent case that I worked on and overturned that involved a blood clot and brain surgery.

Adria Goldman Gross, FIPC, one of the nations leading medical insurance advocates and author of the bestselling consumer advocacy book Solved! Curing Your Medical Insurance Problems (Outskirts Press), will be appearing at the 4th Annual Health Plan Claims and Service Operations Conference taking place in Orlando, Florida from October 26-27, 2016.

Ms. Gross will be among the experts featured on the panel discussion Are You Truly Engaging? Provider Engagement Strategies from Key Sides of the Spectrum.

The panel discussion, which will take place on October 26 at 10:40am, will focus on provider engagement from a variety of perspectives, and address mutual challenges faced by providers, legal professionals, consultants, insurance advocates and patients including:



Prior Authorization

Working to increase the quality of claims submitted

Estimating payments and pricing transparency

Data and technology systems

Audits and compliance enhancements

Insurance companies continue to deny claims indicating the treatment was not medically necessary, such as a recent case that I worked on and overturned that involved a blood clot and brain surgery, commented Ms. Gross, who earlier this year was featured on Good Housekeepings list of most successful and fearless women groundbreakers. There must be a better relationship between the insurer and insured, and this could very well mean that insurance companies need to pay more claims and reduce the number of denials and appeals. While a shift like this could end my business, that is totally irrelevant. It would protect people from being taken advantage of, and allow them to get the treatment they need and deserve. That is all that has ever mattered to me.

Added Ms. Gross: I am also honored to be the first health claims advocate invited to speak at the Health Plan Claims and Service Operations Conference. I am looking forward to the experience, and expect that the discussion and debate will be lively, provocative and progressive!

More information on Ms. Gross is available at http://adriagross.com. Read about her company MedWise Insurance Agency at http://medicalinsuranceadvocacy.com.

More information on the 4th Annual Health Plan Claims & Service Operations Conference is available at https://www.claimsinnovations.com.

About Adria Goldman Gross

Adria Goldman Gross, FIPC, is the CEO and founder of MedWise Insurance Advocacy, as well as a New York State-licensed insurance broker and consultant who uncovers discrepancies in diagnostic or procedure coding, exposes dubious loopholes through which insurance companies attempt to deny claims, and helps attorneys, individuals and families resolve medical claim matters. She is also a bestselling co-author of books that are both endorsed by consumer protection advocate Ralph Nader: the recently-published Solved! Curing Your Medical Insurance Problems, and Multi-Payer Medicine Nightmare Made in the USA.
Angelina Nelson EXIT Realty focuses on everyones growth and improvement. It creates a caring environment for all its Realtors and cares about the physical and mental health of its associates. Past News Releases RSS Angelina Nelson and Kyle Webb...

Realtor Angelina Nelson Helping...

Angelina Nelson, owner of EXIT Realty Legacy, is proud to announce she will be speaking at the EXIT Realty International Conference on what the company means to her. The conference will be held at the Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas from October 18-21.

It is an honor to be able to speak at the gala International Conference to my EXIT Realty colleagues on topics such as the companys excellent training programs, said Nelson. EXIT Realty focuses on everyones growth and improvement. It creates a caring environment for all its Realtors and cares about the physical and mental health of its associates.

EXITs Bahamas event exemplifies what the real estate company is all about, encompassing education, inspiration, motivation and outstanding parties. It will also feature renowned keynote speakers, industry experts, cutting-edge technology and giveaways.

EXIT Realty believes in positive reinforcement and positive affirmation to build the confidence of its Realtors, concluded Nelson. EXIT creates a team environment where Realtors succeed together.

About Angelina Nelson, EXIT Realty Legacy

Angelina Nelson is a member of the Salt Lake Board of REALTORS, Utah Central Association of REALTORS, Utah Association of REALTORS, National Association of REALTORS, and the Wasatch Front Regional Multiple Listing Service. EXIT Realty Legacy works with buyers and sellers. For more information, call the Salt Lake City office, 1201 Wilmington Ave., Suite 119, at (801) 824-0678; the Heber, UT, office, 340 South Main Street, at (435) 654-1200, or visit http://www.AngelinaNelson.com.

About the NALA

The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALAs mission is to promote a business relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361.
The Article 20 Network is targeting numerous obstacles and threats to the Freedom of Assembly. Noam Chomsky: "The right of free assembly is an essential element of a free and democratic society, the kind of society that we should strive to create and to defend. The Article 20 Network merits praise and support for upholding this fundamental right."

The Article 20 Network, a new human rights organization formed to defend and advance the right to Freedom of Assembly worldwide, announces its official launch weeks before the U.S. presidential election. The Article 20 Network was created over the summer to address obstacles and threats to peaceful demonstration and protest  from the recent use of "free speech zones" at Hofstras U.S. presidential debate to the outright ban on anti-Mugabe demonstrations in Zimbabwe.

Demonstrations and protests have been growing in size and frequency around the world in the 21st century, with social media and stark racial and economic disparities driving new levels and types of activism. In this new age of dissent, nonviolent demonstrations are increasingly maligned, restricted or met with violence.

The Article 20 Network exists to develop creative and strategic solutions to promote the freedom of assembly, a distinct form of free expression  the body as voice  through nonviolent means.

Were days away from a U.S. presidential election that promises to inflame differences of opinion and see more street protests regardless of the outcome, says the Article 20 Network co-founder and executive director Dan Aymar-Blair. "Elections choose our leaders. Public demonstrations hold them accountable."

This summer, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Free Assembly and Association, Maina Kiai, delivered a scathing critique of the state of peaceful assembly in the United States. His remarks underscore the urgency of the Article 20 Network's efforts.

Unique as a standalone nonprofit organization focusing solely on the human rights of protesters, the Article 20 Network considers not only concerns for the immediate safety of all involved in demonstrations (protesters, law enforcement, media and observers), but also bigger questions like the design of public spaces and the role technology plays in the choreography of assemblies.

The Article 20 Network has garnered support from prominent social critics and experts. Noam Chomsky says, The right of free assembly is an essential element of a free and democratic society, the kind of society that we should strive to create and to defend. The Article 20 Network merits praise and support for upholding this fundamental right.

"The right of peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of our basic liberties. It is distinct from, and often enables, rights to speech and expression. The Article 20 Network promotes and embodies these claims at a time when citizens too often lack basic knowledge of the right of assembly and governments too often suppress that right. Their mission is both important and urgent," says John Inazu, Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion, Washington University in St. Louis, and author of Libertys Refuge: The Forgotten Freedom of Assembly.

In recent years, the United States has experienced the proliferation of free speech zones, the militarization of protest policing, and other challenges to public dissent, says Timothy Zick, Mills E. Godwin, Jr. Professor of Law, William & Mary Law School, and author of Speech Out of Doors. Now more than ever, the Article 20 Networks mission of preserving and protecting freedom of assembly is vitally important to our democratic processes.

Identifying public awareness as the first step in its strategic plan, the Article 20 Network is rolling out an online knowledge library for community leaders and activists and offering a series of seminars on public demonstration as a human right.

ABOUT THE ARTICLE 20 NETWORK

The Article 20 Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in New York City. It takes its name from Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which secures the human right to peaceful assembly. The Article 20 Network is currently seeking to reach a larger base of supporters interested in protecting the Freedom of Assembly in the United States and around the world. Visit http://www.a20n.org to find out how to get involved or to make a donation.
It is an honor to be recognized for our hard work for a second year in a row by Consulting magazine.

TOP Step Consulting has been named a Fastest Growing Firm by Consulting magazine for the second year in a row. TOP Step Consulting enables and empowers professional services organizations to be profitable, scalable, and efficient through professional services automation, process enhancement, change management, and skill set training.

Consulting magazine's Fastest Growing Firms is the list of the fastest growing global consulting firms, honoring consulting firms of all sizes and any sector. Firms are ranked by their rate of revenue growth between 2012 and 2015. To participate, you must have started generating revenue by 2012 and have a minimum growth rate of 20%.

The Fastest Growing Firms were unveiled and formally recognized at Consulting magazines inaugural Fastest Growing Firms award dinner October 13 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. TOP Step Consulting ranked #32 of the 61 companies awarded the honor.

Its an honor to be recognized for our hard work for the second year in a row by Consulting magazine. We built our business on delivering high value and high quality services and as a result, are rewarded with customer loyalty and referrals. I couldnt be happier with the team weve built and our relationship with our customer community", said Jodi Cicci, CEO and President, TOP Step Consulting.

Consulting Magazine began its ranking of Fastest Growing Firms in 2015 to highlighting the fastest-growing consultant firms of any size or sector in North America. The search was expanded to include global firms this year. This recognition is one of many this year for TOP Step Consulting. In addition to CIO Review placing TOP Step Consulting as the cover story for their annual list of the 20 Most Promising NetSuite Solution Providers, the company also was ranked in the Inc. 5000 list of Americas Fastest Growing Private Companies. And for the seventh consecutive year, Service Performance Insight (SPI) ranked TOP Step Consulting as a top performing professional services organization with Best of the Best status.

Learn more about TOP Step Consulting at http://www.TOPStepConsulting.com
If there's one thing we can count on, it's the accumulation of trash on a daily basis. Keeping this trash contained and disposed of is a must, but a basic flaw in trash-can design often causes problems with this process. Trash bags tend to slide down into trash cans when things are thrown into them, which requires a person to do the tedious and unsanitary task of reaching into the can to pull up the bag.

"Tired of getting my hands dirty while doing this, I decided to design a trash can that prevents this problem," said an inventor from Sacramento, Calif.

He invented the patent-pending TRASH CAN HELP, a modified trash can that stabilizes a trash bag in an optimal manner. This prevents the bag from slipping down into the can and avoids having to reach into the can for retrieval, which keeps the hands clean. Overall, it saves time and effort so that trash disposal is convenient and isn't considered a dreaded and annoying chore. Ergonomic and easy to use, the can is suitable for households, businesses and restaurants.

The original design was submitted to the Sacramento office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 15-SAH-1042, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com - https://www.youtube.com/user/inventhelp

# # #
Scott Meza, a corporate shareholder in global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLPs Northern Virginia office, and Ryan C. Bradel, of counsel in the Government Contracts & Projects Practice in the firms Washington, D.C. office, will address 2016 current trends and updates in the M&A government contactor environment during a live webcast presented by The Knowledge Group from 12  2 p.m. Oct. 20.

The webcast is titled The M&A Environment for Government Contracts: Trends and Updates in 2016. The discussion will include government contracting rules that affect M&A deals, representations and warranties for government contracting, navigating novation with government contracting, and due diligence issues. For more information or to register, click here.

Meza has more than 25 years of experience assisting businesses in complex transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs of public and private companies, and sophisticated equity and debt financings and recapitalizations. Mezas broad industry experience includes managing transactions for technology-based companies as well as companies operating in highly regulated environments like government contracting, telecommunications, and health care.

Bradel focuses his practice on government contracts litigation matters and has successfully represented clients before the Court of Federal Claims, the Boards of Contract Appeals, the Government Accountability Office, the SBAs Office of Hearings and Appeals, and state and federal courts. Additionally, Bradel represented numerous government contractors during mergers and acquisitions, and has guided companies through the risks, rewards, and legal obligations inherent in the contemplated transaction.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Greenberg Traurig, LLP is an international, multi-practice law firm with approximately 2,000 attorneys serving clients from 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm is No. 1 on the 2015 Law360 Most Charitable Firms list, second largest in the U.S. on the 2016 Law360 400, Top 20 on the 2015 Am Law Global 100, and among the 2015 BTI Brand Elite. More information at: http://www.gtlaw.com.
UnionProof Certification UnionProof Certification provides knowledge that would normally take an entire career to gain. Its both a shortcut and a comprehensive way to approach excellence in positive employee relations.

It's a long standing problem: companies are often blind-sided by union organizing attempts. Many companies dont realize what creates a disengaged workforce, and therefore arent proactively addressing employee concerns. But not if its up to the UnionProof team at Projections, a company focused on helping companies create positive relationships directly with their team members. A new Certification program being released today will offer labor relations teams across the nation a strategic approach to building their knowledge from the ground up, focusing on six core competencies of staying union-free.

It's a revolutionary new approach to a notoriously difficult corporate issue. The Atlanta-based company is offering UnionProof Certification starting today.

What the Certification Program Teaches

The Certification program is broken down into 24 sessions, organized into 6 core competencies: The History of Unions, Why Become UnionProof?, Organized Labor: An Inside Look, Organizing, Life With A Union, and Getting UnionProof. The skills and knowledge included cover everything from understanding the past in order to predict what organized labor might do next all the way to creating a strike contingency plan and writing a Union-Free Philosophy statement. Each of the 24 sessions digs deep and is designed to be completed in one week.

How the Program Works

The experience for UnionProof Certification includes video, printable homework, additional resources and links, weekly quizzes and weekly live Office Hours sessions. Those that enroll will create their UnionProof Certification binder, which will become their go-to reference for remaining union-free. Upon completion of the Certification program, a 50-question exam allows participants to earn their UnionProof Certification.

This program provides the knowledge that would normally take an entire career to gain. Its both a shortcut and a comprehensive way to approach excellence in positive employee relations. UnionProof Certification is a game changer for our industry. This depth of knowledge, all gathered in one place and delivered comprehensively, is an unprecedented opportunity for labor relations professionals. - Walter Orechwa, CEO, Projections

Those professionals in the Human Resources profession that enroll in UnionProof Certification can also earn 24 recertification credits toward requirements for HRCI Certification or 24 Professional Development Credits toward the Society for Human Resource Managements SPHR Certification.

Availability and Enrollment

Enrollment is now open. The 24-week UnionProof Certification enrollment closes Friday, October 21st. and the Course begins on October 25th.

Learn more at http://unionproof.com/certification

About Projections, Inc.

Projections is an employee communications company specializing in helping employers create and maintain a positive relationship and powerful connection with their employees. With the most advanced technology available, Projections produces videos, websites and innovative eLearning solutions for clients throughout North America. After nearly 40 years in business and scores of industry awards, Projections is proud to work with some of the largest - and smallest- employers in the world. Visit Projections on the web to learn more at http://www.ProjectionsInc.com.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

By Fatih Karimov  Trend

Chinas top nuclear official discussed peaceful nuclear cooperation with Iranian counterparts during a visit to Tehran on Oct. 17, IRNA news agency reported.

Sun Qin, head of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) held talks with Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and Mohammad Ahmadian, the managing director of Nuclear Power Production and Development Company as well as officials in charge of modernization project of Irans Arak heavy water reactor.

The sides expressed interest to boost cooperation in various fields including peaceful usage of nuclear energy and expediting the modernization process of Arak reactor.

The Chines delegation also paid a visit to Arak heavy water reactor, located in central Iran. Also known as IR-40, the reactor is a 40 megawatt (thermal) heavy water unit.

Under the nuclear agreement, achieved between Iran and P5+1 (the US, the UK, France, China, Russia plus Germany) and came into force in January 2016, Iran removed the Arak reactors core and a new reactor with minimum plutonium production capacity will be installed there.

Tehran has already filed a draft containing the entire negotiations with China on redesigning the Arak reactor, which were attended by other 5+1 members, and sent the draft to China for consideration.

An Iranian delegation previously visited China and held negotiations on the reactors modernization issue.
Tehran, Iran, October 17

By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps has said that it has not interfered in elections in Iran in the past.

A recent wave of criticism against armed forces that uses Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis electoral guidelines to imply that the IRGC has been influencing elections is wrongly founded, IRGC Political Deputy Rasul Sanaei Rad told ISNA news agency October 17.

Ayatollah Khamenei recently issued a set of policies to regulate the behavior of various governmental and non-governmental organizations toward presidential elections, set to be held in 2017.

The Leader did not just warn armed forces against interfering with elections, but the three branches as well as their subsidiaries and public organizations, Rad said, blasting critics for picking only on the armed forces section in Ayatollah Khameneis order.

Such medias act of attending only to the ban on armed forces entry into elections will entail some sort of induction in society where the audience will think maybe something has happened in the past.

The armed forces even before the Leaders order would not interfere in elections and would only attend to explanation and clarification, he stated, adding, Political players should not mar the grandeur of armed forces for some inferior objectives.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

By Fatih Karimov  Trend

Iran's navy repelled pirate attacks against an Iranian merchant ship on Oct. 17 morning, Irans Tasnim news agency reported.

A group of pirates launched three attacks on an Iranian oil tank, however, the pirates had to flee after the Iranian Navy's 44th flotilla opened heavy fire.

The incident took place in the in the Gulf of Aden, which links the Indian Ocean with the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea.

The Gulf of Aden is the quickest route for thousands of vessels traveling annually among Asia, Europe and the America.

The Iranian Navy's 44th flotilla comprising Alvand destroyer and Bushehr logistic warship was dispatched to international waters in mid-October to protect the countrys trade vessels against piracy in unsafe zones.

Iran's Navy has been recently increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and ensure security for merchant vessels and tankers.

In line with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has also been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

The panelists of the Policy Forum Armenia held October 13, 2016 in Washington, US, highlighted the deteriorating human rights and rule-of-law conditions in Armenia in recent years, said the report published on the forums website.

The panel discussion brought together speakers from the Armenian Helsinki Committee, Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center, Human Rights Watch, National Endowment for Democracy, American Bar Association, and George Washington University Law School.

The shortcomings of the constitutional framework, which allows ultimate concentration of power in the hands of a single individual, and corruption were seen as key factors behind the trend in Armenia, according to the report.

The panelists also noted the importance of the geopolitical context, particularly Armenias dependence on Russia, for understanding the conditions on the ground.

Regarding the July events, the panelists noted the outpouring of the popular supportin a Robin Hood effectan outcome of frustration with poor economic and social conditions as well as the lack of political will to fight against corruption and undertake reform.

The armed group took control of the police station in the Erebuni district of Yerevan on July 17, taking several police officers hostage and killing one in the process.

The panelists stressed that the July events provide an alarming backdrop for the April 2017 election in Armenia, where several issues remain unaddressed and the low trust towards political parties and processes in Armenia is widespread.

Policy Forum Armenia is an independent non-profit association aimed at strengthening discourse on Armenia's economic development and national security and through that helping to shape public policy in Armenia.
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New bookstores prep for opening in Florida and Indiana; a Massachusetts store moves to new digs; a childrens bookstore changes hands in Indiana; and more.

Wild Geese Bookshop Opening in Franklin, Ind.: Attorney Tiffany Phillips is planning a November 4 opening for the bookstore, which will stock a selection of books ranging from fiction and memoir to art, crafting, and cooking, as well as gifts.

Out with the Brew, In with the Books: Rollins College is replacing a former Frank and Steins brewpub in Orlando with a 5,000 sq. ft. community bookstore. The new bookstore will open in January 2017, in time for the spring semester. The current Rollins College Rice Bookstore will be converted into an event space.

The MIT Press Bookstore on the Move: After 36 years in the Kendall Square area of Cambridge, Mass., the bookstore is moving to Central Square because of construction. It will close its current Main Street location on October 20 and reopen October 24 at 301 Massachusetts Avenue in the Central Square section of Cambridge.

The Wild Book Store Changes Hands & Launches Fundraiser: John Bellmore purchased the childrens bookstore in Noblesville, Ind. He is the second owner in the past two years. Bellmore set up an Indiegogo campaign to raise $5,000 for inventory to reopen the store. This bookstore can make it, he wrote. I just need to get the shelves stocked.

Once Upon a Time Turns 50: The Montrose, Calif., childrens bookstore is celebrating its first five decades this year. Maureen Palacios left a 20-year career in human resources to purchase the bookstore in 2003.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos invited Purdue University to work with Colombian partners to assist with the development of a master plan for sustainable development of the Orinoquia region. As a result, Purdue has studied the region and is using its research expertise to assist in a collaborative plan with Colombian institutions for the sustainable development of agriculture and tourism in the Orinoquia region.

The Orinoco River watershed of eastern Colombia is called the Orinoquia. This region is just north of the equator and is characterized by tropical savannahs, forested areas along rivers and sparse population. It is isolated by the Andes Mountains to the west, Venezuela to the north and the Amazon Basin to the east and south. At least since independence from Spain in the early 19th Century, Colombians have believed that the area had the potential to be a prosperous region, and Purdue University is proud to contribute to the transformation of the region, said Suresh Garimella, executive vice president for research and partnerships and the Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

As part of a master plan for the Orinoquia region developed through Colombias National Planning Department (DNP), on Tuesday (Oct. 11) Purdue University and the Colombian School for Public Administration (ESAP) signed an international cooperative agreement in Bogota, Colombia. Purdues contribution to the master plan is to provide a rigorous analysis that will help develop the regions potential and define the catalysts for sustainable productive agriculture and tourism development. The signing of the agreement generated media interest and was covered by Colombias leading newspaper, El Tiempo.

The strong working relationships Purdue faculty have built in Colombia have matured into this opportunity to help an entire nation build a much brighter future, said Purdue President Mitch Daniels. Impact on a scale this large is what globalism means at Purdue.

Specific to this project, Purdue will be working with the University of the Llanos, the University of the Andes, the National University and the Colombian Corporation for Agricultural Research (CORPOICA) to seek input from farmer organizations, small, medium and large businesses, not-for-profit organizations and other stakeholders to open up new opportunities for economic development.

The Orinoquia initiative continues Purdues long tradition of engagement in international development, said Garimella, who also is the projects principal investigator. As a land-grant university this is what we believe in and do best: harness knowledge, science and research in a way that can be meaningfully applied to improve lives. We will focus on working with our partners to understand the problems and use science as a powerful tool to guide development decisions.

A team of research investigators including agricultural economics professors James Jess Lowenberg-DeBoer, John H. Sanders and Paul V. Preckel from the College of Agriculture, and Jonathon Day, associate professor of hospitality and tourism management from the College of Health and Human Sciences, are the lead investigators from Purdue working with the Colombian institutions.

Work in the first year of the 16-month cooperative agreement will focus on developing a plan and providing analytical tools to be used by businesses, government and social agencies to determine the feasibility of specific plans for development of the Orinoquia region.

Those tools will focus on farm management, marketing, food logistics and eco-tourism. In the last four months of the effort, at least five agricultural and three tourism pilot projects will be developed. The most promising concepts developed in the planning stage will be selected for pilot testing, Lowenberg-DeBoer said.

The projected outcomes include the creation of analytical tools for agriculture and tourism development of the Orinoquia region; building the capacity of national, departmental and municipal staff to analyze and identify opportunities for agriculture, agribusiness and tourism; and conducting internationally recognized research, engagement and scholarship to improve the capacity for sustainable development.

When we are done, we envision an Orinoquia that is prosperous  economically, environmentally and educationally, Garimella said. It will surely be a region that has the strength both to stand on its own and to be a valued part of Colombias future.

Since a 2010 agreement formed the foundation for the Colombia-Purdue Institute, a series of partnerships have developed between Purdue and institutions in Colombia, including universities, companies, government ministries and non-governmental organizations. Collectively, the partnerships focus on faculty and student mobility, joint educational initiatives such as service learning, collaborative research aimed at addressing issues of national interest to Colombia and the United States, and commercialization programs that could open new business opportunities for Colombia and the United States.

Colombia is Latin Americas third-largest economy.

Sources: Suresh Garimella, 765-494-6209, sureshg@purdue.edu

Jess Lowenberg-DeBoer, 765-496-3730, lowenbej@purdue.edu
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Catherine Bertini, former executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme and 2003 World Food Prize laureate, will join Purdue University President Mitch Daniels for an in-depth discussion on global food security during the opening program of Purdue's 2016-17 Presidential Lecture Series.

The program, scheduled for 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall, is free and open to the public.

As head of the World Food Programme from 1992-2002, Bertini led the U.N. response to food crises in North Korea, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo and was credited with helping to save millions of lives in famine-stricken regions. She was appointed humanitarian envoy to the Horn of Africa, Gaza and the West Bank by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and named one of the world's most powerful women by the Times of London in 1996.

Prior to joining the U.N., Bertini served as acting assistant secretary of the Family Support Administration in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during the Reagan administration and assistant secretary of agriculture for food and consumer services in the George H.W. Bush administration, overseeing 13 food assistance programs for low-income children and families.

She was appointed a member of the Board of International Food and Agricultural Development, which advises the U.S. Agency for International Development, by President George W. Bush and reappointed by President Barack Obama.

Bertini is currently vice chair and professor of public administration and international affairs in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and serves as a distinguished fellow at the Chicago Council of Global Affairs.

Purdue's Presidential Lecture Series, launched in 2013, features prominent experts and practitioners from various fields that are of interest to both the campus and community at large. Connected with each public presentation, speakers meet with students and faculty on the West Lafayette campus during their visits. The series will add speakers at various points during the year.

The series is sponsored by Purdue's Office of the President and Purdue Convocations.

"This series provides us yet another opportunity to bring programming to the Purdue community that is both thought provoking and inspiring," said Todd Wetzel, executive director of Purdue Convocations.

Source: Darrin Pack, 765-494-8415, dpack@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;

Darrin Pack, dpack@purdue.edu

Agriculture News Page
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

Turkish Airlines has canceled flights to Baghdad and Erbil due to the operation to liberate Iraqs Mosul from Islamic State (IS, aka ISIS, ISIL) terrorist group, Aksam newspaper reports.

According to the newspaper, passengers will depart to these directions at night.

The operation to regain control over Mosul began in the morning, Oct. 17. In addition to Iraqs government forces, local Peshmerga paramilitaries participate in the operation.

The attack is supported by international anti-terrorism coalition air force.

Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq with a population of 1.3 million people, has been under the IS control for more than two years.

Mosul was surrendered almost without a fight during the extremists attack in June 2014.

The Islamic State considers Mosul as its main stronghold in Iraq.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade
MOLINE -- At a Sunday candidates forum boycotted by local Republicans, only state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) spoke at Black Hawk College, at the event put on by the Black and Brown Political Coalition of the Quad Cities.

"Unfortunately, we're talking to an empty seat when it comes to the other side. If they'd just show up and talk about these things, they'd give voters a better idea of who to vote for," said Rep. Smiddy, seeking a third term representing the 71st House District. It predominantly covers Whiteside County.

"We have to find common ground moving forward, but we can't do that with just one person sitting here," he said. "I think it's important we come out and listen to what our communities have to say. That's one of the most important things we can do as elected officials, and those running for elected office.

"We have to know what all of you think, believe, and that helps us when we're in Springfield," Rep. Smiddy said. Of his opponents, he said: "They will put a lot of things on television that distort people's records, that are false, that just try to run the other candidates down."

GOP candidates also declined to debate at the forum in 2014, Rep. Smiddy -- who's running against Republican Tony McCombie, mayor of Savanna -- said. "That's not the right way to go about trying to serve your community. You need to serve your communities all over, not just when it's convenient for you, or you're not going to get a good question."

Sunday's meeting (which also was to include candidates for Rock Island County recorder) was moderated by Araceli Masterson-Algar, Augustana associate professor of Spanish/Latin America World Languages, and volunteer with the Palomares Social Justice Center.

The Black and Brown Coalition includes that center, Rock Island County NAACP, LULAC Council 5285, QC Empowerment Network and Augustana's Center for Inclusive Leadership & Equity.

Last Friday, Rock Island County GOP chairman Bill Bloom announced the candidate withdrawal from the forums (Sunday and this Thursday), claiming party officials and candidates were slighted in planning the debates.

Among their complaints were that a Republican leader who was invited to participate in the planning was asked to leave as soon as he arrived. Part of the reason given was, "We need a safe zone," and a Democratic vice chair was allowed to stay and participate in the planning.

That GOP person was a candidate, and no candidates were supposed to be part of the planning, said Juanita Zertuche, vice president of the LULAC council. "He seemed to be in agreement. It was very cordial."

Republicans also didn't like that no forums were planned for the 17th Congressional District and Rock Island County circuit clerk's races. Ms. Zertuche responded: "We never gave any indication we were going to cover everything. We're small; we're new."

"We felt we did a good job in communicating," she said of the forums, announced in September. "We wanted to hear their voice. We did the best we could with the resources we had and the time. It's just unfortunate. This was a great opportunity they missed. We're excited with what we accomplished."

Many questions Sunday concerned the needs of minority communities. Rep. Smiddy said in his district, Sterling/Rock Falls has a 20 percent Hispanic population, and he's tried to work hard to help them with economic development, holding meetings with Hispanic business owners.

Education, health care, early childhood development, college affordability and raising the minimum wage to "a livable wage" also are priorities for him.

"We have to reach out to all communities to know what they need," Rep. Smiddy said, noting a law he sponsored passed that lets doctors decide breast-cancer treatment and tests, rather than insurance companies, including MRIs and 3D mammograms, and expanding that coverage to Medicaid patients.

He said he backs "a path to citizenship" for undocumented immigrants and said Donald Trump's plan to build a wall across the southern border is "stupid."

Government should do better outreach in minority communities, to educate them about candidates and better serve them, Rep. Smiddy said, noting more minorities must be encouraged to run for office. "Our minority communities are very much growing and are still underrepresented," he said.

The biggest challenge is the state budget, he said. "We need to have a comprehensive budget, not a stopgap budget...We need to have legislators from both side of the aisle sit down in a room and get a dictionary, and figure out what the word compromise means, to move this state forward."

Yet, Rep. Smiddy said: "It's very hard to do things and compromise in this environment. When you're being called an SOB six days a week by somebody, on the seventh day they want you to compromise? It's hard to do. We need to tone down the rhetoric. We need to start working for the people who elected us."

Of Mayor McCombie, he claimed all the money for her campaign is coming from Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, out of $25 million he's given to GOP candidates. "When you have somebody that can come in and drop $1 million on a race to go after you, it's very tough," Rep. Smiddy said, urging campaign finance reform.

Negative ads "have taken a toll" on his family. "When we're trying to run for office, we need to do better. We need to stop the hatred, and just say, 'Let's sit down and talk issues.'

"I think public perception is horrible. I don't think there's a person that thinks anybody's doing a good job, on the state or federal level," he said. "Sometimes, perceptions become realities. ...The political climate is the worst I've ever seen in my lifetime."

To save some money, he's not taken his per diem from the state for mileage in the past 18 months, and asked the entire Legislature to do the same. "For the last 18 months, we've done nothing but hurt our communities by not funding programs," Rep. Smiddy said

"I'm very opinionated; I won't follow directions well, unless they come from my wife," he joked. He said he won't "go along to get along in Springfield," but fight for the people.
Almost 50 Illinois counties have filed lawsuits against Democratic Governor, JB Pritzker, and the ill crafted SAFE-T Act. Introduced in the General Assembly by the Illinois Black Caucus, the Act passed the Democratic-led General Assembly in the wee hours of Jan. 13, 2021. Amongst many of its weaknesses and deficiencies, the Act eliminates cash bail, emboldens criminals, and makes it even more difficult for law enforcement to keep offenders off our streets. Public Safety personnel and States Attorneys across our great State have decried the legislation, noting that it was drafted and written with very little constructive input from Public Safety leadership, from either party; potentially impacting every Illinois community with dangerous consequences. Allowing perpetrators to bail out of jail, based on their good word that they will be glad to return to court is laughable, at best, and both ludicrous and dangerous, at worst. Soon after the SAFE-T Act was passed at the State level, the Republican-led Henry County Board drafted a resolution, requesting that the General Assembly repeal and replace the SAFE-T Act with a new criminal justice bill, this time with input from professional law enforcement, States Attorneys from across the State, and other Public Safety officials. We unanimously passed our resolution on May 19, 2022, and encourage all County Boards in Illinois to follow our lead. Our Republican-led Board in Henry County believes we all, Democrats, Independents, and Republicans, deserve effective and fair law enforcement in our communities.
As we approach the day when we will choose our nations leaders for the next four years, a disappointing number of our fellow citizens will likely fail to exercise one of the most important rights we enjoy in the United States: the right to vote.

This prompts the question -- why should we vote?

First, of course, it is a right that countless men and women in uniform from the beginning of our country have died to secure. We dont need to stray far from our borders to find other countries where this right is denied and eagerly sought. And while it is true that the dreadful U.S. Supreme Court Citizens United decision has unleashed floods of money to taint the election process, the right to vote by thoughtful citizens remains powerful.

Second, this year we are faced with a serious choice at the highest level between democracy and something very different. While some argue Donald Trump is the candidate of change, his emotional instability and past behavior assure any change he brings would hurt a whole lot of Americans -- including many of those who now support him. His childish name calling, running battles with former beauty contestants and vile boasting about groping married women are the tip of the iceberg.

Perhaps more important is Trumps dumping on small business owners and workers through six bankruptcies, managing to lose more than $900 million in business transactions in a single year; then using that incompetence to avoid paying income taxes for many years afterward. And he claims to be a brilliant businessman?

These reflect Trumps real indifference to working men and women across America. He is good at coming up with ways to spend your tax dollars, since he is not paying any of his own.

Perhaps not surprisingly, his plan for creating more jobs calls for more tax breaks for the very wealthy -- that is, for himself. Maybe he wants us to pay him for his bad business deals?

Meanwhile Trumps open admiration for terrible dictators like Vladimir Putin and cozying up to the Russians suggest how little he really cares about Americas greatness.

In contrast, his opponent has dedicated most of her adult life to public service. From promoting better health for children and relief for 9/11 victims as first lady and senator, to helping take out Osama bin Laden while secretary of state, to promoting sensible plans for expanding jobs for Americans by rebuilding our nations infrastructure, Hillary Clinton is arguably one of the best qualified individuals -- in addition to being the first woman -- to be a major party candidate for president.

This critical choice is enough reason to vote this year.

But other questions down the ballot provide compelling local reasons as well. We have heard a lot of talk lately about supporting law enforcement and about Black Lives Matter. Both are important. Both deserve attention -- ideally through enhanced community policing and similar measures.

But this year the ballot in Rock Island County gives voters a chance to directly support local law enforcement, by voting yes for the referendum to increase modestly our sales tax to support the sheriffs department. A yes vote on this question not only helps local law enforcement but can help hold down property taxes as well. So can a yes vote for the schools on their ballot referendum.

Voting is a precious right. Lets treat it that way by exercising it on or before Nov. 8.

And thanks.
Judith Ripka Avalon Stainless Steel Croco Embossed Leather Watch is rated 4.1 out of 5 by 24 .

Rated 5 out of 5 by DC Gal from STUNNING! If you're old enough to remember the art-deco style of Givenchy watches of the 70's - this is nod to those lovely designs. Eye-catching and very versatile for work, play and even date night...just fabulous!

Rated 5 out of 5 by Sunnycat from LOVELY SUMMER WATCH I bought this watch in lavender and will probably buy the aqua green one too. It's a medium size, not too heavy for summer and the colors are lovely. This is my fifth Ripka watch.

Rated 3 out of 5 by roo from Long band Got this lovely watch in black and the white. I have a smaller wrist and I find that the watch bands would be better for a 7 1/2 to 8 inch wrist or even larger. Other than that, I do not find that they are hard to read like others have said. Watch face is smaller than some of the large chunky ones that are out, but I prefer it.. 3 stars only because of the very generous sized watch bands.

Rated 3 out of 5 by Kachina624 from Very Lightweight Got this watch today in the lavender. Pretty color but it's as lightweight as a feather and feels very tinny. I'm accustomed to watches with a little heft to them and this one feels cheap. It's a pretty watch, somewhat on the petite side. It easily fits my 7" wrist with enough holes left to accommodate an 8" wrist. It should go down to about a 6 1/4" wrist. It's easy to read even though the hands are the same color as the dial. I'm not sure it's a good value for the price. If you buy it, you are purchasing the equivalent of a piece of costume jewelry, not a fine timepiece.

Rated 2 out of 5 by MaryAnnMKE from Sorry, but not a good value... Let me start by saying that generally I love Judith Ripka jewelry--I love her designs. This watch, however, could have been designed by anyone....none of JR's trademark design elements are noticeable which makes the current price for this watch (which is stainless steel with a 3 year warranty) too high. While it is not an unattractive watch, I would not pay more than $45 for it. Reluctantly, I returned it.

Rated 3 out of 5 by kcubed from Avalon Watch This is a pretty watch and would be perfect if it were not for two flaws. (1) The time is difficult to read. The hands are short and blend into the background of the watch. (2) The watch is too small. I didn't expect it to be the boyfriend size, but it looks too tiny on my wrist.

Rated 5 out of 5 by RoseGirl216 from Great Birthday Gift I purchased this watch for a good friend for her 50th birthday. I'm happy to report she loved the watch. To be safe I purchased the black and silver a true classic that can be worn for special occasions or everyday. Truly I wanted this one for myself but I resisted. To my surprise a week after I ordered it there was a price reduction. I called Customer Service and received a reduction too since it was less than 30 days. Yes I would recommend this watch to a friend and almost any Judith Ripka piece within reason.
Judith Ripka Sterl. Verona 6/10 ct tw Diamonique Tubogas Cuff is rated 3.0 out of 5 by 4 .

Rated 2 out of 5 by kittyhouse3 from Not Thrilled Received this yesterday and I was non-plused. It doesn't have the impact I expected it would, and honestly for the price I can't justify keeping it if I don't love it. Very disappointed. I agree with another reviewer that this would have more impact if the stones in the hearts were a color. Black would be stunning. Sending back

Rated 3 out of 5 by Barb4 from UNUSUAL DESIGN I looked at this bracelet with interest because the design appealed to me. With no video, it is difficult to get a real feel for an item. I did have a doubt, because the hearts seemed odd to me. Well, I again learned to go with my original opinion. First off the bracelet is well crafted. Love the triangle links and they are grey in color. Very different and appealing. However, the diamonique in the picture looked bad and my bracelet had one bad stone as well that the eye would keep going to.The overall concept looks odd in person. Of course this is my opinion, but the diamonique hearts have a fake look. This bracelet would be stunning with a dark stone such as onyz or hematite. Hoping this bracelet is made again with real stones in dark colors.

Rated 2 out of 5 by cantoramy from disappointed This bracelet looked so beautiful in the picture, but I was disappointed. Very beautifully made in Italy but the Diamonique didn't sparkle at all. I think there weren't enough stones or they were set too deeply. Great design, but sadly it went back.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

Trend:

Egypt supported the operation to liberate Iraqs Mosul from Islamic State (IS, aka ISIS, ISIL) terrorist group, wished success and victory in the operation, RIA Novosti reported citing a statement from Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid, Oct. 17.

Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq, remains as a main stronghold of the IS.

Iraqi army and its allies, including peoples volunteer corps, have been preparing for an offensive recently. On Monday night, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of military operation to liberate Mosul.

Egypt expresses complete solidarity with the government and people of Iraq in connection with the start of operations to liberate Mosul from Daesh terrorist group, and wishes success and victory in the operation, the statement says.

Ahmed Abu Zeid added that IS, as well as other terrorist groups sympathizing and supporting it, cant find a shelter against the will of those striving for peace and stability in the world.
"This stuff has been asked and answered time and time again and we can just get on with it which is why I'm not pulling my bill," Chloe Swarbrick said.

2 hours ago
The HarrisX  Ragan CEO/Communicators Perceptions Survey needs CEOs, CCOs and senior-level communicators to share their opinions on variety of topics including ESG, CSR and purpose, DE&I, and whether organizations should take a stand on political and social issues. Well share the preliminary findings, including how CEOs and communicators differed in their responses, during Ragans communications Week, Nov. 1-7. Full results will be shared in a special report this winter.

Take the survey here.

For those who take the time to share their insights and who provide us their email, we will send a copy of the final, aggregated findings and executive report.

Your views are important to us and your answers will be kept anonymous.
Under a memorandum of understanding signed by CRRC and Maharashtras state Industry Department on October 15, CRRC will invest Rs 15bn in the construction of an assembly plant at the Multimodal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (Mihan). Nagpur Metro Rail also handed over a letter of intent for the supply of rolling stock during the signing ceremony.

The 38.2km first phase of the Nagpur metro network comprises the 19.7km north-south Line 1 from Automotive Square to Khapri and the 18.6km east-west Line 2 from Lokmanya Nagar to Prajapati Nagar. Construction is underway and the first section of Line 1 is expected to open in 2018, with the remainder of phase 1 scheduled for completion by 2020.
PolyU claims its system is the first in the world to use revenue-earning rolling stock equipped with fibre optic sensors to monitor the tracks continuously. PolyU says this should enable defects to be identified rapidly so that they can be rectified as quickly as possible thereby improving reliability.

The sensors can also be installed on the track to monitor trains allowing faults to be detected quickly.

SMRT in Singapore signed an agreement with PolyU in February and testing of the system was completed in June. Six groups of sensors are now being installed in tracks and trains of the East West Line and North South Line, which are the two busiest metro lines in Singapore. The work will be completed in early 2017.

PolyU will train SMRT staff to operate the system, while the data collected during monitoring can be sent to PolyU in real-time for analysis when needed. In addition, PolyU will provide maintenance and technical support to SMRT for a period of five years after the system has been commissioned.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 17

Trend:

Afghanistans First Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum suffered a minor injury during the Taliban ambush in northern Faryab province of the country, Khaama Press reports.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah confirmed Oct. 17 that the health condition of the first vice president is satisfactory and he has suffered a minor injury in the attack, according to the report.

CEO Abdullah was speaking during a meeting of the Ministers Council ahead of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Taliban militants ambushed Vice President Dostum, as he was accompanying a convoy of the security forces on the way to Ghormach district that fell to Taliban control last week.

This is not the first time General Dostum has come under attack by Taliban militants or has escaped assassination plot by the group.

The general first joined the Afghan security forces in the frontline in northern Faryab province earlier in August 2015, where he survived at least two assassination plots by the anti-government armed militant groups, while he was leading counter-terrorism operations.

Initially his convoy was ambushed by the Taliban militants in Qaisar district in mid-August 2015, while another plot to assassinate him was thwarted by the security forces and his special security guards few days later.
Badger Mining Corporation (BMC), a family-owned industrial sand supplier based out of Berlin, Wis., announced Oct. 14 a further commitment to the Canadian market with the asset acquisition of Di-Corps state-of-the-art transload facility in Sexsmith, Alberta, Canada, located 12 miles north of Grand Prairie, Alta.

Along with the acquisition, BMC and Di-Corp are working together to execute an immediate expansion of the site, including land purchases and railroad additions, to increase the facilitys capacity as well as to accommodate unit train shipments. Construction of this expansion is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2016 or early 2017.

This is all part of Badger Minings commitment to the Deep Basin, says Lori Phillippi, BMC Advisory Team associate and third generation family member. With this purchase, we are reinforcing our commitment by further deepening our roots, preparing for a rebound in activity, and implementing our plan of establishing the best, fastest, and most reliable distribution network in Western Canada.

Badger Mining will again be working with CN to provide transportation of high quality industrial sand from Wisconsin to BMCs operations in Alberta.

CN is pleased to once more be expanding its successful partnership with Badger Mining, said Fiona Murray, vice president of industrial products at CN. The investments we have made in our network, particularly in Wisconsin and Alberta, provide efficient transportation services to partners like Badger Mining and Di-Corp, allowing them to grow their businesses and make these commitments to certain markets.

The transloading site is one of Badger Minings 26 current distribution locations throughout the United States and Canada. Service at the site will be unchanged, as Di-Corp will continue as the Transload Operator at the facility.
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Investigators prevent transfer of $122 mln outside Russia  report

MOSCOW, October 17 (RAPSI)  Russias Investigative Committee has prevented transfer of nearly 7.7 billion rubles ($122 million) designated for payment of dividends for Togliattiazots ex-CEO Sergei Makhlay and other defendants in large scale fraud criminal case, Kommersant newspaper reported on Monday.

In May 2016 it was revealed that Togliattiazots Board of Directors decided to pay 7.7 billion rubles dividends, Kommersant has reported. Recipients of the payments included defendants in the criminal case. Reportedly, after receiving this information representatives of the Investigative Committee asked a court to arrest bank accounts of Togliattiazot, which contained the funds in question.

Investigators believe that from 2008-2011 the management of Togliattiazot devised an export scheme under which the companys products (ammonia and urea) were delivered at understated prices to affiliated offshore companies Nitrochem Distribution and Ameropa, which Felix Zivy and subsequently his son Andreas owned. These two companies resold ammonia and urea to independent buyers at market prices.

In December 2014 top managers of TogliattiAzot were arrested in absentia - chairman of the board of directors Sergei Makhlai, who, according to The Vek (16 October 2015), was stripped of his powers under the court decision, co-owner Vladimir Makhlay, Andreas Zivy and Nitrochems CEO Beat Ruprecht. Some of the defendants were later put on the Interpol wanted list.

Togliattiazot Corporation (ToAZ) is located in Togliatti on the Volga and is the worlds largest producer of ammonia (8 percent of global output).

From 1985 to 2011, its CEO was Vladimir Makhlai. In March 2011, he ceded his post to his son Sergei, who has lived in the United States for about 20 years, according to the media.
Appeal court upholds recovery of $8 mln from IKEA in favor of Russian businessman

MOSCOW, October 17 (RAPSI)  The Smolensk Regional Court has dismissed an appeal filed by IKEA's Russian division IKEA Mos against a lower courts ruling ordering the company to pay businessman Konstantin Ponomarev more than 507 million rubles ($8 million) over rented diesel generators, RAPSI reported on Monday.

The court has also upheld seizure of monetary assets belonging to IKEA Mos and prohibition on its reorganization.

Moreover, the court on IKEA Mos lawyers complaint has revoked special court rulings on the alleged commitment of crimes against justice by them issued to the address of the Prosecutor Generals Office and Moscow City Bar; but passed a similar rider towards Russias Investigative Committee.

In August 2016, the Krasninsky District Court in Smolensk issued a ruling in favor of the businessman in the dispute with IKEAs division.

The ruling was handed down after Joakim Virtanen, former general manager at IKEA division in St. Petersburg, had admitted to giving false testimony against Ponomarev in the case.

Virtanen said that he lied to investigators and gave false testimony in court at the request of lawyers who acted on behalf of IKEA Mos.

As a result, Alexaner Khokhlov and Semyon Shevchenko who had been hired by IKEA Mos are suspected of pressing witnesses, evidence tampering and procuring perjury. A complaint against the lawyers has been filed with the Prosecutor Generals Office. Moscow City Bar was requested to check the lawyers for breach of Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Ponomarev is embroiled in a long-standing dispute with IKEA that opted to rent diesel generators to power its shopping malls in St. Petersburg. Five criminal cases were opened against the businessman at the request of the Swedish retailer. However, a probe over alleged fraud found nothing, and the cases were dropped.

As a matter of fact, Ponomarev is one of the key witnesses in the case against Hermitage Capital Management CEO William Browder who stands accused of tax evasion on a large scale in Russia. According to investigators, Browder and Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer and auditor, set up an illegal scheme to siphon off over 500 million rubles (about $7.9 million). Browder was sentenced in July 2013 to nine years in prison in absentia. Magnitsky, who died in prison in suspicious circumstances, was found guilty of tax evasion in a posthumous trial.
Russian tycoon Polonsky demands judge withdrawal

MOSCOW, October 17 (RAPSI)  Defense of Russian businessman Sergei Polonsky demanded the court to withdraw Sergei Gruzdev, a judge of the Moscow City Court, who is reviewing a motion by an investigator over extension of Polonskys detention, RIA Novosti reported on Monday.

Lawyer Aleksei Tsaplin reminded that previously the judge has already extended detention for Polonsky and has removed the defendant from the courtroom for inappropriate behavior. Defense of Polonsy believes that there is a personal conflict between the judge and the defendant.

The judge has dismissed the withdrawal motion, finding no evidence for personal motive in reviewing the extension of Polonskys detention.

Court hearing continues without Polonsky who was removed from the courtroom during withdrawal discussion after arguing with the judge.

According to investigators, Polonsky, aided by Alexander Paperno, Head of the Mirax Group Finance Department and Alexei Pronyakin, CEO of Avanta company, have defrauded participants of shared construction apartment projects of 2.6 billion rubles ($40 million), thus committing a serious crime.

Polonsky, who is the founder of Potok (formerly Mirax Group), a diversified corporation that has been involved in several large development projects, is deemed to cause damages in amount of 2.4 billion rubles (around $37 million) with regard to Kutuzov Mile and 256 million rubles ($3.9 million) with regard to Rublyovskaya Riviera development projects.

Other projects Polonsky has been involved in include Federation Tower in the Moscow International Business Center, office buildings Mirax Plaza, Poklonnaya 11 and Admiral, condominium developments Mirax Park, Golden Keys 1 and 2, and the Well House.

In May 2015, the Cambodian authorities, where Polonsky had been avoiding Russian prosecution, extradited him to Russia.

If convicted, Polonsky could face up to ten years in prison. Polonsky has pleaded not guilty.
Mastercard published Global Destinations Cities Index report which gives a deep insight on most visited cities in the World and amount of spending by travelers in each of these cities and its character.

Bangkok is the top-ranked destination city by international overnight visitor arrivals, which is followed by London and Paris according to the annual Mastercard Global Destinations Cities Index.

One of the most favorite destinations for Azerbaijani travelers  Dubai is the top ranked destination city in the Middle East Africa region and has taken 4th place globally. Besides, Abu Dhabi is the fastest growing in the region with a growth rate of 81 percent, which marks the United Arab Emirates as both the most visited and fastest growing country in the region for the second year in a row.

The Index provides more than a ranking of the 132 most visited cities around the world. It projects visitor volume and spend estimates for the 2016 calendar year, while delivering a deeper understanding of how people travel and spend around the world. According to the study, Bangkok is projected to receive 21.47 million international overnight visitors in 2016, just ahead of second-ranked London. The biggest surprise in this years Index is Dubais jump to the top rank based on international visitor spending of US$31.3 billion, far exceeding the second ranked London estimated at US$19.8 billion.

The way people travel and spend across borders indicates just how interconnected and important the worlds cities are, said Ann Cairns, President of International Markets, Mastercard. As the planning and experience of the trip become increasingly important, Mastercard is bringing all these pieces together seamlessly through innovation and connections.

For the first time, the Index explores whether visitors travel for business or leisure as well as insights into how international visitors spend, including dining, lodging and shopping. The 2016 Index shows that among the top 20 cities, more people travel internationally for leisure, except to Shanghai. Visitors to the top 20 overwhelmingly spent more while shopping, as opposed to dining, except in Europe, where meals captured greater share of spend in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Istanbul, Milan, Paris, Prague and Vienna.

The Index also provides insight into top destination cities in each region. Asia Pacific region dominates both the global top 10 and Top 10 fastest growing destination cities. London, ranked second globally and first in Europe, is the top feeder city in terms of visitor and spending volume for all other cities that round out the top European destinations: Paris, Istanbul, Barcelona and Amsterdam. When it comes to Latin America region Lima is both the top destination and fastest growing city in the region, with 4.03 million visitors. However, the rankings are very different in terms of overnight visitor spend: Punta Cana leads the region with US$2.95 billion followed by Mexico City (US$2.27 billion).

Mastercard understands the significant role that cities play as centers of commerce, reflected in efforts to deliver technologies that provide greater efficiencies and convenience for governments and people. One example is the broad adoption of contactless payments by transit systems like London and Chicago. The insights from this report can also help airlines, hotels and other merchants create smarter, more relevant and customized experiences for their customers.
San Antonio Independent School District Board President Patti Radle (left) and SAISD Superintendent Pedro Martinez (right). (Photo courtesy SAISD)

When Pedro Martinez took over as superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District last year, he was presented with a paradox. With a trove of research establishing that poverty is the unfortunate predictor of poor academic achievement, conventional wisdom was that the district, with its 93 percent poverty rate, was doomed.

Yet the school board that hired Martinez had given him an audacious goal: To transform San Antonio ISD into a national model for other urban school districts. Individual schools have gotten outstanding results with impoverished students, but an entire district? To most people it would sound like a fools errand.

The oldest of 10 siblings, Martinez was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico. His family moved to inner-city Chicago when he was five; his father left school after the second grade and never earned more than $7 an hour. Martinez was the first in his family to graduate from high school.

He knew poverty didnt have to be destiny. And he knew his toughest challenge would be convincing others of this. To start that conversation, he needed data.

For decades, educators and education policymakers have defined poverty rates in schools as the number of students whose family income qualifies them for free or subsidized meals. This single set of data influences virtually every decision. It matters in terms of everything from how funding is distributed to whether teachers are evaluated fairly.

Yet Martinez personal and professional experience told him that the challenges faced by students who are entitled to subsidized meals vary widely with their familys income. As of 2015, a family of four must have annual earnings below $31,525 to qualify for free meals and below $44,863 to qualify for reduced-price meals. Median family income nationwide was $54,000 in 2014.

Inner-city San Antonio, however, is much poorer. Median family income in San Antonio ISD is $30,363. One in five adults didnt graduate from high school and 42 percent dont work. The disparities between the central city and the booming suburbs of surrounding Bexar County make San Antonio the most unequal community in the nation, according to the Economic Innovation Group, a Washington, D.C.-based organization founded by big names in Silicon Valley.

By comparison, neighboring school systems can count on having a lot more money to serve students with far fewer challenges. Northside San Antonio Independent School District, for example, collects taxes on $40 billion in property; North East Independent School District taxes $30 billion and San Antonio ISD $13 billion. Meanwhile, median family income in the two suburban districts is more than 40 percent higher than San Antonio ISD.

In July, the National Bureau of Economic Research released a working paper that examined the impact a familys level of poverty had on students learning. Students who qualified for meal subsidies at least once between kindergarten and eighth grade were an average of two grades behind their affluent peers in terms of academic performance. The very poorest, the 14 percent who got free meals every year, were three grades behind.

Over the summer, Martinez created a map depicting the level of poverty at each of the districts 99 schools. Using block-by-block earnings data corresponding to every students address, he calculated the median family income for each school building.

Just one, Mission Academy, had median family income near the national average, about $54,000. Several schools had median incomes less than a third as much. The map revealed surprisessome of the poorest schools outperformed more comfortable onesas well as differing needs.

The Young Womens Leadership Academy, last year named an exemplary Blue Ribbon school by the U.S. Department of Education, was solidly in the middle of the pack with a median income of $35,978. Last year it graduated 100 percent of its students, and all were accepted to a college or university.

Two of the schools with the lowest family incomes, JT Brackenridge Elementary and Lamar Elementary, had higher percentages of students scoring advanced on annual state reading and math assessments than Mission Academy. At one of the two schools with the highest percentage of students with advanced scores, two-thirds of students qualified for subsidized lunch. At the other, more than 92 percent did.

There are, of course, communities throughout the country where schools that are beating the odds with impoverished students have sparked discussionand political resistanceabout whats possible. But in greater San Antonios 17 school districts, it is still generally accepted that poverty is an insurmountable barrier to school success.

Martinez hasnt put the data on the district website or published it. But he has begun carrying the green-and-white map, printed on an oversized piece of paper, around with him.

At a micro level, lets use this to change the conversation, Martinez said. At a macro level we have the opportunity to change the conversation with the community.

Numbers Without Heart

One of the most impoverished schools on Martinez map, JT Brackenridge has a median family income of $16,863. Its located in the poorest precinct in one of the poorest zip codes in the United States. Located just west of booming downtown San Antonio, the area is in fact often referred to by its zip code, 78207.

The current president of San Antonio ISDs board, Patti Radle, taught at Brackenridge for 12 years. Many of her students, she recalls, came from one of the nations first public housing projects, Alazan-Apache Courts.

Radle lives a few blocks away in a house painted the vivid purple of a Peeps marshmallow. A social-justice Catholic to her core, Radle has lived in the neighborhood since 1969, a year after the CBS documentary Hunger in America shocked Middle America with depictions of starvation among its Mexican-American residents.

Now as then, the subsistence economy is invisible to drivers commuting on the freeways to the wealthy suburbs north of the city limit. The economic boom that has made San Antonio one of the fastest growing cities in the country bypassed the barrio  or hood  entirely.

People can go by without having to see it, Radle said. These numbers have no hearts.

Despite its grim statistical portrait, the neighborhood has a stable, vibrant culture. A block from Radles place is the first house built by Habitat for Humanitys first local chapter. It took a year to build, she recalls. The owners been building out ever since.

Down the street is a mural where, every year on the Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, the community gathers to remember youth lost to a wave of gang violence in the early 90s. The man who owns the store its painted on is Muslim, Radle notes, but was just fine with a mural of Jesus on his wall.

A few blocks further is an intersection Radle refers to as the place where the money ran out. Cross Montezuma Street and the sidewalks and curbs end. When it rains, water runs into the foundations of the mostly ramshackle wooden houses wedged into 25-foot lots. Walls slouch into the ground and holes threaten roofs. With 30 percent of students homeless or lacking stable housing, many are sheltering multiple families.

Regarding the schools better-than-average outcomes, Radle has a couple of opinions. For starters, the staff is unusually stable and the principal strong, she notes: When I go into JT Brackenridge, theres such a spirit of Were all in this together.

The other is a concerted effort by community groupsincluding a nonprofit Radle and her husband have run as volunteers since 1972to keep kids in afterschool and summer programs and to try to expose them to the kinds of enrichment middle- and upper-class families provide their children.

They have the same brain matter as students in Alamo Heights, Radle said, referring to the citys wealthy northeastern neighbor. Its one thing to compare the lives of kids between 8:00 [a.m.] and 3:00 [p.m.], when they are in school.

If our kids had come to school with these thousands of vocabulary words it wouldnt be quite the challenge to their teachers to bring them up to speed, she adds. So what can we do to build up these experiences, this vocabulary?

Its the kind of insight Martinez can use when he shows the map to the dozens of outside groups that partner with the district. There are schools where kids who stay for afterschool activities already are being fed three meals and a snack but who need a backpack of food to take home for the rest of the family.

This is data at the school level we can share with our partners, he said. If you dont understand and youre not adjusting your supports around it, youre not going to have success.

The Belief Gap

New research confirms much of what Martinez is finding -- that not all poverty is the same. In July, Katherine Michelmore and Susan Dynarski, professors at Syracuse University and the University of Michigan, respectively, issued The Gap Within the Gap, a working paper that proposes a method for identifying the most disadvantaged students. Using data on all Michigan students, the researchers first identified those who ever received subsidized meals and then sorted out those who were eligible year after year.

While half of Michigan eighth graders were eligible for meals at the time of study, just 14 percent had been eligible every year since kindergarten. The first group of students were more likely to be transitorily disadvantagedto come from families with earnings nearer the cutoff for eligibility.

The others were persistently disadvantaged, unable to climb out of poverty. Students in the study sample who qualify for school meals are about two grades behind their wealthier peers. Children who qualify for free lunch every year, Michelmore and Dynarski found, were three grades behind.

The data also revealed that its not the number of years in poverty that widens the gap but the depth of the poverty. Persistently disadvantaged students are more concentrated in urban areas, while the transitorily disadvantaged are more concentrated in suburbs. The persistently disadvantaged attend schools with a higher concentration of students eligible for subsidized meals than those who are transitorily disadvantaged.

Likely none of this comes as a surprise to San Antonio teachers who, Radle and Martinez say, often are deeply invested in their students and, with the best of intentions, dont want to further burden them with tough academics.

Its not that they dont love them, Radle said. Its unconscious. Its a sense that maybe theyre struggling with so much. We have to help teachers get past that and give them license to expect more.

Theyll say, I love these kids and I love this school, she adds. So one of the things I say is, So then lets find a way to love them to excellence.

In addition to using his map to start conversations, Martinez is confronting this belief gap by raising expectations. A new school that will use curriculum and techniques developed for gifted students to teach kids of all abilities opened this fall, adding to the districts growing portfolio of magnet schools, specialized academies, and high schools offering early-college programming. The much-lauded Young Womens Leadership Academy is being replicated as a boys-only school.

By 2020, he wants the number of San Antonio ISD students scoring at the advanced level on state tests to soar to 30 percent from the current 7 percent. And he wants proficiency in reading and math to rise to 90 percent, currently at 63 and 62 percent, respectively. The goal is to raise the number of graduates who are college-ready according to college entrance exams to 43 percent from 5, and the percentage of students who dont need to repeat high school-level classes in college to 74 percent from 40.

(To education policy veterans, the districts current performance numbers will seem high in comparison to other urban districts. Under Texas uniquely confusing accountability system, students who are not working at grade level can still pass the tests. The system also has been criticized for setting a low bar for proficiency.)

Each display of success, the superintendent believes, will inspire a change in San Antonio ISDs culture from one where poverty is seen as an insurmountable barrier to one where stories like Martinez own are commonplace.

Too many people have tried to address poverty, but its a much bigger challenge than youd ever think, Martinez said. Were raising the bar on everyone. Were pushing hard for high expectations for everyone. We need help, but we are also needing to be held accountable.
POLICIES FOR THE NEXT ADMINISTRATION. PART 1: EDUCATION

This is the first in a series on the majory policy ideas  from Left and Right  that should guide the next presidential administration's agenda. (For the opposing view, see Richard D. Kahlenberg, "Stronger Together in Education.")

Conservatives agree that one of our primary goals for education reform should be to siphon power and authority away from Washington, D.C. and return it to where it belongs: the states, local districts, and families. But, at the same time, states and districts must institute high standards and rigorous accountability systems.

This may make for a nice sound bite on the campaign trail, but what does it mean in terms of policy? And how could it be accomplished?

That will be the crucial question facing the next Republican administration. Education spending and power must be decentralized from Washington; however, returning money and authority to the states and districts is far more complicated than it sounds. Every federal program, particularly Title I, has strings a mile long attached to it. Webs of bureaucratic red tape surround federal programs and are meant to preserve Washington, D.C. as the power source behind education dollars and decisions.

When I took over as education secretary in 1985 for Ronald Reagan, our budget was $18.9 billion. We cut it down to $17.7 billion in 1986. (When was the last time that happened at a federal department?) In 2015, the Department of Educations budget was $87.3 billion, employing thousands of people throughout a maze of federal buildings. All told, we spend over $600 billion per year on education as a country. The Department has become living and breathing evidence of Reagans own maxim that A government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life well ever see on this earth.

Hundreds of billions of dollars spent, legions of education experts and bureaucrats come and gone, and yet, our test scores have made only minor improvements at best. Reading scores in all grades are only up a few points over the past few decades. The one bright spot has been the decent improvements in math in the younger grades. But it is certainly not anything to boast about, and compared to many of our international competitors, were falling way behind. According to international testing, American students are ranked 24th internationally in reading and 36th in math. Weve become the worlds C student. All this in spite of the fact that we spend more per student than nearly every other country in the world.

Should Republicans take back the White House in 2017, there is obviously much work to be done. For starters, a Republican White House could shrink the Department of Educations budget dramatically. The larger the Department becomes the more focus there is on Washington D.C.  rather than on the states and districts where education policy is actually implemented and where real differences can be made. Diminishing federal control of education certainly wont be easy, but progress is possible.

In fact, enormous progress has already been made with the recent passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). One of the important features of ESSA is that it explicitly bars the federal government from intruding and demanding specific standards or curricula as a requirement to receive federal dollars. This ends the controversy surrounding Common Core and returns to the states the authority to choose their own standards without threat of punishment from the federal government. This is a big deal.

Republicans have record control at the state level right now: There are 31 Republican Governors and Republicans currently hold the governorship and both houses of the legislature in 23 states  a record in the history of the party.

As a consequence, ESSA gives Republicans a golden opportunity to take the lead on education reform, something theyve ceded to liberals for far too long. But they need to do so wisely and prudently, pushing for accountability standards that raise expectations, not lower them, that demand performance, not paper over failures.

At the federal level, a future Republican administration should scale back its footprint dramatically and focus on oversight. It can use the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and other accountability metrics to keep track of student performance. NAEP, also known as the nations report card, is widely regarded on both sides of the political spectrum as one of the best, most rigorous, and fairest exams we have in this country. It is run by its own independent board and is detached from the politics of education. When I was secretary of education I actually increased funding to NAEP in order to beef it up and increase its availability. Why? If were going to know how our nations students are performing, we need a serious, credible benchmark that is immune from Washingtons ever-changing political scene and can give an honest assessment across state lines. A Republican White House shouldnt be afraid to trumpet NAEP results and report on state progress.

At the state level, Republicans should pursue the Massachusetts model, sometimes referred to as the Massachusetts Miracle in education circles.

In the 1990s, Massachusetts adopted a series of serious education reforms, including crafting rigorous, high-quality standards with aligned assessments and exams. It also made major reforms to its teacher licensure program, including tough subject area licensing tests for prospective teachers and licensing renewal requirements for current teachers.

Imagine that: tests to make sure teachers actually know what theyre teaching their students. It may make a lot of sense to you and me, but teachers unions, of course, were outraged. Nevertheless, the reforms went forward, and teachers who couldnt pass the tests were not hired or had their licenses revoked.

Sure enough, the reforms worked. By the early 2000s, Massachusetts led the country year after year in NAEP scores for fourth and eighth-graders. According to 2011 data from the Program for International Student Assessment, if Massachusetts were a country it would be 9th in the world in math. That is a tremendous accomplishment  one that occurred on a bipartisan basis, by the way. And it proves that these education reforms are not only a good idea but also actionable.

Now, lets turn to perhaps the most complicated area of the federal versus state tug-of-war: federal funding and how to free it up for states to use as they see fit.

Take Title I funding as an example. According to the 2017 budget, the United States will spend approximately $15 billion on Title I. Where does all this money go? Most of it ends up channeling through states and into local districts, but with countless strings attached. Almost none of this money goes directly to individual schools or children.

So when the federal government claims it is already providing the money to the states and local districts, thats true, in a sense. In practice, the strings are so numerous and restrictive that localities have hardly any control over how the money is spent. And under this administration, it has been getting even worse.

An obvious example is the current supplement-not-supplant debate. It has long been the law that any states or district receiving Title I funding is not allowed to use that money to supplant the funding that it would have sent to low-income schools. The rub is over who gets to decide the formulas for funding, and how they should be implemented. ESSA explicitly bars the Department of Education from requiring a specific funding methodology. However, as its final act in office, President Obamas Department of Education is attempting to bully states into having funding methodology requiring at least as much spending in Title I as in non-Title I schools.

This may seem like an obscure rule  and it is  but it has huge complications. For example, Title I schools often pay their teachers smaller salaries (primarily because it is hard to get teachers into these schools). The Department of Educations rule would force a massive shift or expansion of funding to those schools to make up the difference. Even the Republicans biggest opponent in education  the national teachers unions, specifically the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association  opposed the first draft of these regulations. The regulations have since been modified but without substantial change, and it appears that this issue will be settled in court or by whoever controls the next administration.

On day one, a Republican administration could lift the Department of Education off the states backs and allow them to determine their own funding methodology, while also keeping to the letter of the law and requiring states to supplement and not supplant Title I funding.

When I was Secretary of Education, my department conducted a survey of the states and asked them what federal program they liked best. We werent looking for a pat on the back, but were genuinely interested in what federal programs were working. Their answer? Block grants. The reason is simple: The states and local districts are closer to the classroom than the bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., and they wanted the autonomy to spend their dollars as they saw fit. This raises an obvious question: Why even take the money from them in the first place?

Republicans could model federal programs after successful existing state programs (such as the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship) and allow Title I dollars to follow the students to the respective schools. This would increase school choice exponentially. The remaining Title I dollars that go towards infrastructure and other school resources could be transformed into block grants to the states.

There is one other glaring change that must be made when it comes to the federal versus state struggle. It concerns civil rights.

I believe the federal government has a role in protecting individuals against genuine discrimination (emphasis on genuine). This falls under the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within the Department of Education. In its original intent, the office is warranted, but lately it has become notoriously over-burdening. Under the guise of civil rights, OCR has abused its authority and sought to micromanage schools and districts.

The most glaring OCR abuse in recent memory was its Dear Colleague letter to all public schools mandating that they allow transgender students to use the bathrooms and locker rooms of their choice. The letter also states that schools may not ask for any documentation or medical records of the students gender identity or risk violation of civil rights. The potential abuses of this absurd rule are obvious. Schools must be able to prevent ill-intentioned boys from wandering into girls bathrooms and locker rooms. Many states have appealed the policy via lawsuit, and it will likely go before the Supreme Court for a final decision.

A Republican Department of Education could stop these ridiculous overreaches immediately and allow local districts and schools to craft policy that protects all students, particularly young girls. Many schools already have private, single stall bathrooms for transgender students. But thats apparently not enough for President Obamas Department of Education; all public schools must also be forced to comply with their regulations. Teachers, principals, and parents around the country would welcome the deregulation from Washingtons long and overbearing reach.

If Republicans are fortunate enough to occupy the White House in 2017, the education landscape will be ripe with opportunities for reform. Listed above are just several of many concrete changes that a future Republican administration could make on day one to shift the balance of power in education back to the states, local districts, and families. One can only hope they will seize an opportunity of this magnitude should it arise.

William J. Bennett is a former U.S. secretary of education and Chairman of Conservative Leaders for Education. Christopher Beach is Producer of the Bill Bennett Interview and Chief of Staff to William Bennett.

Authors' Recommended Reading:

William J. Bennett, Chester E. Finn Jr., and John T.E. Cribb Jr., The Educated Child: A Parents Guide from Preschool Through Eighth Grade (New York: Free Press, 2000).

Chester E. Finn Jr., Troublemaker: A Personal History of School Reform Since Sputnik (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2008).

Eric A. Hanushek, Paul E. Peterson, and Ludger Woessmann, Endangering Prosperity: A Global View of the American School (Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press, 2013).

James Stergios, Jamie Gass, and Charles Chieppo, The Massachusetts Exception, City Journal (Summer 2012).

(Read the response by Richard D. Kahlenberg.)
POLICIES FOR THE NEXT ADMINISTRATION. PART 1: EDUCATION

This is the first in a series on the majory policy ideas  from Left and Right  that should guide the next presidential administration's agenda. (For the opposing view, see William J. Bennett and Christopher Beach, "Opportunity Should Take Priority in Education.")

If you are a presidential candidate running on a platform of Stronger Together, as Hillary Clinton is, what do you do once in office to unify the nation? How does a new president help promote the enduring, but increasingly elusive, American goal of creating e pluribus unum?

Public education is the natural starting place. With the end of the military draft, public schools became the last mass public institution that has the potential to bring together young people of all different economic and racial backgrounds.

The late Albert Shanker, president of the American Federation of Teachers from 19741997, noted that public schools can provide the critical glue needed to hold our diverse society together. A Martian who happened to be visiting Earth soon after the United States was founded would not have given this country much chance of surviving, he wrote. He would have predicted that this new nation, whose inhabitants were of different races, who spoke different languages, and who followed different religions, wouldnt remain one nation for long. They would end up fighting and killing each other. That didnt happen, Shanker argued, in part because public schools brought together children of different races, languages, religions, and cultures and gave them a common language and a sense of common purpose.

In order to play that unifying role today, our schools cannot continue to educate rich and poor separately and unequally, as they increasingly do. There is a direct line between economic and racial school integration and national unity. Indeed, before Clinton made Stronger Together her campaign slogan last May, the Obama Administration used the same moniker in a February proposal to invest $120 million to encourage socioeconomic integration of students. Building on the work of U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, a Clinton administration will need to find creative ways  using choice and incentives, not compulsory busing  to allow children of all walks of life to come together to learn. Tim Kaine and his wife Anne Holton, who helped integrate public schools in Richmond, Virginia, should be put in charge of these efforts.

Nationally, nearly 100 school districts and charter schools are taking conscious steps toward giving children a chance to learn in socioeconomically integrated environments. In Cambridge, Massachusetts, for example, each school has a distinctive theme or teaching approach; families rank their preferences among schools; and the school district honors choice with an eye to ensuring schools have a mix of rich and poor students.

This effort helps forge not only social cohesion but also social mobility. In Cambridge, 84 percent of low-income students in 2014 graduated in four years, compared with 65 percent of low-income students in nearby Boston. Likewise, 83 percent of black students in Cambridge graduated  a rate 17 points higher than black students in Boston. Nationally, low-income students who have the chance to go to economically-mixed schools are as much as two years ahead of low-income students stuck in high-poverty schools on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in mathematics. And school diversity has also been shown to enhance the learning of middle-class students because novel ideals are more likely to come from sharing classes with students with very different life experiences rather than with a homogenous group of pupils.

By contrast, research suggests that Donald Trumps proposal to redirect $20 billion away from needy public school students to allow states to fund choice, including private school vouchers, would do little to promote better outcomes for students and would further Balkanize our society. A program to subsidize Muslim students to attend Muslim schools; Jewish students, Jewish schools; and Christian students, Christian schools would use public funds to further divide us. What if voucher dollars instead were used to provide incentives for middle-class public schools to recruit low-income students, a proven way to boost opportunity and integrate students?

Assuming Hillary Clinton is elected president, her administration should also pursue a major new initiative to put democracy back into education. Many Americans  of both major political parties  are concerned about the health of our democratic system, which saw a candidate with a fondness for authoritarian tactics, ideas, and foreign leaders beat 16 other candidates to capture the nomination of a venerable political party.

In addition to preparing young people to work in a free market economy, public schools have historically been charged with training thoughtful citizens for our democracy. As our form of self-government has matured over 200 years, weve grown complacent, as Democrats and Republicans alike have focused almost solely on the market-based benefits of public schooling. Donald Trumps ascendancy should be a Sputnik moment, sparking investment and attention in the civic purposes of public education, just as Soviet technological developments spurred investment in science education in the 1950s.

A Clinton administration should recognize and reward schools that teach civics knowledge well and instill a love of democratic values and constitutional principles. In 2013, the NAEP dropped civics assessment for 4th and 12th grades; those should be restored immediately. Moreover, in evaluating schools, student knowledge of the functioning of our democracy should be prioritized alongside reading and math skills. Students need to be not only career and college ready, but also fully ready to participate in the rich civic life of the nation.

Along the same lines, the new administration should provide incentives for local schools to model democracy for students because, as unionist Adam Urbanski notes, You cannot teach what you do not model. That means giving teachers and parents a voice in the running of schools and providing opportunity for students of all backgrounds to participate in challenging classes that stretch their minds.

An unnerving 2016 election year should remind us of the central role that public schools must play in sustaining Americas grand experiment is self-governance.

Richard D. Kahlenberg is a senior fellow at The Century Foundation and author of Tough Liberal: Albert Shanker and the Battles Over Schools, Unions, Race and Democracy (Columbia University Press, 2007). (The opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone and do not necessarily represent those of The Century Foundation.)

Author's Recommended Reading:

Albert Shanker Institute, Education for Democracy (2003).

Mark Dynarski, On negative effects of vouchers, Brookings Institution, (May 26, 2016).

Richard D. Kahlenberg, Tough Liberal: Albert Shanker and the Battles Over Schools, Unions, Race and Democracy (New York: Columbia University Press, 2007).

Richard D. Kahlenberg, From All Walks of Life: New Hope for School Integration, American Educator, (Winter 2012-13).

John King, Stronger Together Why Our Budget Supports Voluntary, Community-led Efforts to Increase Diversity, Medium (February 9, 2016).

(Read the response by William J. Bennett and Christopher Beach.)
China's Vice Premier Li Keqiang (L) is escorted on a tour of the Pelamis Wave Power factory on Jan. 9, 2011 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo : Getty Images)

News reports have claimed that China's leading ship-building organization (CSIC) has been "stealing" technology related to wave-power from a company based in Scotland. China has declared these reports as baseless, void of any sense.



The Guardian report accuses the Chinese company of stealing information from the Scottish company Pelamis back in 2011. The stature of Pelamis as being an innovator in energy drew in China's delegation of 60 members.



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The CSIC has claimed that this accusation is nonsensical and groundless. It issued this statement on Thursday to Global Times and added that the Chinese wave-energy product, Hailong, is solely premised on CSIC's prolonged efforts of research and development.



The business development director at Pelamis informed The Guardian of striking similarities between the two products, suspecting China's earlier visit to the company. However, the CSIC said that Hailong encompasses huge differences in design when compared to the Scottish product.



The CSIC also claimed that Hailong is crafted in a manner that would suit China's unique conditions and demands, rendering the Scottish suspicions invalid. The Pelamis is 40 meters long while its Chinese counterpart only 20 meters.



While the Pelamis has five pontoons along with four connecting pieces, the Hailong only possesses two pontoons with one connecting piece. Moreover, the Hailong's purpose is the power supply in China's independent islands.



Therefore, its design uniquely focuses on stable generation of power under 1 to 3 meters of wave height coupled with being able to survive under stormy conditions. In contrast, Pelamis' focus is on energy generation under much bigger waves.



According to the CSIC, it's downright illogical for the Scottish company to accuse China for stealing technology because when it comes to wave-energy devices, all designs are similar. Therefore, it's rather absurd for Pelamis to accuse CSIC for stealing their concept.






As Afghanistan limps on from one its bloodiest fighting seasons that has witnessed almost 4,500 casualties from March to August, many fingers have pointed at Pakistan's support of Taliban militants for much of the instability and discord ravaging the countryside.
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A Perseid meteor streaks across the sky above desert pine trees on Aug. 13, 2015, in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Nevada. (Photo : Getty Images)

Chinese scientists announced on Thursday they have looked into the debris of three giant meteorites to learn more about the world's largest meteorite field in Altay, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.



Scientists with the Purple Mountain Observatory in Nanjing told the state-owned Xinhua News Agency the meteorites came from the same parent asteroid, as their chemical compositions are identical.



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The earliest dated discovery of the extraterrestrial objects was in 1898, when herdsmen from the neighboring Gobi Desert found a 28-tonne silvery stone shaped like a camel. The stone was later named Armanty and has been confirmed by the Meteoritical Society as the world's fourth-largest meteorite.



Another stone was also found in the region more than a hundred years later, which weighed 430 kg and was named Ulasitai.



It was not until 2011 when a third one, "Wuxilike," weighing 5 tonnes was discovered that researchers began to notice that the three meteorites were in a line, although across a considerable distance of 425 km.



"They are on the same axis from southeast to northwest, which piqued our interest," Xu Weibiao, meteorite curator with the observatory under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), told Xinhua.



Xu, one of the chief scientists conducting mineralogical research over the meteorites, said the meteorites were composed of the same chemical components and microelements. Several smaller meteorites have also been found nearby with the same chemical makeup as the larger rocks.



"This suggests that the meteorites were all from the same parent asteroid before it separated as it entered the Earth' atmosphere," said Xu.



Based on the 425-km strewn length of the Altay field, its meteor shower is likely to be the biggest on earth. The current record-holder for the world's largest meteorite field was Gibeon, Namibia, with a long axis of 275 km.



However, there is no historical documentation of the incident at Altay, leading scientists to speculate that it might have occurred in prehistoric times.



"A meteor shower of such a scale must have had a great impact on the Earth. If it happened after humans walked the earth, we often find cave painting depicting the incident in the area," said Xu.



He said the research team used isotopic dating technology to determine when the meteor shower occurred.



An average of 20,000 meteorites falls to the Earth annually. Scientists use these extraterrestrial stones to find out more information about the universe and potential signs of life in space through chemical composition.


Chinas Terracotta Army May Have Been Made with Help from Greeks, Experts Reveal

Considered as one of Chinas greatest treasures, the terracotta warriors would not have been discovered if not for two farmers who found terracotta pottery in a site outside Xian. (Photo : Getty Images)

Archaeologists have unearthed evidence suggesting that ancient Greece may have had a hand in the design the Terracotta Army, which could shed new light on ancient China's contact with the west.



The 8,000 warriors guarding the mausoleum of China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang, which date back to the third century B.C., are likely to have been made under the guidance of a European sculptor and took influence from ancient Greek art.



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An extensive study of excavation sites in Xinjiang Autonomous Region in northern China have revealed European-specific mitochondrial DNA, suggesting Westerners travelled, settled, and died there before and during the time of the First Emperor, according a report from the U.K. news site The Telegraph on Wednesday.



"We now have evidence that close contact existed between the First Emperor's China and the west before the formal opening of the Silk Road," she said, in a statement.



"This is far earlier than we formerly thought," said Xiuzhen, senior archaeologist at the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Site Museum.



The DNA in Xinjiang also suggest contact between China and the West around is 1,500 years earlier than currently accepted.



Experts say evidence of the contact can be in the style of the terracotta warriors, as China had no tradition of building life-sized human statues before then.



"The massive employment of sculpture in the mausoleum is totally unprecedented in Chinese tradition," Professor Lukas Nickel, chair of Asian Art history at the University of Vienna, told Fox News. "This makes it likely that the skills necessary came not from China but from the outside."



Nickel said the First Emperor's mausoleum may have been influenced by the arrival of Greek statues in Central Asia in the century following Alexander the Great, noting that a record written about a century after the death emperor stated that the sculptures in the tomb were intentional copies of other figures the Chinese had found at the Western end of the Chinese kingdom.



"I imagine that a Greek sculptor may have been at the site to train the locals," he added.



Additional evidence is found in bronze figurines of birds excavated from the mausoleum, which show manufacturing techniques from ancient Greece and Egypt that were previously unknown in ancient China.



"We now think the Terracotta Army, the acrobats and the bronze sculptures found on site have been inspired by ancient Greek sculptures and art," said Xiuzhen, in the statement.



Archaeologists also believe that the tomb complex is much larger than originally thought, spanning a vast area of nearly 38 square miles.



Previously, the site was estimated to cover 22 square miles. Remote sensing technologies and ground penetrating radar also indicate that the First Emperor's tomb lies beneath a pyramid and a huge structure with walls 476 feet long on each side and 45 feet high.



Tomb corridors were also found, which contained the concubines' burial chambers and living quarters, as well as a 216-foot-wide road leading to the site.



The full findings will be described in a BBC/National Geographic documentary to be aired later this month.


In this Monday, Oct. 3, 2016 photo shrubs rest near The New England Institute of Art, in Brookline. A chain of universities in India has proposed to buy two for-profit art schools in the U.S., one near Boston and one in New York City, and also bought a Long Island branch campus of St. John's University in September. While dozens of U.S. colleges have opened overseas campuses, few foreign schools have sought to build outposts here, in part because of the cost and tighter regulation. But since its founding in 2003, leaders of Amity University, a system of private colleges based in New Delhi, have dreamed of creating a global network of schools. (AP Photo/Collin Binkley)

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By COLLIN BINKLEY, Associated Press

BROOKLINE, Mass. (AP) a One of India's largest colleges is expanding into the U.S. with the purchase of one campus in New York and a proposal to buy two more, drawing opposition from state officials in Massachusetts about the quality of the education it will offer.

Dozens of U.S. colleges have opened overseas campuses, but few foreign schools have sought to establish branches in the United States, in part because of the cost and tighter regulation. Amity University, a system of private colleges based in New Delhi, has long sought to create a global network of schools, however.

Since it was founded in 2003, the chain has opened campuses in India, England, China, South Africa and five other countries.

Add the U.S. to that list.

Amity paid $22 million last month to buy a Long Island branch of St. John's University in New York City, which was selling the campus and shifting to a smaller site on Long Island. Amity plans to open its first U.S. branch at the 170-acre, century-old campus after it gains ownership in June 2017.

The chain also has made a deal to buy the New England Institute of Art, a for-profit college near Boston, and one of its sister schools, the Art Institute of New York City, according to paperwork filed in Massachusetts. The deal would require approval from state education officials.

"We are very, very skeptical about this," said Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who is asking the state's Board of Higher Education to block the sale. "It's hard to imagine that this outfit from overseas, which has never done any education work here in this country, is well-suited to provide any kind of education to these students."

Amity hopes a U.S. campus will attract students from abroad who want to gain the prestige that comes with studying in the United States. It also hopes to forge research partnerships with other colleges, and to connect foreign scholars with their counterparts here.

"We have a global vision for education, a model of education which allows for student mobility, faculty collaboration and research collaboration," said Aseem Chauhan, Amity's chancellor. "We believe that the leaders of tomorrow will be those who have perspectives from different parts of the world."

Owned by a nonprofit company, the chain offers bachelor's and graduate degrees in a range of fields, from art to engineering. It enrolls 125,000 students at more than a dozen campuses, and has grown rapidly amid rising demand for higher education in India.

Its founder president, Ashok Chauhan, was charged with fraud in the 1990s by authorities in Germany, where he ran a network of companies. He returned to India and was never extradited. A plastics company in the U.S. also sued Chauhan in 1995 for failing to pay $20 million in debts, which led to an ongoing court battle in India. Amity officials said Chauhan is not involved in the U.S. expansion. The university is now in the hands of his sons, Aseem Chauhan and Atul Chauhan.

Some in the U.S. say the school is more similar to a for-profit college than a traditional four-year university.

"They are a subsidiary of a conglomerate of companies," said Barmak Nassirian, director of federal relations and policy analysis for the American Association of State College and Universities. "This is by no means reassuring, if you ask me."

Aseem Chauhan counters that Amity has an "excellent and exceptional" track record of student outcomes, although he declined to provide the statistics.

The school's leaders have been eyeing a U.S. expansion for years. In 2011, Amity was one of seven colleges that entered a competition to build an engineering campus in New York City. Cornell University and a school in Israel ultimately won. In 2014, Amity filed paperwork to open a nonprofit school in California, tax records show, but never opened a campus.

Amity has been pushing for U.S. expansion while some traditional schools close because of dwindling enrollment, and as many for-profit institutions seek buyers amid increasing federal regulation and oversight.

"The for-profit market is really wide open right now," said Kevin Kinser, a professor of education policy at Pennsylvania State University. "An institution with a lot of resources might see this as a cheap opportunity to get a foothold in the industry."

Chauhan wouldn't discuss Amity's proposed purchase of the two for-profit schools, and neither would the company that's selling them, the Pittsburgh-based Education Management Corporation. But both sides signed a letter to Massachusetts education officials in July outlining the "anticipated acquisition" by Amity.

They say the sale would save the New England Institute of Art, which started making plans to close last year after half a decade of steep enrollment and revenue losses. The institute has stopped adding new students, and many others have left. Some former students are now planning to sue the institute for fraud.

Massachusetts education officials have requested more information from Amity about the proposal.

Even if it's approved, Amity could face a long road before it starts work in the U.S. To begin granting degrees, it would need approval from a U.S. accreditor, often a rigorous process. And to receive federal financial aid for its students, it would have to be screened by the U.S. Department of Education.

Still, Chauhan said he's ready to make his case.

"We continuously benchmark our quality with the best quality standards and the best accreditation standards globally," he said.
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Inmate from Tehama County suspected in prison stabbing

A 39-year-old man convicted in 1995 in Tehama County Superior Court of first-degree murder and sentenced to 29 years to life in prison is suspected of fatally stabbing an inmate Saturday at High Desert State Prison in Susanville.

The stabbing happened just after 1:30 p.m. in a recreation yard at the prison.

Inmate Douglas Maynard, 53, who was convicted in Sacramento County of first-degree murder in 1996 and later convicted of robbery, burglary and assault by a prisoner with a deadly weapon, was serving a life prison sentence.

Robert Stockton, who was convicted in 1995 of first-degree murder and use of a firearm, is the suspect, officials with the California Department of Corrections said.

In addition to the state prison investigation, the Lassen County Sheriff's Office and the Lassen County District Attorney's Office are also investigating the fatal stabbing.

Truck with cat food crashes on Interstate 5

Traffic was slowed on Interstate 5 about 20 miles north of Redding on Sunday evening after a big rig carrying cat food crashed and blocked one lane of traffic.

The northbound truck went off the road with the trailer left in the slow lane near the Delta offramp shortly after 5 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol. Several other vehicles were also stopped near at the site of the crash, according to the CHP website.

Firefighters at the scene said no one was hurt, including the driver. The truck was loaded with cat food, according to the CHP.

The truck was at least partially off the road and over the embankment, according to emergency dispatch reports.

Both fuel tanks were broken and 80 to 90 gallons leaked out with some of it possibly going into nearby Dog Creek, according to the CHP.

Court commissioner hired for Shasta County

John R. Berglund, Shasta County's chief child support attorney since 2002, has been hired as Shasta County's newest Superior Court commissioner, effective Oct. 24.

A formal swearing-in ceremony is set for Nov. 18.

Berglund, who obtained his law degree from the University of Southern California School of Law, moved to Shasta County in 1998 to become a deputy district attorney with the Shasta County District Attorney's Office Family Support Division.

He was promoted to the position of senior deputy district attorney in 2000, where he served until 2002 when the family support division became the county's department of child support services and be became chief child support attorney.

He was chairperson of the family law committee of the Shasta-Trinity Counties Bar Association in 2009 and was elected to the Child Support Directors Association Legal Practices Commission. He was named Shasta County Employee of the Month in September 2010.
SHARE Mike Warren

By Ryan Sabalow

 Eight employees implicated.

 Four resignations.

 One two-week unpaid suspension.

 One three-day unpaid suspension.

 Two written reprimands.

Number of inappropriate or racy e-mails

 Female employee Y: More than 2,000 inappropriate e-mails to co-workers, Danny Baugh and Randy Bachman.

 Female employee X: More than 2,226 inappropriate e-mails to co-workers, Baugh, plus many others to inside and outside the city.

 Danny Baugh: Sent more than 1,800 e-mails to his two mistresses, as well as many other non-work-related e-mails.

E-mailed discussions of when meetings took place for sex or touching, possibly on city property

 Bachman or his mistresses: 5.

 Baugh or his mistresses: 24.

Baugh's city cell phone minutes spent with people involved in affairs from August 2006 to August 2007

 Total: 2,955 minutes, or almost 50 hours.

Source: City of Redding's investigative report and other city documents.

As they struggled to explain their roles in the City Hall sex scandal, at least two former employees accused former Redding city manager Mike Warren of spreading sexually explicit e-mails or engaging in sexually charged poker party banter.

Warren, city officials and one of the employees who initially made those claims all now say an internal investigation found the allegations had no merit.

Personnel documents released April 25 following a court order show that former city construction manager Danny Baugh and one of former Assistant City Manager Randy Bachman's mistresses told city investigators that top managers, including Warren, participated in the inappropriate e-mail exchanges.

Warren and other top officials and city council members shared vulgar jokes and pornography via e-mail, creating an atmosphere at City Hall that encouraged spreading salacious messages, the two ex-employees said in interviews conducted during the city's investigation of the scandal.

In an e-mail to the Record Searchlight on April 21, four days before the court documents were released, Baugh retracted his statement about Warren.

"That is incorrect and what was discussed during the investigation was either misinterpreted or was a mistake on my behalf," Baugh said.

He didn't return an e-mailed message seeking follow-up.

Warren and current City Manager Kurt Starman also deny the employees' claims.

"These allegations were investigated and no evidence was discovered to support them," Starman said in an e-mail.

'Special meetings'

Bachman's mistress, identified in documents as "Employee Y," also alleged that a former city manager and other top officials at City Hall, including city councilmen, often gathered after work for poker games. In a letter to investigators, the woman wrote that she couldn't recall the names of the councilmen.

The officials dubbed the poker games "special meetings," she said in the letter contesting her firing.

"Apparently, they would discuss the prettiest women in City Hall," she said in the letter. "Danny (Baugh) said I was mentioned on several occasions as being listed in the top categories. This made me feel rather uncomfortable given the level of importance of those in the 'special meetings,' but I was flattered at the same time."

Warren declined to say whether he went to one of the card games or to name those who might have attended.

"You're looking for something that's not there," Warren said. "I don't want to get into that. ... I did a lot of things in my off hours. To start saying who was at a wedding, who was at a card game, who was at a party, is counterproductive."

Warren added that during his after-hours activities he never witnessed any inappropriate behavior or talk among city officials.

Warren was hired in December 1994. He retired in April 2006 and went to work as the CEO of Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Bachman was appointed assistant city manager in 2006.

Starman took over soon after Warren retired, and he denies ever having gone to any after-hours card games.

"I am not aware of any past or current council member playing poker with city employees, nor would I have reason to inquire," Starman said.

The scope of the scandal

The employees' allegations surfaced in documents released last week by Shasta County Superior Court Judge Jack Halpin as a result of a Record Searchlight lawsuit against the city. They included some 1,500 pages detailing the city's investigation, including hundreds of pages of phone records and sexually explicit e-mails.

Halpin ruled that the public had a right to see the e-mails. But, at the same time, he ordered the names of all but Baugh and Bachman and a few top officials, such as Warren, be blocked out. Halpin cited employee privacy as the reason for keeping the other names secret.

The investigation found eight employees either conducted multiple affairs during working hours on city property from early 2006 through mid-August or exchanged excessive amounts of lurid e-mail on city computers during working hours.

Four of those employees - including Bachman and Baugh - were forced to resign. Penalties for the other four ranged from a two-week pay cut to written reprimands.

Baugh made $88,164 a year at the city. Bachman made $140,244. Both get to keep their pensions. Bachman's is $64,372 a year; Baugh's is $11,902.

Bachman was hired as senior financial analyst for Redding Rancheria. Baugh said he was retiring.

The released documents show that the employees' misuse of city computers and equipment was prolific.

Baugh and the two women who resigned sent more than 6,000 inappropriate e-mails to each other and to others both inside and outside City Hall over the course of a year.

Printed out, the employees' ribald jokes and flirtatious, seductive or pornographic e-mails make a stack almost 4 inches thick.

Baugh spent more than a full work week - almost 50 hours - on his company cell phone talking with the people involved in the affairs over the course of a year. In interviews with city investigators and in e-mails, Baugh and Bachman and their mistresses admitted to having had sexual contact in various locations in City Hall. Baugh and his mistress frequently met in a locked stairwell they called "the penthouse."

Bachman and his mistress had sexual contact in the City Council chambers and the city manager's suite, the reports say.

In his interview with Diane Davis, the private investigator the city hired to check into the case, Baugh claimed that pornographic e-mails were promulgated by high-ranking City Hall officials.

Baugh, who worked at the city for five years, told Davis he was " 'weaned' on pornography from the get-go," and city administrators, managers and council members were involved in spreading it, according to her report.

"Baugh was asked to identify the managers who were involved in pornography," Davis wrote. "Baugh identified Mike Warren, past city manager."

He didn't identify anyone else, according to Davis' report.

'Not widespread'

City Attorney Rick Duvernay said that Baugh called him to ask about the status of the Record Searchlight's public information case against the city. Duvernay said that he told Baugh that Warren's name was to be revealed by court order.

"He was quite upset and concerned and told me he felt compelled to get in touch with Mike (Warren) and (the) paper," Duvernay wrote in an e-mail. "I told him that was his choice. That's it."

But Baugh's original claims about Warren were restated by Employee Y.

When asked by Davis why she once forwarded an e-mail that contained a picture of a naked man to Baugh and another employee, she said that she received numerous similar e-mails from top employees.

In a letter contesting her firing, she reiterated her statements.

"I have been forwarded inappropriate e-mails which involved city management staff including the former city manager, assistant city manager (not Randy Bachman) and council members for many years now," she said in her letter. "This is still no excuse for my actions but it simply points out it was a standard practice among staff."

In her interview with Davis, the woman said that most of her e-mail came from Baugh.

Baugh would delete the section of the forwarded e-mail that showed where the messages originated, but occasionally Baugh told her who sent them to him, according to Davis' report.

"He got a lot of it from powerful people, including ex-council members and ex-city managers," the woman said, according to Davis' report.

Warren said in an e-mail that such claims were proven false in the city's investigation of the eight employees, which found that "inappropriate e-mails were not widespread or common among employees and that no one else was guilty of any wrongdoing."

Starman said the city found no evidence in its search of employees' computers or on the city's servers that Warren or others not implicated in the scandal had sent such e-mails.

However, he acknowledged that the city occasionally purges its e-mail backup systems on a citywide basis because of storage-space concerns.

Starman declined to speculate whether it was possible that e-mails from Warren's tenure had been deleted.

"That's speculative, so I can't comment on that," Starman said.

Reporter Ryan Sabalow can be reached at 225-8344 or at rsabalow@redding.com.
Bill Press

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Even for Donald Trump, this was a new low. From a whole slew of previous comments, we knew he was a misogynist with zero respect for women. We just didn't realize what a lowlife he really was. Until release of the 2005 videotape of the man late-night host Seth Meyers now calls "the pervert on the bus."

You run out of adjectives trying to react to Trump's bragging about forcefully kissing women, grabbing their genitals and getting away with it because he's a "star." It's sick, shocking, disgusting and degrading. And I haven't talked to one woman yet who doesn't believe that it's sexual assault  for which any other CEO would be out of a job or in jail.

Equally disgusting are the lame excuses put forth by Trump and his evil sidekick Rudy Giuliani. They dismiss it as only "locker room talk," uttered 11 years ago, and insist that Bill Clinton did far worse. No, no and no. It wasn't just "talk," as four women told The New York Times. He actually groped them. Trump was bragging about what he had done to women, not what he wanted to. Eleven years ago, he was 59 years old, not 18. And, last time I checked, Bill Clinton was not on the ballot.

Trump supporter Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) even argues that Trump's treatment of women did not amount to sexual abuse. "That's a stretch," he told the Huffington Post. Is he kidding? If grabbing a woman's genitals isn't sexual abuse, what is?

The truth is, Trump couldn't get past the hiring interview in most corporations. Walmart, for example, has very strict hiring policies that prohibit "sexually explicit language, off-color jokes," "remarks about a person's body," as well as "using slurs or negative stereotyping," "verbal kidding, teasing, or joking," and "intimidating acts, such as bullying or threatening." By those rules, Donald Trump couldn't get a job as a janitor at Walmart, let alone CEO.

But if their attempts to defend Donald Trump are laughable, so are their sudden efforts to distance themselves from him: either by renouncing him altogether, like John McCain and Jason Chaffetz, or condemning him but still voting for him, like Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio.

For those who've withdrawn their endorsement, the obvious question is: What took you so long? For sticking with Trump  even after he called all Mexican immigrants "rapists," ridiculed war hero John McCain, smeared Ted Cruz's wife and father, attacked a Gold Star family, and promised to throw Hillary Clinton in jail  only to bolt when he was caught using the "p" word, they hardly deserve a Profile in Courage Award.

Even worse are those like Ryan, Marco Rubio, Chris Christie, John Boehner and others, who are trying to have it both ways: pretending to be outraged by Trump's lewd remarks but planning to vote for him anyway because he's the nominee of their party. Such hypocrites! If they can't defend him, won't stand on the same stage with him, or wouldn't let their kids listen to the tape, how can they still vote for him?

Let's face it. Here's what's really going on. Ryan and company know there's no way Trump can win. They've already lost the White House, so now they're desperately trying to save the House and the Senate, to prevent Clinton from scoring the trifecta. And, in order to do so, they're spreading the myth that Donald Trump is somehow different, pretending he does not represent the real Republican Party.

Don't you believe it. There's no difference between Donald Trump and Paul Ryan. Trump wasn't forced on Republicans. They set the stage for him. They welcomed him. They embraced him. And they nominated him for president. He's the direct result of decades of negative campaigning and scorched earth politics led by Richard Nixon, Lee Atwater, Newt Gingrich, Karl Rove and the tea party.

As science-fiction writer John Scalzi writes, Trump "is the actual and physical embodiment of every single thing the GOP has trained its base to want and to be over the last 40 years  ignorant, bigoted and money-grubbing, disdainful of facts and frightened of everything because of it, an angry drunk buzzed off on wood-grain patriotism, threatening brown people and leering at women. He was planned. He was intended. He was expected. He was wanted."

It's too late now for Paul Ryan and other Republicans to repudiate Trump. He's the monster they created. He's their man. He is who they are.

Email Bill Press at bill@billpress.com.
Rules being drafted, to also cover unorganised sector; maternity benefit, old age pension, sickness allowance to be included

The Union government plans a massive social security coverage scheme for 450 million workers, primarily for those in the unorganised sector.

Formal sector workers who do not enjoy the benefits will also be a part of it.

The benefits are to include all the branches under the International Labour Organizations Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No 102).

These cover preventive and general practitioner care, benefits for sickness, unemployment, old age, employment injury, maternity, invalidity and some others.

The idea is that about a dozen laws would be merged into a single law or code.

For the better? What is the plan? Universal social security coverage for informal and formal sector workforce What are the benefits? Benefits include monetary allowances for preventive medical care, sickness unemployment, old age, employment injury, maternity, invalidity How will the target workforce be identified? Through Aadhaar and the Unorganised Workers Identification Number (U-WIN) cards

Officials in the labour and employment ministry told Business Standard the guidelines were being framed. The government will identify a threshold income beyond which citizens have to pay for the benefits.

The workforce will be divided into three parts - a section that will pay, a second one that can partially pay and a third layer for which the government will pay.

Through the subscription of the first two sections, we will create a corpus that will take care of the schemes, said a senior ministry official, who is part of the team forming the code.

The ministry handles the corpus of the Employees Provident Fund and Employees State Insurance Corporation, formed from subscription of members.

We want to ensure universal social security for both the formal and informal sectors. The direction from the Prime Ministers Office is that every willing worker should be ensured benefit of the schemes. Those who can pay for it will do so, said a senior ministry official.

The idea stems from a report by the National Commission for Enterprises in Unorganised Sector in 2007. It said only eight per cent of Indias workforce enjoyed social security; 91 per cent were in the informal sector. And, many in the formal sector do not get the benefits that should accrue to them.

Another ministry official said identification of the target workforce was a hurdle and that the plan was to use Aadhaar numbers and Aadhaar-linked Unorganised Workers Identification Number (U-WIN) cards, to ensure the benefits reach those targeted.

There have been instructions that as the ministry undertakes reforms to increase ease of doing business, it should simultaneously increase workers benefits, the official said. That is the way forward.

The current government has been forced to go slow on many proposed labour reforms because of stiff opposition from unions, including the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, whose inspiration is the ruling partys political mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Photograph: Reuters
There's more to this country than just the Northern Lights, says Nidhi Taparia, who recently visited Iceland.

Till I got to Iceland, here's how I identified the country in my mind: their team's heroic show at Euro 2016, the Northern Lights and the volcanic ash that drove air traffic out of control in 2010.

Now that I'm here I wish to stay longer or, like Malina (my hostel's receptionist from Germany), work and be a tourist in this country.

Here are the six main reasons why Iceland fascinates me.

IMAGE: A bird's-eye view from Hallgrimskirkja.

1. It has a population of 3,30,000 people only

But they're likely to get five million tourists in 2016 alone. Chances of your bumping into locals are slim unless you go looking for them.

2. The number of people living in igloos is zero

It's a bit like expecting to see all Indians ride on elephants.

Seventy per cent of Iceland's population lives in and around their capital, Reykjavik. Interestingly, Reykjavik means Smokey Bay -- the name is inspired by the steam rising from a hot spring.

3. It's a good pit stop

The eruptions in 2010 at Eyjafjallajokull focused the spotlight on Iceland. Then, the Arab Spring that swept across North Africa created security issues which made Iceland a good pit stop since 2011.

This year, 6.8 million people are expected to traverse through the Keflavik International Airport.

4. Icelanders love coffee

IMAGE: Coffee is very popular in Iceland.

Their fascination for the magic bean is evident through the sheer number of cafes in Reykjavik.

On a hot sunny day, sipping a cup of cappuccino or frappe while soaking up the sun is a favourite way of passing time.

5. In summer, the country gets almost 24 hours of daylight

So you can party while the sun is streaking across the sky.

6. If you have never eaten horse, whale or puffin, here is your chance



Iceland's restaurants serve it all.

IMAGE: The harbour at Rekyavik.

Where to stay while you're there

Reykjavik does boast of hotels -- Hilton, Radisson Blu or Reykjavik Natura run by Iceland Air (Iceland's main airline) -- but it is dotted with hostels and guesthouses, not to miss the apartments available on rent on Airbnb.

While I am a luxury-lover, I experienced a hostel stay for the first time at Reykjavik Downtown Hostel. I realised that it is a great way to live -- whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or a family.

What made me pick a private room in the hostel was its location in Downtown, which makes it easy to get out and about -- no matter what the time is. The other reason I'd recommend a hostel is the constant movement. Given how quiet Reykjavik is -- and being a city girl -- the buzz helped in feeling connected.

Besides, the staff comprises young people who like to travel and understand the city. They don't mind you asking stupid questions and are extremely good with maps.

Don't forget to check out the guest kitchen in a hostel. A completely stocked kitchen with a bottle of garam masala just in case you want to cook; this one is enough to give any chef serious inspiration.

Just when I was missing home, I also discovered an Indian pickle in the pantry left by a generous guest.

Try something 'touristy'



It is a bit touristy, but you must visit the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal wonder located in a sprawling 800-year-old lava field in the heart of the Reykjanes Peninsula, which is a UNESCO Geopark.

If the price of the Blue Lagoon is steep, I suggest you pick any of the thermal pools in and around Reykjavik.

Try the hot water in the swimming pool followed by a hot tub and a steam to enjoy this just like the locals do. Remember that the pools shut down by 10 pm unlike the Blue Lagoon, which is open till 12:30 pm. Ensure you book your trip to the Blue Lagoon 24 to 36 hours in advance.

IMAGE: Tourists watch a geyser in the golden circle.

A good way to capture Iceland's beauty is to pick half-day tours.

The most popular is the Golden Circle which covers a 300 km loop across the city. It lets you experience the power of the Gullfoss Waterfall (golden waterfall), where a huge amount of water thunders down into the Grand Canyon.

On the same tour is a trip to the Geysir -- which is an erupting hot spring. Strokkur, LitlGeysir and others put up an impressive show every 8-10 minutes, as a spray of hot water that shoots up. The last stop is PingVellir, which is amazing and has a lot of history attached to it.

IMAGE: Take a look at the huge Gullfoss Waterfall.

Even the South Circle tour, which needs a day, is popular. The area has a high concentration of natural phenomena with long stretches of black sand beaches and deserts, striking mountains, glaciers and more. My favourite was the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which falls though the mouth of a cave.

Close by is the Iceland Erupts Exhibition, a memorial to the 2010 eruption.

While I didn't try glacier hiking, they say it's the best way to get up-close with Iceland's elements. Best done accompanied with a professional glacier guide, you can explore rugged ice crevasses, sink holes, jagged ridges, ice walls and amazing ice formations.

So much of Iceland's history and culture is showcased in museums. What's also worth checking is Solfar -- a beautiful Sun Voyager sculpture off the capital's shoreline and Hallgrimskirkja-- a church with a view and over a 100+ musical organs.

Dip into the culture

IMAGE: Celebrating Pride Week with pictures on the street.

A quick introduction to Icelanders and their lives comes from a 60 minute show, How To Be An Icelandic, at the Harpa, which is one of Reykjavik's most well-known buildings for art, culture and more.

It takes you through all the lessons one needs to learn to be an Icelandic -- from the way they walk, talk or the fact that they love to work and that most Icelanders have more than one job.

What's interesting is that Iceland celebrates a long list of festivals.

While I was there, the city was getting ready for a Pride March. From rainbow flags in all the stores and cafes indicating their support to some beautiful pictures on the street, the city did its best to welcome supporters from across the world.

Reykjavik is also known as the unofficial party capital. With many bars having live music and dance floors, the western influence is visible with an American Bar and the Coyote Ugly Bar in their main square.

Also, most Icelanders speak English and the women are beautiful (I am told three Miss Worlds have come from this country and, given what a small population it has, that is quite a feat) -- so asking them out on a date might be easier than you think.

Having a small population has its own problems. Which is why most Icelanders check an app -- App of Icelanders -- before they date to ensure the girl or boy they want to flirt with isn't a part of their family tree.

Try and sync your travel dates to an ongoing festival or ensure you get there on a weekend because Icelanders really do let their hair down on a Saturday.

Food for vegetarians

IMAGE: Fishing is a favourite pastime for Icelanders.

A big worry for me as a vegetarian was what could I eat in Iceland. I carried multiple ready-to-eat meals from India. Surprisingly, Iceland had multiple options for vegetarians like me.

My favourite was Glo -- which had a range of vegetarian soups, salads and organic meals. I was surprised to see the restaurant packed even on a weekday.

It's not just the big restaurants but even small ones like Kantina (on the circle tour) which had a minestrone soup duly garnished with coriander as an options for spice-craving travellers like me.

I also discovered, much to my excitement, dal and rice in an easy-to-eat and easy-to-heat cuppa. Moral of the story: You won't go hungry in Iceland.



For the meat eating traveller, Iceland is a paradise. From their famous lamb soup, puffin delicacies to a range of fish... Iceland is a smorgasbord of options.

For the Indian tourist craving for a taste of home food, there are a handful of Indian and Pakistani restaurants.

Italian, Mexican and Japanese cuisines have made their presence felt here too. While McDonald's is yet to make their way, familiar brands like Dunkin' Donuts and Subway are already here.

IMAGE: An evening of live music at Islenski Barinn.

Hot dogs are a classic favourite and fish and chips -- a British classic dish -- has entrenched itself well into the Icelandic palate.

Besides ice creams and gelatos -- from handcarts and little stores -- coffee is a big delicacy here. Don't forget to sample some of the home-brewed Icelandic beer and whisky -- it has an acquired taste, but it is still worth tasting.

Do's and Don'ts

Iceland is expensive not just for tourists but even locals as they import almost everything. A pack of chewing gum costs Rs 150 in the store. So remember to carry whatever essentials you may need to avoid a geyser blowing through your wallet.

Alcohol is best bought at the Keflavik International Airport. It's the cheapest option and also showcases a wide variety from homegrown to international brands.

WiFi is everywhere in the city, so don't worry about getting a local SIM, unless you are stepping out to the countryside.

The weather in Iceland is supposed to be very fickle and changes every few minutes. Arming yourself with a bubble jacket that cuts wind, protects you from rain and keeps you suitably warm is wise even in summer.

Tread cautiously especially when you're visiting natural wonders like waterfalls and hot springs because these are resources that Icelanders are generously sharing with us.

Much like the rest of Europe, dinner is served early and most restaurants shut by 10 pm. Shopping is best done by 6 pm as stores close early. Pick Icelandic wool garments or even designer wares with a clean, sharp aesthetic and which have a visible Danish influence.

Water in Iceland is clean, pure and sweet. Drink it straight from the tap.

>More travel features here!
Skyscrapers, many of them belonging to leading European banks, stand illuminated in the city center on Oct. 31, 2012, in Frankfurt, Germany. (Photo : Getty Images)

Among China's most controversial and geopolitically contemptuous development projects is the Colombo financial city. It's a 270-hectare business district being constructed over a reclaimed land near the coast of Sri Lanka's capital.



As soon as the project initiated back in 2014, India started to have deep reservations regarding Chinese intentions. And this was quite a logical reaction from China's rather hostile neighbor. Given the $1.4 billion worth new city flooded with skyscrapers, malls and hotels, India isn't quite happy about China's economic influence in this region.



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According to Forbes, all the foreign direct investment stems from China which is also why the country has a fixed 50 hectares of permanent freehold rights to itself. The idea that the rising super power will have its very own outpost near the shores of Tamil Nadu has sparked India's paranoia.



The reason for this paranoia is due to the fact that Colombo will soon become one of China's major stations along the Silk Route among other ports in Bangladesh as well as Pakistan. India has been surrounded by what is dubbed as a "string of pearls" as mentioned by The Diplomat.



Along with the aforementioned apprehensions that India has regarding this project, it is most worried about how China will observe an expansion in its naval interests and exercise its security presence near India. By these means, India's geopolitical position is being highly compromised.



The following decade would see the Colombo project become a frontline between India and China, with each country trying to assert its geopolitical position over the other. However, China remarks that any third party can participate in the project.



The Asia Times reported that China's ambassador to Sri Lanka invited India last month to participate in the project. The former has claimed that it intends no hostility and that India should remind itself of the good business relationship it has with China.



The Commerce and Industry Minister of India, Mr. Sitharaman announced that over some years, India's investment project will be initiated in Sri Lanka in which a total of $2 billion will be invested in the Colombo project.



Sri Lanka is about to experience the largest FDI boom of about $13 billion of which two-thirds of the amount is attributed to China. Sri Lanka's largest infrastructure project ever once completed will have immense potential of become a financial hub, rivalling Dubai and Singapore in the region.






IMAGE: Brazil's President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Jacob Zuma at the BRICS summit in Goa. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

Narendra Modi's success at the BRICS summit is the best Diwali gift for India's diplomacy and marks her ascendancy to global leadership, says Tarun Vijay..



The biggest breakthroughs are the simplest and coolest ones.

The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit concluded with the Indian theme -- focussing on terrorism, pushing for economic development.

Prime Minister Modi's 'mothership of terrorism' description has reverberated globally, delivering the right, stern, message to Pakistan and showing India's firm position on terror.

The significant BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) heads of State meeting added to BRICS' stature and presented powerful voices converging on development sans terror.

There couldn't have been a better Diwali gift for India's diplomacy and her ascendancy to global leadership.

More than a regional bloc, BRICS has gradually assumed the role of a global power equaliser -- steering geopolitical equations to the eastern hemisphere so far blocked by the West.

The West has always scoffed at BRICS claims and the Western media has tried its best to create clouds of less hope and more suspicions on the future of BRICS, citing various factors -- debt issues, political problems and demographic challenges. Though these problems exist in more challenging ways in the Western bloc.

Nevertheless in spite of the divergence of views on many issues, the BRICS countries have done pretty well, showing a togetherness that promises a positive outcome for the regional and global geoeconomic architecture.

IMAGE: Temer, Xi, Modi, Putin and Zuma pose with Sudarsan Pattnaik's sand sculpture tribute to BRICS in Goa. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

The Goa summit has given a clear message that BRICS must end Western hegemony and blatant monopolisation of resource sharing and for that it is necessary to forge a convergence on the largest possible issues including terrorism.

With India's emergence as a strong economic leader -- surpassing all BRICS countries in its GDP growth rate as it stands currently -- things may move fast.

Modi's summit with Putin and his talks later with Xi, ending with a positive note on terrorism and economic growth, signals a hopeful future for moving together.

Nothing in diplomacy is charity and each country's priority is to serve its interest. Therefore, we have to move with divergence on some issues while trying to build a consensus on key security and economic matters.

There can be broad convergence and it depends on how we make the geo-economics to drive BRICS geo-politics to drive home the dividends that are beneficial to us.



One aspect that has ironically not played up by the media so far is breaking the perception on China's stand on Indian concerns. The Modi- Xi talks were positive on these issues and that must be welcomed to carry the dialogue forward.

The fact that Modi's acknowledgement that 'all BRICS leaders were united in acknowledging the global threat posed by terrorism, and that those who perpetrate acts of terror are no more dangerous than those who support them' was a remarkable one in the present context when we wanted to isolate the perpetrators of terror in our neighbourhood -- Pakistan.

The fight against tax evasion, black money and corruption was reiterated while giving a special emphasis on the spread of traditional knowledge, thus putting the civilisational stream of ancient nations as part of the main discourse.

Modi's phrase hinting at Pakistan as the 'mothership of terrorism' was a strong indictment of the terror factory that Pakistan has become and also a signal that India expects those who are helping and shielding Pakistan's terrorists must change their stance in the interest of peace and humanity.

IMAGE: Modi and Putin after India and Russia signed 16 key pacts. Photograph: PTI Photo

The Modi-Putin summit was the highlight with 16 strategically significant agreements inked. But beyond these statistics, the resurfaced mutual trust was the biggest achievement.

Modi's line, 'An old friend is better than the two new ones' will always be quoted to reiterate India's commitment to continue its time-tested relations with Russia.

Putin is a dear friend for all times and the Indian people have a great respect for his strong, decisive policies. Our relations with Russia are also a hallmark of our independent foreign policy which to many was seen as getting too close to Washington.

The Goa declaration with 109 points formed the agenda for the next 11 months after which the BRICS chairmanship will pass on to China. It lay emphasis on building collectiveness to combat terrorism.

The Goa declaration's policy emphasis markedly said: 'Common interests and key priorities to further strengthen our strategic partnership.' It quite strongly manifested in various initiatives with a mission statement -- 'to reach out and enrich our understanding and engagement with fellow developing and emerging economies, we will hold an Outreach Summit of BRICS leaders with the leaders of BIMSTEC member countries comprising of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.'

One can clearly see that Pakistan stands completely isolated from all the major regional partnerships and dialogues, which is a leap forward to keep the terror sponsors at bay and out of any civil deliberations.

The detailed mention of the structured approach to combat terrorism was quite meticulously prepared as is evident from this para, 'We call upon all nations to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism, which should include countering violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism, radicalisation, recruitment, movement of terrorists including foreign terrorist fighters, blocking sources of financing terrorism, including through organised crime by means of money-laundering, drug trafficking, criminal activities, dismantling terrorist bases, and countering misuse of the Internet including social media by terror entities through misuse of the latest information and communication technologies.'

'Successfully combating terrorism requires a holistic approach. All counter-terrorism measures should uphold international law and respect human rights.'

There are other important issues that require a mention:

1. The BRICS Network University as well as the BRICS University League , which will commence its programmes in 2017.

2. Hosting of the first BRICS Young Scientists Conclave in India, and the institution of the BRICS Innovative Idea Prize for Young Scientists.

3. First call for proposals under the BRICS STI Framework Programme, in 10 thematic areas, with funding commitment from the 5 BRICS STI ministries and associated funding bodies.

4. Establishment of the BRICS working group on research infrastructure, and mega-sScience to reinforce the BRICS Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network.

5. Decision to hold the first BRICS Trade Fair in New Delhi.

IMAGE: Modi with the BIMSTEC leaders in Goa. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

Addressing the seven-nation grouping of BIMSTEC, Modi focussed on economic development and propserity.

'With 1.5 billion people and a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion, the countries of BIMSTEC have shared aspirations for growth, development, commerce, and technology. Their quest for economic prosperity can shape the agenda for building economic partnerships with BRICS,' the prime minister said.

In 48 hours, Modi deliberated with world leaders and put before them the Indian vision of togetherness for prosperity and a secured, terror free future.

This success creates a path of challenges and opportunities, both.
'Triple talaq and polygamy are likely to be the next ground on which Hindutva will assert itself.'

'And, as with other issues where this has happened, we must anticipate trouble,' says Aakar Patel.

India is today under a party with an ideology, which is called Hindutva.

This ideology has three demands: The abolishing of Article 370 of India's Constitution, the construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya and the enforcement of a Uniform Civil Code.

All the three issues require something from the minority communities.

Article 370 requires Kashmir's Muslim majority to give up their Constitutional autonomy, the temple requires Muslims to give up their mosque, and the Uniform Civil Code requires them to give up their personal law.

For this reason it is possible to view these demands as being negative and the product of a majoritarian impulse, rather than positive. I mean that they appear to be not as well-intended as those demanding the changes make it appear.

This is validated by what happened to the temple movement once the mosque had been torn down by Hindutva. The movement collapsed because it was more negative, meaning against the mosque, than positive, meaning in favour of the temple.

In the matter of Article 370 there are many legal issues that prevent full integration of Jammu and Kashmir, but the intent of the ruling ideology can perhaps be glimpsed at by the state of Kashmir today.

The current episode of national pride over action against Pakistan has dominated events in the valley. But sooner of later we will be forced to take a look at how to manage the situtation there.

The Uniform Civil Code is currently gathering momentum and this is happening in two phases. The first is action against triple talaq, which the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, dominated by men, wants to retain.

Triple talaq is a quick divorce option for men which many Muslim nations, including Pakistan, do not permit. The government wants to make it illegal and the courts are on its side. Should this happen, we should get ready for a number of arrests.

The second issue is the matter of polygamy, which is where the real interest of Hindutva lies. It is felt that polygamy is the instrument through which Muslims reproduce faster than Hindus and at some point will become a majority.

The incidence of polygamy is actually higher among Hindus than Muslims according to the data, but the perception is powerful enough to drive this demand for the Uniform Civil Code.

The historian Ramachandra Guha wrote a few days ago about why liberals and leftists (I think he meant Communists but I could be wrong) should support the Uniform Civil Code and oppose polygamy. He classified their opposition to the Hindutva demand as being one of these seven things: 1. The reforms of Hindu personal law in the 1950s were not as progressive as they are made out to be.

2. The customary laws and practices of the Hindus today are often very reactionary, as for example in the khap panchayats.

3. The unreformed Muslim personal laws are not as reactionary as made out to be, and sometimes or often give women reasonable rights.

4. The customary practices of Muslims are also not as bad as claimed; thus Muslim polygamy does not discriminate against second or third wives in the manner that Hindu polygamy does or did.

5. The demand for a Uniform Civil Code is motivated by the political agenda of the BJP.

6. Article 44 of the Constitution, asking for a Uniform Civil Code, clashes with Article 25, assuring the freedom to propagate religion.

7. There are many other Articles of the Constitution that remain unfulfilled; why then harp on this one?

In my opinion Guha misses out one thing, in my opinion the major one, why some liberals (meaning those who push for the rights of individuals) oppose this reform. That is the right of the woman, or the man, to become a second wife or a second husband (polyandry is practiced in some communities in India).

It is true that a poll shows that 90% of Muslim women oppose polygamy, but then 90% of Muslim women also live in monogamous marriages. It would be interesting to see the data on how those inside polygamous marriages view the practice.

Guha says polygamy is an 'abhorrent practice,' which must be 'abolished at once.' This is in my opinion a moral judgment.

The Indian law and successive governments have said the same thing about homosexuality. But the liberal will stand for the individual's rights in that instance also.

My guess is, having said all this, that the momentum has shifted on the issue. Triple talaq and polygamy are likely to be the next ground on which Hindutva will assert itself.

And, as with other issues where this has happened, we must anticipate trouble.
'One lesson to emerge out of the Modi-Putin summit is that India can be more self-confident that it possesses inherent strengths to leverage its interlocutors to influence Pakistani policies,' says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets Russian President Vladmir Putin at the BRICS summit in Goa, October 15, 2016.

India-Russia relations were destined to get an upgrade at Goa on Saturday, October 15, at the annual summit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin. The expected happened.

The recent Russian-Pakistani military exercise played its part in compelling the Indian leadership to take note that the benign neglect of the 'time-tested' relationship led to atrophy and a certain drift was apparent.

However, the poignancy of this realisation cannot be understood except by locating the India-Russia relationship in a geopolitical context.

The fact of the matter is that the 'defining partnership' with the US, which India has been celebrating, has failed when India needed it most.

Washington toed a careful neutral line repeating the hackneyed mantra that India and Pakistan should exercise restraint, talk and resolve problems; terrorism is a regional phenomenon; Pakistan has been a partner in counter-terrorism; and, talks must take place to resolve Kashmir problem.

Washington's line actually works in Pakistan's favour, given the Obama administration's business-as-usual attitude to Pakistan. Secretary of State John Kerry met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif two days after the Uri attack and agreed on a common stance in regard of Kashmir.

The US-Pakistan Defence Coordination Group met in Islamabad 5 days after Uri attack.

IMAGE: Russian and Pakistani soldiers at the military exercise. Photograph: @AsimBajwaISPR/Twitter

Washington's priorities are clear. Defence Secretary Ashton Carter plans to visit Delhi, 'eager to get as much done as humanly possible' by way of arms deals since 'the conditions and the personnel in both capitals are uniquely favourable at the moment and are eager, and to consolidate and institutionalise the progress,' to quote from a recent Reuters report.

On the other hand, the China-Pakistan 'all-weather friendship', which historically worked against India's interests, is transforming as a regional alliance.

On a broader plane, Russia-US tensions are on the rise. Moscow increasingly looks at the world through the prism of a New Cold War (which can no longer be ruled out).

The consequent Russian-Chinese entente is a marriage of convenience. Neither seems interested in an alliance, but they have drawn exceptionally close with the shared objective of pushing back at the US.

Suffice it to say, for a variety of reasons stemming from the interplay in the power dynamic of the region, Pakistan is enjoying a period of unprecedented big-power attention today.

Big powers want to engage with Pakistan out of self-interest.

Quite obviously, Indian foreign policies have been out of sync with regional politics.

Therefore, the recent Russian-Pakistani military exercise turned out to be a moment of rude awakening.

Arguably, the hugely substantial 'output' of the Modi-Putin summit in Goa has been partly at least a reaction to the Russian-Pakistani exercise.

IMAGE: Russian S-400 Triumph medium-range and long-range surface-to-air missile systems during the Victory Day parade, marking the 71st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, at Red Square in Moscow. Photograph: Sergei Karpukhin/Reuters

The defence deals signed in Goa worth around $10 billion reinstates Russia's pristine status as India's partner. The deals have a substantial 'Make in India' template.

More importantly, Russia is entering the Indian fuel retailing market by buying up Essar Oil in a $13 billion deal, which may lead to an FDI infusion of more than $30 billion.

The State-owned Russian Direct Investment Fund will invest $500 million to provide equity capital for joint ventures, 'mainly in India.'

The two countries have agreed to collaborate on two more nuclear power plants which could cost anywhere around $30 billion.

The PM acknowledged publicly in Putin's presence in Goa that 'an old friend is better than two new friends.' It is an eloquent articulation highlighting the enduring strategic congruence between India and Russia.

Of course, it is also a message to the region and the world capitals.

The Goa summit rendered the two-week Russia-Pakistan exercise in the Khyber to be a trifle of no great import. Which is just as well.

This is particularly so when the bit exercise in Khyber -- rock climbing, etc -- is compared with the recent US Air Force's Red Flag exercises in the Nevada desert, which lasted 10 days, involving Israeli and Pakistani fighter jets and refuelling aircraft staging dog fights and aerial simulations to improve aviation skills.

Following the Red Flag exercises, the US military spoke glowingly of its 'partner' Pakistan. According to US General Rick Mattson, the Pakistanis saw the exercises as 'truly an opportunity to not only get better as a force... but also how to better integrate with everyone else (read Israel and the US).'

Indeed, Israeli and Pakistani F-16 jets flew both day and night missions against ground defence systems. Russia's S-400 missiles with a range of 400 kilometres will hopefully enable India to tackle these US-trained Pakistani pilots with greater effect!

Yet, alas, no Indian think-tanker or none amongst our former diplomats who served in America murmered a word of indignation at what the Americans have done by training Pakistani pilots to test their professional mettle against the fabled Israeli pilots -- and that too, just 3 weeks before the Uri terrorist attack.

Herein lies India's profound strategic dilemma today.

Do India's elites want to rediscover Russia's pivotal role in Indian strategies?

Paradoxically, the biggest supporters of the US campaign to run down BRICS are Indians only.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the leaders of Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa at the BRICS summit in Goa, October 16, 2016.

BRICS is an idea that drives a dagger at the heart of the Western-dominated world order.

In sheer intellectual terms, a group of emerging struck up an innovative 'Gandhian' method of challenging the established order without being confrontational and showing that the Thucydides Trap is not necessarily inevitable as a world order takes new shape.

So, why should Indians be hostile toward the idea of BRICS?

The point is, India's affairs with BRICS or Russia are today Washington's business too. This needs some explaining.

The 'postmodernism' in the India-Russia relationship is traceable to the nineties, coinciding with the Bill Clinton administration's warming up toward India.

Thus, India's relationship with Russia began acquiring an air of mild cynicism or irony toward the grand narratives of its historical meaning, experience and knowledge.

Of course, the neoconservatives in the US who began dominating Indian foreign policy discourses propagated that truth and reality is contextual and constructed and there is nothing like 'time-tested friendship' or 'strategic autonomy' in the 21st century.

Our strategic community accordingly swung to the other extreme -- an attitude of total negation of the very existence of objective realities.

But for this intellectual fallacy, we would have understood that Pakistan is a consequential relationship for Moscow and that is the objective reality.

Russia has reasons to be apprehensive that the US will inject the Islamic State virus into Afghanistan and Central Asia as part of its containment strategy. Thus, it is important for Russia to have a friendly interlocutor in Pakistan.

Russia anticipates Pakistan's induction into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in the near future as an opportunity to strengthen regional security.

Equally, taken to its logical conclusion, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would create new market conditions as Pakistan transforms as a middle-income country.

Here we run into one of the major weaknesses of Indian diplomacy, which is currently stressing Pakistan's 'isolation' and applying the litmus test of friendship on other countries' willingness to downsize their respective ties with Pakistan.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladmir Putin at the BRICS summit in Goa, October 15, 2016. Photograph: @MEAIndia/Twitter

One salutary lesson to emerge out of the Modi-Putin summit is that India can be more self-confident that it possesses inherent strengths to leverage its interlocutors to influence Pakistani policies.

PM Modi's audacity to bury the postmodern era of India-Russia relations is borne out of the confidence that India has the wherewithal to change the regional security calculus through diplomacy and a 'win-win' spirit.

Given the sheer depth and profundity of the India-Russia friendship, there is no strategic risk if Moscow can play a constructive role as a moderating influence on Pakistan.

Similarly, India should seek a strategic dialogue with China as well rather than making the unrealistic demand that Beijing should help us to 'isolate' Pakistan. The CPEC is an objective reality.

Indeed, a rare opportunity was lost at the 'outreach' at Goa. A purposive, far-sighted choice for the 'outreach' should have fallen on the BMIC (Bangladesh-Myanmar-India-China). That would have brought PM Modi and President Xi Jinping too in a 'win-win' setting. Putin would have given a helping hand too.
'The media today is completely free from the government-induced fear factor.'

'It is only scared of the public backlash and its TRP ratings,' say Sudhir Bisht.

Something important happened last month which should have normally gladdened the hearts of all media men and women.

The Supreme Court nudged the Rajasthan government to look into the concerns raised by the Rajasthan Patrika, the leading Hindi daily in the state, on the declining advertisement revenue it earned from the state government's overall kitty of advertisement expense.

People would have laughed at Rajasthan Patrika if it had approached the Supreme Court bench with a plea that Hindustan Unilever Limited had stopped advertising its Rin, Surf Excel and Kissan jam in the Patrika.

HUL is a private corporation and it can choose to publish its ads in any newspaper it wants. If HUL wants, it can choose to draw a blank on Patrika and publish all its ads in Dainik Bhaskar.

But the Rajasthan government is not a corporate entity. It is supposed to distribute the ads, which are paid for by the people's money, in a manner that is fair and transparent. It is well known that stopping press ads in a publication amounts to indirect censorship.

The newspaper publisher, through its lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, pleaded that the government's advertisements to the Patrika was almost negligible in 2016. During previous state government regimes, the Patrika used to get a minimum of 35 per cent of all advertisements released by the state government.

The moot point here is that the newspaper groups today have so much support that they are able to ensure that the governments in power don't allocate advertisement expenditure arbitrarily. Thanks to the judiciary for the role that it is playing to ensure that.

The Government of India, one of the largest advertisers in the country, is bound by so many shackles. It can't just stop the supply of oxygen of advertising arbitrarily and asphyxiate a newspaper.

That the Government of India exercises no control over newspapers is reflected in the fact that advertisement support to newspapers that have a pronounced anti-National Democratic Alliance bias like the Indian Express and the Hindustan Times hasn't diminished at all.

Neither has their electricity been cut off nor are their tax returns being scrutinised as it happened during the Emergency.

Some time ago, when the NDA completed 100 days in power, I casually switched on my television set and after some channel surfing, I stopped at a programme with a lady anchor.

She was clearly giving inordinately more time to those who were putting forth anti-government (read anti-NDA) points of view. She was cutting off mid-way those speaking in favour of the government.

On the other hand, even though the government's critics were leaving no stone unturned to run down the NDA, the anchor too joined them in painting the government just short of being a villain.

What makes all of this interesting is the fact is that programme was shown on the government-owned Rajya Sabha TV.

Now I know that the RSTV CEO reports to the Rajya Sabha where the NDA is in a minority, but the fact is that RSTV is an almost nil revenue generating television channel which depends on government funding to sustain itself.

The point I am trying to make here is that the media in Narendra Modi's regime is free from any direct or indirect interference from the Union government or its agencies.

In the electronic media segment, Times Now seems to have taken a pronounced pro-NDA tilt whereas its print media arm continues to remain Left-of-Centre.

Recently there was an internal communication from the nation's biggest media house which stated that the group did not have a centralised editorial policy and each publication or media entity in the group had its own independent editorial policy.

This seems to make perfect business sense with the popular electronic media arm backing the NDA and the print arm playing the balancing game.

And if NDTV, arguably the second biggest electronic channel, has been trying to shed the image of being an extended arm of the Congress party, it has more to do with the realisation dawning upon it that its core viewership would desert it if it continued to attack the NDA.

The recent no-show of P Chidambaram's interview, where he is believed to have shown some scepticism on the surgical strikes, has nothing to do with any kind of government pressure on the television channel.

It is due to the owner's perception that the former home minister's narrative may be completely against the mood of the nation and it also could be a slanted narrative against the government which seems to have the complete backing of most citizens, at least as of now.

From the above examples, I have attempted to establish the case that the media in India is free from any pressure from the government.

In fact the media hasn't been more free than it is now.

The 'government-is-intolerant' brigade may keep raising their slogans, but it doesn't gel with the reality.

Until recently, before the mood of the nation became ultra-nationalistic, most channels were criticising the Modi government for anything and everything.

Except for Times Now, India TV and Zee News, which have developed a pro-NDA bias, every other channel had its poster boys and girls whose only job was to criticise whatever Modi did.

Rajdeep Sardesai, Barkha Dutt, Bhupendra Chaubey, Nidhi Razdan criticised the Modi government for almost everything. But did they face any discomfort in doing their job? Not at all.

I am not questioning their right to criticise or question Modi, but their criticism seemed to follow the beaten track.

If Modi pushed for GST, why did he oppose it when he was in the Opposition?

If the government continued with the Aadhar card, why did he oppose it earlier?

If MNREGA wasn't abolished, why not?

If Modi was being friendly with Pakistan, why was he mocking Manmohan Singh for his pro-peace policy?

If Modi was concentrating on foreign affairs, why was he spending so much time abroad?

If Modi was silent on stray incidents of attacks on the minorities, why was he silent?

If Modi spoke about his deep sadness at the attacks on Dalits, why did he speak so late??

The list goes on and on. Why was Modi not doing anything to prove his bravery claims after the Pathankot and Uri attacks? But before these media pundits could start asking, 'Why did Modi go for surgical strikes?', the mood of the nation had changed.

It suddenly was not acceptable to criticise your country at a time when the enemy nation was being subjected to tough retaliatory action. It was no longer acceptable to ask for proof of surgical strikes.

The media pundits did try to change their tactics. They started the narrative that such strikes/operations were routine in the past and that the chest-thumping for routine strikes was the sin that Modi was committing.

But this narrative had no takers and the media pundits started to backtrack. The credibility of these channels started to become suspect.

So the media has not fallen like nine pins, as Chidambaram seems to suggest. The media pundits have fallen in line with the truth.

The media today is completely free from the government-induced fear factor. It is only scared of the public backlash and its TRP ratings.

Sudhir Bisht, author and columnist, tweets at @sudhir_bisht
'The Kopardi rape/murder was the immediate cause of the unrest.'

'However, there is a feeling of isolation and anger that has been simmering within the Maratha community.'

'The protests gave Marathas a sense of belonging.'

'They felt they have a stake in the protests and the issues being raised.'

'As for the future, let us see what happens.'

'All I can say is it will not stop here.'

The silent rallies across Maharashtra which has seen millions of people from the Maratha community marching in organised protests in every district have left politicians of all parties and the state administration shaken.

The new political storm with never seen before numbers over the last two months promises to change the political landscape of the state.

Pravin Gaikwad, below, left, one of the main organisers of the protests, in an exclusive interview with Neeta Kolhatkar for Rediff.com explains how the protests indicate a paradigm shift in Maharashtra's politics, social structure and power dynamics.

What was the spark for these mook morchas and why have they caught the imagination of the Marathas in every district? Is it the Kopardi gang-rape and murder of a Maratha girl?

Yes, the Kopardi rape/murder was the immediate reason and it rattled all of us.

As Marathas we have been targeted under the Prevention of Atrocities Act and it has been a contentious issue with the community.

The rape/murder of a 14-year-old Maratha girl on July 13 by three Dalit youth was the immediate cause of the unrest.

However, there is a background to the feeling of isolation and anger that has been simmering within the community.

Can you explain the background for this mass feeling of isolation and anger among the Marathas, known to be most politically powerful community?

You must remember that for many years the Maratha Seva Sangh, Maha Sangh, Shiv Sangram, Sambhaji Brigade, etc have been our grassroots organisations involved in keeping together our caste members and discussing important issues like reservations.

One important point is that we never accepted the leadership of any one politician.

On June 6, it was announced that Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati (a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji) of Kolhapur will be nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).

I do not have anything against him, but this reflects the attitude of the government. They do not want to address issues and try to kill the ideology of the masses by diluting the leadership within the community.

Whenever there is a potential simmering crisis, the government will co-opt the leadership by giving them some post.

This is what the previous governments did with Sharad Joshi and his Shetkari Sanghatana. He was also given the Rajya Sabha nomination and the problems of small and landless farmers were forgotten.

Their issues remained unresolved, but the authorities succeeded in killing a potential agitation.

We saw the same with dilution of the Dalit Panther group as Ramdas Athawale was taken into mainstream politics and government.

The second point is the portrayal of Marathas in popular culture.

In the recent blockbuster Sairat, a young couple is shown wanting to break caste barriers. The rich girl is from the Maratha community and the boy is a Koli (fishermen community).

In the end the boy is murdered by the girl's family. Now this is the stereotype propagated by popular culture.

The portrayal of Marathas as villains every time has caused immense anger within the community.

On July 15, the Maratha Golmej Parishad (round table) conference was held in Kolhapur. During this time the news of the Kopardi rape/murder began trickling in.

That triggered intense agitation and anger that needed channelising. It was a time for introspection and action.

How did the community think of these mook morchas?

We first thought of looking within before we reached out to the community and then to society outside.

We agreed on a few conditions. The first being there will not be one leader who can hijack this protest.

We had not thought of continuous protests or rallies. We thought of one or two rallies to show our anger against government inaction.

Our first three demands were the death sentence to the three Dalit accused; an amendment to the Atrocities Act because it is being misused against our community and lastly, education for our children and jobs.

Our first protest was on August 3 in Ahmednagar. It saw a tremendous turnout and we never imagined that three lakh (300,000) people would attend it.

We planned to have one in Mumbai immediately after it, but we were not allowed.

At that time the Ambedkar Bhavan protests were being held by the Dalits and there was an official clampdown. We then decided to spread the message to nearby regions like Marathwada.

We began a WhatsApp group and SMS service. Let me tell you we do not depend on the popular media, which we know by experience is biased.

The tremendous power of social media has been amazing. I can't tell you how short messages appealed to our youth. Nearly 95 per cent of our community became aware and alert.

It was a simple message: 'Me morchat janar ahe, tumhi yenar ka?' ('I am going to the morcha, will you also come?')

This caught on like wildfire. People came forward to contribute and made the message resonate.

Suddenly members of the Maratha community came forward to contribute their cars, stickers, banners and T-shirts.

We laid down conditions. We informed every member of the specific one-line messages and forwarded them. They got them made and brought them. We said these are your personal souvenirs so you will carry them back and dispose them.

This message touched our people and gave them a sense of belonging. They felt they have a stake in the protests and the issues being raised. It has made each aware of their roots, that they are Marathas.

Who are the real leaders of these protests?

Who is sponsoring these rallies?

Where have you raised the funds?

Who is providing water, food and other logistics?

More than 35 percent of Marathas (who comprise 32 percent of Maharashtra's population) are poor, labourers and uneducated, how can they afford T-shirts, banners, etc?

Let me tell you now there is no stop to our ideas or protests. We initially thought the last of the protests will be Kolhapur (held on October 15). However, now our last round of protests will be in the Konkan region.

Initially, we had modest plans. But now every Maratha wants to be part of these rallies. They feel they are so close to bringing change and they will not get an opportunity again. It is now or never.

On October 23, it will be in Sindhudurg and Konkan. Our mega morcha will also reach Mumbai, but it will not be soon, maybe closer to the winter assembly session.

As for the criticism by our well wishers (laughs), let me tell you no one leader can or could have achieved what we have seen. It was truly magical.

Once a community (samaj) comes out on the streets, one does not need money or resources. We have entrepreneurs, businessmen, shopkeepers, transporters, designers, social media experts, people who are doing every task for the whole community in these rallies.

We have our own rules for code of conduct: Bring your own flags, water, 2 bananas, 1 biscuit pack. People came forward with more ideas and plans.

Members from other communities and religions participated in these rallies. Now Muslims have joined us since the last few weeks.

These are no ordinary political rallies. It is now an andolan (campaign) -- a mass movement has been created and no one person or party can hijack it.

There were reports that Maratha leaders like the Pawar family, Udayan Raje Bhosle and others participated, but were kept right at the end of the rallies.

Was this deliberate?

Then is it true that these rallies have political backing?

After the first rally when news reached Sharad Pawar, he was shocked. He called me and thought that the three lakh turnout was exaggerated.

He was in Aurangabad later and he asked around in the local media, the police and his supporters who told him that the actual number of people who participated was 5 lakh (500,000). In Pune the real figure was 35 lakh (3.5 million) members.

We are asking for definite change.

There is a vacuum created by our own leaders. Social activists got restless and society at large got fed up.

You can't bring so many people by luring them with money or gifts.

Yes, Ajit Pawar, Sambhaji Raje, Udayan Raje and many others attended rallies in their districts. But let me make it clear our volunteers and participants prevented them from hijacking the show.

Firstly they were all made to walk and that too at the end. None of the members of our rallies acknowledged these political leaders.

Each participating member is clear, it is my protest, I have created it and nobody else has a right to snatch it away from me or take credit for it.

How are the marchers so disciplined?

It is being alleged that the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) has to be behind this or some other force.

These allegations show the extent to which we have created restlessness among the political class.

Our grassroots organisations are well organised and disciplined and followed our code of conduct.

The discipline is credit worthy. When I tried to enter a rally from the front, the volunteer girls pulled me up. They snatch cellphones from those taking seflies.

Despite the high numbers there was no noise or chaos. It was all in order. Nobody has been given special treatment.

We plan in detail with the traffic and city police. Based on social media responses we give crowd estimations to the police. They sat with us with all their maps and detailing. They tell us how to move the people from point to point.

We have made it a rule that first will be girls, then women, then youth, elderly, men, others and the last two tiers are for volunteers who serve, pick up things and leaders who wish to participate.

Other than reservation and abolishing of the Prevention of Atrocities Act, what are your real demands?

What is the future for this mass movement?

Let us accept that the Dalits and OBCs (Other Backward Classes) have got protection due to the Prevention of Atrocities Act and benefits due to the reservations.

When we demand reservations one needs to understand that we have a majority of poor and uneducated people. It (Reservation) will have to be from the OBC quota.

I do understand the suffering of Dalits and it has taken ages for them to get a respectable status in our society. They got the rights only thanks to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Our leaders, on the other hand, fell for populist measures. Sharad Pawar renamed Marathwada University as Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, but failed to give us reservation or a respectable status in society.

After V P Singh announced increased quota in reservations, the Dalits thought they would get the benefits. Members of the OBC castes did not even know they would get benefits from these reservations. At that time the OBCs in Maharashtra did not want reservations.

Forget accusing us of being close to the RSS, it is the OBC leaders who have been close to this ideology.

Gopinath Munde and others did not go with (V P Singh's) Janata Dal, they went to the BJP -- despite the RSS and the BJP opposing reservations.

Earlier in Maharashtra, the OBCs as a caste group were affiliated to the Congress. The Marathas leaders were accused of usurping power and having led the state for so many decades.

They asked us, why we are complaining today. But like I said earlier, our political families are disconnected from reality and society at large.

These stakeholders became rich and ignored the rest of the Maratha community, which were deprived.

So everyone who attends these protests wants justice.

Everyone has faced hardship, struggle and injustice and now wants not only answers, but ways to deal with it.

How many people know that the majority of farmers who committed suicides are Marathas?

The majority are poor, small-holding famers and labourers.

We have asked the government to waive loans, provide irrigation, power subsidy and other measures to reduce agrarian stress.

Our other demands are stop privatisation of jobs and education. Especially education, we strongly demand the government take responsibility.

The best schools in villages are the district schools which have good infrastructure, best paid teachers, big grounds and yet we see parents wanting to send their children to expensive, private schools.

In this situation, how can we call our country developed? It actually means we are bankrupt.

If the government has shirked its responsibility to educate every child, who will take the onus now?

And believe me if they begin to give quality education through municipal, government and district schools, we will not need reservations.

Many accuse the Marathas of eroding the education system. We have a few leaders who have created education power centres, but that does not make the whole Maratha community rich and powerful.

If we make the government take responsibility in most of these sectors and stop privatisation, it will automatically create space. We will need no reservations.

Right now, the government is creating this helpless situation and the need for reservations.

The privatisation that began in 1991 was bad for this country.

We were just not prepared and the stark contradictions in our society were just not addressed.

We are fighting against all of this.

As for the future, I can say we have started a social revolution.

A first of its kind and it is big. We do expect some change. Let us see what happens.

All I can say is it will not stop here.
Indo-Pak tensions cast its shadow on the Mumbai International Film Festival with organisers on Monday dropping Pakistani film "Jago Hua Savera" in its retrospective section amid threats of protests at its screening.

"Given the current situation, the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star has decided not to programme 'Jago Hua Savera' as part of the Restored Classics Section," organisers of the festival said in a statement.

The move comes after a city-based organisation Sangharsh threatened to stage protests at the screening of the movie made in 1958.

The outfit had also sought police permission to protest at the festival, which begins from October 20.

The tensions between India and Pakistan after the Uri attack last month has triggered demands in certain sections to ban artistes and films from Pakistan.

Directed by AJ Kardar, "Jago Hua Savera", which was screened in the 'Classics' section of the Cannes Film Festival this year, was co-produced during the days of undivided Pakistan (now independent Pakistan and Bangladesh) and shot in Dhaka.

It was selected as the entry from Pakistan for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 32nd Academy Awards in 1960.

Featuring talents from India, Pakistan and now Bangladesh, the film starred Tripti Mitra, Zurain Rakshi, Khan Ataur Rahman.

Timir Baran co-composed the music with Nauman Taseer and the screenplay of the movie was penned by noted poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz, an artiste revered by people on both sides of the border.

The festival, which is chaired by filmmaker Kiran Rao, will run till October 27 and over 180 films from 54 countries would be screened at several spots across the megapolis.

Prithvi Mhaske of Sangharsh Foundation, Censor Board of Film Certification member Ashoke Pandit, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri and actor George Baker have welcomed the decision of Mumbai Academy of Moving Image not to screen the film.

"If MAMI has decided to not screen the film, we welcome the decision, that they have understood the sentiments," Mhaske, who had filed the complaint against the organisers for screening the film at MAMI, said.

Pandit, who is also a member of Indian Motion Picture Producers Association, thanked the organisers.

"Thank you #MAMI for not showcasing any #Pakistani film in this year's edition of the Mumbai Film Festival. #JagoHuaSavera," he tweeted.

A popular actor from Bengali and Assamese cinema, Baker, said the priority right now should be the national sentiment.

"I appreciate the quality of the film, though I haven't seen it. It has travelled to festivals and won several awards. It had Indian artistes and was shot by a Pakistani.

"Keeping all this aside, we should remember that Indians are broad-minded but not stupidly disloyal to the country. If this is the national sentiment right now then it should be banned."

Agnihotri said he is against any kind of ban, but feels culture is a strong weapon to give it back to Pakistan.

"I'm absolutely against any kind of ban or boycott but at the same time I am wise enough to understand when my country has taken a strategy to isolate Pakistan it's not against a film or an actor. It's to send a message to Pakistan that if you do not stop terrorism then this is the price you will have to pay," he said.
Launching Aam Aadmi Partys campaign for the 2017 Gujarat assembly polls, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday attacked Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah, equating him with General Dyer and tried to woo Patidar community by calling Patel quota agitation leader Hardik Patel as a patriot.

Addressing AAPs first rally in the state, he said BJP and Congress were like husband and wife and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Ahmed Patel work in unison.

Kejriwal said after the elections, the aam aadmi will sit in the assembly and not the members of Congress and BJP.

Referring to violent clashes between the members of Patel community and police last year, he said Who gave the firing orders on Patidar quota agitators on August 26 (2015)? They were citizens of India and not terrorists. Fourteen youths died in the police firing. Everybody knows who gave the orders...it was Amit Shah.

You know who is running the state. It is Amit Shah. First Anandiben Patel was the chief minister, now, its Vijay Rupani, who is just a rubber stamp of Amit Shah, Kejriwal said.

I want to ask, what is the fault of Hardik Patel? Why sedition charge was slapped against him? I would like to say that there is no bigger patriot than Hardik Patel and there is no bigger traitor than General Dyer, Kejriwal said, referring to Shah.

Hardik-led Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti had many times referred to Amit Shah as General Dyer, holding him responsible for the police firing on protesting Patel quota agitators. General Reginald Edward Harry Dyer was a British Indian Army officer responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar.

Several youths of Patidar community were framed falsely and are still doing the rounds of court, Kejriwal claimed, adding we will get that leader who ordered firing on Patel youths punished.

Gujarat government is challenging people that if you raise voice against us, we will not spare you, will trample you, shoot you, Kajriwal said.

Last month, we saw how in Una four Dalits were thrashed in front of a police station. Police did nothing. Because those who were beating him were BJPs goons, and police have a direction not to act against the BJP goons, he alleged.

I would like to congratulate the Dalit community, and Jignesh Mevani (a dalit leader) for mobilising the community, he said.

Giving the example of Delhi, where AAP rose to power after crushing Congress, and also making clear his partys intent to fight elections in Gujarat, Kejriwal said with the support of common people, defeat BJP and Congress can be defeated.

After next year elections in Gujarat, aam aadmi will sit in the Gujarat assembly as MLAs and not the members of BJP and Congress, he said, adding that to realise it party workers will have to work hard.

The AAP national convener said, BJP and Congress are no different... They are like husband and wife. I have come to know that (PM) Narendra Modi and Ahmed Patel (political advisor to Congress President Sonia Gandhi) work in unison.
A Mumbai businessman who 'mentored' Sagar Thakkar alias Shaggy, the alleged mastermind of the multi-million dollar fake call center racket, wherein United States-based taxpayers were allegedly conned by Indian tele-callers, has been arrested, police said on Monday.

The 33-year-old man, identified as Jagdish Kanani was arrested from suburban Borivali on Sunday night, a senior police officer said on the condition of anonymity.

According to police, Thakkar, who is on the run, has worked under Kanani in the past at Ahmedabad and Mumbai, where he and some of his associates picked up the tricks of trade from his 'Guru'.

In fact, Kanani started out working in a BPO firm abroad where he learnt the methods of collection through outsourcing firms and brushed up his knowledge to build a lucrative business and then set up fake call centres across the country to earn a quick buck by extorting money from US victims, the officer said.

Kanani came on the police radar after leads during interrogation of the arrested accused in the racket, he said.

Kanani is a prized catch for the Thane Police as it will help the cops dig more into the con syndicate which has spread its tentacles nationwide in cities like Gurgaon, Ahmedabad and Thane, he said.

The officer said that Kanani was the brain behind the fake call centres across the country including the one at Mira Road which was raided by Thane Police earlier this month. He is suspected to have helped Thakkar in shaping and setting up his ventures.

"Now that we have arrested him, we will get to know the whereabouts of Thakkar and others, whom he also mentored," the police officer added.

Thane Police Crime Branch have so far arrested 70 persons after it raided seven call centres operating illegally in Mira Road here. Another 630 people were booked under IPC sections 384 (extortion), 419 (cheating by impersonation), 420 (cheating) and under relevant sections of IT Act and Indian Telegraph Act.

The callers used to make calls to people in the US and speak to them in American accent by posing as officials of US Internal Revenue Service. Subsequently, police teams also raided and shut down five call centres in Ahmedabad which were a part of the racket.

Also, investigations into the racket has led Thane Police to suspect involvement of the son of a senior IPS officer from Gujarat in running these illegal call centres in Ahmedabad.

Investigators found that the call centres in Ahmedabad, which were raided by local police recently, resumed their operations soon afterwards.

Thane Crime Branch is probing why no concrete action was taken against these call centres.

During interrogation of several arrested accused, investigators got information about illegal call centres running in Pralhad Nagar in Ahmedabad since 2009.

Police also found a huge server installed in one of these call centres (in Ahmedabad) which had the entire data base generated from the call centres which were part of the racket, including the ones in Mira Road.

Haider, one of the arrested men, has told police that Thakkar allegedly gave 30 per cent of the ill-gotten income to his agents in the United States who provided him data base of US tax-payers.

Of the remaining amount, 40 per cent went to Tapesh Gupta, Akhilesh Singh, Rahul Dogra, Jimmy (all absconding accused) and Haider, while Thakkar kept the 60 per cent share.

The daily turn-over from the call centers in Mira Road was around Rs 2 crore, police said.

Call executives were designated as 'dialler', who made the call and 'closer', who carried out final 'negotiations'. Dialler got two rupees per every US dollar earned by the racketeers, while the 'closer' got three rupees per every US dollar as incentive, over and above the salary, they said.

As the unearthing of this mammoth racket which was going on for several years could harm India's reputation as a hub of BPO and outsourcing industry, the authorities were taking the matter very seriously, the officer added.

Representative image
In a veiled but obvious reference to Pakistan, influential regional bloc BIMSTEC on Monday called for "strong" measures against nations which encourage, support and finance terror groups, provide sanctuaries to them and "falsely" extol their virtues, seen as an endorsement of India's effort to corner Islamabad on terrorism.

There should not be any glorification of terrorists as "martyrs", the grouping of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal said, indirectly referring to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif calling slain Hizbul terrorist Burhan a martyr.

The bloc said fight against terrorism should not only confine to disrupting and eliminating terror groups and their networks but states supporting them must also be punished.

An Outcome Document detailing deliberations among the BIMSTEC leaders at their retreat in Goa on Sunday night, said they condemned the recent "barbaric terror" attacks in the region in strongest terms, seen as a reference to Pathankot and Uri strikes.

"We strongly believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but should also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against states which encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues," the grouping said in the document issued on Monday.

It said the leaders stressed on urgent measures to counter terrorism.

"There should be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs. We recognise the need for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation. We express our determination to take concrete measures to step up cooperation and coordination among our law enforcement, intelligence and security organisations," it said.

India has been scaling up efforts to isolate Pakistan in the wake of the Uri attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing BRICS and BIMSTEC summits on Sunday, called Pakistan a "mother ship" of global terrorism and said the menace has become its "favourite child".

The strong position of BIMSTEC in dealing with terror assumes significance as it comes after consensus eluded on reference to cross-border terror in BRICS declaration.

"Recognising that terrorism continues to remain the single most significant threat to peace and stability in our region, we reiterate our strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stress that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever," BIMSTEC said.

It said the leaders expressed commitment to expedite the signing of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, and to early ratification of the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

The bloc also deliberated on a range of issues like ways to improve connectivity, enhance trade, promote energy cooperation and tourism.

The group said the leaders agreed to explore the possibility of having a BIMSTEC Motor Vehicle Agreement to improve connectivity. The decision comes in the backdrop of Pakistan stalling a similar pact among the SAARC countries last year.

To boost energy cooperation, the group also decided to expedite the signing of the BIMSTEC MoU on Grid Interconnection.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a meeting with leaders of BIMSTEC and BRICS, at the BRICS Summit-2016 in Goa. Photograph: PIB
India on Monday appreciated Brazils support for its actions to combat terrorism and said the two countries agreed that the world must come together to fight the menace without distinction or discrimination.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also thanked Brazilian President Michel Temer for understanding Indias aspiration for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

My country deeply appreciates Brazils support for Indias actions in combating terrorism, Modi said after a bilateral meeting with Temer, who is in Goa for the 8th BRICS Summit which concluded on Sunday.

We agreed that the world must come together to fight this menace without distinction or discrimination, the prime minister said.

He said India will continue to work with Brazil as an important partner in early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

Both bilaterally and multilaterally, the partnership between India and Brazil is filled with possibilities that we are keen to harvest, he said.

Modi said the two countries made progress in opening new areas of cooperation in drug regulation, agricultural research and cyber security during Temers visit.

I am happy to note that India and Brazil are close to finalising the text of a bilateral investment agreement. President Temer and I have reviewed the full range of bilateral cooperation, he said.

He said that the bilateral relations between India and Brazil have grown for the better and there has been increased interaction at all levels.

This visit (by Temer) takes place as both countries mark a decade of our strategic partnership, the prime minister said.

Modi and the Brazilian leader also witnessed exchange of four cross-sectoral memorandum of understanding between the two countries.

The first MoU is on genetic resources, agriculture, animal husbandry, natural resources and fisheries while the second one is on pharma products regulation. The third MoU is on cattle genomics and assisted reproductive technologies and the fourth is on investment cooperation and facilitation treaty.

We thank Brazil for understanding Indias aspiration for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. We've made progress in cooperation in new areas including drug regulation, agri research and cyber security. Will work closely at UN, G20, G4, WTO, BRICS and IBSA, Modi said.

He said he was honoured to welcome Temer to India. I am delighted that Goa with its distinct Portuguese heritage is part of his maiden visit here, he said.

The prime minister said bilaterally and multilaterally, partnership between India and Brazil is filled with possibilities that the two countries were keen to harvest.

Modi thanked the Brazilian leader for positively considering request of greater market access and investment opportunities for Indian products and companies.

President Temer and I met with our CEOs and are encouraged at steps they are taking to advance pragmatic collaboration.

India can be a valuable partner in reviving Brazils domestic economic agenda. I welcome Brazilian companies to invest and forge long term partnerships, he said

Modi said the two sides have finalised text of a bilateral investment agreement and it will provide momentum to increased bilateral business and investment linkages.

Noting potential, we have agreed to scale up our engagement. This is in line with our mutual desire for a reinforced strategic partnership.

We mark a decade of our strategic partnership. We are also joined together in shaping international context to support our common pursuits and endeavours, he said.

Earlier, Modi welcomed Temer to Goa, saying, We are natural partners linked by democracy, rule of law and shared aspirations for development, peace and prosperity.

Image: PM Narendra Modi and the President of Brazil Michel Temer during a bilateral meeting in Goa. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
Face of War (Photo : Daria Marchenko)

The United States is reportedly bent on launching a cyberattack against Russia as retaliation for the recent hacking of the Democratic National Convention's computer system. Will the planned virtual action from Washington trigger a physical response from Moscow that could lead to a shooting war?



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NBC reported that following the accusations made by the U.S. government that Russia was the state actor behind the DNC hacking and Russian President Vladimir Putin was trying to influence the outcome of upcoming presidential election, a cyber counter attacks appears pretty imminent. A strike coming from the U.S. is only expected, the report said, adding that the Russian-sponsored hacking to go unpunished will hurt the American credibility.



Washington has already made public that Putin was to blame for the attack so a response for the world to witness seems only automatic, the report added.



"If you publicly accuse someone ... and don't follow it up with a responsive action, that may weaken the credible threat of your response capability," NBC reported Sean Kanuck, a former intelligence official with expertise on Russian affairs, as saying.



The report added that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been tasked to draw the plan for an attack and that proposals have been made and submitted for approval of U.S. President Barack Obama. And that an attack is imminent seemed to have been hinted by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in a recent interview.



"We're sending a message to Putin ... and that it will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact," NBC quoted Biden as saying.



When exactly the cyberattack will happen remains a big question mark but according to Engadget, Obama is likely to drop the plan and opt for the traditional route of retaliation - imposing sanctions. But starting war in cyberspace may not be too appealing to Obama as senior intelligence officials admitted that what the American can do, the Russians can certainly replicate.



The Engadget report also noted that the supposed clandestine attack being discussed in public seems to be shaping up as a mere "political ploy." Citing a recent tweet posted by whistleblower WikiLeaks, the report said that a covert attack getting announced ahead seems not a good start for a serious tussle that could escalate into a nuclear showdown.



And WikiLeaks maintains that if indeed the U.S. will get back to Russia in the cyber platform, the lead agency will have to the NSA and not the CIA, per the Engadget report.


If Raja Amarinder Singh can address the issues of health and education, he is certain to coast to victory, reports Aditi Phadnis.

The previous time Raja Amarinder Singh became chief minister (2002-2007), the verdict was not unambiguously in his favour. In the 2002 assembly elections, the Congress won 62 seats out of 116, only three more than the majority mark of 59.

This had never happened before in Punjab. Whether the Congress and Communist Party of India in 1972 (66+10), the Akali Dal and Janata Party in 1977 (58+27), Congress and Communists in 1980 ( 63+9), Akalis supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1985 (73+6), Congress in 1992 (87 seats) and Akalis and BJP in 1997 (75+18), all the ruling alliances had nearly two-third or even more than that to come to power. The Akalis got 44 seats, 49 less than earlier, enough to teach them a lesson but also enough to indicate they continued to have support.

The other reason Amarinder Singh got a lukewarm response had less to do with him and everything to do with his party. Jagmeet Singh Brar and Rajinder Kaur Bhattal were traditional enemies but he added new ones as his tenure went on. He frittered away the first 18 months of his regime in a bitter witch-hunt against the Badals, however legitimate. Development of the state, increasingly a touchstone for elections all over India, came a poor second priority and began only towards the end of his innings. Price rise had its effect on the election. The inaccessibility of the CM became legendary. He was fighting his own natural inclinations, as well as his party.

Now, however, things are different. True, Partap Singh Bajwa is still very much out there but the younger lot, including party vice president Rahul Gandhi, has reconciled to the fact that the Congress face is Amarinder Singh. The Maharaja saab is -- in tacit recognition of past mistakes -- no longer inaccessible but a commoner, anxious to reach out even if means hanging out with college kids in Coffee with Captain mode.

The ruling class in Punjab is facing a crisis of credibility. After consecutive terms in government, the Shiromani Akali Dal has become bloated and uncaring. Health and education are two areas that have sidestepped the people. If in his new incarnation Amarinder Singh can address these two issues, he is certain to coast to victory. For this, he might not even need his party and its fractious factions.

Water and remunerative agri-commodity prices are two things Punjab needs badly. Ten farmers committed suicide in October alone. The people desperately need someone to hold their hand. The next CM will not have the luxury of time.

Amarinder Singh will do well to remember that.

Image: Amarinder Singh is no longer inaccessible, but a commoner reaching out to one and all through his 'Coffee with Captain' idea. Photograph: Amarinder Singh/Facebook
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday appeared to give credit to "RSS teaching" for the decision to launch cross-Line of Control surgical strikes even as he slammed those seeking proof for the Indian Army's anti-terror operation in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"I wonder, with the combination of the prime minister who comes from Mahatma Gandhi's home state, and I, Defence Minister, coming from Goa which never had any martial race, and surgical strikes. May be the RSS teaching was at the core, but this was quite a different kind of combination," Parrikar said in remarks that may trigger a row.

Parrikar was speaking at a function, 'Know my Army', organised at Nirma University in Ahmedabad.

He said the action of Indian Army, whom he described as the world's best, has increased the sensitivity among citizens regarding national security in a very effective way.

The defence minister said the army is giving befitting reply to ceasefire violations by Pakistan.

"From the day of the strike till today, some politicians are seeking proof," Parrikar said without taking any names.

"When Indian Army says something we should believe it. It (Army) is world's best, professional, brave and having a very high integrity. I do not feel that anybody will seek proof from them (Army) here in Ahmedabad."

"There are people who will never get convinced even if definite proof is given," Parrikar said.

Parrikar was referring to some sections which have been asking for proof about the surgical strikes. The army has said the strikes against terror launch pads across the LoC was carried out during the intervening night of September 28-29.

"Violations are regularly taking place for the last five-six years, you can take out figures. But the only thing that has changed now is that we are giving befitting reply," he said on ceasefire violations.

"Two good things have happened after the surgical strikes. First thing is except some politicians, every Indian is rising in unison and standing behind our brave soldiers. And the second thing is we (Indians) have acquired sensitivity regarding national security in a very effective way," he further said, adding that he is receiving mails suggesting suspicious activities.

"If people see anything wrong, they intimate the police or send me mails. Half of mails I get suggest suspicious activities happening. Many ex-servicemen are also offering their service for the nation, saying that they are retired but can still fight."

To a question on security lapses, Parrikar said, "When you are doing things and if there are lapses in it, then mistakes should be rectified."

IMAGE: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar speaks at 'Know my Army' function in Ahmedabad on Monday. Photograph: PTI Photo
Two persons, including a former corporator, were arrested on Monday morning by Mumbai Police in connection with the murder of a 72-year-old RTI activist.

Amjad Khan, 53, and his father Razzaq Khan, 78, were arrested today morning on charges of murder of Bhupendra Vira. Razzak was earlier a corporator in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. It looks like a land dispute led to the Khans killing Vira, Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Dudhe said.

Razzaq Khan is a former corporator of the Congress from Santacruz area.

Vira, who had been fighting against land mafia, unauthorised structures and encroachments in and around Mumbais surburban area of Kalina, was shot dead at point blank range on Saturday night when he was watching TV at his residence.

The shooter is suspected to have used a silencer, as Viraa wife, who despite being in the house claimed that she did not hear anything, a police official involved in the probe said.

Police had earlier said they were inquiring if Vira had approached them with any complaint -- that he faced threat to his life.

The activist is survived by a daughter and two sons.

Social activist and former Aam Aadmi Party leader Anjali Damania, who had worked with Vira, on Sunday said he was attached to Voice of Kalina, an advanced locality management body and a citizens group.

Describing him as committed social worker, Damania had said, Vira along with other members of the ALM were fighting against encroachments, illegal structures and land mafia in and around Kalina by filing RTIs. He had written several letters to authorities including, Lokayukta, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and police, seeking action against illegal structures.

According to her, several activists had received threats and many of them, including Vira, had filed several complaints at Vakola police station in this regard.

She said that on Saturday morning, Vira had persuaded the BMC authorities to issue four notices to a local goon living in the same area.

Image: RTI activists from Mumbai seen gathered outside a 72-year-old RTI activist Bhupendra Viras residence on Sunday in Mumbai. Photograph: PTI photo
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he was subjected to another random secondary immigration check upon his arrival in the United States due to which he had to spend two hours at the airport.

In a series of tweets, Abdullah expressed disappointment at the randomness during such checks which is becoming tiresome.

Abdullah said he is in the US to speak at an event at New York University but I almost wish Id stayed at home instead. Ah well, thats two hours well & truly wasted!

Another random secondary immigration check upon landing in the US. Thrice in three visits, the randomness is growing tiresome now, Abdullah tweeted.

The NYU student organising the event, for which Abdullah is here, said the incident occurred at the John F Kennedy International Airport.

In another tweet, Abdullah said: I just spent twp hours in a holding area and this happens every time. Unlike @iamsrk I dont even catch Pokemon to pass the time.

He was referring to actor Shah Rukh Khan, who was detained in August at the Los Angeles airport, the third time in seven years that he had been stopped by US immigration officials at the countrys airports.

Khan, too, had tweeted that while he fully understood and respected security protocols, to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really s****.

Abdullah is scheduled to speak at the event organised by the students of NYU on October 21 which is expected to be attended by former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy.
Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz has alleged that India has no moral ground to talk about counter-terrorism efforts and pointing fingers.

In a statement released by Pakistans ministry of foreign affairs, Aziz said that Modi is misleading his BRICS and BIMSTEC colleagues, after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Pakistan is the mothership of terrorism.



Aziz alleged that the Indian leadership was desperately trying to hide what he termed as brutalities in Kashmir.



The UN and OIC have rejected Indian attempts to equate Kashmiris movement for self-determination with terrorism, the adviser remarked, adding that the United Nations has repeatedly emphasised that people fighting for their self-determination cannot be categorised as terrorists by the occupying state.



Aziz further said that Pakistan joins all the members of BRICS and BIMSTEC in condemning terrorism and reaffirms its full commitment to fight the menace of terrorism without discrimination.



He alleged that Pakistan is a victim of Indian interference and subversive activities, which are aimed at destabilising the country.



Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the BRICS Summit on Sunday, launched a veiled attack at Pakistan saying, Tragically, the mother-ship of terrorism is a country in Indias neighbourhood.



Terrorism has become its favourite child and the child in turn has come to define the essential character and nature of its parents. The time for condemning the state sponsored terrorism is long gone, he said.

Image: Narendra Modi in the BRICS Leaders' family photograph at the BRICS Summit venue, in Goa on Sunday. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
A long-awaited offensive to seize back Mosul after two years of Islamic State control has begun with columns of armour and military starting to move on the Northern Iraqi city.

IMAGE: A member of the peshmerga forces takes his position with his weapon during preparations to attack Mosul. Photograph: Ari Jalal/Reuters

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in a televised statement said, Our dearest people in Nineveh province, the victory bell has rung, and the operations to liberate Mosul have begun. I am announcing today the beginning of these heroic operations to liberate you from the brutality and terrorism of IS. God willing, we will meet soon on the ground of Mosul where we will all celebrate the liberation and your freedom.

After a month-long buildup, the last urban stronghold of Islamic State in Iraq has for several days been almost completely surrounded by a 30,000-strong force.

IMAGE: 30,000 troops prepare to launch an attack on Mosul. Photograph: Azad Lashkari/Reuters



Columns of Kurdish Peshmerga fighters could be seen lined up for the offensive to the North east of the city.

The fight is expected to last weeks, if not months, and if the battles to wrest Falluja and Ramadi from ISIS' grip are indicators, Mosul will be a messy melee.

IMAGE: The people of Mosul have been warned to prepare for the battle ahead by sealing their doors and windows. Photograph: Ari Jalal/Reuters

Ahmed al-Assadi, a lawmaker and spokesman for the militias, said: We promise you that victory is near and that it will be a great victory fitting with the greatness of Iraq and its history and its people.

Mosul, a city almost 3,000 years old, would represent Islamic States last stand in Iraq. Though IS seeks to create an Islamic caliphate, it has lost considerable territory in the past two years, being driven out of Tikrit, Ramadi and Fallujah.

IMAGE: The battle is expected to be fought on the streets as militia groups take back the IS controlled city. Photograph: Azad Lashkari/Reuters

Kurdish forces have dug in to the east, north and west of Mosul, and Iraqi forces have been moving slowly from the south.

Iraqi security forces also recently recaptured the Qayyara oil refinery and seized the Qayyara airbase, Iraqs third-largest. The airbase is expected to be a vital staging ground in the battle for Mosul.

IMAGE: The key city has been controlled by IS for two years. Photograph: Ari Jalal/Reuters
Farmers and opposition parties in Tamil Nadu on Monday staged rail roko agitation at various places in the state demanding the Centre to constitute the Cauvery Management Board immediately.

Police arrest a Peoples Welfare Front cadre during a protest over Cauvery issue in Madurai on Monday. Photograph: PTI Photo

The protests were held against the stance of BJP-led Union government in the Supreme Court which opposed immediate setting up of the Board.

Thousands of protestors participated in the rail roko demonstrations, who courted arrest and were lodged in the community and marriage halls, police said.

The agitations marked the beginning of a 48-hour rail blockade by farmers outfits which has the support of opposition parties including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Tamil Nadu Congress, IUML, Communist Party of India-Marxist, CPI, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.

Farmer leader and chief of National South Indian Rivers Inter-Linking Farmers Association P Ayyakannu led the protest in Tiruchirappalli by squatting over the railway track in Kudamuratti bridge area.

Ryots squatted on railway tracks with green turbans and planted paddy seedlings in the narrow gap between railway tracks. They managed to block trains briefly but were removed later by police.

Police arrest DMK treasurer M K Stalin along with his party MLAs and functionaries at the rail roko protest demanding the constitution of a Cauvery management board at the Perambur Railway station in Chennai on Monday. Photograph: R Senthil Kumar/PTI Photo

"We will continue our stir. Tomorrow too this will be held. We plan to block Vaigai Super Fast Express. We urge the Centre to not make us paupers, (by adopting a stance against CMB)" Ayyakannu said.

Similar protests witnessed huge participation of people in the entire Cauvery Delta region of the state, including Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts.

DMK treasurer and Leader of Opposition M K Stalin led the protest at Perambur suburban railway station in Chennai in which scores of his party legislators and functionaries took part.

Leading the protestors, he blocked a suburban train, following which he along with party cadres was taken away by police from the railway station.

MDMK chief Vaiko and CPI(M) State Secretary G Ramakrishnan squatted on railway track at the busy Chennai Central Railway station. Similarly, CPI State Secretary R Mutharasan participated in a rail roko stir in Tiruvarur district.

Peoples Welfare Front cadres break police barricades during their rail roko protest over Cauvery issue in Madurai on Monday. Photograph: PTI Photo

Vaiko told media persons that the stir was to protect the rights of Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery issue. Blaming the BJP regime at the Centre for having a "hidden agenda," to "support Karnataka," he said, it was being done for "political edge."

Former Chennai Mayor and DMK legislator Ma Subramanaian (Saidapet), senior DMK leader Duraimurugan (Vellore Dt), former Union Minister TR Baalu (Tambaram), former State Ministers including EV Velu (Tiruvannamalai), K Ponmudi (Villupuram), and KN Nehru (Tiruchirappalli), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief Thol Thirumavlavan (Basin Bridge) led rail roko demonstrations as well.

"Central government should come forward to withdraw their stand in Supreme Court against setting up CMB," Thirumavalavan said.

In some places, including Madurai and Cuddalore, police resorted to baton-charge to disperse a section of farmers and party workers who insisted on blocking train traffic.

Veteran CPI leader Nallakannu was detained at Virudhunagar near Madurai along with 300 others for blocking train.
Hours after Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju became the top trend in the social media for taking a potshot at filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, saying people use Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name to get into news, the former seems to have toned down his stance.

Earlier in the day, Rijiju wrote on Twitter: "A new fashion has developed in India. A student or a film person can put a question or speak against PM without any logic to get into news."

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap had on Sunday waded into the row when he, in a series of Twitter posts, sought to know why only Indian filmmakers should be targeted for casting Pakistani actors when the prime minister too made a trip to Lahore last year.

The filmmaker wrote: "@narendramodi Sir you haven't yet said sorry for your trip to meet the Pakistani PM. It was dec 25th. Same time KJo was shooting ADHM? Why? @narendramodi why is it that we have to face it while you can be silent?"

Bringing into focus the money that the producers' would lose when a film's release is stalled, Kashyap said, "@narendramodi and you actually diverted your trip on our tax money, while the film shot then was on money on which someone here pays interest. @narendramodi I am just trying to understand the situation because I am actually dumb and I don't get it. Sorry if you feel offended... Btw Bharat Mata ki Jai Sir @narendramodi."

Kashyap, was trolled on Twitter and also received criticism from some members of the film industry over his comments, said he has every right to question the PM. Obviously, Rijiju felt otherwise.

On Monday evening, Rijiju took to Twitter once again to say, "In democratic India one can ask questions to PM or comments freely but better if it's with sense & without undermining our nation's prestige."

Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil has landed in soup over casting Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. In the aftermath of Uri attack last month, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena issued an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes to leave India. Subsequently, Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association passed a motion to ban the artistes from the neighbouring country.

Recently, Cinema Owners Exhibitors Association of India also decided to not screen the films with Pakistani actors in four states -- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Goa.
Primary health centres are state-owned rural health care facilities in India. They are essentially single physician clinics usually with facilities for minor surgeries too. They are part of the government funded public health system in India and the most basic unit of this system.

Apart from regular medical treatments, PHCs in India have some special focuses. They are Infant Immunisation programs, anti-epidemic programs, birth control programs, pregnancy related care and emergencies.

Rediff Labs team analysed the data from ministry of health and family welfare on total number PHCs functioning in different states of India with at least one doctor.

There are many PHCs functioning without a doctor where other medical assistants treat the people. The map shows the total number of primary health centres functioning in each state with one doctor, with a lady doctor and without any doctor.

The top three states which have the highest number of primary health centres functioning are Uttar Pradesh (3,497), Karnataka (2,353) and Rajasthan (2,083).

Chhattisgarh has no primary health centre but it has other community health centres. Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya have the high number of PHCs functioning with a lady doctor. Maharashtra and Chandigarh have the highest number of PHCs functioning without any doctor.

For more data driven journalism, check out Rediff Labs.
Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers on Monday staged a protest here against the gruesome murder of a local RSS functionary and demanded a fair probe into the case and immediate arrest of the culprits.

Rudresh, a 35-year old RSS worker, was hacked to death by two motorcycle-borne men who struck him with machete on Kamaraja Road in Bengaluru on Sunday, when he was returning home on a bike after attending an RSS event.

The RSS has called for a bandh in Shivajinagar area, where the murder took place following which prohibitory orders have been clamped in four police station limits of the eastern zone of the city Commissionerate limits till midnight.

Police said elaborate security arrangements had been made all over the city as a precautionary measure, adding that central forces have also been deployed.

Platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police, City Armed Reserve, Rapid Action Force and Central Industrial security Force have been deployed, police said.

BJP and RSS workers led by former Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka and Members of Parliament Shobha Karandlaje and P C Mohan and others, marched from Shivajinagar towards Police Commissioner's office, but were stopped midway.

Linking Rudresh's murder to killing of BJP and RSS functionaries in different part of the country, Karandlaje said "there is a feeling that these killings are part of a planned conspiracy."

Ashoka said the culprits should be nabbed first before they fled out of the city or state.

Home Minister G Parameshwara said, "Four to five teams have been formed to investigate. Police will do their job. A few persons have already been taken into the custody, inquiry is on."

He said "Rudres happens to be an RSS worker, other than that, we are not aware of anything about him. We will get to know the exact reasons for his killing only after the investigation."

Assuring BJP and RSS workers that police will conduct a fair investigation into the case, city Police Commissioner N S Megharikh said, "We will nab the culprits soon."

Image: Rudresh, 35, was a resident of Bengaluru and worked as a construction contractor
Pakistan Navy Submarine Force to Equal the Indian Navys in Numbers with Purchase of 8 Chinese Subs

An S20

Pakistan has finalized a deal to acquire eight Chinese-made S20 diesel-electric submarines for the Pakistan Navy, making this class of submarine the most numerous in the navy's Submarine Service Force (SSF) and giving the SSF numerical parity with its opposite number in India.



Under the deal with China, four of the ultra-quiet subs will be made at the Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) while the remaining four will be built in China. Four of the subs will be delivered by 2023 with the remainder by 2028.



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The eight S20s will be capable of firing anti-ship missiles (ASMs) while submerged, an advantage enjoyed by its three sister submarines in the Khalid-class and two in the Agosta-70 class. The addition of the eight S20s will bring to 13 the number of modern submarines in the SSF.



The Khalid class can fire French-made Exocet missiles while the Agosta 70A subs can unleash United States Harpoon missiles. The S20s will most likely fire Chinese-made ASMs.



The original Chinese version of the S20, the Type 041 Yuan-class, can fire YJ-8 ASMs. The export version of the YJ-8, the C-802, was used by Yemeni Houthi rebels to attack a U.S. Navy destroyer three times this month in the Red Sea. All the C-802s missed their target.



The Type-041's torpedo armament includes Yu-4 (SAET-50) passive homing and Yu-3 (SET-65E) active/passive homing torpedoes.



The Type-041 is the quietest submarine in the People's Liberation Army Navy Submarine Force. The Type-041 is also known as the Type-039A in the PLAN, which operates 28 of these subs.



The 13 submarines in the SSF should be enough to deny the Indian Navy unrestricted operations in the Arabian Sea.



In contrast, the Indian Navy operates 14 submarines: 1 Chakra (Akula II)-class; 9 Sindhughosh (Russian Kilo)-class and 4 Shishumar (German Type 209/1500)-class.



Pakistan will pay up to $5 billion for the eight S20s. The Pakistan Navy is upgrading its undersea warfare capabilities in the face of an equal upgrading being undertaken by India.


Terrorism can be contained only with strong public support, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said while appreciating the "template" set by the Bangladesh government in this regard after the terror attack in Dhaka in July.

Ths issue came up during bilateral meeting between Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Goa on the sidelines of BRICS and BIMSTEC Summits.

Giving details of the talks, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup on Monday told reporters that Modi said that "terrorism can be contained only with strong public support."

Modi made the comment after Hasina spelt out the various steps that her government had taken following the Holey Artisan terror attack, how she had contacted all the districts of Bangladesh to be on the same page and unite against terror and how she had taken on board all the Imams to raise their voice against terror, Swarup said.

"And she said that the public awareness is very high in Bangladesh against the menace of terrorism," he added.

"PM (Modi) appreciated the very strong stance that the Sheikh Hasina government and Bangladesh had taken against terrorism and how that could set a new template for countries on how to tackle this menace of terrorism," the spokesman said.

Swarup pointed out that entire Bangladesh had rallied behind the Hasina government and it has not had any incident after that attack.

Swarup noted that India and Bangladesh have a Joint Working Group on terrorism which is working very effectively.

The spokesman said Bangladesh has extradited a number of wanted terrorists to India and therefore from that point of view, it was not an outstanding issue which needs to be addressed.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds bilateral meeting with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of BRICS-BIMSTEC summit in Goa. Photograph: PIB
The Chairman of State Minorities Commission serving Andhra Pradesh and Telangana sees the Law Commission's questionnaire asking the public for responses on the Uniform Civil Code and 'triple talaq' as an "attempt by the government to brand Muslims as anti-nationals".

"The government is trying to create a sort of atmosphere where the Muslim community gets agitated and does something which is not desirable and, in turn, they are branded as anti-nationals...those who do not follow the Constitution of India and all that," Abid Rasool Khan said.

"The community is falling into the trap of the right-wing elements and agencies who are working in tandem," he alleged.

Khan described the exercise of asking for opinions without the government putting a draft of the Uniform Civil Code in the public domain as "very absurd and not heard of".

"You are not telling other religions how are you going to alter their rights, you are not touching the other communities. Ministers on TV do not talk about the HUF (Hindu Undivided Family) taxation benefits. All these things make me weary that there is a hidden agenda behind the questionnaire," he said.

Stating that every 200 sq.km, one can see a different culture in India, Khan said the questionnaire should have had a minimum of 500-600 questions. "In 16 questions, you are trying to do it. So, what the government is basically doing is framing a policy to show the Muslims as anti-national and unpatriotic...who do not follow the Constitution and democratic principles. I strongly object to this," he said.

Khan requested the Law Commission to withdraw the questionnaire, adding that the government should first put a draft of the Uniform Civil Code "they are talking and threatening about" in the public domain and give "ample time" to all the communities.

He noted that the questionnaire did not "talk about the Sikh community, the Kodagu community in Uttar Pradesh which allows five husbands to a woman, which is common in most of the villages in the hill areas of the state and Nagaland where the wife can be changed with a small gift given to her".

"The way it is being handled, it is just a poll publicity tool before the Uttar Pradesh election and then it will sink in a boat," Khan said and termed the exercise a "political gimmick".

He said Muslims would resolve issues such as 'triple talaq' and polygamy "within the community" and they are "on the verge" of doing so.

"Why are others so worried about it? Is there no other issue like child marriage? No issue like polygamy exits in the Hindu community?" he asked.

Khan claimed that even a BJP woman MP was a "polygamist".

"So, why are they not looking into their own closet before looking at Muslims and creating a scene where we (Muslims) are shown as wild, uncivilised and all that," he said.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, Scholars and clergymen from different Muslim sects, under the banner of All India Muslim Majlise-e-Mushawarat also registered their protest against the Law Commission's consultation.

Recently, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, while announcing the decision to boycott the Law Commission's consultation, had criticised the Narendra Modi government for allegedly trying to divert attention from its "failures" by raising the issue of UCC.

The meeting in Mumbai was chaired by Maulana Sayed Mohamed Khalid Ashraf, the president of Daruloom Mohamdiya.

Prominent among those who attended the meeting were All India Ulema Council president Maulana Zaherudin Khan, Mushawarat president Naveed Hamid and general secretary Mujtaba Farooq, All India Muslim Personal Law Board executive committee member Maulana Sayed Athar Ali, All India Jamiat Islami vice president Maulana Nusrat, internationally-famous Haji Ali Dargah's Imam Maulana Mohd Islam, noted Shia scholar Maulana Asgar Imam Salfi (Ahlehadis) Maulana Asgar Haideri and others.

"Any interference in Muslim Personal Law will not be tolerated. Any efforts to impose a Common Civil Code in the name of social reform and gender justice will prove counter-productive," they said in a joint statement.

"The government should respect this position of Muslims instead of conspiring to put an end to it. The government cannot force Muslims to follow other communities in issues related to personal laws as it would amount to an infringement of their fundamental rights.



"Those clamouring against triple talaq and demanding a ban on polygamy are a minuscule minority and are not representative of the Indian Muslim community," said Maulana Sayed Mohamed Khalid Ashraf.



All India Ulema Council president Maulana Zaherudin Khan said the move of banning triple talaq is a conspiracy to impose a Uniform Civil Code.



"We will boycott this questionnaire. No Muslim will respond to it because it is misleading and deceitful. The Uniform Civil Code is divisive and will lead to social unrest," he said.



All India Ulema Association president Maulana Sayed Athar Ali said the government should not interfere in the belief and religion of any citizen.



Muslims consider divorce, polygamy and other personal laws as an intrinsic part of their religion and are hence obliged to follow the Sharia in those matters, he said.
Even as there is a strong anti-incumbency mood in Punjab, the multi-cornered contest has made the 2017 assembly polls prediction more difficult, report Sahil Makkar and Archis Mohan.

Punjab elections have largely been bipolar contests, mostly predictable. The voters invariably threw out the incumbent. That was until 2012, when neither pollsters nor politicians could read the mood.

The entry of a third contender, the Aam Aadmi Party, in the coming 2017 assembly polls in the border state has made predicting the outcome that much more difficult.

While the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition government faces a 10-year anti-incumbency mood, the Congress's Amarinder Singh has surprised people with his hard work. He has been known for leisurely poll campaigning but thanks to the goading from his party's election strategist, Prashant Kishor, this time's vigour is different.

In 2012, Amarinder was so confident of victory that he spent the gap between the last day of polling and the counting day in selecting his future council of ministers and key bureaucrats. The result, the first time an incumbent was returned since the 1960s, were a blow to Amarinder and a surprise to the SAD's Badals.

Detailed analysis of the 2012 results made the Akali victory surprising. The Congress had the highest vote share but won 10 seats less than the Akalis. Of these, the Congress lost eight by margins of less than 1,000 votes. There were four seats where the margin was less than 2,000 votes. As many as 22 of the 117 seats saw a close contest between the Congress and the Akali-BJP combine.

These 22 seats, observers predict, could again play a key role. Entry of new parties such as the AAP, the Awaaz-e-Punjab and the Apna Punjab Party, has made the contest multi-cornered.

"I believe the voters have still to make up their mind. You could even say they are confused. It is likely the anti-incumbency votes might get divided among the Congress, AAP and others, which could benefit the Akalis," says P P S Gill, former state information commissioner.

Observers say it would be a mistake to write off the Akalis. The party continues to be popular in the Malwa region, half of Punjab's 22 districts and electing 68 of the 117 seats. That the SAD could return to power in 2012 was primarily because of better performance in this region, increasing its tally from 19 seats in 2007 to 34.

The SAD government, led by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son, also Deputy CM, Sukhbir, is promising to open the purse strings for the region. "The party is planning to spend around Rs 12,000 crore in the elections. This amount is enough to change the results, as voters in Punjab put their hearts before minds," says a veteran journalist, who has worked closely with the Akalis and the Congress.

Experts have been speaking of a post-Panthic, less ideology-driven and more transactional voter behaviour in recent elections. This March, the SAD-BJP government rolled out a populist budget, unveiling schemes such as free schoolbags to girls, cheap loans to women entrepreneurs, interest-free crop loans to small and marginal farmers, 4,000 modern gymnasiums for the youth and a Rs 100 crore scholarship fund for Dalits. The government also proposed to reduce stamp duty by 20 per cent. All this ignored the state's burgeoning debt and rising fiscal deficit.

This Budget was similar to its election-year Budget of 2011-12, when the SAD government announced free bicycles for girls, free health care facilities to backward classes and lowering of the qualifying age for pensions to women.

Even so, the Akalis' mismanagement of state finances, charges of corruption and failure to control the drug menace have created a groundswell of disaffection. The AAP, ever since the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, has tried to fill the space.

"Last time we voted for the Akalis but on this occasion the battle is to save Punjab. Another term to SAD will finish whatever prosperity the state is left with," says Lakhvinder Singh, who runs a retail shop in Ludhiana, the biggest town in the Malwa region. He says many small businesses and factories have shut down in the city in recent years, due to corruption and wrong policies of the government.

Asked about their first preference in the elections, most people we spoke to during a recent visit to the state were non-committal. Analysts say the AAP was going strong until two months earlier. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal's public rallies were well attended and the party was being looked at as an alternative to the known political parties. While it would be early to write it off, the fact is in recent weeks its campaign has lost steam. The AAP burnt its fingers with its alliance with former BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu and its infighting.

Meanwhile, Amarinder has busied himself in trying to build the Congress position. Supported by Kishor and a team of workers, Amarinder has reached out to the public at large in a sustained campaign. His criticism of the AAP as a non-Punjabi force has found resonance. The former CM has also realised the need to prevent splitting of votes and reached out to Sidhu's Awaaz-e-Punjab to merge with the Congress.

To dispel the impression, which has strong basis, that Congress is a divided house, with tension between Amarinder, Partap Singh Bajwa and others, party leaders have taken out a 'Punjab Congress Express' since September 24. They have travelled together in a bus and held block-level meetings. The buses, according to the Congress, reached out to at least 1.1 million people and covered 4,420 km.

Amarinder has appealed to farmers to not commit suicide, saying he'd waive their loans within 100 days of coming to power. Next week, Amarinder is set to launch a 'kisan yatra', in which Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi is likely to join. Amarinder has knocked on the doors of farmers to hear their grievances and propose solutions. Until now, 112,000 'maang patras', lists of farmers' demands, have been collected.

The 'surgical strikes' on the Line of Control have also struck a sour note among people. The subsequent evacuation of villages, with farmers having to leave behind a standing crop, hasn't gone down well.

A source in Amarinder's war room said at present the Congress and the AAP were "neck to neck" but in the weeks to come, the Congress would pull ahead because of its campaign, while the AAP would lose steam. However, as 2012 showed, the Akalis are known to fight back and the AAP, as it showed in the 2014 Lok Sabha poll by winning four of Punjab's 13 seats, can spring a surprise. Dera Sacha Sauda, which wields enormous influence on the 34 per cent Dalits of the state, is also yet to indicate its preference.

In sum, Punjab is set for an interesting next three months.

IMAGE: A file photo of voters lining up to cast their votes at a polling station at Banur in Punjab. Photograph: Ajay Verma/Reuters.
The government has identified three circuits -- Ramayana Circuit, Krishna Circuit and Buddhist Circuit  to boost religious tourism. The Ram museum will be a part of the Ramayana Circuit for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the circuit.

The contentious issue of Ram temple was suddenly back in the political discourse in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh on Monday, a day ahead of Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma's visit to Ayodhya to inspect the proposed site for setting up a Ramayana museum, a move seen as an attempt to woo pro-Hinduvta elements.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, a major contender for power in the key battleground state, Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam criticised the move, saying it was being made for "electoral benefits".

The land for the proposed museum has been provided by the Uttar Pradesh government.

"Developing tourism in Ayodhya is good but, how come the Narendra Modi government thought of developing the Ramayana Sangrahlay (museum) and the state government of Ramleela

theme park just before the assembly polls," Mayawati said in a release in Lucknow.

"Linking religion with politics and electoral gains by these governments is condemnable...Had they really been so concerned about these issues, they would have thought about them long ago," the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said.

Congress leader and former Union minister R P N Singh accused the Modi government and Bharatiya Janata Party of invoking Ram months ahead of the assembly polls due early next year for deriving political mileage out of it.

"We shouldn't be surprised. Every five years we see the same drama unfolding. Whenever polls are in the state, they talk of Ram, Ram temple, Ram sangrahlaya. They repeatedly raise these issues," he said.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks of development but what about action....When there is election, he goes to Lucknow to participate in Dussehra festivities and chants 'Jai Shri Ram'. Did he say Jai Shri Ram during Dussehra events last year wherever he went?" Singh asked.

The proposed museum revived the demand for construction of Ram temple, with BJP hardliners like Union minister Uma Bharti and Vinay Katiyar pitching for it.

Katiyar went on to demand tabling of a legislation in the Lok Sabha where the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has a "massive majority".

"Why only Subramanian Swamy, every devotee of Ram wants the temple to be constructed soon. Until that happens we cannot live in peace. Be it through a bill in Parliament, through dialogue or a court verdict, the government has to find a solution.

"Of course, we don't have a majority in the Rajya Sabha, but a bill for construction of the temple can be brought in the Lok Sabha where we have a massive majority. The Ram temple was also a part of BJP's election manifesto," he said, adding, "No deadline can be set for the government on this issue".

Uma Bharti, another stormy petrel of the Ram temple movement, said, "The issue is what we, the agitators, were claiming as the place where Lord Ram was born was indeed that place or not. A three-judge bench (of Allahabad high court) agreed with our contention.

"What is under challenge is the dispute over land between the Waqf Board and Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, not that whether Ram was born there or not," she said.

Mahesh Sharma, however, insisted his visit to Ayodhya had nothing to do with the UP polls, but said he would be visiting the makeshift temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex.

"My visit to Ayodhya has nothing to do with UP assembly elections. I am visiting there as a tourism minister. It should not be linked to politics but is part of the government's effort to improve tourism in Ayodhya and all over the country. The visit is part of developmental agenda," he said.



DMK chief M Karunanidhi also deprecated attempts to rake up the Ram temple issue ahead of UP assembly polls.

"There are reports that the BJP is trying to rake up the Ram Janmabhoomi issue to garner Hindu votes in Uttar Pradesh," he said in a statement in Chennai.

Karunanidhi, who had earlier triggered a row with his critical comments about Lord Ram made at the height of the Ram Setu controversy, also criticised the move to set up a Ramayana museum.

Sharma, while insisting that the project had nothing to do with politics, said the museum will be a part of the Ramayana Circuit for which the Centre has sanctioned Rs 225 crore, with Rs 151 crore exclusively for Ayodhya, which is the hub of the circuit.

"Ram is in the heart of millions of people. As the tourism minister, I have to see how Ayodhya can be developed, how the Ramayana circuit can be developed from tourism point of view," the minister said.

He said the government has identified three circuits -- Ramayana Circuit, Krishna Circuit and Buddhist Circuit -- to boost religious tourism.

Sharma will also hold a meeting with the Ramayana Circuit Advisory Board during the visit. The meeting would discuss routes for connecting Ramayana-related sites in Nepal and Sri Lanka with the proposed museum.

The Union minister would also deliberate on plans for an international Ramayana conclave, which would be held either in Ayodhya or Chitrakoot district. The conference is likely to be

attended by delegates from about 12 countries, sources said.

Sharma is likely to hold meetings with religious leaders on building the museum which would portray the epic journey of Lord Rama.

He said his Ayodhya visit was planned two months back and had nothing to do with the UP assembly elections, which were "planned five years ago".

When asked if the museum will be inaugurated ahead of the UP polls, Sharma said, "It is a continuous process. It will involve development of ghats, infrastructure etc."

Asked to comment on Katiyar's demand for bringing a bill in Parliament for the construction of the temple, he said, "I am an Indian first. I am going there as tourism minister. Ram temple is on the (BJP's) agaida, but (commenting on Katiyar's demand) is not within my purview as tourism minister."

On whether he would visit the makeshift temple during his visit, the Minister said, "Well, the Ramlalla site... There is my spiritual devotion to the place. Millions of devotees visit there for that purpose....I will be going there."

Though the BJP has been insisting that the Ram temple will not be an electoral plank in the UP elections to be held early next year, the proposed Ramayana museum and related activities

are being seen as an attempt to keep pro-Hindutva elements in good humour.

On Dusshera, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in a departure from tradition, participated in the festivities in Lucknow where he started and concluded his speech with Jai Shri Ram, Jai Jai Shri Ram.
World War III Threats by Vladimir Putin just a campaign for Donald Trump? Russia fears Clinton Presidency

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the uniform of a Russian Navy officer. (Photo : Getty Images)

The recent spate of World War III threats has caused massive panic among citizens around the world.



Bold declarations attributed to the leader of a world power have escalated fears of an impending nuclear showdown. However, a pivotal US election may place the threats in a different context.



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From a Reuters report, a direct threat of war was issued by a known Putin ally.



Vladimir Zhirinovsky is described as a "flamboyantly outspoken ultranationalist leader" and he has warned Americans about their choice for the presidency.



"Americans voting for a president on November 8 must realize that they are voting for peace on planet Earth if they vote for Trump," Reuters quoted Zhirinovsky as saying. "But if they vote for Hillary it's war. It will be a short movie. There will be Hiroshimas and Nagasakis everywhere."



The statement is very alarming indeed, along with various reports claiming that Putin has requested Russian nationals with families to return to the motherland (a statement debunked by Snopes).



The big question: Is there really a cause for alarm?



According to The Washington Post, there is a motivation over the recent war-mongering. Putin openly prefers to deal with Donald Trump rather than Hillary Clinton and the threats could swing the tide in favor of the beleaguered business mogul.



As The Post declaed: "Putin has said he will not interfere in U.S. elections, but Zhirinovsky can say things that Putin wouldn't."



But why does Putin prefer Trump over Hillary?



It is presumed that Trump will take a contrarian stance from the current President Barack Obama's. Obama has called out Russia on their international aggression against neighboring countries.



According to Zhirinovsky, Trump "won't care about Syria, Libya and Iraq, and why on Earth should America interfere in these countries? And Ukraine. Who needs Ukraine?"



As an added endorsement, the Russian also pulled out the gender card. "Most Americans should choose Trump, because men have been leading for millions of years," he said. "You can't take the risk of having one of the richest, most powerful countries led by a woman president."



Washington Post writer David Filipov questioned the credibility of Zhirinovsky's statements citing previous declarations by the latter that he will "bomb Poland and the Baltic states into oblivion, annex Afghanistan and the Middle East." Even most Russians actually just "tune him out."


Disclaimer

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Burundi: Security Council hopes for 'swift solution' between government and human rights bodies

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 14 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Burundi: Security Council hopes for 'swift solution' between government and human rights bodies, 14 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804812940d.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

14 October 2016 - Expressing "deep concern" over the political situation in Burundi, the United Nations Security Council reiterated its demand that all stakeholders to refrain from any action that could threaten peace and stability in the country or undermine the East African Community-led inter-Burundian dialogue.

In a press statement, the 15-member body also "stressed the utmost importance of respecting the Constitution as well as the letter and spirit of the Arusha Agreement, which has helped to sustain a decade of peace in Burundi."

Security Council's press statement comes against as the Burundian Government has decided to suspend all cooperation with the UN human rights wing, pending renegotiation of the host country agreement on the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) mandate and activities in the central African country.

Noting that OHCHR had been providing technical assistance to Burundi for more than 20 years, to strengthen its rule of law institutions, Council members expressed hope that a "swift solution can be found through dialogue between OHCHR and the government that will enable OHCHR to resume its activities."

The Security Council also requested UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to dispatch his Special Adviser on conflict prevention, including in Burundi, Jamal Benomar, to coordinate with the Government regarding the implementation of its resolution 2303 (2016), in which the it authorized a UN police officers' component to monitor the security situation and support the human rights monitoring by OHCHR.

After his closed-door briefing to the Council yesterday, Mr. Benomar said would consult with officials in Burundi to "find a way forward on all issues related to peace and security and UN activities in the country," after the Government had rejected the resolution and amid reports that it will also withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Also today, an OHCHR spokesperson told the regular media briefing in Geneva, that three independent human rights expert who had worked on the UN Independent Investigation on Burundi, established by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council (HRC), had been declared persona non grata by Burundian authorities.

The spokesperson further noted that UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein "regretted [this] decision" and urged the authorities to continue to engage constructively with all UN human rights mechanisms.

At the same briefing, Rolando Gomez, an HRC spokesperson also informed the media that the HRC President called for an urgent meeting of his Bureau this afternoon to discuss the situation in Burundi.

The HRC Bureau meeting follows an earlier meeting today between the HRC President and the Permanent Representative of Burundi to the UN Offices at Geneva.

Further in their statement today, the members of the Security Council recalled the commitments expressed by other regional countries under a framework agreement for peace, security and cooperation in the region called on them to contribute to a peaceful solution to the crisis in Burundi.
Concerned by recent violence in Myanmar, UN aid chief calls for stronger humanitarian action

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 14 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Concerned by recent violence in Myanmar, UN aid chief calls for stronger humanitarian action, 14 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804814440d.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

14 October 2016 - Concluding a three-day mission to Myanmar today, the top United Nations aid official called on all sides to find peaceful ways to resolve their differences and urged strengthened humanitarian action to support the people affected by violence in the Southeast Asian country.

"Humanitarian need is our only measure and impartial aid our only goal," said the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Stephen O'Brien, in a news release issued by his Office (OCHA) from Yangon.

His trip took place shortly after the outbreak of violence in the northern part of Rakhine state and at a time of escalating armed clashes in Kachin.

Expressing deep concern regarding recent developments, he called for all sides to find peaceful ways to resolve differences rather than choosing the path of violence. He also called on all parties to uphold their responsibilities to protect people affected by violence and conflict and to ensure humanitarian access to people in need.

In meetings with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other Government officials, Mr. O'Brien, who is also the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, welcomed Myanmar's recent transition to democracy and the progress that has been made by the Government, local communities, and national organizations in preparing for and responding to natural disasters.

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Stephen O'Brien, speaks to children in an IDP camp in Kachin state, Myanmar. Photo: OCHA Myanmar

Visiting Kachin and Shan states, where almost 100,000 people remain displaced and are unable to return home because of continued fighting and the deadly threat posed by landmines, Mr. O'Brien said "it was very important for me to visit people on both sides of the conflict line, to see first-hand the impact of the conflict on vulnerable communities."

"I spoke with people who fled violence more than five years ago and who are simply waiting for the guns to go silent before they can go home," he added.

He expressed concern that humanitarian aid to some areas had recently been blocked and urged local authorities to drop their demand that displaced people in some areas cross an active conflict line in order to receive humanitarian assistance. He stressed that many of those currently receiving humanitarian assistance are women and children, elderly, sick or disabled people.

Mr. O'Brien also travelled to Sittwe in Rakhine state where around 120,000 people, most of whom are Muslims who call themselves Rohingya, are still living in displacement camps, four years after the outbreak of inter-communal violence in 2012, according to OCHA.

He saw the level of poverty that the people of Rakhine endure and witnessed the dire living conditions and hardships endured by Muslim communities who are still denied freedom of movement. He also met with some distressed Rakhine women who had only just arrived in Sittwe after fleeing the recent violence in northern Rakhine.

"The recent violence in Rakhine state is deeply troubling and the immediate priority must be to prevent further violence and to ensure the protection of all civilians," Mr. O'Brien said.

"All people in Rakhine state, irrespective of their ethnicity, religion or citizenship status, must have safe access to their nearest hospital or medical centre, to regular schools and to livelihoods," he added.

The Myanmar Humanitarian Response Plan for 2016 is 55 per cent funded at $104 million, leaving a gap of $86 million. More funding is urgently required to scale-up the humanitarian response across the country, particularly in education and health, according to OCHA.
New UN report urges Liberia to act on rape  'legacy' of impunity from 14-year civil conflict

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 14 October 2016 Related Document(s) Addressing Impunity for Rape in Liberia Cite as UN News Service, New UN report urges Liberia to act on rape  'legacy' of impunity from 14-year civil conflict, 14 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804815e40c.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

14 October 2016 - A United Nations report released today documents the high incidence of rape in Liberia and the widespread impunity enjoyed by perpetrators, and provides a number of recommendations to the Government, other national and international stakeholders, including the UN, to urgently combat the scourge.

The recommendations include enhancing the fight against impunity through additional resources and capacities, including to the sex crimes prosecutor's office, developing forensic investigation, harmonizing rape provisions in the penal code and enacting the Domestic Violence Act, which would make spousal rape a criminal offence.

The report, released by the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), is based on information gathered by UN human rights officers between January 2015 and March 2016.

It indicates a high number of rapes reported in all the 15 counties across the country, with 803 cases in 2015. "Rape is the second most commonly reported serious crime in Liberia," the report says.

Liberia's high incidence of rape is in part "a legacy of impunity arising from 14 years of civil conflict," from which the country is still rebuilding, notes the report. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "between 61.4 and 77.4 per cent of women and girls in Liberia were raped during the war." Despite this, there has been no criminal accountability for perpetrators of war crimes in Liberia, including perpetrators of wartime sexual violence.

Impunity also prevails for recent rapes, with only two per cent of rapes and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases reported last year resulting in a conviction in court.

Liberian children march in protest against rape. Photo: World Bank/Sachiko Kondo

Rape victims do not achieve justice due to multiple challenges, including institutional weaknesses, corruption, lack of due diligence by government as well as logistical and financial constraints. "These combined factors have led to a widespread culture of impunity for SGBV, particularly for rape, putting women and children at continued serious risk of sexual violence," says the report.

Other barriers to victims reporting rape include undue influence by traditional actors, cultural and patriarchal attitudes, as well as gender stereotyping. A previous UN report published in December 2015, had already highlighted the widespread impunity for SGBV crimes in the context of Liberian traditional and cultural practices.

Social pressure to informally settle cases out of court is also a major obstacle to justice. "In the Liberian context, victims face challenges at every step of the process if they attempt to hold their assailants criminally accountable," the report explains.

The shame of accusing a community or family member of rape prevents most victims from reporting the case

The vast majority of perpetrators of rape in Liberia are males over the age of 18 who are known to the victim. Most perpetrators are community members, and in some cases close relatives to the victim. "The shame of accusing a community or family member of rape prevented most victims from reporting the case," the report notes.

The report also says that close to 80 per cent of rape victims documented by the UN in Liberia in 2015 were under the age of 18, including at least five cases of girls under the age of five being raped. However, children are not necessarily disproportionately targeted, according to the report: "Child rape reports may be higher because they shock the conscience and are not preempted by the generally discriminatory attitudes towards women survivors of rape."

Liberia is party to a number of international human rights treaties and instruments, under which it has the obligation to fight rape and gender-based violence. According to the report, the Liberian government's inability, despite efforts made, to ensure criminal accountability for perpetrators of rape shows "that Liberia is not in compliance with its human rights obligations."

UN human rights mechanisms had previously made recommendations. The report recommends that the Government implement these and encourages it to continue to seek technical assistance from international partners.
Ban welcomes reported release of 21 Chibok schoolgirls abducted in Nigeria

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 14 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Ban welcomes reported release of 21 Chibok schoolgirls abducted in Nigeria, 14 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804822340c.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

14 October 2016 - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the reported release of 21 Chibok schoolgirls, who were abducted by the Boko Haram insurgent group more than two years ago, while expressing deep concern about the safety and well-being of the remaining schoolgirls and other victims still in captivity.

On 13 April, 2014, in the middle of the night, 276 girls were abducted by Boko Haram from their school dormitory in Chibok, in Nigeria's restive north-east. Many of them remain missing.

"The Secretary-General urges the international community to continue supporting the Government of Nigeria in its efforts to secure their release, rehabilitation and reintegration. He calls for increased efforts to ensure additional humanitarian access in the north-east of Nigeria, and reiterates the continued commitment of the United Nations in this regard," according to a statement released by Mr. Ban's spokesman.

The Secretary-General's Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, in his capacity as High Representative for Nigeria, continues to engage with the Nigerian authorities and international partners on this matter, the statement said.
The rumored Samsung Galaxy S8 will launch with 4K display. (Photo : YouTube/PHConcepts)

Is there a chance that Samsung will press the Galaxy S8 2017 release date button ahead of schedule? Two new proofs appear to suggest that the South Korean tech giant's flagship push will start earlier than expected next year - mass production of the next-generation processing chip for the device has commenced and three firmware variants for the GS8 have been leaked out.



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ZDNet reported that Samsung has started mass producing the logic chips that will be specifically used for a mobile device set to be released in early 2017. "The South Korean tech giant said chips made from the process will power an IT product to be launched early next year, a likely reference to the Galaxy S8," the report said.



The chip designed for the GS8 will be manufactured using 10-nanometer process, which according to Samsung will lead to performance boost of 27 percent compared to the 14nm process. Also, the former is projected to deliver up to 40 percent more efficient use of energy, promising longer operating hours for mobile devices powered by the chip.



Samsung also indicated that its next-gen processor will utilize "triple patterning" during the wholesale production that allows for "designing the chips to be smaller." In theory, more inner space will be freed up using the 10nm chip that will permit the use of larger battery with higher energy juice capacity or encourage mobile device designer to create slimmer and lighter handsets.



The latest development aligns with the recent leaks suggesting that for the Galaxy S8, Samsung plans to use both its in-house Exynos 8895 chip and a Snapdragon processor that possibly the company will co-develop with Qualcomm. The latter is thought to be the Snapdragon 830.



Recent rumors also claimed that any of the two processors powering the GS8 will likely tap on up to 6GB of RAM support.



And likely serving as the latest indicators that Samsung has set the Galaxy S8 production in motion, WCCFTech reported that the three firmware variants for the GS8 have leaked out. The three GS8 OS versions are set for deployment in key markets namely the United States, Europe and Samsung's home base South Korea.



WCCFTech listed the firmware as the following: G955FXXE0APJ3, G955FOXA0APJ2 and G955FXXE0AP. The report, however, did not specify which OS build will be provided for which region.



But even as speculations are rife that the Galaxy S8 release date could happen earlier than expected, WCCFTech made clear on its report that Samsung provided "no hints for expedited progress on the device." Rumors say unpacking of the GS8 will happen as early as February 26 while the commercial debut is set March 2017.


Central African Republic: UN rights office urges all parties to exercise 'utmost restraint'

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 14 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Central African Republic: UN rights office urges all parties to exercise 'utmost restraint', 14 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804824240c.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

14 October 2016 - In the wake of a number of killings and attacks on civilians in the Central African Republic (CAR), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called on all actors in the country to exercise restraint and prevent any further escalation in violence.

"The worst incident took place on Wednesday [12 October], when several hundred ex-Seleka members attacked the Eveche camp for internally displaced people as well as the Prefect's office and the MINUSCA [the UN mission in CAR] camp," said Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for OHCHR at a regular news briefing at the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG).

"In addition to 18 civilians and 12 ex-Seleka members who were killed, many more were injured, houses and offices were torched and looted and internally displaced people forced to flee," she added detailing the attack.

According to OHCHR, violence has escalated in Kaga Bandoro over the past month and premises of non-governmental organizations as well as private homes of humanitarian workers have been attacked.

Further at the briefing today, Ms. Shamdasani underlined the need for individual, judicial accountability for those responsible for the violence and called on all armed groups to participate fully in the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and rehabilitation process, terming it a "crucial step" towards lasting peace in the country.

She also called on the Government of CAR to ensure an inclusive political space where the concerns of all communities are given due regard and long-standing grievances are not left to fester.

Also today, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said in a news release that it received reports that three educators and two education officials were among those killed on 12 October when armed men attacked a school where a teachers training, that was part of a UNICEF programme to strengthen the education system in the region, was underway.

The director of the Regional Pedagogical Centre and the Vice President of the Association of Parents were also killed in the violence.

UNICEF further noted that throughout the African country, several thousand children are deprived of education because their schools have been looted or are controlled by armed groups. In the city of Kaga Bandoro itself, the start of the school year (originally scheduled for 19 September) has been delayed due to the volatile security situation.

"Schools and educational facilities should never be targets by any armed groups," said Mr. Fall. "All children have the right to learn in the safety of their schools and of course teachers need that same security to be effective educators and mentor."

Further in the release, UNICEF stressed that attacks against schools are a serious violation of international humanitarian law and called on all parties to honour their obligations and cease attacks on educational institutions.

More than three years of civil war and sectarian violence have displaced thousands of people in the CAR amid continuing clashes between the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition and anti-Balaka militia, which are mostly Christian.
UN refugee agency welcomes France's decision to close Calais 'jungle' camp

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 14 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN refugee agency welcomes France's decision to close Calais 'jungle' camp, 14 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804825a40e.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

14 October 2016 - The United Nations refugee agency today welcomed the announcement by President Francois Hollande earlier this month that France will close the informal camp for refugees and migrants in the northern port town of Calais, stressing the vital importance of finding proper alternative accommodation for the thousands of people there.

"It is vital that they be moved in a planned and organized manner, and that proper alternative accommodation is found for them around the country," Adrian Edwards, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told reporters in Geneva.

"People need to be fully informed in advance about the dismantling of the camp. Asylum-seekers need to be given proper information and prompt access to asylum procedures," he added.

Dubbed 'the Jungle,' the site, estimated to host some 6,000 people, has been problematic for a number of years, and UNHCR has long recommended its closure, Mr. Edwards said, pointing out that the living conditions are "appalling," with the most basic shelter, inadequate hygiene facilities, poor security and a lack of basic services.

The camp will be closed in the coming days, according to France, with people there to be moved to centres where better help can be provided.

"It is also crucial to pay special attention to the estimated more than 1,200 unaccompanied or separated children in the 'Jungle,' whose best interests have to be taken into account, making arrangements such as special reception centres to ensure their safety and welfare when the site is closed," the spokesperson said.

He explained that "this is important so that children don't move on to other destinations and risk becoming exploited by human traffickers or end up living on the streets without any support."

Strengthened measures must be taken to reunite children with relatives in Europe, such as the 200 unaccompanied children in Calais identified as having family links in the United Kingdom, he said.

UNHCR commended the French authorities on almost doubling in recent years the accommodation space in reception facilities for asylum seekers in the country, while urging the Government to further increase the number of places.

An additional 20,000 places would ensure that all asylum-seekers and refugees have adequate accommodation while their claims are processed, Mr. Edwards said.
UN human rights chief expresses concern about Viet Nam's crackdown on blogger

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 14 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN human rights chief expresses concern about Viet Nam's crackdown on blogger, 14 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804828240c.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

14 October 2016 - The United Nations human rights chief today expressed concern about a growing crackdown by the Government of Viet Nam on human rights defenders, including the arrest this week of popular blogger and Government critic Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, known online as Mother Mushroom.

Ms. Quynh was arrested on Monday in the central province of Khanh Hoa under Article 88 of the Penal Code, which prohibits conducting propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

Article 88 effectively makes it a crime for any Vietnamese citizen to enjoy the fundamental freedom to express an opinion, to discuss or to question the Government and its policies, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein in a news release. The overly broad, ill-defined scope of this law makes it all too easy to quash any kind of dissenting views and to arbitrarily detain individuals who dare to criticize Government policies.

The crime is deemed a national security offence and carries a sentence of up to 20 years in jail. Under the Vietnamese criminal procedural code dealing with the investigation of so-called national security offences, Ms. Quynh can be detained incommunicado for at least four months.

Mr. Zeid said incommunicado detention for such an extended period of time  particularly without access to family members and to legal counsel  is conducive to torture and may amount to torture itself, in violation of the Convention against Torture, which Viet Nam ratified in February 2015.

I urge the Government of Viet Nam to abide by its obligations under human rights law, to drop these charges against Ms. Quynh and to release her immediately, the High Commissioner added.
Iraqi Army and Peshmerga Liberate Villages from ISIL on First Day of Mosul offensive

The prize: embattled Mosul with its many districts.

Kurdish Peshmerga forces opened the long-awaited final offensive to recapture the city of Mosul (Al Mawsil) in Nineveh province from ISIL, taking seven villages on the first day of the offensive launched Oct. 17.



Kurdish media reported Kurdish fighters starting the offensive's ground assault on the Khazer front 30 kilometers east of Mosul. The Kurds advanced on ISIL-held villages from three directions while Iraqi security forces rolled forward from the south, with both attacks backed by artillery and air bombardments.



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The Kurds liberated seven villages at Khazer supported by airstrikes from the United States and its coalition allies such as France. Peshmerga forces are advancing against ISIL in the Hamdaniya district to Mosul's southeast.



Spearheading the Iraqi forces' assault on Mosul are Iraq's elite Special Forces units, the most effective forces battling ISIL for the past two years.



Formally known as the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) but also called Iraqi Special Operations Forces or the Golden Division, these tough troops organized by the U.S. military helped battle al-Qaeda in Iraq (ISIL's predecessor), as well as Shiite militia. CTS has led the way in the war on ISIL with key victories across the country.



"This is the final battle. This is to be or not to be," said Sabah Noori, a spokesman for Iraqi Special Forces. "The future of Iraq is at stake in Mosul. And we will be in the front."



Kurdish front-line news reporters said ISIL tried to destroy Peshmerga positions with car bombs during the Peshmerga advance. U.S.-led coalition aircraft providing cover for the Kurds destroyed two of car bombs but one managed to get near its target before detonating.



"ISIS militants have lost the morale to fight and their situation is bad inside Mosul. Many militants have fled to Syria together with their families," said Saeed Mamuzini, a Kurdistan Democratic Party official from Mosul.



Despite being at the forefront of the fighting against the hated ISIL terrorists, the Kurds have agreed not to advance into the city itself and leave that job to the Iraqi Army and its police forces for political reasons.



"We've an agreement with the Iraqis and coalition that the Peshmerga won't be going to Mosul," said Jamal Iminiki, Chief of General Staff of the Peshmerga forces.



The Kurds said their attacks were being personally overseen by Kurdish President Masoud Barzani and Aziz Waisi, commander of the Kurdish Zeravani Special Forces.



The rapid advance of the Iraqis and the Kurds is a morale boosting start to take the last city held by ISIL in Iraq.



Iraqi Prime Minister Haber Haider al-Abadi appeared on Iraqi television in the early hours of Oct. 17 to announce the start of the long-awaited operation to liberate Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, from ISIL.



"The time of victory has come and operations to liberate Mosul have started," said al-Abadi. "Today I declare the start of these victorious operations to free you from the violence and terrorism of [ISIL]."



Military observers are confident of Mosul's eventual fall to the Iraqi Army and its coalition partners. The balance of forces stands overwhelmingly in the coalition's favor.



There are over 25,000 men attacking Mosul, which is defended anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 ISIL fighters without air cover or heavy artillery. Analysts expect ISIL to abandon western Mosul to the advancing coalition forces and to make their stand in eastern Mosul, which is a heavily built up area packed with houses that are far easier to defend.



ISIL has been preparing its defenses for more than two years: digging tunnels, planting IEDs and filling trenches with oil to burn to provide cover from airstrikes.



The Kurds note that ISIS has a considerable force in Mosul and said many militants who were defeated in Ramadi, Tikrit and Baiji might be in the city. The battle for Ramadi took all of four months to complete and the coalition expects an even longer and bloodier battle for Mosul, which is still inhabited by some one million persons, and is the one of the largest cities in Iraq the size of Philadelphia in the United States.



"We are expecting up to six months of house-to-house fighting," said an official with the Kurdistan Regional Government



"It's going to be a long, long battle."


"We have hope, we have human rights, we will win this fight".

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 16 October 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, "We have hope, we have human rights, we will win this fight"., 16 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804d0e94.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

39-year-old Francisca Ramirez remembers her mother's fear, the worry-lines etched into her face, her heavy shoulders. But the most vivid memories from her childhood are of the constant threats of being forcibly evicted, having to leave their home in La Fonseca, a rural town in Nicaragua. Her family had been living on their land for several decades, but they lacked official papers.

In recent years, her childhood fears have returned. In 2013, the Nicaraguan parliament passed Law 840, approving the construction of the "Grand Interoceanic Canal", an enormous canal which would slice the country in half.

Francisca and many other communities in Nicaragua are worried that the Grand Canal would displace them from their homes. The authorities have not provided sufficient information about the project and both Indigenous and peasant farmer communities living in areas which would be affected by the plans for the canal are concerned that it could ruin their crops and destroy the graveyards where their ancestors lie.

Francisca read the laws carefully, and decided not to stay silent. Instead, she took action to defend her rights and those of her community. She started to raise her voice and has since become a leader in the community, fighting to ensure an adequate standard of living for peasant farmer communities in Nicaragua.

"I will not allow this area to be destroyed by a project which will only benefit a few, but will harm a vast number of people," Francisca told Amnesty International.

Amnesty International has expressed its concern that the Nicaraguan authorities are planning to go ahead with a large scale development project that could potentially have a negative impact on many communities. The authorities must guarantee that all communities which could be affected by the construction of the Grand Canal are duly consulted.

As a human rights defender and rural woman in an extremely male-dominated environment, Francisca has become a role model for other rural women across Latin America. Today, on October 15, the International Day of Rural Women, we recognize women like Francisca. Women's leadership and participation is key for protecting the rights of rural communities, in particular to ensure the effective realization of economic and social rights.

In Francisca's own words, "women are fundamental for our society to function properly. Women need to be respected and their rights must be recognized and protected, their voices need to be heard."

Women human rights defenders are often at risk of violence and experience intersecting forms of discrimination. Particularly in Latin America, as highlighted by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, women defenders are among the most threatened owing to the nature of their human rights work and to their gender.

Francisca has long challenged gender stereotypes. Despite having to take care of her eight siblings since her childhood, she has been able to place her feet on land that is hers in a way her mother was unable to. She has continued the family trade, which she has always loved. "I like agriculture, I like planting seeds, I like to take care of animals, I like raising cattle and I like the trade", said Francisca to Amnesty International.

Francisca has planted the seeds of persistence and strength in fellow peasants. She is the national coordinator for a coalition of community leaders who, in spite of persistent threats and intimidation, continue raising their voices to defend their rights. They are united by the same cause: defending the land and natural resources which they depend upon to make a living.

"The land is like a mother," says Francisca. It would deeply pain her to see trees being cut down, their roots ripped out, leaving behind wounded soil. "We have to take good care of her, the land that feeds us."

This territory is home to her and more than 50% of the women in La Fonseca who work the land and in the household, raising their children while harvesting the crops. Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in Latin America, but despite these challenges, Francisca would not live anywhere else.

Being the frontrunner against a large scale development project is not an easy task, especially when the risks are higher for women human rights defenders. Francisca has underlined the importance of collaboration from other national and international organizations.

"We need to be united for our voices to be heard across the region and around the world".

The situation is becoming more and more challenging every day, but Francisca is determined never to give up the land where she was born and raised. What she worries about the most is how the construction of the Grand Canal could hamper the rights of her family and the entire community.

"That is our biggest fear, knowing that they will take our land, which is where we live, where we plant our food and which we will eventually leave to our children."

Still, her determination shines through when she talks about the future.

"We have hope. We have human rights. We will win this fight."

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
RSF calls for blogger's immediate release

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 17 October 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF calls for blogger's immediate release, 17 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804d6094.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges the Vietnamese authorities to release Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, a blogger who posts under the name of "Me Nam" (Mother Mushroom). Held since 10 October, she is facing a possible 20-year jail sentence on a charge of anti-government propaganda.

Arrested while visiting another dissident in prison in the southern

city of Nha Trang, she had been targeted by the authorities for

months. According to the public security ministry's official

newspaper, she is accused under article 88 of the penal code of

"distorting the truth and history, defaming the ruling Communist

Party and inciting violence against the Party."

Quynh had written about the deaths of civilians in police custody in

Facebook posts. She had also recently criticized the way the

authorities handled a toxic spill from the Formosa Ha Tinh Steel

Corporation, in the north central province of Ha Tinh, which caused

the deaths of thousands of tons of fish in April.

According to a police report, the authorities are planning to use

more than 400 Facebook posts as evidence against her.

"Once again the authorities are using article 88 of the penal code,

a massive deterrent, to silence criticism of the Party and, in this

case, to cover up the Party's mishandling of an environmental

crisis," said Benjamin Ismail, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk.

"We urge the authorities to release Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh without

delay, along with all the other detained bloggers whose only crime

was to provide their fellow citizens with freely-reported

information. We welcome the European Union's call for her release

and we urge all EU member countries to issue similar calls. We also

ask the EU to adopt strong measures designed to get Vietnam to

respect its international human rights obligations."

The Vietnamese authorities began a new crackdown in the spring. Last

month, an appeal court imposed a five-year jail sentence on the well-known blogger

The Vietnamese authorities began a new crackdown in the spring. Last



month, an appeal court imposed a five-year jail sentence on the well-known blogger

Nguyen Huu Vinh and a three-year sentence on his assistant, Nguyen Thi Minh Thuy.

Independent bloggers are a favourite target of the authorities in Vietnam, where the media are closely controlled and the least criticism of the regime by a journalist can result in arbitrary arrest and prolonged detention.

Vietnam is ranked 175th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
Burundi votes to withdraw from the ICC and interrupts its international cooperation, amid a backdrop of continued international crimes

Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 14 October 2016 Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, Burundi votes to withdraw from the ICC and interrupts its international cooperation, amid a backdrop of continued international crimes, 14 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804d6a04.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

FIDH and its member organisation in Burundi, ITEKA, regret the overwhelming vote by Burundian lawmakers on 12 October 2016 in favour of the withdrawal of Burundi from the International Criminal Court (ICC) Statute, to which it acceded in 2004. [1]

This decision, making Burundi the first State ever to withdraw from the ICC, comes just two days after the government announced it would suspend its cooperation [2] with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, amid ongoing gross human rights violations in the country. Our organisations reiterate our call to the Prosecutor of the ICC, Fatou Bensouda, to launch, as early as possible, an investigation into the situation in Burundi so that the perpetrators of the serious crimes committed do not go unpunished. The African Union and the United Nations should, for their part, deploy an international force, capable of ending the continuous escalation of violence.

On 12 October, Burundi's Lower House adopted the bill by 94 votes in favour, 2 votes against and 14 abstentions, paving the way for Burundi to withdraw from the Statute of the ICC. A few hours later, the bill was unanimously endorsed by the Senate. It is expected to be announced officially by the President of the Republic in the coming days. The withdrawal will only come into effect one year after notifying the Secretary General of the United Nations. [3]

In April 2016, the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC opened a preliminary examination into crimes falling within the Court's jurisdiction which have allegedly been committed in Burundi since April 2015. Article 127(2) of the Statute of the ICC recalls that a withdrawal does not discharge a State of its obligations and does not affect the course of procedure that the ICC had started prior to the date on which the withdrawal comes into effect.

This withdrawal from the ICC comes nearly one month after the United Nations Independent Investigation on Burundi (UNIIB) [4] released its report, indicating that "gross human rights violations have and are taking place, committed primarily by State agents and those linked to them. These gross violations are systematic and patterned and impunity is pervasive". It concludes: "Given the country's history, the danger of the crime of genocide also looms large".

On 10 October 2016, the Burundian government also announced that "following the complicity of the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights in Burundi [OHCHR] in the drafting of the misleading and controversial report of the so-called United Nations Independent Investigation on Burundi (UNIIB)", it suspended all cooperation and collaboration with the OHCHR's office "until further notice". [5]

The same day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alain Aime Nyamitwe, in a letter sent to all ambassadors and consuls general, declared Christof Heyns [6], Pablo De Greiff [7] and Maya Sahli Fadel [8], the experts mandated by the United Nations and the African Union personae non gratae, without mentioning the reasons for this decision. These three experts were the authors of the recent report of the United Nations Independent Investigation on Burundi (UNIIB) [9] set up by the United Nations Human Rights Council.

On 14 April 2016, upon returning from a fact-finding mission in Burundi and in the preamble of a forthcoming report, the FIDH and ITEKA warned that the UN's response to the government's repression of a genocidal character must be strong. Ever since, the situation has continued to deteriorate, despite the numerous warnings by our organisations and decisions taken by the international community on Burundi.

On 29 July 2016 the United Nations Security Council voted in favour of a resolution authorising the deployment of an international police [10] component for a period of one year. The authorities immediately reacted, indicating "the Government of Burundi rejects any provision of the resolution related to the sending of any force to its territory". [11] The actual deployment of such a force is more necessary that ever.

Footnotes

[1] The Rome Statute entered into force on 1 July 2002.

[2] Declaration by the Burundian government on its collaboration and cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Burundi, 11 October 2016.

[3] Article 127(1) of the Statute of the ICC.

[4] Report of the United Nations Independent Investigation on Burundi, 20 September 2016.

[5] Declaration by the Burundian government on its collaboration and cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Burundi, 11 October 2016.

[6] South African, United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions from 2010 to July 2016.

[7] Colombian, Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence.

[8] Algerian, Commissioner of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) and Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in Africa of the ACHPR.

[9] Report of the United Nations Independent Investigation on Burundi, 20 September 2016.

[10] United Nations Security Council, "The Security Council authorises the deployment of 228 United Nations police officers to Burundi for a period of one year", 29 July 2016.

[11] Communique of the Government following the adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2303 of 28 July 2016, 3 August 2016.
Security Situation Along Afghan-Tajik Border Alarms Regional Powers

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Umed Partov Publication Date 14 October 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 165 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Security Situation Along Afghan-Tajik Border Alarms Regional Powers, 14 October 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 165, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804d7d24.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Two high-ranking Russian security officialsGeneral Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of the Security Council of Russia, and General Nikolai Bordyuzha, secretary general of the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)recently paid official visits to Tajikistan within days of one another. Generals Patrushev and Bordyuzha met with General Abdurahim Qahhorov, the secretary of the Security Council of Tajikistan, on September 28 and October 4, respectively. Both meetings were held to address a common concernthe deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, particularly along the border with Tajikistan. All parties emphasized the need for stronger military cooperation through regional blocsespecially, the CSTO, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Particular attention was given to the question of strengthening Tajikistan's Armed Forces to confront the emerging security threats coming from extremist and terrorist organizations based in Afghanistan and the wider region (Khovar.tj, RIA Novosti, Scrf.gov.ru, October 4; Odkb-csto.org, September 28; Khovar.tj, September 30).

Afghan provinces like Kunduz, Tahor, and Badakshan, which share a border with Tajikistan's Khatlon and Badakhshan provinces, have repeatedly come under attack by Taliban forces in recent years. But in each of those past cases, the Taliban was ultimately defeated by the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). Yet, the most recent Taliban offensive in Kunduz province, which borders southern Tajikistan, ongoing since October 3, has made Moscow and regional governments nervous. Reportedly, the fighting between the ANSF and the Taliban particularly intensified around the provincial capital of Kunduz city. Muhammadyusuf Ayubi, the chairman of the Kunduz provincial assembly, stated that fierce clashes between the ANSF and Taliban fighters are still continuing and that the Army was struggling to push the Taliban out of Kunduz city. According to Ayubi, there have been around 200 civilian casualties as of October 8, and the local population is suffering from shortages of drinking water, food, electricity and fuel. Due to the intensification of the security situation in Kunduz, Tajikistan's border forces were ordered to increase their readiness (ccp.tj, October 3; Ozodi.org, October 8).

Most of the Tajikistani-Afghan border is situated in high terrain, which makes patrolling this frontier extremely difficult. Infiltration into Tajikistan by militant groups could quickly spill into the rest of the region. From there, these groups could move into Russia, China and Eastern Europe with astonishing speed, aided and abetted by some of the nearly eight dozen active underground terrorist organizations reportedly present in the region. In a press conference last June, General Bordyuzha stated that there were 92 terrorist and extremist groups operating across Central Asia as opposed to 47 in 2010 and 32 in 2009 (Khovar.tj, June 26).

Tajikistan's officials are also concerned by the fact that some of its citizens have actively joined Islamic State (IS) forces in the Middle East. Last year, the government put the figure of Tajikistani IS fighters at around 400, while one militant alleged there were as many as 2,000 fighting in Syria and Iraq (see Terrorism Monitor, July 24, 2015). One such notable IS recruit is Colonel Gulmurod Khalimov, the former commander of the Special Operations Unit of the Ministry of Interior of Tajikistan. He has joined the Islamic State and, in September, was appointed the group's newest "minister of war" (Avesta.tj, Kommersant.ru, September 5; see Militant Leadership Monitor, October 5). Some analysts predict that the Islamic State will seek to secure a much stronger foothold in Afghanistan as the group continues to lose territory in Syria. As such, General Sherkhon Salimzoda, who heads Tajikistan's Counter Drug Trafficking Agency, does not see a serious threat of the Taliban seizing any bordering provinces in Afghanistan; but he does believes that Tajikistani citizens who joined the IS could soon try to take advantage of the vulnerable situation in northern Afghanistan to seek entry points into Tajikistan (Ruzgor.tj, August 10). The appointment of Khalimov as the Islamic State's minister of war can become an inspirational cause for more recruits from Tajikistan into the Islamic State's global network, particularly IS groups in Afghanistan. Khalimov, who had received military training in the Soviet Union and then undertook counter-terrorism training in the United States, is in a particularly advantageous position to increase IS presence in northern Afghanistan should he eventually try to do so. As the IS loses ground in Syria, it is highly possible that Khalimov may be deployed to Afghanistan to establish stronger terrorist networks there (Faraj.tj, September 9).

Central Asian militant groups have already begun to demonstrate leadership in orchestrating terrorist attacks in the Middle East as well as in the current siege of Kunduz city. According to Davlat Vaziri, spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and the Tajikistan-based Ansarulloh are coordinating the fight waged in Kunduz against the ANSF. Foreign fighters from Africa, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, China, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have all been identified in Kunduz. Afghan forces regained some lost ground, but the Taliban is still in control of some areas (Ozodagon.com, October 7). Meanwhile, the press office of the National Security Unit of Afghanistan's Badakhshan Province recently reported the arrest of four members of the IMU who were in possession of explosives and other weaponry (Ozodagon.com, Octber 5).

Military drills at Kyrgyzstan's Edelweiss range by the SCO on September 1521 ("Peaceful Mission 2016"), and by the CSTO on October 47which were held while militant groups advanced on northeastern Afghanistanwere strategically planned to demonstrate the military power and rapid deployment of joint forces. The SCO's Peaceful Mission 2016 joint drills engaged about 2,000 military officers from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, China, Russia and Tajikistan, and 300 pieces of military equipment along with 40 aviation units. The CSTO military exercises mobilized over 1,000 troops from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia, along with 200 armored vehicles (T-72 tanks, BTR-80 armored fighting vehicles, Grad multiple-launch rocket systems, etc.), and 20 aircraft and helicopters, including long-range aviation (Tu-22M3s and Tu-95MSs) (Ritmeurasia.org, September 23; Inform.kz, October 4; News.tj, Sep 28; Odkb-csto.org, September 28; TASS, October 4).

All these large-scale military activities and back-to-back high-level bilateral meetings highlight serious regional concerns that terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan pose major security challenges to the entire Eurasian region. Rashid Alimov, the secretary general of the SCO, expressed worry regarding the security situation in Afghanistan and called on all parties to undertake additional efforts to address this issue at the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan on October 45 (Sectsco.org, October 5). But a variety of socio-political issues in Central Asia (see EDM, September 7, 13, 19) makes the region vulnerable, despite the huge military-technical support provided by Moscow and Beijing.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Russia Deepens Middle East Military Footprint With Joint Exercises in Egypt

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author John C. K. Daly Publication Date 14 October 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 165 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Russia Deepens Middle East Military Footprint With Joint Exercises in Egypt, 14 October 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 165, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804d8524.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Over the past two years, the most significant political development in the Middle East has been Russia's increasing political and military presence. Aside from its deepening military and political footprint in Syria, Russia is improving its relations with Egypt, where, beginning on October 15, the two countries will hold bilateral "Defenders of Friendship 2016" military exercises (TASS, October 6). Observers from over 30 countries will monitor the nine-day drills in the coastal city of El-Alamein. The exercises will simulate the destruction of terrorist groups in a desert environment, in the first-ever deployment of Russian Airborne Troops stocked with their own weapons and equipment on the African continent (Mil.ru, October 7).

Throughout the Cold War, Egypt was the Soviet Union's most prominent Arab ally. The Soviet government provided Egypt not only with advanced weaponry, but also massive infrastructure projects, most notably the Aswan dam, completed in 1970 (River-nile.info, accessed October 14). But following the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries declined as well.

Relations began to improve following the July 2013 coup led by General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the commander of Egypt's Armed Forces, against the government of then-president Muhammed Morsi. The following year, el-Sisi ran unopposed for head of state; Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had earlier met el-Sisi while he was a defense minister, supported his candidacy. (Alarabiya.net, February 13, 2014). In early September 2016, a military delegation from Egypt visited Russia for meetings and discussions on bilateral military cooperation, building upon previous visits when Moscow and Cairo concluded several agreements on the renovation of Egyptian military production facilities (Daily News Egypt, October 12).

Cairo's deepening ties with Moscow are also impacting Egypt's relations with other Middle Eastern countries. On October 8, Egypt, a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, voted in favor of a Russian resolution that urged a ceasefire in Syria while allowing the continuation of bombing of Aleppo. A rival French resolution had demanded an end to air strikes and the implementation of a no-fly zone. Egypt's siding with the Russian proposal led Saudi Arabia to temporarily recall its ambassador to Cairo (Egypt Independent, October 10).

Beyond this month's joint military exercises, the Russian media is reporting that Moscow is negotiating with Cairo to lease military facilities, including the former Soviet base in Sidi-Barrani. The newspaper Izvestia quoted a source close to Russian military circles who noted, "The discussions centered around the year 2019. In case the parties reach agreement, the reconstruction of the base might be completed by this time" (Izvestia, October 10). The Soviet Union had a small naval facility there until 1972, which was used to monitor the United States' naval forces deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean. The candor of the Russian media reports was apparently too much for the Egyptian government, as on the same day they appeared, Egypt's presidential spokesperson denied the possibility of allowing foreign military bases in the country (Al Ahram, October 10).

While the truth of the Russian media reports has yet to be determined, Russia's military access to Egyptian facilities, combined with its presence in Tartus and the Hmeymim airbase in Syria (see EDM, October 13), would significantly alter the strategic picture of the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly with regard to naval deployments. Russian warships based at Sidi Barani, 475 miles west of the Suez Canal, would be in a position to interfere with the channel's northern outlet; while Russian vessels based at Tartus would be in a proximate position with the Mediterranean entrance to the Dardanelles. In the event of an open conflict, Russia's Mediterranean squadron would accordingly be in a position to obstruct passage of both the Turkish Straits and the Suez Canal, a strategic opportunity that has not existed for Moscow since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Further evidence that Russia is interested in establishing a permanent naval presence in the Eastern Mediterranean is provided by an agreement reportedly signed in February 2015 between Cyprus and Russia. According to the bilateral agreement, Russian naval vessels are granted port access to this European Union member state (Sputnik News, February 26, 2015).

While a joint military exercise involving 500 paratroops is, on the surface, a minor deployment in a troubled part of the world, it could prove significant not only for Egypt, but for Russia's gradual reemergence as a major player in the Middle East. As such, it is a step toward reasserting a regional rolein scope and scalethat Moscow has not enjoyed since the Soviet era. As Russia's military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean grows, at the very least it complicates the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) ability to conduct unilateral operations there. It bears noting that NATO's 19981999 aerial campaign against Serbia, the Alliance's subsequent deployment into Kosovo, as well as the 2011 operations in Libya, all had a significant maritime component. Given the worsening relations between Russia and NATO, this is a significant development, particularly as the North Atlantic Alliance prepares to welcome its 29th memberMontenegro.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Russian Military Theorists Consider Future War: Bridging the NATO-Russia Gap

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Roger McDermott Publication Date 14 October 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 165 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Russian Military Theorists Consider Future War: Bridging the NATO-Russia Gap, 14 October 2016, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 13 Issue: 165, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804d8be4.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

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Russian military theorists have a long-developed reputation for paying close attention to the possible contours of future wars. And nowin the context of Moscow's military modernization, its involvement in armed conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, as well as its continued strained relations with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)Russian theorists are again actively assessing trends in modern warfare and what they will mean for the future of the country's Armed Forces. A range of real-world actions implemented by Moscow in recent months, ranging from strengthening air defense for the deployed forces in Syria, changes to Ground Forces' structures, or reportedly moving the conventional and nuclear-capable strike system Iskander-M (without nuclear warheads) into Kaliningrad, connect intrinsically with how the top brass and leading military thinkers view future warfare (see EDM, October 6, 12, 13; Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, October 7; Voyenno Promyshlennyy Kuryer, October 4).

It is in this context that one of the most significant works in recent years to examine Russian perspectives on future warfare was recently published. Voyna budushchego: kontseptual'nyye osnovy i prakticheskiye vyvody. Ocherki strategicheskoy mysli, (The War of the Future: A Conceptual Framework and Practical Conclusions. Sketches of Strategic Thought, Moscow 2016, 832 pp), co-authored by Colonel (ret.) Igor Popov and Colonel (ret.) Musa Khamzatov, is a culmination of three years' work, involving roundtables and extensive discussion. The roundtables, presented as an appendix, delved into the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, war as controlled chaos, threats in cyberspace, and the development of military robotics, among other topical issues. According to the book preface, this is not an academic textbook or a traditional military-theoretical work. In fact, the co-authored study aims to explore the problems and perspectives on future warfare by unifying practical and theoretical approaches. Although the book targets career General Staff officers, its overall style seems to range beyond the narrow field of such work for military specialists (Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, September 30).

The authors examine the essence, content and typology of war as part of the ongoing debate as to whether the Prussian military theorist Carl von Clausewitz is out of date in a nuclear and high-technology warfare era. They remind their readers, for example, that according to Sun Tzu, war is a way of deception. However, drawing upon the top brass's interest in network-centric warfare, or in adopting command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities for the modern battlefield, Popov and Khamzatov extend this to a slightly nuanced variant of the concept. Their interpretation may better fit what the Russian military is currently pursuing, namely a sistemno-setevoy voyny (system-network war), which allows the authors to consider a range of issues connected to tying territorial defense to modern conditions. Moreover, they both contend that although the experience of the Great Patriotic War will continue to be relevant for Russian officers, the wars of the future must implement fundamentally different approaches with appropriate new technologies in warfare (Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, September 30).

While advocating new concepts or approaches to warfare, including the sistemno-setevoy voyny, the authors avoid dwelling too much on military theory in their book. Popov and Khamzatov also consider what system-network war will mean for a military's force structure, arguing that further changes in the Armed Forces are inevitable. However, rather than tinkering and experimentation, the basis for these structural changes must be rooted in pursuing principles of flexibility, modularity and versatilityin itself hardly new, but tied to potential "conventional deterrence" and possible new types of warfare. Moreover, as the authors examine the likely contour of Russia's future wars and its meaning for force development, they argue that, currently, the state can withstand three types of potential adversary: high-technology armed forces from advanced economies, traditional types of military based on 20th century principles, and irregular armed groups operational at international or domestic levels. Nevertheless, the authors also acknowledge they cannot resolve the problem of the science of prediction; instead in this complex and changing environment, they offer some thoughts and views on how warfare might further evolve (Igor Popov and Musa Khamzatov, Voyna budushchego: kontseptual'nyye osnovy i prakticheskiye vyvody. Ocherki strategicheskoy mysli, Moscow 2016).

Interestingly, in categorizing the types of wars or opponents that the Russian state can counter, Popov and Khamzatov ignore the potential future risk of direct confrontation between network-centric adversaries. It is touched upon or implied, but never directly considered in any detail. But their thinking on sistemno-setevoy voyny makes a distinction between Russia possessing a network-enabled capability and actually conducting networked operations. On the latter their thinking merely acknowledges that the wars of the future will use high-technology assets in an operational environment where the human terrain constitutes a key battleground. Other Russian military specialists argue that information warfare has been subsumed by network-centric approaches, again seeing the former in a much wider context. That is not to suggest Russia will no longer use IW, but that it forms part of a bigger picture (Geopoltica.ru, accessed October 12).

One of the strengths in this collection of essays lies in its avoidance of becoming bogged down in the minutia of terms and various categories or sub-categories of warfare. Other Russian writers try to address these issues in such a manner, but clearly there was some dispute about definition among the participants in the numerous roundtables in Moscow. Voyna budushchego also provides evidence that the top brass are interested in assessing these complex issues about future warfare with real vested interests rather than purely academically (Evrazia.org, March 5).

Such views are also shaped and influenced by a number of recent developments in the strategic environment and how Moscow understands these events. Chief among them are Russian perspectives on the dangers of color revolution. Russian analysts perceive such activities in a network-enabled environment. By using various opposition groups and covertly funding them, the United States can exert control (or influence) over a territory without the use of military force, they assert. In this sense, some Russian experts argue that network war consists of transactions of varying degrees of duration and scope: strategic, operational and tactical. For a particular state these might be internal or external (Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, September 30).

Western governments would be mistaken if they dismiss such analysis and discussions in Moscow as obscure or only theoretical, as the top brass and the state appear not only interested, but are implanting such approaches to modern warfare. Network-centric capability remains at the cutting edge of future Russian military capability, and it demands deeper understanding.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Our Kind of Warlord: Afghanistan's Deal With Gulbuddin Hekmatyar

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Abubakar Siddique Publication Date 14 October 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 20 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Our Kind of Warlord: Afghanistan's Deal With Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, 14 October 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 20, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804d9094.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

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Hizb-e Islami Afghanistan (HIA), one of Afghanistan's oldest jihadist factions and largest Islamic parties, concluded a comprehensive peace deal with the Afghan government on September 29. Speaker after speaker in the Afghan capital's grand Arg presidential palace declared the deal "historic," a milestone for restoring peace to Afghanistan after nearly four decades of war (Tolo News, September 29).

The deal is expected to result in the removal of the notorious Islamist warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the leader of HIA, who has been a fixture on the Afghan battlefield since the early 1980s, from U.S. and UN terrorist lists.

Kabul hopes it will also serve as a template for concluding a peace agreement with the Taliban, who now account for most anti-government combatants in the country. While they have issued no official reaction, the Taliban have made it quite clear how they feel about Hekmatyar's deal.

Amnesty Deal

The deal pardons Hekmatyar for past crimes and guarantees Kabul will ensure his de-listing from U.S. and UN terror lists, where he has been featured as one of the most prominent Afghans since 2003. The agreement also offers tens of thousands of HIA members government and international aid to facilitate their return to Afghanistan and their eventual reintegration.

In return, HIA has agreed to renounce violence, embrace the Afghan constitution and complete its transition from an armed faction into a mainstream political party. "I pray that our country be independent and sovereign, and our innocent and war-weary nation end the fighting and ongoing insecurity, and that unity prevails," Hekmatyar said, while addressing the signing ceremony through a video link (Taand, September 29).

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he hoped the deal would prove that power could come through ballots, not bullets. "Our constitution gives the people of Afghanistan the right to gain power through elections," he said adding an appeal for the Taliban to join peace negotiations with the government. "Now is the time for the Taliban to think about whether they want to continue the war or come for peace" (Dawn, September 29).

The deal is expected to complete HIA's transition from a prominent armed faction that has played a central role in the various cycles of war in Afghanistan, into one of the largest Islamist political parties active in the country.

Unlike the Taliban, Hizb-e Islami has been trying to integrate into the new political system since the demise of the Taliban regime in late 2001. In the initial years, some senior HIA members became government advisors, governors and cabinet members. By 2005, some of them registered the movement as a political party distinct from the armed faction led by Hekmatyar. HIA emerged as a leading faction in both parliaments that were formed following elections in 2005 and 2009. Hekmatyar's rehabilitation will complete the return of all HIA cadres and leaders into the government fold, apart from some radical elements who defected to the Taliban in recent years.

Limited Battlefield Impact

Under the deal, HIA will dismantle all its military formations. This may have little impact as Hekmatyar has had only limited involvement in Afghanistan's conflict in recent years and the group hardly has any fighters to demobilize inside Afghanistan.

HIA's presence on the battlefield essentially ended in July with the death of Hekmatyar's longtime jihadist comrade Haji Kashmir Khan, who was considered HIA's last major combat commander. Journalist Rahimullah Yousafzai has described Hekmatyar as playing a "major political role: in the past," but said his role in the current fighting was "next to nothing" (Radio Mashaal, September 29).

As such, HIA's political return is not expected to have a significant impact on the battlefield and will likely do little to downgrade the Taliban military machine. However, the return of a large number of HIA loyalists from exile in Pakistan could potentially deprive the Taliban of recruits (Dawn, September 17).

Hekmatyar's return is also likely to dent Taliban claims to be fighting to rid Afghanistan of foreign occupiers. In his September 29 speech, Hekmatyar called on the Afghan government to immediately begin peace talks with the Taliban (Tolo News, September 30).

"I ask the president to initiate talks with the Taliban to prove his sincerity and honesty and release their prisoners without any condition [as a goodwill gesture]," Hekmatyar said. "The Taliban, too, should come to the negotiating table and should share their legitimate demands and we will support them."

Angry Reaction

The Taliban, however, appears to be in no mood to listen to Hekmatyar or the government. While the hardline movement has issued no formal reaction to the agreement, it has also made no secret of its views via its own media networks.

An article published on the official Taliban website, Voice of Jihad, implied that Hekmatyar was committing "a major crime" by entering into an agreement with the government. The Pashto-language article did not name Hekmatyar, but references to his peace deal and his overall career were clear (Voice of Jihad, September 26). It also repeated the Taliban position that the current Afghan government is a puppet of Western powers, saying: "[Hekmatyar is] backing this government by concluding a peace agreement with it, Isn't it tantamount to supporting the occupying forces and joining them?"

The Taliban also questioned Hekmatyar's nearly 40-year militant career, which has included his transformation from a student rebel in the 1970s into the leader of the most powerful anti-Soviet guerilla faction of the 1980s. "If making peace with the occupiers was of such importance, then why didn't these peace-loving people make peace with the Russians, who killed two million people and their occupation was followed by a brutal civil war?" the article asked (Gandhara RFE/RL, September 26).

Another article on the pro-Taliban "Nun Asia" website used quotes from Hekmatyars past pronouncements to question his change of heart. "My advice as a sympathizer to him is that he should give up on this venture. Many of your comrades and relatives have benefited enormously from the current political system," said an article entitled "An Open Letter to Hekmatyar" (Nun Asia, September 30).

An earlier editorial on the same website offered greater detail on why the Taliban has remained silent about the peace deal (Nun Asia, September 24).

"The Afghan government views the Hekmatyar agreement as a precursor to a [peace] deal with the Taliban," it said. "But the Taliban views a peace agreement within the parameters set by the Afghan government as an instrument of surrender. This is why the Taliban have not paid any attention to this agreement and have instead expressed their reaction by speeding up military operations in [the southern province of] Uruzgan and other regions."

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
The Niger Delta: Will Restarting Amnesty Payments Ease the Conflict?

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Publication Date 14 October 2016 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, The Niger Delta: Will Restarting Amnesty Payments Ease the Conflict?, 14 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804d97e4.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

The Nigerian government announced in August that it had resumed amnesty payments to former militants in the Niger Delta, many of them members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) (Naija Headlines, August 4). It had significantly reduced the amount of money available for such payments in late 2015 and claimed to have suffered a technical hiccup delaying payments in early 2016, resulting in accusations from the militants that Abuja was failing to abide by the arrangements agreed upon in the 2009 Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP) (Information Nigeria, August 2; The Leadership, November 29, 2015; Punch, February 24).

The decision to resume payments to the insurgents was indicative of an increasing desperation on the part of the government to reduce the level of violence in the Niger Delta and enable oil production to return to pre-conflict levels. Violence in the region since the start of 2016 has cut oil production to a near-30-year low, a serious concern for the government, which relies on oil for two-thirds of government revenue and nearly all of its export earnings.

About 30,000 former fighters are now receiving amnesty payments of $206 per month, on the condition that they end their attacks on pipelines in the Niger Delta (Information Nigeria, August 2). However, it remains uncertain whether this will lead to a genuine decrease in violence in the Niger Delta and unlikely that the reintroduction of amnesty payments will change the dynamics of the conflict in the Delta.

Different Groups, Diverse Demands

The main difficulty with attempts to end conflict in the Delta through the resumption of amnesty payments is that numerous militant factions in the region never received amnesty payments in the first place and were excluded from the PAP. This was one of the main contentions of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), who distanced themselves from MEND when they first emerged in early 2016. The NDA claimed that MEND commanders had never cared about the Niger Delta and had grown rich from the amnesty payments without redistributing the money to the foot soldiers of the rebellion (Niger Delta Avengers, May 3). It claimed to be different, although there are several indications that the NDA is composed of many former MEND fighters  not least that NDA attacks escalated significantly after the government halted amnesty payments and began arresting those linked to corruption within the program (The Paradigm, January 16).

Despite this, there remain a number of NDA members and other insurgent groups in the Delta that are outside the PAP, undermining the government's calculation that the militants will reduce attacks as a result of the resumption of payments.

The demands of the Delta insurgents are diverse, ranging from calls for the release of former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki and pro-Biafran leader Nnamdi Kanu, to more general demands for the redistribution of oil wealth to Delta residents (Vanguard, May 19; see Terrorism Monitor, September 16).

Government Dialogue

Partly as a result of these diverse demands, the government is conducting a dialogue with insurgents and seeking to ensure that a ceasefire the NDA called on 20 August is upheld (Punch, August 21). Pursuing negotiations may be challenging, however, as the militants are often erratic in their approach to talks. For example, in June the government announced it had negotiated a one-month cessation of hostilities with the insurgents, only for the militants to deny this and say they would not countenance further talks without the presence of international mediators (This Day Live, June 21; Vanguard, June 22).

Such moves show just how fragile attempts at engaging militant groups in the Delta can be. [1] Indeed the militants often seem intent on avoiding engaging in a serious dialogue with the government. The NDA has made special requests for negotiators in the conflict, but mostly these demands have been dismissed. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka stated on September 27 that he would not be involved in a mediator role, despite the NDA's requests (Sahara Reporters, September 27).

The government will struggle to negotiate in a more fulfilling manner with the insurgents as long as there continue to be so many different factions of fighters in the Delta. After the NDA emerged in early 2016, a number of other militant groups claiming to fight for similar causes also appeared in the region.

Among those who announced their demands for independence in the Delta and a greater share of oil revenues for residents were the Red Egbesu Water Lions and the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force (Vanguard, May 19; This Day Live, June 8). The official demarcation between the groups is unclear, with a large degree of overlap between various forces and some insurgencies seemingly run by the same commanders (Nairaland, May 18; This Day Live, June 2).

The presence of so many different groups "makes it incredibly difficult to track who the government should, or actually will be, dealing with," according to Sola Tayo, Associate Fellow for the Africa Program at Chatham House. [2] Additionally, it means that meeting everyone's demands and negotiating a truce or establishing an all-encompassing dialogue will be challenging.

In the meantime, the government may seek to increase military pressure in the Delta in order to push the NDA into a more self-serving peace agreement (see Terrorism Monitor, September 16). There are plans to increase the number of troops in the Delta to around 10,000 by early 2017, which would put the military at a distinct advantage in the region (Africa Confidential, September 23).

Production is also due to restart at two major oil pipelines, Forcados and Qua Iboe, in the coming weeks, potentially changing the government's interpretation of the economic risk factors involved in prolonging the conflict (Africa Confidential, September 23).

An Unlikely Peace

The overall failure of government efforts to result in genuine peace or an end to pipeline attacks in the Niger Delta is borne out by events in the past couple of weeks in the region. On September 28, local media reported that a group of NDA militants had clashed with security forces in Owerri; while on September 23, the group claimed responsibility for forcing a halt in activities at the Bonny crude oil export line (Vanguard, September 29; Niger Delta Avengers, September 24).

President Muhammadu Buhari announced this month that he was determined to secure peace in the Niger Delta and that he would ensure that this occurred during his presidency (The Nigerian Observer, October 1). He also claimed to have established negotiations with all of the militant groups in the Delta (The Nigerian Observer, October 1).

These claims are a positive sign and suggest the government continues to be eager to reach an agreement with insurgents, though it seems highly unlikely that pipeline bombings and low-level violence in the region will be brought to a halt in the coming months. The sheer number of factions involved, combined with the diverse and complex demands of the groups make this challenge one of the hardest Buhari will face during his time in office.

NOTES

[1] Author interview with Sola Tayo, Associate Fellow for the Africa Programme at Chatham House, (October, 3)

[2] Ibid.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
AQAP in Southern Yemen: Learning, Adapting and Growing

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Michael Horton Publication Date 14 October 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 20 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, AQAP in Southern Yemen: Learning, Adapting and Growing, 14 October 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 20, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804da3e4.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

During the nearly two years of the Yemeni civil war, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has gone from an organization that was under pressure and struggling financially, to an organization that is larger, more formidable and better armed than it has ever been.

The civil war in Yemen is being fought between the Houthis and their allies  based in northwest Yemen  and a disparate mix of militias that nominally support Yemen's internationally recognized government-in-exile in Saudi Arabia. Nineteen months of unrelenting conflict has reduced most of the country's infrastructure to ruins, devastated an already weak economy and further impoverished the Middle East's poorest nation.

Amid the conflict, AQAP has lost territory, most significantly the Yemeni port city of al-Mukalla, which was retaken by forces backed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on April 24, 2016 (al-Jazeera, April 25). However, this loss of territory has not significantly diminished the group's capabilities. On the contrary, AQAP, which has consistently proven itself to be a highly adaptable and deeply pragmatic organization, has benefited from having a much smaller territorial footprint. AQAP's strategic retreat from al-Mukalla, and other parts of the governorate of Hadramawt, prompted it to once again recalibrate its tactics and organizational structure to take maximum advantage of what is an ideal operational space for a terrorist organization: a politically fragmented and desperately poor country.

Strategic Retreat

In March 2015, AQAP took over al-Mukalla, Yemen's fifth largest city. This was soon after Saudi Arabia and its partners commenced Operation Decisive Storm. After the takeover of al-Mukalla, AQAP quickly established itself as a relatively benevolent power in the city and handed over day-to-day governance to a council of elders. During the year that AQAP maintained control of the city, the organization, for the most part, followed a strategy outlined by its now deceased former leader Nasir al-Wuhayshi. [1] The strategy advocated a gradualist approach to governance that adapted itself to the local political and strategic environment. This gradualist strategy was informed by the lessons learned from AQAP's 2011 takeover of parts of the governorates of Abyan and Shabwa. There, it had tried (but failed) to quickly impose its understanding of sharia or Islamic law. The organization lost what local support it had. Its relations with critically important tribal elders frayed to the point where the tribes turned on them and, with the support of parts of the Yemeni Army and with some outside assistance, forced AQAP from its strongholds in Abyan and Shabwa.

AQAP's gradualist strategy served it well during its yearlong occupation of al-Mukalla. It built on existing relationships with some members of the Hadrawmi elite and enjoyed limited support from the local populace. In most cases, this support was not for its militant Salafist ideology, but for AQAP's ability to maintain relatively high levels of security and for its attempts to reestablish public services.

Beginning in January 2016, AQAP began moving forces and the heavy equipment that it had captured out of al-Mukalla. The equipment and forces were dispersed and repositioned in AQAP's former strongholds in the governorates of Abyan and Shabwa. In April, forces backed by KSA and UAE reoccupied al-Mukalla in a battle that lasted a day. AQAP's withdrawal from the city was hailed as a crushing defeat by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. KSA and UAE based spokesmen claimed that at least 800 AQAP fighters had been killed (The New Arab, April 25).

The withdrawal, however, was well coordinated and carried out well in advance of the city's reoccupation. AQAP claimed it lost less than 10 fighters and declared that its withdrawal was to save civilian lives (Arab News, April 30). While AQAP typically has little regard for civilian lives, this declaration was likely partially true  sizeable civilian losses would have cost it the support and popularity that it had worked to build over the previous year. Additionally and most importantly, AQAP's leadership saw that holding al-Mukalla in the face of Saudi and Emirati air power was neither tenable nor desirable.

AQAP's leadership has time and again proven that it is able to quickly learn from the mistakes that it makes and from the mistakes that other terrorist organizations, such as Islamic State (IS), make. It is likely that AQAP was already beginning to see that the IS' large territorial footprint and its increasingly conventional forces were becoming a liability. In Iraq and most particularly in Syria  where Russia intervened at the behest of the Syrian government  IS had already suffered considerable losses by January 2016.

While the loss of al-Mukalla was a blow to AQAP's finances (AQAP collected a range of taxes and "tributes" in al-Mukalla, as well as running a lucrative fuel smuggling network), the loss did not diminish AQAP's ability to project power and coordinate offensive actions against its enemies (Reuters, April 8). On the contrary, AQAP's strategic retreat has enhanced its ability to project power and influence.

Blurring the Lines

AQAP's phased withdrawal from al-Mukalla allowed it to leave the city with almost all of the weaponry that it had seized from military installations in and just outside the city. Most importantly, the withdrawal from al-Mukalla allowed AQAP to leave with its ties to many Hadrawmi elites intact.

The group's yearlong occupation of al-Mukalla was something of a master class in governance and community engagement for the organization. The resources seized by AQAP  which included at least $100 million from the Yemeni Central Bank  allowed it to buy influence within numerous impoverished communities (al-Jazeera, September 16). Some of the money was used to fund aid programs, food distribution, and to pay the salaries of those working directly and indirectly for AQAP. During the year in which AQAP occupied al-Mukalla and much of the southern half of the vast governorate of Hadramawt, AQAP worked assiduously at refining its already well-developed community engagement strategy.

The leadership of AQAP has, since at least 2011, recognized the importance of building relationships with local communities. While it has often failed at this due to its heavy-handed tactics, it has incorporated the lessons it has learned in the previous five years. The organization now places an emphasis on "outreach" and engagement. Efforts include the payment of cash indemnities to the families of those killed in drone attacks, public works like the drilling and refurbishment of water wells, and even paying for those who need to travel for medical treatment. [2] AQAP is now effectively leveraging its community ties across south Yemen and its organizational efficiency to make itself a key player in the fight against the Houthis (sworn enemies of AQAP) and loyalists of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, as well as those core parts of the Yemeni Army that remain loyal to Saleh and his sons.

Forces under the command of AQAP and forces allied with it are active on the frontlines in Yemen's civil war (BBC, February 22). [3] In particular, AQAP is playing a key role in the ongoing battle for the strategic city of Taiz and in the battle for the equally strategic town and governorate of al-Bayda. Both of these areas have long been viewed as chokepoints that, if controlled, facilitate access to northwest highlands and most critically, the capital of Sanaa.

AQAP's relationship with the groups fighting against the Houthis/Saleh loyalists is complex. [4] It is likely that pro-government-in-exile militias tolerate AQAP because of its superior organizational efficiency and fighting skills. One of the key factors that has impeded the efforts of the pro-government militias is corruption and a lack of efficiency. Many of them are only nominal supporters of the deeply unpopular government in exile. A significant number of the men who have taken up arms have done so simply to earn enough to feed their families. As a result, the inability of their commanders to pay their salaries has caused militia members to look elsewhere for employment.

AQAP is one organization to which some of the men turn. It pays more (as much as $1,100 a month for senior fighters), it pays on time and its fighters are well supplied with arms and food. This stands in stark contrast with many of the disparate KSA backed pro-government militias and army troops that are poorly paid, if they are paid at all, and who often run short of critical supplies (New York Times, September 12). The lines between pro-government fighters and those fighting alongside AQAP are increasingly blurred. However, this is not to say that anything close to a majority of those fighting with the pro-government militias and reconstituted army units identify with AQAP's militant Salafist ideology.

Just like many, if not most, of the men who join it, AQAP is an organization driven by pragmatism and a desire to survive. AQAP's leadership has always been quick to spot opportunities for advancing the interests of the organization and ensuring its long-term survival; and that is the group's first and foremost concern, trumping ideology.

Islamic State: From Enemy to Ally?

Sixteen months ago, IS posed a significant threat to AQAP. Following in the wake of its territorial gains in Syria and Iraq, IS threatened to metastasize in Yemen just as it has in Libya, the Sinai, Iraq and Syria. Some midlevel members of AQAP's leadership switched their allegiance to IS, and the two groups fought a number of pitched battles in al-Shabwa and Hadramawt in 2015.

While AQAP, like IS in Syria and Iraq, has lost territory, there is a marked difference between how the two organizations have managed their retreats. As argued above, AQAP's withdrawal from al-Mukalla was strategic. The withdrawal, just as was envisioned by AQAP's leadership, added to rather than detracted from the organization's prestige. In contrast, IS' hyper-violent approach in the areas where it operates, including Yemen, has cost it much of the support that it briefly enjoyed.

The IS presence in Yemen has always been limited. IS allied operatives in Yemen have focused on small but deadly operations that primarily target government officials, those allied with the Houthis and, to a lesser degree, tribal and pro-government militias. As the power and influence of IS has declined in Syria and Iraq, so too has the influence and reach of IS in Yemen. While IS in Yemen continues to carry out small but deadly attacks, including a September 29 attack on a pro-government colonel in Aden, the organization is likely on the wane due to its tactics and its deteriorating finances (Barakish.net, September 29).

The weakness of IS in Yemen will not have gone unnoticed by the leadership of AQAP. AQAP, in comparison with IS in Yemen, is well funded, well placed and well-armed. It is AQAP that can now set the terms by which the two groups cooperate or quite possibly merge. There is a long history of such mergers in Yemen. AQAP itself is a product of a nearly two-decade long evolution that saw multiple jihadist groups merge and reconfigure themselves into organizations that were almost always more capable than their previous iterations.

While IS' standards for recruits are generally lower than for those of AQAP, IS in Yemen undoubtedly has a number of skilled and committed operatives among its ranks. [5] These men  those who are, ironically, not too radical for AQAP's tastes  could well find a home within the group. While it is too early to write off IS in Yemen as a spent force, at a minimum its weakness and more limited financial resources make it more likely to cooperate with AQAP in areas where their interests overlap (Middle East Monitor, September 9). While there is no hard open source evidence, patterns of activity may indicate such cooperation. The tempo of AQAP's attacks in Aden has declined while attacks by IS are increasingly limited to the area in and around Aden. It is probable that AQAP now views IS as an ally of convenience that, when appropriate, can either be absorbed or eliminated. What is certain is that in addition to being driven by pragmatism, AQAP takes the long view of its war for territory and hearts and minds in Yemen.

Patience and Time

It is unlikely that members of the AQAP leadership read Tolstoy, but they readily incorporate his views on war. In War and Peace, the Russian General Kutuzov says of his troops who are outnumbered by Napoleon's army, "they must understand that we can only lose by taking the offensive. Patience and time are my warriors, my champions." [6] This approach to war is at the heart of AQAP's evolving strategy. The current AQAP leadership, which is clearly more than able to absorb the losses inflicted on it by U.S. drones, is focused on what it sees as a multi-decade war where patience and time will do more than anything else to wear down their enemies.

While AQAP is certainly not opposed to taking and holding territory, it is not afraid to give it up when such a retreat is to its advantage. AQAP took heavy losses in 2013 when it attempted to defend its first self-declared emirate in Abyan. The air strikes, skillfully aided by the United States, and most especially ground forces made up of units from the Yemeni Army and tribal militias who knew the terrain and local actors, devastated AQAP, both its rank and file and its leadership. Just as it has in the past, AQAP learned from this experience and is now "like sand in the desert: always moving with the wind, but always accumulating." [7]

AQAP's proven ability to learn and evolve, combined with what are now ample funds and materiel, mean that it is able to further enmesh itself within communities, militias and urban populations that are subject to rapidly rising levels of poverty and insecurity. As was demonstrated in al-Mukalla, and to a lesser degree in other areas in the south that it continues to control, AQAP is able to set itself up as a viable and in some cases more efficient and effective alternative to the internationally recognized Yemeni government-in-exile. The civil war in Yemen, and the consequent fragmentation of what was already an incredibly complex political terrain, has provided AQAP with an abundance of opportunities to expand its organization and make itself even more resilient.

Looking Forward

Barring some kind of negotiated settlement, the civil war in Yemen is likely to continue, at least at a low intensity, for years. This is welcome news for AQAP. The war has already helped AQAP go from an organization that was struggling to one that is thriving. The dire humanitarian situation in Yemen  more than 80 percent of Yemenis are in urgent need of aid  will help AQAP fill its ranks with new recruits and allow it to continue to demonstrate its ability to act as a surrogate for the state by providing aid and security (The Guardian, March 2016).

Add to this the fact that Yemen, which was already awash in weapons, has seen a dramatic increase in the flow of weapons and materiel, largely from KSA and UAE. It is worth noting that, despite the war, prices for small arms in Yemen have plummeted in the last year. [8] Most significantly, the influx of arms has not been limited to small arms. More advanced weapons such as anti-tank missiles, which can easily be repurposed, have been provided to a range of militias, some of which fight alongside AQAP.

While AQAP is currently devoting most of its energies to fighting what it defines as the "near enemy," namely the Houthis and their allies, there is little doubt that the organization will once again turn its attention to the "far enemy", the United States and its allies. When AQAP's focus returns to the far enemy, it will be better equipped, better funded and most importantly far more resilient.

The war in Yemen and the extraordinary destruction that it has wrought have created ideal conditions for an organization that has proven itself to be highly capable and adaptable. The future for AQAP has rarely looked brighter.

NOTES

[1] See: http://www.longwarjournal.org/images/al-qaida-papers-how-to-run-a-state.pdf

[2] Author interview with Yemen-based government official (September 2016).

[3] See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sP_leatAQDk (Yemen: Under Siege, relevant footage begins at 08.00); https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvTiCDp3-zg; also based on author interviews.

[4] It is notable that Yemeni president in exile Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi appointed Major General Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar as his vice president on April 3, 2016. The general's ties to militant Salafist groups are well documented (The Guardian, March 21, 2011). Before al-Ahmar and former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh turned against one another, General al-Ahmar often acted as Saleh's liaison to militant Salafist groups who were used as proxy fighters against first southern separatists and then the Houthis.

[5] See: Kilcullen, David, Blood Year: The Unraveling of Western Counterterrorism, Oxford University Press, 2016, p.204

[6] Tolstoy, Leo, War and Peace, Book 13, Chapter 17

[7] Author interview with Yemen-based analyst (September 2016).

[8] There is now such an abundance of Steyr AUG assault rifles (used by and provided by Saudi Arabia) in Yemen that the price for the rifle is generally under $50. Yemen's always well supplied arms markets (the country has long acted as an arms emporium for the region) are now stocked with advanced weaponry like BGM-71 TOW missiles, 9M133 Kornet anti-tank missiles and a dizzying array of night vision equipment.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Jordan: Satirist's Killing Highlights Radicalization Fears

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Alexander Sehmer Publication Date 14 October 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 20 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Jordan: Satirist's Killing Highlights Radicalization Fears, 14 October 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 20, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804dacb4.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Protesters in Jordan demanded the resignation of both Prime Minister Hani al-Malki and Interior Minister Salama Hammad in September, following the murder of Nahed Hattar, a satirical writer who was shot dead on the steps of a court building in Amman. Although the government condemned Hattar's killing at the time, the protesters  many of them members of Hattar's tribe  claimed the government had not done enough to protect him. The government quickly imposed a ban on reporting about the killing (Petra, September 26).

Hattar, who was from Jordan's Christian minority (as well as a supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad), had been attending court to face criminal charges over a cartoon he shared on Facebook that was said to be offensive to Muslims. Hattar's suspected killer, a former prayer leader described by the Jordan Times as a known extremist, later gave himself up to the police (Jordan Times, September 25).

Rights groups say Hattar's killing shows Jordan's disregard for free speech and have called for greater protections for the right to freedom of expression (RefWorld, September 26). Jordan has long been willing, however, to restrict the media in favor of "maintaining stability." More pertinently, the incident highlights concerns over the problem of radicalization in Jordan.

Jordan introduced anti-terror legislation in 2006, following a series of bombings at three hotels across Amman that left more than 60 people dead. It broadened the law in 2014 with the aim of targeting extremists returning home from the conflict in neighboring Syria, but the reforms have also been used to restrict journalists and target members of the opposition with no clear links to terrorism (Memo, August 28, 2015).

Link to original story on Jamestown website

The government maintains the changes to the law were necessary, and Jordan certainly faces a threat from returning fighters and a growing wave of radicalization. In findings this year by the UN's gender equality agency, 85 percent of those surveyed for a report on radicalization and women said radicalization was occurring among communities in Jordan (UN Women, March 2016). More than that, 74 percent said it was taking place in universities. The report highlighted the cities of Zarqa, Maan, Salt, Irbid and Rusaifa as areas where radicalization was a particular problem.

When Hattar posted the cartoon that landed him in court, he was subject to a social media backlash. He quickly took it down and apologized. The government may have hoped that bringing charges against him was a concession of sorts to certain elements within Jordanian society, but it had a very different effect. If Jordan wants to combat radicalization at home, it needs to think carefully about the message its actions on journalists and writers like Hatter send out.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Kuwait: Security Restrictions Amid is Threat

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Alexander Sehmer Publication Date 14 October 2016 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 20 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Kuwait: Security Restrictions Amid is Threat, 14 October 2016, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 20, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5804db5d4.html [accessed 31 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

An Egyptian man crashed a garbage truck into a vehicle carrying five U.S. servicemen in Kuwait on October 6 in an apparent attempted suicide attack. The incident was initially thought to be an accident, with the soldiers, who appear to have been traveling in a civilian vehicle, helping the truck driver who suffered multiple injuries in the collision. But Kuwaiti investigators later reportedly found a suicide belt, an Islamic State (IS) banner and a handwritten note pledging allegiance to IS in the man's vehicle (Kuwait Times, October 7).

The attempted suicide attack, if that is what it was, appears to have been a lone wolf incident. An embassy media statement released in the following days said U.S. authorities were not aware of any credible threats against U.S. citizens in Kuwait (US Embassy, October 9).

IS previously carried out a devastating attack in Kuwait City. In June 2015, a suicide bomber blew himself up in the city's Shia Imam al-Sadiq Mosque, killing 27 people and wounding hundreds more (al-Jazeera, June 27, 2015). Authorities have since mounted a security crackdown. In July, the state news agency announced security forces had thwarted three IS plots, including plans for another mosque bombing during the Eid holiday (KUNA, July 3).

That suggests that while IS may have inspired the apparent failed attack by the Egyptian truck driver, it remains focused on attempts to foment sectarian conflict. Even the reported failed attack came at a time of potentially heightened tensions  ahead of Ashoura, a major Shia festival marking the death in the battle of Karbala of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.

Kuwait has historically been relatively free of Sunni-Shia tensions, with Shias  who make up between 15-30 percent of Kuwait's population  living side-by-side with their Sunni counterparts. Nonetheless, Kuwait must safeguard against any stoking of tensions, whether through terrorist attack or on social media, something of which the leadership is well aware (Arab News, June 28). Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah has himself done much to soothe tensions. After the 2015 bombing, he quickly attended the scene at the Imam al-Sadiq Mosque, against the advice of his security services.

Opportunistic lone wolf attacks, however, are more difficult to defend against. Kuwait faces the same difficulties as its international allies in this regard. As a consequence, Kuwaitis have had to put up with a tightening of security in public places and restrictions on crowds, including a ban this year on open-air Eid prayers (Gulf News, September 19). Such efforts will be familiar to many of the Gulf state's allies, particularly in Europe, where concerns about IS have also led to greater policing of public events.

[For more on the IS threat in the Gulf, see Terrorism Monitor July, 22.]

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
The second part of a second interview president Sisi gave the chief editors of Al-Ahram, Al-Akhbar and Al-Gomhoreya newspapers in less than two months. The first part was published on Saturday

The second part of an interview with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and the editors of the three state-owned newspapers was published on Sunday, revealing his views on Egypt's foreign affairs, battle with corruption and the role of Egypt's youth and political groups in the country's life.

This is the second interview El-Sisi has given with the chief editors of Al-Ahram, Al-Akhbar and Al-Gomhoreya newspapers in less than two months.

The first part of the interview was published on Saturday.

Egypt's foreign relations

Defending Egypt's stance regarding the war in Syria, El-Sisi explained Cairo's UN security council vote in favor of two different resolutions to end fighting in Aleppo, stressing that the vote had not affected relations with Saudi Arabia.

Cairo, which represents Arab countries on the 15-member council, voted on a French-drafted resolution and a rival Russian proposal that would have scaled down military action in Aleppo.

"The common thing between the two resolutions is that they both call for an end to fighting and in favor of sending humanitarian aid to the people of Syriathat is what we care about as a state and as Egyptians...that is why we supported and voted in favor of the two resolutions," El-Sisi said, stressing that the two votes were not contradictory as critics suggested.

The president refuted that Egypt's vote for the Russian resolution has had an effect on Cairo's relations with Riyadh.

Following Egypt's UN Security Council vote, the Saudi ambassador to Cairo, Ahmed Kattan, left the country for a three-day visit to the kingdom while Saudi oil company Aramco cancelled its October oil shipment to Cairo.

"Strategic relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia are not affected by anything and we should not allow anything to harm these relations," the president insisted.

Thanking Saudi Arabia for the support it has shown Egypt, El-Sisi further accused traditional and social media of "drawing a [false] picture" of tension between the two allies.

Saudi Arabia has supported Cairo with billions of dollars in aid, grants, oil products and cash deposits to buoy the country's economy following the toppling of president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

El-Sisi also refuted in the interview any "plots against Ethiopia," responding to statements made last week by Ethiopian officials, claiming that Egypt and Eritrea directly support anti-government demonstrations by the Oromo ethnic group.

"We do not interfere in any country's internal affairs and we do not plot against anyone."

"Talking in front of the Ethiopian parliament I stated that we had two choices: either to cooperate or to confront, and we chose cooperation," El-Sisi said.

Egypt and Ethiopia witnessed tensions in recent years over the construction of Ethiopias Grand Renaissance Dam, a project Cairo fears will negatively affect Egypt's Nile water share. Addis Ababa maintains that the dam project, which Ethiopia needs to generate electricity, would not harm downstream countries.

Relations improved in recent months, particularly after Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan signed in September the final contracts for the long-awaited technical studies on the potential impact of the dam on downstream countries.

"Egypt enjoys a balanced, open and stable relation with other countries," El-Sisi stressed.

On his meeting with US presidential candidates Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump in New York last month, El-Sisi said the aim was to reveal Egypt's vision for the region to guarantee better understanding with whichever candidate takes office.

On relations with Russia, El-Sisi said that efforts are ongoing to resume Russian flights back to Egypt.

Russia suspended all flights to Egypt after a Russian plane leaving Sharm El-Sheikh crashed in Sinai last October in what is suspected to be a terrorist attack.

El-Sisi stressed that relations with Russia are "strong and exceptional," adding that talks regarding the nuclear power plant deal are being concluded and the deal is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

Last November, Sergey Kiriyenko, the head of Russia's state-owned nuclear firm Rosatomalong, along with a Russian delegation, signed the Dabaa nuclear plant deal with the Egyptian government.

The plant, which will be built in the western desert, is expected to be finished within 12 years and will consist of four nuclear power units, 1,200 megawatt (MW) each. El-Sisi has frequently stressed that the project is peaceful and aims to produce electricity.

On relations with China and India, El-Sisi said that the two countries support Egypt and plan to cooperate in business and technology.

On Greece and Cyprus, El-Sisi said that last week's trilateral presidential meeting in Cairo confirmed the three countries' cooperation in combatting terrorism and illegal migration.

Egypt's fight against corruption and the importance of reform



Shifting to Egypt's internal political scene, El-Sisi said he is closely following the "youth talks" ongoing at youth centers across the nation, in preparation for a "youth conference" to be held in Sharm El-Sheikh.

The conference is expected to include more than three thousand participants from Egypt's different political groups. El-Sisi said it will be a good chance to discuss the criticism that Egypt's parties and political groups play a weak role.

El-Sisi also stressed the role of the Egyptian state in fighting corruption.

"The state is not at all tolerant with corruptionI support all state institutions that are concerned with the issue and we have no stake in covering up corruption."

"We are fighting a relentless battle against corruption," he added.

El-Sisi, however, criticised the media for publishing "inaccurate" estimates of corruption.

Egypts top auditor Hisham Geneina was sacked last March by a presidential decree hours after prosecutors accused him of making false claims about widespread government corruption.

Geneina told media outlets that Egypt lost LE600 billion (about $76 billion) between 2012 and 2015 due to government corruption. Prosecutors charged that the auditor of exaggerating the sums.

El-Sisi said that the public needs to see the "bigger picture" regarding the economy and realize the importance and inevitability of reform.

In closing, the president urged the people to "stand together" and warned of overpopulation which he described as the "biggest danger."

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Long Beach, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/17/2016 --Pokot, Rendile, Turkana, Daasanach, Samburu, and Elmolo; not names that typically trip off the tongue unless you're celebrated photographer, Piper Mackay. Found in Kenya's Turkana Basin and Southern Ethiopia's Omo Valley, each of these villages will be the recipient of what's most needed thanks to her art and her efforts. As she drives awareness for those in barren regions, with work seen in National Geographic and the Smithsonian, Mackay now also raises funds with the launch of the Generosity Campaign. When funded, the campaign will provide $500 to $1,000 worth of food, delivered from Nairobi by Mackay herself, to the remote villages of Africa.



Highlighting the tribes that will soon have to be modernized to survive, Mackay's Generosity Campaign offers a glimpse into what is fleeting. The glimpse is offered by way of a raffle for limited edition prints that, with a donation of $25, will feed the tribes who need it so much.



Mackay said of her mission to support the remote tribes in Africa, "The world has enough images of poverty. Much more needful is imagery that reveals the beauty that's worth protecting. Compelling work comes when you invest time; by living the stories you're trying to tell. I've spent the last decade of my life in Africa. And my images disseminate how wildlife and cultures cope with the rapid changes in the developing world. Now, with the Generosity Campaign, I can repay the tribes not only with raised awareness but with much-needed food."



Highlighting the most tribal rich region of the world, Mackay's work shows the last of the most ornate tribes. Capturing their ancient traditions and nomadic lifestyles Mackay's work reverently shows the nomads in their traditional clothing and symbolic body paint. In keeping with the emblematic nature of the art, each print not only shows the untouched Kenyan region, but it is also hand-beaded in Africa as well.



To support the campaign with the purchase of a limited edition, hand-beaded, leather framed print, visitors need only donate via raffle. Seven prints will be offered, and visitors may donate multiple times to win. Closing at midnight PST on October 23rd, 100% of all donations will go to buy food for the Kenyan tribes.



For more information visit www.PiperMackayPhotography.com.



For more information regarding the Generosity Campaign visit http://www.pipermackayphotography.com/generosity-campaign/.



About Piper Mackay Photography

Piper Mackay Photography is a company owned and operated by wildlife photographer, Piper Mackay. Mackay's photographs are licensed by Getty Images top collections and are featured in national publications such as; National Geographic Traveler, Outdoor Photographer, Nature Photographer, Wild Planet Magazine, Ranger Finder, and Selamata, as well as, local travel and online magazines. Her images can be seen in National Geographic, National Geographic Explore in addition to numerous travel publications. The acclaimed photographer's work has been on exhibit at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington DC, The Museum of History and Industry in Seattle Washington, The Art Wolfe Gallery, and The G2 Galley.



Generosity Campaign Link:

http://www.pipermackayphotography.com/generosity-campaign/



Limited Edition Print Information:

Print: 1218 inches

Leather beaded border: 1.5 inches

Total canvas: 1723 inches



Contact:

Piper Mackay

Owner, Piper Mackay Photography

info@PiperMackayPhotography.com

US: 213-220-6693

Kenya: +254 712 66 2476



Website:

www.PiperMackayPhotography.com



Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/Piper-Mackay-Photography-279147408763321/?ref=hl

https://www.instagram.com/piper_mackay/
Lima, Peru -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/17/2016 --World Oil Group, Inc. signed a 20-year private contract (Indefinido-Renovable Cada 20 anos) for land rights of 4081.92 hectares of land in the Tambopata Region of Madre de Dios, Peru. World Oil Group, Inc. will look to develop a host of projects on the property that's in line with the following: 1. Carbon Tax Credits, 2. Eco Tourism/Hotels/Resorts, 3. Medical Research, 4, Medical Health Tourism, and 5. Agriculture Business to name a few.



World Oil Group, Inc. will begin looking for private industry partners in their respected fields to begin raising capital for its individual projects. The effective partnering methods will allow World Oil Group to raise private capital and not dilute its shares to pay for its projects.



World Oil Group recognizes Peru is open is open for business from everything from Medical Tourism:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/12/081203-stem-cell-tourism.html

http://www.limaeasy.com/medical-tourism



ECO Tourism:

http://www.peru.travel/en-us/where-to-go/madre-de-dios.aspx

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/wild-things



Agricultural Exports:

https://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/fresh-horizons-agricultural-exports-are-taking-place-traditional-foreign-currency-earners



Medical Research and Education:

http://www.limaeasy.com/emergencies-help/homeopathic-medicine



Carbon Tax Credits: World Oil Group, Inc. believes it can earn more than 1 million dollars a year from carbon tax credits alone.

http://www.ecosystemmarketplace.com/articles/this-week-in-forest-carbon-going-local/



Peru has a superior outlook for investment in a host of areas and World Oil Group, Inc. is always looking to improve shareholders value by having a balanced portfolio of business. http://www.bmiresearch.com/peru



World Oil Group, Inc., will continue providing shareholder updates over the next few weeks so that shareholders can follow the development of each business segment as its unfolds. This private signed contract gives World Oil Group, Inc. a physical asset in excess of 15 million dollars by virtue of joint concession rights that is leverage able.



World Oil Group, Inc. is seeking capital partners now and will disclose the signed agreement upon ratified NDA of interested prospects. An abstract of the contract will be posted on the Company website within 3 days of this PR.



World Oil Group, Inc. will continue to press forward to build a strong company despite the obstacles its faced in the market.



World Oil Group, Inc.'s CEO Nathan Hall says he will bring World Oil Group, Inc. to success either by going "Over the Mountain, Around the Mountain, or by going Through the Mountain. Most often, WOGI's CEO Nathan Hall goes through the mountain, either way he will persevere



About World Oil Group, Inc.

World Oil Group, Inc. is an international company with oil exploration operations in Oil City, Pennsylvania and its Management, Petroleum, Commodities & Mining Operations based in Lima, Peru.



SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The foregoing press announcement contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by such terminology such as "believes," "expects," "potential," "plans," "suggests," "may," "should," "could," "intends," or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. In particular, management's expectations could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties relating to our success in completing acquisitions, financing our operations, entering into strategic partnerships, engaging management and other matters disclosed by us in our public filings from time to time. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.



For more information, contact:

Nathan Hall

World Oil Group, Inc.

Phone Number: 407-777-9228

Email: worldoilgroupinc@gmail.com

www.worldoilgroup.com

Twitter.com/epapetroleum



Source: Uptick Newswire
One of the countrys largest brokerages has released a province-by-province forecast. What does the future hold for each housing market?



British Columbia

Uncertainty is the adjective to use when describing Canadas western-most province, according to Royal LePage.



New government taxation and regulations within the region have also introduced a great deal of uncertainty into the market, as purchasers have begun to take a wait-and-see approach, putting downward pressure on sales activity, Royal LePage said in its Q3 forecast. While this did not significantly impact year-over-year home prices during the third quarter, it could very well result in a more balanced market moving forward.



Alberta

The majority of economic forecasters watching the province have predicted that the Alberta economy will contract by approximately two percentage points in 2016, making it one of the most significant downturns in the provinces history, Royal LePage said. The economic drop in the region has directly impacted housing prices in the provinces key markets, however, not nearly to the degree many observers anticipated.



Despite this, Royal LePage suggests Alberta has already been through the worst of the market decline, and it could all be up from here.



Saskatchewan

Effects can be observed in the employment sector, as the province lost 6,500 jobs in September when compared to the same period in 2015. Employment insurance recipients are up, earnings are falling and payroll employment is down, the brokerage said. Despite the traditionally negative effects of a poor economy on the housing market, the regions home prices have remained relatively stable; aggregate house prices in Regina increased year-over-year by 0.6 per cent to $332,540.



Manitoba

Manitobas economy is holding strong, according to the agency.



This is favouring well with the housing marketing in Winnipeg, as the aggregate price of a home in the region increased 2.3 per cent year-over-year to $291,426,Royal LePage said. Forecasting strong population increases for the coming years, the City of Winnipeg announced recently that it projects it will exceed the one-million resident mark by 2035 and that demand for housing will grow as a result.



Ontario

Following British Columbias lead, Ontario is poised to continue to be one of the countrys fastest growing economies.

And housing appreciation is the major trend on all industry payers minds.



In the Greater Toronto Area, house values continue to climb. Aggregate house prices in Toronto grew year-over-year by 12.1 per cent to $714,002, according to the brokerage. House prices in surrounding region Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge are also appreciating, posting a year-over-year increase in aggregate house price of 9.1 per cent to $371,474.



Hamilton, which stands above the provincial average in retaining and attracting millennials, had year-over-year growth in its aggregate house price of 10.3 per cent to $419,830. The aggregate house price in Ottawa saw moderate year-over-year growth of 3.6 per cent to $411,654.



Quebec

Export volumes may be down, but the economy in La belle province remains steady.



Its ahead of its economic targets, according to a number of reports, and its unemployment level is below the national average.



These factors remained supportive of the residential housing sector in the third quarter, with the aggregate house price in the Greater Montreal Area increasing by 4.9 per cent year-over-year to $352,798, the brokerage said.



Atlantic Canada

The major concern out east is the possibility of a recession, as the flagging oil industry continues to take its hits.



And its not just due to declining oil prices; with many of the areas working-age citizens relying on work in that field, fewer prospects mean more struggle.



As a result, St. Johns was the only city studied in the Royal LePage Composite to decline in Atlantic Canada, with the aggregate home price dropping -3.2 per cent to $332,597 year-over-year, Royal LePage said. Meanwhile, Moncton and Halifax showed slight year-over-year increases in aggregate house prices of 1.5 per cent to $182,529 and 0.8 per cent to $308,017, respectively. Similarly, aggregate house prices in Charlottetown and Fredericton increased year-over-year by 2.3 per cent to $224,219 and 2.9 per cent to $246,696, respectively.


Halloween is here! Find out when Trick-or-Treat is happening in Martinsville.

The leaves are changing, the evenings are getting cooler and excitement is building as Halloween draws closer.
STEPHENVILLE  The return of screwworms would deal a severe blow to the ranching and hunting industries, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service veterinary entomologist at Stephenville.

The observation by Dr. Sonja Swiger came as the result of the flesh-eating pest being confirmed in Florida.

Swiger said Dr. Thomas Hairgrove, AgriLife Extension veterinary specialist at College Station, gave a presentation to producers Oct. 7 at Stephenville during which he said the cost to control the pest today in cattle alone could easily exceed $500 million annually.

'Dr. Hairgrove also mentioned a price tag of $1 billion would be needed annually to eradicate screwworms from their former range, should it become re-established,' she said. 'Some in attendance at Dr. Hairgrove's presentation had no idea of the gravity of the issue. That's understandable as the last reported case in the U.S. was decades ago.'

The current infestation in deer is isolated to one of the Florida Keys, Swiger said.

'Officials have blockaded the road to stop animal movement there now, but it is not known if any had moved to other areas of Florida before the discovery,' Swiger said. 'They are using pesticides and releasing sterile male screwworm flies, which is the technique that finally eradicated the pest from the U.S. '

Swiger said the primary or New World screwworm as it's called is a serious pest of all mammals, including livestock, wildlife, birds and humans, though its presence is rare but possible in birds and humans.

'The primary screwworm, the 'worm' being the larval stage of a fly a bit larger than a housefly, is different from all other blow flies in the U.S.,' she said. 'The difference is that it infests and feeds on living tissue in live animals. In contrast, blow flies feed on carrion and rotting meat.'

Swiger said the female screwworm fly is attracted to wounds or mucous tissue on animals where she lays several hundred eggs. The larvae soon hatch and live inside the wound. As the wound festers, more females are attracted and lay their eggs.

'I have heard stories from back when Texas was infested with them, as they were 'officially' listed as eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, 13 years before I was born,' Swiger said. 'But back when they were around it was reported that infestation rates of calves were often 100 percent. Infestations, if left untreated, usually led to the death of the animal.

'If not stopped this pest would be catastrophic to the livestock and wildlife industries. Calves got the worst of it after birth before their navels had time to dry and heal. Dehorned animals were another prime host. Even ear tagging, vaccinating and slight shearing nicks on sheep were enough to bring on a fly strike. It does not have to be a large wound to attract female flies.

'Think about it, if screwworms returned, it could be the end of part-time ranching. Except for the dead of winter, stockmen would have to constantly watch their stock for 'wormies.' And white-tailed deer, which give birth in warm weather, and bucks in velvet with blood-engorged antlers, I expect would be easy targets as well.'

After decades of trying to manage around screwworms in various ways, it was clear eradication was the only option to end the heavy losses, Swiger said.

'The flies' Achillies heel is the female's habit of only mating one time,' Swiger said. 'Once researchers discovered this fact, they could proceed with eradication strategies. The eradication program consisted of irradiating captive male flies, rendered them sterile. The sterile flies were dropped from airplanes into areas where screwworms were present. When large numbers of sterile males were released into infested areas, native females would mate with the sterile males and then lay infertile eggs. This worked, not overnight, but it did work.'

Today, Swiger said the pest has been eradicated all the way down to the Panama Canal, and a sterile fly-producing facility is still in production in Panama.

'It is unknown at this time where this new Florida outbreak originated,' Swiger said. 'If there is a silver lining to this dark cloud, it's that the outbreak is on one of the Key islands, very far south and fairly isolated from the mainland. And luckily, the Keys did not get a direct hit from Hurricane Matthew, so we should not see a spreading issue there.'

Swiger said the last screwworm captured in the U.S. before this recent incursion was in 1982, before today's younger ranchers and outdoorsmen were born.

'This flesh-eating pest has the capability to cause extensive damage in the southern and southwestern U.S.,' she said. 'So, it is critical that people know about it and be on the lookout for it so we can stop screwworm re-infestation early if it shows up here again.'

For more information, go to: http://livestockvetento.tamu.edu/insectspests/screwworm-fly/.
Hurricane Matthew and the resulting flooding in the Carolinas have been in the news. It is one of a series of weather disasters in the past few weeks. When a new one hits, it's easy to forget about the ones that came first  for instance, the severe flooding in Louisiana a few weeks ago.

Several 4-H members around Texas already have a project in motion, initiated by requests for aid from fellow 4-H'ers in Louisiana.

Children in that state were having difficulty obtaining basic school supplies to get the year started. Their families had other, more pressing needs.

Texas 4-H'ers answered the call, including several counties in the Big Country. Over the past couple of weeks, they have completed their collections, which were boxed up and shipped to Louisiana to be distributed.

Hannah Hammond, a member of the Taylor County 4-H Horse Club and a sophomore at Wylie High School, spearheaded a drive involving friends in 4-H and school. They responded by bringing donations to their school, the county Extension office or other collection points. Sixty-seven pounds of school supplies were recently sent off.

'We just want to show the community what 4-H is about,' said Stacy Hammond, Hannah's mother, referring to the aim of teaching members to share with others in need.

Jones and Haskell County 4-H'ers helped with the same project. Darlene Hopkins, Extension agent in Haskell County, reports they received three huge boxes of donations from Haskell schools and one each from Paint Creek and Rule schools.

'They're just trying to get their lives straightened out,' Hopkins said of the people who need the help.

Jones County officials did not have an accurate count on items, but estimated they had nearly 200 items, including at least 50 spiral notebooks along with erasers, notebook paper, crayons and other basic supplies.

These 'all right' kids were involved in other things as well, as part of the 'One Day 4-H' service project.

In Shackelford County, members will prepare a food item to go out to clients of Vittles by Vehicle, similar to Abilene's Meals on Wheels-Plus program. They will prepare the food one evening in the Vittles kitchen and it will go out with the next day's meal.

Coleman County 4-H'ers collected dog food for the Humane Society kennel, then 13 of them visited the kennel one Saturday to deliver the bags and socialize with the dogs being kept there.

Runnels County members collected food for pantries in Ballinger and Miles. They will also be cooking for the Hunters Appreciation Dinner sponsored by the Ballinger Chamber of Commerce next month.

Taylor County youths also helped with the Disabilities Resources Inc. Pumpkin Patch, and later will purchase Christmas gifts for less fortunate families. The gifts, and the cost of sending supplies to Louisiana, will be paid for through money raised at the 4-H petting zoo at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Haunted Forest, Friday-Sunday, Camp Tonkawa. $10 per Boy Scout or adult, $23 per Cub Scout or family member. Register at www.texastrailsbsa.com.

Tot Spot, for children ages 3-5 (and an adult), 9:30 or 11 a.m. first Thursday and Friday of each month, The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St. (Check at thegracemuseum.org under 'Upcoming events' for holiday scheduling.) Free for museum members, $5 for nonmembers. Reservations required; 325-673-4587 or online.

National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, 102 Cedar St. (325-673-4586), offers art activities each Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at no charge.

Contact Carl Kieke at 325-673-3552; kiekec@suddenlink.net; or mail to Carl Kieke, 1417 N. 7th St. No. 2, Abilene TX 79601-4948. Deadline is Tuesday for publication the following Monday.
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Is Lubbock-Cooper High School named after the same person as Abilene Cooper High School?

The short answer is no.

But, you know me, so here comes the long answer.

Our Cooper High School was named after Oscar Henry Cooper (1852-1932). The Yale graduate's career in education included serving as superintendent of public instruction for Texas from 1886 to 1890 and superintendent of the Galveston schools, the highest paying educational position in the state, from 1890 to 1896, according to the Handbook of Texas Online.

Cooper came to Abilene in 1902 after serving three years as president of Baylor University. In Abilene, he was president of Simmons College from 1902 to 1909, during which time the school's enrollment doubled, the website says.

He then established Cooper's Boys School in Abilene, which he headed until 1915, when he went back to Simmons as a faculty member. He died in Abilene in 1932.

The other Cooper is named for George C. Cooper, a Lubbock County school board member. Not just the high school, but an entire district was named in his honor. The Cooper Rural School District was created in 1936 with the consolidation of the Slide, Barton, Woodrow, New Hope and Union schools south of Lubbock, according to the Lubbock-Cooper ISD's website. Cooper, a strong advocate of education for all students, had died the year before, the Lubbock Avalanche Journal reported in a story marking the 75th anniversary of the district.

Growth in the 1960s brought about "the need for a more distinguishable title for the district, which led to the transition from Cooper School to Lubbock-Cooper," the L-CISD website states.

Plus, it wanted to be distinguished from the Cooper ISD in the East Texas town of Cooper, the newspaper reported.

If you ask me, the hyphen adds distinction.
Carey Thompson had every reason to believe that the report of a biopsy taken after her mammogram in December 2011 would come back with a good report.

After all, Thompson, 42 at the time, may well have been one of the least likely breast cancer patients around.

'I have no risk factors,' said Thompson, a registered nurse for Nicole Bullock, a OB-GYN physician at Abilene Regional Medical Center. 'I didn't smoke, I wasn't obese, I ate right and I had no history of breast cancer in my family.'

However, the biopsy found stage two breast cancer.

'I remember clearly that day,' she said. 'I thought the biopsy would show no cancer. I remembere I worked that day, but I can't remember anything I did at work.'

In fact, she recalled, wondering what was going to happen at work, was one of the things that first came to Thompson's mind once she got over the initial shock of receiving the news.

'I had just started a new job in October and I was the only RN in the office,' she said. 'I wondered, 'How are they going to get by without an RN in the office?''

Thompson underwent a partial mastectomy on Feb. 13, 2013, along with the reconstruction, followed by 33 chemo treatments.

'I would go across the street to Texas Oncology on Friday afternoon and then throw up all weekend and then go back to work Monday,' she said. 'I was done with everything by October.'

Her treatment impacted not only her but also her family, especially her children, who were teens at the timey.

'They had to take more responsibility,' she said. 'At some point, I couldn't keep up with their school work, so they had to do it. It made them responsible people.'

The family also had moved to Abilene from Canada, so there was no extended family around to help out. Instead, said Thompson, her family turned inward for support and also got help from their church.

'My little family grew closer and we had to rely on our church family and friends,' she said.

She said she went through a period when she asked why she had gotten breast cancer ('I think everyone does,' she said), but Thompson said she developed a positive attitude early on, thanks to a variety of reasons.

One was a friend who had gone through breast cancer.

'I had a good friend who I saw go through it and she gave me a lot of hope,' said Thompson. 'Her cancer has metastasized, but she's still very hopeful.'

Another source of her strength, she said, came from her faith and still another came from staying physically active.

'I think exercise, to me, was a good outlet,' said Thompson. 'And, of course, friends.'

While she would have preferred to skip breast cancer, Thompson acknowledges that her cancer has had a positive impact on her professionally.

'I've always worked in women's health, for all of my 25-year nursing career,' she said. 'When I have to make that phone call (to give a patient bad news), I'm more empathetic. They tend to ask me a lot of questions.'

Even if the bad news, such as losing a child during pregnancy, is not something to which Thompson can relate, her experience can be beneficial to her patients.

'I can understand the grief process,' she said. 'I think the most important thing is to be able to give them hope and confidence.

'I feel like my faith is stronger and my empathy is stronger.'
The military said 18 militants were killed as its air forces and ground troops struck militant hideouts on Sunday

Egypt's army said three of its personnel were killed and two wounded during air and ground operations against militants in the restive North Sinai region on Sunday.

Military air forces pounded 16 militant hideouts while ground and special troops simultaneously raided a number of other targets, killing 18 militants, military spokesman Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said in a statement.

Three military personnel were killed and two others wounded in the Sunday dawn fighting, he added.

The raids came two days after militants attacked an army checkpoint in the Bir Al-Abd area west of El-Arish, the provincial capital of North Sinai, killing 12 soldiers and wounding at least six more. The attack was claimed by the Egyptian affiliate of the Islamic State group.

The army said it killed 15 militant fighters in response when Egyptian jets bombed Islamist militant targets for three hours on Saturday.

Egyptian forces have in recent years been battling an Islamist insurgency based in parts of the northern Sinai region, which has mainly targeted police and troops.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said in an interview with three public newspapers published on Saturday that his country's war against Islamic militants in the Sinai Peninsula would be long, but that conditions in the mountainous, thinly populated region were improving.

"The terrorists are evolving and we are improving our operations," he said.



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Sophisticated satellite photos may have revealed more about China's energy security than the government has been willing to disclose.



Last month, The Washington Post reported that China appears to be storing far more oil in its strategic stockpile than was previously thought, based on findings by Orbital Insight, a California-based geospatial analytics and software firm.



Using satellite imaging, the company found that China has built four times as many tanks for its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and commercial stocks than the industry had estimated.



The analysts also used imaging to detect the amount of oil in each tank from the shadows cast by their floating roofs to calculate how much storage has been filled.



The report concluded that China's crude oil inventory stood at 600 million barrels (81.85 million metric tons) in May.



The amount is more than double the SPR volume recently reported by China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). At the start of the year, the reserve held 31.97 million tons (234.3 million barrels) of crude, equal to only 36 days of imports, the NBS said on Sept. 2.



The imaging technique of estimating stocks was reportedly tested for accuracy on U.S. tank farms by matching results with inventory data reported by the Energy Information Administration (EIA).



Far-reaching implications



The new numbers on China could have far-reaching implications for the world oil market, although they may also rely on an unequal comparison, since the satellite estimate appears to include both SPR and commercial stocks for refining.



The uncertainty over how much oil China has set aside in its SPR for emergencies is only one of many, said Edward Chow, senior fellow for energy and national security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.



U.S. energy officials have been working with Chinese counterparts to stress the importance of transparency and data accuracy for stability in the oil market, said Chow. But progress has been slow.



"They've always been secretive about certain kinds of things, and this is an example of one, of course ... in respect to stock building in particular," he said.



Notably, the recent NBS report cites SPR figures that were already nine months old, making it impossible to tell what the level is now.



"Knowing how much oil China has put away could be vital for predicting the future moves of the oil market, from analysts' perspective. Unfortunately, Beijing doesn't feel it has to share this vital information with the world," said a commentary at oilprice.com.



China's official statements on its stockpile have been sporadic since its SPR program started in 2004.



By contrast, the United States publishes up-to-date monthly details on its SPR inventory on a Department of Energy (DOE) website. As of Sept. 30, its SPR held 695.1 million barrels of crude.



Critical questions



Despite the doubts about China's SPR figures, the Orbital Insight estimate has raised a series of critical questions.



If China has stored more oil than previously thought, it may have been using less oil than analysts believed. More accurate consumption data could be important for readings on the oil market, the economy and the environment.



Last month, Reuters estimated that China's implied oil demand in August fell 1.7 percent from a year before to 10.56 million barrels per day.



A larger reserve "means that much of what looked like oil demand over the past couple of years was not a result of higher consumption but of strategic planning," the Washington Post said.



That recalculation could hold oil prices back in at least two ways, since it challenges assumptions about China's demand growth while leaving a large stock of oil that could be used to keep prices in check.



The Post cited analysts' estimates that China has been importing 600,000 to 1.2 million barrels per day more than it needs for consumption.



That volume is of the same magnitude as the proposed production cut of 700,000 barrels per day by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) under a preliminary agreement on Sept. 28 to boost prices.



A shadow over the market



Doubts about China's demand have cast a shadow over the market as benchmark crude prices have gradually risen from the range of U.S. $45 (303 yuan) per barrel to over U.S. $50 (337 yuan) per barrel since the OPEC deal was announced.



The wild card of undisclosed inventory levels may add to the risks for further price recovery.



"What little demand growth we've seen globally may be phantom demand growth, if it comes from Chinese stock build," Chow said.



Chow noted that China was buying oil to fill its SPR during the years when prices were far higher, suggesting that it will continue to do so now. If prices rise substantially, China could moderate the pace of its SPR imports, he said.



China has previously indicated that its goal is to approximate the standards of the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) for strategic stockpiles by providing 90 days' worth of import coverage in case of supply disruptions.



While China's buying will affect world markets, the prices may also influence China's production decisions and supplies.



China's hard-pressed national oil companies have cut output at higher-cost fields to stem their losses and boosted imports by 14 percent in the first nine months from year-earlier rates.



Questions on growth



This year's double-digit growth of imports has been a subject of questions in the oil market for months, long before the satellite imaging report.



"Other indicators are not showing fundamental growth in the economy that would lead to the kind of crude oil import growth that we've seen," Chow said.



In 2015, China's crude oil imports rose 8.8 percent to 335.5 million tons (6.7 million barrels per day), according to customs reports.



China's domestic oil production has dropped 5.7 percent so far this year. Output in August of 3.89 million barrels per day was the lowest since December 2009, Bloomberg News said.



It is unclear how high prices will have to rise in order to trigger a restart of China's marginal oilfields and reverse the growth of reliance on imports.



Chinese oil officials have estimated the country's average domestic production costs at U.S. $40 (269 yuan) per barrel. Costs at the decades-old Daqing oilfield have been reported as U.S. $45 per barrel.



But Tian Miao, an analyst at London-based North Square Blue Oak Ltd. quoted by Bloomberg, said the price of European benchmark Brent crude would have to reach U.S. $60 (404 yuan) per barrel in order to make production profitable at most of China's aging fields.



Further weakening expected



There are reasons to question whether the current rally will reach that level anytime soon.



In its latest "World Economic Outlook," the International Monetary Fund said that global economic growth this year will remain "subdued" at 3.1 percent.



China's growth is expected to weaken further from 6.9 percent in 2015 to 6.6 percent this year and 6.2 percent in 2017, suggesting no additional spur for demand.



The IMF said its projections are based on the assumption that the average world oil price of U.S. $50.64 (341 yuan) per barrel next year will remain unchanged in real terms for the medium-term period.



There are also reasons to doubt that the OPEC output agreement will result in a significant tightening of supplies.



Output growth in OPEC member countries including Iran, Nigeria, and Libya will reportedly enjoy exemptions from the planned freeze, while it is unclear how far oil companies in non-member Russia will go along.



Caspian Sea resources including Kazakhstan's Kashagan field are expected to add 200,000 barrels per day to the world supply glut by the end of this year.



Together with the North Caspian's Filanovsky field, developed by Russia's Lukoil, the new supplies will reach 500,000 barrels per day by the end of 2017, nearly cancelling out the effect of the OPEC cut, according to a Reuters report.



A moderate increase in world prices is likely to boost output from producers with lower production costs than those of China, limiting price increases and keeping Chinese oil companies in much the same predicament they are in now.



"With higher prices, you would have higher non-OPEC production," chow said.



OPEC has been trying to reach agreement with non-OPEC producers on restraining output. The group is expected to hold its next formal meeting in Vienna at the end of next month.




Egypt expresses its solidarity with the Iraqi government and people in light of the launch of coordinated military operations to retake Mosul from the Islamic State militant group on Monday, foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said on Monday.

Iraqi government troops and Kurdish forces, backed by the US-led coalition, have started a push to liberate Iraq's second-largest city, which has been under IS rule for more than two years.

In a statement on the ministry's official Facebook page, the spokesman said Egypt hopes the operation will be successful, adding that terrorists groups as the IS militants "cannot withstand the will of peaceful people."

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi announced the start of the long-awaited operation on state television, pledging that it would lead to the liberation of all Iraqi territory from the militants this year, according to media reports.

The northern city of Mosul is still home to more than a million civilians, although almost half a million people have fled the city since 2014.

The battle to retake Mosul will be the largest military operation in Iraq since US troops left in 2011 and, if successful, the biggest blow yet to the IS group in Iraq.

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A statue depicting slain government critic Kem Ley is placed at his home village in Takeo province, Oct. 16, 2016.

The spirt of slain government critic Kem Ley still casts a shadow over Cambodia as thousands of people clogged the main roads on Sunday for the close of his 100-day ritual ceremony and some of his former students began selling a compilation of his political essays.

While the crowds werent as large as they were in July when an estimated two million people flooded the streets for his funeral, the numbers were still a testament to his popularity at a time of political tensions.

Several mourners including Buddhist monks joined the procession which started at 7 A.M. at the Wat Chas temple in Phnom Penh and ended in Kem Leys mothers backyard Takeo province, where the analyst's remains are buried.

Instead of following Kem Leys flag-draped coffin like they did in July, his mourners trailed a life-size copper statute depicting the popular critic and teacher.

The ceremony took place 100 days after Kem Ley was cremated. The 100-day ceremony is an important Buddhist ritual where prayers for the dead are chanted.

At Wat Chas, a group of Kem Leys former students sold several thousand copies of a compilation of his political analyses and essays on his vision for Cambodia.

Proceeds from the sales of the book are to be donated to charity for the continuation of Kem Leys unfinished business.

The students told RFAs Khmer Service they would like Prime Minister Hun Sen to read the books because they contain factual information about social issues and Kem Leys recommendations to solve them.

May I encourage all political parties, lawmakers, ministers of various ministries and especially the prime minister to read the book that details factual information about unresolved social issues, said Muong Sony, a leader of the Khmer Student Intelligent League Association.

If they read them they will appreciate the national development strategies and the relevant recommendations that are included for each issue, added Muong Sony, who was a Kem Ley student.

Development researcher Meas Ny told RFA he doubted that Cambodias leaders would take Kem Leys words to heart, telling RFA Cambodian politicians normally dislike being advised.

Kem Leys comments were based on his field research, he said. He met with people of all walks of life. He also met with government officials. His input reflects the real situation on the ground.

Murder investigation continues

While Kem Leys funeral was winding down, the investigation into his murder continues, even though his wife has yet to file a complaint seeking an investigation, said Phnom Penh Municipal Court spokesperson Ly Sophanna.

Kem Leys wife Bou Rachana, told RFA that she is still refusing to appear in court, and she has yet to seek legal assistance in the case.

She and her five children, including a 15-day old son, are living a foreign country awaiting action on their asylum case.

Kem Ley was gunned down in broad daylight on July 10 when he stopped in a Star Mart convenience store beside a Caltex gas station in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.

Though authorities charged former soldier Oueth Ang with the killing, many in Cambodia dont believe the governments story that Kem Ley was killed by the former soldier over a debt.

Just days before he was gunned down, Kem Ley had discussed on an RFA Khmer Service call-in show a report by London-based Global Witness detailing the extent of the wealth of the family of Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for 31 years.
Authorities in the northern Chinese city of Xian have issued a security alert after thousands took to the streets this week at the weekend over a waste incinerator plant planned for their neighborhood.



"The authorities have issued a level 2 security alert in order to prevent some local people from taking their complaint to the provincial government," an order faxed to the police and other security services in Shaanxi's provincial capital on Monday said.



Signed by the city's "stability maintenance working group," the order came after thousands of residents of Xian's Gaoling district gathered outside the offices of the district government on Sunday after several days of mass protests, local residents said.



"The police have closed all of the roads around here," a Gaoling resident surnamed Chen told RFA on Monday. "There's no way to get through the roadblocks right now."



A resident surnamed Zhang said an estimated 10,000 people had gathered outside government offices on Sunday, clashing with police.



"They were beating people up yesterday and they also detained a lot of people," Zhang said. "They attacked them because they thought the people were taking part in the demonstrations."



"The shops are all closed; they're not allowed to open for business," she said. "The street has been closed outside the government offices, and nobody is protesting there today, but there are a lot of plainclothes police officers patrolling it."



Streets 'full of police'



A local resident surnamed Lu said the streets were "full of riot police and armed police."



"I think some people got overexcited during the protests and they were dragged away in police vehicles, or carried away," she said.



Local sources said the incinerator is to be located in Liangcun, on the site of a former pharmaceutical factory, sparking fears of carcinogenic pollutants like dioxins.



A Liangcun resident who declined to be named said people are afraid that the incinerator could cause deaths among the local population.



"The smoke that comes from those plants is toxic, and there would definitely be a lot of cancer cases," she said.



"A lot of the people who get sick around here can't afford to get medical treatment," she said. "They just wait to die."



Protest banners carried



Video of Sunday's demonstrations shot by eyewitnesses showed a march headed by motorized pedicabs with banners in support of the ruling Chinese Communist Party and President Xi Jinping, which read: "Long Live the Communist Party! Long Live Chairman Xi!"



Others read: "No to the Waste Incinerator!"



But most people stayed home on Monday, as the authorities appeared to pull the plug on access to social media for local residents.



"There are patrols everywhere outside, so we can't go out," a protester surnamed Zhao told RFA. "We also can't send out any tweets on social media today. Any chat group that mentions this topic will just be closed."



"There is a very tight domestic media blackout, too, a complete blackout," he said. "They're just not letting people get the news out."



A duty officer who answered the phone at the mayor's office in Xian declined to comment on the protests, however.



"We haven't received any notification on this matter, so there's no way I can update you," the officer said.



An employee who answered the phone at the Xian municipal police department gave a similar response, while calls to the Gaoling district government offices rang unanswered during office hours on Monday.



Drinking water at risk



Xian-based rights activist Ma Xiaoming said local residents are particularly angry because the proposed location for the incinerator is in a drinking-water priority protection area.



"The protests, which involved 10,000 people in Gaoling district, went on for four days straight," Ma said. "For 10,000 people to be mobilized in a single county shows the deep popular anger there is about this issue."



"Many, many people are concerned about environmental issues, and the government's attitude has sparked a very strong angry backlash," he said.



He said the authorities had prevented local news organizations from covering the protests.



"The government doesn't allow reporting in these types of situations, because the incinerator is to be located in Gaoling county right on the banks of the Wei river, where the water pollution would be extremely serious," Ma said.



"The Wei river is an important tributary of the Yellow River, so we could see huge pollution and harm to the entire downstream ecosystem," he added.



Reported by Xin Lin and Qiao Long for the Mandarin Service, and by Wong Lok-to for the Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie.




Clashes between government forces and members of an Islamic terror group in northwestern Myanmars troubled Rakhine state over the last week have left at least 30 fighters dead, the countrys top police officer said on Monday.



We now have 30 insurgents dead and 29 captured alive, national police chief Zaw Win told reporters in the former capital Naypyidaw on Oct. 17.



It was not immediately clear how many of that number were killed in initial attacks by Muslim fighters on three Myanmar border posts near Bangladesh on Oct. 9, and how many were killed in follow-up operations as police conducted house-to-house security sweeps.



Last weeks raids, in which nine border officers and eight attackers died, later triggered further clashes as soldiers and police carried out searches of Muslim neighborhoods in Maungdaw township, where they were confronted by residents armed with guns, swords, and knives.



At least four Muslims were killed during security operations on Oct. 10, according to earlier reports.



Also speaking to reporters on Monday, Myanmar Information Minister Pe Myint said that anyone found to have taken part in the fighting would be dealt with according to law.



We will take action against anyone involved in these attacks according to Myanmars laws and international law, he said.



All villages in the area of the attacks should enjoy rule of law and be governed by regular administrative mechanisms. We should also have more money in the [national] budget go toward building a more secure fence between Myanmar and Bangladesh, he said.



'Extremist, violent ideology'



Interrogations of captured attackers have revealed that the Oct. 9 attacks were carried out by Aqa Mul Mujahidin, an Islamic organization active in Muslim-majority Maungdaw, according to a statement issued last week by the office of Myanmars president Htin Kyaw.



"The attacks in Maungdaw were intended to promote extremist violent ideology among the majority Muslim population in the area," the statement said.



The government of Bangladesh is now in regular contact with Myanmar authorities, U Kyaw Tint Swe, a representative of Myanmars Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters on Monday.



They have said they will support us in whatever we need [regarding security on the border], he said.



Civil society organizations in Myanmar have meanwhile urged authorities in Rakhine state to set up safe housing for the more than 2,000 Rakhine residents displaced by the fighting in Maungdaw.



Over 600 are now staying in the state capital Sittwe, with another 500 camped outside Maungdaw and over a thousand in Buthidaung township.



If they are now so far away from their homes, it will be difficult for them to return, CSO representative Than Tun told RFAs Myanmar Service on Monday. That is why we have urged that camps be set up near Maungdaw for all IDPs [internally displaced persons].



Also speaking to RFA, Saw Nu Phyu, a resident of Aungmingalar Village in Maungdaw, voiced reluctance to return.



If there is danger in our village, we will not go home, he said.



Reported by Win Naung Toe and Min Thein Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Richard Finney.
A lavish new residence built for the abbot of Kirti monastery is shown on Oct. 15, 2016.

Police in southwestern Chinas Sichuan province closely monitored the opening of a lavish new residence for the abbot of restive Kirti monastery on Saturday, watching the gathered monks and forbidding any mention on printed invitations of the monasterys exiled leader, sources said.

The four-day event beginning Oct. 15 marks completion of the residence of Kirti Rinpoche, who lives in Dharamsala, India, seat of Tibets government in exile, and drew hundreds of participants, a local source told RFAs Tibetan Service.

However, Chinese police in uniform and plain clothes arrived at the monastery to watch the activities, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Moreover, Chinese authorities ordered the monastery not to send out invitation cards mentioning Kirti Rinpoches residence, the source said.

Instead, they had to say they were inaugurating a library built next door, he said.

Repeated protests

Kirti monastery in Sichuans Ngaba (in Chinese, Aba) prefecture has been the scene of repeated self-immolations and other protests by monks, former monks, and nuns opposed to Chinese rule in Tibetan areas.



Authorities raided the institution in 2011, taking away hundreds of monks and sending them for political re-education, while local Tibetans who sought to protect the monks were beaten and detained, sources said in earlier reports.

Despite Chinese efforts to reduce attendance at the event, representatives from other area monasteries and from Ngabas Muslim community arrived at Kirti on Saturday to take part in the festivities, a second local source said, also speaking on condition he not be named.

And many who could not participate sent greetings in writing, he said.

No cultural events or songs and dances were performed at the opening, though, RFAs source said.

It is a tradition at Kirti monastery not to organize cultural performances during such celebrations, he said.

Reported by Kunsang Tenzin and Lhuboom for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Richard Finney.
People take to boats in Vietnam's central provinces as flooding hammers the country, Oct. 2016.

Local officials are blaming the operators of the Ho Ho Hydroelectric Plant for making the deadly flooding in Vietnams Ha Tinh Province worse by suddenly releasing water held back by the dam.

Le Ngoc Huan, chairman of the provinces Huong Khe district peoples committee, told RFAs Vietnamese Service that Ho Ba Company officials failed to notify people below the dam of the massive water release that came on Oct. 14 as torrential rain pounded the country.

In this case, Huan accused the dam operators of opening the flood gates at the wrong time. Ho Ba Company officials should have opened the flood gates some days earlier once they learned that a tropical-low was preparing to hit Vietnam during what meteorologist say is one of the strongest monsoons in many years, he said.

Flooding in Vietnam is being blamed for killing at least 25 people and destroying thousands of homes, government officials said on Monday, as the country braced for even further destruction with typhoon Sarika closing in on the country.

The rain has been intensified by the El Nino natural phenomenon which sees Pacific water temperatures rise and leads to severe weather worldwide.

While the floods hit Quang Binh province the hardest, Ha Tinh was also hard hit.

Ho Ho Hydro Plant director Vu Manh Hung disputed Huans accusations, saying the company followed the right process because it had notified surrounding villages so that local people could evacuate.

While Hung defended the company, the Ministry of Commerce sent in a team to investigate the disaster.

The provincial Irrigation Department said the Ho Ho hydropower plant discharged between 500-1,800 cubic meters a second on Friday night, while another hydroelectric facility, the Boc Nguyen plant discharged 150-200 cubic meters per second, according to a report by VNExpress International.

Something abnormal

The investigative delegation of Ministry of Commerce was set up late yesterday because they found something abnormal, said journalist Nguyen Quang Vinh.

Local authorities confirmed to RFA that they asked the dam operators to postpone the water release, and accused the company of being more concerned with protecting the reservoir on the Ngan Sau River than on protecting the people below the dam.

A top district official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said no one answered his calls to the company when he was attempting to get the company to delay the water release so people could flee.

Local people mainly rescued themselves, said journalist Hoang Duc said. They climbed to high ground or rocks or ran to the Ho Chi Minh Highway to avoid the danger.

The discharge was so sudden that within 30 minutes the water rose from one to two meters, he added. It is terrible. The people of Huong Khe are in extreme difficulty.

Tran Chinh Truc, a parish vicar in Quang Binh province, described the damage as severe.

Seven parishes in Tuyen Hoa district have reported so far around 6,000 flooded houses and five deaths, he said. There are 170 houses that are completely inundated in my parish alone.

Reported by Than Pham for RFA's vietnamese Service. Translated by An Nguyen. Written in English by Brooks Boliek.
An unidentified man has blown himself up at the headquarters of state-owned television in Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia.

Abkhazia's de facto Interior Minister Aslan Kobakhia said the man detonated an explosive device early on October 17 at the entrance of the building housing the State Television and Radio Broadcasting Corporation in the regional capital, Sukhumi.

Investigators are on the scene, trying to identify the man who was killed by the blast.

It is not clear if the man wanted to commit suicide in public or intended to target the broadcasting corporation's headquarters.

Abkhazia, along with South Ossetia, is a Russian-backed separatist region that has declared independence from Georgia.

Russia recognized the two regions as independent states following a short war with Tbilisi in August 2008.

Only a few countries followed Russia's lead.

Based on reporting by AFP, Sputnik-Abkhazia, and Interfax
Afghan officials say unknown gunmen have shot dead a reporter in the southern province of Zabul.

Zabul Province's police chief, General Mirwais Noorzai, said Yaqoob Sharafat was killed late on October 16 in the provincial capital, Qalat.

Sharafat was reportedly leaving a clinic with his wife when the gunmen opened fire.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Sharafat was working for the state-run Radio Television Afghanistan network.

According to the Afghan Journalists Safety Committee, 2016 has been the "bloodiest year for journalists in the history of Afghanistan," with 10 reporters killed in the first six months of the year.

Based on reporting by Pajhwok and Tolo News
Former Azerbaijani Health Minister Ali Insanov, 70, was ordered held in custody for three months on October 11, just nine days before the end of an 11-year prison term handed down to him in 2007 after a conviction on charges of bribery, embezzlement and economic crimes to which he pleaded not guilty.

Insanov, who in the early 1990s was a founding member of the ruling Yeni Azerbaycan Party, now faces a further trial on charges of possession of psychotropic drugs and resisting a prison officer, charges which he says are politically motivated and intended to preclude his release. He declined to attend the court hearing at which he was formally ordered held, declaring that he had "no desire to participate in this farce."

Insanov's lawyer, Togrul Babayev, and several Azerbaijani opposition politicians have also denounced the new charges as implausible, unsubstantiated, and unfair.

Babayev said that it was ridiculous to claim that a man of Insanov's age could have physically resisted a younger and stronger prison official. Babayev also asked rhetorically why a qualified medic should have wanted to experiment with drugs.

Opposition Musavat Party Deputy Chairman Tofiq Yaqublu, who served time in the same prison as Insanov, characterized Insanov's lifestyle as "healthy" and recalled that he had helped to provide medical treatment to inmates. "Clearly someone is afraid of his release," Yaqublu concluded.

Insanov was one of a group of senior Azerbaijani officials arrested on the eve of the October 2005 parliamentary elections on suspicion of plotting a coup d'etat. That charge against Insanov was subsequently dropped, but he went on trial in early 2007 on charges of illegally privatizing medical facilities, bribery, and abuse of his official position. Insanov, who pleaded not guilty, was convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Six years later, in March 2013, the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights ruled that Insanov had been denied the right to a fair trial and that he had been held in inhumane and demeaning conditions in various penitentiaries. The court ruled that the Azerbaijani authorities should pay Insanov 10,000 euros ($11,000) in compensation.

The Azerbaijani government ignored that ruling, however, whereupon Insanov appealed to the Council of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Two months later, Azerbaijan's Supreme Court annulled its own rejection of Insanov's appeal against his prison term and ordered a repeat hearing by the Baku Appeals Court, which in February 2014 upheld the original sentence.

In the course of that hearing, during which Insanov was forced to sit in a soundproof glass box in the courtroom, he issued a statement cursing his former support for President Ilham Aliyev and denouncing the government. At his original trial, he had accused Aliyev of appropriating money from the sale of Azerbaijan's Caspian oil and of establishing a "military-political regime."

Azerbaijani human rights activists consider him a political prisoner.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL
Security forces in Russia's North Caucasus region of Daghestan have killed two men wanted for their alleged involvement into terrorist activities.

Russia's National Antiterrorist Committee (NAK) said on October 17 that the two suspects were killed in a special operation in Daghestans southeastern city of Derbent overnight.

Daghestan has been at the epicenter of a wave of violence by armed militants seeking to establish an Islamic caliphate in the North Caucasus.

Organized crime, business turf wars, political disputes, and clan rivalry also contribute to the bloodshed in the region.

Based on reporting by Interfax and TASS
European Union foreign ministers have strongly condemned Syrian and Russian air strikes on civilian targets in rebel-held eastern Aleppo, saying they may amount to war crimes.

A statement agreed by the EU's 28 members on October 17 says that, since the start of an offensive by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's "regime and its allies, notably Russia, the intensity and scale of the aerial bombardment of eastern Aleppo is clearly disproportionate."

The statement said the offensive involved "the deliberate targeting of hospitals, medical personnel, schools, and essential infrastructure, as well as the use of barrel bombs, cluster bombs, and chemical weapons."

Britain and France pushed for strong condemnation of Syria and Russia during the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Luxembourg on October 17.

Calling Russia the Syrian government's "puppeteers," British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the bombardment of Aleppo's rebel-held districts "shames humanity."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the EU ministers examined "all the options to put much stronger pressure" on Assad and his allies.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the bloc was not considering sanctions against Russia for its actions in Syria. But she said there was a possibility of extending measures against Assad's regime.

Russia said on October 17 that Russia and Syrian government forces would halt their air strikes on eastern Aleppo for eight hours on October 20 for humanitarian considerations.

But the United Nations said eight hours was not long enough to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid to some 250,000 civilians trapped in rebel-held parts of Aleppo.

In Washington on October 17, the U.S. State Department said a pause of Russian and Syrian air strikes in eastern Aleppo was a good idea, but said their call for an eight-hour ban was "too little, too late."

With reporting by dpa, Reuters, AFP, TASS, Interfax, and BBC
The head of Syria's National Security Bureau Ali Al-Mamlouk met during a Cairo visit with Egypt's head of intelligence Khaled Fawzy, Syria's state-owned news agency SANA reported on Monday.

Al-Mamlouk met with Egyptian officials following an invitation by Egypt, where both sides agreed during the one-day visit on "coordinating political positions between Syria and Egypt as well as boosting coordination in fighting terrorism faced by both countries."

This is the first official visit to Egypt by the Syrian chief of national security since the Syrian civil conflict broke out five years ago.

According to AFP, citing a Syrian political source in Damascus, Al-Mamlouk had "met with Egyptian officials in Cairo previously, but this is his first public visit."

Egyptian media reported on Sunday, citing unnamed officials, that six Syrians officials arrived on a private jet Sunday from Damascus for discussions on efforts to reach a political solution to the country's civil war, now in its fifth year.

Last week, signs of tension surfaced between Egypt and Saudi Arabia over Cairo's voting in favour of two rival UN Security Council resolutions that would have, to different degrees, scaled down the fighting in the Syrian city of Aleppo.

Both resolutions failed to pass, but Egypt's backing of the Russian draft resolution sparked tensions with Saudi Arabia, which has opposed Russia's support for Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

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Mohammad Nayeb-Zehi was among the hundreds of worshippers who gathered on September 30 at the Great Mosalla, a religious site in Iran's southeastern city of Zahedan, for Friday Prayers.

Just hours later, the 16-year-old's family learned he was dead.

Nayeb-Zehi was among the scores of people gunned down by security forces in a brutal crackdown following anti-government protests in Zahedan, the provincial capital of Sistan-Baluchistan Province, which is home to the country's Baluch minority.

"He was a simple laborer and not political," Nayeb-Zehi's brother, Ahmad, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda in a telephone interview from Zahedan, adding that his sibling had been shot in the heart. "We're in pain, and we cannot accept it."

The crackdown in Zahedan came amid weeks-long nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who died on September 16, days after she was detained by Iran's morality police.

In Sistan-Baluchistan, public anger at the authorities escalated amid reports that a 15-year-old Baluch girl had been raped by a police official in the province's southern port city of Chabahar.

The violence erupted soon after protesters gathered outside a police station near the central mosque in Zahedan. Members of the crowd chanted anti-government slogans, and some threw rocks. Security forces responded with deadly force by firing on the crowd from the station, according to witnesses.

Security forces also raided the central mosque and the nearby Great Mosalla and opened fire on worshippers using live ammunition, rights groups said, adding that many were shot in the head, heart, neck, or torso, revealing a clear intent to kill or seriously wound.

At least 94 people were killed and 350 wounded on that day, referred to as "Bloody Friday," according to the U.S.-based Iran Human Rights Documentation Center. At least 13 minors were among those killed, including Nayeb-Zehi.

The victims were overwhelmingly Baluch -- a mostly Sunni ethnic group that has long faced disproportionate discrimination at the hands of the Iranian authorities.

"He was martyred inside the Mosalla while holding his prayer mat," said Ahmad Nayeb-Zehi.

Nayeb-Zehi's family first visited Zahedan's Khatam al-Anbia hospital, hoping he was among the wounded. They later found his body in a seminary at the Great Mosalla.

"We entered a room there and saw about 10 bodies," said Ahmad Nayeb-Zehi. "[Mohammad] was among them."

He said the authorities prevented the family from filming the scene. "I told them this has to be documented, it has to be published by international media," he said, adding that footage later emerged on social media showing the gruesome scene at the seminary.

The family refused to send Nayeb-Zehi's body to the morgue. Instead, his body lay in the living room for around 24 hours before he was buried.

"We said he was martyred and there was no need for an autopsy," said Ahmad Nayeb-Zehi.

The authorities accused Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni militant group, of attacking the police station. The group is recognized as a terrorist organization by both Iran and the United States and has previously claimed deadly attacks in Sistan-Baluchistan targeting Iranian security forces.

But local and independent sources have rejected the authorities' claims.

The authorities have also reported a much lower number of fatalities, announcing that only 19 people, including several members of the security forces, were killed.

Ahmad Nayeb-Zehi said the authorities were "rubbing salt into the wounds of the people" by claiming "terrorists" were involved.

He said he witnessed a military helicopter shooting at civilians near the Great Mosalla. "I haven't even seen such scenes in Hollywood movies," he said. "A helicopter was shooting at people. A lady was shot in front of my eyes."

RFE/RL could not verify his account. But activists have accused security forces of shooting at protestors from helicopters.

"I don't know what the intention of this crime was," he said. "Our only demand from the establishment is for the murderers of our [family members] to be punished."

The killings have led to widespread anger in Sistan-Baluchistan, one of Iran's poorest provinces.

Anti-establishment protests have been reported in Zahedan since the crackdown, including on October 14 and October 21, when protesters took to the streets after Friday Prayers and chanted "Death to the dictator."

During his Friday Prayers sermon on October 21, influential Sunni cleric Molavi Abdolhamid Ismaeelzahi said senior officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were "responsible" for the September 30 killings.

"We are surprised by the silence of the high-ranking officials," he said in his sermon, which was posted on his website.

"Scores were killed here without any reason. I don't have the exact number. Some have reported 90, some say less, some say more," Ismaeelzahi added.

He also said people will not be satisfied until "those who killed the people" are brought to justice.

The Iran Human Rights Documentation Center said the events of September 30 amounted to "a massacre of protesters by security forces."

"The government's total denial of responsibility for the massacring of citizens by its security apparatus is consistent with similar past denials and is evidence that internal calls for investigation of such crimes are insufficient," said the rights group, which documents human rights violations in Iran.
Kurdish commanders claimed wide advances as Peshmerga fighters and Iraqi forces, backed by U.S.-led coalition jets, opened their assault on Mosul, part of a long-awaited effort to retake the northern Iraqi city from Islamic State militants.

After a day of artillery fire, bombs, and missiles that sent plumes of smoke into the air, Kurdish forces said on October 17 that they had retaken around 200 square kilometers and pushed back Islamic State fighters.

The battle to recapture Mosul, which has been under Islamic State control since 2014, is the largest military operation in Iraq since U.S. troops left in 2011.

Both Iraqi and U.S. officials are hoping a victory will deal a decisive blow to the extremist fighters, who stunned Iraq and Syria by seizing vast swaths of territory two years ago.

Government forces moved on the city from the Qayyarah base, some 60 kilometers south of Mosul, while Kurdish Peshmerga fighters advanced from the east.

The gains on the first day of battle appeared largely symbolic, as the allied forces moved into villages that were mainly empty of inhabitants. But U.S. Defense Department spokesman Peter Cook said it appeared the Iraqi forces were ahead of schedule so far.

"Early indications are that Iraqi forces have met their objectives so far and that they are ahead of schedule for this first day. This is going according to the Iraqi plan, but again, it's early, and the enemy gets a vote here," Cook told reporters in Washington.

WATCH: Iraqi, Kurdish Troops Begin Operation To Liberate Mosul

"We will see whether [Islamic State] stands and fights. We are confident no matter what, however, that the Iraqis have the capabilities to get this job done and we stand ready to support them along with the rest of the coalition," he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, dressed in a military uniform and surrounded by Iraqi officers, announced the beginning of the operation with great fanfare.

"The hour of victory has come," Abadi said.

He also vowed that only government forces would enter Mosul, a Sunni-majority city. That's important because Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias have been taking part in operations around Mosul. Those militias have been accused of abuses against Sunni civilians, raising concerns about the treatment of Sunni civilians in Mosul.

"The force leading liberation operations is the brave Iraqi Army with the national police, and they are the ones that will enter Mosul, not others," Abadi said.

The effort to retake Mosul stands as a key military goal for the Abadi government but also a crucial political one, to show that the central government is capable of uniting some of the country's disparate ethnic factions and rival clans behind a common goal.

Iraqi Brigadier General Haidar Fadhil told the Associated Press that more than 25,000 troops were taking part in the offensive.

The general command of the Peshmerga said the operation also included up to 4,000 Kurdish fighters who were seizing control of IS-held villages east of Mosul.

It said the operation was coordinated with Iraqi federal forces moving from the south and had received extensive air support from the U.S.-led coalition.

Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, commander of the U.S.-led coalition forces, said the campaign would likely continue for weeks, possibly longer.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said the operation was key to defeating the IS militants.

The United Nations has expressed "extreme concern" for the safety of up to 1.5 million people in and around Mosul.

"This is a decisive moment in the campaign to deliver a lasting defeat to IS, Carter said.

"We are confident our Iraqi partners will prevail against our common enemy and free Mosul and the rest of Iraq" from the "hatred and brutality" of the extremists, he said.

UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Stephen O'Brien said as many as 1 million people could be forced to flee their homes because of the operation.

"Tens of thousands of Iraqi girls, boys, women, and men may be under siege or held as human shields," O'Brien said in a statement. "Thousands may be forcibly expelled or trapped between the fighting lines."

Thousands of leaflets were dropped in recent days warning residents that the operation would be under way soon.

With reporting by AFP and AP
Iraqi officials say a suicide bomber outside of Baghdad has killed at least nine people, including civilians and members of the countrys security forces.

Police say the attacker on October 17 drove an explosives-laden car into an army checkpoint in the town Yussifiyah, about 20 kilometers south of Baghdad.

The blast also left at least 17 people wounded.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which came hours after Iraq's government announced the start of a military offensive aimed at retaking the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State militants..

Based on reporting by AFP, AP, and Reuters
A court in Lithuania plans to summon former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to a trial over the Soviet crackdown on the Baltic state's pro-independence movement in 1991.

The Vilnius Regional Court said on October 17 that it will summon Gorbachev to testify at the trial as a witness.

In January, the court started the trial of two former Soviet military officers, Russian citizens Gennady Ivanov and Yury Mel.

Lithuania charged 66 citizens of Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine last year with war crimes and crimes against humanity over the death of 13 people during the 1991 crackdown.

More than 1,000 people were also wounded when Soviet troops stormed Vilnius's TV tower on January 13, 1991.

Fourteen people lost their lives that day after another person died of a heart attack.

It was the deadliest action by the Soviet Army in trying to crush secessionist movements in the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

Based on reporting by Delfi and Interfax


Pakistani officials say at least 24 people have been killed after two buses collided in the southern province of Punjab.

Local police officer Muhammad Akram said 49 people were also injured in the crash, which occurred early on October 17 in Rahim Yar Khan, some 600 kilometers south of provincial capital, Lahore.

"The accident happened due to speeding, and the two vehicles collided head-on," Akram said.

Rescuers were attempting to pull people out of the wreckage, with fears that the death toll could rise, local government official Zafar Iqbal said.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's office said he has "expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

Poor roads, reckless driving, and badly maintained vehicles kill up to 5,000 people in Pakistan every year, according to government statistics.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and dpa
The Moscow-based human rights center Memorial has recognized a Chechen journalist Zhalaudi Geriyev as a political prisoner.

In an October 17 statement, Memorial said Geriyev's imprisonment was linked to his professional activities.

On September 5, a court in Chechnya found Geriyev guilty of marijuana possession and sentenced him to three years in jail.

Geriyev had denied the charges, while New York-based Human Rights Watch said he was being "punished" for his work as a journalist.

Geriyev, a contributor to the website Caucasian Knot, has been known for his reporting on human rights in Chechnya, which is tightly controlled by Kremlin-backed Ramzan Kadyrov.

Rights activists have blamed Kadyrov and his paramilitary forces for serious rights abuses, including the widespread use of kidnapping, torture, and extrajudicial murders.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius said the European Union should consider further sanctions on Russia due to its actions in Syria. In an interview on the sidelines of an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels, Linkevicius told RFE/RL's Rikard Jozwiak that more sanctions would be "a logical way to go, because it is the only leverage we are using."
MOSCOW -- The son of a Russian oil executive has avoided prison for his part in a frenzied car chase with police that spawned a viral video showing him and a group of friends flouting traffic laws, including driving through a children's playground.



A Moscow court on October 17 convicted Ruslan Shamsuarov, son of a vice president at the private oil company LUKoil, and his friend, Viktor Uskov, of insulting police officers but acquitted them of the more serious crime of threatening police with violence.

Moscow's Gagaransky district court fined Shamsuarov and Uskov 20,000 rubles ($320) each and ordered both to perform 300 hours of community service. It also ordered Shamsuarov's luxury sport utility vehicle to be confiscated.



The court acquitted Abduvakhob Madzhidov, the man driving the vehicle in the early hours of May 22.



The men filmed and broadcast their getaway on the Internet using the Periscope application, taunting and joking crudely about police officers during the chase.



The incident was the latest of numerous high-profile cases that have stoked grassroots outrage over what many Russians see as the impunity with which the rich, powerful, and well-connected brazenly flout the country's road rules.

The group of men were pursued by several police cars and apprehended after hours of driving a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, without number plates, at dangerously high speeds and then abandoning the vehicle near a children's playground and trying to flee.



In early June, the three men were arrested and placed in custody for 15 days for ignoring orders from the police.



State prosecutors had asked that Shamsuarov, Madzhidov, and Uskov be sentenced to more than two years in prison.



Russia's powerful Investigative Committee had earlier sought to charge the men with "hooliganism," which carries a stiffer punishment. But prosecutors instead opted to pursue charges that included insulting and threatening police.

'Untouchable Upper Caste'



Writing on Twitter, opposition politician and anticorruption campaigner Aleksei Navalny criticized the verdict, drawing attention to what he cast as the unfair application of the law criminalizing "violence" against law enforcement.



He compared the verdict to prison sentences, widely criticized by Western governments and rights activists as politically motivated, handed down to opposition protesters following clashes with police during the May 2012 antigovernment protests on Moscow's Bolotnaya Square.

"The son of LUKoil's vice president is found not guilty. The ordinary people from the 'Bolotnaya case' are in prison," Navalny wrote.

The sentiment was echoed by other Twitter users. "The people expected nothing else," wrote one user. Others wrote: "Where is the real sentence?" and "Justice, Russian-style."

Communist Party lawmaker Valery Rashkin questioned why the accused were let off without a prison sentence.

"And if there is to be no punishment, why did they put on this show trial? To show once again that the children of the upper caste remain as they were, untouchable?" Rashkin said in comments released by the party, which has a populist streak but regularly sides with the Kremlin on key issues.


A massive Russian "spiritual and cultural center," crowned by a golden-domed Orthodox cathedral, is opening its gates in downtown Paris, thrusting Russian religious and political outreach to the fore in one of Europe's most prestigious and influential capitals.

The complex is widely seen as a grand expression of Moscow's quest to project the image of a powerful, religious Russia, and assert itself as a champion of traditional values.

Its construction has been marred by architectural, financial, and political disputes and shadowed by fears that it could help an increasingly assertive Russia spy on French officials or sow division within an already quarrelsome European Union.

Highlighting its symbolic importance, the October 19 unveiling was due to be attended by President Vladimir Putin until the Russian leader last week nixed his planned visit amid a row with France and Western powers over the continuing war in Syria.

The cathedral was reportedly first proposed in 2007 by the head of the Russian Orthodox Church at the time, the late Patriarch Aleksii II, during his historic visit to the French capital.

It is part of a Russian campaign to gain control of churches and graves dating from tsarist times and reassert control over the Russian diaspora, including in France, where there are an estimated 200,000 followers of Russian Orthodoxy.

In Paris, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral broke with the Russian church hierarchy after the 1917 revolution, transferring its allegiance from Moscow to the rival Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy reportedly intervened personally to ensure that Russia could buy and develop a plot near the famed Eiffel Tower and Alexandre III bridge.

In 2010, then-President Dmitry Medvedev signed the deal on behalf of Russia to purchase the prized property by the banks of the Seine River -- a UNESCO-protected site -- for 73 million euros ($80 million). Reports said other countries seeking to buy the plot included Saudi Arabia and Canada.

An initial request to build the Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center was filed in January 2012, but opposition to architect Manuel Nunez Yanowsky's design quickly mounted in the French capital, where preserving the integrity of the city's famed architecture is taken seriously.

Then-Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe described the architecture -- five golden onion domes, white limestone, and glass -- as "pastiche," "mediocre," and "utterly inappropriate for the site."

After Francois Hollande succeeded Sarkozy as France's head of state in 2012, French cultural and heritage officials issued unfavorable opinions before Russia withdrew its first application for a building permit.

The project was then redesigned under the supervision of architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, and a building permit was issued in December 2013.

Sensitive Site

The 4,800-square-meter complex includes four distinct entities: Holy Trinity Cathedral, capped with five gilded domes and its highest cross reaching 35 meters into the sky; a parish center comprising an auditorium and foyer, offices, and apartments; a French-Russian primary school for 150 pupils; and a cultural center, including a book shop, exhibitions spaces, and a coffee shop.

Construction finally began in 2014 against a backdrop of deteriorating ties between Moscow and the West over Russia's actions in Ukraine, where it occupied and annexed Crimea and has lent support to armed separatists who control parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The golden main dome, an 8-ton structure made of composite materials, was winched into place in March with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Prikhodko in attendance.

The cost of the construction work, by French company Bouygues, has been estimated at around 100 million euros ($110 million).

From the start, French officials have expressed concern that the building is just a stone's throw from a sensitive government compound. As well as housing France's supreme magistrates' council, the neighboring Palais de l'Alma contains the Elysee Palace's postal service and the private apartments of senior presidential advisers.

French media reports say that country's counterespionage services have surrounded the building with jamming devices to prevent the Russians from using it for electronic surveillance.

There were also unsuccessful attempts by former shareholders of the now-defunct Russian oil giant Yukos to suspend work at the site and get the property seized to help settle a multibillion-dollar battle for compensation for the Russian state's seizure of the firm and its assets in 2003.

But in April, the High Court of Paris ruled that the object could not be seized, saying it a was considered a diplomatic good protected by sovereign immunity.

Russian Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky is to attend this week's opening ceremony of the center, which officials have described as a symbol of friendship between Russia and France.

Cold War Redux

The event comes with relations between Russia and the West at levels unseen since the Cold War following Russia's military seizure of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in March 2014 and an ensuing war between Kyiv's forces and Russia-backed separatists that has killed more than 9,600 people.

Ties have further deteriorated over the war in Syria, which hosts a Russian military base and where Russia announced a bombing campaign in September 2015 to support President Bashar al-Assad and fight "international terrorists."

Paris and Moscow butted heads last week in the UN Security Council over competing draft resolutions on the Syrian conflict, where French and other Western officials have said Russia and Syria could have committed war crimes.

Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill has strongly supported Putin politically, even offering thinly veiled backing in the controversial 2012 election that returned the former KGB officer to the presidency.

Some analysts suggest that Putin, on the other hand, regards the Orthodox Church and its leadership as a channel for communication with the West.

Kirill met with Pope Francis for about three hours in Cuba in February in the first meeting between the heads of Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches since the Great Schism divided Christendom in 1054.
KYIV -- An unruly commander of Russia-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine who once boasted about having killed captive soldiers has died in Donetsk in an apparent assassination, the latest in a spate of killings that the separatists blame on Kyiv but that others suspect have been carried out by Russia.

A top Donetsk separatist leader vowed revenge, sparking concerns of new violence by separatists whose war with Kyiv's forces has killed more than 9,600 people in eastern Ukraine since April 2014.



Arseny Pavlov, a Russian citizen better known by his nom de guerre, Motorola, succumbed to "injuries incompatible with life" after an improvised explosive device detonated as he entered the elevator of his apartment building in the separatist stronghold of Donetsk on October 16, the Interfax news agency reported. It said a bodyguard also died in the blast.



The separatist leadership in Donetsk confirmed Pavlov's death and said an investigation was under way. Aleksandr Zakharchenko, head of the separatist group that calls itself the Donetsk People's Republic, blamed the Ukrainian authorities for the blast that killed Pavlov, who headed a fighting force called the Sparta battalion.

Zakharchenko said the killing amounted to a "declaration of war" by President Petro Poroshenko and vowed to retaliate against members of Ukraine's military and security services, as well as their families.



"All officers, lieutenant colonels, majors who operate on our territory, all your agents, families, are beyond the law as of now. Not only here but in Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk," Zakharchenko told a press conference in Donetsk, listing cities that are under government control. "And I would add: when we come to your home, there will be no mercy towards you, believe me."

WATCH: Aleksandr Zakharchenko On 'Motorola' Killing



Hours after Pavlov's death was reported, an unverified video showing four masked, armed men taking credit for the killing was shared online by Russian media and separatist supporters.

Standing in front of a Ukrainian flag as well as one representing a neo-Nazi group with roots in Ukraine and Russia, one man vows to come after Zakharchenko and Luhansk separatist leader Ihor Plotnitsky next, before the four men make a Nazi salute. The authenticity of the video could not be confirmed, and Russian media have used faked footage in the past during the conflict.

'Sad But Fair'

Neither Poroshenko nor his office immediately commented on Pavlov's death or responded to Zakharchenko's remarks. But Artem Shevchenko, director of communications for Ukraine's Interior Ministry, said Pavlov got what he deserved.



"It is a sad but fair end of such bastards on our Ukrainian land," Shevchenko wrote in a post on Facebook.



Other Ukrainians, many of whom view Pavlov as a war criminal, reacted on social media with relief and even delight.



Pavlov, 33, was born in Russia's northern Komi Republic and was reported to have once lived in Rostov-on-Don, near the Ukrainian border. He was married with two children, who were reportedly inside the family's Donetsk apartment at the time of the blast. The marriage, celebrated with guns and roses in Donetsk, was rumored to be his second and conducted without him having divorced his first wife.

Media reports say he fought in the second war between Russian forces and Chechen separatists, which began in 1999, and had worked as a lifeguard and a car washer.



In 2014, Pavlov traveled to the eastern Ukrainian city of Slovyansk to fight in an anti-Kyiv force led by Igor Girkin, another Russian who played a key role in the early stages of the conflict.



Pavlov later went on to fight in fierce battles against Ukrainian forces in Ilovaysk in August 2014 and Debaltseve in February 2015 -- separatist campaigns that Western intelligence and reporters on the ground said were backed by regular Russian forces.



Pavlov also led the Sparta battalion in the protracted battle for Donetsk airport, which left a once-gleaming new terminal completely destroyed, and boasted about having killed 15 Ukrainian combatants captured by his men there.

In another 2015 interview with RFE/RL's Current Time TV, however, Pavlov said he didn't kill the Ukrainian prisoners.

WATCH: Motorola Pushes Back On Execution Accusations



Nevertheless, Amnesty International has accused Pavlov of war crimes and the European Union imposed sanctions on him for his alleged actions in Ukraine.



There had been at least one reported attempt on Pavlov's life, on June 24, when a vehicle packed with explosives blew up outside a trauma center in Donetsk where he was reportedly receiving treatment for a battlefield injury. No casualties were reported.



Pavlov is one of several separatist military leaders to have been killed in apparent assassinations, but the first in the Donetsk region. Several in Luhansk -- the other province held in part by the separatists -- have been killed or found dead under mysterious circumstances. Others in Donetsk, including Zakharchenko, have been the target of assassination attempts.

Possible Moscow Role?



While the separatists have blamed Kyiv in all cases, many analysts believe Moscow could be behind such killings.



"Moscow may want to give the [separatist groups] more acceptable civilian faces not directly implicated in MH17 or war crimes," Alex Kokcharov, a Ukraine and Russia risk analyst at the London-based defense and security consultancy IHS Markit, told RFE/RL.

An international probe found that a Russian missile fired from separatist-held territory downed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July 2014, killing all 298 people on board.

Kokcharov said that Russia might hope removing those seen as responsible could "put more pressure on Kyiv" to make concessions in efforts to end the conflict and resolve the status of the separatist-held areas under the Minsk agreement, signed in February 2015.

Kokcharov suggested the killing could further reduce the chances of implementation of the already frayed Minsk deal and lead to an increase in fighting. Regardless of who killed Pavlov, he said, his death "gives a pretext for [the separatists] to accuse Kyiv and escalate the conflict."

Using a colloquial name for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, a pro-Kremlin Russian analyst, Igor Korotchenko, said on Twitter: "In light of recent events, a new round of war in the Donbas, unfortunately, becomes almost inevitable."

Russian and Ukrainian leaders, along with their French and German counterparts, are considering meeting in Berlin on October 19 to seek progress on the Minsk agreement, but Moscow and Kyiv are locked in a stalemate over how and when the deal should be implemented.


Speaker Ali Abdel-Al said he is seriously contemplating a joint meeting with Saudi Arabia's Shura Council to put relations between the two countries back on track

Upon the request of a large number of MPs, the speaker of Egypt's parliament, Ali Abdel-Al has announced that he is seriously studying a proposal aimed at holding a joint meeting with leading members of Saudi Arabia's Shura Council.

In a plenary session on Monday, Abdel-Aal said Egypt is keen that it has excellent relations with the brother nation of Saudi Arabia. "For this reason I will seriously study this request and see how it could be implemented," he said.

Abdel-Al's announcement came after independent MP and high-profile journalist Mostafa Bakri told parliament Monday that a large number of MPs have signed a request asking that an Egyptian parliamentary delegation be formed to visit Saudi Arabia and meet with leading members of its Shura Council, to help erase any tension between the two countries.

According to Bakri, the proposal should reflect a kind of "parliamentary diplomacy" which aims at strengthening Egypt's relations with other countries via parliamentary and popular channels.

Bakri told journalists that when relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia suffered a setback in 2012 due to protests in front of the Saudi embassy in Cairo, and when late King Abdullah bin Abdel-Aziz reacted by recalling the Saudi ambassador to Cairo, Egypt's parliament decided to send a delegation to Saudi Arabia to mend fences.

"It was an excellent step which helped put the relations between the two Arab brotherly nations back on a sound track and demonstrated the power of parliamentary diplomacy," said Bakri.

Bakri said that a large number of MPs have signaled their support of his proposal. "They also want to play a role in keeping excellent relations with Saudi Arabia," said Bakri.

Relations between Egypt and the kingdom have soured this week after Egypt  currently occupying a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council - voted in favour of a Russian proposal on the war in Syria.

Following the vote, the Saudi ambassador to Cairo, Ahmed Kattan, left the country while Saudi oil company Aramco cancelled its October oil shipments to Cairo.

A media war between the two countries also erupted, with the Egyptian media accusing Saudi Arabia of trying to buy Egypt's "independent decision-making."

In an interview with Egyptian newspapers this week, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi insisted that "strategic relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia are not affected by anything and we should not allow anything to assail these relations."

El-Sisi has thanked Saudi Arabia for the support it has shown Egypt in recent years, accusing traditional and social media of "drawing a false picture" of tension between the two allies."

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MOSCOW -- A former orderly who alleges that patients at a psychiatric hospital in Russia's Tatarstan region are often stripped, bound, and beaten for minor infractions could be facing criminal charges after complaining about widespread abuse at the facility.

Denis Kirillov has been called into the Kazan office of the Investigative Committee for questioning and told that he could face prosecution for "giving false testimony." Kirillov also faces a civil lawsuit from former co-workers for allegedly "harming the commercial reputation" of the hospital.

Kirillov formerly worked at the Kazan Specialized High-Security Psychological Hospital, which is part of the Russian Health Ministry but is overseen by Tatarstan's branch of the federal prison service. Previously he worked at other detention facilities run by the prison service, including a strict-regime prison camp and the Kresty remand prison in St. Petersburg.

Earlier this month, Kirillov sent a complaint to Tatarstan's human rights ombudswoman, Saria Saburskaya, describing alleged abusive treatment at the facility and asking her "to instruct employees about the humane character of treating inmates."

"I felt sorry for the patients," Kirillov tells RFE/RL's Russian Service. "The poor things are humiliated, insulted, and beaten and no one stands up for them. They are too frightened and weak to defend their own rights."

"Patients in psychiatric hospitals suffer from lawlessness more than prisoners in camps or in remand jails. I have never seen such impunity anywhere," he adds.

Kirillov in particular complains that patients are frequently stripped naked, tied to their beds, and beaten -- often for minor infractions such as rudeness or refusing to eat.

"They don't give [such] patients anything to drink so that they won't need to use the toilet," Kirillov says. "They rarely feed them. These horrors take place in a separate ward so that other inmates don't ease their suffering. According to the law, a patient in a psychiatric hospital can be put under restricted movement only if he or she presents a danger to others. And the restriction can only be in place for a few hours at most. But in the hospital where I worked, a person could be bound for up to six weeks."

He says he believes there have been cases when patients died from such treatment. "But no one will investigate the cause of death carefully," Kirillov says. "'Psychos don't live long,' is what they say there."

Kirillov also says that many patients are kept heavily drugged and that "the majority of patients barely move at all."

History Of Abuse

The Kazan hospital already has a lamentable reputation. It has been the topic of scathing media reports for years and former patients have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights over alleged torture and inhumane treatment. In 2013, the Russian government sent the Strasbourg court a memorandum in which it admitted that there had been shortcomings at the hospital.

Officials at the hospital declined RFE/RL's request for a comment, while the Tatarstan branch of the federal prison service said it would only comment after the legal proceedings were concluded.

RFE/RL spoke with two former patients at the hospital, both of whom asked not to be identified and confirmed that Kirillov was telling the truth about conditions there. They both said that they had personally been abused.

"Denis is telling everything as it was," one patient said. "The patients liked him. He never insulted us and he gave us good advice. I thought that he viewed us as people."

Kirillov says he frequently came into conflict with other employees at the hospital for trying to help patients. When he unlocked restrooms so that patients could use the toilets, he was told, "Psychos have to suffer and endure." He says that he was beaten up by fellow employees a week before he quit working at the hospital.

"There are very few normal people working for UFSIN," Kirillov says, referring to the regional branch of the federal prison service. "As a rule, people go there to get a regular paycheck and to be able to act with impunity. Where else can you lord it over helpless people like that?"

"Prison workers must be [professional], especially in Russia, where there is an enormous number of innocent prisoners," Kirillov continues. "People are constantly convicted without evidence or witnesses. More and more citizens are sent to prison for political reasons."

Since he filed his complaint with the ombudswoman, Kirillov says he has received threatening phone calls at home from people saying, "They are waiting for you in prison."

He recalls that when he left the remand prison in St. Petersburg, his managers gave a good evaluation and a warning. "'Don't go against the system,'" Kirillov recalls them saying. ""It will not forgive you.'"

Robert Coalson contributed to this report
The United States and Britain said they are considering new sanctions to pressure the Syrian government and its ally, Russia, to end the bombardment of the besieged city of Aleppo.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry made the warning on October 16 after briefing allies in London on the deteriorating situation in Syria.

Both also called for Russia and Iran -- key allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad -- to agree to a new cease-fire after a previous U.S.-Russia brokered cessation of hostilities collapsed last month.

For her part, the European Unions foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, says the bloc is not considering sanctions against Russia for its actions in Syria.

"This has not been proposed by any member state," Mogherini said in Luxembourg on October 17 as she arrived for a meeting of EU foreign ministers expected to be dominated by the Syrian crisis.

However, she said the EU could extend sanctions against the Syrian regime as efforts to secure a cease-fire falter.

On October 15, Kerry met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other regional powers in the Swiss city of Lausanne, where the sides failed to agree on any concrete steps to halt the violence.

"There are a lot of measures that we're proposing, including extra measures on the regime and their supporters," Johnson told reporters. "These things will eventually come to bite the perpetrators of these crimes, and they should think about it now."

Johnson urged Moscow to "do the right thing by humanity and the people of Syria" by committing to a cease-fire.

He also called on the United States and Europe to make Russia "feel the consequences" of its military campaign in Syria.

Kerry confirmed Washington was considering additional sanctions over Syria but did not name Russia as a target.

"We are considering additional sanctions and we are also making clear that President [Barack] Obama has not taken any options off the table at this point in time," Kerry said.

Washington had suspended bilateral discussions with Moscow over Syria following two failed attempts at implementing a cease-fire.

Kerry described the situation in Aleppo as the largest humanitarian disaster since World War II and added that "crimes against humanity" were taking place there on a daily basis.

The Syrian government launched an offensive to capture rebel-held eastern Aleppo three weeks ago.

The United Nations says 275,000 civilians are still in the city and 8,000 rebels are opposing Syrian, Russian, and Iranian-backed forces.

Western powers have accused Russia and Syria of committing atrocities by bombing hospitals, killing civilians, and preventing medical evacuations.

With reporting by AP, AFP and the BBC
MOSCOW -- The unrelenting bombing of rebel-held Aleppo by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian ally, Vladimir Putin, has drawn international condemnation and even calls from Washington and Paris for a war crimes investigation.

RFE/RL's Russian Service spoke to Chris Woods, director of Airwars, a London-based group monitoring international air strikes against the Islamic State extremist group in Iraq, Syria, and Libya, to get a better idea how Russia's air campaign in Syria compares with the one being conducted by a U.S.-led coalition.

RFE/RL: Can we compare the number of civilian casualties in Syria inflicted by Russian air strikes to those by U.S.-led coalition air strikes?

Chris Woods: There are many challenges in comparing the Russian and coalition campaigns in Syria. Partly because those countries report their conflict in slightly different ways, so we have different data sets, different tempos of air strikes. But there is, I suppose, some comparable data that we can look at that does indicate that the U.S.-led coalition and Russia appear to be fighting their wars in Syria in very different ways, and in ways which have quite significant implications for civilians on the ground.

RFE/RL: What are the differences?

Woods: When we look at the numbers for Syria, we think it's likely, based on Airwars' monitoring of reports of civilian casualties, that the U.S.-led coalition has probably killed about 900 civilians across the last 26 months since September of 2014. In just the last year, monitors suggest that Russian air strikes have killed in the region of 3,600 civilians, or more, in just the first year of Russian bombing. So the scale of civilian casualties from Russian air strikes is significantly greater than those we've seen from the coalition, even when you account for the higher tempo of Russian strikes in Syria compared to coalition action.

RFE/RL: What accounts for this difference?

Woods: We would assume that there are probably three reasons for the difference in numbers. One is the tempo. Russia carries out far more strikes than the Americans in Syria and, relatively speaking, one would expect that to lead to more casualties, including civilian casualties.

The second reason, and probably the most significant reason, is the munitions Russia is primarily using in Syria. Russia is still in the early stages of adopting so-called "smart bombs" -- that is, laser- and GPS-guided munitions -- which the coalition uses almost exclusively. The advantage of those bombs and missiles is they are fairly good at getting relatively precisely to where they are needed, which means that you need fewer munitions and fewer explosives to achieve the same effect. So, civilians generally are less harmed when precision munitions are used.

But as we understand it, more than 90 percent, perhaps an even higher proportion of Russian munitions, are still unguided bombs and missiles. Russian pilots appear to be good at getting those bombs to go to the areas they are needed to go. But the reality is that, in order to achieve the same effect, you need more bombs with more explosives to destroy your target. We've seen that repeatedly -- that military targets are hit by Russia but civilian casualties in the vicinity -- so-called collateral damage -- can be quite significant. We think that's the single biggest thing driving the high number of civilian casualties from Russia.

But there is another factor and this factor comes and goes depending on the stage of the campaign. There have been periods in Syria where Russia has very heavily targeted civilian infrastructure and civilian-occupied areas, and that has led to very significant civilian casualties at particular times. Of course, that is what has been causing such international upset, particularly on the question of Aleppo right now. This deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilian communities is very different as a tactic from what we've seen from the coalition, and does lead to these significant spikes in civilian deaths.

RFE/RL: Russian officials say they are targeting terrorists who are located in densely populated areas. Has the U.S.-led coalition faced the same challenge?

Woods: Absolutely. Mosul is bombed every single day by the coalition even though that city has a population of 1 million civilians, we think, under occupation by the so-called Islamic State. More air strikes have been carried out by the coalition in Mosul than anywhere else in their war. And more civilian deaths have credibly been reported in Mosul than anywhere else. At a minimum, we think that more than 500 civilians have been killed by the coalition in Mosul over the past two years.

You can't bomb in cities and towns from the air and not kill civilians. It's simply impossible. We know from extensive modeling of previous conflicts that civilians are at extreme risk from air strikes in these wars and it's the time when civilians are most likely to die in a conflict. It's when towns and cities are bombed in this way. Now, the coalition can somewhat reduce that risk for civilians by using precision strikes and lower-yield bombs, but both parties -- Russia and the coalition -- have without a doubt inflicted significant civilian casualties as they have tried to dislodge militant terrorist or rebel forces from particular cities or towns.

RFE/RL: How does information presented by parties in the conflict about their air strikes compare?

Woods: In the early stages of the war in Syria, Russia was very good at daily reports and saying roughly where it was bombing. Unfortunately, those reports have become much more intermittent now and we tend to only hear once a month from Russia, and it will tell us that it has bombed in a particular governorate, an area of Syria, but frankly, with thousands of air strikes going into Syria every month now from the U.S., Russia, the Assad regime, and others, it is not enough information to really understand from the official perspective when Russia is bombing. We would certainly welcome Russia returning to that early reporting when it tells us every day where and when it bombs.

It's important because in such a complicated war with so many foreign powers involved we think that civilians have a right to know who is bombing them and when things go wrong and civilians die they have a right know who has killed and injured their loved ones. With Russia's reporting right now, it's simply not possible to distinguish whether it was a Russian strike.

What I would say is that Russia is not alone in that. More than half the members of the U.S.-led coalition are very poor in their reporting, worse than Russia, certainly, in refusing to tell us where or when they bomb in Iraq and Syria. We don't think that's acceptable at all.

RFE/RL: Can you distinguish between Russian bombing and bombing conducted by Syrian aviation?

Woods: The reporting situation in Syria is getting more and more confused. We've tracked over the last years more than 14 nations external to Syria that have carried out air strikes in the country. It's incredibly difficult at times to distinguish who was responsible for what actions. The reports out of Aleppo are often confused. Most reports now can no longer distinguish between Russian and Assad regime air strikes, although sometimes assumptions are made based on the munitions that are dropped and the way that these locations are bombed.

But I think it's fair to say, and I don't think Russia has denied, that it is heavily involved in the air campaign in Aleppo right now. Perhaps it's blamed for too many of those strikes. But I think it is entirely fair to say that Russia is involved in a very targeted campaign primarily on civilian occupied neighborhoods of Aleppo that is killing a substantial number of civilians, probably the highest number of civilians Russia has killed during its entire campaign. And I think it's absolutely right that international organizations -- the UN, the ICRC [International Committee of the Red Cross/Red Crescent], and others -- have called Russia out on this.

RFE/RL: What can be done to reduce the number of civilian casualties from coalition, Russian, and other air strikes?

Woods: If the air strikes are going to continue, we have to see both the coalition and Russia foregrounding the reduction of harm to civilians on the battlefield. And crucially, in Russia's case, we think there's a significant public-interest need to switch as quickly as it is able from these dumb munitions dropped from high altitudes to more precise and guided munitions which we think will have a significant impact in terms of reducing civilian casualties.

RFE/RL: How serious are Western calls for war crimes investigations against Russia?

Woods: We are in a situation where four of the five permanent members of the Security Council are bombing Syria right now. When there is talk of a red line, I think the question always comes back to: Whose red line are we talking about? I do not see the international community as being capable of getting a grip on Syria right now with so many of the permanent five directly implicated in the conflict and frankly in the civilian casualties that are occurring in Syria. We leave red lines to others. Our red line at Airwars is: please, please, reduce the risk to civilians and reduce the number of air strikes on these occupied towns and cities.
Russian media reports that a commander of Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine has been killed by an explosion in his apartment building in Donetsk. Arseny Pavlov, a Russian citizen who went by the nickname "Motorola," led a separatist unit known as the Sparta battalion. Kyiv had accused him of war crimes for killing prisoners of war. In an interview with RFE/RL's Current Time TV in 2015, a Ukrainian soldier said he witnessed Motorola executing a fellow POW named Ihor. Motorola once boasted in an interview with the Kyiv Post that he killed prisoners. But when questioned by RFE/RL, he denied that he executed POWs. (RFE/RL's Current Time TV)
PETERSBURG  Dironna Moore Belton wiped away tears last Tuesday as the Petersburg City Council met behind closed doors to debate her fate  again.

She was exhausted, having awoken more than a dozen times overnight, and frustrated, seated behind her old desk on the second floor of the transit station. She put her head in her hands and drew a deep breath.

I just dont understand, she said. If council wants me gone so badly, why dont they just vote me out?

Theres much at stake for Belton, 38, and for Petersburg as a whole, as the City Council negotiates a contract with a turnaround firm helmed by former Richmond City Manager Robert C. Bobb, who also served as an emergency financial manager for Detroit Public Schools.

The city remains in the red, with more than $11 million in past-due bills as of Sept. 30 and a bottom-of-the-barrel investment credit rating that complicates borrowing. New lawsuits and threats of future legal action continue to trickle in. A judge has ordered the city into receivership over debts for wastewater service.

And on Friday, the citys fire marshal closed a historic courthouse over concerns about the structural integrity of a clock tower Petersburg cant afford to fix.

Beltons bosses on the council are divided over her performance. But she isnt ready to leave City Hall, not with so much work undone. Its a responsibility she has been preparing for since sixth-grade civics, when she first realized a majority African-American city had majority-white leadership.

I wanted to pioneer; I wanted to break through. Thats what I worked toward, Belton said.

But since her appointment, the relationship between city management and elected leaders has deteriorated, culminating in an ultimatum last week from Mayor W. Howard Myers in which he attempted to strip Belton of the authority to perform her job.

Petersburgs representatives to the state Senate and House of Delegates want her to stick around  for now, but the decision isnt theirs to make.

Now, Belton says, it feels like Im in a spiritual war.

***

The sharp elbows of small-town politics have knocked the wind out of her, Belton said.

While her predecessor, William E. Johnson III, faced no formal reprimand from the council after he was arrested in 2012 and accused of assaulting his wife, Belton is currently the subject of an internal investigation after clipping a pole with the side-view mirror of a city-owned vehicle.

The threats, rants and harassing phone calls Belton has received amplify the day-to-day stressors of trying to dig Petersburg out of a hole, she said.

I try to live an ethical life, and its very disheartening when people attack my character, she said. I just want to do my job.

Maybe the transit office wouldnt be a bad place to return to, she mused Tuesday as council members talked behind closed doors in the transit office.

Its quiet there, and familiar. Beltons name is still posted outside the office door, and her belongings line the desk and shelves. Theres a kitchen with a microwave. She had to bring her own to the space she has inhabited since her field promotion in March to succeed Johnson, who was fired.

Johnson now works in Richmond for the Credit Adjustment Bureau, a collections agency. He declined to be interviewed for this story and referred questions to his lawyer, Arnold Henderson, who did not respond to a request for comment. Johnsons assault-and-battery case was not prosecuted after he completed anger management training.

Belton said she cheered from the sidelines when the city hired Johnson, who is African-American, to succeed David B. Canada in 2011. At the time, she was working in transportation policy for the state.

In 2013, when Belton saw an opportunity to come home and lead Petersburgs beleaguered transit agency, she took it. It was her work there that won the support of the City Council, Myers said in an interview.

She did not realize at the time that Petersburg was heading for a fall the likes of which state Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance, D-Petersburg, compared to a natural disaster.

When Belton assumed city manager duties, she was told that Petersburg was $2 million in arrears, then $7.5 million; finally, a team of state auditors this summer determined that amount to be nearly $19 million. The problems piled up over years of draining rainy-day funds instead of adjusting spending to keep pace with declining revenues, she said.

Dance said Petersburgs fiscal crisis feels raw, like the shock of having tornadoes raze whole blocks of the city in 1993.

People thought we could not get through that, and we did, recalled Dance, who was then Petersburgs mayor and a member of the council. But that struggle seemed to bring us together; this one seems to be driving us apart.

***

Myers, who was first elected in 2010, said Johnson advised the council at some point that the city was facing some issues, but noted that the elected body depends on city management to provide members with the right information.

Council cannot intervene in the operations of the city, Myers said.

On Wednesday, Myers emailed Belton a message stating that he as Mayor in its immediacy rescind any/all current and future personnel actions provided as appointed to your duties to include hiring, termination, funding reallocations, as well as your October 11, 2016, transfer letter to the Risk Management Officer.

Myers said he could not discuss personnel aspects of the correspondence obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, but said the message came after Belton interfered in the process of negotiating with the Bobb Group.

His directive appears to conflict with the councils own code of ethics, which bars council members from interfering with the administration of city business. Myers said a majority of the council authorized the message and referred questions about the limitations of his authority to the city attorney.

Councilwoman Treska Wilson-Smith said Myers should not have sent the email.

I think sometimes we do not understand our jobs, she said.

Myers would not comment on specific aspects of Beltons performance, but did say he wished she would communicate more, an issue that he said is one-sided.

Belton on Friday expressed the same frustration.

I dont know where I stand, she said. I feel like I began to do my job, and theyre fed up with me doing my job.

She said she also wished they would ask her about the traffic infraction that Petersburg staff members have begun to refer to as Mirrorgate.

For now, Belton said her focus needs to be on the day-to-day operations of the city  not the internal probe; not a planned forensic audit; and not Chesterfield County Commonwealths Attorney William W. Davenports recently expanded criminal probe of the Petersburg Bureau of Police, which now includes possible financial improprieties of the city of Petersburg.

When I first started, we couldnt even crawl. We didnt know how we were going to live hour to hour, let alone day to day, Belton said. Now I can tell you where we should be weeks or even months from now.

The answer: hopefully, a less deep hole.

***

Belton is not accustomed to, as she puts it, being the bad guy.

Shes the hometown girl who came back and tried to make an impact, first as an intern and then a decade later as the new leader of a troubled city service.

Now, shes the one advocating for across-the-board pay cuts for municipal workers and hiring freezes. She enlisted the help of experts to present the Petersburg City Council with its least-worst path to averting economic collapse: shuttering museums; trimming emergency services; and slashing millions from the budget of the citys chronically underperforming schools, among others.

That was months ago. But it was on Tuesday that a majority of the council decided Petersburg was in a crisis only a turnaround firm could solve.

In a 5-1 vote, with Councilman David Coleman absent, the council directed city administration to negotiate terms with the Bobb Group and a consultant that specializes in securing grant funding.

The effort is anticipated to cost more than $350,000, which Myers said would come from vacancy savings the city accrues by leaving positions unfilled.

We need to use that money to pay down our bills, said Belton, who checks the citys revenues and expenditures on a daily basis to ensure compliance with payment plans.

Progress is slow, she said, but inevitable  so long as the city lives within its limited means.

When a recent federal audit of Petersburg Area Transit under Beltons leadership came back with black marks, Belton was dismayed. The worst findings related to things that were beyond her control, she said.

Among them: that more than $600,000 in federal disbursements made to the city through an online portal was not passed along to vendors within a mandatory three-day time frame. That means funds deposited into the citys bank account to pay for federally funded services could have been spent on other bills. In some instances, the city held onto the money for weeks, or months.

Belton initially did not return requests for comment about the report. In a later interview, she said she had concerns about the payments but no authority to intervene.

The money was handled by others, and Belton said she shares auditors concerns that it may have gone to pay other bills, noting that a similar issue had emerged about Federal Emergency Management Agency funds.

The money was coming into a central account, and I have no way of knowing what they did with it, she said.

***

For his part, Robert Bobb has said the situation Petersburg is facing is less dire than he has encountered in other localities.

He declined in an interview Tuesday to discuss any potential leadership changes and said his firm would lead a comprehensive review of all city operations.

Bobb did not return an additional request for comment. Members of his firm are scheduled to be in Petersburg today after a closed City Council meeting about contracting with the company. The closed meeting is slated to begin at 4:30 p.m. at Union Train Station.

Dance on Tuesday criticized the councils decision to hold the meeting to authorize negotiations at the last minute, and at midday, when many residents who might want to participate would be at work. There was no opportunity for public comment, either, so even residents who could attend could not speak, she said.

Although it remains unclear what hiring the Bobb Group will mean for Belton, Dance said she was unhappy with the prospect Belton could step down at such a precarious time for the city.

In the short term, the council should retain Belton in her current role, Dance said. The state team that came in for 45 days and worked to develop a plan worked most closely with her; shes the person thats closest to the pulse of whats been done and whats left undone.

Del. Lashrecse D. Aird, D-Petersburg, agreed.

Based on the plan that has been established, to further fluctuate staff at this point would pose a significant challenge, Aird said.

Wilson-Smith, the lone no vote against the Bobb Group, said Belton has been singled out for criticism at a time when the citys leadership should be united.

Ms. Belton stepped into a mess, she said. She is not to blame for the financial situation we are in, yet she is getting the blame.

Asked why, Wilson-Smith said she could not say.
The new law puts tough penalties on smugglers, establishes an anti-illegal migration and human trafficking committee and sets up fund to support victims

Egypt's parliament on Monday voted to pass a cabinet bill combating "illegal migration" and human-smuggling, state news agency MENA reported.

The 34-article bill stipulates a penalty of between EGP 50,000 and EGP 200,000 or a prison sentence, without specifying the duration, to anyone who smuggles migrants, attempts to smuggle them, mediates in the smuggling process, or provide any services while aware of the crime.

The bill, which was drafted by the cabinet last year and passed by 402 parliamentary votes, includes a definition of the crime of people-smuggling and various related elements such as smugglers, unaccompanied children, fraudulent travel documents, the types of ship involved and the territorial waters where it occurs.

In recent years, thousands of migrants and refugees from a variety of countries have attempted to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, with an increasing number departing via smugglers' boats from Egypt's northern coast.

On 21 September, a migrant boat destined for Italy capsized just off the coast of the Egyptian city of Rosetta due to overcrowding, leading to the deaths of at least 204 people.

One article in the draft law stipulates hard labour and/or fines of between EGP 200,000 and EGP 500,000 if suspects start, manage, hold a position in or are a member of an organised group that aims to smuggle illegal migrants.

This penalty also applies to smugglers in possession of a weapon, those who are public employees, and those who have previous felonies.

A life sentence is reserved for smugglers who aim to execute a terrorist attack by smuggling illegal migrants, those who cause the death or disability of an illegal migrant while transporting them, those who smuggle women or children, and those who use fake documentation to create new identities for the migrants.

The law establishes a national anti-illegal migration and human trafficking committee that will include representatives from all concerned ministries and research centres. It will provide training on how to combat illegal migration and operate a unit to document progress in combating the phenomenon.

An anti-illegal migration fund will also be set up to provide financial assistance to victims by the law. The fund will be under the purview of the prime minister and will begin operating on 30 June 2017.

The bill was submitted to the parliament in June before the end of the first legislative session, but was only approved by parliamentary committees on 28 September.

In October, Egypt agreed with Cyprus and Greece to work on stopping the flow of irregular migrants during a tripartite summit held in Cairo between the leaders of the three countries saying that the solution should not be limited to security measures and deportation.

After the shipwreck last month, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said that [the smugglers] violated Egyptian and international law... taking advantage of the people's lack of awareness amid regional and international circumstances that make Egypt a transit point for illegal immigration."

Egyptian security forces say they have foiled numerous irregular migration attempts in recent months.

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Richmond police are asking the public for help to identify a man accused of credit-card fraud.

Over the last month, the man has fraudulently used credit-card numbers in restaurants, convenience stores and clothing stores in Richmonds East End and Shockoe Bottom neighborhoods, as well as in the surrounding counties, police said.

Because the victim still had his credit card, detectives think the suspect made a duplicate card.
In Texas, Catherine Morphis eldest daughter  whom she described as a quintessential, hard-driving A student  had a 4.6 GPA.

Her second daughter, who has dyslexia, consistently notched Bs.

After moving to Montpelier in Hanover County, her oldest daughters GPA slid to a 4.1. Her second daughter received Cs for work that would have scored Bs at her previous school.

The difference, Morphis said, was a consequence of the school divisions grading scale.

Morphis and other parents encouraged Hanover to look into moving away from its current grading scale in favor of a 10-point standard at a School Board meeting last week, reasoning that the current method puts students at a disadvantage and that a change would align the school system with more districts across the country.

A change in Hanover would mean the lowest possible grade for an A would be a 90 instead of a 93.

Please take into account the anxiety and the success and the ambition and the confidence of your students as you consider whether or not you are willing to look into this issue for our community, Morphis urged the board during the meeting, where a few parents spoke on the issue.

An online petition pushing Hanover to switch to a 10-point grading scale has generated more than 950 signatures.

Superintendent Michael Gill noted at the meeting that school officials have heard from other community members who desire to maintain the current system.

But, given the interest, he recommended that the districts chief academic officer form a committee to study the issue.

School divisions in Richmond, Chesterfield County and Henrico County have implemented a 10-point grading scale in recent years.

Molly Poisant, who has three sons enrolled in the Hanover school district, pointed to states where the 10-point scale is uniformly used in high schools; specifically, she named North Carolina and South Carolina, two states where the state boards of education have adopted an across-the-board change within the past three years.

A 10-point standard, she said, increases students willingness to try higher classes and has positive effects on their self-esteem.

A formation of a committee is critical at this point, she said during the meeting.

Parent Julie Stubblefield said students who attend schools in counties that use a 10-point grading scale benefit when it comes to applying for college, scholarships and NCAA eligibility.

She said of merit scholarships, There is a hard and fast rule for eligibility  GPA. Counties using a 10-point grading scale are, mathematically, at an advantage, and Hanover is not one of those counties.
Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson wore a Chicago Cubs cap Monday night as he greeted hundreds of cheering supporters at the Hippodrome in Richmonds Jackson Ward.

He said he hopes its a good omen that this is the year of the underdog.

Its been, what, since 1908 when the Cubs won the World Series? Theres a symbolism here, the former New Mexico governor said.

Johnsons stop in Richmond capped a swing through Virginia that began with a morning speech at Liberty University in Lynchburg and included an afternoon interview at the Miller Center at the University of Virginia.

The event at the Hippodrome was not an official campaign event for Johnson. It was a stop of Liberty Tour 2016, a group that urges students and young professionals to integrate liberty in all aspects of their life and to push for the inclusion of third-party candidates in presidential debates.

At each Virginia stop on Monday, Johnson argued that the Libertarians represent the majority of Americans  fiscally conservative and socially inclusive, supportive of free markets and a strong defense, but against military interventions.

At Liberty and at the Hippodrome, Johnson said the economic model for the future is Uber everything, cutting out the middleman in order to speed services, cut costs and increase profits.

At the Hippodrome, Johnson made a particular pitch to young voters. He said it is young people who are fighting the nations wars and who might not benefit if entitlement programs go bust.

He said that based on what he knows now, as president he would pardon Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency subcontractor who leaked top-secret information about surveillance programs.

Earlier Monday, Johnson told students at Liberty University that Justice Clarence Thomas is the type of jurist he would nominate to the U.S. Supreme Court as president.

With regard to Supreme Court justices, it would be an issue of justices ruling on the basis of original intent of the Constitution, Johnson said in a question and answer session following his remarks at the nations largest evangelical university.

I think that Judge Thomas has probably been at the forefront of the kind of a judge that I would like to appoint.

As for his position on abortion, Johnson says on his campaign website that his approach to governing is based on a belief that individuals should be allowed to make their own choices in their personal lives and that abortion is a deeply personal choice.

Johnson told students at Liberty that the U.S. is a country of immigration and should make it as easy as possible for people who want to cross the border and work to get a work visa, which should be accompanied by a background check and a Social Security card, which will assure that the worker pays taxes.

Lets not build a wall across the border, he said. We will be on the wrong side of history.

Johnson is one of three candidates  along with Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump  who is on the ballot in all 50 states. Johnson received 11 percent support in Virginia in a poll that Christopher Newport University released Sunday.

At Liberty, Johnson rejected the notion that a vote for him and his running mate, former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld, is a wasted vote.

Throwing away your vote is voting for somebody that you dont believe in, he said. Thats throwing away your vote.

As for racial divisions in the country, he said: In the case of this discrimination that does exist, I think its roots lie in the war on drugs.

Johnson said that if he is elected, he and his fiancee, Kate Prusack, would marry at the White House. The only president who married at the White House was Grover Cleveland, in 1886.

At the Hippodrome on Monday night, Johnson supporters were glad to have the Libertarian alternative on Nov. 8.

I believe in liberty, said Todd Leggett of Fredericksburg, a project manager.

We shouldnt have to have a federal law in order to tell us how to behave, he said. If its not affecting anybody else, there shouldnt have to be a law.

Leslie Maloney of Midlothian, who works in accounting, said Johnson is a reasonable alternative to the two garbage candidates, and I like his libertarian positions  I like less government.
A Cairo prosecutor ordered on Monday the detention of six people for 15 days pending investigations into charges of inciting illegal protests on 11 November, Ahram Arabic website reported.

Eight others were ordered detained on Sunday for 15 days pending investigation into similar charges, with authorities describing the suspects as members of a cell.

The suspects are facing charges of inciting violence to topple the regime, change the constitution of the country and its republican system, as well as incitement to attack police stations and joining the banned Muslim Brotherhood group.

The Muslim Brotherhood was designated a terrorist organisation in Egypt in 2013.

There have been calls made online in recent weeks for protests on 11 November over the countrys economic situation, though no particular group has been revealed to be behind them.

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I have studied economics communication for 40 years and have never seen a harder time to have a true economic discussion. The role of Facebook, Twitter and other social media in teaching economics to large audiences has substantially dampened intelligent conversation on important economic issues.

A robust economic discussion where we consider benefits, costs, and uncertainties can feel like a neighborly conversation across the fence; yet social media-style economics does away with that and lobs economic policy firecrackers over the fence, through short posts and links.

In recent posts pressing for an increase in the minimum wage, the main benefit was correctly identified as the additional purchasing power for low-wage earners. The main cost is a potential reduction in hours worked, one way or another. And we economists are uncertain about how all this would play out, because of a number of hard-to-calculate secondary effects.

Just a couple of years ago, the Congressional Budget Office did a reasonable and accessible study on raising the minimum wage to $10.10. It predicted higher incomes for 16.5 million people (a benefit), but 500,000 job losses (a cost). More importantly, the CBO said its band of uncertainty could range all the way from near zero to a million. That is, raising the minimum wage might cause no significant job loss at all, or it might cost twice as many jobs as originally predicted. Even at that, the uncertainties may be larger than the CBO indicated.

However, the issue of minimum wage is treated far differently on social media. Instead of benefits and costs and uncertainties, only one of the three is usually discussed. Progressives will concentrate on the benefits and conservatives will concentrate on the costs, but on social media, most of the nuance is lost.

Worst of all, with the way social media apps work, people will be isolated from differing opinions. Not only will discussion be conducted through lobbed economic policy firecrackers, but increasingly people will see few firecrackers other than the ones they agree with.

As a profession, we economists are not totally sure about raising the minimum wage. We can probably do a modest increase without major employment effects  but at $15 per hour, the risks are larger. Compare that with the social media view, which either demands a free lunch or predicts doom for unskilled labor markets. And discussion is even harder when people think their opponents are knaves or fools.

When the real world presents benefits and costs and uncertainties, the social media world implies its all one way or the other  and your Facebook friends may like ignorance. Never has it been more possible for ordinary people to be completely mistaken and completely affirmed on economic policy.

So, what is the solution? My little piece, as an economic educator, is to help students understand choices and costs, starting with K-12 education and continuing through adulthood. The Council for Economic Education and the National Association of Economic Educators are doing great work in this area. In our state, the Virginia Council on Economic Education is leading the charge.

The larger piece is to affirm a culture of informed disagreement  and get people beyond social media for their economic education.
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A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson asked Liberty University students Monday to consider the polarization of this years election and challenged the Democratic and Republican parties alike for the roles theyve played in deepening the divide.

Lets ... call on both sides to deal with the issues were dealing with in America, Johnson said at LUs convocation at the Vines Center, adding he believes most Americans share the Libertarian values of being fiscally conservative and socially inclusive.

Johnson, a former two-term governor from New Mexico, spoke to students at Libertys convocation less than a week after Republican vice-presidential nominee Mike Pence made a similar appearance on campus. Johnson accepted the invitation to speak at the thrice-weekly assembly last week, after a last-minute cancellation by popular sports figure Tim Tebow.

In an interview with editors at The (Lynchburg) News & Advance following his Liberty appearance, Johnson said his campaign is struggling for name recognition in the presidential race, and for attention from the media.

Sixty percent of Americans do not know there is a third-party candidate in this race, he said, noting he and his running mate, former Massachusetts governor Bill Weld, are on the November ballot in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Most polls show Johnson with 5 to 10 percent support nationwide, well below the 15 percent needed to have earned a place in the presidential debates that conclude Wednesday with the third and final face-off between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Johnson said a recent poll his campaign commissioned and paid for  a head-to-head of me against Trump  showed Johnson winning by 6 points. A head-to-head against Hillary, I am down by like 15.

Johnson said recent revelations from the 2005 video of Trump bragging about sexual advances on women have damaged the multi-billionaires campaign. Trump is toast, in my opinion, he told editors at The (Lynchburg) News & Advance, adding the video has been the straw that broke the camels back.

He also said media reports of the fallout from the video have drawn attention away from the Wikileaks revelations this month about Clinton and her paid speeches to investment bank Goldman Sachs regarding her foreign policy positions and regulation of large financial institutions. They are not receiving the attention that I think they would but for Trump and all the [video] revelations, he said.

At Liberty, Johnson shared stories of his career as a small business owner and spoke of the importance of individual freedoms. He touted his personal history as an entrepreneur and his record of advocating for personal responsibility and liberties as the governor of New Mexico from 1995 to 2003.

There will never be anything more rewarding than creating your own job, he said. Government can either make that difficult or they can make it easy. They are making it extremely difficult right now.

In introducing Johnson, Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. referenced the strong showing Libertarian candidate Ron Paul had in the 2012 Virginia Republican primary against Mitt Romney and said, it shouldnt be surprising that we have a group of [Libertarian] supporters down in the front.

Those lined up outside the Vines Center on Monday morning waiting to hear Johnson speak included about 50 students wearing Gary Johnson shirts and buttons. They lined up early in hopes of snagging a front-row seat for his talk.

Freshman government student Aaron Sobczak is enthusiastic about Johnson, despite his third party status.

He is beloved in his state and promotes self responsibility. Trump is the opposite. Trump is brash and rude and wants to cut taxes and add spending, which will add billions to the national debt, Sobczak said.

On Monday, Johnson advised students to be self sufficient and live debt free as much as possible.

I have paid for everything in my life since I was 17, he said. Money for me has always represented freedom, not things. That freedom has represented being able to pursue my passions.

His support for increased flexibility in public education and competition from other choices for schooling garnered strong applause from the audience, but other positions were met with a more lukewarm response. Despite the heavily anti-abortion view of the students in attendance, he did not shy away from defending his opinion on a womans right to choose, which was met with murmuring and several boos.

Freshmen Kiersten Wilder and Madison Overton said while they were interested to hear what Johnson had to say, they are firmly behind Trump because of his anti-abortion stance.

Mixed in with advice to students on the importance of being honest, upholding their beliefs and hard work, Johnson emphasized his record as the governor of New Mexico and the need to take the policies he used to balance the state budget to the federal level.

In the interview with The (Lynchburg) News & Advance, he emphasized his promise to submit a balanced budget to Congress within the first 100 days of taking office. In order to accomplish a balanced budget, he would cut spending 20 percent and reform Medicare and Medicaid.

Continued spending by government is going to result at some point in runaway inflation, he said. If we dont do it in my opinion then the nation will suffer the inflation that goes along with this.

He pushed back against Trumps call for a border wall, which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience at Liberty.

This country is a country of immigration, he said. We should make it as easy as possible for people to cross the border and work. This would come with a work visa, a Social Security card and the taxes that come with that.

On the issue of Supreme Court justices, Johnson emphasized the importance of a strict constructionist interpretation of the Constitution and held up Justice Clarence Thomas in his address at Liberty as a model for future appointments, despite Thomas voting record against marriage equality and abortion rights.

My criteria for a Supreme Court Justice would be the notion that they would view the Constitution from the standpoint of original intent, he said in the interview with The (Lynchburg) News & Advance following the speech. The Constitution is a document that limits the size and scope of government. The Bill of Rights is all about protecting the minority against the will of the majority.

Despite heavy support for Trump amongst the crowd, students like freshman economics student Garrett Nelson supported the universitys openness to hosting politicians from a variety of viewpoints

I definitely support Trump, but I support everything about Gary Johnson coming here today, he said. Theres no university like Liberty University because you get to hear so many different viewpoints not just conservative ones. I like the fact that they would invite someone from a third party that has no chance of winning so we can hear what he has to say.

Johnson encouraged students to vote their conscience. At the convocation and later to editors at The (Lynchburg) News & Advance, he painted himself as the middle ground between two increasingly divisive candidates.

Does anyone believe Trump or Clinton getting elected is going to bring the country together? Nobody believes that. Its going to be more polarized the ever.
Egypt's foreign minister Sameh Shoukry discussed Egyptian-US ties with a visiting US congressional delegation in Cairo on Monday, Egypts state news agency MENA said.

The talks between Shoukry and the US congressmen, headed by Representative Michael Conaway, addressed issues of mutual interests and recent development in the region and internationally, including the civil conflicts in Libya and Syria as well as the fight against terrorism.

The congressional delegation also met with Egypt's Minister of Defense Sedky Sobhi, where they discussed bilateral military relations.

Congressman Conaway is the chairman of the Committee on Agriculture in the US House of Representatives and is a member of the Committee on Armed Services.

Egypt is a key Middle East ally to Washington and is the second-largest recipient of US military aid after Israel, receiving 1.3 billion in annual assistance.

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Democrat Hillary Clinton has opened a 15-point lead over Republican Donald Trump in Virginia among likely voters following release of the 2005 tape in which Trump bragged about groping women, according to a new tracking survey by Christopher Newport University.

In a CNU survey out Sunday, Clinton leads statewide among likely voters with 44 percent to 29 percent for Trump, 11 percent for Libertarian Gary Johnson, 3 percent for independent Evan McMullin and 2 percent for Green Party nominee Jill Stein.

Clinton has more than doubled her advantage in Virginia since CNU released its first tracking poll on Sept. 26.

Its crystal clear why the Trump campaign pulled staff out of Virginia this week, said Quentin Kidd, director of the Wason Center for Public Policy at CNU.

The Access Hollywood tape, along with Trumps second debate performance and the turmoil that followed, has fundamentally made Virginia impossible for him to win.

Clinton leads among women by 50 percent to 26 percent. For the first time, she also leads among men, by 37 percent to 32 percent.

Clinton has built huge leads in the states population centers. She leads Trump in Northern Virginia by 55 percent to 21 percent. Her support in Northern Virginia has jumped from 45 percent on Sept. 26 to 55 percent in the survey out Sunday.

In the Richmond area, Clinton now leads Trump by 20 percentage points  47 percent to 27 percent. In CNUs Oct. 3 poll, Clinton had a six-point edge in the Richmond area.

In Hampton Roads, Clinton is up by 17 percentage points  42 percent to 25 percent. Clinton also had led in Hampton Roads by six points in CNUs Oct 3 survey.

Trump continues to hold a big lead in Southwest Virginia, with 48 percent to Clintons 27 percent.

Clintons strong showing in Northern Virginia and her 24-point lead statewide among women block any path Trump might have to win in Virginia, said Rachel Bitecofer, assistant director of the Wason Center.

Of particular concern for Trump is that his support among Republicans is ebbing in the state  from 78 percent in CNUs Sept. 26 tracking poll, to 73 percent on Oct. 3, to 68 percent in the poll out today. Trumps support among men in Virginia dropped 10 percentage points in two weeks  from 42 percent in CNUs Oct. 3 poll to 32 percent in the survey out today.

Clinton also is benefiting from a drop in support for Libertarian Johnson, whose backing has fallen from 15 percent on Sept. 26 to 11 percent on Oct. 16. His support among independents in CNU surveys dropped from 31 percent on Sept. 26 to 18 percent in the poll released Sunday.

A key question is whether a surge in voting for Clinton  or against Trump  will affect Virginias congressional races. An anti-Trump tsunami in Northern Virginia is a concern for Rep. Barbara Comstock, R-10th, who is trying to hold off Democrat LuAnn Bennett.

Comstock has sought for months to distance herself from Trump. Following release of the tape, Comstock called for Trump to drop out of the race and let Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Trumps running mate, serve as the partys standard bearer.

The CNU survey was conducted Oct. 11-14 among 809 likely voters in Virginia. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points.

The poll was in the field after both the release of the Trump tape on Oct. 7 and the second presidential debate, on Oct. 9. The third and final presidential debate is this Wednesday at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

By way of comparison, a Roanoke College Poll, released Tuesday, was completed after the first debate but just before the Access Hollywood tape and found Clinton with a 9-point lead in Virginia.

Days after the national Trump campaign fired his Virginia chairman, Corey Stewart, for holding an unauthorized rally at the Republican National Committee, the campaign is trying to knock down reports that Trump is abandoning efforts to carry Virginias 13 electoral votes.

John Fredericks, acting chairman of Trumps Virginia campaign, said Friday that the campaign staff had dropped from 40 to 25, but resources will be in place to replenish the 15 positions by Monday.

Trump has made it clear to his campaign hes not done in Virginia, Fredericks said, and the campaign believes it has an outside shot at winning.

Mr. Trump said that he wanted them to schedule him three times in Virginia between now and Nov. 8, Fredericks said.
If Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is to have any hope of carrying Virginia, he needs evangelical voters to keep the faith.

That means Christians such as Daniel Pritchett of Staunton will be essential to his chances on Nov. 8.

Its about turning our whole country back over to our Christian beliefs, to being able to worship God and stand up boldly for him, said Pritchett, who was among an estimated 5,000 Christians who turned out for evangelist Franklin Grahams prayer meeting Wednesday at the Capitol in Richmond.

Like others interviewed in the crowd, Pritchett plans to vote for Trump, in spite of his qualms about the 2005 tape in which Trump lewdly bragged about his ability to grope women.

The tape was totally disgusting, Pritchett said. Then again, its not about what one man says or what some woman says. Its about where our country needs to go. What we have had the last eight years, we cant go there again.

Some key evangelical leaders in Virginia, such as Regent University founder Pat Robertson and Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr., stood by Trump last week following the disclosure of the 2005 tape. Falwell faces some pushback at Liberty from students who circulated a petition asserting that Trump does not represent their values.

Nationally, according to The Associated Press, some cracks have appeared in Trumps support among evangelicals. For example, it reported that Christianity Today, a prominent evangelical magazine, termed Trump the very embodiment of what the Bible calls a fool. It reported that James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Church in Illinois, a member of Trumps evangelical advisory board, called Trumps comments misogynistic trash and told the magazine he would no longer work with the campaign unless Trump repents.

As the Trump campaign tries to knock down reports that it is abandoning Virginia, it also must try to keep evangelicals in the fold because they are a key GOP constituency.

Nationally, in 2012, according to the Pew Research Center, 79 percent of white evangelical Protestants backed Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential nominee, while 20 percent backed President Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee. Romney, a devout Mormon, fared better among evangelical voters than did John McCain, the 2008 GOP nominee.

In this election Romney has derided Trump as a phony who is unfit to be president. Following the release of the 2005 tape, Romney tweeted: Hitting on married women? Condoning assault? Such vile degradations demean our wives and daughters and corrupt Americas face to the world.

Trumps saving grace among evangelicals is that they think Democrat Hillary Clinton is worse. Last month Pew reported that among white evangelicals who back Trump in this election, 33 percent say the main reason is that he is not Clinton.

Liberty balance

Falwell has long backed Trump personally, while asserting that in doing so he is not speaking for Liberty, the nations largest evangelical university.

GOP vice presidential nominee Mike Pence, the Indiana governor, campaigned on Wednesday at Liberty, where he urged people of faith not to stay on the sidelines in the presidential election. Pence also praised Trump for apologizing following the tapes disclosure.

Liberty students and guests had not forgotten and did not approve of Trumps remarks. But they seemed ready to forgive the thrice-married Trump, for what the candidate termed locker room banter.

Hes not a politician, said Tyler Wolff, 19, a student from Leesburg. Are we so naive to think that hes the only person who has said [things like] that?

Most students interviewed at Liberty who identified as Republican said Trump was not their first choice. A number of students said they had hoped Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, would win the GOP nomination.

The difference maker for most interviewed was the candidates positions on abortion. Several said they would prefer Pence to be at the top of the GOP ticket.

Both Trump and Hillary have deficiencies and have made mistakes, said student Raychel Heiser, 19. She said she was supporting Trump because his choice of the socially conservative Pence demonstrated that he supports Christians and will stand up for Christians and respects Christians on issues like abortion and support for Israel.

There was no discernible support for Clinton at Wednesdays convocation. But there was a smattering of supporters for Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate, who will speak at a campus convocation Monday.

The primary issue for almost all is abortion, and thats a primary issue for me as well, said student Matthew Lofgren, 19, a junior from Florida. Still, he said he supports Johnson, hoping that a strong showing by the ticket would convince the major parties to take more libertarian positions on issues.

He also said he thought Trumps remarks were disgusting. He added: Unfortunately, it doesnt seem out of character for Donald Trump.

Falwells backing of Trump sparked a response from students who call themselves Liberty United Against Trump. They circulated a petition that says: We are Liberty students who are disappointed with President Falwells endorsement and are tired of being associated with one of the worst presidential candidates in American history. Donald Trump does not represent our values and we want nothing to do with him.

Falwell defended his actions and criticized the students statement, saying in a text message to the Lynchburg News & Advance that it seems to ignore the teachings of Jesus not to judge others.

Liberty United Against Trump said that in two days more than 2,500 people signed the statement. More than 1,100 supporters had used verified Liberty.edu email addresses and many other students registered support via other accounts.

We love Liberty University and want the world to know what the true political climate is like here, it said in a follow-up statement. We also respect our leaders, and this is why we must hold them accountable if they misrepresent our school. Liberty University students want to be known as champions for Christ, not as champions of Donald Trump.

The Trump alternative

On Friday afternoon, state Del. Delores McQuinn, D-Chesterfield, took part in a discussion at Virginia Union University about Trumps comments and the general topic of how to combat harassment of women. McQuinn, an associate minister at New Bridge Baptist Church, expressed exasperation with evangelical leaders who support Trump.

What is wrong with you guys? she asked, rhetorically, raising her voice. What is wrong with you? What does it take?

Those who  stand up and proclaim a message for Christ ought to be the loudest and say, You know what, this is not what we stand for. We reject this kind of behavior. 

But a dozen Christians interviewed at random Wednesday following Grahams prayer rally at the Virginia Capitol said they believe Trump is their best choice. Some called themselves evangelicals. Others preferred not to label their Christian faith.

Fred Burkholder of Waynesboro said he does not think there is much of a choice on Nov. 8, but he will vote for Trump because hes concerned about the Supreme Court and the countrys direction.

As for Trump: Until he was the nominee for president, I would have never supported him in any way, shape or form for anything, but hes where hes at, so I dont see that thats a big issue for me, he said.

I am a Christian, a born-again Christian, and it matters to me that every other religion is acceptable in a history class, that Christianity is outlawed, Burkholder said.

I think this country is in trouble, he added. We have to take it back bit by bit and this is one of those bits.

I know Mr. Trumps positions are not in agreement with mine on many issues, Burkholder said. Hes not come out and said yea or nay on gay marriage or abortion. Hes very ambivalent, but his party tends to support more of what I want to see. I know the other party is absolutely in the other direction.

William Ware of Richmond said voters are faced with two bad choices on Nov. 8.

The best bad choice is the Republican nominee and thats who I plan to vote for, he said.

Ware said he is concerned about a number of major issues in the election, including the economy, the national debt, border security, trade, and foreign policy.

What is happening right now in northern Iraq and Syria  and has been happening  is crimes against humanity which are as atrocious or more atrocious than what the Nazis committed in Nazi Germany, he said. And effectively were doing nothing. Its an absolute disgrace.

A number of voters at the rally said they have no illusions about Trumps personal behavior, but their focus is on which party will best support their values.

Steve Weber of Spotsylvania said the Trump tape did not come as a shock  either the nature of Trumps remarks or the timing of the disclosure, two days before a presidential debate.

It didnt change anything, he said. Its not like I somehow was deceived before the tape came out and all of a sudden my eyes were opened when it showed up.
WALLOPS ISLAND  Virginia will have to wait another day to return to space with the postponement of the first scheduled launch of an Antares rocket from the regional spaceport here since the destruction of a commercial rocket shortly after liftoff two years ago.

NASA announced the postponement of the launch at 12:59 p.m. Sunday, about seven hours before the scheduled liftoff at 8:03 p.m. The launch of the Antares 230 rocket has been reset for 7:40 p.m. today at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, owned by the state on land leased from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility here.

Orbital ATK, the Loudoun County-based company that is under contract with NASA to resupply the International Space Station, postponed the launch because of malfunctioning ground equipment, which spokesman Barron Beneski described as a hold-down mechanism that is designed to release a tether line on the rocket at liftoff.

It wasnt getting the electrical signal, Beneski said.

Orbital found the problem during its pre-launch checklist. The company said it has spare equipment on hand to repair the system in time for the next launch window timed to the orbit of the space station over Earth.

Beneski said the malfunctioning equipment has nothing to do with the Antares rocket itself or the Cygnus spacecraft it is carrying into space to rendezvous with the space station.

The rockets fine; there are no issues with the rocket, he said. The spacecraft is fine; there are no issues with the spacecraft.

The launch, if it proceeds as rescheduled, will be the fifth by Orbital from the spaceports Pad OA, which suffered $15 million in damage when an Antares rocket failed and exploded shortly after takeoff on Oct. 28, 2014. The state, Orbital and NASA shared the cost of the repairs, which took 11 months to complete.

Orbital subsequently launched two other rockets from Cape Canaveral, Fla., as part of its initial contract with NASA to resupply the space station. The company is scheduled to fly at least five more missions under the contract and at least six under the commercial resupply services deal it signed with NASA at the start of this year.

The delay will reduce the number of people at the launch party by at least one. Gov. Terry McAuliffe will not be able to attend the rescheduled liftoff, according to Secretary of Transportation Aubrey L. Layne Jr., who does plan to be there.

More than 130 congressional staff members had arrived in Chincoteague to see the scheduled launch on Sunday night from the spaceport on a barrier island along the Atlantic.

The weather forecast is 95 percent acceptable for todays scheduled launch, NASA said.
A top court in Bahrain on Monday overturned a nine-year jail term against Shia opposition chief cleric Ali Salman, convicted of inciting hatred and calling for forceful regime change.

The court of the cassation ordered a retrial of the head of the Al-Wefaq political formation before the appeals court, said a judicial source.

The same court overturned three death sentences and seven life imprisonment sentences against a group convicted of killing three police, including an Emirati officer in a bomb attack more than two years ago.

Salman had been sentenced in July 2015 to four years in jail after being convicted of inciting hatred in the Sunni-ruled Gulf kingdom.

But the appeals court in May more than doubled his jail term to nine years after reversing an earlier acquittal on charges of calling for regime change by force.

Salman's arrest in December 2014 sparked protests in Shia-majority Bahrain.

The cassation court had rejected a request to release the cleric earlier this month.

His jail sentence came during a crackdown on the Gulf nation's largest opposition group, which has been dissolved by a court order over accusations of "harbouring terrorism".

Al-Wefaq had the largest bloc in parliament before lawmakers walked out in February 2011 in protest over a deadly crackdown on Arab Spring-inspired protests.

The crackdown on Wefaq has drawn criticism from UN chief Ban Ki-moon and Bahrain's allies in Washington, as well as rights groups.

Hundreds of Shias have been arrested and put on trial since security forces backed by Saudi-led troops crushed in March 2011 month-long protests that demanded democratic reforms.

Authorities have also stripped at least 261 people of their citizenship since 2012, according to the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, including the country's Shia spiritual leader Sheikh Isa Qassim.

In the other ruling, the court of cassation ordered a retrial of the case of 10 defendants found guilty of planting a bomb in March 2014 in Deih Shia village, which killed an Emirati police officer and two Bahraini policemen.

The Emirati officer was part of the Saudi-led Gulf force.

Appeals court had on May 31 upheld the three death sentences and life terms for the other seven who were also stripped of their citizenships.

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Turkey is ready for hundreds of thousands of refugees from the Iraqi city of Mosul if a U.S.-backed operation to drive out Islamic State fuels sectarian violence, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Monday.

Iraqi government forces, with air and ground support from the U.S.-led coalition, launched the long-anticipated offensive early on Monday to push the jihadist group out of Mosul, its last major stronghold in Iraq.

Turkey has repeatedly said that letting Shia militias, which the Iraqi army has relied on in the past, take part in the assault on the mainly Sunni Arab city could spark sectarian violence.

"If the Mosul operation is handled correctly, there won't be a refugee wave into Turkey," Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told a news conference in Ankara.

"(But) if something goes wrong in Mosul, hundreds of thousands will put their migrant bags on their backs, they will be miserable and worn out, and come with their belongings to the only place they can go to, which is Turkey," he said.

The United Nations refugee agency said up to 100,000 Iraqis may flee to Syria and Turkey to escape the assault on Mosul, a city of 1.5 million people where in 2014 Islamic State proclaimed a "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria.

An official from Turkey's disaster management agency AFAD said the country's experience of dealing with migrants from Syria's civil war, who now number more than 3 million in Turkey, meant it was well enough prepared.

"For us, building a tent camp is a very easy task. We can swiftly establish camps to host hundreds or thousands of refugees," the official told Reuters.

"The procedure is standardised, and it will work like a clock. The army will take away people's weapons, the police will run checks on the refugees, the immigration authority will register them, and the Red Crescent will provide them with water, food and shelter," he said.

Witnesses said Turkish military vehicles, including tanks, armoured vehicles and trucks carrying munitions were deployed to an army facility in the Turkish district of Silopi on the Iraqi border overnight.

Turkey has repeatedly warned the operation in Mosul could unleash sectarian strife. Ankara has been locked in a row with Baghdad about the presence of Turkish troops at a camp in northern Iraq and over who should take part in the assault on Iraq's second-biggest city.



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A car bomb exploded on Monday in a southern district of Damascus which is home to an important Shi'ite shrine, with initial reports of casualties, monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The British-based Observatory said the blast took place near a checkpoint used by the Syrian army and its allies.

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Defence ministers from the international coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Mosul and elsewhere in Iraq and Syria will meet in Paris on October 25, France said on Monday.

US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter will be among 13 ministers who will assess progress in the battle to drive IS Islamist militants from Iraq's second-biggest city, which Iraqi forces launched on Monday.

"The aim is to take a look at the progress of the Mosul plan," an aide to French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

The ministers are also expected to stress the importance of the next step in the battle against IS -- routing the Islamist militants from their Syrian stronghold of Raqqa.

The coalition is concerned that IS will attempt to move fighters and military equipment from Mosul to Syria as the offensive intensifies.

"We must prevent (fighters) based in Mosul from moving easily to Raqqa and we need to ensure that those who are currently able to roam around freely in Syria can be tracked down," the aide said.

Although the coalition includes around 60 countries, the meeting will only comprise Western nations providing air support.

They are: United States, France, Britain, Canada, Australia, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Norway, Denmark and New Zealand.

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According to the Diamond Insight Report recently released by De Beers, global sales of diamond jewelry reached $ 79 billion in 2015, of which one third or $ 26 billion was spent by millennials, the generation born in the 1980s - 1990s.

Anyone in the diamond business will tell you that the future belongs to millennials. There are about 220 million people in this age cohort having an approximate annual revenue of $ 60,000 in the four major diamond-consuming countries only (the US, China, India and Japan). They are already becoming the main actors in the consumption economy spending not less than people from older generations on jewelry purchases.

It is a matter of course there is a no trifling struggle unfolding for the millennial's heart and wallet. This struggle involves not only classic jewelry brands, but also manufacturers of synthetic gems dreaming to snatch their piece of the pie. And any war, as we know, is not the field for fair play only.

Contemporary marketing experts find it much easier to do their job than their predecessors. In the time of baby boomers, it was completely unclear how and where to advertise jewelry goods, as part of the audience was hooked on the radio, some watching TV, some ignoring all the mass media and used to go to the movies only, while others got lost in public libraries. Nowadays, its quite another thing! Most millennials spend much of their time on the Internet reading news, listening to the radio, watching movies and talking to friends. One third of millennials have their own blogs, almost half of them regularly communicate on the forums or in focus groups. And 92% of millennials are looking for information about diamonds in the Web before going to a jewelry store, according to the already mentioned Diamond Insight Report.

Now imagine that a millennial intent to buy a ring goes online and sees this:

Or that:

Or that:

In my previous review it was said that synthetic diamonds should not be underestimated and considered to be some "separate niche market with its own range of consumers." Young "synthetic" brands do not save on marketing expenses and are waging very aggressive advertising campaigns to redirect customers from natural to synthetic diamonds. Confirmation to this effect may be found on the above photos taken from popular social networks - this is what users get while browsing for "diamonds."

Fighting to win consumers, synthetics manufacturers manipulate all the fears and stereotypes that are associated with diamonds. The first and key one is the fear of accidentally buying a blood stone. Few ordinary people are aware of the work performed and success achieved by the Kimberley Process, but all of them saw the movie called "Blood Diamond" with Leonardo DiCaprio, and after that they consider themselves actual experts on human rights violation in diamond mining in Africa. Ten years ago, when the film was just released, many customers began to associate diamonds exclusively with crimes and slave labor. Today, sellers of synthetic stones are gradually awaking this old association in people.

The Kimberley Process may exert enormous efforts and spend millions of dollars to ensure the legal diamond trade. But it will not make any difference to consumer confidence in the market, while Facebook users see only such advertising:

(Strictly speaking, an advertiser would be prosecuted by antimonopoly authorities in many civilized countries for such a poster not corresponding to reality and directly discrediting competitors. But the trouble is that this picture does not affect the interests of any particular diamond mining company, whose team of lawyers could rush to collect papers and make a claim. And this is also certainly embraced by manufacturers of synthetics.)

Good intentions and deceived expectations

Millennials have a different value system compared with their predecessors. The symbols of success for millennials are no longer focused on conspicuous wealth, but on experiences and products that reflect their individuality, the Diamond Insight Report says. Millennials high degree of connectivity with peers and other groups finds an expression in heightened social concerns, such as balancing inequalities around the world and making the world a better place through joint efforts of all of society.

Dreaming of a better world, many young people are seriously concerned about the environment and its protection. They choose electric cars or bikes so as not to pollute the air and buy farm food and clothing from organic materials. Similarly, they bother about "greener" jewelry and this is commendable. But unfortunately, like many people who sincerely try to achieve some kind of global justice, millennials are easy to deceive. For example, the way it is done below (this is an excerpt from an article about "ethical jewelry" published by the eLuxe Magazine):









Strictly speaking, diamond mining can be considered to be one of the cleanest industries particularly in the mining sector. Ore is extracted by purely mechanical means (excavators scoop and load it into dump trucks). To dress diamond ore, miners do not apply chemical agents, but instead use physical properties of diamonds (their specific gravity or their ability to fluoresce when exposed to X-rays). Diamond mining requires neither chemical electrolysis (as for example in the production of aluminum) nor melting furnaces emitting sulfur clouds (as in the production of nickel or iron). And all the more so, there is no arsenic or mercury treatment there resulting in water and soil contamination that affects  the plant and animal life. If the consumer is so worried about the harm done to the environment, then why, for example, not to boycott the purchase of iPhones, the bodies of which are made of aluminum?

Of course, any mining operation is producing some impact on the environment one way or another. Huge holes in the ground look scary and seem dangerous to those who are not versed in the technologies of production. But ads of eco-friendly jewellery do not say that mining companies spend annually millions on land reclamation, development of animal and plant populations and that all the water used in factories circulates through pipes in a closed system and is not released into the environment or that excavated open pits are later backfilled or turned into lakes where you can even go fishing.

Instead, such ads are painting apocalyptic pictures or even may show a dog with sad eyes looking into which consumers feel it is impossible to disbelieve this pet.

Millennials are no less concerned about social justice: decent work, decent pay, no discrimination. It would seem that the diamond mining business can be a role model in this area. Diamond companies form the budgets of regions and whole countries, create jobs, allocate billions of dollars to support local communities, they build schools and hospitals. But all this knowledge remains somewhere on the pages of their annual reports, while consumers read online the following (which is an excerpt from the article on synthetic diamonds in theGuardian):

We can only guess how many office clerks are trilling their way to work (among them copywriters and social media marketers producing such ads). However - and this is another problem  it is very convenient to talk about the ethics of diamond mining living in a country with the highest GDP per capita and low unemployment. The position of such a person will probably be different from the position of a resident of Botswana, a country occupying the 120th place in the world in terms of economic development, where every fourth citizen is left without work. Just try to tell a Botswana miner that his work on the diamond field is unethical and he should immediately stop doing it. The advertising, which promotes synthetics, does not say anything about the fact that diamond production is the only way to earn money for many people in Africa. Instead, synthetics producers will tell you that they have bought a few books for African schools, calling this social responsibility and contribution to the development of local communities.

This parade of pictures and articles could be continued for quite a long time. And it demonstrates the threat hanging over the diamond market much more clearly than any lengthy descriptions.

Speaking about the threat, I do not mean the substitution of natural diamonds with artificial stones. According to experts, the share of synthetics in total consumption is currently less than 2% and it is unlikely to increase by a multiple factor in the near future.

The problem is much more serious. Advertising their products in an aggressive manner and cultivating negative stereotypes, the manufacturers of synthetics are demolishing the remnants of consumer confidence in diamonds as a whole. While the DPA is trying to tell millennials that diamond is a symbol of true feelings, synthetics advertising tells them that behind any natural diamond there is real suffering. And this is also adding genuine confusion, because sometimes it is impossible to distinguish the truth from "artistic exaggeration" in the huge flow of information. Perhaps it is this tactic that allows manufacturers of synthetics to attract additional attention to their products. However, it is much more likely that this barrage of negative coverage will eventually make consumers turn away from any diamonds  both natural and synthetic. Trying to understand the difference between them may be deemed too tedious and customers will find it much easier to buy a new smartphone, for smartphones have never been called blood gadgets, thats for sure.

And, frankly, if consumers will opt for "anything, but not natural diamonds," it will be hard to rebuke them. While the DPA is promoting diamonds as an emotional symbol and jewelry brands are advertising their design and style, the Kimberley Process and the World Diamond Council, being multilateral organizations, are focused on the interaction with each other and internal issues. The result is that all of them seem to talk about the industry, but no one succeeds in bringing their vested interests to the notice of end consumers. For example, the fact that a diamond means not only pure feelings, but also clean production.

Elena Levina for Rough&Polished




(GIA) - Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology has accelerated over the last several years, and the rapidly improving techniques have produced large, high-quality near-colorless and colorless synthetic diamonds. Two samples over 3 carats were reported in early 2016 as the largest CVD synthetics. GIA recently tested a CVD-grown synthetic diamond that weighed over 5 carats, marking a significant milestone.







The 5.19 ct cushion modified brilliant measuring 10.04  9.44  6.18 mm was submitted to GIAs Hong Kong laboratory for grading service. The stone was not disclosed as a synthetic diamond. Using the labs standard screening and testing processes, it was identified as CVD synthetic. Following examination, a GIA Identification Report was issued and the stone was inscribed on the girdle with the report number and the words Laboratory Grown, following GIAs protocols for undisclosed synthetics.

This is the largest CVD synthetic diamond GIA has examined to date, and the largest reported in the jewelry industry. It had J-equivalent color grade and VS2-equivalent clarity, comparable to a high-quality natural counterpart. Natural-looking internal inclusions such as needles and clouds were the major features. Strong graining and a fracture in the table were also clearly observed under the microscope. It is worth noting that black inclusions, often contained in synthetic diamond, were not found in this CVD specimen, which could have been mistakenly identified as natural based on microscopic examination alone. This case therefore highlights the importance of using advanced spectroscopic instruments as well as conventional gemological techniques to ensure an accurate identification.




A swastika and the words Nazi Republicans get out of town or else were spray painted on an adjacent building.Authorities are investigating what officials describe as a case of hate graffiti. Gov. Pat McCrory Sunday called the weekend firebombing of a North Carolina Republican headquarters an attack on our democracy. Violence has no place in our society  but especially in our elections.  I will use every resource as governor to assist local authorities in this investigation, he added. Donald Trump dont hesitated to accuse without any proof: Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina. In a replica tweet, Clintons campaign said: The attack on the Orange County HQ @NCGOP office is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe. North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Patsy Keever called the bombing outrageous.
bioMerieux (BMXMF.PK) said that it has been summoned to appear before the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Paris by 45 patients to obtain compensations linked to anxiety allegedly "generated by a lack of reliability of serodiagnostic tests" for Lyme disease.

bioMerieux noted that it is particularly sensitive to the distress experienced by patients affected by the symptoms of this disease. The Company is committed to doing everything possible to provide answers to the technical questions it will be asked about its tests.

Like the other Elisa tests available in France for the diagnosis of Lyme disease, these assays are prescribed by physicians as a first-line diagnostic test in accordance with recommendations issued by national and international scientific experts.

The bioMerieux Lyme assays have always complied with, and continue to comply with, regulations in Europe and the United States. They meet the recommendations from several consensus conferences gathering experts at national, European and international levels, the company said.

bioMerieux said it considers that no fault was committed by the Company. It will oppose the demands of the subpoena, which, in light of available information, appears to be unfounded. Mr. Matthieu Brochier of the law firm Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier will provide legal counsel to bioMerieux. The Company deems that the impact of this civil case cannot be anticipated at this step of the procedure.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Russian and Syrian armed forces will pause attacks on the Syrian city of Aleppo for eight hours on Thursday to allow civilians and rebels to leave the city, the Russian defence ministry said on Monday.

But Moscow ruled out a lasting ceasefire, a step that Western governments have been demanding, saying that would only give Islamist rebels in the city an opportunity to regroup.

Russian aircraft and Syrian forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have been bombarding rebel-controlled districts of Aleppo since the collapse of an internationally-brokered ceasefire last month.

The United States and some European states have accused Moscow and Syria of committing atrocities, but Russian officials deny that and accuse the West of abetting terrorists.

Speaking at a briefing in Moscow, Lieutenant-General Sergei Rudskoy, a senior defence ministry official, said rebels in parts of Aleppo were killing civilians while Western governments turned a blind eye.

"Given the situation, a unilateral ceasefire makes no sense, since Jabhat al-Nusra and groups allied to it will once again be given a breather, will regroup and restore their military capability," Rudskoy said, referring to a rebel group previously allied to al Qaeda.

He said Russia was working with other powers to achieve a peace deal for Aleppo, but that would take time, so in the meantime it had decided to initiate a humanitarian pause.

The pause is intended "first and foremost so that civilians can move freely, for the evacuation of the sick and wounded, and also for the removal of rebels," he said.

"On Oct. 20 from 0800 (0500 GMT) until 1600, a humanitarian pause will be implemented in the area of Aleppo. For that period, Russia's air force and Syrian government forces will halt air strikes and firing from other weapons," he said.

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Nuvo Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NRI) said that it has received approval from the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices and Ethical Review Committee to conduct a placebo controlled Phase 3 trial of Pennsaid 2% for the treatment of acute ankle sprains. The 130 patient Trial will be conducted in Germany commencing this month. Topline results are expected to be available in the second-quarter of 2017. The Trial is intended to support regulatory applications for marketing approval of Pennsaid 2% in the E.U., Canada and Australia.

The Trial will be conducted in Germany and will enroll approximately 130 patients who have suffered a grade I or grade II ankle sprain as assessed by the investigator within 12 hours of injury. Patients will then be randomly assigned on a double-blind basis to an active arm or a placebo arm and will apply either Pennsaid 2% or a placebo consisting of a topical vehicle that includes all of the constituent ingredients of Pennsaid 2%, except its active ingredient diclofenac sodium, to their injured ankle twice a day for 8 days. The patients will return to the investigational site for in-depth evaluation on days 3, 5 and 8 of treatment.

The primary endpoint for the Trial will be reduction in pain on movement (POM) at day 3. The Trial will measure a number of secondary endpoints including tenderness, ankle function, ankle swelling, overall assessment of benefit and satisfaction and use of rescue medication. The Trial will cost about C$1.5 million spread over the second half of 2016 and the first half of 2017.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Business activity in the New York manufacturing sector has unexpectedly seen a continued decline in the month of October, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Monday.

The New York Fed said its general conditions index slid to a negative 6.8 in October from a negative 2.0 in September, with a negative reading indicating a contraction in activity.

The drop by the general business conditions index came as a surprise to economists, who had expected the index to rise to a positive 1.0.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Business activity in the New York manufacturing sector has unexpectedly seen a continued decline in the month of October, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Monday.

The New York Fed said its general conditions index slid to a negative 6.8 in October from a negative 2.0 in September, with a negative reading indicating a contraction in activity.

The drop by the general business conditions index came as a surprise to economists, who had expected the index to rise to a positive 1.0.

While the new orders index rose to a negative 5.6 in October from a negative 7.5 in September, the negative reading indicated an ongoing drop in orders.

The shipments index climbed to a negative 0.6 in October from a negative 9.4 in September, suggesting that shipments were essentially flat.

The New York Fed said labor market conditions remained weak, although the number of employees index increased to a negative 4.7 in October from a negative 14.3 in September.

The report also said the prices paid index rose to 22.6 in October from 17.0 in September, while the prices received index climbed to 4.7 from 1.8.

Looking ahead, the New York Fed said the indexes for the six-month outlook suggested that respondents were more optimistic about future conditions. The index for future business conditions increased to 36.0 in October from 34.5 in September.

The Philadelphia Federal Reserve is scheduled to release its report on regional manufacturing activity on Thursday. The Philly Fed Index is expected to dip to 7.0 in October from 12.8 in September.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Forex News
Donald Trump has repeated the allegation that the presidential election is being rigged by the U.S. media in favor of his rival Hillary Clinton and that large-scale voter fraud is happening.

And the results of a nationwide poll also indicated that the U.S. electorate has turned deeply skeptical about the integrity of the election apparatus.

"The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD" Trump said on Twitter Sunday.

Hours later, Trump followed up with the tweet saying, "Of course there is large scale voter fraud happening on and before election day. Why do Republican leaders deny what is going on? So naive!"

In a new POLITICO/Morning Consult poll conducted late last week, 41 percent of voters said the November 8th election could be "stolen" from Trump due to widespread voter fraud.

73 percent of Republicans who were surveyed between October 13th and 15th see the prospect of massive fraud at the ballot box, while only 17 percent of Democrats agree.

The poll was conducted among 1,999 registered voters, and only 28 percent among them are "very confident" that their vote will be counted accurately.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he is open to joint military exercises with China and Russia, and reiterated he will no longer allow war games with the United States.

Duterte made the remarks in an interview broadcast Monday with Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television ahead of a four-day visit to Beijing, which begins on Tuesday and is aimed at improving ties that soured over competing claims in the resource-rich South China Sea.

Asked if he would consider joint military exercises with China or Russia, Duterte said: "Yes, I will. I have given enough time for the Americans to play with the Filipino soldiers."

Duterte also repeated he would no longer allow joint exercises with the United States, the Philippines' main defence ally and supplier of military hardware.

"This will be the last. It has been programmed. I do not want my soldiers to be humiliated," Duterte said, in reference to one set of war games in the Philippines that ended last week.

Duterte has sought to dramatically reshape his nation's foreign relations since taking office on June 30, by pivoting towards China and Russia while moving away from the United States.

He has been angered by US criticism of his war on crime, which has claimed more than 3,700 lives, and praised China and Russia for showing him "respect".

But Duterte, signalling his shift is for pragmatic reasons, has also repeatedly ridiculed the United States for what he sees as its weakening economic and military influence around the world.

Duterte is bringing an entourage of hundreds of businessmen with him to Beijing, and Philippine media have said deals worth billions of dollars are expected to be announced during the trip.

Asked if he would seek to buy military equipment from China during his visit, Duterte told Phoenix Television: "Yes, but not really in (large) numbers."

Duterte said he would also need small, fast attack boats from China to fight "terrorism".

"If China does not help us in this endeavour, we will have a hard time fighting terrorism," he said without elaborating.

Bilateral relations worsened under Duterte's predecessor Benigno Aquino, who tried to challenge China's expansionism in the South China Sea.

To counter China, Aquino allowed a much greater American military presence in the Philippines.

He also filed a legal case at a UN-backed tribunal, which ruled in July that China's

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Romanian border police officer Marius Stuparu is driving through pouring rain in an SUV, monitoring for any sign of migrants trying to enter the country from Serbia and Hungary.

While Hungary has erected razor-wire fences on its borders to try to keep out migrants, Romania is relying on manpower backed by technology for border control in a region stretching from Calafat in the southwest to further north in Beba Veche.

Border guards told The Associated Press this month they are using helicopters and boat patrols on the Danube River, heat-sensitive equipment, cameras on watch towers and devices used to detect heartbeats under trucks.

Stuparu is on the front line of this effort near the town of Beba Veche as he scans for migrants from Syria, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

"This is the point where all migrants want to cross ... but the Romanian border police is here and has succeeded to stop all their attempts until now," he told the AP.

Romania, which has a 547-kilometer (340-mile) land and a river frontier with Serbia, has invested heavily in border control over the past year to prevent migrants illegally passing through the country on their way to Western Europe. Romania also has a long border with Hungary, but the only area of concern to border officers is the southern part of it.

Migrants have proved ingenious in their sometimes life-threatening attempts to illegally enter Romania.

They hide under trucks, take the short but perilous journey across the Danube or simply walk under cover of darkness from Serbia into Romania.

But compared to neighbors Hungary and Serbia, Romania has largely been bypassed by the huge influx of migrants.

It's a member of the European Union, but not the passport-free Schengen zone. The journey through Romania means a long detour for migrants, most of whom are trying to reach Western Europe. Still, authorities believe that Romania may become a new route for some migrants because of border closures elsewhere and has beefed up border control.

Police say 725 migrants tried to illegally cross into Romania in the first nine months of the year, 39 percent less compared to the same period in 2015.

Still, many migrants are desperate enough to try routes fraught with danger. Even though the weather has grown colder, migrants continue to come.

Border police said Monday they detained three Pakistani men aged 17-27 who are suspected of illegally entering Romania from Serbia. They told police they wanted to reach relatives in Italy.

Last week, Romanian border police caught 34 people allegedly trying to illegally cross into and then leave Romania, including nine men from Syria and Turkey who hid in a truck transporting cleaning materials, a heavily pregnant woman with her husband, and a group of 17 from Vietnam, Syria and Afghanistan, including four children aged between 4 and 6, who also walked into Romania from Serbia.

Romania's border police force has 13,000 officers and has deployed reinforcements to southwest Romania this year to curb illegal border crossings, although the exact number of extra officers dispatched to the area hasn't been disclosed.

In the past, guides were fined, but recently four Serbs suspected of acting as guides for migrants, have been detained in a bid to serve as a deterrent.

In the port of Calafat, across the Danube from the Bulgarian port of Vidin, border guards use sniffer dogs and equipment which can detect heartbeats to search for stowaways.

Police officer Cristian Anghel Stere monitored his computer screen as a colleague checked under a truck.

"In this case we have a green light, which means everything is ok and the truck is ready go," Stere said.

Not all migrants want to reach Western Europe.

Mohammad Razib is a 30-year-old Bangladeshi IT engineer, who went first to Slovenia and Hungary, before heading east to Romania where he is seeking refugee status.

Like many refugees, he has been offered shelter in the UNHCR Emergency Transit Center in the southwestern city of Timisoara.

"I came to Europe for a better life," he said, describing his journey. "I want to start my life in Romania and I'm also looking for a good job."



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Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car

I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ...
By SA Commercial Prop News

Dorah Modise is making history as the first black woman to head the Green Building Council of SA (Gbcsa) as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).



After years of working in the sustainability sector, Dorah Modise is making history as the first black woman to head the Green Building Council of SA (Gbcsa)  as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Modise, previously Nteo, will officially take the reins from February 2017, while Rudolf Pienaar becomes the new Non-Executive Board Chair and Faieda Jacobs as Non-Executive Deputy Chair

Pienaar and Jacobs took up their positions last week.

The green movement representative body was founded in 2007 as part of a larger network of Green Building Councils globally, seeking to inspire a the built environment in which people and planet thrive.

ALSO READ: It Doesnt Cost to Build Green, says Study

Modises skill set includes 17 years working experience in the sustainability sector.



Currently serving as the Strategic Executive Director of City Sustainability at the City of Tshwane, she holds an MBA from the University of Pretorias Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and a Masters degree in Environment and Development from the University of Sussex in the UK, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Environmental Diplomacy from the University of Geneva, Switzerland and a first Degree in Environmental Health from the Tshwane University of Technology.

ALSO READ: A look at Tshwanes R1.8 billion mixed-use Green Development

Before her role of transforming Tshwane into the greenest and most sustainable city on the African continent, Modise was Chief Policy Advisor for Sustainable Development at the SA Department of Environmental Affairs, where she spearheaded South Africas engagements in global sustainable development negotiations and the environment sector green economy response including the establishment and management of the national green fund.



Pienaar holds impeccable credentials for his new position having been appointed first as Non-Executive Deputy Chair of the GBCSA Board in April last year, and then as Non-Executive Director of the World Green Building Council, representing Africa, three months later.



He is a long-time champion of sustainable, green building practices, which he has implemented in the R32 billion office portfolio that he manages as divisional director of Growthpoint Properties.



Faieda is responsible for Strategic Projects at Old Mutual Property. She has 30 years experience in property, ranging from property management, property asset management and people management. Prior to joining Old Mutual Property, she was a property manager at Fountainhead Property Trust and Allan Gray Property Trust.

ALSO READ: Water-use strategy critical for South Africa's Commercial Premises



The Gbcsa has taken great strides forward in the past nine years, leading the movement to design, build and operate properties in an environmentally sustainable way, says outgoing Non-Executive Chairman of the Gbcsa, Seana Nkhahle.



This firm foundation paves the way for the new leadership team to focus on sustainability in the public sector, developing green buildings at scale and building sustainable communities  all of which dovetail perfectly with Dorahs particular skill set and experience. The Gbcsa is in good hands and is assured of a bright and successful future, he adds.



"The Gbcsa has seen significant growth since its inception in 2007 and is geared to grow substantially in the years to come. This is mainly due to the increasing significance of the property sector in the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions and the overwhelming balance sheet benefits brought about by efficiency savings, says incoming CEO, Dorah Modise.



I am particularly passionate about sustainability and believe that South Africa still has a lot to offer in this field. I am excited about this new, challenging venture and look forward to working with the great team of professionals that I have come to know over the years and a board that is really committed to the success of the organisation. Rudolph Pienaar comes with in-depth knowledge of the industry and is well placed to provide the leadership and guidance required to get the Gbcsa to its next great destination," concludes Modise.
The Taliban's latest offensives in the north and south of Afghanistan have killed dozens of people and displaced tens of thousands, officials said Monday.

Earlier this month the militants launched a full-fledged attack on Kunduz, briefly entering the northern city and triggering fierce fighting with Afghan forces that forced thousands of residents to flee.

Last week the militants also launched a new attack on Lashkar Gah, the besieged capital of volatile Helmand province in the south. They killed dozens of security forces personnel before being pushed back when government reinforcements arrived.

"Due to hostilities in Kunduz and intensified fighting across the south we have seen a jump of 37,000 IDPs alone -- more than ten percent of the year total in just one week," Danielle Moylan a spokeswoman for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told AFP.

The total number of internally displaced people due to fighting since the start of the year stands at 323,500.

In Helmand, which has seen some of the worst fighting since the Taliban began their insurgency against the western-backed Kabul government in 2001, authorities reported dozens of troops had been killed and more captured.

"Around 50 Afghan security forces were killed, and the same numbers went missing in Helmand province over the past two weeks," Tooryalai Hemat, the Helmand governor's adviser, told AFP.

Shir Muhammad Akhunzada, a parliamentarian, told parliament around 70 soldiers had surrendered to the Taliban.

In Uruzgan, another volatile province north of Helmand, 150 soldiers surrendered last week at Tarin Kot, senior local official Mohammad Zahir Naderi said.

"They surrendered with their weapons and ammunition and twenty Humvees," Zahir said, referring to US-built light-armoured vehicles.

The Taliban have intensified attacks across the war-torn country in recent months, pressuring Afghan forces stretched on multiple fronts.

Apart from their assaults on Kunduz and Helmand, they have attempted to overrun other provincial capitals, from Baghlan in the north to Farah in the west, but have so far been repelled.



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By SA Commercial Prop News - I-Net Bridge

Roland Sassoon, CEO of Sasfin.



SA property brand Primegro is to be reborn and listed as a property loan stock company on the JSE in the second quarter of this year.

A well-known South African property brand, Primegro, is to be reborn and listed as a property loan stock company on the JSE in the second quarter of this year in a deal announced on Thursday with niched financial services company Sasfin Holdings Limited.

In terms of the deal, Sasfin will dispose of its head office at 29 Scott Street, Waverley, to a re-emergent Primegro for a total consideration of R167.9m, subject to, inter alia, a listing of Primegro on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange as a property loan stock company.

The purchase price for Sasfin's property will be settled by way of a R134.32m cash payment by Primegro and the balance of R33.58m in Primegro linked units (6,716,000 linked units at R5 per unit) to be issued to Sasfin simultaneously with Primegro's listing.

Sasfin has also undertaken to lease back its head office building from Primegro for a 10-year period by way of a triple net lease at a market related rental.

The transaction also makes provision for Sasfin to acquire a 25% interest in Primegro's asset management company, Primegro Asset Managers Proprietary Limited, for no additional cost to Sasfin.

Says Derek Greenberg, CEO of the Primegro Property Fund: "We are aiming to assemble a portfolio of carefully selected properties over the next few years and we are busy with a number of deals at the moment. Primegro has a reputation for delivering above average returns in the property sector and we want to be able to continue that in the future."

Roland Sassoon, the CEO of Sasfin, notes that at Sasfin's year-end the company announced that it was reviewing its property private equity model and exiting private equity property investments as a proprietary investor.

"However, we still want to participate in the property investment market. Sasfin has extremely good deal flow in the property sector and now we have a home for those deals in our association with Primegro. We think there is a lot of synergy between us and we believe we have backed a winner with this deal. Sasfin's partnership with Primegro will enhance its ability to grow the fund into a significant player in the SA property market."

The promoters of Primegro are Derek Greenberg, Lionel Levinsohn and Martin Ettin, who have an indisputable reputation in SA property circles.

The original Primegro Properties was listed on the JSE in 1999 with a portfolio worth R600m. After growing the Fund to market capitalization of R2.2bn, the Fund was merged with Growthpoint Properties Limited in 2003, which, at the time, was valued at R2.5bn, to form the largest property loan stock company in the country.

Subsequently, Primegro Properties' promoters joined CBS Properties Limited, which they listed on the JSE in 2005 with a portfolio of properties worth R1.1bn. This fund was acquired by the Public Investment Corporation in 2007, by which time its property portfolio had grown to R2.3bn.

Says Greenberg: "According to Bloomberg, investors in the original Primegro Properties received a compound annual return from the date of listing to the date of the merger with Growthpoint of 21.7%. In the case of CBS the compound annual total return for investors from listing to disposal to the PIC was 35.4%."

Greenberg says Primegro is looking to secure an attractive property portfolio comprising a mix of quality commercial and retail properties with some select industrial properties. The Fund is looking at a forward yield of 9% on its units on listing, which is attractive compared to the current sector average of below 8%.

There are a number of conditions precedent to be fulfilled before the deal can be concluded.

The deal is expected to be earnings enhancing for Sasfin and the effective date of the transaction is the date on which the Sasfin property is transferred to Primegro
By SA Commercial Prop News

Jeffreys Bay, a town located in the Eastern Cape, is in for a commercial transformation, with Department of Environmental Affairs investing over R12m to upgrade facilities at the main beach area.



Seen as a tourism draw card, Jeffreys Bay is in for a commercial transformation, with Department of Environmental Affairs investing over R12m to upgrade facilities at the main beach area.

Kouga Municipality mayor Elza van Lingen announced last week that the funding could not have come at a better time as the town was busy preparing for an influx of holiday makers this festive season.

The municipality received R12.3-million through the Department of Environmental Affairs Working for the Coast Programme.

A portion of the funding will be used to upgrade facilities at Jeffreys Bays Dolphin Beach, including the construction of a new lifeguard tower, Van Lingen said.

Dolphin Beach was again awarded Blue Flag status this month, a major feat for the town as it is seen as a tourism draw card.

Van Lingen said they expected the new lifeguard tower to be completed in time for the summer season.

Tourism is one of the main economic drivers of the Kouga region and our beaches a re one of the main reasons people visit Kouga, Van Lingen said.

About 70 residents would benefit from the jobs created by the project, she said.

The project will also see the construction of a boardwalk, ablution facilities at Pellsrus Beach and a clean-up of the 15km coastalline.

Van Lingen said construction of the project would start next month, and should be completed in April.

Jeffreys Bay also known as J-bay is a town located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The town is situated just off the N2 Highway, about 75 km southwest of Port Elizabeth.
By SA Commercial Prop News

The money  allocated to the Gauteng department of human settlements in the form of a conditional grant  was meant for the creation of sustainable and integrated human settlements but was withdrawn by the Treasury.



Housing delivery in Gauteng might grind to a halt because of the withdrawal of more than R900m in funding.

The money  allocated to the Gauteng department of human settlements in the form of a conditional grant  was meant for the creation of sustainable and integrated human settlements but was withdrawn by the Treasury after the department failed to spend it.

A report by the auditor- general presented yesterday to the provincial standing committee on public accounts indicates that the department might have spent the money unlawfully.

The report points to other problems in the department of human settlements that might have contributed to the withdrawal of the grant, including inadequate planning due to project management capacity.

The conditional grant to provide funding for the creation of sustainable and integrated human settlements from the national Department of Human Settlements to [the Gauteng department of human settlements] was adjusted down by R908.3-million in terms of section 19 of the Division of Revenue Act, 2015, the auditor-general says.

The report adds: Grant fund utilisation for purposes contrary to the conditions of [the] grant are not cash-backed and may impact performance reporting and result in [the] grant being stopped.

Section 19 of the act states that a grant can be spent only for the purpose specified.
In the last 24 hours, India reported 1,326 new Covid-19 cases and eight cases, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. ...


Sleazy French MPs beware. With sexual harassment in parliament in the spotlight after recent scandals, a new website launched Monday that encourages female staffers to recount lewd behaviour or unwanted advances.

The women behind the initiative said sexist remarks and conduct were a daily occurrence in the halls of power in Paris, with recent cases documented in the media merely extreme examples of a much wider problem.

In May, one of the deputy speakers of the lower house, Denis Baupin, resigned after being accused of harassment over several decades, while minister Jean-Michel Baylet was accused in parliament last week of hitting a female colleague.

Both men deny the allegations, but the publicity surrounding the Baupin case created an opening for female MPs and their staff to speak out about the macho culture of parliament and its mostly-male occupants.

Writing in Monday's Le Monde newspaper, the four women behind the website said that "sexist language and behaviour occur on a daily basis for women in politics, whether they are elected or staff."

Their site, Chaircollaboratrice.com, is a French pun which sounds like 'Dear co-worker' but which actually translates as 'flesh of my co-worker'. It already hosts several anonymous testimonies from women reporting mostly unwanted comments about their appearance or sexually charged remarks.

In one case, a woman recounted being in a meeting with an MP who broke away from official business to remark to her, "You know, it's funny, I've never slept with an Arab..."

And her reply?

"You know, it's funny, I've never slapped an MP!"

In 2015, around 40 female journalists signed a joint statement denouncing sexist behaviour by male politicians.

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At least one child was killed and dozens of people were wounded in a drive-by bomb attack at a Shi'ite mosque in Karachi, police said.

Police said two men on a motorcycle lobbed the bomb as women and children sat outside the mosque in the Pakistani port city's densely populated Liaquatabad district.

Radical Sunni Islamists periodically target mosques frequented by minority Shi'ites, whom they see as infidels. Shi'ites make up about a fifth of Pakistan's mainly Sunni population of around 180 million.

"One boy has expired and another boy and a woman are in critical condition," Karachi police chief Mushtaq Meher told Reuters.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Soon after the blast, Shi'ite men and woman gathered outside the mosque and chanted slogans to protest about the lack of security provided to them in the Islamic month of Muharram.

That marks the time when Shi'ite Muslims around the world frequent mosques to mourn the slaying in battle of Prophet Mohammad's grandson Imam Hussein.

The government pledged to crack down on all militant groups following the December 2014 massacre of 134 children at an army-run school in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

It has reintroduced the death penalty, set up military courts to speed convictions and widened its military campaign in lawless tribal areas.

But Pakistan's religious minorities, among them Shi'ites, Ahmadis, Christians and Hindus, say the government is still doing little to alleviate their daily struggle against discrimination and violence.

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Several local companies successful in Best of the Best awards

business
All eight films are candidates for next year's Best Film in a Foreign Language category

Eight Oscar-hopeful films will be screened at the upcoming 38th Cairo International Film Festival from 15 to 24 November, including Egypt's submission for the foreign language category, Clash by Mohamed Diab.

The seven other films are from Germany, Hungary, Canada, Slovakia, Philippines, Nepal, and Saudi Arabia, and like Clash all are candidates for the Best Film in a Foreign Language category at the 89th Academy Awards.

The final shortlist of the five nominees has yet to be announced by the Academy.

Egypt's nomination, Clash, will be screened in a special section that celebrates recent award-winning Egyptian films.

The film explores the confrontations between pro- and anti-Muslim Brotherhood demonstrators that emerged following the ouster of president Mohamed Morsi from power in 2013.

The German film Tony Erdman by Maren Ade tells the tale of an eccentric father trying to get closer to his only daughter who works in another country. It scooped the FIPRESCI Prize presented by the International Critics Association.

Hungary's contender, Kills on Wheels by Attila Till, is a comedy-drama that follows three disabled people on wheelchairs, who carry out unexpected operations.

From Slovakia comes Eva Nova, directed by Marko Skop, a film centred on an actress recovering from alcoholism and trying to reconnect with her son.

Its Only the End of the World, by Canadian director Xavier Dolan, tells the story of a writer diagnosed with a serious illness who returns to his family after a long absence.

Ma Rosa, by Brillante Mendoza of the Philippines is about a Filipina mother of four who sells narcotics to make ends meet. When she and her husband end up in jail, their children do everything they can to get them out. The film earned its star Jaclyn Jose a Best Actress Award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.

The Black Hen, from Nepal and directed by Kalo Pothi, follows two boys in a Nepalese village, who become friends in the midst of a civil war ceasefire. Together, they raise a hen which they eventually lose. The film garnered the Best Film Award at the 2015 International Film Critics Week in Venice.

The Saudi Arabian film Barakah Meets Barakah by Mahmoud Sabbagh will screen at the Cairo festival's The Prospects of Arab Cinema parallel programme. The film deals with the difficulties encountered by young boys and girls in a country that prohibits mixed gatherings.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

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HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (AP)  A local Republican Party office in North Carolina was torched by a flammable device and someone spray-painted an anti-GOP slogan referring to "Nazi Republicans" on a nearby wall, authorities said Sunday.

A bottle filled with flammable liquid was thrown through the window of the Orange County Republican Party headquarters overnight, according to a news release from the town of Hillsborough. The substance ignited and damaged the interior before burning out. No one was injured.

On Sunday afternoon, the walls of the multi-room office were covered in black char, and a couch against one wall had been burned down to its springs. Shattered glass covered the floor, and melted campaign yard signs showed warped lettering.

The news release from authorities said an adjacent building was spray-painted with the words: "Nazi Republicans leave town or else." The graffiti had been covered in paint by late afternoon.

Another business owner discovered the damage Sunday morning. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is working with local investigators.

State GOP executive director Dallas Woodhouse said people sometimes work after-hours, and he felt lucky that no one was there at the time. He said the bottle appeared to have landed on or near the couch where volunteers sometimes take naps.

"They are working around the clock. It is a miracle that nobody was killed," he said in an interview, calling the fire "political terrorism."

He said Republican offices around the state were re-examining their security.

The violent act in the key battleground state was condemned by public figures across the political spectrum.

Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president said on Twitter that the attack "is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe."

The attack on the Orange County HQ @NCGOP office is horrific and unacceptable. Very grateful that everyone is safe.  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 16, 2016

Republican nominee Donald Trump blamed the act on Democrats in a Tweet and also he encouraged local Republicans, saying: "With you all the way, will never forget. Now we have to win. Proud of you all!"

ALL SAFE IN ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA. With you all the way, will never forget. Now we have to win. Proud of you all! @NCGOP  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016

At a news conference, Woodhouse urged Republicans to respond peacefully by turning out to vote in November. He said he'd received messages of support from Democrats.

Orange County GOP chairman Daniel Ashley told reporters that no one had previously made violent threats against the office several miles from the town's historic square. The GOP office is several doors down from a shuttered ice rink in what was once a frontier-themed amusement park that is now a retail complex known as The Shops at Daniel Boone.

Tom Stevens, mayor of the town about 40 miles northwest of Raleigh, said that it was fortunate the fire didn't burn the office and other adjacent buildings that are decades old to the ground.

Stevens, a Democrat, said the act doesn't represent the character of Orange County, which also includes much of Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina campus. Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 3-1 margin in the county that picked President Barack Obama by a lopsided margin in the 2012 election.

"I'd like to believe we aspire to respect hearing differing views," Stevens said in an interview. "This is very troubling."

Stevens said he wasn't aware of any leads on suspects.
Child brides in Turkey are often raped, beaten and forced to undergo virginity tests, according to the director of a new documentary which aims to break the silence on the taboo issue.

"Growing Up Married", which will premiere in London on Oct. 30, examines the impact of child marriage on four women who were wed as teenagers in western Turkey.

"When hearing some of their stories I thought to myself 'how are you still alive?'," filmmaker Eylem Atakav said in an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Globally, one third of girls in developing countries, excluding China, are married before the age of 18 and one in nine before the age of 15, according to U.N. data.

Child marriage robs girls of their childhood and education and increases the risk of domestic violence and sexual abuse, campaigners say.

It also puts them in danger of death or serious injury if they have children before their bodies are ready.

"There are lots of stories about child brides, but very few that look at what happens to them after," said Atakav, a lecturer in film and television studies at the University of East Anglia in Britain.

The Turkish-born director said her filming trip to Izmir in July revealed survivors felt an urgent need to speak out.

"I had spent the day interviewing two of my parents' neighbours about their experiences," she recalled.

"Then there was a knock on the door - three women from the neighbourhood came to ask if I was making a film about child brides and said that they wanted to talk about their experiences too."

Traumatised

The women in the film, now in their 30s to 50s, were married between the ages of 14 and 17.

"They put a wedding gown on me one night and took me to some place I had never seen before - I (have) remained silent ever since," one of the women says in the film.

Another describes how she used to dread night-time because her husband would drag her to the bedroom where he "took pleasure out of pulling my hair".

"I used to collect all my hair from the floor and pillows every morning. Then I started cutting my hair so that he couldn't hurt me as much."

Atakav said the film also revealed more "insidious" forms of abuse.

"Tradition in Turkey dictates that the bride should be a virgin, before she has sex with her husband on the night of the wedding," she explained.

"Family members wait outside the bedroom to then note the blood on the white sheet in the morning."

Atakav said that one of the women in the film who was married at 15 was accused of not being a virgin when her family couldn't see any blood.

"Her husband shouted at the family 'you bought me a woman, not a girl!'."

The woman said she was taken to another village for a virginity test and that "life after that was awful".

Invisible Issue

Only one of the four women in the film is still married to her husband, said Atakav. Two are divorced and one has remarried but her former husband has banned her from seeing her daughter.

"These women have somehow managed to go on with their lives but you can see the pain on their faces," Atakav said.

Campaign group Girls Not Brides says Turkey has one of the highest rates of child marriage in Europe, with an estimated 15 percent of girls married before the age of 18.

The minimum age of marriage in Turkey is 17 years, although marriage at 16 can be allowed with court approval.

Atakav hopes her documentary will raise awareness of "this invisible issue, and be a tool for women's voices to be heard everywhere".

"What I'd really like is to go show the film in Turkey," she said. "Only privileged families, if anyone, have access to these types of films when those who most need (to see) them don't."

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

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A freaky incident on the main road at Vaimoso on Saturday caused long queues for motorists heading to Apia.

Two loose tyres from a container truck landed on another vehicle, smashing the front part.

Some of the bystanders who wanted to remain anonymous said what happened should never have happened if people were more careful.

The black car was coming from Apia when it was accidently hit by the two tyres that came flying off the truck, said one of the witnesses.

One of the men who was on the truck said the tyres just came off.
Supreme Court will hear a motion to quash the charges against the suspended Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil tomorrow.

The decision was made in the Supreme Court yesterday by Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai.

When the matter was called, the lawyers were asked to meet in chambers.

Leone Sua-Mailo was present for the National Prosecution Office (N.P.O) while Komisi Koria and Leinafo Taimalelagi appeared on behalf of the accused.

When they returned, families, friends and the media in the public gallery was informed that the matter had been adjourned until tomorrow.

No reasons were given for the latest adjournment.

Fuiavailili is facing charges including unlawful detaining of a person, disorderly conduct in a public place, perjury and making a false statement in relation to the wrongful arrest of a member of the public last year.

Last month, Mr. Koria sought to quash the charges against his client, questioning the legitimacy of the charges. He told the Court they dont understand the nature of the allegations against his client and the charges therefore should be dropped.

Given the poor state of the file that has been provided to us, and the obvious lack of evidence behind the way that charges have been filed, it is in our application that the police charges need to be quashed in Court to avoid further prejudice of evidence, said Mr. Koria.

The lawyer based his argument on the documents provided to his office by the National Prosecution Office (N.P.O), which filed the charges.

Mr. Koria drew the Courts attention to the charges of perjury and making a false statement to the Ombudsman.

The charges that we have been served do not particularise what the statement is that my client is alleged to have made knowing that statement is false, he said.

You cannot charge a person with an offence of perjury and not particularise what the statement is that he has allegedly made.

Mr. Koria said he had asked the N.P.O on several occasions to provide him with the details of the statement so he can understand the nature of the charges against Fuiavailiili.

However, Mr. Koria was told that he needed to make a proper application before the Court to be given that information.

It is the Constitutional right for my client to be given all the information in relation to the charges to understand the nature of all the information against him, Mr. Koria said.

Tomorrows hearing is due to a request from Mr. Koria for his application to be heard earlier given the urgency of the matter.

His Honor Chief Justice Patu Tiavaasue Sapolu had indicated that the next available date would be January 2017. However, Mr. Koria asked for an earlier date saying that the hearing would only take about an hour.
Trade and investment between Samoa and New Zealand has the potential to rake in billions of tala for the local economy.

With that in the offering, Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has urged the relevant officials and stakeholders to make the most of the opportunity to negotiate how to take advantage of the opportunities.

He was speaking at the opening of the Samoa Trade and Investment Commission (N.Z.S.T.I.C) Business Mission seminar at Hotel Tanoa Tusitala yesterday.

A 19-member delegation from New Zealand, led by Tauiliili Fatu Fuatavai, Chairman of the N.Z.S.T.I.C, is in Samoa for the negotiations. The delegation includes representatives of member companies and affiliations in the areas of shipping, freight, infrastructure, industry projects, food and beverage, real estate, farming and banking.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa, Jackie Frizelle, said the meeting in Samoa has great potential.

Your trade mission this week has the potential to play an important part in this economic development as many of your businesses are already, Ms. Frizelle said.

I trust you will make useful networks, gain clarity about how to do business in Samoa, visit some interesting business sites and most of all be enthused by the opportunities that Samoa has to offer. As the P.M. pointed out, its an opportunity to make billions.

Samoas Trade Commissioner in Auckland, Fonoti Dr. Lafitai Fuatai, is part of the delegation that is also exploring opportunities in Savaii tomorrow.

New Zealand and Samoa enjoy a very open and a healthy relationship, Ms. Frizelle said.

Business missions such as this one help maintain and strengthen that relationship. As does the coup last week of Sir Gordon Tietjens joining the boys in blue.

The potential trade opportunities linked to Samoa is not to be underestimated. Theres always a lot happening in Samoa; this is a very busy, vibrant and active place.

Ms. Frizelle said the delegation from New Zealands arrival is timely.

You have all come at a particularly good time, when the economic environment for business development is starting to really come together, she said.

Samoa is a welcoming environment for overseas businesses especially for those who want to invest in the future of Samoa and help develop local businesses and partners.

The economy here is at a point where a lot of the hard ground work is starting to pay dividends. Next the Tui Cable will be in place, which is expected to lead to faster and cheaper broadband.

These benefits will be a game changer for Samoa.

The recent opening of two five star hotels, the building of a new airport terminal, the pending runway upgrade, various constructive projects, the success of creative I.T businesses, the expansion of the food and beverage industry, the huge interest in cocoa and coconut products out of Samoa, the emerging fashion designers are all evidence of the talent and opportunities that exist here in Samoa.

Ms. Frizelle also said that through the P.A.C.E.R plus agreement, New Zealand has demonstrated their interest in a sustainable Pacific region.

New Zealand wants a prosperous and sustainable Pacific region, she said.

Thats why we are supportive of the P.A.C.E.R plus agreement. Our main objective for the Pacer plus is to encourage economic development in Pacific Countries including Samoa by making it easier to trade to create jobs, raise standards of living and to encourage sustainable economic development.

The N.Z.S.T.I.C was set up in Auckland in 2011 with the aim to facilitate trade and investment flows between New Zealand and Samoa.

The objective of the business mission is to engage with the private sector and officials and to explore opportunities for trade and investment.
Island Rock Company Ltd. celebrated the opening of its new business location at Tufuiopa yesterday.

Customers and the companys much-valued business clients marveled at the more than $2million facility.

The opening was a proud moment for the Wallwork family who have developed the business from scratch.

General Manager, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, was a grateful man.

Our family business was first started in 2000, he said.

We started small and through hard work, weve been able to build up the company to what it is today.

The new location makes it easier for customers to browse and check out the stock available in store.

We first started as a video company at Tamaligi back in the days, Tuaopepe recalled. Then we moved to electronics service at Tufuiopa at where we were before here. From that were continuing on, adding a number of products until today.

An excited Tuaopepe said he believes this is only a step in their journey.

Our family is always looking at ways to expand the business in the near future but it will all depend on Gods time, he said.

He added that the new location and the new building is a step in the right direction, offering a chance to improve their services to Samoa.

I believe this is a new beginning for many of our customers, partners who have enabled us and to achieve many goals.

We are now ready for business and to offer the best services in Samoa. We want to thank all the people of Samoa for their support over the years.

Construction on the companys new building started in February this year.
NEW YORK (AP)  Melania Trump on Monday dismissed her husband's sexually aggressive language as "boy talk," insisting his remarks do not reflect "the man I know."

Trump's wife, in a series of media interviews, said she has accepted her husband's apology and the couple is "moving on." The comments come more than a week after the release of a 2005 video in which Trump brags about kissing women and grabbing their genitals without their permission.

"I said to my husband that, you know, the language is inappropriate. It's not acceptable. And I was surprised, because that is not the man that I know," she told CNN.

She suggested that Trump may not have known his microphone was on, calling it "kind of a boy talk" that "Access Hollywood" host Billy Bush was encouraging.

Mrs. Trump also said it is fair game for her husband to appear with women who have accused former President Bill Clinton of sexual assault, claiming the Democrats fired the first volley into the increasingly ugly war about the couples' private lives.

"They're asking for it. They started. They started from the beginning of the campaign putting my picture from modeling days," she said in excerpts released by Fox News ahead of the interview's broadcast. "That was my modeling days and I'm proud what I did. I worked very hard."

Melania Trump's image was used in a negative ad campaign during the Republican primary, but there is no evidence that the Clintons were involved. At the time, Donald Trump accused former rival Ted Cruz of being involved and responded by tweeting an unflattering image of the Texas senator's wife. Cruz also denied involvement.

The interviews are Melania Trump's first moments in the public eye since the accusations over the last 10 days that have sent her husband's White House bid reeling.

First, a 2005 video leaked of Trump using vulgar language to describe women and apparently boasting of sexual assault. And in recent days, several women have come forward to say that Trump had groped or sexually assaulted them.

The Republican nominee has denied the claims, calling the women liars and belittling their appearances.

In the interviews, Melania Trump deemed the celebrity businessman's comments on the leaked tape "offensive to me and they were inappropriate."

"And he apologized to me," she said. "And I expect -- I accept his apology. And we are moving on."

She said something similar in a statement released by the campaign after the video's release. She has also demanded retractions from a People Magazine writer who profiled the couple in 2005 and last week accused Donald Trump of an assault at the couple's Florida home, Mar-a-Lago, while Melania was out of the room.

Melania Trump has never filled the role of the traditional political spouse, only making rare appearances on the campaign trail. Her speech at July's national convention was initially praised until it was discovered that passages of it were lifted from Michelle Obama's 2008 convention address.

Trump, who attended each of the first two presidential debates, was also lampooned on this week's Saturday Night Live. The long-running sketch show ran a video in which actresses playing Melania Trump, her two step-daughters and two of the candidate's most visible female allies did a version of Beyonce's feminist manifesto "Lemonade" in an act of rebellion against the candidate.

The video ends with the Cecily Strong, the comedian playing Melania Trump, suggesting she wrote the song herself.
In a little over a month, prepare to see a sleigh full of articles from employment experts warning of the legal perils of holiday parties in the workplace. Managers will be warned about the risk of allowing their employees to drink too much  or at all  at such gatherings. You will be told that inhibitions may fall and inappropriate verbal and physical impulses unleashed. Mistletoe is as toxic to eat  really  as it may be to display at any work function. And gift exchanges without guidelines may be an invitation to the office lech to play bad Santa.

All of that advice is sound.

But office misconduct never takes a holiday. Halloween falls on a Monday this year, a workday. Here are three ways allowing too much Halloween into the office may result in workplace legal complications well before Santa makes his first appearance.

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The first way Halloween may cause legal problems is costumes that offend. If an employee wears a costume that may be perceived as insulting a racial or ethnic group  blackface, for example  a manager should be prepared to take action even before another employee complains. That is not to say that a single outrageous costume is likely to be enough to constitute the workplace-altering conditions someone must prove to show unlawful workplace harassment. But such a costume may be part of a broader series of acts that are sufficiently pervasive to be illegal.

All of that is to say that the best form of action a manager can take is preventive in the form of a reminder that rules prohibiting harassment apply just as much on Halloween as any other day. A California employer is legally entitled to require employees to follow reasonable workplace appearance, grooming, and dress standards. The employers discretion, if not unlimited, is fairly broad. The safest course is to prohibit dressing up altogether on Halloween. But the culture of a particular workplace may make such an outright ban odd.

The second, related way Halloween may cause legal problems is where a worker uses the occasion to make inappropriate suggestions about the costume another worker should wear. In one Detroit case about 10 years ago, an employee suggested that a Pakistani Muslim employee dress as Osama bin laden for Halloween. It is easy to imagine a subordinate suggesting that a demanding female supervisor dress as a witch -- or worse. An employer should address even isolated comments that are not themselves enough to constitute unlawful harassment through some kind of discipline, making it clear to the offending employee and others that the employer does not approve.

Third, the alert manager should watch for provocative decorations. One case of unlawful harassment out of Maryland a few years ago included a claim that a worker repeatedly had placed a screwdriver in a jack o lantern in a sexually suggestive way. Removing the object was not enough for the employer to avoid a trial on the harassment claim based on this and other misconduct.

Most workplaces have elements of fun. The law does not require workplaces to be stripped of anything that the most hypersensitive employee would find upsetting. Fun in the workplace, however, should be broadly appealing. Preventive steps should be taken to make sure of that. The employers response should be firm and clear when those steps prove inadequate. Happy Halloween.

Dan Eaton is a partner with the San Diego law firm of Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek where his practice focuses on defending and advising employers. He also is an instructor at the San Diego State University College of Business Administration where he teaches classes in business ethics and employment law. He may be reached at eaton@scmv.com. His Twitter handle is @DanEatonlaw.
Do you manage millennials in the workplace?

If so, chances are your thoughts are based on negative assumptions about how lazy, entitled and pampered they are, said Dan Negroni, founder of Launchbox Inc., a San Diego-based millennial consulting firm whose clients include Qualcomm, KPMG and UBS.

He advises managers to look beyond those perceptions to find a way to work with millennials, defined as those ages 20 to 36.

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Its critical to companies because millennials, which already make up roughly one-third of the workforce, will be about two-thirds of the workforce in less than 10 years, Negroni said.

Negroni, 51, who recently published a book about millennials called Chasing Relevance, answered questions from the Union-Tribune about how to manage millennials in the workforce. (Some answers have been edited for length.)

Q. Why is understanding millennials as employees important for companies?

A. They are 36 percent or more of your workforce. They will be nearly 75 percent of your employees by 2025.

Thirty percent of organizations lose 15 percent or more of their millennial workforce annually. It costs companies $15,000 to $25,000 to replace each millennial. Seventy-one percent of organizations report that the loss of millennial employees increased the workload and stress of current employees.

Those that want any chance of succeeding need to figure out how to win with millennials.

Q. What are the top things managers should do to keep millennials happy in their jobs?

A. Millennials want to learn and grow more than anything else. Gallup surveyed millennials and I think almost 89 percent of them said they respect and would be loyal to managers that care and teach them skills.

Millennials have been bombarded with advertising and information from all angles and they see through (all of that). They want real no-nonsense speak that tells it like it is.

They grew up with constant feedback and a seat at the table, encouraged to ask questions. They love collaboration, and feedback is critical to authenticity, learning and growing.

Q. As you pointed out millennials also want a flexible work environment. Why do they prefer that and do their bosses feel the same way?

A. Flexible work environments become more critical as technology makes it easier to deliver value from afar and 24/7 for all ages. Millennials think it is ridiculous that they be forced to serve time or just be in the office because we were. Or we think they should be. They want us to be able to pivot on time in the office if they deliver results. They also want collaborative and flexible offices in terms of space.

Bosses definition of flexibility is ridiculously different. They have a hard time believing millennials should get perks and dont understand how the lack of structure will work. Traditionally, it is hard for one generation to completely shift and understand how a new generation will make it work with such wildly different treatment. Technology has compounded this issue and it is a predominant complaint of bosses who universally retrench to the I had to do it that way so they should too, or I did it myself. Let them figure it out. Neither position works well.

Q. How else are millennials changing the way we run our businesses?

A. Millennials have forced the workplace to up their game in a big way and here is what they have forced in the workplace from the best employers as determined by Linkedin:

Pandora, coming in at No.16, provides various employee recourse groups (such as rock climbers and vegan philosophers) and gives each employee 40 hours of paid time off to volunteer. McKinsey, coming in at No. 23, has a Take Time program, offering five to 10 weeks each year for employees to pursue interests and passions. Ingrained in these companies is a commitment to the well-being and personal growth, development and learning of their employees. Gallup finds that this major perk engages their employees and makes these companies most desirable among millennials.

BOX, a tech company coming in at No. 25 on list, offers free lunch and weekly yoga classes. Live Nation, the live event and ticketing company (coming in at No. 34), offers employees the opportunity to attend live sporting games, concerts and festivals, a sure fire plus to any millennial. These special perks are great and make it evident these companies arent just fixated on work, but that they also integrate fun and wellness into their culture. Its more than just the freebie when you peel the layers. These perks also say we care about you and want to help you learn and grow personally and professionally.

Q. What are some other big myths about millennials in the workplace? Why arent they true?

A. Millennials are probably everything and nothing we say about them.

Wont do what theyre told? In a poll of 5,000 workers by Jennifer Deal of the Center for Creative Leadership and Alec Levenson of the University of Southern California, 41 percent of millennials agreed that employees should do what their manager tells them, even when they cant see the reason for it, compared with 30 percent of baby boomers and 30 percent of Gen Xers.

Arent competitive? The Economist cites research by CEB, a consulting firm that polls 90,000 American employees each quarter, that 59 percent of millennials say competition is what gets them up in the morning. (Thats a greater percentage than the baby boomers or Gen Xers on that topic.)

Only communicate digitally? That study by Jennifer Deal and Alec Levenson showed that more than 90 percent of millennials surveyed want face-to-face feedback and career discussions.

Jump ship and are not committed for the long term, or really any term? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker stays at a job 4.4 years, and yes, according to the Future Workplace Multiple Generations @ Work survey of 1,189 employees and 150 managers, 91 percent of millennials expect to stay less than three. But beware of averages. Millennials may find it normal to job hop faster than any previous generation. But when they find the right opportunity, they actually are more loyal than the previous generation. The CEB study showed millennials put future career opportunity among their top five reasons for choosing a job, again ahead of other generations.

Simply put, when it comes to millennials, most of us have no idea what to believe or do. So we believe and assume the worst. Until we see this, the most powerful myths or assumptions that we have about millennials will continue to negatively impact our attitudes about, perceptions of and relationships with them.

Get past the myths and realize that individual differences are more important than generational ones. If you make the company and yourself relevant to millennials, they will make the company and you relevant to the market.

About Launchbox

Headquarters: San Diego

Year founded: 2014

Other Launchbox clients: Booz Allen Hamilton, DLA Piper, PayLease, BusinessOnline

Founder: Negroni is the father to two millennial-aged children: Zach, 24, who works at BOX; Allie, 21, a junior and communications major at University of Utah. Negroni is author of the book Chasing Relevance.

Hang Nguyen is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles.
A community-wide Sukkot  fall harvest celebration is coming to Carlsbads Tamarack Beach.

Congregation Bnai Tikvah of Carlsbad celebrates Sukkot Across America with Rabbi Ben Leinow and Cantor Larry Kornit 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 21 at Tamarack Beach, Lifeguard Tower # 33 at 101 Tamarack Ave. in Carlsbad.

Sukkot, a Hebrew word meaning booths or huts, refers to the Jewish festival of giving thanks for the fall harvest. Participants can build a sukkot ( hut) on the beach and join the celebration

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The program is free and open to the North County community. Set up and decorating begins at 2 p.m. Bring non-perishable food items for Interfaith Community Services. Look for the Bnai Tikvah feather flag on the beach near the lifeguard tower.

Call 858-472-0303 or email naomi.gabai.fisher@gmail.com.

Visit bnaitikvahsd.com
At the back of a South County campus, inside classroom trailers, students struggle to focus and learn, battling behavioral and mental health issues.

Some are failing in school because of issues or distractions at home, some are foster children overcoming trauma, others are avoiding a return to Juvenile Hall.

At LifeSchool these adolescents and teens are looked after not just academically but also therapeutically.

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LifeSchool is a program administered by the San Diego Center for Children for special education students in grade seven through 12 who need higher-level support than in a traditional classroom.

The center began operating LifeSchool in 2008 with the San Diego County Behavioral Health Services. After state funding for the program was eliminated, the center began a new contract with the Sweetwater district in 2012 using school-based mental health funds.

About one-third of the population we serve comes from child welfare services and have a history of abuse and or neglect, said Moises Baron, president & CEO of the Center for Children.

Because of some of the emotional challenges theyre experiencing, its impacting their ability to learn, he said. By working together, we can have much more success to help them learn and cope.

On the Southwest High campus, the center helps students attending LifeSchool navigate through a variety of diagnoses. They include anxiety and depression, ADD and ADHD, Aspergers syndrome, autism, psychosis, eating disorders and self-harm.

At LifeSchool, a therapeutic team works with each student to develop communication and social skills, identify strengths and areas of interest and ultimately become independent young adults.

Student referrals to LifeSchool are made by teachers and counselors to district officials. The program currently serves about 15 students ages 11 to 20, the majority of whom live in Chula Vista, National City and Imperial Beach.

A typical school day runs 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with the first half focusing on academics and the second half focusing on therapy.

Every other Friday the students receive pet therapy for an hour in a group setting, followed by culinary arts, which allows students to learn simple recipes.

Cami, a 9-year-old chocolate Labrador, and Marty is a 2-year-old yellow Lhasa Apsos-mix visited the students on Oct. 14.

One student, identified only by her first name Milli, said Cami and Marty calm her anxiety.

They help me relax, she said. They cheer me up and make me smile.

Milli, 20, has attended LifeSchool for two years. She previously attended Mar Vista where she said she was bullied.

It affected me and caused me to be shy, she said. At LifeSchool she said she feels more comfortable.

Im more social and Im trying to be involved in more activities.

Milli is on track to graduate with her high school diploma this winter. She wants to go to beauty school at Bellus Academy to study hair and makeup.

Center CEO Baron said the benefits of pet therapy include a decreased feeling of depression and anxiety and alienation. He said it also encourages communication.

We have found that when some of our youth have a therapy dog in a therapeutic session, they may be able to say things they wouldnt typically feel comfortable talking about, he said.

Jesus,17, has attended LifeSchool for about six months. He also used to go to Mar Vista but said it was difficult to focus in a large class. His anxiety is triggered by large crowds and too much noise.

At LifeSchool he said he can focus on his work and the dogs also help him to relax.

I used to be introverted. Now Im more outgoing. I have more confidence, he said.

Jesus wants to be a computer engineer to learn more about technology and programming.

Each day of the week is structured. On Tuesday for example, students practice processing their feelings on a given topic. Wednesdays, the boys and girls are separated and each group talks about self-esteem and life skills.

The students also participate in group therapy three days a week.

The center runs a similar program in Carlsbad called North County Academy.

Baron said there is a significant need in the community to help these children through their issues.

After spending some time in our program, he said, students are able to return to their home school or regular classroom to succeed academically in their family and personally life.
The concert introduces Urban Lens: Spotlight on Berlin, one of two new sections in this year's Panorama

Berlin-based DJ Habibi Funk will perform at Zigzag in Downtown Cairo on Friday, as part of a launch party for the 9th Panorama of the European Film which kicks off on 2 November.

Habibi Funk is the stage name of music producer Jannis Sturtz of the German label Jakarta Records.

His energetic music is born out of his trips across the Arab world, mixing Arabic disco from the 60s, 70s and 80s from Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Algeria. He performs music live from his vinyl collection and cassette tapes.

The concert introduces one of two new sections introduced to this years edition of Panorama, namely Urban Lens: Spotlight on Berlin.

Urban Lens will feature a selection of films in which the city acts as both the medium and the subject. For this sections first edition, the city of Berlin will be highlighted through five pivotal films across various genres," reads a recent press release by Panorama.

Those with tickets for the concert will also get access to one free morning screening during the upcoming Panorama.

The 9th Panorama of the European Film runs this year between 2 and 12 November, and will bring a selection of the latest critically acclaimed and award-winning international films to Egypts screening venues.

Panorama was launched in 2004 by co-manager of Misr International Films, Marianne Khoury.

It was the seed leading to the birth of Zawya, the art-house initiative launched by MIF in 2014 that screens an alternative selection of films all year round, and also is responsible for organising the Panorama.

Building on past years successful editions, the Panorama stands as a main pillar in Egypts contemporary cinematic culture, bringing to Egyptian screens important and award-winning films.

The Panorama of the European Film is co-funded by the European Union and is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and the Egyptian Film Centre.

Programme:

Friday 21 October

9pm: Warm up by NNR

11pm: Habibi Funk (Jakarta Records)

Zigzag, 6 Kasr El-Nil Street, Downtown Cairo

For reservations and information on tickets, send an email to [email protected] with Habibi Funk in the subject line.

*Ahram Online is the main media sponsor of the Panorama of the European Film and Zawya.

For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture

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Two suspects were arrested early Sunday in connection with a shooting at a popular Jamaican restaurant in Los Angeles that left three people dead and 12 others wounded, police said.

Police tracked down Mowayne McKay, 33, and Diego Reid, 25, both Jamaican nationals, at area hospitals where they had sought treatment for gunshot wounds, said Los Angeles Police Capt. Peter Whittingham.

Eyewitness accounts and other evidence, including videos, led police to the men, Whittingham said. They are expected to be booked on murder charges.

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The two men are suspected of taking part in a gun battle that erupted after an initial shooting at a house in the 2900 block of Rimpau Boulevard, out of which the owner runs an informal eatery.

In the first volley of gunfire about 12:30 a.m. Saturday, a man was shot and killed after being confronted by two others in what was probably a dispute over a drug deal gone bad, Whittingham said.

With dozens of people at the house celebrating a birthday, gunfire then erupted between two groups, one associated with the man who had been killed and the other backing the two men who confronted him, Whittingham said.

Police responding to the scene encountered chaos as panicked partygoers scattered in fear and the wounded lay bleeding. Three people were pronounced dead at the scene and 12 others were transported to hospitals. Three of the wounded were in critical condition.

McKay and Reid are not thought to be the men who initially confronted and killed the first victim, Whittingham said. Those men remain at large.

Police on Sunday were still working to piece together the details of the messy crime scene. It is not yet known how many, if any, people were killed by shots fired by McKay or Reid, Whittingham said. After consulting with prosecutors, police decided the evidence against the men was strong enough to arrest them, he added.

Coroner officials declined to identify any of the dead, saying the victims families had not yet been notified.

Several residents interviewed by The Times described the Jamaican eatery in the West Adams neighborhood as a popular gathering spot in the community. But some neighbors have complained about parking and loud music.

The owner of the eatery, who identified himself only as Dilly, told The Times he has run a catering business out of his house since 2003 and served food on Saturdays. He said he was hosting a birthday party Friday night but that he did not know what prompted the shooting.

People come over and I cook food for them, said Dilly, 63, who moved to the U.S. from Kingston, Jamaica, 22 years ago.

Theres no menu, just whatever hes cooking that day, which is usually at least seven different things, one Internet reviewer wrote.

This is not the first time gunfire has erupted at the house on the tree-lined block of modest bungalows and single-story homes in the gentrifying West Adams neighborhood.

In 2011, there was another fatal shooting that claimed a friend of his, said Dilly, who believes one person who died this weekend was also a friend.

Saturdays shooting occurred in a year of rising crime in Los Angeles.

According to The Times Crime L.A. database, the West Adams district has seen 109 violent crimes over the last six months, but no homicides until now.

Through July 16, overall crime rose 6.3% across the city compared with the same period last year, LAPD records show. Property crime was up 3.8%, and violent offenses climbed 15.9%.

In a statement, Mayor Eric Garcetti said the West Adams shooting was the latest example of a senseless gun violence epidemic that causes so much pain and sorrow in our city and across the nation.

Our thoughts are with the families mourning or praying at bedsides today, Garcetti said. We must take action against easy access to firearms and the thoughtless, indiscriminate, murderous use of them.

Times staff writers Matt Stevens, Brittny Mejia and Ruben Vives contributed to this report.

joel.rubin@latimes.com

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UPDATES:

4:24 p.m.: This story was updated with new information from police.

This story was initially posted at 3:15 p.m.
The Navy man who drove his pickup off the San Diego-Coronado Bridge killing four people at Chicano Park on Saturday could be arraigned as early as Wednesday, officials said.

Richard Sepolio, 24, faces a host of charges including four counts of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and three counts of causing gross bodily injury in a DUI crash.

He was headed north on Interstate 5 when he lost control of his GMC pickup while transitioning onto the bridge about 3:45 p.m. He smashed through a concrete retaining wall and plunged into the park, where hundreds were gathers for the La Raza Run motorcycle rally.

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Two couples, Andre Banks and Francine Jimenez from Hacienda Heights, Calif., and Cruz and AnnaMarie Contreras from Chandler, Ariz., died in the crash. Nine others were injured, three seriously.

Sepolio, an aviation electrician, was arrested afterward on suspicion of causing injury or death while driving drunk. He remains hospitalized with major injuries.

Blanca Sepolio, the mans mother, said family members didnt wish to comment on the crash when reached Monday.

A military spokesman said it is too soon to say what next steps the Navy will take.

The Navy is supporting the investigation as they can, and we cant speculate from there, said spokesman Brian ORourke.

Sepolio enlisted in the Navy in September 2014. He went to boot camp at the Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in Illinois and attended apprenticeship schools in Pensacola, Fla., and Norfolk, Va.

He was stationed in San Diego in September 2015 as an aviation electronics technician, or a J130, and was assigned to Helicopter Combat Squadron 6. Aviation electronics technicians troubleshoot and repair a number of electronics in Navy aircraft.

When he was 19 years old, Sepolio was arrested in Texas on suspicion of possessing or delivering drug paraphernalia. He was jailed on $600 bail. Its unclear how the case was resolved.

On Monday, several community members tended to a growing memorial of candles and flowers in Chicano Park, where the crash occurred.

Family members mourned the loss of AnneMarie and Cruz Contreras, who were married for 35 years and described as two beautiful souls in sentiments posted to a GoFundMe page.

AnneMarie was a teachers assistant at Jane Dee Hull Elementary school in Chandler, and Cruz spent the last decade mentoring teens in the couples community. They spent their free time cruising on their motorcycle.

Together, they spent many years providing a loving home for many of Arizonas foster children, nephew Jacob Contreras said on the page.

Andre Banks, who was a biker, had gone to Chicano Park to enjoy the festival, said long-time friend David Sloane of Sacramento. Banks was a member of the Life Support Alliance, a group of former life-term prisoners who have been granted parole.

Banks was paroled about seven years ago after more than two decades behind bars. He turned his life around while serving time, Sloane said.

Saturdays incident marked the fifth time a vehicle has plummeted off the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bridge since 1980, when a car plunged into the bay after a crash with another vehicle. The three sailors inside died.

More than a decade later, on Nov. 16, 1992, William Wylie Jr., 27, a Navy enlisted man being pursued by police was fatally injured when he lost control of his sporty Mazda and plunged 150-foot from the bridge into Chicano Park.

On Christmas morning in 2003, a 19-year-old sailor struck a concrete barrier with her car and fell 50 feet from the bridge. The car caught fire near Chicano Park. She survived the crash.

Less than a month later, on January 13, 2004, a tour bus making a lane change on the bridge hit a pickup and knocked it over the bridge railing. The vehicle landed more than 140 feet below, near Harbor Drive and Cesar E. Chavez Parkway, killing the driver, Orlando Casinio, 49, of San Marcos.

Caltrans officials said in a statement Monday that the bridge was inspected and was found to be structurally sound. Spokeswoman Cathryn Bruce-Johnson said the results of the California Highway Patrols investigation into the crash will help the organization determine whether any further action should be taken.

Breaking News

Twitter: @LAWinkley

(619) 293-1546

lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com
Police and fire academies dont train cadets how to interact with homeless people, but many public safety workers are discovering it is increasingly part their job as the population of people on the street grows.

With that in mind, the Oceanside Police Department invited police officers and firefighters from across the county to a two-day workshop this past week to share what its two-man homeless outreach team has learned in the past two years.

The bottom line is, this is an extremely difficult population, said Lonny Harper, Oceanside police homeless outreach officer. He imparted that message and other advice and observations Tuesday morning to public safety workers from Oceanside, Chula Vista, Encinitas, Escondido, San Marcos and Vista. San Diego and El Cajon public safety officers were invited were didnt make it.

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Oceanside Police Captain Fred Armijo and officer Josh Ferry from the outreach team also shared their experiences and gave advice at the workshops.

Oceanside started its homeless outreach team two years ago and San Diego started its in 2000, both partnering with social service providers as a different approach to interacting with people living on the street. Armijo organized the workshop to provide information to other cities looking for helping in dealing with the population and considering forming their own outreach teams.

For much of the last two years, its been just Lonny or just Josh, Armijo told the group of about 40 Tuesday morning. That tells you we could probably use eight more Lonnys and Joshes.

Ferry and Harper agree.

Lonnys idea is to regionalize all of us so we talk and communicate, Ferry said. We want to give everybody the same tools we have.

The team wears special shirts that distinguish members from other officers and dont answer regular calls, but deal exclusively with homeless people. In the past two years, they say theyve helped about 50 people get off the street and into some kind of housing.

Starting from scratch, they spent the first six months meeting with social service agencies and deciding who would be their best partners. Over time, they also developed relationships with homeless people who otherwise might have been leery of an approaching officer.

Wed walk into one of our day shelters like Brother Bennos in the past, and you could hear a pin drop, Ferry said. Lonny and I walk in there now, everybody knows us. The reception is a little bit different, and thats largely due to our communicating and making them understand what were all about.

Armijo explained that homelessness is not a crime, but homeless people still break some laws and often make people uncomfortable just by their presence.

Homeless from my perspective is not a law enforcement problem, he said. Its societys problem. But who gets the call?

Armijo said for years cities dealt with homeless people with police officers responding to calls, arresting or citing them for small violating, then locking them up for short periods.

Its like a merry-go-round, he said. It doesnt solve the problem.

Rick Schnell, a former San Diego Police Department sergeant who was one of the first officers to work the SDPDs homeless outreach team, also shared some advice from his years of experience.

Theres no such thing as a homeless emergency, he said, cautioning other officers to take the long view in dealing with the issue. We get a call, and its like, Do something! We say, Wait a minute. Lets go talk to the person.

Schnell said he developed a concept he calls the three Cs: Compassion, communication and consistency. The technique involves getting to understand the persons situation, developing a relationship and working with them in the long term.

He also said that the city learned some hard lessons about being too aggressive with homeless people, with San Diego once sued for about $500,000 for throwing away tents and other possessions found on sidewalks. The city now gives advance warnings of clean-ups and only impounds possessions, he said.

Harper acknowledged that not everybody fully understands or appreciates the homeless outreach team.

Most police officers, when they applied, probably did not say, I just love giving hugs, he said We get a lot of pushback from people who think that this is what we do all day.

While some might think the homeless outreach team is coddling people, Harper noted that they are just one of Oceansides efforts in dealing with homelessness. The city also has code enforcement officers who cite people in illegal camps, contractors who clean up those camps and other officers who work in areas with a high number of complaints about people on the street.

Compassion, however, is a large part of the teams work.

Harper said sometimes small acts of kindness, like buying a hamburger and a cigarette for one homeless woman, had long-term results in getting people off the street.

Another small act could be simply driving somebody to the DMV to get an identification card, which opens the doors to many other services, he said.

Harper said they dont try to do the work of social service providers, however, as that is left to the professionals.

Representatives from those providers during the workshop included people from Interfaith Community Services, Brother Bennos, La Posada, Operation Hope and San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency,

Today well talk about humanizing the homeless and really looking at individuals and understanding this population, Interfaith behavioral health clinician Holly Nelson said about her presentation Tuesday.

Lt. Kevin Lehan of the Carlsbad Police Department also attended the workshop and said he is working on bringing a homeless outreach team to his city next year.

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
A lawsuit filed Friday by a San Diego deputy city attorney claims a supervisor has been sexually harassing her for three years, including telling her to keep quiet about getting harassed previously by former Mayor Bob Filner.

In the suit, Molly Hoot claims Assistant City Attorney Daniel Bamberg repeatedly sent her inappropriate text messages, verbally requested sex and touched Hoot against her will multiple times.

The suit also names the city as a defendant and says city officials missed several chances to resolve the situation despite Hoot reaching out to them in writing and in person.

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She also reported to superiors, despite Bambergs objections, that Filner put her in one of his infamous headlocks in July 2013 and asked her out for drinks, the suit says.

But that information was never made public or given to attorneys for the plaintiffs in several lawsuits against Filner over his alleged harassment, which ultimately led to his resignation in August 2013.

Bamberg didnt respond to requests for comment by phone or email on Monday.

A spokesman for City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said Bamberg was immediately placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

Upper management learned of the claims for the first time a week before the complaint was filed and took immediate action as required by law, said the spokesman, Gerry Braun. At managements request, an investigative panel drawn from outside the office was convened to determine the facts.

Braun said Bamberg was replaced as head of the civil litigation division by Chief Deputy City Attorney David Karlin.

These steps are required by law and do not reflect any prejudgment as to the facts.

Hoot remains on the job, Braun said.

Bamberg, 70, and Hoot, 49, worked together on two high-profile federal cases affecting how San Diego handles homelessness. The cases have prevented the city from citing homeless people for sleeping on the streets or blocking sidewalks with their belongings.

Hoots sexual harassment lawsuit says she tried continually to persuade Bamberg, who she previously viewed as a father figure and mentor, to voluntarily stop harassing her.

But, the suit says, she recently realized her rejection of his advances had fostered a contempt for her that wouldnt go away.

Hoots attorney said it was not her first her choice to sue her employer.

She tried to handle him as graciously as she could, said the attorney, Josh Gruenberg.

That included a long email to Bamberg in January begging him to take her off the homeless cases so they would have less contact, to stop asking to come over to her house and to stop acting rejected when she didnt immediately respond to calls or texts.

I just want you to let me come to work and feel safe in my environment, she wrote. I can no longer manage the situation you have created. Please stop.

While she informed other city officials about the harassment, she told them she wanted to try to handle the situation herself before they took any action.

The two officials she contacted were Chief Deputy City Attorney Clay Welch in late 2015 and Harold Barclay, the citys equal employment investigations manager, in January 2016.

Braun, the spokesman for Goldsmith, said neither man ever notified anyone in the upper management of the citys attorneys office.

Welch retired earlier this year and Barclay declined to comment on Monday.

Gruenberg said Welch and Barclay should have stepped in and reprimanded Bamberg or at least forced him to get counseling, contending they should have disregarded Hoots request to handle things herself.

Victims primarily say that because they are worried about ramifications in the workplace, said Gruenberg. If not retaliation, they are worried about upsetting their boss. Thats why it really is incumbent on human resources, when theyre on notice of these things, to investigate.

The suit says Hoot began to worry Bamberg wanted more than friendship in summer 2013 during the Filner scandal.

The suit says Bamberg sided with Filner despite witnessing the then-mayor put Hoot in a headlock, and then defended Filner over other alleged incidents being reported in the media at that time.

Hoot felt betrayed by Bambergs myopic and sexist defense of another man in power, the suit says.

Hoot never seriously considering filing a suit over the Filner incident, partly because his harassment of her was isolated to one brief incident, Gruenberg said.

Gruenberg previously represented Benelia Santos-Hunter, who was awarded the largest settlement by far  $667,000  of any of Filners accusers.

Goldsmith, the city attorney, said when announcing the settlement in March that Santos-Hunter received so much because Filner had harassed her over a period of several months.

Bamberg started his legal career as a city prosecutor from 1974 to 1977, before leaving for a long career in civil litigation. He returned to the city attorneys office in 2005 and was promoted to Assistant City Attorney in 2014.

Hoot was hired by the city attorneys office in 2008.

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 Filner Verdict

david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick
With polls showing support for allowing recreational use of marijuana in California, Proposition 64s opponents are urging voters to look at increased crime and traffic crashes in Colorado, a state where its legal to use and sell the drug, as a cautionary tale.

California would be falling into a pit hole, falling into a ditch, Bishop Ron Allen, the founder of the International Faith Based Coalition, said at a news conference Tuesday.

Since voters legalized marijuana there in 2013, traffic-related marijuana deaths have increased by 48 percent, emergency room visits by 49 percent, and marijuana-related poison center calls by 100 percent, according to a letter provided by No on 64 from Denver District Attorney Mitchell Morrissey.

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The prosecutors letter did not say if marijuanas legalization caused the increases, only that there was an increase after the substance was legalized.

Proposition 64 would legalize marijuana use for people over 21, impose state taxes on sales and cultivation, create a licensing system, establish standards for marijuana goods, and allow local governments to set regulations  from taxing marijuana sales locally or banning it.

A SurveyUSA poll completed on Sunday shows that 51 percent of likely voters support the proposition, down one percentage point from a poll from the end of September. Opposition is polling at 40 percent, eight percent are undecided, and one percent are not planning to vote on the measure.

And a USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll from early September found 58 percent of California voters support Prop 64, while 34 said they would vote against it. Another 8 percent had no answer. It is supported by a majority of men, a majority of women, and a majority of both Democrats and Republicans.

We recognize its going to be an uphill battle, county Supervisor Dianne Jacob said.

We need to get the word out that the Colorado experience tells the whole story, she added.

Melanie Weaver from the California Association of Highway Patrolmen said there arent provisions in Proposition 64 to effectively catch drugged driving. Officers are trained to evaluate drivers for marijuana intoxication, but there is no clear-cut standard for impairment, and motorist who drive drugged often are not punished because it can be difficult to prosecute a case.

Even if officers are able to get them off the road, theres no real consequence, she said.

Jason Kinney, a spokesman for Yes on Proposition 64, said Colorado initially had problems right after pot was legalized, but subsequent regulations resolved most of the issues. He said Californias Proposition 64 will avoid some of Colorados early mistakes.

It also includes provisions to make marijuana use safer than current regulations. For one, it includes requirements on potency and recommended dosage for marijuana edibles, and it prohibits products and packaging intended to appeal to children, Kinney said.

There will be no gummy bears, he said.

While anti-Proposition 64 coalition believes Californias voters will be persuaded to vote against legalized marijuana by seeing Colorado as a cautionary tale, polls show that Coloradans and voters in other states where marijuana use is legal do not regret their decisions to end prohibition.

A survey this fall by Public Policy Polling commissioned by the pro-legalization Marijuana Policy Project show that there are mixed but mostly positive views of recreational marijuana in Colorado. The Cannabist  an edition of the Denver Post newspaper  reported that the poll revealed that 51 percent of voters in Colorado would not want to repeal legalization, while 36 percent would. Another 13 percent were undecided.

Another 47 percent said legal marijuana was a positive thing for Colorado, 39 said it was bad, and 9 percent said it had no impact while another 6 percent were undecided. Colorados Amendment 64 to legalize marijuana was approved in November 2012 with 54.8 percent of the vote.

Oregon also has legal marijuana, and a poll conducted this fall by DHM Research found that 61 percent of voters think that the change had a good impact on the state. In 2014, 54 percent of voters supported legalization.

The polls, Proposition 64 opponents said, have little significance in California.

California has a lot of different demographics than Oregon, said Tim Rosales, a strategist working on the anti-Proposition 64 campaign.

Without providing specifics, Allen said the polls were off center and that were pushed by organizations that want to see the legalization of all drugs.

RELATED

The United Medical Marijuana Coalition and City Attorney Jan Goldsmith announce "Buy Safe Buy Legal. A campaign that helps medical marijuana patients separate law-abiding dispensaries from law-breaking dispensaries.

Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1841
A darling little 7-year-old California girl with Down syndrome has a message for anyone who thinks shes different because of the way she was born.

I can do anything I want, says Sofia Sanchez in one of two video clips that have been seen more than 6.3 million times since her mom posted them on Facebook earlier this month.

Sanchez, who was born in the Ukraine, was adopted in 2010 by Jennifer and Hector Sanchez who live in Rocklin, about 22 miles north of Sacramento.

To celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Jennifer asked her daughter a couple questions and the youngsters personality and self-confidence come bursting through in her responses.

In the first video, which was posted Oct. 2, mom asks, Are you smart? Yes, I am smart, her daughter declares. Are you kind? Yes I am kind, she answers. Are you capable? Yes I am capable, says Sofia who waves her hands for emphasis.

In the second clip, posted a couple days later, Jennifer Sanchez asks, Little miss, do you have Down syndrome? Sofia replies that yes she does, that its in her blood and that makes her blood special.

Mom asks, Is Down syndrome scary? And Sofia dismisses the notion and says, No, its not scary at all.

Not only have millions of people watched the videos, which were also posted on Instagram, they have also been shared more than 90,000 times and have generated almost 9,000 comments.

One person exclaimed, She is a very special person. She must also have glitter in her blood, because she just sparkles. You made my day! Another wrote, Lovely little lady. God bless her. Such an inspiration to us all. Credit to her parents.

Jennifer Sanchez told ABC News that the family adopted Sofia when she was just 16 months old. They have other children including a boy who also has Down syndrome and having Sofia join their family gave her son a sibling who understands him. They can share their journey together, she said.

The video clearly showed that Sofia may be different, but that she and others like her are also beautiful. She is basically being a self-advocate for people with disabilities, Sanchez said.

So impressed was the news organization with the youngster and her inspirational message, they closed their Sunday night broadcast with her story. Tonight we salute Sofia and her family for being America Strong, said anchor Tom Llamas.

In the story, Sofia is wearing a T-shirt that says Changing the face of beauty.

Indeed.

619-293-1710

debbi.baker@sduniontribune.com

twitter.com/Debbi_Baker
Regarding Four women accuse Trump of groping, kissing them without their permission, (Oct.13): It appears that ex-Mayor Bob Filner may have learned his technique for handling women at Trump University.

Letters and commentary policy

The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy.

E-mail letters@sduniontribune.com

Mail: Andrew Kleske, Reader Outreach Editor San Diego Union-Tribune P.O. Box 120191 San Diego, CA 92112-0191.

You can also leave a comment below

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This story is like a recurring bad dream for San Diegans. American voters should take a lesson from San Diego and dump Trump now.

Carrie Jaquess

Rancho Bernardo

Bill Clinton best reason to put Trump in office

Bill Clinton was president back when the media said we should separate a private, morally challenged personal life from a productive, public office life.

Bill Clinton, certainly more morally challenged than Trump, was a pretty good president. Weve looked the other way for other presidents peccadilloes as well.

So lets get rid of the faux hypocrisy and moral outrage and elect someone who can get the job done.

Ralph Nebiker

San Diego

Trump is not all his supporters think he is

Richard Cole (Presidential endorsement: Union-Tribune readers react, Oct. 4) states Donald Trumps three winning qualities: ability, experience in the real world and strength.

In the real world, Trump had the ability to lose billions of borrowed money on Trump Taj Mahal, Trump Airlines, The Plaza Hotel, etc. He has no economic ability. So the banks kept the Trump brand names and kept Trump as a promoter rather than foreclose and lose everything.

And Trumps strength? Hes only strong if you think being a bully equates to strength. Trump is a carnival barker.

Do you really want to be one of his rubes? We Americans have to be smarter than that.

Heidi Paul

Escondido

Russian provocation has to be addressed

There is one remaining presidential debate. The previous two have been primarily about personalities and political correctness.

Last Thursday, Vladimir Putin threatened the United States saying that if we declared a no fly zone over Aleppo and shot down Syrian aircraft that Russian anti-aircraft batteries would shoot down the American aircraft. Our secretary of state responded that he would take the issue to the U.N. Security Council, where both the United States and Russia have veto powers.

I read in Saturdays U-T that the meeting was held and that most members were upset because they were gathered for a vote when all parties knew ahead of time that neither motion could pass. On Nightline, shown Tuesday evening, in answering a question during the recent past, President Obama stated, The U.S. isnt going to be drawn into a proxy war with Russia over Syria. How do both candidates respond?

Richard Jensen

Otay Mesa

Why Measure A is a good fit for San Diego

Regarding No on backward-looking Measure A (Oct. 12): It would be extremely shortsighted not to vote for the transient sales tax administered by the San Diego Association of Governments.

This tax was created years ago because the state raided our transportation dollars to balance the general fund. To keep this from happening again, our regional leaders want to extend the tax. All the monies that SANDAG collects is funneled into regional projects that meet various criteria.

Is there enough money to meet our growing needs? No, but without it we will be worse off. Whenever a new regional center such as a ballpark or casino is approved, it changes the transportation dynamics. This tax has built-in flexibility to address changes that may be forthcoming. Vote yes on Measure A. It keeps our money home.

Ramona Finnila

Carlsbad

New revenue not best reason to like Prop. 56

Regarding Yes on Prop. 56: A healthy idea (Oct. 15): Voting yes on Proposition 56 will raise the tax on a pack of cigarettes by $2. It is estimated it will bring an extra $1 billion to $1.4 billion a year for state government to use for anti-smoking programs and increase payment for health care services. The tax hike is also expected to deter smoking for those who finally see that paying about $7 per pack would be just too expensive and to dissuade young people from ever starting the nasty habit.

Since it seems the goal is to get people to quit or never start smoking and hitting them in the pocketbook appears to be the best method to reach that target, the estimated $1.4 billion will never be realized because of cost constraints to consumers.

I personally dont care if smokes are $7 or $100 per pack, but expected revenue should not be used as incentive to vote yes on 56. The only expectation should be getting people to quit.

Neil Proffitt

Oceanside

Want to see more letters that appear only online? Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook.
The release of the Donald Trump/Access Hollywood tape Oct. 7 presented the Union-Tribune with a question: How to report the vulgarities Trump was heard saying.

Washington Post reporter David Fahrenthold broke the story. On the tape, Trump says five vulgar words. In the Post story published online, the newspaper ran two words in full and used dashes beyond the first letters of the other three.

Union-Tribune Editor and Publisher Jeff Light and Managing Editor Lora Cicalo discussed that evening how the words should appear in print in the U-T. The paper published a New York Times story on the tape and added information from the Post.

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Our policy is to avoid patently offensive language such as that unless the words themselves are the subject and/or point of the story, Cicalo said. In this case, I felt as though the particular words were important in order to understand the story and the reactions to it. That said, I had no intention of spelling out each word  knowing they would be highly offensive to many readers.

The compromise was to use the first letter of each vulgarity, followed by a dash to represent the successive letters in each word. It is not an approach we would often use, but I felt it was appropriate given the significance of the story and the fact that the words themselves were at the root of the controversy.

Typical U-T policy is to not use any letters of a profanity. Instead, it will use (expletive) in place of the word quoted in a sentence.

Tape fallout

A New York Times story published on A1 Oct. 9 on the tapes political fallout prompted angry phone calls from two readers, who said the U-T publishes only bad news about Trump and nothing bad about Hillary Clinton. (Its a complaint that keeps cropping up, but is untrue.)

The news was indeed not good for Trump, but that was the news of the day and must be reported. Its not as matter of good news or bad in deciding story play; its just a matter of news.

Nevertheless, there were stories that showed Clinton in a less than flattering light last Sunday. A McClatchy news service story on A6 focused on one aspect of 2,000 private emails WikiLeaks posted Oct. 7. The story said Clinton appeared to know full well about the dangers of being hacked. Another story on the same page by The Associated Press that advanced last Sundays debate said Clinton might have to deal with leaked private speeches in which she expressed support in 2013 for open trade and open borders.

More breaking political news

Stories broke Oct. 12 on allegations by four women that years ago Trump had groped or kissed them without their consent. That same day a story broke on the latest release of Clinton documents by WikiLeaks that appear to show Hillary Clintons campaign communications director joking with a confidant about Catholics and evangelicals in emails sent to John Podesta, chairman of Clintons campaign, The Washington Post reported in an A1 story in the U-T on Oct. 13.

The Trump story, also by the Post, ran next to the Clinton piece. Both articles received identical play. One headline ran over the two stories. New controversies rocking campaigns, it read. Identical-size photos of the candidates in nearly the exact same poses accompanied the articles.

The effort at equal treatment didnt sit well with reader Pat Broderick of Clairemont.

As a retired journalist, I must say that I was dismayed by todays front page, an excellent example of what President Obama has called false equivalency stories involving Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, Broderick emailed on Thursday. These are stories that, in an effort to be impartial, report on Trumps latest scandal along with anything that could be construed as negative to Clinton, however innocuous.

She cited as an example the Oct. 13 A1 story about Trumps sexual assaults against women, clearly criminal behavior. Next to this report is a story about Clinton involving WikiLeaks emails, with a subhead that refers to a spokeswoman joking about Catholics and evangelicals. Really? Broderick wrote.

The story I read contained no jokes at all, but rather an observation that certain prominent conservatives and Trump supporters tend to be Catholic. ... Is this truly a scandal that is rocking Clintons campaign, and in the same league as Trumps denigration of women?
Astronauts Chen Dong (left) and Jing Haipeng appear at a Shenzhou XI prelaunch ceremony in Jiuquan, Gansu province, Monday morning. Shenzhou XI will dock with the Tiangong II space station, where the astronauts will work for 30 days. Photo: Visual China

(Beijing)  China's ambitious space program marked another milestone on Monday as it began the country's longest manned mission to date.

The Shenzhou XI spacecraft, carrying two astronauts to the Chinese-developed space lab for a monthlong stay, blasted off from Jiuquan's Gobi Desert, in northwestern Gansu province, at 7:30 a.m. It is the country's sixth manned mission and a crucial step in China's goal of developing a permanent space station by 2020.

The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with Tiangong II in two days and orbit Earth for 30 days before returning, said Wu Ping, deputy director of the China Manned Space Engineering Office.

Heading the mission is Jing Haipeng, a 50-year-old space veteran who was on two previous space missions, in 2008 and 2012. His partner, Chen Dong, 37, is making his first space voyage. Chen, a former pilot who flew supersonic fighter jets, had trained intensively for about six years before being selected for the mission, state-run China Central Television reported.

The 30-day stay in space will allow the two astronauts to conduct an unprecedented number of over 40 trials and experiments with space technology in near-zero gravity and high levels of radiation, Wu said.

However, the long stay will pose health risks to the astronauts as it increases the chances of their developing cardiovascular problems and losing muscle mass and bone density, she said.

China launched its first manned space mission in 2003, becoming only the third country, after the Soviet Union and the U.S., to enter the space race. Since then, China has landed on the moon an unmanned rover, Yutu, which is Mandarin for "Jade Rabbit."

China took its first step to building a space station in 2011, with the launch of space lab Tiangong I. China has also announced plans to land an astronaut on the moon by about 2025 and to land an unmanned vehicle on Mars.

Contact reporter Li Rongde (rongdeli@caixin.com); editor Poornima Weerasekara (poornima@caixin.com)
White-hat hacker Mao Mao works on a transmitter recently. Mao Mao and his partners used the transmitter to break into a Buick car anti-theft system in a test. Photo: Visual China

Yuan Wei considered himself one of a legion of China's so-called "ethical hackers"  computer programmers who spend their free time prowling corporate servers trying to detect security vulnerabilities in order to help fix them.

Now he's sitting in jail.

Self-proclaimed "white hat" hackers often play a valuable role for companies and governments around the world as they scramble to keep up with increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity threats. But in China, they operate in unchartered legal territory. Their work may be indispensible to exposing threats, but legally, their actions are often indistinguishable from the malicious hacks they are trying to prevent.

Beginning in late 2015, 34-year-old Yuan Wei was spending most of his free time honing his hacking skills on WooYun, a vulnerability-reporting platform with nearly 5,000 registered "white hats." By day, Yuan worked as an information security director at a home-appliance retailer in Zhejiang. By night, he vied for cash prizes offered by WooYun's corporate members in exchange for exposing security breaches. His hacking yielded 11 exposed breaches, eight of which were fixed.

So how did Yuan find himself behind bars? It began with a seemingly routine vulnerability detection and report.

According to his father, Yuan Guanyang, Yuan Wei discovered on Dec. 3 a vulnerability on Jiayuan.com, China's largest online dating website. The leak allowed him to browse some of the data stored on Jiayuan.com servers. His father said Yuan Wei confirmed the vulnerability the next morning and filed a report with WooYun. Three days later, Jiayuan.com confirmed that it had fixed the problem, thanking WooYun and the white hat that had filed the report.

But a month later, on Jan. 18, Jiayuan.com's parent company, Shanghai Flower Information Technology Co. Ltd., filed a report with the Beijing police alleging that private information from over 4,000 registered accounts had been stolen. The alleged attack had begun on Dec. 3, the same day Yuan Wei's father claims his son conducted his vulnerability test.

On March 8, two police officers showed up at Yuan Wei's office to arrest him and confiscate his computer. Yuan's case is still under investigation, and he remains in criminal custody. Caixin was unable to interview Yuan Wei or his lawyer for this report.

On July 19, WooYun abruptly discontinued its services and remains offline today, its home page promising a return after system upgrades.

Server logs appraised as part of Beijing's investigation show that Jiayuan.com received over 4,400 access requests from 11 different IP addresses on the day of the alleged attack. The servers were infiltrated using a popular hacking technique called "SQL injection." In the process, 932 pieces of data underwent a "reading" operation by the attacker.

The case is complex and unprecedented. The courts are still trying to figure out whether Yuan Wei's test was indeed mistaken by Jiayuan.com for an attack, or if perhaps his test and a separate attack happened to occur on the same day.

But the online backlash against Jiayuan.com shows that in the court of public opinion, Yuan Wei is innocent. Following reports of his arrest, fellow white hats rushed to his defense, threatening revenge attacks on Jiayuan.com. There was indeed a spike in attacks on Jiayuan.com, according to company insiders. Reports to WooYun of vulnerabilities on Jiayuan.com increased as well.

Jiayuan.com CEO Wu Linguang said that the company had no way of knowing how the compromised information would be used, and so decided to report the attack to the police. WooYun never provided Jiayuan.com the contact information of the white hat who discovered their vulnerability, according to Wu.

"We had no way of knowing whether the attacker and the white hat were the same person," he said.

Legal Grey Area

White hats operate in a legal gray area in China. There are no specific laws addressing white hats, vulnerability detection and reporting, or third-party platforms like WooYun, according to Huang Daoli, director of the Third Research Institute of the Ministry of Public Security's Cybersecurity Law Research Center. The laws are designed to prosecute malicious hackers and haven't caught up to the reality that, as McAfee antivirus software creator John McAfee pointed out at this year's China Internet Security Conference in Beijing, "Most hackers are white hats."

According to Article 285 of the Criminal Law, the access, transmission or process of data stored on computer data systems, or illegally controlling these systems, is subject to a fine and up to three years in prison.

The problem with this legal framework is that white hats have become critical to ensuring cybersecurity.

Since security vulnerabilities will always exist, repeated testing and trial and error are the only ways to expose and fix them, according to Wu Jiangxing, director of the China National Digital Switching System Engineering and Technological R&D Center.

"Existing scientific capabilities are not enough to completely prevent vulnerabilities," added Wu, who is also a scholar at the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Many governments and companies around the world have already begun harnessing the power of white hats, encouraging their work through financial incentives and programs.

In March, the U.S. Department of Defense announced the launch of its "Hack the Pentagon" initiative, inviting vetted hackers to test the cybersecurity of the department.

In South Korea, universities often offer direct admissions to winners of youth hacking competitions. Later, university competition winners are regularly recruited by state security agencies.

In the corporate world, Facebook and Google, among others, have long offered substantial monetary rewards to white hats that uncover vulnerabilities in their systems.

The key to establishing a legal basis for white hats is preauthorization from targeted websites and companies, said Xu Xiaojun, deputy director of an information security assessment center under the Ministry of Public Security. This is where third-party platforms like WooYun have served as a bridge between companies and white hats. Companies who register on the platform must sign an agreement authorizing the white-hat testing.

Yuan Wei in Limbo

But Yuan Wei's case shows that in the murky world of white-hat hacking in China, these authorization agreements may not be enough to protect white hats from prosecution. According to Yuan Wei's family, WooYun sent them proof that Jiayuan.com had authorized white-hat testing.

Another issue blurs the line between ethical and malicious hackers: White hats often take advantage of the established practice of exposing vulnerabilities in exchange for money.

It is not uncommon for white hats to leave a backdoor open after discovering a vulnerability, according to a report by Patching the Sky, a third-party vulnerability reporting platform operated by Internet security and antivirus software provider Qihoo 360. This practice allows the white hats to infiltrate a second time and claim another monetary reward. Yuan Wei's father said his son never received any money for his white-hat activities.

The Future for China's White Hats

Yuan Wei's case is likely the first time the issue of white hats will be directly addressed by China's legal system. It has the potential to define the role that ethical hacking will play in China's online world for years to come.

"If our solution to protecting cybersecurity is forbidding the testing of vulnerabilities, then these vulnerabilities will never be addressed," according to Xie Yongjiang, deputy director of the Internet Governance and Law Research Center at the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. The market for vulnerability reporting is not going to disappear. "Instead of forcing it underground, we have to cultivate it," he said.

Xie said that the only way to strengthen cybersecurity is to offer white hats and the third-party platforms that facilitate their work a place within the legal framework.

In countries that have begun to embrace white hats, such as the U.S. and the U.K., penetration testing that is authorized by the attacked party is legal.

For now, Yuan Wei's family is still waiting for clarity. Did Yuan Wei steal information from Jiayuan.com, or was he locked up simply for exposing a vulnerability? "Is my son guilty or not?" Yuan Guanyang asked. "I hope the law will give a fair answer soon."

Contact editor Ken Howe (kennethhowe@caixin.com)
(Beijing)  A former official at China's energy regulator who had hidden more than 200 million yuan ($29.7 million) in cash at his home was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for bribery, official media reported.

The Baoding City Intermediate People's Court in Hebei province said on Monday that Wei Pengyuan, former deputy director of the Coal Department at the National Energy Administration (NEA), received more than 211 million yuan ($31.3 million) in cash bribes plus possessions he could not account for, according to People's Daily.

Wei will be ineligible for parole or a reduced sentence if his death sentence is commuted to life in prison because his wrongdoing "was particularly grave and has led to extremely serious losses to the state and the people," the court said.

Wei was put under investigation in May 2014. Later he was found to have stashed more than 200 million yuan worth of Chinese and foreign currencies at his home, the largest pile of dirty cash found in a single case since the People's Republic of China was established in 1949. Four of the 16 cash-counting machines that investigators brought to his property to tally the bank notes burned out in the process.

Wei had held various positions at coal divisions within the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the NEA. He "illegally accepted wealth and goods from others" from 2000 to 2014 for helping businesses to obtain approval for coal-mining projects and to secure safety operation licenses, the court said.

President Xi Jinping launched a sweeping nationwide anti-corruption campaign that has netted both "tigers and flies," referring to officials of both high and low rank respectively, since he came to power in late 2012.

Since then, more than 100,000 civil servants, military officials and executives at state-owned enterprises have been indicted for corruption. The most high-profile case involves Zhou Yongkang, the nation's former top domestic security official and ex-overseer of the national oil industry. He was sentenced to life in prison last year for accepting bribes of about 130 million yuan, abuse of power, and the intentional disclosure of state secrets.

Contact reporter Chen Na (nachen@caixin.com); editor Calum Gordon (calum@caixin.com)
Seattle, WA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/17/2016 -- The report "Agrigenomics Market by Application (Crops, and Livestock), Sequencer Type (Illumina HiSeq, PacBio, Sanger, SOLiD), Objective (Extraction, Sequencing, Genotyping, Gene Expression, MAS, GMO/Trait Purity), and Region - Global Forecast to 2021", The agrigenomics market is projected to reach USD 13.56 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2016. The market is driven by advancements in genomic technologies with various post-sequencing analysis techniques and strong government support in developed countries.



Browse 77 market data Tables and 63 Figures spread through 166 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Agrigenomics Market - Global Forecast to 2021"



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"Crops dominated the application segment for agrigenomics market in 2015"



Crops dominated the application segment for agrigenomics market followed by livestock in 2015.Due to the strong intention of government to support crop productivity such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) project on reduced-gluten grains, there has been strong research in the area of crop development. The application of agrigenomics in the livestock sector has been limited to certain tests such as genetic disease identification and parentage testing. However, better growth is projected in the area of livestock breeding due to the rise in demand for genomic databases by livestock breeders.



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"Technological advancements in marker-assisted selection are projected to upgrade agrigenomic services"



The advent of advanced technologies such as automation and high-throughput systems has generated keen interest among researchers for adopting next-generation systems in the agrigenomics field. Reduction in time (due to high-speed sequencing output) for nucleic acid sequencing has decreased the cost of DNA sequencing procedures. This, in turn, has reduced the overall cost of genomic research projects. Thus, declining sequencing price is expected to favorably impact the adoption of next-generation sequencing for faster, cheaper, and accurate results, even though these machines are very expensive. Marker-assisted selection and breeding is projected to be the fastest-growing research objective from 2016 to 2021. Thus, research communities in developed markets have opted for technology upgradation in advanced agrigenomics research activities such as genetic disease elimination, targeted resequencing, and marker-assisted selection and breeding.



"Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region in the market"



Even though the government support has been overwhelming in the developed countries of Europe and North America, and certain Asia-Pacific countries (such as South Korea and Japan), research institutes and laboratories in emerging markets have been facing shortage of funds to conduct advanced research in agrigenomics activities and provide client services. In fact, the growth in the region is driven by various rules and regulations. Strong demand is projected in order to collect database from basic services such as sequencing, genotyping, and parentage tests which can be used to analyze the performance traits in animals for effective decisions on animal breeding. Such investments encourage key players to bring in technological innovations for agrigenomic services in the Asia-Pacific region.



This report includes a study of marketing and development strategies, along with the product portfolio of key service providers. It includes the profiles of leading companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (U.S.), Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), Illumina, Inc. (U.S.), Eurofins Scientific SE (Luxembourg), and LGC Limited (U.K.).



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New Market Research Report: Nuclear Power in Finland, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2016

Fast Market Research announces the availability of the new GlobalData report, "Nuclear Power in Finland, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2016 - Capacity, Generation, Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles", on their comprehensive research portal
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/17/2016 -- Oil and Gas Separation Equipment Market: Overview



Oil and gas separation equipment is a pressure container used for separating a well stream into gaseous and liquid components. This separator installed either in an onshore processing position or on an offshore location. Based on the vessel configurations, the oil and gas separators equipment can be divided into spherical, vertical and horizontal equipment. Gravitation is the most conventional technique used for oil and gas separation and its accessible capacities fixed with its effective separation and it's contributed to its growth in this market.



Oil and Gas Separation Equipment Market: Trends and Opportunities



Oil and gas separation equipment market is projected to grow during the forecast period. The rising need of separation equipment for maintaining an optimum pipeline and fluid quality are expected to drive oil and gas separation equipment market globally. The separation along with low gas to water and oil to gas ratio in Kuwait conventions and U.S. EPA regulations also boost the oil and gas separation equipment market.



View exclusive Global strategic Business report : http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=15707



In addition, various countries across the world are revving up their exploration and production quality in onshore and offshore location along with rising levels of water production in tight reserves, which is in turn contributing to the growing demand for oil and gas separation equipment. Another addition, installation of several on-site and off-site processing facilities, particularly in Canada, Mexico, Russia and Indonesia is further driving the demand for oil and gas separation equipment.



However In the oil and gas separation equipment market growing solid handling issues and in high installation cost is acting as a restraint in the oil and gas separation equipment market. The ongoing technological advancement in the oil and gas separation equipment industry is acting as an opportunity for the market. In addition, a new innovation which is a third separation mechanism and it's called inertial impaction which transpires when a gas passes through a network, such as fibers and impingement barriers.



Oil and Gas Separation Equipment Market: Segmentation



The oil and gas separation equipment market is segmented in four categories: by types of product, by technology, by application and by region. By types of product the market can be divided into two phase separators three phase separators, scrubber and others. In terms of technology, the market can be divided into gravitational separation, and centrifugal separation among others. In terms of application, the market can be segregated into Onshore, offshore, Refineries and others.



By geography, the market is divided in four major regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the world. North America and Europe are the early adopters of technology and hence will occupy majority of the market share. However, Asia Pacific region is expected to see faster growth during the forecast period due to the presence of developing nations such as India and China. This growth is attributed to the availability of skilled workforce required to oil and gas separation equipment market.



Oil and Gas Separation Equipment Market: Competitive Landscape



The key players participating in the oil and gas separation equipment market are Pentair Ltd, GEA Westfalia Separator Group GmbH, Fjords Processing AS, Enviro Voraxial Technology Inc., FMC Technologies, Inc, Andritz Group, Honeywell International Inc., ProSep, Inc, Prosernat SA and Seair, Inc. among others.



The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.



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Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.
Top five challenges Getting funding Lack of support or becoming isolated Lack of skills (for example, in writing, communication or research) Lack of relevant data/literature for work Maintaining a focused topic of study

There are many challenges to advancing a career in science, not least the publish or perish culture in which researchers are immersed. Modern academia can be a difficult landscape for early-career researchers to navigate  how do you establish what your priorities should be while avoiding the pitfalls that might hamper your future career?

With this in mind, SciDev.Net conducted a survey of researchers from all over the world about the biggest challenges they face, pitfalls to avoid, and advice they would give other researchers facing the same obstacles.

With more than 80 respondents and input from professionals who support researchers, weve distilled this input and added useful resources.

Challenges faced by researchers

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the ability to get funding came through as the biggest challenge for researchers. However, respondents also painted a picture of an environment where it is easy to become isolated, and where getting adequate support can be difficult.

Other significant challenges included dealing with heavy workloads; time management; navigating bureaucracy; and knowing how to get published in the right journal. Weve categorised the advice below with some of these challenges in mind:



Getting funding Familiarise yourself with the landscape and key frameworks Does your research fit into wider agendas such as the SDGs or Agenda 2063? Increasingly, you must be able to explain how your research fits the bigger picture, and such frameworks are great starting points. Dont rush into a PhD What kind of funding exists in the field? If it seems there is limited funding or resources in a particular area, think carefully about rushing into a PhD. Keep an eye on calls Look out for specific funding calls relevant to your research. Research councils are a good place to start, with sections on their websites requesting proposals. Here is an example from the South African Medical Research Council. Listen to feedback Share your ideas with trusted people outside your research group (and with non-specialists). Theyll be able to tell you if youve expressed your ideas clearly. Become media savvy Talking to the media can lead to more collaborations and, ultimately, funding. For example, policymakers often use the media as their source of information for science and technology. SciDev.Net has an online media training course for scientists, discounted for developing-country researchers.



Developing your skillset Know yourself Reflect on what you are good at, and on your biggest areas for development. If youre not sure, get feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors or friends. This will help you choose the skills and knowledge to prioritise. Improve your communication

skills You never know who you will be pitching your research to, when the opportunity might arise, or where it might lead. Polish your communication skills so you are able to tell anyone about your research. This practical guide is packed with tips for boosting your science communication skills. Keep learning There is a wealth of information at your fingertips. Free online resources such as SciDev.Nets practical guides and online courses, and support networks such as AuthorAID are extremely helpful. If possible, attend short courses or seminars. Manage your time Researchers face a number of competing priorities and this can be daunting to manage. There are many things you can do to develop your time management skills. Check out this article from Science which is packed with specific tips for academic scientists. Make a plan Write a timeline for your medium and long-term ambitions. Distinguish between what you know and what you should know in order to achieve it. Figure out what you need to do in order to address any knowledge or skills gaps youve identified.



Get the right type of support, and stay connected Get a great mentor Its important to have someone who cares about you and your career. A PhD supervisor should be a mentor, so maintain contact with them even after graduation. Cultivating relationships can result in more opportunities in the future. Develop your online profile Having ORCID and Google Scholar accounts will make your work searchable and trackable. This practical guide is packed with advice on this theme. Social media and blogging will also help you to showcase your work. Network in real life Many professional opportunities come through networking, rather than online. Developing your online persona is useful but nothing can replace meeting people at events such as conferences and seminars. Talk to people both within and outside your field and test your ideas with them. Evaluate the impact of your research Be organised about tracking where your work is mentioned, referenced or used for a news piece. Distinguish between traditional and alternative ways of tracking the impact of your research.



Be savvy about getting published Publish early Dont leave it until the end of your PhD to publish a paper. Try to get your Masters research published, for example. Stay focused Try not to spread yourself too thinly by working on too many projects at once. This should allow you the time to write manuscripts and endeavour to get published. Target the right journals Do your best to get published in a journal thats right for your research. Dont succumb to the pressure of publishing in predatory journals, but dont become obsessed with publishing only in big name journals either. Know the process In addition to having a clear research objective, it is essential that you know the conventions and procedures for how to submit an article to your choice of journal. This practical guide will support you through the process. Journals usually have guidance for this too; here is Elseviers, for example. Know how to write a scientific paper Brush up on how to report scientific findings and make sure that you follow the conventions of your target journal.

Some of this advice reinforces the previous points, but came through strongly in the feedback and deserves highlighting. Rushing into a PhD without carefully considering your interests, whether you are a good fit with the supervisor, or whether future funding exists for the type of work.

Isolating yourself from the wider world, be it by not talking to others about your work, not attending events or not having a social media presence. In the long run it pays to be visible and well connected, even if there is no tradition of doing so in your department or if there are no immediate, obvious rewards.

Not researching the lab or group you are going to work with. You might end up somewhere with limited support. This is a common issue researchers face but you can minimise this risk by finding out as much as you can about life in the prospective research group.

Only completing others work. Be careful to develop your own profile and reputation as a researcher. In some research groups you might end up working on projects that will advance only others careers and not yours.

Getting desperate to publish so you can graduate or get a job, and breaking ethical standards to do so. This includes fabricating data, plagiarising and submitting work to predatory journals. It stays on your record and can hamper your career later on.

Not developing other skills including communication, language, new lab techniques and so on.

Ignoring advice from mentors, friends, colleagues or more experienced people; and failing to reflect on how you can improve as a researcher. Be humble and always be prepared to learn.

Putting things off, such as leaving it late to try to publish work. This will not look good when you are seeking further career opportunities. Building your CV and profile takes time and cant be done overnight.

Losing sight of the bigger picture. It is good to have a clearly defined research question, but make sure you can always explain why it matters to the wider world.

Not being clear about what you are researching. Your research objective should be clearly defined and you should be able to tell a friend in simple terms the problem your research addresses. It will be extremely challenging for others to see the value of your research if you are not able to.

Another common message, from both experienced researchers and others starting off, is that it is perfectly natural to feel overwhelmed at the beginning. Make sure that you prioritise your wellbeing and that you surround yourself with supportive people who share your interests.

Finally, remember to be assertive and not to underestimate yourself, even if you are only just starting out on your career.
[ANTWERP, BELGIUM] The next Ebola outbreak could have a prime-boost vaccine available, particularly for health workers and vulnerable communities on the front-line, a conference has heard.



Prime-boost vaccination involves giving an initial dose to prime the immune system, followed by a booster dose at a later date with the goal of potentially strengthening and optimising the duration of immunity.

We are confident that we have the potential to contribute to end the Ebola problem. Johan van Hoof, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies

We are confident that we have the potential to contribute to end the Ebola problem, says Johan van Hoof, global therapeutic area head, infectious diseases and vaccines, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies headquartered in Belgium.



The immune system has been found to persist beyond one year, which is pretty good, van Hoof notes.



Last month (12 September), big pharma Johnson & Johnson, announced that its subsidiary Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V, has submitted its investigational preventive Ebola prime-boost vaccine regimen to the WHO to be used in such instances.



This was announced at the 8th International Symposium on Filoviruses in Antwerp, Belgium, hosted by the Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine, last month (12-15 September). The symposium focused on the 40-year history of Ebola.



If listed for emergency use, the investigational Janssen vaccine regimen could be a vital prevention tool for rapid outbreak response, van Hoof explains. It has already been tested in animal models and for safety.



The application is considered under the WHO Emergency Use Assessment and Listing (EUAL) procedure to fast-track R&D for potential Ebola diagnostics, treatments and vaccines.



Over the past four decades, we have seen 25 Ebola outbreaks, with the most recent in West Africa killing seven times more people than all previous outbreaks combined, says Paul Stoffels, the chief scientific officer, Johnson & Johnson, in statement released last month (12 September). If the WHO grants an emergency use listing, this will accelerate the availability of Janssens investigational vaccine regimen to the international community in the event another Ebola crisis occurs.



However, even if WHO approved it, the national regulatory authorities would have to look at the data to gain a level of comfort and decide if they want to use the vaccine, van Hoof tells SciDev.Net.

The Janssen vaccine has only been through phase I trial so it essentially has safety and immune response data , which are promising.While EUAL potentially allows for deployment of a vaccine in an emergency, the vaccine remains investigational pending formal regulatory agency review and approval.As things stand now the vaccine cannot go to phase III because there is no place for it at the moment. I think this will be a poor understanding of science, says Omu Anzala, director, KAVI Institute of Clinical Research, and professor of virology and immunology, University of Nairobi, Kenya.This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Experts at the University of Michigan have conducted a study that showed how a negative marriage quality can have a dangerous effect on aging couples' waist lines, which often lead to obesity overtime. Researchers concluded that your spouse's stress level can affect your personal stress level, too.

According to Agein, the study, although the results varied by gender, focused on chronic stress which has been happening for more than a year, and has already threatened to destroy individual resources. These circumstances include financial problems, difficulties at work or long-term care giving. Participants of the study were taken from the nationally longitudinal Health and Retirement Study at the U-M Institute for Social Research.

The study included 2,042 married couples who have finished answering questions about their waistline, negative marriage quality, levels of stress, and other factors between the years 2006 and 2010. The couples included were married for an average of 34 years. Indian Express reported that, according to Kira Birditt, the lead author of the research, greater negative quality connections as reported by husbands intensified the effects on both husbands' and wives' waistlines. What's more interesting is that lower negative quality connections reported by wives worsened the effect of wife stress on husbands' waistline.

Researchers found during the first assessment that husbands were 59 percent more at risk of being obese and wives had a 64 percent risk of being obese. However, at the end of the study, researchers concluded that husbands and wives had an increased risk of obesity, with 66 percent and 70 percent respectively. The study also revealed that about 9 percent of the participants exhibited a 10 percent increase in their waistline, which showed an average increase of 4 inches or more over four years.

Although the new study focused mainly on older married couples, there have been other studies that analyzed the levels of stress among younger married couples with varying factors, as well as results, reported Hindustan Times. "We can only assume that this may translate into health effects, although they are probably not as strong on younger, often healthier, samples,"Birditt said.

"Marriage has powerful influences on health," she said. "The stress experienced by partners, and not the individual's stress, was associated with increased waist circumference. This effect of stress was even stronger in particular spousal relationships," she continued.

Meanwhile, the study, published in the Journals of Gerontology: Social Sciences, found that the husband is usually the one who experiences lower negative marriage quality, therefore greater negative feelings may not be expected, but considered to be more harmful. However, since women tend to have greater negative marital quality, low levels of negative marital quality among wives signal a lack of investment in the marriage.
The Chandra Data Archive releases a collection of images that includes the cluster of young stars, galaxy clusters and supernova, among others. This is in the observance of NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to celebrate the American Archive Month.

The Chandra Data Archive (CDA) aims to support the astronomical community that includes the Chandra X-ray Center (CXC) in accessing Chandra data. It provides digital archives through strong query engines. It also contains all the data detected by the telescope since its launches into space in 1999. The data is made available to the scientific community and general public for years.

The following objects and images are collected from the treasures of Chandra Data Archives, which are shared by NASA:

Westerlund 2

20 bin sk yl uzaktaki Carina takm yldznda #Westerlund2 yldz kumesi. #Hubble teleskopu 25 yasnda ozel. pic.twitter.com/gFgqUiGxAc  Kozan (@Khosann) September 5, 2016

Westerlund 2 is a cluster of young stars aged one to two million years old. This cluster of young stars is located about 20,000 light years from Earth. The green and blue reveal thick clouds where the stars are forming and the high-energy radiation in purple.

3C31

3C31: X-rays from radio galaxy 3C31 (blue) a jet blasting away from one side of the central galaxy, NGC 383. #archivesmonth pic.twitter.com/MHiCVNKAkj  Chandra Observatory (@chandraxray) October 14, 2016

The radio galaxy 3C31 (blue), known to be a strong emitter of radio waves, is located 249 million light years from the earth. This permits the astronomers to explore the temperature, density and pressure of 3C31. The image is combined with Hubble's visible light data in yellow color.

Abell 665

5. Abell 665: Merging galaxy cluster w/an extremely powerful shockwave, second only to the famous Bullet Cluster. #archives #archivesmonth pic.twitter.com/iai3QPnPDh  Kim Kowal Arcand (@kimberlykowal) October 14, 2016

Abell 665 is a merging galaxy cluster that generates huge shock waves. In this image, the X-rays from Chandra (blue) reveal hot gas in the galaxy clusters and the bow wave shape of the shock is expose the large white region near the center. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey showed the galaxies and stars (white).

Toothbrush Cluster

This is apparently called the Toothbrush Galaxy Cluster. I can see the resemblance. #gal https://t.co/Y92BLicMae pic.twitter.com/JhAvaZMG6s  Space Geek (@spacegeekpics) October 16, 2016

This is a galaxy cluster that is in resemblance to the dental tool. The stem of the brush in green is due to radio waves and the diffuse emission in purple is produced by X-rays from Chandra. Meanwhile, the galaxies and stars in white the blue is the map from gravitational lensing, which about 80 percent dark matter.

CTB 37A

CTB 37a is a supernova remnant that is located in the galaxy about 20,000 light years from Earth.

PSR J1509-5850

PSR J1509-5850 is also known as pulsars located about 12,000 light years from Earth. It is the bright white spot in the center of the image and generated a long tail of X-ray emission behind it.
Although Tesla has done some major changes in its new Autopilot 8.0, there are still issues left to be taken care of. Before the fatal accident that claimed a life, Consumer Reports had asked Tesla to change the system's name 'Autopilot' to something else as the term is highly misleading. Now, the issue is on the surface again as Tesla didn't make the change they were expected to.

According to EnGadget, Germany's Federal Motor Authority recently sent letters to Tesla customers informing them that the 'Autopilot' feature does not mean driver replacement. Now, if the report from Reuters is to be believed, the German government has told Tesla to completely stop using the term 'autopilot' in its advertising as people totally misinterpret its purpose.

Consumer Reports says Tesla still has work to do. https://t.co/AqFkE7KgFl  Green Car Reports (@GreenCarReports) October 15, 2016

Not An 'AutoPilot' Yet?

Well, just to be clear Tesla 'AutoPilot' is not a totally autonomous Driver. All it offers is a ride assistance system. Tesla spokesperson made it clear earlier that 'autopilot' term is used in the aerospace industry since decades for pilots' assistance systems. The company has maintained from the very beginning of the Autopilot that drivers have to pay attention to the road, whether they're using the assistance system or not. It's clear, however, why the German authorities are so concerned about as Tesla is obviously leaping forth in the Total Autonomous Driver Technology. In a statement given last year, Elon Musk had made it clear that his company was aiming to develop autonomous cars by the end of 2018.

Most misleading branding ever? Tesla Autopilot wasn't created so cars could drive themselves https://t.co/4VpHJoMI2f  Peter Marx (@pietromarx) July 17, 2016

Why the fuss with the new Update?

There are some people who don't follow technological advances as closely as us, and it's perfectly acceptable and understandable. The new Total Autonomous Driver Technology could definitely get these people a little confused. The new Autopilot 8.0 now checks up on the driver in a much shorter period than it earlier used to. The visual notification has been made more noticeable in the new AutoPilot.

Teslas autonomous system can steer the cars keeping them running at a steady speed. It can also change lanes automatically. The Autopilot 8.0 now features even a better decisive capability about the roads: If the road markings disappear or the road is very twisty, the Autopilot does not activate.

Domestic Authorities are keeping a close look over Tesla's new Autopilot Update. California's Department of Motor Vehicles released a draft regulation earlier in September that prohibits Companies from advertising cars that can self-drive.
(Beijing)  China's biggest tin producer and exporter, which was bailed out in a debt-for-equity swap at the turn of the millennium, could become the poster child for the Chinese government's latest efforts to cut corporate leverage as the SOE comes back for more help.

Money-losing Yunnan Tin Group Co., which is owned by the Yunnan provincial government, has signed an agreement with China Construction Bank (CCB) under a program unveiled by the State Council, China's cabinet, that allows state-owned enterprises (SOEs) with good prospects to exchange their debt for equity investment with the direct involvement of banks.

The deal with CCB, the country's second-biggest commercial lender, will entail the conversion of 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) of bank debt into equity, according to the Beijing-based bank, which made the announcement on Sunday, just days after the State Council released detailed guidelines on how the program will work.

Under the agreement  which CCB said is the first loan-for-equity swap involving a local government-owned company under the program  CCB Trust Co., a subsidiary of the bank, will set up a fund with Yunnan Tin Group Co. The fund will raise capital from other financial institutions and invest in Yunnan Tin Group and its subsidiaries.

The investment will be made in two stages of 5 billion yuan each, and an equivalent amount of debt owed to other banks will be repaid, according to Zhang Minghe, a CCB executive in charge of implementing the swap.

But CCB itself is only making a "small investment" in the fund, Zhang said. Most of the money will be raised from other sources, including institutional investors, units of the big four state-owned asset management companies (AMCs), pension funds, the National Social Security Fund, and banks' wealth management products, Zhang said.

Although the expected rate of return on the investment is 5 to 15 percent, investors are taking a risk and will have to absorb any losses, Zhang said. Zhang echoed the comments of Lian Weiliang, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission, who said last week that there will be minimum government intervention and no financial guarantees by authorities.

The swap is deja vu for Yunnan Tin, which benefited from a debt-to-equity conversion in 1999 after the government launched a bailout of the country's major banks, which were saddled with trillions of yuan of non-performing loans.

As part of that program, the Big Four state-owned banks transferred 1.4 trillion yuan worth of soured assets to four national AMCs set up specifically to deal with the bad debts. One of the methods they used was to exchange loans for equity stakes in companies that were seen as being viable in the long term.

Yunnan Tin Group was one of the beneficiaries, and two of the AMCs, Cinda and Huarong, became shareholders as a result of the conversion, Zhang said, although he didn't disclose the size of their stakes.

Zhang said the firms cashed out last year, and made a return of almost 300 percent on their original investments.

For Yunnan Tin Group, the swap will come as a welcome step in efforts to deleverage and return to profitability. Over the past three years, the company has racked up losses totaling more than 6 billion yuan, while its net assets have fallen to less than 10 billion yuan from 15 billion yuan, according to Zhang Minghe.

But he said the loans that are going to be replaced by equity investment are currently classified as "normal" on the books of its creditor banks.

The company's debt-to-asset ratio is currently 83 percent and the goal is to lower it to 65 percent, according to Chairman Zhang Tao. Zhang from CCB said the first 5 billion yuan swap will cut the current ratio by 15 percentage points.

Yunnan Tin's chairman admitted that the company's financial problems are partly due to what he described as a "strategic mistake" several years ago when the company decided to increase investments in property development.

The diversion took up too much of the firm's resources and put tremendous pressure on its cash flows, he said.

The state-owned company has also been racked by corruption at the top management level. Lei Yi, a former chairman of Yunnan Tin Group, was detained by police in July 2013 and was given a suspended death penalty in January for taking bribes. Lei's predecessor, Xiao Jianming, who chaired the company from 1998 to 2008, fled the country and is on the list of the 100 most-wanted corrupt Chinese officials issued by the China National Central Bureau of Interpol.

Contact reporter Wang Yuqian (yuqianwang@caixin.com)
On Monday, Oct. 24, the Florence County Sheriff's Office reported that Jessica Marie Cook, 21, was located and is no longer missing.

FLORENCE, S.C. -- Investigators with the Florence County Sheriffs Office are asking for the public's help in locating a missing woman.

Jessica Marie Cook, 21, of Timmonsville was last seen at the Baymont Inns and Suites on West Lucas Street in Florence on Tuesday, Oct. 4.

Witnesses saw Cook getting into a beige-colored Buick Lesabre with a West Virginia license plate traveling toward I-95, according to a release from the sheriff's office.

Cook is described as a white female with black hair, hazel eyes, approximately 5'3 tall and weighing approximately 110 pounds. Cook may also have a piercing through her bottom lip.

Anyone with knowledge or information regarding the whereabouts of Cook is asked to contact sheriff's investigators at 843-665-2121, ext. 395 or Crime Stoppers of the Pee Dee at 1-888-CRIME-SC. You do not have to reveal your identity to leave information.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Florence is where future doctors have met a challenge head-on. During a Rotary Club of Florence meeting Monday, members learned what the past year has been like for medical students who took the leap of faith and chose to do their rotations in Florence.

Aaron McCann, a fourth-year medical student from the University of South Carolina Medical School, told the audience about the challenge of being a guinea pig for the new partnership between Francis Marion University, USC and the Florence medical community.

The third-year class that was ahead of me would come down to Florence in two-week blocks to what my class kind of considered the new campus, McCann said. It was met with a little trepidation, to be honest with you. We had good feedback from the class that was in front of us, but when looking at Florence and being an inaugural group here, there were a lot of things that probably only medical students would start to worry about: the interactions with patients, the hospital staff, pesky letters of recommendation; probably things that many of you would glaze over. To us, we start nit-picking these things.

McCann said a trip to Florence that could have turned students away instead seemed to strengthen the resolve of those already interested.

It just so happened that it could not have happened on a worse day for us, McCann said. We all packed into a bus, came down and it was cold, it was rainy. We came in on the interstate, and everything was very dark, we didnt really have a chance to see any of Florence. We saw the two hospitals and had a small reception at the (FMU) Performing Arts Center, but even that was cut short because of the weather. On the way back, the administrators who came with us were asking, secretly, could anyone tell them who was interested. There were 20 of us who came down, from a class of initially 100, and there were just eight of us interested.

Pioneering a new program was intriguing.

What drove us, partially, was being part of something new, McCann said. Here we were the only students, and that was a tremendous draw for us. We knew that being the only medical students here, we would be the point person. Theres not a resident, theres not a fellow. We knew that we would get these experiences here early, and it would help develop our skills.

Coming to Florence essentially allowed the students to jump the line established in other places they could have studied.

At a medical institution, in a teaching center, you are part of an academic medical team; for lack of better way to say it, there is a hierarchy, McCann said. There is a third-year medical student, then a fourth year, then an intern, a resident and then a fellow. The job of third-year students is really to just absorb.  In surgery, if an attending asks you to come forward, youre excited.

McCann said that he has no regrets coming to Florence, a sentiment that he said that he and his classmates all share.

After getting here and going through the past year, I think I can honestly say, and speak for everyone in my class of eight, that our experiences have been unparalleled, McCann said.
FLORENCE, S.C.  The Moving Wall, a portable replica of the famed Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., is coming Oct. 27 to the Francis Marion University campus.

The Moving Wall is the now 32-year-old project of a group of veterans determined that the experience of the Vietnam Memorial be shared across the nation. It tours the country annually each year, from April to November.

The wall, which is about half the size of actual Vietnam Memorial, will arrive on Oct. 26 at FMU and will be set up near the James Rogers Library on campus.

Opening ceremonies are set for 5 p.m. Oct. 27. Medal of Honor winner and Vietnam veteran Gen. James E. Livingston (USMC-Ret.) will be the keynote speaker for the event. Livingston is a revered American war hero whose story is recounted in Livingstons autobiography, Noble Warrior.

A reception hosted by FMU President Fred Carter and his wife, Folly, will be held after the ceremony at the Wallace House on the FMU campus.

The public is invited to the opening ceremony and the reception that follows.

The wall will be open throughout the day from Oct. 27-30. Free parking is available in Lot D on the FMU campus.

Like the wall on the actual memorial in Washington, D.C., the Moving Wall lists the name of all U.S. servicemen killed in the Vietnam conflict. The Wall will be coming to Florence near the end of its 2016 tour, following stops in Tennessee Ohio, Wisconsin and Mississippi.
The size of the loss could range from RMB86.2m ($12.8m) to RMB344.9m compared to a net profit of RMB1.72bn in the previous corresponding period.

"During the first nine months of 2016, the global economy endured weak recovery as the international trade was shrinking, the Chinese economy continued to slow down, the exports remained sluggish and the RMB exchange rate became more volatile," CIMC said in a stock market announcement.

It continued: "The continuously weak market environment had different degree of impact on each of the groups principal businesses. In particular, affected by the depressing global container trade, the imbalance of demand and supply in the market and other factors, the sales volume and operating income of our container business recorded substantial decline as compared with those for the corresponding period of the previous year."

Singamas Container Holdings, the other significant player in the container manufacturing business, had earlier reported a $36.6m first half loss on a 42% drop in revenue to $410.3m.
DP World inked a MoU with the Senegalese Government last October to build a logistics free zone near Blaise Diagne International Airport, about 50 km from its existing Dakar Terminal development at Port Du Futur.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, group chairman and ceo of the global terminal operator, updated Sall on progress in the Senegalese capital during his annual tour of DP Worlds Africa operations.



DP World are hailing the logistics hub as one of the most advanced and well organised free zones in Africa and globally using the latest state-of-the-art equipment and technology although specifics of the project were not publicly disclosed.

The sheer size of the African continent presents a major infrastructure challenge that needs to be addressed and we are pleased to be able to share our learnings with Senegals leaders, Sulayem said in a statement after the meeting also attended by Senegalese Prime Minister Mohammed Dionne and UAE Ambassador to Senegal, Mohammed Al Rashidi.



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Out of Africavia DP World

DP World signs Logistics Free Zone MoU with Senegal

Sulayem meet with other heads of state and business leaders during the tour to explore trade solutions designed to better connect African trade to the world.

As well as Senegal, DP World has African operations in Egypt, Mozambique, Djibouti and Algeria and recently signed an agreement with the Republic of Somaliland to invest in a multi-purpose port project at Berbera. It also secured a 25-year concession to develop and operate a new logistics centre in Kigali, Rwanda at the beginning of the year.



In speaking with leaders of African countries one thing is clearthis continents people are gearing for change on a massive scale and we are eager to be part of the process, Sulayem said.

Our business helps economies flourish, connecting local markets to global trade and the sharing of expertise and experiences across international borders is essential in realising seamless cargo movement across multi-modal transport.
New anomalies have been detected on Egypt's pyramids by researchers scanning the monuments with innovative technologies, the Ministry of Antiquities said.

According to preliminary results, thermal "points of interest" were observed on the northern facade of the Great Pyramid at Giza, known as Khufu or Cheops, and on the west face of Red pyramid in Dahshur.

The announcement comes at the end of a three-month project to scan four pyramids which are more than 4,500 years old. They include the Great Pyramid, Khafre or Chephren at Giza, the Bent pyramid and the Red pyramid at Dahshur.

Photos: Cosmic Rays Help Search Pyramids

Scheduled to last one year, the project, called ScanPyramids, uses a mix of innovative technologies such as infrared thermography, muon radiography, and 3-D reconstruction to identify the presence of unknown internal structures and cavities.

It is carried out by a team from Cairo University's Faculty of Engineering and the Paris-based non-profit organization Heritage, Innovation and Preservation (HIP Institute) under the authority of the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities.

"The primary result tells us that we have some good news," Antiquities Minister Mamduh al-Damati said at a news conference. "Although no discoveries have yet been made, scans have revealed several anomalies which indicate that a discovery could be made in the pyramids by the end of 2016."

Striking Anomaly Found in Great Pyramid

Last November the researchers detected a striking thermal anomaly on the eastern side of the Great Pyramid at Giza, which could possibly indicate an unknown cavity or internal structure.

Further analysis of the thermal and infrared survey carried out in November has now revealed a similar anomaly on the northern side of the monument.

"We are not drawing any conclusions at the moment," Mehdi Tayoubi, co-director of the ScanPyramids mission with Hany Helal, professor at Cairo University's Faculty of Engineering and former minister of research and higher education, told Discovery News.

New Clues Point to Secret Chamber in King Tut Tomb

"This project is evolving in real time according to what happens on the field. Our goal is to inform step by step about all the actions we take," he added.

He said that a new step has been added in the infrared survey process begun in November.

"Because we need to confirm that the anomalies are still there in a long time period and because we need to make hypothesis and simulation, we are going to measure the temperatures during 24 hours for each phase," Tayoubi said.

Photos: New Pharaoh Found in Egypt

The goal is to prepare a long term survey measurement so to eliminate natural factors, such as wind and changing seasons.

Another intriguing anomaly was detected on some of the limestone blocks that make up the western side of Red Pyramid in Dahshur.

"There is a clear difference of temperature, a cold and a hot zone, which is not found on the other sides. The bottom is colder than the top," Matthieu Klein of Canada's Laval University told reporters.

How the Ancient Egyptians Really Built the Pyramids

"It could be because of the wind ... We have no answers yet, that's why we need long time measurements and hypothesis simulations," he said.

The researchers will further investigate the anomalies at the Great Pyramid next month, when plates will be placed inside the monument in an attempt to capture cosmic particles.

The technology relies on the muons that continually shower the Earth's surface. They emanate from the upper layers of Earth's atmosphere, where they are created from collisions between cosmic rays of our galactic environment and the nuclei of atoms in the atmosphere.

Photos: Scanning Pyramids

"Just like X-rays pass through our bodies allowing us to visualize our skeleton, these elementary particles, weighing around 200 times more than electrons, can very easily pass through any structure, even large and thick rocks, such as mountains," Tayoubi said.

Plate detectors placed inside the pyramid allow researchers to discern void areas - these are places where muons cross without problem - from denser areas where some muons are absorbed or deflected.

Last month a team led by specialist Kunihiro Morishima, from the Institute for Advanced Research of Nagoya University, Japan, installed some 40 muon detector plates inside the lower chamber of the Bent pyramid at Dahshur. The plates have now been collected.

Top Archaeological Finds Expected in 2016

"They are in a very good condition, meaning that all the necessary data have been recorded. The team is still developing them," Tayoubi said.

The next step will be to generate muon radiographies images, potentially revealing hidden chambers in the pyramid. The results are likely to be announced in March.

VIEW PHOTOS - Scanning Egypt's Pyramids:
Rank has its privileges in the chimp world. The higher a chimp is on the social ladder, the better its chances for food and mating opportunities.

Female chimps employ a much more patient approach to climbing that ladder than do their male counterparts, according to a new study out of Duke University. Males move up the old-fashioned way: by directly challenging - through chases or attacks, for example - higher ranking group members. But females, the study finds, accept the rules of chimp society and wait until a higher-ranking female dies for their chance to move on up.

"We found that, after entering the adult hierarchy, there was a complete absence of successful challenges for rank increases among females," Duke researcher and study lead Steffen Foerster said in a statement. "It's like a formal queue."

"If a male has a high rank even for a short time but manages to fertilize a lot of females, he achieves high reproductive success," explained Duke anthropology professor and study co-author Anne Pusey. "A female is only able to raise one offspring at a time, so her reproductive success depends largely on how long she lives."

And there's the rub, the scientists suggest. There's a lot at stake in trying to cut in line, and patience is prudent.

According to Foerster, for female chimpanzees "it is potentially dangerous to challenge each other. You may get injured. Your offspring may be killed, if you have a little baby. Finding that females actually do not fight for rank tells us how costly these challenges must be for them."

To get a handle on social climbing in chimp hierarchies, the Duke researchers studied more than four decades of daily behavioral records kept for some 100 chimpanzees in Tanzania's Gombe National Park. They found that societal rank for females increases as they get older, the rank order itself remaining stable along the way.

By contrast, the team noted, males tend to peak early, hitting their prime rank years in their early 20s, before declining in status as they aged.

Too, the males nearly always start on the lowest rung of the social ladder, while females enter the hierarchy at varied places.

The scientists say they've yet to determine exactly how the females arrive at that beginning rank - early evidence points toward a preferential boost for chimps whose mothers are also in the group - but one thing is certain: the entry point is critical for the females.

"That seems to be a crucial moment for them," Foerster said, "because after they enter the hierarchy, at about 12 years of age, they can't really change anything about their position unless something happens at the top and individuals die."

The Duke team's findings have been published in the journal Scientific Reports.

WATCH VIDEO: Why Can't Chimpanzees Speak?
THE GIST:

- The best places on Mars for valuable ores are volcanoes, lava flows and impact craters.

- Mars' different history, crust and atmosphere make it certain that minerals there will be different than those of Earth.

- Martian miners will not likely be sending much back to Earth.

Future Mars prospectors will likely find mineral riches in some unusual settings, say planetary scientists studying the different ways valuable metals might have been concentrated on the red planet.

On Earth, surface waters, ground waters and even chemicals left by living things play major roles in leaching, concentrating and depositing valuable metals and minerals like iron, gold, silver, nickel, copper and many more.

But on Mars there are no oceans or surface waters; no microorganisms either. What's more, the planet is so cold that even groundwater is frozen as permafrost and functions as little more than another mineral in the ground.

So where does a starving miner look on Mars for usable quantities of ore?

Try the volcanoes and impact craters, says planetary scientist Michael West of Australian National University in Canberra and the Mars Institute.

West is the lead author of a paper summing up what can and can't say about usable ores on Mars, which will appear in the March issue of the journal Planetary and Space Science. Among one of West's conclusions: Mars is no place to get rich.

The vast volcanic landscapes of Mars, for instance, are analogous to what geologists call the "Large Igneous Provinces" (LIPs) of Earth. These are areas where lots of lava poured out over the surface - as in, for example, Siberia, India and many parts of western North America.

Elements that are extracted from Earth's LIPs include nickel, copper, titanium, iron, platinum, palladium and chromium.

Mars' large volcanoes mountains themselves might also prove fruitful, says SETI planetary scientist Adrian Brown.

"We never know what we're going to find around the volcanic edifices," said Brown. "But they are covered with dust" and not ideal places to land rovers for exploration. So it might be a while before we ever find out.

Other potential mineral hot spots are the abundant large impact craters on Mars, said West. One reason is that craters offer up exposed rocks to prospect, which saves a lot of digging.

They are also places where there was a lot of heat which sometimes lasted for hundreds of thousands of years after the impact. That means any water frozen in the ground was turned to liquid and even steam, which can leach minerals and elements from local rocks and then deposit them in more concentrated forms in cracks (called veins of ore) and in hydrothermal vents.

On Earth vein ores rich in copper, zinc, lead and gold are found in the Sudbury impact structure in Canada. Other impact-related ores in the United States and Sweden have yielded silver, lead, zinc and barium, West said.

It's also important to remember that because of Mars' different history, some minerals found on Earth simply will not exist on Mars, said West's co-author Jonathan Clarke of Australian Center for Astrobiology at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.

"Mars has a different crust than Earth, and very different atmosphere" and so its minerals are going to be no less different.
The population of a microscopic marine alga in the north Atlantic Ocean apparently is booming due to climate change, but scientists - who've been caught off-guard by the development - aren't sure what it means for the aquatic environment.

Watch "Racing Extinction" on Discovery Channel, Dec. 2, at 9 PM ET/PT.

The abundance of single-celled aquatic organisms called coccolithophores increased by a factor of 10 since 1965 and 2010, with a particularly huge spike since the late 1990s, according to a study just published in the journal Science. That increase shocked scientists, some of whom had predicted that the alga might actually decline, due to increasing acidity of the water in which it lives.

"Something strange is happening here, and it's happening much more quickly than we thought it should," Anand Gnanadesikan, associate professor in the Morton K. Blaustein Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Johns Hopkins University and one of the study's co-authors, said in a release.

Obama: Climate Problem Can Be Solved

The coccolithophore surge might be good news for some of the creatures who consume them, such as smaller fish and zooplankton - or not, because it could be a sign that climate change is affecting marine ecosystems more drastically than scientists had believed.

"What is worrisome is that our result points out how little we know about how complex ecosystems function," Ghanadesikan said.

Researchers' statistical analysis of data from the Continuous Plankton Recorder survey, which was collected in the North Atlantic and the North Sea over the past half-century, points to rising CO2 in the ocean as the cause of the population spike.

VIDEO: Can Tougher Coral Save Reefs from Extinction?

Some scientists expected that rising ocean acidity from the extra CO2 that's being absorbed would be harmful to the coccolithophores. But study co-author Wlliam M. Balch, a marine scientist at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Maine, said their increasing abundance also is consistent with natural history.

"Coccolithophores have been typically more abundant during Earth's warm interglacial and high CO2 periods," said Balch, an expert on coccolithophores. "The results presented here are consistent with this and may portend, like the canary in the coal mine,' where we are headed climatologically."

It's also unclear what effect the abundance of coccolithophores will have on the oceans' ability to store carbon, which serves as a major brake on climate change. The creatures cloak themselves in a distinctive cluster of pale disks made of calcium carbonate, or chalk, and for every ton of them produced, 320 pounds of carbon is taken out of circulation.

NEWS: Stand-up Paddle Boarder Attempts Atlantic Crossing

When the creatures die, their bodies sink harmlessly to the ocean bottom and become part of the sediment, keeping the carbon from rising to the surface. That makes them a long-term positive factor in the fight against global warming.

Over the short term, though, the coccolithophore population explosion could have a detrimental effect, because they release carbon dioxide as they form their plates of calcium carbonate, which are called coccoliths. Those immediate emissions add to the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere, and there is concern that the increase in the creatures' number could cause those emissions to spike.
THE GIST

- A robot was sent through the Great Pyramid of Giza and transmitted images showing hieroglyphs behind a mysterious door.

- Archaeologists hope the symbols might help them understand the purpose of shafts built within the pyramids.

- The Great Pyramid has long been rumored to have hidden passageways leading to secret chambers.

A robot explorer sent through the Great Pyramid of Giza has begun to unveil some of the secrets behind the 4,500-year-old pharaonic mausoleum as it transmitted the first images behind one of its mysterious doors.

The images revealed hieroglyphs written in red paint that have not been seen by human eyes since the construction of the pyramid. The pictures also unveiled new details about two puzzling copper pins embedded in one of the so called "secret doors."

Published in the Annales du Service Des Antiquities de l'Egypte (ASAE), the images of markings and graffiti could unlock the secrets of the monument's puzzling architecture.

"We believe that if these hieroglyphs could be deciphered they could help Egyptologists work out why these mysterious shafts were built," Rob Richardson, the engineer who designed the robot at the University of Leeds, said. The study was sponsored by Mehdi Tayoubi and Richard Breitner of project partners Dassault Systemes in France.

Built for the pharaoh Cheops, also known as Khufu, the Great Pyramid is the last remaining wonder of the ancient world.

The monument is the largest of a family of three pyramids on the Giza plateau, on the outskirts of Cairo, and has long been rumored to have hidden passageways leading to secret chambers.

Archaeologists have long puzzled over the purpose of four narrow shafts deep inside the pyramid since they were first discovered in 1872.

Two shafts, extend from the upper, or "Kings Chamber" exit into open air. But the lower two, one on the south side and one on the north side in the so-called "Queen's Chamber" disappear within the structures, deepening the pyramid mystery.

Widely believed to be ritual passageways for the dead pharaoh's soul to reach the afterlife, these 8-inch-square shafts remained unexplored until 1993, when German engineer Rudolf Gantenbrink sent a robot through the southern shaft.

After a steady climb of 213 feet from the heart of the pyramid, the robot came to a stop in front of a mysterious limestone slab adorned with two copper pins.

Nine years later, Hawass explored the southern shaft on live television. As the world held its breath, a tomb-raiding robot pushed a camera through a hole drilled in the copper pinned door -- only to reveal what appeared to be another door.

The following day, Hawass sent the robot through the northern shaft.

After crawling for 213 feet and navigating several sharp bends, the robot came to an abrupt halt in front of another limestone slab.

As with the Gantenbrink door, the stone was adorned with two copper pins.

"I dedicated my whole life to study the secrets of the Great Pyramid. My goal is to finally find out what's behind these secret doors," Zahi Hawass, Egypt's Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs, told Discovery News in a recent interview.

In the attempt to solve the mystery, Hawass established the Djedi project, a joint international-Egyptian mission, which he named after the magician who Khufu consulted when planning the layout of this pyramid.

"I selected the Djedi team during a competition that I coordinated to pick the best possible robot to explore the shafts in the Great Pyramid," Hawass said.

The winning robot, designed by Leeds University, has indeed gone further than anyone has ever been before in the pyramid.

The project began with the exploration of the southern shaft, which ends at the so called "Gantenbrink's door."

The robot was able to climb inside the walls of the shaft while carrying a "micro snake" camera that can see around corners.

Unlike previous expeditions, in which camera images were only taken looking straight ahead, the bendy camera was small enough to fit through a small hole in a stone "door," giving researchers a clear view into the chamber beyond. It was at that time that the camera sent back images of 4,500-year-old markings.

"There are many unanswered questions that these images raise," Richardson told Discovery News. "Why is there writing in this space? What does the writing say? There appears to be a masonry cutting mark next to the figures: why was it not cut along this line?" Roberston wondered.

The researchers were also able to scrutinize the two famous copper pins embedded in the door to the chamber that had only ever been glimpsed from the front before.

"The back of the pins curve back on themselves. Why? What was the purpose of these pins? The loops seem too small to serve a mechanical purpose," Richardson said.

The new information dismisses the hypothesis that the copper pins were handles, and might point to an ornamental purpose.

"Also, the back of the door is polished so it must have been important. It doesn't look like it was a rough piece of stone used to stop debris getting into the shaft," project mission manager Shaun Whitehead, of the exploration company Scoutek UK, said.

The Djedi robot is expected to reveal much more in the next months.

The device is equipped with a unique range of tools which include a miniature "beetle" robot that can fit through a 19 mm diameter hole, a coring drill, and a miniaturized ultrasonic device that can tap on walls and listen to the response to help determine the thickness of the stone.

The next step will be an investigation of the chamber's far wall to check whether it is another door, as suggested in the 2002 live exploration, or a solid block of stone.

"Then we are going to explore the northern shaft," Richardson said.

The team has committed to completing the work by the end of 2011. A detailed report on the findings is expected to be published in early 2012.
The land of giants. It sounds like something from a fairy tale, but it arguably exists in a region of Northern Ireland where a cluster of people with a genetic predisposition grow abnormally tall.

In Mid-Ulster, about 1 in 150 people carry a genetic mutation to the AIP gene that leads to an overproduction of growth hormone resulting in acromegaly, also known as gigantism. The hormone disorder is spurred by a tumor on the pituitary gland, a pea-sized organ at the base of the brain.

"This is probably the highest proportion of giants in the whole world in that little part of Northern Ireland," Marta Korbonits, professor of endocrinology at Barts and the London School of Medicine Queen Mary, tells Seeker. Korbonits led the team that discovered the link between the AIP gene defect in Irish populations and gigantism in 2011.

In their latest research, Korbonits and her team calculated that the AIP gene defect traces back 2,500 years. The team found the variant in Charles Byrne, a man born in 1761 who grew to be 7 feet, 6 inches tall and was known as the "Irish giant," as well as in 18 other Irish families.

Symptoms vary depending on whether the disease first appears in childhood or as an adult. "The disease usually develops in children between 10 and 20, although we have a few cases younger than 10, and some between 20 and 30," Korbonits explained.

RELATED: This Gene Makes You Look Old

In children, there's rapid growth, which can be accompanied by joint pain, disabling headaches, vision problems, type II diabetes, facial distortion and enlarged hands and feet. In adults, if symptoms develop late, adults don't get taller, because their bones are already fused and may in fact shrink due to developing a curvature in the spine. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, hypertension and difficulty sleeping.

"While these people might look big and powerful and strong, the long-term effects of excess IGF-1 and growth hormone are very disabling for these patients," explains Anthony Heaney, endocrinologist and professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

"We have this fascination with these really large, powerful people, and yet they themselves have a lot of morbidity and potential mortality from this disorder," Heaney continues.

Treatments are available and include surgery, medication or radiation therapy, but how effective those options are depends largely on the progression of the disease. Usually by the time clinicians get involved, patients have already developed large tumors, and complete control of the tumor and hormone regulation is hard to achieve. Even the best surgical centers in the world are just 50 percent effective at achieving that control, Heaney notes.

Monitoring the lineage of the gene variant lets researchers keep an eye out for children who inherit the defect. Early clinical intervention can help to prevent the worst of the symptoms.

RELATED: 'Irish Hamlet' Mystery Solved?

Researchers say it's unlikely there are other hotspots with the same gene defect causing acromegaly.

"Humans have about 30,000 genes, and if you imagine that each gene is a book within a library, we have a library with 30,000 books, Korbonits explains. "The one which we're talking about here is called AIP... and the Irish guys have one particular spelling mistake in this book."

To Heaney, who hails from Northern Ireland, it makes a lot of sense that a cluster of individuals prone to gigantism have been found in Mid-Ulster, not only because of the fame of giants like Bryne, but also the folklore of the region, specifically the myth of giant Fionn mac Cumhaill. The legend goes that mac Cumhaill created the Isle of Man by hurtling a piece of land torn from a lake known today as Loch Neagh and created the Giant's Causeway, an interlocking series of basalt rocks that lead out to the ocean, to the Scottish giant Benandonner.

With researchers looking into the real, genetic heritage that inspired mythological figures and clinicians treating acromegaly, perhaps one day gigantism will only be found in fiction.

Photo (top): Giant's Causeway; Credit: Thinkstock/iStock. Photo (bottom): Charles Byrne drawn with the Knipe brothers and a gathering of dwarves; Credit: Wikimedia Commons WATCH VIDEO: Do Animals Grow Bigger on Islands?
In the West, much of the media attention regarding current refugee crises centers on European destination countries like Germany, France, Greece and the U.K. But as Laura Ling reports in today's Seeker Daily report, these countries only take in a tiny fraction of the current wave of refugees fleeing the war-torn Middle East.

The vast majority of refugees wind up in other Middle Eastern countries - three in particular. While hard numbers are hard to come by, Turkey is likely the country with the largest current refugee population. As of June 2016, it's estimated that three million asylum-seekers are currently residing within Turkey's borders. Roughly 90 percent are from Syria, where a brutal civil war is emptying entire cities and regions. But Turkey also takes in refugees from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and Somalia.

For several years, Turkey acted as a kind of waystation for those seeking to resettle in European countries - Greece, in particular. But after two years of grim fatalities, as migrants tried to make dangerous crossings by land and sea, the European Union struck a deal with Turkey. Migrants attempting to settle in Greece would be returned to Turkey, and in exchange Turkey would receive a significant package of international aid.

Unfortunately, according to multiple international observers, Turkish officials have failed to provide asylum seekers with adequate aid, and have even shipped many to other war-torn countries.

RELATED: Is Turkey An Islamic or Secular Country?

The country of Jordan has also taken in millions of refugees - for generations, actually. More than two million Palestinians have moved to Jordan since the mid-20th century, most of whom settled there after Jordan annexed the West Bank. In recent years, the Syrian civil war has displaced many Palestinian Syrians, making then double refugees. In 2014, Jordan closed its border with Syria and in 2016 Jordan's King Abdullah II announced that his country could no longer provide aid to refugees without further help from the international community.

Pakistan is the third nation on our list, hosting an estimated 1.6 million refugees as of the end of 2015. Most refugees in Pakistan come from neighboring Afghanistan, where many fled from Soviet occupation during the Cold War. In fact, the majority of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and second- or third-generation. In December 2015, Pakistan gave all refugees six months to leave, later extending the deadline another six months.

Laura has more details in her report, or click on over to our related report, What A Syrian Refugee's Dangerous Journey Looks Like.

-- Glenn McDonald

Learn More:

Amnesty International: Tackling the Global Refugee Crisis: from Shrinking to Sharing Responsibility

BBC: The Reverse Exodus of Pakistan's Afghan Refugees

The Washington Post: The E.U. Says Turkey is Safe for Refugees. Here's Why it Might Not Be.
Press Release

October 17, 2016 De Lima seeks Senate probe on plight of indigenous people Cognizant of the deplorable plight of Indigenous Peoples (IP), Sen. Leila M. de Lima has called for an immediate Senate inquiry into the root causes and extent of the displacement of IP communities from their ancestral land. De Lima, a staunch human rights advocate, filed Senate Resolution No. 195 which seeks to conduct a legislative inquiry to determine the magnitude and reasons behind the displacement of IP communities caught in between development aggression, notably in Mindanao. "The Senate's appropriate committees should look into the displacement of IP communities, as well as review the implementation of Republic Act No. 8137, also known as the Indigenous People's Rights Act (IPRA)," she said. De Lima explained that she wanted to find out why the mandatory representation of IPs in the local government units is not being strictly implemented according to the spirit and intent of the IPRA. "Given the IPRA, and constitutional provisions protecting the IP, we must ask: are these rights properly attended to? Is the IPRA implemented adequately," she added. Based on the United Nations Commission on Human Rights' 2015 Report, more than 407,397 IPs in Mindanao alone have been forced to vacate their lands due to militarization, mining operations, and other vested interests. While she believes that any probe could end up focusing on identifying culprits responsible for the displacement, de Lima underscored that the end-result should be to provide legislative remedial measures to prevent the IPs' further displacement. "More than investigating who are responsible for this displacement, we have to look deeper into the root causes and other existing policies of the government, so that the IPs may go back to their ancestral lands and live normal lives," she emphasized. When she was justice secretary, it may be recalled that de Lima had issued a department order creating a special task force to investigate the alleged transgressions committed against IPs or Lumads of Davao del Norte, Bukidnon and Surigao del Sur. The joint NBI-NPS Special Investigation Team of the Department of Justice filed charges against the perpetrators of the killings of three tribal leaders in Sitio Han-ayan, Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
Press Release

October 17, 2016 AFTER 20 YEARS OF RICE IMPORT LIMIT, WHAT CAN GOVT DO IN 8 MONTHS TO HELP FILIPINO RICE FARMERS COPE? PANGILINAN ASKS MANILA - After more than 20 years of restrictions on the amount of rice the Philippines can import, what can the government do now to help Filipino rice farmers cope when cheap imported rice start to flood the local market? This is the main question that Senator Francis Pangilinan wants answered at today's hearing on the World Trade Organization's quantitative restrictions (QR) on rice which will end in June 2017. The 1995 deadline for the QR lifting on rice has been extended three times: first in 2005 and then in 2015, and finally June 2017. "That's eight short months from now. What can government do now? What are the implications if we don't lift the QR? I also want to know: Where does the 35% tariff on imported rice go?" said Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food. "We should prepare our farmers for the lifting of QR by allocating subsidies to them for machinery, seedlings, inputs, post-harvest facilities," he suggested. At the Partnerships against Poverty Summit of Vice President Leni Robredo last week, Pangilinan pointed out that solving poverty means raising the incomes of farmers and fisher folk, as poverty incidence is highest among them at around 38%. The senator added that an estimated half of the country's population earns either directly or indirectly from agriculture. Pangilinan has filed several legislative measures to increase incomes in agriculture. This includes the Sagip Saka bill, which requires national and local government agencies to help small farmers and fishers cluster themselves and sell directly to food distributors and consumers. Seeking to bypass middlemen and consolidators, the measure also requires government to directly buy food products from accredited agricultural cooperatives, and grants tax incentives to private entities and corporations that buy directly from farmers and fisher folk enterprises. The senator has also filed the Coco Levy Trust Fund Act which will enable coconut farmers to use the P75-billion trust fund recovered from Marcos cronies to improve the coconut industry and increase the incomes of coconut farmers and workers. "Pag maunlad ang buhay ng magsasaka, maunlad din ang buhay ng bayan," Pangilinan said.
Press Release

October 17, 2016 PANGILINAN APPEALS TO CABINET: RELEASE POSITION ON QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS ON RICE MANILA - Senator Francis "Kiko" N. Pangilinan on Monday appealed to the Cabinet for its position on the lifting of quantitative restrictions (QR) on rice, as guidance to the Senate's legislative action. "We gently appeal to the Cabinet for their position on the lifting of quantitative restriction on rice. We hope to have it before the World Trade Organization's (WTO) July 2017 deadline, so that we may be guided regarding possible pieces of legislation that needs amending," Pangilinan said. Pangilinan chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, which convened a public hearing to discuss the implications of the WTO's mandate to eliminate the QR. The QRs are limits to the volume of goods traded by a country. The Philippines was granted an initial exemption for the lifting of QR on rice because of its highly sensitive nature. The deadline for the Philippines has already been extended twice: in 2005 and in 2015, where a waiver was obtained to further extend to July 2017. MORE GAINS THAN LOSS Speaking at the hearing, OIC Assistant Director General Mercedita Sombilla of the NEDA said that even following the El Nino, rice prices in the global market remain stable and is, in fact, declining. "We support the lifting of the QR on rice. There is an 89% increase in world trade even after El Nino. We need to focus on the economic cost on the macro level rather than the sectoral level. Net social impact is still positive because our farmers are also consumers," she said. The Department of Finance supported this position, adding that the lifting of the QR will bring more investments to rice and prevent corruption. In the meantime, it said, the private sector is capable of filling the gap in rice supply. PRO-CONSUMER, ANTI-FARMER Secretary Manny Pinol, however, stressed that the Department of Agriculture (DA) needs an additional two-year leeway before the QR can be lifted. "We will present a somewhat divergent view. We ask for humanitarian consideration because our farmers are not yet prepared for the lifting of the QR. We first need to lower the cost of production and increase farm productivity so that our farmers will be able to compete against cheap imported rice," Pinol said. PhilRice presented a scenario analysis of post-QR 2017, which estimated a loss of 2 million metric tons in palay production, and a lowering of the farmgate price of palay by as much as Php 4.56 per kilo. This would also lower the cost of rice in the market by as much as Php 6.97 per kilo. "This will be a loss for our farmers. How are we able to increase productivity? By providing government support in terms of seeds, fertilizer, and irrigation services, above others," Pinol added. Representatives of farmers' groups, for their part, asserted that they do not oppose the lifting of the QR provided that there would be sufficient support from the government. "The programs are still not in place. Saan na po ba kami pupulutin? We need safety nets for the farmers. Kumikita pa ba ang mga magsasaka?" they said. Pangilinan asked the DA to submit their two-year plan of action in the event that an extension will be granted. "We are more than willing to support initiatives that will help our farmers and consumers alike. We have to be able to provide an inventory of the safety nets for farmers. We also ask the NEDA and the DOF and other relevant agencies to provide us with necessary and updated data that will help us determine the impacts of both scenarios," Pangilinan said. The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food will next convene this Wednesday to discuss the Sagip Saka Act of 2016, to promote farmer and fisherfolk entrepreneurship and development. Sagip Saka is part of Pangilinan's priority pro-farmer and fisher pieces of legislation for the 17th Congress.
The first time Chuck Sperry saw a psychedelic rock poster, he was 5 or 6 and had mustered the nerve to climb the attic stairs into his big brothers bedroom.

There, pinned to the wall, was a drawing of a fat prop plane with umbrellas. He studied the lettering, then sneaked back up a second time until he could finally make out the words, Jefferson Airplane, an Ectodelec Trip, Civic Auditorium Dance, June 4, 9-1, $2.25.

It took him 25 years, but Sperry followed that poster to Haight-Ashbury, where he found a rent-controlled apartment and a life as a poster artist. He timed it just right for the New Fillmore Series of retro handbills, and on Saturday, Oct. 22, his art will fill a booth at the Festival of Rock Posters in the Hall of Flowers in Golden Gate Park.

The festival, put on by the nonprofit, all-volunteer Rock Poster Society, happens every year. But 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the invention of the psychedelic rock poster. To honor this milestone, artists, dealers and collectors are coming from around the country. There will be hundreds, maybe thousands of vintage and new posters, handbills and postcards to flip through in bins and hanging racks, just like at head shops and record stores from back in the day.

The psychedelic style stood out from everything else in the world, says Sperry, now 54, and still a resident of that same apartment in the Haight, but with a massive art studio and poster gallery in West Oakland. At work on a Jerry Garcia portrait for the Garcia familys foundation, he is always willing to put down his brush and go back 50 years to the source.

Wes Wilson did a series of 10 or 12 posters that ignited all of these other artists to get started, Sperry says. Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelley, Victor Moscoso and Rick Griffin were breaking all the printing rules by putting colors like red and blue next to each other, which vibrated the eye. You had to be hip in order to even read the posters. It was really a revolutionary artistic statement.

According to Ben Marks, vice president of the Rock Poster Society, the style for psychedelic rock posters can be traced to that most un-psychedelic of bands, the Association, who sang Windy and Cherish. It was drawn by Wilson using flames for lettering. If youve taken a course in hippie hieroglyphics, you can make out the words July 22-23, Fillmore Auditorium.

It was the trademark of San Francisco psychedelia to never put the year on a concert poster, and to obfuscate important details. A tradition that completely changed graphic aesthetics around the world, says Sperry.

History has shown that the psychedelic rock poster has more staying power than psychedelic rock music. Few people can name an original song by Blue Cheer or the 13th Floor Elevators or even Moby Grape, but their concert posters still hold their value.

Prices may soon rise, because the 50th anniversary of the Human Be-In is Jan. 14, and that will launch a year of tributes to the Summer of Love.

Posters from the Be-In and other Summer of Love shows will be at the Hall of Flowers, and so will two of the artists, Mouse and Wilson, signing posters for a fee. Also there will be the second- and third- generation artists  Emek and Gary Houston from Portland, Ore.; Jim Pollock from Chicago; Mark Arminski from Detroit and Sperry.

In keeping with the psychedelic spirit, the admission fee will decrease as the day goes on. Get there at 10 a.m. and it is $20. At 11 a.m. it drops to $10 and after 3 p.m. it is free.

The risk in waiting is that the good stuff may already be gone. The line is expected to form at dawn, with people in lawn chairs. Posters are like pictures. You want one that was in the first print run, and they go fast.

Last year, Sperry was able to find a mint-condition tour program from the Grateful Dead tour of Egypt in 1978 for $100. The artist, Mouse, signed it for no charge.

This year Sperry is looking for the Flying Eyeball, a poster Griffin drew for a Jimi Hendrix show at the Fillmore in 1968. A few years ago an original sold on eBay for $7,104.10.

The collectors are so fervent that they want to get their hands on these limited-edition posters first thing in the morning, says Sperry. Were talking about a tradition that started in 1966, and there is still this enthusiasm.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com

Festival of Rock Posters: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Hall of Flowers, Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Way, Golden Gate Park. $5 for members. For nonmembers, $20 at 10 a.m., $10 at 11 a.m., free after 3 p.m. www.trps.org
Mostly male and often largely white, tech companies have long been under pressure to diversify.

Internet search pioneer Yahoo Inc., in contrast, has been seen as an example of a company willing to hire and promote women and minorities. CEO Marissa Mayer, after all, ranks among the nations highest paid and most prominent female executives.

But now the Sunnyvale tech giant faces a backlash from a few men.

Two male editors represented by the same attorney filed separate suits against Yahoo, each claiming that they lost their jobs because of discrimination against male employees.

The suits cite the way Yahoo evaluates its employees through quarterly performance reviews, in which employees are given a score and the lowest-ranked, over time, are let go. Former Yahoo employees Scott Ard and Greg Anderson call the process unfair, saying it can be manipulated by management to get rid of some employees while elevating others.

The quarterly review process was opaque, and the employees did not know who was making the final decisions, what numbers were being assigned by whom along the way, or why those numbers were being changed, according to Ards lawsuit. This manipulation of the ... process permitted employment decisions, including terminations, to be made on the basis of personal biases and stereotyping.

Yahoo says that Ards lawsuit has no merit.

With the unwavering support of our CEO, we are focused on hiring employees with broad and varied backgrounds, and perspectives, the company said. As we have stated in the past, the quarterly performance review process is not only fair but has improved our overall performance.

In his lawsuit, Ard, a former senior editorial director at Yahoo and now editor in chief at Silicon Valley Business Journal, said that when he nominated three men to receive an exceeds rating on their review, a higher-ranking female executive rejected his request and lowered the scores. Meanwhile, a woman he had nominated for the same exceeds rating received it, even though he had given her a lower ranking than the men.

When Ard raised the issue with his own managers, he said, he received no explanation for the ratings or the changed scores.

He was later told that he was losing his job because of poor performance. Ard said he did not receive any information on his specific score, nor was he given a chance to appeal it, the lawsuit says.

Ard also said in the suit that over the course of 18 months, 14 of the 16 senior-level editorial employees hired or promoted by Kathy Savitt, Yahoos former chief marketing officer, were women.

He said that in 2014, Susan Kittenplan, a Yahoo vice president, said the company wanted to hire a woman to be editor in chief of Autos Magazine. The job went to Sharon Silke Carty, who Ard said in the lawsuit was less qualified than the rejected male candidates for the position.

Ard referred questions about the suit to his attorney, Jon Parsons, who declined to comment.

Ards lawsuit was filed on Oct. 4 in U.S. District Court in San Jose.

Anderson, the former editorial director for several Yahoo content categories, sued Yahoo in February, alleging that he had been fired due to sex discrimination, with managers using the quarterly review process to get rid of him. He also argued that women in the media division were treated more favorably than men with the same performance score.

Parsons declined to make Anderson available to comment for this story.

In response to Andersons lawsuit, Yahoo said in a court filing that decisions regarding Andersons employment were made solely for legitimate, nondiscriminatory, business-related reasons and were reasonably based upon the facts as (Yahoo) understood them.

In an email, the company defended its performance review process, and said that fairness is a guiding principle.

Gender discrimination lawsuits filed by men are more common than people realize, said Jonathan Yarbrough, a partner with the law firm Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete LLP in North Carolina.

About 10 to 15 percent of charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission involve a man claiming sex discrimination, Yarbrough said. Those instances include males who are in roles that challenge gender stereotypes, such as serving as caregivers for children and the elderly. There have also been sexual harassment claims filed by men against women, Yarbrough said.

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Other Yahoo employees have raised issues with Yahoos employee evaluation system, saying that it may have negatively affected more introverted employees, who may not be comfortable talking themselves up every quarter.

But Jennifer Bennett Shinall, an assistant professor of law at Vanderbilt University, said that in the gender discrimination lawsuits against Yahoo, it will be hard to prove there is discrimination against men, especially in an industry that has a track record of discriminating against women.

It is very difficult to win an employment discrimination suit with only circumstantial evidence, she said.

Both Ard and Anderson will need to prove that Yahoos employee evaluations disproportionately give males lower rankings than females, Yarbrough said.

Its going to take a lot of discovery and some good statisticians, he said. Few employment cases  just 4 or 5 percent  actually make it to trial, he added.

Tech companies have been criticized for not employing enough women, Latinos and blacks, which can adversely affect the types of products they offer to these audiences.

Yahoo remains a mostly male company. Men represented 62 percent of its global workforce in 2015, according to the company. Of the global leadership, 76 percent were male in 2015, declining one percentage point from 2014, according to Yahoo. In terms of compensation packages, women also make on average 10 percent less than men, according to data from Paysa, a Palo Alto firm that tracks hiring information. Whites represented 47 percent of the companys U.S. workforce in 2015  better than some of its peers.

As employers work to diversify their job candidates, they must be careful that it doesnt result in quotas or cause reverse discrimination, Shinall said. And as companies navigate this area, Shinall and Yarbrough expect to see more types of gender discrimination lawsuits filed by men.

In some ways, Yahoo has made itself a target, Shinall said.
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Psychologist Bob Field was puzzled, then anxious, when enrollments plummeted by a third at Quest Therapeutic Camps, his Danville and Oakland program for children with emotional and social issues.

Eventually he realized the problem was negative reviews on Yelp, which he said were exaggerated or untrue and stemmed from families unhappy over billing. But his hands were tied by medical confidentiality laws from saying so on the online reviews site.

It really is a bind, Field said. I wanted to respond (online), but I couldnt. I emailed Yelp and said, This is libel. How can it be allowed? and got no response.

His problem is magnified across the medical world, with doctors, dentists, psychologists and other medical professionals saying that Yelp reviews, often used by prospective patients to vet providers, can be wielded as weapons by peevish  or sometimes clinically disturbed  people. The medical professionals say they have few ways to defend themselves.

Ironically, San Franciscos Yelp started when co-founder Jeremy Stoppelman was seeking a doctor to treat his flu and could only find generic information online. Health and medical providers now account for 6 percent of reviews, the sixth-largest category. Shopping (22 percent) and restaurants (18 percent) are the largest.

Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Yelp is the bane of many doctors existence, said Dr. Jonathan Kaplan, a San Francisco plastic surgeon. A patient can be really vocal, but you cannot. Its not a fair playing field.

At the same time, doctors and others with years of training and experience resent being pigeonholed into the same reviews system used for manicurists or hamburger joints.

Online opinions of physicians should be taken with a grain of salt, and should certainly not be a patients sole source of information when looking for a new physician, the American Medical Association said in a statement. Choosing a physician is more complicated than choosing a good restaurant, and patients owe it to themselves to use the best available resources when making this important decision.

In Fields case, eventually he figured out a strategy. He emailed other parents asking them to consider leaving their own reviews. More than a dozen responded, boosting the camps rating from one star to 4.5 stars. He replied online to the most negative review simply stating that Quests parent surveys found a 94 percent satisfaction rate. He also tried contacting the negative reviewers privately to address their issues, although that didnt result in any changes.

Fields approach reflects advice from experts and Yelp itself.

Patients can post very detailed information about themselves and their providers, but the providers have to be very vague when they respond, not even confirming that the reviewer is a patient, said Danika Brinda, who runs Planet Hipaa, a business advising medical professionals on private and security. Its name refers to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a 1996 law that set national standards to safeguard patients medical privacy. While providers can post a response, They cannot even say, Im sorry your visit wasnt good because that confirms someone was a patient, she said. Instead they should try to keep it general and vague, focusing on company policy.

Yelp also suggests that medical professionals privately contact reviewers about their concerns. Direct messaging to a business reviewers is available to any merchant that lays claim to its business on Yelp at www.biz.yelp.com, which is free.

If theres a one-star review, we always contact the patient directly and see if we can work it out, said Kaplan said. You dont want to give the wrong impression that youre just calling about a bad review, you want to convey that you want them to let you know directly when they have a problem.

Still there are always malcontents, particularly drug-seeking individuals, who may ding doctors for not prescribing all the meds they want, he and others said.

Darnell Holloway, Yelp director of business outreach, said the site will remove reviews that violate its policies, but those are only the egregious ones: reviews that include hate speech, threats or harassment; reviews that indicate a conflict of interest such as ones posted by competitors; and reviews written by people who do not have direct experience with the provider.

San Francisco psychologist Megan Lehmer has a particularly tricky path. She works as a court-appointed child custody evaluator for divorcing parents who could not work out their own arrangements  often cases involving child abuse, domestic violence or chemical dependency.

Were very vulnerable to bad Yelp reviews because (clients) are so high-conflict and so angry, she said. The people who need child custody evaluations are often not nice people and certainly wont stop at using social media for making unfounded allegations.

As a business owner, she will flag spurious reviews, but said Yelps response varies: Sometimes it removes them, sometimes not. She, like many other medical professionals, said its frustrating when she gets glowing reviews that Yelp hides.

Yelp said it handles its millions of reviews through automated software, which may classify reviews as not recommended if theyre written by someone who rarely posts, or if multiple reviews of one provider come from the same IP address, for instance.

Yelp has come under fire for years from merchants who allege that the site promotes good reviews for companies that advertise with it, and conversely is slow to remove fake negative reviews for those that dont. Yelp says these accusations have no merit. Theres no amount of money that anyone can pay Yelp to get a better rating on our site, Holloway said.

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Two Federal Trade Commission investigations were closed with no action, while a federal appeals judge and federal district court judge have tossed suits by small business owners alleging that Yelps advertising practices were extortionary.

Many health care reviews describe nonmedical issues: wait times, office staffs friendliness, bedside manner. Those are things absolutely controllable by medical professionals, Holloway said. One review, he added, doesnt make or break a business.

Dr. Jeffrey Segal, a neurosurgeon and attorney who runs a company called eMerit to help doctors protect and promote their reputations, urges clients to encourage more patients to leave reviews.

The solution to pollution is dilution, he said in an email. The negative reviews may still be there, but (they) will be balanced by a representative sample of patient narratives so the practice will not be defined by two patients with a megaphone.

While Yelp dominates overall user-generated reviews, lots of specialized review sites exist, including several focused specifically on medical providers. The website of Consumers Checkbook, a nonprofit whose content The Chronicle publishes, includes recommendations by doctors of other doctors in addition to consumer ratings, though access to much of the information requires a subscription. Other sites accessible for free include Healthgrades.com, RateMDs.com and Vitals.com.

These sites generally say that they provide deeper insights, as they ask reviewers to complete checklists on various aspects of care, and often include objective data, on issues like wait times, as well as doctors hospital affiliations, education and other factors. Yelp also has some objective data on hospitals, nursing homes and dialysis clinics through a partnership with ProPublica.

But some of the medical-specific sites theoretically could have the same issues as Yelp. While doctors can post responses, they still must follow confidentiality rules. And the sites say they wont remove reviews simply because they are negative, unless there are issues such as threatening, racist or profane language.

Andrea Pearson, executive vice president of consumer products at Healthgrades, said people get considerable value out of reading the text of reviews, not just the overall ratings. Perhaps because doctors themselves urge patients to post reviews on the sites, they tend to skew toward more upbeat comments.

Overwhelmingly its positive feedback, Pearson said. People like to like their doctors.

Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid
A freshly released arrest-warrant affidavit in the San Francisco City Hall pay to play case against three political insiders offers some interesting insights into the lengths to which federal investigators went in their search for public corruption.

The 61-page statement says the FBI wiretapped about 30,000 phone calls involving lobbyist and former school board President Keith Jackson and former state Sen. Leland Yee during the years-long investigation.

Both men subsequently pleaded to federal corruption charges and were sentenced to prison terms of nine years and five years, respectively.

Now, Jackson  along with former city Human Rights Commission member Nazly Mohajer and commission staffer Zula Jones  have been charged by San Francisco prosecutors with laundering $20,000 in political donations to retire Mayor Ed Lees debt from the 2011 campaign in exchange for the promise of political favors.

In one recorded meeting, Jones boasted to undercover agents about her ability to deliver such favors, if the money was right.

We eat, sleep money in this town, Jones was recorded as saying, according to the affidavit. We go to bed, we dream about money. ... We wake up, we dream about money.

Here theres no limit, if you got the right hookup, Jones is quoted as saying.

Curiously, about the only thing the feds didnt capture on tape was the meeting where Jones and her cohorts introduced the mayor to the FBI agents who were posing as businessmen looking to build senior and low-income housing.

Instead, there are only the agents recollections of the meeting, which have the mayor saying little and making no commitments.

Everything about this case is strange, said Jones attorney, John Keker, who insists his client is innocent.

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But then, he said, it might be to the prosecutors benefit that theres no recording with Lees voice on it.

Theres a lot more flexibility in describing what happened in a conversation if you didnt tape it, said Keker  who adds that hes convinced the mayor did nothing wrong.

San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross
Writing for CNN, President Obama revealed the next chapter of Americas story in space  sending humans on a round-trip journey to Mars by the 2030s. The ultimate goal is for humans to one day remain on Mars for some extended period of time. This giant leap to the red planet highlights the best of who we are as Americans  curiosity and exploration, innovation and ingenuity, pushing the boundaries of whats possible and doing it before anyone else, to quote Obama.

Mars tug on our curiosity and exploring spirit is perhaps irresistible  there are more than 200,000 applicants for two seats on the Mars One one-way forever flight scheduled for 2026. But why go, especially if never to return? To seek the final frontier, to satisfy curiosity, to gain knowledge, to foster cooperation, to gain access to critical scarce resources, to create a back-up Earth?

For the president, we go to make our lives better here on Earth. But, for many, we go because we need a back-up Earth. Over a decade ago, Stephen Hawking warned, I dont think that the human race will survive the next thousand years unless we spread into space. There are too many accidents that can befall life on a single planet. But Im an optimist. We will reach out to the stars.

What sort of accidents could befall us? Natural disasters come to mind  asteroid impacts, pandemics and volcanic winters, among others. However, the reason given for creating a back-up Earth is often our need for a rescue planet to save us from a rapidly degrading environment and our desire to get out of here while we still can.

Before we put our names on the waiting list for an escape to Mars, we should recognize our own culpability in pollution and climate change. Can we be trusted to terraform Mars (transform Mars to support human life) when we hardly understand how to terraform Earth so that it remains capable of sustaining life? We need to put our best thinking into a whole Earth cleanup project.

As we think about our leap to Mars, we need to remember two things:

(1) We dont know what we dont know, and

(2) The decisions we make and actions we take will likely have a larger impact on future human generations and potential Martian life forms than they have on us.

Paying attention to Martian morals requires not only considerations of human wants and needs but of our duty to care for the Earth and the cosmos. Let me suggest the following guidelines as we pack for Mars:

Preservation, which demands that we value Mars in and of itself, not as a back-up Earth or a cosmic strip mine;

Conservation, which requires that we protect Martian resources in light of our duty not to leave things worse off than we found them;

Stewardship, which holds us accountable for the impact our actions have on terrestrial and extraterrestrial others and environments; and,

Last resort, which requires that Martian resources be appropriated only if they are our last refuge from extinction. President Obama anticipates that preparing for living on Mars will give us a better understanding of our environment and ourselves. And, I would hope, a deeper concern for our earthly home.
The first radio ads are out promoting Proposition 57, Gov. Jerry Browns initiative to make some of the states less-violent felons eligible for parole. Not surprisingly, the messages portray the initiative as a money-saver that will protect the public.

Prop. 57 focuses prison spending on keeping dangerous offenders locked up, while rehabilitating those offenders willing to change, Brown says in one of the one-minute spots released Friday.

The other message comes from Mark Bonini, who describes himself as a law enforcement professional for over two decades  hes the president of the Chief Probation Officers of California, a dissident among law enforcement groups, which mostly oppose Prop. 57. The initiative would save tens of millions of dollars while keeping the most dangerous criminals locked up, Bonini says, while warning that if it doesnt pass, courts could order an arbitrary and dangerous release of prisoners.

Prop. 57 would allow prisoners serving time for felonies that the law classifies as nonviolent to apply for parole after serving the basic sentence for their crime, potentially avoiding the many years commonly added to sentences for prior convictions and other factors like gang participation. Its Browns latest response to federal court orders requiring a reduction in the state prison population.

Opponents, led by prosecutors and police groups, say the laws definition of violent crimes is artificially narrow  its actually taken from an initiative sponsored by prosecutors in 2001  and that Prop. 57 could flood the streets with dangerous felons.

The opposition campaign has little funding  less than $400,000 at last count, compared with proponents $9.3 million  and is advertising only on social media. The latest Facebook posting, titled Dont let Prop. 57 fool you, shows a cartoon convict, surrounded by weapons, contemplating his impending freedom, while the screen flashes the words Technically nonviolent.

 Bob Egelko

Unlikely pot ally: The legalize marijuana crew over at Proposition 64 headquarters just found a surprising new endorser: conservative Republican Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove (Sacramento County).

Not because he likes the devils weed, mind you, as he makes perfectly clear in his opinion piece Friday in the Sierra Sun Times, one of his Sierra foothills local media outlets. It may be one of the best I hate the thing Im endorsing endorsement ever.

I abhor the use of marijuana and believe we should do everything we can through education and persuasion to discourage its use. But our current laws have failed us, and have created a violent and criminal black market that actively and aggressively markets to young people.

Legalization takes the criminal profit out of the equation, and allows us to regulate marijuana the same way we currently regulate alcohol. This should make it more difficult for minors to obtain marijuana; it should remove illegal cultivation from our neighborhoods and forests and move it to normal agricultural operations; and it should replace the criminal gangs that traffic marijuana with law-abiding farmers and shopkeepers.

For those keeping score at home, count two of the most-conservative members of the California Republican delegation  McClintock and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Costa Mesa (Orange County)  backing Prop. 64. Back in May Rohrabacher, a speechwriter for Ronald Reagan, compared tearing down the walls of marijuana prohibition to Reagan going to Germany and telling Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down that wall. Really.

 Joe Garofoli

Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com, begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli, @egelko

More campaign news

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For Republican candidates sharing the California ballot with Donald Trump, theres really no way to win, at least as far as Democratic leaders are concerned.

Take, for example, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones, a Republican running to unseat Democrat Rep. Ami Bera of Elk Grove (Sacramento County).

After a 2005 video was released earlier this month showing Trump talking in crude, sexually aggressive language about trying to seduce a married woman and arguing he could grope any woman because he was a star, Jones dropped Trump like a hot rock, saying the presidential candidates conduct was at best disgusting and at worst criminal.

Were those harsh words enough to get him off the hook? Nah.

Scott Jones pretended to show a modicum of political courage, but really only exposed himself as a desperate and calculated politician, according to a release by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

What about Justin Fareed, a Republican running for the Santa Barbara-area congressional seat left vacant by the retirement of Democrat Lois Capps? After the video was released, Fareed said, Donald Trumps comments, regardless of when they were said, are disgusting and inexcusable, and argued that he had never endorsed Trump by name. (The old, Ill support the nominee of my party gambit.)

Not good enough.

Fareed thought he would fool Central Coast voters by backing away from Donald Trump, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said, but all he did was expose himself as a desperate and calculated politician. Sounds familiar.

GOP Rep. Steve Knight, trying to hang on to his seat in the Southern California desert, said he couldnt support Trump and wouldnt be voting for him. That made him, too, in the eyes of the DCCC  all together now  a desperate and calculated politician.

The Democrats could be on to something. In a deep-blue state where Trumps popularity has fallen to the level of repo agents and journalists, there may be some political calculation involved in dumping the Donald.

But this does serve as another reminder that in politics, as in much else, every group has an agenda and you need to consider the source.

 John Wildermuth

State Senate wars: Dont expect a cease-fire in the state Senate race anytime soon. The sniping between San Francisco Supervisors Jane Kim and Scott Wiener continues this week over a video ad released by Kims campaign.

In it, Gary McCoy  a formerly homeless man who once worked as an intern in Wieners office  stands in front of a tent encampment with the words, Nothing he says is true, transposed on top.

The frame was taken from an Equality California ad in which McCoy criticized Kim for her stance on the encampments. Kim has said homeless campers should receive at least five days notice before being evicted, and should be guaranteed services and shelter for at least 90 days.

The spokesperson in this recent attack was paid by Wiener, Kim posted on her Facebook page. Dont be fooled by these attack ads.

The Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club called for Kim to apologize for the ad, saying that McCoy has not recently worked for Wiener and that his experience on the streets should not be discounted.

Kim declined to do so. Our campaign simply put up an ad correcting the record, and noting that the person making these false attacks had been paid by Scott Wiener (which he does not dispute), Kim campaign manager Christopher Vasquez said in a statement.

 Lizzie Johnson

Minor victory: Loretta Sanchezs campaign for Senate got a boost in a statewide straw poll taken last week. Problem is, only a few of the California residents who backed her will be voting for the Orange County congresswoman on Nov. 8.

Sanchez won a resounding 58 to 41 percent victory over state Attorney General Kamala Harris in the California Student Mock Election, an effort sponsored by the secretary of state to get middle school and high school students involved in the political process.

Its humbling to receive such overwhelming support from the next generation of voters, Sanchez said in a statement. Students want energy, passion and someone they can relate to. We all want a leader who isnt afraid to be different and is willing to take on the popular kids.

More than 170,000 students cast ballots in the mock election, which was conducted at schools across the state. Only a relative handful, though, will be 18 years old by election day and able to cast a vote for Sanchez that will count.

In the presidential part of the student ballot, Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump, 58 to 20 percent, with the rest of the vote going to minor party candidates.

 John Wildermuth

John Wildermuth and Lizzie Johnson are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com, ljohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth, @LizzieJohnsonnn
For the first time in 24 years, Californians will be choosing a new U.S. senator, to replace retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer, a former Marin County congresswoman first elected to the Senate in 1992.

For the first time ever, however, both candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot are Democrats.

California Attorney General Kamala Harris and Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez finished one-two in the June primary and will meet again to decide who will head to Washington in January.

The Chronicle recently interviewed both women and looked at what each brings to the contest for senator.

BAKERSFIELD  Some form of the word cautious is often used to describe Attorney General Kamala Harris.

Because her day job as the states top legal official requires her to tiptoe around many hot-button political issues in which her office may have a conflict of interest, her reticence is often frustrating to those who know how progressive she is on most issues.

Sarah Rice/Special to The Chronicle

But the Oakland native, who turns 52 Thursday, concedes that after a career as a prosecutor, it would be liberating to speak freely should she win the Senate race to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer.

I almost feel like my hands are tied behind my back, Harris said before a campaign stop last week in Bakersfield.

Yet even though the RealClearPolitics.com average of major polls shows Harris leading Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez by 13 points, Harris was so cautious about answering speculative questions on winning the race that she shooed away several inquiries before offering that brief response. But her answers to others offer a peek into what kind of senator she envisions being should she win.

When asked which sitting senators she most admires, she offers Californians Dianne Feinstein and Boxer, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Chuck Schumer of New York, and Cory Booker of New Jersey, some of the boldest voices in the Senate. All have endorsed her. The Republican she names  outgoing Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine  is a moderate who occasionally disagreed with her party and worked across the partisan divide.

And the issues that she wants to focus on  criminal justice reform, immigration and lowering student loan debt  are the kind of high-profile topics that would give her a standing invitation to riff through MSNBCs progressive bullhorn.

So surely, as a career prosecutor, as someone who negotiated a $20 billion settlement from Wall Street lenders four years ago to help California homeowners crushed by the foreclosure crisis, she must have loved watching Warren dismantle embattled Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf during a Senate hearing last month, right?

Here, Harris grows quiet. Cautious. As though she invisibly took her Senate candidate hat off and put her attorney general hat back on. She hadnt seen the video of Warrens beatdown of Stumpf, who has since left Wells, that went viral in progressive online circles, viewed hundreds of thousands of times online. When asked what shed say to Stumpf or propose doing to Wells Fargo, she grows quiet again. As attorney general, she doesnt want her comments to compromise any possible litigation involving Wells or its customers.

Some may think the caution is unneeded, considering that with less than a month to go before election day, Harris has much in her favor. President Obama, whom Harris has supported since his first Senate race in 2004, and Vice President Joe Biden have endorsed her, as have Gov. Jerry Brown and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom.

So has the California Democratic Party, a bit of a surprise given that Harris is running against a fellow Democrat, Sanchez. So have the heavyweights in the states labor movement  the California Labor Federation, SEIU, the California Teachers Association and the United Farm Workers. On Friday, her campaign reported having $4.4 million cash on hand.

Sanchezs campaign, meanwhile, has comparatively little money in the bank and is unable to travel the state, let alone to broadcast commercials that would introduce her to parts of the state where she is unknown. Meanwhile, last week Harris released whats believed to be the first ever bitmoji-inspired political ad starring a digital avatar of Harris dubbed Kamoji.

If elected, Harris would be both the second African American woman and the second Asian American woman elected to the Senate. Harris, whose mother was an India-born breast cancer researcher and her father a Jamaica-born economics professor, was raised mostly in Berkeley, Oakland and Montreal, where her mother took a position doing research. She is a graduate of Howard University in Washington and UC Hastings School of the Law in San Francisco.

This campaign has been relatively smooth compared with her bruising battle to take the San Francisco district attorneys office in 2003 from two-term incumbent and longtime San Francisco politician Terence Hallinan. Or her first campaign for attorney general in 2010, where she edged by Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley in a race that wasnt decided until all the votes were counted three weeks after election day.

But critics say that despite Harris campaign slogan that she is fearless, she hasnt acted quickly enough to investigate officer-involved shootings in San Francisco, where she was elected twice as district attorney. Harris said that she has consistently maintained that if the department doesnt cooperate with a federal probe into its practices, she is prepared to launch a deeper investigation into the department.

Often, cautious is also an oversimplified label for Harris. During a work/campaign swing through Fresno and Bakersfield last week, characteristics of Harris the public rarely sees emerged. The wonk. The technogeek. The back-slapping politician. The unabashed progressive.

Theres my buddy! she called across a parking lot on the California State University Fresno campus last week when she spotted Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer, whom she then gave a hug.

Harris didnt win the endorsement of the California Police Chiefs Association during her first successful run for attorney general in 2010 when Dyer was on its executive board.

One of the first things Harris did after becoming attorney general was to visit Fresno and Dyer. She had heard the local outpost of the state crime lab there was doing good things and wanted to make it a hub of some technological advances she wanted to introduce into the state Department of Justice.

On Monday, in Fresno, Harris appeared at the unveiling of a mobile crime cybercrime lab that could travel to crime scenes to deconstruct legally obtained laptops and phones that contained possible evidence. Harris was gushing, as the lab represents the fruits of years of high-tech investment that has put the department on the forefront of cybercrime detection nationally.

Im so excited I cant contain myself, Harris said at a press conference announcing the mobile lab.

A little too excited, perhaps, as she dove so deep into the technology weeds in explaining what the labs capabilities were that one local reporter asked if she could explain it in terms lay people could understand. Harris downshifted.

When you were a kid, did you play that game Operation? Harris responded. In the lab theyve got little tweezers going into the back of the phone, figuring out where the stuff is in there that we need to extract to perhaps save a life.

Youd be surprised how many people who commit a crime actually take a photograph of the thing they shouldnt be seeing. Harris explained. The phones GPS tells investigators Who done it? Where did it happen? When did it happen?

Hours later in Bakersfield, Harris appeared at a rally at the local Democratic Party campaign office for Emilio Huerta, a labor lawyer and son of farmworkers organizer Dolores Huerta. There, after a warm embrace with the elder Huerta and before posing for countless selfies with the 200 people who attended, Harris delivered a stump speech for Huerta, who faces tough odds in upending incumbent Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford (Kings County), in one of the most conservative parts of California.

Harris background and accomplishments resonate with Dolores Huerta, who knows that Harris parents were activists who met during 1960s civil rights demonstrations in the Bay Area. Huerta said it wasnt difficult to endorse Harris over Sanchez, who would be the first Latina elected to the Senate. She was impressed with how Harris continued to press for a large settlement from mortgage lenders  even after the Obama administration and others wanted Harris to settle for $4 billion.

It wasnt just what Kamala did (as attorney general), it was what Loretta didnt do. She was in the Congress for so many years,  Huerta said at a Bakersfield campaign event for her son. We need leaders and Kamala is a leader.

And Dyer, who is not a surrogate for the campaign, said he plans to vote for her. He thinks Harris will probably be more outspoken should she be promoted to Washington.

When youre going to be a U.S. senator, the issues change for one, Dyer said. And the expectations change for that person to be more vocal on federal issues.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
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For the first time in 24 years, Californians will be choosing a new U.S. senator, to replace retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer, a former Marin County congresswoman first elected to the Senate in 1992.

For the first time ever, however, both candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot are Democrats.

California Attorney General Kamala Harris and Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez finished one-two in the June primary and will meet again to decide who will head to Washington in January.

The Chronicle recently interviewed both women and looked at what each brings to the contest for senator.

The clamor began as soon as Barbara Boxer announced she would be stepping down after 24 years as a California senator. Within days, state Attorney General Kamala Harris jumped into the race, and top Democrats lined up behind her.

It was presented as a done deal, said Orange County Rep. Loretta Sanchez, 56, a fellow Democrat who is now the last candidate standing against the former San Francisco district attorney.

Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

When Sanchez first mused about running for the U.S. Senate, Democratic Party leaders tried to shoot me down, a lot, she said as she sat at a small table in the very busy atrium of Boudin Bakery & Cafe at Fishermans Wharf.

Believe me, we got phone calls from Democratic leaders, calls from party donors. People even called my donors and told them not to support me.

But for Sanchez, a daughter of Mexican immigrants who has made her political career in Republican Orange County, telling her she cant do something is no way to stop her.

I finally saw that there was no candidate with the right kind of experience: knowledge of national security, legislative experience, a history of working with the other party, Sanchez said. I realized I had to run.

The chatty, outgoing congresswoman is very different from the girl who was raised speaking Spanish in a working-class Southern California home and who has described herself growing up as a shy, quiet girl, happy to spend time inside with her books.

Sanchez also is quite unlike the lawyerly Harris  unscripted and outspoken compared with the career prosecutor, who often seems to weigh each word before it leaves her mouth.

That difference is a blessing, Sanchez said.

I think its good Im not controlled by people, she said. I want to be accessible.

Sanchezs background growing up with six brothers and sisters in a household that struggled to make ends meet also gives her a continuing link to blue-collar Californians.

Her parents both immigrated from Mexico in the late 1950s. Her mother and father met at a Los Angeles plastics factory where they worked. Sanchez, the oldest daughter, was born in the south Los Angeles County city of Lynwood.

With the family growing, they moved to Anaheim. Her father worked as a machinist, while her mother was a secretary who then stayed home to take care of the family.

It was always a struggle, said Sanchez, who remembers selling bags of avocados and nectarines from relatives trees door-to-door to help the family.

When her older brother, Henry, received a scholarship to the University of Southern California that didnt include room and board, my mother came to me and said, Youre going to start cleaning houses with me Sundays to help pay for his housing, Sanchez said. And I did it for two years.

That experience wasnt a bad thing, she said.

I grew up poor, Sanchez said. I remember that.

She also remembers that both of her parents pushed hard for their children to get an education. Her brothers and sisters all attended college and her sister Linda serves alongside her in Congress.

Sanchez didnt grow up dreaming of a life in politics.

Im in Congress because I got mad, she said.

After an unsuccessful 1994 run for Anaheim City Council, Sanchez, who was working as a financial analyst, was doing volunteer work in 1996 on a local program designed to give middle and high school students help with math and science. But when she tried to get a meeting to ask longtime GOP Rep. Bob Dornan for help, he refused to sit down with her, Sanchez said.

I went home that night and said, Im running for Congress, she said.

But the Democratic Party already had decided on a challenger for Dornan, an ultraconservative former actor and talk-show host.

I said, Im going to show them, and went out and knocked on doors and talked to people, Sanchez said. She won the primary and edged Dornan by fewer than 1,000 votes in the November election.

Sanchez has kept the seat with that same concern for grassroots voters, she said.

I flew back every weekend. I did community hours in front of Ralphs (markets) and Save-On drugstores, she said. Voters know Im accessible. They know I can show up on their doorstep and say, Hows the neighborhood going?

With no support from the Democratic Party, and the presidential showdown between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton sucking out all the political air  and potential campaign cash  from the Senate race, I have had to run the old-fashioned way, Sanchez said. I have to go out and do research on issues, meet people and hear what they had to say.

The concerns she hears are the same across the state, Sanchez said. Lots of people, including two of her brothers, lost their homes during the recession. Rents are doubling, and people are worried where theyre going to live.

Small business owners are trying to figure out how to stay open, Sanchez said. Theyre trying to figure out how to keep living where they live and see that they have a future and their kids have a future.

Sanchez sees herself as the right person for the times. Her 20 years in Congress, much of it dealing with national security issues, give her an insight into terrorism and related concerns needed in the Senate, she said. And her experience with the give-and-take of legislative work is something Harris cant match.

I know how to work with everyone, Sanchez said. Im a Democrat in Orange County. For 16 of my 20 years in Congress, its been run by Republicans. You cant get things done if youre not willing to work with the other party.

Sanchez also argues that shes had to make hard choices and hard votes, opposing the Iraq War, the Patriot Act and the Wall Street bailout.

Some of those votes were tougher than others.

In September 2008, Sanchez voted against the controversial Economic Stabilization Act, also know as the Wall Street bailout bill. Just two days later, her older brother, Henry, was declared missing at sea while taking his boat to Catalina Island. It was later determined that he and his girlfriend had been killed when his 26-foot Bayliner sank after being struck by a barge off San Pedro (Los Angeles County).

My mother wanted my sister and me to fly back immediately, but there was going to be another vote on the bailout, Sanchez said. She stayed for the vote, but it wasnt easy.

I didnt change my vote against the bailout, despite intense pressure from Democratic Party leaders, she said.

Down in the polls, Sanchez is doing much of her campaigning in Latino-heavy parts of the Central Valley, as well as in vote-rich Southern California. Shes not averse to playing the Northern California card in an effort to draw support from the rest of the state.

Theres a tilt in state politics, Sanchez said, with Harris, Gov. Jerry Brown, Sens. Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom all from the Bay Area.

Sometimes we feel left out, she said. Many of my colleagues in Congress say theyd like to see some balance after 24 years of senators from Northern California.

Democratic Rep. Scott Peters told me, Sanchez said, that if I was elected, At least wed have someone who knows where San Diego is.

Her willingness to speak her mind hasnt always helped her politically. Over the years, Sanchez has had to make plenty of apologies, including after suggesting that President Obama endorsed Harris because they both are black or making a war whoop when telling a story about mistaking a meeting with South Asian Indians for one with American Indians.

Sanchez dismissed the dustups as one-time slips built into major issues by her foes.

Despite trailing Harris just weeks before the election, Sanchez remains the optimist.

This is exciting. This is it, Sanchez said as she left Boudins on her way to a nearby lunch with members of local maritime unions. If people know Loretta Sanchez, theyre going to vote for her, Im confident of that.

As Sanchez walked down the pier toward the Liberty ship Jeremiah OBrien, where the lunch was being held, she stopped for a moment, stooped over and picked up a penny.

Thats for luck, she said.

John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth
Building a business is rarely a linear process. Sitting inside the Oakland location of what will eventually become his second barbecue joint, Ryan Farrs description of his companys growth trajectory sounds about as linear as a Barry Zito curveball  the Oakland As vintage, of course. His company, 4505 Meats, has evolved into one of the Bay Areas most improbable, yet now essential, food businesses.

It started with fried pigskin. Farr, 38, first began making his now-ubiquitous 4505 chicharrones as a way to use the excess pigskin he had access to while working in the kitchen of San Franciscos Fifth Floor restaurant in the late 2000s. In 2009, he and his then-wife, Cesalee Venema, started making and packaging pork rinds from scratch in his Mission District apartment to sell to local bars. Elixir Saloon, which Farr lived above at the time, became the first place to carry his updated take on the gas station staple. It was hardly the last: 4505s crispy clouds of porkaliciousness spread like wildfire across the city.

At the time, the new dad and longtime chef  he started washing dishes at 15 and has been in kitchens ever since  was certain of one thing: He didnt want to re-enter the restaurant industry.

I actually publicly said that I never wanted to get back into restaurants, he says. I started the meat company partly so that I was able to be home at a decent hour to be with my kids.

Fueled by farmers markets, most notably the Ferry Plaza, the business expanded quickly to include a line of bacon-studded hot dogs, a barbecue catering business and a whole-animal butcher shop in the Mission.

Eventually, Farr made room for an exception: The Kansas City native grew up on unpretentious, classic American eateries, exemplified in San Francisco by Brother-in-Laws Bar-B-Que on Divisadero and Whiz Burgers Drive-In in the Mission. If one of those beloved old-school institutions ever went on the market, he vowed to throw his hat in the ring. Thats exactly what happened in 2013 when Farr took over the Divisadero Street location of Da Pitt, the successor to Brother-in-Laws, complete with its historic wood-fired barbecue pit. His 4505 Meats Burgers & BBQ has been packing them in ever since.

And as soon as I got into it, instantly those feelings came back and it was like, This is a no-brainer. I need to get back in the restaurant business,  he says.

It took nearly three years, but Farr has once again rediscovered that feeling, this time in the heart of Oaklands Laurel District, where hes taking over another old-school spot.

Located at the corner of MacArthur Boulevard and 35th Avenue, Glenns Hot Dogs was about as classic as it gets, serving up traditional breakfasts, broiled burgers and barbecue hot dogs in a petite 1950s-era building  think wood-paneled interior, sit-down counter facing the grill and a rotating light-bulb sign.

As soon as I saw it I fell in love, Farr says. The sign is amazing, the building is amazing. It just has exactly the same type of feel that Brother-in-Laws did. These are exactly the kinds of places that I like to go.

The story at Glenns was a familiar one for older, family-run restaurants these days. Husband-and-wife owners David Chew and Bau Jin Huang were getting up in years, their kids didnt want the business and so they were looking to get out. Farr eagerly stepped in and took over operations in August.

Hes not the first to fall for this tight-knit Oakland neighborhood. The Laurel has been drawing attention recently with new places like the popular Sequoia Diner (which took over longtime breakfast spot Full House Cafe) and one, possibly two, craft beer-related businesses in the works.

With that turnover has come some of the gentrification angst so familiar in San Francisco and, increasingly, the East Bay. Its something Farr is aware of, and he emphasizes that he wants to preserve the restaurants feel as much as possible.

All were doing is adding the barbecue  theyve been doing hot dogs and burgers here forever, he says. Our goal here is the same as Divisadero: To take an existing building and update it a bit. Our approach is that we just want to keep the vibe alive. We want this type of look and feel of this older building to be here as long as possible, as opposed to being developed into something (that is) so-called bigger and better.

Hes planning to open up the interior and add outdoor seating. But otherwise, he says, hell leave the architecture mostly as is. Other than the addition of a full-time hog cooker in the back, the Oakland restaurant will have the same menu (and name) as the Divisadero location. Hes also hoping that, as in San Francisco, the new spot proves to be an all-inclusive draw.

Its not just some hip new thing; barbecue to me is about community and bringing together all walks of life, he says. Youre all standing in line together, you sit down together and your kids are going to run around together. I grew up eating barbecue from all over from U.S. And while the styles are different, one thing that was always consistent is that youre sitting down next to a total stranger and, at some point, hopefully, youre going to say hello.

The forthcoming project also one of the reasons Farr made the difficult decision to divest himself of what has been an important part of his business and identity: whole animal butchery.

Noah Berger/Special to The Chronicle

In 2015, soon after opening the Divisadero restaurant, he started phasing out his catering business and commissary kitchen, and closed his Mission Street butcher shop. The reason was both logistical  at one point 4505 Meats was juggling seven divisions, from catering to the butcher shop  as well as a philosophical shift. Offering snout-to-tail service was admirable but ultimately too expensive.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

It was definitely worth it, and Im very proud of everything we did and all the farmers and ranchers we worked with, and still work with, but it was hard to look at charging $35 per pound for rib eye, he says. I would totally go and buy that, but Im a very small segment of the market, and I realized that we were alienating a big percentage of the folks out there. We wanted to have a place where you could come in and get value at a price that wont blow your budget. That was the goal of the restaurant.

Farr emphasizes that 4505 still buys humanely raised meat from sustainable ranches, but its point of emphasis has pivoted from butchery over to restaurants. The company also refocused its energy on its founding product. 4505 recently came out with new flavors and packaging for its chicharrones (made from pork skin sourced from a collective of small family farms), which, as of this month, are being distributed nationally.

Its all part of the ebb and flow and evolution of building a business that has grown from two employees to more than 70.

In the beginning there was no plan  we never said no to anything. Wed show up at events and just figure it out, he recalls. Now, we try to make decisions based on facts while still sticking to the mission and morals thats made the 4505 team and family the way it is. We only want to walk into things that we feel passionate about.

The end of this month will see one more evolution  and the end of another big cornerstone in 4505 Meats history. The company will withdraw its stall from the Ferry Plaza farmers market, where it has been a huge draw for more than seven years. With the new restaurant on the way, the timing seemed right.

Thats really where we got started, and we owe so much to everyone out there, he says. But were excited to kind of graduate from the market  the whole reason for the farmers market is for businesses to start there and grow.

Will 4505s growth include more restaurants? Farr insists they have their hands full with the Oakland project, but he admits that hes always looking out for potential new locations and one in particular is on his mind.

Weve been knocking on Whiz Burgers door for five years now, just in case, Farr says. Well keep knocking. If it was available wed be first in line with an offer.

4505 Burgers & BBQ: 705 Divisadero St., San Francisco; and 3506 MacArthur Ave., Oakland. 4505meats.com

Ethan Fletcher is a freelance writer. Email: food@sfchronicle.com
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From the sound and sight of tumbling surf to the gentle caress of a fragrant lei, Hawaii has a way of captivating the senses. Here are a few of its sensory experiences  some to enjoy in the Bay Area as well  that may leave you craving more.

Touch

Water-inspired spa treatments may be flooding the market these days, but the original Lava Watsu Experience at the Mauna Lani Spa remains unparalleled. Enter the cocoon-like, private saltwater swimming pool covered by a lava tube structure with skylights, close your eyes and prepare to feel like a mermaid (or merman) as the therapist expertly swirls you through the water, releasing tension and stress. 55 minutes, $185; 80 minutes, $255. www.maunalani.com/hawaii-spa-resorts

 J.C.

Taste

Former Oakland As pitcher Shane Komine has thrown a delicious curveball to beer lovers with the help of Maui Brewing Co. Now director of restaurants and bars at the Grand Wailea, Komine cleverly combined li hing mui, the salty-sweet plum powder thats ubiquitous in island candy, with the German-style beer known as Gose. Honey from Haleakala and sea salt from Molokai also enhance the Grand Wailea Gose, honoring the Maui resorts 25th anniversary and found on tap in four of its restaurants and lounges. www.grandwailea.com

 J.C.

Island Style From performers with Hawaii in their blood to those with Hawaii in their heart, the Bay Area hosts a rainbow of artistry. Here are some reasons to visit.

See

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Kauais Festival of Lights, which began as a showcase of Josie Chanskys creative Christmas ornaments, made from soda cans, bottle caps and other humble sources. Director Elizabeth Freeman and volunteers have since added thousands more eco-ornaments with brilliantly illuminated displays at the Historic County Building in Lihue. Open 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays-Sundays Dec. 2-30. www.kauaifestivaloflights.com

 J.C.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Smell

At her tiny cottage in Oahus verdant Manoa Valley, appropriately named herbalist Deanna Rose wild-crafts natural perfumes and body care products. Her Midwood Musk aromatic adornment (solid perfume) blends essential oils of Hawaiian vetiver, sandalwood, cedarwood and patchouli with Oahu beeswax, extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil. Find it online, at boutiques across the islands or at pop-up shops. Rose also creates custom perfumes called Venom Vials. Midwood Musk, $18, -ounce tin; Venom Vial, $30, 1 dram. www.indigoelixirs.com

 L.M.B.

Hear

Da Ukulele Boyz, a.k.a. cousins Peter deAquino and Garrett Probst of Maui, pluck at the heartstrings of fans of both Jake Shimabukuro and the late Iz with their inventive interpretations of pop, rock and Hawaiian classics. Download their debut album, Jus Cuz, on CDbaby.com, or check them out live with slack key guitar great Led Kaapana next Sunday, Oct. 23, at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley. $32 advance, $34 door, www.freightandsalvage.org.

 J.C.
The doctor is in.

Again.

Hugh Laurie, who was memorable in House, returns to practice with the premiere of Chance on Hulu on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

This time, Laurie plays a neuropsychiatrist who evaluates patients and recommends the next steps for them, whether that involves therapy or not. As with any TV doctor, Eldon Chance lives a damaged life. He and his wife, Christina (Diane Farr), are divorcing, and the lawyers fees are mounting. Chances teenage daughter, Nicole (Stefania LaVie Owen), stays with her mother most of the time but would crash at Dads pad if only hed unpack a few boxes and maybe buy a futon for her.

Chances life incurs more damage when hes visited by a woman named Jaclyn Blackstone (Gretchen Mol), who has developed a second personality after a beating. Chance recommends therapy but also realizes that the woman is in danger of further beatings. He makes the mistake of becoming too close to the situation and perhaps to the patient. Or her alter ego.

At the same time, a simple visit to an antiques dealer pulls him into an unlikely alliance with a hulking figure named D (Ethan Suplee) who introduces him to the seamy side of life in San Francisco, where the show is set and filmed.

David Moir / David Moir / Hulu

The series was created by Kem Nunn and Alexandra Cunningham, based on Nunns book of the same name. The theme is chance, lowercase  how our lives are altered by everyday, unpredictable variances from normalcy.

The first of the two episodes made available to critics for review seems to be a fairly standard drama about a doctor with a chaotic home life and boundary issues at work. By the second issue, things begin to unravel, as the chaos theory begins to affect Chances life.

The series makes good use of its Bay Area settings, although, as happens too often, we see Chance and colleague Dr. Suzanne Silver (LisaGay Hamilton) chatting in one part of the city in one scene (Dolores Park, in this case) and continuing their conversation in another (U.N. Plaza on Market Street). Well, they are doctors, so maybe they believe strongly in the value of walking.

Chance embodies the theme of the series, not only in his name (an unfortunate misstep of obviousness) but also because his job is merely to be a kind of way station in the psychiatric treatment process. Its only when he alters his normal behavior by becoming too interested in one patient that he invites chaos into his life.

Laurie is excellent and quickly establishes Dr. Eldon Chance as a distinctly separate character from Dr. Gregory House. He is also damaged, but in his own somewhat mysterious way.

Chaos proves compelling, at least for viewers.

David Wiegand is an assistant managing editor and the TV critic of The San Francisco Chronicle and co-host of The Do List every Friday morning at 6:22 and 8:22 on KQED FM, 88.5 FM in San Francisco, 89.3 FM in Sacramento. Follow him on Facebook. Email: dwiegand@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @WaitWhat_TV

Chance: Dramatic series. First episode available for streaming Wednesday, Oct. 19, on Hulu.
Vallejo police shot a suspect who pointed an assault-style weapon at officers at a Starbucks on Sunday night, according to the Vallejo Police Department.

Police say the incident started at a Starbucks near Lincoln Road and Pine Street in Vallejo at 8:50 p.m. on Sunday night.
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San Francisco celebrated the 27th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake Monday by commissioning an $11.5 million insurance policy  a brand-new fireboat.

The boat, which is 88 feet long, can pump 18,000 gallons of bay water per minute. It is essentially a floating fire hydrant and a regional asset that can fight blazes anywhere on the shores of San Francisco Bay.

The new boat, painted red and white, will be the citys third fireboat. It was named St. Francis and christened with the traditional bottle of Champagne by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who helped get $8 million in federal grants, the majority of the cost.

The boat was the star of a ceremony held in bright sunshine at the ferry dock at McCovey Cove just outside AT&T Park. After speeches and assorted dignitaries got a quick tour, the St. Francis was moved out on the bay and pumped water high in the air, like geysers, as the crowd applauded and the Riordan High School band played.

Nico Rivera, 8, who is a third-grade student at SS Peter and Pauls School in North Beach, came up with the boats name. A jury picked St. Francis from among 300 entries submitted by San Francisco schoolchildren. Nico was on hand Monday to recite a poem about fireboats and to help Feinstein christen the vessel.

This is the most beautiful boat I was ever on, said Joel Delizonna, the senior of the three pilots assigned to the citys fireboats. The St. Francis is based at Fire Station 35 on the Embarcadero with the citys other two fireboats, the 1954 vintage Phoenix and the even older fireboat, Guardian. The station also houses an engine company of four firefighters, and three fireboat personnel.

There was a time when fiscal conservatives in the city questioned the value of even a single fireboat. When I was mayor, some people considered fireboats a useless appendage, Feinstein said. There was a lot of pressure to zero it out of the budget. But I thought we should keep the fireboat in case something should happen. And something did happen.

The Loma Prieta quake of Oct. 17, 1989, set off huge fires that burned out of control in the citys Marina district. The water mains all failed, but the Phoenix steamed to the small boat harbor on the edge of the neighborhood and pumped water to fight the blaze. I saw it, Feinstein said. I was there.

The Phoenix saved most of the Marina, Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said.

In 1990, San Francisco got a second boat, the Guardian, at a bargain price from the Vancouver (British Columbia) Fire Department. Both the Phoenix and the Guardian are old now and expensive to maintain, so San Francisco invested in what Mayor Ed Lee called more modern fire apparatus. The new fireboat, he said, is part of the citys resilience. We are a growing city.

We need as many fireboats as we can have, said Fire Commission President Francee Covington.

She was preaching to the choir as the audience was full of present and retired firefighters, who praised the new boat and told tales of the adventures of the older fireboats.

This is a marvelous boat, said Dennis Kennedy, who was an engineer on the Phoenix and the Guardian for more than 30 years.

This boat gives us a very good redundancy, said Assistant Deputy Chief Shane Francisco, who works in the Fire Departments division of Homeland Security.

Richard Pearce, chief of the Tiburon Fire Protection District, agreed. His town has a number of marinas and is lined with shoreside houses. Having fireboat protection, he said, is a huge issue. If you dont have it, that is a big problem.

His own fireboat was on hand Monday, along with smaller fireboats from the Southern Marin Fire Department, Alameda, Redwood City and the Coast Guard. The smaller boats also pumped water up in the air and followed the new St. Francis down the bay like ducklings following a swan.

Carl Nolte is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cnolte@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carlnoltesf Twitter: @CarlnolteSF
Hear here

Whats happened is, a lot of the bidders are looking at people with lots of followers and seeing the hatred.

CNBCs Jim Cramer, right, talking about Twitter Monday as he appeared on the networks Squawk on the Street. He said Twitters filters dont do enough to stop trolls, and that has discouraged bidders for the San Francisco company, including Salesforce.

Top tweet

Google News will soon have a fact-check feature alongside its search results. Not to be outdone, Bing announced it will soon be able to search the web.

Funny or Die, having a bit of fun at the expense of Microsofts search engine. Its not kidding about Google News, though.

Hashtag this

#MovieTitleToDescribeTheElection

Yes, there can be a little joy in the race involving Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, or at least a bit of whistling past the graveyard. Among the titles people have suggested: Lie Hard, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Sniffs, Lies and Videotape.

The Daily Briefing is compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techbriefing
Japanese electronics giant Panasonic has already helped Tesla Motors move into the market for giant batteries.

Now Panasonic will aid the Palo Alto electric automakers planned expansion into solar power as well.

The two companies announced late Sunday an agreement under which Panasonic will begin the production of solar cells and modules in Buffalo, N.Y., next year, with Tesla packaging and selling the solar arrays. Tesla wants to sell the arrays in conjunction with batteries, which can store power for use when the sun is not shining.

San Mateos SolarCity, which Tesla plans to buy for $2.6 billion, is already developing a solar manufacturing plant in Buffalo and had expected to begin production there in 2017. The agreement between Tesla and Panasonic is contingent upon Tesla and SolarCity shareholders approving the acquisition.

Panasonic is already helping Tesla build and run its massive $5 billion battery Gigafactory near Reno. Under a non-binding letter of intent between the two companies, Tesla plans to sign a long-term purchase agreement for Panasonics solar cells.

We are excited to expand our partnership with Panasonic as we move towards a combined Tesla and SolarCity, said J.B. Straubel, Teslas chief technical officer, in a statement. By working together on solar, we will be able to accelerate production of high-efficiency, extremely reliable solar cells and modules at the best cost.

The Buffalo solar manufacturing plant, located on the site of a former steel mill, already has a complicated history.

It was initially intended to be the first factory for Fremont startup Silevo, which had developed a process for making high-efficiency solar cells at low cost. SolarCity bought Silevo for $200 million in 2014 and immediately announced plans to expand the Buffalo plants proposed size. Now Tesla and SolarCity shareholders are scheduled to vote Nov. 17 on the planned combination of their two companies.

SolarCity does not own the 1.2 million-square-foot plant. The factory and the surrounding technology park, called RiverBend, are owned by the State University of New York, with the state devoting $750 million to building the solar plant. SolarCity will lease the facility and has agreed to spend $5 billion on capital costs, operational expenses and other costs associated with it.

According to an update issued Monday by New York State officials, construction of the factory is nearly complete, with workers now finishing the interior and installing manufacturing equipment. A SolarCity spokeswoman said production should begin next summer.

SolarCity had been planning to use Silevos production process at the plant, not Panasonics. But the spokeswoman said the two processes would both contribute to the plants products.

Both SolarCity/Silevo and Panasonic have been working on similar cell architecture on similar process equipment already, wrote spokeswoman Kady Cooper in an email. Together we will combine the best cell components from both and integrate them into the new solar module that will be produced in Buffalo.

New York officials appeared pleased to have a company of Panasonics pedigree and global reach join the project.

Teslas partnership with Panasonic will bring world-class manufacturing expertise to the table, strengthen the companys competitiveness and position the entire region for future economic revitalization, said Howard Zemsky, CEO of Empire State Development, the states economic development authority. By bringing Tesla and Panasonic together, this innovative partnership will transform Buffalo into a national leader in the production of affordable, reliable clean energy.

David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF
They call them graphic novels here, mangas in Japan and komiks in the Philippines. Komikero Chronicles is a documentary detailing the history of this intriguing art form, and how artists have been able to slip in politically and culturally revolutionary messages even in the face of, in some cases, dictatorship.

Rabble-rouser Francisco V. Coching, the only komiks artist so far honored with the governments prestigious Philippine National Artist for Visual Arts, is featured.
NEWARK, N.J.  Top officials in New Jersey government and the authority that runs the George Washington Bridge knew about or had a hand in what prosecutors contend was a false narrative that a lane realignment in 2013 was part of a traffic study rather than a scheme to punish a mayor, a defendant in the case testified Monday.

In his first public comments about the scandal since his indictment nearly 18 months ago, former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey executive Bill Baroni also contradicted the prosecutions star witness by offering a third version of when, and how much, Republican Gov. Christie learned about the lane realignment and subsequent gridlock in Fort Lee, the town adjacent to the bridge.

Prosecutors say the lane closings created traffic jams intended to punish Mark Sokolich, the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, for not endorsing Christies re-election.

Baroni and former Christie Deputy Chief of Ctaff Bridget Kelly are charged with misusing Port Authority property, fraud and civil rights offenses. The bridge, considered the busiest in the country if not the world, connects New Jersey to New York over the Hudson River.

Above all, Baroni stressed that he was hoodwinked by Port Authority colleague David Wildstein, the self-styled architect of the scheme.

I listened to David Wildstein, Baroni said when asked why he didnt return Sokolichs calls and text messages during the four days of gridlock. He said to me, Let me handle it. I listened to him. I have regretted it ever since.

Wildstein, a former high school classmate of Christies who was handed a $150,000-a-year job at the Port Authority created especially for him, has pleaded guilty and testified for the prosecution. He told jurors the plan was to ignore Sokolich once the traffic problems began.

Prosecutors focused last week on Baronis testimony to a state legislative committee in 2013 in which he said the gridlock was caused by a poorly communicated traffic study that sought to gauge the effect of freeing up two tollbooth lanes. That was an attempt to cover up the real motive, prosecutors say.

Baroni testified Monday that then-Port Authority Chairman David Samson, a Christie mentor who headed his transition team, was among those urging Baroni to put together a report explaining what happened. Among those involved in prepping Baroni for his testimony before the committee were Samsons chief of staff, a Port Authority attorney and Charles McKenna, Christies chief counsel at the time.

Materials provided to him by Port Authority staffers absolutely reinforced his belief that it had been a legitimate traffic study, Baroni testified.

Baroni also contradicted Wildsteins version of a meeting between the two men and Christie at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2013. Wildstein testified earlier that Baroni told Christie about the traffic problems and about Sokolichs calls going unanswered, to which Christie allegedly laughed and made a sarcastic joke about politics being involved.

But Baroni testified Monday that it was Wildstein who told Christie and that no mention of Sokolich or political retaliation was made. Christie hasnt been charged and has denied knowing about the alleged scheme while it was in progress.

On cross-examination, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Cortes peppered Baroni with questions about why he didnt respond to Sokolich. Baroni replied that he passed Sokolichs message to Wildstein, who directed him: Radio silence.
WASHINGTON  Hillary Clinton generally avoided direct criticism of Wall Street as she examined the causes and responses to the financial meltdown during a series of paid speeches to Goldman Sachs, according to transcripts disclosed by WikiLeaks.

Three transcripts released Saturday as part of the hack of her campaign chairmans emails did not contain any new bombshells showing she was unduly influenced by contributions from the banking industry, as her primary rival Bernie Sanders had suggested. Still, her soft-handed approach in the speeches was likely to act as a reminder to liberals in the party of their concerns that the Democratic presidential nominee is too close to Wall Street to be an effective check on its excesses if elected.

In October 2013, the transcripts show, Clinton told bankers she had great relations and worked closely with Wall Street as New Yorks senator, and said the jury is still out on whether the Dodd-Frank financial reforms put in place after the financial crisis had been the right approach. She said more openness from the start could have prevented the uproar on Wall Street over those reforms.

What happened, how did it happen, how do we prevent it from happening? You guys help us figure it out, and lets make sure that we do it right this time, she said.

Working to relate her speech to her audience, Clinton in one speech likened her experience as secretary of state to business and finance, saying its like anybodys balance sheet, with both opportunities and potential liabilities. In one exchange, a conference participant from Texas told Clinton that she had the honor to raise money for you during her 2008 presidential campaign.

Clinton responded, You are the smartest people.

In the hard-fought Democratic primary, Sanders repeatedly called on Clinton to release the transcripts of her speeches to Wall Street, some of which earned her hundreds of thousands of dollars apiece. In an ironic twist, the transcripts ended up becoming public because her campaign aides had distributed them among themselves in an effort to prepare for any attacks she might face. Those internal campaign emails were then leaked in the hack of campaign chairman John Podestas emails.

Clintons campaign neither confirmed nor denied that the speech transcripts and leaked Podesta emails are authentic, but there have been no indications that they were doctored before being released. Clintons team has accused Russias government of hacking Podestas emails, and the Obama administration has formally blamed Moscow for a series of breaches affecting U.S. political groups.

There is no getting around it: Donald Trump is cheering on a Russian attempt to influence our election through a crime reminiscent of Watergate, but on a more massive scale, said Clinton spokesman Glen Caplin.

The transcripts, all from 2013, include speeches and question-and-answer sessions with Clinton at events all hosted by Goldman Sachs.
1 General charged: Retired Marine Gen. James Cartwright, a former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, pleaded guilty Monday in Washington to making false statements during an investigation into a leak of classified information about a covert cyberattack on Irans nuclear facilities. Cartwrights attorney said the government and defense counsel had agreed on a recommended sentence of no more than six months in prison. Cartwright, 67, had told investigators that he was not the source of classified information contained in a book by New York Times journalist David Sanger.

2 Judge indicted: A former Arkansas judge accused of giving lighter sentences to defendants in exchange for nude photos and sexual acts has been indicted on federal fraud and bribery charges, according to an indictment unsealed Monday. Former Cross County District Court Judge Joseph Boeckmann resigned in May after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual relationships with men accused of crimes dating back decades, to his time as a prosecutor. Boeckmann, 70, allegedly had more than 4,600 photos of nude or semi-nude men. Boeckmann has previously denied the allegations.
Eric Gay/Associated Press

WASHINGTON  Mike Pence said Sunday that he and Donald Trump will abide by the will of the American people on election day, and suggested that Trumps claim of a rigged election stems from his belief the media are ganging up on him.

We will absolutely accept the results of the election, Pence said in television interviews. He said Trumps complaint, articulated from the campaign stage and across Twitter but without evidence, reflects fatigue with the obvious bias in the national media. Thats where the sense of a rigged election goes here.
WASHINGTON  Federal judges in New Jersey have struggled with a workload approaching 700 cases each, nearly double whats manageable, because of judicial vacancies. In Texas, close to a dozen district judgeships remain open, more than in any other state.

Senate confirmation of President Obamas nominees slowed to a halt this election year, a common political occurrence for the final months of divided government with a Democratic president and a Republican-controlled Senate. The vacancy on the Supreme Court attracted the most attention as Republicans refused to even hold confirmation hearings for Merrick Garland, insisting that the choice to fill the vacancy created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February rests with the next president.

But more than 90 vacancies in the federal judiciary are taking a toll on judges, the courts and Americans seeking recourse. Obama has nominated replacements for more than half of those spots, including 44 nominees for the district court and seven for the appeals court. Yet the Senate has confirmed only nine district and appeals court judges this year  and only four since Scalia died.

The U.S. court system has declared 35 of the vacancies judicial emergencies, a designation based on how many filings are in the district and how long the seat has been open.

Senate Democrats, along with some Republicans who want to fill vacancies in their home states, are pushing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to hold confirmation votes in the lame-duck session between the election and the end of the year. But McConnell has said repeatedly that Obama already has gotten more judges confirmed over his eight years in office than President George W. Bush did.

The Senate has confirmed 329 of Obamas federal judicial nominees to lifetime appointments; 326 federal judges were confirmed under Bush. Obama prevailed in part because Democrats controlled the Senate for six of his eight years.

Both Obama and Bush have had fewer confirmations than previous two-term Presidents Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan, who had 377 and 382 federal judges confirmed, respectively.

Democrats point out that they confirmed 68 judicial nominees after taking control of the Senate in the last two years of the Bush administration. Republicans have only confirmed 22 nominees since taking control of the Senate early last year.
HONOLULU  Two wildlife issues have collided in Hawaii, pitting one group of animal defenders against another in an impassioned debate. The point of contention? Deadly cat feces and the felines that produce it.

Federal researchers believe feces from the legions of stray cats roaming Hawaii is spreading a disease that is killing Hawaiian monk seals, some of the worlds most endangered marine mammals. Some conservationists advocate euthanizing those cats that no one wants, and that has cat lovers up in arms.

Its a very difficult, emotional issue, said state Sen. Mike Gabbard, chairman of a committee that earlier this year heard a proposal to ban the feeding of feral cats on state land. The panel abandoned the bill after an outcry. It struck a nerve in our community.

The problem stems from a parasite common in cats that can cause toxoplasmosis, a disease that has killed at least five female Hawaiian monk seals and three males since 2001, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

While eight seals may not sound like a lot of animals, it actually has pretty large ramifications for an endangered population where theres only about 1,300 seals in existence at this point in time, said Michelle Barbieri, veterinary medical officer for NOAAs Hawaiian monk seal research program. Scientists believe monk seals become exposed by ingesting contaminated water or prey.

Stray cats, meanwhile, have no predators in Hawaii and have ballooned in numbers across the state. Some 300,000 feral cats roam Oahu alone, according to marketing research commissioned by the Hawaiian Humane Society in 2015.

Felines are the only animals that can shed Toxoplasma gondii eggs, or oocysts. The parasites enter their digestive tract through infected prey, then multiply in the small intestine and produce eggs. Cats excrete the eggs in their feces, which researchers believe washes into the ocean and accumulates in invertebrates along the sea floor.

The eggs can survive in fresh water, saltwater and soil for up to two years, and any warm-blooded animal can become infected.

California sea otters have died from toxoplasmosis, and its one of the major reasons the Hawaiian crow, alala, is extinct in the wild. Toxoplasmosis is rarely problematic for people with healthy immune systems, but its why doctors advise pregnant women not to handle kitty litter.

Those who care for stray cats advocate trapping, neutering and spaying to help control their population.
A 41-year-old North Bay man with a felony criminal record attempted to assassinate two Vallejo police officers on a coffee break Sunday night, but his modified assault rifle jammed, police officials said Monday.

Authorities said officers ultimately chased Adam Powell, who was wearing body armor, out of the Starbucks on Lincoln Road and shot him three times as he continued to fiddle with the weapon  shutting down what police said could have been a bloodbath.

Investigators, meanwhile, were looking into whether the cartridge that blocked the barrel of the souped-up assault style weapon was from a bullet that wounded Powells 2-year-old son hours earlier at a home in Suisun City.

The boy was in critical condition in the intensive care unit at UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital Oakland, after suffering what police described as an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the neck.

The attempted police ambush unfolded around 8:50 p.m. when Powell burst into the Starbucks at 199 Lincoln Road W. and pointed his weapon at two officers, police said, while two other patrons and staff members were inside.

Vallejo Police Chief Andrew Bidou said Powell had apparently stalked the officers after spotting them while driving by the Starbucks six minutes earlier. He described the incident as a premeditated ambush.

Were relieved this wasnt a tragedy and our officers werent assassinated, Bidou said at a news conference. Here were two officers on a break, ambushed by a man with superior firepower.

When the rifle  which had a 70-round drum magazine and collapsible stock  jammed, the officers drew their weapons and Powell fled the coffee shop, which is connected to a small shopping center and gas station, police said.

Grainy surveillance video shows him running through the parking lot in the rain and onto westbound Magazine Street as the officers chase him with their guns drawn.

The two officers caught up to Powell near Magazine and Sheridan streets, where the gunman continued to manipulate the weapon and presented himself as a lethal threat to the officers, police said in a statement.

Thats when the officers opened fire, hitting Powell three times before he collapsed near a grassy embankment along the sidewalk, authorities said.

People nearby reported hearing several gunshots moments before dozens of officers from multiple agencies swarmed to the area.

Paramedics took Powell to a hospital, where he was being treated for life-threatening injuries. Police said he was also carrying a loaded handgun and wearing body armor. He has a criminal record that includes felony burglary and drug convictions, officials said.

The officers were not injured.

Hours before the incident, police and paramedics in Suisun City, about 18 miles east of Vallejo, responded to a home on the 1000 block of Canary Court, where Powell has been living with family members.

When emergency crews arrived at the house about 3:28 p.m., Powells son, Adonis Powell, was bleeding from an apparent accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound and family members were in panic, police said.

The boys grandfather, who would give only his first name of Willie, tearfully recounted the moments after Adonis was hit by the bullet and paramedics rushed him to the hospital.

My daughter came downstairs and said, Call 911, Willie said at the home Monday afternoon. I go upstairs and see my grandbaby bleeding out of his neck. So I grabbed a towel and laid him on the ground.

As Willie tended to the boy, he said Powell, who was upstairs at the time, grabbed his clothes, got dressed and fled.

Bidou said no guns were found inside the house, but would not say if the child had been shot with one of the guns found on Powell after police shot him.

The boy remained in the intensive care unit at Childrens Hospital Oakland in critical condition but was stable, his older sister, Breauna Bowers, said.

Hes the best boy you could imagine, said Bowers, 19. Hes like my best friend.

Bowers said Powell had been in a relationship with her mother for about four years and was like a stepfather.

He is a good man, she said, still confounded after learning about the Vallejo incident.

Maybe he thought his son was dead and was just distraught and wanted to commit suicide, she said. Who knows?

Detectives worked through Sunday night and into Monday morning processing the crime scene in Vallejo, while the Solano County district attorneys office joined the investigation.

These events underscore the extreme danger our officers face on a daily basis, Bidou said.

Sunday nights shooting comes after a similar incident on Friday in San Francisco, where an officer was wounded and a suspect was fatally shot during a confrontation.

In another confrontation Sunday, police in Santa Cruz shot and killed a man, who they said attacked them with a metal rake.

Evan Sernoffsky and Chris Preovolos are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com, cmpreovolos@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky, @Preovolos